{Norman}
I've been searching for Betty for six months now. I regret leaving with dad to go work odd jobs to send money back home and now I doubt that's where the money we were making was going. The first place I looked was home. Betty and mom weren't there, so I searched every city around the area but found nothing so far.
Then, I remembered Betty used to be friends with a girl named Scarlett Harmony. So, I figured if I can find her, I might be one step closer to finding Betty. I remembered that Scarlett lived in a village on the outskirts of Equestria. When I went to the village, I found out Scarlett's dad owns a small shop that sells traditional human food. I figured if I stop there, maybe he could give me some information on where Betty is.
When I arrived at the shop, I saw a man working behind the counter that looked like he could be my dad's age. The man smiled at me when I took a seat at the counter, "Well now, what can I do you for?"
"Um, hi there," I said, "is there a man by the name of Mr. Harmony working here today?"
The man gave me a wary look. "That depends, who's asking?"
"Well ah, my name's Norman Jewel." I said. "And I'm looking for my sister Betty Jewel. I remember her being friends with a girl named Scarlett Harmony. I figured if I could find her dad, then I could be closer to finding Betty finally."
The man chuckled. "Hi there Norman, I haven't seen you in a while! I'm Mr. Harmony! I can point you in the right direction to where Betty is. She and her mom moved to Ponyville two years ago. According to Scarlett, they moved there so Betty could go to the School of Friendship. Scarlett also told me that Betty's been declared an orphan and is living with Fluttershy and Discord at their cottage. I can give you directions if you like?"
I nodded. "Sure."
Mr. Harmony gave me directions to Fluttershy and Discord's cottage. I smiled when I got the directions. It's about time Betty got away from that abusive witch for a mother.
* * *
When I finally got to Discord and Fluttershy's cottage, I saw Fluttershy tending to her garden. She looked up when she saw me and she said. "Oh, hi there! Are you looking for someone?"
I nodded. "Yes, I don't know if you remember, but I'm Norman Jewel, Betty's younger brother. I've been looking for her for six months and I heard she's living here now."
Fluttershy examined me and smiled. "Yup, you look a lot like Norman. Yes, Betty lives here; she's training with her friend Scarlett Harmony on her Death Walker abilities today."
I know what Death Walkers are and what they do. It was interesting to find out Betty's been announced as a Death Walker now. "Betty's a Death Walker now?"
"Oh yeah, didn't you get the announcement?" Fluttershy asked.
I shook my head. "Well no, I've been busy looking for Betty and that's all I've been concerned about. Do you know when she'll be back?"
Fluttershy shook her head. "I don't know, but she should be back by nighttime at the latest. Unless she has a power surge, it might be earlier. She had her first power surge a couple of days ago. Anyway, you're welcome to come inside and wait for her. I can make you some food, if you're hungry?"
I smiled. "I'll just wait for Betty. You don't have to make me any food."
"Oh, okay then." Fluttershy said.
I followed Fluttershy into the cottage, eagerly waiting to see Betty again.
* * *
{Betty}
I headed back to the cottage as I was done with training for the day. I wanted to keep going, but Scarlett called it quits for the day. I got within a mile away from the cottage, when I sensed him. There was a man that looked a lot like my little brother Norman siting on the couch. Of course, he looked much older now.
That guy looks a lot like Norman, I'm not sure if I want to find out if he is. He was creepy and annoying growing up before he left to go be with dad. He just might be creepier now that he's older. Although I do have to lock my doors because of Silver I thought.
I hesitated when I got to the door. "Uh Fluttershy, I'm home! And who's the guy sitting on the couch?"
"It's your brother Norman," Fluttershy answered, "why don't you come in and say hi?"
I opened the door and Norman was sitting there with his jaw dropped. "How did you do that? The door wasn't even open!"
Fluttershy explained, "It's a Death Walker ability that enables them to track down somepony. It's very useful when a Death Walker is on that type of assignment."
"Hi Norman." I mumbled.
Norman smiled and gave me that creepy look that he always gave me when we were younger. His creepy is unique too and sometimes he adds in a smile to make it extra creepy.
"Yup you're Norman alright." I confirmed. "You're giving me that creepy look you used to give me when we were younger. And it's even creepier now that you're an adult."
Norman tilted his head. "Huh?"
Fluttershy giggled at this.
"That's not funny Fluttershy." I said. Fluttershy's giggle went into a full on fit of laughter.
