//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: My Saving Grace // by TheGentlemanCreeper //------------------------------// You did your best to scowl, to let everypony know in the room that you weren’t happy about your current situation. But given your current situation, the scowl came off as more of a pout which just somehow makes everything worse. “Awwwww~” Ditzy coos aloud, rubbing her cheek against yours. “Is someone being a grumpykins?” “This isn’t funny.” You said with as much venom you could muster. Yet, it didn’t really seem to work because your high pitched, foal-like voice just made Ditzy giggle and fawn over you more. “Subject has currently been regressed to the apparent age of 4 years old. On top of losing muscle, bone and body mass, subject completely lacks a cutie mark as with measurements made at 7 and 12 years old.” “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you Twilight?” You say, lisping all the while. “Yes!” She says with no lack of enthusiasm. “This is a whole new phenomena that has never been documented! I’m going to be able to write several papers on this session alone!” “And you’re just too cute as this!” Ditzy says, keeping you firmly in her lap. “I might ask them to keep you like this.” You feel her grasp tighten up around your waist and feel her lean in. “As payback for lying and plotting behind my back.” “Ditzy, I told you I’m sorry and that we’d talk!” You cry out. “You’re just being bucking spiteful at th-” “Language!” Both you and Twilight flinch at the sudden outburst and look at Ditzy, who starts blushing furiously. “Uh, sorry. Amethyst had a potty mouth growing up. It’s force of habit.” With a long sigh, you just stop struggling in Ditzy’s grip. “Can you please change me back now? If I get any younger, I’m going to have to start wearing diapers. And I’m getting seriously sick and tired of Ditzy coddling me.” “Oh come off it Colonel, I know you like the attention.” You blush ever so slightly. She was kinda right. It felt nice having Ditzy just doting on you and cuddling you. But you’d probably enjoy it a bit more if you had a say in it. And had a chance to use the bathroom. “I’m serious Ditzy, lemme go. I’ll make this unbearable.” You feel yourself start to smile as a wicked idea crosses your mind. “One and only warning, Ditzy. You won’t like it.” With the gauntlet thrown down, Ditzy scoffs aloud and starts to bring you in for another cuddle. “Colonel, I don’t think there’s- Just as she starts rubbing at your tummy, you let out the loudest, sensual moan you could and flex your body into her hooves. Immediately, she lets go and shoots back to the head of the bed, looking at you with a growing blush and wide eyes. Hamming it up, you look at her with half lidded eyes and play with your lower lip. “What are we gonna do on the bed, momma?” You say breathlessly. The look of utter shock and horror on Ditzy’s face is only matched by the deep red of her face as she sputters and tries to find anything to say. “Told ya.” The silence in the room is deafening, but you’re fine with it having gotten what you wanted. Hopping off the hospital bed with a grunt, you saunter past Twilight. “When I get back, I better be get to go through puberty at least.” You leave the two mares in their awkward silence and close the door behind you. You couldn’t help but marvel at everything being so big. Using the stool they brought in for you, you bring yourself up to the sink and look yourself in the mirror. You honestly can’t remember being this old. Back when things were a lot simpler and the only thing to worry about was what was for dinner. “Still can’t believe it,” you think with a little laugh. This was your saving grace. The curse you’ve lived with for almost your whole life, the thing that was gonna kill you, is what’s giving you a new lease on life. You still can hear Twilight’s words echo in your ears. The magic that has been keeping you alive and young had actually began to go dormant and dissipate. That’s what caused your sudden aging. But with the chaotic nature of the Changeling venom in your system, the healing magic went into overdrive and started fighting back. We don’t know the specifics yet, but from the looks of it, if you have the venom in your system, even in small amounts, it can keep you going for a little longer. A little longer. “30 years. 