//------------------------------// // Chapter 66 - Dream Date // Story: My Family and Other Equestrians // by Blade Star //------------------------------// I woke up the next morning feeling fairly refreshed. I’d been able to get in contact with Luna easily enough and had arranged for everything to happen tonight. As soon as the Princess of the Night felt the two of us entering the dreamscape, she would drop by and get us together, solidifying our dream in the process. After that, she would naturally depart to continue her work, and also, she did not wish to intrude upon our time together. Everything had been arranged now, there was nothing to do but wait for the night to come and then see what happened. In spite of myself, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly excited for what was about to happen. I know that’s a normal response to going on your first date, but still. I kept willing Celestia to make the sun move faster. However, I still had a fair few things on my plate. The biggest issue was of course, Lizzie. Yesterday had been the day that Discord’s little prank was supposed to finally wear off. Lizzie would naturally change back into a human again and things could get back to normal. At least that is what I had assumed would happen. As it turned out things had gone quite differently from what everypony expected. I initially, had not been aware of what had happened. It wasn’t until today, a day after, that I heard of what had transpired. I’d seen Lizzie on Saturday, shortly before she was supposed to change back. I’d actually saved her from getting involved in a pretty serious crash. She and Rainbow had, for some reason, decided to turn Sweet Apple Acres into an obstacle course. I’d spotted the two of them weaving and dodging between the trees, chasing each other. Since they seemed to be having fun, I thought nothing of it. But a few moments later, I realised that they were heading my way; straight toward the farmhouse. I’d waved and shouted at them in an attempt to get their attention, but they were so caught up in their tail chasing that they didn’t realise what was happening. Eventually, Rainbow had thought to look ahead and spotted the danger. I could see that no matter where they went, they were too close to clear the house. I’d gotten quite good at my telekinesis over the past couple of months. Most unicorns have that ability, but Twilight had said that I was somewhat above average. She’d also said that my skill in defensive magic was quite impressive, suggesting that it might be my special talent, hence my crossed sword cutie mark. Whilst I have learnt a lot from her, I am not as talented, though I do at this point possess a decent repertoire of spells. Anyway, I knew my magic was strong enough to lift a filly fairly easily, so I ought to be able to take the weight of a full grown mare, or at least slow her down. Focusing on Lizzie, I enveloped her in my magic and pulled as hard as I could. It was a damn close thing, but I managed to bring her to a complete stop, and then lower her back to the ground. Unfortunately, I hadn’t been able to halt Rainbow at the same time; as I said, I’m not as talented, or powerful as Twilight. Luckily, she managed to avoid the wall and go through a bedroom window instead. After lecturing the pair, I’d done my best to patch Rainbow up. She wasn’t hurt too badly, just a couple cuts. Applejack had then turned up and helped out. We’d then sent the two of them on their way, with Rainbow promising to bring me the bits to repair Granny’s window by next week. I’d assumed Lizzie would then head back to Fluttershy’s and undergo her transformation. As it turned out though, Lizzie had been wrestling with the idea of staying a pegasus for several days and when she had met up with Discord, had asked him to make it so that she could stay a pegasus for as long as she wished. This had left the remaining three members of her family quite surprised. So, as a family, we were going head over to see her and talk about it. I had no problem with what she was doing; I just wanted to be sure she would be happy. So, after having breakfast, I kissed Applejack and promised her I’d be back for lunch. Then I headed out for Fluttershy’s, expecting to meet my parents on the way. Since Fluttershy’s cottage was located on the other side of Ponyville, I had to cross town to get there. Luckily, being a Sunday, there was no market on so the main section of the town was fairly quiet. Most ponies on a Sunday morning were resting up back home. But then again, most ponies didn’t live on one of the largest farms in Equestria. Still, a few basic amenities were open for business, most notably the newspaper stand. It was here I spotted both of parents. My father was just paying for some Canterlot broadsheet when I trotted up to them. "Mornin’ Dad, mornin’ Mom,” I said, touching the brim of my hat in turn. My mother looked up, whilst my father continued to examine the morning headlines. “Oh, hello sweetie,” she said