Main Characters: TWP, Fluttershy, Twilight, Applejack, Luna
Cameos: Spoilers!
Original Write Date: June 2, 2012
Fluttershy and James quickly adapt to pretend-married life. James makes some changes in his routine to allow Fluttershy a role within running the household. He even gets used to sharing a bed with her. Fluttershy gains a new family to assist with her animal caretaking. Her new-found confidence helps in her social interactions as well. She even gets used to sharing a bed with James. Their habits and duties allow them to finish chores the others starts and still have plenty of time together. Both still live their normal daily life as if nothing has changed. Fluttershy starts joining James, Twilight and Luna in their weekly gaming nights.
This week, the gaming group has a guest. Applejack was working late and planned on staying with Twilight for the night. She ended up coming with her friend to The Power Block for the party. The five ponies have a great night of playing games, but they are getting tired of James constantly winning the fighting game.
Twilight sets down her controller. ‘Okay. I am ready for something else.’
‘As are we,’ Luna growls.
‘Anypony else want to play?’ Fluttershy snorts.
‘Come on! I was just getting warmed up!’ James complains.
‘You’re too good at Brawl,’ Twilight huffs. ‘I want to play something else.’
‘Applejack’s not complaining.’
‘Don’ drag me int’ this. Y’all know Ah ain’t as good as any o’ ya.’
James groans. ‘Fine! We’ll play something else.’
The others cheer. The stallion gets an idea.
‘But first, I have a little bet you might like.’
‘My experience with your bets usually lead to a full stomach,’ Luna ponders. ‘We are intrigued.’
‘I don’t trust him,’ Twilight scowls. ‘He has a way of making it work out in his favor.’
James holds his forelegs up defensively. ‘It is simply this. We play one more game of Brawl.’ The mares groan. ‘If I win, I get a kiss from each of you.’ He turns to Fluttershy. ‘No complaining.’
More than one mare gets their hopes up for that arrangement.
‘And if I lose,’ James continues, ‘I’ll take you on a trip in my TARDIS. Deal?’
The four mares stare at the stallion in shock. They turn to each other and nod. Twilight, Luna and Fluttershy pick up their controllers. James laughs and starts the game.
…
James stares at the screen with his jaw on the floor. The mares all high hoof behind him.
‘I lost. I can’t believe I lost. I call hacks!’
‘You lost fair and square, dear,’ Fluttershy gloats.
‘No way was that fair!’ James points at Twilight and Luna. ‘Those two weren’t fighting each other at all! They were even working together!’
‘All’s fair in love and time travel.’ Twilight beams.
Except that love can be won. Fluttershy thinks.
The Defeated Physicist groans. ‘Fine. Let’s get some rest. You never know what sort of adventure you will have.’
James kicks a lever on the TARDIS console to begin ship’s cool down. The four mares are giddily speculating about where they could be. Once the TARDIS stops making noise, James goes to the doors and turns to his travelers. Luna is in her Selene disguise. Twilight wears a light coat over her wings.
‘Now, the most important part about time travel is not interfering. Don’t get yourself noticed. Don’t stand out. Above all else, if you encounter somepony important, just get an autograph and run. Understood?’
‘Shut yer yap and tell us where we’re at already,’ Applejack snaps.
James groans and opens the doors. The group steps out to a busy street. The proportion of unicorns trotting down the street in front of them is larger than in Ponyville. The mares stare, wondering where they could be... until an unicorn stallion glides past on roller-skates and listening to Walkman. They turn back to their host and glare. James finishes locking up his TARDIS, which has taken the shape of the blue police box it is sitting next to, and turns to his guests. Their annoyed looks say volumes.
‘One, I never said where we were going. B... No, that’s not right. Two, we are approximately twenty-four years in the past. Well before you three were born,’ -- he motions to Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy -- ‘and while you’ -- he motions to Selene -- ‘are still mooning us, thus limiting the chance of Blinovitch Limitation Effect wiping out half the universe. Three, or C, how do we know it is exactly half?’
‘James!’ Twilight snaps.
‘And coming in at a distant four or D or that little iv in footnotes, there is somepony I need to see and...’ -- he checks his mobile -- ‘Damn. A few weeks late.’
The mares look at each other and confer privately. They turn back to the stallion. Selene nods to the other mares and steps forward.
‘We accept your terms if you accept ours.’
‘Which are?’
‘First, we are allowed free rein to do as we please for the rest of the day.’
‘Okay.’
‘Second, we wish to procure your wallet for some spending money.’
James gets out his money pouch and sets it in front of the mares. Twilight splits the money between the four of them, leaving a few bits for James.
‘Last, where were you in this time period?’
James thinks. ‘I believe I was with Konami during this time, so overseas writing a code or two.’
The mares confer again before turning back to James. ‘Bye!’
Selene takes to the skies and flies away. Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy gallop off together. James groans, picks up his pouch of bits and trots away.
