//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Experiments with a Visit from Kindess. // Story: Welcome to Equestria! Questing is Magic! // by ponystorylyh //------------------------------// My Little Ponies: Friendship is Magic belongs to Hasbro and Lauren Faust. Original Characters belongs to me. Chapter 4: Experiments with a Visit from Kindness. Chrono groaned as he woke up with a yawn, stretching his aching wings. With proper directions yesterday, the books were neatly organized according to the librarian’s preferences just before midnight struck. As the ponies and dragon settled down for the night, Chrono slept on the spare mattress down at the library while Windie shared the bed with Twilight, after much persuasion from the latter that the bed in the bedroom was big enough for both of them. “Morning sleepy head,” Twilight greeted Chrono with a smile as she browsed through the organized shelves, “Breakfast is ready, go ahead and grab a bowl.” Chrono just silently nodded and headed to the kitchen, where Windie was helping Spike in cleaning dishes, “I see you are not a morning pony,” She addressed the pegasus, while nodded to Spike, who muttered a thanks for her help. “Well, we did a lot of work yesterday. I would like to call it a well deserved rest.” He yawned again, settling down at a small table, “So… what’s for breakfast that comes in a bowl? Cereal? Soup?” “You got it right on your second try.” Windie beamed as she levitated the warm bowl of soup she left aside for him onto the table. Chrono looked at the corn cob floating in a mass of small greenish vegetables, “Corn cob with broccoli soup.” “Can I skip this?” He squirmed, prodding the corn cob with the spoon. Even though the soup did smell pretty good, he was not in the mood to have greens at the moment. “If you are looking forward to bacon and eggs, I’m sorry that’s not possible right now, especially the bacon part. Ponies are herbivores for your info.” The emerald maned unicorn pondered with a shrug, “Yes, bacon does sound delicious right now, but I’m getting the intense ‘eww’ vibe saying that…” “What’s bacon?” The curious dragon asked. “Uhh… something you might like, but ponies don’t?” Chrono gave the corn cob a few more pokes before he gave in to his hungry stomach, hoofing the contents of the bowl into his awaiting mouth, “As much as I hate broccoli, this soup actually taste good! Compliments to the chef.” “Thanks!” Spike replied, happy that somepony had praised his work, “I didn’t know corn cobs help to bring out the flavor better. So I do pass on your thanks to Windie.” “Aww… its no biggie…” Windie gave the little dragon a hug, “I do have some knowledge for vegetarian dishes, if you want further assistance in the future, let me know.” Spike nodded smiling. “I’m still kinda hungry though… probably because we work hard yesterday and totally forgot about dinner…” The pegasus sighed, “I could still probably eat a hor… I mean… a crate of apples right now.” “No worries!” Twilight poked her head into the kitchen, “I’ve asked a friend to bring some snacks over while I test out on your abilities, if you have any that is…” Before Chrono could reply, the librarian continued, “Our venue will be the field behind the library, enough space for us to do all sorts of stunts and ‘magic experiments’. This will be fantastic!” “Sounds like somepony is in the mood,” Windie chuckled, “Shall we start then? I seriously hope we get something positive out of this.” The small group soon left the tree house and gathered at the field behind it; Spike had a quill and some scrolls, preparing to write down what he would see or hear. Windie volunteered to go first as she stood a distance in front of Twilight. Chrono was gliding lazily in circles above them. The lavender unicorn seemed to have confirmed on a query she had in her mind regarding the green mane unicorn. “Are you able to tone that down, Windie? You know… that breezy aura you have?” The cream pelt unicorn looked at Twilight with a puzzled look, “What do you mean?” Windie looked at the grass around her, which were waving lightly as if a soft breeze was blowing across them. Her sight went over to Twilight, noting that the grass around the latter’s hooves were not moving at all, “And I thought Equestria is always a breezy region… guess its not huh…” “I actually felt it the moment you stepped into the library yesterday.” Twilight nodded, “And I’ve confirmed it myself… seriously… why was there a breeze in the bedroom when the windows are all closed…” The librarian started to trot back and forth, “Just earlier, I went through some of the books, and narrowed down to a possibility…” She stopped and started at Windie with a serious look, “…you are possessed…” “Uhh… WHAT?!” Windie exclaimed with a worried look, “You mean some pony spirit had possession of my body?!” The breeze around her started to pick up speed on detecting her change in mood, which she was oblivious of. “Actually no…” Twilight giggled with