//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 Scootaloo and Karp: Splash, Splash // Story: Spike meets Mimikyu // by Zephyr Spark //------------------------------// “My father is dead?” “That’s what Garble said,” Twilight said to the wide-eyed dragoness. “But I don’t trust him.” Ember’s gaze fell to her bed railing. Her face became unreadable. Twilight placed a hoof on her blue shoulder, searching for words of comfort. Ember balled her fists, as steam erupted from her nostrils. “If that jerk lied about my dad, I swear I’ll destroy him,” her dagger eyes glinted with sparks of crimson wrath. Twilight felt a knot form in her stomach as her neck hair stood on end. Looking at Ember’s expression, she understood why dragons were among the fiercest creatures in Equestria. Thankfully, her experiences with Discord, Tirek, Chrysalis, and Sombra made her more than prepared to face this rage. “I know you’re angry. I am too. But now’s not the time to do anything rash.” “I know,” Ember said, releasing her anger. She clenched her eyes closed, fighting back tears. “I just hope he’s lying.” Silence permeated the air as the two princesses stood together in mutual sympathy. In a quiet voice, Twilight detailed the rest of Garble’s message. She could see the weight of an empire crushing Ember’s shoulders, as the pressures of ruling flooded her mind. Ember’s eyes betrayed doubt, uncertainty, and self-loathing. “I need to go back,” Ember muttered, even though she knew return was impossible. Her wings could not make the journey in her current state and she could not return without the Bloodstone Scepter. She pounded the mattress, “Ugh, why am I so useless? I can’t protect my family or my fellow dragons. I lost the Bloodstone Scepter and maybe even my father.” She wrapped her hands around her knees and buried her face in between her legs. She snorted, “Some Dragon Lord I turned out to be.” “Ember that’s enough,” Twilight’s sharp voice lashed Ember. “Blaming yourself doesn’t accomplish anything. And listening to Garble is foolish. No other Dragon Lord dealt with a situation like this. Of course you don’t know what to do, that’s natural. But having connections to ponies isn’t going to keep you from doing your duty. Because we’re going to help you through this.” “I wish I’d been there,” Ember said. “Then I would still have the scepter. I could lead the dragons.” “Being a leader has nothing to do with a scepter or a crown. A leader should inspire others and reassure them. Make them understand that no matter what, you will do your best to come through for them.” “You don’t understand. Without the scepter, I can’t make them recognize me as Dragon Lord.” “I think you can.” Twilight smiled, “Because I think being Dragon Lord means a lot more than having a scepter.” Ember growled, “What would you know? You’re a pony.” “Yes, I am. But I’ve seen you risk your life for Spike and me, discover friendship for yourself, and save Equestria. You were meant to be Dragon Lord long before you picked up that scepter.” Ember rubbed her eyes and gave a weak smile of thanks. She still had doubts but at least she had friends too. Still, Garble’s warning plagued her thoughts. Soon, she would have to choose between ponies and Mimi or all dragon kind. Either decision could lead to a war. Gem-eye rested on Rarity’s bed, rubbing his gemstone-full belly with content. Rarity offered him a wide choice of delectable gems from her stash. He gorged three rubies and two sapphires before lying down for a siesta. His body no longer ached with hunger pains thanks to the white mare’s generosity. She even placed him into her bed to rest despite meeting only a few hours ago. As he snoozed, Rarity crafted a line of dresses and suits, inspired by his purple body. She checked on him once. She creaked the door open and whispered, “Gem-eye are you sleeping? I just wanted to ask if you needed anything else. I’ll be in my workroom up the stairs on the door to the right.” She closed the door and left him to rest. This life was good. Gem-eye decided he would stay with his new friend a while longer. He hoped there was some way he could repay her kindness. Ember had been silent since Twilight delivered Garble’s news. The dragoness hesitated to trust anything from Garble’s mouth. Still, she saw his point. Her loyalties were divided between dragons and ponies. Ponyville seemed to love their new friend Mimi, but her presence made dragons ill. Ember was certain Twilight and Spike would never let anyone use Mimi as a weapon against dragons, and yet the threat remained that anyone could use her as a weapon. She sighed, turned in her bed and looked out the window, wondering what her father would do. Then, she wondered if he was still alive. If Garble lied about something like this, she would see him punished. Until she found the Bloodstone Scepter, she was just an ordinary dragon with no power. Twilight left her to rest, and headed out into the waiting room. She intended to keep a close eye on Garble. Her plans to train their team would have to wait. Rainbow Dash and Starlight stood at the front office, signing out of the hospital and groaning at their medical bills. Starlight joined Twilight’s vigil