Welcome to Stardrop Town

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The train hissed as it came to a stop. I got off the second the doors opened, fixing my sunglasses so they covered my eyes properly. It wasn't a sunny day, rather cloudy actually. This town was called Stardrop, a fairly small town founded just forty years ago but has expended well enough. It was the perfect place for me to vanish Into for one reason. According to reviews by tourist, the residents are all fucking loony. I'm quoting the reviews mind you.

“Let’s hope they're friendly loons…” I muttered to myself.

A lot of people here compare this place to Ponyville. Only, rather than random events happening weekly the people here keep it pretty lively daily. Nobody back home would think to look for me here.

I had about two grand in my saddle bags cash. First up should be getting someplace temporary to live, then immediately work on getting a job.

“Alright...now where to find an inn…” I muttered, trotting along the well used path through town.

As I looked around I noticed how… unique the town looked. It was like something between rustic and modern with houses fashioned in the traditional way but made with modern materials. Eventually I found what looked like a hotel and walked inside. It looked fairly plain inside, basic front desk area and an elderly stallion at the desk. He was an earth pony, wearing a bowtie and large glasses. "Hello there miss, what brings you to the Stardrops Inn?"

“Looking for a room to stay.” I said politely. “How much for a room?”

"Welp, that depends on the length of your stay. How long are you planning on visiting?"

“How long is a thousand bits?” I asked curiously.

"Hm? You visiting or moving missy? Cause a grand can get ya six months."

“Well…” I trailed off, thinking about how I ran from home. “Yeah, I’m moving in.”

"Hmm… hehe, in that case there's someplace else ya might wanna head up to. The nearby farmers been needing some help. Ya get a small spot fer yourself and a little bit of the land ta grow your own produce if ya want."

“Really? Just...get hired and get a small plot of land?” I asked in honest shock.

"Heh, well there's a catch but it's best if the farmers tell ya that. Still interested?"

“Well...better to have a place to live and have a job so yeah.” I shrugged, not thinking anything might be bad even with whatever catch there might be.

With a nod the older pony made a call and after twenty minutes of waiting, a blue pegasus stallion flew in. His mane was a shade of amber and his eyes shared the color. His cutie mark was a tree sapling. "Howdy, you the mare Rocket there mentioned?" He asked me.

“Yes I am.” I nodded. “My names Lovely Days, who are you if I may ask?”

"Cloud Hopper. Folks call me Hopper. So, you're interested in the little set up my folks for set up on the farm?"

“Where I have to help out on a farm for my own place?” I brought up. “I would like to yes...but I was told there was a catch.”

"Heh, yeah. It's not like a contract type thing or any of that mess. The issue is the location. It's not bad or nothing but it's got a lot of rocks, trees and such that piled up since we don't use that part of the property at all. So the catch is you'll have to clean out the mess yourself but you'll get the tools fer the job right off the bat."

“Sounds...simple enough.” I said carefully.

"Heh… yeah, ya say that now…"

… This… is a small forest?! The farm nearby was filled with various crops and trees, and a small pathway to the east is where I was to be, a small shack that was in good shape. But all around it from the entrance was… trees, rocks, and tall grass. "Here she is. Little old Pelican farm." Hopper said.

“I was told this was gonna be a small plot of land...not an entire forest for Celestia’s sake…” I said in shock.

"Heh, yeah… actually used to be a whole other farm but the owner passed away long time ago. With no kin to leave it to she gave it to ma parents and we didn't really need the space so we just kept the old house up and clean fer anyone who might wanna take it. Inside has a bed, table, some basic stuff and a fireplace. No electricity sadly, never got that set up. Sure someone in town can set it up fer ya, well, fer a price."

“Well...good thing I’m an Earth Pony, even if farming isn’t my strong suit.” I said honestly.

"Heh, tell me about it. I'm a Pegasus and I work on a farm. Well, tools are inside and even left ya a few seeds and some food fer a bit. Work starts at eight tomorrow, and ends at three. You'll get weekends off."

“Thank you.” I nodded. “Better than scrounging around...but uh...what’s rent gonna be?” I asked curiously.

"My folks will set up that stuff tomorrow. You'll meet them at the farm house when ya get there. See ya then miss Days." With that Hopper flew off and I looked back at this forest I found myself with… oh boy… best get to work.

I headed inside, finding the key left for me here and I opened the door. Inside was indeed small. I spotted the table, atop it was a large bowel. There wasn't a kitchen… or even a bathroom… well, not lacking wood so maybe I can make an outhouse. At least there's a hose faucet out front so there's that. I saw a fair sized package in the middle of the one room shack and opened it. Inside was a scythe, pickaxe, axe, how, water carrier, and a shovel. Hm. Oh, a manual… huh?

I picked up the strange looking book. 'Stardrop Town Manual' by: The Junimos'

The Junimos? So, siblings or something?

“Hmm…” I hummed while opening the manual and looking through it.

The first page showed… what the… the first page showed… me. Sunglasses and all. My name was under the photo and under my name it said Newcomer. The next page had several… bars, I think, each one labeled.

The first bar was Farming and it had the image of a turnip next to it. Under that was Mining with the image of a pickaxe next to it. Next was Foraging with the image of a tree. Then Fishing with a small blue fish biting a fishing bobber. Finally there was Combat with a sword next to it. All bars currently were at zero…

What the fuck?

“Uh...so is this why this town is loony half the time?” I asked myself, just from this book it was...really weird.

The next few pages showed many various ponies and creatures all of which had three question marks next to their faces and a series of hearts next to that. All were either just outlines or filled with a shade of dark grey. Okay… even weirder.

“Okay...this is getting really weird.” I muttered.

The next page had a large map of the town. Here was my little farm… with an image of my face over it. Huh… looking at the map, the twin was actually larger than I expected, it even looked like it has its own beach.

“This place is getting weirder and weirder…” I shook my head. “Seriously, who in tartarus made this?”

The next page was Crafting and it showed me a few things here.I could make a wooden fence, a gate, a chest, a torch, a wooden sign, a stone sign, a wooden, gravel and cobblestone path, and a campfire. Huh… It tells me what I need but not how to build it.

“That’s really interesting.” I said honestly.

The next page was a full on multi page list of just… stuff. Lots and lots of silhouettes of items and such that were just ranging from letters to veggies to animals and even gemstones. There was a lot here. All of it looks like I might have to go out and find.

“So...looks like I’m gonna have to collect all this crap…” I muttered.

The next few pages were various… tips… I think, and the rest were blank. Huh… does everyone in town get one of these? I’ll ask Hopper tomorrow…

I put the put on the table, and headed outside and began working on clearing out enough room for something to grow.

“Well...better than home I suppose.” I muttered, grabbing a pickaxe and ready to start breaking some rocks.

The rocks thankfully broke in one hit and I gathered all the smaller pieces aside. Fallen branches and logs broke apart with ease and the grass I cut and gathered into their own pile. Once I had a fair plot of land emptied I used the hoe and got the soil ready for seeds and planted them. A quick watering and that was that. Hm. Not gonna lie, this was fun.

”Better than Baltimare that’s for sure…” I muttered to myself, not just because of very bad things, but because things were more open and less time consuming than city life.

I walked over to the piles of spare junk I pulled from cleaning. Hm. Wish I had a chest… wait a minute… I went back inside, seeing the Crafting page and looked at the Chest one… hmm… tell me your secrets weird ass book...

“How do I build a chest?” I muttered, trying to find the strange crafting recipe for a storage chest.

I walked outside, holding the book in hoof and kept looking at the chest and the pile of wood. Maybe… I put a hoof on the pile. The chest image suddenly got brighter colors and under it were some numbers. 72/50.

“Well...sure then.” I said honestly. “Got enough wood to make it.” I said as I tried to make it...however this book wanted me to do it.

Thinking about it, I put the book down, tapping on the image of the chest. I heard a small pop noise and looked… my hoof was on a chest now, about there was far less wood than before.

"Alright...this is really weird but really cool." I said in amazement.

I opened up the chest, tossing the rocks and grass in there to keep clutter down. When that was all done I looked inside… and saw one lump of grass and a single stone… wait, what?

"Excuse me?" I frowned as I tried grabbing the single rock. "I put more than one in here, how in tartarus?"

I grabbed a rock, heard a pop… and saw one rock in my hoof and another still in the box… what? Either this town is crazier than I heard… or I've gone crazy...

“Alright...I’m gonna need to talk to some people about this cause I hope to Celestia that I’m not going crazy…” I sighed out.

I put the rock back… I think, then headed inside and started up the fireplace. It was nice and warm and the light from the fire gave the room a nice welcoming glow as Princess Twilight lowered the sun. I sighed, smiling. This is what I wanted when I moved. Peaceful.

“Calm, peaceful, and not crazy at all.” I sighed out thankfully.

I looked through what I had to eat. Carrots, potatoes, hay, and some apples. For dinner I ate a carrot and two apples. I went through my saddle bags, pulling out a mirror I brought with me and finally took my sunglasses off. Looking at my reflection, I sighed.

I was born… different. My eyes were a bright pink, but that's not the weird part… they were heart shaped. I also lacked pupils, or so it appears anyway. I can still see, but my eyes are just a pair of pink heart shaped irises minus visual pupils. It looked unnatural and… weird. I was unnatural and weird. Doctors called it a defect in my inborn magic, most likely when I was still a fetus. They suspect I was going to be born a unicorn like mom but then I wasn't and so the magic that should have gone to my horn now went to my eyes, causing these to happen.

I can see just fine mind you but I can also see more… I can see… how to describe it… lines, connections between ponies and creatures. Everything ranging from pure hatred to true love, all depends on the color of the… string, if that makes sense. Probably doesn't.

My cutie mark even reflects these stupid things, the pink hearts branded on my flank just remind me of my… difference.

I sighed out, rubbing my temple with a hoof. “Why do I have to be like this…” I grumbled, knowing this was one of the reasons why I ran.

My parents meant well, really… but I'm twenty five and until this morning never left the house. It was a big house, but even a foal realizes too soon that no matter how big a house you are in, it all begins to feel small over time. I had no life… no friends… no future. I had been planning this run away for about a year now, keeping everything to memory and not leaving any paper trail to be followed… mom and dad would just have me dragged back home… for my protection they'd say.

“Protection my ass…” I growled, knowing that I’m different but they just took it too far.

I sighed, rubbing out some tears before getting on the bed. It was comfy. Nice a big, and really soft. It felt so… safe. It felt like home.

The farm looked amazing. Fields all with harvest ready plants, a greenhouse in the distance, and barns and coops with various animals running around. Near a pond by a large chicken coop fishing up… garbage honestly, was a blue earth pony mare with a pink mane and brown eyes wearing overalls and a straw hat. She turned, looking at me and smiled. "Howdy." She said with a nod.

“Hi.” I nodded. “How are you doing today?”

"Good, but then again it's always a good day here." She said, fishing up a broken CD and putting it into a pile with the others. "So, you're the new owner of my farm huh? Heh, about time."

“Yes I am and...I have a lot of questions.” I started, leaning over to my saddle bag and pulling out the book. “And this is the prime example of all my questions.”

She looked at the book, laughing as she saw it. "So looks like the Junimos already like ya. Good ta know." She said, pulling up a soda can, still closed. "That there is the work of some very ancient, very powerful nature spirits called Junimos. They're harmless, in fact they live ta help strengthen the bonds between nature and the creatures."

“Uh...huh…” I started. “So I’m not going completely insane due to...this.” I motioned to the book. “And how I can just magic up a box out of thin air and...stuff stacking like in a game.”

"Heh, it's how their magic works. Took me a while ta get used ta it too. Though to be fair at least I'm here ta help explain things ta ya. I had to figure it all out with little to no help. Course it all worked out and when all was said and done, Stardrop town was just better off. I will tell ya this, if they gave you that book then it means the town needs a little help again. They're offering ya a purpose."

“Don’t know why though, I just got here.” I said honestly, not knowing why ancient nature spirits would pick me out of nowhere.

"Heh, same with me. Barely three days in town and that's when they showed themselves ta me. About gave me a heart attack and made me look like a loon. Still, found out some of us just are tied closer to these types of things than most. If he's still around there's a local wizard who might be able ta help ya a bit with them. Lives out near the cliffs, can't miss that giant purple tower."

“Cause you’re not a wizard worth your pointy hat if you don’t have a giant tower.” I rolled my eyes, having heard that common trope a lot in Baltimare.

The mare chuckled. "Yeah. Seems like a Unicorn thing mostly. So, how you liking the farm so far?"

“It’s peaceful.” I said honestly. “And I’m enjoying it a lot.”

"Glad ta hear. Sorry it looked like that and not like this." She said as we looked over the vast well kept farm in its prime. "Wish it got ta look like this a while longer."

“It’s alright, the effort makes it worth it.” I said, now thankfully doing more things for myself was very pleasing and not having others do it for me.

"Oh, and if that old wizard is giving ya a hard time just tell him Harmony Star sent ya." She said, giving me a wink before this amazing dream faded.

I woke up when the roosters of the dark next door began crowing. I rubbed the tired out of my eyes and quickly ate some carrots for breakfast.

“That seemed...weirdly surreal for just a dream…” I muttered to myself.

I looked at the book over on the table, opening it and seeing a note written on the last page.

Just try your best and you'll find this town will love and care for you like family.
Melody Star
P.S: Check the far north west corner of the farm. Just in case you ever need ta talk again.

Okay maybe not a dream...

“Okay...this is definitely weirder than Ponyville…” I muttered to myself. “Alright...let’s start the day...however it might start…”

With a sigh I closed the book, taking it with me in my saddle bags and headed off. The main farm was not too long a walk and I arrived a bit early. On the front porch was a somewhat short earth pony stallion with a grass green coat and violet mane and eyes. His cutie mark was a glass jar. "So, you're the new farm filly?" He asked. His voice was a bit gruff but not gravely.

“Yes I am.” I nodded. “I’m Lovely Days.” I introduced myself.

"Copper Pot. Pleasure." He said with a nod and a smile. He walked down over to me. "So, let's get started." He said as we walked along. I made sure to fix my sunglasses. "Pelican farm is yours, rather than pay a mortgage we'll have you work to pay off. Work everyday you are scheduled to work is a day closer to it being completely yours. Work a full year to the day and the deed to the farm is yours." He stated simply.

“Sounds simple enough.” I nodded. “Anything I should be concerned about in the meantime?”

"Well, If ya miss a day for any reason, be it sick or personal you can either make it up on a day off or something along those lines. You'll get a small bit of what ya harvest for food if ya need it. Mostly you'll just be harvesting from the fields or gathering eggs from the coops. When your work day is up Hopper will give ya a tour of the town, just some places of note and all."

“Sounds good to me.” I nodded. “By the way...do you know who or what the Junimos are?” I asked the stallion.

"Hm? Junimos? Heh, haven't heard that name in a while. Some old nature spirits, or so old folk tales say."

“Well they’ve apparently taken a liking to me.” I said as I brought out the book.

Copper Pot gave me a raised eyebrow, looking at the book then me. He then laughed. "Heh, well damn, is that Melody Star's book? Swore she was hurried with it." He said, gently taking it and flipping through the pages. "Hehe, just like it was back then too. Blank."

Wait what?! I looked at the pages he was looking at, seeing the page with faces and hearts there. I noticed Copper Pot's little image there now had his name under it rather than three question marks, above him was Hopper… can he just… not see it?

"Uh...huh." I started. "Why do you think it's blank for you?"

"Heh, filly you sound just like her." He said, patting my head. "Swear if I didn't know better…" He said, giving a sad sigh as he gave me the book back. "I remember the day she came to town… anyway, come in now, we got work ta do." He said as he kept on moving.

I was a bit confused. I looked at the book, and saw on the line of hearts next to Copper Pots image, half of the first one was now red. Hmm…

"So...how long have you lived in this town?" I asked carefully, putting the book back in my back and followed by after him.

"Born and raised." He said. "Traveled a bit when I was young but could never stay away from home for long. When I started taking over the family farm I expanded to more than just potatoes. Ended up a real good thing too."

"That sounds nice." I nodded. "Having a place to come back to after your done with whatever…" I trailed off, trying not to sound bitter and connect it to my family life.

"Yeah, I know most of the world thinks this town insane, and they're right, but it's a place where you can be yourself. Everyone here has a story, and if you got the time and patience you can hear it all." He said as we reached the chicken coop. He gave me a large basket and opened the fence. Some tallish grass was inside that the chickens were all either playing in or eating. "Eggs in the coop. Just grab them all and bring the eggs back to the house." He said.

"Sounds simple enough." I nodded. "Are the chickens friendly or will they try to peck me?"

"Just make sure to pet them all and they'll take to you like bees to flowers." He said.

"Sounds fair." I nodded, having heard farmers get better quality stuff from animals if they were more friendly to them.m.

I walked in, the chickens taking notice of me but didn't seem phased really. I extended a hoof, petting one and once I did that the others began walking over to me and wanted to be pet also. After about five minutes spent just petting the adorable feathered fluffs I went inside the coop. It was well kept, hay mixed with seeds and nuts sat in a trough in the back and the eggs were all over the place. Some were small, some were large, some seemed to just look too perfect. In total there was twenty eggs and I began walking back to the house. Welp that was easy. What else will I be doing?

"This seems almost...too easy…" I muttered to myself nervously.

I got to the house, knocking on the door. I jumped as very large and heavy hoof steps echoed from within getting closer. Copper Pot does not trott like that.

"Uh...hello?" I called out worriedly, backing away slowly from the large sounds.

The door opened and my sunglasses covered eyes fell upon a large, hulking earthy pony stallion about twice my height and maybe three times my size. He looked down, seeing me, smiling gently. “Well, you must be Lovely Days. Coppie told me you’d be here in a bit.” Their voice was somehow high pitched and gravely all at once.

“Uh...hi…” I said slowly. “It’s...nice to meet you...I am Lovely Days yes.”

“I’m Bricks, Copper Pot’s husband. Pleasure. Come on in then.” He said, stepping aside and letting me in.

“Thank you.” I nodded as I followed after him.

Entering the home, the first thing I took note of was the high ceilings. The other was all the photos on the wall. I saw Copper Pot and this large stallion in black and white tuxes in a wedding. Theirs I guess. Baby photos of Cloud Hopper, a filly with red and dark purple mane with a maroon coat. One I spotted was a very elderly mare, wearing a worn straw hat. Her coat was blue, mane white with a few strands of pink and brown eyes… Melody star… she was standing with a small...er Copper Pot holding up a glowing blue rock. He was smiling wide.

“Well…” I started. “A lot of happy memories here.” I commented on all the nice photos.

“Farm is as old as the town, a lot more in storage.” Bricks said as we got into the kitchen. “Just put the basket on the counter sweetie. Well examine them in a second.” He said, looking through a cabinet.

“Alright.” I nodded, putting the basket down on the counter carefully, and also thinking if I should mention Melody Star. “So uh...do people have...weird dreams around here?” I asked carefully.

“Hmm, well, dunno. Some little foals and even a few adults claim to have interesting dreams if they make an offering to some of the statues around town.” They said, putting a small basket with a screen on the counter next to the basket.

“Well…” I started. “Mind not holding anything fragile real quick? Cause uh...my dream’s kind of weird...and it might also not be a dream? I have no idea…” I said, thinking I can at least confide about this weird thing to my boss.

“Hey, you sound like that old wizard over by the cliffs. Been going on and on for years about the weird magic of this town. Heh, won’t lie, seen a lot of oddities in this town but, it’s home and I love it. So, what was your dream about?”

“Me and...Melody Star having a conversation about the...weird magic going on.” I said nervously. “But then it might not have been a dream since she also left me a note? It’s confusing and...I decided to ask cause I saw that picture of her but...old.”

He gave me a raised eyebrow. “Uh, care to explain?”

“To which part? Cause there’s a lot to unpack from that.” I said nervously.

“Let’s start with how a mare who’s been dead for the last forty years left you a note.”

“No idea.” I said honestly. “I didn’t even know she was dead...I got to this town yesterday.”

“I’m aware… Did ya find a notebook when you got there?”

“Yes.” I nodded, pulling out said book in question. “Laying in the middle of the living room of my new house...apparently it’s also powered by old nature spirits from what Melody said but I have no clue.”

He looked at the book, flipping the pages. “It’s just like hers… only’, with your image in it.” Wait, he can see it!

“You can see what’s in the book?” I asked. “Copper said it was blank...wonder why…”

“I asked her once, she told me that Wizard informed her that it has to do with our magic. This book is made with old and powerful magic. I mostly went over my head, but you best go meet with the wizard after work, alright? He helped her out, so he can help you too.”

“Well...it’s a good thing she said ‘Melody Star sent me’ if he get’s all uppity like an old man.” I said honestly, thinking the wizard at this point is really old given Melody probably knew him over forty years ago.

“Heh, yeah, old coot’s been around. Though I hear he finally has an apprentice. About time, old fella has to be pushing a hundred about now. Think his name was Sun… Sun… Sun Pop, that’s it. Was here since I was a foal… and was old then too.” Bricks said, thinking back. “So… you really did meet her. Huh, wonder what triggered it? I doubt you gave her shrine an offering.”

“I didn’t even know there was a Shrine.” I said honestly. “But...I think she pointed me to where her shrine is...I don’t know if there’s a shrine of her in the north west corner of the farm but she pointed it out.” I said nervously.

“That… that’s where we put it…” Bricks said. “After she passed, we built her a Shrine on the property and sealed her urn inside it. She loved the farm so much, and felt only right that she rested there.”

“Sounds about right.” I nodded. “Jeez, my first day on the job and I’m already stuck in some mystical adventure huh?”

“Well, as they say in Ponyville, ‘Must Be Tuesday’.” Bricks said with a chuckle. “Now then, shall we get back to the second part of the job?” He asked me as he placed an egg from the basket into the electric one. Immediately after, the little screen turned on, showing a silver star. “Above average quality.” He said, grabbing a silver cardboard carton and putting it inside. “This here machine uses magic to measure the quality of the item put in it. A blank white star means average, edible and alright. Silver means above average, Gold means a high quality, Pricey Canterlot type product. Lastly, there’s purple, or as we call it around here, Iridium Quality. It’s something that most folks here imagine the Princesses themselves eat daily. All their cartons are color coded to match what the machine reads. This applies to both animal produce, and harvested plants. Even foraged goods.”

“Wow…” I blinked. “Don’t see this back in Baltimare that’s for sure.”

“Yeah, most folk don’t. Suppliers just buy from us and we just sell it back as the quality demands. Most of the gold and Iridium stuff goes to Canterlot, Silver and plane quality goes to any other suppliers willing to buy, but of course, when you have the supply you can set your prices and pick who you sell to. Keep that in mind when you start pulling up goods to harvest.” Bricks said.

It took a bit but all the eggs were separated and out of that basket was a single Iridium quality egg.

“Jeez, even with so many eggs, only one iridium?” I asked, knowing that it was rare but we went through a hundred of the things.

“That’s not uncommon. Different animals and plants also seem to vary in their rate of iridium products. The Cows, we noticed they more often than not give us iridium quality milk so long as they’re happy. Chickens, ducks, all them critters can be a bit tricky to keep happy. Their health and moral factor in how they produce their product, even what they eat too. It’s why we mix a variety of seeds in the chicken's hay.”

“And here I was thinking agriculture was gonna be simpler…” I sighed out.

“Nothing worth the effort is ever that easy.” He said with a smile. “Now, onto the other coops and then the barns.”

“Better make sure all the animals are happy then.” I said honestly.

“That’s the spirit filly.” He said… A silver thread… he’s taken a liking to me… I smiled at that. As we walked I followed behind, looking at the book. Bricks. One full heart.

There were eleven coops in total. Five for chickens, five for Ducks, and one for rabbits. “Now, while the chickens produce eggs alone, Ducks lay not only eggs but often drop feathers. They’re also quality based too, the lesser ones are used to make dyes while the higher ones are sold for clothing and all that fashion stuff. Rabbits every so often will drop enough fur when they shed we can make cloth with it, and even their own fluffy tails can fall off. We make and shape them like that old story about a lucky rabbit's foot. No little fella’s get hurt and their poop makes great fertilizer.”

“That’s really neat.” I said honestly, finding this rather interesting given all this new rarity system stuff.

It took a while, managing to pet them all of course. Picking up the eggs and fur. The poop wasn’t so fun to scoop up but thankfully there’s a shovel and bucket for that. When all that was done I was just helping Bricks test their quality and sort them accordingly. “Once we got a full box or a fair amount of these things we place them all in the bin by the front gate to the farm. In the mornings or even late at night some workers collect the goods and pay the amount their worth. Then when we wake up the bits are just there for us to collect. Don’t have to worry about thieves either since the boxes are locked with magic keys that we and the workers have copies of and only us.”

“That’s good to know.” I nodded. “Best not to have all our hard work stolen from us.”

“Heh, yeah. Speaking of, you’ll be needing a bank account huh? I mean, I could hear all those bits in your bag when we were walking around. Best if ya get one. Can only carry so much and it’s fine to have cash around but it’s safer in the banks in the long run.”

“Yeah, I was meaning to find one but I didn’t have much time all things considered.” I shrugged.

“Well guess that’s just something to add to the list huh? So, tell me about yourself, Miss Days. You mentioned Baltimare. What was life for ya like up in the city?”

Oh boy… I don’t feel right lying to the guy, he’s been nothing but nice… maybe a half truth then?

“It was...interesting.” I said carefully. “Family life was well off enough, didn’t really need to worry about a whole lot...but city life just started feeling a little too cramped so I decided to move here.” I said, which was true in all regards except for all the important details.

“Heh, well so far you’re already doing better than most other city folk that try and move here think they’ll be getting some county life like in the movies but once the hard work gets to them they pack up and leave for elsewhere. Guess not everypony can work on a farm.”

“True.” I nodded. “Plus this town’s… unique aspects that I’m quickly learning.”

“Yeah that’s the other reason I suppose.” Bricks laughed. “So, any questions for me?”

“When did you and Copper meet?” I asked simply, thinking it was a simple enough question given the two were married.

“Pop’s was the school teacher, Ma worked in her own shop. Copper’s family had this farm. Back then it was much smaller and they made every bit count. Growing up I was better off than he was, and as we got older, my size compared to his, well, he grew up hating me. Can’t say I blamed him either. Tried to pick fights but I either managed to avoid it or got away… Then one day we ran into a… well, only a few of the adults, even today, The old Mines. They still hold some valuable stuff but not many go in there because of the infestation. Folks think it might be linked to the Everfree Forest and some other places somehow, so a lot of monsters are down there. We got lost when he chased me around in there. By the time we realized how fucked we were, we were cornered by some monsters. I was scared shitless, Copper tried fighting them… with a slingshot of all things.” He laughed.

“Wow.” I said honestly. “That’s...a whole lot of crazy right there.”

“Yeah. He did some damage to them, but he got banged up hard. Being bigger I took the hits better. I don’t remember how, but at some point I put him on my back, and just charged around like a bull in a china shop in panic. He kept firing and somehow that worked, we managed to make it out of there and got a few treasures out of it… of course we were still lost. By the time the towns folks found us, we were in there for two days. We went in there enemies… and came out friends. Got grounded of course but after that we had a friendship and a respect for one another. To help them out I got Ma to start selling some of their farm's stuff to help out and I put my large body to work helping them too. As we got older that friendship just… became something more.”

“That’s amazing.” I said warmly, carefully moving my glasses to see a hint of his connection with Copper.

Rose Red… Pure Love. Most I have seen are either Cherry red, meaning a powerful love, or Candy red, meaning love and pure infatuation. I’ve learned a bit about this little curse of mine, and the colors or red tell me how strong their love it. Rose Red, Pure Love, means both parties are in a healthy, happy relationship with a strong foundation. Cherry Red, Powerful Love, means that while they both are in love, if one passes or is for some reason or another, unable to return said love, one or both might never try finding love with anyone else. Candy Red, or Infatuation, is more along the lines of how horny teenagers are with their relationships. Could become something, or could end up meaningless but they pour a lot of emotion into it. Most often Lust which is Crimson Red.

”Jeez, it must be a very long and powerful relationship for Rose Red.” I thought to myself, fixing my glasses. “I’m glad to hear the both of you are in a happy loving relationship.” I said with a smile.

"Yeah, was a surprise to our parents. Well, more Copper's than mine. My folks figured I was more leaning towards the other side of the fence. Copper's were shocked, didn't seem into stallions at all, but that's life." Bricks said. "So, it looks like we're almost done."

“Certainly feels like we got done quickly.” I said honestly.

