“I’m not getting sheared. I don’t want to,” argued Jasper, adamant.
“You have to. It’s Summer, and you’re sweating right now,” argued Melon. She turned with an angry look. “Tell him.”
The sheep and the melon pony were inside of the library, arguing about him needing to get sheared, while their friends were watching and were trying to get their word in. The two had started arguing about it after everyone had noticed that Jasper was sweating, which the sheep had revealed that he’s been doing ever since the temperatures had increased during the summer. Apparently, no one had noticed that Jasper had been doing it for a few weeks.
“I have to agree with Melon, Jasper. With it being summer, having all that wool and not getting sheared is not going to be healthy for you,” advised Gentle Hope. “You’ll end up overheating and fainting.”
Solight nodded. “Yeah. It’s going to be very hot for you,” they agreed.
Cinna frowned. “I don’t want my friend to get hurt. Please get yourself sheared,” she begged.
“Banan!” agreed Banana Pie.
Seeing as how he was outnumbered, Jasper sighed. “Look, I don’t want to get sheared because…I just don’t want to be laughed at after I get sheared,” explained the sheep.
That confused everyone, making them wonder why any of them would laugh at him for getting sheared.
“Why would we laugh at you?” asked the psychiatrist pony.
The sheep looked down, blushing. “I would look embarrassing without my wool,” he answered.
That surprised everyone that Jasper would think that.
“Jasper, we’re your friends. We wouldn’t dare to laugh at you just because you don’t have any wool,” reassured the melon pony. “We care about you. You not getting sheared would make us all worry.” Melon looked at him with a begging look on her face. “Please…For us, get yourself sheared.”
The sheep, seeing the concerned looks on all of his friends’ faces, sighed.
“Fine. I’ll get myself sheared,” said Jasper.
The next thing he knew, the sheep got pulled into a group hug by all of his friends. Even Spike, and Dawn and Dusk got dragged into the hug as well, which they were okay with.
“Yay! Hug!” cheered the colt.
The sheep inwardly sighed. “Of course they were able to convince me to get sheared. They are my close friends after all,” thought Jasper, smiling.
The sheep didn’t notice that the bell that is usually on his collar had developed a large, deep crack in it.
A Few Days Later
The alicorn had just received a letter from Princess Celestia. It read:
“To my faithful guard and student,
Your letter about your friend Jasper, concerned me. You’ve said that starting a few days ago, he’s been heading back to his home every time a few minutes just before me and my sister could even switch out the sun and moon. Not only that, but he’s always in a hurry and can’t stay for long. It sounds suspicious, so I need you to find out what it is and report back to me as soon as possible.
From your princess/teacher,
Celestia.”
Solight was inwardly feeling conflicted. “Maybe I shouldn’t have told her about it? Jasper probably developed some sort of schedule that he’s temporarily sticking to for a while,” they thought. “Now here comes the hard part. If I don’t report back to Princess Celestia, then that’d be disobeying her orders, but if I spy on Jasper, then that’d be betraying our friendship.” The alicorn inwardly groaned. “What should I do?”
Solight thought about it for a while before they made a decision.
A Few Minutes Later
“I need your help to stall Jasper long enough until it’s night just to see why he is always in such a hurry to get back home,” explained the alicorn. “So, can you help me?”
Solight was currently at Sparkle Mane Drinks with their friends, except for Jasper, who was out in town getting some supplies for some of his current commissions; Spike, who was helping Rarity; and Dawn and Dusk, who went along with the young dragon.
Gentle Hope looked confused. “Haven’t you thought that maybe he’s probably sticking to some sort of temporary schedule?” she questioned.
“I’ve thought of that too, but it doesn’t explain why Jasper’s in such a hurry. Even if he’s sticking to a schedule, he shouldn’t be in that much of a hurry to do it,” answered the alicorn.
As for the pegasus, this seemed a bit odd to her. “Why are you so curious to learn about Jasper anyway? If you’re that curious about him, why don’t you ask him yourself?” asked Cinna.
They have before during the time that the alicorn had lived in Ponyville. “I have. Jasper has told me a lot of things about himself,” answered Solight. “But not about why he’s been leaving exactly before it’s nighttime. I’m just worried he might be getting mixed up in something he’s having trouble with.”