while Rainbow Dash raced off, reluctant to stay a second longer. She mentioned her goal to find her partner, but said nothing else. Twilight hoped Spike managed to hide Mimi and that Garble would never see these new creatures. Sleepster licked his lips, savoring the taste of white frosting. Pinkie delivered a basket of small pink cakes to him, and he could not stop eating those delectable treats. If he could eat these every day, he would never try to eat another child’s dream. He nodded at the pink pony with content, and rubbed his belly. He felt like taking a nap himself. “So, you like?” Sleepster smiled and nodded vigorously, exclaiming several hollow whistles. The cage bars kept him from touching Pinkie Pie. If he could, he would like to try a hug. Sleepster never hugged anyone before. People did not trust him and other Pokémon kept him away from their young due to his eating habits. He learned to accept solitude as a fact of life, instead of a problem. Sure, life could be lonely but he had to eat dreams. Nothing else could compare to the taste of young dreams, until Pinkie’s treats graced his tongue. Now, he saw a new way to live. Maybe, he didn’t have to be alone. “I want to let you out of the cage,” Pinkie said, “but the others don’t think we can trust you.” Sleepster bowed his head in defeat. He berated himself for feeling hope. They already recognized the child-knapping monster he was. “But Fluttershy let out Jack after he kidnapped our friends, so I don’t see why I can’t.” Sleepster glanced at her, hope rekindled in his heart. “I have one condition,” Pinkie stood eye-to-eye with Sleepster, and gave him a hard stare. “Do you Pinkie-promise to be good? No more hurting ponies or animals?” Sleepster returned her gaze, and nodded. “Okie-dokey then,” Pinkie beamed and unlocked the cage, releasing Sleepster. He took a tentative step out onto the wooden floorboards towards the pink mare. He closed the distance between them, and wrapped his yellow arms around his first friend. “Hey, Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo waved to her idol, interrupting her thoughts. The pegasus turned and nodded as the filly raced to her. “Hey, Scoots.” She turned back to Everfree Forest, “Sorry, can’t talk right now. I’ve got to find my partner.” “But I was hoping you could help me train Karp, the Magikarp I told you all about,” Scootaloo gestured to a crimson scaled fish flopping on the grass. In front of Karp, Dash noticed an obstacle course complete with hurdles, a low wall, tunnel, stepping stones, and a ditch. Scoots must have spent all morning on this, Rainbow Dash realized. “Wait a second, isn’t that a fish?” Rainbow Dash pointed at Karp, “Shouldn’t it be in the water?” “It flopped out of the tank and seemed just fine,” Scoots said. “I’ve got it close by if he needs it. Anyways, I figured I should make Karp strong so he can help you fight any weird creatures. Sweetie Belle went home to meet Gem-eye, so I could use your help. Won’t you please help me?” Dash glanced at Karp, floundering uselessly on the grass, then back at Scootaloo’s expectant gaze. “Listen, kid,” Dash tried to speak gently, “it’s great and all that you want to help us, but I don’t think that little fish could be any use in a fight.” Scootaloo’s smile diminished and her ears flattened, but she regained her confidence, “Mimi’s even smaller than him, and she’s strong. I bet Karp has powers like her.” Dash admitted Scootaloo had a point. Mimi did not look threatening with her scribble face and petite stature, but she proved to be a powerhouse. She fended off a pack of timber wolves and defeated Pumpkin-head, or Jack as Fluttershy called him, with ease when neither she nor Starlight lasted a minute. Maybe, Karp’s vacant expression and flimsy body was a ruse. Then, she remembered her goal. “Look, I’d love to help, but I’m going to Everfree. I’ve got to find my partner.” “Didn’t you hear? Mayor Mare banned any pony from going to Everfree.” Dash stopped in midstep, tripping over her left front hoof, “What? Why?” “It’s too dangerous,” Scootaloo gave a sympathetic smile, “she doesn’t want to lose ponies in there.” Rainbow Dash wanted to pull out her mane and scream. She was supposed to find a creature that would be her friend and fight by her side. How would she find one if she couldn’t go into Everfree? There were no other places to look for her new partner. She refused to be the only one of her friends without an awesome new pet. Rainbow Dash sighed, knowing she couldn’t sneak into Everfree until nightfall when every pony slept. “Fine,” Rainbow Dash grumbled, “I’ll help you with Karp.” “Awesome!” Scootaloo beamed, “You’re the best, Dash!” Scootaloo’s shining smile and praise warmed Rainbow Dash’s heart and eased her irritation. Dash appreciated how Scootaloo always went to her for help, instead of a wiser pony like Twilight or Cheerilee. Dash hated to admit Twilight was smarter than her, but even she could not deny that Twilight knew more than Dash could ever fathom. Despite this, Scootaloo only ever wanted her help. It made her feel useful and loved. The orange pegasus positioned Karp at the starting point, dragging him across the ground to face the obstacle