//------------------------------// // Chapter 45 // Story: Joe // by JMDARE //------------------------------// It was bright and early and Joe checked again that he’d got the extensive notes he’d made last night. Once Fluttershy had begun giving advice it had seemed for a while that she was not going to stop. If all of these little tricks and tips were necessary then it was no wonder that Rainbow Dash had been in such trouble without them. Joe was still very glad though that he’d have Winona to help and that it seemed Owlowiscious was able to subdue Angel Bunny. He just hoped that Opalescence wouldn’t eat any of Fluttershy’s little friends as any cat he’d known would have been very tempted by several of those. Trusting that Fluttershy would not have suggested her cottage if the latter would be a problem Joe crossed the bridge and climbed the short slope to knock on the door. All seemed quiet but it was early enough that if Fluttershy was running a little late she might… Joe stopped and shook his head. He’d been about to think she might still be getting dressed, when Ponies were always already dressed in fur. However it still seemed better to wait and knock again in a few minutes time than go inside and risk embarrassment or a bucket of something. Joe knocked again and this time there was a faint reply. “Joe?” “It’s me,” Joe replied. “Okay,” said Fluttershy, opening the door, “come on in.” Joe entered and wondered as Fluttershy looked through her mane whether the bucket would have been better. “Got all my notes,” he said, waving them and trying to break the ice. “Oh, that’s good.” “Am I the first to arrive?” “Yes.” Joe sat on the floor so his eyes were more level with Fluttershy’s. “Okay,” he said, leaning forward to rest elbows on knees and looking slightly up, “something is wrong and I am willing to listen, if you like. Or willing to not pry, if you prefer.” “I…” Fluttershy squeaked. “I am so happy for Twilight, but all those Ponies watching us… looking for any mistake we make in the ceremony. Or any flaw in our appearance.” “Flaw in your appearance?” asked Joe. “When you have Rarity to check you over?” Fluttershy managed a very faint smile. “I don’t know,” Joe sighed after a moment, “I expect that you’d not be having to do anything too complex, since only part of one day to rehearse, so you’d avoid mistakes but I can’t argue there wouldn’t be a lot of eyes on you.” “Watching and judging,” Fluttershy nodded. “Have you talked to the others about this?” “They are all so happy, like I am, but none of them are worried…” “None of them?” “Applejack is used to crowds at her rodeos,” Fluttershy explained, “Pinkie Pie thrives on being looked at, Rarity is relishing the chance to show off her new dress designs, and Rainbow the chance to show off.” “Hmm,” nodded Joe. “it’s not a rodeo for her, she can’t retreat into jokes, she might be worried that other ponies won’t like the dresses, and a formal ceremony is different from doing a new stunt in mid-air. And you didn’t mention Spike.” “I… yes, but they seem to be handling it.” “Have you told them how you feel?” Joe asked. “I don’t want to upset them,” admitted Fluttershy. “Okay. Well I’m not saying they’d be as worried as you, or even that they are worried, but there is a chance that they’ve some worries they haven’t mentioned for the same reason. And they’d want to give you their support if they knew how you felt.” “Thanks,” Fluttershy said, managing a slightly less faint smile, “I think I just needed to say it to someone.” “I suppose I am better than your mirror, since I say a little more,” nodded Joe, “or better than Angel Bunny, since I don’t say ‘ppbbbbtttttt!’” “Pppbbbbbbbbbbttttttttttttttt!” Angel Bunny replied, hearing his name and taking the challenge. “Pppppppbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbtttttttttttttttttttttttt!” commented Joe. After a minute or so of that duet and contest Fluttershy seemed a little happier and Joe realised, to his embarrassment, that Spike and Owlowiscious had arrived and were looking at them with matched expressions of bemusement. Owlowiscious looked down at the small Dragon. “Hwhoo?” “I’m not sure,” Spike replied, “sounded like two Angel Bunnies.” “Pppbbbttt!” said Angel Bunny, not wasting a proper long one on them. “Hello Spike, Owlowiscious,” Joe said, standing. “I hope the day goes well for you both.” “It will, as even if nothing else goes right it will be good to see Twilight again,” nodded Spike. “I… erm… very good,” Fluttershy agreed. The others arrived and to Joe’s surprise he found that the instructions for looking after Opalescence were almost as long as for looking after everything else in Fluttershy’s cottage. Seeing him flip through the list she had given him for her cat Rarity frowned lightly. “Joe, darling, are you sure about this?” “No,” Joe replied. Rarity waited a moment and then nodded. “Right.” “Got the list Fluttershy helped me make, got Big Macintosh to agree to help if I send Winona with a desperate note, got Winona and Owlowiscious to help…” “Wuff!” agreed Winona. “And got time to practice my excuses and apologies if everything goes wrong…” “Oh my,” sighed Fluttershy. “But would have to do this a few times before I could be sure.” There was a sudden commotion outside and Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie zipped across and pressed their faces to the windows. “Whoa!” Rainbow Dash breathed. “What is it, honey bun?” asked Applejack. “Flying Chariots! Flying Chariots! Flying Chariots!” Pinkie Pie sang, before snatching Gummy up and beginning to dance around with him. “Flying Chariots! Flying Chariots…” “Ssssh!” said Fluttershy, seeing a few of her little friends… well, scared was not the right word but they did seem disturbed by the strangeness. “Flying Chariots! Flying Chariots!” Pinkie Pie continued to sing, but in a whisper. “How marvellous,” smiled Rarity, “if they are as fast as the one Princess Luna allowed us then we shall be in Canterlot very soon.” “But how did they know we’d be here?” Rainbow Dash asked, turning from the window. Joe considered mentioning what Princess Celestia had said about how closely she could observe him, and he supposed others, but before he could speak Spike had gained a proud smile. “Someone,” Spike said, preening a little, “might just happened to have sent a letter.” “Oh you are sweet!” said Rarity, she looked to the others. “Isn’t he a sweetheart?” She stopped and frowned. “Though what about our dresses, we left them at the Boutique rather than carry them out here and back.” “And someone,” Spike added, “might happen to have mentioned in his letter that we’d need to stop by Ponyville on the way.” “Wonderful!” smiled Rarity. “Ah’d agree with that,” Applejack nodded, “but ah think one of us should go say howdy to these fellas as well.” “I’ve something to do first,” smiled Rainbow Dash. Joe had a premonition what, after past experience, so he wasn’t so staggered and didn’t have to grab as hurriedly when a face that had been pressed against a window was suddenly pressed against his. Their lips met and worked against each other and he felt a definite… something… as they kissed and rather than hug with both forelegs she only held with one so she could run a forehoof up and down the back of his head and neck. It was difficult to break the kiss and when Joe emerged he found that of their friends there was only an amused looking Rarity left in the cottage. “Enough to tide you both over, darlings?” Rarity smiled. “Enough