[Canterlot, High Elm Estate - Late Morning…]
Prince Blueblood quickly trotted through High Life’s house, his face a mask of seriousness. Ink Blot followed after him nervously. “Your Highness, please wait!” she begged, “Master High Life is in a private conference with Countess-”
“Yet another conference with another mare, eh?” Blueblood replied with a roll of his eyes. “Well, his little tryst will have to wait, unfortunately. I have news for him that cannot wait.”
Ink Blot shrank back from him and whimpered softly. They turned the corner, seeing Countess Flawless Gem coming out of High Life’s office. She was a young unicorn mare with a yellow coat of fur, bright green mane and tail, and a purple diamond for a cutie mark. She was dabbing at her mouth with a hoofkerchief, a look of satisfaction on her face. When she saw Prince Blueblood, she stopped and bowed. “Your Highness,” she said with a wide flank-kissing smile.
He turned and nodded at her with a haughty air. “Countess,” he said, “I take it that he’s in there relaxing after your conference?”
Flawless grinned. “I believe what he put on the table was more than satisfactory,” she replied.
He smirked. “I’ll bet it was. Well, I’ll see you later.”
“Feel free to call on me whenever you like, Your Highness,” she said, turning and sauntering away.
Blueblood smirked at the sight before the pony of the hour walked out. “Greetings, High Life,” Blueblood said in greeting, “I see you are enjoying the usual pleasantries.” Here he turned back and smirked. “Quite a catch there.”
“But of course,” High Life replied with a grin, “I always strive for the best, and she is one of the best. Please, come in. Would you look at anything?”
“A bottle of Leu Moon should suffice,” Blueblood replied as he entered and strode up to High Life’s desk where he took a seat. Ink Blot took the opportunity to close the doors behind the two.
High Life sat on the other end of the desk and rang a bell with his magic. Moments later, a maid came inside the room with the requested bottle and poured each stallion a glass. Blueblood took a sip and sighed contentedly as the two headed into his office. “Aw, Canterlot’s finest, wouldn’t you say?”
“I personally enjoy char-der-nay,” High Life said, before he focused more on Blueblood, “but I take it that this isn’t a social visit.”
“I’m afraid not, my good friend,” Blueblood replied, his smirk somewhat vanishing as his serious expression returned. “See these documents?” Blueblood raised his horn and produced a stack of papers which landed squarely in front of High Life. “These are medical reports for our resident human project.”
High Life lifted them and began reading them over curiously. His eyebrows shot up a bit, then he put them down. “Hmm, I see,” he said nonchalantly, “those former guards caused quite a bit of damage.”
“That is an understatement,” Blueblood replied, “I’m afraid our new human friend shall have permanent scarring. Did you know that those guards had relatives that are now homeless?”
“I know from The Trial that they would be the most agreeable to take the request,” High Life replied.
“Indeed. However, I dare say the guards went too far,” Blueblood said.
High Life took another sip while eying Blueblood. “Is that a modicum of concern for the ape I hear?” he asked
“Psh, perish the thought,” Blueblood said in a dismissive tone, “I’m merely stating that it is very counterintuitive to our plot if there’s no monkey for our cage. Then, there is the face that since those idiots used an enchanted guise of my seal, Auntie suspects foul play from us. We are the only ponies capable of providing the funds and moving the pieces.”
“It is of no concern, Blueblood,” High Life said lightly, “I can assure you that our tracks are covered and those ponies are set up to take the fall, including that upstart Filthy Rich. So your pretty little mane is intact.”
Blueblood looked at High Life for a while, then a small smile formed on his face. “Well, I suppose that’s alright, then.”
“Correct, my friend,” High Life replied, “so, did you give the offer to him?”
“That’s the second reason I came here,” Blueblood said. “He flat out refused. At least, he refused for the moment.”
“That’s inconsequential,” High Life said, “it just means he’s just as naïve about things as we thought. He presumably has on the same rose tinted glasses that poor Jason had when he first showed up. Perhaps we should send a member of the council to him and impress upon him that to accept the council’s offer would be a wise course of action.”
“Careful,” Blueblood cautioned, ‘if we push too hard, it will seem like we’re desperate. That may tip our hooves. These things must come naturally after all. Perhaps a few more gentle nudges. But, ones with less force behind them.”
“Hmm, I believe I may have a solution to that,” High Life said after a few moments of thinking, “After all, Ponyville has become a depot of desperate and bit-starved ponies that I am sure will lend us their ears with the right amount of incentive.”
“What are you planning this time?” Blueblood asked with a grin.
“The ponies of that hick town can be pretty persuasive,” High Life chuckled, “especially if a certain number are given some monetary incentive from friends in high places, if you get my meaning.”
“Use their words and not their hooves,” Blueblood said.
“Exactly,” High Life replied with a smirk. “That should make our wayward ape realize his folly.”
[Crystal Empire - That Same Time…]
Dragon Lord Ember found the temptation to chow on the walls of the Crystal Empire’s royal palace very hard to resist. Everywhere she looked there was a gem or jewel. The entire palace was made of the stuff. The streets, lamps, and more besides were all made of delectable and delicious looking crystal.
It had only been a short time since Starlight had shown her and many other representatives of other nations her new school. Ember hadn’t yet gone back home as there wasn’t much of a pressing need to. Nothing major had been happening back there when she received the invite to the opening ceremony. Besides, even though she was reluctant to admit it, this place was a welcome rest from the barren and desolate wastes that were the Dragon Lands.
She was currently walking down the hallways alongside Empress Cadenza, Emperor Shining Armor, Headmistress Starlight Glimmer, Trixie Lulamoon, and Sunburst. Above them, the young hatchling Flurry Heart was flying, babbling some nonsense that Ember couldn’t understand. The Empress was talking and pointing around. “…and this crystal painting here shows Count Shard,” she was saying, pointing to a large wall sized painting made of some sort of crystal. It depicted a tall emerald colored stallion in some fancy clothes. “He was the first crystal pony to lead the charge against Sombra and his minions before the Long Sleep. Sadly, he died during one of their first battles. Nobody knows what happened to his body.”
“Wasn’t he one of the first crystal ponies to try and learn magic?” Sunburst asked curiously.
“That’s right, but he never succeeded,” Cadenza said, “and through no fault of his own. Crystal ponies can’t really use unicorn magic, but they have their own magic. It’s a more subtle kind of magic like the kind earth ponies or pegasi have.”
