Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony or Naruto.
Chapter 1: First Rhyme
The bubbling sound of a cauldron fills the room as the ingredients in side of it stew. Large masks decorated the walls of the room. Cords hanging from the ceiling held bottles of unknown substances. Shelves held jugs and jars along with the occasional book. Hanging baskets were filled with numerous kinds of plants and herbs.
The door swung open and a cloaked figure walked in. This figure walked on all fours as it approached the cauldron. The hood slid back to reveal a face of white and black. A Zebra looked down at the bubbling mixture, its blue eyes judging it as it sat there. Gold bands adorned her neck and leg. A loop of gold was strung through each ear. This was Zecora, knowledgeable in mystic potions and brew.
“Far-shroom and a dash of honey dew. I must mix well for the stew. Soon the concoction will be done and in the bellies of mother and son.” Zecora chanted. Taking a sip of the stew she went over the taste and temperature. Giving it an approving nod she set herself to the next task, “Mischievous Wind, heed my call! Get home soon or no lunch at all!”
Zecora chuckled at the yelp that greeted her announcement. It had been two months since Naruto had come into her life. During this time they had formed a bond, she had become his family. To mark this occasion she gave him a new name, one that she felt suited him rather well. She would use his original name whenever she tucked him in at night. This was to help remind him of where he was from, so he wouldn’t forget.
A blond bundle of energy charged down the stairs before falling to the floor. A child with blue, sapphire eyes look at her, his face forming into a put. “Mom, please tell me you misspoke? Not getting stew is a bad joke!”
Ah yes, he had taken to calling her mother, she didn’t protest it after finding out he never Knew his parents. After the time that had passed she wouldn’t have it any other way either. “Forgive me if I have a chuckle, but my fib did make you hustle.”
Zecora walked over to a counter and retrieved two wooden bowls. She gave one to Mischievous which he used to ladle out his helping. They both sat at a table that looked to be carved from a tree stump. It has been like this since his arrival. A routine, that even though Zecora didn’t want to break, she was sorely considering it. The ever free forest was a wealth of ingredients for her potions and brew, but not a safe place for such an energetic child. Some of the creature in the forest considered her to be food, as such one small as Mischievous Wind was an easy target for them. Then there are the numerous poisonous plants. No she would have to change location.
It was to her good fortune that she had a friend in Canterlot, a unicorn who taught at a university. He was always seeking information on potions. Perhaps she could get assistance from him in setting up shop in town. It would also allow Mischievous a chance to make some friends. No child should grow up alone after all.
No one had shown up in the Ever Free Forest looking for the child. She suspected they did not know how to reach him. From what he has told her, Naruto arrived here by some spell or magic. He described a room filled with glowing symbols, the sound of rocks falling, and a battle. Zecora mentally frowned as she considered this. Chances were nopony would be coming for the child. Then again he isn’t a pony in the first place. She thought ruefully.
Looking across the table she saw that Mischievous Wind was missing. Shifting her line of sight she saw him standing on his tiptoes next to the kettle, getting another helping of stew.
“Mischievous Wind, do watch out. We do not need another mess to come about.” She warned remembering an incident no less than a week ago when he overbalanced and tumbled, taking the kettle with him and spilling the contents across the ground.
He offered a sheepish smile before heading back to the table with a mostly full bowl. “Sorry Mother, this I should know. I will be more careful in, and.” His speaking stalled as he tried to some up with a suitable rhyme. His face scrunched up as he put his all of his mind to work on his small vocabulary, “Uh… Tow?”
Zecora’s laughter could be heard throughout the hut and Mischievous’ cheeks burned with embarrassment.
[Break]
I am a hunter. Nothing could escape me when I chose a target. I would chase my prey to the edges of the world. Slowly I stalked the prey, drawing ever closer but trying not to alert the prey of my presence. Yes, I am in positions. I pounced!
