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The Dawn Before Twilight | Fall from Grace | Under the cover of darkness, Starlight, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack made their way silently down the stairs of the confined, cluttered home which they had been so graciously allowed to stay in. As silently as they could, that is, since the creaky floorboards supporting the weight of six ponies were awfully difficult to keep from making any noise. Not that their hosts would've minded being woken up, but they wanted to avoid causing a fuss. Any extra awareness would most likely hurt rather than help them, and at the moment their sole goal was to make it to Canterlot Castle without drawing any unnecessary attention.
"Thank you so much for the stay! See you soon!" Pinkie called as quietly as was possible for her.
"Come on Pinkie, let's go." Starlight ushered everypony out of the confined home one at a time. With a soft click of the front door, they were alone, immersed in darkness.
"Ugh, I'd help if we could see anything." groaned Rainbow.
"Oh, of course. Here you are, dear." Rarity lit up her horn, the soft blue glow lighting up the small area of space in which the six stood. Starlight followed suit.
"Heh, right. Thanks. Now come on, let's go get Twilight."
Luckily, almost nopony was out at this hour, but once in a while an earlier riser would pass by, and the six, always unsure whether the approaching figure was friend or foe, under some sort of spell or not, did their best to hide. Things were going well until, at last, they reached the grand castle. Even through the darkness, the dozens of tirelessly patrolling guards were unmistakable.
Rainbow scanned the area worriedly, "Great, what are we gonna do about these guys?"
Starlight thought for a minute, "There's no doubt the castle has protection against teleportation spells, if not before, than definitely now."
"Alright, well, that isn't good. How else are we supposed to get in?"
"Yeah, those guys don't look all that friendly," spoke an unsure Pinkie.
Starlight looked towards the gates. Only two guards stood at the entrance, so still it appeared that they'd recently crossed the path of a cockatrice. There wasn't nearly as many down on the ground than there were patrolling the skies, she gathered.
"Well, I might be able to get past whatever barrier there is and teleport inside if I can get close enough. But somepony will have to distract those guards near the gate." She turned to the others. Not one made a sound, save for Fluttershy who let out a small sneeze. The little pegasus had admitted to feeling much better that morning, although she still hadn't seemed in the best condition during their journey.
"Rainbow and I will help distract 'em, Starlight," she gave the pegasus hovering above her a glare. "I talked with her earlier about taking one for the team, maybe you'd like to show us, sugar?"
Rainbow grumbled, "Fine. But if we get killed, it's your fault, AJ."
"Ooh! Ooh! Can I help too?" Pinkie Pie jumped up and down excitedly. "I can be very distracting!"
"Sure, Pinkie," said Applejack. "Come on you two, follow my lead."
"Do you girls mind staying here? In case anything happens?" asked Starlight, her nervousness beginning to grow as Applejack, Rainbow, and Pinkie sped off in the opposite direction.
"Why of course, darling. You be careful now. Stay focused. Get to Twilight as soon as you can."
"And Starlight-" added Fluttershy hoarsely.
"Yes, Fluttershy?"
"Try and make sure she gets out safe. And Spike, him too."
With a nod, Starlight headed for the gate. As she galloped, Celestia's former sun began to rise.
"Hello mister castle guard my name's Pinkie Pie do you know how many bricks make up Canterlot castle I bet it's pretty boring here I wouldn't be surprised if you've counted all of them by now but just in case you hadn't I estimate that there is around five hundred thousand three hundred eighteen bricks does that sound about right I think it sounds about right I'm very good at estimating things there was this one time I guessed how many jelly beans were in a jar at the Ponyville fair and I got it right oh I was so happy I even got a prize it was a great prize I still have it even though the fair was long ago do you like prizes?"
The grey unicorn stationed by the gate was so completely enthralled and bewildered by the filly's ability to speak so rapidly without taking so much as a breath, he forgot to cast any sort of spell to stop her from approaching. When Pinkie stopped at last and he was able to come to his senses, a rainbow colored blur descended upon him from above and knocked him out on contact. The second guard stationed by the gate was equally as unfortunate, taking instead a bucking kick to the muzzle. Both guards left unconscious at their post, Applejack motioned to Starlight that now was the time. Said unicorn galloped as fast as she could through the gates, getting as far as possible before Pegasus guards began to dive towards her like speeding bullets. Just before they could reach the purple unicorn, however, Starlight disintegrated in a spark of teal magic. She looked around and found herself just inside the castle walls. Their plan had, miraculously, worked.
"Come on, y'all. Let's get back to Rarity and Fluttershy before we get spotted."
Pinkie pie straightened the helmet of the guard before her, left askew from the pegasus who'd tackled him to the ground unconscious.
"Sorry about that, mister. Have a nice day!"
It was clear Starlight's luck wasn't going to last, however, as guards began to sprint for her the instant she entered the castle walls. Starlight galloped as fast as she could to where she could only hope Twilight and Spike would be, the throne room. She half ran, half teleported her way through the castle foyer, dodging magic blasts and newly-angered guards. When she finally managed to burst through the doors, however, she found the throne room completely vacant, save for even more guards, their expressions those of ravenous bloodhounds. They leaped at her, teeth bared and horns fully charged, but in a flash she was out of their grasp.
Spell after spell after spell, Starlight teleported into every room she knew of in Canterlot castle, staying just quick enough to check whether it housed Twilight or Spike, while still staying a step ahead of her pursuers. Soon she began to grow tired, however, the incredible amount of teleportation spells in such a short amount of time was draining on her. When she finally ended up in the kitchens, panting and exhausted, the pounding of armored hooves emanating from above her, Starlight realized she was out of places to look. But as the threatening hoofsteps grew closer and closer, it dawned that there was one place she knew of that she had failed to check. The sun was rising, wasn't it? It was clear from the light beginning to pour into the windows surrounding her. And where had Celestia raised the sun the last time Starlight was here, when she was sent by the map? That balcony. It was the only logical place.
Twilight didn't know what time it was or long she'd been out when she began to slowly gain back her consciousness. However, due to her stiff limbs, aching neck and shivering body, she'd assumed it had been quite a while. It took some time for the alicorn to notice that her waking had in fact been caused by a poking hoof.
"Are you alright, your Highness? Did something happen?"
As soon as Twilight managed to pull her tired eyes open and fully regain her senses, she smacked the guard's hoof away and defensively jumped to her feet, unwillingly cringing as she did so, thanks to her sore and throbbing limbs. Sleeping for so long on the hard marble floor hadn't done too much good for them, that was for sure.
"Princess! Are you okay? I-I'm sorry, it's just you were in here for so long and when I came in I found you-"
"Quiet!" Twilight snapped. The guard fell silent in an instant. Her tone was violent enough to silence even a pony who hadn't been programmed to obey her every command. "I'm fine!" she shoved away yet another helping hoof. "It was nothing, I just decided to... sleep here tonight, you know... with them." She lazily pointed towards the three unconscious ponies beside her, wanting anything than to be forced to look upon their faces again.
"Oh Princess, I understand, yes. I'm terribly..."
"Stop apologizing! It won't do anypony any good. We're wasting time as it is. Tell me, how long has it been?"
"Several hours, your Highness. In fact, it's nearly time for you to raise the sun in a few-"
"What?!" Twilight shoved the guard out of her way and burst through the door to the infirmary without so much as a word of thanks. She located the nearest clock, and found, much to her own demise, that the sun would need raising in just a couple minutes. And so, the princess had no choice but to make her way to Celestia's study. She dare not fly, her wings were in as rough a shape as her legs from being sprawled out on the cold, hard ground for so long. Her mind was also far too fuzzy at the moment to attempt teleportation, so she merely walked up stairs and down corridors until finally reaching the location she required.
Just on time she thought to herself. Now I can get this infuriating business over with.
The voice had not yet returned to Twilight, perhaps it could have just been fed up with her, she didn't know. All she knew was that she was lucky to have no distractions as she headed for the balcony and forcefully tugged the sun into the sky, and its celestial counterpart below the horizon. She was pleased to find the deed much easier than the previous day. Apparently, even if her friend was currently giving her the telepathic equivalent of the silent treatment, her magic was still getting its much needed boost.
Twilight's peace in performing her duties was quickly diminished, however, as none other than the same exact guard that had caused her so much trouble just a few minutes earlier was now back. At least, Twilight was fairly certain it was the same exact guard. They all looked pretty similar.
"Princess!" the guard came galloping up to Twilight, panting. "I'm sorry to bother you, again. But... but... intruders! They've been spotted by the castle!" After hearing out the stallion, Twilight simply smacked her face with a hoof and grumbled.
Unbelievable...
In little more than a second, a wisp of eerie black magic had grabbed the intruding guard by the throat, which then brought his fearful eyes right to Twilight's glowing green ones.
"So what? You are the royal guard, are you not? Do your job! Protect me! Chase those mischievous little ponies away! Kill them if you must, and be done with it! Is that so much to ask? For my military to remain calm under the presence of a threat?"
When the guard, face purple and gasping for breath, understandably did not respond to Twilight, her overwhelming rage only grew. Her torturous dark magic seeped through his body. She grimaced and asked him yet again, "Is it so much to ask, now? is it?!"
In that moment, a bright spark of blue magic broke Twilight from her concentration. Released from her magical hold, the royal guard came tumbling to the floor, gasping for breath. Twilight looked to her side. Starlight Glimmer had appeared only a few feet away. She looked shocked beyond understanding.
Starlight at first didn't even find herself able to recognize the pony before her. Her color scheme, her mane, wings and horn, cutie mark, those we're all Twilight's. But the mare's face, Starlight was certain couldn't possibly have been her mentor's. Both of her eyes were a luminescent neon green, with black wisps of magic shooting out of their sides like living eyelashes. Her mouth slowly twisted into an malicious grin, as she beheld the unicorn that had just appeared in front of her.
"YOU!" In something Starlight most definitely hadn't seen coming, Twilight acted in a very similar manner to her guards, quite literally lunging for her former student in a fit or pure rage. In a split second decision of fight or flight, Starlight had sent a powerful laser beam right at her mentor. She would have immediately regretted doing so if it wasn't for what happened next.
The beam had indeed stopped Twilight from getting too close, but what was actually meant to be a powerful attack spell hadn't given the alicorn any external injuries at all. In fact, she only shook her head clear after the point-blank hit, and besides that seemed completely unscathed, and, if possible, even more angry.
"Oh, you pathetic little thing. What were you planning on doing, barging in here and defeating me? Force me to bow to your hooves!" Twilight then let out something like a laugh, but it was a sound Starlight had never heard come from the princess. It was a dreadful and mortifying sound that Starlight wanted to cease the second it started.
"Oh, Starlight. You are a clever unicorn, i'll give you that. A prize student. But you are no match for me, not even close. Especially with the new help I've been granted," Twilight motioned up to her horn, flaring threateningly. "You made a mistake coming here, my student. You were lucky enough to get past my foolish excuses for guards, but you will not surpass me. You will now see what happens when you disobey your master, Starlight Glimmer!" A mirthless chuckle was drowned out by a blast of magic, and all was lost to darkness.
"Starlight? Oh, is she gonna be alright?"
"She shouldn't have gone in there alone. It's too dangerous!"
"What do ya'll think happened? Why is she all banged up like that?"
When the injured unicorn's eyes opened at last, she found several colorful blurry figures looking down at her worriedly, their speech warped. After a few seconds to regain full consciousness, however, she realized that it was in fact none other than her friends. Starlight found herself propped against a wall of a very familiar building. It was the same place they'd hidden before storming the castle.
"Ugh... what happened?" She was so, so glad to see them, but the thumping in her head drowned out any possible positive feelings at the moment.
"That's what we wouldn't mind you telling' us, sugarcube." For a moment, Starlight's mind was a rusty old machine, with gears that refused to turn. After a little while, though, things began to click into place.
"I-I saw Twilight!" shouted the unicorn without warning.
"You did?" asked Rainbow, pushing past the others to face her. "Where? Was she okay? What happened to her?" her face was mere inches from Starlight's now, eyes wide and curious. Applejack quickly pushed the pegasus aside and asked, in a far more calming tone:
"Starlight. Somethin' obviously real bad has happened to ya. Why don't ya just start from the beginnin', now?"
"Wait, what do you mean something-" when Starlight put her hooves to her face, her answer was clear. She now bore large cuts all across her face, each of which burned on contact with her hooves. She quickly tore them away. Looking down, she realized that her torso was laden with a few bruises and scrapes as well, though her face certainly bore to worst of the damage.
"I did my best to patch them up, dear," said Rarity, stepping forward rather slowly. "Though i'm afraid I am not very medically talented."
"We know you've been through a lot, Starlight," began Fluttershy, "But please, if you wouldn't mind trying to tell us what happened, if you can?"
Starlight gave a weary exhale, racking her brain for the details of the fast-paced mess that had just occurred, "Well, I got into the castle okay. Only, I couldn't find Twilight or Spike anywhere. There were just loads of guards patrolling the place. So I looked and looked, those guards on my tail the whole time, before realizing where she must've been."
"Well, where?" asked Rainbow impatiently.
"Celestia's balcony, the same place where she raises the sun each morning. I'd been there once before when the map called me here. Twilight's the one raising the sun now, so I assumed that's where she'd do it too. And I was right, I found her there."
"Wait, Twilight's raising the sun now?" shouted Rainbow. "How in Equestria is she managing to do to that?"
"Well, obviously," said an annoyed Applejack. "If Princess Celestia or Luna can't do it, it must be Twilight causing the day and night now."
"That gives her an awful lot of control. It can't be too good for a pony in her state." said Rarity worriedly.
"Tell me about it..." said Starlight, looking down at her hooves. The white unicorn cocked her head.
"What do you mean, darling?"
After a short pause, Starlight struggled the get the words out of her mouth, her voice shaking and gaze shifting, "She- she was different. I mean, I knew she probably would be, but, she was really different. She wasn't Twilight. That thing that's got a hold of her, it transformed her somehow. I-I don't know how to explain. When I got there she was- torturing this guard..."
"Torturing?!" four startled voices asked at once. Fluttershy just whimpered.
"Yeah, and it looked like she was using dark magic to do it. And when she saw me," The five ponies stared at Starlight expectantly, as if she was reaching the climax of a riveting story. "When she saw me-" Starlight found herself lost for words, and was begging to get a little chocked up. She forced herself to stay calm and to continue her retelling. "She got so angry, when she saw me. She was screaming and yelling, and she jumped right at me-"
"But you were able to stop her?"
"At first, but then she shot this huge magic blast at me, I couldn't stop it, I- I tried teleporting away-" Starlight looked around at her surroundings and to the ponies in front of her. "I must've made it, I guess."
"Yeah, it's a good thing ya did. But you're pretty banged up, sugar. I bet Twilight did a number on ya before ya could escape, still." Starlight was avoiding Applejack's worried gaze. Tears were threatening her. "Yeah, I... I guess she did."
"And Spike?" asked Fluttershy.
"I didn't see any sign of him."
"Well, did you want us to find a place for you to recover, Starlight?" asked Rarity. "We could very easily head back to Skycharter and Astrid's."
"No, I don't think we can afford the time." said Starlight. "We obviously can't do anything here, at least not by ourselves. We need to find help."
"But from whom?" asked Rarity. "All the other princesses are unconscious, and most likely heavily guarded, at that."
"What about the rest of Twilight's family?" asked Rainbow Dash. Everypony turned their heads. "Her brother and niece, I mean. They're still in the Crystal Empire, right? Nothing's happened to them yet!"
"You're right, Rainbow Dash." said Starlight. "As far as we know, which obviously isn't much, nothing's happened to Shining or Flurry. Shining might not even know what's happened to Cadance. Much less Twilight."
"So, we should go tell him!" said Pinkie. "If Shining Armor doesn't know about what's happened to Cadance or his sister... that'd be no fun at all for anypony to be kept in the dark about something like that. We should let him know and maybe- maybe he can help us!"
"We could definitely use some help figuring out what exactly this thing is and how to stop it," Starlight struggled to rise to her hooves. "Well..." she looked to the others. "I guess we don't have any time to lose."
"Yeah," Rainbow lifted herself up off the ground impatiently. "We need to get our Twilight help as soon as possible. Come on, we'll catch the next train to the Crystal Empire."
"Now, hang on a second, would ya?" Applejack called after the pegasus, who had already began to speed off in the direction of Canterlot's train station. "Starlight here's been through a lot. Give 'er time."
"I'm alright, Applejack, but thanks." With the unsteadiness of her voice and the less than flawless state she was in at the moment, she thought it rather unlikely that what she was saying was believable, but Dash was right. They needed to leave immediately and get help as soon as possible.
"Alright, well, be careful y'all. I'm bettin' those guards are still out lookin' for us."
As carefully as when they had arrived, the six ponies made their way to the train station. Luckily, they found no guards standing in their way. With the morning sun now a good distance up in the sky, the ponies of Canterlot were joyfully milling about. Completely unaware, it seemed, of the terrifying despot they were now under. Starlight and the others couldn't help but wonder if they would remain clueless for long.
Minutes seemed to drag on like hours while the six ponies waited in the nearly empty train station. This time, however, the weather was rather pleasant, a warm, if not terryfing sun shining above them, and the ponies were much more comfortable biding time before the train arrived. Random travelers would often look at Starlight with odd expressions, obviously confused about her rather noticeable injuries. The unicorn did her very best to avoid their gases. There were more important things she had to worry about right now.
"Are you sure you're alright, dear?" Rarity cooed just as the train arrived. "If you wanted to hold on a bit before continuing, i'm certain it won't make much of a difference."
"No, i'm alright. I can rest on the train. It's a few hours to the Crystal Empire, anyway."
"That's not exactly what I meant, dear, perhaps you'd want to-"
"See a doctor," said Rainbow flatly. "No offense, but you don't look too hot." Rarity cast the pegasus an angry glare, one that she'd been getting quite used to the past few days.
"That can wait." said Starlight, clearly as annoyed by Rainbow as Rarity was. "Right now, our priority is Prince Shining Armor and Flurry Heart."
A colorful train billowing clouds of smoke screeched to a halt in front of the awaiting ponies. The car the six entered was fuller than on their first train ride, with a few ponies already seated, but due to their early hour of travel they were lucky enough to remain unnoticed. Most of the ponies in the car were asleep, anyway. All were looking forward to a few hours of peace after what had just unfolded.
"Who has all our bits?" asked Dash lazily, after several minutes of silent travel. "I never had any breakfast. And it's not like I had too long to eat dinner last night, either-"
"We need to save what we have left, Rainbow," Starlight was checking her nearly empty saddlebags the other five were lucky to have held onto by this point. "These train tickets haven't exactly been cheap. We can only pay for what's necessary."
With a sigh, Rainbow was silent once more. Save for an occasional groan or a rumbling stomach from her, no pony made a sound for a good while after that. All were lost in thought. It was certainly not to everypony's surprise that Pinkie was the first one to pep up, sitting still for long periods of time had never exactly been her strong suit. What did surprise them was her tone.
"Starlight?"
"I- uh, yes Pinkie?" The little pink pony was clearly unhappy, her curly mane was even drooping a bit to prove it. She stared out at the moving scenery, not even wanting to face the ponies beside her. Starlight was taken aback by an emotion that was so scarce to see the little earth pony feeling.
"I understand if you might not wanna talk about it, but... what exactly did Twi look like? You said she wasn't herself, didn't you?"
Starlight took a deep breath before responding. It may have been rather difficult for her to get it out, but that was no excuse to not at least try for Pinkie's sake.
"Well, her eyes were glowing bright green. And she had this terrifying laugh. It was downright creepy, like she just seemed amused by everything that was happening. And, her magic... it wasn't like it usually is. It was definitely dark magic, but, that wasn't the only difference. It was like it was... alive in some way. It's kind of hard to explain, but it wasn't like any kind of magic i've seen before. I didn't even notice if that guard turned out alright. But if this is how she's treating the ponies at her command, torturing and mind-controlling, I doubt she'll want to treat the rest of Equestria with any more mercy." Starlight had been so caught up in her explanation, she had failed to notice the tears beginning to leak out of Pinkie's eyes. The pink pony's next words were pushed out through a choked throat.
"Do you- do you think we'll be able to help her, Starlight? You know about magic, what if- what if she'll never get better? What if this thing will just keep corrupting her forever?"
Pinkie's face and tone alone drove a hole through Starlight's heart, and she in that moment she would've done anything to get the usually ecstatic pony smiling and chatting again. Even so, she deserved the truth, even if that truth was underwhelming.
"Pinkie pie, I'm sorry, from such a quick glimpse I really couldn't get any good information on what it is that's got her. It's just that... dark magic is something you choose to do, you know? If you get too immersed in it, there can be consequences, but- dark magic isn't supposed to be conscious . It can't do anything on it's own. I really... I really don't know what we're up against, Pinkie. I'm sorry. I'm sure we'll know more soon, though."
"Soon? As in when? And how?" A sob. "I love her so much, Starlight! I love her so much and I can't even think about losing her! Her birthday's in a week, did you know? I've got it all planned ahead of time. I've bought the ingredients to make her favorite cake and everything. Chocolate with buttercream frosting! But if we can't help Twilight, what if she's gonna be like this forever and nopony's gonna do anything about it! What if that happens, huh? She'll never get to celebrate anything! What if we let her go and now we're never gonna get her back, you guys?!"
Pinkie was now crying and quivering, everypony in the train car looking at her with expressions of pure shock. Starlight moved over to sit next to Pinkie, and put a hoof around her overwhelmed friend.
"Pinkie, we all love Twilight and we're all incredibly worried about her. That's why we're doing our best to get help. You know who's gonna do something about this, Pinkie? We are. We're gonna find out what happened and we're gonna free her from whatever it is that's holding her against her will, even if it's the last thing we do. Isn't that right, you guys?"
"Of course, sugar," Applejack took a seat on the opposite side of Pinkie, giving her a gentle smile. "I'm gonna bet ya there's a way to stop all of this. Perhaps even closer than we think. We just haven't found it yet."
"Why certainly, dear," Rarity joined the others on the train seat. "Twilight and Spike will turn out just fine, if we have any say in the matter. We just require a bit of assistance, is all."
"Yeah, but we'll get 'em, Pinks. And soon. Don't you worry." said Rainbow. The train seat was getting quite crowded with all six of them, but Pinkie certainly didn't seem to mind. She brushed her remaining tears away, eventually calming down and drifting off to sleep, as she remained surrounded by her friends for the remainder of their journey north.
By the time the train reached the Crystal Empire, everypony had fallen asleep due to the lack of rest the last few nights and the rather eventful and tiring morning. Everypony except for Starlight, that is. The purple unicorn stared aimlessly out the train window, watching as their surroundings became enveloped in a blanket of icy snow. Once in a while, she'd re-count the remaining bits in her saddlebags out of pure anxiety. Finding it impossible to fall asleep partly because of her nervousness, and partly because of the pain from all her recent injuries, Starlight found herself relieved when they had at last entered the magical sphere keeping the Empire safe from the Frozen North, and pulled up to the station. |
Equestria Girls - The Legend of Friendship | pre | "Yes...good night...Twilight," Star Twinkle replied as he closed his eyes as well to get some rest so that he could wake up in the morning and hopefully deal with everything then.
To be continued... |
Equestria Girls - The Legend of Friendship | 5. Wondercolts unite! | Sleeping in a library with a see-through-roof surely was good for sleeping at night but once the sun raised, it was impossible to hide the eyes from the light, waking you forcefully in the process. But then again, sleeping on books was nothing that someone should extend any further. Because of that, Star Twinkle sat up and felt how his back was really stiff. He looked at his body to see if all that happened the day before wasn't just some weird dream. To his dislike, it wasn't.
Once he stood up, he proceeded to stretch a little. All while making a rather bothered face. "Yep. Just as I expected. Sleeping on books...not the best idea," Star Twinkle said as he stretched a little.
Twilight was nowhere to be found and only Spike was left on her "bed". He began looking for her, once he was done stretching. Knowing her, she was probably still somewhere in the library but the thought that she was going to do something to convince the other students to vote for her on her own, also crossed his mind. But that thought proved to be wrong once he saw Twilight sitting at a table with her eyes glued to a book.
Twilight noticed how she was being looked at and greeted Star Twinkle happily. "Oh! You're up. You must be an early bird as well," Twilight figured with a smile on her face.
"Totally..." Star Twinkle replied sarcastically. Of course, it was a miracle for him how Twilight could read a book so early in the morning. Star Twinkle was practically still half asleep at this moment.
Twilight then closed her book and stood up. "Once you're ready, we can start talking with some of the students. The earlier we start, the better," she said highly enthusiastic.
"I...suppose that's true..." Star Twinkle agreed, scratching his chin, though he was all too excited to get to work this early.
Before he knew it. He, Twilight and Spike were already ready to leave the library. Star Twinkle saw how some students were already entering the school by looking through the glass door in front of him. School clearly began just now or was about to. Principal Celestia was greeting the whole school through some kind of P.A system and reminded everyone to vote for the Fall Formal Princess. This instantly reminded Star Twinkle to Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Blast and how they were wandering around the school as well. And how they needed to be stopped.
"So...what's the plan?" Star Twinkle asked, clearly wondering how Twilight could be so excited before and what she was about to do against her competition.
"Fluttershy said I'd need to win over all those different groups if I wanna become Princess of the Fall Formal. So I've compiled a list of talking points," she proudly said as she pulled out a bunch of papers.
"Of course, you did..." Star Twinkle replied while rolling his eyes, not in the least surprised.
Spike clearly was more amused by this. "You made a list? That's so unlike you!" He said jokingly as he laughed his heart out. However, his laughter was interrupted by Twilight who opened her bag and reminded him to get inside of it since animals are not allowed in school. "Uh... Please... Continue," he said nervously before he wandered inside of the bag.
Twilight continued with the explaining of her plan."I'll start introducing myself, sprinkle in some things I learned about their world into the conversation, show them how I fit in here!"
"Things you learned about this world? Like what?" Star Twinkle questioned in a little disbelief.
"Just trust me. It'll be fine," Twilight replied confidently before she stood ready to open the door in front of her to start her plan.
"Okay..." Star Twinkle simply replied.
All this time Star Twinkle was just glad that he wasn't the one who had to do the talking. But talking with the other students about things in this world also sounded like a plan with flaws. Especially if you are not of this world. Twilight probably just got some minor ideas of how the world actually functioned so the best thing would be not to talk about anything like that. But then again, Twilight became a Princess in Equestria because she was good with everything friendship related so maybe Star Twinkle was just underestimating her.
"Okay. Time to make a good first impression on my fellow students," Twilight said unshaken before she opened the door in front of her to confront the students that she was about to befriend soon. " The whole world sorta depends on it,"
As soon as the door opened, the two walked through the hallway. Both of them smiled, Star Twinkle a little more forced then Twilight. Star Twinkle didn't want to ruin Twilight's plan and decided to just watch for whatever Twilight was about to do or whoever she wanted to talk to first. But that was really hard since everyone who they walked past laughed at them. At first, they thought that they were just imagining things but after seeing literally everyone laughing at them, whether it was in secret or openly, they knew something was off.
"Is it just me or is everybody laughing at us?" Star Twinkle whispered to Twilight.
But before she could even answer, Twilight was dragged into a room so fast by someone that he could even react in time. Of course, he quickly ran after her but the door closed right in front of him. Star Twinkle was sure that it was either Sunset Shimmer or Radiant Blast who captured Twilight so he opened the door and came to Twilight's rescue.
As soon as he entered the room, the door was shut closed behind him. He turned around and saw the one who closed it and was about to confront her but first he looked around to find Twilight. He quickly noticed that she was in the same room as him but she looked a little different. She wore a blonde wig and over her clothes she was wearing some green clothes.
Naturally, Star Twinkle got confused by this sudden getup. "Why do you look like this, Twilight?"
The person behind Star Twinkle seemed upset by those words. "You recognized her? And I was doing such a great job on this disguise..." the girl added frustrated.
The voice of that girl sounded very familiar, not to mention the way she looked. Purple curly hair, white skin color, dark blue eyes, a very light blue top, and a purple shirt with three blue diamonds on it and purple shoes.
"Rarity?" Star Twinkle said confused.
Moments later, the door opened and Applejack showed up, followed by Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie who were all entering the room, claiming that they were looking for Twilight. Every one of them quickly realized that it was Twilight under the disguise, much to Rarity's dislike for some reason. Pinkie Pie approached Twilight and stated her opinion. "I like your new look!" She complimented.
Rarity picked up on that and seemed a little angered. "I do have an eye for these sorts of things. Not that you seem to care," she said bitterly, causing Pinkie Pie to clench her teeth in anger. When Twilight was wondering why Pinkie Pie would not care, Applejack and Fluttershy made sure to give some signals behind her back to not ask any further. Seems like there were more complicated reasons indicating that Rarity wasn't friends with Pinkie Pie.
Just like Spike said the night before, there was no reason to worry about why the girls were fighting in this world so Star Twinkle changed the subject. "Why were you all looking for Twilight?
The girls had all very worried expressions on their faces. "Oh, they haven't seen it yet," Fluttershy said before she covered her mouth.
"Seen what?" Twilight asked.
Shortly after, Pinkie Pie placed some strange device on a table which resembled those "computers" from the library only that it seemed to have the buttons and the screen on only one device. Whatever it exactly was, the important seemed to happen to the screen so Star Twinkle focused on that instead.
"Oh, it's really not that bad," Pinkie Pie said before she pushed a button on this thing and laughing nervously.
Soon, a video started in front of everyone that showed Twilight back then when she was in the library, mashing on the buttons of the computer randomly. It wasn't all too graceful to look at and to top it all of, Sunset Shimmer's voice could be heard over this video. "Twilight Sparkle wants to be your Fall Formal Princess," she said in a rather mocking tone. What followed were some more clips of Twilight. All of them showing her doing some really clumsy and awkward stuff that only put her in a bad light. Accompanied by Sunset Shimmer's mocking in the background, it only made it worse. "But what does it say about our school if we give someone like this... such an important honor?"
Star Twinkle felt the need to add something after seeing this. "That was pretty bad..." he said without thinking, causing the girls to glare at him for that unneeded statement.
Twilight looked shocked to see all this. Of course, if everyone saw this by now, it was no wonder that everyone was laughing. And of course, it was all playing in Sunset Shimmer's favor. "What am I gonna do? No one is gonna vote for me after seeing this!" Twilight said frustrated after seeing the video.
"Not that it'll make any difference, but I'll still vote for you," Fluttershy assured but Twilight only dropped her head on the desk in frustration since one vote will really not make a difference.
Pinkie Pie also joined in and offered her help. "If ya still wanna run, maybe there's something I can do to help!"
But Fluttershy quickly advised Twilight to not accept this offer. "Don't accept her help. She doesn't take anything seriously!"
While this may be true in a way, the way Fluttershy said it was a little bitter and Pinkie Pie got angry by this. "Ugh! Why do you have to be so awful to me?" She said offended by Fluttershy's words.
"Oh! Don't play innocent, Pinkie Pie!" Rarity joined in. "You are no better than she is!"
"And what is that supposed to mean?!" Pinkie Pie replied offended.
"I am happy to offer up my assistance as well," Rarity said. "To someone who would appreciate what I have to offer!" She added which was directed towards Pinkie Pie, accompanied by a glare.
This soon escalated into more arguing between the girls. Everyone except Applejack, who just sat on one of the desks, advising that the girls should all carry on and stop the fighting. But Rarity didn't like hearing that from her. "You mean like how you've gotten over what happened with Rainbow Dash?"
"She said she'd get the softball team to make an appearance at my bake sale. I tell everybody they're comin', and then not one of 'em shows up! She made a liar outta me! That's different!" Applejack protested angrily.
Soon she joined to argue with the rest of the girls. It became really loud in the room and both Star Twinkle and Twilight couldn't stand all of this. It was obvious that something happened between them and that it didn't matter to worry about their problems since Star Twinkle and Twilight would leave this world again soon but this was just too much. It also didn't help Twilight to get her crown back.
"Shut up!" Star Twinkle exclaimed, getting the girls to stop arguing for a moment. "What is wrong with you all? Weren't you supposed to be friends before!?" He added, after the image of the picture from the yearbook that Twilight found yesterday popped up in his mind.
The girls seemed to pick up on that and looked at each other. Soon, Twilight stepped up as well. She grabbed the yearbook that she found yesterday out of her bag and presented it in front of everyone. "You were friends once, remember?" She said as she flipped open the page with the picture of her friends. The girls quickly recognized the picture and felt some nostalgia after seeing it, forgetting their fight for a moment. "Something must have happened. I think that something was Sunset Shimmer," Twilight concluded, even though she didn't have any proof of it.
"Well, it's a nice theory, darling, but Sunset Shimmer had nothing to do with it," Rarity said, surprisingly defending Sunset Shimmer.
"She's right," Fluttershy agreed. "Sunset Shimmer isn't the one who ruined my silent auction for the animal shelter by bringing fireworks and noisemakers! It was supposed to be a serious event, and Pinkie Pie ruined it!" She added, again blaming Pinkie Pie for it.
"What are you talking about?" Pinkie Pie replied angrily. "I got a text from you saying that you didn't want a silent auction. You wanted a big party!" She then replied.
"Uh! I never sent you a text!" Fluttershy replied confused.
"You didn't?" Pinkie Pie replied confused as well.
Rarity came to another conclusion. "You don't think she's the one who's been sending me those e-mails, do you? Every time I volunteer to help with the decorations at a school function, I get an e-mail from Pinkie Pie saying she has plenty of volunteers! And then I find out she's done everything herself,"
"I never sent you any e-mails!" Pinkie Pie replied confused.
All those reveals caused Applejack to come up with something as well. "Maybe she's the reason Rainbow Dash didn't show up for my bake sale!"
It all came together. Those were way too many misunderstandings at once. Star Twinkle remembered that Sunset Shimmer was always winning every competition that she attended to. The thought that those five would come in her way crossed probably her mind so she needed a reason to take care of them by destroying their friendships. This was only Star Twinkle's theory, however. According to Applejack, she never talked to Rainbow Dash about why she never showed up at the bake sale, making it unknown of why that happened.
To get some answers, the only one who could help them was Rainbow Dash herself so they decided to talk with her. Rainbow Dash was supposed to be on the "football field" outside of the school building. Since the only one who got into a fight with Rainbow Dash, Applejack went to see her on her own while the rest of the group waited for the result of their conversation. At first, it looked like as if the two were starting to argue but then Applejack seemed to apologize to her. She must have explained the situation to her and Rainbow Dash listened. After a while, the two hugged each other as if they were relieved to not argue anymore.
The group was relieved to see this picture. Finally, all five of them seemed to get along like their counterparts in Equestria. It was...nice, thought Star Twinkle, even though he planned to not interfere with all this in the first place. But seeing them all like this again surely made him happy as well.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash came walking towards the group. This was the first time that Star Twinkle could take a better look at Rainbow Dash. She, of course, had her rainbow colored hair color, a sky blue skin color, purple-reddish eyes, a blue vest with a white shirt under it showing her Cutie Mark, a pink and white skirt with black shorts under it and blue shoes.
Applejack explained. "Somebody, and I think we can all guess who told Rainbow Dash that my bake sale had been moved to a different day. Dash showed up with all the softball team and thought I'd canceled on her!"
As expected, another misunderstanding. Things seemed to point directly at Sunset Shimmer more and more. It also gave everyone a reason to help Twilight now. Sunset Shimmer basically ruined everyone's friendships. There was no reason to not go up against her.
Rainbow Dash greeted Star Twinkle and Twilight, ready to help them as well. "So you're lookin' to dethrone Sunset Shimmer and become Princess of the Fall Formal, huh? Gotta say, I'd really love to see that happen. I'll totally help you out!" She said happily, making things easier...at least for a second.
"All you gotta do is beat me in a game of one-on-one," she then said, taking the excitement out of Twilight.
"What?" Twilight replied confused.
"First to five goals wins," Rainbow Dash said before she showed off her skills by kicking a ball into a goal from where she stood right now.
Of course, Twilight accepted. If that's what it meant to get Rainbow Dash to help her, then she just had to prove herself. Twilight walked up to a ball and attempted to mimic what Rainbow Dash did by kicking the ball at one of the goals. Needless to say, it didn't nearly look as professional as it did with Rainbow Dash. In fact, Twilight didn't even hit the ball properly at first. Given, how Twilight was not too good with sports in the first place, that was to be expected of course.
Star Twinkle saw only one solution for this. "Mind if I take her place?" He said all of the sudden, getting a surprised look from Twilight. "I haven't done anything to help you so far. You don't have to do everything on your own. I want you to win as much as everyone else here," he said determined as he walked towards Rainbow Dash.
Twilight appreciated how Star Twinkle stepped up and accepted. "Alright," Twilight replied with a smile on her face. "I trust you, Star Twinkle,"
Shortly after, the game began and Star Twinkle and Rainbow Dash stood in front of each other, ready to start. The goal was to kick the ball in the middle into the respective goal five times. Shouldn't be too hard, Star Twinkle thought before the game started.
However, what followed was not exactly what he planned. In fact, it was a total disaster. Rainbow Dash completely destroyed Star Twinkle. He barely managed to get the ball a few times and when he did, it was only snatched away shortly after. Rainbow Dash was way better at this than him, despite Star Twinkle doing his very best. If it wasn't his friends who were watching this, he would have totally embarrassed himself in front of everyone.
After a while, it was four against zero and Rainbow Dash was already on her way for the fifth goal. This is when Star Twinkle's adrenaline kicked in. He had to make his comeback now. And that comeback had to start with one goal. He charged at Rainbow Dash and actually managed to snatch the ball away from her. "I did it!" Star Twinkle thought victoriously. Whether it was out of pity from Rainbow Dash or actual skill from him, he had the ball. Now he just had to kick it into the goal.
While running towards the goal, he prepared himself to kick. He actually hit the ball perfectly and made it fly right to the goal. "Yes!" He said excitedly to get one goal at least. However, instead of landing right into the goal, the ball bounced off from the bar and came flying back right towards Star Twinkle, coloring his face in shock. The ball directly hit his face and sent him falling to the ground. While he was getting hit, his cap fell off from his head and landed right on his face as he laid on the ground. Once he was able to see straight again, he noticed how Rainbow Dash was already shooting the ball into his goal, ending the game and making her the victor of this game.
A sigh of defeat was the only thing that he could do after this, covering his face with his cap in embarrassment. Rainbow Dash then walked up to him and looked down with a victorious smile on her face. "Hehe, you lost," Rainbow Dash said smugly before she offered Star Twinkle her hand to get him up.
"You think?" Star Twinkle replied sarcastically before he reached his hand out to let himself get picked up by Rainbow Dash. He could see how the rest of his friends walked up to him, causing him to turn his head away. "Sorry..." he then apologized, mainly towards Twilight.
"Don't worry, Star Twinkle," she replied. "I don't think that I would have been any better," she admitted, though she was a little sad that Star Twinkle lost.
The mood was a little down after Star Twinkle's defeat, Rainbow Dash was the only one who was still in a good mood. "So what's the plan? How can I help you be princess instead of Sunset Shimmer?" She then said out of the blue towards Twilight.
"What!?" Star Twinkle replied confused. "But I lost!"
"Of course you lost. I'm awesome!" Rainbow Dash replied. "But I'm not gonna help just anybody tries and beat Sunset Shimmer. No one would vote for Sunset Shimmer because they want to. They only do it because they think they have to. However, you and the others are ready to go so far for Twilight to make her a princess. A princess represents the whole school so it should be someone that everyone trusts instead of someone who forces everyone to vote for her, don't you think?" She explained, much to the relief of everyone else. Twilight hugged Rainbow Dash out of thanks and was just happy that she and the others were finally friends, just like in Equestria.
Later...
With all friends finally working together, there was just one more thing to take care of. And that was coming up with a plan to convince all students to vote for Twilight. The discussion for that was postponed to a nearby cafe. Twilight was still ordering something while the others were already at a table, putting their heads together to come up with an idea. Given that Star Twinkle didn't know too much about this world in the first place, that was easier said than done for him.
"Any ideas?" Rainbow Dash asked into the round.
"Nope..." Pinkie Pie replied, speaking for basically everyone right now.
Twilight joined the group and sat down at the table as well. Strangely enough, she didn't come back with anything. "You didn't want anything?" Star Twinkle asked confused.
Twilight seemed to be a little embarrassed. "I kinda splashed my drink on somebody," she said as she played with her hair while making an embarrassed face.
"Okay..." Star Twinkle got confused by this behavior but couldn't concentrate on that for now.
"All right. Dance is tomorrow night, and we still don't know how we're gonna get Twilight the votes she needs to be named princess," Applejack pointed out. "Right now, folks only know the Twilight from the videos Sunset Shimmer posted online. We need to help 'em see her differently,"
With everyone in the school seeing the video, chances were that everyone already decided to vote for Sunset Shimmer, whether she was nice to the students or not, seeing Twilight in her most awkward moments in the library probably convinced everyone that she wasn't the best pick for being a princess. At least in the eyes of everyone besides her friends.
Before anyone could even attempt to come up with something Rarity stood up "I'VE GOT IT!" She screamed excited through the whole cafe, causing everyone in there to look at her surprised. Of course, Rarity noticed that she might have been a little too excited and got embarrassed for a moment. But she calmed down again and explained. "Now this may be an absolutely preposterous idea, but what if we all wore these as a sign of unity?" She said before she pulled out something out of her bag.
"Are those pony ears and tails?" Star Twinkle asked confused after inspecting the things that Rarity pulled out of her bag.
They were headpieces that had pony ears on it and bushy tails both in blue and yellow color.
"In Freshman year, they were very, very popular. A way for everybody to show their school spirit! You know? "Go, Canterlot Wondercolts!"". She said as she jumped up and down excited. I mean, the five of us are obviously very different, but deep down, we're all Canterlot Wondercolts! Sunset Shimmer is the one who divided us, Twilight Sparkle is the one who united us. And we're gonna let everyone know it! What do you think?"
"Worth a shot, right?" Star Twinkle replied, definitely speaking for everyone right now. "But how do we do that?"
Later in the mess hall...
Star Twinkle walked into the mess hall. It was filled with students which was perfect. Perfect for him and his friends to start their plan. He placed some kind of musical device on the ground that the girls gave him. Everyone except Twilight was inside of the hall sitting in some random place. All of them wore a blue top with a yellow hoof on it to represent their unity. They also began to wear the head and tail pieces once they realized that Star Twinkle was ready.
The girls began to make noises by either clapping their hands or stomping on the ground, making everyone in the room notice them. After some of the student's attention was grabbed, Star Twinkle pushed a button on his music device, making music come out of it. Once everyone looked at the girls now, they began singing and officially started the plan.
"Hey, hey, everybody
We've got something to say
We may seem as different
As the night is from day
But you look a little deeper
And you will see
That I'm just like you
And you're just like me.
Yeah!"
The students were wondering what happened all of the sudden but didn't seem to mind it either, giving the girls all the more reason to continue. They began to approach some of the students one by one as they continued their song.
"Hey, hey, everybody
We're here to shout
That the magic of friendship
Is what it's all about
Yeah,
We thought we were different
As the night is from the day
Until Twilight Sparkle
Helped us see another way
So get up get down
If you're gonna come around
We can work together
Helping Twilight win the crown
So get up get down
'Cause it's gonna make a sound
If we work together
Helping Twilight Sparkle
Win the crown!"
Before the last line kicked in, Star Twinkle stood ready at the door and opened it, revealing Twilight, who was walking into the room and joined in the song as well.
"I'm gonna be myself
No matter what I do
And if we're different yeah
I want you to be true to you
If you follow me
We'll put our differences aside
We'll stick together and
Start working on that school pride!"
Finally, all the students joined into the song and the whole room was filled with people dancing and having fun. Completely different how it was only a few minutes ago. The school was now united as one, thanks to Twilight and her friends. This brought them one step closer to the crown as well. Finally, things were going to everyone's favor.
However, there was still someone outside of the hall who didn't share the same happiness and watched the singing with a bitter expression on her face. "What is going on in there?" Sunset Shimmer said as she looked through the glass door to the mess hall.
"I don't know," Radiant Blast replied as he stood next to her. "But it sounds like fun! Should we join in as well?" Radiant Blast suggested, causing Sunset Shimmer to glare at him angrily. "Or maybe...we could just continue to watch..."
Sunset Shimmer, instantly saw how Twilight was responsible for all the commotion inside and focused all her anger towards her. She now realized that she had to take care of things to secure her victory. After all, she couldn't just let her come to "her world" and mess everything up what she had worked for so long.
"Let's go, Radiant. We need to make sure that Twilight and her friends will not make any more mistakes by standing against us..." she said with a bright evil smile on her face.
Radiant Blast saw her expression and it sends some shivers down on his spine. "Yeah...sure..." he said a little hesitantly. "Just say what I can do and I will," he added confidently awaiting what Sunset Shimmer had in mind.
Whatever it was...it would only get in Twilight's and her friend's way...
To be continued... |
Equestria Girls - The Legend of Friendship | 6. The Fall Formal Dance | Everything went well, at last. Instead of being split into different groups, the school was finally united. And that was all thanks to Twilight, who reminded her friends of their friendship which eventually led Rarity to come up with her plan. This again got the group closer to Twilight's crown.
The group took a look at the other students as they walked past them in the main hallway of the school. "Doesn't everyone look just fabulous?" Rarity commented as she looked over to all the students who were now wearing her headpieces and tails. Uniting the school was one thing but she also liked selling her accessories along the way.
"It was a great idea, Rarity!" Twilight said happily.
However, for everything good, there also needed to be something bad. And that bad was just walking towards the group. Sunset Shimmer.
"Don't know what she's smilin' about. Twilight's the one that's gonna be Princess of the Fall Formal," Applejack said confident but also confused by Sunset Shimmers expression which was just a plain wide smile.
The thought that she already had something in mind to counter Twilight's effort to unite the school already crossed Star Twinkle's mind but he somehow wished that it wasn't like this. She couldn't possibly have another ace up her sleeve already.
But instead of confronting Twilight and the others, Sunset Shimmer merely walked past the group without saying a single word. Though she did turn her head around as soon as she walked past them, still having a huge smile on her face.
"Just ignore her," Rainbow Dash advised.
"Yeah, she probably is mad at you and tries to play tough right now," Applejack added with a smile on her face as well.
It did seem to calm Twilight down a little. "Yeah, you're probably right," she replied, trying to not focus on Sunset Shimmer anymore, even if that was easier said then done.
Star Twinkle wanted to believe that as well but the only way he could calm down was once Twilight got her crown back. Until then, his worry would not simply vanish like that.
Later...
Star Twinkle and the others wanted to make sure that Twilight would get the most votes and talked to most of the people or groups. All of them seemed relieved that they could spend time with each other. Of course, being separated in groups before made it hard to interact with each other so they were all happy that they found new friends now. It didn't look like as if anyone was against Twilight which was perfect since everyone was pretty much against Sunset Shimmer winning the crown. Twilight will win the vote. Not even Sunset Shimmer could stop her now.
"Looks like we will be back in Equestria by tonight. Along with the crown," Star Twinkle said relieved as he walked through the hallway with Twilight next to her.
"Looks like it. The others are already preparing everything for tonight. After all, it is still a pretty important night," Twilight replied happily, getting a little excited about tonight. "I think Rarity even prepared some fancy clothes for you," she jokingly added slightly poking Star Twinkle's sides with her elbow.
"I'm just glad that we can return home..." Star Twinkle replied, not bothering to answer to Twilight directly. "But I have to admit, meeting our friend's counterparts in this world was kind...nice," he added with a smile on his face.
"Yeah...I will miss them..." Twilight said a little saddened but also happy.
"Me too..." Star Twinkle said in almost the same manner as Twilight.
The two were then suddenly interrupted by someone. "Twilight Sparkle," a voice then said in a very serious tone behind the two, causing them to turn around.
The one who was talking to them was a tall person, with dark blue hair that had some light grayish colors in it. Her skin had a blue-grayish color and her eyes were opal green. She was also wearing a light purple top, dark blue trousers and white and pink shoes. Star Twinkle was by now getting used to finding out who was who in this world and it was easy to find out who that was. It was Vice-Principal Luna.
"Is something the matter?" Twilight asked nervously because of Vice-Principal Luna's serious tone in her voice which definitely made her feel smaller in this moment.
"You need to come with me," Vice-Principal Luna said in a very serious tone which easily made the two feel a little smaller just by standing in the mere presence of her. "You will come with me now,"
From what Star Twinkle and Twilight knew so far, Vice Principal Luna was the second highest in charge of Canterlot High so the best thing was to just do what she said before getting into more trouble, even though it looked like as if she was already in some kind.
Star Twinkle was not allowed to enter Vice-Principal Luna's office and waited outside. Whatever the reason was for Twilight to get into trouble, Star Twinkle believed that it was just some kind of misunderstanding. That was until he saw Radiant Blast walking up to him with a smug smile on his face. He already didn't like what Radiant Blast was about to say to him but all of the sudden, he now realized why Twilight was in trouble.
"Looks like your little princess is in trouble," Radiant Blast said as he smugly leaned against the wall.
"You!" Star Twinkle said angered. "It was you and Sunset Shimmer who did this, right?" He quickly suspected. "What did you do?"
"Perhaps it would be better if I show you," Radiant Blast said before he wanted Star Twinkle to follow him.
Star Twinkle had a hard time trusting Radiant Blast but he was also curious what he or Sunset Shimmer did, to cause Twilight to get in trouble so he followed him with his eyes peeled about anything suspicious what Radiant Blast might do. Star Twinkle followed Radiant Blast to the gym. It was the place where the dance would be tonight which Pinkie Pie decorated. However, once he arrived at the gym, everything inside was completely ruined. The decoration was destroyed and laid scattered on the ground. It was a mess, to put it in more simple words.
Radiant Blast began to explain after he realized how shocked Star Twinkle was by this picture. "With your little dance from before, which caused everyone to band together, there was no way that anyone would not vote for Twilight so we just had to make sure that she will be forbidden to compete against Sunset Shimmer at all. Which is most likely what is Vice-Principal Luna doing right now," he explained with a confident smile on his face.
"So you blamed this all on Twilight?" Star Twinkle figured angered after hearing Radiant Blast's explanation. "That is dirty! She should have won!" He added angered towards Radiant Blast.
"I think I told you before...If you get in Sunset Shimmer's way, then I will stop you," Radiant Blast replied, not getting intimidated by Star Twinkle in the slightest, causing Star Twinkle to glare at Radiant Blast who just smiled back cheerfully. "Hey, don't give me that look, okay? It's really nothing personal. Really, if you wouldn't have stood against Sunset Shimmer, then we might even get to be friends," he said before he turned around leaving the gym, waving Star Twinkle goodbye.
Star Twinkle just looked at the gym and it's ruined state. With the gym looking like this, there was no way that the dance could be held in there tonight. This was a problem since Twilight had to get her crown back tonight because the portal to Equestria would close after that, trapping him and her for thirty moons into this world. And all that was because of Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Blast. The latter one he could only give one more glare.
"Why are you doing all this!?" Star Twinkle exclaimed towards Radiant Blast who had already set foot outside of the gym but stopped after he heard Star Twinkle behind him. Since Star Twinkle had Radiant Blast's attention, he might as well continued. "Why is Sunset Shimmer so obsessed with Twilight's crown? From what it looks like, she seemed to have everything under control before Twilight showed up. So why does she want the crown? What is she planning to do with it?"
Radiant Blast turned around and felt like answering after coming so far already. "You're right. Everything was fine until you showed up. Sunset Shimmer worked so hard to get to this point. To have the school under her full control. But that wasn't enough. Ruling over this world means nothing to her. She wanted something else..." he explained surprisingly calm.
"And that is?" Star Twinkle asked, feeling that he calmed down a bit as he listened to Radiant Blast.
Radiant Blast kept a serious expression on his face and almost emotionless answered, which sent shivers down on Star Twinkle's back.
"Equestria..."
The mood became really serious all of the sudden. Star Twinkle could only return a confused and slightly concerned look towards Radiant Blast who was doing him a favor and explained further.
"As you might have noticed, there is no magic in this world. Sunset Shimmer once asked if you know what happens if you bring a magical artifact like Twilight's crown into this world," Radiant Blast explained, causing Star Twinkle to remember how amused Sunset Shimmer was after she found out that Twilight didn't know the answer. Star Twinkle didn't say a thing and let Radiant Blast continue. "Since this world has no magic, there is no way that it can defend itself from Equestrian magic. That means that we can use the magic to control the people in this world to attack Equestria,"
"Attack Equestria!?" Star Twinkle replied in shock, despite already knowing that Sunset Shimmer was planning something evil. However, Star Twinkle's determination to stop her was unshaken. "All the more reason to stop her!"
But Radiant Blast's determination didn't change either. "And I will do everything to stop you from doing that! Like I said before,"
"Is that really what you want!?" Star Twinkle asked a little more angry, not understanding how Radiant Blast was helping Sunset Shimmer like that. "She is trying to put Equestria in danger! The place where you once lived as well! Don't you see that what she is doing is evil?"
Radiant Blast's determined face slowly began to change. He lowered his head and looked towards the ground with a frown on his face until he finally answered. "Of course, I do..." he then said in a rather depressed tone in his voice, much to Star Twinkle's surprise who didn't exactly knew how to respond to that. "Do you think I'm stupid?" He added to which Star Twinkle could answer, judging from some previous encounters but he decided not to. At this very moment, he was more surprised about Radiant Blast's answer.
"You know?" Star Twinkle replied confused. "Then why do you keep helping Sunset Shimmer if you think the same way like me?"
Radiant Blast avoided eye contact and hesitated at first to answer since he felt it wouldn't change anything. But eventually, he decided to continue anyway. "Because I am Sunset Shimmer's friend. That's why " he answered while his eyes met Star Twinkle's
"So?" Star Twinkle replied still confused. "That doesn't mean that you have to agree to everything she says,"
"So I just leave her alone!?" Radiant Blast exclaimed frustrated, causing Star Twinkle to get startled for a second by those words. "In case you didn't notice, Sunset Shimmer is not really...liked by everyone here. They are either afraid of her, or worst, they hate her because of the things she did here. Because of that, she needs someone to be at her side. A friend. Me,"
Star Twinkle, for the first time, sympathized with Radiant Blast. Since the very beginning, he thought Radiant Blast was just some kind of henchman for Sunset Shimmer. Someone who didn't know how to stand up against her and just did as she said. But now he saw someone completely different in front of him. Someone who was prepared to do anything for a friend. Radiant Blast had no bad intentions like Sunset Shimmer. He just did what she said because he is the only one in this world that she can call her friend.
But despite that, the things they did can't be excused by that and Radiant Blast knew that as well. "Sunset Shimmer might be your friend but that doesn't mean that you can just continue like that. In fact, as a friend of her, you should tell her how you feel about all this,"
However, Radiant Blast did not bother to listen to those words too much and decided to end this conversation. He turned around again and this time he was about to walk outside for good. But not until he gave some last words to Star Twinkle. "All I have to do is helping Sunset Shimmer by staying at her side. That is what I did when she left Equestria, and that's what I will do here..." he said in a very threatening way which was this time not ruined by him walking into a wall or something, making it actual threatening.
But Star Twinkle didn't have time to worry about Radiant Blast. Right now, he was a little worried about Twilight and what Vice-Principal Luna talked with her about. Star Twinkle was on his way back to Vice-Principal Luna's office to meet up with Twilight but to his surprise, Twilight already came running towards him with a stressed-out look on her face.
"We got a problem!" Twilight said as she grabbed Star Twinkle's shoulder in frustration.
"What is it? What did Luna want from you?" Star Twinkle asked obviously.
"What?" Twilight replied confused, seeming to forget about that for some reason. "No. That has been taken care of, don't worry," she assured, shaking her head in the process. "We got a bigger problem! The gym has been ruined by someone!"
"I know. It was Sunset Shimmer or Radiant Blast," Star Twinkle replied. "Though I can't really prove it..."
"No! No! No! You don't understand!" Twilight said further stressed out shaking Star Twinkle back and forth in the process. "The dance has been postponed to tomorrow night because of that!"
"What!?" Star Twinkle replied shocked, now finally getting why Twilight was acting like that. "Isn't the portal closing tonight?"
"That is why we have a problem!" Twilight repeated frustrated.
The two calmed down at last and tried to think. Having the dance postponed, meant that they wouldn't get the crown until tomorrow. That would already be too late. The portal would have closed by then and trapped the two into this world for thirty moons. Having one of the Elements of Harmony absent, not to mention one of the princesses of Equestria, would be too dangerous. Not too mention that the two couldn't live in the library for that long.
"What are we gonna do now?" Twilight asked frustrated, pretty much asking for an alternative right now.
"I have no idea..." Star Twinkle replied, crossing his arms while trying to come up with something.
Spike, who also came out of Twilight's bag tried to join the two in coming up with a plan. Unexpectedly, he casually shared an idea with the two. "Why don't you tell the others the truth?"
Star Twinkle had a hard time taking this seriously. "Sure...why not?" Star Twinkle replied sarcastically.
"Yes, Spike, if we tell them something like that, then they probably won't help us anymore if they found out we're too different. We can't take that risk," Twilight agreed.
However, Spike disagreed. "But what if they don't? Those girls helped you not because you were like them but because they saw what was inside of you. You could have just tried to get the crown yourself and ignore those girls problems. But you didn't and now they help you because they saw who you really are and not because you are like this or ponies or whatever,"
Star Twinkle and Twilight had to admit that those words left an impact on them. It even caused them to give Spike's idea a chance. It's not like they had any other idea anyway.
"Wow, Spike. That was a really good advice for once," Star Twinkle complimented.
Spike didn't know why Star Twinkle had to use the word "for once" but he accepted the compliment. Twilight picked him up from the ground and lead the way to the girls, preparing herself to explain the situation to them. "You think they will believe us?" She still asked with some doubt towards Star Twinkle.
"They probably think that we are crazy..." Star Twinkle said in an amused tone, trying to think positive.
It was their only chance to get the crown tonight. The others just had to come up with an idea to make that possible. That is...if they believed Star Twinkle and Twilight. The girls were at a nearby boutique so the three went to it as fast as possible to tell them the truth, in hope that they would believe them.
Later...
"So let me get this straight..." Applejack started once Twilight explained the situation to her and the others. "You two...are ponies?"
Star Twinkle and Twilight nodded.
"And you come from another world?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Star Twinkle and Twilight nodded.
"And that crown is a magical artifact that you need to protect your world?" Fluttershy asked.
Star Twinkle and Twilight nodded.
"And if you don't get it back by tonight, you will be trapped here for a really long time?" Pinkie Pie asked.
Star Twinkle and Twilight nodded.
"And to top it all of...you are a princess?" Rarity asked towards Twilight.
Twilight nodded embarrassed and scratched her head.
There was an awkward pause after those questions. Star Twinkle couldn't take this silence and just wanted this to be over. "So...what do you say?" He asked a little awkwardly.
But no one answered. Once again it was up to Spike to save the situation. "Wow, you were right, Star Twinkle, they do think you are crazy," he said casually, of course drawing the eyes of everyone on him instantly.
"He can talk!?" Rarity exclaimed shocked after seeing a dog talking for the first time.
"Oh, yeah! And back where I come from, I'm not even a dog! I'm a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon!" Spike then explained, bending the truth a little while doing so.
Rarity didn't know how to react to that but Fluttershy was obviously excited to see a talking animal for the first time and inspected Spike. Seeing a dog talking like that surely was something that was not normal in this world, making the story of Star Twinkle and Twilight at least more believable. Still, the girls didn't quite know how to react to all of this and looked at each other.
Eventually, Rainbow Dash summed up what everyone else was thinking at this very moment. "That... is...awesome!"
The girls began to get more excited after knowing the truth and asked more and more questions which Star Twinkle, Twilight, and Spike answered as best as they could. It was just awesome that they believed them and still offered their help to get Twilight's crown back. Looks like no matter what world they were in, their friends would always support them, no matter what.
But the happy chatter had to wait for a little while since there was still things to take care of. And for that, the group returned to the gym, seeing the mess inside of it for the first time as well.
"I simply cannot believe they did all this!" Rarity said frustrated after looking at the decoration scattered all over the ground.
"If I only had some kind of... party cannon that could decorate everything super fast!" Pinkie Pie said, ironically.
"I know it seems impossible, but, maybe if we all work together?" Twilight started.
Applejack, being the natural hard worker, of course, picked up on that. "Now that's the kinda can-do spirit I'm lookin' for in a Fall Formal Princess! Let's do it, y'all!" She said almost excited.
Though, Star Twinkle was against hard work, if it can be avoided, he also did his best to clean the place up and even did some repairs at the stage or the tables. Being a carpenter pony in Equestria sure was handy in this moment, even if it was a little weird to work with hands instead of hooves or his mouth. His work was definitely not as good as it was in his pony form but it was still good enough to call it decent.
As they cleaned up the place, more and more people began helping Star Twinkle and the others. It was like as if the whole school was suddenly helping them. Not only did it help because some people helped with the electronic or some heavy lifting which was too much for Star Twinkle's or the other but with so many people helping, the amount of time spent to clean up the place was shortened. It also looked like as if most people had some fun while doing some work with others.
Before they knew it, the work was already done and the place looked as good as new, if not even better then before. But the work would have been meaningless if Principal Celestia wouldn't allow the Dance to be held tonight. Fortunately, Principal Celestia took a look at the gym and was happily surprised to see it in this state. Her next words were exactly what everyone was hoping for. "All right, everyone! Fall Formal is back on for this evening,"
The students began to cheer after those words, clearly happy to have the dance back tonight. Principal Celestia reminded everyone to send in their votes before they left the gym and from the looks of it, everyone was on Twilight's side. Again, Twilight was on the safe side to win the vote but Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Blast were still out there, probably scheming something again to prevent that. Knowing that still worried Star Twinkle.
Later...
The group was getting ready for the big night. The girls made sure to be prepared by trying on various dresses and accessories that Rarity provided. Of course, Star Twinkle was not too much into those things and just grabbed a suit that Rarity recommended. It was a simple yet elegant black suit. It was in strong contrast to the white suit that he was wearing back then at the Grand Galloping Gala. Star Twinkle liked it and decided to wear it for the dance. He also still, wore his cap since he thought it would fit.
After trying on multiple dresses, the girls were finally ready as well. They all looked very good and put clearly much more thoughts into their dresses than Star Twinkle did with his suit. But for him, there was no reason to put more thoughts into it since he knew that he would just stand or sit somewhere in the corner. Parties were not really his thing after all. No matter which world he was in.
The group went back to the school once it began to get dark and before the dance was about to start. Some of the other students were already arriving at the school as well. The group, with the exception of Star Twinkle, were all very excited to enter the building and went inside.
"Um, hey!" A male voice then suddenly said towards Star Twinkle who was the last to enter the building. He turned around and saw someone approaching him. It was a boy wearing a black suit like him. The boy had dark blue hair a light orange colored skin and light blue eyes. Star Twinkle wasn't sure if he knew who this was. For some reason, the boy wanted to talk with Star Twinkle about something and judging from the nervous expression on his face, it seemed very important.
"Hey...I know we don't know each other at all but...do you mind if I ask you something?" The boy humbly asked as he scratched the back of his head nervously.
"Sure?" Star Twinkle replied confused.
The boy then puts aside his hesitation and spit out what he wanted to ask. "Do you mind if I ask Twilight out for a dance?"
Star Twinkle didn't know why this boy had such a hard time asking that and only got more confused before he decided to answer. "Why would I?"
The boy seemed surprised to hear this answer and expected this to be a little more difficult. "Well, I thought that...since you are always around her...that...I mean...you are not...uh...you know?" And again, he was hesitating to get out the words that he wanted to ask. But once he realized how Star Twinkle reacted to this behavior he again, pulled himself together. "So you don't mind if?"
"I don't..." Star Twinkle replied confused again. "But you obviously have to ask Twilight if she doesn't," he advised.
"Of course!" The boy replied, like a recruit that just got an important order from his captain. "Thank you!" He then added happily as he rushed inside of the school, probably looking for Twilight at this very moment.
"For what?" Star Twinkle wondered before he walked inside of the school as well.
The night went pretty much like Star Twinkle excepted it to be. The girls were having a lot of fun and Star Twinkle was sitting in the corner somewhere, enjoying some drinks and listening to the music. The girls didn't worry about him too much and let him be. They already knew his behavior when it came to parties and crowded places. He didn't hate them but he was also no fan of them so he would always stay somewhere and wait for the party to be over.
Even if he wanted to, the thought that Sunset Shimmer was planning something right now didn't exactly put him in a party mood. He also kept thinking about Radiant Blast's words. Twilight was about to win the crown instead of Sunset Shimmer and since Radiant Blast wanted to do everything to prevent that, there was no telling what he probably was about to do.
Twilight and the others, however, didn't seem to get bothered by this and enjoyed every moment of the dance. As expected, the boy who asked Star Twinkle before was dancing with Twilight for a while until he returned to the stage to play some music with his band. Twilight seemed to enjoy spending time with him as well.
Eventually, the moment of truth was here. Principal Celestia walked up to the stage and the music was toned down. The students all stop dancing for a minute and focused their eyes on her for what she was about to say.
"First off, I wanna say how wonderful everything looks tonight. You all did a magnificent job pulling things together after the unfortunate events of earlier," she said, clearly thankful as well that the dance could be held tonight. "And now, without further ado, I'd like to announce the winner of this year's Fall Formal crown,"
Now the moment was here. Vice-Principal Luna brought a box to the stage and opened it. Inside of it was Twilight's crown and there were only mere moments left until either Twilight or sunset Shimmer were elected to become Princess of the Fall Formal Dance. "The Princess of this year's Fall Formal is..." Principal Celestia said before she paused, obviously building up some tension.
The group was very nervous and waited patiently for the name. Star Twinkle was far in the back of the gym but could everything very clearly. He also had Twilight in clear sight and saw how she was nervous as well.
Principal Celestia finally stopped with the pause and revealed the name of the Princess of the Fall Formal.
"Twilight Sparkle!
The gym was filled cheers of joy, laughter, and excitement. It was obviously the result everyone expected and in the end, wanted.
Twilight walked up to the stage and finally received her crown after Principal Celestia congratulated her. Principal Celestia placed the crown on Twilight's head, finally returning it to her. The goal was reached and all that was left to do now was to return to Equestria. Star Twinkle smiled at the sight of seeing the crown back on Twilight's head but his attention then was drawn a little to the other corner of the gym. There was someone he definitely didn't want to see right now. Radiant Blast.
With a serious and determined expression on his face, he sneaked up on Spike, who was hiding in a corner of the gym since animals were not allowed to join the dance. Only moments later, Radiant Blast had him in his grip. "Help!" Spike then shouted, causing Twilight to notice how her dog was kidnapped by Radiant Blast and how Star Twinkle was already after him.
In an attempt to get Spike back, Star Twinkle charged right at Radiant Blast. But Radiant Blast only returned a serious expression and began running away. He ran outside of the gym and through the hallways of the school. Star Twinkle was right behind him and he noticed how Twilight and the girls were following him as well.
The chase eventually led the group back outside. In front of the portal to be specific. There, Sunset Shimmer was already waiting for them. "That's close enough!" Sunset Shimmer warned, causing the group to stop with a sledgehammer in her hand.
Spike screamed for help but with Radiant Blast having him in his grip, the group had no choice but to do whatever Sunset Shimmer wanted.
"Don't hurt him!" Twilight said towards Sunset Shimmer.
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. I'm not a monster, Twilight," Sunset Shimmer replied. Surprisingly, she did give Radiant Blast a signal to release Spike and let him return to Twilight and the others.
This only raised the question of why she would go to the trouble to even get Spike if she was about to release him again. But soon it was obvious what she was about to do. "You don't belong here. Give me the crown or else..." she said threatening before she swung the sledgehammer in front of the portal that would get Star Twinkle, Twilight, and Spike back to Equestria.
A choice had to be made at this moment. Either Twilight would give Sunset Shimmer her crown and would be able to return home. Or she would keep it and she, Star Twinkle and Spike would be trapped here forever...
To be continued... |
Equestria Girls - The Legend of Friendship | 7. Princess of the Dance | There was no telling what would happen next. Sunset Shimmer was about to destroy the mirror that would lead back to Equestria. The only way to prevent this was to give her Twilight's crown. But if she got her hands on it, then Equestria would be in danger as well, if what Radiant Blast said before was true. Sunset Shimmer would use the crown to control the students and attack Equestria, and with one of the Elements of Harmony in her possession, no one would be able to stop her.
Needless to say, the decision was not easy and Twilight struggled what to do next. Star Twinkle was not sure what he would do himself so he just waited patiently for Twilight's answer. So did the others and Radiant Blast who stood next to Sunset Shimmer.
"Tick-tock, Twilight. We haven't got all night. The portal will be closing on its own in less than an hour. So, what's your answer?" Sunset Shimmer said, still swinging her sledgehammer around, threatening to destroy it.
Twilight still hesitated. Sunset Shimmer's words didn't really help much.
"Just give her the crown," Radiant Blast then joined in, slowly losing his patience.
Star Twinkle noticed that Radiant Blast did act a little more serious recently which was surprising since, in the last conversation they had, he said he didn't like Sunset Shimmer's actions.
"Don't you see what you guys are about to do?" Star Twinkle then said, watching Sunset Shimmer holding her hammer, still determined to crush the mirror in front of everybody. "Didn't you want to take over Equestria? How are you gonna do that if you destroy the portal?" Star Twinkle said quickly seeing through Sunset Shimmer's possible bluff.
This caused Sunset Shimmer to look over to Radiant Blast. "How does he know about my plan?" She then asked towards Radiant Blast who could only turn his head away ashamed. But she then focused back on Star Twinkle and the others. "Doesn't matter. This isn't about me. It's about you returning home! So you better make a decision!"
There was less than one hour left until the portal closed. Time was running short either way. The decision was up to Twilight. And Star Twinkle had an idea what she was about to do next. He looked over at her and she looked back with an expression that practically said: "It has to be done". She knew that Star Twinkle won't like what she was about to do but he also realized that something far greater was at stake then him, Twilight and Spike not being able to return home. With that in mind, Star Twinkle nodded and smiled, ready to accept Twilight's decision.
Twilight then looked over to Sunset Shimmer with a serious expression on her face and gave her a straight answer.
"No,"
"What!?" Sunset Shimmer replied in shock, not believing what Twilight just said. "Equestria! Your friends! Lost to you forever! Don't you see what I'm about to do to the portal?!"
"Yes, but I've also seen what you've been able to do here without magic. Equestria will find a way to survive without my Element of Harmony. This place might not, if I allow it to fall into your hands. So go ahead. Destroy the portal. You are not getting this crown!" Twilight replied determined as she grabbed her crown on her head and taking back those words.
Sunset Shimmer didn't like this answer. She was furious to be precise. Radiant Blast noticed that and couldn't help but stand next to her helplessly as she glared at Twilight. At the same time, Radiant Blast looked over to Star Twinkle who was giving him a worried but also serious expression. It was like as if he wanted to tell him something. Radiant Blast remembered the conversation that they had before. He knew that Sunset Shimmer's actions sometimes went too far but was it worth never going back to Equestria? Was that going too far? Those questions circled around his head, realizing that Sunset Shimmer would soon prevent Star Twinkle, Twilight, and Spike to ever go back to Equestria. They would never see their friends ever again. The moment he imagined himself in this situation, only made him sad.
One moment later, he saw how Sunset Shimmer was raising her sledgehammer, ready to smash the mirror because of the choice that Twilight made. Seeing that only left him in shock. "Fine! Have it your way then!" She said before she raised the sledgehammer above her head in order to swing it right at the mirror.
The group widened their eyes in shock and gasped loudly, mainly everyone except Star Twinkle and Twilight who were now fully prepared for the consequences. Star Twinkle, however, still couldn't look and closed his eyes and just waited for the sound of shattering glass that soon could be heard.
But to his surprise, there was no sound. It was silent, except for one more gasp that came from the girls behind him. Wondering what that was about, he opened his eyes again and saw something that he didn't expect.
Radiant Blast was stopping Sunset Shimmer from destroying the mirror by grabbing the sledgehammer as she was about to swing it. Needless to say, Sunset Shimmer was shocked to see this. "What are you doing Radiant!?" She asked, obviously confused by her friend's action.
At first, Radiant Blast hesitated to answer, especially after seeing Sunset Shimmer's betrayed expression but he couldn't just stand there and watch how things were going out of control like this. "This is going too far, don't you think?" Radiant Blast said in a heavily nervous tone in his voice.
"What do you mean!?" Sunset Shimmer asked confused. "On whose side are you on? I thought we are friends!"
"We are!" Radiant Blast desperately assured. "I just think that destroying the portal and not letting them go home is going too far," he explained.
Sunset Shimmer widened her eyes in confusion but then quickly looked over to Twilight and the others. Her eyes narrowed and she quickly became angry. Radiant Blast was never questioning Sunset Shimmer's actions before, except once Twilight and her friends showed up. She quickly put one and one together clenched her teeth giving an angry look towards Twilight. "It was you!" She then said angrily as she pointed towards Twilight. "First you take away my title as a princess, then you steal the crown that was supposed to belong to me, and now you make Radiant go up against me!?"
Twilight, of course, didn't know what to say to that. Sunset Shimmer was obviously looking for someone to blame and Twilight was the best candidate for that.
"No! It's not like that, Sunset!" Radiant Blast said, trying to calm Sunset Shimmer down, however, she didn't listen and walked up to Twilight, dropping her hammer in the process.
Star Twinkle tried to calm Sunset Shimmer down as well. "Yes! Listen to Radiant Blast! He-" he tried to say but Sunset Shimmer was almost blinded by anger and continued to walk up to the group.
"Once I have this crown, everything will be how it is supposed to be!" She exclaimed as she charged right towards Twilight, jumping at her and throwing her on the ground and letting the crown fall to the ground. Sunset Shimmer tried to reach it but luckily, Spike grabbed in front of her. He tried to run inside of the school but he couldn't reach the door handle and was stuck in the corner once Sunset Shimmer stood right behind him, ready to grab the crown.
Rainbow Dash was offering some help and Spike threw the crown right at her, out of Sunset Shimmer's reach. Once, Rainbow Dash realized that Sunset Shimmer came closer to her, she threw the crown away again and towards Fluttershy who clumsily managed to catch the crown but once she noticed how Sunset Shimmer ran angrily towards her, she was paralyzed by fear and didn't know what to do. This caused Applejack to take action. She pulled out a rope and snatched Fluttershy towards her. Unfortunately, Fluttershy dropped the crown and Sunset Shimmer caught it. But before she could place it on her head, Pinkie Pie appeared behind her and threw the crown to the girls who began to throw it at each other once Sunset Shimmer got close enough.
When the crown ended up in Twilight's hands, she threw it away behind her. Unfortunately, the one who caught it after that was Radiant Blast. Radiant Blast looked at the crown for a moment and didn't know what to do with it. Needless to say, Sunset Shimmer was happy to see him in possession of the crown. "Good job, Radiant. Now give it to me," she said relieved walking up slowly to her friend.
"No!" Star Twinkle then interrupted, causing Sunset Shimmer to get angry once more. "Think about what you are about to do next! What the right thing is!"
"I knew what the right thing to do is..." Radiant Blast said with a serious tone in his voice. He then threw the crown to Sunset Shimmer who happily caught it.
Sunset Shimmer had an evil grin on her face as she looked at the crown. "At last! More power than I could ever imagine!" She then said before she placed the crown on her head, ready to use its power.
However, once the crown was on her head, some kind of dark magic began to surround her, causing her to react in shock. The group had a similar reaction to that after a pillar of magic began to surround Sunset Shimmer that slowly began to transform her.
Once the pillar vanished Sunset Shimmer revealed herself flying in the air. Her body transformed into that of some kind of a demon. Her skin color turned red and her eyes were black combined with her usual opal colored eye color. Her hair remained the same as well but it was shorter and stood up. Her ears, who became pointier, the tail that grew out of her and the big wings on her back gave her that more demon look. Her clothes were slightly changed as well, her skirt matched her hair color and her top was black, she also still wore her black boots.
Sunset Shimmer inspected her body and seemed to be happy about this change. It most likely was because of the strength that she could feel at this very moment. Radiant Blast didn't expect this to happen and he also didn't seem to be happy about it. Still, he didn't look like as if he regretted it, much to Star Twinkle's surprise.
His attention was then brought back to Sunset Shimmer who finally spoke up again. "I did it! I gained the ultimate power to rule not only over this but also Equestria!" She said happily before she broke out in laughter. She then looked towards Radiant Blast with a smile on her face. "Radiant! Come! Have a taste of this power as well!" She then said before she focused some magic in her hands.
Star Twinkle tried to warn Radiant Blast to not let himself be consumed by this magic as well but Radiant Blast stood there and let Sunset Shimmer transform him too. There was a frown on Radiant Blast's face once he was engulfed with magic while he looked over to Star Twinkle in an almost apologizing expression.
Soon, Radiant Blast also turned into some kind of demon creature similar to Sunset Shimmer. His skin color turned to a bright red color, his eyes turned black, his ears became pointy and he also grew wings on his back. His blue jacket turned black and his lower body turned red like his skin as well as if his trouser had merged with it.
Once, Radiant Blast's transformation ended, he stood in front of everyone motionless and with a frown on his face before he used his wings to lift himself up in the air next to Sunset Shimmer. It was now time to set her plan in motion. Sunset Shimmer turned towards the school where some students tried to escape but then went inside once they noticed, how Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Blast looked over at them.
"I've had to jump through so many hoops tonight just to get my hands on this crown, and it really should have been mine all along," Sunset Shimmer said as she growled at the students angrily. However, she calmed herself down immediately once she realized that she was no in control of the situation. "But let's let bygones be bygones. I am your princess now, and you will be loyal... to me!"
Sunset Shimmer used her magic to destroy the school entrance and flew right into the building. The next step was exactly what Star Twinkle expected. She mind controlled the students with her magic so that she can use them to attack Equestria. Every student walked mindlessly outside of the building, like a herd of zombies. With these many people against Star Twinkle and the others, there was no way that they could go up against the students. There were way too many.
Still, Twilight didn't lose her confidence to go up against Sunset Shimmer. "We have to stop her!" She exclaimed towards her friends while also focusing on Sunset Shimmer.
This was of course, not unnoticed by her. "Stop me? Oh, please! What exactly do you think you're going to do to stop me? I have magic, and you have nothing!" She said amused.
The sad thing was, that it was true. There were Sunset Shimmer, Radiant Blast and a dozen of students in front of seven, plus one dog. But The rest of Twilight's friends didn't think so and still supported her. Rainbow Dash stepped up and let Sunset Shimmer know that they won't give up. "She has us!"
Not only was Sunset Shimmer not impressed at all but she also intended change that determination. She remembered the way how Radiant Blast was disagreeing with her before and that made her angry again. But instead of showing it, she smiled again once she came up with something to lower Twilight's determination. "Let's see how you react if I'll take someone away from you as well,"
Sunset Shimmer used her magic to levitate Star Twinkle away from the ground and getting him a few feet closer to her. There was nothing that Twilight or her friends could do at this moment because of the lack of magic. Star Twinkle struggled but he couldn't get free at all. Radiant Blast wasn't looking like as if he wanted to stop Sunset Shimmer this time, judging from the constant frown that he had on his face.
"Don't hurt him!" Twilight exclaimed worriedly.
"Oh, I won't," Sunset Shimmer returned amused. "I will just make sure to do the same that you did with me and Radiant. I will make sure that you know how it feels having a close friend betray you by turning one of your friends against you,"
Sunset Shimmer used her magic to surround Star Twinkle in some kind of mist. She was most likely planning to turn him into a brainless zombie like the other students and wanted him to go up against Twilight and her friends.
The more magic Star Twinkle surrounded, the more he struggled. But it was no use. He couldn't get free. His friends also could only watch until Sunset Shimmer was finished. Eventually, Star Twinkle's ran out of energy to struggle anymore and closed his eyes. The magic that surrounded him felt weird. It didn't even hurt. In fact, it felt strange and familiar. Like a while back. As soon as Star Twinkle realized what it was he opened his eyes immediately. He let out a short scream and the magic around him vanished, setting him free from Sunset Shimmer but also letting him fall down to the ground much to his demise. But instead of falling, he was slowly descending to the ground.
He had wings. Two wings were on his back. He was able to grow two wings on his back just like in Equestria. Once he came in contact with Sunset Shimmer's magic, he somehow was able to use it to transform. He was surprised in this very moment. So was Twilight and her friends, not to mention Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Blast who had no idea what was going on at all. This confusion was perfect to take advantage of.
Compared to feet and two legs, wings were actually something that he was used to, making it easy to fly right at Sunset Shimmer. "Maybe if I remove the crown, then she turns back to normal?" He thought as he charged right at her. Luckily, Sunset Shimmer was too much in a shock to even realize what was happening right now and couldn't react in time.
Star Twinkle was dangerously close to Sunset Shimmer but just as he reached out his hand to grab the crown, Radiant Blast interfered and grabbed his arm, overpowering Star Twinkle and preventing him to get any closer. "You won't harm Sunset," Radiant Blast said threatening as he focused his eyes right on Star Twinkle.
Realizing that Star Twinkle was probably the only one who could be a threat for Sunset Shimmer, Radiant Blast pulled Star Twinkle away from her. He wanted to take care of him before things could get out of hand. He made sure to take Star Twinkle as far as way as possible from Sunset Shimmer so that she could take care of Twilight and the others.
"At first, I thought that you finally made the right choice. But then you crawled right back at her site!" Star Twinkle said as he kept flapping his wings flying on the same height as Radiant Blast.
"I'm doing the right thing!" Radiant Blast replied angrily. "I disappointed Sunset. I let her down. But I intend to not repeat that!"
"You are trying to put Equestria in danger!" Star Twinkle replied in the same angry manner than Radiant Blast.
"I'll do anything for a friend!" Radiant exclaimed. "You should do the same!" He then added.
Star Twinkle was not sure what he was getting at but he soon looked over to Twilight and the others and realized that Sunset Shimmer was still a danger to the others. Just now, he realized that Sunset Shimmer was attacking his friends. Star Twinkle was so occupied with Radiant Blast that he didn't even notice that the very friends that he cared so much about were in danger.
Sunset Shimmer shot a magic blast right at Twilight. Seeing this, instantly made Star Twinkle rush to her side but unfortunately, he was too late. Her friends managed to cover her before she got hit but Star Twinkle was not sure if they were okay at this moment. After the beam of magic connected, Sunset Shimmer began to laugh maniacally at her victory but she stopped once she noticed Twilight and the others surrounded by a light purple light. It was magic.
Twilight seemed confused about what happened at this moment but eventually, she figured it out and shared it with Sunset Shimmer. "The magic contained in my Element was able to unite with those that helped create it!" She explained.
Shortly after, the group began to transform. The girls all had pony ears growing on their heads and Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy began to grow wings on their backs. Their hair also grew a little longer, making it almost look like as if they had tails. Magic was covering the girls and Twilight was no longer afraid or nervous but rather confident to defeat Sunset Shimmer now. "Together with a crown, they create a power beyond anything you could imagine, but it is a power you don't have the ability to control! The crown may be upon your head, Sunset Shimmer, but you cannot wield it, because you do not possess the most powerful magic of all: the magic of friendship!"
Seconds later, a rainbow formed around the girls. The rainbow began to shot up into the air and flew down right at Sunset Shimmer. Sunset Shimmer stood no chance and was helplessly surrounded by the rainbow while screaming in fear. "No! What is happening?!" She said as she was slowly covered in the rainbow before it completely surrounded her.
"Sunset!" Radiant Blast screamed out as he saw Sunset Shimmer being attacked. He wanted to help but the shock left him paralyzed and helpless.
Soon, the light from the rainbow traveled to the other students and helped them to turn back to normal. Once that all was over, the girls laid on the ground exhausted and slowly began to stand up again. Sunset Shimmer was left in a crater that was created from the previous attack. Twilight got up again and walked up to Sunset Shimmer. "You will never rule in Equestria. Any power you may have had in this world is gone. Tonight, you've shown everyone who you really are. You've shown them what is in your heart," she said, as if she was scolding her for what she has done.
"She will rule over Equestria!" Radiant Blast exclaimed angrily towards Twilight, causing her to turn around to see what became of him. To her shocking surprise, Radiant Blast did not turn back to normal and was still in his demon-like form. Not only that but Star Twinkle laid on the ground right in front of him, seemingly hurt. "Stand away from her!" He advised as he focused some magic into his hand threatening to hurt Star Twinkle if Twilight would do something rash.
It was at this moment, when Sunset Shimmer got up again. She looked over to Radiant Blast and instead of having a happy smile on her face, like someone would expect from her by now. She looked over at him in worry, seeing him in this monstrous state, intending to do evil.
Twilight, of course, wanted to help but the closer she would get, the more in danger Star Twinkle would be. "Don't hurt him!" She said as she reached out her hand in concern.
"I won't if you let Sunset win! If it means to hurt your friends to get to that, then I will do that!" Radiant Blast explained further before he focused more magic in his hand, ready to fire at Star Twinkle any time who was not aware of any of that due to being half unconscious.
Sunset Shimmer was watching all this. She remembered the cheerful and easygoing Radiant Blast but right now, she only saw a monster. A monster that she created. Her lips began to tremble at the sight of that.
"Sunset worked so hard to get to this point...and she was so close to archive her goals. But then all of you came along and ruined everything!" Radiant Blast explained further, his magic getting even stronger in his hand. He was slowly consumed by anger and couldn't even control his next actions, causing him to snap. "No, I will take something away from you to show you how that feels!" He then exclaimed angrily before he pointed his hand to Star Twinkle on the ground, ready to fire at him.
"No!" A female voice then shouted, which Radiant Blast couldn't even identify due to his anger at the very moment. He figured that it was Twilight who was worried about Star Twinkle but that soon proved to be wrong. He felt someone on his back. Someone was hugging him from behind tightly. Once he turned his head around, he saw Sunset Shimmer who was crying as she hugged her friend. "Stop...Radiant...please stop..." she said quietly in an ashamed tone in her voice.
It didn't take long for Radiant Blast to feel bad now. He wondered if he was the reason why she cried right now. His eyes began to tear up seeing Sunset Shimmer like that and he turned his head around again. A bright light emerged from him. The light soon removed the demonic appearance from him and turned him back to normal. "Sorry..." he then said quietly, causing Sunset Shimmer to finally release him. He turned around to face Sunset Shimmer and smiled the way how she always remembered him.
However, their "reunion" was interrupted by Twilight and the others who walked up to the two. This caused Radiant Blast to place himself right between them and Sunset Shimmer so that he could protect her. But of course, neither Twilight or her friends were out for more fighting.
"You two...The magic of friendship doesn't just exist in Equestria. It's everywhere. It's not too late for you to seek it out, instead of trying to control or driving everybody apart," Twilight advised in a warm voice, trying to come up to the two.
Sunset Shimmer was not sure if that was possible in her case. "But... But all I've ever done since being here is drive everyone apart. I don't know the first thing about friendship," she said frustrated.
"Do you?" Star Twinkle then spoke up before he got up to his feet again while looking at Radiant Blast. "I think you do," he added with a smile.
"And if you have any more questions, then I bet they can teach you as well," Twilight said, hinting at her friends who stood right behind her.
Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Blast looked at each other after realizing that it was not just the two now. Sunset Shimmer was not wrong. Until now, she didn't seem to care much about friendship. That somehow caused her to not notice how Radiant Blast was always at her side. It was just now that she realized that.
Spike eventually, decided to lighten up the mood a little. "Those are my girls! Woo-hoo!" He then cheerfully said.
This worlds version of Steel Hammer then showed up, happy about how everything went out well. "Well, looks like there will be some repairs around the school because of this mess but hopefully...wait! Did that dog just talk!?" He asked in surprise after just now realizing that.
Spike was questioning how that was the thing that confused at this moment.
Soon, Principal Celestia walked up to Twilight to finally return her crown. "I believe this belongs to you," she said before she presented the crown to Twilight, causing her to kneel down. "A true princess in any world leads not by forcing others to bow before her, but by inspiring others to stand with her. We have all seen that you are capable of just that. I hope you see it too, Princess Twilight,"
Twilight opened her eyes and looked over at her friends. She knew what Principal Celestia was getting at and fully understood it already. "I do," she still said in gratitude.
The students began to cheer. The fight was over and Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Blast were dealt with. There was nothing to worry about. Except for maybe the time that was left in this world. Though it was short, there was still some time left to enjoy the party for a while. The group went back to the school and enjoyed every minute of the dance. In Star Twinkle's case this, of course, meant to stand in the corner somewhere, patiently waiting for the party to be over.
"Hey," a voice then said, causing him to turn around. It was Radiant Blast who was accompanied by Sunset Shimmer. Both of them looked really embarrassed to even show themselves at the party but judging from how Radiant Blast came up to Star Twinkle, they wanted to speak with him about something important. Radiant Blast at first struggled a little to get his words out but eventually, said what he wanted to say. "I...we...just wanted to say sorry. For everything," he said while he rubbed his head while Sunset Shimmer nodded along to that.
Star Twinkle could tell that Radiant Blast was sincere about his apology and accepted. "Don't worry about it," he replied happily.
Sunset Shimmer eventually spoke up as well, feeling mainly responsible for everything that happened so far. "I hope it's not too late to make for everything I've done..." she said ashamed.
Sunset Shimmer couldn't even bring herself to look at Star Twinkle while saying that. It was pretty obvious that she was taking all those things to heart and that she was sorry. Star Twinkle was not sure what exactly was causing her to do all those things but he also didn't care too much about that since she was regretting it by now. He truly believed that she wanted to change. He already met some ponies in Equestria who tried to change as well and could tell that she was not lying.
"I don't think it is too late for that as long as you mean it," Star Twinkle replied, clearly speaking from experience.
The two left after receiving those words. They felt still a little ashamed to talk to Star Twinkle about that which again brought out the question why they talked to him in the first place out of all people. But before he could even get to that question in his mind, another person walked up to him. This time it was Twilight.
"Enjoying the party, Star Twinkle?" She asked with a smile on her face.
"Can't you see?" Star Twinkle jokingly replied. He clearly referred to him just standing somewhere in the corner.
"I know, I know...too crowded, right?" Twilight asked as she began walking next to Star Twinkle. "How about a dance to distract you?" Twilight offered.
This question caught Star Twinkle a little off guard. He needed to come up with an excuse. "I'm not really a good dancer...especially with those legs..." Star Twinkle replied a little embarrassed.
"I'm sure there are worse dancers out there," Twilight replied to which Star Twinkle could reply easily after seeing how Twilight was dancing. But Twilight really wanted Star Twinkle to go and dance with her and would not give up so easily. "So you want a princess to dance all on her own?" She teasingly said. But Star Twinkle easily saw through this.
"Didn't that one guy asked you to dance with you before?" Star Twinkle asked, referring to the guy who asked him before for an "allowance" to dance with Twilight.
"He did. But he is also playing in the band that plays the music for this dance. The others are all dancing with someone and you are the only one who is free so I thought..." the longer her words kept going, the more she got quieter and embarrassed to ask Star Twinkle.
Star Twinkle noticed and tried to not make it any harder for Twilight and finally agreed and walked towards the middle of the room. "You better watch out for your feet..." he warned.
Twilight followed him happily and the two began dancing. As usual, Twilight's dance style was really weird. She was dancing on her hands and feet and randomly kicked around as if she was still a pony. Even if she wasn't in this form, it would still look really weird as a pony. But Star Twinkle didn't say anything to that and just went along, even imitating some of her dance moves. Though he was embarrassed a little, the fact that he was about to leave this world made it better. Even if someone would see him dance like that, he wouldn't have to worry about someone thinking that he was weird since he would see this someone for a while.
Time was running out for Star Twinkle, Twilight, and Spike. Only minutes were left until the portal would close and the three had to go through it soon. Of course, there was still enough time to say their goodbyes to the girls. Star Twinkle was sad but he tried to not to show too much of it, Twilight, however, had tears running down on her cheeks even before she said anything. "I know we've only been friends for a short time, but I'm gonna miss all of you so much,"
Star Twinkle didn't to ruin this moment but he had to remember Twilight about how time was getting short. "We better get going," he said which caused Twilight to turn around and walk up to the mirror. She, Star Twinkle and Spike were ready to leave this world and return to Equestria.
They all looked at each other without saying anything for a moment and then stepped into the mirror. For some reason, the trip was not as weird like before when they left Equestria. They also didn't land on the other site with their faces on the ground which was already a good sign. Though, once they came out of the other site, they instantly walked on their hind legs. Walking on all four was certainly something they had to get used too again.
"Twilight! Star Twinkle! Spike" A bunch of female voices said once they arrived on the other site again.
It was only then, that they realized how everypony was greeting them already. They must have waited there for a while for Star Twinkle's and Twilight's return. The girls came rushing towards the two, some of them had tears in their eyes and some of them instantly noticing that Twilight's crown was back as well.
"I knew you could do it!" Pinkie Pie said as she hugged Star Twinkle and Twilight at the same time.
"Oh, we were so worried," Applejack added, whipping some tears away from her eyes.
Princess Celestia was glad to see the two back as well but she also wanted to make sure about something else. "Sunset Shimmer and Radiant Blast, are they alright?" She asked curiously but yet worried.
"I think they gonna be fine. We left them in good hands," Twilight replied happily.
However, the girls didn't quite understand what the last term meant and got confused. "What are hands?" Rainbow Dash asked confused.
It was obvious that there was a lot of explaining to do which Star Twinkle wasn't exactly looking forward to since he just wanted to go home but he figured that there was avoiding that for a while. He didn't saw his friends for three days now so he just accepted it.
When they left the mirror room, they were bombarded with questions of how it looked like on the other site or where they lived and what they did. Questions that were answered one by one. As Twilight was answering one question after another, she accidentally bumped into a member of the Royal Guard. It was a Pegasus stallion with an orange coat and blue eyes. He quickly helped Twilight up again and apologized "We've got to stop bumping into each other like this,"
"Yeah...he he," Twilight replied a little embarrassed as she got up again. The Guard walked past the group and once he was out of sight, she asked Princess Cadance who it was.
"He's a new member of the castle guard. Flash Sentry, I think," Princess Cadance replied. "Why? Do you know him?" She asked further.
"Not exactly. I think..." Twilight replied a little confused herself.
"Now that you mention it..." Star Twinkle joined in. "He does look kind of familiar,"
"I wonder why?" Twilight said with her eyes narrowed confused.
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie spoke up raining down some words that left Star Twinkle, Twilight and Spike speechless. "Does he totally remind you of a guy you met in the other world who played guitar, was in a band, and helped prove you didn't destroy all the decorations for a big dance, so you could still run for princess of the big dance, and then asked you to dance at that dance?! Right?"
She pretty much summed up what happened on the other side. Without even being there...technically...
"How did you know that?" Star Twinkle and Twilight both said in unison, heavily confused.
"Just a hunch!" Pinkie Pie replied casually followed with a smile.
There was no way that anyone could explain this. But that doesn't matter. Star Twinkle could only look at each other confused, yet amused. "Well, and here I thought things in the other world were weird..." Star Twinkle said before he continued walking through the hallway of the Crystal Castle.
Whether it was weird in this or any other world, just now he was happy to be home with his friends. And that is certainly something to be happy about...
...The end... |
Anon's Rainbooms of the Seven Seas | pre | Starlight pointed at the chemical at the table, gaining her attention. To Twilight's surprise, it was the...
"Wait," said Twilight as she used her magic to pull the vial to her, "This was the chemical compound that Anon was gonna use to combine them with the medicine."
"But if that's there, then what..."
The two of them looked at the vial and picked it up. They saw it had the same label. However, ...
"Wait, this label's a fake." Said Starlight.
"But what kind of chemical...?" said Twilight as she used her magic to peel it off.
The two of them saw a symbol on it, a symbol they had hoped it wasn't, but it was. The two of them gasped in shock as they realized what it was.
"That's the same ones that Smolder drank by accident!!" said Starlight in shock.
Twilight teleported away, then came back frantically, "Somepony took the chemical from the vault we locked up!!"
"But if Anon mixed that in the chemical without anyone noticing, then that means...!!" said Starlight.
The two of them dreaded and slowly looked at one another.
"We've gotta warn Anon!!" said Starlight.
"We can't, we don't know if they packed in their journals!!" said Twilight. "Starlight, you need to go to that cruise and stop them immediately!!"
"But how?!!" said Starlight in worry.
Twilight then thought about it, then instantly teleported, then came back with a bag.
"This is the ones we'll use for emergency!!" said Twilight, "If that ship somehow took off, then use it to find another means of transportation!! And get there as fast as you can!!"
"On it!!" said Starlight as she grabbed it and ran towards the mirror portal.
"And pray none of the girls took it." Said Twilight in worry.
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Within an hour, Starlight had arrived in the human world in her human form. She frantically looked around, trying to find a means of transportation. She saw that there was a taxi and quickly climbed onboard and paid with the coin that Starlight used as they quickly sped towards the docks.
But as she arrived, she ran towards the docks, and to her shock, she was already too late, the ship had taken off and was already too far away. She panicked, wondering what she would do next. She then looked to the side and saw a person working at the docks.
"Excuse me?!" said Starlight in panic as the guy looked at her. "Is there a way to get to that ship, I missed my departure!!"
"There might be," said the guy, "If you're willing to..."
"I'll give you half of what's inside." Said Starlight as she presented it, which surprised him.
"Okay then," said the guy, "Thankfully I'm the pilot of a helicopter, and I just so happen am going to take some supplies there on the last minute."
"How long will it take?" asked Starlight.
"At least about fourteen hours." Said the guy, "Don't worry, we'll be there before you know it."
As the guy left, Starlight stood there in worry.
"I hope so," she muttered, "I just hope that I'm not too late." |
Anon's Rainbooms of the Seven Seas | Chapter 3: The Apple of my Eye part 1 | About an hour before Starlight arrived at the docks, Anon and the Rainbooms were on the side of the ship as all of them had departed. Everyone was smiling and enjoying the side of the ship.
"You know," said Anon, "No matter how many times I watched the ocean, I've always dreamed of going on a cruise."
"You've never been on a cruise before?" asked Sunset.
"Not really." Said Anon, "When I was at the human world, I always wanted to, but my family couldn't afford it because of how expensive cruises are, even after I grew up I couldn't afford it either. And neither could I afford it during my time in Equestria. But after I saved a bit, glad I was able to fulfill something I always wanted to do on my bucket list. Thanks again for inviting me."
"We should thank you darling," said Rarity, "For paying our new rooms in a private floor where no one else would dare to enter unless they have access."
"Yeah, thanks dude." Said Rainbow.
"Although," said Anon as he looked at her, "Are you sure you won't use your geode for this?"
"I promise I won't." said Rainbow whilst rolling her eyes.
"Are you sure?" asked Anon with a flexed eyebrow.
"Yes." Said Rainbow.
"Pinkie Promise."
Rainbow groaned and said, "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
"And just so you know, you can never break it." Said Anon, then deadpanned and said, "Trust me, I learned the hard way."
"I'm afraid to ask." Said Fluttershy.
Anon then whispered to the girls of what happened when he first broke the promise. Once he was done, all of them had their eyes widen in shock.
"She did that?!" exclaimed the girls.
"As Big Mac would say, Eeyup." Said Anon.
"That does sound like something I would do." Said Pinkie Pie.
They then heard groaning, which was from Applejack as her face was now green. Causing all of them to know.
"Oh boy, the seasickness is kicking in." said Twilight.
"I assume you didn't take it?" asked Anon.
"Ah don't need..." said Applejack before she bulged a bit. "Bathroom!!"
Applejack rushed back to her room for the bathroom, which Anon said, "Knew she was going to say that."
"Yeesh, I would've thought she'd learn her lesson some time ago." Said Rainbow.
"Oh, she will." Said Pinkie Pie, "She wouldn't dare miss out Spring Break again, not after what happened last time."
"Don't remind me." Said Twilight whilst rolling her eyes.
"Well, whilst we wait for her, why don't all of us try to enjoy the activities on the ship?" said Anon, "After that, we can rendezvous for dinner tonight."
"Good idea," said Sunset, "We've been meaning to explore the ship ever since we heard about it."
"I'll see all of you, later, I have got to see the gift shops." Said Rarity.
One by one as all of them head off, Anon then thought about Applejack, and said, "I really hope she takes the medicine. I don't want her to miss out on anything."
***************************************************************************************************
Fifteen minutes later, Applejack was back in her room and let out the contents of her, ahem, stomach into the bathroom. She then stepped out whilst wiping her mouth a bit.
"Consarn it." Muttered Applejack. "Why in tarnation did ah have to have this dadgum seasick problem? Why couldn't ah have the non-seasick problem like mah counterpart?"
She then noticed the medicine on her bed lamp table, the one Anon gave her. She groaned a bit at the sight.
"Ah don't need the..."
She then went green again, and said, "Ah really don't wanna ruin things for the girls because of it."
Applejack then took another look at it. Anon did make it, and he did help her friends out when they were monsters, as well as him helping them with their schoolwork. She couldn't help but groan a bit, for she did owe him for that.
"Ugh, fine," said a queasy Applejack as she took the medication that Anon gave her in case of her seasickness. "Ah made a mistake of not takin mah medicine on the last cruise. No way ah'm missin' out because of my dadgum stomach."
Applejack opened the packet and took out the pill. She looked at it and it looked normal. "Well, Anon did made it, and ah do kinda owe him for that, ahem, incident."
She took the pill and swallowed it with a bit of water. She breathed a bit, for she really hoped it would work like he said. When all of a sudden, she felt something at her stomach, causing her to look down, and noticed she didn't feel queasy anymore.
"Hey, wadda ya know, it worked." Said Applejack as she felt excited. "Ah don't feel seasick anymore, this is great!!"
However, from within her stomach, the pill she swallowed suddenly began to glow, and its contents began to spread throughout her stomach, which will soon work her way through her body.
"Now what can ah do fi..." said Applejack before she was cut off.
She heard the sound of growling and looked down. She both noticed and felt her stomach was growling.
"Huh, ah can't be hungry already." Said a confused Applejack.
Suddenly, she noticed her stomach was sort of getting a little bloated and suddenly moved whilst sounding...like a buzzing sound?
"Uh, what's goin on?" said a concerned Applejack.
Suddenly her stomach began to move rapidly fast whilst spinning and still buzzing whilst her body was moving up and down, barely having a hard time trying not to move.
"What in tarnation?!" exclaimed Applejack.
Suddenly she trembled and something unexpected happened. Her posterior began to be thick and luscious, her breast became a GG-Cup, her figure became an hourglass figure, and she grew from 5.7 to 6.5, that of a tall adult, and her hair was a bit longer too. The transformation stopped, causing her to shake her head and spoke with an alluring country accent, well, twice as alluring as her original.
"Whoa, what in tarnation was that?" said Applejack as she looked around. She looked out of the ship and said, "Oh my, it seems like ah'm on a cruise."
She then looked at the pills on the table and picked it up. She took a sniff at it, and smirked.
"Mmmm, and it seems a certain hunk of a man is on this ship." Said Applejack, "Ah recognize that scent anywhere."
She looked at herself and said, "Though ah can't show up like this. Ah need to make mahself presentable."
She looked at the phone and had an idea. She walked over to it and picked it up, and said, "Hello, room service?"
*****************************************************************************************************
Back on one of the levels of the ship, Anon was busy looking around the ship to see what they have available. For what was surprising that it has everything. Movies, art shows, arcades, gyms, petting zoos and so on. From what he read from the cruise guide book, the ship was fully operational last year, and because of the performance it gave, the ship received a ton of awards for it. But the first-class ones is where it's the best.
Though he would like nothing more than to spend time in first class, he'd rather see what the rest of the cruise had to offer.
"I have to admit, I'm very impressed by the ship. It has everything onboard." Said Anon, but looked puzzled at the title whilst saying, "Though I don't know why they had to name everything after Equestria. I mean, come on, Equestrian Getaway, that's just lazy thinking."
However, Beau smelled something as the scent of food caught his attention. He looked to his left and saw that the place has a Western themed bar and grill, which he was surprised. For he hadn't been to a place like that in a long time. But he looked at the time and sees that it's still nine in the morning.
"Meh, it's one O clock, somewhere." Said Anon as he walked inside.
He then walked over and sat near one of the chairs. He then signaled the bartender that he would like some ginger ale, to which he complied and poured him some.
"Wish I could get a proper drink," said Anon, "But I forget that I'm a senior in this world, and I don't know what the age you can drink. Sometimes the laws are always so hard to follow nowadays. Then again, I wasn't allowed to drink in Equestria either because I had to go through tons of testing to see if I was the right age."
Unknown to him, someone had entered the bar in a getup that gained a few people's attention. She then began to sit down on the chair next to him.
Anon then remembered back in Equestria when he overheard Twilight's counterpart apologizing. He sighed and said, "I want to believe her, I really do. But...how the heck can I trust someone who abused my trust...twice."
"Trouble in paradise partner?"
Anon looked at her and was surprised to see what he was seeing.
He sees a girl, who was wearing what appeared to be cowboy boots, whilst wearing blue denim short pants, a red shirt whilst trying to contain her breasts, but also showed her belly button, and a white hat.
It was none other than Applejack, but Anon didn't recognize her.
Anon's pervy instincts nearly kicked in, but he remembered where he was and tried to act normal.
"You could say that." Said Anon. "A friend of mine wants me to forgive another. But how can I do that when she betrayed my trust like that? Pff, and calling my notes rubbish. I mean, come on, I got a Master's degree in chemistry, and she thinks the stuff I made up is rubbish. Like I'm gonna take advise from a chick who messed up more than I did."
"Ah can see why you would feel that way, sugar." Said Applejack whilst scooting over closer to him. "Ah'm sure yer friend didn't mean any harm. I mean, you may said you're talented in what you do, but none of them came from the place you came from, and none of them knew what you did to make them work."
"I guess." Said Anon, "But she could've at least consulted me with this."
"Ah may not be an expert in this who friendship thing, but maybe the best thing to do is to talk things out. Ah mean you never might know."
Anon then sighed and said, "I'll think about it. Maybe when I have something to eat."
"Are y'all sure? At past Nine in the morning?" asked Applejack curiously.
"Hey, it's one O clock, somewhere." Said Anon as he stood up, but felt Applejack holding her hand.
"Would it be okay if ah joined ya?" asked Applejack, "Y'all look like y'all could use some company."
Anon was surprised how strong she felt, but in a good way, and in a way, he's feeling turned on after feeling it.
"Uh...sure." Said Anon whilst blushing, but tried his best to composure himself.
********************************************************************************************************
The two of them felt greatly relieved of eating so much food after eating a large plate of Ribs and Wings, especially downing a large bottle of apple fizzy cider.
"Howee, never felt this satisfied before." Said Applejack.
"I know what you mean." Said Anon, "I've never tasted anything this great before.", then he thought, 'Then again, I lived in a world full of talking ponies that don't like the idea of someone eating meat, as it would look greatly disturbed for ponykind.'
Applejack then saw something at the corner, and saw what looked like a mechanical bull. Applejack then looked at Anon with a smirk.
"Tell ya what partner?" asked Applejack, "How about a little wager?"
"What kind?" asked Anon confusingly.
"How about we takt that there bull there a spin?" said Applejack, "Loser has to do what the other one says."
Anon took a good look at the bull, then to Applejack.
"Are you sure?" asked Anon.
"Ah'm positive." Said Applejack. She then stood up and walked over to him and stood on one knee. She secretly went under his shirt and rubbed against his chest, making him blush madly. "So...what do y'all say?"
Anon was feeling really turned on from this. He had to admit, he didn't feel this turned on since that incident with Smolder. He wanted to decline, but...god her hand against his chest feels amazing.
"Uh...O-o-okay." Stuttered Anon.
"Great." Said Applejack as she took his hand and went straight for the mechanical bull. The moment she stood near it, Applejack asked, "Why don't y'all go first. That way, ah can see you in action."
"Uh, sure." Said Anon. as he went first.
He then climbed onto the bull. But he decided to go the medium option, he's not really ready for the hardest setting yet. He climbed onboard and signaled the operator that he was ready. The Operator activated the bull, allowing it to move, with Anon moving up and about crazily, with him sort of panicking as he had never done this before, whilst at the same time, he was hanging on for dear life. Those watching were cheering him on, even Applejack, which in a way, Anon couldn't help but smile.
After much riding, he finally climbed down with his legs a bit shaky. Applejack playfully went over to him.
"So how was it, sugar?" asked Applejack.
"That was...very enjoyable." Said Anon with a smile, until Applejack hugged him, with his face between her breasts.
"Ah'm so proud of you!!" said Applejack, whilst Anon was feeling greatly flustered at the same time.
"Uh, thanks." Said Anon whilst feeling greatly nervous at the same time.
"Now then, let me show ya how ah do it." Said Applejack as she went over to the mechanical bull.
Applejack went over and set it on its hardest setting, which should be a surprise, because nobody has seen it do it. The moment Applejack climbed onboard, the Operator activated the bull, allowing it to move wild and crazy, with her body moving into motion, causing everyone to cheer for her as they saw how wild and crazy she was going with this. However, Anon was mostly distracted by watching her hips and her breasts shaking, which left him strangely hard below his belt.
After Applejack was done, she climbed off and walked over to him with a smirk on her face.
"So," said Applejack as she was now looking right into her eyes whilst she was partially bending over, "How did I do?"
"That. Was. Amazing!!" exclaimed Anon loudly, "I've never seen anyone ride a bull like that!! You're amazing!!"
"Aw, now y'all are making me blush." Said Applejack, but then smirked and said, "But remember our little bet?"
Anon then remembered what she said.
"Oh, right." Said Anon, wondering what this woman wanted with her.
"Follow me now." Said Applejack as she pulled Anon away, but thankfully, he paid the bill before they did anything else.
The two of them were outside and in a corner where no one else was watching them.
"Now then," said Anon as he looked at her, and asked, "What's all this...?"
Suddenly, Applejack was holding onto Anon's face, whilst having that lustful look in her eyes.
"Oh, sugar." Said Applejack, "I've been looking for a man like you for some time."
Anon did a double take and said, "I'm sorry, wha...?"
Before Anon could react, Applejack placed her lips against Anon, forehead, which surprised him a bit before releasing it. Anon wanted to kiss her back on the lips, but she kept pulling it back, which confused him.
"Is something wrong?" asked Anon, "Why don't you wanna kiss back?"
"Oh, sorry sugar." Said the cowgirl, "Ah was told when ah was little that the mouth tends to be the dirtiest place, and it sort of stuck to me."
Anon was confused. "Okay, one, that's ridiculous. And two, I think she meant by that the mouth is dirty when we say bad words, like fuck and all that."
Now she was getting it, which made her blush. "Now ah feel silly."
"Oh, I can fix that." Said Anon.
Anon then grabbed her head and placed his lips against hers, which greatly surprised her. Now seeing the joys in kissing, one full on the mouth, she returned it in kind by closing her eyes.
To feel the softness of her lips against his. For in a way, this is very amazing. It should feel wrong for him, but it had been such a long time since he had kissed a human on the lips. The lips of the ponies, Smolder, and Ember were one thing, but he missed feeling the lips of a human, for it had been a long time since he had been sent to Equestria.
No longer being able to handle it, Anon instantly placed his hands around her and pulled her close. Excuse the language, but god he missed those types of lips. And it seems the girl whom he's kissing doesn't seem to mind. Wanting to test it further, he slowly placed both his hands in different parts of her body. One on her posterior, and the other on her breast, making her moan as she was placing her tongue inside of him, which he did the same.
They then broke the kiss before slowly looking at one another.
"Why don't we take a walk for a bit?" asked Applejack, "After that, we can do something...very private."
Anon blushed at that again, but nodded all the same, allowing the said girl to take Anon for the walk.
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After that long walk, Applejack and Anon went to the elevator.
'Wow, why am I so nervous?' thought Anon. For no one, not even his time on earth, brought him to their apartment, especially from any girl. But this is greatly new. Now he is really nervous. 'I hope I don't mess things up.'
Applejack looked Anon and smiled. 'He's so cute when he's nervous.' Said Applejack within her thoughts.
The two of them entered the elevator. Just before Applejack could press the button, she looked at Anon and asked, "Would y'all mind close yer eyes. Ah'd like to lead you to mah room. Wouldn't wanna spoil the surprise."
"Uh, yeah, sure." Said Anon as he closed his eyes and leaned against the wall.
Applejack pressed the button, which would lead them to their suite rooms, with Anon having no idea, considering Applejack asked him to close his eyes. They waited for a bit in the elevator, until they eventually reached their floor. The doors soon opened, allowing Applejack to slowly hold his hands. She guided him whilst he kept his eyes closed. Soon enough, she reached his room and used her keycard to open it, allowing her to guide him inside and locked it, to make sure that nobody opens it and disturbs them.
She then guide him to the middle of the room, whilst she went over to the sink and took what appeared to be a birth control pill whilst swallowing it at the same time. She walked over to him and spoke, "Alright now, sugar, you can open your eyes."
Anon opened his eyes and was surprised to see he was in a fancy room. He didn't know this was Applejack's room, and assumed one of the other ships had a higher upgrade than this.
"Wow, nice place." Said Anon.
"Thank ya kindly." Said Applejack.
"A-anyway, how do you want to do this?" asked Anon.
"Oh, ah don't know much." Said Applejack as she leaned in closer and kissed him on the lips, which turned him on as he could feel himself being aroused at the same time. She then slowly lifted her shirt up, revealing her GG breasts. "Buy why don't y'all come here so that ah can give ya some real sugar?"
Anon blushed madly for seeing her like this as he saw her breasts. Once again, his perverted nature took over, which confused Applejack.
"Hang on," said Anon, "Before you do, let me do something first."
Anon pulled out what appeared to be a stone, which confused her.
"I kept this stone with me just in case," said Anon, "A friend of mine told me that this would allow me to show my real body and age. She told me that in her world's years, she looks a lot older than she looks, whilst coming here made her look like a teen. And seeing that I'm turning thirty this year."
Anon used the stone on himself and within mere moments, he was now back to his original height and age, which surprised Applejack, especially the muscle tone he has.
"Oh my," said Applejack whilst she was blushing, "Y'all ain't all that bad lookin'."
"Thanks." Said Anon as he placed the stone back in his pocket and walked over to her with a smirk and said, "Now then...where were we?"
Anon instantly lunges at her, pressing his lips against hers, whilst also slipping his tongue into her mouth, whilst his left hand was groping against her one breast, whilst his right hand was groping against her right ass cheek. This in turn made her moan as she suddenly felt her being against the wall. And as she did, she ended up wrapping her right leg over him so that she could pull him closer.
As their lips continued to be engaged with one another, Anon grabbed Applejack's posterior, making her moan deeply as she was really getting into it. Applejack then caressed Anon's hair and grabbed his ass, hungrily kissing him back as she wanted him that bad.
Normally he didn't like the idea of someone groping his posterior, but Anon didn't mind, for somehow he liked it when a woman does that. Whilst the two of them were making out, Anon was able to stand up as he and Applejack continued to strip one another, until both of them were completely bare for one another to see.
"Oh my," said Applejack whilst she was staring at Anon's member, "Y'all certainly know how to pack it well."
"Would you like a go at it?" asked Anon.
"By all means, Sugar." Said Applejack as she pushed Anon, causing him to sit on the bed, with Applejack walking over to him as she stood on her knees. She held onto Anon's member and swirled her tongue around his member, which in turned caused Anon to moan at the same time.
Anon tried his best to keep his moan under control, but it wasn't any use. Applejack had full control over him and she planned on making him squirm no matter how badly he wanted it. And if Anon was honest, it's just the way he liked it. Applejack doubled the pleasure when he felt her two, large GG breasts against his manhood. Anon enjoyed the massage from the country girl. This in turn made him sort of a moaning mess.
"Wait," said Anon as he made her stop, making her look at him, "Let me pleasure you. For a gal like yourself deserve some special treatment."
Applejack couldn't help but smile at that and stood up. Suddenly, he grabbed her and turned her around, to make sure her back was facing the bed. Before she could react, Anon began to slowly stand on his knees and grabbed Applejack's posterior and soon placed his tongue into her special womanhood, making Applejack take a breath, shivering from having her now wet vulva being played with. Anon continued to eat her out, causing her cheeks to be redder as she continued to enjoy every moment of it.
"Sweet fucking Apples!!" exclaimed Applejack, "Yer full of surprises Sugar!! Don't stop!! Eat me up!!"
Applejack continued to squirm under Anon's touch.
Anon continues to eat Applejack out as she was now very horny. Her juices tasted like Apples for some reason as he continues to drive his tongue deeper into her canals, whilst also continued to grope her ass with a fiery passion.
"You're enjoying my ass, aren't you?!" teased Applejack.
As he kept going, Applejack's insides soon got tighter, clamping all around his tongue, ready to cum. Applejack's breathing was getting heavy and her moaning was growing slightly louder. And Anon was able to get to her sweet spots. Within mere moments, Applejack cummed into his mouth as he was able to drink her out.
After he released from her mouth, Applejack's legs felt wobbly, but Anon was able to hold her up whilst he looked at her face to face whilst she had a blissful smile. It didn't even help much that he was kissing her full on the lips before breaking it.
"Care for the next course?" teased Anon.
"Sugar, give it all to me." Said Applejack.
"Good." Said Anon as he guided her to the wall, making her place her hands against the wall, as if he was planning something. "Now hold really still there."
"Now hold completely still." Said Anon whilst he placed his hand on her waist to guide her.
"Ah, now we're talkin." Said Applejack in a seductive manner.
Anon approached her with one hand on her hip, the other guiding his erection between her cheeks, where he probed her swollen lips, spreading her moisture onto his length to re-lubricate it.
Once Anon was all slicked up and ready to enter, he placed the tip between her lips and lunged forward. Ramming her soft halves apart, Anon glided into her, feeling her intense heat and supple tightness envelope him as he pushed forward, stopping only when her posterior mashed against his lap and every inch of him had disappeared inside her.
"Whuuuh!" gasped Applejack, staggering forward slightly, and letting her temple rest against the wall, her eyes wide with shock. This position allowed a much deeper penetration than before, and it was evident on Applejack's face that having her body filled with such a hard, tremendous girth like this was overwhelming, but also breathtakingly wonderful.
Anon began to thrust in her, slapping his hips against her posterior, which created a wet slap between them.
"Oh, yeah." she moaned, letting her forehead rest against the wall as Anon held her by the hips and began to thrust into her hot, tight flesh, serving up wave after wave of mutual pleasure for them to share, each stroke more exciting than the last. "Mmmmmmm!" She bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut, unable to believe that her body could contain such an object, but it did, and it liked it!
She absolutely loved it. The depths reached inside her was almost unnerving, and the girth displaced her to a point where she thought it might tear her apart if it was any bigger, but she found herself quickly getting used to it.
"Oh man," she huffed as her knees began to buckle under the immense sensation, which had begun a steady incline by then, carrying her straight into that first climax. "That's gonna...ohm, that's gonna do it, partner...keep that goin!"
Anon maintained a silent pace, plunging his entire length into her slowly clenching interior, feeling her body stiffening, her back arching as she prepared to receive that first explosion of euphoria from between her legs.
Anon kept holding her hips tightly, using them to pull her into his thrusts, being careful to remember that he couldn't be as rough as he wanted like he could with any girl.
It wasn't long before the first orgasm took her, and her flesh began its vigorous, pulsating dance across my entire length, racking her body with exhilarating waves of the most satisfying delight imaginable.
"Ahhh, that's it! Right there!" she cried, her voice higher and shriller than I'd ever heard it, giving me the drive to continue drilling into her quivering flesh, relishing the thrilling effect I was having on her body.
Within mere moments, she climaxed, making her moan loudly whilst her legs were shaking a bit. Anon was able to take his manhood out of her, and before she fell over, Anon quickly caught her, and lifted her up whilst making to the bed at the same time. Just as Anon was about to sit down...
"Again," muttered Applejack, surprising Anon, "Ah wanna go again."
"Alright then, if that's what you want." Said Anon, "So how do you...?"
Applejack then sat on his lap whilst positioning her womanhood over his manhood, whilst leaving him flustered as she was now being straighter forward.
Anon felt the weight and softness of Applejack's butt press down on top his lap, whilst Applejack began to flaunt her naked body in all its glory whilst her breasts jiggled as he smooth and shiny six pack could be seen, whilst her hair was loosened and no longer a ponytail.
"Why don't Ah' show ya what Ah' can do, then you can see if Ah'm a goddess or not," said Applejack, in a seductive tone.
Applejack took Anon's entire length within her tight, wet cunt and starts riding Anon, moaning seductively. And upon instinct, Anon raised his right hand and gave AJ's enormous ass cheeks a hard smack, causing them to jiggle and ripple from the impact.
"AH!!! You must really love mah apples, don'tcha, handsome?" she asks while leaning down and pressing her breasts onto his chest, her face just inches from his.
"Can you blame me? Your ass feels so good in my hands. You might say I crave it," Inferno growls in a sultry way.
"Then keep grabbing' away, love," She urges before pressing lips onto his whilst she keeps her rhythm on his manhood. Anon continues to grope Applejack's posterior whilst she moans into the kiss and gyrates her hips in circles.
The two continued to 'roughhouse' for who knows how long, but they didn't care. Soon Anon began thrusting his hips upwards, causing Applejack to moan uncontrollably as the force behind his thrusts shook her whole body and made her posterior jiggle and bounce repeatedly. Anon eventually takes control over Applejack whilst keeping her on top of him. His hips thrust upwards while his hands held onto her posterior.
"Ahh! So big! Can't... think... straight! Mah... Mah pussy's... being stretched farther! Ah... Ah might cum soon!" Anon heard Applejack moan, her eyes shooting up with every thrust and her tongue lolled out.
She embraces it by hugging Anon tightly, not bothering to let go. Inferno eagerly chuckles and pumps his manhood inside her faster.
He puts all his energy and strength in his thrusts, which had Applejack feeling numb all across her lower body and moaning non-stop, especially when Anon never kept his hands off of her posterior.
Anon soon releases his load inside of Applejack, making her moan loudly as she couldn't get enough of it.
Applejack went limp as her lower body felt numb. She also panted a bit whilst smiling at the same time. Anon was able to pull his manhood out and gently placed her at the center of the bed.
"Whoa, that was amazing." Said Anon, whilst rubbing his head. But then he realized he was bald, making him pout a bit and said, "I wish I still had my hair."
Anon then held a brochure that he pulled out of his pants before he removed it.
"Alright, let's see." Said Anon, "There's still enough to do for today. And right now, wow, it's only about 10AM. I guess I still have time to..."
Anon suddenly heard Applejack moan, then looked at her. He realized that she was still awake and whilst his hand was on one of her breasts, he couldn't help but be curious. He moved his hand over to her womanhood. When he rubbed it, she moaned again. He realized that she still has energy in her, making him smirk.
"So, you still have some energy, huh?" said Anon as he positioned himself over her, with his manhood now over at her special spot.
"Well then," said Anon, "I guess we can call this the third and final round."
Applejack gasped as she felt Anon's manhood go inside of her whilst her back was still on the bed. If you were from the audience, and you were hiding below the bed, you would see Applejack's posterior being lowered, then go back out. This process went on over and over slowly as Anon was now getting more and more used to it.
"Ooooh. Bad boy." Muttered Applejack.
"Get ready for the ride of your life, cowgirl." Said Anon as he was really getting into it.
Anon continued to move faster whilst he moved his hips in deeper into Applejack's love tunnel, whilst also groping her at the same time.
"Oh, mah stars, y'all know how to move." Said Applejack.
"Yeah, I'm about to ride the wildest bronco of my life." Said Anon.
Anon continued to move his hips with great speed whilst at the same time pinning her on the bed to make sure she didn't go anywhere, though given how she can't move because her energy has been spent, she couldn't move anyway. Not that she was complaining, for she loved just how much Anon was going into her.
"Ho nelly, y'all are really digging it!!"
"Only when I really need to!!"
And that's when Anon was pumping through like a piston engine, even Applejack continued to enjoy it whilst she lifted her neck as she wanted Anon to kiss her there constantly, but first he sucked a bit on her nipple, which left her more turned on.
"Oh man, ah can feel it comin'!!" exclaimed Applejack.
"Hold on just a bit longer!!" shouted Anon.
Both Anon and Applejack could feel their climax building up as he kept on going. The more he thrusted, the more Applejack enjoyed it as she clenched her hands on the bed as she felt like she didn't want to go anywhere, and that she was having the time of her life. After five whole minutes, Applejack couldn't take it anymore.
"Oooh, YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!" exclaimed Applejack.
After the biggest climax Applejack had felt, she then went completely limp and was breathing heavily.
"Tarnation." Muttered Applejack as the fatigue began to kick in. "Y'all are a...wild cowboy."
Applejack passed out with a smile on her face.
Anon pulled out and landed on his back. He panted a bit whilst wiping his forehead.
"Damn," muttered Anon, "Who'd thunk I'd have this much energy in me."
He took the stone and returned to his senior form. He got up and put his clothes on. But he noticed Applejack was naked, and went over to put a blanket over her. He groped her chest one more time before covering her up.
As he walked to the door, he opened it and was shocked by what he was seeing.
"Wait, we're at our suite floor?" said Anon surprised. "But how the hell is that possible?! How the heck did she get Applejack's key?"
She looked at Applejack fast asleep. He didn't have the nerve to wake her, not after that wild round. But then again, he can't stick around long as he didn't want to get in trouble. Anon put on a 'Do not Disturb' sign, to show signs that it's occupied. He then peaked at her one last time before moving.
"I really hope Applejack doesn't see anyone else in her room." Said Anon as he closed the door.
Applejack on the other hand was fast asleep on the bed during her cooling off period, when all of a sudden, she slowly turned back to normal, whilst still naked underneath the blanket with a smile on her face. She might not remember anything, but boy will she be surprised when she wakes up.
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At the same time, back at the docks, Starlight was now slowly more and more anxious and worried at the same time. However, ...
"Starlight!!"
Starlight turned around and to her shock, it was none other than Princess Twilight.
"Twilight?!" exclaimed Starlight when she saw her, "What are you doing here?!"
"I came here to help." Said Princess Twilight, "I finished up earlier than expected. Once I was finished I rushed over here to help. I was worried that I might be too late."
"You came at a good timing." Said Starlight, "I was too late to board the ship, but I was able to book a ride. Only problem was, it wasn't going to take off for another twelve hours. Right now, only ten hours remain."
"Oh, no!!" groaned Twilight. She may not know much about helicopters, but thankfully Anon explained it to her the last time they visited the human world. "I just hope we're not too late."
"Me too, Twilight." Said Starlight in equal worry as she looked ahead, "Me too." |
Anon's Rainbooms of the Seven Seas | Chapter 4: Athlete's distance part 2 | Back on the Yacht, Anon was stretching a bit, whilst for some reason he never felt so refreshed in all his life.
"Boy, that really was something." Said Anon, "I've never felt something like this in a long time."
Suddenly, Anon thought about the woman, who was none other than Applejack, but he didn't realize it until much later. He ended up blushing madly as he thought about her and the wild time he gave her.
"And I never realized how hot and tight she was." Said Anon as he pulled out the stone and kissed it, "All thanks to this baby that returns me to my normal size and teenager size whenever I feel like it."
He placed the stone back in his pocket and looked at his watch.
"Wow, I never realized that it was 10:30AM." Said Anon, then he remembered. "Doh, right. I forgot, I usually take my workouts for an hour between 10:30AM to 11:30AM. Normally I don't do it on the weekdays, but technically, it is a weekend. So, I'll just suck it up and get a move on."
Anon then walked towards his room to get his workout clothing. But then he looked at Applejack's room and wondered, "I wonder how the heck that woman got her keycard? Meh, best not to think about it."
Anon then walked back to his room to get some proper attire for a workout.
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Meanwhile, somewhere on the ship was the gym. And inside of the gym was none other than Rainbow Dash. She was trying out every single workout equipment in order to continue to improve her athletic skills. After she was done with jogging on the treadmill, she decided to lift some weights a bit.
"Aw, yeah!!" said Rainbow, "Feel the burn!! I could do this all day!! I feel like I can take on anybody!! And I...!!!"
Suddenly, she began to feel her legs and right hip cramping, causing her to groan and drop the weights, making her sit down for a bit.
"Dang it, not again!!" said Rainbow.
Thankfully an instructor noticed and quickly went over to her.
"Are you okay, ma'am?" he asked.
"Yeah, the cramps." Said Rainbow.
"Forgot to take your medication for it?" asked the Instructor.
"You might say that." Said Rainbow.
"Here, let me help you up." Said the instructor as he carried her towards a chair.
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The instructor had given Rainbow some of his medication after he had placed her on a bench near the shower room.
"There you go." Said the instructor, "Now don't move your body until it completely settles."
The instructor walked away and is about to check on the rest of the gym attendees. Rainbow on the other hand groaned whilst she was leaning against the lockers.
"Ugh, I hate it when I get these cramps." Complained Rainbow, "How come is it every time whenever I'm busy with workouts and want to enjoy myself, I keep getting cramps. What, does the stuff I take don't help?"
That's when she noticed the medication that Anon gave her and the girls. She remembered he said that they were experimental, and he wanted them to test it if anything happens. At first she didn't like the idea of being a lab rat. Although...
"Well...I do kind of owe him for curing as after the Saddle-Rager incident." Said Rainbow, "And he was my tutor in chemistry and science class. I...guess I can give it a try."
She then took out a pill and put it in her mouth and swallowed it with water. She took a sigh of relief, until she could no longer feel the cramps onto her body.
"Oh hey, that really helps." Said Rainbow as she liked the feeling. "Now I can finally get back to where I left off."
Rainbow then went over to a sink and washed her face a bit. After she dried her face off and placed the paper towel away, she then spotted a magazine nearby. It was a picture of a dog pulling down a kid's pants, whilst it partially showed the kid's posterior. Rainbow groaned at this whilst looking at it.
"Ugh, why is it every time whenever they make adds like this, they always..." said Rainbow before she clicked and blinked in surprise.
She suddenly felt her heart beating whilst her shoulders were moving up and down for a bit. Suddenly, she began to slowly growing. She began to grow 6.5 foot tall, and her breasts grew to F-Cup, whilst also gaining an hourglass figure, with a strong body, worthy of any woman, whilst at the same time, Rainbow's more flowing, as her posterior also became alluring whilst her body was fit.
Rainbow shook her head and looked around. Then noticed her body at the mirror, whilst inspecting herself.
"Oh yes, now this is something any woman can dream of." Said Rainbow. But then she noticed the outfit she was wearing for this is a bit tight. "Though I can't work out like this."
She then noticed a spare workout uniform. And surprisingly convenient, it was in her size. She smiled and went over to it. After she removed her workout clothes and placed on new ones, she noticed how fit she really looked in the clothes.
"Now this is more like it." Said Rainbow as she inspected herself. She then thought of something and said, "Now let's see. What should I do now?"
She then looked near the entrance. And as if something caught her attention, she saw Anon walking in with his workout clothes, whilst looking around, thinking of what he should do at the same time. Rainbow suddenly looked at him with half-lidded eyes and slowly licked her lips.
"And that right there is a man worthy of any woman." Said Rainbow Dash.
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Anon began to place his things into a spare locker and placed his phone, watch, and a few other belongings to make sure that nothing distracts him whilst he's busy doing his workout.
"Alright now, let's see." Said Anon as he looked at the training equipment, "Which one should I start with first?"
He then looked at the treadmill, and figured he'd start there first.
He walked over to it and started it up. He began to jog on it whilst trying to maintain his breathing at the same time. Whilst he did that, he noticed that it had already been ten minutes.
"Nice to see that I'm up to date with my workouts." Said Anon whilst being focused at the same time.
However, he failed to realize that someone else was walking up to the treadmill in front of him. The person also began to program the treadmill and began to jog on it as well. Anon slightly looked up and what he saw, made his eyes nearly widen.
For whilst he was running, he saw a woman running. She was wearing red, white, and blue track shoes, whilst wearing skin tight workout clothes, two arm bands for what athletes use, as well her hourglass body, as well as rainbow like hair, which was none other than Rainbow Dash, which of course he didn't know that. However, what he noticed was how well her posterior bounced whilst she was running. Anon couldn't help but blush madly, and would almost feel that he was getting stiff.
Unfortunately, he failed to realize that his shoe laces were untied, causing him to trip and fall, making the treadmill crash him against the wall.
"My what a nice ass you have." Muttered Anon whilst his eyes were spinning at the same time.
Anon didn't know it, but he felt a shadow over him. When he shook his head and rubbed his eyes, he looked to see who the shadow was, making him look with a stunned expression. Rainbow was towering over him. But she crouched and was nearly face to face with him.
"Hey there, bud. You okay?" asked Rainbow.
"Uh, yeah, I am." Said Anon as he was flustered by her face.
"You need some help there?" asked Rainbow.
"Uh, yeah, sure." Said Anon.
Rainbow helped Anon up in order for him to get back up on his feet and dusted himself and straighten himself out.
"You sure you're okay, you took a nasty fall." Said Rainbow Dash.
"Trust me, I had worse." Said Anon, he looked at her and said, "This your first time here?"
"It is actually," said Rainbow, "And I can tell that you're also a natural in a place like this."
"Well, I do workout now and then, but sometimes it's rare to find a gym where you can really test yourself. Go the distance, you know?"
"I know, right?" said Rainbow.
"And seeing that this ship has state of the art work out equipment" said Anon, "I figured I'd give it a shot and see what I can do. For old times' sake."
"Old times' sake?" asked Rainbow.
"It's...complicated." Said Anon.
"Well, seeing that we're both here to test our limits in going the distance." Said Rainbow. "Why don't we work out together."
"Really?" asked Anon, "Won't I get in the way?"
"Of course not," chuckled Rainbow, "Besides, I'd like to see for myself just how capable you are in doing what you're doing."
"Okay, if you say so."
This time, the two of you went over to the treadmill. This time, you're side by side.
"Now, seeing that we're together on this, we'll take this slow, and see just how well we can take it." Said Anon as he got ready. "If that's okay with you that is. Normally I wouldn't make you do this, considering you're already doing it so well."
"Well, aren't you sweet." Said Rainbow, which made Anon blush at that comment a bit. "Alright then, little man, let's see what you're made of."
Anon suddenly twitched, and looked at her with a glare.
"Little man, huh?" said Anon as he looked at her, which made her blush, "I'll show you."
Anon and Rainbow began to go all out on the treadmill. True to form, the two of them were going slow, then fast at their top speed. Anon was showing signs of getting tired, but he wasn't going to give up that easily. Rainbow looked at him and couldn't help but blush at Anon's determination.
'Wow,' thought Rainbow, 'Seeing him go all out...that's kind of hot.'
Soon enough, the two of them stopped, with Anon panting a bit, with Rainbow also sweating a bit after going at such a speed. She offered him a bottle and asked, "Water?"
"Thanks." Said Anon as he accepted the bottle.
As he drank the bottle, the water began to drip down to his chest, which caused Rainbow to be flustered by what he was doing, especially her slowly licking her lips from what she was seeing.
After Anon had that water, he then said, "What next?"
"Well, there's the weights," said Rainbow, "But we'll save that for last. We'll do a few others before doing anything else."
"Alright then, if you say so." Said Anon.
The two of them began to do their other routines during their workouts. There were pushups, pullups, stretching, yoga, barbells, climbing rope and so on. Until finally, they got to the weights. Anon and Rainbow were stretching a bit, and for some reason he was looking forward to it.
"I have to admit," said Anon, "I'm actually looking forward to it. It's been a while since I worked out like this."
"And you also have some pretty good stamina." Said Rainbow, then thought, 'I wonder what else he's pretty good at?'
"Well then, the weights are up next." Said Anon, "Ready?"
"How about you go first," said Rainbow, "I wanna see what you're capable of. And I'll even spot you when I can."
"Alright then, you got yourself a deal." Said Anon.
Anon was the first to lie down on his back in order to get himself ready. Once he had his choice in weights ready, he began to lift it up and began to do his amount of lifts, whilst Rainbow keeps an eye on him at the same time, as well making sure he doesn't go overboard and to make sure that he's okay. However, Rainbow saw his abs and smirks. She gently lowers herself and sits on his lap, which shocks Anon as he sees Rainbow sitting on his lap.
"Uh, what are you?" said Anon as he grew more and more flustered by what he was seeing.
"Oh, nothing much." Said Rainbow as she slowly lowered herself, but also to ensure that she doesn't hit her head against the pole, "I just wanted to see you up close. And I have to admit, I'm very impressed."
Rainbow continued to stroke his chest from underneath his shirt, which in turn left him flustered. For he had to admit, her hands felt really amazing. Anon felt the warmth in his groin, which made him grunt, as he didn't want to think of something like this right now. After about the thirtieth, he was able to put it back, allowing him to quickly grab her hands.
"Your turn." Said Anon.
"Oh, poo." Said Rainbow in a playful pout, but then smiled and said, "Alright then, a deal's a deal."
Now it was Rainbow's turn to press. He had to admit, the way he saw her pressing and lifting the weights, he was impressed by her strength. He looked around, and noticed that there weren't many people around, and none that could see him. He couldn't help but smirk and for once...let his perverted instinct take over.
'Alright then,' thought Anon as he walked over and also stood on her right at the center, 'Let's see how you like it.'
Anon ended up slowly placing his hands onto Rainbow's abs, gaining her attention.
'Oh. His hands feel good.' Thought Rainbow. Then she looked at him and said, "Can't get enough of me, I see?"
"What can I say," said Anon as he slowly moved his hands upwards, which made her eyes slowly widen, "I love to feel how a woman's body feels."
Anon was soon underneath her shirt, allowing him to feel her breasts, making her gasp slightly at it. He then began to move them in motion, making her moan at the touch, but ended up blushing madly and biting her lip at the same time. But then he felt her perky nipples, making her kick her legs as a result. He then smirked as she looked at him with a flustered look.
"Do you always tease girls like this?" asked Rainbow.
"Only those catching my attention." Said Anon, then he did the unexpected. His hand went...to her pants?! "And I bet none of them did this to you."
Anon slowly placed his hand in her pants and went for her sweet spot, making her gasp whilst her lower side was squirming. She kept fidgeting whilst she lifted weights at the same time. She felt like she was going to lose it, until finally, when she also reached her thirtieth, she instantly tossed the weights aside and grabbed Anon, and planted her lips on his very hard, surprising Anon at the same time.
The two of them made out with each other compassionately whilst wrapping their arms around one another. Rainbow pulled Anon as he was now on top of her, whilst at the same time, she wrapped her legs around him in order to keep him close.
The two of them slowly broke the kiss as they looked at one another closely, with both of them having bedroom eyes at the same time.
"Wanna take a shower and then getting back to my room?" asked Rainbow.
"I like the offer." Said Anon, "Do you wanna shower here, or...?"
"We shower in my room." Said Rainbow, which surprised Anon, but his perverted instincts began to take over.
"Alright then, lead the way." Said Anon.
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Rainbow took Anon to the elevator, but she made him close his eyes in order for him to guide to her room. Anon didn't know why Rainbow was being secretive, but then again, it is a big ship, and he didn't know what to do or expect. Then again, he won't question it, not after the wild time he had with Applejack, even if he didn't recognize her.
Come to think of it, how come he never asked for their names in the first place? Meh, I'm sure they'll get to it sooner or later.
After they got out of the elevator, Rainbow then guided the both of them to her room. Once they were inside, Rainbow locked the door, with her removing her hands from Anon's eyes.
"Alright, we're here." Said Rainbow Dash.
"Nice room." Said Anon whilst looking around.
"Make yourself comfortable whilst I take a shower." Said Rainbow as she made her way to the shower, until she stopped and looked at him in a flirty manner and said, "Or...you can always come join me."
This made Anon's eyes widen in shock, as he never expected her to say that. Or in this case, any women. Anon then thought about something, and remembered the stone and smirked.
"Okay then," said Anon, "But...on one condition."
"Oh?"
Anon then took his clothes off, minus his underwear and pulled out the stone. Using it, he turned himself back to his regular size. This surprised Rainbow, causing her to smirk and bit her lip at the same time.
'Oh, I'm so going to enjoy this.' Thought Rainbow.
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Soon enough, Rainbow as already in the shower, as she let the hot water wash down her body, rubbing her body as she enjoyed the feeling. She then noticed Anon slowly approaching her, causing her to casually smile.
"What are you waiting for, big boy?" said Rainbow as she playfully invited him in. "I'm waiting."
Anon got a good look at her figure. Wow, Rainbow sure was something. Applejack's ass was great, but something about an athlete's posterior was just...wow.
Anon soon walked into the shower with her whilst Rainbow was still in there.
Her hands moved slowly around her body, using the hot water from the shower to clean herself from the workout they had earlier.
Anon moved through the shower curtain, she still didn't turn, whilst he moved closer, so close that her cute butt pressed against his crotch. Rainbow gasped, biting her lip and shakes a little. Anon's hands move to each side of her hips, slowly sliding upwards, and as his hands move up, she lifts her arms up, allowing me free movement.
Rainbow let out a small moan, moving her arms back to reach around Anon's head as she leaned her head back on his shoulder, allowing the two of them to stare at one another. Seeing an opening, Anon kissed her neck as she allowed him better access. Anon's hands reached her bosom, allowing him to I slid his hands under her perky breasts.
Rainbow inhaled sharply, feeling Anon lift her breasts, feeling their weight in his hands whilst he massaged them at the same time. "A-Anon.." whispered Rainbow, turning her head and started to lick and kiss him at the same time. The hot water moved down their bodies as their muscles were being relaxed after a long workout.
Anon's manhood was already stiff and poked against Rainbow's posterior, which in turn made her flustered whilst she couldn't help but bit her lip in excitement. Rainbow slowly took hold of Anon's manhood, making him moan at her touch.
"Sorry about that," said Rainbow teasingly, "I didn't know you were that sensitive."
"I'm fine," said Anon. "It just...surprised me is all."
Anon continued to massage her breasts and moved his fingers close to her nipples. Rainbow moaned a bit whilst relieved by Anon's words at the same time. The two of them kissed again whilst Rainbow stroked his manhood up and down whilst stimulating him at the same time.
However, seeing that the two of them were in the shower, this began to be the perfect opportunity for the both of them. Anon grabbed Rainbow's shoulders and turned her around, allowing the two of them to be face to face with one another and kissed again. However, after Anon broke it, he moved his kiss to her neck, and then to her chest whilst he gave attention to her bosom, which made Rainbow moan loudly, as well as with a bit of lewd.
Anon moved his kisses down her stomach, making her do a few sharp intakes, whilst at the same time, Rainbow bit her lip as Anon had passed her belly button.
'Whoa, his lips are...wow.' Thought Rainbow.
'I have to admit, she does good at her workouts. I might ask her for advice.' Thought Anon.
Anon had then stood on his knees as he reached her crotch area, something that made her tense up in anticipation. Anon could tell that she really wanted this badly, which he decided to comply, and soon began to lick at her sensitive spot.
Rainbow moaned loudly whilst placing her hands on top of Anon's head, them kept on opening and closing them at the same time whilst it felt like he was teasing her at the same time.
"A-Anon," moaned Rainbow as she was enjoying this feeling, "Holy...this is...Ah!!"
The way Rainbow's body and hands acted told Anon that Rainbow was trying really hard not to grab his bald head, which he is thankful that he doesn't have hair at the top of his head.
'Sometimes I wish Potion Nova didn't destroy my hair.' Thought Anon.
Rainbow could feel Anon's tongue moving closing into her sweet spot, stimulating her as he made her moan at the same time. The longer he continued, the more her hands moved onto his head, pressing Anon's head further in.
Rainbow kept moaning whilst out of instinct, wrapped her one leg around him in order for him to go in further than he already is. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore, making her growl and looked at him in a very lustful way.
"Let's dry off first, big boy." Said Rainbow, "And let's see just how far the distance we can go to."
Rainbow was the first one to turn off the shower and walked out, but not before Anon gave her a playful slap to the rear, which she couldn't help but coo at and made her way towards a towel.
After the two of them dried off, the two of them got out of the bathroom, until Rainbow pounced on him whilst making out with him at the same time. Soon enough, the two of them broke lip contact with one another for air, whilst Rainbow kept a blush and a smirk on her face at the same time.
Anon moves to Rainbow's left breast and sucked on it whilst cupping her right, fondling them in a circle. Rainbow moaned whilst her back was still against the wall
"Oh, you are...so good at this." Said Rainbow as she couldn't focus, "Keep...doing that."
Anon continued to suck on her nipples, fisting and squeezing her sensitive breasts as if they were putty. Rainbow kept moaning as she was enjoying this.
"Holy, crap!!" exclaimed Rainbow as she enjoyed the feeling.
Rainbow then pulled Anon closely and kissed him again with passion, whilst slipping her tongue in at the same time. After that, she looked at him in a lustful gaze.
"It seems now, I have a handsome stud to fuck my brains out." Said Rainbow in a lustful tone, which in turn turned Anon on, as he never expected a girl to say that. "Time to suck off you now, big boy."
Rainbow took Anon's manhood and began to suck on it as she was able to get the length inside of her mouth.
'Holy...she's really talented.' Thought Anon.
Rainbow then had an idea and released Anon's manhood from his mouth, causing her to place his manhood between her bosom and gave him a boob job.
"Does this feel good?" said Rainbow in a lustful tone, "Does it feel cooler?"
"It's...100% cooler." Said Anon.
During Rainbow giving Anon's member a boob job, the pressure began to build.
"Holy..." said Anon as he couldn't take it anymore. "I'm going to...!!!"
Anon ended up cumming inside of her mouth, and to Anon's surprise, she was able to swallow every drop of it. After that, Rainbow pulled away and licked her lips after swallowing.
"I must admit," said Rainbow, "You've certainly got some skills there."
"That's a first." Said Anon as, again, no girl has ever said that before.
"Now for the next part." Said Rainbow as she turned around and bent over with her hands on the bed, whilst looking at him with a lust. "Now for the next part of your prize."
'Oh, I'm liking this already.' Thought Anon with a smirk whilst moving over to Rainbow.
Anon walked over and placed his manhood inside her womanhood. He grabs hold of her whilst he thrusts inside of her. He hugs Rainbow's body whilst he plows her posterior like a steam piston.
Rainbow screamed in ecstasy as she felt her insides being stretched out and being ploughed by Anon. "Fuck me hard, big boy!! I'm all yours!!"
Anon playfully spanked her posterior whilst turning her head to capture her lips, making Rainbow moan in them at the same time. Her whole body shook with each of his thrusts, her posterior ripples, and jiggles from the harsh impacts from his thrusts. Her breasts bounced non-stop and her legs began to nearly grew numb, whilst Rainbow's mind felt like it was going blank.
Anon groped and fondled her bosom to add more pleasure, whilst Rainbow's breasts were being fondled, her posterior being spanked and her womanhood being ravaged by his moves. And within a split second, Rainbow climaxed, making her moan, same with Anon.
Anon dropped onto his knees as he felt like he couldn't go on, with Rainbow collapsing onto the bed. The two of them breathed a bit, trying to catch their breath from the wild ride the both of them endured.
"Wow," said Anon whilst he was out of breath. "That was..."
Suddenly, he felt himself being grabbed and pulled towards someone. It revealed to be Rainbow, with a smirk on her face, but also trying to make sure her breath was normal.
"Oh, it's not...over yet, big boy." Said Rainbow as she was now face to face with him with a smirk. "I'm just getting started."
Rainbow took Anon by the shoulders and pulled him into a kiss. The kiss she gave was passionate, lustful, and in a hot way, pornographic. Anon and Rainbow looked like they were going to devour each other, their slick tongues wresting amid rising moans. Both of them were groping one another in order to get them further excited at the same time, with their bodies feeling hot at the same time.
Anon was now feeling to get much further during their love making, with Anon moving down and licking her womanhood, making Rainbow moan as she couldn't lay still in bed at the same time.
"Fuck!!" swore Rainbow, which was surprising for Anon, but chose to go on, "I feel like I'm going to explode!!"
Anon then stopped and began to move a bit upward, whilst he was face to face with her. Anon placed his member inside of her, making her moan loudly as she enjoyed the feeling at the same time. Anon began to pump his hips faster, whilst Rainbow Dash moaned loudly at the same time.
"Oh, yeah, my big sexy man!!" exclaimed Rainbow whilst clutching onto the sheets, "So sexy he could bring down an entire city!!"
Rainbow grasped Anon's waist and with a burst of strength, she rolled the two of them over. Before Anon knew what was happening, Anon was on the bottom, and Rainbow Dash was staring down hungrily at him.
"I am your goddess." Said Rainbow in a teasing manner as she held onto Anon's manhood, making him groan whilst she was stroking it. "And you are my tiny person, marvel in front of my beauty."
She placed his member inside of her womanhood, making the two of them groan. Once Rainbow was in position, she began to ride it and began to grow at a fastening pace.
"Your goddess has come to your city. I am your goddess of victory, and beauty!! You shall look upon me and worship my body as you grip and play with it at a fastening pace!!"
When Anon looked at her, she really did look like a goddess. And at this moment, she was his, and he was enjoying how tight she felt as she felt the climax building up.
"Oh boy, I'm so close, big boy!!" shouted Rainbow, "Are you close as well?!! I want to feel your mighty skyscraper hitting me with your ocean!!"
Anon didn't know to be either feeling freaked out, or very hot and bothered when she was talking like that.
"I'm close!!" said Anon, "I don't think...I can hold this any further!!"
"Then let's do it, let's cum together!!" said Rainbow whilst she bounced with all the strength in her hips. "I just need one thing Anon!! You gotta tell me, if I am your goddess!!"
They weren't growing; the bedroom around them was the same size, the walls no closer than before. But Anon felt big. At any size, Rainbow Dash's love and the embrace of her body was enough to make him feel a thousand feet tall. "Oh yeah," he said, "You're big, Rainbow Dash. You're bigger than anyone, and you're getting bigger..."
Dash's hips slammed down onto Anon manhood, slapping his skin with her wide blue bottom. Her body tensed, and her womanhood clenched, and she raised a cry to the heavens as she came. Anon, his manhood held tight in her womanhood, felt his balls tighten as her walls milked his shaft insistently - and within seconds he joined her in climax, his cock shooting harder than it had ever shot before.
And it felt so good, so impossibly, rapturously good - in fact, it was too good. It shouldn't have been possible for a climax to be so intense. Rainbow collapsed on top of Anon whilst he kept his grip on her posterior. Rainbow breathed heavily and slowly looked at him.
"That was...wow."
Suddenly, Anon flipped Rainbow over as she was suddenly on all fours, which surprised her. Anon then whispered to her, "Prepare for a ride of a lifetime."
Anon placed his member back inside of her, making her squirm a bit whilst biting her lip in excitement. He then moved his hips as he was now thrusting inside of her.
"OH, FUCK YES!!!" she roared intoxicated with pleasure. As Anon continued to pound her fiercely, her already loud moans only grew louder and louder. Missing the soft feeling of her breasts, he got back against her back so he could cup them in the palm of his hands. Anon felt fully aroused from how soft and firm they were.
Anon pounded Rainbow more eagerly inside whilst the two of them were panting ferociously. Wanting to last all night was wishful thinking, as Anon unfortunately felt another climax approaching and somehow started thrusting against her even harder than before.
With her head still turned to Anon, he saw as her eyes rolled to the back of her head and stuck her tongue out, as the feeling of him her womanhood like a sex-hungry lunatic was really getting to her. No more words were exchanged, all that could be heard in the bedroom was the wet slaps, moans, heavy panting, and gasps.
"D-Dash.. I-It's coming! It's coming!" shouted Anon. He took his hands off of her breasts so he could instead dig his fingers into her sides and feeling her sweaty skin.
"DO IT, BIG BOY! FILL ME UP! LIKE I SAID BEFORE, I WANT YOU TO BLOW YOU HUGE LOAD DEEP INSIDE ME! DON'T HOLD BACK!!!" she shouts in ecstasy.
Both Anon and Rainbow were shouting from the top of their lungs as both of them orgasmed with all they had. Her juices shot all over his manhood while he went in deep and painted her insides. Anon's orgasm continued on until finally it subsided after his sixth spurt. Anon slid out of Rainbow's womanhood and sat on his knees, trying to catch his breath. Rainbow on the other hand, meant softly as she collapsed on her front moaned softly.
"That was...awesome." Mumbled Rainbow before passing out.
Anon breathed a bit as he had a hard time catching his breath. He was able to get up and put Rainbow in a proper position on the bed, then put a blanked around her. After that, he walked over to the table where the stone was and returned to his senior form.
"Whoa, that girl can really go the distance." Said Anon whilst wiping off the sweat. "And that was one heck of a workout."
Anon then heard his stomach growled, and realized something.
"Dang, I must be hungry." Said Anon. He was then dressed and went outside. But then he realized where he was. And said, "You know what, I'm not even gonna ask."
Anon placed the 'Do not disturb' sign outside and closed the door.
As Rainbow was now in her cooling off period, her body soon returned back to normal whilst naked at the same time and kept a smile on her face.
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At the same time, at the docks, both Starlight and Princess Twilight were still worried, but a bit impatient at the same time. However, they noticed the pilot was about to leave.
"Where are you going?!" said Princess Twilight.
"Lunch break." Said the guy.
"You're choosing to eat now?!" said Starlight.
"Sorry miss, union rules." Said the Pilot. "And you know, whilst I'm at it, you girls can join me. I'll buy you lunch as well."
Suddenly, their stomachs began to growl, which left them embarrassed.
"I think we'll take you up on that offer." Said Starlight sheepishly.
"Agreed." Said Princess Twilight.
The two of them left with the pilot to go on lunch, and hoped that things would go smoothly from there. |
Anon's Rainbooms of the Seven Seas | Chapter 5: Gem Performance part 3 | From onboard the ship, Anon was walking down the ship, thinking about what to have for lunch.
"Now what the heck can I get for lunch?" pondered Anon, "There are plenty on the ship to choose from. And I know we have paid for the whole thing, but there's so many to choose from."
He then caught the whiff of a food he hadn't smelled in a long time. He looked at the local restaurant and looked at the specials they have.
"Wow, so many to..."
That's when he saw something that caught his attention.
"Whoa, they really serve bowls of chili?" said Anon surprised, "I haven't had one of those since I was a kid. That was always my favorite comfort food when I was little."
He then thought about it and made up his mind.
"Hey, as the old saying goes, when in Rome." Said Anon as he walked in.
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Meanwhile, in her room, Rarity had already finished her shopping at a few of the stores, as well as some fabrics that she could use to create in the future.
"Oh, this is simply fabulous." Said Rarity as she went over her newly bought items, "I have everything I needed to gain what I am looking for. And very soon, I shall be the talk of the town, and become the next big thing."
She then proclaimed loudly, "Look out world!! Rarity has something amazing up her...!!!"
Suddenly she winced and held her head, for she suddenly gained a massive headache.
"Oh, goodness." Muttered Rarity, "I never imagined that I, a lady of all people, would gain a headache."
She then looked at the fabric and the time.
"Oh, but I simply cannot remain in here all the time, my friends are expecting me." Whined Rarity a bit.
Then she remembered the medication Anon gave them.
"Well, there is the medication."
She walked over to her purse and pulled the medication out for just in case.
"It's a good thing I kept this with me on standby for just in case." Said Rarity as she tried to make sure she didn't worsen her headache.
She took out the pill and a glass of water. She slowly swallowed it and took a breath.
"Oh, that is so much better." Said Rarity. She then felt her headache slowly going away. "Oh, and it seems to be working."
Rarity walked over to her outfits and was about to pick something.
"Now let's see, if I choose my wardrobe correctly for this evening out, I might still..." said Rarity before she grunted.
It was as if she was hearing a big heartbeat, then she suddenly felt very feverish whilst holding her head.
"Oh dear," muttered Rarity as she was trying to regain her focus. "I feel so...so..."
Suddenly Rarity trembled and shuddered whilst holding onto her head. She tries her best to remain focused, but for some reason it wasn't working. For what was happening to her, well, even she doesn't know the answer herself. When all of a sudden, her body began to experience a certain growth.
She began to grow 6.5 foot tall, and her breasts grew to G-Cup, whilst also gaining an hourglass figure, with a heavenly body, worthy of any woman, whilst at the same time, Rarity's hair was more flowing, as her posterior also became alluring whilst her body was extremely attractive.
Once she was done growing, she then shook her head, focusing back on what she was doing.
"Oh my, whatever overcame me for some ago." Said Rarity in her alluring voice. "I simply cannot waste away in here, I need to go outside."
Suddenly, she noticed the pills were still there, causing her to take the wrappings of the pills and sniffed it. She was then able to catch a whiff of it and smirked as well.
"And it seems I have found the human, my own prince darling." Said Rarity with a smirk. Then looked at her outfit, "But I simply cannon go out there in this attire. I need something from my personal collection."
Rarity looked at a few outfits of hers that she just required. She saw a few bags that she recognized.
"Hmmm," pondered Rarity as she looked at them. Then she smirked. "I have an idea."
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From near the face of Anon, whilst sitting in a secluded spot so no one could spot him, he suddenly lifted a spoon filled with chili that he always wanted to eat.
"Tower to pilot, tower to pilot." Said Anon to himself as he was messing around. "We're tracking your approach. And opening our doors to some yummy goodness."
Anon then directed the spoon to himself whilst he continued to act.
"Tower to pilot!! Mayday, mayday!! You're coming in too low, pull up, pull up!! NOOOOOOO!!"
Suddenly Anon splattered the chili against his head. Then he deadpanned and groaned, "Why do I always keep doing that?"
Anon wiped his face and continued to eat his chili. However, unknown to him, a certain girl, aka, Rarity, walked into the scene. And she was wearing a dress that's similar to Jessica Rabbit, but in a purple dress that suits her personality, as well as the gloves she wears. She noticed him ahead and slowly licked her lips, for she spotted her target.
However, Anon was pondering over something, "I don't get it, I was minding my own business, and suddenly, I got humped by two chicks. What is this, getting laid, day. Pff, yeah right, as if."
"Hi there, handsome." Said Rarity as she began to sit down next to him, "Mind if I sit with you?"
"Uh, sorry, but I..." said Anon as he looked at Rarity, which again, didn't know it was her. Wow, this girl is drop dead gorgeous as he couldn't help but stare at her whilst feeling his tongue being tied at the same time.
"So, what are you eating there?" asked Rarity.
"Oh, it's just a bowl of chili," said Anon, "But I'm not sure if it's your type of food."
Rarity casually took a spoon, scooped up a bit and ate the chili, whilst at the same time slow licked the spoon, which made Anon stare at her in shock and felt...hardened from seeing that.
"Looks like my flavor to me." Said Rarity in a flirty manner.
"Uh, er, I uh..." said Anon, "I don't suppose...you wish to join me?"
"Oh, but of course." Said Rarity, "I am simply famished. Would it be okay if I ordered something a little...fancy?"
"By all means." Said Anon as he allowed her.
"Thank you, my dear." Said Rarity as she took a menu and looked through it.
Anon was quite infatuated by her beauty. But when he looked at her hairstyle, he thought, 'Why do I get the feeling that the hairstyle looks familiar?'
Soon enough, Rarity's food was brought, which was a fancy type of fish dish. She gently ate it, and Anon, seeing that he didn't want to look disgusting, decided to eat like a gentleman. Thankfully, Rarity from Equestria taught him proper etiquette when he was onetime invited to the Grand Galloping Gala.
The two of them enjoyed their meal whilst enjoying each other's company.
"And then I said, why would I want to wear burgundy to go with that dress, it makes no sense." Said Rarity.
"Oh, I know what you mean, I mean what is this, national clown day?" said Anon.
The two of them laughed whilst also making sure not to make a scene. Anon however, couldn't help but stare at Rarity's breasts. He could see the cleavage sticking out. He also looked at her legs, whilst also seeing that the side of her dress is open, meaning if anyone could get the chance...
Anon decided to take the risk and whilst he pretended to eat normally. He slowly went towards Rarity's leg and gently lifted the dress without her noticing, then went for her panties and slowly lifted the front of it, allowing him to dig his fingers in there. The moment Rarity felt his fingers, she mate a slight gasp.
Anon then slowly rubbed his fingers against her womanhood, making her squirm the lower part of her body, slightly. She slightly moaned whilst eating her food at the same time. Anon gave slow strokes in order to entice her, which seems to be working. Anon then moved to her breast and gave a few gentle gropes, making her gasp even more. However, she instantly grabbed his hand, stopping him from massaging her womanhood, but not her breast.
"Such a naughty boy." Whispered Rarity whilst blushing. "Mind if we do it in a...separate setting?"
"Like you need to ask." Said Anon whilst the two of them stood up and paid for their food.
They moved towards the elevator and waited for them to close. Once they did, Rarity pinned Anon against the wall with a lustrous smile on her face, as well as half-lidded bedroom eyes.
"For that little treatment you gave me in the restaurant," said Rarity in a seducing tone, "Let me show you my gratitude."
Rarity smacked her lips against Anon's, taking him by surprise, but he welcomed it all the same. And during that time, Rarity pressed the button leading to the suite floor, so that he wouldn't notice anything whilst also being distracted at the same time. Whilst it was going up, Rarity and Anon continued to make out, whilst he took the advantage to grope her posterior, making her slightly gasp, whilst she was enjoying it at the same time.
However, the two of them didn't notice that another man entered the elevator and waited for his floor. He noticed the way the two of them were making out, making him roll his eyes at the same time.
After the doors opened, he walked out and said, "I'll never understand lovey dovey couples."
Both Anon and Rarity soon made their way towards the suite, whilst also moving out and made their way towards the room at the same time. After Rarity opened it using her keycard, the two of them entered and closed it behind them. Rarity ended up pinning Anon on the bed whilst the two of them kept making out at the same time, with Anon kept groping her posterior whilst she enjoyed it at the same time. The two of them slowly broke the kiss and looked at one another.
"Let me try to give you some...pleasurable insight." Said Rarity as she slowly stood up and went to the showers. She looked at him in a seductive manner and asked, "Would you like to accompany me?"
Anon couldn't help but smirk at this and said, "Of course...but first thing's first."
Anon had an idea and stripped him of his clothing until he was completely in the buff. He then took the stone and restored him back to his body, causing Rarity to smirk and looked at him with half lidded eyes.
"Now this, I really like." Said Rarity as she walked over and took his hands. "Follow me, where the true magic happens."
The two of them entered the bathroom. Rarity turned on the shower. However, the moment she turned around, Anon placed his lips against hers, which surprised her, but welcome it all the same. He then gripped onto her posterior again, which made her moan as she enjoyed the squeeze. During the making out, Anon grabbed the top of her dressed and stripped her off, which left her bosom now exposed. Out of instinct, he then groped onto her breasts, making her moan loudly, for she was enjoying his hands especially on her nipples.
Rarity kept her arms wrapped around his head as she wanted his head closer to her bosom, especially his hands. They broke the kiss whilst continuing to remove her dress in a slow manner. Soon enough, the two of them were in the nude whilst they stroked one another's bodies.
"Why don't you wait out there for a bit?" asked Rarity, "After when I'm done, you'll be in for a big surprise."
Just as she turned around, "Can't wait."
Anon gave her a gentle slap at her posterior, making her yelp, but giggled all the same whilst Anon went out.
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Anon waited patiently on the bed whilst Rarity was in the shower. Anon thought about what kind of surprise Rarity would have. However, the more he kept thinking about it...
"I still don't know where the hell she looks so familiar." Muttered Anon, "I can't even place my finger on where I've seen her before."
He then heard the door slowly opened, and to Anon's surprise, Rarity was wearing black lingerie, that hugged her bosom and posterior comfortably.
"Whoa." Muttered Anon as he liked what he was seeing.
Rarity then walked over to her phone and found a type of music. Once she found what she was looking for, she smiled and played a song.
"Why don't we make this...very entertaining." Said Rarity.
Suddenly, there was a metal pole in the middle of the room and Rarity moved over to it. And to Anon's surprise, she was dancing around it, whilst flexing her body and danced around the pole at the same time. She kicked her legs, she moved her hips, she swung her hair, she twerked to show off her booty. Anon couldn't help but feel turned on when he sees her booty bouncing, for in a way, he wants to grope them whilst he sees her twerking.
"Man, I love that bodacious booty." Muttered Anon as he loved what he was seeing.
When she was done, Rarity danced over to Anon, as he couldn't help but wanting to reach out to her. But Rarity merely gently held his hand and pushed it away. She turned around and showed her posterior to him whilst she sat down and rubbed them gently. However, the moment she got up and turned around, Anon was already on his knees and near her womanhood as he couldn't take it anymore.
He pulled down the underwear part, which surprised her. But before she could say anything, Anon had already grabbed her posterior and began to lick her womanhood. Rarity gasped at that whilst she felt his tongue going inside of her at the same time. Rarity continued to shudder whilst enjoying his tongue at the same time. Anon kept licking as he was able to get inside every corner of her insides, making her gasp whilst lifting her head at the same time. She suddenly wrapped her one head around him.
However, be before she could climax, Anon ended up standing up and stripped her completely, causing the both of them to be in the nude whilst making out ferociously at the same time. He then turned her around, allowing him to make her stick her posterior out. He placed his manhood inside of her slowly, making Rarity wince, for it felt a bit painful for her.
Once he was completely in, Anon began to slowly thrust inside of her as he started slowly.
"Oh my!!" exclaimed Rarity, "You're so very big!! How are you so big?!!"
Anon didn't know how to answer that, but right now, he didn't care, for he was focused on the beauty right in front of him. He continued to thrust inside of her whilst he was busy building up speed, with Rarity's eyes slowly rolling backwards as she really began to enjoy the feeling inside of her.
"Oh, yes, oh, yes!! Ravage me, my master!!" shouted Rarity as she was enjoying this.
Anon groped her breasts, or those big wonderful marshmallows as some would say.
Rarity rolled her eyes whilst her tongue was out at the same time. When all of a sudden, he stopped and whispered in her ear.
"Do you know what will make it even more hot?"
He then pulled her out, turned her around, lifted her leg and inserted his member back in. Then he lifted her up and had her pinned against the wall, whilst he still held her by her posterior and thrusted inside of her at the same time. Rarity ended up wrapping her legs around Anon's waist and placed her arms around him in order to pull him close whilst the two of them kissed at the same time.
This however, didn't last long as Rarity broke the kiss.
"Darling, I...I think I'm close!!" shouted Rarity as she felt like she couldn't take it anymore.
"Me...too!!" shouted Anon as he was also getting into this.
Soon enough, the two of them climaxed whilst they screamed at the same time. The two of them panted for a moment before looking at one another in each other's eyes.
"That was...truly magnificent." Panted Rarity.
"Truly magnificent so far." Said Anon as he brought her over to bed.
He placed her down and was on top of her, whilst making out with her at the same time. Rarity ended up groping Anon's posterior in order to hold him close. At first, he wasn't comfortable with someone grabbing his ass, but if it's from a hot woman, whose he to complain. He then turned her around, causing her to be at the bottom. Before she could say anything, Anon had already moved towards her special spot, making her gasp as she grasped onto the blankets, whilst raising her chest at the same time, for she was really enjoying the feeling. Even though she's tired, she still wants to keep going.
Anon then slowly moved over to her face, allowing the two of them to stare at one another, then passionately kissed one another. Soon enough, Anon placed his manhood back inside her womanhood, but she's now used to it. But her squirming a bit didn't help much.
Anon then began to grasp her hands and began to thrust inside of her again, causing her to moan and enjoy every thrust from Anom. She partially rolled her eyes as she kept grunting and moaning at the same time whilst her legs were opened for Anon. During the thrusting, Rarity wrapped her legs around Anon's waist whilst she grasped his back, wanting him to continue to thrust inside of her.
"Oh yes!! Oh yes!!" shouted Rarity.
Right now, she was now partially on all fours whilst her hands were resting against the bedrest, whilst she kept her head lowered as Anon thrusted behind her again at the same time, which in turn caused her to bit her lip whilst also enjoying the feeling at the same time. And Anon feeling her magnificent marshmallows, both her posterior and her breasts, whilst continuing to make Anon turn himself on big time.
Then the two of them were on the bed whilst Anon raised her leg at the same time whilst doing it, this caused Rarity to enjoy this feeling at the same time. When all of a sudden, Rarity was somehow able to pull out and pushed Anon whilst his back was resting on the bed, with Rarity placing Anon's manhood inside of her once more.
"I'm...almost there." Moaned Rarity as she continued to bounce on his lap with his manhood inside of her.
Anon suddenly got up and held her close whilst thrusting inside of her at the same time, to which Rarity had the same idea and also held him close, not wanting to let him go under any circumstances. Rarity moved her hips at a fastening pace whilst Anon's hands moved onto her posterior. He thrusted at a fastening pace.
Rarity rolled her eyes whilst shouting, "Oh my stars, darling!! I cannot take it anymore!! I'm going to...!!!"
And with one big thrust, Rarity climaxed, with Anon doing the same inside of her, making her shout in ecstasy
Rarity then felt limp with her arms dropping whilst her hair was partially a mess.
"My...aren't you...a big boy with...energy." Said Rarity before she kissed Anon on the lips and passed out.
Anon carefully placed her on the bed and made her slowly turn around so that she could be in a proper resting position, before covering her with a blanket. After he was done, he used the stone to turn himself back to his senior form whilst also getting dressed at the same time.
"Now that, was interesting." Said Anon, "I'm on the ship, minding my own business, next thing I knew, I get banged by three beautiful women. I mean, who saw that one coming."
Anon was about to leave, but took a look at Rarity, and couldn't help but smile. "She really is a thing of beauty."
Anon placed the 'Do not disturb' sign outside and closed the door.
As Rarity was now in her cooling off period, her body soon returned back to normal whilst naked at the same time and kept a smile on her face.
************************************************************************************************
Back at the docks, Princess Twilight was busy throwing up whilst the pilot and Starlight helped her.
"Easy there, Twilight, easy." Said Starlight whilst trying to make sure she was okay.
"Take this." Said the pilot and gave her medicine, to which she took.
After the sip, she asked, "Why didn't you tell me that it was raw fish."
"The sign said it's called sushi, it's the same thing." Said the pilot, "Then again, they were past their expiry date. Gonna have to make a complaint to the cafeteria manager."
"Please do." Said Starlight whilst also feeling pretty miffed at the same time. She looked at the time, and saw that they only had nine hours to go.
"I really hope we get to take off soon." Muttered Starlight.
> Chapter 6: Kindness with a case of Sniffles part 4
After that wild time with Rarity, Anon wondered what he would be doing next.
"Let's see," muttered Anon whilst thinking, "What's next to do out there. What to do, what to do, what to do."
That's when he noticed something. A box filled with fliers.
"Hmm," muttered Anon, "Maybe they can tell me something."
Anon then looked through the fliers, and noticed that some of them don't quite catch his eye. That is, until he spotted something that really caught his attention.
"No way," said Anon in shock as it got him excited, "They've got laser tag?! Oh man, I haven't done this since I was a child!!"
Anon then looked at the time and saw it was almost time. Then he saw one of the crew workers.
"Excuse me," said Anon, gaining the worker's attention, "When is laser tag going to being? And are there other people participating?"
"It'll start within an hour," said the worker, "And right now there are over twenty people there. With any luck, you and nine others will be there to participate."
"Great, thanks!!" said Anon as he got really excited and ran. Then he came back and had a sheepish smile. "Uh, which way is it?"
The worker chuckled and said, "Deck 4, on the other side of the ship."
"Thanks!!" said Anon before darting off.
"Haven't seen anyone get this excited over laser tag." Said the worker whilst walking. "Heh, I remember participating in that when I was a boy."
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Back at Fluttershy's cabin, things have been quiet. Then again, she is the shy one, so being quiet is no surprise there.
"Atchoo!!"
Or maybe not.
Fluttershy was walking out of the bathroom with some tissues. She then blew her nose again before throwing the tissue away into a bin that had a ton of tissues.
"Oh dear, I hope I'm not going to catch a cold like this." Said Fluttershy. Then she remembered when she went to the doctor. "Oh dear, it must be the summer fever. They said that sometimes a person's allergies tend to act up before adjusting their bodies. But they said that it might take a month. And I don't want to have my friends worry, cause I don't want to be left out. Oh, I wish there was a way for me to get better."
However, that's when Fluttershy noticed the medication pills Anon left her.
"Oh my," said Fluttershy, "Anon's medication pills that he made."
She then began to have second thoughts, "Well, I don't know, I don't think it'll feel right just to try some strange medicine."
She then looked at them again. "Though then again, he did give them to me in case of an emergency and hoping it would work. And we also owe him and it's because of him we were able to pass most of our science classes."
She then reached out for them and said, "Maybe one wouldn't hurt."
She opened the packet and took out a pill, whilst filling her glass with water at the same time. She swallowed the pill and waited for a bit. After a few moments, she took a few sniffs. And before she knew it, she no longer had the case of the sniffles.
"Oh my, it worked." Said Fluttershy as she was really excited. She then opened a window and said smelled the air, "Ah, I can smell the freshness of the sea."
The wind then blew a bit through her window.
"I wonder what I can..." said Fluttershy before being cut off.
The reason for that, for whilst the wind was blowing, it blew part of her hair to her nose, causing it to get tickles, making her sniff a few times as she couldn't control it. Before she knew it, she began to build up a sneeze.
"Aah...aah...aah...oh my, that's never...aah, happened before." Said Fluttershy whilst a sneeze was building up.
However, unknown to her, her sneeze affected her breasts as they looked as if they want to get bigger, as did her posterior, and then her body.
"Aah...aah...aah...here it comes," said Fluttershy, "I...aah...need to aah...get it out. Aah...aah...aah..."
And then...instead of being soft.
"ACHOOO!!"
And just like that, her body instantly grew, and grew the same height as Applejack, whilst hear breasts were HH-cup, and her posterior luscious. Whilst at the same time, her eyes went half-lid and her hair was covering her left eye to show a sexier appeal. However, her clothes could barely fit as they instantly tore itself.
She looked down at herself whilst flexing an eyebrow.
"Hmph, that's just great." Said Fluttershy whilst looking herself over. Her voice was different as she sounded like a tough girl, her eyes were red and her hair went from pink to green. "Now I gotta find myself a new getup to wear."
However, she suddenly noticed a photo sticking out of her bag. She took it out and saw it was Anon with her at the animal shelter.
"So...this is the man?" asked Fluttershy to herself. She then smirked and said, "Let's see if he will be a match for me."
***********************************************************************************************
Meanwhile, near the laser tag section, many teens and some adults were waiting, eager to get started. Right now, it was the Red Dragons vs the Blue Barracudas. Anon was part of the Red Dragon Team. But he could see that the Blue Barracuda teams are already at full strength with a total of fifteen members. But Anon and his team are already at fourteen, and they need one more.
"Oh, I hope we get one more member of the team, otherwise the other team would have the advantage." Said Anon to himself.
"You seem excited." Said a person next to him.
"Can you blame me," said Anon to the person, "I haven't played laser tag since I was a child. You can imagine how exciting that can get."
"So, we noticed." Said the next one.
"Alright then, five more minutes." Said the judge, "If anyone's not participating in the Red Dragons, then..."
"Sorry I'm late."
They turned and were surprised, with Anon also looking with a flexed eyebrow. The woman was wearing what appeared to be camo pants, with a sleeveless shirt that was perfectly snug whilst she was wearing what appeared to be a bandanna of sorts. But she
"I had some trouble finding the place."
This caused half the guys to gawk at her. For she was hot, and she was tough. However, Anon was greatly surprised by this woman. For how is she so cute, and intimidatingly tough at the same time.
The woman walked over to the man with a clipboard and said, "So, where's my vest, weapon, and team?"
"Uhhhh..." said the man as he was surprised to see the woman. Then he cleared his throat and said, "The Red Dragon Team. And right here."
He handed her the vest and laser tag weapon. She placed the vest on, but had a hard time putting it on. Then she looked around and saw Anon. She gave a smirk.
"You." Said Fluttershy whilst she pointed at Anon, making the latter look surprise, then looked left and right, then back to her, whilst pointing at himself, just to be sure. "Yeah, you. Wanna help me put this on, or what?"
Anon nodded, for some reason, he didn't want to get on the woman's bad side. So, he quickly moved over and helped her put it on. He could see that her breasts were sort of keeping it from being on, but he knew how to work on these vests. He remembered that one time he worked in one of his summer jobs back at his world on how these laser tag vests work.
"Thanks." Said Fluttershy before turning to him with a smirk as she looked at him.
This caused him to look a bit uncomfortable and have him asking, "What?"
"Seeing that you helped me out with this," said Fluttershy, "How about I do you a solid and be your partner in this?"
"Wait, really?" said Anon surprised as he never thought a tough woman would want to be his partner in this.
"Seriously?" said one of the Blue Barracudas with a scoff, "Why don't you be my partner instead of that loser?"
Suddenly, Fluttershy grabbed him and punched him hard, knocking four of his teeth out, causing him to groan in the process, surprising everyone.
"Anyone else got a problem with it." Said Fluttershy, causing everyone to shake their heads, indicating no. "Didn't think so."
She then walked over and did the unexpected. She grabbed Anon by the head and gave him a full kiss on the lips, which greatly shocked Anon, but not as shocked as the others. Anon could've sworn he felt her tongue inside of his mouth, but he was too stunned to tell the difference. She broke the kiss whilst keeping the smirk at the same time. Then stood in position and looked at the others.
"Well? Are we going or what?" asked Fluttershy.
Everyone immediately began to move and got in position. Fluttershy then grabbed Anon by the arm.
"Come on, big boy." Said Fluttershy, "You're coming with me."
Fluttershy dragged him towards the gamer's sport. Normally it can only be one person at a time, but for some reason, she wants to be in the same box as him, and because of her attitude, nobody was willing to put a stop to this.
***********************************************************************************************
From both sides, everyone was getting ready. Whilst at the same time, Fluttershy and Anon was in the same room, with the latter being squeezed together. However, he couldn't help but sort of stare at her cleavage, for the shirt was really snug, and her HH-Cup breasts.
"I can see that you're staring."
Anon freeze and slowly looked up. He saw Fluttershy was looking at him. Though the way she was looking at him was aggressive and he hopes he doesn't beat her up
"Er...sorry." Said Anon.
"Oh, it's alright my special little boy toy." Said Fluttershy, "I'm in a special mood today. I've been getting a bit lonely lately. So why don't you keep me company?"
"Er, what kind of company?" asked Anon nervously.
"Oh, I think you know." Said Fluttershy. "And you know, we've got about ten minutes before the match starts. So, here's the deal. After this is over, you get to do what I have to say. I'll make it even worth your while."
Now this time, Anon gulped again, especially when he felt her knee rubbing against his crotch, which in turn made him feel hard.
"Uh...well..." began Anon, but then his mouth spoke for him as he asked, "Will you keep your word?"
Fluttershy then smirked and slowly held his hands. She then said, "Does this answer your question?"
Fluttershy placed Anon's hands against her belly, then made his hands go underneath her shirt, towards her breasts. This surprised Anon, for Fluttershy wasn't wearing a bra, whilst Fluttershy was moaning from the touch.
"You've got quite the touch on you there." Said Fluttershy.
Suddenly, Anon couldn't help himself, for he began to massage her breasts whilst he gently groped them in circles. Fluttershy slightly moaned from this whilst she leaned against the wall with her arms up. Anon then thought of something and saw her pants, and made him realize that they must be very loose. So, whilst he was groping her breasts, he used his right hand to gently dig into it and played with her womanhood, making her gasp.
To keep herself from moaning, Fluttershy grabbed Anon's face and kissed him in order to mute down the moaning, to which Anon had no problems with. And during that time, Fluttershy wrapped her leg around Anon's waist in order to keep him close. Fluttershy could feel a climax coming along, until...
"Two minutes until match begins."
They stopped and looked at the time, then to each other, which Anon couldn't help but smirk.
"To be continued after the match?" asked Anon.
"You're on!!"
The two of them then straightened themselves out whilst getting themselves ready. The doors opened as the person at the intercom shouted, "Begin!!"
Everyone from both sides began to move in through the maze as each of them began to try and find their targets and opponents.
From both sides, both sides tried to outwit the other. Some were taken out by the Red Dragons; some were taken out by the Blue Barracudas. However, it was Fluttershy who began to score more points, alongside Anon of course.
Soon enough, there was only six Blue, well in this case, five Blue Barracudas left, considering Fluttershy took out one of the group members.
"Aw, yeah!!" said Fluttershy as she got excited whilst moving to another part of the arena. "Five more to go!!"
As she walked, the ventilation conditioners blew a bit when she decided to stand next to it in order to hide.
"Once this match is over, then I'll..." said Fluttershy before being cut off.
Because of the conditioners, it began to blow a piece of her hair to her nose, causing it to tickle it at the same time. Making her grunt a bit, before making a few sniffles at it. Before she knew it...
"What...why is my nose...?" began Fluttershy.
Then...the buildup sneeze begins.
"Aah...aah...aah...what's wrong...with my...aah...aah...aah."
And from the looks of her body, her breasts and posterior was slowly getting affected as well, as if she wants to get...smaller.
"Aah...aah...aah...oh no." said Fluttershy as she realized what this means, "Not...now...aah...aah...aah...aah...aah!!!"
"ACHOOO!!"
When all of a sudden, her body then shrunk back to normal, whilst at the same time, her eyes went back from red to moderate cyan, and her hair from green to pink, and the clothes she's wearing didn't fit her anymore as they became loose.
"Huh, what?" said Fluttershy whilst looking around. "Where am I? How did I get here?"
Fluttershy looked down and was shocked to see her in clothing that was partially loose, making her yelp and squeak at the same time whilst trying to hold them.
"What am I wearing?!" panicked Fluttershy. "And why am I almost naked?!"
"I heard something, this way."
Fluttershy squeaked and quickly hid for cover.
Walking past were five Blue Barracuda players left whilst looking around. Fluttershy on the other hand was trying her best to hide and make sure she wasn't making any noises.
"Where do you think the rest of the Red Dragons are?" asked the second.
"I heard that the last three of them are being cornered at the west." Said the third.
"Let's finish them off." Said the fourth.
"But I heard there was another out there." Said the fifth.
"We'll worry about that later, let's just get going." Said the leader before moving off.
Fluttershy then slowly got out of cover as she tried to get a good look, whilst at the same time, once again, stood next to the ventilation conditioners as it blew a bit at her.
"Oh no, this isn't good." Said Fluttershy as she was now panicking. However, she failed to notice the conditioners were blowing a piece of her hair to her nose, "I'd better get out of here before..."
Suddenly her nose began to tickle because of her hair.
"Oh my...but first my nose is fee...feeling."
Suddenly, her sneeze began to build up.
"Aah...aah...aah...oh my, why is my nose...aah, suddenly so...sense..." Said Fluttershy whilst a sneeze was building up.
And as if on schedule, her body began to once again to be nearly feeling the effects of her build up sneeze.
"Aah...aah...aah...here it comes," said Fluttershy, "I...aah...need to aah...get it out. Aah...aah...aah..."
"ACHOOO!!"
And just like that, her body instantly grew, and grew the same height as Applejack, whilst hear breasts were HH-cup, and her posterior luscious. Whilst at the same time, her eyes went half-lid and her hair was covering her left eye to show a sexier appeal. However, her clothes could barely fit as they instantly tore itself, whilst her eyes were red and her hair green.
She then looked around for a bit, and noticed her clothing looked almost off, but fixed it.
"I'd better get going and fast." Said Fluttershy as she got her laser tag gun ready, "Anon needs my help."
At the same time, Anon was cornered with nowhere to go, with the Barracuda teammates surrounding him.
"Nowhere to run now." Said one of the five members. "Once we get you, that broad will be next on our..."
That's when all five of their armor went off, surprising them and Anon. When they looked back and saw Fluttershy standing there with her weapon aimed. The alarms went off, signaling the games are over and that they have won. However, Fluttershy was looking at the one who called her a broad.
She walked on over to him and gave a strong right hook, causing the guy to be flat on the ground, surprising the rest. Fluttershy cracked her knuckles and glared at them.
"Anyone else wanna call me a broad?" taunted Fluttershy.
The others then ran away in fear, knowing not to mess with her next time. Before Fluttershy could react...
Anon instantly wrapped his arms around her whilst his head was between her breasts, much to her surprise when she saw Anon hugging her. He looked at her with a smile.
"You. Were. AWESOME!!!" said Anon.
Fluttershy looked at him, but smiled and said, "Ya damn right I am. Now come here."
Fluttershy grabbed Anon and passionately kissed him, for they have earned their victory. Soon enough, the two of them stood in first place with a trophy in their hand. But as they smiled, Anon couldn't help himself as he wanted to grope her posterior, but he didn't want to do it in front of everybody. Maybe when...the two of them are alone.
***********************************************************************************************
Soon enough, after the event, Anon and Fluttershy were on their way back to their room to put the trophy the room. However, considering how big it was, Anon was holding it because he wanted to look like a, 'Gentleman', but in truth, that's what Fluttershy was expecting, for she didn't want him to see what room they were going to.
When the elevator doors opened, Fluttershy guided him towards her room, allowing her to unlock it so that Anon could walk inside, with Fluttershy locking it behind her.
"Alright then," said Anon after he placed the trophy on the table, "Now that's what I call a sweet..."
Suddenly, Anon was grabbed by the wrists and pinned against the wall, with Fluttershy pinning her lips against his, much to his surprise, especially since she was putting her tongue inside of him, which he tried to return the favor by tongue wrestling against her, with Fluttershy moaning from the touch of his lips at the same time. The two of them broke the kiss and stared at one another.
"Let's get ourselves cleaned up," said Fluttershy, "For I've got a big surprise for you."
"I bet you do." Said Anon with a smirk of his own, "But before you do, I've got something for you to look forward to."
Fluttershy released him in order to see, with Anon took out the stone and restored him back to his body, causing Fluttershy to be surprised, and slowly licked her lips.
"Now this, I like." Said Fluttershy as she liked what she was seeing. "Why don't you shower first, and then I'll shower next and show you my surprise."
"I'll take your word for it." Said Anon as he was looking forward to it.
Anon was the first to finish taking a shower. Once he was done, he was wrapped in a towel around his waist and came out, and saw Fluttershy wearing her bra and panties, causing the said latter to smirk when he saw him.
"Well now, I like what I'm seeing." Said Fluttershy whilst Anon stood near her.
He slowly placed his hand on her right breast, which made her slightly gasp from his touch.
"I like what I'm seeing too." Said Anon.
"Save it for the bed side." Said Fluttershy as she gently pushed him away. "I'll be right back."
As Fluttershy walked past him, "I'll be waiting." Said Anon before giving a gentle slap behind her posterior, which surprised her with a yelp.
"Heh, tease." Said Fluttershy with a smirk before entering the bathroom.
Fluttershy was soon undressed and began to take a shower. However, Anon had forgotten to close the window, causing a slight draft to come in.
"Ah, now that's much better." Said Fluttershy as she began to enjoy the warmth of the water. "Now I can..."
Suddenly, she felt a slight breeze coming in, making her shiver a bit, whilst at the same time, making her nose twitch at the same time.
"Huh, what's...?" said Fluttershy whilst she was confused. "Aah...aah...aah...aah...aah!!!"
"ACHOOO!!"
Suddenly, Fluttershy was back to normal after a big sneeze. She was surprised at first, and looked around.
"Where am I?" said Fluttershy whilst looking around. Then she noticed where she was. "I'm I in the shower?" she asked in confusion. "How did I get here?"
She then heard her television was on, maybe she had a visitor.
"Oh dear, I didn't know I had a visitor." Said Fluttershy, "I'd better finish up here."
Fluttershy began to clear herself for a bit. Then after a while, she was finished with her shower, she then dried her hair, but wrapped herself in a towel.
"Okay, that should do it." Said Fluttershy, with the wind blowing again, "Maybe I should get dressed and see who..."
Suddenly, the wind blew and because of her now dried hair, it blew against her nose again.
"Aah...aah...aah...aah...aah...aah..."
"ACHOOO!!"
And just like that, her body instantly grew, and grew the same height as Applejack, whilst hear breasts were HH-cup, and her posterior luscious. Whilst at the same time, her eyes went half-lid and her hair was covering her left eye to show a sexier appeal. However, her clothes could barely fit as they instantly tore itself, whilst her eyes were red and her hair green.
Fluttershy groaned and went over to the window before closing it.
"This is starting to get very annoying." Said Fluttershy. She went over to the windows and closed it, not wanting something like this to happen again. This caused Fluttershy to smirk and said, "Time for the big finale."
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Anon began to wait at the bed, wondering what the woman was taking so long. Then again, he shouldn't say anything. After all, a lady needs to be presentable. Ugh, great, now he's thinking like Rarity. He decides to be in his boxers for just in case, for he wasn't sure how it was going to be. But he wasn't going to complain, for seeing how she was getting that close to him, now he wants to get even more closer to her.
He then heard the door opening and saw Fluttershy walking in. From the looks of it, her hair is dry, and so is her body, but she was still wearing a towel that covered from her chest to her knees. She looked at him with a smirk whilst she was walking towards the center of the bed.
"Haven't kept you waiting for that long, have I?" asked Fluttershy whilst she was still having that smirk on her face.
"Oh, no, never." Said Anon, "I waited for as long as I needed to."
"Good boy." Said Fluttershy as she slowly reached her hands onto her towel. "Now for your reward for having my back."
Fluttershy loosened her towel, allowing Anon to see her in full nude, before dropping the towel playfully, with Anon couldn't help but smirk himself whilst watching her at the same time. However, Fluttershy noticed the bulge in Anon's pants, causing her to smirk whilst placing her hands on her hips.
"Oh," said Fluttershy whilst looking eager at the same time, "Looks like someone is ready to play."
"I could say the same thing to you as well." Said Anon with a smile of his own.
Fluttershy walked over to him and slowly moved her arms and placed them on his shoulders. Before he could react, Fluttershy pushed Anon onto the bed, making him land on his back whilst Fluttershy was crawling on top of him whilst she kept her smile at the same time until the two of them were face to face. Fluttershy then lowered herself and placed her lips on his, whilst her breasts were pressing against his chest at the same time.
Anon enjoyed the feeling as he held her close, especially since Fluttershy was also pulling him closer so that the two of them could use their tongues at the same time. Taking a risk, Anon stroked his hands on Fluttershy's sides and ended up playfully grasping her posterior, making her slightly moan a bit at the same time.
Fluttershy then grabbed his wrists and pinned him hard onto the bed whilst she still made out with him. But at the same time, had ended up leaving a hickey on his neck, which made him squirm for a bit. But Fluttershy broke the kiss and kissed him further down on his chest, then to his stomach. Then she had finally reached his boxers and pulled them down, revealing his manhood, which made her smirk.
"Oh, I like what I'm seeing." Said Fluttershy as she began to massage his manhood between her breasts, which in turn made Anon squirm from her touch.
"Holy..." muttered Anon as he could barely hold it on.
Fluttershy continued to massage it over and over and over. Fluttershy continued to enjoy this feeling, however, she felt worried that she might sneeze again because of her nose, so she had to be careful. However, after a good five minutes, Anon felt the pressure build itself up.
"I...I think I'm going to..." said Anon as he couldn't take it anymore.
Soon enough, Anon climaxed, allowing Fluttershy to swallow it. She was able to drink every last drop, so thankfully she wiped her mouth and made sure she didn't sneeze. But she was also thankful that she took birth control for just in case.
Fluttershy stood up and wiped her mouth and said, "Alright then, now that we've got that..."
Before she could react, she felt something grabbed her by her posterior. When she looked down, she saw Anon had already been a step ahead of her. He placed his tongue inside of her womanhood, allowing him to lick it. She gasped at the touch. He was able to touch every corner inside of her, which in turn left her very flustered.
"H-hey, take it easy!!" said Fluttershy as she tried to pry herself free.
But the more she tried to get him to let go, the tighter he held onto her, which made her even more flustered.
"Hey...let go!!" said Fluttershy.
But Anon didn't listen as he just kept on going. At the same time, Fluttershy's legs were slowly trembling as she couldn't stand whilst nearly losing strength at the same time.
"I...I think...I'm going to..." said Fluttershy.
And within mere moments, Fluttershy climaxed, making her moan loudly with her eyes rolling backwards.
She nearly collapsed, but thankfully Anon was able to catch her before she fell down.
"Wow," said Anon, "You really are one tough girl. You held on for a long time."
When all of a sudden...
"Aah...aah...aah...aah...aah!!!"
Anon was quick and held her nose to keep herself from sneezing, which surprised her as she looked at Anon whilst slightly blushing.
"You're welcome." Said Anon playfully before booping her nose.
Thankful, Fluttershy instantly kissed him before going back before breaking it.
"Ready to have some fun?" asked Fluttershy with a smirk.
Anon instantly grabbed her and kissed her, whilst he lifted her leg at the same time. Before Fluttershy could say anything, Anon was able to insert his manhood inside of her, making her gasp as her womanhood had just been taken. Anon then thrusted his hips whilst he used his right arm to hold her leg whilst using his left hand to grope onto her posterior in order for him to control their thrusting at the same time, making her moan whilst she lifted her head whilst exposing her neck at the same time.
Fluttershy couldn't help but hold him close via his arms whilst enjoying herself at the same time.
"Holy...how are you so good?!!" shouted Fluttershy.
Before Fluttershy could react, Anon pulled out and took her to bed, then ended up making her sit on his lap whilst putting his member inside of her. He then ended up thrusting upwards, causing her to moan whilst she felt herself bouncing, and she wasn't even moving at the same time. She bounced over and over whilst her breasts were bouncing at the same time, for she couldn't get enough of it. She wrapped her arms around him whilst she motioned them backwards, which allowed him to grope onto her breasts whilst thrusting at the same time.
'How is he doing this?!' thought Fluttershy whilst her eyes were rolling backwards and her tongue out. 'He has more energy than anyone I've ever seen!'
Anon then placed her back onto the bed whilst he held her legs up in the air whilst he continued to thrust hard at the same time, making her moan loudly before placing her fist inside of her mouth, for the amount of pleasure he was giving her was driving her crazy. Suddenly, Anon stood up whilst he held Fluttershy by the arms whilst continued to thrust inside of her at the same time whilst hear breasts were bouncing.
"Oh, hell yeah, that's what I'm talking about!!" shouted Fluttershy as she couldn't get enough of it.
Anon, wanting to spice things up a bit, ended up taking her back to bed and made her be on all fours. He inserted his manhood back inside and thrusted inside of her whilst he was holding at her waist. But at the same time, he saw how her posterior was bouncing from his lap whilst he kept thrusting inside of her. Seeing that he wants to take a chance, he slapped onto her posterior, making her moan loudly at the same time as she couldn't get enough of it.
"Holy fuck you're so good!!" shouted Fluttershy as she couldn't get enough of the constant thrusting Anon was delivering.
Anon ended up pulling her out and made her land back on the bed again, allowing Anon to place his manhood back inside of her whilst he continued to thrust inside of her at the same time. He continued to thrust inside of her whilst she moaned like crazy as she ended up wrapping her legs around him whilst pulling him close at the same time. The thrusting continued whilst the bed was shaking from the constant bouncing that Anon was delivering at the same time.
Fluttershy's eyes felt like it was going to roll backwards. However, she then suddenly had an idea.
She suddenly grabbed him and flipped him over, allowing her to be on top.
"Enjoy the full sights, big boy." Said Fluttershy whilst being over him. "You're about to get the ride of a lifetime."
Soon enough, Fluttershy placed her hands on top of his chest whilst she began to bounce at the same time, making her lift her head whilst she groaned and moaned at the same time, enjoying the feeling at the same time. Anon watched as Fluttershy was getting really aggressive during the love making at the same time. He also saw her breasts bouncing whilst she was bouncing her hardest at the same time.
He then had an idea and massaged her breasts whilst she was bouncing at the same time, making her moan even louder. He sat up and ended up hugging her at the same time whilst she kept on bouncing at the same time. However, before they could enjoy it any further, both their climaxed began to build up.
"I...I think I'm...going to...!!" said Anon as he felt the pressure.
"Shoot it inside me, don't you dare hold back!!" shouted Fluttershy.
Within mere moments, the both of them climaxed hard, with both of them panting out of exhaustion, with the two of them looking at one another.
"That was...pretty amazing." Said Fluttershy before pulling out and resting on the bed.
However, Beau felt like he could go for another round. Thankfully, after a bit, his manhood was at full swing. He then made Fluttershy on her back whilst lifting her legs, taking her by surprise.
"You like to be rough on me, so now it's my turn to be rough on you." Said Anon with a smirk.
Anon then soon thrusted inside of her whilst he held her legs in the air, making Fluttershy scream in ecstasy whilst her eyes were rolling backwards.
"Oh, yeah!!" shouted Fluttershy. For even though she was a bit drained, she still felt very turned on.
Anon then groped her breasts whilst he still thrusted his hips in her at the same time. After a whole ten minutes, Anon was about to release another load.
"Oh yeah, here it comes!!" shouted Anon.
Within mere moments, Anon climaxed inside of her, making her scream once more. She panted for a few moments whilst trying to catch her breath at the same time. After breathing for a bit, Fluttershy passed out and was asleep. Anon pulled out and groaned a bit whilst his groin felt a bit sore at the same time. That was definitely a rough time. He used the stone to turn himself back to normal as a late teen whilst looking at her.
"I never got laid by an aggressive woman before." Said Anon. "Truth be told that was kind of hot."
Anon groaned a bit whilst he tried to get dressed at the same time. He was able to cover Fluttershy with a blanket before going out to the door.
"Hope Fluttershy won't mind." Said Anon, then was worried, "Then again I'm worried that those two would get off on the wrong foot. Here's hoping."
Anon soon stepped about. Within moments, Fluttershy shrunk back down to normal, whilst her also changed back whilst keeping a smile on her face. She then took a few sniffs.
"Achoo." Sneezed Fluttershy silently before using the blanket to cover herself.
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Deciding to pass the time, Princess Twilight and Starlight were looking at a manual of sorts, which was the helicopter that was going to take them.
"Whoa," said Princess Twilight surprised as she spoke to the pilot, "The helicopter can carry that many loads?"
"That's right." Said the pilot whilst flexing an eyebrow. "I thought you'd know this?"
"Er, sorry." Said Starlight whilst blushing, "We never saw a helicopter before."
"Seriously?" said the guy surprised.
"It's the truth." Said Princess Twilight.
The pilot thought about it, then said, "Er, good point. I didn't know what a train was either, considering I grew up in a place that didn't have any railways."
"When did you learn?" asked Starlight.
"About when I was your age." Said the Pilot, "It's amazing what we learn in such a short lifetime, and we still don't know enough."
Princess Twilight giggled and said, "I know what you mean."
The pilot looked at the watch and said, "Really hope those guys would hurry with that order, I've got a tight schedule to keep."
The two ponies turned human were also worried. "We know the feeling." Said Princess Twilight as she really got worried.
> Chapter 7: The Magical with the power of Science part 5
Anon was busy walking down the hall, wondering where to go next. For seeing that this is a big ship, there had to be more to it. However, he was partially massaging his groin. For going all out on a woman that was very aggressive, can really do some damage down there.
"Oh, man." Groaned Anon as he was really starting to feel pain down in his nether regions, "I never thought I'd ever get this aggressive. Especially to...to..."
Anon then realized something. Then deadpanned.
"A bunch of random women," said Anon to himself, "Hot one's mind you, who suddenly appeared from out of nowhere, comes to me, and wants to spend time with me, kisses me, and then I ended up getting laid by them. A country girl, and athlete, a model, and an aggressive girl. Though an interesting combo, I'm still confused."
He then thought about it and said to himself, "Come to think of it. They somehow feel familiar. But I have no idea who they are."
He groaned and said, "This is giving me a headache. I wanted to get away from stuff like this and I end up getting laid."
He then paused and suddenly had a giddy laugh. "Well, not that nothing's wrong with it."
He then saw a science exhibit and pondered for a bit.
"Maybe a bit of science will help calm me down." Said Anon whilst he walked through it.
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Meanwhile, from within Twilight's room, she was busy overlooking her things whilst for some reason, she was wearing a scientist coat and going over some homework papers. However, strangely she was near her laptop and Spike was talking to her via laptop. Which is strange, because a dog knows how to use a computer, but because he can speak, he also became sentient.
"So, wait, let me get this straight," said a confused Spike via computer, "You're choosing to do homework on the ship, despite it being summer vacation?"
"What, I like the extra work." Said Twilight.
"Twilight, you seriously need to learn to relax." Said Spike, "If you wanted to do extra work, you should've signed up for Summer School."
Twilight sighed and said, "I guess I'm just trying to fill the void. Since I got banned."
"Banned?" said a confused Spike, causing the said dog to realize what she's talking about. "Oh, right, because of the two incidents because you didn't listen to Anon."
Twilight groaned at that and shouted, "I already know Spike!! I just wanted to prove my theories were also better and it ended up blowing in my face!!"
Now Spike groaned and said, "Twilight, you were the one who thought his work was ridiculous. Plus, you did lie to him and went behind his back without his permission."
Twilight groaned again and banged her head against the counter.
"I know, Spike." Said Twilight, "But Anon won't forgive me for what I did. I tried to apologize, but he wouldn't accept it."
"Yes, you did apologize for that Saddle Rager incident," said Spike as he remembered, "But then you lied to him again and stole his notes about shrinking, which wasn't ready. And you're lucky you didn't make a Pinkie Promise, otherwise Pinkie would've gone ballistic on you."
"Don't remind me." Muttered Twilight as she turned her head and had a deadpanned look.
"Well, I'm sure you'll find a way." Said Spike. "You just need to prove to him that you can be trusted with chemicals again."
"Like how?" said Twilight whilst looking at Spike.
"I don't know, like technology." Said Spike, "You're allowed to work on that. And I bet you could use the equipment to make an alternative fuel source that's non-pollutant or something."
"Well," began Twilight and thought about it, "I guess I could try."
"That's the spirit." Said Spike, "So try to give it a chance, I'm sure you'll earn his trust."
Twilight smiled and said, "Thanks Spike."
"Happy to help." Said Spike, "Now I'd better go, the next Puppy Paws is almost on."
Spike cut the call, causing Twilight to giggle at that. "Maybe I should give it a try."
Suddenly, she yawned and said, "I can't be tired already, it's still daylight outside."
Twilight then looked at the medication across the room, the one that Anon gave her. She remembered he asked her and her friends to try them out to see if they work.
"Maybe I can earn his trust by doing that." Said Twilight as she walked over.
She took out one pill and a glass of water. She took a sip whilst swallowing the pill. It took her a few moments, until she suddenly felt her brain was going into overdrive.
"Whoa, this feels amazing." Said Twilight as she feels very rejuvenated. "I can suddenly think of a few ideas for science, as well as other things."
She walked over and stood near her table and began to write them down.
"And with this, I'm sure Anon would like them." Said Twilight. Suddenly, she began to think Anon with feelings she had buried deep down. "Anon...what with his abs...and his body...his cute face...his amazing genius."
The more Twilight thought about it, the more Twilight felt flustered and her heart beating rapidly.
"As well as his hands as I want him to hold me, to massage me, to play around with me. To take me to bed and..."
Suddenly Twilight felt a pounding sensation as she found herself unable to concentrate.
"What...what's happening to me." Muttered Twilight as she held her head. "This feeling...I...where did that come...?"
She then suddenly leaned forward whilst she grasped her hands whilst they were on her desk as she lowered her head and her heart beating rapidly.
"Anon...so cute...so hot...I...I..." muttered Twilight whilst she felt like she couldn't breathe.
She began to breathe rapidly as she inhaled and exhaled over and over like she was running a marathon. Suddenly, she felt herself get stimulant, with Twilight's muscles getting tensed and her cellular levels reacting very differently. She felt strange surges going over her body. And with every breath, her body felt a tingling sensation.
And then...she started to grow.
If you look from behind, her posterior was starting to show via the science lab coat. She grew 6.5 feet, her hips became wider, her hair remained the same, her breast grew into G-cup, and a slightly hourglass figure.
After her intense breathing, she was able to calm down, then regained her composure and slowly stood up. However, by looking down, she noticed her clothes were tight.
"Wow," muttered Twilight as she was in a different and very sexy voice, "Barely being able to fit me and they somehow look very snug on me."
Twilight looked at her breasts, and her posterior as well.
"And it's also very fitting." Said Twilight, "Though I'm going to have to change my wardrobe. Can't walk out and look like a floozie at the same time."
She then noticed Anon's pills and walked over whilst inspecting them. She took a few sniffs, and came to the conclusion.
"Impressive." Said Twilight. "Anon's pills seems to be a huge success given how they work. However, there's also a hint inside that caused my transformation into what I am. Either he did this on purpose, or somehow someone switched them chemical he was going to use to combine them. Still, this is truly fascinating. I will need to study this later."
She then suddenly thought of Anon. After getting an image of him in her head, she suddenly smirked and licked her lips.
"Maybe after he and I do some...bodily experiments together." Said Twilight, eager to get her hands on Anon.
*******************************************************************************************************
Meanwhile, Anon was going over the few exhibits and looked through some of the important details on it.
"Wow, it's been such a long time since I've seen any of this." Said Anon whilst looking through them, "I'm sure I can find a way to adapt them to Equestria if given the chance. Hmm, maybe I should make a few notes of this."
He kept looking around and then saw what appeared to be a sample of Iridium.
"Whoa, Iridium." Said Anon. "I never figured that they'd have Iridium here."
As Anon marveled at it, he failed to realize who was slowly coming from behind whilst he was busy looking at it.
"Iridium is the most corrosion-resistant material known," said Anon whilst a mystery person was standing behind him, "It's known for being used in special alloys and forms an alloy with osmium, which is used for..."
"Pen tips and compass bearings." Said the woman as she was speaking what he was thinking, "It was used in making the standard meter bar, which is an alloy of 90% platinum and 10% iridium."
Anon looked behind, but was surprised by what he was seeing.
For the person standing behind him was a woman. A hot one at that. But not just any hot woman, a scientist, which is one of the best combos Anon has ever seen, especially the way she wears her glasses and coat. And the way she wears her outfit was quite snug, especially the skirt that goes with it.
"Uh, yeah, that's right." Said Anon as he stood up and looked her it. "It also has about 77 protons and 144 neutrons in its nucleus, giving it..."
"An atomic number of 77 and an atomic mass of 192. Iridium is in period 6 of the periodic table because it has 6 electron shells." Replied Twilight.
Anon was quite surprised, but then Twilight sealed the deal and said, "However, those who tend to dive in the Science Fiction tend to use Iridium for important technologies to help revolutionize mankind without the need to breaking down the barriers."
Anon gawked at that, and said, "Where have you been all my life?"
"Now, now," said Twilight whilst adjusting her glasses, "That would be telling."
The way Twilight was staring at him half lidded made Anon sweat. But then he got curious and asked, "Can you see without the glasses?"
"Not exactly." Said Twilight, "Sometimes my vision can be poorly. However,..."
She takes off her glasses and stares at him lovingly, "I can see you as clear as day."
Anon blushed madly at this. 'Can a science chick get any hotter?!' thought Anon to himself.
"Now then," said Twilight in a flirting manner, "Why don't we explore this exhibit further? I'm sure there will be more elements for the both of us to explore."
"Depending on which ones you're willing to explore." Said Anon.
"Well then," said Twilight as she leaned closer to him whilst whispering, "Why don't we find out, together then?"
Anon let out a big gulp of a swallow and went with Twilight whilst looking over the exhibits.
*******************************************************************************************************
Anon and Twilight watched a few exhibits that features more elements.
"There are so many elements that are made." Said Anon. "Platinum, Titanium, Copper, Silver, Gold, and so on. But it makes you wonder what more could be created."
"As well as another hypothesis." Said Twilight whilst adjusting her glasses, "What would happen if said elements were to run out. Would everyone be reduced to chaos, or would they take the made objects from said elements and melt them down in order for them to regain what they have lost?"
"Very interesting." Said Anon as he also thought of that, "A planet's natural resource always tends to run out quickly."
"As well as the worst-case scenarios." Said Twilight.
"Oooh." Said Anon as he looked at the laser, gaining Twilight's attention. He walked over and said, "The very first drill that had been invented to drill through a mine."
"Which in turn inspired future generations to make bigger drills, including one the size of a tractor." Said Twilight.
"We truly live in an age of wonder." Said Anon.
"Hmm, what is this?" said Twilight as she closely inspected it.
However, Anon slowly looked at Twilight, and felt entranced by her body. The Curves on her body, the angles from wherever you look, as well as the volumes that speak. He suddenly did a mathematic calculation of a woman's body, and suddenly felt himself going hard.
"Oh, shoot." Muttered Anon as he quickly looked away and tried to think of other thoughts in order for him not to think those thoughts.
Twilight on the other hand slowly noticed Anon's reactions, as well as the angles and volumes on his body. And when she could see the slight bulge, she slowly smiled and licked her lips.
'It seems my actions have given him the reactions I predicted he would.' Thought Twilight, "Looks like I'm going to have to step up my game from here on out."
*******************************************************************************************************
Anon and Twilight was soon at the chemistry section in a private section that not many go to.
"Very interesting sets." Said Anon whilst looking things over.
"Many of them being used by many chemistry professors." Said Twilight, "Imagine those who would make such a huge difference."
"Yeah." Said Anon, but then slightly frowned.
This gained her attention, and asked, "Is something wrong?"
"It's just...it reminds me of a friend that messed a few things up with these." Said Anon.
"Oh?" said Twilight as she looked at him.
"See, a while back I was teaching chemistry." Said Anon, "But then one day she wanted to help create a formula to help a mouse's performance. So naturally I did the papers and research and was able to find plenty of ways. So, I showed them to her and Sunset, saying that they can use this to help them."
"Did she?" asked Twilight.
He sighed and said, "No."
He stood up straight and crossed his arms whilst watching the chemistry sets.
"I went back home and was worried when a friend of mine didn't come home." Said Anon, "But when I got there, I saw how not just my friends, but Twilight, Sunset, and the rest of their friends were turned into monsters as well. I was able to cure them, and then I found out Twilight completely botched my notes and dismissed everything I wrote and tampered with them. I...yelled at her and said she should've listened, for I ran the simulations and knew it was going to happen, and she ignored it."
Anon looked at Twilight whilst he sat down at a nearby chair.
"I told her that she'd gain one more chance to earn my trust." Said Anon, "But then I later found out she stole my notes about another formula, one that was still untested and I hadn't worked on the limiters yet. I helped them with that problem, but then I really lost it. She ended up losing my trust completely."
"But didn't she apologize?" asked Twilight.
Anon sighed and said, "She did. But...how would I know she won't do this again? I showed her my work, and she ignored it and went behind my back, despite me telling the dangers. It's just like the Friendship Games all over again."
Twilight flexed an eyebrow on that, then asked, "But why would your friend do that?"
"I don't know." Said Anon, "I never could figure things out. Especially since she kept showing that creepy smile and twitching. The same way she did when Micro Chips was better at scientific tech than she is when he was voted the most for the Yearbook."
"Hmmm," pondered Twilight for a moment, then came to a conclusion. "I think know what's wrong with her?"
"Oh, do tell." Said Anon as he thought that this was getting good.
"I think she might be jealous of you." Said Twilight.
Anon did a double take on what she said and looked at her.
"I'm sorry, jealous?" said Anon incredulously, "Jealous of what?!"
"Think about it," said Twilight, "From what you're telling me, and from what I could gather, she's the smartest girl in her previous school, as well as Canterlot High, and she felt like there was no equal. Until she met you. She thought it was ridiculous of how Canterlot High could hire someone of your age."
'Of my age?!' thought Anon in response, 'But I'm...oh right, I forgot, I came to this world and I'm a year older than the girls.'
"But when there was a contest between your school, she was surprised how well everyone passed their chemistry challenge, especially a handful of girls. Especially the one with the...eyes, I think?"
"You mean Derpy?" said Anon surprised when he remembered how well she and a few others were doing in science class.
"That's the one." Said Twilight, "And when she came to your school, she still found it hard to believe. Then she kept asking impossible questions from you, and you were able to answer them. And during a few chemical tests, when you performed them, she thought they were ridiculous, but when you showed her through your experience, she was greatly surprised. So, she wanted to find a way to prove to you how smart she can be."
"By stealing my notes behind my back?" Said Anon in a nonchalant tone.
"To be fair, taking them wasn't her best move," said Twilight, "I think she was just trying to impress you, to win your affection."
"Win my...?!" said Anon in an incredulous tone.
And that's when it hit him like a two-ton anvil. All those facial expressions Twilight was showing, all the so-called advancements, all those saying smart things...she was trying to...
"Oh, my freaking..." muttered Anon to himself as he didn't realize this sooner. Then again, he didn't notice that from Princess Twilight either. "Why the heck didn't she tell me?!!"
"Do guys ever talk about their feelings?" asked Twilight rhetorically.
Anon wanted to say something, but then realized she does have a point. He groaned and facepalmed himself whilst rubbing his face downward.
"Okay, you got me there." Said Anon. Then he crossed his arms and looked away for a moment. He sighed and said, "So what should I do?"
"Why not try to apologize to her." Said Twilight, "I'm sure she'd appreciate it. Maybe even make her day."
"Easier said than done." Said Anon whilst thinking in thought.
"Maybe you could practice it." Said Twilight.
"Well for one..."
Twilight then slowly placed her arms around Anon, surprising the latter as he looked straight at her in her eyes, and could barely look away from her chest.
"Say, 'I'm sorry for yelling at you,'" said Twilight as she tried to help him, "'I'll let you earn my trust, if you let me do one simple scientific favor'."
"Wait, scientific favor?" said Anon in a very confused tone.
Twilight smirked and said, "By letting one's reaction would feel, if one lips would feel to the other."
Twilight slowly placed her lips against Anon's, taking the latter completely by surprise as he didn't expect this, especially since he could feel her chest. Suddenly, the mathematics of her body began to go off. The geometry, the curves, the angles, even the volumes. Even the reactions of how her lips are reacting to his.
Then he began to play the mathematics of what her reactions would be if he were to grope her posterior. To which he did, making her moan slightly from the touch. He began to grope her from behind and pulled her closer at the same time. Twilight continued to moan whilst she slowly lifted her leg and pulled him close in order to not let him go. Anon responded by using his right hand to stroke her leg whilst making out.
'So that's what her leg feels like.' Thought Anon as he continued.
Soon enough, the two of them broke the kiss and looked at one another with Twilight looking at him with bedroom eyes.
"Inability to concentrate," began Twilight, "Shortness of breath, nearly sweaty palms."
Twilight slightly gasped when she felt something stroking her nether region, making her squirm slightly, which is revealed to be Anon's hand, with the latter smirking at her.
"Lower regions also warm," said Anon, "And wet if I'm not mistaken?"
Twilight ended up smirking as well.
"Shall we take this where none could bother our...research?" said Twilight.
"By all means, let's find out." Said Anon.
*******************************************************************************************************
The two of them soon made their way to the elevator. However, Twilight was blocking Anon's view by cornering him against the elevator whilst she already pushed the button to, you guessed it, the Private suites.
"You never told me which floor we're going." Asked Anon.
"Now, now." Said Twilight as she lightly licked his face, turning him on whilst his face was blushing bright red at the same time. "That would be telling. And I thought you'd like a lady with some secrets."
She then turned around and gently placed her alluring rump against his groin, making his face even redder. What was even more embarrassing, was the fact that her posterior was showing through her lab coat, which he has no idea how the hell that is possible.
"Especially when you haven't even discovered...the secrets of this one?" said Twilight in a very flirty and sexy tone.
"Well...well I uh..." muttered Anon as he couldn't find the words to come out.
Suddenly, they heard the elevator ding, making them realize that all of them are on their floor. When they opened, Twilight guided him, but she kept his face in her bosom in order for him not to peek or anything. She used her keycard to open her room, allowing her to enter inside and close it behind her.
Anon pulled his head out as he was glad to be out of that. "Was that really necessary?" asked Anon.
"Aw, what's the matter whittle boy?" teased Twilight, causing Anon to be even more flabbergasted. "Don't you like my special fault line?"
"Well...I uh...well uh...the thing is...I uh...." Babbled Anon as he couldn't say anything. Who then slapped himself silly to keep him focused.
"So then, why not focus on me for the evening?" asked Twilight.
"Actually, I am focused on you." Said Anon.
"Oh?" said Twilight as she was now curious.
"The power of Geometry for one thing." Said Anon.
Anon gently placed his hands against her thighs whilst stroking them gently. "The Curves."
Anon gently placed his hands against her breasts, making her moan from just a simple touch. "The Volumes."
And lastly, Anon placed his hands against her posterior and said "The Angles,", before gently slapping them and grasping them, making her yelp whilst also saying, "As well as the reactions."
"Oh," said Twilight whilst giggling seductively, "Now I'm quite intrigued."
"Although," said Anon playfully as he was able to get out of her grasp and slowly undress until he was in his briefs, which caused Twilight to blush, and slightly pout that she wanted to undress him. "If you want to do the same, do it this way."
Anon then used the stone and restored him back to his body, causing Twilight to be greatly flustered as her glasses was getting foggy, then she looked at him with a smirk and bit her lip.
"Well then," said Twilight as she slowly approached him, "Let's take a look at those angles, shall we?"
Twilight gently took off her coat whilst her rear was this close into revealing that booty of hers. Then she removed her shirt, allowing that bountiful chest to bounce, which in turn, turned Anon on.
"Oh, what do we have here?" said Twilight whilst adjusting her glasses and noticed the bulge. "It seems because of me removing my shirt, you ended up developing a case of the bulge that erupted from within your briefs."
She gently held onto his briefs and said, "Let's see just how big."
The moment she removed it, she got her answer. For it was quite big, causing her to lick her lips.
"It seems I have assumed correctly." Said Twilight whilst adjusting her glasses. "Now let's study what it's reaction would be, when I do this."
Twilight gently held onto Anon's manhood and gently sucked on it, giving him a blowjob whilst massaging his sensitive spots at the same time, making Anon moan at the same time.
"Holy..." said Anon, then thought, 'I can't remember the last time someone did this.'
Twilight began to suck on it faster, whilst her tongue was also working her magic at the same time, making Anon's build up come quickly. He couldn't explain how or why, but the way she did it, he couldn't believe how skilled she was.
"Twilight..." moaned Anon, "I think...I think I'm about to..."
Anon then unleashed his load in her mouth, allowing her to swallow every drop.
"Well then," said Twilight as she had licked her lips and stroked her chin in a seductive manner, "I can see quite the load you're carrying."
"That...I do." Said Anon. Until he smirked and grabbed her to hold her close. "But now it's time to show you what I'm capable of."
Anon removed Twilight's snug shirt, revealing her black bra from underneath, then took off her skirt, revealing her black panties.
"Now this really works for you." Said Anon.
"If this turns you on, then how about this?" asked Twilight.
She then turned around, slowly bent over, and twerked for him, causing Anon to feel more turned on when she moved like that.
"Oh," said Twilight whilst looking at him and smirking, "It seems by doing this motion that you found very alluring, your manhood's arousing started to return."
"Now this is enough to turn a man on." Said Anon whilst he held her close. "Would you like to feel hot and bothered?"
Before Twilight could react, Anon grabbed her posterior whilst placing his head between hear breasts and began to kiss her chest at the same time, making her moan at the same time whilst lifting her head, allowing him access, even wrapped her arms around his head in order to keep him close at the same time. Whilst Anon did that, he untied the back of her bra, allowing them to fall off, with Twilight enjoying this feeling at the same time.
Anon soon pinned her on the bed, allowing him to lift his face from her chest. "And now to see another reaction." Said Anon.
He slowly reached for her panties and slowly pulled it downwards, whilst also allowing to be alluring to go past her legs until he was able to take them off. He then saw her womanhood, and realized that this would be a great opportunity. He soon placed his tongue against her womanhood, making her gasp whilst lifting her chest at the same time. Anon then soon placed his tongue inside of her, making her moan and squirm at the same time.
"It's so...amazing." Moaned Twilight as she felt like she was going to go crazy.
Anon continued to move his tongue in a perfect rhythm. However, her buildup was coming big time.
"Oh my..." muttered Twilight, "I think...I think a chemical chain reaction is about to happen."
Within a split second, Twilight cummed, causing Anon to swallow every drop as well. Twilight panted from the pleasure that Anon gave her, whilst at the same time, he looked at her with a smirk, whilst she slowly looked at him whilst adjusting her glasses at the same time.
"I must say," said Twilight whilst adjusting her glasses, "I never expected the human body to act this way."
"Then prepare yourself for the next bodily studies." Said Anon.
He then flipped Twilight over, allowing her to be on top, whilst at the same time, she noticed how he's still willing to get going. Twilight then smirked and got the idea.
"Very well then," said Twilight, "Then I shall take the lead."
Twilight was able to get his manhood inside of her, making her moan loudly whilst raising her head at the same time. Soon enough, she was completely inside.
"So how should we move?" asked Anon.
"Ask me this," said Twilight as she gained a cheeky look, "What is the value of pie?"
"It's an endless number." Said Anon.
Twilight smirked and said, "Then be prepared for the endless movement."
As Twilight moved, Anon enjoyed the pleasure, but Twilight did something unexpected.
"The value...of...pi...is...3.1...4, 1, 5, 9, 2, 6, 5, 3...5, 8, 9, 7, 9, 3, ...2, 3, 8, 4, 6, 2, 6, 4, 3....3, 8, 3, 2, 7, 9, 5, 0, 2, 8, 8...4, 9, 7."
'Wait,' thought Anon as he was getting turned on from this, 'Is she saying the endless value of pie whilst doing it in sex form?!'
Then Twilight moved her hips mid speed whilst doing it again, but a little louder.
"The value...of...pi...is...3.1...4, 1, 5, 9, 2, 6, 5, 3...5, 8, 9, 7, 9, 3, ...2, 3, 8, 4, 6, 2, 6, 4, 3....3, 8, 3, 2, 7, 9, 5, 0, 2, 8, 8...4, 9, 7."
And then she moved at top speed, and said loudly.
"The value...of...pi...is...3.1...4! 1! 5! 9! 2! 6! 5! 3...5! 8! 9! 7! 9! 3! ...2! 3! 8! 4! 6! 2! 6! 4! 3....3! 8! 3! 2! 7! 9! 5! 0! 2! 8! 8...4! 9! 7!"
'Oh, you want to be sexy like that, do you?' thought Anon whilst he smirked, then said loudly, "Then let me return the favor!!"
He instantly grabbed Twilight and flipped her over, making her be at the bottom whilst Anon was on top. But this time, he was holding her legs in a V form as his manhood was still in her.
"So you like to recite the value of pie, huh?" said Anon, then smirked, "Let me try it."
Anon began to thrust inside of her and was also at mid speed whilst reciting the value of pie.
"The value...of...pi...is...3.1...4, 1, 5, 9, 2, 6, 5, 3...5, 8, 9, 7, 9, 3, ...2, 3, 8, 4, 6, 2, 6, 4, 3....3, 8, 3, 2, 7, 9, 5, 0, 2, 8, 8...4, 9, 7."
Twilight also began to feel turned on as she began to enjoy his recite of it, as well as his thrusts, whilst also being big inside of her.
"The value...of...pi...is...3.1...4! 1! 5! 9! 2! 6! 5! 3...5! 8! 9! 7! 9! 3! ...2! 3! 8! 4! 6! 2! 6! 4! 3....3! 8! 3! 2! 7! 9! 5! 0! 2! 8! 8...4! 9! 7!"
And with one last thrust, Anon climaxed inside of her, with Twilight moaning loudly whilst her head was buried within the pillow whilst the two of them screamed loudly at the same time.
Twilight panted from the excitement and her legs felt numb, with Anon letting go and pulling out his manhood and rested a bit too. The two of them began to breathe heavily, but from the looks of it, Twilight could pass out at any minute, so he decided to quickly cover her before she would.
"That... was...amazing." Said Twilight.
"Glad I could please you." Said Anon whilst he was able to get his breathing back to normal.
Suddenly, Twilight kissed him full on the lips, taking him by surprise. When she broke it, she whispered, "I love you."
She passed out and sighed with a smile. Anon was stunned by what she said. That's the first time a girl said that to him. He then used the stone to turn himself back to his senior form, took Twilight's glasses and placed it on the bedside table. He went to the door and opened it. He looked back, and couldn't help but smile.
"Love you too." Whispered Anon before closing the door behind him.
As soon as Anon stepped about. Within moments, Twilight shrunk back down to normal, whilst her also changed back whilst keeping a smile on her face. She then giggled and muttered, "Nineteen by thirteen-inch pan."
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To pass the time, the pilot began to show Princess Twilight and Starlight Glimmer the controls of the helicopter. And seeing that there was only 3 hours left, they figured they'd pass the time.
"So, this allows you to lift off whilst this allows you to steer?" asked Princess Twilight.
"Sure does." Said the pilot.
"But why does it have a long tail?" asked Starlight.
"It's what helps it fly." Said the pilot, "Without it, it could spin out of control and crash. Trust me, I've seen it happen, it's not pretty."
"And you say it uses a special kind of fuel?" asked Princess Twilight.
"Sure does." Said the pilot, "It depends how many galleons it can take. And it can't fly long, otherwise you're in for a rude crashing."
"Never figured flying could be dangerous." Said Starlight.
"Any form of transportation is." Said the Pilot. "Then again, when it comes to things like these, it can be very unpredictable."
"True that." Said the two ponies turned humans.
Though it was fascinating to learn about helicopters, they really hope that they can get there in time.
> Chapter 8: Empathy with a side of Sexiness part 6
After Anon's wild time with Twilight in there, he went to his room and stretched a bit whilst also applying some...pain relief cream? On his entire groin area.
"Oh, man." Groaned Anon, "Who'd thunk I'd end up getting laid by this many girls." Said Anon.
He then listed down what girls he got laid with.
"First, I get laid by a sexy country gal, then I get laid by a hot athlete, then I got laid by a goddess of a model, then I got laid by an aggressive badass, and then a woman that had a mix of genius and sexiness, which I'll admit it's quite a sexy combo."
But then he thought about what Twilight said, even if he didn't know it was her.
"She said that...she loves me." Said Anon. "Huh...it's been a while since I heard that."
Anon sighed as he leaned against the closet. "Wow...I can't exactly remember when I ever had a relationship."
When Anon was back on his old home, he never had any luck with girls, and he could never keep a solid, stable, relationship. And since he came to Equestria, finding a soulmate would be considered impossible, because, well, obvious reasons; he's a human and there are nothing but ponies. Sure, Canterlot High may be a good spot, but many of them were in their teens, even if he does take the appearance of a senior. And he wouldn't know if he'd have a shot with Principle Celestia and her sister Luna.
Come to think of it, he never did like Luna, considering how she's always judgmental towards him when he didn't even do anything wrong. Heck, she'd look any excuse to kick him out when he was teaching. Turns out she didn't like him because she claimed that he broke her heart, which was ridiculous because he never even met her. And when the truth came to light, she felt bad. And though she apologized, Anon still wouldn't forgive her, cause all he did was try to show her that he wasn't like that, but she still wouldn't listen. Celestia didn't have any other choice but to punish her. Even though Luna's her sister, she still needed to go back to retraining for disciplinary actions.
"Pff, at least Princess Luna's more reasonable than her bitchy counterpart." Grumbled Anon.
Anon then sighed and said, "Maybe I should find something else to entertain myself with."
He then thought about it and said, "Let's see. I went to a country styled place for breakfast. I went to a gym. I went to have lunch at that restaurant and had some chili. I went to do some laser tagging, and then I went to that science place. What else could be there?"
Anon noticed the ship's entertainment schedules and looked it over.
"Hmm, I can always try arcade." Said Anon. "Okay, yeah, Arcade it is, considering it's been a while since I gamed. And not the pony versions. I like it and all, but the buttons are just too big. Then again, they're meant to be pressed by hooves."
He then noticed that there was also a...stripper's club?! "Okay, why the hell would they want something on a cruise ship like this."
That's when he remembered.
Whilst they were taking the bus to the docks and the girls were chatting, Anon decided to look over the guidebook of the new cruise ship and read through all the entertainments they had. They had everything...including a stripper's club. Cause it turns out, most of the adults had voted for a place like that. And it became popular too. Though thankfully there happens to be security from there.
Anon then slapped his forehead and said, "And I didn't detect that from earlier?"
Anon then thought of something...it had been a long time since he had ever been in a club just to relieve any stress. Equestria doesn't have any of that, and because he didn't find a way to be in his body and was stuck as a senior, he couldn't even go cause for one, he doesn't have an ID in that world, and two, if an underaged person would be there, they'd be in big trouble. But now that he found a way because of a few studies...
"Eh, why not?" said Anon as he stood up. "But first thing's first, the arcade. I gotta work out my gaming kinks."
Soon Anon left and went to the elevator. He looked at the other suites of his friends, and wondered, "Where are the girls anyway? It's been a while since I saw them."
Unknown to him, most of the girls he had, ahem, sex with, were all still fast asleep after the wild night. And for some reason, none of them had woken up yet. Meh, he'll figure that out later.
"I'm sure they'll turn up." Said Anon, "It is a big ship, so the chances of me seeing them might be a bit slim."
He closed the elevator doors behind him, allowing him to take the floor to the arcade.
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10 minutes earlier
Meanwhile, from her room, Sunset decided to take a shower. She decided to tour a bit through the ship for a bit in order to know the layout of the entire place. She even decided to take a few flyers to look through them.
After she was done taking a shower, she dried herself off and wrapped a towel around her as it also covered her chest. She looked down and noticed her breasts, making her sigh.
"Sometimes I wonder how the humans in the world can handle them." Muttered Sunset. She then suddenly groped it a bit, making her slightly moan a bit, but stopped as she blushed, "And I still have no clue why they're always so sensitive."
After the, ahem, embarrassing ordeal, she got out of her bathroom and walked over to a table where she placed her flyers whilst inspecting them. She looked through them and saw a few that caught her attention. One of them being gaming, which caught her attention and felt like she could score up some major high scores there.
"You know, I've never played an arcade on a ship before." Said Sunset to herself, "Then again, I didn't see if the previous ship had an arcade due to Rainbow's constant shenanigans. I'm just glad that hers and the girls' geodes are in my dresser so that no one would get any bright ideas, especially Rainbow."
However, she saw something else that caught her attention, which was that of an exotic dancer, making her blush bright red on this.
"And most times I wonder why a cruise ship even has that kind of stuff." Said Sunset whilst feeling slightly embarrassed. She shook her head and said, "But enough of that, I'd better get dressed and see what they have available."
She looked over at her clothing line and saw that on her bed was the same one she wore on her last Spring Break before Rainbow ruined it, with her sandals being on the ground. However, on the bed was her black bra and panties. However, she noticed the panties almost look like it would be a G-string sized, if it were too small for her that is.
"Good thing I was able to prepare my clothes for just in case." Said Sunset.
She then began to put on her panties, and then her bra. She noticed how snug they looked on her, causing her to giggle. "Some guys seem to like this type of body."
However, she let out a sneeze, making her realize something. "Oh shoot, I forgot to take my vitamins. And I forgot them at home."
She then saw the pills that Anon gave her and the girls. She looked at them for a bit and said, "I don't know about this."
However, she then remembered how Anon saved her life twice. Once during the whole, 'Saddle Rager' fiasco, then the other during the shrinking problem. Not to mention it was thanks to him, besides the girls, she was able to turn her life around. She sighed and crossed her arms.
"Then again, he was always good to me and he's never wrong." Said Sunset, "And I do owe him."
She walked over to the pills and picked one up, allowing her to take it and swallowed it with water. However, from within her body, the pill immediately dissolved and spread throughout her body.
She walked over to the rest of her clothes and said, "Now then, I'd better get dressed before..."
Suddenly she felt herself stopped, and shivered for some reason whilst she looked down.
"Whoa," said Sunset, "What the heck's going on, my room is in the perfect temperature, how could..."
She suddenly blinked, causing her eyes to go blank whilst she twitched. She then suddenly bloated like a ball, then was back to normal, but she still stood there whilst having a smile on her face. Then from out of the blue, something happened, she started to grow.
Sunset began to slowly twitch and grow, every five seconds. She grew 6.5 feet like the rest of the girls, whilst her hips grew a little. However, at the same time, her posterior grew a bit too, making it more alluring whilst she now looked like she was wearing a G-String, and slowly at the same time, her breasts grew into H-Cup size, enough for an exotic dancer.
She then finally stopped growing, and blinked, causing her eyes to be normal. When she looked down, she began to inspect herself. She looked at her breasts and noticed how they look even more snug. She gently groped it and moaned.
"Wow," muttered Sunset, "These look great."
She noticed a mirror and walked over to it and studied her body. Then she turned around and saw her posterior was also very alluring.
"Mmmm," said Sunset, "Now this is every guy's dream."
She then looked at the pills and saw a note. She read it aloud as it said, "Take only once a day, and tell me if it works, I need to take notes. Care about you girls, Anon."
Hearing his name, makes her smile normally as she remembered via Sunset's normal memories.
"Oh, I remember him. He was so nice to me." Said Sunset, then smiled and said, "Maybe I should return the favor after everything he did for me."
******************************************************************************************************
Present
After taking the elevator, Anon headed straight for the arcade. But first he had to follow every direction that he had to follow, whilst looking at the pamphlet at the same time. Thankfully it also had a map of the ship, however, he also had to look at the directory at the same time to make sure he didn't get lost, as well as asking some of the crewmembers. Normally he hate to admit it, but Princess Twilight and her friends were right about one thing, Anon has a horrible sense of direction.
One moment they put an ID tag on him, and a compass so he doesn't get lost. But he only was going to go to the Cake family to borrow a cup of sugar, next thing everyone knew, he ended up knocking on a cactus in the middle of the desert near Klugeltown. Anon had no idea how that happened, even the ponies were baffled. And Rainbow Dash never laughed so hard in her life.
Anon began to look around for a little bit more, until he found an entrance called, "Gamer's paradise."
"Gamer's paradise, eh?" said Anon, "Normally I'd be skeptical about stuff like this, considering this world never heard of something like a PlayStation or an Xbox. Maybe I can ask Twilight if there's a way to bring stuff like that to Equestria or this world. But hey, a game's a game, right?"
Anon then walked into the arcade in order to look around for a bit. However, unknown to him, someone was watching from outside, whilst having a very lustful look at the same time.
As Anon was walking through the place, he was quite amazed by all the gaming devices and everything else around him. Even though most of them were very retro, he had to admit, all of them looked really amazing.
"Wow, I never knew these types of games existed," said Anon whilst looking around, "I should really visit Sunset more often for a gamer's night. Hmm, maybe I can ask Twilight if I can find a way to bring that console over to this world so that Sunset and the others could also get a chance to enjoy it."
Anon then spotted something and was surprised to see it.
"No way," said Anon in surprise whilst walking over to the console. "Galaxy Wars? And in a virtual reality game too? Complete with goggles, a floor to stand and move, as well as weapon to man your weapons in the game. This is so awesome."
Anon then went over to the console and began to strap himself in, whilst unknown to him, the same someone who had been watching him had also come over. But Anon didn't see her, considering he put the VR helmet on. The person also strapped herself in and put the helmet on and took her weapon.
Anon and the person put their coins inside of the slot machines. He then looked on the screen and noticed the second player.
"Oh, hey there." Said Anon, "Didn't know I'd have a partner. Not that I'm complaining, I'm glad to have a gaming buddy. Let's watch each other's backs, okay?"
Anon presented a fist, hoping for a fist bump. And luckily, the person did, which made Anon smirk, knowing that he'd have a partner.
"Alright then," said Anon as he had his "gun controller" ready, "Game on."
Anon saw from the VR goggles of the screen and saw the graphics. Even if it was worthy of the same graphics as the one they had in 2011 in his world, this was still disappointing.
"Ugh, I swear," said Anon, "It's not like the gaming industry's not even trying to improve the imagery of these games."
"Tell me about it." Said his partner.
Anon couldn't help but admire her voice, for it sounds amazing. He then began to focus on the bad guys through his VR Goggles. He then began to shoot as many targets as he could, with his partner doing her best to back her up to make sure that the two of them would get through any of the levels.
Anon had to admit, this is pretty amazing. He never had so much fun in all his life, especially with a partner, whoever that is. But after going through so many levels, he only had one more level left.
"Alright, this is it." Said Anon to his mysterious partner, "The final level."
"Bring it." Said the mysterious woman.
The two of them continued to play, whilst at the same time, trying their best to get the boss at the same time. Anon's reflexes were quite good, but not as good as his partner, she really knows her stuff. After some hard gaming, Anon and his mysterious partner had won the final round, causing them to win and gain the highest score.
"Yes!!" shouted Anon as he got excited.
"That was amazing!!" said the woman as she couldn't believe it.
Then it wanted to write Anon's name on the High Score board.
"Whoa, what name should I...?" said Anon before being cut off.
"How about, Fiery Anon." said the woman.
"Huh, I like it." Admitted Anon as he agreed on that topic.
Once the name was made, Anon was suddenly hugged by the woman as she gave a gentle kiss whilst Anon felt her breasts against his chest at the same time. Leaving him completely flustered.
"Uh, well," said Anon after he felt the lips were off of him. "I'm flattered actually madame."
"Oh, don't say that, it makes me feel old." Said the woman.
"Come on," said Anon as he took his helmet off, "I'm sure it's not that..."
However, the moment the woman removed the helmet, it was revealed to be Sunset, but Anon didn't know that, especially with her outfit. She was wearing blue jeans with red sneakers, a black jacket, and what shirt that covers her bosom, but leaving her mid-section exposed, as if part of her sexy look whilst she looks at Anon with a smirk.
Anon blushed bright red from the woman's sight, especially from the kiss he gave her.
"S-see." Said Anon, "You're not old at all. You're the combination of hot and sexy gamer at the same time."
Sunset giggled at that, and said, "That's nice of you to say."
Anon stared at her for a bit, and said, "Can I say something in private?"
"Of course, I know just the spot." Said Sunset before she guided him to around the corner.
The two of them arrived at around the corner and found a perfect spot to be hidden where no one could see them.
"So," said Sunset as she turned to face him, "What did you...?"
Before she could say anything else, Sunset suddenly felt his lips against hers, causing her to be surprised by this. Sunset closed her eyes as she continued to make out with him at the same time. However, Anon slowly reached his hands out and grasped her posterior, making her gasp as she temporarily released her lips from his, allowing Anon to reach for her bosom and kissed her on the chest whilst his head was resting between them like soft pillows, making Sunset moan as she somehow found herself being turned on from that.
She then grabbed his head and made him look at her.
"How about this," said Sunset with a smirk, "We get to play certain games, and if either of us win on certain situations, then we get to choose which part of the body we'd like to have some fun. And if we have a tie breaker? Well, you'd better be ready, big boy."
Anon couldn't help but blush bright red and stutter from her words.
"Uh-o-okay." Said Anon.
"Good." Said Sunset with a smirk. "Now then, let's have some fun."
******************************************************************************************************
All throughout the hour, they played every single game. Games that involve dancing, testing one's strength, air hockey, pool, racing games, fighting games, shooting games and so on. And every now and then, the two of them would win their respective games.
If Sunset would win, she would massage Anon's groin to turn him on, as well as give him a back massage using her breasts, whilst she also massaged his manhood with her breasts.
If Anon had won, he would kiss Sunset via tongue, massaged her breasts, and licked her delicate flower in private, which in turn got her turned on as well as she somehow enjoyed his touch.
But after the hour, both of them were tied and exited.
"Wow, never figured that both of us would be tied." Said Anon.
"Neither did I." said Sunset whilst she smiled with a bliss, "Never thought I'd meet my match right then and there."
"So...what now?" asked Anon.
"Well, seeing that we're both in a tiebreaker." Said Sunset, "How about we choose between heads and tails?"
"Oh, a classic." Said Anon as he pulled out a coin. "So, which one you want to be?"
"Oh, I don't know." Said Sunset as she leaned her face close to him. "Would you prefer the head?"
She then turned around and rubbed her posterior against his groin and rubbed it. "Or would you prefer the lovely tails."
Anon blushed bright red on this, then muttered, "Heads."
Anon flipped the coin as it floated in the air. After a few moments it landed in his hand, which allowed him to place it on top of his wrist. When he lifted it...it was tails.
"Oh," said Sunset with a smirk, "It seems I win this little bet."
"It appears so." Muttered Anon before swallowing. "What do you have in mind?"
"I heard that there was a new...exotic dance club on this ship, correct?" asked Sunset.
"True, but..." said Anon before he clicked, "Are you nuts?! They won't let me in because I'm a senior!!"
"Not from what I heard, Mr. Adult in a kid's body." Teased Sunset.
This caused Anon to gawk in shock, with him asking, "How did you...?!"
"You're not as secretive as you think." Teased Sunset.
Anon was completely baffled by this. For how did this woman knew about the stone he was using from Equestria. However, if she was suggesting what he thinks she was suggesting, and because he never experienced that back in his old world. It was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Anon sighed and said, "Alright, I'll do it."
"Good." Said Sunset with a smile, but then felt like her head was being grabbed and was pulled by Anon as he wanted her to look at him straight in the eyes.
"But if you'd better not tell anyone else about this, okay?!" whispered Anon loudly.
Sunset kissed him on the lips, then pulled back and said, "Now, now. Don't worry. I know when to keep a secret. On one condition."
"What condition?" said Anon with a flexed eyebrow.
She then whispered in his ear, "I wanna see you transform...without wearing anything."
This caused Anon to blush madly at this, making him groan at that and said, "Fine, wait here."
Anon left to get the stone whilst his face was completely red as he couldn't believe he was going to do this, whilst Sunset watched him walk whilst she was smirking at the same time.
"Oh, this is going to be fun." Said Sunset.
******************************************************************************************************
A while later, Anon arrived with the stone in his pocket and met up with Sunset. Thankfully he was carrying a duffle bag with him to put on his normal clothes. His white shirt, dark khaki pants, grey socks, and brown shoes. Strangely it's the only style of clothing that he's into.
"Why I always go for a single style, I'll never know." Muttered Anon.
He then was suddenly grabbed and pulled away and was pinned against the wall, revealing to be Sunset holding him.
"Did you get what you were looking for?" asked Sunset.
"I did." Said Anon, "Let's just get this over with."
"Thankfully I found a room that's ideal for you to do that." Said Sunset.
Sunset took him in the next room and true to her word, it was empty. She closed the door behind her and stood against it in order to keep any unwanted guests out.
"Well..." said Sunset as she looked at him, "I'm waiting."
Anon groaned at this and muttered, "I can't believe this."
He then slowly undressed in front of her. The more he did, the more Sunset could see his body. She had to admit, he looked studly and in shape, which is very alluring to watch. Finally, Anon was in his underwear and took it off, leaving him completely exposed, causing Sunset to smirk at what she was seeing. For even though Anon is in a senior's body, he was surprisingly well built.
"Alright then," said Anon as he pulled out the stone, "Like I said, no telling this to anyone."
Sunset promised him that she wouldn't say anything. Anon sighed and used the stone.
Sure enough, Anon used the stone and restored back to his original body, causing it to be muscular and well-toned. Especially a certain package, which caused Sunset to smirk at this and said, "Oooh, I like what I'm seeing."
"Let's just get this done please." Muttered Anon as he went over to put on his adult clothes.
After he was dressed, he and Sunset left the room and went straight to the place. Soon they arrived at the entrance, where the bouncer was standing guard.
"Excuse me kind sir." Said Sunset, gaining the bouncer's attention. "Mind if my hubby and I use a private room in there? I'd like to give him some new...entertainment."
"Sorry ma'am," said the Bouncer, "You're not one of our employees so I can't allow that."
Sunset pouted at that. Normally Anon would be thrilled. But...a bet's a bet. He sighed and pulled out his money.
"Will this do?" said Anon as he pulled a diamond out, which he was able to keep a few with him just in case.
The bouncer was surprised by the diamond, especially the amount of karats. He instantly looked left and right and took the diamond.
"Follow me," said the bouncer, "I know a room you can take, and it has twice the room you can use. I'll even throw in a free camera for you two."
"Oooh, even better." Said Sunset, "Lead the way."
They soon followed the bouncer, but secretly as Anon could see many of the women already dancing for those who wanted to have an early experience. Normally he'd want to gawk at them, but Sunset was currently leading the way and he promised her too.
They arrived at a private room. The bouncer unlocked the door and took them inside. Behind the door was a curtain of sorts. The bouncer moved the curtain and revealed to have a pole at the center, with a chair close boy for the person who wants to sit on it.
"Alright then," said the bouncer, "You've got about an hour or so here. Afterwards, you'd better be out by then, cause someone else has rented it. I'll lock the door to make sure no one gets inside."
"Greatly appreciate it." Said Anon as he and Sunset went inside.
True to his word, the bouncer locked the door behind them so that the two of them can have things to them in private.
"So, now what...?" said Anon before he felt himself pushed.
He landed on the chair and looked up, and saw Sunset looking at him with a smirk on her lips. She leaned over and placed her hands on her knees whilst she looked at him face to face.
"Now how about you sit here and make yourself comfortable whilst I..." said Sunset before she whispered to his ear, "Get ready."
Sunset soon left for the curtain and closed it behind her. Now Anon was greatly nervous. For he had never been to a place like this before. Then he slapped himself and muttered to himself.
"Come on Anon, you're the adult here, live a little." Said Anon as he couldn't believe that he was close into wussing out.
Suddenly, he heard music playing, which was the type that a stripper would play. Suddenly, the curtains began to open and lore to behold, there stood Sunset, wearing what appeared to be a G-string, that shows her perfect hips and her posterior, which he couldn't help but ponder where he had seen it before, considering it looks really familiar. But at the same time, he notices how her breasts were perfectly snug behind a matching bra.
"Now then," said Sunset as she slowly moves her hips left and right. "Sit back and enjoy the show."
Anon just sat there and watched Sunset move. She moved her hips left and right and danced with grace and a bit of saucy at the same time. Then she went over to the pole and moved against it. She twirled around it, moved her posterior against it whilst rubbing it, only for her to move again and did the same thing with her breasts, which in turn caused Anon to be more turned on as he could feel the bulge in his pants grow, whilst he gripped onto the chairs at the same time as his eyes continued to stare at her and felt like he was going to have a nosebleed any minute.
'Is this what paradise looks like?' thought Anon to himself.
Sunset wrapped her right leg around the pole and jumped up, allowing herself to spin around whilst leaning backwards whilst her left arm was spreading. After she landed on her right leg, she looked at Anon with a smirk and lifted her left leg up, showing off her flexibility. Now Anon felt really turned on at the same time. Sunset then stood against the pole with her posterior against the pole and ended up lowering herself and moving her hips at the same time.
She then moved over to him and gently placed her foot against Anon's chest in order to pin him onto the chair whilst lowering herself as she kept her smirk at the same time. She playfully removed her stripper bra, revealing her bosom at the same time, leaving him more turned on at the same time. Sunset then turned around and showed her posterior to him and began to twerk at the same time.
For every time whenever she twerks, her posterior jiggles, which Anon couldn't help but stare and felt very hypnotized by seeing it.
"See something you like?" teased Sunset.
Anon didn't know why, but it was from that moment on, he couldn't control himself.
He ended up playfully spanking her posterior, making Sunset moan from the slap as her posterior jiggled at the same time.
"Oh, someone's being naughty." Said Sunset whilst looking over her shoulder. "If that's the case."
Sunset went over and sat on his lap, whilst her womanhood was above his manhood, causing him to feel the warmth of it, causing Anon to blush madly, and if he were stronger than Applejack, he'd crush the chair within an instant.
The more Sunset moved, the more he felt like his groin was warming up, especially with his manhood growing. He couldn't help himself, but to once again grope her posterior and kissed her. Sunset moaned from the kiss, especially when their tongues had collided.
They broke the kiss whilst Sunset looked at him in a flirtish manner.
"Why don't we take this somewhere...private?" said Sunset in a lustful tone.
"I'm liking the sound of that." Said Anon.
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After the two of them got dressed, the two of them were in the elevator, and whilst at the corner whilst Sunset placed Anon's head between her breasts so that he wouldn't see what was going on, which would be for the best, considering she somehow remembers where they were going.
Soon enough, the Elevator doors open and they arrived on their floor.
"I don't know why you don't want me to see where we're going." Said Anon whilst being muffled between her breasts.
"What, and ruin our fun?" said Sunset in sarcasm, "I thought you might like this, considering you can't keep your manhood in your pants."
"Hey, can I help it if my perverted thoughts keep getting in the way?" said Anon as he was continued to be guided by Sunset.
Sunset was able to guide Anon to her room, but for some reason she wanted to make doubly sure that he didn't see where they would be going. Once they were inside, Sunset closed the door behind them and then she ended up placing his lips onto hers once more, causing the two of them to moan at the same time as they held one another close.
As they kissed one another with full compassion, Sunset was able to loosen Anon's pants, with Anon doing the same thing to Sunset's pants, allowing both of them to fall down at the same time, leaving the both of them in their underwear at the same time. And during the make out session, both of them were able to take off one another's jackets and shirts, allowing the two of them to be in their underwear at the same time.
During the make-out session, he ended up stroking onto her back and reached out to her posterior at the same time. He couldn't help but gently groped onto it, making Sunset moan through their making out session at the same time. Anon then untied her bra, allowing to freely fall down. Though Sunset may have noticed, she still carried on.
As they were passionately making out, Anon couldn't help but use his hands to explore Sunset's body, groping her breasts and squeezing her plump posterior, which in turn made Sunset moan loudly at the same time. Sunset ended up moaning whilst she ended up wrapping her right leg around his waist in order to pull him closer, whilst she could feel Anon's manhood, even though the both of them were still wearing their underwear and panty. During the make out session, both of them were able to remove them, causing the both of them to be free of their clothing as they were now bare in one another's arms.
Their tongues continued to dance hungrily, showing how much they were enjoying one another's company. Whilst their tongues were dancing, Anon used his free hand to go straight for her womanhood and fingered it, causing her body to twitch as she greatly enjoyed it.
"Oh, yes." Moaned Sunset after she broke free of the passionate kiss as she moved her voice to his ear, "Work those amazing man fingers of yours. Take me as your own."
"Then I hope you don't mind me using the five methods to make love to you, love." Said Anon.
Sunset couldn't help but shudder, but felt hot and bothered by what he said at the same time.
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As promised, Anon ended up positioning her body in certain positions as he began to plough her hard.
First off, he was on the bed with her, whilst at the same time, he lifted her leg whilst he was spooning her at the same time, even to make it more challenging, he even massaged her breast whilst doing that. Sunset couldn't help but loll her tongue out as she greatly enjoyed it.
"Mmmmmmm, yes!! Yes, babe!!" shouted Sunset as she enjoyed being ploughed from this position.
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Next up, they had to stand, especially as they did the, ahem, did it like they'd do on the discovery channel.
Whilst they were standing, Sunset was bending over whilst Anon was holding her by the arms, whilst he was ploughing her womanhood whilst her posterior was bouncing onto his lap at the same time. Sunset rolled her eyes as she enjoyed that position.
"Keep going!!" said Sunset as she felt her mind going blank.
To make it challenging, he grabbed her breasts whilst he was ploughing her like that, making her moan loudly.
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Next up was something she might enjoy.
Anon had Sunset on her lap whilst he decided to, pardon the words, hug fuck her whilst she sits on his lap whilst making out with him. He kept thrusting upward very hardly, whilst her posterior and breasts bounced at the same time. And during the session, Sunset buried his head between her breasts whilst she enjoyed it greatly.
"I want you!! I want you so badly!!" shouted Sunset as she raised her head in the air.
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Afterwards, he went all missionary with her, whilst she held him close and was moaning loudly at the same time. During that make out session, the two of them were sweating like crazy.
Anon then decided that he wanted to see Sunset's face more often, and maybe watching her bosom bounce during the thrusting. So, he decided to spread her legs and thrusted his manhood inside of her. Sunset ended up looking at Anon whilst she moaned like crazy. She ended up wrapping her arms around him as she didn't want to let him go. But during the pounding, both of them could feel their climaxes approaching.
"I'm...I'm going to...!!" said Anon as he felt like he was going to explode.
"Do it!! Shoot me inside!! Fill me up all the way!!" shouted Sunset in ecstasy. With one swift motion, the both of them climaxed at the same time.
Both of them moaned loudly at the same time, for both of them couldn't handle this for a while. Anon pulled out whilst Sunset was panting with a smile on her face.
"Well, I...have to admit...you're...amazing." Said Sunset before passing out with a smile on her face.
However, when Anon looked down, he realized he was still hard. He looked at her, and seeing that she was half asleep.
"Well...never done this before." Said Anon, "But there's a first time for anything."
Anon then positioned himself above Sunset. He ended up putting his manhood inside of her. Then he began to perform the same thing he did to Applejack, by going from slow, and then to going really, really, fast. After for ten minutes, Anon climaxed once more, with Sunset moaning very loudly.
Anon soon climaxed again, with him finally pulling out whilst he groaned a bit from the full-on pounding. Sunset on the other hand was still resting soundly. Anon then placed a blanket over her. But before he did that, he chose to grope her bosom one more time before covering her up.
"Damn," said Anon as he used the stone to turn himself back to normal, "That was quite intense. And I can finally add the strip joint to my list, especially that I experienced with a hot dancer."
Anon soon made his way towards the door and said, "Oh well, I know the drill."
Anon closed the door behind him and made sure to put a do-not-disturb sign on and closed the door behind him. Sunset on the other hand, shrunk back to normal whilst she kept the biggest smile on her face. Sunset moaned in pleasure as she wrapped the blanket over her as she continued to sleep away.
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Meanwhile, back at the mainland, the delivery had finally arrived and had been successfully been loaded onto the helicopter.
"Alright then," said the pilot, "The delivery has been placed, the fuel's been fully loaded."
He turned to Princess Twilight and Starlight and said, "Which is good news for you two. Now we can leave."
"And not a moment too soon." Said Starlight in relief.
"I just hope we're not too late." Said Princess Twilight in agreement.
The two of them immediately boarded the helicopter, with the pilot managing the controls.
"Alright then," said the pilot, "Cruise ship, here we come."
The helicopter took off and flew straight towards the direction where the ship went, hopefully they'd be able to reach Anon and the Rainbooms in time before it's too late.
> Chapter 9: The sugary sweetness part 7
Anon felt very drained after that whole ordeal. For experiencing that kind of thing from a girl he just met. Not only was he equally matched with the girl in video games and able to beat her and received some, ahem, rewards from her, and she from him. And to top it off. He had his first experience at a strip joint, where Sunset was doing some exotic dancing for him. And at the end, he was able to give her a pounding of a lifetime.
"Oh, man." Groaned Anon, "I feel like I won't be able to stand for a while."
Anon was in his room and was able to clean himself up and was able to get himself some coffee at the same time, feeling somewhat refreshed.
"I have no idea how I keep getting into these things." Said Anon, "And I thought Smolder was a bit rough when we first tried it. Then again, I'm surprised that she's casual about it, as well as being able to switch between forms."
Anon's stomach growled a bit, causing him to hold it.
"Man, doing all that makes me hungry." Said Anon, "Too bad I already had lunch, and I have no idea where the girls are. Looks like we're gonna have to skip dinner. Unless I can order some room service."
Anon then made some noise in his mouth and realize that there was something that he was now craving.
"Strange," said Anon, "Now I feel like I have a craving for sweets."
Anon then thought about it and said, "There is a bakery shop on the ship. Maybe I can get some cakes there."
He then suddenly deadpans and said, "Provide Pinkie hasn't already arrived there and at the whole thing."
After he got dressed and left, he muttered, "I swear, that girl can be a bottomless pit sometimes. And given how much sweets she ate, I'm surprised she didn't become a diabetic."
He then stood in the elevator and said, "Then again, that could've also happened to me. But thankfully, they do have fruits and veggies."
The elevator doors closed, allowing him to go down.
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Meanwhile, entering the elevator whilst carrying a packet of sweets of her own, Pinkie Pie was skipping along with a grin on her face.
"Oh, I just love the sweet treats." Said Pinkie Pie, "They have the best candy. Maybe after I put these back, I can get to the cake shop. Ooooh, I so love their cakes."
As the elevator doors closed, if it had been a split second, she would've met Anon, who had just arrived on the floor and walked towards the shop.
Once Pinkie Pie was at the top floor, she entered her room whilst placing them aside, then looked at her room again.
"Ooooh, I so love my room." Said Pinkie Pie, "Maybe after all this is over, I can throw a 'thank you for the amazing suite room' party for Anon!!"
Suddenly, her phone went off, causing her to look at it, and sees the alarm and a reminder.
"Oh, candy corn." Muttered Pinkie Pie, "I really don't want to take the medicine."
But then an image of Maud's head popped up beside her.
"Pinke, everyone's been telling me how you're being a handful, and if you don't learn some self-control, you won't be likable. So, you need to take the medication to learn some restraint."
"I already know that, Maud!!" said Pinkie Pie before waving the image away, causing it to disappear.
Then she noticed the medication that Anon gave her. At first she wanted to do it, but then she groaned, "I really don't want to."
She then had doubts and looked at it again. "Then again...he did sneak me a treat every now and then during class so that I could focus."
She then smiled and said, "You know what, why not? I mean after all the tasty treats he's ever given me, maybe I can return the favor by doing this for him."
Pinkie skipped on over and picked one up.
"Down the hatch." Said Pinkie Pie before flipping it, allowing her to catch it in her mouth and swallow it. "There we go."
However, the moment the pill was inside of her, it suddenly began to glow and began to bounce around inside of her, as if it was an atomic speeding bullet. Meanwhile, Pinkie was suddenly undressed and in the nude whilst she wanted to find something else to wear.
"Hmm, what to wear today?" said Pinkie, "I'm more of the party girl than the fashion..."
Suddenly, her entire body began to shake and shiver, making her yelp and jump a bit. "Whoa, that was a doozy. Wonder what that means?"
Suddenly, she felt her left breast twitch. "Huh, what's this?"
Suddenly, her right breast began to twitch. "What's this?"
Suddenly, her posterior began to twitch. "Okay, what is this?"
Suddenly, her body also began to twitch. "Oooh, this feels nice."
Suddenly, her body began to move up and down as if it were a taffy balloon. "Oooh, my entire body feels like taffy!!"
Suddenly, she began to bloat and go normal, go bloat and go normal, go bloat and go normal.
By the fourth bloat, she suddenly bloat like a balloon by the effects.
She bloat like a balloon and was 6.5 feet tall. Her posterior bloat and became very alluring. Her breasts bloat like a balloon and was now G-cup. Her hips bloated and became an hourglass hip. And finally, her hair still looked poofy, but a side of her hair covered her left eye, in order for her to look more alluring.
Pinkie then walked over to the mirror and looked at herself. She gently placed her hands against her hips and observed herself.
"Mmmm, looks like Anon's pills did more than just give me a good mood." Said Pinkie Pie in her new alluring voice, "They make me look more sexier than Jessica Rabbit."
She placed her hands onto her breasts and cupped them, making her moan with delight.
"The girls are firmer than ever." Said Pinkie Pie. She giggled and said, "Now I sound like Rogue from Deadpool. No copyright intended."
She then looked at the pills and took a whiff at them. "And what is this? Anon's special pills that he gave us to help us, but doesn't know someone tampered with it. He's going to be in for quite the surprise when Princess Twilight and Starlight get here."
She then gently stroked it against her cheek and said, "And Anon did go through all that trouble. So why don't I return the little hunk muffin the favor. As well as give him my...special treats."
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Anon walked down the ship and soon arrived at the cake shop. He looked at the entrance for a bit and realized it did look a bit adorable.
"Well, you gotta admit," said Anon whilst looking at it, "They really do wanted to attract more customers. So, I can't blame them for originality."
Anon soon walked in and looked around the shop. Though unknown to him, someone had just appeared from out of nowhere.
Anon walked around the store and saw many forms of cakes and cupcakes. Now he really wants to try out every single one of them.
"Man, these cakes are so good." Said Anon. He wondered what to try first, but the more he thought about it, the harder it got. Anon then growled and grumbled loudly, "Why is it so hard to pick a desert?!"
Then when he clicked, and then deadpanned, and said, "Oh crud, now I sound like Sandbar."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me," said Anon as if he was talking to him, "Every time whenever we're in front of a desert rack, you constantly panic over which desert to take because they all look so good. Does it really matter which one looks great, cake is cake, so just pick one and..."
That's when Anon blinked and looked to his left. And to his surprise, it was a human that looked like Sandbar, aka, his counterpart.
"Hmph, well I never." Said Sandbar as he left after taking the closest cake whilst walking over to...the Young Six' counterparts?
Anon blinked a few times and said, "Okay, that was completely unexpected and a coincidence."
Anon then looked back at the cakes and wondered which one should he pick.
"Hmm, chocolate's always sweet, but then again, Vanilla and Strawberry on the same level," wondered Anon, "So..."
"How about all of them?"
"All of them?" said Anon as he didn't turn around to see who it was.
"Yeah," said the woman, "Take a slice each, but make sure it's not so big. That way you'll be able to taste every piece of cake and also debate which one is the best. I mean there are over fifty different flavors there, so you can try out to see for yourself."
"Huh, that's actually a pretty good idea." Said Anon before turning to the woman. "Thanks for the ad..."
To his surprise, he saw another attractive female. She was taller and a great body. And what she was wearing...
She was wearing pink shoes, tight-fitting yellow bike shorts whilst wearing a pink skirt, and a lovely pink sleeveless shirt that hugged her body well. She was also wearing her hair like a ponytail to make herself look cute.
"So, are you a bit of a cake enthusiast?" asked Pinkie Pie, "I never thought you'd have a taste for cake."
"Uh, you might say that." Said Anon nervously whilst rubbing the back of his head, "I have a friend who works at a bakery. So far she only thought of twenty different flavors, but not anymore beyond that."
"Well then," said Pinkie Pie before darting over and looked at him in a very flirty manner, "Why don't we go over to a table and taste a few. Maybe we can come up with some ideas and your friend can open that for her bakery."
When she was this close to Anon's face, Anon began to sweat a little whilst feeling nervous at the same time.
"Uh, yeah, sure." Said Anon.
"And maybe after that," said Pinkie before she whispered in his ear, "I might save the best desert for last."
Pinkie then slowly licked the side of his face, making Anon widen his eyes and blushed madly at this. For did she just did what he thought she did. Pinkie then ended up grabbing a ton of plates with cakes on them and placed them on a nearby table, then went over to grab Anon.
"Come on, slowpoke, let's go!!" said Pinkie Pie before ragging him off.
'Strange,' thought Anon, 'I can't help but shake the feeling that I've been through this before.'
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After getting their cakes, the only question was, where would they go sit down. Surprisingly, they have a table that's around the corner in one of those makeshift blinds. Why the heck they would have that is beyond me. But if it means nobody would be staring at the amounts of cakes they would have, he's not complaining.
Anon had tried over six different flavors, and to his surprise they were pretty good. Pinkie also tried all six, and Anon couldn't help but feel like somehow she was taking notes, for given how she would taste them and would slyly look away, something was up, but he was too distracted by the cake flavor to even notice.
"Wow, I have to admit, these are pretty good." Said Anon.
"I know right," said Pinkie Pie, "No matter what place you go, cakes will always have a special place."
"Which ones, one's belly?" teased Anon, causing Pinkie to laugh, even him. But the moment she heard her snort whilst laughing, causing Anon to be caught off guard. 'Wait...that laughter feels...familiar.'
However, just before Pinkie could eat a piece of her cake, suddenly a small piece fell from her fork and landed in between her breasts, which surprised her.
"Oh, phooey, I dropped a piece." Said Pinkie. However, she gave Anon a sly look and said, "You know...you can always find out which flavor it is."
"Huh, what do you mean?" said Anon, clearly not getting what she was going on about.
"What do you think?" said Pinkie Pie as she playfully moved her breasts back and forth.
That's when it hit Anon like a two-ton anvil, making him blush bright red in shock. For if he had been taking a beverage, he'd have done a spit take. He's also thankful that he didn't get a nosebleed, not after the amount of sex he had been getting for the past ten hours.
"Er...you sure?" asked Anon.
Suddenly Pinkie grabbed her shirt and pulled it a bit open for him, whilst giving him a flirty smile at the same time, indicating what she wants him to do what he thinks she wants him to do. Anon swallowed a bit and slowly approached her. Once he was close enough, he cleared his throat and went for her breasts. He did the first lick, until he was able to put his face inside between her breasts, making the latter moan slightly, but at the same time, made her wrap her arms around his head so that he doesn't break loose.
At first, Anon was blushing bright red as he felt like he was going to get a nosebleed from being so close, but nonetheless, he began to lick the frosting from the cake that was between her breasts, but he ended up licking and kissing her breasts, and his hands ended up reaching for her breast, which caused Pinkie to moan from the touch, and Anon seems to enjoy the feel, for he never felt something so sensation.
Suddenly, Anon felt something being wrapped around his waist, only to realize that it was her freakin leg that was wrapped around it. And when he placed his hand on it, he realized that she was wearing a skirt of sorts, which makes it all so very easy for him. He stroked both his hands onto her legs until he finally reached for her posterior, allowing him to slowly grasp onto it, making her moan, but then he suddenly slapped it, making her yelp as she slightly jump, which in turn made her turned on.
"Oh, you wanna play it like that, do you?" said Pinkie Pie whilst she lifted his face and looked at him directly in the eye.
She jumped onto him and ended up kissing him full on the lips whilst Anon kept his hands on her sexy phat ass, which in turn caused her to grind her nether regions onto his own as he began to feel hot and bothered. After an intense make out, Pinkie broke the kiss and kept her flirting smile.
"Now how's about we go to somewhere...more private?" said Pinkie, which caused Anon to nod his head rapidly.
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As expected, Anon was in the private elevator with Pinkie Pie. Only problem was, she wouldn't let him see what was going on, because she was busy pressing his head between her breasts. Anon couldn't help but feel embarrassed about it, especially for what she had in mind.
'Why do women always have a habit of putting my head between their breasts?' thought Anon to himself. "Not that I have a problem with it. Especially if I can do this."
Anon then used his left hand to grasp her breast whilst using his right hand to grope her posterior, causing the said person to moan in delight whilst lifting her head. She then lifted his head and made him look at her directly in her eyes.
"Easy there now, my little stud muffin." Said Pinkie Pie before she licked his lips, causing Anon to blush madly at that, "Save that for the finale I have in mind in my room."
"Uh, sure." Muttered Anon as he still felt embarrassed at the same time.
Soon enough, the elevator doors opened, allowing them to exit and go straight to Pinkie's room. Since she had Anon's face between her breasts, she didn't want him to see. Then she then shook her hips left and right five times, then bumped her rump against the door, allowing it to open so that the two of them can go inside, allowing Pinkie Pie to close the door.
Pinkie removed Anon's head from her breasts and pushed him backwards, but then tackled him over, allowing the two of them to land on the bed, with Pinkie Pie being on top.
"Got you now, my little stud muffin." Said Pinkie Pie in a sultry tone.
She placed her lips against Anon's, which caused the two of them to make out, with Pinkie Pie's tongue wrestling against his, causing Anon to moan in her mouth at the same time. He had a hard time reaching her posterior, which Pinkie noticed, which made her break the kiss.
"Aw, does poor Nonny having a hard time reaching my special plot?" teased Pinkie Pie.
"Can you blame me?" said Anon.
Pinkie stood up and did the unexpected; she immediately pulled Anon's clothes off, causing him to be in the nude, taking him by surprise.
'What the...?! How did she do that?!' thought Anon.
"You forgot something." Said Pinkie Pie as she skipped over and had a stone in her hands, which shocked Anon when he realized it was the same stone he used to turn himself back to normal. "Time for the big glow." Teased Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie placed the stone on Anon's chest, causing it to glow. Within mere moments, Anon was back to his adult body, which shocked Anon that Pinkie was somehow able to use it.
"Ooooh, I like what I see." Said Pinkie Pie before she slowly went over to his torso and licked it, which caused Anon to shudder as he never realized how good her tongue really was. Pinkie saw something and couldn't help but giggle and said, "And this."
She gently stroked his manhood, which really got him turned on as he felt really flustered at the same time.
"Now then," said Pinkie Pie as she walked whilst slowly waving her hips whilst her posterior was showing, "I got something else for you."
Pinkie was standing near the edge of the bed and began to slowly dance as if she was a belly dancer. Even with full clothing, she seems to be putting on a good show. Anon had to admit, she's good.
That is, until something unexpected happened.
The moment Pinkie was standing still, she swung both her arms backwards, causing her entire clothing to be torn off, making herself in the nude in the process. This caused Anon's jaw to drop like a two-ton anvil as he immediately sat up in shock.
"How did you do that?!" exclaimed Anon.
"My little secret." Said Pinkie Pie. Then she was on the bed and held Anon's manhood, making him squirm, "Just like I'm going to find the secret of how to unleash your full load at the same time."
She slowly stood on her knees and slowly placed Anon's member between her large jugs.
"Now then...let's see how long you can last with this?" teased Pinkie Pie.
Before Anon could say a word, Pinkie began to massage his manhood using her wonderfully large jugs whilst she massaged it at the same time. Anon couldn't help but moan from her touch at the same time, for in a way, it felt really amazing.
'Holy...' thought Anon as he had a hard time focusing, 'So this is how it feels to have a girl massage your manhood with her breasts. I can't believe I never experienced this when I dated my ex...when she didn't think I was a weirdo that is.'
Anon couldn't help but grip onto the blankets as he tried his best not to show that it was slowly affecting him.
"Oooh, somebody's getting hard." Teased Pinkie Pie.
Oh crap, she already knows. Anon knew he can't give up as he did his best to hold it in. But if she made him release his load hard, then he'll have to return the favor in return.
"It's so cute your resisting whilst enjoying it." Said Pinkie Pie before smirking, "Then it looks like I'll have to add another weapon of mine."
Pinkie then placed part of Anon's member in her mouth and began to suck it, which was enough to send Anon over the edge.
'Oh crap...' thought Anon as he felt like he was going to blow, 'I don't think I can hold this any longer.'
Finally, Anon couldn't take it anymore, and within mere moments, he unleashed his load into Pinkie's mouth, and some of the drops were onto her breasts. After his release, Anon took a few breaths as he couldn't believe this woman was able to do that. Pinkie on the other hand was able to swallow every drop and slowly wiped the load from her breasts, which jiggled with her touch.
"Now then..." said Pinkie Pie before she once again tackles Anon over.
Before Anon could say anything, he felt himself being smothered, but when he regained his focus, that's when he knew what was going on; Pinkie's womanhood was close to his face, which she realized she was sort of sitting on his face, eagerly waiting for him to make his move.
"It's your turn." Teased Pinkie as she moved her hips.
Not being able to take it anymore, as well as the intoxicating scent that caught his nose, Anon made his move as he placed his tongue against her sensitive spot, making Pinkie Pie moan whilst she leaned her head backwards, making her moan at the same time.
"Oh, Nonny, that feels good." Said Pinkie.'
Anon continued to lick her sensitive spot, but what really sweetened the deal, was how he was able to place his tongue inside of her, making Pinkie moan at the same time whilst she was massaging her breasts at the same time.
"Oh, yes, drive that talented tongue of yours inside of me!!" said Pinkie Pie aloud.
'If I didn't know any better,' thought Anon whilst he was licking her on the inside, 'I'd say that it's a mixture of cotton candy and bubblegum. You don't experience that every day.'
But Anon wasn't going to give in just like that.
'You went all the way on me, you crazy gal.' thought Anon, 'Well let's see how you like it.'
Anon continued to drive his tongue in faster and harder, making the latter moan more loudly and massaged her breasts at the same time. Before she knew it, her breathing was getting heavier and faster.
"Oh yes, Nonny!! Drive that tongue of yours to oblivion inside of me!!" shouted Pinkie Pie.