course. Rainbow Dash fluttered into a spot on a hill that would give her a complete view of the obstacle course. Scootaloo grabbed a stopwatch and turned to Karp. “You ready to show Dash what you can do, Karp?” She exclaimed. Karp blubbered with his fat pink lips. His body continued to flop on the bladed grass. Scootaloo raised a hoof in the air,” Okay. On my mark. Ready, set,” she threw down her hoof and started the timer, “Go!” Karp flipped onto its side, hopping a few inches forwards. He took a moment to breathe. Then, he repeated the process, moving a few more inches forward. He bounced twice on one side, propelling himself forward four feet. His snail pace agonized Rainbow Dash as the pathetic fish bounced forward. Scootaloo had a disheartened expression on her face, but kept cheering for him. Whether through Scootaloo’s support or unstoppable willpower, Karp managed to reach the wall. He came to a stop. He leapt forward, only to bounce off the brick wall. Karp flopped again, only to slam into the wall like a pancake on a frying pan. His body slid to the ground and rolled a foot away. Undeterred, Karp scooted forward, determined to conquer this mortal enemy. When Scoots wasn’t looking, Rainbow Dash shook her head in disappointment. Karp was no Mimi. She had to put a stop to this before Scootaloo pushed Karp too hard. She glided to Scootaloo’s side and put a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. The orange pony’s head swiveled as Dash frowned. “Call it off,” Dash said. “Before you hurt him.” “But he just started,” Scootaloo glanced at her stopwatch, “ten minutes ago.” “I’m sorry, but you’re pushing him too hard. He can’t do this.” “Just wait, I’ll bet he’s waiting till the right moment to use his powers.” Karp battered the wall again to no effect. Scootaloo winced at the sharp impact. His damp scales slapped against stone, but Karp could not climb over the wall. He fell to the ground and stood still for a second, but launched himself again. “Okay look,” Scootaloo said, “he’s a fish, right? Maybe a nice rain bath could refresh him.” “Scootaloo,” Rainbow Dash put a hoof on her aching head, “if he’s not smart enough to figure he could just go around the wall—.” “He doesn’t want the easy way out,” Scootaloo interrupted. “I know he can do this.” “Look at him,” Rainbow Dash gestured to the fish as he plopped to the ground and rolled onto his side. “He’s not like Mimi. He’s just a fish. Stop pushing him to do something he can’t.” “When did you become a quitter?” Rainbow Dash went silent for what seemed an hour. She studied Scootaloo’s intense expression in deep contemplation. “Pushing yourself to be the best is good,” Dash said at last, “but there’s a difference between challenging yourself and being reckless.” Scootaloo’s face fell to the ground. She traced a hoof across the dirt, creating a sandstorm to the insects below. Dash was right about pushing Karp too hard. Scootaloo knew she shouldn’t expect him to perform like Mimi. Still, she thought Dash was wrong on one point. Karp wasn’t weak or useless. He just needed time to grow. Scootaloo wanted to believe he could be helpful, somehow. Smash! The pegasai jumped and turned to the sound. Dust flew from the obstacle course where the brick wall once stood. The brick wall fell flat on the ground. Karp hopped on top of the fallen wall. He flung himself forward, over the bricks to the next obstacle: a series of hurdles. Dash watched with an open mouth and gradually Scootaloo found her smile. Dash shrugged before letting out a faint smile, “That’s one way to cross a wall.” She glanced at Scootaloo who stood speechless at Karp’s feat. Truth be told, she had constructed the wall in haste. Its foundations were far from firm. Any filly could knock it down with enough effort, and a few rambunctious toddlers tipped it over for laughs before Scootaloo chased them off. None of that diminished this feat in her eyes. Karp might as well have knocked down Twilight’s castle. Finding her courage, she continued her cheering for the fish as he hopped towards the tunnel. Karp knew little beyond his name and splashing, but his time with the orange pegasus made him learn something about her. She wanted to make him strong. He sensed Scootaloo’s confidence in him. He watched her build this obstacle course just for him and realized she wanted to train him. She cheered him on even as he struggled to move. Even when he wanted to quit, she never stopped cheering. Scootaloo believed in him, more than any other creature ever believed in Karp. She filled him with confidence that he never knew in his entire life. That confidence kept him slamming into the wall, long past his limit. When at last his nemesis surrendered and fell, Karp felt dim traces of prideful tears in his eyes. Karp would keep going for Scootaloo. He splash for partner. As the doctor dumped more paperwork onto her desk, Nurse Redheart swallowed a second pill. It was hard, trying to be helpful and kind when everyone tested her patience by tap-dancing on her head with iron needle-tipped boots, fresh from the fire. She would give anything for a minute of calm, or an assistant to help carry medicine or tell the patients no when they