//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5: Curiosity (Edited) 
// Story: Our Chaotic Melancholy 
// by Edensola 
//------------------------------//



CHAPTER 5: CURIOSITY


There was a saying that Eve had heard before, she couldn't remember where she'd heard it exactly but it didn't really matter. She couldn't help but think of it as she stood there, staring right back at the two figures looking at her.

Curiosity killed the cat.

Of course she was no cat, but, it still applied, at least she felt it did. She was there, in a patch of woods right next to Ponyville as she looked Spike and Applebloom in the eyes, looking as if she'd been overwhelmed with shock. She'd failed, she'd been seen. Now she'd soon be alone again, out in the forests wandering without Cheerilee, solemnly. This was the end.

Unless.....





"Eve?" The baby draconequus was having trouble understanding the meaning behind the word she'd never heard before. She peered up at Cheerilee with wide eyes as they were both in Cheerilee's house. 

Cheerilee nodded with a soft smile, lowering her frame and looking her baby draconequus in the eyes. "Yes sweetie, Eve, I think it's perfect for you. Do you like it? It relates to life, and even to the night in some ways. I wanted to give you the sweetest name, and I believe Eve describes you perfectly."

The baby draconequus simply looked into Cheerilee's eyes as her cheeks turned crimson. She didn't have a problem with the name, she was just surprised she'd actually be called something like ponies from now on. It made her happy, well everything Cheerilee usually made her happy. She nodded hurriedly biting on her lower lip a bit, "Mhm! I really really like it." 

Cheerilee's expression brightened as she hugged Eve happily. "Eve it is then sweetie..."

The baby draconequus, now known as Eve, returned Cheerilee's hug, nuzzling into her. "Hehe.."

Cheerilee was actually in the process of leaving for work again. 

Today seemed to be a great day, and Cheerilee was careful, smart, she'd told Eve of the process that'd keep their system going. Of course she felt ashamed she had to keep Eve at home during the day while she went out for work, but all things come with time, and she was certain she could work up to a more positive future, with time. So she looked at Eve one last time before opening the front door, the sun's glistening rays bursting into the house as she did so. "Remember Eve, don't cause any trouble while I'm gone. Everything will work out sweetie, just follow my lead." She winked at Eve, then shutting the door behind her.

As Eve sat there, still wearing the hoodie given to her by her adoptive mother, she wore a gentle smile. At this moment, she'd never have guessed what the bleak future held, if only she'd listened to Cheerilee, maybe, she could've prevented any trouble from brewing up in the future. But she was a draconequus, and therefore was known for taking chances, she possessed a wildly passive nature to herself that, like her magic, was her birthright. She was curious, clingy, and sadly, inherited some traits that could cost her much, if not everything. 

She repeated her process for when Cheerilee went to work, heading upstairs as quickly as she could, and then phasing through the attic and then through the roof, ensuring not to lose sight of Cheerilee. Although she trusted Cheerilee wouldn't leave her, she still wanted to see her during the day, she disliked being all alone.

It'd ended up practically the same as last time. 

Cheerilee went to the schoolhouse as usual, and the class of little fillies and colts arrived soon after. 

It was just your typical, average school day, except, there were three students in particular missing.

As Cheerilee was going over roll call she couldn't help but notice the cutie mark crusaders weren't here today. She raised a brow, then questioned the rest of the class. "Has anypony seen Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, or Scootaloo today?"

An anonymous filly raised her hoof as she replied to Miss Cheerilee. "Yea! I think Sweetie Belle mentioned something about spending the day with her sister today Miss Cheerilee!" 

Cheerilee blinked a bit before rolling her eyes with a soft sigh. "Well, not really an excuse to miss class but, I guess they'll all just have to make up the work when they get back, whatever they may be up to. Either way, shall we get started with today's lesson class? Today we shall be delving into the history of Starswirl the Bearded." Cheerilee said those words with anticipation, as if hoping to inspire the class with her enthusiasm; it didn't work.

The class groaned in utterance as they whined and moaned.