A dust cloud rose from where a whiskered child flopped onto the ground in a rather ungraceful manner. His hands were clasped over a spot on the dirt as if trapping something. Smiling, the child opened his hands to reveal… nothing. Frowning, the boy looked around the clearing to realize that his target, a shiny beetle, managed to escape his attempt to trap it.
Growling he was ready to try again to capture the bug when he heard a clatter from the hut. Curious, he crossed the small clearing that surrounded the house he and his mom lived in. Peaking in one of the windows Mischievous saw his mother packing away several of her bottles and jars. Mischievous Wind was now officially confused. Why would mom be packing? Walking through the front door he got Zecora’s attention.
“There you are my little one, care to help me get this done?” She asked.
Mischievous gave a hesitant nod before rushing over to assist. He was burning with questions but forced himself to remain quiet. This didn’t stop his imagination from coming up with answers on its own however. Was she leaving? Was she taking him with her? Was she leaving him? Why was she leaving him? Was he bad? The heavy thoughts continued to swirl in Mischievous’ head.
Sensing the growing tension Zecora nuzzled her adopted son and pressed closer to him in affection. “Naruto,” she whispered, “there is no need to have teary eyes, though I know this is a surprise. We are packing up this day, as so to move safely away. For the forest is no place to raise a foal. As such Canterlot is now our goal.”
Naruto turned to her and gave her a quizzical look. Not fully understanding what she was trying to tell him.
“Listen to me well my child, for the woods are free and wild. Many dangers within do lurk, some will seek you out to hurt.” She continued to explain so that he would see why they were leaving. “The thought of your injured fills me with sorrow. So we leave for a better tomorrow.
“We are going to where many foals stay perhaps you will make a friend one day.” She added on a lighter note.
This seemed to work as Naruto perked up and gave her a small smile. They quietly packed away everything else that was needed and loaded it onto a flat cart. Pulling on the harness Zecora asked Naruto to walk beside her as they made their way out of the forest. It was a long trip along a winding path. The trees of the forest loom tall casting shadows everywhere. Naruto looked as they went past a large, gnarled trunk of a tree far taller than the rest.
Naruto noticed the she seemed to have the route memorized. Even though the forest is supposed to be dangerous they hardly encounter anything of note. Though Naruto does notice there were several times when the edge was in sight but Zecora would turn and they would take a different route.
“We are taking the safest route very soon we will be out. Without this winding path, we would face a manticore’s wrath.” She told with a calm voice. Naruto scooted closer to her however now fearful of straying away too far. Zecora gave a little laugh, as soon the trees thinned out and revealed fields ahead of them.
Naruto smiled at the sight. Everything seemed so much more peaceful, brighter than Ever Free would allow. He bolted forward to run through the field. The child began chasing anything that move while laughing loudly. The sight Warmed Zecora’s heart, she knew he was sad he couldn’t go deeper into the forest, but out here he could run to his heart’s content.
“Come now child you should restrain. We need to hurry to catch the train.” She called to him. Naruto nodded and ran back to her side, not wanting to cause problems for her. He continued to look around as they traveled. He saw a large orchard of apples being tended to by a large red pony. Looking up his eyes widened, there were winged ponies moving the clouds.
Zecora chuckled at his reaction. She did not yet have the chance to tell him about all the ponies yet. “Those are pegasi; they control the weather and sky. The ponies tending the fields are of earth. They are strong heart and filled with mirth. Let’s not forget the unicorns, channeling magic through their horns.”
Naruto was looking at here with wide eyes. He didn’t think that they would have so many types, or that there was magic. He was entranced by the tales Zecora weaved about the world they were in. She told him of the many feats she had seen ponies do and it seemed that all too soon they were at the train station. They loaded the cart into one of the luggage cars and left to find a seat on the train.
“Um mom, just so we’re clear, why not stay in the town so near?” Naruto had said this bit slowly trying to phrase the question right but still say it in a rhyme. Zecora was proud of his efforts. He was doing better than most foals his age when it came to talking.
