The Missing Piece
Over the next 5 weeks, Lyra came over to help with research. Every once in a while she would come with a scroll of information that she received from Zecora. We were even lucky enough to get two more books on the subject from the Canterlot Archives. And believe me, those books are more trouble than they're worth. But, long story short, we returned our ninja suits to Rarity in bad condition, and she was not happy.
Dinky even wanted to help. Although I was unsure myself, Lyra said that we need all the help we can get, and like that, Dinky was a member of the team. And of course, once Dinky was in on it, Sparkler put up a fuss on how I was an irresponsible mother, blah blah blah, she joined us "for Dink's sake". Now we had a full team, research specialist: Lyra, order of operations: Sparkler, mare on the inside: Dinky, and leader: Me.
Lyra had been the one who had found all this information on the humans, and day by day was finding more. It didn't amaze me on the amount that she found. I was amazed at the fact ponies had so much information on a creature that we weren't sure even existed. She was truly the most social mare of the team, and therefore must of had many sources, that she never shared with anypony.
Sparkler, though was the least enthusiastic of the bunch, she was the most organized daughter, probably because of the her father, him having OCD and all. And she knew her way around town. I honestly couldn't think of a better place to put her.
Dinky was the inside mare because, well, she's a filly! NOPONY would suspect a filly! I know it sounds weird, and unsafe, but Sparkler was right, I am indeed an awful parent. But if I wasn't I wouldn't be where I am today.
I honestly didn't want to be the team leader, yet everyone argued that I was he one who brought everyone together, therefore should be leader. I just was happy that I had ponies that helped.
"Hey Derpy!" Lyra shouted from across the room. "Look at what I found!"
"What is it?"
"It's a portal spell. It doesn't say where it'll take ya, but it ensures safety guarenteed."
"Hm, what else?"
"It can take 4 ponies, and you can only use it 3 times... Whaddaya think?"
"I think, we need to learn that spell. How good is your magic?"
"It's meh-ish. Its good for carrying small things, like uhh... I don't know. Carrots, daisies, asparagus, y'know, groceries n' stuff.
"Well what about spells like this?" I say pointing to the chant.
"Hmmm... Sorry but, probably not. This is for higher level unicorns." A devilish smile crossed Lyra's lips.
"I think I now a pony who just might be able to pull it off..."
"Well? Who is it?!"
The smile remained on Lyra's lips, but no words escaped them. I hit me.
"No. NO. NO NO NO! We are not calling Twilight! Especially after last time!"
"Well what do you suggest we do? Find the GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE?! At least she would do it! If only to prove she's still better than Twilight. And believe me, I don't want to see her either after what happened last week in 'Trixieville'." She shuddered at the thought, as did I. Last week was tough just trying to keep Sparkler and Dinky out of the way of Trixie's beam.
"She's got a point..." said Sparkler, who had been observing from afar.
"Well, what do you think Sparkler? You're Order of Opperations."
Sparkler rubbed at her chin. "Well Twilight is more trustworthy... But she's also more likely to say 'no'... " she began to pace. "Then there's Trixie... She'll probably want something in return... Bits or a chance to prove herself... And the risk of her taking over again..." she stooped pacing, but kept her gaze at the ground. Silence in the room. Lyra was on the tips of her fore-hooves in anticipation, my eyes had gone hay-wire from all the 'back-and-forth' confussion, and Dinky had looked up from Outside Equestria: Other Worlds and Universes for a brief second when she noticed the bickering stopped.
"I think, that..." she paused, as if for dramatic effect, "Twilight's our safest bet."
Lyra got her "creep smile" as I called it, and bounded up and down around the house. This continued for another minute or so before she stopped in front of me, nose against mine, and with so much pleasure said, "Told. You. SO!"
She then began to continue bounding around the house chanting "TOLD YOU SO! TOLD YOU SO! TOLD YOU SO!"
Sparkler stepped in, asked whether or not I was up to the challenge of asking the local librarian and magic whiz to perform a spell that she would probably turn down. I could do that, except that wasn't my charm to convince a fully grown mare, no less a filly, into doing what I wanted them to do. If only then a lightbulb would have appeared over my head!
I left Sparkler without answer, and a very confused face. I walked over to where Dinky was still reading intently. She looked up once I sat down beside her. Ever since Lyra had started coming more often, Dinky began to sit like a human, it was amusing having to humans in the house.
"Dinky."
"Yes mommy?"
"Think you could do me a favor?" I asked, nudging her side. She knew something was up.
"What is it mommy?"
"We need a unicorn to perform this one spell we found. Lyra's and Sparkler's magic are too weak..."
"HEY!" said two very peeved unicorns. I ignored them.
"Their magic isn't strong enough to perform the spell. Tomorrow, we're going to the library to see Twilight..."
I could see the gears in her smart head turning.
"You wan't me to ask Twilight?"
"Uhh, he-yeah." I said scratching my head. "You got the filly charm that I only wish I had. I need you to use that charm to convince Ms. Sparkle to perform the spell." I said poking her chest. "Use your puppy eyes, your baby voice, whatever it takes to get her on our side." I paused to make sure she understood. "You think you could do that?"
She smiled, then changed to a sad frown with enormous eyes. "Is 'dis gewd enuff mommy?"
I smiled. "Pewfect."
Dinky hugged me tight, and at that moment, I saw Sparkler looking at me with something I hadn't seen in a long time.
Trust.
I hugged Dinky back and soon I felt another pair of hooves wrap around us. Sparkler had wrapped her hooves around us, and rested her head on my shoulder, a feeling I hadn't expirienced since Dinky's birth. Soon Lyra was in on the group hug, the family hug.
We had just figured out who would be the missing piece to our puzzle, but whether or not that puzzle piece would fit or not, all depended on Dinky.