//------------------------------// // A day with daddy // Story: The Great and Powerful Centaur // by Viper Pit //------------------------------// I woke up a little later than usual if the clock on the wall is anything to go by. Ah, my neck feels a little sore. It's been a while I've slept in my own bed. "I think I better get up before mom comes into my room again... but I REALLY don't want too." Begrudgingly, I do get up out of bed. I grab some clothes from my closest and I go take a nice shower. I would describe my bathroom but it's a bathroom just with a custom toilet for my mom to use. After a nice long shower, I get dressed and I go and get some brunch as it was twelve thirty when I got out of the shower. Hehe, whoops. "Look who's finally risen from the dead." I heard my Mom's joke followed by laughter from I think Lyra. Upon walking into the living room, yep there is indeed Lyra and Jake sitting on the couch, the ladder of which looks like he is coloring in a coloring book. "Oh haha, very funny, Mom," I replied in a deadpan tone as I walked past them and into the kitchen. "Hey, Lyra," Jake cheerfully greeted me "Hey, Jake." I half greet. "Hey, Trixie," Lyra replies with a not so subtle wink. Jake just gives a little wave before going back to coloring. "So how did you sleep last night?" "I had a nice dream that me, you, Big Mac, and some random mares where at a beach with bipedal squids shooting each other with different colored ink," I replied as I stick some bread in a toaster. Setting the toaster into golden brown, I then go to the fridge and grabbed some homemade Apple Family apple butter that I sent my parents during my stay at Sweet Apple Acres. If you hadn't had apple butter or even heard about it, then you're missing out something wonderous big time. "Sounds like fun but why was Big Mac there?" I didn't have to look at the living room to know that Mom was staring at me with Lyra's question. "Just because of reasons." I simply answered. Heading over to the sink I turn on the out water to warm up the metal lid to the apple butter. "Did Dad leave?" "Yes, he did." I hear mom say as comes into the kitchen. "He should be back any moment now. He said he was going to take Jake to the park." "Oh man, I haven't been to the old park in ages," I remembered the memories I spent with dad there. "I should go with them." "That's a great Idea. I know FOR SURE he misses spending time with his little magician, Trixie." Way to guilt trip me, Mom. Conversation dies down when the newly made toast dings, using my magic, I levitated over the toast, butter knife, and a small plate as I use my hands to open up the jar once the lid has been loosened by the hot water. Sitting down at the table I quietly eat my breakfast while Lyra and Mom talk about different relationships they had in the past. Lyra tells some stories about Bon-Bon and her distrusting nature and my mom talks about a boy from earth she dated in high school. Jake runs off so I assume to use the bathroom since he left without a word. "Hey, Lyra, is Jake alright? He hasn't said much today." I asked once I finished my toast. "I think he is just nervous about spending time with a stallion since there aren't many in his life," Lyra replies with a shrug of her shoulders. "For Heaven's sake, Miss Heartstrings. You need to fix that problem. Instead of being surrounded by female ponies who like to fool around with each other, what he needs a strong father figure in his life for his mental health and future, otherwise, there might be some unforeseen consequences." My Mom replies in a serious and criticizing motherly tone that I know all too well. In response, Lyra gave my judgemental mother a death glare and looked like she was about to flip the table to starta fight. Quick, avert the situation with a more friendly question. "What would happen if he doesn't get that?" I curiously asked, getting up to put my plate in the sink. "I think he would end up rejecting a lot of himself and have a serious identity crisis, but then again I'm not a child psychologist so its possible he will live a perfectly happy life." My Mom answers, which gets a worried look from Lyra. "Wow, that's a scary thought even more so since humans can't get cutie marks or use magic." Lyra's voice is filled with worry. "We actually can but its incredibly difficult and even then said humans would turn into a pony shortly after a few months or years if I remember correctly." Well, that went from bad to worse since Lyra fainted. "Nice work Mom you made my marefriend pass out." I point out. "Wouldn't have happened if you just stuck with that Big Mac fellow." My Mom casually replies earning a groan from me. I love my mom but good lord she can be stubborn as an ox sometimes. Umm, no offense to any oxen "I'm guessing herds don't count." I heard Dad's voice remark as he comes through the door. "Welcome back and no they do not dear." "Hey, Dad." I go give him a quick hug. "I see you two were arguing again?" Dad points out immediately after releasing from our hug. "No, we were simply having a discussion on proper relationships." I shake my head slightly at Moms answer and Dad doesn't seem to be buying it either. "Dear you know I love you but some of your beliefs don't really have a place here in Equestria." My Dad goes and gives mom a quick kiss. Just then Jake comes back into the room with what looks like a little lunchbox in hand. "I'm ready mister pot, sir." He says with a huge smile on his face. He seems to have lost all of his nervousness. Something is up with Jake. Maybe he doesn't like fighting or something? "That's great Jake, just give me a moment to get a quick bite to eat and we will be on our way," Dad