R0und F0ur: Laughter
Zero and Mordecai arrived at the former's home after finishing another lengthy conversation, this time involving the three types of ponies and the differences between them. As they stepped inside, Mordecai could only slowly shake his head at everything he was just told. He finally looked up at Zero.
"So you can use magic and I can fly.", he said as he flexed his wings. He hadn't really paid much attention to them since he came to Equestria. He was too busy panicking. " So how does it work? Do I just flap or something?"
Zero gave him a light frown, "I have no clue. I had to do some reading before using magic. Maybe you could try a similar approach or find someone to teach you."
Mordecai returned the frown, "I don't like those options. Hopefully I can figure it out on my own. I prefer to do things that way anyways." He paused for a moment before continuing, "So tell me more about that challenge you have with that princess. All you really told me was that she's a bitch basically."
"I am to come to a full understanding of the "Elements of Harmony", which represent different aspects of...friendship. There are six total and each are represented by a particular pony. I am to spend a full day with each of these element bearers in hopes of understanding the element they represent.", answered Zero. A realization hit him. "Speaking of which, I am to meet with one of them today." Zero had completely forgotten about his meeting with Pinkie.
Mordecai nodded, "Don't let me keep you. I'm sure I'll be fine."
Zero shook his head, "No. First we find you/ Something to do while I'm gone/ You'll not be idle."
Mordecai shrugged as he followed Zero back outside again.
Zero lead Mordecai through town before finally coming to his destination: Twilight's treehouse. He figured if anyone would know of a task to keep Mordecai occupied, it would be Twilight. He approached the door, knocked, and was greeted by a familiar glow enveloping the door and opening it. He stepped inside with his companion following suit.
"Hey Zero! It's been awhile since I've last seen you.", remarked Twilight.
Zero nodded towards her before noticing that the pegasus Fluttershy was also in the room. She appeared to be in the process of checking out some books.
"Miss Fluttershy.", he said with a smile.
The mare jumped slightly before turning to face whoever called her name. She returned the smile as she recognized Zero and then quickly cowered behind her mane as she also noticed the stranger next to him. Zero grinned at her reaction towards Mordecai and decided to introduce them.
"Fluttershy, this is Mordecai. He is a friend of mine.", he stated. Fluttershy peeked out slightly.
"Well if he's a friend of yours...", she fully revealed her face with timid smile, "It's nice to meet you, Mordecai."
Mordecai nodded towards the mare before Zero asked her a question. "What are you doing here, Fluttershy?"
"Well I've been taking care of this poor, sick phoenix that I found near the Everfree lately and I don't know much about them to treat it effectively. I thought maybe one of Twilight's books could help.", she answered.
Mordecai spoke up this time, "Wait. Did you say a phoenix? You're joking right?" He then realized things that did not exist back on Pandora could very well exist here.
"No.", replied the mare in a quieter tone after being questioned by Mordecai, "I really do have a sick phoenix to take care of."
Mordecai chuckled slightly, "Now this I've got to see. Mind if I come along? I'm a fan of birds myself and wouldn't dare miss an opportunity to see a real live phoenix."
Fluttershy visibly lit up at his last remark, "You like birds too?"
"Of course. I used to have a pet, though I considered her more of a friend. That is, until she passed away.", Mordecai finished with a hint of sorrow.
Fluttershy grew sad at Mordecai's statement, "Oh.. I'm sorry.", she then smiled at him, "I would enjoy your company if you know so much about birds. Maybe you can help me!", she exclaimed.
Mordecai smiled back, "Sounds good. I'll catch you later, Zero." And with that, Mordecai left with Fluttershy.
Zero could only shrug. " I'll not question it/ The result came out the same/ My job is finished", he said to himself as he left, leaving behind a rather confused Twilight.
"Wait! Was there something you needed?", she called out before sighing.
Zero wasted no time getting to Sugarcube Corner. As he approached the building, the door was thrown open to reveal the pink party pony.
"Hey there! Didn't think you would come!", shouted Pinkie, "I'm so glad you did, though! I've got a big favor to ask." She stepped aside to allow him into the bakery with a huge grin glued to her face. Zero made his way in before speaking.
"What do you require?", he simply asked.
"I need your help with a task of the utmost importance", she began, taking on an unusually serious tone.
"And?", Zero pressed on.
"It will be a challenge greater than you've ever faced before!", she continued.
"And?", Zero pressed further, noticing that he was beginning to get excited.
"I need you to help me with....", she paused. Zero was grinning with anticipation at whatever challenge the mare could possibly have. The way Pinkie put it, it sounded like she was about to command him to slay a dragon. As he thought about the endless possibilities, he was interrupted as she continued.
"I need you...", she repeated, "To...", Zero glared at her for her delay.
