“What is that doing here?” Naruko said quietly as she looked through her binoculars with deep worry. “They were supposed to be gone…” she muttered.
Lyra was looking worried now even has she kept her focus. Trixie had actually recently taught her a new spell. It was a spell the show pony used in her shows to hide something. It was meant to be placed on a stationary inanimate object, but Trixie and Lyra found a way to get to work as an area of effect spell. The main problem, it was a channeling spell and required complete concentration on the caster’s side for this to work. Lyra had gotten a bit better with the spell to where she could talk a little bit while using it but not much more yet.
“Ummm… Boss is that what I think it is?” she asked. Naruko nodded. It was a good thing Fluttershy decided to teach them about them anyways in the end. “Why is it here? And alive?” she asked still holding the spell.
Derpy and Cloud Kicker were equally worried where they were standing. Naruko looked again. The eyes were normal. “It seems there are some that weren’t already dead and removed. I would say I can’t believe such a creature still exist, but there is the evidence in front of us. The biggest concern is why it is wondering this far out. They’re supposed to be much deeper in the forest.”
The creature wasn’t looking at them so Lyra dropped the spell with a sigh of relief as she almost collapsed to the ground. Naruko looked to Cloud Kicker and she knew what to do. She shot up into the trees above them to keep a better watch out for the beast. They were caught by surprise with it and that was why they used the spell at first. They heard rumors from a Botanist pony about seeing a new and unusual creature in the forest lately. The pony was deeper than ponies usually went, but she had permission to do so for her studies.
Naruko gave a sigh. The thing wasn’t a new creature after all. It was in fact a very old creature. She was wondering if this was the Cosmic Darkness starting to effect Equestria, or hopefully they were lucky and just one seemed to have survived. “These things are very dangerous. They stand on two legs, but they are faster than a regular wolf and deadlier. They freaking eat cockatrices for snacks,” she said as the other ponies gave her serious expressions.
“What’s the plan, Naruko?” Derpy asked.
Naruko sighed and closed her eyes in thought. She gave a whistle and Cloud Kicker landed next to them still keeping an eye on the beast. “It’s a land animal even if it can jump. I want you two to distract it with air maneuvers.” The two pegasus ponies nodded. “Lyra. I want you to use your magic to supplement them if needed. I know that spell isn’t easy to cast.” The mint green unicorn nodded in relief even if she was now determined to better master the spell and improve her stamina more.
Naruko gave another sigh. “I’ll kill it… Those things shouldn’t still be around and for sure not this close to the edge of the forest. Do you all understand?” They nodded again after swallowing nervously, but this is what they signed up for. They would handle this so other ponies wouldn’t have to worry about it. “Ready… go!” Naruko said.
Derpy and Cloud Kicker shot towards the beast. Each gave it a good kick, but the thing dodged and howled at them. It was a truly terrifying sound. Derpy shot up following Cloud Kicker. The first pegasus dived down and used her air brakes to rattle the thing and Derpy did the same right after her. The two dodged as sharp claws swiped right past them. They repeated the attack except this time the beast was ready. It swiped early and would have struck them if it wasn’t for Lyra’s shield.
The shield broke causing the two to tumble on the ground. Cloud Kicker’s tumble came to a stop, but Derpy lost control of her stumble and couldn’t recover. She rolled into Cloud Kicker and the two ponies kept rolling from the impact just as the beast lunged and crashed into the ground right where they would have been otherwise.
There was a whirling sound as Naruko shot a Rasengan attack right into the still recovering beast. She then threw up a shield behind it and trapped the beast where it was. This allowed her attack to grind through it, killing the thing. Naruko then set fire to the remains and waited for them to burn as Cloud Kicker hurled from all of the rolling and the carnage.
“Ugh… Boss… that was messy,” Lyra said seemingly swallowing vomit.
“Why are you burning the remains?” Cloud asked.
“I don’t want them to attract other beasts. Who knows what might wander this way because of the scent of a free meal.” she said solemnly as the fire burned. Derpy was kind enough to use a wind funnel sending the smell of the burning chunks into the sky away from them.
The patrol ponies were a bit on edge after this encounter, since it was the first time they actually saw something killed first hoof, except for Naruko. She had already killed these things earlier and before then she committed her first kill in Konoha. She was herself a bit on edge after the encounter but for different reasons.
{-} {-} {-}
As they made their way back, Naruko let out a chuckle. “For the first time, I think I am actually looking forward to a high society ball.”
“The Grand Galloping Gala?” Cloud Kicker asked. Naruko nodded. “I thought you hated such things.”
“I still do, but it will be a nice distraction,” Naruko said.
“I’m just glad we’re almost out of here,” Lyra said.
“Thank you all again. This was a big issue we had to deal with. That’s why I called you all in. Rumors of a new creature are something to be very concerned about especially when they come from a source that would actually have a better idea about such things,” Naruko said.
Just as they exited the forest a loud sound cracked from in the distance near where Cloudsdale was. The group of patrol members looked in the direction and their eyes widened. Bright colors were shooting from where the sound originated just barely above the ground. The colors were traveling fast towards them.
“She did it…” Naruko said in surprise just as a mighty wind shot past with the colors above sending animals of all kinds screaming as they ran to safety. The ponies more or less braced themselves as it passed over.
“Was that… a Sonic Rainboom?” Lyra asked in shock.
