Strange Yet Wonderful

by Bionic Slime

Ch. 17 The Season You Were There

Twilight stepped up to the blank piece of parchment; freshly inked quill hovering with her signature purple aura. She felt eerily nervous about writing a single word. So much happened since that day Celestia sent her and her friends out on those missions, so much happened between her friends and their respective boyfriends.

“Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen him that much lately,” she sighed somberly. Her mind wandered to Moonstruck, more specifically; the last thing the charming-yet-sarcastic colt said to her. She thought of his wild green hair, his sweet smile, but then she remembered-

The mare shook her head and recalibrated her focus back on the letter. It’s been months since she last wrote to Princess Celestia, she deserved an update. Twilight took a deep breath, stretched her hoof out like Cadence showed her, and started…

Dear Princess Celestia

Sorry it’s taken so long to get back to you. So much has happened; sometimes I forget that I wrote to you about my friendship lessons in the first place. I’m writing to give you an update on the recent missions you’ve been sending me and my friends on.

**Flashback**
“It has come to my attention that something strange is happening in a little town, far from here; almost secluded from sight by the snowy mountains of far. Rumors speculate that ponies who go there don’t wish to leave, furthermore, all of them seem to possess the exact same cutie mark,” Princess Celestia explained.

“No offense your highness but,” Rainbow politely interrupted, “What does some dinky little town with similar cutie marks have to do with this new big bad you mentioned?”

“An excellent question my little pony,” Celestia sweetly replied. The white mare took great pride knowing Twilight and her friends were so astute and alert; it’s one of the many reasons she knew she could count on them for anything. “There are whispers of a magical artifact being used to cause this strange cutie marking process. Since the enemy we are seeking has been stealing mystical artifacts all over Equestria, it’s quite possible this enemy is the cause of this phenomenon OR connected to it somehow.”

The ponies looked at each other and nodded in agreement. Giving every pony the exact same cutie mark does sound like some kind of unnatural magic is at work.

“Despite my inability to locate this new foe, I have been able to sense a number of possible locations where he or she might be,” Luna looked at her sister fondly as she spoke. The white Alicorn’s words struck a vulnerable chord inside Luna’s heart. She felt much guilt in her sister’s tone. She knew that Tia was saddened that her premonitions had failed to track down this dangerous new villain; it was similar to how Luna felt towards her own failure to locate the culprit in the dream world. “I will send which ponies I feel will be most effective at resolving the situation, based on the perceived nature of the threat and what necessary skills are applicable; wherever the potential site may be. After you have completed your mission, you will report back to us on your findings. Since I am merely sensing where the conflict is located in Equestria at this time, I will only be contacting the necessary ponies when I sense disturbance, so feel free to carry on with your lives until it is time.”

The sun princess saw the devotion in her subject’s eyes; it gave her great pride AND pain to see this. She wished she could do better for them. Her inability to find this foe was frustrating her and she wanted to offer them something so she was not intentionally sending them in blind, but this was all she could offer. “I know this isn’t a very consistent schedule for you, but I am afraid it is the best I can do at this time,” Celestia said grimly.

**End Flashback**

Unfortunately, our visit to that little town turned out to be more complicated than expected. We met a powerful but angrily bitter pony by the name of Starlight Glimmer. She had used her magic to steal everyone’s cutie marks, including our own. Starlight escaped before we could question her. The so-called “magical item” turned out to be nothing but a useless stick that she tricked ponies into thinking was magical. Luckily, we were able to get our cutie marks back with the help of the town ponies. In regards to our mission however, despite her powers and the threat she represents, I don’t believe Starlight Glimmer is the new enemy we’ve been searching for.

We haven’t come across her yet in any of our other travels or found any pony who sounds like our artifact thief. Applejack and Rarity didn’t find anything in Manehattan, Fluttershy and I came up empty hoofed when we visited the Hooffields and McColts, and Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie didn’t fare much better in Griffonstone.

Twilight paused and grumbled bitterly.

“I still can’t believe I didn’t get to go to Griffonstone, I’ve only wanted to go visit it ever since I read about it YEARS ago! But noooooo, Princess Celestia had to send Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash instead.”

“Twilight, are you still complaining about not being able to go to Griffonstone?”

Spike called from upstairs. Twilight rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“That was months ago. Come on, Rainbow Dash said it wasn’t a big deal anyway; you’ve got to let this go.”

“Keep eavesdropping and you’ll be grounded from seeing Rarity until I say so young dragon!”

Nothing but silence returned. Twilight smiled proudly, she knew that would keep him quiet while she finished this letter.

“Now then, where was I?”

However, the missions you’ve been sending us on haven’t been without some degree of success. We’ve solved other problems and made new friends in the process. If you hadn’t sent us out after this thief, we would have never been able to restore friendship to the Griffins, or help Coco Pommel with her play, or stop the Hooffields and McColts from fighting. I feel we’ve been able to spread the magic of friendship to new places and new ponies we would have never known about if you hadn’t sent us out to find this thief.

The purple Alicorn sighed sorrowfully.

My only regret is that I wasn’t able to share these experiences with Moonstruck. Having been locked up for two years, I felt he above all others would have appreciated traveling around Equestria and meeting new friends the most. Of course, I completely understand why you had him stay with you in Canterlot…

**Flashback**

Moonstruck and Twilight had a look of simultaneous shock and disappointment on their faces. The snow white Alicorn had just announced that Moonstruck was not allowed to accompany Twilight and her friends on their missions. His face twisted with sadness, “What do you mean I have to stay here? I thought I was a free pony.”

Twilight looked to Celestia and back again to Moonstruck. Something was slowly taking over her senses. She started feeling…numb, like a cold draft just blew in and froze her little by little until she could feel nothing at all. She couldn’t explain it, but this news had afflicted her harder than she expected. It was like a dark arrow had struck her heart and was burrowing deeper with every passing moment. Why did she feel such overwhelming sadness? Why did the thought of being apart from Moonstruck feel so crippling? I guess logically it only made sense. Twilight had been living with Moonstruck for some time now. She had become accustomed to his sarcasm, his unique magic, his quest…and his smell. The princess couldn’t remember a single morning where she didn’t smile at the fact that Moonstruck’s scent had rubbed off on her fur.

“You are indeed cleared of all charges Moonstruck, but that doesn’t mean you can go out just yet,” Celestia calmly stated, “I must insist you stay here with us in Canterlot for the time being.”

“Princess Celestia, I don’t understand,” Twilight interjected, “Moonstruck can be a valuable asset to our mission. Once his magic is fully restored, he can help us-”

“I’m sorry Princess Twilight but that is part of the problem,” the two purple ponies looked at each other; confused and concerned. None of this was making sense. Celestia sighed, her reluctance to explain the details had clearly made things worse. The truth is she didn’t have the heart to say what she was about to say, but for the safety of her most beloved and precious pupil; she had to.

Celestia looked directly at the two purple ponies; her pink eyes glimmering with silent suffering. “The power I saw Moonstruck display that day frightened me, so much so that I used my most powerful sealing spell to lock his powers away…permanently. I had no intention of ever removing the spell,” she paused to exhale, “So at this time I do not know how to remove the spell.” The sun princess didn’t know what to say. The guilt crippled her heart in ways no pony would know. Everything she had done to Moonstruck turned out so tragically, she wished she could take it all back. “I am so, so sorry Moonstruck,” she sincerely whimpered.

The colt didn’t know how to process everything. He felt like he was being sentenced back to Tartarus all over again, like everything he knew was being taken away from him. Moonstruck stared in a blank daze at the princess. No words were able to form. Despite his best efforts, only frazzled stutters slipped through his wavering lips.

Twilight kindly placed a hoof to his shoulder. She felt so helpless, so powerless to ease his pain like she did before. And now he has to stay here; merely trading one house arrest location for another. “Isn’t there anything you can do Princess Celestia?” she desperately pleaded “Anything at all?”

“That is why I am having Moonstruck stay here for the time being,” Celestia said comfortingly, “Luna and I will be able to use our collective magic and resources to discover a way how to remove my spell. We will also be looking into the identity of your imposter, believe me, I will not let the one responsible for your suffering and my friend’s deaths go unpunished.” Her words seemed to lift Moonstruck’s spirits a bit. His eyes came back into focus, silver eyes looking to Twilight with the warmest regards for her kindness.

“This will also give the citizens of Equestria time to adjust their perceptions of Moonstruck,” Luna added. The dark blue princess sadly knew all too well how difficult it is to feel accepted when so many are quick to judge you on your past actions. Nightmare Night had been a rude awakening for her, despite it ending warmly. “Trust me for I speak of experience in this matter Moonstruck,” he nodded to the night pony, “Thou will be able to walk freely in Equestria as Tia promised, it will just take time for them to see you with eyes unclouded.”

“T-t-t-t-that actually makes sense,” he bowed respectfully to Luna for her words, “Thank you kindly Princess Luna.”

“Now then, before I send you back home so you can prepare for your mission,” Celestia’s wing motioned towards the balcony. She smiled sweetly and looked towards the green haired colt. “I believe you have been waiting for this moment for a very long time Moonstruck,” she said in an all-knowing-tone.

**End Flashback**

And just like that, Moonstruck was cleared of all charges.

I still can’t believe it happened, heh, I think Moonstruck felt the same way. He probably saw it as a pipedream, something that would’ve been impossible until he found his imposter first. That was the happiest I’ve ever seen him. Naturally, some of the Canterlot citizens were clearly unsure if Moonstruck could be trusted, but that didn’t seem to stop him from enjoying his newfound freedom. It was supposed to be one of the happiest days of his life.

