//------------------------------// // Pool Day // Story: Unforgotten // by Riddle-Me-Think //------------------------------// I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic With the sun on high and the heat beating down on those below, most ponies seeked out any shaded place or buildings with air conditioning. Many wanted to escape the humid heat that was building as the day lingered onwards. Others though, took this chance to seek out the pool or nearby ponds and rivers to take a dunk in the cool waters. “Canon ball!” Pinkie Pie called as she came splashing down into the water, and sending it every which-way. A number of squeals and giggles sounded from around the pink pony as her friends tried to block the incoming water with their hooves. Looking at the pink pony before herself, Rainbow Dash grinned challengingly at the party mare and started to splash water at her. Pinkie made a slight yelp, moving away some before trying to retaliate with her own splashes of water. They weren't alone, as Applejack swam around and jumped Pinkie Pie, using her hooves to get a good hold and called, “Ge’ her Dash, I’ll hold her!” “Gah, no! Help!” Pinkie called out through her giggles as Dash took this opportunity to send wave after wave of water at the two. The robin blue pegasus readied a hoof to send another splash of water, but found herself being hit by a spray of water from behind. Before she could turn, another spray of focused water hit Rainbow Dash, making her colorful mane to droop in front of her eyes. “What?” Rainbow said a bit dumfounded, using a hoof move aside her wet main— just to get another spray of water to her face. Spluttering and snorting, Rainbow shook her head to rid herself of the extra water and looked to who was spraying her. Nearby and with a smirk, Twilight lit her horn and made another ball of water and compressed it to send another spray of water, getting Applejack this time. The apple farmer let go of the pony in her grasp, surprised by the sudden attack. “Twilight!” Rainbow yelled when she saw this, “I’m getting you for that!” Making an effort to swim towards the lavender mare. With a laugh, Twilight quickly paddled away as Rainbow gave chase. With Apple Jack, she found herself being dunked under the water by Pinkie for a moment before she too began swimming away, saying in a sing-song voice, “You can’t catch me, your can’t catch me!” Coming back up with a shake of her head, Applejack peered at the retreating pony and called, “We’ll see ‘bout that!” Giving chase to the pink pony. Off to the side and on the land, Fluttershy smiled to herself as she watched her friends get into a small chasing game. With a stretch of her wings, the shy pony eased herself down on the grass and turned her attention to both Rarity and Roma. The former was trying her best to relax in her place and watch the others splash about in the river. The later kept a relaxed, if not slightly alert guard, next to the unicorn mare. Slightly shuffling, Fluttershy rubbed her hooves together a bit self-consciously, softly saying, “It’s nice that you were able to come and join us today Rarity.” Then quickly turned to Roma, “You too, Roma.” Softly smiling, Rarity said, “Thank you Fluttershy. But it’s Roma you should be thanking, she insisted I come out of my home for this.” With a small smirk, Roma said, “After how things have been, I think you needed it Marshmallow. You’ve been overworking yourself these last few days. Shortcake an’ I thought you needed a break.” While Rarity slightly huffed to herself, Fluttershy softly said, “Thank you Roma. The girls and I have been a bit worried about Rarity.” Looking at the spoken mare with a slightly concerned look. Sighing a bit, Rarity gently told her canary yellow friend, “Flutershy please, I’m fine. With Roma and Sweetie Belle around, you have nothing to worry about. No need to fret over me. I’ll be fine.” Giving an assuring smile. Rolling her eyes, Roma thought, sure you are. It’s so convincing when you nearly ran at the sight of that pegasus stallion looking for a hat… Holding back the urge to sigh at this fact. True to her controlled nature, Rarity did well to hide her uncomforted state of mind when a pegasus male was browsing her wares. Roma still did keep close incase of any sudden panic attacks or if the stallion said the wrong thing. Actually sighing this time, Roma lightly glared at the unicorn next t her, if you weren’t so stubborn in keeping your shop open, maybe I could relax some. A little troubled about Rarity’s mental state from time to time. The sound of sloshing water drew all three ponies to look over to a throughly soaked Applejack. The orange mare climbed out and shook off what