Lovely, it's bad enough I have a creepy stalker named Silver and now I have a creepy brother siting here staring at me! I thought.
Cozy Glow laughed inside my head, Was he really that bad?
Oh yeah, that creepy 'undressing you with my eyes' look, Norman does it with a unique twist and he adds a smile with it. I thought.
Cozy Glow started laughing in my head even harder. I facepalmed and groaned.
"Oh, come on Betty!" Norman said. "I'm not that bad!"
"Okay fine," I said, "but weren't you supposed to be in that joint high school/college program?"
"I was, but I finished early. I've been looking for you for six months now. Leaving with dad to go work those odd jobs was the biggest mistake I ever made." Norman responded.
"Oh." I said. I was getting ready to say something. I paused when I felt that creepy presence I've been sensing following me around lately.
Yeah, I can sense it too, what's up with this? Cozy thought.
I don't know, but it's getting on my nerves! I thought.
Norman gave me a look of concern. "What's wrong Betty?"
I shook my head. "It's nothing."
Fluttershy looked at the time. "Well, it's dinner time. I'll go make the food. Norman, there's a guest room upstairs, you're welcome to stay as long as you like."
"Thanks Fluttershy." Norman said.
Lovely, Fluttershy's way too nice for her own good. I thought. She just had to let my creepy brother stay in the same house.
At this point, Cozy was starting to get on my nerves because she couldn't stop laughing in my head.
***
When I went to sleep, I locked the balcony and my bedroom to keep Silver and my brother out. I got woken up out of a deep sleep for some reason, why I don't know. I looked over to see Norman sitting on the edge of my bed, giving me that creepy look and he added in a smile.
Yup, I thought, he's still creepy!
"You know you look like an angel when you're sleeping." Norman said.
I rolled my eyes. "Yup, and you're still creepy! How did you get into my room?"
"I picked the lock." Norman said. "I alway did this when we were younger to protect you from mom."
"Awww that's cute!" Cozy Glow said.
Norman paused and looked to the side of me. "Uh, Betty? Why is there a ghost that looks like Cozy Glow floating beside you?"
Three, two, one… I thought.
"You mean you can see me?" Cozy Glow said with excitement.
You know, that you can see me line, is getting on my last nerve! I thought.
I'm sorry Betty! I can't help it! Cozy Glow thought.
"Well duh," said Norman, "I wouldn't be asking if I couldn't."
"Well, of course I'm dead," Cozy Glow said, "I died in that stupid statue five years ago…"
I tuned Cozy out as she gave Norman the whole, she died in her statue story, and I smashed it and blah, blah, blah story. This time she ended the story venting her frustration. "A lot of times from what I know of growing up, when a spirit can't crossover, it means they have unfinished business or something like that. I have no desire to finish the war I declared on Equestria, so I have no idea what unfinished business I could have here."
I shrugged. "That makes two of us."
"I know," said Cozy, "when I declared war on Equestria, I realize how stupid that was. I couldn't see past my wanting to gain power and rule over Equestria myself. I think I've had enough time in that statue to realize how wrong that was. I'm not so sure about Queen Chrysalis and Tirek though."
"Huh, I see." Norman said.
"Anyway," said Cozy, "I agree with Betty. While breaking into her room at night because you used to do that when you were younger is cute, doing it now that you're older and Betty's a Death Walker is just plain creepy."
"Ah…" Norman said. He blushed and looked away.
I rolled my eyes as I sensed with my tracking abilities that Silver was headed towards my room. I pulled out my staff and used my Death Walker abilities to open the curtains and the balcony doors. I took my staff and threw it at him.
"Hey!" Silver snapped. "I almost crashed!"
"Serves you right!" I snapped. "How many times does a girl have to say no before you take a hike?"
Silver landed on the balcony and paused when he saw Norman. "Who's he? Is he your boyfriend?"
I sneered at him, "Does it matter? And if I did have a boyfriend, it would be none of your business! Since you want to know so badly, this is my brother Norman."
Norman rolled his eyes. "You know when someone says no and throws a weapon at you, I don't think that's a sign of affection?"
Silver clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Okay, what was that you threw at me Betty?"
"It's a staff, my Death Walker weapon." I answered.
Silver gave me that annoying flirting smile he always gives me. "Oh yeah, that's right! You've been announced as a new Death Walker. That makes you even more likeable!"