"Two ponies can make the work go by faster. Looks like your shift still has two hours on it. So, shall we go check in the boys then? Hopper should be tending to the wheat on the south fields and Copper should be at the quarry by now."

“Alright.” I nodded. “Let’s go see how they're doing.”

We headed out and heading to the south fields I saw lots of wheat and a large windmill in the distance with a few grain silos next to it. I spotted Hopper using some clouds to water some portions of the fields. “Hopper!” Bricks called out.

The pegasus spotted us and rapidly flew over. “Hey Pops, hey Lovely, done with work already?”

“Just showed her how to gather and store and grade the products is all.” Bricks said.

“And also… answered some questions that were popping up for me.” I said honestly.

“Hm, well, that’s good. Everything here has been going well, wheat should be good to harvest in a few more days really. Hopefully it’s all at least gold quality.”

“We can hope.” Bricks said.

“Has the wheat not been good?” I asked curiously.

“It’s been alright, but the better quality produces the better quality goods. Bread, sweets, all that good stuff means it’s all just better in the end for everyone.” Hopper said. “Usually we get a mix between Gold and Silver, and a bundle or two of Iridium even, but an all gold harvest means best for the farm and best for the buyers.”

“I can see that.” I nodded.

“We’re going to go see how Copper is doing next. You wanna tag along?” Bricks asked.

“Still got a few spots to water, maybe next time though.” Hopper said as he flew off.

Bricks and I kept along, leaving the farm from exit/entrance from the south end of the property.

“So far things seem to be running smoothly.” I said honestly.

“Honestly, we can thank Melody Star for that. Back in the day, the work was far harder and the rewards barely worth it. With that book and some magical help, she helped not just the farm but the whole town too.”

“Interesting.” I said honestly. “Who knew the book and magic could help that much with a town like this.” I said, thinking that, with how many people were actually in that book, this town was actually pretty big.

“It wasn't so much the book, it was her herself. Any sane pony probably would have tossed or ignored it, but she embraced it.” Bricks said with a deep sigh. “Takes something special to help everypony in town with just a vague sense of where to go.”

“It certainly does.” I nodded. “But...only takes one step forward right?”

“I suppose.”

The walk to the quarry took us over a bridge where what I think is either a ravine or dried river bed was and into a large-ish carved out hill with a few minecarts and tunnels around. I spotted Copper Pot breaking open some rocks from one of the carts. “Hey sweetie.” Bricks said.

Copper looked over, smiling. “Hey hun. Lovely. Get your work done already?” Copper asked.

“Yes sir.” I nodded to my boss. “We just got done checking on Hopper.”

“Heh, that’s good. Say, we left you a pickaxe in those supplies right, come here.” He said, lending me one and pulling out a few rocks. One looked about normal, the other was a tad larger and the rest all looked like something was either mixed in or poking out of the stone. “There’s some basic stones, these two.” He put a hoof on the stone and the larger stone. “Thing is, these slightly bigger ones sometimes have some goodies in them. Either a geode, coal, or even some ore. The pickaxes are enchanted to separate the raw ore or geode from the plane rock.” He said. “Give it a whack, see if you get lucky.”

“Alright.” I nodded, taking the pickaxe and giving the large stone a good whack.

The stone broke apart and from it rolled out a small black lump of coal. “There, just like that. ANd, got some coal now, always good to have.” Copper said. He then put his hooves on the two blended looking stones. “These here are ore, they’re mixed in with the rocks so just give em a whack and let the magic pull and collect the ore out of the normal stone.”

“Sounds simple enough.” I nodded, bringing up the Pickaxe again and whacking the two ore stones.

Once they were broken I spotted a few small lumps, about as large as my coal one, sitting among the gravel. There was five in total. “Not bad, enough there to make an ingot if you can get a furnace. Now then, these last two are the most sought after.” He said, putting hooves on the two rocks with things poking out of them. “These are gem deposits. The pickaxe does it’s work and we can sell the raw gem for a fair price, or make it into jewelry or cut it to give it a higher price. You typically get one gem with these but sometimes you get lucky. And if ya get a Crystalarium, heh, you’re almost set for life.”

“It would be hilarious if we just so happened to get one of them as your teaching me all this.” I chuckled and shook my head, knowing it would be improbable to just find it.

“A Crystalarium isn’t a gem sweetie.” Bricks said. “It’s a machine that uses magic to create gems by putting one you mine into it. Takes a while based on what gem you’re replicating but they’re perfect copies. Mostly they’re used in the dragon lands for food since they eat gems and lots of major science and technology companies use them for their inventions.”

“Yup. Star managed to get a few, no idea how and when she passed she left them to the Wizard.” Copper nodded.

“Alright...just the way you said it sounded like it was a super rare gem.” I said honestly. “But jeez...Crystalarium’s sound amazing.”

I broke the stones open and one green gem fell out and one red gem fell out. “A Ruby and an Emerald. Not bad for your first time. Mostly it’s quartz or jade.” Copper said.

“Neat.” I nodded, glad to have gotten something that wasn’t the more common stuff.

“You can hang onto these, and feel free to use the quarry whenever you like, the town itself owns it so anyone can just come here with a pickaxe, just be careful of the tunnels, lot of monsters in there, especially in the lower levels.”

“I’ll make sure to be careful.” I nodded. “Not gonna deal with the mines at the moment though, after work I’m off to see the Wizard.”

“Well, you can head on off then. Just be careful alright?” Copper said.

“We’ll see you later.” Bricks said.

“I’ll be safe...and uh...where’s the Wizard again?” I asked. “I heard he was close by but not which direction his towers in.”

The two pointed up to the left. Looking I spotted the tip of a large, old looking coned roof. Huh, how did I miss that all day?

“I...how did I miss that?” I asked.

Shaking that off, I headed off. Thankfully it was easy to navigate when in town and once I got to the cliffs area I found an old road that led to the tower. The tower itself was pretty tall, maybe ten floors or around there and was about as large as a house. I knocked on the door, the door opening as I was met with a long hooded cloak hiding her body but showing her horn, pink and blue mane with a light pink coat and blue eyes. “Who are you?” She asked.

“I’m Lovely Days.” I introduced myself. “I came to see the Wizard and have a talk about...a lot of weird things happening.”

She rolled her eyes. “Gramps! Some mare is here to see you!” She yelled into the tower.

She walked back in, motioning for me to follow. Once inside I was in a room surrounded by ancient books, parchments, and in the center was a large cauldron bubbling. Soon I saw the… fossil… walk over to me, a long beard hanging low off his grey face, and a blue star patterned hat hiding his clearly bald head. His body was wrapped in an equally blue and star patterned cloak. “Hm, what… oh, a guest. Who are you?”

“I’m Lovely Days sir.” I nodded politely. “I have…a lot of questions you might be able to answer.”

“Questions… uhh… about what?”

“Ugh… one moment.” The mare said, walking over to a desk and pulling out a glowing blue potion vial. She used her magic and popped the cork out and poured it down the elderly wizard’s mouth. Once that was all done his eyes glowed blue for a quick moment before he looked more there.

“Hm, questions, questions about what young filly, I’m very busy these days.” The wizard stated.

“When you take your medication…” The mare grumbled, earning a glare from the older stallion.

“So about this book.” I started as I pulled out the book in question. “And uh...these Junimos beings.” I added nervously. “Okay, I’mma just be blunt...the hell is with this town and it’s magic?”

He eyes the book, taking it with his magic and looking through the pages. “Incredible, just like hers... “ He got to the last page, seeing the note as some tears and a smile soon covered his face. “Oh Star… So… it looks like the Junimos have chosen you, interesting.” He said, returning the book to me. “Flurs, fetch me my research book!”

“Which research book?” The mare, Flurs, apparently, asked.

“The one on this down. Honestly, todays youth…” He grumbled as the mare levitated over a large taped and stapled together book onto the stallions hooves.

“Thank you.” He said, opening it. “Now then, to answer your questions I must first inform you about these little spirits.” He said, horn glowing as over the pages in an aura of blue appeared a few… they looked kinda like apples, red, greed, blue, orange and all had black dot eyes, small mouths and skinny almost stick looking arms and legs. “These are the Junimos.”

“They're adorable.” I smiled..

“Appearances aside, these are ancient nature spirits, native all across the world, but in this town, their concentrated population rivals no others. They only show themselves to a select few, and some, like myself, can reveal them with magic for a short while.” He said, the Junimos now vanishing. “Typically they inhabit abandoned buildings or build huts in dense forests where they reside, but here in this valley they reside everywhere. In the town, in the forests, even in the sea and rivers. Their magic is quite potent, but in order for them to utilize it, they require offerings of the land.”

“So that’s why…” I muttered. “And...how does this involve me talking to Melody in a dream yesterday?” I asked curiously. “Cause I literally got here yesterday and...had a dream talk with her...but then that note also exists so...why?”

“In and around this town you will notice many shrines, different offerings deliver different outcomes. Sometimes they are simple things, fortune, protection, or even a reward. Melody was the prior chosen by these spirits to maintain the valley’s link with nature, and now, they have chosen you. It seems she is willing to offer her aid and experience to you, even from beyond the grave.”

“But I didn’t do anything…” I said nervously, finding it strange that I was already getting swept up in some ‘chosen one’ thing to keep adorable nature spirits happy with their pony neighbors.

“Neither did Melody, she arrived in town after purchasing her farm and the next day, had her book from the Junimos. I do not know how or why they choose someone to keep the balance between nature and industry, but I do know why only some individuals are capable of seeing the texts and images in the books. It has to do with their magic. Powerful unicorns like myself and Flurs here can see it because we have a strong link to magic. Ponies like Bricks also have far more magic than a normal earth pony, hence his size, and pegasi with far more ample supplies of magic can see the texts, their speed and reflexes are far surpassing that of the normal pegasi. It’s actually quite easy to tell given the excess magic seems to manifest in one way or another.”

“Yeah…” I trailed off, lightly fixing my glasses due to my own nervousness. “Well this is...a whole lot to take in.”

“Hmm… Aside from her farm, which I’m assuming is where you live now, there are no abandoned places for them to inhabit or ask for offerings in return for repair… hmm…” The Wizard said, looking thoughtful as he was thinking.

“He’ll be doing that for a while… So, what’s with the glasses?” Flurs asked me.

“Mom gave em to me.” I said truthfully. “As a...going away gift I suppose. She said ‘don’t want to blind yourself to all the opportunity you’ll have’ or something like that.” I lied convincingly enough.

“Yeah, so how much shit was that explanation?” She asked me, catching me by surprise. “First off, there are two types of people who wear sunglass indoors, especially in a dark building, assholes and people who are hiding something. You don’t act like an asshole, so what, hiding a black eye from an abusive ex or hiding a strange eye condition?” I simply blinked at her. “I’m an expert in picking up when someone is lying or hiding something.”

“It’s...sadly the later on me hiding something…” I sighed out as I took off my glasses, showing off my rather...interesting eyes. “Don’t know how I was born with it, or the ability it comes with...but my parents certainly didn’t want people to know.”

“Wow, and here I thought I was a freak.” Ouch… “Well, in any case, I think I saw something like this before in some of Gramps books.” She said, looking at the shelves. She levitated a book off and blew off the dust, opening it. “Here it is, Pure Eyesight.” She said, showing me the page that displayed several ponies that had eyes in the shape of clovers, lightning, clocks… hearts!

“Oi, how the hell is my eyes on here?” I asked worriedly. “Also...just a quick back track, did you really need to sound like a jerk with that statement?”

“I said you didn’t seem like an asshole to me, never said I wasn’t one.” She replied, reading from the book now. “Pure Eyesight. This magical condition is believed to be genetic, a recessive gene that once in the past was far more common back in the days of the three tribes. Each carrier of the Pure Eyesight saw various things ranging from the past and future, one's fortune for the day, wild weather intentions, and love.” She looked over at me, then back to the book. “These ponies were revered as shamans and were respected for their abilities. After the merging of the three tribes the Pure Eyesight seemed to fade with the generations, only showing up when the right recessive genes emerge.”

“So that’s why I can see people’s love…” I started.

“So it seems, “ She said, handing me the book. “Here, this tells more and you'll probably ask to borrow it anyway.”

“Yeah, that’s for the best.” I nodded. “This is most certainly different than Baltimare…”

Back home I was reading the book extensively. So far there was The Pure Eyesight for Luck, Love, Time, Fate, Truth, Nature, Magic, and Death. Love is, well, love. Luck is seeing one's fortune, be it good or bad, for that day. Time lets one see the past and future of who they are looking at and all the possibilities. Fate can tell the reason someone exists, and even see their potential children when looking at a couple. Nature can tell them the health and growth patterns of plants and even animals. Magic is well, magic, they can see the magical potential in any they view. Truth is, wel, truth, can see passed the secrets nad lies ponies put up. The last one, Death, doesn’t have that much info on them. Just that they must wander the world to pursue their purpose in life. Creepy...

“Alright…” I muttered to myself, trying to find if there was any other kinds of love I can see besides the ones I’ve seen so far.

According to this there were twenty shaded for love and more for other emotions, however they seem to vary between each pony. Hmm… I know Pure Love now, Lust, Powerful Love and Infatuation. Hmm… Guess I best spend some time in town to see the other colors then.

I yawned, closing the book and picking up my notebook, finding the images of Flurs and the Wiz- wait why is his name still… shit I never got his name...

“Damn it...I’m gonna need to ask him his name next time I see him…” I muttered. “Or ask Melody maybe...if I ever see her again.”

I curled up under the blankets and began to rest up… So, seven others, eight including me… I wonder if there are any around.

“Jeez...what is this, Green Lantern all of a sudden?” I muttered to myself with a chuckle, remembering that neat comic series and thinking it had some comparable things to these special eyes of mine and others.

Days to Come.

View Online

I awoke to the roosters again, yawning as I began to get out of bed. I stretched and felt several pops that gave me a sigh of satisfaction as I awoke. I rapidly ate the last of my carrots for breakfast and opened up the book. Hmm… let's see here… five out of… two hundred and six ponies met? I don't think I can even meet that many…

What else… Hmmm… huh?

I flipped to a page I don't think was there before… Connections? The page was blank, save the image of Brick's and Copper Pot, who were next to one another and the column they were apparently in was "Married" with a status of Healthy.

“Well...never thought I’d probably be a matchmaker here…” I muttered to myself, thinking I’d have to help create connections between people to have a better town overall.

I put the book away for now and simply began heading out. As I did I thought I heard… something. Looking outside and around the various trees. I saw something fly past from tree to tree. Something rather large, and very fast.

“That’s concerning.” I started worriedly. “It better not be a monster…”

I watched as it rapidly jumped from tree to tree and eventually seemed to fly off into the forest. With concern hitting me I trotted quickly to the farm for my work.

I was helping Hopper today, picking Strawberries from a fair sized crop of them.

“Hopefully Hopper knows what that was...and that the Strawberry picking will calm me down…” I muttered to myself, concern of that big flying thing still making me nervous.

As I filled basket after basket I heard a flapping noise. I yelped, looking up only to see Hopper. "Heh, sorry ta spook ya." He said as he landed next to me. "Didn't take ya fer the type ta spook easy."

“Sorry.” I said nervously. “I’m just a little jumpy after seeing something fly around the tree’s this morning.” I told Hopper. “I sadly couldn’t get a good look at it but it was big, fast, and it flew from tree to tree.”

"Hmm." Hopper put a hoof to his chin in thought. "Did it rush into the forest before ya left?"

“Yes it did.” I nodded. “And I’ve been concerned about it all day.”

"Oh that's probably o'l Guff." Hopper shrugged. "Old pap of Melody, or so my pa tells me. Probably wanted ta check out the new owner of her farm."

“Huh…” I started. “Are they friendly?”

"Hm, mostly. Guff is a Griffon and while he keeps his distance from most everyone in town he does have a few regular friends. Still an odd feller though. Prefers to forage and hunt in the wild rather than working and living in a house."

“Well then.” I said. “Didn’t expect a griffon to be in the area...and if that’s how he wants...well I can’t really judge him when I barely know him.”

"Pa knows more I think, but all a'h really know about him is that he comes into town few times a month ta talk with his old pals."

“Well...maybe I can see him one of those days.” I shrugged. “Hopefully make a good first impression at least.”

With my work for the day finished I headed into town. I need more food, or at least, something to cook my potatoes with. I noticed there were two stores here. A Barnyard Bargains, and a smaller General Store we're the two main shopping areas here.

I headed into the general store, finding lots of veggies, fruits, and other utilities. I figured I'd buy some cheap noodles, a pot, and some canned goods. After paying for that I headed back home. Okay, got lots of wood, some rocks…

I opened up the book, finding an option for making a fireplace. With a smile I tapped it and before me on the ground was a ready to go fire pit. I bought a small lighter at the general stone and now… hm. No salt… no water… maybe-

Woosh

I jumped to my hooves. I spotted the black blue, possibly Guff, in the trees again jumping between them fast.

“Hello?” I called out to the fast griffon.

The trees rustled as there was a heavy thud behind me. Spinning around I spotted Guff the Griffon. He. Was. Massive. Almost Brick's height and size. His body was almost decorated in scarred over wounds and long since healed gashes. His beak was cracked on the left side and his wings while unkempt were twice his size.

“Uh...hi there.” I said sheepishly to the massive griffon.

He seemed to look at me for a while before looking over at the house. "You… have the book too?" He asked. His voice was old, but deep and authoritative.

“Y-yes sir.” I said quickly, not expecting him to sound so authoritative. “I...I just moved here...the book came with my new house and...well I’m learning a whole lot…”

He looked back down at me. "I see." He said, holding out his... sharp, sharp talons. "May I see it?"

“Uh...sure but...please don’t rip it apart…” I said nervously, carefully handing it to the griffon. “I don’t think the nature spirits would be happy...I’m still surprised they picked me for...whatever they want me to do.”

"Hm. Couldn't if I wanted to." He said, flipping it open and with his free talons, tried to pull a page. To my surprise, green and blue magic covered the page as he pulled and it did not tear. "See? Protection magic so old and powerful Princess Star Butt up in Canterlot could spend a thousand moons studying it and never understand it's secrets." He stated, flipping through the pages some more. "Hmm. It's similar, but different from hers too."

“Are you talking about Melody Star?” I inquired.

"Yes. Hers was similar in looks, but inside, while some things are the same, others are different. Hmm…" He shut the book, and gently gave it back to me. "I am Guff. Sorry for the startle, but Melody was a good friend. I come here to keep the weeds and trees from getting too close to her shrine."

“That’s fair.” I nodded. “I’m Lovely Days, and it’s alright...was just a little scared thinking that, with all the nature spirits around, one of them wasn’t as...kind as the normal adorable ones.” I said sheepishly.

"Oh believe me, there are, but I picked up tricks to keep them at bay. So, Days, tell me, what do you know about earth pony magic?"

I frowned. Finding that question kinda silly. I mean, I am an earth pony after all.

“Unless you're about to tell me some earth shattering thing’s, I’d say I know a lot cause I’m an Earth Pony.” I answered carefully.

He laughed. A short, small laugh. "True, but it's not the whole truth." He stated. "Now, answer this one. Where do you think Magic comes from?"

“No idea, cause there’s so many explanations on it that it just boils down to ‘it exists’.” I said, having heard many a thing about where magic came from, either from the planet itself, the spark of life, or just some outside beings wanted to screw around on a random planet and find out what would happen.

He laughed again. "Alright then, tell me, where do you think the Junimoes come from?"

“Uh...nature?” I asked. “Their ancient nature spirits so...they would have come from Nature.”

"Yes, and no." He said with a smile. "It is this plane, but also another." He said, reaching under his wings. A set of small saddle bags rested there. He reached into one and pulled out a jar filled with some kind of powder. He took out a claw ful and threw it at me. I yelped, coughing a bit as I inhaled the powder that kinda smells like… corn? When I wiped my sunglasses clean and looked up at the Griffon I yelped. Floating behind him was… it looked like a Junimo, but it's body was shaped like… well, a Griffon.

“Uh...what in the world?” I asked in confusion.

"You see, this world is actually made up of countless others all placed in the same location and divided by invisible walls that hide us from viewing, and interacting with one another. Junimos come from one of these other worlds, as does magic. We just can't see it. Unless, you know how to break open a crack in the walls." He said, giving a pat to his mini Griffon Junimo. "And Junimoes come in all forms, shapes and sizes. Everyone on this planet has one. Be it a good spirit, or evil."

“Huh...also your Juminoe is absolutely adorable.” I said with a warm smile.

"Heh, it's one of the good ones. Your's, however, is quite unique."

Looking around me, I spotted the pink, heart shaped Junimo floating above my head.

“Well…” I started. “Sweet Luna, is everything in my life going to be shaped like a heart now that I learned what ‘True Sight’ is?”

"Heh, how do you think you got it?" Guff said, giving my Junimoe a pat. "The little one is older than Celestia, maybe even Discord. Funny, you'd think she'd have chosen the Princess of Love, but no, she chose you."

“Well, Cadence is special in her own way when it comes to love.” I started. “But...yeah it is a little strange why I’d be picked instead of an alicorn literally powered by it.”

"In all my years living amongst them, studying them, I still have no idea how they think. It's almost like a foal's level of curiosity, and wisdom all in one." He chuckled again. "Even your Junimoe is different from hers. Such wonders."

“Good lord…” I sighed out. “And here I was hoping to get away from a lot of complicated crap…” I grumbled. “But looks like I’ve stumbled into something even more complicated…”

"Perhaps. Only time will tell." He said, leaping back into a nearby tree and then zipping between them until he was back into the forest.

I gave a sigh, looking at the floating heart shaped Junimoe above me.

“I can’t help it, you're too cute.” I said as I tried to hug my heart shaped junimo like a cute plushie cause my inner filly screamed ‘hug the cute creature!’.

It gave an adorable chirp, almost like a bird or squirrel. I managed to draw water from a small pond on this farm. It was fairly clean but I boiled it for a while before testing it. Tasted fine so I began boiling my potatoes for dinner.

I was walking through the farm. It was like it was before again, but looking around, I didn't find Melody anywhere.

“Well...might as well take a look around this place if Melody isn’t here.” I muttered as I trotted around, wondering what this weird dream world had in store for me.

As I walked, I noticed my little Heart Junimo jumping up and down by the entrance of the farm.

“Oh? What did you find little buddy?” I asked, trotting after my Junimo to see what they found at the Farm.

As I got closer, it started to bounce off. I followed, figuring they wanted me to follow them. As I did, it took sudden right just before the Copper and Brick's farm and My Farm met, and went into some bushes. Raising an eyebrow, I followed. Picking the foliage aside, I discovered a hidden pathway, the little Junimo still hopping along it.

“Where are you taking me little guy?” I inquired, wondering what fantastical area my little Jumino is taking me.

As I followed them I noticed a lot of the bushes here were filled with berries of varying types. Trees full of fruits and lush leaves. Soon, they brought me to an enormous tree, taller and wider than some buildings in Baltimare. The little thing bounced Merrily into an opening near the roots. The hole there was large enough for me to follow. After a bit, I was inside the tree. It was hollow, but alive and light from up above illuminated the almost cavernous tree. In the center back of this tree, rested a small hut. It seemed to be made from leaves, sticks, mud, and some rocks.

“Well...this is neat.” I said honestly. “Is this your home little buddy?”

It made a bobbing movement. I think that was a nod? It then walked inside the small hut. It then walked out with a gold slab, dropping it onto the floor in front of the Hut. I looked at the slab, seeing some strange language written on it.

“What does this say?” I inquired, looking over it again as I had absolutely no idea what it said.

They just chirped their little noises. I just sighed, but smiled at the adorable little thing.

I woke up with a yawn as I somehow beat the roosters this morning. I got up and rapidly munched away at my last two apples, I kept thinking about that dream… I wonder...

“Hmm…” I hummed, wondering if Guff knew the Jumino language. “Hopefully Guff knows…”

I finished off my breakfast and headed out. As I walked along the path to Copper and Brick's farm I stopped, turning and looking at the trees lining the path… there is a large bush right there…

“Hmm…” I hummed as I walked over to the bush, lightly moving it to the side to see if there was a trail behind it.

The bush here was larger than in my dream. I had to break off and push aside a lot of the branches, but once I managed to push through, I spotted it. The pathway was a bit overgrown, weeds and moss growing on it, but it was still there.

“Huh…” I started, walking through the overgrown path to see if it was one to one in my dream.

As I walked the foliage became… less. Soon dead grass and bushes were all around me… no… I galloped down the road, the trees, bushes, all lifeless. As I reached the main tree… it was… burned. Charred black and grey.

“What...what the hell…” I muttered sadly. “This...how the hell did this happen?”

I walked through the small hole.in the tree. Inside was… bad. It was… strange. Like claw marks actually burned into the wood. The small hut was just ashes. As I walked towards it, my hoof hit something under the ashes. Sweeping the ashes off… it was the gold slab.

“Oh…” I muttered as I gently picking the gold slab up and made sure it wasn’t covered in ash to make sure it was the exact same as my dream.

Everything about it seemed the same. Down to the strange language… with a sigh I placed the plate into my saddle bags. Maybe Guff or the Wizard knows how to read it?

“Alright...time to go see the wizard or Guff, whoever comes first.” I muttered to myself.

As I left, I gave one last look back to the once lush and beautiful place before heading back and starting work. It was simple. Harvest eggs, help sort them and then buck some orange trees. There was such variety on this farm.

When work ended, I trotted back to the tower. Knocking, I was greeted by Flurs. "Oh, you're back." She said, sounding rather bored.

“So I have several questions.” I started. “Mind if I come in?”

"Sure." She said. I entered, not seeing the old stallion around. "So, what brings you here this time?"

“Both this.” I put down the gold artifact on the table. “And also what happened to the area I found it in.”

She raised an eyebrow, looking it over. "Junimo language? Where did you find this?"

“I found it in a tree that’s been...it looked like something cut the place apart with fire.” I started. “My jumino found it in my dreams.”

"Wait, how do you know about bonded Junimos?"

“Guff.”

"Ah. Wondered if that old bird was gonna talk to you. Anyways…" She looked back at the slab. "Hmm…"

“He told me...a whole lot of things.” I said nervously. “Damn near scared me when I saw him flying around the forest.”

"Yeah, all big and battle hardened but he's harmless. Unless you're a monster or evil spirit." Flurs stated. "He's an old friend of Gramps... Well, that's depressing."

“A little yeah.” I sighed out. “So what does it say?”

"You want the long version or the short version?"

“Either or is fine.” I answered.

"Alright, well the short of it is, they messed up." She explained. "The plane the Junimos come from is home to more than just them. Spirits of all kinds reside there. Their little hits they make here act like… anchored portals between their world and ours. Now, normally they open it from both sides in safe places, but sometimes… nasty spirits crawl through."

“So that’s why it looked like claw marks were burned into the place…” I said nervously.

"Yup. According to this, one day about fifteen years ago, five very nasty and rather dangerous spirits broke through that portal and destroyed the place. They've scattered throughout Equestria, but one seems to have remained here in the valley. They need help to rebuild their original portal location as well as help dealing with these five spirits."

“Alright.” I nodded. “Looks like I’m gonna need to do a lot of magical stuff and rebuild an...entire grotto…”

"Actually, the Junimos can do all that work, but In order to make their magic work in this world, they require offerings."

“What kind of offerings?” I inquired.

"Well, let's see." She looked back at the slab. "First we gotta put this thing back where you found it. Once we do, we can complete their offering requirements. Oh, and you'll need to drink this." She quickly levitated over a bottle. A bottle covered in moss, wrapped in twigs, and when she popped the cork it smelled like a swamp.

“I’d rather get smacked with corn dust again.” I coughed at the swamp smell.

"Oh don't worry, this is much, much worse, and permanent." Before I could argue she popped the bottle into my mouth. The fowl liquid tasted worse than it smelled and she made me drink the whole bottle. I felt… nauseous…

I think I blacked out for a while, cause the next thing I knew we were at the grotto. Flurs was placing the slab back down where it went… eww, I still have the aftertaste…

“I hate this…” I groaned.

"Oh good, you came down from it. Get over here then." I rolled my eyes, walking up next to her. I looked at the slab and… woah… it looked… different. Now, there was the engraving of a large Tree on it, and several flower buds.

“What happened to the slab?” I inquired. “I don’t remember the tree or the buds on it before.”

"That bottle didn't just have nasty swamp water in it. It's a potion of pure Nature Magic. And yes, technically earth pony magic is a form of nature magic but it's also diluted. After all, you pour too much water in lemonade it will just taste like water right? Same basic idea. Their language is written by and is itself a form of magic. So only those who know how to imbue nature magic into themselves can read it. Believe it or not, this tree was always here. Until now, you lacked the magic to actually see it."