Selene loops around the city. It is really fun seeing a different version Canterlot. There are far fewer large buildings to get in the way of flying. She spots a large group of ponies and realizes they are in line for a tour of the palace. She giggles and swoops down to join the back of the group. It is going to be so much fun going on one of the tours instead of hosting one.
Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy trot through Canterlot of the relatively recent past. The three friends are not sure what to do. Nothing seems to really catch their interest.
‘Yer parents are from here,’ Applejack says to Twilight. ‘Don’ they have stories ‘bout what they did when they were our age?’
‘I think they were both still in school... No... They must have been married by now since this is right before Shining was born.’
‘ ‘Bout twenty-four years... Shoot. That would mean Big Macintosh was jus’ born. Ah’d hate t’ see mah mom now. She said it was like given birth t’ a bus.’
The mares laugh at the description.
‘Seeing how big he is now, that sounds about right,’ Fluttershy giggles. ‘My mom said I was so quiet when I was born that the doctors kept having to check to see if I was still breathing.’
‘Shoot. That jus’ means yer tougher than the rest of us if ya can take bein’ born and not complain ‘bout it.’
Twilight motions her friends towards a cafe. ‘Come on. Let’s trade stories while we snack. Canterlot always has the best cafes, no matter what year it is.’
The friends trot to the cafe and are shown to a table. They order a round of drinks and snacks.
‘We haven’t really had a chance to stop and chat like this in ages,’ Twilight sighs.
‘I know. We are all so busy with things,’ Fluttershy agrees. ‘I barely have time to make my weekly spa day with Rarity these days.’
‘Ya should just get yer kid and her friends t’ take care o’ yer animals fer ya when ya need a break. Ya know she treats everythin’ as an adventure.’
The pegasus sighs. ‘Rei is a good kid, but she is so much work. It is like I am trying to wrangle my...’
Fluttershy looks over at Twilight. The alicorn is not paying attention to her friends. Instead, she is hiding behind her chair.
‘What are y’all ‘fraid o’?’
Twilight points. The other mares look over. A younger version of Twilight’s mother is chatting with a dark pink pegasus with a dark blue mane while they wait for a table. Twilight Velvet is showing the early signs of her pregnancy with Shining Armor. Fluttershy giggles at Twilight’s nervous behavior. A third pony, a dark-teal unicorn with a dark-silver mane, trots up and is greeted by Twilight Velvet. The new unicorn appears to be pregnant as well.
‘Wait. That is Amelia. That means the pegasus is Fyrefly. Those are mom’s old friends!’
‘And they are coming this way,’ Fluttershy taunts.
Twilight hides again as her mother and friends are led to a nearby table. The new group is seated on the other side of a hedge from Twilight and her friends.
‘So who do we have left?’ Amelia asks.
‘Just those two,’ Velvet answers. ‘Apple can’t make it. She said she can barely move after the birth. Like she had to force out a bus.’
‘Ha! I can believe that after seeing the pictures of him,’ Fyrefly laughs.
Twilight and Fluttershy snap their attention to Applejack. The farmer stares in shock upon the realization they are talking about her mother.
‘Who do you think the other two are?’ Twilight wonders.
‘Ah don’ know, but is it safe t’..?’
‘Mommy?’ Fluttershy squeaks.
The other two ponies look in the direction the Fluttershy is staring. They see a yellow earth pony with a long pink mane nervously enter the cafe. She slips past the waiters without too much fuss and hurries over to her friends’ table.
‘About time you show up, Posey!’ Fyrefly complains.
‘Be nice,’ Velvet scolds. ‘You know how shy she is. It is great seeing you again, Posey.’
‘Thank you,’ Posey whispers.
Twilight and Applejack look back at Fluttershy. The pegasus is frozen in place.
‘Shoot. If she had a diff’rent cutie mark and wings, she’d be a perfect match fer ya.’
‘I agree. I guess shyness runs in the family.’
Fluttershy shakes her head very slightly. ‘Not her.’ She points to a cloud. ‘Her.’
Twilight and Applejack watch as the cloud moves around the buildings before approaching the cafe. The cloud waits for a waiter to start taking orders from Velvet’s group before moving overhead. Fyrefly notices the shade and looks up. The waiter pulls off her disguise to reveal herself to be a white pegasus with a blonde mane.
‘Surprise!’
The table screams in shock. Posey faints.
‘Got you good. Didn’t I?’ Surprise giggles.
Amelia fans Posey with the menu. ‘You do that enough times and the poor dear will have a heart attack.’
‘It is only in good fun,’ Surprise pouts. ‘Posey knows I don’t mean any harm.’
‘It is okay, Amelia,’ Posey croaks. ‘I don’t mind being startled by Surprise.’
‘See!’ Surprise sticks her tongue out and sits with the rest of her friends.
Velvet sighs and shakes her head. ‘Well, now that we’re all here...’
Back at her table, Fluttershy has finally begun breathing again. The shock of all of their mothers being friends before they were born is still heavy on the group from the future.
‘Is this one of the “don’ interfere” moments or a “get an autograph and run” moment?’ Applejack asks.
