These Happy Golden Oaks Part 1
Twilight solves Memoire's problems for finding a place to stay, but can he come to terms with a jealous dragon? Plus...it seems the job will be more than studying in the end...
Just five more minutes...
I could hear the birds chirping and feel the sun shining through my closed eyes. Ugh...it was hard getting comfortable. During the night, a chilly wind came through, and it didn't make sleeping any easier. Now I really wished I bothered somepony for a place to stay...
Just five more minutes...just to rest my eyes...
"Howdy, Twilight! Here ta return your book ya lent ma Granny Smith."
"Thanks for the early return, Applejack! Did she find any useful tricks to cleaning any of her antiques?"
Apple...five more minutes...jack...
"She sure did! I think Applebloom and I did enough pesterin' on a restorin' some lovely teapots and teacups. I recon Rarity will be jealous once she takes a gander on 'em!"
"Achoo!" I sneezed; Excuse me. I don't know if a minute passed...but...three more minutes...
"Eh? What the hay?"
I told you. Three. More. Minutes...
"Twilight, did they have any hobos back in Canterlot?" Jackapple said. "Maybe a few or so...why do you say that?" I heard Twilight's voice. Ugh...I'm having weird dreams aren't I?
"I think they are a spreadin' ta over here."
"What?...Memoire!"
"Five more minutes!"I yelled and opened my eyes. I noticed Twilight and mare standing together. The mare had a hat on with a beautiful blonde mane to match her golden orange fur.
I nervously smiled. "Uh...good morning? Oh, good morning Twilight! Well, I'm here bright and early like you said!" I got up while laughing nervously and stepped on the dewy, lush grass. Twilight looked worried at first, then she stroke an angry glare at me. The other pony smiled nervously and looked both ways.
"Well, look at the time! Gotta walk little Applebloom to school! Have fun with...err...whatever you- and whatever you hobos do- had planned ta do!"
"But Applejack, school is-" She then made a dash for it. "...out..." Twilight finished her sentence.
I don't like the looks of this. Did I do something wrong? I...I couldn't have. I'm here early like she said. Twilight continued staring at me until I stroke the first word that came out of my mouth. "Uh..."
"Come inside." She said sternly. I followed her inside.
The dawn of the sun shone through the windows, making the library brighter and beautiful than ever. I noticed Spike was standing near the leftmost and closest bookshelves to the entrance. He was throwing a ball, the size of his hand, up and down by one of the bookshelves. He looked at us at first with an angry look, but noticing Twilight's expression, he then smirked as if he was hoping something bad would happen to me. Oh no...something bad is about to happen to me!
I noticed Twilight was using her magic to reach a pillow from upstairs. It looked like she was fluffing up the pillow...but why? Housework, this early? I looked at Spike, who was still smirking and let out a grin. Oh no...what if...what if...
WHAT IF I'M GOING TO BE FIRED!?
Of course! It makes sense! No wonder with the expressions! Twilight is trying to be so casual and nice about it! That is why she is fluffing up the pillow, so she can't focus on my reaction while doing housework!
"Twilight, I'm so sorry! I don't know what I did wrong!" I followed her as she continued hovering the pillow, and she floated a blanket to her. She didn't respond. Oh no, she doesn't think I'm serious about the job! "Twilight, was it because I was sleeping outside?! I didn't know it was taboo here in Ponyville as well!"
"It IS taboo in Ponyville. Everypony knows that..." Spike said grinning with pride. Is Twilight even listening? She walked to a different door on the first floor. Judging from her expression and her glances, she must be...she must want me to step in her office and formerly fire me! I galloped, fell on purpose, and skidded to her hooves and hugged her. "I know you're mad! I'm sorry! I'm SO sorry! Please don't fire me, I'll do anythin-"
"MEMOIRE!" Twilight yelled. I looked up at her from the floor. "I'm not mad." She stated.
"Huh?" I got up and looked at her clueless.
Spike dropped his ball in surprise and it bounced away. "What?"
She sighed and her expression changed to a worrying one. "I wasn't mad. I was concerned! Memoire, was there any vacancy at any of the hotels?"
I looked away, unable to keep a straight face. "...No..."
"Then why didn't you come back and tell me?"
I rolled my eyes. She doesn't see the awkwardness does she? Good idea, Twilight. Invite a stranger to stay in your home for the night, not to mention a stallion! Nothing could possibly go wrong! I noticed she gave another glare after I rolled my eyes. I shook my head after. "Because...well...I didn't-"
"I would have happily let you stay until you found a place to stay!" Twilight said.
"What?" I was shocked.
"Huh?!" I heard Spike saying.
"Yeah, what? What else did you think I was doing other than trying to set a bed for you with a pillow and blanket?" She looked at me with a smile. I noticed Spike was coming to stand by Twilight with a smug face. It looked almost obvious to me. She was casually doing housework with the pillow and blanket, or taking out her frustration on those. I never went inside that door before, so I assumed it was her office or something similar.
"Just...uh...heheh-maybe like Spike said I'm stupid?" I said, with some emphasis on the last word. "Took the words right out of my mouth." Spike crossed his arms with a prideful smile.
"Ugh..." Twilight rolled her eyes at Spike's reaction. "Memoire, with all that aside, you can stay in the basement. I can bring out a spare bed down there until there is a room in the hotel."
"Really? It seems that it's too much to ask of you...I mean, you gave me a job-"
"That's right, Twilight! He is very, VERY thankful for that." Spike interrupted as he jumped in front of me and tried pushing me away from her. He didn't have the strength to move me, but I just moved myself as he pushed me. "There's no need for him to stay. He would feel SO guilty renting your place out. In fact, I bet the hotel has a room right-"
"Spike, don't you have to go feed Peewee his breakfast?" Twilight interrupted with a serious, angry glare. Wait...Peewee? Is that a name of a colt named after somepony? "I fed him already! You know I am responsible and mature enough of a dragon to take care of a-"
"Then, PLEASE, be mature about this! You have been very rude to Memoire. I know why, and it's because of your first meeting with him, but he already apologized for that!" Twilight continued as she stomped closer to Spike. "Until he finds a place to stay, he will be staying in the basement. From now on, if you cannot say a SINGLE thing nice to him, then do not say anything to him at all! Do you understand me, mister?!"