that I am tempted to plead that I need her help here, at this cottage, all day,” smiled Joe back. “But I wasn’t very good with looking after the animals,” Rainbow Dash teased, still happily cradled against Joe and looking through her eyelashes at him, “I don’t know what I’d do here all day.” “I think Joe is getting more ideas,” winked Rarity, “but a coronation awaits, as do our chariots.” “Safe travels to you,” Joe said, letting go and letting a rather reluctant Rainbow Dash flap and hover and turn to land facing the door. She glanced over her shoulder and gave a definite twitch of her rump and tail before sashaying out. Joe shook his head and looked to Rarity. “Sweet f… how much advice have you been giving her?” “Whatever do you mean?” asked Rarity, seeming genuinely surprised. “The eyelashes and the… whatever that was…” “She might have learned from my example,” said Rarity, her smile turning to a grin, “but from the look on your face she doesn’t seem to need any advice.” “Hmm,” Joe blinked. He’d been sure there had been some girly plotting and planning. “Good luck with the animals,” nodded Rarity, leaving and closing the door in a gentle ladylike manner. “Yep, going to need it,” Joe mused, turning to look at them. Angel Bunny looked back at him and then, ignoring Owlowiscious, informed Joe of his opinion. “Pbbbbbbbbtttttttttttttttttttttttt!” “And ppfffppfpfffffppppppffffffffff to you as well,” Joe agreed. Then he looked at his checklist. “Right… on with things.” == Twilight Sparkle took a deep breath and released it in the calming method Princess Cadance had taught her. Despite Princess Celestia’s reassurance she was still nervous as she had barely seen her friends after she’d returned to Ponyville with these wings. She was sure they were still her friends, but what if they were not so sure? What if seeing her here in this, literally, palatial room made them feel as scared as she was? As a filly all she had wanted to do was study magic and to pass her entry examination for the school, so being made Princess Celestia’s personal student had already been beyond her dreams. To make such friends, have such adventures, and now be a Princess? Her childhood self or even her of a few years ago would have been utterly disbelieving. The door opened and there was a sudden rainbow streak linking corridor to where Twilight Sparkle sat. “Hey!” Rainbow Dash greeted and hugged. “How’s my newest flying buddy? Managed to get some practice in or been busy with the egghead Princess stuff?” “Ah’m sure Twilight will have practiced, if she could,” said Applejack, entering the room with less speed. “She knows that if you don’t get enough exercise with something then you… er… erm.” “No offence taken,” Fluttershy smiled as her friend spluttered to a stop. “I was never a strong flier, but I know I could use my wings more.” She gave Twilight Sparkle a serious look. “Even if you don’t spend as much time flying as Rainbow you should get some practice each day.” “This is going to be great!” grinned Rainbow Dash, releasing Twilight Sparkle and proving Fluttershy’s point by flapping rather than stepping back. “How much flying have you tried? Have you tried cloud walking yet? I know Princess Celestia can cloud walk but I don’t remember seeing Princess Luna or Princess Cadance do it… so did you get that Pegasus ability or just the wings…” “Darling,” Rarity interrupted, “we are here to see about her coronation, not your curiosity.” “And we didn’t have the Alicorn Party!” added Pinkie Pie. Twilight Sparkle winced but, to her surprise, there was no explosion. Seeing her expression Pinkie Pie giggled. “Silly, I can’t make your new Guards too grumpy by firing my Party Cannon too often.” Twilight Sparkle winced again. That was something that hadn’t occurred to her and unlike her sister-in-law she didn’t have someone to take care of it. The return of the Crystal Empire had been a surprise but, by having married Shining Armour, Princess Cadence had ‘stolen’ the Captain of the Royal Guard from that post to apply his skills to commanding her new armies. Twilight Sparkle doubted she’d be given that much responsibility this soon but even if Princess Celestia planned for her to remain in Canterlot, or hopefully Ponyville, both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had their personal units as well as being who the Loyal Oath of all Equestria’s military was sworn to. “How y’all holding up, sugar cube?” Applejack asked, noticing the wince. “Ah expect this has been even more a shock to you then us.” “It felt like a dream when I woke up yesterday,” admitted Twilight Sparkle, then she unfurled a wing with a smile, “though I did find some proof that it hadn’t been. What did happen between when I finished the spell and when I saw you again, anyway?” “Well, we were very worried… and rather annoyed with Spike and Joe for not stopping it…” Rarity began. “I had to trip Joe,” said Spike, moving across to admire the wing and taking the chance to give his ‘big sister’ a smile and hug. “It was scary when you vanished,” Fluttershy agreed, “until we noticed there was a scorch mark in the shape of your Cutie Mark.” “And then not much happened,” shrugged Applejack. “Spike tried sending word to Princess Celestia, but th’ scroll kept coming back.” “It didn’t feel like we were talking that long,” Twilight Sparkle nodded, tentatively trying to fold her wing and managing to return Spike’s hug with it. “But we were talking somewhere Princess Luna said was more a place of mind than somewhere physical. Myself and Princess Celestia I mean.” Spike nodded. “That’s probably why the scroll didn’t work then.” “So we waited and waited,” complained Rainbow Dash. “Had some cake and buns and a bit of a ‘got right cutie marks’ celebration.” “Hard to be too enthusiastic though,” Pinkie Pie admitted, “when you were missing. Which was good for Spikey-Wikey as he didn’t have too much tidying to do at the library afterwards.” “Grr,” commented Spike. “They all helped me with my animals when it got late,” Fluttershy smiled. “Except Rarity and Spike, they cooked at the library.” “And then as we finished eating we saw th’ light,” nodded Applejack, “and went outside to see a giant version of your Cutie Mark coming down on Ponyville and when that faded we saw you. And you know th’ rest.” “So, what was that talk about, dear?” Rarity asked. “And whatever did you mean by a place of mind?” “I thought you said we were here to see about her coronation, not our curiosity?” teased Rainbow Dash. “Not yours, darling. Mine is another matter.” “It was strange,” Twilight Sparkle said, “sort of a road made of stars, and more stars and a nebula surrounding us. I woke up and looked around and nopony was there but as I called I heard Princess Celestia’s voice and she approached out of a blur. She showed me pictures of things we had done together and told me how proud she was of me, and how far I had come… but I don’t feel like a different Pony…” “And you don’t want to be a different Pony?” asked Applejack. “I don’t want to lose any of you…” Twilight Sparkle began before she was interrupted by a sudden pink blur and the impact of a full strength Pinkie Pie hug. “Fine idea,” nodded Rarity, moving with grace to bestow a rather less crushing embrace. The others joined in and held the hug until there was a muffled comment from within it. “You know,” Spike said, “as much as being inside a pile of Mares might be some people’s ideal you are pushing Twilight’s wing against my nose, and I don’t want to sneeze.” “Sorry Spike,” replied Applejack, herding the others back and away out of flame range. “No problem,” Spike said, rubbing his nose. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash exchanged looks and then, to Twilight Sparkle’s shock, it was Fluttershy that extended a wing to give a quick few flicks of the feathers at the tip of it across Spike’s nose. That was too much and with a swirl of green fire the sneeze escaped him. Twilight Sparkle blinked almost as much as Spike did. Someone ticking Spike’s nose was not unexpected, that it hadn’t been Rainbow Dash was. “I… erm… am trying to use what I learned from having Pinkie’s Cutie Mark,” smiled Fluttershy. “We all had a mite of thinking,” Applejack nodded, “as sure as we are these are our Cutie Marks and destinies we got a bit more appreciation for that and for what th’ others do.” “Those are your Cutie Marks and destinies,” agreed Twilight Sparkle, spreading both wings, “but is this mine? Just before I floated up, with magic swirling around my barrel where these have appeared, Princess Celestia said it was time for me to fulfil my destiny. I thought my destiny was to study magic and hopefully write books that would be referred to for years to come.” “You know all th’ stuff Princess Celestia said about th’ things you’ve shown?” Applejack asked, waiting for Twilight Sparkle to nod. “Well ah’m th’ Element of Honesty, so you can trust me when ah say she was understating how fine a Pony you are and how much you deserve such ah title and what ah fine job we all think you’ll do of it.” “Yeah,” agreed Rainbow Dash. “You’re still not as awesome as me, but you will make an awesome Princess.” == Tank and Gummy were exchanging blinks and witticisms, Owlowiscious was asleep as befitted a nocturnal bird, and Winona could come with him on his rounds. That left Joe ‘only’ the problem of Opalescence and Angel Bunny. He didn’t trust Opalescence with the mice and birds and didn’t trust Angel Bunny at all. It still seemed unfair to single them out for special warning though so Joe instead clapped his hands for attention. “Hwhooo?” complained Owlowiscious, opening one eye. “Aruff?” Winona asked, wondering what tall-thing wanted. “All right everyone,” Joe said, addressing the room in general and feeling a touch foolish. As smart as everything seemed here he was still talking to a bunch of critters as if they were a class of children. “Fluttershy prepared the buckets for the morning feed and I’ll be going in and out of here to deal with it. I hope I can trust you to not cause trouble in my brief absences…” Angel Bunny sniggered and Owlowiscious gave him a faint hoot and glare. “Because,” Joe continued, “there are cages and there are collars and leads…” Mention of those was enough to make Opalescence wake up again and give Joe a look that conveyed her opinion of the threat. “So you get one chance,” Joe finished, “and then you spend feeding time restrained. Get a second chance and then you spend the rest of the day in a cage or tied up. I’ll treat you like you can behave until you prove otherwise.” “Pbbbtttttt!” sneered Angel Bunny. Joe moved fast and Angel Bunny suddenly found himself dangling from his scruff in midair. “You really are a dreadful little brat,” Joe commented, “but at least you’re a reasonably charmingly irrepressible one.” “Pbbbtt,” agreed Angel Bunny, waving his paws around a bit. “Do you want to go in the cage now? Or shall we pretend you won’t annoy me twice before the end of the day?” “Hwhooooo!” said Owlowiscious, commenting that he saw no reason to wait. Angel Bunny considered things and then nodded. Joe put him back on the floor, alert for retaliation, but rather than try to kick him or blow another raspberry and then flee Angel Bunny just looked at him for a moment, and then hopped across and tapped the checklist. Joe looked at where the paw was tapping and then looked at the rabbit. “Are you saying that you’ll misbehave, but that will be compensated for by you reminding me of things I forget?” “Pbbbbtttttttttttttt!” agreed Angel Bunny. “No deal,” Joe said, ignoring Angel Bunny’s look of shock. “I’d rather forget things. And, rather than have you remind me, I can give myself a better chance of remembering them by putting you in a hutch so I have one less distraction.” “Hwhoooooooooooooooooo!” agreed Owlowiscious. The human and the rabbit matched wills until the latter nodded again. He’d learned from when his servant pony had taken assertiveness lessons that there could be limits. If he accepted those then he could get a lot of pampering and if he didn’t then it seemed he was going to get none. It didn’t seem like the human was bluffing, and he even looked as if he’d prefer to just put him in a cage. “Pbbbt,” Angel Bunny nodded. He was still determined to get some mischief done, but would concede for now. == The six friends walked through the great hall of the Castle, sunlight streaming through the vast windows all around them as Ponies bustled about adding more decorations. If Joe had been there he’d have made some inane comment about the advantage of some of them being Pegasi and therefore no scaffolding or ladders being needed for those jobs. The enormity of the event was beginning to trouble Fluttershy again and she couldn’t help but glance around nervously and remember how many Ponies had managed to squeeze inside for the wedding. “If you could pay attention, Miss Fluttershy,” the Pegasus with a clipboard tucked under one wing snapped, “then we might be able to finish explaining why each part of the ceremony is as it is.” “Oh, I’m…” Fluttershy began to squeak. “Your information is welcome,” interrupted Twilight Sparkle, swinging one forehoof up to quiet her friend’s apology. “Your attitude is not. If you cannot dispense of the latter then We shall dispense of your presence.” “Of course,” the Pegasus said hurriedly, “my apologies Your Majesty, and to your friend.” “Now,” said Twilight Sparkle, “you were informing Us of the tradition behind that arch of foliage and the bells?” “Yes, Your Majesty…” As the Pegasus returned to her lecturing and her eyes became fixed on her clipboard Applejack sidled up to Twilight Sparkle. “Well,” she commented quietly, “ah’m impressed.” “A tip from Princess Luna,” Twilight Sparkle replied, trying to not spoil the air of command with an embarrassed blush. As long as she pretended she was just playing a role in a play she could keep the regal attitude, but Applejack’s comment had reminded her of how much she was still just her and how wrong it felt to put on such airs. == Opalescence crept forward a fraction and then Winona matched the movement. Their eyes locked in contest as they disputed their prize. Once Angel Bunny had been dealt with Joe had spent the time fetching and emptying buckets and had shown he was worthy of some gratitude by chopping and shredding a few fish for the carnivorous pets. He’d pointed out to Owlowiscious that he thought there were some fishing owls, to Opalescence there were certainly fishing cats, and Gummy had needed little persuasion to suck down small enough pieces of fish. Winona had been unsure as this wasn’t her normal tasty kibble but had accepted the idea that tall-thing was trying to be nice. The cat and dog moved a little closer. Joe was sitting and the way humans sat made good laps. Good enough even for Ponies so marginally acceptable for cats, Opalescence thought, and very good for dogs, in Winona’s