Zecora sighed and looked away before explaining, “I fear Ponyville would not welcome our stay, each time I go to town they are gone for the day. They have never seen one of my kind, so fear is all I seem to find.”
Sure if she pushed a little harder she might make some progress, but that would be a true intrusion. No, her friend in Canterlot had come through a great deal. Instead of a shop she was being reviewed for a position at the Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. It seems some time has passed since they had been able to find somepony capable of teaching about potions and exotic plants. Hopefully this would work out for the best.
[Break]
The train ride was pleasant, even with Mischievous Wind’s rapid fire questions about everything they saw on the way to Canterlot. Zecora chuckled as Naruto was rendered speechless by the city itself. She had to admit it was a sight to behold. But they could not dally, the train had a schedule to keep and she had luggage to grab. Grabbing the back of Mischievous’ shirt in her teeth she pulled him along with her to the luggage car. Once she had collected the cart and strapped in she turned to her son.
“Now listen well little one, for I know you desire to have fun. On my back you will ride, even if you feel the need to hide. For I would become quite cross, should you manage to get lost.” Zecora warned.
“Canterlot is quite vast and vanishing can happen fast. I don’t need my heart to hurry, so please don’t give me cause to worry.” She finished.
Naruto nodded his head and clambered onto her back. Wrapping his hands around her neck to help keep his balance. He rubbed his face into the fur on her neck and spoke softly. “Yes Mom I understand, my curious ways I will withstand.
“I love you very much mom, I cannot stand you being gone.” He mumbled out.
Zecora felt her heart swell at that. She went into town at a steady trot, not wanting to spend too much time looking around. She needed to get to the school before evening set in. Her friend, Professor Gemini, was expecting her to arrive around three O’clock. She had no intention of disappointing him.
It took little time to reach their destination, for the train station was not too far from the palace proper. She slowed to a stop as the entryway came into sight, there were two guardponies checking everypony that came through. Nodding to herself that her information was correct she turned to Mischievous.
“My little Wind, I must ask if you can perform a simple task. In the book called “Plants through the age” you will find an important message.” Zecora told him.
Mischievous climbed over to the cart and began searching through the contents. After a minute he perked up. “Found it.” He chirped and presented his find to Zecora.
The Zebra nodded, “Very good now keep it hand, for that is what the guards will demand.” She told him.
Mischievous nodded that he understood and climbed onto his mothers back once more. Zecora headed to the checkpoint with little worry now. The guards looked over the letter and let her through. They didn’t even bat an eye to Mischievous, but then again there was a magic school behind them. They had seen far stranger things occur with fillies and colts experimenting than the strange creature. Zecora continued her way to the school. Soon she saw a blue unicorn with a black mane in a tailored suit heading right for her.
“Ah Zecora my dear, it has been so long since we last met.” Professor Gemini said.
Zecora chuckled, “Yes this is very true. I do enjoy the letters from you.”
Professor Gemini grinned at this but then noticed her passenger. “I say now, who is this? I know you mentioned an interesting find, but I have never seen a creature quite like this one.”
“Mischievous Wind has become my treasure. I could not explain him with a letter.” Zecora started, Mischievous had curled up behind her to avoid attention of the new pony.
“While I was gathering plants in Ever Free, a new cry is what alerted me. I tracked the sound to their source, to find this foal sobbing with force. I couldn’t leave the little one, and soon enough he became my son.” Zecora explained. Gemini’s eyes widened slightly at that announcement.
“Mischievous Wind, do not hide, for greetings you need to provide.” She said turning to face the child.
The little Wind took his cue and slowly came out of hiding. He looked up at the Unicorn nervously before speaking. “Hello mister Gemini, I-I am sorry for not saying hi.” He managed to squeak out before hiding behind Zecora again.
Professor Gemini blinked then chuckled. “I see he takes after you quite well. I never thought I would meet another pony who spoke in rhymes like that. But I have to ask, Mischievous Wind? He seems so shy?”