Wow...I never saw anypony stand up for me like that, in addition to hospitality too! Seeing Twilight's reaction was shocking. I didn't expect her to raise her voice to that little dragon. I hope the situation doesn't get out of hand. I don't want to be a burden or a moocher!
To be honest, though, I feel a small grudge with Spike; but I couldn't help think that maybe there is a reason for him acting like this. Spike's eyes slightly watered. She didn't make him cry did she?
"But...I...he...too many...ARGH!!!" He yelled and stomped away, heading to the stairs. I guess he's angry now...I don't know if it is better than being sad or not...
Twilight then looked at me with a concerning look. "I'm sorry about Spike. I think he is overwhelmed with the household, even though your stay is temporary. Could you continue being patient and nice with him? He'll come around...I know it..." She gave a sigh and looked away with concern.
"I'm still trying to come with terms with Spike, so of course. I know my reaction gave our meeting a bad vibe." I responded. I don't want to make any enemies in Ponyville...believe me...in Canterlot, fifty percent of the population can be your enemy.
"Thanks, Memoire. I appreciate it." She started to open the door with her magic, and my voice stopped her mentality. "Actually, could I ask some questions?"
"Yes? What is it?" The door was released from her magic and left a dark crack. I think right now would be the best time to ask some questions about Spike, since he is out of sight and hopefully from hearing range.
"Wha-" No that would be wrong to start with 'what.' It would sound like I would refer to him as a thing. "Who is Spike, anyway? Could you give me a summary?"
Twilight took a deep breath with a smile. Oh no...long dialogue up ahead!
"Spike was my assistant ever since I was a filly...well...an assistant once he wasn't a newborn anymore. Even though he does some of the work for me, I treat him like a part of my family. He has trouble warming up to other ponies and creatures sometimes, but once you get to know him, he is a great friend to have."
I blinked...I didn't expect it to be short. For a bookworm pony, I was expecting an epic tale!
"What's wrong?" She gave me a confused look. "Oh, nothing! Just didn't expect that summary, that's all! Anyways, thanks for telling me. It will help me out a lot to get to know Spike."
"No trouble at all. Come on, I'll show you your temporary room." She walked to the door and opened it with her magic. Twilight walked in and I followed her.
The light flickered on with the nearby switch she used with her hoof. The basement was really, REALLY huge! The downstairs seem endless as they gave a slight curve onto the floor. There were long counters and many wall cabinets that were high up above them. The room still retained the same atmosphere of the library, but it was almost spooky since it didn't have any windows and especially any natural light.
"I may need to come downstairs time to time to work on some experiments, just some potions and what-not. So please leave the room when I need you too. Oh, also don't touch anything in the cabinets. There are many glass tubes and flasks, and I don't want them to fall. Most of them are either borrowed or expensive. There are also some herbs and incenses that can be dangerous; but just as long as you don't touch them or open the cabinets with them, you'll be fine. Also, we use the basement to keep safe from any tornadoes and weather that is out of control. Spike hardly comes down here anyway since the last incident lead his scales overgrowing, which I told him there was nothing to be afraid of."
I blinked at the long sentences and few of the complex words she gave me. Now that was a long dialogue...
"Any questions?" She turned to me with a smile.
"Ah-no! None at all! I understand completely." I gave out a nervous laugh. She stared at me suspiciously, as she looked like she thought I wasn't listening. "Okay, list most of the things I just said then."
Where to start..."Well, you were talking about experiments and needing solitude when you need it, not to touch the cabinets because of the glassware and other things, coming down here during bad weather, and something about Spike's scales-"
"Alright, I'm convinced you listened. I just wanted to be sure you had a good memory." Twilight laugh.
"That's why I was named 'Memoire'" I stated proudly and laughed with her.
...
I appreciated what Twilight has done for me so far. I couldn't thank her enough! A job and a room-it seemed like it was my lucky day when I met her yesterday! However, I can't slack off. I'm willing to study with her on whatever she needed help with, since it's my job after all.
After Twilight and I worked together to move the spare bed into the basement, it was time to hit the books. She and I took our saddle bags and scanned the bookshelf on the main floor. Which reminds me...what were we studying anyway?
"Hey Twilight, what did you need help to study?" I asked. Twilight turned around from the book case with an excited smile. "There is an ancient creature called the Hippogryph, that was said as a result of an offspring from a pony and griffon! Last night, I had a scroll which was dated back to a thousand years ago, which I was trying to translate. The separated history books of ponies and griffons only described it as a mythology."
Hippogryph...what an awkward name. I would assume the creature was part hippo and part griffon! I was picturing a gigantic hippo with feathers and wings. Would the myth be busted? Maybe only when hippos fly...
"So...does the actual creature exist? Is there any proof?"
"There is a lot of supporting evidence with the Hippogryph not being mythological, but I still don't have enough. I rather have it be one hundred percent than ninety-nine percent. So..." Ninety-Nine? Wow she really wants it to be perfect...
Twilight used her magic to hover two books into my saddle bags, one on each side. "I need you to look in one of these books. The book has eyewitness reports in the past as well as depictions of it. I want you to see if any of them match this scroll, even if it has little resemblance." She then put a rolled up scroll in my bag.
"And the other book?" I eyed at her.
