Second Tour

by Natedogg2006

Camouflage

"Wow. That is gorgeous." Berrypunch set the now opened small black box back in the middle of the booth. The ponies around sipped at the drinks she'd come around to refill. "Nopony picks up a ring like that unless they're dead serious. Guess I never even had a shot, huh?" She made playful fluttery eyes at Fizzlepop.

"Yeah, sorry Punch. Just the way life goes I suppose." Fizzlepop shrugged half-heartedly.

Berrypunch didn't seem too off-put by the turnout. "Oh well. But if you and the princess are ever in the mood for a threesome, I'm totally available any time." She gave a playful smile and a quick wink.

Fizzlepop rolled her eyes. "You'll be literally the first pony we call on I'm sure."

Berrypunch laughed, knowing how the odds looked on that front. "In the meantime, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Maybe what I need is another soldier to help me get over my broken heart." She now propped herself on the table to where she could send flirtatious looks to Morningstar.

Morningstar proceeded to pull away. "I thought you strictly went for mares. You know I'm a stallion right?"

Berrypunch shrugged her shoulders. "Eh, you're pretty like a mare. Enough drinks and I'm sure I wouldn't notice. What do you say?"

"Sorry, I gotta pass too. I'm not into the whole, being the rebound thing unfortunately."

"Four drinks in and still able to say no. A respectable stallion if I do say so." Zecora sent him a smile. He quickly took a drink to hide the blush it inspired. Zecora giggled slightly before turning back to the topic of discussion. "A specimen of such high quality, is certainly a rare sight to see." She let her eyes flick back for just a second. "From where in the wide world could its origins be?"

Fizzlepop took a deep sip of her drink. "It's… a complicated story. One which we don't need to go into." She lowered her glass to find four sets of unconvinced eyes staring at her. "What?"

"Don't 'what' us, Commander Edgelord Shadow." Morningstar snorted a laugh and began to chuckle as Fizzlepop couldn't stop a confused look coming to her face. She looked around to the others at the table for support.

She found none as even Fluttershy seemed to be restraining giggles as she spoke. "Fizzlepop, you know we all love you here and we'd never try to humiliate you, right?" She waited for the target of their focus to nod her head in agreement. "Ok good, with that being said." Fluttershy took a deep breath and continued on in complete seriousness. "You still have no idea how to hide it when you want to gush like a school filly."

The normally stoic mare looked around the table, seeing only looks of confirmation. Berrypunch even laughed as she turned to leave. "It's not fair that she gets to be that cute and that hot at the same time."

Fizzlepop coached her features into a much more familiar scowl. "Whatever tell you think you've figured out clearly needs to be reconsidered."

"The hooves of a soldier that once caused fear, now betray your feelings from what I can hear." Zecora said this as her ear flicked, indicating beneath the table where they sat.

Fizzlepop's ears flicked as well, and a moment later she stopped her hooves from tapping excitedly on their own. "It really can be such a bother to have so many close friends." She kept her chin low and her eyes closed in a solemn gesture as she set her drink down on the table. The edges of her lips began to tremble ever so slightly. She bit her lip to suppress it, but a big smile still managed to break on her face. She finally leaned forward on the table, throwing her forehooves onto it in excitement. "I found him!"

"Him?" Came the simultaneous response from the rest of the table.

Fizzlepop reached into the loose-fitting hoodie she wore and with practiced ease unstrapped a harness from within. She set her dagger down on the table next to the black box. "I found HIM." The ponies at the table all knew the story of how her dagger came to be her most prized possession. Thus looks of shock spread over them for a moment.

Fluttershy seemed elated by this news. "I knew it! I had a feeling you might propose to her soon, and then when you took that time off alone. Oh, I just knew you were planning something special." Her wings fluttered behind her as she squeed at the idea.

"That... just might be one of the most romantic things I've ever heard. How the heck did you even pull something like that off?" Morningstar looked very impressed. "I know you're great at recon, but still. And I mean, he just made it for you too?"

Fizzlepop smiled even wider. "It was a little harder than that, but it only makes the story better."

"If some adversity was uncovered, I assume your identity he did discover." Zecora supplied for her to continue.

Fizzlepop chuckled at that. "The moment I walked into his shop, he greeted me as 'commander shadow'." This seemed to catch the whole table off guard. "He confessed that back when we first met he was sweating. He was extra nice to me because he didn't want to tip me off that he knew who I was. Apparently right after I left, he started making plans to evac the whole town in a hurry. Until he saw our airships on the horizon."

Fluttershy smiled brightly at that. "So he figured out that he'd gotten through to you, and ponies always remember acts of true kindness like that." She gave the most approving look she could to her friend. Fizzlepop couldn't help but to look away, biting her lip shyly. "So he made the ring for you because you spared his town back then?"

Fizzlepop turned back. Her confidence had returned, but her glee was still evident. "Not quite, it still took a little more than that." The other ponies at the table leaned forward in wrapped attention. "He's retired, and his sons do most of the work at his shop now. He said they were great jewelers as well, and even offered a discount for coming all that way. But he could tell I was disappointed at the news."

"What was it that made him do it?" Fluttershy asked, her eyes practically sparkling.

