//------------------------------// // Sea of Miracles [30] // Story: Stories in Stone, Capricorn's Curse // by TDR //------------------------------// Stories in Stone Capricorn's Curse By TDR Sea of Miracles [2 years later, Sweet Apple Acres ] The stove was on full blast with two large simmering pots on the burners, one cast iron, one oddly made of deep red crystal. A gray furred and orange scaled Kirin stood at the table looking over a scroll as he chopped vegetables, doing his best to ignore the blue clawed hand that slipped up to snatch what ever morsel of food was closest to the edge of the table. He had lost an entire block of cheddar cheese once already when Dawn had snagged it while he was distracted from fussing at Bleu. At the very least the pair of them were mostly only snatching the bits of meat he put near the edge for them to take. The door to the kitchen was pushed open and the room was briefly filled with the sounds of chatter from out in the living area. Another year another Apple family reunion, though this one was likely the largest yet due to all the new addition s to it. “So how's it going in here Jer?” Applejack asked noting the trio of Dawn, Bleu and Spike hiding under the table, the latter seeming a little annoyed at the lack of gems. Granted given Spike still couldn't get as small as Bleu, only his head was under the table and the rest of his Celestia sized form was sticking out the other side of it. He was probably only there because both dawn and Bleu loved dragging him around with them. Mostly to use as a decoy if the pair got in trouble. The farm pony was still surprised the two Dragons could shrink down so small when their normal size was bigger than the barn. “Would be going better if it wasn't for a group of sneak thieves who think they are slick.” Jer'rahd growled only for a couple of hushed giggles to come from under the table. “The vegetable Chilli is almost ready to serve , but this Griffon recipe Breezy gave me is a little more complicated.” “Shy give yah any trouble about the meat?” Applejack asked trotting over to look in the pots curiously. “Nah. She directed me to the hydra that had been terrorizing some of the other animals for a while. It's tail will grow back but it's warned away for a bit. By the time it comes back I’ll have used up all the meat.” “Orange still making yah eat this huh?” Applejack stuck her tongue out at the second pot, wincing and backing away rubbing her face.”Consarnit!!” “Milks in the fridge. Wash your eyes out don't rub them. Pretty much. Really I still don't have a taste for meat. The only time I enjoyed it was the chilli Dusty served last time I was up there. So I’m trying my hoof at it.” “By tha stars that burns.... “Applejack growled sticking her head in the sink and dumping the milk over her face and tongue. “ How tha heck do yah eat that?” “Usually with chips.”Jer'rahd smirked. “ Don't worry the vegetarian chilli is at best two alarm. So every one but Twilight should be fine. The flames of Tartarus batch is for me Dawn and Bleu mostly. Though Discord, Celestia and Rainbow Dash all claim they want to try it.” “Dash is gonna git herself killed with this stuff, ponies being able tah deal with meat or not.”Applejack grumbled washing her face and double checking to make sure the stove vent was working to take away the fumes.”Hey ya'll three might wanna scamper, Big Mac's starting to turn out fritters” That clearly had been the magic word and Bleu and Dawn ran off almost instantly with Spike being drug along by the over enthusiastic Bleu. Applejack chuckled watching them go before turning her still red eyes to Jer'rahd. “So I heard about Gallopagos. Yah took a mighty big risk with that.”Applejack sighed. Jer'rahd paused in cutting the onion. “ It had to be done, and that was the best way to do it.” “But all three of them, plus Babs, in one place... risky......”Applejack muttered. “Babs and Sweetiebelle had their colt friends to keep them occupied and Applebloom was too busy trying to get her entourage to calm down when they saw me there. Pip was also present with Scootaloo.” Jer'rahd sighed.”Discord, Breezy, and Dusty were there as back up, as was Spitfire. To be honest I’m surprised you aren’t mad at me cause you were not.” “Oh ah am. But ah can't hold it against you given how Applebloom made sure you didn't tell me or Mac. No idea how you managed to keep Dash and Shy quiet though.” “That was all Applebloom's doing. In truth I only expected one, not four.”Jer'rahd lifted the cutting board dumping the onions in the pot before starting to chop chilli peppers. “There's going to be another one for at least two of them, a flashy one when everyone gets invited, but that's taking a lot more planning and Twilight's doing it.” “I'm surprised y’all didn't lose control of it once Soarin and Luna burst in there tah stop yah.”Applejack chuckled. “Nah. By the time they got there we were already done with all the paperwork and official. The ceremony was mostly a stage show and Luna and Soarin popped up at the perfect moment, as if it was scripted that they would find out at the right time to show up.” Jer'rahd grinned.” Spitfire and I yanked them both aside and told them that it was pretty much over. Soarin could suck it up and give away his daughter or miss the chance to do that too. Luna was harder to convince.” “How long?” Applejack snarked. “Three months and counting. That couch is not getting any more comfortable.” Jer'rahd smiled. “ Though she was sharing it with me a few nights ago when it was cold , so I think I’ll be clear in a few more days.” “Good luck with that while ah'm a might pissy I missed the wedding, Applebloom