After so many licks, Pinkie released her load, allowing Anon to drink every drop of her, making her moan loudly. She collapsed on top of Anon whilst she was on her back, panting at the same time.
"Wow," said Anon, "That really was something."
"You're telling me." Said Pinkie Pie. She then sat up and looked at him with a flirting tone. "But now it's time for the main event."
Anon then wondered what Pinkie had in mind, but after that experience, he was a bit worried at the same time. She then went over to her bag and took out what appeared to be a CD of sorts.
"And what better way to start it off...with this?"
Anon saw the picture of what appeared to be a chubby man. But to his shock, it was a shock made by...
"You actually like that cheesy song?!" exclaimed Anon in shock.
"Please," pleaded Pinkie Pie, "Besides, I think you'll like this main event."
Anon couldn't resist the cute eyes, which caused him to roll his eyes and said, "Fine."
Pinkie instantly went over and placed the CD in the CD player and played the song. But at the same time, Pinkie was able to place Anon's head against the pillows whilst she was able to place his member inside of her, making the both of them.
(As the song begins with happy, well, you'll get the idea)
"Now let's have some fun." Said Pinkie Pie.
As the music played, Pinkie bounced on Anon with his member still inside of her, whilst some smacking noises were heard during the bounce at the same time because of her luscious booty. Pinkie bounced on Anon's lap eight times, but then bounced hard four more times, making him bounce along with him. Then she playfully bounced on him thirteen more times.
The music stopped, allowing Pinkie to stop, with the two of them breathing very hard by the constant bouncing.
"Holy cow..." muttered Anon, "That was..."
"Ah, ah, ah," said Pinkie Pie playfully, "We're not done yet."
"Wait, what?" said Anon in a worried tone.
Somehow, Pinkie moved Anon to the edge of the bed rail and was on top of the pillows.
"Time for round two." Said Pinkie Pie, which caused Anon to gulp at that.
The music began to play again, but this time, whilst Pinkie was bouncing, her breasts began to bounce as well, which Anon couldn't help but admire. He would grope them, but with Pinkie holding his arms whilst she's bouncing was just impossible. She once again bounced on Anon's lap eight times, then moved her hips hard four times whilst she pinned her breasts against his chest. She wrapped her arms around him whilst she once again pinned her breasts against his chest whilst she raised her head.
Anon's head felt like it was going to spin the way she was going.
"And now for the coup de grace." Said Pinkie Pie in a sultry tone.
She turned around whilst Anon could see her wonderfully big posterior, which he couldn't help but find very attractive.
"Here it comes, little stud muffin." Said Pinkie Pie.
And for about twelve times, Pinkie Pie bounced on Anon's lap hard as her posterior jiggled with every motion. Then for the next thirteen times, she bounced on his lap hard, but faster.
Right as the song ended, Anon and Pinkie Pie released their load hard, making them both moan very loudly.
Pinkie was able to get off whilst panting, whilst Anon was still on the bed.
"Wowie," muttered Pinkie Pie, "That was amazing. You really..."
That's when she felt something grab her hips, and forced her to stand on all fours on the corner of the bed, making her confused. When she looked behind, she saw Anon had a slight ticked look on his face.
"Oh, you like it rough eh?" said Anon.
He instantly went over to the record player and reset the song before going back to her whilst grabbing her hips, surprising her at the same time as he said with determination.
"Well...let's see how you like it."
Pinkie Pie gulped at that, with Anon suddenly having a hardened member once again and was able to place it inside her womanhood whilst she was on all fours.
As the music played, Anon thrusted inside of Pinkie Pie whilst she was on all fours and his member inside of her as the two of them made more smacking noises during the thrusts and Pinkie's posterior jiggling at the same time. Anon thrusted his hips eight times whilst her posterior jiggled and her boobs bounced. Then he thrusted into her hard four times, before thrusting again thirteen more times as she enjoyed this feeling.
Deciding to be creative, he didn't make her stand on all fours. This time, it was different. He sat on the bed, with Pinkie on his lap as his member was inside of her, whilst he held onto her hips at the same time.
"Now this is where it gets fun." Said Anon.
As the music played, Anon thrusted his hips into her whilst he was sitting eight times. But when he thrusted inside of her four times, he then held onto her breasts, making her moan at the same time. But he continued to hold onto her breasts whilst he thrusted into her thirteen times.
"I...can't think straight." Muttered Pinkie Pie, "I think...I'm going to lose it."
Anon then took his member out of Pinkie Pie and placed her at the center of the bed, surprising her as Anon looked at her dead in the eyes.
"Let's see how you like my grand finale." Said Anon with his own sultry tone.
Anon held Pinkie Pie's legs in the air whilst he placed his member inside of her, making her moan in pleasure, with Anon being able to grab her breasts.
As the music played, Anon thrusted inside Pinkie Pie hard twelve times whilst Pinkie moved her head backwards as she really enjoyed it. After Anon released her legs, he then thrusted inside of her thirteen more times really hard but also faster, with Pinkie Pie rolling her eyes as her breasts bounced wildly as she held onto the bed hard.
The song soon ended, with Anon and Pinkie Pie climaxing again.
Anon pulled out and nearly fainted, but Pinkie Pie on the other hand...
"That was...wowie..." muttered Pinkie Pie before fainting, passed out, and snored loudly.
Anon looked at Pinkie and couldn't help but chuckle. That girl was...wild would be the only word he could think of.
He used the stone to turn back to normal whilst Anon stood up on shaky legs and aching privates. He was able to cover Pinkie with a blanket whilst he walked over to his clothes.
"That...was something." Said Anon whilst picking his clothes up. "I will never...huh?"
Anon then noticed something on the table from the woman's shirt pocket and slowly picked it up. When he looked at the packet, he was surprised what it was. For it was the pills he gave to the girls earlier.
"Those are the pills I gave the girls. But what could...?"
As he said this, and looked at the woman, the woman who had fallen asleep after giving him a good time, suddenly turned back to normal to her normal body, with a smile on her face. Which was none other than...
"Pinkie Pie?!!!" exclaimed Anon in shock. "What the...but the...how the...when the...what the...?!"
In a panic, he quickly got dressed and ran out of the door, whilst Pinkie Pie giggled in her sleep before turning and snoring. Anon was outside, breathing heavily and was greatly panicking. So much, he shouted.
"WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?!!"
********************************************************************************************************
However, during Anon's freakout, little did he know, a certain chopper had made its way towards the ship and landed on the landing platform. The pilot climbed out and opened the passenger doors, revealing Princess Twilight and Starlight Glimmer climbing out of it. They moved away from the chopper whilst the crewman would come and pick up the supplies
"Alright then," said the pilot after they were away from the noise, "I radioed ahead and they said that your friends are in the private suites. Once you get inside, follow the ship's directory maps, and follow it until you reach the other side of the ship. From there, you'll be able to take the elevators that lead to the private suite."
"Why are they in the private suites?" asked Princess Twilight in confusion.
"Turns out they completely botched their bookings to the ship, even when they already planned things ahead."
"Well, that was dumb." Said Starlight.
"I know, right?" said the pilot. "And the reason they afforded the private suites, because their bald friend of theirs paid for the whole thing."
"Wow, sounds like he made good use of the chest." Whispered Princess Twilight.
"Looks that way." Whispered Starlight.
"Though why is he uh...?" asked the pilot.
"Uh, short version." Said Starlight, "Chemical explosion."
"Ouch." Said the pilot. "Though understandable. Happened to one of my cousins once. Though then again, he was able to save a ton of money from ever going to the barber and hair products."
The two ponies turned humans looked at him deadpanned.
"Anyway," said the pilot, "Whatever you want to warn your friend about, I suggest you'd better get going, pronto."
"Oh, right!!" said Princess Twilight in realization. She then shook the pilot's hand and said, "Thank you again for the ride, sir."
"My pleasure ma'am." Said the pilot.
After they greeted the pilot, both Starlight and Princess Twilight ran towards where they needed to go.
"I just hope we're not too late." Said Starlight.
"Me too." Said Princess Twilight in equal worry.
> Chapter 10: The princess and the student part 8
After they got on the helicopter ride to the ship to warn Anon, Princess Twilight and Starlight were able to make it despite some obstacles. But as they were on the ship, they looked around and were amazed by it.
"Wow, the girls and Anon weren't kidding," said Starlight, "This ship is amazing."
"It is." Said Princess Twilight, feeling the same way. She then shook her head and said, "Focus, Starlight. We need to find Anon and fast, before the girls take the pills Anon has."
"But I don't think Anon realized it either," said Starlight, "I mean from what you told me, he didn't know someone swapped the chemicals with him."
"Which is why we need to be there, otherwise it'll be too late." Said Princess Twilight. "But first thing's first, we need to find Anon and the girls' rooms."
"They mentioned about a private suite." Said Starlight, but then saw something and said, "Twilight, look."
Princess Twilight stopped and looked with Starlight. To their relief, it was a ship's map directory.
"This'll be helpful." Said Princess Twilight, "According to this, the private suites are over there, and the only way to access them is in the elevator on the other side of the ship."
"Then we'd better hurry." Said Starlight before the two of them quickly ran down the hall.
**********************************************************************************************
Anon on the other hand...
He had just got out of the said elevator, with a panicking Anon holding his head. For the woman who just tried to, excuse the expression, fucked each other's brains out, was none other than Pinkie Pie.
"Holy guac, what the hell just happened?!" exclaimed Anon in shock, "The said woman was Pinkie Pie?! How the hell is that possible?! How did she do that?! Was it another Equestrian Magic moment?! What the hell is going on?!"
"Um, excuse me."
A random shipworker was near Anon and he looked concerned, "Is everything alright?"
"Not really," said Anon, "I just had a shocking experience that I don't think I'll get over."
"Hmm, I know just what you need." Said the shipworker, "What you need is the destress buffet."
Anon looked at the man surprised, and said, "That's a thing?"
"Of course, gotta make use of it somehow." Said the man.
"Uh, yeah, sure, that'll help." Said Anon.
"Very well." Said the man as he took the information that Anon gave him in order for him to deliver it to his room. "Very well then, I shall have it delivered within the next five hours."
"Uh, make it in the morning at 9AM." Said Anon.
"Very well sir." Said the shipworker.
The man soon left as Anon was still reeling over of what just happened.
"How the hell am I going to explain it to the others?" muttered Anon, "Least it can't get any worse."
"Anon!!"
Anon nearly jumped in fright and in shock as he looked to his right. He saw two girls going over to him. He saw Twilight, but without the...glasses? Wait a minute...it can't be...
"Princess Twilight? Starlight?" said Anon surprised as he stood up and looked at them. "What are you doing here? No wait, how did you get here?"
"We took a ride on a helicopter to get here," said Starlight, "Apparently there were a few ingredients the ship forgot, so they sent out an order. Thankfully we were able to pay the pilot to take us here."
"That's a new one." Muttered Anon, then said, "But why are you here."
"We came to warn you." Said Princess Twilight.
"Warn me?" said a confused Anon, "About what?"
"Remember the pills you made with the chemicals." Said Starlight.
"I do, what about it?" said Anon.
"The last ingredient you used wasn't what you thought," said Princess Twilight, "Someone swapped it with a different chemical."
"Wait, what?" said Anon in shock, "How is that possible? With what?"
"Remember that potion that Smolder drank that turned her into what we saw?" said Starlight, "Someone broke open the vault and replaced your chemical with that one."
"Wha-wha-what?!" said Anon shocked.
"That's right!!" said Princess Twilight, "It means that anyone who could take it could turn into what Smolder did."
That's when it hit Anon like a two-ton anvil. The pills he gave to the girls. The pills that were in Pinkie's room that the women, er, Pinkie had. Pinkie who was an adult. And then that would mean.
The women that banged him were...
"Oh no." muttered Anon, "Oh no, oh no, oh no."
And from right outside the ship.
"HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTT!!!!!!"
The entire ship shook from the amount of scream Anon had displayed. The shipworker looked back and said, "Oh boy, it's worse than I thought. Maybe I'd better add the desert by just in case."
Back at Anon, he was panicking a lot, which surprised both Princess Twilight and Starlight.
"Anon, what's wrong?" said Starlight in worry.
"Follow me, and now!!" said Anon as he grabbed the two and pulled them to the elevator in order for them to go up the top floor.
**********************************************************************************************
The three of them were soon in Anon's room, which the latter quickly let them inside and closed the door. The ponies turned humans were surprised to see what the room looks like.
"Wow, this room is amazing." Said Starlight, "And it's closed off from the rest of the ship."
"I can see why it's important to first class passengers." Said Princess Twilight.
"Uh, excuse me," said an annoyed Anon, "Can we please get back to topic here?!"
"Oh, right." Said Princess Twilight before turning to Anon, "What exactly happened."
"The pills you were talking about?" said Anon, "That could be a problem."
This shocked the two of them, then looked at one another, then back to Anon.
"What happened?" asked Starlight.
"See, it's like this." Said Anon, "After we got settled on the ship, the Rainbooms each forgot their medications. Applejack for her seasickness..."
"Wait, this Applejack gets seasick?" said a surprised Starlight. "But...er, our Applejack travels on the ship from time to time, and she doesn't get seasick."
"Different worlds, different physiologies." Said Anon.
"Makes sense." Said Princess Twilight, "I mean my counterpart wears glasses whereas I don't."
"Anyway," said Anon, "Fluttershy for her allergies, Rarity for hear headaches, Rainbow Dash for her cramps, Twilight for her stimulants, Sunset for her vitamins, and Pinkie Pie for her Lithium."
"Lithium?!" said the two surprised.
"Don't ask, even I don't know." Said Anon, "So seeing that the pills I made were for just that, I figured it would be a good test run."
This concerned for both girls, with Starlight asking, "Which one did you give the pills to?"
"All of them." Responded Anon in shock.
"WHAT?!!" exclaimed the ponies turned humans once again.
"Hey, in my defense I didn't know someone sabotaged my formula!!" said Anon. Then he cleared his throat and continued.
"Anyway, as I was busy throughout the ship, minding my own business, the next thing I knew, throughout the day, seven beautiful women appeared and wanted to get close to me. And uh..."
Anon then blushed madly at this.
"And uh..."
That's when it clicked to them, causing Princess Twilight to groan whilst face palming herself and said, "Are you kidding me?!"
"I didn't know it was them!!" shouted Anon, "I thought it was a weird coincidence!!"
"The hair, the eyes, and the marks on them didn't hint that it was them?" said Starlight with a deadpanned expression.
"Pff, like anyone recognized the entire Rainbooms and Princess Twilight when they turned into hulkified monsters?" said Anon rhetorically, "Or that time the seven of them got turned into babies, or that time Equestrian magic turned Sunset and the other Twilight into toddlers whilst they were in the middle of their other cruise that long weekend?"
This caused the two of them to blink at that, which caused Princess Twilight to moan and facepalm herself. "You know, he kinda does have a point." Said Starlight.
"And let me tell you," groaned Anon whilst holding his privates as he was still a bit in pain, "Each one of them was crazier than the last. And don't get me started on Pinkie Pie."
This caused the two of them to blush madly, but given what Anon had to go through seven of them at the same day was not that good, even if they are females. So, they couldn't blame him. For given the moves that Smolder did when it happened to her, it was out of Anon's control, and he didn't know it would happen with the girls and didn't know that someone tampered with the formula.
"Still," said Anon whilst he was in thought, "How the heck did their transformations happen? We all know it happened to Smolder when she was asleep and was aroused at the same time. So how did it happen to them?"
The ponies turned humans also wondered about that. They looked around, until Princess Twilight spotted something from the corner of her eye.
"What is that?" she asked.
Anon looked at her direction. To his surprise, it was a security camera. Anon was a bit surprised that there's a camera in his cabin, but then again, given how these cruises tend to go these days, he can't blame them.
That's when it clicked to him. If his room had a camera, then that would mean...
"I think I have an idea." Said Anon.
**********************************************************************************************
An hour later, Anon had a laptop set up and opened it, which allowed him to connect it to a large screen in the room.
"I'm still surprised that you're able to see what happened without using magic." Said Princess Twilight.
"Well, technology has come a long way." Said Anon, "Plus we can be thankful that the security allowed us to have these."
"But didn't they see what happened?" asked Starlight.
"Thankfully not." Said Anon, "They didn't want to invade another's privacy, so they record these for a full day, then destroy it if it was the room's owner, but if it was another person, then they would record everything and call security."
"So how long will it take?" asked Starlight.
"Not long...and there we go."
Anon then displayed it on the large screen and was able to split it into seven pieces.
"Wait, Rainbow wasn't in the room." Said Starlight.
"I was able to get one of her," said Anon, "She was at the gym, so we should see what's going on."
Anon made a list and wrote them down and gave it to Princess Twilight.
"This is a list of each of the girls, each who took the pills for medical reasons. Headaches and so on. That way you'll be able to figure out how this all happened."
"This is helpful," said Princess Twilight as she accepted it, "But what was different about the girls? Did they transform the same way Smolder did?"
"Now that you mention it," said Anon whilst thinking about it, "The girls aged ten years older into women, but at the same time their bodies changed too."
"Their bodies changed?" said Starlight in confusion.
"Yeah, people's bodies tend to change when they get older." Said Anon, "Depending on how well they take care of themselves. You know, healthy lifestyles and so on."
"What part of their bodies change?" asked Twilight.
"Like this." Said Anon as he walked behind them.
He stood behind Starlight and used the stone to make himself taller so that Twilight can see.
"Their bodies grow from 5.7 to 6.5." said Anon before he used the stone to turn himself back to normal.
"I see." Said Princess Twilight before Anon was behind her and placed his hands on her hips.
"Their figures become hourglass figures," said Anon, "In case you wonder, think Principle Celestia and Vice-Principle Luna." Said Anon.
"Alright then," said Princess Twilight as she remembered what Celestia and Luna's human selves looked like. "What else?"
Anon blushed a bit, but he had to show them.
He placed his hands behind Starlight's posterior, making her yelp at the same time with a blush.
"Their posterior also becomes a little thick and luscious." Said Anon before releasing Starlight's posterior, whilst causing her to grab it in embarrassment.
Anon went over and cupped Princess Twilight's breasts, making her also yelp, but moan at the same time, "Their breasts also go from normal to GG-cup."
Anon released Princess Twilight's breasts, making her cover herself. Both girls glared at Anon when he did that.
"What, you wanted to know, so I demonstrated, and I was being specific." Said Anon. However, he couldn't help and said, "Although I have to admit, compare which bodies of yours are better either as a human or pony, I can't tell the difference."
This caused the two of them to blush more madly with a deadly glare.
"Just play the video!!" said Princess Twilight.
"Fine." Groaned Anon.
He began to go through the security footage. He remembered he started with Applejack, so he might as well figure out how it happened to her. When it played, they saw how it happened, especially with her being seasick.
"Wow, you weren't kidding about being seasick." Said Starlight.
That's when they saw it.
Applejack heard the sound of growling and looked down. She both noticed and felt her stomach was growling.
"Huh, ah can't be hungry already." Said a confused Applejack.
Suddenly, she noticed her stomach was sort of getting a little bloated and suddenly moved whilst sounding...like a buzzing sound?
"Uh, what's goin on?" said a concerned Applejack.
Suddenly her stomach began to move rapidly fast whilst spinning and still buzzing whilst her body was moving up and down, barely having a hard time trying not to move.
"What in tarnation?!" exclaimed Applejack.
Suddenly she trembled and something unexpected happened. Her posterior began to be thick and luscious, her breast became a GG-Cup, her figure became an hourglass figure, and she grew from 5.7 to 6.5, that of a tall adult, and her hair was a bit longer too. The transformation stopped, causing her to shake her head and spoke with an alluring country accent, well, twice as alluring as her original.
This surprised the three of them at the same time.
"Whoa," said Anon, "Didn't see that one coming."
"But why did it start from her stomach?" asked Starlight.
"Well, seasickness happens from conflict within one's inner ear, where the human balance mechanism resides, and is caused by a vessel's erratic motion on the water, which also affects the stomach." Said Princess Twilight, "So it must've happened from there."
"What's next?" asked Starlight.
Anon then played the footage of Rainbow Dash.
"Well...I do kind of owe him for curing as after the Saddle-Rager incident." Said Rainbow, "And he was my tutor in chemistry and science class. I...guess I can give it a try."
She then took out a pill and put it in her mouth and swallowed it with water. She took a sigh of relief, until she could no longer feel the cramps onto her body.
"Oh hey, that really helps." Said Rainbow as she liked the feeling. "Now I can finally get back to where I left off."
Rainbow then went over to a sink and washed her face a bit. After she dried her face off and placed the paper towel away, she then spotted a magazine nearby. It was a picture of a dog pulling down a kid's pants, whilst it partially showed the kid's posterior. Rainbow groaned at this whilst looking at it.
"Ugh, why is it every time whenever they make adds like this, they always..." said Rainbow before she clicked and blinked in surprise.
She suddenly felt her heart beating whilst her shoulders were moving up and down for a bit. Suddenly, she began to slowly growing. She began to grow 6.5 foot tall, and her breasts grew to F-Cup, whilst also gaining an hourglass figure, with a strong body, worthy of any woman, whilst at the same time, Rainbow's more flowing, as her posterior also became alluring whilst her body was fit.
This caused the three of them to be surprised.
"Seriously?" said Anon, "Watching the kid's posterior is what caused her to turn into that?"
"But why in Equestria would it do that?" said a confused Twilight.
"Wait," said Starlight, "I remembered Anon talking about some cursed people turn into werewolves on the full moon. So maybe it affected Rainbow too."
That's when it clicked, causing Anon to slap his forehead, "Oh, come on."
"Uh, moving on." Said Princess Twilight as she wanted to move on from the subject.
Anon remembered Rarity next, so he played the footage. This one is in her room this time.
She took out the pill and a glass of water. She slowly swallowed it and took a breath.
"Oh, that is so much better." Said Rarity. She then felt her headache slowly going away. "Oh, and it seems to be working."
Rarity walked over to her outfits and was about to pick something.
"Now let's see, if I choose my wardrobe correctly for this evening out, I might still..." said Rarity before she grunted.
It was as if she was hearing a big heartbeat, then she suddenly felt very feverish whilst holding her head.
"Oh dear," muttered Rarity as she was trying to regain her focus. "I feel so...so..."
Suddenly Rarity trembled and shuddered whilst holding onto her head. She tries her best to remain focused, but for some reason it wasn't working. For what was happening to her, well, even she doesn't know the answer herself. When all of a sudden, her body began to experience a certain growth.
She began to grow 6.5 foot tall, and her breasts grew to G-Cup, whilst also gaining an hourglass figure, with a heavenly body, worthy of any woman, whilst at the same time, Rarity's hair was more flowing, as her posterior also became alluring whilst her body was extremely attractive.
Once she was done growing, she then shook her head, focusing back on what she was doing.
"Whoa," said Starlight, "So she grew whilst feeling feverish at the same time."
"Fascinating." Said Princess Twilight whilst she held onto her notes. "Who's next?"
"Fluttershy." Said Anon. "Though I don't remember seeing her at all."
They played the footage of her taking the pill in her room.
"Maybe one wouldn't hurt."
She opened the packet and took out a pill, whilst filling her glass with water at the same time. She swallowed the pill and waited for a bit. After a few moments, she took a few sniffs. And before she knew it, she no longer had the case of the sniffles.
"Oh my, it worked." Said Fluttershy as she was really excited. She then opened a window and said smelled the air, "Ah, I can smell the freshness of the sea."
The wind then blew a bit through her window.
"I wonder what I can..." said Fluttershy before being cut off.
The reason for that, for whilst the wind was blowing, it blew part of her hair to her nose, causing it to get tickles, making her sniff a few times as she couldn't control it. Before she knew it, she began to build up a sneeze.
"Aah...aah...aah...oh my, that's never...aah, happened before." Said Fluttershy whilst a sneeze was building up.
However, unknown to her, her sneeze affected her breasts as they looked as if they want to get bigger, as did her posterior, and then her body.
"Aah...aah...aah...here it comes," said Fluttershy, "I...aah...need to aah...get it out. Aah...aah...aah..."
And then...instead of being soft.
"ACHOOO!!"
And just like that, her body instantly grew, and grew the same height as Applejack, whilst hear breasts were HH-cup, and her posterior luscious. Whilst at the same time, her eyes went half-lid and her hair was covering her left eye to show a sexier appeal. However, her clothes could barely fit as they instantly tore itself.
She looked down at herself whilst flexing an eyebrow.
"Hmph, that's just great." Said Fluttershy whilst looking herself over. Her voice was different as she sounded like a tough girl, her eyes were red and her hair went from pink to green. "Now I gotta find myself a new getup to wear."
This caused them to gawk in shock by what they were seeing.
"No...way." Said Anon in shock.
"Fascinating," said Princess Twilight, "Not only did it change her hair color and eyes."
"Her personality changed too." Said Starlight in equal surprise.
"Okay, how the heck did a dragon ball theme get in there?" questioned Anon.
"Dragon what?" said the two ponies turned human in confusion.
"Remember those old shows I told you I watched?" said Anon, "Well one of them involved a girl who was a lot like Fluttershy. And whenever she sneezed, her hair and eye color changed too."
"That's a weird coincidence:" said Starlight in surprise, then asked, "So who's next?"
"Try Sci-Twi." Said Anon.
"I'll never get used to that." Muttered Princess Twilight.
They saw a footage of Twilight taking the pills.
"Whoa, this feels amazing." Said Twilight as she feels very rejuvenated. "I can suddenly think of a few ideas for science, as well as other things."
She walked over and stood near her table and began to write them down.
"And with this, I'm sure Anon would like them." Said Twilight. Suddenly, she began to think Anon with feelings she had buried deep down. "Anon...what with his abs...and his body...his cute face...his amazing genius."
"Wait, she was thinking about me?" said Anon in surprise, "Well truth be told I'm flattered and all..."
Then they saw what happened next.
The more Twilight thought about it, the more Twilight felt flustered and her heart beating rapidly.
"As well as his hands as I want him to hold me, to massage me, to play around with me. To take me to bed and..."
Suddenly Twilight felt a pounding sensation as she found herself unable to concentrate.
"What...what's happening to me." Muttered Twilight as she held her head. "This feeling...I...where did that come...?"
She then suddenly leaned forward whilst she grasped her hands whilst they were on her desk as she lowered her head and her heart beating rapidly.
"Anon...so cute...so hot...I...I..." muttered Twilight whilst she felt like she couldn't breathe.
She began to breathe rapidly as she inhaled and exhaled over and over like she was running a marathon. Suddenly, she felt herself get stimulant, with Twilight's muscles getting tensed and her cellular levels reacting very differently. She felt strange surges going over her body. And with every breath, her body felt a tingling sensation.
And then...she started to grow.
If you look from behind, her posterior was starting to show via the science lab coat. She grew 6.5 feet, her hips became wider, her hair remained the same, her breast grew into G-cup, and a slightly hourglass figure.
After her intense breathing, she was able to calm down, then regained her composure and slowly stood up. However, by looking down, she noticed her clothes were tight.
"Wow," muttered Twilight as she was in a different and very sexy voice, "Barely being able to fit me and they somehow look very snug on me."
This surprised the three again.
"Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde moment?" said Anon.
"Definitely a Jekyll and Mr. Hyde moment." Said the two ponies turned human.
"Next up is Sunset." Said Anon.
They looked at Sunset had taken one of the pills, then went over to her clothes.
She walked over to the rest of her clothes and said, "Now then, I'd better get dressed before..."
Suddenly she felt herself stopped, and shivered for some reason whilst she looked down.
"Whoa," said Sunset, "What the heck's going on, my room is in the perfect temperature, how could..."
She suddenly blinked, causing her eyes to go blank whilst she twitched. She then suddenly bloated like a ball, then was back to normal, but she still stood there whilst having a smile on her face. Then from out of the blue, something happened, she started to grow.
Sunset began to slowly twitch and grow, every five seconds. She grew 6.5 feet like the rest of the girls, whilst her hips grew a little. However, at the same time, her posterior grew a bit too, making it more alluring whilst she now looked like she was wearing a G-String, and slowly at the same time, her breasts grew into H-Cup size, enough for an exotic dancer.
She then finally stopped growing, and blinked, causing her eyes to be normal. When she looked down, she began to inspect herself. She looked at her breasts and noticed how they look even more snug. She gently groped it and moaned.
"Wow," muttered Sunset, "These look great."
She noticed a mirror and walked over to it and studied her body. Then she turned around and saw her posterior was also very alluring.
"Mmmm," said Sunset, "Now this is every guy's dream."
"Wow, didn't expect that one." Said Anon, "Then again I did remember something like that a while ago."
"Same here." Said Princess Twilight.
"But what about Pinkie Pie?" asked Starlight.
They looked at the footage of Pinkie Pie and wondered what crazy shenanigans she got herself involved.
"Down the hatch." Said Pinkie Pie before flipping it, allowing her to catch it in her mouth and swallow it. "There we go."
Pinkie was suddenly undressed and in the nude whilst she wanted to find something else to wear.
"Hmm, what to wear today?" said Pinkie, "I'm more of the party girl than the fashion..."
Suddenly, her entire body began to shake and shiver, making her yelp and jump a bit. "Whoa, that was a doozy. Wonder what that means?"
Suddenly, she felt her left breast twitch. "Huh, what's this?"
Suddenly, her right breast began to twitch. "What's this?"
Suddenly, her posterior began to twitch. "Okay, what is this?"
Suddenly, her body also began to twitch. "Oooh, this feels nice."
Suddenly, her body began to move up and down as if it were a taffy balloon. "Oooh, my entire body feels like taffy!!"
Suddenly, she began to bloat and go normal, go bloat and go normal, go bloat and go normal.
By the fourth bloat, she suddenly bloat like a balloon by the effects.
She bloat like a balloon and was 6.5 feet tall. Her posterior bloat and became very alluring. Her breasts bloat like a balloon and was now G-cup. Her hips bloated and became an hourglass hip. And finally, her hair still looked poofy, but a side of her hair covered her left eye, in order for her to look more alluring.
Pinkie then walked over to the mirror and looked at herself. She gently placed her hands against her hips and observed herself.
"Mmmm, looks like Anon's pills did more than just give me a good mood." Said Pinkie Pie in her new alluring voice, "They make me look more sexier than Jessica Rabbit."
She placed her hands onto her breasts and cupped them, making her moan with delight.
"The girls are firmer than ever." Said Pinkie Pie. She giggled and said, "Now I sound like Rogue from Deadpool. No copyright intended."
This caused Anon, Princess Twilight, and Starlight to stare in shock.
"Somehow I'm not surprised by this." Said Anon.
"Surprisingly, us neither." Said Starlight.
Anon groaned a bit again, then said, "You girls go on ahead and see what happened, I'm gonna take a shower."
They saw Anon slowly walking to the shower, and realized he was between his legs.
"Honestly, I feel bad for him." Said Starlight.
"I can't blame him though," said Princess Twilight, "He didn't know it was the girls. Let's continue."
**********************************************************************************************
Both Princess Twilight and Starlight continued to watch as the two of them were partially flustered by what they were seeing.
"I can't believe the girls were after him." Said Starlight, "Why would they go after him and not everyone else on the ship?"
"It could have something to do with the pheromones." Said Princess Twilight before deadpanning, "And how he added them in is beyond me."
"Twilight." Reminded Starlight.
"Right, right," said Princess Twilight, "When Smolder drank it, she immediately went after him because of his pheromones, as if it had recognized their mate before even getting a chance to know them. So maybe it can happen the same to the girls."
Starlight then noticed a packet that looks like mentos of sorts. Thinking that it was candy, she picked two of them. Unknown to her, it was Anon's pills that she took by mistake, pills that he had forgotten to put away and wanted to set aside in case of an emergency.
"Here." Said Starlight as she offered some to Princess Twilight.
"Oh, thank you." Said Princess Twilight as she accepted one.
The two of them swallowed the pills before they continued to watch. As the pills went inside, it began to slowly have an effect on them.
"Still," said Starlight, "I'm surprised each of the girls were creative. And Fluttershy actually had another side like this."
Starlight then suddenly laughed a bit, which confused Princess Twilight.
"Imagine if our Fluttershy had that same kind of problem." Said Starlight, "Sneezing and changing and before everypony knows it, she beats the pulp out of them."
Twilight couldn't help but laugh at that too.
The two of them kept watch of what happened between Anon and the Rainbooms. The pills had then slowly begun to take over their bodies slowly. Before they knew it, Princess Twilight and Starlight felt more and more flustered. Their hearts began to beat fast.
"Oh my," said Starlight as she fanned herself, "Is it just me...or is it getting hotter?"
"I don't know, I...I feel it too." Muttered Princess Twilight.
Suddenly the two of them made an 'irk', sound, which made them grasp their chests.
"What was that about?" muttered Starlight.
That's when Princess Twilight knew the feeling all too well.
'Oh no, this feeling,' thought Princess Twilight, 'It can't be...how is it...?'
That's when she remembered what Starlight took.
'Oh no, those are Anon's pills.' Thought Princess Twilight, 'We must've taken them by mistake.'
She then held her head and tried to stay calm.
'Okay, calm down now.' Thought Princess Twilight, 'As long as I stay calm, I...'
She then heard the door opening and saw Anon coming out in his towel around his waist and another over his shoulders.
"Sorry I took so long; I really needed it." Said Anon.
Twilight looked at Anon surprised and saw his naked torso, making her blush a bit.
'Whoa,' thought Princess Twilight, 'I never realized his chest looks so good.'
"So, did you girls discover something whilst I was in there?" said Anon as he placed the towel over his head.
However, by accident, his lower towel fell off, exposing himself at the same time. This caused Princess Twilight to blush more as he face was a bit red, causing her heart to beat much faster.
'Oh my, this heat...' thought Princess Twilight.
"Darn it, sorry." Said Anon, "Let me pick up my towel."
Anon reached for his towel, but due to the other towel covering his head, he accidentally took the stone that was on the bed, causing him to restore his body to his original height and age, which surprised Princess Twilight, especially the muscle tone he has.
Now Princess Twilight's heart was beating at a much faster rate and her face was red.
'Oh my, those muscles, those abs, especially the package,' thought Princess Twilight before biting her lip, 'I want him.'
Suddenly, Princess Twilight's eyes blinked, and looked as if she was hypnotized. But her eyes still remained normal, but now had bedroom eyes.
"Darn it," said Anon once he removed the towel, "I didn't mean to do that. Oh well."
Then he saw Princess Twilight staring at him with bedroom eyes whilst Starlight was focused on what was going on. Anon was surprised that Princess Twilight was looking at him like that, which left him a bit concerned.
"Uh, Twilight?" asked Anon as he felt flustered and nervous at the same time. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm just fine, Sweetums." Said Princess Twilight with her alluring voice, which surprised Anon. "After all, we are the only ones in here. And seeing that it's at a proper time, why don't we make ourselves comfortable."
"Uh, Twilight, you're kinda freaking me out here." Said Anon.
"Oh, poo, why is that?" asked Princess in a pouty voice, "Am I not alluring enough for you, especially feeling very horny and obedient right now."
This caught Anon completely off guard as he was blushing a bit.
"Uh, what?" said Anon.
"Oh, don't worry, I can fix that." Said Princess Twilight.
Princess Twilight suddenly did somewhat of an alluring dance for him, which confused Anon. Then she playfully shook her top body, as if trying to sway her boobs, whilst she spoke at the same time.
"With bigger breasts, sure to delight."
When all of a sudden, Princess Twilight's breasts instantly grew to H-Cup, shocking Anon.
"Wha-wha-wha-Waaaa?!" exclaimed Anon as he dropped his towel whilst Princess Twilight was shaking her hips.
"With a slim waist and hypnotic hips."
Her hips suddenly became an hourglass figure, which once again baffled Anon, whilst Princess Twilight turned around and slightly twerked a bit.
"And a big plump ass that'll be a mesmerizing sight."
Within a split second, Princess Twilight's posterior also grew and was plump, which caused Anon to blush madly as he felt his blood rushing to his manhood.
"And finally," said Princess Twilight whilst dancing, "A height that would make a man soar."
Within an instant, Princess Twilight grew 6.5 feet tall, which shocked Anon as he sat down. For not only was her clothes now tight, but her body drastically changed in front of him.
"And so, my transformation, is complete." Said Princess Twilight in an alluring female voice.
"What, but, how did you...?!" said Anon.
That's when he noticed the small table, and to his horror, it was the leftover pills he made. He looked at Princess Twilight in realization.
"You took the pills, didn't you?!" exclaimed Anon in shock.
"I thought it was candy." Muttered Starlight whilst focused on the screen.
Anon then took another look at those pills. And that's when he saw the problem. He made them look like Mentos, which is a popular candy in both Equestria and this world. And the packet he wrapped them in nearly looked identical to the mentos' wrappers.
"You know, maybe I shouldn't have made them look like that when I first made it." Said Anon in realization.
Anon then had an idea, whilst looking at Princess Twilight.
"Excuse me, Twilight?" asked Anon.
"Yes, my dear?" asked Princess Twilight.
"I have an idea, wait here" said Anon before going over to Rarity.
He was able to open her door and snuck inside. There he saw her, and noticed how she was stretching and shows that she was naked underneath the blanket, which Anon couldn't help but blush, as the thoughts of what happened between the two raced.
"Oh, geez." Groaned Anon, "None of them are ever gonna let me live this down."
Thankfully, she always kept backup clothing for just in case. Whilst digging, Anon had found what he was looking for. He found what he was looking for. He found a short-sleeved button shirt, a mini-skirt, along with a red bra and panties, along with what can help. Something that's in the size of a grown woman, but if Anon was right, this would work perfectly.
He went back and went over to Starlight, and noticed how hot and bothered she looked. He looked at Twilight and said, "Mind helping me change Starlight?"
Princess Twilight complied and tried to undress her whilst she was focused on the TV. Anon and Twilight was able to get Starlight dressed in the outfit, and made her hair into a ponytail. It looked a bit loose, but it wouldn't matter if Anon could find a way to make Starlight transform the same way Twilight did.
"Hmm, I wonder how I can make Starlight transform." Said Anon.
"I have an idea." Said Princess Twilight, gaining Anon's attention, "If you're up for it."
Anon looked at Princess Twilight for a moment, before she came over and whispered to him in his ear. This at first, caused Anon to blush. He looked at Princess Twilight, which the latter nodded, implying that it will work. Anon shrugged his shoulders and moved over to her.
Anon took a breath and whispered to her.
"Paging secretary Starlight, I repeat, secretary Starlight," whispered Anon, "This is your CEO Anon speaking, can you hear me?"
Starlight felt hypnotized whilst looking at the footage, but she complied by answering back.
"Yes, master, I hear you." Muttered Starlight.
"Good, then hear my words carefully, and look at me when I'm talking to you." Said Anon.
Starlight did just that, and looked hypnotized, but chose to comply at the same time.
"With new large breasts, full of bounce." Said Anon.
When all of a sudden, Starlight's breasts instantly grew to H-Cup, causing her bra and shirt to be perfectly snug and shown a little small, but still alluring.
"With sexy hips bound to entrance." Said Anon.
Her hips suddenly became an hourglass figure, which felt a bit snug and showed her attractive stomach.
"A butt that can attract anyone's gaze." Said Anon.
Within a split second, Princess Twilight's posterior also grew and was plump, which caused the skirt to be perfectly snug, especially the way her panty was sticking out in certain areas.
"And finally," said Anon as he thought of what Twilight said, "A height that would make a man soar."
Within an instant, Starlight grew 6.5 feet tall, which caused her clothes to be very snug once again.
'Whoa.' Thought Anon.
There Starlight was, all snug in her outfit, and the way the red underwear from underneath partially sticking out on the front and the back. But when he looked at her behind, and at Princess Twilight whilst she had her back turned and playfully swung her hips...
'Holy crap, I just realized.' Thought Anon, 'The difference between the female races of the humans in this world, and the ponies turned humans, when the ponies turned humans are in this world, their backsides are more alluring. Chalk that up for the pervy skills.'
Anon then decided to try the secretary trick again.
"Paging secretary Starlight Glimmer, report to my office please." Said Anon, "And...walk to me in an alluring way."
Starlight complied by turning the footage off, and slowly stood back up. She turned around and walked towards Anon and did it in the most alluring way as he requested. She soon stood near him and looked at him with a smile.
"I'm here, CEO Anon." said Starlight in her alluring voice, "What is it that I can do for you?"
Anon pondered for a moment, and remembered in the video game...Mass Effect, he thinks, of how that bad girl with the genetics tried to seduce his character. That's when he got the idea.
He stood up and slowly walked over to her.
"Oh, believe me my dear," said Anon as he gently grasped her left breast, making her moan from the touch, "I have something in mind for you."
He walked from the back and he could see just how alluring her posterior really is. He couldn't help but playfully slap behind it, making her yelp, whilst also moaning at the same time. Anon stood in front of her and held her close, by holding her posterior, whilst Starlight wrapped her arms around Anon's neck, allowing her to look into his eyes.
"Look at me," said Anon, "Tell me you want me. Tell me I'm allowed to do anything I want to you. Tell me that you want me to go all out with me."
Starlight kept staring, but complied.
"I want you." Said Starlight, "You're allowed to do anything you want to me. I want you to go all out with me."
"Could you playfully place your arms behind your back?" asked Anon.
Starlight giggled and said, "Of course."
Starlight placed her arms behind her back and had that playful look at the same time. Anon took a good look at her breasts. And it came to a thought to him, though most of the times he groped the others when he was making love to them, but not when they're still clothes and standing normally. Anon thought about that from time to time, but never actually did it.
Oh boy, his pervy side is kicking in. Anon instead took a breath and calmly moved his hands towards her breasts. Within moments, they made contact, allowing him to gently groped onto it. This caused a moan to come out of Starlight's mouth whilst she closed her eyes. Now Anon was talking.
He continued to playfully grope onto her breasts, and moved them in a circular motion, which caused Starlight to moan, but more softly. She raised her head for a bit as she enjoyed the feeling. Once Anon was done, he moved behind her and bent over. There he could see her red panties, being snug down below. Now Anon could really have some fun with this.
He slowly placed his middle finger underneath her delicate flower and slowly stroked onto it whilst Starlight had her eyes closed and tried to catch a breath, but sometimes had a hard time focusing when she felt something massage below her. Starlight kept standing there whilst she enjoyed the feeling. That was, until she slowly placed her hands on her upper legs, trying to support her standing, whilst her legs were slowly trembling, enjoying the feeling at the same time. After about thirty strokes, Starlight eventually collapsed onto her knees as she could no longer stand, but gave a satisfied moan at the same time.
"Mmmm," moaned Starlight a bit with shaky legs. "I had no idea your fingers were that magical."
"Oh, believe me, I'm just getting started." Said Anon whilst looking at her.
He gently picked Starlight up and turned her around, allowing her to look at him. She gave the same flirty smile whilst she looked deep into Anon's eyes. Anon held onto her hips as he held her close. He stroked her back and gently placed it near her posterior, allowing him a gentle squeeze, making her moan a bit as she was closer to him and raising her right leg.
Then, within a split second, Anon lifted her up and pinned her against the wall, placing her lips against his and made out with her in full compassion, causing her to moan from the touch of his lips whilst she wrapped her arms behind his back and her legs around his waist.
Anon enjoyed every minute of this, though I get the feeling Starlight was enjoying this just as much as he is. Then again, that could be the new personality doing this, with Anon's pheromones doing this.
Anon then playfully moved his hips as if he was deliberately humping her, even though Starlight still has her underwear on. She moaned slightly from the moves Anon was displaying on her as she raised her neck. During the humping, Anon playfully slapped her posterior, making her moan at the same time. Anon gripped her posterior again, for boy, were they nice and plump. Something he can't get enough of.
'Holy crap, she feels amazing.' Thought Anon from within his subconscious.
They pulled their kiss from one another, with Starlight keeping her gaze onto him.
"That was quite something." Said Starlight.
"Then it's time for the next part." Said Anon.
Anon carefully loosened the buttons in order for it not to be torn, and was able to remove it, leaving her in her red laced bra. He had to admit, she really looked good in red, especially in a laced bra. Anon pulled her in and made out between her breasts, making her gasp as she grasped her hands around him. But during that time, he removed her skirt, leaving her in her red laced panties. Sweet Celestia he loved that combo.
During the make session, Starlight was able to kick her high heels away, leaving her partially exposed. They soon broke the kiss, with Anon having something on his mind.
"What say we skip two of the pleasure skills and go straight to the main course?" asked Anon.
"Oh, I'm liking the sound of that." Said Starlight.
The two of them made their way to the bed, with Anon being at the bottom of the center whilst Starlight would be on top. But just before she could take her panties off.
"Wait, leave it on," said Anon, "I've got an idea."
Starlight did as he asked and made her way towards the center of the bed. As Starlight sat on his lap, Anon was able to lift her up and moved her panty to one side, revealing her womanhood. Seeing a good opportunity, Anon placed his manhood near it. As soon as she was in position, he was able to place it inside, making her moan whilst she raised her head at the same time.
She looked down on him and had that same flirty smile on her face.
"Now then, which of us should make the move?" asked Starlight.
"Well, one of us is on top, so I figured the one should go first." Said Anon, "Either that, or the whole 'lady's first' thing."
"Such a gentleman indeed." Said Starlight.
Soon enough, Starlight slowly began to move her hips, whilst Anon's manhood massaged her insides, ones she never thought would be possible to massage. And boy was she loving every single moment of it.
"Whoa," moaned Starlight whilst her head was raised in the air, "I...didn't think ...you'd ever massage me...this way."
"Oh, there's...plenty more where...that came from." Moaned Anon.
With some of his strength, Anon was able to sit up and grab onto her back whilst Starlight still moved into motion. The more Starlight moved, the more Anon made his move on her back, on her breasts and her posterior, making her moan. When all of a sudden, Anon had an idea.
"Prepare for the ride of your life, Starlight." Whispered Anon.
Before Starlight could respond, Anon grabbed onto her posterior and thrusted upwards, causing her posterior to jiggle whilst they were still being held onto by Anon. He couldn't help himself as he somehow enjoyed how her posterior felt.
Soon Anon began thrusting his hips upwards, causing Starlight to moan uncontrollably as the force behind his thrusts shook her whole body and made her Equestrian/human booty and bounce repeatedly.
"Oh, my Celestia, this feels amazing!!" moaned Starlight. "It's so big!! Can't...think straight!! I'm going...to lose it!!"
"Then prepare for the big finish!!" declared Anon.
Starlight embraced Anon by hugging him tightly, not bothering to let go whilst he eagerly chuckles and pumps into her faster. He put all his energy and strength into his thrusts, which made Starlight feel numb at the same time whilst she moaned non-stop.
Soon enough, the two of them climaxed whilst Starlight moaned loudly with her head raised. The two of them stopped moving before he pulled her out, with Starlight looking at him with a tired smile.
"That was...amazing." Said Starlight before she passed out.
Anon realized that she was now in her cooling period, allowing him to place her on her back. Then a thought came to his mind.
'Hmmm, I wonder what would happen if I do it during her cooldown period?'
Anon removed Starlight's bra and panties, went over to her, and massaged her breasts, but so far nothing happened. Then he massaged her woman hood, but also nothing happened.
'Hmm?' pondered Anon, "Maybe the main one."
Anon then went over her and placed his manhood inside of her. At first nothing happened.
'Let's try going into overdrive.'
Anon slowly moved his hips like he did with Applejack, whilst he also saw her breast jiggle from every thrust he has ever given her. He couldn't help but massage them, and for some reason he could feel how her womanhood was slowly warming up from every thrust.
Anon chose to speed up his thrusting to medium speed, allowing Starlight's breasts to jiggle faster and sucked on her left breasts. Anon continued to thrust inside of her, until Starlight's eyes began to make a movement. She slowly opened it halfway and moaned from his thrusting.
"Ah...ah...ah...ah...ah...ah." Was all noise Starlight could make whilst the thrusting continued.
Now it was the final stretch for Anon, as he thrusted inside of her at top speed. Now that Starlight was somewhat awake, her arms slowly wrapped around Anon, with her legs doing the same around his waist. The entire bed shook from the amount of thrusts he was delivering, which in a way was sort of driving her crazy.
That was, until Anon kissed her full on the lips, making her moan loudly at the same time as her eyes rolled. Within the next thrust, Anon and Starlight climaxed at the same time. Once that was done, Starlight instantly went limp as her arms and legs no longer had the strength to move. Anon was able to pull her out and collapsed onto the ground. Once he did, Starlight instantly turned back to normal with a smile on her face. She moaned slightly before turning to her side whilst she was fast asleep.
"Well," said Anon before he was able to stand up and stretch a bit, "That worked out quite nicely."
He walked over and covered Starlight with the blanket.
"That should keep her warm." Said Anon.
But just as he turned around, he felt a pair of arms wrapped around him, and was shocked to see Princess Twilight's face close to his.
"Now that it's out of the way," said Princess Twilight, "Shall we continue from where we left off?"
Anon couldn't help but blush madly at this.
But then he thought about those times. The day he first met her, he was about 18 when he was accidentally transported to Equestria. That's when he met Princess Celestia, even though the guards saw him as a threat. But Celestia could tell Anon has no ill intentions. The two of them were able to hit it off well as friends. When Celestia tested his educational level, despite Neighsay protesting about it, Anon proved just how educational he is, especially with chemistry. Even if he did ban Potion Nova from his classroom because of that one incident.
Impressed by his educational skills, even if he can't use magic, his knowledge on how to use them with safety regulations and everything proved, she allowed him to be a teacher in her magic school. Though most students were skeptical, they were surprised by his teaching skills, especially Twilight, who answered every question he asked, even the most difficult ones. Then one day, Celestia asked him to be Twilight's personal tutor. This had gone on for many years until Anon turned twenty-five, and Twilight one day left for Ponyville for some celebration.
When Anon heard Twilight was staying, he felt a bit sad that Twilight left. Celestia then transferred him to Ponyville to work at the Mayor's office, where he could keep an eye on Twilight. Overtime, he became friends with Twilight's friends as well, and though they were a little freaked out, they found out he's a pretty decent guy.
He did jobs for them, like helping Applejack with the apples, he helped Rainbow Dash show how to practice without crashing, he sometimes helps with cake deliveries for Pinkie Pie, he sometimes helps Fluttershy with her animals, he helps Rarity fetch some things for her fashion. Even he and Spike seems to be getting along. He enjoyed his stay at Ponyville. Canterlot may be a place filled with rich snobs, but Ponyville is where he feels at home the most.
Over the years, he helped Twilight the best he could, try to support her the best he could, and even defended her the best he could. Though he was mad at her that onetime she went overboard with the friendship report, even after he told her that she needs to stop panicking about it, and he was even angry at the rest of the Mane 6 for brushing Twilight's feelings like that. But then one day, after she was crowned Princess, Twilight had to go get her crown back from Sunset, whom Anon found out was Celestia's former student. And she had to go get it. But Anon, worried about her safety, chose to go after her.
Soon they arrived to Canterlot High, which he was shocked that he was in another world, but in another world parallel to their own. And that the ponies have human counterparts, especially the Mane 5. Though Twilight was surprised that you came after her, what really surprised her was that you became a senior, which surprised him too. Seeing that Anon had experience, he helped Twilight adapt more like a human, and surprisingly, she's a fast learner. Well, it's understandable, considering she is the top student.
Once they went through the doors, Anon began to explain a few things that can help. Anon dug in his pockets, and to his surprise, he still had a few gems and bits inside of his backpack. He forgot he went gem hunting a while back with Spike and forgot to get it. He said to Twilight that he needs to do something, which caused Anon to go to a nearby bank. Using his knowledge from earth, he was able to deposit them and gained about a hundred million dollars. And thankfully, Anon was able to open an account and get a new ID. Surprisingly he works fast, which was one of his traits back on his world.
When he was done, he smiled to himself as he was glad he was able to get an account open in this world. But then he noticed the time and quickly got back. He found Twilight and to his surprise, she revealed that the rest of the Mane 5 have counterparts. The two of them decided to spend the night at a place Anon bought, which baffled Twilight. But during the stay, and after Sunset was defeated, he felt sorry for her. She wasn't a bad girl; she was just misguided. Anon told Twilight that he'll be staying, which shocked the latter, with Anon saying that someone also needs to keep an eye on things.
Anon asked Principle Celestia if he could teach here, and says that he has a master's degree in chemistry, and would like to work as a science teacher. She pulled some strings, but she granted it. Tearfully, Twilight and Spike left to return to Equestria, which you couldn't help but miss the two. During his stay in Canterlot High, whilst he was teaching, he watched over Sunset, by first paying for the damages and hiring people to fix up the place, whilst also upgrading the learning system of the school, to which Celestia appreciated. Anon offered a place to stay for Sunset, considering she has nowhere else to go.
It had been a rough six months, but she was able to turn her life around after the Dazzlings came along. Twilight was especially glad to see Anon again, even Spike. Twilight gave Anon a journal, so that he can write to her in order for him to visit Equestria again.
Anon came back to CHS when he heard the Friendship Games were coming, but then the portal was suddenly closed and gone. Turned out this world's Twilight came along and unknowingly took the portal's magic, even the girls'. After it ended, Cinch wanted CHS to forfeit after the whole Midnight Sparkle incident, but Anon was able to find proof that Cinch was blackmailing this world's Twilight, aka, Sci-Twi, to compete in the games, and to release the magic. And thanks to Anon, Cinch was fired and this world's Cadence took over CPA.
Anon continued to teach for a while, and that's when Twilight came along. Anon told her what happened, which shocked the latter. Afterwards, things have been quiet. Then Sunset asked Twilight to come over, for she, Sci-Twi, and the Princess wanted to do a science experiment. In doing so, Anon was asked to look after the castle. Anon handed the girls the notes, for he knew what they were going to do, so he personally made them. But when she didn't come back, he was worried. But when he got there, he realized the girls were turned into monsters, because Sci-Twi completely ignored his notes and went behind his back to 'Improve' them. When he got them back to normal, and the rest of the girls. Needless to say, Anon was pissed off. Not just him, but everyone the mouse transformed because of those three. Twilight had to pay for the damages, which Anon is thankful Equestria's gemstones are twenty times more worth in the human world.
Anon had always tried to watch her back and reassured her that everything will be okay, no matter how crazy things might get, especially since that time she tried to publish the friendship journal, which he had repeatedly told her that it was a bad idea, otherwise people might think of the right idea. So he went to AK Yearling, aka, Daring Do, for help, considering she's been doing this for a long time. So, she decided to go over it and thanks to her, they were able to publish it. But...it still ended up leaving them with problems.
And after the whole incident with the Storm King, Anon was ashamed at Twilight for what she did, especially the fact that he didn't speak to her since the incident. And when he heard she was planning to open the School of Friendship, and Celestia suggested that they need to speak to the EEA, Anon felt it was a bad idea, considering his history with Neighsay, and that he didn't like Anon since the day they he tried to evaluate his work.
So, whilst the school was being constructed, Anon went straight to the Equestrian Government and the Secretary of Education. And thanks to Anon, he was able to get a unanimous vote that would block the EEA's involvement and have them run the way it should be. But even though Anon had kept Neighsay from doing something drastic, that didn't mean he would drop it and would still try to undermine it, even when Cozy Glow was involved in the scheming, he blamed the Young Six for stealing magic, especially Anon, and none of them had anything to do with it.
The he had to fix another problem, but this time, it was Sunset and Sci-Twi, which caused the both of them to shrink down to size. Which again, Sci-Twi went behind his back.
Anon then focused back on the present. The girls took his pills and he felt somewhat responsible, but Twilight pointed out that it wasn't because someone botched his chemicals, causing the transformations to happen like it did with Smolder. Though spending a long time with Twilight, he felt like he needed to get something off of his shoulders.
"Twilight..." began Anon.
"Yes...?" said Princess Twilight.
"Just, stop. I'm not talking to you; I'm talking to the real Twilight." Interrupted Anon.
At first she seemed surprised, but within, Princess Twilight was listening. Beau sighed and talked to her.
"See," said Anon, "Ever since I got to Equestria, I felt like an outsider, felt like I didn't belong. And felt like...I was never going to be accepted. But when Celestia took me in and made me a teacher of chemistry, you were always the one to answer every one of my questions, which is what always made you such a good student. I even grew to like you. Though it was annoying how you constantly were obsessed into being perfect. And when you moved to Ponyville it felt...lonely."
"But when Princess Celestia told me to move to Ponyville, I felt happy, because I got to visit you more often, even landed a job at Mayor Mare's office. And I was getting pretty good at it. And when you became a Princess, I wanted to teach you more. But when I went to Canterlot High with you, I felt like I truly belonged there, like I found my home."
Anon looked down in thought.
"Though you didn't admit it, you felt really sad that I chose to stay, but you understood why. One part was that I get to teach a class again despite my appearance, but the other was also to keep an eye on Sunset, to make sure she was back on the right path and didn't stray from it like before. And when the Dazzlings came along, I noticed how overjoyed you were in seeing me."
Anon rubbed the back of his head and said, "But when you opened a school and offered me the job, I'll admit, I was very ecstatic. But at first I was disappointed at you because of what you did at Mount Eris when the Storm King invaded. But when Neighsay came along, the same pony who despised me ever since I first started to teach at the magic school, I had to step in and pulled every legal loophole and favor from other educational societies that opposed the EEA standards. I'll admit, I liked seeing you happy."
Anon looked away and said, "Heck, I even developed feelings for you. But life got in the way, and well...I wouldn't have a chance with somebody like you. I mean you're a pony who achieved a lot of things and became a Princess, whilst me, I'm just a hairless anti-social hermit of an ape who pushed a lot of folks away whilst I was teaching back on my world. I couldn't do half the things you do. And...to be fair I felt like I...would never meet your standards, you know?"
Things were quiet between them at first. That was, until Anon felt a hand to his cheek, causing it to turn to face Princess Twilight. To his surprise, Princess Twilight was smiling at him, and shed a tear or two, which surprised Anon.
'Did...did she hear me?' thought Anon in surprise.
Princess Twilight slowly leaned towards him and pressed her lips against his gently. Anon didn't know what to say or think on that subject, for the gentleness from the lips...felt very nice instead of being passionate. Anon ended up closing his eyes and held Princess Twilight close.
The two of them continued to kiss one another, and though Anon wasn't wearing any clothing, he could feel just how nice princess Twilight was feeling. The two of them slowly broke the hug whilst princess Twilight looked at him with a smile.
"Mind if I take these off to make you comfortable," said Anon, "And I kinda have to do it carefully, because they're the only clothes you have."
Princess Twilight kept her smile, but nodded all the same, allowing Anon to reach out and do his work.
He was able to carefully unbutton princess Twilight's shirt and placed it onto a chair, thankfully the buttons on them were okay and not torn. The he reached for her skirt and was able to loosen it, allowing him to place it aside too. He could see just how snug she is underneath the bra and panties were. Then he reached for her shoes by lifting her legs and removed them, leaving Twilight in only her underwear.
Princess Twilight once again placed her lips against Anon's in a soft and romantic kind of way. Anon wrapped his arms around her waist whilst her arms were wrapped around his neck. Princess Twilight moved slightly forward until their bodies connected. During that connection, seeing that Princess Twilight was close enough, Anon slowly placed his hands onto her posterior, allowing him to slightly grasp onto them, which at first startled her, but continued to make out with him.
The two of them moved towards the bed slowly, until Anon was the first to crash onto the bed whilst also making sure not to wake up Starlight. They moved to the center of the bed, with Princess Twilight still remaining on top of Anon. The two of them slowly broke the kiss, with Princess Twilight now sitting up on his lap and looking down on him like he was her prisoner. She slowly reached for the back of her bra, allowing her to loosen it. It casually fell down, revealing Twilight's breasts in her splendor during such a transformation.
Anon couldn't help but place his hands against them, allowing her to moan and slightly raise her head and placed both her hands onto his wrists, as if she doesn't want him to let go. Anon couldn't help but massage them, making her moan whilst lifting her head. However, during that time, Princess Twilight couldn't help but move her hips as she grinded more against Anon. Princess Twilight bit her lip, but Beau could tell that Twilight was enjoying it, and blushed at the same time, trying her best to keep her moans down, in order to make sure Starlight doesn't hear the both of them.
In a way, Anon felt himself getting hard under her, rubbing more against him as a result of her grinding. Princess Twilight released Anon's hands, allowing him to move them towards her posterior, dug into her panties and groped onto her posterior, making her moan at the same time.
Anon ended up slowly taking her panties down, and with some effort, he was able to take them off, leaving the both of them bare. But as she felt her womanhood near his manhood, Princess Twilight couldn't help but slightly gasp at that, for it made her quiver, it made her nervous...it made her hot and bothered.... with a hint of horny.
With some help, Princess Twilight took Anon's manhood and slowly placed it inside her womanhood, making her gasp and squirm as she slowly got inside. Once it was completely in, she gasped and shuddered and felt pain, but thankfully, Anon was able to sit up and hold her close, with Princess Twilight holding him in return.
Once the pain became tolerable, Princess Twilight was able to look at Anon with a smile on her face, with Anon returning it. Anon placed his hand around Princess Twilight's posterior, and slowly moved her forward, allowing her to move her hips, with Princess Twilight slightly gasping at the motion. They did the same thing over, until Princess Twilight thrusted, but in a very slow manner, making her slightly gasp from his motion. Princess Twilight kept her eyes on Anon whilst motioning her hips at the same time. She moved into the kiss whilst she continued to move her hips, enjoying every feeling of it.
Princess Twilight couldn't help but wrap her arms around him as her breasts were now against his chest, and still she moved. Anon couldn't help but kept a good grip on them, making her moan more loudly. She broke the hug as her nose was close to his and brought her lips to Anon, pinning down his tongue with her own. Princess Twilight still slammed her hips onto Anon's, squeezing his shaft with her tight inner walls. Then again, Anon didn't know Princess Twilight could be this aggressive.
As Princess Twilight continued to move her hips, Anon caressed her body, with Princess Twilight suddenly pinning him onto the bed completely, still ramming her womanhood down on his manhood, whilst she continued to made loud lewd moans and wet slaps from her womanhood. During that time, squeezed her breasts and pinched the nipples of it, causing Twilight to break the kiss and moan whilst her shot her head up.
Princess Twilight moaned loudly from the touch Anon was giving her, even feel her control over him slipping away. From her perspective, Beau was about to change that. Anon grabbed her posterior and thrusted upwards, causing the said girl to yelp and hold Anon tightly, even held Anon's head and placed it between her breasts in order to attempt to smother him with them.
Anon ended up turning Princess Twilight around, so now she ended up being at the bottom and Anon being on top. Anon continued to thrust inside of her whilst she used her legs to wrap around his waist. Anon kept slamming his hips into her womanhood, making Princess Twilight emit low erotic growls.
The two of them felt they would release their load from the love making.
"T-Twilight, I'm going to!!!" said Anon.
But Princess Twilight kept holding him close, for she wanted him to release the load inside of her, especially since their lips were interlocked as more speed were building up. It wasn't long before the two of them could feel their own orgasms could explode. And given how heavy their breathing was, as well as the ride of their lives, they were going to explode.
"B-brace yourself!!" said Anon.
And within mere moments, Anon and Princess Twilight climaxed within one another, making them moan loudly at the same time. Both of them breathed heavily, especially after the tenth spurt. Once they calmed down, Anon collapsed to Twilight left, considering Starlight was on the right. Within mere moments, Princess Twilight's body turned back to normal, with Anon using the stone to do the same. The two of them couldn't help but breath heavily with smiles still on their faces.
"Wow," said Princess Twilight as she tried to get her breathing under control. "That was quite something."
"I agree." Said Anon, "Who knew you had it in you."
Princess Twilight used the blanket to cover the both of them, then ended up cuddling him at the same time. And Anon held her close too.
"Did you mean what you said?" asked Princess Twilight.
Anon looked at Princess Twilight with a smile and said, "Every word."
Princess Twilight couldn't help but smile and kiss him at his cheek.
"Thank you."
The two of them held onto one another and soon fell asleep once the fatigue kicked him.
Everything was now calm but now...what the heck is going to happen in the morning.
> Chapter 11: The Aftermath
As the cruise continued on its present course, the sun had slowly risen from the edge of the ocean. The sun soon light throughout the entire ship.
Within one of the cabins, was Starlight, Anon, and Princess Twilight. The two ponies turned humans arrived to warn Anon about the pills he gave the girls, but it was too late as each and every one of them got laid with him. During some, ahem, 'research', they discovered how the girls transformed, and the aftermath that came from it. However, during that time, it happened to the Equestrians turned humans as well. But instead of resisting, he allowed it. Starlight was quite something. But when Princess Twilight sort of cornered him, Anon confessed to her, which in turn, made her return the compassion.
The morning sun rose, causing Starlight to stir as she slowly got up. But as she sat, she failed to notice that part of the blanket fell off, and felt a sudden chill.
"Whoa," muttered Starlight, "Why am I suddenly feeling...?"
She got her answer as she noticed that she wasn't wearing any clothes, making her blush madly at this. She covered it with the blanket and looked in a state of panic.
'What in Equestria just happened?!' thought Starlight.
However, she looked to her left, and to her shock, both Anon and Princess Twilight were also naked. Not only that, but they were snuggling one another too.
"Twilight?!" said Starlight in shock.
Princess Twilight squirmed and slowly sat up and rubbed her head.
"Boy, what a night." Said Princess Twilight, "And why do my legs feel somewhat funny and I feel wet?"
"I think we know." Said Anon as he also sat up.
Princess Twilight looked at Anon, then blushed with a smile. "Guess that explains everything."
"Though I'm surprised you can still remember everything after all that." Said Anon.
"Let's just say after the potion Celestia had us drank from what happened between you and Smolder, I had to come up with a few spells to help retain my thoughts and try to be me." Said Princess Twilight.
"Clever."
"Can we talk about what happened last night?!" said Starlight in a panic.
"You took the pills by mistake and ended up transforming too." Said Anon. "Though to be fair, having them disguised as mento tablets wasn't such a hot idea."
Starlight looked at where the pills were, and realized her mistake. She slapped her forehead and groaned, "Oh, come on."
"Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it." Said Princess Twilight, which shocked Starlight as she looked at her with a gawking expression.
"Though what are the odds the others would be waking up as well?" asked Anon.
Suddenly, they heard loud screams, startling them at the same time. One by one, they could hear them.
"What in tarnation?!"
"What the hay happened?!"
"What is going on?!"
"Eep!!!"
"What just happened?!"
"What the heck?!"
"Oooh, I feel tingly!! And I'm freaking out too!!"
Anon and the two ponies turned humans slowly looked at one another.
"We should probably get dressed and tell them what happened." Said Anon.
"Good idea." Said the two of them, allowing them to get up to quickly get dressed.
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After they got dressed, Anon, Twilight, and Starlight were standing near the door.
"We'll wait for them here," said Anon, "I asked them to bring room service breakfast to our floor, that way we'll get something to eat at the same time."
"Good call." Said Starlight.
"But should we go out and...?" asked Princess Twilight before being cut off.
"Don't worry," said Anon, "They'll be knocking right about...now."
They heard frantic knocking in front of their door, surprising the ponies turned humans.
"Oh, you're good." Said Starlight before Anon shrugged.
He was about to open the door, but then he stopped. He turned to the ponies turned human and motioned them to step backwards, which they did. Anon then frantically opened the door, causing the Rainbooms to fall through the door. All of them frantically stood up and talked to Anon.
Some saying that they were in their rooms, they blacked out, then they woke up in their rooms all naked.
"Everybody calm down!!" said Anon as he was able to make them quiet. "First of all, we got guests."
He motioned to the guests behind them, causing them to look, with the said latter waving at them.
"Princess Twilight? Starlight?" said the Rainbooms surprised.
"Hey, guys." Said a nervous Starlight.
"What are y'all doin here?" asked Applejack.
"They came here to warn me." Said Anon.
"Warn you?" said a confused Rainbow Dash.
"About what?" asked Pinkie Pie.
"Let's just say...the pills didn't exactly help you in the best way we thought it did." Said a nervous Anon.
"Oh, please." Said Rainbow as she shrugged her shoulders, "How bad could it be?"
******************************************************************************************************
The Rainbooms sat on the bed, their jaws dropped and their faces blushed madly by what they were seeing. For in each monitor, they were seeing were them, but older, and all of them having a wild time.
Fluttershy whimpered a bit, with Rarity saying, "I feel so...violated."
"How?!" exclaimed Twilight.
"Whilst Anon was working on the chemicals, someone swapped one of his chemicals with the one we locked up." Said Princess Twilight.
"What chemicals?" asked Rarity.
"See, a while back I was working on something new on the chemicals to see what I can make. But then one of my students, Smolder, drank it behind my back without noticing." Said Anon. "Which she didn't know, because she drank from a random jug."
"Why not a chemistry set?" asked Pinkie Pie.
"Turns out Rainbow's pony counterpart destroyed them for a prank back in Equestria." Said Anon whilst Princess Twilight growled.
"That does sound something like Dash would do." Said Applejack, which Rainbow face faulted, but didn't deny it.
"And as a result," said Anon as he pulled out two pictures. "She went from this..."
He showed them a picture of Smolder, which they had to admit, she looked cute.
"Aw, how cute." Said Fluttershy.
"To this."
The moment Anon showed them the picture, all of them had their jaws agape as they couldn't believe what they were seeing. They saw Smolder's body as a mature woman, as if she had gone straight up anthro.
"How the heck is that possible?!" said Sunset.
"Honestly, we have no idea." Said Starlight.
"Nevertheless," said Princess Twilight, "After we discovered from Princess Ember that the chemicals ended up speeding up her maturity, which in the end had him chosen as her mate."
This caused the Rainbooms to blush at this.
"Trust me, I was completely baffled," said Anon, "But because I didn't lock my classroom, didn't know she was in my classroom, and that she, well, was under the chemical's influence, I had to take responsibility and help her out. Eventually I uh...did the deed thing."
"Just say you had sex with her." Said Rainbow.
"Rainbow Dash!!" said Rarity.
"Anyway," said Anon, "After I helped her, she's now back to normal."
"But as for the leftover chemicals, we locked them all up to make sure nopony would ever take them." Said Starlight, then giggled and said, "Or Anon."
"What do you mean?" asked Twilight.
"See for yourself." Said Princess Twilight when she handed them a list.
Anon was baffled, and asked, "Why the heck would you still have that?"
"What? It's fascinating." Said Princess Twilight.
As the Rainbooms looked it over, they were shocked when they read one of the ingredients.
"How the heck did you add your own pheromones?!" said the Rainbooms.
"Honestly, I have no idea." Said Anon.
"But after Anon left," said Princess Twilight, "We saw someone had broken into the vault and took the chemicals and swapped it with one of the ingredients with Anon's pills."
"So, when all of you took the pills, it turned you into well, what you see before you." Said Starlight.
"And y'all didn't know it was us?!" said Applejack to Anon.
"I didn't know, I thought it was just a weird coincidence!!" said Anon, "Remember the Equestrian Magic that turned Sunset and Twilight into toddlers?!"
The Rainbooms, but mostly Sunset and Twilight, winced at that, for all of them remembered that one trip disaster when Equestrian Magic affected them.
"You know, he does have a point," said Pinkie Pie, "I mean none of our friends recognized us when the two of them got turned into toddlers, or that time when we got turned into babies."
"Though I'm surprised nobody recognized us because of our hair color." Said Sunset, "I mean they're a dead giveaway."
"Despite your hair looking like bacon?" said Anon, which caused the said girl to glare at him with a growl, making Anon raise his hands in defense.
"You know, he does have a point." Said Rainbow, which caused Sunset to face fault at that.
Anon then had a guilty look on his face before rubbing the back of his head.
"Listen, girls." Said Anon as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm sorry for what happened to you girls, it's all my fault. If I had known..."
"Aw, it's alright sugarcube." Said Applejack.
"Yeah, you didn't know someone tampered with your chemicals." Said Rainbow Dash.
"And honestly, I think your pills did help us with somewhat of our problems." Said Rarity.
"Really?" said the other three.
"Yeah, like Applejack's seasickness, Rarity's headaches and so on." Said Pinkie Pie.
"Huh," pondered Applejack, "Honestly ah feel great."
The rest of the girls agreed to this. Though it didn't turn out as Anon expected, he was at least happy that their medical trail was successful...er...in a way.
Suddenly a knock was heard from the door.
"Room service."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that." Said Anon.
"You ordered room service?" asked Rarity.
"Yeah, I ordered extra for just in case." Said Anon.
"Good call." Said Twilight, "And given what we've been through, I'm sort of hungry."
The others agreed and went over to the door.
"And uh, girls, one more thing."
They looked at Anon and wondered what he wanted to ask. However, his face was red from embarrassment as he wanted to know something.
"Was I uh...good?"
This caused all of them to blush hard at that. But instead of protesting, memories of their night began to go through their heads, which in turn caused them to slowly smile and ended up giggling out of controllably.
"Oh, Anon, you were amazing." Said Sunset.
"Once you took charge, you really don't hold back." Said Pinkie Pie.
"And how could I ever forget." Mumbled Anon. Then he cleared his throat and said, "Let's just eat something."
"Agreed." Said everyone as they made their way towards the door.
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For the next two weeks, Anon, Princess Twilight, Starlight, and the Rainbooms began to enjoy every part of the trip they were on.
Though Anon had gone through a lot of stuff because of the girls' transformations, he was at least able to go to a few places with them.
He was able to go to the diner and ride the mechanical bull, but this time, each of the girls also had a turn. Though both Twilight and Princess Twilight...both of them had a lot of trouble doing that. They even fell off and looked like a mess, this caused them laugh out loud at that, with them laughing with them.
Next up, they went to the gym for a bit. Though some of the girls, namely Rarity and Fluttershy, Starlight and the two Twilights, didn't want to go through the drills, the others did. Though Anon was competing with Rainbow Dash and Applejack a bit, as he didn't want to show them that he was a complete slouch.
Then they decided to have some early lunch as all of them enjoyed. However, Anon was busy eating a bowl of chili. However, they suddenly saw him what he did yesterday.
"Tower to pilot, tower to pilot." Said Anon to himself as he was messing around. "We're tracking your approach. And opening our doors to some yummy goodness."
Anon then directed the spoon to himself whilst he continued to act.
"Tower to pilot!! Mayday, mayday!! You're coming in too low, pull up, pull up!! NOOOOOOO!!"
Suddenly Anon splattered the chili against his head. Then he deadpanned and groaned, "Why do I always keep doing that?"
This caused them to laugh extremely loud when they saw him make a fool of himself. Some of the guests noticed and they also laughed a bit.
Then they decided to do some laser tagging. Though this time, Anon was able to make sure that he and the girls were in the same team he is. Though Fluttershy didn't want to do it at first, she suddenly remembered what she did when she was her other self, causing her to go crazy and take down many of her targets.
At the end, they won the tournament, with them having a group picture and showed the plaques that they won during those said contests.
They even hung out at the arcade as everyone had a great time. However, what was scary, was that Fluttershy was driving one of those racing games and she was acting like a complete psycho. Though it was great to see her having fun, it was greatly scary to see her. Though seeing that they don't have any squirrel games, Sunset decided to challenge Fluttershy to a game. Both of them were equally tied and were evenly matched.
Then they went to a cake shop, where they get to enjoy the many different deserts that all of them enjoyed.
During that time, they decided to take the opportunity to explore the rest of the ship and all of them were able to join in watching a few concerts, as well as a few movies that all of them could enjoy. And thanks for the treasure that Anon brought in, all of them could enjoy the finer things in live.
However, two days before they went back home, the girls told Anon to come to his room, for they have a surprise of sorts for him. Curious, he wondered what that was.
Anon walked into his room and turned the lights on. To his surprise, he saw Princess Twilight, Starlight, and the Rainbooms waiting in his room and...wearing bathroom robes?
"Uh, girls?" asked a nervous Anon, "What's going on?"
"Well, we figured that since our last night before the day we get back," said Sunset, "We'd figure we'd have a night to remember."
"Uh, like what?" asked Anon.
"The first phase." Said Twilight before all of them dropped their robes, revealing them to be without clothes.
Anon blushed at this and wondered what this meant.
"The second." Said Princess Twilight before all of them took out the pills. Pills Anon immediately recognized.
Anon widened his eyes in shock, realizing what they had in mind.
"Uh, girls." Said Anon.
But it was too late. Each of the girls took the pills, and one by one, with each other's help, all of them transformed back to their adult forms, which shocks Anon.
"Oh no," said Anon, "Look, ladies."
"Like we said, this is our last night." Said Pinkie Pie in her adult voice.
This shocked Anon, and said, "Wait, you girls remember?"
"Of course," said Princess Twilight, "Turns out if you take the pills the second time, you'll still have your memories."
"Whilst we're in a more...alluring state, if you know what we mean." Said Starlight.
"And we figured we might do this again," said Rainbow Dash, "I mean you can't deny that you'd want to do this again."
Anon made a face, but nodded, for he can't deny that.
Anon sighed, seeing that this is what they wanted. He undressed and used the stone to restore him to his normal age. The girls smiled at that.
"Now then, which one of us gets to go first." Said Rarity.
"Actually, I already have a solution to that." Said Anon.
He pulled out another stone, causing him to glow and made eight copies of himself, making it about nine Anon in total. This surprised the girls at the same time.
"I found this stone a while ago, and realized that it makes copies of us. I made more of these in case of an emergency." Said Anon, "And given how all of you want to share...why not?"
Anon and his copies approached the girls as all of them were bear too.
"So, what do you say girls?" said Anon as he tried his best in a flirting tone.
"Ready to have some fun?" said Anon and his copies.
This caused the girls to get excited, causing all of them to lunge towards them, leading to an all-night fun session with all of them.
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A few days later, everyone was back on shore. But thankfully, it was still Summer vacation for them.
Once they docked, they went to the portal to Equestria, where all of them were saying their goodbyes.
"Thanks for inviting me to the cruise girls," said Anon, "I can scratch this off my bucket list."
"You're welcome, Anon." said Fluttershy.
"Yeah, even if what happened was something we didn't have in mind." Said Pinkie Pie.
This caused them to blush, but all of them had a good laugh about it.
"Still, sorry about what happened." Said Anon.
"Aw, don't fret there, Sugarcube." Said Applejack.
"Yeah, you didn't know it was going to happen." Said Rainbow Dash.
"But you did pay for our entire trip, so we can let that slide." Said Rarity.
"And the free goods we got out of it." Said Sunset.
Anon nodded at that, then looked at Twilight.
"And Twilight?" said Anon, making said girl look at him, "I'll also see what I can do to help lift that ban from you, so that you can work with chemicals again."
This caused Twilight to get excited.
"However," interrupted Anon, "No more crazy and wild science experiments. You want to make something revolutionary, you talk to me first, and follow my instructions to the letter."
"Oh, don't worry, I learned my lesson." Said Twilight, "And thank you."
Anon nodded, then looked at Princess Twilight and Starlight. "Alright then, it's time for us to get moving."
"Right, see you in a bit." Said Starlight before moving through the portal first.
Princess Twilight was next.
"You girls gonna be alright?" asked Anon.
"We will," said Sunset, "But we also have some summer jobs to get back to, so we'll be busy till school starts again."
"Alright then, I'll talk to you later."
Just before Anon walked through, he was suddenly hugged and kissed by the Rainbooms, surprising him.
"Thanks for a great day and night, Anon." said the girls before they all went away.
Anon was stunned by this, then shook his head.
"I'll never understand girls," said Anon, "And that's a good thing."
He soon walked through the portal to Equestria.
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After they got back, Spike was there waiting for them. He greeted Anon, but was surprised that Princess Twilight and Starlight came through the portals first. Anon told him to tell the girls to get together, for this was going to be a long story.
After they arrived, the girls and Anon told them everything that had happened. Once they were done, Anon concluded, "And that's what happened."
The Mane 5 and Spike were shocked to hear this.
"Land sakes." Said Applejack, "So that there formula that we locked up somehow got into yer pills?"
"It's true." Said Twilight, "Starlight and I discovered it after Anon left, so we went to warn him."
"Though I'm not surprised about the rest of the girls' transformations," said Rainbow Dash, "I'm actually surprised that Fluttershy ended up having a split personality that made her more assertive and aggressive by a sneeze."
"Don't forget the changing of her mane and eye color." Said Pinkie Pie.
"Though I must admit, darling." Said Rarity, "I never figured that you and Starlight of all ponies would take it."
"Well to be fair I made the mistake of making it look like ones of those Mentos candies instead of like actual pills, so that's on me." Said Anon. "Though there's one thing that still puzzles me."
"What's that Anon?" asked Spike.
"Who the heck broke my formula out of the vault?"
Everypony looked at one another, wondering the same thing.
Unknown to them, someone was looking at them via magical mirror far away, whilst also having another mirror to watch...Canterlot High?!
She ate a piece of cake before setting it on a table near her sun flank. She gave an alluring giggle whilst her hoof was placed near her mouth as her mane flowed.
"That sure was a lot of fun."
The pony picked up a checklist of sorts, which was none other than Princess Celestia.
"Now then...who to pick next?"
> Chapter 12: Bonus
A month after the whole ordeal, Anon looked at his calendar and sees that they only have about another month left before summer is over and everyone has to go back to school. And since he confessed to Twilight, the two of them continued to hang out with one another. And it didn't help that Twilight knows the spell that would turn her into a human with the same body, something that Anon has a hard time to control himself, especially with his perverted moments.
For the entire weekend, Anon had decided to go to his cabin in White Tail Woods to clear his head. Normally Twilight wouldn't want him to go, but she's used to it. When Anon first wanted to be out of town, it onetime did him some good. Then every month he made it a regular and everypony in Ponyville got used to the routine. But he did promise Twilight that once he gets back, they'll make up for lost time.
Anon took his backpack with him and entered his log cabin. Perfectly disguised in a cave, and a double story, perfectly for peaking outside of the woods, as if it was a fallout shelter.
Anon placed his Large Capacity Travel Outdoor Mountaineering Bag near his table and sat down on a chair, leaning backwards, and rubbing his bald head...god he wished he had hair again. Wait, no, on second thought, It's a good thing.
"I was wondering when you'd get here."
Anon, not being bothered with the voice of a newcomer inside his cabin, rubbed the top of his head still, as if he's trying to rub a headache at the same time.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Said Anon, "I was invited to spent time with Sunset Shimmer and her friends. They went on a cruise, but the guy botched it completely, so thankfully I was able to pay for the first-class trip."
"Seriously?" she replied confusingly, "How the heck did you pay for the whole thing?"
"I saved up a lot just in case." Said Anon, "I have two chests worth of savings. One chest I used, the other I still keep hidden. Didn't want Pinkie Pie to use it to buy sweets again, not like she did with the bits that Rainbow wanted to use for the Griffons."
She laughed at that and said, "I can believe that."
"And remember the potion?" asked Anon.
"Yeah, I do, what of it?" asked the voice.
"Turns out someone broke it open and secretly swapped it with my pills I made for certain things like seasickness and headaches and so on." Said Anon, "It wanted to be a new form of medicine, but then one of the chemicals that we locked up somehow got swapped with one of my ingredients. And when I traveled with Sunset and her friends, I gave the pills to them in order to test them out to see if they worked. Result...they ended up..."
"Turning into hot babes and all of them wanted to get a piece of your human ass until they passed out?"
"More or less." Said Anon, "Though I'm thankful the transformation on them was only temporary. Though in another theory, they would've remained adults if they didn't get laid. But then again, the side effects would be disastrous. Though I'm just glad it didn't happen to you."
"That's because unlike you humans," said the person, which was a dragon, who was none other than Smolder, who casually flew over and sat on the table near him with a smirk on her face, "Us dragons actually know the meaning of control. It's how we later learn to control our growth over the years."
"Pth, and you didn't use that during your greedy days?" asked Anon.
"Well, we could," said Smolder, "But when the molt kicked in and we gained our wings, we stopped having the ability to do that."
"That was until the chemicals I gave." Said Anon, "Which I'm still guilty that you took it without me noticing."
"Eh, it was also my fault for going in your classroom without knocking and drinking something that I shouldn't." said Smolder. "So, what happened after that?"
"Well...Starlight and Princess Twilight followed me in order to warn me," said Anon, "But by the time they got there, the Rainbooms already got a lot of rounds on me. When they tried to find out how it was possible, they took it by mistake. Then again, I shouldn't have disguised them as mentos."
Smolder chuckled and said, "Yeah, that's pretty much on you on that one."
"Anyway," said Anon, "After things got back to normal, I was able to talk to them and have them help me sort out the mess that happened. But...I think Twilight and I are in a relationship now."
"Seriously?" said Smolder surprised.
"Yeah," said Anon whilst thinking about his time on the ship, "Before she did what she did to me, I ended up confessing to her. Then she made me focus on her. I didn't know how, but somehow she knew what I wanted to say, so before I knew it, we ended up doing the thing, and after that, we sort of became a couple. We haven't told the others yet, otherwise they might overreact again."
"But I get the feeling something's nagging you." Said Smolder.
"You got me." Said Anon, "I felt that since the day we did the thing, I thought you'd choose me as a mate or something. But now with Twilight..."
"Yeah, I get it." Said Smolder, knowing how sensitive Anon is. She thought about it, and had an idea. "Well, how about this, why don't we have a friends with benefits relationship?"
"Friends with benefits?" said Anon confusingly.
"Yeah, you and Twilight can be a couple, whilst at the same time, the two of us can spend time with one another." Said Smolder, "That way we can still be friends, but the two of us would have needs and benefits that, well, benefits both of us."
"Like a secret relationship?" asked Anon, who began to feel unsure. "I don't know...what if they catch me?"
"Oh, they'll understand," said Smolder, "I already thought of a story of how the chemicals still affected me and that every full moon I transform and I need someone to satisfy my urges."
Anon looked at Smolder strangely. Would that even work? Then again that's the same thing with Fluttershy's Vampire bat situation.
"Well, alright then, if you think that'll work, I don't see why not." Said Anon.
"Nice." Said Smolder before she casually sat on the table in front of him before holding his face and delivered a strong kiss. After she broke it, she smirked and said, "Now then, I think you know what comes next?"
Smolder sat down onto the table and spread her legs, indicating what she wants Anon to do. Anon couldn't help but roll his eyes, for it figures she'd ask that. Then again, it was the only way...
Anon slowly went to her womanhood and held her hips, allowing him to place his tongue inside of it, making her gasp as she felt his tongue going inside of it.
"Oh, my Celestia." Said Smolder whilst rolling her eyes with her tongue out. "This feels so...so..."
Anon continued to like her sensitive spots inside of her, making her squirm in delight, enjoying the feeling whilst she stuck her tongue out and closed her eyes. However, from within her, the chemicals that was part of her bloodstream began to react, causing it to course through her body. And during that moment, certain parts of her body began to grow. She grew about 6.9 feet tall, her chest grew to between an H-Cup and a J-Cup, her legs grew luscious, as did her back, whilst gaining a curvy hips and a luscious booty.
That's right, Smolder still had the effect that turn her into that form ever since she drank the potion, and because it's part of her dragon genetics, every time when she gets aroused or thinking sexy thoughts and the like, she transforms into that form. Now she can control it out of her own free will.
Once the transformation was complete, Smolder cummed a bit, allowing Anon to swallow the remaining drops inside of her, whilst Smolder breathed with bliss at the same time. Once Anon lift himself up, he was now standing face to face with Smolder, as she gave him a flirtish look and a smirk.
"You know, I could've just transformed if you wanted me to." Said Smolder playfully in her sexy alluring voice.
"I know, but where would the fun in that be?" asked Anon rhetorically. He smirked and said, "That and I know how much you love when I arouse you to do that."
"True, no complaints." Said Smolder as Anon held her hands, allowing her to stand up, making the two of them look at one another eye to eye.
"Now then," said Anon as he pulled Smolder into a hug, only to slap her dragon posterior, making her yelp whilst Anon held onto it, "How about we start having some fun before I start making some dinner."
"Good idea," said Smolder with lust in her eyes, "Let's start with the appetizer."
Smolder pressed her lips against Anon, allowing Anon to pull her into a hug and continued to make out with her in the sexiest way. Though in a way...something appeared to be...missing.
Smolder broke the kiss and breathed a bit. "Did you forget something?"
"Oh?" wondered Anon.
"These clothes," said Smolder as she held onto his shoulder, "They're in the way."
Anon chuckled and said, "I can help you out with that one."
Anon removed his clothing and placed them aside. Smolder couldn't help but keep on staring at him, enjoying every part of his body. She couldn't help but display a smirk on her lips. Once Anon was done, he walked over to a chair and placed his clothes there. He walked back to Smolder and once again held her close.
That's what was missing.
"That's what was missing." Said Anon.
"And that being?" asked Smolder.
"The feel of your scales against my skin and body." Teased Anon.
Smolder snorted, and said, "You're such a dork."
"But I'm your dork?"
Smolder then smiled and looked at him with admiration.
"Yeah," said Smolder before slowly placing her head against his, "You're my dork."
Smolder removed her head from his and looked at him in the eyes. Then she looked down and lowered herself until she stood on his knees. Anon looked at her, but smirked, knowing what she was going to do.
Before Anon knew it, he had found himself moaning. For Smolder was now massaging his manhood whilst using her breasts and gave a few licks at the same time. He had forgotten how the tongue of a dragon is. And in a way, it's very alluring.
"Whoa," groaned Anon, "I had forgotten how great that tongue of yours is."
Smolder chuckled whilst her breasts were massaging his manhood, "Glad that there's a part of me that turns you on. But now it's time for the next part."
Smolder placed his manhood inside her mouth and sucked on it whilst massaging it with her breasts at the same time, causing Anon to groan and place his hands on top of her head. Which Smolder somehow enjoyed his human hands-on top of her head. The pressure began to build up within Anon, and boy was he enjoying it.
"S-Smolder," moaned Anon, "I...I think, I'm going to..."
Anon climaxed his load into her mouth, allowing her to suck him dry. Moments after his seventh spurt, Smolder was able to drink him up. Once she released his member, Smolder wiped her mouth and had a smirk on her face.
"Wow," chuckled Smolder after she was done wiping her mouth, "That was certainly a big payload."
Smolder slowly stood up, but stroked her scaly body against Anon's at the same time. And slowly wrapped her arms around his neck so that she could look at him in the arms.
"Now then," said Smolder, "It's your turn to give me the same amount."
"Oh, by all means." Said Anon, looking forward to this for a while.
Suddenly Anon grabbed Smolder and pinned her against the wall, surprising her at the same time as her hands were against it. Anon's hands were on top of hers, allowing him to move his head towards her ear.
"I think you know what comes next after this." Whispered Anon.
He was able to lift up her tail and rubbed his crotch between her posterior, making her gasp. She couldn't help but giggle and give a sly smirk onto his flirting.
"Wanting to get to the main course now, do we?" asked Smolder.
"Oh, not just yet." Said Anon, "I just wanted you to know which part of the body I'm going to start with first. And besides..."
Anon then gave her posterior a good spank, causing it to jiggle, making her moan and enjoying the feeling at the same time. Then he began to grasp onto them and massaged them, making her moan even more.
"I really love the touch of your posterior at this point." Said Anon before lowering himself as he was face first with her woman hood. "And to help with this feeling."
Anon placed his tongue inside of her womanhood, making Smolder gasp as she lifted her head, moaning in excitement as she could barely contain herself. Anon began to massage her posterior whilst doing his best to use his tongue to massage every spot inside of her. Smolder couldn't help but bite her finger just to try to keep herself quiet, but at the same time, her tail couldn't help but slightly move left and right, enjoying every feeling at the same time.
Her legs began to wobble as she could barely stand, breathing heavily, her wings flapping, and her eyes rolling.
"Oh yes, get that sweet spot!! Keep digging inside of me!!" shouted Smolder.
Within moments, Smolder released her load, allowing Anon to drink out of her. She collapsed onto her knees whilst she panted. She suddenly shrank back down to normal.
"Wow," said Smolder before looking at Anon, "I almost forgot how skilled you are with your tongue."
"I get that a lot." Said Anon, before noticing Smolder's size. "Uh, you shrunk back down."
"Huh?" said Smolder before looking at herself. "Ugh, not again!! Hang on!!"
Smolder began to concentrate really hard. Within moments, she transformed back to her alluring self. Once she was done, she looked over herself.
"Ah, much better." Said Smolder to herself.
'Why do I get the feeling it's gonna be one of those Ranma moments?' Anon thought to himself.
"Now then," said Smolder before she used her strength to lift Anon up, much to the latter's surprise. "I think it's time we get to the main event."
"Well, seeing that I went first," said Smolder, "How about I'll be on top, and then afterwards, you'll be able to do whatever you want with me."
"Challenge, accepted." Said Anon.
Smolder pushed Anon onto an empty table, allowing him to be on top, with Smolder climbing over, resting on her knees, and placing her hands on his shoulder. Anon looked up and saw Smolder looking down on him, with her scaley breasts nearly pinned onto his chest. Anon couldn't help but feel turned on from this at the same time.
Anon felt paralyzed and completely flustered as he felt the weight and softness of her body, which he had to admit, she felt really nice after all this time. Smolder noticed his manhood had grown, and she felt it between her scaley cheeks, making her feel tingly at the backside. She couldn't help but smirk and look down on him.
"Is that a gemstone you got there, or are you happy to see me?" teased Smolder.
"You sure you're not a Dragon Lord?" teased Anon, "Because you definitely have the most dominating side I've ever seen."
"Why don't I show you," teased Smolder as she lowered herself until her jugs pinned against his chest and her nose was against his, "And when I do, I'll be your dragoness."
Smolder placed her lips against Anon's, making the two of them moan at the same time. They soon broke their lip contact, and stared at one another.
"Is my special treasure hoard ready to be embraced by the dragon?" teased Smolder.
Anon slapped her posterior and held her close, making her yelp at the same time. "Does this answer your question?"
Smolder couldn't help but laugh at that. Seeing that both of them were ready. She soon placed Anon's length inside of her wed womanhood and starts riding Anon seductively.
"Oh, my dragon lands!!" exclaimed Smolder as she rode on him, "I forgot how big your shaft is!! It makes my insides feel good in all the right places!!"
And upon instinct, Anon raised his right hand and gave Smolder's enormous ass cheeks a hard smack, causing them to jiggle and ripple from the impact.
"Oh my!!" exclaimed Smolder as she raised her head whilst her breasts were bouncing near his face, "You really must love my dragon ass, don't you?!"
"Can you blame me!!" exclaimed Anon as he was getting into it, "Your posterior looks hot and sexy whenever it bounces!!"
"Then keep grabbing them away!!!" shouted Smolder.
As the two of them continued to make love, Anon's hands kept on spanking and kneading her luscious posterior whilst Smolder moans into a kiss and gyrates her hips into circles. The two of them continued to roughhouse for a while, but neither of them cared at the moment.
Soon enough, Anon grabbed her posterior, tightened it, and ended up thrusting his hips upwards, making her posterior jiggle and her breasts bouncing.
'Whoa!!' thought Smolder whilst she was being ploughed by Anon's own strength in thrusting at the same time. 'His stamina's greater than ever!! Every girl within the Rainbooms' legs must've felt like jelly after going against him in so many rounds!! I might be his next victim.'
Anon stopped thrusting and pulled out before sitting back up, staring at her face to face.
"Let's make this interesting." Said Anon.
He turned Smolder around, allowing Anon to place his member inside of her. She found herself facing a mirror, which confused Smolder. Before she could react, Anon once again thrusted inside of her, making her bounce at the same time. Smolder began to see her own breasts bouncing from the thrusting at the same time.
"Holy shit that's hot!!" said Smolder as she saw herself bouncing whilst her arms was raised.
Which was a mistake, because Anon ended up grabbing her breasts during the bounce, causing her to moan from the touch once more, turning her more on at the same time. Smolder ended up folding her arms around him whilst they were close in that position.
"How's my sexy dragoness holding up!!" Anon spoke up with loud authority. Apparently he has the hots for any woman who are strong willed, and ones such as dragons...wow.
"Ah!!" yelped Smolder as she moaned and shot her eyes up with every thrust Anon was giving her, "So big!! Can't...think straight!! My...dragon tunnel's...being stretched!!! I...I might cum soon!!"
The pressure built up between them, causing the both of them to be released at the same time with load moans. When all of a sudden, Smolder shrank back down again, with the two of them panting.
"Boy that was hot..." said Smolder, then noticed she shrunk down again. "Oh, come on!!"
Anon noticed this, making him roll his eyes. He looked at the pills he brought with him. Thankfully he studied what would happen if Smolder would take it. Now matter how many times they would came; they would still remain. And given what Smolder said about her controlling it. And seeing that he was already inside of her.
"I got an idea." Said Anon, "But you're gonna have to trust me."
"I already trust you, so do what you gotta do." Said Smolder.
Thankfully, Anon reached out and took it out and gave her a piece to Smolder. She noticed and shrugged, then took the pill and swallowed it.
"So, now what?" said Smolder before Anon held her where her breasts were, confusing her.
"Wait, for it." Said Anon.
When all of a sudden, Smolder gasped and yelped, and extended her arms. She suddenly vibrated as if she was a living vibrator. She grew back to her alluring self, and Anon held the perfect spot for her hands, for now they grew back and they were filled in his hands, making her moan at the same time. She looked down, and noticed she grew back. Then looked back at Anon with a smirk and an alluring way.
"Figures you'd use that." Said Smolder.
"Figured it would help." Said Anon, before pulling her close, "Now then, I believe it's my turn."
"Then by all means," said Smolder in an alluring way, "Go for it."
***************************************************************************************************
As promised, Anon ended up positioning her body in certain positions as he began to plough her hard.
First off, he was on the bed with her, whilst at the same time, he lifted her leg whilst he was spooning her at the same time, even to make it more challenging, he even massaged her breast whilst doing that. Smolder couldn't help but loll her tongue out as she greatly enjoyed it.
"Mmmmmmm, yes!! Yes, babe!!" shouted Smolder as she enjoyed being ploughed from this position.
***************************************************************************************************
Next up, they had to stand.
Whilst they were standing, Smolder was bending over whilst Anon was holding her by the arms, whilst he was ploughing her womanhood whilst her posterior was bouncing onto his lap at the same time. Smolder rolled her eyes as she enjoyed that position.
"Keep going!!" said Smolder as she felt her mind going blank.
To make it challenging, he grabbed her breasts whilst he was ploughing her like that, making her moan loudly.
***************************************************************************************************
Next up, they were back onto the table, Smolder was now suddenly onto the table on all fours. Smolder lowered her upper body onto the table whilst her posterior was in the air and her legs were spreading.
Anon was on his knees and thrust inside of her. He held onto her hips, seeing her posterior bouncing at the same time, which caused Smolder to bit on the table. But Anon stood on her hands, causing her to be on all fours completely, which Anon couldn't help but grope onto her breasts during the thrusting. To make it hotter, she moved her tail back and forth whilst flapping her wings.
"Oh yes!! Give it to me my sexy dragon lord!! Give it to me!!" shouted Smolder.
***************************************************************************************************
Next up was something she might enjoy.
Anon had Sunset on her lap whilst he decided to, pardon the words, hug fuck her whilst she sits on his lap whilst making out with him. He kept thrusting upward very hardly, whilst her posterior and breasts bounced at the same time. And during the session, Smolder buried his head between her breasts whilst she enjoyed it greatly.
"I want you!! I want you so badly!!" shouted Smolder as she raised her head in the air.
***************************************************************************************************
Afterwards, he went all missionary with her, whilst she held him close and was moaning loudly at the same time. During that make out session, the two of them were sweating like crazy.
Anon then decided that he wanted to see Smolder's face more often, and maybe watching her bosom bounce during the thrusting. So, he decided to spread her legs and thrusted his manhood inside of her. Smolder ended up looking at Anon whilst she moaned like crazy. She ended up wrapping her arms around him as she didn't want to let him go. However, he stopped for a few moments and looked at her face to face.
"Time for the grand finale." Said Anon whilst panting
"Go for it." Demanded Smolder.
Smolder was on the bed and on her back. Anon ended up being on top of her whilst putting his manhood back inside of her. Smolder's sexy posterior could almost be seen at the bed. Then it went back up, then back in. This process went on over and over slowly as Anon was now getting more and more used to it.
"Ooooh. Bad boy." Muttered Smolder.
"Get ready for the ride of your life, cowgirl." Said Anon as he was really getting into it.
Anon continued to move faster whilst he moved his hips in deeper into Smolder's love tunnel, whilst also groping her at the same time.
"Wow, you've got some amazing moves!!" Said Smolder.
"Yeah, time to ride the mighty dragon!!" Said Anon.
Anon continued to move his hips with great speed whilst at the same time pinning her on the bed to make sure she didn't go anywhere, though given how she can't move because her energy has been spent, she couldn't move anyway. Not that she was complaining, for she loved just how much Anon was going into her.
"Wow you're really going deep!!" shouted Smolder.
"Only when I really need to!!" shouted Anon.
And that's when Anon was pumping through like a piston engine, even Smolder continued to enjoy it whilst she lifted her neck as she wanted Anon to kiss her there constantly, but first he sucked a bit on her nipple, which left her more turned on.
"Holy, I can feel it coming!!" exclaimed Smolder as her breasts bounced wildly.
"Hold on just a bit longer!!" shouted Anon.
Both Anon and Smolder could feel their climax building up as he kept on going. The more he thrusted, the more Smolder enjoyed it as she clenched her hands on the bed as she felt like she didn't want to go anywhere, and that she was having the time of her life. After five whole minutes, Smolder couldn't take it anymore, which caused her to wrap her arms around Anon.
"Oooh, YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!" exclaimed Smolder.
After the biggest climax Smolder had felt, she then went completely limp and was breathing heavily.
Anon pulled out and collapsed next to her. The two of them breathed heavily with big smiles on both their faces.
"Wow, you humans have so much energy in you." Said Smolder before looking at Anon, "You really do have some great endurance."
"That's a first for everyone." Said Anon before looking at her. "You still in control?"
Smolder looked down and noticed she was still in that form. Then she concentrated and shrunk back down. Then concentrated and was back to her alluring self.
"Yep, still in control." Said Smolder. Then looked at him and said, "And if you don't mind, I like to stay like this for the entire weekend. And who knows..."
Smolder moved her body and wrapped it around Anon, allowing her breasts to pin against his body.
"Maybe you and I can have some fun if you want to."
Anon looked at her and smiled.
"Friends with benefits, huh?"
Smolder chuckled and said, "Friends with benefits."
"I can live with that." Said Anon.
He was able to pull Smolder on top of him, making the two of them stare at one another.
"Now then...one last thing before turning in for the night." Said Anon.
Smolder chuckled at that, allowing the both of them to be in contact with one another via lip contact, making out at the same time, whilst outside, the night had come and the moon and stars were shining outside. |
The Dawning of Night | pre | "Hak- Wha- What the fuck, Nox?!"
"We switched glasses-"
"So you decided to tongue my throat?!"
"...Dont act like you didnt like i-."
"This is why you're single." ...
"Are you suuure you're not together?"
"Very sure." We reiterated.
"Wuh!" Ah look Shining's awake.
Contrary to his girlfriend, Shining had his mouth open during our entire exchange. His eyes having been locked onto Chase's braid until just now. Rubbing his eyes free of the built up moisture, the young stallion then looked between us.
"You have Mithril?!" Shining shouted, turning some heads.
"Yes?" Chase replied with a raised eyebrow.
"H-how- no forge has been able to replicate it! No one's sighted new sources for 800 years!"
At that point Cadence intervened and placed a wing over her partner, stroking his back.
"Dear, why don't we lower our tone a little, hm?"
"But-"
"No buts Shiny, you're making them uncomfortable."
Turning his sight to us, he noticed our weary looks at his sudden outburst. Obviously feeling a bit guilty, the white stallion gave a shallow bow of his head.
"Sorry, I lost my cool there for a second."
Nodding, I answered.
"Don't worry, you're not the first to be so caught off guard. In truth, we hadn't had the capability to forge mithril for many centuries ever since the fall. It was only recently that the process was rediscovered and even then, it's a costly process."
Pondering over this information, Shining mulled for a moment before sharpening his gaze.
"How much has been produced so far?"
"I don't know." I somewhat lied, after all I haven't been home in a while.
"Even just an estimate would do." He insisted.
"I'm afraid I'm not at liberty to say, Shining. As a stallion of the gold, surely you must understand."
He harrumphed at this, dear God is he pouting? Adorable.
"I suppose it would be too easy."
Chuckling at his complaining, I motioned to Cadence to comfort the poor boy as I noticed all of us had finished our round of drinks. Waving a hoof to a passing servant I requested a round of white stalliongrads. Nodding, the servant zipped away.
"There there, Shiny. At least you have a lead now." Cadance comforted.
"Yeah but- eugh. I got my hopes up." He replied as his ears twitched.
Giggling at his childishness, Cadance nuzzled his cheek.
"I swear, you're just as much of a colt as you were back in the day sometimes."
"Nu uh! I'm grown up now!" Shining replied with mock childishness as he started to regain his smile.
"Yeah you are." Cadance responded, with a certain sultry tone in her voice as she nipped at his ear.
I could only imagine the amount of love and trust there must be between the two of them to do things like this, especially for a princess and the captain of the guard. Then again...
Glancing down to Chase, I saw his warm smile as he looked at the couple. Leaning against me, he rested his head against me.
I know exactly how that trust feels.
Interrupting my thoughts, the servant returned with a tray full of drinks. Putting them down on the table, he then used his horn to move them to each of us. With a thank you from each of us, he then quickly departed again.
"Alright then," Cadence began after having taken a short sip. "so what brings the two of you to the gala? I can't say we've ever had the pleasure of hosting thestrals before, much less starborn."
"First time seeing one as well, my sister will throw a fit when she finds you." Shining said before he took a sip, giving a soft hum as the liquid went down.
"Ah, now that is the question isn't it?" I asked rhetorically as I eyed one of the guards looking at me from my periphery. "I can't imagine you're the only ones wondering that."
Following my gaze, Shining then rolled his eyes as he spotted the guard in question.
"That one? He's one of lieutenant Stalwart's subordinates. I wouldn't worry about them, they're just overly cautious." He laughed as he continued. "Perhaps because I'm not in command to keep things under wraps."
I gave a hum as I looked out at the night sky behind the couple, sipping my drink as a gust of cool wind blew through. Curiously however, I was also met with the sight of a certain group of mares on the balcony outside, all together forming a rainbow of colors. Sitting with their backs turned to us, I thought of a genius idea.
"Well, right now we're just waiting for some friends of ours, however-"
I looked toward the musicians behind us, playing the same boring melody over and over.
"-instead of telling you what our purpose is here, how about you show you?"
"Well that's cryptic, but go on." Cadence replied
Chase in the meanwhile had just been nursing his drink, totally unsuspecting as to my tail that suddenly wrapped around his own as I turned and pulled him against my chest.
"Gwak!" He yelped as his drink was nearly knocked out of his hoof. "The fuck, No-"
His word was cut short as my hoof grazed his lips, his anger turning to an annoyed flustered look.
"Shhh... Chase." I whispered into his fluffy little ears, giving them a little nip as our accompanying couple failed to stop their giggling at the public display of affection.
"Wh-what?" Chase replied as he turned to putty in my hooves.
"Do you hear that?"
"H-hear what?"
Giving him a long and slow nuzzle, I grasped his side with the magic blanket i had draped across his back, almost pulling him off the ground.
"That's the sound of a duet." ...
"Nox, no." He said.
"Nox, yes!" I replied.
"No plea-"
Standing up with my friend held onto my side like a sack of potatoes, he writhed as I trotted along to the laughter of Shining and Cadence.
"Come my friend! Let us engage in leisure!"
"Gwak!" |
My Guiding Light | pre | It had come from the orange filly in the cot upstairs. |
My Guiding Light | Guiding Light | Evening had settled over the town by the time Greenfly was able to compose himself again. He had let loose his emotions all afternoon just about and was still struggling to keep calm - the same thoughts constantly clashing in his head.
We'll be back soon....
Greenfly, your parents are....
WAAAAHHHHHH...
Scoo-
A cold wind caused the pegasus to shiver and look up at the window. He spotted the sky's crimson colour fading to make way for the light darkness of the early evening. Feeling the uncomfortable sensation of dripping snot go up his muzzle, Greenfly sniffled and slumped back into the stool.
The moon would be out soon and the depressed pegasus was keen for some solace with his lunar companion even if it was rather early. He often waited until the late evening to venture out after eating his supper. Tonight however, instinct told him he would need the extra time.
Even the thought of sitting on his lumber log bench under the moonlight brought happiness to Greenfly. There he could truly open himself up to the celestial being, nothing held back.
After all, there was something about it that the pegasus couldn't put a hoof on. It was as if the moon was like a long lost friend with whom he only chose to confide in.
Pretty sound logic since the moon can't blab to anyone else...sniffle...
Greenfly's ears pricked up.
Hey! That might be why I- No! Not here! Save it for later!
The pegasus heeded his conscience just in time to allow only small droplets of water to escape his eyes this time, preventing what could have been another downpour. He swivelled off his stool and trotted in the direction of his worktable. His hoof reached for his knapsack containing his usual outdoor portraying tools before retracting soon after.
No drawing tonight - he had etched out his feelings too much already. And besides, Greenfly just simply wasn't in the mood.
All he cared about was the moon and him. Nothing else. No other distractions.
Stifling a whimper, the pegasus breathed in slowly and started towards the front door. He shut it behind him as he wandered out, keeping his eyes locked straight ahead to keep anypony from noticing his evident depression.
After all, it would be the first time that Greenfly went into his everyday evening without the thought of drawing on his mind ever since that first night in Ponyville. And that made him feel even sadder.
Greenfly sat motionless on the chair, his eyes never leaving the orange filly in the cot across from him. He couldn't tell how long he had been sitting there - his mind was frazzled by the news it had heard....sometime ago. Though it hadn't come as that much of a surprise.
Somehow the green pegasus had accepted that inevitable horrible truth on the second day of his parents' absence but as any loyal and devoted son would, Greenfly kept denying it until the point where his fears were confirmed earlier today. The shock had erased his optimistic theories completely and consequently the pegasus didn't budge an inch as the stranger in black offered up his condolences before alerting him of the upcoming funeral.
A funeral? This early in her life? This can't be...
The stranger then rested a hoof on Greenfly's shoulder and apologised once more after which he left the pegasus there on his own - in the suddenly much smaller lightcloud.
Greenfly uttered no words; made no sounds. Even as his sister wailed louder and louder, the grief-stricken pegasus just stood there for a time. Then as if entranced, he made his way up to the beckoning sound and pacified the upset filly.
And there she laid, sleeping in her usual cosy fashion with the blankets wrapped over her innocent and fragile body. She snored peacefully as her big brother continued to watch her - ever silent, almost scarily so.
Any other pony would have sobbed on the floor or cried into the nearest pillow by now but Greenfly remained rigid and unmoving. And nothing but the tick of the wall clock echoed throughout the room; its syncopated rhythm proving to be quite relaxing to Greenfly even if half of his mind was unaware of the clock's existence.
Tick...snore...tick...snore...
Greenfly's facial muscles tensed slightly. From an observer's point of view, it would seem that the pegasus was putting a lot of effort into keeping his expression neutral.
Tick...snore...tick...snore...
Sweat began to run down the green pegasus as he strained to retain his blank face. He began to teeter back and forth - his brow furrowing frequently.
Tick...snore...tick...snore...
Left.
Tick....
Right.
Snore...
Left.
Tick...
Right.
Snore...
And just as Greenfly took in a big gasp full of air, he coughed on it and tears began to flee his eyes.
Oh...What am I going to do?
The familiar cold feel of the earth met Greenfly's senses as the pegasus could yet again be seen sprawled out on the ground and emitting muffled moans. Lolling out on his belly, it looked as if he had tripped. Of course, if the green pegasus had not been incessantly taunted by his thoughts, he may have in fact seen the very conspicuous rock on the dirt path.
And they certainly weren't finished with him yet.
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The ceremony had been perhaps the slowest half hour of the teenage pegasus's life; sitting still as a board as the undermare recited the traditional rites. With drooped ears and an unchanging frown, Greenfly's desolate demeanour remained with him during that seemingly endless event.
From then until now, it had remained.
"You have my deepest sympathies, dear. Your parents were some of the nicest people I ever knew."
The teen simply nodded in response to the unfamiliar mare's empathic statement. It was hard to accept comforting words from a pony he had never known or heard of. Of course, being secluded in one's bedroom drawing art all the time would do that to you.
And so Greenfly stood unmoving and quiet in his familiar lighthouse home as one by one of friends and neighbours made their way up to offer their condolences in an attempt to bring comfort to the ever silent pegasus.
And much like the first mare that had paid her respects, most of these ponies were unknown to Greenfly - which made it all the more awkward. But he persisted in giving the humblest of nods to everypony that came up to him before they made their way to conveniently located buffet table.
Food.
The pegasus's stomach growled in anticipation of what his mind was thinking. He hadn't had a bite to eat all day with the lingering thought of the day's agenda. He spotted a couple of petunia and daisy sandwiches on the table at the corner of his eye. He would have shifted his gaze to meet the tempting meal if his crushing sadness hadn't rendered him incapable of motion.
"I'm sorry for your loss, son," said the latest stranger that was giving him sympathy. Greenfly gave the much routinely nod in reply.
If the service hadn't already seemed slow, it was practically feeling like a millennia watching the invited strangers fill the room while chatting amongst themselves - leaving the teenage pegasus alone with only his grief. That said, they would still come over occasionally but Greenfly sensed that they too found it hard to comfort the sad stranger in the corner.
Greenfly had never felt so alone. The feeling was strong enough to drive him to tears but somehow the pegasus didn't feel like crying. Even if he wanted to, he just couldn't.
So Greenfly endured the pain on his tipping point, without the promise of any relief whatsoever.
"Greenfly, why you look absolutely famished! Here, please take this sandwich to sate that hunger!"
The pegasus lifted his head out of gloom at the nice tones of the recognizable mare's voice. For the first time in what seemed to be forever, the frown on the teen's face had evaporated and his eyes were now fixed on the outstretched hoof holding the tasty looking sandwich out in front of him.
Strength finally returning to Greenfly, he reached his own hoof to take the sandwich from his long-time pegasus friend. He softly whispered a modest thanks.
"Don't mention it at all, Greenfly. Celestia knows how you must be feeling...they were such good ponies..."
She broke into a whimper followed by a few sniffles, prompting her hoof to bring the evidently reused handkerchief to her mini-waterfalls. Only a couple of tears made it onto her violet coat of fur.
"Celestia...look at me not helping things...I'm a mess without my honey-bunch..."
Greenfly supposed she meant her husband. In fact, he knew both of them quite well. They were perhaps the only outside contact that the family regularly saw despite the pair of them living in faraway Ponyville. They had always so affectionate towards him in his early youth.
"I'll bet he'd like to see you too...sniffle...where is he?"
She wandered off, leaving Greenfly alone again with the sandwich still in his hoof. The encounter had done wonders to the pegasus's comfort and he decided to take a seat to enjoy this brief moment of encouragement.
It had been scarcely two minutes when she arrived back with a dark grey pegasus stallion who Greenfly knew to be her husband and the sandwich had long since been devoured. Greenfly hadn't realised how hungry he had been.
"I can't imagine what it must be like, Greenfly..." the kindly stallion began, "to lose your parents so young and with lil' Scoots too..."
Greenfly eased back into his sad state again but was quickly interrupted at the soft touch of a hoof under his chin.
"And as your godparents...we'd love to step in and help you."
Greenfly's face lit up in shock. "Godparents?"
"Yes, Greenfly," affirmed his godmother warmly. "When you were born, your parents asked us to be your guardians. And we really have come to love you as our own son."
"It means that both you and Scoots can be placed under our care in Ponyville," assured his godfather.
Leaving Loyal...? The thought didn't sit well with the conflicted pegasus.
"I...I...I don't know if that's a good idea..."
His godparents recoiled in surprise, exchanging a bewildered look.
"Greenfly, don't you know what that means? It would be another chance at happiness for you and your sister! You want what is best for her, don't you?"
I do. I really do. But there was only one way the teenage sibling would ever accept his younger sister having a normal happy life.
By now, Greenfly had turned his tranquil moonlight walk into an all-out gallop as he desperately tried to put the memory behind him. He was smart enough to know that he couldn't run from his thoughts but that didn't stop his mind from controlling his actions.
He spied the isolated viewpoint; easily visible in the early evening. And it got to Greenfly.
Without a second to spare, the pegasus quickly became airborne and flew with vigour at the necessity that was the hilltop. Normally, he would have enjoyed the trek up the hill path but at the moment he was making a beeline straight for the log - intent on wasting no time at all.
Closer and closer he flew; the log becoming bigger and bigger as he approached it.
Too big. The green pegasus suddenly realised he was on a crash course with the piece of lumber.
And too late.
Greenfly's face made contact with the harsh ground; narrowly avoiding what would've been a more painful crash landing on the less forgiving log. His wings dug into the earth; pulling up grass and weeds as he gradually came to a halt.
Greenfly grimaced in pain as he shakily got to his hooves again. They trembled as the pegasus struggled to keep his balance on his aching hooves. Sobbing with every step, he trotted gently to the log and sat down on the naturally hard surface.
"You can't be serious, Greenfly! She's your sister!"
"You're right, she is. And that's exactly why you must take only her."
Greenfly watched as the shocked expressions on his godparents' faces became close to horrified.
"But what about you, Greenfly? What will you do all on your own?" queried his godmother, clearly voicing her concern.
"I won't be. I have Loyal to keep me company."
"Loyal? Loyal's just a rotating aura, dear. Besides, why in Equestria would you want to be separated from young Scootaloo?"
Greenfly sighed deeply to prevent himself from openly crying. "She doesn't deserve to live a life without her parents. She should have a life free of doubt, worry or fear and I am sure you will take good of her."
"She's a smart cookie, it wouldn't take her long to figure out that something was amiss. And if she ever asked me about it I..."
The teen stifled a whimper before continuing. "I...don't think I'd forgive myself if I ever told her..."
"But she deserves to have her brother," Greenfly's godfather cut in. "Especially if you would go to these lengths just to protect her."
A long silence followed with neither side saying anything. The tension though seemed to prove too much for the violet mare.
"Are you absolutely sure about this, Greenfly? Is this what you really want?"
Greenfly responded to that as if his mind had greatly anticipated that question. He was also ignorant of his suddenly annoyed tone.
"Of course this isn't what I want! I never wanted our parents to die, but they did anyway! And now I'm suffering because of it. But I certainly don't want Scootaloo to be unhappy either so I want to do what is best for her."
His voice became sad. "That said, I don't want to be out of her life completely. But how can I be around her that doesn't implicate me as being her brother? I'm better off just staying here."
The once concerned face of the violet mare lit up at Greenfly's newest revelation.
"Actually, there may be a way..."
Greenfly had been staring intently at the bright orb in the evening sky for almost ten minutes now and he still couldn't find respite from all the depressing memories swirling around in his head. Why wasn't it working?
It just had to be tonight of all nights eh? The day that my sister got her cutie mark, the happiest day in Equestria for the filly and her family. And for her brother too.
Even though he had been quietly sniffling during his watch the pegasus soon found himself on the verge of tears again.
Why can't you be there for me tonight? What does it matter that I can't celebrate my sister's happiness? Why must I suffer this incredible pain?
The early signs of wailing were now quite evident.
I am your brother, Scoot-
Greenfly turned from the moon and slammed down onto the rough oak of the log and wailed into it - the flowing tears darkening the shade of brown on the wood. He let his emotions out for a while before hoisting his head back up to rest on his fore hooves. His whimpers slowed and his mind became at peace, if only for a second.
Just then the green pegasus heard a faint rustle from the nearby bushes and jerked his head over accordingly.
Nothing.
The pegasus turned back around and continued to cough silently with some remaining tears running down his eyes. That was until he heard a frightened gasp behind him.
"Oh I'm sorry, mister! I didn't realise anypony came up here."
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Greenfly looked around and couldn't help but smile.
Scootaloo.
Scootaloo backed away slowly. "I'm real sorry to have bothered you, mister! I'll...I'll go now."
The orange filly made to leave but Greenfly jumped right off the log and gave her a pleading look. "Wait! Scootaloo! Please don't go!"
Scootaloo stopped and looked back around, confused by the desperation in the green pegasus's voice.
"Oh ok...it's just that...well...you're in my spot."
"Your...spot?" Greenfly considered that for a moment; unsure of what she meant. He surveyed his surroundings and soon knew the "spot" she was talking about. "Oh! I...I didn't mean to hog this place all to myself. Would you like to join me?"
Scootaloo brightened up at the offer. "Are you here to watch the stars?"
"Yes. Are you?"
"Umm...yeah."
Scootaloo walked on over to the green pegasus and used her petite wings to give herself enough airtime to land on top of the log. Greenfly made sure to check that the nervous filly was comfortable before taking up seat beside her.
The two sat in silence atop the piece of lumber, watching the tranquil night. The orange filly began to hum happily, making the regretful pegasus more relaxed than he had been in a good while.
"Just look at 'em..." Scootaloo started. "Do you ever know there were that many lights in the sky?"
"Yeah, it's pretty amazing," replied Greenfly. "So you said that this was your spot, right?"
"Well it was, I didn't know anypony came up here...until I saw you. Some nights just after the sun is lowered I come up here and just gaze up at the stars."
"Really? Me too - though I tend to come later at night."
"I'd like to do that too but my parents don't want me to be out late at night so I decide to go just before dinner."
"Sometimes my friends come too but they don't understand why I like looking at the stars so much. Most ponies don't - but my parents do. They always let me go out once a week to come here. I'm happy that my Mom and Dad understand."
"Yeah, your parents are one of a kind." Greenfly pursed his lips shut as soon as he uttered what he meant to have thought.
Scootaloo shot him a surprised look. "You know them?"
Panic gripped Greenfly's mind but knew he had to continue to prevent arousing suspicion.
"Yeah...I'm incredibly grateful to them. They were actually the ones that helped me get set up here in Ponyville."
"What do you think, Greenfly?"
The teenage pegasus pondered on his godmother's question as he looked through the rooms of his new potential home.
"It's fine. There's enough room for me and everything looks cosy enough, I guess."
His godmother smiled at the comment. "Now, are you sure about this, Greenfly? If you've changed your mind then that's ok. We would love to have you join us after all."
"Yes, I'm sure. Thanks for your concern though."
"Well...if you're sure, at least let us pay for the upkeep on the house until you get properly settled?"
Greenfly hesitated before answering. "I guess I could accept that. It would be a big help."
She made a satisfied grunt upon hearing the teen's acceptance. The pair made their way back to the front door where struggling moans could be heard from the rather over-encumbered dark grey stallion.
"Uhh...uhh...ah!"
THUMP!!
"Dear, please take care not to overburden yourself. And be careful when you do! This is Greenfly's new home after all."
Her husband made a sheepish grin. "Sorry honey, hehehe....Here's the last load of your stuff, Greenfly - good thing the delivery ponies were quite prompt."
Greenfly smiled in appreciation of his godfather's efforts. "Thanks. I'm very grateful for all your support."
The dark grey pegasus nodded in acknowledgement as he embraced his wife in a hug. They both then turned to address the teen once more.
"Now, I promise this is the final time we'll ask. Are you perfectly sure that you are comfortable with this new arrangement?"
No I'm not.
"Yes I am," Greenfly confirmed confidently.
"OK then. But do remember you can visit us anytime you want. After all, we are your family and Scootaloo is your sister."
"Don't worry, I will."
"Well then, we'll leave you to your unpacking then," declared the violet mare, eyeing all the stacks of boxes around the room.
"See ya round, kiddo," said the husband, giving a small brush of Greenfly's orange tuft of a mane. "Visit soon."
Greenfly waved them off as their voices faded off into the evening air. "I sure hope trusting that Applejack filly was worth it..."
But I never did.
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"Yeah, you're very lucky to have parents like them, Scootaloo."
Scootaloo felt awestruck by the pegasus's story. "Wow! Really? Hey...how'd you know my name?"
Greenfly grimaced at the question. How did I know that?
Greenfly scratched the back of his head with a hoof while he composed his excuse.
"Uh-uh-uh...well everypony knows you and your friends from the amount of trouble you all cause, hehe."
Scootaloo's cheeks turned bright red. "Oh yeah, I guess our crusading is a little infamous, hehe. Maybe now we have our cutie marks we might be more behaved."
Scootaloo paused. "Maybe..."
Greenfly giggled. "Haha yeah. Congrats on getting your cutie mark by the way. You must be so proud."
A smile appeared on the filly's face as quick as lightning. "Are you kidding? I was over the moon when it happened...hehe no pun intended."
Greenfly laughed.
"But it was just so awesome! Rainbow Dash was so happy for me and we had such a fun cuteceanera after! Today was just so amazing!"
"Well, I'm happy for you too, Scootaloo."
"Thanks. So what's your name, mister?"
"My name is Greenfly."
The orange filly stared more intently at the green pegasus as if the name meant something to her. "Your name sounds familiar. Have we met before?"
Yes. I'm your brother, Scootaloo.
"Maybe but it'll likely have been from your parents that you heard it."
"Yeah, maybe..." Scootaloo looked unconvinced. She continued to gaze at Greenfly which made the green pegasus uneasy. He felt glad that his sister was giving him so much attention after all these years but at the same time the last thing he wanted was for her to guess the nature of their relationship.
A gust of wind blew past the pair of them, causing the orange filly to shiver and consequently end her staring.
"Brrrrr...that's cold."
Before Greenfly could think about it, out of sibling instinct, he shuffled along the rim of the log and placed a hoof around the freezing filly. Much to his surprise, his ignorant sister warmed into the embrace - snuggling her head against the pegasus's soft green fur.
"Hmm...thanks."
"Heh...don't mention it."
Greenfly was blushing furiously. His mind still raged with conflicting thoughts but he had needed a moment like this for so long that he decided not to listen.
"What do you suppose they are?"
"Hmmm?" countered Greenfly, wondering what the "they" referred to.
"The stars. What do you think they are?"
Greenfly paused. "I guess I've never really thought about it."
The shade of night was darkening as they continued to stare out into the sky; the shared warmth between them compensating for the chill in the night-time air. As the sky darkened, the stars shined brighter and became more numerous.
"My friend, Dr Hooves once told me that they are balls of burning gas, millions of light years away." Greenfly chuckled before continuing. "But since I really don't understand what that means, I like to think of them as just beautiful lights in the sky."
"They sure are," Scootaloo agreed. "Have you ever made shapes out of the stars before?"
"Like constellations? Yeah, I did it a lot when I was younger."
"Wanna try and make one now?"
"Sure. There are plenty of stars to choose from tonight."
"Cool! Race ya to see who can get one first!"
Scootaloo began scanning the sky in frequent motions. Greenfly chuckled and simply adjusted his view now and then, taking his time rather than rushing ahead.
Truth was Greenfly had already etched out a shape many times before and he could still see it in front of him tonight. What made it better tonight was that the real thing just so happened to be in a warm embrace with the green pegasus.
Yet he decided to etch it out one more time. Three stars in a triangular distance from each other created the head, joining that to a star further down made the neck. Then the stars seemed to follow a filleted rectangle to from the body with a tiny cluster of stars poking out to create her cute little wings. And finally the four forks jutting out to form the legs - even if they seemed to sprawl all over the place.
It does require a lot of imagination from just those lines, though.
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"I got one!" exclaimed Scootaloo, evidently quite thrilled at being first to shout out. "Look there!"
Greenfly looked in the direction of the orange pegasus's extended hoof. She seemed to be pointing directly at the moon.
"The moon? You made a constellation using the moon?"
"Uh-huh! Look, it's Angel bunny - Fluttershy's pet rabbit. The stars above the moon are his ears and the stars below are his feet. And the moon, it's Angel's belly."
Greenfly had to accept Scootaloo's judgment. He didn't really know any of the animal lover's friends let alone Fluttershy herself. Much like himself, Greenfly knew the yellow pegasus to be quite timid and reclusive and so he never did see much of her or her animal friends.
"Wow, I'm impressed. I don't think I've ever thought to use the moon in a constellation before."
"Really? Cool!" exclaimed the orange filly excitedly.
The filly began to relax back into the cosy embrace again, finding herself very much at ease with the seemingly familiar pegasus. Greenfly on the other hand didn't know what to feel. He loved that Scootaloo was giving him so much affection but his fears which he had chosen to ignore earlier were coming back tenfold.
"You want to know what I really think they are? The stars I mean. "
"Sure."
Scootaloo hesitated. "You know...I've never told anypony but...I've always thought they were lightclouds."
Greenfly was taken completely aback by that. "What?"
"Billions and billions of lightclouds at the far reaches of the sky; shining their light on whoever needs it. My parents told me a lot about them and said they knew ponies who used to live in one."
Greenfly didn't need another trip down memory lane to understand that.
"Wow, I never thought of it that way."
"And the moon is the greatest lightcloud of all. The one who is always there for you."
Always there for you...
Those last four words resonated within Greenfly's skull. This night had contributed more to his understanding of things than all his past evenings put together.
As the pair sat there drinking in the moonlight a thought came to the green pegasus.
Oh Loyal, you never did leave me. You were there all those nights I spent looking up at you. You were always there for me. And you still are tonight.
Greenfly's trail of thought was broken by the intensified snuggling that Scootaloo was giving him.
"And it's nice to know you'll always be there for me too," she whispered softly.
What?
"Big brother." My Guiding Light. |
Our Daughter | pre | Spitfire shrugged, "sure, why not."
Soarin took flight and heard the rustle of feathers as he was joined in the sky by his wingmate. He tilted downward and made a slow easy spiral toward the town.
The pair alighted on the outskirts of Ponyville beside a windmill. The road was quiet but they could see ponies further down the main road around what Soarin assumed was the town hall.
"Let's go this way." Soarin motioned toward a spiral tower behind several houses.
"Sure, it looks quiet enough that way."
The pair fell into silence as they wandered along. Spitfire made sure to stay on Soarin's right, further away from the busier side of town.
They continued on until they came to a decent sized pub on the edge of town, Hay and Clover. The squat building was painted a mix of greens and earthy browns, almost as though somepony had thrown hard cider over a field of clover and swirled the mix together haphazardly. The hanging sign depicted a bushel of hay with a single four-leaf clover overlaid.
"This place looks good," Soarin noted as he gazed inside.
"More importantly, it's quiet," Spitfire added.
As the couple entered, they noticed that the quiet looking pub actually had a busy bar where several ponies were drinking. They were hit with the scent of hard cider and Soarin turned to his wingmare. Spitfire shrugged and marched up to a spare spot on the side of the bar. She placed her forehooves up on the bar and leant forward to get a better look at the menu on the wall.
"Does this place make good food?"
The light purple pegasus barmare finished pouring a cider, passed it to the brown earth pony colt at the bar in front of her then sauntered over to the new arrivals. "Not from around here huh? Take a seat over there and I'll bring you the menu. I can promise you'll enjoy the food here." Her eyes sparkled as they fell on the hoof band Spitfire wore.
Spitfire was quick to remove her forehooves and made her way over to the table for two near the window.
The barmare poured two drinks, placed them on a tray, slipped it onto her back then strode carefully over. "Engaged wingmates I see, congratulations on finding that somepony special at your age." She turned to Soarin, "did you just pop the question?"
"Yep." Soarin grinned.
"Well then, have a free drink, on the house." With the assistance of her wings, she slid the two pints onto the table and grinned.
The newly engaged wingmates could smell that it was a bit more than just regular cider they were presented with and Spitfire pushed her drink slightly away.
"We're a bit too young to be drinking the hard stuff," Soarin replied.
"Psh, take it. You've just become engaged, earth pony rules apply down here so have a drink. Trust me, this is the good stuff from Sweet Apple Acres."
"Earth ponies drink hard cider when they get engaged?" Spitfire asked tentatively.
"Sure. Especially around here. I'll be back with your menus." The pegasus strode confidently off.
Soarin lent toward his wingmare and shifted her drink closer toward himself as she reached for it. "No drinking for you."
"But I want to give it a try." Spitfire protested.
"No you don't. I've read that alcohol can be bad for our foal if you drink while pregnant."
"Just a taste."
"No."
Spitfire relaxed back into her seat, her slight scowl the only ruin to Soarin's otherwise happy evening. "Come on Soar,' don't you think you're overdoing it?"
The crimson pegasus returned with two menus and set them down before the couple. "Alright, let me know when you want to order." She wandered off back to the bar as another customer called for a refill.
"Okay, thanks." Spitfire opened her menu and skimmed through the contents.
"Hey look at this," Soarin turned the menu to face his wingmare and pointed at the item at the top of the second page.
It read, 'The Stallion. An extra plus sized, large pie for stallions who think they can eat enough to feed a small family. Your pick of apple, pear or pumpkin filling.'
"I want this," Soarin confirmed. He took his first swing of the alcoholic cider and his eyes almost popped out.
"Are you sure you can finish it?" Spitfire asked, a smile on her muzzle. "It sounds like a big pie."
"Sounds like a fun challenge." Soarin grinned, he took another sip of his drink. "This cider is stronger than I thought it would be. But quite nice. What do you think you want to order."
"I might just get some hay fries and a clover burger." Spitfire mused. "You looked kinda funny when you took that first sip. You sure it's not too much for you?"
"I'm fine." Soarin took a bigger sip to prove his point, belched, then held up a hoof to motion that they were ready to order.
"Hay fries, a clover burger and some water, thanks," Spitfire slid her menu toward the waitress.
"And I'll have 'The Stallion' with apple filling," Soarin added confidently.
"Are you sure?" the waitress asked.
"Of course," Soarin confirmed.
The pegasus pointed to a board behind the bar with a wing, "you see that? That sign lists all the ponies who have managed to finish 'The Stallion' by themselves in one sitting. If you manage to finish it by yourself, you get your name on that board."
"But it looks like there's only six ponies names on that board." Soarin squinted as he checked.
"Seven, but yea. Tough challenge. Are you sure you still want to try it solo? We can hold off on the burger for your wingmate."
"I'll finish it, don't you worry. I love my pies." Soarin slid his copy of the menu toward their waitress.
"Alrighty. Enjoy your drinks." The waitress scooped up the menus and trotted off.
Spitfire leaned toward her lover and locked eyes with him. "I don't want to carry your fat arse home if you eat too much and can't fly."
"I'll be fine. Don't worry." Soarin grinned his best charming grin, lent forward then kissed his beautiful mare on her nose.
"Cheeky."
Soarin smiled back then took another big swing of the hard cider. "You know... this stuff isn't bad."
Fifteen minutes later, the waitress returned with Spitfire's food and company. Two earth ponies flanked her, both dressed for the kitchen. Soarin guessed they were the cooks. The older mint green earth pony carried on his back a tray with the biggest piping hot pie either young pegasus had ever seen. The steaming family sized pie was as wide as Soarin's barrel and at least as tall as three regular large pies. Soarin's mouth watered at the sight. Spitfire found herself wishing she had only ordered the chips for herself. There was no way her to-be husband could finish that.
"I hear that somepony is crazy enough to attempt our legendary pie all by himself." The deep bass tone of the mint green chef spoke up.
"Yep. That's me." Soarin grinned.
"Good luck son. I've seen stallions twice your size try this and fail." The red earth pony chef assisted his companion in placing the monster pie in front of Soarin while the pegasus waitress gave Spitfire her food. Soarin's gaze was locked on 'The Stallion' and he licked his lips in anticipation.
"Alright. Enjoy."
"And I'll be watching from the bar." The barmare added, "just in case you do actually manage to finish it all by yourself. Just be warned, if I see your wingmare even look like she might be taking a bite, then your chance to be up on our honor board is gone."
"You got it." Tired of waiting, Soarin plunged into his pie and began scoffing it down like he hadn't eaten in days.
"Hey Spit, this pie is amazing!"
"You're not going to finish that." Spitfire challenged.
"Watch me."
And for the next several minutes, Sptifire did exactly that.
Soarin loved every moment of this challenge. Each divine bite led to an explosion of taste as the warm pie gradually but surely filed him up.
Both young pegasi enjoyed their respective meals and all too soon, the fiery mare found herself spectator to her wingmate as he continued to eat his monster pie solo.
He worked with obvious pleasure to make the pie and both ciders slowly vanish. Her light blue stallion's eating slowed as he munched on the last quarter of the now destroyed pie. Spitfire felt like the two of them had begun to attract some serious attention. She glanced around the pub and saw that most of the patrons were watching and whispering. Spitfire discreetly moved her forehoof that bore the band off from the table and out of sight.
With only a small portion left to go, Soarin pulled away and lent back in his chair. He closed his eyes and let out a satisfied groan. "You're carrying me... Can't ...move... uh... too full."
"Go young-un!" A middle aged deep orange earth pony stallion called out.
"Finish it off!" an older mare from across the room added.
Several other spectators called out a further mix of encouragement and caused Soarin to grin. A light blue forehoof drew circles around his tummy as if to try and lessen the feeling of fullness as he continued to lay back. The athlete felt as though if he ate any more food he would most surely explode.
Spitfire rolled her eyes, she pushed her chair back and made her way around to her lover. She gently kissed his muzzle, "if you don't finish that pie now, I won't carry you home and you can sleep here."
"Aww come on Sunshine..."
"You told me you could finish it. So, take your time and finish it. You're nearly there." She nudged his hoof off his tummy and took over with her own, bright yellow on plush, light blue. "Be the winner I know you are and get your name on the board." Spitfire gently nuzzled the extra full stallion who had long since won her heart. He was silly to accept such a challenge and it would result in them requiring to sleep in Ponyville. However, since he had made it this far, she knew that if he had a few moments to recover he could win a place on the pub's wall of honour.
Soarin leant into his lover and sighed with contentment. "You feel so nice... you know that?"
Spitfire's muzzle flushed at the public display of affection and she had to restrain herself to not recoil at the odd mix of alcohol and apple pie on his breath. She didn't stop him though. Somehow, in this small town pub where no pony knew them, it simply felt nice.
The attention of those around the couple slowly drifted as Soarin continued to take his time.
As Spitfire began to wonder if she should prompt her lover to consider continuing before his meal went cold. She lurched as the relaxed mountain of stallion that had been leaning on her shifted.
"Ready to watch your stallion win?" Soarin grinned.
"Of course, pie boy." Spitfire playfully nudged his shoulder.
Without a further word Soarin leant down and slowly continued his meal.
Cheers rang out across the pub as he gobbled up the last bits then collapsed into the crumbs, all that was left of the once massive, tasty pie.
"Congratulations kiddo." The barmare sauntered up and grinned at the light blue destroyer of pie.
The earth pony chef with a red coat approached from the kitchen area, a grin upon his face. "What's your name?"
Spitfire chucked as her stallion groaned in response.
"His name is Soarin and I think he's gonna to explode," chucked Spitfire as she slowly rubbed her lover's back.
"As long as he doesn't explode everywhere in here, I'll happily put his name up on our board of honour."
Several chuckles followed the chef's words as ponies turned back to their previous conversations and once more gave the couple their own space.
The barmare grinned as she carefully slid the tray out from under the collapsed stallion's face. "Boy, the way he can pack it away, you're gonna have a heck of a time cooking for your soon to be husband, aren't you?"
Fiery yellow cheeks darkened. "I'm ...not much of a cook."
"Oh. Well if you ever want to learn a few things, I could teach you. Trust me, your guy is gonna love it if you cook for him. I would know." The light purple pegasus smiled confidently.
"Thanks. I'll have to keep that in mind if I'm ever in town again." Spitfire replied.
"Cool. Let me know if you need anymore drinks or anything." With a swish of her tail she turned and strode off.
Spitfire turned her attention to her loved one. "How are you feeling?"
"Amazing. Full. This pie tasted almost as good as you do." Soarin leant back into his chair and grinned suggestively at his wingmare.
Spitfire's already warm muzzle heated further and she facehoofed in embarrassment as she slowly stood. "Yeah, real nice compliment to share in a restaurant, pie boy. I'm going to go and pay. Then I'm going to drag you out of here and find someplace to stay."
A rather unstallion like giggle escaped the young stallion, "hey, I can pay." Soarin ungainly stumbled out of his chair and stretched. "Oooh... still too full... Carry me?"
Spitfire scoffed and rolled her eyes but stayed by her lover's side and assisted him as they made their way toward the bar to pay.
As the bright yellow mare was almost finished dishing out the bits required for payment she felt Soarin lean heavily on her side. He pressed himself toward the bar and grinned up at the waitress.
"That cider was pretty good! Where you get it from?"
"Apple family secret recipe hard cider. Glad you enjoyed it."
"Yea, it was great!"
Spitfire counted out the last of the bits and turned to leave. Soarin stumbled a bit at the sudden movement but was quick to follow. "Slow down, I'm still too full to move properly!"
Spitfire turned to face her future husband. "You sure it's not because your drunk too?"
She nudged open the door and waited patiently for her scowling stallion to follow.
After a further moment of silence between the two, Soarin staggered outside. "You don't have to be rude you know... It was only two drinks. And I did eat a lot..."
"And how do you know your not a featherweight? I can smell what you've been drinking from here." He was only a step away, but that was not the point.
Soarin did his best at a sad face, he pouted, lip out and wings limp as he stood a mere step away from the love of his life.
"Uuugh, come here you." Yellow met light blue as the young mare pulled her wingmate close into a hug. "I'm not angry at you. I just think you could have stopped after one drink."
Warm fuzzies erupted in the night as the pair fell into silence outside the Hay and Clover.
"Uhh... why did I do that...?" Soarin moaned as he relaxed into his lovers hold.
"Because your eyes are bigger than both our tummies put together and because you're silly." Spitfire paused for a moment to gaze lovingly into the pair of emerald green eyes that gazed up at her in the moonlight. "But your my silly young stallion and I love you with all my heart."
"Awww.. thanks. I love you two Sunshine." Soarin unleashed a massive sigh of contentment as he slowly nuzzled his way under Spitfire's chin. "You know... If I hadn't eaten so much, I was going to find us a cloud and show off my cloud shaping skills by making us a place to stay for the night."
Spitfire scoffed. "You, make us a house for the night?"
"Yeah, I got many hidden talents. Just you wait and see."
"Oh really?" Spitfire smiled mischievously. "Like stuffing yourself with the biggest pie known to pony kind?"
"Exactly!" Soarin grinned with pride. "But you know... other stuff too."
"Come on fatty, I guess I'll try my hoof at cloud shaping."
Soarin staggered slightly as Spitfire withdrew. It must have been from the sudden lack of contact, yea. He wasn't drunk. No way.
A short time later, Soarin sat at the edge of ponyville where town met farmland. Waiting for Spitfire sucked! 'Why didn't she let me help!' Soarin complained to himself. Sure he might be a little bit unsteady and slower than usual, but so what? He should be up there showing off his skills, not down here waiting like some standard earth pony.
He caught a hint of movement in the night and his wings fluttered with excitement. "Sunshine!?"
A blast of cold air bufferted the colt as his lover hastily alighted next to him. "Keep it down. I thought I told you, you've had too much to drink."
"Have not."
"This isn't an argument Soran, shut up. I have something to show you."
Soarin grumbled something under his breath till his golden mare moved closer.
"Do I need to carry you up, or do these things still work?"
"Hey, I told you I'm not drunks."
"Right. Keep up then." With that, Spitfire took off.
With a slight wobble in his usually perfect flying form, Soarin took off after his lover and kept pace not far behind her. The pair flew in silence for only a few moments before Soarin beheld the most uggly cloud structure he had ever clapped eyes on.
The pudgy, hastialy thrown together blob floated in place like a reject from the cloud factory. It looked like three whispy clouds had been rammed togeher and hollowed out. The hoofwork of the mare who sculpted it was easily spottable along the joins between the trio of clouds and the middle looked like a cloud that had its insides kicked out.
"Hey, don't look at it like that." Spitfire's defensive tone broke the peaceful silence of the night.
"Even with a drink or two, I can do better than that." Soarin giggled as he landed unsteadily at the entrance to the two pony bubble of space. "Here, you just do this..." He trailed off as his hooves went into action.
He easily slipped into the actions of reforming and smoothing out their sleeping space. Soarin worked as fast as he could, mindful of the happy tingle in his brain that was sure to impair his work if he lost his concentration.
"There!" Proud of his quick fix, Soarin turned with a wide smile to face his mare. "Pretty good huh?"
"I must say, I'm surprised." Spitfire conceded as she landed gracefully next to him.
Spitfire pressed a quick kiss to her lover's muzzle then tackled him into the soft floor of the cloud den. A few giggles erupted into the night as they playfully wrestled for a few moments in their new bed. Cuddles soon took over and bright fiery yellow mixed with light blue as the two came together as one.
For two young lovers, all was right in Equestria this night. |
Our Daughter | CH5: Upsets (7 Weeks pregnant) | Spitfire's room was lit with soft predawn light. Soft enough that she could close her eyes and pretend there was still plenty of time left before she had to face the day. Yet she knew it was not so. Sometime soon, Celestia's sun would peak through the curtains in her cloud room and announce the start of another active day. Spitfire rolled over in bed to face the ceiling. It felt like forever since her life had been flipped upside down. To think it had only been seven weeks since she had found out that she was carrying new life inside her. It was crazy. It felt both like no time at all, yet also it felt like forever. Spitfire glanced down at her tummy, she knew it would be some time still before she started to show yet she couldn't shake the feeling that big things had definitely changed within her body. She sighed and did her best to relax into her bed. Tomorrow was the weekend. Tomorrow was sure to be a fun morning of cuddles and practising tricks with her favourite colt. She was thankful that his parents were happy to hear about their engagement. That brought another thought to the front of her mind. Three weeks to go. Just three weeks, then she would be a married young mare. The first rays of dawn broke through the curtains and spilt into her room. She flipped around and buried her face into her pillow to avoid the harsh rays. Nope, she did not feel ready for this day to start quite yet thank you very much.
Her tummy did loops and swirls as she continued to lie there. Come to think of it, today she might not be feeling all that well. That's odd. Yesterday she was fine.
"Spitfire! You're usually up by now. Get up, lazy bones."
"Yes, mom!" With a sigh Spitfire extracted herself from the bed.
As she ate her oats for breakfast, Spitfire couldn't help but wonder why her tummy continued to feel a bit off. Oh well, no time to wonder about why her body was acting weird, it would soon be time for her morning flight to Soarin's house to drag his lazy butt out of bed. A usual start to her day that had been going on for several years now. She didn't mind the extra exercise. He might now be her betrothed wingmate, but it clearly did nothing to get him out of bed any faster.
The answer to why her tummy felt a bit off came soon after she made it to school. Fleetfoot touched down nearby the young couple, Soarin waved at her while Spitfire felt the sudden and desperate need to rush to the bathroom. She made it just in time before the contents of her stomach decided it was time to evacuate. She hunched over the loo panting, just in case anything else unwelcome decided to exit her system.
"Spit! Spit! Are you okay?" The worried tone of her coltfriend made it to her ears just before he reached her side.
"Sunshine, Are you okay?" he asked again.
Despite the unpleasantness of her situation, she couldn't help but smile a little as his snout brushed against the back of her neck.
Spitfire slowly sat up as the nausea cleared and she cleared her throat in the nearby sink. The proud pegasus sat up straight and turned to face her concerned colt. "I hope so. We got a full on day of school."
"Alright. But if you start feeling sick, I'm gonna take you home."
Spitfire rolled her eyes. "I'm fine pie boy, now get out of the little fillies room."
"Oh, right!" Soarin put a wing around his young mare and guided her out of the filly's bathroom. He made sure to caress her with the tips of his feathers as he withdrew his wing.
Fleetfoot stood in wait in the corridor. She smirked at the display of affection from Soarin. "It's funny seeing a colt rush into the little fillies room like his tail is on fire. Especially when she's 'just' his friend." Her attention shifted to the pegasus at his side, "are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Just had an upset stomach or something. Let's go to class." Spitfire led the way.
Fleetfoot shot Soarin an enquiring glance and he shook his head and mouthed back, 'she's fine.'
Spitfire and Soarin exited the school together at a leisurely pace. Another day of learning was over, it was time to enjoy themselves.
"Hey Spitfire!"
The duo turned to face a lanky pegasus colt with a deep blue coat and a grey mane as he approached them outside of school.
"Yes?" Spitfire asked cooly. She wondered what Cool Breeze could possibly want. He was not the kind of pegasus to usually talk to Soarin or herself.
"Hey, uh... me and the guys were wondering, are you two like ...dating or something?"
Spitfire wasn't entirely sure how to answer that, however, she noticed a sudden grin etched on Soarin's muzzle.
Soarin turned to his engaged wingmare, "hey, that's like... a great idea, hey Spit, would you date me?"
Spitfire ignored her future husband in favour of answering the laky pegasus before her.
"No. Why?"
"Uh... would you be interested in going out to dinner with me? It is a Friday and I figure... if you're not busy..." the nervous colt trailed off into silence.
"Sorry. I'm not interested in dating and I don't need a coltfriend. Besides, Soarin, Fleet and me had something planned tonight." Spitfire replied. Of course, all of that was true, thanks to Soarin. She was not simply dating him anymore. Technically he was her engaged wingmate, not her coltfriend.
"Oh. Right." Cool Breeze bowed his head, defeated.
"Hey, keep your chin up, I'm sure a nice young colt like you will find the right someone one day." Spitfire offered.
"Thanks." With a sigh, Cool Breeze wandered away from the couple.
Once out of earshot Soarin leaned into his mare and whispered, "did you know he liked you?"
"Not at all." Spitfire shrugged.
"Hey guys," Fleetfoot wandered up and paused. "What did I miss?"
"Cool Breeze asked me out."
Fleetfoot stifled a snicker. "Oh yea, I caught him admiring you at least once. I didn't seriously think he would ask you out." She took off into the air and flew close to the pair.
With a smirk, the arctic blue pegasus continued, "but we all know you and Soar were like together since you were little. I'm more surprised you both weren't dating before junior flight school." Fleetfoot shot back cheekily.
Soarin recoiled a bit, "Feet, Spit and me were like five back then."
"So? You two made a cute young couple at that age." The cheeky pegasus shot back as she took off into the skies, laughter trailing in her wake.
"Let's get her." Spitfire turned to her lover, her wings up and ready for speed.
"Race ya'." Soarin grinned back.
Scootaloo sailed through the air on her scooter. Her tiny wings worked the air like crazy. She closed her eyes and smiled. Moments like this were the best, she could pretend as though everything was perfect. As if she could fly and everything was right in life. She cracked an eye open and spotted Rumble just behind her, his wings were working just as hard. Greens and brows flashed by as they soared through the final leg of the race through the trees. She did her best to put on an extra burst of speed before she landed hard on the ground and lurched as she nearly fell off her scooter. Her friends erupted into cheers.
Rumbles friends, Tender Taps and Button Mash joined in the cheering as Scootloo dismounted and grinned at Rumble. "I won!"
"Yea," the young colt panted, "you're fast as a speeding pegasus on that thing. I didn't seriously think you could keep up. Good job Scootaloo" He smiled back at her.
"Thanks. I just wish I could fly for real though."
The young dark coloured pegasus colt shrugged. "Hey, I'm sure you'll get there someday."
"Yea, I guess."
"Aww, don't worry Scootaloo, I'm sure Rumble is right." Sweetie Belle chimed in.
"I know, It's just... it already took us so long to earn our cutie marks. I don't want to have to wait forever to fly too."
"Well how about I try and help you." Rumble offered.
"Really, you'd do that for me?"
"Sure," he replied with a smile and a shrug.
"Ya know, Rainbow Dash has already tried teaching her, right?" Apple Bloom spoke up.
Rumble gazed between the girls, "maybe she just needs some help from someone her own age, right?"
"Worth a shot." Scootaloo shrugged.
"Anyways, I had better get home. My brother promised to take me out somewhere cool before dinner." Rumble announced.
"Yea, I guess we should probably head off too." Tender Taps added.
"Okay, see you boys at school tomorrow then." Apple Bloom replied with a wave to the departing young colts.
"So, do you girls have anything planned tonight?" Sweetie Belle asked as she turned back to her friends.
"Homework? I'll probably also need to avoid all the foals." Scootaloo replied casually.
"Why avoid them?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"We had a new arrival yesterday, dropped off from somepony in Canterlot, so everypony is really excited. Plus, I kinda wish I wasn't there anymore you know." Scootaloo responded as she slowly trekked off, her scooter in tow.
"You don' often talk about that place," Applebloom observed quietly. "Something wrong?"
"Well... you know how it's my eleventh birthday in a few days."
"Yea."
"Well, I think it kinda sucks that I'm nearly eleven and still don't have a forever home or even know who my parents are or what they do. I don't even know why they left me."
Both friends moseyed in nice and close and gave Scootaloo a quick hug forcing her to stop dragging her scooter.
"Thanks," Scootaloo smiled a little as she picked up her scooter.
"I could ask Rarity if it's ok for you to spend the night with us if you don't want to go home." Sweetie Belle offered.
"Or I could ask Granny Smith, I'm sure she would say yes!"
Scootaloo considered her friend's offers for a moment then brightened up, "okay. Just let me tell Sun Lilly that I have a sleepover tonight. How about I sleep over with you Sweetie tonight and this weekend I'll come round to the farm for a sleepover?"
"Sure." Scootaloo's friends answered in unison, big smiles all around.
With that, the trio split ways.
Scootaloo raced along the streets. As she neared the edge of town, she suddenly slammed into somepony tall and yellow wearing saddlebags.
"Fluttershy!"
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Scootaloo eyed the orphanage up ahead, it almost felt like Fluttershy had come directly from the orphanage. However, it was hard to tell because she had been so focused on going fast. Why would Fluttershy be going to such a place? "Say, what are you doing out here?"
"Just out for a walk, I also visited the foals and said hi to Sun Lilly. They are waiting for you before they start the party."
Fluttershy knew? Great... Scootaloo forced herself to not sigh, "alright thanks. But please don't tell anypony about this, I don't need anypony thinking bad of me because I'm an orphan. It's already bad enough having wings that don't work properly."
"Scootaloo, don't put yourself down," Fluttershy warned, her tone a little bit too motherly for Scootaloo's liking, this mare wasn't a mother after all.
"Rainbow Dash and I think you are amazing, just the way you are." She lent down and offered a light nuzzle.
Scootaloo allowed the warm fuzzy moment to end before she took a step away from her elder, "alright, well I better get going then."
"I'll see you later then," the buttery mare smiled as the orange filly jumped on her scooter and powered the rest of the way to the orphanage. Now it was time to figure out the best way to get permission to enjoy a sleepover with her friends.
Spitfire smiled as she lay there in Soarin's wonderful grasp. When she came by at her usual early hour on a Saturday, cuddles had recently taken the place of their early morning exercise. Not that Spitfire minded, it felt wonderful to be snuggled up against her own very special colt.
As she lay there, her tummy did a few flips and she hoped that this morning would not turn into a rush to the bathroom like the previous day at school had done. However, as she continued to lie there, cocooned in her partner's love, the sinking feeling continued to build faster and faster. Spitfire wished she had skipped breakfast or something. This didn't feel good. The world began to feel a bit skewed and Spitfire caught the evil sensation of her breakfast upcoming. She darted out of the warm confines of Soarin's hold, rushed along the corridor, wings in motion to speed up her rush to the toilet.
Soarin was thrust out of wonderful dreamland by his wingmare's sudden exit. The groggy young stallion dragged himself up, "whaa- Sunshine?"
He heard the muffled sounds of her retching and all traces of the peaceful morning fog of sleep vanished. His love was in trouble!
He raced out of bed and down the hallway. He skidded to a stop in front of the bathroom and much to his horror spotted his Sunshine losing what little was left of her breakfast. Unlike at school, it seemed she had not quite made it to the loo in time and Soarin cringed at the sticky, yellowish-brown mess on the floor near her. This would not be pleasant for her to clean up. No! Soarin's inner resolve caught him, now was the time to help.
He kicked into action and carefully made his way over. He brushed back her mane then rubbed her back soothingly.
"What's gotten into you Spitty, you eat something funny?"
"I don't think so..." Spitfire managed around the rather nasty taste of recycled breakfast mixed with juice.
A light green mare with a flowing rich sky blue mane barreled into the doorway, "my dear, are you okay?"
"I think I am now," Spitfire replied, her eyes were closed and her insides knotted, but at least it felt like the sensation had passed for now.
Having a foal was going to suck if this was what morning sickness felt like. Spitfire hoped this was only food poisoning or something, but the wiser part of her mind reminded her that Soarin had been rather overbearing whenever they were out. There was no way she could have picked up something from meals at home either.
With a shiver to try and dispel the pukey feeling from her system altogether, Spitfire turned and froze under the older mare's gaze. Soarin's mother was studying her carefully with crystal green eyes and Spitfire could tell that what was about to come would not be good.
"Clean that up you two. Then I want the both of you downstairs at the table. We need to talk." With a final piercing look, she departed.
A few stunned moments passed in the wake of the matriarch of the house before Soarin turned to his wingmare, his normally happy features were panicked. "We're dead. I know it. Mom's gonna kill me," he whispered as he sagged slightly into his mare.
"Calm down," Spitfire hissed back.
"Okay, okay," the light blue colt withdrew and took a few deep breaths. "Let's get this all cleaned up." |
Our Daughter | CH6: Caught (7 Weeks pregnant) | Scootaloo paused outside her home, the Ponyville orphanage. It was a nice enough place, but sometimes the young filly wished she had a normal home to go to like her friends. Although the last two nights sleepovers had been wonderful, she did not live in either of her friend's houses and it did feel rude to try for another night out. That left here, the only home she ever really had; Ponyville Orphanage. The rustic, squat brown building blended in with the edge of Ponyville. It was a fairly long building, big enough to house dorms for those who had no other choice but to live there. Just as she was about to enter she spotted a rainbow blur approaching. She sighed, Ponyville Orphanage was never a good place for a chat, especially with her hero.
"Hey, Squirt!"
"Hey, Rainbow Dash. Whatcha doin'?"
"Oh, you know... about to go inside. The girls and I had a fun day at school and all, but they all had real homes to go to."
"Hey, you got a home."
"Yeah sorta, I guess."
"Would you prefer that someone took you home?" Dash asked inquisitively.
"Well yeah, of course."
"Well, how about my girlfriend and I take you on then? upgrade you from honorary sister to daughter?"
"Really?" Scootaloo could hardly believe what she was hearing, was this for real?!
Then her brain caught up with the rest of what her hero had said. "Wait. Girlfriend? I didn't know you had a special somepony."
"Yea, sorry. About that." Dash paused, a slight blush upon her cheeks. "Fluttershy prefers we keep it quiet for just a little bit longer. She's also afraid of how some ponies might take the news of a lesbian Wonderbolt." The short, but well-built pegasus scoffed and muttered something under her breath.
"You and Fluttershy huh?" Scootaloo quirked an eyebrow, "I remember you told everypony you weren't interested in romance."
"Yea, well. I'm not, but I got Fluttershy and she's special. And for the record, she asked me soon after we kicked Tirek's butt."
Scootaloo looked at Dash like she had suddenly grown a second head. "No way! Wait, that means you've been going out for a whole month and not told anypony! No pony else knows?"
"Well, now you know, squirt. Anyway. I really came because I knew it was your birthday soon and as because I didn't get you anything, I decided to ask you if you were interested in being my foster daughter."
"Yes! Yes!" Scootaloo threw herself into Rainbow Dash just as Fluttershy alighted next to the polychromatic mare and joined in the hug.
Fluttershy spoke up, a big smile on her face as she withdrew, "I see somepony likes the idea of having a new mom. You know, we have all the paperwork ready. If you want, we can hand it in now."
"That would be so awesome!" Scootaloo cheered.
"Then let's go." Dash nudged her two companions forward and led the way inside.
The wooden building carried a colorful interior, built to appeal to foals. The reds, greens, yellows and blues were textured in all sorts of patterns around the four walls of the boxy room the trio stood in. Across from them was a single doorway. Next to it stood a simple wooden reception desk with a green and yellow earth pony behind it.
Sun Lilly looked up at the sound of company and smiled a the sight of the trio. "Hello, Rainbow Dash. How may I help you and Fluttershy today."
"Hi." Dash paused and glanced at Fluttershy. "Fluttershy has all the paperwork. I hope you still don't mind us counting as a family for Scoots here."
"Not at all, as long as you both are in a committed long-term relationship I see nothing wrong here." Sun Lilly smiled pleasantly.
Fluttershy pulled the required papers out of the small saddlebags she wore. "Here you go, I do hope everything is in order."
"Yep. Fluttershy and I might not have been dating for long, but since we've been friends since forever, I'm sure it will be fine." Dash smiled confidently.
Sun Lilly smiled at the response, took the adoption papers and examined them carefully.
Moments passed as she carefully sifted through the papers. A few earth pony foals peeped around the corner. Scootaloo waved at the preschool colts who waved back then quickly withdrew behind cover.
Sun Lilly looked up from the papers, "alright. These all look in order. It is wonderful to at last see Scootaloo off to a good home."
"Scootaloo gets to go to her forever home?" A tiny voice asked.
Attention fell upon the speaker as the young earth pony filly was thrust out by the two preschool colts behind her.
"That's right." Rainbow Dash confirmed with a smile, "and she gets to come home with Flutters and me right now."
"That's so cool!" one of the foals called out, excitedly.
Fluttershy smiled brightly, "it's going to be wonderful, I'm sure."
That drew the rest of the hidden youngsters and pretty soon all 5 young orphan earth ponies along with the orphanages only unicorn foal were gathered around. They quickly mobbed the new family. Soon hugs were all over and the excited group of foals trailed their caretaker and Scootaloo to the door.
Before Scootaloo knew it, she was on Rainbow Dash's back and cursing through the skies. Her other new mother, Fluttershy held her scooter as she kept pace.
"This is your new home. 'Shy and I decided to make her home our permanent home cause you still have problems flying."
"But your cloud home!" Scootaloo protested.
"Isn't going anywhere. I'm gonna rent it out. After all, it's super cool, every pegasus outside of Cloudsdale is gonna want to live there."
Scootaloo took a few moments to process this information, still blown away that her longtime sister had actually adopted her. She was broken out of her thoughts by her sister-turned-mother.
"Anyway, let's get you settled in!"
Two pegasi in their late teens entered the dining room. The cosy cloud room had enough space for the small oval table, chairs for the family and some decorations on the walls such as the collection of family photos next to the hallway entrance. At the head of the table sat a rather concerned dark blue stallion with a ruffled light red mane, looked like he had been only just dragged out of bed by his wife, who sat to his right at the small oval table.
"Can somepony please tell me why I was woken by my wife to the sound of sompony being sick? Are you okay my dear?" Tyson leant forward in his chair, concerned for his soon to be daughter-in-law.
"I think I'm fine," Spitfire answered as she took a seat opposite the half-asleep stallion.
"Was it something you ate?" Asked Tyson.
"I don't know," Spitfire replied. She was pretty sure she knew what it meant, but admitting that it might be because she was pregnant would put the both of them in a lot of trouble. She didn't feel ready to face either Soarin's parents or her own.
Soarin's mother, Dawnrush waited a few moments, allowing awkward silence to take hold. Her gaze shifted between both uncomfortable youngsters. "I want to know why I have a feeling that you both are hiding something from me."
"What?" Soarin had no idea what to say to that. He could not lie to his parents face, but to tell them the truth? They both may as leave home now and find a rogue cloud outside of Cloudsdale to live in together till the wedding was over.
"Son, I'm giving you both one chance, right now. What aren't we being told?" Dawnrush's tone made it clear that lying to her was a very, very bad idea.
Silence reigned. From the nervous expressions on the younger ponies faces, it was clear they both felt caught under the older mare's gaze. Under the table, light blue and sunny yellow touched, each seeking the other's comfort.
"Okay then. I'll start guessing." The lime green mare paused to allow this to sink in. "Spitfire, do you realize you may be pregnant?"
"What? No." The teenaged mare felt herself fill with dread at what was to come.
"Well, you are a healthy young mare. You're not sick. You have a tougher stomach than my son and you both always eat out together. It would stand to reason that he would be far worse off than you, my dear. However, I remember when I had Soarin. About eight weeks in I could not hold my breakfast. My husband also became rather overprotective of me after he realized we were going to be parents. I had wondered if it was my imagination playing tricks on me, or if my boy was acting ever so slightly different toward you. Your teachers mentioned it to me recently but I thought nothing of it. But this morning's incident makes me suspect that Soarin has known for some weeks that you are in fact carrying his foal."
This statement elicited different responses from each pony in the room. Soarin's father wore his outrage thinly veiled on his face. Spitfire had traces of panic flash across her muzzle till she schooled her expression. Soarin sighed in defeat, utterly crushed. His mother was right. "Yes mom, Spit is pregnant. It's why we are getting married so soon. But I've loved her for so long it feels like the right thing to do."
"The right thing?" Soarin's dad burst, "the right thing was to keep it to yourself and not go getting your filly pregnant! I thought we raised you better than this!"
"You did, but it was a mistake." Soarin was about to continue when he was cut off.
"Well, it might just have cost you both your careers. I need to tell Tempest. He's going to want to hear about this."
"No! Please don't tell my dad! Not yet..." Spitfire urgently spoke up.
"You both want to live with the consequences? Well, this is it. Come on honey, I don't care if they are sleeping, our friends need to hear this." Tyson shoved his chair away and strode away.
As the two older pegasi left the building on a mission, Spitfire found herself in a tight hug. "It's gonna be okay Sunshine. I'm never going to leave you."
"Of course your not, but my parents are going to kill us. My dad threatened to throw you into one of his rainbow pools."
"I know." Soarin gave his love a reassuring squeeze. "Let's get this over with."
Spitfire drew a ragged breath, she was totally not ready. But they no longer had a choice. Their secret was about to be thrust out in the open, despite how hard they had worked to keep the accidental pregnancy quiet. "Let's catch up to your parents."
One simmering stallion and his agitated wife touched down in front of the home of their longtime friends. A deep blue hoof slammed on the cloud door. Locked.
"Tempest Wind, Stormy Flare, open up!"
As Soarin and Spitfire touched down behind their angered elders, a deep sunny head with an orange fiery mane poked out. "What's the meaning of this? Why are you disturbing us at the crack of dawn?!?"
"I'm sorry to wake you both, but we really must talk," Dawnrush spoke up.
Stormy Flare squinted down at the group, her gaze flickered between the agitated adults and nervous children. "Why?"
"Because it can't wait," Dawnrush insisted.
"Okay. Give us a minute." The still groggy Stormy Flare disappeared inside.
The two grown-ups stood in stony silence while Soarin and Spitfire stood awkwardly behind, waiting for the door to open. As much as Soarin wished to give his wingmate a comforting hug, this was a public space and it would not do to be spotted. His wings itched to cover his love and he resolved to do so, as soon as they were inside.
Spitfire snuck closer and closer to her source of comfort as the agonizing wait drew on. It felt like forever since her mother disappeared inside. Did it really take this long to wake her father and head downstairs? Despite the fact that somepony may see them, Spitfire soon found herself pressed up against her source of comfort. The vibrant young pegasus found some measure of peace amidst the overwhelming sense of doom that engulfed her.
Both youngsters sense of dread skyrocketed as the front door finally opened. The half-awake sunny yellow mare greeted them with a concerned, almost confused gaze. She eyed each of the four ponies on her doorstep up before she stepped aside. "Welcome. Care to tell me why my daughter looks like she's just had her wings clipped?"
Tyson and Dawnrush quietly entered, highly aware that what they had to say would likely lead to two very pissed off pegasi. With a slight nudge from the light blue teen at her side, Spitfire scuttled inside, pinned to her lover's side. The darker yellow mare kept a close watch on her daughter the whole way. It was clear that she was trying to work out what could be so wrong to cause the normally comfortable couple to act so ... afraid?
Dawnrush took a deep breath, "I hate to tell you both this, but our children have a very serious reason for desiring to marry already. It is something they both have kept from us, until they got caught out this morning."
"What are you talking about?" Tempest Wind asked, concern filled both his voice and facial features.
Four sets of eyes fell on the young couple. Spitfire's head disappeared under Soarin's wing and he gazed back at his wingmate's parents stoically.
Tyson's red mane swished as he looked between his soon-be-to-daughter and her parents. "Your daughter is pregnant, and my son is going to become a teenage father." He shot the nervous teenager a look. "Isn't that right?"
The accusation stung, but Soarin held his ground.
The room fell dead quiet. Then Tempest Wind exploded, "they've done what!?!"
Despite being past his prime, the Burned yellow stallion was on Soarin before anypony else even realised he had moved. He tore the younger pegasus from his daughter and pinned him to the cloud wall of the entrance room.
"Tell me that's not true!"
"It- it is." Soarin's voice nearly failed him at the fearful sight of the enraged stallion in his face.
"That's it! I'm throwing you in my rainbow pools!"
"Dad!"
"Tempest!"
"Dude!"
"Honey!"
"Please don't," begged Soarin as the hot angry breath of his soon-to-be-father in law rippled over his muzzle.
"You thought I was bluffing?" The strong orange stallion slammed his face into the cowering youngster in front of him. He threw Soarin into the floor and towered over him in a rage. He smashed a hoof into the teenaged pony's side, hammering home his words as he continued, "I-" Smash "Will-" Smash "Make-" Smash "You-"
Spitfire rammed into her father. She was quick to position herself in between him and her love, wings flared fearfully. "Leave him alone!"
"I warned him what would happen if the two of you failed to wait. Now get out of my way!"
"No." Spitfire stood strong yet also quivered ever so slightly in fear. She could feel the anger in the air, she had called down her father's wrath.
The powerful stallion thrust his daughter out of the way as he aimed another attack at Soarin. The light blue pegasus rolled out of the way of the incoming hoof and winced in pain as he stood.
Using his wings to propel himself, Tempest threw himself at Soarin. He tackled the young pegasus to the floor and threw head-but and hoof-stomp at the one who had wronged his daughter.
Spitfire tacked her father and received several blows to the face and upper body in the process. She cried out in pain and her father paused to throw her out of the way. He rammed his forehooves down on Soarin once more only to find himself blocked by dark blue. He shoved at his longtime friend, his wings flapped for extra power. Tyson was quick to copy and the two butted heads.
"Get out of my way!" Tempest Wind growled.
"Calm down, dude!" Tyson shoved the angry orange aggressor back.
Tempest Wind kicked and thrashed madly as he tried to reach his target. "No! Let me at the scum! I'm gonna kill him!"
Tyson's eyes grew wide with the realisation that his soon-to-be-inlaw was seeing red. Nothing else mattered to this stallion right now except exacting revenge upon the youth who had done his daughter wrong. He had never seen the commander of the rainbow factory anywhere near this angry. His grip slipped and he found himself thrown against the wall in an instant.
"Enough!" Stormy Flare bellowed as she rushed into her husband's way, wings erect in a display of power. "Honey, stop! Your daughter is pregnant and you just hurt her!"
Tyson took the opportunity to place himself in Tempest's face once more. The two stallions adrenaline filled glares locked with one another and held as they both stood panting, watching for an opening.
"Stormy's right. Please don't damage the baby." Soarin's mother chimed in as she hurried over to the downed Spitfire, checking the still slim yellow tummy for any marks.
Tempest Wind huffed, rage continued to flow through his system as he glared at the troublesome colt. He shoved at Tyson who pushed right back defending his son who lay on the floor. "She shouldn't be pregnant in the first place."
"Well she is and hurting Soarin won't change that." Stormy shot back.
"She's right you know," Tyson replied, his expression stony as he turned his gaze upon his wounded son. "That's not to say he doesn't deserve something for his actions. But I think you have done more than enough, my friend."
Tempest Wind seethed. He shoved at the dark blue pegasus in front of him but stopped as Dawnrush joined her husband.
"Spitfire. Care to explain how my upstanding daughter is pregnant like some low life teenaged idiot?" Stormy Flare spoke as she too placed herself between her enraged husband and his targets. She faced the teenagers, her gaze hard. "When did this happen? Have you two been having sex during your little cuddle sessions?"
"No! And it happened almost two months ago, Soarin and I made a mistake alright. But this doesn't change the way I feel about him!"
"Really?" Tempest challenged. "I should never have allowed you to be alone with my daughter when we were out!"
"Dad! It didn't happen here or at Soarin's place." Spitfire shot back.
"You expect us to believe that?" Scoffed Tyson as he turned to face his son.
"I've seen a lot of teenage parents fail." Soarin's mother spoke up, a mixture of disappointment and sadness strong in her voice. "You're both too young to become parents, how do you know this won't tear you apart?"
"Because-" the light blue colt picked himself up and staggered over to his wingmate, his wings stuck out oddly as he moved, several feathers were bent well out of shape. " Because I love Spitfire with all my heart." Soarin drew his loved one close. "There is nothing I won't do for her."
"You idiot, you've done more than enough. You might have cost my daughter her career in the Wonderbolts!" Tempest Wind pushed against the pegasus blockade but found himself held in place.
"Can't they get rid of the pregnancy in Canterlot?" Asked Soarin's mother, "I heard that there is a recently created spell that can abort a fetus."
"Yes, I've heard of that," Spitfire admitted with a sigh. She really did not want to go there.
"Then why didn't you do it?" Stormy Flare asked, "if you were so desperate to hide what you've done from us, isn't that the only way?"
Tempest Wind spoke up before either youngsters had a chance to reply, "I demand you both fly to Canterlot right this instant and pay for this spell. I don't want a foal to ruin my daughter's life!"
Spitfire stepped forward, "What is growing inside me is the result of my love for Soarin and his love for me. What we did was a mistake, yes. But-" She was cut off by a slightly damaged light blue wing as it curled protectively over her back.
"but we decided to accept our mistake and live with it. I was going to marry Spitty anyway. This just sped things up. We probably won't keep our foal, but I refuse to let you kill what's inside my wingmate. It will make it harder to get into the Wonderbolts and we both accept that. But we already discussed this together and we thought it best to take our honeymoon as soon as Spitfire begins to show." Soarin was quick to take over the explanation as he stood tall in the face of his wingmate's angry parents.
Tempest Wind shoved his friend aside but was halted by a bold yellow wing to the muzzle from his wife.
Deadly silence fell over the room. No pony moved a muscle till Spitfire continued, quieter this time, "I know I have disappointed you all, but there is nothing you can do to separate me from Soarin or stop us from bringing this new life into the world. I promise you all, it won't stop me becoming a wonderbolt and I'm sure my wingmate will be at my side the whole way, just as he always has been."
"I still want to throw you in my rainbow pools boy," growled Tempest as he tugged against his wife's secure embrace. "But seeing as how my daughter seems so attached to you that she would even follow you into that world of pain, I will hold off for her sake." The frustrated stallion huffed and sat back.
Stormy Flare turned to her husband. "What are we going to do dear? I for one, still support their union," her muzzle turned to the youngsters, "even if they have gone and done something very stupid." Both young pegasi's eyes fell to the floor in shame.
Tempest huffed. "Throw them out on the street is what I want to do." Soarin's parents kept their silence, waiting while their soon-to-be in-laws reach a decision.
"My daughter," Stormy Flare walked up to the couple and cupped her only child's chin. She slowly raised it till she was looking right into the tearful orange eyes. "I trusted you. I trusted both of you. You have betrayed that trust and lied to both your father and I. As much as I love you, I cannot tolerate deceit in my house. With or without your father's help I will assist in finding you both a place to stay and then I advise you pack your things and move out. You are soon to be a married mare, Spitfire. I hope you are prepared to live with the colt you so willingly gave yourself to."
With a hint of tears threatening at the edges, Spitfire softly replied, "I am, mom. After what I've done-"
"We," Soarin interjected as he squeezed his mare tighter in his protective grasp.
Spitfire rolled her eyes, "we have done, you don't have to help us."
"Nonsense!" Tempest spoke up angrily, "you're still my daughter and I told you my wedding gift to you both would be to buy your first home here in Cloudsdale. But your mother is right. You broke our trust and so I must ask you both to leave my house. Now."
"Really, Tempest?" Soarin's father spoke up. "They don't even have their own place to live yet."
"I don't care. You do what you see fit with Soarin, but I'm throwing my disgraceful daughter out."
"Dad!" Spitfire cried, tears threatened to overwhelm her eyes as she fought to keep her distress in check.
"You had months to abort your foal or come clean and tell us you both made a mistake! But no, you got caught! So I'll see you on your wedding day when I fly your pregnant ass down that aisle!"
With a distressed gasp Spitfire galloped out of the room in tears, Soarin hot on her hooves.
"Rough much?" Dawnrush tugged at her rich sky blue mane as if to try and settled both it and her frayed nerves.
"What? You expected me to give her a hug and forgive her? That we would celebrate this with drinks and partying?" Tempest Wind snorted and stomped an orange hoof into the soft cloud floor.
"No, we did not. I do hope my son's wings are okay. If he can't fly properly, school will question why." Tyson sighed, he wandered to the nearest wall of the entrance and collapsed against it.
Tempest Wind scoffed. "I'm sure he's fine."
"Honey, did you even see what you did to that poor colt?" Stormy Flare shot her husband an irritated look. "He was going to call you his second father one day soon and you almost knocked him out!"
A moment passed, three pegasi against one. The orange stallion snorted softly "guess I did, huh?"
Tempest Wind took a dark yellow wing to the face, Stormy Flare swatted him again before she replied, "no kidding. You'll be lucky if your daughter speaks to you again before the wedding. They might be good at acting like friends in public, but I'm sure you've seen how devoted they are to each other."
"Very much," Dawnrush agreed.
"Yes, yes. I'm sure everypony in our two families has seen." Tempest Wind replied, his anger had receded slightly, but he still kicked at the floor again. "But I'm not going to change my mind. Spitfire no longer lives here."
Dawnrush glanced over to her husband for a few thoughtful moments. "What if we took them both in for a few days?"
"Alright," Tyson agreed with his wife. "Let us know when you have them a house. I want them both to realise that a foal is life changing."
"But how are they supposed to pay the ongoing costs of a home in Cloudsdale?" Dawnrush asked. "The job my son has found does not pay him very much."
Stormy Flare shrugged, "even a cheap place near the outskirts will cost a few bits each month." She shot her husband a look, "I might have a talk with her and encourage her to try and find a job for now."
Tempest Wind held his wife's expectant look but said nothing.
Tyson picked himself up and placed himself beside his wife, "that's their decision, and one they don't have a lot of time to make. Doesn't look like any of us are willing to take them back in if they fail."
"I'm sure they won't." Dawnrush gave her husband a light hug. "They are born champions."
Tempest Wind sighed, his wings sagged and he closed his eyes to stifle the pain that filled the place of his rage and adrenaline. Suddenly the middle-aged stallion looked as though he had aged years in a few minutes. "I never, not once thought she would do that to us." Silence reigned for a few moments before the orange stallion continued. "It will bring me some measure of peace to know that you will take them both off our hooves for a few days. It shouldn't be long before my wife and I find someplace quiet they can live."
"Thank you." Soarin's mother spoke up. "I will be sure to keep an eye on your girl till then."
Stormy Flare hugged her husband to try and continue to calm him some more, "I don't yet know how to feel about all this, beyond feeling betrayed by my own daughter."
"Well-" Soarin's father paused as the young couple re-entered the room.
Soarin's mother barely suppressed a gasp at the sight of her son. He had a black eye, bruised muzzle and many other painful looking bruises, cuts and hoof marks across his chest and forelegs. His wings were a mess and he carried himself as though he had been kicked out of the Wonderbolts. The mare at his side also bore several marks, including a rather large bruise on the right side of her barrel, dangerously close to where new life was sure to be growing inside.
"I'm ready to go," Spitfire announced, her eyes were bloodshot and her jaw set firm. "Mom, Dad. I'm sorry."
The dark yellow mare approached and gave her daughter a hug. "Be careful out there, honey."
Soarin's father spoke up, "we have decided to allow you both to live with us for a few days until a house is found for you both to live. I expect you both to be on your best behaviour, or you can live on a rogue cloud."
"Thank you dad," Soarin replied. The teenaged colt removed his protective, ruffled up wing from his wingmate as the pair prepared to leave the house. |
Our Daughter | CH7: Moving Forward (7 Weeks pregnant) | Fleetfoot and High Winds cruised along on the morning air through the outer edges of Cloudsdale, enjoying a morning flight together.
High Winds put a burst of speed toward a cloud that floated above the homes in the area ahead.
Fleetfoot spotted something yellow and blue in the edge of her vision and banked toward the couple. High Winds noticed the change in direction and was quick to follow after her friend.
Fleetfoot slowed as she neared Spitfire and Soarin. The two young pegasi were huddled in between a row of houses in an alleyway.
Fleetfoot landed in front of the couple, "hey, hey. What are you two doing all the way over here? Sneaking off for some-" words failed her as she noticed their injuries.
"What happened to you two?" High Winds asked as she landed.
"We-" Soarin paused, uncertain. He moved a hoof to slightly hide his black eye as he tested his bruised jaw.
"It's okay, High Winds is cool," Fleetfoot insisted.
"Ow!" Soarin cried out as a damaged feather was wrenched out by his wingmate.
"Sissy. You tell them, I'll keep preening your poor wings."
"Okay." Soarin lay down once again, relaxed a bit and offered his roughed up left wing to his lover. "You sure she's cool?"
"I am." Fleetfoot confidently responded.
"Okay." Soarin sighed, "well, our parents found out. Tempest Wind kicked my arse and hurt Spitfire too when she tried to defend me."
"Found out what?" High Winds wondered.
Fleetfoot spotted the bruise on Spitfire's barrel as she shifted up the wing. "Woah, I hope your poor baby is okay!"
The bright yellow pegasus fluffed her wings and covered the spot defensively. "I'll be fine. I think our son is okay."
"Daughter," Soarin immediately countered.
"Whatever pie boy," Spitfire muttered as her mouth returned to damaged blue feathers.
"Wait, wait, wait. What!?" High Winds held up her forehooves to get everypony's attention. "Did I just hear that right? Spitfire is preggers!?
"Yea. And if you tell anypony about it..." Spitfire paused. "Just don't tell anypony. Or you're no longer invited to our wedding in a few weeks time."
"No need to worry about me. I can keep a secret." High Winds was quick to defend herself. The light grey pegasus leant against the cloud house she sat next to. Her stunned gaze roamed around as she processed the shock of the unexpected new information. Her attention returned to the couple who were huddled up just out of hoof reach on the other side of the small alleyway. "I can't believe it... I- I thought I was one of your friends."
"You are. But we even hid this from our parents, so please don't be offended," Spitfire responded with a tired tone.
"How do you expect to keep a baby bump hidden?" High Winds asked.
"Spit isn't that pregnant yet. No need to worry about us." Soarin grimaced as pain lanced along the wing his lover was working on. "We have a plan. We just forgot to think about what to do if our parents found out like this."
"Well, you two could always crash at my house," Fleetfoot offered.
"Na. My parents said we can live with them till a house is found for us to live." Soarin shot another look his mare's way as her ministrations continued to bring his wing pain.
"But how are the two of you supposed to afford a house?" High Winds wondered out loud.
"My dad can," Spitfire stated simply then carefully nudged the wing she had been working on back into its place on her wingmate's side. She carefully stepped over her young stallion. "Next wing."
Soarin shifted slightly then offered his right wing.
"Can you even fly with those?" a rather concerned Fleetfoot asked.
"Sure. Just not well," Soarin replied. "Ow! Spitty!"
High Winds grimaced as the yellow pegasus spat out a light blue feather.
"What? I'm helping."
"Yea, but can you... I dunno. Be more gentle or something?"
"If it's gotta come out, it's coming out."
Spitfire replied as she continued her preening.
"Why don't you just... do it yourself? You know..." High Winds asked shyly.
"Cause Spitfire likes to play with my wings," Soarin replied with a grin.
"I'm sure that's not the only part of you she likes to play with. Aye Spit?" Fleetfoot wriggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Spitfire sat up straighter and returned her friend's look with a smirk of her own. She relinquished her hold on her lover's wing. "You can be sure of that. What about your little fillyfriend? Gotten past the wings with her?"
"I don't know who you could possibly be talking about," Fleetfoot shot back.
Spitfire shot High Winds a pointed look.
"Me?" The light grey pegasus receded behind her cobalt blue mane.
"Sure. You've never noticed how much she seems to enjoy your company?" Spitfire grinned.
"Uh, because- I'm her friend." High Winds offered as her gaze turned from yellow to arctic blue young mare. "Right?"
"Uh... of course," Fleetfoot responded with a slight blush.
"She blushes," Soarin laughed softly.
"Come on you two, relax. I was having you on. Although, you two would look cute together." Spitfire leant back down to resume preening her colt.
"I might just uh... go. Yea." High Winds hovered uncertainty for a moment then took off.
"Thanks you two," Fleetfoot rounded on the couple. "You have no idea how long it took to build up to today's flight."
"What- wait. You really do like her?" Soarin sat up in shock. His wing slipped out of his wingmate's maw and lightly slapped her on the muzzle.
"Duh, thicko!" Fleetfoot almost exploded. "But I dunno if she even likes fillies. I was trying to get a bit closer as friends before I even ask something crazy like that."
Spitfire chucked, "relax. I'm sure she will brush it off as harmless fun between friends. You just gotta ask her to practice with you more often outside of school again. Besides, there's no fillyfoolers in school that I know of anyway. So I don't think she's gonna realise one of her good friends is strange yet."
"Thanks," Fleetfoot sourly responded. "Do you see why I've been quiet about my crush for so long."
"Well if you keep her quiet about us and our baby, I'm sure Soarin and I can keep your little secret too. Who knows, maybe we can even try set you both up," Spitfire offered with a playful smile.
"Maybe," Fleetfoot gazed off in the direction her crush had flown. Then her attention returned to the injured couple. "So, what are you gonna tell everypony? It's gonna look a little weird that you both are beat up so bad."
"Thankfully, I'm not feeling too bad," Spitfire replied. "I'm worried about my colt. You should have seen how he stood up for us both in front of my parents. My dad was super pissed off."
"I can imagine," Fleetfoot nodded slowly. "Well, unless you want my help to get to the doctors or something, I'll be off, I guess."
"We'll be okay." Soarin did his best to smile up at his friend.
"Alright. Take care you two. If you need me, just let me know." Fleetfoot took off and quickly flew out of sight.
Spitfire entered the classroom and strode toward her usual seat. Her wings were held in position to hide the bruise on her barrel while she left the other marks on display for all to see. Along the way, she tripped over somepony's bag. All eyes were on the still slightly beat up young mare as she hurried to her seat. Soarin entered as she sat down. All eyes came to rest upon the beaten up light blue colt with the black eye and bruised jaw as he shuffled his way over to his seat. It was clear from the whispering that everypony present was wondering what had happened to them.
As her wingmate took his seat, one of the other colts in the class spoke up, "what happened to you?"
"Yea, you look like you got into a bar fight with an earth pony."
Spitfire shot the classmates behind them a dirty look then once again turned to face the teacher up front.
"Are you sure you are fit for school?" Professor Greywing paused from sorting his papers to stare at the colt.
"Yes." Spitfire quickly replied.
"That's nice to know. But I was specifically referring to Soarin."
"I'll be fine," the light blue colt quickly responded.
"Alrighty then. Are we at least allowed to know what happened to you both?"
"I got attacked. Spitfire tried to break it up. We both took a few hits, but yea..." Soarin trailed off.
"Interesting. Well, as long as you both are on your best behaviour and don't go starting any fights and can fly then I guess we shall get on with the lesson at hoof."
"Yes, professor Greywing," both young pegasi quickly answered.
Spitfire stormed into Soarin's parents home. Her wingmate hurried in behind her and almost had the door slammed on his tail. The agitated young mare almost ran into something light green. She jerked back in surprise as she realised it was a pony.
"What's going on here?" Soarin's mother asked, not all that pleased with almost being rammed into.
Spitfire shot the older pegasus a look.
Soarin was quick to answer for them both, "we had a rough day at school."
"Hormones kicking you around hun?" Dawnrush carefully placed herself right in the fiery yellow pegasus's face and looked her right in the eyes.
Spitfire shuffled uncomfortably, "maybe. I kept messing up on the course. Soarin, my duo partner couldn't fly fast so we ranked in last and I couldn't focus in the theory classes."
"Well, somepony did get herself kicked out of her parents home," Dawnrush replied dryly. "I can only imagine how that must mess with your system, especially with being pregnant."
Spitfire wandered on past the mare of the house, into the dining room then sank down into a chair at the dinner table. Her head came to rest upon the table and she unleashed an annoyed groan.
Soarin quickly seated himself at her side, careful of their injuries he settled in close and placed a comforting wing over her.
The older mare placed herself at the table beside her treasured youngsters, "I hear your parents have found you someplace earlier today. I expect my husband will be letting you both know how soon you will be able to move out."
Silence fell for a few moments before the light green mare continued. "How about I make you both something to eat to make you feel better? After all, this might be the last time we all have this sort of opportunity."
"A nice apple pie?" Soarin was quick to perk up.
"If I remember right that was one of the delicacies I could always eat while carrying you." Dawnrush smiled at her son, she then turned to her long-since adopted daughter. "How about it Spitfire, would you like some Apple pie?"
"That sounds lovely, thank you," Spitfire sat up and leaned into her wingmate.
"Well then." Dawnrush headed out and into the kitchen.
"Your mum is really good to us, you know that." Spitfire murmured softly.
"Yea. I dunno what we are supposed to do for food once we get our own place."
"I could always accept that nice barmare's offer and learn how to cook."
"Spitty, I would love to taste your cooking."
"What if I burn all the food?"
"Don't worry." Soarin responded confidently "If it tastes as good as you do, I'm sure I'll love it."
Spitfire shot her wingmate a look, "that won't feed you."
With a silly grin upon his muzzle, Soarin replied, "doesn't it? Well... it won't stop me from enjoying it."
Spitfire scoffed, "gee. Now that we've done it a few times, I see somepony can't stop thinking of sex."
Soarin nuzzled up nice and close then poked his lips right next to his filly's ear, "with you, mmm yea..."
Spitfire withdrew and immediately spotted the look on his face and knew what that particular grin meant. "I want cuddles."
"We could always head out while my mum bakes the pie," Soarin offered.
"Come on stud. I want cuddles. Now."
"Okay," Soarin submitted.
With that Spitfire lead the way to Soarin's room for their quick cuddle session.
Tyson landed at the doorstep of his family's dwelling. With a sigh, he paused to enjoy the simple sight of the fluffy white block that was soon to be home to two fewer pegasi. Truth be told, it had been nice with both Soarin and Spitfire around.
Now that tempers had been allowed to cool he would not have minded if his son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law were allowed to remain at his house till after their wedding. Spitfire had long since become a part of the family and it felt right to have her there by his son's side. But Tempest Wind's wishes were not to be disobeyed so here he was, about to send his son and daughter-in-law away. Off to live in their own home at the edge of Cloudsdale, a few minutes flight from where either of their parents lived.
A dark blue hoof rose to push open the door and he once again found himself unable to move under the burden of his thoughts. What if he delayed a few days? No pony had to know if he showed the young couple the papers he had in his saddlebags a few days late.
But what if Tempest Wind found out? Would that stallion come after Soarin again? Tyson sighed. His friend had been acting a little off the clouds since the discovery of Spitfire's pregnancy. It was probably better to send their children off now, rather than later. Providing his wife agreed, they could still invite them round for dinner a few times a week though right? He knew his son's ability to sort out a meal at home to be ...less than stellar and he could not remember ever sampling any of Spitfire's cooking. Did she even cook? 'Yea, I'll ask Dawnrush to invite our kids round each week. I hope she'll like the idea.'
With a deep breath to steady himself, he pushed open the front door and entered.
Spitfire looked up from the half-demolished pie and spotted a rather serious looking stallion as he entered the room. She nudged her wingmate.
Soarin glanced up and swallowed his mouthful, "Dad! You're home already?"
"I am, yes."
"What's wrong, honey?" Dawnrush asked as she rose and approached her husband.
"Oh, nothing. Just had a long day." He took a seat at the head of the table and placed his saddlebag off to the side before he accepted a slice of the pie from his wife.
The family ate in silence until Tyson finished his slice then sighed loudly. Dawnrush shot him a questioning look.
"I visited my old friend, Tempest Wind."
Spitfire bristled slightly at the mention of her father. Soarin noticed and placed a comforting wing across her withers.
"What did that featherbag have to say?" Dawnrush asked.
"Well." Tyson paused as he reached into his saddlebags and withdrew the documents he had withheld. "He gave me these. The deed to our children's own home. He expects they will be able to move in within the next day or two."
"Well, I'm glad to see he at least still keeps his word," Dawnrush commented dryly as she took the papers and gave them a once over.
"D-did dad say anything about me?" Spitfire asked hesitantly.
"Uh... no." Tyson awkwardly responded. "He simply handed me these and told me that he expected you both to move in within the next day or two. I thanked him for his help and he sent me on my way."
Spitfire turned away and nuzzled under her colt's wing to hide the slight leak her eyes suddenly suffered. She rubbed her muzzle into the wonderful, warm coat as she fought to control her breathing. As much as she did not want to admit it, her father's behaviour and apparent attitude still hurt.
"I know he is bad at showing it, but your father loves you Spitfire," Tyson spoke up sympathetically.
"How can you be so sure?" the fiery young pegasus' voice muffed by the blue coat she had buried herself in.
"It's a guy thing. But I can tell, bro to bro that he still loves his girl with all his heart. He's just too set in his ways to change now. It's unfortunate. But you both made your choices and I'm done with fighting him."
Soarin nodded in understanding. His father did seem to be talking sense. 'Guess this might just be my last pie while living here.' The light blue colt sighed in resignation.
Two young pegasi who still bore the marks of their recent fight entered their new home. They carried small saddlebags with the possessions they chose to move house with.
It was rather empty.
Okay, very empty. Spitfire sighed, it felt desperately in need of something to cover the bare fluffy cloud walls and she carried precious little in her saddlebag to fix that.
The small square room they found themselves in had an entrance to the simple looking kitchen on the right.
"Well, I can see my dad was being rather generous," Spitfire commented dryly as she gazed around at the empty space.
"Well he was annoyed at us," Soarin murmured. "I'm surprised he bought us a home at all."
"True. That would be an understatement." Spitfire agreed with her colt. "Ah well, let's check this place out."
She led the way into the kitchen where she quickly assessed the bare countertops and small dining table with two chars in the middle. With little more than bare white cloud walls to stare at, the couple moved on to the next room.
The bedroom was large enough for two ponies to fit around the double cloud bed but that was about it. There was a final doorway that led into the bathroom. Spitfire poked her head in to check that the bathroom was small too. With that confirmed she turned around to find her wingmate lying on the bed.
"Well, it's not the most comfortable cloud I've ever laid on," Soarin commented as he wriggled around. "But it's better than having to hunt for one myself."
The young sunny pegasus stood transfixed at the sight of her lover on the bed and ideas began to form in her mind. Steamy ideas that were made even more vivid and alluring by the position of her relaxed wingmate as he closed his eyes and relaxed on his back. Those naughty ideas made her wings itch to rise.
They were alone.
It was their new house and there was a bed in need of breaking in.
They were going to be married soon and she was already pregnant. So what harm was there in a little fun?
"Soarin?"
"Hmm?" The relaxed young stallion gazed up at his companion.
"How about I take you up on that offer from earlier?"
"What offer?"
"When you asked for sexy time yesterday. Remember?"
"Oh." Light blue wings flared out on either side of the young stallion as he continued to lie on his back. A grin quickly covered his muzzle, "yes, I think I remember. Even better now because guess what, Spitty?"
"What?" Spitfire asked as she slipped onto the bed and positioned herself over her companion.
"This uh... this new bed is in need of us to bless it."
"You know, I've been thinking the exact same thing," Spitfire replied then placed a kiss on the light blue muzzle in front of her. |
Our Daughter | CH8: Pre-Wedding Jitters (10 Weeks pregnant) | In the early light of a new day Spitfire stood in front of a small mirror in their cramped bedroom looking at her own reflection. "Do I look fat?"
"No way." Soarin shot back defensively as he sat up in bed. His mostly healed wings still had a few visibly short feathers as his wings shot out. "Why would you even ask me that?"
"It's been about ten weeks now," Spitfire mused.
"Yea, true," Soarin mosyed up close and gave his mare a kiss on her cheek. "And I still think you're the most beautiful thing in the whole of Equestria."
"What about outside of Equestria?" Spitfire side-eyed her stallion cheekily.
"Well..." Soarin sat back as if something did in fact come to mind.
"Hey!"
"Joking Sunshine!"
Spitfire tackled the light blue colt and the pair tussled around playfully on the bed together.
After their moments fun subsided, Spitfire relaxed on her side and Soarin mirrored her movement. She admired the young stallion who filled her whole world and enjoyed the feeling his wandering eyes brought her.
"Eyes up here," Spitfire cautioned as his gaze sank lower.
Instead, the cornflower blue colt smirked while his eyes roamed around her lower body. She licked his snout and he jerked back. Spitfire smiled brightly at her companion. "Like what you see?"
"Of course. I can't see any baby bump either and I have no other idea what else could have made you ask me if you looked fat." Soarin gave his mare a quick peck on her cheek. "I still think you look beautiful."
"Well." Spitfire paused, "We are getting married tomorrow and I wondered uh-"
"It's going to be fine Spitty. We fly up, we exchange a primary feather and have a big famliy feast. Then we bang. Again."
Spitfire could tell from the grin on his face exactly how appealing the last two parts of the day were to him. "You make it sound so easy. What are you going to do, carry me off someplace secret to have your way with me after the foods all gone?"
"Something like that," the confident reply put silly smiles on both pegasi's muzzles. "I may have a plan in mind. And since it's the school holidays, no pony is gonna miss us if we disappear for a day."
"I thought we were leaving the travel till the honeymoon, when I start to show?"
"We are. I simply have ...ideas." Soarin smiled slyly as he ran his hoof slowly up his lover's side.
The yellow side quivered under the touch of the light blue hoof, "then I look forward to seeing this surprise of yours. Anyway, time for our morning flight. I want to race you to Ponyville and back."
"How about to Ponyville, Canterlot then back?"
"You're on." The bright yellow pegasus rose and stretched. She left the room to quickly prepare breakfast for them both.
Spitfire grabbed an apple each then placed them on the table. She turned to source something extra when a noise drew her attention to the front door. Was that... the doorbell?
Somepony was visiting them?
Spitfire hastened to find out as a second and third ring chimed out. She opened the door to reveal-
"Dad?"
"Hi. Errr-"
"What do you want?" Spitfire bristled. She relaxed a bit at the touch of a blue wing as it settled over her.
"Yea. Are you lost?" Soarin seconded his wingmate.
Tempest Wind glanced between two. "That's some welcome I see."
"You trashed my wingmate." Spitfire's reply came sharp as steel.
"And hurt your own daughter. What are you doing here?" Soarin added.
"Yes, yes. I don't wish to argue with you both." Tempest took a deep breath, "look, I'm sorry. I lost my temper and I should not have so. What you both did is wrong, but since we are here are you willing to forgive me? Could you please give your old stallion another chance?"
Silence. One uncertain stallion stood in front of two surprised young pegasi.
As the shock faded from Spitfire, she threw herself at her father and gave him a big hug. After a moment's stiffness, she felt him hug back and a warmth that she had not felt in weeks spilt back into her system. She squeezed her eyes shut against the happy tears that threatened to spill out.
Soarin's maw hung loose for a moment before his mind caught back up with his body and he snapped it shut.
"You too."
"What?" Soarin asked, totally unsure as to what the older stallion meant.
"Come on, join in. I want to hug both my children." The older stallion extended a wing in invitation.
With trepidation Soarin sidled up alongside his lover. A dark orange hoof reached out and pulled the light blue pegasus in.
After a moment's hugging, Tempest Wind pulled back and smiled at his two youngsters.
Spitfire spoke up, "look, I don't know if I can forgive you for beating my Soarin up like that. But Dad, I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. That day you walked in on Soarin and I. You know, the one where he asked if it was alright to marry me?"
Tempest Wind's smile fell and he nodded, "yes, I remember."
"Well-" Spitfire began.
"That's when my Sunshine broke the news that she was pregnant." Soarin took over. "And all I knew was that I could not get rid of our foal. We were prepared to live with what we did, but didn't know how to tell you. So... we planned to hide it all and give our filly-"
"Colt."
Soarin quirked an eyebrow at his lover, "-foal to like, an orphanage or something. You could never have killed Spitfire when your wife was carrying her could you?"
Tempest Wind narrowed his eyes at the younger stallion. "Of course not. What are you suggesting?"
"Well, I could not kill something we created either. Nothing can change that." The blue colt's gaze drifted to his love and he affectionately ruffed her mane with his wing, "nothing can change how much I love Spitfire."
The dark orange stallion's gaze took on a far off look. After several moments in thought, with both youngsters in suspense he sighed. "Alright. I think I understand what you are getting at. I will continue to keep your pregnancy a secret and I will support this union. But I expect you both to continue to provide for each other without my help. Although I guess I will cover your house when you leave to hide the last few months of your pregnancy."
"Okay, thank you dad," Spitfire replied
"If there's nothing new you two wish to surprise me with, I have one last request before I leave."
"And that is?" A hint of challenge entered Soarin's tone.
Tempest looked his daughter in the eyes, "it is tradition for the mare to not see her colt on the eve of their wedding. I know you have not saved yourself till after the feather exchange but will you at least allow your parents one last night before we hand you over for good?"
Spitfire met her fathers gaze with her own hardened stare, "I'll think about it."
"But that's tonight."
"So I'll give it some thought and if you see me at the door, you'll know the answer. If you see me in the morning when it's time you'll also know your answer."
Tempest sighed, "alright. Just make that decision before dinner. Your mother misses having you at the dinner table."
"Okay. Goodbye dad." Spitfire reached up and hugged her father then withdrew to her colt's side once more.
Dark orange wings spread wide as the stallion turned then took off into the early morning skies.
"You could have just said yes you know." Soarin turned to his lover.
"I know. But after what he did to you I don't know if I want to go back there yet."
"Alright." Soarin lent in and gave his very special pony a tight hug.
The CMC burst out of school to find Big Macintosh, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash outside awaiting them.
"Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy!" Scootaloo rushed into Fluttershy's open hooves and hugged the lanky pegasus.
Rainbow Dash join in the quick hug. "Hey Squirt, how's your day been?"
"Great! We had lots of fun at lunchtime and classes were pretty good too."
"Cool. Want to head home now or are do you want to have some more fun with your friends?"
"We were thinking of going to the clubhouse," Scootaloo answered.
"What happens if we have a sleepover at Fluttershy's place after? You know, since it's Scootaloo's new home." Apple Bloom put forth, her gaze came to rest on her brother, seeking his approval.
The large red stallion shrugged, "okay."
"I don't see why not." Fluttershy conceded.
"Yay!"
"I'll quickly ask my sister if its okay. I'll see you two at the club house soon." Sweetie Belle took off toward her sister's shop.
As the other two cutie mark crusaders rushed off, Big Mac headed into the school house. After watching the farm pony for a moment, the two pegasi turned and began their trek to Twilight's new castle. Dash turned to her fillyfriend.
"Should we tell them tonight?"
The shy mare receded slightly, "oh, I don't know."
"Come on 'Shy. Don't you think they are gonna wonder why I'm sleeping in your bed with you?" a big cheeky grin covered the speedster's muzzle and she nudged her companion playfully.
Fluttershy flushed slightly, "oh. True. I guess it might be a good idea to let them know we are a couple, providing they don't tell anypony else quite yet."
"I'm sure it will be fine, the girls were all supportive of us when they found out we were gonna adopt Scootaloo."
"Applejack didn't seem all that impressed."
"Yea." Dash nodded thoughtfully. "I don't think she's all that keen on half the group being into girls."
"True." Fluttershy agreed.
"Hey Twilight." Dash greeted as the couple entered the library to the new castle. "What a shock to find you in here."
The speedster's sarcasm was not lost on the princess who shot her a look, "hey, this new library has a lot of new books that need ordering."
Dash smirked. As she was about to shoot a reply back at the princess, her fillyfriend beat her to it.
"We were hoping to borrow a few books on parenting? The only one I've read so far hasn't been all that helpful."
"Oh?" Twilight perked up at this, "is Scootaloo being quite a hooffull?"
"Well, it's not that," Dash replied.
"I just want us to be more prepared for the continued care of Scootaloo." Fluttershy added, "it's amazing the difference a filly makes to our lives, even after just a few days."
"I think that's delightful, I think I shelved a few books that might help yesterday," Twilight beamed as her horn lit and she wandered off searching the rows of books.
Fluttershy made to follow but was captured by a blue wing and snogged.
The light yellow pegasus withdrew giggling softly, "Dashie, what was that for?"
A blue muzzle pressed against the soft yellow ear, "because no pony is watching."
"Ah ha, I think I've found something!" The excited voice of Twilight rang out across the library.
"Coming!" Fluttershy broke out of her lover's hold and hurried to find where their friend had gone.
Rainbow Dash huffed then flew up, above the rows of books. She quickly spotted the princess and swooped down to meet her. Much to her pride, only a few pages were ruffled in the process of landing swiftly.
"No flying in the library," Twilight chastised.
Dash rolled her eyes, why make things boring?
Fluttershy walked up beside the duo, "what did you find?"
"Well we have-" Twilight was cut off by a surprise teleport as somepony appeared on her right side.
Dark blue hooves wrapped around her barrel and a blush darkened her already purple cheeks.
"What has my Star found to read?" Luna nuzzled in close.
Rainbow Dash was felled by laughter.
Fluttershy's smile almost split her face in two at how cute the two princesses before her looked.
The one unsmothered purple wing rose from surprise and sudden enjoyment. "I- two books on parenting for Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Not me."
"Parenting?" Luna realised that she had an audience and promptly broke off her hold on the smaller alicorn. "Did you test out that spell on them?"
"What? No. It's not ready yet." Twilight balanced, almost dropping both books in the process.
"We adopted Scootaloo to be our cool adoptive daughter," Dash spoke up. "Fluttershy decided we could use some help because it's a lot of hard work to raise a filly right."
"What spell did you think Twilight used on us?" Fluttershy asked quietly.
"Do not worry about the spell. It is a work in progress designed to help couples conceive their own foal when nature would not normally permit it."
Still slightly flushed, Twilight offered the two books out to Fluttershy in her magic, "I know I can trust you with these, just bring them back whenever you are finished with them."
"Thank you, Twilight," the yellow pegasus accepted the offering. "Come on Rainbow Dash, I'm sure Twilight and Luna would like some alone time."
"Let me know when that spell is ready, it sounds like fun," the speedster smirked knowingly at the two alicorns, then trotted after her mare.
The late day sun fell on a lone cottage near the Everfree forest. This home had a rather large cloud hovering overhead with a light blue pegasus napping on it. Inside the cottage, a yellow pegasus prepared a meal in expectation of the arrival of guests and family.
On the cloud, Rainbow Dash got up and stretched. After a satisfying nap on her cloud, she figured it was time to invade her fillyfriend's peace and liven things up. She leapt into the air and looped around a few times till she veered off and landed on the doorstep of her still rather new home.
She let herself in and wandered over to the couch. She sat facing the kitchen, with a perfect view of her mare while she worked.
"Moving from one napping spot to another?"
"Na. I'm enjoying the view," Dash smirked.
That got the yellow pony's attention. With a slight blush on her cheeks, the lanky pegasus approached her lover and gave her a quick kiss.
"Come on 'Shy, you can do better than that."
"That was only a quick one, silly, I"ll give you more kisses after the girls have all gone to bed."
"But we're alone now." The cheeky speedster made herself extra comfortable and held out a hoof invitingly. "Come on, I'm sure the dinner won't get burned if you spend five minutes with me."
Against her better judgment, Fluttershy laid another kiss upon her lover's cheek. She slipped into her fillyfriend's wonderful warm embrace then went in for a deeper kiss. She smiled into the kiss at the feeling of her lover's wings as they closed around her. It was perfect, it was-
"What the-!?" The shrill voice of Sweetie Belle shattered the moment like a glass exploding into a million pieces.
The yellow mare on top shot up. Both pegasi sported blushes, highly embarrassed at getting caught by the three fillies who stood on the front door step in shock.
"What is going on here?" Sweetie Belle gawped.
Applebloom could only gape while Scootaloo stood there with her wings up in surprise at discovering her caregivers in the middle of such an act.
"Well, uh..." Dash began, she gulped at the feeling of her partner hiding behind locks of pink. "Well... Fluttershy and I are together. Romanticly. Yea."
"Lock the door next time or something, you two are worse than my sister and Spike." Sweetie Belle grimaced at the mental images.
"Girls." Scootaloo at last her voice, "this is my new home. These are my two moms."
"Really?" Applebloom asked incredulously.
"No way!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
"Yep, her honorary sister has become her mom," Dash grinned, her cheeks still flushed.
"Well, I for one think it's rather cute," the young unicorn said as her legs, at last, remembered to function and she strode up to the two still entwined on the couch. "But please, a warning next time."
"Sure thing," Dash shot back.
"Dinner isn't quite yet ready," Fluttershy spoke up, eager to steer the conversation away from her relationship. "What would you girls like to do."
"Find out how you two got together." Sweetie Belle grinned up the adults.
The speedster sighed, "Fluttershy asked me out soon after we kicked Tirek's butt. Before that, I had no idea she liked me. Okay?"
"Okay." Sweetie continued to grin. "What about you Fluttershy? How long have you liked Rainbow Dash?"
"A long time..." Fluttershy trailed off as her mind drifted back to earlier days.
Sweetie Belle, "Awwww."
Scootaloo shook her head, "sometimes you can be a little bit too much like your sister. Ya know?"
"Am not."
"Am too!"
"Am not!"
"Girls!" Fluttershy quieted the heard, "if you don't mind, please give Rainbow and I some space to finish preparing dinner for you."
"Yea. Go upstairs or outside and play, it won't be long," Dash prompted.
"Alright, call us when it's ready." Applebloom turned and rushed out the door, the other two hot on her tail.
Dash flopped back down upon the couch, "well... now they know."
Fluttershy giggled and flushed slightly, "true. Now about our little um-"
"Kissing session?" The blue pegasus smirked up at her lover.
"Well, I think dinner will be okay for another minute."
"Fluttershy, I like the way you think."
Yellow met blue as the couple once again locked lips while hooves and wings shifted to more intimately grasp each other.
In the fading light, one young mare touched down in front of her parents home. She paused at the door, was this really a good idea? Her mind drifted back to the conversation with her wingmate just before her departure.
"Are you sure you will be alright?" Spitfire asked her light blue colt.
"Yea." Soarin sighed, "look... since you're now going to your parents' house, I think I'll go to mine and see if my parents will let me in for a night too. I think my two cousins and my auntie and uncle are visiting too, so I'll have some company, don't you worry."
The light yellow mare nodded, "alright. Sounds like a plan then. See you tomorrow?"
"I'll see you tomorrow, Sunshine, my darling. My snuggly, cuddle-buddy." Soarin grinned back at his lover.
"Pie boy," Spitfire smirked as she stepped up to her colt and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm going to miss this big cuddly beast."
"Oh, I'm a cuddly beast?"
A yellow hoof prodded a slightly less than lean blue barrel, "feels to me like some of that pie missed its chance to become muscle."
"Ouch, rough."
"Thought you enjoyed rough," Spitfire ruffled her colt's mane playfully.
"I don't know what you could possibly be talking about there, Spitty."
"Oh, you know," the bright yellow mare leant in with a cheeky look. "That thing that you're totally gonna miss tonight."
"Yea," Soarin did his best attempt at a sad pouty sigh, "I'm gonna miss our cuddles... playing with your wings in bed... our morning cuddles. You know... the good stuff."
"Right." Spitfire's expression broke her companion's fake sadness.
Both young pegasi grinned at each other.
"It's been a fun three weeks living with you Sunshine, I can't wait for more," Soarin confessed.
Spitfire felt tingles inside, it was wonderful to feel wanted and truly loved. She also felt less keen on leaving now.
Neither pegasus moved.
Another beat of silence.
"Spitty, the sun is getting lower. Soon your dad is gonna think you're not coming." The cornflower blue colt tentatively broke the silence.
Spitfire impaled her companion and the two landed on the soft cloud floor of their entrance room. She hugged her colt tightly and nuzzled under his chest, unwilling to let go. She smiled to herself as she felt wings and hooves wrap around her. "Sunshine, it's gonna be alright. I'll see you tomorrow morning for our ceremony."
"I know." She continued to hold on tightly to the young stallion who lay on his back.
"But?" Soarin prompted.
"These last few weeks together."
"What about them?" A nuzzle followed the blue pegasus's words as he attempted to raise her muzzle to look into his eyes.
"I'm not sure I want to go back to my parents' place. You're my home now."
Her confession left him grinning like a mad-colt while his insides fluttered. "Same here filly. It's just for one night though. Then we can have all the cuddles and stuff that we want after that."
Spitfire choked on emotion as she laughed lightly, her nose bopped her companion's as she, at last, came eye to eye with him. "You mean all the cuddles I want and all the sex you want."
"Hey, I enjoy cuddles too. And I'm sure I never heard you complain about our bedroom fun."
Rather than reply, Spitfire lowered herself once again. She nuzzled under his chin and lay upon her strong young stud. She could feel his excitement building but knew he was right, it was getting late and she really had to go if she was to make it in time for dinner at her parents' place. The sunny yellow pegasus rose, "You better be there when I fly up tomorrow."
"I would not miss it for anything." Soarin gave her a great big silly grin.
Spitfire rose and forced herself out the door.
Spitfire soared over the high point in central Cloudsdale on her way to her parent's place. She paused to watch two young fillies who looked around eleven or twelve, blue with a rainbow mane and yellow with pink as they played on a cloud. She smiled to herself, that tower had been made for young pegasi. It was good to see it in use. The two currently playing there reminded her of two certain ponies when they were young. It had been a lot of fun playing with Soarin up there. Look at them now, about to get married. She chuckled to herself. Maybe if the blue one was a boy the two friends below would get married too when they grew up, just like her and Soarin.
'Come on. That's just silly,' Spitfire chided herself. It wasn't like they were a young couple destined to be married. Not like her and Soarin. The number of times their friends had made jokes about the two of them getting married when they were younger...
Good times...
The blue filly spotted her and waved. Spitfire grinned and waved back.
She knew she should really be at her father's place already. Just get it over with, yet she found it easier to loop around, pull off a few random tricks before she made a flashy landing in front of the duo.
Spitfire put on her best smile, "hello you two."
The yellow pegasus hid behind her blue companion and Spitfire couldn't help but chuckle, "It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you."
"It's okay, she's just shy." The blue filly spoke up as she rubbed her companion's back to calm her.
"But... stranger." The yellow one spoke so softly, Spitfire almost wondered if she imagined the words.
"Hey, she seems cool." The rainbow maned filly turned to her companion and with a careful nuzzle, brought the shy pegasus around to face the young adult. "What brings a grown up to our tower of cool?"
"Well," Spitfire smiled as she sat down to better reach the duo's level. "I'm on my way to my parents' house to spend one last night there."
"One last night? Why?" The blue filly scrunched up her muzzle in confusion.
Having spontaneously made the decision that these two were completely innocent and were unlikely to tell anypony else, Spitfire did something that was sure to draw out the time until she had to arrive at her parents place even more. She opened her mouth and began to speak, "because I'm getting married tomorrow."
"You are?" The tiny voice of the yellow one spoke up in wonder. "I think you will make such a beautiful bride."
As soon as Spitfire's gaze landed on the yellow filly, she withdrew as best she could behind the blue wing and pink mane. "Thank you." Spitfire sighed, "sadly not everypony thinks that."
"Why not?" The bolder filly asked.
"Well-" was she really going to do this? "my wingmate and I made a mistake and our families did not take it well."
"Well your families sound uncool. Say... you know, you have very good flying technique. Are you planning to join the Wonderbolts or something?" The blue filly asked excitedly.
"I am yes." Spitfire smiled appreciatively at the blue filly.
"Cool! They're like... the most awesome ponies ever!" The blue filly leapt into the air with excitement and did a little loop then landed precisely on the cloud next to her friend again. "I want to be one when I grow up too."
"Sounds good kid. Maybe I'll be your commanding officer one day."
"Or maybe I'll be yours." The bold blue one challenged back.
"Wouldn't that be a sight. I'll be a Wonderbolt before you, you know."
"So," rainbow mane swished as the youngster stood on her hind hooves and declared;
"I'm going to be the fastest pegasus alive!"
Her companion giggled softly from her side and Spitfire couldn't help but smile too. "It takes more than speed to make it into the Wonderbolts you know. In the advanced flight course I'm doing you also need to know how it all works in theory."
"But why," the young filly asked. "Can't you just do it?"
That drew a short laugh out of Spitfire. "Kid, once you know how it works, you can work out what you can or can't do without breaking bones. You can also draft up new moves on paper then take it outside and put it into practice faster."
The young mare laughed a bit at the incredulous look the younger wannabe Wonderbolt shot her. "I think I should be off though."
"Why?"
"To spend one last night at my parents' place."
"Oh right, uncool stuff."
"That's right squirt." Spitfire smirked at the outspoken youngster then flew off.
Spitfire's mind drifted back to the present and she sighed. Enough time wasting. It was either now, or she may as well fly back to her wingmate. She slowly raised a hoof and knocked on the door. Almost immediately the solid cloud door swung open to reveal a rather surprised orange stallion.
"You actually came home."
"Yes, dad." The young mare replied as she stepped inside and closed the door.
Spitfire found herself wrapped in a tight hug that was soon joined by her mother.
"Thank you for coming home, dear."
With the late day sun at his back, Soarin touched down in front of his parents home. He glanced around to make sure no pony paid him any heed before he rapped on the front door.
"Go away Tempest, I'm done talking with you today!"
The young stallion blanched at the anger in his father's voice, "Tempest? What's he done?"
"Soarin?" Tyson's confused voice rang out.
Moments later the door was wrenched open to reveal a dark blue stallion with a very ruffled light red mane. "What are you doing here son?"
"Well, Spitfire decided to spend her last night before our wedding with her parents as per tradition and so that we don't see each other before the ceremony. And... yea," Soarin trailed off.
Tyson quirked an eyebrow, "really now?"
"Well, yea. Why did you think I was Tempest?"
"Nevermind that son. Come in, it's almost dinner and your mother will love to see you." Tyson turned to face the kitchen, "Honey, our son has come for dinner!"
"Oh! Well, I better set two more places," the delighted tone of Dawnrush replied.
"No honey, just Soarin!" light red mane swished from side to side as Tyson shook his head. "Come in son."
Soarin was quick to accept his father's invitation and the two strode through the hallway to the dining room.
A light green mare appeared in the doorway blocking the two stallion's path. "Alright. What happened?"
"What do you mean?" Soarin wondered.
"What's wrong? Did you do something? Why didn't Spitfire want to come too?"
Soarin blinked slowly, unsure as to why his mother would ask such things. "Uh. Nothing's wrong mom."
"Then where is Spitfire?" Dawnrush stepped toward her son, concerned.
The light blue colt glanced between his parents. "Why would something be wrong?"
"Because she's always with you," Dawnrush pointed out.
"Well yea, when we come for dinner," Soarin fidgeted. "But we don't spend every waking hour together. That would be a bit weird."
Tyson snorted a laugh down, "I'm sorry, we just thought you two were joined at the hip."
Soarin rolled his eyes, "what's for dinner mom?"
"Something I'm sure you'll enjoy," the light green mare replied. She continued to block her sons way to the table. "But first, where's Spitfire? Are you both okay?"
"Yes, mom. She just went to her parents' place, you know... cause we are getting married tomorrow and she wants to see me on the day and all." Soarin replied, eager to see the conversation over with.
Both parents shared a look. A rich sky blue mane bobbed as the matriarch returned to the kitchen. The way his dad followed her left Soarin sure his parents had just shared some kind of communication and come to some sort of agreement. Whatever it was, he had no idea. But if his father did not want to talk about Tempest, there was sure to be nothing he could do to get his dad to talk.
Tomorrow was sure to be quite a day. |
Our Daughter | CH9: The Beginning of Forever (10 Weeks Pregnant) | "Soarin, Soarin! Wake up!"
The young stallion felt himself thrust into the waking world by his two younger cousins. Red and green hooves withdrew from their contact with his side as he rolled over to face the troublesome pre-teen duo.
"Can't a colt get a few last minutes sleep around here?"
The duo shook their heads, grins upon their faces as they did so.
The cornflower blue colt sighed, "alright. Shoo, I'll be down in a minute."
The pair remained in place. The red filly with a bright yellow mane giggled into her hoof. Her brother fidgeted with his sky blue mane, "s-some pony looked like he was trying to cuddle his pillow. Do you miss your little sunshine that much?"
"Hey," Soarin sat up, a scowl etched its way along his face, "nopony calls Spitfire that, except me."
"Aww, big cuzzie misses his snuggle-buddy!" Cooed the filly.
"Orion and Fire Lilly. Leave your cousin alone," instructed a rather strict sounding mare. Moments later the door pushed open to reveal a slate grey mare with a light blue mane. "Come on."
"Awwwww!" the youngsters bemoaned as they dutifully left the room.
"Thank you, aunty Obsidia." Soarin flopped onto his back and gazed up at his aunt.
"You're most welcome. I hope you're more excited than they are by what is going to happen today," the grey mare smiled down at the relaxed colt.
"Yea, just let my mind finish kicking into gear, then I'll be good to go."
"Missing your morning cuddles?" Obsidia smiled keenly down at her nephew.
"Uh..." Soarin flushed slightly.
Soarin's aunt laughed softly, "hun, it's normal to enjoy such contact with your special somepony once the two of you settle down. No need to be embarrassed, it's one of the high points of my day when I get to cuddle with my husband."
"Oh, good to know." Soarin smiled appreciatively as he rose into a seated position on his bed.
"Now, I know one of the reasons you are probably getting married this young is because you two are made for each other. Also, eager for sex. Am I right?" Obsidia smiled knowingly. "But believe me, as great as it feels, nothing beats the sweetness and bliss of cuddles. Just watch out. I'm sure you both would appreciate getting into the Wonderbolts before having children."
"Errr... Thanks." Silently, he did agree with his aunt. Soarin hid his burning muzzle in shame by giving it a light scratch, trying to at least keep something of a smile there to hide his feelings.
"Too much?" Obsidia asked.
Soarin nodded, embarrassed for reasons he hoped his auntie never would have to discover.
Obsidia took a step backward, "alright, but you know, my sister loves having you two around. I do hope you continue to visit regularly once you and your lovely young mare are married."
"Of course we will keep coming round, mom has been making the most amazing meals for us. It's like she's trying to lure us home with food," a light laugh escaped the youngster.
"That is exactly what she is doing," the grey mare nodded knowingly in agreement.
"Oh. Well, then I would hate to disappoint mum then."
The older pegasus laughed softly, "anyway, don't miss your mare too much. Or you won't be in time to the ceremony and will really miss her. Your mother is making us all a nice breakfast before we head out for the final preparations."
"Okay, thank you." Soarin slid out of bed as his aunt left the room.
As he hurried to the bathroom, Soarin buzzed with excitement. Today was the day! Before noon he would be a married colt and Spitfire would be his, forever!
Soarin's aunt led her two children and her husband out of the dining room. Soarin heard the front door open and close. He turned to his parents who remained seated in front of him. "What's going on? Shouldn't we join them?"
"In a minute, son." Dawnrush soothed her son.
"We have something to present to you before you fully accept Spitfire as your bride."
"Okay?" Nerves sparked up inside the young stallion. What could his parents possibly have for him now? It would be good, right?
"Son," Tyson paused for a moment as he took his son and wife by their forehooves and brought them all together. "We are not rich like Spitfire's parents, but we thought long and hard and we have decided to gift you both three hundred bits."
"Three hundred-" Soarin's maw fell loose.
That was a lot of money for a young colt. Certainly, more than he would make in all his time at the bakery before their extended honeymoon.
"We know your job at the bakery does not pay all that well," Dawnrush softly spoke up. "As your parents, this is our wedding gift to you. Hopefully, it will help secure your futures financially so that you both can focus on making your dreams come true. We both know how much it means for you both to become Wonderbolts and I personally know how hard it is to carry a foal for almost a year."
"Thank you," Soarin squeezed his parents' forehooves. Did they save all that money for Spitfire and him? Lightheadedness began to take over and he tightened his hold. It was unbelievable! With a slight shake from the elation, the colt leant forward and pulled his parents into a winged hug. It was awkward, hugging with the dinner table in the way, but right then and there Soarin wasn't sure if his legs would hold him properly if he tried to get up to thank them properly.
Yellow hooves reached out for the warmth that should be there up came up empty.
No Soarin?!?
The young mare sat bolt upright in bed. She fought with the heavy weight of sleep only to realise it was her old bedroom.
...She was in her parents home.
No Soarin.
Dam.
'Why did I even bother coming back?' Spitfire sighed. Morning cuddles with her colt would have been nice about now. She peeked out the window and noticed how high the sun was in the sky. That must mean her parents were up getting ready. Why had her mother not woken her up earlier?
Her mind drifted from her family to her colt. He most likely would be on his way to the big cloud for their wedding. She would see him soon. Her tummy bubbled with excitement. At least, that's all Spitfire hoped it was. 'Come on, behave yourself today.' She slowly rubbed her tummy, slowly, carefully. Round and round her hoof went. Calm down, come on. This had become her colt's job, tending to her when she had a rough morning. She smiled to herself, it was like the two of them had become attached at the hip or something. While she wasn't some helpless filly, it did feel nicer when Soarin did things like this for her.
The speedster rapidly grew tired of tending to her nervous tummy and stretched. Time to hurry this up, she had a wingmate to see.
Soarin and his family touched down on an extra large, flat cloud that floated near the unicorn ranges. It had been a good flight from Cloudsdale and the young stallion was thankful of the distance from home. No pony could accidentally come across their union without being invited. At least, that was the plan. It was great to see that Tempest Wind had made them an excellent cloud with a slight fluffy rise on one side for the couple to stand and plenty of room for the few family and friends who were invited.
His gaze turned in the direction of Clousdale. Even from a distance, Soarin could imagine his Spitfire preparing to make the trip. He tingled with excitement, it was almost time!
Stormy Flare touched down on the extra large cloud that floated near the unicorn ranges. It was satisfying to see many of the ponies from her family on one side with Soarin's smaller group of family on the other. Their children's few friends sat in the second row back with her son-in-law's family. It was good, everypony looked like they were here.
"My daughter is on her way, expect her within the next minute or two."
An old purple-grey pegasus with a mane grey from age and sharp green eyes walked from the front row of Soarin's side to the front and sat, center stage. "Alright Soarin, please rise." She pointed to a spot on her right, in front of the young stallion's family.
Soarin did as he was instructed by his grandmother. Once up front he sat and turned his attention to the skies in the direction of Clousdale. After a few moments, he spotted two dots on the horizon. The young stallion grinned, there she was! As the dots began to grow the colt could hardly contain himself. He rocked back and forth on his hooves, his wings itching to propel him up and away to meet his beloved. Time seemed to crawl past as Soarin waited and waited for the dots to grow. Slowly, painfully they gradually became ponies.
Although there were two dots, one orange and one yellow, Soarin only had eyes for the beautiful yellow pegasus who was to become his wife. Her hoof band sparkled in celestia's sunlight as she flew. Her mane trailed neatly in a fiery wake that made Soarin want to be right there beside her.
The beaufiful young mare alighted on the cloud to many wows and awww's. She had her coat groomed to perfection and even the flight here had not put a single feather out of place. Her father held himself proudly at her side. He too looked rather dapper for an older stallion.
But Soarin had only eyes for one.
The young pegasus who took his breath away. As she began to walk slowly down the isle between the two families, Soarin realised his jaw was loose and snapped his mouth closed.
Spitfire smirked back at her soon to be husband. It made her feel good that he liked what he saw. She felt what she hoped were just nerves swirl around inside. 'Yes, yes little one. Please let mommy get married to daddy without making me lose my breakfast.'
All too soon Spitfire found herself at the front. She gave her father a hug then withdrew. She once again faced Soarin and felt her father lift up her right hoof.
The grinning young stallion accepted the offering and nodded solemnly to the older pegasus who then walked off to his place beside his wife. Soarin guided Spitfire into place beside him, facing forward toward his grandma.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together on this day in front of family and friends to witness the union of two lovely young souls as they are joined for eternity. Although marriage is a big step for anypony, these two have assured me that despite their young age this is exactly what they want: To spend the rest of their lives together. They wish to become Wonderbolt's side by side. Although they had recently moved in together, I am made glad by their desire to marry before they take any other major steps in their relationship."
Spitfire's father coughed rather obnoxiously and muttered something that sounded rather rude under his breath.
Gale Force shot Tempest Wind a hard look. "You know, it's also a rarity that a grandmother is given the opportunity to marry one of her grandfoals. I for one would like to enjoy this day."
Soarin smirked to himself.
"Alright. Now, before you both go exchanging primary feathers, I ask that you recite your chosen vows to one another. Make it loud and clear dears, I'm sure some in the audience are deafer than I."
After a moment's silence followed by a encouraging nudge from his wingmare, Soarin realised it was his turn to speak. "I Soarin ...take you spitfire to be my wife." The young stallion took a deep nervous breath as the full weight of what he was doing settled on his shoulders and his left eye began to leak. "To fly with you through the good days and the stormy days. I will do my best to provide and care for you and I will love you forever."
A light cheer went up and many ponies stomped their hooves on the soft cloud.
Spitfire's insides fluttered at the sound of her colt's voice. The utter assurance that came from him believing every word he said. Now it was her turn.
"I Spitfire take you pieboy-" She smirked at the shock that covered his muzzle. "I mean Soarin... to be my husband. I will fly with you through the storms of life, and be with you in the good days and bad. I will do my best to care for you and will love you forever." Spitfire itched to nuzzle her companion, but stayed where she was knowing that their moment was soon to come.
Soarin wasn't quite as patient. He snuck in and gave his lover a quick nuzzle and his wings fluttered as she reciprocated.
All the pegasi present stomped the cloud in support for the young couple.
Vows finished and mind buzzing, Soarin withdrew and turned to eye his parents. His mother was wiping her eyes on his father's coat while his dad's jaw slightly quivered with barely contained emotion. The stallion nodded fondly at his son. The young colt's heart soared.
Spitfire cast her eyes at her own parents and spotted her mother with a delighted smile upon her muzzle. Her father was less easy to read. Rather than attempt to figure him out, she returned her attention up front.
Gale spoke up once more, "I can see you both are eager for your first kiss. But first, your primary feather exchange."
Soarin nodded.
"Before I continue, please, Spitfire remove your hoof band."
The young mare did as she was bidden and handed the band Soarin had given her over to their martricarh. The old mare carefully accepted the ornate object and eyed it for a moment. "This band, typically handed down from parents to son and then to the mare he wishes to wed signifies not only his wish to take her as his wife, but is also a sign of purity."
Tempest Wind coughed rather loudly.
Gale shot him an irate look. "Do you have something in your throat, or do you wish to say something?"
"Purity?" The stallion scoffed back. "Do you know what that idiot grandson of yours did to my filly?"
Sptfire's insides turned to ice. No way! Her father was not about to say what she dreaded he was?!
Soarin shot the now clearly angry stallion a pleading look.
Gale Force glanced between the couple up front with confusion. "What is he talking about?"
Many other ponies in the audience were also sharing confused looks and murmuring softly.
Tempest Wind's gaze drilled into Soarin. "Because of this young colt, my filly is pregnant. It's because Spitfire is pregnant that they are getting married so soon and I have been very disappointed with them both ever since I had the news broken to me by Dawnrush and Tyson who discovered their little secret by accident. If they had their way, they would have continued to hide their little accident from us all before they run off to birth the little bastard. Tyson even refused to give his son their family hoof band. He is a disgrace!"
The collective audience turned from the angry stallion to Soarin's parents. Tyson shot the speaker a hard look as he stood. "Why you flankhole!" the dark blue stallion's wings powered as he crossed the aisle and landed in front of his old friend. The two fathers lightly butted heads as they glared at one another.
Spitfire wished she could crawl into some cloud far away with Soarin and hide. Her father was destroying her wedding day!
"How could you do that!" Tyson demanded as he shoved Tempest Wind.
"I'm not the problem here, Tyson. Your son is!" The deep orange stallion scoffed as he pushed against the blue pegasus in his face.
"Shut up Tempest! My son has taken serious steps to fix this problem."
"Oh you're not so different to me, come on," Tempest Wind scoffed. "You didn't give Soarin your family hoof band."
"Yes, I did!" With each word, Tyson shoved a forehoof into his old friend's chest. "We aren't all-"
"Be quiet younglings! Spitfire, Soarin, is this true?" Gale Force's wings shot to full extension and her voice boomed out over the tense atmosphere.
"Y-yes." Spitfire shrank under the stern gaze of the mare who had almost finished marrying them. "I am pregnant with Soarin's foal."
Several gasps erupted from pegasi present.
Soarin hunkered fearfully under his grandmother's gaze as she turned sternly to him. He shook slightly as she held him there. "Tell me truthfully young colt. Does this change anything?"
"N-no."
"Show some backbone boy. I don't believe you."
Despite the fear of his grandmother, the young stallion forced himself to stand tall. "No. It does not change anything. I want to marry Spitfire. Today."
"If Spitfire were still pure and without your foal, you would marry her today and not wait?"
"Absolutely!" Soarin forced his quaking body to stand up strong. "I love Spitfire and think she is the most amazing mare in Equestria. Nothing will change that."
"Right." Gale nodded slowly, her gaze shifting carefully between the couple. "What will you both do about this foal?"
Spitfire stiffed her resolve as she felt all eyes fall on her. She did her best to ignore the heavy gaze of the audience and focus just upon her lover and their matriarch. "We intend to give our foal away once he or she is born. We created this life. I will not end it before it has had a chance, but we are not in a position to start a family yet. So..." The young mare sighed, "Soarin and I have agreed to find a suitable place for our foal to grow up and that is where we will take them as soon as the time comes."
"That sounds like a bold plan." Gale sighed. "While I wish- I wish you had waited and I'm sure you're aware of this fact-" she shot Tempest Wind a hard look. "I am glad you chose to get married. Your union has lighted up my life and I feel only happiness for you both. Please ignore anypony who tells you otherwise. I still think you're both amazing."
"Thank you," the young couple did a slight bow to their elder, amazed by her kindness.
Several pegasi muttered to one another. As the murmuring grew in volume, the mare in charge of the proceedings loudly cleared her throat.
Silence fell. Gale shifted as she eyed the guests then returned her focus to the uncomfortable couple up front. "For the record, I too got married young. Although other specifics were ...different it does not change the fact that my husband and I are proof that young marriages can stand the test of time. Now. If we may continue..."
A few more moments passed. When no pony made a noise the greying mare fluffed her feathers, rather pleased with herself. "Now... where was I?"
"I had ...removed my hoofband." Spitfire tentatively offered.
"Ah yes..." the old mare smiled as she brightened up. Gale held up the hoofband. "As you have removed your engagement band, I bid you both, pluck out a primary feather and place it in your lover's mane behind an ear. Soarin, you first."
The young couple did as they were bidden. Soarin carefully tugged free a large strong blue feather. He reached over and lightly placed it in his lover's mane. The colt withdrew with a giant grin. The light blue stood out in stark contrast to the fiery colours of the mare who wore it. His mind buzzed with hyper levels of joy, for Spitfire was officially his wife. She now bore his feather in her mane. She was his. She really was his.
...Breathe...
Spitfire quickly yanked out one of her bright golden primaries and eagerly placed it in the mane of her grinning lover. Her colt, her wingmate... Her husband.
The fiery young mare stepped back to admire her handiwork and the bright yellow feather that stuck out from the dark blue mane like a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. It almost felt like her little one inside was doing tiny flips of joy. Or maybe it was just her. Spitfire was brought back down to Equs by the sound of their matriarch's voice.
"Now that you bear each other's feather, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now share a hug or a kiss."
With a slight flare of her wings, Spitfire went in for the kiss. Strong blue forelegs wrapped around her neck as Soarin hugged her and they shared their first kiss as a newly married couple.
Cheers rang out and Spitfire withdrew. Oh yea, there was like... forty ponies watching them pash. She flushed lightly as her husband continued to wrap her in a winged hug.
"This mare, is now mine. Yes!" Soarin proudly declared with a sweep of his hoof.
"Ya big doofus," Spitfire chucked and lightly shoulder barged her new spouse. "I guess I should then introduce everypony to my husband, piebrain."
Several ponies chucked.
Soarin huffed.
The young firey mare smirked at her husband and gave him a quick nuzzle. He immediately perked up as if nothing was ever wrong. Spitfire's heart soared at the sight.
With a thankful nod to their celebrant, the newly-wed couple headed toward Spitfire's parents. They paused and with a flourish of their wings they bowed.
Tempest Wind stood, unfurled his powerful wings and lightly touched the couple on the head with one wingtip each. "I trust that you will take care of my daughter in the manner of which she is accustomed. My assistance to you both financially ends here."
"Of course," Soarin replied as the feathers lifted from his head and he rose.
"And to you, father." Spitfire murmured, glad that he was at least civil for this part of the ceremony. She turned to her mother, "thanks for all your help." Spitfire lent in for a hug and after nestling in close whispered the last part of her message; "you know, I don't know how you put up with that pig."
Spitfire's mother smiled at her daughter as the fiery youngster withdrew. "I wish you both luck."
With everypony watching, the couple made their way over to Soarin's parents and they bowed slightly as his father rose. Rich blue wings stretched out and lightly brushed against his two treasured young ponies. He smiled warmly at them with a tear in his eye and shot a look at his wife who nodded back.
"You both are welcome at our house anytime. And unlike somepony... We do wish to see our grandfoal when he or she is born."
Still covered by his father's feathers, Soarin shot his wife questing look. She nodded back and together they rose to face smiling stallion before them. "That sounds like a great idea dad."
Spitfire nodded, "you can be our last stop before we find our daughter-"
"Son." Soarin was quick to interject.
Spitfire playfully nudged her lover, "daughter a home."
"Thank you," Soarin's mother spoke up as she wiped tears from her eyes. "That would mean so much to us both."
As the couple turned to march off down the middle of the gathered ponies, Soarin was sure he caught Tempest Wind roll his eyes. What is up with him?
Many ponies gave their congratulations and asked about their foal as they both wandered down past everypony. Soarin's head spun with all the words and mostly happy faces. It was really happening! He was about to take off and fly for the first time with his wife!
The couple reached the end of the cloud and Spitfire brought her husband to a stop. She pulled him back with a hard tug. The overwhelmed colt had almost prematurely fallen off the edge. "Are you okay?"
"Yea... I- yea, better than okay..." Soarin trailed off as he lightly squeezed his mare with his wing that he had draped over her barrel. "This just kinda feels surreal... I mean... we are actually about to fly together... first time with you as my wife. It's- it's cool. Its-"
"Well let's not keep them waiting." Spitfire playfully nudged her companion back and slipped out from under his wing.
"Hurry up slow pokes!" Fleetfoot cried out. "If your this slow at the auditions the Wonderbolts will get bored!"
The couple shared a look and smiled at each other.
Soarin decided to poke the hornet's nest and called back; "my Spitfire is more radiant than the sun. Of course she's going to get noticed." The cocky young stallion leapt into the air then nosedived off the cloud in a tight corkscrew. He pulled off and flew away from the cloud. His wife was right on his tail, close enough that she could bite it.
The duo pulled off a series of tight loops as they climbed higher and higher till they broke off from one another and sped as fast as they could in ever increasing circles, closing in on the large cloud their friends and family shared below.
The two blurs of speed met in the middle and with a massive gust of wind they span up higher then dived down toward the cloud together. As they fell within a few hooves of their audience they once again broke off. Most of the pegasi ducked in shock at such close contact with the young areal aces. As though they were of one mind, the young couple slowly circled back around till they met above the higher section of the cloud where they were wed. Blue touched yellow as their forehooves met with a soft click. With their forms upright and their hind legs loosely hanging, the newlyweds began to slowly circle almost as though to some kind of slow waltz.
With their wing beats in sync, they slipped their forehooves closer till Spitfire was resting hers on his strong shoulders and he slipped his hooves ever so slightly around her barrel. Their wingtips almost touched as they danced around above their family below.
With a nudge of her nose, Spitfire tucked her feather more securely into her husband's mane then gave him a quick peck on the cheek. She felt butterflies in her tummy as he grinned back like a lovestruck fool.
It was only each other there in the sky. Slowly circling slowly down till their back hooves touched soft cloud. The cheering of their family and friends drew the pair out of their own little bubble and they smiled to one another as they withdrew and settled down to stand normally.
"A lovely first flight for our young couple," Gale Force congratulated.
Another round of applause followed.
Most of the ponies present took this moment to come forth and congratulate the couple. Though all the hoof shaking and smiling, Spitfire found herself practically glued to her husband's side throughout.
The time passed in a flash of activity and all too soon, it was time to fly off for the feast. Lunchtime.
As Spitfire was about to take off Soarin sidled up beside her, "oh wife of mine. Heh, so cool. You're my wife! She's my wife! Yea!" The grinning stallion paused as he was poked in the ribs by his companion.
"Yes?" The fiery yellow pegasus side eyed her husband as other pegasi took flight.
"Righ. Uh- can I... carry you?"
"What?"
"Well you know... I think it would look cool. Plus, you can snuggle up while I fly us..."
As her expression failed to change, Soarin sighed. "Nevermind." He leapt into the sky.
Spitfire checked out his well-toned flank as he gained altitude and pondered to herself if it would be better to fly alongside him, where they could do tricks and race one another ...or to be carried by him?
'Too late.' With a beat of her powerful yellow wings, Spitfire took off after her husband.
"And this is where we are having our lunchtime feast." Soarin proudly announced as he landed outside his favourite venue in Cloudsdale. The Pie in the Sky. The bakery had a 'closed' sign over the front, but the door was open. There were a few tables set up outside on the clouds along with several seats. He grinned as many of his family members appeared pleased by his decision.
"Hey, Soarin!" A deep red stallion with a light purple mare at his side came out to greet the newlyweds. "How's married life treating you?"
"Pretty good so far," Soarin pulled his wife in for a quick hug.
As many pegasi began to filter into the establishment to take a look at the food, Tempest Wind turned to the newly married couple. "I honestly thought you were joking when you said this place would provide the family feast."
"And I told you, we can do it," the red stallion was quick to respond. "Don't worry, go see the food and enjoy." He turned to the young bride and groom, "it was actually rather fun cooking a whole lot of other food like this."
"You did get the full pie order too?" Soarin asked hopefully.
"Yes, we both know how much you and your folks like our pie," the purple mare replied with a laugh.
Soarin tried to leap inside but was held back by Spitfire. "Let the others go first. I don't need you taking all the pie and eating till you pass out."
"Hey, I would never do that!" Soarin shot back.
"Oh yes you totally would," Obsidia was quick to chime in. "I remember when you were little when you would come over for a visit."
Spitfire smirked. "Remember that time in Ponyville too?"
"That was the single best pie I've ever eaten."
"Yea, you also almost passed out from a food coma."
Soarin grinned at his wife. "At least I have somepony awesome and strong to carry me if I ever do it again."
Tyson laughed loudly as he passed the couple with a plate filled with veggies and a pie. "I think the stallion is supposed to carry his bride, not the other way around son."
"Yea, pie boy."
Soarin rolled his eyes then hastily joined the line of pegasi who were waiting to grab their food from the layout inside. The queue progressed quickly and the lucky young stallion soon found himself in front of trays of delicious food. Pies, chips and smaller savoury pastries lay before the conquering stallion. He ignored the stuff like the salads. Those were not stallion fuel! His tummy rumbled eagerly. "Time for the conquering stallion to claim his reward. Ooooh, where have you been, lovely?"
The biggest pie on the food table found itself under the watchful gaze of the mighty destroyer of pies! Soarin grinned as he slowly picked up the well-chrispened apple pie and licked his lips. He gleefully cast a look at his wife who rolled her eyes and added some greens to his plate. He poked his tongue out at her. She batted him playfully with a wing and added more healthy food to his plate. With a scowl he added more baked goods then flew off to his table, plate held carefully in his forehooves.
Spitfire shook her head but couldn't help but grin as she chose a variety of rather more healthy looking foods for herself.
"Still like what you're getting yourself in for?" One of Soarin's aunties asked Spitfire as the older mare grabbed a pie.
"Wouldn't have him any other way," Spitfire grinned back.
"Good. Don't expect him to grow up. My husband sure hasn't."
A small laugh escaped Spitfire, "thanks."
The fiery pegasus followed her spouse to the head table outside. On Spitfire's side, Fleetfoot and High winds sat. To Soarin's left, his father and mother chilled out. The two stallions eyed their pies, shot each other a grin then dug in as though it was a race. Their respective wives couldn't help but smile at the silly activities. Dawnrush lay a wing across her stallions back and lightly tickled him. Tyson sat up rigidly, accidentally spraying a few pieces of pie crust. Spitfire placed a wing over her own lover.
"Don'f eben try it," Soarin shot his missus a warning look.
"What? This?" The bright yellow pegasus cheekily tickled her lover as she ran her wing down his back.
Soarin chomped down on his mouthful of pie as he sat up and tried not to laugh. He nudged his wife who simply winked at him and ran her wing back up, then down once more. With a big gulp, the young blue pegasus playfully fought his mare off. "Nooo- Sunshine, don't be mean to your new husband."
Spitfire laughed as her husband sprayed a few flakes of pie crust at her. As he collapsed against her in a fight of giggles, she allowed her aggressive tickles to turn into a light embrace.
A few "awww...' went up from their guests and the newlyweds blushed lightly.
Fleetfoot carefully placed a wing on High Wind's shoulders. The greyish-white mare shot her companion a look, "don't you try that too."
"Reminds me of when we were freshly married," Tyson commented. He playfully nudged his son who sheepishly smiled back.
"Yea?" Tempest Wind spoke up. "Because your ticklish like a foal or because you got her pregnant so she had to marry you."
"Oh shut up Tempest Wind," Tyson shot back. "You've done enough damage already."
"Me?"
Spitfire groaned and face planted into her plate.
Apparently unaware of his own daughter's reaction to his outburst, Tempest Wind continued; "it's your colt who did the damage."
"Oh, and you've been so helpful..." Tyson replied sourly.
"I've been more help to them than you have." Tempest Wind stood from his place at the table in front of his daughter. "I bought them a house, I even helped with their marriage registration to help keep this abomination a secret and not bring more dishonour to this family.."
"Dishonour, really?" Dawnrush rose. "Have you stopped to consider your own daughter? Or are you still only concerned about your own image around the high and mighty?"
"Yea." Fleetfoot tentatively spoke up. "Our friend Soarin is a wonderful friend and coltfriend to Spitfire. I'm sure he will be an excellent husband."
"Here, here!" One of Soarin's uncles shouted in agreement.
Several other pegasi joined in with supportive cries.
Obsidia turned to face Tempest from the table she sat at. Her gaze was almost enough to set fire to the cloud he sat on. "Well, I can see why your wife stopped after one."
"What?" Tempest turned to face Obsidia.
The grey mare fluffed her light blue mane then placed her foreleg proudly around her husband's shoulders. "This stud and I have three children. He's so good to me in every way and makes sure to treat his mare and her family proper. But I can see why your wife stopped at one and let you do your important work at the rainbow factory."
Several ponies gasped while others stifled laughter. Attention swapped between the stern slate grey mare and the rather annoyed stallion.
"If it weren't for my job, we would not have many of the luxuries it affords. Isn't that right dear?"
Stormy Flare sighed. "Just sit down... you're embarrassing me and even worse, look at our daughter."
Tempest Wind shot his daughter a glance and faltered.
The bright yellow pegasus was hidden under a light blue wing. The young stallion offering her shelter was glaring at the older, burned orange pegasus.
"Get it in your thick head Tempest. We. That's Spitfire and I- made a mistake. It happened. We are here. Either be happy for us, or please leave."
"Come on dear, we're leaving." Tempest tugged at his wife as he stood, wings ready to take off.
Stormy Flare sighed once more as she resisted her husband. "No dear. I would rather be here, with both our children. After all... like it or not, Soarin is our son now. He has done all but one of the steps to marry our Spitfire perfectly."
"Fine. I'm out of here..."
"Good, get lost you featherbrain and leave us in peace!" Obsidia shook a forehoof at the departing pegasus.
"I'm sorry," High Winds softly spoke up. "I didn't know your dad was such a flankhole."
"Neither did I..." Spitfire replied as she, at last, emerged from her husband's comforting wing.
Two newlyweds touched down in Ponyville side by side. Spitfire took a moment to fix up the feather in her husband's mane and smiled as she realised he was checking her out. She grinned at him then trotted ahead a few paces and wigged her flank slightly. Spitfire turned slightly, enjoying the slight blush that adorned his muzzle. He hastened to catch up and placed a wing across her withers.
"So much for being discreet?"
The young stallion scoffed. "We just finished our wedding. I want to proudly show everpony my awesome wife."
The bright yellow pegasus glanced around. No pony took special notice of the couple.
"Long as we are down here, I guess it's alright."
Fleetfoot touched down beside High Winds and waved at the newlyweds. "Hi guys, mind if we join in for a quiet party of our own?"
"Sure. Can't be any worse than the reception my dad flew out on." Spitfire shrugged.
"Yea, we were gonna hit the local pub then find a cloud to snuggle on." Soarin grinned.
"Riiiight, sure you are," Fleetfoot waggled her eyebrows as she grinned back.
"Got someplace in mind? Or do should we just wander around town for a bit?" High Winds softly asked, eager to steer the conversation away from her friend's father.
"Yea, the Hay and Clover serve an amazing pie as well as good drinks," Soarin offered confidently.
Spitfire shook her head with a laugh, "you don't need anymore food Soarin."
"But pie!"
"What did I say?" Spitfire shot her husband a cautioning look.
"Colts," Fleetfoot scoffed.
"I know, right?" High Winds agreed with a snigger as she bumped her fillyfriend.
Soarin pocked his tongue out at the fillies then strode off.
With a wing-propelled leap, Spitfire landed at her husband's side and nudged him playfully. "Don't worry, I might still let you have some pie when its time for dinner."
Soarin huffed, "I thought you loved me Sunshine."
"I do. That's why I might let you have some pie for dinner. If you're a good boy."
"She's a real slavedriver that one," Fleetfoot grinned at Soarin. "I can see who is gonna be the captain both at home and out there in the sky."
"Yea, yea..." Soarin mumbled.
Sometime later in the Hay and Clover, the atmosphere was buzzing, the drinks were flowing and many ponies were having fun drinking with friends. Two young couples relaxed together at a corner table away from most of the hub hub. These young pegasi looked too young to be drinking hard alcohol but did have a mug of regular cider each to enjoy.
"Cheers to the newlywed couple, two of my bestest best friends!" Fleetfoot cheered as she raised her tankard.
It was met with a clink and a hearty reply before the quad took a draught from their ciders.
"So," Spitfire settled back against her husband as she placed her tankard on the table. "When are you two gonna take the next step?"
High Winds flushed and shot her fillyfriend a nervous glance.
Fleetfoot laughed. "Unlike somepoies we haven't been dating since kindergarten. But if I'm lucky, High Winds will stick with me, like you stick with Soarin."
High Winds nodded, "personally I don't care for getting married myself. But still think you both are lucky, settling down so soon and all."
Soarin grinned as he stuffed his face with pie. "Yep, I'm one lucky colt!" He threw a wing around his wife and hugged her tighter. The young pegasus planted a kiss on the smiling yellow face of his lover.
Spitfire playfully shoved Soarin off and whipped the pie crust off her muzzle. "Now that your a married stallion, I'm going to need to teach you how to eat without making a mess everywhere."
"I'm a colt Spit. I'm allowed to make a mess."
"You're all grown up now, you should act like it." Spitfire pressed a forehoof into the light blue chest to further bring her point across.
"And I am."
"No, you're not."
"Yes, I am. Look... it's a guys thing, okay?" Soarin pulled off his best appealing gaze as he checked out his wife.
"What, to not grow up?" Fleetfoot interjected.
"No," Soarin shot the two giggling fillies across the table a look. "You wouldn't understand."
"I understand you. That's why I happily married you." Spitfire smirked as she prodded her colt in the ribs.
"And bucked him too right?" Fleetfoot leaned forward with a cheeky smile. "Yea... Now she takes over from your mom. Poor girl has her work cut out for her."
"What do you mean?" Soarin shot the grinning filly a cautious look. "I'm easy... I'm not a lot of work."
Spitfire fought back a giggle. "Nevermind them Sorin. They don't know how wonderful it is to have a stallion." She embraced him slowly and nuzzled up good and close. "...Even if you are a lot of work."
"Yea... Hey!"
The last of Celestia's sun lit the sky with its brilliant sunset rays. One patch of cloud high above Ponyville's farmlands glowed golden. It was here our newlywed couple lay cuddled up on a cloud together. They faced the town below with smiles of contentment.
"Thanks for an awesome day Soarin. It feels good to be your wife."
"Yea, it's pretty cool to be able to say... this-" he tightened his hold on his wife's barrel and his grin increased. "Is my wife. She's mine. All mine. No pony else can touch. Or peep. And... I get exclusive shagging rights!" Soarin shot his lover a cheeky wink.
Spitfire briskly raised her forehoof almost as if to smite him. Soarin quickly shrank back. After a few moments, Spitfire's hard gaze broke and she rolled over dragging her husband into a playful tussle. The couple rolled around laughing on the cloud, nuzzling, hugging, kissing and throwing in the occasional cheeky prod or two.
The joyful noises eventually subsided, replaced with faint birdsong.
Spitfire softly nuzzled her husband, "thanks cheeky. You're right. It does feel pretty good."
The pair turned their attention back to the setting sun and the town below. They shared a cuddle as they enjoyed the sights and only moved once the sun had set fully.
"Well..." Spitfire rose and stretched. "Are you ready for some action?"
Soarin grinned as he checked out his mare, "I sure am. How about that final step in our marriage?"
"You mean the one we accidentally did first?"
"Yep."
Spitfire slowly sat back on her haunches. Her gaze fell to her tummy while her right forehoof rose to tenderly probe the spot. "The reason I'm carrying your foal?"
At her quiet words, the young stallion gave a reproachful pause. "Well... yea." He rose and placed his light blue forehoof beside the sunny yellow one. Together they rested where they imagined their new family member to be. "But I'm glad we are where we are, despite our mistake, you know? Our... daughter-"
Spitfire grinned and waited for her husband to continue.
"-Is still gonna be born into a loving family, even if we can't be the ones who raise her... or him."
The bright yellow pegasus playfully shoved her husband onto the cloud. "Definitely a she."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I just know. I'm her mother after all." The sunny young mare leant down and snuggled up close. She nuzzled up to her husband's ear where she softly whispered; "I'm all yours."
Two blue wings extended in anticipation as the young stallion grinned back.
Blissfully alone under the new moonlight, husband and wife came together as one. |
Our Daughter | CH10: Growing Bundle of Joy (10 weeks pregnant) | "Good morning ...oh wife of mine..." Soarin grinned as he stretched.
"Woah..." The sunny pegasus scrunched up her muzzle. "Watch where you aim that morning breath, husband." At the final word Spitfire couldn't help but smile herself.
"Not even married for a day and already telling me what to do?"
"Pie boy, I've been telling you what to do since we were foals..."
"Okay, so maybe you have. But that we're married there's gotta be some perks for me, right?"
Spitfire stretched and unleashed a giant yawn. "Well, the stallion is supposed to be head of the family. But I dunno... I feel like you're my support, not my head."
Soarin flexed his wings, enjoying the sight of his wife (heh, wife) as she continued to stretch. "But what if, being the husband grants me more brainy things and puts me in charge?"
"Then you better put those new brains to use rather than waste them thinking about your next meal and flying."
The young stallion scoffed, "of course I can do that. Just you watch, I'll show you." He struck what he thought was a cool pose.
Laughter erupted and quickly felled the yellow pegasus, "oh my sides!"
Soarin pouted. "Okay, I wasn't being serious but you don't have to rub it in."
With several rapid deep breaths Spitfire relaxed. "I'm sorry, but you just looked so funny like that."
"I had hoped for handsome."
"I think you look cute," Spitfire offered cheekily.
"Really helpful Sunshine."
"Does my little cutie-wootie want another cuddle before we fly home?" Spitfire asked as she made a silly baby face.
Soarin did his best pout, "no."
Spitfire did a double take then smiled slyly, "what? Afraid you'll melt under my affection? You always like your morning cuddles..."
"No, I mean... ugh. I meant no to flying home right after cuddles. How about we have our cuddle then go get breakfast in Ponyville. We have one day left for the weekend and I figure yea... Breakfast?"
"But I thought we were tight on money."
"We are... but my boss slipped me a little extra yesterday and my parents gave us three hundred bits to help too."
The young mare wasn't sure if she heard the last part right. "Wait... three hundred? As in bits?"
"Yea. My dad was all like, take it, we've been saving and want you to-" A yellow hoof silenced the blue colt.
"Cuddles, bath, then we go find someplace nice to eat." Spitfire drew her lover in close, "I just gotta make sure this husband is the same pony he was before we married."
"Oh yea?" Soarin grinned as he playfully swiped his wife's hooves from under her. They landed sideways onto the soft cloud and rolled around for a few moments giggling and play fighting before they came to rest in each other's hooves.
"You're lucky it's a big cloud," Spitfire noted quietly as her gaze trailed off the edge. They were so close to falling off their manes hung half off the side of the cloud. "Some idiot nearly made us fall off our cloud."
Soarin scoffed, "dunno who that might be. He sounds terrible. You better cuddle up with me for safety." Blue wings encased the precious yellow mare and Soarin wriggled them further toward the center of the cloud once more.
Spitfire grinned to herself. Yep, it felt wonderful to be married to her pie-boy.
"Hey, Scootaloo!"
Just down the road from the Ponyville schoolhouse, the CMC turned to greet the grey colt as he hurried out the school gate to catch up to them.
"Hi, Rumble." The orange pegasus filly replied.
"Ready for your lessons?"
A cheeky grin sprouted across Sweetie Belle's muzzle.
"You mean you wanna try help me fly today?"
"Well, yea... unless you have something else planned with your friends." Rumble nervously replied.
"Nope, she doesn't," Sweetie Belle was quick to reply.
"Great!"
Two young pegasi came to a stop at the top of one of the hills in the farmland. Behind them lay the Apple family farm. In front, the hill sloped off steeply into a green field that continued on for some way till it disappeared into more hills and the Everfree forest. The orange pegasus at Rumble's side shot him an inquisitive look.
"This is where my brother took me when I learned how to fly."
"You mean he didn't just throw you off a cloud and expect you to fly?" Scootaloo asked incredulously.
"What, no way!" Rumble shot his companion a cautious look, "wait... Did Rainbow Dash do that to you?"
"Nope," Scootaloo grinned cheekily. "I just thought it might be funny if that's how your brother taught you to fly."
Rumble shook his head, a slight grin upon his lips. "You have some crazy ideas Scootaloo, I see why Rainbow Dash likes you so much. She must be awesome to have as a sister figure."
"Yea..." Scootaloo wondered for a moment if she should tell her friend there was more to it now? But were they close enough to share such things? Hardly anypony knew Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were even together.
"Hey... uh..." Scootaloo sat upon the soft grass and gazed up at the skies above. "Can I tell you a secret?"
"Sure? What's up?" Rumble sat attentively by her side, gazing hopefully at the pretty young filly.
"Y-you promise you won't tell anypony? It's kinda a secret."
"I promise."
The filly cast her companion a quick guarded look.
"I Pinkie promise," Rumble added as he did the motions taught by the party master herself.
Scootaloo returned her gaze to the skies and after a few quiet moments she spoke up; "what if I told you Rainbow Dash is now my foster mom?"
A grin ripped across the colt's muzzle, "then I would tell you that sounds super cool!"
"Really?" The orange filly turned her gaze to Rumble in surprise.
"Yea, it sure is!" Rumble nodded so fast, one could almost imagine his head flying off.
Scootaloo giggled at the display. "Well, she and Fluttershy and now officially my moms."
"That's even cooler! Wait, you mean two friends can look after you like that? What if Rainbow Dash or fluttershy get a coltfriend?" The youngster cocked his head to the side.
Scootaloo scuffed the ground with a hoof, she may as well break the news to him now...
"Well... uh, you see... that's kinda not really a problem."
"Why? What do you mean?"
Was this guy really that innocent and naive? Scootaloo suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. "I mean... they are kinda... together. They just don't want everypony to know yet, but they still want to look after me as if I was their own."
"Oh..." A light blush covered the colt's muzzle, "sorry, I didn't realise they were together like Lyra and Bon Bon are..."
Scootaloo giggled softly, "yea. I didn't even know Rainbow Dash knew what romance was."
"Tell me about it..." Rumble joined in the laughter.
The pair fell into silence. It slowly turned awkward as neither knew how to continue the conversation properly.
"So..." Rumble fluttered his wings and cleared his throat. "Wanna try and fly? That is kinda why I bought you out here."
Scootaloo brightened up, "yep!"
"Cool. Alright... Uh... watch me first, then we will try together."
"Okay."
With that, the young colt stood, stretched confidently and strutted a few paces forward. "Wings out." His small wings extended. "Then you can either do a running take off, or a hovering start." With a light buzzing, he began to hover a few hooves up off the ground.
"Cool. But how?" Scootaloo stood as her companion landed with a thoughtful expression upon his muzzle. "I flap my wings a whole heap when I'm on my scooter. The best I seem to do is boost my jumps."
"Okay," Rumble replied thoughtfully. He approached his fellow pegasus and eyed her wings. A slight blush covered his muzzle when he caught Scootloo watching him inquisitively. He coughed awkwardly, "uh... yea. So your wings look okay to me. Just try to take off into a hover, like I did! Like this!" His wings fluttered to life and he gently lifted off the hillside.
Scootloo grinned at his ease and began to frantically flap her own wings. Faster and faster they flapped, frantic for something, anything! She lifted onto her back hooves, straining to help herself take off somehow. Her hind feet finally began to lift off but suddenly she crashed down onto the hilltop. With heavy panting, the filly rose onto her forehooves. "Can't do it..."
A thoughtful scowl etched itself across the young colt's muzzle. "Yes, you can." He landed and carefully approached. "Was that you standing on your hind legs there or your wings?"
"I think that was just me, standing taller trying to sorta take off or something... yea," Scootloo admitted bashfully.
"Hey," Rumble tenderly reached out and lifted the orange muzzle in front of him so they could once again meet eyes. "I know you can do it. In fact, I'm sure you even hovered a little before your wings gave out."
"Okay."
A grey hoof rose then hesitated. "Uh... you uh, don't mind me touching your wings and stuff do you?"
"Uh, no."
"Cool." With his grey muzzle colouring, Rumble carefully ran his right hoof along the orange feathers. 'What am I looking for...?' His hoof lingered at her tips as his mind wandered off.
A soft clearing of somefilly's throat brought the colt back down to Equestria and his muzzle heated up even more. "Sorry about that. I was just wondering..."
"What? Do you think you know what's wrong with me?"
"Wrong with you?" Rumble scoffed. "No way, there's nothing at all wrong with your wings. Although your feathers could maybe do with a bit more attention."
"Yea... I know. Kinda hard to do that some days at the orphanage."
"Mmmmm..." The thoughtful colt moved from her left wing to her right and once again began examining every inch.
Scootaloo began to itch as the light grey hoof felt around her feathers and she fought back a giggle as tingly sensations ran down her wing, hitting her spine in pleasurable bursts.
With a drawn-out sigh Rumble sat back, his attention riveted upon the wing he had relinquished. "I don't know. Your wings are like, totally perfect, besides needing a preen. Give me a flap."
The filly briskly worked her wings.
"A slower flap. Like... super slow."
Unsure of what he was trying to achieve, Scootaloo nonetheless obeyed with a very slow motion of her wings.
Rumble cocked his head to the side. "Again."
Feeling like a beast on display, Scootaloo worked her wings.
"A bit faster?"
Orange wings beat faster and faster till a grey hoof rose to indicate stop.
"I think that maybe, just maaaaybe you could work on your coordination. It feels just a feather off."
"Oh? You can tell?"
"Flap both wings exactly at the same time," Rumble instructed his gaze intense upon his companion's feathers.
Two orange wings rose then fell.
Rumble scrunched up his muzzle in thought, "I think your left wing is slightly slower on the down beat."
"What am I supposed to do?"
"Well," Rumble positioned himself by his companion's side and rose his wings to sit level. "I don't know if there's any proper training, there probably is- I'll-I'll check it out for you! But for now, how about we try a few things?"
"I'm ok with trying," Scootaloo confirmed, ready and waiting.
"Copy me." Grey wings sprung out then settled out horizontal from his sides, as though ready for a glide.
Orange wings brushed against grey feathers as Scootaloo rose to stand and copy him.
With a slightly flushed muzzle, Rumble took a step away to separate their wings. He coughed softly, "er, sorry about that."
"I-it's fine!" Scootaloo blurted back. "Let's just give this a go."
"Right! Of course." Rumble faced the steep side of the hill. "We are gonna run and jump then see how far we can glide. Just keep your wings out and level. Try not to flap them or do anything fancy. Okay?"
"Yea, sure." Scootaloo nodded, awaiting her companion's next move.
The pair fell into silence as they waited.
Waited.
"Uh... Rumble? You okay?"
"Of course, I'm just waiting for a bigger gust."
"Oh, right."
"It's fine," Rumble did his best to smile encouragingly.
Scootaloo was sure she felt his eyes linger longer than necessary but by the time she returned her gaze to him he snapped forward as though caught with his hoof in the cookie jar.
"Alright, I think this should be okay." The young colt took one step back then rushed off the edge of the hill. With his wings outstretched, he caught the gust and was blown higher.
Scootaloo rushed to copy and fought against the feeling inside that told her to flap her wings. As the gust caught her she fought to keep her wings level. She noticed her companion banking slightly and carefully angled her wings too. A grin erupted across her muzzle as another light breeze caught them both and carried them further out across the field. "I'm flying!"
"Yea, sorta!" Rumble shouted back.
As the wind lessened Scootloo tried to compensate with a light flap. She dipped lower then fell into the soft grass with an 'oof!'
Rumble neatly landed nearby then rushed over to help the filly up. "I think you did pretty good for our first try."
"Yea, I don't think I've ever flown that far before!" Scootaloo responded excitedly. "That was super cool!"
"Just wait till we figure out how to get your wings to keep in time, then I'm sure we'll have you flying like Rainbow Dash in no time." Rumble sauntered over and offered a hoof.
Scootaloo accepted the offering and stood with gusto. All the exciting energy led to her bumping muzzles with the good looking young colt. She hastily withdrew, blushed lightly. "Sorry."
"It's fine!" Rumble replied a little too fast. "Let's just kinda, try that again?"
"Of course." Scootaloo hurried on ahead, back up to the top of the hill they had been standing on.
With Celestia's fading sun lighting up the world in golden hues, two young pegasi touched down in front of Fluttershy's cottage.
"So, this is your new home then?" Rumble mused aloud.
Scootaloo nodded eagerly, "yea. Isn't it cool!?"
"Yea. Guess I should be going now though."
"Yea..."
The young grey colt turned and began trotting down the path.
"Hey, Rumble!"
The colt in question turned, Scootaloo grinned back. "Thanks, I had fun today."
"Yea, so did I," Rumble responded, then flicked out his wings.
The sound of the cottages front door opening drew both youngsters attention. "Hello, Scootaloo. And Rumble too! Would you like to come in?" Fluttershy offered.
"Uh... no thanks. I gotta get home to my brother."
"Okay, be safe and thank you for returning Scootaloo home," Fluttershy replied softly.
"It was no problem. Seya Scoots!" With that, the youngster took off.
"Scoots?" Dash chuckled as she emerged by her fillyfriend's side.
Scootaloo flushed red.
A sly grin crept across Dash's face. "Never heard anypony call you that."
"Neither did I, okay?"
"Somepony found an admirer?" Dash's grin grew wider.
Scootaloo hurried up and gave her mothers a hug. "Just pretend you didn't hear him call me that okay?"
"I think it's sweet." Fluttershy cooed as she drew her two in for a warm hug. "Just be sensible and don't rush into anything."
"Yea, yea. It's not like I like him that way anyway." Scootaloo hurried inside and plonked herself on the comfy chair in the corner.
"Fluttershy thought you might like him," Dash remarked and was quick to be poked in the ribs by a yellow foreleg. "It's nothing to be ashamed of kiddo, it's just life and stuff. Anyway, how was flying with Rumble?"
At the mention of flying, Scootaloo brightened up. "Awesome! N-not that your flying isn't super cool or anything, it's just different being taught by somepony my own age."
"Hey, I get it. I kinda taught Fluttershy here." Dash dragged her fillyfriend over to the couch and relaxed, side by side.
"Really?" Scootaloo perked up.
Fluttershy nodded, "she was the only pony who refused to give up on me. My parents knew I was a late bloomer, like you. But Dash kept insisting I could fly. She made us do all kinds of things until I started to fly. It was rather sweet." A yellow wing pulled the blue mare in for a light hug.
Scootaloo did her best gag at the sight of her mothers being sappy. Yet she also felt encouraged, that somepony her own age who she got along well with and who miiiiight like-like her was teaching her to fly. If it worked for Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, hopefully, it would work for her. "Thanks, I think that makes me feel better."
"And if you ever need some extra help or advice you know where to look, right?" Dash offered.
"Of course. I think I wanna try a few more times with Rumble first."
"Alright. Well, dinner is almost ready. Please set the table while I finish."
"Okay." Scootaloo hurried off to do as she was told while her new parents did their thing.
In a small cloud house in Clousdale, two pegasi, now nearly two months wed were soon to settle down to a nice dinner together. It was going to be romantic and sweet. Just them two...
"Do I smell burning?" Soarin popped his head into the kitchen of their small cloud house.
"I got this!" Spitfire yelled back as she frantically dropped the carrot onto the salad on the bench and threw open the oven door. The telltale smell of burning food intensified as a small wisp of smoke escaped.
"Uhh... you sure?" Soarin cautiously entered the room.
"I got this, now shove off," Spitfire growled as she pulled their overly crispy veggie pizza out of the oven. A small cloud of smoke followed blackened pizza's progress.
Soarin cringed. It was ...edible. He had burned worse and eaten it of course. It was sweet that his wife was trying so hard. But she maybe wasn't the best cook. Not that it stopped her trying nor could he could say it to her face, especially when she was like this.
Spitfire scowled, "the salad is fine, don't give me that face."
"The pizza looks okay too..." Soarin cautiously replied.
"No, it's not," Spitfire growled then shoved the overly crispy pizza into the bin.
The young stallion half leapt forward then caught himself. "Nooo pizza...."
"Get over it." Spitfire huffed as she turned away.
Soarin stepped forward and gently reached out. He pulled his wife in for a hug. He licked her cheek then allowed her to burrow into the blue safety of his chin. After a few moments of cuddling, she began to relax. "It's okay Spitty. I would have eaten that."
"But it's burned... Me- I can't feed you that." Spitfire squeezed her eyes shut as she fought back a torrent of tears that suddenly threatened to break loose.
Soarin felt a wet patch on his neck and realized his wife was crying. Why did mares have to get so emotional when they were pregnant? ...Well... I did this to her. We chose this... The young stallion set his jaw as he quickly came up with a response. "You know I've done worse and I promised to eat your cooking."
"But I want to cook for you... Properly. Not give you burned offerings like that!" Spitfire withdrew, fire in her tearful eyes.
"So what if we go out to dinner?"
"We can't just keep eating out!" Spitfire exclaimed. "We have a honeymoon to save for! I need to disappear soon and I am getting fatter." A yellow hoof motioned to a now ever so slight baby bump that you could spot if you were looking closely for such a protrusion.
Soarin sighed then stepped forward and placed himself right in front of his wife. She was being silly. If he didn't pay special attention, there was no bump. She wasn't anywhere near fat! "Spitfire. You. Are. Not. Fat. You hear me."