"Oh, I think it would be something for you to read on your free time that would help you with a current predicament you have." Her smile turned sneaky. Hopefully, this wouldn't be a joke book or something to catch me off guard; however, she did say it was a 'current predicament' I have. Could she be talking about-
"What current predicament?" Spike walked and approached us. "Nothing at all, Spike." Twilight responded. Spike gave a glare and crossed his arms. "As long as you two aren't playing any funny games against me!"
"It isn't that, Spike. Trust me."
Spike moved his questioning head to the side of Twilight, noticing our saddle bags."Hey, you ponies have your saddle bags on...where are you going?"
"Wait a minute...you didn't even tell me. Where are we going?" I butted in, and Spike glared at me. "Hey! I was curious too!" I responded. What does he think I'm doing? Trying to be like him? Want me to put some scales on for you?
"I figured since it was a nice day, we could go out in the park and read under the tree on the hill. You want to come, Spike?"
Spike looked at me with disapproval. "Nah, no thanks." I suppose he's denying it because of me...he hates me that much?
"Oh come on, Spike. It's a beautiful day and you can't pass it up. Besides, it looks like Peewee is wanting to learn how to fly!" Twilight pointed her hoof at the stairs. I noticed there was a orange-glowed small bird with red feathers and beady yellow eyes. How cute...I guess I figured out what 'Peewee' meant earlier.
The chick's wings were flapping...wait...it's not thinking of...
It jumped a bit.
IT IS THINKING OF IT!!!
Twilight and I gasped as the little bird jumped off the railing of the stairs.
I could hear Spike's voice yelling "Peewee!" The bird was floating slightly but did not have enough strength. Oh no...Spike started running to catch it, but his little legs could only go so far! I hate to show off to him, but a bird's life could be at stake! I galloped, skidded on the floor, and reached my hooves out to catch it...
And it made a slightly hard, yet soft landing. I looked on my hooves and saw a standing little bird, who was jumping and still happy. It wasn't scared? I guess it's always lollipops and rainbows in the minds of little ones.
"Whew...Peewee don't do that again!" Spike grabbed Peewee out of my hooves and he gave it a warm embrace. I noticed Twilight from the other side of the room, wiping her forehead with her hoof. "That was a close one, Memoire. Always better safe than sorry, am I right?" She stated.
"Heh...Well I wasn't sure if it-"
"HE!" Spike corrected me sharply.
"Err...he was going to make it or if Spike would catch him in time." I corrected myself. I wasn't sure of the gender, yet I think 'it' seemed even more insulting to Spike. Another reason for Spike to hate me...is that three reasons so far? I cannot even care to count...
"Well, that's over at least. Do you have someone to thank, Spike? Even a little?" Twilight smiled down at Spike, holding Peewee. He was holding him dearly like a son. Spike must care for Peewee a lot. I never realized how soft of a heart was under all those scales. He sighed and looked at me. His expression showed that he still didn't like me...but...
"...Thanks." he flatly stated. His tone showed me he doesn't hate me that much now, though I can still see the grudge.
"No need to thank me, Spike. I did it just for Peewee." I smiled. After all, we have to watch out for each other from time to time right?
...
"Perfect! Not even an arthropod on the grass!" Twilight stated and pointed to a tree on the hill. A what now? Whatever she meant, there is nothing under that tree.
The park was a quiet place. I expected it to be a playground or a place where colts and fillies act up, but it was more of a grown-up place where everyone could get a little quiet time. The benches were clean and the grass was green. There was a dirt trail surrounding the area, but not even a spec of dirt was out of place! I guess they treasure this place just like any other area of Ponyville.
Twilight, Spike who was holding Peewee, and I walked up to the hill with the tree, "So you just study on a day like this?"
"Well, I learned not to be cooped up all the time in the library while studying. I figured why not go outside and do your studying on beautiful days? When I need to look away from a book for a second, I could enjoy the breeze and the smell of nature around."
"Hopefully, you didn't mean the gross side of nature." Spike snickered. Twilight groaned with a smile. "Very funny, Spike."
Twilight and I sat down under the tree, facing the park, and Spike sat on the other side with Peewee. Is she really a bookworm? All she talked about was studying, books, and studying. Did I mention studying?
"But is studying all you do? That sounds like wasti-..err that you could do other things." I better watch my choice of words or she'll take it the wrong way.
Twilight laughed. "No. I do other things, like hanging out with my friends, participate in Ponyville activities, and go to different stores now and then."
Okay at least she isn't that bad of a bookworm. I guess it's one of those things she does mainly, but at least she has a life! Forgive me for that comment, but for a moment there, I thought her life revolved around books, studying, and books! I mentioned books right?
I remembered what she said though. Friends? Probably most of them are mares. Ponyville activities? I bet they're even more fun and friendly than Canterlot. Stores? Ten bits say one of them is a bookstore.
I grabbed one of the books with my mouth on the side and the scroll to set out as well. Huh? This doesn't seem like the book I was suppose to study.
Life of an Average Dragon
Wait...this must mean the book Twilight gave me for my 'predicament.'
I noticed Twilight was already using her magic to flip the pages on the book. I could hear Spike's voice behind the tree.
"Okay Peewee. Just exercise your wings. You don't REALLY have to fly." I heard a flutter after. Spike isn't a dummy when it comes to taking care of a bird. I guess he isn't physically fit for it...but mentally?
"You're floating! Good going! Keep at it! Keep at it!...Aww, it was a good try at least!"
Yeah, he fits well with it.
I opened the book I had with my mouth and started turning the pages by sliding my hoof. The book's first chapter started with origins. It seemed like a long, detailed history of it, but I paid no mind to that. Let's see...
Growth cycle...yeah right. Like I would talk to Spike about that.
Food...I already know he eats gemstones.
Aha! Temperament!
An average dragon's temperament is mostly 'dominant,' although the attitude can change from the parenting; it could be either a gentler dragon or a deadly one. A dragon prefers to be the top above all, which is why it is common to see them sparring with each other. Any possession, whether big or small, for a dragon is important to him or her. It would attack or warn the creature if it tried to take his or her possession.