Well…for him it was…as for me I…

A small droplet of water leaked from twilight’s eye and splashed on that last line; smudging it slightly. Twilight couldn’t believe she was crying all of the sudden. She quickly levitated a tissue to her eyes and wiped it away. “Get a hold of yourself girl,” she scolded herself, “I can’t believe I’m still letting this get to me.” She had to remember, he ended things the way he did for a reason. He chose this. It’s not his fault you’re the one who can’t get over it. She sighed heavily, those words felt so damaging and disorienting: ended and get over it. She felt so buried under those words.

What was she even getting over? They never went out; they didn’t officially start dating or do any of the things her friends did with their boyfriends. Why was she getting upset over this? Nothing even happened! Or was she merely saddened by the possibility that something could have happened? Why did this stuff have to be so complicated?!? It was so much easier when it came to figuring out numbers and fractions instead of romantic feelings.

“Just focus on something else, don’t think about it,” Twilight sniffled loudly. She shook her head and tried to get back to work. “Talk about all the big stuff that’s been happening, yeah, I’m sure she’ll love to hear about all the crazy things that have been happening in Ponyville.”

Just forget about that last part, okay? Oh! Did I tell you? Three of your youngest loyal subjects FINALLY got their cutie marks! That’s right: The Cutie Mark Crusaders finally earned their marks! I’m including a picture of that joyous occasion with this letter. What else happened? Oh yeah! I patched things up with an old friend of mine: Moon Dancer, Applejack reunited with her friend Coloratura; who is now a famous singer and Cranky and Matilda got married. But you were there so you already knew that one so DUH!

“Still kind of miffed about not being let in at the last minute,” she grumbled aloud. Twilight was going to mention how excited she was to hear that Cadence was pregnant and she was going to become an aunt, but Celestia knew about that too so it was pointless to mention it.
As for my friends, they’ve all been doing well for the most part. Gosh, now that I think about it, they’ve had so much going on in their lives I don’t know where to begin. I guess I should start with Rainbow Dash. She’s gone through a great deal lately. After her pet turtle, Tank started getting ready for hibernation; she actually tried stopping winter from coming to Ponyville! Needless to say things didn’t work out the way she planned. In the end, she accepted the fact that Tank had to go away for the winter, but not before becoming a huge blubbery mess…please don’t tell her I told you that! Thank the stars that she had Arrowhead to comfort her. She needed him there the most…even if she’d never admit it.

“Hey Babe you home?” Arrowhead called out as he entered Rainbow’s home. He heard his not-so-girly-girlfriend was a train wreck after Tank started his hibernation, so he figured he’d come and check-up on her. “I just wanted to see how you were-” he started to say. Once he entered Rainbow’s bedroom however, he pretty much got the answer he was expecting.

“WAAAAAH, AH, AH, AH” Rainbow sobbed loudly. The speedy mare was rolling around in her bed, tears pouring from both eyes like waterfalls. Her voice was a sobbing mess; garbled unrecognizably by the agonizing wails that echoed throughout her house. Arrowhead visibly winced; her cries were like death shrieks. He’s surprised all of Ponyville wasn’t going deaf because of this. “I s-s-s-still c-c-c-can’t believe he’s g-g-g-gone” she sobbed; she grabbed a hoof full of tissues and loudly blew her nose into them. She collapsed on her back and cried harder and louder. “I WANT MY TANK BACK” she trashed around on her bed; like a helpless turtle on its back. Rainbow finally realized someone was in her room when Arrowhead walked over and put her numerous used tissues into the overflowing trash can by her nightstand. “Oh…h-h-h-hey there Arrowhead, sorry I d-d-d-didn’t hear you come in,” she sniffled softly.

“It’s okay babe,” he gently placed his hoof on her shoulder; rubbing it softly. She smiled weakly at his tender touch. “I hear you’ve been in here for a while so I thought I’d see if I can get you out of the house for a while,” he shrugged casually, “Maybe take your mind off certain depressing events?”

HONK!

A loud, screeching burst of tears and snorts was blown out of Rainbow’s muzzle into a tissue. She tossed it to the trash. It bounced off the staggering pile in the packed garbage can, she groaned as it rolled onto the floor. “Sorry but,” she looked back to her boyfriend with a sad frown, “I’m not really in the mood to be going anywhere. Everything just feels different without having Tank hovering around. I don’t want to do anything but lie in bed,” she slumped into bed and pulled the covers over her, “And wait for winter to pass.”

“Yeaaaaaaah…that’s not gonna happen,” the grey colt forcefully yanked Rainbow’s blanket off with his teeth and tossed it aside. His girlfriend looked at him with a startled and a slightly irritated look. “That’s what you told me the last 3 times I came over. This has been going on for long enough,” he bit onto her tail and started pulling her off the bed, “You need a break and I need my girlfriend back.”

“Well too bad,” she gripped the bed with her fore hooves and grunted, “I said I wanna stay in bed so that’s what I’m gonna do!” Arrowhead tugged and tugged but she refused to budge. Once again, she was acting as stubborn as she did when he tried to touch her hooves. Just like a child.

“Quit being such a pain and get your adorable ass out of bed,” he said through gritted teeth. He spat some of the rainbow tail hairs out of the side of his mouth. She was not making this easy, but then again she never made anything easy. It’s a good thing she’s an awesome girl. Otherwise, this would totally not be worth it, he thought to himself.

“You know I don’t like it when you use those sappy words to describe me,” she said back to him. Her cheeks puffed up and started to blush. Rainbow’s angry little pouts were adorable and cute, no matter what she said and she hated that he liked that about her. “Even if it is a compliment,” she griped silently.

Arrowhead started to rev up his hooves. Rainbow blinked suddenly, she couldn’t believe he was about to use his speed to yank her off the bed. Well two can play at that game she thought to herself. She flapped her wings as hard as she could and used her own speed to pull Arrowhead forward.

“WHOA!”

CRASH!

Rainbow put way more speed force into her pull than Arrowhead expected. The grey colt found himself being hurled off the floor and directly into the wall behind her bed. A crack formed on the cloud plaster where he impacted it. The mare gasped and rushed to catch him. “OOF” she grunted, his body landed right into hers, bounced the two of them off the bed and onto the floor with a loud thud. “Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh, I am SO, so, so sorry” she looked to him, eyes and cheeks wrinkling with panic. Don’t tell me I busted his head again! She frantically squealed, her hooves rubbing around his face to make sure he’s okay. “Please tell me your all right,” she begged.

He opened his eyes and smirked at her, it was a smirk Rainbow had given many times; to him and any pony else that challenged her to a competition. Rainbow was instantly relieved by the look on his face. “Got you off the bed just like I said would,” he leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips, “Normally guys get girls into bed; not off of it. Of course, once you’re feeling better-”

“GRRRR YOU BIG FAT JERK” Rainbow growled and jumped off his chest with a burst of speed. The extra force hit him like a punch to the gut. He grunted and clutched his chest, but it was all worth it to see that angry look on her cute little face. “You know, you make it really easy AND hard to stay mad at you,” she pouted. Rainbow crossed her hooves, flared up her wings and turned her back to him.

“You keep acting all grouchy and pouty, but I swear, you’re just looking more and more adorable,” he chuckled; sitting up.

“I’m NOT adorable,” she said defiantly.

“Come on I’m your boyfriend, I’m allowed to say how amazing you look,” she snuggled up behind her and draped an arm around her waist. The cyan mare still avoided looking at him, though her resolve wasn’t quite as strong as it once was. He could sense she was forcing it for appearances sake.

“Then say I look amazing, don’t use those sappy cutesy words,” she turned to him, “Calling me adorable makes me feel like I’m one of Fluttershy’s animals. I’m a big girl, talk to me like one.” Rainbow crossed one of her slender, speedy legs over; keeping her guard up. She still had trouble opening up her feminine side, or even admitting she had one.

“Complimenting you doesn’t mean I don’t think you’re a big girl,” he said. She looked away but his hoof gently cupped her chin and brought her gaze back to him. Her scowl had softened upon feeling his touch. “I’ve always been straight with you Dash. Nothing I’ve ever said to you is demeaning or taints your bad ass pony image.”

“Then why do you keep saying it when you know it bugs me?” she asked.

Arrowhead laughed and shrugged. “I already told you: I’m your boyfriend, it’s my job to tease you.” She groaned and crossed her fore hooves across her chest, putting her defenses backup. The colt laughed at how twitchy her feathers were. “And I love doing it because you look so damn cute when your feathers are all ruffled like this,” he chuckled; much to her added annoyance.

“Oh…just…shut up,” she blew a strand of rainbow colored hair out of her agitated looking pink eyes. Rainbow’s cheeks blushed mildly at his critical-yet-playful words.

As fun as this was, the grey colt came here for a reason and he still hadn’t accomplished that goal just yet. He tapped the base of his chin thoughtfully and hummed to himself. “Okay, okay, totally serious now. I’ll make you a deal,” her tiny ears flexed in response, “If you admit to me one time, one SINGLE time that you’re adorable, I won’t use that word to describe you again.”

Rainbow curiously examined his teal eyes; searching for any truth to his statement. Not that she needed an excuse to look into his eyes. Apart from his well chiseled muscles and sharp white hair, she always admired the strength and warmth his eyes displayed. “Are you serious?” she asked, he nodded firmly. He could be pulling her leg of course, but then again, he just said he was always direct with her and he never told her anything that wasn’t true.

