Acceptance

by Riddle-Me-Think


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I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic


Masquerade looked about the pegasus filled area a once over, trying his best to keep track of each pony as they either flew laps around the dirt track, or talk with apparent friends.

Beside him, Twilight levitated a fan with a meter built into it’s stand, as well as a can of disinfectant for some reason. beside her, Spike had a clip board that had a number of faces belonging to some of the pegasi in the area. Looking to the dragon beside him he said, “So, this is a rather big thing going on, right?”

With a nod the young drake told, “The water from Ponyville‘s reservoir is going to be used to supply water for Cludsdale to make rain clouds for all of Equestria.” Then gave the stallion a look asking, “Didn’t you watch the film back at the library?”

With a shake of his head, Masquerade said, “Of course not!” Grinning as he did, “I came back in time to see both you and Twinkles making it out with that contraption of hers.” Nodding to the mare who was setting up the small fan.

Soon enough, two pegasi wandering over with curiosity at what the unicorn was up to. Other soon followed, also in the same wonderment as the two mares.

The first mare pointed down at the fan asking, “What dose this machine do?” Giving it a unsure look.

With a smile Twilight told, “This is an anemometer.” Gesturing to the small device, “It measures velocity and measures it into wing power.”

Well, aint that nifty? Masquerade thought to himself with some amazement. He could see the reasoning behind something like the machine before him, gauging a pony’s power like that.

“--Thus gauging your cumulative H2o gathering potential!” Twilight finished cheerfully, obviously happy to give out the needed information. Taking both hooves up and knocking them together she asked, “Any questions?”

The stallion had to use what willpower he could to keep from laughing. The faces the pegasi were doing while she explained her little gadget showed that they had no clue what she said.

The pegasus next to the first one that asked, said, “Yeah.” And promptly turned to both him and Spike--who was going over the list now--and asking, “What exactly does this machine do?”

Letting out a slight snicker, Masquerade said, “Put simply: it tells your speed and wing strength.” Hearing them go ‘oh!’ after explaining it. Casting a look to Twilight's annoyed face he poked her saying, “Hey, Spike and I understood you, right Spike?”

Any reply she was going to give was stopped by a rather loud cough from somewhere in the crowed. Almost instantly, Twilight looked over all the ponies calling, “Is that you again Thunderlane!” Bringing up the can of germ-killer with her magic.

The pegasus in question turned around to see who was addressing him, only to be face-to-face with a floating can that attacked him with anti-bacterial vapor while Twilight said, “Please, we need to have a germ free environment!”

Watching the can fly away he said, “It wasn’t me, it was Blossom Forth!” Pointing to the mare he was talking with just seconds prior.

“Liar.” The black unicorn whispered to Twilight discreetly while Rainbow Dash flew down with crossed hooves.

Turning towards Twilight, but keeping Thunderlane in sight, Dash told, “Don’t listen to him Twilight, he‘s just trying to get an excuse to skip out on tornado day in bed.” And called out, “Why don’t you come over here and be our first test flier Thunderlane!”

Masquerade gave a light chuckle at the stallions slight spike in fear that quickly turned into annoyance. He had to admit, Thunderlane was always amusing to stalk when it came to understanding his behavior. Even more so with Dash around, she scared the feathers off the guy!

“What‘s so funny?” Twilight asked, watching the darker pegasus fly over to the starting point and ready his wings.

With a smile the infiltrator waved off saying, “Nothing, just something that past my mind.” Feeling some of his mane pull as the stallion flew by and make the fan spine quickly.

Leaning down to get a better look at the meatier, Twilight announced, “We have nine-point-three wing power.”

Landing with a puffed out chest, Thunderlane got a number of cheers, while also getting some additional attention for one of the two mares from earlier.

Behind them, a rather large and heavily built white pegasus rushed up giving a loud, “YEAH!!!” Grinning at the smaller stallion as his own form of cheering.

Rainbow flew up next, taking her time to loosen up and prepare herself for her run. Masquerade raised a brow at her, wondering why she had to take so much time for her part.

