//------------------------------//
// Chapter 44 
// Story: Pinning the Heart 
// by Random_User 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 44

“Hello!”

Coco and I stopped and turned toward the source of the greeting.

“Hello to you too!” Coco replied as Vanessa trotted towards us. “How are you doing?”

“I’m doing great!” Vanessa gave Coco a hug. “Thank you for everything. I’m feeling so much better now.”

“I’m glad we could help,” Coco told her.

“Snuggles and hot chocolate can fix just about anything,” I said.  

Vanessa released Coco and then hugged me. “Thank you, too.”

“You’re welcome,” I said and gave her a hug in return.

Radius approached us at a more relaxed pace. “She’s got the pep back in her step now.”

Vanessa let me go and looked a little sad. “I’m going to miss our lunches. It was fun getting to know you both and learning about everything that’s been going on with Ponyville and Sanctuary.”

“It was fun for us too,” Coco said. “We’ll be visiting Sanctuary to help with love supplies for the nymphs this weekend. We can visit then.”

Vanessa's smile returned. “That would be great!”

“This time we can provide lunch for you, while you provide lunch for the nymphs,” Radius said.

“Speaking of ponies getting together, I’ve got some good news.” Vanessa bumped her shoulder into Radius. “Radius is going to ask to court Miss Junebug the next time she’s at Sanctuary.”

“Nessie!” Radius glanced around. “Not so loud.”

“It’s fine,” Vanessa said. “She’s not here.”

Radius remained vigilant for anypony who might be listening. “Junebug might not be, but she has lots of friends, and ponies gossip.”

“That they do,” I agreed.

Radius moved closer to Coco and me. “Thanks for all the tips,” he said in a quiet voice.

“You’re welcome,” I said.

“Where are you two off to?” Coco asked.

“To see Princess Twilight and the Research Group,” Radius said. “Twilight wanted to meet Vanessa and take a few notes about her.”

“They’re pulling you into their research?” Coco asked.

Vanessa nodded. “From what Gena and Cubi told me, I’m going to be the first non-metamorphosed adolescent changeling she’s seen.” Her expression turned worried. “I’m nervous about meeting her. They said Princess Twilight can get a little intense when she’s studying something.”

“You have nothing to worry about,” Coco said. “Twilight is a sweetheart.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, but we better get going,” Radius said. “Twilight is nice, but she doesn’t take anyone being late very well.”

“True,” I agreed.

“We need to go, too,” Coco said. “We’re meeting Rarity and Thunderlane for lunch.”

Coco and I bid Vanessa and Radius goodbye and continued on toward Rarity’s boutique.

“I’m surprised Vanessa was anxious about meeting Twilight,” Coco said. “She’s such an approachable pony.”

“She is, but meeting anyone with ‘princess’ as part of their name is intimidating. Knowing you’re going to be studied by said princess has to make it even more nerve-wracking.”

As we approached Rarity’s, the front door opened, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders walked out.

“I’m tellin’ you, somethin’s goin’ on,” Applebloom said to Sweetie Belle. “First it was my brother, then your sister, then Rainbow Dash, and now Applejack’s actin’ all weird about that Crystal Pony fella.” She paused and pointed a hoof at me. “Even Mister Pin found himself somepony.”

I did not know if I should feel insulted or not at her comment.

“Hello girls,” Coco greeted.

“Hello, Miss Coco,” Sweetie Belle said.

“If you’re right, you two caught it too,” Scootaloo said, as if Coco and I were not there.

Apple Bloom gave Scootaloo a look. “What are you talkin’ about?”

“Sweetie Belle and Spike and you and Tender Taps,” Scootaloo said.

“Sweetie’s Spike’s friend. She doesn’t...” Apple Bloom let her words trail off as Sweetie Belle’s cheeks turned pink and she avoided Apple Bloom’s gaze.  

Scootaloo gave Apple Bloom a smug look. “You were saying?”

“She may have caught whatever it is, but Taps and I are dance partners and that’s it,” Apple Bloom said.

Scootaloo snorted. “He’s as much your dance ‘partner’ as Rumble is Piña’s and Noi’s training ‘partner’.”

“We’re not like them at all,” Apple Bloom protested. “I’m teachin’ him country dances and line dancin’ and he’s teachin’ me all the fancy steps he knows.” She stuck her nose in the air. “It’s an honest trade. Simple as that.”

“What about all those times he’s bought apples from you when you were helping Applejack and Big Mac at the market?” Sweetie Belle asked in a probing tone.

“It’s nothin’ like what you’re tryin’ to make it out to be,”Apple Bloom said. “He buys them, usin’ his parents’ bits, for him and his family.”

“Just because you don’t charge him extra for flirting with him while bagging his apples doesn’t mean it’s not flirting,” Sweetie Belle said.

Apple Bloom looked indignant. “I don’t treat him any different than I treat anypony else who comes to our stand.”

Sweetie Belle gave Apple Bloom a disbelieving stare. “Riiiight.”  

“What about those times he took you to Sugar Cube Corner and paid with his allowance?” Scootaloo challenged. “Don’t go saying it didn’t mean anything, either. You know Sweetie and I saw you two sharing a milkshake.”

Apple Bloom’s cheeks got a touch of pink to them. “You’re makin’ somethin’ out of nothin’. I told him he could save some of his bits if we shared a bigger shake rather than gettin’ two. That’s all it was.”

“You better be careful, Bloom,” I said, doing my best not to grin. “Sharing a milkshake with somepony is a pretty serious thing. I shared a milkshake with Lemon Hearts in Canterlot when we were foals and she brought it up years later.”

“This is Ponyville, not Canterlot,” Apple Bloom said. “We don’t do all that fancy courtin’ stuff here.”

“Face it, Bloom, he’s your coltfriend,” Scootaloo insisted.

“Did I hear somepony mention a coltfriend?” Rarity asked as she stepped through the boutique’s door.

“We were talking about Apple Bloom’s coltfriend,” Scootaloo said, prompting Apple Bloom to sputter half formed words of protest.

“Congratulations!” Rarity said to Apple Bloom. “Who is the lucky colt?”

“Tender Taps,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Isn’t that the name of the young dancer you helped find his cutie mark?” Rarity asked Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom nodded in a reluctant, almost confessional, way. “That’s him, but he’s-”

“You’ve done well,” Rarity complemented, interrupting Apple Bloom in a kind voice. “I had the pleasure of helping him get fitted with an ensemble he was going to wear during one of his dance school’s performances. He struck me as a handsome, polite, and talented young stallion.” A teasing smile came to Rarity’s lips. “While I was working with him, he spent a good bit of time telling me how much he appreciated being able to dance with you. He seemed to really enjoy spending time with you during after-school activities, too.”

Apple Bloom blushed to her ear tips.

Scootaloo laughed. “I wish you could see your face! You’re as red as your bow!”

“Sorry, Rarity, but I’ve got to go!” Apple Bloom said and then darted between Coco and me and away from the Carousel Boutique.

“You get back here!” Scootaloo called after Apple Bloom.

“What was that about being ‘Just dance partners,’ huh?!” Sweetie Belle yelled, as she and Scootaloo galloped after Apple Bloom.

I took a side step to allow the pair of fillies to pass without hindrance. “Good luck catching her!” I cheered.

“Thanks!” Sweetie Belle called over her shoulder, and then turned back to her pursuit.

Coco giggled. “You didn’t deserve that.”

“What do you mean?” I asked. “They didn’t step on my hooves or anything.”

“I’m glad they didn’t, but that’s not what I meant,” Coco said. “I was thinking about the ‘even Mister Pin’ comment.”

“Oh, that.” I shrugged. “It took me a while to find somepony.” I took a sideways step and stood by her side again. “It was more than worth the wait, though.”

“You two are still too cute,” Sassy said as she stepped into the boutique’s doorway.  

“Hey, Sassy!” Coco greeted. “I didn’t know you were coming with them.”

“Somepony needed to help them get all the supplies here,” Sassy said. “Besides, Pinkie invited me to a ‘Rarity and Thunderlane are Getting Hitched’ party.”

“So you didn’t turn him down,” I kidded Rarity.

“The thought never crossed my mind.” Rarity put a hoof to her chest, touching a diamond ring that rested on an elegant gold chain. “I had no idea he was going to ask me that night. When he did, it was perfect.” She paused, looked at my saddlebags, and raised a critical eyebrow. “I was sure I mentioned you did not have to bring anything for today.”

“These are congratulatory gifts from Berry,” I explained. “I am merely the delivery pony.”

Rarity’s act of being displeased evaporated. “Berry’s such a dear. Thank you both.” She waved for us to follow her. “Please, do come in.” 

Sassy moved to intercept Coco. “I’m so glad to see you,” Sassy said. She kissed both of Coco’s cheeks and then caught her up in a hug. “Has Pin been treating you right?.

Coco answered, “He has been.”

“Good stallion,” Sassy complemented me, and let Coco go. “She deserves it.” Sassy then hugged me and gave Coco a look. “Somepony’s been getting some pampering of his own.”

“We take turns,” Coco said.

Sassy raised an eyebrow and gave Coco a curious look. “I’d bet that’s not all you two take turns on as far as who’s holding the reins.” Sassy laughed as Coco and I blushed. “Oh, we are going to have to have another mares’ night soon,” she told Coco. “I’ve got a feeling there will be lots to share.”

We followed Rarity into the kitchen, where I was surprised by the sight of Thunderlane in an apron and chef’s hat.

Thunderlane gave us a bow. “Welcome to High Fashion Kitchen. Ladies, please have a seat. Sir, I could use your help to serve the ladies while I finish up their entrees.”

Raising my nose in the air and putting on my Canterlot accent, I said, “Of course, sir.”

Falling into my role as server, I got the ladies' drink orders, poured the requested drinks, and helped Thunderlane bring the food to the table. “Is there anything else I can provide, ladies?” I asked, after putting down the last item on the table.

“Not at the moment, thank you,” Rarity said.

“You should leave that on,” Sassy teased Thunderlane, when he undid the knot holding the strings to his apron. “It fits you.”

“Thank you, but no.” He hung the apron next to Rarity’s and put his hat on the counter. “It’s a lot more comfortable than the Wonderbolts uniform, but not something I would wear all the time.”

“Oh, so you save your outfits for special occasions.” Sassy gave him a wicked grin. “Has Rarity asked you to strut around in your suit so she could enjoy the eye candy?”

Rarity gasped. “Sassy!”

“He doesn’t have to answer,” Sassy said. “His blush tells me all I need to know. Besides, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I enjoy it when Silent comes home from his assignments without stopping at the barracks. There’s something about a stallion in uniform that’s just delectable.”

Rarity’s ears perked up. “Did I hear you say, ‘when Silent comes home’ or am I mistaken?”

“You heard correctly.”

“You failed to mention that to me earlier,” Rarity said.

“The topic never came up. Besides, we’ve been a little too busy talking about your stallion for mine to come into conversation.”

Rarity gave a happy sigh. “True.” She leaned so her shoulder touched Thunderlane’s and looked up at him. “He’s such a lovely distraction, though.”

