A New Light in 'Friendship'

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Before I continue, i must say that this is my first Fan Fiction that i've ever written so don't go all crazy with the harsh criticism, thank you, and enjoy!

I woke with a start, frantically searching my bedroom for any creatures of the night. I sighed,'just another bad dream... nothing to be worried about.' I checked my window to find that it was already day break and the citizens of Ponyville were beginning their days. Slumping out of bed, I walked down the steps leading to the kitchen, where I brewed some coffee. Spike entered the room looking at me funny, "Uh, hey Twi... how'd yah sleep?"

"Let's just say I don't want to experience it again," I said as I recalled the horrific nightmare.

"I bet," Spike said as he walked out the door. I sighed again, and grabbed a cup from the counter-top. I sat down on my table and, while sipping, looked around the main room. It looked to empty, to me. The books were stacked clean and organized. It practically made the room seem darker somehow. As if somepony were wearing aftershave to cover a terrible hangover stench. After looking around I decided, 'I need to go out.' As I got dressed into something a little more warm, I stepped out into the chilly air and made my way down to Sugarcube Corner where I could at least spend some time with Pinkie Pie. As I walked into the store I saw Derpy Hooves, purchasing a box of what smelled like muffins. She walked toward the exit, but bumped into me, spilling her contents of muffins on the floor.

"Doh, uh, sorry I wasn't watching where I was going," she facehoofed and bend down and began picking up the muffins. I watched as she bent down and felt a pang in my chest. No. It wasn't a pang... more like a want— a need to take her up to my bedroom and... snap snap snap, "Hm... wha?" I said startled.

"Hey Twilight... how's a going!" Pinkie said that like it was some kind of surprise to a fun game.

"Oh uh, fine fine! Just feeling a little below the weather these days." Who was I kidding I felt awful just being around anyone. "You know Pinkie I'd love the stay and chat, but I got to go meet somepony at the library." I stepped back out of the store and stared at Derpy Hooves' flank until i was aroused yet again by Pinkie's snapping.

"Jeez you should lie down, you don't look too good!" She said as she pranced her way back to the counter. She pulled out some cough drops and cough syrup.

"Why... thank you for the offer Pinkie, but i don't think—"

"Oh! Of course, I forgot, sorry Twilight!" She went over to a blender, placed both the cough syrup and the cough drops in and put it on something labeled with a "Obliterate" on it. When she poured the dark green liquid and covered it, she brought it over to me, "I forgot that you shouldn't chew, it's bad for your throat!"

"Um, thanks again." I said as I made a hasty get away. I wasn't feeling physically sick, just... hay I just felt like... like the shadows in my library seem to be growing. I guess it's just me getting lonelier and lonelier. The thought of
Derpy came to mind... what with her soft skin... elegant mane... wait WHAT!? am I actually having feelings for Derpy? That's just odd. How could Ponyville's dunce even been in my mind in the first place? Well I shouldn't say that, after all it was kind of cute when she spilt the muffins, and she's not bad looking either. I hit my head into the library door. 'Oops, should've paid more attention,' I thought as I opened the door. Once again I was back to this deserted-looking building, sighing I slowly made my way up the steps into my bedroom, and back to sleep. Although it was daytime, I didn't feel like moving today.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Pinkie watched as Twilight stared again at that Derpy Hooves, wondering what was going on. As she recalled the incident, she remembered the look on Twilight's face when she fell into that trance. Almost as if... as if... 'What could that mean,' Pinkie thought as the decorated a dozen of cupcakes. Suddenly it came to her, and she couldn't help but let out a huge grin. 'Twilight, found her love! This is exciting news!' Pinkie thought. She quickly grabbed her scarf, and pranced her way over to Fluttershy's Cottage to tell her the news.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I woke with a start, sweat beading down my forehead, 'not again,' I thought with a moan. 'Ok that's it, first thing tomorrow, I'm going to ask Derpy Hooves out.' I fell back on my bed, put the covers on me. Turning I saw that it was already
the next day. "Well, better get a move on..." I climbed out of bed once more, and walked down to the front door. Hm,
strange, what're all these papers doing here?' I thought for a moment, shrugged and picked them up, reading each one.

Dear Twilight,

It's been a few days since you've been out of the library, I don't know if this is some kind of study thing you're
doing, but please come out we'd like to spend some time together.

Sincerely, Rarity.

"A few days!?" I yelled as I checked Spike's calendar. Wow... I've been asleep for 4 days. I really need to get out more.
I checked the rest of the envelopes and they were all saying the same thing: I need to get out, they're worried, and they
want to hang out sometime. As i opened the last letter my heart gave a little jump. wait a second... myheart jumped at a
letter from derpy!? 'This seems oddly plotted...' I thought as I read the letter.

Dear... uh... Twilight "She knew my name!! Um," I coughed,"not that I care."

I am sorry for hurting you with the muffins, and I'd like to make amends by having you at my house for some morning

lunch! Have a great day, and I'll see you soon!

The End

The end. Did she really just say "The End" on a letter? Oh who cares, I have a date with Derpy! I pranced around the room, and quickly left to Rarity's to find something to wear. Only a day away, I'm so excited! Maybe we can hook up...
and get together... and maybe she can move in... Whoa whoa whoa. Hold your carriage Twilight let's take one thing at a time. Part of me was still in shock that I was into Derpy, but for once... I didn't care!

The Classic Triangle

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'Oh what should I wear!' I thought to myself as I walked towards Carousel Boutique, 'Well maybe I should just wear something not too flashy. Of course this could be a fancy dat— I mean meeting. Hm, well I'm sure Rarity well have something perfect for me!' I trotted through Ponyville, taking in the sweet smell of... well... sweets as I passed Sugarcube Corner. I suddenly stopped, 'Hm, well I suppose I should give Pinkie a visit.' I checked the town clock. Still another 2 hours until my date. Oh darn it, meeting! MEETING! "Jeez. Um, I guess I have the time,' I giggled at that thought. Too fast, missy, too fast. I trotted over back to the shop where I was greeted by Pinkie Pie.

“Hey Twilight! How’d you sleep? Really super duper extra special, I bet! You’re welcome for the cough blend,” she said as she bounced over to me.

“Cough blend? But I didn’t even…” suddenly it came rushing back. When I woke up 4 days ago, I was really thirsty and I must have drunk the blend on accident. My cheeks flushed from the embarrassment of doing such a dim-witted thing. “Oh, that. Yeah thanks for that it really… helped.” I gave a half-hearted laugh.

“Yeah it sure was a bummer wummer that you weren’t here yesterday, it was a hoot!”

“What do you mean? What happened yesterday?” I looked around the room, trying to find anything that didn’t seem like should be there.

“Well firstly Gummi got a new jacket!” she ran over to her room, and came back down holding a certain alligator in the cutest little button-up sweater!

“Aaaaaaaw! How cute,” I exclaimed. I checked his back, “What’s this…? Oh that’s adorable it’s an advertisement sweater for the shop!”

Pinkie blushed, “Yeah it was my idea, I figured if he’s gonna help advertise, he might as well look cute to who ever was purring over him!” She picked him up and put him back in her room.

