Extended Holiday
Chp 17: Dawn of the Second Day
Act 2
Matthew opened his eyes as the world came back into focus, he reminded himself that it was Six, December of year zero of their time in Equestria. Yet that thought trailed off and vanished as smoke as he saw just who or what was sleeping on his chest. Instead of sleeping on the perch that Shawn bought him. Renati was settled and sleeping on his chest. What slowly got his heart rate going was where the beak had been poised, right above his heart. He did not know what this meant, but he was just happy it was a bird that represented rebirth and new beginning and not death and destruction. Renati opened his own eyes with such a rapid moment it seemed to Matthew that one second they were closed the next they were open and Renati lifted his head and sat up regal and, somehow Matthew was not sure how, it seemed as if the Phoenix smiled at him before opening his wings and took off. Leaving a single dropped feather that landed on his chest.
Matthew blinked and reached out and picked up the feather which, unlike what he thought it would do, burst into flames and ash, just glimmered and he smiled a little and just twirled it between his thumb and pointer finger. He looked to his beret and had a funny thought of pinning it to one side, no clue where the thought came from, but he felt it was the right idea.
As for Moonshade, she awoke to find a feather on her back and she just blinked before smiling and nodded to the Phoenix. She rose to her hoofs only to see that Shawn was gone, yet again in the morning. “So, I think between just me and him, we buried the hatchet.” She looked at Renati and back at Matthew. “He seems to be watching you.”
“Yeah,” Matthew replied, “Reminds me of my Niece in the hospital after my fourth surgery, could not stop looking at me. Yet, I am not scared of the bird, more… honored that he would give me attention.”
Moonshade only shrugged as Matthew entered the restroom to shower and get ready for the day.
Shawn was walking through the market once again, this time just for the sake of wandering. There was a sound of flapping and a higher pitched sound with it coming from behind him, steadily getting louder. With a quick glance behind him he confirmed his suspicions when Renati landed on his shoulder.
“Finished with whatever you were doing?” Shawn questioned out loud.
Renati make a quick chirp, confirming his suspicions. Shawn only shrugged with one side. “As long as it isn’t something bad…” He commented, still walking.
“I wonder if Twilight is awake.” He mumbled to himself as the Library came into view. He never slowed his pace as he made his way, and upon arriving at the door he gave it a couple of knocks.
“Hello?”
To his surprise Spike opened the door. “Oh, hi Shawn, come by to check out some books?” He yawned a little. “Was shelving the new books this morning,” He turned behind him and nodded as Shawn heard indistinct voices. “Would you like to have breakfast with Twilight and Rainbow Dash? They spent all night reading their copies of the new Daring Do book. So if you don’t mind spoilers with your meal go on ahead.”
“I’m fine, I think I’ll just read something while I wait, I had finished translating the first chapter last night.” He paused. “Sometime last night, or very early morning.” He commented as he entered.
Only to have Twilight teleport right in front of him with wide eyes but ones that showed she was tired. “Can I read? Can I read?” She asked very child like enthusiasm.
From the kitchen area Rainbow was already moving as she appeared at the doorway between the kitchen and the library. “Twilight? What’s going on?” She paused and looked at Shawn. “Oh… right that unreadable book being read and published for you to read and ya da ya da.”
“Yeah…” He commented as he shifted his arms, specifically the books in his left arms.
Her eyes looked to the books, as in plural. “What are those?” She asked with a look of hunger. “Are those stories from your world?”
Shawn looked to his arm, three. “I guess you could say that, though two of them are in a language you don’t know and the one is the translated chapter, the rest is yet to be written in Equestrian. I just had some reading as I wandered the town in the morning.” He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. “I’ll add it to my list. Sherlock Holmes.”
Twilight only nodded. “I look forward to reading them, Can you show us your chapter you translated.”
“Sure.” He said, pulling out the book from the three and holding it out. “It’s just a basic structure, mostly just information on a form of magic he had studied, and what I find very interesting about it is, I studied the same thing, and this book was never found, thus it was never made in histories eyes.” He looked down at the book. “But it’s information seemed to have found a way down the line. But here it is, the original…”
Twilight just stared. “But, Celestia wrote that your world does not have magic. That,” She stared at the book, it was Rainbow Dash who spoke next.
“This totally sounds like Daring Do and the Lost Manuscript.” She blinked and flew into the air. “Oh my gosh.” She pointed to the group. “Does that mean that we will have to go to ruins and find a secret level and battle ancient mechanics to start unraveling a conspiracy that goes all the way to Luna?”