‘I don’t know. I don’t know,’ Twilight moans. ‘This is too much!’ She looks at Fluttershy. ‘Why didn’t you tell us your mom is Surprise?’
‘I... didn’t want you to be jealous.’
‘Are ya kiddin’? Yer mom is a Wonderbolt. Rainbow would explode twice if she knew.’
‘This is still too...’
‘I just got in the Wonderbolts as a junior member!’ Surprise declares from the other side of the hedge.
Surprise’s friends clap their hooves.
‘Way to go,’ Amelia beams. ‘I knew you could do it.’
‘Glad one of us made it,’ Fyrefly encourages.
‘How come you never applied? You’re a better flier than me.’
‘Pfft! I prefer to be free and fly where I want. Nopony tells Fyrefly what to do! You can't take the sky from me!’
‘What about you, Posey?’ Velvet asks. ‘Did you find a place for your talent?’
‘Well, uh...’ Posey kicks at her chair. ‘I got a job at the palace as assistant landscaper.’
The other mares stare in shock at their shy friend.
‘A job at the palace is nothing to be shy about,’ Amelia gapes. ‘I don’t think anypony in my family has gotten a gig with the palace.’
‘That is where I know Posey from,’ Twilight realizes. ‘She is the head landscaper back in our time.’
‘So ya know most of these ponies already?’
‘I’ve only met Posey and Amelia once or twice each,’ Twilight replies. ‘My mom used to get together with them when I was a foal. I only heard about Fyrefly in passing. I didn’t know about your mom or Surprise though.’
‘Fyrefly would visit us around the holidays,’ Fluttershy says. ‘I don’t think she had any other family.’
‘That’s jus’ amazin’. Like we were meant t’ be friends before the start.’
‘I know.’ Twilight smiles at her friends then turns to watch her mother again. ‘It is almost like looking at a prototype version of our group back home.’
James sits and enjoys a slice of pie at another of Canterlot’s fine cafes. Unlike his friends, he is in a less fashionable part of the city. The poorer areas of Canterlot are mostly populated by pegasi and earth ponies. They bring an unique sense of culture to the city normally associated with unicorns. Even the poorer unicorns of the town who live in this area bring something special to the culture.
A short, skinny dark purple unicorn with a braided light purple and magenta mane levitates a plate with pie on it past James. She accidentally bumps the older pony while taking a seat at the table behind the earth pony. They exchange polite smiles as the unicorn takes her seat. James laughs to himself since the small size of the unicorn reminds him of Rei. She would probably enjoy seeing another pony about her size.
The small unicorn hums a song while she eats her pie. A pair of older fillies trot up to the young filly. One is a burgundy earth pony with a dark grey mane. The other is a blue-white pegasus with a pale blue mane. The unicorn lights up seeing the other two ponies.
‘Arctic! Mel! I am so glad you came!’ the unicorn cheers.
‘Anything for you, Raspberry,’ the earth pony replies.
Raspberry? James thinks. Why is that familiar?
‘What was the big rush?’ the pegasus asks.
‘I got one last job for tonight! Want to come?’
The older fillies look at each other then at the younger one.
‘Are you sure you want to take us on a job with you?’ the earth pony asks.
‘Do you get paid extra for friends? the pegasus asks.
The earth pony kicks the pegasus. ‘Arctic!’
‘What? She is not the only one that needs money.’
‘I would have to ask, but I am sure you can get paid, too,’ Raspberry smiles. ‘Mr Heartstrings sounded very nice when we talked.’
James chokes a bit on his bite of pie. The fillies look over briefly before they turn back to each other.
‘Can you please come? It is my last night in town, and I want to spend it with my best friends!’
Arctic turns to the earth pony. ‘What do you think, Mel?’
‘I have an important audition tomorrow...’ Mel shrugs. ‘If it is for our beloved Raspberry, how can Melodia Philharmonica say “no”?’
James starts coughing as a bite of pie goes the wrong way. Mel snorts and gives a quick kick to the choking pony’s neck, dislodging the bite of pie. While the stallion takes a drink of water, the filly spins around and glares into his face.
‘Are you eavesdropping on us?’ Mel accuses. ‘Are you a spy? I hate spies.’
Arctic sighs. ‘Not your weird training stuff again.’ She turns to James. ‘Sorry. She is very paranoid because she got this weird training a few years ago.’ She smiles and extends a hoof. ‘Nice to meet you. I’m Arctic Fox!’
James spits his water at the mention of the name. Mel draws a violin bow and holds it under the stallion’s throat.
‘Why are you reacting that way? Do you know us? Did the princess send you to eliminate us?’
‘Mel! Stop it!’ Raspberry shouts. ‘I’m sorry, mister. Hi! I’m Raspberry Soufflé!’
‘R-Ra-Raspberry Soufflé?’ James stutters. Oh shi...
‘Do I know you?’ Raspberry asks.
‘Answer her.’ Mel presses the violin bow down.
‘Sorry. You all have interesting names. I am a little surprised.’
‘See. He is not a weirdo. Well, not much of one,’ Arctic says. ‘Come on. Let’s get to the job!’
