Main Characters: Rei, Stormy, Inkie, Lucas
Cameos: TWP, Twilight
Original Write Date: 12/25/2011
Rei paces back and forth in the main living area over The Power Block. The noise from the traffic downstairs is blocking the sound she is listening for. She starts flying since there is some very rude pony stomping around in the exact spots she is moving to, and it is very distracting. Thankfully, her flying allows her to hear somepony coming up the stairs. Rei hopes it is who she expects.
Stormy peeks around the top of the stairs. ‘Uh... Rei? You wanted to see me?’
‘Stormy!’ Rei bounces around the room. ‘It is Stormy!’
‘Yeah... You said it was an emergency?’
‘It is okay. We have time.’
There is a bit of an awkward silence between the pair. Rei smiles at Stormy. Stormy fidgets where he stands.
‘Wanna sit?’ Rei asks. She goes to the couch and plops down.
Stormy swallows and goes over to the couch. He nervously takes a seat next to the filly he likes. There is a return of the awkward silence.
‘So...’ Rei begins. ‘I thought you were going to shave your half-assed beard.’
Stormy winces at the comment. He is still trying to grow a beard at Rarity’s demand, but he is too young still to grow it out as much as she would like. He has been trying to act on sage advice and remove it, but his employer will not let him.
‘Yeah...’ Stormy moans. ‘I keep trying, but Rarity must be in tune with her house or something since she busts me as soon as I start my razor. She’s a quick one.’
‘Hmm... Come with me.’
Rei hops off the couch and heads to a room. Stormy follows out of curiosity. Rei leads him into a washroom.
‘What are you...’
Before Stormy can finish, Rei has activated The Wandering Physicist’s razor and charges. There is a brief flash of contact, and Stormy’s ‘beard’ falls harmlessly to the floor. Rei sheathes the razor like a sword.
‘Okay.’ Stormy is shocked. ‘That was a surprise.’
‘Just thought I would help a friend.’ Rei prances back out of the room. ‘And I am much quicker than she is.’ Except where it counts. She giggles.
Rei hops back to the couch and taps the seat next to her. Stormy shakes off his confusion and sits. Rei looks over and smiles. Stormy smiles back nervously. Rei’s eyes slowly drift up until she is looking at Stormy’s horn. She eyes the scar left from where he cracked it.
‘Does that still hurt?’
‘The crack? No,’ Stormy answers. ‘The worst of it was when I got that ointment or whatever from Mr Wanderer, but eventually it was all fine, if a little numb.’
‘Is it true you didn’t cry once?’
‘Not counting the treatment, yes, but that was because I was passed out most of the first night and the raging fire of pain and death was gone by the evening after it was applied.’
‘Can I touch it!’ Rei’s face is practically touching Stormy’s as she stares at him with hopeful eyes.
Stormy’s deep red blushing overpowers his magenta coat. He looks down nervously and tries not to panic or chicken out or both at once. He tries even harder to keep an involuntary horn glow from revealing what he is really thinking.
‘J-just be gentle.’
‘Duh. It is not like I am going to try eating it or something.’
Stormy bites his lip and remembers the pain of the healing salve to keep his horn in check. Rei tentatively reaches out and touches the scar. It feels a little softer than what she remembers of unicorn horn. She traces the scar with her hoof. Stormy closes his eyes and shivers a little as he tries not to think about the most beautiful filly he knows touching his horn. Rei does not notice that her wings are spreading on their own. Neither notice that a new challenger has entered the room. The new pony shrieks. Rei instantly stops and pulls her hoof away. Stormy opens his eyes and his horn gets a faint pink glow for an instant when he notices Rei’s wings. Both lock eyes briefly and blush. They turn to the entrance to see Inkie Pie hiding under a rug with her forelegs covering her face.
‘I am sorry!’ Inkie apologizes. ‘I would have knocked first but Mr James Wanderer Hayate said to just go on up.’
‘That is okay.’ Stormy tries standing, but he stumbles off of the couch. ‘I was just about to step out for a moment.’
Stormy hastily makes his way back downstairs, carefully avoiding the filly he just met. Rei takes a moment to relax, and her wings go back to her side.
Inkie comes out of hiding and gives her friend a weak smile. ‘Uh, hey Rei. You said there was an emer...’