opinion. Neither wanted to share and neither wanted the other to get it. Then the small cat that had used Joe’s trouser leg as a ladder walked between them, ignoring them with head and tail held high, hopped up onto the sofa and straight onto Joe’s lap to settle. Winona and Opalescence sat up to look and, as Joe began rubbing the cat around one ear, it started to purr and gave them both a remarkably supercilious sneer for such a small cute animal. == “You wanted to see me, Your Highness?” Spike asked, giving Princess Celestia a bow. He’d met her within minutes of being hatched and if Twilight Sparkle was his ‘big sister’ then Princess Celestia was close to being the formidable dowager great-aunt that everyone in the family was scared of but respected and loved even more. Who might dismiss formality behind closed doors but demanded proper manners in public. And this did seem ‘in public’ even if the only others present were a pair of Royal Guards. “Rise,” Princess Celestia said gently, continuing as Spike did, “you have a very important role to play in today’s events.” Her horn flickered and the lid of a closed and armoured box opened. “Do you recognise what this is?” Spike moved a little closer, leaning back slightly as the two Guards straightened and tensed. “I can guess.” “At ease gentlecolts,” Princess Celestia ordered before turning her attention back to Spike. “This is the reshaped Element of Magic and it is the Crown that will be symbol of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s office. Your task will be to carry it out so it may be placed on her head.” “And not drop it,” said Spike, essaying a small joke. “There is little that would do it harm,” Princess Celestia replied, acknowledging this with an even smaller smile, “but that would do Twilight harm and cause me trouble crushing the gossip.” “Gossip?” “There would be those of the aristocracy that would snigger how dropping the crown augured for Twilight’s new role,” Princess Celestia nodded, “would use that embarrassment to try to undercut her. And though Equestria could be well rid of such fools I have tried to be tolerant.” “Why?” asked Spike, presuming on his relationship with her. “You know the answer to that,” Princess Celestia smiled, “a thousand years of allowing them to take a greater share of mortal affairs while I was concerned with the minor matter of having to raise the Sun and the Moon is not easily reversed.” Spike nodded, he’d read some of the surviving histories of before Princess Luna fell to become Nightmare Moon and been surprised how much more directly the sisters had ruled back then. It was a contrast with what he had seen at the modern Court and what he had heard when people failed to watch their words around him, since he was only a ‘baby dragon’. “Which of course is a lie,” Princess Celestia said, seeing this reaction, her smile broadening and the colours of her aurora mane and tail brightening. “So I tolerate them as should I not then I might prove just how easy it would be to purge all that oppose me and restore the old ways. They survive on my willingness to abstain from their destruction in favour of gentler methods of rule.” Spike nodded again and smiled. “So definitely don’t drop the crown and risk them being intolerable?” “That might be better for Equestria,” Princess Celestia winked. == Rotor blades beat at the air as Tank twisted and turned in the finest display of unpredictable evasive manoeuvres Fluttershy’s cottage had ever seen. Or perhaps he just didn’t know where he was going or how to aim himself in that direction even if he did. The birds shrieking in protest as they had to flap up from perches or swerve in flight to avoid him seemed to be assuming the latter. Joe wandered across and looked at the Tortoise until he treated Tank the same way as he had Tank’s owner. Except without dragging him down into water and the hands coming in from either side to grab the shell rather than rear hooves. Carefully shifting his grip Joe managed to bring Tank lower and turn him to face him. Then once he was sure he had a good hold with his left hand he released with his right so he could use that forefinger to give the Tortoise a scratch under the chin and neck and get a sleepy smile in return. “You know Tank,” Joe said, moving across to the other side of the cottage, “I don’t think they appreciate you as much as Dash does, so maybe fly over here where they can’t crash into you?” Tank blinked in assent as the birds protested how much it was the other way around. Releasing the Tortoise to do random turns and spirals ‘over here’ rather than ‘over there’ Joe watched him for a minute or so and then headed back to the kitchen and storeroom to go back to preparing the buckets for midday. == “Twily,” said Shining Armour, informing his sister of his pet name for her as he gave her a hug. “It is good to see you again Twilight,” Princess Cadance added, joining the hug. “Who’d have thought where we’d be when I was foalsitting you.” “I’m so proud,” agreed Shining Armour, continuing to hug as his wife finished and stepped back. “My sister, a Princess and an Alicorn…” “Yes,” Twilight Sparkle said, sounding slightly muffled. Princess Cadence watched her husband and her sister-in-law for a while and then sighed. “A good thing she’s not in formal dress yet.” “Why?” Shining Armour asked. “Because you have been hugging her, hard, for this long and would have crumpled anything but armour beyond repair.” “Oh,” Shining Armour said, releasing his sister and stepping back. “Oooh,” semi-echoed Twilight Sparkle, stretching her new wings as well as everything else in relief. “I’m not sure he wouldn’t have crumpled armour.” “Erm,” Shining Armour blushed. “Those look lovely,” said Princess Cadance, having pity on her husband and changing the subject a little. “How has flying been for you?” “I’ve managed a little, and Rainbow Dash is keen to give me lessons,” Twilight Sparkle smiled. “Oh dear,” blinked Princess Cadence, “no offence to your friend, but I think I had better give you some as well.” “Rainbow is the best flier in…” Twilight Sparkle began in defence of her. “She is very fast, she is very agile, and rumour has it she can outfly others even when wearing a nice dress,” smiled Princess Cadance. “But you’ll need some lessons on dignified slow flying as well, how to descend with grace even if you are wearing enough jewellery and fabric to sink an air yacht.” == On his perch Owlowiscious slept peacefully and below him Angel Bunny reversed the natural order, rabbit seeking owl as his prey. Closer Angel Bunny stalked until finally he was almost within range with his tiny rabbit sized cup and the water inside it. Then he heard a slight growl from behind him, he turned and glared at Winona but realised it was too late as Joe had was also looking at him. The human had sat after preparing the buckets to rest until the midday feed was due. Angel Bunny wasn’t sure if the human had already noticed him or if it had been the dog, but assuming the latter he stared straight at Winona. “Pppppppppppppppppppbbbbbbbbbttttttttttttttttttt!” “Grrrrr,” Winona replied. “Angel,” said Joe, a tone of warning in that single word. Angel Bunny looked at the human, glanced at the owl who was now awake and looking down at him, and then shrugged and drank his water. Which of course had been what he’d intended, had just decided to drink it almost within throwing range of Owlowiscious. Joe shook his head a little. “Come on, let’s put a carrot