“Celestia,” I breathed, “what a great idea!”
“Thanks, wanna hear the story about how I got his sweater?”
“Sure that sounds fun!” we walked over to her bedroom, and sat down on her bed.
“Well it all started when I went over to Carousel Boutique and asked rarity if she could make me a sweater for Gummi….” Pinkie went on and on about the adventure she and Rarity had trying to find the perfect sweater size for Gummi. “And in the end, all we needed to do was just make one from straight wool, and dunked it in water!” She exploded in laughter and I couldn’t help but laugh along with her.
“So anything else happen?” I asked as I wiped a tear from laughing.
She gave a wry smile, “well I told Fluttershy about your little crush!”
My heart practically stopped, “You… you know?” I said sweat beginning to bead on my brow.
“Well sure I do silly!” She gave a reassuring smile, but it didn’t do squat.
I quickly got right in her muzzle, “Did. You. Tell. Anyone,” I questioned.
“Nopey Dopey! And I made sure that Fluttershy knew not to tell anyone, too!” She gave one last smile. I let out a breath of relief. ‘Still in the clear,’ I thought with a smirk. I checked the time.
“Whoa look at the time,” I said getting up, “It’s been great spending time with you, Pinkie Pie. And… um,” I sort of cringed, “ thank you for the cough blend.” I couldn’t help but laugh at that, and Pinkie soon joined in. We just laughed for a few minutes, and I felt a stronger bond between her and I. I walked out of Sugarcube Corner and headed straight for Carousel Boutique. Along the way I saw Derpy Hooves hovering around the town, not really going anywhere. When she saw me she pointed to her hoof as if she were wearing a watch and winked. I blushed instantly, and felt it too. I looked around making sure nobody saw this embarrassing reaction to her gesture. She playfully laughed at my response and flew away. Holy Celestia she looked gorgeous. I was entranced in her delightful flying, and had to remind myself that I was on a (sort of) schedule. I kept my pace and soon saw Rarity’s shop was in sight. When I stepped in my friend greeted me… but something seemed off about her.
“H-hey Twilight,” Rarity said with excitement.
I smiled, “Good day Rarity!” She just blushed and hurried over to a new dress she must be working on.
“So what b-brings you here, um, Twilight?”
“Rarity are you ok?” I asked looking her in the eye.
“Oh just having you here is go—“ She stopped, flustered. "Eheheh Um, would you excuse me?" and quickly left up to her room. When she returned she was back in control. “Sorry I’ve just been undergoing some, um, new lights in how I few my friends.” She sort of choked after that word.
She was looking at me weird, it felt a little awkward to be honest. “Well I wanted to know if there was something I could wear for my meet— I mean date— NO WAIT MEETING!" I sighed, "Could you just help me out?” I asked.
She looked genuinely hurt in fact almost teary eyed, but said. “Of course darling, but honestly I think you look beau— er, uh… pretty without any need for a dress.” She smiled and left the room to go get a dress.

'What's going on with Rarity lately? Did she find out about the crush?? No... no Pinkie said that she didn't tell a living soul. Other than Fluttershy.

Finally Rarity came down and brought back a plain-yet-stylish dress. “Here you are, this will do for a dress!” I put it on, and it did actually look good on me!
“Thanks for all of this, how much do I owe you?” I pulled out some bits, as I expected in paying. However Rarity turned it down.
“It’s quite alright, I just want to see you happy, you seemed a little down a few days ago.” She smiled yet again. I waved to her and left Carousel Boutique. As I walked on towards Derpy Hooves’ house, I wondered about Rarity and why she acted that way.
‘Oh just having you here…. I think you look beau…… Just wanted to see you happy…’ Oh no. Not good. I’ve seen this before in a novel I read a while back. There’s a term for it… I just know it. But what could it be. Suddenly it all came to me in a flash. Oh no. No no no no. The term used was...

The Love Triangle.

The "Meeting"

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‘A love triangle… this can’t be good. If this is a real triangle then that means…’ I stopped dead, ‘This means that Derpy probably likes Rarity!’ I was beginning to tear up. So much for my chance with her... but wait… I should at least ask her if this is true, maybe… maybe I still do have a chance! This removed my sadness and I begin trotting to Derpy’s house. ‘But still… what could Rarity like in me?’ I thought. ‘I mean sure, I’m good with reading and sure I can organize well enough, but I mean…’ I was at a loss. I simply didn’t know what to think of it, so I banished the thought and began thinking of how the day might go. ‘She said she wanted to have some brunch at her house, so I guess it won’t be anything special.’ Ok that made me a bit sad, ‘Ah well it’s not like she… she ever liked me. But still there’s always that possibility.’
“Hey, Derpy’s House!” I exclaimed. I pranced over to the door and gave a knock. ‘No going back now…. just go with the flow…. try to lead the conversation into partners and then ask her out.’ Ok, I had my game plan, and waited for her to answer. And waited. And waited. ‘Oh no,’ I thought, ‘what if she forgot about the date? What if… what if she got cold feet? What if…’ The door opened, and I stood gazing at the most beautiful mare I’d ever seen. She was, as always, cross-eyed and gave me a warm smile.
“Duh… hey Twilight! Would you care to um… come in?” She opened the door more and stuck out her fore hoof, I shook it and it. Was. Amazing. She ushered me to her kitchen where she had already laid out a plate of muffins. I looked around her home; it was quite small— but not cluttered. On the contrary it was actually very homey and I loved it, for it was much warmer than my cold cold library. The walls were decorated with family photos of Derpy and Dinky. Although there was just the two of them, they seemed like a happy family. The living room was a little messy, but I didn’t mind. It was probably from Dinky playing around with her toys. Speaking of which.
“Hey Derpy?” She looked at me. “Where’s Dinky been lately?” Something was off about her. Were her eyes… normal??
“Oh well, that silly filly is always playing hide and seek. Would you like to meet her?”
Ok something was definitely off about her, or rather… on about her.
“Uh sure but if I may ask, what happened to your way of speaking? And… why aren’t your eyes crossed?”
“Oh,” she laughed, “I guess I should come clean, you see I’ve been acting that way in public so as not to let anyone know about my true self.” I was shocked.
“But… certainly you’d want everypony else to know about who you really are.” There was a pause, but soon she looked me in the eye, it wasn’t in a cold way, just… firm.
“Every single pony has their own demons, I’d like mine to stay where they are.”
I didn’t know what she meant, and I couldn’t continue as Dinky quickly hopped up to Derpy, where she hugged her.
“Hey there, sweetie! How was your day playing with your new toys?”
She looked up into her eyes, and I suppose something clicked because Derpy just said, “Oh well would you like someone to play with you?” Dinky stared at her again, and Derpy said, “Great well how’s about some muffins for our little star?”
I couldn’t help but blush, ‘she said we like… as if we’re a family. Maybe there is a chance with her and I.
“Hey Twilight, you coming to eat some brunch or not?” She said with a wink. I smiled and joined her and Dinky. For a while we just sat in silence and I’m sure like me, they were basking in the delicious flavor of Derpy’s homemade muffins.
“Mm, Derpy did you make these from scratch?” I asked between bites.
“Yes, we have a little family recipe that Dinky and I made together.” She said with obvious pride.
“Well it’s certainly something to behold!” I said while checking out her kitchen. Just like the rest of her house it was too really cozy with spices scattered all over the counter-tops, cinnamare, Nicemeg, and a lot more I haven’t even heard of. I liked this place, I liked it a lot and I liked Derpy. This was just a great day so far.