With a quick rev of her wings, the rainbow mare took off at much greater speeds then Thunderlane did, rushing past them to the point that Mask almost wondered if his disguise was pulled off. He certainly felt Twilight bump into him some at the wind-force that hit them and mussed up her mane.

When they got their footing back, Twilight took a look at her friends rating and announcing, “Sixteen-point-five wing power!”

Blinking in place and looking to her, the unicorn stallion asked, “Mind repeating that Twilight?” Unable to comprehend what he just heard.

Over the cheering pegasi, Twilight repeated, “Sixteen-point-five wing power.” Pulling down her mane into place with her hoof, “Why do you ask?”

Taking a hoof to tap the side of his head he told, “Making sure my ears are working.” But thought, she generated nearly seventeen wing power over what? Gazing to the track and trying to place the numbers in his head, two-hundred feet, while doing a turn near the middle of it?

Any further thoughts came to abrupt halt as he tasted something in the air. It was familiar, but he could not place it on the spot. Determination with…what is it?

Masquerade racked his mind over it before a voice called out, “Hello Masquerade!”

With a slightly slumping form he said, “Now I remember.” Turning to find Cloud Kicker’s smiling face thinking, the other mare that ruined my plans.

He felt uncomfortable by the slightly hungry look in her eye, apparently fixed on him in particular. Twilight however didn’t notice when she looked up, “Oh, hello!”

Giving Twilight a sideways glance she politely waved with a wing, “Hi there.” While her feelings somewhat told other wise. Turning her eyes back on Masquerade she told, “You’re a hard pony to track Masquerade.”

The stallion felt the rare urge to run from the mare who was advancing on his location saying, “I like to keep to myself.” Doing his best not to scoot away.

Right when she was about to say more, Rainbows voice yelled over, “Cloud Kicker, your going to be up next!” Apparently done with her little rally speech to the others.

Sighing, but not completely bothered, Cloud Kicker looked to the black unicorn, giving a wink saying, “Be sure to cheer for me!” Taking off towards the starting line with a quick flap of her wings.

With a smile Twilight noted, “Well, she seemed friendly. You know her Mask?” And waited for a moment before looking around saying, “Mask?” Not finding the stallion in sight.


Rarity took another sip of her tea while going over one of her latest drawings for a dress pattern and listening to Twilight and Rainbow’s day. So far, the pegasus had finished her telling on how Fluttershy had been scared off by the stress of being watched by the others.

Both unicorns wished they could do something about the problem, but nether one could think of anything that would spur the yellow pegasus back into action unless it had some form of dire need.

Twilight’s telling was somewhat different, catching both of her friends attention when she mentioned that Masquerade had pulled another vanishing act after Cloud Kicker showed up.

“That is peculiar.” Rarity said in thought, “I know you say he likes to run off at times, but you said he only did this right after Cloud Kicker had shown up?”

Rolling her own eyes, Dash said, “I think it‘s because she‘s trying to move in on him.” Seeing both inquiring looks she explained, “Before the whole messing up of his plan, Cloud Kicker was trying to hit on him, but ended up being knocked out.” Rainbow had to admit, that was rather funny to watch.

Shaking her head Twilight asked, “But why would that be a problem?” And took a sip of her tea before thinking aloud, “I mean, if he‘s changeling, then wouldn’t that mean he would take the opportunity to have more love to feed on?”

“You forgot the part of where he likes you.” The pegasus reminded, making Twilight freeze at the motioning of it. Giving a curious look she asked, “Have you even asked the bug boy about that yet?”

Tapping her hoof on the ground she told, “Well…not yet-- but I‘m going to!” Giving both mares quick looks, “I was just looking up some books on the subject on how to best breach it…” She narrowed her eyes at her tea saying in a defeated voice, “But I keep hitting dead ends.”

Rainbow went to say something, but was stopped from doing so when Rarity asked, “And what revolves around your research?” Already working out the possible problems in her mind.