The older fillies start trotting away. Raspberry follows a few steps then looks back.
‘But I don’t know his name...’
‘Oh! I’m, uh...’ James looks around for a fake name. He spots Raspberry’s pie. ‘Strawberry! Mr Strawberry.’
Raspberry smiles. ‘Great meeting you, Mr Strawberry. I like you.’
‘You like everypony,’ Mel grumbles. ‘Come on.’
Raspberry waves and follows her friends. James watches the fillies leave then leans forward with his hooves on his temples.
‘Raspberry. Dear Sagan, it is Raspberry. Stormy is going to kill me.’
Selene follows along with a tour group. She giggles every time a fact about Equestrian history or information about Celestia is messed up. The tour enters the statue garden. The giggling picks up as the guide flubs the names of almost all of the heroes represented in stone. The guide stops and turns at the laughing pegasus.
‘Is something funny back there?’
‘You called him Star Swarl!’ Selene laughs.
‘Yes, the great unicorn Star Swarl the Barded. He has a wing in the royal conservatory.’
Selene rolls on the ground laughing. The guide growls and continues onward.
‘Next is a statue of this strange creature. Nopony knows what it is supposed to represent. Let us marvel in its strangeness.’
The group stares up at the frozen Discord. The joyful pose Luna allowed him to take feels like an insult knowing the creature’s true nature. Selene glares at the draconequus. The group moves to the next statue. The angry pegasus steps forward.
‘Discord,’ Selene snorts. She smirks. ‘I have a new coltfriend now. He is several times the stallion you are. We are quite happy together. So...’
Selene turns and shakes her plot at the statue. She laughs and stomps away to rejoin the group.
A pair of green unicorns are speaking to Raspberry and her friends. They are in a large mansion, and the unicorns are dressed for a night out. Raspberry looks a little shaky.
‘We just fed Lyra, and she is sleeping,’ Mr Heartstrings says. ‘She has extra formula in the fridge if she gets hungry, and we showed you where her diapers are. Any questions?’
‘I don’t have anything,’ Raspberry smiles. ‘Thanks again for letting my friends join me. Have a great time at the opera.’
The Heartstrings nod and leave. Once the door is closed, Raspberry sighs and sits down.
‘Are you okay?’ Mel asks. ‘You look shakier than normal.’
‘I’m fine. I just need something to get my blood sugar up.’
‘I hope getting out of the city is good for your body,’ Arctic adds. ‘Getting you in the fresh air everyday will do wonders.’
Raspberry shakes her head. ‘No. We are going back to Fillydelphia. It is just a smaller city.’
The older fillies sigh. They try not to think of their friend leaving them. There is a knock at the door. The three fillies are surprised. They were not expecting any visitors. Raspberry opens the door and immediately smiles.
James waves a blank sheet of paper around. ‘Wandering Physicist, National Department of Physics. I am looking for, uh, wild physics in the area. ... Wow. That is the worst one yet.’
Mel stares at the paper. ‘Says you’re Chet Handsome from International Rescue.’
James looks at the paper. ‘The wife must have been playing around with this again...’
‘Hi, Mr Strawberry!’ Raspberry cheers. ‘Come on in!’
‘Whoa! Hold on!’ Mel warns. ‘Mr Heartstrings said no visitors other than us. He was quite insistent on that point.’
‘Don’t worry. I am quite good with foals. Lyra will vouch for me.’
Mel looks at the stallion. Her jaw drops when she sees him playing with a mint green unicorn baby. The baby squeals happily as the stallion holds her in his forelegs. Raspberry and Arctic giggle at the scene.
‘Who’s a cute baby?’ James coos. ‘Who’s a cute baby? Who’s ... going to change her?’
James sets Lyra on the floor, pushes her away with a hind leg and slides back. Raspberry trots over, lifts the baby with her magic and trots towards the nursery.
‘Don’t worry. That is what they are paying me for.’
The other ponies follow the young unicorn. Mel nudges James.
‘The wife must love how well you handle foals.’
‘It is fascinating to see where she gets that attitude from. Here I thought she was that way on her own.’
‘What does that mean!’
‘Shh! You’ll upset the baby.’
Mel growls and turns away from the stallion.
Time traveling and spying on your parents when they are a little older than you is thirsty work. Twilight washes up after using the little filly’s room when a second pony joins her at the sink. The other patron looks at the young mare.
‘You look a little familiar,’ Amelia says. ‘Have we met?’
Twilight grimaces. ‘Not that I know of.’
‘Hmm. You must have one of those faces.’ Amelia giggles. ‘A cute face at that.’
‘Heh, heh. Thanks.’
Twilight makes her way to the door, trying to avoid the other mare.
Amelia stares in the mirror and sighs. ‘Miss, may I ask you a question?’
‘Was that it?’ Twilight laughs.
‘Oh, I like you. Actually, it is more something I should ask my husband or friends, but, well, I have good feeling about you.’
‘Um.... Thank you?’