Hearing the alicorn’s reasoning made them all go silent as the Solight’s friends all glanced at each other silently. Eventually, it was the melon pony who spoke.
She sighed. “If we help you do this, will you stop having this level of curiosity about Jasper and start asking him directly?” asked Melon.
They nodded. “Yes,” answered the alicorn.
The melon pony sighed. “Fine. We’ll help you, just this once,” she said. “But after this, don’t ask us to do something like this again.”
Solight nodded. They didn’t like this either at all. “Okay, so there’s only five hours until nighttime, and we need a plan to stall long enough. Who wants to go first?” asked the alicorn.
A Few Minutes Later
The sheep had just finished up his shopping as Jasper had bought some stuff from the Market. He needed the stuff for something important that the sheep was going to be making soon. Jasper’s cloak was a bit bigger and longer as the sheep needed to cover himself up since all, but his head and tail were shorn clean. It was done by Fluttershy who somehow knew how to shear sheep, and it would be a while until it all grew back. Plus, the sheep wasn’t wearing his bell collar for some reason.
“Now, for my current project I need some Phoenix Fire, Phoenix Feathers, Fire Ruby Crystals, Rain Water, and maybe some Ocean Water as well,” thought Jasper.
“Banan!” shouted the unicorn stallion.
He looked up, unsurprised. The sheep got used to Banana Pie showing up out of nowhere. “Hi, Banana Pie. Need something?” asked Jasper.
He nodded. “Banan. Banan?” said Banana Pie.
The sheep nodded, understanding. “Yeah, I can help you sell some bananas for an hour or two,” answered Jasper. Over time, the sheep got so used to the unicorn stallion saying ‘Banan’ that Jasper can now understand him somehow.
Banana Pie smiled. “Banan!” said the unicorn stallion.
The two head off to go to Banana Pie’s stand. What Jasper didn’t know was that this whole thing was a plan devised by his friends.
1 Hour and 30 Minutes Later
The sheep smiled at a random pony. “Thank you for buying our bananas. We hope to see you again soon,” he said.
The pony trotted away with their purchase of bananas. Then, the pegasus showed up, smiling.
“Hey there, Jasper. Banana Pie,” greeted Cinna. “How’s business going?”
“Banan,” answered the unicorn stallion.
Jasper shrugged. “Eh, it’s a bit slow, but manageable,” answered the sheep. “Do you want to buy some bananas?”
She shook her head. “No. I came to see if you could help me with something?” asked the pegasus.
He looked hesitant. “Well, I don’t want to abandon Banana Pie by himself,” said the sheep.
Banana Pie looked okay with it. “Banan. Banan,” the unicorn stallion.
Jasper nodded, smiling. “Okay. If you say so, Banana Pie,” he said. The sheep faced Cinna. “So, what do you need help with Cinna?
The pegasus mare smiled. The next thing that he knew, Jasper got booped on the nose by her, surprising the sheep. Back then, Jasper had allowed Cinna to start booping him on the nose, but just not too much since it’ll get annoying at some point to the sheep.
“Catch me if you can!” shouted the pegasus.
Cinna galloped away, giggling.
After realizing that he was booped, Jasper chased after her. “Hey! No fair!” shouted the sheep.
45 Minutes Later
The two had been playing tag for a while, and right now, he was it. The sheep looked around for the pegasus mare, determined.
“Where did she go? I know I just saw her in this area just a few seconds ago,” thought Jasper.
The sheep had chased them into the part where Sugarcube Corner and a few other stores were. He hadn’t looked inside the stores yet since that’d be unfair of Cinna to hide inside of one while Jasper is looking for her. Suddenly, a voice sounded off right next to the sheep.
“Hey, Jasper,” greeted a familiar voice.
Jasper turned around to face the owner of the voice. “Hey, Gentle Hope. You need something too?” guessed the sheep.
The psychiatrist pony was surprised. “How did you know I needed something?” asked Gentle Hope.
He smiled. “It was a feeling I had. Anyway, I can help you as soon as I find and boop Cinna,” said Jasper, determined. “So far, we’re tied with a lot of wins, but then she stopped running and started turning this game of tag into hide and seek. I’ve been looking for her everywhere, but I just can’t find her.” The sheep went to check the next place.
