Dash Mom Chapter 3

>It's after the morning workout session and you find Lily is waiting for you.

>With a fresh bottle of lemonade.

>"Anon! I brought you something to help cool off!"

>Land delicately to not kick up dust.

"You made it?"

>"Sure did! My hooves still smell of lemon rinds."

>The glass bottle is cool to the touch, and equally refreshing as you gulp it down.

>"Didn't bring me one?"

>Dash has a teasing smirk.

>Lily pauses, looks at you then at her.

>"Oh! I'm sorry! Sorry! I'll gallop home and get you some too!"

>Dash throws up her wings.

>"Calm down filly. I was joking. Guess it wasn't funny."

>Lily puffs out her cheeks.

>"Don't scare me like that."

>Clear Trail takes the glass from you after you finish it.

>She looks up to the flying Rainbow Dash.

>"Do you mind having lunch with my husband and myself today?"

>Dash lazily flips upside down as she hovers.

>"No problem. Choose a place and I'll be there."

>"Will Zephyr be able to come."

>Rainbow scrunches up her face.

>"Well, I'll find out. If you really want that."

>You shrug as you pick up your school saddlebags.

"Ready to go Lily?"

>"Yup!"

>Both of you head to school, and things are chill.

>Then you get rushed during lunch.

>"Anon, did you really make up that entire song on the spot?"

>"I saw the suit! I think my sister made that right?"

>"No cutie mark for doing that? Strange."

>Never change Applebloom.

>Scootaloo pops a green bean in her mouth as she talks.

>"So, did you get your apology yet?"

>Lily and you look at each other.

"What apology?"

>Scoots points to another table where Diamond is at.

>Boy, does she look like she's sucking on a lemon.

"I'm not going to wring water from stone."

>"I can hear you!"

"And I'm not going to make you do something you don't want to."

>Diamond huffs angrily, as she 'stomps' her way over with Silver behind her.

>Lily looks nervous as she approaches, scooches closer to you.

>"I'm just glad I wasn't subjected to your lame love song."

>She sits down in front of you after pushing Noi aside.

>Rest your head out on your wing like an arm.

"It probably wouldn't have happened if we were dating."

>"Whatever. So here's my apology. Sorry. Don't ask for it again. Blankflank."

>Butt hurt filly.

>"Anon! Hey, Anon!"

>Sweetie Belle waves her hooves in front of you.

>"Rarity is going to be using the Element of Generosity again. What about you?"

"Oh, uh, yeah. We have a thing going on this Saturday."

>That gets the crowd going, throwing off Diamond's dramatic whining.

>She snorts and trots her way back to her lunch with her nose high.

"If you all want to know more, the royal guards are supposed to be showing up today. Try to get their hoofprint and questions from them.

>"Are you doing something dangerous again? Fighting another monster like yesterday?"

>Namby-Pamby is going full journalist mode again.

>Going to get her scoop for the Foal Free Press.

"I was told all the dangerous stuff is going to be taken care of by the guards. Nothing to worry about."

 

>Be Rainbow Dash, sitting at an open air restaurant with Clear Trails and Captain Current.

"Well I think we've recovered the humidity from all the clouds being dumped into the water cycle."

>You're making small talk with them until Zephyr shows up.

>Which as according to your plan, is now as he stumbles onto the table.

>"Sorry I'm late. I was touching my mane up."

>Raise an eyebrow at that, you don't see much difference in his appearance.

>Current barks out a laugh.

>"Not a problem! You're only about five minutes late."

>Zephyr looks confused as he turns to you.

>"I thought you said 11:30 AM?"

"It isn't. I knew you were going to be an hour late."

>"Rainbow Dash! What if I came here too soon?"

>Take a sip of water.

"Would have surprised me."

>Clear Trail looks a little concerned, but pushes the menu to him.

>"So we invited you out for dinner while my husband is in town to learn more about you two."

>Current nods as he clears his throat.

>"Want to find out what the family situation is with Anon."

>Zephyr flops the menu down with a cheeky grin.

>"Dashie and I go back to our foal-hoods. Basically inseparable."

>You sound as annoyed as possible.

"We were never an item. I was friends with Fluttershy, not you. I am Anon's mom, you show up occasionally."

>He folds his ears down.

>Trail and Current look at each other.

"Look, I don't raise Anon by myself. I do have a happy home. We're going to get a pet soon. If you're worried Lily is flying into a bad relationship don't, there is nothing to panic about."

>"I beg to differ."

>All four of you jolt up with shock as a new mare sits down at the table.

>Zephry and Current look at the new mare greatly confused.

>You recognize her, and so does Clear Trail.

>Trail glares at Spoiled Rich.

>"Why are you here?"

"Yeah, Spoiled Rich. Kind of have a private discussion here."

>Zephyr tries to pass the menu to her, only for Rich to smack it away.

>"Given how it involves all three of our foals, I would like to be part of it."

"Diamond Tiara right? What about it?"

>"Given how circumstances have gone, I am proposing setting things right. For the best interest for everypony involved."

>Who does she think she is!?

>A waitress places a plate of salad in front of her.

>Did?

>Did she know about this and plan ahead?

>How!?

>Trail doesn't seem all too thrilled as she scowls; poor Current looks uncomfortable.

>"Oh do tell, Spoiled. I'm sure you practiced this one in the mirror."

>"I'm glad you asked. My dear filly had her heart set out on initiating courting with your colt, Ms. Rainbow Dash."

"Right?"

>"Which was ruined due to jealousy and that ridiculous event. I was hooves off to allow my filly to redeem herself, but she took a more desperate route."

>"You call bullying my filly to the point of tears a desperate measure? That's rich."

>"I am."

>That wasn't funny.

"We just had the entire town witness Anon sing a love song to Lily. It's on the front page of today's paper. Stop wasting our time."

>"Fine then, I won't."

 

>"It would be more beneficial for the future and growth of our community. Anon will be able to spread his wings better and use his talents alongside my daughter to bring unprecedented growth."

>Well that was a lot of horse words.

"That sounds like complete nonsense. Anon isn't interested in any of that."

>Spoiled raises an eyebrow.

>"The business venture and deliberate use of funds isn't interest? Are you projecting your more athletic desires on your colt?"

>Now your glare matches Clear Trail's glare.

"Listen here. Since you clearly don't know him, I've learned why he does what he does. It's all a tool for him. For goals that not even I completely know and have only shared with the Princess. Lily, is the first time, he has a chance to let it just be that. A happy normal relationship."

>"Not everything has to be a means to an end, Spoiled."

>"Mrs. Rich, Clear Trail. Also, isn't this what this meeting was about? To assess and decide if this relationship is worth going forward with? You see a colt with a spineless father and a hotheaded mother. You worry it's going to put Lily in a bad situation. Right?"

>Zephyr shrinks under the criticism, and you really want to react just like she's describing.

>You need to not fall for it.

>Clear Trail answers for you.

>"As opposed to a father who is probably half way across the country as we speak, and a mare who taught her filly that bullying will get you what you want. Diamond learned that from somepony."

>That earns a scowl from Spoiled Rich.

>"I am offering the means to make this easier for everypony, and you're slapping me for it. If I trot away, this doesn't get easier. What I'm offering is protection from a storm coming your way."

"Good grief why are you being cryptic now, get to the bucking point."

>"You think what my daughter did was bad, it will be nothing when Canterlot comes down to throw their hat in the ring. Your son, Dash, spoke to Princess Celestia and she is listening to him. I have ears in that shining city, and the nobles are talking. Who is this Anon that shows up, saves Luna, and bends the ear of our great sun princess? Then they find out, and they see potential."

>She points an offending hoof at you.

>"Bravado and gumption will only get you so far before some noble family worms their way into a favorable position and take your son. Not caring if they hurt your Lily, Trail."

"Could that happen?"

>Doubt is now getting to you.

>"I can offer that protection. The Rich household can weather that storm, as well as provide the best future possible for Ponyville."

>Buck, she might be right.

>"Not to worry, your boy will be just fine."

>Ears stand up straight, a familiar voice shakes you out of your funk.

>At a neighboring table, is a royal guard in full armor.

>Wait!

"Royal Guard!"

>"Hey Rainbow. As for your worries, Princess Celestia has a specific order that nobles are not allowed to interact with the Elements of Harmony and you as well Dash."

"That's nice of her."

 

>"Excuse me, who are you to come along and just spout nonsense?"

>Spoiled cringes as the hair on her back stands on end.

>Royal Guard simply salutes her.

>"As Rainbow Dash said, I'm Royal Guard. I came looking for her."

>You HEAR Zephyr's heart skip a beat.

>He probably heard yours skip a beat as well for different reasons.

"I didn't think you would show up for that thing this Saturday."

>The large earth pony 'tinks' his helmet with a playful hoof tap.

>"I asked to come along. Hope to see you again. Now, what was your name again Ma'am."

>"Mrs. Rich."

>Clear Trail quickly adds on with snidely.

>"Spoiled Rich."

>Royal nods as he smiles, then he sings a small melody.

>"For the common pony that rises in Harmony's defense, her fruits shall be their reward; not arrows or false pretense. Come proud stallion and beautiful mare, harmonious Equestria is yours to share."

>"Or something like that. We've always had brave ponies who stepped up in our history, and Princess Celestia wanted to protect them. Especially when foals are involved. She is a teacher as well."

>Spoiled doesn't seem to back down as she steps on the table with front legs.

>"Which is what I'm, my family, is offering."

>Royal Guard rolls his eyes.

>"Anon has nothing to worry about. No Canterlot noble is going to come down to steal him away. If anything Princess Celestia is looking forward to meeting with him."

>Sputtering spittle, Spoiled seems flabbergasted.

>"Meet with him!? Whatever for now?"

>"Hmm, what for indeed. Dash, please tell her what Celestia wants for Anon?"

>Like a light bulb, that memory flashes quickly.

"Grow up happy. A normal life."

>"Her greatest desire. Finding out about Lily has made her elated. I should know, Twilight wrote about it in her reports on friendship."

>For the first time in a while, Current speaks up surprised.

>"Really? Our little filly? Guess you're right Ms. Dash. A normal relationship."

>Clear Trail then lays it on thick.

>"The Princess would be really upset if somepony was trying to break it up."

>"Your point is made, Clear Trail!"

>Spoiled Rich growls her response.

>She gets up from the table, snorting mad.

>"Waste of my time."

>"Are you going to eat your salad?"

>Zephyr squeaks as Rich flings her head around to him and stares death at him before leaving.

"Wow! What a complete turnaround. Thanks Royal Guard for the rescue."

>He bows slightly.

>"It's what I'm here for."

>With your own grin, you lean closer to him.

"And what else are you here for?"

>"Well, I wouldn't mind a local to help show this lost stallion around town. He's supposed to be on reconnaissance."

"Is that a second date I hear?"

>"W-w-what!? Dash, we're in the middle of something here."

>Zephyr is panic eating, and just spitting food out now.

>Trail and Current blink owlishly as the situation unravels.

>"We, um, we can say this meeting is a success."

>That does nothing to relieve Zephyr.

>Royal Guard clears his throat as he politely steps back.

>"I can wait. I did butt in."

 

>"So where are you heading off to, Anon?"

>Lily bounces next to you as the school bell rings out at the end of another school day.

>Jumping between cracks of the cobblestone walkway.

"I'm meeting up with Twilight Sparkle. The new town librarian. She asked me to tell her more about a magical tree hiding in the Everfree Forest."

>She bounces on the last cobblestone before the dirt trail then spins around to face you.

>You cheated, can't step on cracks if you're floating above them.

>The rest of the class hurry past you both as you both smile at each other.

>"Hmm, anything else?"

>Oh?

>Is this filly getting wise to your schemes?

"I was thinking of her teaching me."

>"More learning!? Does that tire you out?"

>And miss out on the wonders of the world?

"Never."

>She giggles as she plays with her pigtails.

>"Ok. Well then, what do you want her to teach you?"

>As you're about to answer her, someone grabs you.

>Get lifted up to eye level to Zephyr as he shakes you.

>"Anon! Anon, we have a problem!"

"What?"

>Wibble.

"Is?"

>Wobble.

"It?"

>And a few more concussive throttling.

>"Mom is going out on a date with somepony as we speak!"

>Fall limp in his gentle hooves before you return to reality.

"She's dating someone? Who?"

>"That stallion you told me about!"

>He spits out his name with utter dread.

>"Royal Guard."

"Oh. He came back. I thought that was a one time thing."

>"I was hoping it was a one time thing!"

>Now you just hang like a long cat in his hooves.

>Gaze over him with the answer he knows, but refuses to acknowledge.

>"I need you to use that big all seeing brain to think up a plan to fix this!"

"Dad."

>"Yes my precious adorable incredible colt of mine?"

"What does mom value?"

>His eyes dart away for a moment.

>"You?"

>Well he ain't totally wrong.

"Steadfast loyalty, dedication, and never letting anyone down."

>"I, uh, got that stuff."

"Also drawn to an athletic lifestyle. Look at a Wonderbolt. That is her heart's desire."

>There's the face drop.

>We stare at each other, both knowing he doesn't cut it.

>Zephyr stopped coming to the morning workouts.