assured me there was gonna be a big one done up by the Elk that we were welcome to go to.” Applejack sighed.” Amazed yah managed three weddings, including a herd wedding without alerting any one. That's some scary planning there Jer.” “ I've gotten better at tactics, without any real conflict practice is all I can really do. Besides Pip asked for my help so I gave it. Luna took being overprotective of Pip too far. Though I'm sure she'll turn it back on me the moment Dawn starts dating.”Jer'rahd smiled. ”Still, I officiated the weddings of the Cutiemark Crusaders and Gallopagos is still standing. That's going to be a bigger legend than my romp through the frozen north.” ========================================================= [Living room.] “Oh my stars she is adorable!” Starfall squeed her wing tip tickling the nose of the little creature in the crib before her. Six cribs were set up in the room showing off the almost two year old foals of an unexpected couple. Pinkie Pie smiled, though her face showed a bit of tiredness that few had seen the hyper pink pony with. Despite that she was still going a mile a minute. Discord stood back behind her also rather exhausted looking, playing the part of the proud pappa with a bubble pipe in his mouth and a plaid tweed jacket. “Thanks... though they are a hoof full....”Pinkie Pie smiled. The pink mare moved to the first crib reaching in to tickle the belly of a filly that was the spitting image of Pinkie Pie herself , though she had a brown coat of fur with her bright pink mane and tail and her eyes were two tone, blue and yellow. “This is Pinkie Pie Junior.” Pinkie smirked. “Isn't she a filly?” Peach Blossom asked. “Yep!” Pinkie agreed unphased.” This one's Blueberry.” The next cradle was actually a large bucket filled with water. A small pony like creature with the back end of a fish was swishing wobbly around the little tank. Starfall and Peach Blossom blinked curiously at the little Sea pony though went along with Pinkie Pie to the next crib. “This ones Gertrude.” Pinkie Pie said. Looking in all that the pair of pegasi saw was a green and pink spotted egg. It looked like a Dragon egg in fact. “She's shy.” Pinkie chimed in moving to the next crib.” This one's SKULLSMASHER RULER OF ALL. We call him Mashy for short.” The pair looked at each other wondering how Pinkie spoken in all capitol letters before looking in, seeing a perfectly ordinary looking unicorn foal, at least until a small pair of bat wings fluttered against the bed as soon as the blue eyed foal noticed he was getting attention. “And these are the twins Eeni and Meeni.” Pinkie smiled. Moving to the fifth and sixth cribs the occupants had already poked their noses over the edge and were looking on with interest with a pair of blue and green eyes. Eeni the female had a green eye on the left and a blue on the right and Meeni had a green eye on the right and a blue on the left. Other than that they were identical. Both had a pony like head of blue gray fur and little nub horns sprouting from their temples a goat horn and a fuzz covered Elk like one. Their manes were both like lions and were a tawny brown coloration. Their bodies rather serpentine with the left for arm looking like a dragons claw, and the right resembling something closer to a bears. Their back legs were made up of a Buffalo styled limb and a white equine like one that seemed to have a mist of cooler air around it like a Windigo. Their tails were lizard like though striped like a tigers ending in a puff of orange fur. Neither had wings but both had some sort of fin like appendage along their backs like a Seapony. “And they are all the same ages...” Peach Blossom asked as Pinkie Pie nodded. “Ummm was the labor.. difficult?” Starfall asked as Peach Blossom stared warily at Discord. “Nope” Pinkie Pie chimed with a smile. ================================================= [ Front porch] “Honestly the look on his face was priceless. Trixie has not been that amused in a long time.” Trixie chuckled getting a small laugh from Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, Twilight just rolled her eyes “Honestly what did he expect when offering a boon like that?” Twilight asked looking up to watch the stampede of foals rush across the yard with Pip, Beryl, Berry, Trevor, and the disaster Trio in hot pursuit of the little horde. Starfall's foals, Dash's, Fluttershy's and Oranges along with the royal foals were running rampant in the orchard. Dawn was absent as she was trying to beg apple fritters from Big mac along with Bleu and Spike while the large stallion and and Button Mash talked tech. “He was trying to be noble I'm sure. I don't think he expected us to take advantage of it.” Trixie smiled. “Particularly when all that Octavia wanted was increased funding to be able to bring in more students on scholarships. He probably would have set something like that up with out it being a boon.” “Of course then you have to get sneaky and just ask him to 'leave your son alone.'”Twilight smirked. “ I bet he thought you were asking him to go light on one of the recruits.” “Indeed. Did you see the pictures Luna took when he finally found out who Trevor Lulumoon was?” Trixie asked pulling a few pictures from her saddlebag and offering them to Dash and Fluttershy, both of whom nearly choked with laughter. The image showed Jer'rahd looking stunned speechless as Trevor arrived to ask out Berry. “By the stars that is priceless, can I get a copy of this to hang on the wall!!?” Rainbow Dash cackled. “How are those two doing any way?” Fluttershy asked . “Quite well it seems. Trevor was particularly nervous upon hearing about Jer'rahd's