Ember looked away, bored out of her skull. She’d only come on the tour to be polite, but she was now regretting it. She wasn’t the right type of creature for this type of tour. All she wanted to do was find the rumored magma chambers underneath the Crystal Mountains and have a nice long soak. Hot baths didn’t burn away dirt like a good lava bath did. They were nice, sure, but just weren’t the same. Bathing in water made her feel all exposed, which was strange considering she didn’t wear any clothes.
She came out of her reverie when she felt something landing on her head and grabbing her horns. “Hawn! Hawn!” Flurry Heart shouted with a giggle, wrapping her forelegs around Ember’s downward facing horns.
Cadenza raised her head, casting her telekinesis spell to gently remove her hatchling from Ember’s head. “Yes, dear, those are horns,” she said before turning to Ember. “I’m sorry about her,” she said, “she’s a very curious filly.”
Ember ran her claws along her horns. “Eh, it’s alright, she didn’t break them or anything,” the dragoness said.
“Hawn?” Flurry said, reaching out curiously for Ember again.
“Let me take her, dear,” Shining said, taking Flurry in his magic and cradling her in the crook of his right foreleg, rocking her gently.
“Daagin!” Flurry said with a smile, still looking over and pointing at Ember.
“Yes, dear, she’s a dragon,” Shining said, “but don’t stare. It’s rude.”
“I don’t care if she stares,” Ember said, “at least they aren’t stares of disgust.” Immediately, Ember knew that was the wrong thing to say. She saw the ponies look away with some guilt on their faces. “Ah, don’t listen to me,” she continued, “I’m just a bitter dragon.”
Starlight walked up quickly, looking up at the Dragon Lord. “You’re angry at what Equestria did and what Discord did. Nobody’s blaming you for that. We all understand here. We hate what happened too.”
Ember took a deep breath, exhaling shakily. “It’s hard not to be angry,” she admitted, “I mean, we literally wear our emotions on our sleeves, and we don’t even wear clothes! And hearing about how Spike was treated…he’s my friend! The first one I ever made, and he’s still a hatchling! And they made him a pet! A PET!” Flames began sparking out of her mouth and she took a few steps back, breathing in to try and calm her rage.
Starlight nodded empathetically. “I know, but he’s safe now. He’s not a pet anymore. He’s a full-blown citizen of Equestria. He’s helping with the CFE’s mission to bring change to that kingdom.”
“I know, but it still pisses me off,” Ember said without thinking. She gave the ponies an apologetic look. “Pardon my language.”
Just then, one of the palace maids came running towards the group, holding a slip of paper in her mouth. When she reached Cadenza, she paused and took the piece of paper out of her mouth, panting heavily. “Your Majesty…” she panted, trying to catch her breath, “hah…hah…I found…hah…this on your…hah…desk…” She held up the piece of paper towards Cadenza.
The empress took the paper in her magic and looked at it. A smile formed on her face. “It’s a letter from Spike,” she said as she opened the envelope and looked at it. There was silence in the room as she scanned the page. Ember noticed that her eyes widened and her smile faded, only to be replaced with a look of alarm. She turned to her husband who came over and read it as well. His reaction was similar, his jaw dropping slightly before closing again. After a while, Cadenza lowered the letter and looked at the others. “Well…Spike’s just told me some distressing news. Apparently, there’s been an incident in Ponyville. There’s been an attack. An attack on another human.”
Starlight stiffened at that, as did the other ponies. Ember held her cool as she looked at the worried expressions on the other ponies’s faces. She retreated into her thoughts, pondering this news. She’d never spoken to the first human she’d seen. She had only a brief contact with him when she’d gone to look in his mouth early on during The Trial. And now there was another one? Faust alone knew what might have happened to him at the hooves of ponies. “Is the human alright?” Ember heard Starlight ask.
“Spike says he was in the hospital but that he was discharged earlier this morning,” Cadenza said, “so it seems that this human is alright. He’s apparently been taken in by Twilight at her shelter.”
“Faust knows what kind of stir his presence must have made,” Sunburst said with a frown. “What else did Spike say?”
“Looks like he’s hoping somepony might be able to go and meet with the human and show that not all ponies are as mean as the ones who attacked him,” Cadenza replied. “If I could, I would go myself,” she continued, “but I have an empire to rule.”
“I can’t go, either,” Shining said, “and neither can Flurry-”
“I’ll go!” Starlight said, putting her hoof down hard.
Trixie turned to her friend in shock. “Starlight, are you sure? What about your school?”
“It won’t be really open until late summer for students,” Starlight replied, “and besides, I might be able to speak with him about an idea that I thought was a lost cause: a human teaching at my school.”
“That’s an excellent idea!” Cadenza said with a smile. “It would be a really big help if the ponies who attended this school got to know more about humans from an actual human.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Starlight said.
“I think I’ll tag along, too,” Ember said suddenly, surprising everyone there. When they gave her a questioning look, Ember simply shrugged. “What? Ponyville’s on my way back home anyway, and if Spike’s still there, it’d be nice to see him again.”
“That’s a fair point,” Cadenza said with a nod.
“Anypony else want to join us?” Starlight asked.
“Count Trixie out,” Trixie said with a shake of her head, “those ponies in that town don’t deserve to be graced with Trixie’s presence.”
“I’ll stay behind too,” Sunburst said, “there’s a lot of work to do with the school, and you know me, I like keeping busy.”
Starlight chuckled and nodded before turning to Ember. “Well, Dragon Lord, it looks like you and I are getting on the train to Ponyville. When should we start?”
“Right now,” Ember replied.
“Great! Meet you at the train station in half an hour?” Starlight asked.
“Eh, I’ve got a better way of getting there,” Ember replied, raising her wings and flapping them, “and besides, I don’t want to be on a train full of other ponies, present company excluded of course.”
Starlight paused a bit, then nodded in understanding. “I understand,” she said, “well, I’ll see you in Ponyville! I’m off to pack!” She lifted her head, and in a flash she was gone.
“Such a flashy mare,” Sunburst said.
“She gets it from Trixie,” Trixie replied, brushing her mane aside with a head flip.
Ember rolled her eyes, then turned to Cadenza. “Thanks for having me, but it’s time for me to go.”
“We understand,” Cadenza said.
“Have a safe trip back to the Dragon Lands,” Shining added.
“Sure thing.” So saying, Ember, Dragon Lord of the Dragon Lands, turned, spread her wings, and headed to her room to pack. It was long past time.
[Helping Hooves Shelter - That Same Time…]
“‘Where did you go to, if I may ask?’ said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along. ‘To look ahead,’ said he. ‘And what brought you back in the nick of time?’’“Looking behind,’ said he. ‘Exactly!’ said Thorin; ‘but could you be more plain?’”