40 if I’m lucky,” you say numbly. “So probably 30 years.” Finally taking care of business and walking out of the bathroom, you look around and only find Ditzy, sitting in a chair in the corner of the room. “Where’s Twilight?” “Oh, she had to run a few tests,” Ditzy says. “After that, she was going to get you the new dosage. You should be around your usual age within a couple hours, give or take some years.” You smile and make your way towards the bed. “Good. As fun as it is being a kid again, I can’t exactly do all the fun stuff adults get to and I get a whole new mess of problems.” “Like?” “Can’t drink, can’t watch R rated movies, can’t order my own meals...” You let out a little grunt as you futilely try to pull yourself onto the bed. “Can’t... climb small obstacles...” You grunt and try, but finally feel a pair of hooves hook under your forelegs and pull you up. “But on the plus, you’re cute and can get away with almost anything.” Ditzy says, leaving you shifting uncomfortably. “Almost.” With a long sigh, you knew this was going to happen sooner or later but you wished it was later. “Where should I start? That I was an idiot? That I thought that it would be for the best if I just disappeared?” “Yes. You are an idiot,” she says bluntly. “I would have figured out I had my memories altered sooner or later. Time lost is still time lost.” You bite your lip. “Would have at least bought me time...” “How? All it would take is one pony to ask me where Flare is and when I said ‘who’, everypony would know something was up and that would have been day one.” With a heavy sigh, she puts a hoof on your back. “You’ve watched one too many spy movies. You could have just talked with me.” Her words sting because you know she’s right. And thanks to her tone and the way she loomed over you, you feel like a kid again at the scolding. She’s not mad, she’s disappointed. And that’s what makes it hurt even more. “What were you even thinking?” Her words dig into you and you fight back the tears as best you can. “I wasn’t blind,” you say bitterly. “I could see where everything was going. And when you asked me to ‘dinner’, I knew I had to do something.” “I... I was scared,” you finally manage to whisper out. “I was scared you’d ask me to stay with you. And knowing you... You’d convince me. And I would stay. And I’d do whatever it took to make you happy.” You can see the gears start to turn in Ditzy’s head, but you push back a sniffle and continue. “You didn’t deserve that. You didn’t deserve a few moments of happiness only to have it snuffed out. I couldn’t live with myself if I did that to you. I’ll admit what I did was horrible. But I couldn’t bare to put you through that.” You wipe away at your tears quickly. “You deserve better.” Ditzy just looks you over and slowly she starts to smile. “It’s hard to take you serious when you look and sound like a foal.” “Wha-” You sputter in indignation, but that’s quickly squashed as she wraps her hooves around you and brings you close. “I’ll admit... I wouldn’t have taken it that well if you had told me everything. That the one pony who made me feel special again was going to disappear just when I met them. But trust me. If you had gone through with your plan and I got my memory back, I would have dragged you back to Canterlot in a body bag.” You tense up and know that wasn’t a threat and open your mouth nervously but stop when Ditzy lets out a long, tired sigh. “I’m going to give you something I don’t give a lot of ponies... Another chance. You broke my trust and went behind my back and I would leave any other pony who did that to me a broken mess. But you did it all because you couldn’t stand to see me hurt and that at least counts for something.” You look up to her and Ditzy’s soft smile makes your heart melt. “But you’re on probation. If you so much as tell me one little white lie, I’ll-” “Tan my hide?” “Tan it, stitch it and wear it for a hat.” You nod slowly. “Alright. Alright, I can live with that...” “Good,” Ditzy says above a whisper. With a bit of a yawn, she curls up with you on the bed, encompassing your body with hers and even using her wing to cover you like a blanket. “Get some rest. It’ll take at least 3 hours to harvest more venom.” You don’t know if it’s the warm cuddling or your new form, but a nap sounds great. “Yeah... Yeaaaaa~” You let out small, squeaky yawn and start to get yourself comfortable, burying your face into Ditzy’s side. Just as you feel yourself start to drift off, something hits you and your eyes snap open. “Wait. What do you mean harvest? I-” You have so many questions on your mind, but Ditzy shushes you and cuddles you just a bit tighter. And soon, you’re fighting just to stay awake. ************************************************ “Damn.” You say, walking down the hall. “So you didn’t kill the changeling?” Ditzy hears the surprise in your voice and lets out a little scoff. “Not for lack of trying. How it survived after I was through with it is just a big surprise as carrying you to Twilight’s in a bundle.” Leading you down the hall, you see the amount of guards increase. “It was actually dragging itself away with all of its legs broken and a cracked spine. So we’re not taking any chances.” Finally, you’re lead to a door and large pane glass window and get to