Zecora nodded, “It fits him quite well there is even a story to tell.”
“Please Mom no! Telling that tale is just low!” Mischievous protested suddenly no longer shy as horror of an embarrassing tale pierced his shell.
“To help our meal was his wish, and we had an ‘interesting’ dish.” Zecora chuckled as she told the tale and Gemini wasn’t much better. Mischievous just walked beside them to the building with his eyes focused on the ground. His face was tinted red as his exploits were told. He never knew part of having parents was they get to embarrass their children.
[Break]
The interview went off without a hitch. It didn’t take long for Zecora to be set up in a classroom of her own. She enjoyed teaching the children about her chosen art. Time it seemed to blur and before they knew it a month had past. But even though they had settled in well Zecora could tell there was something wrong. In the time they had been here Naruto had yet to make any friends. She sighed, as she noticed the sad look in his eyes. He may try to hide it but she can see past the mask he puts up.
Mischievous Wind was in a park, a grey cloak wrapped around his form hiding him from the rest of the ponies. There was an air of sadness around him but no one noticed. No to notice one would have to be willing to get closer, but Naruto was a stranger, and more importantly a strange creature. No one knew what he was so they avoided him. Whenever he tried to get close they got up and left. Now he simply sat in the sand.
“H-hey there.” Mischievous’ eyes widened as he looked up. There was a unicorn filly standing across from him. She had a purple coat, and her mane was a dark violet blue. Both her mane and tail had a magenta strip going through them. Her eyes were the same color as her mane.
“I-I was wondering if, if you wanted to play?” She asked. She was looking away and nervously digging her hoof in the sand.
“You w-want to play, with me?” Mischievous asked, not sure this was happening.
“Yes, w-well if you want to that is?” Offered the unicorn.
“Yes!” Mischievous hollered happily before seeing the Unicorns wince at the volume. “Oh, I mean yes please. It would make me happy.”
The filly offered him a kind smile, “My name is Twilight Sparkle, what’s yours?”
“Mischievous Wind. Will, will you be my friend?” Mischievous asked hesitantly.
“Sure!” Twilight said and the two played together for the rest of the afternoon, barely aware of Twilight’s sitter watching them the whole time.
[Break]
Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, hire to the Crystal Empire, and proclaimed best foal sitter in the world, stood back and watched proudly as her charge befriended the strange child in the park. She was tall as a full groan pony but still young. Her form was much more slender, her light pink coat was groomed and her tri colored mane was tied back in a tail. Her horn poked up from her magenta, white, and purple locks. She was an Alicorn, a pony with traits of all ponies.
Having love as her special talent made her more aware of everyponies emotions. Though the ability wasn’t really needed to see that this foal was sad. She had seen him try to make friends a few times only to be shunned. It saddened her and she wished to change that. Fortunately it only took a few hints to get Twilight to go over and talk with him.
It made her happy that she could take away that sadness. Nopony wanted to be alone after all. She smiled softly as they played hide and seek throughout the park. She was so caught up in the accomplishment that she completely missed the new arrival until they voiced their presence.
“Well, well this is the sight. I feared I would need to sooth him again this night.”
Princess Cadence nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of the voice. She whirled around to find the source and came face to face with a zebra. She was watching the children, her eyes more focused on the strange foal than Twilight. “And you are?”
The zebra turned to her and gave a smile, “My name is Zecora, and I need to thank you Miss Amore. Mischievous is my son, and he has had no fun. I feared that in the end, he might never make a friend.”
Zecora turned back to watch her son play with the little filly. His laughter easing the worry she had harbored since bringing him to Canterlot.
Princess Cadence could feel the love the Zebra had directed at the strange foal. It left no doubt to her claim of being his mother. She turned her head to continue watching Twilight and the now named Mischievous play. “No one deserves to be alone. It also helps that Twilight needs to get out of her shell.”