Gregory was sitting at his camping chair now, his book open to the end of the second chapter of The Hobbit. Sitting on the bed in adorable ponyloaf forms were the foals from before, and more besides. Apparently, Diamond Tiara had told a few others about the storytelling human, and about five more foals had shown up, including one he recognized. She had said that her name was Ladybug Sprinkle, but Gregory knew the form as the one that Ocellus had taken briefly in the first episode of Season 8 when she was startled by Silverstream. There were two others sitting nearby, having come by near the end. Cozy Glow sat against the wall, listening to the story with rapt attention even though she hadn’t heard the first chapter. Spike was sitting next to her, tail curled around himself as he too listened.
Finally, Gregory finished the chapter, closing the book and looking at the fillies and colts before him. “Alright, that’s enough for now,” he said with a smile, “but don’t worry. We can read more tonight, and maybe this time we can do it somewhere else instead of my room?”
“But your bed is so comfy,” Diamond whined, blinking up at him with wide puppy eyes, “can’t we do it here? Pleeeaaasse?”
If it had only been Diamond Tiara, then Gregory might have stood a chance, but every other foal in the place, minus Cozy and Spike of course, were giving him similar looks. Even Ocellus seemed enthralled by the tale and looked like she wanted to hear more. He took a deep breath and exhaled. “Fine, but only for the next chapter. I don’t think your parents would approve of a human reading to you.”
“You leave our parents to us,” Diamond insisted, “I’ll make them understand that you’re not a monster!”
Gregory smiled. It seemed that the foals here were the only ones who seemed to like him in a more innocent way. Sure, they liked the story he told, but they were still foals and had that innocence about them. It was one of the very few reasons that he hadn’t flat outright refused Luna and Blueblood’s proposal. “No matter what you say, I’m not as involved as you think,” he had said, “just because I’m a human doesn’t mean jack shit. If you’re seeing me as a means to an end, what makes you any better than the ponies who abused Jason for years?”
Back in the present, he looked at Diamond. “If you think you can convince your parents to let me read to you, feel free,” he said.
“Yay!” some of the foals shouted as they got up and stretched. Gregory saw a few of them shaking one of their hooves a bit.
“See you tonight!” Diamond said as the foals filed out.
“We’ll see,” he chuckled as he waved at them. Finally, they had all gone, leaving him alone with Cozy and Spike. He turned to them. “Sorry about all that,” he said, “but I promised those foals a story, and I don’t like breaking a promise. So, you’re the famous Cozy Glow I’ve heard about. Running an organization as big as yours must be tough.” He knelt to her level and gave her a polite smile. “Nice to meet you, Miss Glow.”
Cozy Glow smiled brightly at Gregory as she fluttered in the air. “Golly. It’s so nice to finally meet you as well,” she said.
“And young Spike, too,” he said, nodding at the drake.
“It’s good to see you too, Mr. Graystone.” Spike said with a smile. However, he frowned when he noticed the scars. “I wish circumstances were better.”
“Well, that’s certainly a fair assessment,” Gregory replied, “but I’m still pleased to meet you both. I’ve heard good things about how you two have spearheaded the CFE movement. It’s good to see the younger generation taking an interest in the future of this country.” He sat on the floor in front of them. “So, to what do I owe this visit?”
“Well, when we got the news that there was another human in Ponyville, we came as quickly as we could,” Cozy explained. “Before, with Mister Wright, I asked him to help spread our message, but he declined. So, I was really hoping you could join us instead. You can offer so much to the cause. You can show others that what they are thinking about humans in general is wrong.”
“Hmm…I can see how that might be a good thing,” he conceded, and in truth he was more tempted to join this group than accept Luna’s offer, if only to keep a close eye on Cozy. “Thing is, I’m only one human. One of eight billion. Are you sure I’d be of any help?”
“Well, I’m only one filly and we have members numbering in the thousands already,” Cozy said, “I’d say that counts for something. After all, it only takes one creature to stand up to what’s right.”
Gregory whistled, impressed. “Thousands in one year? Even after The Trial? That is quite impressive,” he said, “and you make a very good point. Still, it’s a big decision, and I assume it would mean I’d have to move around the world. I’d have to think about it, if that’s okay? Besides, I’ve received another offer from the council.”
“The council? I guess that makes sense,” Spike replied, “but joining us is way better. We can have our own adventures and meet new creatures and visit new places. You said that it’s great that we are working toward a better future. You can help us do it. It’s better than staying anyways. No offense, but after what happened, I’m surprised you’re still here. Being around all this negativity can’t be good.”
Gregory shrugged. “Not all of the ponies have been negative. The doctor and nurse who helped take care of me were pretty nice. I met Applebloom and Pinkie Pie, and even Twilight’s been nice enough. Most importantly, you saw how all those fillies and colts were listening to the story I was reading. They actually came here to check on me a couple days ago. Foals came to check on me. To me, that says a lot. It tells me that pony hatred of other creatures is taught more so than instinctive. Still, you have a tempting offer. There was a third option I have been considering, but I’m going to have to think long and hard about it.”
Spike and Cozy both nodded at this. “That’s fine,” Cozy replied, “whatever you do, we’ll respect it. Here, I want you to have this pamphlet. It details the goals we have for the year.” Spike produced the paper and gave it to Gregory.
Gregory smiled as he took the pamphlet and read it. However, his smile slowly faded as he read the agenda. “You’re looking to free those wrongfully imprisoned?” he asked, holding it up for them to see.
“Uh-huh,” Cozy said, “there’re so many creatures that are locked up right now due to bogus reasoning and false charges. We’re staging multiple protests in every city that holds these prisoners. Hopefully, we can cause enough noise to get the big ponies to listen. First the prisons here, then it’s off to Tartarus.”
Gregory immediately began to guess just what Cozy’s true goal was. Still, he held back his reaction and simply nodded in understanding. He had no proof other than the show, and that wasn’t good enough. “From what I’ve heard about Tartarus, it’s supposed to hold all of the worst of the worst,” he said, “so are you telling me that there’s someone or more down there that has been wrongfully imprisoned?”
“I wouldn’t put it past ponies these days to make up some excuse on why the creatures belong there,” Spike said, “but we just want to review their cases. We’re not trying to let the real bad ones out.”
“Yeah, I can understand that,” Gregory said, “similar things have happened back on my world. Plenty of people are wrongfully imprisoned.” He looked up at Cozy with a concerned expression. “May I ask you something? You can refuse to answer it, of course.”
“Go right ahead, Mister Graystone,” Cozy said.