After we finished, Derpy let Dinky escort us to her playroom, where we gathered up some little pony dolls and played house. I found that Dinky didn’t know how to speak yet, so in order for a communication, Dinky gives Derpy stares and Derpy can easily interpret them without fail. It seemed like an ingenious resource for messaging. We played house for quite a while, and I honestly must say, it actually was pretty fun! I mean sure about as far as dolls go for me I saw them in toy stores, and I never really got into them. But I’m digressing. So we played for around an hour or two and by that time Dinky was getting a bit sleepy, and starting to droop a little.
Derpy chuckled lovingly, “Look like someone had an exciting day.” She pulled her on her back and was carrying her to her bedroom. She laid her down ever so gently. As she pulled the covers over her, and kissed her goodnight, I swear this mare deserved mother-of-the-year award. I was smiling like crazy from the loving care that this mare seemed to have. “Ahem, Twilight would you mind me showing you something?”
I blushed deep crimson, “Uh… sure what would that be?” She saw my blushing and laughed.
“Follow me.” She led me to a huge room filled with… books. Yeah. Books. I stood there jaw dropped. She chuckled, “I thought you might like them.” She said with a wink.
“But… how long have you had this room?” I ask still gawking at the shelves.
“Well I actually have had it for little more than a week… you see I figured that you’d like this a lot, so I got it just for you.”
“Why… why would you do all this just for me?”
She gazed right into my eyes, and I swear I let out a Fluttershy squeak, “I ah, I wanted to get your attention…”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Derpy woke up and found that it was yet another chilly day, snow, frost, and all. She decided to make some grass-cakes for Dinky before she went off to school. She walked into the pantry and pulled out some instant-mix for grass-cakes. Pouring a cup into the mix bowl, and adding water she stirred it until it was just right and scooped up little spoonfuls and began cooking them. She set the heat to medium and tip-hoofed to Dinky’s room, where she gently tugged at her mane, “Come on now precious it’s time for breakfast.” Dinky woke with a start and gazed at the mare. Derpy playfully snorted, “ Well are you going to eat or not?” Derpy smiled at led the filly to her table where she pulled out two plates and made breakfast.

Once breakfast was done, she gave Dinky a kiss on the cheek and watched as her flesh and blood walked off to school. She gave yet another smile “Looks like you’ve done a great job.” As she goes back into the living room, she flips on the Celestia-Vision, or C.V. and watched a re-run of some newscast. She wasn’t paying much attention until the camera zoomed in on the 6 mares so called, “The Elements of Harmony” She noticed a certain lavender mare looking sheepishly at the camera. Derpy sighed and walked towards the window to gaze at the beautiful scenery. She noticed Twilight coming out of her library, and gasped. “Maybe I can try to get a date with her. Now… how can I get close to her?” She saw as Twilight walked in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. “That’s it!!” She said as she rushed outside to Sugarcube corner. Derpy made sure that she was well hidden, and that Twilight couldn’t see her as she approached. She sneakily made her way into the Shop.

“Well hey Derpy, how’s everything going? Great I suppose right?” Pinkie said as she shook off some decorations from the ceiling. ‘Oh Celestia I forgot to cross my eyes!’ Derpy thought as she wobbled her head and fixed her eyes to their original Herpy-Derpy position.

“Duh… well it’s going pretty good, hey um… Pinkie can I have a few muffins for my daughter? She loves your muffins!”

“Well of course silly! Hang on I’ll go get a fresh batch from the oven!” She bounced over to an oven and came back with a pink box of muffins. “5 bits please!” Pinkie said with excitement and a smile!

“D’oh, sure thing!” Derpy pulled out 6 bits and put them on the counter. “Just keep the change.” Pinkie gave a big hug and inserted it into the cash register. The door’s bell rung, Derpy turned and saw that Twilight had entered the building. ‘Think fast!’ Derpy thought, and she quickly rammed into Twilight with the box of muffins. ‘Take your shot!’ Derpy thought as she stared into Twilight’s eyes. She was… simply at a lost. So she looked down and said, “Duh… sorry I wasn’t watching where I was going.” She bent down and picked up her spilt muffins and hurried out of the door, almost in tears. When she got home she cried on her couch. ‘So stupid… stupid stupid stupid!!!’ She mentally scolded herself, but then stopped. “Wait… WAIT! I think I can use that… I can… OH! I can write a letter to Twilight asking her to come over for a date!’ This thought got her back on her feet and she started writing the letter….

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

“You… wanted to get my attention?” I asked as I stared into her eyes.

“Well yeah, I’ve… I’ve had my eye on you I mean uh… no no… I’ve been interested in you for while and I was wondering if… if we could—“ Thunder crackled in the distance causing us both to jump.

“I think it’s kind of late, wouldn’t you say?” I say as I check out the sky. Rainbow dash must have planned a surprise rainstorm. “Well do you think I can stay for a while?” I laughed at that, “ I mean for the night? It looks like it’s going to be a bad storm.”

Derpy nodded and made the couch up with covers and a pillow, “You can take my bed, I’ll be ok out here.” She gave me a warm smile and hugged me. She hugged me. Wow, and I thought her hoof shake was good. She walked me to her bedroom where she laid me down and tucked me in. I was blushing the whole time.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I dreamt. I dreamt of a storm. Not like a regular storm with rain and wind, but one of creatures, which looked ugly and hideous. The creatures bared their fangs at me, making faces even Discord himself would find scary. It wasn’t until what seemed like forever that I was awaken by that lovely goddess, Derpy Hooves.
She gave me a worried look and said, “You going to be alright?”
The truth was easy to find, “No.” I said and that must have been all that was needed because then she climbed in bed next to me. I was definitely a deep crimson as I felt Derpy’s body heat slowly curled over me. I shuddered a bit and Derpy thought that was a shiver of terror so she put her fore hooves around me. I wasn’t thinking clearly so I just put my fore hooves around her and cuddled with her. She kissed me, right on my mouth. Now I know over fifty million seventy thousand eight hundred and forty six words, but I was certainly at a loss for words at the kiss. ‘I guess she does love me…’ I thought as I kissed her deeper. Her tongue and mine entwined and I felt a great ecstasy. We parted for a breath, and at that I instantly fell asleep.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I woke up the next day, and found that I was still cuddling with Derpy who was still asleep. Ironically she woke up at that moment, too.

“Hey Derpy…?”

“Yes… Twilight?”

“Did…” I started sweating, but then the thought of last night relieved me. “Did you plan out the act with the muffins four days ago?”

She gave long pause, “Yeah… I did.”

“Hey Derpy…?”

“Yes?”

“Would you go out with me?”

She kissed me and I returned the kiss without a moments notice, “Yes…”

A Few Seconds Late

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“Mmmm,” I murmured as I slowly drifted back to consciousness, I opened my eyes expecting to see the mare of my dreams— but I didn’t. In fact there wasn’t even a sign that Derpy had ever been in her bed. This caused me to quickly sit up and peer around the room in an attempt to find her. No luck. I got out of bed and walked down to the living room where I found her. Lying on her couch like she never moved a muscle last night. “Wait… what? Why would she be…” suddenly the realization hit me like a ton a bricks, “That… that wonderful time I had with Derpy… was… a dream??” I said as slumped from slight depression. ‘So it was just a fantasy… nothing more.’ I started to cry, actually cry from knowing that the perfect night was a dream. ‘Well,’ I thought as I looked around the room, ‘At least not all of it was a dream.’

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Rarity is making her next line of dresses, and can’t help but think about that lavender pony she has known for so long. ‘Hm, when she told me she was going on a date, did she actually meant a date? No… that can’t be besides who of all mares would she be into?’ Rarity thought and thought but just couldn’t figure out who the possible mare was. She recalls the encounter with Twilight just a few days back and mentally face-hoofed. ‘What a smooth thing to do Rarity,’ she thought as she continued her dressmaking. ‘I might as well just came out of the closet and told her I loved her.’ Rarity slowly shook her head in anger towards herself. She hadn’t noticed that her dress was off angle so the seam was running into the fabric itself. She scolded herself, ‘Ugh, there’s no point in doing this while Twilight is on my mind.... maybe… maybe I can pay her a visit,’ Rarity thought as she put on her scarf and made her way to Twilight’s library.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I stared at that beautiful mare, taking in each and every moment of her. She was so pretty. I leaned closer, until I felt her breathe against my lips, shuddering, as I was about to draw closer for the kiss…

“…No,” I immediately pulled back, “When…” I recoiled, “if it happens…. I want it to be real.” I decided to just bypass the thought, and wake up Derpy. I admit it, I was being a little selfish because of all ways to wake her up I decided to brush my head against her mane. Yeah, I know it was selfish of me, but I wanted to feel her at least once. Nopony can blame me, after all this is the one and only DERPY! When she woke up I just went straight for the target, and said, “Hey… Derpy… would you mind… um… going… out… with me?” I drew back a little as I finished my sentence and braced for the impact of her answer. She got up from the couch, looked me straight in the eye, and hugged me. Now as I’ve said before as to what her hoof-shake did, apply that by ten fold. After that wondrous hug, she pulled back and simply said, “Yes,” with a smile. I froze, shocked with the information. She said… yes. “YES!!” I cheered, while jumping around the room. “Thank you, thank you!” I yelled hugging her.

