//------------------------------// // Chapter One // Story: The Winning pony and the Templar // by Ebony Gryphon //------------------------------// One of the first buildings often set up by humans is the bar or saloon. A staple since well before their exodus from what is now Equestria, the bar is often a meeting place of both males and females. A safe haven to celebrate the day’s victories, or to mourn its bitter defeats. And the bartender is more than merely a drink mixer. They are respected counselors and sages, and are held in high respect among the local populace.-Excerpt from Outsider: a pony’s guide to humans Cloud Kicker paused outside the human establishment with a slight frown forming across her muzzle. Inside the laughter, shouts, and songs of the odd two-legs inside echoed into the twilight, beckoning all who hear to join the party inside. Well, all humans anyway. Outside of work and trade in general, the two species never mixed. And while overall feelings between the two peoples were friendly, the tales of human’s savagery was still circulated. But the old story of the Human Rebellions wasn’t what was on the mares mind. Cloud rustled her wings at her side, and gave a slight flick of her ear. A couple of days before, she’d overheard one of the mares at the town’s local weather bureau gushing to her sister about her new human beau. Since then, the lavender coated pegasus had been closely observing the local humans, and she had to admit… not bad. While, in all honesty, repulsed by minotaurs and diamond dogs, humans weren’t all that bad on the eyes. Cloud kicker snorted, and scrunched her muzzle slightly in annoyance. Problem was, all the local females were mated, and the single males she had seen were… Well, not diamond dog ugly, but close enough. Through careful eavesdropping, Cloud Kicker had learned that most, if not all, of the local male populace would gather after work at this nameless bar. Smirking, the pegasus walked up the wooden steps to the double doors. Time to inspect and evaluate her prospects. As she lay a wing over the door handle, she paused. She took a deep breath, slowly pushed it down, and went inside. The large center room of the saloon went silent. Before her, she could see abouttwenty-five human males sitting or leaning on tables, games of chess or cards laid out before them. After clearing her throat of the odd acrid smoke from many of the rolled paper sticks the bipeds were holding, she gave a tentative smile. None smiled back. They just stared. Some with surprise, others with annoyance, most with merely a neutral expression. All of the sudden, they all turned back to their drinks and games, and the piano began playing again. Shaking her head, the pegasus gave a subtle panning of the room. Most of the humans were tan and brown-maned. Though, a few had a slightly lighter coloring of skin tone and dark gold en hair. At the piano, a truly dark-skinned, bald human played a cheery tune. Some weren’t bad looking, but they certainly weren’t anything Ponyville’s local nympho would write home about. Her eyes traveled to the bar and her right eyebrow quirked. Jackpot! A lone human stood Behind the bar, wiping a glass. He was fair skinned, his golden blonde mane tied with a red silk ribbon into a ponytail as it trailed down his back. His green blue eyes looked up a moment from his wiping, and he gave the pegasus a slight nod and a smile. Thanking her fur for somewhat hiding the sudden blush she felt, the mare smiled back and walked up to the polished wood of the saloon. He was even more gorgeous up close, but his otherwise flawless features were marred by a pale scar that ran horizontally down his face. All in all, not bad though. After making a tipping gesture to her muzzle with a hoof, she laid a pair of bits on the counter. The human nodded, laid a shot glass down and lifted a bottle from under the counter. “Altaros whiskey, straight from the Territories.” Melting internally at the soft tone of his voice, she gave a shrug of her wings and a nod. The bartender opened the bottle and poured the amber liquid into the small glass on the counter. Cloud Kicker grasped the glass in one hoof, and with a smirk, downed it in a single gulp. As the human knelt slightly to put the bottle back in its place, Cloud Kicker smacked her lips a couple of times, savoring the burn of the booze as it slid down her throat. Suddenly, it hit her like a boot to the mouth. Lurching forward, her eyes bugged as her head throbbed, and the liquor, along with the late lunch she had, threatened to make a encore all over the bar’s counter. Not wanting to ruin the spit shine, the mare lay her head on the counter, moaning as she