kindly. I dread to think what will happen if me and Sweetie Belle are in the same room together. My mom really needs to learn to lay off the nick names. “You two doin’ okay?” I asked. Whilst they’d accepted the fact that Lizzie was temporarily a pegasus, I think the revelation that she intended to stay that way had come as something of a shock. It was quite understandable. They’d gone from having two human children, to one human and one pony, and now two ponies. It wouldn’t be that difficult to feel disconnected from the both of us. Neither of my parents would admit it, but I know that they do sometimes miss ‘me’, that is the human me. Aside from my appearance, little has changed. But it must still be difficult for them; like suddenly finding out you were adopted or switched at birth. They had come to terms with my change, but Lizzie’s change was throwing them just as my own had. “This has all come as just a bit of a shock I suppose,” my mother said. “I’ve just gotten used to you and now Lizzie’s a pony for life.” She shook her head in confusion. In response, I placed a hoof on her arm. Thank Celestia she’s only 5’4''. “Relax, y’all have gotten used to me ain’t ya? An’ Lizzie’s change can be switched any time. I’m sure she’d be willing to change back from time to time if you really wanted her to. Just remember, it’s still her, nothin’ has really changed.” She brightened up at my comforting words. “If you’re quite finished, Bones,” my dad said, folding up his paper. “How about we go and see if we can’t sort this out?” With that, we set off together. Arriving at Fluttershy’s cottage, we found Discord waiting outside. “Hello, old man!” my father called as we approached. In spite of everything Discord and my father seem to get on quite well together. I might even go as far to say that they are friends. Discord happily returned his greeting and ushered us inside where we found Lizzie and Fluttershy resting on the sofa. The three of us settled ourselves down opposite them, whilst Discord fashioned his own armchair from nothingness, with his usual bravado. Since nopony else seemed willing to start a conversation, I began. “Now, Lizzie, why don’t ya tell us why y’all have had this sudden change of heart ‘bout bein’ a pegasus? The way Ah recollect; when this whole thing started, ya liked it, but ya didn’t want to stay this way forever.” And so Lizzie began her explanation. “Well, when I first woke up like this, all I could think about was getting back to normal. It wasn’t me, I wasn’t a pony; I was a human. But Princess Celestia told me to try and enjoy myself whilst I was like this, so I did my best to learn a bit about flying. “At first it really didn’t help much, because I wasn’t very good at flying to start with. But as I learned more and more I really began to enjoy it. Dash even says that my cutie mark,” At this point she blushed as she gestured to her flank. “May have something to do with how much I enjoy flying. “Once I’d got the basics down, I realised I could help Fluttershy so much more with all the work she does here. Before, when I was a human, I could only really help with the animals that were on the ground; I couldn’t keep up with birds or other flying animals. And because of my size, it was sometimes difficult to help out even then. “As a pegasus, I can follow Fluttershy to help her wherever she goes. And, because I’m a bit smaller, I don’t take up as much room in the cottage.” At this point, Fluttershy stepped in. “Lizzie, you don’t take up that much room, and you already help me so much with looking after all my animal friends. You don’t need to help me all the time you know.” “I just feel like I’ve been mooching off of you, Fluttershy. And you know I hate doing that. I mean, before, all I did was hang out here and help you, and occasionally go out to market to buy stuff. Now though, I can help you much more, Dash has said that she can get me a job on the Weather Patrol so I can start earning some money and eventually I can get out from under your hooves.” To this day, I can remember the exact moment poor Fluttershy’s heart broke. Lizzie had pretty much declared her intention to eventually move out and get a place of her own. The poor mare’s eyes began to well up. “Oh, erm, okay,” was all she said in an even quieter voice than usual. Now I am a firm believer in fandom law regarding the fate of those who make Fluttershy cry, but luckily before I could act, Lizzie picked up on what was happening. “I didn’t mean like I wanted to leave, Shy,” she said. “I just don’t want to feel like I’m mooching off of you all the time. That’s why I wanted to stay a pegasus; I’ve been a shut in ever since I got here really. But this past week I’ve really started living again, and I want to pay you back for it.” Fluttershy scooted closer to her. “Lizzie you don’t need to do that. I took you in because you needed somewhere to stay. You’ve become a great friend to me and helped me so much. Don’t ever think that you owe me anything.” The confidence