wanted to leave or restrain fillies who kicked and bit when the doctor had to vaccinate them or cater to that blasted dragon who kept demanding food and an audience with Ember. Putting up with anyone who felt entitled to treat her poorly was emotionally exhausting. She stopped acting happy and polite despite anyone’s unruly attitudes a long time ago. Thankfully, she was irreplaceable to the medical staff or she might not still be working here. She sighed and announced her intention to go on break. She stepped outside into the open air and fell against the hospital wall onto the ground. She didn’t cry, of course. She loved this job and wanted to help anyone she could. Besides, she had more taxing workdays that this one. Nurse Redheart glanced up into the cloudless sky, sighing at its naked simplicity. “I’ll bet no filly bites or kicks you,” she mused. She pulled a novel from her coat pocket when she noticed a figure approaching her that was not a pony. It was round and three feet tall, with an egg on its belly. And it was very pink. Its oval eyes wore a concerned expression. Its stubby arms cradled a helpless, unmoving form. Nurse Redheart rose to her hooves and raced to the creature’s side. It held an injured animal about the size of a pug with a brown foxtail and white mane. Redheart could not recognize the creature but she could tell he was in pain. Scorch marks covered his brown body, soot littered his charred brown fur, and coughing fits interrupted his breaths. “Wait here,” Nurse Redheart instructed the pink creature, “I’ll be back.” She raced back inside to Twilight and told her about their visitor. Twilight was going to tell Nurse Redheart to bring them both into the hospital immediately, when Starlight interrupted. “Wait. We can’t let Garble see them, remember? Or he could find out about you-know-who.” Twilight scowled, frustrated at the red dragon’s presence. “Then, we’ll take them to Fluttershy,” Nurse Redheart suggested. Twilight nodded. “Good thinking. Starlight,” she began. “I know. I’ll stay and keep an eye on Garble.” “I’m counting on you,” Twilight followed Nurse Redheart to the plump creature, who showed them the injured foxlike creature. “My name’s Twilight Sparkle,” the purple alicorn smiled, “I can take you to someone who can help him.” Her horn blasted a white light like a camera flash and they reappeared before Fluttershy’s cottage. Twilight knocked on the door. The moment Fluttershy saw the injured creature she ushered them all inside and cleared off her table. The pink creature placed her patient on Fluttershy’s table and watched the mare treat her friend. Nurse Redheart helped Fluttershy set up a breathing machine and work air into the baby’s mouth. His breathing steadied. His eyes burst open. Panicked by his surroundings, he knocked off the mask and writhed against Fluttershy. He bit Fluttershy’s foreleg. She shrieked and dropped a bottle of medicine. Jack raced into the room, terrified by his partner’s cry. She assured him she was fine despite Jack’s concern. Twilight wrapped a violet aura around the creature, restraining him to the table. His eyes darted to the source of the aura, and saw the purple mare. Her horn shone with what he assumed was psychic. His mother knew that move, but he never knew a pony could do it too. “Listen to me,” she said, “we’re here to help you. You’re hurt and we can help you get better, but we need you to trust us. Okay?” His oval eyes blinked and he stopped growling. He couldn’t beat a psychic type in his current state. Soot caked his fur. Every breath caused him to cough. Eevee decided he would wait. When he felt better, he would escape. Sweetie Belle dragged the gem-filled wagon across the field, gritting her teeth as she lumbered towards Rarity and Gem-eye. The purple gremlin dug up another emerald that Rarity tossed in the cart alongside the other gems they had collected. Rarity’s horn glowed a light blue whenever she cast the gem-finding spell, and Gem-eye would rush to the spot and dig out a gem. Sweetie rubbed her forehead, damp with sweat from the summer heat. Rarity only brought Sweetie along so she could focus all her energy on her spell. This wouldn’t be the first time she’s made me a pack mule, Sweetie thought ruefully. Sweetie knew Rarity was not thoughtless or cruel. Her big sister pulled the empty cart here and would pull the cart back to town herself when they finished. Sweetie sighed as the cart grew heavier. If Spike were here, he could pull the cart himself. He would notice her struggle and quickly lend a claw. Or maybe he could massage her aching shoulders. Sweetie’s heart fluttered as she recognized her suggestive thoughts. She shook her head. Spike loved Rarity, period, end of story. Sweetie Belle was nothing more than the lovely mare’s little sister to him. Besides, Spike was too busy helping Twilight to find a special some pony. Still, she wouldn’t mind spending more time with him. He was an interesting, hardworking guy who seemed thoughtful and patient. Not to mention he had a smile that warmed her fur like sunlight. Sweetie resisted her urge to face-hoof at her naïveté. She read too many romances and fan fictions. That stuff only happened to ponies