‘Inkie!’ Rei dives across the room and tackles Inkie in a hug.
Inkie half-heartedly returns the hug. ‘Good to see you again too.’
‘You smell like a cherry sundae today!’
Inkie groans and tries breaking free. Rei eventually lets Inkie free and sits back.
‘How’s it going?’ Rei asks.
‘I am fine. And you?’
‘Great!’
Rei smiles at her friend. Inkie nervously fidgets a bit.
‘Uh... so what was the emergency you needed my help with?’
‘We have to wait for Stormy.’
‘Uh... will he be long?’
Rei ears twitch for a moment. ‘He just got outside. He stopped to talk with Wanderer-san on his way out.’
‘Okay....’
Rei tilts her head to the side as she looks at Inkie. ‘Have you ever been kissed?’
Inkie blushes and looks down, covering her face with her mane. ‘Wh-wh-why do you ask?’
‘Well, your sister had this magic plant that made everypony kiss her at our holiday party before we met you. It worked for me too. Have you ever used it?’
Inkie fidgets more. ‘Are you asking or offering?’
Before Rei can answer, there is a knock on the wall as Stormy returns.
‘I’m back. Sorry.’
‘Yay! Stormy!’ Rei cheers. She pushes Inkie into Stormy. ‘Stormy, this is Inkie. Inkie, this is Stormy. You’re both awesome fun ponies. We’ll be great friends!’
Rei poses dramatically. Inkie and Stormy smile and greet each other.
‘Hey! Who want drinks?’ Rei offers.
‘Shouldn’t we be helping with your emergency?’ Stormy counters.
‘Actually, I wouldn’t mind a break,’ Inkie replies. ‘I had a bit of a trek to get here.’
‘Great!’ Rei beams. ‘Take a seat, and we can catch up for a bit.’
Inkie and Stormy take seats at the table while Rei goes to the refrigerator. She tosses a trio of sodas to the table, and they land, opened, in front, of each pony with Rei taking a seat right before her drink lands.
‘Show off,’ Stormy tries saying dispassionately. ‘So, Inkie, where’d you meet our energetic host?’
‘I think we were on the cruise together,’ Inkie replies. ‘I am guessing she was that white streak I kept seeing around Mr Wanderer. We ran into each other after the trip.’
‘That was after I fought the kraken!’ Rei adds.
Both Inkie and Stormy roll their eyes in disbelief.
Inkie turns to Stormy. ‘Mr Stormy, how do you know Rei?’
‘We have some classes together, and we were in an after-school program together.’ Stormy explains.
‘What was the after-school program?’
Stormy blushes. ‘It was...’
‘A class on how to be a proper lady!’ Rei interrupts.
‘Oh, my!’ Inkie is surprised. ‘I thought you were a...’ She starts moving to look under the table.
‘I am!’ Stormy shouts. ‘I just have a jerk for a dad.’
‘He was top of the class,’ Rei adds.
Stormy sighs. ‘Yeah. But she was the only one to fail out.’
Rei sits up as if shocked. ‘Lies! Lies and slander!’
Inkie giggles. ‘Out of curiosity, what classes do you have together?’
Rei instantly calms. ‘Uh... Just maths and Lyra’s music class. I think.’
Stormy scowls. ‘We’re in every class together. You just don’t....‘ He looks sad for a moment. ‘Whatever.’ He turns to Inkie. ‘There are only a few advanced classes out here.’
‘Oh! I was in advanced classes too. But my cutie mark is for a scientific field so of course I was in all of the advanced classes until I graduated a couple years ago.’
Rei glares. ‘Are you trying to say you are smarter and cuter than me?’
‘I’m not cuter than you!’ ‘She’s not cuter than you!’
Inkie and Stormy instantly blush at their statements. Rei does not seem to notice since she is staring at her drink. She instantly snaps up.
‘Got ya!’
The others sigh.
‘Rei,’ Stormy sighs. ‘Can we get to the emergency you called us about?’
Now it is Rei’s turn to fidget. How dare they put her on the spot like this!
‘Well, actually...’ Rei looks away from her friends. ‘Actually, there is no emergency.’ Her friends shake their heads. ‘But I had a good reason!’
‘We’re listening,’ Inkie sighs.