“Yes, it was. That was Rainbow Dash at the Best Young Flyer Competition,” Naruko explained with a sad smile. She wanted to go and cheer Rainbow on and watch with the others like planned, but this came up.
“I thought about entering too,” Derpy stated. The others looked to her, “What?” she asked.
“You’re that young and already a mother of two…” Cloud kicker said.
Derpy blushed a little as she smiled. “Well. Yeah, I mean I am at the cut off age… Amethyst is also barely a teenager even if she is still one…” she finished with a sigh.
Amethyst, her oldest was barely a teenager, but she was in many ways going full throttle into the whole teenage thing. Also given how young Derpy was, Amethyst loved to make things difficult when it came to talks of responsibility and such. Derpy tried to explain how things were different with her and her hubby given his whole time travel thing, but Amethyst still loved pointing it out. Derpy was older than her actual age even if not by much. She had in essence repeated a few years without aging an so despite being around a few years longer she was still the age she was.
“Still…” Derpy started as she changed the subject, “Rainbow did it again… She thought it was a once in a life time deal despite the boasting of her abilities.”
“When did she first do it?” Lyra asked.
Cloud Kicker answered this time. “When she got her cutie mark. She was racing a trio of idiots for Fluttershy’s honor and as she came into the end of the race… BOOM!!! Rainboom colors everywhere.”
Lyra smiled at the tale. “That sounds…” she giggled. “Rainbow Dash Awesome.” The others sighed but snickered. Lyra then gave a slight frown to Naruko. “You were supposed to go, right?” Naruko nodded with a sad smile. “Sorry to hear that, Boss. But we did good work today at least.”
Naruko smiled a little happier with those words, “Yes, we did. I’m pretty sure we’re done for the day. Once you three turn in your reports, you can have the rest of the day off.” After that Rainboom, most if not all of the animals in the forest would keep to themselves.
Cloud Kicker and Derpy high hoofed each other.
“What about Bon Bon?” Lyra asked.
“She’ll be free once we walk in the door,” Naruko said with a smile. Bon Bon stayed behind to look after HQ while the rest of them were out in case something happened. Bon Bon thought she was being punished, but Naruko cleared that up when she explained that she trusted her the most after Derpy to watch over the office. Bon Bon smiled to that. She didn’t feel snubbed Derpy was trusted more than her, the wall eyed pegasus was a damn good unofficial second in command.
“We can shower first, right?” Cloud asked.
Naruko gave her a raised eyebrow. “I said you are free whenever you turn in your report. What you do before then or not is up to you. The HQ is essentially a second home to all patrollers, but we have to keep things in tip top shape. I will admit I am looking forward to a shower before I dare tackle that paper work myself.” She gave a shudder for a second. The others ignored it. They were well aware of their captain’s dislike for paperwork. They couldn’t blame her having seen the stacks before in her office.
{-} {-} {-}
Naruko really was feeling a little down after everyone else left after dropping off their reports. Trixie was actually out doing her own thing today and so Naruko sighed in her lonely office. “Maybe the Gala will be much better than we thought. Maybe I’ll actually meet some good stallions there and have a good time dancing,” she said to herself. She felt odd actually looking forward to the Gala and was trying to convince herself that was actually a good thing. “Maybe something will happen…” she started with a day dreamlike look in her eyes before blushing and feeling ashamed of herself. She should not be thinking about such things as clandestine encounters at and after the Gala. Celestia knows how bad it would be if such news got around that she really enjoyed the night with a stallion or mare after the ball.
She honestly couldn’t even believe she was thinking about such things, but she was. “Maybe I’m more stressed than I thought…” she said as she paused and her mind sent her a new round of visions. She was very much used to being a pony and even considered herself a pony more than a human by this point, but when it came to more sexual things… It got weird for her.
There was a deep chuckle in her mind. “Kyuubi?” she thought.
“Oh sorry. I just find it rather amusing is all. It seems your hormones are finally catching up to you,” his deep voiced thought to her.
Naruko blushed which Kyuubis sensed and caused him to laugh more. She had been thinking about such things a lot more lately. She chalked it up to stress or something because after her last training sessions with Trixie such thoughts left her alone… for the most part.
Regardless of what was or wasn’t happening to Naruko, she still was mad she didn’t get to go with the others. She sighed as she looked at her paperwork. She knew it was her duty and all, but she really wished the patrol was bigger and maybe she wouldn’t have to miss everything the others did.
Naruko stomped a hoof on the floor in irritation as she thought about such things. She really wished she was one of the elements instead of what she was. Sure, they had their own things they had to do, but part of their job was to be friends with each other and have fun to build more cohesion with the elements. The others got to take Twilight and go visit Cloudsdale because of the race and thanks to the cloud walking spell. She still was surprised the spell was an actual thing. Then on top of that they were all going to the Gala together, but Twilight wanted to spend the whole night with Celestia. Naruko didn’t even notice some tears of frustration on her cheeks. It wasn’t fair in her mind. She hadn’t been able to enjoy much free time lately. Let alone time with Twilight. She felt she was being left behind.
Naruko used her magic to slam shut her office door and spelled it closed. She wasn’t happy with how things were going at the moment when she didn’t try to just push those thoughts to the side. Twilight had a break in finding information about the temples and since Naruko had to work most of the time Twilight spent her break with the others.