Cheerilee chuckled clapping her hooves together. "Good! I'm glad you're all so very excited, well, let's get started!"





Eve simply observed from that very same window towards the back of the class. She wore a cheery smile as she enjoyed watching the little ponies learn things from Cheerilee, and in some way, she too learned along with them. There was nothing wrong with it, as long as she didn't get caught like Cheerilee warned, everything would be fine. 

But as she was observing the class, a familiar figure that happened to be passing by the schoolhouse was moving down the path that lead towards a more rural part of town. This figure caught Eve's eye. Or the caressing tune the familiar figure was humming caught Eve's attention.

Eve turned to look at the familiar pony trot down the path. This pony also had a bag in her mouth, while humming a soft gentle tune. The mare was certainly no Cheerilee, but Eve had always wanted to attempt talking to this one as well. She was so kind to her as well, Eve couldn't help but swell up with hopes that the mare would be her friend. Of course this mare was none other than Fluttershy, who seemed to have just gotten done picking up some things from the market district. 

Fluttershy wore simple yet fashionable pony knapsacks near her hind legs. She carried a bag of what appeared to be an assortment of goodies and vegetables, she looked as if she were preparing to cook up a big meal. She had her eyes closed and hummed a melodic lullaby, one she'd used when she was taking care of the cutie mark crusaders on a particular night. She was actually heading back home, most likely to prepare whatever she'd gotten the goods for.

Eve observed her for a moment, and before taking one more look at Cheerilee, she then stealthily moved across the ground in pursuit of Fluttershy. Eve had remembered the time when Cheerilee would finish class, and she was quite certain her adoptive mother wouldn't be taking any surprise trips. At least not at this particular moment, perhaps the only moment Eve would get the chance to meet Fluttershy, which she was still quite hesitant to do. Eve simply observed Fluttershy curiously, watching her trot down the path and hum that sweet tune, wanting to engage in conversation with her but also not wanting to get Cheerilee upset and risk getting thrown out. Momma said not to talk to anypony, b-but maybe she'll want to help me and momma, maybe she'll want to be friends...

Many conflicted feelings stirred through Eve as she followed Fluttershy under the cover of the surrounding trees. Was this mare really worth risking everything? Cheerilee was all she needed, and their system was perfect for the moment. Was being friends with this one mare who'd happened to show affection to her as well worth the trouble? Eve couldn't decide. She'd always envied the students, being able to play and talk to their friends, and she loved Cheerilee very much, but she couldn't help but not pass up the chance of a friend like Fluttershy. Was she selfish for this decision; greedy? Maybe. She'd gained the trust of Cheerilee and the affection of a mother and guilt overwhelmed her for how she was being so deceitful with her actions. Sneaking around and breaking the rules, and now likely risking her mother's affection for the friendship of a mare she didn't even know. Eve felt she didn't deserve Cheerilee because of what she was doing, but she couldn't help herself.

Eve continued to follow, ensuring her hood was raised and covered her odd visage as she did so. The entire time, Fluttershy was clueless to the baby draconequus quietly following her, as anypony would likely be. 

Fluttershy kept trotting all the way to her home, and upon arrival to her little nook in the world, Eve was overwhelmed with fascination and wonder. It was like a little slice of eden, a paradise. Her house was what appeared to be a large, goofy shaped tree, but it worked by the looks of it. It rested atop a small hill and she even had her own bridge that passed over a narrow creek on the path that led up to it. There were bird houses everywhere, the birds generating some melodic system of peaceful ambience, personally for the mare herself, although she also took care of all of them. 

Eve stared from the forest area as Fluttershy trotted her way up and into her home. The baby draconequus was a little thrown back by the beauty of the place, and wanted to just sit there and stare at it for a little while. But she shook her head and decided she'd have to hurry this up or else she'd never muster up the courage to talk to Fluttershy and inevitably psych herself out. Eve gulped, then levitating from her hiding spot and making her way up towards Fluttershy's home. 

