//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 // Story: Into the Blender // by AnnonyMouse //------------------------------// Author: Annonymouse MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fan-fiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services. ... Special thanks to maskedferret for helping me with spelling and grammar. ... PLEASE NO COMMENTS ON SPELLING OR GRAMMAR! See my profile for details ... Into the Blender 09 ... Apple Bloom looked at the crayon drawn picture. “What is it Dashie?” “I think it looks like a flower.” Sweetie Belle spoke, bouncing about a little. “Or maybe a butterfly or a bird or a...” “It's a kite.” Rainbow Dash grinned. They all looked at the rough diagram. “Ah don't see it.” Apple Bloom squinted. “Looks almost like wings.” Dash patted the Unicorn on the back. “Exactly. It's both a kite, and wings.” “What are we supposed to do with it?” Sweetie Belle. “Cut it out and glue it on sticks?” Dash chuckled, rubbing her forehooves together, a grin on her lips and a glint in her eye. “We're going to build it. Strap it onto these little things, and then I'll be able to fly.” “With what?” Apple Bloom asked. “Ah mean, all we got here is paper, and scissors and glue.” On a side note, the grin was making Sweetie Belle a little nervous, and the glint in those eyes was not one of sanity, but more like desperation. “I don't know Rainbow Dash. It really sounds dangerous.” “How dangerous can it be?” “Remember your last attempt at flying?” Sweetie Belle reminded Dash. “Yea? So? Those kites were not made to be used like that. These ones will be. Come on, let's see if we can gather materials.” “CUTIE MARK CRUSADER WING MAKERS!!! YAY!!!” “Ugh... I can't believe I actually said that...” ... Princess Celestia, try as she might, could not find the amulet with her magic, and Luna was having much the same lack of luck. “Tia? This is pointless. What if the amulet is no longer even in Canterlot?” Luna looked down at her hooves, tapping them nervously on the floor. Celestia frowned. “I had thought of that possibility little sister. I have some Pegasai searching outside the walls as we speak.” She glanced at the doorway. “Here comes one of them right now.” Luna opened the door to their study, before the Pegasus could even knock. He stared in surprise, his hoof raised to knock. He quickly recovered though. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. We have made a discovery.” “Please, enlighten us.” “Where Master Spike had found Lady Twilight, we found an imprint in the dirt on the side of the road.” The young Royal Guard reached under his wing. “I made this plaster casting of it.” Luna took the white plaster cast with her magic and floated it to her sister. “Is that the amulet?” “Yes, and this cast looks perfect.” She glanced at the Pegasus. “Your name is... Caster?” “Yes Princess. My special talent is to be able to make almost anything with plaster. An odd talent for a Pegasus, and one most certainly for a Royal Guard...” “I understand. It has been tradition in your family to spend the first ten years of your adulthood as a member of the royal guard, has it not?” Caster nodded. “You... You remember my family?” “Of course. It's been over fifteen generations that your family has been joining the guard, be it son or daughter.” “Tia.” Luna prodded her sister with a hoof. “You're getting off topic.” “No, I was not. I was thanking him for this casting by acknowledging both he, and his family for their dedication.” Celestia turned back to Caster. “Tell me what you know of this and where you found it.” “That was not the only casting I took.” He pulled out two more. “These, hoof and dragon prints were near the amulet's indent. From what I know about Master Spike, his prints were too far from the indent to pick the amulet up. His body and arms are just too short.” “And the hoof print?” “They were close enough. We tracked them till they entered the castle itself. Once they reached the stone entryway, we lost them.” Celestia had been feeling hope, but that suddenly fell. Luna tilted her head a little. “Sister?” “Yes Luna?” “May I ask Caster a few questions?” Celestia nodded. She hated to admit it, but she was very worried for Twilight, her friends, and her sister. She was just very good at hiding it from others. Luna walked up to the guard, and and looked him in the face. She was always impressed how the magic of the Royal Armor made all of them look identical. Large, about Luna's height, strong looking, and white. “Can you tell how old the hoof prints are?” “One of the teachers from the magic academy used her magic to figure its age...” He pulled out a scroll from under his