The party is in full swing!
Everything is decorated! Music blares everywhere! Everypony is enjoying the unexpected festivity!
Again, they seem not to have any worries. Problems seem not to exist... It is a happy land!..
I stroll amongst the guests. All of them engage in fun activities: they eat some delicious treats, drink some delicious drinks, then go have some fun playing games Pinkie Pie has prepared!..
Friends stick together. But some prefer to take a walk alone. They may return. For example, Fluttershy is not enjoying this much -- yet she's participated in some games alongside her friends, and then she's gone to some less crowded corners. Trying to remain unnoticed, she sips a drink and nibbles on a cookie. Rainbow Dash emerges from the crowd and tells her excitedly about yet another activity. Reluctantly Fluttershy, a cookie in one hoof and a glass clenched between her teeth, follows the mare. It is not to say she will not enjoy whatever it is. But ponies... make her nervous.
...For some reason it pains me. Again, her kindness knows no limits! It hurts her, but she's not reclusive. Because she loves her friends...
Why is friendship magic? I've asked Twilight Sparkle about it... Well... She's even more unsuppressible, than Pinkie Pie! It is, as though no question is left unanalysed, unresearched, unpondered for weeks or even months; it is not left without compiling a personal opinion on the matter, backed up with references to a good thousand wise ponies, each of whom has his own, different opinion on the researched matter and defends such opinion with more vigour Pinkie Pie herself has ever put into anything!
...My head spins, when I ask her about anything, even as simple, as what she eats for breakfast. My answer would be as simple: I eat stuff I can get. It is simple, is it not? Of course I could expand it: "whenever I can't get any stuff, I transform my Energy". Of course even then I could expand further, explaining about the nature of the Energy... However that would not be the original question.
When I asked that question of Twilight Sparkle -- "what do you eat for breakfast" -- she told me.
...Yet I could not conceive it. Apparently, it was... a... very complex... potion?.. I could not tell... I don't think I could have told, even if sentenced to death!
It is, as though she is a walking encyclopaedia! She contains knowledge about everything! And yet it is so very hard to extract that knowledge...
I can't simply deal with her! Has anypony ever cleaned her mind up?
...Apparently, she does it all by herself: when I had asked her about it, she... burst with excitement?.. Yes, that's what it was. And... since then I'd not heard from her... She must have sunk deep in her thoughts... no doubt cataloguing them, indexing them and cross-referencing them. It was, as Rainbow Dash has said: she's a bookworm pony!
What can I say?.. I had to tear her out... Not to say it was an easy task... N-n-nope.
So I decided I'd become more concrete. I asked her, if she knew anything about the spell I was tasked to steal. She knew nothing of that. Nonetheless, when I had asked her my next question -- "where can I get information on how the government is protected and on how to get additional information sources", -- she all but exploded...
She seemed not to know anything about the government's security system -- but, Sun, did she know everything about archives!..
It seems, if I went to there and -- I can't but shiver... -- researched the subject, then, who knows, I might get my hooves on the spell's whereabouts... and, maybe, even on how to get to it.
...That'll be then. Now. The party.
It must be said, Twilight Sparkle is not called a princess for nothing: as I move from one place to another, the ponies regard me with respect. She is important. At least her being a princess entitles her to that. She did not choose to be a princess... Then again, what is it she does as one?
It seems to be as good a time to ask of it:
"Tell me, Twilight Sparkle: does being a princess not require responsibility?"
Her answer is:
"No, being a princess means ruling a land, and ruling one is not so easy. It is a task worth approaching, but performing it the right way is ever so more important, than any other task of a lesser degree of complexity! As it is known, any land has resources, and one has to use them. One pony can do it relatively easily, but, when many ponies use such resources simultaneously!.. It is not easy to organise them!"
I remind her she's gotten carried away.
"Oh, y-yeah, s-so... Uh... Only one with great organisational skills can do it! And... such a pony may become a princess. Which I've become, because I am very organised!"
Alright, this is enough garbage data for this hour.
"So, -- I clarify my thought, -- if being a princess requires responsibility, you are responsible for... something. You must be, are you not?"
"Yes, I am", -- she answers, surprisingly simply.
"So what is it you are responsible for, if you've become a princess because of being responsible for that?"
"As a princess I have a task to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria!"
Alright, what is going on with friendship being magic?!
"It all started, when I was not a princess yet... I had no friends back then... It is hard to believe now! -- I swear I've heard a chuckle from her! -- I was researching the legend of the Nightmare Moon..."
Wait a second. Haven't I heard it before?
"...I was sent to Poniville to supervise the preparations for the Summer sun celebration..."
Yes, I do recall it.
I interrupt her and share with her the story Pinkie Pie told me. Before she's gotten into the pleasant memories of the good old times, I ask her firmly:
"Is friendship magic? If it is, why is it? If it's not, then why does everypony I've heard keep repeating friendship is magic?"
Seriously, I must resolve this!
"But... of course friendship is magic! -- she exclaims. -- If it were not... Well, then how did we defeat Nightmare Moon?!"
"This is what I understand neither, -- I muse. -- Indeed, why had it worked?"
The following time slices are spent to the explanation of how it had worked. Basically, as I've said before, there is a link between two friends, and each one of them is bound to his friend -- as well as bound to respond emotionally. Again, forgive me this pun, but it is just too convenient as to remember friendship's nature. In any case, Twilight Sparkle has told me the emotions arising within one friend toward the other friend are ignited -- similarly to a spark. I quote: "The spark ignited inside me, when I realized, that you all... are my friends! [...] ...when those Elements are ignited by the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of... magic!"
So, as it may be inferred, the "magic of friendship" is merely the magic "ignited" by the four elements of friendship -- the six Elements Of Harmony minus the Elements of magic and of laughter... And this is mysterious, because I, as a Hunter, see nothing magical in feeling love toward one's friend... Where is the magic here?..
I stop Twilight Sparkle, before she conducts a lecture on the subject "Where is the magic in friendship?" for Friendships course to some university students -- among which I don't even belong. I do promise her, however, that I would like to discuss the matter more lately. This, gentleponies, leaves her giddy for the rest of the day, until I lie to sleep and to converse with her in a dream.
It is not to say, that I can weave dreams -- but I have always been a bit curious of various kinds of magic there are... I may resemble Twilight Sparkle in this regard, don't I? Anyway, be it known to you, that everywhere magicians are there is dividing the magic into light and dark -- or into white and black. The terminology is not always consistent: I have heard folks refer to "dark magic", and yet it is so rarely heard of "light magic"; however some have mentioned "white magic", which may lead to believe there must be "black" one as well.
It may be, however -- I do believe, -- that there are only dark and not-so-dark types of magic. Let me stick to terminology of my own -- there seems not to be any consistent one -- and divide the magic into "dark" and "grey".
So, with it settled, the magic may be divided into these two kinds thereof, and they differ only in how the society treats them. Certain practices compose the "dark magic", while others do the "grey" one. Dark magic is supposed to be evil, while the grey one is not. Dark magic is illegal, the grey... you've guessed it.
As I've said, I've always been curious about magic -- and dark magic hasn't been an exception. My folks practise kinds of dark magic. However let it not be thought of us as of evil, Sun forbid! No. There is a school, where dark magic is taught -- it is not to raise criminals! It is not taught there, how to be bad or evil -- rather they teach various kinds of techniques too dangerous for everypony to use. Only some are allowed to know them -- and for a good reason. Imagine, what would happen, if mind control were introduced! Disastrous, would it not be?
So dark magic is very dangerous -- but it is useful. For example, they teach there, how to read minds, to control persons, to corrupt souls, to corrupt memories, to trap minds (recall my cloaking wristlet!) -- and these are only some of the techniques, and they only deal with mind and soul, yet there are much more! Magic can be applied in so many ways!..