"Two things. Two things, and after that he insisted on making the ring. One, he was impressed with the care I've taken with Ariel. He realized that I cared about true craftsmanship like his. Therefore he understood when I told him that I wanted the ring and her to be true sisters. That...and," she smiled bashfully as she knew they could tell the color coming to her cheeks. "When he found out who the ring was meant for. And no, not for a princess, that never came up." She looked up, smiling proudly. "For the pony that pulled me away from the darkness. The same darkness that had once almost claimed his town."

Fluttershy was currently hovering above her seat from the fluttering of her wings. "Oh my goodness, you two are so sweet when you're doing things for each other."

Morningstar smiled in agreement with the statement. "Yeah, you two definitely should come with a diabetes warning." He then chuckled after a moment of thought. "Don't ever tell this story to Rarity. The swoon she'll make will put her in a coma."

Laughter at the comment seemed to pull the group from the serious moment. Giggling, Zecora decided to add to the dumb joke. "I believe you're wrong, I do declare, for the true outcome will cause despair. A squee so high like never before, every dog in Equestria will bark forever more. From that day on the only rest, shall be me in my forest nest."

Morningstar laughed at the absurd assertion. "Yeah, well if that happens you're gaining a roommate. I can't function without my eight hours. Either that or an obscene amount of coffee."

"Inviting yourself over so readily, when in truth my forest home can be so scary." Zecora smiled playfully.

"Oh, you haven't seen scary until you've seen me without caffeine."

The two laughed. Aside from them, Fizzlepop leaned over to whisper to Fluttershy. "What the heck is going on here?" Fluttershy could only shrug as she stared at the exchange with mild confusion.

"I'm not sure, but I really hope this doesn't mean Zecora is going to be trying for the bouquet at your wedding. This one is mine and Rarity can just deal with that." Fluttershy said this while staring curiously at the pair still chatting between themselves.

Fizzlepop cleared her throat as she was sliding her knife back into her jacket. "Sorry to break up this little... something." Realizing they had been chatting to each other for some time, the two now very suddenly turned their attention back to the others. "You do realize she lives in the Everfree right?"

"Oh, yeah. Sorry boss, it's just uhhh...." He trailed off, failing not to let his eyes glance back to the zebra across from him. "It's not like the Everfree is that bad..." The looks from the other two still seemed skeptical.

Zecora decided to weigh in. "The story you told just created such an atmosphere, it could make any pony temporarily forget their fear. But I am sorry for the diversion, let us get back to the conversation of your version." The awkward smile she made seemed out of place on her face.

"That rhyme was really forced," Morningstar couldn't help but mention.

"Mind your business," the rhythmic mare blurted out as she lifted her drink to hide her face.

Fizzlepop and Fluttershy could only collectively shrug at the display. Fizzlepop decided to get them back on topic. "Beyond the conference and sightseeing, I'm not sure what else Twilight has planned for the trip. The island isn't very big after all."

Morningstar thought quickly, hoping to distract from his own discomfort. "Even if the conference itself is a no go, you can still do something romantic and showy. You know, classic and cheesy. Candle lit dinner, all dressed up, have the waiter deliver the ring in a champagne glass. It's a cliché, but it's a cliché for a reason."

Fizzlepop seemed to think this over for a while before giving a hesitant grunt. "We do treat ourselves and do something fancy like that every now and then, but usually only for special occasions. If I took her somewhere nice like that she might suspect something, and I want this to be a surprise."

"Nothing says it has to be fancy to be romantic," he countered, his hesitation from before largely forgotten. "She might think it's fun if you tried the fancy stuff at one of the questionable places you two like to check out."

Fizzlepop thought this over a while longer. "That's... not a bad idea. But I was leaning away from specifically that sort of idea from the start. It's one of the reasons I needed some advice."

"A fancy affair may not be your style, but why could you not try to pull it off for a while?" Zecora inquired.

"It's a beach town. Being dressed up fancy is probably going to be too big of an obstacle to overcome. I'm probably going to be dealing with enough challenges just being clothed at all." Fizzlepop felt a swell of joy that the looks of realization around her were not then also accompanied by sudden cringes as they might be from ponies who didn't know her so well. She loved her friends and the fact that they understood her, but she did see the beginnings of an encouraging speech building behind the eyes of the element bearer among them. "You don't need to start piling on encouragement, I'm long since over those sorts of worries."

Fluttershy looked taken aback, but not entirely convinced. "You still prefer to be covered though. Are you sure you're going to be ok hanging out on a beach?"

Fizzlepop leaned back in her chair, getting a far off look that her friends knew as one reserved for thoughts of her special somepony. "Twilight says that she thinks they're sexy, and her opinion is the only one I really care about on the matter." She turned back to the others. "It does make getting around a little bit of a hassle sometimes though. I just don't want it to become a burden to her. Not when she's so excited for this trip." She looked slightly downcast. "I'm comfortable with myself, but I can't control the feelings of others."

There was a silence that seemed hard to break with normal words.

"The life we lead will always leave marks, some we'll love, others only in parts. We cannot choose how others will react, but in our own ways we can fight back. Though we may face many strifes, even a zebra can change their stripes."

The rest of the table stared long enough to collectively blink while processing Zecora's declaration. Morningstar was the first to react. "That was... deep. It was an old zebra proverb wasn't it? But I've never heard it translated like that. It's one of my favorites, even though I've never been able to learn who exactly said it."

"In my culture we do not have many authors, we rely on each other to remember the old words."