She giggled, “So when should we meet up? Six o’clock, at my place?”

I agreed and told her that I would get ready back at my library. I sprinted back to my place, unaware of the cold wind cutting through me. When I got back, Spike greeted me with a storm of questions, one in particular I heard was, “Where were you?”

I smiled, a big smile, “I was out on a date with Derpy Hooves.”

Spike just stared at me. “Whaaah?”

“Oh I didn’t tell you?”

“No, what are you talking about? You like mares?”

“Well darn, I should’ve told you, sorry Spike.” I was honestly embarrassed that I didn’t tell him. But I could see why, I was too excited to think about anypony else at the moment.

“Well… huh… of all mares why would you like Derpy?

I thought about it there’s a whole lot to say about that. “Well for starters she’s a nice mare when you get to know her. And she’s a great mom, loving, caring… you just…” I paused to think for what to say, but couldn’t, “You just… have to know her like I do.” There’s a knock on the door, I wondered who it could be, and I was taken by surprise to find that it was Rarity at the door.

“Well hello, there Twilight, um… how have you been with your um… date?”

“Oh!” I yelped, “It went great! We chatted, I found out about… a certain side of Derpy I never knew existed. And I got to meet her wonderful filly Dinky! But we simply ate some muffins and talked to each other,” I blushed at the dream I had of Derpy.

Rarity looked ever worse after that, but all she seemed to be able to say was, “Well… it’s certainly been nice to hear from you again…” she just walked away her tail twitching as if from irritation.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Rarity walked slowly, taking in the new fact. “So of all mares… she’s into the dunce.” Rarity quietly says to herself. When she got back to Carousel Boutique she was in tears. ‘Calm down dear, it’s not like… you ever lost anything special.” But she was wrong, and she knew it. ‘No… you lost something that cannot be replaced… ever. It’s quite alright, Rarity, try to make something… just to occupy your time.’ She sluggishly walked back to her sewing machine, and began another dress design she was thinking of starting sometime soon. She calmed herself and began seaming, but stopped. She began daydreaming of a world without the love of her life and how it was suddenly happening for real. In a rage she picked up the unfinished dress and threw it across the room. It made a loud heavy thud as it slammed against the table of crystals. She stood there, emotionless until finally she collapsed in a heap and softly cried to herself. Rarity didn’t know how long it had been, but she guessed it was about an hour later that she seemed to right herself. ‘Well… at least she… she…’ More tears streaked across her face, ‘… has someone to love her, and I should at least be a good friend and make sure that Derpy is taking care of her.’ She walked out to her window and looked outside, yet looking at nothing in particular. ‘Perhaps I should… watch them— just to make sure Derpy is taking good care of her. Yes, that’s it!’ Rarity got up walked up the steps to her living quarters and stared out of the window, memorizing places to hide while she kept an eye on the… the couple. ‘And if something bad happens to Twilight, I’ll be able to get a hold of her fast and… save the day I suppose.’

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I closed the door as Rarity left, probably going back to her place I suppose. ‘Hm… I suppose since we’re going out to a fancy restaurant I should get dressed in proper dressing attire. But wait, had we agreed on where we were going? Well… I suppose it’d be better if I dressed properly just in case we went.’ I trotted up the steps humming a tune, and got to my dresser to pick out a dark purple dress. As I was putting it on I began daydreaming about what the night will hold for the two of us. Romantic music in the background… eating by candlelight… maybe just maybe we could go further than last night. “Oh wait,” I said to myself feeling a bit down, “Last night was a dream….”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Derpy is cleaning up the place; it was five thirty just dark enough to put little Dinky to bed. She chuckled softly as she thinks of her daughter, such a wonderful filly. She had no intention, but the image of her father came to mind, and she quickly recoiled and looked around the room in case that mad stallion were lurking in the shadows. ‘If he ever comes back… I’ll… I’ll…’ She shook the thought away and decided to think about the dream she had of Twilight, that… glorious dream. She sat down to relive that amazing fantasy. ‘Only a few minutes until Twilight comes home.” ‘Home… home… home? HOME!? Did I just say she’d be coming home? Oh Celestia what am I thinking!’ You’re thinking of your dreams. She was taken aback. Had that just been her imagination? Or was that some thought bubble deep in her consciousness waiting to escape? She didn’t know, but that thought was right, it… it was her dream for Twilight to be with her. ‘I just have to wait it out, when the time is right we’ll know.’ The thought of her father came back again, but instead of acting scared she faced up to it and just quietly said, “You don’t scare me… not anymore.”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

‘Well time to go!’ I thought as I jumped up from excitement. I opened the door and leisurely walked out into the chilly night air of winter. Loving the cold as it made me feel alive. Tonight was going to be a great night I could just feel it. I arrived at Derpy’s house, it was all I could do not to run up to her and kiss her. I causally knocked on her door and waited for her to answer. This was just like the first time just a day ago. Derpy answered the door, and led me to her couch. I blushed at the memory of this morning, and how I almost kissed her.

“So, where would you like to go?” Derpy asked looking me in the eye.

I blushed, “Well how about La Couturière?”

“Oh yes! Though I don’t understand why they named it that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” Derpy continued, “That means “The Seamstress” In another language.” That made her laugh, and it also made me laugh. After a minute we were able to calm each other, and started our way to the restaurant.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Rarity sees the couple and sneakily tip-hooves a pace behind them, keeping her distance so they don’t see her. She finds a bush next to La Couturière, and hides in it while making sure she has a good field of view of Derpy and Twilight. ‘I wonder if this really is the right thing to do. I mean, if it were Twilight and I,’ she choked a little, ‘then… then I wouldn’t want anypony’s prying eyes on our date.’ She tried to justify with, ‘well it is for her own good…. right?’ She didn’t know but she had a job to do, so she kept watch. It was about ten minutes later that she began noticing her mane was looking a bit frazzled. ‘Oh no, no no no this won’t do,’ she got up and trotted over to Ponyville day Spa, ‘it’ll be find it’s not like they’re going to leave right when they finish eating.’

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Derpy held the door open for me, such a gentlemare! I smiled at her, “Thank you.” We waited for a waiter, and when he came he looked at us questioningly but just shrugged and brought us to a table right next to a window with such a gorgeous view.

“So,” Derpy says breaking the silence, “I can see that you’re a unicorn, do you know any spells?”

I was surprised, almost shocked, “Derpy why are you talking normally?”

“Oh take a look,” she said as she gestured around the room with her hoof, “We’re the only ones here!”

“Hm, well I do happen to know many spells,” I said with pride. “In fact I’ll gladly show you a new one I’m working on after our dinner!”

“Wow it sounds interesting what does the spell do?” Derpy asked putting her head in her hooves and leaning closer.

I blushed yet again and said, “It… um… it’s suppose to give anypony an instant feeling of happiness.”