He put the pamphlet in his lap and looked at it again. “From what I’m reading, it sounds like you have more of a personal interest in this. Do you know someone who’s been wrongfully imprisoned?” He made a big effort not to show that he knew just who Cozy might have had in mind. He showed concern, and not all of it was fake. He wasn’t sure if she was all putting on an act or not, but he had to play it safe.
“Yeah, but it’s not just for me or getting my penpal out,” Cozy replied without missing a beat, “I know there are a lot of families that want their brothers, sisters and parents free.”
He reached out and put a hand on Cozy’s head, running his hand through her mane gently. He saw the filly’s eyes widen a bit, then they fluttered shut as he scratched her behind the ear. Even if it had just been confirmed that she was referring to Tirek, he found it hard not to feel for her. She did seem genuinely concerned, but he also knew she was a master manipulator. He petted her head gently, never once imagining that the first chance he got to pet a pony would be with Cozy. “I’m sorry your penpal, whoever he or she is, is locked away,” he said softly, “and now I understand why you’re so gung-ho about this.” Continuing to run his hand through her Shirley Temple-like mane, he added, “I promise to think long and hard about it. I wouldn’t want to make a bad decision.” He gave her a warm smile.
“Golly, I sure hope not,” Cozy said as she gently stepped away, her tail slowly swishing back and forth. “Anyway, we’ll get out of your mane now. But, I would like to join in on your next story session. I bet human books are way better than ours!”
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t know about that. I haven’t read fiction here yet, but that’s on my to-do list eventually. And hey! If I do join your cause, think of all the headpats you can get. You certainly seem to be enjoying the ones I’m giving you now.” He pointed to her tail.
Cozy blushed slightly before quickly retreating out the door. Spike followed close behind while waving at him. “Later, Mister Graystone,” he said.
“Have a good day, you two!” he called back out as the door shut. He stood and stretched his back, then looked back at the pamphlet. His smile faded again. “Oh, Cozy…do you really want him out? Or are you just a pawn in his schemes?” He shrugged and put it down gently on his desk. “I need a walk.” So saying, he grabbed his metal pole, two small knives and a single pistol for protection, and went to find his guards.
[Outside Helping Hooves Shelter - Later That Evening]
After finding his guards and telling them his intentions, Gregory walked out with them on either side, heading down the dirt path of Ponyville. He sighed at all the closed business and just began walking aimlessly until an idea popped into his head. “Do you two feel like a walk near the Everfree?” he asked, “I could go for some quiet and be out of sight of other ponies for a while.”
Both guards paused in their stride. “You want to go through the most dangerous forest in Equestria?” Swift asked.
“Not through it, just alongside it,” he clarified. “I’m not in any hurry to meet another timberwolf, even if I can permanently kill them with this.” He patted the gun strapped to his side, one of his pistols.
“Those weapons do seem sufficient,” Moonlight commented. “I believe it will be fine as long as we do not venture too far before the moon rises.”
“That’s fine with me,” he replied before turning and heading towards the foreboding forest. As he walked, he couldn’t help but chuckle. “You know, you really should think about renaming that forest. Everfree just sounds way too cheerful. What about Mirkwood? Oh nah, that name’s already taken. Ah well, Everfree can do just as well as any other name, I suppose.”
As they continued to walk in silence, a sudden desire to sing something, anything, came over him. He had these desires at some points in his life, and the song that came to mind was one of his favorite MLP fan songs. “Be yourself, they say, but be assertive,” he began as they skirted the trees near the forest, “hold your ground but do not be unkind. I have sought to be both lamb and lion. Heartache is the thing I tend to find. Can I only have what I can capture? Will I be unheard unless I shout? Clamor overwhelms me and I wonder what is there to be so loud about?”
Clearing his throat, he sang the chorus, unaware that he and the others were approaching the cottage of the subject of said song, “Many are the musings of my shy heart, though precious few are spoken out aloud. How I wish to wrap them up in confidence and style and send them out like magic through the crowd. Then everyone would listen and I wouldn't be afraid; I wouldn't shrink away and disappear. I don't want them to worship me or care that much at all; I only want to know they know I'm here.”
He smiled a bit as the song lifted his spirits. Even if the mare in question wasn’t like her show counterpart, the song was one that helped him relax. Suddenly remembering he had an audience, he turned back to his guards. “Ah, sorry for that,” he said sheepishly, “I like singing.”
“That’s quite alright. I’ve missed spontaneous singing,” Moonlight said.
“That was a beautiful song,” Swift said,
“Thanks, Swift, and that singing wasn’t as spontaneous as you’d think, Moonlight,” Gregory replied. “That was a song from my world about Fluttershy called Shy Heart.” He then looked up and saw the view in front of him. “And apparently, it wasn’t a coincidence…” he added, pointing to the tree house in front of them. It looked like the one from the show, albeit with a more realistic appearance as everything else was. Unlike in the show, things looked unkempt and the grass was overgrown. The stream was still flowing, but it looked wild and untended to. The small bridge across the stream looked dilapidated and ready to fall. Gregory turned back to his guards. “Perhaps we should head back,” he said, “I’m sure she doesn’t need to see yet another reminder of her failure.”
No sooner had he said this than the door to her house opened. There she stood, Fluttershy, gazing out at the late evening air. There was a light coming from inside, and that was the only light visible. She looked around, then spotted Gregory and the two guards. She froze, locking eyes with Gregory, who felt more sheepish than before. “Or…we could be caught like this,” Gregory added softly before he raised his hand. “Hey there!” he called out so she could hear him. “Sorry for appearing without notice! I was taking a walk and wasn’t watching where I was going! I’ll head back to town now! Have a good evening!” So saying, he turned and motioned for his guards to follow.
“WAIT!” Fluttershy shouted, startling Gregory and his guards, who turned back only to see Fluttershy reaching out towards them with an outstretched hoof. Seeming to realize just what she was doing, she put her hoof back down and straightened. “Oh, um, wait. I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting any visitors.”
“We didn’t expect to be gracing your property,” Gregory replied, “I’m sorry.”
“Oh, it’s quite alright,” Fluttershy replied before she tilted her head and looking at him curiously. “So, are you…?” Fluttershy let the question hang in the air.
“Yeah, I’m the new human everyone’s probably talking about,” Gregory replied.
Gregory saw a brief wince on Fluttershy’s face before she added, “Yes, um, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Fluttershy. Since you’re all here, why don’t you come inside?”
Gregory raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t we be intruding?” he asked.
Fluttershy quickly spread her wings and zoomed out of the cottage towards Gregory, landing in front of him and looking up at him expectantly. “Oh, no, no, no. I don’t mind at all,” she said with a rather unnerving smile. “Please, come inside. Discord and I was about to have some tea.”