and volume of her voice began to steadily grow. “You’ve never once been a mooch, you’ve always been eager to help me and pulled your weight. You’ve helped me on Nightmare Night and organised that great party in November. I love having you here. You’re like a daughter to me.” And then the room went quiet. “And cue super cute mother daughter reveal moment,” Discord said, contributing for the first time. Both Lizzie and Fluttershy were looking around awkwardly. Silence reigned for a while. “So that’s why ya were always so protective of her,” I said at length. “Ah just thought it was because of how you cared for all the animals ya look after.” Fluttershy still refused to make eye contact, but did manage to just about mutter out an explanation. “It’s just; she was so scared when I first saw her in the Everfree Forest. All I could think of was to help her. After a while we both just kind of got used to how we were both acting.” It was understandable in a way; Fluttershy was highly maternal, her caring for animals could be seen as her projecting. She didn’t have any foals of her own, so she looked after them instead. I imagine it was the same effect with Lizzie, and in a way Discord. Sweet Celestia, there’s a thought. The same could be said of Lizzie, perhaps missing Mom a bit she began to ‘imprint’ on Fluttershy due to her behaviour. Trying to get the discussion going again, I turned to Lizzie. “Sis, maybe ya could do what Ah do and just give Fluttershy an informal rent, if it’s the idea of livin’ here for free that’s got ya so worked up.” “I do like living here, and I do like living with Fluttershy and all the animals.” She turned to Fluttershy. “If you let me chip in for food and everything else then sure; I’ll stay.” Instantly, Fluttershy pounced on her, wrapping Lizzie in a hug. I don’t think Lizzie really wanted to leave Fluttershy either if I’m honest. She’s just a bit like me; she hates the idea that she’s getting something for nothing. Now that that was sorted, we came to the other reasons she wanted to stay a pegasus. For this, me, Dad and Discord were all politely, but firmly, ordered out so that the assembled members of the opposite gender could talk. For the entire time, Discord messed with our heads suggesting who it might be Lizzie has her eye on. As a result Dad and I need to go and see off Thunderlane, the Doctor, Noteworthy, Bulk Biceps and Caramel. Though to be fair, Caramel I could live with. I always figured that the idea of love would somehow factor into the equation. She’d been in a relationship before we found ourselves here. And, she was the only member of our family not with someone. In the long run, it was a sound reason. Though I prefer the previous explanation. Eventually, we were allowed back inside. With that, there was little left to talk about. Lizzie said she planned to join the local Weather Patrol and work with Rainbow to pay her way, but would also help out Fluttershy when she could. None of us had any reason to disagree with her decision, and personally, I agreed with her. If I’d stayed a human when we arrived, I’d have probably asked Discord to change me too. We all then went back to our respective homes, with the exception of Discord who vanished in his usual fashion. I meanwhile, with the clock just striking one, headed back to Sweet Apple Acres. Due to my stopping at the market to pick up a few things, as well as dropping by the library to see Twilight and Spike, and take a book or two out, it was quite late in the afternoon when I got back; around half past three. From the market, I’d just picked up a few odds and ends that I knew we were in need of. A few foodstuffs here and there and some materials to replace the window and frame in Granny’s bedroom. Big Mac and I were planning on doing that tomorrow morning, for tonight, Granny would have to make do with the somewhat unsightly piece of plywood fastened over the damaged frame. The sight made me remember my old home somewhat, though not in a good way. I also renewed ‘Treatise Upon the Darker Magicks’ to continue my study of it. The book provided a fascinating insight into both dark magic itself and Sombra as a pony, both of which were portions of my knowledge that had been previously quite limited. As I’ve said before I respected Sombra somewhat as an opponent and the magic he used fascinated me. Tonight, I planned to read up on some of the more advanced spells, such as the restraining spell he had used against Shining Armor; you never know when such a skill may come in handy. As I wound my way up the dusty path though, I came across Big Mac, heading in the opposite direction. At first I assumed he was going to meet Apple Bloom at the schoolhouse. But then I remembered, she was off with her friends this afternoon, and had said she wouldn’t be back until supper time. So where was he off to? “Hey there, Mac,” I called as he drew nearer. In response, the stallion started and whinnied in surprise, evidently having been lost in his thoughts. In