Taking a moment to think she told, “Well, I first started with some physiological structures for male interaction and reactions towards potential mates.” Tilting her head to the side she added, “But I quickly changed books, remembering that being changeling, his psychological profile might be different form most stallions.”

Rainbow Dash gave the white unicorn a look, as if asking why she was letting Twilight go over her failed research. What she saw was Rarity completely focused with every word Twilight told, as if figuring out a puzzle.

“--so with that, I figured his interest in me could be allotted to knowing me for so long. But this is quickly shot down with the fact we haven’t been in contact since I was around eleven, and that was six years ago.” The lavender mare went on, now immersed into her mind and trying to figure things out further, “I also tried to fit how I think of him, but can't get passed the fact I still see him as a friend, so I can't go any further from there!”

Rapping her hoof on the table to grab the studious unicorns attention, Rarity asked, “How did you go about with looking at your feelings?” Thinking she may have come up with something.

“Well…I looked at out interactions and how we respond with one another--” She began to tell while Rarity shook her head.

“No Twilight.” The seamstress cut off, “Don’t think of it as a analysis from a test, how do you feel about him?” Trying to emphasize the feel, as that was what was possibly missing.

Catching onto what the upper class mare was trying to say, Rainbow added in, “Yeah Twinkles, what are your likes and dislikes about the scarecrow?” Seeing Twilight confused glance, Rainbow told, “It‘s what Roma likes to call him.”

Nodding to that and thinking on it, she said, “Well, I can say that he can be nice when he wants to be, but also annoying just as much.” This was contributed with how Masquerade was willing to listen in and talk with her at any given time. This also was where his annoying actions came in, teasing her and playing around with her words.

“He can be lazy, paranoid and on occasions rude.” Much like how he acted before the changeling party, or before meeting Daisy with her by his side. Her features softened some as she told, “This seems to also work into who Mask is, being careful of others, and doing his best not to hurt them to much.”

If one got to know him more, they would see like she did, that Masquerade sometimes didn’t mean harm. After all, he has gone through a lot with what he had to be. Remembering the conversations she had with the changeling heir so far, mostly in regards to his mastery with the cloak arts of infiltration.

With a small laugh she told “I also think I understand why Masquerade teases me so much.” Making both mares in the room cast looks with one another before turning back to Twilight who said, “It‘s just his way of being playful with me.”

“Excuse me if I interrupt here dear, but what makes you say that?” Rarity asked, bringing up both hers and Dash’s thoughts to the surface.

With a smile the lavender unicorn told, “I‘ve come to understand that he has a skill in manipulating others, and because of this he uses it to pluck at my feelings in a non-harmful way.”

Looking down to her cup she held between her hoofs, she said somewhat softly with a light blush, “In a way, I think I might enjoy it a little. Maybe I do because he makes me feel beautiful every time he makes a flirting comment on my figure or my mind.”

“Or special because he holds me in such high regard with how I do something, or how I look at a situation the way I do.” She then looked out the window to the clear blue sky with a far away look, “I almost feel like somepony more when he says some of those things, even if they‘re annoying at times.”

Silence fell on the room as each mare was left to their thoughts for a moment and think over what was said.

“You‘ve got it bad.” Said a voice that startled the three. Turning around, they all saw Roma waltz right into Rarity’s home saying, “If I didn’t know better, I would say you got bit by the love bug.” Grinning at her own joke.

Sitting up more and glaring, Rarity spoke, “Roma, I believe we had a conversation about barging into other ponies homes.”

With a absent wave the vendor told, “We did, but I figured, we‘re friends right? So the same rule doesn’t count here!” Smiling after saying that and taking a seat at the table.

Giving the earth toned mare a curious look, Twilight asked, “When you said I had it bad…what did you mean by it?” Unsure how to take the comment.

Rolling her eyes at the unicorn, Roma told, “It means what it means little miss mage, you like the scarecrow as much as he likes you.” And poking the lavender mare, “I mean, I don’t need my eyes to see that, being changeling and all.”