They continued to stay there in companionable silence. The little ones playing until Celestia’s sun began to sink lower in the sky. The children were beginning to show the effects of the day as well. Both had slowed down and decided that sitting on the grass would be better than running around.
“I think it is time for me to take Twilight home. I hope to see Mischievous here again if possible.” The last statement was more of a poorly veiled request.
Zecora chuckled at this. “Yes, I don’t think I could keep him away, perhaps we will speak another day.” The Zebra then walked to where the children were playing getting both their attention.
“Mischievous, it is time to head home. I’m sure your friend needs to go to her own.” Both children groaned at the thought of going home but didn’t argue. Mischievous and Twilight exchanged goodbyes, than Zecora led her son back to their home. Listening to him describe the games he played with his new friend.
“Twilight is the best! We played hide and seek and on the swings and a few word games.” Mischievous said excitedly. He couldn’t focus on trying to find rhymes to help him describe how he felt about having a friend. Zecora simply let out a chuckle not bothering to point this fact out.
[Break]
“A shadow flitted down the corridor. Stealthily the mysterious form approached the main chamber.” A purple blur ducked away behind a pillar. “The figure was None other than Twilight Sparkle, greatest archeologist in Equestria! Looking around the chamber she searched for signs of hidden dangers.” Twilight narrated looking around shiftily. She was in the center of the hedge maze at the palace. Cadence and her brother Shining Armor were watching her, along with a friend of hers.
“There was evidence that the room was heavily prepared for the event of thieves.” Twilight continued to narrate. The area in front of her was filled with various things. Ropes outlined areas that were to be ‘pit falls’ and circles of stones indicated ‘stable footing.’
“Twilight would have to get past this first challenge to see the other traps. So she leapt,” Twilight announce hopping from circle to circle until she reached the other side, “and reached the other side saf… Uh-oh!” Under her hooves was a red ‘X’ symbolizing a trap. Suddenly a flurry of projectiles was heading right for her. Squealing, Twilight ran away from the spot being mindful not to cross the rope again or step on anymore X’s.
The projectiles smacked down behind her with a loud squelch, just missing her flank. “Mischievous! You Hid The X’s!” Twilight whined realizing the game was going to be much harder than what she first thought.
“What did you think I would do, go and make it easy for you?” A voice echoed out from the walls of the clearing. Mischievous had no intention of giving up his hiding spot. Their watchers were off to the side trying and failing to suppress the laughs welling up at the game.
Twilight muttered a few childish insults under her breath before standing up and clearing her throat. “Despite this Minor,” she emphasized while glaring at the direction of the projectiles, “setback. Twilight was not detoured. She looked around to find any other traps. She was close to her goal, there across a narrow bridge. The sacred idol sat.” Said idol being one of Twilight’s stuffed toys. The ‘bridge’ was marked between the ropes. It was also covered in leaves so Naruto was obviously hiding a trap here. Looking closely, she noticed the edge of an X… Then another and another and, “Mischievous!” She complained again.
“Now, now miss Archeologist, a challenge you did insist. So stop complaining about the trouble, and solve the puzzle!” He ordered while peeking out from his hiding place. A tree that gave him a full view of the entire course.
Twilight frowned, but returned her attention to the task in front of her. Looking closely at the leaves in front of her for any indication of a way through. There, a stone. Looking closing she saw a circle of stones in the leaves. Excited she looked over the whole bridge and managed to find others. Leaning forward with her flank high in the air, Twilight then jumped from circle to circle with ease.
“Ha! No challenge is too great for The amazing Twilight.” She crowed at having solved Mischievous Wind’s puzzle. “Thusly does the brave filly claim her priiIZE!” Her voice cracked in surprise as one of the boxes meant to be steps leading to the idol collapsed revealing large red zero. The mark for the master trap trigger. Looking over she saw Mischievous grinning widely at her, arms loaded with the wet rags being used as trap ammo.