in you,” Joe sighed as he stood, “though if you’d thrown that over Owlowiscious I expect he’d have preferred me to push it into the other end of you than your mouth.” “Pbbbtttttttttttt,” commented Angel Bunny. == More Ponies had arrived so the rehearsals were getting more complex. After the last run through though Twilight Sparkle had sought out the Pegasus with the clipboard and had tried to dismiss the explanations of why it would be traditional for those Ponies to follow her from the doors to the other end of the great hall and the waiting dignitaries. “I’m just not sure about the singing,” Twilight Sparkle argued. “Yes, Your Highness, but…” “Everypony will notice the doors open, will be able to see I’ve arrived…” “True, Your Highness, but…” the Pegasus tried again. “If they are going to look they are going to look, they don’t need to be told to look in song…” “It would signal when it is polite to turn, Your Highness, so…” “I don’t need Ponies following me and singing to look, so maybe just a fanfare when the doors open?” Twilight Sparkle suggested. “That would announce you, Your Highness, but…” “Trumpets are fun!” called Pinkie Pie, causing a trio of Royal Guards to shudder. Unfortunately for them this shudder was violent enough their Sergeant began bawling them out about how when he said stand to attention and be decorative, even if they weren’t fancy Unicorns or Pegasi, he meant stand to attention and be decorative! Not shake like a jelly. The mention of jelly caught Pinkie Pie’s ear and, to the horror of the trio, she bounced over to say hello to them and thank them for delivering the invitation. Fortunately for them twenty years as a N.C.O. had left their Sergeant able to handle even this threat and after he very politely said how he was glad they had done a good job, but right now they needed to be practicing this, Pinkie Pie bounced away again. == Joe lobbed a second fish to the Sea Lionand then a third before he glanced to Winona. “I wonder if I should eat some of these myself.” “Honk,” protested the Sea Lion. “No, not one of these ones rather than give it to you,” Joe said, throwing a fourth, “one of the fish back in the kitchen.” “Wuff?” asked Winona as that fish also vanished into the Sea Lion. “I know, should stick to being vegetarian since I’ve been it for months,” Joe nodded, throwing the fifth fish. “Just feeding fish to other things makes me wonder if I should feed them to myself.” “Honk?” said the Sea Lion as Joe continued to think for a few moments. “Oh, right,” Joe said, “here’s number six.” That fish lobbed and devoured Joe started back towards the cottage, Winona continuing to keep him company. “I’m not even sure though if I should have fed fish to you.” “Aroo?” asked Winona. It had been quite a tasty change so why not. “Some human vegetarians do feed their pets meat, as the pets are carnivores rather than omnivores,” Joe said, not sure if he was explaining things to the Collie or thinking them through aloud, “which seems Fluttershy’s attitude, judging from the fish.” “Aruff,” agreed Winona. “Then again some vegetarians stick to vegetable protein, like our kibble,” Joe continued, “which seems Applejack’s attitude.” “Rarrummm,” said Winona, seeing where the doubts had come in. == Fluttershy sighed in relief as she realised they had practiced everything they were going to do. After all her worrying it had seemed too simple that they would just need to walk out and stand in a line in the great hall, and then follow Twilight Sparkle out of there and walk along the street near her coach. Walking and standing and walking was not too complex to remember, even if there were going to be so many eyes on them. Too many eyes. She suppressed the squeak and the urge to hide and tried to distract herself by wondering how well Joe was doing with her little friends. Though that was not a good distraction as she began worrying about that instead. == “Oh, Opalescence!” Joe sighed. “Mrorow!” replied Opalescence, if he would just go away again for five minutes this problem would vanish. And so would the mouse she’d got cornered. “No, no, no,” Joe said, crouching and getting ready to grab a handful of cat fur. “Look, I’ll admit most of the mice I saw back on my world were little corpses brought in to show off by a kitty, but Fluttershy would not praise and appreciate and call you a clever brave hunter…” The mouse squeaked indignantly at this comment. Where was the cleverness or the bravery in this bullying? He’d been minding his own business and suddenly this great fat mass of white fur had descended almost onto him. “But even there I tended to put the mouse back outside if it was still alive,” Joe continued, “so as Fluttershy would be upset I should also rescue this one.” “Mworowow!” said Opalescence, trying kitten eyes. “That didn’t work on me when it was my own cat, so no.” “Mrow,” sniffed Opalescence, what was the point in bestowing friendship on an omnivore if he didn’t let her be a carnivore. As Joe picked the mouse up and checked it over for any wounds Opalescence flirted her tail at the pair of them and retreated to snooze on the sofa. If the human was very lucky she might forgive him and allow him the privilege of admiring her rather than the dog or the other cat, but the good will engendered by the fish had now been grievously squandered. == The five Mares got dressed, though for a while it was more accurate to say four of them were getting dressed while Rarity spent her time bustling back and forth checking every detail of their appearances. Eventually though she donned her own outfit and the other four had a brief respite from her attentions while she did this and gave herself a checking over. Then Rarity went back to her checking and tweaking and reassuring until even she had to declare ‘perfection’. It was a nervous several minutes as they waited and heard the noise past the door build. Hoofsteps on the tile floor, a rising murmur of conversation, a few musicians tuning their instruments. All minor noises by themselves but combined they showed that the great hall was filling up and things were about to begin. There was a fanfare and as Ponies stood still and stopped talking silence fell. The doors opened and, taking their cue, the five Holders of the Elements of Harmony paraded out and down between the pones either side of the processional to assume their positions in a line facing the crowd at one side of the stage. Then Princess Cadence, Princess Luna, and finally Princess Celestia entered in their order of precedence along with Spike and the crown. The light of Her Sun shone down through all the windows surrounding the great hall as Princess Celestia made her speech and the doors at the far end opened again. Princess Twilight Sparkle had lost her argument as rather than being preceded by a simpler fanfare she was trailed as she entered by four blond-maned white-coated Mares, with banners of her Cutie Mark and coat colour, singing about how she cometh. The four grey-coated and golden-armoured unicorns trailing these were also singing and Twilight Sparkle hoped they were not the first of an entire unit to be assigned to her. Trying to persuade herself this was not the scariest thing she had ever faced, and trying to ignore that most of the other things she could have escaped from or fought with magic rather than simply having to face them, Twilight Sparkle continued towards the stage. There Spike brought her new crown from the opposite side of the stage