Twilight sighed and placed a hoof to her face. “You mixed up books, you were getting the Lunar Star Code mixed up with Daring Do and the Lost Manuscript.” She paused before smiling. “I didn’t take you for a book like that.”
Rainbow Dash made a little face and turned her head. “What, the action in it is amazing, with chariot races, battles over the sky, and even a climax,” She saw Spike waving his claws.
“Oh, let me guess, Spike is reading that?” Rainbow asked Twilight who only nodded her head.
“Welp. Enjoy that first chapter, I’m off. Just be sure to drop it off back at the Tavern when your done, which might be less than an hour. Only twenty four pages long.” He said, beginning to walk out of the library. “I wonder if they got anything new in the market that could help with some boredom…”
Taze yawned stretching he was very groggy after spending half the night trying to find his way out of the maze of tunnels under the castle he had managed to get back to the courtyard. Naturally this meant he hadn’t slept much, but time was of the essence. Eating quickly from the breakfast Rook had made while Taze had gotten that extra bit of sleep. He helped the earth pony pack everything away before the two of them headed into the castle for one last look around. They found a few interesting items, amongst other things Taze found much to his disbelief a porcelain blue ocarina, Rook explained these instruments had been used alot in Equestria’s past but had fallen out of favor recently. Shrugging Taze put it into his belt, the others might get a laugh out of it.
After raising the portcullis, a task that proved harder than lowering it by a lot, the two managed to move their goods back across the gorge and into the cart.Oon their last trip out there was an audible snap as the rope holding the port culus broke and the rusted iron door fell to the ground with a thump. Taze and Rook stared at it in dumb silence.
“Did it?...” Taze trailed off.
“Eeyup.” Rook nodded.
“And we?” Taze again
“Eeyup” Rook nodded again.
“Well this is going to pose a problem later.” Taze said, “But at least we got out of it okay.” Rook nodded. “Come on we got to get back to Ponyville before the snow starts.” The two of them crossed the gorge, hooking up the cart they left the castle of the two pony sisters possibly with more questions than when they arrived.
Matthew tromped down the steps and smiled to Berry Punch. “Good Mornin to you.” He replied with a slight rolling of his consonants. “I think if you don’t mind me staying indoors,” He spoke as he moved to the crackling fire and sat down after putting another log onto the fire and grinned wide. “Boy do I miss doing this in our fireplace at home. Bring in the wood from outside that my dad prepped, stack it all around. And slowly go through it.” He sighed as he found Berry moving a chair with a high back around so he could face the fire more fully. Matthew eased into the wooden chair with a cushion on the seat and just stared into the flames a little. “I miss home.” He wrapped the green scarf from the snowball fight around his neck a little and just settled in. “No clue why but I feel like the age folks say I sound like.” He looked towards Berry and back to the fireplace. “Never liked the cold, never did. Always sucked any heat or warmth I had no matter what I was wearing.”
Berry smiled and patted Matthew on the shoulder a little bit before moving back to prepare a snack of fruits for him to eat. He just sighed as he grimaced, the taste of the drink from last night was still in his mouth. He disliked the taste but at the moment it was the only thing keeping his blood where it needed to flow and not clot too badly on his valves. He shook his head, he needed to find something to think about other then his health. But what? he wondered, What could he do or read or putz around with to get his mind off his health.
Shawn walked in a stride towards the market, hoping to find something else interesting. Then again, just yesterday had three interesting things. He hummed as he walked, thinking of what else could be of use to the group.
Looking to his right shoulder Renati was still riding, looking around him. With a sigh he turned forward and began his venture into the market in search for something new and possibly something useful.
After finding nothing of interest yet, he continued wandering on the path until he noticed himself get plunged into shadows. With a sudden halt he looked up and noticed he was just about to enter the Everfree Forest. “Not yet…” He said, turning around.
With a glance in he began to walk near the edge of the forest, looking in and just seeing what was visible to him at the time. As he wandered he didn’t notice a house he passed until he heard a very faint voice, causing him to halt in his tracks.
“Mr. Shawn?” Fluttershy asked in a small voice. “I, are you out for one of those walks Applejack sees you taking out to her place all the time?” Shawn saw that she was not looking at him, but at the forest now.