Holding a hoof up Rainbow said, “Wait a moment, you’re saying Twilight is in love with Masquerade?”

With a confused look the earth mare asked, “What, she doesn’t know?” Giving the other mare a look saying, “I mean, having a crush or two can help clue one in, right?”

Twilight gave no answer for a moment before telling, “I was too busy with my studies to do much else.” Giving a sheepish smile as the curly manes mare looked at her a gap.

Fixing her jaw back up she said, “I…that is to say…” Coming up with nothing she conceded, “Wow…I‘ve got nothing‘ to say to that.”
This made Twilight look down a little embarrassed at her previous life style, while Dash laughed at the changelings stupor. Rarity only smiled, happy that the normally noisy mare was for once, silent.

Looking about the room, Twilight got up saying, “Well, it was nice catching up with you Rarity.” Moving her empty cup over to the teapot in the middle of the table, “But I should get going, I told Pinkie Pie I would taste test some candy she wanted me to try.” And headed for the door.

Getting up herself, Rainbow nodded, “Yeah, I better be off too, want to beat Fillydelphia‘s record after all!” Speeding out the door with Twilight.

Now alone, Roma looked over to Rarity with a smirk saying, “Say Marshmallow, I got a question for ya.”

Wanting to growl at the nick name, but still retaining her proper stature, she nodded, “What would that be Roma?” Taking a sip of her tea to keep her façade of calm.

With another smirk Roma asked, “Do you think you can make something for my chakrams?”


“Again.”

That one lone word seemed to ring loudly in the woods both Masquerade and Toe-Tapper were in, both with their weapons of choice and sparing with the other. The solid clang of steel resounded in the air, scaring off small animals of all sorts.

The Ditty changeling found himself more than outmatched by the heir and his unique sword style, keeping him on his proverbial toes as the Malek changed swords and technique on a whim.

He bought his sheathed hidden weapon back up to block another swing and use his better grip on it to push the blunt edge of Lace back. Almost like clockwork, Masquerade brought his magic sword back, griping the next one at random and attacking with it instead. Seeing the new threat, Toe-Tapper drew out his blade, stopping the strike.

By now, Masquerade had sheathed his last sword and now held Angle, being used in a power-struggle with the surprisingly good ditty changeling, who was in his earth pony form.

The black unicorn had to admit that the common knew how to fight with only his hooves quite well, as was demonstrating this to its full effect. The stallion held this power-struggle with his blue counterpart for a second longer before breaking off.

Backing away to gain distance, Masquerade brought Angle down to his side with the edge down to the ground. This gave the appearance of being open for attack, but was in fact a way to deal with up-to-down strikes.

Toe-Tapper knew this very well, and also knew it placed him at a disadvantage, seeing as he needed to stand upright to even use his swordsmen skills as a earth pony. His cane designed sheath for his sword help with this, acting as extra support while fighting.

“Again.”

When those words left Masquerades mouth once again, Toe-Tapper readied himself for the next onslaught of strikes. Masquerade did a feint left, quickly switch to right and forcing Toe-Tapper to back away.

With an opening before him, Toe went in for a thrust, quickly finding his target dodge it and sent his sword to tap his own away. Being open himself, Toe-Tapper quickly retreated back, trying to distance himself from his opponent who was advancing.

“Any reason you asked for a spar?” The tall stallion asked, using his cane-like-sheath to bat away a strike, “Most times you would just be hiding away in some dark corner.” Twisting to the side and find a good vantage point to strike back.

Just as quickly, Mask brought out another blade while turning himself, keeping some of the top of the sword in the sheath as a improvised grip on the whole blade and block the strike.

Pushing back with his whole body, he drew out Ensnare and sheathed Angle, “Yes, but I thought I‘d do a little practice after getting Blades back.” Swinging another attack from high left, to low right.

Wary of the hook like part in the sword, the Ditty changeling backed away, unwilling to get disarmed of his only weapon, “I noticed they’ve been well crafted, who made them?” Spotting an opening and going for it.