‘See... I... I don’t have many friends.’ Rei frowns. ‘I just wanted to spend the day with somepony who liked me. I even had a fun adventure planned out. I am sorry for tricking you.’
Inkie and Stormy look at each other then smile at their friend.
‘I love fun things!’ Inkie beams.
‘Yeah. I’m game,’ Stormy agrees. ‘Anything to get out of a day of heavy lifting with Rarity.’ He laughs. ‘ ‘sides. I knew there was no emergency.’
‘Yeah,’ Inkie giggles. ‘Me too.’
Rei instantly perks up. ‘Great! Let’s get going!’ She goes back to the refrigerator. ‘I made everypony bento. Oh!’ She looks up. ‘We need a team name!’
‘Team name?’ Inkie asks.
Stormy moans. ‘This isn’t going to be like the Cutie Mark Crusaders, is it?’
‘No! We’ll actually have a cool name, like, uh, The Mane Six!’
‘There are three of us.’
‘Uh... Adventure Time!’
‘Stupid. Sounds like something Sweetie Belle would come up with.’
Rei growls. ‘You come up with one then.’
Stormy thinks. ‘Acquisitions Incorporated.’
‘Pfft. What are we acquiring?’
‘How about we start the quest and come up with a name on the way?’ Inkie suggests.
‘See! She is a smarty!’ Rei cheers. ‘Let’s go!’
Rei’s group treks out of town. Their packs are full of supplies that Rei said they would need. Rei is flying at their head with a map in her hooves.
‘SG-1’ Rei says.
‘That is stupid.’ Stormy replies. ‘Why not just call us Team Discovery Channel?’
‘I love Discovery Channel!’ Inkie chimes in.
Rei looks down at Stormy. ‘Pass.’
Inkie frowns and looks down. Rei drops back and pats her friend on the back. Inkie smiles up at her friend.
‘Rei, where are we going?’ Inkie asks.
‘We’re off to face the unknown.’
‘Yeah, but where are we heading?’
‘Don’t worry your pretty little head. I know where we’re headed and marked out a safe route.’
‘But where...’
‘An amazing voyage through the...’
‘Just tell her already!’ Stormy shouts.
Rei loops around and glares down at Stormy. He returns an equally powerful glare back. Rei huffs, flies up to the air and points.
‘When I got the idea to do this, I asked around for what would be a good place to see. Twilight told me of the old palace in the Everfree. I have to go there.’
‘Everfree, huh? Sounds dangerous,’ a new voice chimes in.
Rei nods. ‘It is dangerous to go alone. That is why I took these two with me.’
The other two turn to see the approaching pony. Rei remains focused on her goal. It turns out that Lucas is the newcomer to the group.
Stormy scowls. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘Charming,’ Lucas retorts. ‘I can see why you were the classiest lady.’ He looks up at Rei. ‘Yo, Rei, need any more help on this little adventure of yours?’
‘We got this.’
‘Or, to put it another way, I saw you heading this way, contacted Boss and he suggested, as in told me, that I should help you.’
‘Do you have a team bento?’
‘You made them bento?’
Stormy smirks. ‘Personalized for each of us too.’
‘Right!’ Rei adds. She turns to Lucas. ‘How about an official Ponychester United team jersey?’
‘Pfft. Arsenal is better,’ Stormy scoffs.
‘Wait. That is an actual thing?’
Stormy and Lucas facehoof.
Rei points to the forest once more. ‘Rei-Team! Roll out!’
Stormy slams his head into the ground at the reference. Rei flies off with Inkie closely in tow. Lucas trots past Stormy.
‘If you can’t handle the heat...’ Lucas chides. ‘I thought they taught that on day one.’
Stormy picks himself up. ‘If Rarity’s sketches are anything to go by, you are half the stallion I am.’
Lucas growls. Stormy laughs and gallops up to Rei and Inkie.
In the forest, Rei leads the group while Inkie trots beside her talking about all of the plants they are seeing. The two colts and their rivalry keep back as a rear guard. Luckily, the group has avoided any encounters with monsters.
‘...And those trees are full of sweet fruits that attract all sorts of insects,’ Inkie explains. ‘The insects make good food for all sorts of animals, from birds to mongooses.’
‘Ooo! Mongooses! That is a good team name! The Fighting Mongooses!’
