Chapter 2
Rule 2: Don’t get it wet
After leaving Twilights, Fluttershy made her way to the market area of town to hopefully get all she needed. First thing on her list were the fruit: Oranges, Apples, Pears and maybe some Nectarines. She decided to stop for Pears first, then work her way from there.
After wondering for a time and avoiding a few Ponies, Fluttershy finally found the Fruit stand that sold Pears. Walking up, she began to examine each one, looking for what she wanted. After a quick glance, she picked three and set them aside before paying for them.
She continued this before coming to the Apple stand, who had no other then Apple Jack there talking to a customer.
Fluttershy stood in place to wait a bit for Apple Jack to finish her small chat before going up herself. As soon as the other Pony left, the yellow Pegasus made her way to the stand were she was warmly greeted.
“Well howdy, Shy!” AJ greeted warmly and waved for the shy Pegasus to come on over.
Apple Jack was another close friend of hers, and was often seen working. She, like her older brother, were strong Earth Ponies that worked an Apple Orchard nearing the Everfree. They were a very welcoming family, and would happily sit you down to a good old fashioned Apple Family Meal that would leave anypony full to the brim.
Apple Jack herself was an orange Mare with golden straw Mane and Tail, often kept in ‘Pony Tails’ so it wouldn’t get in the way during work and her Cutie Mark were three red apples. She also sported a hat that some western cowpony would have in some of those films.
Smiling, Fluttershy trotted over and put down a few Bits before taking what she needed.
“So, have ya’ll seen Pinkie today? Tha’ girl’s been run’ all over town! Some times I wonder ‘ow she keeps so much energy.” AJ said with a chuckle. Right at the mention of the name, a Pink blur of sorts ran past a good deal of passing Ponies, leaving them spinning for a moment before getting there bearings and leavening others to think “What in Celestia‘s Mane?”
Not really paying heed to what was going on behind her, Fluttershy nodded and agreed with her friend “Oh, yes. I, or rather, she ran into me when I was making my way into town. She said something, but I’m not quite sure what…” the two stayed silent for a moment before shrugging. That Mare was just random.
“Any how,” Apple Jack started, slightly startling Fluttershy “Apple Bloom is rather exited ’bout tonigh’. thanks again for watching her and her friends.” she said happily.
Fluttershy lowered her head a bit and hid slightly behind her mane saying “I-it’s no trouble Apple Jack, really. They behave so well when there over. And I don’t mind the extra company.” having the young Fillies over was actually rather nice, and she enjoyed it from time to time as well. So all in all, it was nice.
With a nod and a smile Apple Jack replied “In any case, ay should thank ya any ways. It’s a mighty help with Mac and me, bein’ busy latter” Fluttershy nodded with understanding before saying a quick goodbye and left do to the rest of her shopping.
She hopped Twilight could tell her more of what Mel eats and what not, but she would have to wait. of course, now that she thinks about it, she could have taken a quick look at his teeth to get an idea of what Mel ate; but that still didn’t tell her what he ate for sure.
She was actually wondering what the little dear was up to…
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Back at the little meek Cottage, the windows were closed as well as the curtains not letting a beam of sunlight in. inside, it was dimly lit with only one table well lit. under it was Angel cutting and shuffling a deck of cards while wearing a green visor hat, much like the ones in Los Pegasus.
Around the table were a Fox, a Weasel, an Otter, and a Mogwai, all sitting in order around the table. Currently, Mel was singing another tune while he waited for the cards to be passed out.
After a few more shuffles, Angel began to pass out the cards. After that was done, they picked up there respective hands and kept to themselves. The room held a level of tension as they would peek up from there hand and try discerning when it was safe to play there hand. After a while they each began to show there hand. The Fox seemed to have the upper…Paw before Angel put down a full house and smiled triumphantly.
But before he could do any sort of celebrating, a group of cards came down on top of his. Blinking, he looked at them and felt (what little color) drain from his face. Before him was a Royal Flush. All animals in the room turned there heads to the only Mogwai in the room who was smiling so sweetly.