Shawn faced her. “Ah, hello Ms. Fluttershy, I guess I am, though its more wandering around for now.” He glanced over his right shoulder and noticed two things. One, the forest had a slight light moving in it, and two, Renati was not on his shoulder.
“So, what did you do to have a Phoenix hanging around you?” She smiled softly.
Shawn shrugged. “In all honesty, seemed like it was winning a staring contest.” He gave a tap to his ear and brought his hand up to give a decent whistle into the forest. In response Renati flew out and landed on his now extended arm. “This is Renati, Renati, Fluttershy.” He said.
Fluttershy only bowed softly towards the Phoenix. “A pleasure to meet you.” She did not raise her head till Renati made a response to her greeting.
Renati responded with a soft chirp and a nod of his own, which in all honesty surprised Shawn slightly, no hostility, good.
“So, this is your place I would presume?” Shawn commented, with a nod towards the house.
“Oh, yes, this is my place.” She blushed at the comment. “Oh where are my manners, you want any tea?” She looked at the Phoenix then, “Like anything to eat? I have a special meal mix that Celestia sent to me, she says is good for a Phoenix.”
Shawn only looked to Renati. “Not sure, we wouldn’t want to be a bother, you probably have stuff to do.”
“Still, it was polite to offer some tea,” She smiled as if trying to not to offend Shawn, and he could tell she was doing her best to be social at the moment.
“No worries, I think we’ll be headed off. I don’t want to delay you from anything you need to work on.” He replied. “Have a good day Ms. Fluttershy.”
“Good day Mr. Shawn, I hope you enjoy the nice weather, we are having more snow tomorrow. So bundle up.” She turned and and hummed a little to herself. “I need to make sure all the animals I am taking care of are all ready for their hibernation.” She shook her head. “The winter storms were a surprise in the schedule, we usually have another week to prepare.”
“Interesting.” Shawn mumbled to himself as he walked away, Renati on his shoulder.
Taze and rook where making reasonably better time back, they had been moving for over three hours now and currently nothing had gotten in there way yet. The weather was surprisingly clear, yet and taze hoped they would be able to make it home ahead of time.
It was then they stopped with a loud thunk something caught the ski of the cart, moving over to take a look something white was lying in the snow just off the path, it’s body so white they never noticed it. upon closer examination taze realized with some shock it was a bleached white timberwolf lying on the roadside, what's more shocking is the barely noticeable rise and fall of it’s chest.
“Sir?” Rook raised a brow as taze leaned down to examine it.
“It’s alive Rook.” Taze said looking it over. Gently he lifted one of the eye sockets to be met with a deep red glow. “An albino timberwolf?” Taze mumbled to himself. “Was this even possible for something made from wood?”
“Sir we’re wasting time, end it’s misery and lets go.” Rook said coldly.
“It’s a living thing.” Taze said looking at rook with a hard stare.
“So were the ones you killed.” Rook noted “Ponies kill hundreds of these things a year.”
“There is a difference between hunting a living thing, defending yourself from a living thing, and murdering a living thing, it can’t hurt us right now.” Taze said going to the cart and searching around until he found a spare cloak. gingerly wrapping the beat in it he picked it up and slid it gently onto the cart. “Fluttershy will be able to help it.” Taze said.
“This doesn’t seem right sir, we should be killing it not helping it.” Rook growled.
“This is an order Rook, we’re taking it back.” Taze shot back. “Now lets move.”
Rook opened his mouth to protest but decided against it, grumbling under his breath the earth pony started forward.
Matthew woke up after a nice nap and found that for once in a long while, he finally felt refreshed and actually ready to go out and move. He yawned and stretched his body and heard joints popping in his back he only grunted and stood up and looked around it seemed that it was in the afternoon and the tavern was full, but Matthew felt like not talking to anyone or rather anypony there. He slowly walked to the door and waved goodbye to Berry Punch before stepping out and looked around as he did his best to cover his head with the hood he had. He saw the streets were a little empty, and instead of heading out to the market. He decided to head to the school building.
He blinked as students were coming out of the school house and were chatting, what made him smile and for the first time his entire time here, feel like he fit in, was that he was ignored by the foals.
When he entered the one room school house he blinked as he saw Dinky just sitting on the steps and reading a book. A rather thick book. He realized why she was sitting there was when he saw three foals standing at a chalkboard and writing the same sentences.