“Well, since you’re offering, I wouldn’t mind,” Gregory replied, “but let me confer with my friends here first. After all, we can’t be too careful these days.”
“Oh, of course,” Fluttershy said as she flew a ways away to give them privacy
Huddling together, the two guards and Gregory spoke briefly in a hushed tone. “Is anypony else getting the creepy cat lady vibe?” Swift asked, “Because I sure am.”
“So it wasn’t just me, then?” Gregory asked with a nod. “I’ll bet you ten bits that she has some knitting sitting on a table in her living room somewhere.”
“Miss Fluttershy hasn’t seen many visitors in her cottage since The Trial,” Moonlight explained, “she’s also removed herself from most social interaction. I believe she is merely starved for attention. And, she has been known to be the most timid of the former Elements. We can indulge her for the time being.”
“And how,” a new voice said. The group turned to see Pinkie Pie making her way up the path.
“Howdy, Pinkie,” Gregory said with a wave.
“Sup, Gregory,” Pinkie replied with a wave of her own, “I see you had the same idea of visiting Fluttershy.”
“Well, not quite,” he said, “I just wandered around and made my way here. She invited us inside for some tea and we were just about to go in.”
Pinkie nodded. “Makes sense. Alrighty then, let’s get in there. But use some filly gloves, everypony. From what Twilight told me, Fluttershy is a bit desperate these days.” Pinkie then walked past them and straight up to her old friend. “Hey, Fluttershy.”
“Pinkie? You came by to see me?” Fluttershy asked, looking surprised.
“Well, yeah, silly,” Pinkie said with a smile, “I would’ve come sooner but things were crazy in town.”
“Ah, yes, with the collection,” Fluttershy said with a downcast look.
“Hey, don’t look so down,” Pinkie said, “after all, it’s over for now.” She turned back to Gregory. “Looks like you two are getting acquainted already. That’s good.”
“Y-yes,” Fluttershy replied, “I was just going to invite them inside for tea. Would you like to join us?”
“That sounds nice,” Pinkie said.
As they were heading towards her house, Fluttershy paused and turned. “Um, can I ask your name?” she asked.
“Ah, where are my manners?” Gregory chided himself before he faced her. “Nice to meet you, Miss Fluttershy. I’m Gregory Graystone.” He held out a hand towards her in greeting.
Fluttershy inspected the limb tentatively before holding out her hoof and watching Gregory close his fingers around said hoof, gingerly shaking it. Gregory saw some look of fascination passing over Fluttershy’s face, almost like the way Twilight’s face had looked when he’d shaken her hoof. “It’s nice to meet you too, Gregory.” Fluttershy puts her other hoof on top of his hand and begins pulling him inside the cottage. “Come along now. I don’t want anypony catching a cold.”
Gregory smiled. Her hooves, much like Twilight’s, had felt warm and soft. He’d held a horse’s hoof a couple times before when he’d worked on a farm, but pony hooves were different. He let her pull him in and he looked around. Unlike the outside, the inside of the cottage was actually quite clean. It looked about as good as it had in the show. “You have a lovely place here,” he said politely as he looked around, mostly looking for Discord.
“Thank you,” Fluttershy replied gratefully, “I strive to make sure Discord is comfortable. Although, it does take longer without help.” Fluttershy sighed, looking up at some empty perches and some carpeted shelves built into the walls, presumably for cats or other woodland creatures.
Gregory looked at where she was looking briefly before nodding. “This is a pretty big house for even two people,” he agreed, “but as long as you’re managing it, then I guess-Yipe!”
Before he could finish his sentence, Pinkie came up and threw an elbow at Gregory's leg. The human looked down at Pinkie, who was glaring up at him. “Don’t mention the critters or remind her they are gone!” she hissed.
“I didn’t say a word,” he whispered back before standing and looking around again, this time searching for a certain draconequus. “So, where’s Discord, anyway?” he asked louder.
Coming out of her reverie, Fluttershy pointed towards a set of stairs. “He’s upstairs resting on my bed,” she replied. “You can go and meet him while I get the tea ready. Try not to do anything strenuous with me. He doesn’t have a lot of energy these days. And, he’s going through some depression.”
“Oh, I wasn’t wanting to see him now; I was just curious where he was,” Gregory replied with a wave of his hand, “I wouldn’t want to stress him out if he’s resting. Let him rest up.” He looked at Fluttershy. “Is there anything I can help you with while I’m here?” he asked as he leaned his metal pole against the wall near the front door.
“Can you get the snacks out of the fridge?” she asked, “I’ll bring the tea.”
“Sure thing,” he said as he walked over to an older style fridge and opened it. Retrieving a plate with some small tea cakes on it, he brought it over to where Fluttershy was setting the tea set down. It was then that he encountered another problem. There was only one chair that would reasonably fit him, and that, he presumed, was for Discord. Still, he said nothing about it and instead tried his best to help Fluttershy while simultaneously not getting in the way. Finally, things were all set up. “You spread a very good tea set,” he said as he knelt at the table meant for someone much smaller than him.
“Thanks. It was something my mother taught me,” Fluttershy said before she looked back at Gregory. A look of realization spread over her face. “Oh dear. I don’t have a seat big enough for you,” she said worriedly.
Gregory waved his hand with a smile. “The same thing could be said back where I’m currently staying, but I can manage it. You don’t have to worry.”
“No, you could develop back problems sitting on the floor,” Fluttershy insisted. “Hold on a second.” She flew outside the cottage and came back with another chair. This one was decidedly larger than the one for Discord and was more than big enough for him. “You can use this one. It may be big, but that just means you’ll have more space.”
“Thank you,” he said gratefully.
Swift inspected the chair quickly and noticed some patches of fur on it. “Is this bear fur?” she asked, pointing at a tuft of brown fur.
It was Gregory’s turn to gently nudge someone for speaking without thinking. “Hush up about that,” he whispered.
“...Sorry…” Swift said with a downcast expression.
“Idiot.” Moonlight said.
Fluttershy’s face went red as she collected the hair and offered the seat to Gregory once again. The human sat down and leaned back, although he had to sit cross legged due to the size. As he was adjusting to the chair, Fluttershy turned her attention to Pinkie. “So Pinkie, I see you have a new look.”
Pinkie smiled at her. “Thanks for noticing,” she replied, “I’m trying out something different from the springy puffy mane.”
“It is very lovely,” Fluttershy commented, “but are you okay? Usually, when your mane is down like that, it means, um…” Fluttershy floundered, apparently trying to find the right words.