rubbed her forehead with a hoof. What the hay was that stuff? Hearing the guffaws behind her, she blushed furiously. She may not have any shame, but she still didn’t like others laughing at her.As the human rose back, he said smoothly, “Did I forget to mention that this stuff should really be sipped? It has a boomerang effect.” Covering her face with foreleg, she groaned, “Oh Celestia…. Look’s like I can’t show my pretty mug around here anymore…” Leaning down again, the bartender mused, “Oh, now I can’t have that…” Lifting her hoof off her face, she watched as he brought the booze back up. Sticking his thumb and first finger to his lips, a shrill whistle stilled the din of voices and music. Cloud Kicker winced and flattened her ears to her skull, hissing in pain, and gave the human a glare. Ignoring the angry look, the human waved at a table, saying, “Commandant, comrades! Good news!”Smirking down at the mare, he continued, “The little lady here wants to buy you all a drink.” Cloud Kicker irked, her mouth working as he set out five glasses, and began pouring. Before she could protest, a shadow passed over her. Chill running up her spine, the mare slowly looked behind her, and gave a gasp. This human was enormous! In general, humans usually topped out around five-five, sometimes six feet. This leviathan was a damn near seven feet tall, and covered in enough muscle to rival even the local apple bucker Macintosh. Looking up at him, she put on her best soldier face. The human suddenly grinned, and saluted. “Who’s like us?” Whirling around on her rump, Cloud Kicker jumped up. Smirking, she snapped a wing to her forehead, and yelled, “Damn few!” Lowering the wing, she added with a wink, “And they’re all dead.” Laughing, the human gave her a playful punch on the shoulder, making the mare take a lurching sidestep and gave out a grunt of pain. As the large human took the tray back to his table, she turned back to the bar, and sat down. Rubbing her shoulder, she winced. “I thought you’d know that one. West Hoof, right?” Cloud kicker irked, and looked up at the human wide eyed. “Yeah… How…?” Grinning, the human put the bottle back in its place. “Your wings.” Looking over her shoulder, Cloud Kicker frowned slightly “Huh?” Standing back up, the bartender crossed his arms. “Body language basically. Not only do your wings convey emotions, there’s an also subtle difference region to region. A Pegasus born a raised in Canterlot is different from a native born Cloudsdale pegasi. And military ponies, especially those born into clans, are particularly telling. Loose along the length, slightly tense in the shoulder joint. It’s kind of like an accent.”The human quirked his right brow slightly. “And of course, there are the not so subtle hints that all pegasi share.” Cloud kicker flared out her wings in surprise as her jaw dropped. Giving a nod, the human said, “For example…” Flattening her wings down again, the mare looked over her shoulder to the humans she’d been volunteered to buy booze for. They all had smirks, but the rest of the humans seemed oblivious. Groaning, she rubbed forehead again. “Don’t worry ma’am. Only a few of us soldiers noticed.” Scowling, Cloud kicker turned to the saddles at her side, but stopped when the bartender said, “No charge.” Looking back, she frowned. Grinning, the human leaned forward, ruffling the top of her head. “After such an entertaining display, how could I charge you?” Rolling her eyes, and nudging the hand off her, she extended a hoof. “I’m Cloud Kicker.” Taking the hoof in his hand, the human shook it. “Garret.” And with a smile and one last sipping draw of whiskey, the pegasus turned and left. A few minutes laters, as she folded her wings at her side, she face hoofed. All that humiliation and she’d forgotten to ask him to bang. Lowering her hoof, she gave a shrug with her wings. Oh well, she mused. She enjoyed the place and its patrons, and more than likely would go back. Plenty of opportunity to rut. Smirking, she hummed as she opened the door, her thoughts turning to the hidden box under her bed. No need, she thought, to go to bed with a case of blue wings. And with that, and a not so subtle twitch of her tail to the left, she walked through the door of her abode. .................... Two days later Cloudkicker bobbed her head up and down and tapped her hoof in time to the music as Garret strummed his tune. In the center of the room, he walked and sang as his fingers ran across the strings of his instrument, the polished wood shining in the light of the overhead beacons bathing him in their light. Around him, at their tables, males and female humans cheered and clapped. Im’ a admodum probitas vir Quod