Twilight screamed as she ran the rest of the way to the idol. Dodging the numerous rags being thrown at her. She grabbed the stuffed toy in her mouth before circling around and making her way back to the bridge. She continued to scream even with the toy in her. She knew that she had to follow to rules to get back jest as she did to get there in the first place or she would lose.
Jumping across the safe spots as fast as she could as rags rained down upon her position. Somehow she managed to avoid getting hit as she touched down on the other side and now she headed for the only available path out. The circles of stone that marked the path in, but Mischievous had shifted his aim for them now. Twilight couldn’t stop now she was so close to winning this time. She timed her jump so she could land between his throws. She skipped across the last few circles reaching the other side of the ‘pit’ and bolted to hide behind Cadence and Shining Armor.
Both ponies were now laughing without restraint at the show that they received. Twilight was sprawled on the ground panting with her prize. It was a close thing but she got the idol and she didn’t get hit. She had won! “YES! Yesyesyesyesyes YES!” Twilight celebrated skipping around the two older Ponies.
“Way to go Twili.” Shining told his little sister while ruffling her hair. Shining was a white unicorn with a deep blue mane. Much like Twilight he had a strip in both his mane and tail that was a brighter color than the rest.
“Twilight Sparkle I congratulate your success.” Mischievous Wind said while standing by Princess Cadence. “But now it is time to clean up the mess.” He finished pointing to the disarray they had left the garden in. Twilight looked a bit sheepish at this, but soon joined her friend as they went to return the garden to its natural state.
Shining Armor moved closer to Princess Cadence as the foals worked. “You were right he has been good for her.” He commented. At first he wasn’t sure what to believe when he was told that his sister made a new friend. Surprise came first, followed soon by happiness. Then the over protective instincts kicked in upon finding out the friend was a boy.
Cadence rolled her eyes at the colt. “Did you ever have reason to doubt my judgment?” She asked. “Of course they are good for each other. But no, you were all protective till I brought you here.” She gently jibed.
“Okay, okay. I admit it, I was acting rather foalish.” Shining Armor admitted. “But hey, can you blame me. Twili is my little sister after all.” He told her pulling the big brother card.
“Yes I know, it is a fact that is so easy to forget sometimes.” She said innocently.
“Hey what’s that supposed to mean?” He questioned. They would have continued except a certain sompony made their presence know at that time.
“I hate to interrupt this playful teasing.” Started Zecora who was suddenly next to both of the ponies. This action caused Shining and Cadence to jump from fright. “But it is fast approaching evening.” She pointed, smiling at the blush that lit up the young ponies faces.
“Zecora!/Mom!” Two voices rang out. Soon the children were standing in front of the Zebra babbling excitedly at the same time.
Zecora shook her head at the display. “Sit down and be calm.” She ordered, getting both the little ones to obey. “Now Twilight, why did you call me mom?” She teased. This got both children to shout denials and try to correct the story. Zecora just laughed that they were so easy to tease.
“Okay, okay little ones. You need to calm down and speak one at a time.” Cadence stepped in, ever the diplomat.
Twilight and Mischievous shared a look before shooting the Ponies big Doe eyes and requesting in perfect sync, “Sleepover Please?” Their guardians of course struggled to resist the effect of those eyes.
“And what brought this on?” Questioned Shining as he tried not to look into those evil, all-too-cute eyes.
“The Summer Sun Celebration!” The foals spoke in sync once again. Before they broke down into jumbled chatter.
Zecora smiled at Shining Armor, “If you don’t mind watching the little one, I am not against him having fun.” She told him. Twilight and Mischievous turned all the force of their stare at Shining Armor.
He was doomed. “Fine, I will arrange it with mom and dad.” Shining Armor conceded. Cadence hid her chuckle behind a hoof while the little ones celebrated by hugging Shining Armor.
[Break]
It took surprisingly less effort to get Twilights parents to accept Mischievous than it did Shining Armor. Though that might have to do with the shock of Twilight having a friend other than Cadence or her brother. But just because they warmed up to him didn’t mean Mischievous had warmed up to them.