“I can’t wait to see it!” Derpy said as the waiter brought us our food. We ate in silence just staring at each other, I’m pretty sure the waiter knew what was going on since the stallion put up a candle in the middle of the table. It made me blush, ‘this is all happening just like what I thought would!’ After we ate dinner I ushered Derpy outside next to a streetlight,

“Ok, “ I told her, “You may want to stand back!” I checked my surroundings for something living I could test it on, when I found nothing I decided I better just test it on myself. I concentrated and focused all my energy in my horn, feeling magic pulse through me into it. I started feeling a bit of joy from the effects of the spell encase me. Now I was really starting to feel pure happiness from my hooves to my horn. Suddenly, however, something snapped and I felt myself becoming incredibly sad, I started tearing up and when the tears welded up in my eyes it was too much and I lost my focus.

“Oh no! What’s the matter Twilight?” Derpy said rushing over to me.

“I…” I choked from the occurring of more tears and sobs, “ I think I messed the spell up when I tried to finish it.”

“Should we get you to a doctor?”

“No, “ I choked again, “I should just go home and fix this. But I better hurry I don’t want to be like this all night.”

“Well… alright… thanks for everything Twilight.” Derpy leaned in a kissed me tenderly.

I would have fainted right there if it weren’t for the spell’s magic on me. All I could do was blush, and try to smile. I turned and sprinted home, hoping to make it back in a few minutes.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Rarity just turned the corner, loving the new look of her mane and how it casted a purple glow across the landscape. But when she turned she was filled with immediate anger, for the mare of her dreams was looking at Derpy. In. Tears. Derpy must have done something to Twilight to her cry like that, being that Twilight never cries. She blew steam out of her nostrils, and almost lost it when Twilight ran away from Derpy. ‘That… that Mongrel!’ Rarity thought as she stepped closer to Derpy, each step igniting more and more anger within her soul. ‘I knew that horse would hurt my love. That bastard!’ Rarity started into a full trot and soon a sprint as she grew closer and closer to her enemy. “I’ll fight that bastard… no… that seems too easy.’ She thought more as she grew ever so closer. ‘I’ll… I’ll run that thing OUT OF TOWN!!!!’

Misunderstanding

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Tears. Nothing but tears streaming my face. I know they’re not real, I mean…. I hope they aren’t real. No, no why would they be real? There’s not logical reason they’d be real. After all I was happy, right? Wait… what could have possibly made the spell go awry? Suddenly I remembered a small little thought tugging in the back of my mind, a thought about Derpy Hooves leaving me. So that’s what must have caused the spell to go wrong, if I want to become happier than ever, I have to be purely happy. I didn’t know what to make of it; I guess it does make some sense when you think about it. I finally made it home where I jumped straight into the shelf upon shelf of books looking for the right spell book that contained the information I needed. After searching through three books I finally found it, “The Joy Spell,” I read aloud, “Hm… looks rather easy to fix. I’ll get this done in no time!” I said as my horn illuminated the dimly lit library.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Derpy just couldn’t help but stare at Twilight’s flank. Her magnificent mane flowing as she sprinted home. The only part that pulled at her heart was the distant wail of Twilight’s crying. Even though she knew it wasn’t real, it still killed her to hear the love of her life crying. As she turned to depart to her house, she saw a pale earth pony practically charging at her. Derpy panicked and quickly shook her head causing her eyes to go back to their original cross-eyed position.

“YOU!” Rarity shouts at the top of her lungs, “What to you think you’re doing?!” Rarity yells.

“Duh… what do you mean, I… duh… I di’n’t do anything wrong!”

Rarity took a step closer to Derpy, “You mongrel you can’t possibly think I didn’t see what you just said back there, how DARE you hurt what’s precious to me!”

This caused Derpy to take a step forward, “What do you mean your precious?” Derpy hadn’t realized, but her eyes had instantly focused on Rarity and her speaking habit was back.

Rarity easily noticed this, “Derpy… what happened to your voice? And… your eyes…?”

Derpy panics, and shakes her head again putting her eyes back to cross-eyed, “Duh… nothing, what matters is… um… why are you acting this way?”

Rarity regained her rage once the question was asked, “I saw what you did to Twilight… I can’t believe of all ponies you’d be the one to hurt her…” Rarity gave a small strangled sound. “…You… seemed so gentle, why would you do such a thing to her?” Rarity flushed with rage as the thought of Twilight crying in the distance came to mind.

Derpy is shocked that Rarity would even think like that, “B-but… uh… I di—“

“SILENCE!” Rarity screams, “I won’t stand for your excuses!” She was almost tearing up, from anger and sadness as well that Derpy... of all ponies... Derpy.

Derpy tried to reason with her, but Rarity squared up on her. She looked Derpy right in the eye, “Get out.” She says it with the utmost serenity but her eyes show pure hatred spewing from her very soul.

“Uh… but we’re already outside,” Derpy said with a worried look.

Rarity almost lost it, but sheer teachings of etiquette she received in her filly years stopped her from attacking Derpy. “Get. Out. Of. Ponyville.”

“But… duh… why?” Derpy said delaying the inevitable.

“So help me Celestia if you don’t depart from Ponyville I will end you.”

This practically killed Derpy knowing that a close friend of Twilight’s could be so… evil. But there was something off about her... what was it? Suddenly an image of her father appeared and before she knew it she was standing in front of her own Dad… that evil… evil creature.

He licked his muzzle, “You look delicious…”

Derpy yelped and quickly gave on flap of her wings, sprawled into the air, gave another gust and was off soaring across the sky with as much speed as she could. She doesn’t know where she’s going, probably somewhere toward Everfree forest as she saw it in her field of vision, but that was beside the point. ‘Just fly, just fly, just fly, get away from it, fly fly FLY!!!’ Derpy’s mind is racing at this point, ‘what… how did he get here.’ A thought terrified her, ‘is… IS HE FOLLOWING ME?!” She checked behind her, Nopony following. But she wasn’t convinced, she stopped, did a 360 slow spin making sure that she wasn’t going to be flanked in any way. When she was slightly at ease, she kept flying alert for when that monster would attack her.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Rarity watches as that disgusting beast flies away, still staring at her as if her hatred for that pony would somehow travel through the air, and into Derpy’s heart. When she can’t see that, thing anymore she begins her walk to Twilight’s library. When she arrives she opens the door to see Twilight reading, her tear streaks obvious on her face. Rarity walked right up to her and snuggled her, “There, there, everything is going to be alright. No need to cry, for I am here now in your time of need.”

“Wait, what are you talking about?” Twilight asks while trying meekly to break from the hug.

“It’s alright now, I saw what Derpy did to you. That horrible horse doesn’t deserve you,” Rarity told Twilight how awful Derpy had been to her, and Twilight actually… believed it. Maybe it was the spell’s after effect still coursing through her body, but something was nagging at her inside that what she was telling was the honest truth. Twilight couldn’t help it she started cry again, this news was just too much for her to bear. Twilight sobs in Rarity’s forelegs, stricken with grief for a long time. After her last little bits of sadness she’s finally able to control herself, she wiggled herself from Rarity’s hold.

‘I… I should go find her…. maybe she’s back at her house. Yeah, yeah we can go talk about all this and set things right.’ Twilight got up and walked out of her door.

“Where are you going, dear?” Rarity called back.