Stormy groans. ‘Maybe in your universe. I still think The Starbucks is cool.’
‘Their coffee is crap, and you know it,’ Lucas snorts.
‘I am not talking about the coffee chain. I am referring to a TV show.’
‘Probably a stupid one.’
‘Better than the kiddie cartoons you watch about those stupid apes.’
‘I like cartoons about humans made for foals. So what? The show is really well-made and the fan base is one of the best I have seen in years.’
‘Whatever. You probably just like the fapfiction or whatever it is called.’
‘Boys!’ Rei shouts. ‘Knock it off! We’re supposed to be getting along on this trip.’
‘Sorry, Rei,’ Stormy apologizes to Rei.
‘Yeah. Sorry,’ Lucas agrees.
‘Good. We just need something to talk about that we can all agree on...’
‘There was a recent journal on the nature of the Higgs Field that was very fascinating,’ Inkie suggests.
‘We could talk about all of the awesome anime that is coming in spring,’ Lucas offers.
Stormy thinks. ‘Yeah... None of my personal interests are stuff you would like too.’
‘I know!’ Rei laughs and flies a small loop. ‘We are all not from Ponyville, so we can talk about where we are from. I’ll go first.’
‘But I’m... never mind.’ Stormy sighs.
‘I am from northern Neighpon, from the city Haydo,’ Rei begins. ‘Well, not your Neighpon since I am from another universe. And from the future too! Like twenty years.’
‘Are there flying cars?’ Stormy teases.
‘No, but there are flying ponies. They are called pegasi,’ Rei laughs.
Stormy and Lucas groan at the backfired joke.
‘Interesting,’ Inkie ponders. ‘What sort of differences are there in the two worlds?’
‘Well, the most obvious is Queen Luna and different Elements of Harmony.... except your sister! She is still one of them.’
‘Different Elements...’ Inkie thinks. ‘Because of some change in your history?’
‘... Something like that...’ Rei frowns at the sad history of the Elements. ‘Anyway! My country is very technologically advanced like this universe, but I think we are also more independent spiritually. There is a lot less Luna worship where I am from.’
‘If Luna is your head of state, then is Celestia...’
‘There is no Celestia,’ Rei interrupts. She moans a little about the sad history. ‘Anyway! Stormy, you’re up.’
Stormy groans. ‘Ponyville born and bred. And you know most of my history since it got aired nicely in Rarity’s class for me.’
‘I don’t know your history...’ Inkie meekly asides.
‘But you weren’t around for Hearth’s Warming or the other winter holidays,’ Rei says.
‘My mom and her family are from Fillydelphia so I was with them. Nothing fancy.’
‘Probably why you don’t know much magic. No magic kindergarten like the rest of us,’ Lucas jeers.
‘So I wasn’t privately tutored and didn’t go to a fancy Canterlot, Manehatten, Fillydelphia or Los Arion school. Who really cares? If you want to pretend you’re better than me since you went to a fancy school, go ahead.’
‘I wasn’t implying...’ Lucas starts. ‘Forget it. I’m sorry.’
‘Whatevs,’ Stormy turns away.
‘Tsk. For a pink pony, you are very emo.’
‘Lucas!’ Rei shouts. ‘Stop being a meany! Don’t make me tell Wanderer-san on you.’
‘Yes, Rei,’ Lucas moans. ‘I’m sorry.’
Rei growls at Lucas for a bit before turning to Inkie. ‘I bet you have lots of fun stories about growing up with your sister!’
‘Hmm... Well, most of the fun was after she got her cutie mark, but there was this one time...’
…
Further into the forest and a couple topics later, the group is listening to Stormy tell the tale of how he got his cutie mark.
‘So, I was younger than Sweetie Belle when my mom died,’ Stormy begins. ‘My dad wasn’t any help, not to mention he started getting really involved with his religious and political groups after that. I remembered how much fun I used to have baking with my mom and started doing that again as a way to feel happy. Then, bam. That is how I got the same cutie mark as hers.’
‘That is so touching,’ Inkie sobs.
‘Poor little Stormy!’ Rei cries as she grabs her friend in a hug, making him really happy.
‘Hey!’ Lucas complains. ‘You didn’t hug me. How come you didn’t hug me?’