to where her friends were standing and it was placed upon her head by the magic of Princess Celestia herself. Cheers echoed in the hall and then echoed up to the balcony leading off of it as Twilight Sparkle went out onto it and tentatively waved. Once her mentor had prompted her into making a speech she returned into the great hall to have her brother claim his tears were liquid pride and be reassured by Pinkie Pie it was the best coronation ever. Fluttershy showed a touch more sensitivity to what doubts Twilight Sparkle was feeling at this change in her life and assured her instead that they all loved her before her coronation dress got a little crumpled by a group hug. “There are more of them hugging,” Princess Cadance whispered to her still damp-eyed husband, “but still wouldn’t do as much damage as one of yours.” == Winona was happy. The small cat had taken itself elsewhere and Opalescence was still in a snit about the mouse and trying to ignore Joe’s presence as she snoozed at the other end of the couch. Which meant tall-thing was hers to put chin on leg of and get scruff of neck ruffled by. Joe was slumped comfortably and Angel Bunny had managed almost the same posture beside him. Whether this was as comfortable for the rabbit or whether he was mocking him Joe wasn’t sure, but he didn’t much care. “If I’ve got the time right,” Joe commented, drawing a blink from Tank and more studious ignoring from Opalescence, “then Twilight’s been crowned or about to be crowned, and we didn’t get to see it. Or even hear it…” “Pbbbbttttt!” replied Angel Bunny. “I think I am almost starting to understand those,” Joe frowned. “But ppppffbbffbbbbtttttttttttttttt to you as well.” Angel Bunny sniffed and Gummy and Tank had a blink to each other. Joe sat for a few minutes longer before continuing his thought and switching the ruffling of Winona to more around an ear. “Come to think of it, why didn’t we get to hear it?” Joe pondered. “Plenty of electrical and electronic gubbins in Twilight’s basement.” “Arf?” asked Winona. “Ah, doesn’t matter,” Joe shrugged, “probably magic. I remember a story where some humans had psionics, so they hadn’t invented other ways to transmit messages over long distances. But here if Twilight’s not too busy with her new duties, and it doesn’t already exist, she could likely invent radio broadcasting in an afternoon.” “Hwhooo,” agreed Owlowiscious. == Twilight Sparkle and her friends made their way down through the castle, Guards saluting her on the way, and to the chamber where her coach awaited. White Pegasi were already hitched to it and Applejack hoped they were strong as that thing looked heavy. Seemed a mite puzzling to her why they’d used Pegasi anyhow as it didn’t appear to be a flying one, so some proper Earth Pony strength might be handy. And if it had looked like it would help Twilight Sparkle with her nerves for there to be some friendly bickering then Applejack would have voiced that idea and picked the fight with Rainbow Dash. The doors opened and they could see grey-coated golden-armoured Unicorn Royal Guards lining either side of the avenue to keep the crowds back. With a heave the Pegasi got the ornate coach into motion and the cheers redoubled as Twilight Sparkle began waving and smiling and trying to not hyperventilate. As much as her confidence had grown it was not many years ago that she had fled rather than go on a stage in front of a few dozen people. Being paraded in front of hundreds was a large step up from that. As the coach passed through the line of her friends Twilight Sparkle decided to trot along with them rather than ride. She would rather share in their joy than remain separated from them so together they danced along the avenue with matching smiles. == Winona had napped for all of a minute but had been running for far longer now so Joe was beginning to understand why Applejack had warned that she got a little wild without enough exercise. Every time he spoke her name she stopped, sat, and looked at him, but after a few seconds of happy doggy grin panting she started running again. The other creatures inside the cottage seemed to have marked her path and it was a regular circuit so nothing was in any danger of being stepped on. Joe did hope though that Winona would run out of energy before she wore a groove in the floorboards. == They had waited for this moment of triumph, of overconfidence that everything was going to be fine, and now they would strike. Victory would be theirs and nothing any mere ‘Princess’ could do would stop them. It did not matter were they Immortal Goddess or newly crowned, they would fall in defeat and all would be soon achieved. All their goals would now fall within their grasp. == Joe grabbed left and with a raspberry Angel Bunny dodged right and zipped past him. Twisting on the knee he was knelt on Joe almost managed to get a handful of rabbit. Enjoying the game, though too tired out from the running to join in, Winona gave an encouraging ‘wuff’ as Joe rose and began to stalk towards his target again. “Hold still you little bugger!” Joe growled. “Pppbbttt!” said Angel Bunny, sticking his tongue out for good measure. “Don’t annoy me too much,” Joe warned, “you get a few more dodges and then I might hurt you as the grabs get less careful.” Angel Bunny considered this and then dashed forward and between Joe’s legs to blow another raspberry from behind him. “Like there,” Joe commented as he turned, “I could have done this…” He snapped his heels together. “But might have caught you between them.” “Ppppffpppppbbbfbbbpppptttttttt,” agreed Angel Bunny. He thought the human was overestimating his own speed but knew the difference between someone trying to catch gently and someone trying to catch at all costs. “Hwhooo?” Owlowiscious asked. “If you are offering to help then no thanks,” nodded Joe, turning slightly towards the Owl, “still more fun than otherwise.” Then Joe turned suddenly back, trying to catch Angel Bunny by surprise but the instincts honed by his species being the favoured food of so many things served the rabbit well. Joe feinted left, grabbed right, and felt only the merest brush of fur against fingertips. “Right,” Joe said, “I am willing to leave the rollers in your tail, the buckets for the evening routine need to be dealt with…” “Pbbbbt?” asked Angel Bunny. “We can play this another minute or so, or you can let me take them out now and have the time to do it more gently, or they can stay in. Your choice.” Angel Bunny considered and then hopped up onto the sofa to lie on his front. He waved his tail commandingly and, with a shake of his head, Joe carefully unravelled the rollers and gave the tail a few swipes with a soft brush to make sure it was fluffy. Angel Bunny looked at the magnificence adoring his rear and nodded. Then he looked at Joe and waved a forepaw in the direction of the kitchen. “Pbbbbbbbbbbtttttttttttttttttttttttttbbbbtttttttppppbbbbbbtttttttttttt!” Joe replied, informing him of his opinion of being ordered around by a rabbit. == Rainbow Dash evaded another attack. The coronation had been awesome but she was even more awesome. It was just a shame that Joe wasn’t here to see it! == After the quick exchange of duelling raspberries Joe had gone and sorted out the food for the evening feeds. Some nuts and greenery for a few of the animals inside the cottage, Angel Bunny of course wanting to steal some of the latter as well as his own while Tank just munched from his own bowl. The