not named Sweetie Belle. “Sweetie? Are you alright?” Rarity’s voice interrupted her thoughts as the white mare placed a yellow gemstone into the cart. Her sister had a concerned look, puzzling her sister’s thoughts. “Yeah, yeah,” Sweetie replied without making long eye contact. “Well, Gem-eye and I are about done,” Rarity said. “Give me the cart and I’ll take us home.” Sweetie handed her the cart without a word and walked towards town. Rarity frowned, wondering if she said something offensive. She trotted to catch up to her sister. Gem-eye walked by Rarity’s side, nibbling a sapphire fleck in his claws. He had quite an appetite. After he ate most of her gem-stash, she had to search for more stones. She would have asked Spike to come with her, but Gem-eye’s head perked at the mention of gem-hunting so she brought along him instead. Hopefully, Spike wouldn’t be too upset. A birdcall screeched through the air, startling the sisters. They heard several birdcalls, but this was not a blue jay, robin, or a pigeon. It sounded almost like an eagle, except the sound was too loud for any ordinary eagle. Rarity and Sweetie exchanged glances. Gem-eye twitched, flexed his claws, and arched his back. His eyes darted across the clearing, searching, when they fixed on moss-covered trees in a patch of forest alongside a mountain ridge. He followed the intruders as the predator carried its prey to the sky. Gem-eye knew what that creature would do. He grabbed Rarity’s harness and sliced it apart. Before she could protest, he slammed into Rarity knocking them several feet from the spot where the sky demon hurdled its prey. Rarity and Sweetie Belle saw a black blur high in the blue sky, dropping a crescent moon-shaped figure towards the rocky ground. It fell for miles, spinning through midair. From her distance, Sweetie studied the formless figure. Her eyes widened as she recognized a pair of panicked white eyes near one of the tips of the crescent moon and realized this figure was alive. If it kept falling, it would smash into pieces. Without a thought, Sweetie lunged forward, tapping into her adrenaline to cast a levitation spell. A green aura surrounded the figure, slowing his fall. Sweetie’s horn ached from strain. She never carried anything this heavy with magic. She threw herself forward with outstretched hooves, tackling the creature. Before they fell, Rarity’s blue aura caught them inches from the ground. A furious squawk rang across the clearing. How dare these strangers interfere with his meal? After days of searching this strange land, he finally found a Metapod and these two had the nerve to stop him? He descended beak first towards them. His glossy plumage cut through the wind as his yellow and red crest feathers fluttered like blazing fire. Rarity’s eyes widened as the massive bird approached them. With its blinding speed, it looked like a flaming comet tearing across the sky. Gem-eye saw this creature with trainers in caves and knew what could hurt him. He extended his palms beside him and summoned diamond flecks of white light. Rarity turned to him, and realized he waited for her signal. His eyes accustomed to darkness could not discern the lightning fast bird amidst the bright sky. He needed her help to judge when the blindingly fast bird would be close enough to attack. She nodded and narrowed her eyes, squinting at the figure as its speed screeched through her ears. A dozen meters away, Rarity opened her mouth but did not say a word. They had to make this attack count, or it might not work again. When it came within a few meters, Rarity screamed, “Now!” Gem-eye launched his diamond projectiles, slamming into the bird with the force of a rock storm. With a gasped squawk their would-be attacker found himself spiraling into the air, covered in bruises and rock particles. His mighty wings righted his body at last. He glared at Slabeye through narrowed eyes, before racing away into the sky. He had to regain his strength. The two sisters sighed with relief. Rarity wrapped her hooves around a startled Gem-eye. “You were brilliant, Gem-eye,” she smiled. “You saved our lives.” Gem-eye felt his lifeless cheeks redden with embarrassed pride. Nobody ever said kind words to him before, especially when they ran into him in a cave. He could not have done it without Rarity’s help. All this digging made him strong enough to use that move, and she judged the distance with uncanny accuracy. He could say none of this, so instead he chirped and tried his best to return her smile. Sweetie Belle held up the green creature she caught in the air and studied it. Its dark pupils stared back at her, uncertain what to make of the filly. “What is this? And why did that bird try to hurt it?” “That wasn’t any bird I’m familiar with,” Rarity said. “I think it was one of those creatures.” “From the other world?” Rarity nodded and hummed thoughtfully, “Gem-eye drove the timber wolves from their cave to search for gems to eat. I suppose that bird saw this thing as a meal.” “It kind of feels familiar, you know?” Sweetie shifted the figure in her hooves, studying both sides of its face. “Oh, I got it!” Her face lighted up, “He reminds me of that one time Cheerilee