replies as he uses his magic to ruffle Jakes' hair. With an eager nod from Jake Dad mouths something to Mom before joining me in the kitchen. "Sleep late again, Trixie?" "Hey, not my fault this time. You can pin the blame on the couch mare for that." That gets a chuckle out of my Dad. "So, can I go with you and Jake?" "I don't see why not it would be nice to spend some time with you again my little Moonpie." He says cheerfully and I can hear Jake snicker at my old cutesy nickname. "I love you, Daddy, but why are you bringing up that old nickname all of a sudden," I said in a monotone voice, not trying to hide the embarrassment in my voice. "Well, that's for giving your mother a hard time..." He let out a loud sly chuckle that I always here whenever he performs his finishing touch on his performance. "And I love to tease my little Moonpie." "Geez, Daddy." I let out an annoyed whine while he adjusts his throat. "Ahem... Anyway, I'm gonna make a sandwich before we head out. Be ready by the time I'm done eating." With a tired sigh, I go back to my room, giving Jake a nice little head pat as I pass him. I closed the door behind me, opened my wardrobe and scanned the inside. Okay, what to wear today? I could go for a summer dress look with a big sun hat combo... No, the weather is a little misty and moist, might rain. Maybe wear a heavy jacket. No, it's still a little warm and the layers would suffocate me. I guess I'll just go for the simple t-shirt under a light wool sweater attire. After finally settling on what to wear for my walk with Dad, I went to the bathroom, quickly doing what people do in bathrooms and afterward put on my desired outfit. As I was about to exit out of the bathroom, I bumped into someone and that someone was a groggy Lyra with a bad case of bed mane... well, couch mane. "Hey, Lyra. How are you feeling?" I asked the recently awakened pony. "Wah. Huh?" She mumbled in response at first but after rubbing her eyes and a quick yawn, she now appears to be more aware of her surroundings. "Oh morning, Sweetie." "Sweetie?" I silently muttered in confusion. What's up with ponies giving me nicknames today. "Oh, sorry. I mean, Trixie." She corrected herself, feeling flustered and embarrassed by what she said to me. "I was just looking for the bathroom." "Well, you found hehe." I joke as I get out of her way while trying to hide my blush. " Be careful the water can take a bit to warm up." I receive a lazy nod from Lyra as she heads in and I go back to the living room where Jake is at the door looking around nervously while my dad finishes I assume second or third sandwich. "Okay once Lyra is ready we will head out." My Dad says with his mouth semi full. I go and put Jake on my back while we wait for Lyra. The wait isn't too long and the four of us finally head out while my Mom does some hotel stuff I think. Then again for all I know, Mom could just go back to bed or go ride the wild blue yonder while we are gone. Surprisingly not much is said for the most part as Jake is taking in the sights and sounds of the city, Lyra and my Dad are on the opposite sides of me, so I decide to be the one to break the reforming ice. "Hey, dad remember that one nightmare night when I put on fake cutie marks and Thestral wings to be a bat that transformed into a pony or what I called 'the bat-mare'." I will admit it's a tad embarrassing but it's one of my favorite memories with my parents, and I know it is one of my dads favorite as well. "How could I not that had to be the healthies nightmare nights ever." Dad and I start chuckling at the memory. "What happened?" Lyra inquired. "I went through the superhero phase that everypony goes through and I may have been a fan of bat-mare," I sheepishly confessed while brushing the back of my head. Jake suddenly joins the conversation. "If the costume that you described is anything like Batman's super suit, then I like it." Naturally me Lyra and Dad all look at Jake with questioning looks. "Who's this Bat...man, Jake?" Lyra asked, her voice became enthusiastic and raise a bit when she said 'man'. "He's like the most awesome and bestest superhero ever since he is like all pow and wham, he doesn't really have superpowers or magic but makes up for it with his superhuman physical abilities after years and years of training, and he has many sidekicks like Robin, Batgirl and... and..." Jake enthusiastically explained without taking a single break for air. He bounced on my back which did hurt a little but I couldn't stop him he was too adorable and excited talking about stuff from his homeworld. "He sounds very cool indeed." My Dad says with a chuckle. "So, what other superheroes from your old world are there?" I asked with some curiosity. My interest in superheroes begins to slowly creep out of my hearts and mind. Jake seems to ponder this for a moment before answering. "For example, there's the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Superman, Green Lantern, Miss Marvel, Supergirl and... and" Oh no, he's doing it again. "Wow, that is a lot of heroes," Lyra exclaimed clearly impressed, halting Jake's excessive blabbering about superhero names. In our minds, we felt relieved that she stopped him in time before he fainted from the lack of breathing. I had to admit that I was impressed as well. We continued to talk to Jake about some of his favorite heroes from both worlds for a little before we somehow got on the topic of bad movies and for the record, I actually enjoyed Bat-Mare versus the Power Ponies. Soon enough we make it the park. Jake soon hopes down and runs to the swings while Lyra, Dad, and I went to some nearby benches to watch over him and get some rest from the walk. "Oh, crap