"But I am getting fat! I feel big already!" Yellow wings flared and the blue stallion took a step back from the dangerous looking young mare.
"No your not."
"Yes I am. And it's all thanks to you, stupid colt!"
Fed up with the words coming out of his wife's mouth, Soarin hurried forth and captured her in a hug. He winced as a hoof shoved his tummy.
"Stupid. Stupid. Dumb-"
"Spitfire. Please." Soarin gasped as another hoof impacted with his gut.
"What!?" The fiery young pegasus threw her husband off.
"Calm down. Please stop fighting me."
"Fine. Eat your burned pizza. I'm going to lie down." Spitfire shoved her way past the cornflower blue colt and disappeared from the room.
Soarin sighed. Was it something I said? Or just the pregnancy hormones? Little one... You had better be something... What to do? What can I do? He scratched his head as he looked around the kitchen. He spotted the mostly prepared salad and a thought came to mind. He shot the doorway a careful glance. Yes, Spitfire was certainly gone, but she would still be hungry. Time to experiment and see if it was possible to save the situation.
Spitfire lay curled up on the bed in their small room. Tears wet her cheeks as she let the torrent of emotions consume her. How did she let a pizza burn while making a salad? Was it thinking about their future? Their foal? A yeow hoof beat at the soft bedding. Stupid! Dumb! Idiot! Looser! The light puffy pillow turned to wisps of vapour under the angry young mare's assault. With a cry she rolled over and curled up in a winged ball. She wanted off this crazy ride! Why did Soarin have to go and get me pregnant? It's not fair! That colt is supposed to come and comfort me! What are you even doing? "How could anything be more important than me?"As her hoof once again stuck out at their bed she realised she may have spoken the last line out loud.
Oh, what did it matter? That pie brain probably didn't even hear.
More tears escaped the fiery mare as she rolled around. After a small eternity of letting the overflow run wild, Spitfire felt herself begin to calm down. With a shaky breath she rolled onto her back and began to gently stroke her lower tummy with her forehooves.
"Little one... what are you doing to me?" She chuckled to herself. "This is crazy you know. I'm talking to you and you're not even born yet. Lucky Soarin isn't here. He might think I'm crazy."
"I don't think you're crazy." A soft voice from the doorway spoke up.
The bright yellow pegasus jolted and sat bolt upright. "Soarin!?"
"I think you're beautiful." The young stallion in the doorway bore a kind smile upon his big mug as he stepped closer. "I also think you're smart, driven and amazing. I also think it's cute that our foal is already being spoken to by mom. You might be a bit hot headed sometimes, but you're still amazing."
Spitfire rolled her eyes.
Her husband chuckled to himself as he slid onto the bed. "Seeing what you did to our bed, I'm glad you didn't choose to take it out on me."
The young mare glanced down at her hoofwork and cringed. The once pristine and comfy cloud was littered with holes and their pillow was nowhere to be seen. As regret plunged her heart low into the sea of despair a light blue hoof pulled her chin up to gaze into keen green eyes.
"Looking up here sweetie. I'll fix it later, don't worry."
"You sure?"
"Yep." Soarin pulled his wife in and everything else fell away.
Spitfire relaxed and sighed as she felt herself pulled down on top of her husband who lay on the damaged cloud bed. As long as she closed her eyes, she could pretend that everything was okay. He was here. The strong, constant beating of his heart drew her in and she shifted a little to place her ear on his upper left chest where she could most loudly hear the beating. With each beat her mind let go of the little things she had done. The burned food, the harsh words, the bed... all that fled her mind as the slow powerful beats of her husband's heart filled her.
Soarin lay on his back with his wings relaxed outward from his sides. On top of him lay a peaceful yet tired looking angel that he dared not disturb. He slowly began to stroke the mane of the mare who was listening to his heart. He knew Spitfire enjoyed placing her head on his chest like that to listen to the slow beating of his heart and there was no way he would deny her wish. Yet he did also kinda have something ready downstairs that he hoped would also lift her spirits further. Hopefully.
A few more moments of cuddles wouldn't hurt. He closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation of lifting his Spitty up then down with each breath.
After a while, Soarin cracked open his eyes. "Sunshine?"
Spitfire hummed softly but kept her ear pressed to the light blue chest. Soarin grinned, she looked so cute when she used him for support. It made him feel important... valued. Soarin could feel his insides glow warm and fuzzy. A few more moments maybe?
Bloodshot eyes cracked open as the young mare shifted to look at her husband. "Yes?"
"Uh... I did kinda set something up downstairs if you wanna check it out."
"You finished off dinner?"
"Sorta? I experimented. You know what I'm like."
"You didn't burn the kitchen down did you?"
"I didn't touch anything that requires heating."
"No pies? I'm shocked."
"We could go out for pie." Soarin grinned up at his wife.
Spitfire scoffed. "Not with me looking like this."
"I can help with that." Soarin lent up and licked her cheek, eliciting a small giggle from his lover.
"Oh yes, very helpful."
"See?" Soarin's smile continued to grow.
"I was being sarcastic."
"Awww..." The blue colt pouted.
Spitfire poked her tongue out at her companion. "Now who's being touchy?"
"Who me? Always when we are alone..." Soarin's smile became predatory as he ran a hoof down his wife's side and tickled her cutie mark with a wing.
Spitfire unfurled her own wings to defend herself from the feathered attack. As she towered over her husband on their bed she quickly found her legs knocked out from under her. She landed heavily on the cloud bed on her side and lightly stuck out. Giggles broke out from the couple as they play fought. After a few moments of wiggling their hooves and free wing at each other, they relaxed with big grins.
"Did you notice I could have made you land on me, but I didn't want you to hit your tummy, so made you land sideways on the bed next to me?" Soarin asked, hopeful.
"Now that you mention it, yes."
"Gotta be a good dad and care for my wife and growing baby you know," Soarin extolled proudly.
Spitfire smiled slyly. "Aren't you the hero?"
The smile upon the young stallion's muzzle soured.
"But seriously. Thank you for being considerate of my... condition."
"Anything for my Sunshine. Anyway... dinner?"
"Lead on."
The pair extracted themselves from the bed and Soarin offered his wife a hoof up. She accepted it with a smile and followed him down the stairs.
Soarin was quick to step aside once he made it into the room and grinned expectantly at his lover.
"You-" Spitfire paused in the doorway to their small part dining part living room. "You really made us dinner?"
Indeed it appeared that something of the sort had happened. For in front of the couple, the table for two had been set and the salad sat between the two plates, with added ingredients and colours to what had been a green salad.
The young stallion shot his lover a sheepish look, "well... more sorta finished off what you were doing. Although I like to think my time at the bakery helped."
"I'm still impressed. You never cook."
"Say that once you try it." Soarin challenged as he took his seat. "I just kinda threw stuff in to try bulk up your salad."
"So... what exactly did you put into my salad?"
"Try it."
Spitfire obliged her husband, taking a portion of the food and trying it. "It- it's good. Weird. But good."
The cornflower blue pegasus took one mouthful and scrunched up his face. "Too much bell pepper and too much of that other thing too..."
"Hey, whatever you did, it's working for me," Spitfire replied as she took another mouthful.
"Our little one seems to have weird tastes," Soarin noted.
"She doesn't have weird tastes, I get cravings."
"Right. Isn't that kinda the same thing?"
"No. And just because you got lucky this time making us a weird salad doesn't mean you can try experimenting on me again."
"What if you burn the pizza again?"
Spitfire shot her husband a look. "Mention that again and you'll wear it."
"Yes, boss." Soarin poked his tongue out only to be pelted in the face with loose greens. He caressed his nose, "rough... gotta hit me right in the sniffer there, don't you?"
"That I do. A girls gotta know how to aim. Gotta defend myself."
"In case of what?"
"Cheeky stallions."
"Mmmm... How terrible." Soarin agreed softly as he took another bite of his salad, careful to select bits that looked more palatable.
The conversation fell into a lull as the pair continued to eat in contented quiet.
Then, just as she finished her own meal, Spitfire sighed. "Soarin, is this really a good idea?"
"What?"
"Us going through with... it?"
"Well we're married, aren't we? It's been working out okay so far."
"Yes. But you're a stallion. I'm not far out from starting to show. And I know you and my parents have already noticed something change. I'm changing, my body is changing. Soon I'm gonna get really fat. Then everypony who sees me pregnant will know I'm about to become a teenage mother. You won't get that." The challenging tone to the young mare's voice killed the relaxed tone the couple had shared.
A blue hoof massaged its owner's forehead for a few moments. "Spitty..." A sigh followed then silence for a few moments. "I really don't know what to say to that. I take full responsibility for my part in getting you knocked up. But I love you. I'm your husband and best friend and I'm not gonna just leave you for anything."
"I know. But so few ponies know for certain that we are together. What if they start to gossip? What will that do to my chances of getting into the Wonderbolts, huh?"
"You will knock them dead. Nothing stops you."
"Well, what if something does?" Spitfire challenged. "What if I don't make it into the Wonderbolts because of something silly like being a teenage mother or some medical complication?"
"Pfft- won't happen."
"But what if it does? Soarin, I might be all confident and stuff out there, but I'm also feeling scared. What... what if I don't make it?" Her last words were quiet as she trailed off with her question.
Silence hung over the table until Soarin shifted and made his way over to sit beside his wife.
"You know what I will do if you don't make it?" A blue wing settled on yellow fur.
"What?"
"Well, you are my dream. I'll stick with you, hay, we could even go pick up our foal from the orphanage and raise him or her."
"But the Wonderbolts. Your dream."
"Our dream." Soarin was quick to cut in with his reminder. He followed up with a light kiss to the pretty yellow muzzle.
"Would you really give up your dream to be a Wonderbolt for me?" Spitfire asked as she levelled her gaze at the green eyes that stared back at her.
"Anything for you. We hung out as foals because we both wanted to be awesome Wonderbolts when we grew up. We're nearly there. But if something stops us... I'll pick you over the Wonderbolts even if it means I don't make it."
"What if I asked you to make it big for me?"
"Sure. Although...." A cheeky grin crept onto the light blue muzzle as he trailed off.
Spitfire gave her stallion a cautious look. "Although what?"
"I really can't picture you as a stay at home mom."
"Bonehead." Spitfire chuckled as she lightly nudged him. "Neither can I, Pie Boy. Neither can I..."
The light yellow mare snuggled up closer, nestling in under the strong blue chin of her love. She sighed softly, "I hope I don't have to give up on our dreams because of our mistake."
"Neither do I Spitty." Soarin agreed softly. "But you know what?"
"What?"
"I'll fight for you every step of the way." |
Our Daughter | CH11: Offers of Adventure (four & a half months pregnant) | It was lunch time at Cloudsdale central school. Teenage ponies played in the spacious playground and flight courses, all designed for growing fliers of various skill levels.
One young pegasus was all alone inside the office's hallway. She marched along with a great sense of reservation. Something felt off. And it wasn't morning sickness. The growing sense of dread was something else. She had never been summoned to the headmare's office all by herself. What could it be? Did Mrs. Sweets wish to commend her for her recent scores in the assessments? Maybe it was something to do with the joiner Wonderbots. No... that didn't sound right. The Wonderbolts were not due to visit for another half year. Maybe it was... uh...?
Spitfire found herself in front of the door to her destination. She slowly pushed the cloud door open then entered the headmare's office. The side walls of the dull white room were covered in trophy cases showcasing various exploits of the headmare and her close family. There was a large window on the opposite side of the desk, facing out toward the playground. A white mare with light candy pink tips on her mane and tail sat, perfectly poised by the large window, watching the school beyond. The middle aged pegasus sat rigid as though ready for action should any wrongdoing be spotted from the school playground below.
"Mrs. Sweets, you wanted to speak with me?" Spitfire carefully asked as she took a seat in front of the desk in the middle of the room.
Silence greeted the young mare's question.
Yellow wings itched for action as Spitfire continued to sit in silence, awaiting her elders' response.
"Do you know why I asked you to stop by?" The older mare at last asked softly, her expression unreadable.
Spitfire shook her head. She then realized the head teacher had not spotted her action and spoke up; "no. Why did you ask me to?"
"Teenage mothers are not welcome at this most prestigious school. Especially in our elite flying classes."
Icy fear shot through the young pegasus's system. There was no way this mare could know she was pregnant! Each of their close friends who knew had promised to keep it a secret.
"Mothers?"
"Teenaged mothers, yes." The mare turned and levelled her hard gaze upon Spitfire. "You are pregnant. Yes?"
Despite her best efforts, the fiery young pony found herself wilting under her seniors' gaze. This was bad. This was very, very bad! Maybe they should have left school already! Staying till the end of the term was clearly a very bad idea!
"Well?"
"No." Spitfire spotted the stony lock on Mrs. Sweets face, the mare clearly wasn't buying her lie for some reason.
"Maybe..?" No change in the headmare's countenance. Damn.
Spitfire sighed in defeat. "Okay, fine. I am... okay?" The last part came out as more of a growl and the young mare, flinched, half expecting her elder to dismiss her from the school immediately.
A sigh escaped the headmare as she strode over to her desk and sat down. "Care to explain why one of my top students is currently pregnant? Is this to an unknown stallion or your friend, Soarin?"
Spitfire felt herself growing ever smaller under the stony eyes that faced her. "S-Soarin..."
"You mated with your best friend?" Another sigh escaped the white pegasus. "What am I going to do with you both...?"
"He's my husband now," Spitfire muttered, her face red. A poorly contained scowl wrote its way across her face as she continued to sit there in the awkward office.
"Well, that's something at least..." The powerful white mare muttered. She regarded the awkward filly before her in judgmental silence. "Is that before or after the deed was done?"
Spitfire cringed "...After. But before that he was my coltfriend, we were trying to keep it quiet."
"But then you both had an accident?"
Spitfire's head hung low. The words from the icy pegasus stung as though she had been struck. "We- yes..."
"There is nothing wrong with dating or marrying your best friend. In fact, that's what I did, many years ago. He's made a fine husband and a wonderful friend for life. Ah yes... Best way to have it I think."
Spitfire sat up straight and faced the stern pegasus. 'Where was this little speech coming from?'
"But if the Wonderbolts discover this little accident as I have, it will harm your attempt at entry into their ranks. They hold every part of life to the highest standard, as you should know. A life conceived out of wedlock is dishonourable. Doubly so as teenaged parents. A foal will also change your life. The Wonderbolts are more than just a career, it will become your life. You will not have time to start a family and be in the ranks of the most elite pegasi. Then there's the matter of your new husband-"
"Soarin and I have already decided to give up the baby. And we're married now." Spitfire spoke up then immediately ducked as the mare behind the desk scowled at her for being cut off.
The older pegasus regarded her student keenly for a few moments. "Hmm... I advise you to disappear for a while until you birth this life you have created."
"That's actually what Soarin and I were about to do in two weeks."
"The holidays?"
Spitfire nodded, "yes... take an extended holiday."
The white mare settled back into her chair as she continued to silently judge the young pegasus. After many long, painful moments, she wrote something down and once down, returned her attention to the nervous filly before her. "I advise you to leave sooner if you do not wish to be discovered by your classmates."
Spitfire shot up with anticipation, "you mean... it might be okay to skip school like that? But won't ponies begin to wonder where we have gone and why we both just vanished?"
Mrs. Sweets held her silence for a few moments as the young mare before her stewed nervously. "Not you both. I'll send a third. Maybe a fourth or even fifth. I don't wish to cause the school embarrassment over your actions."
"What are you going to do with me?"
"I will recommend to both your parents that you embark on a little trip for about..." The mare's eyes assessed the younger pegasus's barrel. No clear signs of anything except maybe the tiniest hint of a possible baby bump. "...six months. That looks like enough time for you to pop. Then I expect you both here in time for the local tryouts for the Wonderbolts. They will be visiting the school in the last week of term four. I expect you both to ace the tryouts as though you had continued to attend this school. If you fail to hone your craft while carrying, don't come back. In fact, if you even think for a moment you might score anything other than the top marks I expect from you when it comes to flying, don't come back either. Are we clear?"
"Y-you're expelling me?"
"Incorrect."
"Okay." Yikes, this mare really could be hard as ice. Spitfire cringed internally as she worked through the ultimatum she had been given. "So you're sending us off ...then you promise to let Soarin and I come back for the joiner Wonderbots tryouts?"
"Providing you meet my criteria, yes."
"Thank you, Mrs. Sweets," Spitfire bowed slightly. "But what was that about a third or fourth pony on our trip? Isn't this just between Soarin and I?"
Mrs. Sweets rose and strode to the window. Her gaze roamed the clouds that made up the school below. She followed a group of young pegasi who were enjoying the advanced flight course.
Spitfire itched to do something while the white pegasus casually gazed upon sights outside. The silence dragged on and the vibrant young mare wished she could just leave and return to her friends. Lunch time was wasting away and here she was.
"I am thinking."
Spitfire jumped at the unexpected words.
"If I dismiss both of you, ponies will begin to wonder why. If I send a collection of my best students aboard to experience the world and hone their craft, then your misdeeds could be turned into something beneficial to several ponies and none need be the wiser."
"Oh, that sounds like a great idea, actually." Spitfire almost collapsed with relief. "So that would be Soarin, me and two friends we trust?"
Silence met the young mare's question.
Mrs. Sweets carefully regarded a small group of late teenaged pegasi practicing nearby. "I will have the final say on who is selected and I see no reason to pick your friends just because they are in your confidence. That would defeat the purpose of the new project I have set up."
"Oh." Spitfire sat back, a little bit put off that she might have let strange ponies into her trust.
"I'll give you more details once I have finished drafting this new program. It should be ready by the end of the day."
"Okay, thank you Mrs." Spitfire replied to her headmare's back. 'What is so interesting outside that she is ignoring me in here?'
"You may go now." Mrs. Sweets dismissively flicked her left snowy white wing.
"Right, sorry."
As the youngster turned to leave the headmare once again spoke up; "oh and Spitfire."
"Yes, Mrs?"
Finally, Mrs. Sweets turned and staunchly faced the fiery young pegasus. "The conditions stand for the both of you. Since you two are a team, I expect you to remain one."
"Thank you, Mrs."
The middle aged mare smiled, "it's not often one finds love in their best friend. Keep him close, he seems like a good catch for you."
Spitfire's wings fluttered a little in surprise, "thanks, I will."
"Then go. I will compose a letter to your parents then finish this high flyers program."
"Okay. ...Thank you." Spitfire nodded in thanks then departed the headmare's office, desperate to break the news to her spouse.
The lone cottage of Ponyville's resident animal caretaker stood tall and imposing in front of a lone, bluish-grey colt with a two toned dark grey mane.
It was a Saturday morning. The perfect day to sleep in, enjoy time out with friends, or relax at home. Yet here he was. Outside the dwelling his crush now called home. He could back off. Come another time. Even see the pretty orange filly after school and-
Yeah. No. That would look even weirder if he approached her then. It was now or next week.
Next week felt appealing.
But he had discovered something! It required urgent attention.
The colt took a few hesitant steps over the small bridge.
Was this really a good idea?
Rumble took a deep breath then strode resolutely up to Fluttershy's cottage and knocked on the door.
"Coming!" The soft voice of Fluttershy was barely audible from inside.
Too late to back out now. The youngster nervously tapped a hoof as he waited for Fluttershy to arrive and open the door. He snapped to attention as the wooden door swung open.
"Good morning Rumble," Fluttershy greeted with a smile. "I take it you're here to see Scootaloo?"
"Yeah. She's not with the CMC or anything... is she?"
"I'm coming!" The energetic voice of Scootaloo rang out.
Fluttershy smiled. "One moment please, she's almost ready."
"Sure."
"How have you been?"
"Oh, uh... fine." The nervous colt gulped and he adjusted his mane slightly. "I've spent the last week and a bit trying to look up whatever it is that I think Scootloo has."
"Any luck?"
Rumble nodded, "I think so. The books were all in adult speak but Twilight was very helpful."
Light purple eyes spotted movement behind the yellow mare and the colt couldn't help but smile. "Hi Scootaloo."
"Hi." The orange filly trotted up alongside her adopted mother. "What are you doing here?"
"I thought I might come by... see if you wanted to try flying again?"
Scootaloo lit up, "you mean you know what's wrong with me?"
"Stop saying that," the light grey colt's muzzle contorted. "There's nothing wrong with you."
"But you found out what I need to do so I can fly?"
"Well... maybe?"
Scootaloo eagerly looked up at her adopted mother. "Can I practice flying with Rumble, please?"
"As long as you are back by dinner time, I don't see why not," Fluttershy softly replied with a smile. "Would you like me to quickly prepare some lunch for you both to share?"
Scootaloo grinned but Rumble beat her to the chase; "no thanks. I wanna take her somewhere. T-that is if you don't mind, Scootaloo?"
The filly grinned at the suddenly bashful colt. "Sure. Although I have this thing with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom in the afternoon."
"That's fine. Practice won't take all day."
"Okay, just let me grab my scooter," Scootaloo hurried off.
Rumble glanced at Fluttershy who smiled knowingly at him. "I'm sure you'll take good care of her, won't you?"
"Of course," Rumble confirmed.
"Good. Have fun," Fluttershy turned and retreated back inside.
Scootaloo dodged around her adopted mother as she rushed out the door. "Come on let's go!"
Fluttershy smiled as she watched the duo. Rumble flew alongside the speedy scooter. They already appeared to be in high spirits together. The light yellow mare closed the door and continued to smile as she made her way across the room to take care of her animals.
Rumble landed on the same hill the duo had practiced on well over a week ago. The speedy scooter driver skidded to a halt close by. She was a little sweaty, but the smile on her face made the young pegasus's heart flutter. He suddenly felt very nervous. What if she thought his ideas were dumb? What if it didn't work and she never was able to fly?
What if she didn't like the lunch he had planned? Come to think of it, he didn't even know her favourite food.
Why was this a good idea, again?
"You okay?"
Rumble realized he was staring blankly at his crush and she wore a concerned look upon her face. 'Oh no. How long has she been staring at me like that?' "Yeah... I'm fine. Of course I'm fine."
"You looked kinda out of it for a moment." The orange filly dismounted her scooter and wandered over to his side. "I'm not making you nervous am I?"
The poor colt gazed into those stunning purple eyes. His heart rate spiked as though he were flying in a race. His insides churned as though under the assault of a thousand butterflies. All in all, he felt weird. Really weird. 'Whats wrong with me? Am I sick?'
"I'm okay," Rumble hastily replied. "Say, what's it like to ride a scooter. Mind if I have a go later?"
"You sure can, yeah." Scootaloo quickly agreed.
"Okay, thanks," Rumble smiled then fell silent.
Scootaloo gazed at her companion expectantly.
The silence turned awkward as Rumble continued to gaze at the filly beside him as though he was stunned.
"Uh... Rumble?" An orange hoof waved in the face of the stunned colt. "You okay?"
The young pegasus grinned at the pretty filly. "Yeah, yeah... I'll be okay."
"Okay? So have you found out what's wrong with me?"
Rumble sighed. There she went again. "There's nothing wrong with you, you're perfect just the way you are." The passion in the young colt's voice filled the air.
The pair froze.
Scootaloo narrowed her eyes and took a step toward her companion. "What did you just say?"
"Uh..." Rumble stuttered into silence. He took a faltering step back, away from the pretty filly who was now in his face.
"Do you have something you want to say to me?" Scootaloo asked with great trepidation.
"N-no. Of course not." Rumble staggered back a few more steps. This was not good!
"Really? Because my friends have been making fun of us sometimes."
"T-they have?"
"Yeah. They keep calling you my coltfriend."
"O-oh..." Rumble's gaze fell to the ground.
"And no pony has ever told me I'm perfect just like I am. Especially how you just did now. So, uh... do you like me or something?"
"Uh..." Two grey forehooves fidgeted. Rumble shrank back a little before he softly uttered; "maybe... yes."
Scootaloo took a few steps forward to better gaze into the fallen face of the normally brave colt. "So why not ask me out?"
Light purple eyes grew wide at the suggestion and Rumble's head snapped up. "I- I... well you see..." He trailed nervously off and his gaze once again fell to his forehooves.
Light grey wings sagged. "I kinda never felt brave enough to ask."
The young colt's heart fluttered as an orange hoof lifted his muzzle.
Scootaloo felt her tummy tingle pleasantly. Her heart and head felt like they were high in the sky. Everything was rainbows and sunshine. If her stupid brain didn't know better, she felt like she could fly to the moon right now. She smiled, "so ya, wanna ask me out now? It's not like I don't know now."
"Heh, yeah... would you say yes if I do ask you out?"
"I dunno." Scootaloo poked her tongue out at the nervous colt. "I think you should ask the question properly and find out."
"O-okay... S-say..." The light grey pony quivered nervously. "W-would you g-go out w-with m-me?"
Scootaloo felt her heart flutter and grow so much her body could explode. "Sure! Long as you take me somewhere nice."
Light purple eyes shot wide open. "Wha- y- you mean you will?"
"Well yeah," Scootaloo giggled. "I think you're cool. Plus, I'm kinda past the whole stage where I think all colts have cooties. So... uh, yeah."
"Okay." Rumble's wings flittered with joy and he suddenly took off into the sky. "Yes!"
Scootaloo grinned at the wonky spirals. He was funny too.
The grey colt landed heavily in front of his crush, "yes! Yes yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes! Thank you!"
One hoof pump later and he finally seemed to settle down. A hearty blush darkened his muzzle as he seemed to realize who had just witnessed his little explosion of joy.
Scootaloo grinned smugly at him. "Now I wish I had done that in the playground. Then everypony could have enjoyed the show. It was so awesome and cute!"
Horror flashed across Rumble's face, his wings shot out he froze.
An orange hoof playfully punched his shoulder. "I'm just kidding! Oh boy, you shoulda seen your face!"
Rumble poked his tongue out at the filly who broke out into a fit of giggles and fell to the ground.
"Alright then," Rumble declared. "You've asked for it."
The colt leapt at the downed filly and began to mercilessly tickle her sides. Scootaloo howled with laughter. She fought back, her hooves found his sides and they exploded into a frantic tickle fight. The brief bout ended when the orange filly ran out of air and began crying for release.
Rumble elected to cease his tickle attack and collapsed winded by her side.
The pair panted flat out for breath as they continued to share smaller giggles. Their eyes met several times. Each affectionate glance was withdrawn the moment they realized the other was looking too.
"Ah... that was good..." Scootaloo sighed.
"I think I won," Rumble smirked at the filly by his side.
Scootaloo wriggled closer and playfully batted his muzzle with a wing. "You want to try that again? I'm sure I can beat you anytime!"
"How about we practice flying instead?"
"Like we planned before you asked me out on a date?" Scootaloo grinned cheekily back.
"Kinda?" Light grey forehooves began to fidget again.
Scootaloo noticed and placed her own forehoof between the two grey ones.
Rumble froze.
Scootaloo giggled. The cheeky filly withdrew her forehoof then stood.
Rumble slowly followed. Once upright he rather loudly cleared his throat. "So. Uh, with Twilight's help, I think I might have something."
"Okay. What?" Scootloo prompted eagerly.
Rumble couldn't help but smile at the energetic filly as she bounced on the spot. "You either have to train your brain to properly coordinate with your wings and move them at the same time in the same way, or you have some kind of thing with the balance of your pegasus magic. A-at least, that's what Twilight managed to find when she helped me."
Scootaloo settled down a bit. Although she was still eager to hear what he had to say next, it was a little disheartening to hear that something could be wrong with her pegasus magic. She didn't even know much about the topic other than that pegasi could play with clouds and control the weather.
"Okay. So..." Rumble continued carefully. "If it's a coordination thing, I think I've found a few exercises to help you. But if it's not a brain and muscle thing, I'm not sure how to fix it if it's a magic thing. Twilight has said she will look into it more though."
"Okay, thank you." Scootaloo tentatively offered a hug and was pleased to find Rumble accepted the gesture.
The pair sat there, sides pressed against each another as the sweet hug turned awkward. As time wore on, the hug turned into a prolonged silence. Neither knew what to do next and so simply sat there enjoying the unusual but nice contact.
The orange daredevil haltingly withdrew.
Rumble grinned. "That felt a lot nicer than when mom or my older bro does it."
"Yeah?" Scootaloo beamed back. "So... you liked it?"
"Of course, did you?"
The purple mane swished around as Scootaloo nodded briskly. "Yeah. We should try it again sometime."
"Okay. Cool." Rumble paused as his brain fought to contain the bubbly feelings that rushed through his system like a whirlwind. "How about we start with a few glides? See if you can make it further than last time. Then I'll take you through the stretches and stuff."
"Okay," Scootaloo rushed to the top of the hill and posed, ready for take off.
Rumble couldn't help but admire the dazzling filly as her wings stretched out and settled carefully at her sides.
"Oi! Stop looking at me and get ready to glide!" Scootaloo giggled. "You look funny like that. It's like you're trying to catch flies with your mouth for some of Fluttershy's animals."
"S-sorry..." Rumble hastened to Scootaloo's side. "Okay, just uh, forget you saw me do that."
"Nuh, uh. No way." Scootaloo poked her tongue out at him. "Three, two, one, GO!"
"Wait!"
Orange hooves faltered mid rush and two short wings fell closed. "Huh?"
"The wind, remember?" Rumble pointed out, "we need to wait for a bigger gust."
Scootaloo flushed crimson. "Right! Sorry!" She hurried back up the hill and stood bashfully by the side of her date.
"It's fine, seriously. Just maybe wait for me to call it next time?"
"Sure," Scootaloo was quick to agree as she settled beside the equally nervous colt.
As the advanced flight class was about to finish for the day, their flight instructor Maelstrom, a stormy blue and grey stallion called for the class to land on the central cloud in the flight zone. Twenty young pegasi hurried to obey their teacher.
Several spotted the headmare incoming and began to whisper.
"Alright, cut that out," Maelstrom called out and his class fell into obedient silence.
Soarin spotted his wife's expression and knew why the master of the school was on her way to see them.
The white middle-aged pegasus mare landed with graceful ease in front of the class. She greeted the stallion with a nod, "thank you for calling in your class. There is something I wish to share."
At this, more whispers broke out but died under the hard gaze of the stern white pegasus. "I have been drafting an additional course for our most outstanding students to participate in. Maelstrom and Greywing have both assisted and recommended a few of you for this."
Excitement met the mare's words as those in the class wondered what this new course could be and who was good enough to have qualified for it.
"This course," Mrs. Sweets continued, "will assign four or five of you to fly aboard, find challenging new places to practice and perform, then return in a bi-weekly system. When you return we will assess your progress and assign new tasks. You will be given a taste of real life. You will need to find your own way. This includes seeking out accommodation and sorting your own meals. Depending on how well you budget, your cloud-shaping skills may also come in handy for fashioning a place to stay. If you need help, both your practical and theory teachers will be more than happy to help, although it is preferred that you try things yourself before seeking assistance. Your teachers may also periodically visit. It is expected that this course will allow those selected to expand their skill sets in new ways. You will also be expected to keep up with all written components of course work. If those selected fail to live up to our expectations then you will return to school here. For those who find success, the course will be allowed to run until the time of the Wonderbolts tryouts near the end of the year."
The information took a few moments to sink in while the assembled students conversed quietly about the potentially cool, life changing offer.
Maelstrom cleared his throat, "I have chosen... Silver Zoom."
The grey colt with a white / light grey two toned mane glanced around at his peers in surprise. "Me?"
"Should you accept, yes."
"Well, I'll have to talk to my folks about it, but sure! T-thanks."
The stormy blue stallion grinned at the teenager's response. "Second... Spitfire."
Several of her classmate's cheered and the vibrant yellow filly grinned. Her eyes locked with the headmare. "Thanks."
"Third..." Most of the young pegasi in the class buzzed with rising eagerness. The teacher grinned. "Fleetfoot."
Pink eyes shot open wide, the light arctic blue teen squee'd with excitement and hugged Spitfire. "I get to go with you, this is gonna be so cool!"
"Yeah." Spitfire grinned as she gave her good friend a quick hug in return.
High Winds offered a quick celebratory hug to Fleetfoot once the fiery pegasus was finished. The pair settled down as the headmare continued:
"Maelstrom and I have also agreed to open two slots to the following students; Blackout, Fire Storm, Razor Wing and Soarin. We will only allow a maximum of five of you to go. So please, be prompt in your responses. This will require parental confirmation and support. My office opens at eight tomorrow morning."
Spitfire caught her coltfriend's desperate glance before he hid it under a layer of calm. As the class bantered around her, Spitfire felt her world spin off kilter. Why was her husband not offered one of the primary spots? What if Soarin didn't make it? They had to make sure they both got in!
The last warm glow of Celestia's sun shone across the hills in a splash of warm colours. It would soon be night.
In the cottage at the edge of Ponyville, three pegasi sat around the small table in the middle of Fluttershy's dining room.
Rainbow Dash eagerly loaded her plate up with a variety of veggies. She quickly began placing them haphazardly on the bottom burger bun that sat ready for loading on her plate.
Scootaloo watched the Wonderbolt load the burger then place the top bun carefully in place. The burger was taller than the bun was round and filled with a variety of reds and greens with the veggie patty in the middle.
"There," Dash grinned at her monster burger.
"You could always have more burgers, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy commented as she carefully laid out four slim layers worth on her own burger then closed it off.
The speedster scoffed, "I got this, just watch."
Rainbow Dash carefully picked up her tower burger and crammed it into her mouth.
Fluttershy ignored the spectacle in favour of enjoying her own, much smaller burger.
Scootaloo giggled as she watched a trickle of sauce run down her hero's jaw. A rogue piece of cabbage popped out from the overstuffed burger. It landed on the floor. The speedster failed to notice as she enjoyed her oversized mouth full.
Dash carefully placed the bitten tower burger back onto her plate. The discarded cabbage leaf hit her in the back of the head.
"Hey," the speedy mare span around and caught sight of a cottontail just as the rabbit made himself scarce. "Come back here Angel! I thought Fluttershy told you not to throw things at me."
"You did drop it on the floor. Maybe he was just returning it to you?" Fluttershy softly countered with a smile.
Dash huffed then stuffed a few hay fries into her mouth. "Not helping Flutters."
Scootaloo broke out into a fit of giggles.
"So..." Dash spoke up, keen to shift the subject to a new one. Her gaze fell on her adopted daughter and she couldn't help but grin. "I hear you were out and about with Rumble today."
"Yeah," the orange filly nodded. "It was fun. We did some gliding, some exercises then he took me out to lunch."
Dash gazed at her adopted daughter in surprise, her burger halfway to her gullet. "Really? It wasn't a date, was it?"
Scootaloo jammed a hoof full of hay fries into her mouth and carefully chewed on them, pointedly not looking at her long time hero.
"Scoots?" Dash glanced at her marefriend for support but only received a supportive smile in return.
Once the filly was done chewing she eyed her two mothers then nodded briskly.
"You went on a date?" Dash broke out in a giant grin, her monster burger forgotten in her forehooves.
"Well, he did kinda ask me out. I thought it might be fun... he's cool. It was a little awkward."
"Did you enjoy it?" Fluttershy softly asked.
More nodding from the orange youngster.
"Wow..." Dash at last seemed to remember her burger and took a huge bite out of it.
Scootaloo spotted the white rabbit waiting near the speedster's chair. He was clearly hopeful that something else would get dropped so he could toss it back. The filly suppressed further giggles. Oh, the world seemed so bright, vibrant and fun now. She really wanted to just laugh and let it all out!
This time Dash didn't drop anything on the floor. Once the mangled burger was returned to her plate, Angel pouted and vacated the space before any of the older ponies took notice of his presence.
"Would you like him to take you on another date?" Fluttershy gently inquired.
The orange filly nodded briskly.
Fluttershy looked delighted while her marefriend looked happy if a little surprised.
"How was practice?" Dash prodded.
"It was fun. Although I think asking me out left Rumble frazzled. He kept crashing into things or tripping up. I sometimes did too! It was really funny!" Scootaloo giggled. "Although he says it's either a coordination thing with my brain and wings and them flapping out of time ever so slightly or I have something wrong with my pegasus magic."
"Oh." Concern rippled across Dash's face. "I thought you were a late bloomer, like Fluttershy. I didn't know you could have something out of balance with your pegasus magic or that you had coordination issues. You always looked so awesome on that scooter. And I never heard of other pegasi having that, so I didn't think. I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault," Scootaloo replied softly. "And besides, you've done so much for me already. You're the best big sister and now mom that I could ask for."
Dash nodded, her mind clearly elsewhere.
"And don't worry about me."
That got the speedy mare's attention once more. "Why? I'm sure Fluttershy and I could help you."
"Can you please let Rumble try first? Remember you promised."
The two adults shared a glance. Fluttershy beamed.
"Well, okay. Sure," Rainbow Dash shrugged. "I'll let you two have some fun first. But I will step in if he's not helping or if he hurts you. Then I'll kick his flank."
"It will be fine, he's only Rumble."
"Yeah..." Dash grumbled something under her breath as she took a bite out of her collapsed tower burger.
"Rainbow Dash is only concerned because she didn't know what romance was until after I asked her out." Fluttershy brightly pointed out.
"Did so!" The speedster insisted.
Fluttershy smiled sweetly back.
"I just thought it was dumb," Dash played the topic off as she stuffed the rest of her tower burger into her mouth.
"Well, I don't know if it's love. I just think he's cool." Scootaloo spoke up, her muzzle slightly flushed at the thought of her date.
"That's wonderful to hear, sweetie. I hope you both take it slowly and enjoy it. If it turns out to be love, then I can tell you from experience, it is unlike anything else." Bright green eyes twinkled as Fluttershy gazed at her mare.
Scootaloo faked a gag. "Get a room mom."
Fluttershy giggled softly, "sorry."
"But seriously, thanks. Your support means a lot," Scootaloo replied as she happily finished off her burger.
"Would anypony like another bun for another burger?" Fluttershy offered.
"Yes please." Scootaloo quickly spoke up then began to gather ingredients off the central platter.
"Me too please, you've done a great job preparing it, they taste better than bought ones." The speedster proceeded to gather most of the chips then much on them as she awaited the return of her mare.
"Okay." Fluttershy trotted over to the kitchen, leaving the other two ponies to their own devices.
"Are you staying here or at your place tonight?" Scootaloo asked between bites.
"I think I'll crash here," Dash confirmed. "Actually, I'm wondering if I should rent my place out or something."
"If you do, every pegasus will want it," Scootaloo eagerly pointed out with a grin.
"Yeah? Well, you know who made it, right?" Dash grinned.
"You?"
Scootaloo gazed at the overconfident pegasus in disbelief.
"Yep. My parents helped though. Mom's the best cloud shaper. I think she's the only pony who's better at it than me," the proud pegasus boasted.
Scootaloo lapped up the words of her hero. "That's so cool! Now I really wanna see your mom and dad."
"Be careful what you wish for kiddo. They are- uh... well let's just say I haven't talked to them in a while."
"Oh. Can I still meet them?" Scootaloo eagerly asked.
Rainbow Dash shrugged, "sure."
That evening, Scootaloo was still buzzing and as she settled down to rest in her small bed. The orange filly withdrew a crumpled piece of paper from her small bag of stuff. She stared at it for a few moments before she carefully opened it up and began to read the small note by candlelight. It was supposedly the note left when she was abandoned and was the only thing she had to remember her parents by. She wondered if the smeared bottom We love her so much was because her mom had been crying or if the lower part of the paper had been wet later.
She liked to think it was because her parents found it hard to leave her.
Why did they leave?
Who were they?
As the little filly traced the untidy mouth writing she realized something. It was so similar to her own, it was almost as if she had unconsciously copied her mother's writing. A smile broke out.
At least she had inherited something from her parents.
And now she had two moms to love and care for her!
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were more than she could ever ask for.
Yet as Scootaloo lay there in the candlelight, she could not help but wonder who her birth parents were.
'Have they forgotten all about me?'
A sigh escaped the young pegasus. With great care, she folded the munted paper and hid it in her small bag of stuff again.
Scootaloo blew out the candle then settled down and closed her eyes. Never mind the poor souls who left her as a baby. Tomorrow was sure to be another day of fun with her friends and family.
Scootaloo found her dreams filled with two mighty pegasi, their forms wreathed in shadow. They felt comforting and homely to the young pegasus. They played with her, flew with her, Rumble and her two moms.
Suddenly the real ponies vanished from her dream and she was left with the two mighty shadows. The spectral ponies gave her a hug. In their care, Scootaloo's soul found rest and she slept peacefully in their care for the rest of the night. |
Our Daughter | CH12: On the Pathway of Dreams (four & a half months pregnant) | On a cloud high above Canterlot, two middle aged pegasi were cuddled up as Celestia raised her sun above the skyline. The pale blue one stretched, yawned then snuggled back into his wife. The sunny yellow mare smiled as she shifted slightly on the soft white puff. The couple continued their quiet cuddles in the dawnlight. One would occasionally shift leading to the other seeking closer contact. Eventually, the call of the day grew to the point where neither could ignore the golden sun's might.
"I feel like I dreamed of our daughter last night..." Spitfire mumbled as she rose slowly.
"Yeah..." Soarin agreed. "It was like we got to play with her and then cuddle her. It was weird, but cool. D-do you remember what she looked like?"
Spitfire shook her head slowly, "na. She was all shadowy. I think I may have caught hints of her colours but no more than that. You?"
"Same... I think I saw her mane shine purple in the moonlight for a moment..." Soarin mused slowly.
The sunny mare perked up at this. "You think that might have been Princess Luna's work? I hear she has freaky powers over dreams."
Soarin rose, pecked his wife on the snout then shrugged. "Dunno... I might have kinda asked her to though."
Spitfire stared at her husband in shock for a few moments. "What?"
"Yeah, remember... we talk sometimes about meeting Scootaloo but we can't find her... so I figured... uh, yeah. I asked Luna... she said she might be able to help and she did."
Spitfire smiled as she relaxed. "I'm glad you asked. We need to thank her sometime. Our daughter was really full of life. Feels like she's a young athlete. Maybe you might even lose your job to her."
Stark horror sank upon Soarin's face. "No..."
Spitfire rolled over then again onto her back. With her tummy and legs facing her husband, she curled up almost like a cat, presenting her sunny tummy. "You don't think she'll be faster than you when she grows up?"
"Well, she might be." Soarin carefully thought for a moment, "but... I know how to make her replace you and not me."
Spitfire's grin became coy, "what do you propose, oh husband?"
"Get you pregnant again," a predatory smirk crossed Soarin's muzzle as he stalked toward his cute wife, all laid out in front of him. She was perfect...
Spitfire relaxed, open, inviting. "Dear husband, are you seriously considering a foal now?"
"What if I am?"
Spitfire chucked. "I can still boss you lot around with a foal."
"Oh really, my dear wife? Are you sure of that?" Soarin's wings shot up in full display.
Spitfire continued to smirk back at her long time best friend and lover. "How about I see some action and we find out?"
"Mom..?" Scootaloo mumbled softly as she stretched in bed and shoved her purple mane out of her vision.
No. Neither of her foster mothers had slept cuddled up to her.
Strange... it had felt so real.
Then it hit her. Her date with Rumble was today!
A date.
The sound of hooves on floorboards caused the young filly to roll over and face the door to her small room. The motherly figure of Fluttershy appeared in the doorway and Scootaloo couldn't help but smile back.
"Good morning, Scootaloo. Did you have a good night's sleep?"
The filly nodded, "yeah. It was kinda weird though."
Concern rippled across the yellow mare's face. "Weird? You know that if you ever have a scary dream-"
"It wasn't like that!" Scootaloo half rose, tangled in bedsheets, frantic to dispel her mother's low key panic.
Fluttershy slowly approached the bedside and waited patiently for her adopted daughter to continue.
Scootaloo felt tingles race down her back as Fluttershy ran a hoof gently through her mane. "It was like... I think I dreamed of my parents. My real parents."
The young filly was quick to spot the smile. Fluttershy glanced up at Cloudsdale, "that sounds like a wonderful dream."
"Yeah. It was weird though. It was like they were really there. Reaching out to me from their dream to mine." Scootaloo gazed hopefully up at her mother figure, "Do- do you think we might ever find my mom and dad? I- I know they left me. And you and Dash are super cool. But..."
"It would be nice to know who they are and why they left you?" Fluttershy offered softly.
Scootaloo nodded briskly.
"I could ask around."
Scootaloo and Fluttershy turned to the doorway where the mare who had spoken stood.
"Y-you could?" Scootaloo rose hopefully.
Rainbow Dash nodded, trotted over to the pair then scooped the filly up. "If that's what you really want."
Scootaloo sighed and turned her vision to the window. The outside world looked vibrant and inviting. A fresh new day. Out there somewhere were her parents. "I've wondered for years who they might be. But now you two are my parents... and as much as I wanna know who my birth mom and dad are... I don't wanna lose you two."
"Just because you find out who your birth parents are doesn't mean you must live with them. You can still live with us... if you want to." Fluttershy replied tentatively.
Still holding Scootaloo with her forehooves, Rainbow Dash placed a supportive wing across her mare's back. "Yeah. You're a cool daughter and I don't wanna give you up either, even if we find the uncool ponies who ditched you."
Scootaloo grinned at the mares who she now had the privilege to call her own family. "Thanks."
"I'll make us all breakfast." Fluttershy offered. "You need all the energy you can get for your date."
Scootaloo blushed. "Yeah..."
Fluttershy cooed softly at the sight of her adopted daughter trying to hide tinted orange cheeks in Dash's coat. After a few moments enjoying the cute sight the yellow pegasus vacated the room.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Come on. Let's go. That's enough cute and cuddly for the day."
Scootaloo giggled. "Does that mean you used up all your time with Fluttershy already?"
The polychromatic mare snorted. "She doesn't count. Just like I'm sure Rumble won't either."
The younger pegasus blushed, "Hey, Rumble and I are still like, friends. I think. We're just trying this date thing. Whatever." Scootaloo leapt out of the blue forelegs that held her and landed poised and ready on the wooden floor.
Rainbow Dash grinned, "I don't mind what you do. Long as you two are awesome and cool to each other.."
A smirk crept across the blushing face of the orange filly, "yeah. He's cool."
"Good. Now let's go get some food."
"Okay!"
With that, Rainbow Dash trotted out of the bedroom, her foster daughter hot on her heels.
Eight o'clock in the morning and Cloudsdale central school had just opened for teachers along with the few students who desired an early start before class.
Soarin met Mrs. Sweets as she was about to open her office door. The teenaged colt yawned. Curse early mornings, especially after enjoyable late nights. "Hi Mrs."
The snowy middle aged mare entered her office without a backward glance. "Enter."
The light blue pegasus was quick to obey. He placed a letter on the desk in front of his superior and straightened. "All signed and stuff. That- means I'm in, right?"
"You are the second one to confirm. I don't think I've ever seen you at school this early." An amused gin slipped out across the white mare's face.
Soarin squirmed in the hot seat. "Uh, yeah. Well, you know Spitty and I are together right?"
"Married yes," Mrs. Sweets nodded slowly.
"So, why didn't you put me as one of the first three, given priority to enter?"
A chuckle escaped the headmare as she settled back in her seat. "Well that one there is easy. I didn't wish to give any connection between the two of you."
"Oh, okay," Soarin nodded. That made sense.
The powerful white mare lent toward the young stallion. "You are also not ranked in the top three of your class. You did not deserve a confirmed place in this elite course."
A scowl erupted across the colt's face. Ouch.
Mrs. Sweets shuffled a few papers with well practiced precision, her gaze no longer upon the youngster. "I was not sure you even deserved a place. But your teacher insisted... so here we are."
The stern snowy mare levelled an unimpressed stare at the colt. "Besides. Your actions forced me to finalize a course I had been working on as a background project for three years now. I'm still awaiting confirmation from Princess Celestia to make this addition to the school's offering legally a part of our system."
"Oh..."
A knock rang out. Two heads turned toward the door. Soarin grinned.
"Enter," Mrs. Sweets announced. "Glad to see the troublesome filly herself."
Spitfire shrank a little under the gaze of the headmare. She hurried to her husband's side and tentatively drew close. The fiery filly reached into her saddlebag and pulled out two papers. "Here you go Mrs. My dad's confirmation and our marriage certificate, just so you know I was telling the truth."
The headmare gathered the papers and read the marriage license with great interest. Once finished she passed it back and checked the young mare's confirmation letter. She gave a nod. "All in order, thank you. I appreciate you sharing the license with me too. I suppose congratulations are in order."
"Thanks," Soarin replied, surprised by the softer tone the naturally cold pegasus used.
"Even though the date of the wedding makes it appear to be in reaction to your little surprise." The snowy mare turned her gaze to Spitfire.
Spitfire stood, a nervous blush upon her muzzle. A white hoof rose and she plonked herself back down. Headmare Sweets cleared her throat, "before you go, I wish to add a little something. Since your parents pay a decent sum of bits for your attendance here, it has been decided that you will be allowed a set amount of bits each week to assist with living expenses. Providing you pass the by-weekly challenges with flying colours, we will gladly look after you the best we can."
The white mare turned to the yellow filly; "Spitfire, today is your last day here. Take Thursday and Friday off. I have a few things I wish you to accomplish in Cloudsdale. You will be joined by your peers and husband on Monday. Soarin, no slacking while your missus is not at school."
"Okay," Soarin shrugged. The instructions sounded fine to him.
"What do I need to do over there?" Spitfire wondered aloud.
A white hoof pulled out a few papers and slid them toward the nervous filly. "This should start you off. On Monday you will meet your peers in Ponyville, a nearby town to start the special course as a group."
"Oh, okay." Spitfire cast her colt a nervous glance.
Canterlot, the capital of Equestria. That sounded like a major trip by itself. The thought of going alone filled Spitfire with a sinking feeling but the young mare fought the sensation off. She would be fine. She gave the papers a quick scan.
Attempt to authorize the program. Easy.
Possibly meeting Celestia?
The princess?
Me???
Spitfire glanced up at the stone faced mare before her.
"Well go on. Go and enjoy the skies or something. I have work to do." Headmare Sweets turned from the couple and fished out several forms.
"Yes, Mrs." Spitfire hastily rose with her colt and left the room.
The young couple spotted Fleetfoot and High Winds strolling down the hallway headed for the headmare's door.
Soarin immediately perked up and rushed over to his friends. "We're in!"
"Good on you," Fleetfoot replied cheerily. "Just let me enter too then I'll join you both outside."
"Okay," Spitfire agreed. "Hey Soar."
"Yeah?" Soarin grinned at his wife as they continued along the plain cloud hallways.
"The headmare appears to have set me up to visit the princess and petition her to hurry the course up."
"Cool!"
The vibrant young mare shot her husband a dark look. "Why would she even talk to a filly like me? What am I supposed to say?"
"I dunno..." The colt shrugged as he strode out into the warm rays of Celestia's sun. "But I'm sure somepony as cool as you could think of something. Besides... Who knows, you might not need to meet the princess."
"Gee... thanks."
Soarin grinned at his wife, enjoying the sight of her mane sparkling in the sun. "You're welcome. Wanna find a cloud to cuddle on while we wait for those other two?"
The young mare rounded on her spouse, "you know we're at school. Right?"
A light blue hoof scuffed the cloud, "I don't see anypony around... and it's crazy early... plus, Fleet and High Winds will be out in a minute."
"Still, I'm not risking it." Spitfire replied resolutely as she sat to the left of the door, waiting for two ponies to emerge.
"So...."
Spitfire carefully eyed her hopeful husband, "so why don't you go and find a cloud to lean on and I'll check you out."
"But what happens if I wanna check you out too?" Soarin pouted.
"You're not subtle. No checking me out at school remember?"
"Yes madam," Soarin cheekily saluted. He sauntered over to a section of the admin building's wall further off to the left, sat down and lent against it.
Spitfire grinned, pleased by the sight.
Green eyes scanned the surroundings. With no other pegasi nearby Soarin slouched a bit. "Like what you see?"
"I liked it better when the stud wasn't slouching," Spitfire replied coolly.
"What stud?"
Spitfire leapt in shock and spun around to face High Winds who stood smirking in the doorway.
Soarin stood up straighter, "this one."
Fleetfoot rolled her eyes. "I don't see the hot pony you're talking about. I only see Soarin."
The lone colt pouted, "just because you can't spot a good looking colt when you see one doesn't mean he's not hot, right Spitfire?"
"Who are we talking about?" Spitfire smirked back.
The light grey face of High Winds split into a cheeky grin. "Ooh, maybe we're talking about Fleetfoot, are we talking about Fleetfoot?"
Light arctic blue met grey as Fleetfoot hoof bumped her companion, "I don't mind talking about me. Hey, that's a great idea, everypony talk about me!"
"And how good looking you are." High Winds added with a smirk.
Soarin rolled his eyes, "get a room fillies."
"You're one to talk," Pink eyes glinted as Fleetfoot pointedly eyed the colt who continued to chill against the wall of the admin building. "And what is it with you dumb colts and leaning against stuff?"
"It's cool." Soarin's gaze lingered on his spouse, hopeful for her support.
The young mare hesitated a moment, "I always think you're cool."
A grin split the light blue muzzle in two. "How about we go flying and I show you a thing or two?"
"You, show me?" Spitfire playfully shot back.
"I bet he's shown you plenty of things before. Right?" Fleetfoot grinned suggestively.
High Winds suppressed a giggle, "don't be rude."
"That's not being rude. Talking about what goes on, on lone clouds... That can be ri-dick-ulusly dirty. Like an earth pony in the mud." Fleetfoot winked back.
"If anypony wants me, I'll be on the flight course." Soarin pointedly took to the skies with a twirl.
Spitfire shook her head, shot her cheeky friend a dry look then raced off after her husband.
"That was funny, right?" Fleetfoot turned to her only remaining companion who shrugged.
The tips of a smile tugged at High Winds muzzle as she replied softly: "I mean, it was. But sometimes I wonder about that mind of yours."
"My mind is fine." Fleetfoot held herself high.
"Well, as your date tonight, I don't want to be constantly dragging your mind out of the sewers and back into the skies."
Fleetfoot grinned back, "but that's where it's the most fun!"
A light grey wing playfully slapped the cheeky pegasus. High Winds gracefully took to the skies, promptly joined by her best friend.
Night fell on Princess Twilight Sparkle's castle just in time for a blue mare with a rainbow mane to crash through the door to the large dining room. Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie paused their conversation around the long dinner table.
"Hi girls, sorry we're late." Rainbow Dash was quick to find her seat. The speedster grinned down at the meal before her.
"Hello, Dash. Did you leave your girlfriend behind?" Rarity asked.
"No." The soft voice was quickly followed by the yellow pegasus herself. "But somepony wanted to make an entrance."
"So I did," Dash added with a smirk as she sat back in her seat and snatched up a quick bite.
Fluttershy took her seat beside her partner, "sorry we are late. Dashie and I had to drop Scootaloo off first."
"For her date?" Rarity asked.
"Yep. Date number two. Those two really seem to hit it off."
"Just like Button Mash and Sweetie," Rarity added with a rather pleased smile.
"Are those two dating?" Fluttershy turned to the alabaster unicorn in surprise.
"Oh no, of course not. But I have seen the way she looks at him." Rarity's expression turned far off, as though imagining some creature who looked at her like that.
"I could plan them a super duper party?" Pinkie Pie was quick to offer.
Rarity faced the eager pink pony. "It might be best to wait until they are officially together, dear."
"Yeah yeah. Enough with the lovey dovey stuff. Or I'll need to leave the room." Rainbow Dash cut in.
"You're one to talk, dear," Rarity replied with a bit of snark in her tone. "You can be absolutely precious when you think you're alone with Fluttershy."
The blue pegasus flushed red and glared at the fashionista. "Hey, just because I may or may not be doing something with my pal Fluttershy does not mean other ponies need to know. I have a reputation to uphold."
Applejack snorted. "Being cool and tough doesn't mean ya can't be sweet too."
"Whatever..." Dash snatched up some lettuce and tore into it like a hungry beast.
Fluttershy neatly placed some hay and tomato slices in on her own lettuce leaf then daintily took a bite.
Rainbow Dash stuffed the rest of the tomato her fillyfriend had used into her own mouth.
The other girls took a few bites of the shared meal as silence fell upon the group for a few moments.
Twilight finished her mouthful and washed it down with some water. "Has Scootaloo shown any progress?"
Rainbow Dash shook her head, "She's made some progress, but I dunno. Have you found anything that might help her?"
"Luna and I may have found something, yes."
"You told the princess?" Rainbow Dash stared back at the young alicorn in shock.
"Well, we are kind of dating and she does make an excellent study partner. So yes... I did." Twilight twiddled her hooves, playing with her food nervously.
"What did you two find?" Fluttershy inquired softly.
"As of this day, scant information." A shadow stretched out from an open door behind the young alicorn. From the backlit hallway stepped the princess of the night herself. "And where is young Scootaloo?"
The two pegasi shared a glance before Fluttershy replied to the dark alicorn, "off on a date. She has a little admirer."
"How sweet." Luna smiled blissfully as she took her seat beside Twilight and offered a quick nuzzle. "When next I am in Ponyville I would very much like to meet Scootaloo. With her permission, Twilight and I would like to test her wings magically."
"Is it safe?" Rainbow Dash cautiously asked.
"Yes." Twilight was quick to reply. "We can't promise anything, but it may tell us if we can help or not."
"I'm sure Scootaloo would like that, thank you," Fluttershy replied with a thankful, delighted smile.
"Scootaloo also asked me to look for her parents." Rainbow Dash said as she took another bite to eat.
Luna tensed at the mention of the youngsters' parents. Twilight noticed and glanced at her marefriend. "What, Luna?"
The dark mare hesitated, feeling the gazes of all in the room upon her she took a deep breath. "I may have connected Scootaloo with her real parents a week ago."
Fluttershy perked up, "Scootaloo did tell Rainbow Dash and I that she felt like her parents met her in a dream."
"Do you know who they are?" Rainbow Dash asked, keen for an easy answer.
"A light blue stallion with a dark blue mane approached me and asked that I find Scootaloo. He asked that I connect his wife and himself with her in the dream realm... if it were possible."
"It is?" Rarity asked, intrigued.
Luna nodded slowly. "Although I only ever condone connecting members of one's family. Or lovers."
Sensing a wonderful learning opportunity, Twilight excitedly turned to her mare. "Can you show me how you did it?"
"Later my love." Luna placed a kiss on the excited mare's purple snout then turned back to the rest of the group.
"Does that mean you know their names?" Dash eagerly asked.
Luna shook her head, "nay. My sister is the master of remembering ponies names. Theirs... I cannot remember at this time. But the stallion's wife was called something about fire. I think he was soaring... I think... something."
Twilight giggled. "And there I thought your memory was amazing."
Luna shrugged, "tis for many things. Not names."
Rainbow Dash slouched and continued to feed her own face. "Soaring..? Did he have a second part to his name or something? Like Soaring skies or Soaring thunder or... uh..."
"Tis all I can recall at this time. If I remember, I can inform you." Luna replied softly.
"At least it's a start, right Dash?" Fluttershy offered hopefully.
Rainbow Dash nodded as she continued to eat thoughtfully. "You don't happen to know any pegasi like that, do you Pinkie?"
"Well..." The pink mare scrunched up her muzzle in thought. "Hmmm... Nope! Oh! I know! I can help you ask around!"
The side door to the dining room opened and in toddled Spike with a bowl of gems, "hey everypony."
The young drake paused, "did I miss something?"
Rarity eyed the gems. "Scootaloo wants to meet her biological parents and Luna may have connected her with them in a dream recently. But she can't remember their names."
"Oh. Wow, well I hope it goes well. I can kinda understand her wanting to know more. Although I've settled for my pony family." Spike hurried over to sit content, between Rarity and Twilight.
"I'm sorry, but this application can not be hurried along by some young mare and her petition."
A firey pegasus in her late teens growled softly as the proud pale white unicorn brushed away the papers she had presented to him. Spitfire was standing in the royal palace, seeking assistance and finding none. This particular room consisted of several booths along one wall. Unicorns sat comfortably in said booths, read to be of service to those seeking help with legal matters of importance. At this time, late in the morning, there was already a queue behind the young mare that led halfway down the room toward the door.
After a solid moment's gawping, Spitfire scowled back. "But this official... from Cloudsdale-"
"We are already processing the headmare's request. We shall inform the school of our decision in due course."
Spitfire scowled. Why was she required if they were already processing the course? "Will you at least read what I've put in front of you?"
The unicorn glanced at the papers. "These will be passed onto the correct pony to review."
Spitfire sighed, "can I talk to that pony then?"
"Your request is declined, I'm sorry."
Spitfire scowled at the stallion. He blinked passively back.
"Is everything alright, Silverquill?"
"Princess?" The off-white stallion span around to face the royal mare. He took a swift bow, "everything is fine. This young filly was just leaving."
"No I wasn't," Spitfire shot back.
Princess Celestia gazed with interest at the young mare. Spitfire recoiled then hurriedly stopped into a low bow, joining the rest of the room on their knees. "Sorry... I-"
"My little pony, why are you here?" The serene princess asked softly.
"To ask permission for a new course at Cloudsdale's advanced flight school."
"As far as I know, that application is being processed, is it not?" Celestia replied thoughtfully.
"Correct, your majesty. It should be processed sometime within the next three months." Silverquill was quick to respond.
Celestia nodded, "then there is no problem, is there?"
Spitfire tentatively glanced up at the intimidating alicorn. Spitfire's mind noted that those white wings were probably longer than her whole own body, "I have been sent to humbly ask if you would grant permission for a group of students, myself included to try out this program starting next week."
That heightened the princess's interest. She levitated the papers close and after a quick once over of the front sheet, the princess returned her attention to the nervous yellow filly. "Please follow me."
Spitfire's wings shot out in shock, "m-me?"
"Indeed." Celestia smiled. "What is your name, child?"
"S-Spitfire, your majesty."
"A lively name for a lively young mare." The serene alicorn turned and strode off.
Spitfire hurried to follow, careful to shoot a smirk at the unicorn who had hampered her.
Most of the ponies in the room joined the shocked stallion in gawping at the pair as they exited.
As Spitfire kept pace with the royal mare, Princess Celestia carefully read over the paperwork.
Yellow wings twitched with poorly concealed nerves. What if the princess turned her down? What if-
"I see nothing wrong with this request. However, I must ask." Princess Celestia came to a stop in the middle of the palace hallway.
"What?" Spitfire tentatively replied as she froze several paces away from the large alicorn.
"What has caused the sudden need for this course to be official now? And why did Mrs Sweets send you?"
"I- I... I don't know..." Spitfire submissively replied. Her wings drew tight to her barrel.
"I heard you were the best in your class."
Spitfire's coat bristled with shock. "Y-you did?"
Celestia nodded. "Yes. But I feel that there is more to this request than meets the eye. Such as your marital status."
Spitfire's wings shot out and she froze.
Celestia strode to the window and looked out over the castle garden. "It is a wonderful feeling to find love at any age. Treasure it."
"Y-you're okay with my husband and I... you know... on this program?"
Celestia smiled encouragingly back. "I think that is wonderful."
"E-even if we need the time away from school to uh..."
The princess nodded, "it is most noble to keep a life, even if they were conceived by accident. Do you love him?"
"With all my heart," Spitfire replied wistfully, her gaze far away, longing for the colt she so loved.
Celestia summoned a quill and carefully wrote something onto the last sheet of paper. "For your honesty, I give this course full official status as of now. Besides, it's a good course, I trust that you will succeed."
The princess levitated the papers back to the shocked young pegasus. "T-thank you."
It was lunchtime at Cloudsdale's advanced flight school. A trio of pegasi in their late teens sat on one of the high clouds that overlooked the school's flight courses. At the opposite end of the large flight zone, the trio could see the headmare's office. The white pegasus inside was busy at her desk.
Soarin turned to the two young mares at his side. The light grey filly with a dark blue/grey mane called High Winds chilled, her forehooves dangling over the edge of the cloud as she watched those below play and enjoy their lunches. The arctic blue pegasus met the colt's gaze as she finished wolfing down her meal.
"Why does school feel so slow today...?" Soarin bemoaned.
"Missing your mare?" High Winds asked casually as she took a bite of her meal.
The young stallion nodded. "Have you heard who got picked for this adventure?"
"Well," Fleetfoot stuffed her lunchbox into her saddlebag. "I think I was fourth to hand in my letter. Blackout's parents were concerned about his course work but I think they let him in. Apparently, he met the boss at the gate. Then I think I saw Silver Zoom heading to Mrs. Icyflank's office after our morning class. But if he was after you and Blackout then he might not be in."
High Winds piped up: "I don't think Fire Storm or Razor Wing got permission."
"Oh, do you think that's why Fire was looking kinda bummed this morning?" The young stallion asked.
Fleetfoot shrugged, "why else? He's like top on the racetrack and second in show talent to Spitfire."
The trio sat in comfortable silence for another few moments till Fleetfoot rose, "hey, think you can trust those two with your secret?"
The pale blue colt shrugged, "dunno. Guess we have to, right?"
Fleetfoot grinned cheekily, "well we can always hope they bail after a few weeks and leave just us three to enjoy the trials."
Soarin grinned as he rose to stand beside his friend, "yeah. That could be a lot of fun if it ends up, just us three. Maybe we could even ask if High Winds can join after they all leave?"
"Aww, guys... I'm not that good." The light grey teen bashfully responded.
Fleetfoot gave her friend a light hug. "Of course you are. I just think Mrs. Icyflank doesn't want two couples on the trip."
Soarin grinned at that, "but that could be so much fun... we could organize a whole lot of doubles tricks."
"Which would leave the fifth pony out, if we ever got one." High Winds pointed out softly.
Soarin shrugged. "Would still be cool, right?"
"Of course, you and Spitfire are always fun to fly with," confirmed the light grey mare.
"Hey, ya wanna take another run of the main course?" Offered Fleetfoot.
"But we just ate." Soarin pointed out. "And I always need some time after pie."
"You and your pie." Fleetfoot gave the colt a playful shove.
High Winds spoke up; "I have no idea how you are gonna survive without the local bakery when we leave Cloudsdale."
"I don't know how that bakery will survive without him," Fleetfoot remarked snidely.
"Maybe you could learn how to make them for me." Soarin cheekily offered.
High Winds scoffed, "She's not your misses. Ask Spitfire, or better yet... didn't you work in a bakery?"
"After one uh... little incident they didn't wanna let me bake. I mostly served other ponies." The admittance left the two fillies with a clear mixture of concern and shock. Soarin couldn't help but grin at their responses.
Fleetfoot directed a pointed look at the colt by her side, "and drooled over their baked goods?"
Soarin fluffed his wings in embarrassment. "No."
"Yes, you do too! You were doing it when Spitfire and I stopped by that morning recently, remember?!" Fleetfoot almost exploded with mirth.
The young stallion shot the grinning shark of a pony by his side a pointed look. "I'm going for a glide."
"I'm only coming if we get a run of the main course before class." High Winds piped up.
The light blue colt pulled off a flip then hovered a few pony lengths away. "Na. I'll let you two enjoy that. I'm cruising on a full tummy of pie."
Nighttime in Canterlot was a vibrant, lively affair.
Spitfire wandered through a busy street in the large city, hopelessly lost. She was supposed to find a place to stay for the few nights she was here. Yet she felt no closer to success than when she started two hours ago. Now that night had just fallen, her already poor sense of direction had worsened. Every street felt like the last and her head was beginning to spin. The young mare turned into a less busy street and continued to wander, her gaze upon the various buildings of businesses that were empty at this time of the evening. Somewhere there had to be a hotel of some kind that was not fully booked. Or any place to stay really...
Spitfire sighed.
"Hey," a large red pegasus stallion alighted right next to the vibrant young mare. She instinctively gave him a wide berth. Something about him just felt... off. The young mare was suddenly very aware of how empty this particular stretch of road was.
The stallion stepped closer, right back into her personal space. Spitfire shot him a dark look to try and make him get lost.
The red pegasus grinned as his eyes wandered along her body, it made her feel dirty somehow. "You look like you could use a little help. I could offer you a place to stay in exchange for certain services."
"No. Thank you." Spitfire shot back. The young mare took up a brisk stride to try and put on a bit of distance between herself and the unwanted stallion.
"Come on, you don't gotta be like that. I-"
"Not. Interested. Now get lost."
"Or what?" The stallion towered over Spitfire. "You look like a fun young mare. I'm offering you a fun night."
The hair on the back of her neck stood up and she took off like a rocket down the street then into the sky. The cries of disturbed ponies carried across the evening air but Spitfire paid them no heed. She had to get away. This was all a mistake. Or some kind of punishment.
Something slammed into Spitfire and ripped her out of the sky. She lashed out and her right forehoof collided with a light blue muzzle.
"Ow! Spitty!"
She was being carried by a strong pair of light blue forehooves. Her husband had found her!
Relief flooded Spitfire's system and she collapsed, quaking into her husband's hold. "Oh thank goodness! This city is huge... I got lost... It's- it's-"
"Hush..." Soarin gave his fillyfriend a quick kiss then continued his flight away from the big city.
The young stallion eventually alighted on a large cloud high above the rising Canterlot mountain. He carefully placed his quivering lover down and settled beside her.
Spitfire glanced around, still slightly on edge. They were alone. No sign of any other ponies. Just the dark forest immediately below them and the city in the distance. A further wave of relief washed through her system. Spitfire lovingly wrapped her husband in a tight hug.
Soarin smiled back, delighted to have found his wife after such a long flight.
The couple continued to canoodle on the large cloud and Spitfire wasted no time in showing her husband her gratitude and love.
Spitfire and Soarin lay, cuddled together on their own private cloud in the afterglow of their reunion. The stars twinkled overhead and the moon shone, illuminating the couple with its pale light.
Soarin gave his lover a quick kiss. "So... uh, how do you feel now?"
"Amazing..." Spitfire hummed as she nuzzled her husband. "Although, I think you felt a little more eager than normal. Did somepony miss me?"
"Yeah," Soarin nodded. "Did you miss me?"
"I did. It was weird not having your big dumb face around," Spitfire slyly replied.
"Well thank you, hot flank." Soarin shot back playfully.
"Sore flank, you mean." Spitfire giggled.
The colt's grin fell away, replaced in an instant with concern. "Was I too rough?"
"No," Spitfire gave her husband a tight hug. "You were wonderful. Made me forget the tough day I had."
"Oh. How did meeting the princess go?" Soarin tentatively asked.
Spitfire nuzzled her husband for a few sweet moments before she relaxed into his side and met his shining eyes, aglow with love for her. The young mare smiled, "she's really nice. But when I arrived to follow up on the headmare's application I got lost. Arrived late then got fobbed off by some snarky unihorn. Princess Celestia herself put that snob in his place. She accepted the program and gave us her best wishes. She's actually super cool! Like, really cool!"
"You got to meet thee Princess Celestia? Get outta here!" Soarin stared at his mare with wide eyes.
"I did. Apparently she even runs a special school for gifted unicorns and likes meeting outstanding students. Anyway, after totally getting the course okayed by the princess herself, uh... I had a late lunch at this nice looking place on the edge of the city, near the front gate. Owned by a nice pink pegasus. I'll need to take you there, she's nicer than a lot of those snobby unicorns. Then I did two laps of the mountainside and then tried to find a place to stay."
The young stallion's countenance darkened, "Okay, but then you seemed all distressed when I caught you."
Spitfire eyed the black eye that was forming. "Sorry about that, by the way."
"Huh?"
"Me, hitting you. Your right eye looks terrible."
Realization lit the face of the pale blue colt. "Oh yea, I totally forgot once we got started."
"I dunno what you're gonna do when I get too big for us to have sex," a playful shove followed Spitfire's cheeky response.
Soarin blushed.
"I'm teasing, love you," Spitfire giggled.
"Love you too," Soarin lent in and their lips connected for a sweet, pleasant moment.
"But seriously. I feel like we should stop having sex soon. I know the baby is only really small still, but I don't wanna risk anything."
"Sure," Soarin quickly agreed, his eyes upon his wife's barrel. "He will be worth it."
"She."
Soarin rolled his eyes then planted his gaze upon the pretty face of his mate.
"So, how was your day?" Spitfire almost purred as she nuzzled into her strong lover's side. She gave his foreleg a light squeeze and shamelessly began to feel his muscles.
Soarin grinned like a lovestruck idiot. "Fine. Paperwork and practicing on the new course. But soon as school was over, I left to find you. Took me over an hour of looking around, I was really glad when I saw you speeding along like you were on the run from a mighty beast." He playfully nuzzled her back then realised her reaction was not one of fun and games. "Wait. Were you on the run?"
Spitfire's gaze fell to her forehooves. "I... don't wanna talk about it."
The pale blue colt pouted, "aw, come on. I'm your husband. You can tell me anything."
Spitfire gazed at him reproachfully, "fine. But it was just some creepy pegasus stallion."
Two blue wings shot up and Soarin half stood as he clutched his wife close as though to protect her from the world. "He didn't touch you did he? Please tell me nothing happened to you. I could never forgive myself if-"
"Sssssh..." A yellow hoof silenced the worried colt. Spitfire couldn't help but enjoy the way her hubby's body tensed and his wings flexed as he stood protectively over her. "No. I high tailed it out of there before he did anything."
"Oh good," filled with relief, Soarin collapsed back into the cuddle with his wife.
A light blue hoof sneaked down the yellow coat of Spitfire till it came to rest upon her cutie mark. "This is mine. No pony else is allowed to touch. And I will protect you, even if I gotta skip the last day of school to do it."
Spitfire huffed. "Don't do that, ya dummy. I'm fine."
Soarin shot his wife a challenging side glance then snuck in a kiss on her jaw. "Nope. Minds made up."
"And what if they kick your dumb ass out for leaving early?"
"Then I'm staying here, at your side where I belong."
Spitfire rolled her eyes. "And if I command you to go back to school for Friday?"
"No," Soarin poked his nose up in the air in defiance.
Happy to play his game, Spitfire offered an alternative. "And what if we spend tonight on this cloud, you go to school tomorrow morning, then we meet at the front gate of Canterlot at six in the evening? Have round three or five of giving our baby a bumpy ride."
"But I wanna stay with you." Bright green eyes sparkled and blue cheeks puffed out as Soarin did his best puppy eyes.
Rather than submit, vibrant orange irises dazzled back and a yellow lip poked out as Spitfire pouted cutely back.
A light blue lip poked even further out.
Spitfire tilted her head a bit and batted her eyelids.
A brief sparkle of laughter rippled across Soarin's face but was suppressed before it reached his lips. He fluttered his wings and rolled over then tucked his forehooves in like a little colt.
A sneeze of laughter erupted from Spitfire. She crawled closer, placed her muzzle in contact with her husband's then widened her eyes in her best cute stare.
Soarin matched her growing cute eyes as best he could.
The couple gazed at one another in a silly yet tense silence that grew and grew till both young ponies were stretching their facial muscles to the extreme.
Sudden laughter erupted into the night. Neither pegasus knew who broke first. It felt as though the dam of ridiculousness burst like a volcano.
The couple rolled around laughing on the large cloud till every last tear of mirth and shrill cry was extinguished. Both pegasi lay there knackered and gasping for air.
"Oh, my sides..." Soarin wheezed.
"Hurt... I wonder what our baby is thinking..." Spitfire gasped.
"I bet they are wondering what mommy and daddy are doing." Soarin scooped his misses up, placed her in the center of the cloud then resumed snuggles.
A peaceful silence took over as both youngsters enjoyed gazing into each other's eyes. Bright orange irises were the first to wander as Spitfire checked out every detail on her lover's face. Soarin joined in with a grin.
As the cheeky colt's gaze fell to the cloud, a light yellow hoof booped his nose. "Hey."
"Hey yourself,"
Spitfire grinned back. "Whatcha thinking?"
"I wish I had made it out here earlier."
Spitfire scoffed, "well if somepony had at least told me they had this grand idea of sneaking over to Canterlot after his wife..."
"It only just occurred to me when I arrived at school and saw High Winds and Fleetfoot flying together this morning."
Two pretty yellow ears perked up. "How are those two doing?"
Soarin scuffed the cloud with a forehoof as he gazed away. "Fine, it's weird. But they seem to be enjoying it."
"That's good," a giant yawn escaped the aspiring yellow wonderbolt.
Soarin snuggled up a little closer, "I guess I'm seeing you at the front gate of Canterlot tomorrow just before six. I don't wanna leave you right now."
"So you'll be good and attend school?"
"Yes, I will. I'll be a good little colt and go to school. But... it's like... more than an hour for a speeding pegasus like you or me to fly home."
"Then you better get up early," Spitfire concluded with a smug grin. "I can help with that."
"Yea, but you're so snuggly... you make me wanna never get up..." Soarin moaned softly.
"And I love kicking your flank out of bed. It should be fun kicking you off this cloud just before seven. I wonder how far you'll fall before your wings work." Spitfire smirked.
"Fine. Sleep time then." Soarin lifted his right wing and his wife was quick to settle under the pale blue canvass of feathers.
The vibrant young mare closed her eyes as she nuzzled up close. "Good night."
"Night, nite."
Silence fell.
The blissful peace of night settled. ...
"Hey... Spitty?"
A soft groan escaped the young mare, "I thought we were sleeping?"
"Well, yes. But... uh... I'm- I'm glad you're okay."
"I know. Love you too, pie face."
"Fire mane." Soarin smirked.
"Big belly," Spitfire shot back.
"Cuddly Wuddly."
Spitfire cracked open one eye and regarded her lover with disdain. "Lazy bones."
"Hot flank."
Spitfire smirked and bumped her flank against her lover. "Silly willy."
A bright green eye lazily opened to regard the shining orange iris of his mate. "Well, my silly willy worked its magic on you. I guess that makes you the oven for our bun."
Spitfire snorted then burst into giggles. "That's gotta be the dumbest way you could possibly call me pregnant."
"You wanna bet?" Soarin grinned back. "I'm sure I can do better than just a bun in the oven joke."
The vibrant young mare lent over ever so slightly and kissed the lovestruck colt's snout. "I'm sure a well endowed young stallion like yourself can. But right now I wanna cuddle you and sleep so that I can kick you off this cloud come sunrise."
"Love you Sunshine."
"Love you too, pie boy."
With soft nuzzles and the slight shifting of wings, the couple settled peacefully down once more.
For this happy young couple, all was right in Equestria. Tomorrow was sure to bring fresh challenges. But for now, both teenagers were content together. |
Our Daughter | CH13: The Grand Adventure (four & a half - five months pregnant) | Ponyville.
An old fashioned, simple looking town that carried a relaxed and friendly vibe.
A young Soarin strode away from the Ponyville florist's stand with a bunch of colourful flowers. Although the mare behind the counter had been very helpful in picking a variety of tasty, great looking flowers. The young stallion could not remember the name of a single one. He spotted the others in their little group who had come from Coudsdale, Blackout, Fleetfoot and Silver Zoom.
"Who's that for?" Blackout, the midnight black young stallion with a deep blue mane asked.
Soarin transferred the flowers from his mouth to his right forehoof. "My special somepony."
"You have a special somepony?" Blackout laughed. "No way, I thought you were gay or something the way you hang out with fillies all day."
Soarin scowled, Fleetfoot giggled.
Silver Zoom, the grey stallion with a light grey and white mane observed the reactions of the other teens. The teenager turned to Soarin, tense. "You're not talking about your best friend, are you?"
The light blue colt in question broke out into a huge grin as he spotted the young mare who had just entered Ponyville's airspace.
The young speedster cut her speed back to legal levels and Soarin waved at her. The others in the group glanced back to see who he was waving at. Fleetfoot smirked and muttered something. Blackout waved, his face otherwise impassive. Silver Zoom looked happy to see their final member. Soarin noticed the look on his face and felt a pang of jealousy shot through his system like hot fire.
Spitfire pulled off a tight loop and landed in front of Soarin. The couple grinned at each other, delighted to be reunited. The colt offered the flowers to his young mare.
"You got me flowers, you must be happy to see me." Spitfire chuckled as she accepted his gift.
Soarin could not help but notice the shock on Silver Zoom's face, something inside him felt really good seeing that surprise. "Well, I am glad to see you. Guys, meet Spitfire. We're together."
"I thought that was just some silly rumour." Blackout muttered. "But whatever, good luck."
"Hope you had a good flight here," Fleetfoot strode up to Spitfire and gave her a hug. "You're so lucky having your special somepony with you, my girl has to stay back in Cloudsdale."
"Your girl?" Silver Zoom scrunched up his muzzle, "oh, you're one of those fillyfoolers, aren't you?"
"Who I sleep with, snuggle and love is none of your business." Fleetfoot held her head up high and sat pointedly beside Spitfire.
A blush crept across the grey stallion. "And you let her hug you, that-"
"It also does not stop her from giving friends a hug." Spitfire cut Silver Zoom off, her tone cold as ice.
"Yeah," Soarin added.
Silver Zoom rubbed his forehead with a grey hoof. "Whatever... this is weird... Just- let's get on with it, shall we."
"Alright," Blackout agreed.
"Who's boss?" Fleetfoot asked, ready for action.
"What?" Blackout eyed the arctic blue mare, "why do we need a leader?"
Fleetfoot shrugged. "You know... every squad needs a leader... so I just thought, maybe Spitfire could be ours."
The fiery filly cautiously eyed her friend, "I dunno about being a leader, Fleet."
"Yeah. Maybe I should be our leader." Silver Zoom puffed himself up proudly. "I am really good at teaching others and leading and stuff."
"Go for it dude, I don't care." Backout shrugged.
Fleetfoot narrowed her eyes and warily regarded the grey stallion. "You sure you don't wanna be our leader, Spitfire?"
"Silver Zoom wants to do it, I say let him." Spitfire shrugged.
"I'm with Spitfire." Soarin added, "so I guess that makes Silver the lead pony here."
"You're always with Spitfire," Fleetfoot muttered as she rolled her eyes.
A small tightly knit group of pegasi flew over the Everfree Forest at breakneck speeds. The trees were blown this way and that as feathers and hooves came within inches of impact. Silver Zoom led, eager to show off his skills. Blackout kept pace, focused and ready. Behind him flew Fleetfoot and Soarin both of whom were currently exchanging silly faces. Spitfire smirked as she caught sight of her husband hanging his tongue out and allowing it to blow wild as they sped along.
At Silver Zoom's guidance, the small group cut through three wild clouds, sped through the outer trees then alighted outside the forest's boundary.
"Alright. That's part two done." Silver Zoom smoothed his mane. "How about we break for lunch and check out what book work we should be doing this afternoon."
"How come we leave class and still gotta do the boring bits?" Soarin wondered.
"Theory helps you refine the practical side. At least, it does for me." With a cocky grin, Silver Zoom took to the skies.
"I mean hey, it might end up being helpful depending on what sorta jobs we get. But don't worry, I too am looking forward to the day we finish all the book work too." Blackout smirked then took off after the pale fiery colt.
Soarin turned to his wife, "there isn't much writing for this course, is there?"
"No. I took a quick look through the paperwork submitted to Celestia. We have way more flight time than everypony in class."
"Oh good."
Fleetfoot cracked a grin, "afraid you won't get enough action there?"
"No, it's not that?" Soarin shook his head.
The icy blue mare gazed from mare to stallion, sly and sure as she continued to grin.
"Hey, I mean... if you two wanted to sneak off for a quickie I could always cover for you."
A hopeful smile radiated from Soarin and he looked to his wife for confirmation.
Spitfire rolled her eyes then scanned the surroundings. Seeing nothing but the retreating forms of their two other classmates she shook her head. "Not today. Baby has left me feeling like I've flown twice what we did."
Concern killed the joy and Soarin was quick to give his mare a hug. "Are you okay? Do you wanna sit out the extra laps next time?"
Orange eyes blazed with defiance as they met care laden green irises.
"And look weak?"
"Would you rather look weak or wear yourself out?" Fleetfoot interjected.
"If I slow down, those two will ask questions."
Spitfire retorted.
Fleetfoot rolled her eyes. "And you're gonna have to tell them sooner or later."
"I know..." Spitfire sighed. "But a part of me isn't ready to tell them yet."
Fleetfoot eyed the barely visible baby bump. It was still small enough that it could easily be mistaken for a bit of extra body fat or missed entirely. "Well... I only see something because I know it's there. But I'm sure more and more ponies are gonna notice and when those other two realize, well... I'm sure it will be better if you two say something first."
"I know." Soarin nodded in agreement as he gave his fiery mare a winged hug. "Just uh.. give us like another week."
"Alright." With a stiff nod of acceptance, Fleetfoot unfurled her wings. "Come on you two. We got four hungry pegasi to feed."
As the arctic blue pegasus shot off toward Ponyville town Soarin lit up with a pleasant smile. He gave his wife's barrel a careful brush with his forehoof and tightened his winged hug just a bit.
Spitfire snuck in a quick kiss then took to the skies. "Hurry up pie boy. Like Fleet says. I'm eating for two here."
"Oh! I have the perfect pie for you!" Soarin eagerly joined his mare.
Spitfire scoffed, "I said two. Not a whole army. Besides, I'm sure the pub is closed at lunchtime." The fiery mare twirled gracefully, her limbs sore but still flight worthy.
"Oh yeah... Hey, how about we go there for dinner!" Soarin twirled then clipped a nearby tree. The eager young stallion quickly righted himself, grinning sheepishly as he flew to his wife's side.
"If you don't smack into a tree and knock yourself out first." With a snicker the speedy young mare took off, leading her husband into town.
As the sun set over Ponyville, four large clouds hovered on the outskirts toward the Apple family farm.
Silver Zoom's cloud was roughly moulded for himself to comfortably curl up. Backout had hollowed out his cloud enough to fit himself and saddlebag inside. Fleetfoot gave her carefully flattened cloud a gentle press in the middle then glanced over at Spitfire and Soarin's cloud.
Idled with her forehooves over the edge lay Spitfire. With great care, Soarin worked around her. Rather than simply hollow the cloud, Soarin worked to build up two soft walls on either side of his mare. With skilful hooves, he crafted a covering for them using a second cloud. He attached the two sides from the lower cloud to the upper one. With a not so subtle look at his wife's hindquarters, the blue stallion formed a rounded wall on the rear, thus joining the two sides. This left one way out, the way Spitfire faced. Occasionally the fiery mare would drop a comment or ask for a part of their interior to be adjusted. With very little direction, Soarin even formed a small lip to the opening that comfortably supported her hooves and chin. As Soarin ceased work on the inside, it became clear there was ample space for two pegasi to stretch out inside and even a small raised space for their bags to sit.
Soarin darted outside and formed small swirls in the outside of the dual cloud. As he finished his creative work, Silver Zoom caught his attention.
"I see you're already her servant. You're not gonna have much fun if you marry her." Silver Zoom lay down, smirking.
"I ask, he does. It's a working system." Spitfire smirked back.
"Well you certainly have picked a pony who knows how to work clouds, I'll give you that much." Backout casually commented as he relaxed on his own cloud. "Maybe he could even help others to improve their cloud shaping skills sometime?"
"Well sure." Soarin shrugged as he took his place at Spitfire's side. "But you're not that bad."
Blackout scoffed, "says the pony who made a small house out of three clouds. I bet that will easily last your stay here. Our cheap jobs won't last a day."
Backout directed his gaze pointedly at Silver Zoom, "I mean... my cloud is just a simple hollow out job and some others haven't even done that."
"Hey," Silver Zoom retorted. "At least I'm better than her."
All eyes followed the grey hoof's direction. Fleetfoot sat up, offended. "You're not better than me."
"Yes, I am. Your crummy job looks like a foals attempt at cloud shaping."
"It does not!" The light arctic blue mare stood, her wings quivering, ready for action.
"I could make a house." Soarin broke into the argument.
Everypony turned to the blue colt. He took a step back, shyly. "I- I mean, I probably could make us all a cloud house to share."
"Why?" Fleetfoot questioned, her wings relented and she settled down a bit. "I'm okay with what I made. I can sleep on this. And it would take you at least a week of hard work to make a full size house to fit every pony. We're not even staying around here that long too, so it would be a waste."
Soarin glanced at his wife. After a quiet moment, she shrugged.
"Well, I mean. It could be a fun challenge."
"And maybe everypony could help him and learn something too?" Spitfire added as she too turned to face the others.
Blackout and Silver Zoom shared a look. Blackout shrugged and settled down, "not tonight. I'm tired and feel like sleeping."
"A proper house does sound nice. But are you sure the teachers would allow it?" Silver Zoom asked.
"I don't see why not," Spitfire replied. "Long as they know we made it... well, that might even help our grades."
"Alright." Fleetfoot nodded, "sounds like something to consider. Now, I'm gonna agree with Blackout. It's time for some shuteye. Sun's going down and everything."
"You two won't keep us up, will you?" Silver Zoom cast a pointed look toward the couple.
Spitfire scoffed. "Of course not. What do you expect us to do besides cuddle?"
Fleetfoot struggled to keep a straight face as she shared a glance with the other two solo pegasi. "Exactly."
"Had to ask." Silver Zoom replied. "Already heard of two idiots in school getting caught banging behind the flight course." With a flap of his wings, he propelled his cloud further away from the collective group. "Good night."
"Good night." Spitfire quickly responded then span around to face her husband and nuzzled up close.
As her lips reached his ear the mare felt a smile slip across her muzzle. "You hear that stud? No sex while this lot are around."
Soarin nodded and whispered back; "sneak out after dark?"
Spitfire shot her mate a deadpan look. "You might as well announce that we're off to have sex right now."
The light blue stallion grinned. "You want to, or shall I?"
A yellow hoof shoved the cheeky stallion away. He lightly impacted with the wall and lay there, still grinning, pleased with himself.
Spitfire shook her head and settled down for the night.
"You know I was joking, right?" Soarin whispered as he cuddled back up to his mare.
Spitfire nodded. "Yeah. And you know I'm joking when I say you're getting laid tonight."
Green eyes flew wide open. "Okay... I get it. I get it."
"Good boy."
The next two weeks flew past. By day they trained under Silver Zoom's command. Their practise sessions were filled with a mixture of fun and laughter as well as focus and hard work. The slacking off was usually led by Soarin while Spitfire or Silver Zoom were usually the ones to corral every pony back on to task. The group often referred to the notes their teachers had left them in a keen effort to progress through the assigned work quickly. Although Silver Zoom was their chosen leader, Spitfire found herself often pointing out the intricate details of their flight. The trio of friends enjoyed frequent competition among themselves. After the first few days, it became clear just how driven Soarin's companions were. By the end of the first week, Soarin had been taken aside three times by Spitfire during their training and given a hard word or two. Any time they were not in the middle of complex practice it seemed the absence of teachers naturally led to the chill colt goofing off. At times Fleetfoot could be almost as bad because she enjoyed provoking him. The arctic blue pegasus also proved rather good at picking fights with Silver Zoom and many a session was disrupted by their heated but brief bickering. There was the odd morning that Spitfire was grouchy. On two occasions Soarin was the only one to show up in the morning with a generic excuse for his partner. By the time Spitfire later appeared in the midst of their training, she appeared fine. Blackout was the quiet one of their team. He followed Silver Zoom like a dark shadow through the lessons as they unfolded.
In the evenings, Soarin led the construction of a cloud mansion large enough to house the whole team. Soarin flittered between shaping the most intricate parts of the house and guiding the other pegasi as they worked on shaping the walls, halls and archways. Two days a week Spitfire would disappear into town for cooking lessons, leaving her companions to continue on without her. The four bedrooms were the first to take shape along with the large fluffy base that Soarin had great fun shaping into one extra large swirling cloud. The skilled young stallion extended the cloud base outward to form a platform outside the front door with tendrils at its edge.
The weekends were a time of rest and relaxation for the group. In this time Fleetfoot would spend the day in Ponyville or Cloudsdale with High Winds. Spitfire and Soarin would either join their two friends or fly off for their own, more private time.
As the second week came to a close, the cloud house was mostly finished. The dwelling was a little rough in places and it was obvious that hooves of varying skills had worked on its creation. But it was good enough for five young pegasi to live comfortably.
As another week of intense learning flew by the five teens found themselves relaxing with a few ciders on the soft porch of their dwelling.
A figure appeared on the horizon. The pegasus was clearly flying at great speed against the wind. Blackout was the first to point out the incoming form. "Guys. Look at that. Somepony is coming in fast."
"Maybe it's a Wonderbolt doing a speed run..?" Soarin wondered as his wing slipped around the yellow barrel of his missus.
Spitfire gave her husband a cautioning sideward glance but let the intimate gesture slide.
Silver Zoom stood and stretched. "Wonder if it's a teacher, they were supposed to check up on us today."
"Oh yeah..." Fleetfoot grinned. "Good thing most of us-" her gaze met Soarin who scowled. "Are doing really well."
"I'll do just as well as you when they test us." Soarin shot back.
"Remember some of this course is not yet finalized. You might find yourself in trouble Soarin. You don't have the rest of the class to make you look good." Silver Zoom commented then took to the skies. "I got a feeling this is our teacher. I'll be right back!"
Soarin poked his tongue out at the departing form of their pale firey classmate. He stood and cast a glance toward the home he was responsible for creating. "You think they will like our house?"
"Are you joking?" Spitfire rose and playfully shoved her mate. "This will blow them away. No one at our school has made a proper house."
"Yeah, but it's not yet a proper cloud house."
"What did you tell us?"
Soarin glanced around, "uh... it's not done?"
"No."
"...Two more weeks?"
Spitfire nodded, a pleased smile upon her lips. "Exactly. I'm sure our instructors will be understanding."
In no time at all the incoming pegasus and Silver Zoom drew near and it was clear that it was indeed their flight instructor. The stormy blue and grey stallion slowed his flight and looped around the small mansion a few times. With his gaze impassive, the weathered pegasus landed in the middle of the front cloud porch then strode up to the front door.
"Who did you hire to construct this?"
"Soarin." Spitfire casually replied with a pride laden smirk.
"Really?" Maelstrom turned to Soarin, a light smile on his muzzle. "Somepony has a gift I see. Has this rather large project been in place of the assigned school work?"
"No sir," Soarin answered. "We have been building this after the day's assigned work is done. I've done the more complex bits and every pony else has helped by making the walls and stuff you walk on. It's been kinda a cool challenge since I never really got to make something this big at school."
The stallion nodded, thoughtful. "And it meets Cloudsdale building regulations?"
"It will. We need another two or three weeks to finish it."
The flight instructor nodded thoughtfully. "And what if I tell you to move to a new location before then?"
Soarin shrugged, "we take it with us."
The stallion nodded, pleased by the answer. "May I take a look inside?"
Soarin shared a glance with his fellow students. "I mean, sure."
With a nod, Maelstrom pushed open the door and entered. The kitchen and living space were currently blank and their walls were still rather pudgy. Eager to show off the group's real progress, Soarin pushed forward into the hallway that had five doorways, four bedrooms and at the end of the single straight hall, the bathroom.
A glance into the first bedroom on the left revealed Blackout's room, neat and lean. The teacher nodded to himself then opened the doorway to his left. Before him was the messy living space of the group's couple. The double bed was unmade and there were several pie tins on the nightstand opposite the bed. "Ah yes. Spitfire and Soarin's room right..? Considering your marital status, I guess this is reasonable, even though students are not normally allowed to bunk with peers of the opposite sex."
Spitfire and Soarin froze.
"Marital status?" Silver Zoom blinked a few times then gazed at the young couple, shocked. "What?"
"Does this mean they are engaged or something?" Blackout questioned from the back of the group.
Maelstrom glanced around his small group of elite students, realization quick to dawn on him. "My apologies. I was unaware that Spitfire and Soarin had chosen to withhold this information from their peers. Considering the timing and all." His gaze came to rest on Spitfire.
The fiery young mare suddenly felt highly nervous. Why did she have to become the center of attention now? This was bad. She instinctively placed herself closer to her husband. "Soarin and I are married. Okay?"
"What?" Silver Zoom almost exploded. "How could you marry that lazy colt?"
Spitfire rounded on the grey colt, "because I love him."
"Yea. Right now. What happens when-"
"Alright, calm down everypony." Maelstrom intervened sternly.
"Calm down?" Silver Zoom shot back. "How can I calm down when these two have lied to us. Why- I bet those nights you two were late you were sneaking off to-"
"And this is exactly why they didn't tell you!" Fleetfoot cut the angry colt off, her wings flared touching the soft hallway as she faced off against him.
"The filly fooler is in on their little game? You haven't been sneaking off to lay with your little minx too have you?" Silver Zoom sneered.
"I-" Fleetfoot stuttered, "no!"
"Like I would believe a fillyfooler like you!"
"Alright. That's enough." Maelstrom placed himself between the two antagonized students.
With a flick of his grey wings, Silver Zoom turned. "Fine. I'll be outside. When you're ready to assess us, I'll be ready."
Fleetfoot slumped against the wall, her frown laced with pain. Spitfire hurried to her side.
"Are you okay?" Yellow wings reached out and offered a comforting hug between friends.
"I'll be fine..."
"Does he do this often?" Maelstrom spoke up, his voice unusually tender for the usually hard stallion.
"Sometimes..? It doesn't matter if I have a fillyfriend instead of a colt does it?" Fleetfoot gazed up at Maelstrom desperate for an answer.
Maelstrom sighed. "Who you love is your choice. Ignore him."
"Right... right..."
"I know it won't stop his words from hurting, but..." The stallion sighed. "Look. I'm no good with these things. And I'm here to see how you five are progressing with your flying. Do you feel ready for action or shall I return tomorrow?"
All eyes rested on Fleetfoot as she sat there. "I- I think some flying would be good."
"Then let's go." Maelstrom led the way out, his tour prematurely ended.
With that everypony hastened outside, Fleetfoot at the rear. Upon exiting she shot the pale firey colt a death glare. He turned his nose up at her then faced the flight instructor, ignoring her.
"You would do well to watch your mouth, Silver Zoom." Maelstrom addressed the pale colt. "Or I may have you sent back to Cloudsdale."
"What about those two!" Silver Zoom pointed at the young couple. "You should send them home for indecent acts."
"Well, they are married." The flight instructor shrugged then faced the young couple "I assume you both are being responsible."
"Well yeah. It's not like we're disrupting their sleep or anything." Soarin replied as casually as possible.
"Right. Then I see nothing wrong here. Everypony take flight. I want to see what you have all been working on for the last three weeks." With his instruction issued, Maelstrom's wings flickered into life and he shot off into the sky.
Soarin poked his tongue out at Silver Zoom then followed.
The light brownish grey colt huffed then raced off, keen to lead the pack. Spitfire, Fleetfoot and Blackout kept close behind the leading colt as he flew.
Under the command of their tutor, the group ran through the drills and the routines they had worked on over the last three weeks. There was an icy atmosphere hanging in the sky. It was particularly stagnant between Silver Zoom and Fleetfoot as they refused to acknowledge each other.
Added to this, was a rising level of awkwardness, two colt's stares were often directed at the married couple. With one of their two secrets out, both pegasi did their best to act professionally as they flew together.
After flying with the five teens, the flight instructor bid them goodbye and began his flight home.
The small team alighted on the soft porch of their cloud home. Soarin was quick to head for the door but froze when Blackout cleared his throat. The light blue colt sighed and turned to face his teammates.
"So... why are you two married already?" Blackout's gaze flicked between husband and wife, keenly seeking answers. "We got a lot of couples at school. But no pony gets married this early unless they got an extra special reason."
Spitfire and Soarin shared a glance and after a moment's silent communion they faced the two teenaged colts.
Soarin cleared his throat. "Spitfire and I are married because... she is pregnant with our foal."
"What?" Blackout took a step back and his wings shot out in shock.
"No way!" Silver Zoom retorted, "That's an affront to our school! Why... you should be expelled from the course for something like that!"
"Thank you, not helpful." Fleetfoot cut in, her stern gaze fixed upon the shocked grey colt.
Silver Zoom quickly collected himself and gave the icy blue mare a hard stare. "And what if I have more to say, fillyfooler? Do I need to hide my sister from you too?"
"What? Eww... No! I mean shut up!"
Silver Zoom scoffed. "Whatever. I'm out of here."
With that, light brownish grey wings flicked to life and the angry colt flew off toward town.
"And don't come back!" Fleetfoot cried out.
"What is his deal?" Blackout wondered out loud.
"I dunno. But with that attitude, I wouldn't hire him if I was looking for new wings for the Wonderbolts." Spitfire commented dryly.
"Yeah. You know... you could be the boss..." Soarin offered.
"Yeah. And kick him out." Fleetfoot added sourly as she sat and folded her forelegs in a huff.
Spitfire sighed. "I'm starting to consider it... especially since I only have another month or two of high speed flying in me before my baby slows me down."
"So... How long have you two been hiding this..." Blackout wondered cautiously.
Spitfire cracked a dry grin, "just over five months. And uh... the last two were getting a bit hard."
"So that um... little extra weight you're carrying isn't you bulking up then..?" Blackout ventured cautiously.
Spitfire shot the colt a dangerous glare. "Did you just call me fat? Soarin, did he call me fat!?"
"No. No he did not." The blue colt was quick to jump in. "You're beautiful and skinny and very hot."
"But what if I feel fat, thanks to you?"
As Spitfire's muzzle impacted with the panicked blue nose of her husband, Fleetfoot sprang into action and tackled Blackout, carrying them both over the edge of the cloud.
"What are you doing?" The dark colt asked, surprised by the sudden action.
"I think you set her off. It's safer to just get out and let Soarin deal with it." Fleetfoot replied as she let go.
Concern ripped across the young pegasus's face as he righted himself. "Are you sure? She looked ready to hit somepony."
"Have you ever spent much time around a pregnant mare?"
"Uh... no."
"Then trust me."
With a final glance back at their dwelling, Blackout sighed. "Alright. How long do we need to wait?"
"Let's do a loop around town... come back. Then we can relax."
It was dark outside. Yet Spitfire lay awake in bed. Her husband slept peacefully by her side. He occasionally wiggled around a little bit or muttered something about fire and pie. Each time his forehooves found her own, he would relax and a huge dopey smile would fill his muzzle.
At least she was pretty sure he was smiling. The room was pitch black and but Sptifre knew her mate's body almost as well as her own and something was telling her, he was currently rocking a grin large enough to split his face in two.
A sigh escaped the vibrant young mare.
"Come on... sleep already..." her annoyed mutter broke the silence.
With a snort, Soarin snuggled closer and his warm breath tickled her cheek. A smile escaped and Spitfire felt a little bit better.
Now if only sleep would come. Tomorrow was set to be another intense day of training and study followed by work on shaping their kitchen.
Yet the conversations and residual mood from the day left the young pegasus with a sour taste in her mouth. Her lower abdomen was a swirling mess that left her unsure if their slowly forming foal was reacting to her mood or if it was all her.
"What are we doing..?" Spitfire mused quietly.
"I dunno..." Soarin whispered softly in her ear.
Spitfire shot up in bed. "Soarin, don't do that..."
"Do what?" Groggy with sleep, the young stallion sat up in bed and gave his wife a sloppy kiss.
Spitfire melted into the affectionate exchange and quickly found herself straddling her husband.
"That's not your leg I can feel is it?"
"Nope..."
Spitfire rolled her eyes, thankful that her reaction could not be seen in the darkness. "Think you can fly?"
"I mean... sure. Why?"
"Then let's go."
"Does this mean we get to, you know?"
The fiery pegasus extracted herself from their shared bed and smirked as she hauled her husband up too. Without another word she snuck out of their room and headed for the world outside. As Soarin opened the front door something crashed into the soft cloud deck.
Instantly awake, the young couple rushed to the aid of whatever poor creature had left such an indent.
"Oooh..."
Spitfire promptly backed off from the crater as Silver Zoom staggered to his feet. She could smell him better than she could see him under the light of the moon.
The almost adult stallion smelt so strongly of alcohol, Spitfire worried it might affect her too.
Light blue wings shot out as Soarin hauled the grey pegasus out of the crater. Silver Zoom promptly unloaded the contents of his stomach onto the cloud under hoof.
Soarin leapt backward in disgust. "Woah.. what happened to you?"
Bloodshot eyes stared back at the light blue colt. Even in the dim light of the moon, you could see one eye was swollen. "avay... get- I... Oof." Silver Zoom face planted into the soft cloud.
The couple shared a look. A snore rang out from the downed pegasus.
"Should we take him to his room?" Soarin pondered aloud.
"I could leave him out here for now," Spitfire replied then took off into the night.
A moment's hesitation was concluded as a second snore rang out. Soarin gave his classmate a poke, decided he looked okay then took flight.
After several minutes of flying in silence, Spitfire found a cloud over the Apple family's farmland and settled down upon it.
"So... I take it we won't be having sexy fun time?" Soarin concluded as he alighted next to his mate.
Spitfire huffed. "No. Sorry, hot stuff. I uh... wanted to talk."
"Oh. That's cool too..."
With a loving nuzzle, Spitfire snuggled up to her colt. It was nice to just lie here, outside. Out in the open air.
"So... What's up?"
Spitfire's eyes flickered open. Since when did my eyes close? Her gaze was met with the inquisitive, loving stare of her husband. Soarin's green eyes illuminated her world, washing away her fears.
Yellow met blue as Spitifre initiated a slow, loving kiss. Time passed blissfully on as they held onto the shared show of affection.
They eventually parted to reveal two lightly panting ponies who shared a smile.
"Love you Spitty."
"Love you, Soarin." The fiery young mare lent against her lover.
Soarin allowed his mare to take her time. He was in no hurry. Despite the late hour, he was happy to enjoy snuggling. Any lack of sleep could be a problem for tomorrow's Soarin.
"I couldn't sleep."
Soarin jerked in surprise at the admission. "Huh?"
Spitfire scoffed and scuffed their cloud with a forehoof. "I know. Since when do I not sleep..?"
"No. I get it." Soarin quickly lifted his mare's beautiful face so that he could gaze into her eyes.
"You do?"
"Yeah. I had hoped we could keep our son a secret just a bit longer..." Soarin trailed off, prepared to have his lover correct him.
No correction or smart comment was forthcoming.
The light blue colt took a deep breath, somewhat surprised by a lack of retort. "So... poor sleep. Should I make us a new bed?"
"No. That cloud is perfect. I'm glad you put it in our room."
"Today was kinda wacky, wasn't it?"
Spitfire gave her colt a loving nuzzle, "yeah..."
"How do you feel, body not too sore or anything?"
"I- better than yesterday I guess. I think our little one is as hungry as you. I feel like a pig when we eat out."
"I like eating out. Especially when it's you I get to enjoy."
"Soarin. I'm serious."
"Sorry."
The couple fell into silence.
For Soarin, it was a rather awkward silence as he had no idea what to say to take back his stupid comment. So he instead opted for trying his luck with a gentle nuzzle. He smiled as his mate reciprocated and their soft action led to a sweet kiss.
Spitfire was the first to pull away. "Think you can be serious for a moment?"
"Uh, yeah."
The sunny yellow mare rolled onto her back and gazed up into the stars above. "Beautiful, aren't they?"
"Well yeah, but not as pretty as you," Soarin murmured as he inched closer.
Spitfire tore her gaze from the spotted canvas above and immediately spotted the luminous green eyes of her lover gazing down at her. With a tender smile, she looped a forehoof around his neck and gave a tug.
Soarin was quick to shuffle closer and found himself met with a kiss. As spitfire slowly withdrew and relaxed against the soft cloud she spoke up; "I did ask you to be serious."
"And I am..."
Spitfire gave a slight nod. "What are we doing here?"
"Cooler school stuff?" Soarin offered.
"Yeah..."
"And hiding our baby."
"Yeah..." Spitfire's gaze fell away from her husband.
"And this is how we will get into the Wonderbolts."
Spitfire's gaze snapped up to meet the loving gaze of her husband.
"We will get into the Wonderbolts. I promise you." Soarin followed up with a quick kiss.
"You had better work harder then. You're falling behind."
Soarin sighed. "Yeah... I know..."
As the light blue stallion rose, yellow forehooves and wings ensnared him. "So... this promise you just made. You know how to keep it?"
Soarin nodded. "I'll try."
Spitfire shoved her mate off. "Stop saying that every time..."
"I"m sorry! I'll- be better."
"And?"
"And... I won't make dumb notes and sleep when we do book work."
"And?"
"And... I'll focus properly when we are flying and doing team stuff."
Spitfire rolled over and settled onto her side. A yellow wing rose, an offering for cuddles.
Soarin tentatively accepted and settled down right next to his sunny mare.
"I will do it," Soarin spoke softly. "But I want to see what you are like as our leader."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I think you'll make a wonderful leader." Soarin nuzzled up close and planted a kiss on his mare's cheek. "Maybe even the best." |
Our Daughter | CH14: Wild Run (Six months pregnant) | On the outskirts of Appleosa, a regal cloud home hovered, sparkling in the evening sun's rays. This dwelling was clearly able to service a small group of pegasi. The squared outer walls were smooth with a pair of small, rounded windows looking out from the bedrooms on the top floor. The lower level bore larger windows on the sides looking into the living area and a large front door. The impressive dwelling was capped off by a spiral ceiling that wound around like the top of a giant ice cream. The front had a wide open veranda, easily able to fit four or five ponies. The base of the whole construct was soft swirling clouds with a hint of rainbow swirled through.
Spitfire and Soarin alighted on the veranda. While the pale blue colt bore saddlebags full of food, his wife was sporting a small but growing baby bump.
Silver Zoom opened the door and gave the couple a nod. "Hey, did you remember my sweets this time?"
"Yep, they're somewhere in there..." He strode over to the right hand rear corner of their singular downstairs room and deposited his saddlebags. A few chairs and a large table were central, pushed up against the back of the room and on the left, opposite the kitchen, a spiral staircase ascended to their bedrooms and shared bathroom above.
Spitfire was quick to put away the various foods in the cupboards of their corner kitchen. As she worked Soarin couldn't help but check the hot flank and growing barrel out. While he had a few doubts many months ago about how Spitfire's looks would be impacted he was glad she was still in fact the prettiest mare he had ever seen.
"Dude."
Soarin jolted as a midnight black hoof tapped his shoulder. "Huh?"
"We live here too you know. Geeze..." Blackout gave the lovestruck colt a dry look.
"Right, sorry." Soarin nervously glanced around the room and caught Fleetfoot smirking his way.
The dark young stallion chuckled dryly and shook his head as he headed over to the kitchen bench and fished out a bag of sweet oats.
"When you find somepony special... you'll know what I'm feeling," Soarin returned his attention to his mare and a dopey grin slid across his muzzle.
"I hope not. You look stupid." Silver Zoom stated.
Soarin rolled his eyes. "Thanks."
"Not as stupid as you looked a few days ago." Fleetfoot smugly interjected.
"Hey, I told you not to bring that up again." Silver Zoom rounded on the pale arctic blue mare.
"So?" Fleetfoot lounged against the counter and took a bite out of an apple. "Quit being a butt."
"Guys!" The room fell silent at Spitfire's outburst. "Shut up or take it outside."
"Sorry, Spitfire." Fleetfoot was quick to reply looking somewhat abashed.
Silver Zoom huffed. "What about sorry to me?"
The cool blue mare eyed the light grey stallion. Both teenagers locked eyes and one could almost feel the temperature in the room rise with their tempers.
"How about no. I've had enough of you for the day. I'll be back for dinner." Statement made, Fleetfoot left the home.
Spitfire sighed.
Soarin eyed the grey-white maned young stallion who stood in the middle of the room.
Silver Zoom met the pale blue pegasus' gaze and sighed. "Sorry about that."
"I can't imagine being on tour with you two." Blackout muttered as he left the room and headed up the spiral staircase opposite the small kitchen.
That evening three colts and a light grey mare sat around a large table that had been shifted into the middle of the room. Laughter filled the air as Spitfire and Fleetfoot brought a mixture of burgers and wraps over from the kitchen counter. The two platters contained a combined assortment that looked like enough to feed at least eight ponies.
Soarin was quick to nab a large homemade burger from Spitfire. The hungry colt was quick to sneak a quick thank you kiss in too. The firey mare smiled as she placed her platter in the middle on the table next to Fleetfoot's. The two other males took their pick. Fleetfoot sat next to High Winds while Spitfire sat between her cool blue friend and Soarin. After a brief moment's thanks, the two other colts were quick to dig in.
Spitfire rubbed her lower tummy as she gaze around at the small pack of ponies. A smile slid onto her muzzle. This felt like home. As if these crazy ponies were family. The little one inside would be joining them later in the year and by now Spitfire was both terrified and excited by that prospect. The proud soon to be mother was disrupted from her thoughts by High Winds.
"And how's our soon to be mother feeling?"
The fiery mare shrugged. "Hey, I've still got like five months of this to go."
"You're hiding it well." High Winds mused. "Baby's still only a little bump."
A sigh escaped Spitfire, "I dunno how much longer that's gonna continue. I've been given one month more of performing and the doc told me after that I really need to slow down."
"Yeouch." High Winds grimaced. "Can't imagine needing to slow down."
A loud belch from Silver Zoom broke the mares conversation. "Enough with the baby talk. This food is great."
"Yeah, thanks for putting on such a nice spread for us." Blackout added as he reached out for another wrap.
Soarin paused with his mostly eaten burger inches from his snout as the darker stallion started on his second morsel. With a sense of urgency, Soarin hurried to finish his burger.
Fleetfoot stuck her tongue out at Silver Zoom. "Hey, it took High Winds a few hours to get here, least she's allowed to do is ask a few questions."
"I would rather not be reminded that we have a teenaged parent hiding from the wider school. It's bad enough seeing Soarin fawn over here every day." Silver Zoom retorted.
Fleetfoot huffed. High Winds hoof on her shoulder killed any smart retorts and she instead focused on her meal.
A light blue wing settled on the fiery pegasus as Soarin snatched up his second burger and hastily chowed into it.
"Slow down, big guy." Spitfire promoted.
"Nu uh-" Soarin managed as he chewed on a large mouthful.
Blackout smirked and took a bigger bite to match.
The two stallions kept an eye on one another as they scoffed down their helping and quickly reached for another burger. Table manners forgotten, the two young stallion's continued to guts down as much as possible.
Silver Zoom did his best to ignore the show while Fleetfoot gave a playful cheer for Soarin. High Winds watched with a bemused expression.
Spitfire meanwhile observed out of the corner of her eye. She carefully selected a second wrap for herself and carefully ate her food.
A large piece of lettuce fell from Soarin's wrap, joining other pieces of carrot and other food shrapnel. Despite the mess, neither stallion slowed down and pretty soon they were onto their fourth full helping.
As Blackout finished half he began to slow.
Soarin, having caught up with the darker pegasus had also slowed his hasty eating due to feeling somewhat full. However, he was still a colt on a mission. Soft talking came from the three mares as they continued to catch up. Despite the wonderful voice of his wife, Soarin did his best to focus on the mission at hand, beat Blackout.
The black colt leaned back as he finished his fourth helping. "Ooooh... these are some well packed... Just mmm..."
Soarin paused, one mouthful left, "you finished?"
Blackout shook his head, "just need a moment..."
Silver Zoom reached for one of the last two wraps. Adding a little extra lettuce to it, he put it on his own plate. "Well, now you two need to share."
"I guess I win then." Blackout smirked as he hastily reached for the last wrap.
Soarin stuffed his last mouthful into his gob and launched himself at the last morsel. Forehooves clacked together as the stallion's vied for their victory helping. High Winds laughed as Soarin's hooves got knocked out of the way and a rather proud looking Blackout took the prize.
Soarin sat there horrified as the food he knew to be his was slowly devoured with great exuberance before him. "But- but..."
A rather painful minute passed for the defeated colt as his adversary enjoyed every last bite and then collapsed against the table in a food coma.
"So... full..." Blackout moaned.
"We have a winner!" Fleetfoot cried out. The ice blue mare rose and hurried over to the kitchen bench.
"So, Soarin's discovered a fellow hungus?" High Winds observed with playful smile. "I do hope you don't run out of food too often."
Spitfire nodded. "Eating competitions like this are frequent enough. We carry enough food to feed a small army for a reason."
"I'll get you ...next time." Soarin eyed the winner as he rubbed his full tummy. "That was some good food..."
"Anypony want dessert? We got fresh ice cream and the winner's favourite treats." Fleetfoot returned with a small tub of ice cream and assorted berries.
Blackout sat up and stretched. "Serve it up. I'm sure I've got a little more room somewhere."
Soarin chuckled, leaning against his wife, "want to share with me?"
Spitfire accepted a helping of the berries and ice cream from Fleetfoot and slid it closer to Soarin. "Long as you don't make a mess."
Soarin took the spoon his maw and carefully offered a mouthful to his wife. Spitfire smiled as she accepted.
Across the table, Silver Zoom rolled his eyes and muttered something rude under his breath as he accepted his own helping of ice cream. Fleetfoot giggled as she settled into place, ready to enjoy the desert herself. Unlike the married couple, High Winds and herself had their own bowels.
Spitfire took her turn to lift the spoon and feed her husband. The wing on her back twitched as the cold hit. It was clear from the blissful expression on his face that Soarin was enjoying himself. The grinning stallion nuzzled his wife then took the spoon. As he lifted up a serving of ice cream, an annoyed grunt sounded the exit of Silver Zoom from the table.
Soarin sat up, "if we are putting you off-"
"Don't worry about it." Silver Zoom insisted as he continued to stride toward the front door, bowel in hoof.
"But-"
"I feel like enjoying my pudding under the stars. There's no rule against a little affection in your own home." As the grey stallion left the house he sighed and turned his gaze to the stars. After a moment, he began to enjoy his ice cream and berries.
Blackout soon joined the young hothead, "you alright?"
"Yeah, only so much gogo-silly eyes I can take. I thought it would be nicer outside." Silver Zoom replied.
Blackout gave a dry laugh at his companion's comment. "I hear you. This is a wild time for us all and even with them being a little too sweet sometimes, I'm enjoying this."
Silver Zoom nodded. "Yeah."
Inside the two couples were lost in their own world. They had taken over opposite sides of the table and were enjoying the peaceful moment. Soarin licked the rest of his shared bowel clean then pressed a cold kiss to his mare's snout. Spitfire gigged. Soarin licked her lips. She poked her tongue out at the cheeky stallion.
"Looking good there, Spitty. Wanna go snuggle?"
Spitfire glanced at the other couple in the room. "Sure, why not."
One month later...
Five pegasi flew low over the fast flowing water of the Neighagra falls. Spring had brought a burst of colour to the otherwise tough mountainous landscape. Large trees and shrubs lined the bank of the wide river. Soarin allowed his forehoof to carve a wake as he sped downstream. The normally chilled out colt was second in the pack, his gaze set, movements precise. His wife's tail fluttered in the wind as she led them between gnarled trees, rocks and other protruding obstacles. The team broke off from the main body of water, following a stream into shrubby bushland. Spitfire barrel rolled over a protruding log then tore through some vines. Both wingtip and left hind hoof touched the greenery. Quick to stabilise her areal wobble, the pregnant mare cursed her growing tummy and ascended above the treeline. She motioned for Soarin to hold his course.
The light blue colt pulled up alongside his wife. The concern on his face faded as he checked to make sure she was okay. Spitfire motioned to the party below. "Down there, I didn't ask you to follow me!"
"Had to check! You should be taking it slow."
"I'm fine! Now go!"
With misgivings clear on his face, Soarin dived to rejoin his companions.
Silver Zoom had taken lead, slowing the breakneck pace to precisely dodge low through the mountainside with its numerous trees, dips and hidden surprises. Soarin looped to the right around a large cluster of trees, splitting from the group as they flew left. With a burst of speed, he careened around, quick to catch the other three as they navigated their way.
Soarin took the lead and forced the trio behind to speed up as they entered a ravine. With a smirk on his otherwise determined face, he zigzagged through the rocky land. After many tight turns and a few near misses, they exploded out through a tight gap into the wide open skies beyond.
Quick to spot a flash of fire high in the sky, Soarin wheeled about and jetted toward the incoming pegasus. The lazily looping Spitfire entered a dive, quick to gain speed as she aimed for the river below. Soarin spiralled high into the sky then followed his wife. Fleetfoot took position to his right while Silver Zoom drifted to his left. Blackout maintained his rear standing, completing their little formation.
High speed winds buffeted the pregnant mare as she held her dive, faster and faster toward the waters till it felt like her flight goggles were about to be ripped off. Sudden fear welled up inside. Her tummy felt as though it slammed into the river as she pulled up, eyes wide. Exhilaration filled Spitfire and she fought with burning wings to slow the crazy speed as she careened downstream. Soarin pulled up alongside, grinning like a crazy pony.
Their party burst over the gigantic waterfall and wheeled about in huge wide circles, their speed fading as they came into land on the porch of their shared home. With heaving breaths, Spitfire almost collapsed in the middle of the hardened cloud veranda.
Soarin was quick to support his lover and they shared wide smiles as they recovered their breaths.
"Good flying everypony..." Spitfire straightened up to address her team. "I think another two runs of the mountainside tomorrow and we will be ready to move on."
"Are you okay?" Fleetfoot asked.
"Of course. This extra weight is killing me, but I'm not giving up yet." Spitfire stepped toward the edge of the cloud and began to stretch her wings.
"How about slowing down?" Blackout asked as he too began warm down stretches. "Pretty sure you nearly took yourself out back there."
Spitfire scoffed. "I'm not some clumsy filly."
"Never said you were." Blackout muttered loudly. "But that's twice one session-"
"I watched you guys as you flew." Spitfire cut the dark pegasus off with stern authority. "You need to hold formation better. The Wonderbolts only ever break formation to roll into another spectacle. Soarin, diverging from the group and rushing through terrain you don't know is dangerous and will lose us all points." Spitfire commanded.
The pale blue colt rolled his eyes as he joined his wife's routine. "But I was only taking over like you wanted me to."
"Don't give me that. If Silver takes the lead. Let him lead. Once I'm unable to lead, he will reclaim pole position."
"Oh... well okay..." Soarin sagged a little, pausing mid stretch.
Fleetfoot sniggered. "Or I could lead."
"No." Spitfire eyed her longtime friend with a critical eye. "I saw how you cut Silver Zoom off, twice."
"Did not."
"I saw that too." Blackout added. A smirk slowly grew on his muzzle as he added; "being at the back means I see things."
"Then you can help be my eyes up close," Spitfire replied. "Because your right Blackout, I will have to slow down, like it or not. May as well be useful while I get fat."
"Spitty... you're not getting fat." Soarin was quick to offer a winged hug.
The firey mare huffed as the blue feathers forced her to sit. "Speak for yourself. My wings feel like they are hauling a train. You have no idea how different the air currents feel."
"That sounds rough," Fleetfoot commented softly.
A soft rumble escaped Soarin's tummy.
"And somepony sounds hungry." Spitfire dryly commented.
"Burned a lota energy. And there's a pie with my name on it." Eager to eat, Soarin headed inside.
"Well, he's easy to please." Blackout smirked as he followed the light blue colt.
"Simpleton." Silver Zoom muttered as he too wandered inside.
Fleetfoot sniggered. "Would you agree, Spitfire?"
The firey pegasus shurgged. "I love him just the way he is. And I agree, it is lunchtime."
With their cloud home high in the sky above, five teenagers played in the water on the opposite side of the large basin created by the giant waterfall. The sun had just begun to descend from its zenith, granting the land below a great deal of warmth in the afternoon.
Breaking off from the water fight, Spitfire allowed herself to float off, pulled toward the center of the lake. The sunny pegasus allowed the struggles of the days flying to fade, wings splayed to her sides and hooves dipping into the cool depths below.
Soarin spotted his mare drifting off. As he was about to join her Blackout biffed water into his face. Soarin shook himself, sinking into the shallows before he bounced back and used his wings to send a return blast. By his side, Fleetfoot received a blast of water from Silver Zoom.
The ice blue mare turned to her darker companion. "Let's get them!"
"Yeah!" Soarin agreed.
The water fight shifted into a frantic team fight. Both pairs of pegasi danced ungainly across the shoreline, sinking into the odd hole as they threw water at their opponents.
Spitfire lifted her chin out of the water a bit to cast an eye at her companions. She smiled and closed her eyes once more. Let them wear themselves out and have fun. Her growing foal was enough of a burden. And honestly, right now she really felt like relaxing.
And the water was nice and cool... the sun on her back sent warm tingles across her mane and down her spine.
This was a glorious day...
A trio of pegasi stood at the door to Fluttershy's cottage.
Fluttershy withdrew from hugging the proud pegasus who stood outside the door, laden with a well packed saddlebag. Rainbow Dash grinned at her partner and adopted filly. Scootaloo stood inside, by Fluttershy's side.
"Alright, you'll be good while I'm gone right?" Rainbow Dash playfully ruffled Scootaloo's mane.
The orange filly giggled, "of course. I hope they like your flying so much they ask you to join them!" Scootaloo leapt joyfully.
"Then all your dreams will have come true," Fluttershy added as she gave her mare a quick nuzzle.
Rainbow Dash grinned. "Once the Wonderbolts see me in action they'll have to say yes."
"Just keep safe. I'll see you this weekend." Fluttershy promised and gave a quick peck to her lover's cheek.
Rainbow Dash's smile intensified. "I'll be home before you know it Flutters."
Rainbow Dash shared one last kiss with her partner and after a final family hug, departed from her home. Her initial swift take off was halted as she gazed down at her family. She smiled as they both continued to wave up at her. With a final return wave, Rainbow Dash resumed her course, bound for Cloudsdale. |
Our Daughter | CH15: Trials and Realizations (8 Months pregnant) | In the foothills of the Foal Mountains, a double story cloud home of five young pegasi floated high above a sea of green. Several clouds had been formed into hoops, haphazard poles and other course markers at varying altitudes above the forest. A monstrous tree towered above the canopy at one end of the course. Four pegasi banked hard as they rounded the giant tree then ducked and dived through a series of hoops.
An obviously pregnant Spitfire sat on the porch overlooking the course laid out for her team, wishing she could join in the fun. The little baby bump had grown to a clear bulge in her lower barrel and flank. Not yet large, but the added pounds were clear now as she sat with more care, wings draped across her tummy.
Malestrom, sat on the opposite end, focused on the speeding forms of the pegasi before them. The team of students finished their final lap and hastened to meet with their inspector. The stormy blue and grey stallion took a few notes as the four young ponies hovered before them.
"Very good. I will now fly with you and I expect Silver Zoom to lead me as though I were a member of your team. Show me this routine you have been working on then finish with two laps of my course."
"Yes sir," Silver Zoom agreed obediently.
Malestrom turned to Spitfire. "I understand you had a hoof in this route?"
Spitfire nodded. "I helped."
"She did more than just help," Fleetfoot retorted proudly. "She has this amazing talent for making cool moves fit together."
"As should any who lead." The dark stallion regarded his pupils for a moment.
The wingbeats of the four airborne pegasi filled the silence as the younger ponies waited for their teacher to continue. Soarin looked like he wanted to say something but held his silence.
"Hmm... I have an idea." Malestrom mused as he regarded the young cloud bound pegasus. "GIven your condition, your team will reflect your grade."
"They will?" Spitfire perked up.
"As though you yourself are flying." The dark stallion smiled keenly.
Soarin and Spitfire shared a look. The light blue colt nodded with a confident grin. Spitfire smiled and relaxed, "thank you."
"Alright! Lead on Silver Zoom." Large stormy wings flared. The moment the younger pegasi moved, the flight instructor launched himself into place at the back of their unit.
Blackout withdrew to the side, surprised.
"Blackout, up front. You take far right!" Silver Zoom ordered.
The young dark stallion promptly took up his new place, beside Soarin. Fleetfoot held her position steady on Silver Zoomk's left as the four pegasi banked hard and began to twist and turn through the air.
Spitfire sighed as she watched the rather impressive display from above. The foal growing inside her felt like an anchor, pinning her to the cloud. She was supposed to be out there... flying fast and having fun... performing.
Not sitting here with a fat lower belly that by now was a clear giveaway of the new life carried within. If this was how unwieldy her body already felt, then she did not look forward to the next two to three months.
A burst of color shot past her vision and Spitfire jumped.
The frazzled mare tucked her wings back down and forced herself to sit and watch the areal display. Soarin waved at her as they arced past the cloud home then sped high into the sky. Spitfire's gaze locked onto the pale blue stallion's form as he flew with great precision, keeping in position with his peers as they looped around wild, high clouds and made the final dive toward the forest below. Spitfire smiled, delighted that her husband was on form. The whole group was doing her proud today.
With the routine finished, the group settled into single file and sped around the large course.
Spitfire rose and glided down to the second to last turn of the course. Soarin pulled a silly face as he zipped past. Spitfire giggled as she watched the pack of pegasi finish their lap. Now they were onto the final lap. With the coast clear, she flew around the turn then put on a small burst of speed, easily ducking and diving through the series of hoops that led to the final corner. Maintaining her comfortable, yet annoyingly slow pace, Spitfire headed for the finish line then pulled off to the side.
She didn't have to wait long for the speeding pack of pegasi to round the final corner and sprint for the finish line. Seeing he was being watched, Soarin put on a burst of speed, he passed Fleetfoot and drew level with Silver Zoom, aiming to secure first place. The vibrant stallion noticed and was quick to match his competitor's speed. Faster and faster the two stallions flew till they basted past the finish line in a tie.
Buffeted by her peers' gusts, Spitfire withdrew further to the side. Soarin arced around, returning to his wife. He pulled off a nice little flip as he drew by her side.
"How was that?"
Spitfire grinned at her husband, "you flew well, you get pie tonight."
"Yes! Wait... I didn't know we had any more pie." Puzzlement filed the young stallion and he hovered there.
"You didn't need to pull that stunt at the end. Spitfire took quite a blast of wind as you two flew past." Malestrom reprimanded as he joined their conversion. The teacher locked eyes with Soarin then gazed the guilty looking Silver Zoom at his side who shot a brief sheepish smile back.
Alarm bells went off inside Soarin as his actions hit home. "Are you okay? I'm sorry I-"
"I'm fine." Spitfire cut her suddenly worried husband off. "You were showing off, I get it."
"You sure?"
"Soarin, just because I'm pregnant doesn't make me fragile."
Green eyes surveyed every inch of the precious mare. "Right. So I still get pie?"
"Yes. There's a town nearby that should be able to fill an order for one glutton..." Spitfire smiled.
"Foaledo is a nice little town," Maelstrom added. "And I happen to know that The Rose Down Under makes excellent pies as well as many other popular meals. I would gladly shout you all a meal there tonight if you like."
Soarin lit up, "thank you, sir."
The others who had followed their teacher chimed in with other words of thanks, all keen for a good night out.
The stormy blue and grey stallion chuckled. "Aside from that silly stunt at the end, you all impressed me today. Fleetfoot and Silver Zoom. Your tandem flying was excellent."
Silver Zoom's chest welled with pride and his two toned white and grey mane shone proudly in the sun. "Well, I was leading-"
"Doesn't stop me from being your equal." Fleetfoot cut the cocky pegasus off.
Malestrom stared at the duo as they hovered just off the deck. "Every leader needs a good wing pony."
Fleetfoot drifted over to Spitfire, clearly pleased with herself. Silver Zoom huffed as he began to head back up to their home.
Malestrom led the others as they leisurely followed suit.
"Soarin."
The young pegasus in question turned his attention to his teacher.
The dark middle aged stallion took a moment, "you've made great progress in the last few weeks. I don't know if it has anything to do with Spitfire being benched, but I can assure you that if you keep this up, you will pass with flying colors."
"Thank you, sir." Soarin grinned as he pulled off a delighted flip.
The group of pegasi alighted on the veranda of their home and took a moment to stretch their wings and wind down.
"Since yours shouting us dinner, do you wanna come inside for a bit?" Spitfire offered.
Maelstrom lay down near the edge of the cloud veranda. "I think I'll enjoy the view, thanks."
Soarin settled down beside the older stallion. "So... know any other good places to eat in these smaller towns?"
The dark storm of a stallion smirked. "As a matter of fact, yes I do..."
As evening fell, the lights inside the Rose Down Under shone bright, inviting all inside into the vibrant atmosphere. A large ornate carved rose hovered over the bar. Several ponies hovered around the bar drinking with several more small groups seated at ornate circular tables. In the corner sat a certain group of students and their teacher, everypony except Spitfire had a cider next to their mostly eaten meals.
"I ate like a pig..." Soarin sighed happily as he relaxed back into his seat, meal demolished.
"That's because you are a pig." Spitfire playfully ribbed her spouse.
"No, he's a pony." Fleetfoot giggled.
"Who can eat like a pig." Blackout smirked as he finished off his own rather large morsel.
"Speak for yourself." Soarin shot back at the dark pegasus.
"I am. And I'm glad I can out pig you." Blackout poked his tongue out at Soarin.
"Stallions... This isn't a measuring contest you know." Fleetfoot muttered.
"Hey, it can be." Blackout straightened up. "I bet mine is bigger too."
"Don't go showing off, Spitfire might want her deposit back." Silver Zoom added pointedly as he took a swing of his hard cider.
Horror shot across Fleetfoot's muzzle. "Woah, Silver, come on..."
Spitfire shot Silver Zoom a dangerous look as she lent on the table, facing off against the stallion who had spoken out against her. "What did you say?"
"You ain't deaf." Silver Zoom scoffed as he downed the rest of his drink, rose then headed for the door. "I'm going to cruse."
"He's not a lightweight is he?" Malestrom stared, shocked after the moody colt. "I mean... that was one drink."
"Na. Hes just an ass." Fleetfoot replied sourly.
"Well... I'm afraid I will have to note his poor attitude toward his peers." Malestrom sighed as he resumed his meal.
"That's fine." Soarin carefully pried his wife's forehooves off the table and gave her a cuddle, "hey, you okay?"
"If he mentions our foal like that again and I'll bash him."
Blackout shrank back into his seat, "remind me never to piss you off again."
Soarin began to rock his mare gently from side to side. "You're okay Spitty... I'm here..."
Spitfire sighed and relaxed into the light blue coat. "Our little one is a happy mistake. She... She..."
"I know." Soarin softly murmured back.
Malestrom glanced around the table. "Are you okay Spitfire?"
The pegasus in question noded. "I'll be fine..."
"Alright. I'm going to finish my meal in peace then head home. Unless you all want dessert?"
"What about Fire?" Blackout asked.
"If he doesn't come back, that's his problem. He knows where the house is." Malestrom shrugged and resumed his slow and steady enjoyment of his meal.
Fleetfoot smiled. "I would love some dessert."
"Yeah." Soarin rubbed his forehooves together eagerly.
Malestrom chucked. "Well go get it while it's free."
Soarin eagerly pranced off, Backout hot on his heels to order dessert.
"They could have just asked a waiter..." Fleetfoot giggled.
"Na. Food bin wants it now." Spitfire smiled as she admired the delight on her husband's face as he ordered at the bar and swaggered back.
"Miss me?" Soarin asked as he slipped in beside his mare.
Spitfire poked her tongue out at her husband. "Seat's gone cold. Where were you?"
"On an important mission." A light blue wing snuck out and fell into place over Spitfire's shoulders.
"I bet..."
Rainbow Dash strode onto the Wonderbolts training ground. This was where she was meant to be. She would show everypony just how awesome her flying was and by the end of the tour would be a permanent part of their team.
"Everpony, meet our newest member." Spitfire declared. "I'm sure Rainbow Dash will become a valuable part of the team while Fleetfoot is away. Please try and make the rookie feel at home."
Rainbow Dash smirked. Rookie? "What happened to Fleetfoot?"
"Maternity leave." Spitfire shrugged. "Team put in a vote and you were chosen. Don't let us down."
Rainbow Dash stood tall and proud, "you can count on me."
"I hope so. We will be running through some drills and warm ups. Then it's routine time."
An ever so slightly rounder Fleetfoot strode up to the collected group of Wonderbolts. "I'll guide Dash through a run. You learn quick, right?"
"Yeah."
"Good."
Rainbow Dash banked hard and found herself out of position as the tight knit unit of pegasi swiftly passed around the large cloud. "Hey!"
The young speedster put on a burst of speed to catch up. As she pulled into place once more, Soarin caught her eye. The light blue stallion nodded once then returned his gaze forward. Rainbow Dash returned focus to the front as they looped around, dodging several other hopes and clouds before thundering toward the finish line where they split, spiraled around then landed neatly together.
Fleetfoot watched the group from the top of the headquarters building. She leaped off and glided down to meet her teammates. "Not bad. I want to run the middle with Rainbow Dash slowly a few times before we give it to her full speed again."
"I can do it."
"It's not all on you Dash. Once you can fly with me, you can rejoin the others." Fleetfoot leaped into the skies.
Rainbow Dash sighed. It was no fun flying at pregnant mare speeds... She quickly took off and caught up to the cruising Wonderbolt. "But more fun when we do it faster."
"I want you to get the rolls and flashy group turns right. It's a lot of maneuvers to remember so pay attention. I'll be Soarin." Fleetfoot instructed.
Rainbow Dash held her peace, opting to fall into position next to the ice blue Wonderbolt.
With Spitfire nearly nine months pregnant, the traveling band of students had set up house over the Tenneighsee River near Las Pegasus on the west coast of Equestria. As they had made good time with the morning's travel, three of the team had elected to spend the afternoon in Las Pegasus. Spitfire had elected for a nice easy flight over to the sea. Soarin naturally insisted upon joining her.
Cool wind buffeted the couple as they flew at an easy pace across the bushland toward the sea. Soarin slowly led his wife through the easy parts of their routine. Despite her growing lower section, Spitfire dived slowly then looped wide. The extra drag on her lower barrel and wing strain led to her falling into a glide afterward.
Quick to notice, Soarin fell back to her side. "You okay?"
"Fine. See that inlet?"
"Yeah."
"I wanna float downstream."
Soarin nodded and blew his wife a kiss. With an easy burst of speed, the light blue colt took the lead once more and the couple began a circling descent toward the wide river below.
The light blue stallion flipped around to glance at his wife, pulled a silly face then resumed course. Spitfire rolled her eyes. Now he was being silly and annoying. There was no way her weird new center of gravity would allow her such maneuvers. However, he was just begging for a response so Spitfire tentatively allowed her dive to collect more speed.
Soarin noticed and flipped onto his back, forelegs spread out to accept contact. Spitfire lightly docked with her stallion and leveled out a hundred feet above the treeline. Enjoying their tender embrace, belly to belly, the lovers locked lips. During their tender kiss Soarin gently flipped them over.
Now upside down, Spitfire broke liplock, a light smile played across her muzzle. "You've got me?"
"I do." Soarin gave his wife a light peck on the cheek. "You're safe."
Vibrant yellow wings drooped as Spitfire allowed the wind to simply wash over her wings. Soarin dipped as the added weight hit. A few large flaps lifted them higher once more. Spitfire nuzzled her lover's chin, enjoying the secure feeling of his hooves wrapped around her body. Although his grip on her upper body was perhaps a bit tight, Soarin had successfully avoided putting pressure on their growing foal. Spitfire closed her eyes and resumed pleasant, sensual nuzzles. She enjoyed the weightless feeling of being carried through the skies. Upside down was admittedly a bit unusual for extended periods, but it was still nice. A smirk crossed her face as she felt how her colt's muscles worked to keep them together and airborne. She could even feel his building excitement and respected that he wasn't trying anything cheeky. To test, she added a few kisses under his chin then nuzzled back in close. Right on form, Soarin's breathing hitched a bit but he otherwise held his course.
"Cheeky minx. Time for a swim." Soarin gave his mare a quick kiss then carefully flipped over so that he was on the bottom.
Spitfire's wings protested at the sudden weight as they kicked back into action. She carefully relinquished hold on her husband and gained a few feet of air before allowing herself to fall into a gradual descent. Soarin pulled up alongside and together they glided below the tree level and dived into a deep looking section of the river.
The cold water sent a shock to Spitfire's vessel and she promptly shot back up to the top. Both pegasi broke the surface gasping for air.
"Cold!" Soarin gasped.
Spitfire laughed at her husband's reaction as she relaxed. A few brief shivers shot through her system and she took a few deep breaths to settle herself.
"Spitty! Help! Cold!" Soarin kicked and splashed, floundering around as he fought against the cold shock of the water.
"Relax dummy! You get used to it. The water's actually kinda nice."
"No, it's cold!" Soarin continued to flounder as he was carried along.
Spitfire closed her eyes. "Stop splashing me."
The loud sloshing of Soarin stilled and Spitfire quickly shook her face. When no further waves hit her, she opened her eyes and beheld a sheepish looking young stallion.
"You know... maybe it's not so bad..."
"No kidding," Spitfire rolled her eyes.
Soarin used a wing to flick some water at his mare. "Hey, just because you like the cold more than me..."
Spitfire again shook herself. "Doesn't mean you have to flounder around like an idiot."
"Yeah, I guess..." Soarin trailed off as his eyes wandered from his mare to the thick forest around them. "This place is nice..."
"It's private." Spitfire kicked off and joined her husband in the middle of the wide river.
"You know... before you well... I got you pregnant... uh... this place would totally be a good spot for some loving." The light blue stallion grinned.
Spitfire smiled at her husband. "Snuggles are nice... and loving."
"Heh, yeah. Wanna go snuggle on the beach?"
"Sure. Gives us some time to enjoy the cool water."
After five minutes of slowly floating downstream and the couple passed under a train bridge found themselves among sand dunes. Spitfire headed left out of the water and up the large bank. Soarin vigorously shook himself then eagerly cantered up the hill.
Spitfire smirked at the display, enjoying the view. She followed slowly up, her hooves sinking slightly into the warm sand. As Spitfire reached the top she found her husband admiring the beachscape the led off toward Las Pegasus. The cloudy city lay inland and was a distant puff of white that stood out over the treeline.
To their right, across the river's opening, lay the flat beach that led to San Pranciscolt. The distant city stood tall and proud, jutting out into the sea with many boats on the move. Small forms of ponies playing along the beach brought a smile to the young mare. Spitfire turned her back on them and returned her gaze to the side of the beach they had emerged onto.
It was peaceful, with not a single soul in sight before the beachline vanished around the coast. The dry golden sand was warm on their hooves and the wind was crisp in their manes. Spitfire closed her eyes and allowed the sun to soak into her. Sunny wings sagged as the mare enjoyed the soft breeze.
Soarin watched, a huge grin on his face. The happy stallion admired his mare, content to watch her being at peace. Away from all the stress of their course and life's complexities, it felt good to see her simply happy. This wonderful creature really was his special pony.
His Spitfire.
Soarin slowly drew close and from the way Spitfire's smile shifted, he knew his presence was felt. The light blue stallion reverently approached the rounder lower barrel and pressed his snout against his mare's side. He drew slow circles round and round then stopped.
He felt as much as heard the soft hum from his long time friend. Soarin tenderly kissed the spot he figured was close enough to where their foal was growing. With a dopey grin, he withdrew and found bright orange eyes watching him.
"I love you, you know."
Soarin again pressed a tender kiss into his mare's pregnant side, "love you too, Spitfire."
"You sound awful serious, stud."
Soarin drew alongside his lover. He placed a wing carefully over her back and nuzzled chin to chin. "Yeah, you're looking really beautiful today."
A dark comment about her harsh reality faded before it even formed on her lips and Spitfire simply smiled and kissed her husband back. "I'm glad you think so."
"Yeah..." Soarin grinned back.
Tearing her gaze from the loving green irises beside her, Spitfire admired the windswept beach. There were tiny specs far down the beach of a few pegasi enjoying the ocean skies. Otherwise, there was not a single pony around. It was wide, wild and calm. The young mare smiled. "I think we have our own personal slice of beach."
"Agreed." Soarin used his wing to gently prompt his wife and together they wandered down the large dune and began to meander along the beach.
Spitfire once again allowed her attention to drift off as she admired the waves as they washed up against the golden sand. The couple simply wandered, enjoying the moment together. Spitfire eventually found a good place to stop and together they snuggled up on a sand bank just above the lapping tide.
Neither pegasus knew how much time passed as Spitfire drifted off into a nap. Soarin lay there, holding his mare, too fascinated by her close his eyes. Here she was, his little spoon. Precious. Carrying new life that was bound to enrich the lives of many other ponies too. Each time the wind ruffled her mane he would tenderly nuzzle it back into place. A happy tingling ran through him at seeing her pretty face revealed and mane free. She was his angel.
It was so nice...
So warm...
Soarin snapped awake and quickly sat up. He was sure his power nap had only lasted a few seconds yet his body felt limp and his buried foreleg was tingling sharply. Spitfire, his wonderful mare was sleeping on his right foreleg and it felt very dead.
A chill ran down his back.
Since when was it getting cold?
And why had Celestia's sun sunk quite far down the horizon?
A yawn broke from Spitfire's maw and she stretched.
Soarin ripped his foreleg out from under her side and grimaced as sharp tingles exploded through his leg. He rolled on his back and shook it, trying to restore feeling.
Spitfire blinked owlishly a few times as she watched the light blue hoof shake madly in the air. "I think somepony is getting cold."
"No..." Soarin refuted her. He ceased his wriggling and shuffled closer. "My leg went to sleep is all."
Spitfire nuzzled up under her stallion's chin. "I can feel the signs. I woke up and felt that little shiver you do when your starting to get cold. How about we cruse and see if the others have made it home yet?"
"Sure." Soarin agreed.
Soarin helped Spitfire to her feet once more. The firey pegasus shook some of the sand off her coat and flicked her wings. "I think one of my wings is full of sand."
"I can fix that." Soarin was quick to investigate.
Spitfire giggled as his hot breath tickled her feathers. "I was thinking of a swim."
Soarin paused, mouth half open. The blue maw snapped shut. "That works."
"Were you going to give my wing a preen?"
"Uh... maybe?"
The sunny pegasus chucked. "Oh sweet, sweet Soarin. I appreciate the gesture, but no."
"Okay."
With a quick nuzzle, Spitfire led the way back to the stream. "Come on loverboy. Want to give me a wash in the stream?"
Soarin lit up and was quick to catch his wife.
Spitfire laughed at his eagerness. "Thought so."
"Hey, I'm here to help."
"Like you need an invite. Pretty sure somepony can't keep his hooves to himself."
"I'm being good..." Soarin pouted, stopping in place for a moment for maximum effect.
Spitfire laughed and flashed her spouse as they crested the ridge that opened up to the river. "Then be good and help your pregnant wife clean all this sand out."
Soarin hit the water before he even realized they were headed down the other side of the dune. The shock of the cold water was accompanied by his wife's laughter.
"Oh, you're so easy..." Spitfire paddled into deeper water and allowed her wings and tail to drift fee.
Soarin's wings betrayed him. His gaze tore upward to meet her keen orange eyes.
"See?"
"You're not playing fair, you know that's off limits."
"I know. But you're too much fun to tease." Spitfire replied as she drifted back to her spouse and presented herself ready for cleaning.
Soarin pouted as he got to work. He ran his forelegs across his mare's coat, carefully working her coat in the water to ensure she was as clean as possible.
His frown faded quickly, replaced once more by a tender smile filled with love.
Spitfire lay on her back, alone, on her large cloud bed. Her gaze drifted from the bulge in her lower barrel to the empty space beside her. The mare rolled onto her side to gaze out the window. Clouds passed by, indicating the team outside were making good speed toward the next location they were to set up at.
Spitfire wandered over to the bedside window that looked out the side of their home. It was hopeless. There was no way she could nap alone. Soarin was outside working and she was stuck inside feeling like a walrus. A gurgle from her belly alerted her to the pang of hunger she knew was incoming.
Choosing to ignore her body's calls for the moment she closed her eyes and allowed the wind to ruffle her mane.
A sudden beat of wings caused the vibrant yellow mare to smile. Cold lips pressed sideways to her muzzle then slipped off. Spitfire opened her eyes and saw that her grinning stallion was flying alongside her window.
"What was that supposed to be?"
"A kiss."
Spitfire leveled a stern, unimpressed look at her spouse. "Aren't you supposed to be flying this thing?"
"Na. It's Silver Zoom and Blackout's turn. Fleet is already up front on lookout."
"Get Fleetfoot to make me something really salty."
"I could..."
"No touching my kitchen. You're on watch."
Soarin pouted. "Okay, okay. I'll- yeah."
With a burst of speed, the pale blue colt vanished around the front side of the dwelling. A second gurgle caused Spitfire to shoot her tummy a look. "Yes, yes. I'm about to get something already. Now shush."
Spitfire ambled away, muttering under breath about babies and strange food.
Spitfire and Soarin lay on their cloud bed.
With another relocation all finished, it was time to rest.
As Spitfire closed her eyes, she felt movement within. A most peculiar sensation that had become something of an increasing fascination for her husband. Her foal was moving.
"Soar." Spitfire's hushed whisper caused her stallion to groan.
"Yeah?"
"She's moving."
"He is?"
Soarin lit up and carefully shuffled around. With great care, his ear came to rest on her lower barrel. Just then a small shift was felt and Soarin grinned.
"He moved!"
"I know..." Spitfire couldn't help but smile too.
Another tiny movement caused the powerful colt to coo softly. He pressed a kiss softly to the pregnant belly then nuzzled the spot.
A little liquid pride pooled at the corners of Spitfire's eyes. The strange movements from within that were not her own coupled with her husband's doting love was magical. She ran a hoof daintily across her lower section. Her hoof brushed against her husband's cheek and he nuzzled her hoof too.
"Daddy can't wait to see you, little one. I already love you..." A hint of happy tears shone in the stallion's green eyes as he resumed slowly rubbing his nose into Spitfire's pregnant belly.
Eyeing her spouse atop her bulge sent a blissful rush through Spitfire's system. "I can't wait to see her."
Soarin locked eyes with his wife and placed another kiss for their baby. "If it is a filly, I bet she will be just as pretty as you."
"And if it's a boy... I think he will take after his father."
Soarin softly nuzzled their growing young one. "Oh yes, you will... You will be the cutest little filly or colt you will. And you will be amazing, and-"
"Please, enough with the lovey baby stuff. I'm trying to sleep!" Silver Zoom called out.
Soarin sat up in bed and shot the hallway wall dark look. "He was moving, come on..."
"Wait!" Fleetfoot threw open the couple's door. "Does this mean he's headbutting again?"
"It feels amazing..." Spitfire smiled proudly,
Fleetfoot's eyes lit up. "Can I feel too?"
"I claim foal mountain. It's mine." Soarin sank lower till he was between Spitfire's hind legs and placed his head on his wife's crotch. With his forehooves holding her hind legs tenderly in the air, he watched the baby bump like it was some epic mountain.
Spitfire shot her husband an odd look. "I guess..."
A groan sounded from Silver Zoom's room. Fleetfoot giggled.
Soarin watched the intruder approach like a hawk, only his eyes moved as he maintained dominance of Spitfire's hindquarters.
Fleetfoot shot the defensive stallion a look. "Cool down Soarin. I only wanna feel the baby."
Spitfire carefully lifted her left forehoof and pointed to the spot she had most recently felt her growing foal move. "Try there."
Fleetfoot carefully lent down and placed her ear against the baby bump.
Soarin watched from the bottom of foal mountain as Fleetfoot waited hopefully to feel further movement.
Fleetfoot and Spitfire lit up with joy as the growing foal wiggled a little.
"He moved... So precious..." Fleetfoot squeed.
Soarin was quick to displace his long time friend, capturing the coveted mount bump. "Mine again. Get your own baby bump. I did this."
Spitfire rolled her eyes. "And they say pregnant mares are the moody ones."
Fleetfoot giggled. "Yeah. Enjoy. Thanks for letting me have a feel."
"You're welcome Fleet," Spitfire replied.
Green eyes lit up wide and greedy as Soarin gently smothered his mare's baby bump in kisses. "So precious... all mine."
Spitfire scoffed. "It's my body."
Green eyes flickered up for a moment before returning to their prize. "Mine. No pony else gets to touch."
"Uh huh... Go to sleep Soarin."
The giddy stallion lit up excitedly again. "But he's still moving a little..."
"Sleep."
Soarin returned her stern expression with a pout and nuzzled his way down mount bump. "Mmmm..."
Spitfire giggled. "That tickles."
Soarin grinned back then placed his lips to the peak of their growing foal's bump in a tender kiss.
Spitfire drew Soarin up for a proper cuddle. "Come on stud... we all need our sleep."
"Okay..." Soarin agreed and quickly snuggled up.
With the sun low on the horizon, Rainbow Dash angled toward the large open clouds far below. A field of white led to the Wonderbolt headquarters. Up ahead, Soarin glanced back at the younger pegasus and cracked a grin. He nodded to Fleetfoot who pulled up alongside Dash as they descended.
Together the trio landed neatly before Spitfire. The staunch mare eyed Rainbow Dash. "I'm pleased to see at least some measure of improvement out of you. We only have twelve days left before your first show."
"I think she can make it." Soarin confidently replied.
The light blue mare's chest was quick to inflate.
Spitfire eyed the cocky younger mare. "You're not the one she needs to impress. I can always run the show a 'bolt down if I have to. Thank you for coming in today Fleetfoot."
Fleetfoot smirked back. "You're most welcome, boss. I plan on spending another two days to make sure Dash is fully up to speed."
"Take it easy."
"Them's some fighting words." Fleetfoot shot back.
"They are." Spitfire nodded. "Dismissed."
The fiery mare immediately stalked off. Fleetfoot hurried after her boss, quick to deliver more sass.
"That was high praise from Spitfire there," Soarin spoke up.
"Really?" Dash regarded the pale stallion curiously.
"Yep. She normally just blasts the new recruits. Long as you keep trying to be a team player, I'm sure you can make it."
"Thank you, Soarin. That uh... means a lot." Rainbow Dash stood proudly as her companion wandered toward the building.
"Hey!" Dash perked up and hurried after the relaxed stallion. "You know like... a lot of ponies, right?"
Soarin shrugged. "Yeah."
"Maybe you know this colt... uh..."
Soarin trotted up the stairs to the Wonderbolt's HQ. "I know a few cool stallions. Why, you on the market for somepony special?" The smirk that crossed his lips as he held the door open caused the younger mare to blush.
"I'm not after any of that sissy stuff. I'm looking for a colt called Soaring something... uh... he's got a blue colt." Rainbow Dash halted before the grinning stallion as she considered what she had been told.
"Yeah?" Soarin thoughtfully asked as he continued to hold the door open.
Dash nodded then headed inside for the showers. "Yeah. He has a daughter called Scootaloo. Do you know him?"
Soarin froze.
Rainbow Dash made it five paces before she realized she was alone. Wondering what had caused the hold up, the speedy mare turned to investigate. "Hey, you alright?"
Soarin shook himself and quickly strode inside. "Yeah..."
Rainbow Dash eyed the thoughtful stallion as he wandered up to her. "So, do you... know this pony?"
Soarin's shocked yet thoughtful gaze returned as he once again halted in his tracks. "What did you say?"
"The Soaring part? I don't know his last name. Is he like a relative or something?"
"No. Scootaloo. You said Scootaloo."
"I did..." Dash agreed slowly.
...and then it hit her.
"Wait. It's not Soaring, is it? ...It's Soarin." Dash stared at the stallion before her with wide eyes.
"Yep. And if we are talking about the same orange filly. Scootaloo is in fact, my daughter."
Rainbow Dash stared at the pale blue stallion in shock. |
Our Daughter | CH16: Family Revelations | "Yep. And if we are talking about the same orange filly. Scootaloo is in fact, my daughter."
Rainbow Dash stared at the pale blue stallion in shock as his words rolled around in her brain like a huge echo chamber. Her mouth slid open wide enough to catch flies and her eyes glazed over.
Soarin chuckled. It looked as though he had broken Dash. "Sounds like I've found the right pony."
Rainbow Dash shook herself. "She- you... what? Yeah. I mean... it makes sense now... Luna meant Soarin. But... she also said she found Scootaloo's birth mother..."
Soarin grinned like a lovestruck colt and allowed his gaze to wander to where he knew Spitfire's office was. "Oh, you've met her..."
"Great! Wait... I have?"
"Yep." Soarin stood tall and proud.
"So... Who is she?"
Soarin smiled comfortingly. "Somepony awesome! I gotta tell her that Scootaloo has been found."
With that, Soarin was a stallion on a mission, off to find his wife.
Rainbow Dash trailed behind him. "Okay... but why?"
"Why what?"
"You're Soarin. How could you abandon Scootaloo?"
Soarin sighed and came to a stop. "Dash. Trust me I say we just couldn't take care of Scootaloo when she was born."
"What? You?!? But you're Soarin for Celestia's sake!"
A dry laugh escaped Soarin as he turned and strode off. "How old is Scootaloo?"
"Uh... eleven..?"
"So..." Soarin gave the younger pegasus the side eye. "If I'm twenty nine... how old was I when she was born?"
A second bolt of realization hit Rainbow Dash and she stuttered to a halt. "Wait, you were a teenage parent?"
"Yep." Soarin sighed then wandered the last few pony lengths to stand before a currently closed door.
Rainbow Dash realized they were standing before the boss's office. "Wait. Why are we here?"
"I have to tell my wife." A coy smile slid onto the pale stallion's muzzle as he carefully slid the door open.
Spitfire gazed up from a heap of paper work, Fleetfoot to the left of her desk. "What do you two want?"
"Spitfire. Dash knows our daughter!"
Spitfire's right forehoof slipped on the papers of her desk. "What?"
"Isn't it great!"
The shocked mare leapt over her desk and barreled right up to Rainbow Dash. "How do you know Scootaloo? Where is she? Is she okay?"
"Wait- You're her mom? And... And-" Clearly overwhelmed, Rainbow Dash lamely pointed at Soarin who smirked back and put a wing proudly around his mare.
"Yep." Spitfire nodded.
"But Soarin said... You- you..."
"Yes. They married. They had a foal. They had to give her up. All before joining the Wonderbolts and going on to become some of the best ever athletes Equestria has ever known." Fleetfoot wandered lazily over. "The secret is out. Now what?"
"But- but..." Dash stammered as her mind fought against the sheer absurdity that two of her heroes were not only together but had a child before entering the esteemed elite, the Wonderbolts.
Soarin giggled. "I think you broke Rainbow Dash."
Spitfire eyed her spouse. "Did she tell you how she knows Scootaloo?"
"Uh... no." His eagerness suddenly tempered, Soarin shrank back a bit.
"And now thanks to your big mouth, she knows about us."
"But it's a great thing!" Fleetfoot eagerly added.
"How is this a good thing?" Spitfire rounded on her arctic blue friend.
Fleetfoot backed up a few paces. "Because if Dash knows your filly, she can take you to see her. It can be a great big reunion! You do wanna see her, right?"
"Of course I do."
"So go meet her!"
"Maybe I will." Spitfire shot Fleetfoot a final look then rounded on the still stunned Rainbow Dash. "How do you know Scootaloo?"
"Uh... my, uh... partner and I are her new foster parents. She's totally the coolest filly in all of Equestria."
"Really? Now that's news..." Spitfire mused. She hurried back to the desk and took her seat. Soarin was quick to take up his post by her side. His wing slipped back into position and he relaxed.
Rainbow Dash rocked back and forth for a few moments. "Uh.. how come no pony knows about you two? You're like the coolest ponies. Everyone knows about you."
"And that is why." Spitfire sourly shot back as she hastily began to collect her papers.
Rainbow Dash's brow scrunched up.
"What?"
Spitfire sighed. She eyed the confused element of harmony before her for a few moments before she turned to her husband. "Help a mare out here Soarin..."
Soarin gave his lover a quick kiss on the cheek. "I kinda like being able to do that around other ponies..."
"I know." A smile played at Spitfire's lips and she relaxed a bit.
"So... why don't you?" Dash ventured.
"Because." Soarin straightened up. "We are the face of the Wonderbolts. What we do when we are alone is our time. And I don't want other ponies butting in on our personal life. It's bad enough already."
"Besides... the 'botz don't exactly let young mothers in and these two doofuses were not ready to start a family... like at all," Fleetfoot added.
"But Scootaloo grew up never knowing..." Dash trailed off, her mind still working to try and figure out how such cool ponies could just leave their daughter behind.
Spitfire nodded. "We truly did intend to come back for her. But... between the crazy lifestyle and... other things... it didn't work out."
"But... she's your filly. Surely she has to know!" Dash insisted.
"And she will." Spitfire's iron hoof came down on the table. Silence fell. No pony dared move till the commanding mare softened a little. "I do want to see my girl. Believe me."
"I could take you now. I mean.. Ponyville is an hour away if we fly fast."
"No."
Dash did a double take. "What do you mean no?"
"I don't know. Are you sure it's a good idea? If she's happy with you and your coltfriend... I mean. I don't want to intrude now." Spitfire sank onto her desk in defeat.
Dash stared at the unusually hesitant looking leader of the Wonderbolts. "Actually Fluttershy is my fillyfriend. And Second... Scootaloo would love to meet her parents."
"Are you only saying that because we are Wonderbolts?" Spitfire half sat up.
"No. Scootaloo asked me to try and find out. She really wants to know! So I started asking around. Princess Luna mentioned she had met you two in a dream but couldn't really remember any names. Then I talked to Soarin outside and everything started to make sense. You have to come and meet her!"
"It will be late by the time we fly all the way to Ponyville." Spitfire shot a calculated look out the window.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Fluttershy and Scootaloo will be up and would love to see you."
"I think it's best that we wait."
"What, why?" Dash and Fleetfoot both rounded on the uncertain head mare.
Spitfire relaxed into her seat with a sigh. "I'm just thinking. If we take Sunday off then we can fly to Ponyville early in the morning and spend the day there."
Rainbow Dash perked up again. "That could work."
"Alright. But you are not to tell anypony before we speak to our daughter."
A scowl crossed Dash's face.
"Why not?"
Spitfire levelled her best hard stare back at the eager young pegasus. "Because I want to be the one to tell her and I don't need word of our relationship getting out."
"Okay. Sure. I guess..."
"Soarin."
"Hmmm?" The pale colt gazed lovingly into his wife's eyes.
"I think we need to get you into the showers." With that, Spitfire was up and dragging her husband out. Soarin was too busy grinning like a giddy idiot to protest and simply allowed himself to be led away.
Fleetfoot snickered. "Ah... when the outside world isn't looking... They never change."
Rainbow Dash turned to follow the couple but was stopped by a hoof on her shoulder.
"Give them a moment."
"Why?" Realization flashed across the speedster's muzzle and she recoiled. "Oh, they wouldn't?"
Fleetfoot nodded. "Oh, they totally do. Sometimes... Trust me, it's not worth the risk."
"Yeah, but what was all that about no pony knowing about their relationship?"
"That's for outsiders. I guess you're one of us now Dash." Fleetfoot winked.
Scootaloo and Fluttershy sat at the yellow mare's bedroom window. The pair were admiring the sun set as they finished off their ice cream, minds on the third central family member.
"I bet Dash is having the coolest time flying with the Wonderbolts!" Scootaloo sighed dreamily. "I wonder how her first day has been...?"
"I imagine it will have been wonderful," Fluttershy replied softly.
"Why did she have to stay away? Can't she just fly home, she's super fast."
Fluttershy smiled knowingly. "Well, the Wonderbolts are training very far away."
Scooaloo licked her bowl clean then placed it off to the side in contemplation. "Do you think she will be home in time for my scan? Should we have booked it a bit later on Sunday?"
"I'm sure she will be there."
"What if they don't find anything?"
A yellow wing slid comfortably around the smaller pegasus's shoulders. "I'm sure Twilight and Luna will be able to help. I know it is daunting. But have faith. I'm sure you will be able to fly. I was a late bloomer too. Trust me, it will be worth it when you finally are able to fly... free."
A smile tugged at Scootaloo's lips. "Thanks. Hey... Fluttershy?"
"Yes?"
"Would you mind carrying me up there... take us to a cloud so we can watch the rest of the sun set?" Scootaloo asked, her right forehoof held high, indicating the clouds high above the meadows nearby.
"Why of course." Fluttershy beamed as she stood and led her excited filly down the stairs.
Once outside, Fluttershy reared up on her hind legs and scooped Scootaloo up. The orange filly giggled as wind rushed through her coat. They were off.
While Fluttershy was by no means fast, the motherly mare's slow and measured pace carried them steadily upward. The orange speedster was held firmly, underslung, in Fluttershy's forelegs.
Gleefully little wings buzzed and orange hooves stretched out into the sky. As she closed her eyes and let the warm sun wash over her, Scootaloo could imagine what flying might feel like. ...Just...faster.
But that was okay, it was nice to be in the sky with somepony who cared about her.
With a light jerk, Scootaloo realized they had landed. Her eyes snapped open and she leapt onto the cloud.
Fluttershy settled down beside her happy filly. "You know... it's not often I fly this high."
"Why not? It's cool up here..." Scootaloo eyed the view, a delighted grin upon her muzzle.
"True. But I like it on the ground with all my animals."
Scootaloo sucked in a deep breath and buzzed her wings happily. "Once I'm able to fly... I wanna live up here."
Fluttershy smiled. Her gaze wandered across the landscape and came to rest on the filly by her side.
Scootaloo glanced up at her foster mother, "Do you think Dash and me could get you to live in her cloud house or something?"
"Maybe," Fluttershy replied softly. "We will see..."
It was dark.
It was late.
Yet in the Wonderbolts headquarters somepony remained awake.
Alone in one of the barracks bedrooms at the Wonderbolt's complex, Rainbow Dash was trying to settle down alone in bed. Yet no matter which direction the young speedster lay on or rolled over to, she could not seem to get comfortable.
Her thoughts kept drifting to Scootaloo and Fluttershy. She hoped her filly had enjoyed her day. Dash's previous excitement over being able to tell Scootaloo who her parents were had been tempered by the current lack of easy sleep.
It was concerning to the athlete just how much she found herself missing her lover's presence. After years of sleeping alone, Fluttershy had ruined it for her. The sheets felt cold without the larger mare there to warm them. As the smaller of the two, Rainbow Dash was used to Fluttershy cuddling up behind her. There was no winged hug. No loving sensations. No nighttime snuggles and fun.
She was alone.
And there was nothing she could do about it now.
Dash sighed as rolled onto her back and gazed up at the darkened ceiling. "Maybe I should just fly home tomorrow night... I mean... I can handle an extra hour flying. ...there. Okay, so that might suck. Spitfire works us really hard..."
Inpatient to fall asleep, Rainbow Dash tossed and turned till she found herself on her right side. A sigh escaped her.
No sleep would be worse. And she did not feel like learning how to sleep alone again. Not that she had realized there was a difference.
...until now.
And Scootaloo's parents?
Maybe that's why Scooaloo was such a speedy young filly.
Dash smiled to herself. Imagine they fixed her pegasus magic or whatever and she learned to fly.
It would be super cool...
Fluttershy...
Scootaloo's parents... Soarin... How did those two hide it for so long?
How could they not visit?
Dumb back! Get warm already! A growl of annoyance escaped the speedster.
And where was that winged blanket?!
The mostly asleep pegasus shot up in bed. Dash groaned. The morning would suck.
Dumb brain was trying to go wandering...
With a defeated sigh, Rainbow Dash lay back down and closed her eyes and tried desperately to not think.
She promised herself that she would hurry home after the coming day's practice and deal with the consequences later.
Maybe her long flight over here could even count as warm up?
Friday afternoon. Last day of school for the week.
Three fillies burst out the school gates moments after the bell rang.
Big Mac chuckled to himself as his little sister tacked his foreleg in a hug.
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle hurried to the stallion, both quick to greet him.
"Can we go play in the tree house?" Apple Bloom asked hopefully.
"Long as you make time for your chores after." Big Mac replied.
"Can I do them tomorrow?" The filly asked hopefully.
"Nope."
"Awww... Not even one of them?"
Big Mac shot his sister a dry look.
Apple Bloom sighed. "Fine. Come on girls. Better hurry up."
As the trio of fillies were about to scurry off, a colt's voice caused Scootaloo to pause.
"Hey, Scootaloo. Wanna hang out on Sunday? Maybe try some more gliding?" Rumble cantered up alongside his fellow young pegasus, clearly hopeful.
"I got my scan," Scootaloo replied. "I'm booked for ten o'clock."
The colt nodded, a hopeful grin spreading across his face. "Well... Good luck with your scan. I hope we can even fly together afterward."
Scootaloo perked up. "That would be cool. You know... you could come with me to my scan if you like."
"Me?"
Scooaloo nodded. "Yeah, that is... if you wanna come... Fluttershy, Dash and the crusaders will all be there."
Rumble perked up. "Sure. I would love to support you."
A moment passed. Sweetie Belle giggled.
Rumble's wings gave a flick as his own words sank in. "I mean-"
"I get it..." Chuckled Scootaloo. "See you there?"
"Sure."
"Alright. Bye Rumble. Girls, let's go!"
Scootaloo rushed over to her scooter and boarded it. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom jumped in the trolly behind. With a wave to Big Mac and Rumble, they hurried off. The speeding filly zoomed down the road out of town toward their clubhouse.
Speed. The wind in her mane. Her wings beating hard. The joyful cries of her friends as they banked hard around a bend and dodged two ponies. With a hefty bump, the scooter shot into the air. The happy rider held her jump, enjoying the feeling of weightlessness that came with it. The trio hit the ground with a jerk and barreled onward. Scootaloo banked hard around the next bend. The trolly swung out behind her almost pulling her scooter off the road. The trolly caved a light track into the dirt path as the driver powered onward and everything fell back into place.
Scootaloo powered onward and the Clubhouse came into view. The elated filly slowed her hectic pace and allowed the scooter to coast to a stop.
"Woohoo!" Scootaloo cried as she leapt off her scooter. "That was fun."
"I feel like you went extra fast today," Sweetie commented as she carefully clambered down from the trolly.
Apple Bloom leapt off the scooter and eyed her grinning pegasus friend. "Yeah. Does this mean you're getting excited now?"
Scootaloo nodded briskly. "Yeah. I hope they can fix me. Then I'll be able to fly here even faster!"
"What about our ride?" Apple Bloom asked. "Ah' don't wanna ride your scooter. And it is kinda fun having a fast ride out here."
"Of course I'll still be able to drive my scooter too. I love having you girls with me for the ride." Scootaloo grinned as she placed her helmet on the scooter then rushed into the clubhouse.
With the setting sun low in the sky, the quiet home at the edge of the Everfree Forest was lit like a warm beacon.
Fluttershy hummed softly as she flittered about the kitchen preparing dinner for two. Scootaloo sat on the sofa in the lounge working on a piece of homework.
A sudden flare of colour at the edge of the demure mare's vision caused her to glance up. Somepony was flying over the town. Fast.
And what had caught her eye was none other than the characteristic rainbow trail. Fluttershy perked up at the unexpected return of her lover. "Scootaloo. Want to take a break from your homework for a moment?"
"Sure! Why?"
Fluttershy turned and smiled at her adopted daughter. "Look out the window." With that, she hurried out the front door, ready to greet her mare.
The shy pegasus smiled as she heard Scootaloo's excited exclamation.
The orange filly made it out the front door in time to witness their speedster's final descent.
Rainbow Dash landed heavily at the bottom of the garden path. She was promptly greeted by her family.
"Dash! You're back!" Scootloo was quick to hug her hero.
"Yeah. You can't get rid of me that easy." Rainbow Dash bragged as she fought to catch her breath.
"Is everything okay with the Wonderbolts?" Fluttershy softly asked.
The tired speedster nodded. "Of course. I just wanted to come home tonight."
"It's a long way."
"Not if you're fast like me." Dash bragged.
Fluttershy pecked her mare on the cheek. "Well, you look almost ready to fall over. Come inside and rest. I was cooking dinner."
"Dinner sounds great, thank you Fluttershy."
As the taller mare led the way inside, Dash turned to her filly. "Say Scootaloo. How's school been?"
"Okay. It's fun hanging out with the crusaders."
"Yeah? Anything else?"
"Oh, and I have my scan booked for this Sunday. Ten in the morning." Scootaloo added.
"You can count on me to be there."
"Thank you Rainbow Dash. You're the best!"
"Hey, anything for my filly." Rainbow dash ruffed the orange filly's mane playfully. "Anyway, I think I need a shower. Then we can keep catching up, okay?"
"Sure. You look like they made you work really hard today."
The speedster chucked. "They sure did..."
Rainbow Dash alighted on the wide cloud that ran in front of the Wonderbolt's headquaters.
Spitfire swooped down from the sky, pausing her drills to greet the rookie. "You look all warmed up. And just in time for us to finish our own warm up drills. I hope you were able to keep our secret?"
"Yeah."
"Good." With a curt nod, Spitfire turned her attention on the wider group. "Alright you lot, hurry it up! Stretches then I want your asses back in the sky for the first routine."
"Yes Boss," Soarin smirked as he strode over to stand next to Dash. He gave his wings a stretch. "So... how's Scootaloo doing?"
"She was pretty excited to see me back."
"Heh, I bet."
"She's got a scan coming up this Sunday morning."
"A scan?" Concerned, Soarin cast a questioning look at Dash.
"Enough of the chit chat you two." Spitfire strode up to the pair.
Soarin folded his wings and gave his wife a serious look. "Spit. Scoots has some kind of scan on Sunday."
"What sort of scan?" Concern sparked across the firey mare's muzzle.
"To see if her pegasus magic isn't working or whatever and fix it. Hopefully, help her fly. I figured since you both are her birth parents, you might wanna be there for her."
"Scootaloo can't fly? So it is like the doctors said..." Spitfire sat abruptly, her countenance troubled as her mind drifted back to events years ago.
"Wait, doctors said what?" Dash stared at the silent mare before her, clearly expecting some kind of answer.
Soarin sighed. "Well, I think they suggested we almost had an earth pony."
"I honestly didn't believe them." Spitfire dryly muttered.
"Did you... not come looking for her because she can't fly?"
Rainbow Dash stared at the firey mare in shock.
"I was afraid to find out." Spitfire admitted. "But we did try to visit her her once."
"You did?" Dash stared back, unconvinced.
Spitfire nodded. It was at that moment, the firey mare realized she had the attention of the whole Wonderbolts on their little conversation. "Alright everypony back to work. We have routines to practise."
"Spitfire and I will be there." Soarin gave Dash a little nudged with his wing. "I want to see how big she is and be there for her."
"Thank you, Soarin."
"But don't tell her."
Dash gave her wings a flick, ready for flight. "Of course."
"Alright," Spitfire leapt into the sky. "Lets go!"
Rainbow Dash shot off into the sky. She maintained her pace alongside Soarin, ready for a fun day practicing.
"Happy birthday beautiful."
A heavily pregnant Spitfire awoke to the grinning face of her husband. She groaned, "careful where you aim that."
Soarin withdrew, admiring his mare with her messy morning mane and ruffled fur. "Good morning to you too beautiful."
"Yeah. And somepony should have washed his mouth out..." Spitfire rolled onto her side and stretched. The weight in her lower abdomen shifted as the growing foal seemed to awaken too.
Soarin scowled as he shoved his own messy mane to one side then wandered to the door. He paused as his wife groaned again.
"How many more days till I get this thing out of me?"
Quick to turn and admire his wife, a smile slipped out across the lips of the loving husband. "A month? Maybe a little less?"
Spitfire shot the grinning stallion a dark look. "Oh yeah. Cause it's all fun and games for you."
Soarin's delight faded. "Hey, this is challenging for me too."
"Oh yeah? Then stop grinning like an idiot and help me up."
Soarin hurried back to the bedside and with well practiced movements helped his mare off the bed and onto her hooves.
"Feels like I got an alive bowling ball in there..." Spitfire muttered as she stood and stretched again.
"Well how about we get you to the bathroom and then find some breakfast for the birthday girl and our baby."
"I'm not lame Soarin. Just carrying a foal. Feels so big already. Like... how can it even squeeze out?"
A cheeky smirk ripped across Soarin's face and he playfully booped his wife's snout. "Well, I used to fit. Little extra encouragement and our son will come out into the world no problem."
Spitfire huffed, "Soarin. Shut up."
"Alright. I'll be good. You're the birthday girl after all." Soarin gave his wife a quick nuzzle.
He placed a wing over her back as she headed for the door.
"How was that?" Silver Zoom asked as he pulled up in front of Spitfire.
The birthday girl herself was relaxing on a small cloud, overlooking the temporary course they had set up in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. Spitfire eyed the others as they took up positions, hovering nearby. "Good. I want to see what it looks like if you go single file leading up to the grand dive then fan out once half way down."
"Alright." The grey stallion nodded. "Let's run the lead in one more time and see if the captain likes it."
Soarin darted in for a quick kiss before rejoining his teammates as they flew off again. Spitfire smiled. Her free wing slid down her large foal bump and settled. Content again, her gaze returned to the speeding young pegasi. She watched carefully as they shot high into the sky then dived. As the four pegasi broke single file she could picture herself in the middle of the spreading formation. She smiled. It was good. Like a basic version of one of the Wonderbolt's famous endings.
As soon as she was free to fly again, Spitfire knew she would be out there living the action. All the moves were already committed to memory.
For now, with her foal at peace, it was oddly nice to lie on a comfy cloud and observe.
Four ponies sat around the center table in their shared cloud home. Remnants of a shared dinner lay across the table. A central overhead lamp lit the otherwise evening room in a soft warm glow. Fleetfoot, their fifth member brought a cake over from the kitchen and placed it before Spitfire. On top of the fruity looking cheesecake, eighteen candles burned brightly.
"Happy birthday to you," Fleetfoot started the classic song, quickly joined in by Blackout and Firestreak.
Soarin joined in the singing too, sneaking a hoof onto her pregnant lower barrel where it rested comfortingly. The couple shared a loving glance before Soarin boldly proclaimed the ending; "You look like my Spitfire and smell like her too!"
With that, the cheeky stallion lent in and gave his wife's muzzle a sniff.
Fleetfoot and Silver Zoom giggled as the heavily pregnant mare ribbed her husband.
"Now quick, blow out your candles." Fleetfoot prompted as she took her place to Spitfire's left.
The birthday girl glanced at the stallion on her right before glancing at the two smiling young stallions on the other side of the round table. "Thank you everypony."
With that, Spitfire took a deep breath and blew out her candles.
The contented mother to be lent back in contemplation as the room fell silent. She held everypony's attention. "You know... if somepony had told me I would spend my eighteenth birthday heavily pregnant, on a cloud house crafted under Soarin's lead... with my husband and three friends here to share the day. I would not have believed them."
"Yeah. I don't think any of us saw this coming." Silver Zoom agreed. "But I'm glad to be here with you all."
"Agreed. Although we do have trials in just over five weeks. Think you will be up for it?" Blackout spoke up.
Spitfire shrugged. "Don't worry about me. As long as you perform well, I'm sure I can brush up on the finer points in time." She accepted a knife from Fleetfoot and cut the first slice off her cake.
The sunny mare noticed her husband's eyes on the desert and slid the first offering his way. She then cut herself a larger slice. Wide green eyes followed the slice of cake as she slid her plate into position. Spitfire smiled at her spouse. "What?"
"Nothing."
Fleetfoot snickered.
Spitfire cut and distributed the rest of the cake in peace.
Spitfire was about to take her first bite when she was interrupted by a throat clearing.
"Here's to our flight leader, Spitfire!" Silver Zoom cheered as he held his plate of cake high.
Soarin, Fleetfoot and Blackout joined in the cheering. Spitfire relaxed a took a bite out of her cake. What a truly memorable birthday. |
Our Daughter | CH17: Arrival | With the dark of night over Cloudsdale, one young stallion stood outside the residence of Tempest Wind and Stormy Flare. The young stallion knocked on the door. He proceeded to wait restlessly, shifting from side to side and glancing up and down the street.
The door cracked open and Tempest Wind peered out. "What do you want? Wait- Soarin?"
"Yeah."
"What in Tartarus are you doing here at this hour? And where's my baby girl?"
"Spitfire is at home, with the rest of the flight crew."
"Home? You mean the home you built?"
Soarin sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, surprised but nervous. "You heard about that?"
"Sure did. Now, what did you come here, past bedtime knocking on an old stallion's door?"
"Spitfire would like to see her mother."
"She would, aye...?"
Soarin nodded.
"Do I get to come too?"
The younger stallion shrugged. "Sure."
Tempest measured the younger stallion's noncommittal attitude. "Well, get in here. I'll wrangle Stormy."
Soarin wandered into the family home. He passed a series of family pictures with a young cute Spitfire and into the living room. As the older stallion headed up the stairs to the right, Soarin wandered to his left and took a seat on one of two large couches. With only one light on in the room, the tidy space felt surreal to the young pegasus. He felt as though it had been forever since the last time he had set foot in this house. Lost in his own thoughts, Soarin failed to notice the passage of time until two pegasi entered the room.
Soarin rose. Time to return to Spitfire.
Spitfire sat, half asleep, at the central dining table in her home. Just as her head was about to rest on the table she heard muffled talking from outside. The heavily pregnant mare perked up. A hopeful smile slipped out and she rushed to the door. Yellow hooves speedily opened the door to reveal a surprised Soarin with his right forehoof outstretched. The stallion grinned at his wife.
Spitfire beheld her parents. Her longing erupted from within and she hurried to embrace her parents. Stormy Flare tenderly hugged her daughter, delighted to be reunited with such a special pony. Tempest Wind had liquid pride escape his eyes as he too enjoyed the moment. The deep orange stallion wrapped his wings around both wife and daughter in a loving winged hug.
Soarin stood awkwardly off to the side of the trio. He watched the happy family reunion, content to let his mare enjoy the moment. A dark yellow wing stretched out and snagged the young stallion into the group hug.
"Don't worry Soarin. We haven't forgotten about you. You are, after all, our son now." Stormy Flare winked at the surprised blue stallion.
"Right. Thank you."
"Spitfire, can we maybe touch..." Stormy Flare trailed off as her hoof rose halfway to touch the baby bump.
Spitfire nodded. "Of course, Mom."
Stormy Flare carefully reached out and caressed her daughter's foal bump. A look of wonder filled the older mare as her hoof moved slowly around.
"Can I?" Temptest Wind tentatively asked.
Spitfire reached out and placed her father's right hoof next to Stormy's. Happy tears escaped Tempest as he tenderly followed his wife's movements. The dark yellow and orange forehooves gently felt around the top of the baby bump. The older couple shared delighted looks with each little shift from within.
Spitfire chuckled. "Feels like she's waking up in there. I think she knows two very important ponies are here.
"I bet she does, yes." Stormy Flare agreed. "And I look forward to meeting our surprise grandfoal."
Two couples walked down the spiral staircase then settled onto the two couches positioned along the back wall. The corners of both comfortable two pony couches had been shoved out from the wall a bit so that those seated could easily share in conversation.
Tempest Wind settled down beside his wife, eyeing his daughter. "Nice place you got here. Thank you for showing us around."
"You're most welcome. It's been a great home." Soarin grinned as he slipped a wing across his wife's back.
Spitfire nuzzled under her tired husband's chin and relaxed.
"How far along are you now?" Stormy Flare asked. "Last time I saw you, it was hard to notice you were in foal."
"But now you're..." Tempest Wind trailed off, a warning glance from his wife killing any potential comments.
"About ten months and two weeks. I really just want this over with now." Spitfire complained as she lightly rubbed her foal bump. "How did you do it...?"
"Well, you weren't easy..." Stormy Flare gazed out the window, her gaze taking on a faraway look. "The last few weeks waiting is a killer, that's for sure. You surprised us by coming into the world a week early. I suspect your foal will follow her mother's hoofsteps."
Spitfire nodded thoughtfully.
"Has Soarin taken good care of you all this time?" Tempest Wind spoke up, eyeing the young stallion with a hard gaze.
"Yes. He has been amazing. Although we are out of funds." Spitfire's admittance was met by dead silence.
Soarin cast an annoyed look at his spouse. "Spitty."
The fiery mare met Soarin's gaze. "What? We are."
"I thought you said-"
"Well, I changed my mind now. Okay?"
"Okay, okay..." Soarin sagged, defeated.
"So, you've asked us here because you need some bits..." Tempest Wind settled back, not impressed at all by the news.
"No. Because I wanted to see my mother and this is the closest to home we've been in months." Spitfire retorted.
Tempest huffed, "oh, so you don't care about me anymore?"
"I didn't mean that, dad."
"Really? Soarin showed up at our door asking for Stormy and my own daughter-"
"Dad." Spitfire sat up. The young mare firmly pushed away from her husband. "I do I still love you. But you didn't give birth to me. There are some things only another female pegasus would know. So once we are done here, I want to talk to mom alone."
Stormy Flare chucked and gave her husband a shove. "Stop overreacting."
Tempest Wind shot his wife a look. "Whatever."
"Oh and Mom?" Spitfire cast her best appealing look at her parents. "Would you look after our foal while Soarin and I attend the school flight exams in three weeks?"
"For how long?"
Spitfire twiddled her forehooves as she cuddled back up to her husband. "Uh... until we find a place they can go to? I also kinda don't wanna hand over a newborn..."
"You're not thinking of keeping the foal, are you?" Stormy Flare asked.
Spitfire and Soarin shared a glance. "Well, mom... you see... Uh..."
Tempest Wind settled forward his hard gaze locked on his daughter. "Stormy Flare and I cannot raise a foal. There would be serious questions raised about where they came from. And if... And I stress IF you make it into the Wonderbolts, I highly doubt you will be in a position to raise your foal either. And do not even consider trying to raise her in secret as every part of a Wonderbolt's life gets examined and scrutinized like no other pony besides maybe Celestia herself." The elder stallion paused to eye the young couple. His gaze finally settled on Soarin and disdain flashed across the old stallion's face. "Besides, what life can two broke pegasi with sky high dreams hope to live if keep your baby?"
The young couple shared a defeated look.
Spitfire began to fidget. "I... I know. But now that our foal is so close, I'm really not sure I can give them up."
Tempest Wind sighed. "Soarin."
"Yes?" The young stallion inquired.
"Can you fly with me. I think Spitfire and her mother need a moment."
"Okay.?" Soarin cast an inquisitive look at his mare.
Spitfire nodded. "Go."
Soarin placed a quick, loving kiss on his mare's snout then slipped out of the seat and followed his elder outside.
As the front door closed behind the two stallions, Spitfire's gaze fell to her forehooves.
Stormy Flare allowed the awkward moment to linger until Spitfire finally look at her. "You're probably better off asking Soarin's parents to help. Although I think they will also agree that you should not wait too long. I know from experience how a baby can change your whole life. And you were planned."
Spitfire slumped into her seat. "So you say I can't hold onto her... at all?"
Stormy Flare nodded sternly. "It's too early for you both to become parents. Besides... You promised us that you would not keep your baby. It is because of your promise I did not recommend you abort your pregnancy."
Spitfire's eyes grew wide and she lightly clutched at her foal bump. "No... I- I couldn't imagine doing that."
"Mmm..." The elder mare murmured in agreement. "That baby is a product of the love you both share. But it does not excuse what you have done."
"But... I can't to just leave a newborn foal at some place and hope for the best. Besides, Soarin and I love each other. What is so wrong about that?"
Stormy Flare sighed, "I expect my daughter to keep the promises she makes. Especially ones of life changing importance such as a foal." Momentary silence fell as Spitfire contemplated her mothers' words.
After waiting a few moments, the elder mare continued softly; "Ponyville orphanage is a good place. They have taken care of at least one extremely young earth pony. Your other option is Canterlot's home for foals. Although I would not look at Canterlot for the care of your baby, if I were you. They can be ...less kind to young pegasi than many other places. If you wish to hide her further abroad, there is of course Las Pegasus or Filly Delphia as two other good options for a young pegasus."
Spitfire straightened, surprised by such information. "You investigated orphanages?"
Stormy Flare nodded. "Technically, homes for foals. But yes. There are none in Cloudsdale. But I think Ponyville could offer your child a good start in life."
Spitfire hurried to her mother and gave her a hug. "Thank you mom."
As the elder pegasus held her daughter, she softened. A smile slid out, glad that her girl had accepted her wisdom. "Now... was there something else you wished to ask me, mare to mare?"
Spitfire shrugged as she settled back. "Kind of, yeah... um... what's giving birth like and can I do anything to make it easier... you know, when the time comes?"
Stormy Flare settled back. A proud smile broth forth as she took a moment to consider her daughter's inquiry. "Young lady... I am glad you asked. Because, as your mother, it would be a privilege to help you..."
"Hey girls, hows it going?"
On the balcony of their clubhouse, the CMC glanced up from their game. Smiles lit their faces as they beheld the speedy pegasus hovering before them.
"Rainbow Dash, you're here!" Scootaloo eagerly leapt up.
Said mare smirked as she continued to hover. "Yeah, practice finished early. And I did promise to be here for your scan."
Scootaloo's eyes widened as she realised just how soon she was due for examination.
Nervousness flickered across Dash's face. "I hope you don't mind... but Spitfire and Soarin were coming to town and wondered if they could swing by and support my cool adopted daughter too."
Orange wings stood up straight in surprise. "Really?"
Sweetie and Apple Bloom shared a shocked glance. Sweetie Belle tilted her head, "but why would they want to do that? They don't know Scootaloo... do they?"
After a moment's frantic thought Rainbow Dash cracked a grin. "Well, they know how cool I am. And I may have mentioned how awesome you are too, Scootaloo. So... would you like to hang out with them?"
"Of course! That would be amazing." After a moments euphoria, the young filly's wings fell, "but what if they find out why I'm getting the scan and don't like me?"
Rainbow Dash scoffed. She swooped down and alighted before the clubhouse. "Trust me. There's no way they won't love you."
"Y-you're sure?"
The blue mare nodded. "Of course."
"Look!" Sweetie Belle cried out, her forehoof outstretched toward the horizon. "I think that's them now!"
"I think you're right." Apple Bloom softly murmured.
"Woah..." Scootaloo admired the flashy swirls of the incoming pegasi.
With a final flick the two Wonderbolts alighted before the club house. Spitfire smiled warmly, her gaze quickly finding the special orange filly.
"Hello."
"Ohmygosh! It really is you!" Scootaloo gushed as she raced down the steps to greet the two legendary ponies.
Dash smirked at the display, knowing who her adopted daughter really was fawning over. "I think she's okay with you two coming along."
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Spitfire. "Are you sure?"
Scootaloo shrugged. "I mean, I never thought you two would want to do something like that for a filly you don't know."
A warm smile crept across Spitfire's face as she beheld her daughter. "Rainbow Dash spoke highly of her adopted daughter and you do seem like a cool filly."
Scootaloo grinned up at her heroes' heroes. They were by extension, ponies that she too held in high esteem.
Although Rainbow Dash was the best. Scootaloo was sure nothing would change that. "Since we have a little time before I gotta go for my scan... could you two maybe show me a few of your coolest moves?"
Spitfire coolly eyed her daughter, wings twitching. "How about I do you one better. Want to fly with us?"
"Yea! Spitfire and I could carry you while we showcase a few cool moves." Soarin added quickly, keenly aware that his wife was barely holding onto her cool, calm demeanor.
"Really? Awesome!" Scootaloo leapt for joy, eager to be in the sky.
Eight days after the nighttime visit of Spitfire's parents, the traveling troupe of teenagers found themselves in Ponyville. To many, this stop off was a chance to enjoy a quick break. The end of the school year was drawing close and both Spitfire and Fire Streak's parents had flown into town for the weekend.
Celestia's sun had long since set and many ponies had settled down for the night. As it was a thursday, few adults were out and about seeking late night fun. Spitfire and Soarin lay snuggled up together on a lone cloud overlooking Ponyville. They were currently floating over the east orchard lake with the town hall center on the horizon before them. Behind them, some way off deeper into farmland hovered their own cloud home. Yet despite the proximity of their home, the couple continued lie, content on the small cloud they shared.
Ten o'clock passed peacefully under the pale light of Luna's moon.
As more lights winked out below, the highly pregnant Spitfire gave her husband's wing a brief glance as it shifted over stomach.
Soarin grinned like a love drunk colt as he gazed as his wife with adoration. "You know..."
Spitfire cast a cool look at her husband. "Hmmm?"
"It's amazing."
"What is?"
"You."
Spitfire scoffed. Suddenly her midsection no longer felt comfortable. With an aggravated sigh, she shifted around to try and find another position to snuggle her husband.
"No really." Soarin raised his wing and waited for his mare to find another good position.
Spitfire settled down again and critically side eyed her spouse.
Soarin grinned back and gave her a light kiss on the cheek. "Being here with you... with a new life on the way and your parents nearby just in case. I mean, even though we've made some mistakes-"
Spitfire snorted as a light blue wing settled over her again. "Some? I'm still surprised school is still giving us the chance at tryouts in a month."
Soarin nodded in agreement. "True. But your dad seems to have come around and my parents are okay to look after our son-"
"Daughter."
Soarin sat up straighter and posed smugly. "I'm the one who determined our filly's gender."
Spitfire playfully pushed against her husband's side. "Yeah. But she isn't growing inside you now, is she? So how are you supposed to know?"
The young stallion winked cheekily. "Just you wait Spitty."
The heavily pregnant mare rolled her eyes. "Oh I'm waiting... Waiting to see our daughter. To fly fast again. ...To feel like I'm not carrying around a packed saddlebag at all times. You know... Oh wait. You don't." Spitfire playfully poked her tongue out at her husband.
Soarin nodded solemnly "True. True. But I have been there supporting my precious pony as best I can."
The young mare relaxed. A slow sigh escaped. "Yeah. We make a pretty good team."
"Agreed."
The couple shared a loving kiss then settled back down to enjoy the night view over the town.
Time wandered peacefully on and the cool of the night settled on Soarin. He gave a light shiver. "Wanna head back and see what your parents are up to?" The young stallion glanced at his wife and noticed she was staring off into the distance. "Spitty?"
Panic settled upon Spitfire. "Uh oh."
"What?"
Spitfire rounded on her concerned spouse. "The baby's coming."
Soarin's wings shot up in panic, "what? Now?!"
"For real this time. Quick get me to the hospital then find my mother!"
"Right!" Soarin scrambled frantically to his feet then wrapped his shaking hooves around his wife.
Spitfire shoved her partner away. "You'll drop me if you keep shaking like that! Calm down, you're not the one about to give birth here!"
Soarin gawped at his mare as he withdrew. He stood there frozen. Desperate to help but unable to calm himself.
Yellow forehooves clutched at her lower foal bump. Spitfire rolled sideways with a groan. "Stop panicking and hurry up! I don't want to give birth up here!"
Soarin cast a quick glance at how near to the edge his mare's rear was. Trying to quickly toughen up, the young stallion took a deep breath. With eyes still wide and frightened, Soarin picked his wife up and sped off to Ponyville hospital.
Just past midnight a new life was born. A tiny orange filly came into the world kicking and screaming. The whole ordeal was a haze of pain for the young mother, Spitfire. Soarin didn't fare much better as his support led to getting his forehooves almost squeezed off. As their daughter finally came into the world, the attending nurse was quick to present the messy orange foal to her parents. Spitfire cooed softly as she accepted the most precious tiny creature she had ever laid eyes on. Both parents wore huge smiles as they beheld their daughter. Opposite Soarin's side of the bed, Stormy Flare settled down, resting against the side of the hospital bed. She was clearly tired but absolutely delighted.
Soarin hummed softly as he nuzzled his daughter with the very tip of his nose. The filly gave a loud cry and clumsily reached for the young stallion. At his daughter's touch, Soarin looked so overwhelmed he might faint. His wings quivered and a huge dopey grin lit up his muzzle.
"My baby... You're perfect." Spitfire whispered as she continued to admire her precious foal.
"Welcome to the world little one." Soarin reverently murmured as he ever so carefully caressed his daughter.
Spitfire glanced up at her mother, "thanks for your help, mom."
Stormy Flare drew close and placed a kiss on her daughter's head. "Don't mention it. It's a privilege to support my little girl." Tears of joy leaked down the elder mare's cheeks. "My baby girl is all grown up... Oh, I must get your father."
The dark yellow mare wiped at her face as she turned and hurried from the room.
Spitfire watched her mother go. As the door closed the couple returned their gaze to their little girl.
"She's amazing Soarin. Just look at her cute little wings..."
"And teeny tiny hooves..." Soarin gleefully added as he daintily touched his little filly again.
The newborn gave another little cry but settled as her orange hoof rested on her fathers far larger one.
"You think she looks like a Blaze or a Scoots?" Soarin murmured, fixated upon his daughter.
Before the young mare could answer, Stormy Flare and Tempest Wind entered the room. The elder stallion collapsed against his wife, eyes wide. "That's- Thats my granddaughter?"
Spitfire smiled like the sun. "Yes dad."
Aided by his wife, Tempest approached and admired the messy new born. He glanced at Soarin's forehooves. A smirk crept out as his gaze lingered. "Looks like Spitfire squeezed as hard as Stormy did."
"Yeah, but worth it. Just look at her..." Soarin briefly eyed the older stallion before his gaze drifted back to his daughter.
Tempest Wind grinned as he reverently approached the bed. "Agreed. So... she got a name yet? Or we still tossing up ideas?"
The young couple shared a glance. In the silence their unspoken communion was clear. Spitfire nodded, "yes dad. I think Soarin and I have found the perfect name for her."
"So... what have you two called her?" Stormy Flare asked impatiently.
Spitfire tore her gaze from her supportive spouse to admire her foal. "Scootaloo."
"Yeah," Soarin agreed softly.
"Quite a name." Stormy Flare softly mused.
"For quite the filly." Tempest concluded. |
Our Daughter | CH18: Family | Scootaloo cheered as she shot through the sky held in the powerful forehooves of Spitfire. The filly closed her eyes and extended her wings. The wind felt amazing and the sharp twists and turns made her feel alive. The force of Spitfire's maneuvers as she kept pace with Soarin and Rainbow was intense! Scootaloo's small body was yanked one way then another and another.
Scootaloo opened her eyes once more just as the Wonderbolt trio looped around some large trees. The young filly's eyes widened as her hooves brushed the leaves. She glanced upward and caught a glance of Spitfire's face. The champion flyer was deep in concentration.
"Soarin!"
"Ready!"
"Huh?" Scootaloo's voice was ripped from her as she found herself shooting through the air like a rogue cannonball. Heart in her throat, the teenage filly watched as the grassland filled her vision. She was going to crash!
With a yank, Scootaloo found herself snatched out of the sky by strong pale blue hooves.
Soarin smirked at his shocked filly as he looped around to rejoin his wife. "Did you like that?"
Heart still pounding, a grin ripped across Scootaloo's muzzle. "Again! Do it again!"
"Okay." Soarin shot skyward and launched his daughter right through a cloud.
Scootaloo's joy filled cry followed her. The hovering blue Wonderbolt watched as his daughter began to fall toward the earth. He smirked to himself as she crashed through a small cloud. "Aim is perfect as always..."
Scootaloo herself was all smiles as held her forehooves out in front of herself, wings out, pretending to dive bomb. She waved to Spitfire and Rainbow Dash as the two mares fell into position on either side of her.
Scootaloo began to tense and unleashed an excited cry as they pulled up in a tight U formation, looped around and around and around till suddenly they shot off again toward town. The trio banked high and fast then Spitfire released her again. Scootaloo crashed through a rather damp cloud and landed on the strong blue back of Soarin.
The stallion grinned as his daughter clutched on for dear life. He slowed down to kick a cloud. "Nice of you to drop by, Scootaloo."
The orange filly giggled. "Thanks."
"Your jokes are still terrible, Soarin," Spitfire commented as she drew level with the pair.
"I thought it was okay." Scootaloo piped up.
Soarin grinned, delighted to hear such praise.
Rainbow Dash spotted her fillyfriend on the horizon and her elated smile faded she dipped to the trio's level and pointed to the incoming mare. "Guys, I think it's time."
"Awww... but that was so much fun, do it again! Please!" Scooaloo begged.
Soarin shared a giddy grin with his wife. "What if we make the trip into town fun for you too?"
"That would be super cool."
"Alright," Spitfire replied keenly. "Hey rookie, want to join in our game of filly toss?"
"Sure. We might shock Flutters though."
"She'll get over it. I'm sure." Spitfire replied cooly as she grabbed Scootaloo from her husband's back.
As Scootaloo felt herself leave the strong shoulders of Soarin a funny feeling passed through her. The sudden areal hug felt warm and safe. Kind of like how Fluttershy's hugs made her feel. The odd feeling was quickly forgotten as she found herself tossed into the sky again and adrenaline flooded her body.
After carefully passing the baby around and enjoying their first cuddles with newborn Scooaloo, Spitfire's parents took their leave to rest. Soarin's parents arrived as Stormy Flare lingered in the doorway. Dawnrush and Tyson mutly greeted the tired looking mare then took their turn to fawn over their granddaughter.
"She's beautiful," Dawnrush murmured as she beheld the tiny filly.
"Yeah." Soarin agreed.
"Hope you didn't make mommy work too hard little one," Tyson joked as he scooped Scootaloo up.
Spitfire's gaze followed her foal, "Scootaloo was worth it."
"Cool name." Tyson grinned as he tenderly nuzzled his grandfoal.
Scootaloo broke into a distressed wail and Dawnrush hastially took the tiny filly off her husband.
Tyson pouted as his wife promptly calmed Scootaloo down, gently rocking her back and forth as she hummed softly. Once Scootaloo had quietened down, Dawnrush placed the tiny orange filly back into Spitfire's waiting forehooves. Spitfire nodded in thanks.
Tyson and Dawnrush lingered another few minutes, fawning over Scootaloo. The peaceful atmosphere was broken as the door opened and a nurse walked in.
"With your permission, I just need to take your foal away for a moment." The unicorn nurse waited for Spitfire's tired nod then lifted Scootaloo up in her magic. "Don't worry. We just need to run a few standard tests and clean her up. You should rest."
The shattered couple found themselves in agreement with their nurse. Spitfire eyed the door as it closed behind the unicorn. With her foal gone, it suddenly felt like all remaining strength had left her. "I could sleep now..."
Soarin turned to his wife. "Want cuddles?"
"Now? I look terrible and feel ugh..." Spitfire sank into the bed.
"Doesn't stop me from doing this..." Soarin leaned in and gave his exhausted wife a kiss on the forehead. She accepted it with her eyes closed.
"I think that's our cue to leave," Tyson murmured.
"We will return once you've managed to rest," Dawnrush added and gave Spitfire a quick hug. "It's been wonderful to see our grandfoal."
Spitfire nodded, sleepily in thanks. "Yeah..."
Soarin gave his parents a lingering hug. "Thanks for coming."
"We would not miss this moment for the world." Dawnrush gave her son a quick nuzzle. "I'm proud of you."
Tyson withdrew and gave his wife a tug. "Alright, I think these two need some time alone to recover. We'll be back before you know it."
"Thanks, Dad." Soarin returned to Spitfire's side as his parents wandered on out. As soon as the door closed the young stallion sagged. "Wanna freshen up while we wait for Scootaoo's tests to be finished? I can help you shower."
"Sure. Whatever..." Spitfire dragged herself slowly up.
Soarin hastened to help, cutting her efforts off and bearing her tired body.
The couple quietly showered and then wandered back into their private room. They eyed the bed their foal had been born on. Spitfire rubbed at her much smaller, but still not entirely back to normal tummy. "Feels so weird to be thin again."
A cheeky smirk crossed Soarin's muzzle. "I can always fix that."
Spitfire shot her husband a dangerous look. "Not funny Soar."
"I... yeah. I take that back." He wrapped his wife in a loose hug.
The tough mare collapsed into her husband's hooves. "Good. Cause right now, I don't want to through that pain again..."
"So... cuddles?" Soarin tentatively asked.
Spitfire nodded.
The blue stallion pressed a kiss to his wife's snout. "One sec, I'll just clean up so we can nap."
Soarin hurried to the bed and shoved the sheets off the other side. Presenting a cleaned bed, he eagerly assisted his mare back up and they quickly settled into cuddles. Soarin lovingly wrapped his wife in a hug and laid his wing over the top. As blue feathers settled over yellow, the young mother's eyes fluttered closed.
"I'll wake you soon as our girl is returned," Soarin murmured.
With no response, the young stallion withdrew slightly to check. She was asleep.
"You did good Spitty. I love you." Soarin allowed his eyes to close too.
The room fell into peaceful silence for a few moments till the door creaked open. Soarin eagerly met the eye of the pegasus who had wandered in. The mare carried fresh sheets but was otherwise unburdened. She was quick to notice the dumped bedding.
"How long is our daughter gonna be out there?" Whispered Soarin.
"Should be anytime soon sir. I'll just take your sheets and leave this in case your wife wakes up..." She placed the fresh bedding on the chair next to the large bed.
Soarin simply nodded then returned his attention back to his mare. He ignored the shuffling and relaxed once the door closed again.
The young stallion did his best to keep watch. Yet as the early hours of the morning brought forth the dawn and the sun rose, Soarin realized he had dozed off for an hour or so at some point. Yet even as Soarin's belly rumbled, demanding breakfast, he refused to acknowledge it.
Where was Scootaloo..?
A nurse poked her head into the room and eyed the young couple.
"Hey, nurse." Soarin quietly addressed the pale blue unicorn.
The young looking unicorn mare perked up. "How may I be of help?"
"Uh... where's our baby? I thought she would be returned to us by now."
The unicorn glanced down at her notes with a frown and paused. "One moment. I will find out."
"Thanks." Soarin scowled once the attendant turned her back. He wondered why their little girl was still gone and how the staff could possibly not know where she was. Surely her scans and stuff had been finished ages ago, right?
After a few moments, Soarin grew bored. He began to fidget and play with the yellow feathers in reach.
A giggle broke from the sleeping mare and Soarin froze. Maybe it wasn't a great idea to wake Spitfire right now.
"Whaaa..." Spitfire mumbled. She cracked one eye open and met her husband's gaze. "Wheres-"
"They're looking for her."
"Looking?" Spitfire gave a shake and rounded groggily on her husband. "What do you mean looking? Did our baby get lost?"
A frantic swirl of emotions blasted the young stallion as he tried to calm his wife. "No. Bad choice of words..! She's fine. It's all fine. They will be bringing her in soon."
Spitfire relaxed. With a huge sigh, she sank back into her husband's loving hold. "Oh thank goodness..."
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you panic dear."
"Just... don't do that again." Spitfire closed her eyes and snuggled back up to her husband.
Centred within the lower levels of the castle of friendship, there were two large rooms. One played host to Twilight's experiments and was packed with all kinds of weird and wonderful objects.
Opposite the experimental space was the castle hospital. A sterile space that had mostly been used to treat small injuries the six mares had suffered in their adventures. The hospital bay currently had two unicorn doctors, Twilight and Luna standing over Scootaloo, who lay on the operating table in the middle of the room. The filly in question was deep in a magical sleep with a bright pink and blue swirl of the two doctors surrounding her.
On the far side of the room Scootaloo's parents, both by blood and adoption watched on. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom sat side by side, torn between watching and trying to not pay attention to the magic that surrounded their friend.
After some quietly exchanged words, the unicorn's magic faded. Luna nodded in thanks to the pair as she powered up her own horn. The two doctors stepped up alongside their charge and watched carefully their horns smouldering with magic, ready to help if required.
Aided by Twilight, Luna plunged her magic into the young filly. The pair wove spells together in a swirling matrix of dark blue and purple that lit the room with an ethereal glow.
Luna straightened up as her magic found exactly what the two medical ponies had found. "Twilight, feel that."
A frown slipped across the younger alicorn's face. "There's nothing there."
"Feel my probe. Tis there. Exactly as described by thy staff."
After a moment of deep concentration, Twilight perked up. "Wait! it's faint... I think I can feel... something?"
"That is her well of pegasus magic."
Twilight's magic faltered for a moment.
"Focus, Love."
"Sorry!" Twilight's horn flared as she hurried to reestablish the link. "But ...how? It's so low and unusual."
Luna leant forward as she continued to work in silence for a few moments.
Sweetie leaned toward Apple Bloom, "what do you think it means if her pegasus magic is low? She hasn't used it up already has she?"
"No." Spitfire sighed. "I don't think she was born with as much as a normal pegasus. Or... it was... not right in some way."
The two fillies looked up at the older mare in shock.
"How do you know?" Sweetie Belle wondered out loud.
"Can I please have Scootaloo's parents over here?" Luna asked as the magic from her horn blossomed.
"Um, sure." Soarin stood and led his wife over to their daughter.
The two fillies shared a shocked glance. "Her what?"
"Parents?"
Rainbow Dash nodded. "My cool little filly has the two coolest Wonderbolts as her mom and dad. Isn't that awesome?"
Sweetie Belle fainted.
Apple Bloom looked at Rainbow Dash like she had grown a second head. "But- but... what? How?"
Early morning in Ponyville general hospital, a young couple was asleep.
A knock on the door sounded.
Both ponies jolted awake.
"Uh, come in," Spitfire called out.
An older unicorn mare strode in. She carried a tiny wrapped up foal. Hints of orange and cerise peeked out from the soft white fabric. "Hello. I am returning your little bundle of joy."
Both parents lit up with joy. Spitfire tenderly plucked the foal from the other mare's care. "Thank you."
Soarin blinked back a few tears of joy as he lovingly nuzzled his baby.
"I have a few questions. If you don't mind." The unicorn spoke up.
Soarin glanced at his wife, still busy doting over their foal. He shrugged. "Sure."
"During your pregnancy, were you involved in any major crashes?"
That caught the attention of the young mother. Spitfire glanced up from her baby and gave her husband a wary look. "No."
"Have you consumed any alcohol?"
Spitfire huffed. "What do you think? I was underage till a week ago."
"Is that a yes, or a no?" The nurse continued to stare."We don't judge. But if am to be of any service, I must know."
"She's been good," Soarin interjected then gave his mare a quick nuzzle. "Don't worry."
A sigh escaped the older mare. "Well... what about a big fight and serious damage to your lower barrel."
"I- No. Wait... My father did hit me once. But it was very early in the pregnancy. Before I really started gaining weight."
The nurse sighed. "How bad was it?"
"It hurt. But didn't break anything or keep her down for long." Soarin spoke up.
The unicorn's horn lit and she again scanned their baby. "Unfortunate. But It sounds like your father did not do this. One final question; have you over exerted your vessel at any during your pregnancy? The likes that would have required a great deal of bed rest to recover."
"Well, no. Soarin made sure I didn't do anything too stupid." Spitfire replied. Her husband grinned, clearly pleased with the mention. With a shrug, the young mare continued; "most I can think of is a few of the fun nights we had in bed."
Quick to catch on, a brief smile cracked the serious nurse's lips. "I can promise you, there is nothing wrong with a little loving. Especially with a husband who appears to be so caring." The budding smile faded as she gazed at the foal for a few sombre moments. "I hate to tell you both this, but your foal appears to have a rare magical imbalance."
Yellow hooves tightened around the precious young filly. "Get lost. Our foal is perfect." Spitfire gave the unicorn a dirty look.
"I am quite serious."
Spitfire scoffed. "How do you know about this if it's so rare?"
The nurse sighed. "Because I've seen it before. Once when I was fresh out of med school. Then one other more recent case in a small hospital just outside of Las Pegasus."
"And what happened to the foals?"
"They, well..." The nurse glanced down at the tiny filly as silence fell. A resigned sigh escaped the older mare. "They never flew."
"What?" Soarin exclaimed.
"Excuse me?!" Spitfire sat up.
Jostled by her parents' outburst the babe began to cry. Both young parents shared a panicked glance. Spitfire frantically tried to calm her foal down.
Scootaloo cried harder as her mother rocked her back and forth.
"Let me try..." Soarin announced as he snatched Scootaloo up and began to coo very softly as he swayed very slowly. So dainty his movements were, it was almost as though he expected to break his precious charge at any moment.
Scooaloo's cries slowly faded till she gave a little stretch and snuggled deeper into her surprised father's hold.
"It... it worked..?" Soarin gazed down at his daughter, filled with joy but also totally shocked by his own success.
Spitfire scowled enviously at the stallion by her side. She held out her forelegs demanding the return of her babe.
Soarin grinned impishly back. "She's mine too hon." At the cheeky stallion's whisper, Spitfire poked her tongue out at him then settled down.
Victorious, Soarin very slowly snuggled up to his wife and angled himself so that their daughter slipped into a shared cuddle. There in the middle, she safely lay, able to feel the slow rise and fall of both parents warm chests. With a contented nicker, she closed her eyes once more.
"Sorry..." Spitfire whispered to their guest.
"No, I understand. It can't be an easy thing to hear. I'm sorry for bearing bad news at such a happy time." The unicorn nurse glanced down at the tiny filly and a sad smile lit her face.
"Are you sure both ponies never flew?" Soarin whispered.
The nurse nervously glanced down at her clipboard. "While I admit... I never saw them grown up, I do not recall reports of either pegasus flying in their youth."
Spitfire and Soarin shared a concerned look. The young mother shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe it... no. Scootaoo will fly."
The nurse backed up a little. "I'm sorry. Her wings will function, that much I can assure you. But without the proper magic to back it up, she may never fly."
That got Spitfire's hackles up again. "Are you saying I may as well have birthed an earth pony?"
A disgruntled cry from Scooaloo caused the angry mother to relax. She shot the elder nurse a dirty look.
"I..." The nurse stepped back from the suddenly angry mother. "No. But please consider that your filly may be safer if you find someplace outside of Cloudsdale to raise her. Someplace on the ground. Like... here or Canterlot."
A look of horror was passed between the young couple. Soarin gawped and stuttered a bit, unable to comprehend quite what he was being told.
"No... it can't be..." Spitfire clutched her precious baby close as if to guard Scootaloo against the bad news.
Several moments of awkward silence followed.
"I'll give you both some time." The nurse ducked away. "I'm sorry."
"Thank you for sharing... that... uh-" Soarin sighed. "And she's gone."
"She has to fly... she must." Spitfire tenderly nuzzled her baby.
"She's our filly. Of course she will." Soarin placed a loving kiss on his mare's head.
"But what if the nurse is right?"
"Then..." A long, slow sigh broke forth from the young stallion. "I guess our choice of orphanage might just be the safest place for her after all." |
Our Daughter | CH19: Showtime | In the clean, white hospital room two tired parents were woken by their foals cry.
Spitfire moaned then lay back. "Make her stop..."
"I think she's hungry," Soarin commented as he tried to restore peace, gently rocking his daughter back and forth.
"Hungry?" Spitfire sat up.
"Yeah, maybe try nursing her."
Spitfire blinked twice, then slowly it dawned on her and she nodded. "Oh... Right..."
The young mother took her distressed filly from Soarin and Scootaloo was quick to accept her first meal.
Green eyes followed the intimate act between mother and foal. He smiled tenderly. Their baby was absolutely precious.
"Don't go getting any ideas," Spitfire warned.
"What?" Soarin met his wife's stern gaze.
Spitfire continued to give her spouse a dry look. "I see where you're looking."
Soarin drew his wife in for a winged hug. "Well yeah, our daughter looks so cute, I can't take my eyes off her. Even when she's having some milk from her amazing mother."
Spitfire relaxed and snuggled back up to her husband. The room fell into peaceful silence. With a loud burp, Scootaloo announced she had finished and promptly settled down for sleep again.
Unable to believe the amazing tiny pegasus they had brought into the world, both teenage parents shared starry eyed looks.
In Twilight's laboratory, several eyes watched with surprise as Soarin and Spitfire reached Scootaloo's bedside.
The two Wonderbolts shared a look as they stood next to the bed their daughter lay on. Opposite them stood Twilight and Luna, the latter, horn aglow and eyes closed.
Twilight glanced down at the sleeping filly. "While this also requires the permission of Scootloo's guardians, I first wanted to ask, do you both consent to the use of experimental magic to restore your daughter's flight?"
The Wonderbolt couple shared a look. Soarin shrugged. "Uh, if it's Scootaloo's best bet to fix her pegasus magic or whatever is wrong. Then sure..."
"Okay. Well... from my research, I think it's possible to help Scootaloo by restoring her well of pegasus magic. I'm pretty sure it can be done, even if it was impaired since birth. However, it requires tapping into the magic well of her parents. Ideally both at once."
Soarin glanced at his wife. The shocked yellow pegasus looked back, unable to believe her ears. "She can be fixed?"
Soarin smiled back. "I think that's what she just said."
Tears threatened to break free as Spitfire smiled. "How did we not try something crazy like this before?"
"I can't promise the spells will work." Twilight broke the pegasus couple's conversation.
"But it might work?" Soarin was so eager, his wings rose and a goofy grin lit his face.
"Luna and I have tested the magic and it seems to function as it has been designed to." Twilight's measured response was guarded, almost as if she expected something to go wrong. "But we have never connected parents to their foals' well of pegasus magic with the intent of repairing a broken well. It could have unexpected effects on you both."
"I don't care if I never get to fly again." Soarin's slow, thoughtful response was laden with love for his daughter. "But if it works, and Scootaloo can fly... I'll be happy."
"I want to see our daughter fly." Spitfire added."But please, be careful."
The two doctors strode back to the small group and took up position at the head of the small bed. The blue unicorn spoke up, "Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash agree to the procedure. We are ready to assist you, Princess."
"Thank you." Twilight's horn began to glow.
The pair of unicorns nodded and the bright glow of magic from several ponies lit the room.
Soarin braced himself as tendrils of purple magic entered his body. The sensation ticked and felt immensely weird. Just as he was about to relax into the feeling he felt his wings sag. What felt like a black hole appeared deep inside his being. A weight came crashing down on the stallion. Soarin's attention was drawn to his wife as she gasped and hunkered down as if under a great weight. Yellow feathers touched blue as limp wings met on the floor.
Scootaloo found herself in a dark grassland. There was a faint purple glow across the sky and stars were peaking out from the canvas above. She could somewhat make out trees in the background. The rolling country hills made her think of the farmland near her friend, Applebloom's home. This strange land was both surreal and relaxing at the same time.
To her surprise, two shapes began to materialize close by.
"The magical link is stable. Twilight, are you ready?" Luna's voice startled Scootaloo.
"Wow... I was not expecting this..." Twilight gazed around.
Scootaloo stared at the two adults. "What are you two doing here? And where am I?"
"This..." Twilight paused to consider her next words "Is deep inside your mind."
"Think of it like like a sort of dreamscape." Princess Luna added softly.
"Oh, so I'm dreaming?" Scootaloo's attention drifted to her bleak surroundings.
"You are asleep." Princess Luna turned to Twilight, "how is the connection?"
Twilight's horn glowed. After a few moments she smiled, "they match, just like you said."
"Who match?" Scootaloo asked, confused.
Twilight smiled. "The ponies that make this whole operation possible."
"So... who are they...?" Scootaloo wondered.
The purple princess merely smiled. "You'll see."
"Now relax." Princess Luna spoke up. "I have located thy well of pegasus magic and am about to attempt something that will require considerable concentration."
Twilight nodded, "Ready."
Scootaloo took a deep breath and sat nervously on the soft grass. She felt a tug on something deep with herself. Something she had always assumed was normal, suddenly felt flat and shockingly empty. Luna's horn flared and Scootaloo cried out in pain as pegasus magic swirled in blues and yellows into her small vessel.
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash watched in awe as magical shapes formed around the six ponies who stood at Scootaloo's bed. Large dark blue and purple squares solidified and then began to rotate around the seven. A dark circle formed on the floor around them and a mist began to spread outward. Thin strands of yellow and blue magic slipped out from Spitfire and Soarin's chests and floated slowly toward their daughter. Scootaloo cried out in pain as the tendrils impacted her middle. Fluttershy whimpered. The tough blue mare was quick to hug her lover, nuzzling her softly as she continued to stare at the spectacle. Applebloom hugged her unconscious friend, worried.
Scootaloo's faint orange magic mixed with that of her family. A thin orange trail connected with her parents. All the magical tendrils shook suddenly as a burst of magic from Twilight and Luna caused the rotating shapes to collapse in on the pegasus family. Scootaloo gasped. A forehoof stretched out as though she was reaching for something.
The ponies watching on held their breath, all eyes upon the filly on the bed as her hoof continued to reach upward, her eyes closed and wings loose.
With another burst of magic from the two princesses, the blue and yellow swirls seemed to quickly overpower the faint orange glow. The two parents sagged as though struck and Soarin collapsed into his wife's side.
"Is... is it working?" Fluttershy wondered as she partially hid herself underneath Dash's wing.
In the faintly lit mindscape of Scootaloo, the young filly found herself glued to the spot in the middle of a large dark blue and purple circle of magic. The once peaceful night landscape felt wired with unfamiliar and overpowering magic. Luna's whole body was aglow as she continued to work. A beam of magic shot out from Twilght's horn into the sky.
Scootaloo's gaze followed the purple beam up till she saw a giant hole in the dark sky. A sunny glow peaked through the darkness but did not light the world below. Scootaloo watched, eyes wide as the forms of two pegasi darted across and vanished back into the dark beyond. Lingering in their places were sparkles of blue and yellow light. Scootaloo gasped, admiring the spectacle.
She found herself reaching out to the two very important souls who had graced the border of her mind. Somehow, she knew they were important. Their magic just felt right. It felt powerful. Like it was magic that should be inside her too.
She glanced at Twilight and noticed the alicorn looking at her, eyes aglow with magic.
Twilight gazed upward once more. "It is ready."
With another burst of magic from Luna, Scootaloo found herself floating up, up, up. She reached out, hoping to touch the two ponies who had flown above the dark sky. Suddenly, Scootaloo realized that she had almost reached the lingering lights.
Something urged her onward and she gave her wings a flick. With a start, she realized their motion had carried her closer to the lights. With an excited whoop, Scootaloo flapped her wings hard and flew headlong into the welcoming magic. Excitement bubbled up within. Whoever these ponies were that left the sparkles behind for her, they were fast and they were family. She felt connected to them in spirit and magic. Despite the invasion of two minds and magic Scootaloo couldn't help but smile. Whatever this was, it was making her feel amazing. Almost like she could do whatever she wanted, even flying.
Another blast of magic from the princesses below buffeted the filly. The family feeling magic that had taken up residence within began to settle. It overpowered her own meagre pegasus magic and flooded her mind. Her vision flashed sunny yellow and sky blue. The dark world around her was lit to near blinding levels that blasted through her raised hoof and hastily closed eyelids. Unable to take any more of the magical invasion, Scootaloo felt herself falling. The filly frantically flailed about with no feel for what was up or down. With a desperate cry for help, she blacked out, her mind and body unable to take anymore.
The last thing the young pegasus heard was some pony swearing in old equish and a tired male voice;
"Did it work? Spitty!"
A week after the birth of their foal, the new addition to the family was introduced to the floating home they shared. At the sight of the arriving family, Blackout and Fleetfoot rushed out to the porch to greet the trio. Both young pegasi wore warm smiles.
"This is Scootaloo." Soarin declared with a tender smile as he touched down and indicated the foal wrapped up in his wife's hooves.
Spitfire smiled tenderly at her baby.
"She's cute. But how are you gonna hide her when we go for our showcase in two weeks time?" Blackout asked, a light grin on his face.
Spitfire shared a glance with Soarin. "His parents have kindly offered to take her in. As long as my body goes back to normal, I expect myself to keep up with you lot."
"You're gonna have to work had to make that new mom look go away..." Fleetfoot commented.
Spitfire levelled a warning glare in response.
"What, just saying, as your friend and team mate. It's kinda obvious right now and that's before I even look at the adorable foal you're carrying." Fleetfoot gave a flick of her mane as she slowly approached, her gaze on the baby.
"Do you think... uh, maybe I could hold her?" Blackout asked as he slowly approached.
Spitfire nodded, "sure. I guess I can trust you with our baby."
"And what about me?" Silver Zoom's voice was soft and careful as he stepped out onto the porch.
"After how well you've been leading the troops in my absence, and have kept out little secret. I trust you to hold our Scootaloo, although Blackout did ask first." Spitfire smiled at the grey colt.
The black stallion carefully accepted the foal and a huge grin slipped out across his face as he beheld the precious young babe. "She's... so tiny..."
"I know." Soarin placed a wing tenderly across his mare's back.
Silver Zoom watched on, "Ya know, I really didn't think this was a good idea. But seeing you two's daughter..."
"She is as beautiful as her mother, right?" Soarin eagerly responded, "and I can totally tell she will go on to do some amazing stuff."
Silver Zoom rolled his eyes, "okay, now you really sound like a new dad."
Fleetfoot giggled. "Where did Soarin go?"
A scowl ripped across Soarin's face. "I'm right here."
"But Soarin's like cool, not all mushy over babies." Fleetfoot grinned back.
The new dad daintily took Scootaloo back off Blackout with a thankful nod. "Well, maybe it's because she's mine."
Silver Zoom winced, "Oh... I think I can see a problem..."
"What problem?" Spitfire challenged.
"Well, you two had promised to give her up right? The way you're talking... I get the impression that will be real hard." Silver Zoom lightly winced, as if expecting a strong retort.
Spitfire sighed. "Don't remind me..."
Two weeks after the birth of their foal, Spitfire and Soarin returned to their school, ready to show their teachers just how much they had learned in their time away.
The school's wide open playground and surrounding skies had been converted into a stadium for the end of year exams. Rows of clouds for observers to sit on lined the sides while pillars, hoops and other obstacles dotted the sky. There was a large collection of parents present, ready and waiting to watch the show.
The elite group of students led by Spitfire strode out onto the large pad on top of the classrooms. A collection of teachers and external advisors were present.
Soarin spotted one particular pegasus present in a blue flight suit and gave his wife a nudge. "Look Spitty."
"Yes, I can see him. Now stop staring."
Soarin huffed.
Blackout caught Soarin's eye and grinned. "Dude, that is-"
"Alright quiet, I hope you five have a a plan to start our school showcase with a bang." Mrs. Sweet's sharp tone made the group stand up straight, all banter forgotten.
"Yes, Mrs Sweets," Spitfire replied dutifully.
"Glad to hear," their teacher, Malestrom smiled. "And since you five are some of our best fliers, I thought it would be a great idea for you to lead off today's showcase."
Spitfire glanced at her companions, "then I guess we'll start this with a bang."
Silver Zoom nodded, "Yeah, let's go."
The young stallion took the lead and the five pegasi strode to the edge of the wide cloud.
Maelstrom strode to the left most edge of their large cloud. "Ready?"
The five pegasi couched, wings out.
A bang echoed from the opposite end of the stadium. Spitfire immediately leapt forward and shot out into the open air. Silver Zoom quickly pulled to the front of the unit and they took on a V formation. Spitfire and Soarin to the right, Blackout and Fleetfoot to the left.
The group flew a loop around the grounds before swooping toward the middle. They broke off the formation as they soared upward and each pony gracefully swirled around and around before reuniting near the low clouds. From there they shot off and took several hard turns around the obstacles loosely hanging around the course.
Upon completing the loose obstacle course, the group broke into two. Fleetfoot took the lead of her smaller group while Soarin led Spitfire away from their teammates. The two groups began to spiral as they flew over the heads of their classmates. Soarin and Spitfire kept an especially tight formation as they looped around. The light blue stallion was careful to maintain a slip stream for his wife to follow.
Although she was a capable flier and keen to show her best, Spitfire stayed nose to his tail. Mirroring the trio on the other side of the stadium, they shot through hoops, zig zagged around clouds then zoomed toward each other.
The five pegasi sped toward the center of the grounds, reuniting as a single unit once more.
Blackout and Soarin banked hard to avoid each other as they corrected course then sped off high into the skies above. As they reached the apex of their ascent, the group spaced out along a straight line and as one, plummeted back down toward the clouds below.
Spitfire found her body screaming at her to slow down as they cut their dive at the last moment and shot across the low clouds. Just before hitting the judges pad, they looped upward, breaking off into five faint trails of speeding pegasus. They all zoomed toward the wide open cloud and landed together.
Blackout and Spitfire both landed a bit hard but were quick to recover and stood tall alongside their teammates.
Cheers broke out from the ponies in the stands.
Their teacher smiled as he approached the recovering pegasi. "That was quite the performance. I'm surprised that Soarin led the duo."
"I wanted him to." Spitfire quickly replied.
"Yeah, hopefully I showed that I'm not just Spitfire's second," Soarin affirmed.
Their teacher cast a brief meaningful glance at Spitfire. "Fair. I have somepony who wants a word in private."
"You mean, Fire Streak wants to see us?" Fleetfoot eagerly spoke up.
The pale firey grey stallion with a two toned orange mane leisurely sauntered over. "Got that right. Follow me."
The five young pegasi shared brief looks. With a wild grin, Soarin was quick to lead the way off the rear of the platform.
The fiery young wonderbolt was quick to nip past the students and he took to the skies with a burst of speed.
Spitfire and Silver Zoom reacted quickly and led the party as they trailed the speeding pegasus. Fire Streak led the students in a quick loop of the school. He darted around classrooms, obstacle clouds and through hoops before finally landing on a cloud above the front gate. The five students were quick to join him, each carefully slowing their flight before elegantly landing on two nearby clouds.
Soarin gave the cloud he shared with Spitfire a quick shunt. The couple eagerly turned their attention to the young star who sat before them.
The Wonderbolt gave the split group of ponies a careful once over glance. "Interesting choice. You five like to partner off like this?"
"Yeah, this just sorted worked out best." Silver Zoom replied as casually as possible. "Besides, Spitfire and I didn't always get on at first."
"But now?" Fire Streak asked.
"Oh, we're fine now," Spitfire spoke up.
"Glad to hear." Fire Streak mused. "So... if I was to say... personally recommend you to my peers..."
"That would be super cool." Fleetfoot grinned eagerly.
"Heh, yeah. The life of a professional athlete is a lot of work. I take it you all know we also function as a military unit and assist with natural disasters and the like."
"You... don't have to go and actually fight though, do you?" Blackout tentatively asked.
"Well, sure. I've been recently training with hoof and wing blades." The firey stallion noticed the shocked expressions on the pegasi before him and chucked. "Heh, don't worry. I haven't had to use any of that yet. We usually just help out when the weather goes a little whack or Cloudsdale runs out of snow. You know what, forget I said anything. I'm just filling in and may have forgotten the brief when Wind started yelling at me."
"Right." Spitfire nodded slowly. "So, you liked our showcase?"
"Oh yes. It really felt like a junior version of one of our smaller shows." Fire Streak noticed the next group had lined up on the large cloud, ready for action.
"Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that from what I've observed, you five will be recommended by me to apply for our official Wonderbolts tryouts and training early next year. I have especially high commendations for two of you in particular. But your performances at our tryouts will be the deciding factor. Now, I must get back to my post. It's been nice seeing your skills live!" With a flash of fiery orange, Fire Streak flipped off his cloud and sped back to the large platform at the end of the school's stadium.
Spitfire hugged Soarin then sped off straight up into the skies. "We did it!"
Soarin grinned as he watched his teammates on their cloud also celebrating. Fleetfoot leapt across and gave the grinning stallion a quick hug.
"Come Soarin, gotta tell our parents!" Spitfire landed next to her husband and eagerly dragged him away.
Fleetfoot waved at the departing couple. "Hey, guys. Do you think they would let us stay in our cool house if we all get in?"
Blackout landed next to the grinning mare, "that would be a dream."
Silver Zoom swooped over, "I agree. And a pretty cool dream at that. Now I don't know about you two, but I'm going to follow those two."
"Gotta brag to mommy?" Fleetfoot smirked.
Silver Zoom snorted, "I'll sound cooler than your bragging."
Blackout chucked as their friend and third teammate departed. "Is it just me or has he gotten way nicer?"
Fleetfoot nodded, "yeah. Let's go."
"Race ya." The black stallion crouched down, ready to fly.
The pale blue mare flicked her wings. "Three, two, one - go!"
The two teens shot off toward the clouds where their parents were seated, eager to share the good news. |
Our Daughter | CH20: Decisions | To Spitfire and Soarin, the final month of schooling felt like it passed in the blink of an eye. The couple were surviving on far less sleep than they were used to while also trying to appear as normal as possible for school. Many mornings when they had to drag themselves to school, their teacher noticed their quiet struggle. Those days Spitfire was allowed to find a place for a quick nap during lunch while Soarin did his best to pretend nothing was out of place.
Soarin's parents faithfully cared for Scootaloo by day. Stormy Flare would often stop by to see her grandfoal and help out. Tempest Wind on the other hoof, seemed to be working even longer hours than normal. Spitfire and Soarin's friends saw the baby more than he did.
Once school ended for the year, Spitfire and Soarin found themselves with close to two months before tryouts for the junior Wonderbolts tryouts.
Once a week Temptest Wind and Stormy Flare would stop by together and without fail the tough overseer of the Cloudsdale Rainbow Factory would make mention of Ponyville orphanage. Each week his daughter asked for more time.
With two weeks before the big moment where they would find out if they were professional athlete material or not, Spitfire and Soarin found themselves faced once more by the tough Deep orange stallion in the small lounge of Soarin's family home.
Tempest Wind eyed his granddaughter, who Spitfire currently held. "While it is nice to see my grandfoal, I can't help but wonder..." He turned his critical eye upon his daughter. "you only have two weeks until your trials. Why is she still here and why are you not living in your own home?"
Spitfire tore her gaze from her daughter. "Because... uh... you see-"
"It's hard." Soarin finished for his wife. "Real hard to even think about giving her up."
Tempest eyed his son in law critically. "You don't want to work at that bakery your whole life, do you?"
"Of course not. But we have another two weeks until tryouts and Spitfire and me are finding it harder than we thought to let her go." Soarin admitted.
Spitfire's grip on her foal tightened ever so slightly.
Stormy Flare noticed. A sigh escaped the older mare and she crossed the room and gave her daughter a winged hug. "My girl, I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. But you promised me."
"I know..." Spitfire whispered as she stared at her foal. "Isn't she cute?"
Stormy Flare gave Spitfire a tender nuzzle as she withdrew. "Yes. She is. But, at your age... it is career or foal."
"I..." Spitfire's gaze fell to her daughter and she fought back tears. "Yes, mom."
Tyson and Dawnrush wandered in. The couple paused, quick to notice the unusually downtrodden Spitfire and the tense atmosphere of the room.
"Am I interrupting something?" Dawnrush asked cautiously.
"Nothing you haven't seen before." Tempest Wind replied. "And I personally think my grandfoal has dwelt in your home long enough."
"Well, thankfully I get the final say on that, dude." Tyson wandered up to his long time friend. "You're playing nice, I hope?"
"Of course we are." Tempest scoffed.
"Good. Cause I don't mind looking after Scootaloo another week." Tyson cast an adoring glance at his grandfoal. "But then..." The dark blue stallion glanced at his son, "I do expect to hear Scootaloo has been given away, just as you two promised. I'm sorry, but you must proceed like you are gonna blow this outa the sky. Like total home run."
Soarin nodded slowly, thoughtful as his gaze rested on his foal. "What if I don't make it, Dad?"
The older, darker blue stallion stared at his son for a few moments, his gaze hard but sure. "You'll make it."
Soarin's gaze snapped up to meet his fathers, "But-"
"I know you both can become Wonderbolts." Tyson cut his son off. The stallion strode up to the young couple and wrapped them in a winged hug. "You got this."
"But what happens if one of us fails." Spitfire clutched onto her foal.
"If you think like that, you will fail," Tempest remarked. With a final glance at his daughter, he strode out.
Stormy Flare's gaze lingered on the door. A sigh broke out and she shook her head. "He's right. Why don't you both go for a nice flight tomorrow? I'll even stop by and look after Scootaloo while you're away."
The two teens shared a look. "I mean, sure..." Soarin shrugged.
Spitfire nodded. "I'll accept a fun break, even for only a few hours."
"Good." Stormy Flare nodded. "Now, I'm off to find that husband of mine."
The following day, Spitfire and Soarin were cruising along without a care in the world. It was late morning, Cloudsdale lay behind them, Canterlot was far in the distance and the landscape below was a blanket of lush green. The couple looped around and began to head toward Ponyville. After a few minutes, they could faintly make out the ponies below, going about their daily lives.
"Do you notice anything odd, Soarin?" Spitfire broke the peaceful atmosphere.
"Huh? Uh, no?" Soarin glanced around. "Pie time?"
A playful grin slipped out across the sunny mare's maw. "No. Ponyville's weather crew. Where are they?"
"Maybe they're feeling pie time, like me. Does it matter?"
Some way off a water tornado sprang up and tentatively reached out toward Cloudsdale.
A knowing grin crossed Spitfire's lips. "I bet everypony is over there."
"Looks a bit weak," Soarin commented as he watched the swirling water slowly reach toward Cloudsdale.
"Wanna check it out?" Spitfire shot her wingmate a sly grin. "Looks like they could use some serious boost."
"You sure it won't break apart before we even get there?"
"Only one way to find out." Spitfire put on a massive burst of speed.
Soarin felt a fun tingle as he stared at his wife's flank. Realizing she was getting away, he fought hard to catch up.
After a short, intense flight, Spitfire and Soarin slowed their approach and carefully landed a safe distance from the vortex just in time to see it collapse into a giant wave.
"Oh, that sucks," Soarin complained and began to trot toward the annoyed looking Wonderbolt in charge. "Spitty... isn't that... Wind Rider?"
Realisation flooded the firey mare's countenance and an excited grin settled in. "Yeah, wasn't he the pony who recently set a record at the Mustang Marathon?"
"He did. Oh, this is so cool."
Spitfire chuckled dryly as her stallion picked up the pace and hurried to meet the star.
"That was twenty five wing power short of the required eight hundred. How do you expect to get water up to Cloudsdale with such a poor showing? " Wind Rider towered proudly over the local pegasi.
"We could help!" Soarin eagerly called out.
The blue Wonderbolt eyed the couple. "Are you from Ponyville?"
"Well... no. But we do have ties here. Can we help?" Soarin asked hopefully.
Wind Rider looked as though he was about to turn the offer down but paused. After a few tense moments, the stallion sighed. "If it means getting this load up to the weather factory. Sure. Whatever."
A murmur passed through the collection of locals. None stepped forward to claim the pair or turn down the support.
Wind Rider turned to the leader of the local pegasi. "Since they claim to have a local link to your ponies, what do you say? Will you accept their help and try again?"
"Will our score count?" A red stallion with a dark grey mane asked.
"No." Wind Rider quickly shot the question down.
"But they said they have ties here, surely that's good enough."
"Enough to fly with you. Not enough to compete with the other towns scores." Wind Rider replied resolutely.
"Well, I guess..." The red stallion eyed the new arrivals. "No offense, but twenty five wingpower is a lot. Do you two really think you can make that much of a difference?"
Spitfire grinned back and gave her wings a flick. "Why don't we find out?"
"Cocky aye." Wind Rider eyed the young mare. "I like a bit of attitude. Give us the horn!"
"Everypony, at the ready!" The red stallion called out. His fellow pegasi, though tired from a first failed attempt readied themselves for a second.
Spitfire and Soarin cantered over to stand beside the red stallion who appeared in charge of the Ponyville pegasi.
The red pegasus briefly sized the pair up, "alright, I guess we are ready."
"Let's go!" Wind Rider shouted.
With that, the horn blew and the large collection of pegasi took to the skies and began to circle the lake. The airborne ponies span round and round as they picked up speed. The momentum rapidly built toward the combined wing power critical for success.
Spitfire and Soarin kept side by side as they powered along as fast as their wings could carry them. The couple began to pass slower and less powerful pegasi and noticed that their pegasus cyclone had begun to carry water skyward. Only the red pegasus and a hoof full of others kept pace with the young speedsters.
Pleased by the difference they were making, Spitfire laid out her challenge. "Race ya!"
Soarin's eyes widened as he beheld his mare put on another burst of power. He quickly rose to the challenge, wings beating with every ouch of strength he had. The stallion slowly pulled up alongside his mare. With a pleased smirk, he slowly passed her.
Unable to match her husband, Spitfire settled for watching his flank as water passed within a wing stretch of her.
With a rush, the last of the water passed through the spinning vortex and up into Cloudsdale's rainbow factory. The horn sounded and the large collection of pegasi were quick to disband.
The young couple spiralled around in ever wider arcs as they allowed their momentum to dissipate. With a final loop, they landed together in style before the Wonderbolt in charge.
Wind Rider stared at the score in disbelief. "Eight hundred and six? Two young ponies made that much difference...?"
"We did it!" Spitfire cheered. She was quick to hug her husband and almost kissed him too before catching herself.
Wind Rider glanced between the elated teens and the wing power gauge. "Assuming the others all flew with as much power as the first time... together you two made up thirty one wing power. An impressive number. Far higher than I expected for two teenagers."
"That's so cool!" Soarin cheered and gave his mare a loose winged hug.
Spitfire grinned as she threw her husband off, eager to not give anything too personal away. "Really?"
"That's a lot of power for two young pegasi." The red stallion agreed as he strode toward the group. "Thirty one... Wow, I wasn't even sure you two could contribute twenty. Yet here we are."
"Yeah... we're pretty awesome." Soarin was positively soaking up the praise.
"Say, I'm wondering... how old are you two?" Wind Rider asked.
"Uh... eighteen, sir," Soarin replied, his wings closing as his elation dried up and confusion settled in. "Why?"
"Does this mean you two graduated from school this year?"
"And we're planning to try out for the Jr Wonderbolts." Soarin enthusiastically replied. "Spitty and me were in the special fliers programme at Cloudsdale Central."
Realization dawned on Wind Rider as he beheld the two pegasi before him. He rounded on the red stallion. "Alright, I thank you and your team for helping us get the water to the weather factory. Rest up. Everypony has done well. I want to speak to these two alone."
The red stallion looked surprised at the request. "Oh, I was going to ask, would you both like lunch, on me? As thanks for helping."
Soarin lit up eagerly. "I do like the food at the Hay and Clover."
Spitfire rolled her eyes.
The red stallion grinned. "I can meet you both there, once Wind Rider has finished with you."
"I would love to." Soarin nodded eagerly.
Once everypony nearby had moved on, Wind Rider turned and strode up to the wing power meter. He examined the needle, as though it suddenly held all the answers. "Impressive job today. You two wouldn't happen to be Spitfire and Soarin, by any chance?"
The two younger pegasi shared surprised glances.
"We are," Spitfire replied.
"How does somepony as cool as you know about us?" Soarin asked tentatively.
A keen smirk crossed the older stallion's face. "You remember Fire Streak?"
Soarin nodded, "yeah, he was super cool."
The smirk grew, "he mentioned your names. Now I see why."
"Really? Does that mean like, something cool for us?" Soarin asked eagerly
"Oh today's little spectacle won't mean a thing in two weeks. And don't get me wrong, my fellow 'bolts will put you through the roughest tryout of your lives. But I have high hopes that we will be seeing each other more often. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to watch over the next part of this here production. Enjoy your lunch. You deserve it."
"Thank you, sir," Soarin replied.
The pale blue stallion half turned, ready to take off then paused as something came to mind. "Oh, and... I might be able to be talked into opening two slots specially at next weekend's display. The two of you could be part of the pre show opening at Ponyville."
Spitfire and Soarin stared back in shock.
"Really?" Spitfire breathed. "You- us to fly at the big Wonderbolts show?"
"Well, you would only be a small part of the introduction. But yes. I trust that you two fly together often enough to have a few good tricks you could display?"
"We do. But if you're willing to expand that opening a bit to our classmates from Plume, the new advanced course... I could give you a real show." Spitfire offered hopefully.
"What I had in mind was more of a duo offering. But I'll talk to my fellow Wonderbolts and see what they think. Good day." And with that, Wind Rider took off.
Spitfire and Soarin shared a glance. Surprised by both the offer and the sudden departure of the famous pony.
"Wow..." Soarin muttered. "That..."
"Yeah, that was cool." Spitfire finished for her husband.
Soarin threw a wing across his mare's back in a loose hug. "This calls for a celebration! Spitty... let's go!"
Spitfire smirked at her excited husband, "yeah alright. Just don't eat too much this time."
Soarin pouted, "Aww, but somepony else is paying!"
"Don't care. I'm not carrying your fat ass back up to Cloudsdale." Spitfire added a hearty winged slap to her husband's flank.
Soarin leapt as though stung. "Hey! Watch that wing power Spit."
"And if I don't?" Spitfire chuckled dryly as she eyed her hovering husband. Her eyes betrayed her eagerness as they lingered on his lower section, revealed thanks to his current elevation.
Soarin realized where his mare was looking and gave an airborne wiggle. "Do you really want to start something here, hot stuff?"
The fiery mare licked her lips as her eyes ravished her husband. "Tempting. But that's the kind of thing that led to us having our first child already. Cool it stud."
"Awww. But you're being all hot and stuff."
Spitfire gave her outstretched wings a flick, trying to alleviate her obvious excitement. "If you're good, maybe tonight. After I've had my potion."
"Yes!"
Spitfire smirked as her husband eagerly led the way into town. She quickly caught up to him and shared a smile. "Have I ever told you how easy you are?"
"Happy to please, Spitty. Happy to please..."
"No, as in..." She cut in front, flashed him, then promptly fell back into formation beside the widely grinning stallion. "See... grinning like an idiot and everything."
"Do it again..."
"No."
"But-"
"I just proved how easy you are." Spitfire shot back confidently.
"I'm not easy. I simply discovered how awesome it is to be one with my soulmate." Soarin tried his best to sound all posh like a Canterlot snob.
Spitfire rolled her eyes. "Just as long as you can wait to be joined, I'm sure this soulmate of yours will find a way to enjoy it too."
A hearty laugh broke from Soarin. "Says she who starts it."
"Sometimes."
Soarin scoffed. "Most of the time."
Spitfire was about to shoot his cheeky response down when she paused in consideration. "You know... I hope this never gets old, Pie boy."
"Oh even if you become the big bad boss of the Wonderbolts, I'll still sneak into your office for a good time."
"Awfully confident in my abilities there."
"One of us has gotta lead. And it's not me."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Spitfire admitted as they entered Ponyville airspace. "You really don't think it will ever get old? You know... being with me like that."
Soarin stared at his wife like she had grown a second head. "Not possible."
"Head of the Wonderbolts and you as captain... we will be pretty busy and all too."
Soarin cut in front as they flew down to the Hay and Clover. He stood up straight as he held the door open. "I'll show you. Trust me."
Spitfire gave him a brief smile in thanks before entering.
The sun had begun its descent by the time the two teenagers lifted off from Ponyville. With Cloudsdale an easy cruise away, Spitfire pulled off a lazy barrel roll and smirked at how quickly Soarin checked her out.
"Gee stud. Cool it down."
Soarin slowed, a blush invading his cheeks. "A stallion's allowed to check out his wife, right?"
"So attentive. How you look at me... it's no wonder I wound up pregnant so soon."
"Takes two to tango, Babe."
"Yeah." A sigh escaped Spitfire as her gaze returned to the cloud city before them. "You know... I think Mom set us up."
"How?"
"I bet you... she knew Ponyville was playing host to this years pegasus tornado."
Realization dawned on Soarin. "And that we wouldn't think twice about joining in."
"Exactly."
"But... that's good right?" Soarin slowed to an easy glide.
Spitfire looped around and fell into formation alongside her husband. "Dad. Maybe he's been chatting around?"
"But..." Soarin's gaze slipped from his mare to the city beyond. "But if he's been speaking to other ponies about us... what if he chatted to Wind Rider and set up this opening to perform too?"
Spitfire veered off to the side and abruptly landed on a small cloud nearby.
Alarmed by the sudden change, Soarin quickly alighted next to his wife, careful not to be too open with his affections. There was no telling who might be airborne, even this far out from the city.
It was then, that the young stallion noticed his wife was crying. A blue wing wrapped around his mare and he nestled in close. "What's wrong, Spitty?"
"My dad is such an ass!" Spitfire took a swipe at the cloud underhoof, wings flared as frustration spilt forth.
Soarin withdrew a bit, startled by the sudden violence against their cloud. "What?"
"Don't you get it? We have to give her up now. Soon!"
"But, my parents are okay with another week." The blue colt lent in, a sinking feeling anchoring him to their cloud as he tried to give a comforting nuzzle.
Spitfire wiped at her teary muzzle and shot her husband her best challenging look. "You think letting go of Scootaloo will be any easier in a week?"
"No."
"We can't perform for the Wonderbolts next weekend if I'm hiding a baby. Our parents, hay, our whole families will want to come and watch us perform even if it's only for a few minutes. This is huge!"
"Oh, Spitty..." Soarin cuddled up closer. He carefully gave a flick of his wings to spin their cloud around to face away from Cloudsdale.
Minutes passed and eventually, Spitfire's soft crying subsided.
Soarin watched on, feeling helpless as his mare settled down on their cloud. She looked defeated. He felt rotten for putting her in such a tough position. If only he had been stronger. Able to contain himself when they were alone. If only they had kept to cuddles like the good ponies their parents thought they were. A dry laugh escaped the stallion. Who was he kidding? They were no angles. Well, maybe the beauty who was now looking up at him was.
Spitfire stared at her husband, clearly wondering where such a laugh had come from. "What's so funny?"
"I'm sorry Spitfire..."
"Where's this coming from? What did you do?"
"Uh... got you pregnant."
"Hey, quit thinking what I know you're thinking." Spitfire rose to sit alongside her spouse. She met his faltering gaze with her own firey look.
"But if I-"
"No."
"But-"
"Soarin. I know it was said in jest before, but it took both of us to get here."
"We weren't supposed to want her like this!" At his outcry, Soarin was quick to cover his mouth with a wing, ashamed by his own admission.
"Yeah." Spitfire closed her eyes and nodded slowly. "But then you... and Scootaloo. I just... want more time to... I don't know... Hold my baby before we give her away."
Soarin gently embraced his wife. "I know... I know..."
A sob wracked Spitfire's frame as she tried to fight off more tears, "and the hardest part... This opportunity is too good to miss. But... Scootaloo-"
"I know. It's been too short."
"Got that right." Spitfire withdrew from their cuddle to gaze into the heavy eyes of her husband. "How has the last few months gone so fast, Soarin?"
"It's been an amazing ride with you Spitfire. Even more special since Scootaloo has come into our lives."
"And now she has to... to..."
"Yes... I know." Soarin softly murmured as he nuzzled his wife.
The couple fell into silence once more.
"This sucks." Spitfire bemoaned. "I never thought I would be a young mom."
"Yeah..."
"Or..." Spitfire gazed into the worried eyes of her husband. "Or that it would be so hard to give her up."
"Yeah. But what can we do? We didn't abort her like your folks demanded. We promised that we would give her away. But what can we do now, run away?"
A dry stuttery laugh broke forth from Spitfire. "All I wanted... was to be a Wonderbolt with you."
"We can be the best." Soarin offered.
"Are you sure?" Spitfire asked.
Soarin nodded, "of course."
"It will cost us our daughter."
Soarin lent in for a gentle nuzzle. "Then may she be a blessing to somepony else's life, like she has been to ours."
At her husband's words, Spitfire broke down again.
Soarin wiped at his eyes as held his wife in silence, unsure of anything else that could be said.
After an unknown duration of pain passed like water under their cloud, Spitfire settled down and lay against her husband. "Why did we do this Soarin?"
"Because we're young... and stupid. And made some mistakes. But making you my wife has been the best decision of my life." Soarin held his mare's gaze, steadfast.
"Would you run away?"
"And be a family with nothing?"
Spitfire shrugged. "We could be happy, just us three."
"Our old folks would kill us." Soarin dryly joked.
"Yeah, there would be no going back with my dad..." Spitfire groaned. "This sucks."
Another few moments passed slowly and painfully. Till finally, Soarin lent down and gave a rousing nuzzle to his wife. "How about this... We go back there. We spend all of the next day, two tops with Scootaloo. Then we make our dreams come true."
"Two days isn't enough."
"Spitty... I have a feeling that no amount of time with Scootaloo could ever be enough. But we promised... and I don't know about you, but I feel duty bound to give this a go. Just like we promised."
"Alright. Anything else in mind?" Spitfire nuzzled in close under her husband's chin.
"We spend the rest of the week working with our crew... anyone who wants in. We take our group's home to close to the Wonderbolts. Show them we really mean it. Then we smash this coming performance and become the best Wonderbolts ever. Then once we make a good life and lead the 'Bolts... Hopefully, hopefully our precious girl will still want to get to know her folks."
"Alright, Soarin. Let's do this." Spitfire stood tall, wiped her face and faced her husband. "Thank you."
Soarin tenderly nuzzled his wife. "I love you. And I'll always be there for you, no matter what."
The firey mare reciprocated, trying desperately to forget the pain of giving up their daughter. "Love you too Pie boy. Let's go home. We have a baby to see."
Soarin nodded. "Yes, let's."
And together, they sped the rest of the way home.
Spitfire strode into Soarin's family home, eager to see her daughter. The young mare was stopped by the sight of her mother holding Scootaloo on the couch.
"How was your flight?"
"I have a feeling you should know." Spitfire shot back.
Stormy Flare stared up at the young couple in shock. "You didn't say no, did you?"
"I knew it..." Spitfire fumed and hastened to collect her baby.
Stormy Flare gave Scootaloo up without a fight and sat wide eyed as her daughter stormed off.
Soarin stood awkwardly in the lounge. "We did say yes."
"I'm glad. And for the record, it was her father who made the connections. You both should be glad."
"I hope we will be. Because it sucks right now."
Tyson spoke up from the hallway. "Oh, what's going on in here?"
"Dad. Please..."
The dark blue stallion approached, quick to catch the look on his son's face. "Anything you need."
"Thanks." Soarin sighed. "Just... maybe let me and Spitty be for a bit."
"As you wish, son."
As Soarin headed for his room, Stormy Flare rose. "It's for the best."
"You know... some days I wonder about that." Tyson shot back.
Stormy Flare huffed and strode out.
Spitfire hesitated at the doorstep of Ponyville's Open Hooves Orphanage. The sun had long since fallen and the exterior of the sunny yellow building was dull and sad looking in the moonlight. The series of small windows toward the right hand corner of the building gave off illumination from the actives within, presumably, young ponies preparing for bed.
With his hoof halfway to the door, Soarin noticed his wife's hesitancy. "Having second thoughts?"
"No."
Spitfire felt her husband place a kiss on her neck, soon followed by a nuzzle. A sigh escaped the young mare. "Fine. Yes. Okay? I can't..."
"Then let me do it."
As Soarin held out a hoof to receive his three month old daughter, Spitfire continued to hesitate.
"Come on babe. We can always watch her from Cloudsdale on our days off from the Wonderbolts. One day, we can even come back to her. But I bet she will find herself a family so fast no pony will even know she's adopted." Soarin attempted a smile to encourage his mare. His eyes, however, reflected the hurt they both felt at giving up such a precious young pony.
Spitfire's head lowered in defeat. They were out of time. This was the only way to get into the Wonderbots, her lifelong dream. But was it truly better for their daughter?
"I can't. I just can't do it."
Soarin sidled up and gave his wife a quick kiss. "Then let me."
With his wings, he took the precious bundle of joy from his wife, who offered no resistance, and placed the infant on the doorstep of the orphanage. Spitfire stood, conflicted, unable to move, unable to stop her husband from doing what she knew he had to. A tear rolled down her cheek as Soarin pulled out a piece of paper and scrawled a quick note to the caretaker on it:
Dear mistress of Ponyville orphanage.
My wife and I are young and not in a position to care for this wonderful foal. We pray that you will help Scootaloo find the life she deserves.
We love her so much
Soarin paused and glanced up at his wife who was watching on, in tears. He rubbed at his own wet eyes then carefully slotted the note into the blanket their baby lay wrapped up in. He placed the orange foal reverently upon the steps of the orphanage. "Goodbye, Scootaloo. Daddy loves you."
With a deep breath, Soarin lifted his right forehoof and knocked on the door.
Silence.
Spitfire took a step closer, her tear filled gaze locked on her earth bound daughter.
Soarin slowly lifted his hoof again, but this time was beaten by his mare.
Spitfire knocked three times in quick succession. Then she lent down at gave her daughter one final kiss.
A light from the window beside the front door startled the couple. Shuffling hoofsteps told them all they needed to know.
Somepony was coming. Time to go...
Soarin quickly gave his daughter one last loving kiss, then hurried to pick up his wife. He stretched his wings just as the door opened.
The mare who beheld the young couple blinked owlishly, surprised to see a young family on her doorstep. "Do you know what time it is...?"
Soarin hastily took off carrying his wife bridal style in his forehooves. He knew that if they stayed a moment longer, it would be impossible to leave Scootaloo. Worse, the earth pony mare would catch a good look at their faces and everything would be over.
Spitfire cried into her husband's chest as he flew up, higher and higher. The stallion carried his mare bridal style as he too felt his eyes flood.
> CH21: Finale
Scootaloo lay in a starch white hospital bed reading a crumpled, old letter. Her mind wandered as she waited for her recent awakening to be noticed. She remembered the strange dream that she had under Twilight and Luna's magic. It felt like somepony who was closely related to her had been magically connected to her during that time. Her body still could feel where magic had rushed into her and her wings tingled in strange ways. Scootaloo was hopeful that the procedure had been successful but was also too afraid to test it for herself quite yet.
Completely absorbed in her own little world, the young pony failed to notice the door to her room open and two pegasi walked slowly in.
"What's that you got there?"
Scootaloo was startled by a mare's voice. She glanced up and her eyes widened in surprise as she beheld two Wonderbolts, the first ponies to enter her room. After an awkward moment of gawking at them as they approached, she lamely showed the crumpled paper.
Spitfire recognised the old note immediately. She shared a look with her startled husband before turning back to the filly before them. "I wonder... why do you have that old letter?"
"Because it's the only thing Mom and Dad left me with," Scootaloo replied softly, her gaze on the note.
"Your parents left you?" Spitfire asked tenderly.
Scootaloo hesitated for a moment before nodding briskly and returning her gaze to the old letter.
Spitfire nodded thoughtfully. "Who do you think wrote that?"
"Mom." Scootaloo didn't even raise her eyes from the note.
The two wonderbolts shared a quick glance. The firey mare's eyes lit up as an idea came to mind.
Spitfire dug around in the small saddlebag she was carrying and pulled out a quill and paper. "Would you uh... write something for me?"
Feeling rather confused by the request, Scootaloo nevertheless scrawled her name on a fresh scrap of paper and then gazed back up at the two pegasi.
"Now... might I be able to borrow that quill back?"
"Uh... sure?" Scootaloo pawned it over.
The firey mare passed the quill to Soarin who quickly scrawled the filly's name down underneath Scootaloo's writing. He then slid the paper under the old letter.
And as the letting lined up before her, Scootaloo was blown away.
All three matched. Scootaloo's hoofwriting, matched that of her assumed mother's writing and it matched Soarin's writing. All right down to the flick at the end of the last o.
"But..." Scootaloo shuffled the blue stallion's writing to sit partly on top of the note. The writing still lined up perfectly. "That looks just like my mother's writing. Like how I write."
"So what if it wasn't your mother who wrote it?" A coy smile tugged at Soarin's lips.
"Wait. What?" Little orange wings shot out in shock. "Are you saying you're my real dad?"
Soarin nodded, delighted yet also sad. "I'm very sorry that your mother and I could not take care of you. I still remember how Spitfire cried as I carried her way that night."
The young filly collapsed against the headboard of the lab bed. Her gaze rested on the mighty mare beside her father. "You- you're my mom? Wonderbolts are my parents?"
"Well, we weren't when we had you." Soarin sighed.
"I think if we had to do it again, we would have kept you. But we were young, and scared and had promised our parents that while we would not abort your life, we would not keep you. We had a career and life ahead and so many pressures... but we made a choice and hoped that you would find a life with a loving family who could care for you better than we could at the time." Spitfire admitted softly, her head held low.
"You... what?" Scootaloo continued to gawp at her parents as she tried to process the revelation.
The orange filly noticed Rainbow Dash enter quietly. She stared longingly at the blue mare for a long moment before she tore her gaze over to her birth parents.
Soarin gave his wife a brief winged hug. "And that is why we came. Both Spitfire and I wanted to see our daughter fly."
"Wanted to see me fly... you- wait, did you know I couldn't fly, even as a foal?" Scootaloo stared wide eyed at her biological parents.
"The nurse told us our baby may never fly. That's why you were brought to Ponyville and not an orphanage just for pegasi." Soarin recalled the painful memory.
Hurt overcame Scootaloo as she stared at her parents in shock. "Did you abandon me because I couldn't fly?"
"No, Scootaloo we..." Spitfire took half a step toward her daughter's bed before hesitation set in. "I didn't want to let you go. I refused to believe that what the nurse said was true."
"But you put me here!" Scootaloo's outburst caused a shocked silence to follow.
Spitfire nodded, shamefaced. "I know."
With the silence broken, angry tears threatened to break free as Scootaloo fought against the inner turmoil. "And you never even visited me...?"
"At first it felt too soon. Then we were too busy. Then suddenly, f- five years had passed-" Spitfire faltered, unable to continue.
Soarin gathered his wife in a loose winged hug. Just as Scootaloo looked about ready with a retort, the stallion spoke up, his voice hoarse. "But... as we realised our daughter was about ready to start school... the guilt really kicked in and the shame. You are right... we didn't visit. But how could we? Spitfire and I had abandoned a precious babe. We had been her world..." The tough stallion choked back tears as he fought to continue; "Well, I-"
Spitfire returned her husband's hug and gave him a little nudge. "We. Our shame made the simple flight to visit you seem like an impossible task. We were sure that one so precious would be adopted and forget that her biological parents had ever left her."
Scootaloo held up the old note. "But I didn't!"
"You had disappeared by the time we built up the courage to ask," Soarin admitted softly, visibly unsettled by the sight of the old note. "We really thought you had been adopted and were living your best life."
Scootaloo stared back for a few moments in confusion. "Oh, you mean when I got adopted for a bit when I was six? That lasted like... a few months? No pony wants a damaged filly."
"Hey!" Dash spoke up as she strode to her filly's bedside. "You and Fluttershy are my two most favourite ponies in all of Equestria. We love you. Don't you forget it, Squirt!"
Scootaloo allowed Rainbow Dash to wipe her tears. "Thank you, Dash."
A tortured smile played at Spitfire's lips as she watched her baby be cared for by another mare. "You know... you can thank Rainbow Dash for what happened today. Because of her, we found the courage to come and meet you. Because of her... and this magic..."
Spitfire lifted her wings.
Scootaloo stared at the feathers for a few moments, confused. Then she began to notice something odd about the athlete's wings. The yellow feathers looked as though they had faded, compared to her sunny coat. "What?"
Spitfire stared back at her confused daughter. "I know it's a bit late for Soarin and I to claim the role of parents in your life. But that does not mean I haven't stopped loving you. Enough that if I never can fly fast again, it will be enough to know that my daughter can fly at last."
Scootaloo stared back in shock as yellow wings lowered.
"I'm sorry Scootaloo," Soarin added.
"Wait, you mean... it worked? I can fly now?" The excited filly's wings buzzed and she lifted a few feet off the bed.
"You can fly!" Rainbow Dash cheered.
"I can fly! Finally!" Scootaloo landed on the bed and faced her hero, ready for action. "Can you take me for a flight now?"
"Yeah." Rainbow Dash grinned back.
Just as Scootaloo was about to launch herself into waiting blue hooves she paused, remembering that two unexpected ponies were still present. "And what about them?"
"What about them?" Rainbow Dash softly asked as she turned to face the couple whom the filly was staring at.
"I don't know how to feel about this all... getting my real parents who left me and flight all in one day..." Scootaloo trailed off, her inner conflict written clearly on her face.
"Take as much time as you need, if you want us... we will be there." Spitfire promised.
"You... really mean it?" Scootaloo stared back, still conflicted. "Y-you won't just go and disappear again?"
"We mean it. Both of us want to be a part of your life... if you will let us." Soarin affirmed.
"Wait!" Twilight's voice echoed from somewhere down the hallway.
Moments later Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Rumble burst in.
Fluttershy arrived a moment later "Please don't run in a hospital."
Rumble rolled his eyes and then spotted Scootaloo. The two young pegasi's eyes met and they shared a glowing smile.
Spitfire and Soarin shared a quick look. They were both quick to notice the spark between the pair.
After a moment's gawking, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom rushed to the bed and propped their forehooves up on the side as they eagerly greeted their friend.
"You're awake!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
"Does this mean you can fly?" Apple Bloom asked excitedly.
"I can!" Scootaloo eagerly showed off her newfound power of flight and hit the roof.
Twilight poked her head in the door and her cross look melted into a smile. "I'm glad to see your motor function and pegasus magic are now working correctly. But maybe wait until you're outside before you show off."
Finding herself on the bed, Scootaloo shook her head a few times to try and clear the surprise impact from her system. "Sorry, Twilight. I'm just so excited!"
"Can she leave now, or do you need to run more of your freaky tests on her?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I would like to run one quick test. Then you may leave." Twilight confirmed.
"Awesome!"
Soarin noticed Rumble was quietly sitting behind Scootaloo's friends, seemingly content to admire her while others talked. The blue pony nudged Spitfire and she nodded, a light smile on her lips.
Twilight strode into the room, "please everypony, step back from the bed while I work."
The others in the room were quick to comply and Soarin was pleased when Rumble chose to sit next to the only other colt in the room. Rumble caught him staring and grinned back. "Hi, mister Soarin."
"Hello."
"You're really Scootaloo's parents?"
The stallion nodded, "and you are?"
"Rumble." The colt's attention was captured by the glow of magic as Twilight began to work.
Soarin spared a glance at his daughter before returning his focus to the colt who obviously had a thing for his little girl. "Oh, just Rumble?"
A light blush crept onto the colt's muzzle as he pointedly refused to look at the blue stallion. "Yeah."
"I understand." Soarin noticed Dash watching and smiled back.
"Understand what?" The young colt hesitantly replied.
Soarin gave the light grey colt a pointed look. "I think you know what I mean. I know those looks."
"Oh." Rumble blushed lightly as he sat there frozen watching magic wash over Scootaloo's body. "Y-your okay with um..."
A laugh escaped the pale blue stallion, "yeah."
"Alright, everything looks good," Twilight exclaimed. "The spells appear to have been a success. You may test your wings outside, but please do be careful."
Scootaloo paid the warning no heed as she jumped off the bed and glided to the floor. "Come on everypony!"
Rainbow Dash and Rumble were the first to follow the excited filly. Spitfire and Soarin watched as everyone else hastened out then shared a glance.
Soarin hesitated, "do you think it's okay if we follow too?"
"I'm going to see my daughter fly, pie boy. And I will fly with her." Spitfire eagerly stated as she strode on out.
"Right."
Scootaloo flew out the front door of the hospital, Rainbow Dash and Rumble trailing close behind. The trio ignored Twilight's shouted warnings as they sped up past the low lying clouds.
Scootaloo hit her first cloud at speed and spiralled out of control. Rainbow Dash quickly caught the rogue missile of a filly. With a poorly stifled laugh, she righted her adopted daughter. "I see you remember the basics."
"Of course, this is awesome!" Scootaloo shouted for joy as she took off as fast as her wings could carry her. The excited filly wobbled from side to side a bit as she tried to dip and loop back upward. With wide eyes, she slowed down and crash landed on a cloud.
"Woah there speedy." Dash laughed as she hovered near the cloud.
Rumble landed on the cloud and grinned like an idiot as the orange filly pulled her head out of the impact zone and sat up. He was quick to offer her a hoof up, "great first flight Scoots! You're already really fast."
"Thanks." Scootaloo smiled back. She accepted the offered hoof up then gave her wings a flick and stared at them in awe. "This is the best day ever!"
With a buzz, the eager filly slowly lifted off from the cloud and then alighted once more with a hard 'poof'.
It was then Scootaloo noticed the other pegasi who were catching up. Scooaloo's wings folded at her side as she stared at the odd display.
Soarin carried his wife bridal style as they flew at Fluttershy's pace to join the group. Once they were close, Spitfire took to the skies and hovered next to her spouse. "I hope you don't mind, but Soarin and I had to see you fly."
"Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have no idea how good it feels to fly now!" Orange wings buzzed with joy.
"You're already so fast," Fluttershy commented. "You might even be faster than Rainbow Dash once you've practiced."
The blue speedster looked affronted for the tiniest of moments before a grin broke out. "Yeah, Squirt. A bit more control and some speed training and you might be able to compete against even me."
"Really? You think so?" Scootaloo stared back at her hero with wide eyes.
"Yeah," Dash confirmed.
Spitfire and Soarin shared a quick smile.
Scootaloo noticed two fillies running toward her cloud. She waved down at the two earth bound ponies. They waved eagerly back. "This is so cool!"
"How about we-" Fluttershy was cut off by Scootaloo diving off the edge of the cloud and racing toward her friends.
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom ducked out of the way of the speeding filly. Executing a very wide turn, Scooaloo came back around and sped over her friend's heads a second time laughing as Rumble joined her.
"How do I safely land!?" She yelled out to the colt at her side.
"Glide down. Hooves out ready for impact. Don't tense too much. Watch and follow me!" Rumble cut in front of the orange filly and led her into a third pass.
Trailing close behind the grey colt, Scootaloo slowed her speed to an easy glide in time with him. Her eyes widened as the ground rushed up to meet them. With a sharp breath, she braced for impact. Swiftly following the clop of Rumble's hooves, Scootaloo landed heavily and barreled into the colt who had come to an easy stop.
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom laughed at the two pony pile as Rumble lay there in shock with Scootaloo tangled on top of him. The two pegasi stared at each other, shocked by the closeness of their muzzles.
"N-nice first landing." Rumble grinned, a hearty blush spreading across his muzzle.
An awkward moment passed before Scootaloo seemed to properly come to her senses. A blush erupted, darkening her own orange cheeks as her friend's giggles continued.
"Thanks." Scootaloo squeaked back as she hastened to untangle herself.
Spitfire and Soarin shared a laugh as they trailed Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy down. The wonderbolt couple stayed back watching as Dash helped her adopted daughter up. Rumble was quick to back off a few steps, his muzzle flushed as he continued to stare at Scootaloo.
"I think that was far too fast and dangerous for a first flight," Twilight chastised as she alighted close by.
Rainbow Dash gave the alicorn an eye roll. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever Twilight. I think Scoots performed awesomely!"
"I'm serious, she needs proper tutoring and... and look at Rumble for example. He got hit because she failed to execute a safe landing."
"I'm fine." Rumble countered. "I think Scootaloo did well for her first flight and landing."
"Thanks." Scootaloo smiled shyly at the colt.
Dash grinned at her adopted daughter, "want to try again?"
"Yeah!" Scootaloo leapt into a ready pose.
"Alright. The flight zone will be between Fluttershy's place and AJ's farm. Let's go!" Rainbow Dash took off so fast that she left her signature colourful wake.
Scootaloo shot Rumble a challenging smirk as she sprang into action. The youthful pair took to the skies side by side. The grey colt was surprised at just how much power he needed to keep up with this second time flyer. Scootaloo glanced his way and poked out her tongue. "I'll be faster than you in no time!"
"Bring it on Scootaloo!" He cheered and put on a slight burst of speed. "Yeah!"
Back on the ground, Fluttershy turned to the two remaining pegasi, "No need to wait for me. You're most welcome to try and catch up to Dashie."
Spitfire turned her gaze from her departing daughter, "heh, I don't think I'll be racing anypony anytime soon."
At the surge of concern on the animal caretaker's face, Spitfire waved a wing at Fluttershy. "It's fine. I'm just glad I can see my girl fly."
"So am I," Fluttershy admitted.
Spitfire gave her husband a winged slap on the flank, "go! I'll catch up."
"But- I can carry you." Soarin offered.
"I'm not some damsel in distress," Spitfire huffed.
"Yeah, but-"
"Move Soarin! Go and enjoy a proper flight with our girl."
"Yes, madam." The cornflower blue stallion cheekily saluted his wife then shot off after the rapidly disappearing group.
"Do you really have only one foal?" Fluttershy asked shyly. "Like um... really?"
"Why?" Spitfire stared incredulously at the shy mare.
"Because you two... um... no reason." Fluttershy's cheeks tined ever so slightly.
Twilight snorted. "Sure. Anyway..." she turned to the two fillies who were watching where their friend had flown, eyes wide. "Girls, do either of you want a ride to the farm?"
"Yes please." Sweetie Belle hastened over to the alicorn.
"I can carry you if you like, Apple Bloom." Fluttershy offered.
Looking almost as though she was going to turn the offer down, the earth pony nodded. "Okay. Just... put me down in a good spot to watch, okay?"