>Wiggle out of his grasp and float back down to the ground.

>Several of the foals, like Scoots and Diamond, are watching.

"I don't know if I can help. What's been Aunt Fluttershy's suggestion?"

>"She stopped helping."

>You know.

>"Do you prefer Royal Guard to be your dad?"

>In front of everyone!?

>Dude, don't cry in front of children.

>That's pathetic.

"Mom is going to date who she wants. It would be selfish of me to try and control her. As for how I feel, it surprised me like it did you."

>"It did?"

>That gets a head tilt out of him.

>Right, the future sight stuff.

"Yup. Didn't see it coming."

>He 'oh' with a bit of shock.

"I need to get going. Sorry."

>Zephyr nods as you slowly scuttle away.

>Wow, you knew this was going to happen one day, but not this soon.

>With a slow burst of speed, he zooms off towards Fluttershy's place.

"I'll see you later, Lily."

>"Yeah. Is he going to be ok?"

>Nope.

 

>Watch Anon fly away towards the library.

>Be Scootaloo, and you've just learned the most interesting development.

>Not Zephyr, that guy is weird.

>Rainbow Dash is on a date!

"Dash club! Formation now!"

>Aura and Noi line up immediately in front of you.

>Before you can say anything, Snails and Snips crash next to them in perfect attention.

"Good work crew. As you just heard, Rainbow Dash is on a date."

>That earns a groan from the rest of the classmates as they all scatter to town.

"We need information stat! Everypony go find them and watch Rainbow Dash."

>Snips raises a hoof.

>"So, uh, do we know where they are?"

"Not a clue, that's why we're going to spread our search. Everypony do your best to find, but don't disrupt them."

>They all nod along until Snips raises his hoof again.

>"Where are you starting?"

"Fluttershy's place. My gut says she might have an idea where they are, but I don't know for certain. All right crew, clear out!"

>You're so proud of this group, they all scatter without complaint.

>Helmet, check.

>Scooter online, check.

>Daring spunky attitude, super check.

>Fast like lightening, you burst off towards the edge of town.

>Oh hey, there's Anon Dad.

>And you just beat him to Fluttershy's house.

>By a lot.

>Hop off the main trail and skirt-around the trees to hide.

>Sniff the air, your Dash-dar detector is going off.

>Rainbow is here.

>Slink between trees until you reach your final destination, under the window seal.

>A mouse gives you a curious look.

"Shoo, I'm looking for Rainbow Dash."

>It rolls their eyes before skittering off.

>"Well Fluttershy, I promised to let you meet the guy if he dated me again. This is Royal Guard."

>Get a good look at the stallion.

>Dude is big and buff, like most guards.

>Fluttershy looks like she is regretting her decision.

>She squeaks out something quiet.

>Poor Royal looks just as confused.

>"I'm sorry, I didn't catch any of that."

>Rainbow scrunches her nose.

>"Neither did I. Fluttershy, you want us to go?"

>Before she can answer, Zephyr slams the door open scaring all the animals away.

>"Sister! I need help."

>Welp, time for drama.

>Zephyr opens his eyes to see the source of his pain.

>"You!? Are you trying to steal my sister away as well?!"

>All three ponies tilt their heads and answer at the same time.

>"What?"

>"Dash!"

>He starts to whine.

>"Why? Isn't Anon our child?"

>Then you see a rare reaction, Dash's face twists to one of anger.

>"Excuse you!? Zephyr, outside now. Royal Guard, stay here. I'm going to talk to him."

>Royal Guard throws his hooves, clearly not going to get in the way of this.

>Dash stomps her way out the front door, dragging Zephyr with her, then closes the door.

>You can still hear both conversations.

>"I can't believe you. Are you seriously using Anon as a bargaining chip? What do you think we are? After all this time the absolute gall."

>She's really laying it into him.

>Royal looks like he is cringing to himself.

>Fluttershy frowns as she looks down.

 

>"I really messed this up."

>Royal sighs as he sits back down, waiting for the results of the outside argument to climax.

>Fluttershy flickers her ears in confusion.

>He notices and continues.

>"I wasn't supposed to be here, but I couldn't help myself. I wanted to see Rainbow again."

>"Y-you did?"

>Can't blame him, can never quit a mare that awesome.

>"I asked permission, of course. Expected a no, got confirmation instead. Not sure why. Then I got impatient when I saw her."

>Fluttershy's shyness has melted into curiosity.

>"What happened?"

>"I saw her with a group talking with this Mrs. Rich mare. She wanted to break up Anon's relationship, and Dash was not ready. So I shoved myself into the situation, and saved it like some gallant hero."

>He points outside where Dash is talking loudly.

>"She told me about him. I should have paid attention that he was also at the meeting. Now they're fighting because of my blunder."

>"Mr. Royal."

>With a firmness you don't usually hear from Fluttershy, she stands in front of him.

>"This was a long time coming. My brother has stagnated for years now, thinking that he had already won her heart. This needs to happen."

>"Still don't feel good about it, but okay."

>They flinch when Dash barks out another angry line.

>Royal coughs.

>"So, um, something else. How's Anon? I haven't seen him yet."

>Fluttershy looks relieved to distract herself.

>"Oh thank goodness."

>Boring, what's Dash saying?

>"Our son!? You barely lift a wing to help raise him."

>"You don't let me!"

>"I don't let you live in my home because you're not my stallion. You could have shown up at every other aspect of his life. Tartarus, your mom took care of him more when he visited your place than you did."

>Zephyr raises a wing to protest, but is quickly interrupted.

>"If you say that it's the mare's job to do it I will take a primary feather."

>"I wasn't! It's just you were taking care of him the most and didn't need the help."

>"Wrong, wrong, wrong on all accounts."

>She gestures to Fluttershy's abode.

>"She did. You would know that if you paid attention. Fluttershy has been my cornerstone for helping take care of our colt. Raising a foal as a single mother isn't cheap, and you never stepped up."

>He rolls his eyes, kind of surprising he still has some sass.

>"Oh please, he's basically so smart he can take care of himself."

>Sass dies quickly when Rainbow grabs him and growls.

>"That line of thinking is why he has the problems he does. Must I remind you why the whole family is here!?"

>"Maybe you're not as good of a mother as you thought."

>Zephyr slaps his mouth shut with his hooves.

>Dash pauses, then lets him go.

>"I think you're on to something. Anon needs a mom and a dad."

>"I didn't mean it."

>"No. For once you said something you actually meant."

>"Dashie, please."

>She pushes him away as he tries to get close.

>"I need a stallion I can rely on. You are not that."

>What sounds like a death moan escapes his throat.

 

>Zephyr faints and falls over like a goat.

>Wow, Dash really showed him.

>That's why she's the best.

>Then teeth bite into the back of your neck.

>Scream like a goat!

"I'm going to die! Help!"

>"Huh? Scootaloo? Fluttershy?"

>Stop buzzing your wings to escape.

>Twist your head to see Fluttershy holding you by the scruff of your neck.

"Oh, hi."

>See a mouse stick their head out of Fluttershy's mane.

>You got tattled on!

>"Scootaloo, peeping in on other ponies is rude."

>Royal Guard sticks his head out the window.

>"I didn't even know she was here."

>Rainbow Dash rubs her head before shaking her mane.

>"Why are you here?"

>Fluttershy hasn't released you.

>So you just point to the dazed stallion.

"He showed up at school and just spilled to Anon that you were on a date."

>Rainbow groans and glares at Zephyr again.

>"Really? What did they talk about?"

"Eh, he was asking Anon to stop the date or something. Hey! You're Royal Guard right? Tell me how it feels to date someone as awesomly amazing as The Rainbow Dash."

>"I'm still taking it all in."

>Poor guy looks confused, get use to it dude.

>Rainbow nickers at you.

>"All right, that's enough filly. Royal, get your tail out here. I'm going to show you around town. Flutters, I'm, well, sorry."

>She looks down at the mess of a stallion melting on the front porch.

>Fluttershy shakes your head, but still doesn't put you down.

>"I warned him, but he never listened."

"Can you let me go now?"

>"No. You are going to help me put my brother in bed, and then feed the chickens. You're not going to stalk Rainbow."

"Aw feather duster."

>At least you sent out the Rainbow Dash club into the field, so they should pick up your slake.

---

>Be Anon, politely knocking on the library door before you enter.

>A policy that the last library keeper implemented since she lived there.

"Hello! Twilight, Spike?"

>Close the door, and when you turn around you are greeted with a beefy stallion of a stallion.

>Huh, Candy knows how to pick them.

>His armor gleams with persistent perfection

>"You slept in my bed."

"And ate your mother's food."

>Shining Armor's straight laced stare bores into your tiny frame.

>He's basically a unicorn with an earth pony's body.

>But you also know, he's a total dork.

>His facade breaks as he laughs.

>"You really are a serious little guy, aren't you?"

"Too bad for you, your dad told me all about you."

>"Of course, the scary captain routine only works when somepony doesn't know you."

"How often do you get to do that?"

>Shining Armor looks down, ears flopping down.

>"It hasn't worked once."

"As a captain, you are allowed to delegate such duties to more appropriate individuals then claim all the credit."

>"What!? No I wouldn't."

>Shrug with your wings and shoulders.

>"Shining, Anon, you two done?"

>There's the purple unicorn.

>Twilight is wearing a pair of reading glasses, holding chalk in a magical aura, and her mane is put up in a bun.

>Behind her, Spike is wheeling a blackboard in.

 

"Twilight! Good to see you. Nice mane bun."

>"Thank you! Makes me feel like I'm in a lecture hall."

>Shining Armor rolls his eyes, but still smiles.

>"Only you want to recreate a school scenario."

>Trot up to the blackboard and take the chalk from Twilight.

"So Shining, you got briefed right?"

>He nods as his sister and dragon brother sit beside him.

>"The presentation you gave the princesses was well explained."

>Twilight leans closer to him to whisper.

>"Is it true Star Swirl the Bearded is involved?"

>Shining chuckles as he pats the mane bun.

>"No spoilers."

"And the perfect place to start!"

>Twilight squeals.

"The world was a dangerous place, everything was on the edge of collapse despite the three tribes' efforts to stand together. Star Swirl the Bearded, and his comrades, decided to pool their magic together to make a seed made entirely of Harmony. This grew into the Tree of Harmony. Think of it like a temple for Harmony to reside in."

>Draw the cutie marks of the Pillars of Old Equestria.

"My Olde Ponish is rough, but based on what I can gather, they made it by making a complicated layered pact spell. Ritual magic more powerful than Virtuoso spells. Twilight, you know what Star Swirl was particularly good at right?"

>"Everything, but transfiguration, dimensional calibration, and teleportation he was especially skilled at."

>She's vibrating in place like a sugar filled Pinkie, she must love to be called on like a student.

"When we see the tree, it will only be using our normal senses. It's actually folded in space several times to make it comfortable for Harmony to exist thanks to Star Swirl. The other Pillars brought in their own specialized magical talents to help create the 'body' that Harmony would be comfortable living in, and thus produce the 'fruit' that would be the Elements of Harmony."

>Twilight raises her hoof.

>"So the Pillars are also the bearers of the Elements then? Star Swirl the Bearded and I had the Element of Magic?"

>Point at her with a wing finger.

"Almost, but wrong."

>Her eyes light up with glee.

>Only she will be happy to be wrong when new knowledge is being shared.

"Think of it like ideals that they poured into the tree that formed into the elements. Element of sorcery, healing, beauty, strength, bravery, and hope. These grew into the Elements."

>Shining Armor rubs his chin.

>"Strength huh? Interesting. So why aren't they called that now?"

>Shrug your wings.

"I think the tree decided the current ones were more appropriate for Equestria."

>"Ok then. You were using Loyalty. What ideal from the Old Pillars matches that then?"

>Turning to the board, you circle Somnambula's cutie mark.

"Hope becomes Loyalty because the bonds of friendship bring hope."

>Twilight 'oohs' at that.

>"Fascinating. So I suppose Sorcery became Magic. That's easy to correlate. Do you still have Star Swirl's notes?

>Shake your head.

>"Tell me more about the pillars."

>Time to buckle down and go full lecture mode.

 

>"I don't know Anon. Wouldn't it be more appropriate that Strength goes with Honesty, Beauty with Generosity, Hope with Laughter, and yours with Bravery."

>Twilight has joined up at the lecture board.

>She's made her own input on the topic by drawing out equations.

>"Not that I don't think your conclusions don't have merit, I just see it working better this way."

>Points to her tree of data.

"First of all, Loyalty isn't 'mine'. I just feel Bravery and Laughter go wing in wing given how they overcome scary threats."

>"But in your presentation Flash was loyal to his band and refused to leave them behind."

"Then Rockhoof would be Loyalty, he refused to allow his village to be destroyed."

>Twilight hums at that and studies the symbol of Sorcery.

>"What did Star Swirl say?"

"He didn't know what the Elements were going to grow into. It's a strange scenario, Harmony had to be grown, but was still a foundational force in the world."

>Shining Armor looks over to Spike next to him, sleeping with an open mouth.

>Then pokes him awake.

>"I do have a question, the threats. What's going on with these vines that guard it?"