A normal dragon usually does not like change, except its usual instincts like initiations or fending for themselves. This chapter covers common scenarios with fellow explorers, but in summary, dragons can be unpredictable.
I see now. Spike was afraid of the changes being made in the library. He was afraid he would be left out even more since he wasn't dominant. Twilight Sparkle seemed to try to ease things with Spike as much as she could...
...but no matter what, it's a dragon's own battle to deal with; and I think it's a battle Spike and I will have to go through.
...And I think I know where to start.
"So, Spike...how did you find Peewee? You seem to be one lucky dragon to have someone loving like that little bird."
"A phoenix." he muttered. Ah, so that's the type-... A PHOENIX?! THAT IS LIKE ONE OF THE RAREST- okay, okay take it easy Memoire. Remember on your first encounter with Spike. Play it cool.
...
I was able to get to know Spike more when he told me the story about how he found Peewee. I overacted and even mentioned 'it' when it, err...he was an egg. He even still feels guilty when he stole him; I even overreacted on that part too. He was pressured by those dragons...talk about peer pressure.
He told me he took care of Peewee for a while and returned him to his family...however, Spike still hasn't filled the hole of that story yet. He returned Peewee back...but why is he still here? I really want him to finish the story of Peewee and him.
"What happened next? Peewee is with you now..." I asked gently.
Spike took a deep breath. "I couldn't believe that either, but here he is. A week after I returned him, I heard a knock on the library door...I opened the door...and..."
"Peewee was there, wasn't he?" I smiled.
"Yes! He was so happy to see me! I couldn't believe it too! Peewee...it looked like he chose me over his parents. I noticed some huge phoenix feathers left behind too. I guess his parents loved him so much..."
"...That they let him stay where he felt he belonged." I couldn't believe Spike and I said that at the same time.
I let out a laugh and Spike let out a soft one.
"Twilight must be proud of you, Spike. What was it like hanging out with fellow dragons by the way?"
"Terrible! They were just bullies and attacking defenseless creatures and taking what they want! I never want to be like them! That day...ever since I got Peewee...I swore I would never do anything like that and I wanted to protect Peewee ever since!"
"I'm always proud of you, Spike. No matter what." Twilight jumped in the conversation.
I guess that story helped me know about Spike even more. He may be jealous at times, but he can really be a good friend-and father too!
"Psst...I hope that book helped a bit." Twilight whispered to me. "Huh?" I wondered, but then I remembered. "Oh that...well...it helped me out in one area."
"Yeah, usually when I don't know how to do some things, I read a book related to it to find out!" She said. I snorted after, saying "Even on how to fluff up a pillow?" Twilight just laughed and waved her hoof. "Not easy stuff like that!" She then looked at her book again and her eyes widened in interest.
"By the way, come take a look..." Twilight signaled me to come closer. I got up and sat by her. She showed me a picture that seemed...like fantasy...
The picture showed a creature with a beak like a griffon. The head was covered with feathers and the eyes were beady. The feet, instead of being claws, were hooves that looked like they weren't taken care of properly. The rest of the body was covered in fur and the tail was long like a regular griffon's. It was only a sketch, so there weren't any colors to describe the picture. One thing for sure...it isn't a hippo.
"That's the latest drawing done on a Hippogryph. Amazing, isn't it?!" She said with excitement. "If the legends are true...then I can't wait to have a conversation with one!"
Wow, that's going a bit too far right there. "Conversation? What are you going to ask him or her?" I felt weird talking about that.
"I don't know...'What do you eat?,' 'Where do you live?,' 'What do you like?,' 'What book do you like-' There are so many things I could ask a Hippogryph!"
A figure popped out of the tree from below. "Is it a hippo? That's what I want to ask it first!"
"GAH!" I stumbled from shock. I looked up and the pony dropped down. It had a pink, bubblegum mane with pink fur. She gave a wide, happy smile at us. Spike came to join us with Peewee. "A hippo, huh? I called that on what she thought it was!" He said.
"Hi Pinkie Pie! No, nothing to do with hippos at all. Just-"
"Oh. MY. GOSH!!! You made a new friend!" Her expression changed from happy to angry and she pointed her hoof at Twilight. "YOU MADE A NEW FRIEND WITHOUT TELLING ME!"
"Uh...hello to you too?" I said nervously. "Sorry Pinkie. He arrived in Ponyville late at night...and well...he's been through a lot." Twilight stated. Yes, she's right. Thank you, Twilight!
"Aww...but...he didn't get his traditional welcome in Ponyville- not even a party!" She looked down with a quivering lip. Is she really that disappointed? Then her expression changed, as if she had a lightbulb hovering above her head. "Oh, I know! I can do a quick welcome! What do you say to thaaaaaat-" I guess she's waiting for my name.
"Memoire Lane." I said, rolling my eyes.
"Memo-lane! Okay! Here we go!" Then she did something I'd never seen any pony do: Took some weird looking box contraption that had a party-like design, and it started playing music...then...she burst into some weird song.
"Welcome to Ponyville, we hope you enjoy your stay! Welcome to Ponyville, we hope you'll stay with us. HEY!" She jumped and-
"Oh no!" Spike yelled
KABOOM!!!
The box exploded in confetti and...is that cake batter? Anyways, it exploded all over her. Peewee had some batter on his beak. He just jumped on Spike's hand and licked it off happily.
"Uh...Okay that wasn't suppose to happen, but since it was so awesome, it WAS suppose to happen! Haha!" She burst into laughter and licked all the cake batter off of her.
"That seems...different, Pinkie Pie. Trying something new for once?" Twilight asked with a smile.