reaction to those dating his daughters. Imagine my poor colts surprise when nothing happened during the first meeting or any other ones. Quite a boost of confidence to him, he did need that.” Trixie sighed taking a sip of her cider. “ I doubt we will be worried about wedding bells from those two for a while, but there is the possibility. In a few years at least.” “Didn't Trevor hatch a dragon egg as well?” Twilight asked. “ I don't see Flail any where.” Trixie sighed and lifted up a large purple and star studded magicians hat that she had set on the table. It had been a long time since she wore it, though she figured if she was going to try and tour again now that Trevor had moved out , perhaps she should at least wear it around a little bit. Under the hat was a small green dragonling. The little thing hissed and climbed back up into the hat as far as she could yanking down the brim to hide herself once more. “She's younger than Beryl still and very skittish around company. Still she's getting slightly better. “ Trixie looked in the hat.” Flail, do you want to come out and say hello?” “No.” a wispy voice from inside the hat said. Trixie shrugged as Twilight and the others smiled. “Oh yeah what did Lyra do with her boon any way?” Rainbow Dash asked getting a small wince from Both Twilight and Trixie. “Let's just say she took a ridiculous idea she had and ran with it......” Twilight explained.” ...Hard.” ======================================================== [One year ago.] The thundering sound echoed through the streets of the Ponyville district. The crash of steel and metal on stone echoed almost as loudly as the booming that shook her shop. Bon Bon groaned as she caught a fancy silver candy dish before it bounced off the counter for the second time. Setting it in a more secure place the part time secret agent stepped outside her shop looking around to see what the noise was. One hoof poking into a nearby umbrella stand her foreleg twirling in it lightly to gather the wires hidden on the inside. Just in case. Looking down the street she was greeted to the sight of a few hundred heavily armored ponies in Guard armor marching in formation down the main street of town. As the first few rows of them passed by her shop the entire regiment snapped their heads to the side to look at her and salute in a crisp movement before continuing past down the street. The thundering booms grew louder though it was some what dimmed by the loud music performed by a group of Changelings in a marching mad ringed by what seemed to be circus performers milling about launching gluts of confetti and fireworks into the sky. More than a few of them flashed with green fire, changing race and costumes on the fly as they cavorted around the band. The music seemed just noise at first until Bon Bon noted it was to the tune of The Rarities song ,' Holding out for a hero' , one of her favorites, though she wasn't sure she liked the big band version of it. Behind the performers was another regiment of Guards though this time they were the Gallopagos Guard. Black and purple armor worn by large burly Kirin was far more intimidating that the Royal Guard that had passed before, though unlike the Royal Guard The Gallopagos Guard was not a policing force and primarily were only fully armored like this when ready for combat. Like the regular guard they all snapped their gaze to her, saluted and kept going without breaking formation. A shadow fell over the store as a massive airship slowly glided overhead, cannons along the sides spraying out fireworks and streamers as Griffons and what looked to be Wonderbolts flew around the massive ship leaving trails of brightly colored smoke in their wake raining glitter and streamers down onto the town in a shower t6hat would take months to get rid of. Bringing up the rear was a titanic beast that dwarfed even the airship. The six eyed monster seemed some what draconic, but it was hard to tell with the vast amount of gaudy decorations that were covering the Beast. The thundering foot falls were the creature doing it's best not to step on anything or anyone as it walked through town. The creature itself paused before the Sweet Tooth candy shop looking down at Bon Bon with it's five red eyes and one green one and gave an exasperated sigh before turning so that the mare could see the massive banner along it's side. The banner read ' Bon Bon will you marry me?' Sitting on top of the beast waving furiously at her was a mint green unicorn. ============================================ [present] “How the heck did I miss that?” Rainbow Dash gasped.” All that glitter in the gutters confused me for days.....” “You were in the hospital having your second foal.” Twilight added rubbing her temples with a hoof. “Oh... that explains the booming. I though Mac was just pacing in the hall again.” Dash admitted. “Well she did want a unique proposal. I doubt there are many who can say that they rode a legendary beast with the armies of four nations in parade dress leading the way to the proposal.”Trixie muttered.” How many favors did he have to call in for that?” “Not many actually. Luna and her Changelings were highly amused with the idea. Regent Dusty wanted to show off the Jupiter some more. The Gallopagos Guard were given three weeks leave for participating. The Wonderbolts were easily bribed with Jer'rahd's stash of the Sweet Apple Cider. The Royal Guard only went along with it on Celestia's orders because she wanted to be the one to decorate The Beast in the most gaudy way possible. Thankfully she ran out of time before finding a pink tutu big enough.” Twilight explained. “Umm I hate to point