//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: Generosity's Wakfu // by steel soul //------------------------------// The days seamlessly transformed into weeks, and the gentle embrace of spring gradually gave way to the warmth of summer in Ponyville. The sun shimmered brightly in the clear blue sky, casting a modest heat on the peaceful town below. Amidst this seasonal transition, life in the lively community continued its rhythmic dance. One with a very excited new dance partner. In the heart of Ponyville, Yugo could be seen weaving through the cobblestone streets. His hooves clattered against the ground as he sprinted towards his destination, a familiar routine that had become a part of his daily life. The cheerful colt had quickly gotten use to Ponyville, and Ponyville, in return, had gotten used to the rambunctious little colt with the weird hat running around. The colt’s vibrant energy resonated through the lively streets of Ponyville as he continued his brisk trot, the young colt waving hi as well as giving a soft bow of his head to anyone who spoke to him. As he made his, the marketplace came into view, a bustling hub of activity where ponies engaged in the exchange of goods and cheerful conversations. The colt passed by the stalls, his eyes widening with excitement as he took in the vibrant colors and enticing fragrances that filled the air. His curious eyes darted from one vendor to another, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant scene. Amidst the commotion, he spotted a familiar stand being set up with precision and expertise. The apple-themed decorations and the earthy scent of ripe apples indicated that he had arrived at Applejack's stand. "Well, howdy there, Yugo!" Applejack called out in her friendly drawl, leaning over to look down at the little colt. "Heading off to Twi’s again?" "Yep!” Came his enthusiastic reply, his stubby little brown tail wagging excitedly. “Helping her around the Library again, same as yesterday." As if he had forgotten something, he rubbed the back of his head. "Hehe…Mind telling your sis and the others that I’ll hang out with them later on when you see them?" The farm mare chuckled, "I'll be sure to let 'em know, sugarcube. Through a colt your age really should be laughin it up with the other foals ya know?” The colt groned, his eyes rolling in their sockets, though it was in a playful manner, “Maybe…but I still wanna pay you all back for helping me all this time. Speaking of which.” The colt reached into his saddle bag, pulling out four gold coins. “One apple please, and keep the two extra Bits. For one of the day’s you gave me a free.” Applejack's eyes softened at Yugo's gesture, a smile forming on her face as she took the four bits. “I know it's kinda futile at this point in telling ya you don’t own me a thing. A sense of pride is something I can get behind, after all. Still, you really don’t owe me or the girls anything.” “I know Applejack. Not gonna stop me from doing so though.” Yugo flashed a grateful smile at At the mare before selecting a crisp, red apple from the stand. He tossed the fruit lightly in the air, catching it with finesse before taking a big, juicy bite. As he savored the sweetness, a rustling sound caught his attention. “Sweet as always!” The orange mare rolled her eyes playfully at Yugo's antics, a fond chuckle escaping her lips. "Alright, alright, you little varmint. Don't keep Twilight waiting now. You know how she gets about being on time and what not. Oh and don’t forget to drop by later this week. Gonna teach ya how ta make apple fritters this time." Yugo nodded appreciatively and affirmatively, his mouth still full of the delicious apple as he waved goodbye to Applejack. With a cheerful skip in his step, he continued on his way towards Twilight’s library, the golden sunlight casting a warm glow around him as the farm mare watched him leave. She gave the retreating colt a final nod before going back to setting up her applestand. As she did so, the orange mare heard the familiar sound of approaching hooves once again. Glancing up, she spotted another familiar foal, her younger sister, Apple Bloom, trotting towards her with a curious expression. "Hey, sis! Was that Yugo I saw talking to you just now?" The little filly asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. The farm mare smiled and nodded. "Sure was, Apple Bloom. He was headin' to Twilight's for the day. Said he’ll see you and the girls later." “Aw shucks,” The filly pouted. “We wanted to run a few more ideas on how to get our cutie marks this morning.” Applejack chuckled, ruffling her sister's mane affectionately. "Well, I reckon Yugo'll be back before you know it. You and the girls seem to really have taken a shine to the young colt huh?” “Well yeah, I guess.” The little filly admitted. “Far as colts go he’s a pretty cool feller. Just wished he hung out with us more, ya know?” “Hehe…are ya sure you’re not just after the young’en’s cooking?” The older mare asked. “He tends ta make a mean apple fritter whenever we invite him over to the farm. So much so that you eat near all of them.” Apple Bloom blushed