"Holy frick you're gorgeous." Morningstar jolted along with the whole table as he realized the words had come from his mouth. "I mean, your words, the proverb. I like the proverb. I'm fascinated by Zebras... I mean the culture, Zebra culture. Not that you're not, I mean..."

"Morningstar." The familiar sound of his commanding officer shouting at him caught his attention immediately. "Every word you say makes it more awkward. Just shut up."

"Shutting up." There was a noticeable thunk as his head hit the table.

Fizzlepop watched him for a few moments. "He'll be there for a bit. But while I do agree with him that it's a good saying, I'm not sure it helps with the situation at hoof."

Zecora just shrugged as she held the glass from her freshly finished drink in front of her face again while staring towards the slumped stallion. "Not all zebra proverbs make sense in whole, they merely inform us which way we might go."

***

The soft sound of waves came in a gentle rhythm. It and the other sounds of the beach combined into such a soothing ambiance that it made even the diligent commander of the friendship guard decide that moving was entirely optional for the day. That was, if she had listened to the advice of her marefriend prior to their sunbathing and chose their spot further up the beach. With her longer legs she now became very aware that those waves were getting entirely too close for comfort. But she could still fake it for a while and hope Twilight didn't notice.

Fizzlepop restrained a groan as the mare next to her shuffled a little before sitting up on her neighboring towel. "Back to sleep sweetie. We still have all day to relax."

"Nah, maybe another five minutes. You forget, I don't have a cropped tail." Fizzlepop lifted her head, looking down to notice the waves were indeed lapping at her marefriend's tail the same way they now splashed the frogs of her rear hooves.

Fizzlepop let the groan escape her this time, laying back down and reclosing her eyes. "I'll find us a better place if you can promise not to gloat too much about being right."

Twilight giggled at the mare who was clearly making no plans to relocate any time soon. "No, as relaxing as this is, I think it's time to pack up. I'm about ready to go find some more authentic local cuisine. Just as long as it's less... alive than what they served at that place last night."

Fizzlepop chuckled lightly while still refusing to reopen her eyes. "We're by the sea. They like their seafood very fresh in places like this." She could hear her marefriend cringe. "I told you we could have switched. I would have eaten your octopus, then we could lounge a little longer until you get hungry."

"You didn't need to force yourself to eat it just because I couldn't. I had my side of rice and your salad, and they were good. But now I want to see if maybe there's an all you can eat option somewhere around here."

Fizzlepop finally decided to relent, rolling lazily on to her belly to nuzzle into her marefriend before standing. "Not likely, not every nation eats like Equestrians do. We can probably find a more touristy place with some bigger portions though." Fizzlepop began wrapping herself with a thin shawl before pausing to give it a sniff. "That's unfortunate."

Twilight stood as well, giving her a questioning look. "What's wrong?"

"Looks like you were right again, I was getting a little too sweaty earlier. This thing is gross already."

Twilight was sympathetic at this, clearly concerned but hopeful. She gave a quick glance around. This was the tourist side of the island, so there were others scattered around the beach even if they had purposefully set up in a fairly secluded area. "If you're not ok I can try to cast a cleaning spell. We could always just head back to the hotel and get room service too. But there really aren't many ponies around so I think..." She was silenced by lips pressed to her own.

"I'm ok Sparky. But it's sweet that you worry." She smiled down to her slightly caught off guard marefriend.

Twilight looked hopeful. "Really? You're really ok? Because I know you've been a little hot in that shawl this whole time."

"Sweltering, the word you're looking for is sweltering. And yes it's fine. I'm not here with those other ponies, I'm here with you." Twilight's smile was bright, and it made Fizzlepop smile back very genuinely. "Come on, let's find a ridiculously overpriced tourist trap."

The pair started out, walking with confidence as they did. And their confidence didn't waiver, even though they were noticed very quickly.

A stallion they passed stopped in his tracks as they passed. His cringe was a bit of a harsh reaction over some claw marks from a timberwolf in Fizzlepop's opinion.

A random mare sitting in the outdoor seating of a Café openly gawked. Her eye was always visible, so this reaction seemed even more unnecessary. Maybe something like that is just more expected if one usually wears armor, she reasoned. Because what reason they had to stare at it when she didn't wear her armor was an eternal mystery to her.

"Mommy, what happened to him?"

"Don't stare sweetie." An older mare hurried her foal away in the opposite direction.

..... That one was fair, she should have lost that leg. Either that or the injury should have taken her life. But the stormking had been unwilling to let her rest in peace. He'd had her stitched and bandaged as best the doctors could in the heat of battle and she was able to finish the fight even if it was in agonizing pain. It showed.

Fizzlepop preferred to be covered when she was in public, because she didn't like to be unprotected.

"What about Haytalian?" Fizzlepop inquired sweetly.

"Hmmm, I think I've had enough cheese lately," Twilight replied casually.

Every so often as they walked another pony randomly stopped what they were doing to glance in their direction.

"How about Prench?" Twilight chirped.

"Never trust Prench cooking outside of Prance Sparky." Fizzlepop said this as though it was an obvious conclusion.

And yet, the couple walked along as if nothing in the world could bother them.

"Mexicolt?" Fizzlepop chimed in again.

"It wasn't necessarily just the cheese I was worried about before sweetie." Twilight said this under her breath.

