//------------------------------// // Regrouping // Story: Running With Draconaqui // by Tiaa OwO //------------------------------// The ponies didn't even know that they had no hope in bumping into Jasmine, who was traveling with Science (who they didn't know yet), since she was going in the opposite direction. Spike and Luna flew ahead, scanning the skies for their draconaquus friend. Twilight was ground bound with Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. Rainbow Dash flanked Luna while Fluttershy flew at a laughable altitude beneath the flying three and above the grounded four. She was feeling nervous that day. Twilight had thrown a fit about Spike abandoning his friends for Jasmine while Luna seemed to find it very important that he stay by her side. She found it a little odd. "Um . . . Princess Luna? Can I have a word with you? If that's alright with you that is . . . " she almost whispered. Luna looked down, smiled and flew to Fluttershy's side. "How can I help you, Fluttershy?" "Um, do you know something?" "Pardon?" "I-I well . . . you seem so determined that Spike stay close to Jazz." "Yes. But all males should stick to their mates, no?" "Yes but . . . Do you know something about Jasmine he doesn't?" "I do. Jasmine's going through a very tough time right now. With her condition-" "Her condition!? Is-is Jasmine sick?" Luna chuckled, "No,no Fluttershy. She's perfectly healthy. It's her mental state I'm speaking of. Her father has fancied my sister a long time, you see. Her father is about to put all of Equestria in danger. She feels that it is her duty to help save Equestria or do it herself." "Oh my. I never . . . I never thought of it like that." "She might stress herself out or overwork herself. Don't you think Spike showing up at the right time would help her alot?" "It would help me. So, it would help her too." "Spike is her love. It'd help alot. Do you understand?" Fluttershy nodded, "Oh yes. I see now." Fluttershy gave Luna a smile and blushed at her slowness. Luna watched her fly just a little faster. Luna shook her head and sighed. "If only you really knew . . ." It was a long ride to Fillydelphia. Jasmine didn't think she could last much longer. It was getting dark. It took a few days for the train to reach there. It'd take longer for her. Science yawned. It would be best if we got tickets and rode the train. "But . . . I can't." Oh sorry. Ticket. I forgot I'm just a rat. I can hide in your hair!" Jasmine was suddenly reminded of Pinkie pulling a cupcake out of her fluffy mane. She landed and hid in some bushes. She watched the ticket booth longingly. "It's not that, Science." Jasmine could swear she heard Pinkie calling her name. "I have no money." What!? No bits at all? "None. I'm sorry. If only my friends were here. I miss Spike and Applejack and Pinkie and even Twilight. I feel like I can still hear him say-" "I love you." Jasmine jumped. Science hid in her hair. She whipped around to see the grinning mane six, Luna and Spike. She glared at Spike playfully. "Jeez, you scared me!" "I couldn't resist." They hugged and giggled. Rainbow Dash gagged. Rarity said she thought it was cute. Pinkie simply pulled out a cupcake and smiled more. Science peeked out of her hair. Rarity screamed. "Jasmine, there's a rat in your hair!" Twilight exclaimed. Spike attempted to grab her. Science wouldn't have it. She dove for Spike's head and held on for dear life. She hissed and growled. "Stop! That's just Science!" The ponies and dragon froze. "It's my pet, Science. She was at Master's house . . . our house, technically. She's alright." Science relaxed on Spike's head. "Say hi, Science." Science folded her little forelegs. "Well, I'm sorry Science. I didn't know. I'm sorry if I scared you." Tell him I said he is forgiven. Science said in Jasmine's head only. "Alright. She says you are forgiven." Spike gave her a startled look. "Now come, I need your help. We have to go to Fillydelphia." "Wait, did you say the rat just told you-" Jasmine cut Twilight off with a snort. Science hissed and made a 'shh' face at her. "Did that rat just shush me?" "Why do we need to go to Fillydelphia?" Rarity asked. "Yea. Ah mean, don't we gotta crazy stallion tryin' take over the world?" Applejack added. Rainbow dash made a face as Jasmine turned to Science and yelled, "Shush! You've done enough. I don't need you yelling in my head. No! I know I didn't bring any. So? No, I'm not blaming you . . . what!?" Science wasn't talking. She was making faces. "I can see somepony caught the crazies. . ." "Nonsense! The train is here! Science will explain on the way there." Twilight bought tickets and they boarded. The boxcar was mostly empty except for a mare and her teenage colt and a business stallion and his foal. The mare gasped at Jazz. The colt spotted Applejack and blushed. Applejack lowered her stetson. The mare looked snooty and she glared at Applejack distastefully. Luna was last to board. The ponies watched her in awe. She smiled. The stallion grunted and picked up a bottle. He fed his foal, trying not to stare. "Alright. Science, it's best to explain now." Do I have to? In her head only, again. "Yes! You weren't shy before." The stallion left the boxcart. Fine . . . The ponies watched Jazz uneasily. "Jazz . . . are you feeling alright? Did you hit your head?" Spike asked. "No, I'm not alright. And no I did not hit my head. Science talk or you go overboard." The mare grabbed her son and ran to the next cart. The stallion slowly scooted to the door. Science's ears drooped. We read stuff on a paper and we remembered a place where we met Josiah. You are wondering who is Josiah, yes? "It talks!!!!!!!!!!!" Twilight squealed in glee. Rarity fainted. "Ah'll wake her later. You keep talkin' sugarcube." Science perked up. I knew I would like your friends! "Liar." Jasmine grumbled.