brought caterpillars to the classroom and they became cocoons hanging from a branch. If there’s a caterpillar in there, I bet the bird wanted break it open and eat it.” Rarity stared at the green husk and tried to see from Sweetie Belle’s perspective. She brushed dirt from her fur and straightened herself. “Well in any case, we can’t leave him here. If the bird comes back, he’ll be helpless. I’m going to replace the harness. Once that’s done, put him in and I’ll carry him back to town.” “Hold on,” Sweetie said. “If there’s a caterpillar in here, we can’t put him in a cart. The bumpy road could hurt him.” “Well, what do you suggest?” Rarity narrowed her eyes, “Surely you don’t intend to carry him all the way back to Ponyville.” Sweetie’s eyes fell from Rarity’s gaze, which told Rarity she hit Sweetie’s plan right on its big fat head. She groaned, exasperated by her sister’s naïveté. “That thing ways over twenty pounds. No way can you carry that for miles all the way to Ponyville even with magic.” “Sure I can,” Sweetie pouted. “I carried the gem cart for you since we got here, didn’t I?” “Alright fine,” Rarity sighed, “just don’t expect me to drop the cart and help. Gem-eye needs these gems for food and I can’t drop them.” “I know,” Sweetie said. As her sister went for the spare harness in her saddlebag, Sweetie mumbled under her breath, “Element of generosity my flank.” Behind a boulder a few meters from their place, a short, stubby figure hid from sight. He saw the fight take place and wondered if these ponies had any strong warriors. He wanted to test himself against a muscular powerhouse. He lived to break limits. When at last the bigger mare reattached the harness, the smaller one levitated her new friend onto her back and trotted after the cart. Wherever they were going, there had to be more ponies like them. The grey stranger trailed the mares from a distance. Applebloom hoisted the last carton full of freshly bucked apples onto the wagon. She could hear Applejack and Boney slamming apple trees from deeper in the field. The sounds echoed across the clearing as the two worked their way through the forest. Applebloom appreciated Boney’s help, especially since Big Mac injured himself when the timber wolves attacked yesterday. He took to bucking trees quicker than most ponies. She wiped sweat from her forehead, and reattached the harness. Even with all the excitement, the apple trees needed bucking. As she lugged the cart back to the farm, her eyes rose to the afternoon sky, still a deep blue through the leafy branches. She flicked her ear as a mosquito circled her before fleeing out of sight. The cart’s wheels hit a depression in the grassy field but Applebloom did not spare the bump a single thought. She had a job to do and she would do it. Simple as that. But an uneasy feeling grew in the pit of her stomach. The yellow mare had a growing suspicion she was not alone. In the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a fiery orange figure. Applebloom’s head darted to her left, but saw nothing in the shadows of the apple trees. She wondered if Sleepster’s magic was making her sick or delusional. That figure seemed too small and bright to be Applejack. Remembering her task, Applebloom turned her attention back to the cart, unable to shake the unsettled feeling in the pit of her stomach. As her head moved forwards, she had to catch her breath. The figure returned and now bounded through the trees towards her. She almost called for help, until it broke through the trees. The figure revealed itself: an orange dog with black stripes along its back and legs. He sported a cream-colored tuft of fur on his head and a cream-colored muzzle, chest, belly, and tail. His front paws had two visible white claws while his back paws had three toes. He yipped at Applebloom. His tail wagged and his mouth opened in a panting fashion. Applebloom did not sense any aggression from this strange dog. If anything, he looked like he had not eaten in days. She could discern the outline of his ribcage along his sides and his eyes trained on the apples in her cart. Applebloom plucked a juicy apple closest to the rim of the wagon. “Do ya want this, boy?” Applebloom offered the apple on an outstretched hoof. The pup trembled with excitement. “Well, I guess I can spare an apple or two.” She placed the apple at the puppy feet. He did not touch it. Instead, he glanced at her with expectant eyes. “What are ya waiting for? Go on. Ya can eat.” He needed no further instruction. The puppy chomped into the apple, soon reducing the fruit to a core and stem. He barked with a smiling face. Faint smoke trailed from his nostrils. “You’re not from around here are ya?” Applebloom blinked and offered an empty hoof, “Well, that’s alright. If you’d like, ya can come to Ponyville.” If Sweetie Belle was tired from carrying her cocoon friend all the way to Ponyville, she did not show any sign. The green crescent moon rested on her back all the way to Ponyville. Not a whisper burst from its shell. They walked through the town buildings towards Carousel Boutique. Sweetie planned to show her new friend to Fluttershy once Rarity and Gem-eye placed their gems in their