They could only hang there heads with a level of defeat. That was the forth hand that fur-ball had won since they’ve started. Before that he won seven rounds of Go Fish, and before that two rounds of Spoons and before that Crazy 8’s.
He wondered when Fluttershy would be home…
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Back in town, Fluttershy had finishing up the last of her shopping and was now making her way to Rarity’s to get the girls. She had to make sure they knew about Mel and the rules that came with him or else something might go wrong. Although, what harm could water do? Or even feeding him at a certain set time? It would probably like that one time with the Pirrasprites.
She didn’t like to remember that, but it did teach her to be careful when finding unknown animals in the wild. But this case was different as he came in a box saying he was a type of pet. So it was safe right?
She shook her head to get those thoughts out of her head and calm down. Why was she so worried? She could handle Mel like all the rest of her animal friends. He even seemed very sweet compared to most, so calm and gentle.
For a time Fluttershy got lost in her thoughts, almost running into Rarity’s Bouquet door. The Bouquet was a rather flashy store in a place like Ponyville, being more fancy then most things in town. With it’s purple roof and white walls with the distinct design of a Carousel. It was rather fitting for Rarity and her high-society life style.
Knocking lightly on the door, Fluttershy waited. A rumbled of thunder met her ears as the door flung open, and almost was flung back herself by the volume from the greeting.
“FLUTTERSHY!!!” three very exited voices yelled in unison before pulling the yellow Mare in quickly. Apple Jack mentioned her sister being excited, but seemed to have forgotten to mention the other two Fillies’ being just as hyped. After being tugged in, they proceeded to scamper around a bit excitedly some more.
“Tonight’s going to be so cool! Hey, maybe we can help Fluttryshy with some of her animals in the Everfree and get our Cutie Marks!” said an orange Pegasus Filly with purple Mane and Tail. She was Scootaloo, a rather rambunctious girl that had yet to earn her Cutie Mark. She was often seen riding around town on her scooter, or trying to get her idol's, Rainbow Dash's, attention in some way.
“Scoot’s, ah don’ think my sis or Miss Rarity would like tha’. an’ sides, Fluttershy didn’ like use doing ‘t last time, ‘member?” another Filly, this one an Earthen with yellow Coat along with red Mane and Tail told Scootaloo. By the accent and drawl, one can guess her to be part of the Apple Family. Which, she was. She was the youngest member of the faming Family known as Apple Bloom, and like her sister, sported some head wear. This being a big pink bow behind her head. She to didn’t have a Cutie Mark yet.
Next to her, a white Unicorn Filly with curly purple and pink Mane and Tail nodded in agreement with what her friend said. “uh-huh. Rarity wouldn’t like that at all. Besides, I’m sure Fluttershy has something more…safe to do” this was Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s younger sister, who would be left at her older sisters home when there parents were busy with something.
She didn’t have a Cutie Mark just like the other two and because of this they made there own little group. The Cutie Mark Crusaders. Since they made this little club they have become…notorious to say the least, trying a hoof full of plans to get there Cutie Marks. So far, no successes. But there sure they’ll get them soon enough!
Rarity soon came down the stairs, looking slightly tired, no doubt from working all day. Rarity was in a sense, a rarity among Ponies with both her looks and charm. She was what many considered a white Unicorn (but there have been some debates that she‘s a very very light grey) with a fashionable curled purple Mane and Tail. Her Cutie Mark were three sky blue, diamond shaped gems.
“Fluttershy, dear, how are you?” she asked almost with a yawn. Her work load must have been really high for her to get so tiered.
“I’m doing well, thank you. How are you? You seem very tiered.” Fluttershy asked with a hint of concern as Rarity stifled a yawn before waving a hoof dismissively.