water she could before wandering over to the other three and plopped down on the grass. “Whewie! Bit of a work out thar.” Applejack chuckled while bringing her hooves up to wring out her mane. Soon enough, Twilight also worked her way out of the water, using her magic to help flash-dry herself some. This was for nought, as a sudden wave of water re-soaked the lavender unicorn, followed by the mocking laughter of Rainbow Dash. With a slight glare cast over her shoulder, Twilight could not help but narrow her eyes at the blue pegasus, whom gave a cocky smile and playful salute from the waters. Shaking her head, Twilight thought, I suppose I had that coming… Shaking her wet mane and wandering over to the others. “Saw RD finally ge’ ya there Twi.” Applejack teased the lavender mare that made her way over. “I probably deserve it.” Twilight replied to her friend while glancing back, “I did spray her with twenty ounce’s of water, on five different occasions.” Applejack snorted to herself and commented, “Now tha’s there is just cheatin’. Using yer fancy unicorn magic like tha’.” Laying a bit more out in the sun to try and dry her coat faster. With another smirk, Roma told the apple farmer, “All’s fair in love and war, AJ. You use what ya got, t’ get what ya want.” “That does sound like something you would say, Roma.” Rarity sniffed from where she lay on the grass. With a slight smile, Twilight laughed, “It also almost sounds like something Mask would say. The love and war term that is.” Giggling at the thought. Tilting her head towards the lavender mare, Fluttershy asked, “How is Masquerade, Twilight?” A little curious about her friends coltfriend. Turning to the shy mare, Twilight responded, “Alright. He’s been mostly trying to piece together the evidence since…a few days back.” Casting a unsure glance to Rarity, who waved a dismissive hoof trying to convey she was alright. With some slight reluctance, Twilight continued, “He thinks he has things nearly finished up. I told him to maybe take some time off.” Raising a delicate brow, Rarity said, “I hope he took your suggestion to heart?” Trying to move past the other subject she didn't want to touch on much. Rolling her eyes, Twilight said with some irritation, “Not in the way I wanted. He wanted to follow me here, but I convinced him I wanted some girl time with my friends.” Then shook her head saying, “I’m starting to seriously worry about him on that fact. He has no friends in Ponyville, and doesn’t seem to make any effort to make any!” “Can’t blame him.” Roma chipped in absently, “Infiltrators don't socialize much, even among their own clan. You should already know this Sparkles.” Absently looking at her hooves, thinking, wonder if Marshmallow's heading to the spa sometime soon. My hooves could use a touch up. Sighing in frustration, Twilight told the tomato vendor, “I know Roma. But I still don't think it’s good for him to be so…secluded and closed off!” Patting her friend, Applejack said, “Relax Twi. Nothin’ ya can do if’en he don’ want t’ make friends. Can’t force ‘em to, anyhow.” Letting out one more sigh, Twilight nodded, “You’re right. I can’t really force him to do anything.” Slightly looking to the side muttering, “Still doesn’t mean I don't worry about it.” That seemed to bring up another thought, making Twilight direct her attention over to Roma saying, “Roma, do you mind if I ask you a question about how changeling males think in terms towards their better half?” Blinking owlishly, Roma repeated to the best of her abilities, “Ask me a question in what now?” “Changeling males.” Twilight slowly said, “I would like to ask you a question about them. I thought I could ask you or Daisy about it. Toe-Tapper as well, now that I think about it.” Tapping her chin with a hoof. Blinking a few more times, Roma shrugged and said, “Fine. Ask away. Just don't expect any brainy mombo-jombo you use.” Nodding to this, Twilight asked the tan mare, “Do you know of any reasons for changeling males to get highly protective?” Not really noticing the interested look her friends were giving over the subject. Feeling the need to explain further, the unicorn continued, “Mask acts so protective around me, I get the impression he’s going to attack some poor stallion just because they looked my way.” Letting out a snort, Roma told the lavender mare before her, “Hon, that’s normal. The guy’s for our race are just overly protective of us girls. Hay, there even more protective if we were caretakers, since they can't hardy fight worth a crap.” “Yes, I understand that. But what I am trying to ask is how can I get him to be less aggressive towards other stallions?” Twilight asked with more exasperation, still