“100% serious,” he affirmed.

“All right,” she caved in; finally. Why not? She knew Arrowhead was loyal to her, not her image or reputation but her as an individual, and she knew he was the only one who was going to hear her say this so no pony else was going to find out. The mighty walls crumbled and her resolve went with them. “All right, let’s get this over with,” she placed her hooves by her cheeks and put on a sarcastic, extra wide smile for her boyfriend. If he can tease her, then turnabout is fair play. “I’m adorable” she said in a squeaky, cutesy voice; the kind Fluttershy used when talking about some snuggable critter she found.

Arrowhead suddenly zoomed in and leaned up against Rainbow’s side. He leaned next to her fake smiling cheeks and produced a smile that was genuine. One of his hooves had snagged around her waist once more, while his other hoof was holding out a camera.

FLASH!

Rainbow blinked at the sudden blinding flash of light. Arrowhead lowered the device as it spat out an image. He set the camera down, bent over and quickly examined the photo. “Yup, there it is,” he turned the image towards Rainbow. The photograph perfectly captured Rainbow saying the word with that, as she so colorfully put it; “cutesy wutsey” smile and face. “Irrefutable proof that Rainbow Dash is adorable,” he smiled proudly.

The mare’s jaw dropped so low she could fit a whole basketball inside it. She couldn’t believe it. She was the fastest pony in all of Equestria and for the second time since she’s met him, Arrowhead had pulled ANOTHER fast one over her!

“GIMME THAT” she desperately leapt towards the grey colt; hooves flailing to latch onto that humiliating photograph. Arrowhead chuckled as he easily dodged her advances. Rainbow used all of her speed to try and nab that single piece of film that would destroy her image, but he still managed to evade her. “Hoof over that photo or I am totally breaking up with you,” Rainbow demanded.

“Please, we both know the element of loyalty wouldn’t leave her boyfriend over something as superficial like an embarrassing photo,” he laughed softly. Dammit she hated his stupid-handsome-know-it-all-face!

The closer the speedy mare got, the farther Arrowhead moved away from her. Eventually, he reached Rainbow’s front door. The moment he opened it, her eyes widened. She instantly feared he was going to go show that photo off to all her friends, including Scootaloo most likely. She’ll be a laughing stock! “I guess if you want this photo back, you’ll have to come outside with me,” he winked to Rainbow cockily. The colt sped out the door in a flash. The door banged against the wall loudly, intentionally left open so Rainbow would be tempted to follow.

“My pride is going to kill me one of these days” she sighed begrudgingly. Reluctantly, Rainbow grabbed a scarf, a pair of ear muffs and dashed after her boyfriend.
 

Arrowhead lead Rainbow Dash into the market in downtown Ponyville. They were currently in a clothing store, the grey colt was combing through several racks of clothing; looking for something in particular. “Ah ha” his eyes widened upon seeing a row of hats hanging on the wall by the changing rooms, he walked towards it and started looking through them.

“Okay, I left my house just like you asked AND followed you all the way to this store,” Rainbow griped loudly enough so that everyone could hear and feel her frustration. Arrowhead looked as cool and calm as ever despite his girlfriend’s complaints. “Now will you PLEASE give me that photo already?” she extended her hoof out to accept it.

“What do you think of this one?” he said; intentionally ignoring her question. Arrowhead placed a dark brown bowler hat on his head; modeling it for his grumpy girlfriend. Rainbow’s scathing eyes was all the reply he needed. “Yeah, too old man-ish,” he tossed it back on the rack, “I need something that says: me.”

He paused at the sudden sensation of Rainbow’s rough but comforting hooves wrapping something around his neck. It was her scarf. The scarf was pale blue with bits of small yellow thunderbolts decorated in its stitching; it had a very Wonderbolts style to it. He looked to Rainbow as if she were a stranger that grabbed him from behind.

“What? Just because I’m mad at you doesn’t mean I want you to get sick,” she said matter-of-factly.

“Thanks babe,” he looked at the scarf fondly; running his hoof through the material with a smooth brushing motion. She blushed mildly at that little name. “So then,” he quickly went back to the task at hand; showcasing various hats for the colorful mare, “What do you think of this one?” Rainbow groaned at the tall, stovetop style black hat. Arrowhead tried on another one, then another and another. Everything he tried just seemed to disgust and annoy Rainbow further.

“Ugh, why do you keep asking what I think of these stupid hats? I’m not Rarity you know,” she crossed her forelegs over her chest and snorted. Arrowhead rolled his eyes at that remark. Rainbow looked at the rack of hats; her eyes drooped down under the weight of her staggering boredom. “And what’s with the sudden hat craving anyway?” she poked the rack with disinterest. “You better not be going bald and trying to hide it with a hat or something.”

Though slightly cruel, Arrowhead couldn’t help but laugh at that theory. “No, no, nothing like that. You see,” he paused and tried on a baseball cap, “I’ve been thinking of starting some kind of business here in Ponyville.” The cap was tossed aside as he tried on another. “I was thinking some kind of detective agency. I’m all about finding the truth and seeing past pony’s barriers, figured it would be a good use of my skills.”

Rainbow hadn’t thought of that. It made perfect sense though, he’s persistent, he cuts through all the fronts she’s put up, and he always seems to know how to get to a person’s true nature. Rarity proved to be quite the detective herself, Rainbow could personally attest to that. Maybe she could give him a few pointers about starting his own detective business; she thought to herself. She’s already a successful business mare.

Suddenly, the thought of rummaging through these hats didn’t seem like it was meant to distract her from the photo or to bore her to death. No, this seemed much more than that. She could hear and feel the surge of optimism and excitement in his voice. This idea sounded truly important to him, maybe even more so than he was letting on.

“You’re really serious about this, aren’t you?” she hovered behind him, watching him closely with curiosity beaming in her eyes.

“Of course,” he turned to her and smiled, “It’s as important to me as joining the Wonderbolts is to you.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened at his answer. Wow, I didn’t know he was THAT serious about this, she scratched her chin softly, well in that case…

The mare flew above the hat racks, quickly scanning her hawk eye vision over everything this store had to offer. If she could scan everything down below her, she knew it’d be cake finding the right hat for Arrowhead in a flash. “Got it,” she chirped loudly. Rainbow grabbed a dark brown fedora from the rack and dropped it into Arrowhead’s hooves. It was a rusty shade of brown; the stripe was midnight black and it featured a quill like feather towards the front. The feather was a mix of aquamarine blue and bronze gold. “That’s the one, trust me,” Rainbow said proudly. “Rarity may be Ponyville’s resident fashionista but I know that is going to look totally bad ass on you,” she said as she landed on the ground.

“Well, if you say so,” he replied; trusting his girlfriend’s judgement without much hesitation. The colt flipped the hat on with a sense of flare; he adjusted it and turned to Rainbow. “So what do you think?” he asked; shrugging mildly.

Rainbow was fast on her feet; always have been and always will be, but at that very moment she was too stunned to react. The hat gave Arrowhead a sense of dashing charm to his already well sculpted figure. He looked like some handsome stranger out of a mystery thriller, but strong and bold enough to be a battled scarred hero in an action flick.

“Y-y-y-you look”, she wanted to speak but her lips just couldn’t make out the right words. She licked them softly and tried to shake this enchanting warmth that had afflicted her.

“Heh, that’s the right answer,” he flipped the hat off smoothly; holding it one hoof while his other reached for the photo. Rainbow was so mesmerized by his intoxicating look; she didn’t even realize Arrowhead had placed the photo in one of her hooves. The colt happily headed to the counter with the hat. “I’m gonna go pay for this, thanks for the excellent recommendation babe,” he called to her as he started counting his bits.

Rainbow shook her head; quickly snapping out of her dreamy trance upon hearing the clanking of colliding bits. Cherry blossom colored blushes warmed her cheeks up. “Man, I’m going to have to be careful around him when he has that hat on,” she half joked. She suddenly realized she finally had what she wanted: the photograph. “Whew, thank Celestia he gave this up,” she exhaled in relief. She looked around to make sure no pony else had seen it. “Now I can finally destroy this thing before anyone else sees it,” she prepared to tear the photo in half.

“HEY THERE RAINBOW WINGS”

That voice sent violent chills down Rainbow’s spine. It was familiar, sickeningly familiar; like a nightmare that she thought she had been rid of long ago. She would have dropped the photo in fear if she wasn’t so rigid from her sudden repulsion. “That sounds like,” she swallowed heavily; trembling as if expecting death the instant she turned around, “Zephyr Breeze.”

Finally forcing herself to turn and face the slacker Pegasus, Rainbow felt all the color drain from her rainbow locks and face as she confirmed his identity. The colt was tall, aqua green colored, faint plum colored eyes, chin unshaven and his faint blond hair was stringy looking. The last confirming bit of news came when she saw his cutie mark was a dark green breeze like wave with a pale orange colored leaf.

“If this isn’t Celestia’s will then I don’t know what is,” he boasted smugly, “Here I am; just browsing for a cheap err I mean special gift for my older sister, and who do I find hot on my luxurious scent?” Zephyr leaned in obnoxiously close to Rainbow. She visibly cringed; practically feeling her fur jump off her body at his proximity. She looked like she’d just been slimed by a ghost with tacky hair. “Rainbow, the speedy-sensational-secretly-pining-for-old-Breezy Dash,” he raised his thick eyebrows suggestively.