I forgot to take my medication today." I suddenly realized. "Oh, that sounds bad. But don't be too worried about that. Just take it easy and take them when we get home." Lyra calmly consulted me. "That depends when was the last time you took them?" My dad asks with a concerned look on his face.Come to think of it when was the last time I took the stuff about three days ago seems about right. "I think it was two maybe three days ago," I reply nervously. You can't blame me for forgetting a lot has happened in recent times. "One day is forgivable but Three Come on Trixie have some common sense." My dad says with disappointment in his voice. "Hey go easy on her. Trixie has been through a lot in the past few days." Lyra peps up. "You're right I'm sorry Trixie I have been stressed out as well the Hotel hit a bit of a rough patch because of the Wild Blue Yonder is due to be shut down soon and we need to find a replacement ride," Dad explained. Oh, so that's why Mom stayed behind. "Man, that Sucks how long does the old girl have?" I asked. Really hope the medicine thing doesn't bite me in the butt later. "Maybe five years ten if we are really lucky." " Well, that just means the next ride will just have to be even better." Lyra proclaims as she stands up on her back hooves. She then sees something. "Be right back I'm gonna get us something." She then books it. "She is a keeper alright." My dad jokes. "Yes, she is." I give a little chuckle. "Hey, dad I have a question." "What is it, my little Moonpie?" "Make that two." I huff a little at the name and the 'my little' addition. "The first one can you stop using that nickname?"He puts on a cheeky smile and shakes his head. " I thought so. The second question is how did you and Mom end up together?" "What brought this up?" He raises an eyebrow at me. "I wanna stay true to the Word of God but a part of me is telling me that I should join a herd and have a lot of foals," I answered. It may not seem like a big deal to you but it is to me. "Ah, I see well... When your mom and I first met it was under less than ideal conditions," He looked away and blushed in embarrassment. Dad decided that he would be the storyteller of this familiar tale since he was there and remembered all the details clearly. I remember some parts of it but I like to hear it every time. "What happened?" I casually asked "I was visiting Zebrica when I saw her raising Tartarus, or she what calls from her world 'Hell', about the wrong Humans or something to a local guide and the guide just left her because he was clearly done with her business" Dad and I both laughed a little. Mom's attitude was a little... complicated for anyone's first time meeting her. "She then followed him but I didn't for what was at the time obvious reasons." He scoffs for a moment."I didn't see her again for about two months when I went to Canterlot for a business meeting and I seen her on the streets begging. I will admit I was surprised to see her again I asked her why she was on the streets and she said she couldn't get a job because she wasn't a citizen because she hadn't done some program or something. I knew that it wasn't too hard to be a legal citizen but I asked what other choices she had." "What did she say?" I will admit, this is my first time hearing the story so I am a little excited. "She said she needed to either work for the false god or get married. " I can see it now Mom telling Princess Celestia to piss off and call her a blasphemous sun demon. Believe it or not, Mom has calmed down a lot with the righteous religious stuff, thanks to the help of my dad and some very patient psychiatrists. "So I asked her to marry me in exchange that she would give me a chance to get to know her better, and you know what she did?" "She said yes?" "Well yes, but she first slapped me in the face because getting to know her better where not my exact words." He shook his head for a hot second. "Sweet Celestia, I was an Idiot back then." "We all were idiots when we were young," Lyra says as she returns with four ice cream cones. Each one is Chocolate. "That's what growing up is all about." She then passes me and Dad a cone. "JAKE, COME GET SOME ICE CREAM!!!" She shouts right near my ear. "Ow, Lyra a little warning next time please?" I say as I try and get the ringing out of my head. "Oops, sorry Trixie, my bad." She looks sheepish for a moment. My retort was cut off by the sight of Jake holding his head and crying. "What happened Jake?! Are you alright?!" Lyra almost dropped the ice cream, hell I did drop mine as we went to help him. "I-I was pl-playing on the s-swing and this mean pony p-pushed me off and called me a freak." He hugged Lyra and cried into her chest. Lyra looked absolutely livid and I was just as mad. I'm sure my dad probably went to get some ice for Jake. "Trixie, why don't you take Jake back to the bench. I have some trash to take out." I nodded and put Jake on my back as Lyra went full momma bear mode. If its gonna be like anything at the hotel then its gonna be a show of force, one that might very well end with her in jail for a few days. So while Lyra does her thing I put Jake on the bench and take a look at his injuries. "Looks like it's only a little cut." I take a sigh of relief it could have been worse. "Jake How are you feeling?" He gives me a half shrug as he wipes the tears from his eyes. "You want your ice cream?" Again he gives me a half nod. "Okay, let's get you some ice cream." I see my dad return with the ice pack. "I think when Lyra gets back we should go home." "Agreed, I forget how racist some of the outs of town ponies can be." My dad puts the ice on Jakes' head and I go grab him a new ice cream cone.