I have not excelled in such magic -- but I can screw a bit with one's mind. As a spy, however, I've never gotten to practise it; in fact, I have never used it in real-life conditions.
The chance is mine now. I have a soul trapped inside the wristlet. The wristlet can help me. A lot! It'll take a lot from me, however, to perform the mind-screw right.
Oh, I have not mentioned it yet. Twilight Sparkle so happens to possess some great knowledge of magic -- of various kinds! She's memorised a lot of spells. Along with being a walking encyclopaedia she is a walking spell-book as well! It may come in handy, as her knowledge may serve me!..
Speaking of walking encyclopaedias: I've got a question! What is Twilight Sparkle responsible for, as a princess? The answer has eluded me: she spreads magic; but is it really magic? Apparently, it is, but why? The only explanation I've got is, that friendship ignites some special magic; but then why is it regarded by some as magic? It is only an emotional response, isn't it? And... this is to be discussed later.
Oh. I'm stuck here! So much to sort out!
...Eh. I've got still to find some Energy sources. Might as well consider settling in...
"...Twi-i-i-i-ili-i-i-i-ight!!!" -- I hear a shrill scream.
Oh. It's Pinkie Pie again!
"Twilight! -- she's screaming, as if I didn't hear her. -- Come go play!"
Excuse me? "Come go play"?
"Pinkie, -- I start, -- what does it even mean?"
"Oh, why bother?! -- she's screaming still. -- I say, come go play! We're all there! See?"
She points me to where a group of ponies is playing a game. I shrug. A party is a party, no?
As we move thitherwards, I can't help myself but ask her again:
"Um... So... do you mind explaining me your phrase?"
"Oh? What phrase?" -- she asks innocently.
"You said, -- I reply, -- "come go play", which we are doing right now. I... just..."
"Oh, -- she giggles. -- Twilight! It doesn't matter. We are going to play, so..." -- she shrugs.
Yet I feel myself itchy, and it's as if I can't scratch that itch away, if I don't make it clear:
"Pinkie, plea-ea-a-ea-a-ease!" -- I beg.
She is most amused, I can tell!
"Well, -- she condescends with a smile, -- you see? "Come play with me" means?.."
Somewhat puzzled, I reply nonetheless:
""Come"... -- I pause, as I search for an explanation. -- Well... It means... It's just an invitation to join the game?"
"Yes; well, how do you reword it, Twilight!" -- her smile never leaves.
I frown in concentration:
""I... invite you to... play with me"?.." -- I attempt feebly.
Pinkie Pie sighs and shakes her head, lowering it:
"No, it means "come to me, so we may play together". That's what "come play with me" means. Understand?"
"No, -- I reply flatly. -- But I see your point. Does it mean, -- I conclude, -- "come go play" means "come, so we may go play"?"
Pinkie Pie sighs once again:
"Let us resume the lesson: what does "go play with them" mean?"
"Pinkie, please! -- I am about to lose my patience. -- This is just plain... MEAN! -- I almost scream, but remember myself. -- You know me: I shan't sleep, if I don't know the meaning of this! And if I don't sleep!.. Well, you know, what happens, when ponies don't sleep!"
Here I almost literally bite my tongue in order not to commence listing the effects of undersleeping, all provided with scientific background (in a form of an encyclopaedia dedicated entirely to the subject), referenced at least by four academic ponies and given as an example at least in three scientific journals... Someone, please! This disguise is impossible to enact!
"Anyway! -- I return myself forcibly to the matter at hoof. -- It is obvious, Pinkie, I can't follow your train of thought!" -- I complain.
"Why?? -- she is incredulous sincerely. -- The train only goes where the tracks are laid! Duh, any pony knows that!"
"No, Pin... kie... -- I realise suddenly she's misunderstood me. -- Pinkie!.. I... No, Pinkie, not that train! Urgh, Pinkie!" -- and I stomp my hoof.
"Oh... -- she utters. -- OK, then! Um... So, anyway, since you can't figure it out, here you go: "go play with them" means merely "go to them as to play with them". See?"
"Alright... -- I dare not argue that logic. -- So? How do you explain "come go play"?"
She stares at me with amusement, as if not comprehending my supposed density:
"Seriously, Twilight! Use your head! Alright, so: "go play" translates into "go over there as to play"... A-a-and... "come play" translates into "come alongside me, so we may play"! Therefore-e-e-e?.." Before I open my mouth, she leaves me no chance: "Right! "Come go play" means merely "come alongside me, so we may go over there as to have fun"!" She beams at me.
But I'm confused:
"Is it not supposed to mean: "come alongside me, so we may go over there as to play"?"
"Oh, Twilight! -- she bursts with frustration. -- Seriously! Come on! You can do better, than that!"
Have I missed something in the Logic class? And when have I ever attended one? Twilight Sparkle may have??..
But, come to think of it... there... is logic to it all... It is just... so... intuitive! They say, only Pinkie Pie can do that. But, maybe, I could do it too?.. Wait, why would I want to try it?
"Never mind, Pinkie, -- I say. -- Of course".
"No, seriously, Twilight, haven't you ever gone to college??"
Twilight Sparkle, have you?
"No", -- she answers to me, and I repeat that after her out loud.
"Oh, -- Pinkie Pie blinks. -- Well, that explains everything!"
Wait, what?
"What? Do they teach that in colleges?" -- I ask.
"Why would you ask me, Twilight? -- she answers with a question, rather surprised. -- Do I look like a pony, who's been to a college?"
"But... of course! -- I answer, rather perplexed. -- You must have!"
"Twilight... -- she starts, then pauses, as if she doesn't know, how to go on. -- I don't think you've ever attended Logic".
Oh, for the warmth of Sun!..
"In the name of Celestia! -- I exclaim. -- Pinkie! Oh, wait! Are you screwing with my mind?"
"Do I look, like I... Oh... No. End of conversation!" -- she declares resolutely and strides firmly toward our destination.
But I don't think I can rest well, if I don't understand her completely.
...But I manage to shut my mouth up: I can do it! Twilight Sparkle may not understand Pinkie Pie, but I... I was in her head... well, technically she was in mine, but it's all the same, since we were opened each to other and shared our thoughts... So, I was in her head, and I remember her way of thinking. She is childish -- but stupid in no way! Where it comes to logic...
Well... I think, I know what it's all about...
She thinks too spontaneously. No relation between any two adjacent sentences is guaranteed. So, when she speaks, it is not necessarily, that she uses the principle of the cause and effect. Also some logical steps in her thinking do not get voiced. I remember it: so many thoughts! At once! And only one reaches her mouth. So it is no wonder Pinkie Pie's logic eludes the ponies.
I keep it in mind, so I can show it to Twilight Sparkle later. Meanwhile, however...
We have arrived.
"Alright, Twilight! -- screams Pinkie Pie. -- Give it your best!"
This party is a blast!
I am tired...
Partying is... surprisingly hard! Who knew!
I have found a room to rest in. When Fluttershy had picked me up as Pinkie Pie, we came into the Castle Of Friendship, the very castle I'd been trying to reach as Fluttershy! Go figure. So, this is the Castle.
It is huge! It only seems small, yet there are so many rooms, corridors, halls, twists and turns; don't forget the stairs! Who planned this castle's architectural design, anyway?!