an unusually graceful move, he then leapt behind one of the large apple trees that lined the path, partially vanishing from sight. A moment later though, he emerged again and eyeballed me. “Oh, it’s you, Bones,” he said, sounding embarrassed. “Sorry, Ah thought ya were Sis.” I was perplexed. “Big Macintosh, what in the name of Celestia are ya doin’ back there?” I asked, somewhat confused by his antics. He now returned to the path, and I saw a small bouquet of flowers in his hoof. He had also combed his mane and I could smell the faint scent of cologne on the air. “Oh, erm, Ah was just...” He broke eye contact with me. “Erm, goin’ out. Yep, just heading on out.” His eyes darted about nervously. I’d never seen the usually quiet and relaxed stallion so animated. Since I had a fair idea of what he was doing, I tried to remove some of the tension in the air. “Ya goin’ to see Cheerilee again, aren’t ya.” He instantly balked at my accusation. Now, just to give some context, Mac can be a bit like me when it comes to matters of the heart. He sees love as a very private affair, and doesn’t like the idea of anypony else knowing about it. Though the way he acted made it quite obvious. Still, he didn’t want AJ or Granny to know about his occasional rendezvous with Ponyville’s only school teacher. The two of them had been seeing each other every now and again ever since the incident with the love poison and they seemed to get on quite well together, like AJ and me. In response to my statement, Big Mac scratched the back of his head nervously. “Ya know, nopony has any problem with what y’all are doin’, Mac,” I said when he stayed quiet. “Anyway, Ah best let ya get on. Don’t think either of us want to keep our mares waitin’ do we?” I chucked, tipped my hat and then trotted past him letting him go on his merry way. When I reached the farmhouse, I continued to prepare myself for the evening, beginning with a good wash. I know I’ve said that AJ isn’t as uptight as Rarity or other high class ponies may be, but still, I’m sure she expects her date to be well turned out. I did my upmost to make my mane sit just right, with all the dust brushed out. I did the same for my coat and tail. I guess this is what being a girl is like, the amount of knots made things just impossible. Eventually though, I was good and ready. After dinner then, it was time for my act to begin. It seemed a little silly to sleep apart given that we would be sharing our dreams and consequently minds with each other. However, I also knew that Big Mac would undoubtedly reduce me to a puddle if he heard that I had been sleeping in AJ’s bed or vice versa. Whilst I didn’t intend for anything to happen, it was an understandable reaction from a protective older brother. So to get around this problem we decided to not sleep in either of our beds. Instead, given that it was fairly warm weather, even at night time, we decided to sleep out in the apple orchards. In my mind that sounded like quite a romantic gesture anyway. Around nine o’clock the two of us wished Granny and AB a good night and headed out into the fading sunset. It was supposed to be a waxing crescent moon tonight, providing us with more than enough light to see by even after the sun had set. That’s actually one of my pet peeves; ponies think that night time is a complete inky blackness; it’s not, with clear weather it’s easy to see the horizon and by the light of a full moon, you can easily see where you are going, even seeing lunar shadows. You just have to let your eyes adjust. We walked a fair distance from the house, but not so far as that it would take a long time to get help if anything happened. In the end, we decided to settle on a small elevated spot of land that overlooked the west orchard. I pitched the large, rolled up blanket I had brought with me from off my back, and carefully spread it out flat on the ground. Even though it was dry and warm, it would do us no good to sleep on the ground. Applejack meanwhile had brought a small basket of snacks and drinks to keep us going. The two of us then contentedly lay down to rest, tucking our legs underneath us to be comfortable. As we relaxed, control of Equestria switched from Celestia to Luna and the moon steadily began to rise higher into the sky, the stars quickly following it. A few minutes later, the twilight had passed and it was night time. The world had grown quiet; nothing to be heard but the water flowing in the brook and the curious sound of grass tearing from the sheep and cattle. The two of us looked up into the night sky, with Applejack leaning into me and resting me head against me. I had expected my heart to be pounding by now, but instead, I was calm; at peace. Eventually, the two of us drifted off to sleep. I had assumed that Luna would simply connect our separate dreams together and then be on her merry way. Celestia knows she often has a fair bit of work to do every night. However, in this instance I was mistaken, as I found myself quite lucid in a