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// Chapter 11: The trip home 
// Story: The Mystic Fox 
// by Mysticfox 
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Chapter 11: The Trip Home

After a good night's sleep I felt a lot better and just a little stiff. Once me and Rosy were awake we made our way down to the kitchen. I was able to use the kitchen to make some breakfast for me and Rosy but that didn’t really go as planned so now I’m making breakfast for most of the ponies in the castle.

“Order up. We got two veggie omelets with hash browns, extra Crispy and three stacks of pancakes with fruit topping, one banana, one mix berry, and one crystal berry.” I said as I used my magic to place the food in front of the hungry ponies.

“Thanks again for making breakfast for the staff and I.” Cadence said before taking a bit out of her chocolate strawberry pancakes.

“Your welcome Cadence. I love cooking for others and when you said the breakfast cook was out sick I just had to help out. Here you go Rosy one stack of chocolate banana pancakes for you and tangerine mini stack for you Tammy.” I said while I put the quarter size pancakes down next to Rosy.

“She is just the cutest little thing. Where did you say you found her.” Cadence said as she ate her breakfast.

“Hmm ok I’ll tell you but keep it a secret. Just outside this city is an underground volcanic hot spot with a large forest and hot springs. The Guardian of said forest was a good friend of my moms but I think it was something more. When I showed her a picture of mom she looked happy and very sad as well. I’m not really sure but I plan to stop by there on the way home to talk to her a bit.” I said while I made me some pancakes and some strawberry topped pancakes for Twink and when I was done they promptly went into my bag.

“Wow something like that is here. I’ll have to look into it.” Shining said as he ate his omelet.

“If you do go there please just keep it to you and Cadence. I don’t think Mela would be mad if it's just you two.” I said while munching my breakfast.

“We can do that. So what's your plans for today? We extended the fair to celebrate the new found freedom of the Empire and you're more than welcome to enjoy it.” Cadence said after she finished eating.

“I was actually going to ask if I could set up my cart, if that’s alright. Then I’ll head back home.” I said as I unclipped my cart and put it on the table.
“Um it’s a little small.” Shining said with a confused look.

“That’s because I shrunk it. I came to make it bigger it's just easier to hold around like this. I also put a few enchantments on it to make it moveable.” I said as I finished eating and clipped the cart back before a Sapphire mare with light ocean blue mane came up to Cadence.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your breakfast Princess but the city Council is here to speak with you.” The mare said as she checked her clipboard.

“Well duty calls. Thanks for the delicious pancakes. Oh do you happen to have any more of the tea you gave me yesterday it really helped and it was great.” Cadence said with a wide smile.

“Sure I’ll mix some up before I leave.” I said with a chuckle.

“Thank you so much Fox. Lead the way Miss Note.” Cadence said before her and Shining left.

“Alrighty let's finish up breakfast and go set-.” I said before I was cut off by something shaking in my shirt pocket.

“What’s wrong dad?” Rosy asked while I pulled out the pink egg that now had a crack running down it.

“Nothings wrong darlin but I think whatever this is, is about to hatch.” I said as I set the egg on the table and it started to shake more. The crack began to spread and pieces started to fall off revealing pink fluff then some tiny fluffy pink wing. After one more good shake the rest of the shell fell off. I was expecting some kind of pink chick but that is not what it was. It looked up to me with baby blue eyes and with a big yawn from its beak it slithered up to my hand and curled its pink fluffy body around my finger.

“Whoa what is that. Whatever it is, it's cute.” Rosy said as she looked at the tiny fluffy cotton candy pink snake on my finger.

“I’m not too sure really. Lets see if I can look it up real fast. Scan.” I said as I held up my other hand and used my magic to scan the snake. Then I pulled up my display now with a picture of it on the screen and a matching file popped up.

“Lets see, it's called a Feathered Serpent. Hmm it looks like its supposed to be a mythical creature. Known as Quetzalcoatl a deity of wind and rain, bringer of knowledge, the inventor of books and represents heaven and earth due to being able to fly in heaven and crawl along the ground. Well that’s pretty neat but what to name you.” I said while petting its tiny head with my thumb.

“Oh can I name her?” Rosy said with a bright smile.