Seeing the next attack, Masquerade back up, using his sword to try and catch his opponents’ weapon saying, “I did, with some help from the Lue brothers.” Smirking as he caught the sheathed blade and gave a quick flick to send it aside.

Toe-Tapper felt himself go off-balanced at his cane being yanked in another direction, watching with some despair as it went flying to the side and out of his reach.

Now using both his forelegs to keep himself up, he soon found Ensnare’s tip near his nose while Mask asked, “Give?”

With a nod form the taller stallion, Masquerade brought his sword back into it’s sheath, looking over to the weapon he just tossed and using his magic to bring it back.

With a small smile he told, “It‘s hard to find other changelings willing to spar with me, mostly reluctant to because I‘m an heir.” Holding the sword-disguised-as-cane to Toe-Tapper.

Accepting the offered hidden weapon back, Toe-Tapper responded, “I understand, and I would have done the same if it were not for my last occupation.”

“And what would that be?” Masquerade asked curiously, already knowing the current occupation the changeling took up was singing teacher.

With a proud smile he told, “I use to teach and spare with the heirs while they were still young.” Walking on all four legs once more, “Got to teach a few of the Commons too, with a drone that was able, here or there.”

Looking to the common, the heir asked, “So an instructor?” Finding the dirt road that would lead out of Whitetail Woods, and back to Ponyville.

With a good natured chuckle the singer told, “I suppose I was, wasn’t I?” Carefully fixing the cane so it was held under his right foreleg, “And you, I know, were an Infiltrator and a master of the Cloak arts, but what else?”

For a the smallest moment, Masquerade considered not answering the question. But he needed allies, and who better than this one, who seemed to be heavily integrated with the ponies?

“I did all the missions requiring the need-to-know bases, so most, if not all, are secret.” He settled with, still not completely trusting of the other changeling, “However, the ones I can talk about are mostly rouges changelings, or rouge casters.”

With his interest pique, Toe-Tapper asked, “Rouge casters as in…Savage casters, Blood casters, Necro casters and Mind casters?” Going over the four in his mind and shivering, “I don’t envy you.”

The second heir nodded, “Not that many are around, but when they are, I usually bring a team with. You know how dangerous a Savage caster can be.”

Shaking his head the Ditty changeling said, “Don’t remind me, the last time I saw one, she turned herself into a giant cricket!” Casting a glance at Masquerades confused look he clarified, “She resembled a bulldog cricket, and ate half the changelings sent to kill her.”

“I don’t know if that’s better or worse than the ones who go arachnid.” Masquerade grimaced saying, “Had to bring down two twins that turned into scorpions, that was not fun.” That was one of his more grave missions, seeing as five died under his care. Two to being ripped apart by claws, and three by poison.

The blue stallion nodded in understanding, going over his own experience with the one Savage caster he had to fight. He was somewhat glad that he didn’t have to do that sort of work any more. The life of a singing teacher suited him just fine, after all that was what the Ditty were good at: singing. Not fighting twelve foot insect’s that ate changelings for breakfast.

Looking ahead, Toe-Tapper could just see the spot that was his house, located near the edge of town with a few other homes. He gave a cheery smile, remembering that today was Ruby Pinch’s turn for a lesion that her mother, Berry Punch, had asked for. A friendly duo those two, he happily thought.

Masquerade gave a glance at the suddenly upbeat stallion, cracking a smile but not saying anything. Instead, he enjoyed the peace and quiet of the outskirts of town. It was no rainstorm, but it was relaxing enough.


With the days training over for the day and having nothing else planed for it, Cloud Kicker soared in the skies, now searching for one black stallion. Ever since she had seen the black unicorn, the pegasus could not help but be intrigued at what little was known about him.

True, her first meeting didn’t go as planed, falling asleep for no apparent reason like she did. Now however, after spotting him, she had taken up the challenge to know who he was.

So far, all she was able to scrounge up was that he knew how to stay off the gossip radar.

