//------------------------------//
// A Typical Tuesday 
// Story: The Master Game 
// by WanderingPhysicist 
//------------------------------//

        Rei yawns and stretches in her bedroom above The Power Block. She rolls over and nuzzles the pony sleeping next to her.
        ‘Ohayo, Inkie-chan.’
        Inkie moans and opens her eyes. She closes them again as she immediately loses herself in a kiss.
        ‘You have to wake me up like this every morning?’ the scientist sighs.
        ‘It has been three years without a complaint. If my wife is happy, then I’m happy.’
        ‘Your wife is very happy.’
        Inkie laughs and pulls the covers over them as she rolls on top of her wife.

        Inkie finishes her breakfast while reading the morning news posts. Across the table, Rei is devouring a large bowl of cereal. Inkie stops to take a sip of her coffee and notices the time.
        ‘Oh! Rei. You’re almost late.’
        ‘Bah. The squirt can handle the store without me for a few more moments. We have plenty of time to fool around again.’
        Inkie stands. ‘In that case, I’m going to work now.’
        Rei looks down the hall at Inkie’s lab. ‘But you work from the home.’
        ‘Sorry, I’m at work now,’ the scientist calls as she trots to her lab.
        The pegasus moans and gets up. She goes to the living room window, opens it wide, spreads her wings and takes off flying. Seconds later, she lands across the street on the roof of Neighponese Imports. She turns and waves to Inkie who is at her laboratory window. Inkie waves back and blows a kiss to her wife. Rei smiles as she trots downstairs to go to work.
        The pegasus passes through the living quarters on top of the shop. Piles of clothes spill out of an overflowing hamper. Bedding is strewn about in two bedrooms, both with trails of blankets leading to a study packed with instant noodle cups and coffee mugs around a pair of computers. In the kitchen, empty food cartons, pizza boxes and soda cans cover the counter space and table while the refrigerator remains cracked. The wildlife living in the washroom is slowly spreading down the hall. The only clean area is in front of the large television in the living room. Rei sighs as she closes the bedroom and study doors before heading to the main store. She trots past her assistant who is setting up the displays for the day.
        ‘Clean it by tomorrow, or I’m burning your paycheque,’ Rei threatens. ‘Again!’
        ‘Come on!’ Scootaloo complains. ‘It is not that bad. Since when did you turn into my mom?’
        ‘As soon as you asked if you could move out of her place,’ the older pegasus grumbles. ‘And if you get her to help you again, I am just going to pay her instead.’
        ‘Fine!’ the younger pegasus moans. ‘I’ll have it clean by tomorrow.’
        ‘Don’t forget Daring’s room this time. I know you use it when she is away.’
        ‘Yes, ma'am.’
        ‘Oh, and Scoots...’
        ‘What?’
        Rei tackles her assistant in a big hug and gives her a big kiss on the cheek. ‘Ohayo, Tori-chan!’
        Scootaloo groans and tries going back to work.

        A lot has changed in the past seven years. After The Wandering Physicist and Twilight Sparkle married, they packed up in their TARDIS and disappeared. Rei was left alone in The Power Block, but she was able to carry on with the help of her friends. She took over running Neighponese Imports from Daring Do, allowing the adventurer more time to explore the world. After Scootaloo finished school, she started working full-time for Rei. Together, they help support Daring and provide her a base of operations. Rei also mentors Scootaloo in her training to join The Wonderbolts, like her hero Rainbow Dash. With Rei and Scootaloo working full-time, Flitter went back to working with the weather crews full-time as well.
        Three years ago, Rei married Inkie. Inkie runs her soil science consulting business from a lab in their home. Somehow, The Wandering Physicist left the ability for Rei to rearrange The Power Block at will, giving the scientist a way to adapt her lab to the needs at hoof. The main store of The Power Block is run by Lucas and Mimi. They still spend time with Rei and Inkie and see their friends every day. On the whole, The Nerd District is a lot quieter than it used to be.

