//------------------------------//
// The Troublemakers 
// Story: The Royal Canterlot Family 
// by CartoonNerd12 
//------------------------------//

When Flurry and Mischief went back to the party, they ran into Screwball and Mothball.
Screwy commented with a smirk to Flurry, "I always knew you were going to have an awesome cutie mark and a destiny to match."
Flurry giggled, "Thanks, cuz."
The princess of chaos continued, "And what's also awesome is that you met someone who's just as special as you are!"
Flurry smiled, "Especially when he's half-draconequus like you?"
"You better believe it!"
Mischief inquired, "And you're going to have a foal that's a third pony, a third draconequus, and a third changeling?"
"That's right," Screwy beamed proudly and touched her stomach.
Flurry gushed, "I can't wait for the day I become a mother!"
Mischief had a look of horror on his face and nervously laughed, "Isn't it a bit early to be thinking of that? I mean, we just became coltfriend and marefriend not that long ago!"
Flurry tittered lightly, "Don't worry, Mischief. I am only fourteen, after all, and we have a job protecting all of Equestria. Starting our family will happen later."
Mischief sighed in relief.
Screwy said, "Speaking of starting families, Mothy and I need to start finding names for our little filly or colt. Got any suggestions?"
Flurry lit up, "How about Anomalous? A name that's regal and peculiar, don't you think?"
Both Screwball and Mothball cringed with Screwy saying, "Sounds a bit stuffy for my taste and weird, even for me."
Mothy nervously chuckled, "I'm going to have to agree."
Screwy looked at him, "Say, Mothy, I'm getting a bit thirsty. Can you go over to the buffet table to get me some punch?"
"Sure thing, honey. I'll be right back." He went off.
Flurry said to Mischief, "And I should see how Skyla is doing, but I'll be back before you know it."
"Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere," he smiled.
She kissed his cheek, leaving him all alone with Screwball.
He asked, "So why did you ask your husband to get punch when you can just conjure it up by yourself?"
She smirked, "Ever since I became pregnant, Mothy's been completely doting on me. So I let him do things for me, especially since he doesn't want me to wear myself out even if I do use magic."
"Aw… it's really sweet. You got an amazing husband."
She giggled, "Thanks."
"I'm curious. As someone who's half-draconequus like me, do you like the same things I do?"
"It depends. What do you like?"
"Well…I like jalapeño nacho chips!"
She gasped loudly and exclaimed excitedly, "Me, too!"
"Really?! Okay, how about…pulling pranks?"
"Hello! You're talking to the Princess of Chaos! Of course I pull pranks on ponies!"
"Awesome!" Then he asked, "What about your powers? Can you fly around without wings?"
She smirked deviously, "Watch this…" She magically lifted herself in the air and did a few loop-de-loops before going back down and asking, "Can you do that?"
He smirked back, "You bet!" He floated up and flew close to the ceiling a few times before coming back to the ground.
The two ended up smiling at each other and Screwy inquired, "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Oh, yeah!"
"Great! Meet me at the Everfree Castle tomorrow at two, and make sure to bring your best A-game!"
"Oh, I will," he grinned. "You can count on it."
She immediately embraced him with her whispering, "I always wanted a brother…"
The sentiment made Mischief blush, but he was so happy he didn't care. They started to shake on it when a jolt of electricity ran through the both of them. They noticed they were both wearing joy buzzers! This made them laugh, realizing they really were so much alike.
Meanwhile, both Flurry and Mothball had been returning to their loves when they saw them exchanging words and using joy buzzers on each other. The alicorn and changeling looked at each other in concern.
Mothy had to ask, "Is this a good thing or a bad thing that they're getting along so well?"
Before Flurry could answer, Discord popped in between them.
"Well, personally, I think it's great that my little girl and the kid like each other. After all, Fluttershy and I couldn't give Screwy a sibling, so naturally, she would feel drawn to another half-draconequus who might as well have been the brother she never had."
Flurry and Mothball exchanged another look and wondered if Screwball and Mischief's kinship was either going to go really great or really bad. Only time would tell.