“Uh...huh.” I started. “Right then that’s...a lot to take in.”

"In any case, here." She tapped on one of the buds. Suddenly a list showing items and empty slots under them. Ten logs. Ten rocks. Ten bundles of grass… seems simple.

“Looks simple enough.” I commented.

"Yeah. Says this will fix up the pathway here and clear up the bush blocking it. Sure you're little lot of has everything for this. So, good luck." And with that, she began walking off.

“Well...hopefully things will work out…” I muttered to myself.

I went back to my farm and got to work. The rocks and grass was easy enough. The trees…

THUD.

I dropped after the second tree. Ouch… earth pony strength, why have you failed me!

“Why must you fail me at a time like this?” I whined as I got back up shakily.

Another THUD knocked me back on my gut. Looking back up, I spotted Guff next to me. "You are not very physical are you?" He asked as he helped me back to my hooves.

“I am, I have absolutely no idea why earth pony strength is failing me though…” I grumbled. “So uh...I learned a lot of things.”

"Oh? What did you learn?"

“That there’s evil spirits roaming around, I need to help the Jumino’s even more in their special grotto...and there’s an evil spirit still here.” I explained. “Also I can...see thing’s better...still would have preferred the corn dust rather than swamp juice.” I said in disgust.

"Heh, yeah. I took one whiff of those potions and went for the Powdered Nature Magic. So, you require wood for this task?"

“Yes I do...and I have no idea why gathering wood is suddenly so difficult for me.” I sighed out.

"Well, have you ever cut a tree before?"

“Not really no…” I sighed out.

"There's why. Like all things, wood cutting is a skill, and it takes more than just strength to cut a tree down."

“That sounds right…” I sighed out. “Gonna take a while to get all these skills done…”

"Heh, til then how's about I help." He said, picking up my axe. He raised it with one arm, and swung. I swear… the trunk exploded… and the rest fell over effortlessly. "How many do you need?"

“I...needed ten…” I started. “The fuck…”

"Heh, I used to be in the town Guard." He said, slicing another tree in one go. "Back when the town was founded, there were monsters everywhere. It was me, Sun Spot, Fish Hook, Titan, and Sunflower. We kept the town safe while it was being built and for years after."

“Wow…” I said. “And...I’m so sorry…” I said, immediately thinking the worst given how old the griffon was and being a town guard for all these years. “Sorry for jumping to conclusions but...well…”

"Heh, well, you aren't wrong. Of all of us from back then, Sunflower met a tragic fate… it is why we disbanded really." He said, hacking another tree. "She just had her foal, was so happy…" He sighed, another swing, another whole tree fell over.

“I'm sorry to hear that…” I said sadly.

"She was the youngest of us, joined late and despite that, was one of us as if she had always been." He smiled, cutting another tree. "She had a fire the likes I've never seen in a mare before. And for a Pegasus, she could swing a bastard sword with ease and accuracy. Even despite her small size."

“Wow.” She said in surprise. “Must have had an earth pony relative cause she sounds really strong.”

"Probably." He laughed. "She'd never tell us." Soon all the trees, and therefore wood, I needed were cut and Guff lifted the logs up. "So, where to? Melody did something similar. Helped her carry them too sometimes."

“It’s gonna be a walk.” I said while helping out by lifting the rocks and grass bushes up.

"That's fine. Gives us time to talk." He said as we started moving on. "So, where are we going exactly?"

“Towards a hidden grotto in between my house and the farm.” I said honestly.

"Ah, the Junimo Tree then." He nodded. "I remember it back in it's prime. Never knew what it was or how it was possible until Melody came to town. Spotted her playing with the Junimos."

“Yeah, it was actually my Jumino that showed me it and a weird slab in my dreams...it was really beautiful in there but...here it looks so sad…”

He sighed. "I remember. Fifteen years ago, there was a fire. Nearly hit Copper and Brick's farm but everyone in town helped but I was at the heart and.. saw the cause. For sixty years I've been killing monsters, but those five things are the only ones to ever decorate my flesh with scars."

I gulped, looking back at the heavily scared Griffon...

“Uh...okay...that’s…” I stuttered lightly. “That’s a...thing.”

"Yes. If it wasn't for the Junimos I'd have died that day. They kept me alive long enough to collapse outside the hospital. Ever Since I've been working with Sun Spot to keep these things at bay. Four of these monsters already left the valley long ago but one I know for a fact remains."

“I was also told the same thing, one of them remains here and...I might have to help fight the blasted thing.” I frowned. “And here I wanted to get out of stupid fighting…” I muttered bitterly to myself.

"To fight such a thing would take magic only the Junimos possess. Though, hopefully with this we can somehow get the damned spirit out of this plane."

“That would at least help to some degree.” I nodded. “The sooner we get it out of here the better.”

"Truer words." Guff nodded. He followed me to the Grotto, sighing as he looked around. "I'll wait out here. I don't think I can fit through the door." He chuckled.

“Fair enough.” I nodded while starting to put all the things I needed down on the ground. “Alright little buddy...how to I offer this stuff?” I asked, making sure all the bundles were together in the hut.

After dragging the logs through the entrance I looked at the slab. I tapped on the flower bud and shrugged as I put the ten grass on it. To my surprise the slab seemed to absorb them, and the grass slot here was filled. Huh. Alright then. I did the same to the rocks and logs. Once all of them were absorbed, it flashed back to the tree. The flower bud bloomed into a small yellow flower. I yelped as a poof of steam happened in front of me, and sitting atop the slab was… a present? It was in a pink box with a darker pink ribbon tied around it and Into a bow at the top.

“Uh...neat.” I started as I carefully opened up the cutely wrapped box.

Inside I pulled the ribbon open and the box fell apart, revealing… a… metal thing… and seeds. Oh, Carrot seeds. Cool. I put the seeds, ten packets, away in my saddle bags and pulled the thing along with me.

"Where'd you get the furnace?" Asked Guff as I exited with this thing dragging behind me.

“It was from a present I got from a flower after I finished my offering.” I answered.

"Ah… so that explains where she got most of those things…" He said. "Well, that aside, loom back at the road.

I walked aside from the Griffon I spotted the road we walked earlier. No longer was the pathway dirt covered in weeds and moss, but now a cobblestone laid pathway with a small wood boarder between it and the dead bushes. Guff carried the Furnace and when we got to the entrance point, the bush blocking it was gone entirely, replaced by a heavy duty and well carved archway made from wood. The wood above held the engraved images of three dancing Junimos.

“Wow, Junimo’s work fast.” I said in surprise.

"Well, they are ancient magical beings." Guff said with some awe. "I never got to see how they work before. It's incredible."

“It is most certainly incredible work.” I nodded in agreement.

We walked back to my place, and Guff placed my new furnace down. "Do you know how to use this?" He asked me.

“No…” I sighed out. “I’m still learning...a whole lot of things as of late.”

"Heh. Here." He said, motioning to the inside. "See these two metal sheets." He said, pulling them out and showing one was like a grill, the other, was a wire frame with a fair sized rectangle bowl in the middle. “This grill one is for food. For a predator, it cooks meat well enough. For ponies, potatoes, carrots, or whatever really you like to cook on a grill. The other is for melting raw ore into metal bars. Just add coal if you want to melt ore. Wood is fine enough for food."

“Well...certainly saves me the time and effort of making campfires all the time.” I said honestly.

"Heh, true. Oh, and also, these." He reached into his own saddle bags, pulling out what looked like some homemade granola bar. "Crushed up pine, acorns and maple seeds mixed with some sap makes a great snack."

“Huh, didn’t think Pine would work for a granola bar.” I said honestly.

"It's not bad once you crush them up. The tree sap gives them all a sweet taste."

“That sounds correct.” I nodded, not knowing much about the finer details on food making but it would make sense.

"For melting ores you need at least five pieces you'd get from mining. The little nuggets melt and turn into an ore bar. Get enough of them and the blacksmith, Titan can upgrade your tools or even make you some stuff for a good price. If he's being rude, tell him I sent you."

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “And...well I suppose my next stop should be the mines...but then I have the rest of the town’s folk to meet, work...gah there’s too much to do~.” I whined.

"Heh, such is life. Hmm… hehe, nah."

“What are you snickering about now old man?” I asked, pouting at him starting to laugh at my plight.

"Psst, not your issues. Just, long ago Melody offered me to stay here. In exchange for my bed and roof, I'd help her manage the farm. Was a lot of work for her. Still don't know how she managed it alone. I refused, Griffon pride of a younger bird. I was always a wilderness type, just preferred it. I did consider it for a time after she asked me, but never brought it back up."

“Well...looks like I have a lot of expectations to fill…” I sighed out.

"Well, if you'd like… I can help clear this place out. Teach you to grow crops." Guff said. "I might be an old bird, but I can at least pass along all I've learned and all she taught me to the next."

“That would help me immensely.” I sighed out thankfully. “Thank you so much Guff.”

He smiled. "Well, I'm kinda too old to be roughing it in the forest anyway. Heh, since that night fifteen years ago, can't even fly. Those things cut a bit too deep by my wings. I can still move them and such, but I can't lift. It's why I jump from tree to tree. I'll go get my things, set up near the house here and then we can work on clearing this place out properly."

“Works for me.” I nodded. “Need any help getting set up?”

"I'll be fine. Not too many personal items. And everything I do own is basically ready to be packed and moved at all times."

“Well, when you live in the forest you better pack light I suppose.” I shrugged.

"Always." With a jump he rushed back into the tree tops and zipped between them.

I smiled, happy for the help and feeling relieved for the help.

"Another day...another earth shattering revelation…"

I put a few of my new carrots into the furnace. Grilled carrots sound good for dinner tonight.

Guff came by and brought all his things. He has several large saddle bags on him and he began to set up his tent and stuff next to my little house. “Here.” He said, putting a basket between us filled with various berries. “The wild berries all around this valley are better than most I’ve ever had from stores. Try a few, they’re good for keeping hydrated too.”

"Alright." I said while trying one of the berries just to see how it was.p

The bright pink ones tasted very sweet with a tangy aftertaste. It was delicious. The next was a dark blue one that tasted like a mix of blueberry and bananas. The last one, ws oddly spicey, yet sweet almost like… a whiskey actually.

"Wow, these are really good."

“If we manage to get a blender or some kegs, they make amazing juice and wines. Jams too. I still remember those recipes.” He said, taking a few as well and popping them into his beak. “If you ate meat, the glaze I make with them for some of my meals tastes incredible.”

“Well, the glaze could be used for other things.” I pointed out. “Like bread’s and stuff.”

“Hm, maybe. Or…” He quickly rushed into his tent, taking out a stone bowl and mortar and a few of the pink berries and crushed them up well, then added some honey from a jar and salt before opening the furnace and basting them over my carrots. “It’s better than just plain cooked root.”

“That also works.” I said honestly. “Nothing like a home cooked meal…” I trailed off, cause even though I hated home all this talk made me kind of miss some of the chef’s cooking back home.

“True.” Guff said.

We shared of meal of cooked carrots with amazing glaze, berries, and some boiled water from my pot. It felt… nice. It felt right.

I was in the grotto again. It was… dead, like it is now. I didn’t see Junimos anywhere.

“Oh no…” I muttered in panic, running around the place to find anyone or anything that wasn’t this dead husk of a grotto.

”You…”

I looked around, hearing a low, whisper like growl from around the air.

“Who’s there?” I asked worriedly.

”Another… Pesky little nature spirits…” The voice spoke.

“Who are you?” I asked, following after the voice carefully.

”Junimos… call us Invaders… we… are called… Carnage.”

“Yeah that’s...not a really good name.” I said nervously.

”We bring… Fire. Rain. Winds. Tremors… and…” THe earth below me broke open, a snake made from shadows and thorns rose up from the ground before me. It was bigger than me, and way larger than a normal snake. ”Terror…” The snake said as it’s massive eyes looked at me directly.

“Hi.” I said carefully. “So uh...you just...destroy what you want because you can?”

”Destruction, must come first… to rebuild… rebirth.” It said, starting to slither around me like I was prey.

“I just got here, I’d rather not die in my...what? Barely the first week here?” I groaned, knowing I should be absolutely terrified of this creature, and I rightly was...but honestly, having been so isolated my entire life, as well as whatever glimpses of my dad’s ‘work’, I couldn’t help but feel right at home with this thing circling around me. “Stars, it feels like I’m back home…” I grumbled.

”Strange… Little… to no fear…” It said. ”Why is that… I wonder…” It said, it’s body phasing through me. I felt a shiver as an icy chill hit me. ”I see… Such… terror… such… violence… and from family. A little, helpless pony, raised by wolves in pony skins.”

“Can you not do that please?” I asked. “That was really creepy...at least take me on a date first before you go ahead and send shivers down my spine.” I frowned. “Also...how do you know about my family?”

”It is not hard… to see your memories.” It said. ”Such an interesting… lonely life. Yet such a fire, burning in that fragile heart of yours. The Junimos choose their champions… exotically.”

“Well, when the chips are down, you better fight fire with fire.” I said as I tipped my glasses down a bit, truly seeing the snake for what bonds it would have or what emotions it was feeling.

Pure. Unfiltered. Hatred.

”It does not matter to us. My siblings are spreading our work from that far corners of this land. Soon, the age of peace, and harmony, frozen over by our masters as they did in the past.”

“You know that you’ll lose right?” I asked carefully. “I...still barely know jackshit about what’s going on, but Juminoes would bring life, you bring destruction right?” I inquired. “So no matter what happens, you’ll always lose.” I said, thinking about one time my dad talked to be about a deal with one of the residents.

They seemed to laugh. ”Junimos do not create life. Restore, preserve life, yes. Create? No. Only our masters can create life. Mine, bring it’s end, theirs, rebirth life into new forms. The age of Ponies, Griffons, Dragons, this land has existed long enough. It is time, for us to erase it, and end what they attempt to preserve and prolong…”

“Right…” I started carefully. “So...I’m gonna need to put a massive pin in that and tell you ‘no’.” I started.

”And… pray tell, what power do you have. Little Pony?” They asked, looking back at me. ”The Junimos can’t protect you, that pesky alicorn Luna is retired and her link to the dreamscape weak, and you… are all alone.”

“I’m not alone.” I said, for some reason taking off my glasses I felt...something in me determined. “I may not be as strong as you, but if there’s one thing that I’ve always known, is that I’m not alone.” I growled, suddenly feeling a rush of what few bond’s I had, with Bricks and Guff especially, making me feel stronger than I normally would. “And if there’s one thing you don’t do asshole, is fuck with a Mobster’s family.” I growled.

”Ah, so you plan on leading you friends into the life your parents taught you? And here you wanted to escape that life.”

“I wanted to escape the isolation.” I told him bluntly. “What they taught me was about family, honor, and doing the right thing...even if I saw the wrong things…”

”Even as they hang ponies and bury them alive, you’d take the words and advice of murderers?”

“Why do you think people always look towards their elders for advice and knowledge?” I inquired. “It’s because they’ve experienced it, they understand what they’re doing, and even though it pained my father and mother to absolutely no end whenever they saw me when I knew of their work, they always told me about what good thing’s Mobsters have done...you’d be surprised how many good thing’s terrible people can do if they put their mind to it.” I said simply. “You’ve seen my memories, you know my father has helped raise good upstanding companies, my mother helping build orphanages and feeding the poor...even if they might have bad things attached to them, they have helped the community immensely.”

”And yet, despite all that good, the price on their heads, the assasination attempts. You think you’ve seen unfair? I’ll show you, just how unfair this war you’re in can be.”

“Then show me, I ran away from home so I could see it.” I growled, taking a step closer to the snake. “So I could make friends, learn life lessons that weren't in some high class hotel, come on, you want to scare me? Then prove it.” I growled. “Terrify Me!”

They laughed, their shadow maw opening wide and rushing at me.

I woke up with a jump. Pushing sheets off me and sighing as the moon was still high up in the air. I sighed, looking at my ceiling and seeing my little heart shaped Junimo looking back at me with worry.

“Don’t worry little guy.” I muttered with a smile, lightly petting my Jumino. “He won’t hurt you, I promise.”

It chirped and cuddled up next to me as I sighed. What have I gotten myself into...

“Sweet Twilight...am I really going to have to call home for some advice?” I muttered to myself bitterly. “They’d sooner drag me home if anything…”

Conciquences.

View Online

The day started as normal. Woke up to the Roosters crow and helped at the farm. When all that was done I headed towards the Mines. Pickaxe and a baseball bat in my saddle bags as I stared at the hole in the wall leading down.

“Well, best get on with it then.”

I could use some coal, rocks, and for fixing the little Junimo but itself I need at least one copper bar, so I need to find five copper nuggets.

Walking down into the mines the darkness quickly gave way to an area lit by torches. A rail cart leading down one way. The other was an old elevator, big enough for a cart and a few ponies. It didn't seem to be working though.

I put some weight on the elevator making sure it’s stable. The elevator made a creaking sound but it was strong enough to hold.

Without power I headed down the slope heading down. Soon I was in a large, cavernous space. The squeaks of bats and some slimy squelching could be heated in the distance. Around me we're several rocks and stones.

I made sure to watch my step as I made my way, but it was kinda hard to see in the dark, plus I kept stepping on rocks that nearly cut my hooves.

Eventually I spotted a large rock and pulled out my pickaxe. A few good swings and it crumbled to some smaller bits and two lumps of coal rolled from the gravel over to me. I smiled, picking them up and putting them away.

Soon I began picking up coal for half an hour before deciding to go deeper in the cave.

Entering the next floor I had thirty six lumps of coal. I still need five copper nuggets. "Shouldn't be this hard…" I muttered as I was looking for more large rocks.

I yelped as I heard a squelch noise behind me. Turning I spotted a small green ball of… slime? Huh…

I raised my eyebrow in confusion as I looked closer. It looked like it was glowing. Narrowing my eyebrows, I moved my hoof to touch it.

"Ouch!" I yelped. It's… body, felt like a hot stove. While my hoof was fine the fur was slightly singed. I huffed, pulling out my baseball bat.

I began to do what a sensible pony would do…..I began to beat the crap out of it repeatedly, but the bat somehow caught on fire.

Despite this I managed to hit it a few more times before my bat broke and the slime finally died. In a surprise puff of vapors that smells of sulfur, I spotted a small ball of slime.

It was about a quarter of the size of the original monster. Touching it, it felt fine so I picked it up. Huh…

I still felt some heat as slime looked dead in my hoof and it looked like it stopped glowing too.

It was very squishy, and not as sticky as I expected. It actually kinda felt like a…

Looking around, I spotted a nearby wall and tossed the slime ball at it. The slime ball bounced from the wall, to the floor and back to me. Heh, it's like a bouncy ball!

I put the slime ball in my saddle bag and I continued to stroll my way through the cave.

I managed to find more large rocks and breaking it open, thankfully gave me my first two copper nuggets. "Two down, three more to go." I nodded as I looked around for more large rocks.

It took awhile but I managed to find a set of large rocks as I began to break them down. Though some didn’t have any nuggets.

When they were finally broken up I had twenty two copper nuggets, thirteen more coal lumps, and five iron ones too!

With this haul in tow I headed topside.

Emerging from the mines and heading home, I spotted Guff piling wood next to the house. "How went the mining Ms. Days?" He asked.

“It was fine, kinda hard, but fine.” I answered.

"Run into any monsters? Usually the first five floors only ever have slimes and bats."

“It was just that, but I found this slime ball though.” I said pulling out the ball out of my bag.

"Heh, not bad. Most monsters drop parts of themselves when killed. Slime balls are fun for a quick toy, but their real value is in making sealants and weather resistant oils."

I was playing with the ball but I was also paying attention. Who knew something so small can be so helpful. Well everyone said don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

I put the copper nuggets in my furnace and set the coals on fire.

While that’s smelting, I went inside my house and looked through the Junimo book. Hmm. For the Hut I need Plant Fibers, five of them. Wood, ten of them. Any twenty berries. And one copper ingot. Well, looks like between the berries Guff got me and now the ingot on the way, it looks like I can get the little hut fixed up tonight.

I grabbed a book to preoccupy my time as I waited for the copper. “This is gonna take a while…” I hummed musically to myself.

There wasn't much new in the book, more of the same so far. I really should consider getting a radio… or tv. Wonder what channels I'd even get out here?

“First of all…how the hell am I going to get a TV?” I wondered, not remembering seeing a TV either in the shop’s or in the book…maybe there’s an electronics shop nearby that I missed?

I lazed about before deciding to head outside. I spotted Guff cutting trees, a large section of the land was already cleared out. Guess I can plant… something.

“Gonna need to think about what to plant…” I muttered. “Jeez, this is getting a lot more complicated than I thought…I mean, I literally threatened a demon so what in Tartarus am I talking about?” I shook my head ruefully, getting up as I needed to do something and went out to talk to Guff.

Another tree fell down as I approached Guff. "Need something Ms. Days?" He asked.

“Someone to talk to cause I am honestly bored..” I sighed. “Mostly needing to wait on the copper ingot to finish to start working on some things I need.”

"Heh, smelting takes time. It's why Blacksmiths always smelt the ore while they can work on other projects. But what do you want to talk about?"

“Anything really.” I shrugged. “What’s got you cutting down these tree’s?”

"Making room for when you want to grow crops or commission a building." He stated simply. "Can't plant or build anything with trees and rocks in the way."

“That’s fair.” I nodded. “Anything you want to talk about Guff?”

"Nothing in particular. Is there anything you'd like to talk about?"

“Is there a store that sells Radios or TVs?” I asked curiously.

"Hmm, the carpenter, Trilla, sells furniture. If you are okay with something old or pre owned, the Second Hoof store probably has something. But if you want something new and something quick the Barnyard Bargains will have it all."

“Jeez, even this far out can’t escape Barnyard Bargains.” I chuckled at hearing that old place.

"Heh, yeah they built a mega store here a long time ago, they're the only real competition most of the other businesses have."

“Sounds about right.” I nodded. “Which I’m gonna need a lot of bits if I’m planning on buying a new radio or tv…” I frowned, trying to think of the many jobs here to get me some extra bits.

"If you're okay with old or pre owned just try the second hoof store, it's run by old Pinkerton."

“I’ll try them first.” I nodded. “Might also be cheaper…hopefully.”

"It should be." Guff stated.

With a nod I headed off into town. The town proper outside of the farms I wasn't too familiar with. I only really knew the path to the tower and back. Well, shouldn't be too hard to find the stores… I wonder… I pulled out the book, flipping to the page with the town map. Hmm… so there's my farm, there's Hopper's family farm, there's the tower. That giant building must be Barnyard Bargains. Now, which of these buildings is the second hoof store?

“Hmm…” I looked around carefully to see if there was a specific sign for the place. “Second Hoof…where in the world are you?”

I looked around until I spotted an old building, looked almost like it was maybe the oldest building in town. All stone bricks and no clear modernization. An aged wooden sign with seemingly newish paint read 'Pinkerton's Second Hoof! Followed by several crossed out names under it reading it was formerly Pinkerton's Pawn, Pinkerton's Scrap Recycling, and Pinkerton's General.

"Uh…huh…" I started, walking up to the front and walking in. "Hello?"

The inside matched the outside, save the modern metal pipes and light bulbs signaling electricity was present here. Various shelves and hanging racks held odds and ends and clothes and all kinds of items.

Behind the counter was an older Pegasus stallion, a shaggy pink coat and thinning blue mane, and a faded green hat atop his head and a smile as he saw me. "Why hello there youngster." He spoke with a surprisingly deep and hearty voice that was practically bursting with wisdom, experience and life. "Don't believe I've seen you around before? You passing through?"

“Just moved into the old farm not too long ago actually.” I said. “Names Lovely Days."

"Pleasure Lovely Days. So, what brings you to my shop?"

"Got any Radios or TVs for sale?" I inquired.

"All kinds, all makes and models and all in working order." He confirmed, walking out from the counter and leading me to a small side room with wall to wall electronics from various generations. "Prices are on the sticker." He informed before heading back to the counter.

I looked over all the prices carefully to see what is in my price range or just how much work I had to put in.

Most were thankfully quite cheap. They were also older but if they worked then it didn't matter.

I looked around for a while before I spotted a radio. It was old, able to also play cassette tapes and records, but what really caught my eye about it was the small Junimo painted on it, painted to look like it was dancing with music notes painted around it.

“Hey, what’s this radio?” I inquired, pointing to the Junimo Radio.

Old Pinkerton quickly trotted back over. "Oh, heh. That was donated by the former mayor long ago. One of our residents, a filly who used to own the farm you're living in, this was hers. Heard she left a lot to friends but not everything, so the Mayor donated the rest to my shop here. This here and that TV up there are all that's left if I recall. " He said, motioning to the small, dial operated box TV, slightly bigger than a microwave with two metal antenna sticking out of it. It also had a Junimo painted on it, this one holding a remote. "Rest got sold over time."

“Hmm…” I hummed, looking over both the radio and tv. “How much for both of them?”

"Both? Hmm, well, Radio is fifteen and TV is twenty five but I'd be willing to sell you both for thirty bits."

“Alright.” I nodded, digging through my bag to see how many bits I had left after everything, cause while I did bring a god amount, it was running a tad thin due to everything I needed to buy.

Thankfully I had sixty bits on me, so I paid for the radio and TV and old Pinkerton helped me carry them back home. "So, how is Melody's old house? Last I saw the yard was overgrown with weeds and trees." Pinkerton asked.

“Took a bit of work, and with some help it’s been coming along nicely.” I said honestly. “

"That's wonderful. I remember seeing that farm back when it was just that small house, then Star moved in and it was turned into the most amazing farm. No idea how she managed it given all the variety she kept there. Crops, animals, fish ponds. Hard to believe one filly managed all that."

She probably had help from Junimos. I thought to myself. “Well, from what I hear she was a very hard and determined worker, and loved this place more than most.”

"Heh, could say that again. Sad to say I never knew her very personally, back when I was a younger colt I put all my time into the business, changed it several times to try and keep it competing with the town's local shops and the Barnyard Bargains. In the end a Second Hoof Store worked out cause a lot of the wealthier residents replaced old stuff with new stuff and donated the old stuff to me and I sell it to someone who don't care if it's used."

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “Never underestimate the power of a pawn shop, you never know what wonder’s you’ll find in it.”

"The Pawn Shop was nice but I lost a fair amount of bits. So, what brought you here anyways Lovely Days?"

“I…needed to get away from home.” I answered vaguely. “Wanted to do thing’s for myself ya know?” I said, trying to keep my reasons vague cause I really don’t want people to know what my history was.

"That's fair. Let me guess, overly suffocating parents that yes they love you but they didn't let you be you?"

“You…could say that.” I answered carefully.

"Heh. I can relate. My ma and pa, loved them dearly, but Celestia's Sunburn were they overly protective. My first slumber party as a foal I went to, they packed me enough safety supplies to survive a fall off Canterlot Mountain." He said with a laugh. "Bright side, that inflatable boat made a nice mini pool."

“That sounds hilarious.” I chuckled.

"It was, was also embarrassing but I usually made the best of it. Never understood why they were so overprotective until my own foals came into the world."

“Oh you have kids?” I asked.

"Well, they're adults now. Daughter lives up in Manehattan, working in some big fancy bank, and well, given where you live, you've already met Copper Pot."

“Yes, I have met Copper Pot, really nice.” I said with a smile.

"Heh, yeah, he took after his mom. In species, color, and size." Pinkerton said with a chuckle. "Pink Berry, my daughter, took after me in all that. I remember Pot's wedding day, and the day they brought home Cloud Hopper."

“That sounds great.” I nodded, wishing so bad that I could have experienced this kind of emotional fun before.

"It is. They say no adventure compares to making a family, and they are right. Sure, ponies might explore all around the world, but to finally settle down, plant some roots and make a home, well, that's when you really live your life."

“Yeah…I’ve heard it said many a time…” I sighed out, wishing I could have something like that but knowing there’s not really any possibility of that becoming real.

"Feeling like that ain't in your future?" Pinkerton asked. We reached Hopper's family farm and we're now nearing my place.

“Sadly…” I said honestly. “Don’t really think I’ll find someone special due to…a whole host of personal reasons…”

"Heh, don't worry. I used to think like that. Heck with me keeping so busy with my store it's a miracle I ever met Night Flower. But it happened in the most impossible way."

“How so?” I inquired.

