//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Wallflower's New Pet // by BoredAuthor817 //------------------------------// Wallflower gently stroked Sunset's hair. “I did warn you.” Sunset only mumbled, shifting slightly to get a better sleeping position. The yearbook room floor wasn't the most comfortable place to try to catch a quick nap. Though, with her girlfriend as a pillow, it was made more tolerable. “How did you do on your test?” “Ahi unno,” Sunset yawned, “Now, what's this about a pet?” “You sure you don't want to sleep a little more?” “If I really fall asleep, I won't wake for a few hours. And I might as well see what it is now.” “Okay,” Wallflower said, “but I'll have to get up.” “You brought it here?” “Fluttershy brings her pets here.” Sunset grunted as she sat up. “Yes, but that's Fluttershy.” She stretched as Wallflower went to go retrieve her pet. “Here he is!” Wallflower proudly announced, placing a small potted plant on the table. “Wallflower!” Sunset yelled, jumping between her girlfriend and the plant, “Get away from that thing!” She pulled out her phone and immediately started texting. “That thing,” Wallflower protested, “is Alistair.” Sunset stopped. “Say what now?” She looked at the tiny plant monster. It looked at her inquisitively and cooed. The girls jumped as the door to the room swung open and six more girls came running in. One of them turned on the lights, momentarily blinding them all. Wallflower took the moment to run between Alistair and the girls. “Don't harm him!” she cried. “Who?” asked Rainbow Dash. She gasped when she saw the plant behind Wallflower. “Look out!" she yelled, "Plant monster!” “What? No!" Wallflower said, "This is Alistair.” “Um, why is there a plant monster in the school?” asked Rarity. “He's my new pet!” “You have a plant as a pet?” asked Rainbow Dash, “Why am I not surprised?” “Wallflower, babe,” Sunset said, “Can we talk for a moment?” Wallflower hesitated, but when the other girls agreed not to hurt Alistair, she agreed. She yelped as Sunset grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to a corner of the room. “What the hay, Wallflower? Where did you even find that thing?” “In my garden. And he's not a thing.” “He was just growing in your garden?” “Yep.” “Are you insane? You know how big those things get? Do you not remember the one that ate the track and field course at the Friendship Games?” “I remember it quite well,” Wallflower retorted, “And I also know that not all of them are monsters. Alistair is quite intelligent.” “You're going to try to train a plant?” “Why not?" Wallflower raised an eyebrow, "You used to do it all the time in Equestria.” Sunset let out a very equestrian snort. “Not the same thing.” Just by chance, she happened to glance at the table where the plant was sitting. “Fluttershy! Be careful!” Fluttershy was tenderly petting Alistair's tiny head. “It's so scared,” she said, “It's lost without it's mommy.” "Awe," Rarity said, comforting the small plant, "Poor thing." “Then, let's return it to its mommy,” said Rainbow Dash. “Easier said than done,” Sunset said, “It could be anywhere in Equestria—or Equus, for that matter.” Applejack looked deep in ponder. “My question is how did it get here? Did another portal open?” Sunset shook her head. “I'm pretty sure we would have noticed.” “Probably my doing,” Twilight said, “It's very likely that it came over during the Friendship Games.” “More like its mama came over and dropped off the seedling here,” said Pinkie Pie. “You mean there could be more popping up?” Sunset cried. She jumped as Wallflower grabbed her arm. “Just give him a chance,” she said sternly, “Give me a chance.” Sunset looked back and forth between the plant and Wallflower. She let out a sigh. “Fine. But if we get eaten—” “We won't. Now, come over and say hello.” Sunset winced as she neared the plant. The other girls seemed to already have warmed up to it. “Go ahead,” Wallflower coaxed, “say hello.” “Uh...” Sunset tried to smile, “Hello.” Alistair looked up at Sunset and chirped happily. “See?” Wallflower hugged Sunset, “He likes you already!” Sunset folded her arms. “If he's going to stay with us, he's going to have to learn to earn his keep.” “I'm afraid he's far too young for that,” Fluttershy said, “He's only a baby.” “And how would you know that?” asked Rainbow Dash, “It's a plant, not one of your animals.” “I suppose he is a bit like an animal,” said Twilight, taking a closer inspection of Alistair. “Fluttershy's right,” Wallflower said, “He is only a seedling.” “He's gonna get a lot bigger,” added Applejack. “A lot, lot bigger,” continued Pinkie Pie.