        ‘Thank you! Come again, bro!’ Rei calls after a customer.
        The sky blue unicorn laughs as he trots away. ‘Oh, you know you will see me around.’
        Rei waves as the unicorn leaves. Scootaloo comes out of a back office.
        ‘Rei, something’s come up.’
        The pegasi head to the back office. Scootaloo sits at a computer and puts on a headset.
        ‘Daring just sent a message,’ the younger pegasus reports. ‘Seems she has run into a bit of trouble in Thaigerland. It appears Ahuizotl was using his time off from constantly getting stomped by her to set himself up as some sort of warlord. She’s going to need help if she is going to reclaim the Sapphire Statue.’
        Rei taps her chin and thinks. ‘Who is free?’
        To aid Daring on her adventures, the group has teamed up with the Trio Ad Libitum out of Canterlot as well as using contacts with various other groups (including The Wonderbolts), pegasi and even griffins in case of emergencies. The Daring Support Network is ready to go anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.
        Scootaloo calls up a screen. ‘Silver is in class. Flitter is on assignment in Baltimare. Surprise keeps claiming to be retired.’
        ‘Kaeko in Neighpon again?’
        ‘Right. She should be there for the new expansion of Skybound East. I’ll contact her right away!’
        ‘Great. And send a message to Reggie, too. If he thinks the mother of his foals is in danger, he might pull some strings with the Equestrian Air Force.’
        ‘Already on it,’ Scootaloo replies, typing. ‘Hey. Is there anything really pressing you need me to take care of after this?’
        ‘Other than your room?’
        The younger pegasus grumbles to herself. ‘Other than that.’
        Rei stops and thinks. ‘Not really.’
        ‘Great. Then I am going to clock out early. I have plans later.’
        ‘Featherweight or Diamond Tiara?’
        ‘Actually, Sweetie Belle is coming into town for a visit. We’re getting the band back together.’
        ‘Please tell me she is the only member of that band.’
        ‘I’m not tha...’
        ‘We can hear you across the street.’
        Scootaloo growls again. Rei giggles and goes back to the shop.

        A loud bell rings inside Golden Oaks Library. Inside, a pack of schoolfoals stampede to the door. They are all carrying books. Cheerilee sets down her bell and looks over her class.
        ‘Okay, everypony,’ the teacher shouts over her class. ‘I hope you all picked out a book. This is your last chance to find a book for your book report, otherwise you have to come back here on your own.’
        ‘Yes, Miss Cheerilee!’ the class replies.
        The new librarian steps beside the teacher. ‘Great. Y’all line up and Ah’ll check y’all out,’ Apple Bloom says.
        The class giggles.
        ‘Y’all know what Ah mean,’ the young mare grumbles.
        After Spike moved back to Canterlot, which was coincidentally around the same time Rarity and Sweetie Belle moved there as well, Apple Bloom took over running the library. She had a tough time on her own at first, but she was able to balance school and her new responsibilities until graduation. She was able to run the library all on her own, too, rejecting her sister’s constant offers of assistance. The overworked pony keeps the spirit of the library alive to honor her mentors’ love of knowledge.
        ‘You’ve done a great job with the library, Apple Bloom,’ her former teacher compliments.
        ‘It was mah pleasure,’ the young mare replies as she stamps the foals’ books. ‘It woulda been a shame if we lost a great place o’ learnin’.’
        ‘Indeed it would have. I just wish you had let your sister help more in the beginning. Things would have gone a lot smoother.’
        Apple Bloom growls and grits her teeth. ‘Ah don’ need her no more. She’s done enough t’ embarrass the family already. Ah didn’ need her screwin’ this up t’.’
        ‘How has my mother embarrassed the family?’ a small voice asks.
        Apple Bloom looks down. A light red colt with a yellow and orange mane stares up at her through his glasses. He is carrying a book almost as big as he is. The young mare frowns and snorts.
        Ten months after The Wandering Physicist left, young Satsuma was born to Applejack. She had kept her pregnancy secret from everypony until she could hide it no longer. The obvious fact that Satsuma shared no features with a batpony infuriated her coltfriend Sunshine, causing him to leave her after a massive fight. When Applejack revealed who Satsuma’s real father was, her friends and family were upset with her. It took years for the trust to be rebuilt in some cases. Apple Bloom was so upset by her once-beloved big sister lying to her that she left the family completely, first staying with Rei then moving to the library when it opened up. Despite Applejack’s genuine efforts to reconnect with her sister, the young mare has barely said a dozen words back to her in the past year.
        ‘She’s a dirty liar,’ Apple Bloom growls.
        ‘My mother has not lied to me once,’ the young colt snorts back. ‘She has been a great mother. I cannot see why you hate us so much.’
        ‘Ah don’ hate ya. Ah hate the thin’ ya crawled outa.’
        ‘Do not speak of my mother that way! Uncle Mac forgave her. You should, too!’
        ‘Ah can talk ‘bout her anyway Ah want! If it ain’t anythin’ nice, then that’s jus’ ‘cause there ain’t nothin’ nice t’ say!’
        The young mare leans down to butt heads with the young colt. They stare at each other growling.
        ‘Okay! Hold it!’ Cheerilee shouts, forcing herself between the two ponies. ‘I don’t want to see two of my best students fighting each other over something stupid. Apple Bloom, you’re the adult. Apologize for yelling at Satsuma.’
        Apple Bloom looks away. ‘Sorry.’
        ‘Satsuma, you know your aunt is very touchy about that subject. Apologize for continuing to antagonize her.’
        ‘Sorry,’ Satsuma snorts.
        Cheerilee groans, ‘Good enough. Come on class, let’s get you back before it is too late.’
        The students follow their teacher from the library. Apple Bloom stops Satsuma.
        ‘Didn’ stamp yer book,’ she mumbles.
        The librarian stamps the book and puts a bookmark inside. The young colt sighs. His aunt starts to clean up the library.
…
        Satsuma trots through town after picking up his saddlebag from school. He enters the produce market and wonders around. He gets friendly greetings from all of the farmers as he passes. After passing one stall, the operator comes out and stops the young colt.
        ‘And where do ya think yer goin’, mister?’
        Satsuma turns and smiles. He hugs the pony. ‘Hard to get anything past you, mom.’
        Applejack laughs and ruffles her son’s mane. ‘Y’all know Ah ain’t gonna let ya slip from me that easy.’ She lifts her son onto her back and lets out a grunt. ‘What are they feedin’ ya at school? Ah know our apples can’t make ya that heavy.’
        ‘Oh! We have to do a book report for class. I just picked out one that looked interesting,’ the colt replies. He gets his book out once they return to Applejack’s stall.
        Applejack looks over the massive tome. ‘The Complete History of the Rise and Fall of Pre-Dracoequuian Equestria? Ah don’ know if y’all are takin’ after yer pa or his wife with that one.’
        ‘The odds of me carrying the genetic memory of somepony I am not related to are slim to none at best.’
        The mother ruffles her son’s mane again. ‘That’s what Ah’m expectin’ t’ hear. What’s this ‘bout anyway?’
        ‘It is the history of the Equestria before the arrival of Discord. Doesn’t it sound awesome!’
        ‘It sounds somethin’...’ Applejack hedges. She notices the bookmark. ‘What’s this?’
        ‘It’s a bookmark, duh. Not that I will need it,’ Satsuma laughs. ‘I should be returning the book in a couple days.’
        ‘Then ya don’ mind if Ah keep it?’
        ‘Whatever,’ the colt says dismissively as he starts reading his book.
        Applejack smiles and tucks the bookmark under her hat.

