//------------------------------// // Chapter 24: White as Snow // Story: Rise of the Element Gang, Book 2: Friendship Adventures // by Power of Six //------------------------------// Chapter 24: White as Snow “You’re coming along very well, Dusk.” Rarity informed me as we sat down to take tea after another one of her dancing lessons. “You’ve advanced admirably, compared to how you were when we first began.” “Don’t I know it?” I remarked, taking a sip from it. “You still need to improve a little bit more, but you’re not bad.” She proudly said. “By the time the Gala is upon us, you’ll be able to sweep Twilight off her hooves with effortless ease.” “I hope so.” I levitated the sugar across to her, expressing my gratitude in my smile. “Thanks for your patience in teaching me, Rare.” “It was my pleasure, dear.” she insisted, returning the smile. I still remembered how embarrassed I was when these impromptu lessons had first begun. Drinking my tea, I began recalling how I had stood on her hooves quite a few times and knocked her over more than once. My own lack of confidence and being in such close proximity to a mare had meant that I had been largely unfocused and clumsy. Rarity's tolerance had been pushed to its limits at times, along with my own feelings of not liking to let my friends down or be the source of their anger. However, I had gradually relaxed and picked up what Rarity was teaching. My movements were still rather jerky and I still stumbled, but I had to admit I was certainly better at waltzing than I had been. I wondered how I would do at the Gala, provided I could actually pluck up the courage to ask Twilight to share a dance with me in the first place. Would it really be as romantic as Rarity claimed it would be? I hoped it would be…I imagined myself dressed in the suit Rarity had made for me, guiding Twilight across a sparkling dance floor, dressed in a spectacular gown, while the orchestra played a slow, romantic ballad. Encircling each other like feathers in a gentle breeze, having eyes for nopony else but the other. We would lean in, closer and closer, until our lips would meet. It would be perfect… I blinked and shook away those thoughts. One step at a time, Dusk. I reminded myself. Patience, just like Rarity had told you. It might not even work. She might not even want to dance with me in the first place…not that I wouldn’t blame her. I noticed Rarity was giving me that knowing smile across the table. “What’s on your mind, darling?” “Nothing. Just, uh…” I felt my face become red. I decided to perhaps change the subject. “I’ve been thinking about, um… getting a pet.” “Really? A pet?” She seemed a little surprised at this statement, but her smile brightened. “Well, that’s just marvelous. What did you have in mind?” “I’m not really sure yet, I’m still thinking about it.” Something brushed against my leg and I looked to see Rarity’s cat Opalescence curl up under the table between us. “Would you say it’s worth getting one?” “Oh, yes, of course. I couldn’t imagine the Boutique without Opal here. Isn’t that right, Opal?” The cat opened her eyes lazily in acknowledgment and drifted back off to sleep again. “You see?” “I certainly do.” I would have reached to stroke her, but the last time I did I just received a nasty scratch. “What made you pick Opal?” “I suppose… I never really thought about it.” she admitted, gazing fondly at her pet. “As soon as I saw little Opal as a tiny kitten, I just knew that she was the one for me. It’s one of those things that you just know at once.” “Intuition.” I said simply. “That’s it exactly. I’m sorry I can’t be more help, Dusk.” “It’s okay, in fact…” I paused to take a sip from my tea. “You’ve given me something to think about at any rate, so thanks.” “I’m glad I could help. Biscuit?” I thought long and hard about what would make a good pet for me. There were thousands of different species of animals in Equestria, but only some of those were able to be adopted by ponies as companions. At the minute, I didn’t have any kind of particular preference and maybe that was my problem. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted from a pet and so I couldn’t decide as a result. So I eventually realized that I would need to get information from another source before trying to make up my mind, one who knew more about animals and pets than anypony else that I knew. So I was now arriving at Fluttershy’s cottage, which was as lively with animal life as it always was. I approached the door and knocked politely on it. Seconds later, Fluttershy’s timid head emerged slowly, until she realized who it was. “Oh, hello, Dusk. Please, come in.” “I’m not bothering you, am I?” I asked her, as I usually did when I visited. “Of course not. Can I make you some tea?” “That would be nice, but I came here to request your assistance on a personal matter.” “Really?” She paused to give a nut to a squirrel, who chirped her thanks. “What do you need my help with?” “Well, due to recent events, I have considered getting a pet, but am relatively unsure as to where to start looking.” I smiled as her face lit up at the mention of the word “pet”. “I was wondering if you could advise me as to