“I see your stallion is still wearing his ring,” Sassy said to Coco and nodded towards me.

Coco smiled. “He rarely takes it off.”

“Speaking of rings, when should we expect you making it official with Silent?” Rarity asked Sassy.

“Well… that’s...” Sassy paused for a second, looking unsure what to say. “That’s somewhat complicated.”

Rarity’s eyes narrowed. “He does plan on giving you a ring, does he not?”

“He does.” Sassy would not meet Rarity’s gaze. “Not right now, though.”

“You are cohabiting, and he isn’t planning on making you his fiance soon?” One of Rarity’s eyebrows rose in a dangerous arch. “Would you like me to have a word with him on your behalf?”

The tone Rarity used made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

“No!” Sassy said and waved both her hooves in front of her. “It’s not his fault! Bat pony courtship is very family oriented, and I haven’t been brave enough to meet his. If he asks me to marry him without their approval, he could get into all sorts of trouble.”

Sassy’s comment perplexed me. “What do you mean, you’re not brave enough? I haven't seen you get ruffled over anything.”

“I’ve tried to learn as much as I can about bat pony customs, but there is not much out there to reference,” Sassy said. “I’m scared I’m going to mess something up and derail things with Silent.”

“That’s not going to happen,” I said. “He adores you. Even if there was some kind of faux pas with his family, I’m sure he wouldn’t let that get between you two.”

“What if you meet them on neutral ground?” Coco asked. “Meet them somewhere for dinner, or something like that.”  

“I thought of that too, but that won’t work for the traditions involved. I have to go to them.” Sassy drew herself up and said with determination, “He’s met my parents at their home. I can do the same for him.” Sassy made a motion as if casting aside her worries. “Enough about me. We’re here for Rarity and Thunderlane.” She waved a hoof at Coco and me. “One of you, tell them what happened, please.”

“I’d be glad to,” Rarity said, with an eager smile. “Right before Sassy and I closed up the boutique, Thunderlane surprised us by coming in.” She glanced at Sassy. “Well, I should say I was surprised that he appeared.”

Sassy put on a faux look of innocence.

Rarity turned her attention back to Coco and me. “Thunderlane said he wanted to surprise me to celebrate the opening of my shop in Manehatten and my expected return to Ponyville. He then offered to take me and Sassy out to dinner.”

“After giving Rarity a very enthusiastic wing hug and an enviable kiss,” Sassy added.

“I hadn’t seen her in weeks,” Thunderlane said. “I missed her.”

“It showed,” Sassy teased.

Rarity ignored the side comments and continued her retelling. “Thunderlane suggested the Tasty Treat, which I immediately agreed to. I wondered why there was a bit of relief in his expression when I agreed, but I thought little about it. Sassy and I closed up the shop, and the three of us made our way to Saffron’s. Lo-and-behold, we came across Filter and Silent sitting together on a bench not too far from Saffron’s restaurant.”

“Your brother sends his love,” Sassy told Coco.

“Your brother is such a dear,” Rarity said. “One of the first things he did was ask about you. It turned out he and Silent were planning to have dinner out too.” Rarity giggled. “All it took for us to do was to mention that we were heading to the Tasty Treat, and he got this love struck look in his eyes.”

“And Silent teased the hay out of him for it,” Sassy said. “You better get ready, Coco. I think he’s getting to the point he’s contemplating getting a ring.”

Coco’s ears perked up. “Really?”

“Judging by the way he reacted, he’s tail over hooves for Saffron,” Rarity agreed. “After we got Silent to quit teasing your brother, they ended up joining us in our dinner plans.” She gave Thunderlane a look. “By that time, I had a suspicion something was going on, but Thunderlane did a remarkable job of not showing anything.”

“I was very glad I had lots of practice of hiding my nerves before each Wonderbolt show,” Thunderlane said.

Rarity gave Thunderlane a playful tap on the shoulder with a hoof. “There was no need to be nervous. You weren’t going to be doing daring feats in front of hundreds of ponies, or anything of the sort, that evening.”

“There was plenty of reason for me to be nervous.” Thunderlane looked into Rarity’s eyes. “It was the most important performance of my life. I couldn’t mess it up.”

Rarity blushed and then leaned over and touched her nose to his. “Just so you know, you played the part of the dashing, handsome, and romantic stallion perfectly.”

“My word!” Acting shocked, I protested, “Such wanton displays of affection!”

While not removing her nose from Thunderlane’s, Rarity cut her eyes at me. “I am touching noses with him. I am doing anything so risque as kissing him or nibbling on his ear in public.”

Coco giggled. “You should try it sometime. It’s fun to see ponies’ reactions.”

Thunderlane opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Rarity told him, “Not one word.”

He chuckled. “Yes, ma’am.”

“They’re almost as sappy as you two,” Sassy said to Coco and me. “Rarity, back to the story.”

“You’re right, darling.” Rarity turned her attention back to us. “I apologize. A charming stallion distracted me for a second. Where was I? Oh, yes, our arrival.” Rarity brushed a strand of her mane from her face with a showmare’s flare. “When we entered the Tasty Treat, Panch and Poppy immediately greeted us. They, with Filter’s help, put two tables together for us and asked us to be seated. Saffron came out from the back to greet us. We exchanged pleasantries for a couple of minutes, and then she returned to the kitchen.” She giggled and told Coco, “That was when we lost your brother for a little while.”

Coco’s ears angled in adorable confusion. “Lost him?”

“He followed her like an over-sized puppy into the back,” Sassy said. “From what Silent has told me, he practically works at the Tasty Treat part time now. He thinks Filter is doing it because he wants to be near Saffron and gain her family’s approval.”

“He is doing well, in that regard,” Rarity said. “Poppy took our drink and appetizer orders, and we chatted for a couple of minutes. Imagine my shock when Filter and Rumble were the ones to bring out our food.”

“I wondered where he was,” I said. “He seemed to vanish for a couple days, and I never found out what was going on.”

“He was being a co-conspirator,” Rarity said. “When I asked him what he was doing at the Tasty Treat, he said that Thunderlane had set him up with cooking lessons from Saffron and Coriander.”

“Which was true,” Thunderlane said.

“When Rumble joined us at the table, and Thunderlane helped Panch and Poppy move another table next to ours. I knew somepony had choreographed events without me being aware.” Rarity gave a look to Thunderlane. “I had no doubt who the unseen director was, but I didn’t realize how many ponies he got to help, or who they were.”

“There were a lot of our friends who wanted to help,” Thunderlane said. “I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off, otherwise.”

“I doubt that. You would have found a way. You even got my parents in on it as it was!” Rarity took a breath to steady herself, but she still sounded as if she were close to tears. “I couldn’t believe it when they and Sweetie Belle came into the restaurant. Then Twilight and girls came in and… (sniff)... and...”

Thunderlane wrapped Rarity in a wing and pulled her close. “No crying.”

“I can’t help it. It was wonderful.” She sniffed again and then smiled. “Even if you lured me in with somewhat false pretenses.”

“There were no false pretenses at all,” Thunderlane said. “We were celebrating the opening of your new boutique with dinner. Dessert was going to be a celebration of us getting engaged, or I was going to go in the back in the kitchen and eat a whole tub of ice cream by myself and cry.”

“I would never have dreamed of turning you down,” Rarity said and then giggled. “I wondered where the tub of ice creme that we all shared came from.”

Thunderlane grinned. “I was prepared for as many possibilities as I could think of.”  

“So you asked her between the courses?” I asked Thunderlane.

“We set it up for Saffron and her family to all come out under the pretext of clearing the table. Once everypony was in place, I got down on my knee and asked her.”

“I immediately said yes,” Rarity said. “Except for me crying tears of joy and ruining my makeup, it was a perfect moment.”

“I’m so happy for both of you,” Coco said.

“I still feel bad I couldn’t figure out a way for you two to be there,” Thunderlane said. “You helped the whole thing happen by bolstering my confidence before I asked her out.”

“There’s no reason to feel bad at all,” I said. “We got to play a part by watching the boutique and rooting for you from a distance.”

“Which I am very grateful to you both for doing,” Rarity said. “Knowing that my boutique was in good hooves, let me focus on all the things we needed to do to get things set for Rarity for you.” She gave Coco a playful smile. “Speaking of setting things up, a little bird told me you have displays of your own up at your shop now.”

“She does,” Thunderlane confirmed.

“I think a reconnaissance mission to scope out the new competition is in order,” Sassy said.

“I agree,” Rarity said.

Coco’s eyes widened in shock. “I’m not competition. I don’t design high fashion dresses like you do.”

Rarity gave Coco a disbelieving look. “What do you mean? Your dresses could be on the cover of designer magazines. That dress you wore to Twilight’s Coronation Celebration certainly caught many an eye.”

Remembering how she looked that night, I nodded.

Sassy grinned at me. “We know it caught your eye.”

“Then there was that lovely dress you wore to Satin’s wedding,” Rarity said. “While I didn’t get to see it, I saw it in pictures Thunderlane showed me from the wedding.”

“Pin liked that one too,” Thunderlane said, joining in on Sassy’s teasing.

“I did,” I confirmed.

“However biased he may be for any dress you wear, Pin has a good eye,” Rarity told Coco. She asked me, “Don’t you think her designs are runway ready?”

“No doubt about it,” I answered without hesitation.

Rarity looked at Sassy. “Do you think so?”

“I do,” Sassy said.

“There we have it.” Rarity smiled. “Four for four say so.”

Coco showed subtle signs of being uncomfortable with the conversation in the tilt of her ears and in her expression. “But I didn’t want to compete with you then and I don’t want to now. I just want a shop where I can make a few dresses and still work on costume orders.”

Rarity seemed to pick up on Coco’s unease and gave her a disarming smile. “Coco, I meant you being my ‘competition’ in jest. I believe it would do Ponyville good to have another designer available. Especially one who I consider a wonderful talent and a dear friend.”

“I guess the field trip’s off then,” Sassy said, sounding guilty.

“No, it’s not,” Coco said, and brightened up. “You are more than welcome to come over. I apologize for dampening the mood. I’ve been worried being part of a business in Ponyville would cause friction between Rarity and me. Even though part of me knew you two were kidding, I couldn’t help but panic a bit.”

“No apologies needed, darling!” Rarity said. “You have absolutely nothing to trouble yourself over. Pin and I have been in ‘competition’ for years, and we’re on good speaking terms.” She acted as if she were annoyed with me. “Even after poached my best and only Ponyville employee from me,” she joked.

“I would advise you not to say anything,” Thunderlane told me. “Especially since I’m sure you’re not at all sorry about what you did.”

I chuckled. “I think I’ll do just that.”


*****


As we came to the edge of the town’s central plaza, Rarity made a cheerful noise. “I missed Ponyville so much. Manehatten has its charm, and Canterlot is delightful, but Ponyville is home.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Coco said.

Sassy’s ears snapped up. “Is that Lilly?”

I looked around and did not see Lilly. “I don’t see her. If I had to bet, she’s at her stall in the market right now.”

“Not Ponyville Lilly,” Sassy said. “I thought I saw the Canterlot Lilly for a second there.”

“Canterlot Lilly?”