"Yeah! I figured if every pony gets the same greeting, it would be TOO obvious. So, I decided to create something new each time I greet somepony in Ponyville! A super, unique greeting for everypony!" Pinkie Pie, who seems to be covered in 'Pie,' shook and all the cake batter disappeared. Her mane and fur were crystal clear of the batter.
She turned and gasped, looking at the clock in the center of the town. "Oh no, gotta meet Rainbow Dash! I promised her I would watch her aerial trick for the contest!" She zipped like a lightning bolt and I heard her echo. "See ya, Memo-lane!"
"That's...Memoire...ugh never mind." That moment right there was TOO random. I mean seriously, she popped out of nowhere-and was she spying on us? That's a bit of a stalker to me! I could hear Twilight's laugh.
"That was...actually different." Spike said.
"You'll get used to it, Memoire. She isn't a bad pony. She's one of my friends."
"That's one of your friends? I find it...shocking."
...
"I noticed in the book that a Hippogryph can live twice as long as a gryphon! Amazing!"
"Twice as long? That can't be right...usually when two different types of creatures get together, the offspring lives at least half of a griffon's life span."
How could a book lie? Well...I guess anypony can write anything and it would become the truth. Wait...I think I just described a newspaper.
We were back at the entrance of the library late afternoon. The sun was going to start setting in a couple of hours. I was telling Twilight about a chapter in the book she gave me about the eyewitness reports. Eyewitness reports...wait...ugh face-hoof!
Then, it hit me. "Well, aren't we considered magical creatures? Maybe something in the magic gives an astounding effect."
Twilight and I walked in the library, continuing the conversation. The room emitted an orange glow from the sun, giving the library a cozy, yet headache-inducing atmosphere. "You raise a good point, but there are always two types of sciences: one with magic, and one with biology."
"I suppose they don't get along?"
"Just like you and Spike in a way."
We both laugh. I could hear a laugh from Spike, but when I turned around, his expression turned sour. I think we'll get along soon.
"I always weigh in on both sides of the argument. It's almost like I'm stepping in feral territory, however. Too many pointing hooves and arguments if you're with critics." She said. That must be tough for her.
Then I heard Spike speaking from where the tables were.
"Hey Twilight, you got a book in...oh, a note from Pinkie Pie too!"
"A book?" Twilight trotted over. "I wasn't expecting any books until tomorrow...let me see that note." Twilight's horn glowed and a small piece of paper was hovering towards her. She began reading aloud.
"Hi Twilight!
I noticed somepony left a paper bag at your door, so I wanted to be sure it wasn't something dangerous in it. It wasn't, so I just went into the library and put it on the table, so nopony from outside could steal it!
Friendship Friends Forever,
Pinkie
P.S. Don't show the book to Rainbow Dash or she'll want to borrow it right on the spot!"
"Wait...then it would...how could it be...ugh." My mind jumbled just thinking about it. She went into the library, which was locked, to put a book in there, so it would not be stolen.
I paused..."Does this pony have any logic?!" I shouted.
"If you asked that to Pinkie Pie, she would say 'What Logic?'" Twilight laugh then rolled her eyes. "Typical Pinkie." She used her horn to lift something from the bag. Her eyes lit up just by looking at it. It appeared to be a book, which is typical for somepony who likes reading books. However, once she spoke the title, it wasn't just any book.
"Daring Doo and the Caverns of Illusion! Oh my gosh! I'm going to read it right now!" Twilight trotted in the middle of the green carpet with the tables, and sat down to open the book.
"Wait...right now? We just did a lot of studying...shouldn't you take a break?" I asked, being concerned.
"Are you crazy? This book is the continuation of the series after three years! Can you imagine what it's going to be like?! The character progression! The story! The reason why the book took so long!"
"Well...it is Daring Doo..."
"What do you mean?"
"I stopped reading it...the endings are always the same! Someone betrays her, she gets in a trap, and somehow, MAGICALLY gets out of it and the traitor is no where to be found..."
Twilight looked at me with a frown...I guess she knew I was right. Then...it looked like she wasn't going to read it. Wow...three years of anticipation and not deciding to read it? That didn't seem right. When I first read about Daring Do, I remembered how excited I was while reading the first book. Then the second book was great. The third book...was...the same like the others.
But...there are other reasons to read it.
"Aw come on, you still want to read about all the action and adventure she goes through!" I said.
"Huh?"
"The mysteries, the relationships, and the purpose of the adventure! I'll read along...besides I would like to see if the author did a different turn on things. You did say it was three years since it was released."
"Now that you mention it...me too! Want to as well Spike?" Twilight asked.
Spike shook his head. "Nah, no thanks. I'm going to feed Peewee his supper and eat mine. How about you two?" Spike turned as he was heading into the kitchen.
"Don't worry about us. We'll fix up something for the both of us later."
"Us...later?" I asked her.
"Yeah...we'll both be finished at the same time."
Going through the whole book under the rest of the evening? I...doubt it...I saw Spike going into the kitchen with Peewee hovering up and down. I guess the little guy is almost at the point of flying.
...
As the fearless Daring Do walked through the blue aura-like tunnels of the caverns, something did not seem quite right.
"....I've been going down this same tunnel the whole time! But...how?"
Daring Do then eyed at the aura, and she looked behind her. Both tunnels looked the same. However, she remembered one of the old fillytales she heard about as a foal.
The fillytale took place in a forest. No matter how far you go in one direction, you always end up back where you started. Daring Do smirked, solving the mystery.
"Then...I'll just go backwards for a while and go back the same way again!" She flapped her wings and flew the opposite direction. She wanted to be sure she went long enough, so she counted five seconds while flying as fast as she could.
She took a sharp turn around and...
She ended up at a temple-like area. It wasn't the same narrow, cramped cave she was traveling. It was spacious...and not to mention spooky. Daring Do looked up at the torches that were keeping the temple lit. It was no ordinary fire...it was a spooky blueish-green color that gave it a weak atmosphere, as if it was a place for ghosts.