“Not this time, you got to name Tammy and I think I got the best name for her. How about Alya it means sky or heaven and I think it fits how about you little Alya.” I said before she climbed up my arm to my head.

“Coo.” I said as she rubbed her head on my cheek.

“Aw I was going to name her candy because she looks like cotton candy.” Rosy said with a pout.

“Haha she does look like that don’t shed. Welcome to the family Alya. This is Rosy and this is Tammy.” I said while pointing them out but Alya hid behind my neck giving them a tiny hiss before hiding in my hair.

“She doesn’t like us very much.” Rosy said while she and Tammy looked down sadly.

“Its alright give her some time she did just hatch and I know most birds imprint on the first being they see. Like ducklings that follow their mother.” I said as the fluffy pink snake nuzzled my cheek before getting comfy in my hair.

“Alright so let go get set up. We have ponies to feed.” I said with a big smile as we made our way out to the fair. On the way to find a spot we ran across a wall covered in snow white honeysuckle flowers and I got an idea.

“Well now I think I just found a great ingredient.” I said as I made a small jar with my magic and used my magic to suck some of the nectar out and into the jar.

“What's that dad?” Rosy asked as I held up the jar.

“This, my adorable daughter is nectar. It can be used to add flavor and natural sweetness. And I have a plan for it.” I said as I slipped the jar in my bag and went to set up shop. After a while we set up and served up some sweet fair foods.

“We got one crystal berry funnel cake and a chocolate strawberry crepe.” Rosy said while she manned the front to take orders and bits while I was cooking up the food. Let me tell you I’m glad to have magic because I can use it to help in the kitchen. It's like I’m a one man staff.

“Coming right up. Oh here set these up front.” I said as I handed her a plate with some fresh fried fruit.

“Um ok but what is it?” Rosy asked before taking a sniff and put the plate out.

“You remember the large green spiky fruit I had earlier?” I asked while I put orders together.

“Yeah you called it a jackfruit right?” She said before she picked one up.

“Yep there's really sweet and tastes like a mix of pineapple and bananas. It's used for many different dishes and treats. Here I have some left and I didn’t fry. Just be careful it has a large seed but it can easily be taken out.” I said as I set out the uncooked fruit for her and Tammy to enjoy.

“Coo? COO!!” Alya said as she smelled the fruit and slid out of my hair and quickly started to eat a piece.

“Well it looks like someone likes it.” I said as I rubbed her fluff head.

“Well somepony seems popular.” Said a certain pink alicorn at the front counter.

“Oh sup Cadence did your meeting go good.” I said as I set out a few orders.

“As good as it can be. I still don’t know how aunty Tia can put up with these kinds of meetings. Most city officials are kinda stuck up.” She said while shaking her head.

“Ah the role of royalty. I’m Kinda glad I don’t have to deal with that.” I said with a chuckle as I placed down some orders.

“What do you mean dad.” Rosy asked tilting her head with Tammy doing the same.

“Fox have you not told her yet.” Cadence said with a look of mild surprise.

“Tell me what?” Rosy said with intrigue.

“Um well I just found out not too long ago that my mom was the Queen of the Mystic Foxes and now that she's gone I’m technically a king with no subjects. So I guess we can call you Princess Rosy.” I said while I watched her face light up.

“I’M A PRINCESS!!!” Rosy screamed with joy before she gave me a bear hug.

“In name alone but yes.” I said returning the hug.

“That’s so cute.” Cadence said with a warm smile.

“So anyway Cadence would you like a crape, funnel cake, parfait, or any of the sweet treats?” I asked as a happy filly bounced back to her spot at the counter.

“Hmm oh I know, how about you surprise me.” Cadence with a small head bob.

“Alright you got it. Just give me a second to put it together.” I said as I grabbed the stuff I needed and started cooking. After a few minutes it was ready.

“Here you go one fried jackfruit crape with Caramel, dark chocolate drizzle, whipped cream and toasted sliced almonds. Enjoy.” I said she took it in her magic.

“This looks delicious and you said it was called a jackfruit?” she asked while looking over the treat.

“yeah it’s a fruit in the fig family. It grows in lowland tropical places and some jungles. I have a tree back at my house and they can get pretty huge. See this, that's what's left after I removed the edible parts.” I said as I put the pieces of the fruit back together.