slightly, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. "Well, his apple fritters are mighty tasty, can't blame me for enjoying 'em!” She pouted. “Sides, apple fritters or not, we like hanging out with him because he’s a pretty cool colt.” "Can’t say he ain’t. And It's mighty kind of you and the others to hang out with him the way you do. I’m sure it makes him feel welcomed and what not," The older mare began. “But I know for a fact that sometimes a colt like him needs a bit of time to himself every now and then.” She smirked and winked. “And a bit of time away from your coltfriend every now and this makes the heart grow fonder as Rarity would say.” Apple Bloom's eyes widened. "W-what? No way, sis! Yugo's just a friend, that's all!" She protested, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. The older sister tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes as she regarded her sister. "You sure about that, Apple Bloom? 'Cause you sure do seem mighty interested in Yugo's comings and goings," she teased gently, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Just! Friends!" The little filly huffed. "Sides, if any pony can't keep her eyes off him its the other two. Scoots is always wanting him to see what she can do on her little scooter and Sweetie Belle wants to always share her snacks when him." Applejack raised her hooves in a placating gesture, a warm smile on her face as she reassured her sister. "Alright, alright, no need to throw your friends under a moving cart, Apple Bloom. I understand." She chuckled softly, shaking her head at the filly's antics. “Was just having a bit of funnin is all. Still, can’t say I’m not surprised her has himself a few admires.” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "Well, they should tone it down a bit. They're likely to scare him away at the rate they're going." A soft chuckle escaped the older sister, shaking her head at the younger one. "I’m sure if it really bothered him he would have no worries about telling them, I recokon. Anyway, stores hours about to start and I still need to finish setting up the stand.” She turned towards the yellow filly. “Since ya have the time right now how about you-" “Oh look at the time!” Apple Bloom squeaked, quickly back away. "Maybe another time, sis. I'm kinda late for a meeting with the Crusaders. Gotta dash!" With that, she hurried off, leaving Applejack rolling her eyes with a soft chuckle. ~~~ Within the humdrum of the morning, inside a familiar boutique, Rarity could be seen, fusing over the delicate fabric of a new gown she was designing. Her hooves moved with precision, expertly stitching together layers of silk and lace in a harmonious display of creativity. As she focused intently on her work, the doorbell chimed, signaling the arrival of a customer. “Coming~” The mare mused in singsong tone, slipping from her chair and making her way into the main room of store, finding a cream colored mare with golden yellow hair looking at one of her displays, a pegasus as it were. Hearing the white mare enter, the potential customer turned around, smiling brightly as Rarity approached her. "Sorry for dropping by unannounced. I just had to see this little number I saw from outside," she gushed, her tone both filled with admiration with a hint of regal confidence. Rarity smiled warmly, her heart swelling with pride at the compliment. "Oh, darling, there's no need to apologize! I'm delighted you found something that caught your eye," Rarity replied graciously, guiding the mare towards the garment she had been admiring. “Sadly this one is taken by another I’m afraid. But maybe I can find you something just as good. Your colors, warm as they are, would do well with the corals and pinks of this lovely ensemble over here," Rarity suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she led the mare towards a rack of intricately designed dresses. “That is very lovely.” The mare mused softly, genlty lifting the skirt of the dress. “And I would honestly love every bit of it if it could have fit me.” “Darling. You shouldn’t talk bad about yourself like that ,” Rarity chided gently, her voice laced with empathy as she observed the mare’s self-doubt. “You are simply stunning, and any dress would be lucky to adorn you.” Much to Rarity’s surprise, the cream colored mare flashed softly in a blue flame before a very familiar white princess could be seen, smiling down on her. “Oh I assure you Rarity. I am quite too big for such an outfit, delightful as it may be. But the one you are making me is quite lovely indeed.” Rarity's eyes widened in astonishment as she took in the sight of Princess Celestia standing before her, transformed from the cream-colored mare who had entered her boutique just moments ago. With a graceful bow, Rarity greeted the princess with a mix of surprise and reverence. "Your Highness! I-I had no idea it was you," she stammered. “Hehe…that was the idea. Can’t bright too much attention to myself after all.” The mare spoke with a gentle laugh. “Sorry for coming in a disguise…and unannounced. I know you are a busy mare after all.” "Oh, Your Highness, it is always an honor to have you grace my boutique with