"Heh, well, it was during the annual Flower Dance, whole town celebrates the first spring flowers with a dance, couples dress up all fancy and dance in town. Well, everyone dresses up in case ya get asked or wanna ask somepony. And while I was sitting alone, looking over inventory lists, up trotts this filly dressed up in a beautiful white gown, mane brushed to perfection down and her eyes sparkling like diamonds. And the first words out of her mouth were 'come on nerd, let's dance.'" He said with a laugh. "Night Flower was a notorious trouble maker, and tomcolt of the town. Seeing her look so… beautiful like that, when she spoke it nearly knocked me flat on my back."

“Sounds like you had a wonderful night.” I chuckled.

"After the initial shock of her appearance died down I did really. Turns out she promised her mom she'd dance with one stallion at that dance and it ended up being me. Didn't expect her to ask me out on a date a week later, or the others to follow. Somehow, that one dance turned into a lifetime of happy memories."

“Glad to hear that.” I nodded, slightly tilting my head down to see how true his love for this mare was.

It was rose red, just like Copper Pot and Bricks. This one was different though. It took a shape, a small, almost Junimo sized shape of a mare, floating around him.

I blinked at seeing that weird tiny Jumnio. “You must have really loved her throughout your life.”

"Yeah… been hard since she passed." Pinkerton said, the small mare shaped silhouette floating over to seemingly hug him. "Sometimes I swear it's like I hear her voice, or see her in the corner of my eyes. Copper thinks I'm just getting too old and should move to the farm with him, Bricks and Hopper."

“I wouldn’t be too sure.” I said honestly. “All I can say is…don’t stop believing, she’ll always be there for you…and if you look the right way, maybe you will see her.” I said, trying to keep the fact Junimo’s exist a secret but wanting to at least give him some hope that he’s not going crazy or senile.

"Think if I did, I will take the boys up on their offer." He chuckled. We arrived at the farm and he helped me put them down inside.

"Good to see you again Pinkerton." Guff said as we exited.

"Nice ta see you too Guff. How in Luna's mane do you keep from looking as old as you are?" Pinkerton asked.

"Griffon secret." Guff replied with a grin, earning a chuckle from Pinkerton.

“Old friends?” I inquired.

"I grew up seeing this old bird fight off Mantacores, Hydra's and all kinds of monsters back when the town was young." Pinkerton said.

"And I remember saving a tiny little pink Pegasus from Timberwolves because he thought they were puppies." Guff replied with a chuckle.

"I was six… and a baby timberwolf is adorable." Pinkerton replied with a smirk.

“I mean, puppy’s are always adorable.” I added.

"Less so when they can grow up into magical tree hounds." Guff said, finalization in his voice. "So, what brings you here old timer?"

"Heh, you're older than I am Guff, don't even try and deny it." Pinkerton chuckled.

I looked back and forth between the two. Guff looked old but not that old really, and Pinkerton looks like he's gonna be pushing a hundred… and Guff is older than him?!

“Hold up what?” I asked in shock. “How old are you two?”

"I'll be ninety six in a few months." Pinkerton said with a smirk.

"A gentle creature never reveals their age." Guff said with a grin.

“Ah, yes, the Gentle Creature that can bench press an entire tree.” I rolled my eyes with a small grin.

"Pst, a tree ain't nothing." Pinkerton goffed. "I've seen this bird lift a boulder the size of this house and throw it into a cave opening. That's how he and the old Adventures Guild stopped the Manticores back in the day."

"To be fair I was magically augmented at the time to make it easier for me." Guff informed.

“Sweet Luna…” I muttered at that.

"Heh, well whatever you use to keep looking so young, when ya wanna share it you know where to find me." Pinkerton laughed as he walked off.

Guff and I just stood there watching him head off, soon out of sight.

“So…I learned a thing today.” I said to Guff. “And that’s Pinkerton has a Junimo…of his wife.”

"That isn't a Junimo." Guff said with a sigh.

“Then…what is it?” I asked worriedly. “Cause it looked like a Junimo…but it was shaped like Night Flower if that’s what she looked like.”

"Because in a way, it is." Guff said, Turing to look at me. "You know how they say, the ones we love the most are never really gone, so long as we remember and cherish them in our hearts and memories? That, is what that was. I call them Fragments. Little bits of the people you hold dearest that remain with you even when they themselves are no longer amongst the living."

“Jeez…love so strong it literally manifests into a little spirit…” I said.

"Yes, it's quite nice and… humbling, in a way. So, you got what you wanted?"

“Yep, which apparently both of them belonged to Star.” I said. “Had Jumino’s stickered onto both the Radio and TV.”

"Really? Wow." Guff said, looking inside the house and seeing the radio and TV. "I wasn't expecting to see those again. Not after the mayor cleared out the rest of Melody's items that weren't given away."

“Yeah, was surprised to see them in Second Hoof to be honest.”

"Well, your metal finished a while ago, it's just cooling now. Another hour and we can pull it out safely."

"Sweet." I nodded. "Can't wait to see what I can make with it."

With an hour to kill before the metal was cooled I decided to mess with the radio. Plugging it in and looking the multiple nobs and buttons that make up its controls, I noticed something. There was a cassette in the cassette player.

"That's strange…" I muttered, trying to turn on the cassette player to see what was on the mysterious cassette.

I quickly found and pushed the Play button, the tap began rolling and A simple yet pleasant song began to play.

It was a short song, barely over a minute long but I really enjoyed it.

"That was nice." I said warmly, making this place feel a little more like home.

I was a little upset the music was so short, but It didn't take long at all to rewind the tape and play it again. I did this several times before switching back to the radio option.

So far there was one music station, one local station telling about events and news, and one that seemed to be running nonstop adds for Barnyard Bargains, broken up by the music they must play in that store.

"We get it Filthy, you have a big business…" I shook my head at the Barnyard Bargains radio station. "Now, let's see what's on TV…or find out if it even works…"

Plugging the TV in I initially got static. But after messing with the antenna on it I managed to get in the free channels. There was a channel all about cooking, one that apparently tells viewers their fortune, one that is all about nature, wilderness survival and even farming, one that tells the news, and the last one was a TV shopping channel for, you guessed it, Barnyard Bargains. Yeesh that franchise is everywhere.

“Well…at least a few of the channels are worth watching.” I muttered. “Need to learn to cook, and any of the nature tips I can get will be lifesavers.”

I decided to settle on the nature show. The host, a young stallion named Big Sugar who was going over the basics of farming. He even shared a quick recipe for baked apples. Just bake the apples in an oven.

The hour was up and I went outside to pull the new ingot out of the furnace and put in some more raw ore. "Ms. Days, come see this!" Guff called from a bit aways. I looked around and was honestly amazed at how much of the property he already cleared.

“Good lord Guff, did you even take a break?” I asked worriedly.

"Of course, I am an old bird after all." He said with a laugh. "But enough about that, this is what I wanted to show you." He said, moving the stump from his lated chopped tree, uprooting it and tossing it aside. Behind it and many other trees was a small pond. It wasn't but at all, maybe the size of a jacuzzi, but it looked oddly deep.

“What’s with the…weirdly deep pond?” I inquired.

"There's another a lot further into the trees that's a lot larger. But fun fact, all the ponds, lakes and even the nearby ocean are all connected through underwater tunnels." Guff informed. "From here, we can fish up lots of interesting aquatic life, seaweed, and sometimes even treasures."

“That…sounds like a horror story waiting to happen.” I said nervously.

"Don't worry, the tunnels under the ponds on this farm are too small for anything bigger than a catfish to swim through."

“Well… that’s at least a positive.” I nodded. “Well… better set up a fishing spot.”

"If you want fishing supplies, then no better than Captain Rusty. He has a shop set up on the dock at the beach."

“Ah yes, the best place to find fishing equipment, is from the Captain themselves.” I chuckled.

"Heh, yes well, he is a ninth generation Fisher pony, or so he says."

“As long as he’s a respected Fisher pony than I’m all for it.” I nodded.

"He is, nice, a but odd but so is most everyone else in this town. Oh, and since I saw you don't have much food left I went foraging again. Found a wild apple tree."

“Fantastic.” I nodded. “Was going to have to go shopping soon but that’ll at least help stave that bit off.”

"They're in a box by my tent, help yourself when you want. Once you set up this farm proper with some products growing you can talk to the mayor about a sales bin."

“Works for me.” I nodded. “Thanks again Guff…no idea what I’d do without your help.”

"Probably struggle, panic a bit and all that." He said with a chuckle.

“I mean…yeah.” I admitted sheepishly.

With a chuckle I walked over to Guff's tent, picking up a few apples and washing them off before eating them and then heading back inside. I decided to check the book and there was some new things here. A page of recipes, a page of what I think are the items that used to belong to Melody that were donated, given it shows the TV and Radio here. A page showing the cassette tapes… there are seventy?! And I also had a small section in friends with Pinkerton. Wow, three hearts already? That was… fast. Then again he was really sweet and friendly.

“Well…so far so good…” I muttered. “Wonder if I can get cable here?”

The farm was as it was when it was in it's prime again. Back when Melody owned it. Looking around, I could see I was alone here again. Not even my Junimo was here oddly.

I walked around the farm, then to the Junimo Tree. It was how it used to be too. Hm, strange. Usually when I come here it's for a talk or to show me something important.

“Hello?” I called out through the Tree. “Anyone here?”

Nothing. I left the tree and headed back to the farm, but stopped. I looked back the other way, to Hopper's family farm. I wonder, if the Tree and Melody's farm is like that, maybe the rest of the town is too.

“Hmm…” I hummed, walking along towards Hopper’s farm and wondering what I could find there.

Upon arriving I was slack jawed. It was so… different. Most of the animal coops were here still but painted differently. The variety of crops was also less, focusing mostly on gords, melons and carrots it seemed. The walkway was also gravel, not the dirt I'm used to.

The farmhouse was the most different, painted a dark blue on the walls and a dark grey on the roof.

“What in the world…” I muttered in shock at what I’m seeing. “This…how is it so different?”

"Well, it is from when I was alive." I jumped, looking behind me as Melody was suddenly there. "Glad to see you here."

“Uh, hi there.” I said to Melody. “Glad to see you're still here Melody.”

"Well, yeah, I live here."

“That’s also true, but I didn’t see anyone else around the normal spots so I wasn’t sure.” I shrugged. “So how’ve you been?”

"Good, was just visiting some friends in town."

“Really?” I inquired. “Oh, I also found your radio and tv.”

"Really? Wow, wondered what happened to those things. I have all my stuff here so I just wondered where they went. I know I left a few things to friends in my will."

“Yeah, Pinkerton was keeping them in his store…and also did you paint those Jumnio’s on them?”

"Oh you met Pinkerton?! How is he, Night Flower has been so impatient, she knows he'll get here eventually but she wants her husband now and has been so needy."

“I can tell because of that weird Jumino of her always by his side.” I said honestly. “And…well he’s stubborn, so I don’t think he’ll be dying anytime soon.”

"That's what I tell her, but she's in her prime here so she's mostly looking forward to him getting here, in his prime. She has been planning those activities for the last five years."

“Yeah…that sounds about right.” I nodded. “Glad you didn’t get…explicit.”

"Yeah, well I've walked in on them one time and I don't want to dig those memories back up. So, since you're here, want a tour of the town?"

“Yes please.” I nodded. “Also, how old is Guff?”

"I don't know." Melody shrugged. "He was already in town when I moved there so, no idea. Tried asking back in the Pioneer but they didn't know either, he and his friends just kinda showed up shortly after they got to work building."

Wait what?

“Hold up, that would make him well over a hundred wouldn’t it?” I asked nervously.

"Probably." Melody shrugged again.

“Oh boy…” I muttered. “And he’s currently helping me get the farm back up and running…he also found a neat little pond.”

"Oh I love the ponds, always pulling up a fish or something weird. Once pulled up a fossil of a starfish."

“That’s really cool.” I said. “I thought it was a horror story waiting to happen when I was told it connects to every body of water through underground tunnels.”

"Heh, I thought the same thing when I moved there. It's why I asked Guff and the guild to make sure none of the ponds tunnels would let a shark or something through."

"Hopefully." I nodded. "So…I might have done a bad thing recently…"

"What did you do?"

"I may have…threatened a demon…" I said nervously.

"Come again?" Melody asked with a raised brow.

“Exactly what I said…I threatened a fire demon that burned a Jumino tree…because it thought it could sass and threaten me and the new life I wanted.”

"Well, because it can." Melody said, making me recoil. She sighed. "Follow me." I followed her back to the farm, the inside of her small home was so neat. The TV, radio and all other decorations and furniture were here. She gave me a bottled soda and we sat down. "The demons that escaped the Junimo world are extremely dangerous. Like the end the world kind of deadly."

“I kinda got that when it was talking all that good shit.” I commented. “Being ‘the hatred of the world’ and all that nonsense.” I said. “But one thing he was ever so kind to tell me, is that the power of friendship and love can defeat him.”

"Well he is a creation of the Wendigos, so of course he shares their weakness. The thing is, unlike them, he doesn't have your normal physical body. He can only possess a physical body, and from there influence their host and the world around them. They can readily and quickly swap between hosts too."

“Crap…” I frowned. “So…we can only lock them away or something?”

"With great difficulty both magically and in finding them to begin with. Plus finding their host and that will be a hoof full given they probably influence someone within a seat or group of power."

“Right…” I said carefully. “So it’s going to be a massive pain in the ass all around…but I could just wait for them to come to me in all honesty.” I shrugged. “They want me dead, and they’re serious enough to do it personally.”

"Oh they won't do that." Melody said, taking a sip of her drink. "They don't want creatures dead, that was their makers, the Windigos job. They want us to be miserable. They gain power from our misery."

“Fair…” I frowned. “Jeez…this is gonna get a lot more complicated…”

"They will attack you through the ponies and people you care most about though." Melody added flatly.

“Well…good thing I have a way to notice when that asshole is acting up.” I said honestly. “Cause just like in the Neighpone novels, I have special eyes.” I said with a minor flourish for the dramatic.

"Look, I can admire the confidence, but are you sure you aren't biting off more than you can chew?"

“Considering…what I’ve had to deal with for a majority of my life…” I sighed. “Probably…”

"Well, for your sake I hope they don't do anything too soon."

“Hopefully…” I sighed out. “So how have you been?”

"I've been here so all in all fine. How about you? I can only imagine how much Gravel's farm has changed, let alone the town."

“Well, for starters Barnyard Bargains has both it’s own channel and it’s own radio station.” I said honestly.

"Heh, wondered if that happened. I remember when that store first came to town. Every creature swore it would be the death of the local business. Ended up being a healthy competition and they purchased a lot of local products to sell to travelers and tourists."

“That’s true…if anything I’ve heard, Filthy does extremely care about the local businesses and people.”

"Yes, his brother Dirty Rich ran the store back before. His son took over shortly before I… passed. Economy Rich was the colt's name. Such a sweet Colt."

“Well that’s good to know.” I nodded.

"So, discovered any of the town's secrets yet?"

"Not yet, but fought a slime though in the mines." I answered.

"Oh I hate those things. They're all over the place and they burn like a hot oven when they touch you."

“Yeah, I found that out real quick from touching one.” I said. “But hey, the slime they drop is interesting enough.”

"Oh yes, it has a lot of uses. It's a waterproof glue, extremely strong once applied and can sell for a fair amount."

“That would be fantastic.” I said happily.

"I recommend storing them in a jar, oh, and the different breeds of slimes all give different types of slime balls."

“Fantastic to know.” I nodded. “Is there anything else in the mines I should be worried about?”

"Well, aside from the main mine, there are some others I know of and one I've heard of."

“Please tell me before I somehow find a giant worm down there.”

"Well, nearby the main mine entrance is a second cave, it's not that big but it's almost like a maze, and the monsters there are way stronger than the normal ones you find. Plus the ever present darkness and sense of dread and terror in the air doesn't help. Then, a short train ride to a town near the badlands has another mine, but this one is more of a dungeon. No idea how deep it goes, never made it to the bottom. Then there's some islands off the coast Rusty talked about a few times."

“I’ve heard about Rusty from Guff, but not too much.” I said honestly. “Is he a more ‘see to believe’ kind of pony?”

"Well, it's less see to believe and more 'Has stories to tell'."

“Oh boy, can’t wait to see how an entire day disappears listening to him.” I chuckled.

"If you do, I remembered talking to him at the Pelican Salon. Just about everyone in town goes there when the day ends and hangs out. It's how I met just about everyone."

“Sounds like a bar.” I said. “Which…honestly I need a drink for a lot of reasons…”

"It's a salon, while yes they serve beer and such they also serve sodas, lots of good food, and they have a game room."

I perked up at hearing that. “Game Room?”

"Yeah. Before I passed, they had a large pool table, darts, chess table, and they got a few arcade cabinets too."

“Oh thank Luna I can play some video games.” I sighed out thankfully.

"Yeah. I remember they came with some competition thing or something. Wonder if anyone won it?"

“I’m sure someone did.” I shrugged. “Can’t wait to play some games after this…hopefully all the farm work hasn’t made me rusty…”

"Hopefully not. Well, all that aside anything you wanna know about Stardrop Town from my time?"

“Anything and everything that can help.” I said readily.

"Hmm, well, there was a few projects I was never able to complete. Some things I never found and some plants I never got to grow. But you probably want more helpful information. Hmm… I got it, my old book."

"Which I have and am using a lot thankfully…unless it's another book I probably haven't found yet."

"No, that's not my book. The Junimos make a new book for each creature they choose. My book is still out there."

"Where was your book last?" I inquired.

"Well, I remember in my Will I left all my books and such to the Library/Museum. So odds are that's where it ended up."

"Alright." I nodded. "Time to look there…but if it's at a museum I might be unable to get to it…"

"Well, it's both a museum and library. Started off as a library but the owner at the time wanted to expand and added the museum to it. Odds are since so few creatures can even see the contents of the books they probably kept it in storage or something."

“Ah, yeah that makes sense.” I nodded.

"Aside from my book, you can try and look into other possible creatures like us, chosen by the Junimos and see what they were like."

“That would help a lot.” I nodded. “Maybe Guff would know?”

"Maybe." Melody said with a shrug.

I awoke to the rooster that had become my alarm clock, yawning as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and grabbed a few apples for breakfast. I decided to sit and watch my new TV. Let's see'

"Trottingham Mafia heads Cloudy Days and Stormy Afternoon were arrested late last night following an anonymous tip given to police about the locations of several mass grave sites."

I nearly choked on my apple. Mom, dad?!

“Hold on what!?!” I shouted in absolute shock.

"Upon their arrest police also found countless documents pointing to crimes in drug trafficking, kidnapping, felony tax evasion, and many more. The two are being held in custody, but many are already declaring they will receive the maximum punishment of Petrification Imprisonment for their crimes."

“Oh shit…” I muttered.

I mentally panicked. How, mom and dad are always so organized and efficient and… that spirit… shit, this is what Melody warned me about…

“God damn it…” I muttered. “I mean…to be honest they deserved it for doing all those illegal shit…but who’s going to look after all the other people in Manehattan? A quarter of it was going to orphanages!” I snapped.

This is not good, this is not good.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The knock of the door scared me witless until Guff's voice spoke. "Morning Ms. Days, you have a package."

A package? How? What?

“Uh…sure…” I started. “Thank you Guff…”

I opened the door and slid the package inside. It was unmarked, no postage stamps or anything. Just nothing. I opened it carefully and inside was a box, a file folder packed with documents, an information storage crystal, and a recorder.

“Alright…I’m pretty sure this has something to do with my parents…” I muttered as I took the box over and brought out the recorder and storage crystal and tried to get that set up to see what message was on it.

I pushed play on the recorder, and my dad's voice spoke from it.

"Lovely. If you are hearing this then, well, then it means you're alive and your mother and I… aren't, or won't be, depending. I hope by the time you hear this, you're old enough to be on your own, and old enough to know what your mother and I do, or did, for a living,"

“More than you two knew…” I frowned. “You have no idea how often I had to sneak away just to see some of it…and thankfully it was some of the good…”

"I hope by the time you've learned the truth, you've learned the bad also came with the good. Just know that, for every live ended, two, or more, were saved. For every fortune stolen, someone's life got better, and for every drug smuggled, someone in need of medication got it. It don't justify all the death and blood on my hooves, but it's helped me live with it,

“Yeah…” I nodded. “I understand dad…”

"When you were born, we looked into why your eyes are the way they are and given your own curiosity, the odds are you might know what they are. Special remnant of old magic from long ago before Equestria was founded. The power to see love and watch it grow in ways no pony else could ever understand, not even Princess Cadence. A gift like that doesn't belong in the world your mother and I live in. So we tried to keep you away from it, both to protect you, and selfishly, us. A gift like yours, our enemies could have used you or sold you off. Your mom used to joke that best case scenario, you'd be Princess Cadence's student or something and end up a princess. Heh, course if that did happen then I don't think the world would like a Princess whose parents are well known Mafia heads."

“Anyone that wasn’t under your protection wouldn’t be…too keen.” I said carefully. “Tartarus knows what everyone in town would think…”

"By now you're probably wondering what's in the storage crystal. Simple. It's a map. All across Equestria, hide outs and supplies the Mafia kept in case the law caught up with us. Now that it has, I imagine a lot of members will be fleeing to them. Go there or don't, your choice. The file folder is filled with all your information. Social security, birth certificate… we thought it would be best if we replaced our names on it, best chance for you to start your own life with no paper trail to us. There is also legal, yes legal, documents leaving various accounts and stock holdings in a few business to you. Use them or burn them, the choice is yours Lovely."

I sighed out. “I’m not going to burn them…first of all, that’s a buck ton of money if I remember some of your stock holdings, and the accounts probably hold just as much…” I muttered. “But…I might need to travel around, gather up the gang…Celestia and Luna’s non-existent love child, what am I even thinking?”

"Now, I'm gonna let your mother say some words."

A short second later, my mom's voice began speaking through it. "Hello sweetie. Oh I hope wherever you are, you're safe and have a roof over your head."

“Not that hard to get one where I’m at mom…” I muttered.

"Lovely, I just want you to know that… when you ran away… I was so terrified, and so proud. Finding out you were planning and being sneaky behind our backs. A normal mother would be mad, but I'm proud. The skills we used to stay alive in the Underworld of Equestria, you used to flee from us, and it seems it couldn't have been at a better time. It tells me you'll be alright without us, on your own. No jury or judge in this or any kingdom won't sentence us to the Petrification Imprisonment, and odds are it will be for a lifetime. Just… if you want to, visit us, when we end up in the Garden of Prisoners from time to time."

“Damn it mom…” I couldn’t help but tear up at the fact that I was hearing my own mom say ‘come visit our petrified corpses from time to time, displayed for all to see in some sick twisted form of humor’.

"Your father already put all the financial and identity paperwork in there, well, I put in all the recipes of all your favorite foods. Even some… special, recipes. In case you ever get bored or need some quick cash, though given your father's gift I doubt it."

“Well…at least I have that…”

"Just stay safe, and live your own life sweet heart. And remember, just because you can see others' love doesn't mean you can't find it for yourself. We love you Lovely. Never forget that."

With that, the recording ended.

I tried my best to stay standing, to stay strong, for mom and dad…even as I heard my own tears hitting the floor. “Damn it…”

I cried into my pillow, getting it all out as much as possible. I still had my work on Hopper's family farm, and I need a distraction… I guess… I'll live… it's what they wanted for me.

Taking Action

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It was late and I was still up. I kept looking through the papers Mom and Dad left me. There is quite the fortune in these papers, all of it is mine now. It's more bits than honestly I'll ever use. I could pay off the farm I'm on, and do all kinds of things with this money but… then what?

“All this money…and all these connection’s all of a sudden and I have absolutely no idea how to use it all…” I groaned, sifting through more papers.

The bits, hideout locations, something legal so I can blend into normal society… I've wanted a normal life for as long as I can remember… Why does that feel bad now?

Eventually I just put everything back into the folder and sat there on the floor. I need to clear my head.

Without a word I went outside, the moon was up and the sky was clear. I walked and walked til I was in the town proper. Looks so weird being this late and… is that… music?

Following the noise I came across an old looking building. The stone and wood it was made of was aged but standing strong, a sign hanging from slightly rusty chains read 'Stardew Tavern' in big golden letters. Through the windows the lights were on, music was playing and the spins of ponies inside talking was fairly clear.

“Gonna need a drink after all this nonsense…” I muttered, heading into the tavern and hoping it’ll at least get me some relaxation.

Opening the door, I was met by the thick scent of various alcohols, foods and the fair volumed music of a record player blasting away it's music carefree.

Walking inside-

"Hey Lovely." I turned, seeing Cloud Hopper trott up to me. "Surprised you're here."

“Oh, hey Cloud…and yeah, just found this place while I…was clearing my head." I said carefully. “What are you doing here?”

"I always come here. Well, at least as often as I can." He said, waving a hoof around. "The Stardew Tavern here is where everypony in town comes at least once a week to unwind, socialize and catch up." He said as I looked around, seeing various ponies… Griffons, a Minotaur and all kinds of creatures here. Huh. I had no idea the town was so… diverse. "So, here to eat, drink or just pass the time?"

“Yes.” I nodded. “Cause…I have a lot to think about still, and I’d rather not right now.”

"Heh, well then come along now." Hopper lead to to a seat at the bar table. Here I was greeted by a Zebra with a black and purple striped mane. "This here is Gargle. Owner of the tavern and resident Zebra."

"Half, actually." Gargle said with a smirk and chuckle. "Purple is not a color native to the Zebras." He explained. "So, what brings the new filly in town to my humble home of good food and better booze?"

“I need to stop thinking.” I sighed. “Too much is on my mind, and I’d like to stop.”

"I see. Ever had beer or liquor before?"

“Nope.” I shook my head.

"Alright then, something light to start you off with then." He said, rummaging under the bar for a second before pulling up a wooden mug with a fuzzy red drink in it.

I took it to my nose and sniffed. I smelled beer, I knew how it smelled, but also… lemon and tomato?

With a shugg I sipped it. The beer taste was there, blended with the tomatoes and lemon giving it a pleasant tang.

“Huh, that’s pretty good.” I nodded.

"Thanks. It's a special mix they make over in Nehico, makes the beer less strong, more flavorful and it's good for first time drinkers."

“Works for me.” I nodded, taking another swig of my flavorful drink. “Gonna be enjoying this for as long as I can…”

"I'll take it, you'll be wanting a tab as well?" Gargle asked with a smirk.

“Might as well.” I nodded. “Gonna be here for…a while.”

With a nod he walked off to the back and I sat there nursing my drink.

"So, any reason ya seem gloomier than a storm cloud?" Hopper asked from his seat next to me.

“Well…” I tried to think of how to spin this. “Just learned that my parents are…in a coma.” I said carefully, which might technically be true if they’re stuck in Stone for Celestia know’s how long. “So I’m still processing that…”

"Shit, how'd that happen?" Hopper asked.

“They…had an accident.” I answered slowly, and while that might be a bold faced lie, it at least goes well with the ‘their in a coma’ bit.

"Well, are they gonna wake up?"

“I wouldn’t have gotten their living will if it was going to be anytime soon.” I sighed.

Hopper for quiet for a while, before pulling me into a surprise hug. Wings and hooves wrapped around my body… woah… Pegasi wings are… really warm. "If ya need some company I'm more than happy to lend an ear or time." He said.

I was blushing a bit… this is the first time a Colt aside my dad has ever hugged me…

“Uh…thanks Hopper.” I stuttered a bit, nervous as shit about the hug but…just finding it so warm and comforting after all that crap.

When Hopper broke the big I was a little sad but didn't fight it. "Beer and some pretzels here, Gargle." Hopper said as the barkeep nodded, quickly bringing up another mug of pure beer from under the table and a plate of pretzels. "I can't imagine that… I know they ain't… gone like but…" He sighed, taking a drink of his own beer before speaking again. "I can't imagine if something like that happened to my parents. Heck I about cried when my sister left for school."

Sister?

“You…have a sister?” I asked curiously.

Hopper chuckled. "Yeah. She went up to Manehattan to study in a fancy school to become a doctor. Plans on coming back to town and working in the local hospital. Small town, not many big city medicines or specialists. She wanted to bring all that here. Name's Gummy Vitamin but everypony just calls her Vita. She's adopted like me but she's a unicorn."

"Huh…that's neat." I nodded. "Can't wait to meet her."

"It'll be a wait. Her next vacation don't start for another three months and she still has another year before she graduates." Hopper said, taking a swing of his beer and a bite of some pretzels. "I think you two would get along. Just stay on her good side. She's got a temper the likes of which dragon fire can't compete with." He said with a chuckle.

"I can imagine." I chuckled, taking a swing of my beer as well.