"Of course," Fluttershy agreed.
Spitfire watched as Twilight and Fluttershy picked the two fillies up. She carefully took flight and kept pace with the pair as they flew toward the Apple family farm. "Thank you for looking after my daughter."
"Oh, it's been our pleasure really. She's such a sweet filly." Fluttershy replied.
"Yeah, I'm glad you both chose to take her in," Spitfire confessed as her wings worked overtime with what normally would be considered a snooze worthy cruise.
Apple Bloom eyed the less than speedy wonderbolt, "so you really are Scootaloo's mom?"
"Yeah." Spitfire smiled back.
"Does that mean that she will go away to live with you two?" Sweetie Belle spoke up nervously.
"No." Spitfire shared a brief pointed look with Fluttershy. "I think she's quite happy living where she is."
"Alright." A smile took over Apple Bloom's muzzle, "but you both will visit, right?"
"Of course. As long as Scootaloo will have us... We want to be a part of her life, and for her to share in ours too. It's been too long." Spitfire sighed with regret as her wings continued to work harder than normal.
"It has indeed." Fluttershy agreed softly. "But you are here now and that is what matters."
A smile crept onto Spitfire's muzzle as she met the encouraging gaze of Fluttershy. "Thanks."
High above the Apple family farm, Scootaloo cried out for joy as she looped around Soarin. Rumble joined in and suddenly the stallion found himself being loosely orbited by the two young pegasi. He laughed to himself as he watched his daughter and her special friend speed around and around and around until he had to stop himself from following their movements. The cornflower blue stallion shook his head to try and clear the dizziness. He continued to grin as he noticed the two youngsters were beginning to form a small whirlwind around him.
Scootaloo suddenly tumbled out of the mini whirlwind and crashed into Rainbow Dash's waiting hooves. The blue mare chuckled as she continued to hold her adopted daughter. "Thanks for dropping by Scoots. Good first whirlwind. It looks like you and Rumble nearly trapped your dad."
Scootaloo giggled as she shook her head, "so dizzy..."
"Yeah, wait till you try some of the things I do. Then you'll feel some real crazy forces on that wee body of yours." Dash grinned back.
"Hey uh, Scootaloo?" Soarin tentatively approached the pair.
"Yes, Soarin?" Scootaloo smiled shyly at her father.
'not dad?' A sigh escaped the stallion. 'I guess I don't deserve to be called dad...'
"Hey. Soarin. What's up?" Rainbow Dash impatiently cut into the stallion's trail of thought.
Soarin snapped to attention. "Uh, sorry. Wanna do a fast loop around the farm while we wait for Spitfire and Fluttershy to join us?"
"Sure," Scootaloo confirmed.
"Want a boost?" Dash grinned as she prepared to let go of her orange filly.
"Yea!" At Scootaloo's delighted response, Rainbow Dash put on a burst of speed and threw her filly into the winds.
"Whooo!" Scootaloo cheered as she tumbled, crashed through a cloud then banked upward, wings motoring like crazy to recover from the sudden drop.
Rumble and Soarin dived to meet the ecstatic filly and the trio sped upward to rejoin Rainbow Dash. The speedster in question was doing flips and twirls as she laughed to herself. Soarin joined in with her delighted laughter and began to copy her flashy moves.
"Your dad and Dash are both really cool!" Rumble exclaimed.
"Yeah, my... dad." The filly let herself drift into a glide as she tried to let that simple word sink in. She watched her sire fly with her idol up ahead, the two continuing to pull off an ever more complex series of moves like they were at a show.
"Is it weird to think of Soarin as your dad?" Rumble asked as he settled into her slower pace.
"It's really sudden. And to think that Spitfire is my mom... wow..." Scootaloo cast a glance at the slower group who were approaching with two fillies in tow. "To think... their magic. Moms... magic is now in me. I can hardly believe it..."
"Yeah..."
"A-and... I can fly!" Scootaloo pulled off a loop de loop around the grey colt. She wobbled a bit as she righted herself. "This is so awesome!"
Soarin and Rainbow Dash finished their speedy circuit and fell into an easy glide alongside the younger pair.
"You're a real natural, you know." Soarin praised his daughter.
Scootaloo smiled back at her father, "Thanks Soa- uh... Dad."
The stallion stared wide eyed back at his daughter. "You... called me dad."
"Yeah, it feels kinda weird," Scootaloo admitted with a sheepish giggle.
"Oh..."
"But also kinda nice."
The light blue stallion's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Scootaloo nodded briskly. "Yeah!"
The filly glanced back at the two yellow mares who were finishing their drop off and something inside Scootaloo clicked at the sight. It was like this unbelievable day was finally beginning to settle in. Even though Spitfire and Soarin had tried to explain it to her, she could still not comprehend why the two mighty wonderbolts had abandoned her. And yet, Scootaloo also felt oddly at peace. Like a missing part of her life had finally been connected and made whole. That mighty fiery mare was her mother. She glanced at her father, still staring back at her with wide, loving eyes. Something inside of her knew that yes, this stallion was her father. They had come back to her at long last. But she also had two amazing mothers who had chosen to make her their daughter. Her gaze darted from the grinning Rainbow Dash as she flew upside down, to Fluttershy as the timid mare drew closer.
Scootaloo took a deep breath and turned to her dad. "When Fluttershy and Spitfire join us, I wanna fly faster.. as fast as Fluttershy and Spitfire can."
"You got it, Scootaloo." Soarin grinned back.
"Yeah!" Rainbow Dash chimed in.
Rainbow Dash broke formation to join Fluttershy and playfully booped the yellow mare on the nose before breaking away.
Soarin suddenly realized that Scootaloo had drifted in closer. Something clearly was on her mind. "Yes, Scootaloo?"
Orange forehooves fidgeted as she cruised along, "uh... thank you for finally coming back to me. And for helping my flight magic or whatever it is. Even though Spitfire- Mom can't fly as well now."
"Thank you for letting us join your first flight," Soarin replied with a grin.
"Of course..." Scootaloo trailed off as Spitfire pulled up alongside them. "You two are my birth parents and it feels so good to finally meet you and to fly!"
The delighted filly went into a dive and dipped right over the heads of her friends and Twilight. The trio seated on a hill cheered as she flew past, already clearly very comfortable in the sky.
"You don't wanna join?" Apple Bloom asked Twilight.
"I'll let them have their fun for another few minutes before I join. And besides... the way they are flying..." Twilight reproachfully eyed Rainbow Dash and Soarin.
Sweetie Belle giggled. "Scootaloo always loved her speed."
"Yeah." Apple Bloom quickly agreed. "And now we know who she gets it from."
In the sky above Rainbow Dash led the pack of pegasi as they flew around, dodging clouds, and sharing smiles and laughter. Scootaloo was alternating between flying next to Rainbow Dash and next to her parents. Spitfire and Soarin flew in the middle of the pack, content to watch their daughter. They revelled in her cheers and cries of delight.
Rumble was looping around the party, sometimes by Scootaloo's side but often settled back to simply watch his delighted special friend. Fluttershy trailed at the back, content to be a part of the group and join in their laughter.
After two loose loops around their chosen airspace were complete, Scootaloo fell back to Fluttershy's side. "Fluttershy, could you carry me for a bit? My wings feel like they could use a rest."
"Sure." Fluttershy carefully scooped her adopted daughter out of the sky and into her forehooves.
"Hey, Soarin and Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo cried out as she settled in, tucked under Fluttershys chin and held secure in her forelegs.
The two in question glanced back at the grinning filly. "Yes?"
"After a quick rest, I wanna see some speed!" Scootaloo grinned eagerly.
Rumble cheered at the request, falling back to fly with Fluttershy.
Soarin and Rainbow Dash shared a look.
"I'm game." Dash grinned.
"Same. Spitty?" Soarin turned to his wife.
"Carry me? Then once Scootaloo is ready, I'll see what these old wings can do." Spitfire declared.
Soarin skillfully snatched his wife up and proceeded to carry her bridal style as they slowly flew over the orchard and toward the large barn. The pale blue stallion whispered things in his wife's ear as they flew and brought a smile to her face.
As the group passed over the watching ponies on the ground, Scootaloo leapt out of Fluttershy's grasp. "Alright, let's go!"
The eager filly put on a burst of speed, rushed to the front of the pack and dipped below a large cloud. Soarin dived, Spitire held tightly in his grasp. As they gained altitude on the other side, he released her and yellow wings shot open.
Rainbow Dash burst through the large cloud in an explosion of water vapour and sped between them. Scootaloo watched as the three speedsters twirled around each other for a moment before breaking apart and Spitfire fell back to fly with her daughter. Rumble chose this moment to dip into formation to her left and the two younger pegasi shared delighted smiles.
With Fluttershy working hard to stay close behind, Scootaloo waved eagerly back at her. The kind mare smiled and waved back. Then Scootaloo shared a smile with her parents who were close beside her. Rainbow Dash led, her tail sometimes close enough to tickle her adopted daughter's snout.
Scootaloo giggled. A rush filled her. It felt right to have them so close. Her parents by blood. And her parents by choice. And Rumble; a colt she really quite liked. Scootaloo smiled. "Best day ever!"
Two years later...
On the outskirts of Ponyville, in the opposite direction to the Apple family farm, a large low lying cloud platform hung over the trees. Dressed in formal Wonderbolts attire, Spitfire strode to the edge of the cloud, her daughter, Scootaloo by her side. Although her feathers were still faded, the firey mare stood tall and proud, a baby bump on display. A sister, or brother to join her daughter. The pair stared down at the large crowd of ponies sitting on the grass below. Hundreds of faces gazed up at them, eager for the show to start.
"I see Fluttershy! And Rumble!" Scootaloo eagerly pointed out her caregiver and coltfriend.
"Good." Spitfire smiled back at her daughter. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah!" Scootaloo grinned and gave her wings an eager flick.
Spitfire glanced upward at a small mansion that was so high up, it looked more like a large cloud. With a grin, she gave the discreet mic on her face a small adjustment then addressed the crowd; "Are you ready!?"
A resounding "Yes!" rocked back.
"I said, ARE YOU READY!?!"
The large clearing shook with a final cloud shaking "YES!!!"
Spitfire grinned at the large crowd. "That's better. Now sit back and please enjoy the show! Alright, On the count of three, two, one!"
With the final countdown ringing in their ears the two pegasi continued to watch the audience below. From high above came the rumble of thunder. All heads turned to the heavens. Scootaloo giggled at the sight and shared a glance with her mother before they both craned their necks toward the heavens.
And out of the distant cloud mansion shot Rainbow Dash, Soarin, Fleetfoot, and the rest of the Wonderbolts close behind her rainbow trail.
Scootaloo grinned as she hugged her fiery mother.
Spitfire turned her mic off and hugged her teenage filly back. "Enjoy the show squirt."
"Thanks Mom."
The pair settled back to watch as Rainbow Dash and Soarin led the wonderbolts on a terrific aerial display. Spitfire couldn't help but sneak the occasional glance at Scootaloo, delighted to have her daughter in her life.
One lucky filly. And two sets of lucky parents. |
Phantoms of The Soul | pre | "You stay put, worm," Blueblood said. "I'll deal with you as soon as I put this mutt in his place."
Blueblood turned his attention back to Flash, who was struggling to his feet after the blow he received. The self-proclaimed king's eyes glinted with malice as he circled around Flash, a sadistic smile playing on his lips.
"You dare to challenge me, a royal bloodline that goes back centuries?" Blueblood sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You are nothing but a mere peasant in my kingdom, and you shall learn your place."
"Gah...!" Flash grunted as he glared up at Blueblood. "I may not know what the hell is going on with this crazy castle but at least I always knew you were an asshole..."
Flash's defiance seemed to strike a nerve with Blueblood, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. In a sudden motion, he drew a gleaming sword from his side and pointed it menacingly at Flash, the blade glinting in the dim light of the dungeon.
"You insolent fool!" Blueblood spat; his voice laced with venom. "You will regret those words before this day is through!"
"I haven't regretted anything since the day you ruined my fucking reputation!" Flash spat, only to start getting beaten mercilessly by the knights.
"No..." I said, unable to do anything as Flash was getting kicked and bashed in the head. "Please...please stop...!" Memories from an incident from years ago began to resurface as I started to hyperventilate. "Why...why now...?! Why again...?!"
How pathetic! A voice echoed in my head. Are you simply going to do nothing?
"What...?" I muttered under my breath.
Here, in his final moments, you would remain the coward and forsake him? The voice continued to speak within my mind. Nothing awaits the two of you but death unless you shed your fear and do something.
"But...I can't do anything!" I tried to say.
Just like how you could not do a thing back then? I paused when the voice mentioned what happened that night. You just stood there and watched. And when you were next to stare death in the face, you once again stood by and did nothing! And now, you are in the midst of repeating this cycle! Are you going to remain the coward in your final moments?!
The memories of that night flooded into my head like a title wave. The image of staring into the barrel made me hyperventilate again as sweat dripped from my face. However, Flash's screams of anguish returned my attention to him. He was being beaten mercilessly and was about to die if nothing was done. And once again, I'm just standing by, letting these knights hold me back.
"No..." I mumbled, gritting my teeth. "I should've done something then, and I should do something now." I glared at Blueblood and clenched my fists. "I'm done being a coward!" I shouted as I struggled against the knight's grip. "Hey! Leave him alone, asshole!"
Blueblood turned to me with a cold glare. "What did you say?"
"You heard me! I don't give two shits if you're a fucking king! You don't get to decide who lives and who dies! Period!" I shouted.
Very well...I have seen your resolve.
BA-BUMP!
Now...vow to me! The voice shouted as my head began to hurt like hell.
My body convulsed and writhed as the pain in my head intensified with each passing moment. Blueblood, growing impatient with my screams, turned his cold gaze towards me.
"Silence that worm!" he bellowed at his knights.
I fought against their strong grip, my screams echoing through the dark chamber. But the pain was becoming too much for me to bear, and I could feel myself weakening.
Suddenly, a strange mask appeared over my face, seemingly materializing out of thin air. I frantically clawed at it, trying to remove it from my skin.
To move forward from your cowardice you must cast off your fear, the voice echoed in my mind. Fear brings nothing but pain, pain that shall drag you into the shadows. You must become something more than what you are now, or you will continue to be a shadow of what you once were. A weak, pathetic, fearful little flea who will be controlled by the trauma of his past.
But the more I pulled, the tighter it seemed to hold on, inflicting even more agony upon me. With one final tug, the mask tore off pieces of my flesh, blood gushing from the wounds. The mask itself was a stark white color with fiery orange accents, covering most of my face except for a small portion that would have covered my mouth.
In shock and disbelief, I dropped the mask to the ground where it burst into bright blue flames. To my horror, these flames quickly engulfed my entire body.
I am Thou, Thou art I!! the voice laughed in my head. Thou who would stare death in the face for the sake of his comrades!! Call upon my name and claim your power!! Reveal the strength of thy will to fight, stand against the powerful on thy own, and never feel fear again!!
"COME!!" I suddenly shouted with unknown vigor. "HERCULE POIROT!!"
As if responding to my call, a being manifested beside me that stood many feet taller than I. It took the form of a man with bright skin, wearing a sharp black tuxedo and large bow tie. His jacket had long coattails that fluttered in the wind that whipped up and he wore sharp black dress shoes that pointed straight up on the toes. He wore white dress gloves and in his right hand was a cane with a big blue sapphire gem on the head of the cane. Finishing the being's appearance was a very tall top hat that sat on his head, a very curly imperial style mustache that was made of black hairs, and a big monocle on his left eye. On his back, however, was a pair of large pure white angel wings that had unfurled to at least 6ft in width.
When the blue flames died down, I was suddenly wearing different clothing. I wore a grey trench coat, black slacks, white dress shirt, and a black tie that was tied around my neck but hung a bit loosely on my chest. I wore similar white dress gloves, and my shoes looked like black dress boots with some heel to them, and a buckle on top.
"What...is happening...?" Flash wondered in pure shock as I looked at him with an unintentional confident smile.
"I...I don't know," I said, looking over my body. "But I feel...stronger."
"Quit gawking and kill them!" Blueblood shouted before shoving his last two knights toward me.
"If you wish to use my power, then just say so," the being I summoned, Hurcule Poirot, said. "With my strength, you shall be unstoppable."
I watched as the knights twitched violently before turning into slugs and reappearing as these creepy-looking floating jack-o-lanterns. They both glared at me and giggled menacingly as they flew right at me.
"O-Okay! Lend me your power! I want to keep us safe!" I said.
The jack-o-lanterns hurtled towards me with the force of a speeding train, their maniacal laughter piercing through the eerie darkness of the chamber. Hercule Poirot brandished his cane like a weapon, slicing through the pumpkins with ease as they dissolved into shadows beneath our feet. Blueblood's cocky demeanor quickly evaporated, replaced by raw fear as he stumbled backwards towards Flash.
"H-How is this happening...?" I managed to say as Hercule twirled his cane. "I feel...strange."
"It is courage!" Hurcule said prominently. "You have managed to cast aside your cowardly self and have been reborn anew!"
More of those weird jack-o-lantern things appeared and powered up balls of flames to fire at me.
"But you must now learn to appropriately defend yourself with this newfound strength of yours," Hercule said.
"How do I do that?" I asked.
Hercule snapped his fingers and a cane suddenly appeared in front of me. The cane then detached itself and became a sword.
"Everything you need to defend yourself is within you!" Hercule exclaimed, his voice echoing through the dungeon.
I took the sword in my hands, feeling its weight and balance. The sword seemed to shimmer with a holy glow, and I could hear the whispers of power within it.
The creatures lunged at me with their fiery balls, but I swung the sword with a newfound confidence and agility. The blade sliced through the shadows with ease, leaving behind chunks of darkness that dissipated into the air.
Blueblood and Flash, witnessing this display of power, were both struck by fear and awe. They couldn't believe their eyes as the jack-o-lanterns were obliterated one by one, leaving behind a puddle of shadow.
"Impossible!" Blueblood yelled.
I looked up at Hercule as he faded away and seemed to smile down at me before disappearing. That's when Flash suddenly tackled Blueblood into the wall. He and I both ran out of the cell and Flash managed to slam the door shut with Blueblood in it.
"There! Have a taste of your own medicine!" Flash boasted.
"You insolent worm!" Blueblood barked as he grabbed the bars. "Guards! Come to me now! Free me and execute these cretins!"
"Shit, that's our cue," Flash said. "We gotta go!"
I nodded and we both made a break for it.
"I'LL HAVE BOTH YOUR HEADS! YOU HEAR ME?! YOU'LL BOTH BE SORRY!" Blueblood roared.
After running a fair distance away from the cell, Flash and I managed to stop so we could catch our breath.
"Holy...shit!" Flash wheezed. "That was nuts! What the hell were those pumpkin head monsters?! And you!" Flash looked at me. "That was incredible! How did you do that?! And why are your clothes different?!"
I took a deep breath, still processing the strange events myself. "I...don't know exactly how, but I think...Hercule Poirot, the thing I summoned, has given me his strength and power. The sword...it feels like it's a part of me. And as for the clothes, I don't know either, but I feel...stronger, better."
Flash looked at me, then back at the cell. "Alright, we need to make our move," he said. "Let's go back and get out of here."
I was about to follow when my clothes returned to normal and the cane in my hand disappeared. I then felt very fatigued and staggered a bit before catching myself on the wall.
"Ugh...I suddenly feel so wiped," I said.
"What happened?!" Flash asked, concern etched on his face. "Did you use all of your new power?"
"Maybe," I replied, still trying to catch my breath. "I don't know, but I need a moment to recover."
Flash came to my side, ready to help if needed. We leaned against the wall, catching our breath together.
"We need to be careful," Flash said, looking back at the cell. "We don't know what we might encounter next."
"Agreed," I nodded, still trying to shake off the fatigue.
We both continued walking the other way and started looking around the prison cells. The dungeon had rows of cells, and we could hear screams of agony and torcher in the distance. The interior of the dungeon looked like everything was made of bronze, and there was even a current of rushing water that split between our side of cells and the other.
"This place gives me the creeps..." I spoke. "And I'm still not convinced that we're not dreaming."
"Hey, look over there!" Flash said, pointing at something hanging over the rushing water.
I looked to see some people hanging in a cage looking like they've been beaten within an inch of their lives.
"Those poor souls," I whispered, feeling a pang of sympathy for them. "What have they done to deserve this?"
Flash looked at me, concern in his eyes. "We can't just leave them here. We need to do something."
"Hey! Hey you two!"
A voice suddenly caught our attention that came from one of the cells at the end of the path.
"Yeah, you two! C'mere! Please!"
We both looked at each other and hesitantly approached the end of the hall. Upon arrival of the cell, we were not prepared for what was inside. The thing looked like some kind of mutant bipedal lizard with purple scales, emerald-green slitted eyes, and a light green underbelly. On its head were lime green spines that went down behind its head. It wore what looked to be described as black bandit robes and had a red neckerchief tied around its neck, and a simple black mask on its face.
"Uh...what the hell is this thing?" I wondered.
"Hey this thing has a name!" the lizard shouted. "And this thing would like to get out!"
"Woah...this is trippy!" Flash said. "A talking lizard kid!"
"I'm a dragon! not a Lizard!" I don't do that tongue thing!" the Dragon shouted as he stuck his tongue at us.
"Heh, this kid's funny," Flash chuckled.
"Would you just get me outta here already?! The guards will be here any minute!" The dragon kid said.
"Coming from the alleged talking dragon, how do we know you won't pull a fast one on us and jump us the minute we do?" Flash said. "For all we know, you could be one of them."
"What choice do you have?" the dragon retorted back. "Besides I know how to get out of this palace, The two of you won't last five minutes without my help."
"Says who?" Flash retorted.
Suddenly, we heard the sounds of heavy footsteps marching our way followed by creepy growls and monstrous noises.
"Says them! Now let me out of here! The Shadows are coming!" The dragon said.
"Flash," I said. "I say we listen to him."
"You're taking the talking dragon's side, dude?" Flash asked me.
"Look, we don't really have a lot of options at the moment," I said. "If he knows how to get out of here, then I'm not one to argue."
"Ugh...damnit, fine," Flash groaned and pulled out the cell key. "You better not make us regret this."
Flash unlocked the cell and the little dragon walked out with a triumphant smile.
"Finally! I'm free!" He chirped.
"Woohoo for you. Now, how do we get out of here, lizard boy?!" Flash barked.
"Are you always this obnoxious?" The dragon sighed. "And stop calling me a lizard! I have a name, you know. It's Spike!"
Just then, a group of guards showed up and surrounded us. Before I knew it, the clothes I had on from before reappeared on me along with the strange mask on my face.
"Ah, so you're a Persona user too?" Spike said to me.
"Persona? What the heck's that?" I asked.
"And you're a total rookie," Spike added. "Fine. Just leave it to me." Spike walked forward and pulled out something that looked like a card from his robes. "Pay close attention, rookie! This is how it's done!" Spike tossed the card in the air before using his tail to hit it, making it shatter to pieces.
"Let's go!! Harlequin!!" Spike shouted.
Out of nowhere, a dazzling burst of dancing lights illuminated the darkness, revealing the presence of a beguiling man dressed in a vibrant harlequin outfit. His playful appearance belied the power and energy radiating from within him. The guards halted in their tracks, stunned as their human forms exploded into black shadows and transformed into three fearsome jack-o-lanterns and two seductive incubi.
"Burn them to ash, Harlequin!" Spike commanded, his voice filled with both fear and excitement.
With a sly grin on its face, the Persona threw its dagger high into the air before expertly catching it by the blade. With a swift flick of its wrist, Harlequin multiplied the single blade into three, each one glinting dangerously in the dim light. With precise aim, the Persona threw all three daggers at once, striking each pumpkin head with lethal accuracy. As they exploded into shadow and dissipated, another dagger materialized in Harlequin's hand, this one adorned with an emerald-green flame that seemed to dance and flicker with a life of its own.
"Maragi!" Spike shouted.
Harlequin held the flaming dagger up to its mouth, inhaling deeply before unleashing a powerful torrent of green fire towards the remaining incubi. The flames consumed them instantly, leaving nothing but charred remains in their wake. With a triumphant grin, Harlequin twirled its dagger playfully before resuming its position beside Spike.
"Holy shit!" I yelled.
"Well, what're you waiting for?!" Spike said as more guards came charging at us. "Call your Persona and give me a hand!"
"But how can I-?!" I was about to ask when I saw a dim light from the inside pocket of my coat. I reached in and pulled out a card like Spike's that had the image of Hercule Poirot on it.
"Hurry! They're almost on us!" Spike said as he pulled out a set of daggers from his robes. "I can't fight all these guys on my own!"
With no other choice, I obliged by doing the only thing I could think of by tossing the card in the air and unsheathed my new sword from the cane.
"Hercule Poirot! I need you!" I called out and stabbed the card with my sword. The card shattered to pieces as Hercule manifested beside me once again. "It worked? Holy shit! It worked!"
"You ready?" Spike asked.
"Guess we'll find out!" I said and readied my sword. "Watch my back, Hurcule!"
Spike and I stood side by side as the guards closed in on us. With a quick nod, we both charged forward, ready to take on whatever lay ahead.
The knights disintegrated into goop before materializing into the pumpkin heads from before and a couple of new creatures that looked like scrawny imps that had some weird, curved horn coming out of their crotches.
I was amazed at Spike's fighting skills as he dodged and weaved out of the way from their attacks and slashed at them with his daggers. He even jumped in the air while doing a front flip before slicing one of the pumpkin heads in two.
"Your combat skills are not the only defense in this duel," Hercule said. "You have the power of your soul! Use my power to pierce the darkest shadows with light!"
Even though I didn't understand a word Hercule said, it somehow made sense to me. I pointed my vain sword at the little imps and focused as much as I could.
"Kouha!" I shouted.
Suddenly, a small spark of light erupted from Hurcule's hand, shooting straight towards one of the imps. The light pierced through it, making it scream in pain before it disintegrated into nothingness.
"Woah! How'd I do that?! What did I just say?!" I yelled and narrowly dodged a swipe from one of the remaining imps.
"Focus!" Spike lectured. "You're literally fighting for your life right now! One wrong move, and it's game over! You need to use your persona more effectively!"
"How?" I asked the dragon.
Spike sighed, "Listen, kid. We don't have a lot of time, so I'll explain it as fast as I can." The little dragon said as he used his persona to dispatch a few of the shadow guards. "You see, your Persona is like an extension of your soul, and it can manifest its power in various ways. It's not just about how strong or fast you can be; it's about understanding your abilities and using them to your advantage. You need to learn to control your power, not just wield it."
I contemplated his words as more monsters came at me. I jumped out of the way and raised my sword to slash at them. The pumpkin head screeched in pain as I jammed my sword right through its head and it disintegrated into dust. An imp held up its hand at me and fired a sinister-looking ball of magic. I barely had time to dodge, and the ball grazed my arm.
"Argh!" I cringed. "That hurt! I actually felt that!"
"Of course it hurt, rookie!" Spike said as he plunged his daggers in one of the imps and it disintegrated in a puff of black smoke. "You have to learn to protect yourself. You need to use your Persona's powers to your advantage, not just your sword."
I looked up at Hurcule and quickly realized that this was for real. If I want to make it out of here alive with Flash, I need to learn how to adapt to this strange new power. Steeling my resolve, I gripped my sword and cane tightly and ran at the monsters with Hercule close behind me. He and I worked in tandem as I swung my sword and cane while my Persona moved gracefully as he struck our enemies with his cane and used the magic from before to erase them.
"You're doing well, kid," Spike said. "But you need to know your limits. Don't underestimate your enemies or yourself. We're getting closer to our goal, but we're not out of the woods yet."
Spike and I worked in tandem as we fought more pumpkin heads and imps. I was starting to reach my limit but thankfully Spike managed to finish off the rest of the monsters with his daggers and Persona. Once the last monster disintegrated into dust, Flash came out from his binding spot from behind a crate.
"Is it over?" Flash asked.
"Yeah..." I wheezed as Hercule disappeared. "I think so..." I stumbled a bit as my clothes returned to normal and I was suddenly breathing very heavily.
"Are you okay, rookie?" Spike asked, concern in his voice. "You looked like you were about to collapse."
I managed a nod and took a few deep breaths. "I'm fine, just a bit...shaken, I guess. I never expected this to be so intense." My voice still shook a little as I spoke, my entire body still trembling from the adrenaline of the battle. "That was the first fight I've ever been in. And it was with monsters, no less!"
"That was so fucking awesome, man!" Flash cheered. "You were like an entirely different person! I hardly recognized you, and we barely know each other!"
"Would you quit shouting like a dumbass?!" Spike spat. "We just got done fighting a whole squad of guards, do you want us to fight again so soon when your friend looks like he just ran ten miles? And on top of that, he's not even in full control of his Persona!"
"Spike, was it?" I said to the little dragon kid. "What exactly is a persona? I imagine it's those beings who show up beside you and I, right?"
"A Persona is a manifestation of one's shadow" Spike began to explain.
"You lost me," I said.
"Basically, it's the rebel within you broken free," Spike said. "You reject the ruler of this place, so you've awakened your true self."
"My true self, huh?" I spoke.
"Uh, guys? Hate to break it to you, but we should get a move on. I hear more of those knights headed our way!" Flash warned.
"You're right," Spike nodded in agreement and quickly scanned the area, making sure we were indeed alone. "Let's go."
We ran through the corridors of the dungeon while avoiding any more guards along the way. As we passed by each cell, I saw kids about my age in miserable conditions, and I could hear their mumblings.
"Please...spare me."
"I should've never crossed king Blueblood."
"I swear I'll be good! Don't leave me in here!"
"The fuck is up with this place?" I said to myself, feeling a sense of pity for these people with a hint of anger towards Blueblood for making them suffer.
"Just ignore them," Spike said nonchalantly, as if their suffering meant nothing to him.
But I couldn't turn a blind eye when I saw Flash approaching one of the cells, calling out to two figures inside.
"Val! Sandal!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the damp walls.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I followed Flash and peered into the cell. Two teens sat huddled in the corner, one with green dreads and one with orange hair that obscured his eyes.
"Do you know them?" I asked Flash, trying to understand why he was so concerned about these strangers.
"My friends Valhallen and Sandalwood," he replied, glancing back at the prisoners with a mix of sadness and hope. "We hang out and play music together."
I watched as Flash desperately tried to elicit a response from his friends, but they remained silent, their spirits broken by their imprisonment. My heart ached for them, and my anger towards Blueblood only grew stronger. These were just innocent kids caught up in his twisted games.
"I'll do it..." the kid called Val whimpered. "Just take the credit. I don't want to be expelled."
"I'm sorry...!" Sandal cried. "Please don't tell the principal! They'll tell my parents, and they'll take away my strings!"
"It's pointless trying to talk to them, it's better if you just ignore them," Spike chastised, causing Flash to grow angrier.
"I won't ignore my friends!" Flash said, trying to pry the bars open while also trying to jam the cell key in the lock but it didn't fit.
"You can't help them because those aren't your friends," Spike said.
"What do you mean? They're right there, aren't they?" I asked.
"Those are just cognitive beings. They're not real people and are just fakes that represent the real ones in the real world," Spike said. "We can't do anything for them now. If you really wanna help them, we need to keep moving!"
"But..." Flash stated but stopped when I placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We can worry about them later Flash" I say to Flash. "Let's focus on getting out of here first."
I could tell Flash didn't want to leave his friends behind. This crazy place was a goddamn clusterfuck of madness, and it somehow had something to do with that prick Blueblood. With a heavy sigh, Flash nodded, and we continued running through the corridors. After sneaking and avoiding any guards we could, we eventually made it to a large staircase that led to an upper level.
"This is it," Spike said. "We can make it to the entrance of the castle!"
Flash and I nodded and followed Spike up the steps. I glanced behind me and couldn't help but worry about the prisoners we were leaving behind. However, I had to remind myself that we had to get out of this crazy-ass place as soon as possible. We ran up the stairs until we reached a larger area that looked like some kind of foyer with large marble columns and chandeliers. We ran across towards another room on the other side, and Flash shut the door behind us as soon as we all entered.
"Finally! We made it!" Spike sighed with relief.
"Made it?! Made it where?!" Flash snapped. "This is nothing but a freaking closet!"
"You really are a novice." Spike shook his as he casually moved towards a bookshelf before pushing it to the side revealing a hole in the wall. "No self-respecting thief uses the front door."
"And I would guess that it's less obvious," I said.
"You're sharp," Spike nodded at me. "This is where we go our separate ways. I still need to do something here."
"Thank you for helping us, Spike, we'd be goners if not for you," I said.
"You're right about that," Spike quipped. "Now get outta here before more guards turn up."
I nodded as Flash and I crawled through the hole. We squirmed our way through until reaching the outside. We found ourselves in the same place as we were before with the large drawbridge still down. Not wasting any time, we both booked it across the bridge and away from the castle. As we ran, the area around us started becoming a little warped as the sky became bright blue again and the sun appeared while shining its light down on us again. When I looked back, I noticed that the castle had turned back into the school, and we were now standing in front of the statue that sat in the courtyard.
"Is...is it over?" I asked. "Are we finally out?"
Flash nodded; his eyes wide with disbelief. "I think it's over, man. We did it! We escaped that nightmare!"
Just as we were about to celebrate escaping that fever dream, a bell from the school rang. Flash visibly flinched as he frantically pulled back his left sleeve to look at the time on his wristwatch.
"Oh shit!" Flash yelped.
"What? What is it?" I asked.
"We missed half a day of class!" Flash cried. "Lunch just ended!"
"...shit," I gulped. |
Phantoms of The Soul | Lessons and Dreams | Chapter 3
Flash and I stood in front of Principal Celestia as she stared back at us with her arms crossed. The lunch bell had rung about five minutes ago, and we were immediately caught by Celestia when we foolishly tried to sneak into the school to try and act like we were already there. I twiddled my thumbs while sweating bullets while Flash just stood next to me with his hands in his pockets and looked bored.
"I'm still waiting," Celestia said, sounding a little impatient. "I expected this little stunt from Flash but not from you, Roddy. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't call your brother about this."
"Well...uh," I tried to say. "I-It's not our fault!" I blurted out. "It was that prick Blueblood! He started harassing us and tried to pick a fight!"
"Blueblood is our top student," Celestia scoffed. "I highly doubt he would waste his time picking a fight with you two troublemakers." She arched an eyebrow, clearly not buying my excuse.
"Hey, I was the one who started it," Flash spoke up. "Roddy was just caught in the middle of it."
"Is that why my nephew has a bloody nose?" Celestia accused.
"Blueblood may be the top student, Principal Celestia, but he's also a top-class jerk," Flash retorted. "He's been bullying the students here since freshman year, and today I just couldn't take it anymore. That's why things got physical."
Celestia narrowed her eyes, clearly displeased by this revelation. "Regardless of the circumstances, violence is never the answer," Celestia stated firmly. "I will have to address this issue with both Blueblood and your parents."
"Whatever. Not like they haven't heard it before," Flash shrugged.
"And as for you, Rodney," Celestia turned to me. "Since you were just a bystander caught in this, you will only be considered warned from here out."
"Yes ma'am..." I said glumly.
"Now, you two should get going to what's left of class. No doubt Ms. Cheerilee is still expecting to introduce you as her new student," Celestia said.
Flash and I nodded, grateful for the leniency Principal Celestia had shown. As we made our way to Ms. Cheerilee's classroom, Flash clapped me on the back. "Looks like we dodged a bullet there, buddy," he said with a grin.
"Yeah, no kidding," I replied, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders. But as we entered the classroom, the atmosphere changed. The students all turned to stare at us, their whispers filling the room. The teacher wore a feminine white collared dress shirt under her formal chocolate brown sweater vest, a green dress skirt that went down past her knees with sunflowers sewn everywhere, and a pair of brown work boots that some heel to them.
"Late again, Flash," Ms. Cheerilee scolded in an annoyed tone. I swore I could see her cherry-pink hair puff up to match her irritated attitude. "Take your seat immediately."
"Yeah, yeah..." Flash said with a dismissive wave of his hand as he lazily walked to his seat. I could tell some of the students were giving him a dirty look while others looked at me curiously.
"You must be the new student," the teacher said to me as she stood up from her desk and walked up to me.
"Yeah, that's me," I said sheepishly. "Sorry I'm so late."
"Normally, I would hold it against you but since Mr. Sentry was the cause I'll let it slide." Flash snorted in annoyance at that. "Since you're finally here, why don't you introduce yourself?"
I nodded and faced the students before clearing my throat.
"Um...hello, everyone," I said plainly. "It's nice to meet you all. My name's Rodney, Rodney Dvorchack, but you can call me Roddy for short."
"Roddy here is from the suburbs up north," Ms. Cheerilee added. "He's not used to being in the city, so be sure to treat him with respect and welcome him as a fellow Wonderbolt."
The low hum of whispers and murmurs in the classroom grew more intense as I finished introducing myself. I could feel a few pairs of eyes darting over me, some sizing me up while others seemed completely apathetic towards my presence. With hesitant steps, I made my way to the only vacant seat beside a girl who possessed a shock of red and orange hair that rivaled flickering flames. As I settled in, I couldn't help but notice the distinct divide in the room between those who were intrigued by my presence and those who couldn't care less about me or my existence.
I glanced at the girl while she stared put the window. Her hair was what drew me in the most, making me wonder what kind of hair products she must use to make it look like that. She wore a black leather vest with metal spikes going up her collar, a mellow-orange shirt underneath, a dark purple skirt with a zipper going up the side, and a pair of heeled leather boots that also had metal pins adorning the sides of each boot. In my trance, I failed to notice her looking back at me, which made me flinch.
"Oh...uh, hi," I said awkwardly. "I'm Rodney."
"Sunset," the fiery haired teen said with a heavy annoyed sigh.
Her tone was enough for me not to pry as I turned back to the teacher. However, not even a minute later did I find myself looking back at the girl. However, I noticed a little accessory on the bracelet she was wearing that I recognized.
"Say...are you a heavy metal fan?" I asked. "I recognize that charm. It's from Motley Crue."
Sunset glanced at me, surprised by my observation. Her eyes softened slightly as she nodded. "Yeah, I am. Not many people pick up on that. Are you a fan too?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
I grinned, feeling a connection forming between us. "Definitely! My older brother introduced me to their music years ago, and I've been hooked ever since," I replied enthusiastically.
Sunset's lips curved into a small smile. "That's cool. It's always nice to meet someone who appreciates good music," she said, tucking a strand of fiery hair behind her ear.
"Hey, wanna see something cool?" I spoke.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. I scrolled through my photo album until I found the one I was looking for.
"Feast your eyes," I said as I showed her a pic of younger me standing next to the great James Hetfield, lead singer of Metallica.
Sunset's eyes widened in surprise as she took in the photo, a mixture of awe and admiration crossing her features. "No way, you met James Hetfield?!" she exclaimed, leaning in for a closer look. "That's incredible!"
I couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "Yeah, me and my dad ran into him after a concert a few years ago. He was super cool, and meeting him was a dream come true," I explained, a hint of nostalgia in my voice.
"Excuse me!" The shrill voice of Ms. Cheerilee filled my ears as I slowly turned to see her glaring at me. "I don't recall giving permission to use phones, Rodney!"
"Oh crap..." I gulped.
Cheerilee reeled back and threw a piece of chalk at me. Before I could react, the chalk hit me square in the forehead.
A few students gasped, while others snickered at my misfortune. As I rubbed my forehead, feeling the sting of the impact, Ms. Cheerilee's stern expression softened slightly. "I don't want to see that phone out during my class again, young man," she warned before returning to her desk.
Sunset leaned closer to me, a knowing look in her eyes. "Tough break, Rodney. But hey, at least you got a cool story out of it," she whispered with a small smile.
I couldn't help but chuckle again at her attempt to lighten the mood. "Thanks, Sunset. And hey, if you ever want to share some music recommendations or talk about bands, just let me know," I replied gratefully.
"Sounds good," Sunset agreed as she turned her attention back to the front of the classroom, where Ms. Cheerilee was beginning her lesson.
"Let us start off with some American history," Cheerilee said. "Who here can tell me about the Stamp Act?" No one raised their hands, me included, until Cheerilee locked eyes with me and she smirked. "Rodney? Do you know what the Stamp Act was?"
I flinched and gulped since she just put me on the spot. I tried my best to recall my classes back at my old school to give an answer.
"Uh...it was a law passed by Parliament in 1765 to raise revenue in America by requiring taxed, stamped paper for legal documents, publications and playing cards," I answered.
Cheerilee raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by my response. "Well done, Rodney. Looks like we have a history buff in our midst," she said with a hint of approval. The classroom let out a low murmur of surprise at my unexpected knowledge, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride wash over me.
"How did you know that?" Sunset whispered to me.
"I may not look like it, but I actually take my studies kinda seriously," I shrugged. "You can thank my Mom for that during my time in middle school, and at my old high school."
"Let's move on, shall we?" Cheerilee said. "Sunset?"
"Y-Yes?" Sunset stammered.
"Can you tell me when the Townshend Act was passed?" Cheerilee asked.
"Uh...well..." Sunset struggled.
"cough 1767..." I fake coughed in my hand.
Sunset shot me a grateful look, clearly relieved by my subtle hint. She straightened up in her seat and confidently answered, "1767, Ms. Cheerilee."
Cheerilee nodded approvingly at Sunset's response. "Correct. It seems we have two history buffs among us today," she remarked with a smile before continuing with the lesson.
RRRRRIIIIIIINNNNNGG!
"And that concludes today's lesson," Cheerilee said. "Make sure you read the first chapter of your textbooks. Rodney, you may pick all of your textbooks for each subject you will be learning about this year at the library."
"Okay, thank you, Ms. Cheerilee," I said to her as we all stood up to leave the classroom. Before I made my leave, Sunset tapped me on the shoulder, and she was smiling gratefully at me.
"Hey, thanks for the help back there," Sunset said. "I definitely owe you one."
I grinned back at her. "No problem at all," I replied.
"Look...I'm sorry for the attitude I gave you earlier," Sunset apologized with a sheepish look on her face.
"Hey, I get it. You were just having a bad day," I waved my hand. "Trust me, I've had plenty of those."
"Psst! Roddy!" I heard someone call my name and saw Flash hang by the door and beckoned me.
"Well, I gotta go pick up my textbooks. I'll see you later," I said with a smile.
"Yeah, you too, Rodney," Sunset smiled back at me.
I waved the girl goodbye and made my way out the door. Flash was standing outside, and we walked down the hall together.
"We gotta talk," Flash said to me.
"Now?" I asked.
"Yes now! It's important," Flash said.
"Okay, okay," I said. "Just let me get my textbooks.
After I had picked up my textbooks from the library, Flash led me outside the school and back to the bleachers where we were before to escape from Blueblood's cronies.
"So," Flash said, leaning on a metal pole and crossing his arms. "Are we gonna talk about that crazy shit that happened, or are we gonna act like it didn't happen?"
Squinting in thought, I considered Flash's question. The events from earlier that day were like a vivid dream, still swimming around in my mind. A castle that appeared out of nowhere, replacing the familiar school. Blueblood's odd features and the strange beings that roamed the halls. And then there was me, suddenly possessing powers I couldn't explain and a dragon that could not only walk but talk.
My gut churned with unease as I spoke, my voice barely above a whisper. "I think we do need to address what happened," I finally said. "It's all too strange to just brush off and ignore."
"Right?" Flash said. "It's impossible to just brush it off as a dream."
"First thing's first," I said. "You seem to know what's been going on around here, and it has to do with that Blueblood guy. What's his deal?"
Flash scowled and looked away. "Blueblood is the biggest jackass at school. Always has been since freshman year, maybe even before, back in middle school. He always uses family ties with Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna to get everything he wants."
"And I take it that's not the only thing he's done" I ask.
"You'd be right about that," Flash scoffed. "There're these rumors that the only reason why he's an honor student is because he forced other students to give him their homework or forced them to copy their test answers. Not to mention, there's even more shady rumors that he sabotages student athletes, so they don't get more popular than him. As if he ever was but still."
"Wow, that's messed up," I remarked, feeling a surge of anger rising within me at the injustice of it all. Blueblood's actions were despicable, and I couldn't believe someone could be so selfish and cruel. "No wonder everyone hates him. You especially, since you were willing to actually slug the guy right in the kisser."
Flash nodded grimly; his jaw clenched in frustration. "Yeah, he's a real piece of work, that's for sure. But what's even more concerning is what happened today. That wasn't just some elaborate prank; there was something strange going on with that castle and those creatures."
"Not to mention those prisoners," I added. "I recall a couple of them were your buddies."
Flash's expression darkened at the mention of his friends being held captive. "Yeah, Val and Sandal..."
"Did you check in with them?" I asked.
"How could I? I couldn't just tell them what happened to us and see what they say. They'd think I'm nuts," Flash said.
"That's fair, I think anyone would find our story crazy," I agreed.
"Ugh...this is confusing the hell outta me," Flash grumbled. "Let's just go home. I can't think straight with all these questions. The bus should be here any minute."
I nodded in agreement as we both walked away from the bleachers and towards the school bus pickup. I glanced over my shoulder at the school once more before turning back and continuing on my way.
After a long and absolutely batshit crazy day, I finally managed to make it home at my brother's house. Berry was already in the process of making dinner, and I was helping Lance watch over Freddy in the living room. I sat on the floor with Freddy while he played with his little toys and Lance read a book.
"Hey, Roddy?" Lance said to me.
"What's up, bro?" I spoke.
"Were you late to school?" Lance asked out of the blue.
Shit, I guess Celestia did call my brother after all, I thought. "Yeah," I admitted, glancing at the clock on the wall that read that it was almost dinnertime. "It was a weird day."
"Something happen?" Lance prodded further; his gaze serious yet concerned.
I hesitated, unsure of how much I should reveal about the events of the day.
"I...had an altercation with a bully," I confessed, not wanting to lie to my brother. "He tried hassling me right before class, so a new friend of mine and I hid from him and his cronies. We didn't realize how much time had already passed."
Lanc''s brows furrowed in concern as he set his book aside, clearly intrigued by my response. He knew me well enough to realize when there was more to a story than what meets the eye.
"Roddy, you can talk to me. I'm your brother," Lance said gently, his voice soft and reassuring. "I may not be in school with you anymore, but I can still offer advice or help if you need it."
"I appreciate that, Lance, I really do," I said with a smile. "Don't worry. I have everything under control. It won't happen again."
Lance scrutinized me for a moment before nodding, seemingly satisfied with my response. He knew when to press further and when to let things be, a skill that made him an excellent older brother.
"Alright, just remember that I'm here for you if you need anything," Lance said, ruffling Freddy's hair affectionately as the little boy giggled.
As the evening progressed and we sat down for dinner, the events of the day continued to whirl in my mind. The strange occurrences at school, Blueblood'' menacing presence, the mysterious castle... It was all too much to process in one day.
Later That Night
The dream realm once again beckoned me as I laid in my bed after a delicious chicken soup meal made by Berry. I figured that I'd turn in early after today's crazy events since I still felt a little drained. As I fell asleep, there was a familiar chime of a grandfather clock bell. When I opened my eyes, I was in the same endless library that I had dreamed about before.
"Oh no..." I groaned as I sat up. "Not this again."
This time, instead of my sofa being in the middle of the strange endless library, I was relocated right in the middle where the long-nosed man, Igor, sat at his desk with his attendant, Jacqueline, standing right beside him.
"Igor..." I spoke.
"So, how was your first experience within the Metaverse?" Igor asked with a wide grin.
"The Metaverse?" I repeated. "That place with the crazy castle?"
"Indeed," Igor nodded. "And it would seem you were able to awaken to your true self and summon the rebel dwelling in your heart."
"Can you please stop talking in riddles and just tell me what you're talking about?" I demanded, getting annoyed.
"Watch how you talk to my master, boy," Jaqueline said irritably.
"No, no, Mr. Dvorchack is now awakened, and is owed an explanation," Igor corrected her. "A Persona, in other words, a mask - is an armor of the heart when confronting worldly matters. You were able to reject and overcome your weak and feeble-minded self. Thus, taking your first step as the Trickster."
"Trickster?" I said.
"There is no need to worry, Mr. Dvorchack," Igor reassured me. "You will learn more as you progress. By the by...have you come to appreciate the Metaverse Navigator?"
"You mean that app that keeps appearing on my phone?" I ask
"Yes, indeed," Igor confirmed, his voice resonating throughout the vast library. "The Metaverse Navigator is a tool that will guide you in your journey as the Trickster. It will allow you to traverse between the realms, unlocking paths that were once hidden to you."
"I...still don't understand what the hell you're talking about," I said with a shake of my head.
"You should be more grateful that my master has bestowed upon you this gift," Jacqueline said. "There has only been one other who possessed such a precious tool like this."
Igor waved a hand, silencing Jacqueline before turning his attention back to me. "The Metaverse Navigator is a key to unlocking the power within you, Mr. Dvorchack. It will aid you in your quest to uncover the truth behind the mysteries that surround you."
"Since you're here, you may as well start looking for your book," Jacqueline said.
I sighed and stood up from the sofa. I looked around at the endless rows of books and started my search for this mystery book. I wanted to ask Igor and Jacqueline more questions but I figured they wouldn't be very talkative right now. All they did was watch as I aimlessly checked book by book, un-shelving and re-shelving each one.
The Next Morning
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
The sound of my phone's alarm woke me up, making me groan in annoyance as I reached over on my nightstand to turn it off. I shakily sat myself up from my bed and sat on the edge before rubbing my eyes.
"God, it felt like I was searching for hours..." I grumbled. "How the hell does that old man expect me to find a book in that endless library?"
I stood up from my bed and walked to the steps leading upstairs. Once I reached the top, I saw Freddy laughing and running away from his mother wearing only a diaper while she chased after him with his overalls.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Berry greeted me with a smile as I entered the kitchen. Lance was already seated at the table, sipping on a cup of coffee while flipping through a newspaper.
"Morning, everyone," I mumbled, still lost in my thoughts from the dream world encounter last night.
"Freddy! Come back here!" Berry yelped as she tried to catch her son.
"Is this the norm around here?" I asked as I sat down.
"Yes, Freddy's a little ball of energy in the mornings," Lance chuckled, folding his newspaper and setting it down on the table. "I hope you slept well, Roddy. You seemed pretty tired last night."
I nodded absentmindedly, pouring myself a glass of orange juice as I tried to shake off the lingering unease from my encounter in the dream library. The mention of the Metaverse Navigator and being labeled as a Trickster still rang in my mind, creating more questions than answers.
"Woddy!" Freddy ran up to me and held up his little arms. "Up! Me up!"
"Uh...come again?" I said, looking down at my nephew.
"Up!" Freddy repeated, his eyes wide and pleading as he looked up at me.
I hesitated for a moment, not entirely sure what he meant. But then I realized he wanted me to pick him up. Smiling, I scooped him up in my arms, eliciting a squeal of delight from the little boy.
"Well, would you look at that?" Berry cooed as Freddy giggled in my arms.
"He sure warmed up to his uncle really quick," Lance said.
"Since you have him, can you also feed him?" Berry asked as she walked into the kitchen and grabbed a plate of sliced fruit. "Just do the classic choo-choo train bit with him. He loves that."
"You gave her that idea from Mom, didn't you?" I asked Lance.
Lance just grinned in response, taking a sip of his coffee. I chuckled and began making silly train noises as I fed Freddy the fruit, his laughter filling the kitchen.
"You better hurry up and eat your own breakfast and get ready for school, Roddy. The bus will be here soon," Berry said.
"Of course," I said as I fed Freddy more fruit.
After feeding Freddy his breakfast and eating the scrambled eggs and bacon Berry made for me, I went and took a shower, got dressed, and grabbed my backpack and a granola bar from the pantry before heading out the door. I waited by the curb for the bus until it finally came around to pick me up.
"Well, good morning, new kid," the driver greeted. "Second day, and you're still standing."
"If you say so," I chuckled a little as I entered the bus and took my seat.
The bus rattled and hummed along its usual route towards school, the scenery outside a blur of colors and shapes as I stared out the window lost in thought. The events of the previous night played on repeat in my mind like a broken record, each detail etched into my memory with startling clarity. Igor's cryptic words about the Metaverse Navigator and being dubbed the Trickster continued to puzzle me. What did they mean? And how was I supposed to navigate this newfound role thrust upon me?
My thoughts were interrupted by the bus making a few stops, and as I pulled my gaze from the window, I noticed a first-year student standing at one of the stops. She wore a sleek white jacket over a bright pink shirt, paired with a red plaid skirt and a pair of vibrant pink sneakers. Her outfit stood out against the dull morning backdrop, making her seem like a pop of color in an otherwise mundane world.
"Is this seat taken?" the girl asked me.
I looked at her and noticed she had light cyan colored eyes and had hair consisting of mainly pink hair with purple ends and a streak or two of light blue.
"Oh, uh...no, go ahead," I said.
"Thank you!" She chirped happily and sat next to me. "My name is Flurry, Flurry Heart. What's yours?"
"Rodney," I answered with a kind smile. "Rodney Dvorchack. I'm a junior."
"Nice to meet you, Rodney," Flurry said with a cheerful grin as sat down next to me. "I'm a freshman." She continued to gaze at me as if she was trying to get a read on my appearance. "Are you new?" Flurry asked. "I feel like I haven't seen you around here."
"You'd be right about that," I said. "Just moved here last week. This is my second day. I'm from the suburbs up north."
"Well, welcome to our little town then!" Flurry beamed, her eyes sparkling with genuine excitement. "I hope you're settling in okay so far. It can be a bit overwhelming being the new kid and all."
"Yeah, it's been... interesting," I replied, offering her a small smile.
"Interesting is good!" Flurry said. "You should always savor the most entertaining experiences at school. At least that's what I think."
"That right?" I said. "You must be pretty excited to be in high school then."
Flurry nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, absolutely! High school is a whole new adventure, don't you think? New people to meet, new things to learn. I can't wait to dive into it all. What about you, Rodney? What are you looking forward to the most now that you're here?"
I leaned back in my seat, contemplating her question. The truth was, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this new chapter of my life. But Flurry's infectious enthusiasm was starting to rub off on me.
"I guess I'm looking forward to...exploring new opportunities?" I finally said, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Meeting different people, trying out new things. I think it could be pretty exciting."
Flurry's eyes lit up at my answer. "That's the spirit! High school is all about taking chances and discovering who you really are."
"Heh, you make some good points, Flurry," I said with a smile. It was then I realized that we had already arrived at school as the bus pulled up to the curb. "Wow, how long were we talking? We're already here."
Flurry giggled, her pink and purple hair bouncing with her movements. "Time flies when you're having fun, right?" she said as she grabbed her bright yellow backpack and hopped out of her seat. "Well, Rodney, it was great talking to you! Hope we can chat some more later. See you around!"
"Yeah, definitely! See you around, Flurry!" I called out, watching her dash off the bus with an infectious energy that left a smile on my face.
As soon as I stepped off the bus, I saw Flash walk up to me with a serious look on his face.
"Yo," Flash said.
"Morning, Flash, what's up?" I asked.
"I haven't been able to get it out of my head, no matter how much I try," Flash said out of the blue. "That place wasn't a dream, and I think it's somehow connected to that prick Blueblood."
"Okay...?" I said, sounding suspicious. "Where are you going with this?"
"Isn't it obvious, dude? We gotta go back to that weird world," Flash said. I gave him a look like he had a second head and a few screws loose.
"No way, Flash," I replied, shaking my head. "That place was unreal. I mean, literally unreal. It was like something out of a video game or a sci-fi movie. Besides, what makes you think Blueblood has anything to do with it?"
Flash ran a hand through his hair, a look of frustration crossing his face. "I can't shake the feeling that he's involved somehow."
"But what would going back to that death trap prove?" I questioned. "If anything, we'd probably end up risking our lives again."
"Well, we can't just go and confront Blueblood, can we?" Flash said. "And besides, we're already under watch for being late yesterday."
"Not to mention you giving Blueblood a bloody nose," I added.
"I still don't regret that," Flash said. "He deserved it after what he did to me..."
"What's that mean?" I wondered.
Flash tucked his hands in his pockets and exhaled. "I can't really get into it, since it's a bit personal, but he and I have history. He did some things that set me up in a bad way, and I have no way of proving it." Flash shook his head as to try to dismiss the subject. "That's beside the point. Please, man, you're the only one I can trust with this. You saved my life back there with that awesome power of yours."
"It honestly felt like I was in the heat of the moment," I shrugged. "I just heard this weird voice in my head that somehow gave me powers. Not mention, I've been feeling...different ever since."
"Different how?" Flash wondered but I shook my head.
"I can't explain. All I know is it was like an out of body experience for me," I tried to say.
"Call it what you want. But my question still stands," Flash said. "Are you in or out?"
I hesitated, mulling over Flash's proposal. The idea of venturing back into that mysterious world both intrigued and frightened me. But as I looked into Flash's eyes, seeing the determination and urgency in them, I knew that he was serious about this. And perhaps he was right. Maybe there was more to discover about the Metaverse Navigator, about Blueblood, and about my own new and strange abilities.
Taking a deep breath, I finally nodded at Flash. "Alright, let's do this. But we have to be careful. No reckless moves this time, and we'll have to do this after school."
A grin spread across Flash's face, his eyes alight with excitement. "That's the spirit! We'll figure this out together, Rodney."
"Here's hoping, Flash," I said, trying to sound confident.
We both walked together towards the school, both of us now anticipating our return to the strange world known as the Metaverse. |
Phantoms of The Soul | The Outlaw | Chapter 4
I wish I could say that it was a normal day at school. I wish I could say that I was looking forward to the rest of the year without a problem at all. But ever since the other day, I get the feeling that all my hopes of any normalcy have officially been thrown out the window. It was now lunch time, after half a day of math and English classes, and the other students and I were just leaving our science class. The teachers were pretty nice, and they actually gave me some slack when they heard I was absent yesterday because I was a new student. Flash and I had planned to meet in the cafeteria for lunch to discuss our plan for when we go back to that other world.
As I entered the bustling cafeteria, my eyes scanned the room for Flash. I spotted him at a table in the corner, I moved over before sitting down across from him.
"Hey," I said.
"Sup," Flash said.
"You eat alone all the time?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm used to it," Flash shrugged.
As I pulled out my packed lunch, I noticed some of the other students were staring at me. More noticeably, they were also staring at Flash, and some gave him dirty looks.
"Hey...why are they looking at you like that?" I asked Flash.
"Me?" Flash said and looked around. "Take a picture! It'll last longer!"
That got them to shy away and return to their lunches.
"Hmph, if they got a problem, they could just say it to my face," Flash scoffed.
I was about to question him again when I noticed Sunset walk in with a group of girls. She was chatting along with them until she noticed me and gave me a wave.
My focus immediately shifted to the two individuals standing beside her. One sported a striking, deep purple hairstyle that was fashioned into one enormous curl cascading down her back like a majestic waterfall. She wore a crisp white blouse that contrasted against her midnight navy skirt, which flowed around her legs like an enchanting mist. Her feet were adorned with heeled boots that stopped just below her knees, adding an extra touch of refinement to her appearance. Beside her stood a woman with vibrant violet hair, streaked with hints of pink and purple. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail that swayed with every step she took. The glimmer of her black glasses added an intellectual flair to her overall look. She wore a pink sweater vest over a white collared shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and a cute pink bow tied at the collar. Her outfit was completed with a purple knee-length skirt adorned with a pink star, knee-high socks, and black shoes.
"Who're they?" I asked Flash, gesturing to the six girls who walked in with Sunset.
"That's Rarity and Twilight" Flash said, taking a bite of his lunch. "Remember how I told you this school has had its fair share of bizarre events?"
"Yeah?" I nodded.
"Well, all three of them were usually found right in the middle of them," Flash said.
"Really?" I whispered; my curiosity piqued by the sight of the pair.
"Not just them," Flash said as four more girls entered the cafeteria to join them. There was a pink-haired girl, a blonde girl wearing a stetson, a rainbow-haired girl, and a pink-haired girl.
"And here comes, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy," Flash said. "If you wanna talk about people with a reputation, they've got the biggest rep in school. One might even say they're somewhat celebrities."
"Just what kind of bizarre events are you talking about?" I wondered as I ate my sandwich.
"You wouldn't believe me," Flash shrugged.
"Try me," I insisted.
"Well, there was the time when Sunset was the worst of the worst and turned into a giant she-demon and tried to take over the school," Flash said so easily. "Even managed to take control of everyone in the school."
I had to take a moment to process what he just said. The fact that the girl I just bonded with over good music the other day was once a hated individual and even turned into a demon because of it, baffled me to no end. I glanced at Sunset while she sat with her friends at a table and back at Flash.
"I don't really know why but after recent events that you and I have gone through, I somehow believe you..." I said, feeling my eye twitch a little.
"That's only the start of what's been happening around here, dude," Flash chuckled.
"I'll take your word for it," I said.
Suddenly, the doors swung open again to reveal the entitled ass, Blueblood, and his two cronies waltz in like they owned the whole cafeteria. Flash and I both scowled as we watched him cut in front of a few students to take his lunch order.
"Well, well, if it isn't the seven misfits of CHS," Blueblood mocked. "What sort of crazy magical catastrophe are you planning to inflict on us now? Turn the whole student body into animals? Perhaps flip the entire building upside down? Oh! Perhaps you will teleport all of us to random locations around the planet?"
"Piss off, Blueblood" Sunset barked out not even meeting the pricks gaze.
"You shouldn't talk to Blueblood like that, you know," Snips snickered.
"And what're you gonna do about it?" The girl with the stetson glared.
"Wanna get your ass best again?" The rainbow-haired girl added while cracking her knuckles. "I'd be happy to give you a shiner to match that bandaid on your nose."
"Shut your mouth, cumt lickers!'" Blueblood snarled at the pair. "In case you forgot, I'm Principal Celestia's nephew, if I say so she'll expel you if you so much as look at me wrong."
Rainbow moved to attack Blueblood; however, she was stopped by her friend in the stetson hat.
"You really like running your mouth, don't you?" Sunset said back.
"Just leave us alone..." the pink-haired girl tried to say. Blueblood turned his attention to Rarity and smiled smugly.
"I must say, Rarity, you're looking quite... exquisite as always," Blueblood drawled, his gaze lingering on her attire. "A shame you waste your talents mingling with this lot of misfits."
Rarity fixed him with a steely glare, her elegant facade slipping for a moment to reveal a flash of irritation. "I would rather be amongst friends than in the company of someone as insufferable as you, Blueblood."
"Why Rarity, you wound me," Blueblood said dramatically. "Still sore after last year's fall formal?"
"You left me to dance with other girls!" Rarity snapped.
"An honest mistake, my dear." I watched him lean in almost too close for comfort. "Even you can agree that I have high standards."
Rarity's eyes narrowed dangerously as she leaned back, a disdainful smirk curling her lips. "Oh, I wholeheartedly disagree, Blueblood," she said sweetly, the saccharine tone dripping with venom. "And it's abundantly clear that your standards are as low as your IQ if you believe for one moment that an ounce of flattery could mask your odious personality."
Blueblood's face flushed with anger, and he took a step back, clearly unaccustomed to being spoken to in such a manner. His cronies shifted uncomfortably beside him, sensing the rising tension in the air.
"You will regret those words, Rarity, mark my words!" Blueblood said as he raised his hand.
I don't know what exactly came over me but seeing Blueblood's inexcusable behavior set me off in ways I had not felt before. I stood up from my table, with Flash in tow, and marched up behind Blueblood.
"Hey." Blueblood paused and turned around to face me. "Are you too stupid to see that the girl's not interested?"
Blueblood's eyes widened in surprise at my bold confrontation, clearly not used to being challenged in such a direct manner. His cronies exchanged nervous glances, uncertain of how to react to this unexpected turn of events. I could sense the tension in the air, the cafeteria falling into an uneasy silence as all eyes turned towards our confrontation. Blueblood cleared his throat as he gave me another one of his smug smiles.
"Ah, the new kid comes and tries to save the day?" Blueblood mocked. "Stay out of this, you're being a nuisance."
"Not so much to save the day, more like trying to keep the peace," I said. "You're clearly making her uncomfortable with your prattling, and everyone's trying to enjoy their lunch. So, tell me. Who here's the real nuisance?"
Blueblood's face contorted with rage; his entitlement shaken by my defiance. He took a step closer to me, his eyes flashing with a dangerous gleam. "You have no idea who you're dealing with, kid," he spat, trying to intimidate me with his imposing stature. But I stood my ground, unflinching in the face of his aggression.
"Does it matter?" I retorted, meeting his gaze head-on. "Just do us all a favor and leave them alone. Can't you see they want nothing to do with you?"
The cafeteria had fallen into a tense hush, the students watching the confrontation unfold with bated breath. Blueblood's cronies shifted uncomfortably beside him, unsure of how to react to their leader being challenged.
Blueblood soon noticed that he was causing a scene and ultimately backed off. "You'd better watch your back from now on, new kid."
Blueblood stormed off with his cronies quickly following behind. I sighed as I looked back at Flash who was smiling approvingly at me. I just gave him a small nod, and then turned my attention to the girls sitting at the table.
"Hey there," I said with a small wave. "Apologies for the late introduction no thanks to Mr. Entitled. Name's Rodney. Rodney Dvorchack."
The girls looked at each other, sharing a silent moment of understanding before giving me warm smiles. Rarity was the first to speak, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Rodney. Your intervention was most chivalrous."
Applejack nodded in agreement. "Sure thing, Rodney. We sure do appreciate it. Ah'm Applejack, and these here are my friends - Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and Sunset Shimmer."
Fluttershy gave me a shy smile from behind her long hair. "Um, thank you for standing up for us. I-I'm Fluttershy."
Pinkie Pie bounced in her seat with excitement. "Hiya Rodney! I'm Pinkie Pie, but you can call me Pinkie or Party Planner Extraordinaire! Whichever you prefer!"
"It's nice to meet you all," I said. "I'm sure you all know Flash."
"Hey girls," Flash said absentmindedly.
"Oh, hello Flash," Sunset said. "How've you been?"
"Managing," Flash shrugged.
"Are ya sure, partner?" Applejack asked.
"I'm fine," Flash affirmed. "Really. Nothing I can't handle for another two years anyway."
Sunset's gaze softened as she looked at Flash, a flicker of concern crossing her features before she masked it with a small smile. "Well, just remember we're all here for you, okay?" She said gently.
"Would you two care to sit down with us?" Rarity offered.
"Sure, we-," I was about to say but Flash cut me off.
"Sorry, we're busy with other stuff," Flash said and grabbed me to pull me away.
I gave Sunset and her friends a goodbye wave before we made it back to our table and sat back down.
"What was that about, Flash? They were just offering to let us sit with them," I questioned my friend.
"It's best not to get involved," Flash dismissed. "Not when we have more important things to talk about. Like how we're going about the castle this time around. You think you'll still have those cool powers of yours?"
"It's possible" I say. "But at the same time, I can't say for certain."
"What about those guards?" Flash asked. "I think you can take them again?"
"That also I can't say for certain," I said. "It felt like I was an entirely different person in that world. I was just swinging that sword and cane without any coordination."
"So, I guess that means we're gonna have to sneak around, huh?" Flash said.
"It's preferred, if possible," I nodded.
Flash shoved his hands in his pockets as he began to think. "We need a plan. Sneaking around can only get us so far. We have to figure out a way to get to the castle without getting caught."
"There is that hole that Spike showed us," I reminded Flash.
"Oh yeah, Spike!" Flash perked up. "You think we'll run into him again?"
"I'd hope so," I said. "He seemed pretty capable in a fight since he too has a persona."
Flash grinned. "That's true. Hopefully, he can lend us a hand if things get messy."
As we finished discussing our plans, the bell signaling the end of lunch period rang, prompting us to gather our things and head to our next class. As we walked through the bustling halls of Canterlot High, I couldn't shake off the feeling that trouble was brewing beneath the surface.
After a long day of classes and lectures, the ending bell rang, and I was making my way to the bleachers so I could meet with Flash. The unwavering feeling during classes still lurked in the back of my mind. Willingly returning to the world beyond our own was the last thing I'd expect to be doing today, especially since Flash was so eager to go as well. I made my way out of the school building through the front doors and proceeded towards the track field. There were many students I passed by each going about their ways, either staying on campus for a while or waiting to be picked up from school. To be honest, I somewhat wished I could head home too. I eventually made it to the bleachers where Flash was already waiting for me.
"Hey, Rodney," Flash greeted me with a nod, his expression serious. "You ready to get this show on the road?"
"Sure, as I'll ever be," I shrugged as I set my pack down.
"So, how do we even get there?" Flash asked, already aware that I was the reason we were able to enter the Metaverse in the first place.
"I think it was this weird app I've been trying to get rid of," I said, pulling out my phone and showing it to Flash.
"An App?" Flash said, swiping my phone from my hands.
"Interesting," Flash muttered as he examined the app on my phone. "I've never seen anything like this before. You sure this is how we got to that castle place?"
"I'm positive," I confirmed. "Every time I try to delete it, it just reappears."
"Then it's probably a key!" Flash said.
"A key? Really?" I spoke.
"Why not? It makes sense," Flash shrugged. "I wonder what happens if I tap it?"
"Flash, hang on-!" I tried to say but he tapped the app already.
In an instant, it felt like the world around us became distorted. Looking towards the school, I saw the towering spires of the golden castle in its place.
I turned to Flash, who stood beside me, his jaw hanging open in awe. "We're back," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Warn me next time!" I said, taking my phone back. "Startled me there..."
"Woah!" Flash shouted startling me. "Dude, your clothes."
I arched a brow and looked down to see that I was wearing the same clothes that appeared on me. I also noticed that the cane sword I used to fight was clipped to my fancy belt, and I was wearing the mask I had torn off when I was back in the cell.
"Damn, don't think I'll get used to this automatic wardrobe change," I said, looking behind me.
"Kinda wish I had a cool costume like yours" Flash said with a pang of jealousy.
"Maybe you'll get one eventually," I teased, nudging him playfully. "But for now, let's focus on the task at hand."
"Wait, hang on a second" Flash reached behind him before pulling out what looked like a Desert Eagle pistol. "Here, it might prove useful."
"They hell?! Where'd you get that?!" I yelped.
"Relax, it's just a model," Flash said as he handed it to me. "Friend of mine has a hobby of collecting model guns and he let me have one for my birthday last year. It's only been on display in my bedroom, so I figured it might come in handy over here."
I took the model gun from Flash, inspecting it closely. It was intricately detailed, with a weight that felt surprisingly real in my hand.
"Thanks, Flash," I said, securing it in my belt next to my sword. "I was worried for a moment that you had brought a gun to school to kill Blueblood."
"Damn, dude, that's cold," Flash said with a chuckle as we headed towards the opening on the side. "I mean, I hate the guy but not that much."
A small chuckle escaped my lips as we made our way around the towering castle, its dark stone walls looming above us. Spike had shown us a hidden hole that led inside, and we carefully maneuvered towards it. Flash's voice echoed off the cold walls as he whispered.
"Remind me again why we couldn't have just walked through the front gates like normal people?" Flash sighed.
I glanced back at him and rolled my eyes, trying to keep my nerves in check. "Because normal people don't have to worry about getting caught by palace guards," I replied.
As we crept deeper into the shadowy tunnel, I kept my eyes peeled for any sign of danger. Suddenly, a flash of purple caught my attention, and I froze in place. Peering ahead, I saw a pair of eyes staring right at me.
"You two?" I backed out of the tunnel and out came the little dragon, Spike. He looked up at both of us and crossed his arms. "No wonder the shadows are more active. And I certainly didn't expect to see you two here again."
"We came willingly," I said.
"That's twice in a row, I've been surprised," Spike said, arching a brow. "Care to explain why?"
"We're here to get dirt on that bastard, Blueblood," Flash answered.
"We know he's up to no good, and we want to put a stop to it," I added, meeting Spike's gaze.
Spike studied us for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, follow me. But stay close and keep quiet," he whispered, leading us to the castle.
Flash and I followed Spike back through the hole until we came out in the small storage room from before.
"Okay, if we're gonna do this, there are some things you need to know," Spike said.
"You got that right," Flash said. "What exactly is this place?"
"Can't you tell from the big sign outside that read Canterlot High School?" Spike questioned.
"That's what I don't get though!" Flash said. "This is obviously a golden castle!"
"Keep it down!" Spike barked. "This is the school because it's how the castle's ruler sees it through his distorted desires."
"That makes even less sense!" Flash groaned.
"Are you as dense as you are loud?" Spike teased.
"Wanna say that again, lizard!?" Flash said irritated by the dragon.
"I am not a lizard!" Spike shouted.
I stifled a laugh at the banter between Flash and Spike, but then cleared my throat to refocus their attention.
"Guys, come on, we're here for a reason, remember?" I interjected, trying to keep them on track. Spike and Flash both quieted down and turned to me, waiting for instructions.
"Good. So, what do we need to know, Spike?" I asked, eager to get the mission underway.
Before Spike could answer, the sounds of screams of anguish and pain echoed throughout the halls of the castle's interior.
"The hell was that?!" Flash yelped.
"Most likely the prisoners," Spike answered. "It's round the clock torture for those people, by Blueblood's command. Not to mention, he's still in a bad mood for allowing you two to escape."
"Bastard...!" Flash cursed, clenching his fists. Even I was ticked off after hearing what Blueblood was doing to those poor kids.
"What's with your friend?" Spike asked. "He must really hate this guy."
"It's a long story," I said. "Something he's yet to disclose but only on his terms."
"Fair enough," Spike said.
"We gotta help those people!" Flash proclaimed.
"I agree, even I can't ignore this," I said with a nod.
"Well...if you're both bent on going through with this, I suppose I can help guide you," Spike said, scratching his chin.
"For real?! That's great!" Flash grinned before turning to me with a grateful smile. "And thanks for agreeing with me."
I nodded at Flash, a sense of determination washing over me. "We have to do what's right, no matter the risk," I replied, looking at Spike. "Lead the way."
Spike nodded and began guiding us through the winding corridors of the castle. The air was thick with tension and the distant cries of the tortured prisoners only fueled our resolve.
As we navigated the labyrinthine halls, Spike suddenly held up a claw, signaling us to stop. He pointed towards a group of guards patrolling ahead, their armor glinting in the dim torchlight.
We waited for them to pass until he nodded at us and led the way. We eventually made it to a familiar staircase that led to a lower level where the dungeon was. The screams of anguish and despair rang out louder than before.
Spike moved stealthily, his claws tapping softly on the cold stone steps, leading us towards the source of the agonized cries. The torches flickered ominously, casting dancing shadows on the damp walls. As we reached the bottom of the staircase, we found ourselves in a long corridor lined with heavy iron doors.
"Hey, look," I said, pointing above the cells. "There's plaques with writing on them." As we passed by each cell, each plaque had titles on them that made my gut churn.
"Mathematics Slaves, Biology Slaves, English Slaves?!" Flash said, sounding disgusted. "The fuck is this shit?!"
"Sounds like he has certain students who are good at specific subjects under his thumb so he can copy their work," I said bitterly.
"We need to put a stop to this," I said, my voice full of determination. Flash and Spike both nodded in agreement, their expressions mirroring my resolve. We approached one of the iron doors labeled English Slaves and peered inside.
The sight that greeted us was harrowing. A group of students were huddled together on the cold, damp floor, surrounded by stacks of papers and textbooks. They looked up at us with hollow eyes, clearly exhausted and defeated.
"I can't take this anymore!" One of the students said.
"Quiet! Do you want king Blueblood to hear you?! We have to finish this report by tonight!"
"My hand is bleeding. I can't write anymore...!"
I felt a surge of anger and sympathy wash over me as I watched the students struggle under the oppressive weight of their assignments. Without hesitation, I turned to Spike and Flash, determination burning in my eyes.
"We have to help them," Flash said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
"Help them? You can't," Spike shook his head.
"Why the hell not?!" Flash barked.
"Because they're not real," Spike explained. "They are just cognitions of how Blueblood sees them. Think of them as fake copies of the people in real life. In this world, and similar to the real world, Blueblood sees them only as slaves for his own gain."
"What the hell does that even mean?!" Flash asked angrily.
"It means that there's no point in helping these people because they're not real," Spike groaned.
"Then we'll help them another way. Flash, take a picture with your phone," I said to Flash.
Flash quickly pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of the students trapped in the cell, their tired faces a stark reminder of the tyranny they faced. But when he tried to show me the photo, his screen was blank.
"No good, Rod," Flash grumbled, frustration evident on his face. "My camera doesn't freaking work for some reason. Looks like we can only use the nav app while we're in here."
"Shit!" I cursed.
"Now hold on a sec, we can still help them even if they're not real," Flash said and peered into the cell. "If what Spike said is true, that they represent the real ones in the real world, then we'll just have to memorize their faces."
I wished it could've been simpler with just taking a photo, but our cameras were useless in this world. I sighed and nodded in agreement as I stood next to Flash and analyzed the three poor souls being forced into this situation.
The first individual was the thinnest of the trio, with short brown hair and matching brown eyes. He wore a tattered white shirt and loose-fitting jeans that appeared to be two sizes too big for him. His hands trembled as he wrote on a crumpled sheet of paper, his expression reflecting a mixture of fear and exhaustion.
The second one had a more muscular build than the first, with apple green hair and eyes. Like the first, his clothes were torn and worn, but this person opted for a red flannel shirt and cargo pants.
The last person seemed significantly older compared to the others. They wore thick-framed glasses with a noticeable crack in one lens, along with a white dress shirt underneath a beige sweater and black tie. Their choice of attire also included a pair of brown slacks.
"We won't forget your faces," I whispered to them. "We'll find a way to release you from this torment."
They ignored me as we moved onto the next row of cells. These students were sitting in chairs that had them locked in place. Their hands and feet were chained down, their heads strapped against the back of the chair, and their eyes were forced open. In front of them was a projection screen that played a bunch of math equations and formulas at high speed.
"Stop! Stop! It's too much! I can't memorize it all!"
"Please...my eyes hurt! I need rest! My head feels like it'll explode!"
"Have...to...remember! Don't...want to...die! Must...let him...copy!"
"Looks like Blueblood is forcing kids to memorize double the material than usual so they can just give Blueblood the answers during tests," Flash growled.
My heart hammered against my chest as I took in the grotesque scene before us. The pained cries of the students echoed off the stone walls, their voices laced with desperation and sorrow. It was torture, plain and simple, a twisted means to an end that only benefited the cruel king.
"I think we've seen enough," I said through gritted teeth, my fists clenching at my sides. "Have you memorized their faces yet, Flash?"
"Yes, got them locked in here," Flash said confidently, tapping the side of his head with a grim determination.
"Let's get outta here then!" Spike said and we ran back the way we came.
As we did, I noticed some more cells that looked like adults inside. They were all sitting at old-fashioned computers and were fervently typing away with their eyes glued to the screen.
"If I give him a passing grade, I won't get fired."
"He'll complain to the principal again if I don't do this..."
"Please don't dock my pay! Please! It's tough enough as it is being a teacher!"
"What the...?" I spoke. "Is Blueblood also manipulating the teachers?"
"Looks like it," Spike said as they neared the dungeon's exit. "Looks like every aspect of this school is under his thumb, from the students to the teachers."
"That's just all kinds of fucked up," Flash said as they neared the front hall of the castle. "And if you noticed there was a single girl in there, I'd hate to see what he thinks of the chicks of this school."
Just as we were about to make our exit, a platoon of guards was waiting for us in the main hall. Right in the middle was none other than Blueblood himself.
"Blueblood!" Flash spat.
"I knew If we waited long enough the roaches would scurry back into my gilded castle" Blueblood laughed as the platoon of guards surrounded us.
With their armor gleaming under the flickering torchlight, the guards formed a tight circle, trapping us in the center of the hall. Blueblood stepped forward, his sneer a grotesque slash across his smug face.
"Did you enjoy your little tour of my kingdom?" he drawled with a mocking tone, eyeing each of us with disdain. "See something you like? Or perhaps you've seen too much?"
"You're one twisted dude, Blueblood," I said as I gripped my cane. "Forcing others to do the work, claiming it to be your own, even pressuring the staff to give you good grades. You're the epitome of fraud."
Blueblood's laughter rang out, echoing off the stone walls, full of self-assured mockery. "Fraud? Oh, but you see, in this domain, I am the law. What I say goes, and what I want, I take. And right now." He paused, his eyes narrowing, "I want to teach you a lesson about meddling in affairs that are none of your business."
The guards inched closer, the sound of their armor clinking a steady cadence as Blueblood continued to gloat. "You think you're heroes? You're nothing but insects to me." His hand waved dismissively at us before flicking toward his men. "Dispose of them."
"Let's do this, newbie!" Spike said. "Harlequin!"
"Right!" I nodded and unsheathed my cane sword and made my mask disappear in blue soul-like flames. "Hercule Poirot!"
Both mine and Spike's Personas manifested behind us, the guards turned into shadows turned them into what looked like horses with two curved horns on its head.
"Bicorns!" Spike shouted as his Persona threw a few of its daggers
Hercule and I worked in tandem as we slashed our blades together and Hurcule snapped his fingers to cast Kouha on them.
At first, we were winning, until several joined together to form a new monster. He looked like one of the guards but wore red armor atop of a black horse grasping a large spear in its hand, it charged at us with a thunderous clatter.
"Watch out, newbie!" Spike cried as he rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the sharp point of the spear.
I tightened my grip on my cane sword, aware that our small victory against the Bicorns had been but a prelude to this true test of our strength. Spike's Persona whirled through the air, launching another barrage of knives, but this time they glanced off the knight's armor, barely leaving a scratch.
I tried charging at the knight and slashed at him as he thrusted his spear my way. The force was like being tackled by a football player as I was shoved back. I then tried making Hurcule cast Kouha on him again but failed to stop a counterattack from behind.
Spike tried to aid me but was quickly engaged by two more of the same monstrous knights that had appeared seemingly out of nowhere.
Even as we fought desperately, more shadows seemed to pour into the hall like a dark tide, solidifying into menacing forms ready to tear us apart. Blueblood watched, his contemptuous smile never wavering as our situation grew dire.
"This is bad," Spike grunted, dispatching one knight but staggering back as another landed a heavy blow. "We're not gonna make it at this rate!"
"Come on...come on...!" I grunted as I blocked a bicorn's thrust but was suddenly struck in my back again. I cried out in pain and fell to my knees as they started to surround us. "There's too many! Hercule! Help us!"
Unfortunately, my Persona was run through by the knight's spear, Hercule vanished in blue flames as my mask returned to my face. Before I could react, a heavy boot connected with my side, flipping me onto my back. I gasped for air, the wind knocked out of me as the shadows loomed over both Spike and me.
"Guys!" Flash yelped as I coughed painfully.
"Flash! Get out of here!" I yelled.
"Are you nuts! There's no way I'm gonna leave you here!" Flash argued.
"Why not, Flash?" Blueblood mocked. "After all, you're no stranger to abandoning your friends when it matters."
"I...I didn't abandon anyone" Flash stammered out as the knights grabbed hold of his arms. "Hey! Let go!"
"Don't delude yourself, worm," Shadow Blueblood laughed. "You are nothing but the fallen star of the basketball team."
"Fallen Star?" I repeated.
"Oh? He didn't tell you?" Blueblood asked with a wide grin on his face. "Flash Sentry was once the star player of Canterlot High's basketball team, until a certain...mishap during the most crucial game of his career. Isn't that right, Flash?"
"N-No that's not true..." Flash whimpered. "I'd never do something like that to my team!"
Blueblood's grin only widened, relishing in Flash's distress. "Ah, but the records say otherwise," he taunted, waving a dismissive hand. "You choked when it mattered most. Missed a three-point shot just as the buzzer sounded. You let them down. And now, what are you? A has-been. A nobody. Pathetic. But I'll let you in on a little secret." Blueblood grinned like a Cheshire cat. "I was the one who slipped a little something into your drink that day. Just a tiny amount of a certain substance to ensure you wouldn't perform at your best. After all, I couldn't have someone else stealing the spotlight at my school, could I?"
"You..." Flash slumped in defeat, his eyes reflecting the crushing weight of realization. "You sabotaged me...?"
I watched him fall to his knees as the realization hit him. Blueblood was laughing like a madman which infuriated me more than I anticipated. However, most of my anger was directed at Flash. I knew he was stronger willed than this.
"Are you just gonna take that?!" I snapped, making Flash slowly look at me. "When the hell are you gonna man the fuck up, dude?! This ass hat fucked you over, and you're just gonna let him get away with it?! What happened to doing what's right?! What happened to always having my back?! Don't let this pompous fraud define who you are, Flash!"
Flash 1st POV
My mind roiled with a tumult of emotions--anger, shame, betrayal--but at the new guy's words, something within me crystallized. A fire I thought long extinguished ignited once more. I couldn't let this be my end--not here, not like this, under the heel of this pompous fraud.
"You turned everyone against me..." I growled. "My team, my friends, the whole damn school...because you couldn't stand to see anyone else succeed." My voice hardened with each word spoken. I looked up at Blueblood, my hands clenched into fists. "But you know what? I don't need their approval. I don't need the glory of being a star player. What I need is to stand up for myself and my friends!" I glared at Blueblood with unbridled rage.
"SO, STOP LOOKING DOWN AT ME WITH THAT STUPID-ASS SMILE ON YOUR FACE, YOU FUCKING SHIT-HEEL!" I screamed.
I felt something stir inside me, a deep well of power that had been dormant, suppressed by doubts and humiliation
I reckon you've made me wait long enough. A disembodied voice rang within my head. Soon a huge pain flared through my head, causing me to thrash and scream.
Ya wish to be powerful, kid? Then how's about we make a deal? You've already been given a raw deal, Sentry, the voice continued, with a drawl that seemed to echo from a bygone era. I can give ya the means to set things straight. To fight back against those who'd do ya wrong. Your name has already been dragged through the mud, it's time ya cast away with the law and take all that you want, partner. The voice coaxed with the allure of untamed freedom. It's high time ya stop playin' by their rules and become the Outlaw that your inner self desires. I Am Thou, Thou Art I. The voice declared with the authority of an old west outlaw laying down the law. There is no turning back now. From this day forward, you shall aim for justice and claim what is rightly yours!
Then, an ineffable force surged within me, as if every cell in my body was awakening to its true potential. The pain that once wracked my skull now transformed into a searing focus. My breath quickened, and my heart pounded like the hooves of a galloping stallion. A spectral mask formed over my face - not one of fear or submission, but of defiance and strength.
"Quit wasting time and finish them off!" Blueblood's voice boomed with anger.
Driven by a surge of adrenaline, I reached up to remove the mask from my face, no matter how agonizing it was. The searing pain reached its climax, and with a blinding flash of blue flames, the mask shattered into pieces. A shockwave rippled through the air, knocking back the shadows and knights that surrounded my friends. In that moment, all the pent-up resentment and betrayal within me burst forth like a raging inferno.
Rodney 1st POV
I had to cover my arm from the blinding light of the flames that suddenly enveloped Flash. When the flames finally subsided, I lowered my arm to see a spectacle that made my eyes almost bug out of my head.
Standing tall was Flash, clad in a long dark blue coat with bandoliers of bullets strapped across his chest. He had pulled up the collar to conceal his identity. A red bandana was tied around his neck, representing his loyalty to his own code of justice. A black hat with a wide brim rested on top of his head, casting a shadow over his masked face and adding an air of enigma to his appearance. His attire was simple but sturdy: dark pants and a black shirt. Spurs jingled on his boots with every step as he carried a six-shooter in his holster and what appeared to be a tomahawk at his hip.
His Persona stood behind him, its armored body shining with a metallic sheen that seemed to radiate rebellion. Its white spiky hair contrasted against the black mask that concealed its face, leaving only two glowing green eyes visible. The intense stare fixed on Blueblood with a silent threat. Adorned in a red jacket with the word KID emblazoned on the sleeve, and black pants held up by a studded belt attached to a chain, the Persona's boots were a blend of red, black, and white. In its grasp were two black revolvers, ready for action.
"No way" I heard Spike shout. "He's got a Persona too?"
"Flash?" I said in awe.
"Woah..." Flash marveled at the power he had received. "So, this is my Persona...? Heh...now we're talking!" Flash pointed his finger at Blueblood's men. "Let's show them what you got! Billy the Kid!"
In a flash, Flash's Persona took aim before firing two shots which ricocheted off the walls with an uncanny precision, striking down the shadowy figures that had been keeping me and Spike down. The bullets seemed to carry a force beyond mere lead -- they were like bolts of justice, unerring and true.
The shadows recoiled in agony as each bullet found its mark, their forms dissipating like smoke in the wind. The remaining figures hesitated, fear creeping into their eyes as they witnessed the newfound power that Flash wielded with such effortless command.
"Roddy, Spike," Flash called out, his voice carrying a newfound strength as he turned to face us with a smirk. "You guys all right?"
"Yeah, we'll manage," I said as I picked my sword back up. "I knew you had it in you, bro."
"Certainly caught me off guard," Spike said. "But now the tables have turned in our favor!"
Blueblood, sensing the shift in dynamics, grasped for control. His eyes narrowed as he observed Flash's transformation from a distance, his arrogance now tinged with a trace of concern. "This changes nothing," he sneered with forced confidence. "You think this little trick will save you? You're still nothing but a traitor and an outcast."
"If I have to live in a world where you live like a king..." Flash said as his hand inched towards his gun. "I'd rather be an outlaw!"
"Let's go!" I said and we all charged at the red knight.
Flash reached into his coat and pulled out dual hatches that he spun around before gripping tightly. He jumped in the air, with an air boost from his Persona, and came down on the knight while swinging his weapons. Despite the difference in size, Flash made up for it in dexterity as he managed to push the knight back a bit with sheer strength. The knight staggered under the relentless assault, their once formidable stance crumbling as Flash's presence loomed over them. The sounds of battle echoed through the air, punctuated by the sharp ring of metal against metal.
"Show 'em what we're made of, kid!" Flash's Persona whispered with a voice that seemed to blend with the wind. With an imperceptible nod from its charge, the spectral figure raised its arms high, revolvers at the ready, and unleashed a barrage of ethereal bullets that danced through the air. Each shot was a proclamation of Flash's determination and might.
As I swung my sword with renewed vigor, inspired by Flash's transformation, I could feel the tide of battle shifting in our favor. Spike fought with a ferocity that matched his name, his own abilities magnified by the surge of energy filling the room. Blueblood retreated step by step, his face contorted into a snarl.
"Finish them off!" Blueblood shouted as he turned and fled. "That is an order from your king!"
"All together now!" I shouted as I held out my hand, and Hurcule Poirot did the same.
Spike aimed his daggers as Flash held out his hands too.
"Kouha!"
"Maragi!"
"Garu!"
The combined might of our Personas erupted in a display of elemental fury. Light, fire, and wind converged upon the retreating shadows, weaving into a whirlwind of color and devastation. The very air seemed to crackle with the power we unleashed. Blueblood's minions stood no chance; they were swept away as if they were mere dust caught in a tempest.
The dust settled, and the once-mighty knights of shadow lay defeated, their forms evaporating into the ether from whence they came. The ominous chamber that had been filled with the clamor of steel and the cries of battle now echoed with an eerie silence.
Flash holstered his hatchets and stepped forward, his boots thumping solidly on the stone floor. "Blueblood won't get far," he said, his voice cool and resolute. "I'll make sure of it." However, Flash soon lost his footing as a wave of exhaustion hit him causing him to drop to his knee.
"Woah, hey man," I said as I stood by his side. "You really pushed yourself back there."
"Quite unexpected," Spike said while gazing at Flash. "To think, you had the potential as well."
"By the way, nice digs, dude," I said as I helped him stand back up.
"My digs?" Flash looked at his body before realizing his clothing changed. "What the hell?! I look like I belong in an old western movie!"
"You look like Clint Eastwood, dude," I joked.
"Is that good or bad?" Flash asked as I helped him to his feet.
"If you two are done, we need to make our exit," Spike said.
"Now? But we just kicked serious ass!" Flash said.
"After narrowly escaping death!" Spike barked. "This isn't a game, you know! Our lives are constantly on the line in this world!"
"He's got a point, man, we probably wouldn't have survived had you not awakened," I said.
"Speaking of which, you seem more calm than usual after that encounter," Spike said to me.
His statement made me pause and think for a moment. "I suppose you're right," I replied, shrugging my shoulders in agreement.
Suddenly, we heard the unmistakable sound of metal footsteps rapidly approaching us.
"We should probably make a run for it," Spike suggested, as Flash and I followed suit and quickly exited the castle to return to reality.
We had all managed to make it out of the castle from the way we came and were now taking a slight breather.
"Man, talk about a series of crazy-ass events," I said. "You doing alright, Flash?"
"I will be" Flash breathed out as he rested his hands on his knees. "Once I get some food and a nap."
"Hey, I just thought of something," I said. "Wouldn't we be kinda screwed now that Blueblood knows that we're onto him?"
"I wouldn't worry about that," Spike said. "This Blueblood, and the Blueblood in reality, are two sides of the same coin. However, this Blueblood is the reality of the real Blueblood's manifestation of his innermost desires."
"So, what's that mean?" Flash asked.
"Did the Blueblood in reality remember anything from the events in the cells?" Spike asked.
"No, he didn't," I said, recalling the odd detachment of the real-world Blueblood from his shadow self. "It was like they were completely separate entities. He had no idea what was happening here."
'Exactly," Spike continued, his eyes intense with the knowledge he'd gleaned from our experiences. "The shadows hold the darkest parts of a person's psyche, their hidden feelings and desires."
"Then I guess we got nothing to worry about," I nodded. "But we should still get going."
"You mean back to your world?" Spike asked. "Y'know, I've always wondered what your world is like."
"But can you even come to our world?" Flash asked the small dragon.
"I...I'm not sure," Spike said, sounding like he was thinking about something. "It doesn't matter. You guys should get going. If you find out anything else in the real world, feel free to come back now that both of you are Persona users."
"Will do, Spike." I knelt down and raised my fist at him. "Thanks for everything. You've been a big help."
Spike bumped his own tiny fist against mine, a smile of camaraderie lighting up his reptilian features. "Just be careful, both of you. This is only the beginning."
Nodding in agreement, Flash and I turned toward the rift that would take us back to our world. As we stepped closer to the shimmering tear in reality, I felt an odd sensation, as if gravity itself was warping around us. In one smooth motion, we leapt through the portal.
The transition was always disorienting, a rush of colors and sensations that defied explanation. When our feet finally hit solid ground again, we were back in the abandoned alley where our adventure had started. The mundane sounds of the city filled my ears, a stark contrast to the fierce battles and otherworldly experiences we'd just left behind.
'Well," Flash said, checking his attire which had reverted back to his casual clothes that seemed so normal now compared to his western garb from moments ago. "That sure was trippy."
"Whew! We made it!" I said, then I noticed Flash looking at his hands. His expression was completely different compared to before he awakened his persona. "You okay?"
Flash turned his gaze up from his hands and met my eyes, a flicker of newfound determination shining through the weariness. "Yeah, I'm okay," he affirmed. "Just processing it all, you know? It's not every day you discover you've got some...some supernatural alter-ego ready to fight the demons in your heart."
I chuckled softly. "You can say that again. But now we've got this power, and there's no turning back." I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders alongside the relief of survival. "We've got to use it wisely."
Flash nodded solemnly and pushed himself up from his resting position against the bleacher's grimy pole. "Right," he said, brushing off the mud from his pants. "For now, though, let's grab something to eat. I feel like I could eat a horse."
I nodded as we both picked up our bags and headed back to the main building. I had no idea what was to come from here on out, but I knew one thing for sure. This school was under the thumb of an egotistical fraud. And if no one was gonna have the guts to stand up to him, then Flash and I were the only ones capable of doing so.
> Plans and Accusations
Munch munch! Slurp! Munch much! Chew!
After yet another harrowing experience in that crazy world, Flash and I had decided to grab some food before we headed home. He recommended this burger joint a little ways from school grounds and I obliged his invitation. However, I wasn't prepared to watch him scarf down five double cheeseburgers with a side of large fries and a large soda. Meanwhile, I just got a simple filet-o-fish and a soda.
"Dude...how can you eat like that?" I asked.
"Like this" Flash said, chomping down on a sixth cheeseburger.
I shook my head, amused and slightly disgusted by his voracious appetite. Flash had a metabolism that could probably power a small city, and he wasn't shy about putting it to the test. I nibbled on my filet-o-fish, the muted flavor a stark contrast to the gastronomic spectacle before me.
"Doesn't that hurt your stomach?" I wondered aloud, watching him demolish the burger in record time.
Flash wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Nah, man. It's all about conditioning. You've gotta train your stomach to handle the stress, just like any muscle," he said.
I raised an eyebrow. "You train...to eat?"
"Hell yeah!" Flash said before gulping down a large swig of his drink.
"Well, you certainly seem to be in higher spirits compared to before we went back in that world," I said. "Must be due to your awakening. How's it feel? Does it feel like you're a whole new person now?"
Flash leaned back in the booth, a look of contentment spreading across his face. The neon lights from the burger joint's sign flickered in his eyes as he pondered my question. "You know," he started, pausing to belch discreetly behind his fist, "it's like I've been running on regular unleaded all my life, and now suddenly, I've got premium coursing through my veins."
He gestured animatedly, almost knocking over the ketchup bottle. "It's not just about feeling new. It's clarity, power...like I can see the matrix of the world around us. Everything is so vivid, so full of potential." Flash's usual bravado seemed tinged with a genuine sense of wonder this time.
"Wow. Didn't take you for the philosophical type," I joked as I ate a fry.
"Philosophical, nah, just telling it like it is," Flash retorted with a light chuckle that faded into a thoughtful silence.
There was a pause, and Flash looked down at the empty wrapper of what used to be his sixth cheeseburger. He spun it idly between his fingers, his face suddenly pensive.
"Hey man, can I ask you something?" Flash finally spoke up after a few moments. "Why'd you move here?"
I was hesitant. I knew I'd be asked that question eventually but I didn't expect to be asked so soon. That night was a night I'd rather soon forget. However, my therapist always told me that speaking about it would help in case there are those who want to help.
"Before I answer, can I ask something first?" I said.
"Uh...sure?" Flash shrugged.
"You remember seeing on the news a few years ago about a robbery that went wrong in the suburbs up north?" I asked. Flash had to think about it until he looked like he remembered something.
"Yeah, I think so," Flash replied, his eyes narrowing as he searched his memory. "The one where someone was nearly killed, right? That was all over the headlines for weeks."
"Yeah...and I was there," I said, making Flash pause.
"What...?" Flash said.
"It was like any other night. I had this routine where I'd go to the convenience store and get a snack for my dad and I," I began. "Only when I got there, a couple guys in ski masks held the clerk up at gunpoint." I started shaking as I recounted that night. "I watched from behind a telephone pole that the clerk tried to reach for something under the counter. And...they shot him."
My voice trembled, but the words kept spilling out, like a dam had burst within me. "I remember hearing the gunshot," I continued, "It was deafening. Followed by the clerk's scream--more like a gurgle--and then they turned towards me."
Flash's jovial demeanor had vanished, replaced by a seriousness I seldom saw in him. He leaned forward, his elbows on the table, completely engrossed in my story.
"I was paralyzed with fear," I confessed, staring down at my half-eaten filet-o-fish as if it could somehow transport me away from this memory. "They saw me there, hiding. One of them pointed his gun at me and...for a moment, I thought I was going to die."
"How...did you survive?" Flash asked.
"I...I almost didn't." I reached up to pull back my hair on the right side of my head. I then showed Flash the one thing that made his face go completely pale. It was a scar that looked like something whizzed past my head right above my ear. The scar looked deep enough to tear through the skin and almost reach my skull.
"I begged and pleaded for mercy and to spare me but they wouldn't listen. Next thing I know, I heard the loud bang of the gunshot before...darkness." My hands were trembling as the pain from my scar returned. "I woke up...in a hospital bed. Doctors told me...the bullet skimmed my scalp." I began to hyperventilate and my vision grew blurry. "B-But the fact...r-remains that...I-I almost d-died."
Flash's hand shot out across the table, his usual bravado replaced by genuine concern as he grasped mine, steadying them. "Hey, hey, take it easy," he murmured, his voice low and surprisingly gentle.
I took a deep breath, trying to regain control over my racing heart. The chill of the memory had wrapped itself around me like a cold shroud, but Flash's grip was warm and grounding.
"That's...intense. I'm really sorry you went through that," Flash uttered once he was certain I was somewhat calmer. "But why didn't you ever tell anyone about this?"
Wiping the moisture from my eyes, I shrugged weakly. The truth was, I'd buried it so deep inside that it felt like acknowledging it would make it all too real, like opening a wound to let it fester.
"I wanted to forget," I admitted softly. "I wanted to move on as if nothing ever happened...but you can't run from something like that, can you? It's always there, lurking in the shadows of your mind, waiting for a quiet moment to haunt you."
"I guess...I can understand," Flash nodded solemnly. "Of course, not with what you've experienced but with what happened to me and with Blueblood. I tried just ignoring all the hateful glares and snide comments behind my back. Even though I should've at least tried harder to prove my innocence."
A silence fell between us, heavy with shared understanding. We were both prisoners of our past in different ways, bound by experiences that had irrevocably changed us.
"You can't undo what's been done," Flash said, breaking the quiet. "But you can decide what you do with it. You can let it drag you down, or you can...you know, use it as a sort of fuel."
His words hung in the air, and I found myself considering them carefully. It was one thing to hear platitudes about strength and overcoming adversity, but it was another to hear it from someone who'd been through their own kind of hell.
"I suppose you're right," I nodded solemnly. "But that's in the past now, and I'm still trying to live in the present day."
"Well said," Flash nodded. "By the way, have we exchanged numbers yet?"
"Now that you mentioned it, we never did," I admitted. "Wanna swap?"
I handed over my own sleeker phone, and we sat there for a moment, entering digits into each other's contact lists. It was an oddly normal thing to do after such a heavy conversation, but perhaps that's what we needed--a return to normalcy, even if just for a brief spell.
"There," Flash said with a triumphant click as he saved my contact information. "Now we're officially connected. No more going through this stuff alone, you hear me?"
"Sounds good," I nodded. "You scratch my back, I scratch yours."
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
that breaketh thy chain of captivity.
With the birth of the Chariot Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power...
I eventually made it home and the fatigue hit me like a sack of bricks.
"I'm home..." I called out. "Lance? Berry?"
"In here, Roddy!"
I heard Lance from the living room and walked in to see him sitting on his chair while Berry was in the kitchen making dinner. Freddy sitting in the middle playing with some toys.
"Hey there, kid," Lance greeted me. "You're home a bit late. What's the deal?"
"I was with a friend," I responded. "Nice guy."
"A friend?" Berry asked and smiled at me. "That's wonderful to hear, Rodney! Look at you, making friends already."
I nodded and sat down on the floor in front of Freddy to play with him.
"Well, our first encounter was quite the interesting one," I said. "He and I backed each other up when this jerk tried to start something with us."
"Start something?" Lance spoke. "You didn't get into a fight, did you?"
"No, not exactly," I said, avoiding the question. "He just stood up for me during lunch. It's not like we were gonna let him walk all over us."
I looked at my brother with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Lance, I know that fully well."
That Night
I excused myself from dinner and decided to turn in early on account of how drained I still was. As I slept, a familiar sensation of me entering my dream made itself known. I opened my eyes and found myself in the massive library once again. When I sat up from the sofa, Igor and Jacqueline were waiting for me.
"Igor. Jacqueline," I greeted the two tenants of the Velvet Room.
"Welcome back," Igor replied with a light chuckle, his voice a deep echo that seemed to resonate with the very walls of the Velvet Room. "It seems that recent events have stirred something within you."
"You could say that," I said and stood up. I automatically began searching through the books for my elusive book. "Made a friend who also happens to be a persona user like me."
"Indeed," Igor nodded. "I thought about resuming our previous conversation tonight. That is why I have summoned you. Tell me. What are your thoughts? Are you becoming accustomed to this place?"
"More or less," I shrugged as I sifted through book after book.
"I am pleased to hear it," Igor said with his grin somehow becoming a bit wider. "Your ability to accomplish your goals, and face your inner turmoil, are imperative in order for you to become something greater than you were before. That being said, this feat cannot be done on your own."
Jacqueline stepped forward, her presence always poised and serene, yet with a touch of mystery. "The bonds you forge," she stated softly, "will become the pillars upon which you will build your strength."
I glanced up from the books, their leather-bound spines an endless sea of potential knowledge and power. "Bonds, huh? Yeah, I guess Flash could be considered one of those pillars then," I mused aloud.
"Precisely," Igor continued, tapping a long finger against the armrest of his chair. "The connections you establish with others will not only fortify your own heart but will also call forth new powers for your Persona."
"So, in other words, if anyone whom I share a bond with will help me get stronger?" I asked, trying to understand.
"Correct," Igor nodded. "Especially with those who, like you, have been robbed of their places to belong. This expansion, as I like to call it, will help you in more ways than one."
"Personas are the strength of heart," Jacquline said. "The stronger the bonds, the more power you gain. You may not realize it but there are more people in Canterlot City who have certain talents that can be of use to you. You just need to figure out how to get them to aid you."
"That, of course, includes even myself, young Rodney," Igor added with a chuckle. "We have an accord then."
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion
that breaketh thy chain of captivity.
With the birth of the Fool Persona,
I have obtained the winds of blessing that
shall lead to freedom and new power...
I spent the rest of my dream walking up and down the seemingly endless rows of books in search of the one that was supposed to be mine. One by one, opening and closing, book by book.
The Next Day
Another day, another bus ride to school. I leaned my elbow on the window as I played on my phone and the bus kept picking up more students for school. I was playing Subway Surfer when I was too engrossed in the game to notice someone plopping right next to me.
"Hi, Rodney!"
I looked next to me and found Flurry Heart, smiling brightly with enthusiasm that seemed to contrast the sleepy student body surrounding us. She had her hair tied back in a simple yet elegant ponytail and carried an aura of positivity that was hard to miss.
"Morning, Flurry," I greeted her with a small smile, pausing the game and locking my phone. "What's up?"
"Oh nothing much," Flurry said. "Just another day of school."
"I hear that," I said. "My nephew almost made me late for the bus because my brother asked me to feed him while he took a shower."
"You're an uncle?!" Flurry beamed. "That's so sweet! What does your nephew look like?"
I smiled and unlocked my phone to show her a picture of Freddy and me playing on the floor.
Flurry Heart leaned in close, her eyes lighting up as she gazed at the photo. "Oh my gosh, he's adorable!" she exclaimed, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "How old is he?"
"He just turned two a couple of months ago," I said with pride in my voice. "He's a handful but definitely worth it."
"I bet he is," Flurry agreed, giving me back my phone. "You know, I've always liked kids. They have this...pure view of the world that's just refreshing."
"Right?" I agreed. "And I think Freddy has already warmed up to me as his uncle."
"I'm glad," Flurry said with a warm smile. "What classes do you have today?"
"The usual," I shrugged. "English, History, Math. Nothing too hard."
"You must be pretty good at studying," Flurry commented.
"You can thank my mom for that," I quipped. "Always wanted to make sure I knew my stuff. I remember she was like that with Lance before he moved away for college. What about you? You got any siblings?"
Flurry's bright expression dimmed slightly at the mention of siblings. She looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the strap of her backpack. "I...yeah, I do. An older brother and sister. Shining and Twilight."
I noticed the change in her demeanor and tilted my head. "Everything okay?"
She sighed, looking back up at me with a forced smile. "It's just...things have been complicated at home lately. My parents, they're...well, they're not really talking to each other right now. And my siblings? It feels like they're drifting away."
"I'm sorry to hear that," I said softly, feeling a twinge of concern for my usually cheerful friend. "That must be really tough."
"It sometimes is but I try not to dwell on it," Flurry said. "Besides, I'm walking my own path. I hope one day soon my family will see past their differences."
Her voice held a determined note, but I could see the hint of sadness that lingered behind her eyes. It was a look I knew all too well - the mask of optimism we wear to shield the world from our inner struggles.
"Yeah," I replied, giving her a supportive nod. "And who knows? Maybe they will, in time. Families are complicated, but they're also resilient. You've got to have hope."
Flurry Heart smiled, a genuine one this time, and it was like the sun breaking through clouds. "Thanks, Rodney. That actually means a lot to me."
The bus rumbled on as students chatted softly around us, lost in their own little worlds. Flurry turned her gaze out of the window, watching the scenery pass by in a blur of colors and shapes.
The bus stopped once again and I saw Flash trudge his way up the steps. The guy looked like he'd been up all night as he let out a loud yawn for everyone to hear.
"Morning, Flash," I said as he took a seat next to Flurry and I. "What've you been up to?"
"Been gaming and then I guess I lost track of time," Flash admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "One minute I was leveling up, and the next thing I knew, it was morning." He stifled another yawn and slouched in the seat.
Flurry laughed softly. "Sounds like you could use some extra sleep."
"Yeah, no kidding," Flash replied with a sleepy grin. "But hey, that's what study hall's for, right?" He winked at us, but his attempt at humor didn't quite mask the tiredness in his eyes.
"You better not fall asleep, Flash," Flurry teased. "Last time, Cheerilee threw a piece of chalk so hard that it left a welt."
Flash chuckled, a bit more awake now from the lively banter. "Nah, I've learned my lesson. The fear of flying chalk is a powerful motivator."
I grinned, shaking my head at his antics while noting the camaraderie that seemed to naturally form among us. It was strange how some connections were born out of shared experiences, no matter how mundane they seemed.
The bus finally came to a grinding halt in front of Canterlot High, disgorging its load of students into the cool morning air. The three of us stood up, gathering our belongings as we joined the throng slowly making their way towards the entrance.
"Hey, hang back a bit," Flash told me. I nodded and I waved Flurry goodbye. We both waited about a minute before continuing on. "I think we should confront Blueblood's victims."
"Confront?" I repeated. "How do you mean?"
Flash glanced over his shoulder, ensuring no one was within earshot. "I mean talk to them, get their stories."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" I asked cautiously. "We don't want to stir up anything that could make things worse for them."
"You saw what it was like in there," Flash reminded me. "He's forcing kids to do his homework, threatening them to cheat for him, and even using Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna as a crutch against some teachers! He's basically made this school a fucking stepping stone to get him anywhere he wants. All so he can remain at the top. Hell, he won't even let athletes get the spotlight!"
Flash's voice was rising with each word, his anger bubbling to the surface. I could understand why; Blueblood's reign over Canterlot High seemed to grow more tyrannical by the day, and it was hard not to feel outraged.
"We need to gather enough evidence to take to the principal," Flash continued, his fists clenched at his sides. "If we can show that there are multiple cases, that it's not just one or two disgruntled students, then maybe - just maybe - they'll have to do something about it."
"That's a big maybe, Flash," I said as we stepped through the doors of the school. "From what I've seen, I don't think it was exaggerated that Blueblood has almost everyone under his thumb. Meaning, they'd probably not risk Blueblood finding out."
"We have to try at least," Flash insisted, his determination unwavering. "We can't just sit back and watch him manipulate and bully everyone."
I sighed, knowing he was right. The situation at Canterlot High had been deteriorating, and someone needed to take a stand. "Okay," I relented. "But we need to be smart about this. We can't just go in guns blazing. We need a plan, something solid."
"Let's go ask my buddy," Flash said. "Sandalwood's always been a solid bro to me, and even Vanny's been up front."
"So does that mean I get some of the teachers?" I ask
"Might as well," Flash shrugged. "But just pretend that you need extra help on homework."
I nodded as we entered the classroom for the first period and I awaited for when lunch started. Cheerilee was sitting at her desk until the bell finally rang and she stood up to begin the day.
"Good morning, class," she greeted. "I hope you all have done your homework for this week. I plan to use the material for the test."
I looked over at Flash to see him gulp nervously and Sunset huddled herself on her chair. I stifled a laugh as I listened to the lecture.
After a couple of periods, we were now in math class. The teacher was a lanky woman with big thick glasses. She had a perm that moved with every movement her head made like it was alive, and wore an outfit consisting of a plaid button up, jeans, and brown dress shoes.
"Take your seats..." she said, sounding like she hadn't slept. The bags under her eyes were also an indication.
In the corner of the classroom, I caught sight of Blueblood lounging in his chair with a smug grin on his face.
"Today, we're going to learn about the commutative and associative properties," Mrs. Plus Sign said and wrote it down on the chalkboard. "Can anyone tell me how we used the commutative property?"
I glanced over to see his lackey, Snips, slip something to Blueblood. Blueblood smirked after he read it and raised his hand.
Mrs. Plus Sign sighed as if she didn't want to call on him but had no choice.
"Yes, Blueblood?" She said in a tired tone.
"It's when you use any real numbers a and b: a + b = b + a; and for any real numbers a and b: ab = ba," Blueblood answered.
"That's...correct," Mrs. Plus Sign nodded and wrote it down on the board. "And can anyone tell me how we use the associative property?"
Not wanting to let Blueblood get all the credit, I raised my hand, making her and some of the other students perk up at me.
"You're...Rodney, yes? The new student?" She asked and I nodded with a smile. "Do you know the answer?"
"I do," I nodded again. "It's when you use any real numbers a, b, and c: (a + b) + c = a + (b + c); and for any real numbers a, b, and c: (ab)c = a(bc)."
The classroom fell into an almost reverent hush, the collective appreciation for a new voice joining the academic fray palpable in the air. Blueblood's smirk faltered, replaced by a scowl as he realized the monopoly he usually held on correct answers--and the attention that came with it--was being challenged.
"Very good, Rodney," Mrs. Plus Sign said, her tone brightening for the first time since class had begun. She scribbled down the properties on the board with a renewed vigor that seemed to fill some of the creases beneath her eyes. "It's always refreshing to see students actively participating."
I caught a few impressed glances from my classmates and shrugged modestly, settling back into my seat as Mrs. Plus Sign continued with the lesson plan. Blueblood's gaze lingered on me longer than anyone else's, analyzing me as if I were a puzzle he needed to solve--or perhaps dismantle.
The lesson went on for the rest of the forty-five minutes with either Blueblood being slipped a note by his lackeys or me just answering on my own. By the time class was over, Blueblood looked like he wanted to chew me out but I didn't give him the chance as I approached Mrs. Plus Sign.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Plus Sign, may I have a moment of your time before next period? I have some questions about the other properties we went over," I said.
Mrs. Plus Sign adjusted her glasses, peering down at me with a mixture of curiosity and fatigue. "Of course, Rodney. Let's go over them now while the material is still fresh in your mind. What specifically do you need clarification on?"
I waited until every student left the classroom, Blueblood included, then looked Mrs. Plus Sign in the eye.
"Mrs. Plus Sign," I began. "I saw Blueblood cheating. He was reading off little pieces of paper."
"I...I know" Mrs. Plus Sign sighed, her shoulders slumping as she confessed. "But it's not like I can stop him"
Her voice carried the weight of resignation, a teacher battered by a system that seemed to favor the powerful over the just. "You're not the first to notice, Rodney," she continued. "But Blueblood has influence in this school. I fear for my job if I confront him directly."
"And why's that? Because his aunts are the hierarchy?" I questioned. "No offense, Mrs. Plus Sign, but that's not fair. He can't just do what he wants because of his aunts."
Mrs. Plus Sign nodded wearily. "It's more than that, Rodney. His aunts have substantial sway on the school board, and there have been...incidents. Other teachers who've tried to take a stand found themselves facing early retirement or sudden transfers to less desirable schools."
The injustice of it all tightened in my chest like a clenched fist. "So, what? We just let him keep walking all over you?"
She sighed again, removing her glasses to rub the bridge of her nose. "You're right, But if it means keeping my job I'll let that little monster get away with murder."
I sighed since she was convinced Blueblood had total authority even over her. It was now obvious that his hold on even the staff was more prominent than I expected. It was honestly frightening to think someone my age could be capable of this. I didn't even want to know what he had been doing during his freshman and sophomore years.
"Well...I'm sorry you're going through this," I said as an attempt to console her. "Just know, I'm not one to abide by his stupid self-absorbed behavior. And I still would like some extra notes on today's lecture."
Mrs. Plus Sign offered a weary, but grateful smile, before digging into the drawer of her desk and producing a sheaf of extra notes for me. "Thank you, Rodney," she said as I gathered them up. "You have no idea how much it means to have a student who cares about actually learning."
I nodded, feeling the weight of the papers in my hand like a small shield against the unfairness that seemed to permeate the school's walls. With a respectful nod, I left the room, steeling myself for what was coming next.
The day drew to a close with English class, where we were analyzing metaphors and similes in classical literature. Mr. Snodgrass, our English teacher, was a middle-aged man with gray short hair, a little tan, not too many wrinkles, and fairly tall.
"Okay, students," he said in a sort of monotone voice. "We have a small paper due by the end of the week. Three pages. Write what you did during the summer."
Groans filled the classroom, a chorus of teenage discontent. I, however, felt a small thrill at the assignment. The summer had been a whirlwind of experiences for me, and the thought of immortalizing them on paper was appealing.
Mr. Snodgrass handed out paper and pens to those who needed them, his movements methodical, betraying neither enthusiasm nor disdain for the task at hand.
"Excuse me, Mr. Snodgrass," I heard Blueblood say in a snobby tone. "What if we didn't exactly do anything over the summer?"
Mr. Snodgrass paused for a moment, his eyes landing on Blueblood with a hint of impatience that he seemed to mask quickly behind a practiced neutral expression. "Mr. Blueblood," he began, scratching the side of his nose with the back of his pen, "I find it rather hard to believe that you did absolutely nothing all summer. Even the simple act of thought is an action in itself."
"Are you sure about that?" Blueblood said in an almost mocking tone while arching a brow, as if expecting a different response from the teacher.
Asshole... I thought.
The tension in the room tightened, with several students exchanging glances, anticipating Mr. Snodgrass's response. For a moment, there was the distinct possibility that he would chastise Blueblood for his insolence. Instead, he let out a heavy sigh.
"Just...do whatever you want" Mr. Snodgrass said
"Mr. Snodgrass," I said. "What if we wrote about why we did nothing over the summer if we did nothing?" Everyone looked at me curiously. "I mean, not everyone necessarily had to have done something big like go on a trip to another country. We could just write about how we took the opportunity to relax and enjoy our time off."
Mr. Snodgrass's eyes settled on me, and the edges of his mouth twitched as if he was suppressing a smile. "That," he said, "is a very astute observation. Yes, reflecting on the simplicity and value of taking time to oneself is certainly a valid topic for this assignment."
A few nods ran through the classroom, and with my suggestion, I saw the creases of worry smooth over some of my classmates' faces. Even Blueblood seemed taken aback by the suggestion, though he quickly masked it with an indifferent shrug.
"Very well then," Mr. Snodgrass continued, "if you truly believe you did nothing, then your task is to explore that nothingness. Delve into the art of idleness, if you wish."
With that, Mr. Snodgrass returned to his desk, leaving us to our thoughts and our writing.
"While you write, can anyone tell me what three different types of irony are?" Mr. Snodgrass asked.
I raised my hand and he nodded at me. "Situational irony is an outcome that turns out to be very different from what was expected. Dramatic irony occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play. Verbal irony is a figure of speech in which what is said is the opposite of what is meant."
"Impressive, Mr. Dvorchack" Mr. Snodgrass commented with an approving nod, jotting something down in his notebook that I couldn't quite see from my desk. "Class, take note of Mr. Dvorchack's definitions. They will be useful for your essays and future assignments."
After getting a head start on my paper, the school bell rang and we all prepared to leave class. Same as before, I waited until everyone was out of the classroom before walking up to Mr. Snodgrass.
"Sir? May I speak with you about something?" I asked.
Mr. Snodgrass looked up from his papers, spectacles perched precariously on the tip of his nose. A slight frown formed as he detected the seriousness in my tone. "Of course, Rodney. What's on your mind?"
"It's about Blueblood," I said, my voice firm but low, conscious of the walls that might carry words to unwanted ears.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned his hand on his desk. "What about him?"
"I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, and get right to the point. Was he trying to weasel his way out of doing the paper you assigned?" I asked.
"Yeah, Like that is a surprise," Mr. Snodgrass responded with a resigned chuckle, removing his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose in a way that mirrored Mrs. Plus Sign's earlier action. "Blueblood has always had a...laissez-faire approach to assignments, shall we say."
He sighed, putting his glasses back on and pinching the bridge of his nose as if warding off a headache. "And before you say it, yes, I'm aware of the influence his family has.
"What influence?" I asked, sounding a bit irritated. "I've met Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna. I highly doubt they're the kind of people who'd fire anyone that their nephew doesn't agree with or let him do whatever he wants."
"Believe it or not that little brat is crafty," Mr. Snodgrass said, a wry smile playing on his lips as he sat back in his chair, folding his hands on the desk. "His go to move is to fake abuse and sexual assault."
"What the?! You can't be serious!" I gasped. "How can he get away with that?!"
Mr. Snodgrass paused for a moment, his gaze dropping to his folded hands before meeting mine again. "Because, Rodney, people like him are adept at manipulating perceptions. They know exactly whom to butter up and how to spin a story in their favor. He's cried wolf more than once, but without concrete evidence to the contrary, the administration has to tread carefully."
I felt a flare of anger at the injustice of it, my fists clenching involuntarily. "So, he just gets away with it? That's not fair."
"I'm afraid there's little we can do," Mr. Snodgrass sighed. "At least I can find some solid evidence that there's at least one student who doesn't allow people like Blueblood to get under his skin."
I nodded solemnly with a heavy sigh and went to leave the classroom. I immediately pulled out my phone to text Flash to meet me under the bleachers to discuss what I found out.
BAM!!
I winced when I watched Flash punch the underside of the bleachers with a glare that made it look like he wanted to hunt Blueblood down and wring his scrawny little neck.
"I can only imagine that what I've told you just made your shitty mood more shitty on top of what you probably found out from your buddies," I said.
Flash's knuckles were white as he slowly pulled his fist back, the red mark on the metal a testament to his frustration. He took a deep breath before looking at me, his eyes ablaze with a mixture of anger and helplessness.
"Rodney, this is getting out of hand," he ground out through clenched teeth. "Blueblood's been a thorn in everyone's side for too long, and now this? Faking serious allegations? That's beyond messed up."
"What did your buddy say?" I wondered.
"Where to start?" Flash growled. "At first, Vanny didn't wanna talk about it and denied he was under Blueblood's thumb. Then reminded him that he owed me one." Flash looked me in the eye. "Rodney, he's extorting everyone in the junior student body. Homework, tests, notes, even freaking merit within the school. Blueblood controls it all. I remember how Van made a name for himself in Freshman year with his guitar skills for his music class. It's one of the reasons why I personally recruited him for our small band. But that all changed when Blueblood sunk his teeth into him. Said he'd expose him for cheating on a few tests. No doubt he forged them to force Van to not play as much anymore and to get him to do his homework and shit."
I felt a wave of disgust and disbelief wash over me. The idea that Blueblood was holding so much power over my peers was something that sounded straight out of a bad teen drama, and yet, here it was happening in real life. Flash's revelation only added to the urgency of the situation.
"We can't let him keep doing this," I said, my voice firm. "There has to be a way to expose him without triggering his...strategy."
"Did someone say, strategy?"
"Huh?" I looked around while arching a brow. "You say something?"
"Down here, rookie" the voice said
I glanced down to find the source of the unexpected comment and was surprised to see a dog with purple fur crawling out from below the bleachers
"Uh..." I tried to say.
"The hell...?" Flash said under his breath.
The dog tilted its head, looking at us with a surprisingly sagacious gaze that seemed completely out of place on an animal's face. Its fur shimmered slightly in the dim light, as if it had its own kind of glow.
"What, never seen a talking dog before?" it quipped, a teasing tone in its articulate voice.
"HOLY SHIT!" Flash yelped. "THE DOG TALKED!"
"I...I can't think of anything to say," I said as my eye twitched. "And...wait. I feel like I've heard that voice before." I leaned down at the dog as it stared back up at me. The features of the dog also looked strangely familiar until I took a shot in the dark. "...Spike?"
The dog's eyes sparked with recognition, and a mischievous grin spread across his furry face. "Took you long enough," Spike said, his tail wagging with a rhythm that belied their serious conversation. "But let's keep the shock and awe to a minimum. We've got bigger fish to fry, or in Blueblood's case, a Palace to pillage and plunder."
"How the hell did you get here?" I asked.
"Simple," Spike shrugged. "Soon after you left, I followed you. Dunno why I ended up a dog but oh well. Gonna have to get used to being on all fours though.
Flash was still staring at Spike, his mouth agape. "Can we circle back to the talking dog part? Because that feels like a crucial detail, we're just breezing past," he said incredulously.
"If that's all you're worried about, then I'm starting to question how a brainless oaf like you wields that power of a persona," Spike rolled his eyes.
"I'm not brainless!" Flash snapped back
"Okay, okay, Spike. You're a talking dog, apparently. But what's this grand plan you're talking about?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation back on track despite the surreal turn of events.
"The grand plan is to take down Blueblood once and for all," Spike proclaimed. "And you two have the same idea, don't you? It's why you've been getting dirt on him."
"More or less," I acknowledged.
"Well, it won't do you any good if he's got everyone under his thumb, right?" Spike asked and we nodded begrudgingly. "What if I were to tell you that there's a way to get Blueblood to confess everything he's done from his own mouth?"
Flash and I exchanged a glance, the kind that silently communicated our skepticism, yet a whisper of hope lingered in the air between us. "That's...quite the claim," Flash said with caution etched into his voice. "And how do you propose we make that happen?"
Spike's grin widened, and he performed an almost feline stretch before sitting back on his haunches. "Well, it's going to require some finesse, a bit of deception, and a whole lot of courage. But I think you two are up for it."
I crossed my arms, unable to completely push aside my disbelief at talking to an actual dog as though it were the most normal thing in the world. "Go on," I urged.
"It all has to do with Blueblood's palace," Spike explained. "As you may or may not remember, the palace is the representation of Blueblood's distorted heart. Bring down the palace itself, and Blueblood will be singing all his crimes."
"And how do we do that?" I asked.
"Deep within the palace lies a treasure," Spike went on. "That treasure is the source of Blueblood's distorted desires. All we have to do is sneak into the deepest depths, take his treasure, and he'll have what I like to call a change of heart."
"The hell's a change of heart?" Flash asked.
Spike chuckled at the question, his canine features twisting into a knowing smile. "A change of heart is exactly what it sounds like," he began, pacing back and forth as if delivering a lecture. "It's when a sudden change of behavior occurs on a specific person whose desires had been stolen via the Metaverse or Collective Unconscious' machinations," Spike said. "If we were to take Blueblood's treasure, not only will he become a whole different person, but he'll also confess every little dirty deed he's ever done from his own mouth."
"What? Ok, that's a bit much," I protested. "No one can just willingly confess everything they've done unless they have a conscience. And Blueblood makes it seem like his conscience is nonexistent."
"There's also a bit of a risk when doing this?" Spike warned the pair.
"Risk? What risk?" Flash asked.
"There's a chance that if we screw up or something happens to the Blueblood in that world, he'll have a total mental shutdown," Spike confessed, making me and Flash go white.
"Wait, mental shutdown? You're saying if we mess this up, Blueblood could..." I trailed off, the implications of Spike's words hanging heavy in the air.
"Yep. Kaput. Gone-zo. We're playing for keeps here, rookies," Spike stated with a grave nod. "But let's focus on the positive side--saving all those people from his tyranny and potentially salvaging whatever's left of his soul."
"Oh hell no!" Flash barked. "I did NOT sign up for this! As much as I hate that asshole, I won't go as far as to kill him!"
"Yeah, I'm also not on board with this," I said. "We're not murderers."
Spike leaned forward, his eyes sharp and intense. "You don't have to be," he said firmly. "Doing this right means no one gets hurt. That's why we need to be smart, calculated, and careful. We do this by the book--my book--and Blueblood gets a chance to make things right."
"We're not assassins," I insisted, my voice a blend of fear and resolve.
"Well, this is an unexpected sight."
We both jumped at the sudden voice as Spike hid instinctively and turned to see Sunset, of all people, walk up and cross her arms.
"Rodney Dvorchack, the new kid, hanging out with Flash Sentry, of all people, under the bleachers," Sunset pointed out.
"Hey Sunset," Flash said, slightly annoyed at her appearance.
Spike, still concealed from Sunset's view, made a shushing motion with his paw. Flash and I shared a concerned glance, but we both knew we had to keep Spike's talking ability under wraps, at least for now.
"Is this just a new kind of brooding spot or what?" Sunset asked with a quirked eyebrow, her tone playful but probing.
"What's it to you?" Flash countered.
"You know, Rodney, there are better places to hang out besides under the bleachers," Sunset told me. "This is usually where the pot heads come to avoid any prying eyes from the teachers."
"Just taking a breather, that's all," I deflected, trying to steer the conversation away from any further questioning. "It's been a long day."
Sunset nodded but didn't look entirely convinced. "Fair enough. Just watch yourselves."
Just then, Sunset got a call on her phone when her ringtone rang. She pulled out her phone and narrowed her eyes before forcing herself to answer.
"What do you want?" Sunset demanded. "None of your business! ...I don't care!"
Flash raised an eyebrow as Sunset's irritation filtered through the words she snapped into the phone. "You know, for someone who's supposedly watching out for us, you seem like you've got your own drama to deal with," he commented, his voice low but not unkind.
Sunset's expression softened for a split second before she stiffened up and turned her body slightly away from us, her voice taking on a tone of reluctant compliance. "Okay, okay, I'll be there. Just give me a minute," she said before hanging up and sighing heavily.
"Is everything ok, Sunset?" I asked.
"I'm fine..." Sunset said dismissively. "Sorry for bothering you two. See ya."
As I watched her walk away, I could tell that whoever called her made her very upset. It broke my heart a little seeing her act this way since I rather enjoyed our conversations together.
"I'm gonna head out, Flash," I said and walked in the same direction as Sunset.
"Oh, ok! See ya, man!" Flash called out to me.
I quickened my pace so I could catch up to Sunset. I followed her back to the school as she hung her head forward. The way she clenched her fist only confirms it for me that something was wrong.
"Sunset?" I reached out for her.
Sunset stopped in her tracks; surprise etched on her face. Slowly, she turned to look at me, and I could see the storm of emotions whirling in her eyes. "Yeah?" she replied, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability that she quickly masked with a forced smile.
"I just wanted to make sure you're okay," I said cautiously, aware that I was treading on potentially thin ice.
"I'm fine, Rodney, really," Sunset said.
"Sunset..." I said with a frown. "I know we don't know each other that well but you can trust me."
She paused, her eyes searching mine for a hint of insincerity. After a drawn-out moment, her shoulders slumped--defeated or perhaps comforted, I couldn't tell.
"You know, you're not like most others at this school," she said quietly. "You actually seem to care." She let out a dry laugh that held no real amusement.
"Is that so strange? To care about your friends?" I asked. Sunset looked at me for a moment, the corners of her mouth twitching as if she were about to smile, but it never fully formed.
"Friends, huh?" she mused. "I guess that's one way to put it." Her gaze drifted off to the side for a moment before snapping back to meet mine. There was a new intensity in her eyes, and her next words came out in a rush. "I'm caught up in something complicated, Rodney. And it's something I have to handle on my own."
My concern deepened at her admission. "Everyone needs help sometimes," I said gently, hoping to coax more out of her without pushing too hard.
"Maybe I'll take you up on that, but not now," Sunset said. "Thanks for caring though. It's sweet to know someone like you cares."
She offered me a brief, genuine smile that seemed to lighten the burden in her eyes for just a moment. "I'll remember that," she said before turning to walk away again. But this time, she walked with less of the weight that had previously dragged at her steps.
> Hoist The Colors
Chapter 6
3rd POV
SLAM!
Sunset pushed Blueblood against the lockers with a fiery glare that could most likely melt metal. Her anger had reached a boiling point while Blueblood kept his smug smirk plastered on his face.
"You got some balls threatening my friends, asshole!" Sunset seethed. "Gimmie a reason why I shouldn't add a black eye to that bandaged nose!"
"I'll give you a big reason" Blueblood spat out pushing Sunset off of him. "My Aunt, Principal Celestia, so lay one more hand on me again and you'll find yourself out of any school in this city"
"Good! I was getting tired of this entitled atmosphere of pricks who think they're hot shit because of the school they go to!" Sunset shot back. "And in case you misunderstood, I don't give a fuck who your aunts are! They probably hate you as much as the rest of us do!"
Blueblood's smirk faltered for a moment at her words, but he quickly recovered, pushing his golden hair back with a swagger. "Well, I don't care what you think. You're just some lowly commoner who doesn't understand how things work around here."
"Listen to you, thinking you're some kind of goddamn king," Sunset scoffed. "All you've done these past three years is cheat and blackmail anyone you don't like. You're pathetic!"
Blueblood's face turned a shade of red that rivaled Sunset's namesake. He clenched his fists, ready to land a punch, but Sunset was faster. She caught his incoming fist with one hand and twisted it behind his back.
"You're nothing but a spoiled brat," she spat, applying pressure until Blueblood winced in pain. "You think you can use your family's name to scare people into submission?"
"Then...if you won't follow my orders, I can always post that photo of little Ms. Rarity during freshman year!" Blueblood spat. This made Sunset pause. "Oh yes, I was there. Culinary class. All she had to do was follow the recipe. But ended up giving the teacher food poisoning. Nobody knew who did it, but I know because I watched her."
Sunset's gaze hardened, her eyes glinting with a mix of rage and fear. She had managed to keep Rarity's slip-up a secret all these years. It was the one blemish on their nearly spotless high school career.
"Oh, I see I've hit a nerve," Blueblood taunted, a malicious grin spreading across his face. "Or perhaps you're just discovering that you're not as untouchable as you thought."
"Keep. Rarity. Out of this!" Sunset seethed.
RRRRRRRIIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGG!!
The sound of the first morning bell rang as students began to pour into the school building.
The sudden influx of students caused Sunset to release her grip on Blueblood, who stumbled forward, gasping. He straightened up, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
"I'll see you after class...slave," Blueblood said with a cackle.
Sunset gritted her teeth hard and stormed off, unable to articulate her rage properly. As she marched towards her classroom, Sunset raised her fist and slammed it against a passing locker door. She didn't care if her hand hurt like hell. She was too enraged by Blueblood to care.
Rodney 1st POV
Another day, another class. Ms. Cheerilee was giving a lecture about the Committees of Correspondence. I glanced at Flash, and he had his head leaning on his hand as he tried not to fall asleep. When I looked over at Sunset next to me, I noticed her hanging her head over her desk and muttering something to herself. I frowned a little in pity since I could probably guess why she was so down in the dumps right now. No doubt it has something to do with Blueblood.
"Ooo! So, this is a classroom?"
The sudden voice caught me off guard when I looked down to see a small purple snout poking out from inside my backpack.
"What are you doing in my bag?!" I quietly shouted, forcing the dog back into my bag.
"Hey! Watch it!" Spike said, annoyed. "And to answer your question, I climbed inside when you went to the restroom. It's stuffy in here, you know."
I rolled my eyes at the petulant purple dog, keeping my voice as low as possible. "Well, you can't be here, Spike. This is a school, not a playground for pets."
"Hey! I'm not a pet!" he retorted indignantly. A quiet gasp left my lips when I remembered that we were in the middle of class and quickly glanced around to make sure nobody heard us.
Surprisingly, no one seemed to notice.
"Why can't they-?" I was about to ask.
"-hear me?" Spike finished. "Simple. You heard me talk in the Metaverse and are cognizant of my voice. They haven't. To them, all they can hear is low growls and light barking."
"What was that noise?" Cheerilee suddenly said when she paused from her lecture. "It sounds like some kind of dog."
Without thinking, I pushed Spike down and quickly zipped up my backpack.
"Uh, sorry miss! That was my stomach. Should've grabbed breakfast today," I lied hastily, with a sheepish grin on my face.
The class erupted in giggles as Cheerilee shook her head but continued on with her lecture.
As soon as all eyes were off me, I peered into my backpack to see Spike glaring at me indignantly. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry," I whispered in a hushed tone. "You just need to be quiet for now."
"And you need to stop shoving me around!" He retorted back, quietly enough that only I could hear him.
"Alright, deal," I agreed. I couldn't afford any more distractions.
"You think Sunset is ok?" Spike asked. "She seems pretty mad."
"Probably because of that phone call yesterday," I guessed. "And I can guess who called her."
"By the way, have you decided yet?" Spike asked me. "If you really want things to change for the better around here, this is the only way. Blueblood needs a change of heart."
"Look, I'm still not sure about it," I said to the dog. "You said there's a chance we could cause him some serious damage if things go south"
"Well, you better decide soon," Spike advised.
"Rodney," Cheerilee said to me, and I flinched when she eyed me suspiciously. "Since I hope you've been paying attention, can you repeat what I said about the Committees of Correspondence?"
"Uh..." I gulped. "They were committees formed in Massachusetts and other colonies in the Pre-Revolutionary period to keep Americans informed about British measures that would affect the colonies."
"Correct," Ms. Cheerilee said with a nod of her head before she continued the class discussion. I sighed with relief and slumped against my seat. A soft chuckle came from my backpack, and I quickly shot Spike a warning glare.
"You're lucky," he muttered quietly.
"Yeah, well, luck doesn't get us far without some hard work too," I murmured back.
Just then, the classroom door opened to reveal the girl I remembered was Rarity. Last I saw her during lunch period the other day, she looked quite vibrant and posh with a genuine smile. However, now she looked like she'd seen a ghost. She wore no makeup, her hair was barely touched up, and she seemed to drag her feet as she walked in.
"Rarity?" Cheerilee said with an arched brow. "You're a half hour late. That's unlike you."
"I...I'm really sorry, Ms. Cheerilee," Rarity stuttered, her normally confident voice a shaky whisper. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. "I...I overslept and..."
"That's alright, Rarity," Ms Cheerilee said gently. "Just try not to let it happen again."
Rarity gave a small nod but didn't make eye contact with her. As she walked to her desk, I could overhear some whispers and mutters from the other classmates.
"Is it true?"
"She kept it under the rug for years."
"How could anyone screw up that badly?"
"Maybe she did it on purpose?"
Rarity's face went pale, her eyes darted around nervously, avoiding the curious glares of her classmates. She took a deep breath and made a beeline for her seat at the back. As she walked by, I caught a glimpse of the visible sadness in her eyes. Sunset shot me a glance, her own eyes dark with worry.
The rest of class went on like usual and Sunset kept glancing back at Rarity out of concern. Once the bell finally rang for the next period, Sunset immediately approached Rarity. I was still packing my bag as I briefly overheard them.
"Rarity?" Sunset spoke.
"It...it was an accident..." Rarity muttered.
"What was?" Sunset asked.
"I never meant...to get the teacher sick..." Rarity said.
I watched the two of them out of the corner of my eye, with Spike just barely poking his snout out of my backpack so he could see as well. Rarity's face was as white as a sheet, and she looked like she was about to throw up any second now. I couldn't help but feel bad for her.
"Hey." Sunset's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I glanced over to see her looking at me with a serious expression. "Can you give us a moment?"
I quickly packed the rest of my bags and walked out of the room. However, the uneasy feeling in my gut told me that something very bad was about to go down.
It was now lunch period, and I sat with Spike as I ate my lunch. Neither of us had said a word the first five minutes until I saw Flash approach and sit down beside me.
"Hey..." I said before sipping my water.
"Hey man" Flash said, annoyed.
"What's eating you?" I asked, glancing at him. He just sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"It's just...what Spike told us the other day," Flash said. "I hate Blueblood, don't get me wrong. But I don't wanna do anything that'll end up risking killing him."
"Just how naïve are you?" Spike perked up as he poked his head out of my bag.
"Gah! The hell are you doing in there?!" Flash yelped.
"Quiet" I quietly shout at Flash. "He's been in my bag all day"
"It's as I told your curly-haired buddy over here," Spike said. "The longer you wait, the more damage Blueblood will do. And by the looks of it, he's already done it."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Flash wondered.
"Something happened to Rarity this morning," I informed my blue-haired friend. "She came in half an hour late; her hair was a mess, and she didn't have any makeup on either...and it looked like death warmed over her"
"Rarity? The fashion queen?" Flash exaggerated. "That's so unlike her. I know for a fact she gets up at least an hour early so she can beautify herself for the day."
"Well, this time she looked like she threw all of her usual morning routines out the window and overslept," I responded.
As we talked, I looked over to see Sunset and her friends sitting together at their table. However, Rarity was not with them. The uneasy feeling in my gut grew stronger as I started scanning the cafeteria for her.
"I wonder where Rarity is," I muttered, my eyes still scanning the bustling lunchroom. "I haven't seen her since...you know, this morning."
"Probably in the bathroom touching herself up," Flash guessed as he scarfed down his BLT sandwich.
"Hey...what's she doing?"
I overheard a student call out and saw he was pointing out of the window. Me and Flash followed where he was pointing and saw Rarity slowly making her way towards the street.
"Oh...shit!" I gasped and jumped out of my seat.
"Rarity!" Sunset shouted as she too jumped out of her seat.
Suddenly, Rarity, her head lowered and her face a mask of desolation, crossed the road, oblivious to the blaring horn of an oncoming vehicle. Time seemed to slow as everyone in the cafeteria made a mad dash for the door.
"Rarity!" Sunset cried again but her voice was lost in the cacophony of chaos.
Flash and I bolted out of the door with Sunset in tow as we screamed Rarity's name. Our screaming seemed to snap her out of her trance while the vehicle slammed on its brakes, but it was too late. The side mirror of the vehicle clipped her hard enough to send her flying a few feet and knock the wind out of her as she fell to the ground.
"RARITY!!" Sunset and her friends screamed in horror.
The crowd outside the school was hushed, shocked into silence by the sight of Rarity crumpled on the asphalt. The driver of the vehicle, clearly panicking, was frantically dialing on his phone. Sunset was the first to reach Rarity, her eyes wide with terror as she knelt beside her friend.
"Rarity, can you hear me?!" she pleaded, her voice trembling.
"Sunset...?" Rarity whimpered.
"Holy shit! What the hell were you thinking?!" Rainbow Dash barked.
"Somebody call a goddamn ambulance!" Applejack shouted at the crowd.
"Oh no...no no no no...!" Fluttershy wept hysterically.
"She's ok...sh-she's ok..." Pinkie Pie repeated as her hair strangely straightened out.
"What the hell...?" Flash said, unable to comprehend. "Rarity would never do this! She's way more level-headed than the rest of us!"
Meanwhile, I couldn't tear my gaze away from the girl lying on the ground in pain. Rarity didn't strike me as someone to just blatantly walk in the middle of the road without any reason whatsoever.
"He...what...?" Sunset spoke, eyes filled with shock and rising anger.
Before I knew it, Sunset balled her hands into fists and proceeded to sprint away from the crowd. From the look of it, she wanted to kill someone. Flash and I shared a glance and followed after her while her friends stayed behind to look after Rarity.
We followed Sunset as she stormed through the halls of the academy, ignoring calls from teachers and other students. She kicked open a door to a classroom and there he was, Blueblood, sitting at a desk with his feet propped up, looking as arrogant as ever.
"You!" Sunset gritted her teeth. "This is your fault!"
"Oh, look who it is," Blueblood said.
"You swore you wouldn't post that fucking picture of her! I did everything you asked!" Sunset screamed.
"Wait, what?" Flash spoke. "What picture?"
"Oh, you mean this one?" Blueblood lazily pulled out his phone, tapping a few times before turning the screen towards us.
The image was of Rarity putting some kind of powder in a mixing bowl. Her facial expression looked confident but also conflicted.
"Hmph, she should've known better than to put concentrated cinnamon powder in the batter when the teacher explicitly told everyone that he had an allergy to it," Blueblood mocked.
"You little bastard!" Sunset seethed. "I outta beat your fucking teeth out!"
"Leave some for me," Flash said, cracking his knuckles. "It's time we put this fucking creep in his place!"
Blueblood kept his confident smirk as Sunset and Flash advanced on him, which told me something was out of place. I quickly looked around the room to see one of the cabinets was cracked open and I caught a glimpse of the sheen of a camera lens. I acted as quickly as I could by running over to the cabinet and flinging the doors open to reveal his two lackeys, Snips and Snails, huddled together with Snails holding his phone up to record.
"Shit! Guys! Stop! We've been had!" I yelled at them.
WHAM!!
But it was too late. Sunset managed to land a clean sucker punch right into Blueblood's jaw, making him fall out of his chair and on his back.
Flash stood over Blueblood, his fists clenched, rage radiating from every pore. He was about to deliver a punch when my words seeped into his consciousness, and he froze mid-swing.
"Wait...What?" he turned to me, confusion clouding his anger. I pointed towards the cabinet where Snips and Snails were still filming on their phone. His face fell as he understood the trap they had walked into.
"Shit!" he cursed under his breath, taking a quick step back from Blueblood who was now groaning on the floor.
"And that should do it," Blueblood said through his pain as he stood up. Blood trickled out of the corner of his lip. "Did you send it?"
"Y-Yes!" Snails said and we heard a chime from Blueblood's phone.
"How unfortunate for the lot of you," Blueblood said. "Ganging up on Canterlot High's top student over a childish hatred? And to assault me not once, but twice? This won't hold well with the Principal and Vice-Principal."
"Shut up, Blueblood!" Sunset seethed, but the angry fire in her eyes was replaced by a spark of fear. "You've ruined everything."
"No," Blueblood smirked, tasting the blood on his lip with satisfaction. "You've done that all on your own."
Flash clenched his fists, taking a step forward before I held him back. He gave me a confused look, but I shook my head. We were in enough trouble already. But this little stunt has made one thing clear, the risk was worth the reward.
"And once I show this little video to my aunts, each and every one of you will receive a one-way ticket to expulsion!" Blueblood proclaimed. "I'll finally be rid of the two biggest thorns in my side, along with a new little thorn who couldn't seem to keep his head down like everyone else!"
"But isn't both Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna at that annual meeting that usually lasts like five days?" Snail said causing Blueblood to grow irritated
"So it would seem..." Blueblood said, annoyed. "No matter. I can wait." Blueblood straightened his clothes out and walked past us. "If I were you, I wouldn't try to assault me any more than you already have. I may be inclined to just send this video to them before they return. But until then, enjoy your last fleeting days of high school while you can. See you later, losers! I look forward to seeing you all get expelled!"
With a satisfied sneer, Blueblood pranced out of the classroom, leaving behind a deafening silence. Snips and Snails, wary of getting involved further, shuffled out, camera still in hand. The door slammed shut with a resounding bang.
Sunset slumped against a desk, her face pale. Flash was silent, his hands clenched so tight his knuckles turned white. The room felt heavy with regret and impending doom.
"I can't believe it," he whispered. "That bastard played us like a fiddle."
"And we fell for it," I muttered, feeling a mix of guilt and anger boiling within me. "Flash, let's go."
"What's the point! We're finished!" Flash argued. "Once again, he is a step ahead of us!"
"No, he doesn't!" I shot back, hoping Flash would catch on. "You know he doesn't."
"What do you mean? Of course... Oh..." Flash said before things clicked in his mind.
"Moron," Spike said from inside my bag
"Hey," Sunset spoke up when she looked at us. "What are you two plotting?"
"Nothing," Flash said as he quickly pulled me out of the room but not before punching my bag.
"So, I take it you two have made a decision?" Spike asked as we stood under the bleachers.
"Beyond a doubt," I said with conviction.
"After What he's done," Flash echoed, his face serious. "We're done playing by his rules."
"You guys are aware of the risk, right?" Spike asked the two of us.
"Don't think any risk matters anymore," I said. "He needs to be stopped one way or another."
"So, I was right."
I snapped my head to the sudden voice behind us to see Sunset staring there with her arms crossed.
"You two are plotting something," Sunset said. "And it's against Blueblood."
"You misheard!" Flash called out. "This is something completely different"
She shot Flash a disbelieving look. "Cut the crap, Flash. You're a terrible liar."
"Oh, I'm a terrible liar?" Flash argued and got in her face.
"Flash, not the time," I tried to say.
"Sunset Shimmer, always wanting to be the good guy," Flash spat. "Where exactly were you when Blueblood framed me, huh?!"
"I was..." Sunset faltered, her anger morphing into guilt. "I was-!"
"You were nowhere," Flash cut her off, his voice icy cold. "You let me take the fall all alone."
"We didn't leave you! You just...kept pushing us away!" Sunset snapped. "What did you expect us to do?! Push back?! He already had dirt on all of us!"
"And that gives you an excuse?!" Flash retorted and turned his back on while pulling his phone out. "You should just go be with Rarity and the others! They matter more to you anyway!"
"Wait, Flash! Don't use it yet!" I cried.
Unfortunately, I was too late as Flash had already activated the Meta-Nav, the world around us distorted and twisted, reality rippling like a disturbed pond. Gone was the usual school and in its place was the gilded palace belonging to Blueblood, Flash let out a breath of relief.
"Should have done that sooner" Flash muttered under his breath, a resolute look taking over.
"What! The! Hell!" Sunset shouted as she looked around. "Where are we?"
It was at this point Flash realized his fuck up and spun around.
"Shit! Why didn't you leave?!" Flash barked.
Sunset flinched at us as if she didn't recognize us through our outfits but then quickly realized who we were.
"Flash?! Is that you?" Sunset said looking over Flash's clothes. "Why are you dressed like Clint Eastwood?"
"You too?" Flash groaned.
"And...you're Rodney!" Sunset pointed at me.
"Guilty," I said, holding my hand up.
"You look like Arsene Lupin," Sunset said.
"I'll take that as a compliment," I shrugged.
"So, can someone tell me where the hell I am?!" Sunset asked.
"I'm afraid we can't do that," Spike said as he walked towards Sunset. "You being here could jeopardize our plan
"Is that a dragon?" Sunset asked, causing me to look at her slightly confused.
"Uh..." I looked at Flash as if telling him to think of something to throw her off.
"It's a stuffed animal!" Flash yelled and grabbed Spike before giving him a tight squeeze. Spike's eyes bulged out along with his tongue while wheezing due to the air literally being choked out of him. "See?! He talks when you give him a squeeze!"
Sunset narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "You expect me to believe that? Come on, I'm not an idiot."
Flash and I exchanged a look before releasing Spike, who coughed and gasped for air.
"Are you trying to kill me?!" Spike hissed at Flash.
"Sunset, we don't exactly have time to explain," I said. "We need to get you out of here now."
"But how did I even get here? And how am I supposed to leave?" Sunset was visibly dismayed, her eyes darting around as she took in the grandeur of the palace.
Flash moved closer, a serious look on his face. "I made a mistake. I didn't mean to pull you into this. We'll get you out, but you can't ask any questions right now."
"Hey!" Sunset tried to protest as Flash grabbed her arm.
I watched him push the Meta-Nav on his phone again and he disappeared. After about a minute, he came back while scratching the back of his head.
"This will get a little complicated once we return," I warned.
"Yeah, well that's then, this is now" Flash said heading towards the secret passage. "Let's steal this bastard's treasure"
"He's right," Spike said following after Flash. "We've got a job to do, so let's focus on that"
"Fine, Flash" I say following behind. "We'll worry about Sunset later"
"Oh, that reminds me," Spike said, turning to look at me. "We need Codenames"
"Codenames? What, like James Bond?" Flash asked.
"I don't know how that is, but I know that doesn't sound like a codename," Spike said. "Besides, since we're thieves breaking into a palace to steal something precious, don't you think having a codename would be the smart thing to do?"
"Well, when you put it like that," I said with a shrug.
"I'm glad you see it my way, Joker," Spike said to me.
"Um...you talking to me?" I asked.
"Yeah, who else would I be talking to?" Spike retorted. "Joker, that's your codename from now on."
"Joker?" I echoed, slightly taken aback by the sudden designation. It didn't exactly scream stealth or subterfuge. "You serious?"
"Absolutely," Spike replied, without missing a beat. "You're our Wild Card. It suits you."
Ignoring my obvious bewilderment, he turned to Flash. "And you'll be Brute."
"Normally, I'd agree with you due to his brutish, ape nature, but that'd be too on the nose," I snickered, much to Flash's annoyance. "How about something more matching his style?" I crossed my arms in thought until it hit me. "How about...Outlaw?" I suggested. "Law for short. Because you're dressed like a gunslinger."
"Hey, that's pretty good!" Flash acknowledged with a smirk. "Now we need one for you," Flash said, pointing at Spike, as he began to think. "How about Lizard?"
"I am not a Lizard, you brainless oaf!" Spike shouted at western-dressed teen.
"Fine, then how about Mutt?!" Flash shouted back. Spike looked like he was gonna rip Flash to shreds.
"Drake!" I shout trying to get the two from fighting any further.
"Drake?" They both said to me.
"Duh?" I said about the obvious name.
"Drake...yeah...yeah, I like it!" Spike said with a satisfied smile. "I shall henceforth be known as Drake!"
"Yippie for you," Flash rolled his eyes. "So, how are we doing it this time? Any idea where this treasure thing is? There even a map of the place we can use?"
"Well, I've been mapping out the castle based on where we've been," Spike said, lifting his arm to show a band with a round gem around his wrist.
To my surprise, a light began to shine projecting an incomplete map of the castle.
"But something like this can only get us so far," Spike said, looking over the map. "We need to find a proper map."
"Then let's get to work," I said.
The others nodded and we squeezed through the hole from before to enter the palace. Drake and Law followed close behind as we stuck to the shadows while retracing some steps from our prior visit and avoided any unnecessary confrontations. We soon made it back to the main foyer where Law had awakened. I held my hand up for them to stop and we hid behind some pillars. Dozens of guards stood at attention while Shadow Blueblood stood at the top of the steps to address them.
"Look at them all..." Law gulped.
"Yeah...that's the most guards I've seen in one place," Drake said.
"And there's Blueblood" I point out as we all hear Blueblood's voice.
"Those idiotic intruders the other day were quite annoying, However I refuse to allow peasant trash to ransack my pristine castle," Blueblood said as he adjusted his clothes. "Strengthen the security! Kill on Sight! I'll reward whoever brings me their heads."
"Praise to King Blueblood!"
"Death to the Intruders!"
"I'm getting sick and tired of hearing that prick's voice" Flash whispered before looking towards Drake. "Hey Drake, can't we just beat the crap out of them and beat the info out of Blueblood?"
"And risk getting swarmed? Use that thick skull for once in your life!" Drake chastised Law. "Come on, we'll just find another way around them."
"He's right, we can't take them all on. It's suicide," I said in agreement.
We quietly stepped away and backtracked the way we came. Along the way, I noticed a door on the other side of a corridor we turned the corner on and a guard had his back turned against us.
"Hey, you wanna try getting the upper hand on him?" Drake asked me.
"The upper hand? How?" I wondered.
"Jump on his back and rip off that mask of his! It'll leave him discombobulated," Drake instructed. "Trust me. It'll work wonders for our advantage."
"Discon-what?" Flash asked, causing Spike to groan.
"How are you in high school?" Drake complained. "Let me dumb it down for you, rip off the mask and stun them."
"Why didn't you just say that?" Flash said.
"You're an idiot," Spike grumbled under his breath.
I kept low to the ground as I snuck up behind the guard. Before he could turn around, I jumped as high as I could onto his shoulders, reached over his head and grabbed his mask.
"Let's see who you really are," I said aloud and ripped off the mask before backflipping and landing perfectly onto the ground.
The armor crumbled and transformed into shadows, coalescing into a single point. The darkness then took the shape of a petite woman, clad in a vibrant blue bodysuit that accentuated her curves, with darker blue accents on her legs resembling thigh-high boots. Her crimson hair was styled in a dramatic updo that fell across one side of her face. Despite being no taller than my shin, her skin had a pale, almost radiant quality to it. Delicate wings shimmered behind her back; their ethereal blue-green hue reminiscent of gossamer fabric
"What the?! Where am I?!" The little pixie girl cried in a distorted voice.
"This is new," I said as I held my cane-sword in my hand.
"It's actually pretty common," Drake explained as he kept his eyes locked onto the shadow. "Shadows are beings born from people's hearts, so naturally they can talk. In other words, you can communicate with them."
"Who cares? Let's just waste it already!" Law said while aiming his revolvers.
"Ease up, Law, I wanna try something," I said. I took a step towards the Pixie with my cane-sword still in hand. "Hey...you ok?"
The shadow blinked in surprise at my question, her large eyes flickering with confusion. "I...I don't know," she replied, her voice softer than a whisper. "Are you going to kill me?"
"No, of course not," I tried saying. "We're actually lost. Like you."
"You are...?" The Pixie;s voice trailed off. She looked utterly lost and vulnerable. "I...I can't remember anything."
"You were part of King Blueblood's forces," Drake spoke up, his tone surprisingly gentle.
"King...Blueblood?" she echoed, her small frame trembling slightly. "That name sounds...familiar."
"Hey, it's ok," I reassured her. "He won't hurt you, and neither will I. You got nothing to worry about."
"You're so nice" the Shadow said with a blush on her cheeks before her eyes widened. "I r-remember now!" The fairy-like shadow said in realization. "I don't belong to King Blueblood...I'm an existence that drifts about in the sea of humanity's souls!"
The shadow's wings buzzed as she floated to meet my eyes. "My real name is Pixie!" The Shadow, now known as Pixie, said with a triumphant smile. "I Am Thou, Thou Art I! From now on, I'll live inside your heart!"
Pixie began to glow brightly, forcing us to shield our eyes from the light. Once the light faded, I looked where Pixie was and found a floating card in her place. It was a card similar to the one I use to summon my persona. Slowly, the card drifted into my hand. On the card I saw the image of Pixie, marking her acceptance of her new place in my heart. There was a serene sense of calm that washed over me as I held the card.
"What the heck?!" Drake cried in astonishment. "Did that shadow just become part of your heart?!"
"That was so trippy, man!" Law said. "Who knew you had a way with words!"
"I'm...honestly surprised myself," I said as I looked at the card. I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out Hercule's card. "Now I have two of them..."
"Hey!" We all jumped at the sudden voice and spun around to see another guard charging at us. "All trespassers are to be executed on sight! By order of his majesty, King Blueblood!"
The guard erupted into shadow before reforming into a Bicorn, I wasted no time in crushing the Pixie card.
"Pixie!" I shout summoning the former shadow. "Do your thing!"
On my command, Pixie manifested beside me with a bright smile. She then winked at the Bicorn and blew a kiss from her finger, sending an electric shock at the Bicorn. The attack forced the Bicorn to its knees and was convulsing every so often.
"Sweet! You owned that shadow!" Law cheered.
"It's not over yet," Drake said, drawing his second dagger. "All together now!"
"H-Hold it!" We all froze in place when the Bicorn began to speak. "Not so fast, sonny! I got somethin' to say before you tear me to shreds!"
"Then start talking!" Law demanded.
"Now, why you gotta be so rude!" The Bicorn grumbled. "Can't ya see I'm literally on my knees?! Kids these days got no respect for their elders."
"Enough with the theatrics," I demanded, "What do you want to say?"
"I reckon y'all are King Blueblood's enemies. If that's the case, I'd sure like to lend my aid," it said slowly, its voice quivering at the prospect of betrayal.
"You may look honest, but your voice betrays you," I said, twirling my cane-sword in my hand. "If you thought you could fool us, you thought wrong. Let him have it, boys!"
Without waiting for further command, Law and Drake leapt into action. Law's revolvers thundered in the tight space, while Drake slashed a flurry of attacks with his daggers.
I finished it off with an elegant slash of my sword before landing back on my feet and the shadow blew up in dark smoke.
"Woo! That was some tight teamwork!" Law cheered.
"Not bad for our first all-out attack," Drake agreed while flipping his dagger.
From the area where the Bicorn once stood, two cards laid on the floor and twinkled a bit. I walked over to the cards as I sheathed my sword and picked them up.
"What are these?" I say looking at the cards. "More persona cards?"
"No, those are Treasure and Healing cards," Drake explained, reaching into his pockets before pulling out a few of his own. "I can't really say what the treasure cards do, but the Healing cards provide healing effects to either one or all members of the group."
"Well, whatever they are, I'm sure they'll be of use to us," I said and tucked them in my coat. "Let's move on."
As we continued our trek through the castle, we surveyed everything in our path and the interior around us. It was as if everywhere we walked there was not a single thing that didn't glorify Blueblood from the carpet on the floor to the drapes on the windows. Along the way, we managed to dispatch more shadows who got in our way. I was also kinda getting the hang of it, thanks to Drake's coordination and our teamwork. I even managed to acquire another persona card called Silky. Kinda creepy and depressing at first but it ended up being quite useful in combat. Eventually, our skulking around led us to a corridor that had large paintings on the wall of girls dressed in extravagant clothing worshiping Blueblood. At the end was a set of solid gold double doors.
"Man..." Law said. placing his hand on the bars cutting us off from the hall. "There is something seriously messed up about this hall"
"Ignore it for now," Drake advised. "Not like we can get into it."
"Right," I said, nodding. "Let's keep moving forward."
Just then, we heard multiple footsteps coming our way. I signaled the guys to take cover and hide. We each took cover behind any statues or furniture in the corridor. A squad of guards marched past us and one of them opened the barred corridor with a key.
"Let's hurry! His majesty wants us present for the execution of the trespasser!" One guard said.
Trespasser? I thought and glanced at my teammates, to which they just shrugged.
"What about the other intruders that are still on the loose in the castle?" Another asked.
"King Blueblood is planning to use her to lure them out," the first guard said. "He plans to set her aflame to match that fiery hair of hers."
Both Law and I looked at each other with wide eyes as we both mouthed the same word.
Sunset!
"Sunset..." I whispered, horrified. "We have to save her."
Drake and Law nodded determinedly. We waited until the guards walked further before revealing ourselves.
"Let's follow them," Drake suggested, motioning towards the receding guards. "Maybe they'll lead us to Sunset."
While keeping a safe distance from them, we followed the guards through the double doors after they opened them as well. As soon as they did, we heard loud screaming from within.
"GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF ME! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO YOU'RE MESSING WITH!"
"Yep," Law said with a mix of relief and concern. "That's definitely Sunset."
"We need to move, now," Drake ordered, quickening his pace. We tried to match his speed as we raced in the direction of the screams. I tightened my grip on my cane-sword, a chill running down my spine. I couldn't let anything happen to Sunset.
The moment we entered the room, my cheeks flushed as I saw the majority if not the entire female student body dressed in provocative clothes or just plain naked, some of them making out with each other or...doing other stuff.
"What the Fuck!?" I shout.
"Fucking Pig!" Flash shouted as his grip tightened around his pistol. "I knew I was going to hate seeing this"
"Oh, lord Blueblood~. We admire you so much~."
"Use us~. We are nothing compared to you~."
"We are mere steppingstones for your greatness~."
"Is this how he sees the girls of the school?" I asked, also disgusted. "He thinks that they worship the steps he walks?"
"Hey! Look over there!" Drake said, pointing to a group of guards across the room.
Through the writhing mass of bodies, we saw a group of guards clustered in one corner of the room, their attention focused on something obscured from our view. The three of us moved ahead, silkily weaving through the oblivious crowd.
Then we heard her voice again, louder this time, screeching in fury above the noise of the crowd. "I said get off me! I swear I'll-!" Her words were abruptly cut off as she was silenced by one of the guards.
"Enough," he spat venomously. "His majesty doesn't need to hear your pitiful threats."
"To think this worm was the Intruder," Blueblood said, annoyed. "Though I'm positive I could have some fun with her before I kill her"
"Clear a path!" I ordered.
All three of us summoned our Personas and blasted a few guards out of the way. Once we had a clear opening, we saw none other than Sunset chained to the floor in golden handcuffs.
"Sunset!" I shouted as the guards turned to me and the others.
"You three again!" King Blueblood shouted in frustration. "I was just about to start enjoying myself"
"What's going on Blueblood!" Sunset demanded as she struggled against her restraints.
"Let her go, Blueblood!" I demand
The false king just signs. "I guess I'll get my fun somewhere else" Blueblood said ignoring me before turning to some of his guards. "Once you kill them, send Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to my chambers." The prick then looked directly at us as he licked his lips. "Time to see if they are as good as their sisters."
"You bastard!" Outlaw shouted as he prepared to throw his tomahawk.
However, he stopped when a pair of swords crossed around Sunset's neck.
"One more step, and they'll slit her throat," Blueblood, his voice echoing ominously around the room.
"What are you doing here, Sunset?" I ask the bound teen.
"I was protecting my friend!" Sunset barked.
"Like how you were protecting that ingrate over there?" Blueblood pressed, gesturing to Outlaw. "Or when you keep trying to protect your other friends when all you do is just make things worse for them. But no, you just always want to stick your nose where it doesn't belong. Did it ever occur to you that not everyone has forgotten what happened when you quite literally almost destroyed the school?" Blueblood leaned in with a sickening grin. "Face it. You're nothing and will always be nothing. Only I deserve to be at the pinnacle of perfection."
I watched as Sunset looked crestfallen and hung her head. Tears seeped out of her eyes as she tried to find the words to argue but they died in her throat.
"It's just one thing after another..." Sunset muttered. "Ever since I came here. Nothing has gone right for me. I have friends, but now one of them is badly hurt because of me. It's like...everything I touch turns to shit..."
"Don't talk like that!" I shouted in protest. "No one is perfect, Sunset! No one! Not you, not even me, and especially not Blueblood! Sure, we screw up every once in a while, but that's what makes us human! You did everything you could to keep Rarity from trouble, but this prick couldn't help himself! He's a lying sociopath who put himself on a pedestal of lies and deceit! Don't let him tell you who and what you are!"
"She didn't do everything," Blueblood laughed. "She didn't stop Rarity from meeting me"
Sunset's eyes widened hearing this. "You're lying," she spat back, but there was a tremble in her voice that betrayed her fear.
"Oh, am I?" Blueblood purred, smirking as he stepped forward. "She came to me and offered me anything as long as I delete the photo and delete my post" he drawled, watching her reaction closely. "I didn't do much, just explored her body, and treated her like the whore she was."
Sunset dropped her head as Blueblood laughed, my blood was on the verge from boiling to going volcanic.
"Such a shame such a beauty walked right into oncoming traffic," Blueblood sneered with a smug grin on his face. "Maybe I'll pay her a visit when she gets better."
"Bastard..." Law said, reaching for his pistol.
"Shut Up...!" Sunset growled through her gritted teeth.
"It's a shame, really, I wanted to flaunt her as my new beautiful girlfriend to the school like a trophy wife when all she really was my personal whore!" Blueblood cackled maniacally.
"I SAID SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU FUCKING PIG!" Sunset screamed in pure anger and rage. "I AM SICK AND TIRED OF YOU TOYING WITH ME, YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
Sunset 1st POV
I widened my eyes, my head began to pound like a Cherokee war drum, screams of pain left my throat as I started thrashing around. It felt like my head was on fire, and my vision blurred as searing pain shot through my skull.
"Well now, what've we here?"
A rough feminine voice with a distinct Irish lilt echoes in my mind.
"Took ye long enough to wake up, didn't it?"
The voice continues as I scream in pain.
"Tell me, darlin', are ye really goin' to let this gobshite of an imposter have his way? If ye do, who'll be avengin' what happened to yer lass? They've branded ye a monster, love, so why not show this eejit what a real banshee looks like?"
The voice lilts, dark and tempting.
"I Am Thou, Thou Art I! Let's hear ye speak our oath, me fierce avenger! That's the cry of yer true self, locked away in the depths of yer heart, demandin' justice!"
The voice declares with a wicked laugh.
"...you're right...Anne..." I growled in defiance. A small plume of flames flickered across my face and a mask with a ribbon tied to the side appeared.
"With yer fiery spirit and me relentless fury, we'll sail as one crew as ye hoist the colors!"
The voice crows with fierce determination as the restraints holding me are torn off by an unseen force.
"Let's pillage and plunder the Seven Seas, and show 'em the power of a true Plunderer!!"
I wasted no time in grabbing the mask on my face, and with one swift, decisive motion, ripped it off. A blinding light erupted from the mask as searing pain lanced through me once again.
Rodney 1st POV
It honestly shouldn't be this surprising at this point. However, things could not have gotten more unpredictable than they already have. Not even a minute ago, Sunset was screaming her lungs out and now a familiar plume of blue flames erupted from where she once was chained down. The sound of chains rattled in the air and hovering over the knights was an image of a woman dressed in some kind of pirate getup with long pink braided hair, black coat that was open in the front to show off her stomach and generous bust, a necklace with a cross hung around her neck, and she carried a huge-ass sword on her back.
As the blue flames of awakening dissipate, Sunset Shimmer stands transformed, her new attire exuding an aura of swashbuckling rebellion.
A grand tricorn hat adorns her head, its deep navy blue accented with intricate gold trim and a flourish of exotic feathers. Her fiery red hair cascades from beneath it in wild dreadlocks, framing her face with untamed spirit.
Her torso is clad in a regal teal captain's coat, its edges embellished with golden buttons and braiding. Beneath, a frilled white shirt peeks out, hinting at refinement beneath her roguish exterior.
A series of belts crisscross her waist, each laden with pouches and holders for her phantom thief tools. A vibrant crimson sash adds a splash of defiant color, tied off at her hip. Nestled securely in her belt are three ornate flintlock pistols, their polished handles gleaming with deadly promise. At her left hip, a pirate cutlass hangs in its scabbard, its hilt adorned with intricate metalwork that catches the light. Her legs are encased in form-fitting black breeches, tucked into high burgundy boots that speak of both practicality and flair.
As she takes her stance, Sunset's hands hover near her weapons - the sheathed cutlass and the pistols at her belt - ready for action at a moment's notice. A smirk plays across her lips, her entire demeanor radiating confidence and danger in equal measure.
"Time to do what I was meant to," Sunset proclaimed as a glow shone in her eyes. "Let's show them who I really am! Anne Bonnie!"
Several of the guards were lifted off the ground, their bodies rendered weightless under her power. They flailed helplessly as they were tossed this way and that, crashing into each other and the cold hard floor beneath. Sunset's eyes glowed with an ethereal light; her gaze hardened by righteous fury.
"You think your silver spoon makes you superior? You think the rules don't apply to you?" Sunset spat out, her voice echoing ominously around the room.
"How dare you?!" Blueblood shouted out of fear and defiance. "I'll show you! Guards! Get in here already and deal with this!"
Several guards emerged from the shadows, merging together to form a massive, dark figure.
As the black veil of shadow disappeared, a powerful demon was revealed. His purple skin rippled with muscles, and curved horns protruded from his head. A long tail with an arrow-shaped tip swished behind him. His sharp-toothed grimace, pointed ears, and glowing orange eyes added to his intimidating appearance. The unexpected addition of a white beard gave him an even more fearsome look. Gold bands adorned his muscular arms, which ended in sharp claws.
"What the hell is that?" Flash shouted in shock.
"Don't matter!" I spoke. "We gotta take it down together! Flash! Run interference! Spike! With me on frontal assault! Sunset! Use your power to keep it subdued so we can chip away at it!"
Flash responded to my orders by aiming his six-shooters at the monster and firing while his persona did the same with his own firearms. The two worked in tandem to keep it busy while Spike and I unleashed a flurry of attacks combining my sword swipes and him flinging his daggers. When the shadow attempted to strike us with either its tail or its massive hands, Sunset and her persona used their psychokinetic powers to push it back.
Meanwhile, the demon roared, its voice echoing through the cavernous lair. The walls trembled with the intensity of his anger. But the team wasn't deterred. Flash's bullets were finding their mark, leaving gory holes in the demon's purple hide. Spike was a whirlwind of deadly blades; his daggers spun through the air, slicing into the demon's flesh with deadly precision. And Sunset, her face a mask of determination, held her arms outstretched, exerting her psychokinetic power to keep the monstrous demon at bay.
Suddenly, the shadow's eyes glowed red and it used its right hand to point at Flash. Black beams of dark power fired at Flash, making him duck out of the way. At the same time, the shadow's tail whipped around and swung at Sunset. I jumped as hard as I could towards her and managed to push her out of the way just before the tail cracked at the floor where she stood.
"You ok?" I asked her.
She nodded, panting slightly. "Yeah, thanks."
Sunset swiftly pulled one of her pistols from her waist and fired off a shot that hit the demon square in the eye. The creature roared in pain; its sight momentarily blinded. Seizing the chance, Flash and Spike amped up their assault.
"Together!" Spike said and Flash nodded. "Maragi!"
"Magaru!" Flash also cried, and their personas unleashed a wave of combined wind and fire magic.
The fury of their combined magical assault was an overwhelming spectacle. The tempest of fire and wind engulfed the demon, causing it to reel back in shock, its roar shaking the foundation of its lair. Its claws flail wildly, scraping against the rocky walls, sending sparks and shards flying in all directions.
"Sunset! Gimmie some air!" I said to Sunset.
Sunset used her psychic abilities and lifted Me into the air, hovering just above the tumultuous fray. Pulling out my Desert Eagle, I took aim at the demon's flaming eye. The gun felt heavy in my hand, steadying my nerves. I squeezed the trigger. The bullet flew straight and true, piercing the demon's other eye, causing a monstrous bellow to echo through the castle walls.
"NOW! WHILE IT'S BLIND! ATTACK TOGETHER!" I yelled as Hercule and I lunged at it with my friends in tow.
Our combined attacks consisted of magic, melee weapons, and firearms all bombarding the shadow. The shadow was helpless as it roared in pure agony. Once it felt like it had enough, we all jumped back, and I adjusted my hat on my head before all the damage made it explode into a shadowy cloud.
"Show's over," I said confidently.
With the battle over, and everything calmed down. We allowed ourselves a moment to breathe, the adrenaline from the fight still coursing through our veins. I soon saw Sunset about to collapse from exhaustion, but I rushed over and caught her before she fell.
"Woah, hey!" I said as she looked like she was gonna pass out. "Easy there, Sunset, I got you."
She gave me a weary smile as she leaned into me. "Thanks, Rodney."
As I let Sunset lean on me, Flash and Spike regrouped with us.
"Man, that was crazy!" Flash said. "Now Sunset's got a persona? Who'd've thought!"
"Not me, of course," I said.
"We should get going," Sunset said. "That little shit scampered off while we were fighting."
"Easy there," Spike said. "Sunset, was it? Going after Blueblood wouldn't be wise right now. Especially since you just awakened. You're in no condition to do anything at the moment."
I nodded in agreement, patting Sunset's shoulder reassuringly. "Spike's right. We need to regroup and heal up. We'll find that rat Blueblood when we're good and ready."
Sunset seemed reluctant to oblige but she nodded in agreement, nonetheless. I helped her over my shoulder as we then retraced our way out of the castle before returning to the real world.
"And that's pretty much everything that's happened so far before you came along," I said after spending the next hour explaining everything. We were all sitting under the bleachers as Sunset was processing it all.
"And here I thought turning into a raging She-Demon was the weirdest thing that'll happen to me," Sunset murmured, shaking her head in disbelief.
I gave her a lopsided grin, "Well, welcome to the club, Sunset. Now you know what we've been dealing with."
"At least this isn't the first weird phenomenon I've had to deal with," Sunset said. "So, this plan of yours. A change of heart? Will it really make Blueblood confess everything from his own mouth?"
"That's what we're aiming for," Spike clarified their plan. "However, there's always a possibility that things could go wrong and end up killing him."
"...then so be it," Sunset said in an unsettling dark tone.
"Sunset?" I spoke, calling her out. "Look, I know you're angry." She looked at me sharply, but didn't interrupt. "We all are. But, we're not murderers."
"I never said we were," Sunset countered fiercely. "But if that's the price for justice then...I'm willing to pay it."
There was a silence amongst us before Flash spoke up.
"Well, regardless, we're on the clock here," he said. "Tomorrow, we're going back in. This time with extra muscle. So, make sure you're all prepared."
"Agreed," I nodded solemnly, locked in the gravity of our situation. "We should head home and rest. Tomorrow, we face the beast again." |
Shadowbolts Adventures: Choices | pre | ***
"I think... you're doing a good job here, Miss Glimmer." Sugarcoat spoke with an honest nod of her head. "If Crystal Prep has shown me anything, it's the worst in people. One person in particular..." Sugarcoat's mind seemed to clear slightly as her eyes met Starlight Glimmer's again. "A student named Sunset Shimmer."
"Ah." Starlight leaned back in her seat with a wistful sigh. "I'm sorry you had to inherit that particular problem."
"She's been a huge problem for me and my friends for a while now. In fact... we kind of came here hoping to learn more about her, or what we can do with her."
"I wish I had an answer for you, but some people just can't be saved or reasoned with." Starlight Glimmer cocked her head with a sad smile. "I did everything I could to show her the error of her ways. But it looks like she's found a place she truly belongs." A slight smirk tugged at her cheek. "Good for her, I suppose."
"Yeah, she does seem to fit right in there..."
"And you don't, if you don't mind my saying so." Starlight gave her a smile. "You seem way too intelligent to waste your time dealing with the rat-race of Crystal Preparatory Academy."
"I admit I had the same thought, just now."
"And our doors are open to you as a school, even if you don't intend to live here."
"Thank you..." Sugarcoat shook her head. "But such a decision shouldn't be made in a day. After all, I still have my education to think about... and how it'll affect my future."
"We may not have Crystal Prep's reputation, but we do all we can to give the best education. Of course, I wouldn't ask you to make such a decision now." Starlight Glimmer stood and approached Sugarcoat. "Would you like to join your friend in her tour of the grounds?"
"I think that would be fine, yes. Thank you for your time." Sugarcoat shook Starlight Glimmer's hand, but paused at the door before opening it. "If I may ask... did you know how intelligent Sunset Shimmer really is?"
"It didn't matter." Starlight Glimmer shook her head. "She dedicated all of that intelligence to pursuing her own ego. That doesn't help anybody, even herself, in the long run."
"Perhaps..." Sugarcoat opened the door and emerged out into the hallway leading to the front entrance.
"She has no doubt taken your friend to one of the rec rooms down the hallway there." Starlight pointed down the hallway leading deeper into the mansion.
"Thanks." Sugarcoat waved back at the school headmistress again before heading the indicated direction. She made her way down the much longer hallway, passing several rooms of lounging boys and girls until she spotted Indigo's head bobbing up and down in a pool surrounding by other girls, who were all chattering excitedly. Sugarcoat watched from the door in amusement for a couple of moments. The girls were drilling Indigo with questions about her experiences outside the school.
"Is it true the boys at other schools don't shower?"
"I've never done a sniff test, but I'm pretty sure that's true for some of them... okay most of them."
Sugarcoat cackled. "I see it took you all of fifteen minutes of being left alone to get your clothes off, Indigo Zap."
"Oh har har." Indigo rolled her eyes. "I was just checking out the place. Turns out it's kind of nice."
"Well I've always thought so." Night Glider smiled up at Sugarcoat. "Would you like to join us, too?"
"I don't have anywhere to be. If you have a spare swimsuit, I could hang around for a while. Besides, you've already coaxed my ride home in there with you."
"Hey, you could always walk home if you're that desperate to leave." Indigo smirked.
"Or I could steal your keys and drive home myself. That's also an option."
"Touch my ride without permission and I will eat your kidneys."
So Sugarcoat joined the girls in the pool, wearing a swimsuit borrowed from one of Night Glider's friends. It was an amicable soak in a well-kept pool, and was pretty good exercise too, Sugarcoat knew. Things only got awkward when Indigo Zap tried to suggest a race, a suggestion that was quickly shut down by Night Glider and her friends. It seemed those who lived here didn't appreciate any sort of competition, no matter how nonexistent the stakes.
"Competing doesn't serve anybody any good," Night Glider admonished her in a soft, but firm voice. "Your ego won't help others, your compassion will."
"That's... uh... deep." Indigo smiled sheepishly.
It wasn't much longer after that when Sugarcoat and Indigo Zap decided it was time to go, and Night Glider showed them to the front doors after gathering up their belongings from her room. She turned towards them with a warm smile. "I hope you can both come back soon. We're always happy to see new friends come in and learn about us."
"Yeah, we just might do that." Sugarcoat pulled her friend into a hug with a friendly smile, which seemed to delight the smaller girl. "I'll see you around."
"Take care!" Night Glider was waving them off until they reached the car and took off down the street. they had spent most of the day hanging out with Night Glider and her companions, until the sun had fallen halfway behind the horizon. Sugarcoat and Indigo Zap were both pretty relaxed, moreso perhaps than they had any right to be for a couple of girls on a mission of the utmost importance. This was for the good of their future, after all.
"So what's your impression of them?" Sugarcoat asked curiously. "Honestly."
"Honestly, they seem a little weird, but not in a bad way." Indigo shrugged. "Sour Sweet and Pinkie Pie are way weirder than them."
"Hm. Yeah, you have a point."
"Did Miss Glimmer have anything to say about Sunset Shimmer?"
"Just that she would never listen to anything she said."
"So, what we probably could've guessed." Indigo smirked. "What now?"
Sugarcoat shrugged as she stared out the window of her car, watching the terrain pass on their way back home. "I am curious about something... but it'll have to wait for tomorrow." ***
The next day Sugarcoat approached Twilight Sparkle's front door with her hands behind her back. Twilight always had a way of making sense of things that made no sense to the rest of them, so perhaps she could give Sugarcoat some perspective on this particular issue as well. Plus the non-evil Sunset Shimmer could usually be found hanging around. With any luck she could provide a little extra insight into what she wanted to know.
Twilight's response was swift. Only moments after Sugarcoat's knock the door swung open and Twilight's eyes sparkled with pleasant recognition behind her thick glasses. "Sugarcoat! This is a pleasant surprise! Come in!"
"Thank you." Sugarcoat stepped inside. As she had expected, Sunset Shimmer was parked on the couch with Spike the talking dog sitting in her lap. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"No way, I was just psyching myself up for our camping trip next week." Twilight blushed. "With Sunset's help, of course. I've never actually gone camping before."
"I told you it'll be fine." Sunset smiled from the couch. "If Principal Celestia says that Camp Everfree is a nice place, I'm sure it's a nice place."
"Just make sure you don't get eaten by any bears while you're there," Sugarcoat scolded her. "If you get eaten it should be by something fun. Like a cougar." She looked back and forth between Sunset and Twilight's blank, but slightly amused stares. Twilight had a soft rosey blush on her cheeks. "I swear I didn't mean it like that before I said it but this is the path I've chosen for myself, evidently."
Twilight giggled and closed the door behind her. "Settle in, I'll get you a drink." Twilight turned to head into the kitchen.
"Thank you." Sugarcoat moved to sit beside Sunset, who had Spike curled up in her lap with a small picture book sitting on her knees. "What are you doing there?"
"I'm helping Spike learn to read." Sunset scratched the little puppy behind the ears.
"I'm gonna be literate!" Spike stuck out his furry chest proudly.
"That's... really decent of you, Sunset Shimmer."
"I try to help out where I can." Sunset waved off the compliment with a soft blush. "Got a lot to make up for."
"Could I ask you kind of a personal question, Sunset?"
"Ask away."
"Why are you a good person?" The awkward silence that followed didn't deter Sugarcoat from her chosen path. "I've been trying to figure out what to do about our Sunset Shimmer, but everything I find out leads me to think she's just naturally selfish to the exclusion of all others. Were you ever like that?"
"Yes, I was."
"So what changed?"
The silence reigned for several more seconds before Twilight walked in, holding a small mug of tea out to Sugarcoat, which she accepted with a murmur. "I've never heard this story either." Twilight sat down on the couch on Sunset's right side. "You don't have to tell the story, if you don't want to."
"It's alright." Sunset Shimmer took a deep breath. "If it'll help in any way, I'll tell you about where I come from and the things I did. It's just the past, after all."
Sunset Shimmer told them about what happened back in her homeworld of Equestria, and the events that led her here, to their world. Of how she demanded more and more power, of her obsession with proving her worth and superiority. The more she spoke, the easier it was for Sugarcoat to see the second Sunset Shimmer in her. The girl Sunset Shimmer described, the braggart loner with few interests beyond her own superiority, slotted so easily into the role of the girl Starlight Glimmer had spoken of. As Sunset Shimmer reached the end of her tale, where she was welcomed with open arms by the girls of Canterlot High, that was where the girl sitting before her suddenly seemed to take shape.
"It was a heck of an experience, I can tell you that." Sunset glanced to her right, where Twilight was holding her hand in a tight, comforting grip. "I guess sometimes you have to see the monster you're becoming the hard way..."
"Do you think you could have changed without that experience?"
"I honestly don't know." Sunset met Sugarcoat's eyes with a helpless shrug. "I can't say what she's been through or what she really thinks. Maybe she already did and it didn't help. Maybe she never will..."
"I see." Sugarcoat put her hand to her chin. "If things had happened differently for you, do you think you would have been hopeless?"
"Sugarcoat!" Twilight protested suddenly. "Come on, that's just mean."
"It's okay, Twi." Sunset squeezed Twilight's hand as she met Sugarcoat's eyes. There was a solemnity in them that Sugarcoat had rarely seen from her before. "If you want me to be completely honest? Yes. If my friends hadn't reached out to me, and pulled me back... I probably would have kept going. Who knows where I would have ended up. That was why, even after the portal opened again, I decided to stay here permanently. I need my friends to remind me why I need to try to be good."
Sugarcoat nodded slowly, then stood up from the couch and shoved her hands in her vest pockets. "Thank you, Sunset. I think that helps me quite a bit."
"Don't mention it. I hope you finally take care of your problem with... well, me." Sunset smirked.
"Yeah, me too." Sugarcoat waved and turned to walk outside, closing the door softly behind her.
As her legs carried her down the sidewalk, her mind slowly compiled this new information with what she had learned already. From Sunset Shimmer, from Night Glider, from Starlight Glimmer, and even from Zecora. That reading that night had started all of this, after all... and yet something she said that night wasn't quite fitting with what Sunset Shimmer had told her. She knew taking a fortune teller at her word was probably a mistake, but she liked to keep all of her bases covered, and fake or not, the woman had sounded very wise.
The Youth Club was only a couple of blocks from Twilight Sparkle's place. It was largely empty at this time of day, and she was sad to see that the neon sign above Zecora's door at the end of the back hallway was dark. So Sugarcoat made her way to the bar and leaned against the counter.
"Hey, do you know when the fortune teller gets in?" Sugarcoat jerked her thumb towards the back.
It wasn't the bartender who responded. "I start in about an hour, but I'm always happy to help a child in need." Sugarcoat turned around to see Zecora standing between her and the front door. She was clad in a pair of normal blue jeans and a black t-shirt, a total contrast to the fancy garb she wore when she was in the back.
"If you start in an hour... did you... know I would be looking for you now?"
Zecora smirked. "I can't say I did. Even I need a paycheck." Zecora approached the counter and reached out a hand to pluck a small envelope the bartender held out to her. She opened it, glanced inside, then nodded in satisfaction and slid it into one of her pockets.
"Ah." Sugarcoat shook her head. "I hate to make you work off the clock, but I just felt like I needed to ask you something."
"Ask away, I say." Zecora slid onto the barseat beside her.
Sugarcoat quickly sat down beside her. "When I came to see you the other day... you talked about choices. That choices are what shape our lives..."
"Did I?" Zecora asked curiously. "I don't believe that was what I said."
"You said my choice would shape my heart..."
"Yes, and it would." Zecora nodded. "I didn't say choices were the only things that could shape us."
"What else can?"
"Life." Zecora rapped one of her fingers on the wooden countertop as she flashed Sugarcoat a smile over her shoulder. "From the greatest act of God to the smallest coincidence, anything can change our lives. Other people, holes in the ground, a stapler, a sheet of paper left in the wrong place can change everything forever."
"Then why put so much emphasis on this choice?"
"Because it's up to you what choice to make here... as with everything else." Zecora nodded. "All of your choices shape who you are... but they are rarely the catalysts of change themselves. Very few people can simply choose to change, you choose how to respond to life, and that changes you."
"Life constantly provides choices that create change. Then... what you told me was pointless. If we're constantly running into reasons to make choices that change us, then telling me I'd have to choose how to change was like telling me I'd have to breathe."
Zecora pursed her lips with a nod. "That's one way to look at it." She smiled slyly. "But it made you think about your life and the choices you were making, didn't it?"
Sugarcoat stared at her incredulously, then couldn't help a soft chuckle that crept out of her lips. "I suppose it did. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately."
"That's good. Too few young people think anymore about what their actions might bring upon themselves and others."
"If I may ask one more thing... do you think there's a point of no return?" Sugarcoat glanced over at her companion solemnly. "A point where you've chosen your path and can't choose anything else, no matter what happens? Where changing becomes impossible?"
Zecora took a deep breath and seemed to be seriously considering that for several long minutes. At last she let her breath out in one long rush of air and turned towards her. "If there is, I've never seen it." ***
Sugarcoat's path was decided by the time she marched through the hallways of Crystal Prep towards the lunch room. As she pushed through the large double-doors, she immediately caught sight of her friends occupying the table on the far side of the room. The rest of the table was empty, as per usual. Cinch's hit out on them, combined with their general weirdness compared to the rest of school, had them sitting alone during lunch most days. Of course, they weren't the only ones. Sunset Shimmer had a table almost entirely to herself, and those who were sitting at the table were sitting as far from her as physically possible. Sitting with Cinch's grumpy lapdog was almost as bad as sitting with Cinch's sworn enemies.
Sugarcoat made her way through the cafeteria line, gathered up her food, and made her way towards her friends. She didn't sit, however, instead hovering behind Indigo for a moment.
"I need you to spot for me. I'm about to do something stupid."
Indigo looked back over her shoulder with a look of exasperation. "Oh boy, what is it this time?"
"Be ready to save my life." Sugarcoat marched away from her friends' table to the other empty table, moving across from Sunset Shimmer to plop down her tray and slide into the seat right in front of her. Sunset's eyes snapped up from her food to regard her in incredulous shock, but Sugarcoat didn't respond while she twisted the top off of her milk.
"Have you gone completely stupid?" Sunset Shimmer demanded.
"That's debatable."
"We hate each other."
"That's just not true."
"Oh really?"
"I don't hate you, and you don't know me." Sugarcoat poked her fork at Sunset pointedly before spearing a couple of green beans on the end of it and shoveling them into her mouth. She had swallowed in the stunned silence before continuing. "I've been looking into you since you started preying on us, and I've come across some interesting details."
"Am I supposed to be impressed by what a great spy you are?" Sunset sneered. "Stay out of my personal life, and you can stay away from my friends while you're at it."
"I think I have most of the relevant details I need to put together where you've been and what you've done. Growing up in Starlight Glimmer's Beacon Of Hope, going wild, being kicked out, and being taken in by Cinch in return for being her lackey." Sugarcoat ignored her. She shoveled up a forkful of corn to chew and swallow before continuing. "What I need from you is reasons, and a couple of time gaps filled in."
Sunset was visibly shaking by now, her face beet red. "And why would I tell you anything?"
"That's just it, you have no reason to. Except that I'm asking you to." Sugarcoat met Sunset's eyes for the first time since sitting down. Sunset was glaring death at her, but there was an awkward uncertainty hidden somewhere far underneath. "I always suspected Cinch was controlling you. Now I know she is. What I don't know is how complicit you've been in all the things that you've done. Did you hate it? Or did you like it?"
"You have gone completely stupid." Sunset Shimmer stood up.
"A friend of ours almost died when you took Sour Sweet's medicine, you know."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Sunset Shimmer turned to march away from the table.
"I'll be under a tree on the north side of the park until six PM after school." Sugarcoat's parting words went ignored as Sunset Shimmer plopped down at another table, which was quickly vacated by most of the students, who all somehow finished their lunches at once.
With a sigh Sugarcoat lifted her tray and walked back to her friends to sit down beside Sunny Flare. Four pairs of eyes fixed on her in absolute shock as she began to dig into her lunch again.
Sour Sweet was the one who broke the silence. "What. The. F-" ***
Sugarcoat's pencil scribbled across the sheets of the open notebook in front of her, writing almost as fast as her brain could conjure the images. Images of foxes and rabbits going on adventures together, sharing sharp-witted quips and beating all odds. She was always honest about the things she did... aside from this particular passion of hers. There was no reason anybody needed to know, and even she had her limits. Making her life more difficult for no reason simply didn't sound appealing.
"Okay, so you got me curious enough to come." Sugarcoat blinked at the sound of a familiar voice and lifted her gaze from her notebook. At first she thought it was her friend, this world's Sunset Shimmer looked so much like her outside of her school uniform. Aside from the scowl on her lips, anyway. "Stand up."
"Excuse me?"
"Stand up." Sunset Shimmer made an upward gesture with her palm.
Sugarcoat stood up curiously, and soon felt herself being patted down by Sunset's rough hands. Sugarcoat raised her eyebrow as the hands ran up and down her torso and legs, as if searching for signs of a concealed weapon or wire. She even lifted her skirt and the bottom of her shirt. "I never knew you felt this way about me. At least buy me dinner first."
"Shut up." Sunset released her once she was satisfied that she was clean. "If you're not trying to get a recorded confession out of me, what exactly do you want?"
"Exactly what I said." Sugarcoat sat back down and patted the grass beside her. "Answers."
"You get three questions." Sunset Shimmer sat down stiffly with her back against the tree trunk, folding her legs in front of her and smoothing her school skirt down around her knees. "But afterwards you have to answer some of mine."
"It's only fair." Sugarcoat didn't take her eyes off of Sunset Shimmer. "What happened between the time Starlight Glimmer kicked you out of the orphanage to the time you ended up in Cinch's care?"
"No room for Genie-style perversions of your questions, is there?"
"I pride myself on being concise."
"And just so we're clear, nothing said here changes anything. I'm not giving up on my path for the sake of 'friendship' or whatever. I've got stuff I need to do."
"I said nothing of the sort. I just want to understand what turned you into this thing sitting beside me."
"You know, that kind of attitude won't make me more inclined to talk."
"I expect you to tell me the truth. I'm just giving you the same courtesy."
"Touche'." Sunset Shimmer leaned back against the tree, resting the back of her head against her cupped hands and letting one leg cross comfortably over the other. "So, what all have you managed to dig up on me anyway? How good are you at sleuthing?"
"I know Starlight Glimmer kicked you out of her orphanage, and you're staying with Cinch now."
"And you want the whole story, huh? I'm not much of a storyteller, and it's not very long anyway..."
"I lived in Starlight Glimmer's Beacon of Hope for almost as long as I could remember. Dad died when I was young, mom died when I was eight, so I ended up in an orphanage. I freaking hated it there. Everyone was nice to me, and Starlight Glimmer herself was always gentle when I was doing what she told me... but man, something about that place always rubbed me the wrong way. I was a little bookworm dreamer I guess. Always reading, always wondering, always looking forward to the things I knew I could do..."
"But it was like every time I started really getting into something, Miss Glimmer would try to pull me back... to hold me down. If I tried to get hold of anything she didn't approve of, she would take it and yell at me. I wanted to get out, I wanted to see everything, I wanted to learn and do great things, I knew I could do it, but she did everything she could to stop me. She yelled, she took my stuff, she grounded me, she hit me, but man, screw her! I was on a mission to make the most of my potential... and after a while, I guess pissing her off just became part of my mission."
"I even got into shoplifting. Not because I couldn't afford the stuff, but because I liked seeing the look on her face when I showed up with the cops. It was worth every punishment. Honestly I always thought her threats about putting me out on the street were hot air... guess the joke was on me. She actually dragged me out of the swimming pool on my eighteenth birthday, gave me an hour to gather up my things, and kicked me out onto the curb."
Sunset Shimmer shrugged carelessly and kicked her foot into the air, though Sugarcoat could see the tension in her face at the fairly recent memory. "No point in lying, I was freaking out of my mind. I had nowhere to go. I was sleeping on the street, begging for food, looking for a job nobody was offering, the whole shebang. For two whole weeks I kept that up, spending my nights in my sleeping bag in the alleys between buildings. I was cold, I was hungry, and... yeah, I was scared."
Sunset Shimmer was staring up at the fiery orange sky as she spoke. "I don't know why Dean Cadence noticed me in particular. I also don't know why Principal Cinch actually seemed to recognize me when Dean Cadence took me to meet her, but it was like she knew right away how smart I was. It was kind of freaky, but no way was I gonna turn down an offer to get off the street and get back on the road to a future that doesn't end in six diseases. Cinch lets me crash at her place, provides for me, and gives me a chance to get my education back on track. In exchange... well, I guess you know what she wants from me."
"Us." Sugarcoat nodded. "She wants you to torment us out of Crystal Prep, along with using your intelligence to boost Crystal Prep's reputation."
"What did you do to piss her off so much?"
"It's a long story. Suffice it to say we didn't uphold Crystal Prep's reputation as well as she would have liked."
"She really, really hates you."
"I suspected as much, ever since the Sour Sweet incident."
Sunset glanced down, then back up at the clouds. "I'm not apologizing, if you're trying to goad it out of me. I'm doing what I have to, here."
"You're not the one who needs to apologize. If anything I think things would have been worse if someone without a conscience had been the one to do it." Sugarcoat glanced over at her. "What are your plans after high school?"
"College. Somewhere far from here." Sunset nodded firmly. "I got the grades for a scholarship, just gotta ride out the rest of the year without ticking off Principal Cinch, and I can get the heck out of this whole situation."
"Yes, that's been our strategy so far as well." Sugarcoat nodded. "Bet it would make your job easier if we did transfer, though."
"Honestly, I don't care if you stay or not." Sunset shrugged. "That's Cinch's grudge. If you stay through the torture, hey, good for you, I guess."
"Would you still be saying that if Indigo Zap got her hands on you?"
Sunset Shimmer just smirked in response. "You know she's not around right now. I could totally take you."
"Yeah, yeah. Do you miss your friends at Starlight Glimmer's Beacon of Hope?"
"Friend. Singular." Sunset sighed. "And yeah, of course I do. Also that's four questions out of you. I get four, now."
"Technically you already asked one earlier."
"Psh, whatever. Why are you still at Crystal Prep? What the heck are you trying to prove?"
"That's two questions."
"Pick one."
Sugarcoat cackled. "One answer? We want to be able to say we graduated from there. On a personal note? I want to know that I didn't run away from this crap. Maybe it's stupid, maybe it's petty, but if I ran away from some underhanded school bully jerk, no matter what kind of dangerous crap she pulls, how could I put up with any kind of professional environment where things will probably be a lot worse? No offense."
Sunset shrugged. "Don't care. What's the deal with you and Night Glider? Are you just messing with her head to get to me or something?"
"That's two questions again."
"Just answer me! If you hurt her I will make this personal!"
Sugarcoat raised her hands defensively. "No, I'm not messing with her head just to get to you. I started talking to her for that reason, but she ended up being a cool girl. I think we could be very good friends, if Starlight Glimmer lets us keep talking."
"Well that would put you one step ahead of me." Sunset huffed. "She has to sneak out to see me."
"Yeah, I gathered that. Starlight Glimmer must hate you too."
"I never did march to her stupid beat." Sunset's teeth were grinding in barely contained rage. "I deserved more, I can be more! There's nothing I can't do if I just have a chance!"
"With your grades? You may be right..." Sugarcoat looked down at the grass thoughtfully. "You're a smart girl, Sunset. You didn't need someone trying to tell you not to be."
"Well... thank you." Sunset almost seemed taken aback by the agreement. "I've... never had anyone say that before."
"I call it as I see it." Sugarcoat was still staring at the grass with the wheels in her head turning."And I think I do see it. Thank you." Sugarcoat stood up from the grass and turned to leave.
"Uh... you're welcome?" Sunset stammered for a moment, then shook her head and jumped to her feet behind Sugarcoat. "You realize this doesn't change anything between us."
"Oh come on." Sugarcoat glanced back over her shoulder. "We were doing so good about being honest with each other, are you going to go and ruin that now?"
"What, you think I'm gonna throw away my livelihood and my future just to go easy on you now?"
"No." Sugarcoat met Sunset's gaze with confidence. "I didn't say you'd stop being a jerk to us. But that doesn't mean things aren't different, and you know it." Sunset just stared at her in silence, for once backing down with her mouth closed into a thin line. "See you around."
Satisfied, Sugarcoat turned to leave her writing tree with her notebook resting in the crook of her arm. Her mind was whirling even as she walked, and by the time she made it home, she knew what she was going to do... ***
Starlight Glimmer's Beacon Of Hope was quiet the following weekend, but looked more friendly than before as Sugarcoat climbed out of Indigo's car to approach the sidewalk. Perhaps being inside and chatting with the occupants had taken away some of the creepiness. Familiarity bred comfort, after all. Especially with Indigo Zap by her side, Sugarcoat wasn't nervous at all about coming to visit her new friends. Indigo had even been eager to come.
"Who can say no to an indoor swimming pool? Seriously." Indigo had exclaimed when asked to accompany her.
Night Glider opened the door to greet them with a wide smile and stepped aside. "Come on in! We've been waiting for you!"
"Thank you." Sugarcoat smiled as she and her friend stepped inside.
"I am so ready for a soak after the week we've had." Indigo Zap stretched with a loud groan and the popping of several joints. "Just point me to the pool!"
"Of course!" Night Glider giggled. "Come on, you can both change in my room."
"Ah, Sugarcoat!" Starlight Glimmer emerged from her office with a bright smile and open arms. "It's wonderful to see you back."
Sugarcoat nodded. "Thank you. It's nice to come spend some time with my new friends."
"And their pool," Indigo added hastily.
"I hope we'll be seeing a lot more of you both in the future." Starlight Glimmer was beaming. "If you wish to transfer here, I've already prepared the necessary paperwork."
Sugarcoat held up one hand. "That won't be necessary. I've already decided against it."
"Really?" Starlight's smile faltered. "I'm sorry to hear that. May I ask why? I can see how unhappy you are at Crystal Prep."
"Because I'm not sure things would actually improve here. You're a lot like Principal Cinch."
"Pardon me?" Starlight frowned. Night Glider and Indigo gave Sugarcoat stunned glares that almost pleaded for silence, but Sugarcoat wasn't one to not speak her mind.
"You're an extremist, just like her. You exist on the other side of the coin but at the end of the day you coddle those who share you view of the world and damn those who don't. And me? Well, Crystal Prep may not be perfect, but at least I won't be scolded for trying my hardest, there."
"Ahehehe..." Indigo gripped Sugarcoat's shoulders from behind tightly, hissing into her ear through clenched teeth. "Indoor pool, Sugarcoat!"
"If we lose access to it, then so be it."
Starlight shook her head with a sigh. "If this is about Sunset Shimmer, I assure you I did everything in my power to help her! She simply wouldn't allow me to, she couldn't get over her obsession with being the best. Principal Cinch would never have cared about her at all."
"No, she wouldn't, on a personal level. But from what Sunset says, you didn't really care about her either." Sugarcoat shrugged. "From what I heard, you cared about making her like you. You tried and tried to beat her into line because you thought it would be best for her, but that's not what she needed from you. You're right that people living in harmony keep the world peaceful, but it's people like her... like me... who change the world. Sunset Shimmer is brilliant, with her mind and her drive to accomplish, she could cure diseases, create new technologies, make the world a safer and better place... she just needed someone to guide her in the right direction, not repress her. Everyone is different, and you didn't like that. You failed her, Starlight Glimmer, not the other way around."
Night Glider was shaking in her plain slacks as her eyes whipped back and forth between Sugarcoat and her headmistress. Starlight Glimmer's face wavered between anger, surprise, and hurt. Sugarcoat's face was as calm as her voice, a statement of simple fact rather than an accusation.
When the silence reigned for more than five minutes Sugarcoat continued. "I understand if you want us to leave and not come back." Indigo groaned as if stabbed in the gut.
Starlight's eyes were piercing by now, but not in an angry way. She glanced over at her terrified pupil, then met Sugarcoat's gaze once again. "You've made a friend in my student... and I'll let you see her as long as you respect the house and the beliefs of those within it."
"Of course." Sugarcoat casually adjusted her glasses. "I only answered because you asked."
Night Glider nearly fainted in relief as Starlight Glimmer straightened up. "I hope you enjoy your time here." Her motions were stiff as she turned to march back into her office. The door lock clicked behind her.
"Don't do that to me!" Indigo clutched her chest with one hand.
"Why did you say those things?" Night Glider asked. "Do you... really believe them? Sunset Shimmer is my friend but I've always seen her as... believed she was..."
"I believe everything I said." Sugarcoat turned towards Night Glider. "And it's up to you to decide what you believe. No matter what I say, and no matter what Starlight Glimmer says."
Night Glider gulped with a slow nod. "Y-yeah, I understand..."
"Well, since you barely avoided getting us kicked out, it's pool time!" Indigo leapt towards the back ahead of her two companions.
Night Glider giggled. "Be honest. Is she just using us for our pool or something?"
"You'll grow on her." Sugarcoat slipped a comfortable arm around Night Glider's shoulders and walked into the back with her. "The rest of us did, no matter how different we were." |
Survivor Shy | pre | A Dragon roared across the mountains behind me. Normally, I would be startled by the sound, sometimes scared. But now the sound was only worrying enough to bring me out of my sleepless dreams. My eyes slid back into focus and stared off ahead, following the occasional beam of light flickering from my Element. The beam always shone in one direction, toward a place I somehow knew I needed to go. I didn't feel ready to move just yet. Instead, I brought my focus closer to where I was, and slowly examined the rolling hills and tall wild grass around me.
The Free Lands: a place that Dragons now claimed as part of their own territory. I had heard of this place a few times before in my life. Old stories about the Three Pony Tribes often mentioned how their old home became this place - after the Windigos moved on. It was also a setting Rainbow Dash chose for an adventure story she wanted to write. Nopony really knew the truth about The Free Lands, however, because of whom had owned it for over a dozen centuries.
I gazed at the natural, unmarked landscape. Maybe they only use the airspace above it. I pondered, because I can't see any burnt trees or claw marks here.
Even the disaster that had swept through Equestria, and possibly beyond, had taken no effect here. But without any ponies here in the first place, not since the three Pony Tribes evacuated the land and founded Equestria thousands of years ago, there was nothing for that horrible spell to change. The Free Lands had been abandoned, leaving whatever cities and history to crumble away and meld with the ground, and be overrun by the forests or seized by the Dragons. Equestria surely faced the same fate, now. I didn't want to believe it, but it lingered in my mind all the time, and plagued my nightmares when I'd allow myself to sleep.
Still, this place was remarkably beautiful and peaceful. The rain carried a gentle and steady rhythm, helping to hide the sounds of nocturnal wildlife that I was lucky to notice. The Free Lands had grown to live up to its namesake. Damp, rich soil dirtied my hooves. Shades of green rose and dipped with the gentle hills. The cloud cover, while bleak and grey, had cracks all over it, allowing the dawn to peek through and turn some of the thinner clouds into beacons of golden light. The Free Lands had grown and built itself from the remains of a dead era, it was how nature worked - I of all ponies understood that. But... This couldn't be the future for Equestria. This couldn't be the end of ponies. There had to still be hope.
I had been spared from that massive spell for a reason, either through fate, or some fatal mistake, I didn't disappear like my friends did. No matter how little I thought of myself now, a part of me felt obliged to try and not waste the chance I had been given.
Flickering beams snapped me from my walking dreams, directing my vision through the rainfall to a distant forest. My Element wanted to show me something, but even so, I had never seen any of the Elements of Harmony act like this. From strange glows to distorted whispers and visions, I wondered if the Elements were the even same ones from before the Event, or if the megaspell had found a way to tarnish them as it swept over Equestria. I couldn't be sure. And honestly, I didn't want to think about it.
A loud grumble lumbered over my head, bringing my attention to the thunderclouds rolling in from the east. Cold water peppered my face, and I shut my eyes for a moment to let the rain rinse off my matted mane and fur. The wind moaned and blew through the grass whipping around my legs, and the thunder drowned out the growing voices inside my head.
Finally, my eardrums quietly popped as the outside world broke through. All my thoughts fled and sealed themselves away, and were quickly replaced by cool air and every sound and sight to be had. I was awake, frightened, and in pain. It was still better than being trapped inside my head.
Another Dragon roared far behind me, jabbing something sharp into my flanks to get me moving again. I staggered forwards through the waving grass. My shoulders creaked and popped in the first awkward steps, and I made longer strides to stretch and warm up the rest of my stiff joints. My wings unfurled and flexed, and I flapped them gently to loosen them. This was no weather for being outside, but the open expanse of the plains left me no choice but to press on, along with the fear of dragons chasing my ankles.
"You have to focus," I said aloud. "No more thinking about... bad things. Y-you can do this."
Narrowing my gaze through the wall of rain, I could just about see the edge of a forest. My wings kicked up and lifted my heavy hooves off the ground. I tucked my legs in and leant towards the headwind, pushing my way through the storm on the promise that I could be hidden and dry in just a few more minutes.
"All that matters..." my voice panted, "is finding shelter. Don't think about anything else, Fluttershy. You can do it."
My wings sluggishly beat down with as much strength as that had left, but I was getting closer to trees. I could do it. I could find shelter, I could find food, I could... I could keep trying. Every day was a different day; every day saw things edge closer and closer. As long as I kept moving forward, nothing could catch up to me.
The edge of the forest opened up its arms up to me, and through the bitter cold rain I could see the trees waving and beckoning me to huddle among them. For once, in spite of the thunderstorm, I felt safe where I was. I drifted a few dozen feet into the forest until there no room for my outstretched wings, and I clumsily hopped onto the forest floor and slumped down against a tree. I closed my eyes, awkwardly yawning between grunts and throbbing aches.
The Element of Kindness glowed gently, but did not send out another beam of light. There was no doubt that I hadn't reached what the necklace wanted me to see, but it didn't want to push me any further. I slid off the treetrunk and curled up on the grass.
"I did it." I murmured, ignoring the warm droplets falling down my face.
The deafening roar of a beast bellowed above, shaking me from much-needed sleep. I leapt onto my hooves and looked up through the branches of a tree I was under, expecting to see the shape of a furious Dragon in the clear sky. It was much worse than that, there were dozens of Dragons! Flying and circling around, their roars making the trees shake in fear and the ground shudder. I couldn't move. I was frozen in place no matter how much my legs wobbled to set them loose.
They were searching for me, weren't they? They were soon going to find me! I had to find somewhere else to hide, before they started to tear the forest apart to catch me. But the sight of so many Dragons at once was paralyzing, and their chorus of throaty cries pushed me further and further down until I was lying flat on the grass, cowering beside a tree trunk.
Suddenly, the circling creatures banked and swung around, changing their direction and aligning themselves toward the jagged mountains that were now far away in the horizon. Moments later, many more Dragons appeared and raced across the sky after them, their bodies casting numerous shadows on the ground as they each passed. What was going on? What were they doing?
If my subconscious was screaming in terror, I couldn't hear it over the roars and my own heart thudding in my eardrums, because I dared myself to take a peek from the top of a tree. Dragons were meant to be sleeping in caves with their treasures, or terrorising ponies and burning towns down to get more loot. What was happening in the sky didn't match up to either of those. I had to know what it was.
I opened my stiff wings and forced them to lift me into a tree. I clambered up among the leaves and branches until my head cautiously rose out from the canopy. High in the sky were dozens of Dragons of all shapes and sizes. They were flying together, all heading towards where I had come from. Some were spitting flames randomly into the blue sky, while others rolled and dived carelessly among their own kind. Together, they formed a long and twisting chain of countless Dragons that stretched for miles across.
So this was what a Dragon migration looked like.
An amber-tinted Dragon passed over in a low fly by, narrowly missing the treetops and somehow not catching sight of me. Seconds later, a strong gust of wind chased after it, blowing the trees side-to-side and almost knocking me from my perch. I clung onto the branch I sat on until the swaying stopped.
Okay, that was enough of that.
Moments later, my hooves landed on the soft grass down under the cover of the forest. The line of Dragons would take a while to pass over, so I decided to keep in the shade of the trees, out of sight. Even with shaky legs trying to dive into the nearest bush, and restless ears constantly searching to place every sound's location, I had to keep going and follow where the Element of Kindness was leading me.
Dragon migrations are supposed to be quite a number of years apart, which was part of the reason why Rainbow Dash and Twilight wanted me to watch the last one. And though I knew what event had motivated the Dragons to congregate so soon, I didn't want to give it even a flicker of attention. Instead I pushed it away, cramming it into a mounting pile of other dangerous thoughts. This was not the time to face any of it, nor would there ever be. I had one thing to do - one thing that I knew I could do right now: follow the path my Element laid out for me. After that, maybe I could find the missing Elements or at least try. Maybe... But Equestria was a long way away now, what if I didn't feel ready to turn back? What if I didn't want to go back? I didn't have a home to go back to anymore, and those I used to care for had either disappeared or left me. If I somehow found the Elements and did this one last favour for my friends, all I would have left is Equestria -- and that too was fading away.
Shivers ran up and down my spine. Dangerous thoughts: got to avoid dangerous thoughts.
I looked down at my Element, and followed where its thin beams of light were pointing. It was leading me towards the base of a cliff with a waterfall raining down from it. As I drew nearer to it, the light shifted upward, pointing to the top. I unfurled my wings once more, but before I lifted off the ground, a Dragon soared out over the cliff, raining rocks and dirt down onto my head. My wings snapped shut, and I didn't argue with them: maybe now would be a good time to take a break in the shade.
I found a large tree to sit underneath and rummaged through my saddlebags. I pulled out my canteen and hung it over my necklace, and gave myself the last of the water it had left. Thankfully, I was near water and could refill both of my canteens, but I would have to wait for the Dragons to pass before I could work up the nerve. I searched one bag for food, but all I found was a book, a rolled-up map, and few loose sticky bandages from a first aid kit. Searching through the other satchel revealed even less, with the only scraps of food being a few berries amongst some shards of coloured glass and an empty matchbox. A large hole had opened in the seams of the satchel, making me frown and run my hoof over the gap. The small amount of fruit I had gathered was long gone now, and I didn't have any medical supplies either. My chin raised and I followed the waterfall up the cliff face, settling on the blue sky framed between the cliff edge and lip of the tree's canopy. Two dragons flicked in and out of view, flying with the rest of the migration.
It doesn't matter, I assured. There's grass, there's water, maybe berries; it does not matter at all.
"Everything will be okay." I murmured automatically.
My eyes drifted from cloud to cloud, hopping from each formless and fluffy vessel. The sun peeked out from a straggling raincloud, shining down on the land with a slight amount of warmth in the crisp air. I mumbled to myself that it was likely mid-afternoon already, and let my mind wander up in the sky and down toward the horizon. Something made me do a double-take, and I rubbed my eyes to be sure it really was there. My head tipped to the side in a moment of confusion.
The moon? How is it still up there? D-did it rise early? It's only midday--
I was forgetting something and I lowered my gaze to the ground in shame. Like everypony else, the Princesses were gone, too. And without them the sun and moon were left to move themselves alone. And while the night sky usually saw the moon leave early nowadays, it was strange to see it in the daytime. It made sense, I just... I just never expected to have to understand it, much less see it for myself.
I dried my eyes with my foreleg, and slid my eyelids closed. I needed to stay calm and not let myself give up; I needed to keep my promise. No matter what I was going to bring my friends together again - whether this journey to the Free Lands worked out or not. I had to hang in there, for their sake and my own.
The clouds and dragons in the sky drifted by at their leisure, and I quietly unpacked my sewing kit in the shade to repair the hole in my saddlebag while I waited for travel to become safe again.
It was a long time until the last few stragglers flew over, and by the time I felt it was okay to carry on again I could see the orange glow of dusk and streaks of lilac clouds in the atmosphere. A gentle breeze swept through the woods, beckoning me to the river. I pushed myself onto my hooves and walked to the water's edge, craning my neck down to submerge the canteen around my neck in the fresh water. The corners of my mouth turned upwards when bubbles rose to the surface, popping loudly as the canteen thirstily drank in the cold water. The sound somehow brought me comfort, reminding me of some of my animal friends at the end of a summer's day. Maybe I would find them when I got back to Equestria, after I had done everything else I could do for the rest of my friends. Maybe I wouldn't be alone. Maybe...
Raindrops started to fall into the river, but only when I looked up into the sky did I feel the tears glide down my face. A gentle sigh escaped me, and I brushed my cheeks with my left hoof and twisted the cap for my canteen back on. The grass quietly parted ways as I returned to my saddlebags and packed everything away. When I was ready to go, I took another look up to the top of the cliff and the sky above. It was getting dark, but the moon was already at its apex and promising a gentle glow until it would dip beneath the horizon too soon.
I glanced back at my repaired saddlebag and checked my hoofwork. For something I grabbed in blind panic, the sewing kit was worth having around. Being able to use at least one of my talents every now and then was soothing, too.
With a quick breath and a couple of quick steps I took wing up alongside the cliff. MY wings faltered a few times, prompting me to flap them harder and force them to work together, but after moment of hovering, I was steady enough to lift myself up. I took things slowly so my muscles and joints wouldn't flare up, and focused on the sound of the waterfall or the birds singing bedtime songs in the trees. Little things, subtle things, made nature so wonderful to me: the rustle of leaves in the breeze, little creatures scurrying in the bushes, meadows and flowers and picnics in the afternoon -- I could go on and on. Though I ached to have somepony with me right now, I doubted they could hear what I could hear, or see what I could see.
I will never have the chance to find somepony who could.
My wings fell out of sync, and I tumbled into a bush at the top of the cliff. That was not true! It couldn't be true! How could I even think of something like that? I will do everything I can to make things better. I won't let myself live out my life alone.
I crawled out of the bush, and pulled a few twigs out of my mane. "This isn't the end. There's still hope. I wouldn't lie to myself like that!"
My head swung down low, and I tightly closed my eyes." I wouldn't lie to myself, would I?"
I slowly opened my eyes, and had my view filled by a bright and solid beam of light radiating from the necklace I was wearing. I had to be close, now. I just had to focus: I could that.
I was taken through some bushes and underneath some cherry trees, and soon I stepped out into a clearing. I ground to a halt once my eyes fell upon it; the sight of worn away stone and mossy walls no higher than my shoulders.
The walls marked an ancient structure, half of it long since overtaken by shrubbery and trees. If I looked carefully through the overgrown areas, I could see the remains of a turret and exterior wall, and the border of a grand hall that had been open to the stars for countless centuries. The air was still, and even the sound of the nearby waterfall was no longer audible. Like the ruins for thousands of years, the world around me seemed to stand still.
The Element of Kindness flashed more erratically and its beam grew stronger, urging me to keep walking. I hopped over the outer wall of the ruins with the aid of my wings. The wall must have been taller in the past, but now it rose only a few feet out of the ground, covered in moss. I followed the guiding beam cautiously, pushing bushes aside to reach the fallen tower. The tower itself had completely collapsed on one side, leaving the rest of the wall looking like a sharpened tooth pointing twenty feet into the sky. The beam angled downwards, pointing down a narrow crevice in the rubble. I poked my head through the gap, using the Element's light to see a spiral staircase that quickly disappeared into the darkness below. I gulped at the thought of what could be lurking down there - and regretted not having a lantern with me anymore. I couldn't expect the Element to remain a source of light, but I didn't have anything else to use or the skills to make a torch - the empty matchbox was proof of that.
With a deep breath and a short countdown, I squeezed through the gap without a second thought and the staircase down. The calm of the night soon faded away with the world above, replaced by the rhythm of my steps and the scuffing of my hooves walking down the worn stairs. The necklace adjusted to the dark and emitted a soft, pink light as I descended. Faint dripping sounds pinged off my ears, and a waft of damp and stagnant water filled my nostrils. At last, my hooves came into contact with a sunken floor submerged in an inch of water, and I entered a long, cold hallway filled with weeping cracks. Though the corridor's floor soon rose to where it used to be, the marks on the wall revealed that the corridor had been flooded in the past.
My heart started to beat faster, and my imagination was soon getting the better of me. Before I could turn back, I picked up my pace and fell into a quick trot, bravely making my way down the corridor. When the end faded into the reach of my Element's light, it revealed a large stone wall with strange markings on it. I slowed down, unsure of what I was seeing.
The wall had a spiral carved into the center, with two stars just off-center but within the spiral. Around this engraving there were six circular depressions arranged together in a hexagonal shape, and rising out of these engravings were symbols I didn't recognise. I took a curious step closer, and narrowed my gaze at each particular marking on the wall. There had to be a reason why this was important for me to see, but what did the symbols mean? Where the glyphs from another language? Was the mural a message? A riddle? Oh, if only I could understand it!
A thunderous crash and light burst between the mural and I. My Element shot out an intense beam of light into one of the outer glyphs. I backpedalled and yelped, but the Element stayed focused and arced its energy over to the mural. Soon, all of the symbols and markings were glowing, and a bright white light blotted out my vision. I wanted to look away or blink, but I was completely entranced. The deafening crackles of magic leaping through thin air quickly died away, replaced by sounds of the wind whistling in my ears and whipping through my mane. The damp smell of the corridor was whisked away and filled in by a crisp, refreshing scent of fresh air. I felt a strange awareness descend on me, as I felt the walls in the corridor phase out and vanish, and the ceiling open up for miles and miles.
And then I heard it - just as my body was released back to me and my vision returned - the cry of a Phoenix from another memory. |
Survivor Shy | A Night in Canterlot | A phoenix! I was sure of it! But where was the sound coming from?
My vision slowly faded from blinding white to a dull grey. My eyes strained, trying to find the exotic bird. I twisted my head left and right, taking in my surroundings. A rocky wall to my right towered into the mist, and a grassy ledge to my left opened up to a vast expanse of fog and sheer drop below. This was the road to Canterlot, along the sheltered side of the mountain.
If I'm here, then that means... My gaze drifted to my hooves and caught sight of my chest. I don't have my Element yet.
Wait. I'm remembering my journey to Canterlot!
The dense fog gave way to a piercing gold light, and like a shooting star it flew overhead at great speed. The phoenix let out another cry, this time in triumph, as its blazing form curved around to land. My jaw fell open at the sight, and not a muscle twitched as the large bird extinguished its flames, and landed on my back with a hunter's precision.
Warmth radiated from the phoenix, chasing away the mist surrounding us, and bathing me in her gentle glow. She looked relieved, and gave a quiet coo to me.
"Philomena?" I whispered.
She nodded to me.
My heart leapt up in my chest. "It really is you! What are you doing out here? Did Princess Celestia send you? Are my friends okay? Is everypony safe? Does anypony know what happen-"
Philomena screeched for me to hush, and raised a talon toward me, showing a capsule attached to her leg, emblazoned with Princess Celestia's Cutie Mark.
"A message?" I frowned as the phoenix hopped off my back. She looked at me and nodded, and I carefully opened the capsule and pulled out the rolled up parchment inside. Before I unraveled it and started reading, I pulled an apple from my saddlebags and gave it to Philomena to thank her. She sliced into the fruit with her beak and started munching ferociously. When was the last time she ate?
I pulled my stare from Philomena, and carefully unrolled the message. Before I had even revealed the whole message, I was already processing it.
My Dearest Cadance,
Please have your subjects search the library again. I know that we're close to solving this mystery,
but I fear that time is not on our side. Send Philomena back with any information you discover.
Kindest regards,
Celestia.
This didn't make any sense. Why had Philomena delivered this to me? Princess Cadence was in the Crystal Empire as far as I knew. And I wouldn't be able to reach the Crystal Empire any faster than a phoenix, or a dedicated Pegasus messenger - even with a tail wind.
I raised my head up to look at Philomena, who had rapidly reduced the apple to a core. She turned her head to me, her eyes warning of bad news. I almost abandoned my question before I started it.
"Philomena, when did you leave Canterlot with this message?"
The phoenix let out a saddened cry. Eight days ago.
That was the day before the spell struck. I could feel my stomach wringing itself as I spoke again. "Did you reach the Crystal Empire?" I asked, to which Philomena nodded in response. "When was that?"
Her fiery eyes lost some of its heat. Seven days ago.
"Did you see a shock wave sweep over Equestria while travelling there?"
Philomena nodded, and let out a series of short cries. She didn't turn back when she saw it. She came back after finding the Crystal Empire without any ponies, after waiting in case somepony showed up. Philomena returned a day ago, her message undelivered until now.
I nuzzled Philomena's beak, trying to hide the suffocating feeling in my chest. "It's going to be okay, Philomena. I-I'll get to the bottom of this." I lifted my head up and looked upon the road leading up the mountain. "Or maybe the top." I tried to chuckle, but it came out as short gasps. My eyes welled up.
Deep breaths, Fluttershy, stay calm.
"We're going to Canterlot." I said evenly, brushing my bandaged leg over my eyes.
Philomena leapt up and screeched in alarm. Canterlot wasn't silent like the rest of Equestria; it was overrun with strange creatures. When I asked what the creatures were, Philomena struggled to describe them, eventually settling on "Big dogs that walk on two legs".
I thought of the hound I fled from in Ponyville. I thought of how his massive claws came inches from slicing me in twain. I shuddered.
"We can get past them if we're careful." I assured - more to myself than to Philomena.
Philomena shook her head. There was more. There were Dragons, too.
A familiar lead ball dropped into the pit of my twisted insides. I swallowed down what was pushed up.
I looked directly at the phoenix, and shakily said "I have to go to Canterlot. My friends are stuck in there and need my help. I can't let them down."
Philomena unfurled her wings, her body of striking reds and oranges shimmering and glowing brightly. She tried to reason with me; if she went, they would see her. Both Dragons and Diamond Dogs had chased her out of Canterlot already.
"I understand, Philomena. Could you wait for me somewhere?"
She shook her head at me, pointing an extended wing into the mist with a screech. Snow front moving in. Too harsh for a phoenix to weather.
I stared off into the grey sky. I pointed my ears to the breeze and felt it nip at the tips. The temperature was colder than it had been, but I couldn't believe that winter weather would be coming before Fall had even started. I didn't want to argue, though, I was running out of time to reach my friends before something happened to them.
I wish it didn't have to be this way.
"Are you sure you can take care of yourself, Philomena?"
The Royal Bird closed its wings and nodded deliberately. She was confident, or good at keeping things secret at least, because I thought I saw her shiver. I looked down at my hooves, noticing the unraveled message waving in the breeze, and began rolling it back up.
A thought popped into my head.
"If you ever change your mind," I said as I placed the message back inside the capsule. "And the weather allows it, you can head for the old castle ruins in the Everfree Forest. I spent a night there, and it isn't too far away from Ponyville - just be very careful of the Timberwolves, okay?"
I ran my hoof under the rare creature's jaw, thankful for the few moments of company since the disaster over a week ago. I felt my mouth curve into a reassuring smile, and thoughts of being brave and hopeful followed.
Philomena saluted with a wing and took off into the mist, her body's warmth quickly trailing after her. A shiver ran up my spine. Had the wind always been this cold?
I watched Philomena circle above, her body quickly igniting into a molten orange that shone through even the thickest patches of the mist. I followed her with my eyes until she disappeared entirely from view.
Alone again.
My gaze fell to my hooves, and my head tipped to the side. On the ground was one of Philomena's feathers. It was nowhere near as long as the one she had given to me when she was reborn (which was in my cottage, or at least I hoped it still was), but it was still a beautiful, blazing red. Without any thought, I stashed the feather away in my bags.
I turned to face the path to Canterlot, if I kept a quick pace, I could reach the city by nightfall. If the city was that overrun by Diamond Dogs and Dragons, then the darkness and buildings would help me slip past them all. I would find my friends soon, and together, we would find a way to solve this.
What about Princess Celestia? Would she be there?
I couldn't imagine her letting Canterlot be invaded by Diamond Dogs or Dragons, but if it was just her, Princess Luna, and my friends in Canterlot, perhaps she wouldn't have had a choice. And because of the Dragons, Philomena wouldn't have been able to find the Princesses when she returned, and couldn't say if there was anypony in Canterlot other than the Diamond Dogs in the streets.
What did those Diamond Dogs want? What did the Dragons want? Who or what had caused that powerful spell in the first place? I wanted to know. For the first time in my life, I felt the pull of curiosity lead me. Ushering me on to Canterlot, to a definitely dangerous place, and I was okay with that.
I need the truth. I thought, though a pang in the back of my mind warned that it was different truth I was searching for. It warned of a truth that was driven much more by morbid curiosity, rather than fearless desire. I blinked away the thoughts, and my attention fell to the present.
I took a deep breath, and started to trot up the misty path.
I had to get to Canterlot.
I should not have come to Canterlot.
The whole city was burning. Dragons roared and flew all around, raining fire down on anything they saw as a threat. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Diamond Dogs were pouring into the town and scurrying across the streets.
They must have come through the abandoned mines Twilight told me about, I concluded, keeping my eyes and ears trained to spot the slightest hint of danger. There were no Diamond Dogs taking the road up the mountain, and it would explain the bottomless pits scattered throughout the city.
I huddled myself under a pile of rubble, the remains suggested there used to be a cafe here. Now, however, it was nothing more than bricks and bent rebar, with twisted iron suggesting there used to be some fancy chairs and tables outside.
This couldn't be Canterlot. Not with the chaos and fighting going on all around me.
A dozen armed hounds bounded past my hiding place, heading down the street. I saw one of them look up and skid to a stop, and one by one the rest did the same. I peeked out from my cover, and felt every muscle in my body freeze.
A green Dragon dropped down from the moonlit sky, crushing a building under its enormous form. The group of dogs split off from each other; some dug themselves to safety, while others fled into buildings or back up the street towards me. The Dragon opened his colossal maw and breathed fire up the road. Somehow, I found a way to break my horrified stare and duck back into cover, narrowly escaping the heat of the Dragon's flames with just a light scorch on my coat. I heard the dogs howl in pain. Before I could think I was peeking out again to see if they weren't badly hurt. I saw them flee around a corner, the fur now burnt off their backs. I hoped they wouldn't be too far from help.
I twisted my head around to catch sight of the Dragon. The massive beast had crushed a jewelry shop, and was now picking through its contents, stealing anything valuable.
I've got to get out of here, before I get caught up in this.
I shimmied out from my temporary shelter, and stood up in the open. This was crazy. If I froze up now, I'd be in terrible danger. Calm breaths, one step at a time. My quivering legs steadied themselves and shut out images of the Dragon breathing fire at me. Just be quiet and careful.
The Dragon continued looting, and seemed oblivious that I was creeping across the road behind him. Silent prayers escaped my lips, begging for me to not be spotted while I crossed into an alley.
Now comfortably within the shadows, I let out a tense sigh. I wasn't too far now, I could see Canterlot Castle. Some of the beautiful towers had been destroyed, and I could see some parts of the Castle had been partially sacked - likely abandoned by the looters when the two factions met one another.
I hurried myself along, constantly twisting my ears around for any sounds to hide from. The clattering of spears and armoured Diamond Dogs filled my head, along with the rumble of Dragons flying overhead, and the sound of dust being pushed in their wake. Everything I heard was a threat, but I had to decide which threats were worth hiding from if I wanted to make any progress. How I wished I was in the comfort of a meadow or in my own home! This pressure wanted me to snap, but I couldn't let that happen. I couldn't let my friends down.
I finally met the perimeter wall of the Castle, and quickly dove into a bush to plan my next move. I didn't want to fly. Not with the Dragons circling around the city. Being spotted by them, seeing their sharp claws and jagged teeth come for me was a nightmare I didn't want to live through.
My eyes scanned around, my ears still twitching and twisting at every roar, crash, and cry. There was no other way in that was safer. Flying over the wall was the only option I had.
Just a few seconds, that's all I need. My wings pressed themselves closer against me. I'm doing this. I can do this.
The opportunity came - a lull in the battle. The Dragons disappeared into the night, flying over a different part of the city, and not a single lumbering shadow of a Diamond Dog could be seen. I held my breath and leapt out from the bush. I struggled to unfurl my wings, my heart racing at the precious few seconds dwindling away.
Come on, come on! A roar rang through my eardrums, and I flinched, whipping my head up. The distant silhouette of a Dragon was approaching. I was running out of time.
Instead of hiding again, I forced my wings to unfurl, and stiffly made them work. The Dragon was getting closer; he was going to see me!
Hurry!
I leapt into the air, pumping my wings in a panic. I sailed over the wall and dove back down the other side, crashing into the ground. There was nowhere to hide on this side of the wall.
I rolled onto my back in a daze, just as the massive body of the Dragon flew over, blocking out my view of the moon and stars. I froze up. My gaze followed him in terror, expecting him to turn around at any moment and chase me. Instead, the Dragon carried on. Maybe I was lucky and he didn't see me.
Why did I do that? I didn't need to take that risk!
I picked myself up and made sure I hadn't dropped anything from my saddlebags, and then broke out into a full gallop across the Castle's lawn. I was almost there; I just had to find where my friends were hiding. Hopefully they had a plan. Hopefully Twilight knew what to do. Everything was going to be okay.
I rounded a blind corner straight into the sight of a brown Dragon with crimson scales running along his spine. He held in his arms a hoard of priceless treasures, all of which seemed worthless to him as he dumped it on the ground, narrowing his icy eyes at me.
Oh no.
There wasn't enough air to fill my lungs, I was being strangled by my own fear. The Dragon craned his neck down, leveling his eyes to my petrified stare.
"Do you dare trespass on Dragon territory?" He growled at me, smoke puffing out of his nostrils.
I squeaked and started to back away, which only angered the Dragon more.
The Dragon kept his eyes fixed on me, and took in a breath.
Run! Oh goodness, run!
I spun around and galloped away. The Dragon roaring and breathing fire after me, I swung round a random path, escaping with just a lick of flames on the back of my hind legs. I heard the Dragon roar again and take to the air.
Moments later, I saw the Dragon fly straight over me. "Trespassers will not be spared!" The massive creature vowed.
I kept on galloping, trying to find a place to hide. But how could I hide when he was watching my every move? I shut my eyes tight, squeezing out the only tears I was going to let myself shed. No, those thoughts were poisonous. I couldn't believe them. There had to be a way.
The Dragon suddenly dropped down from the sky, and landed in front of me with a massive crash. I struggled to keep my balance as the ground shook violently. The beast had cut off my path! With no time to stop and change direction, I barreled towards him. He breathed fire again, and I threw myself airborne. My wings barely caught me and hoisted me clear, the heat singeing my hooves. I pumped my wings as hard as I could, making twists and turns I had never trained to do. I had to dodge the Dragon's attacks if I were to get past him. I narrowly missed his claws as he swatted at me, and flew over his shoulder.
Out of my peripherals, I caught a glimpse of the Dragon's tail, but far too late to react. I was smacked out of the air, launched off over a few buildings before crashing through a massive window. My body flared up with sharp pangs as the shards cut into me. I hit the floor, screaming at the shock and burning sensation of glass cutting me up. Finally, I came to a rest among the remains of the shattered window. Keeping my eyes shut so I wouldn't see the end coming.
Moments later, I heard the roars of the Dragon and the great beats of his wings as he flew over the building I had been thrown into. The windows rattled and chattered as the giant beast flew overhead, as terrified of the creature as I was. I opened my eyes a crack to see. The Dragon had lost me - for now.
Knowing I didn't have much time, I tried to clamber onto my hooves. Intense pain washed over me, and I cried out in pain. This was worse than the cut on my foreleg, this was worse than the bruises from the train crash. I could see my blood.
I forced myself upright, biting my tongue and shuddering at every throb. I limped over to my saddlebags, the crash had knocked them off of me and scattered my supplies onto the large floor.
I concentrated, clearing my head of the agony and trying to not panic at the sight of my blood. I gathered my belongings together, and set to work on dealing with the worst of my cuts. I grit my teeth together as I pulled shards of glass out of my wounds, and poured water over my cuts from my canteen. The blood mixed and faded, washing onto the floor, leaving a reddish pattern of swirls in the resulting puddle.
A roar shook the building, and I spun around where I stood. I haven't got any time for bandages or painkillers. I thought as examined the worst of my cuts. I just hope these will heal by themselves soon.
I heard the Dragon fly over again. He wasn't going to give up. I watched his shadow loom over the windows, hoping he wouldn't see the broken one. My gaze fell upon the surviving windows. They were stained glass windows, and in the moonlight I could see my friends, I could see Spike, Discord too.
This is Canterlot Tower! The Elements of Harmony are stored here!
I started to run again, this time making my way for the end of the long hall. The most secure room in Canterlot was the same room the Elements of Harmony were kept in. If everypony needed a place to hide, the vault-like protection of the Elements' room was a great choice.
I skidded to a stop. The door that protected the Elements was open, and a chest and a dozen items lay in front of me.
All six of the Elements lay strewn across the floor, and among them were the crown, shoes, and chest-plate that belonged to Princess Celestia. No...
I was looking at the very last place the Princess was before she disappeared.
Oh no, please no.
The Elements were not with my friends.
I was the first pony to find the Elements, a week after the disaster took everypony away. Twilight wasn't in Canterlot, nopony was - nopony except for me.
I'm the only pony left in Equestria.
I ambled up to the Elements on the floor. Tears fell down my cheeks, but I didn't care to stop them. The burning pain a few moments ago was replaced by an empty numbness that made my legs feel heavy and cumbersome.
Everything I had hoped for was not going to happen. The whole time I had the truth in front of me; the desolate towns, the thousands of ponies mysteriously gone - how could I have fooled myself into believing that my friends and the Princesses had pulled through like I had?
There was nothing I could do to help them. I had the Elements of Harmony right here, but only one bearer was here to wield hers.
Slowly, I leant down to collect everything I could carry. I was stopped by a series of crashes and splintering glass filling the room. I whirled around, and saw the large hall I was in being filled with dozens of Diamond Dogs climbing through the windows. Some were small and armed with spears, others carrying empty sacks, and a small number of them towered above the rest, brandishing their freakishly long claws.
I took a few steps back, feeling hundreds of eyes all focused on me. I was exposed.
Before the dogs charged forward, their eyes turned upwards just as an enormous cacophony or smashed stone filled the room. I felt the heat on my back first - the breath of the beast.
Hesitantly, my own gaze followed the Diamond Dogs. The brown Dragon I had fled from towered above me, sitting where the most secure room in Canterlot used to be. He narrowed has glare at the scores of Diamond Dogs in the room, many of whom where readying their weapons and howling.
I looked down at my hooves, at all the golden items and shiny gemstones they all lusted after. This was the worst place for me to be stood.
I wasn't sure who made the first move. The Dragon leant forward and sent a fireball hurtling over me, scattering a group of dogs before the molten orb crashed on top of them, scorching the floor. The Diamond Dogs all charged, barking and howling and gnashing their teeth. Some were intent on fighting the Dragon, others had their eyes locked on me and the treasure I was stood in. With only a few seconds before they reached me, I grabbed the closest thing to me; Princess Celestia's crown.
A massive hound leapt at me, his razor sharp claws extended and ready. I dropped to the floor, and stared up in sheer terror as he sailed over, barely taking a few strands from my mane with a last-ditch swipe. I rolled to side just as another hound slid past, knocking the Elements and the Princess's jewelry away from me. A gasp escaped my lungs as they each slid underneath the scrambling paws of the dogs, disappearing from view.
"Get that pony!" a gruff voice shouted, "I want that crown!"
Oh no!
"Forget you - it's mine!" hissed another dog.
I started to dart through the gaps in the battle, tears flowing free from my eyes.
"Bah a crown is nothing! I'll take the pony!"
"Please, no! Leave me alone! Leave me alone!" I wailed, galloping out of the hall and into the rest of Canterlot Castle. I didn't need to look behind - I didn't dare to - I knew that the hunt was on, and that I was the prize.
It was like that nightmare I had in the Everfree Forest - running blindly around corners, praying that I wouldn't make a mistake. Oh please, don't make a mistake! I didn't want to imagine what they wanted with me, and the horror of what it could be spurred me on harder. I leapt over piles of rubble, stealing a glance out the destroyed walls. Canterlot was burning. Dragons and Dogs were fighting. It was horrible.
Where was I even going? Why wasn't I losing them? I couldn't run fast enough to escape. I couldn't fly away - my wings were stuck to my sides. The dogs were going to catch me if I couldn't find a way to shake them.
I skidded as more dogs appeared ahead, cutting me off. I didn't stop though, only changed direction, finding myself rocketing up a flight of stairs, the breaths of hunting hounds following close behind.
I bounded down another long corridor, my eyes focused on nothing but the stairs going up at the end. A door slammed shut as I sprinted past, and I sprung up into the air with a shriek. My wings! They were carrying me! But who shut the...?
My eyes fell on the gang of Diamond Dogs chasing, their beady eyes hungrily trained on me. No time for questions. I had to get out of here!
With my wings working overtime, I tore down the corridor, and reached the end in a matter of seconds. My gaze followed the stairs before me, watching them spiral high up above me. So many stairs... So high up. I gulped. Had I always been afraid of stairs? When did acrophobia become a problem again?
With a determined flap, I began to propel myself upward, flying up inside the spiral, reaching the top of the stair in the fraction of the time it would take the dogs to. A single door waited for me, and I didn't hesitate to throw it shove it open and slam it behind me. I scanned the room frantically, and saw the way to an open balcony. I was going to make it out.
I flew towards to the railing, but dropped down to my hooves when my eyes landed on a pile of accessories on the floor, shining in the doorway. They were a deep, dark blue, and caught the moonlight in a gentle glow. I had seen these before, but not with their owner, not without Princess Luna wearing them.
My body froze in place, my mouth falling open in a pained gasp. Slowly, I looked around the room, processing what I saw. A large table stood to one side. On it, a large map of Equestria was spread out in the center, with stacks of books and dozens of scrolls taking up what space remained. More books rested on the floor, some seemingly open on specific pages, while others lay open and face-down -tossed aside in frustration.
I approached the table, and noticed five tiny little flags placed on certain locations of the map. Together, they marked Tall Tale, Baltimare, Manehatten, Little Shoehorn, and Appleloosa.
A sharp cry rang out in the room, and I shuddered and tried to take deep breaths. I stared at the map on the table, hearing the name of those five places echo in my head, until I turned away to weep. My tears fell to the floor, but dripped onto an unrolled and fresh scroll. I pressed it flat with my hoof, and recognised the writing - my writing.
I closed my eyes, only hearing my stifled sobs in the room. All this way, all this time, and every bit of it meant nothing. Everypony had vanished, leaving me behind, and I could do nothing. Without even her friends, what could one pony hope to do? They were all gone, and so was the biggest joy in my life.
My eyelids slowly opened, and I turned back to face the map. With a single swipe, I cleared the books, scrolls, and flags off of the map - leaving little tears over the five places that had been marked. Quickly, I folded the thick parchment up, stashing it in my saddlebags. I didn't know what I was going to do, but one way or another, I was going to need that map.
The door broke apart as a pair of claws slashed through it, followed by a Diamond Dog tearing through it with brute force. In seconds, the room was being overtaken by the hounds, and I hurried over to the balcony, grabbing Luna's crown with my teeth as I made for the rail.
I felt a tug at my tail, but it narrowly evaded a Diamond Dog's grasp. For a few seconds, I felt the open air embrace me, and the awareness of there being no floor close beneath ripple through my mind. The arc of my leap started to descend, and my wings shot out to carry me away, quickly catching a strong gust of wind. My body twisted around to follow the wind, and I glided high over Canterlot. Below were dozens of fires lighting up the city, and hundreds of shadows dancing in them. I counted four Dragons flying around, all with their eyes fixed on the ground. Canterlot Tower was ablaze, parts of it had already collapsed, and I could see a small party of Diamond Dogs fleeing from the site.
Suddenly, the darkened silhouette of a Dragon emerged from the castle, and with thundering steps he quickly closed in on the fleeing dogs. The smaller creatures leapt into a different part of the palace, but not without their hunter seeing them. He roared in an intense fury that sounded full of pain, and began tearing the walls down.
I glided out of Canterlot, and was quickly seized and whisked away by a strong air current, taking me far away from the mountain, down to the valley below.
I should not have gone to Canterlot. |
Survivor Shy | Sweet Dreams | The winds pushed me far away from the sight of the burning city of Canterlot. The cold chill in the air ran through me, gradually taking the edge off of my adrenaline and seeping in through my cuts and weeping eyes. I clamped my eyes shut and grit my teeth, not out of the returning pain, but because of the shudders and sobs I couldn't hold back anymore.
I glided in the cold night sky, being carried by the strong current, and cried. I did not care for my course, altitude, or attitude. I could be unwittingly diving straight into the hard ground for all I knew, but it didn't matter. What mattered were my friends. Every single one of them were special to me, and in a flash they had been taken away in a terrible boom. All the ponies in Equestria had disappeared, too, and now I was starting to register that they were gone, not simply missing or hiding. Gone.
A sharp breath rushed into my lungs and I held it there. All those fillies and colts were gone, their parents, teachers, friends - entire families completely gone from Equestria. Why? Why did this happen? What could have caused this? Why was I the only one still be here?
What was I supposed to do now?
My eyelids slowly lifted, and my gaze hovered over the sleepy landscape. I had dropped down pretty far, long since leaving the icy current behind and gradually falling to less than a hundred feet above the ground. Grassy hills and plentiful trees touched by the moonlight looked up at me, with full rivers snaking among them and feeding several lakes and ponds. With the exception of the distant roars of Dragons and echoes of battle coming from the massive mountain behind me, Equestria was still and silent. I caught glimpses of wild Owls and other nocturnal critters hiding in the shadows where other ponies and creatures wouldn't think to look. Some of them would stop for a moment, and their eyes would follow me with wonder and surprise. I didn't need to guess why they seemed to feel that way.
Tears pinched at my cheeks, their warmth and moisture being stolen by the cold, dry air. My wounds were closing up now, but I could still feel the fire raging inside them with every tiny movement I made. My thoughts seized the opportunity to escape what I had learnt in Canterlot, and instead focused on my own health. Did I get all the glass out? Were they infected? Did I just need a painkiller? Could I be coming down with something?
Twisted trees and dozens of threatening cries rushed underneath me. My body jerked at the sudden change. I was gliding over the Everfree Forest, which meant that I was close to Ponyville too. I turned my head to the right, catching tiny flames bobbing around the dark outline of Ponyville. Images of burly hounds and dogs chasing me flashed through my mind. I nearly fell out of the sky. It was too dangerous to go near the towns, now. I had to hide where the Diamond Dogs wouldn't want to go, and the only place I knew about like that was the dangerous forest beneath my hooves. I adjusted my course with a few gentle flaps and a slight twist, and winced as my scabs tugged and pulled. The heat in me built up, blazing up to my ears.
That's not a good sign. I frowned. My hooves reached up and adjusted the headband I was wearing, letting the sweat building up underneath it feel the breeze. Both of my forelegs had been hurt, so I pressed the better leg above my brow, wiping the clammy residue off. Less than a minute later I could feel more sweat building up. The wind began to feel colder.
I have cough medicine, maybe it can bring the fever down too? I glanced back at my saddlebags, noticing a hole had formed in one of them, letting the golden shine of Celestia's crown catch the light from her sister's moon.
My wings stopped moving, they couldn't take the weight that fell on my back.
The Everfree Forest had a thick canopy, but was too eager to let me slip through and meet the branches just beneath the sea of leaves. It was a blur, and it wasn't until a few moments later that I realised that I had been snagged on vines. Dazed and spinning around wildly above the ground,I tried to shake myself free, bringing rampaging waves of pain searing up my nerves.
The vines cruelly let me drop onto the forest floor with a thud, and I whimpered and cried on the dirt. I rolled over, groaning and gasping, and carefully stood up. I extended my wings, feeling bruises but no breaks, and then chanced looking at the rest of me. I wished I hadn't.
I snapped my eyes shut, trying to ignore the state I was in, and counted down from ten. I needed to calm down. Panicking was getting me hurt. Continuing to panic in the Everfree Forest was going to do much worse. I took a deep breath, and wiped my brow of sweat and sap. My eyelids flicked open and my gaze whirled around me, making sure it was safe to stay for a while longer. I slid off my saddlebags and quickly searched them, finding the small bottle of pain pills I had and the cough medicine. I took two pills, and measured two full caps of cough medicine to follow it. Taking care of a wide range of animals meant learning the labels off by-heart. Whether the medicine was strong enough against the fever didn't make me feel very confident.
Maybe the amount I took would be enough. I assured myself. An uneven sigh escaped me as I packed my bags up and carefully hoisted them back on - trying to avoid the cuts. Treatment, again, would have to wait until I had a safer place to work.
I couldn't fly between the bushes and branches, and I couldn't fly back up through the canopy. The forest didn't like letting ponies out so easily. With a quiet grunt, I chose a direction to head in and began to amble through the dense foliage.
Was it always this warm in the Everfree Forest? I stopped and leant against a tree, fanning my face and scanning the tree line. I didn't want to stop. Not here. I needed to find the Old Castle, or a place to fly out of, or...
Is that? I lurched forward, squinting into the dark woods. There was a glimmer, a silvery reflection of moonlight catching my eye. Tentatively, I crept up towards it, keeping quiet and moving slowly. The reflection became circular, and soon I could see that it was embedded in a large tree's trunk. A cross made of sticks covered it, apparently holding the reflector in place. My eyes drifted over the rest of the tree, and my heart began to race, drowning out the sounds of wildlife.
Zecora's home! She knows more about medicine than I do! She can help me! I stumbled over tree roots and broke out into the beaten path to the zebra's hut, moving as quickly as I could. My hoof reached up to knock on the door, but instead planted itself on it with a bang. I steadied myself, managing a few tiny knocks before dropping my hoof to the ground. I stood there for a moment for a response, hoping and hoping that there would be one. None came.
I limped over to one of the windows and peeked inside. "Zecora?" I whispered harshly, starting to cough. "Zecora, wake up! Please!" I couldn't see anything inside. It was pitch darkness. I went back to the door, kicking my hoof against the bottom. "I need your help!"
Nothing.
"Zecora?" I tried the door, and the latch opened, revealing the dark and cold interior of the hollowed-out tree. I thought of my own home. My head drooped.
I slowly walked inside, looking around, trying to see in the darkness. "Are you home? It's Fluttershy. Um, I need... I need..."
I need my friends back. I need Equestria back. I need this nightmare to end.
"...You're gone, too." I whispered, defeated.
The deadness of the room said 'yes'.
I closed the door behind me, sliding the large deadbolt into place. Blindly, I fumbled over to a lantern and began rummaging through my saddlebags for my matches. I dropped a few, but finally managed to strike one and quickly light the oily wick, bathing the room in a gentle, orange glow.
Gripping the handle in my mouth, I carried the lantern over to the center of the room, where Zecora's iron cauldron sat atop a pile of ash. I brushed a hoof against the large pot; feeling how cold the cauldron was. With my 'better' foreleg, I dug around in the ash around the base, hoping to find some smoldering coals to rekindle the flames, but it had completely burnt out. My heart ached at the thought of how long this meant the home had been abandoned, and extinguished any hope I had of Zecora coming back home.
I shakily stood up and quickly dried my eyes. With a tiny sniffle, I glanced around the little home with the lantern. Zecora had to have had some wood stored indoors. I spotted a few logs stood near the door, and dragged them over to the fire pit. The firewood was too big to start a fire with, and I gulped at the thought of going back outside. I glanced out the window, listening to the wildlife, straining my ears for the sound of anything dangerous nearby. Maybe I could go without a fire - just for tonight.
My body shuddered uncontrollably, chills quickly following. Was the room always this small and cold? I blinked. The room warped sickeningly, and I closed my eyes with a groan, covering my eyelids with my better foreleg. I needed that fire. I needed warmth.
Sweat covered me like a thin skin, my legs becoming heavier the longer I stood still. Just grab some twigs and a clump of grass, I won't be long. It'll be safe. I ambled over to my saddlebags and sluggishly tipped them over, scattering their contents on the floor. One last time, I strapped the bags back on, and turned for the door. A moment later, the bolt slid away with a clack, and the latch hopped up and released the door. I paused to hold my head steady, and then slowly pulled the door open. I peeked out through the gap, shining the lantern outside into the forest. A lump lodged itself in my throat. It was scarier outside now.
For a minute I leant in the doorway, staring into the dark. My ears twitched and swiveled at every sound, and my gaze hopped from bush to bush. There were no foreboding growls and hisses, no hungry eyes staring at me, just the gloomy forest and the sounds of crickets and toads - and my heartbeat.
It was as safe as it was going to be, and it was getting harder to stay focused through the dull throbs in my head.
One, two... My eyes darted from side to side one last time. Three! My legs groggily stumbled forwards, and I trotted to the edges of the path, quickly picking up twigs and stashing them in my saddlebags. Soon I had loosely filled one of my bags with twigs and dry leaves.
The crickets and toads fell silent. With a jolt I stood up straight, quickly looking around and listening intently. A putrid smell surrounded me, and every muscle in my body froze.
A twig snapped. My legs took that as a cue to run, and was I thankful that they did! Snarls and growls chased after me, powerful legs pounding the ground in a precise and determined rhythm. I didn't dare to look back. I didn't take my eyes off the doorway to Zecora's.
Desperately, I tried to unfurl my wings. They wouldn't budge. My tail was yanked, and my heart leapt in my chest. I dug my hooves in the ground and pulled, biting down on the lantern's handle so hard that it bent in my grip. I broke free from the beast's grip and bumbled forwards, scrambling for the door. I leapt into Zecora's home and slammed the door shut behind me. I jammed the deadbolt in place. In a split second, the door lurched inwards with a crunch, and I screamed at the thought of the door giving in - the lantern in my mouth dropping onto the floor and spilling oil on the floor. The monster clawed and barked at the door, trying to close the last few inches between us. The oil caught alight.
"No! No! No!" The puddle of oil quickly bathed the room in a fiery orange light. I popped the cap off of my canteen and poured the last of my water on the flames. The fire grew enraged and flared up, the flash almost dazzling me. I heard the beast sniff under the door and yelp, retreating in the forest with a whine. I leaped over the flames and grabbed a blanket from Zecora's bed, backpedaling and throwing the cover over the fire, stamping them out before they could spread any further in the hollow tree. As the last ember was snuffed, I slumped onto my haunches, exhausted and shivering.
Hesitantly, I felt my way across the room for my matches. Holding them in my mouth, I dug a pile of white ash out from under the cauldron, and slotted some logs in its place. I took a bundle of twigs and leaves and stuffed them among the logs, ready to be lit.
I sat motionless for a few moments, considering lighting another match. I brushed my hoof through my mane, trying to clear my thoughts. I wiped the sweat from my forehead.
The match hissed as it flared up, and carefully I fed the flame the tinder I had prepared. In a few minutes a small, controlled fire was heating the room. I stared into the orange flames, and settled down close to them. I was safe now, locked inside a little house far, far away from any Dragons or Diamond Dogs. I breathed deeply, shedding tension I didn't even know I had. A detached numbness washed over me, letting my wings and legs grow limp and relaxed as the medicine took hold.
Groggily, I focused my eyes on my cuts and bruises, and reached for the medical kit I had dropped on floor among the rest of my saddlebags' contents. My hoof bumped into Princess Luna's crown, and my eyes locked on the two pieces of royal headwear.
Equestria was in a terrible state. Horrible fighting raged throughout Canterlot, Diamond Dogs were looting from the dead villages and cities, and the weather and seasons were rapidly changing. Winter weather was already moving in, prompting Philomena to migrate and leave me behind not long after meeting her. If that phoenix was that concerned about the weather, then what did it mean to all the other animals? What about the animals that I took care of? Would the birds migrate safely? Would there be enough food for hibernation? Angel could be in danger, and I had no way of protecting him!
A hot wetness stung my eyes, and this time I did nothing to hold it back. I bowed my head down to the floor, hiding my face from the lifeless crowns staring at me. I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have been spared. If there was ever a chance of saving Equestria, then it was wasted on me. I had tried to keep my head up and tried to do what was right, but in the end it was useless. I wasn't strong enough, not brave enough; I couldn't even protect the Elements of Harmony when they were right at my hooves. The only things left that symbolized who my friends were and our friendship together had been split up in the chaos that riddled Canterlot.
I rolled onto my back and stared up at the ceiling, my chest being racked by quiet sobs. My heart ached, and my breaths were shallow. I'd lost all of my friends; the girls, Spike, Discord, and Angel. They had been stolen away from me one way or another. A part of me felt that I was never going to see them again. This was my life now. Living in the remains of the land I called home, hiding from anything that wanted to catch me, and somehow finding a purpose and a reason to keep going on. Twilight would want me to go on. Rainbow Dash wouldn't accept anything less, and would push me if she could. Pinkie Pie would sing a song to me to cheer me up while Rarity implored me to never lose hope. Applejack would come to me last; tipping her hat and keeping her voice low as she whispered her own words of encouragement. Applejack knew what loss was, and she honestly didn't wish it upon anypony.
I rolled to my side, looking at the two crowns, but seeing something else entirely. Two stars streaking in the sky, and the thoughtful look on Applejack's face the night after we all helped her with Applebuck season. The harvest had been finished, and there was no more work to be done. Pinkie had thrown a party in the barn to celebrate, and when everypony was busy having fun, Applejack slipped outside. I had followed her out, finding her staring up at the stars and talking to herself. My ears twitched at how sad her words were, and I couldn't turn away without making sure my friend was okay.
She was embarrassed to see me, pulling her hat over her eyes and forcing a smile. "Gettin' some fresh air too, huh? It gets a mite bit stuffy in that barn sometimes."
I nodded, sitting beside the farmer and looking up at the sky. I could hear her shifting uncomfortably, but I didn't know what to say first, or how to say it. I knew in my heart that something was on her mind, and I could feel her nervous glances watching me. She was having a private moment, and I had walked in on it and hadn't left her alone.
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
"What for, Fluttershy?" Applejack tried to catch a stray tear, but it fell down her cheek in plain sight.
I tipped my head away from her, pretending I didn't see anything, wishing I hadn't invaded her space like this. My mane fell forwards, hiding my friend from view. "I'm sorry for bothering you..."
A short sigh of relief escaped Applejack's mouth. "No harm done, partner. Just needed a moment on my own is all."
Even now, I don't know how I had the nerve to ask, how I even had the courage to press a little further. Applejack was hiding something, and I could see it eating her inside out. The sight tugged at my strings, begging for to me to say something.
"I heard you talking to the stars, Applejack, are you..." I murmured and turned to face her, and my heart leapt in my throat - she was as pale as a sheet. "Are you okay?"
The dam broke, and I felt so awful for doing it. I didn't mean to make her cry. She needed it, but by Celestia I wish it wasn't me who had to make it happen. Applejack dipped her head down and wept openly. In seconds I pulled her into a hug, stammering and crying too. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to! Please don't be sad!"
I was the last one to stop crying. I felt ashamed of myself; never had I made anypony cry in my life, and it was horrible. Applejack gave an assuring smile - a real smile - and convinced me that it was okay. She started to tell me everything on her mind; she told me about her parents.
It was something she didn't like to talk about, but Applejack needed somepony to listen, and I happened to be that pony. "I didn't have to push myself," she explained, "Nopony expected me to after what happened - that's why Granny let me go to Manehatten when I was just a lil' filly. But leavin' the farm for good wouldn't have been fair. It wouldn't have been fair to Granny Smith and Big Macintosh; it wouldn't have been fair to Applebloom, and it sure as sugar wouldn't have been fair to my parents. When I got my Cutie Mark, I knew that I wanted to make my Ma and Pa proud, and to make Sweet Apple Acres a farm that will last for generations."
"Do you think they're proud of you?" I hesitantly asked, worried that I'd open another wound.
Applejack looked at me, her face blank. She quickly cast a glance into the sky, and my eyes followed just in time to see two shooting stars race in the night sky. "I hope so." Applejack sighed. "I don't work so hard just for Big Macintosh, Granny, and lil' Applebloom. I do it for them, too."
She turned back to me, her green eyes shimmering. "They wanted this farm to prosper through not only their own labor, but through the whole family's efforts. As long as we all did our best, we did our part." Applejack turned around to look over the vast grove of harvested apple trees. "When it was just Mac and I working out here, we picked up the slack - doing the work of four ponies every day. It was the only way the farm was going to thrive, and it was the only way to make our parent's wishes come true. Now that we're so close to that dream, I'm hoping Ma and Pa are looking down on us, full of pride."
Applejack fell silent, but this time she had a smile on her face. Fresh tears began forming in her eyes, threatening to burst and shatter her expression. Carefully, I leant over and wrapped my wing around her. "Go on," I whispered, "I'm listening."
Her eyes drifted downwards, but her smile remained. She was silent for few minutes, and I stayed beside her patiently, letting her think in peace. The Earth pony's eyes gradually shut, and she took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "The best thing we all can do is keep the memories of others alive. It's been years now, but it's like they never left, because my folks have been in here, always." She tapped the side of her head, and adjusted her hat. She sniffed and rubbed her nose. "Once we've done what our folks set out to do, it won't be them who can rest. Nah, they're already at ease. It'll be the rest of us. We can put our minds to rest knowin' that we all did good an' did our best. That'll take a load off my mind."
In a blink I was back in Zecora's hut, still staring at the crowns on the floor. The gears in my head spun and whirred, working through the headache and fever. I had a reason to go on, I had a purpose. The Elements of Harmony had to be reunited. It could take my whole life to do, but I could bring my friends back together - by finding each of our Elements. Recovering the entire set would keep my friends together, not scattered apart like we were before everything changed. My eyes fell to the floor. I knew I couldn't bring them back, but doing this would help me. I hoped it would.
My head bobbed, agreeing with the task I was setting myself. With a long and draining yawn, I closed my heavy eyelids, and settled down to sleep. The muffled sounds of the forest buzzed outdoors, and inside the comforting crackle of the fire filled my ears. At last there was peace, comfort, and safety.
One day, I thought, my friends and I will be together again.
"What a touching sentiment," said a voice.
My eyes nearly popped out of my skull. I leapt onto my hooves and spun around in shock, searching for the owner. I was surrounded by a dark, purple smoke, with barely enough light to see my hoof in front of my face.
"Too bad it won't change anything; you'll still be alone." The voice was near, and constantly changing from male to female and back again. My ears twitched and jerked at every sound, while prickles ran up my spine. I started to back away, keeping my eyes wide open and alert for the anything lurking in the purple fog. I knew this place from somewhere, and it meant terrifying things, but everywhere I looked was an endless mass of purple fog. I had nowhere to run.
"Imagine you found all of your precious Elements, hmm? Better yet, let's act out a little play!" The voice laughed as six puffs of smoke separated from the endless mass and rapidly transformed into an exact copy of the Elements of Harmony. Before I could react, the Element of Kindness flew over to me and attached itself around my neck, while the others began to float around me. The voice continued, becoming deeper and deeper with each breath. "So you've got your Elements of Harmony, now what do you do? Put them aside somewhere and carry out the rest of your life alone? Hope they somehow vanquish the evil in the world? Don't tell me you think you can bring everypony back from their eternal prison!"
"W-who are you?!" I stuttered, cowering where I stood.
There was a pause, and suddenly a shadowy mass rose up in front of me, taking on the silhouette of a floating Dragon head. It looked down at me with a wide grin. "I am your nightmare, Fluttershy."
I shrieked and turned flee, galloping away from the hysterical laughter of the ghastly figure. The Elements circling around followed me, and began to glow - including my own.
A serpent-like shadow flew up from the ground, levelling its hollow gaze with mine. I backpedaled with a scream, much to the joy of the shadow. It looked just like Discord.
"What's the matter?" A distant voice chided. "Can't take a little prank? Well you will never have to deal with this creature again!" The Discord shadow burst into nothingness and reappeared behind me, this time with a forlorn expression on his face.
The voice didn't stop its taunts, and summoned the silhouettes of Princess Celestia and Luna to join Discord. "These huffy and puffy sisters are also out of the picture! Now you'll never be told what to do ever again!" The smoke started to shape up a small form, and a ghostly image of Angel Bunny looking mortified appeared.
"No!" I whimpered.
"Yes! Yes, yes, yes!" the shadow voice sang in joy. "This little scamp won't be throwing tantrums near you for a long time. Sooner or later, he'll probably become some creature's dinner too!"
"Angel..." I sniffled. My hoof passed through the form like it weren't there. Tears were streaming down my cheeks, but the nightmare was far from over. Seconds later, an outline of Spike reaching out for something materialized and filled itself in.
"There isn't any room for wimpy 'Dragons' like this one, it's either grow up or get crushed - and let me say that this softie's chances are not looking good."
I stared down at the floor, trying to stop myself from shaking. "And last of all," the voice cackled, "Your super special friends are never, ever coming back!" The Elements began to crack, and in a rapid chain, they all shattered and broke, quickly disintegrating into smoke, taking the ghostly silhouettes with them.
Laughter ran in my ears, cementing my hooves where they were. Fearfully, I lifted my head up, coming face to face with a pair of empty eye sockets and a bloodthirsty grin. "So, by all means chase after those useless pieces of jewellery. I give you about a month before you become a Dragon's breakfast. In the meantime..." the shadow floated over to my ear, and could barely contain itself as it whispered. "Sweet dreams, Fluttershy." |
Survivor Shy | The Hunt | I was burning. The heat was unbearable and soaring higher and higher. In moments I had been pulled out of my nightmare and back into reality, straight into fever and nausea. Panting and sore, I dragged myself over to Zecora's bed, moving away from the firepit's warmth. I buried my face in the blankets, hiding my eyes away from the room that wouldn't stop spinning around me. I tried to hold on - clinging onto the bed and holding onto every breath I took. It was no use; I could feel the inevitable coming in my gut.
My head shot upright as I gagged, my lungs burning. I fumbled off to the side, pulling an empty pot in front of me, just as my sickness reared itself. A few moments later, I pushed the pot aside and leant against Zecora's bed. Every breath scratched at my throat and lungs, the horrible, bitter taste lingering on my tongue. I collected up my canteens, only to find a few drops in each. My throat was being rubbed by sandpaper, I needed water. I needed it more than anything.
A spigot caught my eye; it was connected to a large barrel that was fed by a pipe leading outside through a hole in the ceiling. Before I really considered it, I was already leaning against the barrel, twisting the valve open. Clear, cool water poured out, splashing down onto the floor. I leant down and started drinking as much water as I could, eventually just dropping into the puddle and lying underneath the steady stream of water. The water soaked into my coat, whisking away the sticky sweat and dirt, chilling the burning sting of my scabs. The feeling couldn't last though; I was wasting drinking water - and it didn't even belong to me. Ashamed, I closed the valve, but continued to lie in the puddle of water on the floor, wishing it would stay cool until I felt better.
The pain started to flare up in no time at all. I gurgled in the puddle and rolled onto my back, and raised my hooves in the air to see the cuts on them. Some had scabbed over without any problems, but the larger wounds were still open, slowly oozing out blood and gunk I didn't want to think hard about. Carefully, I pored over the rest of my body. Why I was sick was no mystery. My head rolled to the side, casting my gaze to my saddlebags. It was a bit late for it, but I needed to treat the wounds to stop them from getting any worse.
It was an automatic process; unpack the sanitizing wipes, brace for the sting, clean the wounds, apply a bandage. Repeat. While I worked, my thoughts carried me over to the nightmare I had. This was the second dream of its kind. The world was shrouded in smoke and darkness, and somepony or something was there, stalking me, chiding me, and saying the things I didn't want to hear. It was horrible for talking about everyone that way. Why was it saying those things? How I could I stop it? It was a bad dream; I couldn't do anything to stop them from happening. The best I could do was not let them get to me. After all, my thoughts echoed. Nightmares can't hurt me.
The worst of my cuts now on the road to recovery, I started to unravel the dirty bandage on my foreleg. It had been days since I had checked how my foreleg was healing, and I was expecting the worst because of it. A wave of relief flowed over me when I saw that the cut was fine. It hadn't been disturbed or harmed over the past few days, and didn't appear to have reopened at all while I went to and from Canterlot. Curiously, I prodded it with my hoof, and bit my tongue when searing flames shot up my leg. Okay, so it hadn't quite miraculously healed. Taking a fresh roll of bandages, I wrapped up my leg once more, and packed my kit away.
I wiped the sweat off of my brow and shivered. Sleepily, I stood up onto my hooves and wandered across the room, feeding the firepit another log. I stared outside through a window, trying to see the sky. The canopy however, completely blocked away the sky, and I couldn't tell if the dim light outside was due to night or a cloudy day. Drearily, I rested my head on the cold glass, closing my eyes and listening to the sounds of the forest all around me.
Birds and little critters scurried around, enjoying the fresh air and nice weather. Squirrels scampered in the tall grass, gathering acorns before the cold weather was scheduled to arrive. And bunnies hopped along the banks of a full and flowing stream of fresh water. Summer was gone in Equestria, and autumn was overseeing the preparations for winter. The season, while it meant I would have to say goodbye to most of my little friends until next spring, was a beautiful time of year. There was no other time that the landscape could be painted in lovely shades of gold, orange and brilliant red, and the skies full with flocks of birds flying south.
I was hovering above a wide clearing in Whitetail Wood, helping a family of chipmunks gather up food. The Running of the Leaves was coming soon, but the forest was happily raining down shimmers of jeweled leaves ahead of the stampede.
Gathering up a dozen nuts, I floated down to the ground, leaving them in a small pile for the busy chipmunks to claim and take with them. I heard a few small cheers from the trees, the little critters thanking me, and began walking home.
A rumble of thunder echoed overhead, and I frowned at the greying skies. I didn't know it was supposed to rain today, did I miss a memo?
The tone of the forest changed; concerned squeaks and calls rang out, and in moments the critters were rushing out of the trees and seeking shelter on the forest floor. A massive crash exploded nearby, and a tree to my right exploded from a bolt of lightning. I squealed in shock hid behind a fallen tree trunk, and peered over the edge at the charred tree. A terrible chill of horror ran up my spine, and I darted into the air and over to the burnt birch. Frantically, I searched for anyone who had been hurt, pushing fallen limbs aside and scouring the ground around me. Alarmed cries called for me, and my ears pointed me to them. The chipmunks were telling me to get out of the open and that the lightning was going to strike me. I looked up at the sky, and froze in place as a thunderhead unleashed a pure bolt of electricity straight into me.
My body jolted backwards, and I stumbled on my hind legs and fell onto the floor. My heart was racing, and my chest felt like it was locked up tight. I stared up at the ceiling, wondering why it was spinning, and what had just happened. I couldn't take it anymore. I clambered onto my hooves, and rushed over to the pot I had used earlier.
There were more bad dreams after that. And more often than not, I woke up dizzy and nauseated. A storm raged outside, but I couldn't remember when it had started or how long it had been going for. Somehow I had drunk down all of the cough medicine I had, hoping it would give some sort of relief to the fever burning across my forehead. My pain pills were still left over, but I avoided taking them just in case it wasn't safe for another dose. How much time had passed while I slept? How long had it been since I left Canterlot? The leafy ceiling of the Everfree Forest made it difficult to know, and the dark shadow that the storm cast from above made it seem like day didn't exist anymore.
After another frightening but forgettable dream, I didn't want to go back to sleep. Trying to rest only left me kicking and screaming myself awake, and it only made my sickness grow worse and tire me more. I needed to relax and pass the time until I felt safe enough to go back to sleep. For a little while, I tried to focus on going back to Canterlot; what I would have to do to not be chased and hunted, and how I would get out of the city when it was time to go. If Philomena's warning was correct, it would be too risky to catch a strong wind current out of the city again, because the wind could be much more powerful - too much for me to handle. Following the road down the mountain would be safer, but if I have to escape Diamond Dogs or Dragons, it would be too easy for them to find me. Why couldn't I be a strong flier like Rainbow Dash? She would've been up and down that mountain in no time, and would've been more than ready to face the worst headwinds the mountain could throw at her. Me? I would be thrown everywhere. Attitude, altitude - all blended and confused. I'd be thrown into a corkscrew! Spinning and swirling and...
The familiar bitter taste in my mouth made itself known and I bolted upright, the head rush leaving me feeling incredibly dizzy. Without a second thought I leant over the side of the bed and held myself over the pot I had left on the floor.