see it up close without its jaws snapping at you. The changeling itself is covered in bandages and casts while being secured spread eagle on the bed with thick belts, the largest going over its midsection. “It’s almost given up resisting. It still spits death curses at us, but it tends to go quiet when I get in there.” “Gee, I wonder why?” You ask sarcastically. “We’re still trying to find a sedative that works longer than half an hour on it, but once we do, we’ll question it fully and then put it in a completely vegetative state.” You try to find something witty or clever to say, but getting a good look at the thing that almost killed you sends a chill up your spine and leaves you lacking in the wit department. “So, what. Do they just do the thing they do with cobras and get the venom that way?” Ditzy nods and starts leading you away. “Yes, but with a few more steps. Now, while I’m sure you want to gloat about surviving-” “Not really,” you say flatly. “It thinking I’m dead is a lot better.” “Oh?” Ditzy asks, raising a single eyebrow. “What makes you think that?” You let out a laugh. “Simple. If he knows he failed and that I’m alive and slightly responsible for his current predicament, if he gets out, who do you think he’s going for first?” You let the question hang in the air for a moment before continuing down the hallway. “No thank you. Had enough adventure to last me another lifetime, thank you.” “Wrong way, Colonel.” You spin on your heels and go down the opposite corridor. “Sorry, been awhile since I’ve been in this part of the castle. And I swear, Celestia likes to change it around every few years just to keep ponies lost and confused. Wouldn’t put it past her.” “Well, we can always ask her at your debriefing.” Ditzy says wryly. “I learned quite a bit during my debriefing.” Ohh dear. Celly baby, what were you telling her? You think with a long sigh. “Like what?” You ask slowly. “Well, you see, my debriefing was rather quick after explaining what happened. And with every other pony preoccupied, Celestia and I passed the time by talking.” “Uh oh.” “Oh what’s the matter?” She asks with a growing smile. “We just talked and then the conversation turned to you.” “Ohhhhh no...” “Oh don’t worry, we didn’t talk about much. Just a bit of your history, what you’ve done in service to the crown.” You let out a little breath. “And here I thought you two would be gossiping about me. I know what you mares are like.” “Ohh I’m sure you do... Jack.” You tense up and let out a groan that starts low but gets louder. “Seriously?!? She told you? She told you that old nickname?” Ditzy gives you a shit eating grin and just nods. “How did she put it? ‘He wanted so badly to be the ‘ace in the hole’ of the Equestrian Air Force as he put it. He pushed himself hard, but he always ended up just a little short and would get himself into trouble. He wasn’t an ace. He was a jack at best’. That’s what she said, at least.” You moan and shake your head. “That was decades ago... Back when I was young and stupid.” “Oh come now, I think it’s appropriate for you. It fits you to a ‘T’, Jack.” You just purse your lips and shake your head, vowing to get back at Celestia. “What kind of name is ‘Jack’ anyway?” You mumble. “Let’s just get this debriefing over with so we can finally put this all behind us.” Ditzy takes great pleasure in your growing irritation as she tells you what happened between the attack and your arrival at the hospital, using your new nickname at any given chance. By the time you arrive at the war room, you’re fuming but hiding it well. The familiar table has Princess Luna, Prince Shining Armor, but no Princess Celestia. “Well, well, well! How are all you happy campers doing?” You ask with a smile, taking your seat right across from Celestia’s empty chair and Ditzy taking a seat next to you. Princess Luna clears her throat, visibly taken aback from your candid behavior. “Well, considering that your mission was a success in that you not only discovered the changeling, but we now have them as a prisoner of war, very well.” “I can’t help but feel we should have just euthanized it,” Shining Armor says grimly. “We have no idea if it's talking with Chrysalis and relaying information.” “I’ve already taken that into consideration, Shining.” Celestia’s confident and calm voice cuts through the air and makes every head turn towards the doorway. Given the opportunity, you don’t pass it up. “Celestia! There you are. I was starting to get worried. You didn’t get stuck in the hobbler again, did you?” Princess Celestia visibly stumbles and any cool and calm demeanor is replaced by a look of horror and growing blush. You can practically hear the click of every jaw dropping in the room, save for your smug grin. “I, uh... I was seeing to my student. She was going over the long term