The coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle brought about a whirlwind of changes within Equestria. The most notable, and often brought up in council, was the ‘Immigration Initiative’. This decree was an executive order by Princess Twilight, approved by her Ambassador Of Friendship, Spike The Dragon, and put into action when The Council was having meetings with various Kirin, Griffon, Hippogriff, Changeling, and Dragon representatives after all had joined forces to defeat Chrysalis, Cozy glow, and Tirek.
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To facilitate The Immigration Initiative, Twilight sent out her friends, who also happened to be The Elements Of harmony, to the four corners of the world in an effort to unite all creatures through friendship.
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One nation was where Captain Celaeno and her crew hailed from. It was an archipelago nation of avians known as The Budgin. They were a humble race of curious birds who delighted in the collection of knowledge, jewels, and building upon their proud traditions of honoring the one who united each island’s inhabitants through mutual respect of the wind beneath their wings and the rain that nourished their land.
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The Canterlot Council OF Unified Ponies, which consisted of seven elected Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies, had their concerns on opening Equestria’s borders to every creature who wished to enter the country. This brought The Elements and Princess Twilight to negotiate a trial period wherein Spike, Ambassador Of Friendship, would oversee a willing and selected group of creatures from each newly engaged country as they familiarized themselves with the ponies of equestria.
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One of the first immigrants was a respected elder within the Budgin community by the name of Becky. She had already raised her chicks and her grand chicks were at an age where they no longer had need of their grandmother.
Becky’s closest friends were worried about her upon the passing of her husband and felt The Immigration Initiative would help her find ways to apply herself to fill the time that she would otherwise feel alone and without purpose.
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“Thanks for the teacakes!” announced Spike The Dragon as he was concluding his scheduled visit with Becky in her humble apartment. “So no troubles from any creature?”
Becky sipped at her tea and gingerly placed it back down on a coaster.
“Everything-is-just-so-wonderful!” she quickly chirped. “I-am-so-glad-that-you-all-were-so-kind-to-let-an-old-birdy-like-me-be-a-part-of-your-wonderful-program-to-help-our-world-become-friends!”
Becky’s elder age did not show as she could talk as quickly and clearly as Spike’s friend, Gabby Griffon.
“You certainly are delightful to be around,” replied the teenage, purple dragon. “Though, no offense, you may want to slow down how fast you talk. Some creatures aren’t quite comfortable with so much, uh, enthusiasm?”
The blue-feathered bird let out a bashful laugh as she nervously adjusted her glasses.
“Sorry,” she said humbly. “I suppose you could call it a quirk of mine. I just get so excited when I am a part of something as exciting as this little program of yours.”
The emerald-eyed dragon nodded his head and smiled.
“Don’t worry about it,” he added. “I’m still getting used to this whole ‘Friendship Ambassador’ thing.”
Becky’s maternal side kicked in as she reached a wing out to pat at Spike’s shoulder.
“You’re doing just fine,” she said. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say how much you remind me of my grand chick, silver.”
Now it was Spike’s turn to blush.
“Well,” he replied while finishing his tea. “Do you mind if I bring a friend over with me during our next visit? Her name is Gabby and she is a griffon I just know would hit it off well with you.”
“If she’s as cute as you,” cooed Becky while starting to clean up her tea set. “I’m sure I’ll love getting to know her.”
Spike’s blush grew larger. He wasn’t used to such a motherly creature.
“Okay,” he laughed nervously. “See you next month.”
“Oh!” called Becky as Spike opened the door to leave. “I’ll-have-that-new-apron-ready-for-you-the-next-time-you-come-by! It’s-going-to-look-so-adorable-on-you!”
Spike couldn’t find a word to say from how open and carefree Becky was. So he gave her a ‘thumbs up’ before heading out and closing the door behind him.
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AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Becky, along with other ‘fast talking’ characters, will have their moments of talking too fast underlined to help make it less distracting for the duration of the story.
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Becky was happily humming a tune while dusting off the many family photos she had framed and hung throughout her apartment. The Immigration Initiative did not provide spacious homes for the initial wave of ‘Test Immigrants’. However it was just the right size for a humble old bird whose treasures were more personal than tangible.
KNOCK-KNOCK
The blue-colored birdy cooed upon hearing the knock at her door. Today was a very special day for her. She was getting some very special visitors.
“Come in!” she said in a sing-song tweet.
CA-CLICK
“Hello!” greeted a yellow-coated shih tzu who had her hair tied up with jingly bells. “I present to you Mayor Yosh and Swift!”
Swift, who was an elementary-aged penguin boy, hid himself behind Isabelle as Yosh, a hybrid of both dragon and duck, walked forward with a smile on his beak and extended his hand.
“Pleased to meet you,” he greeted. “It is a pleasure to meet one of the first new immigrants into Equestria.”
Becky was a little confused by how Yosh was standing too far away for her to comfortably shake his hand. She also noticed how he didn’t look much older than Swift. How could he be the mayor of a town?”
“Three steps, Mr. Mayor,” stated the green vest and skirt wearing canine.
Yosh moved closer to Becky and extended his hand.
“Sorry,” he blushed. “As you can tell, I can’t see.”
The black-spotted grandma bird adjusted her glasses again. She then took a good look at Yosh and how his eyes were an icy-blue color.
“Pleased to meet you,” she greeted nervously while shaking the dragon-duck’s hand.
“Don’t worry,” Yosh replied. “I tell ‘blind jokes’ and do not mind if you want to ask any questions during our stay.”
“You got this, Swift,” encouraged the buck-toothed doggy. “I hear she makes really yummy cookies.”
The young penguin looked down to his feet while proceeding into the apartment.
“Ah!” beamed Becky. “You must be Swift! I hear you may need a fun and safe place to stay between classes while your parents are at work.”
“Yes mam,” he replied shyly as he clasped his flippers and continued to stare at the carpeted floor.
“I have some official business to take care of,” the dog stated. “You birdies have fun!”
Yosh turned and waved towards the door.
“Thanks, Isabelle!” he called. “I’m sure we’re all going to have a most wonderful time!”
CA-THUNK
Becky now had two new friends to talk to. One was blind and outgoing while the other was quite bashful. She also knew the penguin, Swift, was ten years old while the dragon-duck appeared like an overgrown toddler.
“Well,” she said merrily. “How’s about I give both my special guests a taste of my Budgin Coconut Brownies!”
“Sounds yummy!” replied Yosh as he appeared to be scanning the room.
“Yes, mam,” was all Swift could muster. The young penguin still getting more a look at the clean carpet than having yet given Becky direct eye contact.
“Alright!” she flapped happily. “Let the fun begin!”
End – Part 1