“She’s one of our loyal patrons,” Rarity said, as she scanned the ponies near us. “She was one of the first ponies to come to Canterlot Boutique, in fact.”

Sassy looked thoughtful. “You know, I can’t remember her ever buying a dress, though. She comes in with somepony else every time. She always has that flower of hers tucked in mane, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen her wearing anything else or even trying something on.”

“Now that you mention it, I can’t recall having sold her anything, either.” Rarity added, looking thoughtful, “Nor can I recall her wearing anything but the flower.”

Something stirred in my mind, and I thought of Osima. “Does she wear a blue flower?”

Rarity and Sassy both looked at me as if surprised.

“How did you know she wears a blue flower?” Rarity asked.

Realizing the potentially awkward ramifications of any answer I gave for knowing Osima, I glanced at Coco for some hint on how to respond.

“We had a customer come in the other day with a blue flower in her mane,” Coco said.

“Really?” Sassy said.

I nodded. “I remembered her because she wore a flower like Coco does.”

“It’s possible it’s the same pony,” Sassy said. “Some ponies will go to one end of Equestria to the other for fashion.”

“Very true,” Rarity agreed.

I was grateful we arrived at our shop before the conversation could take another awkward turn.

“Coco! This display is simply charming, and the dress is lovely. And here you were telling me you weren’t competition for me.”

“It is wonderful.” Sassy walked up to the shop’s window and came close to putting her nose on the glass. “This looks like a scene out of a theater production.”

“It sort of is.” Coco stood beside Sassy. “I made the backdrop to be like a scene out of a play to make things more interesting.”

“That’s inspired,” Rarity said.

“It was fun,” Coco said and smiled.  

“I really liked the idea when she told me about it and which scene she wanted to do.” I said. “It’s one of my favorite scenes from Hinny of the Hills. I knew the exact suit I wanted to pair with her dress for the display, when she describe what she wanted to do.”

Rarity, Sassy, and Thunderlane all stared at me.

After a long second, I asked, “What?”

“You think you know a stallion,” Thunderlane joked.

“Coco has made me a more cultured pony.” I unlocked the front door and opened it. “Please come in.”

“If she’s been getting you into the theater, what have you been getting her into?” Thunderlane asked, as the mares entered before us.

“Buckball,” Coco said. “It’s a lot of fun to watch, and getting dressed up and painting our faces, especially when we go with Berry’s or Muffins’ families, is a blast.”

“I might have guessed that one. I’ve seen you two at a couple of games.” Thunderlane and I followed the mares in. “Is there something else he’s introduced to you we wouldn’t know about?” he asked.

“He’s been teaching me ice archery too,” Coco said.

Rarity paused in her inspection of the store and gave Coco a curious look. “Really?”

Coco nodded. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m thinking about getting a bow.”

“I wouldn’t have guessed that would be something you’d take to,” Sassy said as she continued to scan the store.

“It intimidated me at first,” Coco said. “The thought of using a weapon and all that is involved made me real nervous. Pin is a great instructor, though, and he got me over my fears of it pretty quick. I’m not all that good, but I’m getting better.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” I said. “Considering you had never touched a bow before we started, it’s impressive how far you’ve come.”

Coco, Thunderlane, and I stood and watched Rarity and Sassy as they perused and studied the store and our clothes.

Thunderlane smiled. “It’s fun to watch when she gets in her element.”

“What do you mean?” Coco asked.

“Watch. Her eyes scan everything methodically, looking over every detail. Her ears and the tilt of her head tell she’s mulling a lot of things. She sees details and patterns in things I would never have noticed.” Thunderlane gave a love-struck sigh. “She’s amazing.”

“I don’t know if it’s wise to talk about Sassy like that when your fiance can hear you,” I teased.

“Ha, ha.” Thunderlane said.

“It’s nice to know I’m admired,” Rarity said, walking back over to us. “Especially by such a handsome stallion with so many charms of his own.”

“There they go again, being sappy like you two,” Sassy said to Coco and me. “I have to admit, they made me jealous, snuggling on the train all the way here. Silent better be ready when I get back, because I’m going to make up for-” She stopped and looked past us and toward the door in shock. “It is Lily!”

I turned to see Osmia standing at the door to the shop and looking surprised. She was holding her hoof halfway to the door as if she had paused in mid action and was uncertain whether to open it.

She’s not looking well, I thought to myself. “I’ll let her in,” I said and moved to the door with some speed while trying not to appear alarmed. I opened the door just as Osima took a step back from it. “Hello again,” I greeted her. “It’s good to see you.”

“I should come back later,” she whispered just loud enough for me to hear. “You’re busy, and-”

“Please come in,” I said, cutting her off in as kind a tone as I could. “You must be cold, and you’ve had a long way to travel.”

“Lily, darling!” Rarity said. “Not that I’m not delighted to see you, but what are you doing here?”

“I could ask the same of you.” Osmia smiled at Rarity and then waved at Sassy. “Hello, Sass.”

Osmia slipped into her pony persona so well it was impressive. Had I not known who she was, I would never had guessed she was anypony other than who she presented herself to be.

Sassy trotted over, nudged me aside, and then hugged Osima. “I haven’t seen you in ages! I was getting worried.”

“I had to take an unexpected trip back home,” Osima said. “Other than being tired, I’m fine.”

Sassy held onto Osima for a second longer than necessary. “No, you’re not.” She put her hoof to Osima’s forehead. “We need to get you in from this cold.”

“She’s sick?!” Rarity asked with concern.

“I think so,” Sassy said, as she guided Osima into the store by putting a kind hoof on her shoulder. “She feels puny. She needs to be resting, not walking around in the cold.”

Coco gave me a worried look, and I did my best to communicate that Sassy was right without drawing attention to myself.

“Without so much as a scarf too!” Rarity said. “You need to take care of yourself, Lily.”

“I didn’t realize I was sick until I was in town,” Osima said. “By the time I started feeling bad, it was too late to turn around. I came here, hoping to get out of the cold for a bit, but I wouldn’t have stopped by had I known I would have interrupted your get together.”

“Nonsense, darling,” Rarity said. “Your health is far more important than our chit-chat.” Rarity looked at Coco. “Might we impose on you a bit? I believe she needs more than just getting out of the cold.”

“Of course,” Coco said. “You’re all welcome to come upstairs.”

“Thank you both for looking out for me, but I can’t do this to you,” Osima said. “Just give me a couple of minutes to warm up, and I’ll be on my way.”

“Lily, you’re sick,” I said. “Please, let us take care of you, even if it’s just for a little while.”

Osima looked as if she were about to argue.

I put on my best smile. “We’ll get you wrapped up in a blanket, and I’ll make some hot chocolate for everypony. It will put something nice and warm in your stomach, which I’m sure will help.”

“Lily, please,” Sassy said. “You’re already not feeling well. We don’t want you getting worse.”

I risked asking about what I thought was the underlying cause of her weakness in as nebulous a way as I could. “Have you eaten today?”

Osima seemed to get the hidden meaning of my words and did not respond.

“You haven’t eaten, have you?” Sassy accused more than asked.

Osima shook her head. “I haven’t.”

“Lily!” Rarity said sounding exasperated. “Ask Pin what happens if you don’t eat, don’t take care of yourself, and then push yourself.”

“You end up passing out and worrying everypony,” I said, before she could ask. “Please, come up with us and rest for a bit and get some food in you.”

“He’ll make the coco, and I’ll make you some soup,” Thunderlane said.

“You don’t have to go through all that fuss for me,” she told him.

Thunderlane put on his winsome Wonderbolts’ smile. “It wouldn’t be a problem at all.”

“You’re a sweetheart. Please excuse me. I don’t believe I caught your name.”

“Thunderlane,” he said.  

“My fiance,” Rarity said as if dangling a lure.

“Oh! Really?” Osima studied Thunderlane from his hooves to his ear tips as if reevaluating him. “When did this happen?”

“Just a few days ago.” Rarity smiled. “I’d be glad to tell you all about it if you come up with us and visit with us.”

With a playful smile, Osima gave a relenting sigh. “Hot chocolate, hot soup, and fresh gossip? I guess I really can’t turn that down, now can I?”

“Not really,” Sassy said. “There was no way we were going to let you go right back out into the cold.”

Osima feigned shock. “Are you implying you would have ponynapped me against my will?”

“No, but if you had gone back in the cold, we all would have been out there right with you huddled against you to keep you warm.”

The rest of us voiced our agreement with Sassy’s alternate plan.

Osima seemed touched. “You’re all such wonderful ponies. Thank you.”

I skirted the others and led everypony toward the back of the store. “This way, please.”

As we wove through the displays, Sassy said, “The first comment I would like to make about your store is that it has wonderful pieces, but the displays are crowded.”

“Thank you, and we have a plan for the crowding,” I said, over my shoulder.

“I noticed you have gone in new directions with some of your designs,” Rarity said. “It would seem Coco’s been influencing you.”

“Coco’s been a wonderful influence on me on every level.” I had just put my hoof on the bottom step when I heard a gasp behind me.

“Lily!” Sassy called.

“Gotcha!” Thunderlane said.

I turned in time to see Thunderlane catch Osima, who had been swaying on her hooves, just as she collapsed.

“I’ll get the door!” I raced up the stairs. With frantic efforts using my magic, I worked the lock and opened the door.  

“Lily, stay with us,” Sassy said.

Osima made a noise that indicated she was trying.

I went back down the stairs just far enough to see Osima and Thunderlane. “Lane, I’ve got her!” I took Osima in my magic and lifted her up the stairs.

Rarity ducked as Osima floated past her. “I didn’t realize she was that ill,” she said with concern.

After stepping into the den, I put Osima on the couch with care and put a pillow under her head. I had to pause and think to make sure I used the right name when I asked, “Lily, are you okay?”  

Osima gave a slight shake of her head. “I’ve really made a mess of things now. I’ve made trouble for you and everypony.”

“Darling, you’re being far too harsh with yourself,” Rarity said. She prodded me in the side with a hoof so I would move aside for her. “You don’t have to apologize for anything. You’re sick. These things happen.”

“I thought if I got some love I could make it,” Osima said, her words slurred.

“You better not be dying on us!” Sassy said. “We’ll give you all the love and care you need, but you cannot die on us. I won’t allow it.”

“I need to get to Sanctuary.” Osima’s eyes lost what focus they had. “They can put me in a pod and...” She sank into unconsciousness before she could finish.

“Lily!” Sassy shoved me aside, almost in a full panic, and checked Osima’s vitals. “She’s breathing, but we’ve- Eeeek!”

Sassy jumped back, nearly knocking Rarity over, as green flames covered Osima. After the fires faded, Osima’s true appearance and state shocked me. She looked even worse in her natural form than she had in her pony disguise. Her chitin was dull and her face looked drawn.  

“Sweet Celestia!” Rarity gasped. “It’s a changeling!” Her look of concern shifted to one of unadulterated anger. She growled, grabbed Osima by the cheeks, and shouted at her, “You tell me what you did with Lily right now! If you harmed one hair on her head, I'll-”

“Rarity, stop!” I put a hoof on her foreleg. “I think Osima is Lily!”