The next moment an eraser full of chalk slammed into his forehead, and when he could both breath and see a very irritated Cheerilee was advancing on him. “Out, Out, this is a baston of knowledge.” Her voice was low. “I will not let you further time with any of the children under my jurisdiction.” She did not let Matthew speak as she moved to use a broom on his when she blinked as she saw, and she paused as she could see Matthew stepping back from her. “A… did I scare you?” The anger was dimming a little.
Matthew gulped and only nodded his head.
“Good,” Cheerilee replied with a grin. “Now please leave this room or I shall kick you out.” She paused, “Literally.”
Matthew paled a little. “May, May I borrow a small chalk board? That was all I wanted to do.”
“And do what with it? Scheme how to ruin my lesson plans even more?” She glared at him. “Honestly, getting the foals involved in such a huge snowball fight, and encouraging? Why, Pipsqueak was bragging about the hat he won in a campaign against rogue soldier.”
Matthew smiled. “AH, like his father it seems.” He trailed off at the glare. “Well he needs to find a good outlet.” he smiled a little. “I was on the foals side. They did win the first day.” He finished sheepishly.
“Why do you need the chalkboard.” Cheerilee asked again her body showing a more aggressive stance.
“So I can practice the alphabet… I, I can’t write Equestrian and I want to learn and teach myself.” He did not like what happened next, the grin, the small chuckling, or the looks that Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, nor Scootaloo were giving each other.
“Well then, why not come to the front of the class, and join detention.” She was giggling a little as she stepped forward. “Imagine me, A lowly teacher has gotten the grand General of the Foal Freedom Army in detention, boy will that be,” She paused and coughed a little. “Sorry, but you can copy the alphabet strip above the chalkboard, I want you to write the entire alphabet ten times.”
Matthew only nodded his head. “As you wish,” He gave a small fancy bow before turning and picked up a piece of chalk. He glanced sideways. “What are they writing? Since they know my punishment.”
“We will not fight or shout our catchphrase in the middle of class.” The three recited in unison.
Cheerilee added to the item. “They almost got into a scuffle when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spook verbally made fun of PipSqueak’s new hat.”
“She threw it in the snow mud.” Sweetie Belle added with a look at her friends. “She said that something like that was dumb and just a fad.”
Cheerilee sighed and put her head in her hooves. “I know, yet I did not see it, the problem is that I have not had a chance to meet with Filthy Rich, he is always out of town during parent teacher conferences.” She sighed and looked at Matthew. “That does not leave this room.”
“Classified.” Matthew replied before turning around. “Well if you want someone to watch recess for the next couple of days I can volunteer my time. You do accept volunteers right?”
Cheerilee blinked before nodding her head. “I believe that could work. It would be best to have more eyes on the field.”
Matthew only nodded before turning to the chalkboard. “Eleven you said?” he asked, with a slight smile on his face. Cheerilee and the others seemed to protest before they all realized what he was asking.
“No, you may leave when the other three finish their writing as well.” She smiled a little before getting up, “I better asked Dinky to come in and keep an eye on how you are doing, she has the best quill and chalk writing of the class.”
Matthew smiled, he didn’t know what just happened fully but it seemed that he had just been roped into a conspiracy in the school yard. he almost laughed to himself as he could imagine the words on a Heads Up Display stating a new quest line has become available.
Out on the far end of sweet apple acres, Big Mac had just finished checking the last of the tree’s at the end of the orchard. he became very aware as he heard a rustling from the edge of the everfree. Turning around Big Mac lifted his head high and attempted to look bigger than he already was. Whatever was coming from that direction was large, and was making a very strange sound. Quite suddenly the bushes parted as Taze walked through followed by a still somewhat disgruntled Rook.
“Poor mountaineer barely kept his family fed.” Taze sung to himself idly not yet noticing Big Mac. “Then one day he was shootin at some foooo… oh! Hello Big Mac” Taze’s eye caught the large red stallion.
“Uh… howdy” Big Mac stared confused as to who would be crazy enough to enter the everfree at this time. “Uh which way to Fluttershy’s?” Taze asked breaking the silence. Without answering Big Mac lifted a hoof pointing him in the right direction. “Uh thanks.” Taze said before him and Rook headed off.
Fifteen minutes later the two stopped the cart near Fluttershy’s cottage. All the animals noticeably shied away from the cart as Taze approached the door and knocked.
“Uh, Hello?” Fluttershy asked opening the top of the door. She looked around, then even she went on edge. “Oh my, what’s in your cart? It is scaring my animals a little.” She turned to look at Taze. What happened?”