stash. “Hey, Rarity,” Bulk Biceps marched to the pair of unicorns. His gruff voice grated on Rarity’s ears but she did her best to hide her discomfort. He said, “Twilight wanted me to tell you to keep your new friend inside and away from the hospital.” When Rarity asked why, Bulk Bicep frowned and scratched his head. “There’s a dragon there. What’s his name? Gerald? Gerbil? Girtle? Something starting with a G.” “Wait,” Rarity’s eyes widened, “Do you mean Garble?” “Yeah, that’s it. Twilight said to hide your friends until he leaves. She doesn’t want him to find Mimi.” “Rest assured, I have every intention of hiding Gem-eye till that brute leaves,” Rarity scowled. “Come on, Sweetie Belle. We better stay in Carousel Boutique for now.” Sweetie wanted to ask who was Garble, but Rarity’s expression told her he was not a friend. Maybe, Rarity would explain once they were inside. Sweetie would just have to meet up with Fluttershy later. As the two made their way to Carousel Boutique, keeping their friends out of sight, Bulk Biceps strolled forward. He planned an afternoon workout but all this crazy stuff threw off his schedule. He passed Sugar Cube Corner, when he sensed someone behind him. He turned to see the figure emerge from behind the building corners. A short, grey, bipedal creature with a stubby tail and impressive biceps approached him. Above its red eyes, three parallel brown ridges lined the top of its relatively flat face. Several ponies stopped to watch as the muscular toddler approached their resident muscle house, Bulk Biceps. He stopped feet from the white pegasus and folded his arms across his chest. Bulk narrowed his eyes. The wind became the loudest sound in the street, as the titans stood face to face, like ancient warriors. Not a word was spoken. Not a word was needed. They both understood what must be done. Bulk made the first move. He moved his fore hooves over his head and brought them to his chest. His muscles burst across his body, as he released his manly prowess. A deep grumble escaped his throat as his sinews strained with effort. The sunlight caught his white fur, illuminating his muscles like snowy peaks. His head bent over, Bulk flashed his crimson eyes at the toddler. The challenger rolled his shoulders, popping his joints before bending his elbows above his head. Grey skyscrapers of muscles sprouted from his glorious biceps, glistening like rugged mountains. He scowled, flexing his muscles to their absolute limits, forming a perfect front double biceps pose. His eyes obscured by the shadows, cast a piercing gaze at the white pegasus. Bulk snorted, and flapped his wings to lift his chest off the ground. He shifted his body to an angle, put one hind hoof in front of the other. Like a whip cracking into motion, he flexed his calf and tensed his thigh. He reached his right fore hoof across his chest and touched his left fore hoof. He inhaled, expanding his broad chest like a balloon and demonstrating his unearthly muscles. Undaunted, his challenger placed his feet in a similar position as Bulk had but grabbed his wrist behind his back. As he inhaled, he elevated his chest and rolled his shoulders back while pressing his tricep against his body. His arm flattened against his body appeared massive, and larger than a bowling ball. The two locked eyes. Those few onlooking mares who managed not to faint from the spectacular display of muscles, gulped with apprehension. Jealous stallions glanced between the two powerhouses, wondering who would throw the first blow. Bulk and the challenger took a step towards each other, shaking the ground with their hooves and feet. No pony thought about finding Twilight or Mimi during the flexing contest. Now, it seemed too late to race for help. Bulk pulled back his front hoof. His challenger mirrored the gesture, ready to strike. Hoof and arm bulleted through the air, making contact. The muscle houses began shaking their arm and hoof, with beaming smiles plastered across their faces. The tension crackling through the streets moments ago evaporated, replaced by a hearty appreciation and manly admiration. “What’s going on? I thought they were going to fight,” Bon Bon whispered to Lyra. She realized her friend’s eyes grew misty as she stared at the two walking muscle houses. “Isn’t it obvious?” She sniffed, “They’ve become friends through their muscles.” Bon Bon looked at the sight and frowned. This friendship seemed beyond ludicrous, but the two seemed to radiate genuine pride. Personally, she was hoping for at least a punch or two before everyone became friends. That would have been exciting, or at least more entertaining than a flexing contest between two muscular extraterrestrials. Bulk and his new friend bounded off towards the gym, eager to break their limits together. Eevee peeked at the mare called Twilight through a half-lidded eye. She sat in a nearby chair reading book as he appeared to sleep in a doggy bed. Fluttershy groomed Jack’s fluffy arms with a hairbrush, humming a tune with a honeyed voice. Chansey never left him either, even after her nurse friend returned to the hospital. He felt uncomfortable around these ponies. Still, he pushed his plans of escape into the