Twilight told me about its origin: when she'd become a princess, she used to live in the "Golden Oaks" library, which stood at this place, but she had found some Tree Of Harmony, which, apparently, had been fending Equestria from dangers (huh, interesting), and it'd been dying, so the Elements Of Harmony's wielders had set out to help it... It is a long story, really! And very interesting, at that! But, well, details aside, they had helped the Tree, and it had grown a chest, locked with six locks. Some time later six keys opening the locks had been found, the chest had defeated a foe (yet another), and then it had given the castle (because the aforementioned foe had destroyed the library). It was then, that Twilight Sparkle realised her destiny in having become a princess -- to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria -- and settled in the Castle.
Hm-m-m... Whoever built the Castle was, no doubt, a great engineer. Not only had he made a spell to build it, but he had seemingly tested it a time too many, so it did not generate accidentally something undesirable! It is commendable!..
Ah, it is unbearable to wait to speak to Twilight Sparkle! She knows so much! I hope, I may have enough time for preparing a report on everything she knows!..
Well, I need a plan... Unfortunately, I had better not keep it open to a foreigner's eye...
Someone bursts in:
"Twilight!!!" It's Pinkie Pie. "I've been searching for you everywhere!"
"What is it, Pinkie?" -- I ask, concerned.
"A pony's gone missing from the party!"
Alert!
I get up:
"Is it known, who the pony is?" -- the investigation must start!..
"It's you, silly!" -- and Pinkie Pie's voice changes from worried to cheerful.
...Alert... aborted...
She giggles:
"Come, Twilight! The party can't go on without you!"
"I suppose, it can, actually", -- answer I.
"No! It can't!"
"Isn't it going on right now?" -- I ask.
"Oh, yeah! -- she exclaims excitedly. -- You have GOT to be there!"
"Then, Pinkie, -- and I can't help my smile appearing, getting wider, the more I try to keep it tamed, -- the party's being going on is the proof, that it can indeed go on without me!"
...That face, though! Haven't I told and been telling you Pinkie Pie is childish beyond comprehension?! Just look at her face! There's a mix of annoyance and impatience, and yet of elation all at the same time!
"Gaargh, Twilight! -- she might as well fume. -- Why have you got to be so downright stubborn?!!"
She hops in place, as if of impatience, with a pleading look on her face.
I giggle:
"Now, Pinkie. Come on! Calm down! Besides: partying is hard, is it not?"
"What?? -- she stops hopping. -- No way! The funnier it is, the easier it gets!"
"I'm tired, Pinkie", -- I tell her, naturally in a tired voice. I am not feigning: I am indeed very tired!
It tones her excitement down:
"Oh... Bummer!.."
It... pains me to see her disheartened, for some reason... But why?..
Suddenly I recall this pain. This is the same one I felt, while observing Fluttershy... It pained her to feel ponies' looks directed at her... And yet for her friends...
Now what? The same story repeating itself, now with Pinkie Pie?
I can't help my wondering: is friendship really that painful? Why do they even call it a wonderful thing, if making friends just leads to pain?.. It hurts, does it not?.. Maybe, if I went through without caring about anyone, I should not have to feel badly, should I? After all, caring means sharing... and Hunters don't share what they have got.
So must I really do this? Must I be honest with them, kind to them, generous or loyal? Why must I care? It only leaves me empty every time I try to stay full!
I have to assume, being friends is a great responsibility. It's got to be! Doesn't one care about the beast one's tamed? Why even tame, if not to take care of it? Why to befriend, if not to entertain?..
Hm-m-m... Laughter... Entertainment may lead to Laughter, may it not?
Of course! Pinkie Pie keeps her friends entertained and doesn't let them be bored! Taming leads to taking care, and befriending leads to entertaining one's friends! So no friendship may be there, if one upon having befriended gets bored of his friends.
Hm-m-m... The feeling of love toward someone... It is a lot to give, is it not? Still: it is a price to pay for having tamed. If you befriend -- then love your friends and entertain them, for it is your duty.
And Pinkie Pie's friends remind her of her duty. This, surprisingly, makes her a good friend! For, even if she can't be a good friend by definition, she can have good friends. She is not bound to reciprocate -- but, having befriended, she's got responsibility! She must entertain her friends -- as if she had to take care of a tamed beast! And if she's "tamed" her friends, she's got to love them!
Can it really be it?? Laughter, making her entertain, kindles the feeling of love that defines a good friend!
Maybe, Laughter is an Element Of Friendship after all?..
...I call Pinkie Pie, before she's left:
"Wait, Pinkie".
She stops and turns toward me:
"Huh? What?"
I do not move, as not to lead her to believe I will return to the party.
"Come closer", -- I say.
Confused, she moves back toward me.
When I can, I hug her.
She seems shocked, even stiffens up a bit. Indeed: why am I hugging her? However she accepts it and doesn't break it.
I start:
"You are a good friend, Pinkie".
"Yes... I know, -- she says to me. -- You've told me that already".
"You have a heart -- as has everypony -- yet you are special. Pinkie... -- and I look her in her eyes. -- You are Laughter!"
She blinks.
...Then she bursts out laughing:
"Ha-ha, duh, ha-ha! Of... of co-ho-hourse I am, ha-ha!" She takes a second to restore her speech. "Not a big discovery, Twily!" She grins at me, eyes sparkling.
"Were you not Laughter, Pinkie, -- I tell her, unable to resist a smile, -- you'd not have responsibility to reciprocate!"
She frowns slightly in confusion:
"Huh?" I answer nothing. "What do you mean, Twilight?"
"I am your friend, aren't I?" -- I ask.
"Oh, duh!" -- that was the biggest "duh" I've ever heard from her yet. She hugs me more tightly.
"OK, then that means I love you", -- I resume.
She blinks again a couple of times. I feel her stiffen up.
"Um... -- she hums. -- Alright... Er-r-r... Wow! Aw-w-wkwa-a-ard!" -- and she grins nervously, disturbed.
Pretending not to have noticed it, I proceed:
"This is the love a true friend feels toward his befriender -- if not toward his mutual friend..."
"Oh-h-h-h! -- interrupts she me. -- I ge-e-et it!.." -- and she sighs in relief, visibly relaxing: "Phew!" She even wipes her brow of the inexistent sweat. "You really had me going there, Twi! Can't you word your thoughts more carefully, huh? -- she asks, a bit peeved. -- They stuff our lives with impossible love, -- she makes quotation marks with her hooves, -- too often nowadays! It is really sickening! To the point of "bleh"!"
This elicits a chuckle from me, though I can't still understand what it is she's going on about... Who stuffs our lives?..
"OK. So. A friend loves his befriender..."
"What, if the friend is a she?" -- she interrupts me again...
"It doesn't matter, Pinkie!"
"Well, then the befriender is "hers", not "his"!"
"Of course! Now, Pinkie... Erm... So. A friend loves his -- or her -- befriender respectively, -- I press. -- Happy now?"
"Yup!" -- she answers cheerfully.
"Alright... Let us proceed..." -- I say, clenching my teeth, pretending to be angry.
She only nods vigorously, her smile pertaining.
"A friend loves his befr..."
"And if the friend is a... she?.." -- she trails off in embarrassment.
"Anyway, -- I proceed, quite annoyed by now, -- the friend loves the befriender, who's befriended the friend!.. The befriender is not bound to reciprocate!.."
I stop myself, because I have noticed I'm shouting. I breathe: Twilight Sparkle has just advised this to me, because it helps her. Indeed, it does. Although I can do even without it: I can just shut my emotions down...
"The befriender is not bound to reciprocate, -- resume I calmly, -- however he is responsible for his friend. He must do the least he can: entertain his friend, so he not get bored. You see, when the befriender doesn't care about his friend, the feeling of love dies down. And without such feeling the friend is a friend no more".
Pinkie Pie only gasps silently, careful not to interrupt me.