The next day, Screwy told Mothball she would be expecting Mischief sometime around two o'clock and that they would be hanging out together for the rest of the day.
Screwball inquired, "You don't mind, do you?"
Mothy was unsure, but he knew that once his wife's mind was set, he dared not oppose it. Instead, he said, "All I ask is you be careful. After all, Screwy, in your condition…"
"Oh, Mothy…while I appreciate you looking out for me, I can handle myself perfectly."
"I'll worry about you anyway, and the baby too."
"It'll be okay, Mothy. I'm in the first trimester, so the baby and me should be fine."
Mothball sighed.
Screwy nuzzled his head, "I love you…"
He nuzzled back with a tiny smile, "I love you, too…"



Mischief was preparing to leave when Flurry came into the room.
"You do promise to be back in time for our dinner date, right?"
Mischief lifted her chin with a smile, "Of course I will. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
She blushed like crazy while gazing at him lovingly, "I love you…so, so much…"
He replied with a tender grin, "And I love you so, so much too…"
They nuzzled their noses together while being hopelessly in love.



Screwball was walking down the hallway of the Everfree Castle when she passed a mirror that didn't reflect her image. She looked back and it turned out Mischief was in the mirror.
She said, "There you are! Come out of there!"
Mischief responded with a smirk, "Okay…" Suddenly, he squirted silly string at her through the mirror before teleporting out. He laughed.
Screwball got the string off her and gave a mischievous look, "So that's how it's going to be, huh? Mister, you just opened a can of worms, or rather…" She summoned a tube and opened it as fake snakes popped out at him.
He gave out a fake scream before laughing harder.
They both declared, "Prank war!"
Screwy and Mischief went about the castle pulling pranks on each other. Mischief replaced her regular gum with spicy gum, making her breathe fire that would rival her cousin's fire breath. Then Screwball got back at him with a whoopee cushion. This went on for a long time until they both started to tire out and rested on some couches in the castle drawing room.
Screwball then asked, "You know, I've been wondering how the heck you're 66 while you look like a sixteen-year-old. Because now that I think about it, you and my dad are practically the same age!"
Mischief countered, "Not quite…Yes, I was born around the time your dad was a preteen. Because both of my parents had slow-aging genes, I turned a year older per…maybe four years? I would've aged a lot slower if it weren't for my pony upbringing. Because of that, I felt like a normal pony, only not. At least, that what my mom thinks. And you? How does your aging process works?"
"Well, as you know, my mom is a pony so I was able to age normally because of her, but thanks to Dad's genes, I was able to have a youthful complexion." She primped her hair in emphasis, making the other half-draconequus laugh. "It's almost as if time slows for my beauty."
Mischief gasped as he realized something. He looked at the clock and saw that it was 6:30!
He spouted nervously, "Oh, geez, geez, geez, geez! I'm late! Sorry to leave like this, Screwy, but I got a dinner date to get to!"
Screwball said, "Go like the wind!"
"I intend to!"
In a flash of light, he vanished. He reappeared at the Castle of Friendship and took rapid, nervous breaths as he ran down the hall. He made his way to the dining room and slammed open the doors as he shouted out, "Flurry!"
Flurry, who was sitting alone at the table covered with plates of food, was caught off-guard by the sudden entrance.
Mischief quickly apologized, "Flurry, I am so sorry! I should've kept better track of the time, but I was having so much fun and –"
Flurry said in a voice traced with upset, "I'm sure you were. I kept the food warm for you."
Just like the first dinner they had together at Hollow Shades, the couple was silent. However, this kind of silence was tense with upset rather than fear. Mischief wanted to apologize a hundred times over, but he knew that he had hurt the love of his life and no amount of apologies could heal this wound. He messed up, big time. When they finished their dinner, Flurry left the room in silence, leaving Mischief to clean the dishes, which he thought was for the best. While he was cleaning the dishes, he rehearsed what he was going to say to Flurry. After the dishes were dried and put away, he went up to the study and took a deep breath.
Here goes…he thought.
He entered the room and took another deep breath.
Flurry – who was now sitting on the sofa - raised her hoof to stop him and said, "Look, I know what you're going to say. You had a lot of fun with Screwball that you forgot the time. I'd be okay with it if we had anything else scheduled, but this was our dinner date. Do you know how important that is?"
Mischief replied, "Believe me, I know."
Hurt then overtook her face. "Then why did you conveniently forget our special night? You said you wouldn't miss it for the world. Ponies aren't supposed to let down their true loves. They would never forget if they had something special planned!"
Mischief shot off, "Hey, it wasn't my fault that I found someone like me, okay?!"
His heart dropped from seeing the stunned expression on Flurry's face. He knew it wasn't just the yelling that surprised her, but also the fact that he said that he found someone like him.
Flurry's eyes then shimmered as she breathed, "So...I'm not that important to you anymore?"
Mischief shook his head and started to say, "Flurry…"
"Spend all your time with her, then! At least you won't let her down!" In a huff, Flurry used her magic to push Mischief out of the study and slam the doors shut.