“I’m going to go back to Derpy’s house, I want to set things right with her and I,” Twilight says. Rarity tries to tell her more, but Twilight’s already out of earshot.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I walk through Ponyville, not really paying much attention to anything in particular. I wondered off into my thoughts, thinking about many things having to do with Derpy. ‘Why did Rarity say all those things about Derpy? She wasn’t bad at all; in fact she’s a caring mother and a great mare to be around. And did she really leave…’ I gave a cough, ‘… leave me? No she wouldn’t do that…. r-right?’ I stopped too shock to move, ‘Maybe she did leave me… that would explain why she hadn’t come back looking for me.’ Before I knew it, I was already sobbing. ‘Maybe she’s bored of me… doesn’t want to spend time with me.’ I finally got to Derpy’s house, and knocks on the door. Nothing. I knock again. Still nothing. I looked around the house, and found that her lights were off, ‘oh… she’s probably sleeping,’ I thought. ‘I guess I’ll have to talk to her tomorrow. I begin my walk home; slowly reassuring myself that everything will be okay.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Derpy kept flying. And flying. And flying. She didn't know how long, or how far she flew. All she can register is the pain in her wings from the excursion of flying for so long. She stopped and finally landed, thinking of Twilight and her beautiful face. That face, the only thing she holds dear to her. She decides to turn back, ‘She’s probably worried sick about me… hopefully Twilight saw that Rarity was only telling lie about her. But what if…. what if Twilight believes her? No… no that can’t happen she’s too smart for that.’ But something still nagged at her. What Rarity had said to her, it still rang in her head. ‘I will end you…’ She couldn’t go back, and she knew it. ‘Maybe… if I can get a lawyer— a-an attorney I can take Rarity to court and… and…’ Derpy was tearing up. She didn’t want it to end that way. ‘There’s got to be a way that we can all dwell in peace. I don’t want to separate such a good friendship.’ The thought of Dinky came to mind, and what may happen to her own flesh and blood. She was stricken with grief crying her eyes out, “Don’t worry Derpy, I’m sure that everything will be okay for her. Perhaps Twilight will find her and… and take care of her.’ She pictured a motherly looking Twilight rocking a small looking Dinky in her forelegs. And suddenly, the world seemed a little better. “So be it, I’ll find a lawyer and take Rarity to court!” Derpy yells aloud with a jump.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Rarity watches as Twilight leaves to find Derpy, leaving her to her thoughts. ‘Why… why would Derpy ever hurt her? She’s so kind and caring.’ The thought of Derpy came to her mind, and she flushed with anger, ‘You… of all ponies you had to be that one…’ She gets up and looks around for something to do while she waits for Twilight to return. Spotting nothing but a few pins and papers, and books galore. She finally spotted an open letter, probably for Celestia. ‘You know, I’ve never read one of her letters…’ Rarity thought as she walked towards it.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned that friendship can come from even the most sour of souls, and sometimes it’s good to give them a help before you put yourself in front of others.

The writing became a little harder to read, as if it was applied with extreme care so others can’t read it.

And I also learned about love. It’s a glorious source of happiness that extends to the outer reaches of everypony’s heart. I finally found my source of love, a beautiful mare named Derpy Hooves I think. I’m not really sure about her name, but I long for her to be with me. I think… I think I’m in love with her. I want to ask her on a date… maybe to a nice restaurant but I don’t want to come off all snooty. What do you think? I know this is a broad question to ask, so if you don’t have any answer I don’t mind at all.

Your faithful student Twilight Sparkle.

“I can’t believe it.” Rarity says as she gently puts the scroll down. “So she’s had feelings for Derpy all along…. probably since… since…” Tears streamed down Rarity’s face as she walked towards Twilight’s sofa. She sits down and thinks about whether or not to tell Twilight the truth.

When Twilight finally arrived she asked, “Well she’s probably just sleep at her place. Do you know think she might have gone anywhere in particular?”

Rarity looked down at the floorboards, too ashamed to make eye contact with the purple mare. Just say it! Tell her the truth it’s the least she deserves…. Sound hadn’t escaped her muzzle yet, making Twilight grow worried.

“Um… Rarity is everything ok? Do you know where Derpy might be?” Twilight restated.

“I… I don’t know…”

Maternal Instinct

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“What do you mean she’s not home?” I asked, practically shaking with terror. This couldn’t be happening I just won’t accept it to be real. Please… I can’t… I won't be able to take it...

“I’m sorry,” said the officer, “but we didn’t find a single sign that Ms. Derpy was anywhere near this house for quite some time. We'll try to find out more of what we can but other that that... I'm sorry."

That had done it. Tears, real tears, began pouring down my cheeks and stinging my eyes. This couldn’t be happening, this couldn’t be happening, this… this…

I broke down, and sprinted home. ‘Maybe if I run from the house, it’ll just all go away.’ I was willing to believe anything right now. It felt as if my whole world was falling apart at the seams. Derpy, the one I truly loved was taken from me, and… will… she ever come back? The thought rattled in my mind as I began to feel the burn in my legs as I ran. I practically busted the door as I opened it; Rarity turned and saw the expression on my face. She opened up her forelegs as I approached her, and hugged me hard. I just sobbed like a filly and soon after a while she tilted me head up to meet my eyes. We stared into each other's eyes, and I was nearly able to see into Rarity’s soul. Her dreams, her desires all poured out and into me in that instant. She closed the distance between our muzzles touched. It felt soothing; not like the electricity I felt in the dream a few days ago but like a warm blanket spreading over me. Time seemed to slow down, and freeze in place until we parted for breath.

“There, there darling…” Rarity whispers while wiping a tear from my cheek, “…everything’s going to be all right.” She finishes with another kiss as time slowly stopped yet again.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

‘Where the heck am I going?’ Derpy thought as she walked through a thicket of trees. She saw a little sign that read, “Appleloosa next mile!” ‘Appleloosa? Isn’t it that town with the ponies living with buffalo?’ Derpy didn’t know, but suddenly she wondered, ‘If there was a town… wouldn’t there be an attorney’s office?’ This thought made her ecstatic! Finally she has a chance of getting back to Ponyville, and setting things right! She gave a heavy flap of her wings and zoomed towards the little town just over the horizon.

After only a few minutes she finally made it to the outskirts of the town, and began seeing the patches of other ponies walking and commuting. ‘Hm… I suppose I should find some place where most of the ponies gather.’ She came across a Saloon, ‘Perfect,’ Derpy thought. She stepped inside, and half expected the ponies to stop what they were doing and glare at her. Thankfully they didn’t bother her; in fact they seemed to ignore her. She walked up to the bartender, “Hello sir, can I get a sparkling apple cid—“ she remembered she didn’t have any bits with her. “Um… never mind.” Derpy said blushing a little.

The bartender looked up, “You from thes’ parts?”

“No, sir. But I need to find a lawyer, and fast.”

“Well,” the stallion said, “If t’at be the case, gon’ trot up yonder ways.” He pointed with his hoof across the street, “An’ meet up wit’ a stallion call’t Steel Thunder.”

“Steel Thunder?” Derpy asked.

“Eeyup, if anypony wer’ n’ need'n a lawyer, it be ‘im.” The tender nodded his head and continued cleaning glasses.

“Thank you so much… um…” Derpy trailed off.

The tender realized what she meant and smiled, “Brawny Boulder.”

“Ah, thank you Brawny!” Derpy said and trotted out of the saloon towards the building labeled, “Court Representatives.” ‘This is it! What I’ve been looking for!’ Derpy thought with extreme excitement. She stepped into the cool building only to be greeted by the supposed Steel Thunder.

“Good day, miss! My name is Steel Thunder, and I would like to help you with anything you need!” Steel said with the happiest smile it could put Pinkie Pie to shame.

“Oh um, hi! I’d like to know if there was a lawyer I could hire?” Derpy said with a surprised smile.

“A lawyer, huh? We good thing you came here! I’m a lawyer, Steel Thunder at your service! Steel bowed, and ushered Derpy to his office. It was slightly cluttered with nick-knacks and posters of bands and advertisements.

“Like you personalize your space, eh?” Derpy said with a smirk.

“Well of course! Like my dad always said, it’s only as boring as you make it out to be. And boy did I make this place out to be boring! So I decided to give it some pizzazz!” He pulled up two chairs, “So how may I help you in court?”