having nothing to use besides her commands to keep her stallion from doing something rash. Throwing a hoof up, Roma said, “Sorry Sparkles. All we girls do is put up with their antics until the whole hive knows whats going on. Same can’t be said for ‘ere. You ponies just don't work like that. The only way I see him calming down is if you more then his mate.” The silence after what Roma said was deafening, as Twilight sat with a gapping mouth and wide eyes over at the other mare in shock. Roma only smirked lightly, able to pick up Twilight’s flustered feelings. The other ponies however were only able to tell the hints of what Twilight was feeling as her cheeks had slightly hued a light red. “Hold on, what’s going on?” Rainbow Dash called, jumping out of the water with Pinkie Pie keeping pace with her bouncing-hops. Flushing lightly herself, Fluttershy told her longtime friend, “Roma was telling telling Twilight something about her and Masquerade being more then…mates?” Squeaking the last bit out and blushing a bit more, attempting to hide behind her long mane. Closing her mouth and calming herself, Twilight stuttered a bit, “I— what I think Roma means.” Trying to keep her voice level as she did, “Is that Mask would stop harassing any stallion close to me by becoming his bond-mate. Which is like marriage for us ponies.” Upon hearing this, all heads turned to a smirking Roma, who said, “That right. You have to keep in mind, unless you’re bonded to someling, then you’re next to single. For us changlings, we only have a mate for up to a year. Then we go our ways, and maybe chose a new mate if we didn't like the last enough.” Gaining a sultry look as she told the ponies, “We’re a very friendly bunch in our own clan. You could say, we’re all friends with benefits!” Varying reactions and responses came from the last line alone made Roma laugh. Fluttershy gave another squeak, hiding further into her mane, trying to hide her reddening face. Rainbow Dash looking on with wide as, wings twitching out before being being forcefully pulled back in and scratching her slightly flushed cheeks with a hoof. Twilight look both fascinated and a tad embarrassed, unable to stope staring with wide eyes. Apple Jack looked slightly affronted about the prospect of it, unsure how to take the idea in. Pinkie Pie looked confused, pulling a number of faces before eyes lit up in understanding, and fell to the grass laughing and giggling. Lastly, Rarity looked scandalized, if not a little uneased by such a thought of how freely changeling did their relationships, doing her best not to fidget. Turing her attention to the white mare, Roma explained, “Seeing as there is always a chance of one of us kicking the bucket because of a rival clan, this works out for us great. We also trust each other enough that we wont hurt the other's feelings or body.” Giving a light shrug adding, “That’s just how we live. It’s a social norm.” Shaking her head to get her thoughts straight, Rarity shakily said, “I-It’s alright darling. I…Can we please just avoid discussing things like that for a while?” Continuing to fidget lightly in place. Nodding and leaning down some, Roma gently rubbed the seamstresses back assuring, “Sure thing. I’ll try and not blabber out like that.” Regaining her composure, Rarity nodded, “Thank you.” Taking in a breath and saying, “So, what you were trying to tell Twilight here is that… marrying that scoundrel of a stallion is the only way he would behave?” No sure how to take the idea. “Hades no!” Roma laughed heartily, “He’ll still be protective, but Sparkles wont have to worry about him ripping any guys up for ogling her up an' down!” Hearing this, Twilight groaned at her situation and lowered head. Giggling some Pinkie said, “Wow, you’re really lucky to have Masky love you that much. Isn't that so sweet!” Only making Twilight groan at her current predicament more deeply. Taking a moment to think over her thoughts, Twilight looked over to Roma with a pleading look, “Are you sure you can't think of anything else? I want to help him, but I still only know so much about you changelings in general.” Seeing the utter need Twilight seemed to be conveying to her, Roma made more of an effort to think. She wasn't really sure what she was suppose to be looking for, but she used what little skill she had in piecing puzzles together to use. After what seemed like hours to the others, Roma finally said, “I think I can think of one thing…” Tapping her lower lip with a hoof. Using the same hoof to point to Twilight, Roma said, “Scarecrow’s a rouge now, righ’? And it’s cuz his dear mommy booted him out.” Twilight cringed at how Roma was wording it, but nodded