"So… what were they like? Your folk's? I remember you said they were overprotective and you were trying to get away from them but… you got good memories of them don't you?"

"Well…" I thought for a bit, trying to think of some happy memories. “Well…dad taught me how to play catch.” I shrugged, remembering that small bit and it was nice.

"Heh, that seems like a gold standard. What about your ma? Or… other pa?"

“Mom, and some memories with her…well, she taught me some tailoring, in case I ever ruined any of my dresses when we wanted to go out to a fancy dinner.”

"That's nice." Hopper smiled as we both took another drink. "Sometimes I used to wonder about my mother. Never knew her, but I wondered."

“I’m sorry to hear that.” I sighed.

Hopper shrugged. "I got over it. I was a baby when Dad and Pa adopted me and frankly they're all I ever knew. I have a good family, and I like to think that's what my birth mother wanted for me, something she probably couldn't give me herself."

“That’s fair.” I nodded. “Parents…always want to make sure their children are happy, no matter what.”

"So, pardon being nosy but… what did they leave ya?"

“Everything…” I sighed.

"Everything?"

“Everything they owned, all the money they saved in their will for me…until they get better, I own everything my immediate family own’s…”

"And I reckon given the way you're talkin… it's a lot?"

“More bit’s than I have any right to know how to use, a lot of supplies, and…workers.” I said carefully.

"Must have been some business." You have no idea… I thought as Hopper took another swig of his beer. I did the same. "Heck I barely know what to do with the bits Dad and Pa give me when working on the farm. Got any plans for your… inheritance?"

“Buck if I know…” I sighed out. “I could just buy the land outright, but then what else would I use it on?”

"Well, barns, animals, crops… refined goods." Hopper said with a shrug. "Honestly whatever you want on the land would be yours for having. Though frankly I think if I had that much money I'd probably just put it into the community and such."

“I mean, that would be good…but I don’t think that’s a good idea…” I said carefully.

"Why not? I know the mayor would be pleased as punch for the donations and the savings it would give to the town budget."

“I’ll probably still donate, don’t get me wrong.” I said honestly. “But…there’s a lot of things I need to take care of…”

"I guess you'll be needing a few days to settle the business then?"

“Yeah…I’ll be needing to settle a lot of business…” I sighed, not knowing what in the world I’m going to do with half the family given the current situation.

"I'll tell my folks. I'm sure for a family matter they'll be fine with you needing time off."

“I’m sure I can still work while dealing with that.” I said honestly. “I’d rather not let this get in the way of helping you all.”

"It's fine. Only folks more understanding about family aside from mine are probably the Apple Family." He chuckled. "We can probably give ya a week if it helps, plus If you have as many bits as you say," And then some… "Then you can probably just pay off the farm when ya come back and all's good."

“Yeah…that’ll probably be for the best.” I nodded.

The time passed, and Hopper and I just talked about anything and everything. I got home late and slept in til almost noon. I was so happy I normally wear Sunglasses… so this is what a hangover feels like? Glad Gargle gave me a light one all in all. Could be worse.

"Ugh…this blows…" I muttered in pain.

I got up and quickly stretched, waking up some before packing the papers into my saddle bags. Okay… guess It's time to head out…

"Right this way miss Days." The teller at the bank told me.

The train ride to Baltimare was a simple one, and from here I found the bank where the first… set of accounts mom and dad left me were.

I followed them to a large office where a rather fancy dressed pony sat behind a desk. I took a seat and once the teller that brought me left they spoke. "So, you're Lovely Days. Sole inheritor of the Baltimare Mafia family fortune?" They asked me.

I took a deep breath and composed myself. "And what if I am?"

"You need not worry. Your family, and now you, owns a hefty sum of the shares of this bank and played a fair part in it's prosperity. A few ghost accounts is the least I could offer as the 'official' owner of this bank." They said with a smile. "My name is Deposit Box. I must say, I had hoped this day wouldn't have come, least of all so soon."

"Neither did I…but a damn monster got to them…" I growled.

"Yes, well I am aware there are several other banks to which you need to visit today so I will keep this brief. As you and I know your parents left you with all legal ownership of these hidden accounts. While withdrawing all the bits they hold is ill advised I am giving you the Debit and Credit cards linked to them as well as an enchanted coin purse that will allow you instant access to your accounts funds in cash whenever you wish. There are several accounts each with four million bits each." If I was drinking water I'd have done a spit take. What came out was a mix between a cough and a wheeze. "Totaling twenty million bits in total and the legal account you also own are where your rights and such as this bank's shareholder deposit your funds for being a, well, shareholder, so a legal account of sixty thousand bits plus the monthly deposit of two thousand bits."

"That's…a whole lotta bits…" I said after getting my breathing under control. "So…that's cool…"

"Yes, seems you're reached the wealth most Canterlot Nobility take generations to achieve. But, that's besides the point." Deposit Box said as he gave me the two cards and the bits bag. "I also have the ones for the legal account." He added, handing me those. "That should be about it and, if I may, I am sorry this happened. Your family did bad things but they did just as much good. I knew your parents well and I am sorry."

"Yeah…" I sighed. "Thanks Deposit…means a lot…"

"Any time. If you ever need help financially, I'm willing to lend some help."

I doubt I ever will.

The rest of the banks I visited were basically the same. My parents might have been criminals but they did a lot of good. In total I visited ten banks, each with five hidden accounts with four million bits each so I have a total of two hundred million bits in the hidden funds and the other legal accounts I inherited from stocks, property and ECT funds gave me a total of nine hundred thousand bits or so with a total monthly income of twenty seven thousand bits a month…

More money than a single pony should have a right to own…

At this point my saddle bags were stuffed with debit and credit cards and bit bags enchanted to withdraw whatever I need or want in cash…

I was sitting in a diner now, trying to process the fact my parents actually had this much money…

"How in Celestia's massive teats did they manage all this money?" I muttered incredulously.

I groaned as I ate my meal before paying and giving a generous tip. With that done I headed out to the final place I needed to go to. As you can guess it's one of the Safehouses. The documents listed them as being all over Equestria but there was one in Baltimare.

Arriving at the address I was greeted by a strip mall. the stores were varied and all fairly busy.

"You Lovely Days?" A mare, pink coat and brown mane asked as she walked up next to me.

"Yes…" I said carefully. "And who are you?"

"Follow me." She said. Cautiously I followed the strange mare around back where, using her magic, levitated over a trash can hiding a cellar door. Once it was opened and she lead me down and closing the way behind her I was greeted by a surprise hug. "Oh it's so good to see you're alright, I was so worried."

"Well…hugs are always a welcome surprise." I chuckled.

"Oh, right, you probably don't recognize me." She said, taking a step back. Her horn lit up and in a flash of magic I was looking at a slightly older mare with a light green coat and orange mane… Hayfields! She was my nanny as a filly and my maid when I got older. She took care of me and gave me my education.

"Hayfield!" I shouted in glee, hugging my nanny happily. "I missed you so much!"

"There there." She said, patting my back gently. "It warms my heart to see you well, mistress."

"I…was so scared it got you too…" I said, so thankful the rat bastard didn't get her at least.

"No dear, the Cops may have raided the manor but I was out gathering ingredients."

“No…not them.” I shook my head. “The…the one that got the cops on mom and dad…”

"The head detective?" Right… she wouldn't know… and probably can't know… ugh, how do I explain this without… I'll have to bring her to the valley for her to see it to believe it.

“H-hey…how about…you come with me to visit the town I’m staying at.” I offered. “Just…to get away from all this for a bit, it’s a nice little farming village.”

"That sounds fantastic, and I did promise your parents I'd look after you. But there are a few things here we should take as well."

“I already went to all the banks…what else is there?” I inquired.

"A few personal items I collected once the police vacated." She said, using her magic to bring over several photo albums, my collection of Monsters of Equestria trading cards, and the OnO game mom, dad and I would play.

“Oh my Luna, you are the best!” I said happily.

"I live to ensure you're happy and satisfied, mistress. So, where will we be going exactly?"

“The town’s called Stardrop, and it’s a really nice place with a lot of friendly people.”

"Sounds relaxing. Well then, let's be off." She said, lighting her horn up and readorning that disguise.

We got back to Stardrop Town late and Guff seemed asleep, so I just walked myself and Hayfield inside my small little home. "So, this land is yours?" Hayfield asked.

“Well, the land that came with this house, yes.” I nodded. “There’s…a lot to unpack with what I’ve come to learn here…this place is really weird to say the least.”

"Hm, well it will be interesting to be living on a farm. By the way, why is there an… encampment on the property?"

“Oh, that’s probably Guff’s encampment, he’s a…very old griffon that can help me tell you half of the weirdness of this town.”

"Hm, how did you meet?"

“I saw him watching me from the tree’s over there.” I said, pointing a hoof to the tree line. “He was…very fast and honestly scared me for a bit…but we met and talked and he’s a kind old Griffon…he’s also really, really big.”

"Big?" She asked me with a raised brow.

“Like, physically big.” I said. “He’s about the size…if not slightly bigger than one of the farmhands, which is an earth pony stallion.” I answered.

"I see. I didn't think Griffins got that big. Well, in any case it's a charming little home mistress. I hope tomorrow I can meet some of these ponies and creatures and thank them for looking after you."

“Yeah…I’m sure you’ll love to meet everyone here.” I said honestly.

The next morning came and I woke up to the scent of… eggs and toast? Looking up, the table had a plate of eggs and jam covered toast. Heh. I guess Hayfield gets up earlier than me.

I ate then headed outside where I saw Hayfields and Guff talking. Guff was chopping trees and Hayfield was using her magic to pull weeds and cut tall grass.

“Glad to see you two are getting along well…” I yawned.

"Good morning mistress." Hayfield greeted me with a nod.

"Morning miss Days." Guff said. "Miss Hayfield and I were just talking, sharing stories."

“Hopefully it wasn’t anything embarrassing on my end…” I brought up.

"No." Guff said with a chuckle.

"Nothing of importance my little lumberjack." Hayfield added with a smirk.

I huffed. “What did you two talk about?”

"I was just informing miss Hayfield here of how you've been since arriving here in town."

“Well…that’s fine.” I nodded. “But again, glad to see you two are getting along well.”

"Yes, I will admit I had my reservation about Guff here but he is quite the gentleman." Hayfield said.

"You flatter me." Guff said as he chopped another tree down. "Once all the trees are down all that will be left are the rocks, old trunks and the few boulders around."

“That’s good.” I nodded. “I’ll get the pick to help with the rock’s and boulders.” I said, heading back to get the pick to get rid of the pesky rocks.

Once I gave Guff the pickaxe I headed off to find Copper Pot and Bricks. I had with me one of those coin purses and was ready to pay off the land.

Thankfully I found Bricks. He was surprised to see me back so soon but I told him I was ready to pay it off.

"Well, we were only gonna charge you/have you work til you paid off the lands worth when Melody first bought it. So, given how much you've put in already… it's about six thousand bits left. Are you sure you can pay that off already?"

"And then some." I said while pulling out my magic coin purse and grabbing a bag, then just dumping six thousand bits out of it.

The look on Brick's face was… honestly priceless.

Once he got his jaw off the floor and managed to compose himself he just smiled and wished me luck on the farm, and that I am welcome to visit at any time.

With that done I decided to try and actually start that farm… what should I grow?

"Hmm…" I hummed, checking the date to see what I should probably grow now or plan on growing the next harvest cycle.

It was already late spring. Best to find some summer crops. Now… what would be a good summer crop? This is my first time so maybe focus on one thing for now…

I was in the general store. Thankfully seed packets for summer were here… hm, well, maybe… radishes? They are on sale. I picked up four packs of them and headed to the counter.

"Four radish packets." I said, starting to dig into my bag to get the bits.

"That's thirty two… say, you're the new mare in town right? I saw ya the other day with Hopper at the tavern." The clerk asked.

"Yes I am." I nodded. "And thirty two bits?"

"Oh, yes.. I'm Mini Mart. Glad to meet you finally."

“Nice to meet you Mini.” I nodded, putting down the thirty two bits. “But I didn’t do…anything too weird last night right?”

"No, but I will admit you're the first filly to ever keep Hopper's attention that long." He chuckled, adjusting his glasses. Getting a better look at the stallion, I noticed his light brown mane was in a bowl cut, a purple coat and green eyes behind his rather thick glasses. "Don't think even my daughter has ever kept his attention that long. Heh, then again they grew up together. Probably sees her more like a sister."

“Well, glad to know I’m an attention grabber.” I chuckled. “But…it was a well needed talk for me after all the crap I had to go through.”

"Given how sour ya looked, I suppose. Well, if ya need seeds, fertilizer or specialty backpacks, just let me know. I sell a little bit of everything."

“Thanks.” I nodded with a smile. “Fully paid off the farm so I thought of starting to work it ya know?”

"Seriously? That was fast. Say, mind if I ask ya something?"

"Ask away." I said politely.

"Well, as you can guess majority of the town gets their supplies either from my shop or Barnyard Bargains. Now I have a healthy rivalry with them, the manager Gold Tooth Rich is a nice Colt, but I really wish I had something extra to sell. They already sell lots of stuff, mainly processed and electronic goods, but I was wondering if you could manage to have that farm of yours make crops to turn into processed or refined goods, like jams, mayo, cheese, wine. Brick's and Copper's farm makes a few things but nothing that can help compete with Bargains. Plus, I know aside from the general towns folks, some of the restaurants here will be happy to not have to import those items. Saves them money and all."

"Sure." I nodded. "Happy to help Mini."

"Thanks. I know it's asking a lot and it will take some time to develop, just, when you do just let me know. I'll talk to the others and let them know the news."

"It's alright." I said simply. "Was gonna have to start sometime, and if it helps the people in this town, then I'll happily do it."

With that done I went back to the farm. Once back I grabbed the hoe and got to work… damn dirty mind…

The instructions were simple. Plant one packet in a one foot by one foot square of space, a single til. Remove any clay, rocks, or debris from the soil before hoof- What the heck?

My first and only needed strike on the soil, the hoe hit something. Pulling it back, expecting stone … instead I pull up a dirty, but still good condition… wooden chicken statue… the heck?

“Uh…why is there a wooden chicken statue here?” I asked in confusion.

"Oh, I haven't seen one of these in a while." Guff said as he walked over, picking up and using a wing to dust it off. "These things are all over the Valley. Remnant of the Three Tribes when they'd wander around in ever moving nomadic herds. You can find stuff like that all the time around here. Melody found a lot of these and usually sold them. She kept one for decoration."

“That’s…weird.” I frowned. “Alright, I shouldn’t have found this on my first hit…plus…how is this even here if she found a lot of them?”

"They're all over the place. Old and historic, sure but you can find these things all over Equestria. Earth Pony carvings, their magic makes the wood last basically forever. But as for why you found one. Personally I think some rather juvenile Junimos enjoy planting things like this all over the place to mess with creatures."

"Junimos?" Heyfield asked as she walked over.

“Ah, so about that.” I started. “It’s…weird, and I still barely understand it, but Juminos are nature spirit’s, been around for longer than…probably everyone.” I said honestly.

"Hm, I don't think I've ever heard of them."

"They are not well known but they are most prominent in the Valley. Here this will help." Guff said, reaching into his saddle bags and using that dust stuff on her. After she coughed, rubbed her eyes and blinked a few times she spotted my and Guff's Junimos floating around.

"My… stars, they're adorable!"

“Yes, yes they are.” I chuckled, lightly patting my Jumino happily.

"And these little things are all around the valley?"

"The world, but they have a larger presence in The Valley than other places. They are good and kind, playful spirits of nature and magic." Guff informed.

“Yes, Jumino’s are friendly, happy, and like to help…but then…” I frowned. “There are…others.”

"Others?" Hayfield asked.

"With good there is always evil. Some years back several rather violent and vial dark spirits escaped the spirit realm into ours. Some have minimal influence on the physical world but some have greater influence, especially the more negativity they absorb." Guff informed.

“And one of those rat bastards…is the one that got to mom and dad…” I sighed.

"Wh-what?" Hayfield asked. "How?"

"If it is the one I am thinking, I believe his abilities lie in subconscious thought manipulation. He can effect creatures minds on a subconscious level. Like subliminal messages." Guff said.

"I… I see… Mr. Guff. May I speak to Lovey Days alone for a moment?" Guff simply nodded and went back to chopping down the trees.

“That’s what I meant when I said ‘it got you to’...” I sighed.

"Lovely… how dangerous are these spirits?"

“The only evil spirit I’ve seen…well, currently it was a giant fire snake of rage…that I uh…threatened…” I admitted sheepishly. “But how dangerous? Well…probably insanely considering it burned a part of the Juminos Tree and is keeping it burned and scarred…”

"I see… heh. You are a lot like your mother. Threatening someone stronger, bigger and more dangerous than yourself. That's how she met your father, you know." Hayfield chuckled.

“Really now?” I asked in honest surprise.

"Oh yes. See, back before she met him she and I were roommates and friends. One night we went out to the clubs and she was fairly drunk and angry. Her ex broke things off after he had been with another mare for a full year. So, drunk and mad she's going on a rant and when your father, who was young and not yet in Charge of your families… less than ethical business, was working as guard and protection for the club.

"He asked her to leave, and most ponies knew who he was so they left when told. They were afraid of him and rightfully so. She tossed her drink in his face. He asked again, she threw her cup at his muzzle. He touched her to pull her out, she upper cut him into a backflip." Hayfield chuckled.

“Yeah…that sounds like mom alright.” I chuckled.

"Yes, well at the time I was panicking over whether I was going to have to identify her body at the morgue in a few days. But after they fought, yes she and your father properly turned that club into a western bar brawl, they got to talking and he offered her a job as one of the guards. He respected that even if intoxicated she could slug him with the force of a proper earth pony. Even after that they got into a few physical fights, but that fighting was always playful… then a tad… too playful. I myself don't know when exactly they became a couple but two years later they were wed and a little over a year later you were born. Oh, you should have seen her. Doctors wanted to keep you for observation, study and such… she promptly showed that hospital staff where they could shove their research and studies in the most physical way she could express."

“Don’t piss off an angry mother just because her daughter has special eyes.” I chuckled. “Still…really sucks though…”

"Yes well it was after that incident they also decided to be better ponies. For you. Your father and mother are far from clean. They have more blood on their hooves that all the villains Princess Twilight fought combined and yet… they didn't want you to look at them as monsters. That was their biggest fear honestly. While they were still criminals they began to do good. Budgets for secret hospitals, schools and food donations and bread lines for the poor souls in the slums they ruled over. All stolen goods but put to good use. A good cause."

“Becoming parents made them turn into Robin Hood?” I asked. “Huh…that’s neat…doubt it would hold up in any court of law but still good to know that they tried to do good…”

"They did good by their family. By you and by the ponies they oversaw in the slums that worked for them. Anyone who dared harm one of theirs was met by swift and brutal vigilante justice. Now, I know they don't want you to take over and rule their former criminal empire… but perhaps those poor souls looking for purpose now that they are gone can put their skills to use in a different field."

“Well…I have a massive bone to pick with the snake for taking away my parents…maybe I can get some help from them to deal with this crap?” I wondered. “Maybe get a lot to help with farm work and all that…hmm.”

"It will take a lot of pony power to run a farm. Plus if these spirits are that dangerous then having dangerous help is just protection from the enemy. Plus it seems like this town lacks a proper Guard or Police force. I imagine they'd find it enjoyable to be on the other end of the law for a change."

“Would certainly be a change that’s for sure.” I nodded. “But…I’d have to ask around town, cause I can’t just suddenly call in like…I don’t know, two dozen ponies minimum and have them all suddenly show up here out of nowhere.”

"A hundred and sixty. Not including those working legal jobs who your parents gave anonymous donations to." She explained. "Though I doubt many of them are free. A lot of them were at your family manor when the cops and guard showed up."

“Crap…” I sighed. “So…I’m gonna have to make some very important calls soon…and hope that not everyone was captured…”

"I believe I can take care of things on that end. I did watch your parents work often. I believe I know who exactly to contact for this. All I shall need is a telephone."

“Which I thankfully have.” I nodded. “It’s inside on the table, it’s a little old fashioned but it works great.”

"Perfect."

The next few days went by fairly simply. Guff, with Hayfield's help, finally cleared out the last of the weeds, rocks, and trees. I was left with a massive amount of wood, stone, plant fibers and tree seeds, wild seeds, and some sap which Guff was collecting in jars.

I had to admit, actually seeing the whole property was… wow. It was huge! There was a second, massive pond I wasn't able to see before, a cave in some cliffside, a ruined greenhouse it seemed, and a small stone shrine kept in excellent condition. There was space for four candles and offerings on a table made from carved stone as well. On the stone was engraved the image of the mare who owned this place before me… Melody. She looked like how I knew her. Younger.

Now that all this was clear I began to wonder how best to use this land…

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Huh. Wasn't expecting visitors?

"That would be my contacts." Hayfield said.

“Well, they came a lot faster than I thought. “I said, walking over to the front door and looking through the peephole to see who they were.

I wasn't sure what to expect but what I saw through the peephole was definitely not what I was expecting. They were an elderly couple. A mare and a stallion well into their twilight years. Still, despite their age they held themselves up strong and well. Especially the stallion, as if to spite time and his age for trying to make him appear febal and weaker.

I opened the door. "Hello." I nodded. "Nice to meet you, you must be Hayfields contacts."

"Oh look at you." The mare said. Smiling with pure joy. "You've gotten so big since we last saw you Lovely."

"Hard to believe that little newborn is now a grown mare standing before my eyes." The stallion said with a smile.

"It's nice to meet you both." I smiled, wondering if they were also under a disguise or if I just had a hard time remembering with all the weird nonsense going on right now.

"I don't expect you to remember us sweetie, last time we saw you, you were just a newborn and your mother… protected you. I'm Check Book and this is my husband Crowbar. We're your grandparents."

I blinked in shock. “Wha…but…” I looked between the two incredulously. “Why…why did I never get to see you two?”

"Well ya see it's mostly my fault. Back when I ran the family I often personally raided and or stole from the Royal Guard. Bounty on my head still sitting on a nice four million bits." Grandpa crowbar said. "So when you're grandmother and I stepped down, put your father in charge we went into hiding in a nice little Zebra village."

"It's a lovely place." Grandma Check Book said.

“Good to know.” I nodded. “So…you already heard the news?”

"Yes, and if it weren't for the heart medication my doctor has me on I'd probably have had a heart attack." Grandpa said.

“And that’s something none of us need to happen at the moment.” I said honestly. “So…I really need your help…”

"Hayfield told us everything." Grandma said. "Believe it or not this isn't our first tango with harmful spirits."

"Back in my day my rivals used dark magic and spirits to attack me. Part of why we retired to a zebra village. They know spirits like princess Twilight knows magic." Grandpa said.

“Which will help us immensely.” I sighed happily. “Well, come on in and make yourselves comfortable…I have a lot to talk to you about from my point of view.”

Over the next few hours I spent it telling my grandparents everything that happened. From my run away to my time here, the Junimos and the seven evil spirits that escaped their world to ours.

"From how you describe them, and the damage they caused, it sounds like they are High Spirits. That won't be easy to deal with." Grandpa said.

“So where do we even start with all of this?” I inquired.

"Well, for starters it depends on what you want to do with the Spirit. Do you want to trap it, banish it, or kill it?"

“It locked away my parents, and threatened to ruin my new life…so I threatened it back and called it a bitch so…you can probably guess what I want to do to that thing.”

"Kill it is, and it won't be easy. There are very few things in the physical world that can harm a spirit. And the stronger they are the less they are hurt by these things. For a High Spirit, the only thing that can hurt them is a weapon made from a mix of special magical ores and gems. But it will only hurt it, not kill it. To kill it you'd have to somehow travel with it back into the spirit realm and land the killing blow there."

“And my parents didn’t raise no coward…though they mostly were overprotective of me…”

"I know a few ponies that can help ya if you want. But given that Griffon I saw in your yard, he'd probably be your best bet for a teacher."

“And I’m suddenly regretting my life choices.” I said nervously, thinking about how horrible Guff’s training might be if he was my teacher for fighting spirits.

"You got your mother's temper and your father's heart. I think you'll be fine, and you won't be alone."

“Yeah…since I got here, everyone’s been very welcoming and friendly with me.”

"So, what are your plans for the farm here sweetie?" Grandma asked.

“Gonna try to farm I suppose.” I shrugged. “Not sure how well it’ll work…but hard work and determination can solve anything.”

"Well, is there anything you'd like to have it focus on?" Hayfield asked.

“Well…I did promise to help out Mini Mart sell Refined Foods.” I said honestly.

"Well that sounds like a challenge, but it will just take some time." Grandma said.

"Perhaps these Junimos spirits you see can give you some assistance? The Zebra's back in the village have spoken of similar nature spirits giving aid to those who offer them the right tributs." Grandpa asked.

I thought back to the book and the Junimo Tree… maybe there are other tablets like that around? Would be extremely helpful.

“Well…I’ll have to talk to some important people then.” I said honestly.

"You do what you have to, sweetheart." Grandpa told me with a smile. "Your grandmother and I will get a place here in town so we can stay close to you and help you with whatever you need."

“Thank you.” I nodded. “It means a lot to get your help.”

I decided after this to head to the Junimo Tree. I know there are other things on that Tablet and hopefully if I fix the whole place up something will happen.

It has been a while since I've been here and it's still upsetting. Only the pathway here is nice, everything else is in bad shape. Walking inside I spotted the tablet. Alright, thanks to Flurs I can now read this tablet so next branch… fix the outside area around the tree. Needs ten flowers of any kind, fertilizer, ten packs of grass seeds, and two apples. Huh. Okay so I can probably grow or find those flowers easy. Can definitely buy the fertilizer and grass seeds. Same with the apples I guess.

“Alright…this is a lot easier than I thought…” I hummed.

I headed off to find the items. Thankfully shops were still open. The flowers I found easily along the road, fertilizer and grass seeds were cheap at Mini Marts store. I actually went to Copper and Brick's farm and bought two apples from them.

Now to place these things onto the slab and let the Junimos work their magic.

"Alright…here's step one to helping solve all these problems…" I muttered.

Placing the last of the items onto it, the slab seemingly absorbing them via magic, I decided to check outside and… damn!

The outside area was… amazing. The ground was lush and grass covered, flowers grew where once burned rocks and ash, and two tall apple trees stood on each side of the entrance into the tree itself, ripe red apples already ready to pick.

Junimo magic is scary fast…

"Well then..." I muttered. "Didn't expect you all to work this fast…"

I smiled as I looked around, seeing all the green. All that's really left is the tree itself I think?

I walked back into the tree and looked at the slab, only to see a big present box again. Huh, I forgot they reward me with stuff.

"Thank you." I smiled, as I gently opened up the present box to see what I got.

Inside the box were ten small iron sprinklers. Huh, well this will come in handy.

"Gonna need to learn where to space these things…" I muttered.

I put them away in my saddle bags and then checked the slab again. Two things left. One to restore the tree itself and the last one to restore the small hut. Right, there is a hut in here in the afterlife inside the tree itself.

Let's see, to fix the tree I need… two bundles of fifty logs, a bundle of fifty plant fibers, five gold bars and… twenty crystals? Huh… well that's different?

“Okay…so the plant fibers and log’s I should have because…I don’t have the gold…yet…” I rolled my eyes. “And the crystals? Hmm…does it need to be specific crystal’s or any?”

It doesn't seem to specify… oh, yeah it does. Crystal Empire Quarry Crystals… I'll have to go to the Crystal Empire… shhhhhhiiiiiiit!

"We'll look after the farm til you're back." Grandma said.

"We'll see about expanding the projects you want started." Grandpa said.

"And I will head back to Baltimare and see if I can't find other former employees of your parents willing to help in this endeavor." Hayfield said.

I guess it's just me and Guff heading to the empire now. Surprisingly he's been there and knows where the Crystal Quarry is so…

“Thank you.” I smiled. “It means a lot to hear you’ll hold down the fort while I’m…stuck trying to hide from either Cadence or many other people…”

"Just keep your glasses on and Guff at your side. I know a respectable and well trained individual when I see them." Grandpa said.

"You flatter me sir." Guff said. "Come now miss Days, we have a train to catch."

“Right.” I nodded. “We’ll be off.” I gave Grandma, Grandpa and Hayfield another quick hug. “Hopefully we won’t be too long.”

(One Four Day Train Ride Later)

Finally!

I could not get out of that train fast enough. Four days of a small little personal cart, rather bland train food, a newfound sense of claustrophobia in tow I happily put my hooves onto the crystal ground and stretched.