Pinkie beat her to the punch. “That I’m having another episode or a nervous breakdown?” Everyone around the table winced a bit at her bluntness, but Pinkie waved it off. “Don’t worry about that. I know it was bad, but I think those little tantrums I threw were signs that I need some more maturing. I like to think this style shows that I grew up from that silly party pony.”
“There wasn’t anything inherently wrong with your old persona, at least the one I saw in the show,” Gregory said, mentioning the show for the first time in front of either Pinkie or Fluttershy, “but when you first saw me, your first instinct was to make sure I was okay. You were worried about me. That’s one sign of maturity if I’ve ever seen one. I think whatever you’ve been doing this past year definitely helped. Just remember this: life is about constant growth. We will always learn more things as time marches on. Never stop learning, because the moment we stop learning is the same moment where we stop maturing. Refusal to learn leads to mistakes, some of them grave.”
There was a subtle twitch from Fluttershy when Gregory finished. His guards and Pinkie caught it, but they said nothing. Fluttershy was looking conflicted as she went to reply. However, a loud groan caught everyone’s attention. Fluttershy instantly perked up and set her tea down. “Oh my! Discord!!!”
With speeds that would make Rainbow blush, Fluttershy zipped up the stairs. The group blinked a couple of times before waiting for her return. Fluttershy went up and down the stairs a few times before staying upstairs for a longer period. Growing concerned, the rest of the ponies stood and headed to the stairs. Gregory looked at them in alarm. “Where are you going?” he asked, “shouldn’t we wait here? It seems a bit rude to just go upstairs.”
“Flutters wouldn’t just fly upstairs with no word to us. Something must be wrong.” Pinkie stated.
Gregory frowned. “Well, she’s your friend, not mine. If you want to check on her, that’s alright, but I was always taught that it’s bad manners to disturb your host if they have some matters of importance in their own house.”
“It’s completely natural for ponies to do this, sir,” Moonlight explained, “especially when they are close friends like Pinkie is with her.”
“I’m neither a pony nor a close friend with Miss Fluttershy,” Gregory reminded them, “but if you want to check on her, then please do. I doubt my presence would make things any better up there.”
“It’s fine,” Pinkie insisted, “We might need more helping hooves anyway, so come on.”
He sighed as he stood. “I think you’re making a mistake, but I’ll trust you,” he said as he joined them. The three ponies and solitary human made the climb up the stairs, coming to a landing with a few rooms. Gregory heard two pairs of familiar voices at one closed door. One was clearly Fluttershy’s, but the others was the all-too familiar voice of John de Lancie, AKA the one and only Discord, Lord of Chaos. And he sounded awful.
Pinkie approached the door and pushed it open. There, the group saw many bottles of painkillers piled on top of the dresser along with empty bowls and cups stacked neatly in the corner. Fluttershy was hovering over Discord who had a thermometer in his mouth. She was carefully studying Discord’s prone form as he lay on the mattress. The spirit of chaos had seen better days, from what Gregory was seeing. He was sweating profusely while an expression of pain adorned his features. There was a rag over his head, presumably to keep his temperature down. His constant groans were also worrisome as they sounded like a constipated cow.
“So this is the effect of Jason’s punishment,” Gregory murmured quietly to himself before he walked in behind Pinkie and the two guards. “He looks like he could use a nice cool bath,” he added, louder so that Fluttershy could hear him.
She turned quickly and saw that everyone was in the room. “Oh, would you mind running it?” she asked, “I don’t like leaving him like this.” She turned back to Discord, walked over and stroked his forehead with her hoof lovingly. “It’s alright. Momma and her friends will take care of everything.”
Gregory felt a shiver running down his back when Fluttershy said the word ‘Momma.’ Now he thought he understood something about Fluttershy’s current mental state. Discord, to her, was a replacement for all of her lost animal friends. She wasn’t a cat lady. She was slowly breaking even below that level. Slowly, he turned to look at his guards, wondering if they’d caught that feeling. The two looked more unnerved than he was showing. He knelt and whispered to them, “Would one of you go run the bath?”
“I’ll do it.” Swift said a little too quickly, zipping out of the room in a flash.
When she was gone, Gregory stood and walked over to the bed, getting a better look at the disheveled draconequus. Discord didn’t seem to notice him, though. Turning to Fluttershy, he asked, “If this is a bad time, we can leave,” he said to Fluttershy.
“Oh no, it’s okay,” she said reassuringly, “Actually, it’s good that you’re here. Caring for Discord’s condition is a lot easier with more hooves to lend aid. I’ve tried seeking help from other ponies but the moment I say it’s to help Discord, nopony even bothers to finish the conversation. They just leave…”
Gregory nodded. “I understand.” He reached down and, after removing the now warm and damp rag, put his hand on Discord’s forehead. “Yeah, he’s definitely burning up,” he replied, reaching down and putting a hand on Fluttershy’s withers. He wasn’t even sure why he was even bothering to ask, but something inside him said, “Listen, would you be open to me possibly asking Princess Luna if there’s anything she could do? Maybe they have better medical facilities in Canterlot. Or maybe there’s some way a devoted nurse could come by regularly. I don’t know if anyone knows much about a draconequus medically, but it might be worth a try.”
“That’s kind of you to suggest,” a deep but raspy male voice said from the bed, “but you’re forgetting who's lying here at the moment.” Discord opened his eyes and turned towards Gregory. “Ponies want nothing to do with me. That includes Princess Luna. She was always less tolerant of me than her sister. She believes my suffering is deserved. I can’t say that I disagree…”
Gregory turned back to him. “Ponies want nothing to do with me, either,” he said, leaning down and locking eyes with him. He pointed to his scar. “You see this? I got this courtesy of the very same guards who broke Jason Wright’s hands on Filthy Rich’s orders. I was treated by a very kind pony doctor, though. My nurse was also very kind.” He stood back up.
Fluttershy gasped at the wounds and immediately went up to Gregory’s side. “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I missed those scars!” she exclaimed as she hovered in front of him, putting gentle hooves on his arm and eye. “How’s your eye? Are you able to see straight? Is the pupil damaged? What about your arm? Is there any nerve damage? Can you move your digits? I know I have a book on primate healthcare somewhere!” She began making her way towards a bookshelf in a corner.
“Calm down, Miss Fluttershy,” he said reassuringly, raising his left arm and flexing his fingers. “I was actually healed magically by a mysterious pony. These scars don’t really hurt much anymore. So I appreciate the concern, but I’m healing up nicely. I can see and my arm is perfectly fine.”