Rarity looked at me as if she thought I had lost my mind. “What do you mean this sneaky, vile, misbegotten... thing is our Lily?”

“Osima, or Lily, as you know her, came by our store the other day,” Coco said. “She’s the one we told you about helping Vanessa when you asked if you had missed anything exciting during lunch.”

“She recognized Coco from somewhere, when she came in the shop,” I said. “If she has visited your boutique in Canterlot several times, I’m sure she heard you mention Coco or knew who she was some other way before she came here.”

Sassy’s eyes lit up at some thought. She put a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “You showed her the article about Coco’s community play in Manehatten, after you got back from the trip.”

“That’s right!” Rarity looked at Osima with guilt. “I’m so sorry, Lily.” With care, Rarity put Osima’s head back on the pillow. “Please forgive my brutish behavior.” She touched Osima’s cheek with a gentle hoof. “I was worried about you. If that makes any sense.”

Sassy hugged Rarity. “I’m sure she’ll forgive you.” She broke into an awkward smile. “With some luck, she might not remember it at all.”

“No matter who she is, we need to get her help,” Coco said.

“You’re right,” Thunderlane agreed. “Question is, do we bring somepony here or do we take her somewhere?”

“We need to get her to Sanctuary,” I said. “They will know what to do to help her. Rarity, do you still have the cart you borrowed?”

“I do,” she answered. “Applejack hasn’t been by to pick it up.”

“I think there’s a bit of Sassy’s luck right there. I’ll go get it and bring it back.”

“I’ll go with you,” Thunderlane said. “I can help you get harnessed up.”

I shook my head. “We need you to fly to Sanctuary and tell them what is going on. We don’t know what’s going on with her, and she may need help as soon as she can get it.”

“You’re right.” Thunderlane turned toward the door. “I’ll get going right now.”

“I’ll stay and help Coco get Lily bundled up for the cold,” Rarity said. “She knows where everything is here.”

“I’m with you then,” Sassy said to me.

“We have a plan,” Thunderlane said. “Let’s move.”

Sassy, Thunderlane, and I rushed out of the apartment and then out of the shop.

“I’ll get back as quick as I can,” Thunderlane said, and took off into the air.

Sassy and I galloped towards Rarity’s, drawing attention to ourselves from several ponies with our haste.

“Why do crazy things like this always happen in Ponyville?” Sassy asked through her panting breaths.

“I have no clue,” I said. “It keeps life interesting, though.”

We rounded Rarity’s boutique, and there was no cart to be seen.

“It’s not here,” I said, with frustrated disappointment.

“Applejack must have come by and gotten it while we were gone,” Sassy wheezed.

“Berry and Barrel will have a cart we can use,” I said.

“That’s in the other direction,” Sassy pointed out. “It’s not like we’d be running to Sweet Apple Acres to get the cart back, but it’s still a way.” She leaned up against the wall and took in lungfuls of air. “I have got to get out and run more.”

“Rose.” I tapped my hoof on the ground and grinned. “Rose always brings her cart to the market. It’s smaller, but it will work.”

Sassy nodded. “The market’s closer too.”

Sassy and I raced to the market and to Rose’s stand.

“Pin?” Rose looked at Sassy and me with concern as we slowed to a stop in front of her stall. “What’s going on?”

“Rose, I’m sorry to bother you, but we need your cart,” I said. “May we borrow it?”

“Sure,” Rose said. “I take it something serious is going on.”

“There’s a very sick pony we’re trying to get to help as fast as we can,” Sassy explained between breaths.

“Then, by all means, take the cart!” Rose stepped out of her stall and helped Sassy get me get strapped to the cart. “How bad is it?” she asked, as she cinched down a strap.

“We don’t know,” I said.

“Mister Pin, what’s going on?” Noi asked as she ran up to us. “Thunderlane went flying past like he needed to get somewhere fast, and now you and Miss Sassy are here and in a hurry.”

“We’re trying to get a sick pony some help,” Sassy said.

Noi’s eyes widened. “Bad sick?!”

Sassy nodded. “We’re going to get her to Sanctuary as soon as possible.”

Noi asked me, with concern in her eyes, “Who is it?”

“Osima,” I said.

Noi gasped. “She’s back, and she’s in trouble?!” Her expression shifted to one of determination. “I’m going with you!”

By her tone, I could tell I would not dissuade her. “All right, but you’ll have to keep up or get in the cart,” I said.

“I can keep up, I promise,” Noi said.

I turned to Rose as she did the last strap. “Thanks, Rose! We’ll bring your cart back as soon-”

“We don’t have time for you to be polite,” Sassy said, cutting me off. She slapped my rump with her hoof and commanded, “Gee-up!”

With a startled whinny, I set off.

“That wasn’t nice!” Noi scolded.

“It worked, though,” Sassy said, sounding less than repentant.

After navigating the market with as much hurried care as I could, I picked up the pace towards home.

“You two keep going,” Sassy said, after we had trotted for a bit. “I’ve got to slow down.”

Noi hastened her strides and ran at my side.

“I’m impressed,” I told her. “I’ve got longer legs, and you’re keeping right with me.”

“Thanks, but I’m not pulling a cart.”

“That doesn’t matter. I’m sure Rumble would be proud of you right now.”

Noi and I hurried to the backside of the shop. Using my magic, I got the spare key from its hidden spot and used it to unlock the door. “Run up and tell them the cart is here, please.”

“Can do!” As soon as the door was open wide enough for her to squeeze through, Noi zipped inside.

I did not have to wait long before the sound of hooves approaching from inside came to my ears. Coco, Noi, and Rarity came out of the shop a couple of seconds later, carrying blankets and a pillow.

“What happened to Sassy?” Rarity asked, while she used her magic to put the blankets and comforter into the back of the cart.

“I’m here,” Sassy said, stepping around the shop’s corner and looking winded. “I’m fine, but I couldn’t keep up with these two.”

“We’ll be right back,” Coco said.

After Coco and Rarity returned inside, Noi paced circles around me and the cart with nervous energy. “I’m not sure why I came,” she said. “I can’t do anything, and I’m not good at stuff like this.”

“You came because you care,” I said. “You were the first pony to shake Osima’s hoof and treat her like a regular pony, remember?”

“But what can I do now?” Noi’s pacing stopped. She moved so I could see her without straining my neck. “I’m just a filly.”

“She’s going to need support. She may not be conscious, but I’m sure she will feel your concern for her. You’ve already helped by getting a message to them while I was still harnessed too.”

Coco and Rarity came out of the shop. Coco carried Osima on her back, while Rarity steadied her with magic. They had bundled Osima in a blanket and had put one of our winter caps on her head. She was more prepared for the cold, but she still looked ill and remained non-responsive.

“I’ve got her,” I said and lifted Osima from Coco’s back. “Guide her into position for me, please. I can’t see what I’m doing.”

“I know what you can do for her,” Sassy told Noi. She moved to stand beside Noi and put a foreleg around her shoulders. “She needs to be kept warm. As soon as Coco and Rarity get her settled, you are going right into the cart with her.”

Noi looked up at her with an uncertain look. “I’m a hot water bottle?”

“Even better,” Sassy said and grinned. “You’re going to be her cuddly, heated, security blanket.”

Noi smiled back at Sassy. “I can do that.”

The harness settled on my neck and shoulders with more weight as Coco and Rarity placed Osima in the cart.

“There you go, dear,” Rarity cooed to Osima. “We’re going to get you to help as fast as we can, and out of this cold.”

“That’s your cue,” Sassy said, and then she and Noi stepped out of my field of view.

The harness settled on me a touch more as Noi joined Osima in the cart.

“Hold on a second, Pin,” Rarity said. “Let’s move you a bit there, wrap this blanket here, and viola!”

“We’re ready now.” Sassy giggled at something. “Coco, you get to smack Pin’s flank to get him moving this time. I’ve already had a turn.”

“What?!” Coco asked.

I could not see her, but I could imagine Coco’s shocked expression.

“I had to get him going somehow,” Sassy said, sounding like she was enjoying herself. “He was taking too long talking and being polite with Rose when we had to get moving.”

“Really, darling, you need only ask him to go and he will,” Rarity said.

“That’s not half as fun,” Sassy said.

“Mister Pin, I think we can go now,” Noi said, sounding as if she was doing her best not to laugh.

“I think so too, unless I want another smack on my cutie mark.” With even steps, so not to jostle my passengers, I got the cart moving. “Tell me if it gets rough back there.”

“I will, Mister Pin,” Noi said.

“Did Sassy really smack Pin’s flank, or is she playing with me?” Coco asked.

Noi giggled. “She did.”

“Sassy!” Coco protested.

“If you’d like, you can give Silent’s flank a shot the next time he’s in town, and we’ll call it even.”

“I won’t do that to poor Silent,” Coco said.

“You should. Silent won’t protest, too much anyway, and he has a really nice flank.” Sassy chortled. “Besides, you’re going to be married soon, so this might be the only time you’ll be able to put a hoof on a good piece of flank other than Pin’s.”

“Thanks for the compliment. I think.” I did my best to look over my shoulder, but could not see into the cart. “How’s our patient doing?”

“She’s still out, but she’s breathing okay,” Noi reported. “She’s not very warm, though.”

“She doesn’t have a coat like us,” Rarity said. “I’m so glad you came. Even with us bundling her up, she needs somepony with her to keep her warm.”

“I wish I could do more,” Noi said, sounding disheartened.

“The first couple of times we helped Vanessa get the love she needed, she would nod off for a few moments,” Coco said. “Even when she was asleep, she still seemed to get some good out of it, though. Try thinking about ponies you love.”

For a few seconds, there was nothing but the sound of the cart and hooves on the path. There was the sound of cloth moving and a surprised gasp from Noi.

“What happened?” I asked, not risking taking my eyes off the path while moving at the pace I was maintaining.

“She hugged Noi,” Sassy said.

“Remember when Vanessa held onto Gena?” Coco asked. “She’s doing the same thing with Noi.”

“Keep those good thoughts coming,” Sassy said. “They must be working.”

“I will,” Noi said.

As we got close to the edge of the market, I noticed there was more activity than usual around Rose’s stand.

“It looks like we made a stir,” Sassy said.

“We weren’t subtle, that’s for sure,” I agreed. “This is Ponyville too. I’m sure word’s spread we were rushing around and borrowed Rose’s cart.”

As we got closer, I recognized the ponies gathered at Rose’s stand. Dinky, Golden Harvest, Thunderlane, and Turner were having a discussion with Rose. Golden seemed worked up about something. As if sensing us approach, she turned her head in our direction. She said something to the others and pointed a hoof at us.

“Golden’s rather animated,” Rarity said. “I wonder what has upset her so.”

I had a hunch about what was bothering Golden. “Noi, did you tell Goldie you were coming with us?”

“Ummm… Not really,” Noi said in a meek voice. “I told her I wanted to check to see what was going on, but that was it.”

“That explains why she’s giving Pin and me that look,” Sassy said.

“I’m sure she’ll understand,” Coco said.

I sighed in resignation. “We can only hope. Goldie matches Berry in intensity in being protective of her sister. This could get rough.”