“I found something on the road.” Taze said leading Fluttershy around behind the cart. “For all I know he may actually be dead.” Taze moved the cloak, “No not dead yet.” He moved to show Fluttershy what lay beneath the cloak.
She gasped and flew to the creature. “Oh, he’s just a cub, and an albino, I did not know timberwolves could be that way.” She looked to the forest. “I, I can help but I need to release him when he is healed up,” She smiled a little. “I just, oh the poor dear.” She paused and shook her head. “I might have to ask Twilight on magic items as these are part magic as well.” She began to coo and after one attempt at being bitten Taze and Rook witness the stare in full effect on the Timberwolf.
“I think he was abandoned from his pack.” Taze said “should I lift him inside for you?” taze asked.
Fluttershy only nodded her head. “Now Mr. Timberwolf, my friend is going to lift you up and bring you inside where I can more fully see what to do to help you, but you bite him or Rook, or any of my friends and I will not be afraid to bring out fire.”
The wolf cub only whimpered a little but made no signs of protest when lifted up, he did whine in pain with a gruff sound. Still he was quickly brought inside her home and placed on warm blankets.
“Now, I need you to go get Twilight and tell her to bring any books on magical creatures she has.” She looked at the albino. “I, I do not know if he will make it through the night. So do not be, upset if you have a pile of twigs tomorrow.”
“Your giving him a chance, I had to kill four wolves in there, if I can keep this guy alive then i’m at least doing something for the balance.” Taze said “Some ponies don’t seem to realize that animals can’t always be held accountable for their own actions, or the actions of others of their race.”
Fluttershy only nodded her head. “I can understand that.” She smiled a little, “You look surprised at my actions.” She smiled a little. “I once witnessed an act of… something, a manticore was raising a cub of another Manticore after a Cockatrice kills the cubs mother… and yet in all the books before hand stated that Manticores would kill cubs to reduce competition, especially if from another family group then their own.”
“Is there a scent or something timberwolves aren't particularly fond of?” Taze asked “Something we could use when we move to the castle to reduce the risk of casualties or lowering the population more than necessary?”
“Well, they hate the smell of burned or burning wood.” Fluttershy replied. “They also hate smoke or smoke smells, so as Rarity would say, a nice cherry incense would work for a bit.” She paused and shook her head. “Only one plant I can think of that they avoid and I rather not go near it again.” She shivered. “Poison Joke my hoof.”
“Well I need to let the others know I’m back.” Taze said “Can I leave him here with you? If you need bits for anything I’ll cover it”
“Don’t worry about bits, this is my job in Ponyville, I am the vet, and I have been learning on how to care for dragons as well, Twight was, not happy with the last doctor that saw Spike.” She shivered a little and gulped before moving to the kitchen, “Just please tell Twilight that I need her and some of her books on magical beasts.” She smiled a little as she poked her head out. “I heard that, even experts like to keep books, keeps them current on new information.”
Rook just looked at Fluttershy and his hoof which he had coughed into. “Sorry.” He looked at Taze. “She, heard my intentions from my cough. That is scary.”
“Thank you Fluttershy.” Taze smiled at the pegasus before leaving. Making a Beeline for the library.
Twilight blinked as she trotted to the door, and looked behind and up the stairs where Rainbow had crashed out on the extra mattress she had. They did have an all night read on the new Daring Do book. Still she paused and opened the top of the door and blinked. “Oh, Taze, a pleasant surprise,” She paused at the huffing he did. “Did you run all the way here? Is something wrong?”
“Fluttershy needs books on magical creatures.” Taze said. “Preferably lycanthropic varieties.”
“She, magic wolves?” She translated in her head. “But why? What happened?” She turned around and yelled into the Library. “Spike, I need any books about Lycans, or Magical creatures, hopefully both.” She smiled as she returned to look at Taze.
“You're not gonna like it.” Taze noted.
Her smile faltered a little. “Why won’t I?” She replied and looked up at the ceiling. “I have… had interesting events with those words, usually it is Rainbow Dash who speaks those words to me.”
“well… ikindafoundatimberwolfcubontheroadsideandnowfluttershyistryingtosaveit.” Taze said in one breath.
Spike walked up to Twilight holding two books. “Here’s the books you wanted. Why did you need these again?”
Twilight just stared at Taze before turning to Spike. “Get the Magical Field Guide for Magical Monsters from my personal library.” She asked Spike politely. “It seems that Taze our friends has found a hurt cub and is wanting to nurse it back to health.”