It was then that they came upon a rather large crowd. Without a thought they joined the mass of ponies to see what the gathering was all about.

".... Oooooh yeah. If we want overdone tourist food, this is the spot." Fizzlepop smiled as she pushed through the onlookers to join the line at the front of a building, Twilight following in her marefriend's wake.

Apparently the small island had recently been graced with its first franchise restaurant. And while the locals seemed lukewarm to the idea, the more out of place among the town were flocking. It was a small wait before they made it to the front of the line, but neither of them cared. However Fizzlepop felt she knew what awaited them at the front.

"Hello and welcome. Just the two of you tonight?" The overly cheerful hostess was running through the script in her head and was basically on autopilot, so she obviously hadn't noticed. From over her shoulder Fizzlepop noticed an older stallion in a cheap suit. He did seem to notice, and after seeing his eyes go wide for a moment she could tell he was in route to them.

Twilight had probably noticed too, Fizzlepop knew she was getting much better at watching her surroundings. But she just smiled as she responded to the hostess. "Yes, somewhere with a view if it's available."

"That shouldn't be an issue," the pegasus mare replied as she looked down to mark something on her podium before taking a couple menus under her wing. "Right this way ladies."

She began leading them to the crowded side of the restaurant, the side facing the beach. Half way there though the stallion caught up. "Marge, honey. Can't you see these mares are clearly trying to have a nice night out." The mare known as Marge was caught off guard but tried to maintain professionalism.

"Oh, sure Mr. Prep. What did you have in mind?"

"I've got this sweetheart. You go handle the next guests." He gave her a fake smile, one she matched as she turned back to the front of the restaurant. "Ladies, my name is Meal Prep. I'm the manager here and I've got the perfect place for you."

Twilight was taken aback by his sudden helpfulness. "Oh. If you insist. We don't need any special treatment though, we were just hoping for a spot with a view."

He obviously barely listened to her. "Nonsense, I've got the perfect place for a couple having a special night." He started leading them to the opposite side of the restaurant, where there were fewer diners around. Fizzlepop only wondered how far he'd go with this. Her expectations were confirmed when his horn lit as they approached what seemed to be the most secluded table in the restaurant. "There we go, the perfect mood lighting." His smile was cheap as he extinguished the lights above the table, pulling out one candle to sit at the center of the small table between them as they sat.

"Oh, well this is nice too. I mean, a good meal is all about the company. Right Fizz?" Her smile was warm, but there was some strain behind it.

Fizzlepop met her smile with as warm of one as she could give back. "Of course." She reached out to take Twilight's hoof in her own. She brought it up to her lips for a gentle kiss. For a moment Twilight's tension eased.

The moment ended as the manager set menus between them. "I can take your drink orders now if you'd like. We have tea, coffee, soda, some mixed drinks if you'd like. Also some appetizers. I can put an order in on them now if you'd like." His desire to hurry them out of the restaurant was barely hidden already.

Fizzlepop was honestly happy to oblige at this point. While Twilight was still trying to decide how to handle the situation Fizzlepop spoke up. "Just some water for the both of us. And we'll have whatever you recommend as far as an appetizer."

He seemed pleased by this. "That's great. I'll be right back." Fizzlepop was sure he would be.

Twilight's smile was strained again. "He seems a little... off. Is this still ok for you?"

"I promise I'll let you know the exact moment things become not ok for me." She smiled to try to brighten Twilight's smile again. It seemed to help a little. "You should figure out what you want though, he's already on his way back."

Fizzlepop was right despite having her back to where he approached. Two glasses of water, a basket of chips, and a bowl floated in his magic as he got to the table.

"There you go ladies. Two waters and our world famous salsa and chips. Have you decided what you'd like for a main course today?"

Neither the chips or salsa looked world famous, but Fizzlepop wasn't going to bring that up. She just smiled as she noticed his eyes flicking between making eye contact, his other customers nearby, and the spot on her shoulder where a spear had once hit an artery and almost made her bleed out. "She might need a moment, but I can order while she decides."

That at least slowed Twilight's frantic scanning of the menu. Their impatient attendant for the night already had a notepad and pen floating in his magic at the ready. "What can I get for you?"

She made a show of considering for a few moments, wondering the whole time if she could get his eye to start twitching in frustration. "I'll have this special," she finally said, pointing to an image on the top of the menu she hadn't even touched yet. She waited a few moments, ostensibly to make sure he knew which she was indicating, but more to stall for Twilight. "Light on the cream sauce if you'd please."

"But of course." He scribbled quickly, moving on with barely a pause. "And for you?"

Trying to catch up, Twilight saw the list of specials her marefriend had ordered from. It actually caused her to brighten a little. "Oh, that actually looks great. I'll have the grilled version. No brussel sprouts though if you don't mind."

"Sounds great, I'll get that in for you two now." They could hardly hear him as he was halfway across the restaurant by the time he finished speaking.

Twilight's smile was strained again, but she spoke happily. "He certainly is friendly at least."

Fizzlepop gave a giggle at her loves attempt to preserve the situation. "Very, but I have a feeling he's going to get even friendlier." They giggled together as Fizzlepop's ears flicked nearly imperceptibly. Tones around the room were hushed, but she could catch the usual utterances.

"...... fights....."

"..dangerous......."

"........... scars."

".....disgus..."