‘Your story was just you pretending to be in a video game and chasing your sister. That is lamer than Wanderer-san’s story.’
‘Fine. Whatever,’ Lucas grumbles.
Rei kisses Stormy on the forehead, brushing his horn briefly. She takes her place back at the head of the group while he thinks today is the best day of his life. The rest of the group look towards the leader. Lucas nudges Stormy and nods towards Rei. Stormy gives Lucas a serious look back, shakes his head and pokes Inkie. Inkie looks back at the two colts, who nod toward Rei. She sighs and rolls her eyes. She catches up to Rei and gently pulls her tail with her teeth.
‘Yes, Inkie?’
‘Uh, well, it is, uh, your turn,’ Inkie fumbles.
Rei sighs. ‘Right... Well, it is not as cute as yours or as touching as Stormy’s, but it is still better than Lucas’s story.’
‘Hey!’
‘Well, it is true.’
‘We don’t know that yet.’
Rei snorts at Lucas. ‘Like Stormy, I lost my parents, but I was a foal so I didn’t even know them yet.’
But what about what boss let slip... Lucas thinks.
‘I’m sorry,’ Inkie sympathizes.
‘It is fine. Queen Luna cared for me. I was like one of the family. I got to meet all of the Elements of Harmony when they came to Neighpon, and I would play with Prince Helios and Princess Alba when they visited. They were like younger siblings.’ Rei smiles to herself as she remembers fun times back home. ‘Anyway. I was watching the prince and princess one night while Luna was in the city on business, and my cutie mark just appeared. All I really remember thinking at the time was how much like a real family this felt like and how much I wished I had parents of my own...’
Rei holds back tears and looks down as she flies on. A magical aura surrounds her and pulls her back.
‘I’m so sorry to hear that, Rei,’ Lucas coos as he hugs her.
‘Help! Pervert!’ Rei cries.
Stormy uses his magic to help pull Rei as she pushes free. Lucas is left stunned.
‘But. What. When you would hug them...’
‘Yeah! It was not just yanking them from the ground!’ Rei shouts. ‘I was really scared for a moment!’
Lucas sighs and looks at the ground. ‘I am really sorry, Rei. I didn’t mean to scare you.’
Rei snorts and flies back to the lead. Inkie frowns and shakes her head at Lucas before dutifully following Rei. Stormy pushes Lucas.
‘Smooth, genius.’
‘Shut up. I thought I was being nice.’
‘Guys, please don’t...’ Inkie tries to interject.
‘You just need some better lessons in dealing with 3D girls.’
‘Yeah. Then I’ll turn into one like you.’
‘Will you give that a rest! If you payed one iota of attention, you would know the class wasn’t like that.’
‘Please stop fi...’ Inkie says before getting cut off.
‘Right. And Rarity had you pose for her “notes” for purely innocent reasons.’
A burst of magic sends Lucas into a tree.
‘Don’t insult Miss Rarity like that!’ Stormy shouts while an unstable aura surrounds his horn.
‘You really want to take me on...’ Lucas stands and charges a spell.
The unicorns growl at each other and wait for the other to make the first move. A bolt of lightning crashes between the colts. Rei lands where her bolt hit.
‘Enough!’ Rei roars. She glares at Lucas. ‘You have been nothing but trouble this whole trip!’
‘Thank you,’ Stormy jeers. ‘I have been saying...’
‘And you’re not helping!’ Stormy backs away. ‘You two have been total asshats for the past few hours, and this is the last straw!’ Rei turns away. She shakes as she holds back tears. ‘I just wanted to share something special with my friends, and you two are ruining it. You’re ruining my...’
Rei flies away from the group. Inkie tries giving chase.
‘Wait! Rei! Where are you going?’
‘I have the map. Twilight told me the safest route to get to the old palace. Wanderer-san even boosted my mobile so I can get a signal out here if I need help. Just go back the way we came to get out of here. You’re a smarty. You can lead the idiots out. I am going to finish my quest. Alone if I have to.’
Rei flaps her wings and disappears in a flash. Inkie turns back and glares at the unicorns.
‘Are you happy!’ She shouts before turning and running. ‘I am going to be a friend to somepony who actually deserves one. You can join us once you stop acting like mules!’