back of his mind. The mare Twilight intrigued him, especially with her psychic powers. All his life, Eevee knew that if a trainer caught him, they would evolve him into the form they wanted. Part of him resented the fact that he had no choice in the matter, especially when he wanted to become an Espeon like his mother. But rules were rules. He glanced at the mare as she levitated a cup of tea towards her lips. A thought crossed his mind. What if he could choose? What if this mare could teach him how to use psychic powers? Maybe, she could help him become an Espeon. Eevee dismissed the thought. He had no idea how to evolve, so why would she? He closed his eyes and drifted into sleep, purring as Twilight stroked behind his ear. An hour passed before Karp plopped across the finish line. He sputtered and gasped, even as Scootaloo hoisted him back into his tank. Her stopwatch rested on the ground forgotten. Dash yawned, bored by this tedious display. Scootaloo congratulated Carp and pulled him back home in her wagon. Dash flew up to a cloud and fell asleep. She would find a partner sooner or later. Until then, she needed a nap. Scootaloo watched Bulk Biceps rush into the gym, followed by a grey bipedal creature, brimming with muscles. The sound of dumbbells and barbells clanging on the ground echoed in the white building. In the distance stood Sweet Apple Acres. She could swear she saw Applebloom pulling in a cart of apples with an orange, fiery dog jumping around her. Scootaloo’s curiosity was piqued but she did not feel eager to investigate how these two found their friends. From the windows in Sugar Cube Corner, she could see Pinkie and Sleepster baking muffins in the kitchen. He levitated a pan loaded with sweets out of the oven onto the table. She shook her head and moved on, doing her best not to sigh in front of Karp. A voice shrieked, startling Scootaloo as her eyes darted to the sound. It came from Carousel Boutique. She raced across town, water slopping from Karp’s tank as the fish knocked against the glass. Scootaloo reached the familiar building and knocked on the door, worried for her friend. When no one answered, Scootaloo knocked harder and called to Sweetie. At last the door opened to reveal Rarity. “What’s going on?” Scootaloo exclaimed, “I heard Sweetie scream.” “She’s fine,” Rarity assured her. “She’s upstairs right now. Why don’t you two come in?” Scootaloo dropped the wagon with carp in the center of the room. As she trotted upstairs, Rarity pinched her nose. The fish stank. Its scales were plastered with mud and grass stains. Rarity tapped the creature with a ruler to make sure it was alive. Scootaloo opened the door to find Sweetie Belle cradling a three-foot tall purple butterfly. The insect had brilliant white wings with black accents, and red circular eyes, a blue nose and blue hands and feet. It sniffed Sweetie’s mane, causing the mare to giggle. Sweetie noticed Scootaloo and said hello. She explained the gem-hunting incident when she found a cocoon and taking it home. “So guess what?” Sweetie said, “I was up here, petting him and making sure he was healthy when he started to glow. His green shell opened up and this butterfly crawled out. Isn’t he cute?” Scootaloo tried to smile for Sweetie, who brushed the butterfly’s purple fur. “I’m gonna call him Buttercup, after Miss Cheerilee’s butterfly from class. I know we were going to work together and train Karp, but I think I should focus on Buttercup. Sorry.” “No, it’s fine,” Scootaloo shrugged. “I ran Karp through an obstacle course today.” “How’d that go?” “Great,” Scootaloo lied. “He’s definitely giving his all out there. You should have seen him.” “Well, I’m sure you’ll make him strong,” Sweetie grinned. “I can’t wait to show Buttercup to Applebloom and Spike.” Scootaloo sauntered outside with Karp in tow. All of her friends seemed to have incredible partners to play and train with, but she got stuck with Karp: the weak fish who struggled to swim. Why did she always get left behind? She couldn’t fly like other pegasai her age, and now she couldn’t help Twilight capture the rest of these creatures. Her eyes rested on Karp who returned her gaze through vacant, expressionless eyes. Scootaloo placed a hoof on the glass. “What am I supposed to do, Karp?” Scootaloo asked, “How can I make you stronger when I can’t even get myself to fly?” Karp’s mouth widened, releasing bubbles that flew to the top of the tank. Scootaloo hung her head. She had no idea why she expected a fish to know anything. “This is pointless,” she kicked the grass in frustration. “Maybe, neither of us is meant to be strong. Maybe, we’re both just mistakes. Accidents that shouldn’t have happened. Maybe,” her throat constricted with pain, “we’ll never do everything they can do. We’re just born losers.” Karp burst from his tank. Scootaloo’s mouth dropped as the fish flopped towards her. He touched her hoof with his fat lips and gurgled. Scootaloo found a faint smile crossing her face. “Alright,” she picked the fish up in her hooves, “if you won’t give up, then I won’t either. Thanks, Karp.” She dumped Karp back into the tank. Although disheartened, she returned home with newfound determination.