"You, Pinkie Pie... You befriend ponies easily. You invoke that feeling of love friends feel..." I pause shortly; Pinkie Pie is blushing of praise, smiling bashfully. "You had befriended me, thus invoking this... feeling!.. You were the befriender, and I was your friend!"
Here I stop shortly again for the culmination:
"So it was your responsibility to keep the friendship ignited! To keep me entertained around you!.. And Laughter -- is most surely the way to do it, Pinkie!"
I smile toward her.
She feels happiness... She's ready to burst in tears -- happy ones.
She secures me in her hug tightly.
"T... Twilight... -- she cries. -- Y... you have... no idea!.. how... much... down!.. I felt!.. W-when I... th-thought... that... L-Laughter!.."
"Oh, I know, Pinkie", -- I console her with my strokes on her back.
We share a moment, but then another short creature, unlike a pony, enters.
"Oh! Here you are, Twilight!.. Oh! What's with Pinkie?!" -- he asks worriedly.
"I've said to her Laughter is the Element Of Friendship!" -- I report.
"Huh. Turns out it is?" -- he muses.
"It is actually what makes Pinkie a good friend!" -- I add excitedly. She sobs -- so sentimental she's gotten!
"No way!.. I... I mean... Of course!" -- he corrects himself.
"In a weird way it makes her responsible for friends she makes, thus igniting the spark of friendship in her as well, as she ignites it in them!" -- I summarise. Huh, maybe, I can understand friendship after all!
That creature from before was Spike. He was a dragon, which surprised me, for never in my life had I dealt with dragons! Twilight Sparkle had hatched him herself, when she'd only been an examination away from getting into a school -- no ordinary school, mind you! Let me just say, that since then they were inseparable: Spike had become Twilight Sparkle's "number one assistant", as Twilight called him proudly.
He's lived with her in Canterlot, where Twilight Sparkle is from (I am lucky, though!), then in Poniville's library -- and now he lives with her in the Castle Of Friendship. He does everything Twilight Sparkle request of him.
I didn't know what to call this relationship... Master/slave? Master/pet? What were their responsibilities each toward other?
I consulted Twilight Sparkle... No, I'd just leave it for later... If only I had had something to help me to remember all of what I wanted to!
...No sooner did I think of it, than some response kindled in Spike. I didn't suppose he was a Hunter himself, was he?..
"What do you need, Twilight?" -- he asked me, in precision having guessed my intent.
"I wish not to forget certain important things..." -- I had barely finished answering, and Spike had already zipped off.
Not a second passed -- I had barely blinked -- and he was back with a scroll and a quill:
"Ready to take a note!" -- he saluted.
I blinked. Not just barely that time, but actually.
"How... fast of you, Spike!.." -- I was impressed. What magic did he possess? "Alright. Let me have it", -- and I reached for the equipment, releasing the still sobbing Pinkie Pie. "Just... take her to Fluttershy, -- I ordered him. -- She'll console her".
"What's... happened to her?" -- he asked.
"She's... just very happy... but emotionally unstable, -- I concluded. -- She was very sad before... It had shocked her... Yes... Despair had flooded her... The world had crumbled..."
"Um... Twi?.. -- he asked unsurely. -- How... do you know all of this?"
I fell into silence. He continued:
"I have never... heard you speculate... like a psychologist! You... are really different... That's weird. I mean, I should have noticed it, if you learnt to be a psychologist!.. But only before the party you acted as if you'd never before studied psychology!.. Like... never in my life have I witnessed you to have learnt... stuff, like, that fast!"
"If... if you... g-guess it right why... -- my voice trembled, though not of fear, for I did not fear, but of nervousness, for even Hunters can be struck with it and shake of it. -- Then... Hm-m-m... Then... you m-may... get... a... cookie?"
"A gem would be nice", -- he demanded immediately.
"So a gem be it! -- I exclaimed. -- Now go!"
"What about the leaving guests?"
"Oh, right..."
We left and went back to the party. I remember, that I took the scroll, the quill and the inkwell Spike had brought as well -- with me. Yes, it was not so handy: the inkwell in one hoof, the scroll and the quill in my mouth...
That was when Spike asked me:
"Um, Twilight?.. What... are you doing?.. Is your magic weakened?"
Oh. I consulted Twilight Sparkle...
...And discovered, that not only did she know a lot of magic, not only had she great capacity -- but she was skilled in magic as well!
It is really impossible to talk to Twilight Sparkle! Indeed! It is hard to get information from her! I was close to a failure!..
I asked of Twilight Sparkle to assist me: to hold the objects with her magic. And she did so.
Then I asked her to record my thoughts...
And we had, by far, the weirdest conversation: I thought some thoughts, and she scribbled them down; then she wrote her answer, and I read it. It allowed me not to chat with her in my head, but instead to stay focused on my surroundings. Chatting that way, I and Spike reached the party; he had already managed to have a good dozen of guesses as to why I had changed. None was even close. If only he had known... But he didn't.
I bid a farewell to the leaving guests, then was about to venture back and to chat with Twilight Sparkle further... But then Pinkie Pie, deciding it was a good time to stop being so emotional, pulled me to join the fun again...
And so I stood absent-mindedly, "chatting" with Twilight Sparkle, smiling and waving at some ponies; occasionally strolling that way or another, nibbling on food and sipping drinks...
I must have been a very dull host -- but the party was about to be over anyway. I don't think anypony had noticed it...
Suffice it to say, what a great talk I and Twilight Sparkle had!
Whatever it was I had not discussed with her! We talked about events past and events present, about what had happened and what was going on, about the ponies she knew, the places she'd visited, the current tasks, the deeds they'd all done, the way it had been!.. The only thing missing was the tools they'd used to do the deeds in those places as to complete their tasks the way they'd completed at all those times!
No, I should not need to talk to her in dreams. In fact, I did not think we should get a chance to sleep at all!..
The party is not over yet; but it's evening already; Sun is setting and painting whatever his rays are laid upon orange, and his light is dimming. Twilight descends slowly on everything. All the shadows have grown considerably long.
How curious, I think. Yesterday I saw a sunset like this. In Fluttershy's house. I was waiting for an opportunity to suck her in and to disguise as her. Which I did. Then I slept. The morning came, today's morning... This day I have been Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle. Three ponies in one day! All went wrong, when Pinkie Pie appeared: I did not intend to target her, Sun as my witness! I was on my way hither, to the Castle Of Friendship, seeking Twilight Sparkle. She was a princess. She might know the government's insides.
But I have made acquaintances with three ponies, all friends each with other; I have known them for a day -- and yet feel them to be closer to me, than anycreature else... One -- kind and compassionate, the other one -- happy, energetic and childlike, and the third one -- passionate, curious, sharp-minded and pleasant to chat with!
...I don't think I can explain it... Can't explain what's... happening to me. As a Hunter I can't be compassionate: it would burn me slowly, yet steadily. I must have repeated this quite some times, haven't I?
But then... how?.. How is it, that I... consider them... something more, than just... some prey? Why is it, that I shall not forget them easily?.. Why is it so?..
Even though I know I can't live like this. They may feel toward me what they may -- I am the Spy, I am alien to them. I am not to be trusted, I've said; I am incapable of emotional support... I just can't be there for my "friends"! The only one I might relate to should be Pinkie Pie: she can make friends very easily, for they love her for her cheerful personality... And it is not to say I am cheerful! Rather: I can be anyone! I have many faces and can play many roles...
But... there is one thing. We both are responsible for what we do: she cares about her friends... And I? Do I? I don't think I do.
Yet I recall incidents, where I was... inexplicably... thoughtful!.. I was kind enough not to kill that weak Hunter... I saw him to Fluttershy's... And then I... supported Fluttershy... Why? What made me do so?