She glanced up to see a certain pegasus hiding on top of the roof of the store next to them, having fun.
Gentle Hope smiled as she looked back down at him. The psychiatrist pony decided to give Jasper a hint. “Have you tried looking on top of the roofs? Cinna is a pegasus after all,” she said.
After hearing that hint, the sheep stopped in place.
He sighed. “Where is she?” asked Jasper.
“On top of the roof next to us,” answered Gentle Hope.
The sheep quickly looked up to see Cinna up on the roof.
She flew down off of the roof and onto the ground, frowning. “No fair! You had help!” said the pegasus mare.
Jasper gave Cinna a smile. “Sorry about that, Cinna. How about we consider this your win and I’ll buy you a chocolate cake as an apology?” he suggested.
A chocolate cake did sound good. “Hmm…Okay,” answered the pegasus mare, smiling.
The sheep looked apologetic. “Though, can I give it to you tomorrow? Gentle Hope needs something, so I’ll give it to you the next time we meet up,” he informed.
Cinna nodded. “Sure thing. I don’t have anything planned tomorrow so it sounds good,” she said. “And I’m busy today since my parents and Lemon’s dad are visiting.” The pegasus and their brother actually had family visiting later today, and Cinna needed to get home and prepare for their arrival.
Jasper nodded. “It’s okay. Family is important after all,” he said.
The pegasus smiled before flying off, heading home.
The sheep looked at the psychiatrist pony. “So, you need help with something?” he asked.
She smiled. “Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to just talk?” asked Gentle Hope.
That confused Jasper, but he was okay with it. “Sure. Where do you want to talk?” answered the sheep.
1 Hour and 30 Minutes Later
“And I guess that’s why I love her. She’s just…amazing, and right now, I’m afraid I won’t measure up in her eyes, like I’m someone who doesn’t deserve her,” admitted Jasper.
He and the psychiatrist pony were in her office. The sheep was sitting on the couch, talking about his feelings, while Gentle Hope was sitting in her chair.
The psychiatrist pony nodded while writing stuff down in her notepad. “I see. Well, Melon did tell me and Cinna that you were her secret admirer, and that the two of you went out on a date at a restaurant and even went out on a stroll,” said Gentle Hope. “She told us that she had the most amazing time of her life.”
Jasper didn’t know whether to feel embarrassed that Melon told the two that, or proud that the melon pony had fun.
“You should know that anytime you’re feeling that way, then you should remember that Melon is the most loyal one of the group and wouldn’t think anything like that about you or any of us. Also, I think you have a chance to sweep her off her hooves during the future dates that you’re planning on taking her out on,” advised the psychiatrist pony, smirking behind her clipboard.
The sheep felt like blushing right now and wanted the subject to be changed. Luckily, there was a knock at the door.
Gentle Hope looked up from her clipboard. “Who is it?” asked the psychiatrist pony.
“Melon. Can I come in?” answered the voice.
She smiled. “Of course. We were done anyway,” said Gentle Hope.
The door opened, and in trotted Melon.
“Hi there, Melon. Did you need something?” asked the psychiatrist pony.
Jasper had a feeling of why the melon pony was here, but it was only a guess. “I have a feeling that she either wants some help or wants something just like the others,” he thought.
She started blushing when she looked at the sheep. “I was wondering…if you wanted to go out on a date with me at my stand and help taste test some new watermelon varieties?” asked Melon.
He quickly got up off of the couch and walked over to the melon pony. “Sure, I’m free right now,” answered Jasper. The sheep turned towards Gentle Hope. “Let’s continue our session next time.”
The psychiatrist pony smiled. “Sounds good. For now, don’t let me keep you two here,” she said.
“Okay. Bye,” said Jasper.
He didn’t notice that the melon pony and Gentle Hope shared a look with one another before Melon followed after the sheep.
8 Minutes Later
They were at the melon pony’s watermelon stand with an “On Break” sign on the front. There, Jasper was trying out different watermelons with Melon during her break as the melon pony needed help taste testing them to see if they’re perfect to be sold. Especially since this is Melon’s first and last batch as there was only a few months left before Fall starts. Both of them were spitting seeds out into bowls while eating the fruit.