“Well, it is very nice to have you Mischievous.” Commented Twilight’s mother Moonbeam. They were in the sitting room, Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor standing to the side of the small creature named Mischievous.
“Uh, um thank you.” Mischievous mumbled while looking at his toes. He gave off nervous tension like a candle did light.
“Now there is no reason to be scared. Any friend of Twilight’s is welcome here.” She tried the reassure him.
Mischievous’ response was a small squeak while moving closer to Twilight. Twilight was giving her friend an odd look. He never acted like this before, well there was that time when Cadence joined them he was pretty quiet around her until he got used to her. But really why was he acting so shy all of sudden.
Mischievous’ thoughts were raging at the moment. Do they accept me? Will they mind me being here? Will they tell Twilight to stop being my friend if I make a bad impression? What do I do, I don’t want to make them angry. The internal battle against his fear of rejection that always pops up when he tries to talk to someone new.
Moonbeam sighed before leaving to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Shining Armor walked in to help her with it. “Don’t worry mom, he will warm up to you.”
“I just don’t understand, he doesn’t seem anything like what you told me?” She questioned her son trying to figure out how the creature in the room was supposed to be the same one Twilight went on about.
“He is just scared.” Shining Armor told her.
“Scared? Have I done something to scare him?” She couldn’t think of anything she has done so far that would scare anypony.
“It is nothing you have done.” Shining Armor admitted while looking away. “He was more outgoing when I first met him more friendlily. Then I mentioned I was Twili’s big brother and he locked up. He was quiet for a long time as I told him about some of the stories Twili had shared with me. He still wouldn’t talk and he was afraid of me. Finally he spoke, do you know what said?” Shining asked his mother.
The older mare shook her head as she worked on making a salad. She prompted for her son to continue.
“He asked me, ‘Are you taking Twilight away?’ He was scared that I wouldn’t let him play with Twilight anymore.” Shining told his mother. “Apparently for the time that he has been in Canterlot, other than his own mother and a few of the school teachers everyone has been avoiding him because they don’t know what he is. You will just have to give it time, once he knows you don’t hold anything against him he will come around.”
Moonbeam frowned at this, she was sad for the boy but really she couldn’t find herself reacting much differently had she just happened upon Mischievous. She sighed and berated herself, Don’t judge a book by its cover. That was a lesson she learned a long time ago and sometimes still forgets. She let out a sigh, “I understand, all we can do is let him warm up to us.”
She lifted the spread with her magic and placed it at the table. Dinner was normal for the family of four even with the addition to the table. Twilight and Shining spoke about their day as their parents listened. Mischievous Wind was slowly beginning to relax in the new environment when…
“And Mischievous cheated, all the X’s were covered in leaves.” Twilight whined.
Not willing to let such a slight against his integrity slide he countered. “I did not cheat, they are traps, they are meant to be hidden.” He shot back not bothering to try and rhyme his words in favor of a speedy defense.
“Ah so he can speak.” Noted Night Sky, father to the two unicorns. He was happy that the child, whatever it was, was finally being more social.
“Speaking is not the problem, it is getting him to be quiet.” Shining Armor quipped.
Mischievous glared a Shining armor, which failed to intimidate anyone. “A problem being silent have I, perhaps I can give you a surprise. For I remember a colt and filly, they were making eyes at each other quite silly.” Mischievous ended with a grin.
There is that interesting speech they spoke of. Thought Night Sky before raising a brow to the statement. “Oh, I though the only ponies present were you three and Cadence.” He said emphasizing Her name. Shining Armor seemed to have swallowed his food wrong considering the coughing.
“Me and Cadence! Don’t be silly why would anything be going on with me and Cadence?” Shining asked nervously. Then he attempted to deflect the conversation, “So dad how was your day?”
“You know I think I am interested in this as well.” Moonbeam said while pinning her son with a smile and a look. Shining Armor looked anywhere but at his mother wondering how he was going to get out of talking about his crush.
