//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 - Doodle Noodle // Story: Therapy With Doodle Noodle // by Yosh-E-O //------------------------------// “I hear water…,” Yosh announced upon being guided into the building. “And something smells really nice.” “Yeah,” remarked Spike. “Good thing your nose and ears are as good as ever.” Yosh sighed. “I, uh…,” stammered Spike. “Hello!” called a friendly, female voice. “Are you Yosh?” “I’m Spike!” the purple dragon replied while moving so his dragon-duckling friend could be fully seen. “This is Yosh.” “D’aww!” awed the mare. “Princess Luna wasn’t kidding when she said you were a cutie.” Yosh blushed as Spike gave him a gentle nudge. Yosh would tease his purple, dragon friend over his crush on Rarity. This Doodle Noodle was giving him a long awaited chance to tease back. “You said, ‘Princess Luna’…?” Yosh wondered. “I did, cutie,” she answered sweetly. “She sometimes helps set up appointments with me for those she believes her dream therapy may not be enough for.” Yosh lowered his head. “Does that mean there’s something really wrong with me?” he asked somberly. Doodle Noodle wrapped a hoof around the dragon-duckling. “Of course not, silly,” she stated. “Some ponies, err, duck dragons just need some pony to talk to while they are awake to feel better about how things are going.” Yosh sighed. “Trust me,” assured the mint-green colored Unicorn. “You and I are going to have a good time together exploring the wonderful world of feelings.” “Feelings?” wondered Yosh. “Why, yes!” cheered Doodle Noodle. “They are very important. And, like friendship, are best when comfortably shared with some pony you can trust.” “But…,” Spike chimed in. “We are just meeting you now. How do we know we can trust you?” “Gracious!” gasped the mare as her green, blue, and purple colored mane streaked through the light as she turned to face the pair. “That’s a good point, young dragon.” “I know,” Spike proudly stated. “So, uh, how are we going to solve this?” Doodle Noodle took a few steps back from the pair. “A couple of ways,” she replied. “First off, you are both welcome to ask me any questions you want. Don’t be shy.” Spike felt like a proud protector as he inquired, “How do you know Princess Luna?” “She visits me in my dreams,” replied Doodle Noodle while gesturing towards a series of framed certificates, degrees, and a document marked with the royal seal sighned by both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. “Most ponies are busy during the day, so I typically work into the night with those who need a friend to help them realize the magic their feelings hold. So, after a few dream visits, Princess Luna stopped by one evening and asked if I wouldn’t mind aiding her in her duties.” Spike inspected the framed letter bearing the royal seal and signatures. “It’s real,” he awed. “But I don’t know why we haven’t heard of you.” “Well,” shrugged Doodle Noodle. “Like Princess Luna, I’m sworn to not share the feelings of others unless they provide me permission to do so. Therefore, those who see me don’t tend to talk about me and what we do unless they feel really comfortable with their feelings.” Each time Yosh heard her say ‘feelings’ he felt a surge of anxiety rush through his body. It was like his body really wanted to get something out, but didn’t know how. “Well, sweetie?” inquired Doodle Noodle to Yosh. “Do you have any questions for me?” “Uh…,” quacked the dragon-duckling. “I… I think I need to know more about my ‘feelings’.” “You’re in the right place for that, cutie,” she cooed. “You and I can start your adventure in discovering the magic of your feelings whenever you’re ready.” Yosh’s blush deepened. He also felt himself smile each time she used a term of endearment towards him. Spike noticed his friend looking all rosey in the cheeks that puffed from a massive smile that formed across his beak. “Well,” shrugged Spike. “I’ll be waiting right out here in case you try any funny business.” “No worries, Spike,” she assured. “Your adorably sweet friend is in good hooves with me.” Doodle Noodle moved alongside Yosh so he could take hold of her right, front leg. “Do not fret,” she assured. “I will guide you safely to where we can make you feel so much better about everything that is making you feel so troubled on the inside.” “Okay,” said Yosh as he wrapped his arm around her leg, moved out the hollow, metal rod he used to ‘see’, and headed towards a room on the other side of the waiting area. “Good luck,” said Spike with as much confidence as his skeptical mind could muster. He then pulled out a quill and parchment to write a letter to Princess celestia as Doodle Noodle and Yosh entered into a dimly lit room and closed the door.