“That is big. Let's see how good it is.” Cadence said while I put the remains of the fruit away to use later. Cadence took one bit and her face lit up with a wide smile before the quickly munched the rest of it.

“That was amazing. Do you have any more of that jackfruit thing I want to let Shining try it?” She asked before she realized she had some cream on her face and with a blush she wiped it away.

"How about I give you a whole fruit.” I said with a chuckle.

“That would be great.” She said with a bit of excitement.

“Cool I’ll just pop over to the real quick and grab one.” I said before I washed my hands and headed for the door but was stopped by a glare from Cadence.

“You don’t have to be a smartass you know.” Cadence said as she stomped her hoof.

“Uh what.” I said with a raised brow.

“If you don’t have any just tell me. You don’t have to lie about it.” She said with a huff.

“Ok I’m confused.” I said with a sigh.

“You said you’d have to get it from your house but that’s miles away.” She said with a huff before I turned to Rosy.

“She doesn't know me very well does she?” I asked Rosy with a smirk making her giggle.

“And what does that mean?” Cadence asked, shooting me a mean glare.

“Down girl. Now if you would be so kind as to walk to the back side of my cart and I’ll show you what I mean.” I said as before I stepped out of the cart and she stomped her way around.

“Alright cuz do you notice the two door back here?” I asked with a smirk and got a nod.

“please open the door on the left.” I said as I pointed to it and she did so.

“it’s just the inside of the cart.” She said before slamming it closed.

“Alright now open the other.” I said the smirk still there.

“I swear if this is a broom closet your going to be in trouble mister.” Cadence said with a stern glare making me laugh.

“Hahaha what am I, a foal just opened the door.” I said before I got a wing to the back of the head making me laugh more as she opened the other door. As soon as she opened it her eye’s went big.

“AHHH.” She screamed and fell back.

“AHHH (POOF) DAMNIT.” I yelled after I changed.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA.” Rosy laughed before she fell on the floor.

“Yeah laugh it up little missy. Twilight what brings you by.” I said before I noticed the shocked look on Cadence’s face.

“Wha…but…how.” Cadence said with a stutter.

“Magic. Anyway Hi Twi.” I said with a smile wave.

“Hi Fox. Hi cadence. Fox are you still in the crystal empire?” Twilight asked as she poked her head out of the door.

“Yep but I was planning to leave here in a little bit. So what’s up.” I said before I jumped on top of a still shocked Cadence.

“Oh I got a letter from Princess Luna. She wants you to come to Canterlot this evening but she didn’t say what for. Um Cadence are you alright.” Twilight asked, tilting her head a bit.

“Um yeah. Alright magic door that leads to your house. I didn’t know a spell like that exists.” She said as she poked her head through the door.

“That’s because I didn’t use a spell. I just made the magic do what I want. Twi can you send Luna a reply and say I’ll be there at sunset and Cadence watch Rosy while I’m getting your stuff.” I said before I walked through the door.

“I DON’T NEED A FOAL SITTER.” Rosy yelled from her spot in the cart.

“Ok Rosy watch Cadence while I’m gone then.” I said as I closed the door behind me.

“HEY!!” Cadence said right before the door closed.

“Hahaha she’s going to be fun to mess with. Anyway Twi I got to grab a few things for Cadence then we’ll catch the next train.” I said as I switched back to normal.

“Oh hey that reminds me we could have used your door to get back home. Why didn’t you say anything.” Twilight said, giving me a stern glare.

“And let you miss out on all that friendship time on the train.” I said with mild shock.

“…You forgot didn’t you?” She said with a raised brow and smirk.

“…Yeah.” I said as I blushed and scratched to back off my head.

“Hey um Fox. You got something pink in your.” She said as she tried to pull it out with her magic and it did not like it.

“COO! COO COOO HISSSS.” Alya tried to stay in my hair and scared Twilight pretty good.

“AHHHHH SNAKE!!! SNAAAAKKKEE!!!!” She screamed before she bolted up the closest tree while I tried to calm down Alya.

“Whoa it’s alright you're not going anywhere.” I said as I pet her tiny head which she gladly accepted and went back into my hair but not before giving Twilight a hiss getting an EEP out of here.