>Grab the board, then flip it up to get to the backside.

"The first time the Elements were used was by Princess Luna and Celestia."

>Pause as you start drawing.

"As far as I know."

>Shrug; then do a terrible job of drawing Discord.

"Spirit of Chaos, Discord, was a threat they had no means of stopping. Luna and Celestia searched out the Tree of Harmony and were given the Elements. While successful in defeating him, Discord laid seeds of his own to try and choke out the tree."

>Well that is one ugly drawing of an ugly guy.

"Excuse my anatomy."

>Shining and Twilight look stupefied at the googly eyed monstrosity.

>"He looks like he has a face only a mother could love."

"Nice one, Spike."

>He leans back into his chair, very proud of himself.

>"I do my best."

>"Doesn't he look familiar?"

>Shining taps his chin and stares at the ceiling.

"Now. That is the general story."

>Twilight looks over her notes with glee.

>"I can't wait to cross reference them with other books. Thank you, Anon."

"If you don't mind, I do have a request."

>"Yup?"

>Reach into your saddlebag and pull out a wand.

>Before you can ask, Twilight zips next to you and grabs it.

>"This grain, this rub, this texture. The choice in crystal focus. This is a training wand that Star Swirl himself made!"

>Chuckle nervously as you rub the back of your head.

"I was hiding this one until I could find a teacher. I would like to learn how to use magic like a unicorn."

>Shining Armor looks annoyed.

>"I thought they took all of your stuff?"

"Not all of it, and besides this is a training wand. Nothing special about it outside of who made it."

>You're a cheeky brat.

>Twilight holds it delicately, and looks a little green with envy.

>"Finding so many of his tools must have been incredible. As for teaching you, pegasi to unicorn spell training is not one I'm aware of. I need to research it."

 

>Seems like Twilight doesn't know how the process would work.

>"Unicorn spell to pegasi spell transfiguration is like a language translation. Though perhaps the wand is the shortcut."

>She's enjoying studying this ancient artifact.

>Shining Armor clears his throat.

>"I actually have an answer for you, Anon."

>Ears perk up at that.

>"If it was as simple as a wand to cast spells, you would see it in our military. All of my guards would carry one."

>Well that stinks.

>"It's how impractical it is."

"Come again."

>"Have you tried using it?"

"It doesn't seem to react. I tried commands, gestures, touching it to other magical sources."

>He nods as you list off what you tried.

>"So you need to use your natural spell focus. What makes a pegasus magic work."

"I've already tried holding it with my wing."

>"Wings. Hold it with your wings. Every feather the better."

>Well that's awkward.

>Put the wand in one wing, then bend it up and over your body to meet the other in the middle.

>Feels like a morning stretch routine.

>Then you shuffle your wings along the shaft.

>This is just like trying to hold a stick behind your back.

>You can do it, but this isn't comfortable.

>There's a flash, and a buzzing hum as the crystal lights up.

"Whoa! There it is!"

>Shining Armor smiles as he takes out a camera.

>Why's he taking that out?

>Share with your family?

>That's nice of him.

>"Yup. As you can see, it's impractical. Imagine trying to cast spells while holding it like that?"

"If you have to wear armor, it would be messy."

>Twilight is squeeing as she watches the wand pulse with energy.

>"This is so exciting."

>She clears her throat and takes a more school teacher tone.

>"Let's start with a simple spell. Pick up the chalk."

>Right, let the magic flow to your wing tips.

>No way you could do this while flying.

>"If I had to guess, picture casting the spell by picking it up with your wing."

>Pick it up with wing.

>The wand glows, then it pops!

>A puff of smoke rebounds from the wand.

>You can't see.

"Guys? What happened?"

>Hair blocks your vision.

>Twilight sounds more worried.

>"Anon! What happened? Your coat, tail, and mane have gone wild!"

>You do hear the snap of a camera.

>"Huh, guess she was right. So Anon, you just got pranked. Courtesy of Princess Luna. You're experiencing the afro hair spell."

>So this is what being a dust bunny feels like.

>Maybe you can be the Afro Pony Samurai.

>Wait a moment, something doesn't line up.

"So Luna knew I had this wand? When this wand belongs to Princess Celestia."

>Twilight gasps and starts to hyperventilate.

>"T-t-that that that was Princess Celestia's teaching wand from Star Swirl!?"

>Shining Armor hesitates, thinking of his next words.

>"Yyyyyesss."

"Spike, message Luna. Tell her Celestia is trying to pass off a prank to her. I can't believe I just got pranked by Princess Celestia."

>As soon as he stops laughing.

>You'll let him, you probably look hilarious.

>Wiggle your wings to see if you now float like a puffball.

 

‘Dear Anon, It seems you have fallen victim to my sister’s whimsy. Do not worry, there is a dispel that Twilight should know. Next time you should be more careful when you use other pony’s things. Especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. With love, Princess Celestia.’

 

‘Tis a lie!

Apologizes. I, Princess Luna, must correct this defamatory misinformation. While true, it was a prank that we made, it was for our intended target. My sister. She was supposed to be as puffed up as her pride. Seems she had carelessly thrown away her wand and forgot about it.

Pleasant dreams, Princess Luna.’

 

‘I will repay you both. My prank will come, and you will not be ready.

Anon The Dash’

 

>"All right, Anon. I think I've found the right spell. Hold still."

"The anticipation is driving me giddy."

>You say flatly, Maud style.

>After 15 minutes, Twilight and Spike finally found the recovery spell.

>Lavender light flows over you, mane, tail, and coat return to normalcy.

"Thank you."

>"An amazing spell. It survived this long until you used it is absolutely incredible."

"Would be nice to know how she did it."

>Twilight pats a few stray hairs on your mane back down.

>"Probably layers of extensions."

>You can breathe again, who knew it would also affect nose hairs.

>Look up to Twilight as she sits back down and breathes a sigh of relief.

"I would still like to learn magic."

>"Oh?"

>Twilight studies you, curious that she isn't jumping on it right away.

>You can hear Spike and Shining Armor in the kitchen working.

>"It won't be easy. You have to hold it awkwardly, and I've seen your stamina. While good, you're still young."

"Then make lessons around my limitations. I want to know more."

>She 'hums' as she thinks.

>"I've never really taught anypony before."

>Right, early series Twilight might not be that confident.

"Well maybe you could help me understand it. I've tried reading the books here and it doesn't make much sense to me."

>"Not much different from teaching you. Ok, if you have a question I'll answer it as best as I can."

>Long game this; the more comfortable with it she is, the more she can teach you.

>A tap at the window makes you jerk up and look outside.

>A songbird looks inside, at you, and taps at the window again.

>"A bird?"

"That's Constance."

>Trot up to the window and open it for her.

>Chirping starts quickly.

>'Home. Please. Your father. Sad. Help.'

>With a sigh, you nod yes.

"I was worried about that. Twilight, thanks for letting me hang out with you."

>Twilight seems a little gobsmacked.

>"You can talk to animals too!?"

"Hmm? Oh right. My aunt Fluttershy taught me. I'm nowhere as good as her. I think it might run in the family. Great Grandpa was a bird talker too."

>Gather your stuff into your saddlebag.

"I'll see you around."

>"Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Anon. I had a great time!"

>She smiles sweetly and follows you to the door.

>"Just, consider, not pranking the princesses."

"Twilight."

>Turn around at the door entrance.

"She has a picture of Afro me. Peace was never an option."

>"Oh boy."

>Stretch out your wings and fly off.

>Following close behind Constance.

>Man, what is the state of Zephyr that a song bird called you?

>Assume the worst.

>After a few minutes you see Fluttershy's home.

>With her in the back by her shed.

>Land gently and call out to her.

"Hey auntie."

>Her ear had turned to you before you even landed.

>Fluttershy closes her shed, and sighs.

>She turns back to you as you walk up to her and gives you a hug.

"Where's dad?"

>"Having a tantrum in my room."

"I was afraid of that."

>Glance around and see that some of the animals that prefer to sleep inside are outside.

 

>”Anon, I don’t know.”

>Fluttershy is following close beside you as you look up the stairs to her bedroom.

>"My life is over!!!"

>She cringes, folding her ears down.

>Angel is grumbling.

>'Bite him and kick him out.'

>Ignore his advice, for now.

>Steal your resolve, you really don't know how to approach this.

>A child shouldn't scold their parent.

>Blunt like mom?

>That didn't seem to work.

>Knock on the door.

"I'm coming in."

>Open the door, and find Zephyr lying on the floor with his legs in the air like a dying insect.

>He has a thousand yard stare.

>So you walk up to him, look up, then back down.

>Turn around then violently throw yourself back to lay down on his stomach.

>Air is forced out of his lungs as he wheezes.

>Looking up at the ceiling as he recovers.

"Hmm, not a whole lot going on up there. I see a few nests, maybe that gerbil tunnel we installed to let the rodents run between rooms."

>'cough' That's, ow, not funny. 'cough'

>He relaxes as you feel his muscles stop being so tight.

>"Ow."

>Just wait there, not moving.

>Hear the whistling of birds outside.

>As well as see the beady eyes of most of them watching.

>Dad sighs.

>"I messed up."

"So I heard."

>"No. You haven't. I messed up worse than you heard."

"Hmm."

>Let him talk, maybe he can work this out.

>Who are you kidding?

"What were you hoping would happen with mom?"

>Zephyr groans that sound of him not wanting to think about it.

>Too bad.

"Well in either case, you treated it like you treat your attempts in most things in life."

>"What? Not hard enough? Apply myself? Or maybe what Fluttershy says, 'Show that you care more'."

>That last part sounds like it burns him with how he grumbles.

>"I do care! I do care about you. And her. She set impossible standards that no pony can reach. Like she didn't want me to succeed."

"Huh."

>"What? What 'huh?'

"Just sounds like a common problem we three share. Afraid that we can succeed in supporting each other. Mom thinks she isn't doing a good job, I think I'm a failure of a son holding everyone back."

>"That's not true."

>He flops a wing on your face with a playful bap.

>Then he stops, and thinks.

>"Huh. Yeah. I guess we do."

"So just like how I'm getting help, so should you. Stop pining after mom."

>He freezes at that.

>"You think we shouldn't be together?"

"No."

>"O-o-oh."

"I don't even know if the guy she's dating should be with her. I don't know him."

>Hope this doesn't sound like a child gate keeping their mom.

>Time to use that forbidden show knowledge.

"You've avoided the chance for failure. Pretend that everything is okay, I should know, I did it. But we can't wait forever, a result will happen. And failure still happened. So now here you are, crying in your sister's room."

>His lips wobble with grief.

>"It's miserable."

"Yeah. You are going to have to accept this failure. That door is closed, don't count on it opening back up again. Find something to do that will help you move on. I recommend Mane Beauty School."

 

>"Anon. I have a secret to confess."

>Like you don't have a million of those.

>"I flunked out of Mane School."

>He throws his head back, now completely flat against the floor.

"Well good news about school, you can do it again. You can do manes, you've played with mine enough. Put in the effort. Don't let fear of failure lead you to fail. It becomes a death cycle."

>"Right."

>He sounds like he's listening.

>Five seasons early, and he might become a functioning adult before Discord even shows up.

"See you at home. I think Grandma Posey is making tonight's meal."

>"See you then champ."

 

>Dinner is a bit awkward.

>One set of grandparents are excited.

>The other, you can tell just how disappointed they are.

>Fluttershy and Zephyr did not show up.

>A bird left a message saying they were busy.

>Hope they're okay.

>Dash is reluctant to talk about much.

>She looks down at her meal a little dour.

>That doesn't deter Grandma Whistle or Grandpa Bow.

>It never does.

>"So Dashie, word on the ground is that you were showing a handsome guard around town."

>"Hmm? Oh yeah. He asked to be shown around town to help his team out."

"I met Captain Shining Armor at the library."

>Grandpa Bow gives you a high-wing.

>"Very cool, Anon! Did you have fun with him?"

>Hopefully they don't find out about your puffball form.

"I had more fun with Twilight talking about magic and history, he was mostly there to listen."

>"Aw, our little colt is so brilliant and smart."

>Thanks Grandma Whistle.

>Rainbow smiles at that, and finally takes a bite of her meal.

>You notice Grandma Posey and Grandpa Breeze are still glancing at each other.

>No doubt they know what happened with Zephyr.

>Posey is the one to poke the subject again.

>"Dash, dear, this Royal Guard, you met him before?"

>Rainbow pauses with a mouthful, and before she can answer Bow is on the case.

>"That is him! Remember that newspaper article? Got a picture of him escorting both of them in Canterlot. Our Dashie made an impact on him!"

>With a loud gulp, Dash cringes a bit.

>"Don't look too much into it. I was just helping him out today."

>Did the date go bad?

>Or maybe yelling at Zephyr put her in a funk.

>Let's try to bring the temperature down.

"So before any of you go home next week, do you want to meet Lily? I know you've helped with our date, but maybe we can have some fun together."

>Breeze and Posey perk up.

>"Oh, that sounds nice."

>Not surprised that Bow and Whistle were on board before you can finish the sentence.

>"Brilliant idea! Just need to avoid apple trees. She might buck it out of town again."

"Nothing too fancy, just like walking around the park."

