//------------------------------//
// Nerding Out 
// Story: Second Tour 
// by Natedogg2006 
//------------------------------//

"So it took all three of you over six months to make it work?" Morningstar asked this to the two remaining mares at the table who both nodded their heads. "Why in the name of Celestia's flaming flanks did any of you think it was a good idea to try to domesticate freaking timberwolves in the first place?"

Fluttershy decided to explain. "Well personally I thought it was a great opportunity. If timberwolves can be domesticated, than it means they're sentient enough for them to be nice to other animals too. And I really like it when animals can get along. Zecora tagged along because she thought it would be fun and she knows more about dealing with timberwolves than anypony. And Fizzlepop.... well, she just said she wanted at least one of the rumors about her to be true." She noticed the sudden shock on his face. "Not that she's ever fed ponies to them. It turns out they don't even eat meat, they just attack if they feel like their territory is being threatened."

"Ah yes, her good boys Rip and Tear. She named them so fearcely, yet made them as cuddly as a teddy bear." Zecora smiled at the memory. "It was a fierce battle to be sure, but one that was a joy to endure. In the end it was a pleasure, Fizzlepop always finds the best adventure."

"Twilight is having a fun time studying them as well. Apparently there is no scientific research into the nature or biology of timberwolves to speak of. At least three scientific journals are fighting for the right to be the first to publish her writings." Fizzlepop was coming back over, floating all of their refilled drinks in her gently crackling magic. "But back to the task at hoof. Were there any other suggestions?"

"Wait," Morningstar cut in. "I just have to ask." Fizzlepop nodded her approval. "Did you name them Rip and Tear so ponies you introduce them to will think you're giving them a command?"

"I did, yes." There were laughs of approval at that. "Now what am I going to do about Twilight?" The occupants of the table seemed to think on that for a moment. 

"This island that you are going to, are there not more intellectual things to do?" Zecora inquired.

"I don't know the whole story, but apparently it is a very historically significant place. We already have a few tours scheduled to see some sights." Fizzlepop clarified. 

"Hey, I think Zecora might be onto something there." Both mares turned their heads in question. 

"Don't just agree with her because you still have the hots for zebras." Fizzlepop said this casually as she took a sip from her drink. 

"That's not the... I mean, I'm not so one note that that's the only reason I might like a mare." He felt eyes on him from around the table but refused to give them the satisfaction. "Kinda like you, I also like smart mares. Isn't there some historically significant and or touristy place where you can pop the question. It would be cheesey, but let's face facts, you two are pretty cheesey together."

Zecora giggled as she added. "We are agreed, as I have said. So have we put this matter to bed?"

Fizzlepop grumbled slightly at this. "I wish it had been that easy. Something like that was my first idea actually. But unfortunately Sparky has been unreasonably secretive about exactly what we're doing." She grumbled some more before her gaze drifted to another occupant of the table. "Do you have any idea what she has planned Fluttershy?"

"Nope."

The rest of the table stared at the surprisingly short and final words of the timid pegasus. She was just casually sipping her drink, yet no one dared to push the issue. 

"So no ground there. I just don't know where I might be able to pull it off." Fizzlepop grumbled more, but this time there was a small smile as she seemed to think. "Not to mention, I don't know if I'll have a proper opportunity."

"Oh no boss, don't tell me you've already had too much to drink. I've seen enough of that particular smile to know what it means. And I deal with quite enough of your adorkable nerd talk when we go drinking, thank you very much."

Fizzlepop took another deep pull from her drink, leaving the cup to linger in front of her face. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I'll get Berrypunch, we'll compare notes. You always do it when you get tipsy, so I'm sure she's got some stories even I haven't heard." Fizzlepop glared as if to challenge him to continue his statement. He flashed a smug smirk before putting on a fake voice, slightly high pitched and slightly slurred. "She's just such a dork, and it is soooooo cute."

"I'm busting down your rank the moment I get back." She growled this while clearly trying to force color out of her cheeks. "But you are right. She's a very adorable nerd. And I wouldn't want to get in the way of her being the adorable nerd I know she is. So who knows if I'd get a chance. She might be too distracted to even notice if I tried."


***


"Come on Fizz, we're gonna be late."

Fizzlepop could only laugh. She had largely recovered from the peace conference, as well as recovering from recovering from the peace conference. Despite this she was not the fastest moving pony in the world at the moment. But knowing her marefriend, she didn't mind. 

"Really Sparky, like I don't already know we're running fifteen to thirty minutes early just to make sure there's no chance whatsoever that we might be late."

Twilight was prancing along in front of her as they were on their way to their first tour of the day.  Even by the standards of the excitable nerd she seemed to be going way overboard. "I know I know I know," she exclaimed, now prancing circles around her stoic marefriend, which made her smile wider. "But I've got a special surprise and I just can't wait for you to see it."

Fizzlepop giggled at her marefriend's excitement. "Honestly, this island isn't that big. Just how historic can it really be for us to be able to spend an entire day learning about its history?"

They seemed to be coming to the top of a ridge, one which Fizzlepop presumed was hiding whatever it was they were there to see. Twilight now slowed her prancing, coming to an enthusiastic trot next to her marefriend. "Oh, you'd be surprised. In fact, I think you're going to be very surprised."

Fizzlepop gave the other mare a playful hip bump as they went. "Looking forward to it." And she was looking forward, to watching the smaller mare act like a total nerd all day. That was when they came to the top of the hill, and Fizzlepop stopped in her tracks at what she saw. "What in the...."

In the back of her mind Fizzlepop was aware of the fact that Twilight had stopped with her, and was now watching Fizzlepop with a smug look on her face. "Hey Fiiiiiiz, did you know this island used to have another name?"

"What.. what was that?" She asked this while her gaze tracked over dozens of huge stone structures dotted over the beaches below where they stood. 

"Hakoya, but it's name did change several times as control of the island changed at different points."

"Hakoya, you mean the Hakoya? One of the most contested positions during the Great War? Part of the Sealantic wall, and linchpin in wartime trade routes for all armies involved?"

"And also where the treaty that ended the war was signed. Turns out, most of the wartime facilities were preserved. For history."

Unconsciously, Fizzlepop began to prance on the spot. "You have got to be kidding me. Some of the most significant military advancements happened during the Great War. I mean, every one of those fortifications, I've gotta... I've gotta see inside." She now took off at a prancing trot, stopping a few paces ahead to turn and prance in place as she called back. "Let's go Sparky, I don't want to be late. Do you think they still have any of the magic canons in there? Do you think they're still operational? Do you think they'll do any demonstrations? You think they'll let me participate?"

Twilight smiled happily. "Yeah, we're going to be way too busy all day." She said this under her breath as she strode forward. "You're such a nerd."

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Now calm down, I'm coming. I've been looking forward to this."