ego in optimum Ego non faciunt te femina Neque pecunia aut amare Praefero mea equus Ego ire in erat In sidera et in luna Ei scio ubi mihi sunt He belted out loudly Ay yi yi yi yi Ay mea amore Ay mea tenebris capillus amore E mea cor Walking to the bars counter, he winked at the only pony there, and she clapped her hooves together, cheering him. Climbing onto first the stool, then onto the bar, he sang Ego sicut ludere cithara Musica alo me companion Quando ego cantare Hic erat sic felix Malim sicut ad capio my bib Cervesia est melius Sed ego etiam probaverunt vinum Contigo eam dulcis tangere Ay yi yi yi Ay mi amore Ay mea tenebris capillus amore E mea cor A cry of protest rang out. At the opposite end of the bar, a young woman struggled as a drunk and amorous young human accosted her. Frowning, Garret made his way across the counters length, still making the guitars chorus ring out as he drew close. Not stopping, he knelt, and whistled. The human male turned, and with a grimace, Garret smacked the man hard with the head of the instrument, breaking the drunks nose. As the man collapsed and bellowed, the woman gave him a good kick as other males drew close to drag him out. And not missing a stride, or a note of his guitar, Garret sang. Ego sicut ludere cithara Ego sicut ad cantare mi Carmen Sed iam ego ire ad bellum A gladius apud my latero He jumped off the bar, and with a last prolonged note, sang Ay yi yi yi yi Ay mi amore Ay mea tenebris capillus amore E meeeeeaaaaaa corrrrrrrrr! Bowing, he thanked his cheering audience as the stamped their hands and glasses against table. Cloud Kicker smirked as he walked behind the bar, and put the instrument away. “Show off.” Rolling his eyes, he poured her drink. As her wing dipped into a satchel to pull out her bits, he said, “So, miss Kicker. Tell me about yourself.” Laying the bits down, she shrugged, then picked up her drink. “Not much to tell really. I’m just your average cloud wrangler, former military brat.” Nodding, he poured a drink for a customer, and asked, “Yeah, West Hoof. So, how’d a fine military mare like yourself become a cloud pusher in a back water like this?” Rubbing the back of her neck, Cloud Kicker chuckled sheepishly. “Not many options after I bailed out during the graduation ceremony.” Grinning, Garret wiped a glass. “Subtle.” Cloud kicker paused as she lifted her glass, and gave a nod. “Dear old ma and pa certainly thought so,” As she took a sip, she regarded him over the edge of her glass. Laying it down, she tilted her head. “How about you?” Chuckling, Garret laid the glass down. “Disgraced ex-templar. Commanding officer ordered me to kill a couple of recruits he accused of desertion. They didn’t desert, they were just late for role call.” The mare took another sip. “And….?” The human shrugged. “I told to her too eat shit and die.” Snorting with amusement, Cloud Kicker laid her glass down again. Unscrewing the top of his bottle, he gave her another pour of booze. “Sooo… any special somepony in your life?” Garret shrugged again as he placed the bottle back. “ ‘Fraid not. Templar training didn’t leave much in the way of socializing.” Turning back, he winked. “How bout you?” Cloudkickers ears flattened slightly as she looked down at her drink. “She… uh, she died, not too long ago.” Rubbing the back of his neck, Garret looked down, frowning at his feet. “Sorry.” The Pegasus shrugged her wings slightly. “Its not your fault.” Looking up, he asked , “What was her name?” Smiling, she took another sip, and said softly, “Derpy Hooves.” Sniffling, she wiped a tear from her cheek with a wing. “I miss her, but whatever feelings I got pale compared to what her foals are going through.” Leaning her head back, she took a picture from her saddle, and tapped a hoof on it when she lay it on the counter. “That’s her, the wall eyed mare. The little gray unicorn is Dinky, the pink and lavender mare's Sparkler.” Looking over the picture, he chuckled. “Cute kids. Who’s the other two pegasi.” “Alula, my little sister. The other ones Rainbow Dash, she’s their godmother.” She sniffled again, and put the picture back into the saddlebags. Looking up, she gave a small smile. “Hey Garret, I’m going to take off, ok?” The bartender nodded. The room was dead silent as she walked out. ………………………………….. Cloud Kicker walked into the office of her place of work, head low, and wings drooping. Everyone watched helplessly as she made her way to the bosses office, even Blossomforth unable to offer any comfort. She’d get like this from time to time, and nothing anyone did could snap her out of it. All everyone could do was wait and worry. Smiling weakly, she opened the door to Rainbows office. Rainbow