it out , but didn't they do a big parade thing like that in that Aladdin story?” Fluttershy asked. “Oh yeah Zap and I went to see that a couple days ago, they made a film out of it. Twilight and Trixie looked at each other then back to Fluttershy. “Please never bring that up to Lyra, Fluttershy.” Twilight sighed as Trixie face hooved.. ===================================================== [Apple Graveyard] “Some what surprised to find you out here sister.” Celestia commented walking past the fence posts and looking over the well maintained grave site. There really were not many graves. A stone apple tree statue stood just outside the fenced in area, carved with the names of Apple family members at least two thousand years back. The main graves here were for Jer'rahd's parents and grandparents, Rhede and Velkorn and recently Granny Smith. Applejack's parents were buried together under one of the farms larger Apple trees along with the rest of the Elder Apples that had first settled the farm. There were other graves here for the Pelts, but no one but Jer'rahd really knew who beyond those who had been killed during Silverclaw's attack on the gala.. Luna glanced back at Celestia and smirked a bit before looking down at the graves of her two lost friends a last time before trotting over to meet her sister. “While I do not visit to regal them with all that has happened as Jer'rahd does, I do try to make it a point to let them know how their daughter is doing. “Luna explains.” Speaking of which I notice that Sunshine is still in Canterlot with Starcloud. Should we to be calling you granny Tia soon?” “Pffft, not likely. I have held that hope before only to have it dashed when she returned home for a good thirty years before seeing him again. I find that more of a relief than anything else. Star Cloud is older than me. The Sibete Emperium was a bar in Canterlot before I ascended.” Celestia sighed.”It has always been a favorite spot for off duty Guards.” “He isn't a bad pony... err Zebra. He was the only one aside from the two of us, Jer'rahd, and Three Bear to attend Ruin's funeral.” Luna commented. “Mm I suspect Ruin was his father to be honest, but he won't say.” Celestia sighed. “ But onto other things. How are you holding up after your husbands trickery? I can banish him to the moon if you like?” “Fie on that. He'd probably spend his time there carving a rude message directed at you into the surface. My moon already has scorch marks around her edges she doesn't need a insulting comment directed at your flank on her as well.” “Twilight's moon you mean.” Celestia chuckled. “Nope. I was there first by right of discovery. I claimed it in my name. Twilight just steers it.” Luna stuck her tongue out at her sister. “Fine, though that doesn't answer the question.” Celestia chuckled. “No I’m fine. To be honest I accepted Scootaloo and Pip were going to be together quite a while ago, I just kept getting caught up in the swing of things along with Soarin and recalling the little patchwork foal that we could scoop up with one wing. Besides with what Trixie pulled on Jer'rahd I would say we were even. Besides I can still torment Diamond Tiara when Brush isn't looking.” “I notice she's not here again. Perhaps you have pushed her too far?” Celestia asked as the pair started walking back towards the farm. “No, it's because of Applebloom. She's still terrified of her and Applebloom's spouses do not make it any easier. That is abridge that I feel will never be rebuilt no matter what is done.” “Ah well, where is her herd any way. Aside from Drakast and Flowing Stream I’ve not seen any other Elk.” Celestia pondered. “Not sure myself, though Jer'rahd did say that they all needed to return to their homelands at some point in order to take care of the arrangements to move here fully. Equestria is going to have three fully sovereign nations inside her borders soon. “ Luna sighed. “ I cannot imagine the paperwork.” “Elk, Changelings, and Kirin. One restored to it's former power, one turned to a force for good and one grown up enough to become their own people. Though the Changelings do not have their own homeland yet if I am not mistaken.” Celestia sighed.” Things have changed rapidly in recent years. I certainly hope they calm down soon. There's been too much excitement as is.” “Heh, we are working on that. But regardless in ten years Shin and Elusive will be taking over the Changeling and Kirin races. Jer'rahd and I will be stepping back into advisory rolls for a while when they do. Glimmer will likely take over some duties in the Crystal Empire. Talon will take over as the sole remaining God of the Griffons, despite being a Hippogryph. Which only leaves Dawn and Rynthia without kingdoms of their own.” “Perhaps, though I do not see Dawn as the sort who would want to rule and Rynthia has claim on the throne of the Zebralands.” Celestia pointed out. Though I expect she will want nothing to do with it much like her mother and grand niece...aunt.... how would Sunshine be related to Rynthia? Baelit was Velkorn's nephew, second cousin maybe?” “Her brothers have a claim as well.” Luna spoke up nodding to a group gathered by the edge of the orchard. A large Zebra stallion was talking with one of Applebloom's husbands, Drakast. The dark Elk seemed to be rather interested in the conversation that had something to do with the apple tree they were standing by. Fox had grown massive like his father, the half zebra was the size of Big Mac already and still had a few years of growth left in him. By contrast his brother Wolf, who was speaking to the other Elk from Appleblooms herd, Flowing Stream, seemed to have taken after