Mischief lied on his bed, ridden with guilt. He didn't mean to miss his dinner date with Flurry. He just had a lot of fun with Screwball. It was the first time he met someone who was just like he was: half-pony, half-draconequus. If he had missed anything else but the dinner date, he would've assumed that Flurry was overreacting. But she was right. It was important for ponies to not forget about their true loves.
Then, a terrible thought crossed his mind: what if he wasn't Flurry's true love after all? But that didn't make any sense. How else would've he awoken her when she bit a poison apple? He then considered the possibility of Flurry having two true loves. Maybe if he could find the other one, then she wouldn't be unhappy.
It was settled, then. He packed his bags and left a note for Flurry to see in the morning. Although it almost made him cry to think that he might not be Mr. Right, Mischief wanted to do everything he could to make the princess happy. He left the castle in the middle of the night and set off on his quest. However, he came across a familiar zebra at the outskirts of Ponyville. He remembered that she gave him a potion that enabled him to grow the same rate as normal ponies did. He would forever be grateful for that.
Zecora waved to him and greeted, "Hello, newly-knighted guardian. What is the reason for this late-night run?"
Mischief answered carefully, "I'm…on a quest, actually."
"A quest, you say? For how long will you be away?"
He replied sadly, "I…don't know."
"Why the uncertainty, Guardian of Empathy?"
He rubbed his arm as he looked to the side, "It's just…" He then sighed, "All I want is to make Flurry happy."
Zecora found this interesting and decided on a way to probe for more information. She offered, "Why don't you come to my hut to rest before you set off for your quest?"
Although Mischief was hesitant to accept her invitation, he was growing tired and saw her point. He smiled, "That'd be great, Zecora. Thank you."



The ache in Flurry's heart was significantly less now thanks to a good night's sleep. Although she was still hurt by the fact that Mischief forgot about their dinner date, she regretted being harsh with him. She knew that she had been emotional and wanted to make it up to him.
She knocked on his bedroom door and asked, "Hey, Mischief? Are you awake? You're usually up right about now." She then sighed, "Look, what I said last night was a little out of line and I want to apologize for it. I forgive you for almost missing our dinner date last night. Can you forgive me for being so…over-reactive?"
No answer.
She knocked again more insistently, "Mischief? Are you there?" Concern then crept into her voice as she said, "I'm coming right in, so you better be ready! One…two…three!"
She opened the door and found an empty room. On the bed was a single note. Flurry magically picked it up and it read:
Hey, Flurry,
I know you might never forgive me for last night. I think it's because I may not be your true love after all. As you said, true loves don't forget. I'm searching for somepony to be your new true love because some ponies have more than one true love. Maybe I can find you somebody who can make you happier than I could. I'm sorry I let you down, Flurry, but I'm sure the next true love you have won't. I'll miss you forever and I hope you'll be happy without me ruining everything.
-Mischief
The paper fell to the floor along with the tears that fell from Flurry's eyes. She sobbed as she crouched down and put her arm over her mouth, "Oh, Mischief…What have I done?"
Suddenly, a voice called down the hall outside the room, "Flurry! Hey, Flurry, where are you?!"
Flurry turned around and saw Skater skidding by the room and then trotting back towards the doorway. Even though she had teary eyes, the alicorn could see that Skater was freaking out about something.
The Pegasus urgently told her, "We gotta go to the hospital! Something's wrong with Screwball!"



At Zecora's hut deep in the Everfree Forest, the zebra began to pour drinks for herself and Mischief.
Mischief complimented, "That was a really good breakfast, Zecora. We could use your cooking skills more often."
Zecora grinned, "I would give my thanks were it not for the fact that we still need our drinks." She put the cups on the table as she said, "Before you depart, tell me what is on your mind and in your heart."
Mischief waved his hoof dismissively, "I don't think you want to hear it."
The zebra said as she sat down, "Last night, you told me you wanted Flurry to be happy. If you bring her joy with your presence, what more can be accomplished with your absence?"
Mischief sadly replied, "I don't think she's happy with me anymore. I upset her pretty badly when I missed our dinner date last night. I was having so much fun with Screwball, but then I forgot the time. True loves aren't supposed to disappoint, so I think that…" He took a deep breath to temper the emotions roiling within him. "…I'm not the one for her. There must be another guy out there who would make her happier than I would. Please, Zecora. Help me find him."
Zecora could see the pain in his eyes, but she was certain of one thing. "I will do my best to help you complete your quest."
She went to her shelf and grabbed a bowl. After she set it down on the table, she grabbed liquids and powders. She poured the fluids and shook the powders into the bowl before she stirred the contents with her spoon.
When she sat down again, she held a hoof-full of powder and said, "Show the one who is meant to be with the alicorn princess Flurry."
She tossed the powder into the bowl and within seconds, an image began to form. Mischief's eyes widened when he saw who it was.
He spoke in astonishment, "That's me. But I'm not her true love. I made her miserable!"
Zecora explained, "Love is not all sunshine and roses. There will also be problems that life poses. The only thing that matters is whether a couple will work it out together. The conflict between you and your beloved is that everything is too rapid. If the romance is moving too fast, then the bond you've created will not last. Take it slow and easy, and all will be mended with Flurry."
Mischief felt relief fill his heart. He didn't have to leave to find someone else for Flurry. He could just sort everything out with her and hope that it will be enough for her to take him back.
He hugged Zecora and thanked her, "Thank you, Zecora. I'll set everything right with Flurry."