gave a distracted nod, and said, “Hey, Cloud, sit down a sec. Close the door too.” Frowning herself now, Cloud Kicker nudged the door shut, and as she sat, said “Uh oh, I hear the bell tolling.” Shaking her head, Rainbow dipped her head into the open drawer of her desk. Struggling a bit, she lifted it out, and it clunked as it was dropped down. Seeing the look on the opposing mares face, she said, “I found this one my bed side table this morning. Bits. More specifically, one thousand, five hundred, and eight six bits.” Cloud Kicker gaped. “What? But who…” Rainbow shrugged. “No idea. Just left the bits, and a note saying, “From those concerned.” Cloud Kickers eyes narrowed, and a slight frown went across her muzzle. “Garret….” “Who?” The blonde mare rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about it Rainbow. I think I know who gave that to you.” ................................................................... Cloud Kicker lighted upon a cloud over Ponyville, scowling as she looked down. It made no sense. Another person, a different species no less, took it upon themselves to help the friends of a damn near complete stranger. Not only that, they did it anonymously, wanting no thanks or even simple recognition. It didn’t make any sense. Feeling somepony slide up next to her, she gave a sideways glance, and sighing, looked down again. “Hey….” Blossomforth smiled, nuzzling the lavender coated mares neck. “Hey.” Tilting her head, she asked softly, “Cloud, you ok?” Sighing again, Cloud Kicker rolled onto her back on the cloud, looking up at the blue sky in contemplation. “You know about what Dash got this morning right?” After receiving a nod, the mare continue, “I know for a fact who did it, and I just don’t know what to do about it…” Puckering her muzzle, Blossomforth shrugged her wing in a questioning way. “Do you need to do anything about it? Is this pony, or ponies, who did such a kind thing, trying to hurt Dash, Dink, and Spark?” Crossing her hooves across her chest, Cloudkicker shook her head. “Were the bits stolen?” Another head shake. Seeing her friend smirk, Cloud Kicker scowled, and cut her off as she opened her muzzle to speak. “And no, it’s not anypony I fucked or who fucked me.” Blossomforth fell into in a fit of giggles at the cursing, and Cloudkicker rolled onto her belly again. Seeing her still morose look, the mares giggles tapered off, then stopped, Slowly her wing traced across Cloud Kickers back, who tensed visibly, and growled, “Don’t…” Instead of relenting, she drew the pegasus to her, and the blonde maned mare snapped, “Damn it, stop it okay?” “Its today isn’t? The anniversary…” Cloudkicker pulled out from under the wing, and stood. "I gotta go." Blossomforth shook her head sadly as the mare flew off, but offered no protest. As much as she wanted otherwise, best to let CK deal with things her own way. ……………………………………………………… Thunk. The now split log toppled to the dirt under the chopping block. Kneeling, Garret picked up one of the pieces and flipped it over his shoulder. For a moment it twirled in the air, then with a muffled thud, landed neatly in the wood pile. Picking up the other piece, he sent it to its fellows with the same nonchalant toss. Placing another log up on the block, he stood. Hefting the ax over his head, he brought it down. Thunk. Cloud Kicker snaked along the bars roof, and looked down. Thanking whatever kind a loving deity who set this up, she grinned like a lecherous old stallion as the shirtless human bent down to pick up the toss the pieces into their pile. Her grin faded though at the faded scars crisscrossing across the humans back.Garret paused, and lowered that ax. Suddenly he sneezed. Shaking his head, he lifted the ax once more. Thunk. He bent down again, and after tossing a piece of wood, said, “Afternoon, Miss Cloud.” Smirking, she fluttered down. “Sorry there buddy. Just admiring the view.” Standing again, Garret walked to the door of his establishment, taking his shirt off a conveniently placed wooden post. “I thought some pretty thing was thinking of me.” Chuckling, the mare followed. “Pervert.” Buttoning his shirt, he looked over his shoulder. “Oh, oh! Yeah, that really hurts my feelings, being called a perv by the local hedonist.” Grinning, she trotted up next to the human, giving a nudge in his side with her wing. “I see my reputation proceeds me.” Rolling his eyes, Garret chuckled. “Wanna bang?” The human rubbed his chin, looking at the ceiling in thought. “Nah, maybe some other time.” Pouting playfully, Cloud Kicker groused, “Ahhh, that’s no fun. You have to at least let me repay you for what you did for Dash and the foals.” Shrugging, Garret walked behind the bar. “Its not a big deal…” Sauntering up behind him, Cloud Kicker patted the human on the back. Curious, he turned around.Looking up at him, no trace of a smile or any sort of attraction, she said plainly, “Garret. You did more for that mare and her foals then any other pony I’ve ever met. You’re a wonderful man.