"Daring Do."
She looked straight ahead. Were her eyes deceiving her? Was it another trick by the so-called Caverns of Illusion?
She thought that earth pony was dead...yet before her eyes, he was there.
"Four-eyes! Thank Celestia you're alright! I thought that trap made you a goner!" She shed a tear. She remembered seeing him being crushed by the rocks that fell in the cave.
The sky-blue stallion just gave a small smirk. "Of course I'm fine. This is the 'Caverns of Illusion' after all."
"Hah...looks like this place doesn't get old with deceiving us, huh?"
"Or...deceiving you." His eyes narrowed and his smirk became a cruel, wicked smile. "W-what?" She stepped back. This wasn't the Four-eyes she knew.
"I called it! You owe me bits!" I raised my hoofs in victory. I knew there was something suspicious about that pony!
"What?! How?! They didn't use that ploy since the second book!...And since when do I owe you bits?" Twilight said as her eyes were in shock and changed to a glare when she mentioned bits.
"Yeah...he was a traitor all along. I sensed the irony since he was introduced!"
"Wait...what if it is somepony else and using an illusion on somepony she knew?" Twilight became skeptical. She doesn't see it, does she? As she mentioned, it is the same ploy by the book.
When Daring Do met him for the first time, he was slightly shy, yet it was made up by his intelligence and explaining things in easier terms. He was happy finding the clues about the caverns and mystical places in all of Equestria.
That Four-eyes...changed?
"What are you talking about?! We were finding a way through this together! You were helping me find the entrance to the Scepter of Necromancy!"
"Oh...you mean this?" A silver scepter adorned with a blue topaz on top was floating in a green aura. "Wait...magic? Four-eyes, how are you able to use magic?! You don't have a horn-you aren't even a unicorn!"
"I believe you don't understand the situation you are in, Miss Do." Four-eyes began as the next aura that appeared was around him.
"You see, Miss Do, the Caverns of Illusion was created by a spider. In order to maintain the illusions in this cavern, he created this Scepter of Necromancy. He used the spirits of his ancestors, whom were spiders, to keep the magic flowing. There was a catch though. In order to make the magic everlasting, it would only activated once a living creature enters it."
"That's interesting...so it activated once we entered, right?"
"It activated once YOU entered."
Daring Do's eyes were in shock. The walls seemed to be making skittering sounds, as if bugs were crawling on them-but there were none on them.
"In order for me to use this magic to take over the insects in Equestria for my bidding, I needed a foolish pony who would dare enter this place. Once I heard your name, Daring Do, I figured it was the needle in a haystack. Your name says it all-DARING DO! Hahahaha!"
"So you're actually the spider that created this place?!" She yelled.
A large creature appeared behind her. It looked like a spider with a stallion physique! She noticed how there were more than two eyes, and how they were bulging out like golden beads. "They don't call me Four-eyes for nothing!"
"Hah! I even called that one coming! See? That's why the book is...uh...Twilight?"
I saw Twilight standing up and heading into the kitchen slowly. Her head was down in solemn. Was she...really disappointed? Was her hopes real high for that book she's been waiting to come out for three years? I got up.
"Hey...we didn't finish reading it." I said, hoping she would come back.
"I already know the ending. Like you said, it was the same ploy they used in the second book of the series." She let out a sigh. I've never seen her this sad...
"But...don't you wanna see how she gets out of the situation?"
"What's the use? She gets out of every situation. She's Daring Do!"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing and seeing. Even it was for a short time, I knew Twilight Sparkle was a lover of books, fiction or non-fiction. I never seen her being so disappointed in a book-especially a release being waited on so long!...Well...I'm not going to let her be disappointed! I think I know how to cheer her up about the story!
"Since we're done reading, you want anything from the kitchen?" I noticed Twilight trying to fake a smile.
"We're not done with the story." I stated firmly.
"What? Yes we are!"
"No were not...I'm going to tell a better ending to that story. Something original...and it will be that same atmosphere you feel as you read the series!" I galloped around, blowing out the candles to make the room dark.
"You're kidding...right?" I heard Twilight letting out a degrading chuckle. I'll blow her mind...err...once I blow out this last candle.
"Nope! Just sit down and listen. That's all you have to do!" I said. The only light that was in the room was from Luna's night sky outside.
"That's a laugh...guess it'll help me finish my popcorn." Spike said as he was throwing a piece into his mouth. You're not really encouraging me...
"Alright then! Let's get back to Daring Do, when she was in the tunnels!"
Daring Do continued on passing through the same blue tunnel, without even knowing it was the same. A thought raced through her head. 'I have to find Four-eyes. I have to make sure he's okay! I never wanted him to be in danger.'
Then, it clicked her like a clock striking the hour. She knew the whole time she was passing through the same tunnel. This enraged her, and she glared straight ahead. "This cavern...it thinks it can hold me down?!" Her wings were flapping, as if they were ready to get it on. "Try me!"
Daring Do ran as fast as her feet could go, with the help of her wings, her speed increased faster than the fastest running pony in all of Equestria! Sweat trickled down her face and her breathing was heavy. That didn't matter to her, though. She wasn't going to let the tunnel stop her! She had to find Four-eyes, even if he seemed like a goner!
Then, in a flicker of a moment, she ran through-what seemed to be a ghost.
A ghost?
Nonsense! Daring Do then slowed down and skidded her hooves to stop. She blinked. Did she really see a ghost? It couldn't be...Although, the cavern seemed to be a trick all to her. She couldn't let this make her look weaker like the other visitors in the cavern.
"Show yourself!" She yelled. "I know I ran through you! I'll continue the same thing until I am out of here!"
Daring Do purposely sounded intimidating. The ghost reformed in front of her. She looked solemn. Her long hair seemed to fade in the air as well as her back hooves. "You're fast...I can't believe my illusion couldn't keep up with you."