buckets filled and then emptied by throwing or scattering their contents. Food for the other four pets, though as at midday Joe stuck to kibble rather than shredding any more fish for them. But now Joe had a problem. “I can understand this Winona…” “Wuff?” asked Winona. “One of the real problems with bird feeders, for humans, is how high to put them,” Joe continued, looking up. “Too low and they become cat feeders as they lure in the birds…” “Arufff,” agreed Winona, she’d seen Opalescence watching the ones inside the cottage. “And if you are not careful then they are squirrel feeders…” “Ruff?” “Squirrels are born climbers, so they can scale poles, or get down string dangling from branches, or along ropes,” Joe explained, chuckling as he remembered experiments with seeing just how many different obstacles a Squirrel could overcome. “Afff,” said Winona, understanding. Joe looked up again at the bird feeders high overhead, within easy reach for a Pegasus but not for a human, which he was supposed to refill. Fluttershy might be a weak flier but she could fly and she had taken advantage of that to help make sure the right ‘little friends’ got the right food. Some of them Joe might be able to reach if Fluttershy had a ladder, which didn’t seem likely as she had wings. Others though were well away from anything a ladder could be lent against or which a Squirrel would be able to climb. With a shrug and sigh Joe picked the bucket full of seed with a measuring jug back up and went back inside. == Princess Celestia looked around at Canterlot and the aftermath of victory. She called out to her subjects to give thanks, once more the Holders of the Elements of Harmony had saved and preserved them. As the cheering echoed off the walls the Goddess of the Sun did wonder how though many times more Twilight Sparkle and her friends would have to play such a crucial role as depending on any set of champions, however stalwart, to save you was unwise. == Opalescence purred as she allowed Joe the honour of brushing her and removing the tiny amounts of loose fur that had developed since her Pony had been granted the same honour the day before. He’d annoyed her by brushing the wrong way but she had appreciated that he’d made his mouth noises to explain that was to help anything that was going to come out to come out. Soon her fur had been restored to smoothness and now she was encouraging him to keep going despite the lack of results other than purring. “Pbbbttttt,” said Angel Bunny. “What?” Joe asked. “Pbbbbbtttttbbbbttttttttttttt!” replied Angel Bunny with more emphasis as he hopped up onto the sofa. “You’re wanting to be brushed as well?” Joe guessed. “Pppbbppppttt,” nodded Angel Bunny. “Hrrrsssss,” Opalescence said, this was her slave for now. Angel Bunny frowned at Opalescence and stuck his tongue out with another raspberry. “Careful there Angel Bunny,” Joe commented, continuing to brush, “heard a story of a cat, which was a fluffy white Persian, and about the first thing it did when its people moved to the countryside was start killing rabbits and half eating them under a bed.” Opalescence licked her lips at Angel Bunny. “But,” Joe added to her, “I think Fluttershy would be even more upset than if you’d got that mouse.” Not recognising Joe’s right to advise her and still holding a grudge about being denied that prey and snack Opalescence weighed the continued brushing against that insolence. With the instinct shared by many cats of being willing to put pride and the desire to show annoyance against their best interests Opalescence rose and prowled to the other end of the sofa to show her back to Joe. Then a raspberry sounded behind her as Angel Bunny hopped into the vacated lap and, with a shrug, Joe started brushing the rabbit. Opalescence glanced and glared as she saw the human hadn’t even taken the trouble to put her brush to one side and pick up Angel Bunny’s instead. She gave a sniff and decided to deny Joe even the right of admiring her back, a tail flirt and nose tilt and she left to find a place to sleep that was less contaminated by rabbit and human. == The trio of winged chariots descended towards the cottage, the pairs of Pegasi pulling and steering them feeling a little nervous. This landing had been difficult enough before with how narrow the path was and how high and close the trees around it were but at least last time they weren’t carrying passengers. And not just passengers but newly minted Royalty. Carefully aiming and back-flapping a little to slow the lead chariot touched down, but that pair had the easy job. The second Chariot had a little less room to aim for as they had to pull up short of the first and the third chariot had to pull up short of them both. “Thank you gentlecolts,” Twilight Sparkle said, stepping down from the lead chariot, Spike hopping down behind her and Rarity descending. “Ma’am,” nodded the nearer Pegasus, the lead Pony of the lead team, drawing himself to full attention. He felt honoured and relieved to have been carrying the new Princess as although that meant he and his partner had to fly perfectly it did also spare him the other passengers. While they had been in Canterlot the three teams had chatted and one had mentioned how hard it was to keep the chariot level when a Earth Pony was bouncing around from one side to the other of it. The other had said that at least they weren’t getting a constant stream of comments about their flying from one Pegasus passenger to her shyer friend. The door of the cottage opened as Joe noticed the arrival. Despite how he filled the doorway there was a streak of white as Angel Bunny zipped past him to complain about how he had been bullied and not given enough carrots or brushing. Joe grabbed and managed to snag Winona’s collar to prevent her following but in stooping to do that he left enough of a gap above him for Tank to helicopter through. Rainbow Dash took off to meet her pet in midair while Fluttershy also took off so she could scoop hers up with her forehooves and tell him how adorable he was. Twilight Sparkle smiled as she saw Winona surge and Joe nearly lose his balance. As she led her earthbound friends onto the bridge she felt guilty that her relief at seeing her closest friends and ‘baby brother’ and the pressure of the day had let him slip her mind. But the others had reassured her that Joe had seemed nothing more than tired during the time they had waited in the Golden Oaks Library and seemed even better for the night’s sleep. Twilight Sparkle turned to face the three flying chariots. “Thank you all again,” she said, dismissing them, “We hope you have a safe flight back to Canterlot.” “Thank you Ma’am,” nodded the lead Pegasus again. “Hup!” With some effort the three teams managed to swing their flying chariots around to take off again in reverse order of landing. Something else that had been easier before as they’d managed to do the first part before their passengers had emerged from that cottage, and so had been able to use more shouting and swearing to coordinate manners. Hooves thudded, wings beat, and they were away. Joe released Winona, now it was safe, and stood so he could kneel and bow his head as Twilight Sparkle continued her approach. “Your Majesty.” “Oh,” Twilight Sparkle said, realising Joe was completely serious in this, “erm… rise.” Joe stood and noticed how tired they all looked. He decided to fall back on the default response of his countrymen to any emergency or crisis. Whatever