        A tall, slender unicorn steps off the train at Ponyville Station. Her pink and purple mane flows from under a hat dusted with emerald powder. She throws an iridium-lined cape over her platinum-trimmed dress before making her way through town.
        Everypony stops and stares at the diva passing by. Several get out cameras to take pictures, but the jewels and a little magic keep the unicorn’s identity obscured. The young mare stops her journey outside of Golden Oaks Library and smiles. The sun catches her outfit once more, causing a massive flash of light just before the the mare knocks on the door. There is a scream above her as an unlucky pegasus is blinded and flies straight through an open window. Apple Bloom looks back and grimaces as she answers the door.
        ‘Yer both on time, but did ya have t' blind Scootaloo with that gaudy gown?’
        Sweetie Belle gasps. ‘But this is the latest from my sister’s new line. She has been making bold design choices ever since she got those contracts to redesign half of Canterlot’s school uniforms.’
        ‘She only got those ‘cause yer friends with yer teachers. Now come on in before Fluttershy sends Sunshine t’ warn us ‘bout blindin’ a flock o' ducks or somethin’.’
        Apple Bloom shows her guest in and takes Sweetie’s cape and hat. Sweetie looks around and smiles at a library that feels smaller every time she visits. The added touch of Scootaloo sloppily and hastily reshelving books makes her feel even more at home. Apple Bloom trots back into the room with a cake.
        ‘Couldn’ ya have used the door like a normal pony?’ she snorts at Scootaloo.
        ‘Hey! You weren’t the one that was blinded by that spotlight you keep on your porch. Besides, you always leave that window open for me.’
        ‘That’s ‘cause ya never use the door!’
        Sweetie Belle laughs at her friends. Apple Bloom moans and helps her friend up. They all sit at the central table.
        ‘Yer stayin’ after t’ clean that up properly,’ the host snorts.
        ‘Come on!’
        ‘I really miss this in Canterlot,’ Sweetie giggles. ‘None of my friends there are half as fun as you.’
        ‘Speaking of, why don’ ya ever brin’ any with ya? We’d love t' meet 'em.’ Apple Bloom looks down at the cake. ‘Shoot. Fergot t' slice it. Give me a sec t' get a knife.’
        Apple Bloom gets up and turns around. The sound of a blade being drawn and retracted causes her to turn around. The cake is now sliced. Scootaloo is staring at the cake with shocked expression. Sweetie happily licks frosting from a hoof as she uses her magic to serve the cake.
        ‘How the hay..?’
        ‘I used my magic,’ Sweetie replies. ‘Right, Scootaloo?’
        ‘Right! Nothing terrifying at all.’
        ‘How’d ya get frosting on yer hoof?’
        ‘You know, clumsy, old Sweetie Belle,’ the unicorn giggles.
        ‘Hmm... Ah guess that checks out...’ their host mutters as she sits again.
        ‘Excellent!’ Sweetie cheers. ‘Now, the most important question: who is dating whom?’