"Hah! So you're the one causing the avalanche on Four-eyes and all these tricks in here! Where is he? Why are you hiding the Scepter of Necromancy?!"
"He's fine..." The ghost turned away.
"You're lying...you've done something with him!"
"No! I'm telling the truth! He is just...knocked out and he's outside of the caverns. I just...had to...but I couldn't let him become a part of the cavern..." Most ghosts would sound like they have lost their mind. This particular one...seems to have all senses intact.
"Become...a part? Huh?"
The area around Daring Do started to fade away. She used to be in the tunnel...but for some reason, she seems to be in a temple-like area. Looking straight ahead, the treasure stood before her.
"The Scepter!" She dashed for it, yet the Scepter of Necromancy disappeared into thin air. It was the same fading technique done by that ghost.
"Hey! What gives!?"
"Please understand...I never wanted him to get near it..." The ghost said solemnly.
"Four-eyes?" Daring Do said as an important pony raced through her mind.
"Yes...if you could give me a minute to explain, you would change your mind."
"Why should I?"
"Well...you would be back at the entrance, after all that hard work getting here." The ghost gave a sly smile, trying to speak Daring's language.
"...First choice seems better." Daring Do sighed and sat down to listen.
"This scepter was once part of the Changeling Monarch line. Only the most knowledgeable of that line could wield it and gain it's powers...You see, once one pony gets near this scepter, and is part of that heritage, they will wield its power and the scepter will drive them mad..."
"Are you saying I'm part of that heritage?" Daring Do looked on one of the reflective walls. "Ugh...I don't even like insects."
"No. You're not a part of it...but somepony you know. Somepony you were with a moment ago."
"...No...there's no way." Daring's eyes widened with a tear falling down her cheek.
"Daring Do...It's Four-eyes."
"How the hay can that pony be part of that heritage?! It makes no sense! He doesn't even look like a Changeling! He doesn't even sound or act like one!"
"Over thousands and thousands of years, it started with one Changeling who fell in love with an earth pony...it was then they bore a half and half. Then bore one-fourth. Then one-eight...until..."
"Until the offspring just looked like us..."
The ghost nodded.
"But...after all those years, there's no way that the Scepter could affect them-even Four-Eyes!"
"Even a speck of that blood is enough to resonate with the Scepter-"
"How do you know all this?" Daring Do interrupted the ghost. "How do I know you're not some loony pony ghost spreading some weird spooky story? What if you're one of those "If I can't have it, nopony can!"?" She said at the end with an evil laugh.
"Because...I was the latest user."
"You? Liar! How? You're dead! Wouldn't it give you immortality?!"
"Perhaps you didn't fully discover the process onepony of that heritage goes through..."
"Process? You mean it isn't a one-step program?"
The ghost then revealed a portal on a wall, and it scried to the past.
"No...You see, The Scepter of Necromancy was originally a cruel tool created by a Changeling Prince, who was a magician. The prince was stopped...but that didn't stop the tool's influence. He put a spell on it. Once he was dead, his soul would infuse with the tool. His goal was to overrule his own ponies and all of Equestria. With his soul inside the Scepter, so too is his ambitions."
"And the immortality?"
"The only immortality is within the Scepter. If the pony used the Scepter of Necromancy long enough, the prince would become you, and therefore, immortal."
Daring Do was close to believing her and trusting her. "You...you said you were the last user...what happened?"
"I was just like you, Daring Do. I was the one who wanted to solve the mysteries of Equestria and the universe. One mystery I was solving was my own heritage. Rumors told of a Scepter that was once own by the ancient Changelings. I figured with the Scepter, I could find my answers."
The ghost turned away. "I was a complete fool not to know the consequences."
"What happened?"
"My ambitions changed from my desire of finding my family mystery to the desire of overthrowing every town in Equestria. I felt it was my destiny-I couldn't control it! Memories, which weren't mine, flooded in my mind! I felt like my purpose was revealed! I was fated to be the dictator of everypony and every creature!"
The ghost revealed the Scepter. "Then...after countless slain and towns ruled...I felt myself...leaving...as if I was fading away. I felt my identity, body, and soul leaving Equestria. I didn't know what was happening! It was that short moment I was sane! The voice...the voice of the prince filled my mind..."
"...He said..."You thought those memories were yours...you accepted them long enough for my reign to finally continue! Your existence...is mine!""
"Reality hit me. I saw what I have done...I saw what the Scepter-no...the prince used me for! All I could think of at that short moment...I couldn't let it happen to anypony, or the next pony to find this thing...so..."
"So you did away with your own life just so..." Daring Do began.
"Just so the prince couldn't continue what he intended to do...and I sealed myself along with the Scepter." The ghost finished.
"You sealed yourself with it?! Why?! It wasn't your fault! You probably had a great position in the afterlife!" Daring Do put her hoof gently on-no...through the ghost's body.
"I didn't want the next pony to go through the same fate or lose everything they were to others." She looked away. She was sad for all she did under the prince's influence. She was sad for her life being wasted. She was sad for not being able to find the real answer to her question. Deep in the ghost's mind, what started her search was to find her parents.
The cave rumbled. "Oh no..." The ghost said as she looked up.
"What? What's wrong?!"
"You have to go now! I can't keep the caverns running! I revealed myself too long to you!" The ghost started to fade within the temple.
"Wait! What am I suppose to tell everypony?! What am I suppose to tell Four-eyes? I promised we would leave out of here with the Scepter of Necromancy! I promised him we would find it together!" Daring Do's voice yelled through the crumbling of the cave.
"Some mysteries in Equestria..."The voice and ghost started to fade. "...aren't meant to be revealed..."
Daring Do's vision went black. The story echoed through her mind during her unconsciousness...then...a familiar voice tried waking her up.