“You got it Twilight.” Spike said, heading upstairs to grab the book.
“You're taking this a lot better than I expected.” Taze noted.
Twilight only smiled more, and looked a little creepy with the new smile. “Oh it is just, I was wondering when the town of Ponyville will have a problem that might blow up in epic proportions. Honestly, I am just happy it was this and not say Luna wishing to make Ponyville a second capital, or Equestria is invaded by Changeling, or my friends switching jobs suddenly because of some misfire, or the sun wobbles because Discord got lose, this is small compared to what I worry will happen when no small events happen to stop making a day like today perfect.”
“I guess that makes sense.” Taze said. “Thanks a lot, by the way have you seen Shawn or Matthew around?”
Twilight put a hoof to her chin. “Shawn was here to drop something off and I read it, so he should be back soon to pick it up, I have not seen Matthew around at all, check the Tavern, if not there, I do not know where he would be.” She smiled. “Ask Pinkie if you see her, she knows where folks are sometimes before even they know they need to be somewhere.”
Spike hopped down the stairs with a book held over his head. “Here you go Twilight. The Magical Field Guide for Magical Monsters.”
She smiled a little, “Come along Spike, I might need your help here. I will need my number one assistant tonight.” With that Owlowiscious flew bay Taze silently before landing behind Spike and turned its head all the way around to look at Taze as the group of three walked down the path towards Fluttershy before the owl hooted and flew back to the door and landed on a perch to watch the library.
They were stopped by a brown earth pony stallion attempting to wave Taze down. The group stopped as the stallion and Derpy walked up.
“Oh Taze fantastic to see you agian, are Shawn and Matthew here?” The stallion looked around curiously.
“Uh yes… Do I know you?” Taze asked
“Well I’m the Doctor.” he said quite plainly
“Doctor?” Taze asked
“Who” Owlicious answered suddenly from the door.
“Quite” The Doctor nodded.
Taze stopped for a moment as his brain attempted to process this, this pony was the doctor, the doctor and he knew Tazes name, he knew Tazes name!
“Uh Doctor we haven’t met yet, well I guess we just did but whatever happens it hasn’t happened yet.” Taze said
“Wait when are we exactly?” he turned to Derpy who just trotted up behind him carrying a paper bag with a drawing of a muffin on the side.
“We’re just before the crystal empire comes back Doctor.” Derpy answered.
“Oh yes that makes much more sense, well this is quite awkward for you isn’t it?” The Doctor said “Very well carry on then, I’ll see you in the future, come then Derpy, ALLONSY!” and he charged off.
“Sorry about this.” Depry shrugged before taking off after him.
“I will never understand those two, sometimes it seems like they know me very well, other times where total strangers.” Twilight said shaking her head. Having stopped to listen to the group. “Come on lets get to Fluttershy. She looked to the door and whistled. “Come on Owlicious. I think I might need your help as well. We can lock up the library.” She sighed. “Ponyville Library, hours are when the librarian is home and awake.” Rook had actually unhitched himself at the library and was following Taze and Twilight, and the others. Which at the moment they all laughed at Twilight small joke.
Shawn on that note was watching from a distance, and judging by what seemed to happen, all of them were headed somewhere, so, with nothing better to do, he followed.
They had managed to get to Fluttershy’s cottage alright, though the small building was getting somewhat crowded. Twilight read from the book as Fluttershy worked on helping the timberwolf, Spike played gopher as needed for the most part, the rest he just waited.
It was a few hours later before Twilight and Fluttershy were smiling and asking for tea from Spike. “Well,” Fluttershy spoke, in her usual whisper tone. “I believe our friend is going to make it through the night. Now I do really need to ask you all to leave and give the poor dear some space and quiet for sleep.”
“I should really find Matthew and Shawn anyway.” Taze said stretching. Taze opened the door to leave only to be met by Shawn at the door with his arms crossed.
“Surprise.” He said in his monotone voice.
“Hey Shawn!” Taze only smiled. “I made it back.” He said wincing a bit as he turned to his bandolier. “Never fired a single shot.” He held up the ammo for Shawn to see.
Shawn only nodded in response. “Good to hear, how was the, ‘camping’ slash ‘training’.” Shawn questioned.
“There are a few things we may need to talk about but otnay niay easentpray ompanycay” Taze gave a casual motion to the ponies.