wing. Celestia wondered just what else he had hidden under there, and just how he could fly. “Ah, here we go...” He blinked as Luna took the scroll and looked it over as she walked back to her sister. “I think we found out why we may not have found the amulet...” “Tell me?” Celestia took the scroll. “According to this... these tracks were made an hour before we learned the amulet was missing and sent the order out to find it.” “Is there any way to tell who these ponyshoes belonged too?” Luna asked. Caster nodded slightly. “They look like they were made by a royal guard, just from the size.” Celestia smiled. “Thank you Caster, that will be all. Dismissed.” “Princess. Princess.” He bowed to them and left, closing the door behind him. “What are we going to do?” Luna paced back and forth. “All guard armor has enchantments placed in them to fit only a single pony.” Celestia smiled, looking like she was finally calming down, feeling relieved even. “All I have to do is sense the magic and I can tell who the armor belongs too.” She closed her eyes and the plaster cast of the hoof print started glowing the same gold as her horn. “Sister?” “Ah, It is Lieutenant Cliff Jumper. One of our Earth Pony Guards.” Luna almost danced with joy. “I will go find him.” She rushed off. ... The Captain of the Royal Guard stood stiff, his face even stiffer, were that possible. “No Princess Luna. First Lieutenant Cliff Jumper is not here.” He tapped the guard duty roster with a hoof. “As you can see, he has decided to use his vacation time.” “Do you know where he went?” “He loves climbing cliffs. Wherever you'll find a cliff, you may find Cliff Jumper. He also enjoys jumping off them.” Luna blinked. “Jumping off cliffs? Isn't that dangerous for an Earth Pony?” “Indeed it is Princess Luna. But it is his special talent. He can jump off any cliff and always land safely. Scared the daylights out of me the first time I saw him do that in training when we were training on rappelling down cliffs.” Luna rubbed her temple. “Do you know of any specific cliff he may have been talking about?” “None in particular, but the higher the better he always said.” “The closest high cliffs are... south of Ponyville, in the Dragon Tooth Mountains. Thank you Captain.” “You are welcome Princess Luna.” He watched as she left, and the moment the princess was out of sight, he exhaled slowly and sat down. He knew well enough that Princess Luna was NOT Nightmare Moon, and was much like her sister, but she just gazed at everypony with that DAMN intimidating gaze of hers. ... “Sister, I think Cliff Jumper may be heading, if not already at, the Dragon Tooth Mountains, south of Ponyville.” Celestia nodded. “I am glad to hear that. To save time, I will send a letter to Twilight, or Terra, whomever may be around Spike at this time. They can start the search for Cliff Jumper.” She levitated over a piece of parchment and a quill. She then wrote her letter. ... “Zzzzz 'BUUURP' Zzzz...” ... “Ah gotta admit...” Applejack sighed as she lowered herself into the mud bath next to Rarity. “This feels like hog heaven.” “Oh eew. Please do not describe it like that. I may start thinking otherwise about taking these soothing mud baths.” “Whatcha talking 'bout? Ah never had no trouble with any ah the mud Ah got on yer coat up at Sweet Apple Acres. Just a quick hose down an' yer cleaner under that mud spot than anywhere else.” “I know what a mud bath does for you...” She shifted position carefully. She kept Rainbow Dash's wings out of the mud. They were quite a bother to... Preen was it? Yes, they were a bother to preen when there was any mud in them. “Ahh, there we go.” “Ah wonder how Aloe an' Lotus are handling seeing 'Rainbow Dash' coming in here.” “They seemed alright when I fist entered last time I was here, but when I asked for the Rarity treatment, they seemed to almost freak out for a few moments. I can't possibly understand why.” “Probably 'cause she had this reputation for hating this kinda stuff nearly as much as Ah do?” “Too true. They must have thought that poor Dashie must have lost her head.” “If that's how they feel, they're kinda right. Only, she gone found Scoots head.” “Yes, you are correct... Mmm, a few more minutes of this... simply heaven.” ... . “Did you hear that?” Aloe whispered to her sister. “Yes... Are they impostors? I really don't understand.” Lotus shivered. “Maybe they're pod ponies, invading to take us all over.” “Oh don't be silly. Pod Ponies? You've been watching too many Brony Wood movies.” “Then explain why Miss Dash is acting like Miss Rarity, and Miss Rarity is acting like, you know, that apple farmer... What's her name again?” “That would be Applejack.” Aloe