“Ugh I am NOT here following you. And for the hundred, thousandth time I am NOT; nor have I EVER been pining for you!” she snapped defiantly. Ever since Rainbow had known Fluttershy, Zephyr had concocted this twisted fantasy that she was somehow secretly in love with him. It loathed her to know that after all these years he hasn’t changed, though that was to be expected when you’re a conceited slacker like him. She couldn’t step back from him fast enough.

“Oh come on Rainbows, you don’t need to play the hard-to-get-card to win my club of hearts,” Zephyr flexed his wings proudly. His smug smile and flashy stance made it seemed like any pony looking at him should bask in awe of his radiant glow. Rainbow tried to fly off but Zephyr snagged his arm around her shoulder and cuddled her most uncomfortably close. “Zephyr’s always saved room for a wild card like you in his deck,” he smiled widely at the clearly disgusted mare.

“Uhhhhhhh” Rainbow meekly trailed off, her jaw seemingly forever locked in a horrified gasp. She was so thoroughly disgusted and disturbed by Zephyr’s actions; she once again felt her mouth fail to function properly. How dense can a pony be? He makes my flesh crawl every time he touches me. Every. Single. Time! No matter what I say to him or how loudly I say it, he STILL doesn’t listen.

Rainbow tried to fly off or call out to Arrowhead but Zephyr kept dragging her back with his odious advances. “What do you say you and I split a hay burger and I can regale you with all my brilliant future mane style designs?” his confidence and certainty was so intense; it was suffocating. Before Rainbow could protest, Zephyr creepily pressed his hoof to her lips and hushed her. “And of course when I say split a burger, I of course mean you pay and I pay you back later,” he chuckled and motioned to his empty hooves. “I kind of forgot to bring any money with me.”

Then how the heck were you planning on buying Fluttershy a gift in the first place?!? That thought screamed inside her brain. She wanted to shout it out and knock some sense into this mooching moron, but he wasn’t going to listen and he certainly wasn’t going to back down. I’ve never felt more alone in my life, I’m drowning in Hell here and no pony seems to notice! How can someone as sweet as Fluttershy be related to such a slug?

Zephyr started to head towards the exit; slightly dragging a most unwilling Rainbow Dash with him. She didn’t know what to do or what to say. All her energy, all of her resistance and anger was gone; sapped away by the parasitic idiocy of this slacker’s delusional charms. The mare felt like she was being kidnapped by a diamond dog that smelled of cheap hair gel and overconfidence.

“Come on Rainbows, I’m about to bring all those daydreams you have about me to glorious 3D life!”

Where the heck is Arrowhead? I wish I never let him take that awful photograph. It’s because of that stupid thing that I’m about to experience the worst night of my life. Ooooh I can’t wait until I get my hooves on him so I can -

ZOOM!

CRACK!

Zephyr and Rainbow were stopped; violently cut off by the most enraged looking Earth pony ever to cross Equestria: Arrowhead.
“H-h-h-hey buddy, what’s the b-b-big idea? OW, ouchie” Zephyr winced. The wimpy Pegasus squinted in pain, nervously trying to pull his hoof out of the crushing force of Arrowhead’s grip. The grey colt had stopped Zephyr in his tracks before he made it out of the store with Rainbow. “You’re interrupting some major date magic,” Zephyr looked disapprovingly at the Earth pony’s bland mane style, “Whoever you are.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened with joy. “Arrowhead, boy I am glad to see-” she quickly stopped herself before getting too excited. She had to remember; she was mad at him and had to punish him for taking so long for getting back to her…even if he was saving her from a disastrous date. “Yeah, so um, took you long enough,” she put on her cool persona; trying to avoid Arrowhead’s eyes but failing.

Arrowhead was fuming with unimaginable anger; rage seething under his skin like a scorching sickness. Rainbow and Zephyr could see veins bulging along his muscular arms. “Where the HELL do you think your taking my girlfriend?” his voice had a newfound savagery that caused Rainbow to shiver. She didn’t know his voice could get that low. “And more importantly,” Arrowhead jerked Zephyr off Rainbow and brought his muzzle face to face with his, “WHY DO YOU HAVE YOUR STINKING HOOVES ALL OVER HER?”

His volcanic tone silenced every pony whispering and staring at the volatile scene. Some staff members had attempted to approach Arrowhead to ask him to leave, but the fury felt in his thunderous tone melted their resolve like ice. The staff ponies frightfully backed away. Meanwhile, Rainbow was still in awe of her boyfriend’s protective nature.

“Oh…g-g-g-girlfriend you say?” Zephyr nervously laughed; slowly inching away from both ponies. “H-h-h-h-hey now, even a genius artist like me makes m-m-m-m-mistakes every once in a while,” his smile was one of desperation and fear. Every shiver crawling up the Pegasai’s body got stronger the more he looked into those hate filled eyes of Arrowhead’s. “Rainbows and I go way back and, you see, it’s kind of a funny story but she has been secretly pining over-” Zephyr was abruptly cut off by Rainbow’s true boyfriend.

Arrowhead flipped on his new hat as he abruptly confronted the babbling stylist. He leaned in closer; squinting at Zephyr’s frightened eyes and spoke with the lowest and coldest voice he could produce. “If I ever see you making her that uncomfortable again,” Zephyr gulped loudly, “I’m going to shove my hoof so far up your ass; you’ll be spitting out horseshoes for the rest of your life.”

“Oh-my-look-at-my-wrist-gotta-go-fix-those-manes-BYE” Zephyr said with a nervous squeak. He bolted out the door so quickly; he left a shimmering blue and yellow mirage behind.

Arrowhead’s venomous glare never softened until he was sure Zephyr was 100% gone. Once he was certain, the grey colt’s intense guard instantly softened back to his normal demeanor. He turned to Rainbow and placed a hoof on her shoulder, “Are you all right?”

Rainbow smiled at the sweet gesture. Normally, she would be against such public displays of affection, but seeing him get all crazed and guard dog-ish over her kind of warmed her heart. “I’m great actually, thanks for the save there,” she turned beat red with blushes. Rainbow forced herself to give him a peck on the cheek to show her gratitude. She looked almost as uncomfortable kissing him in public as she was being with Zephyr, almost. “I mean he wasn’t like dangerous or anything,” she explained, “He’s an annoying bratty brother of Fluttershy’s but he was still making me feel all creeped out.” She sighed and rolled her eyes. “That delusional dope always thought I was secretly pining for him ever since I met him,” she made a gagging noise; sickened at the mere thought of being in a relationship with Zephyr.

Arrowhead chuckled, “Well I am glad I was able to crowbar him off of you.” Rainbow stared at her boyfriend for a moment and then suddenly slugged him in the shoulder. He winced and grunted in pain. “OW, what was that for?” he rubbed his arm achingly.

“You big fat jerk! What took you so long?” she demanded, flaring her wings up. “He was sleaze balling all over me for what felt like forever. Either you were in the longest line ever or you saw what was happening and did nothing but enjoy watching me squirm,” she crossed her arms and turned her back to him; pouting bitterly. “Either way it was not cool and I am totally peeved at you for it,” she asserted.

“Actually, I was watching everything that went down the moment he popped up,” he clarified. Rainbow’s face was burning up with a different shade of red: anger! She flipped around to show him her own angry side but found herself quickly halted by his explanation. “And the reason I didn’t do anything is because you’re the toughest girl I know and you could totally handle someone like him,” he said.

Rainbow’s anger and irritation vanished; instantly deflating like a punctured balloon. His words, the look in his eyes, the sound of his voice; it eroded any and all frustrations she was about to unload on him. “Oh…yeah…um…that makes sense…actually” she nervously replied. She hadn’t expected an answer like that.

“But the more he just pushed himself on you, the more it made you look uncomfortable,” he paused for a moment; closing his eyes and clenching his left hoof angrily. “Just thinking about how miserable you looked just set off a fire inside of me,” he opened his eyes and relaxed his grip, “I know you could’ve handled him and I know he wasn’t a mugger or anything like that, but I just couldn’t stand seeing you look so unhappy for one minute longer. I had to do something.” Arrowhead’s voice spoke with vigor, with pride; like he was making a declarative statement in court. Rainbow couldn’t help but feel moved by his passion.

She licked her lips; feeling a tender warmness creeping into her cheeks, “Say…do you want to go get some burgers or something?”
“Sounds good to me rainbow babe,” he started heading towards the door; chuckling softly. “Come on, I’m buying.”

“Be there in a second,” she paused; following up with a proud smile, “And I’m buying. It’s my treat this time.” The speedy mare was about to leave when she heard the distinct crinkle of the photo nestled between her feathers. All it took was one look at that photo to make up her mind about it. Rainbow approached the counter. She was cautious, quiet, trying to be discrete with her question, “So um…do you guys happen to sell frames?”

Fluttershy tells me that Rainbow stops by frequently to tell her all about how great things are going with Arrowhead. I am happy to report that this is the happiest I’ve seen Rainbow in a long time, maybe…even more than I’ve ever seen since I’ve known her.

Twilight sighs; sadly inking her quill.

I just can’t help but worry that Fluttershy is just a bit jealous of all this attention Rainbow is getting. Fluttershy usually goes along with what makes everyone else happy; not herself. I believe Fluttershy wishes to have someone care for her one day, so that she can be the receiver and not the caregiver for a change. Heh, funny enough, she seems to think there’s some pony watching over her; protecting her from…things I guess.