Shawn only shrugged and stepped out of the way. “Shall we then?” He said with a gesture of his arm.
Taze nodded waving to the others before stepping outside. “How was everything?”
“Unique.” Shawn said with a smirk as he raised his fingers to his mouth, giving off a sharp whistle.
“Unique?” Taze raised a brow “That’s not really a response.”
Before anymore could be said Shawn held out his arm as the sound of flapping wings could be heard. Within a moment Renati, his phoenix, landed on his arm. “Don’t know where he goes but apparently it’s nearby. Taze, meet Renati, Renati, Taze.”
Taze stared at the phoenix “Hey there lil guy.” he reached a finger forward in an attempt to touch him. In response Renati seemed to pull away slightly, responding with a simple nod and a chirp.
“Not too fond of strangers huh? Don’t worry I get that.” Taze said nodding. “I’m sure we’ll get along eventually, so go ahead bridgekeeper ask me your questions, I’m not afraid.”
Shawn gave a squint and with a raspy voice he called out. “What, is your name?”
“Sir Taze of Pokke.” Taze stuck a overy heroic pose.
“How, was your quest?”
“Well we got attacked by a pack of timberwolves, got to the castle i got lost in the under tunnels, the portcullis gave out just as we left and oh yeah we’re going to need a larger bridge if we plan on moving supplies.” Taze answered.
“What…” He paused, looking towards Taze with a grave expression. “Is your favorite color?”
“Green.” Taze said simply.
Shawn only squinted a little more before his expression returned to neutral. “Okay, now onto the real questions. Any possible routes you have in mind?”
“There’s a fairly well beaten path.” Taze noted. “For the most part it seems safe aside from one area where we got attacked. According to Fluttershy smoking some rags or something and carrying them with us should keep the timberwolves away.” Taze said
“In the snow with that large a group, it could take us as long as a week” he noted doing the math in his head.
“A week huh.” Shawn hummed to himself. “Reasonable I guess. Though I might need to get to work on some new blueprints…” He mumbled.
“As I said the rope bridge is way too small for moving supplies, we could probably make a suspension bridge if we could get a platform made for it.” Taze said.
“I’ll figure out something by the time we head out… Which should be soon, hopefully. I guess I’ll be out and about most of tomorrow… Note to self, need to purchase tools for myself rather than borrowing AJs.”
“We'll also have to get the portcullis up, or possibly break it down, it’s a big iron thing and it’s rusted pretty badly.” Taze noted.
Shawn hummed to himself again. “That’s going to be a hassle. I’ll talk to the smiths about that one…”
“Other then that, there is nothing big to report, a few creepy statues we’ll have to get broken up for our peace of mind, some rather harmless booby traps but nothing we can’t handle.” Taze said
“Alright then.” Shawn nodded.
Taze grinned. “You would not believe who I met today.” Taze laughed.
“Who?”
“Yup.” Taze answered. “Shawn he knew our names.”
Shawn only paused for a second. “That explains the waving…”
“If we get a key to the TARDIS I call it.” Taze said.
Shawn only shrugged. “Eh. We’ll see. Now, onto a couple of things. One, Matthew was not happy, two, Matthew was not happy, three, I commissioned some stuff from Rarity for us. And finally, Matthew was really not happy with your move.” He smirked. “At least he thinks it was just camping.” He said glancing around the still empty road. “I swear Fluttershy didn’t live this far away from Ponyville.”
“Talking slows time?” Taze offered. “Anyway found something for you.” Taze said retrieving the glass ocarina he had found and placing it in Shawn's hand. “Too small to play maybe but still ironic.” Taze’s eyes widened. “Oh and I got some timberwolf wood, figured you may want to study it.” He handed it too Shawn.
“Ooh, I’m going to have to use a trick I read about, need to make sure I fully know what to do first though.” Shawn replied, taking the shard of timberwolf wood and placing it within his coat. “Geez I feel like I need to empty these pockets sometimes…” He said, pulling out a small bound book from his right side pocket and wrote a small note.
“Also I have to ask, have you noticed anything strange going on about injuries?” Taze asked.
“What do you mean?”
Looking around quickly Taze lifted the side of his armor revealing scratch marks which had almost completely knit. “I got this from a timberwolf yesterday, it clotted way too quickly and the skins almost done knitting.”
