//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 - A Conspiracy Suspicion. // Story: My Shy Little Friend - Living in Equestria // by ChromeRegios //------------------------------// *Fluttershy* By the time we came back at the castle, Dashie’s dad already started the testimony of his investigation over the crime of my dad. He tried so hard and even brought in witness accounts. But those ponies earlier kept their stories and didn’t want my dad to go. Rob didn’t give up, he told everyone of self-defense and once he saw me, he called me towards them. He told Celestia how a dad would react f he saw his daughter being treated as such. The colts didn’t respond. In the end, Celestia gave a pardon to my dad and ordered her guards to set him free. We waited for several minutes until the guards escorted him out. With fast reflex like Dashie’s I went straight into his arms and gave out the biggest hug I’ve ever given. “Dad!” I called out while crying in relief. “Hey, kiddo…” He said, stroking my mane gently. “Missed me?” I nodded, and kissed him on the cheek. “I thought you’re never coming back.” “Well, I wouldn’t say that.” He replied, kissing me back at my forehead. “Well, there goes all my resources.” Rob said, walking towards us. “I’ve used all of my connections, my informants and my money just to set things right. I hope I wasn’t late.” “Nah, man. You came in at a good time. I think I want to talk to you all about something… Let’s go somewhere private. That means all of you too.” Dad said, a serious look plastered on his face as he looks to Rob and my friends. Rob nodded then leads us out the castle and into a restaurant. We bought ourselves some food while Dad and Rob just got pastries as we sat at the far end table of the place. “I want to know something.” Dad started as we all listened closely. “I forgot to get drinks.” Our jaws drop in unison. “Daaaad!” I said annoyingly. “Alright,” He grins mischievously then clears his throat. “I heard a disturbing intel about something called… a changeling?” He said, as he looks around if anypony can answer. “Changelings?” Twilight spoke first. “I’ve heard about them, but I don’t know for sure if they’d come this far south. I mean, I’ve read about them when they tried to attack Canterlot once, why’d you asked?” “A guy from a prison cell told me he witnessed the time I beat up those colts. They said they might have been changelings, trying to cover themselves into pony society. He also said, that your mayor is one of them. Although these conspiracy theories about these… things, isn’t helping much in my case earlier, well, until you saved my ass back there, but none of those matters now, right?” Dad said, as all of us looked at Twilight for her response. “If… it’s that serious I mean.” Twilight shook her head. “It’s probably nothing. Maybe that guy was just imagining things or making up stories. Why’s Grub in the dungeon locked up with you anyway?” Dad shrugged. “I don’t know he just said-“ Then he stopped and looks at Twilight. “Hmm? Is there something in my teeth?” “There’s… a piece of celery between your front teeth.” Dad points out as Twilight licks her teeth, trying to get it off. But, I didn’t see anything on her teeth nor anything in her mouth. “You got it.” He told her, as he looks out the window. “You were saying?” Twilight continued. “What? Oh, I forgot what he said… Other than what he said earlier, I kind of dozed off and can’t seem to recall any of it anymore.” He scratches his head. “Well, I guess that’s it. If there’s not really any changelings, then there’s no problem.” “W-wha… but you said.” I stammered, but he stopped me. “Look, it’s been a long night sweetie, I need some sleep. Let’s go back to Ponyville and rest up. Heck, I might sleep on the way there anyway.” He chuckles as he caresses my mane. “Why don’t you have a sleep over tonight, Rob? You, me, Dashie and Shy…” He suggested. “Yeah… sounds good.” He nodded. As soon as the meeting was over, they all stood up, payed for the food, and left for the station.z *Christian* Later that evening, we arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage and prepared dinner for our two guests. As I was setting the table, Rob strides over to me. “So, did you notice?” he started. “About that? Yeah, I did.” I said in a whisper. “What do you suppose Twilight is doing right now?” “I may need to dig around some more. But for now, we need to stay low. We don’t want to attract any unwanted attention.” He said in a hushed tone. "It may just be me, but a conspiracy suspicion on one of their friends is... not good." “But what about the others?” I asked. “What if they’re…” “I’ll check it out further. Just not now. Not after earlier.” Rob looks behind us as the girls came back from the shower. “We’ll talk about this later.” He turns and goes to dry off Dash, I did the same with Fluttershy. “How’s the bath?” I asked the two. “Meh, cold as always.” Dash replied as she was being smothered by a towel. “Fluttershy might need to call a local plumber. The pipes aren’t what they used to be.” “I’ll try to call Mr. Swivel, I just hope he’s back from his vacation.” Fluttershy said, while I wipe off her mane. “Took his time away, huh?” I took the towel off her. “Ready for dinner?” “Actually… dad, there’s something I- we… wanna tell you first.” She said looking over at Dash. “Hmm?” I raised an eyebrow, looking at Rob. He seems to look curious as well. “What is it?” She paused for a bit, before letting out a sigh… and said. “We know.”