the situation, however drastic, there was only one solution. “Would you all like some tea?” “I’d rather have some cider,” Rainbow Dash teased swooping down to land, Tank making a wobblier but determined descent to stay with her. “I did ask Big Macintosh about that yesterday,” smiled Joe, “but agreed to let the barrels stand a week or so to finish becoming ready.” “Aw.” “But, in any case,” Rarity said, “tea does sound lovely after the day we have had.” “Right then,” nodded Joe, getting out of the way and out of the doorway. It did not take long for him to boil the kettle and start the pot brewing, though he dithered over if Fluttershy would prefer him to use her normal china or her very best. If this was a few days ago then normal china, if this was any Princess other than Twilight Sparkle then very best. There was a story about a King though who always got cold food as every time he dined as a guest they used their gold plates and those conducted the heat away from the meal. So Joe decided on normal china. When he returned he found pets and Ponies had found each other and large quantities of fussing of the former was being done by the latter, with the exception of Owlowiscious who was retaining his dignity and Tank who seemed content that his Pony was trying to retain hers. Opalescence was glowering at Angel Bunny as she still bore the grudge over the brushing, but the rabbit was ignoring this as he had the results admired. Gummy seemed as bemused as ever. Winona was sprawled in pure doggy joy. “It seems it was a rough day?” Joe commented, setting down the tea tray. “Rough, but awesome!” declared Rainbow Dash. “Oh?” Joe asked, starting to hand out cups and saucers. “Yeah…” nodded Rainbow Dash. With much gesturing of forehooves, and the occasional interruption and correction from the others, Rainbow Dash launched into the story. Joe tried to ask suitable questions as he finished with the crockery and began making the rounds with the teapot and the milk and sugar. It did seem a real contrast though between what he was doing and what his marefriend was describing, so it did also seem that it was fortunate he’d not been in Canterlot as he’d have only got in the way with how skilled the others were. Eventually Rainbow Dash wound down and seemed almost as happy with the very impressed look on Joe’s face as she was with the triumph that had produced that. “Now Rainbow’s finished tooting her own trumpet…” Applejack began. “Sounded more like a Flugelhorn,” smiled Rarity. “Those are even more fun!” Pinkie Pie commented. “And can be louder and less tuneful,” nodded Rarity. “Hey!” Rainbow Dash grumbled. “Ah think it’s about time we all got towards ah own homes,” continued Applejack, ignoring the multiple interruptions, “been a long day.” “It’s… nice to have you all here,” Fluttershy reassured them, “but, erm, yes.” Twilight Sparkle stood and then gave them all a weak smile. “I am not looking forward to this.” “Looking forward to what, honey bun?” Applejack asked. “Ponyville and people treating you differently?” suggested Fluttershy. “Sitting having tea here,” Twilight Sparkle said, adding with more of a smile to Joe, “using our human servant…” Joe brought his arm across his chest and gave her a head bow of mock obeisance. “And listening to Rainbow Dash tell a story, it all feels quite normal.” “You can sleep here if you like,” offered Fluttershy, “though… er…” “Eee’yup,” Applejack nodded. “Ah could put you up at Sweet Apple Acres, but might be best to face this now sugar cube.” “Er, yeah,” agreed Rainbow Dash. “Get back into Ponyville and look them in the eye.” With her instinct for evasions and lies Applejack gave Rainbow Dash a slight look as she noticed the lack of an offer to let Twilight Sparkle sleep at Rainbow Dash’s cottage. After the questions about if she could, like Princess Celestia, cloud walk it seemed like Rainbow Dash might have made the offer and the suggestion that they could find out this way. “Start as you mean to go on,” Joe said, after rejecting the idea of saying ‘get back on the horse’ or ‘get back in the saddle’, “longer you delay the more your fears might grow.” “Indeed,” agreed Rarity. “The people in Ponyville are still your friends Twilight,” Spike added. “Alright,” smiled Twilight Sparkle, “back to Ponyville for me it is then.” “So, are you going to walk or are you going to fly?” Rainbow Dash asked as they started towards the door. “Erm,” replied Twilight Sparkle. “Because flying would be awesome and would give me a chance to give you some more tips.” “Ah.” “I think fly,” Spike said. “Hwhoooo,” agreed Owlowiscious, if you had wings and feathers then walking was idiotic. “I’m not so sure…” Twilight Sparkle argued as the quartet passed out through the door and the debate faded. “Oh my,” commented Rarity with a smile to the others. “It does seem Rainbow has a new project.” “She did give me a lot of help at flight school,” Fluttershy agreed, then she added with a wink, “even when I didn’t want that helping at times.” “Eee’yup, sounds like Rainbow right enough,” nodded Applejack. “Ah’ll be off as well now though?” “Me too,” Pinkie Pie said, “thanks for the tea and looking after Gummy, Joe.” “A pleasure,” nodded Joe. “I hope Opalescence wasn’t any trouble?” Rarity asked. “Not really,” shrugged Joe, deciding to not mention the mouse incident. “Well, I shall take my leave also then,” Rarity nodded. “Nice to see you all,” smiled Fluttershy. “I’ll help with the tidying and then go,” Joe said, looking around. “Oh! Erm… no need,” blinked Fluttershy. “Oh, there is,” Joe disagreed, “since that will compensate for the fact I can’t fly.” “Say what?” asked Applejack. “I couldn’t reach the bird feeders to refill them.” “Okay, I’ll deal with that,” smiled Fluttershy, “we’ll have to remember that next time.” “Yay!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Joe did well enough that he can do it a next time.” “Come on you two,” said Rarity. “Joe needs to work, and I don’t think success at pet and cottage sitting is enough reason for a party.” “But everything is a reason for a party,” Pinkie Pie protested as she followed. “Eee’yup, so you think,” commented Applejack with a roll of her eyes. With the departure of the three ponies and the three pets Joe went back to making himself useful. He carried the bucket of bird seed outside and Fluttershy began flitting up and down filling and emptying the measuring jug. Joe cleared away the remnants of the tea and cleaned up a few minor messes that he could have dealt with sooner rather than spending time sitting on the sofa. Then he went and got the bucket so Fluttershy could fill the bird feeders outside the front door of the cottage. Once she’d done this and he’d taken the bucket back to her kitchen Joe left for his own hut. The day had not been a bad one. No disasters at Fluttershy’s cottage and the attempted disaster at Canterlot had been averted. == Rainbow Dash slipped in through the door of her cottage and looked lovingly at the tall strong handsome stallion waiting for her there. She’d enjoyed the tea and the chance to give Twilight Sparkle a quick lesson on the way back to Ponyville but she had been eager to return here. The stallion smiled to her as he examined her shelf of trophies and then approached her. Rainbow Dash raised her eyes to his. “I love you so much.” “And I love you,” the stallion replied, lowering his lips towards her… to kiss her on top of the head. “Night sweetie.” “Night Dad,” Rainbow Dash smiled.