I don't think I can tell...
"Would you mind me keeping you company, Your Highness?"
I'm startled: I must have phased out. Who is it?
...The pony from before. Roach Coach. The weak Hunter!
...Not even batting an eye, I invoke Twilight Sparkle inside me:
"Oh, hello! It is nice to meet you!" -- and I smile toward him.
He behaves as sweetly... but he can't hide it. Derisiveness is radiated from him. He is amused by something about me... By what?
"It must feel really great to have such wonderful friends, does it not?" -- he asks. Being a Hunter, I sense the hidden intent behind his words.
He implies I have befriended them. True, but they haven't -- me.
"Oh, but of course! The love I feel toward them!.. -- I exclaim and shut my eyes dreamily, then open them. -- Have you any friends? I know much about friendship! But it's not really about knowledge, you know. Practice makes perfection -- and friendship!"
This all is not what I mean. But this is: "I have learnt by far more about friendship, than you. I of all have to know making friends is not enough to be their friend".
He answers:
"Why, I have not so much friends, as you, Your Highness, -- he bows. -- But, I think, I may have made one new today!" -- and he smiles. He seems happy about it.
Of course he only seems happy. He thinks: "They care about you. And you care about them... don't you?"
I keep the charade up:
"Oh, this is great! May I know whom?" ("You seem to be the one, who can actually feel here, are you not?")
"Yes, of course, Your Highness, -- another bow. -- One Fluttershy, a very kind and overall sweet mare". ("Well... yes... And what about you? Do you think still I am of the... weak?..")
"Wonderful! Do you two get along?" -- I ask with a smile. ("As long, as you are so called "passive" -- yes".)
"You won't believe it, Your Highness! -- he perks up. -- (He-hee! That's plain STUPID!) We both have a knack for animals... (You can't help your feeling!) although my speciality is taming and training cockroaches... while she is... good at all kinds of animals... This is no issue, though! (You may not be of prey yet... But I see it! You're going a dark path!..)"
"Huh. It is good to know. By the way -- oh, how can I have forgotten! -- what is your name?" ("And this is the reason you're making fun of me now, is it not?..")
"Of course, Your Highness. Allow me to introduce myself: Roach Coach", -- he bows in a greeting. ("Must I always have a reason for everything?")
"My pleasure to have met you, Roach Coach!" ("You do not feed on misery. This is, after all, why you are "passive". There is no harm to me in your words".)
I extend my hoof: (I assume a stance:)
"My name is Twilight Sparkle -- you must know it, silly me!" ("I, however...")
...And strike him.
I am full with positivity. I invoke hatred in my core... I direct that hatred toward the weakling.
He feels unsure about shaking my hoof in response. ("What... is the meaning of this??!" -- he shrieks.)
"Come now, don't be shy", -- I encourage him. (I merely continue hating him. It does me no good, for it burns my positivity into negativity, which cannot be replaced with my target's positivity -- for I am not tickling him.)
He seems nervous. (He's burning. This time I do not intend on leaving him alive...)
He gives my hoof a quick shake, mumbles something about it getting late -- and retreats hastily.
Victory! Team "Strong" wins!
This has been fun! May we play again later?
No? Alright.
"So long, and thanks for the games, then!" -- I shout in his steps.
"Oh... Wait! Roach Coach!" -- I hear someone calling.
Fluttershy.
He screeches to a halt. With a literal screech. Turns backwards.
His face lights up. But why?
"Oh, howdy, Fluttershy!" -- he greets her and steps toward her.
"Why are you running away? -- asks Fluttershy. -- Have you made an acquaintance with Twilight already?"
"Oh... It's late, you see... I am best leaving the party. Nice one, I must commend!.. But it's really, really late!"
"Oh, don't be shy! -- she smiles. -- She is my friend!"
"I must say, -- he notes, and spite enters his voice, -- be careful whom you befriend!"
It shocks her. And I am surprised: is he going to do what, I think, he is? Uh-oh!..
"You had better not, -- I transmit. -- Sparing your life is not guaranteed".
Meanwhile Fluttershy stutters:
"W... w-why, Roach Coach? Why?.." -- she's about to cry.
"For a reason, Fluttershy, -- he answers. -- Her Highness dislikes me! For what? And, most importantly, why?!"
Fluttershy looks at me. She is expecting I say something... She wishes for words to give her hope.
Yes: having friends is responsibility. Most importantly, it requires sharing. Not in the sense of sharing items -- in the sense of caring: for it means sharing positivity one has.
I am a bad friend -- but I am also better off having none at all! All they do is slowing me down!
But Twilight Sparkle may lead me closer to the spell... She is of royalty, after all... She may have access...
If I had many Energy sources!.. But I must work sneakily. Why doesn't Twilight Sparkle help me?!
I break the silence and speak:
"Fluttershy... Please, tell me honestly. Are you two friends, if not something more?"
For some reason Fluttershy blushes upon contemplating my question:
"M... maybe... Well, I mean... He is sweet!.." -- she smiles in embarrassment, though what is it she's so embarrassed about? "He's got a knack for cockroaches... M-many talks to share!.. Y-yeah... Um..."
That feeling... There's love in her heart, is it not?!
He is distant -- but she loves him! This is terrible!
As with many kinds of the Energy, there are many kinds of love. Love is positive, and yet it is the weirdest kind of positivity! Love can be shared! Even by Hunters!
That's not to say many will. Some weak Hunters are known to feed on love -- but, as there are many kinds of it, so there are many kinds of Hunters to feed on love.
This one, for example, Roach Coach, is one to feed on love for a possible spouse. This is not the love one feels for his brother or sister, his father or mother. Nor is it the love one feels for his friend. It's the kind of love they feel for someone not so close, someone not deserving to be loved -- but loved anyway. This is how families begin.
Some weak Hunters, however, get their positivity from those loving them, and they are despised. Again, Energy conversion: apparently, the love suckers do not suck love itself, but rather the very life energy. That's how they get their positivity: on the expense of others. And this is why they are despicable.
No, I get it: every Hunter feeds on prey. Some, however, feed on their fellow Hunters... We are no prey! We have got pride, you know.
This one is feeding off of her. Off of Fluttershy. I sense her love -- apparently, she considers him more, than a friend, -- and it is directed at Roach Coach. He, on the other hoof, does not sense it -- like me, -- rather he feels her love. He is emotionally responsive, and he can't help it. He can't shut his emotions down. He is like the prey.
With one small difference: he can initiate Energy transferral, if the prey establishes a connection. Though, strictly speaking, he cannot "initiate" -- but he can transform one specific kind of love to his positivity, again, on the expense of others.
So I observe the following: Fluttershy's love is replenishing Roach Coach's positivity and, instead of dying down, seems only stronger, the longer she experiences it. This is, however, unhealthy: her life energy is running out...
Of course it's not, as if she'd die of it in the next few minutes. It'd be even better, if Roach Coach loved her back. That, however, would mean sharing his positivity he'd gained. And Hunters, weak or strong, don't share.
"Well, -- I speak up finally, -- it's all as he's said himself: be careful whom you befriend".
"No, -- thinks Roach Coach, -- you dare not..."
Fluttershy is confused -- and somewhat peeved with my words.
"You see, Fluttershy, -- I go on, -- not everypony is who they seem to be. There are spies amongst us..."
Some recollection flashes in Fluttershy's eyes -- I can tell that.
"What? -- she asks, as if she'd misheard. -- Have you said "spies"?"
"Yes. Why?" -- I ask, as if I didn't know that.
"Well... I don't actually think Roach Coach is a spy... I don't get, why you two can't get along... But, before you had decided to throw a party... Pinkie Pie told me... Um..."
