The Sitter
Science watched the couple leave with a bored expression. She was starting to regret offering to watch the little ones. The younglings were wrestling with each other when she finally returned her attention to them. Sookie was the first of the younglings to notice that there was a different one watching her and her siblings. She had no clue who or what Science was but she noticed that Science was different. They went about their day, observing the zebra rat from a distance. From what they could gather, the six of them against her would be fun. It was not long before Science noticed that their little eyes seemed to be constantly watching her.
What're you looking at? Science asked. Sookie narrowed her eyes and circled her. Flo, Bubble, Cherok, Draven, and Plateous stopped their playing to watch their sister inspect the new one. Sookie gave her siblings a smile and they all turned to look at Science. What?
What Science didn't know was that the younglings were planning something; their escape. Sookie was the one to try to get the message to the unsuspecting rat. She wailed and screamed, pulling Science her tail towards the door, and the others giving giggles of encouragement. Science sighed and rolled her eyes. She led the sextuplets to the door.
I figured you rascals might want to explore a bit. Science stood up on her hindlegs and reached for the doorknob. Maybe you guys want to have an adventure or something... I think it'll be fun for all of us.
Jasmine and Spike were flying side-by-side over the city as they headed towards their friends, who were awaiting their arrival in the heart of city. Jasmine was explaining the days plans to Spike as they traveled. "Okay so... Discord and Luna want to meet up with us and we'll all go together to get Shy Heart and Night Flower," Jasmine said to Spike. Spike nodded.
"What about Wolf Grey? Or Eclipse?"
"Wolf Grey is on a date with Fluttershy."
"Really? I didn't know that he-" Jasmine placed a claw on Spike's lips and smirked.
"Spike, there's a lot of things you don't notice. They've been eyeing each other basically since they met."
"Thay have?" Spike asked, looking surprised. Jasmine gave him an exasperated look. "What? I didn't notice anything..."
"Oh, Spike," Jasmine laughed to herself and shook her head. Spike blushed and nudged her playfully. They began to play around a bit, flying in circles and showering each other with kisses and nuzzles. It was only of a few minutes of this before Spike's expression changed to one of worry.
"Do you think Science and the kids are alright?" he asked. Jasmine bit her lip but smiled.
"I'm sure their fine. Science is responsible... and I'm sure the younglings won't cause too much trouble..." She scanned the area around them and her eyes lit up when she saw two familiar figures. "Oh, look! There they are! Hi guys!" Discord and Luna were next to each other. Luna's unamused expression contrasted greatly to Discord's enormous grin.
"You're late," Luna said. Spike shrunk a little at her tone. Jasmine smied.
"Oh, what's the harm in a few minutes?"
"Plenty when there's other ponies waiting for us." Luna spread her wings and motioned for the rest to follow.
"Why didn't we all just meet here?" Spike asked.
"Because those love birds are across town."
"On the bright side, we get to listen to Willow Tree's day," Discord chirped as they took off.
"Willow Tree isn't-" poof "-here," Luna stared at the nurse, who was very angry at the moment and immediately began to yell.
"Disord! You little-"
"Oh, hello, my fiesty little firecracker. What's up?" Discord chuckled.
"Well, I was taking a nap before you randomly conjured me up!"
"Well, that's not entirely my fault, you see."
"And why not?!"
"I recall trying to take a nap not to many days ago and you began eating my bed." Willow blushed suddenly and smiled sheepishly.
"Oh... oh yea... I guess I did deserve to be disturbed then..." There was a pause, then, Willow went red. "But you could've gotten me back days ago! You choose to get payback now?!"
"Yup. Just to annoy you," Discord laughed. Jasmine, Luna, and Spike snorted and shook their heads.
"Outrageous!" Willow shrieked. She began to swear continuously as they flew.
Okay, so this should be a good place to have fun, huh? Science sat in a patch of grass and sighed as the younglings cautiously began to explore. They were in a small, grassy field which was only a fifteen minute walk from the castle and directly outside of Emerald Woods. Science had only let the younglings get so far before she had an amazing idea.