This is unbearable, I thought as I hurried back indoors with an empty - and rinsed - pot. A quick glance through the gaps in the canopy revealed that it was daylight, but darkened by the stormy skies. While it was worth knowing, going outside like this was dangerous. Even though I was careful and quick, I was barely able to trot in a straight line. It was easy for anything out there to catch me, but for some reason I had been left alone. Maybe the scary monsters of the Everfree Forest don't eat sick ponies? I sputtered out a raspy giggle; it was a silly thought, but funny anyway.
Placing the bedside pot back where it belonged, my dry throat started to itch. My canteens were right next to the pillow, but empty, so I took one over to Zecora' s rainwater tank and filled it up. I fought the urge to let it spill onto the floor for me to roll in, and reluctantly closed the valve when the canteen was full. I sat down on my haunches, taking tiny and considerate sips. I hadn't eaten in a long time, and my gut wasn't too keen on water either, but it was important to drink water, even if it did nothing to sooth my headache and fever, or cure the horrible burning itch underneath my scabs.
I replaced the cap to my canteen, and set it down on the floor. The firepit was burning away on a log I had added a few hours ago, and the cauldron's brew was filling the room with a floral aroma. What was it that she was making? Did she have a book open somewhere; a recipe for it, perhaps?
Slowly I stood back up onto my hooves, and started looking over the zebra's small collection of books and her stored potions and ingredients. Curiously, I took a closer look at some of the labels. Enaroot Bone Repair; D.D.T. - Draught for Damaged Teeth; Teal Fern Wound Treatment - there seemed to be a potion or remedy for every condition! I looked down onto the table, reading the names of several books. A few seemed very old, and were written with words I didn't recognise, but one of them was very familiar. It was Zecora's copy of Supernaturals, the book that had the cure for Poison Joke.
With nothing else to do except wait out my sickness and the storm, I took the book and settled down to read it on Zecora's bed. Inside were more than just recipes for herbal remedies and useful brews, but a small guide on every ingredient the book found a use for. A strange stinging plant called a "Nettle" apparently made a good tea or stew, while also being a good anaesthetic; there were also pages for Phoenix feathers and Timberwolf bark, describing each item's unique properties and uses.
I turned a few more pages, stopping on a recipe for a fever- relieving medicine. The corner of the page had been folded over, and a few drops had stained the pages in the past. Maybe Zecora brewed these often? My eyes widened at the potential, and I quickly read through the list of ingredients. I glanced across the room, looking over the selection of ingredients Zecora had stored. I looked back and forth between the book and what I could see in her shelves and hanging from her ceiling. Clambering out of bed, I trotted over to a table and reopened the book on the relevant page. Scanning over the many herbs, I flicked through the book, looking up the ingredients and comparing their descriptions and illustrations. I could feel a small joy cheer in my chest; every ingredient was in the hut, right down to the yarrow growing in a window sill. Pain pills were not meant to soothe fevers, and my cough medicine was long gone, trying my hoof at brewing wouldn't hurt, would it?
But none of the ingredients belong to me. It would be stealing to use them. I stopped what I was doing. It was true; even though the ingredients would perish in another week, I should still ask permission before taking them, but...
I slumped onto the floor, burying my face in my hooves. This wasn't just stealing; this was grave robbing. How could I do that? Even with how horrible things are, how does that give me the right to steal? What happened to Equestria doesn't give the Diamond Dogs or Dragons the right to take what they want, so how is my situation different?
"I have a need for it..." I murmured, wiping my eyes and brow. "I don't want to steal, but I need to get well. I need to have a place to sleep and water to drink." I tipped my head back, barely speaking louder than a whisper. "You... You would understand that, right?"
The silence in the room said 'yes'.
I looked down at the floor, and closed my eyes. In the end, it doesn't really matter. I have to survive. I can't let my namesake get in the way of that. I rose back onto all four hooves, and started reading the recipe off, hoping it would be worth the crime in the long run. "Thank you..." I whispered, staining the recipe page with a couple of tears.
My hoof poked at the smoldering pile of ash in the center of the room. The fire had long since burnt out, and there were no more logs indoors to feed it. A growl escaped my stomach on cue. It was time to move on, not just to find food, but to get back to Canterlot.
I stretched out my wings and legs, feeling a gentle tug on each scab on my dirty, yellow coat. Maybe another night wouldn't hurt? I wondered. The sickness I had recovered from had really thrown me through a loop, but the blur of melded days reminded me that I couldn't spend another day resting. I needed to beat the winter front to Canterlot. If a freezing storm moved in while I scoured the city, then I would be up against more than just the vicious invaders there. Would there be a city left to visit now, though? What about the mean Dragons and cruel Diamond Dogs? My wings shivered at the thought.
Glancing around Zecora's home, I quickly made sure I had everything I needed, and had left a note for Zecora - just in case I was wrong about her... being gone. There was an accusing pang in my head, but I knew that I was taking what I needed, not what I wanted. I held onto that thought, long enough until the guilt eased. It didn't completely go away though.
I opened up my saddlebags one more time, checking on the glass bottles inside. Each bottle was filled with a variety of medicines, all providing treatment to fevers and wounds and even broken bones. I noted Zecora's copy of Supernaturals nestled among the potions - with Philomena's feather wedged inside a bookmark. I muttered that I needed to take good care of the book, as it would be my guide for finding replacement herbs for the ones I took, and for the potions I was absconding with. The remedies inside the pages could also become a life saver in the future, if not a way to take my mind off of bad things, like theft. I shook my head, it's not stealing. I closed the bags up and made sure they were secure. The small hole in one of the bags caught my eye once more, but I decided to leave it for now; I didn't have much daylight left today to gather food and leave the forest.
Quietly, I approached the door. Instinctively, my mind focused on the muffled sounds of the outdoors, and my ears twitched in anticipation. Some birds were chirping, insects buzzing, but nothing unusual for the Everfree Forest; home of the most unusual - and dangerous - creatures. Maybe the stormy weather had driven the much more frightening creatures deeper into the forest, or at least away from here.
A sharp, nervous breath escaped me. My hoof reached for the door, quivering in frayed excitement. Even outside of the Everfree Forest, the land was going to be dangerous place. Equestria had become a shadow of the home I once knew. The thoughts had lurked in my fevered head for days now, tainting my dreams. My friends... No. I couldn't think about that. Not the bad things, only good things. There was only one good thing to think about though, one thing to stay focused on; the peace I would feel for bringing the Elements of Harmony back together. My friends would appreciate that.
The deadbolt slid aside with a scrape and clunk, and slowly I lifted the latch and eased the door open. The busy sounds of the wildlife poured into my ears, either unafraid or unaware of what could be hiding nearby. I swung the door open, and cautiously inched outside, scanning the trees and bushes. The damp soil and rejuvenated plants clouded my head; the rain had refreshed life in the Everfree, and coaxed me out from the stale and dry air indoors. I took a deep breath.
That was when I smelled it; Timberwolves. I whirled around in place, feeling every muscle in my body lock up at the sight of the lumbering beast dropping down from above. The Timberwolf landed between the doorway and me, and slowly approached. I turned again, this time to run, only to see more wolves had joined. My eyes darted around in a panic. There had to be an escape, a gap I could run though - anything! The wolves had formed a circle around me, where could I run? I stared up at the thick canopy, spying a tiny gap allowing sunlight to pass through. Without another second, I threw myself upward, forcing my wings to lift me up as high as they could. At the same time, two wolves pounced after me. They narrowly missed me, and instead crashed into each other and fell into dozens of pieces. Desperately, I pumped my stiff wings to lift me further from their reach, but I could not squeeze through the branches and leaves keeping me from the sky. I dived down and through the tree line, escaping the circle the wolves had created. Not wanting to give up so quickly, their barks and growls soon followed me, announcing the chase.
Bushes and branches whizzed past me, my gaze barely even registering them unless they were in my path. Where was I even going? Away from the Timberwolves, that's all that mattered. I swerved around tree trunks, slipping between branches and bushes. The howls began to slowly fade in the distance, if I could just move a little faster...
My wings snarled up in some hanging vines, yanking my body into a backwards somersault. With a yelp I careened upwards, the whole forest being flipped upside down in an instant. The vines snapped and fell away, sending me flailing in the air and crashing through thin branches and twigs. I came down with a heavy thud, winding myself on a branch not far from the forest floor. I blindly clung onto it, my eyes seeing only greens and browns, my sore lungs begging for air.
The hunt was still on, and the hunters were closing in fast. Painfully I pulled myself further onto the tree limb, trying to get out of view. Two Timberwolves came charging out of the bushes below, skidding to a stop beneath me, their eyes focused ahead. I softened my breath, even though my lungs burned for more air, and watched the wolves sniff at the ground. They swiveled their gaze left and right for any sign of where I went, grumbling loudly in frustration. I held onto the branch for dear life, not making a peep. Please don't look up, please don't look up.
The Timberwolves circled around, trying to track their prey. They were growing impatient, and were losing their will to keep searching. Distant howls snaked through the trees, and the wolves responded with their own. They're giving up!
My body started to slip off the branch under the weight of my saddlebags. Gritting my teeth, I quietly shifted and leant forward. Moments later, I saw a small bottle fall to the floor, shattering on a rock and scattering shards and pills all over. The wolves shot a glance over to the sound, and looked up into the branches, narrowing a furious glare at me. I glanced at my saddlebags, spotting the hole in them again, and offered the wolves a nervous giggle and shrug. This only made them snarl and leap up to attack. I hoisted myself up onto the branch, almost falling into the beast's grasp, and shakily hugged the tree for balance. My eyes cast themselves downwards, straight into the maw of the vicious animals trying to catch me. I buried my face into the tree, whimpering and starting to cry.
The tree shook, and reluctantly I looked back down. A wolf was climbing up the tree. He reached a paw up, his claws physically fusing with the tree's bark, and rapidly came up after me. I pushed away from the tree, fumbling along the branch as the climbing Timberwolf joined me. With barely enough balance, I launched off the branch, gliding down in a quick dive, landing not far in front of the waiting wolf below. He leapt at me, grazing my neck with his sharp claws, and chased me through the forest. My heart was working overtime, the only sounds reaching my head being the hard beats from my chest and the terrifying rattle of the wooden monster behind me.
In moments we broke out into the open, the stone ruins of the Old Castle revealing itself in the distance, and the massive gorge rushing up to me. With every ounce of strength I had, I jumped into the air, throwing my wings open to glide across. The Timberwolf leapt after me, grabbing me by the tail. I screamed and struggled to stay aloft, but the weight of the creature was pulling me down too fast. I slammed into the edge of the cliff, shaking off and shattering the predator against the wall. My forelegs flailed in front, digging in the ground for a stable hold, while my wings buzzed in frenzy. Soon I was on solid ground, but still far from safety. More wolves had shown up on the other side of the gorge, and one of them was hastily building itself up with fallen branches and sticks. I stumbled forwards, heading for the steps of the Old Castle. Behind me, a massive Timberwolf finished the construction of bigger version of itself, and stretched over the gorge with ease. The moment its front paws touched the other side, the giant creature deliberately collapsed with a crash, with the original wolf leaping from the carnage. The remaining logs and branches settled in place, forming a sturdy wooden bridge across the gap.
I gasped at the sight, have Timberwolves always been that powerful? Have they always been that clever too? The distraction took my eyes off the path, and I tripped over a rock sticking out of the soil. I fell head first into the dirt, and slumped onto the ground in a daze. The wolves closed in, their furious cries filling the air. Groggily, I focused on the wolves, and then spun my head around to the Old Castle. It was so close, but the wolves were almost on me. I pushed myself upright and made a final sprint for the ruins, my hooves barely tracing a straight line to them. I felt the ground change from dirt to stone, and I began to make my way up the first few steps of the ruins. The snarls and howling stopped.
Without stopping, I chanced a glimpse behind me. Half a dozen wolves stared back, all at the bottom of the stone steps, refusing to take a step further. The barked at me in defiance and turned away, retreating back into the forest. Distracted again, I ran into the wooden doors at the top of the stone stairs.
Groaning, I picked myself up again, and pushed opened one of the doors, slipping inside the old stone walls of the Old Castle. Seconds later the door was closed, and it's wooden bar was slid into place in case the Timberwolves, or something else entirely, tried to follow.
Rubbing a growing lump on the side of my head, I placed my saddlebags on the floor of the main hall. It didn't matter if was only a bump or a little scratch. I had learnt my lesson; putting off treatment was inviting a few days of illness. I didn't want to go through that again. So out came the medical box. I made sure that I cleaned the bumps I had in case there were tiny cuts there, as well as took care of the scratches and splinters scattered all over. The bandage on my left foreleg was overdue for changing, and so I unraveled it. Underneath was a tender and sore spot that stung at the touch of fresh air. Gritting my teeth, I cleaned it with the last of the sanitizing wipes, and wrapped it up with the last clean bandage I had. Other than a box of adhesive bandages, the kit was empty, and with the last of my pain pills being lost in the forest, I only had Zecora's potions to rely on for now.
With a great deal of care, I pulled each bottle out of my saddlebags, being careful to not get cut if there was any broken glass. Lucky for me, the selection of potions were unscathed, and nothing else had gone missing - the book, my scarf, my sewing kit, and the Princesses' crowns.
My brow furrowed as I gazed at the crowns. I couldn't take them everywhere I went. I was going to need to the space to store supplies and the each Element of Harmony. I needed to leave them somewhere where nothing else would think of looking. I looked around, my sight landing on the old display the Elements used to sit on, back when they were stone orbs. They had been there for hundreds of years before Twilight led us all to them, even though countless creatures lived in the forest. If there was a safe to keep the crowns, it would be here.
Maybe there was a reason the Elements had been left alone? After all, the Timberwolves that had chased me refused to follow me up the stairs. They seemed afraid to touch the stone, and quickly turned around and gave up. If there wasn't something about the Castle keeping all the creatures at bay, then there was at least something in here that was keeping me safe from the wolves.
Quietly, I packed my saddlebags up, and picked up the lantern still stood by the door. I made my way to the throne room, pondering over what history this place could have, or what would make the Timberwolves behave so strangely. The truth was that I didn't really know anything about either. I didn't know this castle existed until I met Twilight, and my knowledge of animals didn't have anything about the strange wooden creatures.
I trotted into the throne room. The whole space was bathed in orange light from the setting sun, bringing welcoming warmth through the windows. As I approached the steps to where the throne would have stood, I placed my unlit lantern on the floor and started to open my saddlebags. As I stopped at the steps, I pulled out Princess Luna's crown, and gently lowered it to the steps. I did the same with Princess Celestia's crown, resting it close the crown of her sister's. It felt right to leave them here, sitting where the thrones would be. If the ruins proved to be a safe place to leave things here, then this would also be the best place to bring the Elements of Harmony. Leaving them in the same place we found them, the same place where my life changed into something truly wonderful.
I bowed my head and closed my eyes. I missed all of my friends. I missed the girls; I missed Spike, Angel, and Discord. What could I do for them? What could I do for the baby dragon and the old, reformed draconequus? Would I see Angel sometime in the future? The pets my friends kept? How about my little animal friends? I had a lot of friends; I should've spent more time with them.
Slowly, I turned around, and ambled over to the lantern, taking a moment to strike a match and light it. Dusk was giving way to the night, and it would be too risky to start heading for Canterlot tonight. I stretched my wings and legs out, feeling a gentle tug on the last few scabs I had. Another night wouldn't hurt, huh Fluttershy?
I sat myself down by a window, and decided to repair the hole in my saddlebags as I waited for night to come, and for sleep to beckon shortly after. |
Survivor Shy | Fragments | In mere moments, I was no longer in the castle. I kept my eyes closed, listening carefully to the gentle hum that had replaced the buzzing of bugs and rustle of leaves. The old and damp smell of the castle's floors and wall, along with the refreshing scent of healthy leaves and flowers in the breeze, all vanished and were replaced by dense, odourless air. I took a gentle breath. It was still alien, like the rest of the world that had been manufactured around me in the span of a few seconds. I could feel my mane falling to my sides and spilling across the gelled floor pushing against me. I could feel the very mood of the space change from that of the wild and ultimately dangerous Everfree Forest to something that had been given physical form inside my own mind by magic.
"Fluttershy?" whispered a gentle voice. A saddened sigh escaped me in response. I didn't want to talk to her right now.
The humming echoed inside my chest, shaking the weight I had pushed into my gut. I tightened my eyelids shut. Nopony needed to see what was buried, nopony could be hurt if I kept it in control and found a better use for it. But there was nopony to hurt. The pressure rose. Tears started to build.
"I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I know you're angry," the mare's voice apologised. "But it was not without the best intentions."
You lied to me. I couldn't speak. If I opened my mouth there would be no stopping it, and I shuddered at the thought, and the temptation, to just let it out - to just scream and scream at the voice until the world around me shattered and swallowed me whole. You told me everypony was okay, but they're not. They're all gone.
"I cannot say anything more about it, little one. The risk of worsening your condition by speaking too freely is all but a guarantee now."
But you led me on. You made me want to remember because of what you assured me. The last two meetings came to mind. The soft words about how the mare was my friend, about how everypony wanted to know what had happened to me in the last few months - even the deliberate use of magic to soothe and calm me - had all been used to make me willing to go through whatever it was that I obviously didn't want to remember. I don't want to go through the heartache again. I don't want to remember any more.
"I know how it feels, Fluttershy-"
With a grunt I clenched my teeth, and tears started to slide down my cheeks. How can I believe you? I'm sorry, but I just can't do it anymore. My friends, the little fillies and colts, even little Spike... Oh Celestia, why did I have to remember any of that? Why do you want me to relive another second of it?
There was a pause in the space. The dense air somehow felt even heavier; the floor seeming like it was sagging under the stress.
"I can't answer that." the voice said.
My breaths became ragged and desperate; the floodgates were threatening to burst. I had never been this angry before. I had never felt this betrayed or used. Each breath I took I held onto for as long as possible. I had to keep my emotions under control.
Please. Leave me alone. I need to be alone.
I thought I heard the voice stumble on her words. "I wish I could, Fluttershy, but the spell allows me to see and hear everything, you know that already."
Then end the spell, I immediately thought.
"Fluttershy!" she gasped, "Doing that will wipe away not just the memories you've recovered, but even things from much further back! The damage it could cause-"
I couldn't control myself anymore. It was too much. In a split second I was off the floor and airborne - staring through glassy eyes into the vast collage of greys and splotches of colour. "Let me go!" I heard myself beg. "Just let me go!" My wings didn't wait for an answer. As fast as they could, they whisked me up through the shimmering planes and increasingly cluttered collections of shapes. Through misty eyes I saw blurs of colour and distortion whooshing past, but I tore through without paying any attention; I had to get out. There was nothing that I wanted more than being free.
The voice's screams pierced through, trying to slow me down, "No, Fluttershy! You mustn't leave!" A blue strip formed out of the formless sky and lunged out for me. I dived down steeply, narrowly missing its touch. The mare yelled again, but this time she was angry, and more tendrils flew out of the abyss after me. "Do you not realise what you're doing? Stop this instant! Fluttershy!"
There was no turning back. I couldn't control myself, I couldn't do this anymore. I had to get out - I had to get out now. Forgetting everything would set me free; I wouldn't be a prisoner inside my own memories.
There was a spark off to my right, and from it came an inky darkness spreading through the air and fusing with everything it touched. I turned my head towards it, not slowing down for a heartbeat, and watched it mix into somepony's face. Wait, it was not a pony, it was a Diamond Dog. He was staring straight at me, his yellow teeth showing through a smug and menacing grin.
"Seize the pony!" he cried. "Take her away to the mines!"
The blood drained away from my face, and the pain spurring me on turned into pure terror. With a yelp I turned my head away, flapping my wings as fast they could move to escape. The world around me was no longer grey, it was dark and suffocating. Flame torches dotted the path I flew along, though the light fell on nothing but the forelegs in front of my face. With nowhere else to go, I followed them - they had to lead somewhere, right?
Behind me I could hear the bloodthirsty howls and barks of countless dogs in pursuit, almost drowning out the furious chants of the hunters, "Capture the pony! Tie her down!"
"Why are you doing this?" I screamed over the vicious howls. There were no explanations, only more dogs joining the chase. The chanting grew louder and louder:
"Capture the pony! Tie her down! Send her to work deep underground!"
An iron cage rushed out of the shadows, trapping me inside. The door slammed behind me, announcing what the Diamond Dogs wanted to hear. In seconds the cage was surrounded by dozens of pairs of eyes and sets of grinning teeth. The barks and cries of the hounds rang in my ears, their chant a victory song.
"Capture the pony! Tie her down! Send her to work deep underground!"
My eyes darted from side to side, my hooves hopelessly pushed against the bars. I was trapped. "No, No! Please let me go!" the words barely reached my ears, drowned out by my sobs and the roar of countless dogs peering inside the cage with satisfaction. I hid behind my mane and hooves. This was a nightmare, a horrible nightmare!
I slammed against the walls, again and again, each impact causing the vision to flicker and arc around me. I kicked harder and harder, knocking the breath out of my own lungs. The dogs' song tried to cut through me, but I wasn't going to give up. With one final buck, my hind legs broke through, shattering the vision into pieces. I glanced around, catching sight of the dogs fizzling out into nothingness. The sounds died with them, and in moments I was drifting in an endless expanse of bright light and silence, staring at the hole I had opened and been sucked through. Had I escaped? Had I broken free from the spell?
What spell?
My ears twitched, and I spun around to face the source. There were voices, panicked and frightened. I threw my wings down, twisting my body around in the space and propelling me forwards. Gradually the voices became clear enough to understand them.
"What's going on? Why is this happening?" said a young mare's voice - or maybe it was not a pony? I couldn't tell. "She's in pain. You've got to stop!"
Me? Is she talking about me? What was I listening to?
A cold, wet cloth strip was wiped across my forehead, and the shock stirred my senses. I may have been flying in... I don't know where, but I was aware of another place entirely. I could hear skittish steps scraping on a wooden floor, a number of metallic, shimmering rings in distinct tones, and someone to my far right grunting as if they were lifting something heavy.
"Fluttershy!" another voice rang out, much closer than the last and with a raspy tone fitting for a colt.
He knows my name. How do I know him?
Something gripped my left foreleg, holding on tight and refusing to let go. Four points dug into my leg, and though it hurt, it felt... Welcomed. Everything in my mind went blank, and I brought my gaze to my leg. There was nothing visibly there, but I could feel it. It was as if it were a ghost holding onto me. My wings fell out of sync and left me floating in the light, but I barely noticed. All I could concentrate on was the feeling of another being's warmth travel up my leg, and the chaos assaulting my ears growing into a crescendo.
"Who let the twerp in here?" A gruff voice called out.
"Let go of her!" another voice joined, falling in with a scuffle of hurried steps. "Waking her would hurt her even more! The spell must not be broken!"
"But she's struggling!" The boy's voice snapped back. "She's already being hurt! Something's wro-Hey! Let go of me!" There were sounds of struggling, and the grip around my leg tightened. "Just. Let. Me. Sit with her!" he growled. "No!" My leg felt like it burst into flames, the four points digging into my fur before vanishing entirely. I winced and shot a glance at my leg, revealing not a single scratch, but the pain was real. I heard a gasp, and in minutes I felt the wet cloth move from my head to my leg. The coolness of the water mixed with the heat, quickly putting it out.
"Take him outside and calm him down. Everyone else, give us some space." a mature voice ordered. Sounds of shuffling echoed in the room, all heading to a certain point in the room and fading away. There was a light thud as a door latch fell into place, muffling the voices outside. A steady beat on the floorboards came up to the left side of the bed I was resting on, adding a rhythm to the ringing still playing on the right. My ear twitched and swung around, being tickled by someone's breath. "Relax, Fluttershy," the mature, suddenly soft voice cooed. I felt a tiny shock pulse through my veins, occurring in time with a new harmonic tone joining the first. The symphony was not for me to hear though, and was quickly lost entirely under the sudden weight and drowsiness tugging on my muscles. "It'll be all over soon," she promised. "Stay where you are."
Where was I, anyway? Wait... How did I get here?
I turned around in the vast space, and saw a thin blue strip snaking over to me. It was emerging from a hole that had been made in the seemingly endless field of light. Did... Did I come through there? Did I make that hole? The strip reached for me and took a hold of my foreleg - in the exact same place as it was held before. It hooked itself around and tugged gently, pulling me back to the hole it had come from. I didn't know where I was going, but I didn't want to go yet, I wanted to know who the voices were.
"No, wait!" I called out, I tried to move my wings and resist, but they didn't move at all. I peered out into the distance - the awareness I once had already missing - and reached out for something to grab hold of. It was no use. I was going where the strange strip of colour wanted me.
I passed through the broken wall, straight into an unusual, but really familiar, collage of grey and splotches of colour. The hole closed up after me, and quickly disappeared among the clutter of shapes and glimmering strips and flat planes. I remembered this place, I had been here before; but when?
A sharp breath shot into my lungs and stayed there. I felt my head fill with a rush of memories. I nearly forgot everything! The memory spell, what had happened to Equestria, Canterlot, the dragons and dogs, Zecora - everything!
"And you are very, very lucky I managed to bring you back before it was lost for good, Fluttershy," the unseen mare's voice said breathlessly. "I hope you have changed your mind after all of that."
I nodded at the vast nothingness. I had.
"Did you find something enlightening?"
I gazed at my foreleg, at the blue strip that was still guiding me down to the platform below. Minutes ago I had felt someone hold onto me tighter than a newborn critter, but why couldn't I remember who it was? I swallowed a lump in my throat. What would've happened if I awoke as clueless as I am now -or much worse? I didn't want to begin to imagine.
"Hmph, I should've guessed," the voice said flatly as I touched down on the conforming, transparent floor. "After all, it's unlike you to be selfish."
Those words stung more than they should've, and in a second my heart felt heavy chains wrapping around it. The blue strip released me and drifted back in the mishmash of desaturated colours, vanishing from sight.
"Now," the unseen mare said. "Shall we go on? There is so much I want to ask you about."
I lay myself on the floor, sighing. I felt horrible for losing my temper, but at the same time, I was thankful I had. I had found a new reason to keep remembering what I had gone through, and this time it was something I knew that was real and true. What do you want to talk about? I asked silently.
There was no hesitation in the listener's voice. "What you discovered in the Freelands - hundreds of miles away from Equestria. Before you remembered everything from your first visit to Canterlot, you remembered being led into the Freelands region by your own Element; the Element of Kindness. You do remember that, correct?"
I did. I remembered the depression I felt, but only now did I understand why I felt that way; I remembered watching countless dragons fly over me, heading in the direction I came from; and I remembered being guided underneath an ancient ruin, deep underground into a dark and dank corridor. What about it in particular? I thought, knowing that the listener would hear me.
"What was behind that stone door? What did you find inside? What were you looking for?" The questions were coming too quickly for me to answer.
"I... I don't think I knew what I was looking for. I was just following where my Element wanted me to go."
The listening mare was not convinced. "Hmph, so you followed phenomena that nopony had ever seen before, crossed the border into The Fang, and travelled to The Free Lands region without ever knowing what it was you were being led to?"
I nodded. As far as I knew, that was the truth.
"Did you at least leave the ruin feeling like it was worth your time?" the listener quizzed.
I don't know. I shook my head, trying to find anything that would jog my memory. I can't remember right now.
"Well then..." the listener trailed off. I looked up into the grey sky above me, searching for an answer that she was looking for. Hues of pinks and deep blues gently bubbled to the surface, before mixing away and being lost in the grey fog.
"Perhaps there was something to read; a mural or a book," the mare's voice piped up. "Or maybe there was somepony there?"
My mouth opened to say 'no', but the words never made it to my throat. My hooves felt clammy in their soles, and my ears drooped down under the weight of the icy chill that shot up the back of my neck. My wings jittered, unsure of the swirling feeling in the pit of my stomach. Was I supposed to flee or rush forward? The vast space around me wasted no time in constructing itself into a dark, damp tunnel while I trembled in place.
"Ah, it seems I triggered something," the listening mare's voice echoed somewhere distant. I stared ahead, straining my eyes to see inside the dark space the memory had constructed around me. A stone door appeared at the end of the tunnel, and cautiously I walked up to it, certain that I had seen this door before. There were six depressions worn into the pale rock, each with a different symbol emerging from it. Together, they orbited around a carved spiral shape with two stars slightly off from its center. One of the orbiting markings glowed with an arc of magic jittering and jumping between it and me. I looked down, and as I did I felt the soft, long locks of my mane fall away and leave behind a shortened, dirty mop. Around my neck was the source of energy; the Element of Kindness.
The listener's voice tickled my ears, and I tried to listen out for her, foolishly hoping I could escape this fragment I didn't feel ready to re-live. My saddlebags swung down over my sides, tucking my wings underneath them, and the coarse, dirty bandage I had around my leg rubbed into my skin. In moments I was completely absorbed in the vision, and planted firmly inside my memories.
Almost too quickly, the magic flowing between my Element and the stone door in front of me ceased. And once again I was plunged into darkness. A whimper escaped into the corridor, and I shuffled to the side and leant against the cold wall. Seconds later, a low, guttural rumble shook the room, and the stone door dropped down an inch, letting through a brilliant golden light. Ancient gears groaned, and the door lowered into the floor, falling flush with the slabs. Before me was a golden barrier, dancing and shimmering like sunlight over a pond, that quickly dispelled and revealed a large room inside.
Swallowing down the lump in my throat, I cautiously ambled through the doorway. As soon as my hoof graced the first slab in the room, dozens of torches flared up on the walls and bathed the entire space in light. I shrank back into the shadows of the corridor, whimpering. Hesitantly, I peeked back inside the secret hall. The room didn't look like a burial chamber filled with mummies and traps like in those nerve-wracking Daring Do books, if anything, it looked like a library. A dozen bookshelves flanked a torn blue carpet going straight down the center of room. Cylindrical columns wider than the average pony towered up to the ceiling, interconnected at the top by strong stone arches criss-crossing among the supports. In however long they had been there, they had kept the ceiling up, but were losing to cracks dripping with water and very stubborn moss. At the far end of the hall, beyond the other end of the blue rug, stood what looked like a stone table - to which a thin beam of light from my necklace shone.
Trusting the amulet more than my gut feeling, I carefully trotted down the middle of the room, glancing down the rows of stocked bookshelves. The room was thick with dust motes and the smell of old parchment, something that I knew would make Twilight excited to explore the countless tomes and scrolls bursting from the shelves. If only she was here to see this...
I quickly dried my eye and blew the dust away from my face. Bowing my head, I hurried along and avoided looking at the books any more.
The tattered rug fanned out in ripped tails, and I stopped a few feet away from the stone table, I glanced over to the left, spotting a pristine wooden table resting close to the floor, with a few dusty cushions placed around it. On the opposite side of the room was a clearer space; a woven rug covered most of the hard floor, and a long work bench up against the wall stood dutifully, carrying kinds of writing and restoration supplies on its dusty surface.
My gaze fell to the stone table, framed by two banners on each side; one depicting a majestic styling of a Unicorn's head on a faded purple background, and the other showing a green banner with a combination of crests united under a crescent moon and full sun. Finally, my gaze fell to the table in front of me, and nervous shudder coursed through me.
In an instant the room was again a burial chamber and not a library. Maybe this place was just a teeny bit like Rainbow's books - but there weren't traps. I hoped. What I was looking at was a grave; a pale sarcophagus sealed by chiselled lid. I closed my eyes, and took a moment to soothe the skittish butterflies panicking in my stomach. Exhaling gently, I took a few steps closer, looking over the symbol engraved on the cold stone. I blew away some of the dust in crevices, revealing the same insignia of a spiral with two stars off from its centre - minus the six orbiting symbols.
The size of the resting place meant that a pony was buried here, and the markings and magical lock meant that they had something to do with the Elements of Harmony in the past. But what did my Element want to show me? It would take decades to read just the books that haven't been destroyed by water. There had to be something specific to search for, either that or the Element of Kindness brought me here for sanctuary from the dragons, dogs, and the pain of watching my home crumble under vicious claws.
My head drooped down, and a pair of tears fell and disturbed the dust on the floor. The Element of Kindness was still twinkling, and my sight followed the thin strand of light as it bounced around the room. I blinked, and blinked again, making sure it was really landing on where to go next. A silver strand sparked over the room, tracing the crack between the sarcophagus and the stone lid sealing it.
I tripped backwards as if I saw a ghost, stumbling over my hooves and falling onto my back. My eyes stayed glued to the grave, and the thin strand of light from my Element continued to flicker and seek a tiny gap to get inside.
It can't be, begged my mind. There had to be some mistake, there had to be something else it wanted! The beam momentarily grew brighter, bathing the grave in its glow. I closed my eyes and shook my head. Images of skeletons coming to life and haunting ghosts appeared under my eyelids, making my heart race and my legs quiver and itch to get up and flee. I couldn't disturb a body. I couldn't steal from a grave - I could barely convince myself that looting needed supplies was okay.
Slowly I stood back up, and looked away from the pale stone. There had to be some explanation; a reason for all of this. The ruins up top, the banners and architecture in this chamber, and the location of the secret room told of the countless years that had passed since anypony set hoof in this place, yet they offered nothing to explain why I had to come here. It also didn't explain what it was in the sarcophagus that I had to get to. Why had I been led here? How could I be expected to open somepony's grave and rifle through it - by the Element of Kindness?
My head drooped down to the tatty rug, tears staining it into a darker shade. I dried my eyes with the bandage on my leg, and looked at how filthy it had become since I had last changed it. With a light grasp and flick of my head, I pulled the wrappings loose, revealing a faint scar peeking through my fur. I sat down on my haunches, and traced the mark with my hoof. I looked at my fringe, frowning at how dirty it had become, too. Quickly I checked myself over, looking at my tail and scuffed saddlebags. How long had I been living like this already? Had it been a few weeks perhaps, maybe a month? Time had marched on without me, the world had changed from what I held onto.
A dirty clump of my fringe fell in front of my eye, and I blew it aside and adjusted my headband to keep it back. I knew I had changed too - but I had to! I couldn't survive if I hadn't. I couldn't keep my promise to my friends and myself if I wasn't willing to do what it took to stay safe. But was it a good thing? My mind questioned. Would I still be who my friends loved when I eventually saw them again - this life or the next? Or would they only see a far cry of the friend they once had? A thief... I looked up at the sarcophagus. ...A grave robber?
My wings twitched uncomfortably. The Element was asking this of me, it wouldn't lead me astray in a time like this would it? But if I turned back I wouldn't be a bad pony. Would it be worth the risk of ignoring my own amulet? Could it cost me my own wish to reunite my friends - cost me bringing peace to them and myself?
I stashed the old bandage back into my saddlebags and stood back up. My hooves pattered back to the stone bed, and I swallowed down the same sickly taste I had before. I shot a glance at my Element and saw that it was dull and lifeless - not taking any joy or pleasure from what I was about to do. I hoped it was right about this, and I hoped that all of the ghost stories and assurances of being sent to Tartarus were not going to turn out to be true. I had to trust my Element; I had to trust that it was in the best interest of Kindness - as wrong as it seemed to be.
My sweaty hooves pressed against the side of the slab. With a hurried whisper I begged for understanding, and that my friends wouldn't hate me for trying to do the right thing for them.
A grunt escaped me as I pushed against the heavy stone. My rear hooves skidded along the floor, but I kept on pushing, quickly wedging my rear hooves in front of an uneven slab for support. The stone seal growled and slid aside, and suddenly leapt to the other side of the enclosure - slamming into the floor and wall with a grating crunch. I slipped and half-fell into the cold container, bringing my gaze to the ancient bones of a Unicorn stallion curled up inside.
Before I could think, I made the mistake of looking up the pony's skull, and locking my bewildered stare with one of the eye sockets. The ceiling felt like it had fallen on my back, the air had snapped into a harsh chill in an instant. It was me who had done this; I had invaded and violated a dead creature's right to peace. The skull didn't move, silently burning its scorn into my soul, staining it with something that would never ever be cleansed.
Screwing my eyes shut, I tore myself away from the grave, retching and dry-heaving to the side, trying desperately to think of something else. I thought of my friends, but all I could see were their skulls staring through me with the same lifeless view. I thought of the Princesses, but all I could see were their skeletal forms towering over me. My lungs were closed off, and I choked and suffocated among the feeling of hateful stares coming from thousands of disturbed souls. Why couldn't you have just left us in peace? They asked.
I pulled my ears down and covered my head, but their accusing voices still pierced through. How could you disrespect our wishes? The voices demanded.
The chamber was plunged into darkness, and the chilling sight of white skulls and empty eye sockets surrounded me. The skeletal forms of everypony I knew joined the countless judging gazes. I gasped for air, still being smothered by the guilt of the crime I had committed. The voices all spoke harshly and in unison. Why couldn't you respect the permanent nature of death?
"Because none of you are dead!" I screamed, slamming my hooves into the floor. The grip around my neck vanished, leaving my breaths ragged and curt. The phantoms dissolved and fell to the floor, seeping into the cracks in the burial chamber's floor. Blindly I stared ahead, ignoring the streams of tears pouring down my cheeks, and listened. The dead silence of the room strained under each breath I took, but thankfully no more angry voices could be heard . The weight of the moment pushed me down, squeezing the anger out of my shaking body and letting it evaporate into the cold, stale air.
I wiped the tears away from my face, and gradually counted to ten. Carefully, I pulled myself onto my hooves once more and turned back to the grave. Avoiding the empty gaze of the skull, I scanned over the body, my eyes falling upon a leather-bound book tucked inside the skeleton's grasp. A tiny shimmer confirmed that it was what I was looking for, and slowly I leant down to pick it up - whispering a painful apology to the once-at-peace pony. I held my breath, feeling the cold claws of death brush down my cheeks. Delicately I bit the edge of the cover and tugged, and surprisingly the book came away with ease. Without a moment's hesitation I pulled away from the sarcophagus, and balanced the book on my wing. Without a second glance at the skeleton, I walked over to the large table, and slid the old tome onto the surface. A moment later I pushed a stiff cushion over and carefully sat down, paying no attention to the dust and bugs that had been disturbed.
The book, aside from looking old, appeared to be nothing particularly special. The leather had faded to grey, and the edges of the pages had turned into the colour of rust. I opened the book carefully, revealing pages and pages of hoof-written notes and carefully-drawn diagrams. I looked to my amulet for a clue for which page to read, but it didn't even shine. Its job was done, and it had become dormant once more.
I began to skim through the book, searching for words or topics that would seemed important. A lot of the notes were regarding weather-changing magic and agriculture and how the author's findings either supported or invalidated their theories. Other notes talked about a "growing problem with Windigos" and an "importance of pulling together" that the author particularly scoffed at - citing that it took more than just standing together to deal with such dangerous creatures.
I turned a few more pages, and suddenly the tone changed. "No more is my apprentice a mere apprentice," it said. "Today she and five others are more than that - perhaps blessed by divinity.
"Normally this is not the place for my personal musings, but it is hard to work in spite of the news that the so-called 'First Friends of Equestria' wielded power beyond even my own. Normally I would assume that everypony was fabricating a lie to tease the old wizard of House Platinum, but the chestplates they're wearing now are far too intricate to be a useless prop - and the gemstone embedded in each piece is enchanted with an energy I have never before encountered.
"Details are dubious, however, as to how those six mares came to be wielders of such power. Some self-described witnesses claim a variety of things from rainbows exploding from the ground and bestowing these pieces to their owners, to the mere declaration between the six ponies that their 'friendship is what will preserve this new republic'. Bah! It's all flowery nonsense! Comradeship keeps Unicorns (and I suppose other ponies) together, yes, but it is magical prowess - or in the case of those Pegasi, military might - that ensures the defence of a state.
"Even so, I must learn more about those artefacts. Perhaps I could acquire permission to study them from Lady Platinum, or call a favour from curious little Clover. "
Wait. I flicked through a few more pages, and turned towards the open coffin, recalling the symbol on the lid and on the door sealing this place away. This is... Oh my. Oh goodness! I stared back down at the page I had landed on, and carried on reading. |
Survivor Shy | Elements | The words on the page danced across the yellow parchment, swirling and twirling into an unintelligible mass of letters. In the corners of my vision, I could see the crypt's many bookshelves fall into the floor, and the walls and ceiling start to flitter away into a grey void. Mentally I took a deep breath, because I was no longer in my own body anymore - and no longer in this memory.
This would be so much easier if I could close my eyes until it was over, I thought to myself. In seconds I was drifting under an endless sea of colours all streaming down and mixing together. Lilacs and dark blues painted the scenery, transforming the canvas into the ruins of a city. Up above, pinks and deep purples blended together, crafting a sky after dusk. Swirls of red streaked in the sky and solidified into a dragon flying overhead. Finally, beyond the massive creature, specks of white collected together and created the early stars and the moon.
I felt my head physically drop down, and the sensation of having legs, wings, and a heartbeat quickly settled in. I was lying underneath a fallen wall, quietly hidden from the angry eyes of both Dragons and Diamond Dogs roaming the city. Sounds of battles and raging fires clamoured all around me, but the rubble I had crawled under felt safe; even if it would easily become my tomb if more of the building collapsed.
My body was racked with shudders, and I closed off my wandering thoughts entirely.
My saddlebags and canteen poked and prodded into me, but brought a little security of their own. I had brought along some potions, my spare canteen, some sticky bandages, a sewing kit, Zecora's book, and my scarf. I had run out of food a few days ago, but snacking on grass and daisies on the way to Canterlot was better than nothing. After this trip though, I would have to find a better source of food - and I didn't look forward to it.
"Focus, Fluttershy, keep your eyes on the prize," Rainbow's voice echoed from the past. "You can't do something if you're worried about what other ponies think."
I swallowed hard, and gazed out to the solitary towers making up the remains of Canterlot Castle. Smoke and ash billowed from war-torn parts of the great city, eerily hiding the base of the towers - and the wreckage of the castle - from view. I couldn't see Canterlot Tower, and I didn't expect to after what had happened there last time. Still, I hoped the Elements were still there, or that there was at least a clue showing me where they had been taken.
The moon continued to rise higher and higher into the sky, trying to catch a fleeting glimpse of the sun it barely knew. It had been subtle at first, but with each passing day and night the sky changed from how it used to be. Without the Princesses to guide them, the sun and moon simply rose and fell to their own rhythm. The moon would rise sooner at night and chase after the sun, occasionally leaving a blanket of stars just before dawn, but not her gentle and loving glow for the early risers to say 'Good morning' to before she dipped beneath the horizon.
Maybe the moon was grieving; maybe she craved the sun's comforting embrace. They couldn't stop moving though, not for a single day. If they stopped they would never move again, and the sun seemed to know this. Like me on the ground, she pushed herself onwards, never knowing where exactly she's going or how long she can go on without guidance.
At least in the end, if the sun decides to stop, the moon would be there for her.
A chilly breeze swept through the street, whistling through wrought-iron fences on balconies and lifting paper and dust from the street. I peered out from my hiding place once more, this time looking in the direction of the wind. Looming over the summit of the mountain were the first storm clouds of the winter front Philomena had warned me of. A stronger gust of wind groaned through the city, seeming to blow out the last of the setting sun's light. Night had finally come. That was all that I was waiting for.
Checking left, right, and up in the sky for danger, I wiggled out from my shelter. My belly scraped on stones and debris, but I paid little attention to them; being distracted for a few seconds in the open could put me in danger. Quickly I crossed the cracked road. A quick down stroke of my wings lifted me into a silent leap, sailing me over smashed seats and tables lining up the front of a ransacked coffee shop.
I landed gently on a clear space of tile flooring and folded my wings back to my sides. The cold air slinked around my ankles and prickled the skin underneath my coat. I took a breath; the smells of stale food and rancid milk rushing up to greet me. On the few tables that hadn't been turned over or broken, small cups of stagnant liquid still stood. A near-empty cup on the counter, joined by a newspaper and a flat cap spoke of a pony enjoying the late night catching up on news. In a dark alcove in the far side of the room were two cups seemingly full to the brim. They sat closely together on the same side of the table, well within each other's comfort - as intimate as the ponies who had bought them.
Carefully I walked across the room, being cautious of where I treaded. When the... Event happened it was a late night, and so there weren't many ponies in the coffee shop when they all disappeared. In a gut-wrenching way I was glad it was like that; I didn't want to see dozens of dried stains on the floor.
There was something amiss about the scene, and that was how little had been disturbed even after being sacked by Diamond Dogs. The shock wave I saw threw my train off the tracks, but here in Canterlot, the spell only took the ponies away - leaving everything else untouched. If the spell struck somewhere in the Appaloosa Desert, then maybe - just maybe - somepony had enough time to protect themselves.
No. I can't fool myself like that, my thoughts warned. Not again.
I pressed up against the wall in the backroom, beside an open doorway looking out over an alley. Outside the war continued to ravage the capital. It hurt to see Canterlot like this, especially now in an even worse state than it was no more than under a week ago. What damage the Event hadn't caused had been made up for by the invaders picking at the bones of this mass gravesite. It didn't matter to them that thousands of ponies had vanished in a flash no more than a couple of weeks ago. All that mattered were the valuable possessions that had been left behind. In the weeks following a horrible disaster, the Diamond Dogs and Dragons had simply flocked here like scavengers, and began picking away at the body of the city until there was nothing left but bones made of brick and mortar. Shivers ran up and down my spine at the image.
Before I could take a few steps outside, an enormous dragon flew directly over with a deafening roar. When I opened my eyes I found myself shaking inside the coffee shop's pantry, cowering behind unopened crates. The roars rattled through the walls and ceiling, followed by a crash that shook the floor violently. Seconds later howls rang out, and the clamour of battle soon followed. I crept out of the pantry and made my way back to the back door. Taking a quick glance in the direction of the fighting, I saw the massive dragon loom above the rooftops of the city, standing upright in a distant street. Spears sailed up to his waist and tried to stab through the creature's scales, but only a few lodged themselves in place, and even then the dragon only brushed them off like pine needles. He took in a quick breath, and without hesitation I looked away and covered my ears. Orange light flickered against the walls, and faint screams wriggled inside my mind, making me try harder and harder to block out what I knew was happening. A few moments after the light faded, I dared myself to look back. I peeked around the doorway to where the dragon was, and saw that it was under attack again. Not wasting another chance, I broke it into a shaky gallop and ran down the road. Rounding the corner of a junction, my eyes fell upon the remaining towers of the castle again. Relieved I wasn't taking a long detour, my eyes lowered to the street, which stopped me dead in my tracks.
No more than twenty feet away from me was a dark grey hound in a blue jacket and black collar. He was sitting down against a wall. One of the hound's strong arms rested on the stone slabs of the pavement, idly digging its long claws into the rock. The other arm was carefully lying over his chest, pressing against his ribcage. The noise of my panicked stop alerted him, and his eyes darted over and locked with mine. In an instant, he began to spring up to attack. My eyes snapped shut in a flinch and I tensed. Instead of a ferocious bark and a tackle, I heard the powerful hound gasp painfully for air, and stumble onto all fours with a grating scrape from his claws.
Peeking with one eye, I saw the hound picking himself off of the ground. His breaths were ragged and pained, and gingerly he covered his chest again with one of his enormous arms. He stood on his hind legs and looked back at me, growled indignantly, and started hobbling in the opposite direction.
My mind screamed for me to turn around and pretend nothing happened, but my legs decided to follow him down the road. I couldn't turn away if I wanted to, not with the way the sight of someone in pain.
"Are you... Are you hurt?" I quietly asked. I could barely hear myself over my own heartbeat. "Do you need help?" I wasn't sure what to expect, I wasn't even sure if this kind of Diamond Dog could speak or if he would attack me again. It was dangerous, but I knew deep down that I couldn't walk away without trying to help him. The weather front alone would be dangerous for anyone outside, but with dragons also combing the streets, could an injured Diamond Dog stay safe? My head shook before my imagination could create an answer.
The hound stopped where he was and stared ahead for a moment, then he turned around and scowled at me. "I don't need help from puny pony who runs into forest like scaredy cat!"
The gears in my head clicked; I had seen this Diamond Dog before in Ponyville, and he was the hound that chased me out of my own home. Now I was stood just out of his reach, ant not even thinking of fleeing. Yet.
The hound stretched upward and flexed his arms. "I'm strong! My hurt will go away! Stupid Gryphon can't keep me down!"
Griffins in Canterlot? My face twisted in confusion. If they had been in Equestria the whole time, then that would mean that they were spared by the spell. If not, why would they come here to fight this poor hound? Before I could ask, the Diamond Dog had started going down the street again. There you have it; he won't let anyone keep him down! Can we leave now? My mind rattled. I shook my head and caught up with him, keeping my distance. I watched him closely, and listened to every muted grunt he made. I tried talking to him again, "Um, excuse me, Mister Diamond Dog, I don't mean to be a bother, but what do you mean by a Griffin keeping you down?"
He tried to sigh, but it came out as a curt huff. He cringed and clutched his chest for a few seconds and then started to speak. "Stupid Gryphon came down from sky. Hit me really hard here.' He waved his left paw over his chest, taking care not to catch himself with his claws. "Then it took shiny necklace away and flew away before I could get claws on them. You happy? Now go away or I will hurt pony like I want hurt Gryphon!"
The hound stormed off but didn't get very far. Just as he started passing a burning building he cried out in agony and fell to the side, catching himself with a free paw. Deadly sharp claws or not, he needed my help! I hurried over to his side, abandoning my protesting thoughts, and wedged myself against the much larger creature. For a split second he leant against me, but then bolted upright like he had leant on something disgusting. The hound stumbled sideways for a moment, staring at me in surprise for a second before hardening into a scowl and I looked over myself for something in my coat. I looked back up towards him, and shrank under his furious glare. His arm cocked back to strike, and I scrambled backwards, falling onto my back and covering my eyes with a yelp. No pain came, but for a moment I stayed in the darkness of my eyelids, wondering if the sound of fire was the burning building behind me or the massive beacons marking the gate to Tartarus. Ready or not, my hoof dropped down, and quickly I took a peek - finding myself staring at the sharp points of the hound's elongated claws. My gaze followed up his arm and froze on his expression - his eyes ablaze with frustration and pain.
"What you want... Now?!" He demanded, pausing to take uneven breaths. "Can't you... Just go... Away?! I must find... Fellow Dogs. They will... Help. Not Pony! "
I started to squeak, "I, um, I just wanted to-"
"Huh?" he growled. "What?"
I kicked my hooves into the ground, scurrying backwards and away from the hound's claws. He stayed where he was, breathing shallowly and never taking his eyes off of me. Slowly I turned to my saddlebags and pulled out a green bottle with a thick mixture inside. On the bottle were two labels, one with writing, and the other with a picture of a bone. The label read: "Enaroot Bone Repair: For big breaks and fractures the size of a hair."
Tentatively, I reached my hooves out with the bottle in their grip. I forced the calmest voice I could manage with those angered eyes burning into me. "I-I have some medicine. That mean Griffin has hurt your ribs. This will help you if you drink it - it will make it stop hurting."
"Blech! I hate medicine! I don't need it!' He bellowed, pulling his arm away and storming off again. Seconds later his outburst caught up with him in the form of agony tearing up his chest, and I winced at the sound of it. I rolled onto all fours and stood up. I grabbed the bottle up by the cork and rushed over to the injured Diamond Dog. Hopping about on my hind legs, I held the bottle with my forehooves and yanked the cork out. I dropped the cork to the floor, and switched over to hovering with my wings as I held the potion out to him. Without a word, he took his left arm off his chest and held his paw out, barely missing me with his claws. "Hrk! Fine!" He grumbled as I dropped the bottle onto his paw. He straightened up to look at the bottle, and I politely hovered away.
A small smile crept onto my face. And for a few moments I felt a warmth sweep over my heart while I watched the hound start drinking it the potion. He kept drinking it, and drinking it, and drinking it. Um... I covered my mouth in surprise. The Diamond Dog guzzled the liquid down, and threw the empty bottle aside, shattering it into hundreds of tiny shards glimmering in the light of the fire. The Diamond Dog cringed a little bit at what I imagined to be a bitter aftertaste. Oh my... I hope there isn't a maximum dosage.
The hound's mood hadn't improved yet. "There. Now I get better, and you happy, yes?" he said bitterly.
I nodded and smiled, "Make sure you get plenty of rest too, and you'll get better in no time."
He looked away and grumbled, I took that as his way of forcing himself to say 'Thank you' and said 'You're welcome'.
"If you don't mind me asking, what is your name? I'm Fluttershy."
"Names are for friends. And family," grumbled the Diamond Dog. "Pony and I not friends. Now go!" He threw his free arm outward, pointing it down the road. My smile collapsed on itself, but the hound didn't seem to care. I hesitated, and the dog pulled his lips back in a snarl, showing a full set of jagged and sharp teeth.
I unfurled my wings and lifted off, quickly backing away from the Diamond Dog. In silence and still clutching his side, the Diamond Dog watched me start to fly away. I paused for a moment, and started to twist around to say goodbye. Before I could say anything, the dog painlessly leapt up after me and barked, sending me rocketing into the sky with a yelp. Now in plain sight of any nearby dragon, I quickly spun around and dived back down, swooping over the rooftops of several buildings and landing in a street very close to the castle's wall.
I hid myself inside a burnt building, panting and struggling to keep my heart from leaping from my chest. I looked through a cracked and sooty window, my eyes fixed on the sky. No hulking monsters came into view, but the clouds made up for it: Giant stubby fingers grasped over the mountaintop, gripping the rock in a stranglehold that seemed to choke even the sounds of battle in other parts of the city.
My head ducked away from the glass and I shivered. A blizzard was coming, and if I wasn't out of Canterlot by then...
No time to lose, Fluttershy! Hastily I left the building and ran out into the street. A glance in the sky showed it was safe to fly, and so I took off from the street and made my way for where Canterlot Tower once stood. Freezing air stung at my cheeks and nipped at my primaries, but I ignored it and kept flapping my wings. Below me were dozens of homes and business bathed in either the orange glow of fire or the bluish aura of the fading moonlight. Ahead loomed the last three towers of the castle, one of which being the same tower I narrowly escaped the Diamond Dogs from last time. At the base of the towers were the crumbling remains of the rest of the beautiful jewel that hung from the neck of the mountain.
I swung down, searching for last place I saw the Elements, and softly touched down at the top of a familiar flight of stairs. The strengthening winds greeted me, blowing dust and snowflakes into my eyes. I raised a hoof at the breeze and closed my eyes. The grey and shattered ruins were momentarily replaced by the magnificent buildings, exotic plants, and purple and gold banners I remembered this place for. My eyes opened, but the vision didn't end. From the freezing wind came a swarm of snowflakes with pairs of icy eyes. I blinked, and my friends were there beside me, but the Changelings had surrounded us. I blinked hard, squeezing the images until they folded and left me alone - alone in front of the lifeless stone skeleton of Canterlot Tower. No banners of purple and gold. No vibrant flowers overflowing from hanging baskets - gardens in their own right - and not one of my friends by my side.
My bones creaked and popped as I shivered, and moved stiffly as I moved up to the double doors to Canterlot Tower. The doors wouldn't move, but with the missing windows and roof, there was nothing preventing me from getting inside. I quickly took wing and glided over the wall. My heart pulled me down onto the rubble, weighed down by the complete destruction of the tower, and the slim chance that I would find anything under the rubble that had been left behind. All of the Elements of Harmony were in here with Princess Celestia's crown. In the chaos of the fight between a Dragon and an army of Diamond Dogs however, I could not have taken them all and escaped. I... I was selfish; as the last thing left of my friends, I shouldn't have left the Elements behind.
"It's okay..." Twilight assured. "It could've happened to any one of us."
Hot tears stung at my cheeks, quickly falling and freezing on the stones at my hooves.
"Aw, Fluttershy, don't cry! It's not ya fault. We're here for ya!" Applejack soothed. I could almost feel her hoof resting on my shoulder. Almost wasn't enough.
"You're not though," I sputtered. "Th-that's why I'm..." I fell to my haunches, staring out over the toppled columns, ruined flower baskets, and indistinguishable piles of rubble. "That's why I'm to blame."
"Don't be silly!" bounced Pinkie's voice. "We're always with you!" Something warm brushed my cheek - too tender to have been imagined. I lifted my hoof to my cheek, crushing a tear that was still there. "Always."
A shimmer caught my eye, and my teary gaze darted over to it. Something was shining erratically through the cracks of a stack of boulders and wreckage about two dozen feet away from me. I hoisted myself onto my hooves, and scrambled up to the rubble, slipping and scraping my ankles on loose and sharp rocks. As I drew nearer it became stronger and brighter. I hurried up and flew over, feeling gentle warmth wavering in the wintery breeze. I grabbed a large chunk of stone and pulled with all the strength of my wings, lifting the dead weight aside and dropping it carelessly. I touched down and started digging away at the smaller stones and wreckage. Finally, I pushed one last rock aside, and was bathed in a pure white glow. I gasped at the sight; there in the debris was the Element of Magic, undamaged, glowing brightly, and providing the comforting blanket of heat.
I had never seen any of the Elements of Harmony do this before, at least not when activated by each of my friends and I. I held my hoof over the tiara tentatively, worried that the heat might burn, but the Element was cool to the touch, and its glow settled into a calming purple hue.
There was a foreign, relaxing heat that seeped into my veins, tingling and numbing my leg in seconds. I wanted to pull my hoof back, but the Element had quickly put my muscles to sleep. I began to tip over and fall, making me snap my eyes shut in fear of landing in something painful. Instead I felt the sensation of flight. The warmth in the air had wrapped itself around me, and the aura was cradling me with the Element of Magic nestled in my forehooves and up against my chest. In the back of my mind, a part of me was squealing in utter terror, but the rest accepted it - welcomed it. Even though I was in the middle of war-torn city, I felt safer than I ever had been since the train crash.
My eyelids drooped down, slowly closing completely to sleep. In moments I found myself drifting through a tunnel of clouds. I could hear a steady beat of a pony walking and distant voices that I couldn't place. My view bobbed from side to side, falling in time with the rhythm of hoof falls. Gradually, foggy and dark silhouettes of five ponies in a group emerged in the tunnel, and the bobbing and hoofsteps stopped once I was close enough to see that two were Pegasi, two were Earth ponies, and one was a Unicorn.
The whispers became louder, and the silhouettes shuffled like one of them were speaking though I could not tell who. The voices were distorted and broken in speech, but still remained distinct as they quietly murmured to one another. A voice directly above me began talking. "Are we prepared? Time is leading us to battle whether we are ready or not."
A Pegasus leapt into the air, pumping a hoof in the air while the other flinched at the sudden movement. "Our best warriors have joined up," the flying Pegasus said. "As soon as they learnt of the threat they immediately offered their wings to face it."
"Excellent, send them to my enchanters straight away; a ward imbued in their armour shall help all of us in the long run." The unicorn decreed.
"Does that also mean we have the Celestial mages at our disposal?" The voice above me asked.
The Unicorn turned her gaze towards the pony above me. "They were a challenge - even for me - but they are willing to lend their abilities providing more capable fighters protect them."
"My own squadron will keep them safe." The other Pegasus quietly assured.
"And the same applies for my ponies," an Earth pony chimed in. "We don't have super magic powers or fancy wings - a lot of them are builders and bakers really - but that doesn't matter! We are all in this together!"
The other Earth pony silhouette nodded in agreement. "We have to watch each other's flanks out there and stick together. Windigos draw strength from dividing and conquering."
"Hey! If anyone knows conquering: It's us!" The flying Pegasus jumped in, placing her hooves on her companion's shoulders and giving them a little shake. The more reserved Pegasus shrugged out of her friend's grasp, backing a little bit away from the group.
"Please... That was a long time ago."
"Oh don't be like that. I was only making a point." The flying Pegasus dismissed with her hoof before pointing towards me - or the pony above me. "How about you, huh? You seem awfully quiet, Lucky Swirl."
The group all shared a small amount of laughter. Even the voice above me betrayed itself with a chuckle. "I would scold you on calling me that, but I reckon we needed that. I'm a little preoccupied, to tell the truth. This battle... I... I don't know. It almost feels like something's very queer about it."
"First battle's got you skittish, hmm? You aren't the first or last one. Sometimes I wonder if this gentle, pudgy pony next to me will ever grow out of it." The flying Pegasus chided, jabbing her hoof into her comrade.
"It's not that," the voice above replied. "It's like... It's like something is going to happen. It worries me." Suddenly, the vision of the pony silhouettes in the cloud tunnel disappeared from view, like somepony had covered my eyes. "I feel it right here; a little pressure like something is there."
There was a pause, and I felt the five silhouette's gazes pass through the darkness and stare towards me. The warped but distinguishable voice of the flying mare spoke first, her voice quickly fading with distance. "Hmm, better put some armour over that, then."
Millions of specks of white filled my sight, raining down and settling all around me. I lay still, feeling the thick flakes land on my coat and melt with an icy nip. The rubble around me already had a thin layer of powder settling on it, and soon would be disguised under the innocence of pure snow. The wind picked up and raced over the rubble, nibbling through my coat.
I sat up and rubbed my temples with my hooves. The full brunt of the cold clawed into my face, and snowflakes clung to my hair and eyelashes, forcing me shiver for warmth. I quickly grasped the Element of Magic with my teeth and packed it away. I tilted my head back, gazing up at the sky. The moon was nowhere to be seen, but neither were the stars. Instead were thick, dark grey clouds rolling and bowling overhead, dragging wind that grew bitterer with each passing minute. I didn't know how long I had been asleep, but I should've left Canterlot a long time ago. It may be too late to leave now.
I turned my gaze towards where the rest of Canterlot lie, and took off into the dense snowfall. The heavy snow created a thick wall that made everything vanish in less than a dozen feet. I flew low to the ground, carefully rising and dipping when obstacles emerged into view. I passed a few burning buildings, and adjusted my course to follow a road. The sounds of battle had died away, leaving only the crackle of blazes and the occasional distant roar of dragons. The blizzard had put a stop to the violence, finally wrapping the city in cold silence. I didn't belong here, not among the vacant ruins, but where else did I belong? There was no warm fireplace beckoning for me at home, and no animals huddling up near it and sleeping soundly in the orange glow. After the looting the Diamond Dogs had done throughout Canterlot, I was afraid to go home and see what they had done in search of anything of value in my cottage...
Shivers wracked through my body, dropping me down a few feet. My wings stiffly pushed onward, numbed by the cold but far from giving up. The snow lifted slightly, revealing the looming mass of rock pointing up to the sky. The summit of Canterlot's mountain was breaking up the storm for a part of the city. If I was going to have to wait out the blizzard, my best bet was in the shadow of the defiant wall of rock.
The city's buildings stopped a long distance from the mountain wall, leaving a rare open space on the ledge the Canterlot hung onto. I landed on the second floor of a smashed building overlooking the field, and stared into the thinning veil of snow. Ovals waved and bobbed in the wind, tied down by cables and silhouettes of boats and yachts. To the right side of the field stood a tower with an orange flag barely staying attached to its pole. Straight ahead - just as the snow all but stopped for a moment - were two huge figures towering over the vast collection of airships. The dragons stood by each other, the one on the right seemingly counting up the wealth he had stolen, while the other leant against the mountain beside his friend. The right dragon seemed to be reddish, while his friend was clearly as pale as the snow falling from the sky. I wasn't the only one who seeking shelter here it seemed.
Before a flurry of snow waned and showed them to me again, I ducked down behind a portion of wall, and peered over what was left of the window frame still sitting on it. The dragons were talking idly, their deep voices muffled by the weather. I stared at the red dragon and the loot he cradled in one arm. Tons of gold, gems, and shiny objects made up the hoard - whose homes had he destroyed for just a fraction of it?
There was a sparkle. I blinked and focused on the red dragon's armful of loot. I saw it again, this time was brighter and flashed in a burst. I squinted, trying to make out the source of the light. Could it be? Could it another Element of Harmony trying to catch my attention?
White flurries of powder obscured the dragons from view, and I wasted no time in hopping out from my hiding place and swooping down into the airfield below. Up close, I could see a variety of airship styles and designs: Simple vessels powered with props and steam engines, exotic and large yachts owned by the richest ponies in Canterlot, and even a couple of hot-air balloons had found a place to sit in the shelter of the mountain. Sadly, the hot-air balloons had long since collapsed, covering small airships with a massive tangle of fabric and wires. Some airships had fallen victim to vandalism; balloons slashed open or cut free, or even the entire vessel being burnt into nothing but a blackened skeleton. Other ships had drifted or broken free accidentally, crashing into each other in a mess of splinters. The chaos and damage on the ground tugged at the strings of my mind, twisting sounds of creaking wood into painful groans, and warping debris into the forms of trapped and forgotten ponies. I blinked a few times, shivering and taking stuttered breaths.
The snow started to let up again, and I gently drifted down behind a tipped boat, hiding away from the dragons. While I looked around for the best route to move among the wreckage, I listened in on the talking creatures - now close enough to hear them clearly.
"I thought you said we could wait out the storm here, Grundle," the pale dragon complained. "I'm already feeling ice settling on my spines. We should go back with the others."
"Puh!" the red dragon, Grundle, spat. "And let some little reptile come along and get the rest of the loot? It's bad enough those yappy little runts came crawling out of the woodwork, and now you'd rather let the rest of the treasures in this city be snapped up just because you're cold?"
Tracing a route among the wreckage, I started making my way towards the dragons. I had to know if the red one had what I thought he had. How I would get it from him if he did was a train of thought I didn't want to board. The conversation carried on, assuring me that I was still out of sight.
"You do know that Lulenkha owns this mountain, do you? I hear she's coming to reclaim her territory - she will smash us into the face of the cliffs if she catches us."
"Sheesh, that old bat? I hear she's been loopy ever since she lost her eye all those centuries ago. Do you think that ancient relic can even keep up with us? Now shut it - I'm trying to work out the value of this hoard."
"Hmph! Well if you want to tangle with a dragoness, be my guest. But I don't want to be anywhere near you if you anger the Elders." I felt a low rumble as one of the dragons shifted footing. The lopsided remains of the yacht I was inside of creaked and groaned at the disturbance. I hurried through, skittering onto the deck and hopping over to another wreck that didn't seem likely to collapse. The dragons emerged from the snowy shroud as I darted behind some barrels. The pale dragon was ready to leave, while Grundle had stopped e8xamining his treasures to look at his companion.
"And that's another thing! Those Elders are toothless snakes, why should we take orders from them? Kagnarak didn't think he should - and now he's out there living the high life!"
"Kagnarak is older than our ages combined," the pale grey dragon grumbled impatiently. "Of what life he's managed to carve, he's quite capable of protecting." The snowy dragon quickly swung around, his tail flattening and flinging ships caught in its path. A hot-air balloon's basket arched over towards me, and I threw myself clear before it could crush me. The basket bounced off and landed somewhere in the carnage behind me with a crash and a crunch. Roars and growls filled the air, flames sprayed out into the dull sky, and the ground rumbled and shook in time with the struggle. I chanced a peek over the splintered remains of the yacht, and saw that the pale dragon had stolen some of Grundle's treasure. Now the two were locking claws and butting heads with each other.
"Give me that gold back!" snarled the red dragon. Puffs of smoke billowed from his flared nostrils, but the pale dragon only smiled wryly, barely struggling against his opponent.
"If you were anything like Kagnarak, you'd have already got it back yourself!" The pale dragon teased, shoving his opponent against the mountain. The impact exploded in the air, the deafening crash freezing my muscles faster than the snow. I kept my eyes glued on the pale dragon, and watched as he threw the stolen gold in his grip at the dazed form of Grundle, peppering him with jingling pieces of jewellery and coins - and the source of the sparkling light. The riches fell to the ground, disappearing from view. Now was my chance!
Hastily racing through the maze of wreckage, I made my way for where the dragons were stood. If the source of light was another Element of Harmony, then the risk with getting close to a gigantic fire-breathing dragon was worth it. If I can get to it before he finds it... I thought as I slipped through a hole in the bow of a ship, quickly clambering over toppled crates and barrels. The low grumbles of the two dragons talking permeated through the wood.
"I'm going back to Kinsmeer. There's better company and a bunch of lava pools waiting for me there. Unless you still think you're as tough as the likes of Kagnarak or Lulenkha, I expect to see you soon." With that the ground shook once more, eliciting a series of creaks and crackles from the stressed frames of the trashed vessels.
My hooves drummed on the stairs leading onto the deck - abruptly ending once my wings took over. I glided over to an intact ship with its balloon still attached - making the deck of the ship easier to hide on. I scampered over towards the stern and settled in the doorway to the captain's quarters. Peeking around the corner, I saw that the pale dragon was long gone, leaving Grundle alone to pick up his stolen loot. He was already recovering the valuables that had been dropped in the scuffle, and my heart sank at the loss of my chance. Grundle stood up, and just as his armful of Canterlot's wealth pass my eyes a sparkle shone into my eyes. The red dragon noticed it too, picking the item out and placing it under his scrutiny.
My hoof flew over my mouth before I could yell or make any sound. It was an Element of Harmony! It was my Element! The red dragon had it between the points of his index and thumb claws.
"Well, well... This is unique." The dragon grinned, his eyes glazing over with a frightening gaze. I couldn't help but gulp. He chuckled to himself, spitting out flames and smoke. "Maybe Stickle has a point; I shouldn't tangle with Lulenkha - not with a strange treasure like this at stake."
Grundle's wings rapidly unfurled, and launched himself into the grey sky with a single beat of his massive wings. I had just barely braced myself in the doorway of the ship, which saved me from being blown away in the wake of the red dragon's take off. The airship I was aboard lurched and jerked upwards suddenly. The bow dipped downward, knocking me from the doorway. I slid down the deck, desperately digging into the floorboards. I kicked off the floor, pumping my wings to fly away from the ship. Moments later, there was a loud snap, and before I could react the deck of the ship rocketed up, plunging everything into darkness.
Drearily, I came to lying on my back. I was sprawled out on the deck of the airship - now level and ascending rapidly into the full force of the blizzard.
Ascending?! It's too dangerous to be in the air!
I rolled over and pushed myself onto my hooves. The ship was going up! It had broken free from its anchor, and now it was at the mercy of the storm. The wind howled in my ears, pellets of ice spiked and prickled my skin, and the bitter cold was quickly freezing into my bones. Even if I knew how to do it I couldn't bring the airship down; it was too dangerous to stay out in the open.
Dizzy from a headache and the wind trying to push me over the nearest railing, I wobbled and stumbled over to the captain's quarters. I tested the door, and to my relief it burst open with wind. Taking a final look out over the ship and the brunt of the winter storm hammering it, I slipped indoors and forced the door shut behind me.
Fumbling in the dim light, I dropped my saddlebags and dug out my lantern, scarf, and my box of matches. A few matches broke from shivering too much, but soon the room was filled with the fiery glow from my lantern. Now able to see, I wrapped my scarf around me and huddled into a corner, rubbing my hooves together and holding my chest to keep the warmth in. I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to have not been knocked out for too long, another minute or more...
No, my thoughts interrupted. Don't go there.
I closed my eyes, nodding. There were more important things to think about right now. What was I going to do with this ship? How far away from Canterlot was the storm going to take me? What in Equestria was that dream I had? The Element of Magic did something I had never seen before, it had started shining when I was nearby, and it put me to sleep when I touched it. My own Element was shining too, would it put me to sleep as well? Would it make me have another dream?
My hooves rubbed the sides of my skull, trying to ease the throbbing pain setting in. What does a dream of six ponies preparing for battle have to do with me? I thought. I can't fight. I hate fighting. Is there something I'm missing? Wait, what was that name again? Was it... Lucky Swirl? A long groan bubbled out from my lungs. Something was hammering on the inside of my skull until I couldn't concentrate anymore.
My body slumped over to the side. The room was spinning wildly while my heavy heartbeat pounded in my eardrums. The storm raged outside. Relentlessly hurling hail and rocking the ship back and forth. The airship kept rising though, refusing to be weighed down by ice. How does a pony even control one of these? I pondered. Is the wheel outside or inside?
Flashes of the ship spiralling in an impossible nosedive filled my head - all because I touched the steering wheel. Where do they keep the parachutes?
Groggily, I stood up and started searching the room for anything on safety or operating an airship. All I could find was a pamphlet on proper lighting, manoeuvres, and required equipment - none of which I had ensured, trained for, or packed. I opened up my canteen and took two gulps of cold water, drowning my nerves. At least I could still remember how to navigate with the stars from back in Flight School.
But there's a blizzard hiding the night sky.
I took another gulp of water, and pressed the canteen against my forehead. I just had to stay calm, and stay focused on something. My head lifted up, bringing a glance onto my open saddlebags. I walked over and pulled out a folded and crumpled parchment from the bottom. Carefully I unravelled it and spread it out on the captain's desk, holding the corners down with the Element of Magic, my canteen, and an empty inkwell that had fallen off the desk a long time ago.
Before me was a large map of Equestria, including a fraction of neighbouring lands around the edges. I looked down at the label locating Canterlot, and slowly swept my eyes over the little tears I had made in the page when I first picked it up. Las Pegasus, Manehatten, Crinkleshade, Little Shoe, and Appaloosa had marks and rips beside their names where little flags had been placed. Each flag represented the girls and I - we had split up to check those towns. Twilight and Spike had stayed in Canterlot to help coordinate the investigation and search the library for leads, and it was up to the rest of us to look for clues all over Equestria.
My head bowed down until my head rested on the desk. Nopony expected this to happen. I never thought that the day I left Canterlot for Appaloosa would be the last time I would see my friends again. I... I should've hugged them one last time. I should've made sure that they knew they were all so special to me.
Muted sobs shook my body, and I lifted my head up and away from the desk so that I wouldn't smear the ink on the map. Through glassy eyes I stared over to the door, staring through it like it was a portal. On the other side I could see a beautiful meadow during summer, and each of my friends were there, together, looking back through the doorway with smiles on their faces.
"Wh-why did I survive?" I sputtered. "Why did you leave me behind?"
The ponies on the other side said nothing, but their expressions fell until they couldn't bear to look at me anymore. The world around them started to drain of all colour and life, turning into a bleak and dull scene. I walked around the table, slowly approaching the doorway.
"Please..." I begged. "Come back. I can't do this without you! Please!"
The scene started to disintegrate; flaking away like specks of snow caught in the wind. I rushed up to the portal, slamming into it but not passing through. I blinked, and the stoic wooden door with a tiny little window stood between me and the raging winter storm outside.
My legs buckled and gave out, dropping me down onto the floor with a thud. I stared at the door, repeating the same thing over and over again: "Why did I survive?" |
Survivor Shy | Snowflakes of Shimmering Hues | A gut-wrenching screech pierced through the howling storm winds. A crash of thunder boomed nearby, rattling my bones and forcing me under the captain's desk. Gingerly I peeked out from the safety of the cedar furniture, and chanced a glance toward one of the port holes. Outside I could see the suffocating clouds enveloping the ship, and the specks of hail and snow streaking past the glass. But now there was something else joining the view outside; there was a distinct glow of orange.
Curious, I stood back up to find out what the cause of the glow was, only to quickly lunge to catch my lantern as a stray gale swung the airship wildly to and fro. The lantern hopped and bounced on my flailing hooves, crashing to the floor and plunging the room in darkness.
Only... There was still light - from outside. Every nerve in my body twitched as a ripple of fear tore through them. In seconds I had rushed through the dimly-lit room and thrown open the door - revealing a massive orange blaze engulfing the entire ship.
Beating the urge to stare and cower in place, I rushed back into the captain's quarters and hastily gathered my belongings - throwing them all into my saddlebags with little concern over damaging them. Moments later I came out onto the deck in full gallop, heading directly for the nearest railing to soon abandon the flying inferno. My right hoof planted itself on the railing, just as a gigantic serpent darted out from the clouds and flew directly upward - filling my vision with its gleaming, ebony abdomen. In the same moment, even falling overboard became far more frightening than going down with the ship, and my panic-stricken legs shared the same feeling. I scrambled backwards and stopped in the center of the deck, searching through stinging eyes and blazing ash for the serpent. I could hear its grating screech echo among the clouds, drowning out even the explosions of thunder. I tried to fight the urge to freeze a second, but crippling fear tethered me in place - locking my eyes into a wide-eyed stare. All four of my hooves planted themselves on the floorboards, refusing to budge even while my knees shook and ached to flee. Every muscle in my body was in turmoil, and couldn't decide what to do. My lungs couldn't decide to breathe in or out, my wings were clamped shut against my flanks, and my heart screamed to get off the ship quickly.
The ship was burning down into its charred skeleton, leaving a tiny circle of untouched wood for me to stand on. I looked up into the fiery red sky - now visible through the framework of the long-gone balloon - and saw ash and molten liquid rain down from above. The ship carried on sailing deeper and deeper into the storm, and with each passing second the screeches grew louder, frequent, and from different directions at once. The sea of clouds raged like flood water, their dull, dark grey now an endless, inky black that caused light to simply cease to be the moment it touched its gloomy mass.
I brought my head down, shutting my eyes and trying to block out the awful sounds scraping away inside my skull: Wood creaking and groaning, serpents taunting with cacophonic cries, and the cackling laughter of reckless fire. It was too much to bear, too much to process and react.
The planks could hold me no longer, and with only an absent gasp I plummeted deep into the abyss of the storm. I blinked once, twice, finally realising that I was falling. Desperately I tried to fly, but the murderous winds tossed and shoved me about at dizzying speeds. I didn't know which was up anymore, and in the dark depths of the cloud cover, I didn't know how much longer I had until the ground would reach me. Sore from the endless fury of the storm, my wings gave up completely, leaving me falling faster and faster to the floor.
Blindly I stared in front of me, watching the world beneath emerge through the dark clouds and smoke. The earth was cracked and dry, burnt, jagged corpses of forests clawed up into the sky - reaching for salvation from the firestorms sweeping and consuming the land. Tears were ripped from my face, screams never made it over the roar of wind, and my heart was torn apart. Slowly, I turned my head upwards, twisting my body around so I couldn't see the ground rushing up to me. My wings waved uselessly in the wind, just like the rest of me; just like the hope spilling from my chest.
Two emerald eyes gleamed through the blanket of smoke, revealing the ebony serpent who owned them just before he ripped through the shroud - diving down after me with the golden glow of flames in his mouth.
In moments the beast had closed the distance between us, coming almost close enough to breathe his flames over me. Pulling my glassy eyes away from the creature's cold stare, I stole a glance at the ground behind me. Only a few hundred feet left until the end. The serpent's maw opened wide, searing heat already beating away at my tiny form, and he exhaled.
There was a crash, an explosion like thunder, and I bolted upright in my seat without an ounce of air in my lungs. In a split-second the afterimage of flames had been replaced by the far wall and door of the captain's cabin. I darted my eyes to window, seeing nothing but dull grey and water droplets on the other side. There was no hail, only silent, sleepy snowfall drifting in and out of view.
My head flopped forwards, banging onto the cedar desk. I winced but didn't move, giving myself a moment to feel. The pain was real - thank goodness it was real.
"Nightmares can't hurt me," I sputtered. The truth in those words came over me in waves, the echo of my mother's voice in my own brought comfort, but also an albatross circling over my head: Nightmares couldn't hurt me, but reality could. And reality had taken my parents away along with everypony else.
I sat myself up and tilted my head back, drying my eyes with my bandaged leg. I sniffed at the air and scanned over the yellowed map spread over the desk. It was the same map that Twilight had been using to coordinate the search before she and the rest of the ponies had vanished. It was the map I had taken from Canterlot moments before Diamond Dogs stormed the room to catch me. Memories of the chase throughout the castle drove chills up my spine, perking my ears and gripping my lungs. My hoof smoothed out the creases in the parchment, ink smudged where tears or drool had collected. I frowned and wiped my mouth and cheek dry - as if it would make a difference now. My eyes drifted over to the tiny pinholes in the parchment, relieving me only slightly from responsibility. I had no desire to go to those towns. Not with the knowledge that each of my friends were apart from each other when the Event happened, not with the ghastly thought that an unassuming road could be the same place where one of my friends disappeared.
There was once place however, that I did have some desire, maybe more a duty, to go to. Circled with a piece of black charcoal I had found in the captain's drawer was a place far outside of Equestria, nestled comfortably within a land only known to me as The Fang: Kinsmeer. The two Dragons I had heard talking in Canterlot were going there while the winter storm raged through most of Equestria. One of them had my Element of Harmony, and I had to somehow get it back. I didn't know how long the Element of Kindness would be there for, but it was the only one I knew the location of for sure - besides the Element of Magic sitting on the desk and holding down one corner of the map.
I stretched and yawned, climbing out of my seat to stretch. Shakily standing on all fours, I sluggishly walked over to a porthole on the right side of the ship. It was still night outside, but the sky was clearer now that the air yacht had risen above most of the storm clouds. Perhaps some fresh air would help right now? I pondered as I peeled away from the glass, making for the door to the deck outside. The stars are out too; maybe I can work out which way I'm heading.
No sooner had the latch to the door been lifted did the cold night air rush indoors to greet me. I stood in the doorway, forgetting all the pain in my chest for a moment as I imagined opening the front door of my cottage on the first day of winter. The first breaths of cold air always chased away any drowsiness from the previous night, and this was no exception. Scarce flakes of falling snow melted on my nose and settled in the tangles of my mane, the chilly breeze ruffled my feathers and ran its fingers through my fur, and the air, though thinner this high up, was crisp and pure. With the warmth of the room behind me, the sensation was a lovely way to wake up.
Dreamily, I opened my eyes, staring beyond the bow of the ship, into the depths of the night. I held my gaze there, clinging onto the illusion that everything was fine and beautiful, and that nothing could possibly go wrong. It was no use; a few matted strands of my mane fell over my eyes, and my bandaged foreleg rose up to push them aside, shattering the lie I wanted to believe in.
I sighed and pulled the door shut after me. I looked up at the balloon keeping the ship aloft, quickly blinking back the vision of fire consuming it and the entire ship. Nightmares weren't real. I hurried along, walked along the front of the captain's quarters and walking up one of the sets of stairs leading to the poop deck. I swivelled around at the top of the stairs, feeling relieved to see a large wheel and a small collection of instruments right beside it. There was a wheel after all - I wasn't completely at the mercy of the breeze.
I trotted over and stood beside the controls, and looked over the collection of instruments and levers on a wooden panel on either side of the steering wheel. The compass' rose glowed softly in the dark, indicating that the ship was facing North-West. Similarly, the needles on the dials all carried a teal glow in the dark. The yacht was drifting along at about five knots, had "normal" pressure in the balloon, and had drifted up to nearly twelve-thousand feet in the air and levelled off - much higher than what most ponies would be used to, but not too difficult for a Pegasus to manage. I smiled for a moment; Flight Camp may have been years ago, but I still remembered a little bit of it.
"Fluttershy, Fluttershy, Fluttershy can hardly fly!" acidic jeers crept from the back of my mind, making me flinch and clamp my eyes shut. I hadn't forgotten all of it, either. Bullies never leaving me alone, impatient coaches pushing me off clouds, lunches eaten in the restroom away from judging eyes... Gilda being... the way she was. Some things were not in a hurry to be forgotten.
There were good things though, truly wonderful, happy moments in my life that happened while away at camp. I found my special talent; I found my Cutie Mark. I became friends with Rainbow Dash. I even got better at flying - and first aid - thanks to her.
A tiny grin started to shine through - the first of its kind in a long time. Rainbow Dash was never much into the academics and theories, she was, and is, more into the emotional side of flying - or as she put it, the "heart-racing, impulsive, and totally awesome" side. Rainbow flew very often, and very riskily. What she didn't learn about safety in class she learnt through getting back up from each accident she wound up in. She didn't think there was any better to learn. Maybe it was true. Even years later and I was still afraid of what could go wrong, so much so that I didn't want to take a risk unless I had no choice.
Eventually, when the teasing became too much for me, I begged for Rainbow to help me become a better flier. Rainbow Dash made time to help me. She didn't give up on me - even when I wanted her to, even when I wanted to just be left on the ground to never bother anypony again.
"You gotta let it go, Fluttershy," Rainbow's voice cracked, worsened by countless lectures and commands throughout the afternoon. "We set up down here so that nopony could pick on you, and you even got all these animals here for support."
I peeked out through the leaves of the bush I had fallen into the fourth time that afternoon. She was right, a small gathering of badgers, rabbits, birds, and squirrels were watching. Some of them were waving tiny flags with my Cutie Mark on them. How they had those flags was a mystery to me, but it warmed my heart to see the animals there for me.
A pair on magenta eyes moved inches from mine, staring into me. "Fluttershy! Are you listening?"
"Eeek!" I leapt up into the air, my wings flailing around in a panic. Rainbow followed me up, gripping me firmly by the shoulders and steadied me.
"Whoa, take it easy!" Rainbow forced her raspy voice to be gentle, but I could hear her impatience. Slowly, my friend took her hooves away from my shoulders and hovered backwards. "There," she muttered, her voice quickly matching the grin spreading on her face. "You see? You're hovering like a pro!"
I looked to my wings. They were buzzing almost as fast as a hummingbird's, but they were in sync. I looked up and down, checking for any ropes or supports holding me up. When no such thing appeared, my gaze levelled with Rainbow Dash and a giddy laugh escaped me. I was doing okay! I was in control and doing fine! And nopony was laughing at me yet.
My ears shot downwards and I stared up at where Flight Camp was. No pony was laughing at me yet. They would laugh at me anyway. They'd find a reason to tease me. I... I was bound to fail again! And all the fillies and colts would be waiting right there to point and laugh, and the grown-ups would shake their heads and mutter to themselves. I'd be kicked out of camp forever! Locked away so nopony would risk seeing a Pegasus who couldn't fly!
"Fluttershy! Keep your wings going! Fluttershy?" I heard Rainbow call out to me. I didn't hear her until I realised I was tilting very sharply to the right. With a yelp I scrambled to keep myself level, steering into a tree branch. I kicked and bucked my legs in the breeze, trying to push myself clear while my wings failed to work with me. Sneers and cruel laughter snaked through my ears, growing louder as dozens of imaginary ponies joined in at laughing at the circus act.
Rainbow Dash darted in front of me, blocking the crash course I was making to the branch. She held out her forelegs towards me, her eyes wide and worried. "Hold on to my hooves, let's take it easy and - hey! Slow down!"
I couldn't help it, it was like I was drowning and Rainbow had thrown out a life-preserver. I banked sharply towards her, flailing my legs and crashing into her in a bundle. The smaller pony wasn't able to stay aloft, and we both swung and weaved through the trees as we both tried to regain control. A familiar prickly rosebush rushed up to greet us, and in the last second Rainbow's wings whipped and tore into the air, pulling the pair of us away from the bush - and right into an oak tree.
I blinked a few times, not quite seeing anything more than blurs and bright lights. Little cries and whimpers surrounded me, and tiny claws and feet poked and pushed against me until I sat up. The animals were looking at me, the faces relieved to see me upright. I pushed a few strands of my mane from my face, my cheeks burning up in an instant, and ran my hoof over a lump on my head.
Something struggled and groaned underneath me, and before I could look down to see what it was, Rainbow Dash pushed herself up and shook me off of her. She spun around, narrowing a furious glare and fresh nosebleed at me.
"S-sorry, Rainbow Dash," I squeaked. "I... I didn't mean... I couldn't..."
Rainbow said nothing. Instead she huffed and turned away, grumbling to herself and checking her wings and the blood on her face.
That was it, she hates me now. I thought to myself. I ruined everything. Everypony knew that I would. She doesn't want to even look at me right now, I embarrass her so much. I rose onto my hooves, making a small note of the numb throbs spreading along the right side of my body. Maybe it would be a good idea to leave her alone, let her be friends with ponies and griffins that can fly. I bowed my head and turned away silently, mouthing a 'thank you' to the little critters just before they started to disperse. A sniffle betrayed me in the last second.
Rainbow Dash let out an exasperated sigh. "Hold it. Get back over here."
I didn't dare ignore her, and quietly I walked over to Rainbow Dash and sat down on my haunches, eyes cast downward to the nearest daisy. For a moment nothing else happened. Rainbow Dash kept her back to me while she rubbed her nose and growled at herself, and I started watching a few ants scurry around and climb along the blades of grass.
"We need to talk." Rainbow finally said with an even tone. She turned around to say more, but I didn't look up. "We've been doing this for nearly three weeks now. I've blown off Gilda several times for you, and I've skipped a couple of classes too. I want results, Fluttershy! Not a bruise or two - or a few thorns sticking into us from that malevolent weed you won't let me cut down!"
I lifted my head and opened my mouth to defend the rosebush, but the words died before they could become more than just a few mumbles. Rainbow looked down and shook her head. "I know you can do this, Fluttershy, and it drives me nuts when you get so close but lose it. I thought you had it this time! You were fine for at least ten seconds!"
"Twig would've bet that..." I whimpered, rubbing my eyes dry.
Rainbow rolled her eyes up at the sky and muttered to herself. She brought her eyes back to mine and thumped the ground with her hoof. "Forget that lump of sweat-batter! Flying isn't about impressing other ponies!"
I raised an eyebrow at Rainbow. Her eyes softened for a moment, and she leant back - rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly.
"Okay, maybe it is a little bit. But the most important thing about flying is to trust your wings to catch you." Rainbow paused, her mind searching for a way to make her point. I looked at her patiently, and watched as her eyes twinkled. "It's like this, Fluttershy: Wherever we are, I've got your back, you know that, right?"
I nodded, and Rainbow twisted around so that I could see her wings. "I've got your back, but your wings are... like, on your back." Dash's wings wiggled and shook for emphasis, and Dash tried to bend her foreleg around to point at the base of her wings. It looked a little silly, and Dash must've noticed the corners of my mouth twitch, because she put on a grin of her own and began twirling around in mid-air - acting like a dog chasing their tail.
I covered my mouth to stifle a tiny little giggle, and Rainbow stopped spinning and shot me a grin. I smiled back - a real smile - and felt like nothing bad had just happened between us.
Rainbow gently landed beside me, hooking a leg around me and pulling me into a sideways hug. "Like I said, I got your back. Now all you gotta do is trust your wings do too, and learn to not care what could happen - or what a cloud-sinker like Twig says. Just focus on what you gotta do right now. Act on a whim like a breeze in a storm, and roll with the crosswinds, you know?"
I nodded slowly, carefully remembering what Rainbow was saying. Rainbow patted my back and leapt into the air with a whoosh, instantly puffing her chest up and shooting a grin my way. "All right, that's a long enough break! You feel up for another round in phase one?"
"Yes," I whispered. Rainbow Dash leant towards me and pretended to clear wax out of her ear.
"What's that? I didn't quite catch that," She chuckled.
I frowned, Rainbow knew I didn't like shouting, but she wasn't going to let it slide this time. I cleared my throat, and raised my voice a little more. "Yes, I'm ready."
Rainbow laughed. "Great, come on! This way!" In a flash she was gone, leading a colourful vapour trail through the trees. I unfurled my wings and looked back at them. I stretched and waved them, and dutifully they did what I asked them to do.
"I just have to trust you, that's what Rainbow said. Well, here goes." I shut my eyes and hopped up, my wings buzzing and struggling to stay in sync. I concentrated on flapping my wings, and brought them into rhythm. My hooves didn't touch the ground for three seconds, five, and then ten. My eyelids sneaked open, revealing the forest floor a few feet beneath my hooves. The animals still watching me hopped and cheered with sweet little squeaks, and I smiled back to them in gratitude. With a shaky path, I weaved the trees after Rainbow Dash. My wings took over, guiding me over and under each branch with care. Eventually I broke into the field, just in time to see Rainbow start another move of hers, the "Filly Flash".
Lightning flashed in my eyes, but it was not from Rainbow. I blinked a few times, finally focusing on the rolling greys and blacks of storm clouds. My head tilted to the side and I sniffed at the air. There was something vague lingering, but I wasn't sure what it was. I moved away from the railing on the side of the air ship, and wandered over to the piloting controls. That was when white flicker lit me up, quickly followed by deep grumbles of thunder.
I turned my head towards the bow of the ship, and looked out into the vast sky beyond the end of the yacht. I rubbed my eyes, checking that I wasn't still dreaming. Straight ahead, a handful of forks and flashes of lightning revealed a massive collection of thunderclouds looming in the distance. Wind started to howl in my ears, and I felt the yacht kick up in speed and drift closer to the storm. Without a second of thought, I grabbed hold of the wheel and spun it clockwise, banking the yacht sharply to the right. The clouds ran along the port side of the yacht, the bright white beams of lightning dazzling me and the thunder resonating in my lungs. The yacht continued to turn and swung around until the storm was to the stern. The ship stalled as the wind caught it once more, and pushed it backwards into the thunderheads, letting the storm swallow the ship whole with me aboard.
Instantly tiny spears stabbed and pinched at my face; horrible howls filled my ears, topped only by crashes and booms of thunder; and ozone and humid air hung heavily in my lungs. The ship lurched and swung helplessly, throwing barrels and debris from the decks. I clung onto the wheel for dear life, swinging and slamming into the floor as the wheel spun and tried to wrestle free from my grasp. There was a deafening clamour that was quickly silenced by ringing. Just as a bright, white fork arced and struck one of the cables tying the yacht to the balloon, a deep red device among the dials flared up and shattered. I shot a look at the object, learning that it was a gemstone embedded among the instruments - but not just any gemstone. With another flash of lightning, I could read what the purpose of the stone was; it was an enchanted stone for lightning absorption - and in one strike it had been destroyed.
I swallowed down my heart and drew in a sharp breath. Oh no... Oh no no no! This isn't good. What do I do? What do I do?!
I started to flick levers and switches. Something had to make this airship go down! There had to be! I had to get out of the storm, and if I couldn't steer the ship out, I had to bring it down until I could! Images of the ship crashing as a towering inferno clouded my mind. I yanked and pulled at every lever my hooves fumbled over, terrified of the worst coming true. Somewhere I managed to get the yacht to start its descent.
Another ear-cracking boom chased up my spine, but instead of being plunged back into darkness, I was bathed in jittery and erratic flickers of orange. I spun around to look, and instantly backed away from the flames spreading from the corner on the left side of the yacht. Fire had broken out the balloon and ship, tracing the path the undeterred lightning took. Quickly the flames rose, wasting no time to burn wildly out of control in spite of the hail and rain. My worst nightmare was coming true, and soon the ship was going to come crashing down in flames.
I leapt off the front railing and landed on the deck below. I wobbled and slid as the yacht rocked and lurched back and forth with the wind, and quickly burst into the captain's cabin - where the fire was already spreading into.
Dragging my saddlebags over to the desk, I scrambled to pack everything into them. The map was carelessly crumpled and squashed into storage, along with my lantern. In the other satchel I stashed the Element of Magic before throwing the bags over myself. The crackles and growls or burning wood grew louder and the smoke thicker, and in a hurry I threw my canteen on and stumbled outside sputtering on ash.
I craned my neck around to secure my saddlebags, just as the ship's support cables snapped. The ship fell away from me, sending me sliding downwards and almost completely over the rail on the port side. I curled my forelegs over the railing, struggling to unfurl my wings and get them to work properly through the nightmarish sounds and terrible shakes wrecking my nerves. I kicked and kicked at the air with my hind legs, trying to climb back up, and slowly my saddlebags began to slide off.
Alarmed, I tried to stop moving, but that was not enough. The wind and rocking of the now-sideways airship yanked the saddlebags from me, sending them tumbling down until I couldn't see them anymore.
I looked down after them. My grip tightened on the ship, and I closed my eyes and whimpered. I can't go after them! My wings are stuck! I... I'll crash! Something horrible will happen!
"You gotta let it go, Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash reminded me.
I shook my head. This is different! It's too dangerous!
"I know you can do this, Fluttershy," echoed her voice. "All you gotta do is trust your wings."
I peered down into the storm clouds. The Element of Magic was falling further and further away from me. After everything I went through to get it, I couldn't risk losing it now. I slid off the railing until I was dangling by my ankles, and looked up at the rest of the failing airship. I closed my eyes, imagining Rainbow in front of me. "...Like a breeze in a storm, y-you know?" I whispered. Rainbow's face lit up with a smile and she nodded, not saying another word before the harshness the wind whisked her away.
My forelegs unhooked from the ship, and I arched backwards to fall into a dive. For a moment, all I could hear were my ragged breaths and my heart pounding in my chest, but all too quickly were they lost in the roar of wind rushing over my ears. Without a thought, my wings threw themselves open, catching me and swooping back to reduce drag and pointing me straight into a nosedive. If I was going to get my saddlebags back, I had to catch up to them first.
I pumped my wings to go faster. The strong winds pushed back harder, and the pain liquefied into molten agony instantly. I grunted through clenched teeth and folded my wings up, pulling them to my sides. Stretching my legs out as far as I could, I sliced through the atmosphere, blindly zooming through the dark clouds. Ozone, lightning, and ferocious thunder overwhelmed my senses. Crashes and snarls chased after me, and for a few seconds I thought I had fallen into a nightmare before lightning struck again, recreating the paralysing sounds. I fell further into the worst of the storm, the weight of the air growing and pushing me down, the darkness swallowing me up where starlight couldn't reach.
Through the dark haze of clouds and thickening snowfall, my saddlebags drifted into view. By luck they hadn't been torn open, and I hoped and hoped that nothing had fallen out of them. Straining every muscle in my body, I reached forward, slowly inching myself closer and closer. My hoof was almost in reach, but a bump sent it infuriatingly further away. My heartbeat was in my throat, and my stomach swirled as if it knew the countdown to the ground. I flailed uselessly in the air, trying to push myself the last few inches to my bags.
Through a space between the flaps and the rest of the saddlebag, the magenta crystal of the Element of Magic flickered in sight, almost urgently. With only one last chance, I reached forwards once more, narrowing my eyes on just the Element peeking through the saddlebags. A haze settled around the edges of my vision, and the saddlebags began to drift into my reach. I held on a moment, waiting until the saddlebags had reached my knees and wrapped my forelegs around them.
Laughter juddered in my chest. Fits of foalish giggles bubbled in my throat, and a relieved smile broke through the dirt on my face. I did it, Rainbow! Look! I did it!
Rainbow Dash floated down from behind me, arms crossed behind her head as she shot me a smug grin, "I knew you had it in ya!" Rainbow twisted around and peeled away, shouting behind her, "Now for phase two!"
"Phase two?" I blinked. The tiny speck Dash had become had vanished from view. No, she... she was never there to begin with. I tilted my head back, still clinging onto my saddlebags tightly. Nothing but powder and frozen wind faced me, but gravity was on my tail - not my back. I tried to gasp, but my lungs were wrapped in panic.
Pull up! Pull up!
There couldn't have been much time left. Dutifully, my wings swung open and extended outwards. The wind roared and pulled at the tips of my primaries, but I forced them to stay steady and spread with. The drag spun me wildly in a corkscrew, and my eyes closed as my legs pulled my saddlebags in tightly. I twisted my wings slightly, ending the dizzying tumble, and leant back. Slowly, I felt the attitude of my descent change, and the weight of gravity moved to my back. The vicious screech of air whistling around me spoke of my speed, but it quickly lowered once I let my hind legs droop and carve into the airstream.
I opened my eyes, immediately looking down. Nothing but blankets of falling snow for a few dozen yards passed beneath me. I looked ahead, squinting through the icy powder, and saw nothing more than snow and fog.
I dipped downwards, still gliding much faster than I was used to, and began searching for the ground. There was no going back now. The airship wasn't going to stay in the air much longer, and with the raging storm high up in the atmosphere, flying back up to search for it - or even to seek refuge on top of the clouds - was not a choice I could make. I looked up at the sky. I could see the faint arcs or lightning peeking through the cloud cover, and the occasional rumble still managed to find the ground, but closer to the ground, there was mainly an eerie stillness maintained by the thick, falling snow.
My hind legs drummed against the tops of some trees, and I quickly flapped my wings to rise up over them. A powerful stream of air caught my wings and blew me aside, guiding me into a much taller tree. I dove down under the branches, and veered clumsily in the dark - narrowly missing the faint shapes of branches of trees against a thin veil of snowfall. I brought myself down to land, but misjudged the distance and my speed completely. I tripped and tumbled forwards, the numbness from adrenaline numbing some of the pain. Eventually I came to rest with my face buried in a snow flurry. Brain freeze encased my skull, and I pulled away from the mound of snow, taking a moment to nurse the lump on my head and shake the snow-beard off my face.
I sat up onto my haunches, still holding my saddlebags against my chest, and glanced around, straining my ears to hear anything through the silencing weight of the snow. I let out a sigh of relief, and put my saddlebags onto the snowy ground. Carefully, I unpacked my belongings and put my lantern and matches to use. Now with a bright, fiery light beside me, I felt a little safer. I eased the Element of Magic out and held it in front of me, letting out a sigh as the binds around my ribs eased. Everything had survived the fall. I quickly tidied my belongings away - leaving the lantern out to guide me through the night.
I stood up, picked up my saddlebags and buckled them on securely. The wind picked up and whistled in my ears and blew frozen powder in my face. I ducked my head down and squinted into the veil of snow, searching for anything to head towards. In the warm glow of my lantern and the dim, ambient light of the night, there was nothing but snow and trees for as far as I could see. I had no clue where I was.
Lost.
My head shook quickly. No, not lost, last time I checked the map, I... The ship was... Oh No. My hooves quivered in place, the cold starting to gnaw at my ankles. I whirled around, scanning for anything that could tell me where I was, which way I was going - anything! Snow, trees, ground, and leaves everywhere. Which way? Which way?!
Thunder rumbled overhead, and the winds picked up again, the whistling turning into a howl. I grit my teeth, biting down on the handle on my lantern, and pushed into the denser part of the woods - out of the brunt of the chilling wind.
My hooves hurried along, not wanting to linger in the snow and ice any longer than they had to. My lantern led the way, revealing patches of grass where the snow hadn't buried it, as well as bushes and shrubs rustling and shrivelling in the icy breeze. Winter had come far too early. What about the animals? What about Angel?
"Just focus on what you gotta do right now." a faint, raspy voice said to me.
"Rainbow Dash? Rainbow!" my eyes darted from tree to tree, but there was only snowflakes and waving branches. "Where are you?"
"I've got your back, you know that, right?" Rainbow assured me. I spun around, shining the lantern over bushes and up to tree branches. I couldn't see her.
Is she even here? I wondered. My eyes kept searching, but everything blurred. I blinked, ignoring the wetness pinching my cheeks as it fell. I faced toward the wind, and my eyes blurred again, revealing dozens of little sparkles and shines. I wiped my eyes dry, and stared into the blizzard. "R-Rainbow Dash?" my voice wobbled out. There was no reply. Instead, lots and lots of snowflakes drifted by, each of them seeming to carry a glint with them. I focused on one of them, and gasped. My eyes widened, flicking from snowflake to snowflake. Each and every flake that caught the lantern's light shone and glimmered with dozens of different colours. Reds, greens, and blues all shifting endlessly through the spectrum. Rainbow is here. She's here!
"I've got your back," my old friend repeated. "You know that, right?"
"I-I know you do." I whispered, looking at every snowflake that drifted by. "I know you do."
There was a pause, but during that pause the blizzard seemed to lose its strength, making it easier to see straight ahead. Rainbow's voice carried itself with the breeze, sailing in my mind. "Come on, this way."
There was nothing to say I was going the right way, or where we were going, anyway. I followed what felt right, and it felt more than right, it felt like... somewhere familiar. A few minutes later, and the woods disappeared in the snowfall behind me, but I kept on walking in what felt like the right way to go, right into what first looked like very thick fog. That made no sense; fog in a blizzard? That wasn't how it worked.
I raised a hoof up to the fog, and pressed the sole into the mass. My hoof didn't pass through, and the fog pushed back. This wasn't fog at all, it was a dense cloud - the sort that either carried a lot of water, or was used in building cities like Cloudsdale.
Building. My brain noted, and I frowned at myself. Another prismatic snowflake drifted into view, and somehow an idea burst in my head.
Setting my lantern down, I quickly got to work, pushing my hooves into a part of the cloud and pulling a tear open. Quickly I packed and patted the inside down, compressing it to create a space. I made the gap big enough the fit through, and sculpted a space inside the cloud with 'walls' thick enough with moisture that they began to harden and freeze in the cold temperatures. With a big enough room to be comfortable, I picked up my lantern and squeezed inside. A few moments later, and the entry was almost completely closed, leaving a little space at the top for daylight to come through when morning came.
My saddlebags found a spot on the grass in the shelter, and my lantern took a spot next to them. Gently, I lowered myself down and sighed when I felt pressure leave my legs. Outside, the blizzard had picked up again, and the howls of wind raced over the tiny hole I had left to the outside world, letting the occasional snowflake find its way inside.
I gave myself a few minutes, letting a tiny spark of pride ignite. I had turned the space into a cozy little hideaway, and made a safe place from the cold. My lantern bathed the small cloud igloo with light and gradually the chill in the air lost its edge; the packed walls and ceiling worked wonders in keeping the cold outside. Lying on the damp grass, I pulled out Zecora's copy of Supernaturals and tried to pick up where I had left off. The page I settled on was about how to protect from fire and treat burns, which didn't seem to be useful in a blizzard. Soon enough, though, the words started to blur and swirl around the page, and I decided to just quietly watch the snowflakes lazily drifting in until I could fall asleep. My mind started to wander.
Did I really hear her? Or was I imagining it? I thought to myself. A shimmer caught my eye, and my nose wrinkled as it settled on it with a chilly tingle. Are those snowflakes really that... colourful?
I watched them for a moment, following a flake until it caught the lantern's glow just right, and shone with a different colour each time. Dozens of snowflakes of shimmering hues, all drifting inside and melting on the first thing they touched. I stuck my tongue out and caught one of the sparkling shreds of ice. It gave a dull tingle when it melted, similar to a normal snowflake, but also with a flavour. My face twisted into a confused look, and I caught a few more. They were all the same; cold for a moment, but then a little twang would fizzle out. It was almost... spicy?
I shrugged and lowered my head onto my hooves, and dimmed the lantern's flame. Hopefully the blizzard would end in a few hours, and I could begin to work out where I had landed in Equestria. I couldn't have gone too far away, could I?
I closed my eyes, and mumbled to worry about it later. Sleep was tugging at me impatiently, and I didn't want to put it off any longer.
My eyelids flew open, just as every muscle in my body jerked and tore me away from another nightmare. I gasped, trying to catch my breath, but it seemed like there wasn't enough air in the room. I muttered between breaths, repeating my mantra until I finally started to believe it, and my heart stopped trying to burst out.
I gulped at the dry air, and fumbled about in the dark as I tried to stand up and reach the tiny hole letting the only light inside. My hoof carved out an opening in the top of the cloud igloo, and I pulled it open so that the crisp air of morning could flow inside.
I poked my head outside, and glanced around. The land was covered in a fresh blanket of snow. The forest I had stumbled through had snow and ice clinging to the sides of tree trunks where the wind had packed it. I tried to look behind me, but the fallen cloud was much, much bigger than I expected, and had created a tall mound in the landscape. Straight above a vast and blue sky opened up to me, almost tricking me into thinking that an ice storm hadn't ravaged the land overnight.
My attention turned to my belongings, Zecora's book still lay open with Philomena's feather acting as a bookmark, my lantern had ran out of oil whilst I slept, and my saddlebags stood lazily on the floor, loaded with supplies and important belongings. I adjusted my canteen's strap, and pulled the container up for the last gulp of water it had. I left the cap off, and gently flew out from my shelter to fill the canteen with a little snow.
The breeze greeted me with an icy embrace, bringing a couple of shivers out of my legs. I set myself down by the treeline, and scooped some snow up into the metal container. My ears swivelled about, keeping alert for anything wandering nearby. The light wind made little noise, and every snapped twig or branch came from a tree that couldn't hold the ice weighing it down. No birds were singing, no insects buzzing. The storm had forced them away, along with any hint that it was supposed to still be summer.
With some snow melting in my canteen, I flitted back to my saddlebags and gathered up my belongings. The wind kicked up a gust, sending shivers up and down my neck. I flipped open one of my saddlebags, and dug around inside until I found my scarf buried underneath a couple of potions. I wrapped up warm, wishing I had enough time to grab a hat from my home. It was panic that made me grab my scarf in the middle of summer, but I was thankful I had it now. It didn't change how wrong everything was, though.
Slipping my bags on and securing them, I peered over to the top of the cloud. Maybe I can work out where I am from there. I thought. Or maybe I'll work out why this cloud is on the ground instead of in the sky.
I unfurled my wings and hovered a few feet off of the ground, checking that my saddlebags were not going to slide off, and started to ascend to the top of the cloud. The edges glowed brightly in the sunlight, lining the shadow I was in with a golden border. I could hear running water and hissing steam on the other side. I picked up speed, wanting to get into the sunlight as quickly as possible. At last, I settled on the top of the cloud, staring into the distance where a bundle of clouds were climbing over the horizon. I blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the bright light reflecting off the snow, and gazed at what lay beneath me. My heart locked up.
For miles all around lay clumps and clusters of clouds. Each of them loosely resembled a building or a wall, some even still retaining their details after falling apart. Columns prickled the landscape, hulking pieces of cloud lay scattered on the ground and slowly losing their form, and tiny streams of water with oily stains flowed between the larger pieces of debris, and washed away belongings and personal treasures. Off to the left lay giant boilers from a factory, billowing steam that formed into clouds. Beyond that rested the Cloudiseum, Cloudsdale's sports arena.
I stared at the twisted ruins of Cloudsdale. I stared and blinked and rubbed my eyes, refusing to believe it was real. The decaying clouds still lay contorted among the streams of leaking rainbow and scattered debris. Steam continued to billow into the sky from the last few functioning boilers. And the surviving architecture and crumbling remains of the Cloudiseum proved that this was what was left of Cloudsdale. It was all still there. It was all real.
Somewhere in my mind, I made the connection: Without Cloudsdale's factory or the ponies working on the weather teams, the weather went out of control and the city couldn't stay in the sky. It had collapsed without anypony there to save it. The extreme weather was the result of dozens of weather stations failing all over Equestria. The rainbow snowflakes were created when Cloudsdale fell, and the rainbow vats tainted the stored winter weather. The entire weather system that Equestria depended on was gone.
My gaze cast downwards, tracing a path to the cloud I was stood upon - the cloud I had dug a tiny shelter inside of. In front of me, peeking out of the fresh snow on the ground were dressers and other furniture. Among them was a mirror, still with dozens of little photographs wedged in the frame. They were of a small family of four. A little colt was in almost all of them, pictures of him playing sports, bringing home trophies, and sitting with his parents and baby sister on a beach.
My eyes drifted to the tattered mare in the middle of the mirror. I had survived, and I had burrowed into the side of the decaying city like a parasite.
Screams tore out of me. I screamed at the reflection, at the city, and at the thought of countless families being torn apart. I set my lungs and throat on fire, hoping it would spread and burn everything away. It wasn't fair! It shouldn't have been me to get away! It should have been the families!
"You gotta let it go, Fluttershy!" Rainbow said. It was the worst time for that phrase to be spoken.
I cringed at her voice. "They were too young for this, Rainbow Dash!"
Her advice was automatic. "Just focus on what you gotta do right now."
My legs bent and dropped into the snow. It felt like my heart was pouring out. I stared up at the family photos of the Pegasus family, bowing my head towards the pictures. "It-It's wrong! They couldn't have... they had to have got away! They had to!"
Rainbow Dash said nothing. Only a solitary breeze nipped at my ears. I took a deep breath, and tried to stand. My knees wobbled and shivered in the wind, and a warm tingle trickled from my chest and down my legs. I glanced down, seeing my legs and belly discoloured and soaked in red warmth. I screamed and flailed backwards, falling into the side of a cloud. I stared at my hoofprints and where I had stumbled, and watched an oily mixture of several colours flow inside them from underneath the snow. I held my hooves up, seeing blues and greens dribble along the backs of my forelegs, mixing with the bold red on the front.
"R-rainbow..." My gut churned with different shades of dread. I lowered my hooves down, and took a breath. The warm substance dripped from me, splashing and staining the snow with colours that flickered in the sunlight. I gently set myself down, and wiped as much of the rainbow liquid off as possible. My coat was left damp and glistened in strange colours; I couldn't wash the stains off.
Shuddering from unsteady breaths, I reached behind me and pulled my map out, and slowly unrolled it. I had to get away - hundreds of miles away. I had to get to Kinsmeer. Cloudsdale was known to be moved around when the factory needed water. But the last I had heard, the weather factory had more than enough water to produce a needed storm, and so the floating city was in its usual place to the West of Canterlot. Ponyville had to have been about two dozen miles to the South-East, and that put me on the best path for Kinsmeer.
A bright orange smudge circled the dragon landmark, along with a blue snail trail tracing a rough route I wanted to take. One side of my face curled up at the mess, but the guilt was swallowed up by a larger monster. Without another word I packed the map away and took wing, heading towards home, or where it used to be. I tucked my legs in to pick up speed, and the congealed mix stuck to my coat, twisting my imagination to make it something much, much worse.
The ground was littered with all kinds of furniture and belongings, and I forced myself to look straight into the horizon. The pictures attached to the mirror lingered in my mind, but I imagined a blizzard in front of them. I didn't want to think about it anymore. There was only one thing I wanted to do, only one thing I wanted to focus on: Finding the Elements of Harmony and reuniting them, before something happened to me. |
Survivor Shy | Journey to The Fang | Snow had transformed Equestria into a pale and purified land. On the surface for miles around, the blanket was undisturbed save for animal tracks. Ponyville was wrapped in flurries and covered in icicles, and through the weather I managed to fool myself that the ponies were still fast asleep in their warm beds. The gutted buildings and scattered belongings in the street shattered the lie, though; beneath the snow's pure cover were countless wounds and scars staring blindly into the sky, up towards me.
I willed my wings to move faster and hurried on towards the Everfree Forest. Cloudsdale was fresh in my mind, and I was afraid of what I would find in Ponyville. But the sky couldn't hold me, and before I could resist I had glided down and landed in front of my cottage.
I stared down at my door, sweeping the snow off to reveal the faded red paint underneath. I took a step forward, my face twisting whenever the wood creaked and groaned under my hooves. With as few steps as possible I walked into my living room, and quietly scanned the floor until I was used to the darkness inside. I took a deep breath, and lifted my gaze to the damage that had been done.
Cushions and sofas had been torn up, bird houses had been carelessly knocked onto the floor and flattened, and claws had been gouged in walls and frames. Anything that used to be on a table or a shelf had been thrown onto the floor - or was missing entirely. My hooves scraped forward and I lowered my eyes to the floor where cracked picture frames lay like steel traps. A part of me wanted to see the faces and remember them, but my body trembled any time my eyes caught a glimpse of a wing or a mane. It was too much.
I stopped and shut out the room. Safer behind closed eyelids I counted to ten, then to ten again, and once more. Just try to keep calm. It's okay; everything is going to be okay, my mind assured. Let's just be careful and not think about... Things.
With a deep breath I opened my eyes and gazed over the mess. I was drawn to a tiny, broken figure by my hooves, nestled amongst a shattered teapot and some chipped cups. My heart flinched in my chest, drumming against my ribs. Lying on the floorboards was a little Discord. He still wore a cheery expression on his face. And somehow the bulb the statue held was still intact, while the rest of him was in pieces from the waist down, crushed and ground into dust.
A terrible churning swelled inside my stomach. I gasped for fresh air, panting and panicking when the nausea started to move. I hurried upstairs to the bathroom, stumbling on the shredded carpet, and bounded through the door. I heaved on an empty stomach. It was... It was horrible.
A few minutes later I leant against the side of the tub, sleepily staring across the room. I breathlessly swallowed in the frozen air, shivered and burned all over, and tried my best to ignore the knots in my wrought-out stomach. It was too much to bear. Shaking I reached behind me and took out one of Zecora's potions. My eyes slid into focus on the tag: "Silverbloom and Weeping Moss Brew: for good nights and fevers few!"
I pulled the cork out with my teeth and gently set it on the floor. Smells of fruit and lantern oil assaulted my nostrils, making me cough a few times. I narrowed my eyes on the back of the tag and read the dosage instructions: "One tablespoon stirred in a drink before bed, do not rise with the bird for the sake of your head."
Sounds like it should work, my mind noted. I shuffled onto my hind legs and held the bottle in my hooves. Slowly, I tipped the bottle toward me, touched it on my lips, and took a measured sip. I nearly spat the medicine back out the moment it sloshed over my tongue. It was a bitter, acrid taste, and I couldn't swallow it alone. Groaning at the horrible taste, I quickly put the potion aside and opened my canteen. I took one big gulp of water, which instantly weakened the flavour and whisked the medicine away. My head lolled back and rested on the rim of the bathtub, and I let my eyes close. The dizziness eased and was replaced by numbing waves gently washing over my mind and trickling down to my tummy. My heavy breaths faded, revealing how eerily quiet the house really was.
There was no chirping, no squeaks or squawks, not even the gentle snores of sleeping critters. The house was dead and still as the wintry world outside remained mournful and silent, looking on while I lay on the floor. This wasn't the home I remembered. This wasn't the little cottage outside of town I loved. Ponyville was down the road, but it wasn't my Ponyville and this wasn't my home either.
My hooves dragged on the floor, kicking smashed pots away. I pushed myself upright and packed the potion away. My eyes hazily drifted over the tattered and filthy bandage wrapped around my left foreleg. How long had it been since I'd changed it? I tugged at the binding. What did the wound underneath even look like?
The wrappings fell away, showing off a lighter band of fur compared to the rest of my coat, and the crusted-over and oozing scab clinging onto it. My mind flinched, but my muscles stayed loose and relaxed. A sigh let itself out, which was brought back in by a yawn. I turned for the cupboard and shelf next to the sink, looking for something to clean up with. Had the bathroom always been this long? The thought was lost under clanging and scrapes from my toes knocking shattered jars from my path. My left hoof reached out and eased the cupboard door open. Thankfully, there were some clean towels and washcloths that had been left alone and were still folded and soft under my curious soles.
The faucets creaked and gurgled when I turned them, but cold, fresh water quickly poured into the sink. I hummed a little lullaby while I stirred a washcloth in the basin and carried the tune on while I washed the dirt off my leg. The cold air and icy water stung at my skin, and the old wound protested faintly to being disturbed. The pain was fleeting though, soon hushed inside my head by the gentle sea, song, and dreamy sensation flowing through me. I yawned again and blinked, catching a glimpse of blurs and swirls that whispered and waved without a worry to be heard. I stared at my hooves in the basin and drew a blank, but didn't mind at all. The sea rocked me to my own lullaby, and with one last yawn the lights dimmed and said goodnight, leaving just the song to come to a delicate end. ***
I woke up wrapped in my bed covers, warm and snug, and opened my eyes. White light ignited an awful pain in my skull and I rolled over to escape the brightness. I tried to pull the covers over my head, but my forelegs had been tangled together by a strap. Fidgeting a little I sat up in bed, blowing my mane aside and lifting my hooves into view. A canteen and its strap were wrapped around my legs in a bundle. I blinked a few times and tried to nurse a sharp pain in my skull. Whose is this? Where did it come from?
"Angel?" I croaked, looking up towards the door. Long gashes had been torn through the door and walls by huge claws, and the floorboards had deep scars and cracks from a large and powerful creature. The entire bedroom had been turned upside-down and ransacked, leaving clothes and boxes of treasures tossed and trampled on the floor. I gasped and clutched my head in my hooves, trying to catch my thoughts - hoping I hadn't woken up yet.
A patch of cotton rubbed against my cheek, and I took a glance at my left foreleg. A torn cloth had been lazily wrapped around a stubborn wound, and a tiny flicker inside my head told me that I had put it there last night. I looked over the room again and blinked. Between my bed and the door were my saddlebags, which had been clumsily dropped on the floor before I had gone to bed, and a red headband and blue scarf lying next to them.
My eyelids fell down like floodgates, and I held onto my canteen like it was going to save my life. Slowly I counted to ten, wishing to myself that I could just stop feeling like I was burning up inside. I took another look at my belongings on the floor and quietly slid out of bed, letting my canteen untangle itself and fall into place above my knee. I shivered in the deep freeze lingering in the house, and quickly my memories rushed in and solidified once more. The pressure in my head built up, and I drew a sharp breath and groaned.
I ambled over to my saddlebags and carefully unpacked them to check what I still had. The cause of my headache was still in supply, but I was relieved my stomach wasn't upset anymore. My small sewing kit hadn't gone missing and was going to stay with me. I didn't quite know why I grabbed it when I did, but as my hoof traced the stitches along the base of the bag holding the Element of Magic, there was no reason to leave it behind now.
An empty canteen rattled against Zecora's potions and her copy of Supernaturals, which had Philomena's feather nested inside the pages. Smaller items lay buried under the bigger stuff: matches, my map, twigs, and grit. There was still a lot of empty space, and my brow furrowed when no food or first aid turned up - not even when I turned the bags upside down and shook.
I sat down, pressed a hoof to my forehead, and rubbed my shoulders for warmth. Dry air tickled my throat as it passed to chill my lungs. I shivered again and brought my eyes over a pile of clothes in front of my closet. Crumpled among a small collection of dresses was a blue winter jacket. I crawled over and lifted it up for a closer look.
This was a gift, the voice in my head muttered. I nodded gently, looking over the sporty design and running my hooves under the sleeves. Faint, oversized paw prints had been left on the waterproof material but thankfully no claws had pierced it, and the fleece collar and cuffs spoke of the lining inside - but mostly of the warmth it promised. My canteen sloshed and clanged on the floor, and it stayed there while I pulled the jacket on and wrapped myself up in my scarf.
I hugged the soft fleece around me, closing my eyes and pretending I was relaxing next to an open fireplace, and finally felt comfortable out of bed. I picked up my headband and carefully looked it over. The feathers had been lost after leaving Dodge Junction, and the headdress was now covered in dirt, grit, and soot. I blew my mane aside and gently brushed the band with my hoof, knocking loose some dust that had settled on it. I flipped my mane to the side, fed it through the loop, and pulled the red band back into place.
Water, food, and bandages, my mind rattled off. I nodded slowly, hoisted my tired body upright, and collected my saddlebags. The bitter cold in the house hung heavily around me, but it was barely in my mind while I surveyed the damage that had been done. I choked, wheezing on dust and squeezing out only a few tears. The tears had ran out for now, which only made my heart feel heavier with grief I couldn't let out.
The stairs creaked under my hooves and the frostbitten floorboards downstairs crackled and crunched all the way to the kitchen - or what had been left of it. Like the rest of my home, the kitchen had been sacked. Cabinet doors had been torn off their hinges and left to rot on the floor; drawers had been meticulously scratched through or ripped out entirely. But a part of me wondered if all of this was truly what the Diamond Dogs did, or if it were animals desperate for food for the sudden winter. My mouth opened to whimper, but a suffocated gasp was all that came out. There were animals struggling to stay safe, and even if I wanted to I couldn't help them. I couldn't feed them or offer them shelter, not with how my home had been left behind. I stared down at an empty at can and kicked it across the room. If it was the wildlife that had raided my cottage, I couldn't find it in myself to be mad at them. Frightened, hungry, and alone; it was easier to understand than I felt comfortable with.
My hooves dragged me along and reluctantly nudged and dug through what was left of my belongings. Not too long after, I sat down at the kitchen table with my saddlebags on the floor. They had been packed lightly for the journey, but not deliberately. The pantry had been picked clean by either Diamond Dogs or by poor little animals desperate to gather food for the sudden winter. There were a few lucky finds, thankfully: a couple of bandages for my foreleg (one of which was already bound tightly over my healing wound), lantern oil, and a single can of peaches that had evaded much sharper eyes.
My stomach growled in anticipation and impatience, and when my hoof placed the can on the table, the other quickly joined and hastily cracked it open. The sweet aroma of fruit wafted up, promising to make me feel much better. Too hungry to care, I grasped the can in both hooves and tipped it back, slurping and munching on its contents. A few moments later I leant forward and put the empty can onto the table. A fulfilled sigh vibrated in my throat, paired with the happy grumble in my tummy. I slid the can aside and took out my map.
Kinsmeer was easily three days away if I could fly there at a good speed, a lot more if I just walked - but I needed to find more food on the way. The direct route passed over a lot of the Everfree Forest, which meant camping in a dangerous place while avoiding all towns and villages that could have supplies. Whether I liked it or not, I had to search other ponies' homes for food. Grazing would take too long each day to make enough distance travelling. I didn't want to take any longer than I had to.
I looked out my window, and for a moment I considered looking for food in Ponyville. Maybe the Diamond Dogs didn't take everything. Maybe because I knew the ponies that used to live there, they would understand why I stole from them. I shook my head gently, recalling what I saw when I flew over. My heart ached just seeing the gaps in the snow, and it tore itself apart when I saw what had happened to my cottage. The familiar buildings and homes I had seen for years - and the memories of the ponies who lived in them - would be too much. How would I feel if I saw Carousel Boutique or Sugarcube Corner? Or saw how a few weeks had ruined generations of hard work at Sweet Apple Acres? I couldn't stomach it. I knew I couldn't.
My head drooped down to the table and I covered my face with my forelegs. It will get better, I assured myself. Everything will be okay. You can do this.
I opened my eyes, but didn't move. Instead, I took some peace in the tiny pocket of darkness created between me and the table. I blinked a few times, starting to see a few lines and words on the map I was resting on. I sat up, rubbing my eyes and focusing on the markings for Ponyville and Kinsmeer. A large mass of the Everfree Forest drove a wedge between the two places, up until it met with a mountain range lining the physical border of Equestria and The Fang, the Whinny-Rose Mountains. My glances flittered about, looking at several landmarks to draw a safe route with. There were two ways around the Everfree Forest, but only one route was the shortest. I could cross a portion of Everfree and go east over the countryside until I reached Fogbrook, which was the last pony settlement on the route. From there I would have to cross the Whinny-Rose Mountains, and then follow the Coldstone River south. In time, I would come close to the hills Kinsmeer nestled itself in, and would only have to pass through a forest to reach it.
Wait. Isn't that where Spike went during the Dragon Migration? My ears perked up, my eyes went wide and my hooves twitched on the table. Rainbow Dash said there were hundreds of dragons there! Wha-How was I going to find my Element of Harmony among dozens of big, scary, fire-breathing dragons?
Everything in the room started to spin wildly. Dragons crawled out of the woodwork and circled me. They roared and laughed at the sight of a weak little pony and flashed their teeth and claws with every bit of malice I wish they didn't have. My head lolled forwards and banged face-down onto the table with a clunk, stopping everything in a heartbeat. Something rolled off and clanged on the floor, wringing my brain out through a new headache. Cautiously I raised my head off the table, wincing and squeaking out an 'ouch' as I nursed the lump that had appeared. I glanced to where the empty can had fallen and then looked back at the map in front of me. I took one more look at where Kinsmeer was and traced the route back to Ponyville with my hoof.
Fire-breathing dragons, the thought terrified me. I laughed uneasily, only to be frightened more by how stretched-thin I sounded. It was crazy. I wouldn't even watch a dragon migration with my friends, and now I was thinking of going straight to where they roamed by the hundreds - alone! It was a bad idea, it was a crazy idea, and in my heart I knew I was still going to go through with it. I laughed again, shrill and cracked. Pull yourself together, Fluttershy! I shook my head. Calm down. Calm is good. I vote for calm.
I took in a big, big breath and held it until my hooves stopped twitching and kicking on their own. I looked back to the map, but this time I looked at the tears in the parchment - five in total: Appleloosa, Manehatten, Tall Tale, Baltimare, and Little Shoehorn. Each place saw one of us go there, with Twilight staying in Canterlot with Spike. Rarity was really happy to see Manehatten, and Pinkie was ready to go northwest and check out Tall Tale - she must've taken enough balloons to fill the train there and back and still have enough for the ponies in Tall Tale. Rainbow flew to Baltimare, and was determined to beat her long-distance flying record along the way. Applejack went to Little Shoehorn, which was a couple of nights from Canterlot by train, and the last stop before the Crystal Empire. Appleloosa was closer.
I placed my hoof on the tear marking Little Shoehorn and closed my eyes. That wasn't supposed to be Applejack's destination. It was mine. I was afraid to go to Little Shoehorn alone. I almost never went anywhere without somepony I knew. Applejack saw it in my eyes and in my hoof pawing at the floor. She volunteered to go there in my place. She told the others that I knew the ponies and the buffalo tribe in Appleloosa, so I wouldn't have any trouble there. I wouldn't be alone.
"You... you said I wouldn't be alone," I stuttered. My voice carried through the hollow house, coming back to me like a ghostly whisper. My eyes and ears drooped at the accusation in my voice. There was no way I could be angry at her or anypony else. I couldn't pin the blame on somepony just to make myself feel better.
"It's not your fault, Applejack," I said to the map, carefully packing it away once more. "I'm to blame, and I'm going to get the Elements back for you and our friends whether I'm afraid or not. I promise."
My gaze landed on a scattered pile of crumpled paper that was underneath the map. All of the pages had been scrawled, scratched, and printed on with markings from the animal friends I used to look after. I rubbed my eyes and gently sorted through the list, stopping on a page with a wobbly letter 'A' written at the bottom. I wondered if Angel knew I had come back home - or if I was even still... here. Could he have got in trouble? What if he was in danger?
My spine stiffened, and each wing tingled and twitched to move at a moment's notice. I didn't know where Angel was. I didn't even know if he was in danger. I flicked through the pages in case there was a scribble or clue as to where he and the animals had gone, but there were only dozens of 'signatures' from animals that were once in my care, and animals Angel knew - my friends' pets.
I hooked onto that detail to stop drowning in fear. If my friend's pets were with him, then he would be safe. They cared for each other like I cared for them and my friends - I was sure of it, I had to be. There were no 'maybes', Angel had to be safe. He would be okay without me for just a little longer. When I came back from The Fang, I could see if he came home. I could look for him when I knew that each day wouldn't make it harder to find my friends' Elements. Until then, I had to find my Element of Harmony, but that didn't mean I couldn't let him know I was still out there.
I nodded a few times and inhaled the cold air. For once the temperature felt refreshing, like a weight had been lifted off my back. A few minutes later, I finally went outside underneath a bleak sky and falling snow, packed and ready for the journey I had set myself. I trotted to the little bridge near my home, letting my eyes adjust to the bright white ground and the thinning clouds overhead. I pulled my scarf tight around my neck and paused to look one last time at my cottage. I imagined Angel in the doorway, waving and closing it wordlessly after me so he could take care of things around the house. He was still doing that, only what mattered wasn't in the house any more but still in his and his friends' care. One day, or so I hoped, he would come back and see my message to him.
"Mama's proud of you," I repeated with a soft voice. "If I don't see you again, always remember that, Angel."
So I'm really doing this, aren't I? I asked myself, barely paying attention to the vast and mysterious depths of the Everfree Forest beneath. No more than a mile from my cottage, the weather had been turned from light snow into thick drizzle. The trees and shrubs of the forest were mostly green and lacking in a layer of snow, and various sounds and noises filtered through the trees unlike the winter-stricken land of in Equestria. It was not warm at all though, and a film of chilly rainwater clung to my coat. I shivered slightly, struggling to resist the urge for the sake of staying airborne.
I scanned around the forest, searching for a clash of stone and structure among the leaves and nature. A few moments later, I caught sight of the ruins through the treetops and swooped down. I glided around the buildings, taking in the sight of the abandoned castle from angles I had never seen it from before. I knew the place was big, but the scale wasn't clear to me until now. If it weren't for the fact that most of the place had collapsed in the hundreds of years of being alone, ponies could easily get lost in the darkest, scariest places inside - I was suddenly very happy to still have my lantern with me.
My hooves grazed the cracked stone steps before landing down in front of the double doors to the castle. I glanced around quietly, idly kicking little stones aside. It seemed safe for the moment, so I quickly reached back and pulled out my lantern and matches, lighting the wick ready for when I go inside. Again I glanced around, swivelling my ears in case of a single growl or misplaced step, but only busy birds and a few insects revealed themselves.
"I don't want to be here too long..." I whispered, approaching one of the doors. I pushed against it and the door lurched open much easier than last time. I picked up my lantern with my teeth and slipped inside, closing the rumbling door with a low 'thunk'. I slid the wooden log into place to keep the doors shut and made for a dark-but-still-intact corridor.
I hurried through the ruins, finally climbing up and into the throne room. Dull, white daylight poured through the empty windows on both sides of the room, and at the far end I could see a pair of faint metal glimmers. I held my breath and anxiously flew across to the raised platform where I had left the Princesses' crowns. I sighed and landed a few paces from the first step, respectfully bowing my head to the two pieces of headwear, and wordlessly put my lantern down.
I craned my neck back again to my saddlebags, and carefully tugged out Twilight's Element. I placed it on my hoof with care, and slowly walked up to the two crowns stood in place of two thrones. I leant down, and let the Element of Magic slide off my hoof, settling on a spot just before the other pieces of jewellery.
The air shifted, as if gravity had been thrown at an angle for a split second. I whirled around and stared down across the hall. "Discord?" The name echoed in the ceiling and in my chest, but no response came. My eyes fell to the floor, threatening to glaze over. With a quick dab from my bandaged leg I turned to face the little shrine before me, taking my mind from one upsetting thing to another.
"Well, this is it," I whispered. "I'm going to find the others - but don't worry! I'll come back when I can, I promise." The corners of my vision blurred, leaving only a clear view of the tiara that belonged to my dear friend. I closed my eyes, and imagined that they were all there with their crowns upon their heads. Princess Luna looked over me, silently nodding her approval and well-wishes with a calm, reserved glance. Twilight stood in front, fighting back tears while her hooves fidgeted in place. Princess Celestia leant down to her student, whispered something I hoped was comforting, and gave me a reassuring look that travelled to the doors behind me. It's time.
Reality crept back in, taking away the ponies in front of me and leaving their headdresses on the cold, worn stone. I took a few steps back, flicking my eyes over each crown on the steps. I swallowed down my heart and spun around, forcing my pace into a determined canter.
I can do this. I must be brave.
The forest was alive and bustling with insects and unseen creatures. The sounds of nature, unafraid and carefree, brought a little comfort and covered the grinding hinges and grumble of the old castle's doors being closed. I turned around to face the steps and the forest beyond and listened. The Everfree Forest was alive and well, completely unfazed by the dreary weather looming overhead.
I adjusted my scarf and took wing, hoisting myself up above the trees. I banked right, setting my course for east, and worked my wings up to a steady pace. The sun was already tracing a path high above the horizon, meaning I likely wouldn't reach Fogbrook before nightfall if I didn't hurry. I lowered my head and stretched forwards, paying no attention to anything but the rolling hills and the cloudy sky ahead of me. If I could fly just a little faster, then maybe I could make up for lost time. ***
The whistle of air in my ears kept my head clear and alert. The path I had chosen to take included flying over a part of the Everfree Forest to save time, and there was no telling what could have happened if I didn't at least fool myself into thinking I was prepared. But even though the edge of the forest had been crossed nearly one hundred miles ago - and the gentle hills and lush forests of Equestria were zipping by beneath me - I still didn't feel safe. But where could I feel safe? Was it even possible anymore? My own home had been broken into, and the towns and cities I grew up around had fallen silent; I would rather fly over them than stand in the middle of the streets.
Villages and larger towns crept slowly underneath, occasionally masked by gloomy rainclouds still drizzling icy haze. My wings flapped to a rhythm, powered by a tense ball of heat in my core that refused to be discouraged. Sometimes I heard its energy in my thoughts, carrying with it memories of Rainbow's own grit and Applejack's brave heart. The feeling was double edged, and no sooner would I feel happy for having so many friends to look up to would I have to settle on the empty hum of wind in my ears again - saving myself from the thought of what I had lost and the purpose of this journey.
I drew in another breath and focused on the patchy horizon before me. In the distance loomed the vast length of the Whinny-Rose Mountains. Somewhere before them stood a tiny little village called Fogbrook, and it was the place I needed to find before I tried to cross the mountains. If I didn't, I could find myself miles off course and more lost in The Fang than I would want to be. Dragons probably wouldn't give directions even if I asked very nicely. No, they would sooner roar and breathe fire and- And-
My wings fell out of time, dropping me underneath the clouds like a sack of carrots. My muscles froze, trapping me in the fall. I closed my eyes and swallowed down my fear. One, two, three... I counted, focusing on each number until they were all I could see. When I reached ten my wings unfurled, flexing until I levelled into a glide. I opened my eyes again and glanced down, seeing patches of fields still a long way away from my hooves. I sighed, wiped the sweat off my head, and looked towards to horizon. My wings flapped faster until they reached a pace I could manage. This time they ached, kindly warning me that I wasn't going to go on much further like this.
I stayed beneath the patchy clouds in spite of the cold rain. Whether I wanted to see the ground or not, I had to look for a landmark and work out where I was. The clouds grew thicker overhead as I flew, turning into a complete ceiling that sunlight struggled to cast through. The cold rain picked up, soaking through my winter clothes to nibble my skin. I clenched my teeth and pushed my wings harder to make up for the weight, feeling heat burn in my joints and travel up my spine, making the cold feel much sharper.
My eyes scanned the ground below, picking out little houses and thin roads swerving around the hills without a concern for anything. I sniffled, rubbing my nose as I kept on looking. I followed a wider road to the north, and my eyes travelled up until they met a clump of houses and big buildings looming in a miles-wide column of fog.
I blinked, then blinked again. A column of fog over a city? I watched the fog, and noticed that it was rising into the sky and spreading out in every direction once it reached the cloud cover. At the base of the column, more plumes of visible vapour emerged from the distant clumps of the cityscape and rose up into the sky.
My eyes drifted up and followed the ceiling of clouds until I was staring straight at the sky. The whole time I could see the clouds were moving towards me, sending a lump up my throat. I gulped down some air and tore my gaze away. There was only one thing that could do that, and only one city in this province that had it: Fillydelphia.
My thoughts stumbled over memories and calculations. To drown out the pain I started calculating out loud, raising my voice until it was the only thing I could think of. I had drifted off course like I had expected, but I only had to face a little more south-east to find Fogbrook. Without looking back, I turned slightly and flew for the border, occupying my thoughts with any kind of arithmetic I could think of.
It was no use. There were only so many things I could try to work out without running the risk of drifting off-course again. I squinted through the rain and pumped my wings harder to carry me over the clouds. The ground and cities vanished from view, replaced by a fluffy sea of grey and the sun shining its warm rays on my back. I looked to the east and spotted the moon already rising into the still blue sky, which cast a tint over the soft orb.
I pressed on until the sun set beneath the horizon and brought myself down onto a reasonably thick cloud. Testing its strength with a few treads and making sure my belongings were properly secured, I slumped down into the plush cloud with a sigh. My wings fell limp to my sides, sinking themselves into the wispy platform and swishing slightly back and forth. Similarly, I sank into bliss, ignoring the dampness of my clothes and the strands of my mane stuck to my face. I lowered my head onto my forelegs and closed my eyes, escaping to a better place: Maybe a spa, or a soft pile of towels after taking a new year's swim with Rainbow Dash, or a little cloud I bumped into after funnelling water to Cloudsdale. Yes, any of those places, anywhere my friends were was fine. Better.
I yawned and sleepily lifted my eyelids. The skyline was quickly fading into night, and in the distance I could see the outlines of the Whinny-Rose Mountains against the deep purple backdrop. They were much closer than before, and one of my wings lazily rose and patted the cloud in success. Around the peaks were rolling bundles of lilac clouds - some of which were snaking through gaps and slinking down the side of the rocky border.
"Tomorrow..." I murmured, not even finishing the sentence in my head. I took a deep, relieving breath and settled down to sleep. ***
"Next time you want a shake from Dizzy's," Rainbow said with an ice-cold drink balanced on each wing, "you should speak up before it's about to close."
"Sorry," I whispered, flicking my wings to catch up. "I didn't know they closed this early."
Rainbow snorted, "Early? Yeah, let's go with that. Come on." Without spilling a drop, my friend cantered to the edge of the path - where nothing but the night sky and open air waited for late-night fliers. "Let's chill out over here."
We sat down near the edge of the cloud, but I was a little further back than Rainbow. She glanced at me, shot a sly smile, and slid my treat off her wing. I caught it in my hooves and took a taste of the strawberry mango shake. Rainbow lobbed hers in the air and effortlessly caught it with one hoof. She looked to me for applause, but my cheers were muffled by a mouthful of soft-serve. Rainbow Dash stifled a laugh, but her face cracked up until she couldn't hold it anymore. I covered my mouth and looked away, though I couldn't help but feel the corners of my mouth turn upward, too.
We settled down with our fruity snacks, switching between eating and drinking the thickest milkshakes sold in town. I looked out into the sky, taking in the peaceful night surrounding the hum of the restless city. I had grown used to Cloudsdale's busy atmosphere, but I always loved the quiet sounds of sleep and minute peeps of nocturnal critters. We were too high to hear the wildlife, but what I had now was enough of what I needed. Even though the things Rainbow Dash and I would do on nights like these were always different and noisy, every night ended with my favourite part: sitting on the edge of town and enjoying the quiet. Sometimes when neither of us could sleep - or when Rainbow couldn't sleep - this was all we would do.
A deep, content sigh escaped me, prompting Dash to look up from her cup and take a look at the night before us. Twinkling stars covered the night in clusters and patterns that changed every time I blinked, and the moon hung high in the sky with the image of a pony's head watching over us on its surface.
Rainbow spoke up, her voice calmer than usual. "Y'know what? Tomorrow, since Cloudsdale is gonna be passing real close to it, we should go check out Ponyville."
I stared at her, mouth open in surprise. She glanced back at me and seemed hurt when she saw my expression. I looked down at my melting shake and apologised.
"It's cool, Fluttershy. I know it's strange coming from me, but we're in our final year of school now, and I still haven't seen much of the ground except for when the Junior Speedsters went to away games," Rainbow's voice cracked a tiny bit as she continued. "And since Ponyville is like wildlife galore down there, I thought you might wanna come with, y'know?"
My eyes drifted back to Rainbow. She wore her pride almost all the time, but right then she seemed anxious - like she was expecting me to tease her for being 'soft' and not wanting to practice stunts instead. I smiled. "Sounds like a great idea, Rainbow."
My friend's eyes brightened with excitement and joy. She grinned at me and looked out into the night again. "Great! Maybe we'll find something awesome there, huh?"
I joined her gaze, making a fleeting note that the stars had changed again. "Maybe we will-"
Light. Blinding light filled the sky and silenced everything underneath it. The brightness burned away, pulling the white curtain from a gigantic wave of energy barrelling over the land - and straight for us.
"Ra-Rainbow?!" I squeaked, completely frozen in place.
Dark blue covered my eyes, and a pair of hooves held onto my cheeks and pulled. I blinked twice, finally hearing her voice screaming at me, "Snap out of it! Let's go! Get behind something!"
The wave was seconds away. I couldn't move. My ribs shot out in pain, and I fell backwards and into the cloud floor with Rainbow. She pulled herself out of her tackle and screamed at me, her wide magenta eyes locking with mine for a split second, before vanishing entirely.
The stars returned in the sky, but this time I didn't check if they had moved. My eyes stayed open and unblinking, staring up into the endless depths of the atmosphere and beyond until the command to blink finally came.
I sat up stiffly and blinked out tears. My gaze slowly searched for Rainbow Dash, soon joined by weak, raspy whispers of her name. She didn't answer. I called for her again and again, letting go of the floodgates to find her. I searched through glassy eyes over the clouds and inside them, but nothing showed up - not even her drink.
My wings thrashed at the air, throwing me a few dozen feet towards Cloudsdale. My ears swivelled and spun in place, capturing emptiness that Cloudsdale never had. That was until the city's alarms sounded.
Piece by piece clouds began to break apart and evaporate at the base. In seconds entire buildings stretched and decayed, with the densest chunks quickly plummeting to the ground.
"No!" My voice failed. Mom! Dad! No, please, no! Before my eyes Cloudsdale fell, parts of which chasing the sound the falling alarms all the way to the bottom until the screaming bells stopped. My cloud dissolved around my hooves, dropping me straight through before vanishing completely.
My wings opened but flailed and whipped senselessly in the air. Everything Rainbow and flight camp had taught me burrowed itself under blind terror. The sky screamed and wailed with alarms falling beneath me, which were silenced moments before the ground met me too.
My entire body jerked and shuddered, and my eyes flew open and stared up into a starlit sky. I sat up and gasped for air, screaming until I had wrung my lungs out. I collapsed back into the cloud I lay on, and stared blindly into the night while I struggled to catch my breath. Slowly, my chest eased its grip on my lungs, and precious air pooled in.
The moon was still high in the sky. I blinked a few times and waved my hoof between my face and the silver disc above. Rolling over, I peered over the side to find that there was no edge anymore. I sat up and looked around. The clouds had bunched up into large clusters and were rolling and merging together quickly. My heart started to beat a little faster, and I checked that my saddlebags were still sealed and I hadn't lost anything while asleep.
There was a boom. A massive arc leapt from one bulbous cloud to another, sending me rocketing upwards in fright. Another bolt shot beneath me, and then another raced past me. The clouds were bursting upwards and closing in around me. If I didn't get out soon, I would be in the center of one big thunderhead.
I closed my wings and dropped down, hoping I could concentrate enough to fall straight through the cloud floor. An arc crackled nearby and shattered any focus I had, and I landed in the saturated mass with a plop. Ozone filled my nostrils, and the hairs on my back prickled and stood on end. My hooves dug away at the cloud floor, scooping and pushing the thick moisture aside as quickly as possible. Tingles peppered up and down my wings. The tips of my ears burned. A hole finally appeared in the cloud, and I didn't hesitate to dive in and wiggle until I was free. I slipped out of the thunderhead just as it bellowed and crackled, chasing me off with excited sparks.
My ears heard nothing but an incessant ring, but the vibration in my lungs counted the rumbles of thunder. Air rushed past me as I dived straight down toward the ground, and soon I could feel a warm, electrifying sensation of my own course through my veins. I breathed in through my nostrils and spread out my wings, pulling out of the dive and racing over treetops at speeds I rarely reached. Hundreds of raindrops pelted down on me, and bright blue lights flickered and burst in the sky above.
The trees gave way to open fields full of spoiled crops, and beyond that stood the silhouettes of a town about half the size of Ponyville. Another flash of blue light tore through the air, lighting up the brick buildings and bouncing off the windows like cat's eyes. I shivered, brining myself down to land on the clearest street I could see. As soon as my hooves slid on the muddy road, I skittered aside and took shelter on a front porch, giving myself some time to catch my breath and wring the rainwater out of my scarf. With a moment to spare I checked my bags to make sure I hadn't lost anything in the drop, and looked out over the few houses making up the neighbourhood.
All of the homes were built similar to each other. All used brick walls and slate roofs, and each had a porch of its own. Some houses were one-storey while others were two, and a couple had sheds and lean-tos built as additions.
This was Fogbrook, I was sure of it. I poked my head into the rain and scanned the horizon, and as if on cue a few bolts of lightning uncloaked the mountains from the gloomy rainfall. The base of the Whinny-Rose Mountains were a few hours away still, but from the little wooden porch I stood on, they already looked like they gave the Canterlot Mountains competition - and I had to cross them.
Not in this weather, my thoughts quickly added. It's going to be a little bit too cold. And icy. And a teensy bit snowy. I turned away and looked at the front door to the house I stood in front of. The lights were off inside and the curtains drawn, but I didn't dare get my hopes up. Instead, I raised my bandaged foreleg to test the handle, and recoiled when the door suddenly swung open with a loud slam. I shot a glance left and right and hurried inside, quickly closing the door behind me.
The storm was immediately muffled, leaving the heavy sounds of my heartbeat and the ringing in my ears to pick up the slack. Finally in a dry place that was sealed away from the weather, I felt a little safer. The feeling was lost when I realised that it was really, really dark inside.
I whirled around at the scampering of tiny claws. Squinting and struggling to make out anything in the pitch-black hallway. A crash of thunder broke through the walls, sending electrified spikes up my spine while flashing a pair of haunting eyes from down the hall. I gasped and ran through the closest doorway, running into furniture and making a racket as I fell. I skittered to the closest corner, darting my eyes all over the room for any ghosts hiding in the shadows. I yelped at the thunder, holding my hooves up to shield me from the beady eyes I had just seen in the hall. Nothing leapt out at me, nothing hissed or even fidgeted. It was like I was alone again, or had been alone all this time.
I lowered my hooves slowly but didn't wait a second to search for my lantern. It flew out of my bag in record time, but the matches hid themselves away somewhere in the bottom. I fumbled about in the darkness and froze every time lightning struck. My wide eyes flicked from my opened saddlebags to every corner of the room in the split-second light. Nothing revealed itself from the edges of the room, but that didn't mean there wasn't something scary and menacing watching from the shadows. I shivered and urged my hooves to search faster. A tense minute later I had accidentally scattered some matches on the floor, but soon had a sacred orange glow in my lantern. I shone the light around the room, seeing nothing unusual except for an overturned chair and a settee I had ran into and knocked aside. I gathered up my matches and cautiously replaced the furniture - never moving too far away from the glowing life-line. My ears swivelled and listened carefully, flicking whenever the sky let out a piercing crack and seizing up whenever something clicked or scratched inside the house.
My left hind leg tensed, freezing at the touch of something brushing around the ankle - prickly claws grasping and scratching up my leg as it climbed. I gasped, turning into a statue while my thoughts reeled at what dangerous monster it could be. A Cockatrice? No they're much bigger. A Fruit bat? They're too cute! My eyes clamped shut and I whimpered, the creature was crawling on my back. It paused and sat in the crevice between my wing and flank, leaning outwards. My lip trembled, betraying the stillness I had, and the creature prodded my flank repeatedly.
I flinched, and stiffly turned my head to look. I blinked a couple of times, finally settling on the form of brown hamster instead of something from the darkest corners of my nightmares. I sighed and out on a sheepish smile. The hamster cocked its head to the side, squeaking to me.
I took a moment to process the critter's speech. "Yes, you did," I replied. "But it's okay, you didn't mean any harm."
The hamster hugged the edge of my wing. I smiled faintly and slowly extended my wing for it to walk on. The little critter carefully followed the bones and stopped on the wrist. It squeaked again, introducing himself.
"Nice to meet you, Bubble. My name's Fluttershy." I raised a hoof up to the him and gently brushed his face. He clambered on and I held him up to my face. Bubble squeaked some more, waving his paws over the room. I shook my head and told him I didn't know anypony here, or where they were. Bubble then asked if I had seen any ponies in the last couple of weeks. I looked away from him, and barely managed to bury the heat in my throat before it caught alight.
Bubble whimpered, saddened by my reaction. I turned my head to face him again and tried to put on a brave face. "It'll be okay, little one. They... They should come home soon."
The room fell silent, save for the storm outside rapping on the windows, and the hiss in my head calling out my lie.
Are you hungry? Bubble asked. I looked at him, and didn't hesitate to nod and have the subject changed. Come on, there's plenty of food in the kitchen, I haven't even gone through the cupboards yet!
Bubble hopped down to the floor with a quiet bump and scampered to the edge of the lantern's glow. I decided that now was a good time to peel the saturated scarf from my neck and stash it in my saddlebags, and then picked up my lantern to follow the hamster. Bubble stood by a wooden door and pointed at it before shimmying underneath. I waited a few seconds for him to move away and carefully pushed the door open. I peered into the room, seeing Bubble's little eyes flicker back to me and the rest of the room slowly fill with light.
The room was definitely a kitchen. I could see cabinets and countertops, a sink and faucets, and also a modest table in the middle of the room. Bubble clambered on a chair, eventually leaping up on the table. He squeaked, pointing to the cabinets he couldn't reach and then scurried among some things lying on the table.
My hoofsteps quietly tapped on the floorboards, my gaze narrowed at the table, soon widening into a horrified stare as the lantern revealed what was on it. I dropped my lantern on the table, flicking my eyes over party hats and paper plates, before settling on something Bubble seemed the most interest in. My body froze in place.
It was a cake; decorated with dry and cracked white icing with large portions nibbled away by the lone hamster. I looked over the table again, gazing at the small stack plates, hoof-full of of party hats and a few unused poppers - all standing on the table for when they were going to be used. On the counter furthest from me was a small pile of boxes wrapped in colourful paper with dull foil ribbons neatly tied on top. I tipped my head back, trying to get the tears to leak back inside and then turned completely away from the table and Bubble's concerned stare. I closed my eyes and bowed my head, trying to wipe away what I had seen.
What's wrong? Bubble asked. I could hear him walking on the table toward me. His worry weighed down on my back, and I knew I couldn't ignore him. I quickly collected my tears with my bandage and took a breath. My eyelids opened again, and I raised my head up to think and explain, but my eyes fell on a banner over the doorway.
Happy 7th Birthday
"No..." My head shook. Ghostly giggles of delight accented by pops and cheers filled the room. A cold chill darted from the door and swept through me. My back prickled at the touch of dozens of non-existent streamers; 'Wow! This is so cool! Thanks Mom-'
"No!" I begged, tapping my skull for the thoughts to go away. But they weren't in my head, they were around me, being fed to me with each and every waiting plate, spoiled snack, and unopened gift. My ears froze solid at a birthday song that was never sung. I tried to breathe, but all I could smell were melted candles that were never lit and a fresh cake that was never sliced. I felt sick. I had to leave.
Bubble squeaked after me as I quickly grabbed my lantern and left the room. I stumbled through the house with tear-stained eyes until I found the front door. My hoof desperately scraped over the wood until it met the latch, all while tears streamed down my face. In a few seconds the door swung open for the storm to greet me again with a gutsy roar.
There was a tug at my tail, and reluctantly I turned my head and looked down - avoiding the family photos on the walls. Bubble stared at me, sad and afraid at what I was doing. He didn't understand - but how could he? Bubble hadn't seen the cities, my home, or the chilling reminders of places where ponies used to be before everything went wrong. I couldn't expect the little guy to know any of that - I didn't want him to know any of that. But in the little creature's pleading eyes I became more and more aware that I at least owed him an explanation - and an apology to him for what I was about to do.
I closed my eyes, finding it hard to look at the hamster without the last strings in my mind snapping, and put my lantern down. "I... I can't stay here," my voice quivered. "It hurts too much to think about the missing ponies. I'm really sorry for leaving like this."
I heard Bubble in spite of the howling wind. You don't have to go! What did I do wrong? Y-You could stay in one of the ponies' beds for the night - I don't think they would mind!
My face twisted painfully for a second, but I looked away from Bubble so he couldn't see and pretended I was thinking instead. My head shook in gentle disagreement and I glanced out the door - while the rest of me screamed and cried to run as far away from the house as possible. I took in a deep breath and spoke softly. "I'll be fine, Bubble. I promise. Thank you."
Could you... Could you take me with you? He whimpered.
I blinked and held my eyes closed, trying to keep the surge of shame from showing up on my face. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at him. "I wish I could, I really do." I turned around so I could pet the tiny animal's head. "But where I'm going is very, very cold, and very, very dangerous. I couldn't possibly take you there. You're safer here. I'm so sorry."
Bubble let go of my tail and whimpered. My ribs ached, and I brushed the tip of my hoof along the hamster's whiskers. "Thank you for being so sweet," I said. "Take care of yourself, okay? Don't put yourself in harm's way."
The little brown hamster nodded, less in acknowledgement than acceptance, and hugged my hoof. I carefully wrapped my left leg around him for a moment and then let go. I picked up my lantern and backed outside, dragging the door against the wind until I heard it latch itself, and turned to face the Whinny-Rose Mountains - the border of Equestria.
I took a deep breath and focused on just the mountains that lay ahead. I gripped my lantern in my mouth, and without another thought I threw myself into the storm. The wind hoisted me up and juggled me effortlessly, pushing me away from the mountains peeking through the murky storm clouds. Finally my wings found themselves, and I started to force my way through and gain speed. In minutes Fogbrook was shrouded in night rain behind me and similarly buried in the back of my mind. ***
Flying up the mountain was the easy part - I had expected that - but I was not ready for more of the storm spilling over the jagged peaks of the Whinny-Rose Mountains. Just as dawn started to seep through the cloud cover the sky turned from light grey to black, and minutes later it was lost in a flurry of snow and ice, forcing me to climb the rest of the way on the ground.
My hooves drove themselves into the icy floor, digging in so I couldn't be pushed back by the wind. My winter jacket ruffled with each high-pitched scream from the blizzard, and I kept my wings clamped to my flanks in fear of losing what precious heat I still had in me. My teeth chattered relentlessly, gnawing on the iron handle of my lantern. I shone the light around, revealing nothing but thick snowfall everywhere I looked. If there was shelter anywhere, I couldn't see it through the snow, so I had no choice but to keep walking until the storm let up or I led myself out of it.
Somewhere among the deafening roar of the storm I found the space to think. With nothing to draw my mind away but thick snowfall hiding everything further than a few yards away, vivid visions painted themselves on the frozen canvas before me. I blinked and waved a hoof in front of my eyes, brushing the thoughts away like snowflakes.
It was not letting me get away. Trapped in the endless white, my thoughts wandered again, settling on Cloudsdale. I started humming to myself, hoping to block the thought with a song, but the blizzard drowned it out.
My eyes snapped shut, hoping to close off the vision of snow and clouds on the ground, and what I saw strewn among it. Instead, in the darkness of my eyelids, I saw birthday cake with lit candles on top and my friends all around me. I took a short breath, already mortified of what was going to happen, and watched helplessly as the ponies I cared so much about and were pulled back into the darkness - with the howling winds giving a voice to their screams.
"No! No!" I gasped, dropping my lantern in the snow and staring out into the relentless blizzard. "Come back! Please! Don't leave me!"
The wind carried on its endless shriek, smothering my pleas. I braced myself against the gale, shaking and weeping in the freezing cold. I need you! I need all of you! Please, come back!
My heart lurched and faltered in its pace, and my shivers grew stronger and harder to control. It was too much. It had always been too much. I couldn't take it anymore. I opened my mouth and screamed. I screamed until the wind couldn't be heard, I screamed until my lungs burned from emptiness, and I screamed until my throat tore itself apart and crackled into nothingness. Thoughts of my friends and family flickered on the insides of my eyelids - of everything I had lost in one single night. What had they done to deserve this? Why did I have to live through it? What caused the shock wave? Yes, who was responsible?
"Who did this to my friends?" I shouted coarsely. "What cruel thing caused this?"
The blizzard blew furiously and pushed me harder than ever before. I dragged my hooves, snarling and growling at the cold seeping through my wings. I grabbed my lantern and began treading forwards against the storm. The freezing weather pushed again and I pushed back. I'm never giving up, they wouldn't want me to.
I clawed forward, skidding and sliding with each step. The blizzard tore around me with weakening gusts and scratched at my skin. My legs grew numb and sluggish, but I had a promise to keep - one last thing to do for my friends and for Equestria if nothing else. I couldn't give up.
I narrowed my gaze to the floor, concentrating on moving one hoof in front of the other. The snow around my ankles brightened, and the top of my head and ears tingled from faint warmth setting in from above. I shot a glance upwards, spotting the golden sun before the clouds and snow shrouded it from view again. I ducked my head down and stopped just as the wind ripped around me, and picked my pace up again once it passed. I felt hollow, and with every step my legs found less and less energy to move any further. The wind blew again, dragging its frozen touch down my spine while revealing more sunlight through the clouds. I shakily gazed up, seeing ghostly outlines of jagged rock a short distance away. I have to be close now, my thoughts pleaded, just a little further!
I yanked my hooves out of the setting ice and climbed up the incline. The wind tried to protest, but fell as a constant whistle in my ears. I unfurled my wings in the breeze, and with the strongest flaps I could manage, I carried myself the rest of the way there. I climbed up higher and higher, watching the mist fall further and further beneath me until I was clearly dozens of feet above it. My gaze turned upward, revealing the morning sky and ridgeline ahead..
I blinked slowly, feeling the corners of my mouth lift. I made the last few yards with my eyes on the endless blue, and lowered my gaze once I reached the crest. Before me lay a few straggling clouds, and beneath them, at the summit of the Whinny-Rose Mountains, was an endless ripple of rolling hills and cliff faces. I looked to the South, spotting a string of sparkles snaking into a forest, leading towards some short, muddy-red mountains peeking out in the horizon. In spite of the weather I had gone through, the sky was clear from now on, and I could see the scattered patches of snow over the thousands of hectares of lush green and bold, rocky cliffs.
"I-I made it," I croaked, swaying with the breeze. From the top of the Whinny-Rose Mountains, The Fang looked beautiful, but as I stared over the land I caught sight of a pair of flying creatures in the horizon. At first I thought they were birds, but when I remembered that few birds had a long, spindly tail and webbed wings, a lead ball dropped in the pit of my stomach. It didn't matter that they were miles and miles away, they were still dragons - and dragons were really big and dangerous.
The view of The Fang started to warp dizzyingly and my foreleg rose to steady my head. The rocks I stood on jerked apart and shot down the mountain in chunks. I slipped and fell with them, sliding down the slippery slope as I picked up speed. A cliff edge rushed up to me, and I scrambled to grab hold of something, kicking and screaming when my hooves found nothing. I dropped straight off the edge, spinning and tumbling in open air. My wings locked up in terror, and the sky and ground twirled and swirled around as I fell.
There was a 'crunch' and my left wing exploded in pain. I bounced onto my hooves in a daze, stumbling and slipping on them. The slick surface mocked my flailing limbs, tossing me off of the edge of another cliff. I gasped, barely managing to yelp before I slammed into another platform of snow and rock. I screamed out as I felt my left wing bend too far back, and kicked my forehooves at the ground again for something to hold on to. The open air filled my ears again, joining my cries before they were cut short with a 'crack'.
I slid in a few inches of snow and stopped. My head lolled to the side, putting to the red rocks in the horizon in view. My vision bled and flickered with contrasting colours, mixing to the throb in my skull. The freezing cold snow on the left side of my body kneaded into my skin and spread out. I tried to move my legs, wings, ears - anything - but nothing would move. My eyelids started to droop, and while I tried and tried to stay awake, the red mountains of Kinsmeer continued to fade. A shadow cast itself over me, blocking out the sun before my eyes closed completely. |
Survivor Shy | Crossing Over | Have you ever felt like you slept for an eternity? When you finally wake up and take your first conscious drag of air? It feels like your muscles are still fast asleep and your blanket is much heavier than it really is. You go to sit up or slide out of bed, and nothing wants to listen. Sometimes I get like that. It passes though, with time. I have always had a reason to get up in the morning even when I didn't really want to. There is always something that cannot wait, and that's okay, because if there wasn't then I would never get out of bed. I would never wake up.
Cold air filled my lungs and spread throughout my core. The chill rippled across a dozen aches and stirred me from my slumber. I was stiff, almost as solid as the stone I lay on. My whole right side felt rooted to the rock, while my left was gradually shooting up in warmth and throbbing pain. I stretched my legs out, putting off opening my eyes for just a few more seconds of dreamy peace. My left wing took its turn to stretch, and like a rubber band it snapped back against my side with sharp jolt. My eyes flew open, revealing a cave I didn't remember ever setting hoof in. I was covered up in a woolly blanket I did not recognise, and it slowly came to me that I didn't remember falling asleep in a cave either. No, I never fell asleep. I passed out.
As if on cue, the pain throughout my body rose up to the surface. I felt beaten and broken, but the reasons why were still hazy. At first all I could think about was a veil of snow of shrieking winds. I winced and tried to focus. I had ascended up the Whinny-Rose Mountains. I... I had reached the peaks just as horrible snowstorm passed, and in dawn's light I could see the vast stretch of a forest at the foot of the mountains, still fast asleep in the shadow of the valley it belonged to. That... That was the first time I ever laid eyes on The Fang.
That was when I remembered the fall. The terrifying tumble I took down the side of the mountains. I landed on my wing - and no doubt twisted it - and I slammed my head on the ice on the way down. That's... That was all I could remember. So how did I get to this cave? Who found me and brought me here?
Not waiting for an answer I shakily rose onto my hooves, only to slump against the wall as the floor and ceiling switched places a few times. I screwed my eyelids shut, and nursed a splitting pain on the forefront of my mind.
"Oh gosh! Y-you're awake!" a sweet voice stammered. "Don't move, I'll get Gra-an!"
No, wait. My eyes shot over to the owner of the voice, but I couldn't see through the white glare surrounding them as they ran off. Was that the way outside? Who was that? Who... ugh...
I couldn't think over all the throbbing coming from the back of my head. I wasn't even sure if I'd imagined the voice. I knew I didn't recognise it, or the form I saw bouncing off into the light. I closed my eyes and tried to sort through my thoughts.
At some point while I was struggling to put the pieces together, a second, older voice spoke.
"You shouldn't be on your hooves just ye-et, duck," she spoke with a distinct stutter. "You look quite poorly."
"Huh?" That was the only thing I could force out of my mouth. I opened my eyes, squinting blindly at someone slightly shorter than me. Even when she walked closer, the glare of the light robbed me of any clues of who they were. I blinked and stared, but all I managed to do was make myself dizzy.
"Here." I felt a small hoof take my own, and quietly the second creature led me back to the blanket I had been asleep under. I sat down on it, and struggled to make out who it was that was helping me. None of my senses were cooperating. The little hoof released me and went away, but I could just about hear the owner walk around me and murmur to herself. She spoke up to someone else in the cave, where the blinding light was coming in. "Molly, could you bring me the me-edicine bag?"
Little hooves skipped across the floor, and a few seconds later stopped nearby. I heard a loud pop like a cork leaving a bottle, and a pungent smell quickly wafted under my snout. There was a little shuffle, and finally I was told to open wide and don't try to taste it. I didn't think to ask why; the headache pounding away in my skull was enough reason to listen. I swallowed something as thick as cold syrup and tasted worse than any medicine I'd ever taken. I don't think anyone was offended by whatever face I pulled, in fact, I was pretty sure I heard someone giggle.
"Now, just sit the-ere and don't push yourself to do anything. It'll take a little while to work."
"Wow!" exclaimed the sweet voice beside me, who I assumed belonged to Molly. "Gra-an, how come you didn't say she has wings? I've never seen a pony with wings!"
A sharp pain stabbed into my left side and I tore myself away from it.
"Molly!" the second voice snapped. "What have I sa-aid about touching others? She's really hurt herself, too, you can't touch her at all! Espe-ecially now!"
"S-sorry..." Molly apologised, sheepishly.
"Go outside and wait the-ere with the others. Te-ell them I'll be out in a little bit."
Little hooves scampered away, and the older voice spoke to me, apologising again. She sounded much older than Molly, maybe she was Molly's grandmother? That's what 'gra-an' could mean. But why did they both stutter? Was it a family thing?
"It's... okay," I finally managed to say. Once more I tried to look at who I was talking to, but things were still glassy and vague. But... She was definitely shorter than me - no more than my shoulder height if I stood up I guessed. Her silhouette also had what I assumed to be thick, tightly-curled fur, but at that moment none of it really added up without a bull charging through my thoughts. Maybe the medicine needed more time to get him to calm down.
The elderly voice apologised once more. "Molly's a little rude, but she doesn't mean a-any harm. She's been a hoof-full e-ever since she was born."
I nodded slowly, vaguely aware that the silhouette had moved to look at my hurt wing. I tensed in fear of it being touched again. The older voice murmured to herself, her words masked by the banging inside my skull, and then she spoke up.
"Your wing looks be-etter now, duck. I don't think it is broken, but it looks pretty swollen. Oh. Here I am calling you 'duck' when I could be asking you your name."
"I'm Fluttershy." The response was automatic. At least through the haze of pain I could still remember my name.
"My name's Cot. I'm Molly's Gran."
A smile crept onto my face in spite of my splitting headache. "I'm so glad you're taking care of me, Cot. I-I wish I wasn't such a burden on you."
"It's all right, Fluttershy, we all have accide-ents. Now, let's make sure your cuts are healing up fine."
Cot circled around me slowly, occasionally muttering to herself or asking to part a patch of my fur to check a something underneath. Meanwhile I blinked and looked all around the room, noticing more and more about the cave as my headache subsided. Cot came to a stop in front of me once more, but this time I could see her quite clearly, and everything made a lot more sense. Cot was an elderly sheep with a pale, grey fleece. Her face was wrinkled, making her look of concern more apparent as her golden eyes checked me over with keen precision. The ewe asked me to raise my left foreleg, and tentatively I did.
"Hmm... Now this one looks old, but it's not healing very well... How did you ge-et this cut above your ankle?"
The one that was... Oh... She must have meant the one I had under a bandage.
"I... Fell." There was pause until I realised that what I said wasn't helping. "I fell... In the rain. It was on a rock. Must've been... Two weeks? More than that?"
"I'd better take care of it right now," Cot muttered to herself. "It's only going to get infected."
Not again... Thoughts of Timberwolves in Zecora's hut flashed across my mind.
"No need to tense up like that, duck, I haven't even got it out of the bag yet."
Got what out of the bag? Oh. Oh no...
"Okay..." Cot soothed. "This will de-efinitely not hurt at all. Are you ready?"
This is going to hurt so much.
I shook my head, but lifted my left foreleg anyway. I held it out and looked away, expecting the worst. The last thing I expected were freezing chills coursing from my wing. A gasp escaped me, dragging in cold air to match the chill at the shoulder of my wing. I spun my head around to look, seeing Cot putting the last knot into an icepack she tied against my sprained wing.
"There-re, I told you it wouldn't hurt," said Cot, giving me a crafty smile. "Better?"
I could already feel a bound up knot of nerves and muscles loosening at the root of my wing. I managed to nod under a few shivers.
"Good- " Cot barely finished the word before she poured a bottle of liquid onto the old wound on my ankle. Searing pain tore through my flesh, and with a scream I ripped my leg away from the bottle and pulled it in toward my ribs. I grit my teeth, fighting back any urge to shriek again. I swore I could hear the mixture sizzling, it certainly felt like I had been scalded, and when I finally found the courage to look, I saw nothing but a raw, red wound on my leg, and a sickly ooze that was quickly being cleansed by whatever it was that had been poured there. I looked over to Cot, and met the frown of the elderly ewe.
"Y-you said it wouldn't hurt!" I sputtered, blinking away tears.
Cot stepped forwards, carefully taking my foreleg away from my chest and carefully examined the wound. "Only the ice pack, duck; the disinfe-ectant was de-efinitely going to hurt. It's better to not e-expect it. Sorry about that, but the worst is over, now. Please forgive me."
I didn't like how long I hesitated before I forgave her.
About ten minutes later my headache was just faint a tingle underneath the lump on my head. I reached a hoof behind my head to check it, and felt a wave of relief when it seemed to have gone down a little bit already. Cot had packed up her medicine bag and gone outside to tell the flock how I was doing, and I was waiting for her to come back. I took the alone time to check myself over, just to be sure I was okay.
My left wing had been tied down to keep it still. Cot said that I'd probably sprained it while falling, but it would still take up to a week to fully heal. I didn't like the idea of being grounded in a new, unknown land, but I didn't have time to rest. My last chance to get my Element of Harmony back could be a matter of days away, and I could not risk losing that chance - healthy wings or not.
My right wing didn't look much better, and guiltily I admitted to myself that it wasn't the fall alone that had left my wings in such a mess. Preening, washing, all the little things every Pegasus was supposed to do with their wings had fallen out of mind shortly after... the event. I didn't want to imagine how bad I smelled, or what my mane looked like. But two... Three weeks of not bathing? Rarity would be horrified!
"Yes... Rarity would be horrified." I muttered, dropping my gaze down from the vision of Rarity's shock. I had done so many things - so many stupid things - to myself since I lost everypony, and only now was I really thinking about it. Crossing the mountains the other night was the worst of it. It nearly cost me the one thing I had taken for granted, and had also started to hate the most about myself. What was wrong with me? How selfish had I become?
I had to be better. I had to take care of myself, if not for me, then for them. There was a promise I made, and it was to gather the Elements of Harmony. I made it with my heart, but I was going to need much more than my heart to see it through. Finally, I understood that, right after nearly... nearly...
No, let's not go there. There are other things to think about, like Kinsmeer. How was I going to get there?
I had to walk all the way there. I had no other choice. But could I walk for hours and hours after what I'd done to myself? Cot was confident that walking down the mountain would be easy, even after seeing the old wound on my foreleg. Cot probably knew best. With the way she worked on my foreleg, I had to wonder how often other sheep in her flock got hurt, and if Cot was the only one that knew these skills or if it was something the whole flock learned. Mountain Sheep may live on the steepest hills, but accidents do happen, and sometimes nopony will be there to help.
You're really lucky to be here. A little pony said in my head. I had to nod in agreement. Lucky did not really cover it, though. The mountains were huge and reached for miles and miles. What were the chances of being rescued like I was? How did I not hurt myself even more when I fell? A poorly wing, a few cuts and bruises, and a headache that pounded like a thunderhead splitting in two. I should've broken something, I should have frostbite. I should be--
No, no. The little pony cooed. You don't have to think about that.
Cot trotted back into the cave, stirring me out of my thoughts. She walked up to me with my saddlebags on her back, and carefully slid them down to my hooves.
"This is all we found of your belongings." Cot said in apology as she opened the flaps. "I stashed your jacket and scarf in here after I first treated you, and in the other satchel there were some bottles, but they were all broken. The labels said they had strong medicine in them, are you an herbalist?"
I shook my head gently, trying to not aggravate the now-dull throb in my head. "I knew somepony, well a Zebra actually. She was named Zecora." I tapped a hoof on the thick tome still safe in my saddlebags. I was a little relieved to see that even Philomena's feather was still there peeking out of the pages. "That's her book."
Cot looked impressed. "Ooh you better keep that from Molly. She's got enough questions to ask about Ponies, but she'll have dozens more about Zebras if you let her know that."
I did my best to smile. "You won't hear a peep from me."
"You're saving yourself from a lot of questions, young lady," Cot chuckled. "You have no idea."
The copy of Supernaturals sat inside one of my saddlebags alongside a few other possessions the sheep had found, making one of the satchels stand tall while the other slumped with emptiness. I hadn't just lost a few glass bottles, somewhere on the mountainside the remains of my food and first-aid kit had been scattered about, too. In spite of losing those things, the thought of losing Zecora's book was far scarier. Food and medicine could be replaced, but somepony's book? It wouldn't be her book if I replaced it.
I closed my eyes and tipped my head back with a sigh. "Thank you for finding this, I would never forgive myself if I lost the book." I glanced over to Cot, giving her a smile that I really meant this time. "Thank you for all you did to help me."
Cot simply curtseyed, and slowly turned for the exit. "I'll give you a few minutes to get re-eady, and then I'll be back. The flock is getting impatient, and I'd be happier if you followed us down."
"Oh, sure! Right, um. I won't keep you waiting." ***
Okay, just to make sure I remember this: Headband, check. Canteen, a little dented but check. Book, spare canteen, map, matches, sewing kit... All in my saddlebags so check. No lantern...No food... No medicine or bandages... I hope I'm not forgetting anything.
The empty cave yawned, aloof and uninterested. It was just me in here now; Cot had left after gathering up her belongings and told me to not be too far behind her. I wanted to be quick, but I couldn't help but think I hadn't accounted for something. I went over the checklist several times, but each time I felt more pins get stuck in my brain. I couldn't be sure of myself, and I was taking too long anyway. Wrapping up my scarf and taking a final deep breath of cold air, I decided to forget about what was lost and get going.
Cold air whisked and swirled around my ankles. The icy wind wasted no time in greeting me with its embrace, and took less than a second to find the tears in my sports jacket. I pulled the jacket's zipper up and pushed the collar around my neck, trying to huddle into the thin, padded garment wrapped around my body.
It took a few moments for my eyes to adjust, but when they did, I saw the rocky formations of the mountainside open up before me. I followed spires of rock up to the sky, and blinked in awe at the vivid blue atmosphere and sparkling orb of sunlight directly overhead. I realised with a glance down to the horizon just how high I was still on the mountains. Miles below lay the warm greens and browns of a gigantic forest, partially hidden by patches of clouds far, far away. It was almost a different world. Down there, no doubt, was a forest teeming with all kinds of creatures - perhaps wondrous and amazing animals never seen in Equestria! Up here though, where the air was thinner and so cold that ice prickled your tongue, snow-capped peaks stretched so high that they looked like they could touch the sky. Yet the sky, in its daunting beauty, simply continued to rise higher and higher out of reach the longer I stared after it.
Okay, I sighed, dropping my gaze to my hooves. That's enough excitement for now.
The flock wasn't hard to spot. Apart from a few interested looks from a few mountain sheep, most of the flock - numbering no more than a dozen by my first guess - appeared to be huddled together and focused on something else. A cute, little lamb hopped and skipped around the adults. I glanced around for other lambs like her, but there didn't seem to be any more around. Was this the only lamb? Was this Molly? She wore a long red scarf that was almost too long for her, but with her fleece blending in with the snow, the scarf made her easy to spot. It was a smart way of keeping track of the little one - good one, Cot. The lamb slid to a halt when she noticed me, and then quickly bounded over to me with a smile on her face.
"Hey! You're on your hooves!" There was no mistaking her voice, it was Molly, and I didn't miss the chance to give her the warmest smile I could make. Molly's fleece was clean and bright - cream in colour against the snow. Like her grandmother, Molly had golden eyes, but hers to carried a potent spark of life inside them; a spark that flashed whenever she blinked, and practically glowed when she looked up to me.
Molly closed the distance between us, hopping up and down around me in excitement. "Ca-an I a-ask you a question? Please, please! I've never ever met a Pegasus before! Your wings are awesome! Could you take me for a flight when they get better? Please! Please!"
My mouth opened to speak, but the words stretched and oozed out. I shook my head and looked down at Molly, only to see two of her in front of me in an instant. The ground seemed to sway underneath my hooves, and for a few bemused seconds I did not react until a little voice in my head piped up: Wait! You're falling over!
My hooves spread out and dug into the stone and ice, slipping about until they found a happy place to be. I froze every muscle and shut my eyes up tight. What was this? I'd never been so dizzy in my life! Was it because of the fall?
Molly brushed up beside me, planting two hooves on me to help keep me steady. "Are you... are you okay? Gra-an!"
Cot appeared beside me, but it wasn't until she waved a hoof in front of my face that I snapped out of the dizzy spell. Cot looked into my eyes, concern deepening her wrinkles. "Are you feeling all right, duck?"
I stood up straight, took a deep breath, and told her what had happened. Cot raised an eyebrow, but didn't ask anything more. Instead, she beckoned me to follow her. Molly vanished back among the flock - a rippling red scarf in the wind being the only giveaway of where she was.
Cot and I approached a ram. His fleece was brown with patches of silver throughout. His face was dark and stoney, and as we drew nearer I could see wrinkles on his forehead and fatigue circling around his eyes. His gaze was nowhere near relaxed, and he never took it away from me. Like how Molly's eyes glowed with life, Alk's burned with disdain and impatience, and I almost stopped in my tracks and turned back. If his stare wasn't threatening enough for anypony else, his polished and pointy horns probably were.
Even though I stood a head taller than him, I was really, really scared of meeting him.
The ram looked me up and down as Cot and I came to stop before him. He scowled, narrowing his eyes into a squint of mild annoyance. Was there something he didn't like about me? Maybe the jacket or the headband, or was my mane and tail too scruffy? I didn't need a mirror to know I was a mess. I wished I could have made a better impression.
"So, this is the pony in dire need of help?" he grumbled, raising a hoof and pointing at me. I shrunk back and he rolled his eyes. "This is the sa-ame pony that ya said was teetering on the edge, Cot. And now she's alive and upright the very next day. Cot, if ya were a-anyone else I'd have ignored you when we found her and lead this flock to sa-afety already."
He'd have left...Me? Before I could open my mouth the ram glared at me, shutting down anything I might have said.
"I'm glad you listened, Alk," Cot said, stepping between the ram and I. "She did need our help whe-en we found her - don't forget that. She won't be a burden on us now. All she needs is to get down to the mountain just like us, and she'll be on her way. I don't see the harm in her following us down, do you?"
Alk did not soften his expression at all. He scanned over me once more and pointed a hoof at me angrily. "She's covered in bandages, she still looks like a burden to me - and I a-ain't carrying her to another bleedin' cave, Cot."
Oh... I um... I could feel my cheeks glowing, so I looked away and tried to cover my face with my straggly mane. I squeaked a tiny 'sorry' to Alk, but he groaned in disbelief.
"Oh for... How much of yer concoction did you give to her?" Alk demanded. "She's beet red!"
Concoction? Red? Oh no.
"Just a smidgen more than usual," Cot said. "Maybe more than she needed."
Alk rolled his eyes and cursed. Throwing what must be his pointing hoof out in frustration. "See? Now she's a burden, Cot. Not only do I have to worry about the rest of the flock tripping over the edge, I now have to worry about this pony because yer've ma-ade her a little tipsy!"
What? Wait, what?! What was in that medicine?
"She had a serious headache - maybe even a concussion, Alk!" Cot was now raising her voice, speaking firmly. "She shouldn't be marching down a mountain in her condition, but you won't wait any longer. I can't expect her to walk down the mountain in agony! Besides..." Cot stepped back and fell in beside me, and Molly popped up on my right. "...We'll be keeping a close eye on her. Don't you worry."
Alk was quiet and still. He looked over the three of us, cursed under his breath and turned away. "Ya better keep an eye on her," he said, "because I a-ain't babysittin' her. So ma-ake sure she can walk in a stra-aight line before she embarrasses the pair of you."
And with that, Alk plodded to the rest of the flock, grumbling to himself before looking up to the rest of the flock. "Okay everyone!" he announced. "We're finally on the move. You know how we do things: two per row only! The track is narra, and I a-ain't stopping anymore until nightfall."
The rest of flock crowded around Alk, and I watched as he barked orders until they all fell into place - with Cot, Molly, and I bringing up the rear. After a quick inspection of everyone in the flock, Alk marched up to the front of the line. For a brief second he flashed a proud smile, until his eyes landed on me. I had tried to hide at the back, but I was a head taller than everyone else, and even hunched down, my mane and coat were still a dead giveaway.
Alk's expression hardened, and slowly he turned around and took a quick glance at the sun. I did too, and by my guess we had reached midday already. We had a long walk ahead.
"Let me remind ya one last time." Alk shouted over the breeze. "If ya happen to fall off the edge, get yer hoof stuck in the rocks, or otherwise fall behind. I am not stopping to come get ya - so don't fall behind."
Alk marched off, and soon the whole flock followed. I kept my eyes on Alk, wondering if his last comment was aimed more at me than anyone else. I couldn't say I blamed him after all the bother I had caused him...
Cot stretched up to my ear and whispered, "I know he sounds upset at you, duck, but I think he accepts your apology. Don't bother him for now, though, he's still sore from carrying such a big girl."
By now my cheeks were on fire. Ice was melting off the rocks around me.
Molly piped up, falling in step on my right. "Oh! Gra-an's not trying to say you're fa-at. Ponies are just bigger tha-an we are, y'know?"
Try as I might, I couldn't disappear before I turned any redder. Molly was the first to notice, and she stepped away like I was contagious.
"Gra-an," Molly said, flicking her eyes from me to her grandmother. "Fluttershy doesn't look so good. Does she ha-ave a fever? Maybe she needs more medicine-"
"O-oh no, that won't be necessary!" I stammered. "I'm fine, really! I'm just fine!"
"Gra-an?"
Cot looked like she was holding back laughter. "Fluttershy's fine, Molly, it's just the me-edicine."
Molly cocked her head to the side, but didn't press any further. Before she could leap into another topic, Cot reminded her granddaughter about Alk's rules, and told the lamb to move up and walk in front of us where she could be seen - and had no choice but to keep her eyes away from me if she didn't want to get into trouble.
The end of the line fell into a quiet rhythm of hoof-falls and light skids on the ice. It was the kind of silence among company that I hadn't realised I missed so much. Spending so long on my own with just my own hooves echoing around me, or my own wings gently beating the breeze, had become normal. When had it become normal?
My head throbbed and warned me to stop thinking. I wanted to think! I had so much to get my head around. I had a route to plan, a plan to make, and so many questions that needed answering. Who knew when I would next get a chance to speak to someone? Who knew if I would get a chance?
The throbbing became more frequent, but almost as quickly as it flared up it was softened by Cot's medicine, taking out the edge out of the sharp cracks across my forehead by laying a sponge there. Not long after, all of my worries and questions were sucked up, and in my empty bliss I gave up finding a way to wring the sponge out.
There was one thing left that I wanted answered. I leant over to Cot, steadying myself when I tripped over my hooves, and whispered so that Molly wouldn't hear. "Um... What was in that bottle?"
"A family recipe made with the finest ingredients found on this side of the mountains!" Cot said at first, but after checking that nobody was listening, she leant in and added, "And maybe some rum to give the mix a little boost."
Somewhere under the haze and dull throbs, I could hear a voice giggling at the thought of a tipsy pony climbing down a mountain. Reality was, thankfully, a sobering thing to think about. I didn't want to try falling down a mountain again.
"Where did you get that from?" I asked as I checked if my cheeks were really on fire or not.
"Sometimes ponies come over on a hike, I asked them to bring some the next time they came over, makes a good me-edicine ingredient, doesn't it?" Cot grinned.
My mind felt like it sloshed to the opposite side of my head when I straightened up. At least I didn't take a bigger dose - walking would have been a harder task it I had. ***
The clear weather was a far cry from the weather I faced climbing up the Whinny-Rose Mountains While I followed close behind the flock of sheep as they made their trek down, I allowed myself to gaze out across the grand landscape of forests and hills and distant mountain peaks. Even though Equestria was only hours behind me, separated by an ice-capped wall of stone, The Fang was truly a different sight from the place I called home.
Just like the map said, the Whinny-Rose Mountains stood alongside the edge of a thick forest, and far into the East were red, volcanic mountains known to be a favourite spot among dragons. A long, hard look into the distance revealed several stacks of white smoke, and bobbing and weaving between them were at least two dozen shimmering specks. The distance took away any gut reaction I would have had, but even then I chewed on my lip when I thought that I would soon be too close to them for comfort.
It was no good worrying about it now. The dragons were still miles and miles away, and the view that they were a part of was enthralling - maybe even exciting. Nopony lived in The Fang (I tried to ignore that the reason why was shimmering in the horizon), and so very little was known about all the creatures that did live there. Spike had visited during the last dragon migration - with Rarity, Twilight, and Rainbow not far behind. The only dangerous creatures they said they saw were... Dragons.
Let's think about Phoenixes! A little pony in my head chimed in. Beautiful, wild Phoenixes! Spike even came home with an egg!
That was true. The egg also hatched and little Peewee was born. Spike couldn't keep the baby Phoenix though, the bird deserved to be with his parents in the wild. I remembered talking to Spike about this. He surprised everypony when he packed up and set off to return Peewee. Spike is always full of surprises. I think we all forget sometimes that he is still technically a baby in dragon years.
A genuine smile crept up on me and I welcomed it with all my heart. All the way up here, and all the way outside of Equestria, I found a happy place. No empty streets, no sad reminders, just happy thoughts and a wonderful view. My spirit climbed out from its hiding place, and with it came some quiet assurance that things were going to be okay, and that I didn't have to feel so bad all the time. I held onto this moment and cherished it. As soon as I plant my hooves on soil instead of stone, I may never again have a moment like this.
With a long sigh, I continued to gaze out into the panorama. To the north, the Whinny-Rose Mountains arced around the forest slightly before shrinking down enough to see the ocean miles and miles away, glimmering through the gaps in the cloud cover. The South also looked open and vast, with the Whinny-Rose Mountains reaching further than I could see with the forest running alongside it. Meanwhile, in the East, barely in front of the horizon, dull red mountains marked the home of the dragons - and my goal. The two mountain ranges never seemed to meet, leaving a large strip of green to grow between them. With two very imposing walls sandwiching it, and ocean to the North and the unknown further South, I had to wonder what creatures live in the forests that nopony knew about. What laid in wait in the forest completely cut off from ponykind?
With the map in my saddlebags no good outside of Equestria, I took the time to imagine a map in my mind, and tried to memorise as many landmarks as I could. Thinking about it, the two mountain ranges did in fact resemble a pair of fangs, but the territory was only named after one. I took one last look into the East, and felt that I found the reason why.
I looked ahead of the flock. Our two-by-two caravan had been walking for a couple of hours now, but other than a little idle chatter with Cot or a few minutes of prodding from Molly (which always ended in Cot sending her away because I was still unwell), I hadn't really said much to anyone. The first few pairs of sheep ahead of me spoke quietly, occasionally slipping into their dialect of bleats and baas if not always talking that way. If that was the native language of the sheep, how could Alk, Cot and even Molly talk to me so easily?
My eyes drifted up to the sky, getting lost in the endless blue. Cot had told me that she knew some ponies, and she knew them enough for them to bring her things she asked for. Alk was the leader of the flock, it was likely that he'd met more than a few ponies, but I doubted that he was ever friendly towards them. That just left Molly. She was young, probably about the age that a pony would be looking for their Cutie Mark. Maybe Cot taught her? Maybe they spoke to ponies together? That would explain the red scarf the lamb is never seen without. Both grandmother and granddaughter probably spend a lot of time together. Did Molly's parents live in this flock? Nobody said anything like that. Maybe flocks travelled all around, and the two hadn't bumped into eachother yet.
Cot had told me at the start of our journey that the flock normally stays up at higher elevations during the summer, but the bitter cold and snowstorms had finally forced Alk to admit that the flock needed to go down the mountains to escape the cold. She asked me if the weather in Equestria had gone crazy all over, but I could really only speak for Ponyville and Canterlot. I told her that Cloudsdale's weather factory had dumped the upcoming winter weather out accidentally, and that Fillydelphia's factory probably did the same for the wintry storms to be spilling out of Equestria's borders. When asked why something like that would happen in two different cities, I bit my tongue and shook my head. Cot didn't believe me at all, but she didn't say anything more.
Meanwhile, the flock marched close behind Alk as he led the way down the mountains, sometimes two-by-two when the path was wide enough. Though some of the mountain sheep stole glances at me with a mix of smiles and bemusement, no one else spoke to me. Well, one other sheep did.
"Hey, Fluttershy! Watch this!" Molly caught my attention. The lamb had climbed to the top of an icy slope and was waving to me. Before I could do or say anything, she hopped off the edge and skated down the side. She came to an expert stop beside me and her scarf dramatically swung around her neck tidily as if part of the act. She looked up at me expectantly, her smile confident and full of energy.
"That was amazing!" I said, stopping to clap my hooves. "How often do you practice?"
"Whenever I ca-an!" Molly beamed. "Every year some ponies come over from the other side with these weird pla-anks that they slide around on. I learnt to do what they did - but on ice instead. Alk won't let me ha-ave any pla-anks of my own for the snow. Can you believe how mean he is?"
I looked to the front of the line, where Alk was busy leading the flock down the path. "Well, he's just trying to be careful."
"So you shouldn't call him 'mean', Molly." Cot added, walking up to us. Cot looked at us once and smiled, and then turned back towards the flock. "Come along, now, we're falling behind."
I was the last to fall back into step. Molly skipped off to walk beside Cot, leaving me to will my hooves to move a little faster against their own sluggish weight. The 'medicine' Cot had given hadn't quite worn off yet.
I hope I won't be asked to take some more later. ***
By late afternoon, the ice had started to wane and be replaced with moss and brave weeds. We had only stopped once for a rest, and Alk's explanation for that was to make up for lost time, and my legs were started to feel like they had bricks tied onto them. Cot also looked tired, but she pressed on without complaint so I didn't say anything either.
The only one in the flock that had only lost a fraction of her sparkle was Molly. The young lamb had stopped running around hours ago, and had settled into playing 'I spy' with Cot and I, or singing songs I had never heard before. I glanced down at her, and was met with that curious gaze of hers that I'd been getting to know for little while now. I could almost feel the weight of her stare on my face, but I didn't speak in fear of unleashing the swarm of questions I could hear buzzing inside her head. The thought of talking about where I lived, or who I knew, stung in ways it never should have. I was so happy with the life I had, but now, it hurt to think about. I did not want to share that with someone as wise as Cot, let alone someone as carefree as Molly.
Molly took a breath. This was it. I could hear the questions coming, and my body responded by bracing like it was expecting a hard landing in a dense forest. What if she asked about Equestria, or about my friends and family? How I got here? Where I'm going and why? What if she asked flying questions like the airspeed velocity of an unladen Pegasus?! Oh, the formulas were always the hardest in Flight Camp!
"So what's it like having wings?"
"Twenty-three and a half miles per hour!" I blurted out. My bandaged leg clamped my jaw shut, and I trotted ahead of the confused sheep flanking me. They quickened their pace and caught up, and Cot cleared her throat.
"Now, Molly, it's been a long day for e-everyone, and Fluttershy wasn't very we-ell at the start of it. Maybe tomorrow she'll be okay with your questions." Cot looked over to me. "How are you feeling right now, duck?"
I could tell by the shape of Cot's eyes that she wasn't asking for an honest answer. I hesitated, looking down at my forelegs marching mindlessly forward, and then over to Molly, who looked like her happiness depended on what I said next. Oh, how could I let her down like that?
"I'm just a little tired," I said, turning back to face Cot. "It's been a long day and I really need to put my hooves up. Maybe after we stop, Molly can ask about things she wants to know.
Cot's eyebrow rose up. "Are you sure? You might want to get some sleep. Does your head hurt? A couple of doses of my me-edicine will have you sleeping soun-"
"Oh, n-no! My head's fine! Never felt clearer, actually!" I lied as I shut out the throbbing coming from the back of my head. "Besides, I don't think Molly will sleep very well if she doesn't get to talk to me first."
"Uh-huh! Yeah!" Molly skipped and hopped beside me, bubbling over with excitement.
Cot let out a long sigh and rolled her eyes. "All right then, Fluttershy, if you're sure. We won't be thinking of stopping until before dusk - that means you still have to wait, Molly!"
"Aww..." Molly fell down mid-hop and fell back into step. A few minutes later, she started up another game of 'I spy'.
Molly could barely wait until the flock had settled into a nook away from the wind. She was bouncing and hurrying me along to a spot she reserved up against the stone wall, and no sooner had I dropped my saddlebags and slumped on the floor did she start with her first question - and in a way that I found funny, she didn't stop for an answer.
"So what's it like having wings? I bet it's a-amazing. You ca-an go wherever you want a-and fly in the clouds - are clouds really as soft as my fleece? No wait, I've walked through clouds, but why does everyone else call it fog? Why call a cloud fog when you can just call it a cloud? I don't get it, do you get it?"
Cot tried to break up the stream of questions. "Moll-"
"How fast can you fly? I've seen really small, quick birds that zip around in trees and really big, slow birds that glide over the mountains. Are you a quick bird or a slow bird?"
"Molly, Fluttershy's not a bir-"
"Ooh! Do you live in a big cloud city full of Pegasuses like you? Some of the ponies I've talked to said the Pegasuses make buildings out of clouds and live in them.
"Cloudsdale..." The name escaped my lips before I could react. In a split second I wasn't sitting among the flock of mountain sheep, away from the cold wind and light snow. The rocks masked in darkness twisted into broken wreckage. Stones and weeds that poked out of the snow became the possessions of missing ponies blowing in the breeze, and the huddling sheep I peered over created the fallen cloud I took shelter in, the small space I had made for myself to survive the elements and see the night through. It was a sight I didn't want to see ever again, but that only made it more permanent in my mind: Cloudsdale in complete ruin after it fell out of the sky. The homes of thousands destroyed, and an entire winter released in a howling blizzard that carried Cloudsdale's last scream.
"Fluttershy? A-are you okay?" Molly's uncertainty pierced my mind, making me frighteningly aware that I was falling apart in front of the lamb. My mouth drooped open, but I couldn't find any words to speak.
"Molly, you've swamped the poor girl with questions," Cot scolded. "Give her a chance to answer a question before you ask more."
"Oh... Sorry, Fluttershy."
"I-It's fine! " I croaked.
Take a deep breath, a little pony whispered. Keep calm - you don't want to worry anyone, do you?
I did what the voice in my head said. I took two slow breaths and counted to ten, and turned my attention back to Molly. I nodded to her. "I'm sorry, my head got, um, dizzy."
Cot turned to her medicine satchel. "I have just the thing for that!"
I lifted a hoof in protest. "Oh, no, I'll be okay! I'm sure it won't happen again."
Cot narrowed her eyes, waggling a hoof at me. "Duck, I wasn't born last spring. If you don't ta-ake something you'll be up all night in pain."
She was right. Unconsciously my hoof drifted behind my head and felt the throbbing lump on the back of my skull. It was like a button had been pressed, because every single bruise, cut, sprain, and ache shot up to the front of my thoughts. I winced, and when I opened my eyes I was looking at Molly, who was growing more and more afraid that her questions were not going to be answered.
"Okay. I'll take the medicine," I said. "But I don't want to take it before Molly can ask me her questions again."
Cot shrugged and brought out her medicine bottle, setting it aside in wait. "Fa-air enough, Fluttershy. Molly, you have five minutes; Fluttershy really needs to rest."
Molly didn't waste a second acknowledging this. Her face lit up and her first question practically came out in a single word. "What's it like ha-aving wings?!"
The gears in my brain started turning, hoping to keep up with the pace of this conversation. "Well... Having wings is like having an extra pair of legs, I guess, except they're, um, on my back."
Molly cocked her head sideways, her mouth making a perfect 'o' shape.
"W-what I mean is that they're normal to me, I move them around sometimes without thinking. Flying is almost as easy as walking. Almost."
"Oh, I get it," Molly nodded. She sat there for a moment to think about it, but then snapped out of it and moved to her next question. "Ooh-ooh! Is it true that Pegasuses can control the weather? Ca-an you stop storms and make it nice every day?"
I smiled and nodded slowly. "Yes, Pegasi can control the weather, but most don't because they're not as good at it as others. The best weatherponies change the weather every day so that all the other ponies get the weather they need. Not every pony needs sunny days though, some ponies want rainy days, windy days, even snowy days."
Molly stuck her tongue out and shivered. "Ew! Who could like getting wet and cold that much?"
"We live on a mountain, duck," Cot said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Let Fluttershy speak. It's rude to interrupt."
Molly looked over to me and kept quiet, so I carried on. "Oh nopony really goes out in wet weather unless they have to. The rain is to make sure all the trees and flowers stay happy and the rivers and lakes don't dry out. Some ponies also need rain to water their crops."
The lamb looked even more confused. "Crops? What are those?"
I blinked. "Crops are what farmers grow. They all grow in the ground and ponies can eat them. There are a lot of things ponies eat: Carrots, celery, apples..."
"Farmers? That's a funny word. Are they a special kind of pony?"
I paused, taking a moment to examine Molly's attempt at understanding what I was saying. How does she not know what farming is? How do mountain sheep get their food? I was sure I already knew why but I just couldn't put my hoof on it. I tapped my chin a few times, and then tapped my forehead to try to knock the answer out of the mist. Oh wait. This flock wouldn't farm their food; they would look for plants in the wild and eat them! How could I not realise this?
"Farmers are like weather ponies," I started, taking a moment to organise my thoughts. "They are very good at their job. Farmers grow food so that nopony goes hungry. There are so many ponies in Equestria that there isn't enough food to be found to feed them all. So farmers raise crops so that there is enough food to go around. It is a very important job."
Or at least it was, deadpanned a voice in my head. There's not really anypony in Equestria to feed, now.
I shook my head, losing the voice in the fog of my thoughts. This wasn't a good time. It was never a good time.
"A job? Oh, like how it is Alk's job to lead the flock? What is your job?"
A lump in my throat appeared, and in a panic I mentally fumbled around for an answer that didn't make me think of my home or the memories I had there. I knew I would far apart if I let myself think about it, but then everyone would want to know why, and I... I couldn't tell them that! I couldn't make them feel the same that I felt! What kind of monster would do that?
"W-well, I'm not a weatherpony or a farmer," I stammered. "I... I um..."
Think! Look around! Make something up!
My eyes fell on my saddlebags, and I instantly thought about Zecora's copy of Supernaturals.
"I'm an... assistant. Yes, that's it. I help my friend Zecora with her potions. She sent me on this trip to look for herbs and flowers that are hard to find in Equestria. She lent me her book so that I could identify what I find in The Fang."
"Ooh! What's Zecora like? I bet she's really smart!"
Cot shot a warning glare at me.
"She's a good friend, though I don't think I really deserve her friendship."
Molly tilted her to the side. "Why not?"
I sighed, hiding the fact that my thoughts were in uproar over the half-truths I was saying. "We... We don't really spend much time together. I should have visited her more before this, but I never thought about it until now I guess."
Molly looked down, thinking carefully about what I had said. When the silence grew longer, I started running through what I said for anything she could've noticed - anything that could prove that I was lying to the young lamb. Molly spoke up, giving me a warm smile. "I'm sure she forgives you, you know?"
"Wh-what? Why?"
"Not everyone sees their friends every day, sometimes not for months a-at a time. It doesn't mean they're not friends anymore, it just means tha-at they're doing their own thing. I'm sure Zecora knows tha-at. It's like the ponies who climb the mountains: they're our friends, even though we don't see them very often."
I felt profound warmth reach into my chest and fill my heart. I smiled, blinking whenever my vision streaked. Molly was right. Friendship wasn't measured by how often ponies saw each other, it was by how much they cared about one another. I loved all my friends, ponies or not, and I was thankful that the friendships I had didn't end because of distance or time. But could a friendship really count if they were...? If my friends were not...?
Please, a little pony breathed, you don't have to go there. Stay where you are instead. Think about what makes you happy.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I looked back at Molly. "Thank you for telling me that. You're very clever, Molly."
"Pssh." The lamb blushed. "I only know wha-at I know."
"Is there anything else you'd like ask about?"
Molly tapped her chin and glanced at Cot, who had been quietly listening the whole time. I looked over to her as well, and could almost hear her counting down until Molly's bedtime. The lamb must've have heard it too.
"Tell me about Equestria, Fluttershy." Molly said. "What's it really like on the other side?"
For a few moments I only stared at Molly. I couldn't talk to her about Equestria, could I? What could I tell her? The truth? A lie? I glanced over to Cot, who looked back at me with the same expression of curiosity as her grandchild. A little further away, I noticed, was Alk. He too looked at me expectantly, not reacting to being caught eavesdropping over the chatter of all the other sheep in the flock.
I was trapped.
I looked back to Molly, and took a shallow breath.
"I've never been all over Equestria," I sighed. "But wherever I go, it is always different from the last place I visited. There are cities high in the sky - either on mountains or floating with the clouds. There are cities down by the sea, and countless little villages in between. Equestria has a beautiful landscape. Forests, hills, rivers, and lakes; there are truly magical places all over, and some of them you will not believe unless you saw it for yourself. I grew up in Cloudsdale - a floating city built by Pegasus ponies. It's open and bright, and always on the move. It's not surprising that the ponies that live there are the same, too. It had one of dozens of weather factories throughout Equestria, and so it was very, very busy. When I was old enough, I moved to an Earth pony town called Ponyville, and made a home in a lovely little cottage outside of the town.
"Ever since I got my Cutie Mark, I have always wanted to be close to nature and wildlife. My cottage is near a scary forest nopony goes into, but it's also close to nicer woods and meadows, where the animals there are friendly and sweet."
Molly raised her hoof, pulling me from my thoughts. "Did you adopt one? Like a pet?"
I smiled, recalling my cottage bustling with all the animals and creatures I welcomed into my home. And then the smile was gone, torn away by the sight of the empty, cold shell my home became.
Not now. Happy thoughts.
"I have a little bunny. His name is Angel."
"Angel? That's a funny name."
"I named him Angel because he was there for me from the first day I set hoof on the ground. He's really loyal, and clever." I looked up, staring at the rocky overhang the whole flock was taking shelter underneath. "If I ever was alone, or sad, or scared, and I couldn't bring myself to talk to somepony about it. Angel was there."
"Like a guardian angel." Cot said with a warm smile on her face.
"Right... That's right." My head drooped down to my forelegs, watching my hoof idly brush over the bandages on my leg. "I miss him so much."
"Aw don't be sad. You'll see him when you go home, won't you?" Molly's voice was fraught with concern. She got up and moved to my side. "I bet he misses you, too. I bet all your friends miss you."
She was doing her best to cheer me up. In practice, though, she was pouring salt into a wound I just couldn't get to close. It wasn't her fault - how could she have possibly known? I hadn't told anyone the truth of what was on the other side. I'd only said what they had wanted to hear.
No, you only said what you wanted to hear. A little pony corrected. I shook my head until the pony slipped into the darkness, and looked to Molly for any more questions, but it seemed that the lamb had ran out of things to ask. Our corner of the crevice fell silent, letting the ambience of other conversations nibble into our space alongside the whistle of the icy wind blowing outside our shelter. Molly's questions had stopped, but I could feel her curious stare burning into my cheek. I glanced over to her and forced a smile, trying to convince her that I would be okay. In the corner of my eye, I saw Alk turn away and disappear among his flock.
Cot stirred and stretched, cracking almost every joint she had. "Okay, Molly," she yawned, "time for be-ed."
The lamb tried to protest, but her grandmother stood firm. Molly's begging didn't last long, and reluctantly, she turned to me and said goodnight, and then picked a spot nearby to curl up and sleep. Some members of the flock, seemingly acting on instinct, moved and settled down around the lamb to keep her warm.
It also made it easier for Cot to whisper to me without being heard.
"Te-ell you the truth, duck, I thought you were done for when she asked about Zecora."
"S-sorry about that. I know you warned me and--"
"It's all right, Fluttershy." Cot chuckled. "I was just making sure Molly would ge-et some sleep tonight."
I smiled with Cot and looked over to Molly, who already looked like she was asleep.
"She can be a nuisance at the be-est of times, that one." Cot said.
"Oh, it's not like that."
Cot snorted and grinned, the wrinkles on her face hinting that she know something I didn't. "Young'uns are always the cutest whe-en they're not yours."
I tilted my head to the side, trying to find what she meant in her expression. A tiny shadow of sadness crept over Cot, but in a blink it was gone, replaced by a warm smile directed to the sleeping lamb.
Cot cleared her throat, speaking in a quiet murmur. "Thank you for keeping your word with her, Fluttershy."
I nodded slowly, not breaking eye-contact. "You're welcome, Cot."
The elderly ewe looked back over to Molly once more and took a deep breath. She spoke again, but this time in a clearer, authoritative voice. "Well, I think it's time you took your me-edicine and got some sleep, too."
The throbbing in my skull doubled its strength in preparation. For the first time since I last took it, I actually wanted to take more. At least I'd sleep off the side effects before the morning, right? I hoped so.
A few minutes later, I settled down to sleep, laying my head down on my saddlebags. It was stiffer than I would've liked, but the only alternative was using a rock as a pillow. I shifted and fidgeted, wincing whenever I poked a bruise or carelessly rolled onto my left wing, and eventually found a position that hurt the least.
Sleep didn't come immediately. Instead, thoughts about the last twenty-four hours flicked through my mind. I took a stupid risk crossing the mountains during a blizzard, I was lucky to still... to still be here, wasn't I? Why didn't I think about what could happen? Or did I...? Maybe, without really thinking about it, I went up the Whinny-Rose Mountains hoping that the worst would happen.
I pulled my legs in tight and did my best to hug myself. Through a thin haze of dizziness, I could just about separate myself from what I did. I could almost pretend it wasn't me that did something like that.
But this wasn't another pony. It wasn't like 'New Fluttershy' had taken over, or I had let something like The Stare get the better of me. No, a part of me that I trusted had pushed me to that edge. It pushed me into a horrible, freezing blizzard and gave me two choices. Either I disappear in a mask of white like everypony else, or I come out on the other side and see The Fang.
For the first time since everypony vanished, I was afraid of myself. I was so scared of what I could do if I didn't control my feelings. Could something like that happen again? Would I be able to see it before it happened? Could I stop myself next time? I shivered just thinking about it.
Something fuzzy and warm draped over me and covered me up to my neck. I flinched and sat up, quickly realising that I was under the same woolly blanket that I woke up in. I looked up, and saw Cot.
"I saw you shivering, duck, this should help."
I gave her a blank stare. A side of me wondered what Cot would've done if she found me and I never woke up - or if Molly found me...
I felt sick.
Cot leant forward and pressed a foreleg against my head. Her brow furrowed, and she lowered her hoof to my shoulder and held me steady. "How are you feeling, duck?"
My head was spinning, I wasn't even here anymore. I was on top of the highest peak of the mountains. I was looking down - straight down to a flat, stone floor. The wind was pushing me, gravity was inching me closer to the edge - even my thoughts were against me.
You won't feel a thing.
Cot shook me and I was back by her side. I was safe. I was alive.
I was alive.
Alive.
Alive.
Most of the night was spent sobbing into Cot's fleece, hoping and praying that I didn't wake anyone else up. I was so ashamed of myself. I... I was so close to losing my life, and I didn't even know that was all that a part of me wanted. ***
"Wa-ake up."
Nudge. Nudge. I groggily opened my eyes and looked up, expecting to see Molly or Cot prodding me. Instead it was Alk, still looking as irritated as the first time we met.
His face didn't soften when he saw that I was awake, he seemed to scowl more in fact. "Good," he said, and then slowly turned away. I sat up a little, watching him walk out from the alcove the whole flock was huddled in, still fast asleep. The ram stopped a short distance away from the group, standing still near the rocky edge of the path we had been following.
The little pony in my head yawned and bucked, kicking my brain into gear. Alk had woken me before anyone else, said nothing more than 'good', and was now stood motionless outside. He wanted to talk to me, but he wanted me to go to him. Why?
Probably shouldn't lay there and ask why, just follow along. A little pony mumbled, herself sounding like she had just woken up.
With a yawn and stretch, I slipped out from underneath Molly's sleeping hug and stood up. She hadn't fallen asleep beside me last night when I was awake, but after I broke down last night... Maybe she heard that. Oh, I wish she hadn't seen that. I wish nopony saw that.
With teensy, tiny steps I weaved among the sleeping sheep and walked up to Alk. He didn't turn to see me, just continued to stare down the mountain range. I stopped beside him, choosing to say nothing and look over the Fang at the break of dawn.
It was... very beautiful.
"What happened on the other side of this ra-ange?" Alk said, without breaking his miles-long stare.
I glanced over to the ram. "Uhm... There was a horrible storm. I-I was stupid and tried to cross over in the middle of it and... um... I didn't mean to be a burden on you."
"No, not that," Alk shook his head sluggishly. "Not the night before."
I did not like the way my stomach was twisting in knots. "Then what do you mean?"
"About... hmm... twenty-seven nights ago, there was a gigantic flash in the sky unlike anything I had ever seen. Blinding and loud, and it came down to earth and washed all over the land. I thought it was the..." Alk paused, taking a moment to dismiss himself with a sour laugh. "No matter, do you... know what I am talking about?"
I dropped my gaze to the floor. I bit my lip and blinked back the tears, seeing flashes of that horrible night behind my eyelids.
Alk took a long drag of the morning air. "Three nights ago, I led the flock to the peaks." He confessed, though I did not understand what was so bad about that. "It was already getting colder, too cold for the flock to be so high up, and we as a flock have sta-ayed away from the peaks since... years ago, but something was bugging me."
He stopped. I waited a few moments before I spoke up and asked him what was bugging him. He turned and glared at me with the same stony expression he gave me when he woke me up. "I just had to look and see what it looked like over there. And just as I thought, I saw nothing."
That wasn't what I was expecting him to say. "You saw nothing?"
Alk nodded, "Nothing that looked like a sign that your kind was there anymore. The village at the bottom of the mountains was still, no smoke from the chimneys, no candles at night, nothing."
I fell away from Alk's gaze again. I knew which village he was talking about, and I knew what I saw down there.
"You a-ain't a researcher," Alk hissed. He shot a look over to the flock to make sure none of them were awake. "I don't know what you are, but you didn't fall out of the worst blizzard I'd ever seen for a few flowers."
"W-when did you hear that?" I stammered. I hadn't spoken to him since the first time we met, how did he know what I said to Cot and Molly at the back of the flock?
Alk rolled his eyes slowly. "The flock does talk amongst themselves, you know. Messages move back and forth."
I brought my head down low, but kept an eye on Alk so he wouldn't think I was ignoring him. I guess most of the flock did understand me: they just didn't want to talk...
"There a-ain't much I understand; least of all how we found you." Alk pointed a cloven hoof at me accusingly. "We don't go up the peaks, not even to see what it looks like on the other side. But the first time I decide to go up there a-anyway in years, you fall not far from where we stopped for the night."
"I'm sorr-"
"No!" Alk growled. "You just don't get it, do you? How far do you think these mountains stretch? How much time do you think you would've survived, unconscious, up at the peaks? Why, after years of avoiding them, did I decide to go up there? Do you know? Because I sure as 'cicles don't."
I shrank away from Alk's cold, unnerving gaze. He lowered his hoof and took another drag of air, speaking in a much more subdued tone.
"When the others wa-ake up, we're going to go down the last leg of the journey, but we are not leading you beyond the tree line of the forest - you will go on your own wa-ay by then. You will not ta-ake anyone with you, and you will not put this flock in da-anger. Understand?"
Alk must've seen my weak nod, because he straightened up and made his way back to the flock. But there was one thing I wanted to ask, and I didn't think I would have a chance after this.
"Alk," I whispered. Amazingly, the ram stopped and turned to face me, scowling. "Why haven't you been to the peaks in so long?"
Before Alk could reply, we both heard a terrifying roar. I tore my eyes up to the sky, and high up in the air, crossing the rocky border between Equestria and The Fang, was a large, green dragon. We both stood still, not daring to make a peep until the beast glided far, far away - bound for Kinsmeer, my secret, true destination.
I looked back to Alk, and saw that the dragon's roar had woken the rest of the flock. Alk looked behind him, and then back to me.
"Those things..." Alk said, nodding once toward the distant dragon before pointing a hoof behind him. "...And Molly." ***
"Fluttershy? Hellooo?"
"Huh, what?" Someone had nudged my shoulder, and I looked over and then down, meeting Molly's quizzical stare.
"We're almost near the bottom of the mountains," the lamb said gently, nodding her head towards the front of the flock. "So tha-at means you'll... you'll be on your way. Without us."
"Oh..." Was all I managed, and for a moment I was lost again, captivated by the tall evergreen trees and the lively sounds of nature not far below. I had no idea what I was expecting to see when I came down from the peaks, but I had not imagined something as beautiful as this.
Molly followed my gaze, and eventually brought me out from the spell I was under. "We don't normally come this far down," she said. "It makes me a little sad sometimes."
"Why is that?" I asked.
"I like seeing the trees up close," Molly sighed. "From the mountains they look tiny, but they are really, really tall when you see them up close. Alk won't let me go into the forest though; he says it's too dangerous."
Cot was looking at me when I glanced up to her, practically expecting the uncertain look I had on my face. On cue, she elaborated. "I'm not sure what you face in Equestria, but we have wolves."
The blood drained from my face. Wolves: packs of wild wolves in a forest untouched by ponykind for thousands of years - if touched at all. I had doubts they'd be like the friendly, cuddly wolf-dogs ponies looked after.
Cot closed her eyes, letting out a sigh. "They usually stay deeper in the forest. But if they're hungry, or if we're in wrong place, they will hunt near the edge of the forest for an easy meal."
My left wing resisted against its bindings, throbbing slightly under the strain. I had to go through that forest - through the heart of potential hunting grounds, and I had no other option but to run if I saw something and hope it wouldn't give chase.
"I-is there anything else in the forest?"
Cot pursed her lips and rolled her eyes up. "Well, the-ere must be something else the wolves hunt - because we sheep stay up the mountains most of the year - boars, deer, and forest critters maybe?"
How did Spike make it to Kinsmeer himself? How did Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow follow him if it was so dangerous? I didn't stand a chance. I was nowhere near as brave as my friends.
My friends' journey reminded me of something they told when they came back: the forest had Phoenixes, too. I knew that, and maybe Cot knew that? I had to change the subject. I asked her and both Cot and Molly's faces lit up - though Cot was more surprised at the mention than Molly's look of glee.
"Ooh! They're so pretty! And so rare - I've only seen two in my life!" Molly hopped up and down between Cot and I. A smile crept up on my face, happy to have gone to a much lighter topic. Cot still looked a little surprised, but she too, was smiling.
"They are quite a rare sight this side of the forest," Cot said, pointing in the direction of the reddish mountains. "But at night you can sometimes see little flying fireballs dancing among the trees over there. It's rare for them to fly around here, probably because it's too cold for them."
I thought of Philomena, and how she braved flying North to the Crystal Empire before the... that night. When I last saw her, we were not far from Canterlot. She warned me about a storm and took off to find her own shelter. I hoped she was safe.
"They're so majestic," I said dreamily, thinking of Philomena's bright red plumage and the way she shone in the sky. "Watching them fly is wonderful."
Cot nodded in agreement, looking over the forest. "This place is very magical and mysterious, and it isn't just because of the Phoenixes. There is so much in there that I can't explain."
"And that's why when I grow up, I'm gonna be a-an explorer! Just like you, Fluttershy!" Molly announced.
My heart leapt up in my throat, but nobody noticed. Cot shook her head at the lamb and quietly reminded her that she was forbidden from going into the forest. Molly didn't bother to argue and instead lowered her head in disappointment and fell silent. I thought about dropping the topic as well so Molly wouldn't get any ideas, but I was curious about what Cot had said.
"What else lives in the forest? Is there another rare or magical creature there, too?"
Cot hesitated, glancing down at the sulking lamb between us. "I don't really know, Fluttershy. Sometimes at night, when the moon is hidden, the flock hears things. It sounds like thunder, but it comes out of the forest."
Molly's ears were trained on her grandmother, even though she was pretending to be sulking and not listening.
Cot carried on, unaware of the eavesdropping, perhaps unaware of the present too as she stared off into the distance. "When I was a lamb, we heard it close to whe-ere the flock was sleeping, and when we came out of hiding the next morning, there was a long path of tall trees with the-eir tops broken off, and giant hoofsteps carved into the forest floor. Like a giant had passed through, but we have never seen what it actually is."
I gulped. "Could it be a dr-dragon?"
Cot thought about it, frowning as she went over what she knew. She shook her head. "No, I don't think so. The shapes of the ste-eps were clearly hooves like ours, or something like ours."
"Yeah," Molly agreed before running off to a row of boulders. She clambered onto one, and start hopping from one to another. "Besides, have you seen a dra-agon? I bet they'd tear the forest apart if they went through it."
My hooves slowed to a stop, and Cot and Molly both stopped ahead of me as the rest of flock carried on down the path. This was unreal. This was crazy. Here I was walking straight into a dangerous forest so I can go to an even more dangerous mountain range. There were going to be all kinds of predators, there were going to be lots of dragons, and there was a chance I was going to run into a mysterious giant with cloven hooves - and I didn't believe for second it would be a big, friendly sheep. This was all too much. I felt I was going crack and shatter right where I stood, and I hadn't even got off the Whinny-Rose Mountains yet.
There was no other choice. I had to remind myself of that. I was going on this journey to help reunite the Elements of Harmony. I could not turn back and stop now. I made a promise.
Dragging in the morning air, I gazed out over vast hectares of the forest, kidding to myself for a moment that I would see the mystery giant in broad daylight. We were so close to the trees now, which made the scale of the woodland all the more frightening. I couldn't fly over it. I couldn't go around it. If I was going to have a chance of catching up with my Element of Harmony, I was going to have to go through the forest.
With my perspective lower, I could see that the forest sat atop small hills that rippled between the Whinny-Rose Mountains and the Dragons' own volcanic range. Evergreen trees were not the only things that made up the forest, as I could clearly see different deciduous trees growing among the evergreens in the treeline, and thick bushes and bramble cluttering the forest floor. The deep, dark green canopy was also interrupted by brown and amber patches, meaning that some deciduous trees were losing their leaves for winter. But why were only a few losing their leaves and others still lush and green? Why were some trees still flowering? It made less sense than the sudden onset of winter in Equestria. Well, that thing did if I thought about Cloudsdale...
Cot walked up to me, gently laying a hoof on my shoulder. "You okay, duck?"
I shook my head, but I didn't tell Cot what was really on my mind. I didn't want her or anyone in the flock to know. I didn't want them to worry, or panic. Instead I asked her about the trees, and why some were still flowering so late in the year.
Cot cocked her head to the side, not grasping what I meant. "The trees have always flowered whe-en they've wanted to, duck. Is it different in Equestria?"
I nodded, and tried to explain the seasons as Cot got me walking. While seasons were something Cot knew well, since the Whinny-Rose Mountains had an annual cycle of rising and falling temperatures at higher elevations - a cycle that kept all sheep moving up and down the mountain range - Cot had never seen trees follow a similar cycle together.
"Things are different in The Fang, I suppose," Cot sighed. "It ne-ever really gets all that cold in the forest. We'd stay in the forest if we could, but it's always safer to be as high up the mountains as it is comfortable, there are just too many strange things in the forest for a flock to adjust to."
We were drawing closer to the forest now. Even the steep incline of the mountain had lessened and gained a layer of soil. Lone bushes and weeds cropped among rocks, and small patches of wildflowers waved in the breeze as we passed. Alk had told me at dawn that I would be entering the forest alone, and it wasn't long now until I had to go on alone.
There was a loud growl next to me, and I leapt aside in fright and bumped into the elderly ewe. Cot, with a lifetime of living on loose rocks and steep hills, didn't even slip as I bounced off of her and fell on the dirt. The sheep ahead slowed their walk, taking a moment to see what the commotion was about.
Cot leant down to me, concern deepening her wrinkles. "What's wrong, Fluttershy? You practically took off just then."
"I-I thought I heard something!" I said, looking around. "Like a-"
There was another growl, but this time I felt it, too. I looked down to my belly, and as if on cue, it growled again. I hid my face behind my forelegs, hiding the blush flaring up on my cheeks. "S-sorry, I'm getting jumpy. I'm sorry!"
"Fluttershy," Cot said as she pulled me upright with ease. "When was the last time you ate?"
She didn't wait for me to answer, especially when she saw that I had to think about it. Instead she tutted and led me back to the flock and Molly.
"Before you leave us, we're going to find you something to eat." Cot ordered - not suggested. "There should be some be-erries near the treeline that you'll like."
"B-but, Alk said-"
"I'm not letting you go without a full be-elly and final check on your health."
It was definitely not a suggestion. Alk was not going to be happy ***
"I a-ain't happy, Cot!" Alk bellowed, stomping his hoof. "You know what's in that forest and you know you can hardly move like you used to. I a-ain't letting anyone from the flock go to the treeline."
Even though he was shouting at Cot, Alk was stood in front of me, making me shrink backwards into Cot's fleece as she checked and treated the lump on my head. At his eye level, Alk looked incredibly fearsome to me. I'd never seen him so angry, and I felt horrible that I was the cause of it. I deserved to be so close to him as he argued with Cot, but I wasn't going to tell anyone I felt that way.
Cot sighed, letting my mane fall back over the lump on my head. "Fluttershy hasn't eaten since we found her, and she won't say when she last ate before then. Poor girl is trying to not be a bother, Alk, but I can't let her go without knowing that she's had something to eat."
Alk slapped his forehead with his hoof. "This pony is a full grown mare, Cot, she can look after herself! I'm sure she knows what blackberries look like!"
"I'm sure she does, but I want to see her eat."
Alk was at a loss for words for a few seconds. "What? W-Why is that so important?!"
Cot sighed again, raising her voice as she unravelled the bindings on my left wing. "Because she's gone two days with us and has never asked for food or water! She's eaten ice and drank from streams, but she hasn't had a single flower or berry or clump of grass to chew on. Now she's going to be exploring that forest and scouring it for herbs and flowers not found in her homeland, but she's going to need the energy to stay safe on her own."
Alk snorted and looked away, cursing to himself. Silence fell between the two, and Cot slowly opened up my wing and examined it. I held my breath, swallowing down any yelps or gasps that came whenever I felt pain. Alk turned back around, deep in thought, and leant to the side to watch Cot fold my wing back and bandage it back up.
Cot stood up and trotted to the aging ram. She spoke to him, her voice calm and motherly. "You've been so protective of everyone ever since you were young, Alk, and I know it is for a good reason. So I'm sure you can understand why I'm protective of Fluttershy, right? Life doesn't cease to matter outside of the flock, Alk. There are other flocks, other herds, sometimes we have to take care of more than our own."
Alk scowled and glared at me, as if I had no right to be hearing what was being said. He looked Cot square in the eyes, and walked around her, heading back to the flock. He passed me in silence, and stopped a few feet away. He looked over to a small boulder, and I followed his gaze to a tuft of a red lying on the ground behind it.
"Molly," Alk grumbled. "I know you're there."
The lamb came from her hiding place, fidgeting in her step.
"Molly." Alk began. "If you want to say goodbye to Fluttershy, now is the time to do it."
"Okay..." Molly whispered.
"And Cot," Alk said, turning around. My heart strained at the sight of the old ram's eyes. He was frightened, sad, and... somewhere really, really bad. "You get your wish, but..." he sniffed, hardening his face, "Molly is staying with us while you're gone."
With that, Alk went back to re-join with the flock he lead, half of whom had been watching from a distance instead of grazing. Suddenly, a pair of forelegs wrapped around my neck and squeezed. I looked down to Molly, hugging as tightly as she could.
"Be careful." She said, burying her face into me. She was practically a different lamb to the one I first met. It was amazing how quickly we had become friends. The same could be said about Cot and I.
"I'll be super careful." I promised.
Molly eventually let go and stepped back. She smiled and made her way back to the flock, stopping by Alk's side.
"Are you ready to go, duck?" Cot asked.
I nodded and rose onto all fours, pulling my saddlebags tight and pretending to adjust my headband while I dried my eyes. "Let's go." ***
The trees were no more than few dozen feet away. And bushes and tall grass swarmed all around them. Just inside the threshold of the forest though, the tree canopy became dense, and as the light on the forest floor became thinner so did the amount of bushes. Cot led the way, pointing to a wall of sunlit green just beyond the shadows. There was a quiet river there, with water as cold as ice, and bushes lined up along both banks. Immediately Cot spotted a something and made her way towards it, and I spotted the prickly vines arcing among the bushes, full of ripe blackberries.
Cot nibbled a blackberry off the bramble and glanced over to me. "We-ell? Dig in then, Fluttershy, they're just right!"
I followed Cot's technique and just ate straight from the vines, but even as I savoured the sweet taste of the fruits, I never let my guard down. My ears swivelled and scanned, twitching at any sound I heard over birdsongs and cricket chirps. We moved along the bushes, spotting more berries and munching away. Cot stopped eating and popped open her own satchel, collecting blackberries in some small jars she laid on the grass.
Even as Cot seemed to zone out while picking fruit, I couldn't help but feel like we were being watched. Occasionally I glanced over the river, but all I saw were birds in the trees and beside the river, singing and refreshing themselves. The feeling never went away, though, and I kept listening even while eating.
"Fluttershy," Cot piped up, not breaking her pace. "What did Alk say to you this morning?"
I froze with a berry in my teeth.
"I noticed that you and Alk were up before any of us," Cot continued. "He usually ge-ets up first, but I didn't think he would want to stand anywhe-ere near you unless he felt he had to. So what was the reason?"
Cot had not stopped what she was doing, which only made me feel like I was acting guilty when I had no reason to be. But something about how Alk had pulled me away and spoken to me meant that he had wanted to keep it private and probably completely secret. If it was not for the dragon roaring above us, noone else might've known we spoke. Was it right to tell Cot about what we talked about? Why did she need to know, anyway?
Some gears spun in my head, and I choked down the berry in my mouth. "You didn't, um, you didn't come with me to just ask me this, did you?"
Cot laughed, not taking her full attention away from gathering fruit. "A good gue-ess, duck, but no, I already planned to see you this far into the forest, but when I woke up this morning and saw the pair of you had been talking, it made me curious to know what he said."
"Oh..." I pawed at the dirt under my hooves.
Cot paused, taking a moment to look me in the eyes. "Listen, duck, you're not in trouble. It's just... Alk doesn't like strangers, he doesn't like sharing anything about himself, and he..."
"And he, what?" I pressed, but Cot said nothing. She pursed her lips together, looking to me like I knew what she was thinking. I shrugged and lifted a hoof. "Well, he was worried about the herd..."
Cot nodded, but with a roll of her ankle she pushed me to go on.
"He's very worried about Molly, and I... I think he's really worried about you, too."
"Oh, that bundle of fluff..." Cot grinned, turning back to gathering berries.
"He also said something about never going to the peaks, but he did anyway before you found me."
It was Cot's turn to freeze.
"What did he say?" the ewe asked.
"Well... he, um..." I squeaked.
"Oh, sorry. Take a deep breath, duck. It's okay. You're not in trouble here. Just get it off your chest."
Then why do we feel like we're snitching on him? A little pony whined.
I spilled over and let the truth come out. "Alk said to me that he lead the flock up the mountains because he felt that he needed to look over the other side. He said that didn't understand why he did that, and he said that the chances of finding me the way I was when they did was impossible. He... I... I'm not a researcher, Cot. I lied to you all about that, including Molly."
My head hung itself low and I closed my eyes. "I-I'm sorry, Cot. Please don't hate me."
There were a few seconds of silence. Horrible, painful silence that bore down on me with the weight of every lie I told. Every half-truth I made up to hide the painful facts from someone as young as Molly. But even under that weight, I still could not tell Cot why I had come this far, or where I was truly going. Not after what Alk had told me were his reasons for staying away from the peaks.
A gentle hoof rested itself on my shoulder, and slowly I looked up to Cot. She looked sorry, too, but I couldn't imagine why. She'd had been nothing but generous to me. She was a real friend, one of the first friends I had found after this nightmare began.
"Listen, duck." Cot began, pausing to wipe tears from my face. "Alk did something more than break a personal rule going up there. He brought up a lot of pain that most of the flock hasn't recovered from."
"Most of the flock?"
Cot nodded. "Yes, it was a long time ago, too long for Molly to remember, but everyone e-else remembers it. It wasn't Alk's decision to stay from the peaks - it was the entire flock's decision. Alk broke his promise because he fe-elt that something very important was on the horizon. And when it didn't come... Or rather..."
"When you... F-found me." I whispered, hearing my own voice falter at what I was thinking.
"Alk felt like he had put e-everyone in danger for no good reason. He felt that he had opened up old wounds in the whole flock to just stumble upon a pony freezing to death. He didn't know what he wanted to find up there, but--"
"It wasn't me." I croaked.
Cot placed both hooves on my shoulders and stared me in the eyes. "We rescued you. Alk carried you whe-en no one else would. He risked the flock for you by waiting until you could follow us down - because it would have been wrong to have left you up there alone."
"Why didn't he tell me? Why didn't you?"
"Because..." Cot paused, looking around in case anyone was listening in. "Because Molly must never know."
Oh. A little pony said. I pulled out of Cot's grip and took a few steps back, reeling from what was finally dawning on me.
"No... You mean... She..." I couldn't imagine it. I didn't want to imagine. But there it was: ice, fire, and chilling screams - all inside my imagination. "H-her parents? T-the dragons?"
Cot nodded slowly, holding herself back from bursting into tears herself. "If we had told you anything up there, you might've accidentally told Molly. Or given her a clue. We have to protect her, Fluttershy. She doesn't deserve to know what happened."
"No, no, no!" I clenched my teeth, stomping over to the riverbank. "She has every right to know! But you won't tell her! And I... I..."
"Fluttershy?"
"I can't tell her either." I couldn't bear the thought of telling her the truth. I didn't want to be the one to snuff out the sparkle in her eyes. Molly deserved to be happy.
Molly also deserves the truth. Said the reflection in the water.
"It is not easy, duck." Cot admitted. "But I'm glad you understand how difficult it is, and that you want what is best for Molly. Thank you so much for understanding."
I didn't look up from the reflection in the river. Was I really going to let this go? Was it kind to keep the truth from someone that had every right to know? Was it kind to take the happiness out of their life?
I collapsed down by the riverbank, and buried my head between my hooves. ***
Half an hour passed, and Cot had sat down facing the river bank while I picked away at a few blackberries in front of me. When did berries stop tasting so good?
I had tried to fill the pit in my stomach with berries, but all I managed to do was find another, larger pit that no amount of food could fill. I wasn't even hungry anymore.
"Well, Fluttershy, I gue-ess this is goodbye." Cot said, rising onto her hooves unsteadily,
I straightened up and faced Cot, bowing my head to her. "Thank you so much for everything, I'm... so sorry for being in the way and for the trouble I caused."
Cot chuckled, trying to pull the gloom away from the pair of us. "Don't worry about that, duck, just worry about staying safe out there. It was good meeting you and helping you on your way."
"Please tell Molly I said goodbye, again." I whispered. "Oh and tell Alk I'm sorry."
"I will, Fluttershy."
"Do you... Do you think Molly will be okay?" I asked, digging a forehoof into the soil. "She didn't get to ask me all the questions she had."
"Oh, Fluttershy, you answered more than she expe-ected!" laughed Cot, reaching into her satchel and showing me the blackberries she had collected. "Molly'll be fine, espe-ecially whe-en I give her one of these jars. We don't get to eat these very often."
We both smiled at eachother for a few moments when Cot had a thought. "Open your saddlebags will you, duck?"
Raising my eyebrow I did what I was told. "D-Did I lose something?" I asked as I looked into the saddlebags, catching Cot lowering a jar of blackberries into one of them. I looked back at her, not sure how to really respond.
"For the journey." Cot simply stated as she closed off her satchel. "Take care of yourself, Fluttershy. No flying for a few days, find somewhe-ere to sleep before dark, and make sure your keep an eye on that wound on your foreleg."
I stared at her, barely absorbing what she just said. "Th-thank you," I sputtered, breaking down.
Cot hugged me and I returned it. It was amazing what a hug could do. I felt happy. I was happy to be alive, and happy to have met someone so generous and kind since everything went wrong.
Cot pulled away and started to make her way back. "You don't need to follow me, it's not far. Just remember what I told you, and be careful, duck."
"Do you think I'll see all of you again?" I asked.
Cot stopped and looked back to me, and then looked into the forest behind me. Her eyes softened, saddening under a lifetime of memories I could not possibly know. Eventually, she looked me in the eyes. "We won't be around for long, duck. The flock must always move along. If you need help crossing over again, I'll tell other flocks I see to look out for you."
"I-I'd be really thankful for that." I said, a little embarrassed that Cot was still doing another favour for me.
"Now," Cot sighed. "I be-etter be on my way back. Alk will be ge-etting antsy. Please be careful in there, duck. Whatever you're looking for here, it isn't worth getting hurt over."
"I will. Thank you."
"Goodbye, Fluttershy." Cot said, turning away and passing under the shade of the trees.
"Bye." I whispered, waving even though she had her back to me. I watched the ewe pass through the shaded section of forest and walk back into the open on the other side. I stayed where I was until she climbed up the hill and out of sight, back into the safety of her flock.
Taking a deep breath I turned to face the river. Almost a horizon away was Kinsmeer, and between here and there was a mysterious forest that I knew little about. My friends had come through here once before, but they didn't stay long enough to learn much about The Fang. I couldn't help but feel like I was wandering into the unknown.
I found some rocks poking above the surface of the water, and carefully made my way across to the other side.
It really is the unknown, Fluttershy, a little pony reminded. But so has everything else been since this journey began.
I stopped just short of the shade that blanketed the forest floor, mentally picking out a path to take and pulling up all the courage to take that first step. I was alone again, yes, but I was also alive. I could do this.
You can do this.
"I can do this." I assured myself, and marched into the unknown. |
The Princess and her Flying Axe | pre | "Yeah! He tried to eat me!" Spike commented while crossing his arms and pouting.
Among other things...
"THE THINGS I COULD DO WITH A SMOKING IRON ON MY HIP!"
"Please," Luna tried to sooth them. "I know he may not have made the best impression, but please understand that-" she turned around. "Don't."
Krieg was currently holding Fluttershy upside down above the hole.
"Eep."
What?
"IT'S THE PILEDRIVER RODEO OF-"
"Don't." Luna interrupted him with a stern voice. She saw Krieg tremble and his eye dart between her, the hole and Fluttershy. "Just. Don't."
Krieg held her gaze for another second, then quietly sat Fluttershy down again.
"Thank you," Luna gave him a short nod.
This is so boring...
"Now," Luna turned back to the three next to her. "As I was saying. Please understand that-" she turned around for another second. "Fluttershy, please come here as well." She watched Fluttershy leave Krieg's side as he busied himself with the sand.
"Alright," Luna nodded once all where seated. "The first thing for you to understand is that he is not a pet," she cast a glance towards Fluttershy. "Most importantly, we have no idea of the world he came from. We have no way to tell what he has gone through and how it has shaped him."
Yeah, Pandora's just lovely during this time of year... ain't it Krieg?
"SUFFOCATE THOSE SWEET SONGS OF SUNSHINE!"
Luna sighed and rubbed her temples as she heard Krieg scream. "So please, be careful of how you act in his presence and help him to adjust the best you can. And also," she added with a slight feeling of unease. "Don't approach him if I am not there as well. He may act..." she thought for a moment on how to finish the sentence. "Unpredictable."
"Speaking of unpredictable," Applejack commented with a strange expression and nodded to behind Luna's seat.
"What do you mean?" Luna turned around and immediately deadpanned. Krieg, was gone.
"Really? Again?!" she spotted the buzz axe lying next to the hole in the sandbox. "At least he isn't armed..." she sighed and got up. "Let us search for him, quickly."
Even as she picked up Krieg's heavy weapon she couldn't help but wonder where he had gone off to this time.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down!
"SQUIRREL!" Krieg continued to run after the little critter, occasionally using his hands to propel himself forward. "COME LIVE INSIDE ME FOREVER!"
The squirrel, spurred by the fuming psycho on its tail redoubled its effort and made a mad dash for a tree.
It's so fluffy! Have you ever seen something that fluffy?!
"I'LL TURN IT INTO A TOWEL FOR THOSE HARD TO REACH SPOTS!" Krieg cackled with glee, fully devoted to his hunt.
We could use a towel... I guess. Where are we even going to sleep?
"IN THE SWEET EMBRACE OF THE NETHER REGIONS THAT SING ME THE SWEET SONG OF THE MOON!"
Not that I'm rejecting the idea... but- It's going for that tree! Krieg changed his course. Remember that shack we found in the Dust?
"SUCH A SWEET HOME! FILLED WITH WARMTH, BACON AND WORDS OF COMFORT!"
They were mostly screaming... not to blame them since they were burning. It did smell like bacon though...
"IT WAS THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT! HAHAHA!" Krieg made a lunge, but the squirrel slipped through his fingers and quickly skidded up a large tree; leaving the howling Krieg below.
Now what are we going to eat?
Krieg stared at the tree in front of him for a moment. Then, with a little chuckle he reached to his side and- "HUH?"
You forgot it? Didn't you?
"NO! MY SPOON!" Krieg held up his arms with a cry and shook a fist up at the branches. "STOP LAUGHING AT ME!" he started to reach for a pocket.
They took the dynamite. Don't tell me you didn't notice.
"NGHANAAAAAAA!" Krieg pounded his head against the tree in frustration. "WHERE IS MY SPOON?!"
What do you think? Back with Luna... we should probably go and-
Both of the voices became silent, as the sound of a little bell reached their ears.
Is that... is that really what I think it is?!
"SO SWEET! SO SWEEET!" Krieg's entire body was trembling with anticipation. "I CAN'T TAKE IT!"
"Hello there... heh," the pony behind the small stand managed to stammer as he stared up the twitching figure of Krieg. "What can I do for you, little..." he looked Krieg up and down. "Fellow?"
Pistachio! Tell him pistachio! No, wait! Cookie Crunch! No! Yogurt-Maracuya! Yogurt-Maracuya!
Krieg held up his hands to his face while leaning over forwards, his fingers starting to twitch maniacally. "LIVER! BARK! CINNAMON AND KIDNEY STONES!"
Forget bubblegum flavor! Yogurt-Maracuya is the only true choice!
"CAN'T DECIDE! SO MANY CHOICES!"
"Uhm," the sales pony carefully spoke up. "We actually only have three flavors..." he gulped as he saw Krieg stop trembling and stare at him with his blood-shot eye. "Vanilla... Strawberry..." a little whimper escaped him as Krieg's head switched slightly. "And chocolate?"
For a short moment, Krieg only stared at the pony; unmoving and silent, both on the outside, and on the inside as well. Then, a storm broke loose inside his head.
Chocolate!
"NEVER! MY SPOON HUNGERS FOR THE ULTIMATE SWEETNESS!"
We've been over this a million times already! Vanilla is for babies!
Krieg snatched one of the ladles from the cart and stared into his own, deformed reflection. "THEN BATHE IN THE FIELDS!"
Why would I go for strawberry if there's chocolate?!
Krieg gave an angry snarl and brought the ladle into his mask with a smack. "ONLY THE PURE!"
Chocolate!
"I'LL TEACH YOU COMPASSION!" Krieg brought the ladle into his face another time.
To hell with your vanilla! I say chocolate!
The pony behind the stall watched the inner struggle go on before leaning onto the stall with a quiet sob. "Why do I always get the strange ones?" he glanced to the side. "And talking of strange, here comes another splendid specimen..." he got up from the counter of the stall with a small sigh. "What can I do for you today, Pinkie? ...As if I didn't know already."
Krieg turned to watch the pink pony next to him in wonder.
Pink... Why am I not surprised?
"Mmm..." Pinkie put on a thoughtful frown before smiling. "Just the usual for me!" she turned to Krieg and gave him a big grin. "Hi! I'm Pinkie! You must be new here! What's your name? Do you like ice cream as well? Do you like parties? I like your mask. What's you favorite flavor?"
Uhm... Chocolate?
The pony behind the stall gave a tired shake of his head. "So it's three times vanilla, three times chocolate..." he started scooping up the frozen desert. "And three times strawberry."
Wait, you can mix? That's an option?
"STACK UP THE JOY! THIS TOWER IS MADE OF SWEET, SWEET LAUGHTER!" Krieg danced with joy as he watched the swaying tower of icecream.
"So what's your name?" Pinkie asked with an expectant grin. A grin that faltered considerably though, when Krieg simply snatched the little tower of ice from the pony's hoof, pulled up his mask slightly and shoved the whole thing including cone down his throat in one go.
"AHAHAAA!" Krieg twitched with joy as he felt the inside of his head starting to freeze. "THE SWEETEST OF SPINE TINGLERS! I CAN HEAR THE SCREAMS! SO SWEET! SO COLD! SO-"
Tasty...
"Hey! That was mine!"
"YOU CAN'T HANDLE ALL THIS SWEETNESS!" Krieg hollered and fixed her with his blood-shot eye.
"Oh, yeah?" Pinkie Pie held his stare with a defiant face before a smirk found its way onto her face. "Oh, it is on!" she reared her head back. "Icecream-eating contest!"
The pony behind the cart gave a quiet sigh and readied his ladle. "Every time..." |
The Princess and her Flying Axe | Chapter 8: Road Trip | Midnight Shimmer had always enjoyed the days when guard duty found him on the lower districts of Canterlot. It was calmer here than within the Castle. Quieter, slower and lacking the vibrant, constant buzzing of the royal court and its visitors. Here, where the smaller businesses and shops gathered on the more rural outskirts of Canterlot, life was peaceful and almost still.
At the very moment though, Midnight Shimmer's world had been transformed into a roaring tunnel of colors, madness and icecream of varying flavors.
He had heard it comming before he saw it. It had announced itself with the sound of metal striking metal, screams and challenges shouted, the thunder of wooden wheels on cobblestone, and the frantic ringing of a bell. And before he had time to form a picture in his mind what exactly he was comming to be a witness of, the very source of the noise came barraging towards him.
How exactly it was even possible for the object to come shooting uphill at such a velocity was already beyond him, much less did he have the time to wonder what could have propelled it in this direction; the image presented to him was simply too bizarre, too strange to let him form a coherent thought upon it.
It was an ice-cream cart, and it bore three passengers. On top of the thundering vehicle stood two; one a pink pony, the other a creature the likes of which he had not seen before, locked in ferocious combat. They swung ice-cream ladles, dual-wielding them like swords as they struck again and again; the clashing of their weapons accompanied by sprays of ice cream left and right, leaving a sticky trail of frosty dessert in their trail. And on the end of cart that carried the combatants, another pony hung on for his dear life, screaming as he for some reason still managed to continuously ring the bell of the cart.
And now, Midnight Shimmer had unknowingly become part of this chaotic island as it made its way through the streets.
Too captivated by the image presented to him, his mind had not made the connection between the carts path and his own position in time and by the time it did; he was already stuck to the front of the cart, holding on for his dear life as the battle of strawberry, vanilla and chocolate continued.
And as if all that wasnt enough, the nonsense shouted over his head continued in its own clashing spiral of madness.
"YOU NEVER CALL ME ANYMORE!" Krieg locked ladles with the pink pony, the two glaring at one another.
"I never said you'd get to eat all the chocolate by yourself!" the two unlocked as the cart bounced and jumped, only to clash again as it landed.
"THERE AINT ENOUGH BACON IN THE BACON BOX FOR THE BOTH OF US!" the ladles glanced off one another with a trail of frosted dessert.
"Its not bacon its strawberry!" the vendor complained from the back before going back to his frantic shouting.
Mhhh... bacon.
"I'll teach you to share, you meanie!" Pinkie stepped forward in a half turn of her body, the swing of her two ladles catching Krieg off guard and sending his own ladles flying. "Aha! Surrender an-" she barely managed to duck as Krieg reached behind him and to the front of the cart, pulling forth something large, black, clad in royal armor and shouting only to wave the flailing object around himself like a weapon.
"I-In th-the na-name of th-the-" the rest was drowned in a mad laugh of Krieg as he used Midnight Shimmer like a club.
"YES! YES! DANCE WITH ME!" He laughed and brought the pony around in a wide arc, stopping to wave wildly at a passing group of ponies. "ARE YOU GOIN TO A FANCY PARTY?!"
"We are going to a fancy party!" the group called back, waving just as wildly.
Oh, hey.. I remember those gu- Watch out!
Krieg blocked Pinkies swing with the weapon-made guard, the guard in turn giving off protested muffles as one of the laddles ended up in his mouth.
"HAHAHA! SING ME A SONG OF BURNING SKIN AND MEN! I AM THE GAS-CAN MAN!"
"And I still say you cheated!"
"FEAST ON MY SPOON WHILE I PLOW THE FIELDS OF CRIMSON DELIGHT!"
"That was my strawberry ice cream!"
"BE A MARE OR BE SQUARE!"
They shot on; downhill, leaving the lower districts of Canterlot and ever-steadily heading towards Ponyville.
We should probably get off now.. chocolate is all out.
"It is?!" Pinkie gave a terrified squeak and stared into the compartment.
Psyke!
Midnight Shimmer gave a shout of warning. "Watch ou-"
There was a loud twack as Krieg used Midnight Shimmer to punt Pinkie off the shaking cart, who in turn collided with the vendor pony that had so far tenaciously held on until this point. And as the two rolled off into the grass in a neat little pile, Krieg raised his weapon; held by the legs like a staff and giving off loud honking cries of victory as the two grew distant.
Krieg continued his victory dance with the by-now nauseous Midnight Shimmer held up above him, neither he or the drouzy make-shift weapon took notice of where the clanging and ringing ice-cream cart was heading in its race downhill. Grass and earth turned to a path, the path turned to flat stone. When the cart hit a metal railing, it sent both its passengers flying; one laughing, the other praying for there to be something soft to land on.
Strangely, for the first time today Midnight Shimmer's prayers were answered; in the form of a train wagon full of old blankets and pillows. Two loud thuds later darkness followed as he found himself stuck deep within the soft, strangely-smelling pile.
Slowly, his thoughts began to realign themself, clearity returning after the sudden stop. Frantic wiggling followed in an attempt to free himself. Midnight Shimmer started making plans: He would get out, lock the creature in the cart, then alert the guard force, earn a medal or two and then take a long vacation.
"Very long vacation.." he muttered and dug himself out off the pile pillow by pillow.
But his planning came to an abrupt end as he breached the surface of the pile only to see the door pushed shut from the outside with a slam; the cart shaking only a moment later as the train set into motion.
"Oh, no.." Shimmer tried to crawl to the door, maybe he could call for someone befor- something latched onto his ankle.
"FUN TIME!"
By the time Princess Luna and the others had followed the tracks of the ice-cream cart to the train station with Pinkie and the vendor collected, Krieg and Midnight Shimmer had already left the borders of Ponyville. |
My Terrible Nightmare | pre | I was a bit quiet, but he heard me clear as he reached for the water and gave it to me in my hands. Hooves. It was balancing on my right hoof, sadly it was a bottle with the cap on tight. I stared at it.
He looked at me and then the water bottle, and then back at me. I saw from the corner of my eye.
"I can't open it."
I sniffed a bit. He looked at me a little confused and then steadied his hoof and brought his other hoof over and twisted it off. How did that work, I have no idea. I held it gently in between my hooves and slowly drank from it, then after pulled it away.
"Why didn't you use your magic to do like a force field or somethin'? Maybe throw something back? Teleport away?"
"I don't know how! I don't know how to do magic!"
I felt myself get a little mad, the bottle starting to crinkle, and I placed it down on the table, then just stared back at the floor.
"Oh. I'm.. I'm sorry."
He looked at the spot where I was looking at, then picked his own spot.
"Hey! I have a friend that's really good with magic if you want them to help you! They're really nice and are willing to help anyone, unicorn or not!"
"Is it Twilight."
"No no! I don't really know her that much anyways, but my friend actually lives near Twilight's castle! He'll help ya any time!"
"Ok."
I sniffed a bit and he got up from the couch and help me up as well. Before he reached for the door I remembered something he said.
"Hey, uh, Ace?"
He turned his head.
"Yeah?"
"What did you mean about me earlier. Me being yours or something.
I saw him think about it, but then his cheeks blushed a bit.
"Oh! Right, uh, sorry about that! I kind of have beef with them too and I guess I claim this town sort of. I don't know they're from all over Equestria, and I think Pezly is from Manehattan. Mud Rock is from western equestria.. Rockville I'm guessing, and Feather Crown is from Cloudsdale. The Pegasus, but I guess that's obvious heh.
I nodded in agreement. We both exit his house and he locked the door behind us.
"Aslo beware, he might freak out when he realizes you don't know how to do magic, cuz he kind of teaches filly's how to use their magic, and control it, ya dig? He also hasn't helped a grown pony too, mostly filly's, but some teenagers if their a bit late with the magic stuff.
I nodded again. Hopefully they won't be too crazy. I might just freak out myself from getting overwhelmed hah.
We reached the pony's house 10 minutes later, and Ace knocked on the door.
"Comiiiiing!"
Sounded slightly feminine, maybe a gay pony? Damn I'd love to meet a gay pony. Would seem so cool.
"Hello Shadow! And oh! Who might this fine fellow be?
I saw him look up and down on me. But yeah probably a little gay side on him. I felt myself smile a bit. Oops.
"Hey Marble Moon! I have a friend here that needs help with something!"
"Why of course! Come in, come in!"
We both entered Marble's house and he closed the door behind.
"What can I help you dears with today?"
It looked like he was shelving one of his bookcases when we arrived as he went back to reshelving.
"Me and ZJ were wondering if you could help with uh, magic?"
Marble looked back at us, mostly at Ace, but then remembering I was here. He smiled and turned back around.
"Does ZJ need some books about magic? I have some that'll help with makeovers, making food on it's own, maybe even some hovering!"
"Well.. no."
"Then what do you need?"
He was continuing to reshelve as he floated more books over. Ace looks over at me.
"I uhm.. I don't know how to do magic."
Marble dropped the 5 books he was holding on the ground. He darted his gaze towards me and gasped a huge gasp like me and Ace just tracked in a bunch of mud.
"HAHA! N-no magic?! Haha! Your lying dear, you must be lying! What kind of unicorn doesn't know magic, and one such as you in your age! Young adult I assume?"
I nodded. I could tell he was going crazy, mostly because he was a teacher of magic.
Marble quickly went behind me and brought me into a room, I guess his office, and placed me down in the chair in front of the desk, him eventually sitting down in his own seat in front of me, Ace quickly making his entrance.
He quickly looked behind him as the blinds were open, and he quickly closed them with some quick magic.
"I only specialize with fillys, not uh, adults. I do have some books that might help you get your magic back, or just boost it up a bit so you'll be able to control some of it. Some unicorns really want the books from me, that's why I have them in a secret place, mostly because there's a lot of other books there as well. Of course I put a spell on them so that only my aura and magic grants access."
He seemed proud and looked over at the wall. He used his magic on the whole wall and a somewhat big drawer came out and he floated a book over to me. I then saw him grab what looked like a book cover for a title and placed it on the book.
"So that no one will see the cover and try to steal it."
He smiled and placed it on the table in front of me. I tried using my hooves to open the book which worked, and I saw a few pages with tips and tricks on magic stuff, stances and times, and the amount of magic to use.
This all looked so complicated. Mostly with everything in life, but I guess that's just me. I have a hard time to learn things anyways and it'll take me ages to remember if I do.
"Thanks uh Marble! I'll try to learn later today."
He nodded as he got up and opened the door, stepping over the books as we headed out. I placed the book in the hood part of my hoodie and it fit perfectly. Hopeful it won't fall.
"If you have any more questions or need anymore help in anyway, please don't hesitate to come back over!"
I agreed and waved goodbye and closed the door to Marble's place.
"I better get back to Twilight. I think she expected me like almost an hour ago.""
"Oh really? Do you have to do things for her? Like her body guard or assistant?"
"No, I actually have residence there for a bit I guess until I find my own place. Pretty neat actually. You could come meet her if you want to."
"Oh no no no! Uhm, at least not yet! I'm still a little skiddish talking to hire ups, even though I took on those douches back there. But later for sure!"
"Hah, alright man."
We both waved goodbye and I headed on my way to Twilight, and thankfully it was close to her castle, and hopefully those idiots aren't stalking me.
It was nice that Ace saw me or else I would have been in terrible shape.
He's cool. Hopefully I can see him more later on, as well as uhm, Marble. They both seem really nice, and I guess it's enough friends for me, guess so that I'd have them to go to if I'm dealing with something.
It would be nice to have a few more friends. |
My Terrible Nightmare | Power Struck | "Twilight?"
The huge crystal door creaked as I opened it up. I peered in, looking around at first, then sliding in and shutting the door behind me.
"Twilight?" Hello? Anyone here?"
"Oh hey!"
I wip my head around to see Spike walking towards me. Seeing a door cracked open. Probably where he came from.
"Oh hey Spike, do you know where Twilight is?"
"Oh yeah! She's in her study! Upstairs and to the left and then it'll be on the door to the right!"
He smiled. Like I would remember that, with my brain forgetting everything the second someone tells me something. I only remember useless things.
"Oh, alright uh, thanks Spike."
He nodded as I headed towards the stairs and up.
Now was it left? Yeah, and then the door on the right. Wow. I'm surprised I kept all that in my head. Course I'll probably forget it later on. Or the opposite.
I thought as I knocked on the door.
"Twilight? You in there?"
I heard a small gasp and things falling. I think I spooked her. She was probably lost in thought of whatever she was doing.
"Ah ZJ! Welcome come on in! Oh, is your face ok? I see you got a couple scratches."
As I walked in I looked down a bit and dragged a hoof across my mouth.
"Oh yeah, I uhm, I had uh, I had a bit of uhm an accident outside.. but, but my friend Ace helped me out. Im fine really, just scratches anyways."
I gave a half hearted smile. Seeing that I can't really smile, she gave a small one back and then peered behind me.
"What's that in your hood?"
I looked at her then gazed towards the right, then remembered about the book.
"What? Oh! Oh uh, It's a book a friend gave me. To help with y'know, magic and stuff, to help me better, heh."
I didn't bother to take it out, and just decided to ask her something else.
"Do you know a good place to study where it's like.. calm and a good place to concentrate? Maybe like a balcony or something?"
"Oh yeah of course! Just keep heading down the hallway and the balcony should be right there!"
I nodded once and headed out.
"Thank's Twilight."
She smiled, and before I headed back I tried smiling back, then closed the door gently.
Wow. That went smoothly than I expected.
I thought, starting to walk down the hallway. My mind starts to wander as I look down at my feet... uh hooves. Shit, I keep forgetting.
I hear the clip clop of my hooves, my brows furrowing as I keep my eyes locked on them. I've never had hooves before, or wore a fursuit with hooves on them. That would have been cool. Guess I'm kind of in a horse fursuit in a way.. but uh, with flesh and not fur fabric.
I start to feel a warm breeze, and I look up and my eyes meet up with the balcony. It's a nice view over Ponyville. I go over to the center of the floor and sit down, shivering a bit at the crystal flooring being a bit cold on my ass. I kind of zoned out, thinking of that I'm actually sitting like this, legs to my side, and knees close to my chest. I slump my legs down, stretching them. They feel weird on my new bones, but it's still a bit comfy and a known feeling.
I reach behind me and grab the book, fumbling a bit as it dropped on the ground, and I just slid it in front of me. I opened the book and read the first few words.
"To my son Marble Moon. -Mom. Damn, he gave me a book passed down from his family? That was hella kind. Even it being really important to be locked away as well. But of course I won't steal it or sell it. I'm not that big of a dick."
I said to no one, and flipped to the next page.
Cool, beginner learning. Hopefully I'll know how to do some magic.
I start reading it over, flipping the next pages for the beginners, it starting with 'focusing on your inner magic and the horn on your head'. Being calm and collected to connect with it all.
"Being calm? Think hard with your horn and brain? I guess that makes sense. As well as calm yourself and really focus. Ok, I'll try that since it'll start my magic."
I sit there, close my eyes, and try to focus. Guess go blank sort of. I remember it saying try to think of somewhere cozy, like a bed, a pet, your home.
Home. The cats. The warm bed. Soft. So soft.
I think of this for a few seconds, and I feel something tingle in my forehead. I want to see if the magic worked, but I'm actually being in focus for once, and I still concentrate on being in my comfort zone. I guess that's what it is implying.
I do start to feel sleepy and I start to feel the wind pick up slightly. Since my eyes are closed, I didn't realize there were leaves slowly blowing around me in a somewhat circle, basically an oval, or trying to form an oval. The tingle sensation is still on my forehead, and I concentrate my hardest.
My soft bed. Warm. Maybe a jacuzzi? Ah yes. That's warm. Maybe even float in it. Mmm.
I forgot to read on it if I could open my eyes or not, but a feeling deep inside me told me I could open my eyes. Thankfully I can still feel the tingle in my forehead, and the wind circling around me.
I open my eyes, and see a tint of.. turquoise? I look up and I see an aura of turquoise!
"Hahaha!! Oh my gosh I did it!! YES!!!"
I jumped up in exitment and I felt something tingle even harder and I see a huge light above myself and I scream out, feeling something propel out of my head and shoot up into the sky. I look up in horror. Shit, I got to exited and scared my magic I suppose? Oh fuck.
It exploded in the air. Not like fireworks. Like an actual bomb. Almost like a nuke sort of. It was definatly bright. And for people to see and hear from far away. I'm still looking in horror at it all.
"ZJ? What in Equestria is going on here?!"
I jumped and sat down on the book, turning my head around. Twilight appeared with Spike by her side.
"I.. I was just concentrating, and.. and I guess I concentrated to hard. I'm sorry! I'm sorry!! I don't know what happened I'm sorry!!!"
I fall forwards and shove my head in my arms, shaking my head. I heard hooves clopping towards me and stop. I peek an eye out from my arms and her purple hooves were a few inches in front of me. I get some courage and look up, and see that she looked up, and the explosion somewhat dying down a bit. Then she looked down at me.
I feel my ears pull back, and I pulled my body back away from her a bit.
"What kind of magic are you learning? That was incredible, but it scared the hay out of me!"
She put a hoof out for me, and I grabbed it, her lifting me up and me stepping off the book.
"J-just what I said earlier. A friend gave me the book to help me learn. I didn't realize it would make me do that! I thought.. I thought I would just be able to pick up the book or somethin'!"
I slammed the book shut and slid it in front of me again, as well as in front of Twilight.
"Oh! That's a rare vintage book from an old family of unicorns! I have one in old ponish and translated as well!"
"Well I just met the last generation so far that has this book. His mom gave it to him."
I flipped the cover to the first page which said Marble's name.
"Wow! I remember Marble Moon! He came to me a few months ago for a few books to read about history on a family that had terrible curses in their horns! That one is a classic, usually read for a bedtime story and campfire stories! You should totally read that one later! Just remind me."
She winked at me, and I saw Spike role his eyes and smirk a bit. Probably because of what a crazed book horse she is. That's what she's into so I'm not judgin'.
"Oh of course! Sounds interesting actually. Could I have that now and I'll keep them in my room? Just so I won't forget to tell you later. My brain can't remember shit."
She nodded. Just then we all heard huge flapping noises, all 3 of us looking around.
"Oh! Princess Celestia! How nice-"
"Celestia?!"
Oh fuck please don't drag me into anything bad.
I see Celestia float down towards us, looking at Twilight, then seeing her gaze towards me. My fear got the better of me and I hid behind Twilight's tail.
"Hello, Twilight. I saw an explosion here and was wondering if everything was alright. I wasn't doing much so I thought I could drop on by to say hello anyways. Ah, and who might you be?"
She looks at me. Holy crap she's fucking tall. I feel myself gawk at her with wide eyes. I see she isn't fazed by it, probably used to people staring at her. Twilight moved her hooves and stepped out of my way, and since I was somewhat bowing I remembered that people like me are low in society, so I ended up shaking my head and titling it down and bowed.
"Oh no need for that my little pony. What is your name?"
I shoot up and stand up sorta straight.
"ZJ! The names ZJ!"
I tried smiling again. My cheeks hurt and I just gave up, the corners of my mouth falling. She chuckled a bit.
"Your enthusiasm is so wonderful, and perfect in the hooves of Ponyville. You do look new in fact. Is this a pony your teaching?"
"Oh no no no no!! They were just practicing on their own! They accidentally shot an explosion up in the air! Nothing to worry about!"
"Sorry for the inconvenience of my existence."
I made an unsure frown and looked at the ground. I guess she felt some sort a sympathy for me as I looked up and she made that sort of face.
"Oh no, you are find my dear. To my surprise for a beginner, your magic is wonderful. It did get my attention while all the way in Canterlot. And no need to apologize again you are totally fine."
She caught me of guard, me with my mouth hanging open as I was about to say sorry again. I quickly shut it and chuckled nervously.
"By the way Twilight. Are you going to be ready for the Grand Galloping Gala this week?"
"Oh sure I am Princess! The girls and I are so excited!"
Yup. Feeling out of place in front of 2 princesses. I should be used to feeling out of place. Always feel it. The breeze still feels nice though. Guess I'm not really feeling that awkward anymore.
"ZJ?"
"What? Sorry?"
"Would you like to go to the Gala?"
Oops, I zoned out. Guess Twilight was talking to me.
"Oh wow, that would be cool! Thanks a lot!"
"..And here.."
Celestia used her magic to poof 2 tickets out of thin air in front of me. It spooked me slightly.
".. You can bring a friend if you'd like."
I held out one of my hooves and the tickets lost her aura and floated down into my palm.
I saw her smile at me, like she new I just made a friend. I felt myself smile, and instantly thought of Ace. Feels like I haven't seen him in a while even thought I just saw him today. I smiled and nodded in confidence.
"Wonderful. Then I shall see you two this week at the Gala."
She unfolded her wings and flew off. Isn't it far to Canterlot? I then heard a distant magic teleport sound. Right. Teleportation.
"Wow ZJ! The Princess just gave you tickets! That means you're super special! Or maybe she just wants to drag you into her class for gifted unicorns hah! Trust me that class was a breeze. Well for me. I had my face in books every day when I was in that class. But it was amazing! Oh! I could bring you to Rarity's boutique to get you and your friend fitted for the Gala! Maybe tomorrow since the Gala is in 2 days?"
She smiled. I looked at her, and then down at the tickets. I made a small smile.
"Sure. That sounds nice." |
My Terrible Nightmare | Thoughtful Ways | There was a knock at Shadow's door.
"Hello?" Oh! ZJ! What's up?"
I stood at the door with 2 tickets in my mouth. I saw him look into my eyes and then down at my mouth where the tickets where, and his eyes widened.
"Holy Celestia! Are.. are those real?!"
He leaned in close examing them. I nodded and placed them in my hoof and moved them a bit closer to him.
"Yeah! To be honest, the Princess her self gave them to me, mostly because I tried out Marble's spell book and I accidentally learned something odd. Not sure if you heard an explosion buuuuut that was me."
I smirked a bit, it being a bit crooked, and I see his lips part and his eyes dart from the tickets to my eyes and then back to the tickets, then back to my eyes.
"I'm so glad I made friends with you! I can get into so many things!"
He was about to grab it in his opened mouth, but I swiped it away.
"Uhhh, excuse me?"
He was looking up at me and slammed his mouth shut. I saw his cheeks flush a bit.
"Oh no no no!! I was being sarcastic! That's a thing I do, sorry I forgot to tell you, unless if the time ever came up, which is now. Dang now I feel stupid. My bad."
He slammed his hoof onto his forehead. He did look guilty. But my trust issues are kind of on the edge from the real world.
This 'is' just a party thing anyways. It's not like anything bad could happen. And besides, this is the first thing I'm ever gonna do with him.. and he's never asked me for anything.
I started to remember that he's the one that gave me this hoodie. He does have a funny and kind spirit, and I guess I do get carried away when I joke around to much.
"Hey man it's fine. I get carried away with jokes some times."
I handed him the one on top and he looked at me and smiled kindly, and gently took it out of my hoof.
"Ah ok good. I didn't mean to sound like a snob or anything."
I nodded in response.
"Oh yeah. Do you know when it is?"
"Yeah, in like 2 days I believe. Twilight also said we can get prepped at Rarity's shop tomorrow if that's alright with you. You can get a cool outfit with being around famous ponies you know."
I gave him a little sneaky smirk, and he returned with a scrunched nose and a smile, seeing that he got my 'joke'.
"Ha yeah, I guess so buddy!"
He couldn't help it but he started to laugh, me just standing there and feeling my brain go numb, my weird smirk falling.
Dammit, I better not be having mood swings. I am trying to be funny after all. Well I can't shove negative feelings around this world and ruin it like the real world. Guess this is the part where I try to actually laugh, even when it might be fake.. I guess?
I started to chuckle, trying my best to show that I was also having 'fun'. He wiped away a tear and smiled up at me, my chucking coming to a hault. His smile fell slightly.
"You.. don't show too many emotions at times, do you? Like your mood just kind of dies then and there."
I pull my head back and felt my ears droop, which felt weird since I haven't had pony ears at all and normal boring human ones.
"I uh, uhm.."
I couldn't find the right words and my eyes starting looking around. I shook my head sorrowfully.
"Yeah sorry, I don't know why my emotions just suddenly drop at times, I don't mean it, honestly."
I then looked down, seeing my hooves. I started to try to 'close my hands', starting to feel myself grab dirt.
Man this doesn't make any sense. I can still grab things but I don't have any fingers.
I then felt pressure on my shoulder and I looked up, seeing that Shadow's hoof was on it. He was smiling.
"I understand man."
He then leaned in and gave me a hug. I flinched slightly, but being hugged my something soft feels comforting. I feel him rest his head on my back as he hugged, and then pulled back and patted me on the back.
"But hey! Thanks for the ticket, really! Do you uh, want to come inside? Maybe watch a movie or, just hang out?"
He scratched the back of his head nervously.
I nodded, smiling slightly. He stepped aside and lead me in, following behind me and closing the door.
"So what movies are you into? Like drama, adventure, horror, uhm.. romance.."
I hear him hesitate at romance, but I didn't think much of it. I was looking around the room, mostly at the pictures, him still listing movie genres, but then I looked at him.
"I don't mind a horror movie."
I shrugged a bit. He smiled.
"Oh awesome! I actually have the best horror movie for us to watch!"
He dashed over to a small shelf, grazing his hoof over what seemed to be the movies, and pulled one out.
"Track Pad and The Questionable Horse Shoe! Trust me, it's a classic but sooo cool. It is a bit bloody though. You don't mind blood do you?"
I snorted slightly at the name, but then focused my gaze at the cover.
"I don't mind gore."
He smiled and ran to the TV set. I walked over to the couch, making me remember the moment of me sobbing here and recovering from the bullies, but just shoved the thought away and sat down at the same spot as earlier. The tv turned on and in a few seconds the name popped up on screen.
"Since I've watched this a few times I'm gonna go get some snacks and drinks. Your fine with soda for a drink? I could also bring other stuff as well."
"Anything is fine."
He nodded smiling all the way to the kitchen, me blinking my eyes towards the tv. I tried sitting in a way that was comfortable. These new legs and bones feeling weird when trying to sit like humans do. I found a good position, me leaning on my side slightly with my arm over the arm rest, and I placed my head on my hoof.. after swiping some dirt of it from earlier.
He came back about 7 minutes later with a tray on his head full of food, and leaned his head down as it slid onto the coffee table in front of me.
"Alright ZJ! I got the goods right here! Got some chips, hay sticks, peanuts..-"
My eyes shot open as I looked down at the tray, seeing the peanuts in a bowl closest to me.
"Ahhh Shadow! I uh, ah crud I forgot to tell you I'm allergic to peanuts."
I feel myself cringe a bit still looking at the peanuts. I see his eyes widen and he gasped as well as he grabbed the bowl and rushed it to the kitchen, me hearing clambering sounds and the water running, then him rushing back.
"Oh crap I'm sorry about that! How highly are you allergic to them?!"
"If they're around me I'm fine. It's only when I eat them because if I do my throat will close up and I'll slowly suffocate."
His lips parted and his eyes winded more.
"Dang dude. You know, actually, my younger brother is allergic to blueberries. Yeah it's some what funny and sad at the same time, but I guess the universe wasn't to greatful with him either."
I shrugged. After a weird awkward pause we both look to the screen as a yelp happened in the movie. Realizing that we were watching a movie, I scooted over slightly and he sat next to me, reaching down and grabbed some chips and crunches down on them.
After 30 minutes into the movie, a really 'scary' part was about to happen, where the pony named Track Pad, was walking through a hallway of a hospital, the ambience having a scared suspenseful sound. Course me not knowing what was going to happen I decided to spit out a statement.
"He's gonna appear around the corner."
I blurted out. He looked at me and raised an eyebrow, then looked back at the movie, minutes later, the murderer jumping out and swinging an axe at Track Pad, Track jumping back and screaming, beginning to run down the hallway with the man in pursuit.
"How'd you know that?""
He looked back over at me again.
"I don't know, just felt like it was gonna happen."
"Can you do it again?"
"Uh maybe, just give me a bit, gotta see if I can think of what's gonna happen next."
He nodded in response and looked back at the tv. 25 minutes passed and I felt the thought of something that might happen again, needing to say it.
"She's gonna die."
He looked at me and his mouth opened in question, his eyes darting from me and the tv as the girl dies from a knife getting thrown into her throat.
"Is this your secret talent?! It's amazing! I did see that you made noises to cliche parts, so I guess you knew those moments as well?"
I tilted my head and shrugged.
"Heh I guess so. I mean I still wish I had a cutie mark."
I looked at my ass seeing nothing there. He did as well which was a bit awkward, but I guess everyone does cuz of the cutie mark. His eyebrows raised.
"Oh! We could I mean, draw one on if you feel insecure about it, or if you just wanna have one. But I mean.. you can literally have any cutie mark you want! Which is actually better than an actual one to be honest."
He looked down at his own flank, seeing his cutie mark which was an Ace of Spades; half black and Half white in a wavy line, like it being the Yin Yang sort of.
"Yeah, I guess I could have anything. What would it be though?"
"Well, what do you like to do?"
I thought for a second. Games and drawing, I guess sleeping, hah.
"I'm not really sure actually. I like to do a lot of things really. I don't have a special talent. Guess that's why I don't have a cutie mark."
Shadow thought for a bit, then he got up and walked over to a dresser and moved some things around, eventually pulling out some paper and a pencil.
"Do you mind if I draw some ideas?"
He said with a smile.
I nodded.
"I'd like to see what you come up with. I don't really have any ideas on my mind anyways."