Mischievous had just finished whispering something into Twilight’s ear when both broke out in matching grins and began to chant. “Shining and Cadence hiding in a maze. Both are trapped in the others gaze.” The foals were cut off at that point as large portions of salad were shoved in their mouth by magic. The glow faded from Shining Armor’s horn and he began to cough into his hoof acting as though he was ignoring them. Laughter echoed throughout the house.
[Break]
“Now get to sleep you two, we need to be up before the sun in order to attend the celebration.” Moonbeam told Twilight and Mischievous as the white mare tucked them in. As she left the room she turned back and bid them both good night before closing the door.
Twilight and Mischievous were sharing her bed which was meant for a full grown pony so they had room to spare. The silence was peaceful and not oppressive. “Mischievous?” Twilight started breaking the silence.
“Yeah?”
“I am happy you could stay tonight.” Twilight told him. The silence then stretched out again.
“Twilight?” Mischievous was the one to break the silence this time.
“Yeah?”
“Will, will…” He trailed off trying to pick his next words carefully. “Will you, always be my friend?” He asked her.
Twilight turned her head to look at him in the dim light of the room, curious about why he would ask this. “Of course I will Mischievous.” She told him.
Again the silence filled the room.
“Naruto.”
“Huh?”
“My real name.” Naruto stopped before deciding to forge ahead. “Mom gave me the Name Mischievous Wind to help me blend in. My real name is Naruto.”
Instead of silence a faint rustling could be heard and Naruto tensed briefly when he felt Twilight embrace him. “I will always be your friend Naruto.” She promised this time.
Silence… Then the soft steady breathing of sleeping foals filled the room.
[Break]
Grey. That was a good way to describe the streets of Canterlot that morning. Enough light to see by but a lack of color everywhere you look. Ponies were milling about in front of a raised dais waiting for the event to take place. They were all here for a single purpose, to watch as Princess Celestia raise the sun.
“Naruto common, we need to hurry.” Called Twilight as the small purple filly galloped down the street.
“Wait up Twilight, I am not as fast as you.” He told her as her ran full tilt behind her.
They soon arrived at the crowd of ponies and began trying to move to the front. It took them a minute to work their way to the front of the crowd where they then waited for the event to happen. Both were captivated at the sight of Princess Celestia walking out onto the stage. Her mane and tail flowed as though moved by an invisible wind. Colors shifted and moved making one think of the morning mist. Her coat was the purest white and she moved with practiced grace. She turned to face the crowd of ponies and bowed her head. The tip of her horn came alight with a golden glow. With a flap of her wings she lifted into the air and with her came the sun and the dawn.
“Wow.” It was a whisper shared between Twilight and Naruto as they watched the scene play out before them
With the festivities done the ponies all returned to their normal lives but Twilight and Naruto remained where they were. Basking in the glow of the sun, imaginations alight with the event they witnessed.
“Naruto.” Twilight whispered to her friend.
“Yeah Twilight?”
“I want to learn magic!” She said excitedly.
Naruto could do nothing except nod in agreement, after that display nothing would stop him from learning right alongside Twilight. “Let’s learn all we can together.”
Twilight gave her friend a smile and nodded back. They rose to their feet and headed for Twilight’s home. Along the way twilight realized something, “Naruto, you haven’t rhymed anything all day.”
[Author Note]
Wow 6.6k words. That has got to be some kind of record for me. Sorry about the time this took to get out. To those who are wondering I am not abandoning my other fics, I am just stuck when it comes to them. So I present to you my fluff and drama and friendship. Now some of you ask for a ponyfied Naruto… This may happen but I am not telling you how.
Several of you probably think Konoha is out of the picture… Not quite but I am not sure how to approach that subject yet. That and it is probably several chapters away. For now we have the bonds formed between Twilight and Naruto. I hope I did a good job with this please leave me feed back.