I groaned and pulled out my staff again. Norman and Silver looked at me with looks of admiration. I rolled my eyes, "What?"
"That is so cool how you can carry your weapon like that." Silver said.
"Yeah..." I said, "Now get lost before I throw it again!"
"Humph!" Silver scoffed. "I'll leave because I don't feel like dying before I can sweep my love off her feet."
Silver turned around, kicked the ground and flew off.
Norman chuckled. "Well, I guess Cozy Glow was right. So I'll go back to bed now."
"Good! Now do me a favor and stay there please!" I said.
After Norman left, I used my Death Walker abilities to put my room on lockdown and went back to sleep.
* * *
{Norman}
I couldn't help but feel happy now that I've found Betty. She seems to be much stronger now. She's more beautiful too and she's practically an adult to me, even though she's considered a pre-adult now. I still have one more year before I become a pre-adult myself. I'm only nineteen and I'm still considered a teenager.
When I came out of my room in the morning, Fluttershy stopped me before I even got to the stairs. She looked in the direction of Betty's room and nodded. "Good, she's just sleeping and not Death Walking."
"O...Kay? So what's this about Fluttershy?" I asked.
"Come with me to Sugarcube Corner. I'll explain everything there." Fluttershy said.
When we got to Sugarcube Corner, I saw Pinkie Pie there, who quickly perked up when she saw me. "Hey Fluttershy! I didn't know we had a new friend to welcome in town!"
Oh boy, now she's going to pull out her- I thought.
I forgot how funny Pinkie's welcome was until she started singing. From what I remembered, everytime that was done, the oven would open with confetti coming out of it. Then, when the trumpets would sound, cake batter would come out of them.
Pinkie giggled, "Ooops! I guess I switched the confetti and the cake batter, again!"
Fluttershy rolled her eyes, "You always do that everytime Pinkie. You're probably just trying to make people laugh or you're senile. This guy isn't new here."
Pinkie tilted her head. "Huh?"
I smiled. "Hi, I'm Norman, Betty's little brother."
"Really?" Pinkie said before tilting her head to the left. She brings it upright. "You're Norman? I should've known! You look like the adult version of Norman."
Fluttershy snorted. "Yeah, I think you have some issues Pinkie. By the way, do you have the presents and food for Betty's gotcha day party?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Gotcha day party? I thought she was an orphan now?"
"Well yeah," said Fluttershy, "Equestrian law states that once a pre-adult is declared an orphan then you can adopt them. But if a pre-adult already has a parent taking care of them, then it's a matter of a custody issue. It's funny because Betty's old enough to adopt a child and enlist in the Military herself. But I don't think she wants the added responsibility right now?”
"Anyway, Discord and I are in the process of adopting Betty. Once it goes through, which I hope it will, there'll be a gotcha day party for her. I'm pretty sure Betty will be happy to have me and Discord as her parents!"
I snorted. "You as a mother now that I can see. Discord as a dad, that'll happen when pigs fly!"
"I heard that!" Discord exclaimed from behind me. I laughed when I turned around and saw him. "And if you must know, I'm the Lord of Chaos, so I can do that. Duh!"
I couldn't keep my laughter in even if I wanted to, when Discord snapped his eagle claw and made several flying pigs appear out of thin air. Fluttershy laughed so hard, she had tears in her eyes. "Oh Discord! That trick never gets old! I'm pretty sure Betty would love it if you do that at her gotcha day party! Well if it doesn't happen on her birthday, that is."
"Oh come now dear," said Discord, "you gotta think positive! I'm sure it will go through."
Right on cue, a mail pegasus flew up to Fluttershy and Discord and handed them a letter. Fluttershy gave him a bit for a tip before he flew off. Fluttershy ripped open the letter with her mouth before pulling it out with her mouth and perching it on her forehooves while her and Discord read the letter before an exuberant expression came over their smiling faces. "It went through! We have a daughter!"
I smiled. "It's about time Betty got some good parents!"
Fluttershy beamed. "Yup! All we have to do is finish planning the party and we'll have it tomorrow. Of course, we'll have a party for her birthday as well, which is on Nightmare Night."
Fluttershy looked over when I saw a young mare enter the store. She was a unicorn that had black fur and a silver mane and tail. Her cutie mark was a silver star and a wavy yellow streak behind it.
"Oh good! Mystic Diamond you're here!" Fluttershy said.