‘As you might be able to tell, I am with foal, but I am without a name for the darling. Do you have any suggestions?’
‘Uh... Beatrice would be a nice name,’ Twilight suggests.
‘Hmm... Beatrice... Bea... No, Trix. Trixie. Ah! I love it! The Mysterious and Alluring Amelia thanks you, kind unicorn.’
Twilight is shocked. ‘No... problem...’
Twilight finally leaves the washroom and rushes back to her table. Her friends look at her.
‘Y’all okay?’
The shocked alicorn laughs nervously. ‘Oh, fine. Perfectly fine.’
‘Did something happen?’ Fluttershy asks.
‘Oh, nothing. Nothing. I just named Trixie. Nothing major.’
Twilight’s friends stare at the princess in shock.
‘Isn’ that exactly the timeline changin’ thin’s James told us t’ avoid?’
‘To-to-to be fair, we never knew where her name came from.’
Applejack sighs and shakes her head. Fluttershy starts giggling at her friend.
‘Hey!’ Fyrefly shouts from the other side of the hedge. ‘Why am I the only one drinking? I know Posey is a wuss, but you gals aren’t.’
Posey scowls at her friend. Surprise blushes a bit. Velvet shakes her head.
‘Fyrefly, you know Amelia and I are pregnant.’
‘Pfft.’ Fyrefly turns to Surprise. ‘What’s your excuse? You’re usually a party animal.’
‘Well, uh... I was waiting to tell you...’
Amelia returns and looks around. ‘So, what are we talking about?’
‘I have a huge surprise!’ Surprise shouts.
A lot of cafe patrons look at the white pegasus. The time travelers lean closer.
Surprise blushes bright red. ‘I am with foal, too...’
‘Congratulations!’ the pegasus’ friends cheer.
On the other side of the hedge, the pegasus there is getting teased by her friends too.
‘Guess James messed up when he said there was only one Fluttershy in this time,’ Applejack teases.
‘Applejack, we should really shy away from teasing her,’ Twilight scolds.
The farmer glares at her friend. ‘That was a bad pun, and ya know it.’
‘Sorry if I can’t be as punny as you.’
‘Ugh. Jus’ go back t’ worryin’ ‘bout how ya named yer rival before she was born.’
Fluttershy breaks her shock by giggling at Twilight again. The alicorn growls at her friend, and they return to listening to their parents.
‘Who’s a less smelly baby? Who’s a less smelly baby?’ James coos as he plays with Lyra.
Mel groans. She is watching the room while standing on her hind legs.
‘Lyra is a less smelly baby!’ Raspberry cheers, joining in the game.
Lyra squeals and claps her hooves.
Arctic stares at a plush unicorn as tall as she is. ‘How come the rich kids get all the good toys?’
‘You could always steal one,’ Mel suggests.
Arctic shakes her head. ‘Never. I would never approve stealing anything.’
‘Even if it is for the good of your family?’ James asks.
Arctic looks at the stallion then back at the plush. ‘I doubt something like this would serve any good for the family. If I ever had to steal for my family, it should only be the most basic necessities, and we would always pay the victim back when we could.’
‘Can I hold you to that?’
‘Why are you here?’ Mel snorts. ‘You must be a spy.’
‘Lighten up, Mel,’ Raspberry sighs. ‘He is not hurting anypony. He is fun. Right, Lyra?’
The baby laughs but stops with pained look on her face. Her horn glows and a bolt of magic shoots out, aimed at the distracted Arctic.
‘Watch out!’ Mel warns.
The earth pony throws a nearby mirror in the path of the magic. The bolt is reflected off the mirror, into Lyra’s crystal mobile and back at the baby. She is knocked backwards from the shot. Raspberry screams in horror and checks on the foal. James quickly scans Lyra and the room with his sonic.
‘Oh my gosh! I am so sorry! I didn’t know that would happen!’ Mel panics.
Raspberry lifts her ear from Lyra’s chest and sighs in relief. ‘She is fine. She just knocked herself out.’ She laughs. ‘I should have warned you about our magical outbursts. Unicorn babies have them occasionally.’
‘Could she have hurt us?’ Arctic asks.
‘Not likely,’ James replies as he checks his sonic. ‘That was only a simple memory spell. It would probably help you do better on exams, but it wouldn’t have left any lasting effects... I think.’
‘How can you tell that, Mr Strawberry?’ Raspberry asks.
‘What’s that weird metal thing you have?’ Mel demands.
‘Do you think we can get her to do that again?’ Arctic wonders.
‘Uh...’ James adjusts his glasses. ‘I’m just smart. This is a toy of mine. And sorry, probably not.’
‘Damn.’ Arctic kicks at the ground.
‘Can I see your toy?’
James hides his sonic. ‘What toy?’
The filly growls at the stallion. Raspberry lifts Lyra and places her in her crib. The baby wakes and coos. James goes to the crib and holds up a hoof.
‘How many fingers am I holding up?’
Everypony gives him a queer look. Lyra burbles.
‘You know, fingers. Wiggly things at the end of the hand. Like on a human.’