dream that was not of my own creation. I found myself in a very large, expansive room, though despite the size, it was clear that wherever I was, the place was somewhere you’d go if you were looking for a fairly high class joint. It had a decent look in general, with fake Chinese style lamps hanging from the ceiling and lamps sitting on the many tables. The style, particularly the various archways that I could see, seemed somewhat Arabian in origin. However, the people populating this dream were definitely extra-terrestrial. The majority were ponies of varying races though here and there I saw a few griffons, clad in slate grey military uniforms, most of them looked to be officers. Some of the ponies also seemed to be military, though not Royal Guard. A few wore old fashioned military kepis in a variety of colours. Looking down, I found I was wearing white tux and black bow tie. The place was noisy with voices and the chiming notes of an old piano. Stale cigarette smoke hung in the air. No doubt about it, this was almost certainly a bar of some sort and perhaps a casino, judging by all the card games going on and the tell-tale sound of a roulette wheel. A club was probably a better description though where I wasn’t quite sure yet. Looking around, I quickly spotted the bar, with a unicorn serving as a bartender. There were bottles of all sorts behind him, including a few bottles of what looked to be Luna’s moonshine. It was as I looked along the bar, that I spotted the familiar face of Applejack. “Oh, hey there, Applejack,” I called as I spotted her and began to head over. The orange mare was equally glad to see me. “Bones, Ah was wonderin’ when ya were gonna show up. Not polite to keep a mare waitin’ ya know.” She chuckled to herself. “Ya seen Princess Luna ‘round here, AJ?” I asked. This wasn’t my dream and it didn’t appear to be hers, leaving the princess as the only explanation. Applejack gestured toward the piano near the far end of the room. There was Luna, talking to the black earth pony that was playing. The two seemed to be having a chat. I did my best to pick up what was being said. Luna had settled herself down at a table just next to the piano and was talking to the somewhat nervous looking piano player. “It’s been a long time,” she said. “Yes, ma’am; a lot of water under the bridge,” the earth pony replied. Luna smiled sweetly. “Some of the old songs, Sam.” The earth pony nodded and began to play a tune before Luna interrupted him. “Where is Blade Star?” “I don’t know; I ain’t seen him all night,” he replied, continuing to play. “When will he be back?” “Not tonight; he ain’t coming. He went home.” “Does he always leave so early?” Luna asked. “Oh no, he never…” the pony trailed off. “Well, he’s got a girl right now up at the Blue Parrot, see?” Luna smiled, slightly disappointed. “You used to be a much better liar, Sam.” Luna remarked. “Leave him alone, Miss Luna,” he implored. Changing the subject, Luna gestured to the piano. “Play it once, Sam. For old times’ sake,” she said softly. “I don’t know what you mean, Miss Luna,” he replied, lying pretty badly. “Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By’.” “Oh, er, I can’t remember it, Ms Luna. I’m a little rusty on it.” Luna began to hum the familiar tune. And in response, Sam began to play. I now knew for sure exactly where I was. "Out of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine,” I said, thinking out loud. Luna smiled, looking at me. Deciding to play along with the act, I stormed over toward the piano, and crossly said: “Sam! Ah thought Ah told ya never to play…” I subtly cut myself off as Luna and I made eye contact. The earth pony took the opportunity to close the offending instrument and softly wheel it, and himself, away. I looked at the mare before me with a gleam in my eye, and she did the same. “Hello, Luna,” “Hello, Blade Star” she replied. At this point AJ appeared behind me, having followed me and jumped into the conversation, cutting off the faux-romantic moment. “Would ya like to join us for a drink, Princess?” she asked. And so the three of us sat down at the bar for a while, just chatting with each other. Luna eventually revealed her motives for doing all of this as I explained one of the greatest films ever made to AJ. She had apparently seen the film and wanted to set a romantic mood for the date; a little send off. And to enjoy the atmosphere. “So what made ya chose this Casablanca place?” Applejack asked, the name sounding foreign on her tongue. With a grin Luna replied; “I came to Casablanca for the waters,” she said. “The waters? What waters? This place is more of a desert town than Dodge Junction.” Applejack countered. “I was misinformed,” the diarch replied, which made me chuckle. We then all polished off our drink and AJ and I prepared to depart. Wishing the two of us a pleasant evening, Luna flared her horn and the ponified version of 1940’s North Africa disappeared into the void that replaced it. And thus began our date.