>Grandpa Breeze twitches his mustache.

>"I hope Captain Current can show up, his seafaring adventures are fascinating."

>Posey's tiny smile seems to agree.

>Bow and Whistle lean closer to you.

>"Then maybe you can get a kiss on the cheek from Lily. We still don't have a picture in the Anon Dash journal."

"Uh, if she offers."

>"Maybe you can kiss her. It'll be the first kiss you've given!"

"Uuuuuuh, I dunno. I don't want to make it awkward."

>Kiss her!

>Yourself!

>Are you allowed to do that?

>The empty plate in front of you is much more interesting to stare at now.

>Rainbow chuckles as your ears burn.

>"Don't over think it, Anon. Besides, you sang for her."

"That's different!"

>She leans an arm on the table.

>"Anon, you bet it made her heart flutter."

"I know my stomach was fluttering."

>Must be how Fluttershy feels all the time.

"Just a walk in the park guys, and maybe swing by Sugar Cube Corner."

>"Perfect."

 

>You still want to know about the date with Dash and Royal.

>Decided to not bug her at dinner, the folks were already doing that.

>Hovering in the air, you hold one cloud hand over each wing.

>"Hold them together. I don't want to see them drift."

>Mom is smugly pushing a moderate breeze at you.

>"Hold them, hold them. You control the clouds."

>Then she pushes the air harder.

>The clouds are trying to dissolve.

>Force your will on them.

>Like trying to spread your pegasi abilities in two different ways.

>Slow hovering while making the clouds keep their form.

>Reminds you of a lateral raise and dipping.

>It also burns like it.

>Dash grins mischievously, then shifts the wind into an updraft.

>You lose the clouds immediately; couldn't redirect fast enough.

"Dang."

>"Not just about control, Anon. Got to anticipate and react. Flexibility, strength, and control."

"Those clouds don't want to hold together."

>"Of course they don't. They want to go with the rest of the weather. You have to master that weather and they'll listen to you."

"So what do you have to do if you want to challenge yourself with that exercise?"

>"Me? Hmm, guess one cloud would have to be a high altitude and the other a dense thundercloud while sitting in a tornado."

>No way.

"You can't be serious."

>Dash shrugs and flips lazily.

>"Yeah, not a practical exercise."

>Not what you meant.

>Both of you hover back down to the ground and you guzzle a waiting water bottle.

>Gasp for air after having your fill.

>Dash sips hers.

"I know you had your fill at dinner."

>Rainbow pauses as she scrunches her nose.

>"Ah."

"I wanted to wait. So what happened with Royal Guard?"

>She looks towards Ponyville.

>"Well, I wasn't really in the right headspace. It was awkward. I think I blew it."

>Depends on how he was acting.

"What about him?"

>"Royal was quiet for most of it. Not a lot of chatting between us."

>Both in a funk?

"I see. Well, I know dad can put you in a bad mood."

>Which explains why he didn't show up to this workout.

>Not that he was showing up anymore, but especially to this one.

>"Yeah I know. He can really get under my coat. I shouldn't use that as an excuse. I just."

>Rainbow stops and looks at you; really looks deep.

>"You deserve more."

"I got you."

>"Hmph."

>She glances up to a familiar figure trotting down the path.

>"I see Lily. Go to school squirt. I'll see you later."

>And like a bolt of light, she zooms up and away to work.

>Deserve more?

>Rubs you wrong thinking that way.

>Feels selfish, but you are the child in this relationship.

>Can't wait to be Anon Stallion so you can do more.

>"Anon, you're doing that deep thinking thing again."

"Yeah, just wish I could grow up."

>"I totally understand that. I want to be a grownup too. Then I can eat all of Bon Bon's bonbons whenever I want."

"Just candy?"

>You ask with a sly smirk.

>"Oh and go sky diving, ride a bike without a helmet, and stay up late eating popcorn."

"Living dangerously."

 

>Not surprisingly, Lily said yes to walking around the park with your grandparents and you.

>Ponies are all about that herd unity.

>You kind of stick out for not being like that.

>Lily practically Pinkie Pie bounced her way to the park when she sees you waiting there.

>"Hi Anon! Again. Finish your homework already again?"

>Also you still have a reputation for finishing the homework before you even leave the school.

"Yeah. It was okay. You?"

>She sticks her tongue out with playful frustration.

>"No! Only half done. Will have to finish after our walk."

>Lily's pigtails flop around as she tilts up at the grandparents.

>"Hi. I like your mustache."

>Grandpa Breeze's fluffy mustache twitches with surprise.

>"Oh! Thank you sweet heart."

>Then, like any young foal, Lily runs ahead.

>"Come on guys! The grass on the second knoll is especially tasty!"

>Clear Trail calls out to her daughter as you try to chase after her.

>"Don't ruin her dinner."

>Just to be fair, you don't fly.

>Bound after her.

>Lily stops with a skidding halt and turns to wait for you.

>"Anon! It smells great."

>At least that makes her happy, grass is fine.

>Glad pegasi have a taste for fish.

"You eat the grass at school, how is this tastier?"

>Lily shrugs and she takes a big ol' chomp.

>"I dunno."

>Take a polite nibble so you won't be just standing around awkwardly.

>You're a horse.

>Damn it.

>Grandma Posey passes between the two of you and makes note of the flowers around.

>She's about to do her favorite pastime.

>It's only a few minutes before she finishes.

>Lily, dear. I have something for you."

>She looks up from her snack to see a set of different flower crowns.

>The crowns are intertwined with feather thin vines twisted to be soft velvet threads.

>Lily's eyes light up when she sees them.

>Posey presents them all as a gift.

>"This one is made of lilac, this one is posey, and this crown is made after your namesake!"

>"Lily! I'll take the lily crown!"

>She giggles uncontrollably like she was given a royal princess gift.

>Grandma then looks at you.

>"I know which one you want, please don't eat all the lilacs before we finish our walk."

"I'll refrain from nibbling as best as my willpower will allow."

>Posey sighs, as she attempts to crown you with lilac.

>Playful bite at it, but refrain from the purple treat.

>Captain Current smiles as Lily hops over to him to show off her crown.

>"What do we say?"

>"Thanks Mrs. Posey. Do you always make flower crowns?"

>Grandma shyly grins.

>"I dabble with the flower arts."

>"But aren't you from Cloudsdale? How do you grow flowers?"

>Grandpa politely clears his throat.

>"I make special cloud soils to grow gardens."

>Current gives him a playful nudge.

>"A fine piece of cloud magic. Thanks to you it's easy to make food out on the ocean as long as we have clouds."

>Lily 'huh' with a little confusion.

"Grandpa did work in advanced schooling research and developed soil clouds. He's very smart."

>"Oh. Ok. Does cloud grown grass taste good?"

 

>Grandpa thinks for a moment.

>"Hold on, I think I've made some at Rainbow Dash's home. Anon, do you mind?"

>With a salute, your wings pop open like switchblades and you blast off.

>Thanks to the training mom has been doing with you, you keep the dust from kicking up.

>Dodge between other flying pegasi until you screech to a halt in front of the house.

>Grass is starting to spread across the cloud yard.

>Don't take it by biting a chunk out.

>Sharing with saliva grass would probably be gross.

>Or might be seen as an indirect kiss.

>Let's not test that.

>Push out a section of cloud with a head of grass.

>Then zoom off, protecting the grass from getting blown too hard.

>Land back without a hitch.

>Captain Current looks at a watch.

>"You're right, Breeze. Ten seconds flat."

>"Our colt is very fast."

>Get a soft head noggie as a reward from grandpa, followed by a kiss on the head.

>Blush slightly then hand off the grass for Lily to taste.

>She takes a quick bite, not even nibbling for a safety taste.

>Lily crunches on it hastily, then swallows.

>"I like how fresh it tastes! Crisp!"

>"Ok honey, that's enough snacking. Dinner remember?"

>Clear Trails pats her daughter on the back.

>"Okay mom."

>Then Lily gets close to you.

>"You fly really fast. How fast do you run?"

"Wanna race?"

>"Of course silly. I wouldn't bring it up if I didn't."

>Captain Current looks up to a tree farther away.

>"Make it to the tree and back here to win. 3, 2."

>Both of you spring into place, muscles tightening.

>"1, go!"

>It isn't really fair, Lily is strong.

>Very strong.

>You, however, are made from speed.

>Just like with the running of the leaves between AJ and Dash, the lack of wings doesn't guarantee the earth pony wins.

>Lily gasps in surprise when you pull ahead.

>She tries to lock in, focuses her eyes on the target and tries to gain on you.

>The ground beneath her cracks from her impacts.

>Now she's gaining.

>So you increase speed by 25%.

>"How are you so fast!?"

>Stop at the tree, then bounce off of it passing over her.

>Hear her skip to a stop before she spins around to try and catch you.

>The earth doesn't react to your light steps.

>Unlike her powerful strides.

>Can feel her galloping behind you.

>Zoom past Captain Current, and stop safely.

>Only for Lily to crash into you as she tries to halt her powerful stride.

>Fast you may be, light you truly are.

>Get bowled over and land on your back with her soft filly belly landing on your face.

>Suck in air in surprise, and she screams with laughter from the sudden raspberrying.

>Looks like you won, but at what cost?

>Lily rolls off of you clutching her ticklish belly.

>Coughing you try to roll back on your legs.

>Posey and Trail are already on the both of you trying to see if you two were hurt.

>You see Grandpa and Current shaking their heads at your mishap.

"Sorry, Lily. I didn't mean to tickle you."

>Lily puffs her cheeks out at you with a blush painted all over her face.

>"Don't do that again!"

 

>Well the first park date ended with both of you embarrassed to high heavens.

>Now you get round two!

>This time with Grandpa Bow and Grandma Whistle.

>So while your Fluttershy sided grandparents were chill with simply walking through the park.

>Not these two.

>It's game time.

>"Anon! Go long!"

>Grandpa Bow has a hoofball ready, and Captain Current is loving it and is ready to beat you to the ball.

>"Gotta go fast colt."

>On the side, Whistle, Trail, and Lily are cheering you on.

>Wearing cute cheerleading outfits that Grandma Whistle prepared.

>Clear Trail was cheering on her husband, because of course.

>"Don't embarrass the colt too much honey!"

>Windy Whistle has you number one colt in this battle, and in her heart.

>"Anon! You're the best! Go, go, go!"

>"Dad! I love you! Get the ball!"

>Lily cheers on her father, because that's her daddy.

>You agreed to not use your wings.

>Air camping isn't cool.

>Even if Current is bigger than you.

>Bow Hothoof, has a fantastic throw.

>Could have been in the big leagues.

>Or maybe he was, I ain't telling you reader.

>Like a missile, the hoofball goes flying.

>Zipping across the park, a sea captain blazes his path alongside you.

>Current, is faster on a straight run.

>But you, are a little shit.

>Can see the ball is landing ahead.

>Captain Current flips around to get into position to snatch the ball in the air.

>So you jump on his back, then leap up like he's a springboard.

>Or a plank if you're being funny.

>Walk the plank, or in this case, bounce off it.

>His bulky frame doesn't even flinch from your light hooves, and you leap high up to snatch the ball.

>Roll in the air acrobatically, and land like a champ.

>Whistle cheers with glee.

>Current snorts with frustration.

>"Oh you're a clever one laddy. Be a right pain in the neck for pirates if you were on my crew."

"Do you have foals in your crew?"

>"Eh, it happened once. Had a stowaway from an island. He stayed with us for a month before we can return him home. Got his cutie mark too."

"Looking forward to getting mine. I'm in the right age for it to show up."

>Toss the ball to Current so he can throw it back to Bow.

>Earth pony strength does so with ease.

>"I wish I was around when Lily got her cutie mark."

"I remember when she did, got to show it off in class. It's always a happy event that we get to present to our class."

>Bow is prepping another throw.

"Hopefully mine won't take too long to show up."

>"Hmm, and you didn't get one when you used those magical artifacts. Maybe something bigger needs to happen?"

"Or maybe I just get one with a set of birds on it. It doesn't have to be the most important cutie mark in the world. Just mine."

>Current chuckles.

>"It's still special regardless."

>He pauses as his jaw tightens.

>"Oh."

"What?"

>You look and see.

"Oh."

>Grandpa Bow isn't holding the ball anymore.

>Lily Longsocks has it.

>"Anon! I want you to go long."

 

>Captain Current shakes his mane as he steps aside.

>"I ain't catching that one. Colt, you better use those wings of yours or that ball is going missing."

>She can pick up boulders with ease.

>Crushes rocks like they're a breeze.

>Can you catch a hoofball thrown by her?

>Grandpa Bow seems to believe you'll get his ball back.

>Wings break free from your sides.

>Only one way to find out.

>Tense up your muscles, eyes focus just on her.

>And she's looking directly at you.

>Both of you are just staring each other down.

>That skirt is really cute on her.

>Is it getting warm in here?

>Lily's forelimb goes back and then throws.

>It flops about a foot in front of her.

>You trip on your limbs and fall flat on your face in confusion.

>Shake your mane as you bounce back up.

"What was that!?"

>That's when you see it, her mischievous glint in her eye.