The blonde unicorn liked the others and considered them friends, but right now it felt like they were taking Twilight away from her bit by bit while she had to fight and kill something that shouldn’t be around anymore after they defeated the Stone Guard. It made Naruko feel as if nothing was mattering as much as it should. She wondered if maybe she was going to end up losing her best friend ever who was also her first actual friend to her other friends. If… when… that happened, would they even care about her anymore? She wasn’t an element. She wasn't a part of their central group. They would probably still be nice and friendly to her like they were to most of the ponies in Ponyville, but that would be it.
Naruko sniffed as she felt her tears fall from her eyes. Why was she so scared of losing Twilight? She didn’t get it. Why was her mind also fixating more on lewd things as well lately? She supposed the deal with Twilight might have to do with a dream she had a little while ago.
---- Flashback start ----
In the dream she and Twilight were chatting in the library together comfortably snuggling together, before Pinkie Pie came along and dragged Twilight off to do something with the other elements. Twilight was torn in the dream, but she still followed Pinkie with little complaint.
The dream then shifted to a later date where the same scene happened again except this time it was a partially apologetic Rainbow who took Twilight. Twilight actually seemed a little more concerned this time with leaving Naruko, but still she went.
A few nights later in the dream the same scene played out again, but this time Naruko and Twilight weren’t as close together as they were before and Rarity took her away. The dream continued it’s awful routine over and over again each time with a one of the other elements taking Twilight away. And slowly with each time the distance between her and Twilight widened.
In the end of the dream, before Princess Luna intervened, Twilight happily and eagerly left with the others while she and Naruko were in the middle of something kind of important to Naruko. “Twilight…” dream Naruko said her voice thick with hurt. “Where are you going? Why are you leaving me now?” Dream Naruko’s voice grew smaller as she grew younger.
Twilight turned to her with an isn’t it obvious look and said, “You’re not an Element. Let alone a pony…”
It was at that moment it all turned white and a very concerned Princess Luna stepped into the dream and even gave the now crying dream Naruko/real Naruko a hug in comfort. “This is just a bad dream. This wouldn’t happen. You know Twilight wouldn’t do that,” Luna said to her.
Dream/real Naruko said, “it sure feels like it would happen…”
Princess Luna then woke Naruko up for the pony to find the Princess of the Night in her bedroom. “I am sorry for the intrusion, Naruko. But this seemed very serious…”
“It’s alright…” Naruko said though she was a little startled to see Princess Luna there in pony. She was still grateful for the princess’ presence and the calming effect Luna seemed to give her as they hugged again.
“Do you need a break from the Patrol?” she asked.
Naruko quickly shook her head. She didn’t want to do something like that and disappoint the princess, her boss. “I’ll be fine. Things have just been a little tough lately is all. I don’t get to see Twilight as much as I used to see her. Nothing more than that. I even consider the other elements friends and do sometimes visit with them.”
“If you are sure…” Princess Luna said. She mentally decided to keep a better eye on her Grand Captain. Even if they didn’t interact too much, she had easily come to see Naruko as her sister sees Twilight.
Naruko nodded in answer to Princess Luna. Though there was a part of her that knew she might have been lying just a little bit. “Well not really lying just down playing it is all…” Naruko thought to herself.
The two ponies held eye contact with each other for a moment. “I shall be off. However, I will not let you be bothered by anymore such dreams tonight,” she said as her horn glowed and Naruko felt a comforting warmth flow over her.
As Princess Luna left, she made a note to fast track authorizing the new advancement and ranking system in the patrol. It would allow each contingent to have up to two assistant commanders with the ranks of First Lieutenant (second in charge) and Second Lieutenant (Third in charge).
The Night Princess felt guilty having relied on Naruko heavily so far. Naruko was more than up for the task, but it was starting to be clearer that the duties were taking a toll on her. Due to Naruko’s level of maturity, it was hard to realize the Grand Captain was just sixteen years old. Sure, ponies her age were pretty much considered adults, but they were still so very young.
---- End of Flashback ----
Naruko had been more careful and more in control of her emotions since then, but she knew things were getting difficult for her. There was sometimes a voice inside, not belonging to Kyuubi, which would occasionally speak more of her emotions she was feeling despite what Naruko actually said to others. Naruko didn’t like it.
The voice sounded like her and would speak more truthfully of what she felt than she liked at times. Naruko had been very good at not letting things get to her since becoming a pony, but it seemed she needed to redouble her efforts on that front. At the moment, she really didn’t try as she let herself act a little on her frustration, but not in a manner such as setting the damnable paperwork on fire as satisfying as that would be.
{-} {-} {-}
Naruko thought she had calmed down by the time she got home. She opened the door and wasn’t surprised to see a very excited Twilight there. “Hey! You’re finally back!” she said. Naruko gave a small smile as she nodded.
“The race was amazing! Rainbow ended up winning. Rarity! Rarity of all ponies decided to enter the competition because of the butterfly wings and completely forgot about the warnings I gave her over and over again about them. The wings ended up breaking and she fell,” Twilight couldn’t help but giggle a little here. It was scary at the time, but now that it was all over it was a little funny. “Rarity accidentally in her panic knocked out all three of the Wonderbolts who were there to watch as they tried to rescue her. Rainbow Dash saved them all and made a sonic Rainboom in the end! Fluttershy was actually the most excited when that happened despite claiming she couldn’t watch.”