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he grimaced, and said, “You really wanna pay me back Cloud?” Seeing the raised eyebrows and the sudden smirk, he amended, “No, not like that.” Turning, he walked behind the bar. “You wanna thank me, try keeping it to yourself.” “Uh. Ok,,, I guess…” she took a seat in front of the counter, tilting her head. “Can I ask why you wouldn’t want anypony to know?” Shrugging his shoulders again, he said “Look, this Rainbow friend of yours needed help. I’ve been to her place, and it’s a wreck. Some of the boys are actually going over there today and fixing up the joint.” Turning from his work, he crossed his arms. “But if anyone found out I was going out bits by the handful, there would be no end to it. Every day, there’d be someone at my door begging.” Cloud kicker nodded. “I guess that's true…” she looked at him. “Yes?” “Well…. Its just… Can I ask where you got those scars.” Touching the mark on his face, he said, “This one is kinda personal. Do you mind if I just tell you about the ones on my back?” Cloud Kicker nodded. “Well, as a parting gift for my insubordination, its tradition to send off disgraced with ten lashes.” “With a whip?” Garret nodded, and the Pegasus winced. “Sweet Celestia…” The human leaned against the counter. “Its ok. In the past, they didn’t even give us something to bite down on while the carried out the whipping. And in any case, even if I had carried out the orders, I think I was gonna leave anyway and they still would have given me a whipping.” “Why would you leave?” “Again… sorry Cloud, that’s personal.” Cloud kicker’s scowled. “Your just no fun at all, you know that?” Smirking, she ruffled her wings, and said in a sultry tone, “Nevertheless, the offer to share an evening with me still stands.” Grinning, he pulled up a bottle of booze, and laid out a couple of shot glasses. “So, can I ask you something?” He poured a couple of drinks, and Cloud kicker nodded. “Why are you interested in me? First night you walked in, your wings told me quite the interesting tale.” Snorting, the pegasus took a gulp “Well, and don’t go getting a swelled head, your not to bad looking for a human. Do you mind if I ask why you don’t want to bang? You did say I’m pretty.” “I don’t trust you enough.” Seeing her somewhat confused look, he added, “Hey, you let someone that close, all they need is a shorter knife. And besides, we barely met, and I don’t sleep with someone I don’t care about.” “So, you got rules too huh?” After giving a snort of amusement, the human gaped. “Your saying you do?” Cloudkicker nodded. “A few.” “Like…” the human put the bottle away. “Well, Rule one: no regrets. I don’t want to get up in the morning as somepony’s mistake. Number two: No complications. Like with Rainbow, I don’t go sleeping with her friends cause I don’t need the headache.” Nodding towards the rows of liquor, she continued, “Rule three: No sex with anyone intoxicated or high.” Waggling her eyebrows, she said, “The next ones more of a guideline then a rule, especially for such a beautiful critter like you. Rule four: No banging friends.” “Rule five: no sex without protection. I don’t need an std or to be knocked up.” Garret interrupted, “Not to say I wouldn’t take potions or see the doctor from time to time, you do know that human and equine venereal diseases are non-transferable between species right. And I’m quite sure you couldn’t be knocked up by us in any case.” Cloud Kicker gaped. “Are you serious?” The human nodded. A somewhat hazy looked covered the pegasi eyes. “Wow… going through heat without a cooler, potions, or worrying about foals…” “Cooler?” Drawn out of her thoughts, she cleared her throat. “Oh, its uh… its like this rubber dong that a mare straps on to help another while they’re in estrus. Its got this mouth pump thing which squirts salt water into us to simulate a males.” Cloud Kicker puckered her muzzle. “I hate it. Heat banging supposed to be the best you can have, and that sort of thing just doesn’t feel right. Its good, just not great. Its more of chore in those couple of days then anything” “Why not just take those potions we were talking about?” Cloud Kicker shook her head. “Potions don’t do shit when we’re in heat. And since we need...” at this part, the mare cleared her throat, “... the stallion to do what stallions do, more often then