I really don’t know how to explain it. She seems lonely and yet she appears calm and content, like she’s being protected by someone or something that makes her feel cared for. The girls and I checked all around her cottage, but other than her usual critter friends and occasionally one from the Evefree forest, we never found anyone.

Maybe it’s just wishful thinking.

Chimera Khan stood at the edge of his cavernous lair, his gaze stretching across the endless sky of darkness and silver stars. It was as if he was peering into the depths of the deepest, darkest oceans for a golden treasure to call his own.

“I do not understand this,” he mused to himself, “Why is my vision blurred by lines of yellow and pink? I have spent years planning the ultimate revenge on that vile, treacherous sow Celestia.” Her name came off his lips scathingly. Khan felt disgusted to even speak of the sun princess, even in scorn. “And yet,” his orange eyes briefly softened, “I feel clouded; my desires for vengeance are being pooled into my inexplicable fondness for that nature loving mare.”

He shook his head, clutching metal against metal as he rubbed his face sorely. Every time he looked in the mirror he was reminded of what Celestia forced him to hide. Khan found himself questioning his murderous resolve.

Was this really the way?

Was he no longer sure of what he wanted?

Could this all be because of…Fluttershy?

“No, no IT CAN’T BE” he suddenly shouted. Khan’s orange eyes hardened like jagged daggers. His black and red horn surged with dark magic, a brief flash of emerald green filled his irises; turning his pupils red with purple smoke sizzling from their sides. “Yes…yes,” his voice slurred like a serpent, “We must NEVER forget what she has done to us.”

“Who the heck are you talking to boss?” a female voice curiously asked.

Khan snapped out of his trance and turned around, Bubbling Cauldron was standing behind him. The green witch looked at him like he should be wearing a strait jacket. The metallic tyrant glared at his servant for spying on him.

“What do you want witch?” he sneered.

“Whoa, stay frosty boss,” she raised her hooves up defensively. The mare backed up slowly; not daring to enrage her master any further. “I just wanted to know who you were talking to and why you were looking all spaced out,” she answered.

“I see,” Khan turned his masked face back towards the utter blackness he found such solace in. For a moment, he said nothing and Cauldron started to leave so she could let him get back to…whatever it is he was doing. “Did I ever tell you why I wanted to destroy Princess Celestia and her kingdom?” his question halted Cauldron’s exit; catching her off guard.

“I um…well now that you mentioned it,” she paused to think about it, “No you actually never did.”

“I shall tell you,” he said firmly; not giving her any option to say otherwise. Bubbling Cauldron nodded and sat down obediently. “Long, long ago I was once the grand high advisor and wizard to Princess Celestia. When I served as her advisor, Celestia was a wise, noble and honorable ruler who always put her subject’s best interests before her own.” His eyes shimmered fondly, enjoying the fleeting glimmer of happiness from reliving his memories. “She had such a vast knowledge of magic, so powerful and gifted. I made it my personal mission to learn everything she knew so that I could always protect her and the kingdom with the same amount of power and devotion. I knew I would not live forever as she would, but I was happy dedicating my life to serving her so that I could grow and give her everything I had; just as she had done for others.”

The sight of the moon’s beams bleeding through the few remaining clouds caused Khan to pause, his lips frowned in anger. Though Cauldron could not see his muscles flexing under the armor, she could sense a palpable tension was now surging through his veins. The adoration in Khan’s voice dissolved into a vengeful tone.

“Then her sister turned into Nightmare moon and everything changed. Celestia was no longer the epitome of guardianship, she had grown…soft.” Khan’s armor flashed under the rising flare of his voice and mood. “I had noticed a rising threat in Equestria…dragons. Vile, wretched beasts; the whole lot of them! They had been encroaching on our territory on a number of occasions. I strongly urged Celestia to put those nasty reptiles in their proper place. But, much to my loathing, she continued to play peacekeeper and allowed those monsters to walk away unharmed each occurrence.”

“So what did you do?” Cauldron asked impatiently.

“I presented my undeniable logic to the princess: these creatures are too dangerous and too powerful to allow them to live. They are a race of ticking time bombs; just waiting to lay waste to our civilizations and devour all of us. I proposed we exterminate the dragons before they do the same to us. Celestia, in her infinite ignorance, denied me from taking ANY lethal action against the dragons. Never had I wanted to disobey my princess…until that injustice was passed. So, I devised a plan to create a powerful magic spell that could control all dragons and enslave them before they decide to attack us. Using Starswirl’s indestructible plate as a platform, I used all the magical items and spell books I had collected over the years and combined their magical properties into an amalgamation of magic, metal and artifacts. I went to test my spell’s effectiveness on the creatures that inhabit the Everfree forest,” Khan explained.

“I figured, if I could control the monsters in that forest; the dragons would be easy to enslave,” he said sorrowfully. The armored pony spoke as if he had just experienced these events yesterday. Even after all these years, they were still fresh and vivid in his mind as ever. “Naturally my spell worked. I successfully controlled all of the creatures in the Everfree forest, even when my armor was still in its prototype phase. But the real test was still to come. I needed to make sure it worked on the dragons, so I went to the area where Celestia and I first caught two dragons trespassing on our land. It was a snowy, cold mountain; not far behind Canterlot and the royal castle.” As he spoke, his inner rage was slowly boiling to the surface; yet Bubbling Cauldron also sensed a twinge of fear in his tone. “I found the dragons but,” his teeth clenched tightly as he spoke the next words; “The spell failed. I was stunned for a moment, but only for a moment. The dragons attacked me; I killed the first one and delivered a fatal wound to the other.”

Bubbling Cauldron inched closer to her master; despite his growing temper. The excitement and investment she had poured into this story was rapidly increasing. She nodded vigorously for him to continue; her cob webbed hat bouncing along.

“I went to put the horrid beast out of my misery when…when,” his voice slowly trailed off. The trembling muscles in his throat failed to produce the words he dreaded to say.

WHAM!

Khan smashed his metallic hoof into the cave’s stone wall, fractures spread across the stone wall like blood vessels. His breathing was heard with disturbing clarity through his armor; it had an echo effect to it, much like his own voice. Cauldron squeaked in fear.

“He burned me…he bathed my body in an ocean of fire,” he shuddered coldly, “That horrible, unforgiving green fire. I ran off, screaming in agonizing pain. I fell on an unstable path on the mountain and tumbled into a series of caves. I blacked out instantly. I awoke without any clue of how long I’d been down there or how I survived. My body was burned almost completely over but I still had enough strength to make my way back to the castle. When I returned, I learned Celestia believed me to be dead and completely cleaned up all traces of what transpired between me and the dragons.” The wall cracked even further as he twisted his hoof. “That rotten…lying…back stabbing little…GRR TRAITOR”, he snapped angrily, “She covered everything up! She erased all traces of me and didn’t harm so much as a scale on King Horntail’s head for the dragon’s part in my ‘demise’. After that, I went into hiding; slowly planning and building my ultimate revenge against her. I swore I would never believe in Celestia ever again and that I would make her experience eternal pain and suffering for abandoning me, and failing to avenge my death.” He paused for a moment then let loose a cold, cruel chuckle. “It’s ironic,” he removed his hoof from the wall, “I warned her that the dragons would be her downfall one day. But in fact, she will fall at my hooves because she ignored my warnings about the dragons.”

“Once that deadweight loser Crowe gets back to you with the last two magical items, you’ll finally be able to REALLY stick it to that pretentious princess. You’ll show her who the REAL boss is,” she cackled wildly.

Khan flinched slightly at those words: the real boss.

Do I even know who that is…is it even me? I thought I was but now, I’m not so sure anymore. One thing I am certain of, Celestia has much to answer for. She betrayed me and left me for dead, what kind of repayment is that for all of my years of service and friendship? I swear upon this mask that I will not rest until she pays for every last one of her sins…in blood.

Twilight was quite happy no pony was around to see her cheeks flash a few shades of pink. Memories of Moonstruck always put a smile on her face, but today that smile was sad and weak…much like her heart.

Princess, when you told me that you suspected me of having some sort of connection to Moonstruck; I wondered what it was about me that gave you that impression. He has been such a constant source of confusion and conflict for me that I unknowingly let him get under my skin.

He is unlike any pony I have ever met before. He doesn’t always say the right thing, he makes fun of my name and my behaviors constantly and his actions as of lately have been…disheartening to say the least.

But still…

I can’t help but feel like I’m missing something without him in my life. I’ve always measured and calculated every aspect of my experiences, even the birthdays and Hearth’s Warming eves Spike and I shared before we came to Ponyville. I could always use science to make sense of anything. But I’ve relied less and less on it since I came to Ponyville, and yet…at this very moment, I wish for all the scientific knowledge in the world to enter my brain and help me make sense of this confusing pain I’m in.

Sigh…I wonder if this is what Applejack felt when Hopeful told her what was in that letter he gave to Derpy Hooves. She’s been having a hard time adjusting to so many new things: working with Rarity in Manehattan to help Coco Pommel, missing out on the Sisterhooves social, trying to adjust to the Pie family’s traditions; and accepting Coloratura’s changes. Maybe if she hadn’t been dealing with all those radical changes to her old fashioned ways, she might have reacted differently.

Hopeful soared high above Sweet Apple Acres with the ever adorable and jubilant Apple Bloom riding on his back. Her joyous laughter echoed sweetly in the colt’s ears as he soared through the clouds. “Hold on tight little maiden, here comes another loop da loop,” he called out to her. The filly nodded and tightly clutched the stallion’s back fur. Hopeful flipped into a barreling loop; briefly treating the crusader’s young eyes to the most spectacular of views. Her cutie mark sparkled dazzlingly in the golden rays of the sun.