Twilight then frowned a little. “I wish you could have seen it. I’m sorry you couldn’t. I probably should have stayed back as well…”
There was a dark part of Naruko that spoke in agreement to this, but Naruko ignored it. She instead smiled and said, “Well I did at least get to see Dash’s Rainboom as I left the Ever-Free Forest.”
Twilight gave a smile to that in relief. Naruko almost blushed as she looked at the smile. Her eyes darkened a little unnoticed as she wished she could have seen Twilight’s smile like that all day instead of just now. “I really wish I could get to see her like that at the Gala… I’m really not liking Celestia currently,” she thought with a frown.
“Is something wrong?” Twilight asked worriedly as she saw Naruko’s frown.
Naruko took in a breath and let it out. “I was just thinking about the Gala is all and I’m not exactly happy with Celestia at the moment,” she admitted without expanding on details. She let Twilight fill in her own details.
Twilight sighed. “Maybe it won’t be too bad for you. Maybe you’ll meet some nice ponies and will enjoy the dance,” she said even if her own feelings about Naruko meeting other ponies did get to her a little bit. Maybe she shouldn’t have been so set on being with Celestia the whole time. “But I haven’t seen her in so long…” she thought to herself in reply.
To cover up the silence, Twilight gave a little laugh. “I hope Rarity won’t be so disappointed with Ponce Blueblood that it ruins her night.”
Naruko gave a chuckle to that. “Well we tried to warn her, but she refused to listen. Maybe we should plan some kind of after party thing or something.”
Twilight perked up at that and smiled again. “I’ll ask my parents if we can crash at their place on Gala night and we can do whatever after the ball if we want and not have to worry about getting back here.”
“That would be nice. Hopefully your parents won’t mind,” Naruko said.
“Well they are both night ponies a lot of the time. I am asking well in advance so it shouldn’t be too bad,” she said.
Naruko hoped Twilight’s parents agreed with this plan. “That will show Celestia for trying to steal Twilight the whole night!” that dark voice whispered to her. Naruko could both understand and not understand this sentiment. Regardless of the extra voice Naruko was smiling again even if she was still a little upset she didn’t get to spend all day with everypony.
When the next day arrived, Naruko woke up again and had breakfast with Spike and Twilight. She was really feeling tired though. Her mind decided to give all kinds of dreams that led Naruko to believe maybe Kyuubi was indeed right in his recent bouts of teasing her.
Naruko gave a mighty yawn as she took another bite of her breakfast. “Did you not sleep well last night? You seem really tired,” Twilight said in concern as she leaned in closer to Naruko to get a better look at her. Naruko blushed since Twilight had obviously made appearances in the dreams.
The blonde unicorn gave a nervous laugh as she rubbed the back of her mane. “My dreams were a bit… Frantic… It isn’t anything to worry about. I’ll mostly be doing paperwork today… again,” Naruko said finishing with a long sigh.
Spike gave her a pat on the back and said, “Hang in there… I know you can do it.” Naruko smiled at the baby dragon.
“Spike’s right. You can do it, Naruko. But don’t over do it,” Twilight said with some worry.
“What are you doing today?” Naruko asked.
Twilight was in thought for moment. “I’m still on break from researching temples and artifacts, but I might do a little anyways. Though Rarity did say there was something she wanted to do today. So, I guess I will be doing that,” she replied.
Naruko gave a bit of a strained smile as she said, “Sounds like heaven compared to the mountain of Paperwork waiting for me. I’m so glad my office is at least comfy.” She mentally frowned at the jealousy that popped up that Rarity was getting to spend personal time with Twilight again today.
As she finally left the tree house library, Naruko actually bumped into Rarity on the way while in mid yawn. “Darling… are you okay?” Rarity asked.
“Just a little tired,” Naruko answered as she kept walking. Rarity actually chose to follow her for a bit. She was also looking over Naruko intently. If it had kept up for much longer the blonde unicorn might have blushed under the unicorn’s gaze.
“You look like you could use a break, Naruko. You really shouldn’t work in such a state. I can tell your tensed up and getting exhausted. Believe me. I know how bad it is to work in such a state,” Rarity said in concern.
“I’m fine… I’m just really not looking forward to the paperwork. I don’t have to actually do any patrolling today so don’t worry,” Naruko said with a frown. Everypony kept asking her if she was okay. She knew how okay she was or well not okay she was, but there wasn’t anything that could be done about it.
Rarity then stopped Naruko with a hoof and looked her in the eyes and smiled as she said, “You need a spa trip. In fact we could all use a spa trip with the Gala coming up soon. I’ll set one up for us all tomorrow. You better take the time off, Naruko. Those are Dr. Rarity’s orders!”
“You aren’t a doctor…” Naruko said lowly.
“I may not be a medical pony. But I am a doctor!” she said with a flourish of a hoof motion.
“What are you a doctor of?” Naruko asked. She knew Rarity was just lightening the mood but considering Naruko felt Rarity was stealing Twilight today she wasn’t just going to go along with it. Her exhaustion and current jealousy levels were proven by how she didn’t even take into account Twilight wouldn’t be spending time with her today regardless, since Naruko was on the way to HQ.
“Many would agree I am a doctor of fashion!” Rarity said with her Rarity flair. “I fix and cure fashion disasters!” she added with an overly dramatic hoof motion in the air.
Naruko couldn’t help but chuckle a little to that despite how that ignorable part of her didn’t like it. “I don’t know how much weight the word of a Doctor of Fashion would have regarding health, but I’ll go with it. I’ve never really been to a spa before.”