“See, Fluttershy? You don’t have to fret over every little thing,” Discord replied. “Now let’s stop all this serious talk and focus on my bath. I presume there is the right amount of bubble in the tub. And, the water is at the perfect temperature. I have delicate skin, you know.” Discord’s tone was light now, and he was focused on Fluttershy.
This impressed Gregory, guessing that Discord was trying to lift Fluttershy’s spirits with his own brand of humor. He leaned down towards Pinkie and whispered, “I guess laughter really is the best medicine.”
“It’s a certified Pinkie prescription.” Pinkie smiled.
He patted her on the back of her head briefly before he stood and looked back at Discord and Fluttershy, both of whom were smiling at each other, clearly amused by the joke. “If we’re in the way, we could head somewhere else,” he said.
“Oh, it’s alright,” Fluttershy replied quickly, “you don’t have to leave. You’re my guests. Let me take care of you.”
Gregory shuddered again, but didn’t let it show. Fluttershy was beginning to scare him. “We don’t really want to impose, right girls?” he asked.
Pinkie and his guards all gave hesitant nods. “Yeah, that’s right,” Swift, who had just come back from drawing the bath, said.
“As guards we must stay professional and knowing when we overstayed is vital,” Moonlight added.
“Fluttershy, are you okay?” Pinkie asked.
There was a certain wild look in Fluttershy’s eyes as she inched closer. “Of course, Pinkie, I've never been better,” she said with a fairly unnerving smile, “I just want to be a gracious host to you all.”
‘Are you doing this to overcompensate for what you did to Jason?’ Gregory thought to himself, resisting the urge to back away. He looked down at Pinkie. He knew that she was an expert on smiles, and the look of worry and fear on Pinkie’s face confirmed what Gregory had already suspected. Fluttershy was losing it. She was living in her own delusion, and it hurt to see a pony like her brought so low, even if it wasn’t surprising.
“Fluttershy! You’re not acting like yourself!” Pinkie shouted with fear.
Fluttershy waved a dismissive hoof. “That’s nonsense,” she said. “Maybe you can’t tell because you’ve been gone all this time. But, that’s okay. I am the same old Fluttershy.”
Before things could grow out of control, Discord intervened. “Hey, um, Fluttershy, could you go and check on my bath? After all, you’re the only one that knows how I like my bubble to heat ratio.”
Snapped out of whatever she had been experiencing, a modicum of sanity returned to Fluttershy as she sprang up “Oh! That’s right. I’ll be right back.” Fluttershy flew out quickly as everyone watched.
When she was out of earshot, Gregory turned to Discord. “Dude, I’ve got a piece of advice for you: run.”
Discord let out a rueful chuckle. “She’s been like that since she lost all her animal companion,” he said softly, “believe me, I’ve tried telling her but she won’t listen to reason. I believe an intervention is in order. But, it has to be from ponies she trusts explicitly.”
Gregory turned to Pinkie. “Well, Pinkie, looks like you’ve got your own work cut out for you.”
Pinkie looked back out the door, sighing softly. “Yeah…I really do…”
[Berry’s Cherries - Some Time Later…]
The impromptu tea at Fluttershy’s came and went without much incident. It was a quiet ceremony with hardly anyone talking. They were fretted over by the new overbearing Fluttershy until they left. When they did, Gregory suggested that they find a place to drink a nightcap before going back to bed. The sun was still up but it was at least an hour before sunset. Pinkie led them to the only bar in town, known to the locals as Berry’s Cherries. The bar was owned by Berry Punch, a pony Gregory knew fairly well as being a reasonably popular character in the show. She was reluctant to serve him, but the presence of the guards and Pinkie helped her ease up.
Soon the four were at a corner booth, nursing some small drinks. Berry had also provided them with a few things to eat, like a bowl of pretzels, some bread and butter, and a little bit of vegetable stew. Gregory noted that the bar was pretty crowded, but nobody else was really talking. He kept seeing the bar denizens staring angrily at him, but the presence of his guards presumably kept them from doing anything foolish.
Gregory’s drink was half gone (he’d ordered a light ale) and his mood was lifting a bit. He still had his wits, of course, since he had promised the foals that he’d read to them later. He was talking with Pinkie about random subjects. Currently, they were discussing, of all things, a lighter subject, which involved Pinkie telling a joke. “...so I said, ‘Oatmeal? Are you crazy??’ She put the wooden mug down and giggled slightly.
Gregory chuckled. “I always wondered what the rest of that joke was,” he said as he took a light sip of his ale, “and it makes perfect sense!”
Even his guards, who hadn’t been drinking since they were still on duty, were laughing softly at the joke. “I can see why you were the Element of Laughter,” Swift said before she took a bite of buttered bread.
Pinkie smiled. “I know a lot of good jokes,” she replied as she brushed her new mane aside, then blew at some stray parts of her mane that had gotten right in front of her mouth. “Ah, the one thing I don’t like about my new style is getting hair in my mouth, but it’s alright,” she said as she brushed it aside once more.
“Hey, I like your new mane style,” Gregory said, grinning down at her, “and hey, if I’m being honest, I think you’re much more attractive this way than the other way. Not that your old poofy look was bad, but I always found you with a straighter mane pretty gorgeous.”
Pinkie gained a saucy smile while flicking her mane as she turned to face the human sitting beside her. “Why, Mister Graystone, are you flirting with me already? We’ve only just met.”
He gave a smirk of his own, knowing she was having fun with him but deciding to have fun with it. “What stallion wouldn’t notice how attractive you are? Gorgeous mane, a body that could rival most models, very pretty eyes, and an infectious and warm smile? You’re the total package! I bet any stallion would climb mountains to court you.” He decided then and there that he liked Pinkie. Maybe not as a potential romantic partner, but definitely as a friend. She’d shown genuine concern for him upon their first arrival, had expressed sorrow when he’d talked about his family, had shown great concern for her friends, and now was doing this. Even if it was some harmless fun, it was a good excuse to laugh.
“Hmm, and what if I’m not looking for a stallion? What if I want something a little more…” Pinkie suddenly jumped up and planted herself in Gregory’s lap, rearing up and putting both her forelegs beside his head, making the human shrink back. “Exotic~?”
Gregory leaned forward so that his nose touched hers, never breaking eye contact. “Then I’d say you came to the right place,” he replied, cupping her cheeks with his hands. His hands maneuvered up to her mane. “If you wanted to sit on my lap, though, all you had to do…” he began scratching her behind her ears, “...was ask.”
Pinkie stiffened suddenly before melting into his lap, her head leaning against his chest. “No fair,” she pouted while looking up at him, “you’re supposed to be all flustered. Holy geodes, that feels good!”