>Lily's hind leg is twisted back, and she punts it.

>Flat winged, you weren't ready to be tricked.

>So this is what Charlie Brown feels like.

>A shock wave is felt as the ball streaks straight towards the stratosphere.

>Must be getting back at you for beating her yesterday.

>Don't bother holding back the dust, everything is kicked up in a tornado of feathers.

>It is so far away now.

>Try your best to not lose sight of it.

>You weren't being hyperbolic, this thing might reach low orbit.

>Grateful that Ponyville doesn't have a lot of air traffic.

>Control air flow, don't spastically flap your wings, let it all flow around you.

>Gravity starts to take the ball, and you're right there to nab it.

>From this high up, you can see everything.

>Cloudsdale from this high up, might be able to point out the grandparents' houses.

>Air is thin, but your body can handle it.

>Close your eyes, then drop.

>Feathers spread out, then you tighten up.

>Twist around to start dropping headlong.

>Tuck the ball safely.

>From this high up, you can gain enough speed for an aircone to appear around you.

>Could you do a Sonic Rainboom?

>Don't know, but you can save it for another day.

>Tiny dots turn into fuzzy figures.

>Make out Lily from the group.

>They see you coming, the trail you're leaving behind is like mom's.

>Ground is coming up fast.

>Now everypony can see how fast you're going.

>Just as you can see the color of Lily's eyes, you throw open your wings.

>Air is displaced heavily, any dust that was kicked up from your launch is thrown down by the air.

>Loose leaves in the trees go flying.

>Lily's skirt might have been blown up.

>Brake almost instantly.

>Like the eye of a storm, what was once a flurry of activity is now calm.

>After pausing in the air, you float down and breathe out.

"Nice throw."

 

>Sitting in class, most of the students are still abuzz about the guards.

>They've seen actual weapons and gear being brought into town.

>Which you think is pretty cool.

>This show never did go into military stuff.

>Fanfiction did, but you've only seen a handful of things that it was correct about.

>Which was pretty much luck.

>Then again, if you asked where you're at right now you would call it fanfiction.

>Just happen to be living it.

>Scootaloo nudges you with a wing.

>"Did Noi bother you?"

"She wasn't bothering me."

>"Just so you know I'll be there so expect some really tough questions. No wiggling or whining."

"Fine, fine. If you ask me something weird though, I will refuse."

>Terms have been established.

>Cheerilee glances into the room.

>"Class, you wouldn't guess who's showing up!"

>That sing-songy tone implies a surprise.

>As she bounces in the room, two guards follow behind her.

>And the foals go wild.

>Royal Armor, and a mare you don't recognize.

>Very chocolate brown.

>They all seem pleased to have such an enthusiastic audience.

>You sit quietly.

>Fillies are blasting away with questions until Cheerilee shouts over them.

>"Settle down class! Settle down. We'll get to questions."

>Not yelling now, but a low grade murmur of energy is present.

>"Thank you class. Now please, introduce yourselves."

>The mare guard steps up.

>"Hello Ponyville class. I'm Corporal Honour Bound."

>No way.

>You were just making fun of fanfiction.

>"I'm typically in charge of leading a special unit of guards at the Princesses commands. Yes, young filly with the raised hoof."

>Applebloom is vibrating in her seat.

>"What do your cutie marks look like?"

>The guards look at each other then turn to their sides.

>"This is a Cross of Justice."

>"And I have a shield throwing a spear aside."

>The class 'ooh's' and 'ah's.

>"I'm Royal Guard, my position is that of castle cavalry."

>Noi stands up in her seat, hooves on her desk.

>"You were with Rainbow Dash!"

>Royal Guard chuckles nervously.

>"Ah, yes that was me. She was helping me get familiar with the town. Captain Shining Armor wanted to know the best way to not be a hindrance to the citizens of Ponyville."

>And you went directly to Rainbow.

>So why are you two here?

>Snips raises his hoof.

>"So what does a castle cavalry do?"

>Honour answers for him.

>"Keep the castle safe, and make sure guests are well taken care of."

>Snips nods slowly.

>"Right, like an extra tough maid."

"Butler."

>"That too. Why are you all here? Never seen so many guards."

>Honour clears her throat.

>"As for why we're here. A very secret mission in the Everfree Forest.

>Hear some foals grumble about Snips sneaking in a second question.

>More hooves shoot up, hoping to be answered next.

>Which they do eventually, but you do notice that both of them glance towards you.

>Waiting for you to ask a question?

>The questions are all over the place.

>Favorite snack, do you sing while you guard, scariest thing you've ever had to do.

 

>Lily leans over to you, which isn't far given how close she's scooted your chairs together.

>"Anon, you haven't asked a question yet."

>Shrug, so you can be nonchalant.

>They're definitely paying attention to you.

>Hoping for an opening.

>Something must have happened, or a pony guard got hurt during the investigation.

>Then on the other side of your face, Cheerilee also leans close to you.

>When did you start swimming in mares?

>"Anon. Everypony in class has asked a question."

>Right, you're the star student.

>If the guards wanted to question you, they would have to ask permission from your teacher.

>And Cheerilee is an opportunist.

>Picture it, 'we want to speak with Anon'.

>'Sure, if you can be guest presenters for my class.'

>What other opportunity would she have?

>Must not be super serious if they didn't just force their authority.

>You're a tool in a game between adults.

>A feeling of rebellion rises from your depths.

>Raise your hoof.

>"Anon! Please ask away."

>Sit up straight and speak clearly.

"During the issued duel of 790 CE (Celestia's Reign), an earth pony knight wearing a juggernaut armor proclaimed they could defeat an archmage in a duel. It was refused, because the archmage found the rules for the duel were biased for the earth pony. In your opinion, who would have won that duel?"

>Scholars have argued over this shit for centuries.

>It left the entire room quiet, and the two guards were flathooved.

>Even Cheerilee is just 'uuuh'ing.

>Royal Guard looks up to think.

>You throw a tennis ball you've had prepped in the blink of an eye.

>It goes flying, and right as it's moments of bopping his chest.

>His leg reactively goes down and deflects it back.

>Unlike the first time you tried this shit, you're ready.

>Knock it straight back at him.

>The other adults are stunned at the audacity.

"Everypony, he says he can deflect everything. Throw your balls!"

>Cheerilee screams 'what!?"

>Almost half of the other students react to this sudden game.

>Royal Guard finds a wall of balls thrown in his direction.

>Honour Bound dodges out of the way.

>"Royal! Not now!"

>"Yes ma'am."

>Then you see it, his real potential.

>Not dealing with a single little colt.

>There's a blur of movement, and the balls drop softly at his hooves.

>The room is quiet.

>A pair of teeth grab you by the neck scruff.

>Cheerilee looks furious.

>"Young colt! You are going to have detention."

>Crane your head to see her.

"I don't like being used as a bargaining chip."

>She snorts, frustration not well hidden.

>Carrying you towards the door she looks at the guards.

>"Come on, ask your questions to him."

>Most of the class have mixed reactions, but they never thought you would pull this.

>Gently, she puts you down in the hallway.

>"I can't believe you."

"They sent a pony who knows me so I would be more agreeable."

>"They're still authority figures, not playmates."

>Royal Guard and Honour Bound quietly close the door.

"Well, no need to be coy. What happened?"

 

"So you did ask Ms. Cheerilee for permission to chat with me."

>Teacher is a shrewd mare.

>Always on the look out to make class engaging for her students.

>Honour Bound sighs, and nods.

>Just the three of you in the hallway.

>She gives Royal Guard a blistering glare.

>"We were supposed to be professional about it, not become a gymnasium."

>Royal, in turn, looks particularly frustrated with you.

>Remain adult enough to not try to place blame on you.

>"Anon, we might have come across a problem. Our unicorn specialist team experienced intense disruption despite not being near any vines."

>Hmm, that sounds like the magic disrupting spores.

>Probably was visible for the benefit of the audience, but seeing them might actually be difficult.

"So you were warned about the vines' capabilities?"

>"Of course, deadly strong, flexible vines, stunning gas from the venus fly trap plants, thunder clouds, and we already figured out the strange chaotic magical pollen. The mission details was very clear."

>At least competency is still present with the Princesses.

>Would've been dumb if they sent their guards in without telling them what's up.

>The plants were also very violent when you showed up.

"We're dealing with a localized potency problem. They are capable of worming their way up to Canterlot to kidnap ponies. All of that is contained into one area. If they release the spores, it is going to be more potent."

>Honour Bound sits on her haunches and thinks.

>"As well as their capacity to detect magical ponies. This is getting more dangerous, we got lucky Shining Armor was close enough to save them."

>She tenses at a thought that sours her face.

>"Young colt, how many times did you visit that place? It wasn't just once, was it?"

>Ah, yeah.

>She got you figured out.

"Yup?"

>Royal Guard groans at that thought.

"I did some tests. Just to see if I could find a weakness. Outside of using massively powerful magical artifacts."

>"Did you find anything?"

"No, sorry."

>But you did collect samples.

"When it was trying to be 'tricky', it tried the other tools. Gas and spores."

>You were trying to capture one of the vine storm clouds.

"I have a magic fly paper that I was able to capture some of the spores on."

>Royal and Honour look at each other.

>"The research team might be able to create filters if they have some of those spores. Trying to acquire samples has been difficult."

"Maybe not a filter, but a focus for them. They want unicorn horns. Treat it like a bug zapper."

>Honour sighs happily and pats Royal on the back.

>"Good call, Royal. The colt did have a good idea. Where's your stuff?"

"Hollowed tree trunk along the river, north side. You might find balloons in there as well. Had to share space with Pinkie Pie."

>Royal Guard gives you a small smirk.

>"You're full of surprises, but I can count on you for that."

>Want to ask him about the Rainbow situation, but decide to leave that alone.

"Good luck. I'm am trusting my life that you do this right."

 

>Scootaloo seems upset, couldn't figure out why.

>"You would get in trouble just so you could weasel your way out of coming to the Rainbow Dash club meeting."

"Now you want me to go. What's the big deal? I can come another day."

>It's lunch break in the school yard.

>Enjoy another box meal, this one made by your Aunt Fluttershy.

>Get to enjoy the fruits of her home, like eggs.

>Occasionally she will roll rice and fish together in a proto-sushi.

>Not this time.

>Aura and Noi sit across from you, pouting.

>"We had it all prepped for today."

"Like what, your shrine?"

>Noi sticks her tongue out.

>"Maybe."

>"I thought it was cool we got to throw balls at that guard."

>Snails and Snips seemed to have enjoyed the show more than the fillies.

>"Dude, that was like, crazy how you just threw the ball at him."

>"Right in Cheerilee's face too. I would never do that."

>At least they had fun.

>"I have an idea though."

>Everyone turns to look at Snips.

>"Instead of just giving up, why not just ask him now?"

>Scootaloo taps the table at that, and looks around.

>"Guess we have an emergency Rainbow Dash club meeting. Fine. Aura, Noi, do it."

>The fillies salute, then become a cartoon dust cloud of activity around you.

>Snips and Snails sit there with their own pouts.

>"They never let us help set up."

>Scootaloo doesn't seem sympathetic.

>"Last time I let you two set up I was cleaning up glue in my room for a month."

>Makeshift walls spring up around you.

>A saw hammers away, a hammer saws away.

>Nails glue together the poster to make the 'ceiling'.

>It's all very bizarre.

>As climatically as it started, it all ends in little fanfare.

>Aura and Noi pant as they put down their filly tools.

>Both are covered in dust and sweat.

>"Done."

>Scootalloo looks around the room.

>"Just need one thing."

>She takes out a poster with Dash's mug on it.

>Then pins it to the wall behind her.

>"Now then."

>A spotlight is shined over your head like you're in an interrogation room.

>"Where were you on the night of the 43rd?"

>Raise an eyebrow at that.

"Asleep."

>"Incorrect, there isn't a 43rd."

"I would still be asleep if there was."

>"Darn, you got me."

>"Scootaloo, stop wasting time with silly questions."

>Noi complains as she sits down.

>Scoots playfully groans at the audacity of her authority being questioned.

>"Fine. Bug him at your leisure."

>Spotlight still overhead, you mentally prepare yourself.

>Snips asks the first question.

>"So you're like an egghead, which Dash isn't. I don't get it. How?"

>Brilliant, you're also going to get roasted.

"My mom is smart. Just a more kinetic learner. She can read books. When I was younger she read Daring Do to me for bedtime."

>That earns a jealous look from everyone.

>"Anon?"

>Lily lifts a flap that is the front door.

>"Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, they want to have a club meeting."

>Lily looks at all of them like they're a bunch of weirdos.

>"Ok."

>She closes the door.

>Aura scoots Snips out of the way.

 

>"My turn!"

>Aura makes sure the interrogation light sets the mood.

>"Do you think I'm cute?"

>"Aura! Ask him a serious question!"

>Aura snorts a filly snort.

>"Fine. How fast can you fly? Rainbow Dash can make a Sonic Rainboom, which is so cool and fast."

"I've gotten the air cone, but I haven't tried the Sonic Rainboom. I promised Dash that if I try it she'll be there to witness it."

>Aura claps her hooves with glee.

>"Yes! That sounds cool. Doing it soon?"