Rarity gave a giant gasp to that and stared Naruko right in the eyes. The mannerism seemed more fitting of Pinkie than Rarity, but perhaps the party pony was rubbing off on the others in a way. “Never been to a spa?” she asked with wide eyes. Naruko gulped and shook her head slowly. “I will make sure you get the full Rarity Package then!” she said with a fiery determination reminiscent to what it was like when Twilight thought the fashion pony was going to dye her coat a different color when they first met.
“Ummm… I don’t know about the whole sea weed wrap thing…” Naruko said.
Rarity frowned a little to that. “Fine then. I will ask them to exclude some of the Rarity Package. But you are still getting it all, Naruko Uzumaki! I will not let you get stressed to the point I was around the fashion show.”
“Okay. I won’t,” Naruko said.
“Like anyone could get that stressed… Drama Queen,” the other Naruko voice said.
“Be nice…” Naruko replied.
She then paused in her step out of shock and was thankful Rarity had already parted her company while carrying on about the spa trip. Naruko then shook her head. “Did I just reply to a voice in my head that wasn’t Kyuubi’s?” she asked out loud to no pony in particular.
“Yes, you did,” the other Naruko voice replied smugly.
Naruko was about to argue with it before shaking her head and letting out a whinny sigh as she said, “It seems Doctor Rarity is right… I really do need a break.”
{-} {-} {-}
The day at HQ for the Patrol Captain was just as uneventful as she said it would be. She did at least have a long lunch break with the rest of her patrollers. All of them decided to show up right around lunch as Trixie once again proved how “The Great and Culinary Expert Trixie cooks!” She was surprisingly very good at it and Naruko had no qualms in doing the girly/house wifey thing and asked for some of the recipes. Trixie was more than happy to share.
“We should totally ditch the others and run off with Twilight for a couple’s message session tomorrow. Think of the lovely possibilities. You know you want to see Twilight in that kind of a setting,” the other Naruko said.
Naruko just hummed to herself louder instead of replying. She didn’t need to scold this other voice and point out that she and Twilight weren’t a couple. “Besides… Twilight might prefer Stallions,” Naruko accidentally let slip during a break from her humming.
The other Naruko chuckled in reply. “Yah… No… You’ve noticed the signs surely. After all you are supposed to be the perceptive student. Twilight would totally blush at a level of Twilight Cute and happily trot alongside us. And if we wanted to go further… she would be more than willing and it would be worth it!” it replied.
“Why does this new voice have to be all pervy and lewd?!” Naruko thought with a pout.
“I’m more than just that. It would serve the others right to have Twilight taken back from them!” it said in a darker manner.
“I think I prefer you Pervy and lewd,” Naruko said with a mental glare. She knew that was a mistake when she sensed the other voice, whatever it was, smirk.
“We’re pretty hot for a pony. You can get that clandestine encounter with a stallion you were wanting yesterday at the Gala with ease. Heck you could even put that Rarity in her place and snag up Ponce Blueblood!” the voice said.
Naruko just mentally raised an eyebrow at it.
“Okay… Yeah… Let’s not do that…” it said with a shudder at the thought. “Bad idea”.
Naruko might have giggled to that reply if she wasn’t already having serious doubts about her stress levels and mental exhaustion as it was. Though she did feel a little warm and blush at the thought of such an encounter with a stallion other than the ponce. It was oddly intriguing.
Kyuubi then chuckled inside Naruko’s head. “You know it usually isn’t a good idea to think about such things while at the office, Naruko,” he said.
“Kyuubi! So good to hear you. Can you help me with this other voice in my head? I’m surprised you haven’t been hearing it as is,” Naruko said much more desperately than she wished.
“I’m the only other voice in here Naruko. There shouldn’t be any others…” Kyuubi said unsure.
For some reason, Naruko was visualizing a version of herself in her human form mimicking the fox as he said those words while also flaunting her body. Naruko blinked. “Really need that break…” she said.
She then realized something in Kyuubi’s reply. “Wait! You don’t sound absolutely positive about that,” she accused him.
“I might have a theory… I will look into it. I am still a part of you and so I can visit your mindscape. Speaking of which… You should try visiting it sometime as well. It will help with your mental discipline. You are much better about that now than you were in Konoha, but more will only help us in the end,” Kyuubi said.
“After you figure out whatever that voice is and do something about it. If I try that now, I’ll probably lose it and be surrounded by dancing Twilights or something,” Naruko said.
She then realized another mistake with that and heard the other voice giggle mischievously. Oddly enough Naruko found her own mischievous giggle kind of enchanting and made notes to use it a bit more often for Twilight. Naruko’s eyes then widened as her other self or voice or whatever it was gave her images of a particular nature.
“That’s just wrong… Kind of hot… Wrong! Wrong! Is it considered bestiality if I’m a human turned pony and I find ponies really attractive?” she mentally asked.
She earned a deep chuckle from Kyuubi in reply. “I wouldn’t consider it that, but then again I am the Almighty Nine Tailed Fox,” he said.
“Shush Kyuubi. I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to the other voice or me or mental hallucination,” Naruko replied in full sincerity.
“Yeah… Let me get on that,” Kyuubi said hiding his deep concern over this development as he prepared.