"So, when was the last time we've eaten by candle light?" Fizzlepop asked this while leaning over the table. She propped her chin on her hooves and batted her eyelashes at the mare across from her, doing her best attempt at a dreamy stare.

Twilight couldn't help but giggle more at that, especially knowing what the answer was. "It was two weeks ago. You made Spike teach you how to make my favorite dinner then forced me to have a date night with you."

Fizzlepop broke her flirtatious look in favor of a toothy grin. "It worked didn't it?"

"You don't have to be so extra for me every time I go on some sort of studying binge. And I'll have you know I'd only been going at it for 36 straight hours at that point. That's nowhere near my record." Twilight turned away in a mock huff.

"I believe protecting my Princess from all harm is my job, so yes I will be very 'extra' whenever it is necessary." Fizzlepop shot back.

Twilight now leaned forward to speak just slightly under her breath. "But seducing me to make me sleep isn't fair."

Fizzlepop gave the most evil laugh she could manage. "I didn't hear you complain when you finally woke up after." She took a smug sip from her water. "Remind me again how long you ended up sleeping?"

Twilight tried to remain defiant. "That... is not relevant." She held on for a few moments, before laughter took her and spread immediately to her date. It was some time before they quieted down, paying little heed to how the rest of the room might be reacting to their mirth. When they did, Fizzlepop found the mare she loved giving her a proper dreamy look as she leaned forward. "You treat me so good. I love you so much."

Fizzlepop leaned forward, bringing their forehooves together on the table between them. "I love you too, with all my heart." They both leaned forward, their lips pressing together.

Fizzlepop was lost in the moment as the feeling she was having made her thoughts drift to the saddlebag on the floor next to her. It wouldn't be her style, but it was kind of traditional, she supposed. It was just starting to feel like a good idea as their lips separated. Even more so as they stayed where they were, staring deeply into each other's eyes. Neither felt the need to pull away.

Then Fizzlepop's ear flicked. Twilight seemed to notice and looked in the direction. The Alicorn seemed to be readjusting her wings as Fizzlepop likewise turned to the sound of slightly hurried hoof steps. Meal Prep approached their table again.

"Hello again." His smile was even more cheesy and plastered on. "Your meals should be out soon, but I have good news."

Fizzlepop was very aware of eyes on them from around the restaurant. Normally she'd attribute it to creatures noticing a princess among normal ponies. But currently they were far enough outside of Equestria for the idea of an Alicorn to be not much more than a curiosity to most of those around. She turned to face the manager more directly as he spoke. As she did she noticed a stallion from the table behind him shifting to get a better look at the spot where she'd almost perfectly dodged a sword strike.

"You two had wanted a table with a view initially right?" He inquired despite knowing this himself very well.

"We did, but this is actually fine." Twilight smiled as she gripped the hooves in her own tighter. However Fizzlepop could see that the strain on her smile had come back despite their moment together. She knew her marefriend was good at being diplomatic, the problem was that the stallion was not.

"Oh but it turns out we were able to open up some patio seating just for the two of you." His cheeky grin seemed to indicate that he thought he was being subtle.

Fizzlepop had a long trained instinct to always check her surroundings. This establishment didn't have a patio. She was also very aware that the chatter around them had died down as well, almost as though they were being watched by interested parties. But none of that mattered. She looked away from the overly enthusiastic smile before her to the smile on her loves face. There she saw it shift ever so slightly, from strained, to pained.

"What do you..."

"Actually I think we're done here." Her words were not loud, but the finality with which she spoke made breaths catch all around them.

The stallion tried to sputter out an excuse, but the soldier didn't care for his placating. She was much more mindful of the concerned look from the mare across from her as she moved to stand.

Twilight held her hooves fast, seeming to try to keep them in the moment they had been sharing. "Fizz, I'm sure they didn't mean to be hurtful. I know they probably deserve whatever you might be thinking of, but we can still just enjoy our time together."

Fizzlepop smiled warmly as she pulled the hooves holding her own to her face. "Sparky, you have nothing to worry about. Their prejudices don't mean anything to me." She kissed Twilight's hooves ever so gently. "But we deserve nice things." Caught off guard, Twilight took a second to process this. But after a moment her warm smile finally returned. Fizzlepop turned back to the stallion as her hoof came free to take up her saddlebags. "And unfortunately we haven't been treated very nicely here."

"Ladies please, you understand the position we are in do you not?" Meal Prep was still trying, but his words were largely falling on deaf ears. He still seemed ready to protest, as his eyes briefly glanced to Fizzlepop's forehead.

Fizzlepop pushed something else aside in her bag before pulling out her bit pouch. She placed a very precise number down on the table. "We'll take our food to go. You'll understand if we don't decide to leave a tip I assume." The look she gave him seemed to end all conversations.

*

Fizzlepop carried takeout containers on her back as they walked. Despite where they'd just come from she seemed to be bobbing her head to the beat from the music coming from a nearby beach party they were passing. For her part the mare seemed to have not a care in the world.

"Are you OK Fizz?"

"I'm about to go eat in the privacy of a ludicrously expensive hotel room with a ludicrously gorgeous mare who just so happens to be the love of my life." She turned to smile at her companion. "Very little could make my life better."