"Ye-e-es?" -- I am curious. As if.
"Uh... Well, as far, as I recall... she said... -- she tries to recall. -- ...something similar".
I am tempted to give her a hint...
Some guests pass by us, leaving.
"Thank you for having come! -- yells Pinkie Pie after them. -- You're always welcome here!"
As we all give our good-byes to them, Roach Coach attempts to leave as well. I pin him down. Emotionally, of course.
Past us bounces Pinkie Pie. I call her, and she snaps her head toward me:
"Yes?"
"Pinkie, -- I ask her right away, -- do you know this guy?" -- and I point at Roach Coach.
Pinkie Pie examines him, eyes squinted.
"Ye-e-es... -- she speaks tentatively. -- As I recall it, I was with Fluttershy at the marketplace... What? -- she exclaims, speaking to Fluttershy. -- That was for the sake of a joke! Haven't you forgiven me?!"
"Uh, of course... Pinkie... Don't mind me..."
She sighs:
"Alright, so, I was with Fluttershy at the marketplace..." -- she trails off.
Fluttershy decides to help gingerly:
"You made a pun?"
"Yes, then I laughed... a-a-and... Huh. I can't recall anything... The next thing I remember is, I saw... this guy", -- and she points at Roach Coach. "He looked terrible! So I decided to bring him to Fluttershy's..."
"And... what had become of me?.." -- asks Fluttershy tentatively.
Maybe, I had screwed up... Oops.
"Well, I think... I just carried you along?.."
"I can testify, that there was not Fluttershy..." -- speaks up Roach Coach.
I sense surprise in him. I don't think he knows about my cloaking wristlet. He must be thinking, while I was impersonating Pinkie Pie, she was actually somewhere else... Well-well!..
"...Pinkie Pie, is it?" -- he asks her of her name.
"Yep! I'm glad you've remembered! But wait! So, we were standing there with Fluttershy... I... don't know! Then I saw you... You looked terrible... I saw you to Fluttershy's..."
"But... I was... n-not there?.." -- asks Fluttershy.
"Yes! So I... pulled a trick... Huh. I don't know, how I did it! Weird: I know, how I do stuff, but... Just -- wow! Even that is something BEYOND my comprehension!"
I allow myself to chuckle:
"You had outdone yourself, Pinkie!"
She smiles unsurely:
"I guess... So, anyway! I got some cloth, and when I removed it -- lo, beneath was Fluttershy! And all were amazed! And said: "This mare is really good! She should turn professional!""
"Did... my animals say that?" -- asks Fluttershy, pretty amused.
"At least they would have, if they could have spoken".
"Oh", -- is all Fluttershy says; then she giggles.
"But the-e-ey... did go bananas..."
"Oh".
"It was their luck there were no... apes".
Roach Coach smacks his hoof on his brow, Fluttershy laughs at the pun... I, however, just shake my head:
"Pinkie. So?"
"Whoops! He-hee. Yes, so, Fluttershy woke up, I apologised to her, introduced her the guy, -- she waves toward Roach Coach, -- and was off!.."
"I have a name, you know", -- he complains.
"Dude, mind hiding spoilers, yeesh!"
Another facehoof is earned.
"But I told you..." -- Fluttershy makes to say...
"SPOILERS!"
This shuts the poor shy mare up.
"Anyway... My day went by as usual... Hm-m-m... Then I thought something silly -- but sad! To the point of "wa-a-ah"!" -- she pretends to wail, which makes Fluttershy giggle again. "But, well! There came Fluttershy, brought me to the Castle, consoled me -- all of you did! -- then there was a party!.. No! Before that I talked to Fluttershy -- and that's the part she told me this guy was named Roach Coach! He-hee! Do you... a-hactually, he-hee!.. coach... 'roaches?" -- and she breaks into uncontrollable laughter.
"Um, surprisingly, Pinkie, -- puts Fluttershy in, -- he does".
Pinkie Pie stops her laughing abruptly:
"Oh. OK!.. And then! Then -- was the party! And now it ends..." -- she falls silent. "Wa-a-ah!" -- a-a-and starts wailing all of a sudden. This startles poor Fluttershy, but, when the shock wears off, she cackles -- so funny does she find it! Because the wailing is not real.
"But, -- I remind Pinkie Pie, -- you've forgotten to mention something. As Fluttershy has told me, you told her something about spies before the party, didn't you?"
"Oh! Well..." Her face scrunches up, she frowns, huffs and groans...
But she can't remember anything. I must have not screwed it up, huh!
"It's... alright, Pinkie... -- mumbles Fluttershy. -- That was silly of you, a-anyway..."
"So I did say that?!"
"Well, uh-h-h... You said... well, I may be mistaken, but... ugh!.. -- she grunted. -- Can't remember, but it was as Twilight has said it!"
"Yeah? Well! What have you said, Twilight?!" -- Pinkie Pie asks of me demandingly and, I dare call it, menacingly.
"I? Merely that not everypony is who they seem to be and that there are spies amongst us..."
"Yes! -- exclaims Fluttershy loudly. -- That's what she said to me then!.. -- but then she remembers herself and whispers. -- Oh... I'm... sorry!.."
"It's OK, Fluttershy", -- Roach Coach tells her kindly, and Fluttershy smiles back bashfully.
This reminds me:
"Maybe, Pinkie was referring to someone around us? Let us investigate..."
"But I DON'T remember saying that! -- complains Pinkie Pie. -- Hello!"
"Well, I promise, -- I declare, -- I will find out everything about possible spies! So you, -- I speak to Roach Coach, -- you had better not turn out to be a spy! Fluttershy has faith in you! Should you hurt her feelings!.." -- and I end it abruptly.
Of course the Hunter has understood my intent: not to feed off of Fluttershy, or else!..
"Ah... I take it, -- he responds, -- you do care about your friends?"
...He's just said what he's been thinking! I can tell that! I, the Spy, -- do I care about those I call "friends", because I play such a role??
"Alright, -- Roach Coach brings up, -- it's really late! I'll see you, guys, one day, OK?" With that he bids a farewell and walks to the door.
Yes, we all bid a farewell too... but I... I sense confusion in my core!.. I think, I had better ditch my "friends"! But Twilight Sparkle!..
Eh. She'll do fine without such great responsibility, will she?..
As we have seen the last of the guests to the exit, the party, along with this long day, ends. We'll have to clean it up. But -- what the hay! Fun has been fun, hasn't it?!
...No. I must consider shutting my emotions down completely: the ponies affect me badly! I am cold! I suspect highly, friendship is magic, only because it infects one as some illness! By far I dare say...
Friendship is dark magic!
I must unbefriend these ponies, before I can accomplish my mission no longer!
...They've said, they're staying for a sleepover... Oh, f... for the warmth of Sun!
When do we start?
It is night-time. Ponies go to sleep. Darkness envelopes everything outside. Far away night creatures creep out to hunt. Naturally: the prey is very wary of the hunters in daylight... and night is the perfect time to terrorise the prey...
However these creatures do not threaten the ponies: this land is protected very well. They don't even hide: this town, in any case, is not hidden; don't forget the lights in the windows: they shine brightly as Sun!
I think, the same thing may be said about our hideout: the Castle Of Friendship's windows are alight.
There are only seven of us: I myself, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Spike. The party has been cleaned up, and everything has been prepared for the sleepover.
The ponies (and the dragon) are excited; however the dragon watches me closely... Why is it so?..
I dare not invoke Twilight Sparkle in myself -- I am very apprehensive of feeling emotions now. Who's to say, what is going to happen, if I do feel them?.. I won't take that chance!