your presence. Please, make yourself at home. Can I offer you some tea or refreshments?" Rarity inquired warmly, already moving towards a silver tray adorned with delicate teacups. “That honestly would be lovely…But I’ll have to take you up on it another time.” She told the unicorn, a bit of a pout in her tone at the thought of missing out on tea. “This visit is more of a quick one sadly.” “Oh…Oh! You’re here to visit Yugo?” The white mare inquired, with wide eyes. “Well…that is one of the reason yes.” The mare mused softly. “I heard his studies were coming along apace, both in magic and school. Twilight had been sending me letters on his development after all…with your say-so of course.” “So I hear.” The mare spoke, a bit of pride in her tone. “Yugo is a colt though and though, but is quite diligent when he puts his mind to it. I was in quite the shock when he came home, and he spoke so fluently in Equestrina, that I nearly fainted. And that was just after a week or two in Twilight’s tutelage. I’m sure you get this a lot, your student, our Twilight, is quite the mare. I can’t imagine how proud you have to be of her.” Princess Celestia smiled warmly at Rarity's praise, her expression radiating genuine appreciation. "Thank you, Rarity, for your kind words. Though if you don’t mind me asking, how are you handling things with the young one. Adopting a foal, no matter how good your intentions are, is a big deal after all.” “Do I not know it.” The mare agreed. “I’ve watched Sweetie Belle near all her life and I was prepared for anything the colt though my way…but…” Celestia tilted her head. “But?” “Yugo is rather…well…self sufficient for a young colt I must admit.” The mare blinked. “Oh? Is that a bad thing?” Rarity sighed softly, folding her hooves together as she pondered how to express her feelings about Yugo's independence to Princess Celestia. "Oh, not at all, Your Highness. Honestly if Sweetie Belle was more like our young colt it would be a load off my shoulders... It's just...unusual. He's such a young colt, yet he carries himself with a sense of maturity and self-reliance that one wouldn't expect at his age." She frowns. “He does have his moments…he tends to drag his hooves when it comes to shopping with me and sometimes, as with any child his age, he never really is able to sit still when he find something interesting. Its just…Aside from a few things I thought that I might have been more…helpful to him.” The princess smiled softly. “I’m sure you already know that every foal is different. Yugo, from what I’m learning, is just much more extreme then others. While his past is a mystery, even I can see he carry’s himself in a way to not rely on others too much. More then likly stimming from his upbringing in the past. The best we can you…the best you can do for him is be there for him when he needs you.” “I know and understand that princess.” The mare spoke, “But…I just wish I could do more. Twilight is teaching him everything he needs for school so not much I can help out with there. I mean sure I do cook him a nice meal but from what I hear from AJ when he visits her farm, he’s a budding wizard in the kitchen. Might even have a secret talent for it if her praises are anything to go by. I know I provide a roof over his head. Just wish I could do more.” “I can understand where you are coming from Rarity.” The princess told her, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “There had been many a time where I wished for the same thing for all my little ponies, Yugo included. But the best you can do is work within your abilities and being caring when the time comes. I’m sure you will even surprise yourself when that happens.” With a grateful smile, Rarity nodded in understanding, appreciating Princess Celestia's words and warmth. “Thank you princess, I shall take your words to heart as it were.” The princess nods before tapping the necklace around her neck, shifting back into her pegasus persona. “I guess I should be going now.” he placed a hoof over her lips and winked. “I'm pretty sure I’ve held the courts up long enough for this little meeting. Sad I couldn’t see Yugo before he left for Twilight’s this morning. Oh! Before I go, there was one other thing. Luna is telling Twilight already but there was something found a long way from here…in ruins of all places.” Rarity tilted her head, questioningly as she listened to the princess’s words. ~~~ The library’s door opened at the behest of Yugo, the young colt’s head peeping around from behind the door with an earnest smile. “Hello? Twilight? Spike? You home?” The familiar library was all that greeted the young colt as he fully entered however, shelves filled with books of all kinds lining the walls and the smell of old parchment and ink filling the air. He frowned as he looked up the stairway leading to Twilight’s personal quarters. “Twilight? Spike? I’m here!” “Yugo?” A voice came from behind him. His ears perked as he turned towards the source, the stairway near the back that led down towards Twilight’s laboratory. “Is that you? Hang on! We’ll be up in a bit.” The young colt’s eyebrow raised. “We’ll?” His curiosity piqued, he turned