//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Dewdrop's Small // by BeauZoe //------------------------------// I stood stock still, my hooves planted firmly on the tree branch below me. I started mentally picking out the prominent features of the Ponyville skyline. There was the three story mayor’s office at the center of town, casting a long shadow over the market square in the evening light. I could see that the clock tower across town read 7:23, its face easily visible to me, as it towered above the rest of the city atop its five story tall tower. Carousel Boutique’s blunt spire was three blocks off to my right, standing a half story above the surrounding buildings. That was my destination tonight. A light breeze blowing through the tree caused the branch I’d perched on to sway. I barely noticed; instinct allowing me to remain upright and balanced even while the wood shifted beneath my hooves. Something was wrong, though. Why aren’t the street lights on? They should’ve been on by… no wait, that’s not right, they come on at 7:35. Argh, I can’t think like this! An itch had formed in my right wing while I stood there, begging to be taken care of. Reluctantly I tore my eyes away from the town’s darkening skyline and sat down. There was no helping it anymore. My wings demanded a good preening. Eventually, after gnawing carefully at my secondary coverts, the irritating feather came loose in my mouth. Ah… sweet relief. The itch melted away, causing a shiver to run down my spine and ruffle my wings. Spitting the offending feather into my hoof, I scrutinized it closely, wary of the dangers which came with improper wing care. I could not afford to get any diseases, it being nearly impossible for me to acquire any medicine these days. Its deep blue color wasn’t dull, thankfully, and the shaft had come out cleanly, telling me that it was healthy and that I didn’t have to worry too much about infection. Taking another look out at the town and deciding that I had time, I continued preening the rest of my wing, making sure not to miss anything.         The balcony door beneath me creaked and opened, startling me into accidentally yanking on the wing in my mouth.         “Spike! Come and look at the sunset.” “Owowowow. Sweet Celestia that...” I quickly shoved a hoof in my mouth. That’d been the librarians voice I’d heard. This was bad. Knowing her, I’d become another one of her lab experiments if she found me. I must not let myself be seen! I quickly folded my wings, and hugged the branch in an attempt to present a smaller profile. I ever so carefully leaned out over the branch, hoping that she hadn’t heard me. I was disappointed. She stood there at the door’s threshold, ears swiveling and looking around inquisitively. “Hello? Is somepony out here?” I held my breath, afraid that I might give myself away. She walked out onto the balcony, passing directly below me. Her ears folded back when she found the space empty. “Rainbow Dash. I know you’re out here. I’m not in the mood for pranks.” A sly grin appeared on her face as she tensed herself in preparation to use a spell. “Got you!” The balcony door suddenly tore off its hinges and floated away. My jaw dropped. I think my heart may have skipped a beat or two as well. That could have been me which she’d grabbed. This was just another reason never to let the big ponies catch me. The shock and embarrassment written on her face suggested it had been unintentional, but that didn’t change the fact that it could have killed me. The librarians ear twitched, swiveling to point directly at me. Uh-oh. What’d I do? I swear I didn’t do anything! I was suddenly afraid for my life. The branch I was on wouldn’t hide me if she decided to actually look up. Thinking quickly, I made the only choice I could think of at the time and leapt with all my might towards salvation. Twilight looked up at the noise she’d heard. It had sounded so soft, but she’d definitely heard a sigh. All she could see, though, were a few small leafy branches above the doorway. Her eyes narrowed. “What’re you lookin at Twilight... Whoa!” Twilight looked down to find Spike standing in the doorway, staring pointedly at her. Twilight grinned sheepishly. “I thought I heard something, Spike.”         “So you ripped the door off?” Spike replied, tapping his foot in annoyance. Twilight looked back to spot the missing feature, still floating in her magical aura. “Oh!” She’d completely forgotten about it in the last few seconds. In her surprise she released the magic which had been holding it airborne. It quickly dropped to the ground below the balcony, where a thud and the sound of shattering glass marked the end of its journey. Twilight cringed at the sound before looking back at Spike, “Hehe… yeah, I guess I did.” “Twilight! How many times do Celestia and I have to tell you that you need to be careful with your magic!? Now the house is going to be drafty all night. Come inside before you set the tree on fire or something.” Twilight followed Spike inside, head lowered, a guilty look on her face.         “And I’m not cleaning that up you know.”         A low wail pierced the night around the Golden Oaks Library.         I sighed and slumped down against the leaf I’d hid behind, glad that I could resume breathing again. Safe… I was safe. My heart’s wild beating finally started to slow down. That was far too close. I’ll have to be more careful in the future. I stood up and shook myself to be rid of the shudders, taking a moment to calm my nerves. After I’d gotten myself under control I checked to see if the coast was clear. Once certain that I wouldn’t be noticed I proceeded to backflip off of the leaf like it was a diving board, ready for this night’s expedition. I spread my wings and flew off towards Carousel Boutique as the streetlights below flickered on.