Everypony is more confused. Lyra gurgles.
‘A human. Big pink or brown hairless ape. What do they teach you?’
Lyra babbles and rolls over.
‘Being a baby is only an excuse! Sheesh! I thought you knew everything about... Uh oh.’ He turns to the confused fillies. ‘Did I say that was a memory spell?’
‘Um... Mr Strawberry, were you speaking baby just now?’ Raspberry asks.
James’ eyes dart. ‘Maybe.’
‘Can you teach me! That is so cool!’
‘Nopony can speak baby, Raspberry,’ Mel groans.
‘He can, and it is cool,’ Arctic replies.
Mel growls and stomps from the room. The others sigh and go back to playing with the baby.
Selene trots toward the palace exit with the rest of the tour group. She is snickering at the constantly-flubbed tour the guide gave. Her fun comes to an end when she notices that Celestia is greeting all of the guests as they leave. The pegasus scoots to the end of the pack as fast as she can, but the crowd pushes her forward. She looks away from her sister to try and avoid attracting any attention.
‘Excuse me, miss.’
Selene looks to see Celestia smiling at her. ‘Yes?’
‘I did not catch your name.’
‘Uh, Selene.’
Celestia’s smile widens. ‘Miss Selene, would you mind joining me in my chambers as soon as I am done here?’
Oh, sister. This is how the rumors get started. ‘It would be my pleasure,’ Selene smiles.
‘Wonderful! Guards, make sure she is well taken care of until my arrival.’
Selene follows the guards away, groaning about the potential rumors she just spawned.
Lyra stares at Mel as she practices her violin. The baby seems entranced by the music. She reaches for the violinist.
‘Let her play with it,’ James says. He smiles at the baby. ‘Don’t you love plucking strings?’
Lyra squeals happily.
‘Are you kidding?’ Mel huffs. ‘Do you know how long it took me to save up to buy this? I can’t even afford new strings.’
‘I will buy you a new one if she breaks it.’
Mel glares. ‘Who are you?’
James smiles. ‘I’m Mr Strawberry. You’re Melodia Philharmonica, greatest violinist in Equestria. One day your name will grace buildings.’
‘Buttering me up will not win you any favors.’
‘Unless you are Pinkie Pie and speaking literally,’ James laughs.
Mel’s jaw drops a little and she shakes her head. ‘You’re insane.’
‘You know what, I’m going to get you a new violin anyway.’
‘You are some random stranger we met in a cafe. Raspberry and Arctic may like you, but I still think you are a creep. You make one wrong move, and I will slit your throat.’
James steps over to Mel. ‘Do I really look like the type of pony who would take advantage of three young fillies, one of whom is underage?’
Mel blushes a bit as she studies the stallion’s face. ‘I-I guess you are okay. If my friends trust you, I should, too.’
‘Good, because Lyra is eating your violin.’
Mel screams and tries pulling the violin from the baby unicorn. James trots away.
‘Raspberry, Arctic, I’m starting dinner,’ the stallion calls. ‘Can one of you start something for Lyra?’
The reunion at the cafe is winding down. The friends are saying their goodbyes. Fyrefly hovers in the air and sniffs.
‘Seriously, none of you smell Apple?’
‘Give it a rest, Fyrefly,’ Amelia sighs. ‘You just miss her. Admit it.’
‘So what? Just ‘cause I want to see all of my friends doesn’t mean I am making up smelling one of them.’
The others groan, exchange the last of their hugs and head into the city. The time-traveling mares relax and prepare to leave as well. Twilight counts out the money James gave them, making sure everypony pays their fair share.
‘Well, that was interestin’. Felt like Ah learned a lot ‘bout our parents,’ Applejack comments. ‘Ah can’t believe yer mom is so energetic, Fluttershy.’
The pegasus laughs nervously. ‘Yeah... She is...’ She sighs. ‘I just wish she would ease up on those of us not as hyper as she is.’
‘Bet ya wish ya could have told her that.’
Fluttershy giggles. ‘Right.’ She poses. ‘Miss Surprise. If your future daughter turns out to be really, really, really shy, please don’t push her to make friends too hard. That might make her even shyer.’ She giggles again.
Applejack laughs too. ‘Ah know what ya mean.’ She poses with a hoof on her chest. ‘Ma, when somethin’ on a high shelf gets busted, keep in mind that yer son is at least two heads taller than yer daughter.’
The two ponies laugh and turn to Twilight. The alicorn looks up from her organizing.
‘Oh, uh, those were good impressions.’
‘Twi, we were givin’ pertend advice to our mas.’
‘Way to pay attention there,’ Fluttershy sighs.
Twilight growls at her friend.
‘What would ya want t’ say t’ yer ma?’ Applejack asks.
Twilight taps her hoof on her chin for a moment. ‘I would tell her...’ She blushes. ‘Never mind.’
Fluttershy grins evilly. ‘We went. It is only fair for you to share too.’
Twilight looks down and kicks the ground. ‘I would tell her to remember to always knock,’ she whispers.