As she arrived at the front door she stopped, then deciding to phase through it unwittingly. Eve twiddled her claw and paw nervously in that familiar fashion as she was breathing heavily at this point. Was she really going to do something so idiotic? She looked down thinking to herself, she could turn back now and act like none of this had ever happened, there was a day for everything and perhaps today was not the day for this, perhaps she just had to have a little patience. But what if she never took the chance and this was something that she could only accomplish out of her own bravery and courage? Oh how she told herself that, told herself this needed to happen now and everything would be alright, such immaturity.

Eve gulped once more as locating Fluttershy was no problem, she just followed the sound of the beautiful singing. The pale yellow mare's voice was so graceful and comforting, there was no way she'd be unkind right? 

Fluttershy was in the kitchen at the moment, already stirring the pot of ingredients as she continued to sing softly to herself. Although Angel the bunny was also right beside her as she did so, staring into the pot. "Hush now quiet now its time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now quiet now it's time to go to bed." Although the fact she was singing a lullaby in mid-day was strange, it didn't stop one from being mesmerized by her graceful voice. 

Eve slowly stepped into the kitchen, cautiously and quietly. She was currently facing their backsides as Fluttershy and Angel were focused on the stirring of the pot. The food smelled good, kind of like sweet curry although lacking the meat of course. Eve's expression spoke of worry, her body trembled with each step as she slowly raised her paw towards Fluttershy as she crept closer and closer. She opened her mouth, then saying softly in a barely audible tone "E-Excuse m-" she didn't have time to finish, as just as she was in the process of finally talking to Fluttershy, somepony else burst into the house.

"OOOOOOOH FLUTTERSHY!" Rang out a crispy smooth voice, in that familiar comedic tone.

It seems Discord had just bursted through the front door, and not only that, he'd brought guests.

This couldn't have really been happening could it? Just her luck.

Eve's eyes immediately snapped wide as she didn't hesitate to bolt to the right side, towards one of the counter cupboards and phasing inside. Panic overwhelmed her as she did it out of natural reaction. Unexpected things usually wreaked of danger, and she was all too used to running from the unexpected. Eve's eyes were wide as her pupils were dilated and she trembled profoundly while hiding in the cupboard. She didn't know the layout of the house, her recklessness got her in this situation, simply attempting to phase through everything and out could lead her into another room and risk getting caught. She simply remained silent for now.

Almost immediately after Discord called her name, Fluttershy and Angel turned towards the kitchen door that lead to the living room. Fluttershy wore a cheery smile as she called back out to the draconequus softly "Oh my, that was quite fast. Is everypony here already?" Fluttershy then trotted towards the kitchen door as suddenly coming into the kitchen would be Twilight and Applejack. Fluttershy paused with a delighted smile "Oh; T-Twilight, Applejack, the food isn't ready yet but you're both welcome to join me in here while I prepare."

Twilight had an amused smile and a raised brow standing beside Applejack. "Thanks for having us over Fluttershy. I'm really looking forward to what you have planned for later."

As Fluttershy made her way back over to the pot she began stirring once more, then glanced back at her two friends curiously. "T-Twilight, I noticed Spike isn't beside you, is he here?" 

Twilight blinked a bit before raising a hoof in an amused gesture and laughing softly before nodding at Fluttershy. "Oh yea; Spike? Of course he's coming. He's just a little uhm, how should I put this?" She then nudged Applejack with a double brow raise. "Busy?" Both Applejack and Twilight then began giggling softly as Fluttershy couldn't help but feel confused.

Fluttershy then looked back down at the pot before questioning. "Busy? W-What might he be busy with?"

Applejack then tipped her hat downward some before sighing. "Seems our lil' Spike is growin up to be a big dragon. Ya see Sugarcube, Spike wanted to talk to Apple Bloom, well, in private. I mean Applebloom's far too young to be datin’ anypony but shucks, gotta at least humor the lil' guy. He probably just wants ta confess or somethin’. Shoot, darn be the most adorable thing I'd ever seen."