"Help me bake!", she finished with one of her signature smiles.
"I acc-", he stopped himself as the mare's words sank in. Did she really just ask for his assistance in baking? Zero could not possibly think of a more pointless use of his time. He frowned at her before replying.
"No", he stated.
"But I need your help with a baking competition coming up!", she replied.
"No", he repeated. He couldn't help but find this conversation frighteningly familiar.
"It would be a perfect opportunity to get to know each other better!", she pressed on.
Zero would not be forced into something he did not want to do again. "No"
"Come on Z! There might be some super cool reward for you when you're done! Like a skin customization or something!"
Zero stopped for a second, "Wait, what?"
"Err...Nevermind. Bad habit.", she explained as she rubbed the back of her head with a hoof, "But seriously! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it!-", Zero interrupted her before she could drive him insane.
"No. That is final."
A spark of realization appeared in Pinkie's eyes, "Oooooh! I get it! You're afraid because you don't know how to bake!"
"I am not afraid.", Zero shot back with a glare.
"Then why don't you prove it? Huh? Huh?", she continued endlessly.
Zero growled, "Fine! I will help you/ If only to silence you/ You're worse than Claptrap"
"Yay!", she shouted before hugging him.
Zero only stood silent before her. He could not believe he had gotten himsef in yet another ridiculous situation.
Pinkie continued, "We'll begin tommorow in the afternoon, okie dokey?"
"Fine.", Zero replied before turning to walk out the door.
"See ya tommorow, Z! Oh and say hi to Ember for me!", she quickly placed a hoof over her mouth,"Oops. Did it again."
Zero only shot her a questioning gaze before walking away towards his home. Who the hell was Ember?
While Zero was being manipulated once again, Mordecai was enjoying his time with Fluttershy. He enjoyed the seclusion from the town that her cottage provided as well as the mare herself. They had just finished up a conversation of their joint love of birds before arriving at Fluttershy's home. She led him into her home and brought him to one of the rooms in the cottage. That's when he saw her. She had to be one of the most majestic birds he's ever had the pleasure to lay his eyes on. She was a shade of deep red, much darker than his own fur. The phoenix's beauty only added to the pain he felt when he noticed that one of her wings was bandaged. Mordecai quickly made his way over to the bed the phoenix was resting on. He tenderly brought a hoof down to inspect the injured wing. He was relieved that it seemed to only be sprained,not broken. He noticed that the bird was looking up at him. It dawned upon Mordecai that the bird wasn't sick or injured. She was simply sad, most likely due to the fact that her injury kept her grounded. He began to affectionately run his hoof gently through the phoenix's feathers, noticing the warmth they generated, before speaking up.
"She's not sick.", was all he said.
Fluttershy gave him a confused look, "What do you mean?"
"She doesn't like being cooped up in here. Have you considered letting her outside for some fresh air?, he questioned.
"Well..I...no. I really thought she was very sick and didn't think bringing her outside would be a good idea.", she responded with a frown.
Mordecai nodded, "Makes sense." He then leaned over and attempted to pick up the phoenix. At first she struggled, but eventually settled down as Mordecai placed her upon his back. "Let's get you outside." He trotted outside with his new passenger. He immediately noticed the improvement of the phoenix's attitude as the wind began to rustle her feathers. She attempted to take off but was stopped by Mordecai's hoof.
"Whoa there. It's still a little too early for that. You need to recover.", he said. The bird shot him a strange look before giving him what he assumed was a nod. She continued sitting there, perched on his back. Fluttershy came out to join the two.
"I guess you were right.", she said with a warm smile, "You certaintly do know how to communicate with birds."
Mordecai began rubbing the phoenix's chin with his hoof, "I get that a lot." He continued like this for a while before speaking again. "Would you mind if she stayed with me for the time being? I think some time spent outdoors will do her some good. And besides, I enjoy her company."
Fluttershy held her smile, "Of course it's okay with me. She seems very fond of you as well.", she noted as the phoenix began to nuzzle Mordecai. Upon hearing Fluttershy's answer, Mordecai reached around to his gun and pulled something off that was attached to it. It was a talon. Bloodwing's talon.
"Is it okay with you?", he whispered to himself, looking up at the sky while rubbing the talon. He had acquired it when Bloodwing had accidently got it caught in a bandit's leg after tearing deeply into him and managed to dislodge it. It was her first kill and he had kept the talon ever since as a reminder of how proud he was that day. He allowed a tear to fall as he recalled the memory. Eventually Fluttershy spoke up again, not noticing his sorrow.
"First, we should probably give her a name.", she said.
Mordecai pondered for a bit before speaking, "Ember." He found it appropriate because she would be the ember that would spark meaning to his life again. Some might say that this is an early assumption considering he had just met the bird, but he knew deep down that they were meant for each other. He smiled as he looked out into the distance.