He hopped once and came over and plopped on the couch, grabbing a book from underneath the coffee table and placed the paper on. I leaned my head on a hoof as I kept watching the horror movie, which I think had 35 minutes left.
I felt my eyes slowly close as I drifted off to sleep. Hopefully he comes up with cool marks. |
My Terrible Nightmare | Secret Being | "Psst. Hey. Hey ZJ. ZJ?"
I jerked awake, looking around and then looking at him.
"Man, you must of been really tired."
"I mean.. I guess so. What time is it?"
He made a sheepish smile.
"Uh heh, it's uhm.. its 6 at night. It's been around 3 hours. I let you sleep, anyways it seemed like you needed it."
My eyes went wide. I haven't slept that long in a while, or at all really. I rubbed my eyes.
"Did you ever finish the cutie marks?"
"Oh yeah! I actually have a couple, but I finished it like an hour and a half ago."
He pointed at the paper on the desk and I leaned forwards picking it up. Wow some of them looked really cool. Then one struck my eye.
"I like this one. Looks.. unique."
He looked over and smiled.
"Oh heck yeah! This one took me a bit to think of but it's based off this cryptic god from the far past named Cyrobe. Took ponies souls and controlled their minds like zombies, and the ponies souls went to an abyss that was just like space, floating around in the middle of nowhere."
He moved his hooves to what he was explaining. The mark did sound pretty cool, and looked cool as well
"Do you have like.. paint or something to put it on my ass? Or uh flank."
"Oh totally! I'll go ahead and get it! This is gonna be so awesome!"
He hopped off the couch and trotted to a small door in the wall, usually where people or uh, ponies, put junk stuff in. He pulled out a can of paint and then little paint tubes, and a few different sized brushes.
"I only got this blue in the paint can, but all the other colors I have in the tube! And it does take a bit to make it come off so splashing water on it won't make it go away as easily."
He shoved them towards the coffee table with the paint brushes in his mouth and dropped those onto the table. He sat next to me with one of the tubes in his hoof. He was about to reach over to my flank, and I looked at him a bit weird, not realizing my face was a "uhh what are you doing" face.
"Oh uhm, is it alright if I..?"
I shook my head, getting rid of the emotion I had on.
"Oh yeah sorry! I didn't mean to make a face if I did."
He smiled shyly as I positioned myself a little better for him to start painting. Course this felt weird, someone drawing on your ass.. well I guess it's like getting a tattoo, which I just remembered, I actually had a tattoo, but I guess the world didn't want me to have, probably thinking that ponies will think I had my mark in the wrong spot on my body, or whatever that thing was called.. Cutie Pox? But I think that was from a potion or something.
I felt a cold tingle on my flank as he started to paint, me twitching at the feeling, but then the feeling leaving as I started looking around the room, letting him paint, hopefully not making it anymore awkward.
I saw on the wall a picture of Shadow and what looked like a small child.
"Hey Shadow?"
"Yeah, wassup?"
He didn't look up, continuing the cutie mark.
"Is that your brother?"
He looked up for a second and then looked back down.
"Oh yeah that's him! Stripe Hoof. I know it isn't really showing in the picture, but he's got a birthmark on one of his hooves that is, you guessed it, a stripe. It's actually pretty cool cuz it sorta wraps around his arm as well, just starts at his hoof. I was of course born with the white streak in my hair, and I guess he got the stripe on his fur."
"What do you think his cutie mark is gonna be? If he uh, doesn't have one already."
I felt him freeze the brush for a second, him thinking, then continuing.
"I have no idea really. I mean he does like to fly really fast, idolizing a pony named Rainbow Dash, mostly because he's blue as well, and believes that all the blue pegasi would be just as fast as him. He did say there was a blue pony in his class, but they're an earth pony."
I made a slight "hm" sound in response, and then looked back at the picture.
30 minutes passed and he nudged me a bit as I woke up from a small nap.
"Tada! Finished both sides!"
I shook my head slightly from the nap and looked back at my butt, seeing the cutie mark. It looked so weird but also really cool. Kind of makes the area tingle but I mean.. I've never had my ass painted on before so, I guess that's where the feeling is coming from.
"Oh wow thank you, it looks great! But.. what would I tell other people what it is or how I got it?"
"I mean you can say you got it from learning that explosion you did earlier and practiced with it and got this mark. I don't know if a lot of ponies will know who Cyrobe is since the cryptic myth was so so long ago so, you should be fine."
"Ah ok. It does feel a bit weird having one though, hopefully I don't get any stares."
Shadow shook his head and put an arm around me.
"Shhh you'll be fine. If anything you can say that I "helped" you get it, like having the idea and all."
I shrugged a bit, then yawned.
"Heh, guess your still tired huh? I mean it is almost 7 o'clock, and I don't know if Princess Twilight will get super worried or not."
"Yeah, I would still like a place of my own though, I guess for privacy reasons and so no one will worry where I would be at night so I don't have to go home at a time."
Shadow put a hoof under his chin and looked around, thinking.
"I do remember somepony talking about moving to Manehatten, but they said that 4 weeks ago so I don't know when they're moving. But I guess you can keep a look out for that. It's a few blocks down but you'll still be close to me if you need anything."
I smiled slightly and got up, stretching my legs, hearing some of the joints crack. I look back at my flank, my eyes laying on the painted cutie mark.
"Thanks a lot. Hopefully those dumbass ponies will stop bullying me, or probably from what you said earlier about, 'claiming' me or something."
He nodded and walked me to the door.
"Be safe now ya hear? You should already know where Princess Twilight's castle is, right?"
I turned my head a little back towards his direction and nodded, walking out of the door. He waved and closed it behind me, making my way down the road.
I made it to Twilight's castle, thankfully nothing happened while walking back to her house, except for some stares but other than that nothing to bad. I opened the door and closed it, jumping slightly when I saw Twilight and her friends standing there talking.
"Oh! Hello ZJ!-"
They all gasp, seeing my 'cutie mark'. I shrink back a bit and hid it by facing them so they won't really see it, but also shoving my hoodie down a little more over the mark.
"Oh darling! You got a cutie mark!"
Rarity said, but I looked at the ground and shook my head.
"It's... it's not.. it's not real. I had a friend draw one on me because hopefully I'll stop getting bullied."
I sat down on the ground and AppleJack walked over.
"It's alright sugar cube. At least you told the truth to us. But your mark looks mighty fine!"
She said, me seeing her gaze go towards my ass. Everyone else nodded, making agreenment sounds as well.
"Can we see it more?"
Twilight said, trying to get a better view at it. I nodded and I got up, slowly making my way over to them and turning my flank towards them. I saw them all smile, but Twilight had a confused face on, probably trying to understand it.
"That mark looks somewhat familiar. Do you know if your friend knew anything about the mark?"
"He said it was based off of a creature named Cyrobe. Something about taking souls and whatnot. I found it pretty cool so I went with it."
A few of them blinked in response. I just smiled shyly then shook my head.
"By the way, was I disturbing something?"
"Oh no your fine! We were just discussing about the Gala! Want to join in?"
Twilight said, all of them beginning to smile. Felt really strange but I nodded and walked more closer to them both.
"I heard that you and a friend wanted to come over to my boutique to have some work done before the gala?"
"If it's not to much trouble."
"Oh darling your fine! I love to style peoples dresses and suits for the gala, or any other occasion!"
She used her hoof to gesture.
"If it's alright, I'm going to go lay down for the night. Kind of had an exhausting day. When should I meet you at your place?"
"1 should be fine! I don't have anything else planned since the gala would be the next day."
I nodded in response and said goodnight too the mane 6, then walked to my room which was just down the hall. As I closed the door, I felt a wave of nausea hit me. I stumbled a bit and caught myself on the wall. I looked around the room, some objects turning slight shades of purple, then fading out to the usual color. I froze for a bit then looked down at my ass, staring at the cutie mark.
Shadow better not have screwed me over. Unless this is what nausea is to ponies.
I thought. Still staring at my mark for a few more seconds, shook my head, and walked to bed. Me realizing there were no windows in the room since the bedroom was somewhat in the center of the castle. I threw myself on the bed, laying there for a couple seconds then rolling over on my back, grabbing the covers and shuffling under them.
I could easily get a new cutie mark.. guess it would take a while for this mark to rub off unless they got some stuff for things that are stuck on fur. Oh well, let's see what happens tomorrow. |
My Terrible Nightmare | Impulsive Behavior | I open my eyes...
I think my eyes are open..
Are they?
I feel like I can here a type of ambiance but, at the same time, I can't.
Suddenly, I see a bright light get brighter below me, and I see something fly up and stop in front, eventually fading to where it looked like I'm standing on the ground in an alley way.
It's all blurry as hell, but I see 2 figures, looks to be ponies, one of them looks to be holding something, and the other one looks to be holding something small, and moving a bit.
Something sharp.
I see their faces look towards me, my vision slowly beginning to tower over them, my gaze moving towards the one with the smaller object, and their eyes fading to black instead of white, and looks to be crying ink.
I see a gust of what looks to be a maroon color, fly out of that one pony and float towards me, eventually the pony turning a dark grey color and collapsing.
I look over to the pony holding the small moving object, which I heard noises and it sounded like it was dying.
My perspective then became small and my eyesight was in line with theirs. The cries started to get louder, and it was a baby crying? I started to see the face of the pony holding it and it looked like she was screaming in terror from what just happened.
Wh-whats going on? What.. what did I do? Why is it getting louder? Make it stop.. make it stop! MAKE. IT. STOP.
"AHHHHHHHHH!!!"
My head shot up, the only noise I heard after my scream is my heart beating fast. I sit there in a cold sweat, panting hard. I've never had a dream that intense before.. and I usually don't scream awake.
I sit there stumped, eventually thinks if Twilight and Spike heard me. Hopefully not since I believe their upstairs and I'm downstairs. I still sit there, putting a hoof up to my chest. I think back to the nightmare I just had.
Did I just kill someone? Is that why it looked like I took their soul and they just slumped over? I guess it was a baby they were holding in their arms. Was that girl getting robbed?
I felt a headache and my hoof moved up towards the spot, clenching my teeth and shutting my eyes. After a minute of the pain it stopped, me dropping my hoof to my side and staring at the bed sheets. I then look over to the small clock on the nightstand, and it said 5:24. I didn't see a pm or am, so I just figured it was 5 in the morning.
Hopefully it wasn't 5 in the afternoon, never would have slept through the entire day and missed meeting up with Shadow and the others at Rarity's boutique. I climb out of bed and walk to the door, opening it and cracking it a bit. It was dark. I close the door and walk back to the bed, climbing in and shuffling myself underneath the blankets. I shut my eyes, still feeling tired, so it won't be long til' I fall back asleep.
I wake up again. No dream this time. Just darkness. I look over at the clock again.
1 pm. 1... 1?!
I sit up, rubbing my eyes and rushing to the bathroom. I look alright I guess. I turned on the water and put my hooves underneath it, getting them wet. I then pulled them back and shook them a bit, then dragged them across my hair, since my hair is really poofy, I usually damp it with some water to hopefully seize the frizziness for a bit. I turn off the water and then run back into the bedroom, grabbing the hoodie from the bed and shoved it on me, eventually getting one of my feet.. Fuck. I mean hooves.. through the arm hole.
I dart through the door and close it behind me with the back of my hoof, and I start running. It feels weird running on all fours, but it does give me more speed than two. I see the entrance, or exit in this case, to the castle. I slid to a hairy in front of it and open the door, pulling it with some difficulty, but opening it enough for me to squeeze through the crack and then close it. I carefully go down the stairs and I suppose gallop towards the boutique. I just realized I don't really know where it is so I just looked around while I was galloping.
Then I hear it. A baby cry. I slid to a hault again, but since I was running on dirt, I tripped over a pile of dirt and fell on my side. I got up quickly, and heard another cry. I freeze.
Is that.. No.. is it?
I asked myself. I then heard screams of not a baby, but a woman, and sounds like a dude yelling?
Wait. Was my dream a vision?!
"NO PLEASE!! I DON'T HAVE ANY BITS! PLEASE JUST LEAVE ME AND MY BABY ALONE!
My mind gets the better of me and walk over to the screaming and I peek around the corner, seeing a pastel pink pony with a pastel magenta baby, the guy trying to rob her was a maroon color. She sees me peering around. Her eyes were filled with terror, her pupils pin pricks. I believe the dude saw her dart her gaze towards me and turn around, glaring at me.
"Stand back horn head! If any magic happens, I'll slice this mare apart!"
He stands in front of her. She peeked around, her eyes beginning to leak out tears, her baby continuing to cry.
The only magic I know is that explosion, and of course that'll hurt the lady. They both are earth ponies after all.
Don't tell him you don't know magic or you are also in danger.. unless you run.
,'Don't Run',
That... wasn't my thought..
,'I guess it's time for me to come out and play..~',
I begin to feel faint, I think losing conscious for a second, getting a massive headache and my vision starts to become... purple? The last thing I see before things start to become more purple, blurry and muffled, I see the muggers face turn almost white, him looking like a giant meteor was lunging right at him. My vision fully turns purple, and all I hear is what I believe is muffled screams.
Did I... hurt them?
,'Everything is fine.',
My vision comes back to me and I see the maroon pony collapse on the ground, the pink pony's mouth agape, the baby still crying. I stumble a bit and shake my head, staring down at the ground. I slowly look up at the mare.
The front of my face feels tingly, but I shove that aside as I back away from her, then run off. I start to run, wanting to look back to see if she was following me. Why would she follow me? I then see something big and white in the corner of my eye. It's Rarity's place. I make a quick right turn and dash for the building.
I don't know what time it is, but hopefully they're all there. Even Shadow. I start to slow down, but a rock of course blocked my hoof to where I tripped, and tumbled, my back slamming into the door. I get up quick, wipe my shoulder, and gently knock.
"Oh! ZJ, welcome! We all thought you got lost! Oh my, is your horn alright?
Rarity was the one that opened the door.
"What? My horn? Yeah I'm fine, accidentally ran into the door from such a rush hah! It doesn't hurt I'm fine!
"Oh! Then did you color it? It does have a nice design."
I blinked a bit at her and tried looking at my horn. She stepped a side for me to walk in, also giving me the intention to show me a mirror to see what happened to my horn.
Everyone smiled but then had all surprised faces on. Rarity then floated over a mirror and I saw.. maroon color? My horn was a maroon color going down my face and stopped at my muzzle. It looks like i jabbed someone with my horn and the blood dried. I thought about earlier and my mind went racing.
"Wow! That looks nice on you! Did you get it to match your cutie mark?"
Rainbow Dash flew over to talk with me. Everyone else started to gather around, me seeing Ace sitting near the corner. I felt like I had to talk to him about it, but I wasn't sure.
"Uhhh sure! Haha! Uhm so, did you guys start or?"
Rairity placed the mirror down, walking over to some outfits.
"Nope! We were just talking waiting for you to arrive! But I have some outfits for you guys to choose from as I help out the girls with their dresses! Mostly to add to what theirs were the last gala. I just have to get them from my closet! Come on girls!"
They all started giggling and talking to one another as they headed their way to the closet, me and Ace going over to the rack where some clothes were hanging from, me instantly grabbing an all black suit, while Ace looked at a navy blue suit. The one I picked had a rose in it, which I didn't mind, but I guess it was proper to have a rose in the front pocket, but I didn't mind.
I believe 30 minutes passed and the mane 6 came back with their dresses on, seeing if we were done as well. Ace was wearing the navy blue suit having a black bow tie around his neck. I was wearing the black suit with the rose in the front pocket, and the shirt part being white. The shirt part was stitched to the front so it looked like you were wearing a shirt underneath, which I had to wear during school pictures, but I guess that was every school since it was easy to put on an off.
"You guys look amazing! I love the rose!"
I nodded to Twilight's remark.
"Do they fit right? I can add some things onto it if you want to match your marks if you'd like.
Me and Ace looked at each other.
"Uhm? Sure, but just don't overdo it please. I wanna be able to uhm. Walk. Heh."
I chuckled slightly, hopefully the awkward moment would pass, and it did with Rarity laughing it of as well.
"Oh haha! Of course darling! I'll get to the changes right away to be ready for the gala tomorrow!"
All the girls smiled and began to talk again, me and Ace just smiling at each other.
"You look really good in black."
Ace told me. I felt the corner of my lips curl, making a slight smile.
"You as well man. Blue is really nice on ya."
He smiled and nodded.
After a bit we all took the outfits off for Rarity to fix for later, and we all headed out to go to our chores or to just go home and relax. I went to Ace's place to hang out for a bit, and maybe discuss more cutie marks.
We all walked out and saw what looks like ponies in white clothes? Some unicorns carrying medical kits and a stretcher. Everyone started looked at each other, except me, which probably knows where their going to. The mane 6 starts rushing over, as well as Ace. I made my way as well, but not really in a rush.
When I made it over, my heart stopped. The mugger from earlier was on the ground, his body a pale color than his original, his eyes grey in hue, and a terrified expression frozen on his face. I only looked at the lady earlier, and never really looked at the guy. Speaking of, I saw her in the corner of my eye. I glanced over quickly, hopefully her not looking at me. She was looking at the paramedics surrounding him, what seems to be her husband was next to her, him holding the child.
"BEAR!! BEAR WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO YOU?!"
I shot my gaze over to... oh no. It's Mud Rock. He shoved some medics aside and was shaking his.. brother... friend, the dude, but the medics and cops brought him aside, eventually a unicorn officer restrained him with his magic, then releasing home once they put the hurt pony in the back of the ambulance. Funny that the ambulances are just painted white carriages that have a cover and a red cross on each side.
I kept watching, but probably shouldn't have because his eyes darted towards my direction, but then away again, him realizing I was looking at him and he slowly looked in my direction. I haven't felt more scared in my life other than countless personal problems. I see his eyes turn into pin pricks, and he stared at me, not losing his gaze, seeing his eyebrows furrow, but still keep the shocked angry look.
He muttered something under his breath, which I didn't really make out, but then he dragged his hoof across his throat and pointed it at me, and kept pointing until I didn't see him no more. I gulped, looked to my right and jumped a bit, Pinkie's face right next to me.
"What's wrong Little Z? You've been shaking a little bit. I saw that pony look at you, doesn't seem really nice. You ok?"
I didn't answer for a good 5 seconds. I parted my mouth, then slowly closed it, eventually looking at Ace who looked at me.
"Ace. I need to tell you something. Private."
I said private in a more irritated tone. He slowly nodded, and I started walking away. He looked at the mane 6 and then saw that I was a bit always and he clambered after me.
"So what happened?"
I kept looking in front of me, heading towards his house.
"I'll tell you when we're in your house."
He nodded, and we proceeded. |
My Terrible Nightmare | No Worries..? | As we walked into his house, he closed the door behind us. He began to turn around to face me, and I felt my legs quiver, starting to collapse. He rushed over but missed as I stumbled down.
"ZJ! You alright? What's going on?"
He rushed in front of me and picked me up. I never had this feeling before, but my vision was blurry and everything around me was muffled, only for Ace to snap me out of it with some cold ass water. I shook my head in response.
Ace what the fuck!"
He looked at me for a second, him shaking his head slowly.
"What the fuck yourself! Your eyes started getting all weird and you weren't responding to me! What is it that you wanted to talk about?!"
He raised his voice a bit, him gesturing with his hooves as the cup he held smaller on the ground, rolling over to the tv stand. I felt myself get angry, then sad, then confused. I breathed in heavily.
Get this mark off me right now.
"What?"
"GET IT OFF ME RIGHT NOW DAMMIT! IT WAS ME! I KILLED THAT GUY. OR... AT LEAST SUCKED THE LIFE FORCE OUT OF HIM OK?! THIS MARK MADE ME DO SOMETHING BAD ACE! I ALMOST KILLED AN INNOCENT MOTHER AND HER CHILD IF I WOULD HAVE WENT OUT OF CONTROL! ACE PLEASE, PLEASE ACE YOU HAVE TO-"
I look up at him, and my head suddenly turned to the side, pain starting to follow on my cheek. My eyes started to focus at the spot my eyes landed on after the hit and lifted a hoof up to it, then slowly looked over at Ace, his hoof still raised. I just looked at him, hopeing he'd say something, but then in that moment his eyes constricted and he dragged his hoof back down.
"I.. I'm sor-sorry... sorry it's just that I don't like yelling. It.. frightens me.
I look at him for a few more seconds, then turned my head and laid down on the couch, closing my eyes. He looked at me, and I saw him make a movement to where his hoof was about to reach me, but pulled back slowly.
"I'll be.. in my room.
He walked passed me and headed upstairs, him slowly closing the door. My mood has drastically changed. Now I don't care if I get this mark off or not. I feel tears start to form in my eyes, and one falls down my cheek. I closed my eyes.
Maybe if I just sleep everything'll be fine.
I start feeling myself enter dream land, the sounds outside fading away and my mind going blank. Then it happened. A dream faded into existence. Everything was blurry again, seeing a figure in front of me, probably a pony, cyan color, ran up to me, their face not really showing any emotion, but I did see a face. IThen my vision began to grow again, and this time a cyan color came out of the pony and I guess I breathed it in, my vision lowering down again. I looked left and right fast and ran away. I hard screaming again, sounded like someone calling out a name, then they just started screaming, and screaming, probably seeing the body.
"ZJ! ZJ!!" ZEEEEJAAYYYYYY!!!"
I shot up and yelled out, arms flailing around, eventually feeling something cold splash on my face. I woke up in a cold sweat again, then just got doused in cold water.
"Sorry! I'm so sorry! All I heard was screaming and ran down here and saw your eyes glowing and I didn't know what to do except wake you up!"
Ace dropped the bowl he had in his hooves and it fell with a clang. I sat up and shook my head, some water flinging off and landing on Ace's face. I looked up at him.
"I need this mark off me right now.. this is what I was trying to talk to you about, but I guess I kind of freaked out."
I felt tears start to form in my eyes, but I quickly shake my head.
I'm having dreams of sucking the life out of someone.. and then it happens in reality. Ace. I'm the one that possibly killed Mud's friend or whatever. I didn't mean to do it too. Something... came out of me and did it. I know that sounds stupid but.. what if Cyrobe is controlling me.
I've never described anything like that before to anyone, but I see Ace slowly nod his head. He looked around, I think him trying to figure out what to say.
"How do we stop it from happening again?"
I put a hoof under my chin.
"Well.. I believe it only happens when I sleep and dream about it.. but sadly enough I already dreamed about a cyan pony that I uh.. take their soul."
I rub the back of my head.
"Hey uh.. you can sleep here tonight. If it happens again I could probably wake you up before you take the ponies soul. If that's alright with you of course."
I looked down and nodded.
"Guess when my eyes started to glow you can wake me up then."
He smiled, but then it went away quickly.
"Sorry I slapped you earlier. I sort of panicked."
"Eh it's fine. I needed to be quiet anyways."
I shrugged as it was his turn to rub the back of his head.
"I'll go get some blankets and pillows for you. Do you want me to sleep down here or back in my room so it won't be awkward watching you sleep. I could put on a movie as well."
"Whatever works, I don't really care. Sleep down here I suppose."
He gives me another smile again. A bit later and he has pillows and blankets on the couch and around it as well for him. I sprawl out on the couch and roll up in a blanket, snuggling deeper into the warmth. Ace lies down in front of me, the coffee table moved towards a bookshelf. The movie he put in was an adventure one again. I felt tired anyways, so placed my head down and closed my eyes. I think a few seconds passed and I felt a blanket cover me. Guess it was Ace just trying to be kind. I felt myself smile slightly, and drifted off to sleep.
ZJ? Psst, ZJ?"
I woke up, my eyes looking around lazily but then focusing on Ace.
"Did it happen? Or did you stop it."
"No no shhh, I think someone is outside."
He put a hoof to my mouth for a second, and then creeped over to the window.
I guess I slept until when dinner usually is since it's somewhat bright outside, but the shadows make it darker. He was looking out one window, and I got up and decided to look out the window from the kitchen.
"WWAAHHHH!!"
I shrieked and fell back, almost doing a backwards somersault. I shoved my hooves on my mouth, rolling over and jumping to where Ace was, almost jumping into him since he faced me and got up, then paused as I farted towards him.
"THERE! THERE THERE THERE!!"
I whined with gritted teeth, sharply pointing towards the kitchen. I've never been jumpscare so badly, since everything was so quiet, and seeing 2 almost glowing green emeral eyes staring deep in my own.
Ace grabbed a knife from the kitchen, and unlocked the front door and stomped out. I then saw him walking where the kitchen window was and ran over to it.
"Where are you dammit?! Come out!
I heard him say, somewhat yelling but not much to not draw any attention. I then heard a hoofstep at the door. I turned and saw... oh.. my.. It was Mud Rock, and he was staring right at me. His hair was messy, his pupils small as a pin prick.
"YOU. IT WAS YOU. I KNOW IT WAS YOU!"
He jumped at me screaming out. I pushed myself against the sink to the right and landed down on the ground, Mud Rock, landing on the sink, banging his chin on the faucet. I yelped and scrambled away, Ace coming in the front door with the knife in his mouth. He then grabbed it with his hoof.
"The fuck you doing in my damn house?! I could kill you right now and no one would care because I was defending myself from an intruder!"
Mud turned around quickly and stomped back down on the ground.
"I KNEW IT WAS YOU. That new mark on your ugly face PROOVES IT! The same color.. AS MY COUSIN!!!
He leaped for me again but Ace turned and kicked him in the face, him flying at the bookshelf, some books falling all around and on Mud. Ace shot a look at me.
"THE TELEGRAPH IS IN MY ROOM!! GET THE DAMN COPS!"
Ace was jumped by Mud as he was flung on the ground, both of them rolling to the tv. I breathed heavily as I ran for the stairs, hearing Mud try to run at me but Ace grabbing his leg and tripping him, Mud throwing a hoof back and punching Ace in the face. I ran smoothly up the stairs, having ran on all fours when I was little was a lot easier than running on two, so this was no sweat, except when you're running from a crazy shit stain.
I saw the telegraph on the table near the only window and ran over to it.
A telegraph? Fuck I don't know how to operate this! How would I even send it to the police station?"
I said to myself, looking all over the boxes and seeing the little thing for what looks like morse code.
"ACE I DON'T KNOW HOW TO WORK THIS!"
I quickly looked down the stairs but saw Mud's face also appear there as well, blood coming from his nose and mouth. Ace's hoof coming into view and tripping him again, and I quickly pulled my head back, looking around the room for something to smack him with. Then I see a lamp.
I rip off the cover and hold it in my hooves, waiting until I see Mud's brown fur. I feel my chest rise as I hold my breath as I hear thumping up the stairs. When I saw brown, I swung, a huge crash happening and I threw the lamp at him, seeing Mud slam up against the wall. I backed up tripping over the lamp cover. As I fell back and pushed myself up, it was to late, Mud jumped on me and held my arms on the ground.
"HE WAS CLOSE TO ME YOU FILTHLY BITCH! YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO GO AND KILL HIM!"
"HE AIN'T DEAD YA CUNT!"
I see his hoof raise and swing. I cringe and feel his hoof collide with my face hard. I've never been punched before, always being the innocent one when younger, and growing up never really faught with anyone, other than just having the thoughts to. He punched hard, my jaw stinging the nerves, my brain getting an instant headache. My jaw quivered from the blow. I slowly opened my eyes just in time to see him swing again. I felt everything go dark for a split second, opening my eyes slowly, seeing the wall, knowing that he punched more on the soft spot on my skull.
I started to cry, feeling something leak out of my mouth, and my tooth ache. I don't know if my tooth was there, but it hurt. He punched, and it went dark again. I could hear before I could see, but I saw 2 ponies loom over me and Mud, and yank him off me, him flailing around to try to get to me to finish me off. I just lay there, my vision blurry and my ears ringing so much that that's all I could hear except the muffled sounds of what seemed to be the cops restraining Mud, and Mud screaming at the top of his lungs.
"Alright alright let's go!"
"Stop kicking you psycho!"
"I'LL COME FIND YOU FUCKER!! I'LL ALWAYS FIND YOU!! I SWEAR YOU'LL BE DEAD! DEAD!!!"
The voices faded away as a new voice came into view. It was Ace. His face was above mine talking to me.. I think. I felt something fall on my face. I think he's crying. Eventually some more ponies surrounded me, seeing white things in their mouths, guess there the medkits, as I feel them touch all around me, searching for more wounds I think. I don't know if I had anymore wounds, or what else Mud did to me, but I didn't care. I saw that they coaxed Ace away for the medics, but he was reaching out to me.
The voices started to fade out more, as my vision got more fuzzy. My eyes rolled in the back of my head, and I was out. |
My Terrible Nightmare | In The Past | ,'Wake Up.',
I jolted awake, my eyes shot open, and all I saw was purple, sitting up fast . Course I wasn't actually awake.
"Uhh, hello?"
I asked, still looking around, but only being surrounded by purple. Eventually I see a black mist float towards me then swirl around in one place, eventually forming in front of me.
,'Ahhh, you're finally awake.. at least awake in my domain.',
He swirled around me, then floating above me and continued.
,'I know your not from the conscious world, I do not feel the power of these, ponies, inside you.',
A mirror floated down in front of me and I.. was human again? I looked down and saw that I was back into my original form, but of course not realistic and in the usual cartoony form.
,'Your friend should have known better to draw a powerful entity on your flank for a cutie mark. So much as cute hm?',
He chuckled as I felt my face.
It seems like it's been months since I was back in my original form. I looked back at him as he floated down behind the mirror and then peeked out.
"Uh.. why'd you bring me here? And why at the point of me getting beat up and passing out?"
,'Well, you see. I wanted to talk to my victim face to face since all I can do is come out and consume people's consciousness's from them. Sure they're still alive, but in a deep, deep sleep.',
He chuckled evilly as I looked from him to the mirror again and straight into my eyes.
,'Besides, it's been a long time since I've been awakened from my own sleep. I need to thank your friend sometime if I can get a hold of him.',
He swirled at me and closed my eyes, feeling a chill as I look back up and seeing my eyes change into a bright purple light, no pupils, my hair starting to float out like there was no gravity.
,'It is a shame that I was thrown into someone that doesn't have any powers, like an alicorn or the chaos lord, what was his name.. oh right.. Discord. But I cannot go near him. He knows of my power, and probably can locate where I am, well for instance you weilding my power.',
"Are you able to do anything about.. like go into another pony?"
,'Sadly no, I'm stuck in your worthless body.',
I frown and roll my eyes.
"Anyways, uhm is this your actual form? I can't remember what Ace told me about your form unless he never did."
He smiled devilishly.
,'And why would you like to know?',
I raised an eyebrow in question.
"Because I'm interested in evil designs of characters.. or uh, things... like you... I suppose."
The last part was mumbled, and my artist and curious side just wanted to see what he looked like actually, instead of just hearing about the details.
,'Hmmm, alright then.',
He floated out from me as I shut my eyes from the weird feeling again and looked back at the mirror, seeing my eyes were back to normal again, but then shooting my gaze at him as he grew bigger, forming more into a pony shape... or maybe not a pony? Defiantly has hooves.. but then his face formed.
His face was sharp, looked like teeth pierced out from his mouth, and what looked like pointy ears, 8 of them, 4 on each side sprawl out, almost the size of his own head. He scratched a sound that made my eyes widen and cover my ears. Since this was part of my mind, the sound went right through my hands, making my ears hurt. He did look pretty cool though.
,'There, happy? Probably better than your form.',
He said as he towered before me. He then leaned his head down towards me.
,'Speaking of which, I haven't seen your species at all before.. and you don't have any dragon features on you at all. No wings, no claws. All you got is stubby fingers',
I'm uhm, a human. And yeah, your right, I'm not from this world, or even the conscious world, outside, where life happens or whatever. I actually came from a portal that opened up in my original home. Magic doesn't even exist in my home, mostly in movies we humans make, which of course isn't real, just what some people call 'television magic'."
,'Worthless that this.. television.. isn't superior in your world with it being fake. Such a shame.',
We then both pay attention to an intense sound happening. I lol up seeing if he was doing it, but he was also shocked of what was happening.. eh sort of.
,'You are going to wake up shortly. Do not talk to anyone about our meeting, or I will do something you will regret.',
I furrow my eyebrows as I see him shrink down into smoke again, and as he flies inside my chest again, everything goes white as I hear what seems to be someone saying something, then things go black.
"Hello in there? Hello- Oh!! Twilight! They're waking up! They're waking up!"
It seems that I hear Pinkie Pie's voice when I stir. That's strange.. I thought Ace would be near me...
"Oh my celestia! ZJ your awake! Are you feeling alright? We heard what happened!"
My eyes... eye?... fluttered open, and I saw half of Twilight, and Pinkie Pie on the right, but I turned my head back at Twilight and saw her fully. I slowly raised my left arm up, abut a shock of pain shot through my arm and hit some nerves in my neck. I made a groaning sound from it.
"The.. the hell happened to me?"
Twilight used her magic to lift a small mirror over to me, and my eye widened, wincing from my left eye trying to widen as well. My head was bandaged, remembering what Mud did to me. Did he really hit me that hard? Well duh I passed out from it. Hopefully my eye doesn't look bad.
I lifted my other arm which didn't hurt, except the spot where Mud held me down, and placed it over my covered eye. I felt like smirking a bit, but the thought left my brain, which was good, because I didn't want to smile with them looking at me with concern, and then looking at me in shock.
"Where's Ace?"
Twilight cocked her head, then blinked her eyes remembering.
"Oh! Your friend! Uhm..."
Her face fell a bit.
..."apparently his father is here as well but a level up from us in the hospital. He told us that then ran to go see him."
"He left once they set you on this bed!"
Pinkie added, putting her hooves up on it next to my leg smiling. It is weird seeing her smile at this point. Somewhat different than me smiling at my probably disfigured face.
I looked at the clock, seeing that it was 4:30 in the morning, then looked back at them.
"I want to go see him."
The girls both looked at each other, Pinkie's happy demeanor falling into a concerned look which I guess was grateful for in this situation of course.
We made it to the room in a few minutes, Pinkie pushing me in a wheelchair as Twilight helped with the IV fluids with her magic. I knocked and heard a quiet...
"Come in."
...from Ace. He didn't sound like himself, which I guess I understood.
Twilight opened the door with her magic and Pinkie pushed me in a bit to see Ace fully. He was sitting in a chair next to the bed of where his father lay, the only sound came from the monitors. I turned my head towards Pinkie and Twilight, then back at Ace.
"Do... do you want me to leave?"
A few seconds pass and I see him shake his head.
"No, but... just you please. I don't want things to get.. overwhelming."
I look back at the two girls and they both nodded, Twilight moving the IV along with me as Pinkie pushed me next to Ace. I thanked them as they quietly left, Twilight shutting the door behind Pinkie. I look at Ace's father. He seems in worse shape than me. I felt like asking him, but of course he seemed like he just needed to be comforted instead of bombarded with questions.
"You remind me of him sometimes."
I heard Ace say, his head turning slightly towards me, but still looking at his father. I felt my pony ears twitch at the fact.
"Oh.. how so?"
It was quiet for a couple seconds again, and he looked at me with tears pouring out his eyes, a small wavy smile on his face.
"Understanding."
He blurted out and threw his arms around me.
Understanding?
I tired thinking of what I did, only remembering this moment with just being quiet and... understanding of the situation. Hmm.. I guess I am.. I mean I wouldn't be like Pinkie with her happiness, but even she knew how to read the room and be sorrowful.
He was crying on me now, and to show that I was more understanding to him, like his fathers I suppose, I gently put my arm around him. I guess that's alright.. or understanding enough.
A few minutes pass, and I feel that he's calming down, leaning back and wiping some tears from his eyes. I pat his back a bit and rubbed it, and it seemed like it soothed him a bit more.
"Can I ask uhm, why he's in here?"
He looked up at me, and then backed at his father, then sighed.
"He's part of the military and... had a bad accident with a bomb. Lost both his legs."
His head was kept a bit low, looking directly at the bottom half of his father, and now as I see it, his legs were short, probably just stubs under there.
"Oh wow.. I'm, I'm sorry to hear."
I didn't know what else to say, so I just sat in silence with him and his father, looking at Ace, his father, then just looking around the room.
What felt like 30 minutes were only a few minutes, as I kept looking around the room, back at his father, then glanced around the room again. I looked back at Ace when he told me something.
"Have you ever been injured baldy?"
I thought for a bit.
"I guess a car accident. But I only had a badly swollen left eye.
I pointed to my eye while looking at Ace still. He turned his head slightly towards me.
"Car?"
I looked at him confused, but then realized this isn't home.
"Oh uhm, carriage I guess?"
"Oh.
He said, nodding slightly then looking back at his father. He then lifted his head up and scooted his chair back slowly and hopped off.
"Lets go. I don't want to disturb his sleep anymore."
He started walking away, the clip clop of his hooves on the dark floor. I got up to, then sat back down again since I was in a wheelchair. Forgot I was a patient here. I never really operated a wheelchair in a while, but eventually it got easier as I placed my IV fluid pole i front of me to where it moved along with me as I rolled out, I looked back to close the door and looked at his father for a second, then closed the door.
"You guys alright?"
Twilight said as I turned back around.
"Oh, uhm, we're alright."
I said, looking back at Ace, and I made a surprised face. He was, not sad anymore. He was.. smiling.
"You still up to go to the Gala tomorrow? Well actually in a few minutes since it's turning to tomorrow soon!"
Pinkie said, smiling a little after she said that.
"I'm fine with going. Hopefully my look doesn't throw anyone off."
I gently rubbed a hoof over my covered eye.
"It'll be alright. Rarity will think of something nice for you otherwise!"
She gave a kind smile.
"Now let's get some more rest before the Gala since we are going back to Rarity's place, if that's alright."
"That sounds nice, I need more sleep anyways."
Pinkie and Twilight smiled and walked me back to my room, Pinkie going behind me and pushing the wheelchair as Twilight helped with the IV.
After they helped me back into bed and closed the door, Ace wanted a few seconds with me alone, and Twilight and Pinkie said their goodbyes and slowly closed the door.
"Hey, uhm, ZJ? Thanks for sitting with me back in my dads room. I just get a weird feeling each time I see him, and I don't even know what to do."
He rubbed the back of his neck in the middle of his sentence.
"Oh of course, I understand."
He gets more close and wraps his arms around me, and I did the same. He pulled away first and then I followed after.
"See ya tomorrow. Gonna be exciting."
I gave him a small smile and nodded in agreenment. He gave me one back and walked towards the door, opening it. Then closing it. |
My Terrible Nightmare | Restful Thoughts | "Hiya ZJ!! You feeling any better?"
Pinkie Pie said right as Rarity opened the door to her boutique, surprising me a bit.
"Oh! Oh uhm.. yeah I'm feeling a bit better. My eye could still use some more rest."
I rubbed my eye gently, it having a patch on it to keep it protected. Rarity invited me inside and closed the door behind. Ace was already there so I walked over to him.
"Hey ZJ! You feeling alright?"
I nodded.
Yeah, just a bit tired.
I sat down next to Ace and Rarity came over with 2 suits held in her magic. One black, and one dark teal.
Hello ZJ! Hello Ace! I have both of your suits right here! For both of you I have a sleek silk satin tuxedo in two colors, dark teal and black!
She floated them each in front of us and Ace grabbed his, Rarity's magic fading out as his did and mine started to drop on the ground but I fumbled and caught it in time before it hit the ground. Rarity bit her lip.
"Oh! Sorry dear! I thought you had that in your magic feild."
"It's alright Rarity."
She smiled kindly and walked to where the other girls were. I looked back at the tux and felt the coat. It was really sleek, course the silk being so as well.
"The color looks really nice! I'm surprised she gave me the black one hah! That color does look good with you anyways."
He smiled sheepishly, and I gave a small one back. After a while of talking, we all packed our clothes and other belongings, except me with just the tux to pack with Ace's things, which he didn't have much anyways.
It took a bit to get to the train but we left on time, everyone sitting in seats close enough. On the way there, the girls talked to me about different things with Twilight asking if I read any good books or FlutterShy talking about how many animals I had as a favorite. After a while we made it there.
Took a few hours and I eventually doze of a bit, leaning against the window. Ace did tap me on the shoulder and I woke up with a jolt, and secretly swiped some drool off my cheek. I felt something pointy poke me on the side of the leg and there was a good pile of candy next to it. Ace said that Pinkie bought some candy and gave everyone some, him putting his back in his bag, and I guess put the rest of mine in his back as well.
"Hm."
I croaked out, looking up where the castle was.
"Doesn't it look awesome!!"
Pinkie said, hopping out of the train with her bags on her back.
"It looks alright."
I said in a low, quiet monotone voice.
Pinkie looked at me and put a hoof under her chin, squinting her eyes.
"Hmmm you remind me of someone. Oh! My sister, Maud Pie! Only difference is is that you show a liiiitle bit more emotion and enthusiasm than here, even though she shows a ton deep inside! Oh give me a second!"
She raised her hooves above my head and pulled my hair and tail down, both surprisingly flatten and go straight, looking like Maud's hair style.
"Ha! Now you look just like her. *GASP* Another sibling!! Hurray!!"
She pulled me in for a hug, air escaping my mouth. I see AppleJack turn towards us.
"Pinkie Pie, be careful! Remember they just came out of the hospital today."
"Oopsie! Sorry ZJ!"
She said, ruffling my hair to where it wasn't really back to my normal hair, but I shook my head and fixed it a bit to make it go back to my messy normal style.
It took a bit to walk up to the entrance, but once we walked up to the doors, they opened up and Princess Celestia was there to greet us.
"Hello Princess!"
Twilight said. Ace jumped a bit and bowed down. He looked a bit nervous, guess I could understand that much. Anyways all ponies do it I suppose. I see him peek up towards me, and then shyly lift his head up chuckling nervously.
"Hello Twilight. Hello to her other friends as well."
She said calmly, seeing her gaze go towards me and Ace's, giving us a kind smile. I feel myself nod and feel a corner of my lip go into a small smile.
"I'll have you all shown to your rooms and prepare for the gala in 2 hours. I have a feeling you all are tired from the trip."
Everyone nodded, I just kind stood there just wanting to lay down. I start looking around, zoning out and just looking at huge tapestries hanging on the wall, a few of defeating monsters a lot of the princesses and the Mane 6.
I felt something tap my shoulder and I see Ace nodding towards the group moving towards where the bedrooms were. The girls were talking about what to do and what to see during the gala as me and Ace just walked silently, until Ace turns to me and leans in slightly.
"You alright? You haven't really said anything somewhat during the trip here and in front of the Princess. You nervous?"
I just look at him, then back at the ground. I'm believe I'm having one of those weird mood changes, and didn't feel like talking. I shrugged and grunted as my response.
"Oh. Uh, okay."
He lifted his head back up, and we both continued to follow behind the Mane 6.
After what seems like hours... me and Ace pass the rooms where the girls get split up into 3 rooms, each having 2 occupants, and me and Ace going into the room where I see FlutterShy and Twilight go into. Ace places the bag he had and the extra suitcase he had with out clothes in it at the end of a bed.
I walk over to the other bed and throw myself on top, laying there without saying anything except for a grunt when I make contact with the bed.
"Hey I'm tired now to but.. can you please help me put these away so they don't get wrinkly when we get to wear them later on? Uhm.. please?"
He said, leaning around to see if he can see my face. I lift my head up to where my chin is resting on the covers and I slump backwards to the ground.
"Uhh, okay. Yeah alright."
I stood up still looking at the ground, shaking my head a bit, but then walking over and grabbing the hangers with my teeth and walk over to a rack and hopped up on my back legs and try reaching up to place them on it. I then eventually take them in my hooves and toss them up, them clanking on the bar.
There. Done.
I thought. I then turned towards Ace and he was placing the rest of his hints on and in the dresser. I walk over to the bed and climb up, laying down, but keeping my head up. I felt myself gazing at his cutie mark.
"Hey Ace?"
He turned around with a cursious look.
"How'd you get your cutie mark?"
He raised his eyebrows a bit, and then a smile appeared on his face as he placed a brush on the dresser top.
"I've always wondered when you'd ask me that."
He said, walking over and sitting with me, laying down on his stomach.
"It is quite interesting as what my parents told me.. uhm, mother.. told me..."
He shook his head a bit then continued.
"I was just a kid.. maybe 5 years old? But uhm, it was during the flyers competition, I was flying with an old friend of mine, Lightning Strike. Around the 3rd lap, I felt something start tingling in my flank, but I kept going. Strike tried keeping up with me, but for some reason he said that I was going too fast then apparently caught up with me, only it wasn't me, but a shadow of myself that was a few hooves behind me! I eventually outflew him and passed the finish line. Strike said when he saw me hard stop the shadow flew back where my body was and it was gone, then he landed next to me screaming out that I got my cutie mark, pointing at my flank. I was so happy I started doing loops in the air and accidentally face planted into a cloud with my hooves sticking out."
I saw Ace have a dazed smile on his face, then seem to come back to himself like he just finishing gazing at a memory in the air.
"I know I tried doing it again and I only got the chance to do it another time, but then went to fast and sprained my wing. The doc told me if I exercised my wings enough it wouldn't have happened. Eventually I took so much time recovering that I just kind of gave up trying that trick again. Eventually went to college for 2 years to see if I could go into a job that I wanted."
He stretched and bit then crossed his hooves.
"Did you get the job?"
His smiled disappeared, then looked away.
"I dropped out because.. because of my dad."
I sat there looking at him. I looked around the room figuring out what to say, but he eventually spoke.
"Well.. uhm. You can rest now if you want. I'm just.. going to take a shower."
He slipped down off the bed and walked towards the bathroom, me watching him walk away and I just lay down on the bed, my eyes eventually closing as the sound of the shower drifts off.
"ZJ? ZJ! ZJ wake up it's time to get ready!"
Before I woke up I saw bits of purple swarming around in darkness. I shot my eyes open and scurried to my feet.. hooves.. and jumped off the bed.
"Ehhh you don't have to rush that much.. Rarity just informed that they were gonna go to the castles spa and get ready there, and more with getting ready with their hairstyles and whatnot. You wanna go or..?"
I halted my action then turned around, thinking.
"I guess we can go.. yeah."
I smiled slightly and turned my gaze back towards the suits and walked up to them. I remembered that I was a unicorn. Ace was busy brushing his feathers, so I tried to concentrate on trying to see if I can pick up the clothes with my magic. My forehead felt a bit tingly as I hear the sound of my magic trying to activate, the slightest turquoise light showing above my head. I think Ace saw me since I heard a small gasp, but I kept my focuse on the suits. They started to flash with magic around the hanger and I thought about lifting them up. I saw them slightly lift up.
Damn I feel like I'm gonna get a headache from this, I'm already clenching my teeth! Shit I better stop then.
I let out a large grunt and put a hoof to my head where the pain was, and my magic fizzled out, the hangers making a small clank sound. I then looked over at Ace which a shocked and appalled look, then gave me a kind smile.
"We can try to work on that later. Maybe Princess Twilight can help during the whole hair stuff?"
I nodded rubbing the back of my neck, and Ace flew over and grabbed the hangers and we both headed our way to the spa.
It took us a while to find it but a guard was able to help us to the area, all the girls looking up.
"Oh good! You guys are here! Come! Sit, sit! The dressers will help you with your suits and hair if you guys would like a new hairstyle for the occasion."
Rarity said waving at us then pointing at 2 empty chairs. We both walked over there and sat down, and 2 stations came over with surprisingly colored coats and hair. The one Ace had his coat was pastel yellow almost like FlutterShy's, but his hair was nice bright red, and his body looked a bit bulky. So was mine as well but a bit more taller, his coat a bluish grey and his hair was white with a few light blue stripes, both earth ponies.
"How can we help you today, good sir?"
He said politely.
Wow, I've never been called sir before.
I silently smiled, mostly at myself. I am Non-Binary, but I don't really care if I'm called either pronouns, unless people call me an 'it' like a few times.. but that's a different story. I thought about that instead of the next works to say.
"I.. I uhm.. we'll what's the usual to get pampered and uh, stuff?"
He looked at me with a straight face except lifting an eyebrow up. I gave him a nervous smile.
"Darling we all need the best when going to the Gala! Both of you will get the full pampering experience! Good sirs, please give them the Extravagant Spa Massage! Thank you!"
Rarity said as me and Ace looked at her, then back at each other. The 2 male ponies nodded and proceeded with the 'extravagant spa massage'. The guy asked for my hoodie and I took it off, him taking it and folding it nicely and placing it on a small table behind me, then walked over to a cart and brought it over.
There were brushes, files for hooves, some types of cream, and some things on the bottom that I couldn't really see to clearly.
"Lay down and relax. I'll be starting the hoofacure."
He said, his hoof tapping the back part of the lounge chair and I laid back. Hopefully this doesn't feel weird. He grabbed the file and went over to my back hooves, gently grabbing one and pressing the file put against it. Surprisingly it felt nice, so I just looked up at the ceiling and closed my eyes.
"Guess this is your first time going to the gala?"
I heard Ace say and I opened my eyes.
"Yeah it is. Is it yours as well?"
"Ehh kind of? I guess from what I can remember my parents brought me here when I was a colt. I don't really remember anything that went on during it."
I nodded and made a small grunting sound informing that I was still listening. I then felt something cold on my back hooves and looked down, the dresser pony putting a type of cream on them, probably just making them smoother, guess like cream for dry cracked skin. After that he moved to my front hooves and started filing them. I closed my eyes again, and let the process continue is course. |
My Terrible Nightmare | Gala Time | "GALA TIME WHOO HOO!!"
Pinkie Pie called out, jumping around after the doors flew open. For some reason seeing all the ponies and crowed areas made me shrink back behind Ace. He turned his head me.
"You okay ZJ?"
I looked at him then darted my gaze back at the crowd.
"Uhm looks a bit overwhelming."
I shook my head a bit violently for a second to try to get her nerves away, but it didn't work.
Ace looked around the room and saw a table with no one there. He tapped my shoulder and nodded to the table, me closely following behind. I quickly scooted myself on one of the chairs facing towards the rest of the room.
My hair was styled from how I usually have it so I didn't have any coverage for my anxiety to hide my face.
"Hey ZJ, I'm gonna go talk to somepony over there if you need anything."
I nodded and smiled a little, then dropped it as he turned around and walked away. I put my hoof under my chin and rested my head on it, looking around the room. There was a lot of colorful ponies here. I see Twilight talking to some ponies, one blue colored, and one white with pink hair, and a yellow pony with blue hair.
Suppose they're friends.
My eyes darted around, looking at them all and hearing all the talking and chill cello music in the background. I have seemed to zone out almost not feeling something tap my shoulder. I look over to my left where I felt it and no one is next to me. Confused, I smelled something sweet and turned back towards the table seeing a pink cupcake in front of me.
Did someone give this to me?
I looked at the cupcake, then felt another tap on my other shoulder and shot my gaze towards my right, seeing no one. I moved my eyes, then my head towards the table, seeing a chocolate cupcake next to the pink one. I placed my hooves a bit forcefully on the table looking at both of them. I though about looking back instantly when I felt another tap.
A few seconds pass and I felt a tap on my back. I turned them quickly looked back, seeing a white blue fly upwards and leaving a blue cupcake next to the other 3. I stared at the cupcake, then slowly looked up.
"Ahhhh! Ya cought me!!
Said the white pegasus. As they flew down, I see that their fur was not white, but a really light blue hue to it.
"You looked lonely over here so I thought of giving you some cupcakes to cheer you up! I was try'na be funny with making the cupcakes appear in front of you! Was it funny? I hope it was!"
I was surprised about their enthusiasm, kind of like Pinkie's but maybe a bit less.
"So what are you doing here by yourself? You look so dressed up but you aren't mingling! Oh! I could help with that, if you don't mind. I know it takes me a while to do it myself but I slightly get the handle of talking to ponies. But anyways let's start over. Hi! The names Cherry Shine! What's yours?"
They held out their hoof, and I slowly lifted mine up and placed it on theirs.
"ZJ."
"Ooooh! That's a cool name! What does it stand for?"
I looked around a bit nervously and shrugged. Cherry seemed to make a softer face.
"Sorry if I surprised you! Like I said you just looked lonley over here. I'd like to be friends if you don't mind. Anyways, imma go back to handing out cupcakes to every pony! See ya around friendo!"
Cherry said, flapping their wings and waving, flying over to the sweets table.
Would be nice to have another friend.
,'Indeed.',
I jumped a bit. The voice to familiar to be a friendly one.
"What... what are you doing here. Don't you only come out when I'm dreaming? Or catching an innocent pony?!"
I shielded myself behind the table, putting a hoof in front of my face for extra coverage.
,'Yesss, but I finally have enough power to talk to you from your mind. Hope you don't, mind, it.',
Cyrobe chuckled. I shook my head and tapped it a bit hard.
"Get out! I don't want any attention drawn to me!"
I grit my teeth and then flinched as I heard Twilight call out my name.
"ZJ? Are you alright?"
I turn around and smile, trying to play off what just happened. I felt a headache wipe across my brain, and I saw a slight purple hue glaze over my eyes, and I think Twilight saw as she cocked her head a bit. I shut my eyes and rub my head.
"Im fine I'm just uh, tired! Hah, yeah! Would you like a cupcake?"
I shoved the cupcakes closer to her still trying to smile. She smiled a bit and took the chocolate one.
"Well if your doing alright, Pinkie Pie set up a pinata in that corner over if you wanna join her and the others! I see that Ace is there. Why don't you go join him?"
I look around and nod, hoping this will calm the damn curse in me.
"Hopefully ZJ is alright. Hopefully that purple in their eyes didn't seem.. eh, right."
I think I heard Twilight say something, but I just trudged on towards Ace, Cherry, Marble as well which Ace probably found when he walked away from the table I was at, and the others. I kept seeing purple start glazing over my eyes and I shook my head, tapping a bit forcefully, glancing over at some ponies that were looking at me and I just stood up straight and smiled, picking up the pace. I kept glancing over at other ponies hopefully they won't see me how I'm acting and of course I bump into Pinkie.
"Oh! ZJ! Your just in time to hit the pinata! Rainbow Dash is going right now but you can go after her! Uhm.. you feeling okay?"
I was a bit dazed but blinked a few times looking up at her.
"Huh what? Oh uhm, yeah I'm fine."
"Good! Because it's your turn now!"
She got the stick back and tossed it in my arms and shoved me to the pinata.
"Have at it!"
She smiled and hopped backwards out of the way. Everyone's eyes were placed on me, even some more ponies walking up and seeing it. Pinkie smiled and move her hoof to the pinata. It's been a while since I've hit one before. I stood on my back legs and held the stick. I started to swing my arms behind me, feeling a small headache, and shook it off, rearing up again and smacked the pinata. A hole appeared and one piece came out.
"Come on ZJ! Hit it hard than that!"
Shadow Ace cheered. I reared up again and I saw some purple cover my eyes and I shut them tight, swinging it a bit harder than last, 3 more pieces coming out of the hole, and the hole opening a bit more. I hunched over slightly opening my eyes the purple filing my vision again, and a deep laughter started to fill my ears. I feel my breath quicken, the corner of my eyes tingle as purple slowly leaks out. I look up at the pinata, and it slowly turns into Cyrobe laughing. I clench my eyes and grit my teeth.
"GAAAHHH!! GET AWAY FROM ME!!"
I reared up, still having purple in and pouring down my eyes, and swing at Cyrobe, the pinata getting ripped of the string and flew all the way to the wall, cracking and opening up, the children all running over there blinded by getting candy.
I threw the stick down and landed on all fours, taking one up and covering my forehead. I feel a hoof on my shoulder and tiredly look up, the laughter quietly dying down to hear Ace's voice.
"Oh my gosh, ZJ! Are.. are you alright?!"
I shake my head trying to get the headache out of my head then look back up at Ace and my eyes widen. I see Cyrobe appear behind Ace, his mouth started to open up. I started to breathe heavily.
"I.. I NEED A BREAK!"
I pulled away from Ace and ran towards the nearest exit, where Twilight and Pinkie were, Ace trying to follow suit, but Twilight put a hoof out.
"I know you're friends with them, but give ZJ a bit to relax by themselves."
"Don't want their mind going all loopy goopy on ya!"
Pinkie added grinning, but then making it smaller realizing that the moment wasn't really cheerful. Ace looked back to where I ran off, the door closing shut.
I found myself collapsed at the gardens fountain, thankfully far away from the gala and secluded area with tall hedges surrounding it. I had my hooves on the top of my head breathing hard, tears starting to fall down my cheeks, hearing Cyrobe whisper about talking lives and taking over Equestria.
"Stop stop stop STOP STOP!!! I don't want to hear this anymore!"
I shook my head and slammed the side of the fountain. I looked back at my reflection in the water and saw myself looking miserable. Cyrobe chuckled and disappeared, finally getting quiet. I then placed my arms up and put my head on them, looking at the water still.
"Well well, didn't know the weird power came from.. a pony."
My head shot up, thinking it was Cyrobe, but this voice didn't seem echoey and deep. I turned around, trying to see if anyone was around, which there wasn't, and turned back around looking in the water, but then seeing a crown on my head. My eyes widened slightly. Eyes popped out of the front and I jumped and tossed it in the water, but then, he appeared. He rises out of the water and glares at me.
"Throwing a delicate crown that might be valuable to gain tons of bits from? Impossible!"
He spun his entire body like a wet towel around making water leak out, then spinning back to his normal self. He then cocked his head, probably looking at my cutie mark and smiled.
"Oooh I called it! I knew I felt Cyrobe's deranged power come out once again, hahah! The names Discord, Lord of Chaos, but guess things have changed."
He snapped his fingers and I suddenly felt dizzy, slowly rising up, my chest feeling pressure on it and a black mist came out, my ass stinging as the cutie mark peeled off and slapped right on the side of Cyrobe, the cutie mark getting covered up with his black mist. I then get tossed back, getting thrown on the ground about 2 feet.
"What are you doing in this pony here? Wouldn't you have tried, I don't know.. probably getting one of the princesses?"
"To be honest Lord of Chaos, I was minding my own business ruling over a big kingdom when I was summoned by a pegasus into this, barely called a unicorn, pony."
They both looked at me as I scrunched away from them, then looked back at one another.
"Oh trust me Cyrobe you'd be better in that world than staying in this colorful pony realm. I'll deal with this little one here."
He snapped his fingers as a portal opened up and Cyrobe slithered in the portal, it disappearing. He turned around and saw me creeping away almost out of site from a hedge. His body flashed as he appeared with cowboy attire and spun a lasso around and tossed it my way, it wrapping tightly around my waist as I get dragged back to his spot and he glared down at me.
"How did a pony like you with barely any power get a being like him into you? Kind of absurd, really. Speaking of which I feel you don't have much power from your energy at all really."
He pulled a magnifier from behind his back and looked me over with it.
"In fact I've never seen you around here before? Where are you from? Oh wait! Don't tell me! Are you from Mainehattan? Cloudsdale? Phillydelphia?"
As he said those places, a few suitcases appeared next to me and 2 hats appeared on my head as well as a trench coat appeared on my body, and flags from each place were placed in my hoof.
"I uhm, I don't remember. I kind of, guess literally fell out of the sky?"
I shrugged a bit as the 2 hats fell into my face covering one of my eyes.
"Ha just like my cousin 4th time removed and then added with some slinkies!"
3 more of him appeared and all their bodies were slinkies. They then bounced away. I put down the flags and shook of the hats, then taking off the trench coat.
"So did you come here to just get rid of Cyrobe or was there anything else you wanted to do."
After I looked away from the junk around me I looked up at him but then turned my head around trying to find where he went. Apparently he was in my hoodie and wrapped around me, then looked at me, waiting for an answer.
"Uhm, we'll my friend accidentally painted the cutie mark on me since I don't have one."
"Wow! A grown pony with no cutie mark? That's a shocker! I would gladly give you one but it would keep disappearing so, yeah."
He opened up a jacket that appeared on him and I saw many cutie marks, 2 being both Celestia's and Luna's mark, but then he closed his jacket up and made the jacket disappear, slithering off me and standing up. He dusted off himself as I walked over to the fountain and sat down, sighing out, facing down. |
My Terrible Nightmare | Wondering Wonders | Discord turned around, seeing me quiet and unmoving.
"Whats wrong? Sad that your evil friend had to go?"
I felt him glide towards me, hovering above me. I shook my head.
"Well if your not going to talk about it, how can I, Discord, your new friend help you? Can't help when you've gone mute."
I felt like he smiled while talking, another flash and I'm holding an umbrella, with the rain coming down from inside the 'brella, getting me all wet. I wasn't having it and tossed the upbrella away, it landing on its side and and raining sideways, Discord moving away before the water hitting him. He rolled his eyes and snapped his fingers, the umbrella going away as well as the wetness on my body.
"Goodness me, you remind me of Twilight when I took over her home town and all of her friends were a lost cause. Oh that was the funny days."
He smiled laughing a bit, looking back down at me then frowning.
"Are you even listening to what I'm saying? You probably have the best life not having to deal with an evil creature. Unless dealing with one would make you happy hm?"
Before he could snap his fingers, I knew that he'd probably snap a monster to attack me or someshit so I yelled out before it could of happened.
"NO NO NO NO! I don't need that right now. I just.. I don't know what's wrong. I mean thanks for getting that thing away from my body but I still feel miserable. You probably won't know what to do anyways so.."
Discord put a finger under his chin in though and rolled his eyes.
"Ugh fine. It's not like I've done this before."
He snapped his fingers and a ton of bags with yellow coins appeared under me, my height reaching Discord's.
"Uhh what do I need these for?"
Discord raised an eyebrow.
"These are bits. You should know what bits are!"
Oh right. Isn't this money? I do need a new place though but.. that place isn't open near Ace so.. what's the point.
I still looked down and Discord snapped his fingers again, small puppies replacing the bits.
"What about some puppies? Surely puppies will make you happy, hm?"
As the puppies gave me some happiness, I shook my head.
"These won't really lift my spirits. To be honest working for it makes it more better to receive."
I smiled awkwardly and Discord groaned, snapping his fingers and everything disappearing.
"Ugh now your acting like AppleJack. Twilight now AppleJack. You going to act like Rainbow Dash next? I'll be a step ahead for that!"
A snap of his fingers and my color schemes changed to Rainbow Dash's to where my fur was sky blue and my hair rainbow. I widened my eyes as I grabbed a piece of my hair in front of my face then swatted it away, it falling back into its place. I shook my head.
"Alright Discord, thanks for all of this but I don't really need anything else! I have good friends, a place to stay in Twilight's castle, not to mention I'm not even from this place and everyone is so nice to me I don't know what to do or say! IT'S CONFUSING!"
I yelled the last part, stopping my front hooves in frustration. Discord backed up slightly at my outburst, then looked away then back, raising an eyebrow.
"Alright. I don't want to get in the middle of your mess then. If you do need any more chaos in your life. Give me a call."
He then snapped his fingers and disappeared, I looked down in sorrow then furrowed my brows.
"DISCORD!"
I yelled out, and he reappeared in front of me. He looked at me with an eyebrow raised, then raised them both as I looked at him angrily.
"What?"
I then lifted one of my eyebrows, leaning my head down to look at myself then back at him. He rolled his eyes and snapped his fingers, my color going back to my brown shades.
"To be honest, you looked better with her colors."
He said floating up and sitting in the air, closing his eyes and turning his head, snapping his fingers and disappearing.
"ZJ? Is that you?"
I shook my head and saw a shadow, the hair making it clear that Ace was coming around the corner. I scurried towards the fountain and sat in front of it, right when Ace appeared around the corner.
"ZJ? You doing alright? That was kind of a show you pulled there, huh?"
He chuckled after it, sounding nervous. He then made a small gasp.
"Your cutie mark! It's gone!"
I looked over and looked at my side, seeing it blank. I shrugged and shook my head, turning back around.
"It's fine. I don't have to cause people pain anymore."
I laid my head on the side of the fountain, Ace coming around and sitting next to me, an eyebrow raised.
"Hurting.. people?"
Ponies! I've been hurting ponies.. b-but on accident!"
I shot my head back up looking at Ace after the last part.
"Apparently when you painted the mark on me a mid evil creature found itself inside my mind and started to take peoples souls. So far I've only taken one. Mud's brother or cousin or whatever."
I shooed at the air as I explained, cooped my arms up and placing my head on them. Ace sighed.
I kind of uh.. knew about that."
He winced as I lifted my head up and glared at him.
"B-B-but!! But not on purpose. since I thought it was a thousand years later I thought he was to old to poses someone, mostly just thought he wasn't real anyways."
I looked down at him, the put my head back down. Ace looked up at the setting sun. He then had an idea.
"This might be an obvious answer but, have you ever been in the sky?"
I slowly turned my head to him, my head still resting on my arms but my eyes looking up at him. I shook my head.
"No. I haven't."
"Would you like to, y'know, go up there?"
I took a moment to think. I have been in the sky, just not, out of a plane. Plane. My.. other life. Damn. How long has it been since I came here? 4.. 5 days?
"It's okay if you don't want to, I know it's pretty up high for a unicorn-"
"No no! I uhm, I'd like to go up there. It's seems fun."
I smiled shyly, and Ace smiled back, him standing up and back, his wings flailing open and take position low, able for me to hop on. I get up and walk to where he is, looking at his back, then at his face.
"It's alright, I don't mind, I used to fly my brother around before he was able to fly himself. And I don't mind the weight, makes me get stronger!
He smiled triumphantly as I climbed on carefully. I angled myself to where his wings were able to flap with out slapping my legs.
"Alright ZJ. Hold on!"
His wings flapped hard and away we flew, I felt myself cling to his neck and rest my head on his neck to be more stable. From the side of Ace's head I see that we start to fly next to a building, the windows passing by as I see ponies inside. I felt my eye bandage rip off my eyes, forgetting that it was even still on my eye, but it was to late to even turn around to grab it, unsure where it was going to land.
"You can look if you want. The view looks awesome!"
The air did feel nice, and I slowly lifted my head up. Landscapes don't really fascinate me, but since I was in this.. pony world, the sun was almost passed the line of the horizon, and my eyes go wide slightly, feeling the wind go by my ears and into my hair, my ponytail wiping around, as well as my pony tail protruding from my butt bone.
This seems, surprisingly peaceful.
I thought. Looking around the ground, seeing the castle from a high view. I held on more tight as Ace turned slowly, starting to circle around the castle, then close to a waterfall next to it. We got so close to it to where I could touch the water, reaching my hoof out and feeling it splash. I felt myself smile, a big one this time than the other times I've smiled here.
Is this what feeling free feels like? Not worrying about much and just, living? This is to real for it to be a dream. Probably known that since I got attacked and felt it.
I shook my head at the last thought, and drew my hoof away as we flew around and down to the castle's gardens where we flew off from. He gently landed next to the fountain so I can easily get off and hop off his back and sit on the dye of the fountain. I then stood up on my back legs and fumbled a bit, Ace turning around and catching me.
"Whoa there! You alright?"
"Y-yeah, I'm fine. Just getting my land legs back."
He smiled as he looked at me, his eyes concentrating on mine. I was getting an awkward feeling, our eyes staying on each others. I then felt him get slightly close..
.."Ace? Did you find ZJ?"
We both whipped our heads around, hearing a familiar voice turn the corner of the hedge. It was Twilight, followed by Rainbow Dash, and Cherry. I quickly scramble to my hooves, my mouth going into a thin line. At the corner of my eye, I saw Ace blink quickly, then shake his head, brining his gaze back up to the others.
"Oh good! We found you guys!"
Cherry said jumping at me, flapping his wings to get a little bit more in the air and landed on me, sending me to the ground. He picked me up and hugged me, taking some wind out.
"When you didn't come back from looking for ZJ, Cherry decided for us to go find you guys."
Rainbow Dash said, landing next to Twilight. Cherry nodded enthusiastically.
"Yeah, yeah! And loooook, I save a cupcake for you! Chocolate!"]
Cherry reached behind him and pulled out a big chocolate cupcake. I was getting pretty hungry, so I took it and took a bit out of it.
"Wow, this tastes really good. Thanks."
I said, giving a smile. Cherry reached a hoof out and patted my head, the cupcake hitting my nose and left some frosting. Cherry stopped as I looked over at him but then reached one of mine and scooped up a small piece for frosting and bopped it on Cherry's chin and smirked. We all started laughing. Twilight smiled and Dash looked over.
"Guess he can make friends after all huh?"
She said, nudging Twilight's shoulder. Twilight chuckled.
"Yes, Dash. Yes." |
My Terrible Nightmare | Secret Dwelling | Me, Ace, and Cherry all walked into the ball room laughing and chuckling, following Twilight and Rainbow Dash right behind.
"Hey ZJ! I know a bomb ass place we can go to after this party if your up for it, or now if ya wanna ditch the fancy getup?"
Cherry said, facing and nudging me in the ribs lightly. thought a bit. This place does seem a bit uptight, which I don't find myself really staying here at all much longer really.
"I guess so, I am getting a bit tired. Would be nice to wake up a bit."
"Ha sweet! Those suits do look expensive, so I guess you'll go back up to your room and get out of it huh?"
Cherry said, looking back and forth between my and Ace's clothes. Ace nodded.
"Yeah, Rarity made them for us. Pretty nice actually."
"That's why she's the element of generosity!"
Cherry replied back chuckling. I just chuckled a little. Eventually Cherry told us to meet him right back here, and he'll take us to the 'bomb ass place' he was talking about. We got back up to the room and neatly placed the tuxedo's on our beds and
slipped on my hoodie, then walked back down, seeing Cherry near the entrance.
"You guys ready to go? And hey! Nice hoodie!"
Cherry looked down and bopped my shoulder.
"Oh yeah, Ace got it for me."
I looked over at him, and he smiled, acting a bit shyly. I kinda smirked back, and Cherry snapped us out of our stare.
"COOL! Well, lets get goin' shall we? The place just opened 2 hours ago, goes until 3 in the morning which is pretty sick!"
Cherry started hopping a way, me and Ace following closely behind.
"Where is this place if I may ask?"
I asked, Cherry seized his hopping and looked towards me, continuing the walking instead.
"This is just a few trots out of the castle. I've been there many times to the point a lot of people know me, including the staff of course! Might want to work there if I wanna, but I already got a nice job."
Cherry explained. I nodded in response and grunted out for one as well.
"What's your job? Is it weather duty?"
Cherry whipped his head around and looked at me, making a scrunched version of a smile and smirk.
"Nahhhh, not every pegasus does 'weather' duty. My family actually owns a cherry farm. It's really neat actually. You should come by some time so I can show ya the ropes!"
"Oh yeah, I'd love to go. I've been to AppleJacks' apple farm and it seemed pretty cool."
"Yeah but that's apples! You're gonna love the cherry harvesting we do. Would you.. wanna try helping out sometime? Would love a friend to work and hang out with."
"Oh, uhm' yeah, I'll give it a shot."
"Sweet! never really had a magic user on the farm before! Gonna love how you harvest the cherries! Mother would be flabbergasted!"
My eyebrows furrowed, my head going down slightly, turning my head a bit towards Ace's direction and seeing him frown. We eventually made it to the bar. Seeing the neon sign saying 'Salty Lick' with booming music being heard.
"We made it! You ready to get your hooves shook and dancin' hard?"
Cherry jumped and looked at me and Ace.
"Ha yeah, I'll try my best!"
"Awesome! Go find a booth, I'll get some drinks going so we can party!"
Cherry flapped his wings a couple times while saying that, then skipped away to the bar, me and Ace finding a nice booth and scooching in. I nodded my head to the beat. Haven't heard good music in a while, and this was dubstep. The DJ was a white coated mare with a blinding blue mane. Vinyl.. I think was her name.
"Wow, I haven't been to a place like this in a bit! love to come back where whenever we come to Canterlot again."
I smiled at his reply, continuing to bop my head with the music. I felt him scoot a bit closer.
"You don't seem like the dancing type. Surprised you wanted to come here."
I shrugged a bit.
"Eh yeah, I mean, I don't usually go ape shit in the dance floor, unless I get really drunk."
I said it a louder tone, course with the music blasting all around us, we can still hear each other, but of course some part will get slightly muffled out. Cherry came back with to drinks in hand.. hoof.. and placed them in front of me and Ace. I looked down and the drink seemed to be a weird purple hue to it.
"Drink up! This one's called Midnight Malice!"
Me and Ace looked at the drinks, then looked up at each other. I made a smirk and slid my hoof into the cup handle, and Ace did the same, us clinking them together, chugging it down. This drink was dangerous. I didn't taste any of the alcohol, so I'd never know how much alcohol was in there. Ace stopped drinking, but I kept going, drinking it all in one go, slamming the cup down and seeing shocked expressions on both Ace and Cherry. I wiped my mouth on my sleeve and made an awkward smile. Cherry then smiled widely.
"HELL YEAH ZJ!!!"
Cherry screamed out, sticking a hoof out for a fist bump, well a hoof bump, and I hoof bumped him back! He tapped the table, saying he'd get more, and went on his way. Ace was still looking at me astonished.
"Sorry! I just tasted really good, kind of like candy! Like uh... Fruit By The Foot!"
"What? Oh! You mean Fruit By The Hoof! Yeah, my little brother loves those things! You getting tipsy already? What's even a foot?"
I chuckled slightly, course still having human knowledge in my head.
"Nah, just being funny I guess haha!"
I put a hoof on Ace's shoulder, laughing it out, and he laughed it out as well. Minutes later, Cherry got back and put 2 more drinks a little on my side, seeing that Ace's cup was still a bit full.
"Lets take another go! Ace keep up your pace dude!"
Cherry called out, Ace smirking slightly. He seemed like Cherry was annoying him slightly, but he grabbed his cup again, Cherry counting down and all of us chugging it down, Ace actually getting it all down. Cherry cheered at Ace, and I did as well, Ace feeling a bit more better.
"You guys can get more liquor if you want, drinks on me! I'mma go mingle with some friends of mine I see! Catch ya later!"
He finished a few drops from his drink and placing it on the table, hopping away, looking to see he was heading towards a purple pegasus mare. Ace let me finish his drink, seeing that he wasn't really in the mood to drink, and I guess to be sober enough to take me back to the room since it was a bit of ways away. More minutes passed, me jamming out in the booth, feeling more tipsy by the moment, Ace keeping a close eye on me. I then see 2 mares walking towards me, a yellow one, and a red one, both unicorns.
"Hey you two! We saw you both across the room and were wondering if you'd like to come dance with us, hm?"
The red unicorn said. They both seemed to have lustful eyes. Ace seemed a bit cautious, but my tipsy mind didn't want to make anyone feel bad, so I smiled at her.
"Oh hey!! I could possibly dance with ya but-"
She and the other mare both slid into the booth, the mares on each side of us, trapping us in the middle.
"That's alright darling. Sitting here is good enough for me and Lyla."
She looked over at her friend, both of them chuckling. Lyla placed her hoof on Ace's shoulder.
"Would you like to dance with us?"
She fluttered her eyelashes at him, and he seemed a bit uncomfortable, glancing over at me. I was distracted of course, the red mare putting her head on my shoulder, seeming to nuzzle me.
"Wa'ss your name?"
"The names Crimson. What about you sweetie?"
"Mmm, ZJ."
"Hmmm, well ZJ, I'm going to dance, come with me please? I'll be soooo lonely without you, hm?"
She said getting up slowly, hesitating to get her butt off the cushion then looking behind her and at me, then walking slowly away. In my mind I just wanted to party, so I started scooting out of the booth, heading off with her. Ace was a bit sad, me not knowing of course, him stuck with Lyla starting to nudge up against him. I didn't really remember much after that, having small memories of me staring at the ground, looking at Vinyl, putting my head under Ace's chin, and then the castle entrance.
"Aaacceeeee."
"What."
"Aaaaceeeeee."
"What is it ZJ?"
"I'm hungrryyyy."
"Yes I know, you said that 5 times in the past 10 minutes. That's all you keep saying. Also can you please walk on all fours? It's kind of hard when you walk on 2 legs."
"Whaaaat? I've always walked like this."
I lifted my arm off of his back and started walking on my 2 back legs, stumbling away and eventually falling into a patch of flowers. Ace rolled his eyes and sighed, trudging over and lifting me up. I looked at Ace, his face concerning. My mind couldn't register much around me, but I felt sad, my eyes slowly closing. I think I heard Ace call out to me, but everything sounded muffled, my head eventually falling to the side, and passing out.
It feels like I wake up, but I'm in a forest. I feel taller and look down, sure enough, I'm back being a human. I start to hear growls, my eyes darting around. Out of nowhere, a shadow with a terrifying face popped up right in front of me. I don't mind a good scare, but something about this face was not right. I fell down and scurried away, getting up on my feet and running as fast as I could. I could feel the presence of the creature right behind me, but when looking back it's not there. I then feel more creatures appear behind me, but of course looking back I see nothing. I looked back just in time to see a huge hole, stopping instantly. I hear my heart beat. I can only hear my heart beat. I look around frantically, those creatures soon appearing slowly. I feel the heel of my foot touch the edge, and quickly pull away, some part of the cliff falling off and falling into the void. My heart beat got faster and my legs felt weak. I fell on the side of my legs, keeping the front of my body up with my arms pressing against the ground. Tears starts to fill my eyes, but then, a flash of light comes out of nowhere. After it, I look up, tears still pouring out of my eyes. A silhouette of a pony appeared in the sky, with wings, and a horn. She landed hard and zapped the creatures away with a light. They disappeared. She turned and faced towards me.
"You, aren't a pony, are you?"
I see her hooves in front of me, and I slowly look up.
"No, I am not. Is it a bad thing?"
She smiled and chuckles slightly.
"No, it is not. I haven't seen your species in a long while. Before I was.."
She shook her head, and used her magic to pick me up and put me back on my feet.
"Why does this feel so real?"
I wipe my eyes, then fold my arms, the tears still continuing to fall.
"It usually happens when I am around, I assure you. You are in no harm at this moment. But tell me, what has been troubling you?"
I start looking around, then at her.
"I... I'm not sure."
She looked around as well, and used her magic to change the scenery slowly shifting and changing into a nicer forest, brighter colors, and sounds of animals being heard.
"How did you come to Equestria? Do you remember?"
"No, It's been a few days. All I remember was waking up in a hospital with AppleJack and AppleBloom beside me because I apparently fell into the orchard. Not sure how though."
She nodded.
"What might your name be? I forgot to ask, my apologies. I am Princess Luna."
"Names ZJ.. I think."
"Well ZJ. I hope you like it here in Equestria. Do You remember anything before you arrived here?"
I shook my head slowly.
"Not much. I mean I do remember my family. That's pretty much it."
She nodded again.
"Can you please keep this a secret. I don't want anyone to know."
I looked into her eyes, and she understood what I was feeling.
"Of course, ZJ. I will not tell a soul. Ponies might figure out eventually though if you are not careful. Have you done anything humanish lately?"
I look around the ground for an answer as a bird flew on top of my head.
"Maybe just walking on my back legs. That's pretty much it. But since I'm a unicorn, ponies give me weird looks since I use my hooves for picking up things when of course they don't know why I'm not using my horn. Can you teach me how? I think I forgot to ask Twilight earlier for help but, things got in the way I believe."
A squirrel and a bunny hopped next to me and nuzzled my leg. I decided to sit down, and the bunny hopped on my lap. Luna sat down as well, and some bunnies and birds came to her as well. She smiled faintly.
"I am not sure in this realm since you do not have your horn, but I do remember my sister talking about you casting a firework explosion at Twilight's castle."
"I was reading one of her spell books and I guess one of the techniques did that.. but uhm.. that was the only magic thing I did. I can't even lift up a single hanger with a coat on it."
I pouted, pulling the grass on the ground out of frustration, the grass growing back afterwards.
"I guess that would make sense since you are not used to using a horn where you are from. No magic, correct?"
"None. Magic tricks are still a thing, but of course doesn't really count as 'magic'."
I shrugged at my explanation, Luna turning her head to one side.
"You are unique. You do know that, right?"
I look at her, Luna giving the kindest smile she could give, and I felt a bit warm inside. I let out a sigh, seeing a ferret hop towards my direction, I smile, picking up the ferret and it trying to climb all over me. I chuckled, the ferret nesting itself around my neck and under my hair.
"Can I see you, in the waking world? For help with my magic of course. I know Twilight can but.. I do feel more comfortable around you since, well you know why I can't use magic."
She smiled, putting a hoof on my knee.
"Of course I can. I'll do anything to help you feel at home here."
We both smiled at each other. Suddenly. Everything started to get dark, and all the animals started to dart away and scurry under bushes and into trees. I felt a weird ache in my head, holding my hands up to it. Luna got up quickly, her wings flapping, taking flight.
"Luna? What's happening?!"
"You are waking up ZJ! This kind of wake up happens when I am around. But do not fret., just see me whenever you have the time!"
She started to get blurry in the distance, I reached out for her, but knowing she was too far away for me to grasp her. I throw my hands back on my head, the dream seeming to spin around. The trees starting to disappear as well as the ground. Eventually, I was falling in the void, screaming, reaching up at a small glimpse of light. It disappeared, eventually my vision going as well as I could no longer see my body. |
My Terrible Nightmare | Willing To Try | My eyes open. I stare at the ceiling. I feel nauseous. What happened last night?
I sit up, putting a hoof to my head, rubbing at my temple. I look around, then stare in front of me. That dream I had.. unlike most dreams I've had, I felt.. everything. The grass and twigs under my feet, the wind, my dream-self feeling sad, feeling the tears roll down my face. I rub a hoof along my cheek, dragging down, and plopping it beside me. I look out the window. The sun starts to rise.
"Oh hey, good morning, ZJ."
I dart my head towards Ace, seeing him rub an eye, trying to wipe out the sleepiness.
"Surprised that you woke up before me since all that happened last night. You were pretty wasted."
He let out a chuckle, and stretched his arms. He looked back at me, glaring slightly.
"You okay though? You don't have a headache do you?"
I drew my gaze to the window, the sun passed the horizon and now about to set perfectly in the sky. I look back, rubbing my head.
"Y-Yeah. Yeah I'll be fine."
Ace nodded.
"Need some water? I'll get you some."
I shook my head no, lost in thought, but then nodded yes for water, and Ace made a small smile, got up, and went to a cupboard and grabbed a cup.
I looked out the window again, remembering that I needed to talk to Luna. Ace came back with the water, and I grabbed it with my hooves and chugged it a bit, realizing I was dehydrated as hell.
"Hey Shadow."
"Yeah? What's up?"
I took a few moments to think of what to say, took the last sip out of the cup.
"Do you think Twilight knows where Luna is?"
Ace jolted a bit from the question, and tilted his head.
"Princess Luna? I-I mean, she should be around here somewhere.. why?"
I turned to the window, then back at Ace.
"I saw her in my dream, and wanted to talk to her, well in the waking world of course."
Ace's eyebrows raised, and nodded his head.
"You can go ask Princess Twilight, course she'll know where Princess Luna is." Do you want me to come with?"
I thought about the dream, thinking that if I say I'm actually a human, he'll probably freak out, think I'm weird, maybe not be friends with me... yeah, can't let that happen.
"I think I'll go by myself, just me and Luna. Thanks for being here with me though."
Ace smiled.
"Of course dude! I got your back! We can talk to Twlight at breakfast since it's in like.. 15 minutes."
My eyes widened a bit and I bolted off the bed going to the bathroom, Ace did as well. After a bit, me and Ace found the room with the huge ass table in it, all the Maine 6 ponies sitting and talking and laughing, and already starting to eat.
"Hey! Good morning ZJ and Shadow Ace. Come take a seat!"
Twilight said, 2 empty seats in between Twilight and Rainbow Dash. I took the seat next to Twilight, and Shadow Ace sat next to Rainbow Dash. There were already pancakes on the plate, with chocolate chips and whipped cream to top it off. I just looked at the pancakes, then at Twilight, who was scarfing the last one down, smiling. She noticed I looked her way, and swallowed her food before speaking.
"You alright ZJ? Don't like pancakes?"
She said, pointing at them. I shrugged, but then remembered why I felt uneasy. Unsure what to say about wanting to speak to Luna.
Hopefully she'll understand.
"Do you know where Luna is? I need to speak to her about.. something."
Twilight was drinking some orange juice, coughed a little, and wiped her mouth with a napkin.
"Princess Luna? Is everything alright?"
"No no.. yeah everything is alright.. I just have to talk to her about something.. uh, personal."
Twilight cocked her head to one side, but then put on a gentle smile.
"Of course ZJ. After breakfast, I'll bring you to her. Okay?"
I nodded, and Twilight pat my back. She offered some orange juice and helped me pour it into the cup, and we all ate breakfast. Twilight talked about the past fights, all the mares going on adventures, even as small things, like FlytterShy overcoming her fear of dragons.
Eventually, breakfast was done, and Twilight tapped me on the shoulder.
"You ready?"
I finished the last sip of OJ, and nodded, turning to Ace and telling him that I will be back soon. He hugged me and I got off the chair, following Twilight to the thrown room.
Twilight asked again if everything was alright, and said it was okay to talk to her if I needed anything. I wasn't sure to say I saw Luna in my dream, and if I did, I thought that she would wanna hear what I had to say to her from curiosity. I just said it was a bit private, but I would come back to Twilight later for results. She felt alright with that answer, and we reached the thrown room.
I shivered a bit. Celestia was there too. I just wanted to talk to Luna about it, and looked at her. They were both looking directly at me, and I looked down a bit, trying to hide my nervousness. But of course that shows it. Twilight waved and quietly said, 'good luck', and closed the doors.
She just... left me here? I guess I said to much about it being to personal that she didn't wanna intrude on something that great... I guess it kind of is.. since I'm going to talk to Luna that I'm.. I'm a human. I slowly turned back around, and saw them still looking my way. Sitting there elegantly. I began to walk more closer to them, to get a better view, since I just remembered I need glasses, and that when I went into this world, I didn't have any on. That's another matter to deal with later. I stopped a good distance away, and looked over at Luna. She just looked down at me, as well as Celestia. I opened my mouth to say something, but realized I didn't have any words to say. Then Celestia started to speak.
"Are you the one for the personal castle tour?"
I was surprised that she talked first.. but a tour?
"Yes. I assume that you are, ZJ?"
I nodded, eventually Luna looking over at Celestia and her giving her a nod, Luna getting up off the thrown and flying over, landing gracefully next to me and walking towards the exit, me following behind.
We decided to head to the garden, me walking through the doors, a few ferrets running out between my legs, and running away to a bush, one of the ferrets looking back at me, then running away. Luna took a seat near a tree, and I did the same.
"So, you are human. That doesn't make any difference here, but it has been a while since me and my sister have seen one. I believe a few decades."
"What happened to them?"
I asked, Luna's face changing a bit to a slight sorrow.
"Like most things, a war. Eventually leading to everyone destroying themselves to where.. there isn't a trace at all to them. Only relics remain."
I gazed at the ground, wondering what kind of relics these ponies had.
"I do know of this one relic, but it is not from your kind. The Masdifah necklace shows the true forms of creatures that disguise themselves to blend in with ponies, eventually taking pony by pony, and devouring them. They eventually caught on to this one pony, the Masdifah, and cut the head off, and retrieved the necklace. The last time I remember it being left was somewhere in Estern Equestria. Other than that, I have no clue on where it is."
She closed her eyes and a flash of her horn, a paper appeared right in between me and her, a scroll, unrolling it and showing the necklace. A diamond shape with looks to be like outwards arrows at each line of the diamond.
"If you do want to find it, I will give you this.. and ZJ."
I glance at her.
"I told my sister about you, and she will keep your secret safe."
I felt a little unsure, but I nodded.
"That's fine. Just hope nothing bad happens later."
She smiled kindly and put a wing around me.
"Nothing will, believe in it."
I just nodded. She rolled it back up and handed it to me, but then the scroll fell to the ground, remembering that I couldn't pick it up. I make a nervous slant smile, and she smiled back as well.
"I can help you with that, if you don't mind a little permanent magic in you."
"I don't mind, guess I'll be finally able to lift things without ponies looking at me weird."
We both chuckle, and she stood up, getting ready to perform the spell. Her horn glowed, and shot out towards me, me flinching, my horn beginning to glow teal, then go out. She handed me the scroll, and I looked at it, me looking back up at Luna again.
"Just concentrate on lifting it up. It will work when you know you have it on you, even in a bag."
I look back down at the scroll, and I see the hues of the magic change to mine. Teal. My eyes widen. I thought of moving it to the right, and it moved, I smirked. Luna smiled back, knowing that she has helped enough.
"Am I able to teleport things?"
She nodded.
"Yes, you can. You just have to remember a place you would like to place it, and to bring something to you, you have to think of the last place you put it."
My smirk faded, knowing I will not remember shit.
"Ahh, I got a bad memory."
I said, bonking the side of my head. I did have an idea though.
"You will be fine. The spell has that with it as well. Just make sure to not cast many spells on yourself, or they will get mixed together, and depending on what they are, won't turn out well."
I nodded, looking at the parchment and watched it fly behind me, and slide into my hood, forgetting about it, and feeling the magic disappear.
"Thank you, Luna."
She smiled.
"Of course. If you need anything else, you can ask Twilight to send a note to my sister, and she will give it to me."
I felt like going in for a hug, but I respected her boundaries and nodded. We both walked out, and actually met Ace, and the Maine 6 walking out from this stairway. Right. Today was the day to go home, me remembering now that I didn't pack, but saw that Rarity was holding my suitcase in her magic along with some of hers.
"Oh, thank you Rarity, almost forgot today we were leaving."
I said. As she get next to me, I took the suitcase without hesitation, and they all seemed astonished. I smiled a little awkwardly, looking back at Luna, and she just smiled, and walked away, waving goodbye to us all. They all looked back at me.
"She helped."
I said, and all of them nodded. On the way home, Twilight did want to know a little bit about what me and Luna talked about, and I just said that we talked about this dream I had, talking about how I feared being unwanted, and she just hugged me and told me that everything would be fine, and I got plenty of friends to go to if I had any other concerns. I smiled a bit. Of course I can't tell them the truth, fear of it spreading and causing people to not like me anymore. The thought trailed away as we made it back to Ponyville, using my magic now to pick up my suitcase and heading out.
On our way back, Ace got stopped by a pony with a suit on, talking about how this certain house was vacant now, and was asking him if he still wanted to grab it, and Ace smiled and nodded, looking at me. A few houses down from Ace. Awesome.
> Secure Home
"Welcome to your new home!"
The pony said, opening the door and seeing empty space everywhere I looked. Ace jumped in excitement.
"Finally I can have a friend that lives close by!"
He put his arm around me and I smiled, setting my suitcase down. After going back to the castle and getting a few things, I set down a few boxes in a corner next to the door, starting to walk in the seller pony leaving us to marvel in the new place. It was like Ace's place, but sort of opposite, the stairs next to the entrance for the kitchen, and space for a couch and a tv would be placed on the left. Kitchen was still on the same side as Ace's, just with the stairs there. Twilight appeared as well with the other girls, all of them having something in their hooves.
"We are so glad you find a place to stay! Sad that I won't be able to see you in the halls again.. but..."
She trailed on and formed my first furniture, a bookshelf, with a few books on it. I walked towards it and grabbed a book with my magic, moving around a bit, still getting used to my magic. It was about animals.
"Thought I'd give you a few things to read if you ever get bored! These were a few extras just for this exact moment! I know I gave some to Starlight before she left."
I thanked her, Rainbow Dash coming up next, dropping some Wonder Bolt posters next to the bookshelf and a statue that had a lightning bolt placed on it, as well as the first book to Daring Doo.
"Okay so, I don't know what you really like, and I know you don't have wings, but the Wonder Bolts are super cool, as well as Daring Doo! I lent you my first ever book I got from Twilight when I started reading. Sure reading can get a bit weird, but I love this book! Read it first in a hospital. Pretty cool though!"
I picked it up with magic and saw the back, reading the summary of the book, and smiled, and nodded.
"Thanks Rainbow Dash, I'll be sure to read this some time."
She smiled and fell to the back. FlutterShy's turn.
"I know you told me you really like ferrets, so me and rarity had the idea to sew you a little plush of one. I hope it's okay."
I smiled, holding the ferret plush in my aura. It was a bit bigger than an actual ferret size, but I didn't care. I thanked her smiling a bit wider, smiling. Rarity was next.
"Other than the plush, I made you a new hoodie! But of course I know that one is a bit special."
She said, winking, me and Ace looking at her and then at each other, eventually quickly looking away sheepishly. She flew the hoodie over, and saw it was made in a dark teal with dark purple trims, the hood as well. I nodded in approval, liking the style. I grabbed it with my magic and thanked her. AppleJack was next.
"Me and Granny quickly made this quilt for you for a blanket on your bed. Didn't know what you liked, so hopefully apples are okay!"
"Thanks AppleJack, feels nice."
I felt the blanket. It felt a bit weird, but it still had a soft touch to it. I placed it down next to the other things, and once I turned around, Pinkie Pie was there, holding a rather big popper and popping it right in my face, confetti exploding around everywhere, blowing my hair back, a hat snapping in my head and ending up with a party blower in my mouth, me breathing out from the shock, but also making the blower make a noise.
"Happy 'Welcome To Your New Home' Day!!"
She shoved a present in my arms, and I spit out the blower and opened it up, seeing a huge cupcake, surprised that it wasn't messed up with the tossing around.
"Oh hah, thank you Pinkie Pie. I can eat this a little later if that's alright."
"Of course!!! Whenever you want!"
She smiled and hopped to me, hugging me, my magic moving the cupcake out of the way, making sure she wouldn't have knocked it over. She then hopped back where the others were.
"Thank you guys, really. All the gifts were amazing."
I said, all of them saying you're welcome. Eventually they all moved aside, as a mail pony came with a bed, and a couch. Ace going over and signing off the paper, and turned around, and smiled.
"This is my gift, haha. Hope the colors are alright."
The couch was a royal blue, and the bed had a dark brown wood frame, with the blanket being purple, with normal colored white pillows. I looked at Ace and went over, hugging him.
"The colors look fine Ace. Thank you."
After they helped placed the furniture around the house, they said their goodbyes, and Ace stopped behind and turned.
"Hey, If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Okay?"
He smiled, and I nodded, and he flew away. I went up stairs and collapsed on my bed, stretching. I glanced over at the mirror Rarity lent over. It was a bit to pretty for my taste, but at least I had a mirror. I then stood up, walking over to it, looking at myself. What did I look before? I know I was human. I tried to visualize my face, and it slowly appeared. I tried smiling, but then the face disappeared and my pony face appeared back. I felt a bit sad, and a few tears slid down my face. I shook my head, laying back on the bed, and then crying, crying to much to where I passed out.
I woke up hours later, rubbing my head. Man, I really need to stop crying here. I shook my head and looked out the window. I was a bit dark, raining a bit. I got up and walked around my new place, moving around a few things before being satisfied with the results. Didn't take as much time, so I went back to the bed and fell back asleep. I then woke up by a knock at the door.
"ZJ? ZJ? You awake?"
I yawned and got up from the bed, heading down the stairs and towards the door, opening it. It was Shadow Ace.
"Look what tomorrow is! Wanna come with me?"
Ace shoved a flyer in my face, using my magic to hold it in front, seeing that it showed a bunch of artifacts with words I still can't really read. Whatever their language is It never really transferred over to whatever magic connected to me. Well at least Luna game me some. In fact, I saw that my magic color changed a bit to be more bluish. Eh, that's just Luna's magic probably since she used a spell. Or something more... Oh well.
"Oh, well sure. I don't have anything so why not?"
I smiled, rolling the flyer up and putting on the couch. Ace peaked in.
"Hey! You moved some things. It look really nice and tidy in here! Everything looks like they should be. You fine with it?"
He said, standing aside so he could come in and closing the door behind.
"Well yeah, I'm fine with it. Didn't take much to move it all since I got my magic working."
I said, my horn glowing and then not.
"Oh yeah, how was your talk with Luna? Did she help you with your magic?"
"Mhm, she did. Got to talk to her about other things as well which was really nice."
Ace nodded in agreement. We then talked for a bit, him mostly about his family which started up a conversation about his brother.
"So my brother doesn't really want to get a cutie mark, says he doesn't want the 'wrong one', whatever that means."
"Yeah I get that."
I said, looking back at my flank. That does make sense really, getting a cutie mark and not liking it, or it looking off.
"Hey, wanna meet my family? Not doing anything now right?"
I looked up at him.
"Oh yeah, I would love to man."
He smiling, turning around and opening the door.
"They live a ways away, but there still in town, I just wanted a place to myself you know?"
I nodded, following behind him, closing the door. We walked for a bit, talked about his family and their interests, and we finally made it to the house, and he knocked on the door.
"Hello? Oh honey! Hi there! How are you doing dear?"
His mother said, pulling him in for a hug.
"Oh and who's this? Is this the pony you've been talking about?"
Ace nodded, her walking towards me and pulling me in for a hug. I just smiled a little.
"Come in! Come in! I have some sandwiches if you guys would like some."
We both nodded, closing the door behind us. As I walk in, and blur zooms by and startles me a tad.
"Oh that's Stripe hoof, my brother."
Ace said, as Stripe slammed down and landed right in front of us. He grinned.
"Hey Ace, I learned how to do 2 loops in the air today! Mom watched me do it!"
"That's nice little dude!"
He patted his head and Stripe jumped excitedly and flew around again. We walked towards the dinning table and sat down, his mom placing the sandwiches down. I looked inside the sandwich and saw there was hay straws and what looked like mayo. I shrugged and took a bite. Kind of dry, but the mayo gives it a taste.
"Hey kid."
I say, finishing one last bite. Stripe Hoof stops in mid-air and looks at me.
"Why don't you want a cutie mark?"
He glares over at Ace, and Ace shrugs, taking a bite of a sandwich.
"Well, if you must know, I just don't want something on my flank that'll scar me to do it's bidding."
My mouth drops a little and I think.
"I mean, you can still get a cutie mark and still do other things you love. You don't have to be bound by it."
He nods, but then looks surprised at me, me knowing that he's looking at my flank.
"WHOA! How did you go this long without getting a cutie mark?!"
I think for a bit, remembering that I came here out of nowhere.
"I'm.. not sure actually, I just did a lot of things and I guess nothing really stuck."
Guess that sounds about right.
"Well then, I guess I can try a few things, maybe It'll all be so boring that I don't get a mark like you! HA! I'm going to try to go to the playground to try some things out!"
Stripe said, opening the door.
"Don't be out so late Stripey!"
Stripe rolled his eyes and nodded, zooming out of the house. The others looked a bit shocked. I looked around unsure what they were feeling.
"Wow, never expected him going to the playground to do anything. Maybe he'll find some friends there?"
His mom nodded and continued doing the dishes, eventually picking up my plate.
"He doesn't have any friends?"
"Well no, kind of? I mean he had one, but they moved to Phillydelphia."
Ace said, finishing his sandwich and giving the plate to his mother. After she finished the dishes, she sat down with me and Ace and asked about what I liked to do, even though I 'tried' everything. I said I just like to draw and play some games, and they thought that was pretty cool. After a while, the sun was setting, and Stripe zipped through the door.
"GUYS! I made a new friend! His name is Silo Cart! He's a really strong earth pony!"
He said, as a red coat and pink haired colt walked through the door. I stared at the red coat, and Mud Rock flashed in my mind, giving me a mini heart attack. Ace slightly noticed and asked if I was okay. I said I was and just shook it off. Silo's mom also peeked through the door, her coat was yellow, and her hair was a dark maroon. That also shook something in me, but of course I shook it away. 'Is trauma getting to me some how?'
"Hey, it's uhm, kind of getting late. I might head back home if that's alright."
"Hey no worries man! Want me to walk you home?"
I nodded and we both got up, him hugging his mother and we both walked out of the house, Silo's mom and Ace's mom talking, the kids getting a long well, both of them zooming around the house. It was silent on the way home, Ace was distracted looking at a butterfly following us to my house, which was a really nice magenta color with yellow trimmings. We made it to the door, and I unlocked and opened it, walking inside.
"It was nice to see your family. They seem really nice peop- ponies."
Ace smiled.
"Awe thanks man! Maybe one day I'll get to see yours as well! Well, have a good night! And oh! I'll be here around 1 so we can go to that awesome fair, okay?"
I nodded, and he went on his way. I closed the door, and just stood there. My family. I blinked a tear, and just walked towards my bed and laid down. Yeah, my family was not here. Just me, and me only. I mean, we need a break from a family once in a while right? Right. 'But.. I miss them.' |
The Advisors | pre | Noise complaints... He was kicked out because of noise complaints. With everything he had been through in his life, he knew part of that was mostly bullshit. Sure he tinkered around a bit whenever he could with a motorcycle, but he never did it excessively.
And now here he was, running away from some sort of devilish figure that had sent horses chasing after him. It almost felt like the Great War again! Minus the constant artillery barrage and endless corpses or snow capped mountain peaks (when he was in Italy).
He wasn't alone, he had the ever loyal Bayerlein and Gause with him, running along through the hallways and dodging threats like it was North Africa all over again. Von Rundstedt was too old and frankly too tired and annoyed to even run so he opted to stay with the allied officers to go talk with whatever hellish deity was after them and find out why the hell the Desert Fox was being chased.
It seemed like they were running for hours but the endless hallways and corridors did not seem to help stem the feeling of an infinite amount of directions to go with no escape near in sight. That was, until they rushed into the middle of a beautiful courtyard. For a moment, all sense of urgency seemed to had left the 3 officers.
They stood there, their mouths nearly wide open as they took in the beauty of their surroundings. It was something truly marvelous when the beautifully carved stone and murals surrounding a large and fountain that had so many carvings within in it that it had become an eyesore the longer one stared at it.
"I am surprised Herr Feldmarshall..." Bayerlein said, earning the attention of Rommel.
"Why is that Bayerlein?" He asked, quite curious as to what the Bavarian had to say.
"Well, Lucie told us that you were never into such hings. She even showed me one of your letters of when you had gone to watch some ballet." He stated, earning a stern look from Rommel.
"What else did my darling wife have to say on the subject?" Rommel pressed, eager to know what his wife had told others while he was awaiting her own arrival up above. But before that, Gause cut in between the two.
"As much as I would like to hear some old stories... can we at least go find some water to drink? I am personally thirsty and I do not want another Afrika experience." He stated, shuddering to the thought of the days with little to no water during the North Africa Campaign.
"Well, there is a fountain right here. I don't think anyone is going to make a fuss out of us drinking out of it for the sake of not dying of dehydration." Rommel said. With that, the other two German officers nodded and they walked over to take a drink of water from the fountain.
When they got up close, Rommel was amazed to see that the water was not only clear, but also sparkling somewhat. He probably would've definitely questioned it if it were back on Earth but given their current circumstances, he opted to put the thought in the back of his mind as he cupped his hands and began to drink the water.
The water clearly was untainted as no sort of foul taste or grainy feeling was present so the 3 old generals had decided to take quite a large amount of handfuls of the water. All 3 of them having served in Africa never really took it for granted as they understood how scarce water could be in the worst situations so it was a while before they did eventually stop drinking the water.
What did actually cause them to stop was the sound of horseshoes clopping from a nearby hallway towards the courtyard that they were in and as if immediately regaining the sense that they were in the field again, they got up and hid behind one of the massive arrays of bushes to evade detection.
"Do you see who is there?" Bayerlein whispered to Gause who was trying to get a good look.
"Ja, it looks like another one of those horses in armor." Gause answered.
"What is he doing?" Rommel asked.
"It is hard to tell... his face certainly looks anxious though." Gause observed, discreetly pointing towards the pony's face. Indeed, it did look like the pony was anxious as he was nearly sweating as he searched the courtyard.
"Shhh.... look, he is moving towards the fountain." Gause said.
"Why would be move there? There are many other places he could search." Rommel inquired, clearly puzzled to this pony's actions.
"Wait a minute... what... what is he doing now?" Gause asked as he watched the anxious guard get up on top of the fountain after looking around to see if anyone was watching him.
"Mein gott... is he actually about to..." Bayerlein began before he lost the words to continue as the pony continued his routine...
"I... I actually think I am going to be sick." Rommel said, disgusted by the sight and the thought that they just drank water that somepony could've pissed in. Before the feeling of throwing up overcame him, Gause had already begun belching in another bush behind them.
*** *** ***
"God fucking dammit Luna, for the last fucking time.... Chuck did this shit!" Patton yelled, clearly annoyed that the present conversation he was having was getting no where.
"Then who is this Erwin Rommel and why is his junk in the throne room? How do you explain that?" Luna asked. Patton probably would've pulled out one of his revolvers and shot Luna if it hadn't been for Eisenhower placing his hand over Patton's gun holster.
"Princess Luna... for the last time, we have already explained this. Chuck had came in and brought the 4 Germans with him and then teleported out along with teleporting all of this shit here. I have explained this for far too god damn long. Do you understand?" Eisenhower stated, nearly annoyed as Patton.
"Then why do I only see 1 German officer here?" Luna inquired. Deep inside, Eisenhower almost died inside with the amount of stupidity that the seemingly intelligent Princess was showing presently.
"Simple, we told him to run after you nearly blew our eardrums out. The other two followed him considering they used to be his subordinates." Bradley simply stated, his face calm and collected.
"So you mean to tell me that this was all a mistake?" Luna asked.
"YES." The 5 generals said in unison.
"Oh dear..." Was Luna's only reply.
*** *** ***
"I'm done... I have gone through numerous wars and battles but never have I been so disgusted in my entire life." Rommel said as the 3 Germans made their way through another hallway within the massive castle.
"You can say that again." Gause said as he was struggling to get the taste of bile out of his mouth.
"I think we have all seen worse." Bayerlein said.
"I have never drank water that has been pissed in by some sentient rainbow colored horse in shining armor and I do not intend to do so ever again Bayerlein." Gause said with a hint of disgust still within his voice.
"That, I must agree with." Bayerlein admitted.
"Shhh... be quiet you two. I think I hear something." Rommel ordered. Immediately, both of them had shut up as they tried to listen to whatever their superior was hearing.
Indeed, they did hear something as at first, it sounded like a faint thumping noise but it turned into the sound of horseshoes marching along the marble floors.
"Shit... we need to move, now." Rommel said, looking around the hallway for any doors.
"Herr Feldmarshall, over here!" Gause quietly called out as he had his hand on a door handle for a rather large looking door on the side of the hallway.
"Is there anyone in there?" Bayerlein asked.
"Better to deal with it in there than in here!" Gause anxiously replied.
With little to no time to reply with that comment, Rommel and Bayerlein followed Gause's lead and entered the dark room, shutting the doors behind them as quietly as possible.
The room was rather dark so nothing could be seen only for a few feet so the 3 Germans decided to keep close together in order to not be lost within the vast space of the room. In their focus of trying not lose each other within the darkness, they did not notice that they were being watched by whatever occupied the room.
*** *** ***
"Pardon me but how do you know that they have gone this way?" Montgomery asked, clearly curious as to where they were going.
"A guard discovered a rather large amount of bile hidden behind a few bushes within the eastern courtyard. Most likely, it came from one of the 3 generals you have mentioned." Luna replied, her stupidity and bullheadedness from earlier seemingly gone after her realization of her mistake.
"That actually makes sense to be honest. All three of them served in Afrika and I do know that they had gotten illnesses from there so it would not surprise me if their stomachs are not exactly as strong as they used to be." Rundstedt chirped in.
"Jaundice... a disease I never wish to encounter again." Montgomery said, disgusted by the thought of it all.
"Well... lets just find those 3 before any other stupid shit happens." Patton dryly added in, clearly wishing to go to sleep after dealing with the night's nonsense.
Almost as if on cue, a large explosion rocked the hallway and nearly everyone ducked behind cover for debris that never came. Recomposing themselves, they made their way through the hallway to find a large door blown open with 3 German generals piled up on it (still smoking mind you), and a very shocked looking Celestia standing before them, her hoof over her mouth signalling that she was shocked at what happened. |
The Advisors | Fucking Bureaucrats | It had been three days since the "German incident" and needless to say, shit was finally moving forwards. After Gause, Bayerlein, and Rommel had been brought back to consciousness after they had accidentally broke into Celestia's room, a very vulgar berating that only Patton could manage to pull off against both celestial sisters followed by a brief explanation of their current situation brought the Germans up to speed. Now everything simply needed to actually be started in order to get reforms rolling out. However, there was one major thing that needed to be sorted out...
Bureaucrats.
Bureaucracy was the bane of every soldier that has lived throughout the ages. The age old enemy that has plagued the armies of nation's gone by and was always present wherever one went. For the US, it was always present in the form of the civilian government who only pulled their heads out of their asses when war got serious, unlike in recent times apparently. For the British and French, it was somewhat the same thing. However, the French do tend to keep their military more than ready than most nations... Not including the US of course. Then there's the Germans... If it ain't the pacifistic politicians and bureaucrats, it is the large companies competing for contracts that fucked them over. The Russians? Well, they are more oligarchs if anything.
But beside the point, bureaucrats were everywhere, even in different dimensions. In the case of Equestria, it is in the form of the main Noble elite all centered in Canterlot. The only thing they could not get their posh, dirty hooves on was the Navy. From what Eisenhower learned, the Navy didn't take any shitty excuse and was by far the best as well as the only true armed forces branch the Equestrians even had.
That was a problem for the "advisors" to fix. The main plan for the day was to essentially confer with the nobles to create a national standing army for the Equestrians with Eisenhower and Rundstedt taking the lead on things. If things went South... Well, the Calvary would simply be called in. That was where Patton would come into play... And that would only be for emergencies.
All that they had to do was simply make it to the meeting.
*** *** ***
Meetings... Of all the things he had to be called to, it had to be some stupid budget review meeting.
Blueblood despised budget management as much as he did stupid lower class civilians. He was a noble, he had no such business dealing with such nonsense. If anything, the management of the national budget should've been left to the lower class ponies for all he cared. To so much as even waste time on such a trivial matter, it made him feel disgusted even more. But then again... Perks did come from the power over the budget.
Contrary to popular belief, Blueblood was not a stupid over-pompous idiot who only cared about his drink and money. He did tend to use his status as Celestia's nephew as well as essential head of the noble council and chief manager of the budget to procure some influence. A recent example would be in terms of limited the Royal Guard's budget and placing his extremely militarily incompetent confidant Mareclellan in charge.
Of course like all things, there was some opposition to such a change, namely from the clan of nobles who revolve around Fancy Pants, but the whole matter was forgotten. So to why the entire nobility in charge of the budget, as well as acting Captain of the Guard Shining Armor, AND the two princesses were in the meeting room was beyond Blueblood's mind.
Suddenly without any warning, a guardspony had opened the door and began to say something.
"Presenting the advisors Eisenhower and Von Rundstedt to the council." Was all the guardspony said before stepping aside to let two bipedal creatures dressed in two very different uniforms came marching in.
*** *** ***
"Assholes... I'm surrounded by assholes." Eisenhower muttered softly under his breath.
"Even us Prussians were never this posh..." Rundstedt replied in his own soft tone.
"Well, let's get this done and over with... I have a feeling Georgie might need to be called in already." Eisenhower mused.
"Well, let's try to make sure that it doesn't have to come to that. Maybe these horses are negotiable." Rundstedt whispered.
"Don't get your hopes high." Was all Eisenhower could give in response as they both moved to take their seats (which were custom made for such an occasion due to the different physical biology between humans and ponies).
*** *** ***
There was something very interesting about seeing two military officers who attained the highest rank within their own armed forces who also happened to be direct enemies on their front line working together and trying to pitch a national army to a bunch of ponies.
But then again... What hadn't been interesting within the time that the humans had been there. Shining had been there to witness their arrival, the best parts and their worst parts... Especially from Patton.
As the two officers began to explain the current situation of the guard to the still generally surprised nobles, it became clear that they were taking a more slow approach to the main event, the formation of a standing army. Eisenhower had let Von Rundstedt handle the technical parts and only explained the things that really needed to be bluntly stated out, much to the chagrin of Blueblood from the look on his face.
The nobles around Fancy Pants though really did seem to actually understand much of the standing issues and just by judging from the looks on their faces, it was clear that they understood where it was going. Blueblood most likely knew it too, as his reaction to the proposition of a standing army was clearly... To put it likely... Full of shit. After that, the debate started...
*** *** ***
"You cannot possibly mean to tell me that you are seriously proposing such a disgusting idea to us and the Princesses! This is ludicrous!" Blueblood spat out in his own pompous and overreacting way.
"Please... Enlighten me on how such a proposal is disgusting Mr Blueblood." Eisenhower asked as he inwardly hoped to not have to call in Patton.
"You realize that Equestria is a nation that does not need such a provocative force. We only wish for eternal harmony within our borders." Blueblood countered.
"I had a feeling this was going to happen..." Was all Eisenhower could mumble under his breath. "Alright then Blueblood, if you are in no such need for an army, then how come your nation is always attacked by beings who seem to possess so much power that they can wipe you all out with a flick of their.... Uh... Whatever you guys have I guess to snap." Eisenhower retorted.
"Why we have the Elements of Harmony." Blueblood said with a "matter of fact" tone in his voice.
"The elements of what?" Von Rundstedt suddenly asked out of the blue. Eisenhower the vaguely remembered that he forgot to tell the Germans about the elements and cursed inwardly.
"I'll tell you later." He said to Rundstedt before turning back to Blueblood and his clan of noble bureaucrats. "Alright then... From the looks of this track record, your elements have hardly even been able to not win a fight conclusively without being somewhat defeated or millions of do-... Bits being done in damage. Are you not concerned about the long term issues that may even effect your economy if this keeps on happening?" Eisenhower asked.
"Why, we have a simple crisis fund for that. If you would look under the budget's..." It was all Blueblood could say before being cut off by a very irate looking Fancy Pants.
"Enough with this Prince Blueblood..." He said with venom within his voice. "You, I, and everyone else know that such a fund is only a front to expand your own business interests whenever major damage is done to the nation while the Elements of Harmony are attempting to solve such a problem."
"Why... I certainly have no idea what you are talking about." Blueblood said obviously (and very stupidly) attempting to feign ignorance while his cronies nodded with him.
"Do not try to cover up the Minotaur shit up with your apparent stupidity. Everypony here knows of the backdoors you all have within the crisis fund for your companies." Fancy Pants continued.
"Excuse me but have I been left in the dark about such changes within the budget? I asked for the report weeks ago!" Shining Armor chirped in, clearly pissed off that he was left in the dark.
"My dear temporary Captain, such matters are not to be decided by you as they are left up to us higher powers. You lack any such clearance to view such sensitive matters. Besides, you carry no power here than what you have within our northern puppet." Blueblood said, glaring at the temporary Captain, who in turn looked like he wanted to strangle anypony he could get his hooves on.
"My dear nephew... You mean to tell me and your dear Aunt that such matters such as the national budget are of no concern to us, your technical superiors within the royal and governmental hierarchy?" Celestia asked, her eyes narrowed while he expression showed some menacing fire brewing within her.
"Auntie... You see... It is well uh..." Was all Blueblood could stutter before Eisenhower and Von Rundstedt had enough. It was clear that every pony in the damn room was about to kill each other so plan B needed to be put into effect.
All it took was a very loud and very Prussian "Achtung!" To get everypony to stop throwing metaphorical knives at each other's throats and pay attention to the two humans in the room.
"Alright... I'm done trying to negotiate as it is clear that you damn horses cannot even negotiate like intelligent beings. I thought this would be easier since you all preach harmony and whatever but clearly... You all are just as bad as Congress. So I suggest you all sit down, and shut your damn snouts before you get yourselves killed!" Eisenhower stated. It somewhat had the effect he desired but a few nobles from both sides relented from following the former President's orders.
"Who are you to order us around you heathen? Do you not know your place within these halls? You are nothing here!" Blueblood spat out.
Suddenly, a bang rang across the room which saw everypony duck down below the large table.
"Guess what fuckface... You aren't gonna be anything if you keep your shit up... You're stuck in here with Old Blood and Guts now." Came the reply. But it didn't come from Eisenhower, if came from Patton who was standing in the doorway, with one of his Ivory revolvers within his hands... Aiming it directly at Blueblood's spot on the table. |
The Advisors | The Monday Session | It was 3 days after he was nearly blown up and thrown up against a door and his head still hurt. But that was to be expected when one refused the medical care provided by ponies. It wasn't like he directly did not trust them in terms of health care as their version of health care was extremely better than what was available to him in Germany, but he just simply wanted to stay away from them after the whole debacle. But that was just 3 days ago...
Now, Erwin Rommel found himself whisked away into a realm both he and his father before him were greatly familiar with... The classroom.
To say that he hated the classroom setting was not entirely true. If anything, he loathed having to sit down as one of the students within a classroom... Something that never really left him since his childhood. Granted, the Danzig Academy was better than a regular public education that he had within his native Swabia, but he still preferred to be the teacher rather than being one who was to be taught. It was a trait he never really put behind him.
And it was a trait he would have to put to work once again. The last time he truly taught an entire class was back in the 30s during his time at Dresden, Potsdam, and in Wiener Neustadt. The Dresden venue was nice for the years he taught there... It would've been nicer if it hadn't been for a certain Bavarian by the name of Schorner and his incessant pranks and favor with the school commandant, but it was not all bad. Potsdam was a simple bump up from the Dresden venue with the added benefit of having to deal with more Prussians. But Wiener Neustadt, the military academy for NCOs was truly beautiful. He spent many happy years there before the war saw him and Lucie scramble to hide personal belongings with friends across Germany to keep them safe from the bombings... Which eventually did meet his beautiful Villa sadly. Such a fate was also met by Gause's house as well in late 1942... And it was not pleasant what happened afterwards.
The things that women could argue about were simply crazy... But that was all in the past. He had a job to do... A teaching job to do rather. And with him, the ever trustworthy Gause followed. Bayerlein opted to help Montgomery with some of the major staff office work as that was his profession by trade so it was simply only Guase and Rommel making their way towards the classroom. Well, it wasn't just them. An apparent old colleague of Shining Armor, Sharpened Rapier, was also following them towards the military lecture.
"So... I assume you have some experience with these sorts of things, right?" Rapier asked.
"The last time I had done this was in 1939 but I think they won't be falling asleep on me." Rommel confidently replied.
"Oh really... well, good luck with this group. These boys haven't had a lecture since they got out of the Guard Academy, and the last time such a lecture was held was before Mareclellan was brought in." Rapier stated, grimacing at the memories of the past few days.
"You can trust the Field Marshal to make sure that they shall not fall asleep Lieutenant. If he managed to talk some sense into Sepp Dietrich, I am sure he can handle a class of washed out officers." Gause added in.
"Sepp who?" Rapier asked, puzzled at such a name.
"That is a very long story... but let it be known, he was not the smartest general to ever hold such a rank." Gause said, trying to move the topic away from the SS General who could not read a map.
"Actually, I do believe the Americans had worse. Does the name Daniel Sickles ever come to mind?" Rommel chirped in, remembering the political general that had fought for the Northern American forces during their civil war.
"Mein gott, that man could not match to the great military skill of Himmler himself!" Gause humorously replied, earning a chuckle from Rommel and a strange look from Rapier.
"What the buck are you two talking about?" The puzzled lieutenant asked.
"Oh, just something from a past life..." Rommel said, still chuckling at the thought of Heinrich Himmler leading an army group.
"Well... lets just get this done and over with and talk about our army stories afterwards." The Lieutenant said.
"Alright... but no need to be so hard Lieutenant. Sometimes a sense of humor is needed." Rommel said.
"Pardon me Erwin but sometimes your sense of humor is overshadowed by your other qualities..." Gause pointed out.
"Alright, name one Alfred." Rommel dared.
"Hm... do you remember that time when we were stuck behind enemy lines for an entire night inside of that verdammt bus that the Italians gifted us... or how about your arguments with Marshal Bastico? Better yet, how about when you removed me from command because Lucie..." Gause hit a nerve.
"Alright, alright! You have made your point! But you and I both know that Bombastico had it coming for a very long time... arrogant fool..." Rommel finally snapped out.
"How the Tartarus did you two ever be acquaintances..." Was all Sharpened Rapier could reply as they walked into the room full of annoyed Royal Guard officers who have not sat through a lecture ever since either the academy or never had a lecture ever.
*** *** ***
Staff work... one of the hidden importance's of an army. Most officers who tended to be combat inclined hated army administrators but the smart ones always acknowledged the good that they brought... that is... if they were competent at their job.
Bayerlein was one such competent staff officer and knew who was and who was not a competent officer. And from the looks of it, Mareclellan was nothing short of absolutely shitty. However, his impressions were not entirely sour like those of the original four advisors as the staff office that he walked into was somewhat cleaned up thanks to the work of Montgomery and numerous, extremely tired, competent pony staff officers.
But that all changed as soon as he got to his desk and looked at the first document that was popped onto his desk. Many words went through his mind as he read through it... but the only such words that were even expelled from his mouth were...
"Was zum Teufel?"
Immediately after hearing such words, the Spartan General made himself noticed in front of Bayerlein's desk, seemingly amused at the expression on the extremely puzzled look on the Bavarian's face.
"You seem to be lucky there my friend. Most of us tend to want to strangle the idiot who made such a document when we get one of the weirder ones." Montgomery said, a smile creeping up his face.
"Pardon? What do you mean... weirder ones?" Bayerlein asked.
"Oh, you will see. Good luck now, and don't be afraid to call someone or well... somepony over to help!" Montgomery simply said as he walked back into his office leaving Bayerlein somewhat puzzled and curious as to what was awaiting him in the pile of documents. He could only wonder how the others were fairing at their jobs.
*** *** ***
There were many feelings going through Luna at that point... but the feeling that really stuck out was well... fear.
Fear...
Fear was a feeling she usually never felt as her own self confidence had dimmed such an feeling. Now though... now, such self confidence had all disappeared with the sight of George S Patton bursting through the doors with two... pistols, as they were called, and threatening Blueblood and many other nobles to not move or have their "balls blown off". Eisenhower and Bradley seemed completely normal though as they watched their former subordinate threaten and berate almost every single noble with too many derogatory terms to count.
"I will repeat myself, FOR THE LAST GOD DAMN TIME YOU GOD DAMN PUSSY! SIT DOWN, SHUT UP, AND LISTEN!" Patton screamed at some random noble who seemed to be on Blueblood's side. She probably would've recognized the noble immediately but the heat of the situation dimmed such recognition.
"You have no authority here and no right to threaten us in such a manner!" One of them yelled.
"Guess what chucklefuck. I wouldn't be here if you all pulled your heads out of your asses and stopped blowing each other off under the table! Your fucking sad excuse of a Royal Guard is a mess! Let alone, even one those shitheads are back in order... you pacifistic bastards won't even be able to defend yourselves against your neighbors!" The four star general stated as he aimed his two pistols around the table at each and every noble.
"We have no need for such a militaristic thing. We have the Elements of Harmony for Celestia's sake. Besides, do you know how the formation of a nationalized armed forces would disrupt the entire economy as a whole to maintain military production?" Another noble asked. The noble seemed pretty confident in his statement but he was a bit too overconfident as Patton always had an answer.
"Really? What will it do eh? Ruin your own monopoly on your current military production contracts and all that other fucking bullshit. Lemme tell you something you fucking jackass, I know how you bureaucrats fucking work. Whenever shit doesn't go your fucking way, you try everything possible to keep your god damn profits. If you actually had some sense of pride for your damn country, you probably would've been on the other side instead of being with fucking Blueballs." Patton stated, silencing the noble.
"Do NOT call me such a name!" Blueblood screamed out, earning a gun pointed to his head.
"Listen here you little shit. I don't give a fuck what I call you because you know why? You... don't... mean... shit... to... me. You are lucky your damn balls haven't been blown off yet." Patton said, fire burning in his eyes.
"You would not dare." Blueblood said, seemingly daring Patton to do such a thing. For a while, there was no movement from either of them as they stared each other down until Patton relented.
"You know what? You're right. I wouldn't dare." Patton said with a sly smirk forming on his face as he lowered the gun and made his behind Blueblood as if he was going to walk passed him. Or well... Blueblood seemed to think that until he was splashed by a liquid that smelled very similar to some sort of fuel.
"Wha... what was that? WHAT DID YOU DUMP ON ME!" Blueblood demanded as everyone and pony looked at Patton and Blueblood in shock.
"Oh, that? Oh, its just a little gasoline." Patton replied, the smirk on his face even wider than before.
"G-g.... GASOLINE?" Blueblood screamed out in shock.
"What, you never heard of good ol' gasoline Blueballs? Or have you?" Patton dryly asked.
"I KNOW WHAT GASOLINE IS YOU CRETIN!" Blueblood screamed out again.
"Okay then fuckface. Now, you know what happens when I drop this then, right?" Patton said, holding up what seemed like a cigarette lighter.
"Don't you dare drop that flame!" Blueblood demanded.
"Oh don't worry Blueballs, I won't ever do such a cruel thing... unless if you don't get behind this national army amendment." Patton replied, dangling the lighter in front of Blueblood's eyes as if they were keys in front of a toddler.
"Never." Was all Blueblood could reply.
"Alright then horseshit... have it your way then. I'll be generous though and give you 10 seconds to change your mind." Patton said as he began to count down from 10.
As soon as he reached 9, Blueblood's spine broke and he gave into the demand.
*** *** ***
To say that the Desert Fox could not tell a story was a lie. Erwin Rommel was a great story teller in terms of war stories and always seemed to grip whoever listened. And such a thing happened as Gause watched from behind as his former superior gripped his pony audience as he recollected a story from his book, Infantry Attacks. Even Sharpened Rapier seemed to be gripped to the story while he was amazed that a Monday lecture session actually became engaging for once.
Feeling that he probably was not going to be able to speak for the next session as the Rommel had essentially stolen the show, Gause excused himself from the room and simply began to tour the palace. It was really a sight to see it in all of its glory without being chased by horses in the middle of the night but as soon as all of its majesty began to show itself, it was immediately lost as he came across a conference hall and witnessed Patton hold some posh looking noblepony hostage at gunpoint with a lighter in his other hand as the pony signed some sort of official document. |
The Advisors | Bonus Crackpot Chapter: The Bradley IFV | The night was something that was always peaceful back on Earth or in heaven. But in Equestria... Nobody or pony seemed to get a break. Whether it was extremely annoyed Germans or near drunk generals, shit was never quiet. So why Eisenhower tried to fall asleep without taking a drink from Patton's stash... He didn't know. Maybe he was trying to make it through the job without having to drink himself to sleep, maybe he wasn't... It was all lost to him.
The source of the nights troubles began with some stupid bullshit... Like every other problem in Equestria. However, it was not caused by annoyed Germans, an annoyed Montgomery, or even an annoyed Patton. It all started with Bradley. Why the hell Bradley one would ask... Eisenhower himself asked that question as he prepared to hit the sack but for some god damn reason, he found himself put into a room with everyone else staring at a blank screen. And then... Then he had to wait.
Patience was a skill that many generals had to learn and master, but no general ever did manage to master such a skill... Well, Napoleon probably was not in that group but no general from the 20th century could ever be so patient. To put it in Patton's words, they were all a bunch of "Battle Horny Studs". It didn't matter how patient you could be, you still fell into that category. But that category was also tiered.
You had the lower tier of those who could be quite patient... And then you had the extreme upper tier. Those that fell into that tier were really just Patton and Rommel. The only two differences between those two were their drastic differences in height and the fact that Rommel could hold his tongue and had a bit more sophistication that was added upon his Swabian bluntness. Those who fell in the in-between category were Bradley, Gause, and Bayerlein, given that they both essentially got the best of both sides from the commanders that they had served under. The low tier had included Von Rundstedt and Eisenhower themselves for obvious reasons... And then that just left Monty. He clearly had belonged in the lowest tier, considering that the factors that had applied to such a ranking mainly delved into his pursuit (or rather lack of pursuit) of enemy forces after a battle, namely that of the battles after El Alamein which he managed to cock up. But if you made a bet with that man, he would pounce on trying to earn the winnings faster than a pent up horse... Beddel-Smith learned that the hard way.
But that was all some extra details that were unnecessary, no matter how many times Patton preached such bullshit.
It had been 30 minutes before Bradley finally got his ass our from behind the curtain and was pulling a cart with some type of projector on top of it. He had with him some sort of large, box-like tape that he kept on trying to stick into a feeder but each time, it kept on ejecting itself, much to the amusement of Patton and the chagrin of Bradley.
"Brad, would you hurry up with the god damn thing? I think I speak to the rest of us here when I say that I actually want to get some fucking sleep." Patton said with a subtle hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Hold on for a minute Georgie... You'll get your shut-eye once I get this... God... Damn... Thing in. [size=0.em]Fucking hell, why does VHS have to be so damn complicated." Bradley said as he fumbled with the tape.
"Have you tried turning it the other way?" Bayerlein asked, seemingly intrigued by the box like tape recording.
"You think I haven't tried that already? This god damn piece of shit is supposed to be simple and yet every damn time it keeps on rejecting the tape!" Bradley responded as he kept shoving the tape in.
"Y'know, if you keep on shoving that god damn thing in any harder, you are gonna have twins with whatever that thing is." Patto said with a smirk forming on his face. What immediately followed was Eisenhower slapping the 4 star general on the top of his head. "Ow! What the fuck was that for Ike?"
"As annoyed as I am with Brad's shit... Cut the shit with the off color jokes Georgie." Eisenhower said while glaring at Patton. Surprisingly, Patton just sat back down and kept his mouth shut while Bradley kept on fumbling with the tape.
Eventually, Bradley finally managed to make the tape stop ejecting itself and the projector finally began to play something. What followed next was the simple white screen before some cheesy music began to start playing and a video of some sort of vehicle began to play on the screen. This continued for about 10 to 20 seconds before the announcer began to speak as the vehicle showcase continued.
"Today, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle System takes mobility and firepower a leap forward, giving the United States Army a combined arms team...
Second to None."
It finished with 5 stars surrounding it.
Overall, the tape that caused Bradley so much trouble only lasted about 40 seconds and it wasn't even that special. Still though, Bradley had a child's grin on his face.
"So, how'd you guys like it." He asked ecstatically.
"Brad... Did you get into Georgie's stash? Hell... Where did you even get that recording?" Eisenhower asked.
"Oh never mind that shit Ike. What I wanna know is why Brad is fucking excited over that pussy shit." Patton said.
"What the hell do you mean pussy shit Georgie?" Bradley asked.
"Oh please... Big deal that you got some thin skinned armored fighting whatever-the-hell it is named after you. You still haven't gotten two full fucking blown main battle tanks on your name. Suck it." Patton said, pointing towards his dick.
"What the hell do you mean suck it? Those fucking pieces of shit are outdated now anyways." Bradley countered, making Eisenhower, Monty, and the Germans all equally confused.
"What is going on now..." Gause asked, clearly puzzled by the display.
"I think this is what the Americans call a 'dick-measuring contest'." Bayerlein answered.
"I do not care if they are measuring the Reichsmarschall's pants... I would just like to get some sleep." Von Rundstedt yawned out.
"Ja... how about you He'rr Feldmarschall?" Gause asked towards Rommel's direction. However, no reply ever came as the Desert Fox was missing from his seat.
"Wha... where did he go?" Bayerlein asked.
"He probably went to bed... sneaky fox." Von Rundstedt answered. Just then, the sound of a fog horn disturbed the atmosphere of the room and threw everyone off balance.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Montgomery asked. As if right on queue, a phone began to ring within the room. The odd thing was, there was no phone in the room before... EVER.
"Somebody find that damn phone!" Eisenhower ordered as everyone in the room scrambled to find to phone. It wasn't long before Bradley managed to find the phone plugged into a wall plugin that was not even there before.
"WHO THE HELL IS THIS?" Bradley nearly screamed through the phone.
"Look outside." Was the only reply that came. But it was not some unknown figure... it was Rommel.
Slowly... everyone made their way towards the window that overlooked the city and the valley below in their quarters and as they opened it up, they were met by the site of a large destroyer in the middle of a lake that was not there before. Suddenly, the phone rang again.
"What is this supposed to be Rommel?" Bradley asked.
"Can Patton hear this call?" Rommel questioned.
"Let me put it on speaker phone..." Bradley replied as he fumbled with the Sat-phone... wait... Sat-phone? What the hell was a Sat-phone doing here...
"Alright, Georgie can hear... now what the hell do you want Rommel?" Bradley asked as both him and Patton stared at the phone and the destroyer.
"I... win..." Were the only words that came as a reply as the Lutjens Class Guided Missile Destroyer, D187 (Rommel), unleashed its full firepower on Canterlot Castle with Maximum German Efficiency... obliterating anything and everything with accuracy that only the Germans could match, ending the dick-measuring content once and for all. |
The Advisors | Never Go On a Hunting Trip in Ponyville | Fuck.
That was the only word that was going through Bradley's mind as he sat on the stump of a tree... Thinking about the events that had just transpired.
It was supposed to be a simple fucking trip down to that fucking forest... And it all went to shit. It all started earlier in the morning when they had just woken up.
*** *** ***
14 hours Earlier
Everything was peaceful and full of bliss... At least, that was what it was like while he slept in his head. The rest that he got over the night was something extremely well needed after all that he had been through during the past few weeks. And it all came crashing down as soon as morning came... And an uninvited guest had entered his quarters.
"Wakey wakey you little bitch." The voice said as Mareclellan attempted to put his pillow over his head.
"Get... Out..." He tried to say.
"Alright, since you don't want to be cooperative... We'll do this the hard way." The voice responded as the sound of horseshoes entered the room.
Suddenly, the sound of a trumpet playing some sort of odd but familiar tune began to blare through Mareclellan's eardrums nearly causing them to burst. But... It did its job and got the disgraced Guard Captain out of his bed.
"What the buck was that for?"
"That... Was a warning you fucking jackass. When you are told to get up, you get the fuck up!" The voice answered. It didn't take long to figure out who was in his room because as soon as he came to his senses, Mareclellan was looking up at an extremely irate George S Patton.
"Wh-what are you doing h-here?" He asked, his blood running cold in the process.
"Get your shit, we are leaving in 30 minutes." Was all the man said before walking out of Mareclellan's quarters and slamming the door behind him... leaving the pencil pusher to his own devices.
*** *** ***
30 Minutes Later
The fields were alive with the sound of.... Horses.
It was a cheap joke that Patton tried to play as they all watched the majority of the Royal Guard assemble into a formation to prepare for the first large scale maneuver it was go undertake to see how it would handle doing so before the planned expansions were to take place.
The fact that they managed to rally the entirety of the guard without a massive bout of failure was something that was very much remarkable in its own right, but still.... this was more or less the preliminary inspection stage. Soon, they would all be loaded up into train carriages and sent down to the plains around Ponyville as well as the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. Personally, Eisenhower didn't know what the hell all the fuss was about that forest, but given the amount of warnings he was given by his pony counterparts, he was glad that he would be staying in the main headquarters with Von Rundstedt and (regrettably) Montgomery.
The others would go follow with the Royal Guard and observe the way that they handle themselves throughout the maneuvers... though the fact that he saw Rommel and Bayerlein loading what looked like shotguns into the sidecar of Rommel's, now fully repaired, motorcycle gave him an odd feeling in the stomach. Watching Patton bring out a hunting rifle case didn't do anything to help the thought of what was going to happen... but for better or worse, Eisenhower decided to simply know nothing. How they got the weapons, he did not wish to know... what they were going to do with the weapons... he only hoped that they would simply go hunting without any trouble. But this was Equestria, and given what they had just witnessed over the past few weeks in the damn castle and barracks... one could only imagine what would happen...
*** *** ***
2 Hours Later
CRACK
A shot rang out in the woods that startled the ponies traversing their plotted course towards their main rally point.
Shining Armor could not understand why the humans opted to hunt innocent animals but given they were omnivores... it somewhat made sense. Still, they didn't have to use such a brutal weapon like a shotgun. There were less... bloody, ways of hunting prey.
Still though, whatever they were doing in their spare time didn't matter as right now... The military maneuvers meant more than anything so no doubt... They were most likely watching from afar.
*** *** ***
"God dammit. Fucker moved just as I pulled the trigger."
An unhappy George S Patton was nothing to ever get in the way of. But since they were all hunting while waiting for the royal guard to reach their rally point, there was not a whole lot of anger.
"Maybe if you'd just take your time and actually keep quiet, the bird wouldn't flown away Georgie." Bradley replied as he too scanned the sky for any prey.
"Well... Its been a few decades so give me a break Brad." Patton replied throwing Bradley a quick glare as he reloaded his shotgun.
"That advise is not that bad actually. Though there are many more things to hunting than simply keeping quiet so your prey does not hear you." Rommel interjected.
"You'd have to tell me that sometime then Rommel... I'd like to at least bag one trophy while I'm here." Patton replied.
A muffled "shhhh" hissed through the forest as Gause put his finger to his mouth and then pointed to a bird pirched on a branch above them. Slowly... They all took aim and we're about to pull the trigger...
CRACK
A few shots rang out, but none of them hit the bird. Instead, they all hit the ground... Along with the men who fired them.
*** *** ***
3 Hours Later
"What the buck us taking those bi-peds so long? We've been waiting here for an hour!" One guardspony called out. Normally, their Sergeant would've shut them up right then and there, thanks to Patton, but even they were getting annoyed with the late arrival of their advisors.
"Calm your horseshoes... They probably had to deal with another regiment that probably got lost." Another one called out.
"Both of you need to shut up... now." Shining Armor called out as he drafted a letter to forward towards headquarters.
The reality of the situation was simple... Every regiment did arrive on schedule and no issues had taken place apart from a few guardsponies getting a little scared during their trek through the Everfree.
The humans themselves had entered the Everfree... But they were armed with those "shotguns" and probably would've been able to handle any threat that had been present within the forest. The fact that they were so professional on being on time and following orders is what really didn't make sense. He could only hope that everypony else back at headquarters could make sense of the situation.
*** *** ***
"So... You mean to tell me that they just vanished? How the hell is that even possible?" Eisenhower wasn't exactly livid... But he definitely was confused. How the hell could he lose George S Patton in a forest, along with Bradley and 3 German Generals. That factor did not make sense what so ever.
They took shotguns along with them... Yes, but they all had experience and understood the basic do's and do not's of holding a firearm that could potentially rip your arm off.
Von Rundstedt was equally confused as to why they had not reported. Yes, Rommel and those within his clique did have a tendency to... Dismiss certain orders and keep moving forwards, but that was during the French and African campaigns. They all understood moderation after that, especially Bayerlein and Gause... But still, how could they simply get lost in the forest? It couldn't have gone that bad.... Could it?
Monty was surprisingly the most calm of the two, but his mind was working non-stop attempting to address the situation with any sort of possibly explanation.
It was only really Celestia and Luna who somewhat understood what could've happened, once the mentioning of shotguns and hunting became involved in the debate. Privately, they knew that the lost generals would all be fine, but there was a bit of a lesson that they needed to learn about hunting in Equestria... Especially in range to Ponyville...
*** *** ***
When Bradley first woke up... He found himself in some sort of cottage, all tied up around a chair that was too small for him... Well, actually... It was a few small chairs apparently taped together. The others were either tied to a couch, a stairway banister, or in Patton's case... Tied on top of a table itself.
His mind was still in a bit of a daze when he started to hear the faint noise of tapping... And only after coming to his full senses, he looked down and saw the smallest and most pissed off rabbit he had ever seen in his entire life... Tapping it's right foot on the floor while giving him a shitface. Only a few seconds later, did he here the sound of female voices enter the room. |
The Advisors | Never let him into the Everfree | Three Hours
Three whole god damn hours!
How much time did it take for 5 generals to at least bag one trophy in the middle of the forest?
That question kept ringing throughout Eisenhower's ears as he, Von Rundstedt, Montgomery, and now an equally puzzled Shining Armor attempted to figure out.
First of all, none of it ever made sense. Those 5 were more or less good shots and had proper training to handle a damn shotgun and rifle. So that ruled out any possibilities of any hunting accidents... Unless Rommel and Gause got into an argument about their wives, which was 90% unlikely, but still there was 10% remaining...
Secondly, yes, they did not carry maps, but they did stay on the outskirts of the forest itself and did carry compasses and provisions, and given all of their own professions, they themselves wouldn't even get lost in the first place. If that were to have ever happened, the North African campaign would've ended a lot earlier if either of them opted to accidentally stray into the middle of the Sahara desert.
Thirdly... The carried shotguns... So that would be self explanatory as to how little of a threat creatures within the outskirts of the evergreen would've posed, especially since they didn't even venture deep into the forest... And the stories they had heard of the shit that goes on there even managed to make Patton want to take the safe hunting route, so that left out even that possibility as well.
As all of this made Eisenhower's mind turn into near jelly from the shear implausibility of it all... He didn't take notice to Shining Armor exiting the little base of operations they had set up, to go set up a patrol, whilst the princesses watched onwards as their 3 human advisors tried to come up with any and every possible theory as to how they lost their 5 co-.... generals.
*** *** ***
He did everything right.... EVERYTHING!
Not one member of the company he was commanding had gotten lost or strayed off the designated path they were taking. When they came up to a fence and some sort of newly promoted superior ordered him to get his rear moving, he had his men cut a fence post so that they could quickly get moving towards the rally point (disregarding who owned the fence property and the fact that they let out a large amount of cows), and even managed to almost bypass a small interchange on the road with relative obscurity, if it hadn't been for one pony out taking a stroll in the middle of said interchange, and was nearly surrounded on all sides by said company.
All of it went so well, but now it seemed as if everything was going to go so wrong. Mareclellan had nearly froze when Shining Armor came marching towards him, and almost had a heart attack when he was told to set his company up for an excursion to find his tormentors... The Advisors, within the middle of the Everfree Forest.
So why in the name of Celestia he was forsaken with this task... He did not know. The only thing that he did know... Or well, wish... Was that he would not have to find the generals in the forest and that they'd find their own way back.
Some higher power heard his wish on that day, and his wish was granted... Though not without torment.
*** *** ***
Chuck could not do this to him... to subject him to this... this absolute hell. Why did it have to fall upon him to be lectured to shit by this sweet, sweet, thing. Oh, it did not feel right at all.... none of it did. This had to be one of Chuck's games if it was nearly making him want to pull his own ballsack off.
Looking around the room, he could see Bradley take it all in with a stoic face while the Germans remained stiffer than ever, well... stiff, but respectful. Why was he the only one who found something wrong with this absolute horse shit? Why did he have to be the one to push through the absolute bullshit of this god damn lecture before it melted everything right in his mind away.
Oh... George S Patton was going to be having quite a few shots when they get back... well, maybe more than quite a few shots. The whole bottle... yes, that sounded more like what he needed. Now, if only this pony named Fluttershy would get done with her god damn lecture...
*** *** ***
Despite his outwardly stoic expression, Bradley was secretly laughing his ass off as he watched Patton visibly lose his damn mind and sanity as he sat in the chair right before Fluttershy while being lectured on why the humans shouldn't even hunt, let alone use weapons like shotguns.
There had been some other ponies here earlier... apparently Fluttershy's friends, who came by to help tie them up within Fluttershy's home. Though they apparently left, he had a lingering feeling that at least two of them were still nearby... watching them from some bush like predators waiting to pounce if they made one wrong move.
One again, Patton was visibly cringing, and Bradley gave him a subtle look as to keep it all within himself until they were released from the pony's custody. Yes, they could probably take them all on without a problem, though it might be painful as they are literal horses... and besides, why make an even worse impression with the locals?
*** *** ***
There was something quizzically odd about seeing a Field Marshal of the Third Reich being sat down in a chair too small for him, and being lectured about why hunting with shotguns is completely immoral and why hunting in general should not be practiced... even though the man himself was a known hunter to those who were close to them. To add onto that, Rommel himself seemed to be taking it in with a thoughtful manner, even if it probably did not match in any way shape or form with whatever he himself thought of the matter.
Gone was the usually blunt Swabian, and in was the slightly too courteous Field Marshal. What a strange land Bayerlein resided in anymore...
*** *** ***
He had to admit, the pony herself was quite compelling with her argument against hunting.
Rommel really did want to rebuff her, saying that humans did require meat to survive... but then again, there was the Fuhrer, and his... vegetarian tastes. Well, he was a madman, so maybe it was the lack of meat...
Don't start thinking of that again. He reminded himself. He would just sit through it... and take it all in. Absently, he wondered how Gause was handling this situation.
*** *** ***
As a Chief of Staff, Gause has been dressed down numerous times by either superiors, or said superior's wife... He has also had to dress down either idiots or clueless officers who needed additional understanding of a subject, but he never envisioned himself being dressed down by a female other than his wife... let alone a female pony.
Well, at least this one seemed very well mannered and didn't have any Polish wrath within her... as opposed to the likes of Frau Rommel.
*** *** ***
Determination was a key aspect that was sorely needed when arguing, or making a claim with someone. Fluttershy knew that very well. Still, as she lectured the tall bipedal creatures dressed in weird clothing within her room, she kept a calm, and somewhat quiet demeanor... no matter how much their barbaric way of hunting made her angry.
For the most part, as she spoke to them, they all seemed quite thoughtful and understanding of her argument, save for the tall one... who looked like he was probably going to lose his mind. He probably was, but he was thrown a look from one sitting across from him, who was dressed in the same uniform. They all probably had a feeling that they were being watched, so naturally... whatever hard feelings they held were kept in check.
Besides, for as large as they were... taking on the likes or Applejack or Rainbow Dash in a fight would be hopeless. Actually... those two probably wouldn't even be needed. Pinkie Pie would probably cause their minds to shut down. Either way, they still opted to stay quiet, and try to be respectful, which was something nice.
*** *** ***
Meanwhile in the Everfree
This was not good... no, no, no, no... this was not good at all.
Why did they assign him to this duty... of all bucking things? Being sent to supervise the rock mines in the west was one thing... but this, searching the Everfree to find 5 creatures, one of whom probably is planning his own murder, was absolutely outrageous. No, he was no frontline soldier... he was an administrator. But still, he was still somehow within the Royal Guard... so he had a duty to do.
Duty... yes, he had a duty to do. Damn it all if it was the Everfree, he would lead his Stallions and find the Advisors.
"TIMBERWOLF AMBUSH, EVERYPONY RUN! Somepony called out.
Suddenly, all that determination melted away as Mareclellan and his brave Stallions ran back the way they came, all the while they were being chased by Timberwolves. Subconsciously, he began planning his own escape if he got back before the Advisors did. |
This Can't Be Legal | pre | Chewing her lip, Sunset tried to imagine the prospect, finding the warm haze was swiftly returning to fill her head, causing her face to burn in response. "Uhhhhhhhhh..."
Adagio slammed her bedroom door behind herself, then let out a dramatic sigh as she let herself fall face first onto her bed.
"...I may have been a bit harsh back there..." She grumbled into the pillow. Guilt had become a more and more common companion of hers these days.
Maybe, but she started it. sniffed her inner monologue, projected from the bitchiest parts of her personality.
"Fair, but I thought we wanted to move past this sort of thing." She whispered to herself, ignoring the large neon sign in her head that was rapidly flashing the word "CRAZY" as she talked to herself.
Yeah, to try and impress Sunset, who she was trying to steal from us!
"We don't own her," she scoffed "she's just our cute little meal ticket. It's not like I really have a...c-crush...on her, no matter how much Aria and Sonata might insist otherwise!"
You do realize that lying to me is pointless right? I can literally see the part of your imagination where your mental image of her is surrounded by tiny little pink hearts.
"Sh-shut up! I DO NOT HAVE A CRUSH ON SUNSET SHIMMER!" She fumed, before being interupted by a knock on her bedroom wall.
"You know we can hear everything you're saying out here in the hallway right?" Came a muffled, but hauntingly familiar voice. It was one of the last voices she wanted to hear right now.
"Seriously! For such a nice place, the walls sure are thin, huh Aria?"
And there was the other voice.
"What are you two doing here." She growled at the wall.
"We brought you all the rest of your stuff from the apartment! You told us to bring it now that you aren't scared Sunset'll kick you to the curb, remember?" Sonata answered in her usual, too-cheery-for-this-world tone.
"Yeah, now come let us in so I can properly laugh at you for that perfectly timed outburst."
Adagio could literally hear the smirk on Aria's face.
Muttering curses under her breath and praying the hot flush on her face would subside during her walk across the apartment, Adagio stomped her way towards the front door, pulling it open and poking her head out just in time to see the two sirens turn the hallway corner carrying several large cardboard boxes.
Giving the pair of walking storage containers a venomous glare they couldn't possibly see, she moved to hold the door open wide for them. "The last 30 seconds didn't happen...or else."
"But they did though?" Sonata pointed out, sounding genuinely confused as she walked in and desposited the boxes she was carrying on the living room floor.
Aria chuckled as she followed suit, while Adagio struggled to take deep calming breaths, one palm massaging a temple.
"All we heard was the fervent declaration that you don't have a crush on your roomie." Aria pointed out mockingly, "Is that what you'd like us to forget about? Because without that one shouted statement, all we have left is evidence that says very much the opposite."
Adagio clenched her teeth into a snarl, ready to hurl more agitated denial, even knowing it would only prove Aria's point, but at the last second, she suddenly relaxed, a calmly superior smile spreading across her face.
It made Aria feel like her blood had been replaced by ice water. "A-Adagio...?"
"It almost seems a shame to finally play this little trump card I've been holding for so long, but we do what we must." Adagio thought to herself, her grin growing even larger. "Aria my dear, you know as well as I do that I don't get silly things like crushs, and I just don't want either of you to accidently say something that might make things uncomfortable for my dear, sweet roommate." she began innocently, her expression turning sinister as she went in for the kill. "For example could you imagine if, innocently and mistakenly, I started spreading the rumor that I had to move out of my old apartment because my two roommates would bang on every flat surface they could find every second I wasn't around."
Aria immediately stumbled backwards, as if she had been slapped, the redness on her face completing the illusion. "I...we...uh..." she stuttered, "I have no idea what you're talking about!"
While already feeble, the validity of the denial crumbled to nothing as Sonata leaned towards Aria and very loudly whispered "She knows!!!"
Aria's shoulders slumped as she realized there was no point in attempting to stuff the cat back into the bag. "How'd you find out? We were so careful..."
Adagio giggled as she rolled her eyes. "The two of you aren't nearly as sneaky as you think you are, besides, I noticed you were secretly in love with her literally centuries ago." she declared smugly.
"Me?" Aria asked dumbly, pointing a finger at her own chest.
"Yes, you, you dolt." Adagio said with a nod, genuine amusement twinkling in her eyes. "It was so obvious the way you two would constantly fight like cats, you're like a child, always pulling her ponytail because you didn't know how to tell her you liked her."
Aria seemed frozen now, except for the sweat beading on her increasingly red face.
"Y'know," Adagio went on, "I'm still convinced you only started tying your hair in those cute little pig tails in the hopes that Sonata would finally get brave enough to pull them back, which I guess she finally did!" she tossed a quick wink and a proud smile at Sonata, who was grinning and rubbing the back of her neck guiltily.
Finally regaining her ability to move, Aria coughed awkwardly into her hand. "Right uh...I guess your secret is safe with us then, long as the same goes for you."
"Of course, fair's fair," Adagio agreed, before her eyes widened in panic "n-not that my secret is real of course! I just don't want any false rumors going around!"
"Whatever you say Dagi." The two again spoke in perfect unison, identical conspiratorial smiles on their faces.
"Y'know it's even creepier when you two do that knowing what you've been up to behind closed doors." Adagio grimaced.
"It's mostly just holding hands!" Sonata giggled, taking the opportunity to step towards her secret girlfriend and wrap said hands together.
"Oh trust me, I know, that's why it's so gross." Adagio grumbled before making exaggerated gagging noises.
Aria smiled as she squeezed Sonata's hand, realizing they didn't have to pretend anymore around Adagio, but then tilted her head as a thought struck her. "Wait, if you knew all this time why not just tell us, make us tone it down? You didn't have to move out."
"Never pounce on an advantage as soon as it appears. Wait until it stands to have maximum effect." Adagio quoted haughtily, before switching to an amused smile. "And I moved out because while perfect for a couple, a one bedroom apartment is far from ideal for 3 people."
Aria gave her a bemused look. "...wasn't that a quote from that weird video game we played last month?"
Adagio just shrugged.
"Alright then..." Aria muttered, letting it go. "Well you're welcome to come visit anytime...just uh...knock first?"
"You could just leave a sock on the door or something." Adagio purred with half-lidded eyes.
"We're trying to prevent any weird rumors, not start them ourselves!" Aria nearly shouted.
Adagio just chuckled, before blinking in confusion. "Ok not to look a gift pony in the mouth, and I get why you'd wanna keep me out of the loop, but it just dawned on me that I have no idea why you two are so desperate to keep this a secret from the rest of the world?"
At that Sonata looked uncomfortable while Aria just looked angry.
"People still...sorta think we're all sisters..." Sonata finally admitted forlornly.
"NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I CORRECT THEM" Aria growled, a blood vessel bulging in her forehead.
"Seriously?" Adagio looked amazed. "That makes no sense, we all look nothing alike...and we have different last names!" |
This Can't Be Legal | I Prefer Kick Drums & Red Wine | Adagio released a contented sigh as she flipped through an old fashion magazine, listening to the background noise of explosions on the television, the clicking noises of Aria's game controller, and Sonata's amused giggles. It was a collection of sounds she'd heard for years, and it left her feeling almost nostalgic. Just like old times... she thought to herself, before glancing across the couch. ...mostly.
Unlike old times, Sonata was curled up in Aria's lap, eyes glued to the television as the controller hovered in her own lap, Aria's arms wrapped loosely around her waist to hold it. Adorable Adagio thought, though she couldn't stop the small pang of what was definitely not jealousy that ran through the back of her mind.
Adagio rolled her eyes. It was a ridiculous thought, her being jealous of those two. Adagio Dazzle did not get jealous! It was her who made others jealous! Speaking of, she belatedly realized she hadn't teased anyone today, well besides Aria, but that hardly counted. I wonder when Sunset will be home... she thought, not noticing the slight pink tinge it brought to her cheeks.
A moment later, the distinct sound of a key being fumbled into a lock made its way from the front door, and Adagio couldn't help the small grin that spread across her face. "Speak of the devil..."
"Wha?" Asked Aria, before catching on to the noises coming from the front door. "Crap!" She muttered, before tossing Sonata off her lap in a panic.
Sonata landed in a heap on the carpet between the couch and the tv. "Owie..." she managed to groan,
"Sorry babe." Aria whispered, while trying to look as aloof and casual as possible.
Sunset paused as the key slid fully into the lock, taking a deep breath and eyeing her two friends to her left. "Brace yourselves girls, I don't know what fresh hell awaits us inside, but I heard some kind of commotion in there."
Twilight just rolled her eyes good natured-ly while Rarity giggled.
"Oh don't be so mean darling, that could be your future wife in there!" Rarity teased, a twinkle in her eyes.
Sunset flushed red while trying very hard to not think about their discussion back at the boutique. "Sh-shut up! 'What happens at the boutique stays at the boutique.' is your rule! And that goes for what I said about both Adagio and Principal Celestia!"
"Fine, fine dear, our lips are sealed." Rarity assured her, making a dismissive motion with a hand. "Regardless, I was promised wine and romance movies, so let's get a move on." She urged, gesturing for the door.
"Yeah, alright." Sunset nodded, before taking another deep breath and swinging the door open.
To say she wasn't expecting the scene that greeted her was an understatement, but that was becoming an increasingly regular occurrence.
"Uh, hi Aria, Sonata, what are you girls doing here?"
"We came to bring some of Adagio's stuff from the apartment, then figured we'd hang for a bit." Aria offered noncommittally, her attention focused mostly on the video game she was playing.
"I see..." Sunset answered, a bemused look on her face as her eyes moved from Aria to Sonata. "Uh, Sonata, why are you lying on the floor...face first..."
"Ih's comfy..." Sonata muttered, sounding both sulky and not particularly comfortable.
"Um...k." Sunset shook her head, then looked to Adagio offering a sheepish smile. "Hey Dagi..." she stopped short, realizing she had used the cutesy nickname without thinking about it, but decided to push through the blush it had caused. "I'm, uh, sorry we had to ditch you at lunch."
Adagio turned a little pink herself, hiding it behind her magazine as she tried not to think of the last time Sunset had called her that. "It's fine, I didn't end up staying anyways, somebody had to come let these two in." She explained, neglecting to mention the little verbal slap fight she'd had with Celestia.
"Rain check?" Sunset asked hopefully, though why it was suddenly so important to her, she couldn't fathom.
"Of course." Adagio purred, flipping the top of her magazine down enough to flash Sunset some mild bedroom eyes. "Maybe we can go just the two of us sometime."
Sunset stiffened a little, but found the idea didn't sound quite as horrible as she would've assumed. "Y-yeah, maybe..."
"Darling, you're blocking the door, and I was promised wine!" Rarity called as she prodded Sunset in the back, causing the girl to jump slightly with an "Eeep!" and clearing the blocked entrance for herself and Twilight.
"Alright alright, I got it!" Sunset practically shouted as she speed-walked towards the kitchen, hoping nobody noticed how talking with Adagio had made her forget everyone else in the room. She opened a cabinet and pulled out a large cardboard box, hoisting it onto the counter. "Hope you don't mind that it's warm."
Adagio glanced over, well pretended to glance over, maybe she'd been covertly watching Sunset the entire time, but who was counting, and groaned at seeing the box. "You can't serve that tripe to our guests, Sunny. Hold on, I think I have something better in the stuff Aria and Sonata brought."
Adagio bounced up from her position on the couch, doing a dramatic stretch before powering off towards her room, conveniently catching everyone's attention while Aria discreetly helped her secret girlfriend up off the floor with an apology kiss on the cheek. After a few moments, she returned, her arms filled with a collection of dusty bottles.
Proceeding into the kitchen, she began examining labels as she deposited each bottle on the counter. "Hmmmmm, late 70's Italian, these should be just about at their peak." She mumbled before casting about for a cork screw
"You have a vintage wine collection?" Sunset asked, raising a brow as she pulled a cheap plastic cork screw from a drawer.
"One tends to accumulate things when you live for centuries, might as well try and find the ones that get better with age." Adagio explained with an airy chuckle.
"Makes sense I suppose." Sunset agreed with a shrug, before pulling out her phone curiously. After tapping on it for a moment, she held it up next to one of the bottles, her jaw dropping. "Holy shit, some of these bottles are worth like a thousand dollars!"
Adagio just shrugged. "I have plenty more, neither of us is hurting for money, and like I said, a few more years and these will be past their prime anyways. Besides I didn't buy any of my little collection without the intent to drink it."
"Well then that's, uh..." Sunset scratched her head, still trying to wrap her head around the values of the bottles, before deciding it wasn't really important right now. "It's very sweet of you to share these with us." Was what she settled on, adding a genuine little smile.
"You're welcome." Adagio said with a wink before scooping up two of the bottles and heading towards the living room. "Bring some glasses please!"
Sunset turned to another cabinet and opened it, reaching to the top shelf where she had a barely used set of long stem wine glasses. The box wine would have gone into disposable cups, but this situation called for something with a bit more polish.
Returning to the living room, Sunset found that Twilight had pulled a chair up next to the couch, and both her and Sonata had taken to watching Aria resume her video game, while Rarity was excitedly jumping up and down as Adagio smugly presented her with the pair of wine bottles.
Noticing Sunset had arrived with the glasses, Adagio set to opening each one, casting an eye around the room. "Alright, who wants red, and who wants white?"
"I'll try the red please dear." Rarity said with excitement, before giving Sunset a small frown. "And unfortunately Sunset must only have the white, she, uh....reacts poorly to red wine."
Sunset grimaced, hiding her face in a palm.
Adagio just chuckled and began filling a glass from each bottle. "So I've heard." She handed each girl a full glass, adding an apologetic smile for Sunset, then looked to the others. "What'll it be girls?"
Aria grunted, pausing the game and rummaging in a plastic bag next to her to pull out a can of alcoholic energy drink. Adagio wrinkled her nose in disgust, but knew better than to try and convince the girl to drink something quality for a change.
"I'll have the white please!" Sonata gasped, raising her hand as if answering a question in school.
"Um, make that two...please?" Twilight added hesitantly.
Adagio nodded, filling two more glasses with the bottle of white wine and doling them out, before turning back to the red for herself. When the task was finished, she raised it towards Sunset and Rarity. "You've caught me in a particularly good mood, so I'll humor you and say 'to friends, old and new.'"
Sunset and Rarity both giggled a little at her reluctance before clinking their glasses and all three took a long sip.
"Mmmm, Sunset if you don't marry this girl, I may have to." Rarity mumbled with a blissful sigh.
"What?" Sunset and Adagio asked in unison.
"Hm? Nothing dears, just commenting on how delicious the wine is!" Rarity managed, taking another large sip to stop herself from laughing nervously. They both gave her odd looks but eventually returned to their own glasses, making their own series of approving noises.
"You two go sit down while I open another bottle of white, since this one is almost done." Adagio offered, examining the mostly empty bottle. Rarity and Sunset shrugged, heading for nearby seats, while Adagio turned towards the kitchen, but not without Aria taking notice.
"Hey Nata, take over for me for a minute?" Aria asked, tossing her the controller.
"You got it boss!" Sonata said with a smart salute, while somehow managing to simultaneously walk the game character off a cliff.
Walking into the kitchen, Aria approached Adagio as she was working on opening a bottle with the less than adequate cork screw. "Need any help?"
"Nah, I got it." Adagio said with a small grunt of effort, only getting the cork out halfway.
"Gimme that." Aria said, rolling her eyes as she snapped up the bottle and gave the cork screw a seemingly effortless tug that popped the cork immediately.
"I suppose you were always better than me with pointy objects." Adagio admitted with a wry grin.
Aria chuckled, before giving Adagio a more serious look. "So, you've got it pretty bad huh?"
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Adagio answered nervously. "Didn't we already have this conversation a few hours ago?"
"Daj, you wouldn't even share your collection with us." Aria deadpanned, "Now you're sharing it with an entire room full of people, just so you can share it with her."
Adagio looked away, hugging her shoulders. "I-I just wanted to be a good host!"
Aria grinned wickedly, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Man, you used to be such a good liar, what has 'Team Friendship" been doing to you these past few days?"
Adagio wilted, her shoulders slumping as she leaned against the counter, but there was a rueful smile on her face. "This is pretty much just her influence."
Aria chuckled darkly. "That sounds dangerously close to just admitting you're into her."
"I, but, urghhhhh...fine, maybe I have, just a bit, developed a glimmer of affection for her."
"That's right, let it allllll out." Aria quipped sardonically.
"Go choke on a barnacle." Adagio grumbled, though she couldn't help the edges of her mouth twisting into a smile.
"Seriously, why don't you just put the moves on her like usual?" Aria asked, a look of genuine curiosity on her face. "Your slowest record before now has been like 8 hours, and that girl was a 17th century Nun! I mean sure they wanted to burn you for witchcraft afterwards and we had to run for our lives, but Massachusetts sucked anyways."
"It's complicated." Adagio huffed, before giving a small, hesitant frown. "Most of my tactics just make her uncomfortable, which is super fun and cute to watch, but not exactly getting me anywhere." She took a moment to look around, ensuring nobody was eavesdropping on them before lowering her voice to a whisper. "And if I'm really being honest, I...I don't want just some one night stand...I want more than that" she admitted, her face heating up.
Aria gave an amused snort. "You sound like a simpering idiot right now."
Adagio glared, before taking up a wolflike grin. "So in other words, like I'm totally your type?"
Aria opened her mouth to retort, before glancing over her shoulder to see Sonata giggling merrily as she blew her own game character up repeatedly with her own rocket launcher. Rolling her eyes, she turned back to Adagio and shrugged. "What can I say, I like em dumb and cute I guess."
They both giggled for a moment before Aria turned back towards the living room. "Anyways, come on, you have glasses to refill, and I have another can of sugary crap to open, besides I wanna see what happens when you and bacon bits get drunk together!" |
King of Velrain | pre | "I-I don't know what's wrong! It was a simple spell!"
"Oh for the love of god make it stop! My insides are on fire!"
He dragged his gauntlets across his helmet making a loud screech. His gauntlets had turned into the shape of hooves and now his boots were following. His back made a sound like snapping trees, his helmet narrowed making a muzzle and a small hole formed at the top to let out a long silver horn. His wings molded themselves into a different shape covering a new pair of organic wings.
With one last yell he fell to the ground letting his helmet slide off. Everyone gasped, he was a full gown alicorn.
He slowly stood up falling a few times before getting his balance. He put a hoof up to his head and his eyes shot open.
He stared at his hooves with a slack jaw and wide eyes before he started to laugh.
"This is great! I can already think of all the new adventures I can do now!"
"You're not concerned that you just changed species?" Twilight asked.
"Your right!" He ran over to the pile of glass and tried to pick up a large piece that only shattered when he tried to pick it up. "Could I get some help?
"Let me, your majesty." Celestia said smiling at how childish he had become.
He looked at himself in the piece of mirror before sighing in relief.
"Whew, for a second I was afraid my goatee was gone."
"Really? You're Goatee? That is what you were worried about?" Twilight huffed.
"I happen to like what hair I have on my face, you just can't appreciate what you have because your covered in hair." He said crossing his fore-hooves.
"So are you." She pointed out.
"But mines well kept. Yours is lavender."
"What's wrong with lavender?" She asked insulted.
"Lavender is the color of war."
"Of course it is, how silly of me." She rolled her eyes.
"Speaking of war," He began making all the ponies shake slightly. "I'm surprised no one has taken my weapons."
"I almost forgot, thank you" Celestia said lighting her horn up again.
His guns slid out of their holsters, his grenades detached from his belt and the weapons on his back. Including his war-hammer.
He quickly grabbed onto his hammer with his teeth, pulling back with every ounce of strength.
"Alexander, release it. I need to keep all of your weapons for now."
"No! You don't understand, this hammer need's to stay within a hundred feet of me!"
"And why is that?"
"Otherwise it'll send out a shock wave with the force of a two-megaton bomb! That's why!"
"And you walk around with that on your back?"
"I'm the only one who can use it. So, yes I am."
"As long as you do not use it for malicious purposes you may keep it."
She released her grip on his hammer and he happily put it back on his back.
"So, can I leave and explore now?" He asked looking at her smiling.
She just stared before snapping out of it. "Yes, you may. As long as one of the Element's accompanies you."
He just laughed before stepping out of his armor. Every mare gasped, every female pegasai's wings went out even Celestia could help but feel her wings shoot open momentarily before she pulled them in blushing.
He stood even taller than Celestia, he was extremely muscled, every breathe he took pushed out a wall of muscle before receding, his legs were almost twice the size of Big Mac's and his mane was cut short while still waving around like fire. His coat was a bronze orange with a white stipe running along his side. His horn and hooves were the only evidence of silver on him.
"Well what do you think?" He asked the crowd lifting his left front leg in a heroic pose.
All the mares present fell like dominoes. Even Celestia and the Element's fell to the ground. Leaving only Luna to stand there still bored.
"I've seen better." |
King of Velrain | Exploration. | Celestia awoke with a startle, as she felt cold water thrown onto her face. She instinctively bucked.
She hit something. Hard.
Her back hooves hurt from the hit and when she went to see what she hit, she was expecting a brick wall. Not Alexander smiling with two hooves marks on his chest.
"That's a hell of a kick you got there."
"Thank you?"
"Now you're probably wondering why I dumped ice water on you, am I right?"
"What happened?"
"All the mares except for your sister, in the crowd fainted when I struck a pose. I wouldn't blame them, I tend to have that effect on the ladies."
"I'm sure. Now while you can't stay in the castle for right now, you'll have to stay in a place that has enough room."
"Couldn't I just sleep outside? I have been trained to survive in extreme heat and cold, I've been doing it for thirteen years and I stay in my armor most of the time."
"No, you will stay in a proper shelter, with a roof over your head."
"Gah! Ranibow what'd yall do that for!?" Applejack said waking up from a fresh bucket of ice water.
Rainbow was on the ground having a laughing fit.
"'ll deal with you later." She said before looking over at the princess and king.
"So, you wouldn't have any place for me to stay by chance would you?" He asked.
"The barn should be big nough' for you."
"Ooh a farm! I've always wanted to go to a farm, but I never got to."
"If yall don't mind me askin' what's with the sudden mood change?"
"Huh? Oh I'm just more comfortable around you all now, now that I know you all can't kill me. Celestia did leave a mark on me when she bucked me though."
Applejack was blushing furiously while covering her smile with her stentson. "So, she bucked you?"
"Yeah, she left two big marks, see?"
Applejack was on the ground laughing now.
"What's so funny?" He asked Celestia who was also blushing.
"She thinks I bucked you."
"You did though, see there's marks on my chest."
"No she thought we... rutted." .
His eyes grew in realization. "And I thought Rainbow was the dirty one! That's a good one; no one can usually get me with that sort of thing."
"I'm happy to see you two getting along already. For now I need to search for the other human."
Celestia flew off leaving two of the Element's, half a crowd of passed out ponies and her sister.
"So when do we get to go?" He asked bouncing up and down shaking the buildings.
"When were done wakin' all the others." She said making his ears lay back.
"But that could take forever! I want to go see what life is like on a farm!"
"You will as soon as we wake the others."
He crossed his fore-hooves before his gaze followed the drooling mares. All the way to a water hydrant.
A small smile spread across his face before he got up, went over to the hydrant and nudged it making it fall to the side letting all the water spray on the crowd.
They all started stirring so he grabbed the hydrant and smashed it back into place before walking back to Applejack.
"Now can we go?"
"Sure, ah guess." She said not quite believing he did a Rainbowdash move.
He smiled and picked up his helmet carefully balancing it on his back. As they were going along he was staring at every building in fascination and amazement.
Soon a soft hiss came from his armor.
"Did yall's armor just hiss?" She asked stepping to the side.
"No, this is Cinnamon." He said extending his neck to let out a snake like creature with four eye's seven legs and pincers.
"What in tarnation!" She yelled jumping back.
Cinnamon hissed slightly before rubbing against his cheek.
"Now look what you've done, you've hurt her feelings. Now apologize."
"What?"
"Apologize to her." He said extending his hoof to let Cinnamon crawl to the edge.
She looked down at her and back to Alexander before giving in.
"A'hm sorry I over reacted."
She gave a low hiss before crawling off and onto Applejack's back where she nuzzled her.
"Now stop that ah'm ticklish."
She gave another hiss and nod before curling up under her hat.
"I think she likes you, that's a good thing." He said chuckling at the cute site.
"Why? Is she poisonous?"
"Yes, one bite will make your eyes dry up, your skin peel off like a rotten banana and your insides become your outsides. It hurt like hell when she bit me, but when you bite me, she learned that I bite twice as hard. We both have the scars to prove it."
"If that's true then why aren't you dead?"
"When I bit her I got some of her blood on the wound, it mixed and it made an anti-venom from her venom and my blood cells. So now when I get poisoned or ingest venom it's like injecting steroids into my veins."
"Huh, that's neat."
"Not really, although I do enjoy taking a cyanide pill once in a while. It has a nice citrusy taste with a hint of coconut in the aftertaste."
She looked at him confused but still nodding as if she understood what he was talking about.
The walk was short, it was a small own after all. Soon the tops of trees and a barn could be seen in the distance and not so long after the gate.
"Here we are Sweetapple acres! Home of the Apple family and best apples around." She said proudly.
He was staring at the orchard with wide eyes and an even wider smile.
"Look at all the apples."
"That's not even all of em' either."
"No way. Do you think I could try and help?"
"What? Buck a tree?"
"Yeah, I wonder if I could do it."
"I'd reckon so after the little test twi' set up. Come on, I'll get Mac." She said opening the gate and running to the farm house.
He sat in front of the porch marveling at how many trees there were before three voices and a rustle of leaves caught his attention. He looked over to a bush and saw, squinting three sets of eyes.
He pulled out his war-hammer before moving forward. The bush moved back before three foals came out. One was an orange Pegasus with a purple mane; the unicorn of the group was whit with pink highlights in her mane and finally a little yellow earth pony with a red mane and a gigantic pink bow.
"Alright, I'll bite. Who are you, and why were you trying to spy on me?" He asked putting his hammer back in its sheath.
"We wanted to talk." Said the small orange one.
"About?"
"Is it true you're really a king?" Asked the little unicorn.
"Yes. And a da-darn good one too." He caught himself.
"Are you really as strong as they say you are?"
"And stronger each day. I wouldn't be surprised if I could lift a mountain by now. I wonder..." He said looking over to Canterlot. "Naw, she'd get mad."
"Did yall really fight zomponies?" Asked the small yellow one.
"Yes I did, I threw oil tankers, rolled streets on them and occasionally threw a building... or two... or eight."
"What was the worst thing you ever fought?" Asked the unicorn.
"Scariest or biggest?"
"I think you mean largest, and I would like to know about the largest."
"Well alright little miss dictionary," He said sticking out his tongue. "It actually comes with my title, or atleast it did when i added it to my list of achievements. I killed the unkillable!"
"What was it?"
"Destroyer one and Destroyer two. I actually did humanity a favor by killing them; they'd already killed three-fourths of earth's population before they sent it into space."
"Everypony knows you can't go into space. It's impossible." She said with a dismissive hoof.
"Oh yeah? Well how about tonight i go to the moon and bring back two lunar rocks?"
"Why?"
"To show you it is possible, as long as you have the right equipment and training."
"Deal, hey look here comes Big Mac and Applejack."
He turned around and stood up. Big Mac was atleast at his chest standing straight forward. He was slightly muscular from farm work. He seemed quite but his eyes had a world of endless knowledge in them, waiting to be shared.
"Howdy, names Big Macintosh. Yall can call me Mac if it suits you." He said slowly before extending his hoof.
"Alexander. But you can just call me Alex." He grabbed his hoof and immediately Big Mac's shrank back.
"Got a heck of' a grip. I heard Aj's lettin ya try apple bucking, that true?"
"Yeah, I was hoping while I stay in the barn i could help around. When do I get to start?"
"Yall can start now if ya like. There's a nice tree right over there." He said pointing to a tree by another small patch.
He walked over and circled it once before getting in position.
He struck out his back legs as hard as he could. Three things happened his hooves met wood, there was a loud snap, and the looks on the applefamily were ones of shock.
He hesitantly looked back and his eyes widened, his ears lay back and his mouth form an "O" shape.
He had not just taken the tree out by the roots; he'd taken another four with it.
"Maybe I shouldn't do that again." He said nervously tapping his hooves together.
"Well that's a heck of a kick ya got there." Big Mac chuckled.
"I can put them back if you want, it will only take a few seconds."
"Don't worry bout it. Let's go plow the fields."
He nodded before getting back up and sharing one last glance towards the trees he fell.
Mac led him around past the barn, past a few apple trees and finally a large open area. He walked up to a large piece machinery, it wasn't technologically advanced like tractors, but it was sufficient.
"So you're going to hook me up to something with a large blade? You all trust me way too much."
"Now come on, if yall say you're as strong as ya are then this will tire you out might quick."
He walked over and let Mac put the chains around his barrel and front legs.
"The last time I was tied in chains was when I was in that Taliban military camp over in Iraq. They tried everything from teeth pulling and car batteries, but I just laughed right in their faces."
"Right, so all yall have to do is walk around there. Just make a good four rows."
He looked over to the small patch and faster than Mac could see vanished for a split second and reappeared in front of him with a small trail of dust following.
"Alright I'm done."
"How can ye be done already? ya just... started." He said before he saw the field.
A perfect four rows, evenly spaced and straight, done.
"I'm not gounna ask. I guess that's all we can do for ya. And seems like the night is comin so I'd say it's time to hit the hay."
"Night Mac, see you in the morning."
As they both walked back Alex could hear yelling and screaming. Followed by howls.
"We need to go now!" He nearly shouted before vanishing in a blur through the trees.
In seconds he saw what was going on, there seemed to be four wooden wolves surrounding Applebloom. And she was hurt.
They hurt a child.
He saw his vision go red, blood start to go down his face. He charged without a second thought, he managed to skewer one of the wolves in the head. Before any of them knew what was going on a second had its head smashed in and the third had its body torn in half. The fourth one had enough time to see a war hammer connect with his face.
Its entire body shattered from the shock wave that followed through the air.
"Alex what's got yall riled up-Applebloom!" Mac yelled running up to meet Applebloom.
"What in tarnation happened Alex!? Alex?"
"They hurt a child." He growled.
"One of em' bit me, see?" Applebloom said showing her brother her fore-leg.
"What bit you? All ah see is... wood. Alex did yall just kill four Timberwolves?"
He walked past him with blood matted fur and into the barn.
"Ah think he needs time to cool off, come on bloom let's get some rest." |
King of Velrain | Explanations. | Alex sat there in dead silence, staring at the floor before his head snapped to the side. He groaned and rubbed his aching head; he rubbed the area around his eyes and looked at his hoof, giving out another sigh he quickly wiped the blood off.
"Hello? Alex yall in there?" Appljack asked slowly coming in and shutting the barn door behind her.
"Yeah, I'm right here. I'm guessing you're wondering what happened earlier?"
"Mac said ya were chipper than Pinkie one second and the next he saw you walk away from killin four Timberwolves. What happened?"
"It's a long story... a long and painful one."
"If ya don't want to share, that's alright with me."
"No, no. You all deserve some explanation for why I did what I did. It was when I was just a normal guy, before I got my armor, before anything in my reign. There was a little girl, she was running across the street and as she got halfway there... a car came screeching around the corner and I saw it speeding ahead and I jumped in the way. She died and all i got was a broken rib and cracked skull."
"That's... horrible."
"The mother was sad, but happy. She was happy that her little girl got to see her hero before she went, before the cancer killed her."
"C-Caner?"
"Yeah, she was terminally ill. She wasn't going to live past the week. I just... can't help but blame myself for her death."
"All ya did was try and save her."
"That's all I seem to be able to do... is try. Everyone I meet, everyone I care about dies. because of me." He lowered his head to let the tears drip onto the wooden floor.
"Were still alive, and were you're friends. Right?"
"I guess."
"Is Applebloom a friend?"
"Sure, she's nice enough to me."
"Well ya saved her from a pack of Timberwolves, you did save her. Now come on, breakfast is ready." She finished smiling before walking out.
He gave a small smile knowing she was right, he did save her. He finally saved someone; the thing that he could never do. With a huff he got up and made his way out, and into the house next door.
The smell hit him instantly, fresh pancakes with apples in them. He followed the scent until he saw a medium sized table with a large red work horse, a wrinkly green mare and a small yellow filly with her leg in a sling. He sat down making one of the chairs creak.
"Huh, Aj wasn't lyin' when she said you were good lookin." Granny chuckled.
"Oh she said that did she?" He asked looking at the blushing Applejack mixing some soup.
"Don't listen to granny; she's at that age, y'know how all old ponies are." Applejack said getting a glare from her elder.
"I am not at that age! I'm halfway there!" She shot back waving a wooden cane at her.
"So what's for breakfast?" Alex asked looking at Applebloom.
"Applecakes!" She responded.
"What are Applecakes?" He asked looking around to everyone else.
"Just some pancakes with apple slices, is all." Mac said.
"That sounds good, better than eating grubs off of logs. That was disgusting." He shivered.
"Why were ya eatin bugs?" Asked Applebloom.
"When I ran off earlier, I was hiding over in the Everfree and I was low on food so I tapped into my survival training and scrounged up what I could. I also learned that manticores love blueberries. Although I did get some actual iron from what it "gave" me."
"What do ya mean gave?"
"I'll tell you when you're older, or atleast not about to eat."
She raised one eyebrow before a stack of pancakes were set down in the middle of the table.
"Alright, breakfast is served! Now dig in!" Applejack said getting two off the top.
Alex got his last being polite, he nibbled lightly on it before his eyes shot open in surprise. Before any of the others knew what happened a strong wind filled the room and his plate was left spinning with a note stuck to it.
Applebloom looked over and read aloud.
"Went to Ponyville, will be back later. Alex."
Alex was speeding away from the farm and in seconds thanks to his advanced speed arrived at the edge of town. He started at a slow walk examining his surroundings.
As expected all the mares were staring. All of them, when he looked back he knew they were and before they knew his head was turned around they were still staring.
He gave a light chuckle at how ridiculous the locals were, even if he was one of them now.
"What to do, what to do?" He asked himself before taking off into the air.
He circled the town twice before setting down at the Library he had visited earlier. He lightly knocked and the small dragon, Spike opened the door.
"Hey Alex! What are you doing here?"
"Just here to get some books, that's all."
"Come in then, we have a book pretty much about anything you can find, even books on books."
He walked in and a small smile spread across his face before trotting over to the "M" section. His eyes scanned over every book before finally resting on two.
"Magic 101 and Advanced spells, perfect. Hey spike where would history be?"
"What kind do you want?"
"What does that mean? Isn't there only one side to history?"
"There's the one about the Elements of Harmony, Nightmare moon, Discord's reign which had to be republished for mistakes and the princesses history of Equestria."
"Elements of what?" He asked genuinely confused.
"You know the Elements of Harmony? Twilight is magic, Rainbowdash is loyalty, Rarity is generosity, Applejack is honesty, Fluttershy is kindness and Pinkie Pie is laughter. The Elements of Harmony, as in the ones who defeated Nightmare Moon, Discord and helped save Canterlot at Twilight's brother's wedding, there kind of a big deal." He shrugged.
"Seourisly, what are the Elements of Harmony? Because those aren't even actual elements." He said with a completely serious expression.
"Check out the history books over on the desk."
"I will, but I only recognize one element. The element of surprise!"
"Weird, Pinkie has you beat by that in the long run."
"No she doesn't. In fact I know she's right next to me." He said before hugging the Pink mare.
"Wow how'd you know where I was!? Are you a mind reader? Because I know my grandma is and my uncle but he's not so much of one he just works at a casino-" She began before Spike shoved a scroll in her pie hole.
"No, I just have super sensitive hearing. And you're pretty much a bubble gum pink blur with rapid breathing and a scent that would give almost anyone Diabetes from a mile away. You're not that stealthy." He smiled before picking up the books from the counter.
"I heard pretty! Did you hear that Spike!? Spike? Where'd you go?" She asked before seeing a small paper drift to the floor.
"Dear Pinkie, I snuck out with Alex to help him with magic. Spike."
"Awww, ah well there's always next time!" She happily said before jumping into a bookcase, completely disappearing.
Back with Alex and Spike.
Spike was as silent as could be, he hopped on when Alex wasn't looking and escaped a major migraine.
"You know you're not that good at stealth either don't you?" Alex said making Spike flinch.
"I wasn't trying to be stealthy I just needed to get away from there for a while. And beside I need another dude to talk to; it gets boring being around a bunch of girls twenty-four seven, y'know?"
"I wouldn't. Do you know any secluded areas?"
"Why?"
"I want to practice defense and offense magic. And if you want to talk then you should know I like explosions. Big ones." He smiled already seeing a small grenade in his hoof. Atleast he did before he remembered he didn't have anything but his hammer.
"Couldn't even let me keep a knife..." He muttered sourly.
"What was that?" Spike asked now waling next to him.
"It was when Celestia took all of my weapons; I wish I had a few back. Just the basics, my shotgun a few knifes and some grenades."
"You don't feel right without them?"
"Yeah, I guess when you spend so much time with some things you grow attached. Y'know?"
"Yeah, I nearly destroyed Ponyville one time when I became greedy."
"You? Destroy a town? Now that's funny."
"You can ask anyone here, they'll tell you a giant wingless purple and green dragon wrecked the place. Just don't ask the Wonderbolts, I may have scarred them mentally and physically."
"Alright now quite it or else you'll make me crack a smile. So, anywhere in particular we can go?"
"We can try the edge of Sweetapple acres?"
"Good, now hop on." He said lowering his wing.
"I've seen you fly I think I'll just walk."
"And what if Pinkie Pie finds you?"
He stood there for a second before jumping on Alex's back.
"Mush!" He yelled grabbing Alex's ears.
"Excuse me? I'm not some lap dog for you to lead around. Now let go of my ears or you'll be hanging by your tail."
He let go of his ears and grabbed onto his neck before Alex shot off at a speed that would make Rainbowdash jealous.
Soon the edge of the farm came and Alex landed as solidly before Spike jumped off and threw up into a bush.
"Thanks for not hurling on me. Hey are you alright?"
"Just... peachy. Can we get started already?" He asked cupping a claw over his mouth.
"Sure, just pass me a book."
Spike wobbly grabbed the "Magic 101" spell book from the two Alex had brought.
"Ok let's see here... focus on object.... imagine the spell and screw this I'm just going to lift a rock."
"I don't think it says that in there."
"I know, I prefer to learn from hands on- I mean hooves on experience. Now let's see what this thing can do, besides just act as a distraction while I'm walking." He said tapping his horn.
He focused on a small rock and slowly his horn started to light up a dim white. The sound of rock being torn from earth was heard and when he opened his eyes he saw a boulder floating in the air.
"Why does that rock look like Tom?" Spike asked.
"Who's Tom?"
"A boulder Discord made Rarity think was a diamond when he was still evil. But now that I think about it... I think that is Tom."
"I think it's time to try a teleporting spell, don't you agree?" He asked smiling.
"Why would you... are you serious? If you did that I would be slightly mad but at the same time impressed."
"Can I see the book now?"
"You don't need it; just imagine where you want to go and poof! You're there. Or you could imagine an object in that place instead."
"Are you suggesting that I send Tom to Rarity's? I was going to send this to Discord and see if it lands on him, but you're idea is much better. And would cause less legal issues on my part."
His horn grew brighter until Spike couldn't look and in a second it was gone. The entire boulder was gone.
"Huh, i thought that would have been harder. Danget that kind of sucked." Alex pouted.
"You just teleported a boulder to Rarity's! Even Twilight couldn't do that normally!"
"So?"
"So!? So!? You just did something that could take the Element of magic hours of concentration to do in seconds with no practice!"
"I still don't believe the Elements. Not until I see them work."
"Just read the book."
"Fine, and by the way how old are you anyway?"
"What? Why do you want to know that?"
"Well you seem like you're in your teens, so, is there anyone you've got your eye on?" He was about to say Rarity, but he stopped him. "Any other choices besides Rarity?"
"I-um... One other."
"Good, who is she?"
"I can't tell! What If Pinkie Pie is listening?"
"Allow me." He said before his horn lit up again and a sphere of white light shrouded them both.
"I Pinkie promise not to say a word."
"How do I know you won't say it after I do?"
"Kid, listen I've had red hot screwdrivers, car batteries and my teeth pulled out and I still didn't say a word to those assholes in that Taliban base. Do you honestly thing a pastry chef is going to get me to talk? And after I did one of her promises?"
"You didn't do the motions though."
"I'd hoped you'd forget about that part... fine. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. There, now talk, just guy to guy."
"Are you sure it's right to talk about her, Twilight say's its not nice to-"
"I'll give you three reasons why you should, one Twilight's not here, two were not gossiping about her and three she would want you to talk about girls with another guy."
"What makes you say that?"
"She'd want you to find someone to settle down with at some point, right? So, I think she would like to let you have some guy time to talk about theses sort of things."
"You're right. Alright do you want to know?"
"Don't tell me I have to do that promise again?"
"It's Fluttershy."
"I wouldn't blame you. She's like you in a few ways."
"Really? Like what?"
"Now I never said I would tell you anything about her. If you want to know then you ask her."
"But she's y'know shy. She'd freak out if I started to ask questions."
"Fine, I'll give you this free. She does like you, the same way you do her."
"No way! Are you serious?"
"Does this face look deceitful?" He asked with the same looking military figure as before.
"Yes?"
"Good, you're learning fast. And she does really like you that way, I say catch the fish while it's on the line, because there won't be another like it later."
"How though!?"
"Hell if I know; who do I look like, Oprah?"
"Who?"
"Some woman who used to help with relationships. Now if you'll excuse me I have some reading to do. I'll just teleport you back to your place."
His horn started to glow again and Spike was blinded by the sudden flash.
When he got his vision back he wasn't in the tree house.
He was in Fluttershy's cottage.
Alex was laughing his flank off trying to imagine what Spikes face looked like. He finally picked himself up and teleported to the barn/living quarters.
Applejack was just closing the door when a "pop" sounded from behind her. She turned around and saw Alex with six books.
"Ah guess you like to read, huh?" She chuckled at him.
"I find it's helpful to relax the mind. Or give ideas for mass destru-I mean peace! So much peace!"
"Uh huh. Don't stay up to late; we need ya on the farm tomorrow."
"I don't sleep remember?"
"No, but thanks for reminded me. Night."
"Night."
She shut the door and left him in darkness. In his eyes the darkness was but light.
"It pays to have wolf eyes." He chuckled before flipping through the first book.
Applejack slowly slid out of bed, she tied her mane and tail in a ponytail and put on her stentson. She gave a yaw before going downstairs to stat the day's work and wake Alex.
"I think I'll get bloom to do that." She said to herself thinking about how he would react.
She stopped dead in her tracks imagining what he could do. She hurried her pace and as she was running through the door she hit something solid. She fell back and rubbed her now bleeding muzzle.
"Ow, who put that wall there?"
"Not a wall, me."
She looked up and saw Alex standing over her.
"Even Mac's muscles aren't that tough."
"He's not a soldier. What are you doing up so late?"
"Late? It's the morning. And I came to get you."
"What did you need me for?"
"I want ya to try apple bucking again."
"Actually I think I can take care of the orchard for you without destroying trees."
"How so?"
"Watch and hold onto something."
She grabbed the support to the porch and watched as he went to the middle of the yard. He rose up onto his hind legs and stomped his front one's onto the ground.
She held as tight as she could when the tremor shook everything, everything she saw was distorted and she felt nauseas. The shaking stopped and when she looked over to Alex she saw he was looking over at the orchard.
She looked over and her eyes widened. He had managed to de-apple every tree in the orchard, something not even her brother could do.
"Now if you'll excuse me i need to return some books." He said before teleporting away.
"Applebloom! Mac! Get down here and help me pick up the apples!" She called to inside the house.
Twilight was re-re-arranging the library with Spike and Peewee.
"Spike you know where doing them by color spectrum, right?"
"I don't see why anyone organizes books by color."
"It's for the color blind ponies."
"Then shouldn't Rarity be here?" He asked as calmly as possible.
"Did you just say she should be here? Not I should go there?" She asked turning her head dramatically.
"Yes, why? You think is still have a crush on her?"
"Well yeah. She's all you ever talked about. Is there somepony else?"
"...Maybe"
"Who is it?"
"Like I'm telling you. No offense, but I would rather trust Applejack to lie to the princesses."
"Why won't you tell me? You tell me everything."
"The only other one who knows is Alex and he Pinkie promised."
"So you told him but not me!? You barely know him!"
"I guess he was wrong. You wouldn't want me to have some guy talk."
"Wait guy talk? What's wrong with talking with me and the other's?"
He started at her blankly before sighing.
"Twilight, I do like you and your friends, but I would like to talk to another guy every once in a while. Bedside's RD is still technically a mare and I couldn't tell her any secrets. She blurt them out everywhere."
"Oh I see. Well good for you. But you're still telling me."
"We'll see."
As they started to re-re-arrange the books a "pop" was heard from behind and they both turned to see Alex standing there with a stack of books.
"Hey Twilight, Spike." He nodded before looking through the shelves again.
"Alex what are you doing here?" She asked.
"To get books. Isn't that what normal people do in libraries?"
"Yes they do. But are you returning those then?"
"Yeah I finished them last night. I still don't believe the Elements of Harmony thing though."
"What do you mean you don't believe them? You're staring at one of them."
"Please, magic of friendship? Reading that was like reading an acid addicted psychopath's diary. I nearly got tired from reading that."
"Excuse me!? I'll have you know that they are real and the magic of friendship is real!"
"Sure and I'm the tooth fairy." He said sarcastically.
"Spike take a five letters."
"Excuse me? Did you say five letters?"
"Yes, I want you to go get the others and tell them to bring their Elements."
"I-No, I'm not going to ask. I'm not being held responsible for what you do this time." He said before pulling out five back-up copies to send for the Elements.
He blew out a puff of fire and watched as it flew out of the window, splitting into different directions.
"Here comes Pinkie Pie." Alex said.
"How do you-"
"Hey Twilight! What's going on!? Is there some monster trying to eat the town again or did some of my furniture start to attack ponies again!?" Pinkie Pie "said" in her usual manner.
"How did you know she was going to be here first?" Twilight asked him in disbelief.
"She smells like a bag of sugar from a mile away. It's hard to miss her, and speaking of missing step to the left two feet."
"Why?"
"Just trust me, and put out a nice throw pillow."
She hesitantly took two steps to the left and floated a pillow over.
To catch Rainbowdash crashing through the window.
"How did you know it was her?"
"I head her wings beating. And Rarity and Applejack are coming next, Rarity first."
Twilight just sat there in silence before the door swung open and Rarity entered followed by Applejack.
"Huh, that one was a guess. Oh and Fluttershy is already here."
She didn't even question him when he went upstairs and carried down a small pink and butterscotch pegasus.
"Fluttershy? When did you get here?" Spike asked.
"Oh... I was um... looking for Twilight and the door was locked... sorry."
"No problem. I accidentally broke the door one time and now it gets stuck from time to time."
"Excuse me everypony," Twilight started grabbing he rooms attention. "I hope you all have your proper Elements?"
"I... don't... sorry." Flutershy squeaked.
"Here you go flutters!" Pinkie Pie said before pulling out Fluttershy's necklace from her mane and placing it on her.
"Why are we here?" Rainbowdash asked.
"It seems somepony doesn't believe in the magic of friendship. He thinks it's all a crock."
"Now everypony knows friendship is magic." Applejack said.
"I still think it's a crock." Alex said getting gasps from five ponies.
"But we defeated Discord and Nightmare Moon with it. How could you not believe that?" Rarity asked.
"It just seems ridiculous. Five magic stones powered by laughter, honesty, magic, generosity, loyalty and kindness just seems like something out of a drunk children's book author."
"Now hold on just a second! Ah know for a fact that aint true!" Applejack spoke up.
"Yes of course, five magic rocks powered by personality traits that seems completely plausible and not at all idiotic in any way." He said rolling his eyes.
"Hey! It is not idiotic!" Pinkie yelled.
"Of course, just insane."
"I'm not insane, that's Discord!"
"He's told me; now what genius plan do you have to prove to me that your jewelry does anything?"
"Why not a demonstration?"
"Sure, fire away." He said spreading his fore-hooves.
"We can't use it on you! What if you get turned to stone?" Twilight asked shocked.
"What do you think they tested new weapons on back when I was ruling? I doubt a rainbow will do anything to me, atleast nothing more than a flash bang will."
"Are you sure?"
"I've had weapons of mass destruction used and tested on me, I'll be fine. And if I do get turned to stone then you all can just free me."
"A-Alright, girls get ready while I get my tiara."
Alex snickered before getting a glare from the others.
"What? I can't snicker in peace now? You ponies are just cruel."
"Why don't you believe in the Elements?" Rainbowdash asked.
"I never said that, i just don't think there all that powerful. Seourisly it's a rainbow, not very threatening if you ask anyone."
"I have a rainbow mane."
"It seems you do. But you're not fully rainbow. Besides the least threatening thing in here is the marshmallow."
"Why does everypony call me that?" Rarity said glaring at him.
"You're white as snow, and you're like glass in manual labor. You're lucky we don't call you skittles."
"Hey! I like skittles!" Rainbowdash said.
"Sorry skittles, I was giving the marshmallow a compliment."
"If you call me that one more time, I'll-"
"You'll what? Hit me? Use your magic? If you didn't notice the bandage on Applejacks nose then I think you may want to choose your next set of actions carefully."
She looked over to see Applejack had a white bandage on the front of her muzzle.
"Applejack, what happened?"
"Ah ran into Alex." She replied sheepishly.
"You ran into him? And you scratched-"
"Actually ah broke my nose when ah hit him. He's got a heck of a tough chest."
"It's true; I do have a tough chest." Alex said with a small smile.
"And head apparently." Rainbowdash snickered.
"I told you I'm not interested in you. Quit it." He said making her blush and the rest of her friends laugh.
"Shut up! I don't like him!" She huffed facing a corner.
"Yeah I know you don't. I think the princess does though." He said causing a gasp from Rarity.
"And how or why would she like you?"
"Her wings practically knocked her sister over; it doesn't take a genius to know what that means."
"Oh... her wings did that?"
"I don't know, I just saw a white flash out of the corner of my eye and then her ruffling her feathers. She has good taste in men apparently."
"Hardly, you seem to care about nothing more than fighting and killing."
"You don't know a thing about me. I am very sensitive, I like to read, I love kids, i like to make jokes and I'm a very good listener."
"I have yet to see any."
"I saved Applebloom from Timberwolves's, I read six books in one night, I've been making jokes the entire time and I haven't interrupted any of you."
"It's true." Applejack said.
"I don't-"
"Alright i found it! Now get ready." Twilight said coming down the stairs.
Alex started to laugh uncontrollably and each time he got up and looked at her he fell to the floor again.
"What's so funny?" Asked Twilight blushing out of embarrassment.
"You look ridiculous! A Lavender unicorn wearing a star tiara!" He managed to say between laughs.
"Girls fire at will!"
"Stop! Stop! I can't breathe!"
They all started to float up into the air, he looked up and stared. There Elements shapes shot out from the necklaces and flew past him, he occasionally tried to catch one only to have it go through him. And finally a rainbow shot down and hit him.
They all got down and Twilight was the first to speak.
"How's that for proof!"
"Neat light show, but I don't feel any different. Just slower." He said before looking down.
His legs were starting to turn to stone.
"Look at that, it seems I'm turning to stone." He said bored.
"You don't sound very concerned. You are being turned to stone." Twilight said looking at him confused.
"It kind of sucks, I would have hoped it would move faster. Maybe if i move around a little." He siad before trotting in place.
"Nope, not working. How long does this usually take? It's taking too-" He was cut off as stone worked its way into his vocal cords.
They all stared at the bored looking stature before it started to crack.
It started at the hooves and made its way up to his horn. A white light slowly seeped through and more cracks formed until he was completely covered in them and one by one the stone fell off.
"Long." He finished his sentence.
"H-How!? How did you escape!? It was only a few seconds!" Twilight said backing away from him.
"I guess they're not as powerful as the book says. Can't believe everything you read." He shrugged.
"That was the most powerful thing in existence!"
"Yes, WAS, being the correct word. Now I'm the most powerful thing in existence. Again." He said proudly.
"I can't believe you're that strong... would you mind if I run a few more tests or asked some questions?" She asked switching to her scholar side.
"I don't think tests are a good idea, but you're welcome to ask me anything."
"Anything?"
"Yes anything."
"Pinkie promise you won't back down."
"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
"What did you Pinkie promise earlier?"
"Sorry, I Pinkie promised I wouldn't say a word. Isn't that right Spike? I gave him the bro code."
"Alright... what did you do usually before you came here?"
"I was on the run from my own country, after three thousand years and they go communist. Bunch of pricks are what they were."
"Aside from the language, why did they want you?"
"They wanted to control me and use me as the ultimate weapon. So, I gave them the ultimate weapon, only I used it on them."
"Interesting. What makes you so strong?"
"I eat my vitamins."
"Really, what gives you so much raw power?"
"A friend of mine used me as the opportune test subject to make a version two super soldier. The ones before me, the other ones that died I killed later. Good thing they were already technically dead."
"How did you kill them if they were dead?" Pinkie asked.
"They weren't completely dead, they were undead."
"You fought zomponies?" Rarity asked turning paler.
"There is no such thing as zomponies!" Twilight yelled. "It's impossible."
"Funny, that's what you said about my strength earlier. But if you don't believe me ask Rex."
"Who's Rex?" Twilight asked.
"That's right you all haven't met him yet, come on I'll take you there." He said before his horn lit up and teleported them all to Canterlot castle.
"I can't even do that!" Twilight yelled making sure she was in the actual castle.
"You're not me, now come on i hear him talking with Luna."
Before they could ask he was already walking away. They quickly caught up to him and followed him to the dining room doors. He just gave them a small push and went in leading the small group.
"... And later I found out she was with the printer." Rex said to Luna.
"You should have-Alex! What are you doing here?" Luna said with a pleasant smile.
"I'm just here to introduce Rex to these six."
"H-He's a dragon!" Fluttershy said backing away.
"No, he is a robot dragon, there is a difference."
"He's a machine, he's so advanced." Twilight noted walking up to him.
"Hello Twilight, it is a pleasure to meet you formally."
"You know my name?"
"I also went out for the few years me and Alexander have been studying your kind."
"I thought he said it was only a month?" Applejack said looking over at Alex.
"Dammit Rex, I told you not to tell them! It was the only rule besides not blowing everything up!"
"It must have slipped my processors."
"Whatever, so Twilight anything else you want to ask?"
"What was that on the mirror earlier?"
"No! I will not talk about that!" He yelled flaring his wings and snorting.
"You Pinkie promised though, you said you wouldn't back down."
"I. Said. No!"
His head jerked to the side when he saw Princess Celestia walk in and Pinkie pulling out knives.
"You broke a Pinkie promise!" Pinkie yelled jumping at Alex.
He caught her in the air and sent her back down to the ground where she charged him again. He swung out with his wing and she went flying back onto the wall. She peeled herself off and charged again he swung again but this time she jumped on him and started to bite his neck.
"Get off! I'm not talking!" He yelled bucking back.
"You broke a Pinkie promise!"
"I don't give a damn! I can't relive that... I can't!"
"You-"
She was lifted off his back by a white magic and soon the marble floor swirled around her until only her head was sticking out.
"I'm not doing it." He snarled.
"What are you not doing?" Celestia asked.
"You remember that thing on the mirror earlier? That's what I'm not reliving."
"Alex you gave them your word that you would tell them what they wanted to know, and I will not tolerate lying. Especially if it's from a stranger."
He snorted one before turning to Rex. "Rex, get the files from my helmet would you?"
"Sir?"
"Do it." He huffed before sitting on the ground making it crack.
A faint buzzing came from Rex before he spoke again.
"Download complete. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Now I want to a little, to share my pain. Now project it when I say to."
Alex got up and faced the small group of ponies.
"Now listen, if any of you breathes or utters a word about what your about to see. I Pinkie promise to hunt you down and snap your neck!" He hissed the last part.
All the Ponies were horrified at his statement.
"Good, Rex project it."
Rex turned his head to the side and a small picture formed on the wall. It was of a room with multiple humans, some injured and others crying. The room it's self-looked homely, it was nothing but metal and open space that was covered by beds.
The image shook slightly before Alex came into view with a small little girl. She was a dark tan and had black hair in two pony tails.
"Log fourteen. As you can see me and Sarah have found a refugee camp, it seems safe, but i have my doubts. For now it's nice to feel safe. Isn't that right Sarah?" Asked the past Alex looking at her with a genuine smile.
"It's better in here; it's away from the monsters." The little girl said.
"Yeah it is, but that woman seems scarier than them." He chuckled making her giggle.
There was a sudden screaming and the sound of screeching, not of metal tearing but an animalistic screech. The camera came up and the picture was focused on a man against a wall, cut to pieces and standing over him was a creature that made all of the ponies shiver in fear.
It was skinny, its two arms were raised above its head each ending in a long spike, it teeth had been turned into filed jagged points and it was covered in blood.
Before anyone could react it was sent against the wall by a long sword. Alex walked up to it, grasped its shoulder and the hilt of his sword and dragged the blade up, cutting through metal and the thing.
"Damn necromorphs." Alex spat.
"It seems they know were here." Said a blonde woman with a weapon like Alex's.
"They knew before; know they know how to get in. We need to secure the vents and set up centuries."
"Why the vents?" She asked walking with him to a table littered with blue-prints.
"Back on the Ishimura, which is where I just came from, from this, that's how they mainly got around. And now there inside the building, we need to defend ourselves."
"That's the only vent though."
"Then we protect the doors. We need to make sure even one of those things doesn't get in or else it could kill a very large number of people."
"Right well get ready-"
She was cut off as three deep roars echoed through the room. Everyone turned to the two large doors and saw dents being made before they were pushed open knocking over a crowd of people.
And in came running and scuttling a horde of nightmarish creatures.
"Give them hell!" Alex yelled before taking off into the horde.
He tore each of them apart like wet tissue paper before taking out his long sword and started cutting them to pieces. What he didn't see were three large creatures move in.
"Brutes!" Someone yelled before a barrage of bullets started to pour onto the creatures.
They tore through the defenses easily killing or maiming whoever they came across. The video showed any living thing that wasn't one of them got torn apart and slaughtered.
A scream rang out above the rest and the camera snapped to where Sarah was. There was a brute ready to crush her.
"No! Sarah!" He yelled before using his wings to get him back over to her in seconds.
He grabbed both of its arms and tore them off before stomping through its back.
"Sarah we need to go. Now get on." He said before she crawled onto his helm, hanging onto his horns.
And the video ended.
"W-What were those things?" Luna breathed out.
"Those were necromorphs. Horrible abominations of human re-engineering of an alien artifact called The Marker."
"Where did they come from?" Celestia asked.
"They originally came from a planet cracker called the USG Ishimura, which is also where I found another survivor. And friend later on, Isaac Clarke."
"How could you just kill them?" Rarity asked.
"How could I not? They slaughtered an entire planet of people, innocent people, in hours. I enjoyed killing those monsters as much as you enjoy living."
"Why didn't you just try and be friends?" Pinkie asked.
His eyes turned a dark black before blood started to trickle down from his tear ducts. His head snapped to her with a sickening crack and in seconds she was face to face with him.
"What did you just say?" He hissed as coldly as he could.
"Why didn't you just try and be friends?" She squeaked out.
"Would you want to make friends with those things!? The creatures responsible for global genocide! The things that a man made because he was power hungry!"
"N-No..."
"Then shut the hell up and never even suggest that again...or else."
"Now hold on a second-" Applejack said before a ring of black magic surrounded her neck pulling her toward Alex.
"Be quiet. This is over and that's that." He said releasing his grip on her.
"She just asked a question!" Twilight said before getting a cold hellfire fueled glare from Alex making her hide behind Celestia.
"She asked one of the most stupid, childish and idiotic things I have ever had the displeasure in hearing. You can't make friends with those things, you can't reason with them. You can only kill them or they kill you."
"Alex," Celestia started making his head snap to her. "I see you are distressed but taking it out on them will not help."
He looked over at the ponies before sighing and sitting down. His eyes closed temporarily before fluttering open. He groaned and rubbed his head before noticing the blood.
"Shit... did I hurt anyone?" He asked.
"You should know! Ya nearly chocked me ta death!" Applejack yelled making him physically flinch.
"Sorry, I black out when this sort of thing happens. It's best to not make me angry."
"You what now?" Applejack asked still keeping her distance.
"It means i go into a state where I'm still awake, but I can't remember anything I do."
"Do ya honestly expect me to believe that lie!?"
"I though you could tell if i was lying or not?"
"I can."
"Was I lying?"
"N-No..."
"Good, now I'm guessing with the excess of apples I can't stay in the barn?"
"Ah'm afraid so. Ah don't know where else yall could-"
"He could stay here!" Celestia said making all eyes turn to her.
"Is there any room?" Alex asked.
"The guest rooms are full; you may have to stay with me or my sister."
"He's staying with you Celestia." Luna said before walking out.
"That's fine with me, just let me get my armor."
"There will be no need, I'll send for it." Celestia said.
"I don't trust others touching my armor. I would feel better if I got it."
"Then you may."
He teleported in a bright flash and minutes later returned in his armor.
"Alright so where am I staying?" He asked making Celestia's cheeks turn red.
"M-My room." She said casting a spell making her cheeks look white.
"Alright, I guess the rest of you should hit the hay." He said turning to the mane six. "And sorry about the whole black-out thing."
"It's alright." Twilight said before walking out followed by her friends.
He walked out but he went the opposite direction.
Celestia just stood there smiling like a love struck filly.
And she was in fact, love struck for the first time since Starswirl was her student. |
King of Velrain | Standing strong and a peeping tom. | Alex walked with Celestia, himself covered in armor even though he set it to only show his bones. She was surprised when she turned the corner and saw a skeleton.
"Again, that was your own fault." He noted.
"How? You were the one that looked like a skeleton." She said still remembered him laughing at her when she clung to the ceiling.
"Don't act that way, it was the most fun I've had in years... actually it was the only fun I've ever had." He noted dryly.
"You should try having actual fun. I hear it's good for the soul."
"And so is meditating, but you don't see me keeping my mouth shut for a few years."
"I meditate when I feel stressed. It helps immensely if you can believe it."
"I tried before; I almost ended up with a knife in my jugular."
"You could try again."
"I've tried three times. The first time I almost had my throat cut out. The second time I almost ended up getting blown up and the third time... we'll let's not go into that one."
"You should try the garden, it's perfectly safe."
"That's what I was told at that sauna. All three times."
"Right... So, how has your stay so far been?"
"Pretty good, no one's tried to kill me; I haven't had to hurt anyone besides Pinkie. The downside is I still don't have my weapons... I feel uncomfortable without them. It sucks."
"How about this, if you promise not to hurt or kill anypony, I will give them back, does that sound fair?"
His ears inside his helmet straightened up and his head snapped to her.
"Are you serious? Please tell me you are."
"I would not lie to you. I see that you truly do not want to harm any of mine or Luna's subjects so you may have them back. If you need to know where they are it's where I used to keep the Elements of Harmony."
He smiled for a brief second before bolting off in the direction of his weapons. She couldn't help but be reminded of Luna when she saw him happy, and when he was his normal self he was much like her.
Alex quickly ran past doors leaving hoof marks in the cracked marble floor and torn carpets. He saw the guards from earlier and stopped while skidding into a wall. They took notice and had their weapons drawn.
"Who goes there?" Asked the one smart enough to stay away.
"I remember you two from earlier. You were the assholes who tried to spear me." Alex said getting the dust off his armor.
"You! What are you doing back here!?" The other guard said pointing his spear at Alex.
"Put that away before you lose an eye. And if you must know, I'm staying with Celestia for the moment."
Both of their jaws dropped before they retained their composure.
Alex Already disappeared, to them atleast. He was actually still in front of them, his armor cloaked and soundproofed on the inside.
He got up and tip-hooved his way away from them snickering inside his helmet.
Once he was a good distance away he uncloaked and trotted the rest of the way to the vault.
Upon sight it made his nose wrinkle. It was jewel encrusted and looked to be made of flimsy wood. And there were so many windows and they weren't even bullet proof or Plexiglas.
"No wonder they were stolen, this place has horrible security." He muttered going up to the doors.
He grabbed one edge with his hooves and pulled, it came off the hinges and in there he saw it. He saw them.
Every one of his weapons, all the way to his Long Sword to his grenades. His eyes glazed over for a second before stepping inside.
Celestia was in her study quietly filling out the paper work for the tax flaws in the northern region of her and Luna's fair land. Unfortunately, she couldn't quite get any concentration with her granddaughter testing her new spells in the guards training grounds.
There was another explosion followed by cheers and compliments from the guards watching.
Her ink nearly spilled.
There was the explosion that followed the first. And more cheers followed.
She felt her desk shake.
There was another explosion, but this time there was complete silence and... gasps?
She got up and went to her window, looked down and saw an almost blood chilling sight.
There were purple flames going around a lone figure. And he did not look amused.
She flew as fast as her wings could carry her and landed in the training yard. Just as Alex shook off the residual explosion.
"Alright! Who did that!?" He yelled hoofing the ground.
"Alex! What is going on!?" Celestia yelled getting in front of him and her niece.
"Someone thought to take me out with a magic explosive! While I was trying to meditate for the fourth time in my life!"
A young looking female Draconequiss ran over carrying a bat.
"I am so sorry! The wind changed as I hit the ball, you're not hurt are you?" She asked.
"Ball? I thought someone was hurling grenades at me! And not those cheap ones they let you get away with when you steal contraband."
"Yeah, my dad taught me a new spell so I can enchant baseballs." She said before snapping her fingers making a baseball appear in her paw.
"Let me guess, your dad is Discord?"
"What gave it away? My charming demeanor or my good looks?" She said putting her paw to her chest.
"Your personality. And the whole mix matched creature thing. My names Alexander, you can call me Alex." He said extending his hoof.
"Apollo." She said grabbing his hoof and shaking it.
"So, your dad taught you how to make exploding sports equipment? You would think Celly here would get mad, because isn't this the time you do your taxes for other regions?" He asked Celestia.
"Y-Yes. How did you know when I-"
"I've been watching for years, remember? I know more about this place than you do."
"I would hardly say that. I help rule it."
"And I've had thirteen years to explore it, study it and map it. You won't believe how many defense flaws there are in your land. I'm surprised no one's taken over yet."
"What flaws?"
"How many isolated and open areas there are. They could provide excellent cover for hiding an army or super weapon."
"I assure you we are at peace with every race. We have no need to fear war at the moment."
"Even the Changelings?" He asked with a bit of pride in her reaction.
"N-No... we cannot help but be apart from them."
"Isn't the leader that ugly bug lady who kicked your tail at the wedding with one magical blast?" Apollo asked.
"This conversation is over!" Celestia huffed.
"Hey, we can't win every fight. Although I wouldn't know that. You do though, how does it feel to lose?" He asked putting a hoof to his chin.
"Please don't rub it in."
"I'm really asking! How does it feel to lose at something?"
"Not good, especially when it's your subjects at risk."
"Yeah I heard that's not usually good. Hey Apollo mind if I try the baseball thing out?"
"I doubt you have enough magic to even cause a spark. No offense."
"Are you saying I'm weak?" He asked offended
"Magic wise, yes."
"Alright give me the ball." He growled as he said the words.
She giggled and handed him the ball. He studied it for a few seconds before a strange look came on his face.
"How do I make it explode?" He asked tapping it with his hoof.
"Just put magic into it. It's as simple as cake!"
"Don't you mean pie?"
"No, I meant cake. I know my Celestia loves the stuff. Look, she's blushing from embarrassment."
Celestia's cheeks were a lovely shade of pink and darkening before she flew off.
"Huh, I'll see you later then!?" Alex called out.
"Yes!" She called back stopping momentarily.
He looked back to Apollo and looked back to the ball. He lowered his horn and started to put as much magic as he could into it. Before long he felt it heat up and when he opened his eyes it turned into a ball of orange flames.
He looked to his side and saw a target. He threw the ball as hard as he could and it went flying straight into the center. It exploded in a massive explosion of energy, shooting out fire bands and small sparks. When it faded what remained was a small sparkling dot where the ball originally hit.
"What is that?" He asked.
Before Apollo could answer it went off. A massive shock wave shook the ground and pushed everyone except for Alex who held tight to the ground, was blown away to the other side of the field. A white ring slashed out knocking even him to the ground and cracking the wall around the target.
"Damn, I think I overdid it." Alex said getting back up.
"That was amazing!" Apollo said happily even if her hair was blown back in a classic cartoon style.
"I guess I am. No need to give me compliments... unless you want to?" He said tilting his head to the side with a small smile.
She laughed that turned into full gut-clenching laughter.
"I like you; you're even funnier than my dad. I should probably not show you how to make storm clouds."
"Apollo Strife! You get your tail over here right now!" Discord yelled before appearing in front of them.
"Yes dad?" She asked confused as to why he was using her full name.
"What have I told you about putting too much magic into the sports equipment?"
"To keep putting more in?"
"Alright so I did, but I didn't think you had that much! You melted the target, the ground and the wall!"
"Actually, that was Alex." She said pointing a talon at him.
"Really? An alicorn had that much magic in him? Now that's impressive." He said before patting Alex on the back.
"Thanks, I'm very proud of my strength. I think it's about time to go to bed too don't you?"
"Yeah, come on Apollo let's go get your brother. Where is he anyway?"
"He said something about going through the maze." Apollo said before laughing with her father.
"I knew he'd find a loophole." discord said before teleporting his son there.
Unfortunately he was also carrying a running chainsaw.
It hit Alex directly on the helmet causing sparks to go flying before the chain broke.
"Awww, my chainsaw broke. Now I have to get a new chain and sharpen it. Oh, hey dad, hey sis." Said the orange colt.
"I'm just going to go to bed before I get blown up again or end up breaking someone else's tools." Alex said before teleporting to Celestia's room.
She was just entering the room when he "popped" into existence right in front of her.
"I see we both have a timed schedule." Alex said before standing next to the bed.
"It was but a coincidence." She said avoiding eye contact.
"Sure, I know how all the women here can't stay away from me. Including yourself, your highness."
She blushed profusely while working her mouth like a fish out of water.
"If not then I guess you wouldn't mind if I were to just stand here?" He said before positioning himself on her side of the bed.
"N-No, not at all." She managed out before slowly taking off her regalia.
She set them down on the table before slowly sliding into her bed while in the process, accidentally nudging Alex.
"Now, now no need to push." He said.
Her cheeks felt like they were on fire at this point.
"W-What are you talking about?"
"That little nudge you gave me. It's not the first time a lady such as yourself has tried to get me with her."
"I am not trying to do that!" She protested even if her red face was saying otherwise.
"Relax; you're not the first princess to try that. The first got me to lie down and then while i wasn't looking tried to be-head me."
"Has anypony not tried to kill you?"
"It would have been a painful death. If she had succeeded. I was quick enough to cover it up before the knife came down."
"Wouldn't she have to swing and not stab you if she wanted to be-head you?" She asked.
"I think you misunderstand. She wasn't going for that head... She was going for THAT head." He finished raising his eyebrows before looking down and back up.
She felt her mouth become useless again before she put her head down on the pillow.
"Goodnight." She said as calmly as possible.
"Goodnight, don't let Cinnamon bite." He chuckled at his old memory of her first time trying to sleep on his chest. He then shuddered at the memory as she bit his nose when he rolled over.
He let his armor go into the usual see through state before looking directly at the wall. Celestia on the other hoof, was waiting for him to fall asleep.
She tossed and turned from time to time in her bed. She hadn't done that in a millennium. Was it because there was a colt there next to her? That could explain why she felt so warm between-
"Enough!" She scolded herself quietly. "Why is it he has made me so uncomfortable? Is it because he is a male alicorn? Or is it because... no! He is not even an actual resident of this world. So why am I so attracted to him?" She asked herself uncertain if she used the right words.
She slowly peeked out the corner of her eye and saw him breathing slowly and staring ahead.
She slowly sat up and waved her hoof in front of his face. No reaction.
"Good, now maybe I can see how silly I've been acting. He's nothing but a muscle toned soldier, I have no interests in him." She said proudly before getting out of the bed.
She looked him starlight in the face. He didn't blink he didn't even twitch. She was sure he was sleeping with his eyes open, just like some soldiers on night shift do. Or her own guards at the front gates to the castle. She walked around and examined him.
He was obviously well trained from his muscles, he had quite a few scars to prove it too and his plot was the most muscle toned she couldn't help but stare.
She felt a small amount of drool start to trickle down her chin before she blushed at what she was about to do. She turned around to his face again and waved her hoof in front of him.
No reaction.
Satisfied she went back around.
"You will not be putty in his hooves no more! If I can simply make physical contact without felling awkward then I can talk to him in the eye." She said confidently before sticking out a hoof.
His rear armor was skin tight. She felt every curve, bump and even pulse from his heart. She slowly found herself drooling again before she screamed and hid under the blanket.
"See something you like?" He asked jokingly even though his face was slightly red too.
"I-What-No! I thought you were asleep!?" She stuttered out blushing profusely.
"I don't sleep, remember?"
"I should remember that."
"Yes you should before you go feeling me up again." He chuckled at her red face hiding under the covers. "So you really like me huh?"
"W-What are you talking about?"
"I saw what you did at town, thing with your wings. And as much as you blush around me, the drooling bit and how you don't look me in the eye. I'd say you head over hooves for me, princess."
"I am not!"
"Oh yes you are. I heard what you said the whole time. I will not be putty in his hooves any longer. And why would you go and grab my ass, out of all the places?" He asked raising an eyebrow.
"H-How much did you hear?" She asked nervously peeking out from the covers.
"The beginning."
"Why didn't you stop me?"
"I wanted to see how far you would go. Luckily I did stop you before you went lower. That would have been an awkward conversation later."
"Isn't this an awkward conversation?"
"Not really, you're not the first to grab me. Grab me there yes."
"I-I see... I apologize for intrud-."
"Alright quit it, you like me and I like you that's enough. Now go back to sleep and this time not peeking out the corner of your eye."
"You like me?"
He his eyes and his ears splayed back before he was blushing profusely.
"D-Did I say that? W-What I meant to say was... ugh... we'll crap, I've got nothing."
"What's with the sudden interest?" Now it was her time to mess with him.
"We'll you're a lot like me, smart, tedious, hardworking, funny and good looking. And since I'm a pony, my feelings started to change over a little. I just liked you as a friend while I was human, but when I saw you on the ground fainted. We'll the light was hitting you in such a way... Ah crap! Now I'm daydreaming! Shit did I say that out loud?"
"Yes, yes you did. Now goodnight."
"Goodnight. And really, don't let Cinnamon bite."
"Alex?"
"Yes supposed to be sleeping princess?"
"Would you care for dinner?"
"Already asking me out. Sure, I don't remember the last date I had. Atleast one that didn't end up with me accidentally getting a fork in my hand."
"Do you have any memories that don't involve pain?"
"I... do not. Wait, I do have a few of some of my friends when I was on the run. I wonder if their alright?"
"You had others with you?"
"Yeah, a bunch of knuckle heads. But the lovable kind. There was Francis the pessimist, Ox the all muscle occasionally brain of the group, Striker and Buster the ex-spies, Jack the pervert, Alex and Alexis the trolls, mason the nerd, Jacob the cleaner, Michael the lazy one, Allis the mecha, White the leader of Jacob, Michael and Mason. Francis leads the rest except for Buster and Striker. And the two guards we picked up later on."
"Are they as strong as you?"
"No, there just version one super soldiers. I could send my hand through their armor before they knew what happened."
"Goodnight Alex, I will see you in the morning."
"Goodnight. Dear."
She felt her cheeks turn into an inferno, before throwing a pillow at him which only made him laugh.
"The ladies can't resist me." |
King of Velrain | Returning to sender. | He silently watched the wall. He wasn't just staring he was waiting. Waiting for whatever this world had in store for him.
And what it gave him was near insanity, isolation and love. He wasn't sure about the third, but he had a slight feeling of what it was supposed to be. A light ticklish feeling in his chest whenever he laid eyes on her. Celestia.
She was just a female version of him. She knew what to say when it mattered; she had even managed to calm him down when he was blacked out. She was smart; she did have a few thousand years of knowledge in her head. And she was defiantly good looking, by the ponies standards.
Wait... ponies?
"Why did I think that?" He asked himself.
"Think what?"
He looked to his right and saw Celestia there, awake and her mane a pink mess.
"Nothing. I think i just need to go for a walk is all. I'll be back later." He said without emotion before teleporting out.
He found himself on top of the mountain, its snow covered peak giving him a view of endless expanse. And there he stood, staring and thinking of what had happened so far.
"What's happened to me?" He asked himself again.
"Before this I was a soldier. I wanted nothing but to get out of here and keep fighting... now I want to stay. Why?"
"Why her? She's a pony. Not even close to being human, so why am I attracted to her? Am I going soft?"
He looked back out to the green plains, the small town below and the clouds with all the ponies flying about. And so he sat there.
He zoomed in with his helmet. He saw a small family he guessed, playing. They were happy, not a care in the world.
A green colt swinging a fris-bee to his son. The mother watching from a small picnic blanket, watching with a small smile.
And he found himself smiling too.
"Maybe its just time. Time for me to finally call it quits. Maybe I just need to settle down. Maybe all I want, all I've worked for... is here. I've got friends, someone who likes me as I do them, no one trying to kill me deliberately and peace. Something that I do need." he sighed in exhaustion. Not physically, but emotionally.
"Somehow though, I know... it will all end. The princesses will find some way to send me back and I'll leave. Might even try and kill myself from the insanity knowing that my heaven is here."
"What if that explosion did kill me though? What if I am dead and they manage to send me back? Will I just be a corpse, my mind floating in darkness? Or is there really a hell and heaven?" He thought sadly.
"If they are sending me back! Then I'm going to make the best of this. I'm not a slacker like Michael! No! I am Alexander king of Velrain!" He yelled out to nothing.
His horn grew a bright white before he teleported to town.
He stood there with a smile on his face. He was going to do something he hadn't done in almost his entire life.
He was going to have fun.
He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, he was searching for the pony he knew would want to hear what he had to say. He saw her napping on a cloud and quickly flew up.
He landed with a light puff and went over to her.
"Hey, hey wake up." He poked her with a hoof.
She brushed at him with one of her hooves.
"I said... Wake up!" He yelled at a tone he didn't know he had.
Rainbow's head shot up and hit him in the front of his helmet.
"What's going on!?" She yelled flaring her wings in anger before spotting Alex.
"Wanna race?"
"Wha...?" He mind went blank.
"Do you want to race?" He asked smiling showing off his teeth.
"Sure? Where do you want to race?"
"Why not through the mountains?"
"Sure... hey, what's gotten into you?"
"Nothing! Nothing at all!" He replied mimicking Pinkie's behavior.
"Then why are you so happy and smiley?"
"I guessed that I won't be here for very long so I'm making the best of it! So can we race?"
"Sure. Where do you want to start?"
"Right here is good."
"Right here? It's not much of a starting point but ok. So where's the finish?"
"Why not in front of Sugercube Corner?"
"Alright then. Let's race!" She said before taking off.
Rainbow flew as fast as she could towards the mountains.
"He's not going to beat me again!"
"Oh I wouldn't say that, you don't want to jinx yourself?" He sing-songed.
She turned her head to see Alex there smiling, both front hooves behind his head.
"How are you flying without beating you're wings?"
"Gravity tethers. There mainly used to move heavy equipment and large chunks of planet."
"That's cheating!"
"So is getting a head start before the other racer can react. So you've cheated twice."
"I have not! I gave you a head's up both times."
"We'll then, heads up because I'm about to go Mach-ten."
Before she could ask she was knocked to the side by a loud explosion and saw Alex going too fast to really see. She just hovered there watching as he went through the mountains. Not around or over but THROUGH the mountains. He circled back and nearly hit her making her spin in the air before landing back in town.
"Maybe that was to fast?" He asked himself before seeing her drop from the sky. "Great, now I have to save her."
He flew to her side; she herself was still in the state when he had passed only her wings weren't beating. He looked her over making sure she was breathing, chest was still rising. Good. Eyes were locked forward and she wasn't talking or moving. Not good.
He looked around the town and saw what looked like a hospital; he flew over and saw a pony coming out with crutches. He figured it must have been so he went in and saw only a white mare at the desk quietly scribbling away at a paper.
"Excuse me miss, I need to check in someone." He spoke up.
"Rainbowdash's bed is down the hall." She said smiling gently.
"She has her own room?" He asked raising an eyebrow.
"She's our best patient next to Ditzy. I'm not sure how either of them are alive. If you want I could escort her there?"
"Yeah, I need to go tell her friends she's... I don't really know what happened to her."
"We'll what happened?"
"I was racing her and I tore through a few mountains at Mach-ten."
"So it seems little miss daredevil has finally been beat. Maybe now she won't come in here as much. Just lay her down in a chair."
He looked over and saw a chair with a little gold plack on the seat.
"Rainbowdash." He read.
He gently put her down onto the seat and walked out as calmly as possible. Once outside he charged a teleportation spell and the mane six were there.
Twilight was holding a book, Rarity was doing her make-up, Applejack was bucking a tree, Fluttershy had a salad on her head and Pinkie had a bunch of balloons and a card with "Get well soon Dashie" on it.
"Alex, why am I not in my bathroom?" Rarity asked.
"I think I may have broken Rainbowdash."
"I saw everything! You and her racing! You owned the skies!" Pinkie said before hopping inside.
"What does she mean by that?" Twilight asked.
"We raced and I won in seconds. Now she's... we'll I don't know what's wrong with her. She's just broke."
"You beat her in a race? And in a few seconds? Where?"
"We started above the town and i went through the mountains. When I landed I saw her fall."
"Let's go see if she's alright." Twilight sighed.
They all went back inside to see Pinkie drawing on Rainbowdash's face with a marker, the nurse with a magazine on her face and a doctor with a curious stare looking at Pinkie.
"How is she?" Asked Alex.
"She's just in temporary shock, she's in no harm." He said.
"Good, I was afraid I broke her."
"Are you her coltfriend then?" He asked.
"Why do you all think I like her!? I'm not dating her! I'm with someone else!" He yelled before realizing he just said that in front of the mane six.
Rarity was already staring at him with a small smile.
"No means no." He said making her frown disappear.
"I will be talking to the guards later." She mumbled under her breathe.
"Like hell you are." He whispered back so only she could hear him.
"Excuse me, but she is free to go." The doctor said.
"Thank you, Doctor... I'm sorry what's your name?" Alex asked extending an armored hoof.
"Dr. Needles." He said.
Alex's eyes widened and his mouth began to slowly widen before he screamed and went through the wall.
"Was it something I said?" Dr. Needles asked unsure of what happened.
"He hates needles." Rarity said.
Alex was running out of fear for once in his life. He never experienced it before, but now that he did he was sure to stay away from that hell hole.
"Alright, now what?" He asked himself hiding behind a building before peeking out of the corner to make sure he wasn't being followed.
"I know he's here!" Yelled a voice he knew to be Luna.
He walked out from his hiding spot and saw her and six of the day guards along with her own. They were all searching houses and up trees.
"Hey Luna! What's going on?" He asked walking over to the disheveled princess.
"We are still searching for Mr. Yankovic. We keep tracking him here, yet we can't find him."
"Where exactly?"
"Are you willing to help?" She asked looking at him.
"Yes, now where is it strongest?"
She flew over to Sugarcube Corner's back wall.
He walked up and put his ear to the wall. He heard voices, but none of them were from the human. He looked down and sniffed like a hound dog.
"What are you doing?" Luna asked tilting her head to the side.
"I figured Pinkie had him so, she would need a secret base. Somewhere secure, inaccessible and safe. Trust me; I know a lot about bases." He said before stopping at the end of the wall. "Got him."
His horn started to glow and soon chunks of earth came out and before long he was digging furiously with his hooves, occasionally hitting Luna in the face with a pile.
"Hey! Is anyone out there!?" Called a muffled voice from below.
Alex dug and dug until he was met with a concrete wall. He smiled at how childish the defenses were and punched a hole straight through it. What he saw inside made him do a double take.
Weird Al wasn't even in danger. He was sitting comfortably in a little chair with a cupcake in one hand and a ceramic tea cup in the other. The room it's self was furnished for royalty and there was even a table loaded with snacks.
"Could I leave now?" He asked taking another sip from his cup.
"What the hell! Everyone was looking for you! Why didn't you just show yourself!?" Alex yelled making Al flinch visibly.
"That weird pink pony trapped me in here. I'm not sure how she gets in, there's no doors or windows, but there's still air and the occasional breeze. I stopped worrying when she threw the forth party." He said getting up. "Now can we leave before she comes back?"
"Sure, just step outside." He said Motioning Al to go out.
He made his way out and stopped dead in his tracks, not from the guards or the lunar princess.
Pinkie was staring at him from the top of a building.
"She's here." He whispered before waving and backing up.
"Get out. I've dealt with her before easily. Now get out before I throw you out." Alex said pushing Al out with his head.
He hesitantly made his way out before stopping in font of Luna.
"I apologize for your experience. I hope if we ever meet again this will not cause any problems?" Luna asked.
"Why? I'm scared of what she'll do if I decide to leave. She loves having me around. Isn't that right Pinkie!?" He yelled the last part.
She ran over with a frown, hair deflated and tears welling in her eyes.
"D-Do you really have to go?" She asked sniffling.
"I'm afraid so. I just don't belong here, i have my own life and fans back in my world. I will miss you though so here, i made you this." He said smiling while pulling out a disk from his pocket.
"W-What is it?" She asked taking the disk.
"My greatest hits. Just for my favorite partier." He said before being wrapped in a bone crushing hug. "My Lungs!" He croaked.
"Oops! Sorry!" She apologized letting go.
"I guess bye." He said wrapping her in a hug.
"Bye. I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too-"
"Who says you have to go?" Luna said
"No one, but I need to. It's not natural for a human to be here... no offense Alexander." he finished raising his hands defensively.
"Non taken. Now how are we going to get you back? Luna, you wouldn't happen to know where you're dizzy-wizzy is, do you?"
"W-Where did you hear that name?" She asked blushing.
"Your sister, now do you know where he is?"
"Let me get him." She mumbled before opening up a small rift.
Where Discord came sliding out with his daughter and son.
"Discord... where were you? And why are you wearing a duck ring?" Luna asked tapping her hoof.
"Oh! H-Hello dear... we'll you see we were... um, fighting the sea ponies! They were viscous!"
"So why then are the kids wearing swimming outfits and no masks?"
"Dad took us out to the beach!" Orion said.
Discord face-clawed before looking back at his wife.
"I swear we were going to invite you! We wanted to tell you, isn't that right kids!?" He asked feverishly.
"I thought you said not to tell mom?" Apollo asked making her father's face turn pale and her mother's red.
"N-Now honey! N-No need to get flustered!" He said backing away from his fuming wife who was charging her horn.
"This is what you do when I'm working!? Yet you never invite me when I'm not working!"
"N-Next time! I'll take you to the spa and wherever you want to go!" He said before hitting a tree. "Y-You wouldn't hurt me in front of the kids would you?" He whimpered.
"No, but if they weren't here."
"Awww, come on mom. We want to see you fight dad!" Apollo whined.
"No you don't! Be quite you traitors!" Discord yelled pointing a talon at them.
"You can borrow buzzer if you want to?" Orion asked summoning his favorite chainsaw.
Discords face was almost the color of a marshmallow. "N-Now kids... d-dear, you don't want to hurt me. I'm part of the family! Family doesn't hurt each other!"
"Don't listen to your father kids; I think this will be a wonderful family bonding experience. And afterwards he can take us all to the spa. Apollo, why don't you try that new spell your father taught you?"
"Alright!" She said before summoning a small cane with a white tip sparking electricity.
Discords face was between a mix of sadness and horror. He screamed jumping past all of them and started to run.
Alex rolled his eyes before catching all three in a telekinetic field and brought them over to Weird AL.
"Guys! Remember why he's here? Discord stop ticking off your family and send him back; if you do i can offer you protection."
"Yes! I'll send him back, just as long-"
"For a price."
"Anything! Just name it!" He pleaded looking back at his wife and kids.
"Could I get a top hat and four gallons of apple juice? No wait, can I get a suit to match?"
"Yes! Here take it!" He said snapping his fingers and in a moment four jugs of apple juice appeared and a top hat along with a suit.
Alex slowly let them all down and released Discord while keeping Luna and the others solid.
"Alright Al, here's the thing. How did you get here first of all?" Discord asked leaning against the tree he was pinned to earlier.
"I was going to my car when a huge portal opened up and I was falling through the sky when a robot dragon caught me."
"Good, I was afraid you were blown up like Alex. Now stand back." He asked cracking his knuckles and summoning a rubber suit around him, but putting copper wire around his "hands."
Al did just that and saw him make lightning come from the still present magical storm from earlier. He winced as a bolt nearly struck him and got back up to see Discord trying to catch the bolts.
"Why don't you just make a bolt come at you!?" Al shouted over the storm.
Discord sighed realizing he could have done it easier again. He snapped his fingers and a bolt stopped in front of him. He closed his eyes and grabbed it, the result was instantaneous. Every joint in his body went out in every direction while a yellow light surrounded him, his bones flashing into view when he was shocked and smoke could be seen coming from him.
He let go and fell to the ground in a smoking heap. He groggily got up and his talon started to glow before he shot Al. The human in question yelled covering his face before he was gone in a flash of light.
The dust settled and he was gone, unlike Spiderman.
"Good. Now Alex about that-Oh no..." Discord squeaked at the sight before him.
Nightmare Bloodmoon was snout to snout with him and his kids, each armed were on his other sides.
"A-Alex! Help!" He yelled looking to see a smirking Alex.
"Go easy on him! He needs his hands or paws if he's going to give you a massage Luna!" Alex yelled before teleporting to the castle.
Celestia was stepping off her thrown when a pop sounded in front of her. She saw Alex in a top hat and suit while carrying four jugs of juice in the air.
"Alex, where did you get that?"
"Just a gift from Discord. If you hear screaming or anything in the paper about three immortal beings chasing another around Ponyville... I had nothing to do with it."
"What did he do this time?" She asked smiling.
"He was at the beach with his kids while Luna was working. Now his kids are even helping her pummel him. I should buy them all an ice cream, sadly I'm broke." He shrugged before turning to leave.
"Alex, don't you think you should help him?"
He gave her a side-ways glance. "Hell no, he filled my armor with frogs. I think what they'll do to him is merciful compared to what I want to do." he finished opening the doors.
Celestia shivered at the thought of what he could do... especially from past experiences. She held her calm demeanor before stepping off the throne, as she did something crashed through the window next to her. Only it was yelling.
She looked down and screamed backing up to her throne.
Discords head was on the floor.
"Hey Celestia! Could you do me a favor and get my body back in one piece? And get some tape or staples. Thank you." The head said before wincing. "Ow, I knew I shouldn't have given him a large chain on that saw."
Alex stopped momentarily to listen in on a heavenly yell.
"Must be an opera house nearby. Lovely voice though."
He trotted along and soon came across the training grounds where he saw Luna, Apollo, Orion and a two headed Discord in a full body cast walking to the towers. He quickly ran up to them smiling and trying not to stare at Discord.
"Hello Alex, are you going up too?" Luna asked.
"Yes, I was putting up my suit and hat. By the way when I get some bits I would like to get Apollo and Orion a treat for hurting Discord."
"I hate you so much." Discord said through his cast.
"Love you to buddy. So, why does he have two heads?"
"He's part Hydra."
Apollo put a claw up to her chin before summoning a katana.
"Apollo. You are not going to try and grow two heads or you're grounded." Luna said still walking away.
"I'm already grounded because of dad." She whined handing the sword to Alex.
He looked at it before throwing it over his shoulder.
"My Spleen!" A guard yelled out.
He flinched before whistling a merry tune and heading up the stairs. He said his good-byes and an "I'm watching you" sign to Discord before entering Celestia's room.
It was still a little girly for his taste. Alright it was almost enough to make him shove staples in his eyes.
He folded up his suit and set his hat down on the top of his helmet. He was about to leave when the he looked over and saw the covers to the bed crinkled.
"Lazy, just lazy." He shook his head before straightening it out.
He was about to walk away when His side touched to covers. It was extremely soft, like a cloud. He looked back at the door and back to the bed and reached out with a hoof.
It was the most heavenly thing he had ever touched next to a freshly polished bullet.
He looked back at the door before he chewed on his bottom lip before walking around to the other side of the bed. He looked back and listened.
He heard nothing other than arguing room Luna's and Discords room. Followed by Discord shutting up and the sound of s cast iron pan hitting something.
He smiled slightly and folded the edge of the covers over and was about to slid in. To just try it of course before he scolded himself.
"No. It's her bed; I couldn't just get into it." He stared at the open portion of bed before looking back at the door. "If it's for just a few seconds though... Just to make sure it's not booby-trapped. For her safety."
He put one hoof onto the bed itself and the feeling of peace came over him making him shudder from pleasure. (Not that kind of pleasure perverts.) He slowly slid one hoof after another and now he was lying on his side.
"This is damn comfortable." He muttered still checking the door every few seconds.
He was hesitant but he started to pull the cover over himself. It was cold as ice and as hard as rock.
"Now this feels like heaven..." He purred before he yawned.
His eyes shot open from shock, but soon they relaxed when the bed started to let him sink it. He let out a cat like purr and snuggled into the blanket even further. Soon he found himself in blackness, only he wasn't worried. He had a feeling what a dream was. And he was enjoying it.
Celestia was still traumatized by the recent "events" that had unfolded in her throne room. She shuddered as she remembered his head talking. She quickly started to trot faster.
She reached the entrance to her and Luna's towers.
She groaned inwardly from what she was had to do.
Celestia nearly fell to the floor in exhaustion.
She hated stairs. And she wanted to burn out whoever made them.
She picked herself up and went to her room. When she opened the door the first thing she noticed was the armor wearing a top hat, the moon already risen and a large lump in her bed.
She went over to investigate and peeked over her side. What she saw made her giggle.
Alex was sleeping soundly like a foal, a small smile on his lips and the occasional leg twitch.
She took off her regalia and slipped into the bed next to him. She turned away so her back was facing him. As soon as she started to feel comfortable she turned over.
"Much better." She sighed.
Alex snorted slightly and reached out with his front hooves wrapping her in a hug.
She yelped and blushed a deep shade of blood red crimson. She tried to push away but he was to strong.
"Alex... wake up." She whispered in his ear.
He didn't respond.
"Alex, could you wake up?" She asked talking.
No response still.
"You've forced this on yourself."
She took in a deep breath before.
"Alex!" She yelled out into his ear.
This time his ear twitched.
She sighed; still blushing she slipped her hooves out from his grasp and put one on her side.
"Great now I've got a cramp." She complained silently.
She looked over to him and blushed even more before putting a fore leg around his neck.
"This isn't so bad." She admitted before resting her head on a free space of her pillow.
She got another cramp and this time leaned her head down onto his broad shoulder.
And there they slept peacefully for Luna's glorious night. |
King of Velrain | Spittake galore. | Discord lowered his tool into Luna's bowl. She made a gasp when she opened her eyes and nearly fell. She felt her milk slightly spill and caused her to shiver. He chuckled at her response before taking it out and eating his trophy.
"Discord I told you that's my breakfast!" Luna yelled hitting his two heads on the back.
"Well you weren't eating it!" The one on the left yelled.
"What he said but more aggressive!" The one on the right yelled.
"Discord you can have the rest of the cereal if you get rid of one of those... things."
Both heads looked at each other with determination in their eyes before a lion paw and a eagle claw started to choke one another.
"I want the cereal!" The left gagged.
"But I deserve it!" The right forced out.
"Dad, why don't you just make as much as you want?" Orion said making them both stop and look at each other.
"He's right." The one on the left said.
"No I'm right, you're left, he's our son, she's our daughter and the crazy mare beside us is the death of us." The one on the right chuckled before getting cut off by a purple wave of magic leaving the one on the left to snap into place.
"I think one is enough trouble." Luna said before eating her cereal.
"I'll miss him... even if he wasn't original." Discord shrugged before putting the head into a trashcan.
"Sister, would you care for something? Sister?" Luna turned her head to look where her sister usually sat.
"I was hoping you wouldn't notice until after breakfast."
"Oh dad!" Both of his children jeered to his annoyance and mother's confusion.
"Alright! I'm doing it!" Discord yelled embarrassed that he lost a bet to his children.
They both were giggling and when he snapped his fingers they burst out laughing.
He turned all of his hair pink, save for his eyebrows and beard. But he wasn't done there; he even started to shrink down to his younger self.
Apollo barely managed to hold in her laughs before doing a "go on" motion with her claw.
Discords face was already in a scowl and soon that hardened even more when he summoned a pink bow, a blue propeller beanie and an oversized lollipop.
"Aren't you going to put the bow on dear?" Luna asked pursuing her lips to keep from laughing.
He groaned before tying it to the end of his tail just above his little pink fluff ball.
"This is the last time I ever make a bet..." He growled in a squeaky voice.
"Only if Celestia were here!" Luna laughed holding a hoof over her chest while fanning herself with the other.
"Want the kids to get her?" Discord asked smiling evilly with the large sucker in his tiny mouth.
"Sure, we'll do it." Orion said getting up from the table. "Oh, here mom, take this." He said flicking his horn at her making a small yellow box appear in front of her.
"What is it?" She asked taking it with her own hooves.
"Just aim it at dad and push the small button at the top. I'm sure it will be memorable." He finished giving his dad a sinister scowl.
As both Apollo and Orion left Luna pointed the "object" at the pink Diddy Discord. She pressed the button and a bright flash came out from the front making Discord fall over on the floor while making Luna's cereal bowl fall. He caught it at the last second and stuck his muzzle straight in it, slurping up every bit of sugar coated oat and drinking every drop of milk.
Luna was about to scold him before noticing a piece of paper on the floor. She picked it up and instantly she stated to giggle again.
"You're not going to let me live this down are you?" Discord asked.
"Not a chance!" She laughed.
He rolled his eyes before walking behind her and attempting to hit her over the head with a frying pan.
She got a sore on her lower back before turning to face him angrily.
"Did you just try and use the pan on me?"
"I'll be on the coach... again."
Apollo and Orion closed the door to the dining hall and Apollo snapped her fingers teleporting them both to their aunt's room.
"Sis, you open it." Orion whispered staring at the door.
"Why me?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
"What if she just got out of the shower?"
"What does it matter if she's wet?"
"I'm a guy and you're a girl! It'll be less awkward because y'know..."
"What?" She asked folding her arms.
"Well you are a girl and so is she so you have what she has." He said slightly blushing.
"Oh, I get it. You're to chicken!"
"I am not!" He said glaring at her.
She leaned in with a smirk on her face, before replying. "Then prove it."
He puffed out his chest and pushed the door opened slowly to let them both in. What they saw made them pop wingers and blush unconsciously.
Apollo teleported them both back to the dining hall where a small pink Diddy Discord was sitting in a corner munching on what he had already bitten off of his sucker. Their mom was sitting in a tub of ice cream, this time it was vanilla.
She saw her two children approach and lifted her husband up setting him down next to her again. "Is she awake?" She asked her kids who just stared at their food.
"Psst. Honey look, look at their wings and their faces." Discord whispered pointing to his kids.
She looked at their faces and saw they were tinted red and as her eyes wandered to her son's wings, it hit her.
"Oh dear... please tell me you two didn't walk in on her while she was drying herself off." Luna asked getting a slow shake of their heads.
"Then what happened?" Discord asked marching his way across the top of the table.
"I think it would be better if I told you." Came a deep voice.
All four of them turned to see a blushing Celestia and smug Alex.
Celestia sat down quietly before smiling sheepishly at her sister.
Alex sat down next to Orion who was looking at his reflection in his milk bowl.
"Could somepony tell me what's going on?" Luna asked.
"Your kids walked in on us, or they walked in on your sister." Alex said winking at Celestia making her blush before she poured herself a glass of orange juice.
"What does he-oh! Sister!" Luna scolded her sister.
"I was not! I swear! He grabbed me while I was trying to sleep and he wouldn't let go." She said taking a sip of her drink as Alex pulled out his flask of juice.
"Alex, why were you in my sisters bed?" Luna asked coyly.
"I... was um... testing it for booby-traps." He said meekly taking a sip from his flask.
"Sure you were." Diddy Discord said making himself known.
He regretted speaking after Celestia spit her orange juice in his face before falling over laughing. Alex spit out his juice and joined her on the floor.
"Why is Discord pink and chubby?" Celestia asked.
"There's no room for you to talk about chubby, muffin mare." He smirked before being teleported into Ponyville.
"Hey Discord! Why are you all pink and wittle and fluffy and chubby!?" Pinkie practically yelled getting the towns attention.
Back in the dining room.
Discord teleported in, his face even pinker than before.
"Why do you look like a lump of cotton candy!?" Alex laughed getting up into his seat before falling back down.
"What happened to you?" Celestia asked.
"I lost a bet with my kids..."
"What would you have gotten if you had won?"
"Me and the kids would have colored Alex and Luna pink."
"Sure, I'll support cancer treatment. But you beat me to it." Alex shrugged.
"Shut up. Shut up all of you." He seethed before summoning another sucker.
"But you're so cuddly!" Luna said wrapping him in a hug.
"That's it world domination time! To Appleousa!" He announced teleporting him and his wife away.
"Should we be concerned?" Celestia asked.
"Only if he wants me to stop him. So how did you sleep?"
She blushed immensely before speaking.
"You tell me. You were the one who grabbed me."
"Like I hadn't slept in eighteen years. So how did you sleep?"
"Fair enough. It was slightly... warmer than usual."
"That could be because you were sleeping on me."
"But I got up before you. How did you know? I was already out of bed before you." She said tilting her head.
"Yes, you got up before me, but you did not wake up before me."
"You let me sleep on you?"
"You didn't seem to mind. You were contempt on getting closer when you wrapped a wing around me and started to nuzzle my neck."
Her ears folded back and her mouth started to work like a fish out of water before she was silenced by food being thrown out. They both turned to see Apollo and Orion walking out.
"I forgot they were in here. So, what's on the agenda for today?" Alex asked.
"Just taxes and a peace treaty." She groaned resting her head on the table.
"Ooh, a peace treaty. I remember when my roommate put green hair dye in my shampoo, got me a purple suit instead of a black one and a yellow tie. The Japanese ambassador loved it!" He chuckled at the memory.
"What sort of treaty were you proposing?"
"One where it didn't involve the Velrainian military not letting a swarm of genetically engineered monsters into their country and them not nuking Velrain. And no, we did not make a Godzilla; that would have been pretty badass though."
"What's a Godzilla?"
"It was something from an old Japanese movie called Gojira. I'm not sure how they got a mutated dinosaur from combining the words, gorilla and whale."
"It sounds... interesting."
"Don't knock the classics. It was one of the first giant monster movies out."
"It does sound like something Luna and Discord would be interested in. Why don't you show them?"
"That's not a bad idea. I think I'll just go and pick some stuff up from town for now. Bye!" He waved before teleporting out.
Alex found himself in Ponyville only... it looked different.
He fell on his head and rolled onto his belly before picking the rocks out of his mane.
"Stupid teleportation..." He grumbled.
"Why hello dear! It is so god to see you!" Rarity singsonged walking up to him.
"Don't call me dear. And no, I'm not helping try on outfits."
"H-How did you know i was going to ask that?"
"I... didn't. But now that I know, I can go." He said getting up.
"Marvelous! Just follow me to my boutique." She said trotting away to let him follow.
He groaned and followed her keeping his head down and not looking back at the crowd of mares staring at him.
Rarity noticed his head sunk low and his stone perplexion before he looked over at her and raised an eyebrow. She smiled before slowing down to let him catch up.
"So, how has your day been?" She asked waving to another pony.
"Pretty good, I got to see Discord little and pink, talk about movies with the princess and do a spittake. What about yours?"
"Fairly well, I wish I could have seen Discord pink though. He has been quiet the nuisance lately."
"Oh really? How so?"
"What do you care?"
"I was just wondering what he's done, so I could help out with it."
"I think not." She said putting her nose into the air.
"What? Are you thinking I want to help him? No, I want to mess up his little jokes."
"In that case... he's been turning all oh my dresses different colors and he even shaved Opal bald."
"Who's Opal?"
"My little kitty. She's as sweet as she can be, which isn't much to be honest."
"She sounds like a cat off that old show, my cat from hell." He chuckled.
"I wouldn't say she's that bad... all she does is scratch the furniture, customers, me occasionally Sweetiebelle, spill her food on purpose and shed on my expensive silk."
"She definitely sounds like one of those cats. Have you considered getting her spaded?"
"What!? Heavens no!" Rarity yelled causing a few ponies to momentarily look at them.
"Good; I think it's inhumane to do that to an animal."
"Then why did you ask that?"
"I wanted to see if your one of those types of people."
"People? Don't you mean ponies?"
"I'm not a pony."
"You are now. Oh, look were here."
He lifted his head up and immediately regretted coming over.
It was pink, frilly, poufy, fru-fru and above all else. Girly.
"Please tell me it's behind this." He asked his voice shaking.
"No its right here. Is there something wrong with it?"
"It's just so... so... fru-fru."
"I see you have the same taste as Rainbowdash. None."
"Excuse me for not liking everything you do."
"I would at last like it if you kept your negative comments to yourself."
"Alright I'll keep my mouth shut then."
"Fine then, act like that and see if I care."
"You cared enough before to still carry on with this pointless conversation."
"It is not pointless. Now come along, we have much work to do."
He groaned in mental agony. She opened the door and he swore he felt one of his eyes twitch.
It was exactly if not more girly on the inside.
"Is there a bathroom I can use?" He asked hurriedly.
"Just go upstairs and the first door to your left. Why-good gracious! You're turning green! What a dreadful color!"
Somewhere outside, two green mares looked at each other.
"Hey, Lyra did you just feel that?" Asked the green maned mare with carrots on her flank to her friends left.
"Yeah I did, but I can't put my finger on what it was."
"What's a finger?"
Inside of the boutique Alex was leaning over a toilet with his tongue hanging out and his eyes crossed looking at the inside of the bowl.
"My shop is not that bad, is it?" Rarity asked concerned for his health. "Are you sure you want to do this? We can just go somewhere else if that suits you just fine?"
"Nice... ugh, pun. Oh no not again..." He said weakly before sticking his head into the bowl for the seventh time.
"I'll be waiting outside if you need me. And please flush and use the air freshener on top of the sink." She said running away from the sickening scene.
After five more heaves he lifted his head up out of the bowl and grabbed the air freshener. After he had flushed and sprayed he slowly made his way down while leaning against the wall for support. He opened the door and saw Rarity with a rain jacket on. She started to dig through her saddle and produced an umbrella which she gave to him.
He looked up and saw the pegasai moving storm clouds over the town.
"Is there anywhere you would care to go?" She asked with a sorrowful expression.
"I think I just want to get some books to read. Ugh... I don't feel so hot."
She put her hoof up to his fore-head before immediately retracting it and blowing on it.
"You're burning hot!" She said making him smile a little before it vanished.
"I don't even feel good enough to say I am pretty hot. Maybe the rain will cool me off?"
"No, you'll catch a cold. Please, take it as an apology for what happened."
He looked at the umbrella again before opening it over himself.
"It only covers half of me. Aw well, beggars can't be choosers I guess."
They started to walk along the edge of the buildings trying to avoid the rain that started to fall. Every once in a while a bolt of lightning struck around somewhere.
"This is just dreadful! My manes getting wet!" Rarity said trying to walk against the wind fruitlessly.
"Need some help? You're starting to slide." He asked feeling better as the rain cooled him off.
"I would appreciate it very much."
He walked behind her and lifted her up onto his back before handing her the umbrella.
"This is not exactly what i meant, but it works to I suppose."
"Are you alright up there?" He asked walking along as if the wind didn't bother him.
"Yes, a bit nervous for you though. Am I too heavy?"
He looked up at her with the most confused look he could muster. "The only other pony that is lighter than you would have to be Fluttershy."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"That Fluttershy is lighter."
"Atleast you're honest."
"Am I? Or have I been lying this whole time?"
"What would you lie about?"
"Hell if I know, i just know you all are extremely trustworthy. A good trait in some circumstance, but in others... not so much."
"Yes, I would agree. Being to trustworthy can lead to major issues."
"Good, hey is that Spike?" He asked looking towards a small shop with a small colt with a feather on his flank.
He quickly ran over and as Spike saw them his left eye twitched before he started to smile.
"By Spike!" Called the little colt.
"See ya around Featherweight!" He called back waving.
"Hey Spike, are you going to the library?" Alex asked.
"Yes, that is where I live. Why is Rarity on your back?"
"The wind was making her slide back whenever she lifted a hoof. So now she's on my back."
"Ok, aside from how many jokes I could make about you two now, I need to get going before Twilight starts freaking out."
Alex's horn started to glow and Spike eyes went wide before he started to run. As soon as he made two steps he slammed into the wooden wall of his home/library and he stumbled slightly before going down the flight of stairs.
"Sorry! I'm not good at teleporting." Alex called out while Rarity ran down the steps.
"Are you alright!? Spike! Spike are you alright!?"
"I hate teleporting." he grumbled getting off the floor.
"I said I was sorry." Alex said descending down.
"Spike are you home!?" Called Twilight coming out of the kitchen.
"I'm right here. Here's whatever you wanted." He said before picking up what he was holding before.
"Thank you! I can't wait to read this-"
"In an hour." Spike smirked.
"Tonight." She finished glaring at him even if he was right.
"Is there any more-" Alex was about to ask for any more spell books before Pinkie pie phased out of the wall.
Applejack and Fluttershy coming in through the door and Rainbowdash came crashing through the window and into a book shelve burying herself.
"You're just in time girls!" Twilight squealed clapping her hooves together.
"I wouldn't miss a slumber part even if I had the choice!" Pinkie said before pulling out a suitcase and a cannon out of her mane.
She pulled the string and the entire room was covered in stuff you would find at a girls slumber part all the way from sleeping bags to the facial mud masks.
Alex felt his eye twitch again.
Rarity saw this and quickly motioned him to the nearest trashcan.
Which was next to Twilights desk. Unfortunately, it was also a holed one, so the vomit leaked out.
"Alex! Are you alright!?" Twilight said going to his side.
"So... pink." He mumbled before covering his mouth with a hoof again.
She rolled her eyes before she was nearly run over by Pinkie Pie holding a large bucket and tapping him on the shoulder. He looked over and gave a weak smile before taking the bucket and sitting in a corner, back facing the group.
"That poor dear... I hope he doesn't lose anything important." Rarity said.
"Rarity, do you know what's wrong with him?" Rainbowdash asked.
"He doesn't care for "fru-fru" very much as it seems."
"I don't blame you there big guy!" Rainbow called out to him.
"T-Twilight... do you have any ginger ale or some ginger?" Alex asked shakily.
"Yes, I'll be right back. Just sit there... quietly... and not die on us; think you can do that?"
He gave a weak nod before she ran into the kitchen.
"A-Alex... I've been wondering... could I ask you a question? If that's alright with you of course..." Fluttershy asked.
"Shoot."
"W-What does your Cutie Mark mean?"
His ears straightened up before he looked at his flank.
It was a black dragons head with two horns, each with a small horn on the bottom and a large one on the tops.
"That... that is my countries symbol." He said smiling slightly.
"I hope you don't mind if it's diet." Twilight asked coming back in with a glass of ginger ale.
He took the glass and slowly started to sip on it before a pain made itself known in his stomach before he chugged it in one gulp.
"Thank you. I feel much better." He said giving the cup back.
"No problem, what are friends for?"
"To talk to?" He joked.
"Yes, and to also do activities with. Would you like to stay for the sleep over?"
His cheeks puffed out before his face turned a sickly green.
"Alright! Calm down! You can leave!" She said hurriedly.
"T-Thank you... I think I'm just going to go explore around the forest for a bit."
Before anyone could object he teleported out and into the Everfree forest.
He stared at it before walking in. It was just a forest, logs here trees with vines and shrubs and bushes littering the forest floor.
He slowly walked along a beaten path before hearing a river nearby. He ran to it in hopes of seeing a waterfall but what he saw made him groan.
There was a sea-serpent with brown slicked back hair.
He spotted Alex and made his way over with a warm smile.
"Hello! What are you doing here at this hour?" He asked.
"Just exploring." Alex asked simply.
"Well you don't want to go that way, that's the way to the old royal pony sister's castle. It's just dreadful in there."
"An abandoned castle? That sounds like fun. See you around weird sea-serpent." Alex said before jumping across the river and galloping away.
"Oh no." The serpent whispered. "My mustache is sagging!"
Alex was running at top speed, everything was nothing but a blur as he went through rocks, trees and he could have heard a yelp when he stepped on a twig. He was running so fast he nearly didn't see the steep cliff ahead of him. He stopped and skidded to the edge knocking a few pebbles off and into the abyss below.
"Wow, that was close." he said looking down into the darkness.
He looked ahead and saw an old run down castle just as the, what he thought, was a male Rarity sea-serpent had said.
He looked down at the darkness again before backing up and smiling. "First time for everything." He said before running and leaping over the abyss.
He landed with a thud, his hooves sinking into the mud and his smile never going down.
He looked to the old wooden doors and pushed them open accidentally knocking one of its hinges.
"I didn't do that..." He muttered before going in.
Once inside he felt a chill from a certain memory of a certain general attacking him in an abandoned base. When the general was already dead for ten months.
The room wasn't in good condition. The walls had ivy growing on them, cracks filled the floor and a molding carpet lay across in a stripe to a destroyed staircase.
He, instead of turning, flew up through the hole in the staircase and landed on the second floor. It looked almost the same if it weren't for the shining black door in the center of the room's front wall. Curious, he went to investigate and stopped to look at it.
It was shined obsidian with a purple metal in the edges, blue jewels were arranged in a pattern forming two eyes with an obsidian slit pupil in the middle, but what was most noticeable was the middle of the doors had a picture of a full moon with craters on it forming a ponies head.
"This is some freaky shit. I wonder what's in there?" He asked himself.
"Come..." A voice whispered from inside of the room. |
King of Velrain | Who the hell are you? | "Come..." A voice whispered from inside of the room.
"Who the hell is that? Show yourself!" Alex said backing up to the wall using his magic to hold his war hammer.
"Inside..." The voice said again.
He turned around and looked at the door.
"Is this a trap?" He asked.
"Non that thou should fear..."
"Yeah it's a trap. You suck at this if you did not know that already. But just in case, you suck at luring me into traps."
"Within holds ancient knowledge and power..."
"Now you're bribing me. This is just getting sad, I'm leaving." He said sheathing his war hammer.
"No!" It yelled making a cold wind sweep past him in the hall way.
"Fine, I'll amuse you and go in. Just get off my back whoever the hell you are." He groaned before pushing on the door.
It didn't budge.
"Strong door. But not strong enough."
He turned around and raised his back legs before bucking causing the door to splinter and a wall of blue swirling energy to take its place.
"Neat, is this a portal?"
"Come..."
"Alright! Just shut the bloody hell up already!" He yelled before stepping through and finding himself in a fully furnished room.
The walls were black obsidian with lit torches lining the walls, a full wall of books, an oak table and a large rune in the middle of the room.
The rune started to glow a deep purple before a white light took its place around the edges and a swirling purple mist came out. Forming Nightmare Moon.
And he just walked right past her to the book shelve.
"Greetings foolish king..." She said smiling evilly.
"Yeah, hey." He said nonchalantly while looking at a small pile of books he had gathered already.
"Art thou not surprised or frightened to see us?" She asked smirking at his nonexistent fear.
"I don't even know who the hell you are. So, who the hell are you, because you seem like one evil bitch if you ask me." He said smiling.
"Thou dares to insult his new master!?" She yelled pupils getting thinner in rage.
"Thou art mad if thou thinks that we shall be thy slave." He said mimicking her speech.
"It seems we art at an impass." She said.
"Is that the royal we or we as in you and me?"
"Us."
"Which one? Because that can still be referring to the first choice."
"The second." She growled.
"Alright. So, who the hell are you?"
"We art Nightmare Moon! Bringer of Eternal night!" She yelled.
"Now I know I've heard of you." He said putting his hoof up to his chin. "Oh yeah, now I remember you!"
"We art-"
"The one who got her ass handed to her by six ponies! They even used the Elements on me and I was only turned to stone for a few seconds before I busted out."
"What is it thou did?" She asked turning her head.
"I let them use them on me. As you can see, they suck as much as you do!" He laughed pointing a hoof at her.
"We do not "suck" as thou put it."
"So I'm guessing you let yourself get put on the moon and atleast four hours after returning, get banished here?"
"We had minor difficulties, but we shalt succeed once we have found a new host. And we have found one." She smiled before the mist started to circle him.
He rolled his eyes before breathing out as much as he could and then sucking as much in. The result, since every portion of his body had become stronger, was similar to introducing a room to a vacuum slowly. He managed to get all the mist in before stopping and waited.
He smiled happily before spotting a small jar at the end of the room. He walked over and breathed out into it, letting Nightmare Moon and some spit in before slamming the lid on.
"Let us out! Or face unrelenting agony!" She yelled forming one eye to stare at him through the glass.
"Or what? You'll make my lunch taste bad? If you hadn't noticed you're in a jar and I'm out here." he replied smugly before shaking the jar rapidly.
Satisfied with his torture he put it down and watched the small whirlwind spinning.
"I'll let you go, on one condition." He said firmly.
"What does thou propose?" She asked still spinning.
"You can use me as long as you don't try and bring eternal night. And as a second part connecting to the first, go through rehabilitation."
She was about to vent on how he was a lower life form before he raised a hoof silencing her.
"That's your only option beside me bringing you back to Canterlot and showing you to Luna. If you go with me they won't be able to harm you."
"We... accept thous conditions." She said begrudgingly.
He opened the jar and she shot into his nose, he staggered for a bit before purple armor covered most of his body and his coat turned temporarily black.
She laughed only for it to come out silent. Confused she looked into his mind to find nothing but darkness. Nothing but him sitting there smiling.
"Why can't we do anything?" She asked circling him.
"You're not in control, I am."
"Impossible! We should have full control of our host, why art thou not reacting?"
"I already have full control over my body and mind, as you can see. My mind is a fortress of its own, and you just got the architect's body." He replied smugly.
"Then where art all of thy memories?"
"Sealed away. Now why don't you just rest a little while I read for a little while?" He asked. "You must be exhausted after my little torture?"
"We art still weakened from recent events. What does thou want to read? All that is here are spell books."
"I've been looking for some spells actually. So, I guess goodnight."
"Goodnight."
The armor slowly retracted into nothing before going up his nose and he fell to the floor.
He slowly got up and blinked a few times before standing up and walking over to the book shelve.
He picked up the first book and opened it to the first page.
"Shadowstalker huh? That sounds interesting."
He began to read slowly before picking up pace and soon he was at the last page.
"Shadowstalker, Darkblades, Bone dragon summoning and Storm brewer! I'm loving this!" He said happily before turning to the next book.
"Hmm... A night's cradle? This can't be bad."
After reading through the first few pages his head started to hurt and he put the book down in disgust.
"That's even worse than Twilight!" He said crinkling his nose.
He picked up the next book and hesitantly opened it. After confirming the safety of his sanity he began to read, and just as before with the first one he finished it in minutes.
"These sound like some pretty strong spells. Well, come on Mrs. Moon, we've got to get going."
"Do not call us that."
"It's either that or moony. Or loony-mooney, Nightmight-"
"Just call us Nightmare."
"Alright don't get your tail in a twist." He said before his horn started to light up and teleported him and his new passenger to Canterlot.
"We thought thou had said thou would not show us to our former host!" Hissed Nightmare Moon.
"I'm not. I'm just staying here for the moment until I can get my own house." He thought back silencing her.
He walked past the front gates and said a quick "night" to the guards as they switched from day to night. He even passed Luna and Discord as he went by the throne room.
"Was that who we think they were?" Nightmare asked incredulously.
"Yeah, Discord and Luna are together. Are you jealous?"
"No, I hate that vile creature and that wench." She sneered.
"Now you can stop that right now, or I will come in there." He threatened.
"We art not afraid of thou."
She instantly yelled in fright when a set of chains and shackles encircled her.
"Now behave or else I'll introduce you to some of my most... fond memories." He finished coldly.
"Proceed. We shalt speaketh later, in thous dreams."
He rolled his eyes before teleporting to Celestia's room.
Where, she herself was just drying off.
He quickly turned away with a bright blush and his wings outstretched before he, painfully, snapped them back down.
"Alex! I thought you would have knocked?" Celestia asked hurriedly running back into the bathroom.
"I-I t-teleported." He stuttered.
"Nopony should be able to teleport here. Only Luna, Discord, Apollo, Orion or myself can. You must have broken the barrier."
"I have been told I have very strong magic."
"Where were you before?" She asked coming out with a towel around her waist.
"I teleported to the front gates while I was in some old castle in the Everfree."
"W-What castle?" She asked face full of worry and shock.
"It was really run down; the staircase was out so I couldn't go up. After a while I found some books and decided to read them, I fell asleep after the third and I woke up with a head ache."
"D-Did you hear any voices?"
"Yes..."
"This is not good. We need to get the Elements and make sure-"
"She is... already in my head." He said rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
Her horn charged before she backed into the wall. "You shall release him immediately, Nightmare Moon!"
"Actually, I've got her. She can't do jack squat to me, besides yell." He said rubbing his front left leg.
"H-How? How are you able to control her?"
"My mind is a fortress and she just got the architect. I'm actually... uh... how should I put this?"
"What are you hiding Alexander?" Celestia asked frustrated.
"I'm rehabilitating her."
She felt one of her eyes twitch before she started to smile.
"That is actually funny; I thought you said you were trying to rehabilitate her."
"I am. But! Before you freak out, she made a deal that if she misbehaves I would get Luna!" he said with his hooves up in defense.
"How do I know she isn't controlling you right now? And I'm not talking to her?" She asked eyes narrowed.
He thought for a while before his hooves started to scratch his goatee and he looked down for a moment before looking back at her. An idea suddenly came to him, only it made him blush.
"I guess a peck wouldn't hurt... hurt me, yes. Celestia forgive me and don't send me to the sun." He asked with his biggest puppy dog eyes.
She didn't have time to ask what he had meant before he went up and gave her a little peck on the cheek.
She sat there, eyes wide in shock, face a solid red and her wings fully extended.
She quickly fell to the floor passed out, and still wet making a large puddle now. But now she had a large grin plastered on her face.
"Did thou just..." Nightmare asked trailing off.
"Yes, yes I did. And I have a feeling I don't want to be near her when she gets up, but I want to try and convince her it was a dream. And I have a brilliant plan." He said rubbing his fore-hooves together.
Celestia woke up, her head hurt and she was in some bed too small for her.
"W-Where am I?" She asked sitting up.
"It's alright sister. Everyponies here." Luna said gently wrapping her sister in a hug.
"W-What happened? All I remember is... Alex!" She yelled knocking the Element's, Luna, Discord, Apollo, Orion and the doctor against the back wall, cracking it.
Alexander just stood there nervously in front of her.
"Hey Celly, glad to see your awake." he said forcing a smile.
"Hello, Alexander. Sister, and others, would you leave us alone for a second. So we may talk in peace." Celestia said her cheeks turning a bright pink as the memories came flooding back.
"Sister-" Luna started.
"Leave. Me and Alexander have much to discuss." She said sternly.
Luna and the others went out one by one, Discord being last who whistled at them, winking.
Her cheeks turning redder, she reluctantly turned to him, narrowing her eyes.
"Are you sure she's under control?" Celestia asked.
He raised an eyebrow before answering.
"Who's she?"
"Do no play games with me. I want to know if you are sure on your decision about keeping... her."
"Who is she?"
"Nightmare Moon..." She whispered.
"I thought she was defeated, is she back?"
"Yes, and you gave yourself to her as a new host!" Celestia said getting out of the bed and taking off the green gown.
He started to back away as she started to crack her joints.
"Listen it's obvious you're delusional. What you heard or thought is and was not real! You hit your head when you slipped in the tub after I accidentally teleported in!"
"So you did not kiss me?"
"What... no... I mean a peck on the cheek as a distrat-crap! Don't send me to the sun!"
"So it is true! Why should I not bring in the Elements and have them destroy her?"
"There's not enough room?"
She narrowed her eyes before charging him. He ducked and as she hit the wall their lips momentarily met as he was pushed back by her.
Her eyes widened in shock and she struggled back, blushing profusely with a hoof to her lips.
He had a dopey grin while staring at the ceiling before falling to his side.
"S-Sister..."
Celestia quickly turned to her sister, Elements, Discord and his two children. All of them had blushes and the ones with wings had wingers. Her blush intensified tenfold before she smiled slightly.
"It's not what it looks like..." She said.
"Who was playing the nurse?" Discord asked.
She narrowed her eyes before making a chunk of the ceiling hit him on the head.
"Would you care to explain what you were doing?" Luna asked crossing her fore-legs.
"He lied to me and when I charged him out of anger he slid under me and... I think you saw the rest, correct?"
"We most certainly did. And... we are proud." She said winking making her sister blush even more.
"P-Proud? Why should you be proud that I accidentally kissed him?"
"I was wondering when you would slip."
"Should we be listening?" Apollo and Orion asked.
"No!" Their parent's yelled at them.
They silently left the room with blushes still marked on their faces.
"Wha-What happened!?"
Everyone turned to see Alex on the floor getting up. They all gasped at what they saw.
His coat was a bright blonde, his eyes were slitted but they were golden, His mane was longer but it was a bright blue and waving around like fire instead of sagging and he was wearing a dark purple armor.
He looked down at his hooves.
"Kick-ass..." He trailed off before slumping to the ground in shock.
"We shall talk later sister." Luna said angrily.
"Do not get mad at me!" She snapped causing Luna to flinch. "I just found out... what day is it?"