Twilight went on over to the kitchen counter Eve was hiding in before resting her head on her forehooves. She let off a soft sigh before looking up with a nostalgic expression. "Ah, they grow up so fast don't they? But all jokes aside, I'm sure Spike just needed to talk to Apple Bloom about something else entirely. Spike's far too young to be developing romantic feelings for anypony, he hasn't even hit puberty yet! He'll probably be here in another five minutes or so." Twilight then lowered her frame, about to open the cupboard. "Hey Fluttershy, I'll get the bowls, they in here?"

Eve cringed as she backed up further inside. She trembled as she shook her head silently.

Fluttershy then looked over at Twilight then shook her head. "Oh no, no, Twilight, they're over in the other cupboard by the fridge."

Twilight blinked a bit before chuckling softly to herself. "Oh, hehe, sorry about that." She then moved away from that specific cupboard and went over by the fridge, opening another. She found the bowls and began levitating them out. 

Applejack yawned before trotting on over to Fluttershy. "So sugarcube, when do ya think the food'll be ready? Ah'm starvin’!"

Fluttershy giggled softly before exclaiming. "Oh, sadly quite a bit Applejack, I just started a few minutes ago."

Applejack looked down; saddened. "Aw shoot...well guess I might as well go hang out with the others ‘til then."

Applejack then headed back towards the living room. Upon entering it was revealed that basically everypony was there, everypony except Pinkie Pie. Rarity and Sweetie Belle were there, actually talking to each other although Sweetie Belle seemed a little grumpy and annoyed with Rarity who was bickering at her about something. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were there, playing some game that required them to clap their hooves and then tap them together in some sort of rhythm similar to patty cake. Discord was relaxing on the couch whistling. It would be safe to assume Pinkie was in the process of gathering up somepony to bring to this little gathering. Other than that, the only missing individuals were Spike and Apple Bloom, who were still out talking it seemed.

Twilight remained in the kitchen with Fluttershy, gathering up some silverware at this point. As she was doing so, she glanced back at Fluttershy while using her magic to levitate out some materials. "So Fluttershy, how's Discord been acting lately? He hasn't been giving you any trouble right? If so don't hesitate to let us know." 

Fluttershy shook her head with a soft smile. "Oh Discord? No no of course not, he's been a sweetheart ever since he reformed. He helps me around the house, and always seems to want to do his best to show that he cares. Isn't that right Angel?" 

Angel then crossed his tiny little arms and nodded reluctantly.

Twilight smiled softly, happy to hear those words. "That's good, I'm glad he's behaving." 

Fluttershy then carried on the conversation. "S-So what about you Twilight, have you been up to anything recently?"

Twilight shook her head. "Surprisingly no, Princess Celestia seems to be busy with other things these days so I'm free."

As the two ponies continued to converse with each other, Eve remained in the cupboard, but she knew she couldn't stay here forever. Now would be a good time to start figuring out what'd be the best course of action. She'd come too close to being caught, so remaining in this cupboard was a no go, that left only one option. She had to phase through the back and hope it didn't lead anywhere too conspicuous. Tears swelled up in her eyes as she bit on her lower lip, why had she been so stupid!? If she simply decided to stay at the schoolhouse she wouldn't be in this situation. I-I can do this, I can do this. She closed her eyes tight as she took in a deep breath before using her magic to phase through the back of the cupboard, falling onto the other side flawlessly. She was afraid to peek afterwards, but as she did so, she couldn't help but smile. 

She'd landed in a narrow hallway on the other side, decorated with pictures of animals on the walls as well as a small desk with a little flower pot atop of it. That hall lead to the upstairs area and turned into the living room at the opposite end, it wasn't the perfect situation but it'd do. Eve then creeped over towards the end that lead to the living room, peeking to ensure nopony would be heading down here. She saw that most of them were still busy, talking to each other, and Discord was fast asleep on the couch. Eve couldn't help but feel a sense of intense jealousy at the sight of Discord. He was a draconequus like her, but their lives differed greatly. He was apparently welcomed amongst the ponies, and he had friends. Of course she didn't know what his earlier life had been like so she couldn’t quite judge him completely, but nonetheless she was jealous of him, and she wished she were him. 