"I am four times your size and did not get as bad as you." Guff said as he exited the train with his and my saddle bags.

“Shush you.” I said. “Let me have this.”

Once I had my stretch and a deep breath I happily followed Guff along the road. "The Crystal Quarry is towards the north east end of the Empire. They are very magically potent and as such attract all sorts of magical beasts."

Yay… more dungeon monsters…

“Hooray…” I said, noncommittal to what’s about to happen. “More monsters…”

"Last I remember they were crystal lizards, bugs and I think a golem?" Guff said as he rubbed under his beak with thought. "They might have been cleared out since the last time I was here, it was a while ago."

“And how long is ‘a while ago’?” I frowned. “Cause the Crystal Empire has been gone for a thousand years from what I heard and has only been back for… thirty or so.”

"Let's see… it was… not long after Amore took the throne…"

Amore… isn't that the Princess who ruled before Sombra took over and enslaved the place? Didn't she rule for like… for hundreds of years?! Before Sombra! Which happened a thousand years ago?!?

“How old are you!?!” I asked incredulously, trying to wrap my head around how old this griffon really is.

He pinched my muzzle with two of his talons. "Please, miss Days, you will make a scene." He said. He then let go. "I suppose it is only fair, I tell but when we are in the Quarry. It is not a story I want curious ears to hear."

“I…suppose that’s fair…” I nodded. “Let’s…just get to the quarry.”

We reached the Crystal Quarry's entrance, the whole place was gated in thick metal and stone with a large locked door blocking entrance. Guff walked up and picked the doors open, audibly breaking the built-in lock as the heavy metal doors swung open slowly with a small screech of metal.

We then began walking down. "So, before I start this story, are there any questions you want to know immediately or no?" Guff asked me as we walked down the slope going deep into the earth.

“Would any of my questions be answered by your story?” I inquired.

"Some." He shrugged.

“Does it answer how you became immortal?” I asked.

"Nope." He stated.

“So…how did you become immortal?” I asked.

"I have no idea." He said, that statement nearly made me fall over. "All I know is that in the beginning I woke up as I am, only my name, language and some basic knowledge in my head and that's it. No past or history to speak of. Either I don't remember it or I never had it."

“Uh…and when you say ‘in the beginning’...do you mean ‘when you were born’ or…when our world started?” I asked nervously.

"When I woke up." He stated. "I told you I can't remember my past or even if I had one. All I know is that I woke up a long time ago as I am now, save the scars, in what is now called The Badlands. Course back then it was quite a lovely tropical forest."

I stared at Guff, trying to think of when the Badlands were even discovered. “And uh…how long ago was that?”

"If I were to wager a guess… maybe… six hundred thousand years ago?"

I stared at Guff, my right eye twitching. “So unless you're some weird Jumino made manifest from the rage of an entire lush jungle being turned into a giant ass desert, I have absolutely no idea what to say.”

"No, the Badlands didn't become a desert till much later. Frankly I doubt I'm a Junimo either because I can't see them normally. I need that special powder. All I do know is that I didn't wake up alone. There were others too."

“Others? Like your siblings or something?”

"Yes, but they weren't Griffin's. There was a lot of us. Some I admit I have forgotten but others I remember. Very few of us were the same species, really the only ones that were basically the same race was Tia, Lulu and Pink. Or, as you know them Celestia, Luna and Amore."

My brain froze in place…

I could…honestly only stare at him, my mouth moving like a fish out of water as I tried to form a single sentence…”WHAT!?!”

"Course Lulu and Tia looked different back then. Tia was white and pink and an earth pony and Lulu was just two shades of blue and a Pegasus." He added. "They didn't become Alicorns until… what, almost thirty thousand years ago I think? Save Pink, she stayed a unicorn. Heights freaked her out."

“So uh…” I gulped. “Celestia represents the Sun…Luna the Moon…and Amore is the mother of Cadence if this rapid train of logic is going…what do you embody?”

"Fuck if I know and that is not true." Guff said. "Back then the Sun and Moon moved on their own, and how would Cadence be Amore's daughter? She was into mare's and was turned to stone and shattered a long time ago… granted I did find her pieces, put her together and reversed the petrification but she's been dating a nice Dragoness since then."

“I immediately assumed Amore was Cadence’s mother either because of the same color scheme I can think of just on naming scheme alone, Cadence’s real name being ‘Mi Amore Cadenza’, or the fact that she’s an Alicorn and most don’t really know where she came from?” I brought up. “Sweet Celestia this is…all way too much…” I rubbed my temple. “But at least Amore is having a nice life with a nice dragoness…”

"Yes, she and smog are a cute couple. As for the name, eh. It happens. But Celestia and Luna representing the sun and moon? No, they just took over moving them when Discord appeared and swapped the locations of the planets in space. Gravity was heavily broken for a while and they took over moving them less the planet and moon have crashed into the sun long ago."

“Oh…that’s…that’s not good at all.” I blinked in surprise.

"Yes, well, that's something Lulu and Tia left out. Anyway, we all woke up in that jungle and over time we just went out and explored the world. I only ever really kept tabs on Tia, Lulu, Pink and Pearl."

“Pearl?” I inquired. “Who’s Pearl?”

"She's a dragon. Most know her as Bahumat."

“A-as in…the God of Dragons?” I asked weakly.

"So they call her. We just called her Pearl because her teeth were really shiny like them. As were her scales. In direct sunlight she was quite blinding. She didn't like that most dragons mistook her for a male though so she lives far south with some of our siblings."

“Uh…huh…” I said. “Jeez…didn’t really expect all of this…”

"Hence why we don't tell our stories. Frankly most that have heard it start worshiping us and that's just awkward."

"I mean…the princesses are already worshipped…" I muttered.

"Something they actively protest. She and Lulu eventually just settled on it being fine so long as there are no established churches or worship practices. Hence why all our siblings are in hiding. We all just wanna do our own thing and it's hard to have a life when the entire mortal population of your species is worshiping or following you around like a cat does raw fish." Guff said as we arrived at the Quarry's bottom. A huge crystal salamander immediately charged us… and Guff swatted it with a claw, sending it crashing and shattering into the nearby wall.

"Uh…" I muttered in awe at the raw power he just demonstrated. "Damn…"

"The crystals we need should be around here. Just keep an eye out for fairly large stones. They will most likely be within a geode."

"Uh…right." I said, trying to look around quickly for what we need.

We searched around for a while. Guff casually flicking large crystal monsters aside like they were an annoyance. Thankfully I began finding the geode stones we needed and I ended up with a hundred and thirty harmony crystals.

Now to leave and take another four day long train ride home… yay…

"Why must I suffer like this?" I whined.

"Because while flight would be faster the ever present snow of the frozen north makes such luxuries difficult." Guff said as we exited the gates and closed them behind us. As we walked down the streets I decided to stop by some shops. I'll be damned if I don't find something to occupy myself with while on that train ride back. And snacks. Train food is terrible.

"I know, but I didn't know long train rides sucked…"

"Well, while we are here I might as well see how much has changed since it returned. I imagine Pink would enjoy a souvenir or two." Guff said.

“Maybe.” I shrugged. “While you’re off…I’m going to grab a whole lotta things to make it less boring.” I said, heading off to get all the things I need to endure that pain.

With that Guff and I went to shop on our own. My first stop was a bookstore. Hmm… what to pick? I hear the Daring Doo series is a classic. There's also Myths, Fables and Legends of Old, The Friendship Diary of the Elements of Harmony, The Elements of Harmony a Reference Guide, Unicorn Magic and Basic Spellcraft, Great and Powerful, the Autobiography of Trixie Lulamoon, The Power Ponies Graphic Novel Collection; books 1-50. Hmm, lot of selection at least.

“Hmm…” I hummed, deciding to grab Myth’s, the Power Ponies Graphic Novel Collection, and might as well get the Friendship Diary to see what nonsense they had to deal with in case it might come bite me for some reason.

I placed the books on my back and continued browsing. Hm, Survival tips and crafting bare minimum 101? I picked the book up and flipped through it-

Vzzt.

What the? I felt something vibrate in my saddle bags. Looking inside I saw the Book was buzzing lightly. Odd…

Opening it I saw a new chapter… Survival and Crafting bare minimum 101… did… did it just copy that book?!

I flipped through the magic book and the original. The whole of the magic books chapter was the entirety of that book… and somehow wasn't any thicker?

Confused, I picked up one of the other books I chose and held it to it… nothing. Huh, maybe it only works with knowledge retaining to making things or nature?

“Uh…huh.” I started, searching for some other books to test that theory.

I found one. Guarding 101. Basic plant care and tips plus natural fertilizer and compost methods. Holding the magic book up to it, it buzzed and looked… New chapter… I grinned, making sure nopony was looking and seeing that the sales pony was behind the desk taking a nap. I passed the magic book across every self help, DIY, Crafts and ECT book I could find. It gives light buzzes as its crazy magic copies them all.

I flipped through all the new info in it- Unicorn Magic and Basic Spellcraft? Why did that copy?

“Well…no skin off my hooves I guess…” I muttered, always ready for more thing’s to keep me interested…hmm, I wonder if it could work on Pegasi stuff?

Turns out, it does! Once I had it copy every magic and flight, ECT book it could copy I walked up to the sleeping sales pony, pressing the bell and waking them. "Hm, wha? Oh, hello. Must have dozed off." They said with a yawn. "Will these be all?" She asked as she looked the three books over.

“Yes please.” I nodded.

"Alright that's one two three and… alright that'll be fifteen bits." They asked as I pulled the coins out onto the table. "Thank you for the business."

“Have a nice day.” I nodded with a smile to the cashier before heading out.

With that done I window shopped along the other stores before I found myself in an antique shop. There wasn't much interest save… it was a painting of a hall of doors. The sticker read the title as 'Perspective of The Dream Walker' and priced it at two bits. What really got my attention though was that one door had a mark… Melody's mark.

I pulled out magic book and sure enough in the section with all the items of hers, this painting was in here.

“I’m gonna buy this painting.” I said.

"Hm?" The shop pony said as he walked over. "Ah, I remember this one. Purchased it as a bundle of items from the mayor of a small town many years ago. The other items all sold over time but this stayed. I guess the painter made this not long after Princess Luna returned. Glad it's finally going to a home of it's own." The shop pony said as I gave the two bits.

I tried to hold back a chuckle that it's going back to the same home it had prior. He wrapped the painting up in some sturdy package paper and with that I headed out again.

I bought last, my snacks. Mainly candies, a pack of cupcakes and juice boxes. Plus some fruit and then met Guff back at the train.

Back in the cart now I flipped open my magical book, wondering about the magic stuff it copied.

What the?

There was a new text over those chapters.

Please Swap Magic Core to Proceed? The heck is magic core?

“Hey Guff…what are Magic Cores?” I asked in confusion.

"Well, I believe that's what they say is the source of a creature's magic… basically these cores are born in all living things with magic. Even plants and some gems can have them and powerful unicorns can even make them to empower enchantments and spells to great levels."

I frowned, flipping the pages to the first page with that data on me… that's new. In the corner was now a spot saying Magic Cores. I tapped it and the page changed to an all black coloring save a single glowing orb in the center surrounded by dark orbs? Okay… creepy.

“Uh…that’s rather concerning…” I said with a frown.

I tapped on the one next to the glowing orb. A text in white floated above it.

Pegasus Magic Core. One Harmony Crystal. One Pegasus Feather?

Before I could question I spotted my little heart shaped Junimo walk up, holding a gem and a feather and putting them on the book. I then saw the book absorb them and that dark orb then glow into a bright sky blue one.

Okay…? Shrugging, I touched it.

Poof!

What? Did something jump on my… back…?

Turning around to see the sudden feeling of weight on my back I spotted two… wings… attached to me… I… I'm a Pegasus now?!

Even Guff was in silent awe at this. After a few minutes I finally found the words to say something…

“WHAT!?!”

Spending Fortunes.

View Online

Panic did not do my situation justice. I was promptly losing my mind.

Wings?!?!

I have wings?!?!?!

I!!! Have!!! Wings?!?!?!?!?!

“Bu…wha…howza….” I was trying to form coherent words as I saw my wing’s flutter and kept losing more of my collective shit. “How?” I asked weakly.

"I knew Junimo magic was powerful… but this is a surprise even to me…" Guff said as he held me still with one hand.

“I…I have wings…” I muttered. “How…that…that should be impossible right?”

"Well, your page said something about a Core, then your Junimo threw a crystal and feather onto it and, poof, Pegasus Lovely…" Guff said.

“I know that but…” I shook my head. “There’s no way this should be possible…you can’t just…give a random pony Pegasus magic…”

"Well, apparently they can." Guff commented.

“This…is way too much…” I muttered. “What’s next? I can gain a unicorn horn and become an alicorn or something?”

At that, my Junimo simply pushed the book over to my hoof…

I quickly scoured this whole, Cores page. Earth Pony, Pegasi, Unicorn,. Changeling?! Centaur?!?! Draconicus?!?!?!? Dragon, Griffon, every species under Celestia's sun is here! Even Alicorn, but that seems to require five Alicorn Feathers and then Harmony Crystals…

I rubbed my temples… with the right offerings, I get the power to change race and species at will…

“So uh…” I muttered. “I’m apparently allowed to be…any race I want from what my Jumino is trying to tell me…”

"That's… actually really incredible." Guff said with a smirk.

“It’s…I mean, yes, it really is incredible but…how in the world am I going to be able to do…all of this?” I asked nervously.

"Hmm…" Guff hummed, looking me over then picking up the book. "Well, you only have Earth Pony, which you were born with, and Pegasi unlocked, maybe they're situational or optional?"

We both looked at my little heart shaped Junimo… who just kinda floated/bounced in place in response.

“Uh…you maybe right?” I said nervously.

I tapped on the Earth Pony core and in another poof, I was back to normal. I sighed out happily at that.

"Well, it's still a long ways til we get back to the Valley. You going to mess with the book and see what else powers it has or that painting you purchased?"

“Yes, yes I am.” I nodded. “Cause there is…a lot here that I never thought would be real…”

"We live in a very strange world, Miss Days. Not even my siblings and I have discovered all it's mysteries."

“And considering you’ve all had…a very long life, I’m shocked to hear that.”

The remaining of the trip, when I wasn't reading the many books The Book copied I was messing with the magic Core swap thing. First thing I learned about wings, they are way more sensitive than I expected. A plucked feather is like amplifying a plucked eyelash to ten. The bones are surprisingly thin, it's actually mostly muscle on them. And lastly, clouds are stupid fluffy. Like silk and cotton had a baby and I am so wishing I could sleep on them as an earth pony!

“You’re lucky you can sleep on clouds.” I said to my griffon companion.

"Eh, it's nice but they absorb humidity and water vapor quick so after a while they do tend to get damp and soggy." Guff Informed.

“Hmm, that sucks.” I said. “But while it lasts…god are Clouds so fluffy and wonderful.”

"I think I remember some Pegasus cities make cloud furniture and construction supplies given how they can rework their magic to effect it. Plus some unicorn aid but you'd probably have to see for yourself."

“Yeah, I think I heard of those.” I nodded. “But…yeah, clouds feel awesome.”

As I read through the books I was wondering if it could be possible…

I checked the unicorn one. Just a harmony crystal and a hair. Hm, well the crystals I got lots of, but a unicorn hair? Can't ask somepony for it, that's a bit weird… maybe I'll get lucky and find one?

Griffin Core… Griffin Feather and Harmony Crystal…

“Hey, can I borrow a feather?” I asked curiously.

"Sure." He said, plucking one of his smaller wing feathers. It was as big as my primary feathers when I was a Pegasus. I put them on the book and the new core began to glow. I tapped it and poof.

The first thing I noticed was my eyesight. It was sharper, more widened than I had before and things just seemed to have more details.

My sense of smell was also more detailed. Now I can smell more… distinct scents.

My hearing was just as good as my pony hearing, despite not having the ear folds.

I looked my hooves- hands. Talons? Moving them was… weird. Like I had four mini legs at the end of my arms.

“Well…” I started. “This feels…different.” I said, clenching my fists lightly.

"I would imagine. Also, you look adorable miss Days." Guff said.

I looked over at a window to see my reflection… woah.

My colors were similar to my pony self. I had a brown patch of feathers on my head, my neck the same cream color as my coat. My body though was a kind of light pink that, towards my talons it turned cream colored again.

My eyes, while smaller, still held the familiar hearts I've known all my life.

“I do look adorable.” I said with a smile.

Guff gave me some lessons on walking, as that was different with my new hind legs, and using my new fingers. Man… writing with these is SO much better than holding a quill or pen or pencil in my mouth. Plus, I got built in scissors!

"This feels so much easier than me as a pony." I said happily, lightly doodling on a piece of paper with my new hands.

"Best not to let anyone see you can do this." Guff said plainly. "To have the ability to so fundamentally change your magical core and species so freely will attract attention if it gets out and most will be greedy for such potential."

"True…" I said, turning back into my earth pony form. "Don't want to make my life any harder because of this really cool stuff."

“Hopefully, with luck, there won’t be much need for you to utilize this newfound gift.”

“Hopefully.” I sighed out. “But it will make something’s easier if I do have to utilize it.”

Once we got back home I was going to start work on the farm. Guff went back to the farm and I was going to look for the local carpenter or construction ponies. I eventually found them, living just at the foot of a nearby forest hills. Their workplace was also their home, a large two-story log house well crafted and all seemed hoof-made.

“Hello?” I called out as I knocked on their front door, considering this was also their house I didn’t want to be rude.

“Come in!” A mare’s voice called. Opening the door revealed to me a little shoproom. Some hoof made tables and dressers, shelves and other furnisher items sat in a display. In the back right corner was a tall desk where a unicorn mare, a light orange-yellow coat and wavy orange-red mane. “Welcome, you must be Lovely Days.” She addressed me.

“Yes I am.” I nodded. “Name must be spreading fast here, but who are you miss?”

“My name is Wood Ax, pleased to finally meet you. I was wondering when you’d come my way. Figured with the old house you own now you might want it modernized.”

“Yeah, that is the plan.” I nodded in agreement. “Gonna need a lot of help getting it renovated for the thing’s I have in mind.”

“Oh, any ideas in mind?”

“Gonna need some barn’s and coops for all the stuff I’m going to be working on.” I started.

“Ah. I see. Any specific number or nothing quite settled on it?”

“Hmm…well I’m gonna be making a lot of refind food so…probably a big barn, and a few smaller barn’s and coops to hold all the animals…” I said, trying to think of the size’s I’ll need and how many animals I’m going to need.

“I see. In terms of barns and coops we have several, but you need to buy a basic barn first then I can upgrade them to a better kind of barn or coop. In terms of your house, that will take some work to upgrade. First I’ll need to get the water and electric hooked up to it, from there I can build and make the modifications necessary for expanding, adding rooms and all that.”

“Sounds good to me.” I nodded.

“The good news is that since the farm next to you has their own power junction box I can start from there and work it to the main grid. The bad news is that the water will take a while. Hopper’s family farm has had all their water come from an underground well since the town was built and I’ll need to see if it extends to your property or not.”

Well, considering those two ponds on the property, the one rather long one too, It might.

“Alright.” I nodded. “Take all the time you need to look through thing’s, I have all the money you’ll need.”

“I’ll also need the supplies, it’s cheaper if you can supply the resources for construction. Without, I’ll be charging for labor and resources.”

“Fair enough.” I nodded. “I’ll have to look to see if I have all the materials…”

“Alright, just head on back here and let me know what I can do. Oh, and if you want I do sell some fancy quick assembly houses. Pre-manufactured houses my uncle makes for expanding towns and such. They’re really cheap but also useful.”

“I will be needing those…probably at least three, one for my grandparents, one for a friend, and another for…guests.”

"Ah, I see. Well I can give you a catalog of what I have now and you can decide on which you want to set up and where later." She said, handing me a fair sized booklet of the optional pre-built houses. "Each one comes with a bed, stove, and fridge. They won't be anything fancy but they'll work at least, as well as a small bathroom and kitchen. Depending on which model you get."

“Fair enough.” I nodded, taking the booklet and going to have to look through yet another important thing. “Gonna be a whole lot more work than I thought…but I have the money for it.”

"Well, feel free to spend as many bits as ya need at my shop. Celestia knows we can use the money."

I pulled out one of my bags. “So how much would it cost with what I’ve asked so far?”

"Easy there city filly. I'm not asking for it all up front. I can only do one thing at a time. First let's head on off to the property so I can see what the work will cost ya."

“Alright alright.” I said, putting away my money bag.

And so we began walking. "So, how was the old place? I remember the old owner Melody Star a bit from my foalhood. Was a sweet and nice mare."

“I’ve heard she was a nice mare.” I nodded. “But the old place? Well…it homes, even if I have to redecorate it or just…well, add furniture to the place.”

"Yeah, especially once the place gets expanded. Any thoughts on that by the way?"

“Not at the moment, but I have a feeling my grandparents might have an idea.” I shrugged.

"Ah. Well, that's fair. Heh, I remember my grandpa telling me how he and my dad built that house way back when."

“I can imagine.” I shrugged.

"Yeah. So, where are ya from?"

“Baltimare.” I answered simply.

"Wow, I figured you more for a Manehattan filly what with those sunglasses."

“Nah, these are…special.” I said, lightly pushing them up.

"If you say so. So, how is the old farm anyway? Heard it was more or less overtaken by nature again."

“With a bit of hard work and determination, it’s looking fantastic.”

"Well that's good. Hope ya don't get visited by one of the vally's dark mysteries."

"Too late for that." I chuckled. "But mind if I ask what some of these 'dark mysteries' are?"

"Heh, sure. They're a town legend. Anyone who's ever farmed here since it opened has had family or friends who swear they saw one of these things. First is the dark Chicken Witch. She flies over farms with chickens and casts a spell on one of the eggs and the egg grows into what's known as a Void Chicken. Now they're harmless, but the eggs and mayo ya make from them are absolutely horrible. Heard once potion brewers value them though.

"Next is the Harvest Fairy. Some folks swear in the dead of night some little ball of glowing light floats over their freshly planted crops. Next morning they're matured and fruit bearing. Then there's the chunks of the night sky that supposedly fall from the sky but it's probably just a meteorite. There's also the Shadow Pony who's said to sneak into farms and steal produce or shiny things.

"Lastly, as far as I can recall, is the Changeling from Space. Back when I was a filly they said one of the early farmers here was met by a changeling in a huge flying machine that fell from the stars themselves. Some creatures swear every so often at night they see his flying machine in the night sky."

"Huh…" I started. "Didn't know…any of those."

"They're local stories. Wouldn't expect ya to unless told."

"Yeah…sounds very interesting." I said, knowing I'm going to threaten a certain shadow thief to fuck off or I take their kneecaps.

I mentally paused at that thought… woah… my parents are showing… well, internally anyway.

We arrived at my farm and she looked over the ponds, their depths and the house itself. "Hmm, well the good news is that it looks like these ponds connect to an underground river connected to the nearby well. So water install will be easy, as well as the electricity. Now, regarding heating I was wondering if you were gonna go with Electric, Mana, or Gas based?"

"Hmm, which would you recommend?" I inquired, not sure what kind of heating we used back home.

"Personally I'd go with Gas or Mana based. With the Gas based I can install a propane tank of your size preference next to the house and when it gets low, which they all have gauges for you to tell when, you can call the number on it and have it refilled. Will cost some bits to refill it but they last a long time before needing a refill. Mana based will work faster to heat up to desired temperatures but you either need to recharge the main mana storage box with a fairly powerful unicorn or some lightning rods hooked up to a converter to it. And hope the local weather team has a storm scheduled. Which they usually do for one or two days out of the month."

I hummed a bit, but thought about how I could turn into a unicorn with my book. "I'll go with the mana one."

"Alright then. So for hooking up the house to the grid, wires, fuse box, meter, drilling to the underground water plus installation of the pump and filter system, and installing the mana based heating will total 1,788 bits."

I grabbed my money bag, pulled out a satchel that can fit all of it, and then dumped the amount of bits needed into it.

"... I was gonna suggest a payment plan but that works too…" Wood Ax said with a wide eyed look as her horn struggled to lift the large bag. "I'll get started with the power hookups tomorrow morning."

"Pleasure doing business with you." I said with a warm smile.

Once she left I headed inside the house- what the?

Grandma and Grandpa were asleep on a sofa bed while Hayfield was at the table making calls in a disposable phone. I'd seen enough to recognize them Immediately.

“Hey." I said to Hayfield. "How's are things going."

"Pretty good." She informed. "I've been calling major group leaders your parents delighted tasks to and seeing how their groups have been holding up."

“How are they holding up?” I inquired.

"Well, Iron Jaw and his group which dealt in… body guarding the manor and your family are all arrested and all won't be seeing freedom for many years. Silver Bit and his groups were in charge of selling merchandise. Upon hearing that you are more or less in charge and your grandparents are helping you he arranged to visit you within a month. The largest group, run by Gala took care of sick, orphans and such and are thankful running smoothly all things considered. Smoke Bomb and his like did… less than legal jobs and some have been arrested but majority are in hiding. Lastly, Shark and his group have been dealing with rival gangs trying to take over locations of business and such that paid your family for protection and insurance."

“Good to know.” I nodded. “Glad things are still…kinda running smoothly.”

"Basically. All save Iron Jaw will be meeting with you sooner or later to discuss any continued or changes of operations."

“Cool.” I nodded. “Gonna need all the help we can get to stop that damned snake.” I frowned.

"Agreed." She nodded, the disposable phone suddenly bursting into flames and ash. "So, how was the trip to the Crystal Empire?"

“It was…enlightening.” I said. “Like…learning a lot of things you’d never believe…”

"Knowing what you're planning on doing, this town so far and the Junimos I'd believe it. But did you get the crystals you needed?"

"Yes I did." I nodded, bringing out the gems to show Hayfield.

"That's perfect. Now you can complete your tree."

Oh right! With all the new Book abilities and such I almost forgot! But, before I go do that…

"Hey uh…I know this might sound weird, but can I borrow some of your hair?" I asked sheepishly.

"Well, how much do you need?"

"Just a few strands, not too much." I said. "I know it sounds weird…but it's for something important that I just learned on the train ride home."

"Well, if you insist. I'll probably learn why later on anyway." Hayfield said with a smile, using her magic to pluck out a few threads of her mane before floating them over to me.

I thanked her and rapidly headed to the tree. Once inside I first unlocked the Unicorn Core.

Poof.

I didn't feel that different, but feeling my forehead, I now had a proper unicorn horn on my head. Touching it felt… odd, almost like it was… more of my forehead, but it was also sensitive, like porcelain, it was sturdy but also fragile. Huh.

"Alright, good to know." I said with a smile. "Now, onto fixing the tree."

I placed all the crystals it needed plus the other items onto the slab. Once it absorbed them all I covered my eyes as the burned bark of the tree began to glow. When it ended and I opened them I was shocked. The bark had changed into a crystal like appearance, but still had the texture and even feel of tree bark. Walking outside the tree, it looked like how some books portrayed the Tree of Harmony, minus elements and such and instead has various crystal leaves. Woah…

“This…this is incredible…” I muttered in awe.

As I walked back inside I saw the last gift. Opening it, it was a pack of seeds. Ten packs exactly, each labeled simply as 'Ancient Seeds.' Huh… must be ancient…

“Yes brain, way to go with that sudden light bulb.” I chuckled to myself, though considering I had a ‘mom and dad’ thought earlier, I’d give myself a pass. “Alright, gonna have to ask Guff about what these seeds are…cause it probably be best not to plant one and suddenly an Ent decides to show up…”

With that done I decided to head home, ate a quick meal then went to bed.

The next morning I woke up to the distant sound of digging. Going outside I spotted Wood Ax working on the electric line.

I walked into the morning sun with a yawn and was greeted by Guff. "Good morning Miss Days." He greeted.

“Morning.” I nodded. “How goes the digging?”

"Wood Ax started about an hour ago. With luck she'll have the main line here in a few hours then the junction box installed. Aside from that I noticed the Junimos were busy last night."

“Well, I did help fix the tree yesterday.” I said honestly. “But what were they doing last night if I may ask?”

"See that greenhouse?" He motioned to the old Greenhouse. When I first saw it when he cleared the trees and such away it was broken and falling apart… now it's brand new. Like it was just built. Looked bigger than the ruins I saw even.

“Wow…they sure went to work.” I said in surprise.

"I'll say. It's twice as big as it was when they built it for Melody and had a cellar."

“Awesome.” I said with a smile. “That’ll help…also, I need you to look over some of the seed packets they gave me…cause all they said was ‘ancient seeds’ and wasn’t sure if they were just normal plants that are just really old or…I might accidentally grow actual sentient plant creatures.”