“What did you think of that?” he turned his eye towards her.

“That was just amazin’, Ah never knew flyin’ would be this cool,” she beamed excitedly.

Their ears twitched at the sudden sound of a cow bell clanging on the ground below. Hopeful looked down and spotted the familiar sight of his beloved Earth pony friend ringing the bell in her mouth. The Pegasus nodded to Apple Bloom and slowly descended down to the grasslands.

“Well, would ya look at that,” the orange mare ceased ringing and placed the bell down. Applejack couldn’t help but smile contently seeing her sister so happy. She sure has takin’ a shine to him. Ah swear, sometimes Ah wonder if she wants him to stick ‘round just so she could get more Pegasus piggy back rides. The southern mare chuckled to herself and watched the romantic stallion land gracefully and safely on the ground; just as he’s done every other time Apple Bloom’s been on his back.

“I take it it’s time for our next cooking lesson to begin?” he asked cheerfully. As much as he loved playing with AJ’s little sister, the sweetness in his smile clearly showed how eagerly he was waiting to spend more time with the mare of his dreams.

“Right as rain sugar,” Hopeful’s cheeks reflexively blushed at his much adored nickname. She opened the door and motioned for the Pegasus to follow her into the kitchen.

“Awe, already?” Apple Bloom pouted. Her tiny frown was too adorable for Hopeful and AJ not to giggle under their breath. “But you still haven’t told me what yer cutie mark means,” she pointed at Hopeful’s flank, “Ah’ve been wonderin’ since Ah first saw it.” Apple Bloom hopped up and down impatiently. “Ya just gotta tell me!”

Hopeful gently placed his hoof on her head; calming her down and lightly ruffling her red hair. “A gentleman does not break a promise to a beautiful lady,” he said matter-of-factly, “I gave you my word I’d tell you and I will.” He pulled his hoof back and smiled at the tiny Earth pony. “But just like your new cutie mark, all good things come to those who wait,” he motioned for her to run off. “Now’s not the time now, your sister and I have some previous promises to fulfill,” he stated.

Apple Bloom leaned in and whispered something to Hopeful. His eyes widened momentarily, the filly winked and ran off to meet up with her fellow crusaders. The colt chuckled nervously and shook his head.

“What was all that about?” Applejack asked.

“Umm she told me that she was happy to give us all the privacy we need,” he said embarrassingly.

The orange mare removed her hat and laughed; smacking it lightly against her foreleg. “Well Ah’ll be dipped in apple sauce,” she raised an eyebrow teasingly at the red colt, “If Ah didn’t know any better; Ah’d say some pony is tryin’ to get the two of us together.”

Hopeful chuckled; returning the playful teasing, “Yeah I don’t have a clue where your getting that from.” He raised his hoof and motioned towards the orange mare. “Sure sounds like good advice though. I strongly think you should listen to her fair maiden,” he flew next to her and wiggled his eyebrows, “It could be most beneficial to your health.”

Applejack covered her mouth and tried to cover up her laugh but failed miserably. She snorted through her cheeks and shook her head, “Duly noted.” The mare grabbed Hopeful’s tail with her teeth and tugged him into the kitchen. “Come on lover boy, we’ve got some more cookin’ to do,” she said through clenched teeth.

Almost immediately after entering the kitchen, Hopeful clutched his tail and nervously pulled it from AJ’s teeth. His concern seemed drawn to the orange bow near the end of his tail tip. Hopeful looked at the bow like it was precious treasure; like his world would shatter if it came off. Needless to say, Applejack’s emerald eyes had certainly noticed.

“Um, something wrong there partner?”

Hopeful shook his head dismissively, slowly letting go of his tail. “No, no, everything’s fine. I just tend to get a little over protective about this,” he said assuredly.

Applejack thought about asking him why, but the look in his eyes told her that would be unwise. Hopeful has kept secrets from her before; dodging certain topics and questions. But then again, so has she. If this issue surrounding his bow was a sensitive one, then it would be best not to spoil their time together with awkward sadness. He would tell her when he was ready.

“Let’s just stick to the cookin’ lesson then, shall we?” she said with much enthusiasm. Hopeful nodded and stood side by side with the Earth pony, both focusing on Granny Smith’s cook book before them. She flipped a few pages and stopped on the one marked “blueberry pancakes.” The red colt bit his lip nervously. “Now then, today were gonna try somethin’ nice and simple: pancakes,” she patted his shoulder comfortingly, “Don’t sweat it now sugar; Ahm gonna take you through it every step of the way.”

“All right,” he gulped loudly, “I just don’t want to like; burn the house while trying to make them or something.”

Applejack’s laughter somewhat comforted him, she seemed quite certain she could teach him to be a cooking whiz. “Come on now partner, Ah know you’ve improved since last time,” she said confidently. He seemed unconvinced but she gave him a reassuring wink and nudged him softly. “Now show me what ya got!”

5 minutes later…

The orange mare stood dumbfounded as Hopeful’s bowl of pancake batter had burst into a roaring sea of flames. The colt was desperately running around grabbing every other bowl he could get his hooves on; filling them up with water from the sink and dumping them over the flames.

“H-h-h-how, HOW is that possible? You set the pancake batter on fire,” she couldn’t shake the look of shock and bewilderment off her freckled cheeks, “WE DIDN’T EVEN USE THE STOVE YET!”

Hopeful was too busy running around and dumping things in the bowl to answer. His wings flapped frantically; hovering towards the higher cabinets to try and find something that can help. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I swear I can fix this! Let me just-” he stopped suddenly as he found a large bag in the cabinet above the refrigerator. “This ought to do the trick,” he grabbed the bag and tor its seal open with his teeth. Hopeful flew above the pancake inferno and quickly dumped its contents into the bowl.

The contents of the bag became clear to Applejack mere seconds before it landed into the batter. Though she knew she was too late, her voice still desperately tried to warn the disastrous chef. “NO, NO, NOT THAT ONE” she cried out, “That’s going to-”

SPLAT!

The pancake batter exploded upon contact with the bag’s contents. Thick, faint brown colored goop splattered all across the kitchen. The batter hung like an oozing hybrid of sap, molasses and butter soaked blueberries. Even the windows had pancake batter dripping off the wood hinges. Hopeful and Applejack stood dumbfounded at the center of the splattering mess, their coats almost completely covered in the goo. The ponies just stared at each other blankly. Neither one could believe what had happened, or how it got to this point in the first place.

The eerie silence was finally broken. Applejack slowly smacked her lips; licking whatever bits of pancake slop had been plastered across her face. “Hmmmm, ya know…that ain’t half bad,” she munched on it happily.

“R-r-r-really?” he asked; nervously. The red colt was still in a bit of a daze after that colossal pancake explosion.

“Yeah, it’s a bit runny and takes some time to get it round yer mouth but,” she paused and licked another chunk off her freckled cheeks, “Ah could see mah self eatin’ this fer breakfast.”

Hopeful decided to trust her word and took a lick for himself. His eyes widened slightly, the taste made him croon and curious for another tasting; each one more pleasing than the last. “I think you’re right, I might be onto something,” he commented. He raised a cream covered hoof and wiped some buttery chunks out of his dark locks. “You think ponies would pay to come eat this off the walls? Cause that’s the only way I can see this being marketed,” he half joked.

The orange mare burst with laughter at that. Maybe it was the absurdity of the situation; being covered from head to hoof in surprisingly tasty pancake splatter, but something about this strange little moment caused her lungs to overflow with laughter.

“Ya’ll are gonna make me split mah sides open,” she chuckled; wiping a tear from her eye…or possibly blueberry juice. Hearing that sweet, southern purr jingle with laughter just put a smile on Hopeful’s face that would not stop. Applejack took her Stetson off and tried to shake the gunk off. “If yer cookin’ gets any better and Ah find out yer a decent dancer,” she playfully winked at him, “Ah think ah’ll find mah self havin’ a hard time keepin’ my hooves off ya.”

He opened his lips to speak but found his voice drying up within seconds. Applejack shook her blond locks wildly, flapping the pancake batter around the room like chocolate raindrops. It was the strangest thing. Here she was covered in muck, sweat and who knows what else came bursting out of that pot, and yet…he found her irresistibly beautiful.

I know she’s an Earth pony, but somehow…I feel she’s cast a spell on me. I just can’t stop looking at her. There are splatters of syrup and batter dripping off her tips, her cutie mark looks like someone slapped a mud pie over it and she’s probably covered with sweat and dirt from the farm work too, he thought to himself. His eyes shined with that image of her shaking her hair and letting her natural beauty run wild in his imaginations. But still, his heart skipped a beat as his cheeks reddened. Hopeful took a meaningful pause; softening his lips into the most heartwarming of smiles as he spoke, “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

Applejack suddenly stopped. His words cut her to the core, she felt as if he hit a pause button on the entire world. “W-w-why would you say something like that?” she asked hoarsely. He looked at her as if the answer was obvious. “Look at me, Ahm a mess,” she motioned over her body, “No pony looks at somepony this messy and says somethin’ like that.” She slowly put her Stetson back on.

“But I do and I just did,” he swiftly replied.

“But why?” she asked curiously. Her emerald eyes screamed with a commanding need to know, as if she had been asking this question over and over again in her mind. “Why are you attracted to me like this, why don’t mah differences make ya turn and run, why does such a smooth talkin’ Pegasus care about a stubborn, old apple bucker like me?” she said achingly.