never-the-less. Getting a smirk, Roma continued, “Then this is mostly him coping. You’re like a lifeline to him. We changelings ain't meant to be on our own, we always have somepony to lean on in some way…” Slowing down as she started to register what she was even saying. Seeing how the mare slowed down her explanation, Pinkie said, “Sooo… Masky’s just really sad that his mom kicked him out, even know she was trying to invade Equestria and turn all of pony kind into a giant factory of instant food?” By now, the others were giving Pinkie Pie a strange look, while Roma said, “More like his been banned from seeing his cl— family. He can't see his family anymore.” Quickly correcting form clan to family to make the explaining more simpler. “Oh…” Pinkie blinked and smiled, “Got it!” Shaking her head at Pinkie Pie, Rainbow asked, “So bug-boy’s a little down. How does that involve Twilight’s problem in any way?” Rolling her eyes the the robin-blue, Roma said, “Everything, RD.” And looked to Twilight, “Masquerade’s maybe acting out because he’s scared of losing the last thing he really has. I doubt he’ll ever admit it, seeing as it could be like a weakness, but I’m sure of it. Any changeling in town would tell you the same thing if they are rouges or survivors.” “Like you?” Pinkie Pie asked innocently enough, not noticing the small twinge the tomato vendor made. “Yes Pinkie.” Roma breathed out, “Like me.” Doing her best not to glare at the airhead-of-a-mare. Pondering this new information, Twilight reviewed to herself aloud, “So, what you are saying is that Mask is acting protective, not only because he love me, but because he’s holding onto me like a lifeline after losing his Clan.” Seeing the affirming nod Roma gave, Twilight looked between her friends and told them in a serous tone, “We need to get him some friends.” Applejack eyed her friend, saying, “Twi, didn’t I jus’ say tha’ wont work none?” Honestly wondering what Twilight was thinking. Well, she’s thinkin’ of somthin’, an’ it ain’t good in my eye’s. “That was before I became aware of how serous the situation could be to Masquerade’s wellbeing.” Twilight swiftly replied already at work trying to plan out something that would gain her coltfriend some friends. Chucking, Roma said, “Come on Sparkles, it’s not that bad!” Putting more thought into the lavender mare’s situation, “Listen, the best thing you can do is just be there. If he wants to branch out, let it happen on it’s own. Last thing we need is a angry heir.” “And how would that happen?” Rainbow Dash ask while flapping her wings to help dry the feathers out before sitting and getting ready to preen them. Roma opened her mouth to reply, but found herself unable to say anything when two blurs of black and white sped past her and tackled Pinkie Pie. This was followed by uncontrolled laughter, as Pinkie Pie was restrained to the ground by two pegasi tickling her. With a quirked smile, Applejack said, “I see my brother le’ ya two ‘ave the day off?” Taking some enjoyment in watching the two Gem sisters wrestle with Pinkie Pie, who had escaped their hold. Rustling around for a moment, the three mares ended up in a tangled mess of giggles, while Ivory chirped happily, “Beau mentioned friends of the Apple clan coming around.” While Ebony popped her head up and continued, “We very much wished to come. So we finish choirs ever so swiftly!” Tilting their heads at the same time, both Gem sisters then asked, “And what of you all, anything interesting happen?” Looking about the other ponies for any clues as to what had been gong on. “The current state of Twilight’s love life.” Pinkie Pie happily informed the two changlings-disgused-pegasi. While Twilight huffed at her life being pass out like gossip material, Pinkie continued to ramble on, “She was worried about how Masky was acting with being protective, how he has no friends, maybe feeling really sad for not having a clan. I would throw a party, but he doesn't seem to like them, which makes no sense at all—” While Ivory and Ebony listened in rapt attention to Pinkie Pie’s ramblings, Twilight sat up and readied herself for a repeat of what she had just talked over with the others. Masquerade walked down the worn-down dirt path with Blades strapped to his back. Since Twilight had an apparent day out with her friends, Mask had to work up some plans for the day. His current plan being a spar with the only changeling he knew would even consider sparing with him, Toe-Tapper. I understand that being an heir means I have more training and even experience in spars, but that doesn’t mean I can just breeze past others. The currently-pony-changeling groused to himself. Sure I’m good, but I’ll get rusty