where to start.” “Quick question: what kind of pet would fit your hot-headed personality?” Leon asked. I then used my tail to smack Leon in the back of the head for the insult. “A pet? For you? Yes, yes! Of course, I can help!” She sounded positively ecstatic at the idea. “In fact, I can do much more than that. Come on!” With that, she grabbed my claw and took me outside to the garden behind her house. Here, I could see that there were literally dozens of different animals to choose from: mammals, reptiles, birds… they were all gathered here in a kind of strange showcase of wildlife. Fluttershy floated gently up to the center of them, spreading her hooves out wide at them all. “You can choose a pet from all of the ones here! Don’t you just love them? Isn’t it wonderful?” I couldn’t help but laugh at how happy she was at the prospect of it. “It certainly is.” I admitted. “Very well then, let’s see what you’ve got.” “Oh, my goodness, just you wait. I have so many wonderful choices for you to decide.” Still in a bit of a happy daze, Fluttershy began to show me around all of the assembled creatures present. “Dusk, you’ve made her day.” Leon said as Fluttershy showed me all the possible options for me to choose from as my pet. First, she showed me a few pets that most ponies would commonly own, such as dogs, cats, and hamsters. “Well, Dusk?” Fluttershy said, smiling in anticipation. “Well, they’re all pretty cute. Adorable, in fact.” I said just when a rather friendly-looking kitten came around and rubbed against my leg. “And friendly. But I’m not sure a dog, a cat, or a hamster is right for me. I think I prefer something a little beyond the norm. Not something too extraordinary.” Saying all that didn’t stop me from feeling bad from turning down the kitten. “Out of the norm? I think I know what you’re looking for.” Leon said before he took me to see a collection of reptiles, lizards, snakes, and tortoises, slithering and hissing. “Well, what do you think of having a little buddy with scales?” Leon asked me, seeing if I was interested in “Well, these are interesting and not really commonly chosen as pets, but I don’t think so.” I told him. “They’re cold-blooded and too scaly, not really what I was looking for.” At one point, a rather hopeful tortoise plodded over and gazed up at me, giving me a rather wrinkly smile, as if saying “please pick me”. “Well, looks like you met our resident tortoise.” Leon said as he explained. “This guy always hoped he would be somepony’s pet.” I then smiled sadly back at the reptile. “Sorry, little fellow, but you’re not what I had in mind. Besides, I think you were meant for somepony else. Your time will come.” The shelled reptile looked a little disheartened, but still kept that smile as he slowly plodded off once more. Despite my rather difficult compliance, Fluttershy didn’t seem in any way perturbed or hopeless at this. In fact, it only seemed to make her more determined to find the perfect companion for me, which made Leon more determined to help. It was like everything I said “no” to just give them a better idea of what exactly to look for. When I declined to having an insect or arachnid as a pet, they stopped to think for a moment and suggested that perhaps I would like a bird as a pet. Feeling intrigued by this, I obliged and was soon looking at all manner of creatures that flew or had feathers. “Well, is there any bird that catches your eye?” Leon asked me as I looked around. “Hmm… I don’t think a flamingo.” I declined as the pink bird waddled by. “It’s too…flashy.” “Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of choices.” she said encouragingly. “Would you consider something along the lines of maybe a sparrow or a finch?” “Too small. Maybe something a little larger.” "You mean like a flacon or an eagle?" As Leon prompted this, the birds of prey landed beside him, glaring at me with fierce eyes. “I don’t think so… Too aggressive for my taste, sorry.” The birds bowed and soared off again. “This is harder than I thought.” “Don’t worry, Dusk.” Leon dismissed. “There’s got to be something here for you. We know it.” “If you say so.” I told him. “I’m just not sure what I’m actually looking for in a pet.” “Well, think about something that you think would really suit you and appeal to you.” Fluttershy suggested. Now it was my turn to stop and think, my claw touching my chin. A pet that truly reflected me… something with a degree of intelligence, but also capable of defending itself. Something that also had an aspect that was unique only to its particular species. Perhaps, if I found it, the animal might have a little bit of myself reflected in it. Really, there was only one type of animal I could think of that might have what I was looking for. “I’d really like an owl, now that I think about it.” “An owl? You mean, like Twilight?” Leon asked. “Indeed. Though not the same breed, of course.” I clarified. “Do you have any?” Within seconds, I was carefully looking over what looked like every species of owl on offer. “What about a barn owl?” Leon asked. “Well…” I was rather drawn to a barn owl, but eventually decided it wasn’t quite right. “No, I don’t think so.” “Then what