The young flyer had no idea his feelings for her had bruised her heart so sorrowfully. To him, her beauty was without question or doubt; a certainty that carried on in every curve of her body.

For once, the pony poet felt silence and actions were answers enough. He approached her with the most love filled eyes she had ever seen aside from her own family. Hopeful placed his hoof gently under her chin and tilted her eyes upward ever so slightly so she could bathe in that love.

At that very moment, the mess was nonexistent and Applejack felt she was as majestic and heavenly as Celestia herself. Every nagging thought of traditions and preferences vanished into an enveloping cloud of unbridled joy. The two leaned in close, their eyes closing half way as their lips parted open. At that very moment…all was right with the world.

“MAIL CALL” Big Mac shouted; slamming the door wide open.

WHAM!

“Hey sis, ya got invited to some sort of-”

The splatter soaked kitchen froze Big Mac’s words like an icy muzzle. Applejack and Hopeful both immediately backed away from each other and looked away; overwhelmed with embarrassment. Neither one could say a word or look Big Mac in the eye.

The large pony just sighed in disappointment and shook his head. “Ah don’t care what ya’ll are doin’ but SOME PONY better clean this up before Granny Smith gets back from the market,” he snapped. Big Mac chucked the letter at Applejack’s feet and turned to exit the kitchen. “And that sure as Zap apple jam ain’t gonna be me!” he slammed the door shut with a deafening crash.

Hopeful sighed with relief. For a moment, he was certain Big Mac was going to toss him out the window or something. Applejack however seemed far more interested with the letter she received. Now Ah know Ah have seen this kind of envelope colorin’ before, she thought to herself as she picked it up with her teeth. Applejack opened the envelope and quickly examined what was inside. “Ah…Ah…Ah just can’t believe it” she stuttered solemnly.

“Can’t believe what?” he asked curiously.

SLAP!

He was greeted with a striking slap across the face for an answer. Hopeful immediately clutched his cheek in pain, his tearful eyes staring desperately at the mare who had struck him so hatefully. “F-f-f-fair maiden,” his voice trembled as painfully as his heart felt; “Why would you-”

“Ya’ll mind explaining this?” she coldly demanded. The sour southern mare lifted up the letter she received: it was an invitation to the Heart Family reunion next week; it had been clearly marked “Yes” in attending with a plus one. “This is the letter Ah saw you give to Derpy, ISN’T IT?” she angrily asked. Her freckled cheeks puffed up like a pufferfish. She was so ticked off right now; she didn’t even know if she wanted to bother hearing whatever his excuse was.

“Y-y-y-y-yes but that still doesn’t explain OW,” he winced briefly; that spot still stinging on his cheek. Earth ponies sure had strong hooves all right. “Why you would hit me,” he looked at her anxiously.

“Ah hit ya because you flat out lied to me and there is NOTHING Ah hate more than a liar,” she slammed the letter on the floor.

Hopeful tried to speak, but Applejack’s fiery temper wasn’t nearly finished unloading on him just yet. “How did I-”

“Ya’ll told me we would take things slow, you agreed to not rush things cause we were still sortin’ out our differences,” she explained. “Now Ahm no expert on courtin’ but Ah sure as moonshine know that goin’ to meet some pony’s kin in a big ol’ family gatherin’ is a BIG step.” Hopeful’s confusion slowly started to dissolve. Every step and every word she aimed towards him made him realize he’s made a horrible mistake.

“Fair maiden, please, let me explain myself,” he begged her; pleadingly.

“Ah don’t wanna hear it! Ya’ll didn’t bother askin’ me if Ah wanted to go to this hootenanny or if Ah wanted to meet yer folks,” she stomped her hoof on the floor; cracking the wood. Hopeful flinched at the violent sound of that crunch. “And Ah DON’T in case ya was wonderin,” she added with a snort from her nostrils.

“Look I’m sorry for how this all turned out, I know it was a gamble but the family reunion deadline was on that day,” he flexed his wings to emphasize his point, “I had to do something and I didn’t want to deliver more bad news to the family.” Applejack turned her head from Hopeful; scoffing bitterly. “They really needed this, I only put your name down because I was confident you would enjoy a big family gathering with me,” he explained.

“Ah came there to agree to ONE date, this is still all new to me and ya’ll just up and made these big plans without even thinkin’ this might not have gone as far as you expected?” she raised her eyebrow with high scrutiny. Hopeful looked at her like a wounded puppy. He wanted to explain things so badly; she could see it shimmering in his eyes. There was a story and a reason behind his harmful act of desperation, but her ears were deaf to his false words. “Ya think just cause you act sweet and give me some fancy nickname that means Ahm gonna get in bed with ya lickety split,” she said critically, “Well forget it mister, Ah ain’ got time to spend on some hot shot colt who pulls some shifty tricks to get girls ta notice him.”

“What are you talking about?” he shook his head, “What tricks? I didn’t pull anything shifty on you.”

“Y’all were jumpier than a hen in a foxhole when Ah first met ya, then on our date you were like a completely different pony,” she explained. “Ah couldn’t figure it out but now Ah know why you were able to change like that,” she poked him in the chest accusingly; the force pushed him back slightly. “Yer nothin’ but a damn player, jumpy like a tick one second and then cool as a penguin the next; usin’ whatever works to get girls to fall for ya fast. Ah don’t trust that kinda behavior OR you fer that matter.”

“N-n-n-n-no, no, I swear this is just a big misunderstanding,” Applejack turned and gave him nothing but her upturned blond tail to talk to. Hopeful continued to speak to her, despite her best efforts to ignore him.

“Whatever”, she muttered under her breath.

“Yes, I used to be a ladies man back when I was younger but something happened that changed me forever,” he explained, “After that…um…event happened, I didn’t have the courage to even talk to girls; much less woo one. All my confidence was gone and it only got worse with time.” AJ cast a brief sideways glance to the pony behind her; not caring enough to give her full attention. Hopeful’s voice slightly raised, hope and emotion filled his heart with the faintest slivers of possible redemption. “Don’t you see? That all changed that night I met you. You were the only girl I had the courage to speak to in years, I was willing to risk and do anything just so you would give me a chance” he said.

“Yeah and ya blew it,” she curtly rpelied. She quickly turned to face him. Her sweet southern twang had such a shrill, coldness to it; the sound of it made Hopeful’s heart twist and ache with misery. “Ya hear me? Ya bucking blew it and Ah want nothin’ to do with ya or yer fancy talkin’ anymore!” she shouted.

“Please just listen to me,” he reached out to her, “I know I was wrong to jump the gun with you,” he cringed as she stepped away from him. Hopeful refused to give up though. “I’ve been out of the dating game so long I can’t tell the difference between what’s romantic and what’s pushing the envelope,” tears slowly dripped from his eyes, “But I was too scared to tell you the truth and the thought of losing you scared me even more. I was going to tell you everything before the letter came so you would understand why I did what I had to do, but it got here faster than I expected and I didn’t get a chance to tell you why it’s so important that you come…even though it’s still early in our relationship.”

Nothing but silence came from the lips of the bitter, betrayed mare. Applejack closed her eyes and pointed to the door with a striking, rigid arm. “Ah said OUT”, her words emptied all sound from the room. Hopeful felt his heart shatter like glass, his voice and confidence were drowned out by the suffocating sadness that now dominated his wounded spirit. Applejack refused to look at him.

Hopeful hung his head and finally admitted defeat. The red Pegasus had never felt so blue in all of his life; he slowly trudged his hooves towards the back door to the kitchen and left without saying a word. The faint but recognizable sound of Hopeful’s wings flapping in the sky let Applejack know that he had left the farm.

She sighed and opened her eyes. “Oh sugar,” she stared somberly at the multiple splatters of pancake batter still dripping from every corner of the kitchen, what was once an amusing mess is now a miserably accurate depiction of her heart. “Why’d Ah think Ah could trust a pony that way?” she said sadly; sniffling a bit. She reached for a mop and started slowly cleaning up the mess. Her voice whispered something, something so sad and so quiet she knew no one would hear the true depths of the pain in her lonely words; “Ah really thought he could’ve pulled it off.”

Hopeful and Applejack haven’t spoken to each other for several days now. I want to help them but even as the Princess of Friendship, I can’t help but think maybe this kind of friendship problem isn’t mine to solve.

Twilight shook her head, trying to come up with something more positive to talk about. She didn’t want Princess Celestia to hear nothing but gloomy news from her number one student.

I wish I could tell you some good news with Spike but…I’m afraid that’s another story altogether. Rarity on the other hand seems to be doing fairly well. She opened a new business in Canterlot. Thankfully, she decided to stay in Ponyville and let Sassy Saddles run the Canterlot Carousel location. I don’t think Spike…um…or the rest of us could stand having her live so far away; it’s hard enough for me with my brother and sister in the Crystal Empire.

Oh! And on a more personal and prideful note, she smiled smugly as she wrote, Rarity’s reading skills managed to help the Wonderbolts solve a mystery that nearly cost Rainbow Dash her future with the squad. Ha, HA! Undeniable proof that reading IS the coolest thing ever, no matter what any pony says!

Twilight paused and adjusted herself, keeping her book nerdy ego in check and getting back to the point.

I was just as surprised as Rainbow was when I found out one of her Wonderbolt heroes turned out to be plotting against her. Who would have thought someone as respected as Wind Rider would stoop that low? I just wish I knew what he was thinking at the time. I can’t imagine what it must be like to find out one of your heroes is plotting against you.