peaked around the corner. “She's really nice. Remember when she accidentally made that apple soap and gave it to us when we asked if we could have it?” “Oh right. That soap was really popular and sold out really fast. A real shame she refused to make anymore. But I still think those two are pod ponies...” Aloe groaned slightly. “I'll believe that when I see Applejack walk thorough those doors and asks for a spa treatment.” “What if Big Mac came in?” “He does, every Saturday night after you head home. Been coming here for nearly six years now.” O.o “What?” Poke Poke. Aloe poked her sister a few more times. “Hey, Sis? Ugh... Must have been just too much of a shock for her.” ... “Rainbow Dash?” “Yes Sweetie Belle?” The small Earth Pony shuffled her hooves nervously. “Are you sure it's alright if you take some of Rarity's cloth?” “She's using my body and...” The filly shuddered. “Taking it to the spa when she's not working or trying to learn how to fly.” “Y'all were supposed to be helpin her, right?” Apple Bloom frowned. “Applejack always says ya gotta keep yer promises ya make. She said making promises an' breakin em is the same as lyin.” “I will teach her... Once I can fly myself.” She fluttered her wings. “Scoots wings are small for her age. I doubt she'll ever be a strong flier.” She then grinned. “But if my little creation works the way I hope it does, then I'll be able to keep my promise to Rarity as well as give my number one fan the chance to fly. I'm still holding myself to the promise I made to fly her up to the clouds.” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both smiled. They could see why Scootaloo looked up to her so much. “Rainbow Dash?” “Yea Sweetie?” “I hope Scootaloo won't get jealous because we're getting to hang out with you.” “I think she'll understand. I just hope she's alright wherever she is.” ... Pinkie Pie walked onto the Sweet Apple Acres and spotted Big Mac. She smiled and trotted toward him. “Hiya Big Mac.” She knew that he knew their secrets. “Have you seen Applejack or Fluttershy?” “Eeyup. Mah sis gone too Miss Rarity's with a big haul ah shiny rocks. Ah dun really know why she's want em though. Miss Fluttershy is in the house, doin' some bakin'. She sure knows her way 'round a kitchen.” Pinkie Pie smiled. “Fluttershy is just so full of awesome. She can take care of animals. She can sew really well. She can cook really well. And I hear now she can talk plants into growing really well too.” “Eeyup.” He pointed a hoof at the garden. Pinky peeked over the fence and saw the tiny sprouts. “Wow, she just planted them and they're already growing?” “Eeyup. Miss Fluttershy even pulled out all the seeds she miss-planted an' planted em all right. We still can't find th' corn we wus supposed to plant.” “That's funny. I got a delivery of a whole LOT of corn. I thought it was for popcorn.” “Nope. Ah reckon that was our seed.” Pinkie Pie frowned. “I'm sorry. I didn't know. I... I made it all into popcorn and then made popcorn caramel balls out of it all.” She paused and licked her lips. “They were really yummy, and they sold really well too.” Big Mac sighed lightly and offered a smile. “Dun worry yer pretty head 'bout it. We all make mistakes. An' Ah got to try them popcorn caramel ball. They was downright tasty.” “Aww, thanks Big Mac.” She then tilted her head a little. “You know, I think this is the most we've ever spoken in all the years we've known each other.” Big Mac blinked. “Ah reckon yer right Miss Pie. Ah dun know why, but ya always made me nervous before.” “Was it because I was so hyper and erratic all the time?” “Eeyup. That's why. But yer talkin less funny than you always did.” He looked her over, admiring Fluttershy's delicate cuteness, and noted that with Pinkie's bright personality (minus the insane hyperactivity), she looked even cuter. (Seriously, we all know how cute Fluttershy is when she smiles.) “Oh. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I'm actually taking steps to reduce the amount of sugary treats I eat.” She tapped a hoof to her chin. “Maybe I should use even less refined sugar and more fruit and berries in my cupcakes.” She smiled brightly at Big Mac. “And I'll make you some special apple cinnamon and brown sugar cupcakes.” “With Oatmeal?” “Oatmeal? No. I don't eat oatmeal, nor do I even cook with it. Bad memories associated with Oatmeal.” She shuddered. “But... I guess I can make an exception ONLY this once. Alright?” “If it makes ya uncomfortable, how 'bout not usin' it. Ah don't mind.” He smiled, feeling sorry to have mentioned something that would make this mare uncomfortable. “Nope. I already said I'd make them. Hmm, If they'll