about a screech or tawny? Oh, or maybe an eagle owl?” “No. Too fierce for my comfort.” As Leon continued to show me all the different breeds, it seemed like that every owl here didn’t seem like the one I would have as a pet. I thought it was hopeless until I heard a strange sound and decided to follow it. I crossed over to a tree, where there was a hole in the trunk, large enough for a bird to make its home. “Oh, I see one owl’s caught your eye.” Leon said as he and Fluttershy came over. “You’re gonna love this one.” “Come on out, there’s somepony here to see you.” she coaxed gently. There was no movement within. “I’m sorry, this one’s a little shy.” “Really?” This alone appealed to me. “Yeah, she barely leaves this tree.” Leon told me. “Kind of reminds me of you back then.” “Well, may I try?” I asked. “Go right ahead.” Leon said before I went over. “Hello? Are you in there?” I said as I peered into the darkness. “It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to see you.” I thought I could see something stir in there and knew I was making progress. Taking the advantage, I pressed on as gently as I could. “I understand you’re a little shy, I can be too, you know? Maybe that’s something we have in common. There’s no reason to hide, I’m an okay guy. Come on out…please?” At first, there was nothing. Then, a pair of amber eyes opened and shone in the dark. Tentatively and shyly, the occupant of the tree stepped out. As soon as the bird was in the light, I knew instantly that I’d found the pet for me. Though it wasn’t an ordinary bird, it turned out to be a creature Dragonis had mentioned before. From the books he gave me, I came to recognize it as a white Hoothoot. It was a small one at that. “Wow, even I have difficulty getting her to come out.” Fluttershy remarked. “I think she really likes you.” “I think so too.” I agreed, offering my forearm for the owl to climb on. She stared at it for a few seconds, as if it might bite her. Then she stepped out slowly and perched herself on it, giving a quiet little hoot. “Perfect! Oh, this is wonderful! You’re going to be the best of friends, I just know it!” Grinning at her success, she gazed fondly at the two of us. “Yeah, she’s definitely perfect for you.” Leon said to me, looking at the little Flying-type. “Seeing her up close, this is an odd-looking owl, especially being perched on one leg like that. Kind of like you.” “Well, she’s definitely unique. But that’s because she’s not an owl.” I told him. “She’s a Pokémon.” “A Pokémon?” He asked. “Like the ones Dragonis showed us?” “Yeah.” I confirmed. “Um, excuse me?” Fluttershy asked. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is a Pokémon?” “Oh, right. You don’t know about them.” Leon said as we both realized she had no knowledge of the existence of Pokémon. “Dusk, mind explaining?” “Gladly.” I said as I then went on to answer the pegasus’ question. “Pokémon are a group of creatures born with strange powers. A few years back, Dragonis told us about them.” “Yeah, and this is just one is just one of many.” Leon told her. “With Pokémon, there are also different kinds like ones that walk among the land, swim beneath the sea, or fly above the clouds.” “And Dragonis even showed us a special land he discovered with tons of them.” I added. “Tons?” “Yeah. And I can already guess you want to see them, huh?” This caused her to nod. “Sorry, but now isn’t really the best time.” “Oh. That’s alright.” “So what Pokémon is this little one?” Leon asked. “Oh, she’s a Hoothoot. Also known as the Owl Pokémon, a Flying and Psychic Type. It’s a known fact that even though it has two feet, Hoothoot will only stand on one at a time while either walking or fighting, just like how this one’s roosting on my arm. They can also be able to see through any illusions.” “Huh. That’s pretty neat.” Leon said, impressed by what I told him. “So she can use Psychic and Flying Attacks?” “That’s right.” I then went on to point out what made this Hoothoot special. “And here’s the thing, this Hoothoot is actually unlike all the others.” “Really?” “Yeah. For starters, she’s white while Hoothoots are normally brown. And she’s four times small than a regular Hoothoot.” “So she’s a rare Hoothoot?” “Yeah.” “So do we have a winner?” “Yes. I think we do.” “Great!” Leon smiled, feeling proud he was able to help me find the perfect pet. “You know, we’re having a pet play date tomorrow you know.” Fluttershy told me. “You can come along to that and show her to everypony.” "Well, that depends… do you mind?" The Hoothoot seemed to hide behind her wing, but she shook her head. “Okay then, we will. Leon, Fluttershy, thanks for your help.” “It was our pleasure. Oh, what are you going to call her?” I looked over my new companion as she shyly hid behind her wing. “I’ll tell you tomorrow.” Twilight’s view “Here we are, Owlowiscious.” I said as the two of us approached the group of ponies with pets. We’d all gathered here for our first play date, or rather my first play date, with our pets. I had Owlowiscious perched on my back, Rarity sat proudly with Opalescence, Applejack and Dog were playing with her dog Winona, Pinkie had Gummy biting onto her head, and Fluttershy