Eve gulped as she turned back towards the other end of the hall. Alright good, she'd just now phase out of the opposite wall and make her way back down the path towards the schoolhouse, she was in the clear. But Eve's eyes snapped wide as she saw something that made her heart thump wildly beneath her chest. Her hood was raised but that didn't seem to make a difference, when did the bunny get here? 

Angel stared at Eve with a look of disinterest, still with his tiny arms crossed.

Eve felt frozen in place, she knew the bunny couldn't talk, so why was she still so scared of it?

Angel looked Eve up and down before nodding to her silently with a smile. He then moved out of her way.

Eve was a little confused by the bunny's actions but, thankful for them nonetheless. She quickly hurried past Angel, but not without muttering. "Goodbye little bunny...t-thank you..." Eve then phased through the opposite wall exiting the house hurriedly, back into the area surrounding Fluttershy's home.

Angel smirked a bit, before silently hopping down the hall and into the living room. 





Eve hurriedly levitated into the air and swiftly moved down towards the forest looking area. Well it couldn't really be considered a forest, just a area with quite a bit of trees. She hurried down the path that lead from Fluttershy's house and past the bridge and narrow creek. She moved into the trees before touching onto the ground gasping, then sighing with relief as she felt she was now home free. "I..I'm actually out...yes!" Eve cheered as she raised her paw and claw to the air. She then began dancing in a comedic fashion on the grass as she chuckled, but she couldn't help but feel saddened she didn't get to talk to Fluttershy, either way she wouldn't be taking the risk again. "I guess, I was just being greedy...I'm sorry momma.." 

"Come on! Stop being party poopers you silly fillies!"

Eve's eyes widened as she lowered herself quickly. Another one? Seriously? 

Pinkie Pie was currently nudging along two little fillies as they seemed grumpy and reluctant to go to Fluttershy's house. The fillies bore darker colors than their surprisingly pink sister. 

The more ebon black and grey one whined. "Pinkieee! I want to go back home, my art project is due tomorrow!"

The other nodded in agreement. "Y-Yea! Can't we do this some other time!?"

Pinkie groaned in annoyance before exclaiming. "You two are going to eat some num nums and you're going to like it!"

They eventually passed by as Pinkie Pie forced them along. Eve peeked at them as they passed, cautiously keeping an eye on them as she backed up further into the forest area. She kept slowly receding backwards as she watched them, guess she was just doing it as a precaution since she'd taken enough risky chances already. She just kept backing up and up and the house only got further and further away. Eve chuckled as she turned around, closing her eyes with a smile. "Hehe..." She was in the clear once again. Until she'd bumped into something.

"OOF!" Eve immediately bumped into a somewhat plushy yet rough object, causing her to fall back onto the grass and her hood to fall back. 

As Spike felt the thump while standing next to Apple Bloom, he was in the middle of saying something. "W-Well, I mean, it's tough to try to get this out...heh I know Twilight wouldn't really understand it, I mean...I-I don't really understand it either..and-" He paused, cocking a brow as he turned to regard the thing that bumped him.

Apple Bloom looked to Spike, puzzled. "Understand what Spike? I'm confused..." As Spike remained silent Apple Bloom blinked a bit before turning around also. "Spike, what is it?" Then her eyes widened.

Spike and Apple Bloom simply looked down at Eve with wide eyes, a little speechless for a moment.

Eve rubbed her face for a minute with her paw before whimpering. "O-Ow..." As she then felt the looming stares of the two figures; her eyes snapped wide, her heart raced, and she felt as if her world seemingly shattered. She was frozen, not wanting to look up, not wanting to accept the reality that even after all that she'd just gone through, fate would be willing to deal her another absurd blow. She gulped, looking up, then seeing not only a baby dragon, but, a familiar filly, the same one from Cheerilee's class. She'd been caught.

Eve shook her head in denial before scurrying back hurriedly away from the two of them and getting up, simply looking at them with wide eyes, still shaking her head.

Spike looked at Eve with a confused expression. "I-Is that what I think it is?"