Wind Rider stood in a dark alleyway; eyes searching down every shady corner and crevice for his mysterious contact. The hooded mare appeared like a ghoulish shadow from the farthest edge of the alleyway. Her appearance came like something out of a horror movie, just seeing her dark, royal blue eyes sent small chills down the Pegasus’s back.

“All right, you’ve got my attention,” Wind Rider said; his tone was one of grim reluctance. He reached into his coat and pulled out the feather she gave to him last time, it was broken in two and branded with a large X on its base. “Now then, how are we going to get rid of that rainbow brat? We’ve got to do it fast before she takes my record away from me,” he snarled desperately.

“Keep your wrinkly sack on you old windbag,” he cringed angrily at her crude choice of words. “I’ve got this all figured out and if you do exactly what I say, when I say it,” she jammed her hoof against his lips before he could speak, “And NO QUESTIONS ASKED…then you’re ancient ass legacy is as good as preserved.”

“Blah” he spat her hoof out, wiping his mouth vigorously. “Fine, whatever you say goes. I don’t care how we do it just as long as she’s out of the picture and FAST,” he reiterated. “We only have until tomorrow morning to pull this off,” a sense of nervous panic trickled out of that gruff voice of his.

“Ha, more than enough time to destroy a pony’s life,” she scoffed.

The hooded mare reached into her bag; shuffling around a few items before pulling out a pair of scissors, a blank piece of paper and envelope and a bakery’s business card. She shoved them into Wind Rider’s hooves; indifferent to his confusion.

“You’re gonna need a lock of that speedy twit’s hair, a cake to distract the guards,” she motioned towards the paper with her hoof, “But most importantly: you need to write a letter tricking that fat ass flame head; Spitfire, into thinking her mom is sick and she needs to go help the old broad.” The mare cackled and rubbed her hooves together menacingly, she spoke as if she was talking to herself, “With her out of the way, Rainbow will take the fall and everything else will fall in place with her.”

Wind Rider had some visible doubts about this plan. His pale blue cheeks wrinkled anxiously, something about this didn’t smell right. “Soooooo you want me to trick Spitfire into leaving the air show?” he asked; hesitantly.

“No, I want you to dangle a pie in front of Soarin and ride him like a coach,” the mare’s sarcastic tone did nothing to ease Wind Rider’s confusion. “OF COURSE I WANT YOU TO TRICK SPITFIRE” she snapped.

“You’re absolutely, positively, 100% certain you want me” he pointed to his chest slowly, “To trick Spitfire?” The mare snapped her teeth at his hoof before he could finish his gesture.

“You got ben gay lodged in your expired hearing aids?” she fiercely grabbed him by his scarf and jerked his face right into hers. Wind Rider had never seen such hostility before. This mare was demented, crazed even! Did she really realize what she was asking him to do? “I want that butch little bitch GONE,” she hissed. The old colt could tell she knew exactly what she was asking. He yanked himself away from her grip; nervously trying to smooth out the wrinkles on his scarf.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” he nodded nervously, “Whatever you say…miss.” There was a distinct tone of contempt and bewilderment with that last word. Wind Rider took the objects and slowly began to fly away back to his room. “I just hope this works,” he silently muttered under his breath. Wind Rider’s eyes frequently looked back to the hooded mare as he drifted into the sky; watching her as long as he could until she inevitably vanished from sight.

He knew something was wrong about her the moment she contacted him and proposed this strange arrangement. He had so many questions, so many theories about why she was doing this…but none of them were important enough to make him change his mind. Rainbow had to go and if that meant resorting to trickery and deception to ensure his record remains unbroken, he was more than willing to get his hooves dirty.

“Ooooh don’t you worry about that,” she chuckled in her shadowy solitude. The mare slowly pulled down her hood and revealed her true face. She had light yellow fur, a pair of dark shades around her neck and a full, spiky head of fiery orange colored hair. “They’ll never see this coming,” Spitfire cackled.

The next day, during the events of “Rarity Investigates”…

Spitfire flew towards a tall, columned building; she stopped to examine it before entering. It had a bold, metallic sign at the entrance with solid gold, striking letters. The sign read: Cloudsdale Historical Artifacts and Treasures. The fiery mare quickly flew into the heart of the museum. She came across several locked gates after passing certain levels of the treasure complex, the heightened security measures indicated she was getting close.

“This is just too easy,” she snickered as she flashed her Wonderbolts ID over the magic locking mechanism on the gate. The door clicked open and allowed the Pegasus to move forward. She continued to flash her wicked smile as she unlocked every gate before her.

After a few more final gates to pass, Spitfire finally found the item she had been searching for. It was a golden gauntlet; specifically designed to go over a pony’s back and spinal area. On each side of the gauntlet were a series of fire rubies carved into the shape of a Phoenix. The gauntlet had two small holes on each side as well; they were placed in the exact same area where a Pegasus’s wings would poke out of their body.

“The legendary Phoenix gauntlet,” she gasped, “Capable of granting any pony the power of flight on magically crafted wings of fire.” Her royal blue eyes shined like inky daggers along the smooth, golden reflection of the mystical device. “Wait til that metal freak gets a load of this,” she commented as she stuffed the item into her bag.

RING! RING! RING!

Alarms instantly blared once Spitfire took the gauntlet. The Wonderbolt captain couldn’t have cared less about the alarms, she continued going about her way as if she had done nothing wrong.

“HALT! In the name of Celestia, we order you to stop and return the gauntlet,” a trio of voices called out. Spitfire found herself blocked off by 3 burly looking pale blue Pegasus guards. Each guard sported bronze colored armor, centurion style helmets and carried spears. The middle guard aimed his spear at Spitfire, “Taking the Phoenix gauntlet without permission from her royal majesty, Princess Celestia; is a severe offense and punishable by-” The guard’s voice trailed off as he identified the culprit. “C-c-c-captain Spitfire, is that you? B-b-b-b-but why would you…I thought that…your supposed to be at-” the orange mare cackled at his confusion.

“Don’t you guys ever get tired of being stupid?” she laughed.

Taking advantage of their surprise, Spitfire zoomed through the guards and plowed past them like a rocket propelled bowling ball. She flew past every guard that tried to stop her. Spitfire avoided them with ease, but flew just low enough that they could still keep her in their line of sight. In fact, based on the mare’s obvious vapor trail and speed patterns; Spitfire was flying like she wanted them to follow her.

“I don’t believe it, Spitfire: a traitor?” one of the guards gasped.

“It doesn’t matter who the target is right now, the important thing is we catch the thief and return the gauntlet before we lose both,” the head guard affirmed. It was important he got his troops’ heads in the game, they couldn’t let someone just walk away with such a dangerous item.

The chase went on for several minutes and several more miles, though to the guards pursuing the traitorous Wonderbolt; those minutes were taking an eternity to pass. Spitfire spiraled through a number of clouds and used them to cover her trail. The guards grunted as the cloud bursts grew thicker and larger each time they passed through them, their eyes struggling to maintain a visual on the target.

“DAMMIT,” the head guard cursed. He halted in midair and his fellow guards followed; they looked to him before scanning the sky. They had lost sight of Spitfire. “I still can’t believe this is happening. Why would a Pegasus steal the Phoenix Gauntlet?” the head guard puzzled, “She already has wings, that thing is only useful to unicorns or Earth ponies.”

“Sir, should we inform the princesses of the gauntlet’s disappearance?” one of the guards piped in; waiting with his hoof raised in salute.

The head guard squinted his eyes at the last place he spotted Spitfire before she gave him the slip. He rubbed his chin begrudgingly before finally producing an order, “No…not yet anyway. The military ponies have been getting a bad rap for months for failing to protect Equestria. Let’s do everything we can to retrieve the item before having to admit this failure to the princess.”

The guard pointed in the direction Spitfire was last seen; ordering each Pegasus to follow her trail before it vanished completely. The Pegasai flew in varying degrees of the same path just in case Spitfire might have splintered off along the way in a different direction. Their piercing eyes never flinched this time during the intense speeds and clouds in the skies, they swore they’d find the Phoniex Gauntlet and bring it back at all costs. But more importantly; they vowed to bring the treacherous captain of the Wonderbolts to justice. She was no longer a brave and courageous captain in their eyes; to them, she was just another criminal.

Several hours later…

Crowe cautiously approached an assortment of dark green bushes in the middle of an open landscape. The bushes were nestled uncomfortably close to a rotting, dead oak stump that had been hollowed out like a carved pumpkin. He quickly scanned the skies in search of any flying foes that might be searching in the area. After sighing a heavy sigh of relief, he approached the stump and reached into it.

“Let’s make sure everything is in order,” he leered his eyes towards the sky once more; sticking his tongue out as his hoof rummaged through the oak’s contents. “Ah ha, it’s right where it should be,” he pulled out a stuffed black bag from the stump. Crowe used his teeth to peel open the bag’s slit and spotted the Phoenix Gauntlet inside, its golden shine beamed vividly in his devilish irises. “I finally have the last piece of the puzzle,” he commented proudly.

Crowe sealed the gauntlet and tossed the bag over his back. He started walking back towards home base after taking a few more paranoid glances towards the clouds. Now that Khan had Colton’s 3rd eye, the Phoenix Gauntlet and the fake Alicorn amulet, it was only a matter of time before he unleashed his animal army on the clueless citizens of Ponyville.

“May Celestia help whoever’s unlucky enough to get in his way,” Crowe shuddered to himself.

To be continued…