have oatmeal in them, I guess they'd be closer to muffins.” Pinkie pondered a moment. “Oh well. Like I said, I'll make them, but only this once.” (I better make sure I break out my bio hazard gear...) “I'm going to see how Fluttershy is doing.” She smiled and trotted off. ... Fluttershy was setting the last try of apple tarts to cool when she heard the knock at the door. She didn't 'eep' or jump at the sudden sound. Rather, she set down the oven cloth and went to answer the door. “Pinkie Pie.” She smiled. “Are you here for the tarts?” “That too.” Pinkie smiled. “I saw your work on the garden. Really nice work.” “Thank you. I really enjoyed it very much.” Pinkie gave Fluttershy a hug. “You're the best. So, are we ready to bring the tarts to Sugarcube Corner for Dinky's birthday party? It's going to be starting in an hour.” “Of course. I just pulled out the last batch.” She lead her friend (and her body) into the kitchen. Pinkie blinked at the sight of a dozen racks of the tarts. “Wow, you made so many.” “Too much?” “Nah. We can sell the rest at the bakery and give Sweet Apple Acres the profits. It'll help out the farm. So, shall we?” “Oh yes. Let's get this all ready.” ... Spike yawned and sat up, a scroll falling off his chest. “Huh? What's this?” He saw the seal of Princess Celestia. “I better get this too Twilight.” He grabbed it and rushed out, closing and locking the door as he left (and hiding the key under the door mat). ... Twilight was putting the finishing touches on the party decorations when Spike rushed in. “Twilight? I just got a message from Princess Celestia.” Twilight's eyes lit up. “She must have found the amulet.” She grasped the scroll and tried to handle it with her hooves, but just couldn't. “Darn it... Spike, could you open it for me?” Spike grinned as he broke the seal and rolled it out for Twilight. She read it over, then read it again. “Oh no...” “What? Is it bad?” Spike peaked and read the letter. “This isn't good. The only lead we have is a pony named Cliff Jumper, and he's going to the Dragon Tooth Mountains? To jump off the highest cliff he can find?” The small dragon paled. “This is bad. Very bad.” She looked like she was about to panic. “We have to go find him. He's the only one who knows where the amulet is.” She looked down at Spike. “Go see if you can find Applejack and Rarity. I'll go find the others. We'll meet at the library.” She then put the last pin into the 'Happy Birthday' banner and rushed out the door. Spike ran toward the Spa, where he knew Applejack and Rarity would most likely be. ... Scootaloo was glad somepony had NOT gotten sick in the lost and found. Sure, she wouldn't not have been able to smell it, and with the lost and found junk on top, most likely would not have been able to even see it... But it would have been the fact that she was laying in... (And let's change the subject shall we?) (What do you want to talk about?) (Who are you?) (I'm Scootaloo, who are you?) (Hey, I'm Scootaloo too.) (Cool, I'm not alone anymore.) (Well, technically we are still just one Scootaloo.) (Then am I just talking to myself?) (Not at all. You're talking to me.) (Wait... what?) (Um, yea, what?) (Hold on a sec, If I'm Scootaloo, and you're Scootaloo, then which one of us is the real Scootaloo?) (Hmm, which one of us was here first?) (I think you were, I'm not sure.) (Then if I'm the original, you're a fake?) (No need to get personal you know. And I'm not a fake. I'm also the real Scootaloo.) (Now I'm really getting confused.) (Me too.) (Um... So... What kind of things do you like?) (Duh, same things you do. Sheesh.) (Oh yea. Heh, This is kinda neat. I finally have somepony to talk to.) (That is cool. Nice to meet you Scootaloo.) (You too Scoota-two.) (Scoota-two. I like it.) (How about me, can I be Scoota-three?”) (Wait, what? There's three of us now?) (No, I was just pulling your leg. It's just the two of us.) (Oh ha ha. I don't even have a leg.) (You know what I mean. You're silly. So, what do you want to do?) (Hey, let's tell each other stories.) (Scary stories?) (YEA!!!) ... To Be Continued... ... Brony Wood... Holly Wood... Ugh... My husband gives me the WORST puns around... I really have to apologize, so here goes.... MY HUSBAND IS SORRY!!! PLEASE LOVE AND TOLERATE THE STUFFING OUT OF HIM!!! ( I in no way accept blame for this... though I guess I could accept some of the responsibly. ... As for Scootaloo... She's got an interesting imagination, does she not? It's only been two days or so that she's been stuck in the amulet... unable to sleep, feel anything, BLINK. Not blinking would have to be the worst part I think. I know I'm having fun with where this is going. ...