his brothers namesake, being much smaller and more wiry, though no less sturdy. The pair of them seemed to be discussing the Elk's archery using their antlers. Wolf looked more like a Zebra than his brother did , though he had his fathers charm and as he came of age he was not in the slightest bit afraid to use it. Fluttershy had already explained the trouble he cause last hearts and hooves day, having to flee from nearly every filly, and some older mares in town. There were a few who seemed more drawn to Fox, though the quiet giant never admitted if he liked any of them or not. “I can see Wolf perhaps using that for his own ends, but not actively taking the responsibility. I doubt Fox will ever leave the farm. He's too much like Big Mac.” Celesta pointed out. “Wolf is very much like Rhede” “You are only saying that because he was flirting with you.” Luna chuckled. “I have it on good authority that he flirts with every mare. And yet he still has a mare already who he seems obsessed with.” “Oh, I thought he was still a bit too young for that yet. Is it any pony we know?” Celestia smirked. The twins were only going onto their thirteenth birthday this year. “I suppose so. Whispering Wind.” Luna stated. “Why does that name sound familiar?” Celestia considered. “Because she's the Windigo ambasador.” Luna smirked as Celestia slapped her forehead with a hoof. “Seriously?” Celestia sighed, both of them pausing to watch the herd of foals rampage past them followed by their guardians. “Don't even try to start a conversation about age difference. Besides it's a good bit yet before he is an adult. Perhaps by that time he won't be as interested.” Luna smiled. “ Have you spoke to Sunset?” “No.” Celestia sighed. “She seems content to pretend I don't exist and I’m willing to allow her that. Though I am rather still rather annoyed at Jer'rahd for using her against me.” “You set your own self up for that Tia. She and Berry should both be graduating college in a year or two. She honestly is like a female version of Jer'rahd at times with her dislike for stupid things, nobles and her temper. Still she has adapted well and doesn't seem intent on trying to take over Equss any more..... mostly. The only real issue we have with her right now is that despite Berry's working with her, she's still quite antisocial. Well, that and she seems to prefer mares over stallions.”Luna shrugs. “That's an issue?” “The antisocial is fine. Her prefrence is an issue only because Jer'rahd and I cannot decide which of us will get to torment her mare friend when she gets one.” Luna grinned. “Of course.”Celestia rolled her eyes. “That is nearly all of your foals now. Orange is married with a foal of her own and she's running Velkorn General in the Empire. Pip has married Scootaloo though both of them are still Guards ponies first and foremost. Berry and Trevor are getting along well, and Brush and Diamond Tiara are engaged now?” “Yes....” Luna growled a little.”Sunset isn't seeing any one and both Rynthia and Dawn are too young yet.” “I shudder to think of what might happen when those two reach a dating age.” Celestia muttered. “Jer'rahd has spoke of reminding everyone why he's a Potential Disaster Rating of one when that happens.” Luna sighed. “Oh dear... well at least we have about eight to ten years to prepare for that.” Celestia admitted.”I'm already working on the emergency plans for when Elusive starts dating.” “Why would you be working on a plan for it? “Luna asked.” I figured you would be causing some one else to need to plan?” “I've had one foal enter the dating scene already. I'm fairly prepared for it. Twilight on the other hoof.....” Celestia sighed.”Let's just say Jer'rahd might loose his standing as most overprotective parent if she uses even half the plans she came up with.” “Don't tell him that. He'll turn it into a competition.” ============================================================= [ Near the parked airship, Storm Cloud, in the east field. The old Crusader Club House ] “... All I’m saying is I'm glad Pip's mom isn't in charge of dream watching any more or I’d never get any sleep.” Scootalloo sighed tapping a loose floorboard with a hoof. “I think I'd rather have that than Button's mom. “ Sweetiebelle grumbled. “Every time I talk to her she manages to steer the conversation towards grand foals.” “I've had three of mah five's mothers try to murder me and Drakast's mom actually tried tah feed me to her pet spider.” Applebloom growled dusting the cobwebs out of the corner of the club house rafters.” Not all tha Elk want peace among tha tribes. Drakast's tribe thinks they've been at war with the surface dwellers for generations.” “I ain't in this fight, Silver's ma is pretty cool.” Babs added looking over a a large picture drawn on the club house wall that seemed to be of a large white mare surrounded by snow. “She showed up front row at a concert along with my mother to hold up a banner suggesting foal names.....” Sweetiebelle grumbled. Applebloom, Babs, and Scootaloo all looked at the mortified Sweetiebelle and shook their heads. “Yah know what, you win this, my in laws jus try ta kill me tha normal way.”Applebloom muttered.” Not from murderous embarrassment.” “Yeah most I get is a Changeling or two watching my every move.” Scootaloo muttered. “ Right Thorax?” There was a muted gasp before one of the club house bean bag chairs sprouted four black carapaced limbs and walked out of the club house scattering beans all over the place. “That happen a lot?” Babs asked. “Thorax isn't really that good at disguises, but he's good at hiding. Gossamer better but I still notice her.” Scootaloo grinned. “ Pip's