“WHY DO YOU HAVE A SNAKE IN YOUR HAIR.” She yelled while shaking in the tree.

“Calm down Twilight she’s just hatching and wont hurt you. Come on down and I’ll tell the story.” I said calmly and nicely but it didn’t help.

“I think I’ll stay up here. Away from the …gulp…snake.” She said as she clung to the tree.

“Oh…Kay um can you at least pass me down one of the green spiky fruit beside you.” I said with a sigh and was then hit in the stomach with said fruit.

“UFF ow thanks now I look like my stomach was a pin cushion.” I said before head in the house and after I shut the door there was a flash of light when I looked back she was gone.

“Don’t know why she was so scared. You’re a little sweetheart aren't you.” I said as I pet Alya head then went to grab tea…and a few bandaids. After a quick run around the house I had everything I needed plus some mochi I made for Cadence and Shining and I was back to my cart in no time. And what do I find Cadence and Rosy inside the cart covered with patches of chocolate eating chocolate covered bananas along with a few crystal ponies and Tammy was now a chocolate statue and was happily eating her way out.

“I don’t know if I should get the camera or the hose. Rosy I thought you were watching Cadence.” I said as I set the stuff down and grabbed a towel to clean her up.

“I was…then we got hungry.” She said while I wiped her face.

“Ok but how did chocolate get everywhere?” I asked after I cleaned her off and passed the towel to Cadence.

“We made a lot of chocolate bananas.” She said as she pointed to the crowd of happily munchen ponies and a box full of bits.

“Well alright then let's get this mess cleaned up…and you can’t sneak away Cadence.” I said as I saw her trying to sneak out the door.

“Hehe ok.” She said before she grabbed a towel. After a lot of cleaning and goodbye we were on our way home. Now it was just me and my sleeping family with Rosy in my lap with Tammy and Alya has found a comfy spot in my shirt pocket with her fluffy pink tail sticking out. I wonder how long before her feathers come in. I sat and watched all the trees pass by as I thought about everything that happened in the very short time I’ve been here. It's a lot to take in.

“Excuse me sonny I’m ta bother ya but do ya mind if I sit here for a spell. I just need some place away from the misses she snores louder than the train?” Someone said shaking me out of my thoughts. I look over and see an elderly dark orange earth pony with dark gray and white mane and wearing a black Stetson hat.

“Oh yeah shore no problem.” I said as I moved Rosy’s stuff to our seat.

“ much appreciated. Names Story Tell.” He said as he took his seat and stuck he’s hoof out.

“I’m Fox nice meet you.” I said as I shook his hand. He had a deep voice that kinda reminded me of Sam Elliott he even had the mustache and big eyebrows. I smiled and turned back to the window and back to my thoughts. It wasn’t long before they were interrupted again this time by the drink and snack cart.

“Would you like something from the cart sir.” Said a sunflower yellow mare and a plum mane with a pink daisy hair pink and eyes.

“I’m good ma’am but thank you though.” I said with a warm smile.

“Do you have any coffee?” Story asked as he set down his newspaper.

“I’m sorry sir but our coffee maker broke this morning.” She said with a sad look like it was her fault it broke.

“Well it can’t be helped. I’m fine now Thanks for asking ma’am.” He said with a smile before going back to his paper. The mare still looked a little down as she went back to pushing her cart and I wanted to try to make her smile a bit. I had saved the last of the Crystal berry mochi I made for this trip back but she might like it more. 

“Here everyone needs something sweet every now and then.” I said as I gave her the box of fox mochis.

“Oh I’m sorry I can take this.” She said as she tried to give it back.

“Don’t worry about it and just smile.” I said as I pushed it back to her gently and finally got a little smile.

“Thank you they are pretty cute.” She said before a passenger called and she left with a smile. It made me happy.

“Well that was awfully kind of yeah son.” Story said as he lowered his paper.

“If I can make something to help cheer someone up I will. So if those sweets can make her feel better about her day then I’m happy.” I said as I picked up my bag and began to fish around.

“Not many ponies nowadays think like that. Most wouldn’t even look twice before they sent her on her way.” He said as he laid down the paper.

“Well for starters I’m not a pony and two Its what I like to do. You said you wanted some coffee right?” I asked as I pulled out my camping coffee pot and tiny portable gas burner.