not, we need cooler’s.” The human grinned. “Well, as a friend, just remember, if you ever need me, I’ll be behind you all the way.” Cloud Kicker fell into a fit of laughter. When it cleared, she wiped here eyes with a hoof. “Good one. Anywho, where was I… ah, yes. Rule six: No lying to get sex. Or at least, no really big lies. Everypony does a little bit of harmless exaggeration, but there’s a line. I don’t cross it. Ever.” “Rule seven: No romance or any of that shit. I may like you, hay, even love you, but I’m not into anything long term.” The pony took another sip. “Rule eight: No rutting with anyone who doesn’t get the former or proceeding rules. I don’t need anyone pining for me the rest of their lives. The next three are more wisdom then actual rules. Rule ten: no fucking while flying. You don’t have wings, so even if we do it, it’s a moot point. Rule eleven: no hanging around after the deed is done.” “That might be a problem. Humans tend to cook when we’re visiting a persons house. Its kinda like an ice breaker for us. As for mating, I think its kinda an evolutionary leftover. Providing food for our mates and all that.” Cloud Kicker shrugged her wings. “I don’t mind sharing a meal, morning after a good rut or not. I just don’t want anything more.” “Fair enough. Whats the last rule.” Cloud Kicker looked down at her drink, eyes wide with horror as she shuddered. “No diamond dogs. Ever again…” The pegasus looked up and smiled. “So, any thoughts?” The human crossed his arms, and the look in his eyes made the smile drop off the mares face. “You must be so alone.” Cloudkicker gazed down, and looked at her reflection in her glass of booze. Alone… “MIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSKKKKKKKKKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKEEEEEEEERRRRRR!” The mare thumped against the bar’s counter as a unicorn filly bolted into the room, wrapping her hooves around her barrel. Looking down, she wheezed, “Dinky? What the hay!” Looking up, the foal cried, “MisskickerMisskickerthereshumansatthehouseandSparkchuckingdishesatemandIcantfingdashand….” The rest of her tirade was halted as Cloud Kicker corked her mouth with a hoof, and gazed at her sternly. “Ok, now, calmly…. Dink, what is wrong?” Taking her hoof away, she interrupted as the foal opened her muzzle, “Stop. Take a deep breath…” Dinky, tears in her eyes, drew in air. “…Hold it…” The filly puffed out her cheeks. “… now let it out slowly.” Dinky did as she was told. “Now, whats wrong?” Dancing in place in her anxiousness, she cried, “The house! Strange humans are there! Sparkler knocked one of them off the roof with a saucer, and sent me to come get you!” The human behind her groaned, and at the same time, they respectively slapped their faces in exasperation. …………………………………………………………………….. Sparkler frowned at the wincing male laying against her side. “Quit being such a foal about this Cal,” The young brown haired human scowled back as she dabbed the wound on his forehead. “First you bean me when I’m trying to work on your roof, then you call me names.” Looking forward again, he muttered, “Heartless nag….” Horn flaring, Sparkler said evenly, “Did you say something dear?” Eyes wide, he shook his head, and hissed as the cotton ball dabbed his head again. “Careful, damn it!” Ears perking towards the chuckling overhead, Sparkler rolled her eyes. “Oh buck me…” Cloudkicker flew down, and grinned at the purple maned mare. “Daaawwwww, your such a softy now Sparks.” Groaning, Sparkler rubbed the spot under her horn as her mothers former lover wiped her eyes in mock emotion. “Is this the little foal who was such a problem child? When did she grow into such a fine young mare….” “Fuck off….” Both pony’s jumped slightly, and looked in shock at the human. Sitting up, he glared at the Pegasus. “Don’t you fucking dare make fun of Sparkler, you worthless unrepentant slut.” He struggled up as Clouds mouth worked. “She… she’s a wonderful pony! How dare you come down from wherever you were and tease her…” Sparkler upper half lifted and she lay a hoof on his shoulder. “Hey… Cal, its ok…” “Its not ok!” Ignoring her words, the human just glared at Cloud kicker. The Pegasus just looked back, then suddenly giggled. “Oh, your just such an adorable little boy!” Teeth bared, he started forward, and Cloud held her hoof up in surrender. “Ok, ok, I’m backing down. “ As the Pegasus flew off, Cal sat back down. Feeling a hoof slap him upside his head, he turned and glared. “Hey, what was that for?” Rolling her eyes, Sparkler snorted, then muttered, “I had to fall for such an airhead….” “Huh?” Blushing under her fur, she gave the human another smack. “I said you’re a bucking idiot!”