"Daring Do! Wake up already! We can't stay out any longer or-"
Daring Do's eyes shot wide open and her mouth with a gasp. "Four-eyes!" She hugged him tightly. "Thank Celestia you're alright! I had the craziest dream! First, I was trying to find you through the tunnel in the cavern and-"
"Daring...what the hay you're talking about?"
"Huh?" The fearless mare turned around, only to be shocked that there were only plains of the land shown. No cavern...not even a speck of rock.
"The cavern was fading out and I panicked...them...some disfigured ghost was hovering you and placed her right near me. I was about to run away...but then I saw you."
"So...it wasn't a dream..." Daring Do sighed. It was too sad to be true to be a dream...
"Where's the Scepter? What happened? What did the ghost do to you?"
"Hah...well it sounds like a fillytale...and an especially long one." Daring laughed nervously.
"What are we going to tell the Scholars?" Four-eyes questioned.
"Four-eyes...I learned something new, and it's best for me to tell you what I know...some mysteries in Equestria...aren't meant to be revealed."
"The end!" I took a match and relight some of the candles close to me. "Whew! Actually, I'm kind of hungry right now, anypony up for..."
I turned and looked at Twilight and Spike, both mouths wide open in shock. I even noticed Spike dropped his popcorn bowl with a few kernels left...Was I...that terrible?
"Sorry...I know it was corny. I'll make it up to you guys-"
"MEMOIRE, THAT WAS GREAT!!!" Twilight jumped in front of me.
"Wha...really?"
"Yes, really! That ending was the most unique ending ever in the series of Daring Do! I couldn't believe how you stayed true to the story and even added explained reasoning to Four-eyes and the scepter! You are an amazing storyteller!"
"It couldn't be that great!" I turned away in embarrassment.
"Don't flatter yourself...you know what we need to do? We need to write a story together! With your unique ideas and my writing skills, we could have our own book!"
"Own...book?" Is she crazy or just a little TOO excited? "Twilight...that's a bit too much!"
"No way! It's been my dream to write my own book! Now, with you, I could-no...we could make it happen! Come on, Memoire! Please-please-please-"
"Twilight, chill!" Spike started to get worried. I guess he never seen her that excited.
Own book? Own story? Well...I always had these ideas and thoughts running through my head. I won't be writing it either-since a unicorn writes faster than an earth pony! Some of the ideas though...seem a bit weird. My mother also even made up stories of her own just to tell me.
Then...a memory popped up...
"That's the end of the Silent Timberwolf. Now, off to bed!" I heard my mother's voice.
"That was so awesome! You are better than what the storytellers write!" I said as I was a little colt just about to go to bed.
"Oh," She laughed in pride. "I'm honored. I better come up with another story by tomorrow then!"
"How about right now?" I said with a big, wide smile.
"Nice try, mister. It's already past your bedtime. I'm spoiling you too much." My mother walked to me and gave me a kiss on the forehead. Ugh...too embarrassing if anypony was watching. "Goodnight, mom!" I said
"Goodnight-"
"Memoire? Memoire!" The memory of my mother's voice faded to Twilight Sparkle's. "You zoned out a bit...I didn't mean for it to be THAT big of a deal." she looked almost guilty.
"No, no! Let's give it a shot! You did need help with studying, so...I could help you write a story alongside that!" I said excitedly.
"Great! We could get started right-"
DIIING!...DIIING!
The clock in the library dinged....midnight? We were up that long?
"...Eheh...maybe tomorrow." Twilight said nervously. "I'll head to bed, and I think it's time for you to sleep too Spike-...Spike?"
I noticed a little bed was pulled out near where the popcorn dumped. Spike was already in his covers sleeping. He thought ahead for sure.
I yawned. "I'm gonna hit the hay-err...figuratively."
"Hey, exercise your puns for tomorrow. We may need them!" Twilight giggled.
"Yeah, goodnight Twilight!" I headed into the basement.
"Goodnight, Memoire...and thanks for the awesome ending." She smiled. With that, we parted to get ready for bed.
...
I'm too tired to even take a bath...too tired to think what I just agreed to.
I lied in my bed, tossing and turning somewhat during the first minutes of trying to sleep. Why did I agree to this? I felt like somepony was nudging me towards doing this. Sometimes I wonder if my memories make me make rash decisions.
I sighed, and just hid my head under the pillow...
"Mom, you forgot to tell me a story!"
"Oh, Memoire, I'm sorry. I just had a rough day...Besides, I don't have any new stories to share or make."
"Hmm...Hey! What if...what if I point something out in my bedroom, and you tell me a story related to that?"
My mother held a tired chuckle. She was tired, but didn't let it get her down. "Okay, but it might not be great like the other ones I told you about!"
"Yeah!" I punched my hoof in the air. I looked around. "Hmm...hey, what about that toy in my toybox, the one that's sticking out?"
"You mean your Daring Do action figure? I'm not sure I can tell such an awesome story related to Daring Do..."
"Come on! I'll help! Pleaaase?" I begged.
"Heheh...alright." She sat by my bed..."
Own book...own story...now I see it...
Maybe deep down...I wanted to share the stories I heard from my mother. Her imagination always entertained me...it was like we had the same mind! Then again...did they really mean that much to me? It was almost tradition that she told me a bedtime story every night. She said a few were passed down from family to family as well. Maybe I could tell one of those stories too.
I guess using some ideas from my mother's stories and my imagination could work. As much as I'm scared to even try, I want to tell my story.
Story of how I met a jealous dragon.
Story of how I was called a hobo.
Story of how I came across that weird pink pony.
Story of how I met a bookworm who just loves reading exciting stories just as the next pony.
My story...even ours...Twilight's story, Mother's story, my story, everypony's story. I want to tell our story! A story that can strike fear! A story that could touch hearts to even the one made of stone! A story that could feel like a pony was going through an adventure!
Twilight, Mother, and even myself. I won't let you down!