“Pin!” Golden marched to intercept us before we could skirt the market, her ears back, looking displeased. “Is Noi with you?”

I swallowed. “She-”

“She is,” Rarity said, in a calm tone. “Noi is helping us aid a very sick pony at the moment. Please keep any chastisements to a low volume.”

Golden’s ears went up. “She’s helping you with a sick pony? How?”

“She’s being a support blanket,” Sassy said. “She’s keeping Lily warm and supplying her with love.”

I brought the cart to a halt as Golden walked closer. “Where is she?”

“In the cart,” Coco said. “She can’t move right now, or I’m sure she’d be sitting up to talk to you.”

“I’m here, Sis,” Noi said, as if ready for Golden to fuss at her.

To my relief, Golden went past me and to the cart. I turned my head as far as I could, but still could not see behind me enough to see Golden’s expressions.

“Noi, you know you’re not supos-” After a pause, Golden sighed. “Never mind.”

“I’m sorry,” Noi said. “They told me Osima was sick and-”

“It’s okay,” Golden said. “I’m just glad you're safe. If you hadn’t been with Pin, I would have been really worried.”

“I’m sorry, Goldie, but we really need to get going again,” I said. “We’re not sure how bad she’s doing and every second could count.”

“We’re coming with you!” Dinky said. She paused as if a thought had come to her, and then looked up at Turner. “Right, Dad?”

“Of course we will.” Turner gave Dinky a hug across her shoulders. “We can’t very well leave a pony in a bad way if there is the possibility we could help, right?”

“Right!” Dinky said.

“Let’s put her in the cart too,” Coco said. “I’m sure she can give off some love for Osima.”

“If there is a bundle of love in Ponyville, besides her mother, it’s our Dinky,” Turner said.

Turner and Dinky stepped towards the back of the cart and out of my view.  

Coco moved to stand in front of me so I could see her. “Are you doing okay?” she asked, her ears angled in concern.

“I’m doing fine,” I assured her. “All those runs we’ve been on are paying off.”  

“If you need to swap out with somepony, just say something,” Coco told me.

I touched my nose to Coco’s. “I will, I promise.”

The harness settled on my shoulders as Dinky joined Noi and Osima in the back of the cart and settled in.

“We’re ready,” Thunderlane said.

With a little more effort than I had to put in the last attempt, I got the cart moving again.

“You sure you’re going to be okay, Mister Pin?” Dinky asked.

“I’ve hauled a lot heavier loads than this. Thanks for asking, though.” I glanced at Thunderlane. “I didn’t expect you to make it back so fast.”

“I would have made it back to your place sooner, but Golden and Rose waved me down,” Thunderlane said. “They noticed I was in a rush when I flew past the markets, so they figured I was involved in what was going on with you and Sassy.”

“Dinky and I were at the right spot at the right time too,” Turner said. “We were going to pick a couple of things up on the way back home from Twilight’s castle. When Golden saw Dinky and me, she asked us if we had seen Noi and then told us you had run off with her and Rose’s cart.”

“Everypony will be ready for us at Sanctuary,” Thunderlane said. “When I arrived and told them the guards what was going on, they got Spiracle for me. He said that it sounded like she had been too low on love for a while and it caught up with her.”

“Did he say anything about how serious her condition could be?” Rarity asked.

“He didn’t,” Thunderlane answered. “He was too busy getting everypony ready for her arrival.”

“She seems stable,” Turner said. “Her breathing is steady and even. She’s not showing signs of distress. On outward appearances alone, one would think she was asleep.”

“When she fainted, it didn’t seem like she was in trouble,” Sassy said. “It was like she used the last of her energy and down she went.”

“Sounds like somepony we know,” Rose said.

While I could not see her, I got the impression she was looking at me.

“If she wasn’t getting the love she needed, she may have hit her limit and passed out,” Thunderlane said. “Not that it’s a good thing, but I hope that this is all it is.”

Our impromptu herd moved on to the edge of town without too much conversation. As we passed, ponies would pause and look at us with curiosity. When ponies asked what was going on, Rarity would be our spokespony and would give a brief explanation.

“You okay back there?” I asked, turning my head to look over my shoulder.

“We’re fine,” Dinky said. “It’s nice and cozy.”

“I’ll try to keep things smooth, but we’re getting onto the trails now,” I warned.

“Don’t worry about that,” Noi said. “We can take some bumps and shaking.”

“Pin, we have incoming,” Thunderlane said.

I looked forward and snorted at the sight of the trio flying towards us. “Why am I not surprised?”

“The older one must be Vanessa,” Rarity said.

“That’s her,” Coco said.

Vanessa put on more speed and broke from Gena and Cubitus.

“You better slow down,” Rarity said. As Vanessa got closer, and showed no signs she was going to reduce her speed, she added, “Actually, it might be better if you stop again.”

I nodded and slowed the cart to a halt.

Vanessa transitioned from flying to running and then skidded to a stop just in front of me, missing running into my chest by a couple of hoof widths. She looked up at me with frantic eyes. “You’ve got Ozzy?!”

“She’s in the cart with Noi,” I said.  

In an impressive display of speed, Vanessa hurried past me. There was a thump and a slight shaking of the cart as she vaulted into the cart.

I craned my neck, but could not get a good view of what was going on in the cart.

“Ozzy?!” Vanessa said. “What happened?”

“She’s not hurt,” Noi said. “She passed out at Coco and Pin’s. When I tried giving off love, she hugged me and hasn’t let me go. I think that’s a good sign.”

“Could you tell us what’s wrong?” Dinky asked.

“Move your head for me, please,” Vanessa said. “She’s breathing right and her pulse is good.” Vanessa’s tone lightened as she reported, “Good grip on Noi, so she’s not too bad.” There was the sound of cloth being moved, and Vanessa drew in a hissing breath. “Ozzy, you idiot! You gave all your love away, didn’t you?!”

“Is that why she’s like this?” Noi asked.

“She’s pushing what most changelings can do while drained, but...” There was a pause and then Vanessa asked, “Did she try to take in love?”

“I think she might have,” Coco said.

“That’s what did it, if I had to bet.”  

I heard somepony settling down in the cart.  

“Ozzy, I’m mad at your for doing this to yourself, but I’m so glad you’re with us again.”

“Her taking in love did this?” Tuner asked. “Why would that cause her system to have such a reaction?”

Gena and Cubitus landed close by and trotted up to the cart.  

“What’s going on with her, Ness?” Cubitus asked.

“She’s love starved pretty bad,” Vanessa told him.

“But she made it to Coco’s and Pin’s shop,” Gena said. “She should have been able to get some love there.”

“That may have been what caused her to pass out,” Vanessa said. “Remember our survival training lessons? We have to be careful taking in love after going without it. Our bodies can overreact to it, if we take too much in at first.”

“So it’s much like not giving solid food to a pony who has been starving for days because it can mess up their body chemistry,” Tuner said.

“It’s about the same,” Vanessa said. “The reaction is more on the magical energy flow side of things, though.”

“Will she be okay?” Golden asked.

“She should be, but putting her in a pod as soon as possible will help,” Vanessa said.

“Then let’s get moving,” I said. With some effort and a light grunt, I got the cart moving again.

Gena and Cubitus took to the air and hovered above the cart.

“I don’t think you’ll be able to squeeze in,” Rose said. “My cart’s for moving flats of plants, not ponies.”

“That’s all right,” Gena said. “We can hover and watch over her, at least.”    

“You doing okay back there, Dinks?” Cubitus asked.

“I’m fine,” Dinky assured her. “Noi and I were trying to give off love for Osima. That won’t hurt her, will it?”

“No, it won’t hurt her at all,” Vanessa said. “But until we get her in a pod her system won’t be too efficient at drawing it in.”

“So it’s like priming a pump after it’s gone dry,” Noi said.

“Not quite, but the thought’s the same,” Vanessa said. “Why don’t you two take my place? I’m sure Dinky she’ll give off more love with you two than me back here.”

I assumed Vanessa had been speaking to Gena and Cubitus.  

There was a quiet moment that was broken by Sassy giggling.

“That’s quite a blush, Dinky,” Rose said.

“You don’t have to leave,” Noi said, sounding as if she wanted to draw attention away from Dinky. “We know you’re worried about her, and care about her, so stay. You can give her love, too.”

“I would, but that’s not what she needs right now. I care about her a lot. She’s my best friend, and we’ve been through a lot together, but I don’t love her like that.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Dinky said. “Thorax gave that nasty queen all of his love and he didn’t even like her. I’m sure you can give love to Osima.”

“I guess I could try,” Vanessa said, sounding hesitant.

“If I can get loose, you can take my spot,” Noi said.

Weight shifted through the harness and the cart’s shafts as my passengers changed positions.

“She let go, but the blankets have me all tangled up now,” Noi said.

Dinky laughed. “We’ll get you out.” There was some more movement, and then Dinky declared, “There you go.”

“Thanks. Now, Vanessa, you get where I was. There you go, now give her a hug.” Noi giggled. “Never mind, she’s got you.”

“Now you know what it feels like, Ness,” Gena teased.

“Don’t act like you didn’t like it, you snuggle bug,” Vanessa said. “Okay, I’ve hugged her back. Now what?”

“Close your eyes,” Cubitus said. “Let things settle like you were going to let her take love like usual, but then give it a solid nudge and let it go wild. It feels great, like getting to run and fly around outside after being in one chamber for too long.”

“You make it sound so simple,” Vanessa said.

“It is,” Gena assured her. “I can’t think of anyone who didn’t get it to work. Even Spiracle did it on his first try. Focus on holding her and that you want to let the love and your emotions out, and then, pop! It happens.”

“Then you change colors, lose all your holes, look completely different, and give off emotions anybug can pick up on all the time,” Cubitus grumbled.

Gena snorted. “We knew you were a softie before you changed, and you’re still cute, so quit fussing. It’s not like we can’t change back to how we look whenever we want, anyway.”

Dinky giggled. “Let’s be quiet for a bit, so she can try.”

For a few seconds, there were only the sounds of the cart moving down the trail and everypony walking. Then there was a magical hum, flash of light, and then the soft chime of a magical event ending.

“You did it!” Gena cheered.

“You’re right, that felt great,” Vanessa said. “It felt like letting something out after bottling it up for too long.” She gasped. “I’m blue!”

“A lovely shade of blue too,” Rarity told her.

“The process of metamorphosis for changelings is fascinating,” Turner said. “I am glad I was here to see it. Dinky, I just had a thought. Is the warm?”

“A little,” Dinky said.

“So it is an exothermic reaction,” Turner said. “Twilight will be pleased to know our theory was right.”

“I bet she got gems too, with as caring as she is,” Dinky said.

“Gems?” Vanessa asked. “What are you-?”

There was a sleepy moan, as if somepony were fighting to come awake. “Mmm… What’s going on? Who are you?”

“Ozzy!” Vanessa cheered. “You’re awake!”

“I’m not too sure about that,” Ozzy said. “Am I in the back of a cart?”

“Yep,” Gena said. “We’re on the trail to Sanctuary right now.”

“You gave us quite a scare, darling,” Rarity said.