I do, however, converse with her -- even after the party has ended! She's giving me a course on being a Twilight Sparkle (advanced level), and I must say... she is a very demanding teacher! I have even to do homework! And she grades it! Seriously?
But I flatter myself by thinking I am a good Twilight Sparkle! Already do I treat with utmost seriousness whatever I have to research -- and I give such researches my best; I am determined to go a long and a tedious way, if it be needed, to figure the answer to whatever it be out, even on the expense of having food!..
Even now, as everypony is busy preparing to sleep together, I barely pay them any attention, scratching a probably thousandth feather on a probably thousandth piece of paper's surface, writing down my own thoughts, as Twilight Sparkle writes hers... We discuss the ways of ponies, the nature of emotions, the nature of friendship, the Elements Of Harmony -- whatever it's been we haven't discussed yet!
Unfortunately, our quality time is interrupted by somepony tapping lightly on my shoulder.
Barely stopping the scribbling, I lift my gaze to see it's Rainbow Dash.
"Hello, Rainbow Dash", -- I greet her friendly.
"Twilight! What are you doing? Are you planning on spending all of your time here?? Come! -- she's eager to zip off. -- It's all about to start!"
"Oh, it is, now is it not?.." -- I mumble absent-mindedly...
"Come on! -- she grabs me by my shoulders, dazing me somewhat, so I lose my focus. -- Snap out of it! -- she shakes me. -- What is it you're scratching here, anyway?"
"Rainbow! I'm so full of thoughts! -- I tell her excitedly; I even clasp my cheeks. -- I simply must write it all down!.."
"Alright! Come o-o-o-o-on!" -- she pushes me with her head stuck in my back.
I slide toward where she's pushing me toward. I do not abandon my writing: Twilight Sparkle is doing the writing for me. I don't mind Rainbow Dash.
We gather in a hall. Improvised beds have been prepared... although I do not think they are those... They just look like bags. Are we really going to sleep in bags?
Everypony greets me. I do that too, although less enthusiastically. They all comment on my being busy writing something down. Is it bad?
Twilight Sparkle says to me she gets "carried away" with it. She feels embarrassed. I invoke embarrassment in myself as well... but do not cease my writing. The rest of the way I walk myself.
And we start...
By now we've had a dozen of pillow fights and rounds of various games; told a dozen of scary stories; dared each other to do ridiculous things (or to answer some questions without a lie); thrown food each at other; guffawed our lungs off while doing all of this...
Hum, not bad, not bad at all...
I must say, however. My and Twilight Sparkle's conversation hadn't stopped for a second! Always absent-minded, I participated in all of those activities, not putting the quill off. It gathered my friends' attention at one point, and they seemed bugged for some reason... But why?
I told them I had much to sit through. It had them concerned...
I did not understand... Did Twilight Sparkle not behave like this?
They told me they were worried about our friendship. That I seemed avoiding them. As if I'd lost my interest in their company...
Huh... How true...
As they tried to figure out, what was happening to me, however, Spike decided to bring up all of his observations he'd made. For instance, I had changed significantly: I'd always been "myself", and then I was suddenly a psychologist -- and he mentioned my consoling Pinkie Pie and my deep understanding of her state. Everypony pondered that, nodding: Spike was right.
Furthermore, Spike had remembered, how I hadn't used Twilight Sparkle's magic -- and that was significant! Add also the fact, that I hadn't even batted my eye at being called "Highness", that I had been very suspicious about possible spies lurking around; my rudeness toward the Roach Coach guy, my overall reclusiveness, absent-mindedness, lack of enthusiasm and having been uncharacteristically quiet ever since the party had started -- and you get the idea of how strange it all seemed to them.
But at that time I could be Twilight Sparkle. What was I to do?..
I consulted Twilight Sparkle...
"I am sorry... -- I told them. -- But, ever since you, Pinkie, brought up the subject of Laughter being not an Element Of Friendship, I can't just... get it out of my head!.. I've been researching the matter... H-have I been acting strangely? You know me. I... can be... w-well..."
I tried my best not to cry. I must have not left my friends then: my disguise might depend on it... Plus: Roach Coach had made me hate him, and it had depleted my Energy supply...
I needed them. Maybe, not all of them... but they were my friends. They loved me! I was disguised as their friend, therefore they couldn't help it! I'd tried to escape this responsibility... But, apparently, I couldn't.
So I had to be a good friend then. A task impossible to achieve for a spy like me. I could not care about them... How could I?! I felt nothing about anyone. There was no room in my core for love. It is not, like I couldn't share it: this is, after all, the odd thing about love. But I was not ready for this responsibility. If I had to care about someone... my task became more difficult, then...
Of course, if they could have done something for me... But Twilight Sparkle had nothing to do with the government right then. Her only task was having a good time with her friends...
"Of course... -- I thought, -- maybe, these ponies do something for the government?.. Twilight Sparkle, do they?"
As it had been agreed, she scratched her answer down... I, however, had to drop such attitude, and fast! I needed some distraction!
Trying to look as cheerful, as possible, I darted my eyes across the hall. What had we?! Something, anything appealing?!
But there was nothing! I couldn't ask Twilight Sparkle for the answer -- for the short one, at least, -- and I myself knew NOTHING about fun activities! That was what the guides did!
The show must have gone on!
"If I make up for the fun we've missed, will you forgive me?" -- I asked hopefully.
In their eyes I saw sympathy -- they felt for me... but... it was cautious sympathy... Something was nagging them...
I shifted my gaze to the paper I was holding. Damn you!
Come on, come on! Fun activities!..
"Of course as my friends you will! -- I all but sang, nervous. -- Here! Let me try to think of something funny!.. S-so no paper is used!" -- I said, teeth nearly clattering.
Oh, but I would need them both: the paper and the quill. Despite all that I would need them!..
I asked Twilight Sparkle to abort her task... The scratching stopped. I levitated the objects before my eyes...
I needed these. I needed these for us to have fun!..
And... just what fun could one have with these?..
"In fact, -- I said, my smile returning to my lips, -- let us use these for the next game!"
...Silence hung.
"Uh, I don't know, -- said Rainbow Dash casually. -- I can think of yet so many games!.. Ouch!"
Applejack had elbowed her:
"Ah-i think we have to give it a trah-y!" -- she scolded her.
"Ugh! Are you serious?!"
"Well, you see..." -- I barely managed to elaborate...
"Oh! -- exploded Pinkie Pie. -- I know! We'll just need more scrolls! And quills!" Then she spoke to all present: "Everypony! Let's play bouts-rimes!"
"Ooh!" -- oh-ed Rarity: she knew the game... apparently.
"Say what now?" -- deadpanned Applejack.
"Guys! -- went Rainbow Dash on. -- Hello! Are you really?.. Oh, come! On!" -- and she threw her hooves up.
"Dashie, you'll like it! -- chirped Pinkie Pie. -- You see, normally you'd need to come up with a rhyming word..."
"Oh, great! Do you think us a literature club or something?"
"Oh! Why aren't we yet such a club?! -- lit Pinkie Pie with enthusiasm. -- We could!.. do tea parties!.. Uh!.. Eat muffins!.. Uh-h-h... Share our poetry skills! Oh! Also we could get a date with a cute guy! Wait, but would cute stallions visit our club, huh?.. U-u-ugh! -- she gasped. -- Unless we INVITED ONE!!! Or six of them! To avoid, uh-h-h... un... -pleasant... consequences... you know?.."
As she went silent, obviously (to me) disturbed by some thought, Rarity used the pause:
"Oh, ho-ho, Pinkie, he-hee! This... is actually a great idea!.. But for now even a game of bout-rimes will do. No need for a literature club... Although, -- murmured she, -- why not?.."