fully towards the the large hole in the wall leading towards the mare’s personal laboratory, a pair of hoofsteps slowly making their way from the basement. Of course Twilight emerging from the basement was a given, the lavender mare smiling softly as she saw him. The other pony following after her was much more of a surprise though. “Princess Luna!” The little colt, bounded towards the princess of the night, jumping up and allowing her to catch him in her magic, holding him aloft as muzzle touched muzzle with a wiggle. A bit of a greeting the two would always find themselves locked in, much at the princess’s behest. “ Twilight didn’t tell me you were coming here today.” "Ah, young Yugo, it is a pleasure to see you as well," she said, her voice carrying a regal yet kind tone. "It was a last second decision if we are telling the truth." She lowered Yugo back to the ground. “Twilight’s letter to Celestia mentioned that you have quite the unique power and me being curious decided to pay a visit and see for myself what this power is that you hold.” The princess gave the little colt a rare smile as she spoke, her gaze gentle. “That is if you feel comfortable showing me.” Yugo's excitement bubbled within him, but a flicker of uncertainty danced in his eyes as he glanced towards the lavender mare. He rubbed his foreleg nervously before mustering the courage to speak up. "Um, Twilight," the colt began, his voice tinged with apprehension. "Is it... is it okay if I show Princess Luna my magic? I mean, I'd really like to, but I want to make sure it's alright with you first." “I know I told you not to tell anypony when you first displayed it to me, Yugo, but that was only because I wanted you to have the chance to understand and control it before sharing it with others," The purple unicorn reassured him, her tone soothing and supportive. "But now that you've been practicing and getting better at it, I think it's a good idea for Princess Luna to see what you can do. Just remember to be careful and take your time." “Got it!” The colt responded with a happy smile. He soon bounded away from the mares before stopping a short distance. Picking up a book from off of one of the shelves, he smiled and turned towards the alicorn. “Alright. Gonna pass you a book now Princess? Be ready?” At the mare confused nod the colt would start, standing on his hind hooves before jutting his right forehoof out. Just as she does, light began to radiate from the tip of his hoof, much to the surprise of the princess of the night. “Y-Yugo? What are you…” Slowly the hoof began to move, the light emanating from the tip forming a circle in front of himself. When it was completed, the void that was there was there filled with the same light that had been within his wings, filling the circle completely. As he his hoof back, the magic would follow, the circle of energy staying just above his hoof. Rearing it back, he tossed the magic like a soft ball towards the mares. While Twilight only smiled, Luna couldn’t help but epp softly as it stopped shot right in front of her, the blue glow illuminating her face. As the magic circle hovered in front of her, the princess of the moon slowly reached a hoof out towards it. “Yugo…this is incredible…but…what is…epp” She barely had enough time to gasp as a book began to slowly slip from the circle, wiggling softly Infront of her to grab. Peeping around it, the mare noticed another circle near the colt, one that looked just like the one he had in front of herself, the other half of the book behind held but the young colt as he stuck it though the blue portal. Luna's eyes widened in astonishment as the book passed seamlessly through the shimmering portal, emerging from the other side unscathed. She gently took the book in her magical grasp, turning it over to examine it with awe. "Yugo…was that some kind of spatial movement. I’ve seen teleportation magic and the like before but this is…” She paused as she looked towards the colt. “And did you just actually throw your magic like it was a physical object?" “That took some time to get down.” The colt spoke as he rubbed a hoof under his muzzle. “The amount of times I had accidently sent Twilight’s books flying into the air with that spell before I learned how to control it better was... well, let’s just say it was a learning curve.” “Yes…quite the learning curve indeed.” The unicorn spoke with a raised eyebrow. “One of such that it sent one of my books into a candle and burned half of it before I managed to put it out.” Yugo flinched slightly at the reminder of the mishap, a sheepish expression crossing his face. He rubbed the back of his head nervously as he glanced towards Twilight. "Yeah, sorry about that," he apologized to what seemed like to Luna for the dozenth time. "I did offer to pay for the book, but you turned me down." A soft sigh escaped the lavender unicorn, her expression softening as she looked at the hat wareing colt. "And I told you It's alright, Yugo," she reassured him. "Accidents happen, and it was just a minor setback. Besides, the fact that I allow you to use your magic on my books now stims from how much I now trust you with it." She