“Rarity I- ohhh.” There was a thump that sounded like somepony had flopped to the floorboards of the cart. “Sitting up is evidently not an option right now.”

“You need to stay still,” Vanessa scolded.

Osima giggled. “So you went pastel on us, Ness? You sound like Ness and hug like Ness does, if you’re not.”

“It’s me,” Vanessa said.

“She just changed,” Dinky said. “She wanted to give you some love so you’d get better.”

“Well! Hello, again, cutie. How did you…” Osima’s words trailed off. “Hold on. How many ponies are involved in this now? Unless I’m still more addled than I thought, there are several around.”

“There are nine ponies and four changelings all together,” Tuner said. “Including you in the count.”

Osima groaned. “I’m sorry this has become such a production. When I set out, I had hoped I wouldn’t get anypony involved.”

“Things rarely go as planned,” Rarity said. “Celestia only knows how many of my plans have gotten rearranged because of unforeseen events. Look on the bright side. At least you know you have ponies looking after you.”

“Some of whom I have lied to and betrayed,” Osima said with guilt. “I don’t deserve-”

“Hush,” Sassy commanded. “You’re sick and you need to rest. Guilt trips are not needed right now.”

“I don’t believe they’re needed at all,” Rarity said. “We understand a lady has to do what she must to get by. You’ve never harmed either of us, and I believe your friendship with us is genuine.”

“It was,” Osima said.

“It still is,” Sassy said. “If not, we wouldn’t have bothered wrapping you up and tossing you in the back of a cart to get you some help. Besides, we owe you for all the good publicity you gave us by writing those articles about Canterlot Boutique.”

“Sass, I-” Osima sniffed. “Thank you. Thank you both.”

There was some shuffling around in the cart. “I get to hug her too,” Dinky stated.

“Dinks, I don’t think that’s going to work,” Noi said.

“We’ll figure it out,” Vanessa said. There was more movement and weight shifting in the cart. “There we go.”

Cubitus chuckled. “Of course she fits.”

“Dinks, don’t give off too much love,” Gena said. “If Osima tries to take too much in, she might pass out again.”

“I’m doing better, but I’ll be sure to only take little bits in,” Osima said. “Besides, as much of a little bundle of care and concern as she seems to be, telling her not to give off love would be like telling her not to breathe.”

“That’s her,” Gena said. “She’s cuddly, cute, and delicious.”

Tuner gave an amused grunt. “I’m not sure how I feel about my daughter being calling ‘delicious,’ even if we call her ‘our little muffin’ from time to time.”

“Hold on in the back,” I warned, taking a turn. “I’ll try to keep things as even as possible, but there still might be some tilting.”

“So you’re the one who’s pulling us,” Osima said. “I take it you picked the short straw?”

“He volunteered,” Sassy said. “He even figured out where we could get the cart on such short notice.”

“My, my!” Osima said. “Handsome, fit, and quick on his hooves. Miss Coco, you’ve done very well for yourself.”

“Thank you,” Coco said, who smiled at me as I blushed.

“It’s been a team effort,” I said. “Rarity and Coco bundled you up, Thunderlane was our messenger, and Sassy helped me get the cart from Rose. Noi came with us from the market and then volunteered to be your support.”

“How did you two get mixed up in this?” Osima asked somepony.

“I was at the market with my dad, and we saw Goldie was upset about something,” Dinky told her. “While Dad was talking to her and Miss Rose about what was wrong, we saw Thunderlane and Goldie and Miss Rose waved him down to talk to them. While he was telling about what had happened, Mister Pin came with the cart and everypony else. When I found out what was going on, I wanted to help. Everypony else did too, so we all came along.”

“Then the gentlestallion with the brown mane must be your father,” Osima said.

“Time Tuner, ma’am, and I am,” Turner said.

“Your daughter’s a delight,” Osima said.

“She takes after her mother,” Turner said.

“I’m sure she takes after you too,” Osima said. “The mare with the lovely orange mane I got a glimpse of must be your sister.”

“That’s her,” Noi confirmed. “Her name’s Golden Harvest.”

“A fitting name,” Osima said. “Miss Harvest, just so you know, your sister is a brave and caring soul.”  

“Thank you. I am quite proud of her.” Golden’s voice had some humor in it, as she added, “Even if she runs off without telling me where she’s going.”

“Sorry, Sis,” Dinky said.

“Miss Rose, I promise you I will repay you for your kindness in letting me be transported in your cart.”

Vanessa giggled. “Ozzy, you’re doing your Canterlot thing again.”

“I beg your pardon,” Osima said. “What do you mean by my ‘Canterlot thing’?”

“You’re thanking everypony and being super polite.”

Her comment struck me as curious. “I thought Canterlot ponies had a reputation for being snooty and obnoxious,” I said.

“I can think of one stallion who embodies all the egotistical, self centered, and rude stereotypes of Canterlotians,” Rarity said with venom. She made a noise as if attempting to check her emotions. “However, thankfully, he and his kind are in the minority,” she said in her usual tone. “I find most ponies from Canterlot to be quite endearing.”

“You Ponyville ponies aren’t half bad either,” Sassy said.

“We’re almost there, Osima,” Gena said. “We’ve got one more turn to take around an outcropping and we’re home.”

“Ozzy, you okay?” Vanessa asked.

“I’m worried,” Osima answered, sounding vulnerable.

“About what’s going to happen? Don’t be. We’re going to get you in a pod, give you some love, and you’re going to be feeling better in no time.”

“Not that. I meant about the reception I’m going to receive.”

“Don’t worry. When they took me in, they didn’t fuss at me. They didn’t ask questions about where we had been or where we had been staying. Nothing like that at all. They made sure I was okay, asked me what I needed and wanted to do, and I’m back working with the nymphs as if nothing happened.”

“I’m in a different category than you, though.”

“No you’re not,” Noi said. “You’re a pony in need. They’re going to treat you right.”

“You’re sure of that,” Osima said.

“I am,” Noi said with complete confidence.

As we rounded the turn, the entrance to Sanctuary came into view. Standing outside the tunnel entrance was Spiracle, Radius, and a duo of changelings I did not know. The duo stood close to a stretcher that was resting on the ground.

“Looks like Noi’s right,” Rose said. “They’re waiting on us with a stretcher, so I don’t think they're doing to toss you out into the cold.”

“We weren’t expecting a third of Ponyville to be with you when you came back,” Spiracle said to Thunderlane.

I stopped the wagon and began undoing the harness’ straps. “Give me a moment, and I’ll lift her out for you.”

“Let me help,” Coco said, and then began undoing the buckles further back on the harness.

“How bad is she?” Spiracle asked.

“I’m weak and my mind’s on the blurry side, but I’m doing better, thanks to everypony allowing me to get some love from them,” Osima said. “Thank you for your concern.”

“She’s awake!” Radius said. “That’s a good sign.”

“She’s worried that she’s going to be rejected,” Sassy said. “If you don’t want her, we’ll keep her.”

Spiracle chuckled. “That won’t be a problem.”

Radius walked to the side of the cart. “No one here is going to give her...” His words drifted off, and then he laughed. “Hello girls.”

“Hello Mister Radius,” Dinky greeted.  

Coco stepped in front of me, drawing my full attention to her.

“Hold still for a second.” She lifted the harness off of me and over my head. “There we go.”

“Thank you.” I stepped out from between the cart shafts as the two changelings baring the stretcher approached. “If you two hold still for a moment, I’ll have her right out for you.”

“We appreciate it,” the leading changeling told me.

Dinky, Noi, and Vanessa clamored out of the cart.

“Be careful with her, please,” Dinky said.

“I’ll be as careful as I can,” I said. I noticed I needed to use more concentration to levitate Osima from the cart’s floorboards. By the time I placed her on the stretcher, I was having to use some effort to maneuver her where she needed to be.

“Thanks!” the lead changeling said.

“We’ve got her from here,” the rear changeling said.

Without further ado, the changelings turned the stretcher around and walked towards Sanctuary’s entrance.

“They told us you’re part of the Canterlot team,” the rear changeling said. “Is that true?”

Osima gave a quick laugh before replying, “Was part of, but yes.”

“Wow! I can’t believe I’m getting to help one of the Canterlot team members.”

“Focus on what you're doing or we’re going to drop her,” the lead changeling groused. “You’re out of step.”

“Sorry!” the rear changeling said and matched his steps with his partner.

“She’s going to be okay, right?” Dinky asked Spiracle.

“It looks like she’ll be fine,” he said. “We’ll still put her in a pod overnight to make sure she gets some rest and let her system get used to having love again.”

“Would you like to see us put her in the pod?” Radius asked all of us.

“Yes, please!” Dinky and Turner said at the same time.

Gena cut her eyes toward Cubitus, who had a grin on his face. “Getting a double helping again?”

Cubitus snorted. “Like you can say anything. You get nibbles from Dinky and her mom all the time.”

Spiracle shook his head. “Come on, you two. We can’t keep them waiting.”

Rarity looked apprehensive and took a slow, deep breath.

Thunderlane gave her a concerned look. “You okay?”  

Rarity snapped out of her thoughts. “Sorry, darling. I was reflecting on some of my previous... experiences below ground.”

“I forgot about that.” Radius gave Rarity an apologetic smile. “Sorry for being so insensitive. You don’t have to come with us if you don’t want to.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.” Rarity composed herself and put on a polite smile. “Please forgive my hesitancy. The situation surrounding when I was in the pod bothered me far more than being put in the pod itself. I was also thinking about the time I was the ‘guest’ of a pack of some rather uncouth diamond dogs who tried to force me to help them mine for gems. Neither event pertains to what is going on today, and it would be boorish of me not to accept your invitation.”  

“I can assure you no one is going to force you into a pod and there are no diamond dogs in Sanctuary,” Spiracle said.

Radius and Spiracle led us to a part of Sanctuary and a chamber I had never seen before. The design of the chamber was similar to the nursery’s. On each level of the amphitheater like room, there were shallow casserole dish shaped indentations carved into the floor. The changelings carrying Osima on the stretcher were talking with Coxa and Junebug as we stepped into the chamber. The nymphs were gathered close around Coxa and Junebug.  

“We’re back,” Vanessa said. “I’m sorry about rushing off like that. I’m sure I upset the nymphs, as worked up as I was. Are they okay?”

Coxa stared at Vanessa for a moment and then laughed. “You tried giving love to Osima didn’t you?”

Vanessa nodded. “I did.”

“They are doing fine,” Coxa assured. “They were a little worried, but Junebug and I calmed them down without too much trouble.”

The nymphs studied Vanessa with curiosity.

“It’s me.” Vanessa looked down at herself and smiled. “I might be blue and have gems on my chest, but it’s still me.”

“Which spot is she going in?” the changeling at the front of the stretcher asked Coxa.

“This one,” Coxa said, pointing toward an indentation almost at the center of the room with a hoof. She turned and addressed the nymphs. “Everyone, the mare on the stretcher is Osima. She’s sick right now, but we’re going to help her feel better. I wanted you here to see how pods are made. Some of you might want to become weavers yourselves.” Coxa turned back to changelings with the stretcher. “Thank you both.”