Hey, kids! Do you guys want to explore the woods? It'll be just like the old times with Jasmine and I... Sookie and the rest cooed in what sounded like agreement and began to follow Science deeper into the woods. As they walked, Science noticed the oddly shaped green fruit that grew from the trees. Their rough-looking surfaces reflected the light, making Science instantly think of shiny emeralds. She wondered for a brief second if the fruits were edible and more importantly; whether they tasted good. Bubble mewled in distress as her little stomach began to growl and snapped Science out of her thoughts. Sookie, Plateous, Draven, Cherok, and Flo stopped to comfort their sibling before they realized something; they were hungry too! Soon, they were all crying, ready to head home.
Science herded them up and led them in the direction of the exit when she heard a rustle in the bushes. She looked around and nudged the younglings forward. Thats our cue to go... I thought there were no wild beasts out here... Sookie babbled in protest but Science just picked her up and hurried the little ones as the rustling continued. There was a low growling coming from their left. Stay back! I know karate! Science yelled. The rustling stopped for a second, making Science relax before something jumped out and landed right on top of her.
HEEEEEEELP! I'M BEING MURDERED! Science screamed. The younglings watched in fear, then in curiousity. There was a hiper Cocker Spaniel puppy covering Science with her slobber as she licked her in eagerness. Ew...! What kind of beast kills with its tongue? Science finally opened her eyes and screamed again. GET OFF ME, YOU DIRTY MUTT!
Shy Heart looked up with a startled expression. Night Flower nudged her.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine... but did you hear that?" Shy Heart swiveled her ears around, trying to pinpoint the sound. Night Flower frowned. "Girls, do you hear that?" Jasmine and Luna stopped talking to listen. Spike turned to Night Flower.
"Do you hear anything?" hear asked.
"No... not really..." Night Flower shrugged.
"Maybe it's just girly paranoia?" Spike suggested. Jasmine, Luna, and Shy Heart glared at him. "Uh... or maybe... um... I'm going to be quiet now..."
It's going to eeeeeeaaaaaaat meeeeeeeeeeeeee! The group turned their attention to the shrubs to their right and were surprised to see a certain zebra rat, a jumpy puppy, and six grinning babies jump out.
"Science?" Spike said.
"Why are you out here with the children?! Do you know how chilly it is out here? They could get colds! They could've been bitten by something!" Jasmine shrieked. She scooped up her younglings and nuzzled them. "Are my little darlings alright?"
"Science, what are you doing here?" Spike asked. Night Flower glanced at Shy Heart, who was eyeing the puppy.
I took the little ones out for fresh air... then this BEAST came out! Science shook her paw at the puppy, who barked and gave her a lick. Ew! Disgusting mongrel!
"Funny how an animal refers to another as disgusting," Luna said, rolling her eyes.
"Oh, what an adorable puppy. What'll we do with her?" Shy Heart asked.
"What do you mean?" Spike said.
"Well, we can't leave her out here all alone... She's just a pup," Night Flower responded.
"Well, I can see if Fluttershy will take her. She's very fond of animals, as you know." Jasmine spread her wings. "I think we should head back now, anyways."
"I'll carry the pup," Luna offered. She cradled the pup in her hooves and spread her wings. Everypony headed out of the woods and back in the direction of their homes.
"I think I should ask Pinkie to watch the kids again..." Jasmine muttered.
Aw, c'mon, Jasmine! I had fun with the little ones today!
"Maybe they can take turns babysitting, Jazz. They both seem to enjoy being with the younglings." Spike suggested.
"Good idea, Spikey." Jasmine nuzzled him and placed a kiss on his cheek. He blushed and smiled sheepishly.
That was on thing I didn't miss while you were gone. Bleh.
"Wait... You missed us? Even me?"
I didn't say that...
"Ha! Admit it! You're warming up to me!" Spike grinned.
Oh boy...