“Nonsense dear, I just need a nap after I’m done with this order.” she assured the yellow Pegasus that still looked at her with some worry. “My client had asked me to make these on short notice, so I had to put some on hold until I’m done with this lot. And as you know, I cant watch the girls with so much work!” Rarity finished a bit dramatically by raising her hoof to her forehead as if about to faint.
But once she was done with her theatrics, she returned all attention to Fluttershy “Look at me holding you up.” she said with a shake for her head “Go on with the girls, Darling. I’ll be fine.” Rairty smiled one last time before heading to the stairs. She stopped at the first step and called “now Sweetie Belle, be sure to behave while your at Fluttershys.”
Her younger sister turned her attention away from her friends and said “I will Rarity. Promise!” satisfied with that, Rarity made her way up the stairs. Getting a few things together, the girls headed out with Fluttershy, talking all the way.
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About half way to her Cottage, Fluttershy decided then was a good time to tell them “Girls.” she said softly to get there attention. Almost as if a switch was thrown, the stopped conversing and looked to the Mare expectantly “I thought I should tell you I have a new Animal friend at home. As long as he’s there, you need to fallow three rules.”
“Okay.”
“Eyep.”
“Sure.”
Each one said one by one before Fluttershy went on. “alright, the first Rule is not get him in bright light, and don’t let him anywhere near sun light.” she looked at them and watched as they nodded as one before Sweetie asked “Why not?”
Taking a quick breath she explained “you see girls, he’s nocturnal for one so doesn’t like bright light.” they nodded before she went on “But more importantly, sunlight will kill him.” they seemed to look at her in some alarm at that.
Wanting to move away from that subject she continued with the second rule “Rule number two is: Don’t get him wet. Make sure he doesn’t get any water.” they looked at one another a little confused at that one to.
“So...wha’ll happen if he ge’s wet?” Apple Bloom asked. Fluttershy still wondered herself, but at the same time didn’t want to find out. She shrugged (this was easy as she was a Pegasus, something to be jealous of at times none fliers) and said truthfully “I don’t know. But I don’t think I want to know...” she just about whispered the last part.
Now it was time for the last rule “The last rule, and most important rule: no matter what, do not feed him after midnight.” the way she emphasized on the ‘not’ gave the three a good idea that this shouldn’t be broken no matter what. But in a way, it was a rather ridicules rule.
They all looked at her questioningly with the same puzzled faces. Fluttershy sighed and said “I don’t know for sure why it’s so important, but the last one seemed very important. I don’t know what would happen, but its probably best that we don’t know.”
They decided to settle for that and continue onto the Cottage that was now in sight. Outside they could see the Butterflies drifting about and squirrel’s scurry around and up trees.
The Pegasus Mare noticed a difference with her little home as all the widows were closed and the curtains pulled shut. Apparently Angel had gone and dimmed the place for Mel. Smiling at the thought of those two getting along was nice, and would make things easer maybe.
Trotting up to the door and opened it slowly, so to give the little Mogwai some time to move if he was in line with any light that came in. after getting the door open and letting the Fillies in, Fluttershy closed the door softly, returning the main room to dim lighting. It wasn’t terrible dark, but just enough one could tell a good difference.
The Fillies looked about the room in some silence before Scootaloo asked “So where’s is it?”
As if to answer, the same humming like song drifted thru the air near the kitchen. “what’s making that sound?” asked Sweetie who seemed to relax at the soft melody.
“That’s Mel girls, he’s the one I was telling you the rules for. He seemed to like to sing a lot.” Fluttershy said heading to the kitchen.
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Down the road, a Purple Mare trotted while reading a book that was on creatures of myth. While looking thru the book she found an extra page that wasn’t part of the book. It was on something called Gremlins. There were no physical discretions, as they appeared to be on another page that wasn’t with the one she found in this book for some odd reason. She still wasn’t sure how this page got in the book, as it was just some extra piece of paper.
But the detail on the creatures habits and nature intrigued her somewhat. Even if it was only one page, it was something to read. But all it basically said was they were mischievous, destructive and over all chaotic. It reminded her of Discord, but what ever information there was to give her an idea on what they really were was lost to her.