was just arriving too with her rabbit Angel and Leon alongside. I could tell already this was going to be a fun day. It was just a shame Rainbow Dash, Shield, and Dusk couldn’t come along… “That all of us?” Applejack asked as I joined them. “Not quite, Dusk is just coming now.” Fluttershy told us. “Really? Dusk has a pet?” I asked, surprised at this news. “Yeah, he just got one yesterday.” Leon said. “He wanted to keep it a surprise for today.” “Ooh, a new friend for Gummy!” Pinkie exclaimed excitedly. “Just wait till you see what he got.” Leon said before Fluttershy spoke up. “look, here he comes.” Fluttershy pointed to our male friend as he was trotting over. There was no sign of any animal with him though. “Hey, Dusky!” Pinkie greeted, still having Gummy clamped to her head. “Where’s your pet?” “Oh, she’s…” He looked around, bewildered. “She must be hiding again, hold on…” He turned around and called out. “Ophelia, come on out! I want you to meet my friends!” We waited a few minutes after this call and soon heard the flapping of wings. We looked up and I actually gasped. Whiter than winter’s snow and sailing majestically on the breeze was a beautiful, small, white owl with a little, pointed, black beak and brilliant yellow eyes. The way she flew, it was more like a cloud was floating down from the sky, having taken on some strange life of its own. She flew onto Dusk’s outstretched arm and promptly hid her face behind her wing. Immediately, I could see why he had picked this owl as his pet, treating her with a special kind of care and respect. It suited him so well. “There we go, it’s okay.” he said in a gentle tone. “Ladies, gentlecolts, and pets, I’d like you to meet my pet, Ophelia.” “Oh, Dusk, she’s gorgeous.” Rarity remarked, gazing with awe at the bird. “Oh, isn’t she a treasure?” “Dang gum.” Applejack commented. “Now that’s a fine owl, if ever I saw one.” “And you still haven’t. Ophelia’s a Hoothoot.” Leon rectified. “A Pokémon.” “A Pokémon?” Dog said with surprise before speaking to Dusk. “Where in Equestria did y’all find that?” “Remember that owl I told you me and Flutters were having trouble getting to come out of a tree?” Leon told him. “Well, it was actually little Ophelia here.” “Well then,” Dog said, smiling proudly towards Dusk and his pet, “that’s a mighty fine Pokémon you got there, Dusk.” “See? I told you they’d like you.” At Dusk’s word, Ophelia peeked out from behind her wing. Gently prompted, she hopped off his arm and onto the ground, her yellow eyes fixed on the floor. She let out a quiet little hoot by way of greeting, the other animals seeming to recognize her tentativeness and treating her with gentle care and respect, as Dusk had done. Owlowiscious approached the closest, giving a more confident hoot of greeting. Ophelia dared to look up and returned the hoot as best she could, but looked shyly at the floor again. All the while, I just couldn’t keep the smile off her face. Just when I thought Dusk couldn’t get any more remarkable, here he was, gently coaxing a shy Hoothoot into making some friends. It was rather like a reflection of how he once was. Watching as Ophelia retreated to Dusk’s back, I knew the two of them worked together just perfectly. “Good girl.” he murmured to her, stroking her feathers. “Just give others a chance to be your friend and they will. I learned that a long time ago and I’ve never regretted it.” “You’ve definitely found something special with this little darling.” Rarity agreed. “What made you choose her?” “Well, owls are generally associated with being intelligent and Hoothoot is known to navigate through the forest, not meaning to sound like I’m blowing my own trumpet.” he added modestly. “You might have at least told us you have a trumpet. I love trumpets!” We all stared at Pinkie. “What? I do!” “Clearly. Anyway,” he continued, “I also wanted something that had a unique aspect about itself. With Ophelia, it’s her unique feather color and size, with me it’s… well…” He created a blur of color, which his Hoothoot followed with a kind of entranced stare. “In a way, I suppose I was looking for… well, me. Just so I might take care of her and help her until she might become something even more beautiful.” “Aw, ain’t that sweet?” Applejack remarked, Winona wagging her tail behind her. “Well… I thought so…” Dusk’s cheeks went pink. “I just want to show her she can be cared for and doesn’t need to hide, like I once did.” “I’m sure you’ll do a great job and we’ll help you along with it too.” I encouraged proudly, my own owl hooting in agreement. He gave me one of his warm smiles that he seemed to reserve just for me. “Thanks, Twi. That means a lot.” “Well, come on then!” Pinkie yelled. “Let’s go and have some fun.” Bouncing off, the eight of us set off to play with our pets together. As we did, I watched as Owlowiscious took off and flew alongside Ophelia, who had also taken to the sky. She let him fly in close and the two of them soared off into the sky, with us, their respective owners, watching. “Looks like someone’s found a friend.” I remarked to Dusk happily. He just smiled in a way that said he knew something that I didn’t. “Yes. I guess she has.”