Derpy told Steel all about what had happened between Rarity and her. It was not an easy topic and she found herself stumbling on every other sentence and getting teary towards the end. Finally she gives way and lets her tears streak her face.

Steel see’s this, gets up, and walks to her side where he lays a hoof around her shoulder. “I know it must be hard to talk about this, but thank you for helping me understand.” Derpy gazed into those eyes of his, seeming only to hold love and compassion. But that was just a guess. He gave her an apologetic smile. “Now, there’s good news and bad news about all this.” Steel got up and paced around the room looking at a few of the pictures, then the floor. “Hm… good news is I think we can bring Rarity to court.”

“Great!” Derpy said as she flapped her wings out of excitement.

“But…” Steel continued, “there’s only two ways we can bring her to court by attempt at child endangerment and attempt at assault.” Steel was taken aback when he heard a stomp.

“I’ll take whatever I can get,” Derpy said with a determined look on her face.

Steel gave an approving smile, “Well we better fill out the paperwork if we want to get this done. Oh! But before we finish this transaction, I must do one thing!” He bent down and pulled something out of his cabinet, to Derpy’s surprise it was a mug saying ‘I <3 Lawyers!’ Derpy looked at it questioningly. “A-heh… well… it’s on the house!” Derpy still stared at it, and then cleared her throat. Steel checked her sides and blushed from embarrassment, “Oh you don’t have bags… right…” he chuckled nervously, “Why don’t you let me carry that for you?” He picked them up using his grasp spell and walked out of the building with Derpy by his side. Steel looked at Derpy and smiled again. Derpy smiled back.

It wasn’t until they reached the outskirts of town that Derpy started to panic, ‘Oh no how will he react to finding out that—,’ Derpy’s thought was interrupted by Steel’s question. “Hm, What?”

“You don’t live around here, do you?” He asked again.

Derpy looked at the ground in shame, “Well um… no.”

She expected him to be angry with her for not telling him prior, but he just smiled that smile of his and asked, “Well where do you live?”

Derpy looked up at him, not expecting the question to come up, “Oh well I live in Ponyville.”

“Ponyville, eh? I’ve heard about that place!” Steel’s eyes grew dreamy, “Isn’t that where the beautiful Octavia lives?”

“Oh, no no no Octavia lives in Canterlot… wait… you’re smitten for Octavia?” Derpy couldn’t help but grin at how cute of a couple they’d make.

“His blush grew even brighter, “Uh… yeah… yeah I have for a while now…” He looked up, but was dumb-founded to see Derpy standing still as can be, sweating furiously. “Hey… are you feeling alright?” Suddenly Derpy broke into a sprint.

‘I know I heard his voice, I know I know I know I know I heard his voice somewhere in all that clatter… Got to get away, can’t let him catch me… not again…’ Derpy was going crazy she swore she heard the voice of her father, lurking in the shadows.

Steel was sprinting right on her tail, ‘what’s gotten into her?’ He thought. “Derpy! Stop! What are you doing!?” Steel pushed harder keeping his distance between Derpy and him to a minimum. He started feeling his breath shorten, and seconds later his flank began to burn. ‘Keep up, with her!’ He willed himself, pushing even harder than before.

Derpy was still in panic mode, checking side to side up and down to make sure he wasn’t following her. Why? Why had, of all times, to show himself it been now? Why did he have to do that awful thing to her so long ago. She felt tears in her eyes, they stung but she kept up her pace. She lost her balance… no that was too easy to explain. What had happened? She finally understood when her body hit the ground with a thud. She tripped on a pothole.

Steel didn’t have time to slow down and tripped on her. They tumbled together from the impact. When the dust cleared they were entwined, Steel resting on top of her. They sit still breathing heavily, their blushing palpable in the warm breeze.

“You… uh…” Steel said, “You almost forgot your paperwork…”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

The only thing I can register right now is the warm feeling cast throughout my body as our muzzles make contact again. I break from Rarity’s kiss, “You’ve been there in my time of need…” Rarity looked at my muzzle then into my eyes, “… thank you…” I whispered as I kissed her. What am I doing? Don’t I love Derpy? Why does this seem so wrong… but… so right? But she’s been there for me when I needed it most. This is Derpy we’re talking about, don’t I love her? These thoughts ravaged in my mind until I couldn’t take it. I parted our kiss, “I… I need to go get some fresh air, I’ll be back in a little bit.” I got up and trotted outside the door. The trip to Derpy’s house felt surprisingly short, I wasn’t expecting it to feel like that. When I finally got up to the front door, I heard a faint moan. It must have been my imagination, I mean: what could possibly moan like that? Then it hit me, I remembered those minutes we spent playing with her, cheering her up with her ‘new toys,’ and watching as she enjoyed the warm muffins Derpy made. I practically broke the door down in terror, and to my horror my thoughts had been correct.

There lay Dinky, nothing but coat and bones. The house didn’t look cluttered anymore it just looked torn and in disarray. There were plates scattered everywhere, spilt boxes of fruit snacks and powdered milk. This place did not look like Derpy’s home, then. No, it looked like an orphanage, a sad ram-shackled orphanage that takes little care of their kids. I knelt next to Dinky and looked her over. Nothing major, as it seemed, just starved. And near death. No… no I won’t allow her to die like this… not without her mother. Ok you can do this… you’ve read up on this you know what to do. Funny how books can help me so much, even if the situations in the books I read never happen often enough to be taken with heed. Until now, that is. I rushed over to one of the cabinets and pulled out a packaged muffin, then went to the sink where I poured a glass of water. I trotted back to Dinky and placed a small bit of muffin in her mouth. To great relief I saw that she responded to the food and chewed it. I gave her a sip of water and another bit of muffin, going in a fashion: Water, muffin, repeat. After a few minutes she whimpered slightly and stuck out her forelegs, as if gesturing for comfort. I was stunned. Never had I ever had to care for a filly, and now it wanted me to comfort it. Gently I picked her up in my forelegs and cuddled her. She returned the hug and snuggled into my chest. It felt wonderful; this must be what Derpy meant when she talked about the joys of having a filly. I pulled away and studied the most adorable foal in Equestria. I hugged Dinky harder, I wouldn’t miss it for the world…

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Derpy struggled to get off from Steel’s grasp, “GET OFF ME! PLEASE GO AWAY!!” She screamed at the top of her lungs. Finally Derpy couldn’t take it anymore she broke down into sobs and moans.

Steel put his forelegs around her in an attempt at a hug, trying anything he can think of to calm her down. From whispering soothing words into her hear, to brushing her mane gently in rhythm, to rocking her back and forth. At last she was able to control herself and just sniffled and wiped tears from her eyes, still in Steel’s forelegs. “M-mind telling me what that was about?” He asked.

Derpy shuddered, but knew she couldn’t keep a secret after all Steel seemed like a nice stallion. “He…” Derpy coughed, she really didn’t want to say anything, as if by not telling anypony would help hold down the secret. “He raped me….”

Steel was shocked, never… never had he heard of anypony doing this to anyone else. It didn’t even seem real, maybe that was all just something out of his imagination. Maybe she really said that he just forgot her in a mall or something. But no it wasn’t. It was rape, pure unholy ra… He shook his head. ‘I don’t even want to say it…’ He noticed Derpy was again back in her state of shock :I’m so sorry for what happened to you,” Steel said while giving her a comforting hug, “It wasn’t right for him to have done that to you, in fact once this mess is over with I think you need to turn him in.”

Derpy looked up at him, into his eyes. Was he serious? Never had she thought of that after all her dad was a P.I. he’d probably find a way out of that kind of mess.