Inkie disappears after Rei. The unicorns watch after their friends, turn and glare at each other, before sighing and giving chase.
Trotting into The Power Block, Twilight Sparkle notices that neither store operator is at his usual post. Instead, there is a sign at the front of the store. There is an image of a very stern-looking Celestia at the center with the caption ‘Big Sister is Watching.’ Twilight laughs and makes her way behind the counter. On the counter, there is a pile of bits and a list of what games have been sold. Under the counter, The Wandering Physicist is curled into a ball sleeping. Twilight laughs again and sits down beside The Sleeping Physicist. She gets out her mobile and starts writing a message to surprise her coltfriend. Before she can hit ‘send,’ she gets a message herself.
‘Right here. Right now.’
Twilight has to contain an ‘eep’ as she is pulled to the ground so as not to alert any of the customers to the ponies under the counter. She holds back another squeak when she is kissed at the base of her horn.
‘Mr Wanderer, we might be seen.’
‘Just adds to the fun,’ is cooed into her ears.
Twilight blushes deeply. ‘We, we couldn’t do that.’ She squirms as her horn is kissed again. ‘It isn’t right just yet.’
‘Saving yourself for the right moment, eh?’ He hugs Twilight tight. ‘Maybe for the right day in Spring. Like the first of May perhaps?’
Twilight’s magic goes off spontaneously, and the couple is teleported to the upstairs living area and crash to the ground. Twilight quickly climbs out of their tangle.
‘Mr Wanderer... I could never do something like that. It would be just too embarrassing.’
He laughs. ‘I know. I just love seeing you freak out.’
Twilight growls. ‘Anyway. I came by about Rei. Is she enjoying the little quest I sent her on?’
The Wandering Physicist shrugs from where he lays. ‘I don’t know. She hasn’t checked in, but Inkie, Stormy and Lucas are with her.’
‘Them?’ Twilight is confused. ‘Why them?’
‘You saw how much Rei liked Inkie after the cruise. She is just a more subdued Pinkie but with science.’
Twilight rolls her eyes. ‘Of course you approve of the scientist.’
‘I like you, don’t I?’
Twilight blushes and growls at the same time. ‘And the others?’
‘Well, she has spent lots of time with Stormy from their classes.’
‘Right... And Lucas is always around here.’
‘Actually, he caught them on their way out of town and practically begged me to order him to follow them.’
Twilight goes over to the kitchen and throws out the drinks Rei left out. ‘I really hope they like the ruins. It is where I first felt the spark of friendship with the others.’
‘Rei has another reason for going there too.’
‘Really, what is it?’
‘Well, according to Celestia, I am not allowed to talk about it under threat of being offered a banana. Luna on the other hand is fine with me telling, but she has been censored by the banana edict. You’ll have to ask Rei when she gets back.’
‘You basically told me that it has something to do with her own universe by saying that.’
‘I also said that a certain princess is once again keeping truth from not only the public but her beloved apprentice too.’
‘I hate you so much right now.’ Twilight glares.
‘You have the cutest nose when it is scrunched in anger,’ The Slithering Physicist says as he drags himself across the floor to the stairs.
Twilight sighs and magics her coltfriend to his feet. ‘You are the laziest pony ever.’
Twilight starts heading back downstairs. The Wandering Physicist watches her pass.
‘Can’t you just teleport me down?’ he asks.
Using her natural Pie sense, Inkie trails Rei through the forest as best she can. She approaches a wood-and-rope bridge with crumbling ruins on the other side. Inkie hopes this is the old castle Rei was talking about. The bridge is sounder than Inkie would have guessed. Just inside the ruins, a familiar white pegasus is moping on the ground.
Rei wipes the tears from her eyes. ‘Hey, Inkie.’
‘Rei... Are you...’
‘I’m fine. Do you know why we came here today?’
‘I figured you were going to tell us at some point.’ Inkie approaches her friend. ‘It might just be me, but you can share if you want to.’
Rei looks back and smiles at Inkie. ‘You’re a great friend.’ She stands and looks around the ruins. ‘This is the only place that is similar to my world. It is the only place with a similar history, though the outcome was completely different.’
‘How so? What happened?’
Rei sighs. ‘On my world, Discord is both our greatest villain and greatest hero. What happened here is why he is so hated. It was here where he fought the princesses.’