        Apple Bloom waves as Scootaloo flies away in the evening. The pegasus dips a bit since she is tired from shelving books. The librarian laughs at her friend and goes inside. She trots to the shelf and finishes putting the books away. With her task complete, she looks around her empty home. All the gossip with Sweetie Belle earlier only reminded Apple Bloom that she is the only one of her former classmates without a special somepony. The lonely pony does her best to force back tears. She reaches into her bow and gets out a laminated piece of paper.
        ‘When are ya comin’ back, Starlight?’ Apple Bloom sobs. ‘Ah know ya’ll keep yer promise. Please come back soon.’
        Apple Bloom gives the paper a small hug before putting it back in her bow. She wipes her tears and goes to make herself dinner.

        Scootaloo lands outside of Neighponese Imports. A note is taped to the front door.
        I hope you have enough supplies. Anything ‘borrowed’ from the store will come out of your pay. - Rei. PS: We’re having tempura tonight if you’re still hungry.
        The pegasus groans and goes inside to her second cleaning job of the day.
…
        Rei looks out a window as Scootaloo enters Neighponese Imports. She giggles as she turns back to her wife. Inkie is watching a program in the living room.
        ‘I put her laundry in the drier already, right?’
        ‘Yes, dear.’
        ‘Good. I don’t want to have to burn another paycheque. I promised her mother I would make her a well-functioning pony, and I will!’
        ‘She has a receipt for that promise, right?’
        ‘Store policy is for returns up to thirty days after purchase and only in their original packaging.’
        ‘So when you promised to take me to see the Trio perform..?’
        ‘Oh, we’re totally doing that. Daddy would be upset if Tavi-tan was allowed to perform freely.’
        Inkie laughs. ‘You are the greatest wife ever.’ She trots over and kisses her wife on the cheek. ‘I might have a special present for you in the bedroom later.’
        Rei’s eyes go wide, and she disappears. ‘Technically, it is later now!’ she shouts from the bedroom.
        Inkie laughs again and goes back to the couch.

        Sweetie Belle is trying to nap on her train ride back to Canterlot. Pop music plays, and she levitates her mobile to her ear.
        ‘I am almost back. Couldn’t you have called sooner?’ the unicorn demands. She pauses. ‘Fine. Dodge Junction. I understand.’
        Sweetie groans and gets up. She starts trotting to the back of the the train. Along the way, she flips her cloak around and inverts her hat, exposing the white underside of both. She attaches the hat and cloak to her dress and pulls the brim of her hat down, obscuring her face. A whistle blows, signalling the arrival at Canterlot Station. The disguised unicorn watches as a train starts leave next to her arriving train. She gets a running start and leaps from her train through an open window at the back of the passing train. She stands and wipes the dust from her clothes. A conductor stares at her in shock.
        ‘Dodge Junction?’ Sweetie asks.
        The conductor nods.
        ‘Excellent.’ She leans close. ‘You never saw me, understood.’
        The emeralds on Sweetie’s hat reflect in her eyes, making her look like a changeling for a brief moment. The conductor nods in terror.
        ‘Wonderful.’ Sweetie starts trotting away. ‘I’ll take the kosher meal in my cabin once it is ready. Ta~!’
        The unicorn looks into nearby cabins to see if they are free. The conductor whimpers and reconsiders leaving the Cloudsdale weather crews.

        Applejack tucks Satsuma into bed and gives him a kiss on his forehead.
        ‘Now, don’ stay up too late finishin’ yer book.’
        ‘I won’t, mommy.’
        ‘G’night, Satsuma.’
        ‘Goodnight, mommy.’
        Applejack trots from the room and closes the door. She sighs and goes to her room. Inside, she unties her mane and tail and takes her hat off. The farmer smiles when she sees the bookmark. She lifts it up to look at it again. There is writing on the small slip of paper.
        You have a good son and you’re a good mother, but I still hate you.
        Applejack sighs. She goes to a small jewelry box and puts the note with several similarly worded notes.
        ‘Ah miss ya, Apple Bloom.’
        Applejack wipes the tears from her face before getting ready for bed.

        A dark figure trots through the middle of Ponyville. It ducks into a shadow when a batpony flies past. The figure comes out once it is in the clear.
        ‘Seems my freedom came a little too late for me to have some fun with my favorite plaything. Oh well. I’ll just have make do with his friends and family. Once I am done with them,’ -- the figure steps into the light, revealing a dark grey stallion with a messy blonde mane -- ‘everypony will bow before The Master.’