a satisfied look as Windie sighed out in relief, bringing the breeze down as the latter’s mood returned to normal, “I’m just clarifying my findings, and is now happy to inform you that you are not possessed. Its more like… something you possess.” She looked back at Spike, who is furiously writing stuff down on the scroll. Chrono’s ears perked up as he looked over from a cloud he was laying on, wondering what the duo below had discovered. “Equestria lies on the crossroads of elemental leylines, also known as magic energies that helped to create this world.” Twilight started her ‘lecture’, “It is due to the strong magical energies that allows us ponies, who are attuned to the leylines to thrive. To elaborate further, these magical energies live among us as elementals, which are invisible to the naked eye.” She paused for a moment, giving Windie time to digest, “To actually see them, we can cast this spell…” The purple pelt unicorn levitated a book in front of the Windie and flipped to a page, “This spell, though simple, can be dangerous. Some unicorns had actually been blinded permanently by the sheer energies released by the elements.” “It really sounds dangerous…” Windie replied with uneasiness as she read up on the spell shown on the opened book, “So you are saying an elemental was attached to me without my knowledge?” She closed the book and returned it to Twilight, “Have you ever casted this spell before?” The breeze around her started to increase in speed.     “I assumed it could be possible, or maybe the elemental took an interest on you.” Twilight shrugged, “It’s a very rare and unique experience to have a binding contract with them.” She paused, recalling her past experience with the spell, “Once, of course under Princess Celestia’s supervision,” the purple unicorn nodded, “It was really breath-taking to see so… many… of them.” She then shuddered, “Princess Celestia broke the spell as I had gone way beyond the time limit… I had to be blindfolded for several days after that…” Windie was still unsure whether she wanted to go through with this as Chrono got off the cloud he was on and landed beside the unicorn, just a shy away from the wind aura around her. He experimentally prodded with his hoof, and was received by a faint barrier. “Spike, take note. Always give this pony some private space. Any pony getting too close to her will be bucked by her aura.” He joked on purpose, causing the unicorn to glare at him. On cue, the pegasus got ‘bucked’ as her aura suddenly expanded, knocking him ‘harmlessly’ into the air. Chrono let out a laugh, managing to stabilize himself in mid-air with his wings and landed, only to hear a loud squeak of surprise behind him. Everypony turned their attention to the new arrival, whom had landed on her flank in surprise. Her light pink mane covering one of her teal eyes as she looked up at Chrono, who was returning her a concerned look. One of her saddlebag had opened during the fall, allowing several apples rolled out from it.   “Fluttershy!” Twilight galloped over to the fallen yellow pelt pegasus, “Are you alright?” “I… I think so Twilight…” The timid pegasus got up and checked her saddlebags, sighing in relief that contents within the other bag was not damaged, “At least the sandwiches aren’t crushed…” Her teal eyes moved to the ginger pegasus, “I’m sorry I startled you…” “Kawaii*…” Chrono replied as if in a trance.  (*Kawaii = Cute in Japanese) “I’m sorry… but what does… kar..why…yi means?” Fluttershy softly asked, wondering whether her cry of surprise had shocked him so badly that he started sprouting un-intelligible words. “Huh? Ohh…” The ginger pegasus shook his head, “No, its alright. I didn’t know you are right behind me when I landed… and ermm… no worries… I’m just being random just then…” He sheepishly chuckled, seeing the blush of relief shown on Fluttershy’s face, “Shall I help you with the apples?” “I got them.” Twilight replied as she levitated the scattered apples and placed them back into the saddlebag. Meanwhile Spike had already set up a large red-white checkered mat over the ground. “Everypony, this is a friend of mine, Fluttershy. Fluttershy, this is Chrono Breaker and Windie Breeze.” The purple coated unicorn introduced, where everypony acknowledged with nods and smiles, “Shall we settle down for a break?” Minutes later after settling down, “Smooth move, stud…” Windie nipped on a sandwich, “That makes her the fourth on your list of conquest.” She glared evilly at Chrono. The cream pelt unicorn had calmed down; wind barrier lifted and her aura was soft and relaxed. “Uhh… you really like to poke fun of me… don’t you?” Chrono grumbled as he munched on the sandwich given to him, taking glances at Fluttershy, who was having an animated discussion with Twilight. “Your eyes tell me otherwise.” Windie giggled as the little dragon came over and offered them a drink, “Thanks Spike.” She looked at Chrono, who was now munching down on his second sandwich, “I