"Second question already? Next pony."

>"Oh come on!"

>Snails politely pushes her aside.

>"So, from one colt to another, when your horn itches, what's your preferred tool to file it?"

>...

"Snails. I'm a pegasus."

>He blinks slowly.

>"Oh right. If you ever get a horn I'd recommend the Fleur Brand. It's pretty popular in Canterlot."

"Okay. You, uh, want to ask me a question?"

>Snail taps his chin, all the other club members drag their hooves across their face in frustration.

>"You eat fish. Did Dash teach you?"

>In an instant, all of them perk up with that interesting question.

"I got taught by both Dash and Fluttershy. Dash prefers to dive bomb. Which I guess isn't all that surprising. Fluttershy does dive bomb occasionally, but she has some other techniques depending on what she wants to catch, or if she's teaching an animal how to fish. You have to be careful when you're dive bombing, your eyes can get hurt."

>Snails nods.

>"Cool."

>Noi jumps up from her seat, onto the table, giving you a real close up look.

>"Listen here, Anon. I have an important question I want answered."

"This better not be weird."

>"It isn't."

>She whines at that accusation.

>"What does Rainbow Dash's milk taste like when you were nursing?"

"You said it wasn't going to be weird!"

>You do remember.

"Ask Fluttershy."

>Noi scrunches her face in confusion.

>"Why?"

"She told me she had to be wet nurse for Dash a few times. My aunt was really into infant nutrition so she can answer that for you."

>Fluttershy's milk was unbelievably good.

>Scootaloo puts that down in her notes.

>"Reminder to interview Fluttershy about Rainbow Dash."

"Any other questions before lunch ends?"

>Scoots stands up straight.

>"All right, one more. Anon, what do you think your cutie mark will be?"

>A classic question.

>You lean back and ponder.

"If I had to guess, based on my behavior and what I like to do, it would be an open book with a question mark on the cover. I'm always searching for the truth. Always want to know more. Makes me happy."

>They all look at each other, seemingly satisfied with that.

>"Sounds like a good one."

>That's when the bell rings.

"Gotta go! See you all in class."

>Scootaloo turns to Snail and Snips.

>"All right you two, demolition time."

>"Yes!!!"

 

---

>This was written by a different Anon.

>It's a lazy midday for a lazy stallion.

>Zephyr lazily saunters down from Fluttershy's guest bedroom.

>He wanders into Fluttershy's sitting room on the way into her kitchen.

>He thinks about making a daisy sandwich and maybe snagging a bottle of cider.

>A nice treat for himself for a lack of job well done.

>He spots Fluttershy getting up from her couch after placing a feather between the pages of a book she was reading.

>Probably that weird Neighponese stuff she likes.

>She trots up to a little playpen in the corner.

>Her nephew, Anon, is batting a ball back and forth with Harry the bear, a small smile on his cute little face.

>"Nonny, it's lunchtime~" Fluttershy calls in a sing-song voice.

>She lifts the little green foal out of the playpen and for a moment, Zephyr could swear that his son's expression visibly lit up.

>But that's silly, right? Anon can't even talk yet.

>Does a foal even recognise words at that age?

>Zephyr stares in fascination at his son enthusiastically nuzzling into Fluttershy's leaking bosom, coming back up for air with a dopey grin, then diving back in.

>"Don't you think he's a little too... excited?" He asks tentatively, having never been in the same room whenever Anon needed feeding.

>Fluttershy rolls her eyes at her brother.

>"Zephyr, he's a foal. A growing one at that." She replies flatly.

>She looks down and smiles at her little green nephew.

>"Yes, you're a very hungry little colt, aren't you Nonny? You're going to grow big and strong, yes you will!"

>Fluttershy coos and simpers maternally, guiding Anon to finally latch on to her nipple properly.

>Zephyr's brow furrows and his lips press tighter together as he watches his son with a faint trace of guilty suspicion in his mind.

>He decides after a moment that he's being ridiculous and continues on his quest into his sister's kitchen.

>Meanwhile, our little shit Anon was making the most of the disguise of youthful, babyish exuberance.

>Motorboating, jiggling Fluttershy's teats between his little hooves like supple stress toys.

>And of course some of the tastiest, richest and sweetest milk that has ever passed his lips, in this life or the last.

>This gives Anon a strangely wistful feeling as he gulps down his liquid lunch.

>The cloak of innocence behind his actions will only last until he is eventually weaned from yellow heaven.

>But in the meantime, he will not squander this blessing the universe has given him.

---

 

>Be Rainbow Dash, chilling out with the mare gals.

>It's the lunch get together.

>Applejack looks like she's worked pretty hard this morning, but not exhausted like Anon predicted she would be.

>Granted, the entire town decided to chip in on the harvest, so now AJ is ahead of schedule.

>Then there's Fluttershy, you haven't seen her since you blew up at Zephyr.

"Hey, you okay?"

>You whisper to her.

>Her ear flicks toward you, then shakes her head.

>"He went to my parent's home to mope and look at pictures. I want to think he's reflecting on his actions, but I don't know."

"Well good news, your parents had a great time with Anon and his fillyfriend at the park."

>"Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, darlings, whatever are you two scheming about over there?"

>Rarity has a rather large brim hat that is only staying on her because her horn is slotted into a hole.

"Just saying hi to her. Why?"

>"Word on the street is that you have nabbed a royal guard already."

>That earns a reluctant groan from Twilight of all ponies.

>"Not you too, Rarity."

>"What? Twilight, I was asking about the strapping stallion she was escorting."

>"Yeah, you and every other mare in town. Do you know how many mares have shown up to the library to ask about my brother? Too many! Most of them still have books from when the previous librarian was still in charge."

"Brother? Oh right, Anon mentioned that Shining Armor dude."

>Twilight looks like she's thinking back on that meeting.

>"Did Anon mention anything about learning magic from me?"

"Well, he's tried reading magic books. Probably wants a special tutor."

>"We are getting far off topic."

>Rarity trying to steer the topic back.

>Applejack seems to hum in agreement.

>"Actually agree with Rarity here. You, ah, going to see that stallion?"

"Since when did you care?"

>Applejack frowns at that.

"Sorry, that came out meaner than I meant."

>"Well if you gotta know, watching you trying to be a mom has put things into perspective for me. It's tough. Might put that boy in a right place having a stallion guide him, instead of causing mischief."

"Hey, the entire town coming to harvest was not his fault."

>AJ leans back and chews on her straw.

>Pinkie is bubbling her soft drink, creating fizzies in the fizzles as she likes to say.

>Popping her head up to put in her own two bits.

>She puts three bits in front of you.

>"You seemed awfully upset when you were walking around town with him. You sure he's the one?"

"That had nothing to do with him."

>"Well he seemed really frowny too."

"Uh, I, uh, buck. I didn't really notice."

>Stupid, stupid, brain.

>Just not focusing.

>Fluttershy whispers out a 'hey' that gets all of your attention.

>"He felt, maybe a little, just a teensy-weensy bit, guilty."

>"Oh, drama! Tell us more!"

"Cut it out Rarity. Guilty? How?"

>"About Zephyr freaking out."

"That's not his fault!"

>"Did Royal Guard tell you he wasn't supposed to be here?"

"No. I didn't know."

>"Wait, he wasn't?"

>Twilight sounds surprised.

 

>Twilight shifts her weight as she thinks.

>"I've probably meet him before. How did you meet him?"

"He was our escort."

>"Oh. Oh! He's castle cavalry. He's right, he supposed to be part of the final defense for the castle. He isn't part of field excursions."

>Fluttershy sheds some of nervous aura

>"Royal did say he expected a no for an answer."

>"How romantic. He's pining for you Dash."

"Well he was. Now I'm wondering if I blew it."

>Rarity stirs her teacup.

>"If he was given permission to see you, then I expect a higher hoof is at play. I have an idea who."

>She sings out that sentence like a brilliant idea has dawned on her and she's eager to share.

>Twilight seems to share your confusion.

>"Who could possibly go over my brother? Princess Celestia?"

>Pinkie giggles as she seems to put the pieces together.

>"Think pinker! Like me."

"Princess Cadance. I guess that could make sense. Twilight, you know her, is that up her jet stream?"

>A blush comes across Twilight's face and she starts to mumble.

>"She does like to bring ponies together. I've seen her do it."

>Twilight quickly clears her throat.

>"She would be able to tell Shining Armor to let Royal Guard join. Explains why he wasn't upset when we've talked about his mission."

>Applejack takes out another apple to chew on as she talks.

>"I wouldn't be surprised if she cares about your colt too. Made an impression on her."

>Pinkie nudges AJ with a sly grin.

>"Crashing in somepony's ribs would make an unforgettable impression. I bet Anon left his face imprint in her chest."

>She earns a smack by AJ's hat.

>"Not like that, Pinkie."

"Kind of weird to think a princess trying to wing-mare me. If Princess Cadance is the one responsible."

>Though you can't think of anypony else who would be responsible.

>Princess Celestia isn't known for hooking ponies up.

>Not sure if Princess Luna would, she's pretty new.

>"You know what's really funny?"

>Pinkie has the grin of a pony who knows a secret.

>"She came here to find Anon, so she can find out her love life. Who asks a colt that?"

>Fluttershy and you avert your eyes.

>Act casual.

>"Dash, Fluttershy, you two know something?"

>Well buck.

"Yeah, but it's a personal matter."

>It's also a weird magic problem.

>Don't really want to blab about him seeing the future.

>If ponies know, they'll treat your colt differently.

>You don't want that.

>The four mares seem intrigued, but don't ask further.

"Twilight, you know anything about what the guards are doing? Anything we need to prepare for?"

>"Oh, right. The Everfree vines. Well they've been investigating carefully, hopefully they'll be ready for when we step in. Otherwise, we wait. The plan otherwise is to return the Elements of Harmony to the tree. Restoring it."

"Give up the Elements? Is that safe? What if another bad guy shows up?"

>Twilight shrugs.

>"Well if that happens we can ask for them back from the tree. Just like what Celestia and Luna did when they first found them. Hopefully."

 

>Back to being Anon, the troublemaker.

>This might be the first time you've been in detention.

>On pony world.

>Lily put a polite hoof on your shoulder and told you to not do it again.

>She can't date a delinquent.

>Does she not know the shit you do?

>Anyway, you've learned something new.

"Hi, Dinky."

>The only other foal in the room with you.

>She places her bags down next to you in the front row.

>"Hi, Anon. You don't usually cause trouble."

>Before you can reply.

>"For Ms. Cheerilee."

"Ah, you got me. What are you doing here though?"

>That's when Ms. Cheerilee comes in.

>"Dinky gets extra study material because she's the only one in class who can use unicorn magic spells."

"So you don't teach it in class."

>She sits at the teacher's desk overlooking the two of you.

>"Well I can't really teach it anyway. Dinky has study material and I'm here to help answers any questions she might have, if I can."

"What are you learning?"

>Ask rapidly, interrupting Cheerilee.

>Skating on thin ice in the middle of summer.

>Dinky's horn lights up as she opens up her book.

>"There's an elementary spell I'm trying to learn, but I'm having trouble making it last."

>Flips open to a page, 'Automate'.

"A utility spell."

>"Yeah, I want to learn it so I can help mommy with chores. You're supposed to be able to make tools work. A broom sweeps, a hammer nails, and so on, but when I cast it the broom only sweeps once."

>Look over the page with her, it explains it like it expects you to be a unicorn.

>Take out your wand.

>"Anon, what is that?"

>Glance up to Cheerilee.

"A wand. You can cast magic with it."

>She rolls her eyes and sighs.

>"Of course you have something like that."

>Dinky seems more impressed at least.

>"Wow! Never seen a wand before. Can you use it?"

"It's a little difficult."

>Wrap both wings around it, then look at the pencil in front of you.

>Magic lights up as it starts to float from your desk to hers.

"So the issue is that pegasi magic and unicorn magic is different language. I can't just cast straight from your book. I need to translate it."

>"So instead of picking up the pencil with your horn, you pick it up with you wing."

"Precisely. Now for this automate spell."

>"Well, to make it simple, I make the object want to do its intended purpose."

"You're giving it a will of its own?"

>"Not really. Function is meeting function's purpose."

"It seems to imply that a hammer already knows that it is a hammer."

>"Well I know that it is a hammer, so I tell it to act like a hammer."

>Interesting.

>Both of you look over the text.

>Detention and extracurricular class is just an hour so you try to work it out as fast as possible.

>Instead of hammer, what if cloud.

>Pegasi do make clouds do cloud things.

>Even have different clouds for different jobs.

"What if the broom keeps sweeping until the sweeping is done."

>"Instead of automate sweep? Does it know when sweeping is done?"

"It wouldn't. You would have to tell it the parameters. Sweep dust in the room."

 

>Dinky continues with that line of thought.

>"I just need to give it enough power to do the task. If I only give it enough energy to reach the end of the room it won't finish the task."

"Do you know how much energy to put into a spell? I know how to manipulate clouds."

>"And those cool ice shards on the pond."

"That too. Because I was taught and I can get a feel of it."

>She looks up and taps her chin.

>"I suppose experience will tell me just how much to put into it."