if I can’t practice. Sooner or later I’m going to be found and I my only option might be fighting! “Sometimes I hate being an heir.” Masquerade grumbled to himself, somewhat disliking some of the responsibilities or expectations that came with being born as an heir to the clan. Becoming an infiltrator didn't help his situation any more, but that was a different matter altogether. Shaking his head and removing such thought, Masquerade refocused on where he was heading. The last time he had let his thoughts wander like this, he got lost. Not that it was a bad thing, He reminded himself with a mischievous grin, otherwise I would have missed out on this little town Twinkle’s lives in! The dark stallion was soon brought out of his musing when a rather loud shout sounded from up ahead, making his ears perk in interest. Just ahead was a two-story house belonging to Toe-Tapper. It was a fair walk from Ponyville, being one of the few houses one could find on the town’s outskirts leading to Whitetail Woods. Drawing closer, Masquerade heard another shout, followed quickly by the familiar click of wooden practice weapons. This only made the infiltrator more curious as to what was happening and went into a light canter. Glancing at the front entrance, the changeling rouge played with the idea of going up and knocking, politely asking for entrance. Looking to the side of the house, Mask grinned a little and thought, now where would the fun be in that? Skipping the door and going around the side of the house and hide near it’s corner. In the backyard was Toe-Tapper, still in his lanky pony form and standing on his hind legs while keeping balance with his cane. His face held both a friendly, yet patient look as he stared down at his opponent. This said opponent was a new student, but not one for music lessons. Sitting in-front of Toe-Tapper was a teenaged pegasus colt, whom sat on his flank and panted out in exertion while giving his best glare up to the blue stallion. Using his hooves to grasp a wooden stick and use it like a crutch to get up, he continued to glare at the changeling instructor with his red eyes and grit out, “I…Hate…You…” And went back to gulping for air. On the back porch of the house, a number of fillies and colts giggled and laughed at this, while their parents or siblings just shook their heads. Toe-Tapper on the other hoof, tutted at the colt’s behavior and told him, “Trace, the only reason you’re losing is because you’re not paying attention.” Doing his best to hide his inner amusement. Though the yellow pegasus scoffed at this, Toe-Tapper continued on, “It is in my experience that hot-headed actions and pride can be the downfall of any good fighter.” Eyeing the younger pony before him. Trace only gave a irritated huff, throwing his head to the side and glaring past his green mane that hung in front of his eyes. Toe-Tapper ignored this behavior and simply ordered, “Alright Trace. Up on you’re hooves, we’re finished with today's practice. It’s about time for me to get to my next lesson.” Casting a look over to the suddenly hushed fillies and colts sitting on the back porch. Gasping a few more times, Trace eventually got up on four slightly shaky legs, letting the practice sword fall to the ground. Toe-Tapper waited as the young teen get up and leave for a pegasus couple awaiting him. Seeing as the show was over, the ponies began filling back inside, while the pegasi nodded their thanks and took their leave. As Toe-Tapper picked up the training implement to put up, Mask choose that time to come out of hiding made his way over to the blue earth pony, smirking, “I see you’re classes are still holding up.” Toe-Tapper almost jumped at the black pony’s voice, Taking a moment to calm down and say, “They are. I’ve been actually doing fairly well despite most of Ponyville being aware of my changeling status.” Turning around looking over the unicorn before him, “I’m guessing you came here to ask for a spare?” Throwing a glance over his shoulder, Masquerade shook his head, “Later. You have student’s to attend to.” Then gave a glance to the training sword saying, “That was the Frisk heir from a few months back, wasn't it?” “Yes.” Was Toe-Tappers simple reply, “His two guardians asked if I was willing to help teach him, after learning I was an instructor for my own clan.” Making his way past the rouge changeling and to his home where some little ponies waited for him. With an amused smile, Masquerade commented, “He doesn't seem to happy with the arrangement.” Toe-Tapper let out a frustrated sigh and admitted, “He’s stubborn and very self-centered for somepony his age. It’s either a personality quark he uses to cope, or he wasn't