never knew you like sandwiches filled with flowers.” “A hungry pony is an angry pony!” The hungry pegasus chowed down the second and started on the third, “Sanvich ish thasty!” He paused on his meal, noting that Windie had not even finished her sandwich, “Try not to ponder too much about it. Twilight has already shown you the spell, it’s now up to you to decide whether to proceed or not. Take your time though.” The duo continued their meal in silence, which was soon interrupted by the eager librarian. “Time really flies when you had fun. Ready for more experiments, ponies?” “I’m ready…” Chrono looked around, “Where’s Fluttershy?” “She had to go pick up some groceries in town. Apparently she had adopted some animals recently and her new ravenous residents had eaten more than usual.” The ginger pelt pegasus nodded, “Anyways back to you Chrono…” Twilight started trotting slowly around him, her eyes were almost everywhere over his body as she examined him, stopping for longer length of time at his flank where his cutie marks were. His cheeks were red with embarrassment, and his eyes glared at Windie when she started giggling. “From my observation, I can unofficially certify you are a healthy pegasus pony. Your cutie mark is unique however…” She pondered, “I know Colgate has an hourglass cutie mark as well as The Doctor… I wonder whether you are able to manipulate time as well…” “Time manipulation! Awesome!” Chrono grinned, “But I thought only unicorns can use magic…” “True… maybe yours is a passive ability, which only activates when in danger or during the heat of a brawl…” “Or his interest is to break things related to time, like clocks and timepieces.” Windie chipped in with a snicker, “So do keep him away from those, especially large ones. He will probably throw a wrench into the gears.” “You are one evil pony, even when you are in the midst on making an important decision…” Chrono sighed and looked at the lavender unicorn, “If there’s a possibility that this is a passive ability, there is only one way to find out…” He looked around, noting a stream close by, “Maybe we can use some resources from the stream? Like water, or mud?” “Interesting idea…” Twilight nodded, “Yes, we can do that.” “I’m in!” Windie gleefully waved a hoof, “This may be my only chance in giving somepony mud IN THE FACE!” She laughed, only to get a ball of mud on her muzzle, “Eww…Hey! You cheated!” “Spike, take another note. Unless this pony was aware of her surroundings, she will not be able to defend her… opps!” Chrono chuckled as he dodged a ball of mud thrown from his victim. Being a pegasus has its advantages on its dexterity and agility, “You can do better than that… uhh…Twilight?” He looked at Twilight, who had levitated hundreds of mud balls of different sizes behind her, “That’s rather overkill, don’t you think?” Turning to the river bank, he saw the river bad been slightly widened from all the magic diggings. “Being under pressure helps to manifest passive abilities quicker,” Twilight smiled with a grin as she gave Windie a wink, who was now gaping wide at the librarian’s magic ability, “Ready to be slugged?” She giggled, somewhat enjoyed what she was about to do. That did the trick as Chrono felt the tension rising within his body. Mud balls, if thrown playfully, were harmless and only create a huge mess, but the way Twilight was smiling and grinning, it looked like it would hurt... and it did. The first ball came at him was extremely fast and it smacked against his forehead, causing him to jerk upward, eyes scrunching in pain from the impact. Several others followed and pelted his side, causing him to almost topple to his side as he struggled to maintain his balance. “Are you alright Chrono, should I stop?” He heard the concern voice of the librarian and shook his head to clear the mud off his head. “No, you are doing fine Twilight...” The pegasus steadied himself, “I wasn’t prepared to face fast moving mud balls... keep them coming.” With Chrono’s acknowledgement, Twilight started slow, sending a few at a time. The pegasus was ready this time, as he evaded some, getting one or two hits per round. His difficulty increased when Windie had recovered from the gawking and started creating her own mud balls. Her ‘throws’ were slower, but they were enough to distract him enough for the librarian to get in more painful hits. Twilight upped the difficulty progressively, throwing more and more at him. At some points of time, he took the full blunt of a round, which felt like somepony had bucked him in several places. That increased the stress he was taking, causing a strange sensation bubbling up from within. “I can feel something... oww... ok...” Chrono made a flip, “Send everything... at me... “He dodged the next few. “You sure about that?” Twilight continued to pelt at the pegasus with a worried look. “Throw everything... Go!” The purple pelt unicorn paused her attacks as she concentrated, her horns glowing brighter as the remaining