“Our pleasure, ma’am,” the rear changeling said. He and his partner lowered the stretcher and placed Osima next to the indentation. “We’re always glad to assist in any way we can.”

The lead changeling smirked. “You’re laying it on thicker than usual today, Apis.”

Apis blushed. “I’m just glad we can help like this again.”

The lead changeling gave Apis a smirk. “That’s she’s one of the Canterlot team has nothing to do with it, right?”

“Ex member,” Osima reminded him. “I am nothing more than an asylum seeker now.”

“You’re more than that,” Vanessa said to Osima. She looked up at the lead changeling and scolded, “Bombyx, be nice.”

Bombyx held up his hooves. “Just joking around.”

“Osima is in good hooves,” Coxa told us. “Bombyx is one of the Hive’s best pod weavers,”

“Not anymore,” Bombyx said and puffed himself up. “Now, I’m Sanctuary’s best pod weaver.”

“Bombyx is also full of himself,” Vanessa said.

“That’s a little harsh. I have talent, but I know I can’t do what I do all by my lonesome.” Bombyx patted Apis on the shoulder with a hoof. “Without my buddy here, I wouldn’t hold the title I do now. Even I can’t weave masterpieces without excellent materials, and this guy spins the best.”

Apis blushed. “Thanks.”

“I didn’t realize we were going to be working with an audience.” Bombyx bowed as if on stage. “Welcome everyone! I guarantee you won’t be disa-” He stopped when he raised his head and his eyes went to Rarity and looked uneasy.

After a pause that went on for too long, Rarity said, “May I ask why you are staring at me like that?”

“You may, but I won’t answer,” Bombyx said.

“You said the wrong thing to the wrong pony,” Sassy told him. “You can either tell her, or she’s going to get it out of you through whatever means necessary.”

“We’ve met before, is what he means,” Apis said, sounding sheepish.

“I don’t recall meeting either of you,” Rarity said. Her ears perked up. “Oh! You must mean we’ve met when you were in pony forms.”

“Let’s go with that,” Bombyx said.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Judging by your tone, I don’t believe we should.”

Apis looked guilty and would not meet Rarity’s eyes. “We made your pod.”

“Made my pod?” Rarity looked confused. “What ever do you… Oh.” Her demeanor turned frosty. “I can see why that would be an uncomfortable topic to bring up.”

“Please don’t be mad at us!” Apis pleaded. “We were under orders, and it was an honor for us to get chosen for the job. To make a pod for an Element of Harmony was something we’d never forget. We put a lot of care into that pod.”

“Apis, shut it,” Bombyx said. “You’re digging us in deeper with her and her muscle.”

I glanced over at Thunderlane. While his expression was neutral, there was a tension about him that made it clear he was not happy.

“This stallion is much more than a fine physique,” Rarity said, with obvious delight in being able to do so. “This is Thunderlane, my fiance. He also is a valiant, strong, swift, and well-trained member of the Wonderbolts.”

Apis’ ears pinned back with fear. “We didn’t do anything to her besides put her in the pod! I swear!” he told Thunderlane.

“But, before all else, Thunderlane is a gentlestallion,” Rarity said, shifting to a sweet tone. “Since you appreciated who I am and took such good care of me during my… unanticipated stay at the Hive, I am sure he will forgive you.”

“Thank you!” Apis said with relief. “We really were lucky to make the pod for the Element of Generosity.”

“Apis, now’s a good time for you to stop while we’re ahead,” Bombyx said.

“Excuse me,” Vanessa said to Bombyx. “Would you mind if I contributed to the base? I can’t produce much and I haven’t had that much practice, but I’d like to do what I can to help.”

Bombyx’s expression softened. “Of course you can, sweetheart.”

“Anyone who wishes to is welcome to help,” Apis said. 

“I’m drained, or I’d contribute too,” Radius said. “I’ll do my best to explain to our guests and the nymphs so you won’t have to pause.”

“That’s a wonderful idea,” Coxa said. “Everypony, please find a pod mold to sit in.”At her command, our group split up and sat in our chosen molds. “Thank you.” She told the nymphs, “Everyone, find places to sit where you can see.”

A few of the nymphs scrambled to one mold and piled into it together. A good number stayed put. Some of the nymphs who stayed with Coxa would look towards us ponies and then back to her as if asking permission to do something.

“Very good,” Coxa praised. “Thank you for asking if you could sit with somepony.” She looked at us ponies and said, “If you like to share your mold with a nymph or two, please raise your hooves.”

As soon as ponies’ hooves went into the air, the remaining nymphs hurried to their chosen ponies.

Frons rushed over and took a seat beside Coco. He gave her a hug and nuzzled her side. 

“I’m glad to see you too,” Coco said and returned the hug with a foreleg.

“I believe we are ready to begin,” Coxa said, after all the nymphs had settled down.

With Bombyx directing their efforts, Coxa, Vanessa, Apis, and Spiracle set to work.

Each changeling produced a gel-like substance from their mouths and then used their magic to suspend the fluid in the air. Apis used his magic to extract strands of material from the suspended globes and then formed them into finer threads. Bombyx then guided the threads into the mold. The process was painstaking, requiring layer after layer of threads to be put down and shaped.

“They’re starting with the base,” Radius narrated for the rest of us. “The base is the thickest layer and acts as both a cushion for the occupant and as an anchor for the pod itself. Each changeling provides material for the pod, and the spinner then takes that material and then turns it into thread. The weaver then takes those threads, coats them with adhesive so the threads will bind, and puts them in place.”

“What a fascinating process,” Turner said.

“It’s stunning,” Junebug said, as she took notes. “We may be the first ponies to study the creation of a pod.”

“You most likely are,” Radius said. He moved closer to Junebug and sat at her side. “Once the base is done, we can put Osima on it. Then they can start the next steps.”

Petrova, who had been sitting on Junebug’s other side, got up and wiggled her way between Radius and Junebug so she was sitting and touching both of them.

Vanessa stepped back from the pod and wiped her mouth with the back of her hoof. “Sorry, that’s all I have.”

“You did great,” Radius said. “You’re still young for providing silk.”

Rarity’s ears perked up. “I believe I heard you mention the word silk,” she said. “Could you give us a little more detail about the silk being created?”

“I’d like to know more too,” Junebug said, flipping to another section of her notebook.

Dinky raised her hoof, “We’d like to too!”  

“I know spinners and weavers can make different varieties of silk, but that’s about all I know,” Radius said. “Apis and Bombyx can tell you more than I could when they are through.”

“What she’s trying to find out, in a roundabout way, is if the silk can be used for clothes,” Sassy said.

“Oh.” Radius paused a moment and thought. “I would think so, but I’m not sure. Changelings rarely wear clothes. They can hinder our ability to change body types or become a hazard if we try to change into something bigger.”

Vanessa sat down beside Osima and stroked her shoulder with a hoof. “Just a bit longer, and they’ll have everything ready.”

Bombyx nodded toward Vanessa, and made a motion that they were ready for Osima to get on the base.

“Let me help,” Radius said. He hurried over and assisted Vanessa in getting Osima on her hooves to take the few steps she needed to get onto the base.

“Thank you both,” Osima said as she lay down. “I think I could have managed that on my own, but I’m not sure.”

“Better safe than sorry,” Vanessa said.

“I’ll do my best.” Osima put her head down. “It won’t take me long to fall asleep again, pod helping or not.”

Bombyx made a motion and the pod crafters shifted their positions to one side of the pod.

“Now, they are getting into the tricky parts of making a pod,” Radius told those of us observers. “While the base is solid and one piece, the rest of the pod will be sections of silk that will need to be folded onto each other and then glued together. The sections have to the be right length, be able to flex the right way, and still be strong enough to maintain the pod’s shape, so they require a touch to make.”

Bombyx’s careful efforts became delicate. Each new section of silk did not take as much time to form, but Bombyx checked each one’s length and pliability at least three times each. After he completed four of the new sections, the sections resembled a familiar shape.

“It looks like a flower,” Noi said.

“That’s an apt description,” Radius said. “Just like with a flower, the petals have to be the right size for them to close and layer together to protect what’s in the middle.” He pointed a hoof towards one of the ‘petals’ that had a slight variation in its shape. “See how these sections have a ridge in them? That’s so they can fit together with the sections underneath. Once they fit the sections together and add some adhesive, they will be all but impossible to pull apart.”

As if taking Radius’ words as a cue, the crafters folded the sections of the pod inward, layering each one on top of the other and gluing them together. They left one end of the pod open, making it look as if somepony had put a stein on its side and left the lid open.  

“You okay?” Bombyx asked through the opening.

“I’m fine,” Osima answered, her voice muffled by the pod’s walls. “It’s quite comfy in here.”

“Good!” he said, sounding pleased. “We’re about to add the gel and seal the pod.”

“One moment, please.” Osima shifted her position in the pod. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Each of the crafters went to the opening of the pod and spit a glob of goo in. The contrast of the elegant work they had done up to that point and the unrefined addition of the goo struck me.

“That’s how they add the foamy stuff we were in?!” Rarity said.  

“That’s it,” Radius answered. “I’ll admit, it’s not as refined a process as the rest of making a pod, but it’s needed for the pod to let emotions pass to or from the occupant.”

Bombyx closed the end of the pod and sealed it shut with the last of the floating adhesive spheres. “There we go! If stays in there until the morning, she’ll be back on her hooves in time for breakfast.”

“She can breathe in there?” Golden asked. “It looked to me you sealed it up pretty tight.”

“The upper sections must act like a cocoon’s membranes that allow oxygen in,” Junebug said. “In fact, the pod looks just like a cocoon.”

“It is a cocoon of sorts. But instead of the changeling inside changing into something new, the pod allows them to draw in love and other emotions more effectively,” Abis said. “The catalyst gel we add makes a connection between the changeling and the pod. The pod naturally attracts positive emotions and allows the changeling inside to absorb them.”

Noi bit her bottom lip and raised her hoof. “So when a pony is in a pod…?”

“It works the same way,” Apis said. He looked uneasy with Rarity’s eyes on him, but he explained, “The pony’s emotions flow into the pod, which lets changelings harvest the love they need.”

There was an awkward silence amount us ponies as an unvoiced question lingered in the air.

“I’m going to be the one who asks, so nopony else has to feel weird about it,” Thunderlane said. “Why didn’t Chrysalis have you capture ponies and keep them in pods to feed the Hive?”

Apis looked horrified. “We would never do such a thing!” he said. “Even Chrysalis knew that would be a horrible idea! Celestia would have declared war if we had done that!”

“Beyond that, it wouldn’t have been practical,” Bombyx said. “Each pod takes a good deal of reserves for us to make. If the pony doesn’t put out a lot of love, it’s a net loss for us.” He touched the pod with a hoof. “The pods don’t last long either. They become brittle and fall apart after about three days, even if we try to maintain them.”

“Why don’t we stop our discussion here,” Coxa said. “Our guests need to go to get home before dark. We need to get the nymphs back to the nursery, and Osima needs quiet so she can sleep.”