Applejack blushes and shakes her head. Fluttershy laughs loudly at her friend. Twilight’s blush deepens. She trots away to pay the bill. The others leave the cafe, shortly followed by Twilight. They start trotting down the street looking for the next thing to do. Fluttershy giggles at Twilight again.
‘So, uh, what now, girls?’ Applejack asks, trying to relieve the situation.
Twilight snorts at Fluttershy then turns to Applejack. ‘I think one of the original Daring Do movies is from around this time. Maybe we can catch it.’
‘Sounds like a plan t’ me. Fluttershy?’
‘That would be fun. The originals are way better the the new one.’
‘To be fair, the new one was based on the last book.’
Fluttershy grimaces. ‘Right. That one. That damn refrigerator.’
The group looks around for a movie theater. Twilight leads the group in the direction of one she knows in the future. Along the way, Applejack scrunches her face as she thinks.
‘Fluttershy, can ya explain something t’ me?’
‘I can try. What is it?’
‘Well, the whole time that Fyrefly said she smelled apples. Now, Ah heard Dash say that t’ me a few times. Is that a pegasus thing?’
‘I’ve been wondering that, too,’ Twilight says. ‘Rei tells Inkie that she smells like something different every time they meet.’
Fluttershy giggles. ‘That means she likes you, Applejack.’
The farmer stops in her tracks. ‘ ‘Scuse me?’
‘Uh, you see, when a pegasus likes somepony, our noses become more sensitive to the smell of the pony we like. It allows us to better detect each other in the air where the atmosphere is thinner.’
‘So yer sayin’ Rainbow...’
‘AJ, she has said that about everypony in the group,’ Twilight huffs. ‘And Soarin’ and Spitfire and both our brothers and about several other ponies. You have nothing to worry about.’
‘Ah guess. It jus’ is a mite unnerving.’ She stops again. ‘Wait a tick. Scoots has said the same thin’ ‘bout AB.’
‘Don’t tell me you are prejudiced,’ Twilight groans.
‘Heck nah! It is jus’ surprisin’ knowin’ what that means now.’
The group continues toward the theatre.
‘So... Fluttershy...’ Twilight begins.
‘Yes?’
‘What does James smell like?’
Fluttershy looks down and blushes. She has a wide grin.
‘Twilight! It ain’t nice askin’ something personal like that.’
‘Come on, AJ! It is not like I am asking to do page one-thirty-seven with her.’
‘Page what now?’
‘Potatoes and pineapple. His favorite foods.’
‘What?’ the other ponies ask.
‘That is what he smells like. I love that smell in the morning.’
Fluttershy giggles to herself. Her friends smile at her joy. Once Fluttershy is recovered, the group continues to the theatre.
Arctic comes down a flight of stairs. She hums a happy tune to herself.
‘Stealing’s bad, m’kay.’
The pegasus sees James standing at the bottom of the stairs.
‘Duh. I’ve worked so hard to make it this far. I’d hate to throw it all away. I was just helping Raspberry with Lyra.’
‘So, no stealing for you?’
Arctic rounds the railing. ‘Why do you seem to think I am a thief? That is the only thing I don’t like about you.’
‘Sorry. I am just trying determine your stance on the issue.’
‘I am opposed to all stealing. Sure, there might be some justifiable reasons, but those still should be punished in some form.’
‘You are really that opposed to stealing? What if it was a loved one doing it for the family?’
‘I would hope that any member of my family would know how morally opposed to stealing I am.’
‘So she does have reason to be worried...’ James mumbles.
‘Who? What are you hiding from us?’
‘If I could give you all the money you would ever need, would you take it?’
Arctic takes a step back. ‘How much are you talking about?’
‘Anywhere from just enough to scrape by to infinite.’
The pegasus stares at the stallion. She shakes her head. ‘No. I cannot accept that. I would rather earn everything myself. Even if I remain poor forever, I rather not get the charity.’
James smiles and gets out a card. ‘I want you to have this. If you ever need any money for anything, you will find just enough in this account. It will never be more than you need, so don’t expect to abuse it.’
The stallion puts the card in Arctic’s wing. She lifts it in front of her face.
‘I hope I never have to use this.’
‘Just keep it somewhere safe. Somewhere where your family will never find it, even if you have a really clever girl.’
‘I’ll keep that in mind.’
There is a clopping at the top of the stairs. The two ponies look up to see Raspberry standing there. Her face is flushed and she wobbles a bit.
‘Mr Strawberry... I don’t feel so good...’
Raspberry faints and falls down the stairs. Her friends rush to catch her but by the time they get to her, she is already unconscious and her horn is cracked in a couple places.
‘She’s burning up,’ James says. ‘I have to get her to a hospital. Stay here and explain what happened to Mr Heartstrings. Don’t worry. Everything will be okay.’
The stallion lifts the injured filly onto his back and gallops away.
Selene paces in her sister’s bed chambers. They are as dull as in the future. Would it kill Celestia to purchase a television? The door to the chamber opens. Celestia enters and stares down at the pegasus.