mud balls around her start to gain momentum. Windie, too had stopped throwing, feeling the strong magic flowing through Twilight as she shifted to where Spike was for safety. “This is gonna be awesome!” Chrono grinned as he prepared himself for the ‘onslaught’. If his so-called ability did not manifest in time, he would be ‘riddled’ with mud balls until nopony will be able to recognise him. It would also be too painful to the point he may get knocked out from all the pelting received. With a shout from Twilight, she let loose all the ammunition at her disposal at her target... Windie could not look... Chrono felt the sudden rush of adrenaline as the mass of projectiles came at him, his mind screaming at him to evade. However, his hooves were rooted at the spot, and he cursed himself, wondering where the accumulated energy had gone to... then he pounced backwards... Everything around him slowed down; Chrono could see the wisps of wind around Windie as she gasped and tried to cover her eyes slowly with her hooves, a stunned Spike holding the quill and scroll as the latter watched, the multitude of mud balls coming at the pegasus at a extremely slow pace right in front of him... and his cutie mark glowed... “Time! Lend me your power!” Twilight was totally caught off guard when Chrono started moving in a blur, evading her frontal mud balls with cruel efficiency. Quickly, she amended her tactic, sending her projectiles from different directions at her target; her magic flared brightly from her horn as she poured more magic outwards, increasing their speed. Chrono dodged the mud balls easily enough as his passive ability came online. However, now with the librarian changing her approach in her ‘attacks’, the mud balls were practically buzzing around him like slow-moving angry bees as he evaded them. Once he tried smacking away a ball that got too close to his face with a hoof, the sensation from the impact felt like he was trapped in a bell tower when it chimed, almost causing him to lose concentration. Chrono was tiring out and he knew once he exhausted the ability, he would be mud slugged, BIG TIME. His eyes went to Windie, who had her wind barrier upped for safety... a grin appeared on his face... “Spike... you think we should stop Twilight?!” Windie cried out as a stray mud ball struck her erected wind barrier, protecting both unicorn and dragon. “Once she start, its impossible to stop her!” Spike winced as another brown splat mark appeared on the barrier. “Spike... is it me or Twilight is turning towards our direction.” True enough, Twilight was tracking the ginger blur, barely noticing that the protected duo was almost within her line of fire. Windie had to come up with something fast or they be splattered as well, “I’m sorry Twilight!” “How is he doing this?!” Twilight growled under her breath as her projectiles flew around the blurry pegasus, not even striking home one bit, already forgotten why she started this ‘experiment’ in the first place. Her frustration overtook her priority, now wanting to make sure she slugged that pegasus, oblivious that her mud swarm had contacted Windie’s barrier until the cream pelt unicorn shouted out.... A huge popping sound was heard as two magical energies struck one another, cancelling each other out, but not before hurling the mud balls everywhere. When it was over, the section of the field they were in was covered with scattered mud, except for the area around Windie where she had set up the barrier. “Is everypony alright?” Windie and Spike looked around, spotting Chrono first as he got up to shake the mud off. “I’m good...” He panted, “Aww, this is going to take a while to clean...” The pegasus moaned as he tried to shake off the mud from his tail with no avail. The duo found Twilight next, who had taken the blunt of the mud shower. The purple unicorn was totally buried in mud, groaning and coughing from the onslaught as they cleared the mud off her, “Ugh... what... happened...” “You got counter-slugged Twilight...” Spike replied as Windie helped the fallen unicorn up, “Let’s get you clean up first before we continue with anything else.” “I got her!” Chrono came over and lifted her over his back, “she’s my responsibility since I got her into this ‘mess’...” He nodded to Spike, “You should go back and prepare a warm tub for her...” The purple unicorn felt very warm on his back, “Scratch that, a cold tub would be better.” Turning to Windie, “You be alright over here Windie?” “I think so...” The cream coated unicorn looked at the mud scattered field, then at the soiled picnic mat and saddlebag, “I’ll pack up and join you all shortly.” Chrono nodded as he headed back to the tree house with a semi-conscious Twilight on his back. Author's Note: A large chapter. Fluttershy was in for a brief period of time as Twilight tried to find out the other two ponies abilities. Had a lot of grammar mistakes when I got this done, thus the slight delay in getting this up. Enjoy.