Twilight relaxed, scooting closer so that they pressed together as they walked. Their tails reflexively entwined as she did. "You're amazing, you know that right?" Fizzlepop merely leaned over to nuzzle her briefly. "I just wish others could see that too."

Fizzlepop ceased humming casually to the music to respond. "There are very few creatures whose opinions I care about, and none of them would judge a pony the way they did back there. If they don't wish to treat me well, then I do not choose to grace them with my presence."

Hearing this, Twilight took the opportunity to press in closer to the mare she loved, nuzzling into her neck more deeply this time. With a dreamy tone she spoke up to the mare who was giggling as she tried to balance their food while maintaining contact. "I guess it's ok. If everypony could see you the way I see you, I'd never be able to rest with all the suitors you'd suddenly have."

Fizzlepop shifted a little, putting herself in position to plant a tiny kiss on the tip of Twilight's horn. The action made the other mare quiver against her as they walked, much to her delight. "You accept me just the way I am, and that makes all the difference."

They straightened up as they continued towards their hotel. Twilight hummed contentedly as she broke the silence again. "We can always skip the festival tomorrow and go straight to exploring the other side of the island. I wouldn't mind more time having you all to myself."

Fizzlepop pretended to think that over. "Tempting. I'd take you up on that offer... if I didn't know how much you wanted to see the local traditions firsthoof. Your scientist was definitely showing when you told me about it, and you know how cute I think it is when you go full scientist."

"You really are too good to me." She nuzzled into her mare as they continued to walk, their hotel not far ahead of them now. "We'll figure it out, so we both can have a great time."

"I'm sure we will. But I'll have a great time as long as I'm with you."

*

Fizzlepop Berrytwist awakened as she did most mornings. Well before the sun and eagerish to get a start on the day. She got ready for her usual morning jog, prepping a water bottle and a towel in a loose bag around her neck. Always best to be prepared, at least that's what came to mind as she tucked a bit bag in as well. She had no reason to feel she might need it, but it felt right to do so today. She then came to what had become her favorite part of her mornings.

Her marefriend still lay in the bed where she had left her. The long time night owl had made attempts to wake earlier when the two had first started sharing a bed. But both quickly realized that having different morning schedules didn't hurt their relationship in the slightest. In fact, Fizzlepop loved having the extra time in the mornings, having more than a few times planned surprises for her beloved while she slumbered.

Memories of those times made her smile warmly as she approached the bed quietly. She reached down to place a kiss to the forehead of her princess, just below her horn. Twilight stirred just a little at the contact. The perfect amount actually, if Fizzlepop was any judge of it.

She settled a little lower, bringing her lips just a breath away from Twilight's ear. "Shhh, sleep my love. I'm just going out for my run." The still not quite conscious princesses lips seemed to start kissing air ever so gently, the only signal Fizzlepop needed of her understanding. Before lowering to meet them however she whispered again. "I might run a little late, so just meet me at that little breakfast place we found the other day." She then pressed their lips together, knowing Twilight would remember enough of the conversation. "Love you."

A few minutes later Fizzlepop was already making considerable distance down the beach. She had years before become accustomed to running in sand and always liked the extra workout of the experience. However, even that exhilaration was not enough to keep her mind focused on her training.

Fizzlepop truly didn't care about the stares of the regular ponies and creatures she had to interact with in daily life. She knew she could handle it herself if it ever threatened to become an issue, but doing so would always insure it became an issue. It was just the nature of things.

Fizzlepop was also completely truthful when she told anypony who might inquire that she was happy. She'd spent years in darkness and that was time she'd never get back. But without that time she might have never come to the place she was now. So even if there were specific memories she'd always regret, she was at peace with her past. As she was too with her present. The life she'd built thanks to and alongside Twilight was something that made her proud every day.

But even as she thought of all of this, one other thought still plagued her mind. She wanted one thing to be normal. One gesture, one question, one moment she wanted to make with another pony. And she didn't want that moment tainted by anything else. Just one normal, perfect moment with the one she loved.

She let out a huff as her workout was, for obvious reasons, feeling a little more exhausting than it normally should. She changed her course as she kept thinking, her pace slowing as she stepped off the beach and onto a section of the small beachside town. It was an area she didn't think she and Twilight had had a chance to explore yet. She wasn't a pony used to aimless wandering, but she didn't feel like she was going to get much out of her workout from this point. She began to walk the small paved road next to the beach, letting her gaze drift as she did.

Preparations for the island's yearly festival were obviously in high gear as they'd be starting by noon. That being the case, not many of the ponies out and about seemed to notice her. The few that did didn't seem to pay her much mind. Likely due to the tight fitting athletic top she currently wore. That made her grumble as the thin piece of clothing was doing at least one of its jobs a little too well. She finally came to a complete halt, reaching into her bag to retrieve a small towel to wipe the accumulated sweat from her face.

She looked around as she did. This one little piece of clothes and she barely stood out. Her horn still got her some looks, but that usually made ponies actively try to ignore her. And as far as she was concerned that was just as good as being just plain ignored. But this harsh sun and tropical humidity was just not a place for clothes.

She grumbled again. Maybe she could endure it for the festival. After that she and Twilight could be alone. That would probably work. But she was sure that would make Twilight worry about her all day. Fizzlepop sighed as she took her bottle of water from her bag.

If only she'd thought to ask her friends for more advice on matters such as this. They had made her feel more confident before the trip, but she still had lingering doubts. She wondered what they might say if they were here now as she raised the bottle to her lips.