"Ember.", he repeated, "I like that."
Fluttershy lit up at the happiness her new friend was now experiencing, "That's a pretty name. I'm sure you two will be the closest of friends."
Soon the sun began to set and Mordecai decided it was time to leave. After a heartfelt "Thank you" to Fluttershy, he left with his new companion in tow. He began to speak to Ember on the way.
"Do you think Zero will be cool with you living with us?", he asked. Ember clearly shook her head.
"Yea, me neither.", he concluded as the sight of his temporary residence came into view.
"This is wonderful./ You bring a bird to my home./ Care to explain this?", was Zero's reaction to Mordecai's new pet. He had just finished his training session with Rainbow Dash and was not in the mood for any surprises.
"Don't worry about it, man. She won't bother you none.", Mordecai said reassuringly.
Zero only sighed. It could be worse. His home could be like Fluttershy's with various critters literally living beside the cottage. "Fine.", was his response.
"Thanks man! I'll make it up to you one day.", Mordecai replied with a smile.
Zero nodded to his friend as he made his way to his bed and laid upon it. He thought about his schedule tommorow and frowned at the idea of his quality time with Pinkie. Not only did she represent laughter, something he did not indulge in often, but she was also forcing him to bake. He couldn't help but blame himself for getting into this mess.
"Tommorow, I bake/ What the hell was I thinking?/ I am a true fool.", he concluded.
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baking...a mans true final frontier
Zer0 is screwed, he can't bake.
on another hand, I think you are writing Mordecai very well, keep up the good work.
Epic Zer0 time?
Awesome...Ember Is a Awesome choice in name...Lol skin customization got his attention
YES YES YES EMBER I LOVE YOU FOR IT *HUGS FOREVER AND EVER* May Bloodwing rest in peace. Also, I love how you made Pinkie accidently break some of the wall. Gave me giggles.
Oh my god how he wished for that!
Also.....typing on mobile sucks!
YES! Mordecai got a new pet!
1409601 Lol yes. Man's greatest challenge: The arts of cooking.
1409601
Tell me about it. I'm up to Mac N cheeze at this point.
1409621 Imagine how it felt to write it. I've got chills.
Ohh new update. Must read.
(reads chapter)
Died from laughter.
A new day begins/
Faced with my greatest challenge/
Baking with Pinkie
1409624 All the time is epic Zer0 time.
Yay zer0 baking!
1409621 Figured I would expand upon my writing horizons. Writing about two characters is going to be much more of a challenge than one :D
whoo...but should next chapter have this title? alas i don't care its awesome story
1409643 I disagree I'm a 20 year old male and I love grilling and making chilies and stews
I am so glad you gave Mordecai a new bird, and the part with him reminiscing about Bloodwing's first kill made me smile, in a melancholy way.
1409747 That was the goal :D
I WILL SWALLOW YOUR FACE AND CHEW YOUR SOUL!I will bake you a cake...Zer0 and Pinkie baking a cake? It will be EPIC!
Sweet, cool name, Ember! :D
I like it. :)
Hopefully, all will go according to plan.
MWAHAHAHAHAAaaa....
Speaking of which, I don't even know what the plan is anyway... :/
Anyhow, glad you used the phoenix idea, this is gonna be so cool!!! :D
Can't wait to see what happens next! :D
1409759 I...errr....sure?
1408484
Oh dear, you've been having to use my excuse a LOT, haven't you.
The only baking recipe that Zero knows is Bullets.
Pour bullets into some poor fool until cheese is made.
I guess Mordecai...
*Sunglasses*
Brought a hot bird home!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH!!!
Another great chapter. Liked how you broke the wall with a little bit of subtlety. Unfortunately, I read most of what Pinkie said in Claptrap's voice...because of two things. The intended similarity...and the fact I had claptrap saying random things in the background because I left my Xbox on while I was reading this. (My character was in Sanctuary)
I did find one minor thing that bugged me about this chapter though.
"I get that alot." There should be a space between those two words.
I had an English teacher in High School that "grilled" students for using that in their papers. Apologies for slight Grammar Nazism. All her rants seem to have rubbed off on me.
1409873 Only because I get the same question a LOT. I love you by the way for the class mod thing.
1409889 Yea bad habit. I blow off my English teacher for the most part since we're doing analytical essays....such a load and a half...
Oh, and on Ember/
I find it oh so fitting/
Bloodwing's successor.
Also, how big a part will Morde play? And how long on average does it take for you to update?
1409936 Morde will have a larger role than most others, but Zer0 is still the focus. And for the average, there really is none. It just took me longer for this one cause I really didn't know what I wanted to write for a bit.