"Hm, well Ancient Seeds can refer to any kind of extinct plant. I've seen many vanish in my lifetime."

"Cool." I said while pulling out the many seed packets. "Know any of these just by the seed?"

Guff looked the seeds over. "Hmmm, ah, I do actually. Back then my siblings and I called them Blue Fruits. Not very clever but it was a name." He shrugged. "These went extinct Melania ago. Shame too, their fruits were like a natural Strawberry, Banana, kiwi mixed drink. Firm yet juicy and made the best wine."

"Sounds amazing." I said with a smile. "Well, hopefully it's not too late to get these seeded and ready to grow."

"Best to plant them in the green house." Guff added. "They were killed off as the planets climate changed. The Greenhouse can keep them warm and alive all year round, and once they mature will grow their fruits all year round too."

"Awesome. That'll rack in some serious bits when they start growing." I said with a smile. "Though uh…this might cause some concern if I ship it to other places…"

"Don't worry. I can get my sisters to help with some legal paperwork in order. Plus it will be nice to talk to them again after so long."

"Yeah, I'm sure they'd like to hear from you again." I nodded. "Though…it'll get complicated if they learn of my…special predicament…"

"You forget they are retired right?"

"They're still beings older than Equestria that would get furious about monsters even older than them trying to ruin it." I brought up.

"Maybe, but it's barely been that long since they retired. I'll send them the letter. Knowing Lulu she will be very happy to hear that the Blue Fruits won't be extinct anymore."

With that we headed Into the greenhouse. It was incredibly warm and humid in here. In the back was a large almost natural looking mini waterfall that poured into a stone pond. To my right there was another section made to house trees I think given it was taller and seemed to lead to that celler.

"Well, this places looks incredible." I said in awe at how beautiful this place looked. "Though… Celestia's teets is it humid in here…"

"I'll never get over hearing ponies use her name in sentences like that." Guff said, making me blush now that I know he and Celestia are basically siblings, immortal, ECT…

“S-sorry…” I said nervously. “Gonna probably need to change that…”

"It's alright. It's more funny than anything. But the humid temperature helps the plants grow year round. Keeps leaves and stems from drying out."

With that I planted the seeds, watered them and now… we wait.

“How long do these plant’s normally take to grow?” I inquired.

"If I remember… a month or so to mature."

“Fair enough.” I nodded.

The next few days passed by uneventfully. Wood Axe finished with the Electric, water and mana heating and now I was going through some of the pre-built houses. Hmm… well, one for grandma and grandpa, and one for Hayfield and Guff. Guff and Hayfield may want something small and something a bit bigger for grandma and grandpa…

“Alright…gonna need two small house and a bigger house for two…” I said, thinking about where the hell am I going to be putting these things.

There is a lot of space on the property but I still need my coops, barns and work places. Hmmm….. maybe… ugh, I need more space… wait a minute, I'm loaded! I can see about buying property! Preferably something next to or near here.

“Alright, time to go see if I can get more land.” I said with a smile. “Thank you mom, dad, and the metric ass ton of money.”

Now, town hall, town hall… damn, okay maybe I should ask Hopper where it is.

I headed off to his farm and began looking around. Hm, where is he…?

“Hopper? You around here?” I called out carefully..

As I was looking around I eventually finally made it to the house. Hm, where is he? Maybe he's already in town?

I gave one last call just to be sure he wasn't in the house. As no reply came to my ears I headed into town.

As I was walking I spotted Flurs using her magic to pull and cut apart some foliage. Huh. I didn't think she left that tower?

"Hey Flurs." I said to the unicorn.

She looked over at me. "Oh, hey. What brings you here?" She asked, still pulling plants apart from the tree lining.

"Well, I was trying to find Hopper to learn where Town Hall is, then I left and found you here." I said. "What are you doing all the way out here?"

"The old coot asked me to find some old building he hung out at when he was less old." She said, her magic cutting through a final layer of vines and branches, revealing an old dirt pathway. "Said he left something there and wanted me to get it back. Oh and you missed Hopper. He and his dads were taking some produce to the general store."

“Yeah, that sounds right.” I sighed. “But what’s the old place your looking for? Cause I’ve been..stumbling upon a lot of old places.”

"Dunno. Just said he and some old friends used to meet here back when the town was young." She said as she lead the walk down the old pathway. "Personally I think he is just trying to get me out of the tower more."

“I mean…I’m surprised you’re even out of the tower to begin with.” I said. “You seemed pretty adamant to stay inside.”

"I don't like being in public much. Or crowds. Social events. Parties… socializing."

“Fair.” I shrugged. “I mean…I had overprotective parents, so I can kinda relate to not being in public much.”

"Well at least your parents didn't force you into them. Mine spent more time making sure I knew how to fit into high society nobility that they didn't bother asking or wondering if I wanted to." She grumbled bitterly.

“Oh sweet Luna don’t even get me started on half of that…” I groaned. “Yes, my mom did try to teach me to be ‘upper class’,” I said with a pretty good posh ‘high society’ voice. “But then as I grew older…well I reminded her that we live in Baltimare, nobody cares.”

"Ha!" Flurs laughed. "Oh I wish I had that excuse… so, you were… born to nobility or… rich family?"

“Extremely rich.” I said honestly.

"Ah. I'm from… high ranked nobility. Grew up my whole foalhood in the Crystal Empire and only ever really got to travel to Canterlot or Ponyville. I was raised on the stories of the adventures my family had before and even after I was born and… I was stuck learning to be a politician…"

“Oof, that’s gotta suck.” I said in sympathy. “Only reason why I wasn’t more…into all that nonsense was because of my eyes and well…a lot of other reasons.”

"Yeah well when your parents are well known and you want to make them proud but also don't want to be part of the family business… can lead to hardships…"

“Preach sister…” I sighed.

Flurs looked.over at me from her hooded cloak, and gave me a small smile. "Heh, we have more in common than I expected."

“Only differences being I want physical interaction while you massively don’t.” I joked with my own smile. “Which…considering you were forced into politics, I can see why.”

"Definitely. But I wouldn't mind an adventure like something my parents or aunt had." She added. We soon found a messy clearing where an old, long abandoned shack sat under a large tree that seemed to partly merge with the building. It was clearly part of it but time and nature made the shack look far worse off than the tree. "This must be the place."

“Sheesh, has nobody been here since the old man was out and about?”

"Probably." She shrugged. Flurs used her magic to pull open the door… which promptly fell off the rusty hinges and shattered into many pieces on the dirt ground. "Wow, time has not been kind to this place." Flurs stated, using her horn to cast a light spell inside so we could see.

Inside was bad. Old chairs and tables, a large counter for most likely business. Decayed booze racks, and from the tree side was now an oversized hole where an old door now hung too small for the opening that grew with the tree. The tree itself lead downstairs to a basement it seemed.

I frowned. “This is…rather sad all things considered.”

"Well, it happened. Time passes, towns grow, and the old things get replaced and or forgotten." She said as she walked around the space. "Mom talk alot about how when the Empire first came back from banishment the modernizing was like watching the passage of time accelerated. Years of progress in a few months of time."

"That sounds about right." I nodded. "I mean…I had to go back for me, going from an extremely rich family in Baltimare to a farm mare? How things change."

"Yeah, it's an adjustment but frankly I like this change… so, how did you… leave it off with your parents?"

"Oh I packed my shit, took whatever amount of money I could carry, and bailed." I said honestly. "Tried to do it as stealthily as I could…but…what happened after that…I wish I could have at least given them a hug goodbye…"

"Hm… I guess you're lucky then. My parents and I got into a huge argument about responsibility and duty over desires and… well, things were said, some… magic was accidentally cast…"

I winced at that. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"I haven't spoken to them since… not long after my aunt brought me to stay with the geezer and, well, two years later here I am. I've mostly moved on, but sometimes I get some news, a letter from my aunts or something in the papers or radio. Other than that, I don't talk to them."

"I understand." I nodded. “It sucks…but at least you could still probably work it out with your parents…I might never see them ever again…”

"I don't have any plans to work out anything with them." Flurs stated as she began walking down to the tree stairway. "Two years and not a word from them. They know where I am. Yeah, I could reach out to them, but so can they. I want them to be the ones to reach out first, they got to chase their dreams and their adventures… but not me?"

“Communication, and forgiveness, is a two way street.” I said simply. “You can wait for them to finally respond to you, probably waiting forever as they believe you still hate them for that argument, or you could be the first to reach out and try and at least say ‘hi’.” I explained. “Trust me…communication is rough, especially when you leave after a bad argument, it could either your parents dropped everything and left you to your own devices, or they’re scared that they’ll start another argument.” I said, lightly lowering my glasses just to see if Flurs still loved her family.

The colors were… a mess. There was guilt, but also anger, spite, love was there but it was so wrapped up by the others it was-

My glasses were suddenly lifted back onto my eyes and pressed in.

"Nice try." Flurs said with a smirk her horn lit up. "But I don't need a therapist… I just need a friend I can vent to."

“I mean…that’s just therapy with extra steps.” I pointed out. “Seriously, you are so wrapped up with guilt, anger and spite that you’re love is being more so caged by it all.”

"Correction! It's venting my shit while dragging you along to… apparently the next Junimo Spot…"

Walking up next to Flurs I spotted the cause of her sentence. There, on a small table here in this badly lit basement… was another gold slab.

“So you’ve just taken ‘extra steps’ literally.” I joked as I walked over to the gold slab.

"Oh hush…" She huffed, following me. "Well, don't see what the geezer left and I doubt it's this." She motioned to the slab.

Looking at it, I counted nine flowers. One at the center of the tree trunk. One at the center top. Three surrounding that one and the last four on the outer branches around those.

“Hmm, well it’s still something important.” I said. “So let’s see what I need to help bring this place back to tip top shape…” I said, though I did bring out my book to double check what this meant.

Apparently this place is the old Adventure Guild building, according to the slab and the first thing, the flower at the bottom, asks is offerings to help clean the trail and clearing. I need various flowers. Some stone, wood and… mushrooms?

“Hmm, do you have any mushrooms on you?” I inquired.

“No, I left them in my other cloak…” Flurs said with flat sarcasm.

I rolled my eyes. "Well, I know how to fix this place up with Jumino's help. I need flowers, wood, stone and mushrooms."

“Well, wood and stone you should have plenty of given the cleaning Guff did. Flowers grow wild around here all the time in spring and summer. Mushrooms though… Might be harder.”

"How so? Don't naturally grow here or something?" I inquired.

"Oddly not easily. You can grow some mushrooms in caves but because of the nearby sea, the salty air doesn't give wild mushrooms the best environment in the forests. You could take a train to some swamplands, but aside from that finding wild mushrooms here in the valley will be difficult."

"Right." I nodded, thinking of I should head down to the swamplands nearby to get some mushrooms. "Add that to the list…"

Well, with this place checked Flurs and I headed off. "So I take it you don't know the town all that much yet huh?"

"Nope." I shook my head. "I don't know if I even visited half the town yet."

"I figured as much, but I was referring to the other half of the town."

“Eh.” I shrugged nervously. “Still trying to get my bearings with everything, cause there’s always more to find here.”

"Oh you don't even know the half of it." She chuckled to herself.

“Yes yes I know.” I sighed out. “That’s why I’m trying to figure out this place, like right now I want to find Town Hall…but don’t know where it is.”

"Oh, well I can take you there."

“Thank you.” I nodded. “Cause I’m gonna need to buy more land for what I’m planning on doing.”

Flurs showed me where Town Hall was fairly quickly. It was an oddly unimpressive building, looking more like a basic office building rather than some grand town hall. She left to do her own stuff while I headed inside. The inside was also fairly plain. A waiting room with some magazines, a receptionist desk and some toys for foals in a corner.

I walked over to the receptionist desk. “Hello?” I asked, not seeing a bell immediately to ring to call myself out.

After a few moments a mare in a small bowtie came out from a nearby door. She had a violet coat and white mane with emerald eyes. Her cutie mark was a pile of books. "Oh, hello. How may I help you?" She asked.

“Yes, I’d like to buy more land for my farm if possible.” I said readily.

"I see. Well, typically the Mayor would give you a list of available properties and such to purchase but they're on vacation. Luckily I can do the paperwork. Now, this land is for agricultural use? Residential? Business or something else?"

“Hmm…well, honestly, with what I have in mind, it’s gonna need to be for all of those.” I said sheepishly. “Cause…well, grandparents moved in, got to do more with the farm, and a whole load of other things.”

"I see, and what is the address?"

“That would be Pelican Farm.” I said.

"Ah, so you're Miss Days. I just received the new ownership papers Bricks gave me. I was going to mail this to you but this makes things easier." She informed, reaching under her desk and giving me a large yellow documents envelope. Opening it, I saw it was the deed to the farm. My name in bold print as the owner of the property, a map view of it with measurements of the property, and all it seems to house upon it. Mainly the old house, the cave, the two ponds and Melody Star's shrine.

“Well, didn’t think all this was also apart of the farm…” I hummed.

"Yes, well when the property was established back in the towns founding the mayor at the time wanted to ensure ponies knew what they were buying. Now, as for other properties there are many. Are you looking for empty lots of something with something built or in the process of being built? We also have various older properties that have been abandoned or foreclosed on."

“Yes.” I answered. “Cause I’m going to be…doing a lot of work, and might be calling in some help from my parent’s business.” I said, which wasn’t technically a lie but thinking I’d have to at least preface some of what’s going to happen with that.

"I see. Will this include the residential and business properties within the town?" She asked.

“Yes.” I nodded. “I’m not sure when it’ll fully come into play, but I’m just trying to cover my bases for when it does happen.”

"I see… miss Days, am I to assume you intend to purchase every available property in town?"

"Yes." I nodded. "And don't worry, I have the money."

"I see. So you're looking to become a Baroness?" She asked me simply.

Baroness? That's a lesser noble if I remember… easiest to become since it mainly requires ownership of a lot of land and collection of income through the rent or taxes of the residents on the land.

"I mean…that wasn't my first thought but I suppose." I shrugged.

"I see. Well, for that you would need to submit a payment of the town's total value and the application. From there it will head to Canterlot for approval."

"Fair enough." I nodded. "And how much would it cost all together"

"Seven million bits."

Huh. From my secret accounts I can cover that easy and still have a crap ton of bits leftover.

"Well…I do have the money.” I hummed. “Just…trying to think of how to get all of it here or if you take checks…”

"Checks are best, yes. They get processed in Canterlot at the Nobility applicants and Heritage department." She said. "It will take about a week to receive the paperwork back."

I really hope that Guff will put in a good word for me. “Alright, that should be good.” I nodded, pulling out a check book I got from all the stuff my parents gave me and a pen I had cause you never know when you need a pen, and started to write down all the proper information.

Once that was all done and I signed all the paperwork was finished, checks ready I left with a receipt.

Now what?

I was walking through some house- Sweet Cadence's libido!! I was passing by one house when, through my sunglasses, I spotted the biggest, most pungent aura of lust I think can exist…

“Holy damn what the world is going on here?” I asked in shock.

The house itself seemed rather average. Brick walls, windows with hanging flower stands on them, the flowers in them were growing well. The roof was hay, and seemed to be well kept.

The aura of lust covered the whole house, wall to wall and to the roof and some of the air above it. I didn't think anyone could-

"Hey Lovely." I nearly jumped when Hopper flew down next to me. "Sorry for startling ya."

"Hey Hopper." I said. "So uh…what's up with this house?" I asked carefully.

"That? It's the, uh, Silly Filly." He said, getting a small blush. "The, uh… town's brothel house…"

There's a brothel house in this town?!

"One thing I…didn't expect was there to be a brothel house here." I said in honest shock, which to be honest would definitely explain the extreme amount of lust radiating off of it.

"Yeah. It's considered a historic town landmark. Family that runs it is as old as the town and house itself. Think only three sisters run it now? They run and work from what some folks tell me."

“Right…” I said, still looking at the brothel and just how irradiated with lust it is. “Well…surprised I don’t smell anything coming from that place all thing’s considered.”

"Oh they keep it clean. Mayor tried to shut it down some years back cause supposedly it was a health and safety violation but turns out the place was more sterile than a hospital. The Silly Filly and the Mayor have been at each other since the sisters inherited it. Or so dad tells me."

“Makes sense.” I nodded. “Though if it makes people happy with ‘stress relief’, I don’t see the problem.” I shrugged.

"Yeah. They're most of the reason tourists come here, as much as the mayor dislikes the place he can't argue it doesn't bring in tourists and bits."

Hmm… I'll have to ask Hayfield but I think mom and dad had a few salons and 'hotels' that had illegal brothels. Maybe if I talk to the sisters after checking with Hayfield, if they want they can move and work here? Wow… Already looking to make business with this place… huh.

“Jeez…everything’s changing so very fast…” I muttered, shaking my head ruefully at the fact that…I’ll never see my parent’s again or hear how proud they are of me.

"That's life. Always changing, always going forward." Hopper said with a shrug. "So, where are you off to?"

“Back home to check on something’s, and also…getting ready to call in a lot of help cause I basically…bought half the town.” I said sheepishly.

"Ya did what now?"

Other Town

View Online

The next month was… insane. A lot happened so here's a basic recap. Firstly, the electrical and gas/mana stuff was all set up. It felt nice to have that. Grandma and Grandpa got their own place, one of those pre-manufactured houses. It was cheap and has bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, livingroom, ECT.

I just recently got a bathroom inside and I had no idea how badly I needed a shower until it was finished.

Wood Ax is now working on the first barn.

I got my baronesses papers back. I am now Baroness Lovely Days of Stardrop Town. Lower Nobility, Rank 1. Basically it means I'm nobility and as far as that's concerned all it amounts to is that I get the chance to talk with other nobles or other nobles can talk to me directly for this or that Investments in the town.

All in all, it just means more resources. Possible connections, and income.

Other than that, the only other things of note were my meetings with the members of my parents gang. It went well enough and given the situation in Baltimare I made the first choice for the town and use of my authority as Baroness. Construction of a boarding school/orphanage. Baltimare has enough problems and a country town would do them better than a city full of warring gangs and cheap politicians sending them the bare minimum to keep food on the tables for those foals.

“Already going to be a pain and a half to handle all the farming here, getting to know the locals, dealing with problems…and basically trying to run an entire town…” I groaned.

On the bright side, Town Hall had a spare room I converted Into my office. While the mayor was still gonna be around and a thing, mainly to take most of the paperwork off me, I still had stuff to look over. Bright side, this position gave me access to the town records and census.

So I sat going over all the records and residents that have ever lived in Stardrop Town, however brief.

“Alright, let’s see who’s been living in this…weird town.” I muttered.

There was a fair amount of records here. Majority of the towns first generation residents all came from Canterlot, Manehattan, Trottingham, and Las Pegasus with later on immigrants from the Minotaur, Zebra, and Griffin nations. There is one resident dragon, but he lives in the woods it seems. Hm.

“Surprised to see all these different races here…” I hummed, trying to see where the dragon was specifically in the woods.

The records didn't really say. It looks like they do come to town once a month, first Friday of the month like clockwork for supplies. Mainly recharging some mana batteries, rice, grain, beans, and they always pay in either old Equestrian Platinum bits or in gemstones or raw ores.

Platinum Bits? If I remember, those went out of circulation… what, almost seven hundred years ago because of a platinum shortage? Back then a Platinum Bit was worth a thousand gold bits. Well, more like ten thousand bits now due to the metals value and the historical collectivity. Must mean this drake is very old.

Aside from that there was a collection of maps and blueprints of the town over the years. And a tax record. Woah. Hopper's family farm is called Moonfall Farm? Cool. Ouch. Two hundred and fifty bits in taxes monthly? That's three thousand in taxes a year…

Not just them. Back in the day, looks like Melody was paying about two thousand five hundred a year. The farms are being taxed oddly high.

Same for the other businesses in town. Most pay several thousand or more in tax, with the local Barnyard Bargains paying the most, almost twenty thousand a year. Housing tax seems low at least. Most house holds pay no more than a hundred or less a month and most ponies regular tax payments are twenty to sixty, but few actually get anything back.

This is wrong. There is a lot of bits here, yes but maybe…

As I dug through the papers I caught out local Dragon residents tax file…

Well, now I know why the baroness payment was so high. He pays almost ninety thousand in taxes or commodities a year… hm. Actually, according to this he also owns rights to minerals, ore and such within the forest. That's almost three thousand acres of land. Still, even selling ores and maying his payments from his personal horde he can't be that rich… something is off.

“Yeah, something ain’t right here.” I frowned.

I put all the files back into a pile and headed out. Hmm… wonder who can lead me to this dragon? He comes to town once a month… someone has to know-

I froze in place at what I was looking at… Flurs… walking out of the Brothel House…

"Oh, Hey Lovely." She said with a nod, hood and cloak still on as usual.

“Uh…hey there Flurs.” I said. “What were you…doing in there?”

"Oh that? The Geezer sells potions. They order a regular shipment of anti-pregnancy potions and some other… specialty potions." Flurs said with a shrug. "They pay good so I deliver." I felt an unexpected sigh escape my breath. I mean, it wouldn't have been bad if she was… it would just be awkward…

“Alright…so do you know why business taxes are…a bit egregious?” I asked carefully.

"Nope." She shrugged. "Why? Numbers not adding up?"

“Not adding up is definitely something.” I shook my head. “Property tax’s are either reasonable or just straight up non-existent…but the business taxes are way too high…seriously the bottomline for stores is two thousand a year.”

"Ouch. Thought taxes like that only get paid in Canterlot?"

“Yeah me to, and sure while people did come from Canterlot, there’s also a lot of people from other races that came here as well.” I frowned. “So I’m really confused by that and wondering where a lot of this money is going, cause there’s no way this high of business tax’s aren’t getting smuggled somewhere.”

"Hmm… did you check with the Other Town mayor?"

“Was gonna do that, but I was going to ask where to find the Dragon that lives here.” I said. “Cause meeting them would help me a bit on figuring some stuff out.”

"No, Lovely I don't think you heard me. I asked have you spoken with the OTHER TOWN mayor?"

I frowned. “Um…what are you talking about?” I asked carefully.

"Other Town. The… screw it, I'll just show you." Flurs said, pulling me along with her magic. We walked to the edge of town was, and here I spotted a large cave with the words Other Town carved into the top of it. "Welcome to Other Town. The town under Stardrop."

There's two towns here?!? … No wonder Baroness was so expensive…

“Alright…so now I understand why buying this entire place was stupid expensive…” I muttered. “But…what, how and why?”

"You'll see once we actually get in." Flurs said.

I followed her down. The further we went the darker it got. Was so dark I couldn't see a thing. Flurs lit up her horn and after walking for a while we came to an opening- Sweet Celestia's Cake Addiction!!

All around me were… creatures! Changelings! Thestrials, Weird bat looking Griffons, Species I didn't even know the name to!

The whole ceiling of this cavern was lit up by huge glowing crystals hung on the rock ceiling that stretched up for maybe a mile or more. Some of the buildings here reached the top, acting as home, work, shops and supports for the ceiling all at once!

"This is Other Town. Home to the lesser known residents of the town and various creatures and monsters." Flurs said. "Friendly Monsters. Mostly."

“What in Celestia’s fat ass…” I muttered in awe.

Flurs snorted. "Well, not every species exactly lives or prefers the surface. What with in the past them being hunted, killed and treated as outcasts, they made underground sanctuary towns and cities like these all over Equis. Technically Other Town has been here longer than Stardrop, but Celestia found out after the town had been established top side and Instead had the two towns be individuals but also one town. One for the usual day loving types and the other for the odd, the strange and the abnormal types. Heard Princess Luna loved these places, and she was fighting for them during the whole Nightmare Moon thing."

“Alright…” I rubbed my temples. “Ugh, this just got…five times more complicated, and I hate it.”

"Well, that's life. Now come on, let's go find the mayor."

“Alright…” I took a deep breath. “How well do you think they’ll take it to me having…bought everything?”

"Eh, they probably won't care."

“Eh, fair.” I shrugged, not knowing much about these people or who even lives here but pretty sure they’ll just go ‘if you don’t fuck with us, we won’t fuck with you’.

As we walked through the crowds I got a good look at some of the Creatures here. Some looked impossible. Others looked unnatural. I saw one bipedal creature with green skin, wearing a black suit and dress shoes, no eyes but a nose, mouth and a Question Mark from his forehead down to where his eyes would be.

I saw…

"Hey Flurs." The zombie pony waved.

"Hey Jaw Bone." Flurs said with a nod as we kept walking.

“Uh…” I blinked. “What?”

"What? That's Jaw Bone. He's a zombie." Flurs said matter of factly as if that was a normal sentence.

“There’s…a lot I’m missing here, and you just saying that like it’s a normal sentence is…concerning…”

"Well I come here regularly since I came to town so, it's normal for me. Hi Bob." Flurs said, giving a wave to the giant blob of blue slime with a single eye.

"Hi Flurs!" Bob said, making a hand form from their slime body and giving a wave while a mouth shape spoke words…

“I’m…I’m so confused…”

"About?" Flurs asked.

“Just…all this…” I motioned. “Like, you’re just trotting along like everything’s fine and dandy I’m following along wondering what in the world is happening.”

"I guess you would find it all hard to believe but trust me. Everyone here is really no different than the people topside. Hey Kile!" I looked up to see what/who Flurs was waving at… only to see an abomination of rings with eyes floating with wings, many wings not even attached to itself above us.

"HeLLo FlURs." It said before flying off elsewhere.

"That was Kile." Flurs said with a shrug.

“What in Discord’s Browser History was that!?!” I shouted in panic.

"Dunno. Says he's an angel but personally I think he was some magic experiments gone wrong. Said he ran away from home when his dad and big brother started getting into a real bad argument over some project their dad was working on." Flurs said with a shrug. "He wandered for years before settling here in Other Town."

“Uh…alright…” I gulped. “Is there…any other crazy races down here that I should know about?”

"Hmmm…" Flurs seemed to be thinking that over.

“Uh…is there that many here?” I asked nervously.

"Well, define Crazy?"

I face-hoofed.

The walk to the mayor's office left me honestly exhausted. All these creatures here feel like they should be impossible but here they are, living little over a mile under the town above.

The mayor's office was a small building. Wood painted a grey-off white with the word Mayor written in blank paint along the top of the entrance.

I walked in and froze immediately.

Growing up I learned a lot about old, extinct races. Mainly because I found them interesting. So when before me at a desk sits a Shadow Pony, an Umbrum, and yes the horn is red and curved, I felt the last bit of my sanity die then and there.

"Is she alright?" The Umbrum asked.

"Eh." Flurs shrugged.

“I…it’s an Umbrum…” I slowly giggled like a loon.

*So, who is she Flurs?" The Umbrum asked.

"Mayor Ink Claw, this is Lovely Days. The new Baroness of Stardrop and Other Town." Flurs said.

"Ah yes, I received a letter from the assistant mayor top side. I was expecting a visit. Pleasure." He, Ink Claw, said as he turned to black flog, floated through his desk and rematerialized as a full pony in front of me with an outstretched hoof.

“It’s nice to meet you.” I said, gently taking his hoof and shaking it. “I can’t wait to know this is all just some outrageous fever dream in the end…”

"Oh my, seems she might need some assistance…" Ink Claw said.

"On it." Flurs said. She raised a hoof, and slapped me across the face.

One. Flurs is apparently way stronger than she looks cause I got knocked across the ground… and two… OUCH!!!!!!

“Ow~!” I whined, rubbing my cheek. “What the buck Flurs!”

"You snap out of it yet?" She asked.

"Was that necessary?" Ink Claw asked.

"Probably not but it was better than splashing cold water on her."

"How?"

"At least she's not wet." Flurs shrugged.

"Right… Apologies miss Days, er, Baroness Lovely, as I'm sure you know Flurs is… unconventional in her approaches and first time visits to Other Town are often… shocking."

“Y-yeah…it’s very shocking.” I shook my head. “So…there’s a lot to unpack here…”

"Come and sit here. We can discuss questions you might have." He said as he led me to a sofa. I sat down and began collecting myself

“Alright…” I sighed. “So, my first question is, why are the taxes for businesses so high?” I inquired. “Cause I did some digging through the records and…yeah all the Businesses are getting taxed quite hard.”

"I'm afraid that's our fault." Ink Claw sighed. "Back when the town above was being built, Other Town had already been here for almost a century. Discovering this and knowing of the hardships all our kind go through, she declared all Night Creature settlements to be tax free on businesses owned and operated. We pay housing and export taxes on products but the town above ended up having to pay for the missing taxes the businesses down here are exempt from paying."