So she had resorted to just spying on him and trying to initiate conversations at ‘conveniently’ placed times. This only proved so effective, as he had a knack for completely falling off the her map at any given time.

Now that I think about it, Pinkie Pie hasn’t even thrown a party for him! The grey mare realized somewhere in her mind, knowing the pink party mare loved to throw parties for newcomers. The idea that she missed this one was very surprising, and interesting…

When she had seen him on the field that day, she knew she had to get a conversation with him. There was that other mare he was talking to, but she didn’t matter at the moment. After all, according to Dash, he was single still.

But alas, like all other times the unicorn was no where in sight. It was strange how a darkly colored pony could blend into a brightly colored crowed. But, if she thought about it, he always stayed closer to the buildings where shadows would be during the day.

Just adds to his mystery! She thought giddily somewhat, feeling a sort of thrill when trying to figure out a new pony that nopony knew. He had secrets, she could feel it in her gut. And I’m going to be the first one to uncover them!

With a new found energy, she shot off in a new direction, searching carefully with her eyes to make sure she did not miss him. This same energy began to waver after about a half hour later, still finding no trace of him.

She scanned the ground a little more, spotting the lavender unicorn form before, but not the black one she was searching for. With a quick thought, she realized the two somehow knew the other.

Which means I might find him if I follow her! She thought, knowing that there was a slight chance of it happening. Adjusting her wings, she made a slight dive down to glide over the buildings and keep better track of the mare.

Cloud Kicker followed the unicorn through town, already having an idea where her destination would be with the most popular bakery in town just ahead. When close enough, the mare did indeed go inside, leaving Cloud Kicker to think over what to do next.

She could wait out here until the mare came back out, probably there for some baked goods. Or, go in, seeing that Masquerade could be inside as well.

Going over it in her head, she could only think, I won't get anywhere without taking some kind of risk, and dived down towards the ground. Besides, if he’s not there I can always get something to eat, a shortcake did sound good at the moment to her after all.

Landing on the front of the steps of the bakery, the pegasus walked on up and opened the door. Looking around she found the place rather empty. Strange, ponies are usually all over the place. Shrugging and wondering where the unicorn was, she let the door close behind her, not noticing the closed sign was up.

Cloud Kicker continued to scan the vacant room with confusion, wondering where the mare had disappeared to. Some giggling made her head turn to the kitchen doors where voices could not be heard. Moving over to the wall near it, she focused on her hearing to eavesdrop on what was going on.

“I have to say, these are really good.” Twilight’s voice said before taking a pause, “I didn’t know you two knew how to make candies like this.”

A duo of identical giggles came from the kitchen, with two unfamiliar voices saying, “We do much traveling, remember friend Twilight Sparkle?” Rummaging could be heard as the two voices said, “Try this one, is one of Brothers favorites!”

“Oh, can I have one, please, please, please!” Pinkies voice excitedly came, giving the pegasus the feeling the party mare was bouncing in place.

“That reminds us friend Twilight.” One of the new voices said, “My sister and I wonder what you think of our cousin as of late?”

Choking suddenly followed this question from sompony, and also causing the pegasus to feel things stop for a moment.

After the chocking and coughing died down, Twilight nearly stuttered out, “W-what do I think, what do you mean?” Giving cloud Kicker a good clue that the mare was flustered about the idea.

“We know something’s up.” Cloud Kicker could practically hear the smirk in the mares voice when she said this, quickly followed by, “We can tell even more after asking.” Then as one, both voices said, “So, what do you think of our cousin Masquerade?”

He has cousins? Was the first thought that went through the pegasus’s mind. This was quickly followed by the realization that they were implying this Twilight, possibly like the stallion she was trying to catch!

Twilights gulp could be heard while she shakily told, “I, well…I don’t know what to think really.” Nervousness evident in her voice, “I want to say no, but with what I found out from Rarity, Dash and Roma of all ponies, I just don’t know!”