effects of the changeling venom.” “Oh really?” You ask, smiling from ear to ear. “Mind filling me in a bit, then? I’d like to know if this new lease on life has any strings attached.” It’s taken a long time, but you’ve learned all of Celestia’s tells. And you can tell she’s sweating. “While I don’t have all the details, there isn’t anything major to worry about. Now, let us get down to business, shall we?” Taking her seat across from you, you just stare at Celestia, making her shift about as you just keep smiling. “Not fun when someone else digs up something embarrassing from your past, huh?” You see Celestia’s muzzle scrunch up ever so much as she bites back a response, but with a small breath, she puts the mask of civility and royalty you’ve grown so accustomed to and gives you a gentle smile. “We’ll talk about this at a later date, Colonel. We have business to attend to.” Which was code for ‘I’m going to get you back for this, just wait’. But you just simply laugh and recline in your chair. “Well then, shall we get started? I’d say our mission was a rousing success. The changeling’s been found, I got my payback and on top of everything, that little prostate problem I had that we won’t go into is gone.” Your candidness leaves every pony at the table a little stunned. “You... do look younger than you did at the briefing.” Shining says as he gives you a good once over. You smile from ear to ear. “Forties then, thirties now.” “You do look more... well, handsome if I’m being completely honest,” Princess Luna says. “It seems the Changeling venom is working well.” At Princess Luna’s words, you can almost feel Ditzy tense up slightly next to you. That makes you laugh aloud a bit. “Ahh, should have seen me in my twenties. I was a little heartbreaker back then.” “No argument there...” Everypony in the room shoots a glance to Celestia and just stares until she finally straightens up. She blinks a few time before she lets out a little gasp. “I said that out loud.” All you can do is let out a long groan and drag your hoof down your face, knowing full well you were going to get an ear-full from Ditzy. You didn’t even have to look ever to her. You could feel her eyes on you, burning a hole into the side of your face. Clearing his throat, Shining picks up the papers in front of him and starts going through them. “To move onto a completely different topic as fast as possible, let’s just go over the debriefing, shall we?” “Sounds like a plan! Sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can start my vacation.” Shining Armor opens his mouth, but before he can speak, is cut off. “And just where did you have in mind Colonel?” Celestia asks with a little smirk. “Still have your eyes set on Summerset Keys?” You take a breath and look to Ditzy, who’s eyeing you up and just waiting. “Well... maybe later. I have time now, after all. I hear Ponyville is lovely come winter.” After a pregnant pause, Shining clears his throat. “Anyway! You had accepted to go... on a date with one Rosewing when you discovered a key piece of information that...” Shining’s voice drones on as he retells what you just lived through and what no doubt Ditzy had already told them. Turning to the mare in question, you lean in and whisper. “What time is it?” She doesn’t miss a beat and keeps her eyes pointed forward towards Shining. “5:25 in the evening... Jack.” The nickname doesn’t bug you as much this time, but the time does and you click your teeth. “Great... We’ll have to wait.” Ditzy doesn’t say anything, but you can tell from her sideways glance that she’s curious. “DiCatria’s has a dinner special that starts around 6:30. Make the best pizza and pasta this side of Equestria.” You say matter-of-factly. “Wanna go there after this? You and me?” Your words ping around in Ditzy’s head as she realizes just what you’re asking. You watch as a smile slowly starts to creep across her face. “I’d love to,” she whispers. “Anything you’d like to add, Colonel?” Shining asks, sounding increasingly annoyed. “Yeah, I’d like to add an order of garlic knots and mozzarella sticks, I am so hungry right now. I would have eaten the hospital food, but I thought the point of me being there was to get better.” Shining sputters in indignation while Ditzy tries, and fails, to hold back a giggle. “Colonel, are you being serious right now?” Shining asks, a hint of anger in his voice. “As a heart attack.” His eyes go between Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and finally, Celestia lets out a sigh. “Just work around him, Shining.” Celestia says plainly. You give the table a smile after prying your eyes away from Ditzy’s and get comfortable. Gonna give her a night she won’t forget. You think with a whimsical smile. She deserves it. ****************************************** “Ha-Hey!” The brown earth pony