moms keeping that close a tabs on yah?” Babs asked. “Ehh.” Scootaloo shrugged. “Any way glad to see they kept the old clubhouse in shape. I guess Wolf and Fox are using it more than the others nowadays.” Sweetiebelle commented “Wonder if we should gift it to the new Element's of Harmony.” “Ehh right now it's Fox and Wolf's. Butterscotch, Apple Blossom, and, Dandelion gave it to them, just like mai sister gave it to us.” Applebloom commented. “Sides, it's better if it stays in use with who ever lives on tha farm. Much as I miss it, this ain't my home any more.” “I've got an airship sleeping on the ground feels weird now.” Sweetiebelle admitted. “Ah live in Manehatten, that ain't changing.” Babs chuckled. “I'm Guard, where I lay my head is home.” Scootaloo shrugs. “Specially if it's on Pipsqueak huh?” Applebloom grinned. “Least I don't have to worry about forgetting who I'm married to.” Scootaloo retorts. “That was ONCE!” Applebloom shouted. “Yeah once, at your own wedding.” Scootaloo chimed. “Consarnit I told you ah got my notes mixed up, Elk languages ain't all as easy to learn as tha Whitetail language was!” Applebloom shouted back. Sweetiebelle giggled as the two continued to bicker. She glanced over to Babs who also had a smile on her face, before sighing.” I missed this.” “Ah'm waiting for you lot to start a fight over who's gonna have a foal first.” Babs giggled. Scootaloo's ears perk up at that and she grinned turning away from Applebloom. “I think I might have won that one already.” Scootaloo stated getting looks of shock from all the other Crusaders and a cardboard box marked 'oranges' that had just snuck back into the club house. ======================================== [ New Canterlot, Platinum school of music. ] “ So I’ve finished going over those notes Princess Sparkle sent us Tavi” The stallion speaking was a dark blue furred Pegasus with a dark purple mane and tail. His cutie mark was a white line of music across his flank, they made up several notes of the the guitar solo in one of Pontera's more well known songs about working retail. Jacob had earned it after he wrote the song for the first time, years before he had the courage to actually play it as Bloodmoon. Octavia smiled as he walked over to her kissing her lightly on the cheek as he set the paperwork down on the desk before moving beside her chair to point a few of them out with a feather tip. “Thank you Jacob. Was there anything we can use?” Octavia smiled. “Some things perhaps. A lot of it is little more than chamber music that has been passed down for a long time. There's a few sea shanties in there that I’ve never seen and a couple of near complete pieces that I really would like to see revised for a modern group. Octavia chuckled. Jacob was still particularly shy, though he had become more open with her in recent years, and while she could never get him to teach, he was the best on her staff and reading and writing music. Even without the staff position he had a contract with both Sapphire Shores and Sweetiebelle to write songs for them. His brother Nico however had taken to teaching rather well. Nico was loud and boisterous even without his Black hole Sun costume and the fact he could play anything that any one even told him was a instrument with moderate to expert skill, allowed him to teach a number of different classes. The time Jacob really shined however was with new compositions, such as the ancient sheets of music Twilight had found in a number of the books she had gained from the Library of Tamberlane. The rumor of the music was enough to draw the attention of any one worth their salt in the music field. Octavia's appointment to oversee anything music related by the Princesses, the Regent of Gallopagos, the Dragon Empire, and the Griffon Kingdom as well as the fact she was considered a personal friend by the current ruler of the Changelings, certainly helped with that as well. The idea that she had been worried about building her reputation on anothers accomplishment seemed silly now. The school may have been built with help from anothers legacy, but it was the work she was doing now that would cement the future of music in Equestria, perhaps even Equss. She had already been asked to open new Schools in the Zebralands, the Griffon Kingdom, and of all places, the Diamond Dog Warrens. Bleu was already working with the Dragon Lands school set up, but she was rather miffed there seemed to be very few musically inclined Dragons. “Tavi?!” “Hmm?” Octavia blinked looking up at Jacob's concerned face. “Are you alright you kinda zoned out on me.” “It's fine. Reminiscing a little on the past years.” “I thought you were supposed to only do that when you get old?” “I am old....” “Don't start this again Tavi, you didn't win the argument last time you said that.” Jacob smiled. “Fine...... Don't worry, mares have been having foals for centuries and they have been fine.” “Yes well. We haven’t” Jacob sighed before dipping his head down to put his ear against her belly as the gray mare protested. “Hey I think I hear something.” “Jacob you goof, that is the daisy salad I had for lunch digesting, you are not going to hear anything with me barely a month along.” Octavia fussed. =========================================== [ Las Pegasus, sea side.] Shining Armor shifted in his chair with a sigh. The sun beat down heavily on him as he lounged in the chair in a pair of sunglasses and bright blue swim trunks. His magic griped a coconut with the top cut off to use as a cup. There were all sorts of straws and umbrellas sticking out of it, though he really didn't care how it looked, it was quite tasty. It had taken a bit