Bugbear
This scent...
Yes...
I have finally found her...
The one who put me in Tartarus...
This town is her home...
Amber Wood
The day of Cranky and Matildas' wedding had arrived.
Standing beside the Cutie Mark Crusaders and other towns ponies watched as Princess Twilight and her friends seemed to discuss an important matter with serious facial expressions.
The towns ponies questioned what the problem was and Sweetie Belle suggested, "Maybe it's just a friendship problem and it will all be over in twenty minutes or so?"
A grey earth pony mare who I believe was named Octavia Melody commented that she hoped it was not a monster.
But then as if on cue a massive bear wasp thing.
Though Sweetie Belle helpfully identifies it, "I think I read about that kind of creature in a book Twilight lent me. It was call a Bugbear but this one is very far away from where they would normally live."
Watching the fight I commented on Sweetie Belles' statement, "I wonder if it got displaced somehow?
Regardless we have to go too the school to finish up the class card for Cranky and Matilda."
The eyes of Scootaloo went and moving her scooter and wagon in front of us and said, "Hop on or else we'll be late!"
Jumping into the scooter with the other Crusaders and Scootaloo began to propel us forward with her buzzing wings.
Together we made it to the school house where the other foals were already signing the card for Cranky and Matilda.
As we entered Apple Bloom commented, "It really is crazy how it seems like the entire town was invited to the wedding, y'know?"
Giving a quick snort of laughter I pointed out, "Probably way more than we even realize.
Cranky searched all over Equestria for Matilda and probably has friends all over who would want to be there for the actual wedding.
In fact think I saw a sea monster of some kind making it's way into Ponyville, and that was only one of the guest from out of town."
Scootaloo nodded and added, "My aunts sent over a gift with a card saying that they couldn't make it to the wedding.
When I took it to the venue in order to not forget it later Bon Bon told me to leave it on the table with all the other gifts from other out of towners who couldn't make it to the wedding and the table was stacked with gifts already!
I saw cards from places like the Dragon Lands and Griffin Stone just to name two off the top of my head!"
Raising a brow I asked, "What was the dragons' gift?"
Without missing a beat Scootaloo replied, "A gem stone bigger than me."
Impressed I whistled, "Well that sounds like a dragon wedding gift alright."
After signing the card Miss Cheerilee gave us all one last run down of what kind of behavior was expected of us while attending the wedding.
As a class we made out way to the wedding venue.
We already knew where our class was supposed to sit but something caught all our eyes.
In the same row as us all was a real live changeling.
The foals who were in Canterlot during the changeling invasion were frozen in fear.
Then as if sensing their fear the changeling turned towards us and said pointing to the catering, "I'm just here for the food."
Now we knew from the start that the extra seat in our row was supposed to be for a creature not normally seen in Equestria.
Cheerilee even asked that we be polite but after seeing the changeling she decided to say nothing about us all pilling up on the other end of the row.
The changeling in question didn't seem to mind either.
Eyeing him from the pile with the other foals I noticed him occasionally seem to take a bite or nibble out of the air.
He was being subtle about about it but I managed to notice.
Kevin
Love was in the air, and it was delicious.
I truly am glad Cranky finally found his Cricket, Matilda.
Thankfully my deep cover mission let me attend.
*Two Years Ago*
No...
No...
No...
No...
No!!!
"Hang in there Cricket! Please don't leave me!!!"
I had dug her out from under the boulders that's nowhere near enough.
Most of her right hind leg was missing, and the rest were twisted in ways they shouldn't.
Worst of all were the cracks all over her body.
Cricket spoke in a strained voice, "It...
It's...
It's okay, Kevin...
Please...
...
...
Take care of Flea."
"CRICKET!!!"
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Damnit!!!
Why didn't I take the time to learn to first aid. Sealing her in a cocoon wouldn't help if I don't stop the bleeding.
I then began hyperventilating when suddenly a grouchy voice caught my attention, "This is why you carry a first aid kit-"
Looking to the sound of the voice I saw a rather grumpy looking donkey.
The donkey continued to say, "-So stop panicking and follow my directions."
The donkey who I learned was named Cranky then helped me though the steps of stopping the bleeding and ensuring that the injured limbs were secured as to not cause further injury.
As we finished up the first aid I asked, "Why are you helping me?"
Without a single change in expression Cranky explained how he had begun his search for Matilda, and how regardless of Cricket and myself being changelings the loss of a true love was something he wished on no creature.
It was only at about that time that I noticed the love he gave off for this, Matilda.
While I should have ripped it from him and brought it to the hive I did not wish to repay kindness with malice.
*Present*
While Cricket would have wanted to attend, ever since her injury she was worked as a nymph instructor and desk worker at the hive.
Both these jobs require her to remain in the hive.
And while Flea as a builder could leave the hive for a variety of reasons she had no interest in attending the wedding.
Still I know both of them wish you and Matilda the best, Cranky.