"T-Thursday." She replied.
"I just found out last night! I had just found out he had tried to lie to me about keeping that thing in his head!"
"Why would he?"
"I... do not know. He seemed to have her under control."
"How do you know that is the truth?" Luna asked.
Celestia blushed slightly before meekly answering.
"He kissed me on the cheek..."
And to her surprise and embarrassment everyone in the room started to laugh, but were silenced as a stream of light melted the ceiling above their heads.
"I'll go get a doctor." Discord said stepping out.
Once he was out Luna turned back to her sister with a small smile.
"Did he do anything else to "convince" you?" She asked.
"No!" She yelled wings flaring.
"Why you?" rainbowdash said causing all eyes to turn to her.
"Why me?" Celestia asked confused.
"Y-Yeah, I don't mean it with any disrespect, but... why you?" She asked.
"He likes me of course."
"I would have gone after the first hottest mare... not that I'm saying I'm into mares!" She said blushing.
"Then who is first?" Luna asked.
Rainbowdash walked over to the closest window, opened it and crawled to the edge.
"You." She said before flying out.
"It seems there is love in the air after all..." Fluttershy whispered. |
King of Velrain | Every man for himself! | The Princesses, prince, Elements and the doctor were all gathered in the hospital room, waiting to see if Alex was alright.
"Sister, Luna, now would be a good time to speak." Celestia said rubbing one of his hooves subconsciously before pulling back.
"Yes it would. Now are you certain he is in control?" Luna asked glaring at him intensely.
"Yes, otherwise she would have used him to overpower us. She knows that I care for him as I do one of my subjects and she knows that the Elements wouldn't work."
"What do you mean the Element's wouldn't work?" Luna asked looking at her sister in shock.
"While he is unconscious now, I dug through his memories of the last few days and found he had made a deal with her. And that the Elements would not work but for a few seconds."
"How is that possible? They are the strongest things in existence."
"It is apparent they are now obsolete if we should need to use them on him. He is stronger, physically, against them."
Luna just looked back at him eyes full of worry before bowing her head slightly in sorrow for what was in his head.
"Greetings wench."
Her eyes shot open and they all saw a mass of swirling purple mist start to come out of Alex's nose.
"What do you want?" Luna asked coldly pointing her horn at the cloud.
"For him to wake. We cannot view his memories so there is no entertainment. We have tried speaking with him, but he is stubborn." She said staring down at him before her eyes flicked up towards Celestia. "He thinks highly of thou, half-sister."
Celestia was temporarily stunned before retaining her composure.
"How so?" She asked her own horn charging.
"He envy's you, for reasons we cannot fathom. His thoughts about thou art... unique."
She blushed slightly before replying with an audible gulp.
"They wouldn't happen to be.. a bit... raunchy?"
All the ponies and draconequiss's mouths nearly detached from their jaws before Luna spoke up.
"Why would you, by your name, want to know that!?" She yelled blushing at the already known answer.
"I would like to know! Now hush, you have no right to tell me what I should not know of about relationships. Especially since you had to be drugged by one of the Elements to get in bed!" Celestia snapped making Discord and Luna blush while their kids looked confused.
"We think it would be best for us not to share around foals." Nightmare said looking over to the young prince and princess.
"So, mooney; why aren't you trying to take him over right now?" Discord asked holding something behind his back.
"We wish to do so, but we cannot. He is still in control; he shows greater will than any other foe. We admire him for it." She said giving a slight nod.
"So... what's with the whole, creepy cloud thing?" Apollo asked putting one of her paws though Nightmare's chest.
"We cannot take form without a host. Now desist that immediately!" She yelled making Apollo pull her paw out.
"Don't you yell at my daughter! That's mine and Luna's job!" Discord said before taking out what he had been hiding.
Before Nightmare could react a banana cream pie went through her face and hit the window behind her.
Everyone in the room, minus Alex, gave him a questioning look.
"I wanted to see if I could nail her." He shrugged.
"I thought... you were married?"
They all turned to see Alex cracking open an eye and snickering a little.
"I'm glad you are awake." Celestia said smiling.
"I'm glad you stopped rubbing my hoof." He chuckled making her blush.
"Can we enter again?" Nightmare asked impatiently.
"No one's stopping you. Hop in." He said opening his mouth.
She gave a shudder and went through his esophagus and into his lungs where she then went into his blood and into his brain.
"Did you just eat Nightmare Moon?" Twilight asked.
"I don't know. Hey why does my arm... hurt?" He was asking before raising his front left leg up.
He had atleast six catheters in it.
He slowly started to frown before smiling and soon that turned into laughter. The whole time he was pointing at it laughing like an idiot.
"Alex... are you alright?" Celestia asked worried while backing away.
"Would you all just step out for a teensy-weensy bit?" He asked smiling wide showing off his serrated teeth.
"W-Why?" Twilight asked getting behind her mentor.
"No reason. Could you just leave for a few seconds? Good, now go on, shoo." He said playfully motioning them out with his free hoof.
They all slowly went out and closed the door behind them
Celestia was the first to speak. "I hope he's-"
"AAAAAAHHHHHH! EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF!" Alex yelled from within the room making the hospital shake on its foundation.
They all were slightly scared to go in but soon went after they head the sound of glass breaking.
Celestia nearly took the door of its hinges before falling off the new ledge placed in the room.
Or what was left of the room.
It seemed Alex, in his horror stricken state had used too much strength when he had jumped through the window and taken the floor out. Fortunately there was no one underneath.
"He really hates needles." Discord said flying around the disaster zone. "A lot."
"Do you think we should go after him?" Luna asked watching a small trail of dust grow smaller in the distance.
Soon the sounds of dogs, angry doctors and nurses were heard and not soon after, they were giving chase.
"I think it would be wise to warn them." Discord said before flying off to watch.
In Ponyville, the residents were enjoying a nice calm, non-apocalyptic day for once.
Until a frightened alicorn came running through while being chased by a swarm of doctors carrying needles.
"Keep those bloody things away from me!" Alex yelled back at them.
"Come back! It's only a little sedative!" One of them yelled back.
He stopped to look back before a single needle lodged itself into the trunk of the tree he was standing next to. He began running again taking every twist and turn to avoid them.
He went down to Sugarcube corner and turned down the alleyway.
He was trapped.
He was trapped for a few seconds before he ran through the wooden wall. All the customers were startled to see a male alicorn crash through the wall and even more startled to see a pack of doctors and nurses follow.
One lone mare was crying over the loss of her prized pastry.
"Why the muffins! Why!"
Outside Alex was running towards the library before a swarm of pegasai in white lab coats made him halt. He turned and saw there was no way out.
"Back off! I-I'm warning you! I will hurt you!" He yelled frightened for once in his life.
"Please, just go back to the hospital-" one of the Doctors said accidentally taking a step forward.
"I said stay back!" He yelled blasting the patch of ground near the doctor.
"Ready the dart guns!"
"Try it you asshole! And see what happens when you corner an animal!" Alex yelled back.
"Aim!"
He charged his horn and a large storm started to brew over head while a red rune formed around his hooves and the ground split in two places next to him.
"F-Fire... What the Faust is that!?" The doctor yelled out in fear.
Two bony dragon heads started to crawl out of the ground and soon were standing over all the residents, bone leaking ethereal flames. And the red rune around Alex started to seep black mist that formed into two giant blades, each with a width of a house and just as sharp as the tension in the air.
"You can take your needles and shove them right up your ass! Now back off!" Alex yelled readying the two blades.
"I-I think you're cleared for release. I think our job here is done... d-don't you agree my fellow colleagues?"
They all nodded before running off screaming.
He let out the breathe he was holding and let the storm fade, the dragons crawl back into their hole and the blades disappear.
"Now maybe I can get some-"
"Alex! Hey Alex!" Discord yelled out coming down.
"... Peace. What do you want?" He asked frustrated.
"I want to take you back to the hospital." He said grinning.
Which soon vanished as his front teeth were knocked out.
"Fuck you! And fuck you're needles!" Alex yelled before flying off.
"I see this isn't going to be easy... maybe I just need bait?" He asked himself before an idea struck him. "Ooh Celestia..." He sang quietly.
Celestia was cleaning the rubble off her coat when Discord came back at the same time as a group of scared doctors and nurses.
"I'm guessing he didn't come back?" She asked looking at him, who was doing circles around her head.
"No, but I know how to get him back." He said stopping to face her.
"How?"
"Like... this!" He yelled out the last part before a frying pan met her head.
She slumped to the floor unconscious.
"Discord... did you use the frying pan on my sister?" Luna asked looking over the edge. "You did! We are-"
She was cut off when the pan met her head and she slumped over the edge.
"Might as well get the ice bath and the blanket on the coach now." He sighed. "Now I need to get them checked in."
He carried Celestia to the front after fixing the room they were in, leaving Luna's head stuck in the floor. When he went into the lobby he was met by a barrage of chairs and tongue depressors being thrown at him.
"No more alicorns in this hospital!" One of the doctors yelled out producing surgical equipment. "Now take them and leave!"
"Are you refusing to service one of your nation's rulers?" Discord asked smirking at how to get him to refuse doing treason.
"Get them the buck out! I don't give a buck if there my mother! Just! Get! Them! Out!" He punctuated each word with a scalpel being thrown at Discord.
"What is wrong with you!?" Discord said running out as they moved onto beds.
Now he just stood there holding a sleeping Celestia.
Another idea came to mind when he thought of how him and Luna met.
"A damsel in distress would be perfect." He clicked his tongue.
"What's-What's going on? Where am I?"
"Sleep!" He yelled hitting her over the head again.
Alex was hiding in a tree. The library to be exact.
"I hope he isn't to mad at me." He said to no one.
"That was impressive magic thou hast done. Most powerful indeed." Nightmare said coming out.
"It barely drained me at all. What's so hard about it?"
"Thou hast just risen the dead, manipulated the clouds and created blades from energy. It was most impressive, we art honored to have thou as our host."
"No one likes a brown-noser."
"What does-Wait listen, does thou hear that?" She said looking towards the door.
"What is what?" He asked opening the door. "All I see is a giant star-what the hell! What is that!?" He yelled staring through the doorway.
At the Ursa Major going through town.
"Now would be a good time to use thine new spells." Nightmare said going back into his mind.
He rushed out and went to confront the monster head on.
Outside two screams were heard. One a manly but girlish scream followed by an enraged feminine, yet, heavenly one he instantly recognized.
"Celestia!" He nearly yelled in shock running at full speed.
He came upon his princess hogtied with Discord wearing a cape, top hat and a fake black mustache that he was stroking on one end.
"What the hell is going on!?" He asked frantically untying the princess.
"Discord knocked me out twice, hogtied me and is now using me as bait for the most dangerous thing in Equestia!" She yelled getting up.
"You did what!?" Alex yelled making Discords eyes grow wide in fear.
He was about to attack himself when a giant red tinted paw made Discord go sailing across the street and into a building.
"Celestia I would highly recommend that you leave... now." He growled.
"I will not leave my subjects in harm's way! Even you cannot beat a fully grown Ursa!" She said.
"I wasn't asking." He said quietly before teleporting her away.
The monster roared before spotting Alex.
Who was flying up to smash the things head in with his war-hammer.
It swiped at him and sent him barreling down to the ground. He got up and charged it's feet, dodging swipe after swipe all the way. Once he reached its feet he climbed up to its annoyance. Once he got to its ankle he reared back his back legs and bucked.
There was a sickening snap that echoed throughout the town and soon a loud roar. But even that was cut off as Alex smashed his war-hammer into its jaw.
"Come on! I thought you were supposed to be a predator! Not a fucking pushover!" He yelled at it.
It leaned forward and caught him in its jaws. And what a mistake it had just made.
Its teeth busted out through the front leaving bony shrapnel in its gums. Even worse is when a few teeth came back and started to go down its throat, cutting it all the way. It heaved and heaved until the last one was out. It had never felt pain like this at all.
And it had just begun.
It felt a sharp pain in its chest, it looked down to see part of its skin was poking out at an odd angle before ripping and letting part of a rib out along with a torrent of blood. It roared in agony and soon that was drowned out when it felt its spine snap, immobilizing it.
Soon it felt something in its throat. What came out was an angry blood soaked alicorn wielding a war-hammer which the top had opened up reveling a flat black surface that sparked with electricity.
"If you come back here I will end you!" Alex yelled his horn growing green while it's wounds healed slightly. "Now leave!"
It stood and stared at him before raising its paw.
He struck out with his hammer hitting it in the chest, letting the shock wave follow to obliterate the creature.
It happened in a split second, the bear's eyes widening in fear and soon it was being thrown back faster than any Pegasus could fly, itself in the air turning to mush before a large mess littered the ground.
"Now someone's got to clean this piece of shit up." He groaned before opening the ground letting two skeletal dragons emerge.
"Clean this up and make sure there's nothing left." He said before they took off to clean what was left of the bear.
He turned around and saw an entire crowd emerging from their homes, horror and bewilderment on their faces. Discord was even up and staring at him in shock. He groaned rubbing his head and cleaned the blood off himself with a small wave of force from his hammer.
He started to walk towards the crowd. They made a path for him and he just lowered his head out of shame. And there he just sat down at a bench in front of the fountain.
And a small grey filly came up to him.
"Why did you kill it?" She asked.
He sighed out of exhaustion. "If I hadn't then it would... it would have... destroyed the town. I felt like I needed to stop it."
And another pony came over. He was full grown.
"Did you do it to protect us?" He asked.
He looked over to the tan colt with a spikey brown mane and bowtie.
"Yes... and now I suppose now you all think I'm some kind of blood thirsty monster?" He said in sadness.
"N-No... Why would we think that? You saved the town."
"But I killed it."
"It may have been gruesome, yes, but you gave it a choice and it made the wrong one. You only did what you thought was best, and what you did was for the best. None of us hate you." He said putting a hoof on his shoulder.
"What?" He asked looking at the colt in surprise.
"Come on everypony! Let's give it up to... What is your name?"
"A-Alexander..." He trailed off not believing what he was hearing.
"Let's give it up to Alexander! Three cheers for Alexander!"
And the crowd started to smile before hoof pumping the air.
"Alexander! Alexander! Alexander!" They all cried out.
"Alexander!" One voice above all else range out making them all stop to see Celestia flying down, anger in her eyes.
"Celestia! What's going on!?" He asked looking back at the crowd in confusion and amusement.
"You have a lot to explain... where's the Ursa?" She asked landing in front of him.
"Let's give another cheer for Alexander! The Ursa slayer!" A colt from the crowd yelled causing another cheer from the growing crowd.
Celestia's eyes grew to the size of dinner plates before looking back at a confused Alexander. "Would you mind explaining what they mean by that?" She asked unsure if she heard them right.
"I just got rid of the thing and now they're cheering for me! I don't have a bloody idea what's going on!" He yelled throwing his hooves up in the air.
"You killed a fully grown Ursa... how?"
"With my war-hammer! Now what's going on!?"
"Alexander... I should charge you with murder," She started making the crowd gasp and grow silent. "But, I think you deserve this."
She leaned in and wrapped him in a hug while kissing him on the lips. It lasted for three minutes before she pulled back leaving him panting.
"Maybe... I should... kill more of them..." He half-wheezed half-chuckled.
"Just shut up, and don't you ever do that again! You had me so worried!" She said before burying herself into his shoulder crying.
And just as suddenly pulled back in disgust.
"Alex! Where have you been! You smell disgusting!"
"Well you... smell like roses! So hah!" He said smiling.
"She's right! You smell horrible!" Said the tan colt backing away.
"Hey you try getting eaten and coming out through a bloody mouth and see how you smell!" He yelled back.
And soon the entire crowd took a good whiff and fell to the ground like dominoes.
"I don't smell that... bad..." He drifted off before smelling himself where he then fell to the ground.
Celestia stood there with a small smile before taking him back to the castle for a bath. |
King of Velrain | Question from the author. | I understand that you all have been down voting tremendously. I'm just asking you to post why? I don't mind, but I'm confused. I like criticism, I want to know what's wrong so I can fix it. So please, post why, thank you. |
King of Velrain | payback. | "What... what happened?" Alex asked groggily.
"You risked your own life, you thick headed colt."
He cracked open his eyes and looked to his side to see Celestia smiling gently. He looked down and saw she was also hugging him with her wings and hooves.
"How long was I out?"
"Just a night. I brought you back after you passed out from your stench and cleaned you up."
"So, you gave me a bath?"
"Yes, why? Do you not enjoy baths?"
"I'm sure you took your time, seeing as my fur was matted down right? In every little place." He smiled at her reaction.
"W-Well I-I...you... you needed to be full cleansed of whatever you were covered in! And I did not enjoy it!"
"I didn't ask if you enjoyed it. I asked if you took your time."
"I can see you have a silver tongue."
"You should know, you did kiss me."
"You are just as bad as Discord! Now get up before I buck you out."
"I thought we weren't that far along yet? But if you insist I don't mind."
She blushed before pushing him out of the bed and smiling when he got up.
"Maybe that will teach you some manners."
"Probably not. You need some though, little miss model."
"Giving compliments now? How sweet." She smiled combing her hair.
"No, I'm talking about these magazines under your bed. What the... why is Discord on one of these!?"
Her face went pale and then red before she went around and saw him staring disgusted at the cover of a magazine.
"Alex! You should know not to go through otherponies things!" She scolded him while taking the reading material away.
"How many did you sign up for?" He winked at her.
She huffed and turned around, looking like she was about to walk away, her back hooves raised and she lashed outward.
"Ow... that wasn't a pleasant feeling." He said rubbing his nose.
"How hard are you? It felt like I hit solid rock!" She said cradling her back hooves.
"You should know, you're the one who gave me a bath. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to take care of some personnel business."
He got up and walked out the room leaving her to lay there on the floor.
"So what if I did enjoy it..." She mumbled taking out a picture from underneath her pillow.
Alex strode through the castle looking for the reason he had to take blood again. And he was going to make him regret it.
He looked in the kitchen and saw the silverware dancing. He looked in the throne room and saw it was raining chocolate milk, from the floor up. He looked in the garden and saw a bright blue flower patch.
With Discord lounging in it.
"You have a lot of explaining to do." Alex said stepping up to him.
"I'm guessing your here about the Ursa incident? Then-"
"No! I'm here about the kidnapping the princess thing. What the hell were you thinking using her as bait for the second most dangerous thing in existence?"
"That was actually plan B. Plan A was getting her checked into the hospital but thanks to you I was nearly, with her in my arms, given extreme acupuncture from the mob of doctors throwing surgical equipment at me. The Ursa was an accident; I was actually looking for a dragon."
Alex felt one of his eyes twitch.
"You put all of the townsfolk in danger! They could have been killed!"
He glanced over at Alex before rolling his eyes.
"Do you honestly think I would put actual Ponies in danger? I put a charm on each so that the bear would simply pass through them."
"Then why did you even bother bringing it? Why did you use Celestia? Why not Luna?"
"They asked me to get you back to the hospital. So I used the oldest tricks in the book to attract lovers. A damsel in distress."
"Were not that far yet, but I think she wants to be. Now what to do with you?"
"What does that mean? Alex why are you getting that unsettling smile? Why are you flying away? Alex? Alex!"
Alex flew straight up and he went as high as he could before tucking his wings in and dropping. He swerved left to right trying to hit his target.
In a seconds he was nearly at the right angle and sped up. The result was what he wanted.
"What is wrong with you?" Discord wheezed getting the air knocked out of him from the impact.
"Just a little payback. You want to go see what's going on in town?"
"No, but Luna is going down actually. I think she's flying down now. And that's one, if you get me with two then you win" He coughed before slumping to the ground.
He shrugged and took off to Ponyville. Once he had climbed to the peak of the castle towers he glided down using the updrafts and downdrafts to keep him balanced. He swiftly glided along following the road for fun. Soon he saw a lone pony walking down; only it was a night guard.
He flew down as softly as possible, which was making the ground shake slightly while nearly giving the guard a heart attack.
"Hey have you seen... Luna? Luna is that you?"
The mare in armor looked at him strangely and angrily.
"I am not the princess, I am a Pegasus. And a loyal guard to her nocturnal majesty." Said the guard hotly.
"Yeah nice little act Luna. If I had a peanut for a brain i might have believed that for a few seconds. I've heard how the guards talk about you and your sister; they just call you two Luna and Celestia."
She changed back and was devoid of any regalia.
"How did you know?" She pouted.
"One, Discord said you were going into town when I asked him if he wanted to go with me after I knocked the wind out of him. Two, you're Cutie Mark and three, if a guard was sent down to town then he or she would have been running."
"What did you do to Discord this time?" Luna groaned.
"I just dive bombed him. So, why are you going down to town? And why aren't you wearing your little trinkets?"
"That is none of your business." She said tipping her nose up.
"Then I guess I'm tagging along."
"You will not! I have a meeting with Rarity for a spa treatment."
"A spa? I remember when I went to a spa one time. And that's also when I learned they have cheap tables, so I fell of and i ended up picking needle heads out of my back. Do you know how hard that is? I mean, those things are tiny, but they still hurt."
"I would not know. What are you going to town for?"
"I... have no idea. Would it be alright if i tag along? I mean just to the spa, not actually going in. I can't take too much fru-fru junk." He shuddered making her shake slightly.
"It seems we have something in common. I hate pink and frilly." She said smiling.
"I thought princesses were all about that? Every other one I met had that stuff... and a knife hidden somewhere."
"Only my sister enjoys that. I on the other hoof, loathe it."
"Does that mean you don't like Pinkie Pie or Rarity? Or Fluttershy?"
"I do so like them. I just do not care for the frilliness of being a princess. I remember one time when I caught Discord in a dress. It was a large pink and frilly dress, with pearls and diamonds. If only you were there to see his face you would have laughed until you passed out."
"That I would, that I would. So, what is a high class princess doing going to a spa treatment down in a quaint little town?"
"I do enjoy going down to the town and conversing with my subjects. But only in disguise..." she finished casting her eyes down.
"I take it being royalty can have an impact on your social life?" He nodded.
"Yes, as I am sure you know too?"
"Yeah, after the war everybody that was American before, nearly shit themselves when I was even in the state for fear I would suddenly raise an army again and start committing genocide... it took time but they did warm up to me. All it took was finding the right people to start with. Maybe I could be the right people?"
She stopped and looked to him surprised.
"You want to be my friend?" She asked hopefully.
"Yeah, you seem like you need one. And, really I don't give a damn who anyone is so I can't be biased towards you."
"Excuse me!?" She hissed angrily.
"You know what I mean!"
She stared at him before sighing. "Alright, but keep this a secret, for me?"
"I live with you at the moment and I'm dating your sister. Do you honestly think anyone would care if we were friends?" He deadpanned.
"I guess-you're dating my sister!?" Her eyes widened while her mouth made a cracking noise as it fell.
"I think it was obvious when she French kissed me in front of the town after I killed and Ursa Major. Either that or she wants to get into my lower armor, to see this nights other long sword, to see my accuracy with the blade, to-"
"I get it! Just stop putting those images into my head!" She shoved him blushing.
He merely laughed and shoved her back.
"So, Luna, how have you been?"
"Good and you?"
"Bored out of my mind."
"Didn't you just kill an Ursa and get kissed by my sister yesterday? How could you be bored?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
He shrugged. "Not the most exciting thing to happen to me. Surprisingly neither is being sent to a world full of ponies."
"What is the most exciting thing to happen to you then?"
"Making macaroni and cheese. That is the only thing that has ever put true fear into me."
"Are you talking about the food? What's so scary about that? Its noodles and cheese."
"It was my first time cooking and I found out another reason you shouldn't put metal in the microwave... especially one that runs directly to the city power grid."
"What happened?"
"It ended up trying to eat my face and i was pretty sure trying to lay eggs in my stomach. When it jumped me, I fell out of the second story window and had to have Rex shoot me in the face with a rocket."
"I suddenly lost my appetite."
"I still have mine. Hey isn't that Ponyville?"
She looked and saw the small town and easily visible residents from the edge of town. She quickly put her disguise back on making Alex raise an eyebrow.
"You do know they're going to wonder why your armor isn't coming off, right?"
She merely smiled in response.
"Let me guess, you're going to make it look like you're taking it off and make the armor you have on fade as you do it?" He asked blankly.
"No, I'm going to start peeling my fur off. Yes I'm going to make it fade."
"No need to get grumpy. That's my job."
"Just as long as you don't get to grumpy we will not have any problems."
"And why is that? The only one that would have a problem is you and anyone else in the vicinity."
"I know your one weakness, Alexander." She practically purred making him stop and choke on his breath.
He pulled her into a bush and stared at her angrily.
"No one knows about my weakness! How did you find out!? Were you going through my memories!?"
"No, everypony knows that you're practically horn over hooves for my sister. Now let go!"
She shoved him out and brushed the leaves off of herself before stepping out.
Alex was slightly frowning but he had a smile too.
"Is there something wrong?" Luna asked putting her hoof on his shoulder.
"No, not a thing. Thankfully you didn't know my actual weakness. I would have to have killed you then."
Her hoof shot back and nicked her side.
"Why would you have to kill me!?"
"It's embarrassing... I don't even like to think about it. I hate it; it's so cliche." He growled crossing his front hooves.
"Aside from you're emotional problems, I'm still right."
"You are not! I am not some puppet to your sister!"
"Really? So, the rumor going around the castle about you letting her feel your plot is a lie?" She said smiling with half-lidded eyes.
"Who said that was a rumor?" He said smiling.
"That is just creepy." She stuck out her tongue.
"Not as creepy as that dodo you keep around."
"You leave Cookie out of this!"
"... I was talking about Discord."
"He is a bit of a dodo sometimes, but that's why I love him. Why is it you love my sister?"
"I guess it's because she's like me. Smart, nimble, funny, good with company and good looking. But I still have all of you beat in that department."
"I'm sure. So, are you sure you wouldn't want to join me and Rarity? She does have three names put down, but unfortunately Fluttershy couldn't attend. So there's a blank area."
"I'm sur-agh! Dammit! It's back again!" He hissed suddenly clutching his lower back.
"What? What's back?"
"My back again. I messed it up the second time i had to dive-bomb from space. If you ever do that... don't land on your face. Or a mine field."
"I think the masseuses at the spa can fix your back."
"They can't... when I got it checked out again, they said even surgery couldn't fix it."
"What about magic?"
"Magic doesn't exist! Wait, that's right, it does. Fine, I'll go, I guess." He rolled his eyes before another wave of pain washed over him. "Son of a bitch!"
"Quiet! We are entering the town."
He looked forward and saw the first few buildings start to pass by. And soon the ponies waving and smiling.
"Atleast not all the chicks here are staring this time. It looks more like three-forths." he whispered to Luna.
"Quiet!"
"No you! That's an order soldier!" He smirked at her as he saw the disguises muzzle turn a darker shade of grey.
"I'm signing you up for the seaweed wrap."
"And I can make an excuse to leave. After all, I am a very important person... pony, whatever the proper term is now."
She rolled her eyes before spotting the spa and a small white and purple pony standing next to the doors.
"Hello pleasureful night, and... Alex? What are you doing here?" Rarity asked looking between the two.
"Pleasureful night, huh? That sounds a bit perverted if you think about it. Or think about it in any way." Alex chuckled.
"Alex! May I ask you to stop being so cross?" Rarity asked narrowing her eyes.
"May I ask you to stop being a sugary treat made to put on gram-crackers and chocolate?"
"I am not a marshmallow!"
"You're right." He nodded. "You're more of a moldy marshmallow. Besides any marshmallow that started growing purple hair, you should throw away immediately." He closed his eyes to take in a deep breath.
He suddenly heard a small sound like metal bending and Luna gasp. He opened his eyes and saw Luna, still disguised as a guard but with her mouth hanging open.
"What? Do I have something on my face?"
Luna suddenly turned to Rarity with a furious expression. "Why would you do that!? You could have put his eye out!"
"I was tired of everypony calling me a marshmallow. Alex, are you alright?" Rarity asked.
"What did you do?" He asked staring at her intently.
"I might have tried to stab you with a pair of scissors," She lifted up a pair of bent scissors of the ground with her magic. "As you can see, your skin is very tough."
"Why wouldn't it be? It was genetically modified to survive extreme weather conditions, pressure, man-made elements and hardened enough that it's tougher than steel."
"That is horrible! Why would anypony do such a thing?" Rarity asked disgusted.
"You wouldn't say that if you were in a blizzard on the brink of death."
"I still would. Now come along, we do not want to keep Aloe and Lotus waiting."
He gave a grunt of pain before heading in through the doors.
It wasn't fru-fru or girly, all that much, it was like a doctor's office. But with fancy chairs and pillars.
"Hello, Lotus, it'll be the usual." Rarity said to the already waiting masseuse.
She nodded and motioned for them all to go into the first room.
The sauna.
"Now just sit down and relax." Lotus said while giving them all a towel. "And a good morning to you princess."
"Thank you Lotus." Luna said changing back.
"Is it wrong I don't feel comfortable?" Alex said wrapping a towel around his waist before sitting down.
"What? Is it because you're in a steam filled room with two mares?" Rarity asked fluttering her eyelashes.
"No, the last time I was in a sauna it started to fill with a deadly neurotoxin gas and then when I was escaping, the floor collapsed into an underground sewage system."
"That... is... something. Something indeed..." Rarity said turning slightly paler.
"Now I see why you don't go to the spa." Luna said.
"It's not my fault almost everyone I meet tries to kill me! I hate fake masseuses..." He growled recalling the unpleasant memory.
"Are you all ready? Good, now sit back and relax." Said Lotus putting water onto the hot stones.
In seconds the room was filled with steam. After a few minutes two soaked mares came out followed by Alex, who, was still dry of sweat.
"How... are you not sweating?" Rarity asked panting.
"Genetic engineering can do wonders for the body." He smirked at her.
"Now then," A second pony came out followed by Lotus. "It's time for the mud baths!"
They handed Lotus their towels and followed the new one to a row of mud filled tubs.
"This is simply divine..." Rarity cooed as she sunk in.
"I still do not see the difference in regular mud." Luna sighed as she slipped in.
"Brings back memories of when i went to the amazon." Alex said as he tentatively got in. "If you ever fight a tiger, make sure it's not in a piranha infested river. I still remember those horrible things... all the teeth... all the scales... all the fish!" He squeaked.
"Now just relax and afterwards they will clean you off and give you a nice massage." Rarity said.
"I think I'm ready for that then. I don't have any life threatening memories involving a massage." He smiled happily for once.
He went over to a large table and Lotus motioned him to get on. He slowly got up and laid his face through the small hole and folded his front legs underneath himself.
"Alright, are you ready?" She asked smiling.
"Sure, I guess." He mumbled.
She put her hooves onto his back and as she started to push. His muscles wouldn't budge.
"Ugh... Aloe, I think I need some help." Lotus asked her sister.
"With what? All you have to do is-oh dear he won't move! When was the last time you ever had a massage?" She asked leaning over his back to look him in the eyes.
He looked up to her before he started to scratch his goatee in deep thought.
"I never had a massage. Atleast one that didn't involve the masseuse trying to rub acid on me."
"What!? That's horrible! Aloe! Get the heavy equipment!" Lotus yelled to her sister before she ran off and saluted.
Alex looked over to Rarity and Luna; all three of them had confusion written on their muzzles.
"Ugh... I, have it. Help... its heavy." Aloe muttered carrying a jack-hammer in.
"So... that's the heavy equipment? Why do you have a jack-hammer in here? Much less at a spa?" Alex asked raising an eyebrow at the masseuses.
"It's not a jack-hammer... it's, um... it's... alright so what if it is? It still works." Lotus muttered as her sister plugged it in.
"Alright, now just relax. You might feel numb but that is perfectly normal when we use this." Aloe said before her and her sister raised the machine up and turned it on.
He shut his eyes and waited.
Only it never came. All he heard was a sudden sparking, the sound of metal bending again, the smell of smoke and shrieks from the two masseuses.
He lifted his head to see the jack-hammer on the ground, smoking out of the front with a bent head. He looked up and saw two startled masseuses.
"That was supposed to work on dragon's scales... how did it break on him?" Aloe asked turning to her sister.
"I-I don't understand... maybe we should try another one?" She said turning to Alex. "Do you have any enchantments on your skin?"
"I'm still learning to use basic magic; so, no, I don't." He replied looking back down to the broken jack-hammer. "Sorry about the machine."
"D-Don't worry. It's always fun to try something new. Sister, could you get the spare and bring in the diamond head?" Aloe asked smiling to her sister.
She nodded and ran out. Minutes later she came strolling in and set it down next to her sister with the head in her mouth and a pleasant smile on her face.
"Just put the head on it and plug it in."
She spit the head out and carefully screwed it in and snapped the right parts into place before heading to the wall to plug it in.
They both raised it over Alex again, as they were both muttering prayers to Celestia and Luna they turned it on and lowered it.
"Ooh... that does feel good." Alex said letting his face sink into the small hole for his head.
The jack-hammer was barely making his muscles loosed up but it was picking up pace. Soon it was moving very quickly over his upper-back and soon his lower-back.
"Yeah that's-Agh! Dammit that hurts!" He sprung up and grabbed his lower back where the small vertebra was out of place. "Why the hell I dive-bombed from space, I'll never know." He said through gritted teeth.
"Are you alright!? Is there something wrong!?" Aloe and Lotus were speaking simultaneously.
"It's my back. One of the vertebrae is out of place." He groaned before resting again on the large table.
"We can fix that easily! Bone mender! Could you come in here for a second?" Aloe called out.
Soon a small black coated unicorn mare with a white mane and horn with cerulean eyes came in.
"Yes? How can I help you?" She smiled pleasantly.
"It seems this poor colt's back is out of shape. Could you be able to do anything for him?"
She walked over to the table before seeing the small lump on Alex's lower back making her gasp.
"What did you do to get this?" She asked.
"I dive-bombed from space, landed in a mine-field and then walked five miles to get to a hospital to see if my friend was really in there. After that I went home and we had a long talk. Why? Is that bad for my health or something?" He asked smiling.
"Yes! That is horrible! What is wrong with you!?" She yelled. "You're lucky every bone in your body isn't in pieces!"
"That could never happen. I was wearing my armor and my bones are cover in the same metal as my armor is made up of. So it is physically impossible for me to break any bones."
"Do you want me to try and fix... this?" She asked moving a hoof over the small bump.
"Yes! That thing is the bane of my existence." He scowled at the small lump thinking of every obscenity he could think of at it.
Her horn started to glow a faint white like his and he felt a small pinch where it was. He looked behind him and saw a small part of his lower torso glowing from the inside.
"This reminds me when I had to get my stomach switched at that one hospital. I nearly made the nurses drop it from all the jokes I was making." He chuckled. "They loved the one when they could see my bladder and the doctor said to stop even though he was smiling. Do you know what I said Luna?"
"What? I wasn't listening. You said something about a hospital and nurses."
"Do you know what I said while I was getting my stomach switched? It was when the doctor said to stop as I started to poke my bladder."
"No, what did you say?" She asked turning her head to the side.
"These jokes are just getting bladder." He was chuckling at how the nurses nearly doubled over and how the doctor had to support himself while wiping the tears away. "Best. Surgery. Ever." He smiled before wincing.
"All done. Your back is now fixed." Bone mender said.
"Really? Or are you just trying to get my hopes up?"
"Look for yourself."
He looked back and saw his back had no abnormalities lining any way. Upper or lower. He smiled before hugging the pony and the masseuses in a hug.
"Thank you! This is the most I could have ever wanted! Beside a few gallons of apple juice."
"Thank you! Could you let go... I need air!" Bone mender croaked smiling before she took in some air. "That's quite the hug you got there. I'd say you beat Pinkie at them."
"Now I never have to worry about that stupid pain ever again! Thank you all!" He said smiling while cracking his back.
They all cringed as they heard what sounded like metal scraping against metal combined with tree trunks snapping.
"Now that, is something haven't been able to do in years." He sighed in complete bliss.
"Alright, so now that you've had your... treatment. Now it's time for a happy ending!" Aloe and Lotus said making him snicker.
"And what is that?" He said trying to suppress a smile.
Aloe went over to a box in a shelf and pulled out a large mouth full of long... pointy... sharpened...
"Needles! Get those hellish things away from me!" Alex yelled backing up into a corner; his heart racing and his eyes were pin pricks.
She took one step forward before he went running out through the door cracking the floor as he went.
"Oh that poor dear..." Rarity said before lowering herself into the mud more. "He's missing this."
Alex's heart was racing a mile a minute when she pulled out the needles.
"Needles! Get those hellish things away from me!" He yelled before running out the doors.
He didn't bother to open the doors; instead he just went through them.
He didn't take the time to apologize to the ponies that the doors narrowly missed before he spread his wings and started to go anywhere. Anywhere but that hell hole.
He saw clouds and pegasai blur past as he flew as fast as his wings could carry him. Which was faster than even Rainbowdash or Discord.
He saw a flash of white and suddenly he slammed through a wall of white marble.
And into the dining hall of Canterlot castle.
"Alex!? What's going on!?" Celestia said fling her soup into the air in shock.
"Ahh! My eyes! The tomatoes! They burn!" Discord yelled falling to the floor.
"I hate the spa! And needles! I'm never going in there again!" He yelled before sitting down.
"I'm guessing you followed Luna?" Celestia asked sliding a piece of cake over from Discord plate and to hers.
"Yes... but not intentionally! She suckered me into going and then they just had to pull out... those... those... I can't even say it!" He growled.
"Needles?" She said making him flinch.
"Yeah... those."
"Why are you afraid of needles? You never told any of us."
"I... don't know why. Not a thought or memory that could tell me why."
"That's alright. So, I was wondering..." She trailed off looking to the side.
"About what?" He asked looking at her with an eyebrow raised.
"About us. Like how we still haven't went to dinner."
"Yeah, there is that. How about I go find somewhere and make a reservation?"
"I thought you were broke? Are you?"
"Yeah, but I can fix that later. I'm just going to... explore later tomorrow."
"I'm not going to ask, for I'm afraid to. Discord are you alright?"
The spirit of chaos was getting up with a heavy glare and steam coming off his face.
"No... I'm not alright! You threw hot soup on my face!" He yelled baring his teeth.
"That's nice. Would you care for a napkin?"
He felt one of his eyes twitch as he slowly reached out with his hands.
She just smiled and soon a flash of light and a click was heard.
He turned to see Alex sitting there with a gun in the air. His eyes narrowed.
"Touch her and I'll make sure you can't snap yourself back to health. Now sit." Alex said.
"She threw hot, scolding soup on my face! And I didn't even do anything to deserve it either!" He yelled.
"Sit. Now."
"Make me, soldier boy." Discord growled snapping his fingers.
Alex pulled the trigger and the ammo hit Discord in the face.
Discord just wiped off the water with a towel before his talon started to glow a faint yellow.
"That all you've got?" Discord asked smirking.
Alex got up with a smile and cracked his neck before replying.
"I'm just getting started."
Before he could lunge a bowl of soup was thrown into his face.
"Dammit that burns! It's in my eyes!" He hissed while clutching his eyes shut.
"Not so funny when it's you is it!?" Discord laughed before getting tapped on the shoulder.
He turned around and was punched right in the jaw by Celestia.
"Do that again and I'll make sure only to turn half of you to stone!" She yelled at him before walking over to Alex.
Before she could ask if he was alright he stood up smiling and started to laugh before walking up to Discord with a smug smile.
"Alright, hand it over." Alex said extending his hoof.
"Fine... now take it and leave." Discord grumbled handing Alex a small gun.
"What is that? And why is he giving it to you?" Celestia asked.
"We made a bet that he would get hurt twice by a solid object and liquid. I won. And this," He raised the gun. "Is a little something I got him to make with a certain function in mind."
"And what is that?" Celestia asked before stepping away as he raised it to her.
"Ohhh, nothing harmful. Just... frilly." He said giving the biggest smile he could before firing.
"Alex! What has gotten... into you? This is actually quite comfortable." Celestia said looking herself over.
She was wearing a large frilled rose red salsa dress, black hoof covers and a white rose on her chest.
"And it gets better! Look!" He pointed the gun at himself before firing.
He was wearing a red and orange striped shirt with a white patch sticking out, the collars around his hooves also had the white frills and in his mouth he was holding a rose.
"Yes, yes, it's great." Discord grumbled.
"And don't think if forgot about you." Alex smiled before aiming the gun at Discord.
He fired and another, familiar girlish scream rang out through the castle.
Alex's and Celestia's eyebrows went up and their mouths dropped leaving Discord in confusion.
"What? What is it!?" Discord asked frantically.
The two alicorns were trying to suppress a flood of laughter.
Discord was in a giant pink dress. He was wearing a large bow and his tail, pearl earrings on his ears, white gloves going up to his elbows and high heels which were obscured by the frills of the dress.
"This cannot get any worse..." He growled.
"Sister, what was that noise? It sounded like a small filly... screaming" Luna said coming before seeing Discord. "Why are you wearing a dress!?" She said falling to the floor in laughter.
"Oh, I will get you all back for this! I swear if it is the last thing I do!" Discord yelled before incinerating the dress and gloves.
"Well, goodnight Luna, you too Celestia. I'm going to bed; I've had a hell of a day." He gave a yawn before teleporting out.
And came back to give celestia a quick peck on the lips.
"Sister, you're... wings."
Celestia's cheeks turned the same red as her dress before giggling. |
King of Velrain | Speaking of nightmares. | He snuggled into the soft covers of the bed, not even noticing Celestia as she teleported in and did the same. He was soon asleep, in his own place of peace.
The land was green, the sky blue with a few clouds. And sitting on a hill was Alexander.
"Well," He sighed bored. "This is the most suck-tastic dream by far." He looked around and then only saw a lone tree with a figure underneath. "Why not. If she's staying with me, then I'll go talk."
He charged his horn before teleporting over to the tree where a bored Nightmare Moon was tapping her hoof.
"You look even more pissed off than usual." Alex commented at Nightmare.
"We art not in a good mood for thy games. King." She hissed.
"Not a king anymore. Only a devilishly handsome, kick ass, unstoppable, alter-dimensional, super enhanced, time traveling inter galactic criminal." He looked at the tree before sitting down next to her. "So, I'm guessing you want to talk?"
"Aye, we wish to speak with thee." She sat down facing him. "We have come with an omen of dread." She sighed. "Soon, soon a spirit will come after us. Only in thy dreams."
"I can't tell if your serious or trying to troll me." He scratched his goatee in thought. "I'm leaning towards serious. Although the long face is saying otherwise."
"This is not the time nor place for foolishness!" She yelled. "We hath warned thou of a spirit to haunt thou until thou vanquishes it."
"Alright. Anything else?" He said.
"Nothing more."
They sat there in silence, looking towards the vast green before Alexander turned to Nightmare, a thin grin on his lips.
"Nightmare, I have two ideas. One, if you could, give Discord nightmares to make him wake up swinging wildly. Second, Could you read the spell in Celestia's mind, the one so I can turn into a human again."
"We cannot do either. Except the first if we knew of his fear." She sighed. "Thou must question our half-sister for the information thou seek."
"Damn." He said. "We'll, only one thing left to do now." He shrugged getting up. "Time to wake up."
"Did thou not just go to rest?" Nightmare asked quirking an eyebrow.
"Yeah, but when you dream, time flies." He winked before the world faded.
He opened his eyes and saw two large violet pools staring back. He leaned his head back and saw Celestia, blushing wildly with her hooves against his chest, trying to push away.
"I grabbed you again, didn't I?" He asked letting go.
"Yes, and this time you got to close." She said getting up. "Good morning by the way. If you need me, I'll be in the shower, you'll have to wait."
"Alright. I was actually going out anyway." He pushed the covers off and trotted up to her. "By the way, what was that spell you used to turn me into a pony?" He asked titling his head.
"Why would you want to know that?" She asked looking at him with narrowed eyes. "Your not going to try and turn Discord into something, are you?"
"Of course not! I could turn him into a small cube if I wanted. All i would have to do is catch him and slowly squeeze." He snickered at her expression.
"Alex, that's quiet enough." She said putting a hoof to her mouth. "I suddenly don't feel so good."
She ran into the bathroom and left him alone. He smiled before teleporting to the library.
"Excuse me, miss." He said brushing off some charred hairs. "Where would the shape shifting books be?"
"Section 88.2/SS/HC." She pointed left. "Or you could read this." She pulled out a large, dusty tome from beneath the desk.
"Thanks..." He muttered looking at the large book, a grin slowly forming on his face. "This is just what I need." He chuckled darkly as he took it and teleported back to the bedroom.
He quickly closed his eyes and did so just in time to hear the clopping of hooves, and the dripping of water on the tile. "Ha! I remembered to keep my eyes closed this time!" He laughed as he heard a pony gasp.
"Alexander, what are you doing in my room?" Luna asked.
"Crap, I'm in the wrong room." He sighed as he felt around for a door knob. "A little help would be appreciated." He said before a hoof guided him to the door.
"Thanks." He said walking out.
He opened his eyes and saw the door to Celestia's chamber open.
"Alexander, I see you found what you were looking for." She said eying the book warily. "What are you going to do with it?"
"Read it, duh." He said rolling his eyes. "Its a book, that's what they're for. Reading." He walked past her and shut the door.
He looked back, a grin forming on his face as he rubbed his fore-hooves together.
"Now," he opened the book. "Time for a little change in attire."
He skimmed the pages, only looking at interesting figures.
"Let's see..." He read through a list he wrote down. "Gryphon, dragon, alicorn, Draconequus and human. Gryphon first!" He closed the book with a dusty thud.
He backed away and focused on himself. The power was growing in his horn, growing to the point it was almost blinding in sight.
In one flash his body convulsed with pain, again as before he dropped to his knees and started scratching furiously at his head.
He felt his hooves bend and twist, new flesh being made. Feathers sprouting all over his body. He muzzle shortened and narrowed to a point. He felt his entire frame change causing him to nearly collapse in agony.
With an eagle like screech he fell to the floor, panting and dazed. He groggily got up and looked at his talon.
"Sweet." He smiled looking at the silver talons. "I wonder what I look like now." He walked over to the mirror.
He was covered in white feathers from his head down to his lower torso that changed into a dark blonde lions coat. His beak was silver along with his talons and the claws in his paws. The feathers on top of his head were short but stuck up.
"Now that I know what that looks like," He turned back to the book and levitated it over. "Let's see what's next." he skimmed through his notes before deciding to change back into an alicorn.
"Good thing I kept my magic. Otherwise this would be really awkward." He chuckled as his talons lit up. "This is going to suck..."
He felt the same pain before, only it was considerably less painful than before. Now an alicorn again he put his armor back on and set the book aside.
"Now what?" He said to himself. "Do I turn back into a human and go somewhere or do I stay an alicorn and go somewhere?"
"Where were you planning on going?"
He turned to see Discord at the door.
"I don't know. Out I guess."
"Why don't you try the school house?" He said. "I'm sure Cherilee would love to hear about human culture."
"That's actually a good idea. Who are you and what have you done with my favorite dumb-ass?"
"Mark my words! You will rue the day you crossed-" He was shut up as Alex slammed the door into his muzzle.
"I'm sorry what was that?" He chuckled. "I didn't quiet catch that last part."
A knock was heard and he opened the door to see Discord glaring at him, a tissue in nose.
"I hate you so much." He growled.
"Can I get a pie?" Alex asked. "We can split it as a show of good will."
Discord snapped his fingers and a pie appeared in his paw. When he was reaching out Alex slammed the door shut again.
"I can't believe he fell for that twice!" He laughed. "I wonder what I could teach to the students?" He thought aloud as he teleported out to Ponyville.
Just as Celestia teleported in.
She heard a knock at the door and opened it. Discord smashed a water balloon full of green paint onto her.
"That's what you get for slamming... the door... in my face..." He mumbled as reality caught up with him. "N-Now Celestia. No need for violence, it was a simple mistake of identity." He raised his paw and talon up defensively.
"Discord!" She yelled as she jumped at him.
"Not the face! Not the face!" He screamed.
Throughout Canterlot, the girly scream of a male Draconequus was heard. |
King of Velrain | It's a winter wonderland. | "Twas the morning and a week before Hearth's warming Eve. The royalty slept calmly, even though it was quite balmy."
Alex raised his head and looked at Luna.
"Luna, Why are you in here?"
"Waking you up and warning you." She said calmly. "Discord is awake and excited."
"You woke me up for that?" Alex said putting his head back down. "Luna, if you wake me again, I'll re-enact a scene from a cartoon where the person smashes the alarm. Now shoo."
Luna sighed and exited the room. Alex opened an eye and got up.
"I wonder what's got him so riled up?" He said yawning. "I might as well go out now before he causes to much damage."
Before he opened the door, he put his ear to it and struck out with a hoof while opening it in one swift motion. Discord stopped in mid-air and went through his door.
"Nice try you old goat." Alex chuckled as he saw him get up.
"Now is not the time for that!" Discord said with a large grin. "Now's the time to play in the snow! See ya!" He snapped his talon and disappeared to leave a snowpony.
"Ok... That's some way to start the morning." He rolled his eyes as he went down the hall.
He passed multiple guards, faculty and even Discord's kids who were dressed in winter gear. Inside his mind, he thought desperately to what was going on.
He passed by a window and slowly back tracked, an actual smile slowly forming.
"I cant believe I forgot." He said grinning at the cover of snow outside. "It's time for this little soldier to go MIA and go play." He smiled even wider at the memories from when he had been studying the residents.
The warm coca they drank, the childish behavior coming from them all, and even the embarrassing sweaters they wore because they didn't want to upset their grandparents.
He was too busy looking around the halls at the decorations that he bumped into Celestia. She gave a warm smile before adjusting the Ginger Horse hat on her crown.
"Good morning Alexander." She said. "What's got you in a good mood?"
"Haven't you seen all the snow!?" He practically yelled. "I love winter! Even if I never actually had a Christmas party... Or was even invited... Or had one mentioned to me." His smile deflated as he thought about his own Christmas experiences. "My Christmas's sucked actually."
"Christmas?" She asked. "Is that your version of Hearth's Warming Eve?"
"What?" He said coming out of his thoughts. "What about Christmas? Oh, yeah. It's my worlds version of your Hearth's Warming Eve."
"Maybe you could tell me about it while I go make sure the roofs are Discord proof."
"Why would you need to make sure the roofs are Discord proof?" Alex asked trotting next to her. "Couldn't he just snap his fingers and they turn into jello?"
"He has no intention of doing so. Atleast, not after he trapped himself in a mound of jello." She smiled recalling him blurred in Rainbow jello. "He was stuck in there for an hour. And what made it worse was that the mix he used, had essence of rainbow in it."
"I almost feel bad for him. Because I wasn't there to see." He said rustling his feathers. "What the? Am I molting?" He noticed the small tufts of feathers falling behind him. "I wonder what my wings would look like without the feathers?"
"It seems your feathers are being replaced with a set better suited for winter." She said. "You should really get a dustpan."
"Yeah very funny. Pick on me because I'm balding." He said playfully. "But you wanted to learn about Christmas? Well, all I know about it is that it's the most wonderful time of the year for businesses to sell stock. Candy stores to sell candy from last year and have an increase in break-ins."
"I think Hearth's Warming Eve is very different." She said frowning. "Ah, here we are." She smiled, looking at her sister glaring up at Discord.
Alex looked up and saw Discord peering over the edge of the roof, Luna looking up at him disapprovingly.
"Hey," Alex nudged Celestia in the shoulder. "Watch this."
He crept forward, sticking to the wall, listening to Discord snicker up above. He got right underneath him and took a hoof full of snow. He aimed with his magic and added a few bits of energy to it.
He threw it and heard Discord yelp as he fell down, the snow following quickly in a rush.
Discord poked his head up, the snow making an even bigger beard on him. And they began to laugh.
"Look at you!" Alex laughed. "Your own joke turned against you!"
"No ones ever gotten me before!" Discord laughed, rolling in the snow. "let's find another roof and do it again."
"You will not!" Luna said tugging her husband by the ear. "You promised to help set up decorations with the kids. And your going to do it now."
"I remember." He said. "A Draconequuis can't even play on his own roof." He pouted, wincing as she dragged him by the ear.
As they departed Alex looked back at Celestia and saw her smiling.
"I've wanted to do that for so long. Ever since the first time he'd done it to me." She said. "Well done."
"Hey, it's just a little game." Alex said. "And you know, while I was studying this place. I got curious and decided what it was like here. No one ever gave you a present though."
Her ears folded back while she scraped a hoof across the ground.
"It's not because I'm royalty. It's because they think I may not like what they got, afraid of what I might do. I don't mind not getting anything." She said without any emotion. "They're just nervous I suppose."
'Maybe I could fix that...' Alex thought. 'But I'll need the guards and staff first.' He thought grimly. "Hey, Celly, would you mind if I borrow the guards and staff at the end of the day? Atleast until Hearth's Warming Ever?" He gave her his best puppy dog eyes.
"What for?" She asked tilting her head to the side. "Alexander, what are you panning?"
"It's a surprise. So, how about it?"
"I'll ask them if they are alright with it. Now, do you have anything to do?"
"I was going down to Ponyville to see what Sparkles is up to." He said. "Why? Afraid I'll see something you don't want me too?" He grinned.
"No, I'm just trying to make conversation."
"Celestia," he lit his horn. "Woman never just want to make conversation. I know from experience." He disappeared, leaving her slightly fuming.
Ponyville.
Alex appeared in the air. Or, atleast until he fell, hitting a lamp before the ground.
"Stupid teleportation..." He grumbled. "I'm starting to hate magic."
"Hey! Hey Alex!" Pinkie said hopping along. "Do that again!"
"I'd rather not." He said. "Shouldn't you be working at the corner? You know with all the customers wanting hot beverages?"
"Mr. and Mrs. Cake gave me the week off!" She said. "Why are you down here?"
"Hell if I know." He said before stopping. "Deja vu."
"I know that feeling too." She said. "Why don't you come with me to the school house?"
"Why not? I've been wanting to go over there."
"I know a short cut! Follow me!" She then ran into an alleyway across the street.
'hat's right, follow the demented abnormality of physic's into a dark alleyway.' He thought. 'What could possibly go wrong...?' He rolled his eyes in response. 'God dammit, now I'm annoying myself.'
He gave a quick glance around, making sure there were plenty of witnesses before going in.
"Weird pink, physic defying, crazy pony, are you here?" He asked looking around.
He felt a hoof on his shoulder, he looked over and saw Pinkie smiling brightly.
'Why do I have the sudden feeling she's going to try and kill me and then dump my body in a ditch in the forest?' He thought. "So, wheres the short cut?"
"Just follow me!"
Sh surprised him when she picked him up and threw him into a trashcan, she jumped in as he straightened himself out. He was about to say something when he saw her pull out a toilet bowl handle from her mane and stick it on the trash can. She pushed it down and they began to spin.
Everything from that point was a blur, multiple colors flew by, dark's and lights. Some of them were leaking, others were blowing sand or dust through.
A sudden brown was coming up ahead, obscured slightly by a wall of thin black. He frowned when he saw her put on a helmet and get behind him.
"You sneaky little son of a bitch." He said, crossing his forelegs before smashing through the black wall.
Mrs. Cheerilee was starting class when she felt a sudden rush of air from behind the board. Curious she put a ear to it, and pulled back right as Alexander and Pinkie came crashing through.
Instead of sliding into the students, who were in the back of the room now, they stopped in the air. Alex looking around strangely as he floated above the floor.
"Pinkie!" He yelled. "Get me down right now!"
She gave a giggle before poking him, he fell tot he floor, glaring at her.
"P-Pinkie..." Stuttered Cheerilee.
"Don't worry about the board Cheerilee, I've got a spare!" She pulled out a small black stack of board cuts and neatly arranged them into frame. "Alex came here to teach some school stuff! I'll come get you later Alex! Bye!"
She then jumped into a trashcan, Alex looking in it before looking at the students who were going back to their desks.
"Alex, was it?" Cheerilee asked walking up to him.
"Who else?" He replied. "I can just leave, I can see your about to start or have started."
"Actually, it's always nice to learn about a new culture."
"Do you think that's really a good idea?" He laughed. "Me? Telling them about my world!? I'd mentally scar them!" He wiped away a fake tear. "Why not?"
He turned to the students, mind a complete blank.
A small filly raised her hoof. Diamond Tiara.
He narrowed his eyes at her, making her silently put her hoof down.
"Yes? You had a question?" He said through gritted teeth.
"Y-yes..." She said, cowering underneath his gaze. "W-What is it you did? Occupation wise?"
His eyebrows rose up, his glare going away.
"I was a king and a soldier." He said. "I took care of the whole countries finances, local issues and ect."
Applebloom raised her hoof. Her gave a small nod and turned his gaze momentarily back to Diamond, who, was surprisingly keeping her trap shut.
"Ya said there was a war? What did yall use to fight?" She asked in child like curiosity.
"Lot's of things," he smiled slightly, remembering all the tests. The explosions and fire. "Genetic creatures, non-nuclear bombs, nuclear bombs, liquid nitrogen, oursleves, mecha's and my hammer."
"What was the first one again?" Cheerilee asked.
"The genetic creatures? They were animals, man-made, by combining other forms of life to make a new form that couldn't have formed naturally. Like Cinnamon for example."
"Cinnamon? Who's Cinnamon?"
"Give me a second, I'll get her." He raised a hoof before lighting up his horn.
In a small flash, a serpentine figure appeared. It was brown, covered in brown and black scales with the only exception being the red hourglass on it's for-head. It had seven legs, six eyes which shone with a yellow-tinted intelligence.
And the two fangs on it's lower jaw stretching out to swallow a mouse.
"Cinnamon!" Alex scolded. "Stop that! It'll ruin your dinner!"
She sucked in the tail and stared at him, gave a hiss and climbed onto his head.
"I don't care if your were hungry now. You should have waited."
She gave another, longer hiss this time.
"Fine, but don't come to me when your an over-sized twinkie with legs."
"What is that?" Cheerilee asked backing away from the small creature.
"That?" He frowned. "Cinnamon is a she, and she, is a snape. A cross between a cotton mouth rattle snake and a black widow."
"Is, she safe?"
"Yes, she is a bit difficult at times, especially when it comes to food. Which reminds me of a story I have saved in my armor. Separate from Rex of course, he'd never let me live it down if he saw it."
His horn lit up again, and his suit, weapons and all, stood in front of him. He gave a large grin before taking the helmet off.
"Close the windows a little, were in for a heck of a ghost story." Alex said. "And yes, I was scared stupid. So very scared..." His eyes widened slightly as the images began playing on the new board.
A door was just closing, Alex turned and looked down a silver plated hall. The stainless steel reflecting the metal of his won armor.
He raised the M16 level with his shoulder and began forward.
"Outpost one," he said. "I'm in and no sign of life. Are you sure there were other undocumented figures here? Over."
"Affirmative sir," came a reply. "There had been two dozen reported incidents. Over."
"I'm going down to the barracks. Over and out."
He lowered the gun and walked quietly along the hall, the only noise being his boots as they landed with each step.
He stopped at a corner, put his back to the wall and peered around.
Nothing.
He got out and continued walking. Multiple doors passing by. The cafeteria, armory stairwell, armory, emergency stairwell and finally the barracks.
"I'm at the entrance to the barracks. Over." Alex said.
Nothing but static was heard, he sighed and grabbed the handle.
When he opened the door, it was blown from his grasp as a torrent of air swept past in a second. He raised his gun up, flashlight scanning the room ahead.
"Whoever has been terrorizing my soldiers had better come out!" He yelled. "If you do, you will not be harmed. If you fail to comply, I will personally tear your arms off and beat you to death with your own ribcage! I have done it before and I will do it again!"
Nothing but a soft moan from ahead was heard.
"I repeat! I will kill you if you do not come out!" He yelled going in.
There was a figure standing at the far end of the barracks, clad in armor, obviously male from stature.
"You there!" Alex said. "You by the wall! Who are you?"
The figure didn't reply, he just stood there.
"Alright, that's it. Who are you!?" Alex asked again grabbing the man by the shoulder.
Only for his hand to pass though him.
He froze momentarily, the camera looking momentarily at the gauntlet, while slowly moving up.
It stopped at the figures head. He was bald, pale skinned and had a handle bar mustache.
"General Bullock...?" Alex said backing away. "No, no your dead! I was at the funeral myself! Your dead!"
It gave another moan before going forward, floating over the floor.
"Stay back you undead bastard!" Alex yelled bringing up his gun again.
He pulled the trigger and a hail of bullets went flying out of the barrel, but only to hit the wall in front of it.
Alex dropped the gun and started to back away.
"Get back!" He yelled. "Go back to your hole in the ground!"
The figure stopped and cocked his head as if in confusion. His head bent back and he let out a loud screech. Soon, more moans were heard, coming from every direction.
As more hands came from the floor and walls, the video stopped.
"I'd continue but I was cursing a lot after that." Alex grinned sheepishly. "Any other questions?"
Silver Spoon raised her hoof, he gave her a glare but still nodded.
"Who was that?"
"The general?" Alex asked. "He was a... Good friend of mine. A good general too, he knew to put a few of the heavy infantry in the front with the smaller infantry, while letting most of the heavy infantry attack from above. He was a good man, I even knew his daughter. She was only two when he was killed..."
"That... That's... Horrible."
He blinked before looking back at her, her face was a complete blank. She looked down before back up at him.
"I could never imagine what it would be like if my dad... Died."
"Then don't." Alex said. "Why don't we move onto a better subject? You there, little grey colt in the back."
"Did you have any other friends?" He asked.
Alex's face fell, he licked his lips as he nodded.
"Yeah... I had a friend. He made every soldier smile, everyone he met became his friend. He was the greatest thing on base whenever we learned there had been a friend killed. He could make anyone smile, anyone forget the pain, he even came up with a few ideas that saved us before. It was devastating when he was shot."
"A bloody sniper took him out while he wasn't looking. We weren't even fighting!" His nostrils began to flare as his eyes hardened, the blood in him beginning to pump faster. "I watched him die in my own hands! So, do you know what I did?" He asked the class. "I set my hammer to full power, caught that... Murderer! And I killed every last one of them; all of them gone in a second, a second of bone crushing force, blowing them away like sand!"
"A-Alex, I think that's good." Cheerilee said. "I think we've learned enough for now. Why don't we go to Math?"
"What? Oh, I-I'm sorry about that. It's just... Painful, seeing every face, every name of every person that died." He shook his head as he left. "It's not something you can forget."
He shut the door behind him and trotted along the dirt path to town.
"A-Alex... Is that you?"
He saw out of the corner of his eye, Futtershy flying next to him. He grinned and nodded.
"S-Shouldn't you be wearing something? You might catch a cold or worse." She said. "Your not cold, are you?"
"No, if Rarity has told you anything, than you'd know I'm literally built for weather worse than this. So, why are you out?"
"I'm just getting a blanket from Rarity. Um... Alexander... Would it be alright if I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"W-Well, I like this... Colt." She said, blushing. "And I was wondering-"
"Just go tell Spike how you feel, he likes you just as much." He replied rolling his eyes.
"W-What! H-How did you know he was the one I liked? Wait, he likes me too?" She asked. "Thank you! I'm going to go see him right now! If... That's alright with you?"
"He's your guy, who am I to stop love?" He chuckled. "Well, I'm going to go teach the castle staff and guards how to sing It's a winter wonderland; and if you ask, it's a song and also a gift to Celestia."
He lit his horn and left her flying alone, she sighed and dropped down to the snow.
"H-Hey Fluttershy."
She looked back and saw Spike trudging thought he snow.
"S-Spike..?" She stuttered, feeling her eyes widened while her cheeks flushed.
"Um, I was wondering, would you maybe... Like to... Go out?" he asked, closing his eyes.
She tackled him to the ground with one yes. |
King of Velrain | Love sick. | "Alright boys, and girls," Alex nodded receiving a nod from the female guards and staff. "That settles it for today, as long as you don't forget the words, you'll do great!"
The staff members and guards exited the bubble Alex had made, Celestia was waiting on the outside with a curious expression.
"What were you doing in there?" Celestia kept asking the guards and staff as they exited.
They stopped momentarily before glancing back at Alexander, he narrowed his eyes and gave a snort making them run off. Celestia went up to him with the same expression, he wilted slightly and grinned.
"Alexander," she said sternly. "What are you planning?"
"Oh, nothing." He snickered. "What would ever make you think I would be planning something?"
"Because, I know you." She said.
"Y-You know me!?" He laughed. "Oh god! Now that's gold! Well, alright, if you knew me so well, what am I about to do?" He asked with a grin wrapping his fore-legs around her neck. "Come on sugar buns, take a guess."
She blushed lightly before looking back at him, she smiled as they both leaned closer.
She closed her eyes and leaned forward, their lips touched and she shivered from the cold sensation.
Her eyes opened and widened as she pulled back in shock, Alexanders head was encased in a block of ice. His eyes were looking around inside it, they finally settled on her and he shrugged.
"Aww, I was hoping your lips would have gotten stuck to him." Discord pouted as he flew down. "Oh well, atleast I put him in cold storage for now." He smiled as Alex looked up at him, Discord merely threw the bucket behind him.
Alex glared harshly at the Draconequus. He grabbed Discord by the shoulders before headbutting him, the ice split and Alex let go as Discord fell back in the snow.
"That's a nasty bruise you've got there, you may want to put some-" he stopped, his eyes closing slightly before he sneezed.
Discord was pressed down into the snow, he slowly rolled out as Alex sneezed again pushing him through it. Discord slid across the snow, covering himself horn to tail in snow.
"Oh... I don't feel so hot right now." Alex groaned as he wiped his nose. "Discord, what the hell did you do? And why can't I smell anything?"
"Huh, it looks like somepony is sick." Discord chuckled as he circled the alicorn. "It wasn't my intention, but it works as payback."
"Fix me now dammit! Or else I'll turn you into broth and see if it tastes like chocolate milk." Alex warned, he rubbed the bridge of his muzzle in annoyance. "I can't be sick, the genetic treatments prohibited it. You did something you son of a-" he sneezed again clearing a small patch of snow. "I hate being sick..."
"Oh you poor thing..." Celestia cooed as she put a hoof to his fore-head. "You have a fever, and that sniffling isn't going to help!" She lightly tapped him on the end of his muzzle. "Now stop before you start coughing."
"What am I supposed to blow my nose on then?" He asked.
"Try Discord." Celestia said.
Alex looked at Discord, before Celestia could speak he grabbed Discord's tail fluff and blew his nose. Discord pulled his tail away and stuck his tongue out when a strand still connected Alex to his tail fluff.
"I was going to suggest making him take care of you, but I suppose that works too." She said.
"Ew! Ew! Ew! Ew!" Discord said as he shook his tail. "My tail is all covered in snot! Now I'm going to get sick!"
"Discord? Take care of me?" Alex said sniffling again. "Couldn't you do it?" He asked with puppy dog eyes. "I was hoping you could play the naughty nurse while I was the patient." He winked.
"As much as I've thought of such..." She smiled, finding the right word. "Situations." She blushed a deep crimson. "I'm afraid we're not even married, and, I have my royal duties to attend too. Discord on the other hoof," she smirked. "Has absolutely nothing to do in his free time except terrorize the guards or prank his wife."
"Hey! That is not true!" Discord defended himself.
A loud bang was heard and Discord deflated. A number of guards came running out from a doorway with a dragon made of firework's attempting to eat them. It disappeared just as it bit down leaving them gasping for breath and some for a heartbeat.
"As you were saying?" Celestia asked.
"Well, alright so I do, do that." He admitted. "But you're wrong about my-"
"Discord!" Luna yelled.
He shrunk down literally and figuratively as the green alicorn approached.
Her eyes were bloodshot from rage, she gritted her teeth as she looked around. Seeing the fleeing Draconequus, she picked up the closest thing with magic and threw him.
Alexander sat in the air as he flew by, he looked around casually, a she reached the top of his ascent he called out to Celestia.
"Hey! I can see you flank from here Celestia!" He laughed as she blushed.
He landed on Discord with a small squish. He raised an eyebrow before sitting up; Discord began running back towards Luna. Alex felt another sneeze and grabbed the mini-god and used him as a tissue again. Discord let out a small squeak of a yell.
He returned to his normal size, shaking as he slowly looked down.
He snapped his talon and the goop disappeared, he sighed in relief. Which was short lived as he still saw his wife glaring at him, carefully he picked up Alex and held him like a shield as he approached her.
"Is something wrong honey?" He asked.
"You should know, you put green paint in my mane shampoo!" She yelled.
"So, what was that about not pranking your wife?" Celestia said.
"Fine! I have no life outside of you two! There, I admit it!" He yelled. "Fine, I'll take care of sicky until he's better." Discord grumbled.
"I want orange juice." Alex said looking up at is caretaker. "And to be back in bed."
"Fine, your wish is... Unfortunately my command." Discord snapped his talon and they both disappeared.
"Celestia, do you know how to remove paint?" Luna asked as she glanced at her coat. "He could have atleast made it a tolerable green."
"We could always shave you, like last time." Celestia giggled. "I still remember that, you looked like an oversized mole-rat!"
Luna rolled her eyes at her sister before flying back to her room.
Celestia's bed chambers
Alex appeared tucked in bed, he looked around before spotting the Draconequus at his bedside. he grinned as a few ideas popped into mind.
"I'm going to hate this, aren't I?" Discord asked.
"Oh you have no idea." Alex laughed.
Discord whimpered slightly, holding his tail in-between his talon and paw.
"Well, is there anything you need?" Discord asked.
"Could you bring my helmet over, I want to watch a movie." He said.
"A movie? I didn't know you had any of those." Discord said interested as he teleported the helmet over.
"Well," he put it on and the eyes of the dragon's head began to turn a faint red. "I am a B-movie fanatic." He admitted. "Pull up a chair, I have the perfect one to watch."
Discord snapped his fingers in curiosity. he laid down on his cloud bed, head propped up with a leopard skin themed pillow.
"What is it?" He asked. "A horror flick? Please not a romance. Um, sad? Tragedy?" He guessed. "Comedy!?" He asked hopefully.
"They say laughter is the best medicine." Alex grinned as he took the helmet off. "I think you'll enjoy the two I have planned to watch, but, the second is for hearth's warming Eve. This one, is a Halloween flick."
The screen appeared on the wall, Discord closed the curtains making the images clearer.
"Ernest scared stupid. One of my favorites." Alex grinned.
One hour and forty-eight minutes later
Celestia sighed in exhaustion. As she trotted down the halls she cracked her neck, smiling as she felt the knots unwork themselves.
As she traveled up the stairway to her room, she stopped and listened. She frowned in uncertainty when she heard... Laughing? And from her room?
Sh silently trotted to her door, all the laughter was gone. She peeked inside through a crack and gasped in annoyance that quickly brimmed to anger. She nearly took the door off it's hinges when she made her way to Discord as he held a black marker over Alex.
"N-No Celestia, I can explain!" He said in defense.
"Oh really?" She sneered. "So you weren't about to draw on his face with a marker while he slept?"
"N-No! He gave me the marker and told me to do it!" Discord said throwing it away. "You can ask-"
"Discord," Alex yawned with a smaller sneeze as he lazily got up. "What the hell were you going to do with that, exactly?" He asked.
"Discord, you have exactly five seconds to get out before I get Luna." Celestia warned.
"What!? Why am I being punished!? I'm the victim!"
"Your time is up, goodbye stepbrother."
He only gave a yelp as she turned around and bucked him through the wall.
"Hmm, he landed right in Rarity's shop." Celestia grinned as she fixed the wall. "He took good care of you, didn't he?" She asked with a pout as she climbed into the bed with him.
"He never gave me my orange juice. And he tried to dump more ice water on me. See?" He pointed a hoof at the bucket laying on the soggy patch of carpet.
"Well, I'll have Luna talk with him. As for us, I might take you up on that offer earlier." She grinned as she wrapped her fore-legs around his neck; she climbed on his chest, letting her belly rest against his. "How about I give you your dose of medicine?"
"That sounds perfectly fine to me." He grinned.
She leaned forward slowly, he closed his eyes, lips puckered.
And nearly threw up when she shoved a spoon of grape medicine down his throat.
"Oh god!" He spit. "That's horrible! Oh god why grape!? That's the worst flavor!" He rubbed his tongue with his hooves. "Ew..."
"What? Did you actually think I would kiss you while you were sick?" She asked with a wink.
"You kissed me while I was covered in bear entrails." He spat back letting his tongue hang out. "I think you owe me."
"I do not owe you anything." She said a she slipped in the covers.
"Oh really? So making me believe you were going to be nice and kiss me in my time of need, knowing that would make me feel a little better, isn't mean? Yeah, you owe me for this."
He turned around, back facing to her. She put a hoof to his shoulder, he shrugged it off with a grunt, she frowned before laying a wing over him.
"Well, what do you want?" She asked.
"Oh, now your trying to make up?" He asked shaking his head. "Oh no, when I'm better. Were going somewhere special, say that restaurant I promised?"
"That seems more like a treat for me." She giggled. "You taking me on a date? That sounds like something I'd want."
"Fine," he grunted. "How about this, answer a question and I'll help you tonight. Do you get cold easily in this?" He patted the blankets.
"Sometimes." She admitted. "They're soft, but not very warm. Why? Were you going to knit me a sweater or something?"
"Actually, I was going to ask..." He held back a bout of laughing even though he was embarrassed.
"Ask me what?" She asked. "Alex, tell me."
"Do you want to spoon?" He snorted.
"Why not, just don't squeeze me like you've been doing. I am not your personal teddy bear."
"Fine with me, so, why are you here so early?"
"The day court was cancelled on account of one of Discord's stink bombs going off." She groaned. "So, I came here to take a nap."
She rested her head on his neck, he wiggled around a bit letting her get comfortable. He silently laughed at Discord, putting the pieces back together in his mind, replaying his plan.
'Trick Discord into a false sense of security, trick him into holding the marker and having myself act like I'm asleep, all to just see him bucked out a wall.' He thought with a grin as he listened to Celestia's slow breathing. 'And now in bed with my girlfriend sleeping comfortably behind me. This day has turned out pretty great.'
As he shut his eyes, going to sleep himself, he ignored the faint chuckle resonating from his mind. He wiped his nose when Nightmare swiftly floated out and through the window.
She whispered only one thing before fully leaving.
"May the higher gods give thee strength in thy battle." |
King of Velrain | Who the hell are... I don't give a damn actually, now go away, I'm sick and I need my rest. And my orange juice. | Alex stretched out on the grass, he shook his head as he squinted int he sun. He got up before sneezing, with a curse he wiped his nose.
"Stupid Discord... Stupid cold..." He mumbled.
A laugh echoed throughout the air, he stopped and looked around. Squinting his eyes he traced the landscape before shrugging.
"Hey, Nightmare!" He called out. "Nightmare! Where the hell are you!?" His voice boomed across the land, all but unheard.
"What's the matter little pony?" A voice asked.
"Discord? I certainly didn't want to dream you up." Alex said looking around. "Where are you?"
"Oh, I may not know who you are, but I can tell your not the brightest." The voice grinned. "I'm not Discord, I'm Nightscape. That sugar coated lunatic's brother... Unfortunately." It gave a sigh.
Alex looked up and saw a bone Draconequus flying down. He had both of his snaggle teeth, and even a set to match the top ones. His claws were shining with black, blue, red, and white energy. He had two antlers, a dragon's wing that appeared much larger than Discords, a Manticore's wing and the rest was nothing but bone. Only two black pits gazed at Alex, they bent as if they were skin.
"I would ask who you are, but frankly, I'm just here to torment you." It said.
"Well, who are... I don't give a damn actually, now go away, I'm sick and I need my rest." Alex said laying on his belly. "And my orange juice."
"You are quiet the brave one, aren't you?" The skeleton asked in amusement.
"Fuck off before I turn your bones into bread." Alex said getting back up. "Hey, I think I have heard about you before. Are you that spirit Nightmare warned me about?"
"Ah, Nightmare Moon, my greatest, as you ponies say, hero." He chuckled, moving his jaw bones to make a smile. "But yes, I am the spirit to come and fight you. Of course, you stand no chance."
"I, stand no chance?" Alex grinned. "Why don't we do it somewhere familiar to me then? Say, my mind?"
"Ah, you wish to meet your defeat within your own memories? Very well, come along."
The Draconequus snapped it's talon, Alex grinned as it did so.
Nightscape appeared in blackness. he looked around, confused slightly.
"Where are you?" He asked. "What is going on!?"
"Oh, what's wrong?" Alex's voice rung from everywhere. "Didn't you expect to see a pony with one of the most organized mind's in existence? Or, should I say human?" He laughed.
"Human? What is a human?" He asked.
Alex descended from the darkness, a black and white cloud. It formed a set of armor, his dragon head shining in an unseen light. He rolled the Draconequus's magic's through his fingers, letting them shape into rings.
"My magic! Give them back!" Nightscape yelled as he tried to move.
"Uh, uh." Alex shook his head as he stepped out from his armor. "Nightmare said you would try and fight me, so, I took you where I'm in control. My mind." He grinned flashing a mouth full of glinting teeth.
They caught the Draconequus's eye, Alex grinned again, thinly as he began to speak.
"Your wondering about my teeth? Well, long story short, I had them made... Shortly after taking a rocket to the chest... Which is also why I had to get my eye's replaced and my stomach. Unfortunately, the hospital I was closest to, was a vet. So, I got a wolf's eye's, a goat's stomach and the teeth molded from an alligator and piranha."
"You have me trapped, so what is you plan to do? Scare me? Please, I am what strikes fear into every living thing. You cannot do anything to me." He chuckled while Alex frowned.
"I can't, can I?" He asked. "Well see."
The world turned back into the green landscape, Nightscape looked over himself and saw his magic had yet to return. He heard chuckling and saw Alexander standing in front of him.
"Enjoying yourself?" Nightcape asked.
Alex grinned before running forward, arm bent back.
Nightcape only saw the man disappear in a blur before his world turned blue and then green. He turned his head to the side, reaching out he tried to grab his bottom jaw. Alex raised a boot and stomped down on it, making it gush black goo.
"I don't think so." He chuckled. "No one threatens me in my own mind." He pressed a boot down on Nightscape's fore-arm. "I hope you can write with you other arm."
Nightscape gave a yell of pain as his arm was split in two, the black goo coming out to sizzle away on the grass. Alex did it again with his legs, doing a quick jump he broke both.
Nightscape lunged forward, his avian talon ready to tear the man's heart out. When his claws hit, they merely dulled or broke off. Alex shook his head before taking the talon in his hand.
"It seems you don't want this hand either." He said before squeezing. The bone cracked and Nightscape fell back, panting from the pain as bone dust fell from the human's palm.
"This is getting boring, I'm going to have a great dream after this."
Nightscape's eyes widened as the boot was pressed against his skull. In a second, it shattered and the rest of his body crumbled into dust. he spoke once before dying, his voice echoing throughout the dreamland.
"With my death, my covenant shall bring death upon those you care for..."
"Bitch please." Alex rolled his eyes.
The skeleton fell to pieces, black goo forming around him and sizzling out. he lifted a hand and twirled the energies around, he smiled before turning back into an alicorn and laying down.
"Thou defeated the spirit with much ease." Nightmare said.
"Oh, nice of you to show up." He said.
"We thank thee, Equestria thanks thee." She said sitting next to him. "Nightscape was far more powerful than any being dead or alive."
"Was, being the key word." Alex grinned. "So, what time of the night or day is it?"
"It has only been minutes." She said. "We ventured away on our own accord, for we had no intention of fighting the spirit."
"Really? Hey, can you make me feel what's going on in the real world?" He asked. "Don't ask, I want to test something."
She merely nodded before her horn began to glow. His body was encased in the glow, he felt his blood rush to his cheeks and his thigh.
"Nightmare, you might not want to look at what you see in the morning." He said. "I think Celestia is giving me morning wood." He chuckled lightly. "Could you stop now?"
"We cannot." she said. "Once that spell hast been cast, it may not be undone." She said. "Is there anything you require?"
"I'm still waiting on that orange juice from Discord." He shrugged. "So, do you want to play a game of wits? Say, twenty questions?"
"Aye, that would be fairly pleasant." She said.
"Actually, can I just ask you one question instead?" He asked.
"Aye."
"Back when you were, or had a body, did you happen to have your eye on anyone?" He asked.
"N-Nay..." She said blushing under her coat.
"Really? Then I guess Discord and Luna, were both lying." He sighed. "You know the story, right? How Luna turned into you because she was overcome with guilt for turning Discord into stone, how she was angry at herself and her sister for fooling her. And let's not forget the little snippet that, when you had built an army, you only fought near Canterlot, in hopes of causing enough chaos to bring him back."
She looked at him, surprised and embarrassed. She sighed and took off her helm, eyes cast down she nodded.
"We wish to tell thee something... In our hope of thou helping us." She said. "We still long for Discord, but, ti's not possible. He hast fallen for our former host, Luna. Could thou help us, help us to find a way to win his heart? But, not take him away from his beloved."
"So, you want my help to hook you up with Discord, and have him and his wife, be alright with it?" Alex asked in disbelief.
"We see it was a foolish thing to ask." She frowned.
"Hey," he put a fore-leg around her neck. "I'm sure we can cook something up. All we need are two things."
"What might they be?" she asked hopefully.
"One, to either be able to clone Discord magically, and secondly, let my wood go down."
She looked down and immediately jumped away, glaring at him.
"Oh! That was hilarious!" He laughed. "Awkward, but hilarious!" |
King of Velrain | Hello Mr. Morning Wood. | Alex, grinning sub-consciously or not, stretched and found Celestia's right fore-leg draped over his chest.
He looked down and blushed, he laughed lightly at the same time as she woke up.
"Good morning Celestia," he greeted as she yawned. "Have any pleasant dreams lately?"
Her eyes widened before she started to feel around with a hoof. He jumped slightly and pushed her hoof away, she blushed and scrambled out of the bed in a tangle of wings and legs.
"So, I'm guessing that's a yes considering my morning wood?" He grinned.
"I-I didn't mean to! I swear!" She said blushing. "You moved my hoof there, didn't you!?" She said.
"No, actually I woke up with you starting some fore-play." He chuckled lightly. "I thought you wanted to do it after your married? Or are you that desperate?"
"I am not desperate!" She stomped a hoof. "I could have any colt I desire, anytime, anywhere!"
"So, your not only Equestria's co-ruler, but a pimp too?" He grinned. "Do I get to be the godfather?"
"I am most certainly not a... Pimp." She huffed. "And I had no sort of raunchy dream last night!"
"I didn't say you did." He grinned as her jaw fell.
"W-Well I... I..." She stuttered, the blush on her cheeks intensifying as her thought's went back to her dream. With a elegant *pomf* from her wings spreading out in a glorious white display, she ran into the bathroom and turned on the cold water.
He laughed, clutching his sides as he rolled around in the covers. At some point, he had gotten out from underneath them and was trying to get his breath back, laying on his back he took a few deep breathes.
"Hey, what's so-Nope!" Discord quickly shut the door as he ran away. "Nope! Nope! Nope! Nope!" He yelled.
"What the hell!?" Alex yelled as he pulled the covers over himself. "Well, that backfired...."
A knock was heard and Luna poked her head in, her eyes closed just in case. She, herself, had a faint blush as she stood in the doorway.
"Alex," she said awkwardly. "Why is my husband running around blind while screaming about... You know?"
"Oh, your sister was having an naughty dream last night and gave me morning wood." Alex replied.
"Don't believe him!" Celestia yelled out from the bathroom. "I did not lay a hoof on him!"
"Yeah, it was more or less around, if you know what I mean?" Alex winked. "You can uncover your eyes. I'm covered."
"I'm not taking any chances." She said frowning.
"Hey, Luna, you wouldn't know where I could get a body for Nightmare? Like what you looked like before? A fully functional, living, mares body?" Alex asked.
"We... Would not know of how to get one. Why does she need a new one?" Luna asked opening her eyes.
"Do you want the truth or what she's screeching like a banshee?" He rubbed one of his ears. "Nightmare, I'm helping. She's not going to trust us if we keep to the shadow's."
Nightmare remained quiet throughout the conversation. Alex rolled his eyes before looking at the midnight blue alicorn in front of him.
"I guess the truth..." He shrugged. "Well, she want's her own Discord to love. If we could make a copy, but put all the affection he has for Nightmare into that copy."
"It... Could be done." she nodded. "But a large amount of energy is required to form another body... See me after night court, I'll be in my chambers." She said. "I only ask you to visit me so I can measure your energy."
"You know, if you were your sister, I would have said you'd want to measure something else. But, your not." He shrugged.
The door opened and Celestia peeked out, mane and coat matted down by water. She was shaking, her teeth chattering.
"I-I was not..." She paused taking a breath in. "Giving him a hoof job."
"No one said you were~" Alex said in a singsong voice.
Luna looked at her sister, a small smile on her lips.
"Not one word Luna, I've walked in on you and Discord doing worse things." Celestia said. "Let's not forget the coconuts."
"Don't you dare bring that up!" Luna yelled as she blushed.
"Oh please," Alex groaned. "Don't bring that up. That was horrible..."
"How did you know about that?" Luna and Celestia asked.
"I was taking a quick survey of the castle grounds by scaling the wall." He said. "A guard was about to hit me so I jumped through a window... And I found Luna with a pair of coconut's on her ass while Discord, thankfully, had his back turned to me. I saw Celestia standing there for a second, she looked around with a small smile even though she was blushing and then slowly shut the door."
"A-And... What did you do?" Luna asked mortified.
"Remember the hole that was made in the wall shortly after?"
"Yes, I didn't-"
"Alex! You fix my eyes, now!" Discord yelled coming back in.
Wearing a coconut bra over his eyes.
"Discord!" Luna blushed, her wings were fully spread out. "Put those away! Those are mine!" She yelled.
"Oh no, I bought them for you. Little miss, 'do you want to try something different in the bed?' Princess." He said. "Hey..." He sniffed the air, his nose leading him to Celestia. "Who is this? And why does she smell like rutting?"
"Discord! I have not!" Celestia yelled slapping him across the face, knocking the coconuts off.
"Ew! Get these things off!" Alex yelled as he tried to pry the forbidden fruit off his face. "Is there glue on these!? What the hell were you two doing!?"
"Discord!" Luna yelled stomping a hoof.
"A-Alright, I can fix this!" He said.
He snapped his talon and Alex could see again.
He could clearly see Luna with the coconuts on her flank, they covered her cutie mark completely. She was also wearing a skimpy grass skirt, that she was trying to push down.
Discord had a tropical shirt on, a pair of sunglasses that hung on his nose and a pair of midnight blue swimming trunks on with lipstick on the front of it, clearly shown from the width, it wasn't an accident being there.
And, to make matters worse, Discord had accidentally teleported them.
"Discord," Luna asked looking at the swirling colors around them. "Where are we?"
"In the process of teleporting." He shrugged.
"Well, fix it!" She yelled.
"Alright, I'll send us somewhere secluded." He said.
Alex looked Discord in the eyes once, the yellow 's were purple and the red's were green. He cocked his head to the side before they were in a new area.
"Princess Celestia!? Princes Luna!? Discord!? Alexander!?" Twilight stated.
Alex looked around and saw Twilight and her friends in sleeping bags.
"Um," Alex said grinning awkwardly. "It's not what it looks like?"
"Why is Celestia tied up?" Twilight asked averting her eyes.
Alex looked over at Celestia and felt his wings shoot out, the wind knocking some parchment and Rarity over.
Celestia was currently hogtied, laying on the floor on her side, her tail was raised up slightly higher than it should be for a proper lady to have it, in her mouth was a red ball gag and laying by her side was a riding crop.
"Discord..." Alex said. "Where's your paw?"
"Right here. Why?" Discord asked reaching towards the blonde alicorn.
Alex took his paw and curled it in a fist.
"I'm going to regret this later." Alex shrugged. "But it's worth it." He grinned.
He hoof-bumped Discord.
"Discord," Alex said nervously as Celestia narrowed her eyes at him, her face was turning supernova red. "For once, you've messed up, and it went right. Well," she broke out, her mane was now a red flame. "I've gotta go!"
He ran through the wall, Celestia quickly following behind in a whirlwind of flames.
"Sister, no! I need him for research later!" Luna yelled running after them.
"Hey! I need you two to give me back my sight!" Discord yelled running after them with a cane and his ears to guide him.
"My books!" Twilight yelled seeing the mess. She picked up a small tome with a torn spine, she threw it to the ground before her eyes turned white, pure arcane energy poured from her horn. "Somepony is going to pay for the damages!" She yelled running after them.
"Come on," Rainbow said. "We've got to make sure they don't destroy the town!"
As she flew out, the others quickly followed.
"W-What's... What's going... On?" Spike asked as he stopped at the stairs. "You know what, to me my noble steed!"
"Who?" Owlowiscious asked.
"Just come here and chase them." Spike said.
The owl, wanting to do something else than sleep complied and lifted the relatively light dragon. Spike climbed on his back and pointed towards the hole.
The other pets, staying at Sugarcube corner, saw the chase. Angel stood up and opened the window, flexing his small swagadelic muscles, he got on Winona and they took off. Not wanting to be left out, the others quickly followed. |
King of Velrain | Benny Hill. | "Get out of the way!" Alex yelled as the small mob chased him.
"Come back here so I can burn you to cinders!" Celestia yelled.
"But I like my skin not burnt to cinders!" He yelled back. "Hey, did you know your really hot when you want to kill me!?"
She sent a cart-sized fireball streaking towards him. He ducked and watched as it flew overhead and into a fire hydrant.
He saw a dark shadow begin to grow at his hooves, he looked up and saw Luna coming down at him.
He took a hop to the side and let her hit the ground. He ran faster, chuckling at the small group behind him yelled a few choice words at him.
Behind him, and the princesses, Discord, blinded still, gave a bored sigh. With a snap of his talon, his vision was restored and he looked around in surprise.
Both princesses, the Element's, him, the Element's pets, and Spike were all chasing after Alexander. With a grin he made a sled appear with a plush chair, rocket's on the back, and a small table with glass of chocolate milk on it.
The engines activated and he was sent forward, he gave small waves as he passed the two princesses.
"Hey!" He yelled to Alexander pulling up next to him. "Hop on!"
Alexander complied and jumped on, he was breathing heavy and broke into a coughing fit. He wiped his nose as fresh snot ran from it.
"T-Thanks..." He said giving a shaky smile. "Now, now my cold comes back... I hate logic."
As he sat, panting from the short run, Discord picked up his drink and drank the glass in a gulp. As he rose to throw it, he came face to muzzle with a flaming alicorn.
"This is going to hurt..." He said.
Celestia fired off a quick fireball that sent him flying forward and then under the vehicle. His chocolate milk exploded with him under the vehicle. It flipped, and she quickly took to the skies while Alexander hopped off and began to run again.
'I owe Discord for that.' He thought. 'I think I'll help him with a prank... The perfect prank.' He thought evilly for his revenge on Celestia if she didn't completely vaporize him.
"I demand payment!" Twilight yelled launching a volley of flaming rock at him.
He looked back in surprise as he saw a flaming, frothing at the mouth, librarian galloping at him. He jumped when she made a wall of stone come up in front of him.
"What did I do to you!?" He yelled back jumping over a cart in the now deserted streets.
"You hurt my books! And I demand payment!"
"I can get the money, just keep my girlfriend off me!"
"The books demand to be paid in blood!"
'She's lost it!' He thought urgently as he saw her stop. 'Where's my flaming hot girlfriend?' He wondered.
Another fireball came crashing down, he looked up and saw a blue shield over him. He looked to the right and saw Luna give him a wink.
"T-Thanks..." He rasped again coughing a bit before sniffling. 'Stupid sickness.'
He looked around and saw a large crowd, multiple attractions, and balloons flying up. He quickly ran into the carnival and heard the startled gasps from the other ponies as his chasers continued the chase.
"Where are you!?" Celestia yelled as she looked around.
Alexander stopped and began looking around nervously as his girlfriend began trotting towards him, he grinned, sniffled, and jumped behind a booth and quickly pulled over the bobbing for apples tank.
He held it over his head, a grin spread on his ill face.
He saw the first flicker of flame and sprang out from his hiding place, he sent the water pouring down with a triumphant laugh.
Which fell when he realized he had only doused Twilight and Celestia only partially. They both glared, each rearing back a hoof.
He duck and their hooves collided with a thud. Twilight stopped and began rubbing her hoof, flames gone now as Celestia shook her own hoof once before glaring at the retreating alicorn.
Alexander hood heavy hoof-falls and didn't bother glancing back, instead he quickly threw a bag of bit's he swiped from Discord as he fell, directly in the muzzle of a ticket vendor knocking the stallion to the ground before running into the house of mirrors.
He stopped and stared, seeing his own reflection everywhere he looked. He went forward and didn't look back as he felt the room heat up slightly.
Celestia stopped and looked around, frowning she looked down at the floor and saw it had cracks evenly distributed. Four impressions each.
"Only a lady could walk gently enough to not leave marks." She said. "I'm coming for you Alexander, and when I catch you..." Her eyes flashed red before going back to magenta.
Outside, Luna was just getting off her forbidden fruit from her royal flank. She trotted up to the stallion while he held a tissue to his nose. He gave a bow and quickly stood back up, putting a hoof to his nose.
"Alexander, large blonde-"
"The jerk is in there." The stallion said pointing inside. "Buck him between the legs when you find him, tell him Morning Blossom said thanks for the bits."
She merely nodded before trotting in.
And just as soon went running out.
Shards of the mirrors, Celestia and part of the doorway flew out and into the crowd but landing before it hit anyone. A loud bang came out and more debris flew out.
Alexander came out, leaning against what was left of the door frame. he had his eyes shut and was scratching one. He arched his head back and let out another sneeze.
It echoed out like a canon firing, flinging small debris away. he looked around and gave a half snort, half sniffle.
He silently trotted up to Celestia as she was getting up and was about to say something when he began to cough. She got up glaring, but her look of anger dissolved into one of concern as he laid on his belly hacking.
His hackles rose each time he coughed, the sound coming from him made everyone flinch. He looked up at her with sick, red eyes and gave a small smile before his head fell forward.
"Alexander, are you aright?" Celestia said draping a wing over him. "Alexander?"
"Yes?" He asked suppressing a cough.
"Your sleeping on the royal couch for the next night."
He rolled his eyes before nodding. His ears perked up as the sound of wings, barking, heli-blades, and paws became clear.
"Hey!" Spike yelled jumping off from his steed. "Did we miss anything?"
"You have no idea." Luna said coming out from under a pile of wooden boards. "Nor do I have any idea of what is happening anymore." |
King of Velrain | Couch sickness. | Alexander was sitting in front of Celestia's door, he stared in with a frown as she glared back.
She threw a pillow in his face, letting it sit on his muzzle, she then threw a blanket that became a tent as it snagged on his horn.
"Celestia...!" He whined sniffling. "I thought you were supposed to take pity on your sick subjects?"
She took off her regalia and climbed onto her bed, he took off the pillow and blanket as she got on her side. Putting a hoof to her lips, she blew him a kiss while moving her tail out of the way. His ears perked up and suddenly she slammed the door with her magic.
"Tease..." He muttered.
Another door opened and closed, he felt something warm smack into his back followed by another door slamming. Turning, he saw Discord staring back at him.
"She kick you out too?" Alexander asked.
"Yep. Literally, she kicked me out." He said showing the hoof marks on his chest. "Good thing I put supergloop on her crown." He smiled. "Come on, I'll show you to the couch before she comes at me with a fiery vengeance."
Discord brushed himself off, taking Alexander's things for him, they set off just in time to miss the door swing open. Luna stared at Discord before stomping on his tail.
With the limping Discord, and sick alicorn, they transversed the halls. Discord whistling a small tune while a whistling sound came from Alexander whenever he breathed.
They both quickly went down a set of stairs, passing Solar guards they froze at the sight of Alexander and glared lightly at the draconequus. As they passed by the windows, Alexander saw them pass the kitchen and then enter the throne room.
"Discord, why are we in the throne room?" He asked.
"These are the royal couches." He said. "The princesses, and myself included, are really just a bunch of couch potatoes. We sit here all day and night, listen to ponies problems, and then go to sleep. Were just lazy really. I'm actually the most physically active out of the three of us."
"Neat. So, we just sit up there and go to sleep?"
"No, we go, sit, and then I can activate the secret feature of them. Come on."
They both went to the thrones, Discord gave Alexander back his things before breaking off his blue horn. He opened a slot on his throne, which was bent around Luna's, and put it in before turning it.
The thrones lifted slightly up with the sound of turning gears before it all turned to the side and they found themselves on the other side of the wall.
Alexander froze, slowly a grin creeped up onto his face.
The room was painted in a pumkin orange, small magic lit flames hung from the ceiling in Chimares lights, the floor was covered in a yellow carpet. There were two bean bag chairs, a table, and a mini-fridge.
And then he frowned.
"Discord, I think I see a problem." He said.
"Hm? What's that?" Discord asked rummaging in the fridge for a drink. "Where's my cream soda...?"
"There's only one bed."
Discord's head hit the roof of the fridge, falling back and rubbing the red lump that was forming, he stared at the singular bed. Slowly his face contorted into one of realization.
"Ooh... Yeah that could be a problem for us. Here, let me get that."
He snapped his tail fluff and a second bed appeared on the other side of the room.
"Thanks. So, what do you do here anyway? Do we just wait until morning until they get us?" Alex asked crawling onto his bed.
"Were pretty much free to do what we want in here, as long as it's... Uh, legal." Discord said crossing his arms. "Laws are such a bore sometimes. But, there what also binded me and Luna together, so I can't complain."
"Right..." He nodded. "So, what do we do for now? I don't feel tired."
"Want to go mess with potentially dangerous artifacts?" Discord asked taking a sip from his drink. "Nothing that could kill the mortals of course, just things that have some spice to them."
"Sure, what's the worst that could happen?" He shrugged sniffling. "Can I get some tissues too? My nose feels like I was trying to stuff lead in it..."
Discord snapped his talon and a box of lotion tissues appeared in front of the blonde alicorn. As they got up, Alex stopped as if hit with a sudden revelation.
"Hang on, I need to get my armor. I don't like going anywhere without it." He said lighting his horn up. "Just keep watch outside of Celestia's door, will you?"
Discord saluted before teleporting himself to the entrance of Celestia's room. Alexander followed shortly after only going beyond the solar princesses doors and into her bed chambers.
Celestia's Room.
Alexander looked around sickly, seeing his armor standing by the bed he quickly went over to it. As he was reaching to take the helmet, he saw Celestia sleeping peacefully. He looked back at his armor and grinned.
Outside Celestia's chambers.
Discord was already bored. He tapped his goat hoof for what seemed like hours. The doors finally swung open and Alexander came out, grinning. His teeth reflected any of the candlelight in the halls with a silver tint.
"Don't ask why I'm smiling, just get us out of here. Now." Alexander snickered. "I'll show you later. Just promise to keep the noise to a minimum."
Discord merely nodded in understanding, they both disappeared in a flash, Alexander's laughter was only left ringing out through the halls for a second.
The royal weapons treasury. Or, Discord's toybox.
The room was dark, dusty, and filled nearly to the ceiling with multiple shelves of artifacts and weapons. Jewels, armor, weapons, tomes, living skeletons, Wild Pixes, even a gremlin were running around. At the sight of their master, they swarmed around Discord before dispersing.
"So, what are we looking for?" Alexander asked blowing his nose. "Anything in particular?"
"Nope, just anything that piques your-oh! That one is glowing!" Discord said jubilantly running over to a helmet. "Be careful to what you find, even I have to be cautious sometimes."
Alexander rolled his eyes in response.
'I'm the most advanced supersoldier to be made, what the hell do I have to be cautious of?' He thought. 'I could lift mountains, turn a lump of coal into a diamond, clear a street with a single, forceful breath, I could even-hey that looks neat.'
He trotted up to a shelf with a glass case on the top. He looked in and saw his own reflection on the mask, albeit it looked slightly more feral.
It was wooden, painted from an ash based liquid of some sort, metal lined the mouth where copper fangs had been made, in the center was a singular hole where a horn would go he guessed. Seeing Discord putting on a green mask only for nothing to happen, he took the glass case of and lifted the mask up.
It seemed to give out a low vibration as he held it with his magic. Seeing Discord still preoccupied, he turned the mask around until the face was facing away.
He lowered it onto his horn, making sure to not get it caught. The moment it touched him, a slight shock went through his body making him drop it fully on himself. His body went into a spasm, electricity danced form underneath his skin, invisible to anything else. He fell down on the floor with a thud.
He didn't notice, but he felt a sudden warmth on his face. The mask melted and slid over his head before growing his fur back where it was. The mask had vanished when Discord came running over in a slight panic.
"Alex...?" He asked tentatively. "Alexander, come on buddy, get up..." He poked him in the side.
"Unf..." Alex groaned stretching out "That was one hell of a... Whatever it was." He said getting up.
"Alex, what happened? What did you touch?" Discord asked forcefully. "You need to tell me."
"Nothing. I touched nothing." He said in a half coherent thought. "Want to go see what I did to Celestia know?" He grinned.
"Please, go on, what did you do to her?"
They both gasped and saw Luna in the doorway. She had her head up high, her eyes narrowed on both of them.
"Ok, to be fair, I touched nothing, and I did nothing." Alex said. "Discord was the one throwing shit everywhere."
"I am not worried about that, he can fix what he does." She said. "What did you do to Celestia?" She asked again.
"I just... Well, let's go look, shall we?" He chuckled lighting his horn.
Celestia's Bedroom.
The three immortals appeared in a flash, two of them immediately began looking for the white coated goddess. Discord scrunched up his nose before zipping it shut. Luna was staring at the empty bed. And Alexander was sitting in front of them with a grin.
"Alexander," Luna whispered. "Where is my sister?"
"Listen, and you'll know." He whispered back.
They all stopped and perked their ears up. Discord and Alexander caught the noise before Luna, after the two immortals did their looks became confused as they looked around again.
"Here' iz he'?" Discord asked before unzipping his nostrils. "Where is she? This place reeks of perfume... Gross."
Alexander smiled before going over to his armor. Putting a hoof to it, the helmet became clear and Luna and Discord put a paw/hoof over their mouths from bursting out laughing.
Celestia was sleeping inside his armor.
"I put her in there myself." He chuckled. "Watch this."
He put a hoof on the back of the armor and it slowly stood on its own. Next, the front stretched out and crossed her fore-legs before letting her head rest in them while keeping her rear in the air.
"Alexander," Luna whispered. "If you-"
"You can talk, heck, even use that royal whatchamacallit voice thing and she wouldn't hear us. I soundproofed my armor." He said. "Go on."
"If you leave her like this," Luna said. "I won't tell her you and Discord were in the weapons room. Deal?"
"Deal. Oh, and would it be alright if I let the guards find her like this?"
"Yes. It most certainly is."
"Hey, couldn't she just, get up when she wakes up?" Discord asked. "It's just armor."
"No. Only I can make it move, and only I can make it become separate pieces."
He put his hoof back on and the armor suddenly was fused together in a solid sheet after a quick shine ran over it. Celestia could still be seen sleeping quietly inside.
"Nothing gets in, and nothing gets out." He chuckled. "Discord, why don't you go into a panic in the morning and get the guards? That should be fun."
"Alright. That does sound fun." The chaos god grinned. "Um, dear, Luna?"
"You are not coming back in the bedroom." She said. "Not after that little stunt you pulled."
"Luna," Alex said. "What did he do?"
"He was trying to let you escape, that way, he wouldn't have to face... Her." She shuddered.
"What? He was trying to save me from getting roasted. He was on your side. So... As a favor, could you just let him go back with you if he takes the supergloop off?"
She looked at him and then he husband who shrugged. Sighing she pulled Discord's head down to her level and pecked him on the cheek.
As she left, Discord smiled watching her go. As soon as the door closed, he began to glare at the blonde alicorn.
"Alright, what in the name of Tartarus did you freaking touch!?" He hissed. "Because you didn't just thud to the ground for nothing."
"I didn't touch anything!" He said back. "Why can't you listen for a goddamn second you mutated lizard!?"
"I know you did!" Discord said fiercely. "I can feel the lunar magic radiating off you! What happened!?"
"Nothing." He said again narrowing his eyes. "Now leave before I start tearing chunks off you."
Discord narrowed his eyes before his paw flashed a silver, mist fell from it s he raised it. He waved it quickly by Alexander before jumping back by what fallowed.
For just a split second, he saw two images. A large hairy creature with massive claws standing almost at his own height, feral yellow eyes with blackened slits, and silver teeth that nearly came out from the muzzle of it. The second was of an equine version. It's teeth came out from it's mouth, it's tail was much more elongated matching it's mane, its coat was wilder, longer. And it's hooves, all four of the silver colored hooves had three viscous claws protruding from them. It had the same eyes as the taller creature.
And they both stared at him with hunger.
"A-Alexander... Please, please tell me you... No. No!" Discord couldn't find the words, instead he quickly ran on all fours to his wife's room.
"I told him not to." Alex growled letting his eyes flash yellow for a second. "I warned him." |
King of Velrain | Really? Now how could that have happened? | Alexander and Luna were sitting comfortably at the dining room table, each of them occasionally cast a small smile at the other when Discord could be hear panicking.
Discord popped into the room with a huge grin as guards rushed by the golden doors.
"Discord, is there something wrong?" Luna asked as she sipped her coffee.
"Oh, it's just horrible!" He said dramatically putting a paw to his fore-head. "Someone has trapped our dear Princess Celestia in a suit of armor! Oh the horror!"
"Oh no!" Alexander said with a grin. "I wonder who could have done such a thing like that? We must find the fiend who has committed the deed and bring them in! But first, we shall rescue our dear princess! Discord, teleport us!"
Discord nodded and snapped his talon, depositing them in Celestia's room. The first thing they noticed was the amount of guards inside, next the pair of guards with a crowbar trying to get the armor off the solar alicorn, and finally, Celestia glaring up at them with a large blush.
"Sister, what happened?" Luna said putting a hoof to her shoulder.
Celestia tried to speak, but not even a sound could be heard from her. Luna, forcing a smirk back, leaned down and put her ear to the muzzle of the helmet. She merely shrugged as her sister glared at Alexander.
"Do not worry, I will set you free." Alexander said while he didn't even try to keep his smile from showing.
Putting a hoof to the armor, it split apart and he took the helmet off her. She lit her horn and teleported out, and into the bathroom.
As the guards left, the sound of a toilet flushing was heard and shortly after, Celestia came out red in the face. The two alicorns and Draconequus didn't hold back anymore and burst out laughing. She folded her ears back as she stared down at the floor.
"Oh god! Your face was priceless!" Alex laughed.
"Did you see how much she blushing? It looked like she had a tomato for a head!" Luna laughed.
"She looked so ridiculous!" Discord laughed. "This is the best prank I've ever seen!"
"Which one of you did this? Alexander?" She said making him quiet down. "That was your armor, and you've said it yourself that nopony touches it. So, how did I get in there last night?"
"Magic?" He replied.
"For some odd reason, when I tried to teleport out, nothing happened. It's almost as if the armor kept me inside. Do you have any other excuse?" She asked tapping a hoof.
"Because I love you?"
"Alexander," she said walking up to him. "That was by far the worst thing to have happened to me in any morning. Unless Discord cooked breakfast." She muttered the last part under her breath. "I think a punishment is in order, for all of you." She said glaring at her sister and step-brother.
"Discord," she said making him gulp. "How would you care to polish both mine and Luna's regalia?"
"...You make me do that anyway." He said.
"Without magic. Just a cloth, soap, and water." She said smiling.
"You monster! You know the only thing I can really grab is food and your sister's-"
"Discord! Not the time, nor place!" Luna said as she looked away her cheeks turning a dark purple.
"As for you sister," Celestia said. "Go down to Ponyville to get fitted for a maid's outfit. You're-"
"Can't she use the one she has already?" Discord asked. "I think that would suit her just fine." He grinned as Luna blushed even more.
"No. Discord, we've talked about you and my sister's... Activities, are to remain in the bedroom. Your, bedroom specifically." She said making him frown. "As for what I was saying, you, dear sister, get to clean my room, and yours with no magic."
"What is with you and making us clean?" Luna asked as she left the room. "I'll be back. Please try not to make a mess of things while I'm gone."
As she left the room with her head down, Celestia turned her sights on Alexander as he was slipping into his armor. He stopped and waved before sneezing. Snorting some snot back up, he shook his head only to find himself looking into two magenta eyes.
"Yes?" He said leaning back.
"Follow me. Your punishment is going to be the worst out of them all. I wouldn't want you to feel left out, now would I?" She said giving him a small smile. "Just give me some time to freshen up. I still have bed mane."
She pushed Discord and Alexander out of her room, shutting the door they soon heard the sound of running water. Discord blindfolded himself and teleported back in, seconds after his head came through the wall.
"Do I even want to know?" Alex asked as Discord got his eyes back into focus. "Were you being a peeping tom?"
"No. I flushed the toilet while the shower was on." He chuckled. "There's a reason why she put a sound dimming sound in her bathroom." He chuckled. "Oh, and here you go."
He opened his mouth and a picture fell out. Alex picked it up, but keeping an eye on Discord in case it was a trick. When he looked at it, his face blanked and he slid it into his armor.
"If she finds it," Discord whispered. "You got it from Shining Armor."
"Agreed." He said. "Now, about having a blindfold on." He said narrowing his eyes.
He raised a hoof back and punched, sending Discord through the hole he was in and into the back wall. Looking in, he narrowed his eyes as Discord picked himself up. As he was doing so, the water turned off and Celestia came out, a towel wrapped around her flank and momentarily stopped to look between the two.
"Could I have some privacy?" She asked. "Now?"
"Discord, don't you have something that belongs to her?" Alexander said. "Something you took of her?"
"Discord, what is he talking about?" She said immediately glaring at the Draconequus.
The Draconequus in question was staring at the two of them, he gulped and snapped his talon quickly. As they looked around, Alex saw a small light coming from his armor. Pulling at it, he realized the picture had been set aflame.
"Discord, what was that?" Celestia asked. "Were you pasting memory photos again?"
"Memory photos? What are those?" Alexander asked.
"I'll explain later." She said. "Now get out!"
She flung Discord out with her magic, and Alexander merely took his head out the wall. As the Draconequus slid across the hall to his door, he looked at Alexander.
"It was before I was married." He said. "A memory photo is something I created. It basically takes a memory, and makes it into a photo."
"So you weren't being a peeping tom?" He asked.
"No! I have a wife!" He yelled. "Speaking of mares though, have you heard about Spike and Fluttershy? She said he asked her out yesterday."
"Oh yeah, I was wondering when he'd do that." He said grinning. "Tell him if he needs any help, come to me."
"You just locked your marefriend in a suit of armor. I don't think I'd want dating advice from you." He said giving him a flat stare.
"I would hope you're not taking any dating advice," Celestia said stepping out. "Otherwise you'll have to deal with me and my sister's wrath. Now, Discord, be a good little trouble maker and attend to you given task while I take Alexander to his." She said giving him her crown. "Make sure to polish the gemstone twice, it smudges so easily." She laughed as he frowned.
As she led Alexander away, Discord merely looked at the crown before turning it to cheese and the red gemstone into an olive. Eating that, and then hacking it up when he got a hair caught in his throat, he narrowed his eyes before teleporting himself to the library.
"Time to get to work." He muttered. "I just hope, for his sake, and hers, I'm wrong." He shuddered.
In the hallway's of the castle
"So," Celestia said looking at Alexander. "How long has it been attached to you?"
"What? My armor? I wouldn't say it's-"
"Not that, the lunar magic around you." She said. "I sensed trace amounts of it with Nightmare inhabiting your mind. Recently though, it has grown exponentially to where I sometimes mistake your energy for my sister's. Has something happened to you?"
"Not that I know of. Unless your sister has started experimenting on me while I'm asleep." He shrugged. "Where are we going? I'm bored already."
"You'll know once we get there, and I promise," she put her mouth to his ear and whispered lightly. "You won't be bored for long." She giggled pulling away.
His face flushed and the blood in his head, was quickly traveling elsewhere as he thought of the implications behind her words.
"What's wrong Alexander?" She asked with a lip biting pout. "Is there something bothering you? You looked stressed, maybe I can help you with some of that? Maybe even help you take a load off?" she winked at the word load making his face turned even more crimson.
"U-Uh... S-Sure... T-That sounds g-great!" He said sweating. "Is it getting hot in here? I'm suddenly starting to feel a bit hot, don't you?" He asked smiling.
"You know, being a mare does have its benefits." Celestia giggled as he caught on. "It is so easy to mess with a stallion such as yourself. But I wasn't lying when I said you'd be having fun once we get to where we need to be. Now, come along, we need to get to the statue gardens."
"You are such a tease!" He said. "Do you know how constricting this armor is? And you go and do that?" He said looking away. "Great, now I'm going to need a cold shower. Would you care to join me?" He asked suddenly turning the tables on her.
"W-Wouldn't the cold water take care of... That?" She asked looking away. "I-I don't really see how I-I could help."
"Oh, but you could just get in front of me," he stepped towards her. "I could sit behind you," he gave her a small kiss on the lips and pulled away, smirking as she leaned forward slightly with her lips puckered. "And then you'd throw me out because I'd be showering with you." He laughed. "Come on! Get moving, your highness."
She blinked and blushed as he laughed at her. Smiling, she lit her horn before teleporting them both, all except Alexander's armor that was left to stand unguarded.
A nearby lunar stallion saw the helmet sitting on the back of it and looked around. Seeing no other guards, or royalty, he crept up to it with a mischievous glint in his eyes. As he was reaching out to it, Cinnamon popped out from the opening in the armor and fixed her eyes on him. Giving a shrill hiss, he quickly backed away without a glance.
Royal statue gardens
Celestia was still smiling when they appeared in the gardens, it quickly turned into a blush once she saw Alexander.
"S-Sorry!" She said looking away. "I, uh, didn't know you were still-"
He had already got on his belly and was glaring at her. Looking away he sighed and closed his eyes.
She peeked back over, and seeing him just laying on the ground, she allowed herself to face him again. As he was laying there, eyes closed and his breathing coming and going in steady breaths, she started to notice how the sun reflected off his coat.
Looking at him, she traced his broad shoulders up to his neck, his short cut mane, the silver of his hooves, his smirk as he looked at her.
She blinked and blushed as he stood up. He gave her a playful nudge in the shoulder before adjusting the chain around his shoulder, as to not have his hammer fall out.
"So, what exactly is out here for me to do? Clean the statues, trim the hedges, water the plants?" He asked. "Corral the animals around here, or help with the weather?"
"Actually, you job requires only one of the statues." She said feeling her blush go down. "See those hedges over there?" She pointed behind herself at a ring of horn high hedges. "Your punishment is in the middle of them."
He looked past her and at the hedges. She began to move towards them, and nodded forward as a sign for him to follow. Going up next to her, he squinted, trying to make out what was being concealed within.
"You punishment is to help reform the one trapped within the statue," she said. "You have already met. And, as you know, he was the largest annoyance in all of Equestria. He was even worse then when Discord was evil."
They approached the hedges, she moved the foliage out of the way and he stuck his head in. What he saw made him frown.
"You want me to help reform that douche in spandex?" He asked staring at the petrified Spiderman.
"Yes," she said. "You may use physical force, you must also keep an eye on him at all times, and absolutely do not let him in Canterlot. Otherwise, I'll just have Discord put him in the caves below the castle. I prefer the latter of the two. But, I'm sure you can handle him just fine."
They stood in silence, staring at the petrified superhero, forever in the state of flicking something off with both fingers.
"So, how do we get him out?" Alex asked. "Don't we need the elements?"
"No, just free him like we did Discord. Hit him." She said. "Doesn't matter where, as long as the stone cracks."
He shrugged and took out his hammer, the end opened up to reveal a set of blue ridges that looked even darker as electricity danced across them. As he pressed the hammer on the statue, it began to vibrate on its pedestal. Taking it off after a few seconds, the stone had one large crack that was rapidly spreading through the middle of it.
With one final crack, the two halves broke and Spiderman was left standing again, still giving them the double bird. Slowly, he looked to the sides and put his hands on his hips.
"Sup bitches, your pimp daddy is back." |
King of Velrain | Surprising the town. | Spiderman and Alexander just stared at each other as they traveled down to Ponyville in one of the many chariots.
"So," Alexander said. "What exactly do you do?"
"Drink, smoke, get laid, troll whoever I want, and do some real estate on the side." He said leaning back against the plush seat.
"So, basically, everything illegal?" Alexander deadpanned.
"Yes."
"Right. So, I'm supposed to reform you, make you good. Can you do anything help-where did you get that?" He asked suddenly as Spiderman pulled out an Ipod.
He put the ear buds on his mask, and started blasting music into them. Alexander just stared at him for a second, processing what exactly was happening. Once he had snapped out of it, he quickly took the Ipod away, leaving Spiderman to headbang without music.
"The fuck man!" The enraged superhero said as he realized his tunes had been taken. "I was listening to that."
"Yeah, but I don't think the stallions pulling us a few thousand feet in the air want to."
"Fine, here," he reached into his nonexistent pocked and put his hand in front of Alex. "I give you, no fucks. Now hand it over!"
"What? This?" Alex said holding the Ipod in hoof. "No, you'll get it back with good behavior."
"Or... Karate chop!"
He swung down, attempting to hit the blonde alicorn over the head. Alex moved his head to the side and hit the hero under the ribs.
"Asshole."
"Sissy. One hit?"
"Let me hit you then. See how much you like it."
"Alright, go ahead. So how good you fist feels afterwards." Alex grinned as Spiderman curled a fist.
He swung with all his might, connected with Alexander's belly, and held his hand there for a second. Pulling it back slowly, he set both hands on his sides and gave the alicorn the middle finger.
"If I had fingers too, I'd do the same, I'd do the same." Alex laughed as the chariot jostled. "looks like we're here. Come on, time to get-"
As he was reaching for the door, Spiderman stuck out his arm.
"The hell is wrong with you? You're just gonna walk out like some faggot?" He asked. "Hell naw, Spidey don't roll like that. You gotta be badass when you make an appearance. Watch."
Before Alexander could object, Spiderman launched himself through the roof, yelling as he went. Quickly going out, he caught him standing on top of the chariot, hands on his hips as he yelled out to the already growing crowd.
"Sup bitches! Surrender your booze and I shall let you watch me drink it!"
As the crowd saw who it was, they all suddenly started to shout angrily, some of the pegasai already getting storm clouds. In an instant, he jumped off and did a triple front-flip over them as they started to charge.
"Lolololo!" Spiderman laughed as they hit the chariot. "Run, run as fast you can, you won't catch me because your all dumbasses!" He laughed flinging his arms in the air.
"Spiderman! God dammit!" Alexander yelled finally intervening. Tackling him in mid jump, they both fell down to the ground. "Stop pissing off the townsfolk! That's Discord's job!"
"Get off me, or I start to blow the rape whistle!" Spiderman yelled. "I need an adult! Preferably a female with a big rack and ass!"
"If I let you go, just don't run off, alright?" Alexander asked.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever faggot." Spiderman said crossing his arms.
Alexander, unpinning the human, watched as he slid vertically up. Looking around, he waved at the crowd, they growled back before dispersing. Looking back at the blonde alicorn, he jumped onto his back as Alexander merely rolled his eyes and sat.
"Come on, giddy up." Spiderman said. "Maybe it needs a quarter...?" He said reaching into his pocket.
"Get off me, or else I'll be explaining to Celestia why I tried to reform a corpse."
"Lawl. OK, jerk off." Spiderman said jumping off him and onto a lightpost.
"Not even two minutes in town and you're already starting to fuck everything up." Alexander groaned. "You know what? We're starting your reformation now! Follow me, we're going to go visit someone."
"Is it the local dealer? 'Cause Upgrade still owes me ten kilos of pot." Spiderman said walking next to Alex. "And then Jerry, the guy at the local church, I owe him a shotgun shell to the face."
"You're not shooting anything, and you're certainly not getting drugs."
"Too late."
"What do you mean too-where do you keep getting this stuff!?" He hissed as Spiderman wiped away remnants of the cocaine on his arms.
"Lawl. I dunno." The hero shrugged.
Without saying another word, the two walked towards the closest residence Alexander had in mind. The Carousel Boutique. Spiderman, upon seeing it, ran up to the window and climbed on top of the building. Alexander merely stood at the bottom, watching as he climbed through the second story window. Looking towards the door, he waited for the scream, and he didn't have to wait long.
Going in, he did allow himself a small smirk as he saw Rarity throwing gems at Spiderman as he sat in a chair, playing with the drapes.
"Get out of here! You've done enough damage, you crude, ill-mannered, idiotic, tacky, spandex wearing hooligan!" She yelled.
"I'm Rarity! And I think this is just fabulous!" He said dodging a few sharp edged rubies. "Oh, green is such a horrendous color, here, I think red and blue would look much better."
"I think not! Alexander," she said suddenly catching sight of him. "Please! you must get rid of him! I can't work with him in my shop!"
"I can't; you see I'm reforming him." Alex said through his teeth. "He's here to help you."
"Bullshit!" Spiderman yelled.
"Shut up! You've got no say in this!" Alexander said.
"I do what I want!" He said standing. "Your not my real mom!"
"...I'd hope not."
"Me too faggot. So, the hell are we making white talking horse?" Spiderman asked shooting a web to the ceiling to hang there.
"Absolutely not!" She said. "You will not touch anything, breath on anything, nor will you be in my shop! I want you out!"
"Rarity," Alexander said. "If you let him help you, I'll... I'll... Let you use me as a mannequin for a day." He said closing his eyes and covering his ears for the immediate outburst that followed.
"I'll... Consider." She said slowly looking towards the wall crawler.
"Huh?" He said. "No horrendous, girly screech? No squeal and hug?" Alex asked looking down at her.
"Why, yes," Rarity said. "You are a unique stallion. So, I may be able to make other design's based off of you, that could fit Princess Celestia." She said.
"Celestia? Did she ask for a dress or something?"
"No, not yet anyway." Rarity said giving him a little wink. "Trust me, I'm sure you two will be the biggest hit ever since Princess Luna and Discord's wedding. I just hope it doesn't start like theirs... Although, I suppose it couldn't have been helped, with Pinkie being Pinkie and all."
"Whatever, now, I'll be in the bathroom throwing up my breakfast. The colors here are just now getting to me." Alexander said. "Spiderman, at least try and act less... Like a Spiderman."
"Kay." Spiderman said swinging on his web.
As he left the two downstairs, Spiderman slowly looked towards Rarity, turning like the hands of a clock as she sat down next to him.
"Alright, time to get started." She said taking a blue cloth. "Could you make yourself useful and hoof me the dark green wool?"
Silently, the wool was given to her.
Cutting it into a wave formation, she put it under the machine and kept her eyes focused on it as she sewed. Behind her though, Spiderman was working on his own project.
"Spiderman, could you pass me two sapphires and a ruby?" She asked receiving them. "You know, for how you acted before, I was expecting you to cause a ruckus. And... Urinate on everything again. I had to replace every piece of fabric in the shop for that."
"Couldn't find the bathroom."
"You were upstairs, where the bathroom is."
"I was drunk and high."
"No you weren't, I've seen Berry Punch at a party. You hadn't had anything to drink."
"I was drunk on life!"
"That hardly makes any sense." She said. "Could I have that saddle over there? The one with the small hood?"
"Kay." He said stopping his machine to go and get it.
The sound of the sewing machine off now, drew rarity's attention immediately. Seeing nothing on it, she let out a sigh as she realized none of her fabrics had been wasted.
"Thank-you! What did you do!?" She suddenly yelled as Spiderman gave her the requested items. "When did you make that!?" She asked pointing at his new cape.
He looked down at it, then to the mirror on the small stage. He flexed his arms, showing off the black outside of the cape nicely while the gold inside flashed as the light reflected off it.
"I dunno. I think elves did it." He said.
"Elves?" She said. "Elves. Elves! Of course it was elves!" She said giving a forced smile. "So tell me, what made them think of that design?"
"Like hell a bunch of candy cane mofo's made this!" He said grabbing the edges to lift them. "I made a cape! Because bitches love capes!"
"Well, I don't care for it. And do I even want to know what materials you used?" She asked rubbing her head. "I need something for this headache already."
"Congrats, you're not a bitch. If you were, you'd love this cape. Because bitches love capes."
"Well, that's-"
"So your a motherfucker!" He yelled. "Alex! Get your shit in gear, we're going!"
"I-In a minute!" Alex called from upstairs.
"Kay. I'll just go threw the door."
There was a flush and then a scrambling as Alexander ran down the stairs. He quickly looked around and sighed once he saw spiderman.
"Come on, we're going to see Pinkie." Alexander said.
"Kay. So long mofo!" Spiderman yelled leaning over Rarity.
As Alexander left, Spiderman took the opportunity to shut the door and then slingshot himself through it, leaving a trail of splinters as he blasted past Alexander and into a fireworks shop.
As Alexander stood in shock along with Rarity at the destroyed door, there was a sudden shrieking. Alexander looked towards the store and shut his eyes as it was engulfed in a flash, followed by a loud bang. Feeling bits of wood hit him, he risked a look and saw Spiderman flying out of the wreckage, sitting on top of a rocket and waving with one hand, while holding a cigar in the other.
"He is worse than Discord..." Alex muttered as the rocket smashed into Sugarcube Corner. "Aw, you've got to be kidding me!" He yelled running tot he store.
As he neared the bakery, he saw a sudden flash of light and the windows bend outwards slightly. Using his wings, he propelled himself towards it, and in seconds reached it and smashed into a fountain a ways away. Getting out of it with the top bowl sitting on his head, and his coat soaking wet, he ran back to the front of the bakery and slammed the door in.
Only to find Spiderman and Pinkie playing goldfish.
"Got any... Threes?" Spiderman asked looking up from his cards.
"Nope. Got any two's?"
"Bullshit!" He yelled throwing his cards in the air and wiping the table with a hand. "I call hacks!" He yelled pointing at her.
"What the hell was that!?" Alexander nearly yelled. "You just blew up a building!"
"I blew up a building under my name." Spiderman said. "Real estate motherfucker!"
"What's he talking about?" Pinkie asked bouncing behind the counter. "And why are you wearing part of the fountain? It's not Tuesday."
Raising an eyebrow at that, Alexander looked over at Spiderman for an answer.
"Smoke weed 'ereday." He said. "And you'll be just like me. Just not as swagadelic or handsome, or sexy."
"Or bat shi-"
"Hey Alex!" Applebloom said running in with Applejack.
"-Ite insane!" He finished looking at Appleboom as she stopped to stare at Spiderman. "Yes, he was the one who tied up your brother."
"That was some funny shit." Spiderman said.
"It was kinda funny seein' ya do that." Applebloom said. "It wasn't very nice though... Hey Pinkie!" She said running up to the counter.
"Alex, would ya mind tellin' me why that varmint is out of stone?" Applejack growled pushing her way past him.
"I'm reforming him as punishment." Alex said. "This is the worst thing I've ever done." He groaned taking the bowl off his head.
"Ah'll take your word for it." Applejack said.
As she went to her little sister, Spiderman was occupying himself by listening to more music from his Ipod. Alexander, sighed and just let him head bang. Glancing round, he noticed the scorch marks from where the rocket Spiderman had flew in exploded, and the few customers looking at the cape wearing rocker.
"So, do you want anything?" Pinkie asked sitting next to the alicorn. "You've got to want something?"
"I don't eat sweets." Alex replied laying his head on the table.
"What!?" Spiderman and Pinkie yelled simultaneously.
"I thought you were listening to music?" Alex asked Spiderman ho was taking the ear buds off.
"Lawl. The battery died an hour ago." The hero shrugged.
"Of course it did. And you," he turned to where Pinkie was. "Wait... Where'd she go?"
"Lawl. I don't know. She said something about cake or some shit like that. I'm thirsty, do you want any booze?" Spiderman said pulling out a bottle of vodka.
"I don't drink. The last time I did, I ended up breaking a warship from the docking locks, told a weasel to go fuck itself, stacked a few police cars like building blocks, stole a giraffe, and woke up in a me shaped crater in the sidewalk. What can I say? I'm a light drinker. And the doctor did say the serum he injected me with would have a strong, temporary reaction from alcohol."
"That's just a bitchin' drunkenness right there." Spiderman said. "Would have been better with roofies." He said uncorking the bottle and began to chug it.
As Spiderman chugged his ninety oz, Alexander caught a whiff of something that made his mouth water. Looking around, he noticed Pinkie was bouncing over with a cupcake, only, it wasn't coming directly from that. Getting up, he didn't give her a glance as he passed her, instead he went to the counter and the scent led him down. Craning his neck over it and behind to the bottom edge, he saw a jar filled with small biscuits.
Smelling them, he immediately stuck his muzzle in and pulled out at least three before happily chewing them. As he was getting another with his magic, he looked to his side when Pinkie tapped him on the shoulder, a confused look on her usual bubbly face.
"Alex... Why are you eating dog biscuits?" She asked slowly.
He stopped, mouth still full as he pointed at the biscuit currently suspended my his magic, she nodded and his eyes widened as he hastily spit the treats out.
"That's disgusting! Why are there animal treats under a bakery counter!?" He said wiping his tongue clean. "Disgusting!"
"Weiner!" Spiderman yelled out before throwing his empty bottle over his shoulder.
"Shut up!"
"Alex, if you wanted some dog treats, you could have just asked me to make some." Pinkie said giggling.
"No. I don't want any dog treats! Spiderman! We're going to Twilight's! Now!"
"Weiner!"
"I said shut up!"
Lighting his horn, Alexander teleported him and Spiderman to the library. Back at the bakery, Pinkie stared down at the dog treats, mulling over what just happened.
"I think I need to do some research." She said to herself. "Applejack! Do you want to go to Canterlot!?" She screamed.
Whispering Oak's Library
Alexander, appearing in the lobby alongside Spiderman, startled Twilight as she was sifting through the late returns. Seeing the sudden intrusion, she gave a startled yelp and fell off her chair.
"I'm deaf! I can't see anything!" Spiderman said walking up the wall. "Tell my hoes... Tell them that I forgot the money!"
"Get down!" Alexander yelled pulling the hero off the wall. "Twilight, are you alright?" He asked the lavender unicorn as she got up.
"Alex? Spiderman?" She said looking between the two.
"That's me." Spiderman said. "And this is my sidekick, asshole Jefferson."
"I'm not his sidekick, and that's not my name." Alexander said. "Twilight, listen, I'm reforming him, and he needs something productive to do; do you have anything for him to do?" He asked.
She merely looked between them, frowning ever so slowly. She opened her mouth to speak but she closed it immediately afterwards. Pulling up a chair, she sat down and leaned back.
"Alexander, get out of my library before I roast you. Because don't think I've forgotten what you did to my books."
"You're still not mad bout that? I was the victim!" He said. "Celestia was trying to flambe me!"
"And I will too if you don't get out in the net five seconds!" She said bolting upright. "Now get out!"
Sighing, Alexander lit his horn yet again and teleported himself and Spiderman away to the last pony in Alexander's mind. Appearing outside Fluttershy's cottage, Spiderman instantly ran up to the door and kicked it in, much to Alexander's annoyance.
When he entered, he expected Fluttershy to be passed out on the floor, but instead he saw her embracing Spiderman in a hug, much to the annoyance of Spike who was lounging on the small couch.
"Alright, did I miss something? Hey Spike." Alexander said trotting in.
"O-Oh, hello Alex," Fluttershy said immediately hiding behind her mane. "No. N-Nothing was happening."
"They were french kissing!" Spiderman shouted. "Fluttershy gets all the bitches!"
"Hey!" Spike yelled, face flushed from both embarrassment and heat he was keeping down. "I am not!"
"Lawl. Kay, you're not a bitch, bitch." He said.
Spike's eye twitched as a small trial of smoke began to come out from his slowly opening mouth. Fluttershy, seeing the potential conflict bout to erupt, went to his side and and closed his mouth.
"So, Fluttershy, do you have anything for Spiderman to do? Please, tell me you do!" He said putting a hoof to his face.
"O-Oh... S-Should I not say anything then?" She said making Alexander visibly flinch. "S-Sorry..."
"Is there anywhere you think I could take him?" He asked.
"Drugstore? Liquor store?" Spiderman said.
"That doesn't have any medicine or drugs, or booze, or anything he could get high off of." Alexander said giving him a weak glare.
"What about the fair?" Spike suggested. "You could jut give him off to the carnies."
"Spiderman, we're going!" Alexander said immediately. "Lets hope I haven't been kicked out from the last time I was there." He said lighting his horn for a spell.
Disappearing in a flash, they left Spike and Fluttershy alone again. As she looked back at him, she blushed slightly.
"So..." Spike said. "Do you think Alexander actually believes we were kissing?"
"I-I kind of hope so." She mumbled.
"What was that?" Spike asked.
"Nothing!" she squeaked.
Ponyville carnival
Alexander and Spiderman appeared in a flash beside a dunking booth. Immediately the owner put himself between his booth and the blonde alicorn.
"Relax buddy," Alexander said. "M girlfriend isn't trying to kill me right now."
"Just later. Lawl." Spiderman said.
"Lets just wander around and see if we can't find you a job."
"Please, ain't nobody got time for that." Spiderman said waving him off. "I'm just gonna go do something."
"And what, is something, supposed to mean?"
"Lawl. I don't know."
"I should have known."
"Come along, weiner."
He wanted to protest, but kept quiet as he followed the spandex, cape wearing man.
Looking around, Alexander noticed many of the vendors paying little mind towards his companion, rather, they were focused on the majority of children and couples going from stall to stall. Smiling a little at the happy sight, he passed Spiderman who had stopped and was staring to the side.
"The hell?"
Alexander looked back and immediately went to Spiderman's side. Looking at where he was, he saw a shady ice cream vendor giving a small brown colt with a propeller beanie an ice cream, and then when no one was watching, use his magic to nudge the scoop so it fell.
"That asshole." Spiderman said. "I hate Billy because he always got in my drunk bitch traps, but I never did that to him. I only bitch slapped the fuck out'a the little brat."
"Well, come on. It's not our business. I'm sure the authorities will catch him." Alexander said, watching as the colt went back up to the vendor and tried give him another three bits. "Even if he deserves to get punched in the face."
"Yeah, well now it is my business." Spiderman said leaping through the air.
Doing a front flip, he landed next to the brown colt as he was rejected. Standing beside the crying colt, he put his hands on his knees and bent down.
"Why do you shed tears?" Spiderman asked. "Why not gift the world with a smile instead?"
"W-What?" Button Mash said looking up. "W-Who are you?" He sniffed.
"Why are you crying, kid?" Spiderman asked bluntly.
"Because I dropped my ice cream and I'm a bit short." He said looking at the ground.
"What flavor was it?"
"S-Strawberry. Why? What are you gonna do?"
"Watch this kid," Spiderman said. "You'll be laughing your ass off."
Button Mash, watching Spiderman, saw him leap across the small gap and onto the top of the ice cream vendor's stall without a noise. Spiderman, while the stallion was looking the other way, leaned over the edge.
"Psst, buddy." Spiderman whispered.
"What-" the stallion said, not even getting to register shock.
"Surprise mother fucker!" Spiderman yelled punching the stallion out cold with one hit.
Getting down to the ground, he wiped his gloved hands clean and picked up a waffle cone. Bending into the tubs of ice cream, he scooped out two scoops and then sauntered over towards Button Mash who had a hopeful look on his face.
"Here ya go kid, one bitchin' ice cream, served by your friendly neighborhood drug dealer."
"T-Thanks!" Button Mash said taking the ice cream. "Thank you... Who are you?"
"Spiderman." He said before swinging away on nothing.
As Spiderman swung away, he landed in the throng of ponies, more specifically, back next to Alexander. Alex was grinning, Spiderman would have asked why, but he didn't give a fuck.
"Softy." Alex said.
"Dick."
"I bet you are." Alexander said. "So, seeing as how there is no way in existence I can reform you, I'll give you a target."
"So I can take the shot?" Spiderman said reaching into his pocket.
"No." Alexander said. "Listen for once, just go and beat the hell out of criminals. Can you do that?"
"Kay."
"Good, because now I can go home." Alexander said disappearing in a flash.
Celestia's bedroom
Celestia was sitting quietly on her balcony, waiting for her sister to raise the moon. As she saw the flash of her sister's magic from the other balcony, she closed her eyes and missed the flash of light as Alexander teleported in.
Alexander, looking around noticed Celestia on her balcony, not noticing how she was lowering the sun, he quickly approached her and wrapped her in a wing hug. Startled, her magic faltered and suddenly the land was plunged into darkness.
As they both silently sat there, Nightmare was cheering about eternal night inside Alexander's head.
"Alexander," Celestia said. "When Luna raises the moon, you're sleeping in the gardens as a statue."
"...What if I said I reformed Spiderman?"
"You actually reformed him?"
"Yes. He's fighting crime now."
"Good, good, so, what was the hug for?"
"Because I missed you. I've really missed you."
"Did he give you a hard time?" She asked turning around to hug him in the darkness.
"I wanted to kill him every time he spoke." Alexander groaned as the moon finally began to rise. "Finally. It's a bit bright tonight, isn't it?" He said squinting slightly. "But, it does look more... Artistic." He said staring up at it.
"My sister was always the better one at doing the night sky." Celestia said breaking from the hug. "I'll be in bed, you're welcome to join me for completing your task in a day."
"Yeah... Yeah." He said keeping his focus on the white orb in the sky.
As she went inside, he sat there, staring at it. A smile slowly formed on his face, just a small lazy one. And so he sat there, ignoring even Nightmare as she appeared in his vision.
Canterlot archives
Discord rubbed the bridge of his nose with his paw. Putting his avian talon and paw over his mouth, he leaned down on his elbows as he stared at the possible clues he had written down.
"Oh, Alexander," he said staring dejectedly down at the paper. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry this happened to you."
"What happened to Alexander?"
Turning around, he saw Pinkie bouncing in. Blinking momentarily, he cleared his throat and tucked the paper away as she caught a glance of it.
"Nothing Pinkie, nothing happened to him." Discord lied.
"Are you sure? Because he was scarfing down dog treats earlier." She said. "Why are you reading about lickenthropy? What is that?"
"Pinkie, it says lycanthropy. And, indirectly, I think you've just helped condemn Alexander even more." Discord said taking the paper out and scratching a sentence off.
"What's lycanthropy? Is it bad?" She asked pulling a chair up.
"Yes, it's horrible." Discord said. "Lets say if you got it, slowly your body would change. Become something else entirely at one point. Once the changes finished, every full moon you turn into a blood thirsty creature, with no other objective than to feed and kill."
"Is there a cure?" She asked glancing at the book.
"Yes. But it needs to be administered before the first full moon. And, if you were to contract it, say, four days before the full moon, the process would be sped up dramatically." He said. "Speaking of which, when is the next full moon? I forgot to ask Luna."
"... Four days." Pinkie said.
"You're kidding me?" He said staring wide-eyed at her.
"No. And, isn't it also Luna's birthday?"
"Oh, I don't know what I should be more afraid of. The fact my step-sister's coltfriend could be a lycan, or that I forgot my wife's birthday." He said laying his head on the table.
"Well, we don't know if he is a lycan." Pinkie said. "Shouldn't we run some tests? Like," she took the paper from him. "We could sell silver cups and have one fake one to see which one he grabs. Or, sell biscuits and have half of them be dog biscuits on a separate cookie sheet. Besides, we have plenty of time for you to make a plan." She said giving him a hug.
"You're right, thanks Pinkie." He said returning the hug. "Will you help me?" He asked.
"Of course! If my new friend is in trouble, of course I'll help!" She said.
"Thanks Pinkie, I can always count on you."
"I know, Discord."
Ponyville town hall
A lone figure stood on top of the dome, overlooking the town, he kept watch as the residents slept peacefully.
"Do not fear citizens, for I am the hero you need, the hero you deserve," the caped crusader said. "I am the night. I. Am. Spiderman." |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | pre | "Well, Pinkie, I do hope you realize that it wasn't right for you to read through that scrapbook without Cranky's permission," Twilight said seriously "Invading someone else's privacy is wrong."
"I know that, Twilight," Pinkie Pie said glumly "And I'm ashamed of myself for it. I wanted to ask him, I really did, but my curiosity got the best of me."
"I'll say," Rainbow Dash commented "No offense, Pinkie, but what you did was pretty rude. I hope you realize that."
"Rainbow!" Twilight scolded "That's not going to make Pinkie Pie feel any better."
"No, no, Twilight," Pinkie Pie replied "Rainbow Dash is right, I'm in the wrong and I should feel bad for what I did."
"I know this is hard for you, Pinkie, seeing that you're friends with everypony, but you just have to accept that Cranky is gonna be an exception," Twilight said kindly "You can't make everypony your friend, no matter how hard you try. Sometimes, you can try your hardest, and you still won't be friends. It happened with Chancellor Puddinghead and Smart Cookie. Even years after Equestria was founded, they never really became friends. They accepted each other's differences and still wrote to each other from time to time, but even by the time they passed on they weren't friends."
"I'm aware of that, and I've accepted the fact that I can't force Cranky to become my friend," Pinkie Pie told Twilight "But I really want to help him find that special friend he's been searching for all his life. I know I've seen that one photo before somewhere, but for the life of me I can't figure out where."
"I wish I could help you, Pinkie," Twilight said unhappily, frowning a bit "But I wasn't there, and I don't know everypony the way you do. You know everypony in town on a level that I don't, in a way that's specific to you. You're going to have to figure this one out on your own, I'm sorry."
"Same here," Rainbow Dash added "I don't even really know half the ponies in this town, let alone what sort of photos they keep. Otherwise, I'd gladly help."
"Well, thanks anyways, girls," Pinkie Pie said sincerely "I'll just have to figure this puzzle out on my own. See you at Cheerilee's birthday party tonight."
"Goodbye, Pinkie. And best of luck on your search." Twilight called.
"So much for Twilight being able to help me," Pinkie Pie thought unhappily to herself, as she trotted away from the Golden Oaks Library "Come on, Pinkie. Think, think, think! Where have I seen that photo before?" Then, suddenly, it hit her "Of course! Why didn't I think of it before?! I know just what to do, I can only hope she is indeed who Cranky's been looking for."
It been had a few hours since Cranky had heard from Pinkie Pie. By now, he was starting to feel a bit guilty. True, he had a right to be mad with her for snooping through his personal belongings without his permission, but he hadn't intended to lash out so harshly at her. He could well remember that when he was a young jack, he'd caused his fair share of problems without intending to. "I hope the kid didn't take it too hard," he thought to himself "I guess my temper hasn't really improved since my more energetic days."
Just then, there was a knock at his front door. "Who is it?" Cranky called, as he adjusted his toupee a bit. He was actually growing to like it quite a bit, it made him feel young again.
"Cranky, it's me," Pinkie Pie called from the other side of the door "I understand that you don't want me as a friend, and I'm sorry I invaded your privacy the way I did. But I just wanted to say 'I really am sorry', and I brought you something to at least try to make up for my behavior earlier today."
"Kid, I'm sure you're sorry, but I'm still pretty mad with you for all the trouble you've caused me today," Cranky replied, trying his best not to sound too angry "Right now, I don't really feel like accepting your apology. So please leave me alone."
"Goodness, you really are cranky." a muffled female voice said from the other side of the door.
"It can't be," Cranky thought outloud, as he unlocked the door. But sure enough, when he had done so, standing in front of him was a mule he'd thought for sure he'd never see again "Is it really you?" he asked.
"It can, and it is. How I've longed to see you again!" the mule said cheerfully.
"Matilda!" Cranky gasped, as he rushed forward and gave the old mule the biggest hug his body could manage "But how?" he asked.
Matilda smiled "Pinkie." she replied, causing Pinkie Pie to squeek with delight.
"But... I never even told you about her!" Cranky exclaimed.
"You didn't have to. I put two and two and two together and it added up to Matilda," Pinkie Pie said, holding out six hooves as she showed how she'd reached such a conclusion. "Remember when you were talking about your souvenirs, you said something about trying to find a special friend! And y'know, I wasn't just born yesterday. Nuh-uh! My birthday isn't for another seventy five days, I've made sure to remember it after what happened last time!"
"Huh?" Cranky asked.
"You don't wanna know, from what I've heard she went a bit crazier than usual." Matilda told Cranky.
Pinkie Pie went on explaining "And then, in your scrapbook, there was a flower, an old ticket, and a menu from the Grand Galloping Gala! And I knew I recognized all these things. It took me some time, but I managed to figure why."
"But how could you have ever seen them before?" Cranky asked Pinkie Pie "Not just anyone can get invited to the Grand Galloping Gala."
"Because I also have those things in my scrapbook." Matilda explained.
"And I'd seen them in Matilda's book!" Pinkie Pie said eagerly "And that's when I knew Matilda had to be the special friend you were looking for. What I don't understand is, how did you two get seperated in the first place? You attended the same gala, in the same year, at the same location. And I know for a fact that if I met a friend there, I'd make sure to keep in touch with them as best I could."
"I don't know, Pinkie," Matilda replied "The day after the gala, I left a note in my room for Cranky, informing him that I was moving to Ponyville."
"A note? I never found any sort of note," Cranky admitted "I searched everywhere I possibly could, but I found nothing. I went from town to town to town, searching all over Equestria for you. Until finally, I gave up. I came here to Ponyville to retire from my search, I figured there was no point wasting the rest of my years searching for you. If only I'd know sonner, I would've moved here in a heartbeat!"
"I always hoped that some day you would come and find me... Doodle. And now you have." Matilda said happily.
"Uh. Matilda? No one calls him Doodle." Pinkie Pie whispered nervously.
"No one... but Matilda," Cranky replied, and he and Matilda shared a passionate kiss. When the kiss had finished he turned to Pinkie Pie and gave her what she had wanted to see from the very beginning, a great big smile "Thank you so much for reuniting me with Matilda, Pinkie," he said happily "You've got such a good memory. Just how do you know so much about everyone?"
"It's like I told Matilda," Pinkie Pie said eagerly "Everyone's my friend, and I love to see my friends smile! In fact, I just finished a song about it!"
"Oh, you have?" Matilda asked, to which Pinkie Pie nodded "Then let's hear it, I've been looking forward to it ever since you said you were working on it."
"Okay, here goes!" Pinkie Pie said cheerfully, and she began to sing:
(Smile Song)
"So, does this mean that you accept my apology?" Pinkie Pie asked Cranky, once the song had ended.
"Yes, Pinkie, I accept your apology," Cranky replied "We're eternally grateful to you. But... Matilda and I just want to spend some time together in peace and quiet. Especially after a day like today."
"Alright, peace and quiet works for me," Pinkie Pie agreed with a nod "I know it's too soon for us to become friends after what I did, but do you think, in time we might be able to become friends?"
"We'll see," Cranky told Pinkie Pie "For now, Matilda and I have some catching up to do."
"That's fine, you two deserve each other, and I hope you'll both be happy together," Pinkie Pie said cheerfully "But, if you think you're up for it, feel free to come to Cheerilee's birthday party tonight. The whole town's going to be there."
Cranky looked at Matilda, as if he were unsure about what to say. Matilda answered for him "We may swing by for a piece of cake really quick."
"Okay then, hope I'll see you two around." Pinkie Pie said, and cheerfully bounced away humming the tune she had sung earlier. As she did so, a thought came to her mind "I think I learned something today about friendship," she thought to herself "Sometimes, you can try your hardest, but you won't always be able to make a new friend. But that's okay, what matters is that you try your hardest, and do your best to be nice to everyone. It's also important to realize that friends respect the privacy of other friends. Invading somepony else's privacy is wrong, and very rude. But the most important thing about friendship, is that you can't put a price on it, and yet it is worth more than anything else in the whole wide world of Equestria, maybe even beyond." |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S3 E8: Apple Family Reunion (What If?) (Bonus Chapter) | Inside the barn of Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was helping Granny Smith sort through some boxes. Said boxes were old, and very dusty. They had been stored away up in the loft, and had not been touched for a very long time.
At last, Applejack found the box she'd been looking for. It contained all of the Apple family's prized heirlooms. "Ha! Found 'em!" she declared to Granny Smith, as she tossed the box onto the ground.
Some of the dust found its way into Granny Smith's nose, causing her to let out a rather audiable "Aaa-choooo!"
"Gesundheit," Applejack said with a slight chuckle, then her voice changed tone to one of concern "You've been sneezin' an awful lot lately, Granny. Maybe ya oughta rest for a while, and leave everythin' to me."
"Ah, I'm fine, Applejack," Granny Smith replied "It's just all these old dusty objects, it's enough to make anypony sneeze. I'll be fine by the time of the reunion. Still can't believe it's been almost two years since our last family reunion. Aw, I remember it like it was yesterday."
"Well, you have been talkin' about it pretty much every day since then," Applejack commented "And goodness knows how much you enjoy these reunions."
"Yeah, it seems like every reunion a fond new memory joins the collection," Granny Smith replied, then she turned to Apple Bloom and asked "Apple Bloom! How them RSVPs comin' along? I wanna know just who's gonna be showin' their muzzle at this reunion, so I can start plannin'."
"Just about everypony!" Apple Bloom exclaimed eagerly "I'm gettin' letters from all over Equestria, I'm surprised the mail box can handle them all!"
"Everypony?" Granny Smith asked nervously, and whispered to Applejack "Feathers on a goat. We're gonna need a bigger cider trough."
"You sure about that, Apple Bloom?" Applejack asked "It's possible you could've mistaken some of the other mail for RSVPs, I know I have."
"Oh, I know for a fact I haven't made a mistake," Apple Bloom boasted "I've got RSVPs from Apples from Yonder Hill, Hollow Shades, Galloping Gorge, Foal Mountain, Fillydelphia, Tall Tale Town, and all the Apples from Appleloosa!"
"Well, I'll be," Granny Smith commented "I knew things had been lookin' up for that town ever since the peace treaty with the buffalo, but I didn't think it'd become such a huge town in such a short amount of time. Took years for Ponyville to have a population even close to a portion of Canterlot."
"Oh! And how could I forget?" Apple Bloom remarked "I've got RVSPs from Manehattan, includin' Babs Seed! I'm gonna get to see my favorite cousin!" And she carelessly knocked the letters aside, as she pranced happily around the barn.
"Sounds to me like we've really got our hooves full," Applejack said to Granny Smith "I'm probably gonna need my friends help to get everythin' ready in time. How 'bout you, Granny?"
But Granny Smith didn't reply, she had fainted.
"Granny Smith?" Applejack asked in a worried tone of voice, there was no reply. Quickly taking charge of the situation, Applejack rushed to Granny Smith's side, and helped her up "Come on, Granny Smith! Up and at 'em!" Applejack said seriously, groaning under the weight. Then, she shouted to Apple Bloom "Tell Big Macintosh to run into town and fetch Doctor Muffin Top!"
"On it!" Apple Bloom replied, and raced out of the barn as fast as her legs could carry her.
"Just hang on, Granny Smith," Applejack thought to herself, as she escorted Granny Smith inside the house "You're not going to miss out on this reunion, not if I can help it!"
Big Macintosh had already departed by the time Applejack managed to get Granny Smith upstairs, and into her bed. Fortunately, by this point, Granny Smith had regained consciousness (though she was still a bit dazed).
Doctor Muffin Top arrived shortly afterward, and instructed Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Macintosh to wait outside while he examined Granny Smith. "Patient privacy is always a priority, even for house calls," he explained "I shouldn't be long." And indeed he wasn't, it only took a few minutes for him to come back out of Granny Smith's bedroom. But for the Apple siblings, those few minutes had seemed to stretch on forever.
"Well, Doc? Is Granny gonna be okay?" Big Macintosh asked.
"She'll be fine," Doctor Muffin Top reassured the three "But I'd recommend she gets plenty of bed rest for the next few days, and stay away from anything really stressful, like planning a family reunion."
"Granny Smith's not gonna be too happy about that." Apple Bloom said nervously.
"But it has to be done if we want her to get better," Big Macintosh said seriously "Thanks for comin' on such short notice, Doc. We really appreciate it."
"Think nothing of it, I'm always happy to help." Doctor Muffin Top replied.
"I thought your speciality was in baby ponies?" Applejack asked.
"Just because I specialize in baby ponies doesn't mean I don't know anything about taking care of ponies in any other age groups. There are some things that all doctors are required to know, regardless of what they specialize in," Doctor Muffin Top explained "Now, I'd better get back to the hospital before anypony starts wondering why I've been gone. I just hope Nurse Redheart doesn't chew me out for this."
"We'll send you the bill by the end of the week, we promise." Big Macintosh declared.
"Nonsense, this little house call won't cost you anything." Doctor Muffin Top replied, and with that he departed.
"So, who's gonna tell Granny Smith the bad news?" Apple Bloom asked nervously "She's not gonna like it when she finds out."
Big Macintosh pointed a hoof to Applejack "You're the best pony for the job." he told her.
"What?! Why me?" Applejack exclaimed.
"Granny Smith's always been fond of you," Big Macintosh explained "Sure, she loves all of us just the same, but I can tell she likes you the most. Plus, somepony's gonna have to take over plannin' the reunion now that she's bedridden, and I'd say it might as well be you."
"Me?! In charge of an entire family reunion? I couldn't," Applejack insisted "I'm not so good at the whole plannin' thing, Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie have always been the big schemers in my group. I usually just offer my two bits when necessary."
"But you were the one who came up with the whole plan to get Rarity and Sweetie Belle to bond as sisters," Apple Bloom replied "Not just anypony could've done that."
"You were in on it as well, Apple Bloom," Applejack protested "And we all worked together durin' that cider makin' contest."
"Eeyup, but you were also the one who let your friends join in to help us," Big Macintosh told Applejack "And it was your idea to let Babs Seed come down to Ponyville for the Summer Harvest Parade."
"And you all know how well that turned out, I had no idea Babs was bullyin' my little sister," Applejack said glumly "Sure, I helped put things right, but only after Apple Bloom and her friends told me what was goin' on. I should've noticed sooner that was somethin' was wrong."
"Look, you're not perfect, so stop pretendin' that you should be!" Apple Bloom said angrily, stomping a hoof on the ground "You've made some honest mistakes in the past, but when it matters most you've always come up with just the right plan to solve things. Besides, if you were able to come up with a way to earn money after you failed to win any events at the Dodge Junction rodeo, I'd say you're more than capable of plannin' an Apple Family Reunion!"
"Good, then it's settled!" Big Macintosh insisted, poor Applejack wished it wasn't.
Reluctantly, Applejack placed her right forehoof on Granny Smith's bedroom door, and knocked.
"Come in." Granny Smith called, coughing slightly.
Slowly turning the doorknob, Applejack trotted into the room. Granny Smith's bedroom was almost exactly the same as Applejack and Apple Bloom's bedrooms, except her bed had green bedsheets with red apples printed on them, and her bed rested on the side of the room opposite of the window.
"So, what did the doctor tell you?" Granny Smith asked Applejack "Don't try to sugarcoat it, tell it to me straight."
Applejack gulped "Are you sure? I don't think you're gonna like what he recommended."
"Whatever it is, I can handle it. I want to know the truth," Granny Smith demanded "Now tell me."
Applejack froze for a moment, and took a deep breath, before she reluctantly said "Doctor Muffin Top says you should be fine, but it's best if you just stay in bed for a couple of days, and stay away from any kind of plannin' of the reunion."
Applejack expected Granny Smith to be upset, probably even furious. But to her surprise, Granny Smith simply said in a flat tone "Oh, is that all?" to which Applejack reluctantly nodded. Granny Smith sighed "I should've figured. Looks like the family's grown tenfold since the last reunion! I'd have to be busier than a worm in a rotten tomater to get everythin' ready! And I'm a little rustier in the giddy-up since the last time the Apples all got together like this."
Applejack couldn't help but chuckle a bit when Granny Smith briefly rearranged her face to look more her appearance in the prime of her youth. "You may be a tad bit old, Granny, but you're as feisty and full of spark as ever." she said with a smile, before she gasped upon realizing what she'd just said.
"Just because I'm old doesn't mean I can't take care of myself! I've still got plently of energy left in these old bones!" Granny Smith snorted "And I'll be darned if I let this reunion go to waste just because I'm not as fast or energetic as I used to be! There's goin' to be a reunion, one way or another! I'll make sure of that!"
"Actually, that's kind of what I wanted to talk to you about," Applejack said nervously "Why don't you let me take over puttin' the reunion together this time 'round? Then all you need to worry about is enjoyin' yourself."
"You sure about that, Applejack?" Granny Smith asked "Plannin' a reunion is no easy task, it's probably even harder than Applebuck Season. I should know, I've been in charge of organizin' every major reunion since we first planted roots here in Ponyville. Heck, I've got the quilt to prove it."
"A quilt?" Applejack asked Granny Smith.
"You betcha!" Granny Smith said eagerly "I don't think we're ever gonna finish that doggone thing!"
"You've really been workin' on the same quilt since the first reunion?" Applejack asked.
Granny Smith nodded "Yes indeedy, and I have so many memories of workin' on that quilt. Heck, I remember when we started sewin' it at the first reunion, I couldn't do it properly. Nopony told me you actually had to knot the end of the thread!"
Applejack was surprised to hear such a thing, considering how good Granny Smith was at sewing nowadays. "Guess we all have to begin somewhere," Applejack thought to herself "I remember when I first started learning how to apple buck, I couldn't get it right no matter how hard I tried. That is, until Pa showed me how to do it, and encouraged me to keep on trying."
"That ain't the only memory I made at them reunions," Granny Smith spoke up, as she pulled out a photo album from under her bed and opened it to a page she had bookmarked "I remember how your folks and I learned you had the appetite of a full-grown stallion, when you were just a little foal no less." And in her mind, that memory began to play like an old movie.
One of the most popular treats at any Apple Family Reunion, were the apple fritters. They had a tendency to fly off the plates in a matter of seconds, once they had cooled off that is.
Half Baked Apple was about to learn the hard way, why apple fritters couldn't just be devoured as soon as you had them on your plate. Licking his lips greedily, he bit into one of the fritters he had so generously helped himself to. But in doing so, he felt the hot fritter burn his tongue. "Ooo, hot hot hot!" he exclaimed, as he dashed towards a nearby tub of cider to wash the fritter down his throat.
Meanwhile, Apple Split was hoping to grab an apple fritter for himself, but was surprised to discover that every last fritter had somehow disappeared. "Hey, where did all them apple fritters go?" he asked. As if to answer his question, there came a series of munches followed by a loud belch. Bending down beneath the table, Apple Split saw a foal with the most impressive coat of orange he'd ever seen. Her blonde mane and tail had been loosely styled, and her face was covered in smudges from the apple fritters she'd just eaten. "Who are you, little one?" Apple Split asked the tiny thief.
"I'm Applejack," the foal replied, behind the most adorable pair of green eyes, before it innocently asked "More apple fwitter?"
Granny Smith chuckled "In all my years, I'd never seen anypony eat that many apple fritters in one sitting, and still be hungry for more. And your appetite only got bigger as you grew, and started working."
"That was the one thing about Manehattan life I could never get used to," Applejack commented "At least for the sophisticated ponies like the Oranges. Hope they're still not mad at me for leavin' them to come back and live here."
"Ah shucks, Applejack, they knew you meant no disrespect," Granny Smith commented "City life just wasn't workin' out for you, and in their hearts they knew they couldn't replace your folks. Considerin' the fact that they're comin' to this reunion, I'd say they've more than forgiven you by this point."
"I hope you're right, Granny Smith," Applejack said seriously "You sure have some great memories of these reunions, don'tcha?"
"Indeedy I do," Granny Smith commented "I'm especially lookin' forward to seein' Apple Rose again. You know how Babs is Apple Bloom's favorite cousin, and Braeburn is yours?"
"Now, I wouldn't go calling him my 'favorite' cousin," Applejack replied "He's a fine relative, but I think he fools around a bit too much for his own good. One of these days, I just know he's gonna hurt himself."
"Braeburn just likes to live life to the fullest, he's a free spirit," Granny Smith told Applejack "Kind of like Apple Rose. Didn't seem like a day went by without bein' able to find a smile on her face. We did everythin' at those reunions, includin' the seven legged races, those were Apple Rose's favorites. Unfortunately, we never won a single one."
"Mighty sorry to hear that, Granny," Applejack commented "Maybe this will be the year that you finally break that streak."
"Nah, Apple Rose and I gave on tryin' to win those races years ago," Granny Smith replied "There were other fun things for us to do. I'm really lookin' forward to makin' more memories at this here reunion. Oh, I'm sure everypony is, and I do mean everypony! We got the whole family together this time 'round! Who knows if they'll all be able to make the next one?"
That prompted Applejack to look out the window of Granny Smith's bedroom, and as she did so, two shooting stars passed overhead. Most ponies would've shrugged it off as a random occurance, but to Applejack they held a very powerful emotional connection. They reminded her of her parents, and how much she missed them (though she tried her best to pretend their passing hadn't affected her as badly as it did). "That's true! Busy as everypony's lives are gettin' these days, chances are pretty slim we'll be this lucky next time 'round," she said to Granny Smith "Plus, some ponies might not be able to attend by the time the next reunion comes. This may be the last chance we'll have in a long time to see some old faces. Don't worry, Granny, I'm gonna make sure this is the most memorable reunion we've ever had! I swear to Celestia on that!"
"Alright, young'un, you got yourself a deal. You are in charge." Granny Smith told Applejack.
"Yee-haw!" Applejack cheered "I won't let you down, Granny. You just tell me what the reunion needs, and I'll take care of the rest."
Applejack was as good as her word, the very next day she was up by the time the rooster had crowed. Then, after a quick breakfast, the three Apple siblings set to work on preparing for the reunion. There was a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time.
The first thing that needed to be done, was to harvest all the apples from the tree (Applebuck Season wouldn't start until after the reunion, but it was better to harvest the apples rather than risk them being knocked loose during the reunion). Applejack, Big Macintosh, and even Apple Bloom took turns running through the orchard, bucking the trees with a few good kicks. The apples fell into the buckets placed beneath the trees, and the buckets were then taken into the barn for safe storage. Some of them would be used for cider and other treats, but most of them would be stored away until the reunion was over.
Then, while Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom went to gather some firewood, Applejack went into town to pick up supplies for the reunion's various activities. She stopped at Carousel Boutique to pick up sewing materials for the quilt, and some rolls of fabric to use for the banners. Rarity was more than willing to part with some of her less used fabrics, and even added a bow to one of them as the fabrics were loaded into a wagon.
Applejack then stopped at Sugarcube Corner to gather sugar and flour, which would be needed for the apple fritters. Pinkie Pie also provided Applejack with some honey, and some glitter.
After that, Applejack visited The Golden Oaks Library to pick up a few things required for the seven legged race, and also asked Spike to come over later to help her out with something.
Upon returning to Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack enlisted Rainbow Dash's help to fill up a row of buckets with rain water. Applejack ended up getting caught in the downpour, but she didn't mind, she just shook herself like a dog when the rain had stopped. Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash had forgotten that the cloud she'd borrowed contained more than just rain. She whistled nervously, and pretended not to notice when Applejack was struck by a bolt of lightning.
Finally, after Big Macintosh had gathered all of the firewood, Applejack used Spike to ignite the logs and boil the water inside the cauldrons placed over the firewood. At last, everything was ready.
Applejack stayed up planning late into the night, she was determined to make this reunion memorable, especially since there was a chance it would be Granny Smith's last reunion. "She ain't gonna be around forever, so who knows if she'll make it to the next reunion?" Applejack thought to herself "I've got to make sure she really enjoys this reunion, because I might not get another chance to impress her!"
Just then, Applejack's thoughts were interrupted by the familiar creeking of her bedroom door. A sleepy-eyed Apple Bloom stumbled in. Putting on the best smile she could, Applejack asked "Apple Bloom! What are you doin' up? You're suppose to be in bed."
"Funny, I could say the same thing about you," Apple Bloom said sleepily "For some reason, I can't sleep. What's your story?"
"My gears are turnin' in my head about this here reunion!" Applejack replied, nervously pacing back and forth "It's a lot harder to organize than I thought. I can't stop thinkin' about it!"
"Yeah," Apple Bloom yawned, climbing into Applejack's bed "I can't wait to see my cousin Babs again. We're gonna do so many fun things together, I just know it."
"Fun? That's just the beginnin' of it!" Applejack replied "Granny Smith hoofed me the reins of this reunion, and I'm gonna make the most of it. I owe it to her, and to Ma and Pa, to give one hundred percent. Apple Bloom, I've got so many fun things planned you won't even have a minute's rest!" However, those words had no sooner escaped Applejack's mouth, when she heard a loud snore. Apple Bloom had fallen asleep in Applejack's bed.
Rather than wake her little sister, Applejack simply pulled the covers up to Apple Bloom's head, softly tucking her in. "Trust me, little sis. This reunion I'm puttin' together is gonna be worth the wait," she whispered "I gurantee it."
The days leading up to the reunion passed quickly, both for Applejack, and for Granny Smith. It still frustrated her to no end that she wasn't able to do anything besides stay in bed and rest. But orders were orders, and Granny Smith was not about to defy them. "Besides," she thought "I've been runnin' these here reunions for years, it's time I finally let Applejack take charge. Even if she decides her future lies beyond Sweet Apple Acres, she's gonna have to learn how to organize and plan things on a big scale."
But as the days passed, Granny Smith started to grow worried. She had expected Applejack to be confused and unsure about some things, Granny Smith remembered that the first reunion she'd planned didn't go off without a hitch. But Applejack didn't seem to have any trouble at all, she never once came to ask Granny Smith for advice.
At first, Granny Smith didn't mind, she was proud of the fact that Applejack was taking charge all on her own. "I'm not gonna be around forever, and neither will my advice. Applejack needs to learn how to solve things on her own."
However, as the reunion drew closer and closer, Granny Smith started to hear complaints. Big Macintosh was surprisingly the one who was speaking up most often "Applejack's got a whole bunch of sewin' machines rigged up to help you finish that quilt you've never been able to finish," he complained one day "And she's tryin' to turn the apple fritter makin' into a factory production line."
Another day, Big Macintosh told Granny Smith "Now Applejack's tryin' to add onto the seven legged race. She's moved the finish line, and added a whole bunch of new challenges to turn the race into an obstacle course."
"Oh, come now," Granny Smith replied "It can't be that bad, can it?"
"I wish I was jokin', Granny Smith, but I'm not," Big Macintosh said glumly "The seven legged race now goes all the way through the east orchard, then the participants have to bob for apples, run around the trees fifty times, jump through a bunch of wooden hurdles, and balance plates on their heads while sayin' 'Pappy pony picked a pluck of prickly pluffnuggets' in that order. And the whole thing goes until there's only one pony left standin'!"
"Goodness sakes!" Granny Smith exclaimed "It's like she thinks she's hostin' a game show or somethin'!"
"Which is why you've got to talk some sense into her before it's too late!" Big Macintosh pleaded "I hate to say it, but she's gone completely overboard! If this keeps up, the whole reunion is goin' to be a disaster!"
But Granny Smith didn't do anything. She didn't want to believe that Applejack could lose sight of what made the reunion so important. "Applejack's done some pretty silly things in the past, but she's always seen sense before too long," Granny Smith thought to herself "I'm sure this will all blow over by the time the reunion is upon us."
Unfortunately, the complaints did not stop. In fact, they only increased as the reunion drew closer. Eventually, Big Macintosh wasn't the only one who had something to say about the way Applejack was running things.
The day before the reunion, Apple Bloom came bursting into Granny Smith's bedroom as if she'd just seen a ghost. "Applejack's really gone off the deep end this time!" she exclaimed "I don't know what's gotten into her, but I don't like it! Not one little bit!"
"Now calm down, sugarcube," Granny Smith said in a soothing voice "Just what is it that's got your goat?"
"Applejack's goin' to turn the relaxin' hayride around the farm into 'somethin' just a wee bit more excitin'.' as she puts it!" Apple Bloom complained "And with all the activities she's got planned, I don't think I'm gonna have even a minute to just hang out with Babs! I get that my big sis wants this to be like a super-awesome reunion, but this is just ridiculous!"
"Why would she do that?" Granny Smith asked "The hayride's always meant to be slow and relaxin', so we can have time to unwind after all the fun activites."
"It gets worse," Apple Bloom said nervously "She's plannin' to send the hayride through a different part of the farm."
"Let me guess, the west orchard?" Granny Smith asked reluctantly.
Apple Bloom nodded "Eeyup," she said, borrowing her big brother's catch phrase "She says it'll be just the thing to make this reunion the best reunion we've ever had!"
"What?! I was jokin'! Why, we haven't tended those fields since all the trees went and got filled up with..." Granny Smith gulped "Fruit bats. They're very beautiful, but they're attracted to all kinds of fruit. Goin' through that part of the orchard would be a disaster!"
"Granny Smith, I know the doctor said you need to rest, but I think it's best for everypony if you take over plannin' the reunion from here on," Apple Bloom pleaded "Otherwise, I'm gonna lock myself in my room and not come out until the reunion's over! I feel sorry for cousin Babs, and cousin Braeburn, and all my other cousins, they have no idea what's gonna be in store for them at this reunion."
"What about Big Macintosh?" Granny Smith asked Apple Bloom.
"He's been tryin' to convince Applejack to let him take charge of the reunion, but she won't listen to him," Apple Bloom explained "He's thinkin' of headin' into town tonight and not comin' back til the reunion's over. You're the only one left that stands any chance of savin' this reunion! Please, you've got to take charge, or else nopony's gonna have any fond memories of this reunion!"
Granny Smith was silent for a few moments, as she pondered and pondered about what to do. Doctor Muffin Top had specifically warned her stay away from anything as stressful as planning a family reunion, he had even told her that doing so could make her really sick. But if Applejack truly had lost sight of why the reunion was important, and was obessed with trying to make it the best by changing up everything that had been done in previous reunions, something would need to be done.
At last, Granny Smith came to a conclusion. "Apple Bloom," she said seriously "Tell Applejack that I want to see her, now!"
"Right away, Granny Smith!" Apple Bloom replied, and raced out of Granny Smith's bedroom as quickly as she had entered.
Granny Smith sighed, and mentally prepared herself for what she was about to do. "I can't believe it's come to this," she thought to herself "May Celestia give me strength!"
Applejack was quite surprised when she was informed that Granny Smith wanted to speak to her. She had just finished making sure everything was set for the reunion the next day, HER reunion.
"Wonder what's so important that Granny Smith couldn't wait to tell me about it tonight?" Applejack thought to herself, as she made her way upstairs "In just under 24 hours from now, the Apple family is gonna have a reunion the likes of which it's never had before, and it'll all be thanks to me! If only Ma and Pa were still around to see it."
Applejack didn't need to knock, the door to Granny Smith's bedroom was open, and she happily trotted in without fanfare. "Hey there, Granny Smith, how's it goin'?" Applejack asked "I hope you're gettin' plenty of rest, 'cause tomorrow is the big day!"
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Applejack," Granny Smith said seriously "I've been hearin' some 'stories' from your brother and your sister about what you're plannin' to do to the reunion."
"Now, Granny, you know you can't always believe everythin' you hear." Applejack cautioned.
"Then tell me it's not true!" Granny Smith pleaded "Tell me that you're not turnin' the seven legged race into an obstacle course with all these ridiculous extra challenges! Tell me that you haven't traded in the old rockin' chairs for sewin' machines so I can finish that quilt I've never finished! Tell me that you're not tryin' to speed up the apple fritter makin' process! And tell me that you're not turnin' the relaxin' hayride into an excitin' adventure through the west orchard!"
Applejack chuckled "It's all true, Granny Smith. But what's so wrong about changin' things up a bit for the sake of creatin' new memories?" Applejack asked "If that encounter with the Flim Flam brothers taught me anythin', it's that sometimes things have to change. Everythin' I'm doin', is for the sake of creatin' the perfect family reunion! One we'll be talkin' about for years and years to come!"
Granny Smith frowned, everything that Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom had told her was true. "You've completely lost sight of what's important about the reunion, Applejack!" she scolded.
"How have I?! I've created a reunion that's sure to create lastin' memories!" Applejack insisted.
"Not when you're not goin' to give anypony a chance to make them!" Granny Smith said angrily "The whole point of the reunion is for us Apples to get together and spend time with each other, it's not about the activities we do!"
"And yet every memory you mentioned happened as a direct result of one of those activities!" Applejack replied "This could very well be your last reunion, Granny Smith. Don't want you to be able to finally finish that quilt you've been workin' on?"
"I don't think I'm ever gonna finish that quilt, Applejack," Granny Smith said seriously "The intent isn't to finish it, the intent is simply to spend time with my cousins, addin' new patches each time we meet. And when we can no longer do it, other family members can pick up where we left off and add to it. The quilt is never supposed to end."
"Even if that's true, my new seven legged race is way more excitin' than just racin' from the startin' line to the finish line," Applejack protested "Everypony gets a chance to win, or at least finish one part of the race. And that hayride is goin' to be so enjoyable that everypony's goin' to like it! The west orchard is so beautiful, and it'll give everypony a chance to see actual live fruit bats."
"But don't you see the problem?" Granny Smith complained "These are all activities that you've set up, and you're goin' to be in charge of all of them. And because of that, Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom are actually thinkin' of not attendin' the reunion. In your determination to create some lastin' memories, especially for yourself, you've lost sight of how they occur, and why we have this reunion. Did you even remember the photo in front of the barn, so we can see how much our family's grown since the last reunion?"
Applejack gulped "No, I completely forgot," then it hit her "And I don't have any room in my schedule to fit it in. Oh, Granny, how could I forget about the most important thing of the entire reunion? I'm such a fool!"
"Oh, it's alright, child," Granny Smith reassured Applejack (who was beginning to cry) "We all make mistakes."
"But here you let me be in charge of creatin' great memories, and the only thing anypony's gonna remember about this reunion... is that it was the worst one we've ever had," Applejack said sadly "I let you down. I just wanted to create a reunion for you to remember, since you might not be around for the next one. You ain't gonna be around forever."
"Don't you worry about that, Applejack," Granny Smith said in a motherly tone of voice "Worry about the present, not the past or the future. Besides, there's still plenty of time to make good memories! You've just got to give everypony a chance to actually make 'em."
"I feel like such a fool, I should've known about that from the start," Applejack said, as she wiped the tears from her eyes "I suppose I can try to change things back to how they were. I'll give Rarity her sewin' machines back, return the extra plates to Twilight and Pinkie Pie, and tell Fluttershy that she doesn't need to worry about tryin' to coax the fruit bats into comin' out. It's just too bad we don't have the original barn anymore." (Applejack was remembering the parasprite infestation from shortly after Twilight had moved to Ponyville, during the parasprite's brief rampage of destruction, they had demolished the barn of Sweet Apple Acres and it had to be rebuilt from scratch).
Granny Smith chuckled "Oh, the original barn's been gone for a long time, Applejack," she said, a grin forming on her face "The original barn was destroyed in a bad storm long before you were ever born. And by the time you were old enough to start applebuckin', the barn had been rebuilt at least five times. One time it was even my fault, I was experimentin' with Zap Apple Jam and got a little too careless. I started a chain reaction that ended up blowin' the barn to bits, and I had to spend weeks covered in bandages."
"You never told me about that, Granny Smith." Applejack realized.
"Oh, there's a lot of memories from my youthful days that I haven't told you about, and some of them I probably never will," Granny Smith replied "But I remember one tradition that started durin' our second family reunion, when we had to rebuild the barn so we could take the family photo in front of it. Ever since that reunion, we've always had a special little dance just before the photo."
"How does it work?" Applejack asked.
Granny Smith smiled "I'll teach it to you as best I can. It goes something like this."
That evening, Applejack was busy writing a letter to Princess Celestia. The letter read as follows:
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today I learned a great lesson about family, which, if you think about it, is really the first group of friends you ever make. Turns out that when you're with folks you care about, you don't have to do much to make that time memorable. Even the simplest of activities can take on a whole lotta meanin'! And you'll find that you'll remember the "who" long after you've forgotten the "what".
Your humble subject,
Applejack
After traveling to the Golden Oaks Library, so Spike could send the letter to Princess Celestia, Applejack returned home to Sweet Apple Acres. As she did so, she looked up at the night sky, and saw two shooting stars pass overhead.
"Ma, Pa, I sure do miss ya," Applejack thought to herself "I just hope that, wherever you are now, you're happy. And that you're watching over me." And after taking a moment to wipe a lone tear from her eye, Applejack trotted up to her bedroom and fell asleep at once. Tomorrow was going to be a wonderful day. |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S4 E6: Power Ponies (What If?) | Spike was not normally one to panic when things started going wrong. It was kind of expected of him to be the voice of reason whenever Twilight went off the deep end and started having one of her fits of obessiveness.
However, under the current circumstances, panicking was all Spike could think about. He was dressed in a red cape, while a mask covered his eyes. He had a pair of blue gloves over his claws, and a matching pair of blue boots. Around his waist was a yellow belt buckle. And he was not the only one dressed up, all of his friends were dressed as his favorite superheros, The Power Ponies.
"Oh, I wish this was all a dream," he thought to himself, as he nervously watched the battle unfold from a safe distance. His friends were currently battling the Power Ponies dreaded arch-nemesis, a rather sinister pony who called herself The Mane-iac.
"This is your last warning, Mane-iac!" Twilight shouted, dodging a blow from The Mane-iac's green colored hair, which worked like a series of tentacles "Go back to whatever hole it is you crawled out of!"
"Gladly, Masked Matterhorn, once I defeat you and the rest of your friends!" The Mane-iac replied, chuckling fiendishly "You've foiled my plans for the last time!"
"I could use some help over here!" Twilight angrily shouted to her friends, as she dodged another blow from The Mane-iac's hair.
"Sorry, Twi-I mean Masked Matter-Horn, but we're a bit busy in case you haven't noticed!" Applejack replied "We've got to make sure these minions don't try to make a run for it while we're distracted!"
"We'll be there in a couple of minutes, just keep your cool until then!" Rainbow Dash added "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to do what I would've done from the beginning of this fight, if a certain somepony hadn't interrupted me!"
"You're the one who got in my way!" Twilight complained to Rainbow Dash "I had everything under control!"
Spike watched the arguing and the bickering, completely horrified at what he saw. "Come on, Power Ponies!" he shouted, hoping they could hear him "You're supposed to be working together to take down The Mane-iac, not doing your own thing! You're a team!" Unfortunately, his words fell on deaf ears, his friends were too absorbed in the fight to hear Spike properly.
At last, the rest of the girls joined Twilight in fighting The Mane-iac, though each of them were still focused solely on their own individual skills. In fact, the only thing close to a plan that they agreed on was as follows, let Saddle Rager (Fluttershy) get mad. A task that was easier said than done.
It didn't take long for The Mane-iac to lose patience, and get really mad. "You Power Ponies are like insects!" she shouted at the top of her lungs "I've waited a long time for a chance to destroy this city, and I'm not about to let you goody two horeshoes stop me. NOT THIS TIME!" She quickly proceeded to pull out what looked like a giant spray canister.
Spike gasped in horror "The Hairspray Ray of Doom!" he cried "Watch out, Power Ponies! Don't let her spray you!"
The Mane-iac laughed wickedly, and pressed the tip of the nossel on the canister, unleashing a powerful spray of chemicals in the form of a purple cloud. Everypony ran for shelter, but unfortunately in their haste to do so, they forgot about Fluttershy. Fluttershy was just in the midist of transforming, when she became the first victim of the spray's power blocking abilites. She fell over on the ground like a glass figurine, completely immbolized.
"You'll pay for that one, Mane-iac!" Rainbow Dash bellowed "Prepare to feel the wrath of Mother Nature!"
"No, wait!" Spike cried out, but it was too late. With another wicked laugh, The Mane-iac managed to spray Rainbow Dash, sending her crashing to the ground. "First Saddle Rager, and now Zapp! It's a pity you power ponies fall so easily, or I might actually be enjoying this more!" The Mane-iac chuckled to herself "Now, who wants to be next?!"
Quickly deciding that the best course of action was to attempt a quadruple assault, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack all took off in different directions. Using the powers of Fili-Second, Pinkie Pie zipped all around, attempting to draw The Mane-iac's attention away from the others. "Can't hit what's not there!" Pinkie Pie taunted, zooming from here to there and back again.
But The Mane-iac took no notice, she had her sights set on a different target. More specifically, The Masked Matterhorn (Twilight), the leader of the Power Ponies "Taking Matter-Horn down will demoralize the rest," she thought "And I know how to trick her into stopping Fili-Second right in her tracks. Then I can deal with Mistrees Marevolus and Radiance at the same time. That'll just leave Hum Drum, and he'll be easy pickings. At last, I will have my revenge!"
Meanwhile, Spike was hiding behind a mail box a short distance away, and was wondering to himself "Just how do we get into these situations?"
The Mane-iac quickly put her plan into motion, she knew just what she would have to do to trick The Masked Matterhorn into helping her. Barely surpressing a fiendish smile, The Mane-iac crept up towards Masked Matter-Horn. When she was close enough, she quickly checked to ensure that Fili-Second was indeed coming after her, and she was.
"Hey, Masked Matter-Horn!" The Mane-iac taunted "Your aim seems to be quite off today, I reckon you couldn't hit the broad side of a barn! Let alone hit me!"
Twilight turned to face The Mane-iac, looking quite red in the face "That's it, you asked for it!" Twilight shouted, and with a flap of her wings she took to the skies before charging up the most powerful freeze spell she could muster. She aimed it directly at The Mane-iac, and fired.
But The Mane-iac was one step ahead, and quickly dodged out of the way, just as Fili-Second was approaching.
Pinkie Pie, realizing what was going to happen, tried to stop herself, but to no avail. The blast hit her dead on, freezing her right on the spot.
Twilight's mouth dropped open in shock. "Oh my gosh! I am so sorry, Pink-er-Filisecond!" she apologized.
Before Pinkie Pie could say anything in reply, The Mane-iac hit her with a blast from the Hairspray Ray of Doom, and quickly did the same to Twilight before she could recover from the shock of what she'd just done. "That was far too easy!" she chuckled to herself "Four down, and only two to go."
"That's quite enough, Mane-iac!" a familiar voice bellowed "This is as far as you go!"
The Mane-iac growled, as she looked up at a nearby rooftop, and saw Mistress Mare-volus (Applejack) and Radiance (Rarity) standing there. The former was wielding her trustry lasso, and the latter was perched atop a flying carpet courtesy of the powers of her costume's bracelet.
"Ready?" Applejack asked Rarity.
"You know it!" Rarity replied "Let's show her what happens when you mess with The Power Ponies!" The two then descended towards The Mane-iac aboard the flying carpet, Applejack holding the glowing golden lasso tightly in her hooves.
"Come on, girls!" Spike said nervously "Don't let her get you!"
When they were close enough, Applejack leaped down from the carpet, hurling the lasso at The Mane-iac's mane. "Got her!" Applejack shouted to Rarity.
"Good, just hold her down, I've got just the thing to cut that overgrown mane of hers down to size!" Rarity boasted, as a pair of giant scissors materialized from her bracelet. Unfortunately, she lacked the concentration or will power to maintain two objects at once, and the carpet she was on disappeared. Rarity hit the ground tumbling, and accidentally bowled straight into Applejack, knocking both mares to the ground as if they were bowling pins.
"No! Get up! Quick!" Spike shouted frantically, as The Mane-iac began to approach the downed superheros.
It was too late, with a blast from the Hairspray Ray of Doom, Applejack and Rarity were frozen and left unable to move. All six of the Power Ponies had been defeated.
"Oh no, tell me this isn't happening!" Spike said to himself, as he trembled behind the mailbox.
"Oh, but it is." replied a fiendish and diabolic voice, which soon revealed itself as The Mane-iac.
"Gah!" Spike shouted, jumping up in surprise.
The Mane-iac laughed "Don't be frightened, Hum Drum, it's only me," she then cackled fiendishly "Bet you're wondering what's going to happen to your friends, The Power Ponies. Well, I'll make sure to show them a good time when I bring them to my lair. And by that I don't mean we're gonna sit around playing board games and talking about the weather, it means I'm gonna destroy them!"
"I might have guessed." Spike muttered under his breath.
"It was pretty dumb of you to pin all your hopes on your friends to save the day," The Mane-iac boasted, grabbing Spike with her mane before he could run away "At last, I can finally give this stinking cesspool of a city the makeover it deserves! And if you were thinking of trying to thwart my plans, think again!"
"Why?" Spike asked nervously, though he wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer.
"Because, that would be bad. Bad for you that is." The Mane-iac taunted.
"Exactly how bad?" Spike reluctantly asked.
"Like this!" The Mane-iac explained, and quickly threw a punch to Spike's stomach area that made him wince in pain. The pain continued, even as The Mane-iac dropped him on the ground "So, let that be a warning to you, Hum Drum," The Mane-iac said in a threatening tone of voice "You and I both know you have no super powers at all. There is nothing you can do to save your friends, so if you know what's good for you, stay out of my way and start thinking about yourself! Now, I'd better go make sure your friends haven't been giving my minions a hard time. But we will meet again, I swear it!" And with that, The Mane-iac, as if to make herself heard, trotted away with another fiendish laugh.
"Some day this is turning out to be," Spike thought to himself, once he was certain The Mane-iac was gone "And to think it all started with a comic book. By the time this is over, I don't know if I'll ever be able to look at a comic book the same way again."
And with that thought, Spike began to reflect back to the events that had led up to this moment, and how he and his friends had ended up dragged into the world of a comic book.
Surprisingly enough, it started just a day earlier. Spike, being a vivid comic book collector, could hardly believe his eyes when he stumbled across one of his all time favorite comic book series. More specifically, an issue he had been trying to get his claws on for a long time.
"'The Power Ponies: Revenge of The Mane-iac'," he read outloud, as he brought the issue inside the Golden Oaks Library "This issue's been sold out for months! At last, I can complete the collection and get all caught up on the story!"
Spike became so observed in the comic, that he ignored almost everything else that day. Twilight had to remind him of the chores he needed to do arond the library. "Just because we're not having guests over anytime soon doesn't mean you can slack off," she said kindly, as she levitated the comic out of Spike's claws, and put it away on a shelf "There will be plenty of time for you to read it tomorrow, when the girls and I are busy fixing up The Castle of The Two Sisters."
"Ah yes, I was wondering when you were going to ask me about that," Spike said eagerly "Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it! That place isn't so scary now, at least in broad daylight."
Twilight's smile was quickly replaced with a frown "I'm sorry, Spike, but I think it's best if you stay here. That castle isn't safe."
"What do you mean it isn't safe?!" Spike complained "It's not actually falling apart anymore, I'll be fine!"
"Spike, you may be a dragon, but that doesn't mean you can't be hurt!" Twilight replied "What if a beam fell on you? Or what if you triggered some sort of booby trap? You're my only son, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you if I can help it."
"I'll be fine, I promise!" Spike insisted "I won't get in the way of anypony, and I'll even wear a crash helmet if it makes you feel better! I really, really, really want to help!"
"There will be plenty of opportunities to do so, my son," Twilight said in a motherly tone "The girls and I are simply going to be cleaning the castle, and repairing or replacing the boards and beams. Once the castle's been reinforced and no one is at risk of anything falling on them, it should be safe for you to help."
"Twilight, this isn't your idea of revenge for the time I burned that book and didn't tell you about it, is it?" Spike asked nervously "I told you, it was an accident."
"This isn't because of something you did in the past, my son," Twilight replied "But my decision is made. There's been far too many instances already where I've come close to losing you for good. I'm not about to put you in harm's way again if I can help it. Besides, you've been working so hard lately, you deserve a day off. You'll have the library all to yourself for hours, you'll be free to do whatever you want. Won't that be nice?"
"I guess so." Spike said reluctantly, but he was still very unhappy with the idea of being left behind, while all of his friends and his mother went off to do something. He'd already missed out on a few of their adventures, and did not like the thought of having to miss the chance to be a part of another one. But he knew that once Twilight made up her mind about something, she usually didn't change it.
When Spike had completed his chores for the day, he passed the rest of the time reading the comic book. Unfortunately, he didn't get very far when Twilight came up to the bedroom and told him "It's time for bed."
"Aw, I'm just getting to the good part," Spike complained "Two more minutes, please?"
"Spike, believe me, if anypony understands what it's like to caught up in a really good book, it's me," Twilight said kindly "But you really need to go to sleep. And so do I."
"But The Mane-iac and her henchponies are planning to break into the Maretropolis Museum and steal the Electro-Orb, so she can use it to power up her doomsday device! The Power Ponies have to stop the Mane-iac or Maretropolis is doo-hoo-hoo-hoomed!" Spike said dramatically "So do you see, I can't go to sleep! Not until I know whether or not The Mane-iac succeeds in getting away with the orb! Once I know that, I promise I'll go to sleep. But until I do, can I stay up pretty please?"
Twilight yawned a little, she was feeling rather sleepy, and she did not want to be too tired for tomorrow. She was going to be in charge of organizing the cleaning and repairing (or "Magical Makeover" as she and Rarity had agreed to call it, after all there was a chance that the castle could still be of some use) at the the old castle, and she wanted to make sure she was well rested.
However, Twilight found that she could not bring herself to resist the sad puppy dog eyes that Spike was giving her. So, reluctantly, she admitted defeat. "Two more minutes, that's it," she told Spike "When those two minutes are up, it's bed time! Do you understand?"
"Okay, Mom." Spike replied. And using his claw he turned the bedroom lamp on, curled up in his basket, and began to read again.
The next day, after breakfast was finished, Twilight was waiting for her friends at the front door, while Spike occupied himself with reading more of his comic book.
Twilight glanced up at the clock on the wall, the time was ten o'clock. "They should be here any minute now. I hope they're ready!" she thought to herself, as she paced nervously back and forth at the door.
Just after that thought entered Twilight's mind, there was a knock at the door. Twilight opened it, and in trotted her friends, all of them carrying buckets, brushes, sponges, and liquid soap bottles.
"Hello, Twilight," Rarity greeted "We've got a busy day ahead of us."
"I'll say," Applejack replied "So let's stop talkin' and start walkin', because time's a wastin'."
However, before the six friends could even think about leaving, Spike approached them. Twilight was quite surprised "What's wrong, Spike?" she asked "Do you need something?"
"Actually, there's something I need to show you," Spike said nervously, as he held out his comic book "There's a huge blank page towards the end of the comic, just when things are getting to the good part!"
"It's probably just a printing error, the publishing company must have run out of ink," Rarity commented "It's happened to me a couple of times with some of my fashion magazines."
"But there's something written on the blank page, like some sort of note," Spike explained "I can't make out what it says, because it's so small. I was hoping I could find a magnifying glass or something."
"I've got one right here!" Pinkie Pie said eagerly, pulling one out from her mane "Never hurts to come prepared in case of a magnifying glass emergency."
"Thanks, Pinkie," Spike replied, as he grabbed the magnifying glass with his claws and pointed it towards the small words written on the blank page. He read outloud "'You can return to the place you started, when The Mane-iac is defeated."
Twilight's eyes widened in surprise and horror upon hearing those words. "Spike, wait, don't!" she shouted, but it was too late. Like magic, a blinding white light emerged from the comic book, and it began to pull Spike, Twilight, and all of their friends towards it.
"What's happening?! What's going on?!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"Oh, I don't like this! I don't like this at all!" Fluttershy said nervously.
The light grew brighter and brighter, as Spike and the girls tried in vain to avoid being sucked in. In a matter of seconds, the light completely enveloped them, and they could see nothing. Once they had been pulled inside the comic book, it slammed shut with a thud. You never would've guessed that anypony was trapped inside it.
When Spike opened his eyes, he wasn't sure how long he'd been out, or where he was. But it didn't take him long to notice that something was different, he now had a black mask across his eyes, and had blue gloves covering his claws. Stumbling awake, Spike was certain of one thing "I've got a funny feeling I'm not in Ponyville anymore," he said to himself, then he wondered outloud "Is this... Maretropolis?" Spike soon got the answer to his question, when he got a good look at his surroundings. Everywhere he looked, he could see skyscrapers against a purple fog that covered the sky. A lone blimp flew overhead. And just across the street from where he was standing, Spike could see what looked like a museum.
"Somepony wanna tell me what the hay is goin' on?" a familiar voice asked angrily.
Spike spun around, and gasped at what greeted his eyes. "Holy new personas, ponies!" he exclaimed " You're the... Masked Matter-Horn! Fili-Second! Zapp! R-Radiance! Mistress Mare-velous! Saddle Rager! You're the... Power Ponies!" Each of his friends were now dressed in the costume that matched the superhero Spike had named.
Twilight had a suit that stretched from her legs up to her chest, it was a majestic shade of magenta, except for the neck collar which was an icy blue in color. Her face was covered by a mask the same shade of magenta as her suit, with a pair of yellow colored goggles to match.
Pinkie Pie wore a suit that was white with pink streeks all throughout it, and for some reason she couldn't stop herself from prancing.
Rainbow Dash's mane had been styled into a mohawk, while she wore a black suit with a lightning bolt shaped pendant that hung on her neck.
Rarity had a costume that was a dark blue in color, and covered in diamonds. Heck, even her mane and tail had diamonds in them. She also had a dark blue mask that was not covered in diamonds, and a small yellow collar with a light purple diamond on it. And on her front legs rested two purple diamond shaped charm bracelets.
Applejack had a suit that was dark red in color, which matched nicely with her dark brown boots and mask, as well as her dark green harness that held a gold colored lasso. The back half of her mane, and all of her tail were protected by a green tube.
And Fluttershy had on a forest green suit with butterflies stiched onto the front legs. Her face was protected by a purple mask, which matched the purple collar she was wearing.
However, Spike had little time to admire this startling (and quite unexpected) development, for at that moment there came the sound of a wall being demolished. Spike and the girls spun around in time to see the wall of the muesum across the street come tumbling down, and from the wreckage emerged a purple coated mare with a green colored, tentacle like mane. "Power Ponies! How kind of you to join us!" the mare greeted, laughing wickedly "At last, you'll have a front row seat to your own destruction!"
"Just what in the hay is going on?!" Rainbow Dash asked Spike, pointing to the mare below "Just who is this mare?!"
"And did she just call us... Power Ponies?" Applejack added.
"You're the... the superheroes from my comic book! It somehow zapped us all in here!" Spike realized "And that mare is The Mane-iac, The Power Ponies most dangerous nemesis! She used to just be the power-mad owner of a hair-care product company. But then a tragic accident at her own shampoo factory not only gave her mane strange new powers, but also caused her to go completely insane!"
"That explains why she called us Power Ponies," Rainbow Dash replied, then she angrily added "But somepony better zap us back out! We've got better things to do than play superheros and super villans! Though the mohawk is a nice touch."
"My comic book! It said the way to get back to where we started was to defeat the Mane-iac! Your arch-nemesis!" Spike explained "Until she's defeated, we're not going anywhere!"
"Well, that shouldn't be too difficult!" Rainbow Dash boasted "I was already awesome. And now we've all got superpowers! This'll be a snap! Just tell us what our powers are, and we'll defeat this Mane-iac bozo before you can even blink!"
"It's not going to be that easy," Spike said nervously "The Mane-iac is dangerous and unpredictable! You let your guard down for even a second, and she'll have you!"
"Then I guess we'd better settle this in a flash! I'm tired of standing around!" Pinkie Pie said impatiently, and zipped away in a blur of pink energy.
"Hey! Where does Pinkie Pie think she's running off to in such a hurry?!" Rainbow Dash asked "And since when did she get so fast that she could leave streaks of energy behind?!"
"Pinkie is Fili-Second, the fastest pony in all of Maretropolis!" Spike explained "Unfortunately, it seems she also picked up Fili-Second's impatience. She almost never stands still due to all the energy built up inside her! She could be miles away from here by now!"
Meanwhile, The Mane-iac laughed some more "Too bad Fili-Second turned chicken and ran away, I was so looking forward to her humilating defeat. Oh well, I suppose that just leaves more of me for the rest of you."
"Twilight! Freeze her mane!" Spike instructed "End this, now!"
"I'm sorry, do what?!" Twilight exclaimed.
"You're the Masked Matter-horn! You can shoot all kinds of crazy power beams from your horn!" Spike told Twilight "Come on, freeze her mane!"
Twilight concentrated, and to her surprise she quickly discovered that she had no trouble at all building up energy for the freezing shot. But, before she had a chance to fire it at The Mane-iac, her concentration was broken by a smack from a lasso. This caused the energy beam to fire off in a random direction, and accidentally hit Fluttershy.
"Twilight!" Fluttershy said angrily.
"Oops! I am so sorry about that!" Twilight said with a blush "Applejack hit me with her lasso, and it made me misfire. Why did you do that, Applejack?!"
Applejack began to sweat, nervously she gulped and told Twilight "I don't know what came over me. All I know is, somethin' inside me felt like I couldn't let you have all the glory, and the next thing I knew my lasso developed a mind of its own."
"That's because you're psychically connected to it!" Spike said to Applejack "Will it to where you want it to go, and it'll obey you!"
"But that still doesn't explain why Applejack would get mad with Twilight for trying to save the day." Rarity replied, as she tried to thaw out Fluttershy.
"It's the narrative!" Spike realized "It's trying to force you to act like the real Power Ponies. And in the comics, Matter-Horn and Mare-volus are often clashing over leadership. Some of Mare-volus' rivalry must've gotten ahold of Applejack."
"So, does that explain why I'm feeling so angry all of a sudden?" Fluttershy asked nervously.
"It's because you're Saddle Rager, and when you get mad you turn into an unstoppable monster!" Spike told Fluttershy.
"Oh gosh, that wouldn't be very polite," Fluttershy said with a blush "Though I guess it could be useful in the right circumstances."
Meanwhile, down below, Pinkie Pie had finally shown back up at the scene of the crime. She was just in time to see The Mane-iac start to leave. "Well, this has been quite the experience. But I really must be going," The Mane-iac boasted "I've got what I came for."
"No you don't! You're not getting away that easily, not on my watch!" Pinkie Pie said angrily, rushing forward to block The Mane-iac's path.
"Get out of my way, Fili-Second, or I'll destroy you!" The Mane-iac shouted angrily.
"You and what army?" Pinkie Pie taunted.
"Army?" The Mane-iac said, before she remembered "Oh, right. Okay boys, it's time you started earning your paychecks! Get rid of these do gooders!"
"Yes ma'am!" shouted a series of goons, as they came rushing forward to do battle with Fili-Second, and draw the attention of the remaining Power Ponies.
"Pinkie Pie's in trouble! You've got to help her!" Spike shouted to his friends, then he turned to Rainbow Dash "Dash! Quick! You're Zapp, and your superpower is controlling the mighty forces of nature!"
"Is that what this pendant is for? I thought it was just some sort of trinket." Rainbow Dash replied.
"Just unholster it and hold it up!" Spike instructed "Bring forth something that'll rain down justice on the Mane-iac's minions, but don't hit Pinkie Pie by accident!"
"I'll try, can't gurantee." Rainbow Dash said nervously, and did as Spike had instructed her to do. Electricity began to spark out from the lightning bolt shaped pendant, and the sky above began to be covered with a series of dark storm clouds.
Twilight and Applejack quickly climbed down to the street, using the golden lasso, to join the fight against The Mane-iac's minions. While Rarity continued to try, to little avail, to thaw Fluttershy out.
"Ugh! Rarity! Use your jewelry to create attack constructs!" Spike told Rarity.
"I beg your pardon, but what's an attack construct? And how is that supposed to help me?" Rarity asked Spike.
"Just think of something, anything, and your bracelet makes it appear! But make it something useful." Spike explained.
"I've got just the thing," Rarity quickly replied, and in a glow of purple light a small hair dryer appeared.
"Rarity, that's not going to help us!" Spike groaned.
"Oh, but this is no ordinary hair dryer, Spikey-Wikey," Rarity said with a grin "This hair dryer has a little bit of extra punch to it." To prove her point, she flicked the switch to turn it on, and then pointed the nozzle at the ice that kept Fluttershy trapped. In a matter of seconds, the ice began to melt, and Fluttershy was soon freed.
"Thanks for thawing me out, Rarity, or should I be calling you Radiance?" Fluttershy asked.
"It's probably best if we start calling each other by our superhero names," Spike told Fluttershy, then he turned to Rarity "How did you melt the ice with just a hair dryer?"
"I told you, it's no ordinary hair dryer," Rarity said with a wink "This is a portable version of an industrial strength dryer used at the spa. Now, let's go save the city, and get ourselves home!"
"Just keep The Mane-iac and her henchponies busy," Spike instructed, as Rarity brought forth a flying carpet for them to ride on "I'll grab the Electro-Orb while they're all distracted."
"Are you sure that's a good idea? What if you get caught?" Rarity asked Spike "This is serious, darling. If you're not careful, you could get hurt, or worse!"
"You sound just like Twilight," Spike growled "I'm tired of her thinking I can't take care of things on my own! I'm going to prove to her, and to everyone else, that I can manage just fine on my own!" And he hopped off the carpet before Rarity or Fluttershy could say anything else.
"That wasn't what I meant," Rarity said glummy "Something bad's going to happen to him, I just know it."
"Now, Rarity," Fluttershy replied, putting a hoof around her friend "We need to have faith in Spike. He's been in tough situations before, and he's always come out of them in one piece. This is no different than when he went off on his own to find out what it means to be a dragon, or when he risked his life to bring the Crystal Heart to Princess Cadence, so she could stop King Sombra."
"You're right, Fluttershy-I mean Saddle Rager," Rarity nodded "Now, we've got a job to do! It's time we showed The Mane-iac what happens when you mess with The Power Ponies!"
As the fighting raged on just outside the museum, Spike spotted the Electro-Orb resting comfortably on the ground. The Mane-iac was barking out orders to her underlings, and thus she did not appear to have her attention focused on the orb. "This is almost too easy," Spike thought to himself "I just hope that orb is as light as it looks."
But, just as Spike reached out a claw to grab the Electro-Orb, The Mane-iac spun around and gazed grimly at him "You shouldn't be taking things that don't belong to you," she scolded, as she snatched the orb away with her mane "Did you really think I'd be dumb enough to not see through your little ruse, Hum Drum?"
"Hum Drum?" Spike asked, as if shocked that The Mane-iac had said that.
"I wasn't born yesterday, I know a trap when I see one," The Mane-iac said angrily "You thought that since you had no superpowers of your own to challenge me with, you'd intentionally 'slip up' and tell me about the Electro-Orb, knowing that I wouldn't be able to resist stealing it. Then, when I did, your superhero friends would be waiting. You intended to have them defeat me, so that you could then use me as an example of what teamwork could accomplish. Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that."
"But, but..." Spike stuttered.
"Oh, what? You thinking of thwarting my plans?" The Mane-iac asked "Because I wouldn't if I were you. I own you like I own this city, and pretty soon you'll meet the same fate as it. But if you get in my way, I won't hestiate to destroy you here and now! So, unless you're in such a hurry to lose, I suggest you keep your nose out of my business, Hum-Drum," then The Mane-iac turned to her henchponies "Okay boys, we've wasted enough time here! Let's go!"
"Uh, we'd love to, boss. But we can't." one of the henchponies said nervously.
"And why can't we?!" The Mane-iac growled.
Another henchpony gulped "Because of that!" He pointed towards the sky, where a fearsome tornado had just descended from the storm clouds.
"Zapp! You were supposed to use lightning, not a tornado!" Spike shouted angrily.
"Sorry, this pendant seemed to have a mind of its own! But you can't deny it's helping to clean up the streets!" Rainbow Dash called, as several of the henchponies were sucked into the funnel. Unfortunately, it also managed to pull in some of the Power Ponies, until only Mistress Mare-volus and Zapp remained.
"Oh my, this is quite the dilemma on your hooves, Power Ponies!" The Mane-iac chuckled "You can try to stop me, or you can save your teammates and the city you're supposed to protect! What's it's going to be?"
"We can totally take her!" Rainbow Dash said angrily.
"But we've got to stop this tornado before it's too late!" Applejack replied, and reluctantly sighed "We've got no choice, it's too dangerous for either one of us to go after The Mane-iac alone."
The Mane-iac laughed, and using her mane like a rope, she swung away. The few henchponies who had escaped the wrath of Zapp's tornado followed after her.
Rainbow Dash tried her hardest, but she was unable to call back the tornado. The pendant would not obey her. "Why's this thing being so stubborn?" she thought to herself "It's just like controlling the weather back home."
"Stand back, sugarcube," Applejack said kindly "My lasso and I will take care of this! That there twister's about to get hogtied!" Applejack hurled her lasso at the top of the funnel, and held on for dear life as she pulled the noose tight. The tornado spun faster and faster, as it began to expand. At last, it grew so big, that it could not maintain itself, the energy it needed had been used up. It burst open like a balloon, hurling the henchponies over the horizon. It would've done the same for the Power Ponies, were it not for Rarity's quick thinking. She had managed to encase them inside a protective case, and levitated it safely to the ground.
"Whew! That was quite a ride!" Pinkie Pie remarked.
"I thought I was going to be sick! I hate getting spun around like that!" Fluttershy said, stumbling around in a dizzy trance for a minute or two.
"I'm just glad we're all okay," Twilight replied, then she noticed that someone was not with them "Hey, has anypony seen Spike?"
"Over there!" Rarity cried, pointing a hoof towards the rubble that used to be the museum wall.
Spike was standing at the rubble, but he wasn't looking at it, he was looking at himself. "I'm Hum Drum...?" he said sadly, as he looked at himself.
"Spike, what's wrong?" Twilight asked, as she approached the dragon "You're a superhero with superpowers, just like the rest of us."
"No, I'm not anything like the rest of you," Spike said glumly "I'm Hum Drum, The Power Ponies' bumbling and totally useless sidekick. He never ever stops the villan, he's only there for comedic relief. He always gets in the way!"
"But surely, you must have powers too, Spikey-boo," Rarity said kindly "Your character is wearing a mask and cape!"
"Yeah, for absolutely no reason at all," Spike complained "He used to have powers, way back when. But he lost them early in the comic's run and ever since he's been nothing but a joke they use to extend the plot if need be. He's pretty much useless, just like me in this instance."
"Well, it's a good thing you're not really Hum Drum, then," Twilight said, as she comforted Spike "You've done so many incredible things without any super powers in real life."
"True, but having super powers would really come in handy right now. As it is, there's not much I can do in this comic," Spike replied sadly, then he added "But, thanks for trying to cheer me up, Twilight. You always know just what to say to cheer me up, but I guess that's to be expected."
"Indeed it is, mothers always know how to make their children feel better," Twilight said with a motherly smile "And that's something that is never going to change no matter what, not even in this comic book."
"Are you two done chit chatting?" Rainbow Dash asked "Normally, I wouldn't mind this sappiness, but the sooner we defeat The Mane-iac, the sooner we can get back to Ponyville!"
"Rainbow Dash is right," Twilight realized "Spike, where is the Mane-iac building her doomsday device? Destroying it will make dealing with her much easier."
"If I had to guess, I'd say her top-secret headquarters! But you'd better get there quick. That Electro-Orb she just stole is what she's going to use to power it up!" Spike explained "It's like a super battery that never runs out of energy!"
"Lead the way, Spike!" Applejack insisted.
"And then leave the rest to us!" Rainbow Dash boasted "The Mane-iac's going down!"
With a sigh, Spike set off down the streets of Maretropolis, and all six of the girls followed him close behind.
Spike led his friends through Maretropolis, until he stopped just as they rounded the corner of one building. A short distance away stood a drab looking factory that barely stood out admist the bustling city. Were it not for the buzzing neon sign, hardly anypony would've noticed it was there. "There it is!" Spike said, pointing a finger towards the building.
"Is that a... shampoo factory?" Applejack whispered.
Spike nodded "The Mane-iac is many things, but subtle isn't one of them."
"Thank goodness for that." Pinkie Pie chuckled, Rarity and Fluttershy couldn't help but join in.
"So, what's the plan, Twi-I mean Matter-Horn?" Rainbow Dash asked "You always have one."
Twilight eyed the factory from a distance, then she turned to the others and said "We'll have a much better chance of defeating The Mane-iac if we can somehow sneak in without being noticed. A direct approach is out of the question. Rainbow-I mean Zapp, you fly around that factory. See if you can find some kind of back door or secret entrance we could use."
"And what about the rest of us?" Rarity asked Twilight, as Rainbow Dash flew off.
"Just stand by for now," Twilight instructed "Radiance and Marevolus, your help may be needed if we have to climb up a story or two. Saddle Rager and Fili-Second, you may be needed to create a distraction. And Hum Drum, you're with me unless I say otherwise."
"You don't need me, I'll only get in the way!" Spike complained.
"No you won't," Twilight reassured him "You know more about that factory than any of us. That makes you the best one to point us in the right direction once we get inside."
Just then, an alarm sounded followed by the sound of evil laughter. Rainbow Dash flew back to join the others, looking quite embarassed.
"What did you do?!" Twilight angrily asked Rainbow Dash.
"I must've tripped some sort of alarm, I didn't get a chance to see where it was," Rainbow Dash replied "Sorry about that, Power Ponies. The Mane-iac definitely knows we're here now."
"Then there's only one thing to do!" Applejack said seriously, gritting her teeth "We're gonna have to fight our way inside! Just keep your guard up, The Mane-iac's got a tone of henchponies workin' for her!"
Sure enough, the factory's front door rose up, and all of the Mane-iac's henchponies emerged from it. "Nopony's gonna mess with the big mare while we're on duty!" they insisted.
"Alright, Power Ponies!" Applejack shouted "Time to Power Pony up!"
"Ooh! Nice catchphrase!" Pinkie Pie complimented.
"Guess I'll just hang back here doing nothing." Spike lamented, as he watched his friends dash off in every direction to battle with the Mane-iac's goons.
"Alright, time to rain down swift justice!" Rainbow Dash shouted, as she unholstered her lightning bolt pendant. Storm clouds began to gather in the sky, as electricity surged out from the pendant.
Meanwhile, Twilight was busy focusing on taking down whatever henchpony was foolish enough to approach her. "Freeze ray!" she shouted out, as she fired a freezing blast. Unfortunately, she didn't pay attention to where she was aiming it, and ended up hitting Rainbow Dash by mistake.
Rainbow Dash groaned, as the icy blast was enough to interrupt her concentration and make the storm clouds vanish. "What the hay, Matter-Horn?!" she said angrily "Why did you freeze my wings?! Who's side are you on?!"
"I'm on your side, Zapp!" Twilight protested "That was a mistake! Besides, you're the one who got in my way!"
"You got in my way, you mean!" Rainbow Dash hissed, turning her attention to Twilight.
"I think you'd better remember who wields the power to freeze, burn, or magically strike whoever she wants!" Twilight warned.
"You couldn't hit straight if your life depended on it!" Rainbow Dash taunted "You just got lucky with that last hit!"
"No, what are you doing?!" Spike commented, hiding behind a mailbox "You're suppose to be fighting The Mane-iac, not each other! Come on!"
Unfortunately, Twilight and Rainbow Dash were not the only ones fighting. The other girls were having their own issues as well.
Rarity was enjoying the seemingly unlimited possibilities that came with her superpower, as she brought forth a set of plates and hurled them at a goon, causing him to trip up and stumble to the ground. "Ooh, I do so love a functional accessory!" she said to herself "I can do anything in this little number!"
But when she turned her attention back to the fight, she saw Pinkie Pie zipping back and forth amongst the various underlinings, using her super speed mostly to annoy them.
"Fili-Second, are you ever actually going to fight? Or do you want me to do all the dirty work for you?" Rarity groaned.
"Hey, I'm just getting warmed up," Pinkie Pie replied "I could clear out these goons in the blink of an eye, but that wouldn't be any fun. If you had my super speed you'd understand."
"Speed isn't everything!" Rarity insisted.
That comment made Pinkie Pie angry "Shows what you know, that's what slow ponies say!"
"Sounds to me like the only thing that runs faster than you is your mouth!" Rarity complained "Why don't you put your money where that big mouth of yours is, and make yourself uself?!"
"Fine, if it'll make you happy, I'll take out all five of these guys at once!" Pinkie Pie shouted "And I won't even break a sweat doing it. On the other hoof, you're just going to waste your time using your powers to throw tea sets at these no gooders! Bring something useful to the fight and make things more interesting, maybe give yourself a nice bow, and a few arrows to go with it."
"You'll be lucky if I don't turn you into a pin cushion with one!" Rarity hissed, but did as Pinkie Pie had suggested.
Fluttershy was battling the underlings who thought she would be too easy, all the while fighting to keep her anger in check. "I need to save the anger for when it's really necessary. If I get mad now, everypony's in big trouble!" she thought to herself.
But to Applejack, it seemed as if Fluttershy was going out of her way NOT to fight. She was only using defensive moves whenever she was attacked, only occasionally tossing in an offensive attack or two.
This made Applejack furious, as she found herself protecting Fluttershy far more than she would've liked. "Seriously? You aren't even just a little angry right now?" she angrily asked Fluttershy.
"Oh, I'm getting mad alright," Fluttershy warned "I've been trying to keep my temper under control though. I'm pretty sure nopony wants to deal with a raging monster worse than The Mane-iac right now."
"Why are you holdin' back?!" Applejack groaned, deflecting an attack from an underling that had tried to sneak up on her "Do you want me to finish this fight for you or somethin'?!"
"You don't need to protect me, I was doing just fine on my own!" Fluttershy protested.
"Then maybe you could start goin' on the attack more often, and stop leavin' me to have to guard your sorry behind!" Applejack insisted "It would make things a whole lot easier for the both of us!"
Despite the setbacks caused by the arguing, the ponies managed to defeat The Mane-iac's henchponies fairly quickly. Spike was impressed. "They didn't even need my help," he thought, as he raced to join them "They should have no trouble dealing with The Mane-iac. And after that they're just going to leave me behind when they go to work on the castle. Then again, maybe I don't need to join them. This is all the excitement I need for one day."
"Nice work, Power Ponies!" Twilight said proudly.
"Now all we need to do is take care of The Mane-iac, and we can put an end to this story!" Rainbow Dash added eagerly.
"But we'd better be careful," Spike cautioned "Knowing The Mane-iac, she could be anywhere."
"Like right behind you?" The Mane-iac cackled, quickly grabbing Spike before he had a chance to react.
"Oh no, Hum Drum!" Twilight gasped. The Mane-iac just chuckled, as she held Spike tightly and refused to let go.
Spike began to panic, as he felt The Mane-iac put him in a hold that made it difficult to breath. "My neck! My most vital area!" he thought anxiously "Come on, Spike! Think! You've got to do something!" In a fit of desperation, he did the first thing that came to mind. He sank his fangs into The Mane-iac's mane in the hopes of getting a reaction out of her! He most certainly did!
The Mane-iac howled in pain, as if she'd been stabbed by a giant needle. "You lousy little-" she growled "-Let go!" She began to shake her mane furiously in an effort to shake Spike loose. Spike held on for dear life, refusing to let go. But at last, with one enormous effort, The Mane-iac managed to shake Spike free and hurled him into the air!
"I gotcha!" Rainbow Dash shouted, quickly soaring into the air and grabbing Spike in mid-flight.
Spike was most grateful for his rescue "Thanks for the catch." he said to Rainbow Dash.
"Anytime," Rainbow Dash replied "And that was quite the stunt you pulled back there. The Mane-iac certainly didn't like that at all."
"Her mane is the source of her great strength, but it's also an enormous weak spot for her!" Spike explained "But don't try to go for a direct assault on it, she's too smart for that!"
"Don't worry," Rainbow Dash assured Spike, as she set him gently down on the ground "We can handle The Mane-iac, no sweat." But unfortunately, Rainbow Dash turned out to be mistaken. The Mane-iac easily outsmarted the Power Ponies, defeating them one by one, and immoblizing them with a few sprays of The Hairspray Ray of Doom. After a brief amount of time spent rubbing her victory in Hum Drum's face, The Mane-iac retreated back to her factory. At last, she was going to defeat the six ponies responsible for stopping her attempts to control the city. And the best part was, there seemed to be no one left to stand in her way.
If only she knew how wrong she was.
"I must be crazy!" Spike thought to himself, as he worked his way into The Mane-iac's factory the only way he knew how "Here I am, crawling through the air vents, in an attempt to rescue my friends from a crazy super villan! I must be hanging out with Rainbow Dash too often, she's rubbing off on me! What exactly am I supposed to do? I'm Hum Drum, I'm useless. My friends are the ones with superpowers. They've probably already figured out how to escape In fact, I'll bet they've already defeated The Mane-iac, she can't be any harder than the countless other adverseries they've faced over the years."
At last, with a clang, Spike forced his way out of the vents. He now stood on a platform overlooking the entire factory. Various containers holding liquids in every color of the rainbow greeted his eyes, as did the bright interior lights that illuminated the factory floor. And there, resting inside a giant cage, were Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy. "Or not!" Spike said to himself, barely able to keep himself from gasping.
Spike's friends were trapped inside of the cage, unable to move thanks to the effects of The Hairpsray Ray of Doom. To make matters worse, just as the effects of the spray began to wear off, a timer sounded and one of The Mane-iac's goons applied the spray again. Spike was horrified "How am I going to get them out of this one?" he thought anxiously.
Meanwhile, on the factory floor, The Mane-iac was gloating about her victory to her imprisoned enemies. "Congratulations, Power Ponies!" she said with a laugh, as she held the Electro Orb in her mane. "You shall live just long enough to see me fire," she yanked the cover off of a large object, revealing it to be a massive cannon in the form of a hair dryer "The instrument of your destruction! Once the Electro-Orb has powered it up completely, this cannon will amplify the power of my mane one million times!" she cackled, before she added "Bet you're wondering what the point of that is. Well, I could tell you, but I don't wanna spoil the surprise! You'll find out soon enough, because the six of you shall be my weapon's first victims. and there is nopony who can save you from this fate! So say your prayers!"
To the surprise of The Mane-iac, and her underlings, Fluttershy was the one to speak up " I don't mean to interrupt, but aren't you forgetting about a certain someone?" she asked, glaring at The Mane-iac with a stare that would unnerve most ponies.
Unfortunately, The Mane-iac wasn't one of them "Oh, are you talking about Hum Drum? Little guy with absolutely no super powers whatsoever?" she asked, before letting out an evil laugh "He's utterly useless!" She then waited impatiently, as the timer sounded, and one of her goons repsrayed the Power Ponies " Puh-lease. Everypony knows you just keep him around because you feel sowwy for him. Wah. Wah." she taunted in the most condesecending tone she could muster up.
But just seconds after The Mane-iac had made such a statement, Twilight replied by firmly saying "Maybe in your world, Mane-iac. But in our world, Spike-- uh, Hum Drum always comes through when we need him! Always!" And the other girls nodded in agreement.
"Twilight's right, I'm not like Hum Drum!" Spike realized "I still have my own abilites as a dragon, the comic didn't take those away! My friends are counting on me to save them, and I'm not going to let them down!"
The Mane-iac just laughed "I guess dementia must be a side-effect of prolonged exposure to the Hairspray Ray of Doom. Oh well, I suppose that's to be expected. You put up a good fight, Power Ponies. But I am stronger, faster, smarter, and so this ends the only way it could've! Now get comfortable, because the six of you have a front row seat to your own destruction, and the show's about to begin!"
"NOT JUST YET, MANE-IAC! FIRST YOU GOTTA DEAL WITH ME!" Spike shouted, as he came swinging down to the ground on a rope.
If The Mane-iac was surprised, she sure didn't show it, she just laughed like crazy "Oh if it is't Hum Drum, this day just keeps getting better and better! Have you come here to surrender? Beg for mercy? Or maybe even request to join my ranks? I assure you all three of them are useless at this point."
"I didn't come to surrender, or beg for mercy, and I'd rather die than join you!" Spike said defiantly "I came here to defeat you!"
The Mane-iac laughed once again "You must be a comedian, Hum Drum! You can't possibly be serious! There's no way you can win."
"Maybe, but we don't know that just yet, do we?" Spike asked in a confident tone.
The Mane-iac was surprised, but tried not to let this fact show "You have no super powers, Hum Drum. You're just a bumbling sidekick that can never do anything right!"
Those words set off a powder keg inside of Spike. Glaring at The Mane-iac, he said to her "Really? Well you know what I have to say to that?! Forget super power! Forget super heroes and super villans! But most of all, FORGET YOU!!!" He proceeded to unleash a powerful flame belch from his mouth.
"Aw, that's so ador-WHOA!" The Mane-iac cried, as the belch struck her in the face, knocking her off the seat of the cannon.
"How's that for not having any super powers?!" Spike asked furiously "Hot enough for you, or do you want more?! Because there's a lot more where that came from!"
The Mane-iac quickly recovered, brushing the soot out of her face. "So you can shoot fire out of your mouth, big deal!" she replied angrily, her hooves shaking in anger "You probably just had a whole bunch of spicy peppers, anypony could do that! If that's the best you can do, I'm not impressed!"
"Trust me, you haven't seen anything yet!" Spike taunted "Care to try your luck against an opponent who can actually fight back?"
"Bring it, flame boy!" The Mane-iac replied "You won't beat me so easily! That first blast caught me by surprise, you won't be lucky a second time!"
"Wanna bet?!" Spike asked, as he shot another firey belch towards The Mane-iac, while brandishing his claws.
The Mane-iac dodged the belch with ease, and began to tussle with Spike. In the process, every single one of her minions found themselves attracted to the exchange, including the one who was supposed to be monitoring the Hairspray Ray of Doom.
Unfortunately, even with his claws and his thick dragon scales, Spike was still no match for the incredible super powers of The Mane-iac. And so, after only a short amount of time, he was defeated.
"What's the matter, Hum Drum?" The Mane-iac taunted, as she slowly approached her defeated opponent "No wity comeback? Cat got your tongue? Run out of quips or cheesy one-liners about how I'm going to pay for my crimes? No more words left to fail?"
"I... can't lose... You must be stopped," Spike stuttered, as he tried to catch his breath "You're evil, and evil always... loses in the end."
"Oh come now," The Mane-iac gloated with a sinister smile "If I'm really as evil as you claim I am, then may the almighty creator strike me down where I stand!" As if the universe had heard that remark, a sudden magic bolt struck The Mane-iac. But it failed to do anything, and it faded without fanfare. "Ha! Nice try, big mare!" The Mane-iac taunted "Perhaps next time that'll actually tickle!"
"Oh, it'll do more than tickle! That just a warning shot!" a familiar female voice shouted.
The Mane-iac froze in place upon hearing that voice, she turned around slowly "It can't be!" she thought, and yet it was. The Power Ponies had escaped.
"Alright, my plan worked! You're free!" Spike cheered.
"Yup, looks like we owe you one." Rainbow Dash replied.
"You sure had some guts taking on The Mane-iac by yourself." Pinkie Pie added.
"I know, I can't believe I actually did that." Spike chuckled.
"Neither can I!" The Mane-iac said angrily, as she once again grabbed Spike with her mane "And if you want my personal opinion, that has to be the single worst mistake you've made today!"
"Put him down, Mane-iac! It's us you want!" Twilight demanded.
"Not just yet!" The Mane-iac said ominously, holding Spike in front of her to use as a shield "It may be a first, but it's far from a pleasure. I have been made a complete laughing stock. AND I DON'T LIKE IT ONE LITTLE BIT!"
"Oh gee, I'm ever so sorry," Spike said sarcastically "But it serves you right for being such a jerk. I told you that evil always loses in the end!"
"You're a smart alack," The Mane-iac growled "And if there's one thing I hate more than anything else, it's annoying smart alacks like you that don't shut up!" And she hurled Spike across the factory, causing him to slam into a wall at high speed. There was a sickening smack sound.
"Spike!" Twilight cried (momentarily forgetting what she was supposed to call him in the comic book world) as she rushed to his side "Are you alright?" she asked him.
"Aside from a few bruises on the face, I think I'll live," Spike replied, as he was peeled off the wall with Twilight's magic "Once again, my thick dragon scales have saved me from what could've been a nasty injury."
Fluttershy was relieved to see that Spike was okay (as were the other girls), but at the same time she could feel a great anger welling up inside her, and she knew she couldn't keep it inside. "Are you kidding me?" she angrily asked The Mane-iac, as her eyes began to glow red with anger " I mean, I know you're evil and everything, but you hurt someone you knew had no superpowers and couldn't hope to fight back and win?! Really?! Well you're just a great, big, meanie!" as soon as she said that, her voice began to grow deeper "There! I said it! What makes you think you're so special?! Like the rules of common courtesy don't apply to you, or something like that?! Well then, why don't you try to pick on somepony your own size?!" Upon finshing this statement, Fluttershy had managed to transform into a massive hulking monster, her suit had even been ripped slightly as a result.
The Mane-iac gulped, as the transformed Fluttershy let out a roar. "I'm dead aren't I?" she asked the other Power Ponies.
Applejack smirked "Oh yes, you're in a lot more trouble than you realize."
The Mane-iac gulped once again, and tried to make a desperate run for it. Alas, she couldn't even begin to put distance between herself and Fluttershy, when she was ambushed, and ended up on the recieving end of a punch that sent her to the floor.
And then, while the transformed Fluttershy quickly set to work on taking down the rest of the Mane-iac's goons, Rarity used her magic to hijack the Mane-iac's cannon and gain control of it. "Just tell me where to aim, and I'll shoot!" she said to Twilight.
But Spike quickly spoke up and asked Rarity "Could you do me a favor and aim it at The Mane-iac? I wanna see what happens."
"Are you crazy?! That'll just make her stronger!" Rainbow Dash complained.
"Oh no it won't," Spike said with a smirk "If the power of her mane is amplified, it'll grow wild and uncontrollable. Just watch."
"I hope you're right, darling, for all our sakes." Rarity said nervously, as she reluctantly aimed the cannon at The Mane-iac and fired. The blast struck her head on, knocking her away from Fluttershy.
Sure enough, just as Spike had predicted, The Mane-iac's mane grew wild. In fact, it grew right to the point where it entangled The Mane-iac as if she were locked up in a straight jacket. "My mane!" she cried, and began flopping around as the electricity surged through her like crazy "My maaaaaane!" she then began to laugh insanely, and just kept on laughing.
"Once again, the day is saved by--" Spike said heroically, before there came a strange sensation and a blinding flash of white light.
When the light had faded, Spike and the girls were all safely back inside The Golden Oaks Library. The comic had closed shut the moment after it had expelled them.
"Whoo-ee! Boy am I glad to be out of that comic!" Applejack cheered.
"I think I'll stick to Daring Do books for the near future," Rainbow Dash commented "At least I know those won't be enchanted to pull me inside, not that I would mind."
"Cupcakes?" Pinkie Pie asked, holding up a plate of the tasty treats.
Rarity was surprised "How did you-" she began.
"Eh, we had a good half second before we got sucked back out of the comic, and the Maretropolis bakery was only sixty-five blocks away!" Pinkie Pie interrupted.
"I'm just glad to be back," Spike said, as he lay on the floor "I've changed my mind, you girls go right ahead and work on the castle without me. After everything I've been through, I just want to take a nap and try to forget all about it."
"We wouldn't have made it without you, Spike," Twilight said proudly "You were amazing, my son. All the same, you really had me worried when you took on The Mane-iac by yourself. Please try not to do that again, I don't know if I can take another scare like that."
"Sorry, Twilight," Spike apologized "But it was the only way I could get her and her minions distracted long enough to buy you and the girls time. Trust me, if there was any other way to save you all, I would've done it in a heartbeat."
"Well, I hope you realize that just because we don't always need your help, it doesn't mean that we don't think you're helpful." Twilight told Spike.
Spike nodded "And that you don't have to have superpowers to be a super friend." There was a general argeement from everypony on that statement, so not one of them said a thing.
"But I do have one question" Twilight said to Spike "Just where did you get that comic from? An enchanted comic doesn't just appear on a store shelf by accident."
"I wish I knew where that comic came from, Twilight, but I don't," Spike admitted "I just found it laying on the ground outside the other day. I never would've touched it if I'd known it was enchanted."
"Well, maybe there's something on the back of the comic that can tell us where it came from." Twilight suggested, but when she turned to where the comic had been, she was shocked to find that it had disappeared without a trace.
"An enchanted comic that vanishes into thin air," Rarity remarked "Forgive me for being paranoid, but I get the feeling it was no accident the comic ended up in Spike's clutches. Someone or something wanted him to find it."
"But would could that be?" Fluttershy wondered outloud, unfortunately nopony knew the answer. And neither did they know about a mysterious shadowy figure watching them from outside the library window. "Curses," the figure thought to itself "That miserable little dragon foiled the enchanted comic, it would've been the perfect trap." |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S4 E22: Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3 (What If?) (Bonus Chapter) | It was a lovely spring day in Equestria, and nowhere was it felt more than in the classroom of Ponyville Elementary. The various colts and fillies shifted anxiously in their seats, waiting for the school bell to ring and signify the end of class for the day.
Cheerilee was well aware of this fact, which is why she was currently standing at her desk with a huge stack of papers. Quickly attracting the attention of her students, she spoke to them "I have finished grading the tests from last week," she told them, as she grabbed the papers off her desk "I understand that this test was a little bit 'tricky' for lack of a better term."
"Try impossible," Ruby Pinch complained "There was so much information about the founders of Equestria, and far too many questions about obscure facts that almost nopony knows about." The rest of the class silently nodded in approval.
Cheerilee frowned a bit, but tried not to let it show too much "Anyway, I'm going to give you all your tests back so that you can see how you did. Rememeber, we have another test tomorrow on the history of The Wonderbolts. That test should hopefully be a little easier, but it will count more towards you overall grade, so be sure to study hard."
One by one, Cheerilee hoofed back the tests to each of her students, allowing them to see just how bad (or good) they had done.
Silver Spoon couldn't help but grin from ear to ear when she got her test results back "Eighty five out of one hundred!" she boasted, flaunting the test in front of the other students "I knew I was smart, but I didn't think I was this smart!" The other colts and fillies didn't take much notice, they were too busy focusing on their own test results. Some of them were relieved to see that they had not done as poorly as they thought, while others were shocked at just how many they'd gotten wrong.
"Seventy five out of one hundred," Apple Bloom said to Sweetie Belle "I guess that's okay, but I was so sure I was gonna do better."
"Well, I only got seventy three out of one hundred," Sweetie Belle replied "Mom and Dad might be impressed, but I'm still going to study really hard because I know the next one's going to be tricky. What about you, Scootaloo?"
Scootaloo held up her test score to reveal that she had scored sixity eight out of one hundred "I thought I was prepared for this test," she said glumly "Apparently, I didn't study nearly enough. I know it's not failing, but I need to do better or I'm gonna fail the class!"
"But the next test is on the history of The Wonderbolts," Sweetie Belle commented "You should have no trouble acing that, especially since you hang out with Rainbow Dash all the time."
"I didn't think there was much to the history of The Wonderbolts," Scootaloo replied unhappily "And Rainbow Dash apparently didn't know much about them either until recently. I'm gonna fail the test tomorrow, and flunk Miss. Cheerilee's class!" And she banged her head down on her desk, just as the school bell rang to signal the end of class.
"Come on, Scootaloo," Apple Bloom said in a reassuring tone of voice "Applejack says tests aren't everythin' when it comes to education. So you bomb one test, you could always take a make-up or do some extra credit to boost your grade."
"The make-up doesn't help me if I don't even know half of the material it features!" Scootaloo complained, as she and her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders left the school house "And Miss. Cheerilee says there's not many extra credit opportunities left. I'm barely scraping by as it is, I have to pass this test by least a whole grade higher than I usually do, or my grade's going to plummet right into the toilet."
"At least you actually passed your most recent test, blank flank," Diamond Tiara muttered, stumbling past while looking more angry than usual. She held up her test to reveal that she'd gotten a score of only sixity one out of one hundred "When Mother hears about this, she's going to yell at me even more than she normally does. And Father's probably going to ground me until I pass the next test."
"As if that matters, you're always getting good grades on your homework!" Scootaloo replied.
"Yeah, because Father or Randolph always helps me if I get stuck," Diamond Tiara explained "And I can't ask for their help on tests, Miss. Cheerilee won't allow it. Just like you, I have to get a decent grade on the upcoming test, or I'm probably going to have to attend summer school."
Scootaloo shuddered at the thought of having to attend summer school, especially if she was forced to attend with Diamond Tiara. Already, she could picture her days being filled with endless amounts of taunts such as "Blank flank", "Dodo", and "Scootaloser".
"Go ahead, rub in your victory as much as you want," Diamond Tiara said glumly "Have your laugh now, anything's better than putting up with Mother's yelling."
"Does your Mom always yell at you?" Apple Bloom asked, when she saw Diamond Tiara's face briefly twist itself into a look of fright.
Diamond Tiara appeared to consider answering the question, and opened her mouth to speak. But before she could say anything, a voice angrily shouted out "Diamond Dazzle Tiara!"
Diamond Tiara gulped "Gotta go, looks like I've already stayed out for too long." And she took off without saying another word, leaving the Cutie Mark Crusaders baffled as to what they had just witnessed.
After stopping for cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner, Scootaloo decided to part ways with her fellow crusaders.
"Where are you going, Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"I must be studying all wrong," Scootaloo replied, as she hopped onto her scooter and fastened her helmet "If anypony can help me figure out how to properly study for a test, it's got to be Princess Twilight. She should know all about what it feels like to freak out about tests."
"What makes you say that? I mean, Princess Twilight is pretty smart, but I don't think I've ever seen her get all 'freaked out' about tests." Apple Bloom told Scootaloo.
"Seriously?" Scootaloo said with a roll of her eyes "It's like you don't even know her at all. Rainbow Dash says Twilight's freak outs are so incredible that she even sings entire freak out arias about freaking out. And I think I've walked in on one or two."
"Couldn't you just ask your parents for help?" Sweetie Belle suggested "Didn't you say your Mom used to be with The Wonderbolts?"
"Back before she met my dad and settled down," Scootaloo explained "I tried asking her for help on the homework, but she didn't know much. And neither did Dad. Princess Twilight's my best shot, and I've wasted enough sitting here, talking about it!" And with that, as if to make herself heard, Scootaloo sped away as fast as her scooter's wheels and her wings would let her.
"Guess we'd better go our seperate ways as well," Apple Bloom said to Sweetie Belle, once the two of them were alone "Applejack and Big Macintosh are always breathin' down my neck about studyin' more often."
"Same here, but with Rarity," Sweetie Belle replied "I just hope Twilight can give Scootaloo the help she needs. And I wish there was more we could do to help her study."
Twilight had just finished reshelfing all the books inside The Golden Oaks Library, and had stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. "Such a glorious Spring day," she thought to herself "Maybe I should try to see if those flying lessons with Rainbow Dash are paying off. She said it's possible for my wings to cramp up if I don't occasionally stretch them out a little."
However, before Twilight could even think about trying to fly, Scootaloo came rolling up to her on her scooter. She was out of breath, and panting heavily. "Twilight... you have to... help me... study." Scootaloo said in between pants, taking a moment to wipe the sweat from her brows.
"Help you study for what?" Twilight asked Scootaloo.
"For a... test... at school... tomorrow." Scootaloo panted again.
"Well, once you've taken a moment to catch your breath, come on inside and tell me everything." Twilight suggested.
"Okay... will do." Scootaloo nodded, still panting. It did indeed take a moment for her to catch her breath, but once she did she felt a little bit better. Then, she made her way inside The Golden Oaks Library.
"Would you like some tea?" Twilight offered, holding out a tea cup with her magic.
"No way, tea is for three year olds who like to have tea parties with their dolls!" Scootaloo protested.
"Scootaloo, tea isn't just for tea parties," Twilight explained "I go to Zecora's all the time for tea, and we don't have tea parties. The same holds true for Fluttershy and Discord, and they do it every Tuesday."
"And your point is?" Scootaloo asked in a skeptical tone.
"Tea can have a very calming effect on the nervous system," Twilight told Scootaloo "Even one cup of non herbal tea can be just the sort of thing needed to help you unwind. It's not healthy to get wound up so tightly all the time. Trust me, I speak from experience."
Scootaloo shuddered a little. She could well remember what had happened the last time Twilight had gotten so wound up, and that was back when she was just a unicorn. The image of Twilight with her mane sticking up and looking neglected, coupled with the shrinking eyes and the creepy smile, still made Scootaloo feel uneasy. "Okay, I guess a cup of tea wouldn't hurt." she shrugged, and reluctantly accepted the cup. Sure enough, just as Twilight had said, she felt much more relaxed once she drank the tea.
Twilight smiled "Now then, you said you needed my help studying for a test at school?" she asked Scootaloo.
Scootaloo nodded "It's on the history of The Wonderbolts! I never would've guessed that they had so much history! And I really need to do well on this test, or I'm gonna flunk!"
"Scootaloo, tests are not the only way to measure student success, and one test alone isn't going to make or break your grade," Twilight said to Scootaloo "There's a reason why homework and projects are also given."
"I know that, and so does everypony!" Scootaloo complained "But I haven't been doing the greatest on my homework or projects either. I haven't been failing them or anything, but I keep making mistakes that cost me lots of points. If anypony can help me learn how to study to the point where I don't make them again, it's you! Please, you have to help me!"
"Well, I'll see what I can do," Twilight replied "But I can't promise my methods will gurantee success. The only way you'll know for sure my method works for you, is when you get the results of your test back. I learned from Rainbow Dash that not everypony learns the same way, so it's possible these methods may not work for you even though they worked for me."
"Of course they'll work, why wouldn't they?!" Scootaloo complained "Are you going to help me, or not?!"
"I'm just trying to warn you in advance, Scootaloo," Twilight explained "Now, if you're ready, let's begin our study session."
"Don't hold back on me, Twilight. Give me everything you've got!" Scootaloo insisted.
After spending a little bit of time setting up a makeshift classroom on the ground floor of the library (this included a desk for Scootlaoo, and a chalkboard), Twilight was ready to start. Using her magic, she pulled out an incredibly thick book and dropped it onto Scootaloo's desk with a thud. Scootaloo's mouth dropped open in shock.
"This is the most complete--" Twilight spoke up.
"And ginormous!" Scootaloo interrupted.
"--book on the history of the Wonderbolts," Twilight continued, smiling brightly "It contains all the information we'll need."
"Okay, I figured that much out," Scootaloo told Twilight, then she nervously asked "But, just how am I supposed to get what's in there into here?" she pointed a hoof to her noggin to emphasize her point "That's a lot of information to take in all at once."
"Don't worry, Scootaloo," Twilight said with a smile "With my handy-dandy study checklist, we should have no trouble getting at least some of that book's information into your brain. Hope you're ready."
"Oh, I am." Scootaloo replied.
"Good," Twilight said happily "Okay, first up, reading and highlighting."
Scootaloo quickly opened up the history book, grabbed a highlighter with her mouth, and set to work. All the while, Twilight trotted back and forth in front of her desk, explaining to her how the method worked " Reading and highlighting is the foundation of any good study method," she told Scootaloo "It's what allows the student to hone in and boil down on what's really important, separating the good from the bad, the wheat from the chaff, getting to the crux of things. History books never intentionally include information that's not required, but you don't always need to know everything about a topic to be able to understand it. Sometimes, you don't need to know all the background details about a topic or subject."
Twilight then waited patiently, until Scootaloo had set down the highlighter, before she picked up the book with her magic. "Okay, let's see what you've got so far!" she said eagerly, and began to scroll through the textbook. However, she was a bit surprised and disappointed at what she saw. "It seems you highlighted more than you were supposed to." she told Scootaloo.
"Sorry, Twilight," Scootaloo apologized "I tried my best, there was a lot of information. It was hard to tell what wasn't important."
"It's alright, Scootaloo," Twilight reassured her "At least you didn't use the highlighter to draw a sketch of me looking taller than I actually am."
"What?" Scootaloo asked.
Twilight quickly shook her head "It's nothing. Anyway, it would seem reading and highlighting isn't the best strategy for you. Not to worry though, now we move on to the good old history lecture!"
After placing the history book back on the shelf, Twilight moved the chalk board closer to Scootaloo's desk in preparation for the lecture. But when she prepared to sit down at her desk, she was snapped out of her lecturing mood by a faintly audiable "Pfft!" sound. Twilight got up, and noticed a whoopee cushion had been placed on her desk chair.
Scootaloo giggled a bit "Sorry, couldn't resist," she said with a chuckle "I didn't think you'd actually fall for it."
"I sure hope you don't waste all your class time playing pranks on the teacher, Scootaloo," Twilight replied, a hint of anger in her voice "The classroom is a place for learning, not a place for fooling around and acting like a clown."
"Oh, don't worry," Scootaloo said, chuckling a bit more "The only other pony I ever pranked was Diamond Tiara, and I got the loudest whoopee cushion I could find for her. You should've been there, I didn't think it was possible for a pony's cheeks to turn that red. Too bad Miss. Cheerilee found out, and made me apologize. It's not like I did anything really harmful. Besides, Diamond Tiara deserved it for making fun of my wings! She's lucky that's the worst I did to her!"
Twilight cleared her throat and changed the subject "Well, anyway, are you comfortable?" she asked Scootaloo.
"About as comfortable as I can be, I guess." Scootaloo replied.
Twilight beamed a bright smile at Scootaloo "Good. Now then, prepare to experience the magic of learning. Feel free to take notes, and don't worry, I'm not going to be one of those teachers that pulls a pop quiz right after the lecture."
"That's music to my ears." Scootaloo said, breathing a much needed sigh of relief. She quickly retrieved some looseleaf paper and a pencil, and began to jot down notes, as Twilight went into lecture mode.
"Prior to Luna's banishment, there was no need for any sort of protection for the princesses," Twilight began "The Earth, Unciorn, Pegasi, or E.U.P guard was not formed until after that faithful night 1,000 years ago. Because the two princesses wielded The Elements of Harmony, they were more than capable of protecting themselves from all threats. But after Luna's banishment, the Protective Pony Platoons were formed to protect the now vulnerable Princess Celestia."
Scootaloo jotted down notes as best she could, struggling to keep up.
Twilight just continued to lecture. "On the anniversary of the first Celestial year of peace, a celebration was held. Headed by General Firefly I, an elite team of aerial performers were chosen to help celebrate the occasion. The performance of those flyers was so full of energy, and so magically charged, that it could not be contained to the flyers themselves. Magical lightning showered down on the crowd. Everypony was so filled with amazement and wonder that General Firefly dubbed them 'the Wonderbolts'! And to this day, they have remained the greatest aerial performers in all of Cloudsdale! In time, other leaders such as General Flash, and Colonel Purple Dart would take over. And with each new leader, new elements were added. Changes were made, until The Wonderbolts became what they are today. And that, is a brief history of The Wonderbolts!"
Scootaloo had been listening eagerly the entire time, and when the lecture was finished, she clapped her hooves in applause. "You sure you're not secretly a former teacher from Canterlot or something?" she asked "Because you have all the makings of one, heck I think you could take Miss. Cheerilee's place in a heartbeat and nopony would mind. Not that I expect Miss. Cheerilee to retire or move anytime soon."
"Oh, I'm no teacher, at least not on a professional level," Twilight chuckled "But I'm glad you enjoyed my lecture. Did you make sure to take notes, those are always a big help in any lecture."
"I sure did, see for yourself!" Scootaloo nodded, and showed Twilight an entire page worth of notes.
Twilight was amazed "Wow, that's a lot more information than I thought you'd write down," she said to Scootaloo "You don't have to write every last detail, just key terms, phrases, and figures. But maybe my favorite style of learning can help you with that."
"And what would that be?" Scootaloo asked Twilight.
"Flashcards!" Twilight said eagerly.
"Oh, does that mean I'll learn in a flash?" Scootaloo teased.
Twilight laughed a little "One can only hope. I've prepared some cards on various Wonderbolts leaders and important moments in their history, I'll read them to you once, then I want you to repeat what I told you on the second run through. Understand?"
"Yes I do. Ready when you are." Scootaloo replied.
It took some time for Scootaloo to get the idea of the flash cards lecture down, but once she did she had very little trouble. Only a few cards tripped her up, and even then Twilight encouraged her not to give up. On the tenth run through of the cards, Scootaloo was able to get every single one of them correct.
Twilight smiled "Excellent job, Scootlaoo. I think you've gotten the hang of flash cards pretty well. So then, would you like to put my methods to the test?"
"How so?" Scootaloo asked.
"Well, I'll give you a mock quiz to do," Twilight explained "Just answer the questions as best you can, and then I'll tell you the results once I've looked over the quiz."
"Okay then, I'm ready!" Scootaloo said eagerly.
"Very well." Twilight replied, and after taking some time to come up with a convincing mock quiz, she placed it on Scootaloo's desk.
Scootaloo carefully looked over the questions and the answers provided, and selected the ones she thought sounded right in her head. At last, she answered the last question and said to Twilight "All done!"
Twilight picked up the mock quiz with her magic, and instructed Scootaloo to wait while said quiz was graded.
Several tense seconds passed, as Scootaloo waited anxiously for the results. "Oh please, please tell me I did good!" she thought to herself.
After about three minutes had passed, Twilight approached Scootaloo, and gave her the mock quiz again. Nervously, Scootaloo looked at the results, and frowned. "Sixty nine out of one hundred? That's only one better than my last test!"
"I'm sorry, Scootaloo," Twilight said in a somber tone "But it seems like there were quite a few instances where you second guessed yourself, even though you had the right answer."
"But! But I don't understand!" Scootaloo complained "I took notes and got the flash cards right in a couple of rounds! How could I have done so badly?! If that had been the actual test, my grade would be right at the failing level! And it would be all your fault!"
"My fault?! I'm the one helping you!" Twilight protested, before she realized she was getting mad and tried to calm herself down "Look, Scootaloo, blaiming me isn't going to solve anything. I'm sorry I couldn't help you as much as you would like, but it's like I told you earlier, my methods don't work for everypony."
"I'll say," Scootaloo remarked "Maybe your famous study methods aren't all they're cracked up to be, eh, teacher?!"
"I'll have you know that I've used these methods to study for many a test and passed!" Twilight told Scootaloo "But Rainbow Dash didn't click with my methods, yet she was able to pass her Wonderbolts Reserve exam."
"How?" Scootaloo asked.
"I wish I could explain it, Scootaloo," Twilight replied "But Rainbow Dash's method is something that it is difficult to put into words, at least for me. You're better off asking her yourself."
"Do you think Rainbow Dash's methods could work for me?" Scootaloo asked Twilight hopefully.
"I'm afraid I don't have an answer for that, Scootaloo," Twilight admitted "Just because my method didn't work doesn't automatically mean Rainbow Dash's method will work. What you need to do, is find whatever method of studying works best for you. Maybe Rainbow Dash's method is the answer to that, and maybe it isn't."
"Then, I'm on my own?" Scootaloo concluded.
"For now, I'm afraid so," Twilight replied "But if you feel like giving my methods another shot, or just want to ask me something, I'll be here."
"Thanks, Twilight," Scootaloo said, feeling a little bit better than when she had arrived "I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier, I didn't mean to make you upset. I just got really mad, you know."
"Oh, you don't have to apologize," Twilight insisted "That wasn't the first time my methods were insulted, and I get the feeling they won't be the last. Good luck finding Rainbow Dash though, I have no idea where she could be. She wasn't at her home when I stopped by, but that was hours ago."
"If you see her, do you promise to tell her I've been looking for her?" Scootaloo asked Twilight.
"Of course I can," Twilight said happily "Just don't stay out too late looking for her. You won't have me to hide behind, this time."
Scootaloo didn't reply, she was already too far away to hear. All she could focus on right now, was finding Rainbow Dash, and learning how she studied for tests.
"Now, if I were Rainbow Dash, where would I be on a day like today?" Scootaloo thought to herself, as she sped across town on her scooter. In fact, Scootaloo was going so fast, she didn't notice until too late that somepony was on the same path she was on. Scootaloo braked hard, but was unable to stop herself from crashing face first into Fluttershy's side.
"Oh my goodness," Fluttershy exclaimed "Are you alright, Scootaloo?"
It took a second for Scootaloo to regain her composure, but once she did she quickly rose to her feet and said "I'll live, nothing's broken."
"You were certainly in a hurry," Fluttershy remarked "What's the rush?"
"I'm looking for Rainbow Dash, I need to know how she studies for tests," Scootaloo replied "Can you help me find her, please?!"
"I'm sorry, Scootaloo, but I haven't seen Rainbow Dash all day." Fluttershy apologized.
Scootaloo's heart sank "Just great." she said sarcastically.
"Why do you need to know about Rainbow Dash's test studying methods so badly?" Fluttershy asked Scootaloo.
"Because I've got a test on the history of The Wonderbolts coming up tomorrow, and I need to do a good job or I'm gonna flunk my class and have to take summer school," Scootaloo said in one breath "I tried Twilight's methods, but they just didn't work for me, and I don't know what else to do!"
Much to Scootaloo's surprise, Fluttershy looked at her with a smile that would make Pinkie Pie proud and said "If you need help with studying, you should've come to see me. I don't study for tests the way most ponies do."
"You mean, you don't learn the Twilight way?" Scootaloo asked.
Fluttershy nodded "I prefer something a little more unconventional. But it's done wonders for me whenever I need to study. I'm sure it could do the same for you."
"Then teach it to me!" Scootaloo pleaded "Please, at this point I'm willing to try anything to pass that test! Anything short of cheating that is!"
Fluttershy led Scootaloo to a small stage in the park, the same stage that often saw musical performances from The Ponytones or the school choir. However, the performance beind held on the stage at the moment, was anything but musical. In fact, no sounds at all could be heard on the stage, except for the occasional chatter amongst the cast members.
"So, how does this work?" Scootaloo asked Fluttershy "I'm not learning anything right now."
"Patience, Scootaloo," Fluttershy replied and turned to Spike "Is everyone ready?"
"Ready and waiting, just give the word!" Spike instructed.
"Okay then, places everypony," Fluttershy said cheerfully, the performers did so without hesitation "Give the word, Spike." Fluttershy instructed.
"Action!" Spike shouted through a megaphone, and out trotted two pegasi that Scootaloo had never seen before. They each wore a headpiece that resembled the flowing manes of the two princesses of Equestria.
"This is the two royal pony sisters, Celestia and Luna, from back when they were happy," Fluttershy narrated to Scootaloo "But one faithful day, when Luna refused to lower the moon for the coming dawn, Celestia was forced to banish her to the moon."
The pegasus mare dressed as Princess Luna dramatically put a hoof to her head and shouted "Nooo!" as she was dragged off the stage.
Then, out trotted three more ponies. Scootaloo recognized them as Time Turner, Sparkler, and Derpy. "Those are-" Scootaloo realized.
"The E. U. P., helping to protect Princess Celestia," Fluttershy interrupted "The first Wonderbolts were recruited from the pegasi serving in this group. And that leads us to that faithful celebration of The First Year of Celestial Peace."
But before the play could progress, there was trouble. Part of Sparkler's costume got stuck on a nail sticking up from one of the floorboards. When she attempted to pull herself free, she ended up using a bit too much force and bumped straight into Time Turner. Time Turner lost his balance, and tried to grab hold of something to keep from falling. But all he managed to do, was grab hold of Derpy and drag her down with him. As a result, Derpy ended up bumping into some of the stage props, and in seconds a catastrophic chain reaction unfolded.
Luckly, nopony was hurt, but the performance had been ruined. The stage was now completely unuseable.
"Stop, stop, stop!" Scootaloo shouted "I barely learned anything from that performance before it was forced to end. It was aw--"
"Awesome!" Pinkie Pie interrupted, bouncing into view "I love a good show, even if this one didn't last very long. I give it three woohoo's! Woohoo, woohoo, woohoo! And an extra 'woo' for good measure! Woo!"
"Thanks for the compliment, Pinkie Pie," Fluttershy replied "It's just too bad it can't continue. But it'll take a long time to repair this stage."
"That's time I don't have," Scootaloo muttered "And as for that play, I just give a 'whoa, whoa, what?' I'm totally confused and I just wanna get out of here. Even if I can't find Rainbow Dash, at least I can spend the rest of my day studying at home."
But Pinkie Pie wasn't about to let Scootaloo leave "Whoa your woes there, woeful. Some ponies learn through theatrical presentation, but other ponies learn through musical intervention," she said cheerfully "And yours truly is one of them."
"You know the history of The Wonderbolts?" Scootaloo asked doubtfully.
"I've picked up a few things from some of my pegasi friends," Pinkie Pie explained "One of them's even a distant cousin of mine who used to fly with them. Now, you just sit back and relax, while I show you my method of studying. It'll blow your mind!" And she began to sing.
"So, do you get it now?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"I don't know," Scootaloo nervously admitted "For the most part, it seemed to sound like 'Wiki, wiki, wiki! General This and Colonel That, they're the Wonderbolts, something that rhymes with that!'"
"Maybe a reprise will help you get it down?" Pinkie Pie suggested "Sometimes, if you really want to learn this way, you've got to listen to the song more than once. It took me weeks to come up with this song, and it took even longer to get it set to the right beat."
"But I've gotta learn this stuff! Now!" Scootaloo complained "I'm sorry, Pinkie Pie, but your method only barely makes more sense than Fluttershy's method. No offense."
"None taken," Fluttershy replied "But there's plenty of other studying methods out there, I'm sure you'll find the right one for you."
"And I am just the pony to help!" Rarity boasted, appearing before Scootaloo dressed in an outfit that looked like it wouldn't be out of place in a marching band. "I think I know of a way that'll work like a charm!"
"Rarity, you look completely ridiculous!" Scootaloo giggled "Don't tell me you know about the history of The Wonderbolts as well?"
"Oh I do. Not enough to be an expert on the subject, mind you, but enough to where I think I can help you," Rarity replied "Want to give my method a shot?"
"Well, why not?" Scootaloo said with a sigh "It's better than wasting my time looking for somepony that might not even be around."
"I am going to ignore that comment out of my desire to help you," Rarity told Scootaloo "Now, follow me."
Rarity led Scootaloo to Carousel Boutique, much to Scootaloo's displeasure. She had nothing against the place, and didn't mind wearing a dress when the occasion called for it, but fashion was not something she was into.
"Get ready, Scootaloo," Rarity said eagerly "For I am going to take you on an historical adventure in fashion!"
"Hey, I thought you said you were going to teach me about the history of The Wonderbolts?!" Scootaloo complained "What does that have to do with fashion?!"
"It's actually quite simple, Scootaloo. If you would allow me to explain," Rarity replied "I am simply showing off my preferred method of learning. I find it helps that whenever there's something you need to learn, start from an area or aspect that interests you, and go from there. In this case, since I am majorly into fashion, I have used it as a starting point. I have done some research into the historical outfits of past Wonderbolts leaders, including their founder, General Firefly I. And from there, I have looked into anything that stands out about the outfits. For example, right now I am modeling the rather unattractive, and frankly itchy, original Wonderbolts flying costume. Back then, this is the best they could do."
"Why is that?" Scootaloo asked Rarity "Why would anypony wear something so itchy?"
"Because, Scootaloo, higher quality fabrics could only be imported from overseas at a great cost," Rarity explained "And unfortunately, when the Wonderbolts were just starting out, they operated on a shoestring budget. It was only as their impressive aerial performances attracted more attention, that The Wonderbolts were given the budget needed to upgrade. Thanks to the vision of Flair d'Mare, the Wonderbolts ensemble became more streamlined in a wonderfully breathable fabric. Of course, there were fashion hits... and misses. Just look at those dreadful bell-bottoms, I can easily see why this style did not last long after General Flash's departure."
"I dunno. I bet General Flash rocked these thangs!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
Scootaloo was shocked, and nearly jumped in surprise "Pinkie, you're real!" she exclaimed "I'm under attack from fashion models!"
"Whoa, whoa, calm down," Rarity said to Scootaloo "I apologize if Pinkie Pie startled you, but I needed some models for the various outfits of the famous generals, and Pinkie Pie was one of the only ponies available on such short notice."
"I don't think I like this method very much," Scootaloo said nervously "It's too much to take in all at once! It's too much for my eyes!"
"Now, don't you fret, sugarcube," Applejack spoke up, taking off her outfit "No offense to Rarity, but this whole fashion show nonsense wouldn't help me learn anythin' either."
"Really? Well, what special study trick do you have, Applejack?" Scootaloo asked.
"Who, me? Oh, I got nothin'," Applejack admitted, as she led Scootaloo outside "The way I see it, you can study as much you like, but the only true way you learn is through experience. I could tell you all there is now about a variety of things, farmin', history, you name it. But I picked all that up through years of obeservation and experience. Tests aren't a bad thing, but they ain't the best way to determine if ponies know enough about a subject or not."
"Have you seen Rainbow Dash at all?" Scootaloo asked Applejack.
"Sorry, I'm afraid I haven't." Applejack replied.
Then, to the surprise of everypony present, Scootaloo sighed and said glumly "Then, I might as well just head home and try to study a little more while I still can. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll at least get enough to pass. I appreciate your help, everypony, but none of your methods work for me."
"Scootaloo, wait!" Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Twilight called (Fluttershy and Twilight had both been brought in to serve as fashion models for Rarity's history tour), but it was too late, Scootaloo was gone!
"Maybe my Mom will still remember a thing or two from when she was with The Wonderbolts," Scootaloo thought to herself, as she sped home "At the very least, I can see if she has any sort of method she uses to help her study. It can't be any worse than any of the other methods I've tried so far. I just wish I knew how Rainbow Dash studies, and whether or not it worked for me."
"Hey, squirt," a familiar voice called out, breaking Scootaloo out of her unhappy thoughts "Heard you've been looking for me." Just a second later, Rainbow Dash touched down lightly in front of Scootaloo, who skidded to a halt to avoid crashing into her honorary big sister.
"Rainbow Dash? Where have you been all day?!" Scootaloo asked impatiently "Nopony knew where you were, I'd given up on trying to find you."
"Sorry, Scootaloo," Rainbow Dash apologized "Something came up at work on short notice, I didn't have time to leave a note. Luckly, I got it all straightened out. Now, what's with the long face? You know I don't like seeing you all down in the dumps."
"It's nothing," Scootaloo replied glumly "Nothing you could help with me anyway."
"Are you sure about that, Scootaloo?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I'm pretty sure." Scootaloo reluctantly nodded.
"Well, how do I know that's the case if you won't tell me what's bugging you?" Rainbow Dash asked kindly "I just want to help you out, that's what sisters do."
"I'm beyond help at this point, I've tried everything," Scootaloo complained "I'm never gonna pass that test tomorrow. I'm going to flunk the class."
"Test? What test?" Rainbow Dash asked Scootaloo.
"A test on the history of The Wonderbolts," Scootaloo explained "I've tried every study method there is, and not one of them's worked for me. I thought maybe you might have some kind of trick to studying, but at this point I don't think even you could help me. If even Twilight and Rarity's methods can't help me, then whatever way I learn is a way that can't help me pass my test."
"So you're going to just give up?!" Rainbow Dash remarked.
"It's not like I have much of a choice, I don't know what else to do." Scootaloo said sadly.
Rainbow Dash lost patience "Scootaloo, I've been where you are, and I know how it feels when you can't seem to learn what you need to pass a test. But giving up is never an acceptable option! Do you want to know how I passed my Wonderbolts Reserve entrance exam? My friends helped me find a method that worked best for me, and never once did they give up on me and deem me a lost cause!"
"But I've tried every kind of studying," Scootaloo complained "Nothing's worked."
"So, you haven't given my method a shot yet," Rainbow Dash replied "My method's a little tough to explain, but I'm confident it'll help you out if you give it a try."
"Go ahead and try your best, it won't make a difference." Scootaloo said glumly.
Rainbow Dash smiled "Oh, I think it will. Now, let me tell you what I want you to do. In a little bit, I want you to meet me at Sugarcube Corner. Once you're there, I'll ask you some questions, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you remember. So, how about it, kid? Want to give the Rainbow Dash method an honest attempt?"
"Well, why not. It's not like I've got anything left to lose." Scootaloo shrugged.
"Trust me, this will work," Rainbow Dash replied "Now, I need to get everything set up. When I come back, you can head to Sugarcube Corner, okay?"
"Okay." Scootaloo nodded, and she watched as Rainbow Dash disappeared in a blur of rainbow light.
A little later, Rainbow Dash returned, smiling brightly. "Okay, everything's all set. See you at Sugarcube Corner, kid."
"Alright, see you there!" Scootaloo replied, as she hopped onto her scooter, fastened her helmet, and sped away.
Scootaloo journey to Sugarcube Corner passed mostly uneventfully, though she couldn't help but overhear a few faint things that sounded vaguely familiar. "No, I must be hearing things. There's no way that's how Rainbow Dash's method works." she thought to herself.
When Scootaloo arrived at Sugarcube Corner, she parked her scooter, hung up her helmet, and went inside. And sure enough, there was Rainbow Dash, chomping happily away on a cupcake.
"Hey, Scootaloo. How was your ride?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Good," Scootaloo replied "But I don't really understand what your method was. How was it supposed to work?"
"Well, what do you remember about your ride to Sugarcube Corner?" Rainbow Dash asked Scootaloo "Anything important?"
Scootaloo sighed "I don't think so," but then something came jumping into the forefront of her mind "Except after Luna was banished to the moon, Celestia needed protective forces, so Earth, Unicorn, and Pegasi formed the E. U. P. Guard of the Protective Pony Platoons."
"And?" Rainbow Dash asked, a faint smile forming on her face.
Scootaloo, still suspecting nothing said "And, at the celebration of the first Celestial year of peace, an elite flying squadron performed, headed by General Firefly, who later named the group the Wonderbolts!" By now, her tone of voice was starting to become much more cheerful "Wait, what's going on?! I... I know the history of The Wonderbolts! I know it all! But how in Equestria did that happen?" she asked outloud.
Rainbow Dash's smile grew so big that Scootaloo thought for sure it was going to leap right off her face "An experienced flyer like me knows how to multitask. Whenever I'm flying, in order to stay safe in the sky, I've got to hear and see everything down to the littlest details. I always make note of everything when I fly."
"But I didn't fly!" Scootaloo remarked.
"You didn't have to fly," Rainbow Dash replied, and explained "My method involves multitasking, and memorizing details. For me, that happens whenever I fly, but for other ponies it can happen in a variety of ways. In this case, riding your scooter puts you in the same situation I'm in when I'm flying."
"Well, your method rocks!" Scootaloo cheered, hugging Rainbow Dash tightly "How could I have ever doubted you?"
"Hey, you were feeling down on your luck and not looking on the bright side of things," Rainbow Dash said to Scootaloo "But the most important thing to remember, Scootaloo, is that everypony learns and studies differently. Just because your method is based on my method doesn't mean it's exactly the same. And it can be applied to more than just tests, because tests aren't the only way of finding out how much you know."
Just then, Scootaloo's ears perked up, as a familiar cheerful voice cried out "Scootaloo!" Scootaloo realized at once who that voice belonged to. And sure enough, in the distance she could just faintly spot the familiar amber coat of her mother, Dizzy Twister. "Gotta go, Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo called "It's getting late, and Mom wants me home. Thanks for not giving up on me though, even when I was ready to give up on myself."
"Hey, it's what big sisters do!" Rainbow Dash said cheerfully "I know you'll do well on that test tomorrow, just make sure you put your new study method to good use!"
"Will do!" Scootaloo replied, and after climbing onto her scooter, she sped off for home.
A few days later, Cheerilee hoofed back the results of the test on the history of The Wonderbolts. "I must say, I'm quite surprised," she said with a cheerful smile "Many of you did much better on this test than you did on your previous tests. One of you in particular really surprised me with how well you did."
Silver Spoon once again cheered, when she got her test results back "Eighty out of one hundred! I doubt anypony's going to top a score like that! I really am the smartest filly in class!"
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle said nothing, they had scored seventy seven and seventy nine out of one hundred respectively. They didn't like Silver Spoon's gloating, but there was little they could do to make her stop.
Scootaloo, however, grinned at Silver Spoon as she asked "I'm sorry, would you care to repeat that last sentence, you little brat!"
This made Silver Spoon angry "How dare you!" she snorted at Scootaloo "You've got some nerve saying that to me, I'll bet you flunked this test!" But Silver Spoon was in for the shock of her life when Scootaloo held up her test to reveal that she had scored eighty two out of one hundred. "Impossible!" Silver Spoon exclaimed "How did you get so smart so fast?!"
"Simple, I just found a method of studying that works for me," Scootaloo replied "Guess you're not as high and mighty as you thought."
Silver Spoon was still angry, but she quickly realized that she'd been knocked off her pedestal "Well, you've got me there," she said to Scootaloo "Beaten by a blank flank, never thought I'd see the day. Guess that's what happens when I get too cocky though."
"Oh, so now you understand the concept of humility!" Apple Bloom thought to herself, but she knew it was best not to say such a thing outloud.
Meanwhile, Diamond Tiara was anything but silent. "I only got seventy five out of one hundred," she remarked "You've got to show me how it is that you became so smart in such a short amount of time! I'll do anything!"
"'Anything' huh?" Scootaloo pondered, a bit of a sadistic smirk appearing on her face "Well then, you know what I want to hear. An apology."
"For what?" Diamond Tiara asked, before she quickly realized what Scootaloo was talking about "Oh no, you can't be serious! I said I was sorry!"
"Well, how's about another one for the record?" Scootaloo asked.
Diamond Tiara sighed, and put on the most sincere apology face she could muster "I'm sorry I teased you about your wings, and made you feel like you had to fly even when you couldn't do it."
"And?" Scootaloo encouraged.
"And I'm sorry about the 'Twilight Time' fiasco." Diamond Tiara added.
"AND?" Scootaloo encouraged again.
Diamond Tiara growled, before she added "And, I'm sorry I exploited Sweetie Belle's stage fright because I got jealous. There, are you happy?!"
"Almost," Scootaloo smirked "There's one more thing I'd like to see from you."
Diamond Tiara hissed furiously "You actually want to see me BEG?!" she remarked "I don't think so! You're pushing your luck, Scootaloo!"
"I know," Scootaloo giggled "I was just teasing you, the apology is enough. Now, why don't we stay after class, and we can figure out what study method works best for you." |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S5 E3: Castle, Sweet Castle (What If?) | It had been about two weeks since the girls had followed the newly discovered map in Twilight's castle, and ended up having to free an entire village from the control of a dangerous (not to mention unpredictable) unicorn who called herself Starlight Glimmer. Since then, life had gone back to normal, for the most part.
Currently, the six friends were enjoying a pancake breakfast at Twilight's castle, and chatering amongst themselves in between bites.
"Mm, these are delicious, Pinkie Pie!" Applejack said happily "You've really outdone yourself this time."
"Thanks!" Pinkie Pie replied, as she slurped down her own pancakes "But I couldn't have done it without Twilight's help, she spent all night helping me pick out the right flavor. The funny thing is, I kept thinking we'd found the right one, but she insisted I make even more to try. And more. And more and more and more and more!" To emphasize this point, Pinkie Pie stacked a bunch of pancakes on top of each other, creating a large stack. "It was like she never wanted to leave. I ran out of time, so she convinced me to just go with every-berry-any-chip-surprise!"
"Surprise?" Rarity asked curiously.
Pinkie Pie whispered into Rarity's ear "You wouldn't like it, the surprise is that I ended up losing a measuring spoon in the batter at some point," then in her usual cheerful she smiled and said "Somepony's gonna get a very special pancake!" Before she went back to her seat, while Rarity cautiously checked her pancakes for any unusual bulges.
"Up all night, huh?" Rainbow Dash asked "I guess that would explain why Twilight's so... out of it?"
As if to emphasize Rainbow Dash's point, Twilight shut her eyes and began to snore. Her face fell forward, planting itself firmly in her pancakes, which she snuggled as if they were a pillow.
"Um, I don't mean to sound unappreciative, but has anypony else noticed that Twilight has been a little too helpful lately?" Fluttershy asked the rest of her friends "It's like she'd rather be anywhere but here."
"Funny you should mention that, 'cause I was thinkin' the same thing ever since Twilight lent a hoof at Sweet Apple Acres the other day," Applejack replied "I was grateful for the help with some of my tougher chores, but she kept hangin' around and askin' if there was somethin' else she could do. Eventually, I told her everythin' was fine, and sent her on her way. But I got the feelin' she was tryin' to avoid somethin'."
"I felt the same way after Twilight stopped by the boutique, and spent an entire afternoon rearranging my gem drawers," Rarity commented "Even after she'd sorted them out one way, she tried to sort them in another way. Even for her, that's unusual."
"And I got the feeling something was up when Twilight tried to challenge me to a bunch of races a few days ago," Rainbow Dash added "Even when I went easy on her, she still didn't win. Then, when I told her there was no point racing somepony who's heart wasn't into it, she decided to stay and talk about Daring Do for as long as possible. She even pleaded with me to give her another flying lesson, but I could tell she was no in shape to learn."
"So, I wasn't just being overly worried when Twilight stayed until sunrise to help me give all my animals a bath yesterday," Fluttershy concluded "She even knocked Angel into a mud puddle, so she could give him another bath. I just don't know what's come over her."
"I can only think of one reason why anypony would act like that," Applejack said with great reluctance "As soon as Twilight wakes up, we're gonna have to ask her just what it is she's tryin' to stay away from."
"And what if she doesn't feel like talking?" Rarity asked "What happens then?"
"Then we find a way to make her talk," Applejack replied seriously "Perhaps we'll even ask Spike. No matter what, we're goin' to get some answers from Twilight."
Just then, Pinkie Pie coughed, and spit out a metal measuring spoon that landed on the table. "I win!" she cheered, albeit a little too loudly. Twilight woke up with a start!
"Huh?! I'm pancake! I mean, awake." Twilight called, not noticing she had a pancake stuck to her horn.
A long, drawn out silence hung in the air of the castle. Nopony said anything for a couple of minutes. Twilight just looked at her friends, who looked back at her with looks of concern and confusion.
At last, Applejack broke the silence and asked "Uh, Twilight? Is there somethin' you wanna tell us? You've been actin' awfully strange lately."
"You know how much we appreciate all you do for us, and we simply adore having you around... but... we worry you might be... ahem... avoiding something else?" Rarity nervously chimed in.
Much to everypony's surprise, Twilight immediately responded by saying "Oh, has it been that obvious?" to which all of her friends nodded. Twilight sighed, as she told her friends "The thing is... I know it's silly, but I... I've been avoiding... this place."
All of Twilight's friends gasped, they could hardly believe their ears. "But why in Equestria would you want to avoid being in such a splendid castle?" Rarity asked "Especially since you've been living here for about a month now."
"Rarity's right, this castle's got everything," Pinkie Pie commented "It even has a library. Anypony would love to be in your horsehoes," Applejack coughed slightly at the statement "Well, almost anypony." Pinkie Pie added.
"This castle is amazing, there's no doubt about that," Twilight agreed "But the thing is," she sighed "It just doesn't feel like home. I thought maybe this feeling would go away in time, but I just can't get used to the place. My home was the Golden Oaks Library, until Tirek blew it up. And this castle just hasn't been able to make me feel at home the same way the Golden Oaks Library did. Not even having Spike and Owlowiscious with me have done enough to make this place feel like a home."
"I know how you feel, Twilight," Pinkie Pie said sympathetically, putting a hoof around her tired friend (as well as helping herself to the pancake on Twilight's horn, though she had to free it first) "When I first moved to Ponyville from my family's rock farm, Sugarcube Corner didn't really feel like a home to me. I kept missing my family's rock farm and longed to go back there. But The Cakes understood how I was feeling, and you wanna know what they suggested I do?"
"What?" Twilight asked.
"They suggested that I decorate my room, make it my own!" Pinkie Pie explained "And it worked like a charm. Sure, sometimes I would still feel a bit homesick, but decorating helped me get used to the idea of calling Sugarcube Corner my new home. I'm sure it'll work the same for you."
"But, it's just so daunting! Look how big it is! I-I don't even know where to start!" Twilight complained.
"You can start by letting us do it for you," Rarity offered "We will make this the castle of your dreams while you go to the Ponyville spa for some much needed rest and relaxation," Rarity then held up a mirror with her magic "I'm saying this with love, but... have you looked in a mirror lately? I've never seen you look this..." she paused, as if trying to think about how to best to describe Twilight's appearance, without sounding inconsiderate.