behind the counter screams, mid dough toss. “Well looky-look who came around again! You’re looking good. You get a haircut?” “Hey there High Slice! Got a table for two?” You ask excitedly. “And kinda. Long story, boring plot and unlikeable characters.” “Ahh whatever. Go grab whatever table you want!” He says with a flourish. “I’ll send Wendy out ASAP to get your order, might be a little bit though! We are getting slammed tonight!” You give him a nod and a smile and lead Ditzy through the restaurant. “I’ve never been here before,” she comments. “I take it they’re good?” “They’re a little out of the way, but they’re damn good.” Finding a table, you quickly sit down and toss a menu Ditzy’s way. “Just don’t be put off by what they offer.” You start scanning through the dishes and hear Ditzy start. “What do youuuuu... Col-” She stops, sighs and collects herself. “Jack?” “Yeeees?” You ask with a little grin. “They have meat on the menu. Pepperoni, sausage, ham... Why do they have meat on the menu?” “They cater to just about everyone. Griffons, ponies, minotaurs, zebras... Doesn’t matter who. Just because they have meat on the menu doesn’t mean you have to order it.” Ditzy lets out a little sigh. “No, I don’t. You’re right. It’s still a little off-putting...” You push your menu aside and just watch Ditzy as she looks over the menu, her brow scrunching her eyes narrowing as she reads certain menu items. “Some of these sound... interesting. I’ve never heard of a pizza place that serves rice balls.” “They’re not Neighponese rice balls if that’s what you’re thinking,” you say. “They’re these weird little rice balls that are breaded, fried and stuffed with cheese. They’re pretty good.” Ditzy nods slowly, but remains silent as she keeps reading. “So, Ditzy...” You start slowly. “I... really don’t know how to ask this.” Her eyes dart up quickly from the menu. “What?” “Well... As much as I want to stay in Ponyville, I think it’d be a good idea to go on that vacation I originally planned on.” “What.” Her tone is firm and you flinch slightly. “What do you mean-” “Hey, hey, hey! Don’t be like. I was trying to figure out how to ask if... you’d like to come with me,” you say sheepishly. “I’m rusty when it comes to asking somepony out.” “And you do you call this?” She asks incredulously. You shrug. “Warm up?” Out of the corner of your eye, you see the Griffon waitress walking up to your table. “Couple root beers and a basket of garlic knots to start us off? We’re still deciding.” She blinks and gives you a smile. “Sure! I’ll be right back.” You turn back to Ditzy, whose gaze is starting to make you rethink this idea. “What about the post office?” “We ask for some subs. Either from the big boss or from Celestia. She still owes me.” “Owes you for what?” You bite your lip and sigh. “It’s complicated, let’s just leave it at that. I wish I could say that she learned her lesson, but from what I’ve heard, she hasn’t...” You let that hang in the air for just a moment too long before forcing a smile. “But yeah, we can get subs, get a housesitter-” “You mean a babysitter. Somepony has to watch Amethyst and Dinky.” You blink. “You don’t want them to come with us?” You almost regret the words coming out of your mouth, but Ditzy looks to the ground guiltily. “As much as I love my children... It’s been awhile since I’ve had some time to myself.” She looks up to you with a frown. “Does that make me a bad mother?” You laugh aloud. “Every parent thinks that. When’s the last time you had a vacation to yourself? And besides, it’s not like you’re running away. You’d be back in a week to spoil them again.” You let her ponder that as Wendy walks up with your drinks and appetizer. “So, what can I get you two?” “Yeah, how about a personal deep dish? Green peppers, olives, onions and tomatoes.” “I’ll have the same,” Ditzy says. “Except no on onions.” Alone once again, you and Ditzy lapse into silence. “I’ll ask them,” Ditzy finally says, taking one of the garlic knots. You nod slowly and go for another garlic knot when Ditzy beats you out to it. You look up to her and she looks a little surprised, but gives you a sly smile as she bites into it. “Gotta be faster than that...Jack~” The way she says that old nickname of yours sends a chill through your spine. She wanted to play? Fine. You play for keeps. You wait for her to go for another one and just as she reaches out, you run your leg up the inside of hers. Her breath hitches and she straightens up, giving you a chance to swipe the knot she was after. Ditzy just stares daggers at you as you happily eat your prize and you wear the biggest grin. “That wasn’t fair.” “All’s fair in love and war,” you say without thinking. You freeze and look up to Ditzy, hoping you didn’t just put your hoof in your mouth and found she was staring at you in