The nymphs must have picked up on what Coxa was saying and moved closer to the ponies beside them. The nymph sitting with Thunderlane nosed at his side and the edge of his wing to get him to lift it.  

With a coltish smile, Thunderlane tucked the nymph under his wing and against his side. He acted innocent, when Coxa gave him a look that sent the message he was not being helpful.

“Would it help if we promised to come back tomorrow?” Dinky asked, as she hugged the nymph that held onto her. “You all will need more love since you made the pod, right?”

“While that’s a kind offer, you don’t have to worry about that. Our supplies are doing much better,” Spiracle said. “We can manage with what we have right now.”

“But we want to help and visit,” Noi said. She looked up at Golden and smiled. “Right, Sis?”

Golden nodded. “Right.”

“We could check in on Osima then too,” Dinky said.

“If your mother doesn’t ground both of us for running off without telling her and without bringing the groceries home in time for dinner.” Tuner patted his saddlebags, which were resting in front of him.

Dinky’s eyes widened. “I forgot about that.”

“I’m sure that if Coxa wrote you a note about what you were doing, you’d only get a slight scolding,” I joked.

“That might actually help,” Turner said, with no hint he was kidding.  

“You’re serious?” Thunderlane asked, his ears angled in disbelief.

“Quite serious,” Tuner said. “Dinky and I both have been prohibited from partaking in certain activities for a couple of days on more than one occasion.”

“I can’t imagine Muffins being so put out she would resort to such measures,” Rarity said. “What in Equestria did you two do to get her to that point?”  

“Experiments,” Dinky and Tuner said together, and then grinned with matching expressions.

Rarity giggled. “Ah, I see.”

“Come on everyone,” Vanessa said. “Miss Osima needs to rest, and we need to get back to the nursery. Give your ponies hugs for thanks, and then come over here, please.”

Most of the nymphs got up from their seats, some more reluctant than others, and gave hugs to those they were sitting with.

“We’ll see you this weekend,” Coco said to Frons, as she returned his hug.

“I tried little guy, but Miss Coxa outranks me.” Thunderlane lifted his wing, exposing the nymph curled up against his side. “I’ll be back tomorrow. Rumble and I are coming to visit. If I can convince her to join us, we’ll bring Rarity again too.”

The nymph peaked around Thunderlane’s barrel and looked at Rarity.

“I’ll be here too,” Rarity promised.

Seeming satisfied at Rarity’s response, the nymph gave Thunderlane a hug and then trotted towards Coxa.

“I’m going to miss you too,” Junebug said to Petrova, who was holding onto her. “I’ll be back in the morning. I’m going to come back with all my supplies and sketch Miss Osima in the pod.”

Petrova hid her face in the space between Junebug’s barrel and her foreleg.

“Petra, I know you want her to stay, but we can’t keep her here,” Radius told her. “She needs to go home to check on her insects and get some rest.”

Petrova got one more hug in, and then let go of Junebug.

“I know, little one,” Radius said, his ears falling a bit. “I miss her before she’s gone too.”

“You stop that,” Junebug said and bumped shoulders with Radius. “Petrova makes me feel guilty enough as it is.”

“Come on, Petra,” Vanessa said, and held her hoof to Petrova. “We’ve got to get back, so we’re not late for story time.”

Petrova went to Vanessa and took her hoof, looking a little less disheartened.

After we ponies stood up, my eyes went to the pod and lingered. I was surprised at the protective impulse that arose in me at the thought of leaving Osima alone in the room.

“Don’t worry,” Bombyx said. “She looks rough, but by morning, she’ll be feeling like a new mare.”

“I know we’re not responsible for her, but her seeking us out for help makes things...” I did not have the right words to express what I wanted to say.

“More personal,” Coco finished for me. “She’s come to our place for love twice. Knowing she came to us for help and everything Vanessa told us about how Osima looked out for her, it’s hard not to be concerned about her.”

“We will tell her you two are thinking about her when she gets out of the pod,” Apis said.

“Could we borrow somepony to show us the way out?” Golden asked Spiracle. “I have no clue how we got here.”

Radius’ hoof was half in the air when Bombyx snorted and said, “You won’t need a guide. Junebug knows Sanctuary about as well as us changelings.”

“She hasn’t been in this part of Sanctuary that many times,” Gena said. “She could still get lost.”

“Are you volunteering, then?” Bombyx said.

“Well… I could,” she glanced at Radius, whose hoof was still in the air.

“She and I can’t,” Cubitus said. “We have to help with the nymphs.”

“That’s right!” Gena perked up and grinned.

“You two need to run along if you’re going to catch up,” Spiracle said. “Radius and I will escort our guests to the entrance.”

Radius lowered his hoof, smiled, and nodded.

“Give your mom hugs for us, Dinks,” Gena said, and then hugged Dinky.

“I will,” Dinky said.

Gena let go of Dinky, who then hugged Cubitus while Gena hugged Tuner.

“Thank you for letting us watch you work,” Noi said to Apis and Bombyx.

“You’re welcome,” Apis said. “I hate Osima is sick, but I’m glad we could turn this into a somewhat positive experience.”

Gena whispered something to Dinky. After getting a smile and a nodded in response, she led Dinky to Apis. “Have you ever gotten a thank you hug from a pony?”

Apis shook his head.

“Would you like one?” Dinky said.

Apis looked thrilled and held out his forelegs. “I would love one.”

Dinky gave Apis an energetic hug. “Thank you!”

“You’re welcome,” Apis said. “You better give Bombyx a hug too, or he’ll get jealous.”

“Jealous? Me? Bah!” Bombyx’s stuck his nose in the air and crossed his forelegs across his chest. His act fell apart a second later, when he smiled and glanced at Dinky. “I wouldn’t mind the hug, though. After all that work, I could use a little recharge.”

Dinky walked over to Bombyx and gave him a hug. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said and gave her a hug back. He looked up to address the rest of us. “Thank you all for looking after Osima. She’d could have gotten herself into real trouble if it weren’t for you.”

“We’re glad to help,” Thunderlane said.

Our gathering broke up, and Spiracle lead us out of the chamber.

“I’m glad Lilly will make a full recovery so fast,” Rarity said. “Please don’t tell her I said this, Radius, but she looked horrible.”

“How much will making the pod tax your reserves?” Turner asked.

“Only a little,” Radius told him. “Now that we have access to a steady supply of love, we don’t have to worry about that kind of thing much anymore. I can’t tell you how much more relaxed Coxa and Vanessa are, now they know we can provide the love the nymphs need with no trouble.”

“How could you not love those little cuties?” Sassy said. “The one who sat with me was adorable and so sweet.”

Radius chuckled. “That’s not quite what I meant, but that’s been a huge positive. Thye have been getting the love they need and are becoming used to being around others from outside Sanctuary.”  

“I think they could tell something serious was going on,” Noi said. “They’re usually more wild than that.”

“They needed comfort,” Junebug said. “Vanessa, rushing out and then Gena and Cubitus chasing after her was bad enough. Coxa and Spiracle having to discuss serious matters in front of them, and Radius and me being worried couldn’t have been easy on them.” She glanced back at the rest of us. “I’m so glad you all came. The nymphs needed to be fussed over and snuggled.”

Radius gave Junebug a loving look. He must have felt everypony’s eyes on him and realized what he was doing, because he suddenly put on a more neutral expression.

Rarity’s ears went up, and she smiled. “It seems to me you have endeared yourself to the changelings here, big and small.”

“We all appreciate her,” Spiracle said. “Junebug has helped us adults fill in the gaps of our practical knowledge in interacting with ponies and trade customs with Ponyville businesses more than anypony else. The nymphs adore her because they can sense she is curious about them and enjoys visiting them.”

We stepped out of Sanctuary’s entrance and into the cold afternoon air.

“Oooo!” Sassy said. “It is getting colder.”

“The weather team is scheduled to bring in the first snow of the year tomorrow,” Thunderlane told her. “It feels like we got everything primed for a good first snow.”

I walked toward the cart. “We were lucky then. Getting Osima here through the snow would have been a lot harder.”

“Pin, you’ve pulled the cart enough today,” Rose said, causing me to pause. “It’s my cart, so I’ll pull it.”

“Excuse me, but I’d like to pull the cart,” Radius said. “It’s the least I can do to pay you back for helping Osima.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Rose said. “It’s nice of you to offer, but you’d have to head home in the dark. As close as Sanctuary is to the Everfree Forest, that wouldn’t be safe.”

“I’ll be fine,” Radius assured. “I’m a changeling. Sneaking around and avoiding dangerous situations is what I was trained to do.”

“Even so, we don’t want to help one pony only to have another put themselves in danger,” Golden said.

Radius’ expression remained determined. “Thank you for your concern, but I feel honor bound to do this.”

“I have the feeling we’re not going to talk him out of it,” Thunderlane said.

Junebug asked Spiracle, “Would it be okay if he stayed at my place tonight?”

Radius looked shocked at the suggestion.

“That’s up to you and him,” Spiracle said, sounding like he was having to fight not to laugh. “I’m not his commanding officer anymore.”

Before Radius could protest, Junebug told him, “Radi, if you stay at my place tonight, nopony will have to worry about you getting home safe.” She blushed and smiled. “You would be doing me a favor. I wouldn’t be able to sleep, worrying about if you made it back safe.”  

“I- I-” Radius stammered, his blush surpassing Junebug’s in brightness.

Dinky pranced in place in anticipation while whispering, “Say yes, say yes, say yes.”

“I would be happy to,” Radius told Junebug. He smiled, and his ears folded back with bashfulness. “Thank you.”

“Yes!” Dinky cheered in a soft voice.

“Dinks, calm down,” Noi said, even though she seemed excited too.

“What’s got you so excited, Dinks?” Golden Harvest asked

Dinks stopped her prancing and looked nervous. “Oh! Um… I’m glad Radius won’t have to walk in the cold and dark back here.”

Golden Harvest smirked and raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“I think it’s a relief to us all that Radius will have somewhere safe and warm to stay for the evening,” Rarity said. Radius’ ears snapped up in alarm as Rarity’s smile turned mischievous. “Of course, if we run into each other again tomorrow, I would love to know the details of your evening together.”

Junebug blushed. “I don’t think there’s going to be anything too exciting to report.” She glanced at Radius, who did a poor job of trying to look nonchalant.

Sassy giggled. “I’m not too sure about that. Seems somepony has something on his mind.”

“He sure does,” Rose said. “Come on, share with us,” she prodded Radius.

“I thought that Junebug and I could continue our conversation from earlier, if I stayed with her,” Radius said sounding evasive. “That’s all.”

“Your conversation about what?” Sassy prodded.

Radius held steadfast and did not offer any details.

“Be that way.” Sassy turned to Junebug. “What were you talking about?”

“I’m not sure what we were going to be talking about,” Junebug said. “We got interrupted by the news Osima was sick, before he and I could step away and talk.”

“He was trying to get you off on your own?” Rarity said, putting a dose of suggestion in her tone. She giggled, as Radius blushed and babbled a string of denials of what she was insinuating. “June, darling, I will want all the details when we talk tomorrow.”

Coco muffled a giggle behind her hoof. “Poor Radi.”