//------------------------------// // Chapter XII (Minor rewrite) - Getting Breakfast // Story: The Lost Changeling // by AizakkuHorooee //------------------------------// So, when we finally travel up north into Akron, There doesn’t seem to be anything of interest. We do see a place named “El Puente Mexican Grill”, but it apparently opens four and a half hours from now. Things go pretty smoothly possibly since it’s rather early in the morning. But then, the sideroad stops in front of a small forest beside a building labeled Miller’s. The rest looks like chicken scratch to all of us. Pane decides to fly over the road so we don’t have to worry about the carriages, but at this point in the day, not many of them are coming from behind us, and are instead headed for presumably the improbable school. However, we fly the rest of the way until we can get to another of those sideroads. A little ways after, we see parking lots filled to the brim with carriage drone hybrids in a variety of kinds, just like from yesterday. The only difference, though, is that these ones don’t contain any of the earless creatures I saw yesterday. Three of the most notable labels are “U-Haul”, “Toyota”, and “Chevrolet”. None of them sound like restaurants, so we continue to keep flying. Then, after bypassing a bridge, all that changes. The first sign we see is “Burger King”. “Burger King? Hmm. I’m feeling up to some hayburgers. How about you, Rusty?” “Eh. Let’s see what they have. Wait here, Carve.” I nod, letting the two peer into a window. After about twenty seconds, Rusty shoves his face into a bush under the window. Then, it’s Pane’s turn to do so. Finally, the two weakly trot back to me, Pane being the first to speak. “Let’s, uh, try and find a different place to eat.” “What happened?” “Oh, those are ears alright, but why don’t they move?!?” “That’s nothing compared to the picture they have on the menu, Rusty. That does NOT look like hay, so I guess that’s not in their diet.” “Let’s try another place then. Maybe we can find a place with your tastes in mind. Actually, we should take a look at that McDonald’s from before. Maybe they have something you’ll like.” When Rusty, Pane and I arrive back where we started, we detour and head up to where that M sign is - looks like that's where Rusty got "McDonald's" from, and all three of us peer at the window across from a counter. However, looking at the menu, most of it doesn’t look to peak Rusty and Pane’s interest. “French” fries and hash browns don’t seem to be very much of a breakfast. But just when I think the two are going to walk away from the building, the just walk around the corner to my right. Following Rusty and Pane, I enter the building. However, there’s a sickening scent that greets us all. It’s like a mix between what I smelled when I first came to at Rolling Acres and a pony that had suffered a severe cut. But we all agree to bear the scent as long as my two friends get their breakfast. Then, a raw voice fills the room. “I can help anyone who’s next!” And as we look ahead, the area is empty of the earless creatures with the exception of one that’s behind what I can only assume is some advanced bit register. Now, I can thoroughly examine them. Of course, they do have ears, just in a different location in relation to ponies and changelings. Suddenly, Rusty whispers something into my ear. “These things really love their fashion.” “I guess so,” I whisper back, before stepping forward. Suddenly, we catch the creature’s eyes. “Hmm. This is rather interesting. Are you with them?” I nod at her, only knowing it’s “her” because of the voice being about as high as Pane’s. “It isn’t every day that I do this, but whatever you want to order, it’s on me. So, what would you like?” “Uh, what do you two want?” Rusty looks at the menu above the creature and thinks for a few seconds. “Wait, hotcakes?!? There’s a proper breakfast we can eat? Okay then, I’ll just go with that. How about you, Pane?” “Hotcakes.” “Two orders of hotcakes it is then?” I nod. “Will that be for here or to go?” “To go,” I answer. “Okay. Let me just pull out my wallet and I’ll pay for that.” The creature proceeds to look through her clothes and find what I can assume is the wallet she mentioned. Then, something weird gets pulled out. I don’t know what it is, but it certainly isn’t a bit. She then opens the register and puts the paper thing in there. “CAN I GET TWO HOTCAKES?!?” After a minute, we finally get the order. “You three take care.” “Bye.” I wave the creature goodbye and make for the exit, levitating the two plates of pancakes as Rusty and Pane follow me. When we get back onto the sideroad, Rusty and Pane look at the pancakes that are topped with syrup and whipped cream, Pane licking her lips. “My stars, they look scrumptious!” “Really? This meal is coming from a completely different species that we have never heard about. I definitely say though, I like how appealing those pancakes look. Maybe even better than what I saw in Equestria.” “I agree with Pane, Carve. They really do look delicious.” “Alright, now where to, guys?” Rusty looks at me weirdly. “Ponyville? Appleoosa? Dodge Junction? I don’t know.” “Well, where we live! Isn’t it obvious?” “Where’s that?” “Las Pegasus,” Pane and Rusty answer together. “Oh, I know where that is! All I have to know is the specific house.” The two nod. Well, Las Pegasus is actually relatively close to Queen Chrysalis’ hive. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind the near two moons it took to get home. Now, I have a chance to get life back to normal. But should I properly wish the two farewell? Do I stay with Pane and Rusty? Should I go as far as to enjoy their breakfast with them? Do I even waste the time by saying goodbye?