She then paused. Her hoof lowered as she stared in disbelief. She blinked several times as she attempted to process some new information. A slight smile came to her lips. "What is up with Ponyville and its reality breaking weirdos?" She questioned this aloud as she continued to stare. She laughed to herself as she began to trot again. "Careful Fluttershy, that crazy zebra might be making a play for best mare while you were worried about the bouquet."

*

"Wow." The stallion's stare was unabashed. But Fizzlepop reasoned she had more or less consented to it for once. That didn't mean she was any less uncomfortable about it.

"I know, they can be off-putting. That's why I'm here. Is there anything you can do?" Fizzlepop stood before the owner of a small shop, one small enough that it was thankfully empty other than herself and the owner at the moment. Despite the nature of the establishment she had still hesitated a little before she was able to pull off her workout gear. That hesitation now abated some as the stallions expression changed to curiosity rather than any number of the usual emotions Fizzlepop would usually expect.

"Off-putting, what are you talking about? This is amazing." The proprietor of a small henna shop bearing the name, "Stripes", now gave Fizzlepop a look of genuine encouragement. This drew a look of question from the mare. He seemed to think for a moment before elaborating. "Your body... it tells a story."

Fizzlepop scoffed a little at this. "Yeah, my scars tell a story alright. But it's not exactly a romance novel."

The zebra stallion already seemed to be gathering the tools of his trade from around his shop. "My dear lady, while the ponies who originally helped write your story were not the nicest about it, that doesn't mean your story is a bad one. All you need is a new author to retell your tale." He indicated a table next to him for his prospective client to lay upon. "And if you'd let me, I'd be more than happy to weave a narrative that will win any heart."

Fizzlepop was more than a little taken aback. His professionalism with the situation left her with little reason to question if this had been a good decision. She smiled as she began to walk over, wondering one thing about the reassuring words he'd spoken. "So, is it really true that all zebras are just naturally poets? Or is it just somehow every zebra I seem to run into?" She asked nonchalantly.

He chuckled at that. "You've encountered that stereotype before huh? Well it's certainly one i don't mind thankfully. Though most just accuse me of being a savvy business stallion or a shameless flirt."

Fizzlepop chuckled back at that. "At least you don't speak in constant rhyme like my friend does," she said as she pulled her bag from around her neck.

He snorted another laugh at that. "What kind of weirdo would go through the trouble of using Zebracan royal diction in regular conversation?"

Fizzlepop stared at him for a moment. "You've given me something very interesting to think about. But later." She shook her head to shrug off the thought and pulled out her bit bag, dumping it in front of him. "Is this enough?"

"Oh, wow. No, that's way too much actually. I can't possibly..."

"I need this done quickly. Before the festival starts if possible," Fizzlepop cut in firmly but gently.

"Whoa whoa whoa. No matter the price you can't rush art." He held up his hooves placatingly. "It's not about the money, I'd have to be really inspired to put something together that quickly." He looked at the pile of bits longingly, but was apprehensive.

"I'm meeting my marefriend for breakfast before the festival and I'm planning on proposing to her today." Some earnestness broke into Fizzlepop's voice.

The stallion scooped a majority of the bits into a bag. "You'll be finished with time to spare."

*

The night owl Princess of Friendship preferred to not be awake before noon whenever she had time off. Despite this, she was in good spirits as she trotted down the path by the beach not far from her hotel. The time she'd had with her marefriend the night before had left her feeling positive about the day they had planned ahead of them.

She felt her cheeks heat up even above the tropical sun as thoughts of her marefriend played through her head. She'd always known her Fizz to be a strong pony, though that strength had changed over their time together and taken on whole new meanings. Twilight knew of most of the hardships the mare she loved had gone through in her life. She couldn't imagine herself even surviving such challenges, much less becoming half the mare she turned out to be.

This was why she felt so good... well one of the reasons. She knew now that there was little standing in the way of them having the perfect day. If anything was to be worried about it would be herself getting upset about how Fizzlepop was being treated by other ponies. And even that was mostly because it might upset Fizzlepop to see her upset.

But if Fizzlepop managed to have a good time, Twilight was confident she could have a good time as well. This was her mood as she approached the small breakfast cafe the two had come to enjoy in their short time on the island. It meant they could have a wonderful date day at the festival. Fizz could win her a prize, they could share unhealthy festival foods, there would be fireworks later, and maybe if the moment was right... What the heck is going on?

There seemed to be a crowd in front of the restaurant, somewhat odd for the low key location. But the Alicorn was shocked by what she saw next.

"What's that one?" A small colt asked while pointing to a spot on Fizzlepop Berrytwist's shoulder.

"Oh that, that's nothing. I was fighting a Griffin once and he came at me with a sword. I pulled a move," she then pantomimed a diving slide, "and dodged him almost perfectly. Key word there, almost."

Twilight felt her breath catch and the beginnings of tears forming in her eyes as the assorted crowd around her joined in the chime of her tender laugh. Twilight then felt her jaw slacken and mouth begin to water slightly as her eyes instinctively traced her marefriend. She was unclothed, but not uncovered. Over her muscular form she was now covered with what seemed to be intricate markings. And while they seemed to disguise some of the minor ones, most of the markings ran along or around the proof of the many challenges the mare had overcome in her life. Rather than hide them, Fizzlepop actually seemed to be showing off her scars. The sight made Twilight's heart feel full enough to burst from her chest. This was heightened even more as the mare in question turned and brightened just by seeing her.