Eve shook her head, pleading softly. "W-Wait! I'm not-"

Apple Bloom was actually a little overwhelmed with fear. She recognized that draconequus, it was the same one that attacked their class the other day. Applebloom let off a loud shriek of fear before pointing a hoof at it. "W-Watch out Spike! It's that same thing that attacked the class the other day! It gots all types of weird scary powers!"

Spike looked to Applebloom wide eyed. "Wait what!? A-Attacked?! I-I thought-" He then looked to the draconequus, raising his claws in the form of a surrender. "L-Listen, we don't want any trouble. We'll just be leaving now, r-right Apple Bloom?" 

Applebloom snapped at him. "Just run Spike!"

Eve wasn't thinking in the flurry of the moment. She knew that little filly recognized her, and although she didn't know the baby dragon, he was friends with the little filly. Eve was panicked, she didn't have time to think of a good way out of this situation. So, she did the worst possible thing on impulse. Her body trembled as she pieced together what would happen, only having a few seconds to react. 

There was a saying that Eve had heard before, she couldn't remember where she'd heard it exactly but it didn't really matter. She couldn't help but think of it as she stood there, staring right back at the two figures looking at her.

Curiosity killed the cat.

Of course she was no cat, but, it still applied, at least she felt it did. She was there, in a patch of woods right next to Ponyville as she looked Spike and Apple Bloom in the eyes, looking as if she'd been overwhelmed with shock. She'd failed, she'd been seen. Now she'd soon be alone again, out in the forests wandering without Cheerilee, solemnly. This was the end.

Unless.....

With a swift motion Eve then spread her tiny arms. A look of fierce determination overtook her. "No! Y-You can't leave! I'm sorry!" And her magic began.

As Apple Bloom attempted to bolt away, she'd suddenly been knocked off her hooves, falling to her side. "OOF!"

The same happened to Spike as he fell onto his back. "GAH!"

Eve then summoned something with a slight curl of her paw and claw. And two abnormally large jawbreakers appeared over the heads of both Spike and Applebloom. Eve then motioned her paw and claw down as the jawbreakers reacted in the same fashion, slamming onto Spike and Applebloom's heads. 

Afterwords Spike leaned up, horribly dizzy, as did Apple Bloom. 

Applebloom raised a hoof as her eyes spun round and round. "I reckon it's time for a nap...." She then fell back and passed out, snoring peacefully.

Spike then raised a claw. "I uhm...second that..." He too passed out onto the ground, snoring. 

Eve trembled tremendously as the tears streamed down her cheeks. She was horribly scared. Scared of what she'd done, guilty for it, and ultimately felt that by this action, she'd costed herself everything. Now she truly was a monster, having attacked these two on impulse. She was nothing more than some beast, overreacting and not thinking clearly. At least that's how she felt now about herself. She looked at them sleep as she gripped her mane and shook her head. No no no no no no.... She knew there'd be repercussions for her actions and they'd come down with a swift vengeance, but even so, she still continued with this foolish plan out of desperation, out of feeling cornered. 

She approached Spike and Apple Bloom as they slept, and looked down at them solemnly. She then slowly began moving them with large gusts of pushing the air with her magic, and she already knew where she was going to hide them. Hah, how idiotic, hide two of the citizens of Ponyville? Was she truly considering something so linear? Eve thought about it, and perhaps she could've trusted them, perhaps she could've simply just let them go and everything would've been fine. Would they have understood if she explained her situation? It was a very slim chance based on her experience in all the other cities she'd visited, but, there was no doubt it was still a possibility, but a possibility nonetheless.

Eve continued that motion through the small patch of forest, rolling them to their new destination. Her tears hit their faces as she did so, and they only continued to snore. She felt so dumb, so embarrassed, so weak and glass minded. She was angry with herself and everypony around her, but mainly herself, she'd broken mother's rules and now look where she was at. There was nothing left, and things would likely only go downhill from here no matter what desperate attempt at a cover-up she made. How could one ruin such a perfect situation in such a short amount of time? Momma...

Punishment would come for this, for family is precious, and nopony touches family.