“Some coffee would hit the spot thank ya. I haven’t seen your kind in a long while.” He said while I set up the coffee.

“Wait you know what I am?” I asked as I pulled some cups from my bag.

“I’ve been on my fair share of adventures son. Wouldn’t be much of a story teller now would I.” he said with a chuckle as he pointed to his cutie mark showing a book and safari hat.

“Guess not haha. If you don’t mind me asking where did you meet them?” I said as I leaned back in my seat while the coffee was making.

“Well it was a little over a 25 year or so ago I stumbled across a village in deep in the badlands.” He said as he scratched his chin.

“Wait, you said in the bad land but not the everfree forest. Do you know if it's still there.” I asked with a bit of excitement and happy to know there might be more of my kind there.

“Don’t really know for sure. I haven’t gone back to it in a long while. Why do ya ask.” He asked with some concern.

“Well I don’t know much about what happened and it's really hard to explain.” I said before I poured us a cup of coffee and passed him his.

“Thank ya son. I can tell there's a story behind those words.” He said after taking a sip.

“Yeah but it might sound a bit crazy.” I said as I gently rubbed Rosy’s mane.

“Son if you’d seen the thing I have crazy becomes the normal. Heck I even met a pink pony in a small town that breaks reality.” He said with a chuckle.

“Haha yeah think I know who that is. My friends told me not to question it.” I said before I drank some of my coffee.

“Well we have a good bit of time before my stop and I doubt the misses will be up anytime soon. A good story goes well with a fine cup of joe.” He said while holding up his cup.

“That and some good company.” I said with a smile as I refilled his cup and began my tale. After a few cups of coffee and a little over an hour later I finished telling the story.

“And now I’m here drinking some coffee on a train.” I said as I put the coffee stuff away.

“Ya weren’t kidding when ya said it was crazy. 18 years in another world with yer ma and then thrown in this world with nothing but yer home but ya seem to be doin fine.” He said with a smile.

“Yeah turns out I had more family then just my mom but now I feel like I never really knew her.” I said as I pulled out my locket.

“Let me ask ya this from all the ponies that knew yer ma did she act any different then what ya knew?” He asked as he pulled out a chocolate bar and handed me a piece.

“by what everyone said about what she was like the same now.” I said as I looked at the picture.

“Then I would say you knew her pretty well.” He said before taking a bite of his chocolate.

“But I don’t get why she didn’t tell me about all this.” I said as I slipped the locket back under my shirt.

“I think she wanted ya to have a normal happy life and by what ya said was in her letter to ya I believe y’all have a happy life. It may not be normal fer ya but it can still be a happy one. And by the smile of that there filly year making others happy too.” He said with a warm smile. I looked down a Rosy who was sleeping peacefully with a smile while I pet her back and mane.

“Coo.” Alya cooed softly as she slid on my shoulder to nuzzle my cheek happily.

“Well I’ll be a winged snake.” He said with surprise.

“Have you seen them before?” I asked while I scratched Alya’s head.

“No never seen one but I’ve heard a tale or two bout’em. They say that they only appear for those with a very kind and loving soul and you have a hatchling no less.” He said before holding up a piece of chocolate for Alya how she looked at him before happily taking the piece and went back in my hair making me and Story laugh. 

“Well looks like I got to wash chocolate out of my hair now.” I said with a chuckle before an announcement came on the intercom.

“We will be arriving at ponyville station in five minutes. Please gather your belongings and ready yourselves to exit the train. I repeat we will be arriving at ponyville station in five minutes.” Said the intercom.

“Well this is my stop. It was nice to have someone to talk to even if it was a stranger on a train.” I said with a laugh.

“It’s always nice just to relax and have a cup of coffee too. Well I better get back to the misses. If ya ever stop by appaloosa give me a holler and I’ll treat ya with some coffee and story this time.” He said as he picked up his paper.

“I’ll hold you to it and thanks again.” I said before I shook his hoof and he headed back to his wife. I leaned back and looked out the window as the sun slowly began to lower towards the horizon. With the small town coming into view I started to feel like I could call this place my home and I had good friends there too. As we pulled into the station I could see them standing there wait for the train to pull in and I could help to be happy there here