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// Chapter 4: Answers 
// Story: The Defective Warp Pipe 
// by Level Dasher 
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    	I put Toad in Scootaloo’s wagon, then slowly began pushing him back to Fluttershy’s cabin as the rest of the ponies dispersed. Fluttershy offered to push, but I insisted. I felt it was my duty, despite my own wounds. With Toad being as hurt as he was, I knew I had to give the ponies a hand in taking care of him, especially considering how much they were helping me already.
As we traversed the path, I began interrogating Toad myself. “Toad, I’m sorry you went through all this, but I have to ask— you never mentioned how you ended up here…”

Toad sighed. “Oh, sorry. I kind of got cut off by those creatures’ exclamations of that weird name. It was a strange, but fairly easy bit of travel. After Bowser explained what happened, he got really angry again. He picked me up in his claws and just threw me out over his gates as hard as he could. I was flying so fast I had no idea where I was going to land, but when I descended, I found myself landing in this warp pipe in the underground system that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. I had no idea where I was going to end up, and I guess I… fainted out of sheer terror. 
“When I opened my eyes, I was at the edge of that forest. I don’t know how long I was passed out for, but I knew if anyone had, the most likely one to have gone through that pipe before me was you. You’re the only one I know of that uses the underground pipe system regularly, so when those creatures found me, I asked for you by name. Boy, am I glad you were… here…” He then passed out with an odd look that seemed to be a strange combination of pain and euphoria.

When we got to Fluttershy’s cabin, she told me she would take a look at Toad, and that I should go back to the library to speak with Twilight. Apparently, she had found some new information about getting me, and now Toad as well, back to the Mushroom Kingdom. Fluttershy also instructed me to get myself back in the wagon, because as far as she was concerned, I shouldn’t have been out of it at all. She conceded that Toad did need it for that one instance, however.
After I left Toad in Fluttershy’s care, I got back in the wagon and made my way to the library to see Twilight. I wasn’t worried about the citizens of Ponyville seeing me anymore, but I still didn’t approach them. It was still too soon.

Spike was waiting with Twilight to help translate for me. That was a big relief. As soon as I walked in, Twilight relayed the info she had found out.
“Ah! Yoshi, you’re back! I’ve been waiting to give you the good news! Right before we dashed out to the forest, I found a way to enhance my teleportation spell to get you to the Mushroom Kingdom from here. Unfortunately, it requires the use of a specific gemstone. It’s called an Augmentation Stone. They’re somewhat rare, but from what I know about Ponyville’s history, I’m confident that there would be a few in the mines near here. We’ll need Rarity to help us find them. I need at least three.” I remembered Spike telling me about Rarity’s ability to find gems— it was her special talent. “I found a spell to help Rarity in finding the gems, so we can get started right away if you like. I understand if you want to comfort your friend Toad, though.”
I answered, “Toad is in Fluttershy’s care. I trust her completely— Toad will be alright, and he knows what we’ve been trying to do. He’ll be fine with her for a time while he heals. Let’s start the search!” Spike translated for me, word for word.

“Okay, Yoshi, let’s go get Rarity. She may be watching the Crusaders right now, but I heard about your inspiration for them. They really took to the mind-readers idea!” We both chuckled at the thought. I then got in my wagon, and Twilight and I headed over to Rarity’s Boutique.





“You need moi to find some gemstones for you, darling? It shouldn’t be a problem! Especially if what Twilight says is true, and she has found a spell to enhance my ability, we should be able to find these Augmentation Stones in no time flat!”
I was glad to hear Rarity’s excitement in helping me. I knew that I would be home again soon, but I still needed recovery time, as did Toad now.
Twilight seemed to be thinking the same thing. “Wait, Yoshi. Are you sure you want to go searching for the stones now? I believe Fluttershy was right— you should be resting for at least a few more days before you do anything too strenuous again.” I was resistant to the prospect at first, but I realized Twilight was right. I needed more recovery time; I wasn’t much help in a wagon. Toad wouldn’t be much help in his current state, either. I conceded to her suggestion. We could start searching in a few days…