The melon pony had been glancing at the sheep multiple times from the corner of her eye. “Just ask him already. It wouldn’t hurt to try,” thought Melon.
Too bad for her, he noticed and was now grinning. “I know that I’m handsome since you’ve been glancing at me so many times, Melon. But don’t worry, I think your beauty is extraordinary,” said Jasper.
That made the melon pony blush. “It’s not that!” exclaimed Melon.
The sheep chuckled. “I know. Now, what is it that you wanted to ask me?” he asked.
She calmed down before sighing. “Jasper, why is it that you leave Ponyville a few minutes before it’s nighttime? I mean, is it some sort of schedule, or do you have some sort of commission that you’ve currently trying to finish or something?” asked Melon.
Hearing those questions made Jasper frown and look down.
He sighed. “It’s something, but it’s something that only I can do alone. I know I should count on you all to help, but this is something way out of all of your hooves,” answered the sheep. “That’s all I’m going to say.”
Seeing that Jasper was being adamant and kind of sad about it, the melon pony decided to change the subject.
“What do you think of all of these watermelons? Do you think I should grow them next year?” Melon wondered.
He smiled. “It’s pretty good. I think you should grow them,” answered the sheep. “I know that lots of ponies will want to buy these.”
She smiled as well. “I agree with you, Jasper. They taste sweet, juicy, and delicious,” said the melon pony. “I can’t wait until next year. For now, I’ll just sell the stock I currently have.”
The two then started talking more about the watermelons. Eventually, once Melon’s break was over, the melon pony started selling them with Jasper’s help.
53 Minutes Later
Jasper yawned after finding himself sleeping against the stand right next to Melon who was just reading a book while waiting for ponies to buy her watermelons. There was only two or three left.
“Did I miss anything while I was asleep?” asked the sheep, wondering.
“Well, there’s only a few watermelons left. So, if no pony’s going to buy them soon, then I’ll just take them home and eat them,” answered the melon pony. She looked down at him. “Do you want to take some home with you?”
Jasper thought about it before shrugging. “Sure. Might as well take some with me, and…” he said, but then realized something. “Wait. What time is it?”
The sheep quickly took out an hourglass from his cloak. The hourglass showed the current time, which made Jasper freak out.
The sheep looked extremely worried. “I’m sorry, Melon, but I have to go now,” said Jasper.
He summoned some wings and flew off a few feet before falling to the ground. The sheep tried again and again, but Jasper’s nervousness was causing him to crash every time, making Melon worried about the sheep. The melon pony looked back at her watermelons before shrugging and galloping after Jasper, who was able to finally stop crashing and fly off towards the Everfree Forest. Melon galloped past her group of friends who were trotting by.
“Wasn’t that Melon chasing after Jasper?” asked Cinna, confused.
They looked worried. “Something must be wrong. Quick, after them,” said the alicorn.
The group quickly galloped after the two.
2 Minutes Later
The sheep made it into the Everfree Forest, but so did his friends as well, who were far behind but were still catching up. Jasper tried to lose them by flying through the trees as he had less than a minute left before the sun went down.
“Jasper! You have to stop!” shouted the pegasus mare. “Going out into the Everfree Forest during the night is extremely dangerous!”
The sheep didn’t care as he needed to hurry and get far away before it was too late. Unfortunately, it was too late as the sun started going down due to the sun princess’ magic.
Jasper, seeing that the sun was going down as the amount of sunlight in the forest was decreasing, realized that it was too late. “Oh, no,” he said.
The sheep quickly landed on the ground and closed his eyes. Then, Jasper’s magical wings shattered into pieces before disappearing. The moon had started to rise up into the sky as Princess Luna was using her magic to make the moon rise.
His friends were only a few feet away and approaching. “Jasper?! Are you okay?” asked the psychiatrist pony, worried.