Needs a 'y'. Although, auto-correct doesn't seem to agree. It tells me the the 'e' is correct as well. It isn't. Auto-correct is an ass.
Redundant.
Missing something?
1.) That 'h' on whoa doesn't belong.
2.) Redundant use of the word still.
This entire sentence needs to be re-done.
As you can see, I nitpicked this chapter and found quite a few errors. Still a good chapter though.
WARNING SPOILERS CONTAINED!
I'm happy you've given Mordecai a new bird. I remember Borderlands 1, just loving the shit out of that bird. Leveled it up in every way possible, until it was the most badass weapon in my arsenal. Hearing the caw brought a smile to my face as I watched it destroy bandits in droves. When you were forced to kill Bloodwing, I couldn't do it at first. I walked out of the room and sobbed. One of the only times I've ever gotten emotional over a game. Eventually, I committed the deed, and sobbed harder when Jack blew off the head, before screaming obscenities that aren't safe for hearing...ever. Seeing how beat up it made Mordecai was even sadder. As soon as I heard about the phoenix, I immediately knew you had done the best thing in Borderlands history (Next to giving you a FANTASTIC shot at Jacks face. Oh, that Gunzerking wasn't wasted) Congrats bro. If you ever want to join the team of writers, you have my vote.
1410092 Team of writers? Let's not go that far. :D
1410058 And you have every right to. Good eye.
1410111 Thank you. Imma walk dis way now.dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Lyra_dealwithit.png
last time i baked........ i got sick, the frontier of baking is very... strict depending on what you're making
Hmmmm.
pages.stern.nyu.edu/~kkc273/PinkiePieHiRes.png
VERSUS
estarland.com/images//Extra_Product_Images/Anime_Merchandise/Figures/JAN11/claptrap.jpg
Battle of epicly funny, if somewhat annoying versus epicly annoying if somewhat funny. WHO WILL WIN? Pinkie obviously. Do you even need to ask? And YES, MORDECAI GOT A NEW BBFF (Bird Best Friend Forever). I pray that Ember shall be remembered as Bloodwing was. A loyal companion... And a bloody terror of the skies. The scourge of bandits. The flying bringer of death... Maybe not all that. Anyways, moment of silence for Bloodwing.
1410174 No one will judge if you share Mordecai's man tear. It was well deserved.
Another grey dull day/ Brightened by a swift update/ You are a hero.
A true challenge/ Writing a decent haiku/ You have my respect.
You're characters are/ Spot on like a sniper's shot/ Impeccably accurate
1410191 Your haikus impress/ Not many can master them/ Continue, good sir
1410199
Like wise sentiment/ GO forth swift and just writer/ The moonlight guides you!
I think you're writing Mordecai better than I ever will...
Keep up the good work!
1410267 Don't let me discourage you. I still look forward to your writings.
1410185It was. Mordecai was my favorite character in Borderlands 1 because of Bloodwing. He was an awesome guy too, but it was Bloodwing that got me. When she/he (I STILL have no clue if Bloodwing was a guy or girl. Some characters referred to Bloodwing as a guy, and others referred to Bloodwing as a girl. It's confusing as hell) got his/her head blown off because of Jack, I screamed. And when it came time to kill Jack, I came up with a triple barreled shotgun and put three bullets in his face. When I played it with my friend, I took an RPG and shot him with it. I wanted REVENGE for Bloodwing. But thank god for Mordecai getting a new baby Bloodwing in the credits.
1409917
It's just a space. It happens. I'm pretty lenient with most mistakes - this is the Internet after all. (No need to be proper) I was simply reminded of a former teacher's rants. Granted, they weren't directed at me - but everyone in class heard her. Everyone has at least one jerk teacher in their lifetime.
(Mine was my 11th grade English teacher. (no, the above rant didn't belong to her) She failed me in the fourth quarter from a C because I disagreed with her politically. Then she tried failing my brother a year later - he's currently an English Major. That didn't work out so well for her.
)
1410277 It was a little joke. I love how you portrayed Mordecai's relationship with Bkoodwing as it felt very natural as to what may actually have occurred.
1410286 Gotta love it when the jerks get what's coming to em.
1410278 My reaction to Bloodwing's death consisted of me repeating the word "No" several dozen times and finally just putting the controller down and walking away.
Dat ass. Assin.
1410311Your reaction was saintly compared to mine. I may have ended up smashing some glasses
Swordsmanship with bakery, those are going to be some amazing looking cookies and cake sculptures. Then we have that awkward moment of Mordecai walking in seeing Zer0 carefully putting the final details of cutting a cake sculpture depicting a horde of fallen enemies at the feet of a great warrior.
1410413 It's a love it or hate it thing *shrug*