Naruko actually smiled as she felt vindicated when the other voice grew nervous at Kyuubi getting serious about things. She then made a couple of shadow clones and hummed happily as she went about the paperwork. Her clones were actually a little worried for their boss and creator. It couldn’t be good if Naruko was this happy while doing paperwork.
{-} {-} {-}
Naruko let out a mighty groan as she placed her signature on the last of the paperwork. She just sat there a moment staring out of focus and feeling really drained. “Hey Captain!” Derpy said cheerfully.
“Derpy… I love you but I’m seriously hoping you don’t have more paperwork for me. If you do… so help me. I will scream,” Naruko said as she tiredly raised a slightly sore hoof in warning. She had to actually do hoof stamps for several documents today along with signatures.
Derpy blushed as she swooned a little and placed a hoof on her cheek. “Gosh Captain. I like you a lot and I’m flattered, but I’m already happily taken.”
Naruko still wasn’t used to this little quirk of Derpy’s but she didn’t really dislike it. She could definitely see why Doctor Hooves fell in love with the mare. There was just something about her that was too damn endearing. She shook her head. “I didn’t really mean it like that Derpy. I meant I love you as a really good friend,” she clarified.
Derpy playfully tapped a hoof to her head as she gave an “Eh Heh,” sound. She then smiled and said, “I wasn’t here to give any more paperwork. Don’t worry, Naruko. I was merely coming to say goodbye for the day and ask if you wanted me to make you something to eat before I left in case you had more work to do.”
Naruko hid a happy sniff. There was the motherly side Derpy. Naruko sat up and smiled. “No need to worry about that. I…” Naruko looked from side to side as she said, “I actually finished it for today.” She then closed her eyes hoping the evil paperwork demon of the multiverse didn’t decide to curse her with more.
Nothing happened. Naruko sighed in relief.
“Anyways,” she started. “Thank you for your work today, Derpy. I was also wondering if you could do me a huge favor…”
“Sure! I'll take over for tomorrow. You really need rest. What are you planning?” Derpy said before Naruko asked.
Naruko wanted to sniff in happiness again. There was the reliable and touching side of Derpy. The reason why Naruko decided to have her be the second in command of the Ponyville Contingent.
“Thanks…” Naruko said not at all hiding the deep relief she felt. She then perked up a bit and smiled. “I’m going to the spa tomorrow with Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Rarity insisted on getting me the best package they have.”
Derpy nodded to that. “You could use it. I’m honestly surprised a pony as young as you has made it this long with your position and not completely lost it,” she said with a smile.
Naruko gave a nervous laugh and was thankful no pony knew what was currently going on with her. “Pinkie’s been working at Sugarcube Corner for a really long time. I’m sure it’s normal.”
Derpy frowned in concern here. “Baking part time is one thing. Patrolling full time is another thing. Pinkie doesn’t have to train others. The only paperwork she does is taking orders, printing receipts and making supply lists. You do a lot more than that. Don’t sell yourself short, Captain.”
Naruko just gave a curt nod to that. “Well have yourself good evening, Derpy. Thanks again. I really hate doing this too you since you are already going to be taking over on the day of the Gala, at least Bon Bon will watch things the day after the Gala until I get back,” she said with a smile.
“You’re welcome, Naruko. Don’t worry about that. I chose to be full time because I wanted to help out more,” Derpy replied with a bright smile as she left.
Shortly after Derpy left, Naruko got up and went to check in with Trixie for a bit before she left. She felt too exhausted to go back all the way to the library just yet. Plus, Trixie almost always helped with her mood.
Kyuubi chose that moment to speak to her and actually make her mood even better. “I’ve momentarily helped with the other… you… She won’t actively bother you for a while yet, but the thoughts she voiced to you throughout the day will still be there. You will have to do something more about her eventually,” he explained.
“Great! Thanks, Kyuubi! I can deal with the thoughts alone… well mostly. I’m sure after I’ve relaxed tomorrow at the spa I will be in a much better state of mind,” Naruko mentally said.
Kyuubi gave a sigh. “I’ll miss the lewdness, but maybe that will still be prominent enough in your mind to provide me hours of entertainment,” he said with a chuckle.
Naruko gave him a frown. “Don’t you have some training to do?” she asked him. Kyuubi replied with just another chuckle.
{-} {-} {-}
“Ooooo… Mmmmm… Nnnn…” Naruko let out a long, not so quiet, moan of pleasure as Aloe gave her a message. The pink spa pony couldn’t help but smile at the reaction she was getting from Naruko. Rarity was in a sea weed wrap currently. Twilight, Pinkie, and Rainbow were relaxing. Applejack was soaking in one of the baths nearby and Fluttershy was getting her hooves treated. Lotus actually seemed to be having a little trouble with them while Fluttershy just gave a blush as she smiled sheepishly. Her hooves needed to be treated fairly often given how much time she spent with her animal friends and she didn’t really do anything on her own for them.
“I’m actually surprised Applejack isn’t the one giving them trouble with her hooves,” Rainbow said.
Applejack raised an eyebrow at her friend. “And what do ya’ll mean about that?” she asked.
“I don’t mean anything bad about it. It’s just you know. You work a lot at the farm using them,” Rainbow explained.
Applejack gave a grin as she said, “Well in that case. It ain’t really to surprising. Ah mean my hooves go through a lot of rough treatment out at tha farm. We Apples always hafta take care of our hooves regularly.”