given the right discipline while he was younger.” Shaking his head, the lanky blue stallion smiled, “In any case, I’ll be sure to correct that in time.” Giving a small smirk as he said, “If it’s one thing we instructors are good at, it’s beating a lesson into our students hard heads.” Though outwardly calm, Masquerade could not help but think, sounds like something my old tutor in the Malek clan would say. It was with this he commented, “My tutor said the same thing about my older brother, Copper.” “Oh?” Toe-Tapper seemed to ask, “What makes to say that?” Walking beside the music teacher, Mask said, “Copper was a bit of a eager common. Wanted to be part of the guard, but was always rushing into things when he first started.” With a rueful shake of his head, Masquerade told the blue pony, “That instructor beat my brother over the head enough times that the helmet had to be scrapped. But by the end of it, my brother knew patients and how to act like a statue!” Though, as an after thought, Mask added after a few moments, “Though, that took something like three years and fifteen helmets, but you get the point.” Waving a dismissive hoof. Toe-Tapper only laughed at this, figuring that the changeling heir was exaggerating the number of blows to the head Copper took. “Yes, that I do.” Toe-Tapper nodded while opening the backdoor to his home, saying, “If it’s alright with you, I’ll stop by Golden Oak’s Library tomorrow. I think I might have some free time that we can spare.” With a slight bow, Mask agreed, “Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Turning around and leaving back for Ponyville. I wonder what I should do now? Masquerade thought to himself while he left Toe-Tapper to his work. With a steadily growing smirk, he thought Maybe just wonder around town and be nosey. Elsewhere in a dorset of trees and apples, three fillies sat in a circle and glanced to the other in deep thought over a target on the floor. Each one was in their own thoughts, trying to figure out the most recent bit of information concerning a certain pony. Looking up in thought, Scootaloo asked, “So, something happened to your sister, but you don't know what. And you’re asking for our help?” Tilting her head at Sweetie Belle. With sad puppy like eyes, Sweetie Belle said, “Please? Rarity’s been acting really strange. I really want to help, but I don't know what to do!” Looking somewhat hopeless and lost. Wanting to assure her friend, Apple Bloom said, “Don’ worry Sweetie Belle, Scoot’s an’ I can help. A’m sure!” Looking confused, Scootaloo asked, “We can?” Not sure what they could do to help. They didn't even know what was wrong, so how could they fix it? “Course we can!” Apple Bloom asserted, “Maybe we can ask aroun’. Somepony’s gatta’ know somthin’.” Becoming reluctant, Sweetie Belle said, “I don't know about that Apple Bloom. When I asked Roma, she said it was adult stuff. And Twilight wouldn't tell me anything, only that Rarity was going trough something hard.” Things seemed to go quiet from there, as Sweetie Belle seemed to sit in place and look worried. She had been feeling slightly confused over what had happened, and even more so with how her sister acted. She’s even talked about not going to the spa. The spa, her paradise! To say, it was bothering the small filly to no end. Seeing the utter despair her friend seemed to radiate, Scootaloo swelled her chest and said, “Then let’s find out!” Getting surprised looks at her outburst. Ignoring this and continuing, the orange pegasus said, “AB’s right that somepony must know something!” Tapping her chest, Scootaloo added, “Plus, we used to be part of the Foal Free Press. We can ask around there to see if they know anything. Feather Weight somehow always has a way of finding things out!” “Good Idea Scoot! He’d know something fer sure!” Apple Bloom agreed while turning t Sweetie Belle asking, “So, wha’da think Sweetie Belle?” Giving a smile, Sweetie Belle nodded, “Yes, that’s a great idea!” Bolting forwards and hugging the two saying, “You’re the best friends I could ask for!” “Ditto!” Apple Bloom agreed, joining in. Scootaloo however, wasn't nearly as keen as her friends in joining the hug, trying to pry herself out, stuttering, “Uh, yeah. What are friends for?” Trying her best to play it cool. As if gaining a lightbulb, Scootaloo said, “I just had a thought.” Gaining the attention of her two friends. With a growing smile, Scootaloo was quick to tell them her idea, making them all grow smiles. With one final nod to the idea, they all took in a deep breath and called out, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS: MYSTERY DETECTIVES!!!” From there, Ponyvill’s disaster curse began it's work.