smiled. “Besides, it was a book I had already read and it was easy to order a new copy. Annnnd.” She turned towards a small glass case framed nearby, the charred remains of a book within it. “It makes quite the center peice, does it not." Yugo's cheeks flushed at the sight of it, groaning softly. “Did you really have to laminate it, Twilight?” The mare smirked as she stuck her tongue out at the colt. “I wanted to preserve it as a remind of your improvement,” She teased gently. “Plus a good book should never go to waste, even if it is burnt to a crisp and I can never read its pages again.” “You said you ordered another copy.” The colt deadpanned. “And you already read it before.” "That's beside the point, Yugo.” The purple one spoke with a curt warmth. Luna, who had been silent up until now, turned towards the colt with a tilted head. “If you will forgive me for interrupting your revelry, but I must ask…what about the magic you displayed back at the hospital?” His smile faltered slightly at the mention of the hospital incident, a hint of uncertainty flickering in his eyes. He lowered his head before shaking it slowly. "I... I haven't practiced with it," he admitted quietly. The princess tilted her head again, a questioning gaze within her eyes. “Hmm? Why not?” The young colt looked away from her, his hooves fidging upon the gorund below him, “I…just…ya know…don’t feel a need to. I mean what would it even be used for?” Princess Luna considered Yugo's response, her expression thoughtful as she mused over his words. "It is true that such magic may not seem necessary in your day-to-day life," she conceded. "However, having control over all aspects of your magic can be crucial in unforeseen circumstances. It is always important to be prepared for any situation that may arise." “But…This place is way too peaceful, isn't it? Even if I don’t remember…I know I…well…I feel like I used magic like that to fight…” He looked towards the mare of the moon. “And I nearly hit you with it the last time I used it…I…Don’t want to hurt anypony…” Luna's gaze softened as she listened to Yugo's concerns. Taking a step closer to him, she gently lifted his chin so that he could look at her. "I think I understand…It is commendable that you value caution in the use of your powers, but remember that strength lies not just in the magic itself, but in how you wield it." Despite the mare’s words resonating with the colt, a look of apprehension still evident within his own eyes. "But what if I can't control it?" he asked quietly, his voice tinged with apprehension. "What if I hurt somepony accidentally?" “That is why you train to use it Yugo.” She smiled softly. “Not to know how to use it…but to know when to use it. You need not do it if you are so inclined though, you do what you have to do for the best path forward for your life.” Yugo listened to Luna's words, the weight of her wisdom settling in his heart. He knew that she spoke from a place of experience and understanding, but there was something, deep within him, that was scared of it…scared of his powers…even if he didn’t know why. With a sigh, he turned towards the mare, nodding slowly. “I’ll think about it, Princess. I’ll still have to ask Miss Rarity though…” "That is all I ask,” the mare of the moon spoke, reaching a hoof out toe ruffle the colt’s hat. “Now then, I do hate to say it but I must be off. The time I was able to acquire for myself was short and will be ending soon.” Yugo's expression softened at the princess’s gentle reassurance. "Thank you, Princess Luna," he said sincerely, a small smile playing on his lips. "It was a pleasure to meet you again, Princess Luna," Twilight added, offering a respectful nod to the lunar princess. "Thank you for taking the time to visit us. And for telling me about that one thing we discussed before." "The pleasure was mine, Twilight Sparkle, young Yugo," Luna replied warmly, her gaze lingering on the two before her. "I shall remember this encounter fondly." With a graceful nod, Princess Luna turned to leave, her ethereal mane trailing behind her as she made her way towards the library's entrance. Now alone with each other, the lavender mare turned towards the young colt. “So…do you want to give it a try? With your other magic I mean. The princess was right, you know. Practice makes perfect. Even I know some basic combat spells so…leaning to use it is not all bad.” Yugo made to speak but stopped short, closing his mouth and lowering his head. “I…maybe? Not today though…” Twilight nodded understandingly, a reassuring smile on her face. "Of course, Yugo. Whenever you're ready, I'll be here to help you practice and learn. It's important to take things at your own pace after all. In any case, shall we get started. This impromptu little meeting did take up quite a bit of your magic lesson today and I still want to go over at least the basics of your skill.” The colt nodded, his mood lifting ever so slightly. Thinking of fighting and stuff like that was just too daunting for him. He had never seen anyone as so much lift a hoof against anyone else all his time here anyway so…putting it off for a little bit wouldn’t hurt. Right?