Shawn only squinted at the wound. “Give me some time and I’ll get back to you on that, and by some time I mean before you go to sleep.” He said looking up at Taze. “A possibility is, from what we know or can guess, timberwolf’s do have sap in their system, you most likely figured that one out.” He said eyeing the wound. “Their sap could have special properties, but I don’t know now, I’ll see what I can figure out.”
“Okay.” Taze said lowering his armor. “Good to know, I was worried something was up. Is that Matthew walking out of the school?” Taze pointed.
Within a second Shawn calculated a couple things. “Matthew, school, learning, something equestrian specifically, its late in the day and the CMC are with him, he was with them during detention.” He paused. “I’ll ask for the rest of the info.”
“Yo! Matthew!” Taze shouted at the top of his lungs.
Matthew and all four of the CMC paused and then, all five either galloped or raced over to where Shawn and Taze were standing.
“Do you have to leave right away?” Apple Bloom asked as she looked at the two while Dinky looked up from her book. “I doubt it, they haven’t,” She trailed off and smiled cutely, “Well do you have to leave tomorrow?”
Matthew interrupted. “Well, First, Taze I am going to have a long talk with you on moving out without telling me, you scared me.” He took another breath, “As to what all the beating around the bush is going on.” He paused and groaned. “I am sounding like Applejack.” he shook his head and continued. “Before I get even more distracted to Squirrel epicness, I have been asked to be a recess helper for Cheerilee for tomorrow.” He smiled. “Which happens to be before the weekend.”
“Yeah, we hope to get someone with a little more authority catch Diamond Tiara in the act of bullying. On School Grounds.” Sweetie Belle smiled with the same look that the other two were making at seeing the idea of getting back at two bullies.
“Someone really needs to talk with Filthy Rich about how he raises that filly.” Taze said.
“More like those that run the board?” Matthew asked with all eyes on him suddenly. “What if he is unable to get the time because the board of Directors are the ones who are demanding or setting his schedule? Also, maybe DT is really, really good at hiding things, like hiding notes or waiting at the last minute to give items to her dad so he cannot make it to parent teacher conferences?” He blinked and looked at all around. “I had friends who did that, I always gave my folks the papers right away.”
“I’m not saying he’s at fault Matthew I’m simply saying he needs to face facts.” Taze said.
Matthew nodded. “Facts that seem to be hidden from him on purpose.” He paused and looked at the little foals around him. “Please, I am just putting things on outside forces to give folks a second chance I am not seeing conspiracies all over the place.”
“Anyway I’ve been on the road for two full days, I didn’t get enough sleep last night, lets head back, eat and then I’m going to bed” Taze said.
Matthew nodded his head as they started to walk. “Oh… I need to ask Twilight something tomorrow.”
“What is that?” Rook asked finally catching up with them after finally taking care of the cart.
“If it means anything if you wake up to find a Phoenix sleeping on your chest.” Matthew stated rather matter of factly. He looked at Shawn and Taze, “You know mythology a little better than I, any thoughts on your minds?”
Shawn hummed in thought before shrugging.
Shawn and Taze looked at each other in the room as Matthew moved to the bed and promptly fell into before falling asleep in minutes not even getting out of his clothing, he was out like a light.
Moonshade looked at him with a little concern before pulling a blanket from the closet and draped it over Matthew before looking at Shawn and Taze. “What did he do?”
Mutatio was the one that answered. “He spent time writing Equestrian on chalkboards at the school building.”
Everyone and pony looked at Mutatio. “What? I must keep an eye out for trouble, and practice blending in, A canine can work, if you remember to have a collar and tag.” He smiled as if proud about his infiltration skills.
“Well, goodnight Mutie.” Taze said as he removed the armor on his chest and climbed into bed. “You too Meme.” Taze yawned.
Me-Me only grumbled something but one could almost hear a small laugh from her this time. “Night Traitor, Night Never Dying, Night Warrior.” She whispered the last one. “Night General.”
Moonshade only rolled her eyes as she moved to the edge of the mattress she was on. “Night Human,” She looked at Matthew, “Warrior,” At Taze that time, “Noble.” She spoke to Shawn before turning to the two Changeling, one looking more like a mini Crysalis more and more each day. “Night Changelings.” She did not get a response before she turned to look at the door.
“Good night.” Shawn replied as he walked over to the desk, pulling out parchment and a quill. “Now to remember designs… or simplistic ideas…” Shawn mumbled to himself quietly.
Once everyone was either asleep or distracted, Ranati hoped from his perch to settled once more on the chest of Matthew and sleep.