surprise. Finally, she seems to relax and give you the most genuine smile you’ve seen her ever give. “I suppose so,” she says softly. ******************************************************* Dinner was short lived as time made enemies of you both. With the last train to Ponyville leaving soon, you and Ditzy board and start making your way to your cabin. “I still don’t see why we have to leave tonight and not in the morning. The girls are at Carrot Top’s, we could have stayed in Canterlot for a little while longer.” Ditzy takes her seat with a small huff. “I figured we could enjoy ourselves a little and take advantage of the castle bedrooms.” “Are you kidding me?” You ask with a dry laugh. “Celestia would have had me in the stocks when I woke up. I’m still going to need to watch my back.” For a brief second, you almost go to sit across from Ditzy but stop. Instead, you sit right next down to her. “It has been... a long night,” you say tiredly. “Long two days, actually.” Ditzy corrects you. “I’ve been in Canterlot for a couple days on important business. At least, that’s what Amethyst, Dinky and Carrot Top think.” “And what’s my story?” “Same as mine. We managed to get you out without much trouble.” With a long, drawn out breath Ditz rests her head on your shoulder and visibly relaxes. Carefully, you slip a hoof around her shoulder and hold her. “Thank you,” you say above a whisper. Like some unknown weight was taken off your back, you relax for what feels like the first time in months. Closing your eyes, you let yourself drift off to sleep. ******************************************************* A series of loud beeps stirs you from your sleep and with a groan, you grope for the nightstand and silence the clock. For a brief moment, you relish the feeling of the warm bed, but you know it’s not going to last long. Because while it is a weekend and you’ve got the day off, you can’t stay in bed all day. She wouldn’t like it. You turn your head and see Ditzy, still asleep. She didn’t sleep like a princess, instead electing to sleep spread eagle and with a light snore. Well, that is unless she cuddles up to you in the middle of the night. It’s been a week since coming back to Ponyville and there have been a lot of awkward moments. Twilight wasn’t happy about being an unwitting accomplice in your plan and as part of your punishment, you have to write ‘friendship reports’ to Princess Celestia about how you’ve been slipping back into civilian life. On top of that, Amethyst wasn’t too keen on you moving in. That’s what last night’s shouting match between Ditzy and her showed you at least. But now she’s going to be giving you a chance, so that’s good. With a long sigh, you get up as carefully as you can. The last thing you wanted to do was wake Ditzy on her day off. Letting out a yawn, you fumble through the closet and grab a bathrobe and make your way downstairs. While the mail isn’t in, the paper is and you need to check the headlines. Opening the door with another yawn, you reach down to grab the paper, only to find yourself eye to eye with a stallion A stallion with a bag in his mouth at the doorstep. For a few seconds, it’s just a staring contest between the earth pony and you, his eyes only darting to your bathrobe for a second. Finally, you speak up. “Who the fuck are you?” The words haven’t even finished leaving your mouth when he flings the bag into your face before turning to run. You hear the jingle of coins as the bag lands, but dash after him. Before long, you catch up to him and fling yourself into his side and start tumble through the street leading towards the town square. He turns, his hooves sliding with a with a screech on the dew-laden cobblestone and he lashes out with his hind legs. You try to throw up any kind of defense, but catch both legs to your side and feel the wind knocked out of you. That’s all he needed and he’s off like a shot. You stumble after him, wheezing and panting as you try to get your wind back, but he rounds a corner and he’s gone. Plopping yourself down on the ground, you just focus on catching your breath. “Sir! Sir are you alright?” Turning your head, you look to the royal guard and manage a half chuckle. “Just my pride and three ribs. I’ll be fine.” “Who did this to you?” He asks, helping you up. “Some pony who had a bag that was on our doorstep,” you say and cough roughly. “That’s better. The guy freaked out when he saw me and bucked me.” “Do you have a description?” You nod. “Earth pony. Deep blue coat. Brown mane, brown eyes.” “Cutie mark?” The guard asks. You shake your head and start making your way back home. “Couldn’t see it, it all happened so fast.” “Well, we’ll put out an alert to be on the look for any pony matching the description. Do you need to go to the hospital?” “Nah, I’ll be fine. Trust me, I’m built of