>All of this, for a spell that is considered elementary level.

>No wonder some unicorns don't learn magic outside picking stuff up and magic related to their cutie mark.

>"Then that's only for one object, I have to repeat the spell for another. If I'm not careful I could burn out."

>Look over the text about the spell.

>All the 'I's are dotted, and 'T's crossed.

>Like it was made to be exhaustively explained.

>But why in a foal's education book?

"You know, there's probably an easier version of this spell."

>"Easier?"

"Yeah. This seems difficult, but I bet they're trying to teach you the fundamentals before they teach you the cheats and workarounds."

>"Anon is correct."

>Cheerilee has been watching the two of you pour over the work with a pleased grin.

>"Unicorns learn the complete spell, then find ways to make it easier to cast. Shortcuts, spells that cast themselves, and all sorts of creative ways."

"No wonder they can have a reputation of being socially stunted. This takes a lot of work to focus on."

>Dinky slaps your back with her tail.

>"Hey! I'm not socially stunted."

"Not you. I'm talking about the ones that go into advanced magical studies."

>Like Moondancer.

>Still, there is one particular spell you really want to see.

"Is teleport in this book?"

>Expect a no, who would put something that advanced in a foal's training manual.

>"Yup."

>Butter your bottom and call you Fluttershy.

>Dinky flips to a page further back, then passes the book to you.

>She watches eagerly.

>Something is up.

>Strange, it is an elementary utility spell.

>Wait a moment, the page can open up.

>Then, like finding a legal document that reproduced like a rabbit, it folds out wide and long.

"What is this!?"

>Dinky giggles as your jaw drops.

>"Teleport has safeguard features built into it. The spell doesn't work unless you've read everything."

"This has everything accounted for. You have to remember this every time you cast it?"

>Cheerilee clears her throat.

>"Not quite. The spell just needs you to read the protection templates and the memory is enough for the spell."

>That works!?

>Can you shortcut other spells just with your memory?

"Can you teleport, Dinky?"

>She looks down and pouts.

>"No. Don't have the energy."

>Difference between the tribes, their magical aspects come online at different times.

"Wait, is that an author's note?"

>Lean in closer.

"Any earth pony that repeats the nonsense notion that you die and a copy shows up at the location is full of apple manure."

 

>Teleport is complex, well the safety measures around it are.

>Translating all of that for pegasi magic would be grueling work.

"So why did you learn it if you can't cast it?"

>Dinky goes quiet for a moment.

>"I could cast it, but it would hurt me. It's an emergency spell only. Until I'm old enough to handle it. It was the first spell I learned."

>Tilt your head, curiosity makes your ears stand at attention.

>"You know my mom?"

"Of course I know her. She's my mom's best friend."

>That earns you a smile.

>"Then you know my mom can have accidents."

"I've suffered from one of those. Flower pot got stuck on my head."

>Most ponies in Ponyville enjoy an incident with the mail mare at least once.

>"Sometimes I worry she might get in an accident, and she can't get out."

>Dinky looks down at the spell, but you can tell she's looking past it.

"If she's stuck, you can get her out."

>"Yeah."

>She closes the page on Teleport and gets back to her earlier lesson.

>"Mom has told me you would do anything for your mom. Is that why you do what you do? Go as far as to try and learn magic when you're a pegasus."

>It does seem that way.

"I mean, she's my mom. But I also want to know more. I have a hunger for it."

>It outmatches the drive you had in your human life.

>In an alarming way really, but you can chalk that up to being motivated.

>"My mom's boyfriend is like that. Though he does more work with machines."

"Dr. Hooves."

>"Foals, may I remind you that you're in detention, and Dinky you should be studying your lessons."

>That clams you both up real quick from the teacher's reprimand.

>Cheerilee goes back to her paper grading, and Dinky tries to work on her spell.

>Work shopping seems to help.

>Kind of a bummer that you need to use both wings to use the wand.

>Pick up the chalk again with it, concentrating on the task.

>An idea strikes you.

>Put the chalk down, and pick up the wand like a human would a pencil with your wing.

>A little awkward, feathers don't pinch nearly as well.

>Focus on the chalk again.

>There's a glow.

>A faint green hand materializes and picks it up.

>You gasp in shock.

>How!?

>Cheerilee looks up from the chalk clacking down to the ground.

>Immediately make the hand disappear.

>"Anon, please don't make a mess. I know you're trying to learn."

"Y-yes ma'am."

>How!?

>You're a pegasus!

>But, is there enough human in you to count?

>Is it a human mind?

>A soul?

>What is the wand reacting to?

>How can you find out?

>Got to be really super careful with how you use it.

>The possibilities make you salivate, but the danger, oh the danger.

>Flying and casting might be possible, but it's going to be awkward trying to fly with your wing holding something.

>There could be limitations, heck what even is human magic language?

>At least you can translate unicorn to pegasi.

>You have nothing to work with on the human side.

>"Anon. Are you ok?"

>Jump slightly as Cheerilee observes you.

"I'm fine."

>She 'hmms' at that, then looks at the clock.

 

>"Well the hour is up. Both of you are free to go. Anon, please don't do that in class again. I hold you in high regards in my class. It's very disappointing to see you act out. Here's a note for you to give to your mother."

>Don't you guilt trip me, you're above it!

>If anything Rainbow will find it funny.

>As you push your chair out, your ears catch something.

>A rumble of metal and power.

>Dinky pauses as well.

>Her eyes light up.

>"Oh! He got it running!"

>Not even bothering with an explanation, Dinky zooms out of the room towards the front door.

>Even if you could outpace her, you let her lead the charge.

>Bursting out the front door, you find Dinky bouncing with excitement.

>Coming down the trail is a familiar, but unique machine.

>Doctor Hooves pulls a lever, letting his vehicle announce his presence with an adorable 'honk'.

>Cheerilee comes behind the two of you with a confused expression.

>This pony car lacks a cab cover, not even a windshield.

>The wheels chug to get across the dirt road.

>The engine squeals from the virgin journey.

>Enough room for two seats, no baggage.

>It's beautiful.

>"You got it working!"

>Smug like he struck gold, Dr. Hooves pulls up next to Dinky.

>He's got splatters of dark spots on his coat.

>Lips covered in grease from holding his tools.

>"Howdy there Dinky, care for a ride back home?"

"This is incredible!"

>Slap your hooves over your mouth after shouting that far too loud then intended.

>"I know right!"

>He answers with equal exuberance.

>"Getting all these moving parts just right. Presenting to you all, the carriage-less pony-less wheelie buggie. Working title."

>Isn't a cab a carriage?

>And he's still a pony driving it.

>Those thoughts are quickly suppressed as you blurt out your words past your filters.

"Can I see the engine!?"

>Hooves eyes flicker back to his vehicle and you.

>"It's, uh, a little dangerous opening the hood with it still running."

"Aw."

>"Now, now, young, um, Dinky, who is this colt?"

>"He's Anon."

"Yup!"

>"Oh that's right, Derpy mentioned you being Blitz's colt."

"Rainbow Dash."

>"There I go forgetting names. I swear, if it wasn't for Derpy keeping straight I would be a walking accident."

>Ha.

>"If you want to see the engine, I might have time later next week. Never thought I meet a pony so eager. Do you like trains as well?"

"They're cool."

>"Too true!"

>Taking a pair of googles, he stretches them in front of his face before they slap back into place.

>"Here's a helmet and goggles, Dinky. Can't be too careful. Now then."

>As Dinky crawls into the seat next to him, Dr. Hooves coughs.

>"Teacher?"

>"Cheerilee."

>"Ms. Cheerilee, do you mind pushing us off? It's a bit fickle getting going."

>She rolls her eyes, and pushes it off with one hoof.

>Wheels struggle for traction until it gains enough grip to get going.

>Chugging away down the road, you are tempted to follow it.

>Cheerilee sighs as she looks down at you.

>"It's not going to make it home."

>Oh ye of little faith.

 

>Dinner is going to be interesting.

>You've given the teacher's note to Dash.

>She hasn't read it yet.

>Can't be all that surprised; outside fiction or Wonderbolt material, reading isn't her jam.

>So it sits on the counter, building suspense.

>It didn't go unnoticed by a certain mare.

>Grandma Whistle wets her whistle with a tall glass, then starts in.

>"Oh Dashie, honey, dear, precious filly of mine."

>"Mom, please."

>Dash gives her an annoyed head shake.

>"Anon gave you something from school. Could have been anything. A letter of extraordinary talent recognition, report card with super A+ ranks, or a certificate of utter brilliance."

"No, I got in trouble in school today."

>Slowly take a bite, all the adults stare at you as they process what you just said.

>Bow and Whistle tilts their heads like they just misheard something.

>Posey and Breeze inaudibly gasp.

>Fluttershy squints at you in disbelief.

>Dash, pauses, then reaches for the teacher's note.

>"Well this is a first. All right then. Two royal guards visited the class today. Royal Guard and Honour Bound!? What was he doing there?"

>Her voice chokes with shock.

"Keep reading. I'll tell you."

>"During a moment when asked to participate in class, Anon took the opportunity to throw a ball at Royal Guard, then proceeded to use herd mentality to get most of the class to do the same."

>Rainbow folds the note down, and eyeballs you.

>"You threw a."

>She snickers.

>Tries to stop herself.

>"You threw a ball at."

>Coughs away another snort.

>"At Royal Guard!"

>"Dash! This is serious!"

>Fluttershy at least is trying to be a reasonable adult.

>What surprises you is seeing a pleased grin from Posey and Breeze.

>Do they not like him?

>It isn't a secret to you that they hoped Zephyr and Dash would get together.

>So that probably does line up.

>"Aw, our little grandcolt was acting out in class! Just like what you use to do Dash!"

>Bow and Whistle don't surprise you in the slightest.

>Without hesitating, they take the note and slap it into the AnonDash journal.

>Rainbow is trying to respond to Fluttershy.

>"It's fine, they've played like that before."

>"It isn't fine Rainbow. AnonDash, why did you do that young colt?"

>Fluttershy is mustering her best 'I'm disappointed' look.

>Which she can pull out no problem with family.

"So they came in today to ask me questions, Ms. Cheerilee decided to bargain with them for my time. I might have been feeling a little discordian about it. Threw a ball at Royal Guard, then told the entire class he could deflect anything you threw at him. Got them all excited, and he stopped everything they threw at him. It was pretty cool to see. Got detention."

>Rainbow leans back and starts laughing.

>Just as you suspect she would.

>"I can't believe you did that! Did he see it coming?"

"No."

>"Wow, that's--"

>Dash opens her eyes long enough to see Fluttershy shaking her head no.

>"That was uncalled for."

>Her heart isn't into it.

>"Ok, but seriously. Don't do that again."

 

>"That was still funny."

>Another morning workout with mom, and she still can't believe what you did.

"You're not supposed to admit that. I was being a trouble maker."

>"The most normal trouble you've ever caused. Hey, don't tremble. I told you to hold it steady."

>Groan as you hold the position.

>Basic workout that would've been normal in the human world.

>Guess the mundane stuff is still on the game plan.

>Calisthenics exercises, only with wings occasionally.

>Sweating harder on these than the obstacle course.

>"Remember to breathe."

"I know."

>You say through gritted teeth.

>"Keep holding it. You're almost done."

>Dash says as she casually does single feather pushups in front of you.

>Ow.

>A bead of sweat has crawled its way into your eye.

>Squint your eyes shut to try to protect them from more getting in.

>Start to wonder how your body is going to end up.

>Hopefully not like Bulk Biceps.

>At least you have wings that match your body size.

>"Look at you two, going at it like the Equestria Games are coming."

>Wink one eye open to see a stallion you weren't expecting, Dr. Hooves.

>Dash doesn't seem surprised to see him, probably saw him coming a mile away.

>"Just working out dude. Surprised to see you outside that workshop of yours, Hooves."

>"I get out! Regardless, just out on my constitution."

>Rainbow sighs as she leaves her pushup position and gets up.

>"So what brings you our way?"

"Hi, sir."

>"You can get up now, Anon."

>Thanks mom.

>"Well a curious thing happened. I was wrong. Took me by surprise."

>The stallion continues like he's putting on a show.

>"So I feel I should apologize. I was completely wrong about you, Anon."

>What game is he playing?

"Mind explaining?"

>"Oh I don't mind. I was up all night waiting, and waiting, and waiting for a mischievous colt to break into my workshop. Feel terrible for doing so, pegged you completely wrong."

"Hey, I only break into abandoned castles in the middle of the Everfree Forest."

>Hooves raise a single eyebrow with a 'hmm'.

>"I suppose that one is on me."

>Rainbow doesn't seem as amused.

>"You came all the way out here for that?"

>"Well your boy was interested in my work. I made a terrible assumption on my part. Was there anything in particular you wish to see, Anon?"

>Hmm, you wonder if Dinky or Derpy scolded him for making an assumption about you.

>Not that you don't deserve it, you were tempted at some points.

"I'm not picky. Everything you do sounds fun."

>Dash gives you a pat on the back.

>"Between this, school, magic, now machine stuff, is there anything you're not interested in?"

>"Oh don't mind it too much Ms. Rainbow, he's a young lad and the world is his oyster."