of time to get everything situated no matter how often this vacation had been promised. But now for a solid month he was going to be doing little more than lounging on the beach. A small smirk crossed his face as he heard giggling along with splashing. Lifting his head up a little he could see a number of young mares out playing in the water splashing each other as they chased after a beach ball. Shining smiled a little, sun ,sand, surf, and scantily clad mares. This truly was a nice trip. “Seeing something you like?” A female voice spoke up from behind him with a air of menace in it. He tilted his head back to see the muzzle of a pink pegicorn that was staring down at him. She was in a swim suit that matched the color of his, though it wasn't quite as revealing as the ones the mares in the water wore. “I do now.” He smirked looking at her over the top of his sunglasses and grinning. “Clever boy.....” Cadence purred taking a sip from his drink as she settled in next to him. ======================================================================= [Ponyville district. ] “Wow that was actually a rather nice movie.” Bon Bon spoke. “ Would would have thought a retelling of a old book could have turned out to be that enjoyable particularly with how much music was in it.” Lyra didn't respond as she walked with her fiancee out of the theater. While the theater in the Ponyville district of New Canterlot wasn't new, neither of them had time to visit it yet. Of course the only movies showing were action flicks, romance flicks, and a documentary on spatulas. The pair had gone to see an animated one, which was basicly just drawings flipped though really fast and colored. It had turned out to be a good story. “I didn't know Robin Whinnyams would be that fitting for the role. I thought he was just a standup comedian.” Bon Bon added again glancing to Lyra with a bit of worry. The movie had started with a few previews and a small series of shorts that were songs by famous musicians set to small mini movies or dance numbers. Bon Bon had not been thrilled to see most of her fight with Bray on the screen as Sweetiebelle sang, but given the look of the costume it looked like Sweetiebelle was doing the fighting not Bon Bon. “Rather catchy songs too right?” Bon Bon asked. Lyra remained silent though she growled lightly. “And that parade sequence after he asked to be a prince so he could try and date Jasmine, that was a lot like the parade you did when you proposed. Did you see this movie before?” Bon Bon questioned as Lyra sat down shaking in place her eyelid twitching as she bit her lower lip. “FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF.....” Lyra growled throwing her head back into the air to scream out. Leagues away birds were startled from their perches in trees and a number of mothers slapped their hooves over their foals ears looking around for who was shouting such profanity. ============================================== [ Sweet Apple Acres] “Are you sure about this Trixie?” Luna asked taking a small sip of the lemonade. “You doubt Trixie's skill?” Trixie scoffed. “In entertaining of course not. But it has been what eighteen years now, nineteen?” Luna counted.” You are not the young mare you used to be.” “Trixie is far from old.” Trixie growled. “You also haven’t lifted more than a few books in that time. Can you still pull a wagon?” Luna added. Trixie frowned sitting back in the porch rocking chair staring out across the field. She had given this a lot of thought after the Tamberlane incident. She wanted to get back on the road, to travel again. To put on the shows and hear the awe and excitement of the crowds. She wanted to go back to that, it was never about the money, she could have that just sitting around in the Golden Oaks Library. Still Luna was a friend now, the group of them that had been trapped together had wound up growing a bit closer and she wasn't about to disregard the advice of some one who had been around as long as Luna had, particularly since she had that hive mind thing. “You are leading me some where with this line of questioning Luna.” Trixie sighed noting Luna's smile.” Just spit it out.” Luna didn't respond and simply floated a flier over to the mare. Trixie took it looking over the ad for a moment. “Interesting,” the blue mare stated. “ Are they even hiring?” “Pinkie Pie is one of the owners, it shouldn't take much to convince her to give you a chance. There are already a few Changelings working there who I could ask to give a recommendation. While they have a set pattern they travel around Equestria they also journey into the Crystal Empire and Gallopagos. You would be able to visit both your son and your mother rather often given their rotation of being in both places at least once a year before a three month break. This would keep you from traveling alone as they are well protected with their own guards and plenty of stage hooves and others to help you along if you need it. Pinkie has said the event is like a small mobile city into itself.” “Pinkie Pie fun Fair, hmmm? I have heard of it but I never put the two together.” Trixie chuckled. “It's mostly called the Pie Fair in recent years, but yes images of Pinkie Pie are also used as the 'you must be this tall' signs. She 's practically the mascot of the whole thing as well as being one of the owners.” Luna stated. “It bears looking into .” Trixie admitted as Luna smiled. ============================================================== “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Rainbow Dash screamed tearing around in a circle her mouth wide open tears streaming down her face as she screamed. Jer'rahd