tougher stuff,” you try to laugh, but you definitely cracked a rib and wince. “Thanks.” You try to wrack your brain to figure out just what happened. Pony leaves money on doorstop. Pony feels threatened. Pony runs off. What were they threatened about? You think. That’s when you stop and suppress a moan. The last thing you needed was another mystery. Especially with vacation just right around the corner. “Jack?” You’re torn from your thoughts and see Ditzy gathering the coins. “What’s wrong? What happened?” Last thing I’m going to do is lie. I like my hide, you think with a sigh. “First, lemme ask. Why are you taking that money?” She gathers up the bag, the newspaper and the milk. “It’s from the Widows and Orphans Fund from the Royal Armed Forces. I get it every other week. What happened?” You blink a few times and feel your mind start to race. There’s no such thing as the Widows and Orphans Fund. What if he wasn’t taking the bag? Ditzy looks to you expectantly. But I have no way of proving that. “Well, I think some pony tried to take it,” you say plainly. “Found the guy holding it when I came out here for the paper. Chased after him and got kicked for my troubles.” Ditzy looks to you, clearly bristling. “What. What sort of lowlife would-” “Hey, hey, hey. Let’s just forget about it, okay?” You walk over to her and lean in for a quick peck on the cheek. “I found a guard, told him what happened and gave a description. Besides, there’s a chance they didn’t know what it was for. We’ll fix this little issue. Get a box and tell somepony to deliver it there instead. Sound good?” Ditzy’s anger quickly fades and she nods slowly. “Alright... Alright. Let’s just get breakfast started. Hungry?” “Starving. I got a big day ahead of me.” “Oh? What are you doing?” “Oh, you know,” you say idly as you sit down. “Making a few visits.” ******************************************************* “Where are we going?” Amethyst asks curtly. You bite back your own brand of sass and just smile. “Well, we’re going to go pay a visit and then we’re gonna talk. But first, we need to make quick purchase.” Stopping by the stall owned by the actual Rosewing, you smile from ear to ear. “How’ya doing?” You ask. Rosewing turns to you and you suppress a grimace. She still looks way too thin, her eyes are a bit sunken and her coat’s thin but it’s nowhere near as bad as when you first saw her. And the fact that she’s smiling is a good sign. “A lot better. It’s been hard to get my life back in order. I mean, nopony even knew I was gone,” she sighs heavily. “So how can I help you Flare?” “Snap dragons. About a dozen.” Amethyst’s head snaps your way and the scowl she wore the whole way here slowly melts. “2 bits. Have a good day, Flare.” You bid Rosewing goodbye and walk in silence with Amethyst and her expression changes from confusion to worry as she starts to understand just where you’re taking here. “Why are we here?” She asks angrily. You look towards Ponyville cemetery and sigh. “I don’t know where your father is buried. I want to pay my respects.” She tenses up and starts to protest, but it dies in her throat. “It’s... It’s this way.” You let Amethyst lead the way until you’re standing in front of a single grave. Giggles Loving father and husband Taken too early “A day without laughter is a day wasted” She’s deathly silent as you read the epitaph and lay the flowers down. “How’d you know?” Amethyst asks. “That dad liked those.” “Your mother. What’s the meaning behind the quote?” “Dad... He’d say that a lot. He’d always make an effort to make us laugh by the end of the day,” she croaks out. The two of you grow very quiet. “What do you call a bear with no teeth?” “What?” Amethyst asks sharply. “What do you call a bear with no teeth?” You ask again. “Uhh...” “Gummy bear.” The silence comes back, but after a bit, Amethyst lets out a snort and a little giggle. “Amethyst, I’m not trying to replace your dad. I really like your mom and I can only understand what it must be for you, for me coming into your life and acting like it. Like I’m your dad,” you say quietly. Her laughter stops and she looks to you in shock. “I might even ask your mom to marry me one day if I play my cards right and she welcomes me into her heart. You know, right next to Giggles.” You cradle your side as you sit down in the grass and stare at the headstone. “Love’s a special thing and it just doesn’t go away when they do. You hang onto it and respect it, even when it’s time to move on.” Looking to her. Amethyst looks to the headstone and you before swallowing and sitting down next to you. “I... I just don’t want him to be forgotten. Dinky never really got to meet him. I guess it just scares me.” “Think you can tell me a few stories about? You know, the good times.” You see Amethyst smile softly and nod. “Yeah... Yeah, I can.”