He chuckled and brushed his hand through her mane. “I’ve always wanted to do this,” he admitted.
“Please be careful, sir,” Moonlight said worriedly, despite the fact that there was a small blush on her face and a larger one on Swift’s own, “we’re in public.”
“We will,” Gregory said while Pinkie’s tail began swishing back and forth. He looked down at her, smirking. “So ponies do swish their tails when they’re happy,” he observed, “that’s good to know.”
“Hey, I see that look in your eyes, mister,” she said as she gave him a playful glare and a boop on the nose with her hoof, “don’t go thinking we’re a bunch of dogs!”
He smiled. “Dogs? No no no, not at all,” he said, “I know better than that.” He began scratching her back gently.
“Well then—”
“PINKIE PIE!” A sudden gasp and cry sounded out from nearby. Pinkie’s eyes widened as she and everyone else at the table recognized the voice. They looked to the source to find Rarity and Rainbow Dash glaring daggers at them. But, more specifically her and Gregory. “I-I can’t believe this,” the pony said in an aghast tone.
Gregory watched Pinkie take in her long time friend's appearance. Her purple mane which was usually styled and pristine was now messy and unkempt with some strands hanging down loosely. The scarf she was wearing was hanging loosely on her shoulder. In her magical grasp was a half drunk bottle of wine. Everyone at the table could smell the stench of it all over Rarity. She was obviously drunk, evidenced by her bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. The same could be said about Rainbow. She stood on wobbly legs as she tilted side to side. A gentle breeze could knock her over. It almost hurt to look at Rainbow because she was a near perfect reflection of Jason with her scars. Pinkie’s face went from concerned to shocked to see the level of contempt aimed at her. Looking past them, she could see where they came from as several bottles littered their booth. Pinkie presumably didn’t need her Pinkie sense to tell something bad was about to happen.
“Um, hiya girls. How are you?” she asked cautiously.
Gregory looked between the two of them with a neutral expression. His arms were still around Pinkie, who was still sitting on his lap but had now sat up and was facing the two. He made no reaction to the two. His grip on Pinkie didn’t lessen, but it would have if she decided to move, which she hadn’t. “Can we help you with something?” he asked.
“We don’t need anything from you!” Rarity spat while pointing the bottle at Gregory.
“Pinkie. Why are you hanging out with the new human?” Rainbow asks. It was easier for her to speak now, but her voice was more raspy than Gregory remembered from the show.
The guards moved in front of the mares, blocking their path and standing at the ready. “Ma’am, our charge is merely enjoying the evening with a friend,” Moonlight explained, “there’s no need for any–”
“A friend?! You’re friends with one of them?!” Rarity gasped at Pinkie.
“Yes.,I don’t see the problem.” Pinkie answered honestly.
“It looks like you’re more than just friends with all that stuff you were doing. I guess you could not wait to replace us!” Rainbow stated banefully.
“Girls. You’re drunk. This isn’t how I want our reunion to go. Can we please talk about this some other time?” Pinkie asked.
“I’d say it’s the perfect time! Who knows when you’ll abandon us again!” Rarity shouted in an accusatory tone.
A flash of hurt spread across Pinkie’s features as Gregory stood up while still holding Pinkie in his grasp. “Okay, let me clarify something for you,” he said as he looked down at the two drunken ponies, “the two of us are just just spending some time getting to know one another, plain and simple. I don’t intend on monopolizing her time, but the two of us have both had a long day and we wanted to have a quick drink before bed.”
“Ah, so you’re trying to take advantage of her inebriated state?” Rarity growled up at him, “What else could we expect from your kind? Nothing but cruel monsters that take and take from good ponies!”
Gregory turned and gently put Pinkie back down on the booth, giving her a reassuring pet before he turned back to face the two. “I would never take advantage of anyone who is inebriated,” he stated calmly. He might have had a slight buzz, but he knew his liquor stronghold and had enough of his wits about him not to antagonize these two regardless of how he was being treated.
“No one cares! We don’t like you, and we don’t want you in our town, so do us a favor and crawl back to wherever it is you came from–hic!” Rainbow slurred.
“I’m unable to go back to where I came from,” Gregory explained patiently.
Berry Punch made her presence known by coming up and looking between the human and the two ponies. “If you’re gonna fight, please do it outside,” she said.
“I don’t intend on getting into a fight, Miss Punch,” Gregory replied.
“Good. I don’t need a brawl in my place. Again.” With that, she gave the two ponies a knowing glare before trotting back behind the counter.
“No, we’re not fighting,” Pinkie said desperately, “ee’re not fighting! Everyone can just sit down and have a good time or we can leave!”
Gregory took a seat and put a protective arm around Pinkie, giving her an apologetic look. “Do you want to get out of here?” he asked her.
Pinkie stared at her friends for a moment before she sighed. “Yeah, let’s go. It’s not worth it right now. I’ll talk to you girls when you’re ready.”
Gregory finished his mug, left the bits they owed for their meal and drinks on the table, grabbed his things, and then lifted Pinkie up in his arms, wrapping her up in them reassuringly. He turned to his guards. “Come on, ladies, let’s head back to the shelter,” he said as he headed to the door, cradling Pinkie in his arms while Swift took his metal pole in her wings.
As the group leaves, Rainbow turned around and berated them one last time. “You know what, fine! Go ahead and have fun with your cool new human pal, traitor! Everything wrong in Ponyville is because of them!!!”
Gregory could feel his shirt growing wet as Pinkie buried her face into his chest, sobbing softly. He held her tightly as they headed towards the door, stroking her mane gently and lovingly. “Let it out,” he said softly.
As the group headed to the tavern’s door, Rainbow and Rarity returned to their booth. Noticing that they were out of their regular drink, Rainbow called out to Berry Punch. “Hey-hic-we need another round over here!”
“Coming right up!” Berry said. Neither Rainbow or Rarity noticed the harshness in her tone.
“The nerve of Pinkie, associating with one of the creatures ruining us.” Rarity said, “I guess she’s too good for us now. I don’t get how though. Look at me, I’m a mess.”
“It’s got to be another ploy,” Rainbow spat, “It wasn’t enough for Jason to uproot everything we know and cherish-hic-He probably sent this other one to do some more damage!”
Berry Punch came into view with two bottles. “Might I make a suggestion hat might be a solution to your problem?” she asked.
“What?” Rainbow asked.
Before either of them could elaborate further, Berry took the drinks and poured them all over Rarity and Rainbow’s faces. Both mares shrieked in alarm while Berry’s features hardened. “Get off your drunken high horse and get out of my bar! Your tab has run out!”