The cousins and Guardians sat nervously in the waiting room while they anticipated any news the doctor might give. Actually, the only pony who wasn't nervous was Flurry. She was too heartbroken and preoccupied with Mischief's sudden departure. How could she have driven him away? It was her fault that he was gone. He was truly sorry for what happened last night, but she was too hurt to see that. Now she had twice the anguish because of her actions.
Just then, the doctor entered the waiting room and all heads turned to face him. He said, "There's nothing to worry about. It was just practice contractions. They're not uncommon in pregnancy, especially the first trimester. Although, Screwball is quite dehydrated and worn-out from her recent…activities. She will be here for a few hours while an IV puts fluids into her."
Everypony in the room was immensely relieved to hear that. Soon, however, the pain flooded back into Flurry's heart.
Skater said to her, "I can't believe Mischief wasn't here this morning."
Flurry closed her eyes and shamefully admitted, "It's because of me. We had a fight last night and he left because he wanted to find someone else for me." She opened her teary eyes and continued, "He just wanted to make me happy, and he didn't think he was capable of doing that."
"He took off so he could find you somepony else to love?"
"I don't want somepony else! I want Mischief!"
Suddenly, the doors opened and Mischief said with a smile, "You called?"
Flurry gasped in delight and flew to him. She wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace as she told him, "Mischief! You came back! You came back! I am so sorry for making you feel like you made me miserable! I shouldn't have expected so much from you. I should've realized that you just got caught up in the excitement of having another half-draconequus around. Can you forgive me?"
Mischief playfully tapped his hoof against his chin as he pretended to ponder, "I will…" He then smiled at her, "…if you forgive me for running off in the middle of the night. And for being a half-hour late for our dinner date."
Flurry chuckled, "Who cares about the dinner date? As long as I have you, that's all that matters."
"And as long as we take it slow, our relationship will be A-okay."
She curled a strand of her mane before smiling sheepishly, "Yeah, I guess dinner dates were too soon, then. How about we start hanging out, okay? Just hanging out?"
Mischief took her hoof and said sweetly, "I think I'd like that."



Mischief was confused as to why Flurry and the others were at the hospital when he meant to teleport straight to his beloved. After Flurry explained everything, she and Mischief went into the room to visit Screwball and Mothball. The two of them could tell that Screwy was feeling restless just lying in bed with an IV attached to her hoof. Both couples elucidated what happened the night and morning after Mischief and Screwball's prank war. Apparently, Screwy had worn herself out so much that she began throwing up and feeling abdominal pains. As it turned out, the vomiting was from the dehydration and the pains were just ill-timed practice contractions.
Screwy said in embarrassment, "I'm really glad Mom and Dad aren't here to see this. They'd be freaking out big time."
Mothball said as he held her hoof, "Well, thankfully, they weren't. And thanks to the doctor, we now know that the first trimester is a very delicate time for the baby, so take it easy from now on."
"I will. Don't worry." She turned to Flurry and Mischief and said, "And I'm glad you're working on your relationship now."
Flurry said, "We'll be doing it like you are in your pregnancy: nice and easy."
Mischief then asked Screwball, "So now that everything's worked out, can we be honorary siblings?"
Screwy smiled, "I've always wanted to do this." She spread her arms out and said, "Awkward sibling hug?"
"Awkward sibling hug."
They embraced and patted each other on the backs while saying, "Pat, pat."
Flurry and Mothball found this very moving until Mischief smirked, "Now that you're taking it easy, does this mean no more pranks for a while?"
Screwball then smirked back, "I have ways, Mischief-san. I have ways."
Mothball and Flurry face-hoofed and groaned in unison.