>"Oyster? What?"

>Hooves now shares Dash's confused expression.

>"Did I get that wrong? Swear I've heard that one before."

"Today?"

>Anon, if you go to his shop today I want to be there for that."

>Dash actually sounds a little worried.

>"There's nothing to worry about. I'll be there to make sure he stays safe."

 

>”Well I shouldn’t be surprised that you came anyway.”

>Rainbow is in mom mode, and does not trust accidents won’t happen.

>”Just making sure nothing happens.”

>That was directed to both him and you.

>Dr. Hooves seems a little annoyed, but more surprised at the third guest.

>”Another filly?”

>Lily shyly waves.

>”Hi, sir.”

>”Well more company make for merry times. Anon, young colt, you ready to see the shop?”

>Look past him to Derpy and Dinky.

>Derpy just has that bright smile looking at you and you think Dash.

>Dinky, to your surprise, is pouting and looking down.

>”Come now, Dinky. It’s your friends from school Anon and, um, hmm.”

>”I’m Lily, sir.”

“Hi, Dinky.”

>She looks up and sighs.

>”Hi you two. Don't get too excited."

>Wrapping a hoof around her, Dr. Hooves doesn't seem phased by her droning.

>"Nonsense! Bringing your friends over for a fun time is the pinnacle of a healthy growing experience for all foals."

>Whipping around with her in tow, he winks to Derpy.

>She nods then pulls on a chain.

>The door squeaks as its pulled up to reveal.

>A garage shed workshop.

>Yup, sure is a place that a mechanic would work in.

>It looks nothing like what it did in the show.

>"Tadda, like you asked for young Anon. My workshop."

"If I'm not mistaken, you do maintenance work on the train."

>He trots into the sizable, but not unusually spaced area.

>"Quite right, if the train needs work in Ponyville I'm called upon. After a few others if they aren't available. It's a great cover, I mean gig!"

>Trot alongside him to look around, there's a wall of normal tools, some drums, and the car.

>Just the car.

>You can tell what's going on.

>What's really interesting though is the Doctor himself.

>You can normally tell when a pony is lying to you.

>They have super obvious tells.

>Even you do if you get caught off guard.

>He doesn't do them.

>Could be a number of reasons why, but you can't really tell yet.

"There's the carriageless ponyless vehicle! Do you have a name for her?"

>"That one? Not yet, still a work in progress. Now then, engine yes?"

>Hooves slips next to it and slightly kick the side of the tire, opening the hood.

>Your ears flick behind you, Dash is starting to talk to Derpy.

>Guess she's already bored.

>Float up and over to get a look.

>"As you can see the engine is a beautiful combination of earth pony and pegasus ingenuity combined together to make an engine that takes in static charge of the surrounding area to power itself. The weather factory in Cloudsdale is an incredible place for such advancements."

"I see you got a condensed dark cloud in the engine."

>"You can see that?"

>He sounds a bit surprised.

"Right, sorry. Feel it. Pegasus thing. Can I see it run?"

>He rubs the back of his head with a head shake.

>"Well I would, but it was having trouble on the way back to the shop. I need to do some more work on it."

>Look at the engine, it's a little on the clean side.

 

>The tires don't have the same dirt on them as the soil in front of the school house.

>He set this up because you were supposed to break into his shop and find nothing interesting.

>Then you never showed up.

>All this work, and you never took the bait.

"Well I hope to see it run again. Where's your train stuff?"

>"Train? Train, yes! Don't have anything laid out for that kind of work. Thought you wanted to see this car."

>He looks around the room.

>"I don't have anything being worked on at the moment. No big projects either. Hmm, go on and sit in the seat behind the steering wheel. I'll see if I have anything I left behind. Derpy? Derpy, dear, did I have a steam engine project that I was working on recently?"

>He trots off to talk to the adults.

>As you sit on the admittedly comfy seats, you look at the rather bare bones panel.

>The other two fillies scramble up to sit next to you.

>Lily looks confused.

>"Well it's neat, but not really what I expected."

>"That's because it's nonsense."

>Dinky answers with some frustration leaking into her words.

"Yeah, I could tell."

>She looks over to you, ears up, and is surprised.

>"You can tell?"

"Well yeah. I saw him yesterday. He had splotches on his coat, and grease on his lips. None of that is in this shop. The goggles you used to drive aren't here either."

>"I knew you weren't going to buy it. I told him you were too smart for this."

>Dinky whispers low.

>"Do you want to see his actual shop?"

>It would be cool.

"Listen, Dinky. If he doesn't trust me, then that's fine. I'm not going to push it."

>If by chance he was an actual time lord, or the pony equivalent, the last thing you need is to get him upset with you.

>The fact that he doesn't call you out as a human is a fact against that.

>Again, you need to be careful about that.

>"Don't push what foals?"

>Hooves pops up behind the three of you.

"The car down a hill so I could drive it. Not sure how good the breaks are."

>Lie to his face and get away scot-free.

>"Not very good, only meant for straightaways really. I wouldn't recommend it for a roundabout either. Part of the project anyway. So I don't have anything related to train work I'm afraid, this is all I have to show on short notice."

"That's fine."

>Your ears perk up.

>Hooves' eyes pick up on that instantly.

>"What?"

>Wings in front of your mouth and whistle.

>A blue song bird flies into the shop and lands on the hood in front of you.

>'Anon! Anon. Hello. Happy. Talk? Please.'

"Yeah, we can chat. What's up?"

>"You can talk to birds!?"

"Most animals. This is Mr. Beakens."

>'Request. Stay home tonight? Please. Please. Please."

"Okay, okay, calm down. What's this about?"

>'Scared. Please tonight.'

"Scared? I'll ask Rainbow. What about Fluttershy?"

>'Home too. Both please. Bye. See later.'

>Well that's unusual.

>"Fascinating. You're a colt of many talents, Anon."

>Well, pointless divergence aside, you might be busy anyway.

"Mom, we might need to chat with Fluttershy."

 

>"The bird told you all that?"

>Standing outside the workshop, you've filled in Dash.

>Off to the side are the two fillies talking to each other.

>Dinky still seems disappointed in the whole situation, but isn't grumbling now.

>Poor Lily has no idea what's going on.

"Yeah, he seemed really on edge. Doesn't sound like Fluttershy is hurt, just her animals want a comfort blanket of sorts."

>Dash absentmindedly scratches her front leg with a hind one as she thinks.

>"You know the whole family hasn't stayed at her place since they've been here. Might be a nice switch up."

"If Fluttershy wants that. She has the space, but it's usually a mess."

>What might happen is that both Fluttershy and you end up in an animal pile. They love to cuddle.

>Gets hot in the summer.

>"Well I'm glad all of that is settled. Was it everything you hoped for, Anon?"

>Dr. Hooves casually butts into the conversation.

>You know Derpy knows about your ‘see the future’ condition.

>Given how Hooves is acting, it seems she never told him.

>Out of respect to Dash?

>That seems likely.

>Or she forgot.

"Sure. Are you teaching your trade? Would be fun."

>"Ah, no. No, thank you. I would make a poor teacher. Besides, you should be getting that cutie mark soon. If you get an appropriate one, I'll reconsider."

>Look over to his hourglass cutie mark.

"You made a machine that tracks time?"

>He almost coughs at that, almost.

>"Not quite. Funny though. You're full of that dry wit. I can appreciate that."

>Dinky's ears perked up when you said that.

>Interesting.

>Derpy calls out from up in the air.

>"Do you two want to go out for dinner?"

>"Dinner? That sounds splendid. Hmm, what would be a good way to cap off this day?"

>He keeps talking out loud as he meanders off towards her.

>Dinky starts to follow him, but leans in close to you and whispers quietly.

>"He has worked on making a time machine."

>Good grief, this filly doesn't know when to quit.

>The exuberance of youth.

"Careful with those. Parking in the wrong timezone could get you fined."

>A joke just to further lighten her mood.

>"You're silly."

>She sticks her tongue out at you then gallops away.

>"What a strange filly. She said the cooler stuff was hidden away."

>Lily comments as she canters next to you.

"Hooves is a tinkerer. He wanted to keep the more dangerous stuff away. What's your plans for the rest of the day?"

>"Homework. Which I know you already got done."

"Easy as muffins on the flight over here."

>"Can you let me peek at your homework?"

"In front of my mom!"

>Point at the only adult standing next to both of you

>Dash raises an eyebrow at the two of you.

>"Get on home, Lily. Your mom will scold the both of you if you cheated."

>"Yes ma'am."

>Lily hugs you quickly before scampering off.

>Are you a bad influence?

>"Try not to be a bad influence."

"Thanks."

>You answer Rainbow dryly.

>"Come on, let's go see what Fluttershy is up to. Are you sure you're interested in gizmo stuff like that? Seems kind of eggheadie."

 

>The animals find you before you even make it to Fluttershy's home.

>They're escorting you, looking around, on high alert.

>Not making much sounds either.

>Something has them spooked.

>Politely knock on the door, because Aunt Fluttershy taught you proper house manners.

>Dash kind of skipped that step.

>What do you expect, she goes through windows unannounced.

>Opening the door, you stare face to muzzle with Angel Bunny.

>'Well look who finally decided to show up.'

"Hey dude. Yeah, we're here."

>He swings the door wider.

>'Get in here with your mother. Everyone is freaking out.'

>Finally the other animals start talking.

>'Anon. Anon! Anon! Good, good, good.'

>'Found him. I did. Earlier. Deserve treats.'

>'Anon!'

>The dense growl of Harry rumbles through your body as the grizzly bear pops up from behind the sofa, runs over and picks you up in a hug.

>'Happy. Stay here. Tonight.'

>Angel rolls his eyes and flicks his ears.

>He does that when annoyed.

>Which is most of the time.

>'You guys are pathetic. Come on, let him go and we'll find Fluttershy.'

>Harry doesn't let you go, just carries you into the next room.

>Fluttershy is trying to calm down a snake and mouse who are holding each other trembling.

>"Shh, it'll be fine. No pony is going to get hurt here."

>Her ears were turned towards the door as Dash and you enter with Harry towing you around.

>"Honestly, they didn't need to bring you here."

>The animals disagree vehemently with their chatters, hisses, and squawks.

>Dash shakes her head at the commotion.

>"What's got them all worked up?"

>'Everfree.'

>'Forest. Danger.'

>'She doesn't understand you. Only Fluttershy and Anon do.'

>Fluttershy points outside her window to where you can see the Everfree Forest.

>"The animals have been hearing the Timberwolves. They were howling like something had stirred them up. Only for it to stop suddenly."

"Stopped suddenly like, what, something happened to them?"

>Fluttershy allows a bird to nest in her mane, followed by several more.

>"Think of it as a predator fear. The fear of a predator can drive behaviors in other animals. Even if they're not around. Something agitated them, then they vanished. It can be very confusing for animals."

>Rainbow looks down as something nudges her.

>"Oh Tank. Hey. Fluttershy, would it help if the family stayed here tonight?"

>Angel throws out a thumb down.

>'Boo! I knew this was a bad idea. They'll take up space and eat our good lettuce.'

>Fluttershy pats him on the head with her wing.

>"That should be fine. I'll need to open up some space for them."

>Watch as Angel hops up on Fluttershy's bed and stamps on it with a foot.

>'As long as I keep my spot. Anon, you better not wiggle tonight.'

"Angel, I'm not a baby. Fluttershy probably wants to have her own bed."

>"Oh I won't mind."

>Rainbow throws up her wings, being left out of part of a conversation is starting to annoy her.

>"You all figure out sleeping arrangements. I'll go grab the folks and bring them here."

 

>There is one thing you have over Fluttershy the animals love.

>Your feathers are young and still very soft.

>As soon as Dash pops outside the house, the more hesitant animals come out to say hello and cuddle with you.

>Including the invertebrates.

>They usually stay out of sight to avoid ponies who get scared.

>Scared ponies tend to try to squish them.

"So the howling, the Timberwolves might be upset that the royal guards are invading the Everfree Forest."

>Most of the animals who you know regularly live in the forest shake their heads no.

>Fluttershy fills you in for them.

>"It seems that the Timberwolves were already avoiding the soldiers, as are all the other monstrous predators."

>Reginald, a song bird, sings a response.

>'Pony watch. I do. Very fun. No monsters. Very safe.'

"Well that's weird. Have any of you seen any thorny black vines?"

>'No, no, no.'

>'Yes if treat?'

"No, you have to actually see it."

>'No.'

>Fluttershy starts to sit in her own animal pile.

>"You think it's related to the thorny vines?"

"Not a clue. Maybe we should ask Manny."

>"I already have. He's looked for the Timberwolves and can't find them."

>Well fuck, this sounds bad.

>'You two are worried over nothing. Like most ponies do. Once you're done with that rock tree, you're golden.'

>Angel leans back into the bed pillow, clearly thinking he's wise beyond his years.

>Something doesn't add up, and it worries you.

>'Tell you what though, Zephyr not being here has been swell.'

"Gee, thanks."

>'You're welcome.'

>"Angel! What's happening with my brother, Anon's father, is sad."

>'Please, I eat from your pantry and sleep in your bed because I'm your bunny. What's his excuse?'