Mystic Diamond raised her left eyebrow. "Uh, yeah? I'm just here to pick up an order of cupcakes and ice cream. I'm planning on sharing it with Betty and Scarlett when they're done with training today. What's up?"
Discord looked to her near the entrance while floating in the air and exclaimed, "Well, the paperwork has finally come through! We're the proud parents of Betty!"
Mystic Diamond smiled and had a twinkle in her eye. "That's great! Are you going to have a party for her?"
Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, we've almost finished planning the party. We want you and Norman to help put the finishing touches on it. We'll have it for her tomorrow. We're thinking it's gonna be a surprise party."
Mystic Diamond nodded. "Okay, sure I can help. I won't say a word."
"That goes for me too." I said.
"Did I just hear somepony say they're planning a party for Betty?" I heard a voice say. We turned around to see a pegasus stallion with silver fur and a brown mane and tail. His cutie mark was a ceramic plate with a pottery wheel beside it.
Mystic Diamond did a facehoof and groaned. "I think you know the answer to that question Silver. It doesn't matter how many times you challenge ponies so you can be her boyfriend if she doesn't want you, then you should learn how to take no for an answer!"
Silver looked at me and scowled. "You're that guy that was in Betty's room the other night!"
"Really Silver?" Mystic Diamond growled. "I think you've gone way too far on that one!"
Silver pointed a hoof in my direction. "Me? What about him? He was in her room too!"
"It doesn't matter Silver!" Mystic Diamond snapped.
I rolled my eyes. "I haven't been in Betty's room ever since that night. Betty's a Death Walker, now she can handle herself. I only did that out of habit because I would do it when we were younger to protect her from mom."
Silver scoffed. "Alright then, I challenge you to an arm wrestle! Winner takes all! If I win then I get to be Betty's boyfriend."
"You can't take Betty by force. You know this, right?" I said. "If I win, you stay away from Betty. Got that?"
"Fine, I accept your terms on this." Silver said.
We sat down at a nearby table. It took a minute and a lot of grunting for me to slam Silver's hoof on the table to win the match. Silver snarled at me, "this isn't over!"
I smirked. "Oh, I think it is! Now stay away from Betty or else!"
"And just so you can't spoil the surprise for Betty." Discord said as he turned to the pink earth pony. "Pinkie? Is it okay if I lock him away in your party planning cave until after tomorrow?"
Pinkie glared blankly before smiling and nodding. "Sure, no problem!"
Without another word, Discord snapped his claw and Silver disappeared.
"Welp," said Mystic Diamond, "that takes care of one of Betty's stalkers. Too bad Discord can't take care of the rest."
"You mean she has more than one stalker?" I asked while turning my head to her.
Mystic Diamond nodded. "Oh yeah, ever since Betty beat Marble at a race, there's been daily fights over her in the schoolyard. Betty's not interested in that stuff at the moment. I'm glad she's in the homeschooling program now. It would be even worse if she was there."
Discord laughed."Although I do love chaos, I don't like that type of chaos. Speaking of stalkers, what do you think about inviting Dae, Fluttershy?"
"Uh, Dae?" I said.
"Oh yes," said Fluttershy, "he's one of Betty's very first stalkers ever. Ever since Betty came to Ponyville."
I smiled. "I see."
"The poor guy can't even work up the nerve to at least say hi to her." Discord said.
Fluttershy giggled. "Yeah, he reminds me of how I was before I met Discord. We've told him over and over to at least say hi. You don't have to confess your feelings for her right off the bat."
"Yeah, that would be an awkward conversation." I said. "You know I've been stalking you for ages now. I'm head over heels in love with you, will you be my girlfriend?"
Fluttershy and Discord snorted at this.
"While inviting him does sound like a good idea," said Fluttershy, "I'm not sure that he will come because he's shy and all?"
Mystic Diamond did a facehoof and groaned. "I don't get some ponies. It's like the most basic of conversations! That's what I did when I met Betty. It's simple, just like I told my sister Sapphire. 'Hi my name is' and then a follow up with that would be 'what's yours?' Honestly, it's not that hard to say hi. It's not like Betty's a venomous snake or a cockatrise or something!"
Fluttershy, Discord and I couldn't help but laugh at that.
"Okay guys! Let's finish planning this party!" Fluttershy said.
I felt nothing but joy as I was helping Fluttershy and Discord put the finishing touches on Betty's gotcha day party.