Giggling could be heard again while Pinkie Pie said, “Then ask him, you said you would, so why not now?” This made Cloud Kicker want to rush for the door and find the stallion first, but she held her place to hear in some more.

“I-I don’t know. I mean, I could but…” Doubt filled the unicorns voice, apparently confused about her feelings on the matter, “What do I even say to my long time friend when it comes something like this?”

Oh, now their long time friends! The grey pegasus shouted in her mind, feeling irritated that the odds were stacking up on her on this more and more. Fortunately for her, it seemed to make her more spurred on to try and get the stallions affections first. Why, she wasn’t sure, but the idea of it being competitive made her want to try harder.

“Well, how do you usually tell him important stuff?” Pinkie Pie asked before a rattling noise could be heard with some crunching.

Tapping on the hardwood floor echoed a few times before Twilight replied, “Well…I just tell him.” And nearly shouted, “But every time I try, I either get scared or interrupted!”

“We are just surprised cousin Masquerade has not noticed yet.” The twin voices said, “Then again, he is most likely unsure how to approach this situation too.”

That got all ears perked from inside the room, and out side.

“I thought he was good at talking with other ponies?” Pinkie said in thought, “Are you saying he‘s shy?” Saying it in a joking way.

“Actually Pinkie, I think he might be.” Twilight told her friend with some thought, “He‘s always been shy, even if he doesn’t show it much, he is…”

Taking a deep breath Twilight told, “I think I‘ll head home…and think about this more.”

Hearing this, the pegasus panicked and rushed to the door quickly, exiting out it just as Twilight walked out the kitchen telling the mares behind her, “Thanks for the candy…and the talk.”

Following the unicorn out, the Gem sisters told, “It is no trouble friend Twilight Sparkle, we are glad to help.”

Bouncing up to her friend, Pinkie Pie said, “And remember that we‘re still here if you need to talk.” Tapping the lavender mares nose adding, “Or candy!” And bounced back into the kitchen saying, “Common girls, we‘ve got some cooking to do!”

Ivory giggled, happily gorging on the mares bubbly attitude and trotted in while her sister remained behind saying, “Before you go Twilight, I wish to have a moment of your time.”

Stopping herself from leaving, Twilight turned her attention back to Ebony with a curious look saying, “Sure thing...” Unsure what the darker sister wanted.

Walking up to Twilight she said, “You love him Twilight Sparkle, not as fiercely as he does you, but we can feel it.” And tapped the unicorns chest, “It is up to you to let those feelings grow or not.” Then turned around to leave, “We do hope you do so, you wont find a more loyal changeling infiltrator.”

After Ebony was gone, Twilight turned around to head for home, her mind spinning what Ebony had said to her.


Cloud Kicker sat on a cloud and watched the unicorn mare make her way home with her head tilted down in deep thought. The pegasus herself, was in deep thought too, trying to come up with a way to nab the stallion before this Twilight Sparkle did.

It’s going to be a uphill challenge, that’s for sure. she noted to herself, knowing full well that the unicorn had more time with him, knew him better and was already friends with him. By all rights, she didn’t have a chance at getting even a date out of the guy.

But a stallions a stallion, they always turn their heads when somepony more pretty comes along. Was her next thought, having more then once gotten a stallions attention just from looks alone. If anything, that’s all she might have to do, look more appealing than what’s in front of him.

As shallow as it might sound, it was close to truth in most cases. After all, with a society that has more mares then stallions, only the more appealing gain the most attention.

This however begged the question of what the black unicorn liked when it came to looks. Having nothing to go by, all Cloud Kicker could do was amplify the points most colts would look for and use that as leverage.

Spreading her wings and deciding to head home herself, the grey mare continued to ponder over her current puzzle and come up with a way to catch Masquerade’s attention.

It could be possible that flaunting myself might make him think less of me. This meant that she had to highlight her looks only a little, rather than greatly. But that also might not catch his attention.

Thinking on it a little longer, a thought came to mind, one that soon began to shape into a possible plan.