With a sigh she closed the book and put it in her settled bag. So far she hadn’t found anything on Mogwai, and the only way to know what Fluttershy found was by going and seeing it herself.
Making her way over the small bridge of the little stream in front of Fluttershy’s home and to it’s door, Twilight got ready to knock. Before she did, she heard Fluttershy’s voice singing. She wasn’t saying any words, only a smooth melody. After she was done, another thing sung, repeating what she sung. It was most certainly different, and sounded like something you would hear from maybe a bird.
After it was done, a group of giggles fallowed. “Oh, oh! Le’ me try!” came Apple Bloom’s voice before she did a quick melody.
Choosing then as a good time, Twilight knocked on the door and listened to the sound of hooves clop inside. Soon the door opened with Fluttershy in the door way, smiling rather happily. “Hellow Twilight.” she said.
Twilight smiled back and said “Hi Fluttershy. Is your mystery creature still here?”
Fluttershy nodded and let Twilight in. once she stept in, she felt slightly surprised to see the room was dim and there wasn’t much light. But what got her attention the most was the small creature on floor. Around it were the Crusaders and one Rabbit. Scootaloo was on a chair leanig on the table with a glass of water next to her and Angel while both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were sitting next to it.
Fluttershy was right. It looked rather cute. The large ears, stubby limbs and chubby belly made it look sort of like a stuffed toy that was only knee high to her foreleg. And after taking a quick look over, she was sure that she had no books on it. As of that moment, it was singing with Sweetie in a duet sort of way.
“Wow, Fluttershy. I have to admit, I’ve never seen or read of something like this before.” the purple Mare said still staring at the small creature before her.
Fluttershy deflated at the news that Twilight didn’t have anymore information on Mel, but even the Unicorn didn’t know everything. “It’s ok Twilight. I’m sure there’s something we can find out about Mel.”
Twilight seemed to give a confused look to Fluttershy before realizing Mel was the creatures, or Mogwai’s name. she smiled and nodded at Fluttershy. They would for sure learn more about Mel in time, with or without books.
At the table, both Angel and Scootaloo were leaning towards each other, rather relaxed while listening to the singing. But in time, Scoot’s got a tad tired of the Rabbit leaning on her and nudged him away. He in turn pushed. She pushed back.
It was then there was a slight crash and the sound of spilling water, and a screech. Bothe Mares looked at the Fillies in surprise as they stepped away from Mel who was squirming on the ground. Fluttershy scrambled to Mel who seemed to be in some sort of pain as his back crawled around unnaturally.
“What happened? Are you girls ok? Is Mel ok?” she began to run thru a list trying to see what was wrong with the Mogwai. Behind her, Twilight was looking at the table were there was a glass of spilt water, that went were Mel was, luck be have it. She then looked to Scootaloo and Angel who both pointed Hoof and Paw at the other.
There was then a pop sound, getting Twilight to look at were the Mogwai was. There was another pop, but this time she saw a little ball of fur go flying before landing. There was then one last pop, but this ball of fur went bouncing all over the room, occasionally knocking something over. They all soon looked at one of the still balls that was pulsing and slowly growing.
“F-Fluttershy…what is that?” asked one of the Fillies nervously. By now Mel had stopped moving around in pain, but she was stock still as she watched the small ball grow. “I-I don’t k-know.”
Soon enough, the ball was done growing and unfurled, showing white and brown spots with black lining separating the two colors. They could only blink as they looked at another Mogwai before them. A ywan was soon heard to there right were there was another one, this one being a black with white stripes for fur. It also seemed to have a white Mohawk unlike the other. Soon enough, the last one hit the floor opening up to show an almost full brown Mogwai, giggling and laughing rather insanely.
Twilight soon looked from the spilt glass, Mel, then the new Mogwai before putting it together. If you want more Mogwai, just add water.