"Frazzled?" Fluttershy suggested.
Rarity smiled "Yes! That is absolutely the word I was going to use. Thanks for helping me out, Fluttershy."
"You're welcome." Fluttershy replied.
"Ooh, I guess I do need a little help," Twilight realized "And so does my castle. And I just know you'll do a great job, because nopony knows me better than you girls. But are you absolutely sure you're up to the challenge?"
"Of course we're sure, darling," Rarity said eagerly "Think of it as our way of repaying you for all the nice things you've done for us. Now, where's Spike?"
Just then a familiar voice grumpily called out "What's all the fuss? I was trying to sleep." And in strolled Spike, with a blanket wrapped around his body, and a Rarity plushie clutched firmly in his claws.
"Sorry if we woke up you up, darling," Rarity apologized "But how come you didn't want to attend the pancake breakfast with us? I would've gladly shared some of my pancakes."
"I'm not much of a breakfast type of creature," Spike admitted "Besides, I had pancakes just the other day."
"Well, in any case, I'm glad you're here," Rarity said with a smile "Twilight's going to the spa, and you're going with her, while the rest of us decorate the castle for her."
"Sounds good to me, I've been meaning to get my claws done," Spike commented "How long do you girls think it'll take to complete the decorating?"
"We should be done by sunset. The spa trip probably won't last that long, so why don't the two of you spend the rest of the day together?" Rarity suggested "Think of it as 'Mother/Son Quality Time'."
"Alright, sunset it is," Spike agreed "Come on, Twilight, let's get you down to the spa. You're in need of some serious pampering right now." And he dragged Twilight away before she could say anything.
"Alright, ya'll!" Applejack declared, once Spike and Twilight had left "Let's get to decoratin'!"
Aloe and Lotus were quite surprised when Twilight stumbled into the Ponyville Spa, looking like she'd gone days without bothering to brush her mane and tail.
"Your highness," Aloe and Lotus greeted, bowing in respect "What brings you to our humble spa on such short notice?"
"I was told I needed some rest and relaxation by a friend," Twilight replied nervously "I didn't think I looked that bad, but I really am a mess."
"Say no more, princess," Lotus said warmly "I'll get a hot bath going for you. Shall I prepare one for your son as well?"
"Of course, a hot bath sounds lovely right about now." Spike replied.
"Then I shall start two hot baths at once," Lotus said with a smile "After that, we'll need to work on your mane." And with that, Lotus left to get the spa baths running.
"Feel free to help yourselves to our catalog while you wait," Aloe offered "We've recently hired Bulk Biceps as a massage therapist, and he's running a special."
"The 'Extra-strength-hot-stone-deep-tissue massage'?" Twilight read "That sounds... painful."
"Yeah, I think we'll just stick with two regular massages, a claw filing for me, and a mane re-styling for my mom." Spike declared.
"Very well then, your total comes to twenty eight bits." Aloe said, ringing up the total on a cash register.
Twilight went up to the coutner the register was on, and deposited the necessary amounts of bits for the treatment. Aloe scooped them up with a smile, and put them into a compartment of the cash register.
A short time later, Lotus appeared in the waiting room. Smiling, she cleared her throat and said to Twilight and Spike "Your baths are ready. Please, follow me."
As soon as Twilight set hoof into the bath, all her worries seemed to wash away. "I haven't felt this relaxed in ages," she thought to herself, sighing happily as she slowly sank into the warm bath waters "I need to come here more often, being a princess is an incredibly stressful job."
After their baths, Twilight and Spike were seperated for a while, but they didn't mind. Spike was taken by Lotus to have his claws filed, while Aloe helped Twilight to a seperate part of the spa to have her mane worked on.
"Just relax, princess," Aloe instructed with a friendly smile, before she frowned as she obeserved the state of Twilight's mane "You're not making my job any easier when you come to me with your mane messed up like this. Syrup and tree sap aren't easy to wash out."
"I'm very sorry, Aloe," Twilight apologized "I didn't mean for it to get this messy, honest."
Aloe smiled again "It's quite alright, this is only a mild setback. I've had customers with manes in far worse shape than yours." And she set to work on cleaning and re-styling Twilight's mane.
Much to Twilight's surprise, the process didn't take as long as she thought it would take. Soon, she was under a giant mane dryer, happily reading one of the magazines Aloe had provided for her.
Just then, Spike came whistling into the room. His skin was spotless, and his green scales had been polished to the point where they glistened brightly. "Hey, Twilight." he greeted cheerfully.
"Spike, you're back!" Twilight called happily, just as the mane dryer let off a small ding, and began to power down "How do I look?" she asked, as she poked her mane out from under the dryer.
Spike could hardly believe his eyes, Twilight's mane had been completely re-styled, but not in a way he had been expecting. Her mane now looked rather wavey, with a few of her curls hanging off to the side. "You look great!" Spike said with a smile "But that mane style's going to take some getting used to."
"Don't worry, I'll probably change it back later on," Twilight reassured him "Looks like Lotus did a fine job with your claws."
"She sure did, they feel so much better now," Spike replied "Now, all that's left are the massages."
"Did somepony order massages?" Aloe called cheerfully, as she stood in the doorway leading to the massage room. Twilight and Spike nodded, and followed Aloe through the door.
Surprisingly, although he ended up with Bulk Biceps as his massager, Spike found that he rather enjoyed his treatment. Twilight felt the same way about her treatment, and she and Spike said thanks and goodbye to Aloe, Lotus, and Bulk Biceps, as they left the spa. Celestia's sun was high in the sky, signifying that it was just after noon.
"I wonder how Rarity and the others are doing?" Twilight pondererd outloud "Maybe we should stop by the castle and see if they need a helping hoof, or claw?"
"I think they've got everything under control," Spike insisted "With Rarity in charge, there's no way they could mess up even if they wanted to. They promised to have it done by sunset, and I know they won't go back on that promise. Besides, it's been a long time since we've had an entire day just to ourselves without anything to do. The last time that happened, was when you took me to town hall to offically make me your son. And that was the happiest day of my life."
"It was the same for me," Twilight replied with a motherly smile "I'm glad Mayor Mare and Princess Celestia were able to get all the necessary paperwork required for the process," She then decided to change the subject "Great suggestion on the massages, I feel totally relaxed. Since it's such a lovely day, what else do you think we should do while we wait for sunset?"
"Why don't we pay a visit to what's left of The Golden Oaks Library?" Spike suggested "I wanna see if anything survived the explosion that we didn't notice before. Plus, I wanna see if maybe I can salvage some of my comic collection."
Upon hearing Spike mention the destroyed library, Twilight seemed to freeze in place. She trembled slightly, as if she'd just seen a ghost, and her legs wobbled. However, she quickly calmed herself and hastily said to Spike "Actually, maybe we'd better wait and do that later. You must be starving, after all it's just about lunch time."
"Now that you mention it, I am getting kind of hungry," Spike replied, as his stomach rumbled slightly "But I'm sure we could-"
"-Make a quick trip to Sugarcube Corner for a bite to eat? Of course we can!" Twilight interrupted.
"But that wasn't I was gonna-" Spike protested.
"Good, lunch it is! Come on, let's go!" Twilight cut in, before taking off at a speed that would rival even Pinkie Pie (at least when she wasn't on one of her sugar rushes).
Reluctantly, Spike sighed, and set off after Twilight. "She can't keep avoiding the library forever," he thought to himself "Sooner or later, she's going to have to go back there. And today might be her best chance."
When Spike arrived at Sugarcube Corner, he was out of breath and felt ready to collapse from exhaustion. Luckily, Twilight was already there, waiting for him.
"Sorry I forgot to wait for you, Spike," Twilight apologized "But I was really hungry."
"That's not the real reason you took off so quickly." Spike thought, but he kept it to himself.
"I'll bet The Cakes will be glad to see us," Twilight smiled, as she and Spike walked through the front door of Sugarcube Corner. Then, Twilight remembered her mane styling from the spa treatment. "I should probably brush it back to its original state now, it does make it hard to see," Twilight quickly used her magic to readjust her mane back to the state it was usually in. "Much better," Twilight said cheerfully, and turned to Spike "Know what you want? You can have anything on the menu."
"I'll be fine with just a few donuts and some hot chocolate," Spike replied "You know me, if I have too many donuts I go crazy."
Twilight chuckled a bit, as she remembered all the visits to Donut Joe's shop from when she and Spike lived in Canterlot. Spike could never resist Donut Joe's donuts, and more often than not he'd ended up acting rather unusual afterwards (Twilight suspected it had something to do with all the sugar, but she couldn't be sure). "Okay then, some donuts and hot chocolate for you. And for me, I'll just have a bagel with cream cheese." And with that, Twilight and Spike made their way up to the counter, where Mrs. Cake was busy taking orders from customers.
"Oh, hello dearies," Mrs. Cake greeted cheerfully, when Twilight and Spike approached "You're looking a lot better than you were the last time I saw you."
Twilight couldn't help but blush a bit, as she remembered the fact that Mrs. Cake had seen her in her messed up state shortly before the pancake breakfast. "Well, as you can see, I'm much better now," she chuckled nervously, then coughed and cleared her throat "Anyway, for our order, Spike will have some of your donuts and hot chocolate, and I'll have one bagel with cream cheese, plain if you please."
Mrs. Cake rang up the total on the cash register, and Twilight hoofed over the necessary amount of bits to pay for the order. "Go and have a seat, your highness. Carrot will bring your order over when it's ready."
Twilight immediately trotted over to one of the open booths, and sat down in it. But Spike remained by the counter, he was hoping to have a talk with Mrs. Cake about something.
"I'm so glad Princess Twilight's looking so much better now," Mrs. Cake said with relief "I was really worried about her this morning. It's not healthy for anypony to be such a state for so long."
"Well, it's because she's been trying to avoid her new castle," Spike explained "The girls are redecorating it as we speak, so it'll feel more like home. They asked me to take Twilight to the spa to get pampered, and then told me I could spend the rest of the day with her. I figured now would be a good time to finally go back to the Golden Oaks Library, but she seems to want to do anything but go there."
"Oh, the poor dear," Mrs. Cake commented "It reminds me so much of Pinkie Pie when she first came here. For nights on end she would stay up until long after the stars came out, and cry. Carrot and I tried to comfort her as best we could, but there was only so much we could do to cure her homesickness. She was very much like a daughter to us, and you can't begin to imagine how much it pained me to know that my daughter was upset, and there was nothing I could do to help her."
"Tell me about it," Spike replied "I feel the same way right now with my mother. I know she misses the library, and pretends it doesn't bother her, but I can tell how upset she really is. Even on our first night in the castle, I could hear her crying her heart out about how much she missed the library and wished Tirek had never destroyed it. They say time heals all wounds, but I don't see how it's possible for a wound that deep to ever heal."
Mrs. Cake was silent for a moment or two, as she pondered the information she'd just recieved from Spike. But at last she broke the silence and said to Spike "I'm no doctor, but I can tell that the only way for a wound like that to heal, is to address the source. For Pinkie Pie, getting her to write a letter to her parents, as well as helping her decorate her room, did the trick. For Twilight, visting the site of the destroyed library should do the same thing."
"But, what if Twilight doesn't want to visit the ruined site?" Spike asked.
"Then you've got to make her," Mrs. Cake said seriously "She may not like it, but she'll never be able to move on until she does."
"Thanks for the advice, Mrs. Cake," Spike replied "What do I owe ya?"
"Oh, the advice won't cost you a single bit. You just enjoy your lunch, and remember what I said." Mrs. Cake smiled.
Twilight and Spike ate their lunch in silence, and nothing more was said while they were at Sugarcube Corner. They made sure to say thanks and goodbye to The Cakes afterward, as they left Sugarcube Corner. Celestia's sun had shifted its position in the sky a little, and the glow it admitted signified that the middle of the afternoon was upon Ponyville.
"We've still got a few hours left to go until sunset comes," Twilight smiled, as she and Spike walked through town "Where should we go next?"
"Actually, now would be the perfect time to go and visit what's left of The Golden Oaks Library," Spike suggested "We might not get another opportunity like this."
"What are you talking about? Of course we'll have another opportunity," Twilight nervously chuckled "We can visit that place anytime we want, and why waste this lovely afternoon visiting a place like that?" Spike opened his mouth to protest, but Twilight spoke up before he could say anything "That was a trick question, you weren't supposed to answer that!" then she chuckled some more.
"Twilight, please, we NEED to visit the library!" Spike insisted "You can't keep putting it off forever!"
"I'm not putting it off forever!" Twilight protested, her eyes twitching a bit "I simply don't want to ruin a lovely afternoon visiting a place that we can't do anything at."
"Twilight." Spike frowned, rolling his eyes.
Twilight took no notice "Maybe we should go to Sweet Apple Acres next and talk to Granny Smith and Big Macintosh?" she suggested.
"Twilight!" Spike said angrily, to no avail.
"Or maybe we can see if Cheerilee needs help at the school house. You know how much I love teaching." Twilight went on.
"Twilight, please!" Spike pleaded. He was coming dangerously close to losing what little patience he still had.
"Or maybe we can-" Twilight began.
But before Twilight could say anything else, Spike finally decided that he'd had enough. "TWILIGHT!" he angrily bellowed at the top of his lungs, so loudly that he made Twilight jump. Now that he knew he'd gotten her attention, Spike paused for a moment to calm down, before he said seriously "This has to stop! I know you want to keep pretending that everything is alright, and that nothing has gone wrong, but you can't. The library was destroyed, Twilight! DESTROYED! It's been that way for weeks now, so it's time you stopped pretending it didn't happen."
Spike paused for a moment before continuing. "The only way you'll ever truly be able to accept the castle as your new home, is if you acknowledge that your old home is gone and is never coming back. Do you think I wasn't upset when Tirek blew up the library? Do you think it didn't hurt me deep inside to see the place I'd come to call home go up in smoke? Do you think a day goes by where I don't wish the whole thing had never happened? Because if so, then you don't know me at all. I know it's going to hurt, revisiting that place, but you need to do it. You need to move on, otherwise your castle will NEVER feel like a home!"
A long, drawn out silence filled the air. Twilight didn't say or do anything for quite a while, and Spike didn't move at all. At long last, Twilight broke the silence as she turned to Spike and with tears in her eyes she said to him "You know what, you're right. I've been running from the fact that the library was destroyed for a long time, but it was going to catch up to me sooner or later. I need to stop trying to run from my past, the time has come for me to accept what has happened, and move on. I can't change the past, only the future."
"Exactly, glad you're finally seeing sense." Spike said with a smile.
"You truly are the best son a mother could ask for," Twilight smiled back "I must look so foolish right now."
"Hey, we all make mistakes," Spike replied "Now come on, we don't have all day!" And this time, it was Spike who raced away at a ridiculous speed, while Twilight followed him as best she could.
The afternoon sun illuminated the chared remains of The Golden Oaks Library, as two of its former occupants approached it. Already, tears were forming in Twilight's eyes, as she sighed and said "I really miss this place, Spike. We had so many wonderful memories here over the years."
Spike put a claw around Twilight, and clung tightly to her body as he said in reply "We sure did, didn't we...?"
"Oh, Spike, I'm so sorry. Of course losing the Golden Oak Library was hard for you too," Twilight realized "Do you want to try and salvage your comic book collection? Maybe a few issues survived the explosion?"
"Nah, those comics are all just stuff," Spike said to Twilight, even as tears streamed down his cheeks "I can always obtain more. What's most important is that we have each other, and Owlowiscious, and all our friends."
Twilight nodded "And we'll make new memories in the castle together. I've got an idea. Why don't we have the girls add some things to make the castle feel more like your home as well?"
"Really? You'd do that for me?!" Spike exclaimed.
"Of course," Twilight replied "Anything for my number one assistant, first friend, and the best son any mother could ever ask for. Just hop on and name the place!"
Spike was about to climb onboard Twilight, when a thought came to him. "I, um... I just thought of what I want!" he said sheepishly.
"Oh, okay. What is it?" Twilight asked.
"It's a... well, I want a... it's... I kind of need a... a bed!" Spike declared "That old basket is nothing but ashes now, and those cold castle floors make it kind of hard to sleep."
"Hey, I thought you said you sleep like a baby in the castle." Twilight complained.
Spike scoffed "Everypony knows babies are terrible sleepers. Let's go!"
"Okay then, please remain seated and keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times," Twilight said proudly "Thank you for flying 'Air Twilight'. Next stop Sofas, Quills, and Beyond!" And with a flap of her wings, Twilight took off into the sky, with Spike riding on her back.
Just after Twilight and Spike had left, a group of shadows began to approach the site of the ruined library. They had big plans for what was left of it, but they had waited until Twilight and Spike had left so they wouldn't know about said plans. "It's time to put this old stump to good use." the leader of the group thought to itself.
It took surprisingly longer than Twilight thought it would take, to find a suitable bed for Spike. At last, they settled on one, payed for it, and left. When they had exited the store, and looked up to the sky, they could see the rays of Celestia's sun as it began to set in the west.
"The girls should be finished with their decorating by now," Twilight said to Spike "So let's go home, and see what they've done with the place. I'll bet we won't even recognize the castle!"
"That would certainly be a nice surprise," Spike chuckled "But something tells me they've got something else in store for us."
"Well, there's only one way to find out! Ready for another flight?" Twilight asked Spike.
"You sure you're up for it?" Spike asked nervously "It's not just me you're carrying."
"You know what, on second thought, maybe we'd better walk home." Twilight said nervously, and she and Spike did just that.
Upon opening the castle's front door, Twilight and Spike were surprised to find that the girls were nowhere to be seen. It was as if they'd vanished without a trace in the middle of decorating. "Hello? We're home!" Twilight called.
Just a few seconds later, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie all emerged. "Welcome home!" they called.
Twilight took a quick glance around the castle, but didn't see anything that hadn't been there before she'd left "Oh, I, uh... love what you've done with the place," she said nervously "You did such a good job of... preserving the integrity of the original design. Not quite what I thought you'd do when you offered to decorate."
"Aw, come on! It looks exactly the same!" Spike grumbled "Did you girls actually decorate the castle at all?!"
"Well, it did take a teensy bit longer than we thought it would, let's just leave it at that," Rarity laughed nervously "But we did redecorate, we've got a big surprise for you in the throne room."
"A surprise?" Twilight asked.
Applejack nodded, and explained, as the girs led Twilight and Spike through the castle hallways "What really makes home feel like home isn't what it looks like. It's the memories you make when you're there."
"So we've made something that celebrates the memories we've made with you since you moved to Ponyville," Rarity added, as she opened the door to the throne room "Behold!"
Twilight and Spike looked up, and their mouths dropped open in shock. There was the root of the tree that had served as The Golden Oaks Library. It had been turned into a chandelier with a variety of different colored ornaments hanging from it.
"The ornaments on the chandelier are reminders of all the fun we've had together," Fluttershy explained "Rarity found a spell that can copy memories from the mind, and place them into solid objects. Sort of like a mental photograph."
"That one shows your party at the library welcoming you to Ponyville!" Pinkie Pie smiled, as she pointed to one of the ornaments.
"And this one displays the time we shared donuts after the Grand Galloping Gala!" Fluttershy said happily, pointing to another ornament "And there's a lot more memories from the years we've spent together, even some of the more recent ones such as the Equestria Games, and our defeat of Tirek."
"It's very lovely, but what's with the memory ornaments?" Spike asked.
"We were hoping that being able to look at your beautiful old memories would inspire you both to make new ones." Rarity explained.
"And the best part of it is, it's made from the roots of the Golden Oak Library, so you'll never forget where you came from," Applejack said proudly "it wasn't easy to unearth it and move it here, but somehow we managed. Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it!" Twilight exclaimed happily "It's exactly what the castle needed. And I am ready to make new memories here. You girls are the best friends anypony could ask for!"
"Then let's start right now with a new memory cake! Seven layer what's-that-flavor mystery surprise! These might be chocolate chips or they might be super-spicy black beans!" Pinkie Pie suggested, whipping out a cake that she'd apparently made for just such an occasion. "Oh, and I suppose I should warn you, there may or may not be some confetti cannons laying around. I don't remember where I hid them."
"And the rest of us couldn't help but spruce up a few parts of the castle as well," Rarity added "The dining room will probably look a bit more lavish than it did when you left."
"Your kitchen might have a small flower garden growin' there." Applejack chimed in.
"I took the liberty of putting some Daring Do posters in your bedroom," Rainbow Dash spoke up "Don't worry, I've got plenty of Wonderbolts posters and Daring Do items at my place."
"And I hope you and Spike will appreciate the stuffed animals I left behind." Fluttershy smiled.
"You girls didn't have to do that, but I'm glad you did," Twilight said, beaming brightly. "Now, let's enjoy the cake!" |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S5 E6: Appleloosa's Most Wanted (What If?) | At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was complaining to Granny Smith. "But Granny," she protested "I can't compete in the Appleloosa Rodeo and keep an eye on Apple Bloom and her friends at the same time. I've only got two eyes and four hooves."
"No buts, Applejack," Granny Smith said stubbornly "If you're goin' to worry yourself about your sister's well bein' so much, you've got to learn to take responsibility and make sure she's alright. Apple Bloom's a growin' filly, and she can take care of herself."
"But she's never been to Appleloosa before, what if she gets lost?" Applejack asked.
"I don't get lost! I have an impressive sense of direction!" Apple Bloom boasted.
"Oh really, so where was that sense of direction when you ended up in the firey swamp and almost got eaten by that chimera?" Applejack asked her little sister. Apple Bloom said nothing. "That's what I thought. And that's exactly why I'm not takin' another chance."
"But Applejack, how are my fellow crusaders and I supposed to cheer you to victory if you won't let us come?" Apple Bloom protested "We'll behave, I promise."
"My answer is no, Apple Bloom!" Applejack said seriously "And that's final! Braeburn asked me to take his place in the rodeo long before I knew you were havin' another one of your crusader sleepovers this weekend. You'll just have to find somepony else to watch over the three of you."
"Aw, come on, Applejack!" Apple Bloom pleaded "You heard what Granny Smith said."
"No means no, Apple Bloom!" Applejack protested.
"Applejack, I ain't runnin' a foalsittin' service!" Granny Smith complained "I won't have Big Macintosh to help me like I did last time, he's goin' to be out of town with Filthy Rich workin' on a new trade deal. Don't you remember?"
"All the more reason why I'm not bringin' Apple Bloom and her friends with me to Appleloosa," Applejack insisted "Somehow, the three of them always end up gettin' into trouble. And if anythin' happens to them in Appleloosa, I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself. But I can't disappoint Braeburn after I promised him I'd take his plce in the rodeo."
"Please, Applejack, let us come with you!" Apple Bloom pleaded, clinging to Applejack's foreleg "I promise we'll be on our best behavior, we won't even try to look for our cutie marks. We'll only be there to cheer you on, nothin' more."
Applejack sighed, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith were incredibly persistent. "Oh, very well. I suppose if you and your friends agree to keep that promise, there should be no harm in lettin' you tag along. But stay out of trouble, got it?!"
Applejack's words fell on deaf ears, Apple Bloom had already raced out the door shouting "Wait til' Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo hear about this! They're finally goin' to get to see just how amazin' my big sister is when it comes to rodeos."
Applejack sighed "I just hope everything goes smoothly this weekend," she thought to herself "Between keeping an eye on the crusaders, and competing in that rodeo, I'm going to have my hooves full."
Apple Bloom could hardly contain her excitement during the whole trip from Ponyville to Appleloosa. She was eagerly looking forward to the chance to see her big sister compete. "Aren't you glad y'all came with me to see Applejack compete in the Appleloosa rodeo?" Apple Bloom asked her fellow crusaders, as they stepped off the train upon its arrival in Appleloosa.
"Totally!" Scootaloo buzzed in excitement "This is going to be amazing! I've never seen a real rodeo before!"
"Me neither!" Sweetie Belle added "And from the looks of things, Rarity wasn't kidding when she said your sister could be a big time rodeo star if she really wanted to."
The Cutie Mark Crusaders gathered to watch Applejack practice her skills, unaware that from a considerable distance away someone was watching the rodeo practice as well. "This is it," the figure thought to itself "After all this time spent running, I'm finally going to put an end to it all."
Applejack was currently practicing her hay bale tossing, as The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Braeburn watched with amazing. Applejack was tossing bales like there was no tomorrow, launching them through the air at a speed that could rival Rainbow Dash.
"Woo-hoo! Yee-haw! That's my cousin! Go, Applejack, go!" Braeburn cheered, as Applejack finished tossing the bales into a pile. Braeburn currently had a sling wrapped around his front right hoof, but that had done little to dampen his spirit.
Applejack trotted over to Braeburn, whiping the sweat from her brows. Practicing for a rodeo was good exercise, but it was also a lot of hard work. "Whew! It's been a dog's age since I got a chance to compete," Applejack said to Braeburn "All the rodeos in and 'round Ponyville are closed down for some reason."
"Well, I guess havin' injured kinfolk in Appleloosa sure paid off then, huh, cuz?" Braeburn asked.
"Just doin' my best to fill your horseshoes, Braeburn," Applejack replied "A shame about your accident, they say it'll be weeks before you're back to normal."
"Well you keep tossin' hay bales like that and I'll be out of a job!" Braeburn teased "I just know you're goin' to do fantastic!"
"I hope that's not just talk." Applejack teased, accidentally poking Braeburn's sling with her hoof in the process.
Braeburn howled in pain "Ow, ow! Watch it!" he complained.
"Ooh, sorry 'bout that," Applejack apologized nervously "Say, I've been meanin' to ask you, how exactly did you injure your hoof like that?"
"It's really embarassin' and I hate talkin' 'bout it, but I guess I've only got myself to blame," Braeburn said, hanging his head low in embarassment "I was bein' careless and foolin' around too much while I was preparin' for the rodeo. I ended up landin' on my front right hoof wrong and badly twistin' it, doctor said there was no way I'd mend in time for the rodeo. That's why I sent you that letter askin' you to take my place."
"Well, that's a darn shame." Scootaloo said kindly.
"Yeah, but on the bright side, Applejack's sure to win every event in your place," Apple Bloom added "And maybe when you're better, you could come to Ponyville and compete in a rodeo there."
"I'd like that, but Sheriff Silverstar wouldn't be too happy if I just up and left Appleloosa for a rodeo competition." Braeburn chuckled.
"Speakin' of the sheriff, where is he? He wasn't at the train station, or at his office," Applejack said to Braeburn "And I can't help but notice there seems to be some extra security at this rodeo. Is there somethin' goin' on that you're not tellin' me?"
Before Braeburn could answer, in the distance came the sound of an explosion, followed by a series of worried shouts.
"What's all the commotion?" Sweetie Belle asked "I hope nothing bad is going on."
Braeburn gulped "No, it can't be him." he whispered to himself.
"Braeburn! Get over here, now!" Sheriff Silverstar shouted "It looks like our worst fears have come true."
Braeburn reluctantly walked towards Sheriff Silverstar, Applejack and the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed close behind. "What is it, Sheriff?" he asked.
"Look at that hoofprint," Sheriff Silverstar said ominously "I'm sure you know that there's only one pony it could belong to."
Gulping, Braeburn bent down as best he could, and examined a massive hoofprint next to a stack of barrels (though it seemed like one was missing for some odd reason). "So, he's finally decided to show himself?" Braeburn asked Sheriff Silverstar.
Sheriff Silverstar nodded "Ain't no doubt. It's Trouble Shoes. Braeburn, start spreadin' the news, we're having a town meetin'!"
"Yes sir, Sheriff Silverstar!" Braeburn replied.
"Who's Trouble Shoes?" Sweetie Belle wondered.
"Trouble Shoes is bad news," Braeburn told Sweetie Belle "He's a notorious outlaw that's been stirrin' up trouble in the Equestria Rodeo Circut for years. Because of him, several high profile rodeos have been forced to shut down. He's likely why all of the rodeos in and 'round Ponyville haven't been runnin' lately, they're too afraid to operate as long as Trouble Shoes is at large."
"An outlaw? Here?" Scootaloo asked "This is starting to sound like one of those old movies they sometimes show at the theater."
"This ain't a movie, this is real!" Applejack said seriously "If there's an outlaw on the loose 'round there parts, we're goin' to have to send you three home."
Applejack decided to wait until after the town meeting, just in case she might have misheard or in case the Trouble Shoes Sheriff Silverstar had mentioned wasn't an outlaw.
Meanwhile, the entire town of Appeloosa had gathered, and began to chatter and rabble amongst themselves. "Is it true? Is Trouble Shoes here?" one pony asked.
"Sheriff Silverstar's not gonna shut down the rodeo just because of one incident, is he?" another pony asked.
The chattering, rabbling, and shouting continued, even as Sheriff Silverstar emerged from his office to address the crowd. "Quiet! Quiet, please!" he called, and a swift hush fell over the crowd "That's better," Sheriff Silverstar smiled, then continued "Now first of all, I called for a town meetin', not a mob scene! So put away those torches and pitchforks, that's not how we do things around here."
A few ponies quickly put away their torches and pitchforks, as Sheriff Silverstar went on talking "Now, you all know that there was an 'accident' at the our own rodeo this mornin'. Someone put blastin' powder in one of the barrels, and when the sun hit the barrel just right it ignited the powder and triggered an explosion. Fortunately, nopony was hurt, only a few bits of fencin' were damaged. I examined them hoof-prints myself and, uh... it was Trouble Shoes, all right. The very same Trouble Shoes who's been terrorizin' other rodeos with his dirty, underhoofed deeds."
Everypony in the crowd gasped. "Trouble Shoes? Here?" they chattered amongst themselves.
"Yes, yes, it's all true I'm afraid," Sheriff Silverstar told the crowd "Now, I know what you might be thinkin'. You're thinkin I oughta cancel this here rodeo like all the others have done. But dag-nab it, this has gone far enough! I'll be darned if Trouble Shoes thinks he can just frighten me into shuttin' down this rodeo after all the time and effort that went into planin' it! We'll double the patrols! We'll enlist the help of the Buffalo tribe! This rodeo will go on! Appleloosa ain't gonna be intimidated! Not on our watch!" That bold statement was enough to get the crowd cheering wildly.
When the town meeting was over, Applejack and Braeburn carefully escorted The Cutie Mark Crusaders to Braeburn's house, where Applejack quickly made it clear she was going to send the crusaders home.
"Don't send us home! You're not gonna let one accident frighten ya like it did last time!" Apple Bloom protested.
"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom, but I ain't takin' any chances!" Applejack said seriously "I can't have the three of you 'round here when there's an outlaw on the loose. The longer you stay, the more at risk you become! Heck, maybe I oughta call it quits and go home too. I learned my lesson about unneccesary risks."
"No, you can't quit!" Braeburn pleaded with Applejack "This rodeo is important to Appleloosa! And with you in there, we got a real shot at winnin'! Come on, now, you head on back to practice and don't worry none about these three. I won't let 'em outta my sight."
"You absolutely sure 'bout that?" Applejack asked Braeburn "I assure you, these three fillies can be quite the hoofful. And what about your patrols?"
"I won't be much help with an injured forehoof," Braeburn explained "I'll make sure these three stay safe until they're on the train headed home."
"But Braeburn-" Applejack protested.
"No buts!" Braeburn interrupted "You get out there and work on your skills, I'll make sure to keep an eye on these fillies, they won't be goin' anywhere wthout me!" And with that, Braeburn quickly ushered Applejack out the door, then he turned to The Cutie Mark Crusaders and said seriously "Ya hear? Y'all ain't leavin' my sight! So don't even think about tryin' to wander off!"
"Come on, now! Time's a wastin'!" Braeburn called, as he led the three fillies to the train station "The sooner we get down to the station, the sooner we can send you three safely home!"
"But Cousin Braeburn, we want to stay and cheer on Applejack!" Apple Bloom pleaded "This is our first chance to see an actual rodeo!"
"Well, I'm sorry, but with that pesky Trouble Shoes on the loose, you three are in very real danger!" Braeburn insisted "Granted, I think it's possible he might not be as bad as everypony says he, but that's hardly a reason to let you fillies stay."
"Guess this wasn't meant to be our first rodeo after all," Scootaloo said, admitting defeat "We'll have to call off the sleepover when we get back home, there's nopony who can replace Applejack as the one watching us. Guess that means my folks are going to stick me with a babysitter, again."
"You could always sneak out and avoid your babysitter," Sweetie Belle suggested "I did it once."
"Don't you think I've tried that?" Scootaloo complained "The last time I tried to sneak out, my dad caught me, and I was grounded for a whole week. I'm not about to chance it, and risk being grounded for two weeks."
"I just wish there was a way we could prove to everypony that we can take care of ourselves!" Apple Bloom said angrily. But she didn't know what, she just continued to dwell on that thought the whole way to the train station.
However, Braeburn was in for quite the surprise when he approached the ticket window. "Well, don't that beat all?!" he grumbled "There's been a derailment just outside of Appleloosa, and the line won't be clear until after the pegasi bring the scheduled thunderstorm through here tonight!"
"What?!" The Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed.
"I know, I can barely believe it myself," Braeburn said unhappily "But it is what it is I'm afraid. Come on, we'd better head back to my place. You three will spend the night there, and then we'll go down to the train station first thing tomorrow. Got it?!"
"Yes, Braeburn." The Cutie Mark Crusaders reluctantly nodded.
"Cheer up," Braeburn replied "There'll be plenty of other rodeos and plenty of other opportunities to visit Appleloosa. It's just a shame this all had to happen during your first visit to Appleloosa. Normally, things are really peaceful around here."
The remaining hours of daylight passed uneventfully for The Cutie Mark Crusaders, as they found that Braeburn was quite insistent on not letting them leave his house. Not even playing a few board games, or a delicious meal of homemade hay burgers was able to cheer them up.
As Luna's moon rose high into the night sky, Braeburn ushered the three fillies upstairs to the guest bedroom, and tucked them in. Then, he made sure to close the bedroom door, before he went back downstairs and propped up a chair against the front door. "There's no way those fillies are gonna get past me." he thought to himself, then he yawned. The doctor who treated his broken forehoof had told Braeburn to get plently of sleep. Yawning again, Braeburn closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Unknown to Braeburn, The Cutie Mark Crusaders weren't about to go to sleep. In fact, Apple Bloom was wide awake and making a plan. "If we could find Trouble Shoes and get him arrested, that would show everypony who seems to think we always need somepony watchin' over us!"
"And just how are we supposed to find Trouble Shoes?" Scootaloo asked Apple Bloom.
"We'll follow his hoofprints of course, there's bound to be some by where that barrel blew up," Apple Bloom explained "So we'll follow that trail, until we find Trouble Shoes."
"But how are we supposed to capture him?" Sweetie Belle asked "It's not like we can just waltz right up to him and say 'We're taking you to Appleloosa.' It's never that simple."
"We don't have to capture him, we just need to find him," Apple Bloom said with a smile "Then we'll lead Sheriff Silverstar right to him, and he'll be locked up! The rodeo will go on, and we'll be heroes, just like our big sisters!"
"Sounds like an awesome idea! Count me in!" Scootaloo cheered.
But Sweetie Belle was concerned, going out to look for a wanted outlaw wasn't even something she'd consider for a cutie mark. And now her friends were encouraging her to do it simply for the sake of being a hero? "Uh, I'm gonna be the only smart one here and say 'absolutely not'!" she protested "Even if we could find Trouble Shoes, and that's a big if, there's no telling what he'll do to us. Besides, what about that storm?"
"Trouble Shoes couldn't have gotten far," Apple Bloom replied "If we go now, we could probably follow the trail all the way to wherever he's hidin' out. And we'll just leave some sort of marker that the storm can't erase, so we can find our way back."
"If we can't find him before the storm breaks, we'll turn back," Scootaloo added "And you don't have to come along if you don't want to, Sweetie Belle. The only reason I'm going along with it is because it beats laying here and doing nothing."
"I hate it when you girls get like this," Sweetie Belle admitted, as the three fillies carefully climbed out of bed and tiphoofed downstairs "You make me feel like if I don't tag along, something bad's going to happen to you both, and I'll feel guilty," she then sighed again "Something tells me this is going to end very badly for all of us. If Braeburn or Applejack find out, we'll be in big trouble."
Apple Bloom chuckled "I wouldn't worry too much about Braeburn, look over there." Apple Bloom pointed a hoof to the makeshift barrier in front of the door. Braeburn had fallen asleep in the chair blocking the door.
"Well, whadya know?" Scootaloo replied softly "I guess even somepony as full of energy as he is has to rest at some point," she turned to Apple Bloom "You're sure Applejack and Pinkie Pie are only distant cousins, right? Because if I didn't know any better, I'd swear Braeburn and Pinkie Pie were related much more closely, like first cousins."
"I'm sure it's just a freak coincidence," Apple Bloom shrugged, as she carefully opened one of the nearby windows "Now come on, time's a wastin'! The sooner we find Trouble Shoes, the sooner we can turn him over to the sheriff."
"Worst, idea, ever." Sweetie Belle muttered under her breath, as she reluctantly followed Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, and together the three of them climbed out of the window. Already, they could hear the distant rumble of thunder. The storm was approaching fast, they would not have much time to follow the trail before the rain washed it away.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders followed the trail of giant hoofprints, as it led them past the outskirts of Appleloosa, and into the wilderness. It didn't take long for things to go wrong.
"It's another giant hoof print!" Apple Bloom exclaimed "We've got to be on the right path!"
"Do either of you have any idea where we are?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"You know, I think Sweetie Belle's right, Apple Bloom," Scootaloo said nervously "Feels like we've been going in circles. Maybe we should turn back now and head home before it's too late."
"But we're so close, I can feel it!" Apple Bloom protested.
However, at that moment, there was a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder. Just seconds later, rain began to fall, washing away the trail.
"I think we've gone far enough!" Sweetie Belle shouted, as the wind began to pick up " It's time to go back! We'll never find Trouble Shoes in this weather!"
"The storm is only getting worse, Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo added "The last thing I need is to catch a cold!"
Apple Bloom sighed "Maybe y'all are right. There's no point in tryin' to find anythin' in this kind of weather." However, before the crusaders had a chance to turn around and try to find their way back to Appleloosa, the cliff side they were standing on gave way! All three fillies screamed, as they were swept away with the raging storm waters.
"You've had some crazy ideas in the past, Apple Bloom, but this one really takes the cake in terms of foolishness," Sweetie Belle complained, when at last they were able to again set hoof on dry land "Not only have we not found Trouble Shoes, but now we're completely and totally lost!"
"You can yell at me all you like once we're out of this rain!" Apple Bloom replied "For now, we just need to find some sort of shelter to spend the night in. We'll start back first thing in the mornin'."
"Look, over there!" Sweetie Belle shouted, pointing towards a large shack of some kind.
"It looks abandoned." Scootaloo commented.
"Looks can be decieving, Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle nervously replied.
"Maybe, but it's better than standin' out here and gettin' poured on," Apple Bloom spoke up "Let's go see if we can find some blankets or somethin'. Once the rain stops, we can leave and find a better place to stay."
"It's not like we've got a lot of options right now." Scootaloo added.
Sweetie Belle sighed, and followed Apple Bloom and Scootaloo to the front door of the shack "Wait for me!" she pleaded.
Apple Bloom knocked on the door, only to recieve no reply. When she accidentally leaned against it, the door opened with a faint creak. Reluctantly, the three fillies went inside. It was very dark, and quiet. But not for long. All of a sudden, a lightning flash lit up the cabin revealing a rather massive brown coated stallion with a shaggy black mane and tail, and green eyes reflecting a somber look. The crusaders took one look at the stallion, and screamed in fright. The stallion did so as well. What followed was a series of chain reactions, that ended with the massive stallion getting a rather nasty bump on his forehead, knocking him out cold.
When the stallion opened his eyes, he felt very disoriented and confused. As his vision slowly returned, his eyes settled on three fillies who were gazing at him with looks of concern.
"Hello? You alright?" Apple Bloom called to the stallion.
The stallion responded by shaking his head, then after taking a good look at Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, he immediately said "Oh no! No, no, no, no! I am NOT adding foalnapping to the list of crimes they're goin' to charge me with!"
"Are you," Sweetie Belle gulped "Trouble Shoes?"
"Guilty as charged," Trouble Shoes replied glumly "Had some hot cider a-cookin' in the kitchen. Doubt it survived though."
"But, you weren't expectin' guests, were you?" Apple Bloom nervously asked.
"Of course not," Trouble Shoes replied "The cider was for me. Just my luck that a storm would break and drive three fillies right into my house. Even when I'm tryin' to get myself arrested, nothin' goes right for me."
"Wait? Why are you trying to get yourself arrested? You're an outlaw!" Scootaloo spoke up "I thought outlaws always loved running from the law and causing trouble! Unless, you're not really an outlaw and this is all just a misunderstanding."
"Oh no, I'm an outlaw all right, no doubt about that," Trouble Shoes glumly admitted "And for a time, I was enjoyin' the perks that came with it. But I'm gettin' tired of always runnin' away, I figured life in jail can't be any worse than life on your own. That's why I came to Appleloosa, I was hopin' the extra security would be enough to catch me and throw me behind bars. But as usual, it would seem lady luck just loves to kick me where Celestia's sun don't shine. This here storm's gonna erase the trail I'd left for that sheriff and his deputies to follow. Scores more misfortune points for old Trouble Shoes," He then tired to get up, only to lose his balance and crash into a few more objects that lay scattered around his shack. " Typical. Bad luck never rests for me." he complained.
"You sure that's bad luck?" Apple Bloom asked the outlaw "Seems like maybe you're just a little, um..."
"Klutzy?" Sweetie Belle suggested, that prompted Apple Bloom to glare at Sweetie Belle with a most unpleasant scowl "What? I meant no disrespect." she replied.
"I wish bein' a klutz was the cause of all my misfortune," Trouble Shoes complained "But you can tell that to the flank!" he pointed to his cutie mark, which was a horeshoe stuck in an upside down position "Upside-down horseshoe - bad luck. Follows me wherever I go like sour on old milk. Y'all best vamoose before my bad luck rubs off and sticks to y'all. I ain't about to play foalsitter for three fillies who should've known better than to wander off in a thunderstorm!"
"But mister!" Scootaloo protested.
"Get along! Skedaddle!" Trouble Shoes demanded, interrupting Scootaloo. He opened the door, and as lightning cracked he pointed a hoof towards the wilderness " Am-scray!" he shouted.
"Um, we don't really know the way back to Appleloosa..." Scootaloo sheepishly admitted.
"But o' course I do," Trouble Shoes replied, then he frowned and sighed "Wouldn't you know it? My lucky day. Oh well, I suppose I don't have much of a choice. I was thinkin' about turnin' myself in anyway, and it seems my decision has been made for me."
Once the storm had passed, Trouble Shoes led The Cutie Mark Crusaders back to Appleloosa. The whole time, he remained gloomy and miserable.
"It's actually kind of sweet of him to help us out like this," Sweetie Belle whispered to Apple Bloom "I guess he's not all bad, but do you think we can trust him? He could be lying."
"He's not lyin'." Apple Bloom whispered in reply.
"How can you tell?" Scootaloo asked.
"I don't really know how to explain it," Apple Bloom said to Scootaloo "But somethin' in my heart can sense that he's indeed tellin' the truth. Also, I couldn't help but notice a couple of pictures of him in the shack. He seemed younger and more cheerful in most of them, there's got to be some sort of story that explains why."
"Uh, Mr. Trouble Shoes?" Scootaloo said nervously "You sure you want to take us all the way back to Appleloosa? We could probably find our way back from here, and nopony would have to know we found you."
"Don't try to make me change my mind, kid," Trouble Shoes responded "I've spent a life time runnin' from the law, and I'm tired of it. Like it or not, the time's come for me to turn myself in and answer for my crimes."
"Why did you even decide to become an outlaw in the first place?" Apple Bloom asked "It seems to me like you weren't born that way. In fact, it seems like you were quite happy when you were younger."
"Y'all like stories?" Trouble Shoes asked his guests, all three of them nodded in response. "Just my luck. I was hopin' you'd say no," Trouble Shoes said glumly "It's a long, sad, story. When I was a colt, I wanted to be a rodeo star somethin' fierce, but I just didn't seem to have the knack for it. I practiced and practiced, but I always seemed to mess up. Finally, I somehow wrangled up the guts to audition for rodeo school."
"So what happened?" Sweetie Belle asked Trouble Shoes.
Trouble Shoes sighed again, and continued his story "Right in the middle of that tryout, I knew I was doin' what I was meant to do. And wouldn't you know it? In a flash comes this here cutie mark. I messed up my whole routine once again, and everypony started laughin' at me. Didn't even finish my routine 'cause right then I knew bad luck was my fate. That fire for rodeo never did leave me, though. Couldn't keep away from 'em. But the next rodeo I tried out for, the judges wouldn't let me participate, they said I was too big. I got so mad, that I smashed up the entire rodeo arena. It was the first time in years I'd felt so happy, so I started doin' it again, and again, and again. Rodeo after rodeo. 'Til I'd finally built up a reputation as a pony to be feared. But after my efforts to sabotage the Dodge Junction Rodeo backfired, I started havin' second thoughts about my life."
"And that's when you decided to come here, and attempt to sabotage this rodeo." Scootaloo realized.
"Yup, and now you know the whole sad story," Trouble Shoes replied "But don't bother tryin' to tell that to anypony, they'll tell ya that I made it up to sound like a nice guy. Just my lot in life, I reckon..."
"Poor Trouble Shoes." Sweetie Belle whispered.
"It's too bad he had to resort to sabotage," Apple Bloom added "He put on quite a show back in that shack. He would've made a great rodeo clown. And he could've still participated in rodeos, just not in the way he thought."
"So he's been looking at his cutie mark wrong the whole time!" Scootaloo realized "It's not bad luck at all. He just needed to keep on trying, until he found a way to control himself. Maybe I could teach him some of my ballet moves, if they helped me learn how to balance and pull off sick tricks on my scooter, I bet they could teach him how to work with his massive body and not be so clumsy."
"Well, here we are," Trouble Shoes spoke up "And wouldn't you know, the calvary has arrived."
Sure enough, there stood Sheriff Silverstar, Braeburn, Applejack, and a few other Appleloosa residents. And of all them looked quite angry, Applejack and Braeburn especially.
"Well, well, what an unexpected surprise," Sheriff Silverstar said in a low, growly voice "So, Trouble Shoes, just terrorizin' the good citizens of Appleloosa wasn't enough for ya. Now ya had to go and abduct these three fillies. I am surprised."
"But he didn't kidnap us!" Apple Bloom protested "We snuck out and got lost, he brought us back here."
"You did what?!" Applejack exclaimed "Apple Bloom! You delibertly disobeyed me, and made poor Braeburn here worry himself half to death!"
"Ya'll got some nerve disobeyin' cousin Applejack like that, and draggin' your friends into this!" Braeburn scolded "Do you have any idea how worried we were?!"
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all hung their heads in shame. "We're sorry." Apple Bloom apologized.
"Well, sorry ain't gonna cut it!" Applejack said angrily.
"And if Trouble Shoes didn't fillynap you three, there's still the charges of attempted vandilism, intent to cause harm, and generalized mayhem!" Sheriff Silverstar said ominously "And so, by the power granted to me by the good citizens of Appleloosa, I hereby place Trouble Shoes under arrest! Trouble Shoes, you have the right to remain silent!"
"Just my luck." Trouble Shoes said glumly, as Sheriff Silverstar and Braeburn led him to the jail cell.
Meanwhile, Applejack brought the CMC back to Braeburn's house. "Get some sleep!" she said angrily "We'll discuss this in the mornin', but the three of you are in a lot of trouble!" And Applejack led them upstairs and tucked them into bed without another word.
Next morning, things were hardly any better. Tempers had cooled off a little, but Applejack and Braeburn were still furious with Apple Bloom and her friends. And they made this fact clear in no uncertain terms.
"Snakes alive, what's with you?!" Applejack angrily asked Apple Bloom "What were you thinkin' wanderin' off like that?! You could've gotten hurt, or worse!"
Apple Bloom gulped, she knew she really didn't have an excuse for her actions, and she now felt very silly. "But Applejack, I was just tryin' to be brave like you. I wanted to prove to you that I could take care of myself."
Applejack sighed "Sugarcube, you need to listen very carefully to what I'm about to tell you. I am brave, when the situation calls for it. I've been brave when facin' down threats like Nightmare Moon, King Sombra, and even Tirek. I've been brave when facin' down timberwolves or a chimera. And I've been brave when dealin' with the possibility of losin' Sweet Apple Acres. But, just because I'm brave, doesn't mean I try to prove myself by rushin' head long into danger. Bein' brave, doesn't mean that you go lookin' for trouble."
"But, Rainbow Dash is always charging into things without thinking, and nothing bad's ever happened to her." Scootaloo protested.
"And if Rainbow Dash was gonna jump off a cliff, would you follow her even if you could fly?" Braeburn asked Scootaloo.
"No way! I would never do something like that!" Scootaloo insisted.
"So then, you should know that just because somepony like Rainbow Dash does it, doesn't automatically mean it's okay for you to do it." Braeburn explained.
"Even Rainbow Dash wouldn't go rushin' off to face an outlaw, just to show that's she brave," Applejack added "In fact, lately R. D.'s has been workin' on not bein' so rash."
"And what about me?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"If you were convinced that what your friends were doin' was wrong, you should've told me or cousin Applejack," Braeburn said to Sweetie Belle "Doin' the right thing isn't easy, but you should never be afraid to speak up if you think your friends are doin' somethin' you know is wrong. Of course, there's a difference between tellin' on someone because you want to keep them safe, and tellin' on someone just to get them into trouble. And it's important to realize the difference."
"All three of you are lucky that Trouble Shoes was willin' to help you out," Applejack scolded "I hope the three of you have learned your lesson, because when we go back to Ponyville, your parents are goin' to hear about what happened. And Apple Bloom, I'm pretty sure Granny Smith won't be too happy to hear about this, so don't think you're off the hook either."
There was a long silence, until finally Apple Bloom spoke up "Whatever sort of punishment we'll have to face for bein' so stupid, we'll take it. But right now, there's a pony who's lookin' at his cutie mark all wrong. He may think his life has been nothin' but bad luck, and we have a plan to show him that's not the case."
"Besides, we kind of owe him for helping us find our way back." Sweetie Belle added.
"I don't know about this," Applejack said nervously "Even if Trouble Shoes was tellin' the truth about his cutie mark story, you can't just bust him out of jail. That's against the law!"
"Well, actually, we can't really hold Trouble Shoes for long," Braeburn admitted "The only thing we could even charge him for at the moment was the barrel explosion, and nopony got hurt. His crimes against the Equestria Rodeo Circuit will have be settled in a court. Right now, he's probably in the jail so that ponies who have a grudge him against him for what he did in the past can't hurt him."
"So, do you think we could arrange to get him released?" Scootaloo asked "He'll probably still have to go to jail, eventually. But if we can help him see what his cutie mark really means, maybe we can help him turn over a new leaf so that he's a better pony by the time he goes to trial."
"I suppose we can head down to the sheriff's office, and see what he thinks," Braeburn considered "But if he says no, that's the end of it."
After a quick breakfast, Braeburn took the CMC down to see Sheriff Silverstar, while Applejack headed off to compete in the rodeo. "No way am I'm gonna let myself walk away without at least one blue ribbon this time." she thought to herself.
Braeburn spoke with Sheriff Silverstar, while the CMC waited anxiously outside the sheriff's office. They tried their best to listen in on the conversation, but to no avail.
At last, Braeburn came out of the office. Compared to yesterday, he was no longer smiling, but at the same time he didn't seem to outright angry and on the brink of exploding with fury like he had seemed last night.
"Well?" Apple Bloom asked Braeburn.
Braeburn cleared his throat "It wasn't easy, Sheriff Silverstar was really worried somepony might try to hurt Trouble Shoes if he lets him out. But, I managed to convince him to let you three spend some time with him under the guise of 'Community Service'. I just hope you know what you're doin' this time."
"Trust us, Braeburn, everything is going to work just fine," Sweetie Belle reassured him, but under her breath she added "I hope."
"Then he's all yours," Braeburn said seriously "But I'm still gonna keep an eye on the three of you. You ain't pullin' another fast one on me, no siree!"
"Thanks for the help. And don't worry, we wouldn't dream of running off again." Scootaloo replied, as she and her fellow crusaders walked up to the jail cell Trouble Shoes was resting in.
Due to his massive size, Trouble Shoes was having trouble sitting upright in the cell bed. Sure enough, it couldn't take his weight and collapsed. "Figures." he grumbled.
"Aw, come on now, Trouble Shoes! That's the fifth matress you've broken since I put you in here!" Sheriff Silverstar complained "I'm runnin' out of mattresses!"
"Okay, Trouble Shoes, let's go!" Apple Bloom called, as Sweetie Belle took the jail cell keys off their rack with her magic.
"Ain't no need. Can hear the rodeo just fine from this vantage," Trouble Shoes protested "You three don't owe me anythin'. Far as I'm concerned, I'm much safer in here then I am out there."
"But we've got a plan to help you live your dream!" Scootaloo spoke up "Apple Bloom's pretty confident it'll work."
"Listen, y'all, I'm a known criminal. How you proposin' on gettin' me into a rodeo?" Trouble Shoes complained "There's no way the judges or rodeo officals will agree to it."
"We'll see about that." Apple Bloom grinned, as she opened the jail cell.
Apple Bloom's plan was soon put into motion, even though the rodeo was already underway. The current event was known as "The Hay Bale Monster Stack", and the objective was simple, stack as many hay bales as you could within the time limit. Whichever team had the highest stack won.
Thanks to Applejack, the Appleloosa team was firmly in the lead. The sound of hay bales being kicked and the crowd cheering could be heard from miles away.
"Go, Applejack!" Apple Bloom cheered "Show 'em how it's done! That's my sister!"
"You can do it!" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle cheered simultaneously.
"Well, how do I look?" Trouble Shoes asked, drawing the CMC's attention away from the rodeo. Trouble Shoes was dressed up like a traditional rodeo clown, including a bright red nose, a multi-colored wig, floppy red shoes, and a powdered white face. The CMC couldn't help but giggle.
"Nice job on the decoratin', Cousin Braeburn." Apple Bloom complimented.
"Wasn't easy usin' only one hoof," Braeburn replied "Doc says another day or two at the earliest before I can start usin' the other one again."
Just then, "The Hay Bale Monster Stack" event ended. The judges had declared a winner, Team Appleloosa. "Alright, Applejack!" Apple Bloom shouted "I knew you'd do it!"
"I sure hope she thanks me for lettin' her compete," Braeburn added, then he turned to Trouble Shoes as entertainment music began to play over the rodeo loudspeakers "Okay partner, you're on!"
"Say what?! I may be dressed like one, but I ain't no rodeo clown," Trouble Shoes protested "My cutie mark's an upside-down horseshoe, and that means bad luck."
"That all depends on how you look at it," Sweetie Belle said kindly "Think of this as a chance to turn it all around."
"You always wanted to be a part of the rodeo, right? Well, now's your chance. Go on!" Apple Bloom encouraged.
"I still don't see how this is supposed to help." Trouble Shoes complained.
"You gotta start at the bottom, and work your way up," Apple Bloom explained "Once ponies get used to seein' you around, you'll feel a lot more comfortable and be able to perform much better. Then, you can work on your skills and get into the rodeo as a participant."
"You sure 'bout that?" Trouble Shoes asked.
"Not absolutely, but if you don't try you'll never know," Apple Bloom encouraged Trouble Shoes "This is a chance for you to turn your life around and free yourself from your streak of bad luck."
With a reluctant sigh, Trouble Shoes stumbled his way into the rodeo with the other clowns and entertainers. His klutzy ways soon proved to be a hit with the audience.
"There y'all are!" Applejack called to the CMC and Braeburn. She was carrying a huge golden trophy from her victory in "The Hay Bale Monster Stack" event. "How 'bout your big sis, huh?" She asked Apple Bloom.
"You were great." Apple Bloom said somewhat eagerly, then quickly turned her attention back to Trouble Shoes.
"Say, since when are y'all so into rodeo clowns?" Applejack asked, as she noticed the crusaders devoting their attention to said clowns antics. "And where the hay's Trouble Shoes?"
"He's right in front of ya!" Apple Bloom explained with a laugh "Notice anythin' familiar about the stallion in the center?"
"Now that ya mention it, he seems a tad bit bigger than the rest of the performers," Applejack realized, then she laughed as well "That's the best rodeo clown I ever seen! So, this was your plan all along?"
"Eeyup," Apple Bloom nodded "And it seems to be workin'."
"I hope you cleared this up with Sheriff Silverstar so he could inform the crowd." Applejack said to Apple Bloom.
Apple Bloom sweat dropped "Oh no, I completely forgot! Oh man, if the audience finds out it's him, there's sure to be a panic!"
"Then I hope his costume holds up until he's done with the act, for his sake." Sweetie Belle said nervously.
Unfortunately, shortly after Sweetie Belle had said that, disaster struck. Trouble Shoes was so absorbed in his new role as a rodeo clown, that he forgot to pay attention to what he was doing. In a series of mishaps, his costume fell apart. When at last he realized his mistake, it was too late. A barrel landed on top of his head, the water inside it washed away the powder on his face, and in the proces of trying to remove the barrel he knocked off his red nose.
Everypony in the crowd gasped. "He escaped from jail!" One mare shouted.
"Let's get him!" another mare shouted.
"He's not ruinin' this rodeo!" a stallion chimed in.
The CMC, Applejack, and Braeburn were horrified at what they saw. In the blink of an eye an almost mob like mentality swept over the crowd, as several ponies grabbed torches and pitchforks.
"Stand aside, young'uns!" Sheriff Silverstar called, as he arrived on the scene "Guess it's up to me to once again calm these folks down." And he raced towards Trouble Shoes as fast as he could. "Now wait just a darn minute here, folks!" he demanded "He ain't what you think he is, at least not anymore! I know he's caused trouble in the past, but that's no excuse to resort to violence! Revenge won't solve anythin'!"
"But it'll feel great! Besides, he deserves it!" a mob pony shouted.
"It's true that Trouble Shoes has caused trouble in the past, but if any of you attack him you're no better than he is," Sheriff Silverstar lectured "How do you think this is gonna make us look in the eyes of Equestria if we allow for this to happen? The rest of Equestria is goin' to look upon us with shame, and it'll all be our fault! Trouble Shoes may have been a notorious outlaw, but he still deserves to be treated like any other Equestrian bein'!"
"He's ruined so many rodeos! Why should we trust him?!" another mob pony demanded.
"You don't have to trust him, but at the same time don't you think it's wrong to stay mad at him?" Apple Bloom asked, as she and her fellow crusaders approached the mob.
"Trouble Shoes is still going to stand trial for what he's done, but this way he has a chance to turn his life around." Sweetie Belle added.
"He's maybe the best rodeo clown I've ever seen!" Scootaloo finished "You can't deny that he made you all laugh."
"That's true! He is awful funny." a rodeo judge admitted.
"He thought his cutie mark was tellin' him to keep away from rodeos, but deep inside he knew it's where he was meant to be. He just didn't know how to do it." Apple Bloom went on.
"What she says is true. I didn't mean no harm here, honest!" Trouble Shoes spoke up "The entire reason I chose this rodeo in the first place was so I could get caught. I rigged a barrel to blow up when I knew nopony would be around, then I was goin' leave a powder trial for your sheriff to follow and arrest me. Things didn't turn quite how I'd hoped though. But know, I just want to have a chance to make up for all the bad deeds I did in the past. I'm tired of bein' known as Trouble Shoes the no good outlaw. Turns out I've been lookin' at my cutie mark wrong all along. My talent isn't bad luck, it's entertainin' and performin'."
"Even so, Trouble Shoes, you still gotta face charges for the problems you've caused! And I doubt Princess Celestia will be as merciful," Sheriff Silverstar warned "You may not have caused any serious trouble here, but several other rodeos have evidence of your sabotage. You'll probably have to face serious jail time."
"If I done wrong, I'll see to it that I take my medicine and square my accounts. I promise." Trouble Shoes insisted.
"So, don't you all see?" Apple Bloom asked the crowd "Trouble Shoes wants to turn over a new leaf, but he knows he's still goin' to have to pay for his past misdeeds. Don't you think it's better to let go of your anger, before you do somethin' you'll regret later?"
That seemed to convince the crowd to leave Trouble Shoes alone. Slowly but surely, tempers cooled off, and the former mob dispersed peacefully.
"Ya'll were quite brave facing down that angry mob there," Applejack said to Apple Bloom, as she and Braeburn approached the trio of fillies "Even so, you made me really worried."
"I'm sorry, Applejack," Apple Bloom apologized "But I knew I couldn't let Trouble Shoes get hurt because of a misunderstanding, and what he did in the past. Nopony deserves to be treated like that, no matter what they might have done."
"That's true, nothin' good ever comes from resortin' to violence as soon as you get mad," Braeburn nodded "Anger is a very powerful emotion, but if you let it get the best of you, it always leads to trouble."
Applejack quickly changed the subject "Now, don't think that just 'cause y'all helped Trouble Shoes realize what his cutie mark really means, you're off the hook for what happened last night. Braeburn and I have been thinkin'-"
"And we've come to a decision-" Braeburn added.
"If the three of you agree to help clean up the mess Trouble Shoes left behind durin' his clownin' around, then I'll see about keepin' what happened here to myself," Applejack explained "But in return, I want you three to promise not to wander off on me ever again. Words can't express how worried I was that night! I thought for sure somethin' awful would happen to ya'll So, what do you say?"
Apple Bloom quickly spoke up and said "I suppose you've got a deal. We may have made things a little better, but we still shouldn't have wandered off in the middle of the night."
"Yeah, that was pretty foolish of us," Sweetie Belle added "We'll make sure we never do that again."
"Uh-huh," Scootaloo nodded "I'd feel pretty bad if that somehow ended up being our special talent. So, when do we start cleaning up?"
"Right now," Applejack replied "Braeburn and I will help a little, but the three of you are goin' to do most of the work."
"That'll take forever!" Apple Bloom groaned.
"Well, I guess it's what we get for making such a stupid mistake," Scootaloo replied "We might as well make the most of it." And so, the three crusaders set to work on cleaning up the rodeo grounds.
"So, how was Appleloosa?" Granny Smith asked Applejack and Apple Bloom when they returned home.
"Pretty good! Applejack won first place in 'The Monster Hay Bale Stacker' event!" Apple Bloom boasted.
"And Appeloosa found itself a promisin' new rodeo star," Applejack added "All thanks to Apple Bloom and her friends."
"Sounds as if you both had quite the adventure there." Granny Smith concluded.
"You could say that." Applejack and Apple Bloom both said with a wink. At least for the forseeable future, the events that had unfolded down in Appleloosa would remain known only to them, Braeburn, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S5 E10: Princess Spike (What If?) | In the city of Canterlot, an important event was unfolding in the hallway of the royal castle. Delegates from all over Equestria had showed up for what promised to be a momentus occasion. In fact, it was SO important that for the first time in Equestria's history, all four princesses were in Canterlot and were going to stay for the duration of the event.
The delegates chattered amongst themselves for a little bit, before their conversations were interrupted by the sound of trumpets, announcing the arrival of the four princesses. Princess Luna was the first one to speak up "Welcome to the Grand Equestria Royal Summit!" she declared proudly "It is good to see that so many of you could attend."
Princess Celestia spoke up next "You delegates have traveled far and wide to represent your cities and towns, as we seek to celebrate and learn from all the unique places that make up our wonderful land of Equestria."
"To celebrate this event, it is my great honor to announce that, at tonight's opening ceremony, I will dedicate this beautiful friendship statue made up of gemstones from each of your home cities and towns." Princess Cadence declared, drawing attention to the massive pony like figure made entirely out of different colored gemstones. The delegates all oohed and ahhed, they had never seen anything like it ever before.
Standing next to Twilight, his mother and close friend, Spike found that he couldn't keep himself from occasionally glancing at the gem statue and licking his lips. "If it wasn't so important to this summit, I'd eat it up right now." he thought to himself.
"And now, it gives me great pleasure to turn things over to the pony who organized this summit:" Princess Cadence went on "My sister in-law, Princess Twilight Sparkle!" The crowd burst in thunderous applause at this statement, Princess Twilight was the youngest of all the princesses, and the most popular.
Normally, Twilight wouldn't have minded all the attention that was focused on her. Rarity had taught her to embrace the spotlight, while making sure it didn't go to your head. But today was different, Twilight felt exhausted. Her eyes had noticeable bags underneath them and felt quite heavy. She could barely keep herself awake, a task that took every ounce of determination she had. "Thank you, everyone," she said with a yawn (which she hoped none of the delegates had heard) "With delegates from over fifty cities attending three days of conferences, receptions, and meetings, this promises to be the largest Grand Equestria Royal Summit yet. And let me tell you, putting it all together has led to more than one sleepless night. We're so excited to have you here and to learn more about life all across this great land of ours. I hope this will help to bring us all closer together."
The crowd cheered even louder than it had before, while Spike tugged at Twilight's tail to get her attention. Twilight turned to Spike, who whispered something into her ear. Then, with a smile, she turned back to the delegates and told them "And now, my son and faithful assistant Spike would like to say a few words." She proceeded to playfully nudge him onto the stage with the other princesses.
"Um, hello, everyone!" Spike greeted in a half cheerful, half nervous tone "I'm here to help any way I can. So if there's anything I can do for any of you, um... just let me know."
A few delegates exchanged concerned whispers, and some even seemed surprised that a dragon had been allowed to speak at all. A couple of delegates from the Crystal Empire shouted "Long live Spike The Brave and Glorious, he who rescued The Crystal Heart!", and some of the delegates from Ponyville and Canterlot who had seen him before sincerely applauded his speech. But for the most part, Spike's statement seemed to be ignored.
Then, a delegate from Cloudsdale named Fluffy Clouds spoke up. He knew nothing about Spike, and didn't seem to care "No offense, but I don't need some random dragon's help. I wanna hear what Princess Twilight has to say." he said rudely.
Most of the Cloudsdale delegates then began to chant "We love you, Princess Twilight!" And soon, most of the gathered delegates started to shout "We love all the princesses!" And they clapped and cheered loudly.
Spike was quite upset, but his feelings of anger were soon replaced with feelings of sadness. "I guess everyone loves a princess," he said with a sigh, and turned and walked sadly away "If anyone needs me, I'll be back at Twilight's tower doing what I always do best, sorting and cleaning."
"Poor Spike," Princess Cadence thought to herself "Those delegates have some nerve treating him like that! If I wasn't the Princess of Love, I'd give them a piece of my mind right now! No one treats my nephew-in-law like he doesn't matter! He most certainly DOES matter! But how do I show that to Spike?"
It didn't take Spike long to clean the tower he and Twilight were staying in, before long he grew bored. But he knew there wasn't anything he could do, the delegates clearly didn't want him around. He wasn't a princess, so there was little he could do to make them listen to him. "Is it really so wrong to ask for just a little recognition from time to time?" he thought unhappily to himself "I'm not asking to be an Equestria wide hero, I just want to feel like I belong. That can't possibly be selfish, can it?"
Spike was snapped out of his thoughts by the ringing of the clock tower, he glanced out the window. "Mother should be back by now," he said to himself "I guess she was held up meeting with some of the delegates," then he gasped "Or, what if something awful happened to her?! What if she's been ponynapped?! Or what if she's hurt, or sick?! Or-" Spike smacked himself with one of his claws, and tried his best to ignore the pain in his right cheek from said smack "No, I'm sure there's a perfectly logical explanation for why Twilight isn't back yet." In his mind he was thinking "Plus, am I really concerned about her well being? Or do I just want an excuse to show off and prove my worth?"
Deciding it was best to wait until he knew for sure, Spike reluctantly passed the time pacing back and forth in the tower's main room, while occasionally glancing out the window for any sign of Twilight, or any of the other princesses.
Seconds ticked by, then minutes, but still Twilight didn't show. Spike grew more and more anxious, perhaps something had happened and by standing here he was preventing Twilight and any other victims from getting the help they needed. But if that was the case, how come he hadn't heard any sort of commotion or cries of panic? Everything was quiet, for the most part. Aside from the occasional chirp of the birds, or the sound of a construction worker making some repairs with his power tools, all was silent.
At last, just when Spike felt he could wait no longer, the tower door flung open and in strolled a rather anxious looking Princess Cadence. "Hello, Spike. It's good to see you again."
"Same to you, Cadence," Spike replied, then he noticed the look of concern on Cadence's face "What's the matter? You look upset."
"Well, it's about Twilight." Princess Cadence said nervously.
"What about her? Is she sick, or hurt?" Spike asked.
Princess Cadence shook her head "She's fine, for the most part. But-"
Just then, Twilight came trotting into the room. She looked like she was barely able to stay awake, and seemed ready to fall asleep at a moment's notice.
"Whoa! What happened to you?!" Spike asked Twilight.
"I just..." Twilight spoke up, before she yawned "Need a quick, nap. Napkin! Tell the delegates I'll..." The rest of her sentence was cut off, as she fell asleep atop a pile of books. She even held one as if it were a pillow.
"She's really worn out from planning this whole summit, and she needs to rest if she's going to be ready for the opening ceremony tonight." Princess Cadence told Spike, as she used her magic to pry Twilight off of the books, and tuck her gently into her bed.
"And you want me to make sure nothing disturbs her? Well, you've come to the right dragon!" Spike said proudly "I won't let you down, Cadence! Nothing's going to wake up Twilight, not while I'm on duty!"
"That's very nice of you to offer, Spike," Princess Cadence said sweetly "But I'm afraid I already have a solution in mind." She then whistled, and two crystal guards came marching into the tower's main room.
"How can we be of service, your highness?" the guards asked.
"Can I count on the two of you to stand guard outside this tower, and make sure that Princess Twilight isn't disturbed while she rests?" Princess Cadence instructed "It's important that she gets plenty of sleep before tonight's opening ceremony."
"Don't worry, your crystalness," the guards replied "With us in charge, Princess Twilight will be sleeping like a baby."
"Good, I knew I could count on the two of you," Princess Cadence smiled "Make sure to pass word on to the rest of the delegates, that if they need any help, they are to go to Princess Celestia or Princess Luna, Princess Twilight and I will be unavailable until tonight at the earliest."
Spike was surprised to hear Princess Cadence give such a command. He knew why she'd want the delegates to know not to bother Twilight, but he couldn't see a reason for her to not be available if needed.
The guards were surprised as well, but they still obeyed. "Understood, your highness. We will do as you have requested." And the two of them marched out to take up their posts without another word.
"Bet you're wondering why I said I wouldn't be available to help the delegates." Princess Cadence said to Spike.
"The thought did cross my mind." Spike replied.
Princess Cadence smiled brightly "Well, it's been so long since the two of us have had a chance to do much of anything together. So, why don't we spend the rest of this lovely afternoon on a sight seeing tour of Canterlot? It'll be just like old times!"
Spike could well remember the fond memories he had of the times when Princess Cadence would come over to foalsit Twilight, and help her take care of Spike. Cadence often loved to take Twilight and Spike out on spring and summer afternoons to see the many wonderful sights of Canterlot, and occasionally Shining Armor would tag along.
Eager for an opportunity to escape his boredom (and take his mind off of the fact that the delegates didn't want him around) Spike said "Do you really mean it?!"
"Absolutely!" Princess Cadence replied "And while we're doing that, maybe we could exchange news? I'm sure a lot has happened since we last met, and I have quite a few things I'm sure you'd be interested in hearing about."
"Sounds like a plan. What are we waiting for, let's go!" Spike said cheerfully, a little bit too loudly.
"Huh? Does something need scheduling?" Twilight asked sleepily, sitting up in her bed.
"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry," Spike apologized "I didn't mean to wake you up, Twilight. Please don't be mad at me."
Twilight apparently didn't seem to hear Spike properly, for she responded by saying "Okay, no problem. Just put the apple in the hay and eat the candle, hm."
"What?" Spike replied, but Twilight didn't answer, she had already fallen back asleep. Spike scratched his head "Just what was that all about?" he thought to himself "She must be more tired than I thought." With this thought clear in his mind, he made sure not to say anything else, as he and Princess Cadence quietly walked out of the tower.
Once she and Spike were outside, Princess Cadence gently closed the door with her magic, and locked it. Then, she unfolded her wings and said to Spike "Hop on," Spike did so without hesitation. "Comfy?" Princess Cadence asked Spike, who nodded happily "Okay, hold on tight." And with a flap of her wings, Princess Cadence took off.
"Thank you for flying Air Cadence, we hope you enjoyed your flight," Princess Cadence jokingly called out, as she touched down in the heart of Canterlot "Please, remain seated until the ride comes to a complete stop." She and Spike shared a good hearted laugh at the little joke, as Spike carefully climbed off Cadence's back, and set his feet on solid ground.
"It's been a while since I've been back in Canterlot," Spike commented "The last time I came here, I spent all day helping Twilight search for an enchanted comic book store, but we found nothing. And no one remembered anything about there ever being one. It's nice to be able to just take in the sights of the city for once, and not have to worry about anything."
"I agree," Princess Cadence replied, as she and Spike walked down main street together "The city is especially beautiful at this time of year, I'm glad those so called 'Dragon Sneeze Trees' were replanted somewhere else."
"Tell me about it," Spike complained "I hated those things so much. One time, someone even sent a potted version of one of the trees because they thought it would be a funny prank. I had half a mind to hunt down the sender and make them pay, but my mom wouldn't let me. She said that if I did that, I'd be letting the sender get to me. But she made sure no more 'Dragon Sneeze Trees' got delivered to me."
"Twilight has raised you well," Princess Cadence observed "I'm proud to call you my nephew-in-law," then she remembered something "Oh my goodness, how could I forget?!" she said out loud.
"What is it?" Spike asked.
"Twilight was supposed to meet with an important pony to help brief her on all the different gemstones before the ceremony tonight!" Princess Cadence exclaimed.
"Well, maybe I could meet with that pony in Twilight's place?" Spike suggested, as his eyes lit up "After all, I'm the son of a princess, and the nephew-in-law of another, that technically makes me royalty."
"Spike, I don't think that's such a good idea." Princess Cadence said nervously.
"Why not?" Spike asked innocently "If it's because she's expecting a princess, then she can always call me 'Princess Spike'. After all, it seems like you have to be a princess in order to get any kind of recognition around here."
"Spike, that's not true, and you know it!" Princess Cadence said seriously, and used her magic to hold Spike in place before he could run off "I'll just tell the pony that the meeting will have to be postponed, and see if she can send the notes over to Twilight. That should work just fine."
"Or, you let her meet with me, and I can deliver the notes to Twilight myself," Spike insisted "Or, don't you trust me to do the right thing? It's not like I'm being greedy, I just want a little recognition."
Princess Cadence sighed "I do trust you, Spike. But you can't just abuse your connection to Twilight because you want others to notice you."
"Who said anything about abusing it?" Spike replied "I'm only doing it because that way the delegates will actually start to listen to me. If they think I'm a princess, they'll be fawning over me like no tomorrow. I'll be able to make decisions and be taken seriously, I'll be able to make a contribution to the summit, I'll finally feel like I belong!"
But Princess Cadence only shook her head "Spike, there's more to being a princess, or a prince for that matter, than simply making decisions because you want to be recognized by others. Being a princess is an extremly important and difficult responsibility, it isn't something to be taken lightly."
"But, I want to feel like I belong!" Spike complained "What's so wrong with wanting to get a little respect for a change? The only time I ever get sort of acknowledgement, is when I come to The Crystal Empire. And even the delegates from there clearly don't care about me if I'm not a princess! If being a princess is what it takes to make them acknowledge my presence, instead of pretending I don't exisit, so be it!"
Princess Cadence sighed once again "I was hoping it wouldn't have to come to this, but it looks like we're going to have to a little talk about what it really means to be a princess."
Princess Cadence led Spike to a small cafe just off of Main Street, she wanted to make sure that the important conversation she was about to have wouldn't be overhead by anyone else.
"Why can't you just let me do a few things as 'Princess Spike'?!" Spike complained "I could make it so that Twilight only has to worry about tonight's opening ceremony, and I'm sure she'd like that a lot."
Princess Cadence looked at Spike, took a deep breath, and said to him "Spike, you are in a position that anyone would kill to be in. You are offically the right hoof dragon of Equestria's newest princess. That alone would be enough to make just about anyone bow to you if you so commanded."
"And what's so wrong about that?" Spike asked "Think of all the good things I could do with that authority."
Princess Cadence only shook her head "Many ponies and non-ponies alike have thought that way about their power, and they always start with the best of intentions. But if you abuse your powers, especially if you do it often, it leads to a slippery slope that is almost impossible to climb back up. Once you start getting used to using your powers to make others do what you want, it's easy to forget the responsibility that comes with those powers. To have power alone is not to be strong, you have to know how to use that power."
"But I do!" Spike insisted "I won't abuse it, I promise! After today, I'll never abuse my connections to Twilight ever again!"
"Spike, you don't need to please some delegates to feel important," Princess Cadence replied "They are supposed to represent the will of the cities and towns that elect them, but sometimes even the best of them can forget that fact. I assure you that not a day goes by in The Crystal Empire where ponies aren't fawning over the statue of you, or eagerly listening to the story of how you saved them all. And Twilight has told me that many ponies in both Ponyville and Canterlot know who you are, or have heard about you from word of mouth."
"For all the good that does me around here," Spike complained "It seems like the delegates only care about princesses. It's always princess this and princess that, I'm sick of it!"
"I am too, Spike," Princess Cadence said kindly "As important as it is that the delegates be pleased, I wish they would make more of an effort to solve problems on their own. It seems that, whenever something goes wrong, they are always quick to come rushing to my aunts, Twilight, or myself."
"Can't you command that they stop bugging you?" Spike asked "You could tell them to jump and they'd ask 'How high?', so I don't see why they would have any trouble following an order to leave you and the other princesses alone."
"If only it was that simple," Princess Cadence said with a shake of her head "Most of these delegates are incredibly stubborn, they like to think that they're in charge. They simply believe the princesses are there to help them out whenever they get stuck on something, which is all the time. But not all of the delegates are like that, most of the ones from my empire and from Ponyville are well behaved. It's mostly the delegates from the big cities that seem to have trouble controlling their egos."
"Why?" Spike asked Princess Cadence.
"I wish I knew," Princess Cadence unhappily replied "My guess is that they've been in power for so long, they've forgotten what it's like to not automatically have the authority to make others obey you. I almost ended up like them, once."
"No way! You mean, you were once as haughty and stuck up as those delegates from earlier?" Spike asked, his mouth hanging open in shock.
"Not quite," Princess Cadence said in response "But when I was the newest and youngest of all the princesses, I couldn't help but get caught up in the spotlight. I started realizing that others would crowd around me whenever I did something, and I often took advantage of that free publicity. Fortunately, Aunt Luna and Aunt Celestia helped straighten me out before too long. But ever since, I have strived to do my best to remember, that I am not all powerful. I cannot just make ponies and non ponies bow to my will. With great power, there must also come a great responsibility. A responsibility to use that power wisely, and for the right reasons."
"I suppose, pretending to be a princess, or using my connections with Twilight, would be an abuse of power," Spike reluctantly considered "But I just want to feel like I've helped, that I'm a noble dragon."
"You already are a noble dragon, Spike," Princess Cadence insisted, walking over to Spike and embracing him in a big hug "And you always will be. I know that, and so does Twilight. The same goes for her friends, my husband, and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Just because a few delegates don't acknowledge this fact, doesn't mean it doesn't exisit."
"Thank you, Cadence," Spike replied happily "I'm glad I have somepony like you to talk to. Somepony I know I can count on to help me be the best that I can be. I would've hated for Mom to wake up and find out I was abusing my power, giving her a bad name."
Just then, there came the sound of a faint crack, followed by the sound of gushing water and a lot of yelling and shouting. Princess Cadence and Spike quickly became aware of it, and could tell by how loud the noise was, that they were close to the source of the disturbance.
"Wonder what all the commotion is about?" Spike wondered outloud.
"I don't know, but we're going to find out!" Princess Cadence insisted, unfolding her wings "Hop aboard, Spike!" Spike did so, and once he was safely on board, Princess Cadence took off.
She touched down a short time later, when she spotted water shooting up from a pipe, and a green coated stallion with a hard hat barking out orders to other ponies. "What's going on here?!" Princess Cadence asked seriously.
"Stupid power tools!" the green coated stallion grumbled "We were doing some repair work to the water main when Charlie over here got careless and struck a pipe with his drill!"
"I told you, it wasn't my fault!" an orange coated stallion yelled in response "That drill had a mind of its own!"
"Whatever," the green coated stallion shrugged "The two of you better stay out of the way, it's going to take a long time to repair the damage, and in the mean time we're going to have to shut off the water supply. We don't need the main hallway of the castle flooding!"
"I believe I can help," Princess Cadence offered "If you'll allow me, that is."
"What can you possibly do to help?" the green coated stallion asked.
"I was hoping you'd ask," Princess Cadence said with a smile "Just stand back, so I have a clear view of the broken pipe." The green coated stallion did so, and once he was out of the way, Princess Cadence lit up her horn which sparked to life with its soft blue aurora. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye a massive pile of crystals emerged from not of nowhere. They quickly enveloped the crack in the pipe and the water shooting out of it, completely encasing the both of them. Spike and all the construction ponies gathered were speechless.
"That... was... amazing!" Spike exclaimed.
"Ma'am, you're a life saver," the green coated stallion said kindly "My boss would've fired me for sure if he'd found out about this, and the delegates would've run me out of town. How can I ever repay you?"
"There's no need for any sort of repayment," Princess Cadence replied "I'm simply glad I could help. Just make sure that you get this area sealed off. My crystal casing should hold the broken pipe in place for a few hours, but it hasn't fixed the problem completely."
"I'll have to talk to the boss and get his approval first," the green coated stallion told Princess Cadence "But I should be able to get the necessary repair work done by tonight, you can count on that." And then he turned, and trotted quickly away.
"Why didn't you use your authority as a princess to command that pony's boss to have the damaged pipe blocked off until it could be repaired?" Spike asked Princess Cadence, as the two of them headed back towards Twilight's tower to check on her.
"Because, the situation did not call for it," Princess Cadence explained "The ponies down there needed to know that they had to solve the problem themselves. If I commanded them to take the actions necessary to solve it, they would come to depend on me the next time something went wrong."
"I see," Spike nodded, and changed the subject "I never knew you could make crystals grow out of the ground at will! What other surprises have you been keeping from me?"
Princess Cadence chuckled "Well, to be fair, that crystal trick is something I only recently got the hang of it. It took months of practicing."
"Do you think you could make gems appear in the same manner?" Spike asked "Cause I'm getting kind of hungry, and some gemstones would really hit the spot right about now."
"Sorry, I'm afraid I can only bring up massive crystals at the moment," Princess Cadence replied with a laugh "I'm sure I could learn how to apply it to small scale things like gems and rocks, if there's a spell for that anyway."
"Maybe we can ask Twilight, once this summit is over," Spike suggested "It'll give us an excuse for the three of us to hang out together, just like old times."
"That would be lovely, but we'll have to see if Twilight is up for it," Princess Cadence told Spike "This summit is going to be going for several days, and Twilight and I are going to both be very busy, as will Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."
Suddenly, one of the crystal guards that had been instructed to stand guard outside the door to Twilight's tower came running up to Spike and Princess Cadence. He looked extremly worried about something, because his eyes had widened quite a bit and he was panting up to them with every ounce of strength he had. "I'm... sorry, your crystalness... I tried my best to send them away." he apologized.
"What are you talking about?" Princess Cadence asked with concern "And why are you not at your post like I instructed?"
"It's about the delegates," the crystal guard explained "They all want to talk to Princesss Twilight, and when I told them no they got really mad and shoved me aside. My comrade went back to block the door, so that I could find one of the other princesses."
Immediately upon hearing this, Spike felt something begin to boil up inside him. He knew what it was, it was pure anger, and he knew who it was directed at. "They've got some nerve bothering my mother when she's trying to rest!" he thought to himself, clenching his claws as his anger grew "Well, I think it's time someone finally taught them a lesson!"
"Spike?! Where are you going?!" Princess Cadence asked, as she saw Spike race off towards the tower.
"To make those delegates go away, whether they like it or not!" Spike replied "Don't try to stop me!" And he took off as fast as his legs could carry him.
"Spike, come back! Spike?! SPIKE!" Princess Cadence shouted, but it was no use, Spike was already gone.
When Spike reached the tower, all the delegates were yelling and talking at once. Many of them saying things like "Where is Princess Twilight?!" or "How dare the princess make us wait!" and even "If Princess Twilight doesn't come out soon, we'll have to make her come out!".
The noise was deafening to Spike, but he tried his best to ignore it as he raced up the tower railing, and jumped in front of the delegates, firmly blocking the door to Twilight's room.
"Out of the way, little dragon!" a delegate from Whinnyapolis demanded "I'm about to blow my stack at Princess Twilight!"
"WILL ALL OF YOU BE QUIET?!" Spike roared at the top of his lungs, shocking all of the delegates into silence "My mother is trying to sleep, and she can't do that with all of you yelling and complaining. How would you feel if you were trying to sleep, and ponies and non-ponies kept bugging you or making lots of noise? You wouldn't like it at all, would you?"
The delegates seemed to briefly consider this, before a Fillydelphia delegate said to Spike "But Princess Twilight-"
"-Can't help you with your problems," Spike cut off "She can only do so much. She's worn out from trying to make sure this royal summit goes off without a hitch. All she asks in return is for a little peace and quiet for a few hours. All of you say you have problems, but did any of you actually try to solve them on your own, or did you just immediately decide to come and see the princess so that she could help you?"
A great silence fell over the crowd of delegates, as they all suddenly began to feel incredibly guilty. Not unlike a foal caught trying to steal a cookie from the cookie jar.
"I know it's hard being a politican, it's hard to make decisions when there's so much at stake," Spike said kindly "But you can't depend on others to solve your problems for you. The princesses have better things to do than to help solve silly disputes that you could easily settle on your own if you just tried. The entire point of this summit is for all of the nations of Equestria to come together as one, not to just depend on the princesses."
None of the delegates bothered to say anything, they were too ashamed.
"Well, what are you all standing around here for?" Spike asked "Go away, and leave my mother alone! If you really can't solve your problems on your own after trying your hardest, you can always ask Princess Celestia or Princess Luna."
And that was that, the delegates dispersed without another word. Meanwhile, Spike stood there with a look of relief on his face.
However, Spike was surprised when one he saw one delegate still remained. Said delegate was a unicorn stallion with a majestic white coat, elegant blue eyes, a royal blue mane and tail properly styled into a charming look, a glass monocle in his left eye, and an elegant black suit with a pink bowtie. Spike realized at once who he was. "Fancy Pants?" he exclaimed "I didn't know you were a delegate as well."
"I most certainly am, Spike," Fancy Pants replied "I must apologize for the commotion raised by the other delegates, I wanted no part of that and tried to no avail to talk them out of it. I have been insisting for a long time now that we come to not depend on the princesses of Equestria to help us all the time. That's why I was so looking forward to this summit, it would give me a chance to present my case and show how much good we could do working together."
"Seems like the other delegates didn't get the message." Spike said angrily.
"Well, hopefully they will have learned their lesson this time," Fancy Pants remarked, then he said to Spike "I must say, you were quite splendid when you were arguing your case, I don't think I could've done a better job myself."
"Oh, it was nothing, really." Spike insisted.
"There's no need to be so humble, Spike," Fancy Pants replied "You were quite brave, and quite determined. I dare say, you'd make a fine delegate. In fact, how would you like to take my place as a delegate from Canterlot? You would have all the perks that come with such a title, and we could certainly use a dragon like yourself to show off our diversity. You grew up in Canterlot for several years alongside Princess Twilight, and princesses cannot become delegates. So, what do you say? I would be more than happy to make the necessary arrangements to make you an offical Canterlot delegate."
Spike was silent for quite a few moments, as he considered this offer in his mind. At last, he looked Fancy Pants firmly in the eyes and told him "Thank you very much for the offer, but I'm not interested in replacing you as a delegate. As much as I would love to be one, I'm happy just being Twilight's number one assistant and adopted son. Equestria needs a delegate like you, one who understands the importance of humility. Maybe someday, I might be interested in being a delegate. But that's something I want to earn on my own, not something I want to have given to me. I'm flattered you think so highly of me, but my answer is no."
Fancy Pants smiled "You are quite humble, Spike. Truly the most noble of all dragons. I shall respect your wishes, but if you ever change your mind do not hesitate to tell me. Now then, I best be on my way. But I hope I will see you tonight at the opening ceremony, I have just the thing to reward your dedication to the princess."
"As long as it's not a 'Dragon Sneeze Tree' I'm all for it." Spike replied, and he waved until Fancy Pants was out of sight.
Just after Fancy Pants had left, Twilight came stumbling out into the rays of the afternoon sun. Now well rested, she looked much better than she had just hours earlier. She had heard everything. "I'm very proud of you, my son," she said with a smile "It takes a great deal of humility to turn down something you want so badly."
"That's because I've had an excellent mother to help raise me properly," Spike replied, embracing Twilight in a hug "I'll always love you, no matter what."
"The feeling's mutual, Spike," Twilight said with a motherly smile "You mean more to me than this entire royal summit, and that is no lie. I don't care what those other delegates think, to Cadence and I you will always be Spike The Brave and Glorious."
"Hey, if the Crystal Ponies want to call me that, I don't mind it. But for you, Cadence, the princesses, and all our friends and family, just Spike is fine," Spike insisted "That's who I am, and who I always will be. Not Princess Spike, not Delegate Spike, just Spike." |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S5 E14: Canterlot Boutique (What If?) | It was a peaceful (and rather uneventful) day in Ponyville, with not a crisis or friendship problem in sight. Ponies went about their business as usual, enjoying the fine spring weather.
At the throne room inside The Castle of Friendship, five ponies and one dragon were passing the time with a variety of different activities. Twilight and Rainbow Dash were discussing the latest Daring Do book, Applejack and Fluttershy were engaged in an intense staring contest, and Spike was watching Pinkie Pie as she blew up a balloon, let the air out of it, then blew it up again.
Suddenly, the peace and quiet was disturbed, as Rarity came rushing into the throne room with a huge smile on her face. "Good news everyone!" Rarity called eagerly, immediately attracting the attention of her friends "It's finally going to happen! At long last, my dream is going to come true!"
"What are you talking about, Rarity?" Applejack asked.
Still smiling, Rarity had to take a minute to calm herself, before she explained "Ever since I got the paycheck for helping Sapphire Shores and her backup dancers, I've been looking for a place in Canterlot to open a second boutique. And at long last, I've finally found a location! Canterlot Carousel is finally going to become a reality!"
This news prompted everyone to gasp, including Pinkie Pie. And the resulting rush of air caused her to over inflate the balloon, it popped with a loud bang! But everyone was so swept up in the shock of Rarity's announcement, that they didn't notice.
Fluttershy was the first one to speak up, once the reality of the news sank in. "Oh, I'm so proud of you, Rarity. I know how much you've dreamed about having your very own boutique in Canterlot. I can't wait to see it!"
"Neither can the rest of us," Rainbow Dash chimed in "I just know it's going to be a success. So, when's it going to open?"
That question caused Rarity's smile to fade, and be replaced by a slight frown "Unfortunately, I've only just managed to get my hooves on a suitable location for my shop. And there's no way I can manage everything on my own. I'm going to have to go into business with a partner if I'm ever going to be able to get the boutique ready for opening day. I'm sorry, but it'll be weeks before I'll be ready to let you all see it."
Everyone in the room let out a small "Aw." in complaint, but they knew it was wrong of them to put more pressure on Rarity.
"Cheer up, you can read all about the opening ceremonies in Canterlot Times," Rarity replied, then she turned to Twilight "And, there is something I need your help with, darling."
Twilight was surprised "What?! Me?!" she exclaimed.
Rarity nodded "You're going to play a very important role in all of this. You are the key to drumming up publicity for the boutique. It's all part of the plan, or 'pattern' if you will."
Upon hearing the word "pattern" Fluttershy's expression changed from one of confusion, to one of concern. "Rarity?" she asked "Who are you going into business with for your Canterlot shop? Not many ponies would be available on short notice."
Rarity smiled "I'm glad you asked me that, Fluttershy," then, turning to one of the throne room doors she declared "It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you all, Sassy Saddles!"
The throne room doors were flung open by a pale, light grayish olive magic glow. Into the room trotted a tall but slim looking unicorn mare, wearing a two-tone black dress with a yellow saddle resting firmly on the shoulder area. The mare had a coat that was a pale, light grayish cerulean in color, a fairly curly mane and tail that was brilliant vermillion with light amber and tangelo stripes running through them (with moderate fuchsia on the shadowed side of the curls), and brilliant orange eyes complimented by moderate persian blue eyeshadow. If one looked closely, they could see her cutie mark, which consisted of two small pins that were obscured by her dress.
"Well, bust my buttons, Rarity!" Sassy Saddles exclaimed "So these are you friends that you've told me so much about. What a charming little bunch."
"You must be Sassy Saddles," Applejack greeted "Sure is... interestin' meetin' a big fashion hot shot like yourself."
"Oh, I'm not a designer," Sassy Saddles replied "I'm simply the manager, and I do what all good managers do, ensure the shop I oversee runs smoothly. A task, I assure you, is quite difficult."
Fluttershy spoke up next "Rarity, are you really sure you want to hire her? Sassy Saddles doesn't exactly have the best track record."
"I understand your concerns, Fluttershy," Rarity reassured her "But Sassy was the only pony available on such short notice, and when I saw that she worked in all of the finest boutiques in Canterlot, I hired her right on the spot!"
"I then laid out this plan, or 'pattern' as we say in the fashion biz, for Canterlot Carousel so that Rarity's boutique will be a guaranteed success and those doors will never, ever, ever close!" Sassy Saddles explained, showing off a series of hoof-stitched pannels that depicted various objects or ponies.
Twilight was most impressed " Wow, Sassy. Your attention to detail is truly impressive. You remind me a lot of myself."
"That certainly doesn't surprise me," Sassy Saddles replied, chuckling a bit "Rarity has told me all there is to know about each of you. And I must say, Rarity couldn't possibly ask for a better batch of friends."
"We've already set to work on the first piece," Rarity explained "Beautify the Boutique! However, the next two pieces are extremly crucial to the boutique's success, and that's where you come in, Twilight."
"It's all a part of Marketing to the Mares, though the stallions are just as important," Sassy Saddles added "Turns out that everypony here loves royalty! So, along with her new boutique, Rarity is going to be debuting a collection of dresses inspired by royalty. And it just so happens there's a hot new princess in Equestria!"
"In every poll Sassy Saddles took, you were the most popular princess!" Rarity told Twilight "Coincidentally, one of my gowns is inspired by the window in Canterlot Castle commemorating your coronation! It's sure to be the star attraction of my new line. I wanted to call it 'The Reign in Stain', but Sassy's research showed that not many ponies got the play on words, or what they referenced."
"Which is why we decided, for the sake of simplicity, to rename it 'The Princess Dress'," Sassy Saddles said proudly "My marketing research also confirmed that customers who viewed someone famous wearing a gown, then wish to own that gown for themselves. I call this piece of the pattern Celebrity Status!"
"So, Twilight, we were wondering if perhaps you might possibly wear 'The Princess Dress' at the opening ceremonies tonight?" Rarity asked "The dress was designed specifically for you, and I've taken my latest collection to a whole new level with 'Rarity's Rules of TLC'! When customers get a look at the work that went into the dresses, I'm sure to have more orders then I'll know what to do with."
"If being a princess and wearing that dress can help your boutique in any way, then I say: Stick a pin in it, it's done." Twilight said proudly, as she used her magic to plant a pin in the pattern piece, showing her wearing a dress that looked like it had been made out of a stain glass window.
"So I'm guessing TLC stands for-" Rainbow Dash began.
"-'Time, Love, and Couture', actually," Rarity replied "I want each dress to truly be the best it can be. It's done wonders for me in Ponyville, and I'm sure the clientle in Canterlot will readily accept it as well. I'm going to take the fashion world by storm!"
"Not if we don't head down to the train station this instant!" Sassy Saddles demanded "There are still some things we need to take care of if we're going to open the doors tonight! The boutique could do with a little more beautifying, and the dresses all need to be moved into their proper places. Everything must go off without a hitch if we're to succeed."
"Sassy's right!" Rarity realized "Come with me, Twilight! There's no time left to waste!" Then, just before she dashed out of the throne room with Sassy and Twilight, Rarity said to the rest of her friends "Wish me luck!"
Canterlot Carousel was a moderate sized building that still easily dwarfed Carousel Boutique. And as luck would have it, it was located right in the heart of Canterlot. Already, word had spread that a new business was opening, and crowds were starting to form outside as they waited for the doors to open.
Inside of the boutique, Rarity was helping Twilight get ready, while Sassy was busy making sure all the dresses were placed wherever they were required. "Is everything ready?" she asked Rarity, as she carefully moved a dress based on the fountain in the castle garden into place.
"Pretty much," Rarity replied "Twilight's all dressed up and ready to show off 'The Princess Dress'," then she noticed the dress that Sassy Saddles was moving "Oh, I'm afraid I've not had enough time to give that dress enough love to become couture." She told Sassy Saddles.
"Are you absolutely sure about this, Rarity?" Sassy Saddles asked "I think this dress has tons of potential."
"Yes, I think so too," Rarity nodded "But I just don't feel it's ready to be shown off, at least not for the grand opening. Be a dear and place it in storage, I'll work on it when I find the time."
"As you wish, Rarity," Sassy Saddles reluctantly agreed, and moved the dress into Rarity's workshop. Rarity then used her magic to close the workshop door. Once that was done, Sassy Saddles proudly declared "Alright, everypony! Let's set the stage! Those doors will open any minute now!"
Rarity could hardly contain her excitement "Ever since I was a little filly, all I've ever wanted was to own a boutique here in Canterlot. Somepony pinch me! I'm about to open the doors to that very boutique!" she said to herself, and went to go open the door. But when she did so, she was shocked at just how many ponies were waiting in line. The crowd seemed to stretch out as far as the horizon, possibly even beyond. And quite a few high profile ponies were in attendence, including Fancy Pants and his wife Fleur, Jet Set and Upper Crust, and even Hoity Toity. Rarity froze in place, the words she wanted to say died on her tonuge. "I wasn't expecting such a huge crowd for opening night," she thought nervously to herself "I certainly wasn't expecting celebrities to be in attendence. This could be a problem."
Fortunately for Rarity, Sassy Saddles quickly came to her rescue. "Welcome to the grand opening of Canterlot Carousel!" she proudly declared "Rarity and I thank you all for coming!" The crowd cheered in excitement, and raced into the boutique as fast as their hooves would let them.
Sassy Saddles quickly occupied herself with meeting and greeting the ponies in the crowd, as they observed the boutique in all its glory (as well as occasionally helping themselves to the catering that been provided for the celebration).
Meanwhile, Rarity was trying her best to regain her composure. She knew it would not look good if ponies saw her all worked up and anxious. "Deep breaths, Rarity," she thought to herself "You can DO this!"
"Rarity, are you ready to reveal the collection?" Sassy Saddles suddenly asked, snapping Rarity out of her mental pep talk.
"What? Oh, yes-yes, of course!" Rarity quickly replied, shaking her head briefly. Clearing her throat, she turned towards the chattering customers and said to them "Fillies and gentlecolts! I am designer and couturier Rarity Belle, or Rarity for short. I'd like to welcome you - once again - to the grand opening of Canterlot Carousel!" she said with a nervous laugh "And I'm thrilled that you are all here to see my newest collection inspired by this regal city!" As she spoke those words, Sassy Saddles used her magic to lift the various dresses into the air. The crowd started to let out oohs and aahs in excitement, as photographer cameras clicked away. The noise of both was soon drowned out, as music began to fill the boutique.
Rarity was a bit jealous of Sassy's impressive feat, but quickly forgot all about when she descended the steps of the stage and came face to face with a blueish green coated unicorn stallion, with a wavy two tone gray mane and tail cut short. He had a red plaid scarf wrapped tightly around his neck, and his blue eyes were obscured by a pair of red titned sun glasses with bright white frames. His cutie mark was a trio of stars. "Greetings, Rarity!" the stallion said eagerly "I'm-"
"-Fashion Plate of Cosmare magazine!" Rarity exclaimed "I'm so honored that Cosmare is willing to do a piece on the grand opening of my boutique!"
"Well, when Sassy Saddles calls, saying she's found the latest and greatest in fashion, we hightail without fail!" Fashion Plate boasted "Now, what can you tell us about this marevolus collection you've assembled?!"
"Oh, uh, it's offically called 'Rarity's Royal Regalia'." Rarity told Fashion Plate. It was always easier to slip into the zone when designing dresses, or telling someone how you made them.
Fashion Plate gasped "Royally radiant!" he exclaimed.
Rarity went on with her explanation, as Sassy Saddles used her magic to provide the necessary backdrops to compliment Rarity's narration. "My favorite part of being a designer is finding my inspiration, and that really wasn't difficult when it came to Canterlot," Rarity told the gathered crowd "Everywhere I looked, the royal city just spoke to me! I call it 'In-spire-ation'." Quite a few ponies in the crowd began to ooh at such a statement, as they witnessed a dress that had a design similar to the ones seen in the castle spires, be moved onto the stage for display. All thanks to Sassy Saddles.
"Genius! Simply genius!" Fashion Plate said eagerly as he lifted his sunglasses up, while snapping dozens of photos with his camera.
"I spent hours upon hours by the lily pond on the castle grounds, which inspired this gown - 'Water Filly'!" Rarity went on, as another dress replaced the one that had been standing behind her. This one had an aqua blue colored front half with bubbles, reeds, and small roses, while the back half was as green as a leaf and had a few bubbles on it. The two halves were joined at the hip by a small flower like fold. As Rarity was speaking, the background changed to match the dress.
The crowd oohed once again, as their excitement rose. Fashion Plate's did as well. "Oh, the whimsy!" he casually remarked.
With help from Sassy Saddles, Rarity had no trouble explaining her "Royal Regalia" to the gathered crowd, in addition to "In-spire-ation' and 'Water Filly', Rarity had dresses designed after Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. The dresses were titled 'Tripping The Light' and 'Over The Moon' respectively, and both attracted a huge amount of attention (especially from Fashion Plate). But it was 'The Princess Dress' that had the mouths of everyone present dropping open in shock and surprise. Twilight moddled it to perfection, as she trotted down the stairs and past the crowd of ponies, as the spotlight shined on her.
"Rarity, I want to be the first pony to congratulate you!" Fashion Plate exclaimed, as he looked at the dress "The grand finale of this grand opening is a dress that is guaranteed to ensure Canterlot Carousel's success! This event is going to make a fabulous article for Cosmare, probably even headlining news! Your name and face will be all over Canterlot, I gurantee it!"
Meanwhile, Sassy Saddles was already wasting no time in drumming up publicity for the dresses. "We'll be sure to send out a catalog within the week. And the best part is, these dresses will sell for a price you'll all find to be very reasonable."
When the opening ceremonies were over, and the crowds had dispersed, Sassy Saddles quickly put the collection of dresses back on the display stand (making sure to put "The Princess Dress" in the center so that it would stand out more). Meanwhile, Twilight was talking with Rarity about a concern that had come to the young princess' mind.
"Rarity, Sassy completely and totally stepped on your hooves back there!" Twilight complained "She was the one running everything, all you did was follow her leads and explain about your dresses."
"Twilight, Sassy Saddles did nothing of the sort!" Rarity angry replied "I got nervous when I saw that huge crowd of ponies waiting outside, and I found myself at a loss for words. If Sassy hadn't stepped in, I would have made a complete fool of myself and the grand opening would've been ruined."
"Maybe so, but you just agreed with her to rename the signature dress of your collection," Twilight added "I know how much you loved 'The Reign in Stain' and I thought it was a fitting name."
"I understand you're concerned about Sassy, Twilight," Rarity realized "But she has every right to inform me of the results of her research, and make suggestions as needed. If she believes 'The Reign in Stain' is too complicated to explain, and she has the research to prove it, I'm going to trust her judgement. After all, the next piece of the pattern is The Success of the Signature Dress."
"And it's quite simple," Sassy Saddles explained, walking over to Twilight "Market research helps us figure out what ponies and non-ponies want, and then we give it to them. Sure, we push all our dresses from the collection so we don't flood the market too soon. But if one dress stands out from the rest, it becomes a guranteed money maker. That way, even if the other dresses don't sell well, we can still make a profit and keep the boutique running."
"Well, Rarity's Royal Regalia is amazing," Twilight commented "And I do appreciate a pony that understands the importance of research. But I learned the hard way that research only gets you so far, and there are times when you won't be able to develop the necessary data."
"Twilight, I assure you that Sassy and I are well aware of that fact." Rarity said kindly.
"But my only goal right now, is for Canterlot Carousel to succeed. That's why I changed the name, and that is why I made such a strong push for the dress to stand out. Thanks to me, you can bet your saddle that everypony seemed to love the Princess Dress!" Sassy promised.
"I will make sure that I sew my very best to provide each and every individual a Royal Regalia dress full of TLC, regardless of what they order," Rarity reassured Twilight, and changed the subject "You were a big help in promoting the signature dress, and for that I thank you."
"I hope you weren't planning to make me a full fledged model for the Princess Dress," Twilight joked "Because that would be bad."
"How bad exactly?" Rarity asked.
"'I'd have to throw you and Sassy in the dungeon' kind of bad." Twilight replied, which caused her, Rarity, and Sassy Saddles all to laugh.
A few days passed uneventfully, as Canterlot Carousel offically opened for business, and Rarity and Sassy waited for the order forms to be delivered. When at last they did, Rarity was quite overwhelmed and nearly fainted right on the spot.
"One hundred and twenty five orders?! All at one time?!" Rarity exclaimed.
"And exactly one hundred of them are for the Princess Dress, just as the pattern predicted," Sassy Saddles boasted "That's not going to be a problem, is it?"
"It's just too much too soon!" Rarity protested "It would take even a team of highly skilled sewers days to complete the orders, and we don't have that kind of budget. It'll take a week and a half to finish all the Princess Dress orders, and at least three more days after that to complete the rest."
Sassy Saddles gasped "Are you actually saying we should... cancel all these orders?!" she remarked "That would be a public relations nightmare!"
"Uh, n-no, Sassy," Rarity nervously stammered "Promises were made, and it wouldn't be right to go back on them now. These orders are my responsibility. All I have to do is stick to my plan so I can deliver each and every dress in accordance with my Rules of Rarity! But, if possible, try not to take on anymore orders without asking me first."
"Satin and silk, Rarity, I'll try my best." Sassy Saddles promised.
"Good, then I'll leave you to deal with any customers that come into the shop," Rarity told Sassy "I will require absolute concentration when I am 'In The Zone'. We certainly can't afford to make mistakes."
"No we cannot." Sassy Saddles nodded, as Rarity retreated to her workshop within the boutique.
Pretty soon, Rarity was hard at work making the dresses. And as she often did, Rarity sang a little song to herself to help pass the time. And it went something like this:
The rules of Rarity, guaranteed quality
This I can assure
For each and every dress
I vow to give finesse
With time, love, and couture.
It didn't take long for her to begin to fantasize about what she hoped to accomplish in Canterlot, and why she had decided to become a dress maker to begin with. And this fantasy worked its way into her song:
My favorite moment's when a pony sees it
That special gown that she just adores
That pony's now in style
My hard work's all worthwhile
Oh, yes, it makes my heart
My heart just soar.
The days flew by pretty quickly once Rarity started to focus on making the dresses. But it didn't take long for more orders to come in, and unfortunately many of them seemed to be for the Princess Dress only. Even with her secret of switching the gem stones around on each Princess Dress, Rarity couldn't help but grow unhappy. It pained her very much to see the parts of her collection (which she had worked just as hard on) be ignored in favor of the signature dress. And this unhappiness seeped its way into her song, which began to sound like this:
The rules of Rarity, just a parody
No dress here's unique
The panels all the same
Each colored windowpane
I fashion only makes me want to shriek!
Dress making slowly stopped being fun for Rarity, as more and more orders for the Princess Dress flowed in (the other dresses still occasionally got an order, but those were becoming increasingly rare). One day, with a sigh, Rarity stopped in the middle of sewing and laid her head down on her desk. By now, her song was starting to sound more like this:
Oh, to create would give me elation
To feel once again some inspiration
Come on now, Rarity
Give me some clarity
Time for your couture love to rule!
Suddenly, as if in answer to her pleas, Rarity spotted a pile of new gemstones that had not yet been touched. Their radiant glow was enough to give Rarity an idea. They would make a fine addition to the next batch of Princess Dresses, and as she worked them into each one she sang happily to herself:
The rules of Rarity, guaranteed quality
All can see it's true
These new gems add such flair
Their beauty can't compare
This old style suddenly gleams anew.
Just as Rarity put the finishing touches on the fifth to last Princess Dress, the door bell rang. Seconds later, Sassy Saddles came trotting into the workshop with a few more order forms. "The Princess Dress is really selling, I don't think the fashion world has seen anything like it!" she exclaimed happily "It's too bad I can't say the same for the other dresses. I've been trying my hardest to push them, but practically nopony wants to wear them."
"I've noticed," Rarity remarked glumly, then her mood changed as she asked Sassy Saddles "Is that the customer who ordered this Princess Dress?"
Sassy Saddles nodded, but said to Rarity "I'll take care of her. You keep working on the dresses."
Rarity plucked up courage "Uh, actually, I'd love to see her reaction to this particular dress."
"Paisley and poplin, Rarity, look at all the orders you still have to finish, and you want to take a break? Now?" Sassy Saddles remarked "You're behind as it is, and I'm certainly no sewer," then a thought came to her "What are you up to, Rarity?"
"Well, it's just that I made some really lovely changes to this dress--" Rarity began.
Sassy's eyes briefly widened to the size of dinner plates in surprise "You did what?!" she remarked.
"I know it's a big change in comparison to just swapping around the gem stones locations with every dress," Rarity replied "But I was getting bored of each dress ultimately being the same. That's not what I intended."
Sassy's surprised state quickly became replaced by one of panic. "But every Princess Dress was supposed to be exactly the same! That's what I advertised in the catalogue!"
Now it was Rarity's turn to act surprised "Sassy, that was never supposed to be a thing! Each dress was supposed to be different!"
"Well, it's too late now, I'm afraid," Sassy said angrily "Even if I start advertising this 'fact', most ponies will have already been expecting a Princess Dress just like the one they saw Princess Twilight wearing. We're going to be flooded with letters demanding a refund and a new dress, a mistake that will cost us millions!"
"Relax, Sassy," Rarity reassured her "I don't think anypony will mind it, or at least I'm sure most ponies won't mind it. These gems just spoke to me."
Sassy wasn't convinced "You think so?" she said with a slight growl "Fine then. Go see her reaction for all I care. And if I'm wrong, feel free to rub it in my face about how I was wrong! Just don't come crying to me if it turns out I'm right!"
"I think I will!" Rarity said with a hmph, and stormed out of the workshop with the Princess Dress in tow. She made sure to take some deep breaths and put on a sincere smile for the customer though. "Hello, and welcome to Canterlot Carousel!" she said to a unicorn mare who had a pinkish white coat, a two tone pinkish-red mane and tail, and a cutie mark depicting two strawberries. "I am so pleased to present to you your--" Rarity went on, but was cut off when the mare snatched up the dress with her magic.
"Princess Dress! Finally!" The mare remarked eagerly "Everypony's been simply gushing about getting this ever since they saw Princess Twilight wearing it on your--", then the mare noticed the gems on the dress were a different color from how they had been depicted on the cover of the catalogue "Wait a minute. There's something different about this one." she said with a hint of anger.
Rarity gulped, but tried her best to reman confident "Well as an artist, I did take the liberty to change a few minor details," she confessed "I saw these gems glistening in the light, and they just spoke to me. Aren't they lovely? And so unique! Every dress has always been a little bit different, but this one is part of a 'limited edition'."
The mare sighed, and frowned "Well, they are unique, but they're not what I ordered! I was expecting a dress just like the one Princess Twilight was wearing. Otherwise, I'll be sure to tell everypony just what kind of second rate shop this is! Understand?"
Rarity's heart sank, Sassy Saddles had been right after all. "Y-Yes, of course," she told the mare, as she admitted defeat "I'll get right on it. This dress won't cost you a thing."
Upon returning to her workshop, Rarity didn't bother to look at Sassy Saddles. She simply set to work on undoing her "mistake" and sewing the correct dress for her customer. Determined to avoid any future "mistakes" Rarity gave up trying to make her vision work, and made every dress exactly as Sassy Saddles wanted it. But now her passion for dress making had left her, and on many days you could hear in her workshop singing unhappily to herself:
The rules of Rarity
Once stood for something
But now it feels just like some factory
Now every dress I make
With every flaw and mistake
Oh, how it makes my heart
My heart just break.
The days passed slowly, as Rarity unhappily occupied herself with making Princess Dress after Princess Dress. Nopony seemed interested in any of the other dresses anymore, at least that's how it seemed to Rarity.
At long last, just when Rarity thought she could take no more, she was able to put the finishing touches on the last of the Princess Dresses. All the orders were complete.
That was when Sassy Saddles came trotting into Rarity's workshop, in contrast to her business partner, Sassy Saddles was incredibly cheerful and upbeat. "Well, bless my bowties, Rarity!" Sassy Saddles exclaimed, upon seeing Rarity's work "You've managed to complete all two hundred orders for the Princess Dress, and sooner than I expected!"
"Yes, it's not like I had anything better to do with my time." Rarity glumly remarked.
Sassy Saddles quickly took notice of Rarity's depressed state of mind, and with a smile she said to her "Cheer up, I have a special surprise for you! I know you're going to love it! You remember Fashion Plate, right?"
"The photographer from Cosmare? Of course I do, he has a presence that's hard to forget." Rarity replied.
Sassy Saddles smiled "Well, he finally got around to putting the finshing touches on the exlcusive story covering Canterlot Carousel's grand opening. You're headlining news for the latest issue of Cosmare, which just hit the stands a short time ago."
Rarity read the title printed on the magazine cover "'Canterlot's newest rising star'?"
Sassy Saddles nodded "And thanks to that magazine, we've already got orders for one hundred more princess dresses. There are a few orders for some of the other dresses, but I'm afraid we might have to discontinue them at this rate. They just aren't selling."
Rarity looked at the order forms, the stack of already completed princess dresses, and the magazine cover that Sassy Saddles was holding. Then, she weakly muttered to herself "I'm on the cover of Cosmare... I run one of the most popular and successful dress shops in all of Canterlot... I've gotten everything I could've ever wanted.. and yet I feel miserable!"
Sassy Saddles scoffed Rarity's remark "How could you possibly be miserable? My pattern is perfect! Thanks to me, Canterlot Carousel's clinetle is growing at an explosive rate. It won't be long before we have the entire city flocking to us for dresses! Cosmare Cover Pony - done, and in record time! We have our signature gown, the Princess Dress of Success!"
"But I don't want to make another hundred Princess Dresses!" Rarity protested "In fact, I never want to see another Princess Dress as long as I live!"
"That's why I have a piece for that!" Sassy Saddles explained, unfolding the pattern "Assemble the Assembly Line! You'll never have to sew again, won't that be nice?"
Rarity was shocked at such a statement "What?! No!" she protested "You're treating this place as if it were a factory! You can't run dresses through an assembly line, it doesn't work like that!"
"Oh, but it will!" Sassy Saddles insisted "With it in place, we can keep cranking out Princess Dresses forever, and every so often we can swap the gems around to make it new! Canterlot Carousel will never close! Sassy Saddles will finally have a successful boutique!"
"That is it! This has gone far enough!" Rarity shouted angrily to Sassy "You are forgetting, that this is not your boutique! I hired you to help me manage it, not to take complete charge of everything! But if this is what success in Canterlot requires, then I want no part of it! By the power invested in me as the owner of this shop, I'm offically closing down Canterlot Carousel, whether you like it or not! Now, make up flyers for a going-out-of-business sale!" And with that, Rarity stormed out of her workshop, snatching up Sassy Saddles' pattern and ripping it apart for good measure.
Sassy Saddles was horrified, and began to protest "No! You can't do this, Rarity! I-I've worked too hard to make this a success! I can't be a part of another failed boutique! Please, I'll do anything, but don't close Canterlot Carousel!" But her plea fell on deaf ears, as Rarity slammed the workshop door shut.
"You can just stay in there until I figure out what to do with you. Be thankful I haven't decided to already fire you!" Rarity called from the other side of the door. She then trotted over to the closet that she had seen Sassy stuff the other dresses from the 'Royal Regalia' in when she had decided they weren't worth displaying. Fortunately, they were all still in good shape. "Oh, don't you look lovely?" Rarity said to one of the dresses, as she moved it onto the display stand and put the Princess Dress away "Nice to see you out here again."
Once Rarity had finished moving the remaining dresses from her collection into the places where she felt they would be best noticed, she looked out the window, and saw that a crowd had already gathered for the closing down sale. With a sigh, Rarity reluctantly went over to the door, opened it and said to the customers "Welcome to the going-out-of-business sale of Canterlot Carousel."
Despite the fact that the shop would close soon (or perhaps because of that fact) the crowd of ponies wasted no time as they dashed into the shop and began to look around. Immediately, they were surprised by the variety of dresses offered to them.
"Hey, is this Princess Dress on sale?" one mare asked Rarity.
Rarity immediately shook her head "Oh, no, I'm teribbly sorry, the Princess Dress has been offically discontinued. But there are plenty of other lovely dresses on sale today. Feel free to have a look around."
"Whoa. This dress completely speaks to my soul," said a blueish-gray coated unicorn mare with a midnight blue mane and tail styled into one long curl on her left side, green eyes, and a cutie mark depicting a purple heart. Her attention had been captured by the dress inspired by Princess Luna "Can I try it on?" she asked Rarity.
"But of course," Rarity replied with a smile "The dressing room is right back there."
Meanwhile, a peach coated unicorn mare with a bright yellow mane and tail loosely trimmed, bright orange eyes, and a cutie mark depicting a star with a few rays bouncing off it, looked at the dress inspired by Princess Celestia and cheerfully exclaimed "Oh my gosh! This is the most amazing of amazing dresses! Just looking at it brightens my day! I have got to try it on!"
"By all means, do so." Rarity said cheerfully.
Just seconds later, a white coated unicorn mare with purple eyes hidden behind a pair of blue glasses, a two-tone light pink mane styled into a series of waves, and a cutie mark depicting a stool with an arrow through it asked Rarity "Do you still have this In-spire-ation dress that's in the new issue of Cosmare? Everyone told me you stopped making it."
"Well, lucky for you that is not the case," Rarity said proudly "We still have a few left."
"Bats in the belfry! I have to try it on!" the mare exclaimed, as she picked up the dress with her magic.
The dressing room soon had a long line of ponies waiting eagerly to try on the various dresses from "Rarity's Royal Regalia", and Rarity had more customers than she knew what to do with. "How can I have forgotten?" Rarity said to herself, as she felt her passion return "This is what I've been dreaming about!" And she began to sing to herself:
My favorite moment's when a pony sees it
That special gown that she just adores
That pony's now in style
My hard work's all worthwhile
Oh, yes, it makes my heart
My heart just soar!
Now feeling geuinely happy for the first time in what felt like forever, Rarity cleared her throat and declared proudly "Attention, everyone! It is my great pleasure to announce that Canterlot Carousel will not be closing after all!"
The crowd cheered wildly at such a statement, before the blueish-gray coated mare from earlier asked flataly "But this stuff's still on sale, right?"
"Yes, yes, of course." Rarity giggled. Then a thought came to her "I may have been a bit too hard on Sassy Saddles. At the least, I should go let her ot now, and see if she's learned her lesson."
Rarity trotted over to her workshop, and slowly opened the door. There stood Sassy Saddles, looking rather glum. All the princess dresses had been tossed into the trash, alongside Sassy's torn up pattern.
"Oh, Rarity, I'm so sorry," Sassy Saddles apologized, practically throwing herself at Rarity's legs "Really, I am. I focused on that one dress, and the rest of 'Rarity's Royal Regalia' paid the price for it."
"So did the Princess Dress," Rarity said flatly "The more I sold, the more each dress lost its time, love, and couture, becoming terrible, lackluster, and common."
"Please, Rarity, give me a chance to redeem myself," Sassy Saddles pleaded "I want to make up for almost ruining your dream. I never intended for any of this to happen, honest."
"Well, why don't you go help that mare over there?" Rarity suggested, pointing a hoof towards a sea-green coated unicorn mare with violet eyes, an orange mane and tail with an orange-ish red skunk stripe, and a cutie mark depicting a small mirror and make-up locket.
"But, I've never done anything without a pattern before." Sassy protested.
"Then think of this as a chance to learn how to do without it," Rarity replied firmly "Patterns aren't everything, not even in business." And she shoved Sassy Saddles towards the customer before Sassy could get out a word in protest.
"Oh, finally," the mare said to Sassy "I've been looking through all the dresses in this rack, and they're all lovely. But none of them speak to me. Are there any other dresses I could maybe have a look at?"
"Perhaps you would be interested in a Princess Dress?" Sassy Saddles suggested, pulling out the one from the closet "This is the only one left, but it's still on sale. I'd take it if I were you, it's practically a steal!"
The mare looked at the Princess Dress, and immediately pushed it aside "It totally clashes with my complexion," she protested, then her eyes beheld a dress resting in Rarity's workshop. The incomplete dress that Rarity had never gotten around to working on "Ooh! What about that one?!" the mare asked Sassy " It's exactly what I've been dreaming of!"
"Are you sure you want that?" Sassy asked "It's not complete."
"I don't care, it completely speaks to me!" the mare insisted "I want it, and I won't take no for an answer!"
"Then, I guess it's all yours," Sassy replied "I'll have Rarity finish it for you, and send it to your doorstep when it's finished."
"Does it have a name?" the mare asked Sassy.
Sassy paused for a moment, as she struggled to recall where Rarity had said the inspiration for the dress had come from. Then, she told the mare "It's called 'The Fountain of Truth'! And it won't cost you a bit!"
"Oh, thank you! Thank you SO much!" the mare replied, and trotted happily away.
Rarity smiled, she had oberseved the whole thing from a distance. "You did well, Sassy. I couldn't have done a better job myself."
"I think I finally understand the Rules of Rarity..." Sassy Saddles said, before she frowned and reluctantly added "and will apply them at my next job, assuming I find one. Feel free to mention how horrible I was, I deserve no less after what I did."
"I beg your pardon?" Rarity asked "You may have made some mistakes, but I did too. We should've both communicated more clearly about what we wanted, and come to an agreement about who was to do what, and how it would be done."
"But, I'm the one who ruined everything. I'm the one who got so swept up in my pattern, that I failed to realize I was ruining your artistic vision in the name of success." Sassy protested.
"The whole point of opening this shop in Canterlot, and hiring you to manage it, was to test my Rules of Rarity and see if my vision could work with other ponies and in other locations," Rarity explained "I am happy to report that, despite a few bumps in the road, the test is a success. The Rules of Rarity are only to be applied at Carousel Boutique, Canterlot Carousel, and any expansions. Which is why you must continue to manage the boutique while I'm in Ponyville."
"Ponyville?" Sassy Saddles asked.
Rarity nodded "It was never my intent to stay in Canterlot, Ponyville will always be my home based no matter what. I'll still come to Canterlot with new designs and to see the customers of course. The entire reason why I waited so long to open a second boutique, was because I was waiting until I had found a suitable business partner. And in you, I have found just that."
Sassy Saddles could hardly contain her excitement. "Bobbins and bodkins, Rarity! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!" she proceeded to grab Rarity, and shake her vigorously. When at last, Sassy had calmed down, she said to Rarity "And I promise to run everything following your rules, you have my word on that."
"I would expect nothing less." Rarity said with a smile.
Just then, a massive unicorn mare came trotting into the boutique. "Oh, my gosh, a sale!" she remarked "Do you have the Princess Dress by any chance?!"
Rarity and Sassy were both silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. They had never seen anypony quite so heavy (even Bulk Biceps never looked as fat as the mare wandering around the boutique). Then, they both said at the same time "No!", before they found themselves unable to keep from laughing.
Rarity still speaks quite highly of Sassy, who continues to run Canterlot Carousel according to The Rules of Rarity. Every so often, Rarity comes to Canterlot to help Sassy out, and it was during one of these visits that Rarity found herself having to defend Rainbow Dash's reputation with The Wonderbolts when she was accused of a crime she didn't commit. But that's another story. |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S5 E15: Scare Master (What If?) | It was a peaceful, moonlit night in Ponyville. The perfect kind of night for the once a year spooky celebration known as "Nightmare Night". But although it didn't look like it, this Nightmare Night was going to quite frightening for a group of seven friends, and not in the way they had intended.
It all began at Fluttershy's cottage, as she made her final preparations for the night with her good friend, Discord. The reformed spirit of chaos and disharmony was surprised at the fact that Fluttershy had called for his services on Nightmare Night, but he was never one to disappoint his best friend.
"Now, Discord, are you absolutely sure you have everything under control?" Fluttershy asked, as she wandered about her cottage.
"Of course, everything has been laid out in accordance with your rules and conditions," Discord replied "I even have the checklist you gave me, right here!" He pulled out a checklist from seemingly nowhere and read it outloud, only to make it vanish when he realized he'd grabbed the wrong one "Or maybe it was here!" he said to himself, as he pulled out another checklist.
Fluttershy couldn't help but chuckle at Discord's antics, they never failed to put a smile on her face. "Well, you know how to reach me if anything goes wrong. I should be back by midnight, if not shortly afterward. I've been looking forward to this night for quite some time."
"Seriously, if I wasn't here to witness it for myself, I would never believe it," Discord exclaimed "You of all ponies, going out on Nightmare Night? You're sure you aren't some sort of advanceded changeling that's found a way to thwart my chaos magic?"
"I can hardly believe it myself," Fluttershy replied seriously "But I've grown a lot since I befriended the girls and since we became friends. I've even overcome my stage fright, more or less. I've come to realize that I can't keep taking baby steps forever, it's time I started taking grown up steps! And if that means going out on Nightmare Night, to prove to everypony that I'm not afraid, that's fine by me!"
"Not that I'm not ungrateful for asking me to look after your cottage, but what about your friend Tree... whatever her name was?" Discord asked "She gets along better with Angel than I do. Besides, I don't really speak bunny."
"I was going to ask Tree Hugger, but something came up at the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures." Fluttershy told Discord.
"Well, that's a shame." Discord replied kindly. Ever since the "incident" at the Grand Galloping Gala, he'd actually started to grow fond of having Tree Hugger as a friend. She was a bit unusual, but that just made her all the more unique.
Fluttershy nodded "I'll make sure to invite her over for our next Tuesday Tea," she said to Discord, then she turned to leave "I'd better be going now, the girls will be expecting me anytime now." But after taking just a few steps towards her cottage door, Fluttershy stopped right in her tracks. Suddenly, she began to feel a pain in her mouth, as if something was growing inside it.
Discord's mouth dropped open in shock, as he saw Fluttershy begin to wince in pain and put a hoof to her jaw. Wasting no time, he snapped his fingers and made a dentist chair appear. With another snap of his fingers, he doned a dentist outfit while Fluttershy was teleported into the chair. "Alright, Fluttershy, let Doctor Discord take a look at those pearly whites of yours," he said to Fluttershy, his voice muffled behind the mouth mask "Say 'aaah'."
Despite her pain, Fluttershy quickly complied "Aaah." she said, opening her mouth as wide she could.
"Alright, let's take a lookesy," Discord declared, as he carefully shined a light on Fluttershy's mouth and checked her teeth one by one with a mirror. Suddenly, he saw something that made his eyes widen "Oh dear, it's worse than I thought." he remarked.
"What is?" Fluttershy asked.
"See for yourself," Discord told Fluttershy, as he gave her the mirror "But... you may not like what you see."
"Whatever do you..." Fluttershy began, before she gasped. Just off to the left side of her front teeth, was a bat fang and it was growing!
"I know, I know, it looks pretty bad," Discord said glumly, then he frantically pleaded "But please, for the love of Celestia, don't panic!" But it was too late, Fluttershy let out an ear piercing scream that could be heard for miles. "Or go ahead and panic anyway, that's always your answer for everything." Discord muttered under his breath.
It didn't take long for Fluttershy to stop screaming, and once she had done so she reluctantly asked Discord "Is it bad?"
"Bad?! Bad doesn't even begin to describe it!" Discord exclaimed "I'm the spirit of chaos, not a dentist, and even I know ponies shouldn't have fangs growing inside their mouth! And something like this doesn't just happen overnight, how did the fang get there in the first place?!"
Fluttershy gulped "It must've been from when Twilight turned me back to normal after I became a bat pony," she realized "Ever since then, I could feel something was off inside my mouth, but I always ignored it. I thought it was no big deal."
"No big deal?! Fluttershy, do you even hear yourself?!" Discord remarked "Look, I'm still new to this whole friendship thing, but I mean it one hundred percent when I say I'm worried about you! This is a huge problem, you need to get it fixed!"
"Oh, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about," Fluttershy replied "It hasn't bothered me until just now, one more night can't hurt. I promise that first thing tomorrow, I am going to march over to Twilight's castle, and tell her all about the fang."
"Why not do that now?!" Discord exclaimed, literally pulling the hairs out of his head in frustration.
"Because it's only now become a problem, and I don't want the rest of the girls to know about it," Fluttershy told Discord "Who knows, maybe if I just ignore it and pretend it isn't there, it will go away? Besides, Twilight's been organizing this Nightmare Night get together for weeks, I wouldn't want to seem rude by making her cancel it now. I'll be fine, Discord. I promise."
"Fluttershy, your ridiculous pony logic is making my head spin, and that's saying a lot," Discord said, as his head literally spun around "But, if you're really determined to go out and enjoy Nightmare Night anyway, I suppose there's little I can do to stop it. And if I tried to tell Twilight or anypony else, they'd think it was one of my pranks."
"I appreciate your concern, Discord," Fluttershy said kindly "But Nightmare Night only comes once a year, this is my chance to prove to myself and to everypony, that I'm NOT afraid! If I can stand up to the likes of you, and rat out Starlight Glimmer for being a liar, Nightmare Night shouldn't be able to frighten me. Now, it's getting quite late. I don't want to keep Twilight and the girls waiting any longer. See you in a few hours, Discord." And before Discord could said anything in protest, Fluttershy trotted out the front door of her cottage, and headed for Twilight's castle.
Discord tried his best to put on a brave face for Fluttershy, but as soon as she was out of sight he turned to Angel Bunny and said with a sigh "Well, this is certainly going to be a Nightmare Night to remember. I just hope that fang isn't a sign of worse things to come." Unfortunately for Discord, such would turn out to be the case.
Fluttershy wasted no time in making her way to Twilight's castle. Already, she was feeling quite pleased with herself. "Until just a few months ago, this would be the part where I turn around and run back home to hide under my bed," Fluttershy thought to herself "But that's what the old Fluttershy wold do, the new Fluttershy doesn't scare so easily. In fact, the new Fluttershy doesn't get scared at all, I think."
Making her past the crowd of colts and fillies that were rushing to and fro shouting "Nightmare Night, what a fright! Give me something sweet to bite!", Fluttershy soon found herself approaching the familiar crystal structure of Twilight's castle, all decked out in Nightmare Night decor. Paper bats and pumpkins hung from tree branches, eerie red lights dangled from the balcony, and a fake wooden sign read "WARNING: Enter at your own risk!" in blood red letters.
Walking her way into the castle, Fluttershy could soon hear the distant of screaming and laughing coming from the library. As she crept closer, she could hear Pinkie Pie, as she finished telling a rather spooky story. "And then it got very, very quiet. Almost like the grave," Pinkie Pie narrated in a creepy tone of voice "And all of a sudden, they realized that the balloons had never been inflated! So then, what had made that popping sound? They never found out!"
Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Spike, and Rarity all screamed. Then they laughed. "That's certainly quite the story, Pinkie Pie," Rarity spoke up, holding a lattern with her magic. "But did I ever tell you about the night that the ponyquin in my boutique came to life and haunted all the costumes?"
"So what happened?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I just told you, darling. A ponyquin came to life and haunted all the costumes." Rarity replied flatly.
Rainbow Dash face hoofed "I know, but what happened after that? And for the record, how did the ponyquin come to life in the first place?"
"Oh, you do not want to know," Rarity said ominously "It's certainly not a story for the faint of heart."
"What's the big deal? It's just a made up story, right?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Maybe it is, or maybe it actually did happen." Rarity said in a fake ghostly voice.
"Was that supposed to scare me? Because it didn't work." Rainbow Dash replied in an unamused tone of voice.
It was at this moment that Fluttershy decided to make herself known. "Hi, everypony." she greeted cheerfully.
"Ah, there you are, Fluttershy," Twilight replied with a smile "Glad you could make it. Rainbow Dash was starting to think you wouldn't show up."
"I'm still having a hard time believing that you'd want to be out on a night like tonight," Rainbow Dash spoke up "Seriously, who are you, and what you have done with the real Fluttershy?"
"Nothing, I'm the same Fluttershy you all know and love," Fluttershy replied "I just decided that I'm sick of spending every Nightmare Night shut up in my cottage, while you girls go out and have fun. I had so much fun with the last Nightmare Night, but that wasn't a proper one. I want to experience Nightmare Night in all its glory. After all, it's just like when I was afraid to sing in public. If I hadn't given singing in front of everypony a try, I would've never found out how much I liked it."
"And we'd have missed out on how great you sound." Applejack said happily.
"Fluttershy with us on Nightmare Night? Why, that's positively the most wonderful news I've heard in ages!" Rarity exclaimed happily.
"You can get dressed up in a costume with us, and play Nightmare Night games with us, and eat candy apples with us!" Pinkie Pie added.
At the mentioning of candy apples, Flutershy felt the pain in her mouth from earlier return. To avoid suspicion, she quickly turned away and said to her friends "I'm not much of a candy apple pony." The pain subsided a moment later.
"Don't forget the best part. Goin' through my family's corn maze!" Applejack boasted "Not that I mean to brag, but Granny Smith's gone above and beyond this year!" Pinkie Pie squeed happily at Applejack's statement.
"Oh, right. The maze." Fluttershy replied, she had forgotten all about it.
"Uh, only if you're up for it that is," Applejack said nervously "No reason to be hasty, the maze isn't for everypony."
"Oh, I'm ready alright!" Fluttershy said proudly "I am ready to take on Nightmare Night!"
"Well, that's great!" Spike exclaimed, as he strode into the room. He was already in his costume, which was basically just himself with an extra head and a joined body "I've already got my costume picked out, Nightmare Night's always more fun with a buddy."
"Speaking of costumes, I'd say it's time we headed over to Carousel Boutique and got dressed up for the night," Rarity suggested "You'll see, Fluttershy. The beauty of Nightmare Night is that you don't have to dress up as something scary to have fun. Sweetie Belle's actually dressed up in a period costume, they're all the rage this year."
"Where is Sweetie Belle anyway?" Fluttershy asked.
"She's out with her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders," Rarity replied "They said they were going to toilet paper a few trees while they were out getting candy. I just hope they keep their word and don't try anything else."
Upon arriving at Carousel Boutique, Rarity took the time to set out some costume choices for Fluttershy. Rarity herself was already dressed up as a mermaid, complete with a sky blue fish tail. "Since this is your first proper Nightmare Night out and about, I'd thought it best if I took the liberty of making a few different costumes for you," she told Fluttershy "I've got all kinds of choices, from scary, to silly, to drop dead gorgeous."
"Gosh, you've really thought of everything, Rarity," Fluttershy said, as she skimmed back and forth among the dresses. One of them, however, brought back painful memories from a night Fluttershy would rather forget. The night she turned into a bat pony at Sweet Apple Acres. "A vampire fruit bat?" she asked Rarity nervously, while trying not to pay attention to the growing pain of her fang.
"How ever did that manage to sneak in amongst the rest?" Rarity pondered, as she tossed the costume aside "Never fear! I have just the thing for you. Do you remember when you dressed up as Admiral Fairyflight?"
Fluttershy nodded "You still have that old costume laying around? I thought for sure you would donate it and the rest of the collection to a museum."
"I couldn't find any takers, it seems practically no one is interested in the uniforms of the past Wonderbolt generals," Rarity explained, as she pulled out the one that had belonged to Admiral Fairyflight and put it on Fluttershy "It's so extraordinary, it's frightening. And look, it still fits you perfectly!"
"It certainly is a nice costume." Fluttershy agreed.
Rarity smiled, then her eyes lit up as the rest of her friends came trotting out in their own Nightmare Night costumes.
Twilight was dressed up like one of the royal guards from Canterlot, complete with the suit of armor.
Pinkie Pie had blue eye shadow that perfectly complimented her white shirt and blue roller skates, her mane had been restyled to look more like that of a circus clown's wig.
Rainbow Dash had a big clear plastic bowl on her forehead and most of her body was covered with a white suit, with the exception of her neck, hooves, and chest which were colored green. She also had on a pair of boots with silver circles.
And Applejack was dressed up like a lion, with whiskers and a massive brown mane that covered her entire face. "Hoo-wwe, we're gonna have the best time! I can tell!" Applejack said proudly.
"We certainly are!" Fluttershy agreed. But deep down, she was not so sure. "I thought if I just pretended it didn't exist, the pain would go away. But it's getting worse," she thought to herself "What am I going to do if I transform in front of my friends?!" she shook her head, as she followed them to Sugarcube Corner "No, I can't think like that! I'm not going to chicken out of Nightmare Night now! I've come too far!"
"I didn't get a chance to throw a really fun Nightmare Night party last time, because I was so busy supervising the kids," Pinkie Pie said eagerly "I had a lot of fun, but this year I've finally got the opportunity to throw my very own Nightmare Night party just for the seven of us!"
"Wow, Pinkie, you really outdid yourself on the decorating," Twilight commented, as she obeserved Pinkie Pie's decorations "I especially love the design of your bats."
Upon hearing the word "bats", Fluttershy became reminded of the fang in her mouth. "I'll be fine as long as I don't think about it too much." she thought to herself.
"So, what's up first?" Rainbow Dash asked Pinkie Pie.
"It's not a party without party games!" Pinkie Pie cheered "I figured I'd save the really scary games for next year when Fluttershy's more used to it. So let's start off with a Nightmare Night themed version of pin the tail on the pony! You're up first, Rainbow Dash!"
"Heh, I never lose at this!" Rainbow Dash boasted, as she grabbed the tail just before she was blindfolded and spun around.
"Round and round and round you go, where you stop nopony knows!" Rainbow Dash's friends shouted, as the pegasus spun faster and faster.
At last, Pinkie Pie allowed Rainbow Dash to stop spinning and told her "Okay... give it your best shot!"
"I'll do more than that!" Rainbow Dash proclaimed, even though she secretly wasn't completely sure of herself. Despite how dizzy she felt, Rainbow Dash felt around, and planted the tail in the spot that felt right. Then, she lifted up her blindfold.
"Wow! Almost right on the bullseye!" Rarity exclaimed "I never have that kind of luck."
"Luck doesn't have much to do with it," Rainbow Dash insisted "It's just a matter of cordonation. Pegasi like me have a natural sense of direction, it helps with flying," then she turned to Fluttershy "Good luck trying to beat that! Just make sure you don't pin the tail on me this time!"
Fluttershy blushed, as she grabbed the tail and was blindfolded. Somehow, despite being spun around to the point where she felt she would fall over (and she very nearly did) Fluttershy managed to pin the tail directly on the pony.
Everypony was amazed, even Rainbow Dash! "That's the most unbelieveable case of beginner's luck I've ever seen!" she said, as her mouth dropped open in shock.
After everyone else had taken their turn at the game (including Pinkie Pie, who managed to get third place), Pinkie Pie asked "Who's up for a good old fashioned game of bobbing for apples?!" before she pushed a huge tub filled with apples into the room.
When the scent of apples reached Fluttershy's nose, she suddenly found herself feeling incredibly tempted to lick her lips, as if she had a huge craving for apples! In fact, part of her wanted to let out a hiss, and knock everypony out of the way so that she could have all the apples to herself. But Fluttershy shook her head to get rid of such a thought. "I should've known apples would set off my inner bat," she thought to herself "I've got to keep it under control before I bite something, or someone."
Fluttershy gulped, as suddenly a picture formed in her head of her turning back into a bat pony, and biting Applejack's flank.
"What the hay has gotten into you, Fluttershy?! And why did you just bite me on the butt?!" Applejack demanded, only for Fluttershy to hiss angrily.
"She's become a bat pony again!" Spike exclaimed "Quick, tie her up before she escapes!"
"Fluttershy?" a voice suddenly called out, snapping Fluttershy out of her fantasy. The voice turned out to be from Rarity, who asked "Is everything alright, darling?"
"Huh? Oh... y-yes, of course," Fluttershy quickly stuttered in response "Is it my turn yet?"
"It certainly is," Twilight encouraged "Good luck though, Applejack nabbed an apple in just eight seconds!"
"Um, maybe I could just sit this one out?" Fluttershy nervously asked.
"Come on, Fluttershy. What are you scared of, they're just apples! It's not like they're gonna bite ya." Rainbow Dash responded, pushing Fluttershy forward before the animal loving pegasus could say anything in protest.
Reluctantly, after taking a deep breath, Fluttershy stuck her into the tub to search for an apple. She soon found one, but as she moved to grab it, she was horrified when her tongue seemed to develop a mind of its own. It tried to lash out and grab the apple as if the pony it belonged to was actually a bat. To make matters worse, the fang in Fluttershy's mouth had now worked its way back up to the front and could now be seen easily by anyone.
Fluttershy waited without trying to grab the apple, hoping that if she didn't act on her growing bat instincts, they would go away. At first, nothing happened, but eventually the fang began to receed as the apple drifted away. Relieved at having avoided disaster, Fluttershy lifted her head back up. "I never thought bobbing for apples could be so hard," she lied "I had one in my teeth, but then it slipped out."
"That's alright," Twilight said kindly "You can't win them all. We're just glad you're here."
"And now it's time for candy!" Pinkie Pie said, as she pushed away from the tub with her roller skates.
"Oh, it's time that already?" Fluttershy asked.
"Yup. I made candy bags for everyone," Pinkie Pie boasted, as she set the bags down on the counter "Each bag has been made with each of you in mind, and complete with each of your favorite candies!"
"Awesome! Thanks, Pinkie Pie!" Rainbow Dash said eagerly, as she grabbed her bag.
Everyone else did the same (including Pinkie Pie, who had prepared her own bag of candy). But, once Fluttershy reached into her bag to grab a piece of candy, she was shocked and horrified at what greeted her. Apparently, Pinkie Pie had put a candy apple in the bag, on top of the massive pile of candy. It was now that Fluttershy could remember having developed a craving for the tasty treat ever since that faithful night at Sweet Apple Acres. "I should've known something was wrong, before that night I couldn't stand those things!" she thought to herself. And then, to make matters worse, her fang began to work its way back to the front! Fluttershy quickly shut her bag, and made for the exit!
"Are you okay, Fluttershy?" Spike asked anxiously "You're not looking so good."
"It must've been something I ate," Fluttershy nervously lied to Spike "I... think I'll just go home and rest. I'm sorry, everypony." And she bolted out the door before anyone could stop her.
"Just what was that all about?" Rainbow Dash wondered "If Fluttershy was really too afraid to be out and about tonight, she could've just said so. She didn't have to lie to us."
"I don't think she was lyin'," Applejack obeserved "Seems to like me there was somethin' else botherin' her."
"Like what?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Applejack shook her head "I don't know the answer to that, I'm afraid. But whatever it is, it's somethin' she doesn't want us to find out about."
"So, what can we do? If there's something wrong with her, we need to act!" Rainbow Dash demanded.
"If she doesn't want our help, there's nothin' we can do for her," Applejack said glumly "The fact that she was tryin' to keep this hidden all this time is proof that she didn't want any of us to find out."
"But we did, and I'll be darned if I just stand here and do nothing while the mare I've known since childhood is in trouble!" Rainbow Dash said seriously "I'm chasing after her, whether she wants me to or not! If any of you want to try and stop me, be my guest!"
Much to Rainbow Dash's surprise, however, no one did. In fact, they all agreed that something needed to be done. "Fluttershy's always been there for us when we need her most," Twilight spoke up "Now it's our turn to do the same for her." Without further fanfare, the six friends set off after Fluttershy.
They followed a trail of hoofprints through Ponyville, but were shocked when they discovered the trail abruptly switch direction. At the edge of town, instead of going towards Fluttershy's cottage, the hoofprints led towards Sweet Apple Acres.
"I thought Fluttershy would head back to her cottage," Rarity said nervously "Why would she want to go to Sweet Apple Acres?"
"Maybe she just needed some fresh air, and now that's she feeling better she decided to go to the corn maze?" Spike suggested.
"Or maybe... she's turning back into a bat pony!" Twilight realized.
"What?! But that's impossible!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed "She's supposed to be cured!"
"Somehow, the reverse transformation must've not worked all the way," Twilight concluded "There was always a possibility that I wouldn't be able to completely remove the bat from the bat pony, but the odds of it happening were so low I thought there was no point in bringing it up."
"Oh great, so we're dealing with the return of Flutterbat," Applejack remarked, then she gasped "Granny Smith and Big Macintosh are at Sweet Apple Acres! If Fluttershy's become a bat pony again, there's a good chance they might have seen her!"
"You say that like it's a bad thing." Rainbow Dash commented.
"Because it is," Applejack said, a cold sweat working its way down her spine "Even if they recognize Fluttershy, they're still going to see her as a pest tryin' to suck the juice out of all our apples. They'll stop at nothin' to get rid of her!"
"Then we'd better find her before they do." Pinkie Pie realized.
"There's no time to waste!" Rainbow Dash shouted "Everyone, to Sweet Apple Acres, now!" And the six friends took off as fast as their legs would let them.
Twilight, Spike, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and even Rainbow Dash, were all out of breath by the time they reached Sweet Apple Acres. By this point, the glow of Luna's moon was shining down brightly on the land below.
But the news only went from bad to worse for the six friends, as they discovered that Fluttershy's hoofprints faded away just after reaching Sweet Apple Acres.
"Where do we go now?" Rarity asked.
"The orchard's our best guess!" Applejack suggested "Granny Smith and Big Macintosh are runnin' the corn maze, all the trees in the orchard will be sittin' ducks!"
But just then, Granny Smith approached the group wearing a horse mask. They all screamed in shock. "Ah, come on you whippersnappers, it's me!" Granny Smith said angrily, as she took off the mask.
"Sorry 'bout that, Granny," Applejack apologized "Have you seen Fluttershy by any chance?"
"Can't say I have," Granny Smith replied "Why are you lookin' for her though? I thought she was with you."
Applejack gulped, she hated being put on the spot like this. But if she told the truth, Fluttershy would be in very real danger. Luckly, Spike spoke up for Applejack before the farm pony could say anything "We got seperated on our way over here, we all wanted to do the corn maze together."
"Well, that's a shame. I hope you find her, sorry I can't help but Big Mac ain't exactly the social type." Granny Smith said cheerfully, and trotted back to the corn maze.
"That was close," Applejack said, breathing a much needed sigh of relief "This is really scarin' me now, and not in the good way!"
"I know, I'm really worried about Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash added "We need to find her, now!"
Upon reaching the orchard, the group's worst fears were realized. Perched on a branch, looking directly down at them, was a familiar bat like version of Fluttershy that the six friends knew only too well. With a deep cackle, and a screech, Flutterbat descended on the group.
"HIT THE DECK!" Twilight shouted, and everyone dove for cover. Unfortunately, Spike wasn't quite so lucky. He just barely managed to escap unharmed, as the extra head in his costume was piereced by Flutterbat's sharp fangs and began to deflate.
"How are we going to change her back this time?!" Rainbow Dash wondered "We don't have a giant apple we can scarifice, and I doubt she'll fall for the mirror trick again."
"But there's no way she'll hold still and let us change her back willingly," Twilight said seriously "We've got to come up with a surefire way to keep her distracted just long enough for me to pull off the spell. This time, I should be able to completely remove the influence of the vampire fruit bats."
"I have an idea, but you won't like it," Spike told Twilight "It involves live bait."
"Who's going to be the live bait?" Twilight asked nervously.
"All of us are," Spike explained "Except for you, Twilight. We need you to perform the spell so we can get our friend back."
"And what if Flutterbat gets to us?" Twilight asked Spike "She seems to be a lot more hostile than she was last time, and I think it's got something to do with her struggles earlier, and tonight being Nightmare Night."
"She won't catch me!" Pinkie Pie insisted "I can be the live bait, my roller skates will keep me ahead of Fluttershy."
"And batpony or not, Fluttershy can't fly faster than me at my top speed!" Rainbow Dash added.
"I think I'll be fine, as long as I can keep on the move. I can be a pretty fast runner when I need to be." Applejack insisted.
"As much as I detest the thought of getting all sweaty and tired out, I think I can keep ahead of Fluttershy if I try hard enough," Rarity reluctanty chimed in "And if worse comes to worse, Spike can come with me for protection."
"What do you mean... oh yeah, my fire breath!" Spike realized "That'll definitely scare Fluttershy, but it might scare her into flying out of the orchard."
"Then we'll have to be extra careful, won't we?" Rarity asked Spike.
Twilight sighed "I don't like it, but it seems we don't have a lot of other options at the moment. If you're all sure you can keep ahead of Flutterbat, I suppose I'll have to trust you. Keep her busy long enough for me to charge up the spell, then leave the rest to me!"
"But, how will we know when you're ready?" Applejack asked Twilight "We'll need some sort of signal."
"I'll provide one with my magic, now go!" Twilight insisted "If we don't change her back before sunrise, we'll have to wait until tomorrow night to try again!" And with that, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Spike all ran off to different parts of the orchard with one goal in mind: Find Flutterbat, and keep her busy so that the apple crop would be protected.
Rarity and Spike were the first ones to encounter their friend turned batpony, and immediately they could see her heading straight for an unprotected apple tree. Reacting quickly, Rarity did something she had never done before, she shot off a beam of magic from her horn. The beam missed Flutterbat by a mile, but it managed to capture her attention.
"Whoa, Rarity! I never knew you could do that!" Spike exclaimed, he was impressed. Just then, Flutterbat came swooping down with an audiable hiss.
Rarity turned to run, only to end up tripping on the tail part of her mermaid costume "Sweetie Belle had a point with the layers on the dress." she muttered to herself, as she wiggled her way out of the tail and left it behind as she took off again.
Flutterbat chased after Rarity and Spike for a little bit, before Rainbow Dash suddenly zipped past her. "Batpony or not, you're still no match for me, Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash taunted, then she sped away as fast as her wings would let her.
Hissing loudly, Flutterbat chased after Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash was surprised at how fast Fluttershy could fly in her batpony state. "I didn't think she'd be this fast." she thought nervously to herself, as Fluttershy began to close in on her.
But just then, Flutterbat felt something hit her on the head with a light thud. When she turned to look, she saw that the culprit was none other than Pinkie Pie, had who tossed a piece of sticky taffy at Fluttershy (fortunately, it was still wrapped). Applejack was standing next to her.
"Nice shootin' there, Pinkie," Applejack praised. "How did you manage to throw that piece of candy with your skates?"
"It just takes the right amount of know how," Pinkie Pie replied, before she heard Flutterbat hiss and swoop down towards her and Applejack "RUN!" she shouted at the top of her lungs, and sped off as fast as her roller skates would let her. Applejack followed as best as she could.
Unfortunately, before long Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Spike all found themselves being chased by Flutterbat at once. Despite their best efforts, they had somehow been outsmarted.
"Twilight, a litte help here please?!" Rainbow Dash pleaded.
"It's almost ready!" Twilight called back "Just a few more seconds!"
"But a few seconds is all it takes to cause trouble! We can't wait!" Rarity shouted, as the hissing from Flutterbat grew louder and louder.
"We'll see how much she feels like going after us after she'd had a taste of my fire breath!" Spike spoke up, throwing himself in front of his friends to protect them, all the while Flutterbat drew closer.
However, just as Flutterbat was about to swoop down and attack her friends, she was stopped by Twilight's magic. Straining heavily, Twilight slowly began to reverse the bat transformation, turning Fluttershy back into a pony.
When she had returned to normal, Fluttershy carefully fluttered down to the ground and with a sad look in her eyes she said to her friends "I'm so, so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Whatever would we be mad at you for, darling?" Rarity asked kindly "You couldn't help it."
"But, I could've hurt you all," Fluttershy insisted "And all because I didn't tell you about the bat fang in my teeth."
"So I wasn't seeing things during the party!" Spike realized "I thought for sure my mind was playing tricks on me, otherwise I would've said something."
"Why didn't you tell us about this earlier, Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked "Do you have any idea how worried we were when you took off like that?"
Fluttershy hung her head low in shame "I didn't want you all to think I was weak and looking for an excuse to chicken out of Nightmare Night," she replied sadly "I thought that, if I kept it all to myself, I could show how brave I was. But I ended up taking all the fun out of Nightmare Night."
"Nonsense, we still had some fun before this whole bat fiasco," Pinkie Pie said kindly "And you becoming a bat was way more terrifying than the most terrifying thing I could have thought of!"
"It's certainly more frightenin' than anythin' in my family's corn maze." Applejack added.
"But please don't do that again," Rainbow Dash pleaded "I really don't like being chased and worrying that my best friend is going to bite me on the butt."
"I won't, you have my word on that," Fluttershy promised "In fact, I don't know if I'll ever want to celebrate Nightmare Night again. I'll always remember how I became a batpony and nearly caused you all to become hurt, just because I wanted to prove that I was brave."
"Fluttershy, you were brave," Twilight said seriously "It's always a brave thing to tackle your problems alone, but a even braver pony admits when they need help. There's nothing wrong with admitting you have a problem you can't solve on your own, that's what friends are for."
"So I am brave?" Fluttershy realized.
Twilight nodded "You've proven that fact simply by coming out and spending time with us tonight, instead of spending it hiding under your bed. But, you don't have to come and hang out with us every Nightmare Night if you don't want to."
"Yeah, I think at least for the next few Nightmare Nights, I'll just stay home and pass out candy," Fluttershy replied "Nightmare Night isn't my cup of tea, but I can't pretend it doesn't exisit. We do lots of fun things together, but I'm afraid this just isn't gonna be one of them. Actually, I'm not afraid. I'm perfectly fine with it."
"Then we are too." Twilight nodded.
"But that's for next Nightmare Night," Applejack spoke up "For now, let's just enjoy the rest of this Nightmare Night. You have got to try my family's corn maze, I gurantee there won't be any bats."
"That sounds like a good idea," Rarity agreed, then she noticed something "Fluttershy, what happened to your Admiral Fairyflight costume?"
"I think I ripped it apart on my way to Sweet Apple Acres," Fluttershy realized "I can take it home and sew it back together."
"That may be true, but you still won't have a costume for tonight." Rarity protested.
"Actually, I don't need a costume. There is something I can go as." Fluttershy told Rarity.
"And what would that be?" Rarity asked.
"I'm going as the bravest pony I know, and a good friend." Fluttershy explained.
Pinkie Pie cheered "That's the best costume in the history of forever!" And with that, the group of seven friends set off for the corn maze, determined to enjoy the few remaining hours of this fateful Nightmare Night. Just like the previous one, it was a night they wouldn't soon forget. |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S5 E20: Hearthbreakers (What If?) (Bonus Chapter) | It was winter time in the land of Equestria, and the pegasi had pulled out all the stops to make the weather match the season. As the holiday known as "Hearth's Warming" approached, the town of Ponyville (as well as most neighboring cities and towns) was blanketed by a thick coat of fluffy white snow. Everywhere you looked, you could see decorations, and ponies rushing to and fro or playing in the snow. "Hearth's Warming" may have been a few days away, but as far as the citizens of Ponyville were concerned, the holiday cheer had already arrived.
No place was more busy during this time of year, than Sugarcube Corner. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were busy tending to customers, rushing to and from the counter to the kitchen to pull out tasty treats to deliver to paying customers. Pound and Pumpkin Cake watched their parents work, from the safety of a nearby playpen, the two foals occasionally playing with the various toys their parents had set out for them. They were looking forward to getting the chance to play in the snow later on, especially making snow angels and getting into snowball fights with their parents.
Suddenly, from up on the roof there arose a great noise, as if somepony were walking (or bouncing) along the tiled rooftop. The noise soon transitioned to the chimney, as if the figure on the rooftop had decided to travel down the brick chimney for some reason. The noise grew louder and louder, as the figure responsible for it traveled down the chimney at a speed that should've been impossible.
Deciding to investigate, Mr. Cake rushed to the kitchen, just in time to see a familiar pair of light cerulean eyes poke out from the chimney. Mr. Cake smiled, he knew who those eyes belonged to. Sure enough, a moment later, Pinkie Pie poked her way out of the chimney. Her bright coat was stained with chimney soot, but she didn't seem to mind. "Happy Hearth's Warming!" she said cheerfully, giving Mr. Cake a big hug.
"Happy Hearth's Warming to you too, Pinkie Pie," Mr. Cake replied "But next time, please use the front door."
"I was going to, but I figured the chimney would work better for this occasion," Pinkie Pie smiled "I felt just like Santa Hooves!" She then zipped out of the kitchen to wish Mrs. Cake and the twins a happy Hearth's Warming as well.
By the time Pinkie Pie had finished doing so, Applejack had showed up. "Well, ain't that just the sweetest thing?" she commented "Hearth's Warming truly is your favorite time of year, isn't it, Pinkie Pie?"
"It's not my only favorite time of the year!" Pinkie Pie announced, after she had finished wishing Pound and Pumpkin Cake a happy Hearth's Warming "But there's just something so magical about this time of year that makes me feel extra cheerful. And this Hearth's Warming is going to be one of the best ones ever, because I get to spend it with my favorite cousin!"
Applejack couldn't help but chuckle at Pinkie Pie's statement "Now, Pinkie, you know that we're only distantly related, if we're even cousins at all."
"So, a cousin is still a cousin. And family is family, no matter how distantly we might be related," Pinkie Pie replied "I can't wait for you and the rest of your family to meet my family, we are already friends Applejack, and after tomorrow night I can practically gurantee our families will be friends too!" Then Pinkie Pie gapsed "Do you know what that means? The number of Apples times the number of Pies is twenty four, minus my preexisting friendships plus one for Maud and when you take five from twenty four you get... nineteen new friendships!"
"That's assumin' we hit off right away," Applejack replied nervously "And after what happened with Maud, I think your family may take some gettin' used to. Even if their traditions are a lot like ours."
"A little nervous to be metting Mr. and Mrs. Pie aren't we?" Mrs. Cake asked kindly "Carrot and I know what that's like. I can say from experience that the Pies are certainly a bit odd, but once you get to know them they're a nice little family with a humbe little rock farm in Ponypalooza."
"Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got lots of other friends I want to wish a happy Hearth's Warming to today!" Pinkie Pie declared "And there's plenty of other friends I want to write Hearth's Warming letters to, especially Cheese Sandwich!" And with that, after quickly brushing the soot off her coat, Pinkie Pie bounced out the front door of Sugarcube Corner, happily humming a little Hearth's Warming carol to herself.
"That's Pinkie Pie for you," Mr. Cake said with a smile "Not a day goes by where it seems like she doesn't have a smile on her face, and a spring in her step. But I can actually remember when that wasn't the case, isn't that right, sugar plum?"
"Indeed it is, honey bun," Mrs. Cake replied "I can remember how she was when we first met, the poor dear was so alone and so sad. I didn't know if she'd ever smiled before."
"Oh that's right," Applejack realized "Pinkie Pie moved in with the two of you shortly after she came to Ponyville, she's always said you two are like a second family to her."
"And indeed we are," Mrs. Cake said happily "But at first, she seemed afraid of that idea. She loved her first family so much, and she didn't want anypony to replace them. However, I can remember this one incident. It happened a few weeks after Pinkie Pie moved in with Carrot and I."
"Alright, Pinkie Pie," Mrs. Cake said to the brightly pink coated filly that had become a major source of joy for her and her husband "Carrot and I have a few errands to run, we'll be back in a couple of hours."
"We've already got all the baked goods ready for the customers to pick up," Mr. Cake added "You just need to take them out of the ovens and place them in the proper bags."
Pinkie Pie nodded "Okay, goodbye Mom, goodbye Dad," then a sudden silence fell over Sugarcube Corner, as the young filly realized her mistake and gasped "Wait, no! I didn't mean it like that! What I meant to say was-"
But Mr. Cake gently sushed Pinkie Pie, he knew what was going on. "It's alright, come here and hug it all out," he instructed kindly. Pinkie Pie did so without hestiation, her mane and tail falling flat and her coat becoming darker in the process "There's a good filly." Mr. Cake said sweetly, as he and his wife patted Pinkie Pie, while the filly hugged them tightly as she sobbed and tears flowed freely from her cheeks.
"I miss them so much!" Pinkie Pie said in between sobs.
"We know, Pinkie. We know," Mrs. Cake said kindly "I'm sure they miss you too. Carrot and I are aren't trying to replace them, but you don't have to call us Mom and Dad if you don't want to, Mr. and Mrs. Cake are just fine."
"But, you two feel so much like family to me," Pinkie Pie confessed "It just feels right to call you Mom and Dad, even if you aren't my Mom and Dad. This is making me feel all loco in the coco, and not in a good sort of way."
"Well, if you miss them so much, why don't you write them a letter?" Mr. Cake suggested "Let them know how much you miss them, and how you feel about us."
"Do you think they'll feel jealous of the fact that I feel like you two are my second family?" Pinkie Pie asked nervously.
"Maybe a little bit," Mrs. Cake said honestly "But I think they'll be glad to hear from you all the same. Family is family, and no matter how far away you are, you'll always share a special bond that cannot be broken."
Pinkie Pie sniffled a bit, as the water works slowly began to cease. "Thanks," she said to Mr. and Mrs. Cake "I feel a little bit better now," then she nervously asked "Could I have a few tissues, please?"
"Certainly, my little Pinkie Pie, you didn't even have to ask." Mrs. Cake smiled.
"Wow, I had no idea she was hurtin' that bad when she first came here," Applejack spoke up, once Mrs. Cake had finished telling her story "When Pinkie Pie and I first met, it looked she couldn't stop smilin' no matter what happened. In fact, she helped me get over my folks deaths more than anypony else did. She was the one who taught me to look on the bright side and enjoy the life I had, 'cause it's what Ma and Pa would want."
"Well, time has a way of easing some wounds," Mrs. Cake commented "Some pains can dull or even fade away with time, but there are some wounds that never truly go away no matter what. It all depends on the kind of wound, and how it was inflicted. A pain brought on by personal loss heals differently from a pain caused by seperation, either by choice or by accident or misunderstanding."
"Heh, Granny Smith's always fond of sayin' stuff like that." Applejack said with a slight chuckle.
"What can I say, it's just something you pick up on as you get older," Mrs. Cake replied "Beside, learning how to heal wounds and make pain go away is part of what being a mother is all about."
"Same goes for being a father." Mr. Cake added.
"So, you've known Pinkie Pie even longer than I have. By any chance, did you ever get to meet her parents?" Applejack asked "I met her folks once, before I knew Pinkie Pie and I might be related. They seemed alright, but a little on the grumpy side. Then again, they said it themselves they were upset because they were goin' to lose the rock farm."
"Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Pie are quite nice," Mrs. Cake told Applejack "I think you and your family will get along nicely with them," then she smiled and chuckled a bit "You certainly can't have a meeting more akward than the one Carrot and I had when we met Mr. and Mrs. Pie for the first time."
"When was that?" Applejack asked.
"Oh, it was years and years ago," Mr. Cake explained "At the very least, it was before Princess Twilight moved to town. It's a long story though."
"Well, I got nowhere better to be right now," Applejack told the Cakes "I was goin' to go see Twilight and Spike and see how they celebrate Hearth's Warmin', but I figure that can wait until tomorrow when Pinkie and I stop by to drop off our presents before we leave," and with that, Applejack pulled up a chair "So, assumin' ya'll ain't too busy, I'd like to hear the story."
Mrs. Cake looked anxiously at her husband, as if she were worried about something. Mr. Cake quickly replied back with an unconcerned look and said "Relax, sugar plum, I can manage just fine on my own. I'll call if I need your help."
"Thanks, honey," Mrs. Cake replied, pecking her husband on the cheek "And don't forget to check on the twins from time to time, just to make sure they're alright."
"You didn't even have to ask." Mr. Cake nodded, and with that he disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Mrs. Cake with Applejack.
"Well, I'm waitin'," Applejack said to Mrs. Cake, trying not to sound too rude "This sounds like it's goin' to be quite the story."
"Indeed it is," Mrs. Cake replied, laughing a bit "It's most certainly a Hearth's Warming Carrot and I will never forget." And this is the story that Mrs. Cake told Applejack:
It had been about a year or two since Pinkie Pie had moved in with The Cakes, and by now she felt comfortable enough to occasionally call them Mom and Dad, though never in public. She still maintained regular contact with her first family though, writing several letters to them. She especially enjoyed exchanging rock candy necklaces with her sister Maud, whenever she could visit.
Even so, Mr. and Mrs. Cake couldn't help but notice that Pinkie Pie still sometimes felt homesick. On quite a few nights, especially as Hearth's Warming drew near, she would look out at the night sky from her bedroom window. She never said a word, but it was obvious to anyone watching what was on her mind.
Then, one morning, Pinkie Pie recieved the news she'd been waiting for weeks to hear! It all began when Mr. Cake went out to fetch the mail from Derpy.
Mr. Cake trotted into Sugarcube Corner through the front door, whistling a merry little tune to himself. In his hooves, he carried a huge stack of letters, but the stallion didn't seem to mind. He quickly placed them down on the counter, and began to sort through them, placing them into piles based on their content as well as who they were addressed to.
When he reached the bottom of the stack, Mr. Cake noticed one letter that was not addressed to either him or his wife. He knew at once who it was for. "Pinkie Pie, a letter came for you!" he called up.
In the blink of an eye, Pinkie Pie appeared before Mr. Cake in a blur of pink. "Ooh! What does it say?!" she asked eagerly.
"I don't know, I haven't opened it yet," Mr. Cake told her "I thought you would like to do the honors."
Pinkie Pie could barely contain her excitement, as she carefully ripped open the envelope the letter was in, sending shards of paper flying everywhere. At last, she pulled the letter out and read it outloud:
Dear Pinkamina Diane Pie,
I hope you're enjoying life with The Cakes. Your father and I miss you very much, and so do your sisters, Marble and Limestone.
How would you like to spend Hearth's Warming at the rock farm with us? Maud will be coming home from her rock studies to spend the holiday, and she's really looking forward to seeing her favorite sister again.
Feel free to invite Mr. and Mrs. Cake, your father and I would love to get the chance to meet them. From what you've told us, they sound like nice ponies.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Your loving mother: Cloudy "Sue" Quartz
As soon as Pinkie Pie had finished reading the letter, she knew she could no longer contain her excitement. Leaping into the air, she happily shouted "This is going to be the best Hearth's Warming EVER!" at the top of her lungs, and started bouncing around like a pinball, ricocheting off the walls and ceiling.
Mr. Cake blinked and rubbed his eyes, no matter how often Pinkie Pie did things that were seemingly impossible, he never fully got used to them. It seemed like every time he had Pinkie Pie figured out, she somehow managed to surprise him with something new.
"What's all the excitement about, dearie?" Mrs. Cake asked, rubbing a sleepy eye.
Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing, and with a smile that was so big it looked like it would fall right off her face she said to Mrs. Cake "You and Mr. Cake are going to spend Hearth's Warming with my family on their rock farm! Picture the most fun-tacular thing you can think of. Now multiply that times infinity! Whoo! It's gonna be great!"
"I'm sure it will be, Pinkie," Mrs. Cake smiled back "When do we leave?"
"Hearth's Warming Eve's not for a few days still," Pinkie Pie replied "That gives me just enough time to write a reply and let my mom know we're coming! I can't wait to see everypony again, it's going to be like a great big family reunion! Pies and Cakes, together under one roof! And the best part is, we'll get to exchange Hearth's Warming traditions! I know my family's going to love your traditions, and I think you'll like their traditions as well! Ooh, just thinking about all the fun we're gonna have is making me feel even more excited than normal! I'm gonna have to come up with a new word to describe how I feel!"
And Pinkie then bounced away to retrieve a quill, a letter, an envelope to stuff in, and a stamp (Pinkie Pie had once forgotten to put a stamp on her letter, and it had not been delivered, since then she'd built up a stamp collection to ensure she would never run out of stamps, or forget to include one on her letters).
Mr. and Mrs. Cake were excited as well, though not quite as excited as Pinkie Pie. However, at the same time they couldn't help but feel nervous. Pinkie Pie clearly wanted them to get along perfectly with her parents and her sisters, but they only had Pinkie Pie's words to go on for what they were like. And there was no way to know for sure how accurate Pinkie Pie was when talking about her family, it was possible that her love for them might have caused her to overlook certain spots that others might find odd.
But Mr. and Mrs. Cake were determined to do their best to befriend the Pies, because it was obvious Pinkie Pie wanted them to get along.
The next few days passed in the blink of an eye, at least for Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Soon, Hearth's Warming Eve was upon them. Mr. and Mrs. Cake woke up early that morning, and after a quick breakfast with Pinkie Pie, they were off to the train station.
The trip to Ponypalooza passed mostly in silence, though Pinkie Pie remained as excited as she had been since recieving the letter, and constantly kept talking about wonderful her family was. Mr. and Mrs. Cake tried to calm her down a little, and hint that it might take some time for everypony get to know to each other and become friends, but Pinkie Pie was far too excited to listen to a word they said.
At last, the train ride was over. And waiting on the platform for Pinke Pie and The Cakes, was an earth pony with a coat that could best be described as persian blueish gray. Her mane and tail looked like Pinkie Pie's whenever they went flat, except this mare's mane and tail were colored a grayish blue violet, which matched her eye shadow. Her eyes were a light turquoise in color, but reflected no emotion. Her cutie mark (assuming she had one) was hidden from view by a blueish-green tunic with a dull brown stripe across the chest area.
Pinkie Pie recognized the mare at once, with a squeal she raced over and embraced the mare while happily shouting "Maud! Oh, I'm so glad you've come home for the holiday!"
"I'm so excited to see you, Pinkie Pie," Maud said in a tone that sounded flat and emotionless "And you too, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Pinkie Pie has told me a lot about you both."
"What does she say about us?" Mr. Cake reluctantly asked.
"She just loves singing your praises," Maud replied "I think it's obvious she loves you both very much. And that's good enough for me, I'm happy to consider you honorary family." Mr. and Mrs. Cake smiled, at least one Pie family member already accepted them.
"How's school going?" Pinkie Pie asked Maud, as she and The Cakes followed Maud from the train station out into the snow covered country side.
"Let's just say, if you thought quartz was high on the Mohs hardness scale, wait 'til I tell you about corundum," Maud replied "It's a lot of work, but I'm learning so much. I can identify fault lines, even when there's no evidence on the surface. I can't wait 'til I can go away to study for my rocktorate."
"Here we are." Maud said at last, as she approached a small farm all decked out in Hearth's Warming decorations, at least on the exterior. Emerging from the house were a series of four earth ponies. One stallion, and three mares.
"Come on, everypony! Meet my super-mega-fun-derful family!" Pinkie Pie said eagerly, as she pushed The Cakes forward "Everypony, meet everypony!"
The first pony to speak, was the moderate amber coated stallion with a two tone gray mane and tail alternatively styled bushy (for the mane) and straight (for the tail), eyes the most brilliant shade of amber, a cutie mark depicting a pickax, a black stenson hat, and a gray collar with a black tie. "Greetings to you all, esteemed guests," he greeted "I am Igneous 'Clyde' Rock Pie, son of Feldspar Granite Pie."
"You will know me as Cloudy 'Sue' Quartz." said the mare who had a light cobalt bluish gray coat, eyes a peaceful light arctic blue, a grayish opal mane and tail styled like a mop, a cutie mark depicting three rocks, yellow trim glasses with similarly colored beed chains, and a black scarf with white lines and a small gold locket underneath it.
The next mare to speak up had a bluish gray coat, an opalish gray mane and tail styled similarly to Maud's, eyes the same moderate amber as Igneous', and a cutie mark depicting a lime between two rocks. "Gaze into the eyes of Limestone Pie," she declared in a growly voice "Ma and Pa may own this rock farm, but I keep it running. Cross me and you'll be sorry."
"Now, Limestone, you know that's no way to talk to honored guests," Igneous lectured, then he said to Mr. and Mrs. Cake "I apologize for my eldest daughter's outburst, she is fiercely protective of this farm. Just stay away from her mine, and you shouldn't run into any trouble with her. She's usually fairly sweet."
"Don't forget about Houlder's Boulder!" Limestone demanded.
"Aye aye, Captain Grumpy!" Pinkie Pie spoke up, and then she sighed "Everypony stay away from Holder's Boulder. There, are you happy now?"
"Yes indeed." Limestone nodded and said nothing more.
Just then, Mrs. Cake noticed the only mare who had yet to speak up trying to slip away unnoticed. Said mare had a turquoiseish gray coat that looked like it would blend in perfectly with the boulders and rocks on the farm, a dark gray mane with lighter gray streaks, grayish violet eyes (with the right eye hidden behind the mane), and a cutie mark depicting three purple marbles. "And you must be--" Mrs. Cake began.
Pinkie Pie, noticing the mare slipping away, immediately raced forward and grabbed her lightly before she could escape. "This is Marble Pie, my baby sister who's only a few minutes younger than me but she'll always be a baby to me, isn't that right?" she declared, hugging Marble tightly "She's so excited to meet everypony! Oh, and she wishes you all a happy Hearth's Warming!"
However, Marble didn't say anything. Pinkie Pie had to literally nudge her with a hoof in order to get her to say "Mm-hmm." ever so softly.
"Pinkamina's always been the one to do the talking for Marble," Cloudy told Mr. and Mrs. Cake "It takes a while for her to come out of her shell with strangers."
"We noticed." Mr. Cake replied.
"Speaking of talking, you seem to be speaking a lot differently from how Pinkie Pie said you usually do with strangers," Mrs. Cake added "What's up with that?"
"We use such old language around strangers, or when in mixed or polite company," Igneous explained "However, you are our honored guests, and practically honorary family members already. Therefore, we see no need to be so overly formal."
A second later, Pinkie Pie whistled, attracting everypony's attention. "Attention!" she shouted.
Limestone was furious when she saw where it was that Pinkie Pie was standing "Hey! What did I just say about the boulder?!" she demanded.
"I'll just be a second," Pinkie Pie replied "Everypony get settled in! We've got a lot of fun things to do this Hearth's Warming Eve!"
"Marble, please show our guests to their room," Igneous instructed "There's plenty of room for them upstairs."
"As you wish." Marble nodded softly, and led The Cakes away.
"So far, so good." The Cakes thought to themselves. Igneous and Cloudy seemed nice and welcoming, as did Marble (though that was hard to tell since she hadn't said much). Limestone seemed to be a bit on the grumpy side, but The Cakes were hopeful that would change with time.
Marble led Mr. and Mrs. Cake upstairs to a small bedroom with two sets of bunk beds, one on each side of the room. In between the two, the rays of the setting sun were reflected through a lone window.
"I hope you are comfortable with these arrangements," Marble spoke up, blowing her mane out of her right eye "If there's anything you need, feel free to ask. Dinner will be served shortly."
Mr. and Mrs. Cake were surprised to hear Marble speaking to them so comfortably when just a few minutes ago she had been hesitant to say anything.
"It normally takes a while for me to warm up to strangers, but you two seem friendly enough for me to let down my guard," Marble explained, as if though she'd sensed what they were about to say "We Pies each have our own special sixith sense that runs in the family. Mine gives me the ability to sense what others are thinking before they can say it, which is why I don't usually speak much. Actions always speak louder than words."
"Such impressive words of wisdom." Mr. Cake commented, he and his wife were impressed.
"Thank you," Marble nodded, then she added "Someday, I would like to become a farmer. Not a rock farmer like my parents, just a regular old farmer. I don't know what kind of regular farmer I want to be just yet though."
"Do you mind telling us why your oldest sister is so protective of that boulder?" Mrs. Cake asked Marble "It seems like just an ordinary boulder to me."
"Oh, it's no ordinary boulder," Marble said seriously "Our great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather Holder Cobblestone - he found that boulder in a hallowed out dragon's nest, older than time itself! He built the family farm around it, even though it was just an ordinary rock. It's always brought us good luck, and it hasn't moved at all since the farm was built. Since Limestone is the oldest child of the family, it falls to her to carry on the Pie family tradition, even if she'd rather do something else with her life."
"Oh, the poor dear. That doesn't sound fun at all." Mrs. Cake commented, she and her husband now felt sorry for Limestone.
"Well, Limestone pretends not to care. And don't tell her or anypony else I told you about it," Marble cautioned "Limestone cares about our family just as much as the rest of us do, and looking after the rock farm is a big responsibility. That's why she's always so rough around the edges, she has to be tough to protect the farm, and everyone and everything on it." And with that, Marble let her mane fall back over her right eye, as she trotted down the stairs to the main floor.
Pinkie Pie came trotting happily up the stairs a few moments later. "Hope you're all settled in," she said eagerly, grinning from ear to ear "'Cause it's time for dinner! And guess who's hungry? Spoiler alert: It's me!"
Mr. and Mrs. Cake were hardly ones to question other ponies tastes when it came to food, after all lots of ponies seemed to have specific things they liked that other ponies thought were crazy.
However, being presented with what could be best described as rock soup was certainly not what The Cakes had in mind for a Hearth's Warming Eve dinner. The soup broth rested inside a series of small tins, with a single solid rock floating in the middle.
Much to the surprise of The Cakes, it seemed like all of the Pies (except for Pinkie Pie and Maud) consumed the rocks along with the soup broth. Considering the fact that they had expecting hot rolls and double-baked pot pie, the idea of eating rocks and drinking soup broth didn't exactly sound appealing to either of The Cakes, though they didn't dare say it outloud for fear of sounding inconsiderate.
"What's the matter?" Pinkie Pie asked "You two have barely touched your rock soup. Eat up, or we'll never get to our Hearth's Warming Dolls to hang over the fireplace."
"We were just... expecting something a little different, that's all," Mr. Cake said nervously "Rock soup is a bit... different from what we usually eat."
Limestone chuckled "Rock soup is a Pie family speciality, we've always had it for Hearth's Warming Eve dinner. Trust me, it's a bit of an accquired taste, but in time you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Besides, it's good for the teeth." She emphasized this point by chomping down hard on the rock in her soup. Where one would expect her teeth to break into tiny pieces, Limestone's teeth remain completely intact and did not move, as she grounded the rock up into small chunks and ate said chunks.
"You do not have to eat the rocks if you don't want to," Cloudy offered kindly "Most guests usually just drink up the broth of the soup and leave the rocks behind. We always find good use for the uneaten rocks though."
"Like what?" Mrs. Cake asked.
"We make fine rock gardens out of the uneaten rocks," Maud explained in her deadpan voice "Some of Boulder's cousins come from said gardens."
"Go ahead and eat up, there's no hurry," Igneous told them "For Hearth's Warming Day dinner tomorrow, we would be honored to have you help us prepare a more traditional meal. Though, while I prefer not to brag, my darling Cloudy is quite skilled in the kitchen."
"Goodness knows how many new family recipes I've invented over the years." Cloudy chuckled.
Despite the ressuarance from their guests, Mr. and Mrs. Cake did not eat much of their rock soup. And they were glad when dinner was over. They were looking forward to the Hearth's Warming Dolls, those were always fun.
When dinner was over, and all the tins had been washed and put away, the Pie family lead the Cakes outside and down to a mine that stood next to an entrance to a series of crystal caves.
"Where are the Hearth's Warming Dolls?" Mrs. Cake asked.
"Our ancestors were too poor to afford the traditional crocheted dolls you pass down in your families," Limestone explained, as she tossed Mr. and Mrs. Cake a pair of pickaxes "So they carved their Hearth's Warming Dolls out of rocks. Since then, we've always carved new dolls every Hearth's Warming from the rocks on our farm. It's part of our tradition."
"Everything is so rock based here," Mr. Cake commented "It's a little unusual, even for a family of rock farmers."
Limestone chuckled "Well, how else would we do it? Now come on, those dolls aren't carve themselves!" And with that, she set to work on carving out her own Hearth's Warming Doll, as did the rest of the Pies.
But Mr. and Mrs. Cake were more than a little reluctant to start doing the same. They had already brought their own Hearth's Warming Dolls, and had even brought one they'd gotten for Pinkie Pie last Hearth's Warming. Said dolls were stored away in the trunk Mrs. Cake had brought with her and tucked away n the guest bedroom upstairs.
"Maybe we should just tell them we already have our Hearth's Warming Dolls," Mrs. Cake whispered to her husband "I'm sure they'll understand."
Mr. Cake shook his head "We are their honored guests, and I think it's important we show respect for their traditions even if we don't agree with them. If they carve their dolls out of rocks and expect us to do the same, who are we to disagree? Besides, look how happy Pinkie Pie is."
Pinkie Pie was happily chipping away at her rock at a pace unmatched by any of her sisters, or either of her parents. "Come on, slow pokes!" she called eagerly.
"We'll just carve out the dolls and hang our crocheted ones next to them on the fireplace." Mr. Cake suggested.
"Well, alright I guess," Mrs. Cake shrugged "I wish Pinkie Pie had told us sooner about this, I wouldn't have packed our crocheted dolls if I'd known about this."
Despite not being used to wielding pickaxes, The Cakes didn't have too much trouble carving out their own dolls from the rocks they were given. And they had to admit, the dolls didn't look half bad.
After the rock dolls were hung up above the fireplace as tradition dictated, it was time for the flag raising. And Pinkie Pie was all too eager to explain how her family always did it. " As everypony knows, when the three tribes united to form Equestria, the first flag was sewn by Nimble Thimble. It's tradition to raise a flag on Hearth's Warming to celebrate that famous day. Tradition dictates it goes on the highest point, but since we don't have a flagpole, we use Houlder's Bolder."
"Make sure you don't plant the flag too hard," Limestone cautioned "Houlder's Bolder is very old."
Pinkie Pie appeared to ignore Limestone's comment as she went on explaining how the flag raising tradition worked on the Pie family rock farm. "Earlier today, Limestone Pie hid an obsidian stone somewhere on the farm. Whoever finds it gets to raise the flag up Houlder's Boulder!"
"Beg pardon, but what's an obsidian stone?" Mr. Cake asked.
"It looks like something that formed when volcanic lava cooled quickly." Maud explained.
"Oh," Mr. Cake realized, then under his breath he added "I knew that."
"Now, we'll split into teams," Limestone spoke up "Pinkie Pie, do the honors."
"Aye aye, Limestone!" Pinkie Pie replied "You and Marble can team up with Mr. and Mrs. Cake for Team One, and Maud and I will team up with Mom and Dad for Team Two. On your marks, get set, go!" And before anypony could say anything, Pinkie Pie had already taken off.
Mr. and Mrs. Cake tried their best to search for the hidden obsidian stone, but since they didn't know the rock farm very well they knew the odds were against them. They didn't mind that too much, they figured they could use the opportunity to get to know Limestone better, and maybe even learn a bit more about the Pie family rock farm.
"So, what's it like growing up on a rock farm?" Mrs. Cake asked Limestone.
"It's... different," Limestone replied, a hint of regret buried in her tone of voice "I remember when I was the only sibling on the rock farm, Ma and Pa spent a lot of time fawning over me, though they also made it perfectly clear they expected me to follow in their hoofsteps. After Maud was born things started to change, I tried to interact with her but she always knew more about rocks then I did. I was actually surprised when she said she wanted to leave the rock farm and study rocks all over Equestria, Ma and Pa were surprised as well. Then came Pinkie and Marble, right from birth Pinkie was always a hoofful, never staying in one place for really long. Marble seemed to really grow attached to me for some reason, especially after Pinkie started fawning over Maud. It really pained me when I learned that both of my new sisters also had dreams that would take them beyond the rock farm."
"What exactly is your dream?" Mr. Cake asked Limestone, pretending he and his wife had no prior knowledge of Limestone's discontent with rock farm life.
"Truth be told, I've always wanted to open my very own mine," Limestone told Mr. Cake "As a filly, I loved to explore the crystal mines beneath the farm, there was always something magical about the place," she chuckled a bit "I remember the time when Pinkie thought it would be a good idea to play hide and go seek in those mines and make herself the seeker. That's when we all learned that Marble is a hide and go seek master."
"Tell them about the time we learned of the Pairing Stone!" Marble encouraged.
"The Pairing Stone?" Mr. and Mrs. Cake asked, such a thing sounded like it belonged in a fairy tale book.
"Mm-hmm." Marble nodded.
"It's a magical stone that the Pie family has used for generations to find their soulmates," Limestone explained "It's how Ma and Pa met each other. It rests deep inside the crystal mines, when the time is right you approach it and place your right hoof on it. Then you follow the electrical current that flows through your body until it stops, and that's when you know you've found the pony you're destined to be with for the rest of your life."
"What if it leads you to a non-pony?" Mr. Cake asked "What happens then?"
Limestone paused, and put a hoof to her chin "I'm... not really sure. As far as I know, that's never happened before. You'll probably have to ask Ma and Pa about that, they know more about the Pairing Stone then I do."
Just then, from inside the Crystal Mines, the familiar energetic voice of Pinkie Pie shouted out "Found it, found it, found it!" And she raced out of the mine, holding a crudely drawn picture of an obsidian stone in her mouth.
Mr. and Mrs. Cake were confused "I thought we were looking for a real stone?" Mrs. Cake spoke up.
"Usually we do, but for newcomers we always use a picture instead of the real thing," Limestone explained "Once you know your way around the rock farm, it's easier to spot the actual stone."
"Ooh! Do you know what this means?" Pinkie Pie asked "I get to raise the flag!" and she raced away to do just that.
"Boulder actually found the picture first, but he said it would be best to let Pinkie Pie have the victory instead," Maud said in a deadpan tone, as she petted her pet rock "I think he likes you both, he's heard good things about you from Pinkie Pie."
Evening soon came, and as the sun set quickly in the distance, Mr. and Mrs. Cake prepared themselves for bed.
"Pinkie certainly has an.... interesting family." Mrs. Cake commented.
"I can see why she may have left, though at the same time I can see why she missed them so much," Mr. Cake nodded in reply "Their Hearth's Warming traditions are quite different from our own. Not that there's anything wrong with that, they have their traditions and we have ours."
"True, but I don't know if I'll ever be able to get used to having only rock soup for dinner and making dolls out of rocks," Mrs. Cake said with concern "I think for all future Hearth's Warmings, if the Pies invite us we'll politely decline and let Pinkie Pie visit them on her own. In fact, if she decides she wants to move back onto the rock farm and be with her family, I think we should let her."
"You really think she misses her family so much that she'll want to stay with them for years and years to come?" Mr. Cake asked.
"She clearly missed them even after she moved in with us," Mrs. Cake commented "And I can tell that this has been the happiest day of her life for a long time."
"But what about us?" Mr. Cake asked worriedly "I know this probably sounds selfish, but I can't imagine a life without Pinkie Pie. Even if she writes to us all the time, it will never be the same. She's so much like family to us she might as well be our adopted daughter. Sugarcube Corner always feels more lively with her around."
"I know, honey bun, and I feel the same way," Mrs. Cake said, as she put a hoof around her husband "But it's wrong of us to deny Pinkie Pie her happiness just for the sake of making us happy. And think about her parents and her sisters, how would they feel if we selfishly held onto their daughter even if she didn't want to stay with us?"
Mr. Cake sighed "You're right, Cup Cake dear. If Pinkie Pie is truly happy here, then we should respect her wishes and let her stay."
Despite a tear forming in her eye, Mrs. Cake said to her husband "If that happens, Carrot Cake, we'll find a way to move on. And who knows, maybe someday we'll cross paths with Pinkie Pie again."
"We can worry more about that in the morning," Mr. Cake whispered "For now, let's try to get some sleep. It's all up to Pinkie Pie to decide who she wants to stay with." And with that, Mr. and Mrs. Cake reluctantly went unhappily to sleep. The very thought of having to part with Pinkie Pie, even if it made her happier, was something they found hard to accept. The fact that they might have to say goodbye on Hearth's Warming Day of all days only made the pain even worse, pushing out any and all dreams they may have otherwise had about the fun and excitement of the Hearth's Warming holiday.
As daylight broke over the Pie family rock farm, the inhabitants were woken up by the cheerful chants of Pinkie Pie. "Yay, it's Hearth's Warming! It's Hearth's Warming!" she cheered, bouncing here, there, and everywhere with a massive smile on her face.
Mr. and Mrs. Cake tried their best to put on a sincere smile for Pinkie Pie, even if by the day's end there was a good chance they would never see her again. That just meant they would have to make the most of the few hours they had left to spend with her.
Presents turned out to be a rather unexpected and eventful surprise when Mr. and Mrs. Cake learned that, overnight all the presents had been hidden away, and everypony had to take turns hunting for them.
Maud found her presents first, followed by Limestone, then Marble, then Pinkie Pie, then Igneous and Cloudy, and finally Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Presents were opened up in the same order.
Maud got some rock polish from Limestone, a tiny shirt for Boulder from Marble, a leash for Boulder from Pinkie Pie, Forty Two Shades of Granite from her parents, and some jelly beans from Mr. and Mrs. Cake. "Thank you all," she said in her flat voice "Boulder and I appreciate all the gifts you got us."
Limestone and Marble opened their presents without much fanfare, and Pinkie Pie allowed her parents to go ahead of her since she said she had "Something super duper special for Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" and raced off to go fetch it.
Pinkie Pie was thrilled with each of her presents, including confetti for her new party cannon she'd gotten as a gift from Maud on their last Pie Sisters Swap Day (or P.S.S.D as they often called). But it was the traditional crocheted doll from Mr. and Mrs. Cake that she loved best of all, especially when they told her it was hers to keep. "Oh thank you, thank you both so much!" she said, giving Mr. and Mrs. Cake a big hug "I'll always treasure this doll!"
Mr. and Mrs. Cake opened their presents last, and were plesently surprised at some of the gifts they recieved, including a cookbook from Igneous and Cloudy. "Feel free to try some of the recipes I highlighted," Cloudy suggested "I'm sure they'll be a big hit with your customers back in Ponyville."
"We will." Mr. and Mrs. Cake promised, and then they eyed the present Pinkie Pie had gotten for them. Whatever it was, it promised to be truly amazing if the bright wrapping paper and big red bow on the top was anything to go by. Time seemed to slow to a crawl, as Mr. and Mrs. Cake carefully ripped away the wrapping paper, and opened the box. What they saw made their mouths drop open in surprise, and their eyes widen to the size of dinner plates.
"Happy Hearth's Warming Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" Pinkie Pie shouted at the top of her lungs.
Mr. and Mrs. Cake could hardly believe their eyes, Pinkie Pie had managed to create rock like replicas of the two of them with a rock replica of Pinkie Pie standing in between them! "Did you make this all by yourself, Pinkie Pie?" Mrs. Cake asked.
Pinkie Pie nodded "It took forever to get it down to the exact details, but I just knew I had to do something extra special for the two of you! I didn't realize it until just a few weeks ago, but you guys are just as much family to me as my actual family!"
"So then, you're not going to return to your family rock farm?" Mr. Cake asked Pinkie Pie.
"Of course not," Pinkie Pie replied "I may still miss my Mom and Dad, and all my sisters, but I've come to learn that family is family no matter how far away you roam. I can always come back and visit whenever I really miss them, but you two are like a second family to me, I could never just up and leave you guys!"
Mr. and Mrs. Cake couldn't contain themselves, and they burst into tears of happiness, even the usually stotic Maud had to admit the scene was heart warming. "Oh, Pinkie Pie, that is the best Hearth's Warming present you could've ever gotten us! You really don't have to do this!" Mrs. Cake said "Carrot and I know how much you missed your family last Hearth's Warming."
"And now I've gotten the chance to see them again, and I'm going to make sure to come back and visit far more often!" Pinkie Pie insisted "But I left the rock farm for a reason, I knew in my heart that I would never be truly happy just staying on it forever. It may be my home, but my talent for making other ponies smile deserves to be spread to all of Equestria! You two are my second family, but I'll always still have my first family that I can stay in touch with and visit whenever I get really homesick."
Nothing more was said for a few minutes, as Mr. and Mrs. Cake shared a massive hug with Pinkie Pie and let their tears of happiness flow freely. This had truly been a Hearth's Warming to remember, for all the right reasons.
At last, Maud cleared her throat and announced "I would like to sing some of the Hearth's Warming carols I just wrote. The first one is about rocks. They're all about rocks," she then pulled out a piece of paper, and began to read the words written on it "Hearth's Warming is great. Like calcium silicate. What a wonderful day. As good as mica or clay."
"And ever since that Hearth's Warming, Carrot Cake and I have been good friends with the Pies," Mrs. Cake finished "In fact, just last Hearth's Warming we took Pound and Pumpkin Cake with us when we went to go see them. They had such a wonderful time, and so did everypony else."
Applejack was amazed at what she had just heard "Wow, that's quite the story you just told!" she exclaimed "I had no idea Pinkie Pie used to miss her folks so badly. She and I may be more related than I previously thought."
Mrs. Cake couldn't help but chuckle at Applejack's statement "Well, if you two are indeed fourth cousins, then that means you're connected to us as well. Pinkie Pie has always been like a daughter to us, and that hasn't changed even with Pound and Pumpkin Cake. Carrot and I were really worried that Pinkie would be jealous of the twins, but we were so glad to be proven wrong."
"Well, thanks for the story," Applejack said to Mrs. Cake "I really must be goin' now."
"Just remember to respect the Pie family's traditions when you visit them tomorrow," Mrs. Cake called "Oh, and make sure to tell Cloudy I said thanks for the cookbook."
"Will do." Applejack replied, and now that she no longer felt anxious about meeting Pinkie Pie's family for Hearth's Warming tomorrow, she set off happily to go find her potential distant cousin. |
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic What If?: Volume 3 | S5 E22: What About Discord (What If?) | It was a fine spring morning in Ponyville, the kind of day that would make anyone want to be out and about. And as it just so happened, two ponies were.
Twilight and Fluttershy were on their way back from a trip to the Smokey Mountains, in which they had helped to solve a friendship problem between two feuding families of earth ponies. It had taken quite a bit of work to get The Hooffields and The McColts to stop fighting, but Twilight and Fluttershy were confident that the two families had learned their lesson, and would work together to protect the natural beauty of the valley they'd settled in.
"It sure feels nice to get out of the castle and do something," Twilight said to Fluttershy "Thanks again for helping me get my nose out of the books. I suppose some problems can't be solved by logical reasoning alone."
"It's alright, Twilight, the ideas your book suggested weren't bad," Fluttershy replied kindly "The important thing is that together we were able to find the solution, and bring peace to that valley. Hopefully, next time we visit it, it'll be as beautiful as used to be."
Twilight couldn't help but chuckle "Seems like a lot of information about remote locations in Equestria is outdated, I think I'm going to have to have a chat with Princess Celestia about this."
"Well, we can worry about that later," Fluttershy reassured Twilight "For now, I just want to get back home to my animal friends and make sure they're alright. Would you like to join us, we were holding a book club meeting."
"You have a book club?" Twilight asked, to which Fluttershy nodded "Since when?"
Fluttershy chuckled a bit "For some time now. It especially helps pass the time in winter when there's not much to do except stay indoors and cuddle up with a good book."
"Well, I might stop by later on, just to see what that club is like," Twilight told Fluttershy "But right now, I need to get some reshelfing done and see if there are any other books with outdated information. Considering Equestria and Yakyakistan are now friends, there's bound to be a book or two that contains inaccurate information about the yaks."
However, as Twilight and Fluttershy were preparing to go their seperate ways, a voice shouted "Incoming!" Twilight and Fluttershy looked up, just in time to see Rainbow Dash zoom past overhead, followed closely by the reformed spirit of chaos, Discord.
Twilight was surprised "Discord racing Rainbow Dash, and he's losing? Either he's toying with her, or something's going on."
Twilight and Fluttershy kept their eyes pealed on the race, as Discord seemed to trailing Rainbow Dash considerably and not making much of an effort to catch up.
"Now I've seen everything!" Fluttershy exclaimed, as she observed the scene unfolding above her "Even if Discord's going easy on Rainbow Dash, he should have no trouble keeping up with her. But it's like he doesn't even care if he loses."
"I know, it's just like when I kept racing Rainbow Dash to avoid having to go back to my castle," Twilight observed "But what could Discord possibly be trying to avoid? He's Discord, almost nothing phases him."
"You don't think he's still a bit upset about inviting Tree Hugger to the Gala instead of him, do you?" Fluttershy asked "I figured he and Tree Hugger patched things up after he almost sent her to that other dimension."
"I doubt it," Twilight commented "And even if he was, that doesn't explain why he seems to be trying to lose on purpose. Rainbow Dash hates when others intentionally lose to her, she loves a good challenge."
"Maybe things are different here?" Fluttershy pondered "Perhaps she was just mad at you because she went easy on you, and still won? Here, she seems to be going all out."
"This has got to be a cleverly thought out trick by Discord," Twilight assumed "He's pretending to be weak to lure Rainbow Dash into a false sense of confidence, then at the last minute he's going to stop holding back and beat her." However, seconds passed with Discord making no effort to catch up to Rainbow Dash.
"Come on, slowpoke!" Rainbow Dash taunted "Give it your A-game!"
"I'll give it my A-game when I'm darn good and ready!" Discord replied "You wait and see."
"Yeah, well you'd better hurry up," Rainbow Dash called "I can see the finish line, this race will be over in a matter of seconds," and shortly after she had said that, Rainbow Dash sped across a series of clouds stretched out to look like a rope. "Yes, I won!" she boasted.
"Oh darn," Discord replied, sounding quite unconcerned "Well, racing was never my forte. I'm the spirit of chaos, not a Wonderbolt reserve member." then, he spotted Twilight and Fluttershy on the ground below.
Was it Twilight's imagination, or did Discord seem to suddenly freeze up upon seeing them?
Discord whispered something into Rainbow Dash's ear, and after a brief moment of concern, Rainbow Dash seemed to agree to whatever it was that Discord had just said. The two flew down in front of Twilight and Fluttershy, and said at the same time "Hello, Twilight. Hello, Fluttershy."
"Hello to you both," Fluttershy greeted "This is certainly an unexpected surprise."
"I'll say," Twilight said skeptically "Just what was that all about?"
"What was what all about?" Discord asked "I don't like playing the pronoun game, it gets too confusing too fast."
"I'm talking about the race you two just had," Twilight commented "It seemed rather one-sided to me, and not in Discord's favor."
"Oh, well... 'You win some, you lose some' as the foals always say," Discord shrugged "Besides, maybe I just didn't 'feel' like racing." Then he gasped, as if though he had not meant to say what he'd just said.
"What do you mean you didn't 'feel' like racing?" Twilight asked.
Discord quickly responded by saying "Oh, nothing. You know me, always one for a quick joke. Surely you'll find this hissterical," as Discord spoke that line he transformed into a snake "Get it, 'hiss'terical?"
Twilight and Fluttershy exchanged looks of confusion, as if though they were struggling to decide whether they were supposed to laugh.
Rainbow Dash seemed to look the same way, at least until Discord nudged her slightly. "Oh," she realized, and started laughing like crazy "I get it now! Good one, Discord!"
"I know, I amaze myself sometimes," Discord replied "Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I think I'm going to go meet up with some of my other friends. Ta ta for now!" And with a snap of his talons, Discord disappeared before either Twilight or Fluttershy could say anything.
"What just happened?" Fluttershy wondered outloud "Discord seemed to be acting kind of funny. And not the 'ha ha' kind of funny."
"Oh, what do you two know?!" Rainbow Dash spoke up "Maybe you just don't get it because it's an inside joke and you had to be there."
"I got the punchline pretty easily," Twilight replied "Hardly seemed like an inside joke to me. But Discord has never been this easy to figure out, his jokes have always had some kind of deeper meaning or logic behind them. Now, it seems like he's losing his touch."
"Ah, he's just trying out a new style of comedy," Rainbow Dash told Twilight "I guess everypony's a critic these days."
"We weren't trying to be critics," Fluttershy protested "Even you seemed to think the joke wasn't funny, until Discord encouraged you otherwise."
Rainbow Dash started to break out in a nervous sweat upon being confronted with this. "Oh yeah, about that," she nervously chuckled "Well, I... uh...gotta go...water the plants. Yeah, that's it, water the plants!"
"But you don't grow any plants." Fluttershy observed.
"Well, I do now, and they'll droop if I don't water them regularly!" Rainbow Dash replied, and zoomed off importantly, producing a miniature boom.
"First Discord, and now Rainbow Dash. What has gotten into our friends?" Fluttershy wondered outloud.
"I don't know," Twilight replied "Maybe Rarity will know, she's always good at picking up on those tiny details that other ponies might not notice."
After briefly parting ways to drop their saddle bags off at home (much to Fluttershy's relief, as that meant no longer having to carry the really heavy ones loaded with books), Twilight and Fluttershy met back up to go to Carousel Boutique and talk to Rarity.
However, upon arriving at the boutique and entering, Twilight and Fluttershy were surprised to see Discord was already there, talking to Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity.
"Remember, not a word to Twilight, even if she asks," Discord said urgently, then he added "It needs to look convincing, or she'll never buy it."
"Never buy what?" Twilight asked, announcing her presence.
Despite the noticeable gasps from Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity, Discord slowly turned around and smiled at Twilight and Fluttershy "Oh, hello again," he greeted "We seem to be bumping into each other a lot today, I hope this isn't becoming a habbit."
"Not that I would mind it." Fluttershy whispered, blushing slightly. Nopony seemed to notice, and if they did they didn't acknowledge it.
"Just what were you all talking about a moment ago?" Twilight asked Discord "It sounded rather important."
"Oh, we weren't talking about anything important," Pinkie Pie insisted "Discord was just practicing some new jokes on us."
"Yes, jokes," Rarity chuckled somewhat nervously "That is exactly what he was talking about."
"Well, let's hear them." Twilight suggested.
"Uh, now is probably not the best time, he just started doin' them not too long ago." Applejack protested.
"Yeah, he needs more time to practice," Pinkie Pie added "They're kind of a work in progress at the moment."
"Yes indeedy," Discord spoke up "So, if you two wouldn't mind leaving so I can practice in peace, that would be lovely. The jokes only really work if you know the context of them."
"You think we wouldn't understand them?" Fluttershy asked "I've always found your jokes funny, Discord. Why would I not find these jokes funny?"
"I just told you why," Discord complained "Now shoo, go write a friendship report or tend to your animal friends, or whatever it is that you do when I'm not around. I'll tell the jokes to you both when I feel I'm darn good and ready."
"Discord, are you trying to keep something from the two of us?!" Twilight asked.
"Oh, and when have I ever done that?" Discord asked in reply "Do you not think I can be trusted, princess?"
"What?! What sort of nonsense question is that? I do think you can be trusted," Twilight insisted "At least most of the time."
"Aha! So you finally admit it!" Discord said angrily "You don't like me, you don't want to be my friend! You're only pretending to be nice to me so I won't turn on you and make you look like a failure in the eyes of Princess Celestia! The truth is, you hate me and always will!"
"That's not true!" Twilight replied "Don't go putting words in my mouth! We may have had our 'differences' in the past, but I truly consider you one of my friends. I may not always understand what you do, and that may frustrate me to no end, but I don't hate you for being you."
"Then, why do you feel like I'm trying to hide something from you?" Discord asked innocently "Friends trust each other, don't they?"
"They do," Twilight said to Discord "But they also can pick up on when a friend is trying to keep something hidden, and that's what you're doing now. Just tell me what it is that's troubling you, I'm sure I'll understand."
"No you won't!" Discord hissed "But I'll tell you what, I'll tell you what's troubling me, if you agree to do something for me."
"Like what?" Twilight asked.
"Oh, I don't know, how about giving me a whole day to do whatever I feel like and you promise not to get mad?" Discord suggested "Does that sound like a fair trade to you?"
"That's ridiculous, just tell me the truth!" Twilight insisted "Something's troubling you, and I can't help you if you won't tell me what it is!"
"Won't you please tell us?" Fluttershy pleaded "We're all friends, even if we don't always act like it. Friends always tell each other when something's wrong. That's part of the magic of friendship."
"Yeah, it's a lot better than pretending to laugh at your unfunny jokes." Pinkie Pie added.
"And havin' to lie through your teeth." Applejack said angrily.
"Not to mention putting us on the spot like this, and accusing Twilight without proof." Rarity scolded.
Finding himself being pressured on all sides by his friends, Discord began to panic. He'd gone to great lengths to keep this secret from Twilight, and he really didn't want to have to tell her now. "She couldn't possibly understand how I feel. No one could hope to understand how I feel, this is not something I should be capable of feeling." Without saying a word, and while trying to hold back tears, Discord vanished with a snap of his talons, leaving Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity all confused.
"What has gotten into Discord? I've never seen him so upsest before, it's scary." Fluttershy said nervously.
"It seems like this all started yesterday, while Fluttershy and I were solving a friendship problem in the Smokey Mountains," Twilight realized "At the least, it began sometime after Nightmare Night."
Pinkie Pie grinned "Ooh! Are you suggesting, time travel?!" she asked eagerly, having styled her mane and tail to look more bushy, while also having put on an orange jacket and a wristwatch.
"Absolutely not!" Twilight scolded "Time travel is too dangerous to be attempted for something like this! There's a reason why the only time travel spells are kept in the Starswirl The Bearded section of the Cantelort Archives."
Unknown to Twilight, somepony had overheard what she'd just said. "Yes, that's it!" the pony thought to itself "Time travel is just what I need for my scheme! Just you wait, Princess! You'll regret that you did not destroy me when you had the chance!"
"So then, how do you propose to find out what Discord is trying to keep secret?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"Simple," Twilight replied, and pointed a hoof to all her friends "The three of you are going to tell me, right here and now. That's not going to be a problem, is it?"
Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity all gupled. Rarity and Pinkie Pie then quickly nudged a reluctant Applejack forward, and lightly prodded her with their hooves. "I'm sorry, Twilight," Applejack nervously spoke up "But we can't tell you that."
"Yeah, Discord made us promise not to tell. A 'Pinkie Promise' in fact," Pinkie Pie admitted "And you know a 'Pinkie Promise' is never broken."
"You're sure you couldn't even give us a hint so we could figure it out on our own?" Fluttershy asked.
Rarity shook her head, as did Pinkie Pie and Applejack. "I'm afraid not, darlings. And it wouldn't surprise me if Discord made Rainbow Dash promise something similar."
"But-" Twilight protested.
"No buts, sugarcube," Applejack said somewhat angrily "You're not gettin' anythin' out of us! Our lips are sealed!"
"But there's no way Discord's going to tell us himself what he's trying to hide," Twilight complained "He always like to keep his true intentions hidden until he thinks the time is right."
"Then you'll just have to wait until Discord decides he's darn and good ready to tell you," Applejack replied "In the meantime, you'll just have to find somethin' else to occupy your attention."
"It's nice of you both to show such concern for Discord, but as you can see it is not needed," Rarity spoke up, as she kindly but firmly escorted Twilight and Fluttershy out of the boutique "Thank you for stopping by. Please come again on some other day when Discord is not around."
As it turned out, Rarity was right. Discord had made Rainbow Dash swear to secrecy as well. Twilight and Fluttershy tried to get some answers out of her, but she refused to provide any.
"I'm not going to break my promise to Discord just because the two of you want to know what's bothering him," Rainbow Dash said firmly "You wouldn't like it if he inserted himself into your business."
"But we're only trying to help," Fluttershy protested "Pretty please? It would just be our little secret if you blabbed."
"The answer is no! Now go away!" Rainbow Dash replied, and slammed the door to her house shut.
Reluctantly, Twilight and Fluttershy decided it was best not to further intrude. But the question of what was troubling Discord still weighed heavily on their minds as they returned to Twilight's castle.
"I just don't understand it," Twilight said to Fluttershy, as the two sat in their respective seats in the throne room "We're only gone for one day on a map mission, and when we come back Discord is acting completely out of character. Or, has he been like this before?"
Fluttershy shook her head "I've never seen Discord act like that ever before, not even after The Grand Galloping Gala. Even when he came to visit me for Hearth's Warming, he was acting like his usual chaotic self."
"Well, it's obvious that something's going on that Discord doesn't want us to know about," Twilight realized "But like it or not, we've got to find out what that something is. Even if it means we have to force our friends to break their promise."
"Twilight, we really shouldn't do that," Fluttershy said nervously "Remember how mad Pinkie Pie got the last time somepony broke a 'Pinkie Promise'?"
"I don't like it either, Fluttershy," Twilight replied reluctantly "But it's our only option. That is, unless the 'Pinkie Promise' isn't really a 'Pinkie Promise' and it's actually a spell that Discord put on our friends."
Fluttershy gasped "Twilight! Discord has done some pretty rotten things in the past, but you're accusing him of being downright evil! How could you think such a thing after you said you trust him?!"
"I really don't want to believe he'd put our friends under a spell, Fluttershy," Twilight said glumly "I really don't. But after what happened with Tirek, I don't really know what to believe anymore. I thought he had changed, and maybe he did. But he betrayed us and very nearly allowed Tirek to destroy all of Equestria. The fact that he was willing to send Tree Hugger to another dimension just because he was jealous, is proof that he doesn't always think things through and sometimes that makes him look like he's slidding back into his old ways. If he did place our friends under a spell, I doubt it was purely out of malicious intent. But there's only one way we'll know for sure."
"What are we going to do?" Fluttershy asked "We can't just make our friends break their promise, and if they are under a spell there's no way we can just tell them to snap out of it."
"There's only one thing I can think of that will even come close to working." Twilight told Fluttershy, and she whispered something into Fluttershy's ear.
"You really think that will work?" Fluttershy asked Twilight.
"With Discord, nothing is ever a gurantee one way or the other. But I'm ninenty-nine percent certain this will work," Twilight replied "Now, I just need to obtain the necessary potion from Zecora."
The next day, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity were all surprised when Twilight invited them over to the castle. Suspecting nothing, they had all agreed, and were soon seated in their respective seats. Fluttershy had joined them at Twilight's insistance.
"Wonder why Twilight wanted to meet with us all so soon after returning from the Smokey Mountains?" Rainbow Dash wondered outloud.
"Another map adventure, perhaps?" Rarity proposed "This time involving all six of us?"
Pinkie Pie quickly zoomed around the throne room, checking the rumps of each of her friends and finding nothing. "Nope, no glowing tushies here." she replied innocently.
"Well, it'd better be important," Applejack snorted "I've got important things I need to tend to back on the farm, it's my turn to check the trees to see how the apple crop is comin' along."
All eyes quickly fell on Fluttershy, who tried her best to ignore the intense stares coming from her friends. "Um, I know you're all probably eager to go do other things, but Twilight just needs your co-operation for a little bit longer." she said nervously.
A few seconds later, Twilight entered the throne room carrying a rather large vial containing an unknown liquid. "Good, you're all here!" she said eagerly, and passed out a series of five plastic cups.
"What's this all about, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Oh, it's nothing important," Twilight insisted, smiling wide "I just need you all to drink this potion so I can see whether or not Discord put a spell on you."
Applejack glared angrily at the cup placed in front of her, as it was filled up with the blue liquid from the vial. Then she angrily pushed it away and asked "What kind of fertilizer do you have your nose in, Twilight?!"
"I beg your pardon?!" Twilight replied.
"You honestly believe Discord would place us under a spell, and that we wouldn't know he was up to no good?" Rainbow Dash said to Twilight "You know, maybe Discord was right about you. Maybe you really don't trust him!"
"But I do trust him! I just needed to rule out the possibility of you being under some sort of spell to protect him," Twilight insisted "This was the only way I could break the spell if there was one."
"So then, why was I going to recieve a sample of the potion as well?" Fluttershy asked.
"You and Discord are really close, closer than any of us to knowing him on a personal level," Twilight explained "It was possible Discord might have subtletly influenced you without you knowing about it. Just drink the potion, and we'll see what happens."
Reluctantly, the five friends did so, and Twilight (alongside Spike) waited anxiously to see what sort of effect the potion might have. Seconds ticked by, then minutes, but nothing at all happened.
"So, does that answer your question now, Twilight?!" Applejack asked angrily "There was never any sort of spell!"
"Then the promise is legit," Twilight realized "But I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you all to break that promise, now."
Pinkie Pie gasped "Twilight, you can't possibly be serious!"
"Oh, I'm serious all right!" Twilight replied "Discord is already on his way here, and if you won't tell me I'll have no choice but to ask him directly whether he likes it or not!"
"Twilight, Discord made us promise not to tell you! What part of that do you not understand?!" Applejack complained "What kind of friends do you think we'd be if we went back on our word now?!"
But at that moment, a familiar voice spoke up "Applejack, I appreciate your honesty, really I do. But you don't have to lie for me, I made no such agreement." In a flash of light, Discord appeared.
"Ah, Discord, nice of you to show up when expected for a change." Twilight commented.
"Well, you are quite persistant I'll give you that," Discord complained "If I had it my way, you wouldn't know at all. You'd be kept guessing until I decided to tell you."
"Discord, Twilight's sorry for being so pushy, but she's just trying to show her concern for your well being," Fluttershy spoke up "And I'm worried too, and so are the rest of our friends. Did you really think you could keep such a thing secret from just one or two of us and think we wouldn't find out?"
Discord sighed "I'm really losing my touch, you read me like an open book, Fluttershy. But I suppose that shouldn't surprise me after how long I've spent with you ponies."
"So, mind telling us what this is all about?" Spike asked "Sounds to me like someone's got something they've been trying to keep to themselves."
"Please, if you would be so kind," Fluttershy pleaded "We all promise not to judge you. No one's perfect, and we all make mistakes."
Discord looked all around, and saw the looks of genuine concern reflected on the faces of his friends. Admitting defeat, he reluctantly sighed and said "Oh, I hate it when you get like this. Now if I turn tail and run off, I'll feel guilty. Very well, I'll tell you but it's not gonna be pretty."
Discord had managed to make a giant couch appear just outside the throne room, and was currently laying on it while gazing absent-mindedly at the ceiling. Thanks to his magic, Twilight was dressed up like a traditional shrink, complete with the glases and the clipboard.
"Is this role playing really necessary?" Twilight asked "I'm not interested in playing mind games."
"Who said anything about mind games?" Discord replied "This just feels more natural, now go ahead and ask me. I'll tell you what you want to know, but you won't like it."
"I'll be the judge of that," Twilight declared, before she cleared her throat "So, when did this 'problem' first occur? And how long has it been going on?"
Discord sighed, and shrugged "Oh, perhaps for the better half of two months now I suppose. Then again, maybe it was even longer. Time flows differently when you're capable of visiting alternative dimensions and universes, before long you start to lose track of who's what and where's when."
"Stop trying to skirt around the issue, I want answers!" Twilight demanded "I can't help you if you won't tell me what's wrong."
"Patience, Princess, I'm just getting to the good part," Discord replied "Now, as I was saying, this has been going for the better half of two months. But I think the source of it stems back to when we defeated Lord Tirek."
"You mean Mr. Tall, Dark, and Ugly?" Spike commented "I'm glad he's back in Tartarus, it's where scum like him belongs! Good riddance, that's what I say!"
"Is this about the fact that you sided with Tirek until he stole your magic?" Fluttershy asked "It's been almost a year since that happened, and we've all forgiven you. In a way, sidding with Tirek ultimately worked out for the better, because it gave us the final key we needed to open that chest. And without the Rainbow Power, we never would've been able to defeat him."
"Besides," Spike added "We guys have our own special way of picking on things, I know that you doubt yourself sometimes."
Spike's comment caused a hint of anger to appear in Discord's eyes, glaring at Spike he hissed "Spike, I will only say this once. I have lived for millions of years, far longer than any pony or dragon. I've seen things that no ordinary eyes have seen, things that would drive lesser beings to madness. I've seen civilizations rise and fall in the blink of an eye. I've done terrible things, some of which I regret, and some of which I don't. So, do not presume to know me, because you don't!"
"So, why is it that you've only now started to feel guilty about betraying us to Tirek?" Twilight asked.
"Well, if you must know, it's because I got a letter," Discord said glumly "A letter from my mother to be precise."
"You never mentioned anything about family before," Fluttershy spoke up "When you came to visit me for Hearth's Warming, you said you had no family."
"Yes, well what I say then was true. From a certain point of view anyway," Discord admitted "My mother stopped speaking to me after I befriended you ponies, she said friendship was a sign of weakness and that I was betraying my entire race and true nature. I told her she was full of it, and from then on we stopped staying in touch. But then, just after the dawning of the new year, I got a letter from her. She said that she'd heard about how I sided with Tirek, and she couldn't be more proud of me for finally going back to my old ways. I was ready to shrug it all off and tell her the truth, until I read what she put down at the very end."
"What did she say exactly?" Twilight reluctantly asked.
Discord frowned "She said, she was looking forward to visting me, and that she knew it was only a matter of time before my natural chaotic nature led me to betray all of my friends. It happened with her, and it happened with my father. And it led me to wonder 'What if she's right?'. If I was a true friend, I never would've betrayed you all to Tirek, I would've sent him back to Tartarus right when we first met, and I'd have been the big hero. I know I should be better than that, but I betrayed our friendship simply for the sake of wanting to have power. So that's why I made our friends swear to secrecy and act like we were all buddy buddy, because the truth is we're not. I don't deserve friends like you, you're too good for me."
"Oh come now, wipe that frown off your face," Pinkie Pie encouraged kindly "Nopony's saying that."
"But it's true!" Discord protested "Even after I acted up at The Gala and almost sent an innocent pony to another dimension, you all forgave me and had a good laugh about the situation, when you should've turned me back to stone. What if Fluttershy hadn't talked sense into me? What if I had sent Tree Hugger away for good and been unable to bring her back? Would you still have forgiven me?"
"That's a big if, and one that we'd rather not dwell on," Rarity said nervously "What matters is that it didn't happen, and it was all's well that ends well."
"See, you're all too kind!" Discord said sadly, tears streaming down his face "What kind of friend I am to repay such kindness by throwing it all back in your faces and make it seem like it was all for naught?"
"Discord, you don't have to beat yourself about what happened with Tirek," Twilight spoke up "Tirek always prided himself on that silver tonuge of his. It is very much possible that, even if you had refused his offer, he would've found another way to get to you."
"But I betrayed our friendship, and my orders from Princess Celestia. I became a traitor!" Discord insisted.
"And yet it was by siding with Tirek that you were ultimately able to obtain the key to his defeat," Twilight reassured him "Plus, whatever her intentions were, Princess Celestia shouldn't have sent you off on your own to face Tirek. The important thing is, that he was defeated, and we all forgave you for what you did. If you were truly still as evil as you think you are, you wouldn't be feeling the way you are now. A monster like Tirek would think he'd done nothing wrong, the very fact that you feel regret for siding with him, proves that you are not like him."
"And whatever your problems with your mother are, as your friends we'll be more than willing to help. If you'll let us." Fluttershy added.
"Really? You'd all be willing to face my mother and tell her how wrong she is about me?" Discord asked "My mother is a creature that you really don't want to mess with. And I know what I'm talking about."
"What part of 'We're friends' don't you get?" Rainbow Dash replied.
"This is just the sort of thing that true friends do for each other." Applejack chimed in with a nod.
"But. But." Discord stutered, trying to think of a good counter-arguement.
"But nothing, silly!" Pinkie Pie grinned "We're here for you now, and we love you for who you are."
"You're not perfect, but then neither is anyone else." Fluttershy said with a smile.
"So, what do you say 'friend'?" Twilight asked "Are you going to let us in and help you out, or are you going to push us away?"
Discord was silent for a couple of moments, as he pondered everything he'd just been told. But then, at last, with a massive smile on his face he said "You truly ARE the best friends anyone could ever ask for. I can't believe it's taken me this long to realize that." And with that, Discord enveloped all of his friends in a massive group hug.
"I take it this means the next time we meet you, you'll be back to your usual chaotic self?" Twilight asked.
"Count on it!" Discord replied "You can try, but you'll never truly take the Discord out of Discord." |
The Lightning Bringer | pre | Easy shook her head, looking a bit surprised. "Is it really that bad? I haven't heard a peep about any of--"
Celestia suddenly leaned forward, her long neck going across the table and brought her face close to Easy's. "We work very hard for you to not hear it. For some ponies, at least, to live peaceful lives." She righted herself and took a slow breath. "My apologies. As I'm sure you understand, this has been a trying time."
I raised a lone finger. "The current situation?"
"Ah, yes." She frowned softly. "You seem genuine in your interest, but I don't know you, sir. I would be doing a poor job to divulge much to an unvetted foreigner. What kingdom do you even call home?"
I spread my hands out, palms up. "This is the only kingdom I can call home. My original is a world away, and I doubt I'll be getting back to there. I want Equestria to succeed."
Celestia pressed her forehooves together, studying me. Easy was less quiet in her thoughts. "What do you mean 'a world away'? You're a freaky minotaur, right?" She turned her head back to Celestia. "I'm an Equestrian, tell me!"
She gestured at Easy, then me. "You are in his employ. If I do not trust him, I cannot trust you. You are correct, however. He does have the appearance of a very unusual minotaur. He has told me this is a false appearance." She leaned head head slightly over her touching hooves. "Care to tell us how you came to be here, among us ponies?"
I was hoping to avoid that story, but that was, perhaps, a silly thing to avoid. If she didn't know me, she couldn't trust me, and we would go nowhere. "I wanted to be here." Her brow raised. "Where I'm from, you are little more than a children's tale. Of course, it also glossed over the specifics that made your world work. I thought, 'I can improve on that.'. I did not know I could arrive some time in the past--"
Easy clopped a hoof on the table, that time hard enough to knock her cup right over, spilling the tea in a sadly spreading pool. "You're a time-traveling monster from... somewhere, come to play god with us?"
Celestia was silent, watching.
I was being judged. "I come only with information. I'm not a god by any measure. Hell, if Celestia wanted to, she could end me in a dozen ways before I squeaked, but I trust and hope she wouldn't do that to an unarmed person that comes with friendship in his heart."
Easy grinned in a cocky way as she wagged a hoof at me. "And you think I couldn't be creative? You're lucky you're good at ear massages, which you still owe me, by the way."
Celestia's mask fractured into a soft blink. "Ear massages?"
I opened my mouth to peak, but Easy was still going on, "I've seen a mare melt when he gave one. He knows how to use those fingers of his. So you came to rub it in our snouts that you have some fancy answers, that right?"
That was about as graceless a way to put it. "I want to share what I know with people who deserve to know it."
Celestia slowly sighed. "Tell me then, if you have come from the future, what have you seen?"
I considered that. Would it be right to say directly? "If I ended up here, I choose to accept there's a reason for that. If I can't visit the present and make a better future, it falls on me to help make sure the past becomes the present. Telling too much about that feels like it could be risky."
Celestia turned one hoof around so the clad frog was facing up. "Let us put this another way. In what major ways did this world, this 'past', surprise you?"
Where to begin with that? "There's... I missed by at least five hundred years, maybe more. Ponies aren't big on calendars, I've noticed."
"They are increasingly un-needed in cultivated areas of Equestria." Celestia looked to Easy. "Explain."
Easy jumped on being called. "Huh? Oh! Right. I mean... when is it spring? When we make it spring. When is it winter? Same deal. We argue about when's best to do it, but the ponies of my town worked pretty hard making sure it all came when it was needed."
Celestia smiled serenely. "It is my distant hope to, someday, have all of Equestria under the control of my little ponies, to have the seasons unified and upheld in harmony." She leveled her gaze on me intensely. "Do I have a hope of achieving this?"
"It isn't impossible," I said, trying to avoid a concrete answer, and it seemed to please her. "Let's not talk about the future. We have plenty to deal with right now. I didn't know Equestria was quite so... troubled." I rose to my feet, pushing my chair back with my legs in the same motion. "I'm ready to help."
Easy burst into sudden laughter. "I had you measured up wrong. I figured you were in it for some easy bits, and here you are, spinning grand promises without a single bit being offered. Are you going to drag me right down to Hades with you, mmm?" Her eyes slid over to Celestia. "Regardless, this is better than working on fountains. Count me in."
Celestia spread her hooves lightly. "Even if I accept you both at your words, there are other things in the way beyond your good will. The royal houses are split several ways on the best way to address these concerns. If I don't include them in whatever plan is devised, I'm asking for more problems. Neither of you represent them, nor are they present. If you wish to do more than plumb, you will need to become involved in the workings of this city."
Easy's eyes narrowed. "Or the failings, seeing as little in it is working right."
My dreams of being the engineer were fading. "We've met one, but I'm sure we'll need to meet many more nobles to get this moving." I glanced in the direction we had met our last. "My expertise, my specialty, you could say, is more these." I wriggled my fingers. "I'd rather get to work, but there's--"
Celestia finished my sentence, "--no point trying while things remain as they are. In this, we agree. I had planned to keep you around, learning what I might, but I never would have given the clear to advance. The funds are not present for such a project." She brought her hooves together slowly. "It is a relief that we all see the truth of the matter. This isn't to say that I'm not interested and fascinated by your proposal, but it must wait."
Easy's ears fell. "Does this mean I'm not a manager?"
I reached for one of those fallen ears and gently ran my fingertips along it from the base to the end. I could feel it twitch and jump as I found the more sensitive parts of it. Easy's eyes fell half shut as a little happy noise escaped her. "On the contrary," I argued lightly. "I need an assistant more than ever, though some call them 'secretaries'."
Easy's nose wrinkled softly. "I prefer the title of manager, if you please."
Celestia glanced between us. "He does have a talent. Perhaps in a coming day, I will experience this, but tonight is not that night." She rose, towering over us easily, though standing, she and I were not far from eye to eye. That was when I realized she had a whole body stretching out behind her. She was much larger than I was. "For tonight, I must retire and prepare for another day of work. If you wish to join me in this, report at the throneroom come the first rays of my sun. I will not afford you a favored seat. That will be up to you two to earn." She turned for the door. "I can only wish you luck." |
The Lightning Bringer | 8 - Order in the Court | A soft clopping knock at the door stirred me from sleep. "Yeah?"
"Sir," came the soft voice of the maid that had an interest in me. "Sir, you wanted to be ready for court, sir?"
I looked to the window where gloomy darkness met my eyes. "It's not even morning yet."
The door swung inwards a shy inch. "To be ready, sir, we should start now. May I enter?" Water Lily entered with a towel over her midsection on top of her usual maid's attire. "We have to get you washed and dressed. You have to make a good impression."
Easy sat up with a groan in her bed. "The sun isn't even out yet!" she complained bitterly.
Water smiled at me. "I am aware of that, but it takes time to properly prepare. Mister Langerman, will you allow me to continue?"
As much as an hour or two of sleep sounded nice, Water Lily was likely not wrong on the matter. I slid to my feet and stretched for the ceiling. "Alright, what do we need to do?"
Water brightened at my motions. "I won't let you down. Come with me." She turned back for the door.
"Hey, wait!" Easy hopped down and trotted towards us. "We're both going, aren't we?"
Water's left ear fell. "Are you? Oh, well, I would be happy to help you too, madame?" She didn't sound nearly as enthusiastic.
"Make me pretty like one of those hoity-toity court mares." Easy pulled herself up as tall as she went, horn held high. "We have impressions to make."
Water shook her head before she advanced on the door. "This way, sir, madame." She led us towards what was becoming a familiar bathing room. "We don't have time to draw separate baths. In you go." She pointed at the tub. "I'll launder Mister Langerman's clothing while you bathe."
And so we were cleansed. As it turned, Easy was willing to help clean my back if I returned the favor. I also discovered that hooves were not nearly as uncomfortable as washing tools as I imagined them to be, or Easy was capable of a gentle touch. Either way, we emerged cleaner than we had entered.
Easy was smirking as Water dressed me. "You're no minotaur."
Water tilted her head at Easy as her horn continued its work of dressing me. "You sound confident."
"I've seen things." Easy put a hoof to her chest. "You have too. It's kind of obvious once he takes his clothes off."
"Whatever he is, it's nice." Water nodded firmly. "What I wouldn't do to be so smooth and elegant." She sighed as she pulled things into place. "You're looking quite sharp, sir. The seamstress truly outdid herself."
I was dressed in bright greens and yellows, with hints of blue peeking through from clothing under the surface. "Your seamstress works quickly. Who's even paying her?"
Water waved off the concern. "We have no time for such worries, sir." She turned to Easy, measuring her with her eyes. "You aren't an unusual size. Please wait here." She trotted off, speaking something under her breath.
Easy frowned a little. "Did she just call me common?"
I reached and patted Easy Breeze on the head gently. "She's saying she can get you a pretty dress without too much trouble."
"Mmf, at least there's that." She crossed her arms as she settled on her haunches, looking quite pouty.
Water Lily returned with two dresses floating beside her, one to the left and the other on the right. "Which do you prefer?" she asked Easy, turning each in place for easy viewing. "The one on the left is made to be graceful movement. The one on the right is quite attractive, but is a bit extravagent--"
Easy pointed at the one on the left. "As if I'd bury myself in silks."
"I had a feeling you'd think so." Water carefully set aside the denied dress and brought over the other. "Stand still just a moment." She quickly had Easy Breeze dressed, pulling hooves through sleeves and sliding it into position with practiced ease. With one last pull, she had the unicorn's horn free and poking through a bit of a hood atop the dress. "You look quite fetching, madame."
"Yeah? Where's a mirror?" She turned in place before she spotted one and trotted up to look at it. "Woah! Who's that mare in the mirror?" Easy blew herself a kiss with a grin. "If it wasn't me, I might have to ask her out."
Was she...? I mean, it wasn't my place to tell a pony who they were attracted to, I just hadn't thought, in such a regressive time, such a thing would be so casually tossed out there. Of course, I realized, maybe she was just narcissistic, and liked herself. That would fit with what I had seen.
Water didn't seem to take much mind of it. "I'm glad you approve, Miss Breeze. Now, for a scent." Her magic glowed as a small series of little canisters floated into view. "I brought a selection for you to choose from."
And so we emerged from the bathroom, smelling pleasantly and wearing clothes worth seeing. I had a light pine scent. Easy Breeze had accepted a floral aroma. Water Lily looked quite pleased with herself. "Now you are ready. You should go to the courtroom--" She pointed the way down the hall. "--before it opens. Seating is first come first served for most. It won't do to be placed in the back, sir, madame, if you want to make a good impression."
"Thanks." Easy nodded at Water. "You're a top-rate maid."
Water seemed to accept that compliment with a reddened smile. "I do as I am bid, madame." She looked to me. "I trust you are also pleased?"
"I couldn't be more." I scratched her under her chin, an act she seemed to enjoy by the way she tilted her head up a bit and closed her eyes. When ponies trusted you, they could be just the most adorable things. "Alright, Easy, let's go make some friends."
As Water had promised, a line had already formed. We were about tenth in it and others were showing up regularly. The pony behind us was a familiar face. "Why, aren't the two of you looking sharp this morning," greeted Soft Word with a smile. "Already prepared to wade into the deep end, I see. Wise, taking her with you." He glanced towards Easy as he said the last part.
I wasn't going to be with Celestia while court was going on. "Why do you say that?"
Soft put a hoof at his chest. "If you make too good an impression, there are ponies without shame that will make a move. Having a lady at your side signals you aren't available for such graceless advances. It will spare you some awkward moments." He nodded to himself as he leaned to the side, getting a peek at the doors ahead. "You'll know it's about time when things get brighter. She raises the sun just before court."
Easy's face wrinkled. "I'm not with him."
"It matters little." Soft reached out a hoof but didn't touch Easy, just making a patting motion in the air. "What you present is more important much of the time than what you actually are. I'm certain many think you two are quite the item, and trying to tell them otherwise will only convince them all the more."
I reached to give Easy a reassuring pat, but she ducked away from it. "Stupid," she hissed. "That will just convince them more!"
The hallway suddenly brightened. Sunlight poured through the vast windows, making all the ponies, and everything else, easier to see. Soft nodded as he stood up. "They'll be opening the doors any moment now."
Barely before he had finished speaking, the doors did open, and ponies began to filter in. The guards that stood on either side of them nodded to each that came but did little more, at least until it was my turn.
Both of them looked up at me skeptically a moment. One glanced to the other, who pulled out a clipboard with a wing and flipped through the pages. "Ah, proceed." They both backed away a little.
Had Celestia left word to look for me? That was kind of her, and a lifesaver. I wasn't sure what I would have told either of them if it came down to that. "Good day," I offered as I passed them.
Easy hadn't been challenged. "Hmmph, sure, pick on the hairless stallion." She rolled her eyes as she descended down the bowl of the amphitheatre. "Let's get some good seats. I hear sometimes the show gets good."
The first row's seats had little cloths of different colors across them. "Reserved," I decided out loud, and directed Easy to the second row. There were some reserved seats there too, but there were also free ones, and we found two to settle on. I felt a presence on the other side and saw Soft Word had settled in beside me.
"Good to see you again. I admit, I can't help but be fascinated by you, sir. What brought you here today?" His eyes left me suddenly. "Save that for later. The magistrates are entering."
From behind the main area of the amphitheatre came a set of six ponies. Four mares, two stallions. They all had the look of importance about them. The mare at the lead looked older and had a monocle over one of her eyes. She moved with a sure pace towards one of the larger chairs there on the stage, but she did not settle into it. She stood before it as the others took up their own positions.
Celestia came in behind them, wings unfurled and head high. She dwarfed them easily and I wondered if that was why she was at the back. If she had come in first, the others would have been hidden by her mass. She moved in front of the largest of the seats, a proper throne. As one, all the important ponies settled down without any audible cue.
One of the stallions turned to the others. "Before we begin, there is a matter that needs addressing."
The elder mare frowned. "This is most unbecoming. Let us greet the day properly before jumping ahead."
Celestia extended a wing towards the stallion. "We will open the proceedings properly, then we will hear your concern first." This was apparently good enough, as the stallion went quiet. Celestia smiled to the gathered and still gathering crowd of court attendees. "It is, as always, a pleasure to see so many faces eager to make positive changes in--"
"--The greeting," hissed the elder mare.
"Yes, yes, of course. With every day, we have opportunity. Let us bow our heads in remembrance of those who sacrificed themselves for this gift." All the ponies, even the ones walking, dipped their heads and things went quite still indeed.
Soft suddenly nudged me with a hoof and pointed to the ground. Ah. I lowered my head to match the others.
Celestia brought her jeweled hooves together. "Let us begin. Sir Stride, I believe you had an issue in need of discussion?"
The stallion from before stood up in his chair. "Yes. If it pleases the court, I would see that greeting stripped." There were collective gasps and murmurs rippling through the room. "It has been no few years without any such 'sacrifice'." He gestured a hoof at Celestia. "She is invigorated by the task of the sunrise. There never will be another sacrifice in the name of it, so why do we keep that old ritual around?"
The elder mare sneered at him. "I knew you'd bring that up! So quick to forget the past. Just because we found another way means those that bled and died for us are worth nothing?!"
Another mare, a young-looking one with a kind smile, stood up. "The welcoming of the day takes but a moment, what harm is there in showing gratitude?"
I had expected matters of state, maybe land disputes, but we hadn't even gotten past the opening ceremonies before arguments began. |
The Lightning Bringer | 9 - Stand or Sit | The way I saw it, there were two choices. I could sit and listen. I doubted that was the last pointless argument that would be raised. I could sit, wait, watch, and maybe learn. There were advantages to the idea. It meant knowing the players. It also meant listening to... this.
"This is beside the point," spoke an angry tone as a mare rose to her hooves. "I know it's 'the standard' to pretend it isn't happening, but--"
The room exploded into shouts and glares in equal measure as factions began to form quickly. Whatever she had been about to raise was quickly forgotten in favor of the entrenched tribalism that ran through things.
Easy Breeze knocked my leg with a hoof. "This is getting a little nuts."
Soft Word let out a little sigh. "I can't disagree with the lady. This is not us at our... best."
"Silence!" boomed Celestia in a great tone. "This is unacceptable!" She raised a hoof to her chest, voice lowering. "Let us return to civility."
One of the mares near her turned her head. "Celestia, they have a point. The war, it drains our coffers and leaves little room for--"
The rabble rousing started to build just as quickly as it had been shouted down.
"We must defend what is ours!"
"Why haven't you brought the sun down on them?"
"We shouldn't even be fighting in the first place!"
It was no debate. It was a shouting match.
"Silence!" boomed Celestia, seemingly able to win in terms of volume. "Order... We are the top of our society. Let us behave appropriately." Her eyes swept over the agitated crowd. "Let us turn our attention to local matters."
A stallion bounced up to his hooves. "Local matters? The city is a disaster! Why is it allowed to be a lawless hole in the ground?"
I could see Celestia's jawline tense. She made soft excuses, but I was starting to get an idea. If they were at war, a serious one, maybe they just didn't have the local guards. They had all been deployed. That was far from an ideal situation.
I stood up. Countless eyes panned over to me, one of the tallest things in the room for sake of being a biped. "Honored mares and stallions," I started, trying for the most formal bow I could muster. "If it pleases the court, I would like to speak."
The conversation changed rapidly. They were talking about who I was and what I was. I was the star, for the moment, for good or ill. Celestia smiled thinly. "I present Sir Langerman. He has been surveying the city for potential improve--"
A hoof struck the floor. "You mean he's moving in on our duty?" bellowed a large mare, glaring at both Celestia and myself. "Good to just hear now we've been dismissed."
"Nothing of the sort, I assure." Celestia waved a hoof placatingly as she smiled at the large mare. "This is just for an... outside perspective, and he has no leave to initiate anything, just to look."
I looked to the irate mare directly. "It would be an honor to work with you. We should talk after court." I had stepped right on their feet, or hooves. Playing nice seemed like the right course of action. "But what I wanted to talk about--" I slowly turned as I continued. "--has nothing to do with construction."
A stallion pointed down at me from higher in the amphitheatre. "Since when do we allow misshapen minotaurs to speak in court?!"
The nubs of unicorn magic pressed against me as some unicorns took it upon themselves to examine me without shame or tact. The fact that I could see several different colors meant more than one was doing it, which also meant the blame couldn't be properly assigned to any one pony. They were patting me down and inspecting me shamelessly.
Celestia clapped her metal-clad hooves together. "May I remind that the use of magic on another in court is quite forbidden without express consent?" The lights and sensations faded quickly. "Sir Langerman has approached us as a friendly outsider. We could, perhaps, benefit from a fresh perspective to help draw us free of this rut we've found ourselves stuck in."
The oldest-appearing mare on the stage stood up. "This is against the usual protocols. You." She was pointing at me. "What kingdom do you represent?"
None she had heard of, I felt certain. "I hail from the distant kingdom of the Oo-knighted straights. I don't 'represent' them anymore than any person might their homeland. I will not be returning there, and I am aware of this."
The mare leaned forward, wrinkled brows knitted. "Because you don't want to?"
"Because I cannot," I replied truthfully. The one trip was chancy enough. "I am here, and I plan to stay. If I can make my new home better, that is exactly what I'd like to do."
The mare raised a brow before the other joined it. "You're a long way from home, young stallion. Don't you miss your friends, family? Before you rush to help your neighbors, maybe you should tend to your own needs." She sounded... I wanted to say almost nice? Like a grandma giving a gentle speaking to a lost child that wasn't hers.
Easy Breeze suddenly bounced up beside me. "Don't talk to him like--"
I clapped a hand over her snout. "Pardon her. Thank you, for your concern. This is my home. There is no doubt there, miss."
A smile spread over her wrinkled lips. "I am Shadymane, proud daughter of Mistmane." She raised a hobbled hoof to run through her mane. "I don't have the illustrious mane of my dam, but I hope to hold some small echo of things."
Celestia looked at ease with the pleasant conversation, but said nothing.
Others were less pleased. One mare coughed into her hoof. "Be that as it may, we should continue."
"As I was saying." I put a hand on my chest and released Easy in the same motion. "This is my home. I want to help Equestria, and proudly declare myself as an Equestrian."
A soft snicker came from a few rows back, but I couldn't hear their whispered comment. I could only guess. "Two legs or four, we are united."
Soft Word clopped his hooves together. "Well put." His motion of encouragement shook others, and soon others were clapping along. I didn't know Soft Word had so much influence, but it was impossible to miss how the room joined in the applause. It was also embarrassing. I was not used to being the center of an equine stomping and clapping circle.
The irate mare from earlier thrust a hoof towards me. Was she about to attack? "We of the construction guild wish to formally extend an invitation. Perhaps this outsider meant no harm. This is easily remedied. If he joins our order, then no harm was done."
That was not a road I wanted to rush down, but saying 'no' would be quite an insult, that much I was certain of. "Such an honor. I will need to speak with my assistant--" I gestured at Easy. "--before I properly reply to that. I assume the invitation includes her as well? No matter, we can discuss it later." There, delayed, I hoped.
I felt magic pressing down subtly and a hoof brushed against me. Soft was pointing at the ground as subtly as he could. I took the hint. I bowed once more, then settled back in my seat. I had been introduced.
Celestia cleared her throat. "Next on the agenda..."
A mare bounced to her hooves. "We need more guards! The only ones I even see are the ones in direct employ of nobles and royalty. This is unacceptable!"
A stallion raised a hoof. "The impediments of trade are becoming all the more insurmountable. Bandits roam the countryside, to say nothing of monsters that have not a scrap of fear in where they nest."
The discussion rapidly devolved to arguing over what had precedent over what.
~You. Sir Langerman,~ whispered a voice between my ears. Telepathy was not a talent I thought ponies had, and yet... there it was? ~Ah, good, I'm reaching you. Don't be alarmed, even if I sound like your inside-voice. It's Shadymane.~
I looked up and could see her looking down at me, meeting my gaze directly. ~Don't say anything, just listen. I may be old, but I haven't gone blind, yet. Celestia thinks you may be useful. It's obvious. Little filly is desperate for anything that'd take some of the burden off her shoulders. Poor thing, no one mare should have to suffer alone. I'm prattling, nevermind that.~ Now that I knew who was doing it, it was easy to imagine that mental voice being hers. ~Tell me, here, where lies do not easily live. Is this truly your home?~
~I have already made peace with the fact that I'll probably never go back to where I was born. I like ponies, and I want to help.~
~You sound like a farmer that's especially fond of their dog. Is that what we are? Cute pets? Perhaps useful.~ Her features darkened slightly. ~Speak the truth, or think it. I forget which is more appropriate.~
Ugh. I mean, sorta?
~How honest.~
I hadn't meant to 'think' that!
~But you did.~ She cracked a little smile. ~This is, perhaps, cheating, but it is also my talent. Our minds bridged, we see the truth, as ugly as it can be. Is that mare at your side your fondest pet? Your lapdog, as it were?~
I glanced aside at Easy Breeze. Thinking of her as a pet would be a quick way to infuriate her. She was far too proud to approach that way.
~You see that? But you see ponies, as a whole, as something less... Perhaps I am being overly cruel. Yours is not a malice, simply ignorance. An ignorance common in pony or anything else. What is not family is 'other', and 'other' is quickly reduced, hmm. I should imagine you do not think I am cute any longer.~
She was intimidating, but not scary, I thought. She was like the ultimate grandma pony. She saw through your bullshit, but if you treated her right, she'd probably give you a cookie.
Oh the smile that spread on her face. ~I'm not familiar with the way you think, but I got the feeling, and I approve. You may call me grandma, if you wish. I expect the respect a grandma deserves to go with it. Now, on your other side. Soft Word, how'd you get his interest? Watch out for him. Nice enough, but he has his own goals.~
A sudden metal clang shook me out of my telepathic stupor. Celestia had clapped her hooves, and ponies were standing up and dispersing. Easy prodded at me with a hoof. "You were looking kinda distant there. What were you thinking about?" Her ears perked up at me. "Got a crazy plan?"
Soft Word cleared his throat. "You have a guest." He gestured with a subtle flick of his head. The mare with the construction guild was approaching. "Best of luck, old chap. I'll see you tomorrow morning, I presume?" He didn't wait for an answer, hopping down to the floor and starting to walk leisurely towards the door.
I would have to face the guild leader with just Easy Breeze at my side. I could have had worse allies.
She approached with four other ponies behind her like a flock of geese, though they were all unicorns. Two of them were talking with one another in guarded tones, while the other two were watching me intently, as if I could do something at any moment.
The leader herself moved with confidence. No sane being would dare attack her, and there, in the court? It would have been madness to even consider it.
No one said I wasn't mad, by pony standards. |
The Lightning Bringer | 10 - Guild Dues | The large mare, a little pudgy, or muscled, I couldn't tell which, smiled at me. "Since you are new to the city, we'll forgive the slight. Ignorance can be charming... But only if you act to remedy it." She lifted a hoof to point at me and Easy Breeze. "If you plan to work in construction, then being members of the construction guild should just come naturally."
I rose to my feet, feeling vulnerable sitting in the presence of the unicorn. "Nice to meet you, miss...?"
A little smile spread on her lips. "How rude of me. I'm Miss Mason. These are my associates." She glanced in either direction, but did not offer their names. "And you are Ian Langerman, as the princess announced."
Easy attacked from behind, resting her hooves on my shoulders and leaning over the side in a great feat of stretching. "I'm Easy Breeze, his manager."
Mason quirked a brow at Easy. "My managers are usually more... reserved."
I held up a hand. "I prefer a more hooves-on approach. Mason, what are the terms of your guild?"
"Mm, yes." Mason sat back to clap her forehooves together and one of her assistants approached with a sheaf of paper in their magic. "You are a cautious one, and yet..." She leaned forward. "You are a predator, I feel certain of it." Even as her companions flinched, Mason took a step forward. "You won't fight what you can't win. You look for opportunities to strike. I imagine you're sizing me up this very instant."
She wasn't entirely wrong. I was doing just that, considering how I could get around her, or use her and her guild.
"And to do that," she continued with a confident smile. "To do that... you want to know the lay of the land. Predators don't jump into unknown darkness, not the good ones."
"Ma'am," spoke one of the unicorns flanking Mason. "Are you sure we should... be talk--"
She threw up a hoof, silencing him. "You won't intimidate me, whatever you are. You want to build, predator, you'll build for me." She drove a hoof to the ground with a firm clop. "Read." The other forehoof raised to point at the collection of papers. "Read, understand, then tell me when you're ready to take the next step." With not a shred of fear that some of her companions seemed to be having, she turned away and strode with an unshakeable confidence.
As I watched the others follow her obediently, I had to respect her poise. But that made me wonder. If the construction guild had such a confident and charismatic leader, why weren't more things being built? I glanced around the room and it came easily. They had no more real success getting funded than I had. There were too many other things falling apart.
Easy prodded at my side, seated next to me. "Hey, are we going? We're practically the last ones in here that aren't guards." She had the guild papers in her magic, floating beside her.
"Yeah... We have issues." I turned for the exit. "We should review that, but I don't think anyone's getting much building done at the moment." There was one looming factor. One thing that just overpowered all other failings in their society. "War."
Easy perked an ear at me. "War? What about it?" She reached up and tucked the papers away in that strange pocket that ponies seemed to have. "Besides everypony talking about it like it was going out of style." She rolled her eyes with a disgusted snort. "Ridiculous."
"Yeah..." That wasn't my exact thought. "It's in the way." I stepped ahead of her, hastening. "Until that's resolved, there won't be sewers or much of anything else. Things will continue to slide down."
Easy scampered to be in front again and twirled around to face me with an angry expression. "And what do you plan to do about it? Don't you dare say what I think you'll say."
"What? Join the army?" She flinched and looked twice as angry. I waved a hand downwards. "No plan of that. My specialty is trying to be clever with varying degrees of success, not fighting ponies, or whatever they're fighting." Easy sagged with relief. "But." She tensed. "But... we could help them fight."
Easy formed a very human hand out of her magic and poked me with it. "Now you're thinking of... I don't even know what you're thinking... You'll still need a manager for whatever it is, right?"
That face, so fierce, and yet vulnerable. Damn it, I was thinking of her like a little dog I wanted to be happy. Screw it, she was my dog, and I wanted her happy. "Easy, you're stuck with me until you decide to go." I ruffled the top of her head as she swiftly colored.
"For the... You're embarrassing me," she muttered, looking away, but not shying from the petting. "So, uh, boss, where to next?"
A fine question, I decided. "We need to gather my power." I strode past her, walking purposefully for our room. "And I mean that literally."
"Literally?"
"Well, maybe not that literally." I pulled open the door and... there she was. Water Lily was holding up my phone, gazing at it with wondering eyes as she pawed at it gently between her forehooves. At the sound of my entry, she squealed and dropped the phone as if it were made of fire, letting it flop to the bed she was holding it over.
"Sir! I..." She threw herself prostrate. "Forgive me!" She shook with abject terror. "Please forgive me... I was very careful with it, I swear..."
Easy stalked past me with a scowl. "We turn our backs for a second and you're in here rifling through our stuff? I thought you were better than that."
Water burst into sniffles. "I meant no harm, sir, ma'am... It was inexcusable. I'm sorry!"
I put up both hands, one swinging back to knock the door shut behind us. "Water, what were you doing, exactly?"
She pointed towards the dropped phone. "I... saw it before, and I wanted to... I was curious..."
Easy inclined her head toward the phone. "That's his. Even I'm not allowed to touch that." She looked over her shoulder. "Is this the power you wanted to get?"
"Precisely so." I moved to pick it up before anything else happened to it. "Water." She looked up at my pitiably. "Don't touch this again, kindly."
Water looked perplexed. Easy looked furious. "You're not going to punish her?"
"No need." I sank to a knee and brushed away a few tears from Water's face. "She knows what she did was wrong." Besides, forgiveness was the Equestrian way, at least, the Equestria that I had grown to love. Would this Equestria become that one? Well, if it could start with a few people acting the part... Besides, I liked Water Lily.
"You're t-too kind, sir." She threw out her hooves suddenly and hugged me. "You won't report me?"
Easy prodded at Water's rump. "Will you never do that again? I'll have my eye on you."
Water nodded back at Easy. "Never again, unless he requests it, of course." She sat up tall. "Oh! I had come here for another reason. How did court proceed? Were you received well?"
Easy threw her hooves wide. "He was the star of the show, for a moment." With a glowing horn, she drew out the sheaf of papers. "And he has an invite to a guild."
Water's eyes followed the papers intently. "What good fortune! To be part of a guild, sir, is a considerable advancement. I'm certain they will recognize your skills and promote you high in no time at all."
"I haven't agreed to it just yet." I gestured at the floating papers. "What do you know of the construction guild?"
Water tapped her cheek. "The one run by Mason? She is a demanding guest when she stays in the castle, sir, quite unlike you." Her nose wrinkled faintly. "Her fur is very thick." There was just a hint of disgust there. "But she tips well, when her every need is met."
That was a very maid-centric view of a pony. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised by it. "Do you know about her, outside of being a guest of the castle?"
Water tapped her forehooves slowly. "Well... There was a time when an earthquake damaged a portion of the castle. They hired her. For a few months, she was a regular around the castle. Very demanding, I mentioned, but she got the job done with her workerponies very well. Once they were done, you couldn't even guess where the holes were."
So she did her job. That was good. A guild leader that just soaked up money would have been something to avoid, and possible considering the social decay of the city. "Thank you, that's good to know." With my phone in hand, I quickly woke it up and... thought I should put a password on it. I hadn't before, but Water Lily had shown a pony could get curious about it, and she had gotten as far as turning it on.
I quickly tapped out a pin for the phone to access it in the future and nodded, satisfied that no pony was likely to force their way past it. That settled, I quickly dove into the informational sections. I needed weapons that weren't hard to make, or use...
Easy was peering at me. "What are you doing? Looking for those soldier aids?"
"Soldier aids?!" Water Lily put a hoof over her mouth. "Is the gentlepony considering joining the army? He mustn't! They would not be kind to his..." She colored and stopped. I could guess she was about to mention my skin. "It... wouldn't suit you, sir."
I flicked through articles, searching for the right one. "I don't plan on going to the frontlines, but I could help from here." I didn't know enough. No matter how far I pressed, more questions were thrust on me. I didn't know enough. "Is there someone in the castle who is in charge of the army? A general or something like that?"
Easy waved a hoof vaguely. "We saw him today. He was the one complaining about the Greeting of the Sun. Even I know that." She smirked devilishly. "Poor outsider. Anyway, General Alabaster is hard to miss. What about him?"
I clicked the phone off and tucked it into a pocket. "He's who we have to talk to."
Easy tapped at the papers still held in her magic. "We going over this or not?"
Right, there was that. "We should." Even if I imagined I couldn't do that right away, I should know. Not knowing is what was getting in the way constantly.
Water Lily suddenly bowed her front forward. "Sir, Ma'am, I should resume my duties. If you have need for anything at all, you have but to call me, or ring the bell." She pointed to a small hand bell, or was that more of a mouth bell, considering the ponies. "Best of luck." She strode for the door. "Your linens have been laundered, have no fear."
I opened the door for her with a quick few steps. "Thank you for the information, Miss Lily."
She warmed. "Just Water, or Water Lily, will do, sir." With a little happy giggle, she trotted through the door.
"And don't go snooping on our stuff," called out Easy, her tongue extended a moment before her eyes moved back to the papers. "Now, let's see... Founded in, blah blah, current leader, blah. Hey, their headquarters, I know that place, mmm..." She raised a hoof to trail along with her eyes as she read quickly. "First page is mostly fluff." She tossed it aside. "Now here's some meat... Mmm... There's a fee for joining." She tapped at the papers. "Five bits per inducted member. One bit per month base dues."
I sat on the edge of my bed, watching her review the papers. There was plenty to go through. Then we had a general to approach. |
The Lightning Bringer | 11 - War Report | Information.
I needed more of it. I had come to that world, thinking I would be the source of it. I had been a fool. "Easy Breeze."
She looked up at me, the last paper of the guild documents falling to land on the pile of the others. "What's up, Boss?" She turned to face me with an easy smile, pun intended. "Are we going to chat with the general now? What makes you think they'll want to talk to you?"
"I'm known, and he's likely curious." I turned for the door, reaching for the handle. "If not, we'll have to be clever."
"That sounds like you." I heard her trotting after me. With the door opened, we advanced into the hallway.
I saw a guard just to the left of my door. Was he watching my room? He had the usual gold armor, but was a deep black in color instead of the usual white. He didn't respond to my presence, looking straight ahead as if frozen.
It was comforting, in a way. It meant I was familiar enough to not warrant special attention from the local law enforcement. I broke the silence between us, "Do you know where the general is?"
That seemed to surprise him, his ears twitching in that way the ponies had. "He should be in his study, sir. Do you require something?"
Easy slid out from behind me, going around my legs. "The boss wants to talk about this war and--"
I clapped a hand over her snout. "Get an update on the current affairs." Suddenly, there was pain. I had, apparently, gone over the limit of times I was allowed to silence Easy that way. She had bitten my fingers in a firm but brief nip.
The guard's eyes moved between us, not seeming to notice the momentary wince that I gave. "He is a very busy pony. If you don't have an appointment, I can't take you to him, sir, ma'am."
Easy nudged my stunned hand out of the way. "So how do we get an appointment?"
The guard's shoulders lifted slightly, his eyes following a noblemare wandering past a moment. "Only the head council is permitted to seek him out. All others must be approached by him. He is very important, and busy."
Head Council? "Like Celestia?"
"She is one member of the council, yes. All the ponies you saw this morning, on the stage."
I had two allies on the council then. Celestia, and Shadymane; just needed to reach one of them. "Is Celestia available?"
"Princess Celestia," sternly corrected the guard. "She is also a very busy pony. She will seek you out when she has business for you, or you can lobby either of them during court."
I heard Easy complaining, but the words were hazy. Other words were far more pressing. ~In trouble, already?~ I recognized it swiftly. It was Shadymane. Her telepathy worked over a distance? ~If I want it to. You'll forgive your granddam for keeping an eye on her curious grandcolt.~
I had been, and still was, being spied on. It was difficult being angry at Shadymane... which could have been part of her magic. ~You want to talk to that outrageous and unruly stallion? Why? He's a miserable lout that has no respect for the past. You'll find nothing but trouble there.~
A sharp prod of a hoof brought me out of my mental space. Easy was peering at me with something between rage and concern. "What has you distracted? You alright?" She waved at the guard who had returned to staring forward. "He's not helping."
He wouldn't. "I have a way, but I need to concentrate."
"You look anything but concentrated." She rolled her eyes mightily. "You could at least sit down when you do... whatever it is you're doing." She pointed to where the wall met the floor, then turned, watching the ponies that wandered past. "I'll keep watch."
~She means well,~ spoke the voice in my head. ~Now, really, you want to talk to him?~
Whatever kind of pony he was, he was the key. The war had to end for anything to get done.
~And you plan to help him win it?~
I had to know more. Not knowing was wasting time, possibly costing lives. Who was the war against? What was happening there, at the front line of the conflict? Who started it and who has what stakes in it?
~Slow down! That's a lot of questions you have. What makes you think I don't know all those answers, mmm? So eager, you forget your granddam is right here.~
I stopped even faintly seeing the hallway.
I was seated on a cushion in front of a low table. Across from me was Shadymane, watching me with a little smile. "Hello," she gestured to the ornate table that sat between us. Around us, blackness. We were literally floating in a void. On the table was a tray of cookies. "Just the kind you like."
Daring to reach for a cookie, I wondered why there weren't smaller plates for either of us, and there just was, as if I had just missed their presence. "Y-yeah..." I was not used to being summoned to mental planes, alright? "Nice to... see you again?"
She brought up both forehooves and rested her head where they met. "I'm sorry for alarming you. You wanted to talk, didn't you?" She gestured with a little wave of a hoof. "Go on."
The cookie? She meant the cookie. I took a bite out of it and remembered the good parts of most cookies I ever ate, running together into some kind of sum total of what made cookies great. Mind spaces... Having enjoyed the soft and yet crunchy sweet-tangy-sour... thing... I gently set it down. "That is more than a little strange." I felt the tension in my voice and tried to fight it. I had to stay calm. "Shadymane, what's going on? Start from the start."
"I do wish I could point a hoof at some... other." She moved her hoof in a slow circle. Where she pointed, other species appeared, each with great menace. A dragon breathing fire, a minotaur with a mace held high, a griffon in full armor, sword at their hip. "It would be so nice... But they are not it." The images were banished with a flick, fading into smoke, then into darkness.
If it wasn't some other...
"Yes." Shadymane smiled, but it was a pained expression. "Ponies are the enemy of ponies." With a soft sigh, images of them appeared, with their big eyes and smiles. "Just us... with different points of view. They fight for what is right, in their eyes. We fight for what is right, in ours. Between us..." She brought her hooves together, but when they touched, there was no clop, a silent meeting. "Celestia is the root, and it tears her apart. She never wanted her people to... be this way, but she is the cause."
My thoughts gave rise to Celestia. She was seated at the same table, smiling at either of us in a sad way. She said nothing as a tear spilled from her eyes, lost in her off-white fur.
Shadymane glanced at the image I had made. "You like her, that's good... She is a good pony, but this is her fault, like it or no. When she ruled with her sister, they were seen with awe, and fear. When she attacked her sister, deposing her... That was the tipping point."
Shadymane closed her eyes and the darkness faded away, as did the table, and the Celestia. It all ceased to be. How did a literal void go away? I couldn't exactly explain it, but it was gone, replaced with a rapidly sketched scene as if an artist were busily painting it before my eyes.
I saw a literally picturesque little pony town. Shadymane's voice spoke over it all, "It started slowly, in distant places." There were two ponies close together, whispering. "Rumors spread of Celestia's attacking, and killing, her sister. Most ignored it." One of the two held up a hoof at the other and turned away. "But not all..." Another pony came up to hear what the first was saying. "It took time." The sun rose and fell visibly, and began to hasten. "An entire generation passed."
The scene was painted over in wide swathes of black and rapidly redone, showing an outdoor stage. An earth pony stood behind a podium, speaking to a crowd that grew larger as the invisible painter drew more and more other ponies. I could hear... her? It was a her. She was giving a speech, an impassioned one. "She rose to power on this bed of suspicion and fear," spoke the unseen Shadymane. "She urged ponies return to leading their own way, away from the 'false gods' that were Celestia and her already removed sister."
The scene rolled like a scroll, showing the council on side of a field, golden guards spread out in front of them. On the other was that mare with a wide field of normal ponies with makeshift weapons. "She became too large for us to ignore. She became too large for us to intimidate. We urged her to lay down her weapons."
A spear flew with crystal clarity across the field, striking a guard standing beside the painted, and considerably younger, Shadymane. The guard collapsed. "He was a darling colt... The first, but far from the last. The war began in earnest."
We were seated at that table. Celestia had returned, weeping silently. Shadymane was looking at me directly. "The longer it persists, the more things decay. The decay becomes a reason to join the rebellion. It is a cycle."
A very negative one... "I hate to ask this." I set my hands on the table. "Has letting them win been considered?"
Shadymane quirked her lips in a half smirk. "They have a few requirements to their victory." She waved a hoof towards the Celestia image and she fell forward suddenly, head smashing into the cookies and sending them scattering out across the void. The tears stopped. She was still. "That is the first of them."
Jesus Christ on a stick... "And it gets worse or better from there?"
Shadymane lowered her head, horn pointed towards me. "Oh, they want the council as a whole, of course. I don't mind that too much. I've had a very full life." She cracked a smile. "If it meant peace, I'd already have walked out and offered my head. What kind of granddam would I be if I valued my own hide over so many of my precious children?"
I felt rising disgust, but no nausea. It wasn't my actual belly where I thought it was. I couldn't 'feel' things like that. "What do they want? Celestia's dead, you're all dead, then what? What's the end game?"
Shadymane lowered her hooves to the table, counter to my hands. Her eyes burrowed into mine. "They want us to go back to the old ways, when unicorns sacrificed themselves keeping the sun coming up, and putting the moon to rest. 'Only when we all sacrifice do we all know the value of what we have', or so they say." She leaned back a little, sighing. "It's quite a mess. So."
She came forward, suddenly her nose an inch from mine despite the table between us. "What do you plan to do? Make us better at slaying our kin? Will we litter the field with more mother's sons and daughters? Will we burn their rebelling towns to the ground, hoping to build something from the ashes?" She sat back heavily. I could feel the ache of fatigue in her in our shared mental space.
"Will we become the monsters they already assume we are? Perhaps we should just march Celestia to the front, let her magic rain finality on the entire thing. Would that be good?" She never stopped staring at me. "Tell me."
I felt my plans coming unhinged. My plans were all to make the ponies rise triumphant over some exterior foe. Giving them a single new weapon to turn against their own kind...
I thought information would set me free.
Maybe not. |
The Lightning Bringer | 12 - Application | I sat on the edge of the bed, frowning. We were in our room. Easy was looking at me with an odd expression.
"Are you just going to sit there?" She shook her head. "We won't get paid if we don't actually do something."
"I want to!" I practically jumped to my feet. "I'm ready to start a dozen little projects to improve the world, and we can't do any of them." I had expected to be wrestling with logistics and physics, not sociology. But, then, what great project ever came to be without the cooperation of the times? "Look, we've been taking this all in, but, like you said, we haven't done something. Let's change that."
Easy clapped her hooves. Whenever ponies did that, it was a nice reminder that they were not horses. Any horse that could do that was already maimed for life. "I like the sound of that. What kind of something do you have in mind?"
"We are outside parties." I waved a finger between her and myself. "Let's get the other half of this story, straight from the horse's mouth."
She squinted at me. "We aren't horses, but alright...? Who is the other half?"
Right, what I know doesn't get shared to her automatically. "The rebels. The ponies fighting Equestria, and doing a good enough job of it to keep the country in paralysis. Maybe we can convince them to stop this, or at least learn what their side of it is."
Easy looked suddenly unsure. "You want to go marching up to a bunch of armed and dangerous ponies and just kinda... say hi? The last time we knew there were armed ponies waiting for us, we turned around and left."
That reminded me... "I wonder if he knows about them."
"Who?"
"Work Pants." Come to think of it... "He is, or was, a part of the same guild aiming for us, probably. I want to talk to him." I pocketed my phone and moved for the door.
Easy hopped clear of her own bed and came trotting up behind me. "Alright, that's something I don't fear for my life doing."
I opened the door to see a glowing horn and a raised hoof. Water Lily scrambled back a step. "Sorry, sir. I was just about to knock." She gestured her head to the side at some floating linens. "I was going to make your beds."
Easy wrinkled her nose at Water. "Go ahead, we're taking our valuable stuff with us this time."
Water shrank at the accusation, but didn't fight back. It hurt me to see her like that. "It's alright," I assured. "We were just headed out."
We traded places with her. She trotted into the room and we went down the hallway, heading for the castle's exit.
"Sir." A guard at the castle exit rose as we came into view. "I have a package, from the princess." He fished out a bag and held it towards me. "For services rendered."
Had I rendered any services yet? I accepted the durlap bag. It had some weight to it, and I could hear metal clinking around in there. I had just been paid, despite not... doing much yet. I needed it too much to complain too loudly. "Tell her I said thank you."
Easy circled in front of me. "I've been mighty patient, but I get a share of that, right?" Her eyes were on the bag. "Fair is fair, and I've been an A+ manager, right?"
I had no idea how many bits were in there, and only the start of an idea of how far any given bit went. "Let's discuss that, not here."
Easy's ears fell to either side. "Oh, right. Have a nice day, gentleponies." She turned away from the guards and we both descended the stairs into the city proper.
We weren't even a block away before I saw her horn glowing. "Let's see how much she's paying."
I wanted to grab her horn, but my lesson was learned. One should not just go touching ponies like they were a well-trained pet. "That can wait until we're back inside. For now, let's not flash bits around as we go."
She huffed at that, but didn't argue it further. "Do you think he's still at the same place?"
"Only place we can look."
As we winded through the city, my eyes took in details I had missed the first time. Before, I had been focused on the ground and its lay. That time, I found myself noticing the graffiti. It made much more sense, with the context. 'Gods don't own the sun', reported one scrawling.
They had done an impressive job of isolating the city from the war, considering I only spotted the barest handful of missives decrying things from the specific angles of the rebellion. Most were gang signs, I assumed, or just personal tags. Mind, they did not have spray paint. Such marks were gouged or stained with exotic things that likely took much more time and effort than shaking a can would ever had done.
It did mean whatever messages were made were put there with a very intent purpose. One did not 'idly' carve a message into stone or wood.
The crowds were present, pushing their way through the crowded streets. I quietly pined for the wide and majestic avenues that Canterlot once had... in the future? Will have? I had to focus on getting past equine bodies, everyone trying to get to where they needed to be and few seeming to care about the others. I was just as guilty, in the end.
As we pushed past the central road and began approaching the poor corner we had first met him, the noise and crowd died away. Less ponies were present, or perhaps they were more indoors around that area. It did have a gang problem, perhaps they were smart for staying off the streets.
Work Pants was where we had left him, though his left eye was swollen shut with a big hoof print showing around it, as if he'd been kicked in the face. Despite that, he sat there, being as composed as a person with a black eye cloud be. "You're back," he greeted. "Good to see you again, sir, ma'am."
Easy pointed right at the injury. "What happened to you?!"
He winced and withdrew just a little. "I had a... conversation with my old friends. Let us put that aside. Has the princess approved of your project?"
I could hear hope in his voice. It was hope I didn't want to let down. "We have a new project," I said, trying to sound as confident as possible. "One, I hope, you might help with." I crouched down to be closer to his level. "Do you know about the rebellion?"
His good eye widened, darting left and right. "Y-you shouldn't talk about that, sir. You'll only invite trouble."
Easy lifted her shoulders. "Which you've been avoiding so well. Seriously, what happened?"
He sagged back with a weary sigh, as if he could hide in the shade of his alley. "I... went to tell them, about possible work, sir, ma'am. They didn't appreciate the idea of being hopeful without bits in hoof, as it were. 'Maybes don't feed our foals,' I think was said."
Easy's face only soured. "And that's enough to kick a pony these days?"
"Don't hold it against them." He sagged. "They are angry at me, and I deserve it... I must have seemed to them as if I were asking for forgiveness with empty promises." His eye returned to me. "Now, sir... What is it you're hoping to hear?"
I sank down further, sitting in front of him. "What do you know, about the war?"
"More than I care to." He shrank back further into the gloom, only the very end of his snout touching the light. "Ponies don't like talking about it... A good way to get my other eye bashed, sir."
Easy pointed at me with a firm thrust. "He isn't 'most ponies', and he asked. We're your friends, and you haven't made either of us angry, so..." She began to roll that hoof. "No kicks, promise."
He smirked a little. "A beat old pony, is that what I've become, jumping at shadows." He laughed, a short pained sound. "Sorry, do forgive me. Where do we begin then? Do you know something to start?"
So I caught him up on what I had learned. Easy was quite fixated, that being her first time hearing of it, I guessed.
He nodded slowly. "Not inaccurate, but very... clear what side spoke those words, and what eyes saw the events." His tongue peeked, running over his lips. "Have you already taken a side?"
I held up a hand, palm towards him. "I want to know more. I've tried acting first, it hasn't worked so far."
"Fair." He shuffled in place softly. "I didn't come from such... unfortunate starts. I was once a noblepony, next in line to the Pants estate. I took the wrong side." His lips turned upward into a faint smile. "Isn't that how that tends to go?"
Easy stomped a hoof hard enough to bounce in place. "You want to kill Celestia?!"
Work withdrew entirely, scrambling backwards into his alley. "N-no!"
"Easy there, Easy." I hadn't meant to repeat the word, but it wasn't my fault that was her name. "Work, please, tell us then, from your view, what you were supporting."
"Yes... well..." He got himself back upright onto his haunches. "I think Princess Celestia is a fine pony, but that is too much power, and responsibility, to put on the shoulders of any one pony." He tapped the front of his hoof on a loose cobblestone. "I was thinking... maybe we should trust more ponies... It's what we do, without saying it. Local ponies make local laws, and it seems to work."
Easy pointed up towards the castle. "She's not in charge. She can't even just hire us to start fixing this dump."
"This dump is my home, ma'am." For however meek he had been, he hardened in defense of Canterlot. "This may not be its finest hour, but it is still a wonderful city. It deserves better."
I stood up and offered a hand into the dark. "No arguing that," There was a slight tremble in my voice. "Canterlot can, and should, be more than it is now. I've seen it."
He was quiet a moment, staring at me. "What have you seen?"
"Clean, wide streets. Happy ponies." I could envision it in my mind. "Snooty nobles snooting it up in the center of a thriving Equestria. Where parties are what people look forward to, instead of... this." I threw a hand at the city-at-whole. "Where ponies worry more about perfecting their purpose instead of where the next meal is coming from."
"That... sounds nice." He chuckled as he stepped closer slowly, rising up to all fours. "And you think we can reach that? You are a strange one, sir. You're not even a pony, but you're going on about an ideal land for them. Why do you care, sir?"
It was a decent question. Why did I care? "I had a thousand stupid reasons before, but this is where I am and will remain. This is my home, and, as you said, it's not nice to call your home a dump. I'd rather work on that."
"A traveler come to find root, hmm." He sat before me and put a hoof to my still outstretched hand, meeting it. "Very well. Let me tell you the other side then, since you've heard the 'loyalist' angle."
Easy huffed out an impatient sigh "Is this going to be a while?" Her eyes moved to me. "I'm taking a few bits and getting us something to chew on while we listen." It wasn't a question. Her horn was already glowing.
Still, it wasn't an awful idea. I thrust a hand into my pocket and dug into the bag, feeling out a few coins and producing them.
She sharply whistled as she took only two of them. "Put the bigger ones back away before we're mugged." |
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