Rainbow might have said something else but just then Naruko let out another very pleased moan as she sighed in contentment. Rainbow actually giggled along with Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy was still feeling embarrassed about her hooves. Twilight had… mixed feelings. Naruko let out another moan as she stretched outwards. Twilight had some very mixed and curious feelings as her mind wandered to places unknown to her.
“Darling… You have been putting yourself through too much stress it seems. Don’t get me wrong, Aloe and Lotus blossom are simply divine with their attention, but still. You sound like one stressed out mare relaxing for the first time in years, putting it mildly,” Rarity said not catching a snicker from Rainbow who had chose another manner of description.
Naruko gave a hum of agreement as her already very wide and pleased grin tried to grow wider. It wasn’t having much success given it was at the max level already. “Yep… I was really in a state…” Naruko started with her eyes closed as she again responded strongly to Aloe’s expert care. Naruko even gave a giggle not really paying too much attention to what her mouth was saying. “It was to the point I was having lewd and pervy thoughts almost constantly it seemed.” The other ponies paused and blinked a little as Rainbow burst out laughing at Naruko’s lack of filter on her mouth currently.
Twilight blushed strongly. It was almost as if she was caught red hoofed by Celestia in a very inappropriate manner. She remained quiet trying to shift these new levels of thoughts to the back of her mind.
The blonde unicorn gave a pleased sigh as she gave a cute pout that Twilight’s current mindset enjoyed far too much. She then said, “Kyuubi was finding it way too entertaining and he kept teasing me about my teenaged pony hormones finally catching up…”
Aloe paused and her mouth hung open in shock. She couldn’t help but ask, “How old are you, Miss Uzumaki?”
“Sixteen…” Naruko answered hoping that wouldn’t be an issue.
“Wow…” Aloe replied as she got back to work. She found it very surprising the Grand Captain of the Ever-Free Patrol was so young. There weren’t any doubts about Naruko’s abilities, but it was still surprising. A lot of ponies would still be in school of some kind at that age, but then again there were plenty of examples in this room alone of the exception. She also realized Naruko was more or less finished with her schooling having been taught by Princess Celestia along with Twilight. It was still impressive the kind of ponies who found their way to Ponyville recently.
“Sounds like things were pretty rough for you. Do you like it that way?” Rainbow said trying to hide her snickers as she waggled her eyebrows unseen by Naruko.
“I don’t mind it… Wait… You’re talking about something else aren’t you?” Naruko said with a frown.
Rainbow snickered a little. “No idea what you’re talking about,” she said not really hiding her snickers as well as she thought.
“Regardless of if I like it rough or not…” Naruko started as Rainbow let out another loud laugh as Fluttershy’s blush deepened, but not because of all the work needed on her hooves this time. Twilight’s eyes had an odd look to them that none of the others noticed.
“Naruko, dear… Too much information. You really needed to de-stress if you're talking like this,” Rarity said.
Twilight was half tempted to say, “Not enough information.” However, she didn’t because that would just be wrong to say and she wasn’t fully sure why she wanted to say it so bad or what information she was hoping to gather.
Naruko blushed and nodded. “I was very tempted to set fire to the mountains of paperwork a few times, but I always remembered that would only lead to more paperwork,” she said with a sigh. She then gasped and moaned again as Aloe seemed to find a particularly stubborn knot.
“You were right about this, Doctor Rarity,” Naruko said with a giggle.
Rarity lifted her nose in the air as she jokingly replied, “The Fashion Doctor is never wrong!” The two shared a laugh which the others joined in on.
“Yep I really needed this… Even training with the other patrol members wasn’t enough to get my mind off of things,” Naruko admitted. She was secretly glad she hadn’t accidentally spilled the beans by saying Trixie’s name.
“Oooo. What kind of Training did you do? Was it fun? Was it exciting?!” Pinkie asked. She had been quiet just listening to the others oddly enough. Rainbow was still kind of giggling like a school girl.
“Mostly physical with some magic. I love training. It feels good to work the body like that. Derpy does have a way of making it more exciting. She has accidents every now and then, but they are always for the best,” Naruko answered as she again moaned in delight.
Rainbow let out a large boisterous laugh to Naruko’s answer. “Oh my god… Seriously! So who is the master… I mean mistress? How well have you been trained by this point?”
“Okay! That wasn’t on me,” Naruko replied as she looked towards Rarity who seemed to have sensed this and nodded in agreement.
Naruko and the others, minus Rarity and Twilight, gave Dash disapproving glares. Rainbow Dash just laughed out loud again and even seemed to have tears in her eyes from laughing so much. She finally calmed down and said, “He he he… Sorry guys… I just find it too funny… I mean Naruko of all ponies…” The others just sighed except for Naruko who involuntarily let out another moan on a different level of pleasure this time. Due to the timing of the moan the others including Rarity sort of giggled as well, except for Twilight.
Twilight was sure her mind had way too much ammunition for dreams and such after this spa trip. Not that she really minded this as she seemed to be nibbling on her lower lip to keep from saying something she would regret. She just really hoped Rainbow’s laughs wouldn’t get involved and mess things up.
Twilight was surprised at these new feelings she was having about certain things. They were a little bit troublesome but she was managing. She just had to make sure she hid her face. She saw Naruko’s expressions while the pony responded to the message and they were too much for her to deal with in front of the others in a proper ladylike manner.