"Sparky, I'm so glad you're here." She sauntered forward, coming close to Twilight before taking her lips with her own in a chaste but loving kiss." She smiled to Twilight before turning back to the crowd she'd been previously entertaining. "See, I told you I was dating a literal goddess. So I won't be able to join you for drinks unfortunately."

A slightly dejected looking stallion set some bits down on a railing where he was standing. "Ah, it was worth a shot. and it looks like I'll be paying for your drinks regardless. You ladies have a nice day." And with a wave he was off.

Fizzlepop scooped the bits up and turned back to her marefriend with a giddy expression as others that had gathered seemed to take their leave as well. "Come on sweety, I'm starving."

The little colt from before spoke up. "Wait, I wanted to hear more stories."

Fizzlepop didn't miss a beat. She bent down low to give him an understanding smile. "Very few of the rest of my stories are child friendly I'm afraid. And I doubt your mother wants to screen all my stories before I tell them." She looked up to the mare who gave a nod of approval. "When you get older I'd be happy to share them with you. Now go on, I've got a date with a princess." The colt was hesitant, but smiled before trotting back to his mother.

Fizzlepop turned back to her brightly smiling marefriend. Not quite knowing how to respond, Twilight just said what came to mind first. "So, was that stallion actually hitting on you?"

Fizzlepop giggled at that. "Indeed he was. But I told him my heart was already taken by a goddess." She then smirked at the blush that made come to Twilight's cheeks. "He said that that was the most creative way he'd ever been turned down even if he didn't believe me. Apparently Alicorn are seen more as folklore this far out. I had to convince them that real life ones do in fact exist and are not just ponies with fake wings or horns." They both laughed at that. "But of all the things I've done today," she indicated the markings on her body, "I didn't think that would be what you'd fixate on."

Twilight smiled playfully. "It was just funny because I can usually trust that I have you all to myself. I always believed that if somepony was bold enough to hit on you they'd probably end up in the hospital. But this," she unconsciously bit her lip as her eyes tracked over her form again. "This isn't shocking to me at all." She moved in close to whisper the next words directly into Fizzlepop's ear. "Because this is basically how I see you all the time." She gave the ear a playful nip before the other mare could pull away.

Fizzlepop did pull away quickly after though, smiling bashfully as she attempted to hide her face from Twilight. "We should get going. The festival starts soon and we still haven't had breakfast."

Twilight smiled as she trotted after her. "You're blushing."

Author's Note:

This was for some reason the hardest chapter I've ever written. For the longest time writing this one I was making progress, but it never felt right. I came to realize what should have been very obvious way too late. I wanted Fizz to be less aggressive about her issues, but I went way to far in that direction. I was writing her more like Fluttershy, too apprehensive to handle problems head on without taking a moment to steel her resolve. Once I finally figured that out and actually found the right voice to write with her, I still had issues resolving the chapter as I'd written to that point.

This thing was gutted, redone, then gutted again people. I'm only telling you this to placate, both all of you and myself for how long this took. Just rest assured, I wasn't neglecting it. I just somehow managed to do everything wrong multiple times over.

That being said, I'm finally happy with the chapter and I'm excited to finally publish it. So I hope it's worth the time it took for all of you as well. Let me know what you think and thanks so much for your patience.

Comments

[Thyrrnatf]

woo!!

new chapter!

time to read it!

[Natedogg2006]

11357158
Yeah, sorry for the wait. Hope you like it.

[Thyrrnatf]

11357167
i was starting to get worried

but it was well worth the wait

really good chapter.

and Morningstar and Zecora they are gonna be a cute couple

[Doomgooey]

Great chapter! Happy to get more of this.

[Natedogg2006]

11357666
Thanks so much, sorry it took so long.

[TheVirtuousOne]

I'm actually sad that this story has so little attention. I get that sequels get less views on average, but I adore the way you write Fizzy that nobody else has and its adorable!

[Natedogg2006]

11359739
Don't worry about it. I don't consider myself much of a writer, so I don't advertise my work much. It's fine because it allows me to properly appreciate comments like this. And yes I do kind of love the voice I've found for her. It's why I had such a hard time with this chapter, because I lost it at some point. Until I found it it just wouldn't work. Thanks so much for letting me know it was worth the effort.

[Natedogg2006]

11359739
Oh, and thanks for the watch

[Alabaster Augment]

I don't think I've a read a fic as fast as this one. Every line of it hooks me!

[Natedogg2006]

11404854
Thanks so much, and thanks for the favs on this and the original. Rest assured the next chapter is in the works, but I am also currently working on a Halloween story, so it might be delayed a bit.

[Kody Wiremane]

"You'll be literally the first pony we call on I'm sure."

bh.. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH x'D

[Kody Wiremane]

Lol, and I know what a mixed zebrish-ponish royal union would speak in—ROYAL VERSING! x')

[Natedogg2006]

11424440
Now I'm imagining a poetry slam done in a the royal Canterlot voice. And I love it. Thanks for reading buddy.

[Kody Wiremane]

11424550
Thanks for providing magical horse content) Good for balancing crazy reality 'x)