“Well…that explains why everyone’s living expenses are so low.” I said honestly. “And by ‘she’, you mean Celestia and Luna?”

"Celestia. Princess Luna had been Imprisoned in the moon for…. Little over two hundred years by that point." Ink Claw said.

“Alright…so there’s nothing I can do about that…” I sighed. “So do the town’s folk topside know about this town?”

"Yes but few visit. Fewer visit up there." Ink shrugged. "Legally we're one town but the reality is we are two very different towns."

“I…can tell.” I sighed. “Which, again, would explain why this was all so expensive since I was technically buying two different towns.” I shrugged. “So…what should I know about this town?”

"Well, despite being subterranean we do have agriculture. We have the largest meat farms in Equestria. Not too difficult considering there aren't that many. We export refined metal, gravel, meats, specialty produce, and limestone. Every inch dug means more expansion for the city, money in the budget and space for homes for the generations to come or just more farmland."

“That’s rather interesting.” I said with a nod. “Though…doesn’t explain why the Dragon has the highest tax…”

"He used to be a sort of guardian for this town long ago. When Celestia made her rulings he retired and wanted to try and pay back what we can't, being said taxes. So, he opened his own mine, purchased the largest plot of taxable land in the area and has been digging up metal from the top side as well as down here since. His fire is what fuels all our biggest smelters. We save them for the metals that need more heat to melt and shape."

“Well then.” I said. “This is very interesting.”

Ink nodded. "For the most part we just stay down here. Save the occasional curious foal or teenager. Heh. I went topside once in a winter back when I was a foal. Got spotted and shifted to fog and ran. I hear they still tell that Shadow Pony story."

“Oh so that’s where that story came from.” I said in realization.

Ink chuckled. "Yes well, some of the foals still do that. Takes some fruit or an item as proof they went topside. Nothing valuable just whatever they find left outside or in the trash or from a garden. It's almost a rite of passage for foals down here."

“Sounds about right.” I nodded. “So…about the alien’s bit…is that real?” I inquired.

"Alien? Oh you must mean Queen Clutch and her brood. Their hive is a bit south of here but connected to Other Town by several tunnels. Their whole hive is dedicated to technology and science. Sometimes they bring their experimental topside."

Well, Wood Ax did say they were Alien Changelings…

“Well…that does explain some things.” I nodded. “So…what do you know about Jumino?”

"Personally not much. I know a sorcerer and Flurs topside know more and down here… maybe old Barkeep. Been around since Other Town was founded so he might know a thing or two. Aside from him, the local ghosts probably know something."

“Alright…gonna have to talk to them…” I muttered. “So…what questions do you have for me given that I’m…now your boss.”

"Well, it's not much but I have been considering a project regarding multiple access points top and bottom of the town. Basically they'd be large elevators and even stairs for folks to tour topside or down here. Equestria is marching towards a more unified future from what I've seen with Princess Twilight and the other races. So, I am hoping Other Town can be the first of our settlements to embrace the positive changes. So many still worry about how the creatures on the surface will react and I can't blame them, but a slow approach is a good starting point. At least to get the residents above and below to better interact and know one another before we consider tourism."

“That sounds like a good idea.” I nodded. “The town top side is rather welcoming, especially to someone new like me…and also to the fact that I literally bought their entire town.” I chuckled.

"And ours. So, any other questions or would you like a tour?"

I hummed, thinking about certain things. “I’ll probably have some of my questions answered through the tour.”

"Very well then. This way." Ink said as he led me out to the town. I noticed Flurs has run off…

“And Flurs has run off while I have to see…all this…” I sighed. “At least, hopefully, you’ll do a better job at being a tour guide than her.”

"I'd be a lousy mayor if I couldn't." He chuckled.

And so Ink gave me a tour of the town. It was interesting. What with some of the residents being ghouls, zombies, vampires, demons and other such odd creatures. Like the town Nutjob Anon the… whatever he is. He's the odd bipedal I saw earlier with the green skin and all black suit. He works in the meat processing plant but spends his time off work causing trouble. Or screwing around… literally.

The ghosts were nice if cold. Also literally. They work to keep the meat cold.

“Alright…so far Anon is…weird.” I answered.

"Yes well, we take all kinds down here." Ink said with a shrug. "Though, to be fair he did just appear here one day some years ago and just settled in."

“As in he just…magically appeared out of nowhere?”

"Basically."

“Well…that’s something.” I blinked. “Alright…so, what’s next?”

"Hm, well I suppose next would be having you meet with Barkeep. He looks kinda like Anon but different and as his name suggests runs the main bar in town."

“Hmm…that’s strange.” I brought up. “But currently, I really need a drink…”

Ink walked me over to a large stone sitting in an unremarkable corner of the town. On this stone was a wood door, well kept and in a wooden frame, all kept clean and oiled. Using his magic Ink opened the door. Inside was a place that was full of all the different creatures of the town talking, listening to music, dancing or just drinking. It was far larger than it should be given the rock the door was on, and as he walked us up to the main bar and stools I met him.

Barkeep was a little shorter than Anon, had pale, white skin with a sleek greeted back mane and thin mustache, a red and black vest, pants and shoes and greeted me with a smile. "Nice to meet you." He spoke with a voice that seemed to coax a sense of trust and comfort from me. "You're new in town."

“Well…new to this town that’s for sure.” I said carefully. “It’s nice to meet you.”

"Barkeep. And what's your name little lady?"

“Lovely Days.” I answered. “So, I hear your an important person around here.”

"If by important you mean old and I always carry good liquor, then sure, I'm important enough." He laughed.

“You have wisdom and experience on your side.” I said with a smile, trotting over and taking a seat. “And also good liquor is great cause I need some.”

"Anything in particular?" He asked as he pulled up several glasses.

“Not really, cause I really need something to help me…process everything that I’ve been seeing right now.” I answered.

"I got just the thing." He said, quickly bringing up a shaker, putting a few cubes of ice and pouring small amounts of various liquors in it rapidly before closing it, shaking it for a minute and pouring the mix into a cup for me and sliding it over. "This here is called the Mental Massage. Destress your brain some."

“Thank you.” I nodded, grabbing the drink and taking a sip of the thing.

It started off sweet, like roasted honey peanuts and slowly melted into a savory bitter, almost olive like tang that seemed to slide down my throat and warm my stomach. The warmth traveling from my belly, across my torso and back, up my neck and resting in my head where I finally felt the stress and tension in my head relax, unwind. My thoughts slowed to a gentle pace and took in the memories and experiences of the day one at a time.

“Oh…okay…that’s…that’s good.” I sighed happily.

"He does always know what the drinker needs." Ink stated with a chuckle. "Usual for me." He added, quickly being rewarded with a mug of a frothy darol gold colored drink.

"So, what brings you to my bar, Lovely Days?" Barkeep asked.

“Well, I’m the Baroness of both towns…and I literally just learned about this town today and all of it’s…occupants.” I said. “I also was told that you might know a bit about Jumino’s.”

"I might know a story or two." He said with a smile and a shrug.

“Anything that can help me…either understand the jumino’s more, or deal with that stupid snake.” I said honestly.

"Heh. Well, first story goes like this."

I woke up the next morning with a mild hangover. Nothing like at the salon in Stardrop but still there. I huffed as I turned around. The sheets tangling in my legs as if begging me to stay in bed.

I lay there for some time debating on if I should obey them. With a groan I pulled and kicked them off of me and rolled back around and onto the ground. My hooves hit the floor with a tired thud.

I yawned as I went to get some coffee.

“Well…thankfully it’s not as bad as before…” I muttered.

As I sat waiting for the brew to finish I thought back on the stories Barkeep told me. Honestly I don't know what to think of them and frankly if they're true at all then that raises so many questions about who Barkeep is to even know those stories.

I frowned asy brew finished and I poured myself a mug.

Well, no use thinking about all that now. Now… shit, what was I supposed to do today?

“Ah buck…” I frowned, trying to think of what in the world I’m supposed to be doing today.

As I sipped my coffee I tried to remember what I was supposed to do today. I know I had a meeting… conference? Fuck what was it? I know it was going to be important…

Knock. Knock.

I looked to my door, hearing the two quick knocks. Who's that? Guff would announce himself.

I quickly finished off my mug, put my glasses on and went to the door where… some mare was standing. She had a deep, almost crimson red fur, a hot pink mane and, if I'm being honest… was rather attractive. And I am not into mare's. "You're miss Day's, yes?" She asked.

”Yes…yes I am.” I said, trying not to blush at how pretty this mare was. “And who are you ma’am?”

"Oh, I'm Queenie. You don't remember, at the bar last night you said you'd help me and some others find work in the surface village?"

I… right! I remember. Some of the bar patients found out I was the new Baroness and asked if I could help them get jobs topside to try out! They drew straws and Queenie was first!

Though… looking at her, aside from her rather… attractive figure, she doesn't resemble a usual Other Town resident?

“Alright…so what are you?” I inquired. “Cause while you are…very attractive, you don’t resemble any…of the ‘usual’ residents in Other Town.”

"Oh, yes right. I'm a Succubus." She said with a smirk on those….soft… ruby red-

Wait- Stop! Not into mare's! Also a what?!

“Ugh…why me?” I whined.

"Is something the matter?" She asked, pouting adorab- For fucks sake how is she making me Bi?!

“Why must you be so sexy and adorable you horny she beast?” I whined, not knowing why but I was patting her head while I was whining.

"Hm? Oh, oh I'm sorry I forget this happens." She said. "My species has a unique Ability. We draw in the mortals with flowers like moths to a flame."

Mortals with…

Her species is like cat nip for virgins?! I'm… embarrassed but still… agh!

“Putting my sexual experience aside!” I said, maybe a little too quickly even as my face felt like a roaring fire. “So you want a job?”

"Oh yes! I heard there is a brothel up here and I wish to put my skills and abilities as a Succubus to work. I've been having all this sex for years to eat, but to eat and get paid! That's a win win!"

Trying… not… to… think… about… that…

“Now…do you eat souls?” I asked carefully. “Cause while you’re work would be…good…I don’t want you murdering people through it.”

"Hm? Well, yes but not in the way you're thinking. See, mortal souls naturally give off little flaks here and there. Normally they absorb into the air or ground or merge with a treasured item, like a pet or a toy or ring. The item holds a small part of those flakes of your soul. And those flakes are what I eat when I have sex. My species naturally has the ability to absorb these flakes, but only while in intimate pleasure. As Lovers would."

“Alright…good to know that it’s just flakes and not…literally sucking the soul out of someone’s privates.” I said nervously.

"That is a harsh stigmata and pretty offensive."

“I literally just learned Other Town, and all the races there, were real and alive yesterday.” I answered. “I’m sorry for sounding offensive.”

"It's alright. I know you don't mean anything by it but it's just a heads up in case or for future reference." Queenie stated. "So, shall we go or do you need to… cool off first?" She asked.

My face was red as a rose, heat was forming back there and I could feel my impulse control plummeting.

Nothing against Queenie but I don't know if I want to lose my virginity to her succubus magic attraction… do I?

“Curse you horny…” I grumbled, trying to get some self control back even if I…looked into their beautiful ruby eyes again.

"Oh my, I don't think I've ever seen the effect hit someone this badly? Um, I normally don't do this but you might want to let me-"

My impulse Control zeroed out as I leaned in, wrapped my hooves around Queenie and kissed those soft, cherry flavored lips, pulled her in and slammed the door closed behind me.

We walked down the road to town from the farm. I kept a rain coat on hoping to hide the crimson I still felt from pure awkward embarrassment…

I lost my V-card… to a mare. A succubus… and I enjoyed it. Like… a lot. Like, so much more than I imagined. Had it just been her effect… it would have work off after the first… ending… but then I kept going… and going… and going…

"For a first timer you had a surprising amount of endurance and energy." Queenie said from behind me, making my already permanent blush that much harder. "You also tasted quite sweet. Almost like a peach and honey."

“Shush…” I muttered. “It…it was the heat of the moment…I’m an Earth Pony…and…darn it, why did you make me Bi?”

"I didn't make you Bi Lovely. I can't change a pony's sexuality. Yes I can make a mare attracted to me but given that after your first release after the cherry popped you kept going, you were always Bi, just didn't know it." She stated matter of factly.

Could that be true? I'll admit when it comes to my own… likes, and dislikes, I never had a clear… attraction. I could always tell a mare was hot or a stallion handsome but I never felt attraction to them. List, admittedly, a few times. Before Queenie there was this one mare who worked for my parents who was… attractive and it confused me. And male guards I did have a few I fantasized about… and that mare thinking back… mostly… cuddling and… being…

Holy shit I am Bi?!

“Oh my Celestia…” I muttered in realization. “I really am Bi…”

"Told you~" Queenie said in a single song tone. "Perks of being a Succubus is that I can always tell a virgins sexuality based on their reactions around me."

“I mean…alright…” I sighed. “Just…wish my first time was…a little more romantic…or at least have a first date…”

"Succubi don't really date. Or be romantic. Not in our nature, but if you ever want a friend with benefits you'll just have to ask and I'll oblige." She said.

That made me stop for a while… I quickly opened the book and found Queenie. Labeled as Friend. Smaller title. With Benefits.

…Okay now I know the junimos are poking fun at me…

“Alright you adorable nature spirits, you have to be messing with me at this point…” I muttered bitterly.

I closed the book and led Queenie to the Brothel.

The Three Sisters. Margalo, Pinch and Peach, the last two being twins, gave Queenie a mock interview and… tests, independently, each one. She passed and starts Friday.

"Yes! Thank you Lovely!" She said, grabbing me and planting a wet kiss on my lips…

I just tried not to think of where these lips were recently and more or less enjoyed it.

With that Queenie went back home and so did I. But not before buying some things the sisters apparently sold…

Not saying what I bought, that's between me and my bedroom/bathroom.

The next day I was introduced to Mika the Thestrial. "Hi!" The tiny bat-like pony pegasus waved to me.

“Hi there Mika.” I said with a smile. “How are you doing today?”

"I'm super excited I can't wait to get my new job, Queenie got hers and I'm super-duper excited!" The fast talking, hyperactive small Thestrial said, their wings beating like a hummingbird's.

“I know you are.” I smiled, lightly patting their head like they were a very excitable foal or an adorable pupper. “Come on, let’s find you a job.”

We began to walk. Well, I walked she flew. "I can't wait til we get there, it's gonna be amazing!" She squeed.

“So what do you like to do Mika?”

“Oh I like lots of things like Balloons and Candy and fish and cake and ice cream and flowers and lemons and limes and apples and books and trees and-”

Oh boy… she’s… she’s gonna be… eager.

"You sure are eager." I said, kind of concerned that she might be…too eager.

"I just can't wait until we get there I have been dreaming about getting a job like this since I was a fully and I'm so excited!"

“What job you getting?” I inquired.

"I wanna be a post courier!"

Post courier?

“Like…a Mailmare?”

"No! A mailmare just delivers mail through town. A post courier delivers packages all over Equestria. Some of the fastest fliers in Equestria started out as post couriers. I get to fly all around the sky and travel all over Equestria. Maybe even the world!"

“That’s good to hear.” I nodded with a smile.

“Oh I hope I get it! I’ve been working in the Other Town mail delivery for years but I really want to get the job! I’ve gotten so used to Other Town I can practically fly around it and deliver the mail with my eyes closed! I did that once and only miss mailed four packages!”

“That’s pretty good.” I nodded. “You must really love doing your job.”

“Oh I used to hate it at first I thought it was so boring but then I got to know all the creatures on my routs and now I know them all by name and their hobbies, their likes, their dislikes their deepest darkest secrets and I wanna do the same up here but meet interesting ponies all across the land and who knows I might even get to know the Princesses if I have to deliver a package to them!”

”Well, that is a good goal to strive for.” I nodded.

We arrived at the Stardrop post office. Mika, already being a postal employee, all she needed to do was submit a transfer application and then submit a request to enroll in the Equestrian Courier program. And that was it.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!” Mika said as she hugged me tightly.

“Your welcome Mika.” I chuckled, hugging back and still thankful for my earth pony strength or I might have been wanting air from how tightly she was hugging me.

Once Milka was done hugging me she rapidly flew back home and I also did the same. Well, I walked home. Before I did though I took a quick detour to the Junimo tree. I was walking into the tree when I spotted my Heart shaped Junimo by the little hut.

“Hey there little guy.” I said softly. “What you doing out here?”

They hopped in place for a bit before walking into the hut. I Kneeled down and looked inside and… what the?

There’s a tunnel in here?

“Hold up what?” I asked in surprise.

I saw my little Junimo down the tunnel and with a shrug I followed them through.

The tunnel was small but I managed to slip through. When I emerged from the other end I found myself in another tree, only this one was… huge. Towering so high above I can’t see the ceiling from here. In front of me was a exit carved into the trunk of the tree and from it a bright light shined through it. Slowly I walked through the exit and once my eyes adjusted I was in a huge meadow of flowers. Sitting in the field was… me?

The Other me looked around and smiled. “Hi Lovely.” She waved. “Glad you made it.”

“What in Celestia’s snow white plot…?” I muttered in absolute confusion.

“Relax. It’s me.” She said. “Oh, well here I look like you cause you’re who I’m bound to.” Bound to? Heart Junimo!

“You’re the Heart Junimo?”

“Yup!” She said with a nod. “It’s nice to finally talk to you. Welcome to the Realm of Spirits and Magic.”

“It’s…good to be here.” I nodded.

“I was hoping to talk with you. In your home realm I’m unable to convey speech. Here I’m freely able to speak and more.”

“And that’s a good thing.” I nodded. “So, what do you want to talk about?”

“Well, honestly there’s not a real simple way to put it. And I know it’s gonna sound odd, believe me, but what I’m gonna tell you is the honest truth alright?”

“Is it going to be any weirder than what I’ve been dealing with over the past few days?” I asked.

“Possibly. It will even be crazy but trust me, if you don’t go through with it then the evil spirits in your realm won’t be stopped.”

That got my attention.

“Alright, so what do I need to do?” I inquired.

My junimo took a long, deep breath. “You need to get pregnant.”

….WHAT!?!?!?!?

Consequences

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The shock of what my Junimo self said filled me with a sense of panic, anger, and confusion as I began to come back to reality.

“The buck did you just say!?” I shrieked in confusion and panic.

"You need to get pregnant." They repeated.

“Why!?!” I asked in absolute confusion.

"Simply put… you aren't actually the one destined to defeat the dark spirits .. your foal, or foals, are."

“Ah, yes, thank you for telling me I’m only here to be a baby factory for the actual heroes.” I rolled my eyes. “Do you have an explanation as to why I should do this or care? Cause I have more important things to do than be told ‘yeah, we’re only following you so you can breed the being that’s actually supposed to solve our problems’.”

"Yes." She said, taping the ground. It shook before a large stone tablet written in some kind of Junimo language was on it. "This Prophecy was given to the Junimos by the All Makers. It tells of all the plights our people will face that bleed into the physical world, your world."

“So is this correct or are these ‘All Makers’ just bucking with you for laughs?” I asked. “Cause it can be both.” I said, honestly wanting to prove these ‘All Makers’ are full of shit and solve the issue myself and not just be…here for someone else to solve the problems I got myself into.

"Everything this tablet has written on it has come to pass. And each time we have dealt with it, with the help of the ones it has written we needed to help. The prophecy here states that one day, after evil spirits escape to the physical world, a mare will come to this valley with eyes that can see love itself. That's you. It says while she is here, she will help mend the bonds between the people, living and dead, and in time will find love herself. The first born child of yours is prophesied to have the Ability to interact with the spirit world in the same way other spirits can. Using this power they will combat the evil spirits and return your world to peace."

“And half of that sounds like not my problem.” I stated simply. “I made the declaration of war against that Snake, and I’m going to beat them, if you’re ‘All Makers’ want me to take this prophecy seriously, then they better make me a pretty good date cause I’m turning that anger spirit into a pair of spiritual snake skin boots.” I said, and even though I was pretty sure I’m being upset over not much, my pride and need to prove myself after being a forced shut in for a majority of my life makes me want to walk up to these All Makers personally and tell them to kiss my fat plot.

"You really don't want to do that. Stealing a destiny from another is, it's not good at all Lovely."

“And it’s also not good at all to tell someone that was forcibly sheltered for a majority of their life that some prick’s from out of nowhere slotted you in to be a broodmare for someone else’s success, isn’t that funny?” I frowned.

"That-that's not true! You're still destined to rebond the relationships of the people around you Lovely, and it's not just someone putting a foal in you, it's going to be your own true love who father's the foal."

“That’s still skipping over the main problem though.” I frowned. “Which is, I’m just ‘here’ for someone else to solve the actual issue of dealing with that Snake…” I brought up, hating how the actual issue that I accidentally started is going to be solved, not by me, but by my kid who shouldn’t have to deal with any of this before they're even born! “What’s worse is that my own child, or children apparently, are already prophesied to do this shit! They shouldn’t, and I’m going to make sure of that.”

"Lovely please." Junimos me pleaded. "Don't take this road. If you defy your and your children's destiny one of the All Makers will get involved."

“Cool, if I want to personally tell them to piss off I know how to call them.” I growled. “I didn’t run from my family, unseal some demon on pure accident, threaten it with war, and have my parents sealed in stone forever just so some plot head can tell me how my life’s supposed to be run!” I snapped. “I lost my parents due to my mistakes, I’m trying to have a decent life here! But now you want me to send my future kids off to fight something that I made the threat to?”

"Lovely I am begging you, if you leave here on this path, whatever happens from now on we won't be able to undo."

"How bad can it really be if I'm the one to deal with the snake? Unless it states that my Kid literally talks this thing down from being a world destroying monster into becoming a pet, I don't see how what I want to do is all that wrong." I frowned. "I'm the one that caused this to happen, I'm the one that's supposed to stop it. Through the power of love, friendship, and a gun I'm going to make to kill the thing, the 'prophecy' can kiss my flank unless I'm shown otherwise."

With that, I left. I know my Jumino had a point, that I was going to do something good, help the entire village become a lot closer, fix bonds that apparently weren’t there or were weakening…but what I’m not going to take lying down is the fact that my life was, yet again, being forced out of my hooves because of someone else, and what I was most assuredly not going to let happen was my future child or children be apart of a battle that I started due to my mistakes.

Exiting back the way I came I went straight home.

Entering my house I just wanted to-

"Really should have listened to her." I froze, looking up. They were a similar being to Barkeep or Anon, only with jet black hair, long pointed ears and dark blue eyes. They wore this black leather coat and pants, boots to match and were sitting on my bed.

"Glad I didn't need to make an appointment." I stated simply. "Here's what you can do, you can take your prophecy, you can take whatever Celestia damn railroad you wanted to shove my life on, and you can express deliver it straight up your ass." I growled, assuming this was one of those 'All Makers' and throwing that at them immediately.

"I admire that determination but there are consequences to denying your own fate. On top of taking destiny away from another." They said simply with a shrug.

"Are you going to explain or show me why I should care or are you going to be vague enough for me to think you're just bluffing?" I asked.

"Frankly, the main consequence are an acceleration to your worlds timeline of events. As well as the usual, unplanned deaths, catastrophes, you could even end up never being a mom. It's not my department but those are the basic risks."

"If it's not your department then why in Tartarus are you here?" I asked. "And good to know that I'm forced to live how others want me again and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it! Thank you your Cosmic Eminence! Shall I kindly turn around and bend over so you can fuck me more?" I asked in a sarcastic appraisal tone.

"I'm just the messenger here. And really, is it that much worse compared to that small bedroom you knew for all those years? You still have the whole world at your hooves, yet you cry because you aren't meant to be in a fight."

"How do I when you've already told me what my life's supposed to be?" I asked. "And it's not just the fight…it's way more than that…" I shook my head. "Just being put in another cage because something bad might happen…"

"If it makes you feel better, it's only certain events you're meant to… miss out on, or participate in. Any and everything in between is your free will and choice, from who your true love will be to what you do between now and then, all up to you."

“Not really no, especially when I’m told my children are supposed to solve my problems.” I frowned. “I really want kids, and I believe they should have a better upbringing than me…but to be forced into dealing with my problems because someone else said so? That’s not something I can take lightly.”

"Well, you've already set the ball in motion and we won't stop it."

“And when I’m trying to stop the ball you’re stopping me.” I frowned.

"We were just warning you to not take on those spirits. But, if you won't listen to warnings then, oh well. Just remember, your life isn't the only one you're risking on this road." With that, he was gone in a blink.

I took a deep breath…then another…then another…I trotted over to the table, gently taking the valuable things off of it because they are still valuable…and after everything was set and safe…I flipped the table and screamed. “Cause what’s the bucking point…”

With a huff, I jumped onto my bed and sulked.

“This sucks…” I muttered sadly, cause when I truly believe that, even if I released a demon of pure rage on pure accident, I had my life together, I was finally able to do what I wanted without anyone forcing their own beliefs on how I should live…only to be told ‘nah, we already planned out your entire life and that of your kids’...’

I wish I could just…

"Disappear?" I turned my head, half pushing myself up at the sight of… something. It was like the prior being… or rather, a silhouette of their general shape, a shadowed outline with a white void body of sorts.

“What do you want?” I frowned. “Can’t you see I’m sulking over the fact that I’m forced to live how others want me to again to the point where even my children aren’t exempt?”

"Would you like me to help you with that?" They asked, somehow giving me a toothy grin.

“Who are you?” I asked, getting really tired of whatever the hell is going on. “And why should I accept whatever offer you want to give me?”

"Call me Truth. And as for why, well, I can take you to someplace where you can Truely, honestly, be free as a bird. No limitations, no restrictions, no pesky All Makers telling you what you can and can't do. Hell, get strong enough and you could fight them."

“But wouldn’t I be abandoning everyone here?” I asked. “I’m not abandoning the people here, I made a promise…”

"If that promise is so important to you, then how about a deal?" Truth offered. "I can have this whole world, heck, this whole universe, sent out there with you. All you will have to do is find it."

“And…what’s the catch?” I asked carefully.

"The place I will send you has many worlds, and the one you will find yourself on is exceptionally dangerous, ripe with monsters, chaos, murder, and such. But, hidden, safe and sound will be your home." Truth said, raising a hand and in it formed a crystal that seemed to perfectly house… the universe. "And the best part, should an All Maker find you, they can't return you, nor your universe here to this cage you call home."

“So…I’m either stuck dealing with what these All Makers want me to do…or get sent to a world that’s probably eight times worse than whatever that snake is doing…” I frowned.

"Yes but trust me when I say, this world will make you stronger enough that this Snake Spirit, will be but a gnat to you in a fight. And once you are strong enough and off this dangerous world you can free your universe and step back here, to this moment, with no time having passed for anyone here."

“So…it’s just me that’s stuck in whatever place you’re throwing me, and everything here is frozen in time?” I asked, sitting up now as I…just wanted something in my life to go my way, not being held down because of someone else or because the alternative would have consequences.

"There are many on this world. Some good, some evil. You won't be alone at all, and to make it easy for you, I'll even put you near someone that will be more than willing to help."

“Well…” I said, trying to think this through. “So, before I make any kind of deal, I need this all written down in clear, concise wording.” I said, getting off my bed and walking to get a quill and paper. “One thing I’ve learned through me snooping around my dad and mom during mob deals, always make sure the deal is as clear as crystal, cause any impurity could make things harder for either side.”

"If you insist." Truth said, snapping their fingers on their free hand. The quill flew from my mouth and quickly wrote out a detailed contract. At the bottom, two lines. One with simply Truth, written on it, the other blank.

I took the contract, and started to read over it, looking over every single detail in case of any shenanigans going on.

I didn't see anything added or missing. It was basically a word for word of what he promised.

If I do this… I'll be free…

“No strings attached…no prophecies to tell me I’m railroaded into doing something else…I can finally have my life…” I teared up, apart of me screeching at me to not take this deal, as if something was very very wrong…but the thought that I could actually have my life that I’ve tried to have over these past few months, without anything holding me back, without anyone telling me that my decisions will only make things worse and I’m forced to follow the guidelines they wanted me in…”Deal…” I said, signing my name on the dotted line, but a sudden crash made me whip my head around suddenly.

“No!” The person from before shouted in panic, their bored look turning into a look of fear and panic as they tried to reach out to me…then it went dark…

Error! Universe Not Detected! Initiating Replacement Protocol... Initiating... Stand By, Big Bang in Progress.

Lovely Life

by BioQuillFiction

Welcome to Stardrop Town

Days to Come.

Conciquences.

Taking Action

Spending Fortunes.

Other Town

Consequences