‘I think I remember seeing that in a very old book once. It was before the capital was moved to Canterlot over a thousand years ago.’
‘Right. In our version of the battle, Discord killed Celestia. Instead of crumbling ruins, this place is a mausoleum for her.’
‘So... Seeing the palace in this state, it is like seeing what our planet was like before our timelines split. Fascinating.’ Inkie takes in the ruins. ‘Can I ask you a bit of a personal question?’
‘I guess so...’
‘You mentioned that my sister is in your universe. Am I there too? Is that why you invited me even though we barely know each other?’
Rei rubs against Inkie briefly. ‘I invited you because you are a fun pony!’ She stops to think a moment. ‘As to your other question, I don’t know if you are around, but Pinkie does have two kids, Apple and Rainbow.’
Inkie is shocked. ‘You mean she is a mom? Wait. Are they named like her friends from this...’
Rei springs into the air to dodge the question. ‘Hey! Let’s start exploring!’
‘Right on!’ ‘Let’s go!’ comes from behind the fillies. The fillies turn back to see their unicorn companions trotting up.
‘About damn time you show up!’ Rei scolds. ‘What took you so long?’
‘Gamers aren’t built for running IRL,’ Stormy laughs.
‘Nor are seamstresses,’ Lucas shoots back.
‘I didn’t know you sew,’ Stormy counters.
Lucas growls at Stormy. Rei growls at the fighting. She turns back to the ruins.
‘Well, we better get to cataloging and collecting samples. That report for Twilight is not going to write itself.’ Rei flies off to explore.
‘Wait. What report?’ Stormy chases after Rei.
‘I love writing reports!’ Inkie cheers.
Lucas moans. ‘Can’t we stop to eat first?’
Back at The Power Block, The Wandering Physicist is seeing off a very tired Lucas for the night. The young stallion barely has the energy to moan as he drags himself back to his apartment. The Wandering Physicist heads upstairs to his home. Rei and Inkie have their samples and artifacts out on the table. The Wandering Physicist sits down with the fillies.
‘I see you had fun today.’
‘We got to see all sorts of unique flora and fauna!’ Inkie squeals. ‘And the ruins had a level of preservation at made dating and stratifying our find very easy! Not to mention the rock samples that have to have been quarried from around Equestria!’
‘We saw where our worlds split,’ Rei adds.
‘Oh. That, too.’
The Wandering Physicist goes to get a drink. ‘We’ll have to see how that happened first hoof some time.’
Rei springs up, nearly knocking over the table. ‘Really!’
‘Pfft! No!’ The Wandering Physicist laughs. ‘Who do you think I am? The Doctor? I wouldn’t risk changing history. You might try flying off and saving Luna or something equally crazy.’
Rei mopes. ‘AWWWWWW!’
‘Uh, Mr Wanderer...’ Inkie begins.
‘Your sister will be over soon,’ The Wandering Physicist answers. ‘She offered to pick up some dinner for us on the way. Speaking of which, where is Stormy? Shouldn’t he be helping you with your homework too?’
‘He said he had to get something from the boutique before he could join us,’ Inkie explains.
‘Excuses,’ Rei snorts.
There is a clamor on the stairs as Stormy enters the living areas. He has a pack on his back.
‘Sorry I took so long. Rarity felt the need to scold me for no good reason.’
The Wandering Physicist puts a hoof on Stormy’s shoulder. ‘I am sorry for your loss.’
‘What? Huh? Oh! Blame Rei. She did it.’
‘Rei! You’re grounded!’
Rei sticks her tongue out at her guardian. Stormy rolls his eyes at the whole beard argument as he goes over to the table. He levitates his laptop out of his pack.
‘I whipped this up while Rarity was going on how my clean face was “The. Worst. Possible. Thing”.’ Stormy moans as he brings up a file. ‘Obviously she forgot we were out of orange juice this morning.’
‘Whoa.’ Inkie marvels at what she sees. ‘This is neat.’
Rei drools a little. ‘Ooooo! Shiny.’ She turns to Stormy. ‘I think Team Venture is better though.’
Stormy moans. On the screen, he as drawn up a simple flier that reads ‘RSI Adventure Team’ and has a picture of Rei, Inkie and Stormy posing at the ruins.