"Oh, -- whined Pinkie Pie, -- I've already come up with the name! Check it out: the "Okie-dokie-lokie" literature club!"
Huh, where had that one come from?
"No!.. Guys... You know what?.. -- yet tried Rainbow Dash to express her protest. -- Seriously, guys! We want to play a game, not to read books each to other! Or poetry, for that matter!"
"Hah, says you!" -- taunted Rarity.
Rainbow Dash huffed, folding her fore arms:
"I work, when I read!"
"But, Dashie, this is fu-u-un! -- interfered Pinkie Pie, impatient with Rainbow Dash's stubbornness. -- I do solemnly Pinkie-promise, that you shall find the game as funny, as me!" Then she did some motions: "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"
"Wow. You don't lie about it, huh..."
"Whenever have I lied to anypony?" -- frowned Pinkie Pie sadly, trying to grasp the question she herself had asked.
"Never mind, Pinkie, -- waved Rainbow Dash dismissively. -- Alright. I'm in!"
"Oh! Yay! -- cheered Pinkie Pie. -- Come on, everypony!.. and you, Spike!"
And then we played a game of bout-rimes, only instead of rhymes we had to come up with pieces of a story. The key part was, that, after everypony had written their piece down, we exchanged them, so the pieces of the story got completely messed-up. Oh! the gibberish there came! The nonsense! It put a big smile on my face!.. Laughs, giggles and chuckles were most definitely had! And Rainbow Dash -- she almost outgrew her pony form and became... hoarse, so hard did she guffaw! Pardon me the pun, again, but Laughter is really something! Not, that I had intended to use my equipment this exact way, mind you... Just let it be said, that sleepovers are a great place to feed...
I did get to feed that night, don't you fret. Uh, yeah... Oh, what the hay! It all looked absolutely innocent at the sleepover! All we did was play, play! A competitive tickle fight -- what was wrong in that?! Though it was rather hard, because I had to evade the others' tickling assault... Yeah...
No prey has ever gotten to tickle a Hunter -- at least of my kin. We, Hunters, feed by inflicting fuzziness, torturing the prey; also we torture our specimen, if we get violent. However... it is a mystery, what happens... if one of prey tickle a Hunter... I speculate, the Hunter gets tortured, and the prey... it gets nothing, for it does not feed on misery of this kind... Then again... I am no scholar, so...
At least I got to refill my positivity! Also... I wish somewhat Spike were a fellow Hunter: his claws are invaluable, when it comes to tickling!..
Pardon me.
So, as I have said, the sleepover has been a pleasance! Fun time together!.. With my friends...
Now I must take care of them. That's OK, though: if we get to have sleepovers... I won't even need to search for Energy supplies!
I mean: five ponies and a dragon! Six. Ticklish. Souls! Not everyone of them is as ticklish, as another one of them. Spike, for example, is easily excited by tickling... It surprised me, when I first saw him tortured: dragons were supposed to have scaly armour, and scales... were not known for their sensitivity. Uh, yeah...
A-anyway! Applejack had turned out quite sensitive as well... Yeah, but she was inconveniently strong. We agreed on a no-magic rule, so tickling her was dangerous as walking through a glade of stingerweeds -- and this is deadly for a Hunter like me, for these naughty plants do what I do, only with Hunters. They sting. Speaking more clearly, they inflict fuzziness. In one word, they tickle. Mercilessly. Relentlessly. Their grip gets stronger, the more they torture one. R-r-r! I can't help but shudder! Deadly, are they not?
And... Applejack had also a lasso! It was just too good she was not fast enough to catch Rainbow Dash, who overpowered her, thus aiding me inadvertently multiple times that evening! Speaking of Rainbow Dash... I think I should adopt her!
No... Her laughter! It's... it's something!
I... d-don't think I could explain... It was... so insufferable for her to fall victim to anypony's clutches! She's invaluable! The feedback is double the input!.. I've never had so much!..
Ah... You may never know it!.. She considers herself the most awesome pony in the world -- few are treated by her as this awesome... Even when it comes to tickle fights, she thinks herself the sneakiest, the most evasive and the most fearsome tickler! So, when it turns out she's not so evasive and not so tickle-resistant... Again, this is just unacceptable for her: she's got to be the most awesome one! She just can't accept her failure... and it pains her. And... the more it pains her... the more is there for me!..
Who? Me? Yes, I am quite predatory, at least in the sense, that I Hunt. Honestly, it must not appal you. You of all have got to be familiar with the feeling of schadenfreude. When the others suffer, are you not entertained? Is it not funny to you? I am certain it is. How stupid must they be to have become so unfortunate?.. Oh, of course. Some are bred this way. They are born to be unfortunate -- but is it not the nature of things in the world? Some get to gain, while some get to lose. I don't suppose it can be another way? Can it?
Huh. Why? Why am I arrogant? Am I? The world is made such a way! To think, every living soul has got the right to live an enjoyable life!.. That's ridiculous! If they have such a right, then we, Hunters, may not deprave them of their happiness! And what would we do then? This would deprave us of our happiness! Therefore? That's right!
Of course it doesn't look so, when speaking of the world of prey. But the world is not only about the prey. Now how arrogant is it of them?
Maybe, if everyone in the world shared their happiness instead of wreaking grief and causing pain... Maybe, then the world should be a happy place, where it would be frowned upon my actions and my way of seeing the world...
But we are Hunters. And Hunters do not share.
It is honestly tiresome to ponder such matters -- and it's not to say they are difficult. However -- once again -- morality is not my strongest trait. So do not expect me to view the world as prey does. I am no prey, after all.
Huh. Well... I don't suppose I've learnt something new about friendship -- apart from that I can have friends, if I approach it responsibly... But it is... of no use to me. Honestly! It is not about the friends I might have. Rather it's more about what good a friend I can be. And if I can't -- at all -- then, pardon me, I need no friends whatsoever: they would only slow me down, when it came down to it... Pinkie Pie has taught me this very well... To be a good friend requires to be honest, loyal, generous and kind -- but most of all it requires to be responsible...
Spea-a-aking of Pinkie Pie! As it is known... she is Laughter! And that means...
She... Loves!.. Being... Tickled!
...No. That's not true: nopony likes to be tickled. She is no exception... But she... values the laughter I bring to her...
This, by far, is the most confusing thing I can't understand. It can be seen, that it pains her to laugh forcibly! Although she loves fun more, than anything... my being in control, on the other hoof, pleases her not. She laughs -- but is it because it is funny to her? No, most certainly not. It is not funny. So. Not only is she stingy with giving a thing a laugh it might deserve... but she finds no pleasure in feeling fuzziness as well!
So I don't get it... If my tickling hurts her triple of what it hurts some ordinary prey, how can she feel good about having had the torture of her life?? This... is something I don't understand. At all.
Perhaps, Twilight Sparkle may assist me? I do intend on talking to her in my dream! I must have the knowledgebase of what she knows!
Yes! It is a sure way, I'm positive, to plot my way to Canterlot and to the spell! As for now, however, I think, it's about time we get some sleep: everypony (and the dragon), exhausted, snore their heads off in unconsciousness of sleep.
They have had a happy day. A fun day. Fun that never ends... I wish somewhat I could feel it like them...
Or not.
Emotions... Is the good they bring really worth the pain they cause? Honestly, I don't think so.
With such thoughts I lay my body to sleep. The parchment I've been writing upon is safe under my pillow. My and Twilight Sparkle's conversation. It is the cornerstone of the knowledgebase to come!..
But only after I have extracted such knowledge from her... and for that I need to talk to her.
I lay my head on the pillow, shut my eyes...
And cast a spell to land Twilight Sparkle's mind in a dream of my own...
Then I drift off to sleep... among my friends.