and Apple Jack both sighed before Apple Jack put a large bucket of milk on the table causing Rainbow Dash to run over and dunk her whole head in it. Peach Blossom smirked.”That's twenty bits or a back rub you owe me.” “I coulda sworn she could would have managed it. The mare puts liquid rainbow on her hay fries.” Starfall cursed. “Jer'rahd found out early on that liquid rainbow was rather bland for his taste.” Luna grumbled dipping a chip into the bowl of non flammable chilli in front of her. Twilight winced a little looking over at Celestia, Dawn, Bleu, Jer'rahd, Pinkie Pie, Discord and Scootaloo all were enjoying the pain based Chilli Jer'rahd had made. Discord and Celestia were sweating a bit and Pinkie Pie paused every so often fanning her tongue or spitting out a bit of fire, but none of the others seemed even the slightest bit heated.”I could melt iron with that stuff.” “That's why the pot is crystal.” Luna responded frowning as Scootaloo finished her bowl then ran around chasing Pip trying to kiss him. The colts survival instincts kicked in and he chose to run instead. “So what's this I hear about you retiring?” Applebloom asked looking over at Luna, trying to ignore the fact that three of her Elk husbands were currently sitting off to the side with bread stuffed in their mouths after little more than a taste of the chilli. Drakast had tasted some and simply wasn't fond of it , but he hadn't been burned either. Bleu had asked Spike to try some but he had held up scroll written by him in the future that simply read 'don't'. “That is the plan. Jer'rahd and I have decided on a bit of a Equss tour once Shin and Elusive are old enough to take over the duties. We are hoping to find somewhere we can set up a kingdom for the Changelings. I know the Crystal Empire was founded by the first Changeling Queen, but the Crystal Ponies took that over and they have just as much right to it. I want to find them their own homeland.” Luna explained. “Solid plan. With all tha Elk coming inta Whitetail now ah've got a ton of new maps of tha outer sea and tha lands beyond it. Equss is a lot bigger place than ah first thought. Even Trotkyo's barely further away than going one side of Equestria to tha other.” Applebloom explained. “ Ah don't think any one's actually bothered mapping tha whole place yet.” “There was one pony who flew around Equss in a blimp about three hundred years ago. It took him over a year to circle the world.” Celestia added from nearby, wiping her face off with a towel. “While I am not a fan of the hydra meat used in this , other wise this is fairly tasty. Seems Kaisur can do something right.” “Bite me sun butt.” Jer'rahd growled scooping out another chip full of the chilli from his bowl. “ But yeah I’m surprised I got it right the first time. Specially since I used a bit of that spice Berry made for me. What did she call it, cap tin? Caprisun?” “Capsicum dad.... and it's dried pain in crystal form.” Berry calls out from the other side of the table. The young mare was turning out to be an expert in anything related to crystals. Pinkie Pie and Maud had even got her working on new flavors of crystal rock candy for them. “Adds a nice burn.” Bleu added. “In any event I would appreciate the help Applebloom. We are pretty much going to be traveling blind for the most part.” Luna stated. “S'more fun that way.” Jer'rahd added before the door burst open and everyone in the room turned to look at a heavily panting Soarin who dramaticly pointed a hoof at Luna and Jer'rahd. “Your foul spawn has corrupted my innocent daughter!!” Soarin shouted, given this was his usual proclamation of greeting or something like it, since the wedding, most every one ignored him and even Spitfire simply pushed him out of the way as she came in behind him. “This the hot stuff?” Spitfire asked pointing to a pot, when Jer'rahd nodded she filled up a bowl of it and took a seat. “How dare you....” Luna responded to Soarin, just as serious about the matter as the Pegasus was. “ Pip is a sweet innocent colt, or was before he met your daughter. “ Then why has that foul abomination foisted his spawn onto my daughter!?!?” Soarin bellowed. Every one blinked and looked over to Spitfire who was happily munching on the hot chilli. The orange mare blinked noting that every one was looking at her.” Oh right, Scootaloo's pregnant.” Every one suddenly looked over to where Pip and Scootaloo were. Pip looked like he was seeking a quick exit while Scootaloo turned to glare at Sweetiebelle who quickly pointed at Applebloom. The half Elk grinned like a fool before speaking.”Remember when ya tried tah set me up with Rumble and how bad that all went. Ah told yah ah'd get yah back.” “That was over twelve years ago!” Scootaloo swore as Applebloom laughed. “This is an outrage!” Luna cursed,” Your daughter clearly vamped him into this!!” Spitfire glanced over at Jer'rahd leaning over to speak so that he could hear over the two shouting ponies. “Welcome to being a grandpa.” Spitfire chuckled.”You know he only gets like this when Luna is around.” “Congratulations to you as well grandma Spitfire. I already am a grandpa thanks to Orange, but I’m okay with another one. Luna's the same really, I don't think she even has a issue with the marriage.” Jer'rahd responded with a smirk. “I'd say we congratulate them, but Pip seems to have taken the opportunity to flee along with Scootaloo.” “Smart foals, this is getting ridiculous any way. Chilli's pretty good, try adding some different types of beans next time for a bit of texture.”Spitfire suggested. “Hmm, I’ll have to remember that.” Jer'rahd nodded as the pairs spouses continued to argue.