‘It has been nearly a thousand years.’
‘What? I am just...’
Celestia levitates the glasses from Selene’s face. Luna is revealed.
‘Dear sister, it is nice that you came to visit.’
‘I have not broken out of containment, if that is what you are thinking.’
Celestia shakes her head. ‘No. I know it is your friend Mr Wanderer.’ She scowls. ‘He enjoys visiting me from time to time and arguing about policies of mine or actions I have taken. He was quite furious about your imprisonment.’
Luna blushes. ‘Oh, James...’
The older sister snorts. ‘Right.’ Her expression softens. ‘Dear sister, sit with me. Please. Let us talk.’
‘I do not think that is wise.’ Luna backs away. ‘As you have guessed, I am from a time when I am free once more. I would hate to reveal secrets of what is to come.’
Celestia sighs. ‘I understand. But please, can we at least talk about times of old?’
‘Only if you wish to discuss them again in twenty years,’ Luna laughs.
‘Anything for my dear sister.’
The sisters laugh and begin chatting.
Raspberry wakes in a hospital bed. She looks around for a doctor and finds James sitting next to the bed with his head down. She smiles and reaches out to him.
‘Good morning, Strawberry.’
James looks up. ‘Hey.’
‘I am so happy to see you. I was hoping to see you before I left.’
‘Right... Before you left...’
‘I should have told you. I have a weak body. I have been sick for a long time. My family cannot afford the proper treatment if we live here, but we can if we move back home. I’ll be getting better.’
‘No you won’t...’ James whispers.
‘Whatever happens, I will be okay.’ She tries getting up and groans.
‘Don’t try moving. You took a tumble and hurt your legs. ... You also cracked your horn.’
Raspberry giggles. ‘That will make baking more fun.’
‘I... I have a treatment that will speed up recovery by about a week. It hurts a lot.’
‘I’ll take it. If you apply it, I know it won’t hurt.’
‘Are you sure? It has produced literally record-shattering screams.’
Raspberry smiles. ‘I trust you.’
James sighs and unwraps Raspberry’s horn. He takes a bit of treatment on his hoof and touches it to the cracks. Raspberry flinches and bites her lip but does not react in any other way. James rewraps the horn and cleans his hoof.
‘Thank you. I am sure I’ll heal perfectly.’
‘I am impressed by your calm.’
‘Mr Strawberry... I know I am not well. I honestly don’t know if I will ever get better, but today has been one of the funnest days of my life. I really owe it to you. If today were my last day, I would die happy.’
James looks down to try and hide his crying. ‘I see why everypony loves you. You are so strong. I could save you, but I can’t. So much would change, and I cannot allow that to happen.’
‘Oh, Strawberry. You care so much. Thank you. Do not worry about me. If... If you are ever in Fillydelphia, look me up. I would love to see you again sometime.’
‘We will meet again... and I will have a special gift for you.’
‘Then I will have to get one for you as well.’
James shakes his head. ‘No, you won’t. You won’t have a gift.’
‘Then I’ll have to give you one now. Come here.’
‘What?’
‘I have a special gift for you. Come closer.’
James leans in and Raspberry kisses him. After a few seconds, she leans back with a large smile.
‘You are great for a first kiss.’
‘Heh, heh. A lot of ponies have told me that.’
‘I love you, Strawberry, or whatever your real name is.’
‘What?’
‘I may be fourteen, but I am not stupid. I know that isn’t your real name. It doesn’t matter. I love you all the same. I look forward to seeing you again.’
James nods and leaves the room. He closes the door behind him, wipes the tears from his eyes and sighs.
‘Don’t worry. I took care of the bill. Her family should be here soon. I have a favor to ask.’
‘Anything,’ Mel replies.
‘Ask your organization to look after her. I’ll take over for her son but make sure she is safe.’
‘I’ll pass that along.’
‘Thank you. Tell them it is a favor for Wanderer. They’ll know who I am.’
‘You’re Wanderer?!’ Mel scowls. ‘I thought you would be handsomer.’
James smiles. He trots away, stopping only to briefly wave.
James huffs as he makes his way back to the TARDIS. A shadow flies overhead.
‘Hello, sweetie,’ Selene greets.
‘Who did you encounter?’
‘I did not spend the evening with my sister if that is what you are implying.’’
James groans. He sees the other group trotting up. While the others wave, Fluttershy flies forward and gives her husband a kiss.
‘Best kiss I have had all day.’
‘Compared to what?’ Fluttershy growls.
The stallion sighs. ‘I’ll explain after we get home.’
The large group continues back to the TARDIS. As they approach the alley where it is parked, they see another pair of ponies coming towards them. One is a brown stallion with a curly mane. He is wearing a baggy overcoat, floppy hat and very long scarf. The other is a light purple mare with a light orange mane. The stallions stop and stare at each other. They look down the alley at the two blue boxes at the other end.
‘James...’
‘Yeah, Theta?’
‘I thought I asked you never to park next to me.’
The Time Lords groan and try figuring out which TARDIS is which.