Lotus Blossom gave a sigh as she checked on Rarity who whispered something to her. The pony nodded and told Aloe who nodded and took over on Fluttershy’s hooves. “This way if you will, Miss Uzumaki,” Lotus said to the blonde unicorn.
Naruko slipped off of the bed she was getting her message from and was a bit wobbly as she followed. The sight caused Rainbow Dash to giggle again earning a glare from Rarity that somehow transcended the cucumbers and sea weed leaves which cover her eyes. Rainbow actually gulped and sat down like a chastised filly.
After a minute she actually sighed and said, “Well pervy jokes aside…”
“You were the only one making them,” Applejack replied.
“Still… I’m actually a little worried for Naruko. I think we all need to try and spend more time with her or something,” Rainbow said. The others nodded to this. “Right Twilight?” she asked the one pony who didn’t respond with the others.
Twilight actually blinked before replying, “What?! Oh yeah! Time more Naruko with… Yep… sounds gooood…” She noticed the others were giving her questioning looks.
She cleared her throat and spoke again. “Yes. I do think that is a good idea. It won’t be easy though. The patrol is still small and it keeps her busy, but we can do it if we try. Oh yeah… Speaking of spending time together and the Gala. I actually got my parents permission to let us spend the night there so we won’t have to worry about getting back to Ponyville the same night. Naruko and I were thinking it would be fun to spend time after the Gala with each other. It ends early enough that if we don’t try to travel back that night we can do a lot to have fun,” she said with a smile.
Fluttershy was actually the first one to reply. “Really?!” she asked in a very excited manner. Twilight nodded. “Oooo maybe we can go to that Ramen place together or maybe some of those dance clubs we went to last time with Vinyl,” she said smiling and forgetting that she was in the middle of getting her hooves taken care of. Aloe wasn’t in a rush to calm her back down and appreciated the small break.
“Wait a minute!” Rainbow said loudly. “You mean to tell me. You, Twilight and Naruko partied with Vinyl?! In Canterlot?!” Both Fluttershy and Twilight nodded. “That is so awesome!” she said happily. She then looked at them with narrowed eyes and asked, “Hey… How come I wasn’t invited?”
“Ummm… It was just after that thing I told you about that I did with Naruko and we invited Pinkie because we saw her on the way though she couldn't make it, but it was very much a spontaneous thing. Sooo that's way,” Fluttershy said quietly in an apologetic manner.
“Yeah… ummm… It just kind of happened. Besides the only reason we even made it back to Ponyville that same night is because I decided somehow to Teleport the three of us all the way from Canterlot. It was a rather sooty choice…” Twilight explained.
Fluttershy gave a laugh. “All aboard the Twilight Express! Don’t mind the bumpiness. It isn’t permanent. Choo Choo,” she finished by pretending to pull on a train conductor’s whistle.
Twilight blushed to this as they all laughed. She even joined them, “Well I had been drinking a bit like you both and we did just finish dancing in the fountain.” Now Fluttershy blushed as she remembered Celestia commenting on that to her and Naruko in private. They all laughed again in response.
“Man… It sounds like I really missed an awesome time,” Rainbow said disappointed.
“Which is why we will just have to make up for it after the GALA! I mean only Twilight, Naruko and Fluttershy got to enjoy that night anyways so a lot of us weren’t there. I missed going, but I knew we would get another chance. Thanks for coming up with this plan Twilight!” Pinkie said quickly with a bright smile. She was going to get to go to two really super awesome parties that night it sounded. The whole group was getting excited again for the Gala. They were sure it was going to be the best night ever.
{-} {-} {-}
As the spa trip came to an end, a very pleased and refreshed Naruko who seemed to be kind of gone stumbled her way back into the part of the spa where the others were.“ Hey… everypony… I really loooove spas… I don’t think I can fully walk back yet, though,” Naruko said with huge grin. She then made her way over to Twilight and leaned on her and asked, “Twilight… would you carry me back? Or at least help me?” She leaned in close feeling very good and rubbed her cheek on Twilight’s.
Twilight blushed but was more than happy to help her best friend ever. She also liked the smells coming from Naruko. It seemed the spa ponies gave her a perfume treatment and even used some scented oils in her mane. Twilight thought Naruko looked very stunning at the moment.
“Thanks again, Rarity…” Naruko said with a hum.
“What did you have the spa ponies do to her?” Fluttershy asked Rarity quietly in curiosity.
Rarity blushed a little at Naurko's pleased state. “I told them to give her a deeper message and a horn filing. That is all.” Fluttershy nodded. She guessed it was very intense.
“Hey, Twilight…” Naruko started.
“Y-y-yes?” Twilight replied Naruko was really close to her and the wonderfully scented perfumes were starting to get to Twilight. She was sure it would be even more ammunition for dreams. She would completely surrender to them when they happened she was sure.
“That was my first horn filing… It was amazing… I swear it felt so good it should be criminal,” Naruko said. She then asked, “Have you ever had a horn filing?”
Twilight thought for a moment and shook her head in reply. "Well then sometime the two of us will have to come back here together and both get one,” Naruko decided. Fluttershy and Rarity were spa buddies, so maybe she and Twilight could be as well for each other among other things.
“I-I-I’d like that,” Twilight replied with a broad smile.
Rarity was really pleased with herself. Her spa trip idea had been perfect for them all. She was very surprised by Naruko, but it was still a complete success. What made it even better was tomorrow night was the Gala. She just knew it would be a night to remember!