Before they could approach him or ask, Jasper fell to the ground, shaking. Seeing the sheep like that, they quickly galloped even more to him. Suddenly, Jasper felt his body start to transform as the sheep’s body started changing as every part of him was transforming. The group had to stop in place as they saw Jasper transforming, and watched with rapt attention as the sheep’s teeth became sharper, fur started growing in while the remaining wool started turning into fur changing colors, hooves were becoming claws, body becoming bigger, thinner, and longer, nose and eyes were changing shape, etc. They watched as he was becoming less and less like a sheep and more like a different creature. Eventually, the transformation was over, and in Jasper’s place was something else.
He stared at them as they stared back. Seeing that they were frozen, the now wolf decided to just leave and head home, worried that he scared off his friends. Jasper turned around and walked away a few feet before someone’s voice sounded off.
“Jasper…is that you?” asked the melon pony, wondering.
It was only a few seconds before he sighed. “Yeah…it’s me,” answered the wolf, in a different-sounding voice.
She gathered her courage and approached Jasper. “What happened to you? Did one of your potions or spells do this to you?” asked Melon, concerned.
The wolf turned around and crossed his arms, scoffing. “I wish. No, I’m actually under a curse that causes my Diamond Dog nature to be amplified and I end up turning into this wolf creature every night during a Full Moon,” answered Jasper. “Unfortunately, every day is a Full Moon. That’s why I would leave Ponyville before night every day.”
The pegasus mare decided to talk next. After all, the wolf is their friend no matter what form he is in. Cinna started to approach Jasper as well at the same time as Banana Pie and Gentle Hope did. “Hold on, but there were times when you were around even during the night. How did you not transform?” asked the pegasus, curious.
The wolf allowed them to approach him. “The bell I was wearing prevented me from transforming. Whenever it would crack, I’d make a new one and replace it,” answered Jasper. “Unfortunately, I ran out of the one extremely rare material that I needed to make it. So, I decided that until I acquire it, I’d go back home before it’s nighttime.”
“If that’s true, why didn’t you ask us for help? We would’ve helped you find it,” asked the psychiatrist pony.
He looked away. “I was afraid of how you all would be scared off if you found out about this,” answered Jasper.
The melon pony was close enough and placed a hoof on the wolf’s leg. “Jasper, like I said before, we’re your friends. It doesn’t matter if you’re sheared on turned into this creature, we’ll always will and still be your friends,” she said. Melon smiled. “That’s all that matters.” The melon pony looked back at her friends. “Right, everypony?”
Everyone gave their own confirmation, except Solight, causing them all to look at the alicorn.
The alicorn snapped out of it. Seeing that their friends were looking at them, Solight nodded and flew over to the group. “Oh. Yes,” they said, smiling. “We’re still friends no matter what, Jasper.”
That made him smile. “Thanks, everyone. Though, until I’m ready to show the whole town, can you all not tell anyone about this?” asked Jasper.
That made the wolf’s friends smile as well, except for Solight, who gave a smile that had conflict behind it.
“We promise to keep your secret until you’re ready to tell the whole town,” promised Cinna.
The others agreed as well, including the alicorn, which made Solight feel even more conflicted.
The alicorn then watched as their friends started chatting amongst each other. “I have a duty as Princess Celestia’s student and as one of her guards…but my friends are the most important thing to me just like my family,” thought Solight. In the end, the alicorn made a decision. “I guess I can keep this a secret from her. It’s not harming anyone after all.”
They went and joined in on the group’s conversation.
“How is your cloak fitting your current body? It was small back when you were a sheep,” asked Solight, curious.
He smiled. “To tell you the truth, other than the storage spell, and the spell to prevent it from ripping and tearing, my cloak was also imbued with a few other spells and materials as well during its production. One of the spells, and the material I used, allows my cloak to adapt to my current body, which means that I can use it no matter what height or size I am,” answered Jasper.
That made the alicorn fascinated before they realized something.
“Wait, when we first met, you told me that there were two spells on your cloak,” said Solight.
The wolf gave them a playful smile. “Did you want your saddlebags to be even more expensive?” he asked, jokingly.
Hearing that made the alicorn gulp, remembering how much their current saddlebags cost.
Jasper started chuckling. “I’m just kidding, Solight. You should’ve seen the look on your face,” said the wolf. He started laughing.
Then, the others started joining in on the laughter. Realizing that they were tricked made the alicorn frustrated but seeing their friends laughing had made Solight start laughing as well.