Steel sensed this and said, “Don’t worry I’ve never lost a case, yet!” he stated that with so much confidence it seeped into Derpy and made her feel a bit better. “At least… well I’m not being completely true. I have lost one case, and it almost shattered my career... I lost my home, fell into a dark depression... and my wi... my...

Derpy placing a hoof to his muzzle cut him off, “You don’t need to say it. It’s bad enough one of us is like this.” She gestured toward herself with a shaky laugh.

Steel smiled. “You… you can’t be all alone right now." Derpy tried to reject the offer, but Steel cut her off, " No don’t you go on about how you got places to be, you’re staying with me until we get this court over and done with.” He ended with a smile and hugged Derpy. “Come on, now we should get going while there’s still some light.” Steel got up and picked her up to her hooves and together they walked back to his home, where Derpy would be living for some time. She didn’t know what to think of Steel. ‘He’s so charming and sweet, and not too shabby on the eyes. In great condition he seemed to be the stallion every mare wished for. But… he’s already fallen for another.’ What was she thinking? Hadn’t she fallen for Twilight? Why was she suddenly having feelings for… him… even if she didn’t really know if it was just in the moment or if…no... her heart belonged to Twilight and nopony other.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

I walked home to my warm library levitating Dinky so as not to disturb her while she sleeps. The air was cold and crisp so I tried to pull out a warmth spell around Dinky, don’t want her having a cold now do we? I finally walk inside and light some candles to see where I’m going. I gently set Dinky down on the lobby couch while I get something to eat. When I got back I decided it was pretty late so I levitated Dinky and walked up the steps leading to my bedroom where I tucked in Dinky and lay next to her. I really hope Derpy comes back… what if she’s dead? The idea of that caused a tear to fall from my eye. I gently brushed her mane before dozing off. ‘If it ever comes to that… at least Rarity and I will raise her… it’d be for the best. She’d want us to.’ The thought of Rarity came to mind. ‘I wonder how Rarity will take this. Maybe she’ll be happy we can care for her together.” The last thought I had before I fell asleep was of Rarity and Dinky laughing in a park somewhere warm and pleasant their happiness blatant for each other. “Like a perfect family…” I slowly said as I fell asleep.

Author’s Note:
Well here we are at last! The half way mark to the series! So as you can see, I added my OC into the mix I hope you guys like him so far! And I hope you enjoyed this newest installment to the series of “Opposites Attract!” Don’t be a afraid to comment and rate, I’d love to know what to improve on and/or any other feedback you have to give me! Another thing is, I’ve noticed that there is suddenly a wave of Derpy shipping since mine was published, and if you want to give it a shot don’t let anything get in the way of your dreams, no matter how small! I’d like to give thanks to a few people, for if it weren’t for them I probably wouldn’t have written this piece.

Pat Roison: Thanks to you this story exists! I know I say that there were a few people that inspired me to write this fiction, but your “AppleShy” really took the cake. Keep on writing, and keeping on brightening readers lives with your talent!

Samsara: Not much to say to you other than you are the BEST SHIPFIC WRITER I’VE EVER SEEN (other than Pat)! Please keep updating that wonderful “Study Buddies” It means to world to me! Keep on writing, brother!

And last but certainly not least the wonderful and talented Banksyt whom made the first of the wave said earlier, THANK YOU! Thank you for writing that great follow-up story! Thank you for the shout out in the 4th chapter. And most importantly thank you for helping me with the constructive criticism, and giving me the moral uplift when I needed it most!

And to everypony out there, keep on reading, and keep on living with all your heart! I’ll see you guys next time with the next chapter to this wonderfully fun-to-write series!

Old Grudges

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Dinky felt a presence next to her. It was a nice feeling not at all like the lonely bed mommy had given her. But it wasn’t all bad mommy would come and read her a bedtime story and they’d laugh and laugh before she’d go to sleep. She snuggled further into the form resting next to her. Dinky fluttered an eye open and peered around the room making her eyes snap open in fright. Where was she? How’d she get here? Her eyes fell to Twilight and she found some relief. She was the purple unicorn that mommy had told her about. Maybe… they had a sleepover? Yeah… yeah they had a sleepover! That’s why Twilight is here, and that means that mommy is probably making grass-cakes! Dinky remembered how every morning before Dinky would go to school mommy would make her grass-cakes if she didn’t have time to bake muffins. She rushed down the steps, smiling brightly as she anticipated the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg to linger in her nostrils. But she stopped suddenly when all that she saw was an empty kitchen table, with bare looking walls. And no grass-cakes. And no Mommy. That made her panic, she quickly glanced around the room, checking every corner, every nook and cranny in the room. She panicked further. Where was mommy? Was mommy out? She wasn’t out, mommy would have left a note on the table if she was out. She trotted down stairs into Twilight’s study. No mommy. She looked around the bathrooms. No mommy. Now she was really scared. Did mommy leave her behind? Dinky began shaking from worry. She didn’t know what to do, so she laid down in the middle of the floor and quietly sobbed to herself.

Hoof-steps. She knew the sound. Maybe it was mommy? Yeah that would make sense, mommy was just playing hide and seek with her! Dinky swiftly trotted upstairs only to find the purple unicorn shuffling things around.

“Dinky? Dinky where are you?” Twilight called out. Dinky stepped in front of Twilight, which in return gave her a big hug, “Oh Dinky! I was afraid I lost you!” She hugged her tightly and remembered what needed to be said. Twilight cleared her throat. “Dinky… we eh… we need to talk.” She said as she sat down on the bed and patted next to her with her hoof.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

"Oh Derpy..." Twilight said slowly, as if time had slowed down. "I... I love you so much." She finished off with a kiss. That kiss... how magical it was, Derpy could have sworn she saw sparks in her eyes as she leaned out for another breath. "Twilight... Twilight... Twilight...." Time and space began swirling like a cosmic pool being splashed gently....

Derpy woke up with a start. Another dream… of Twilight. She wondered how that magical mare was doing. Hoping to meet her once again some day soon. She peers around the room, eying all the nick-knacks. They all varied, from Manehatten… to Appaloosa… to even Canterlot. She got up and looked at two in particular. She snorted at the sight of portrait of Octavia, in a heart-shaped frame. Her smile faltered at the sight of a portrait of a mare and a filly. She didn’t have time to look it over, as the smell of Honey suckle and eggs filled her hose making her stomach ache. She walked into the kitchen only to find a set table and Steel making breakfast.

“Morning Derpy! I hope you like honey suckle as much as I do!” Steel said with a smile.

Derpy smiled back, “Matter of fact, It’s my favorite snack when I’m running mail deliveries.”

“Oh you’re a mail-mare?” Steel asked as he placed the final fork to complete the table.

“Yeah before… um… well before all this happened I ran mail deliveries for Ponyville. It didn’t pay much, but it was all I could get.” Derpy smirked, “But a little off topic, I found a little picture of Octavia.”

Steel coughed and almost dropped the plates of food. “Well er um… it… it was half priced! I just wanted to save money as all. And um… it looked… nice in my home!” His blush painted his face a deep shade of crimson.

“Mhm. Right,” Derpy said with a teasing wink and a smirk. They sat down and ate together. She remembered the picture of the family. “Also… I saw a picture of some mare and a cute filly.” Steel choked and the mention and spit out the food. “Oh no! I’m sorry I didn’t mean—“

“No… no it’s fine I suppose it’s about time I share my past with you… You've shared yours with me...” Steel put down his fork. “You see… during my last case before… before I lost it….”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Steel looked around the empty seats of the bus. Well not all of the seats were empty; next to him sat a rather large pony with a scruffy yet styled beard and a pure dark blue coat. His mane shone brightly in the lights of the bus giving off a shade of deep purple. Today was his day whether he’d live in the prisons of Equestria… or be set free to roam the lands just like everypony is entitled at birth. This was just like every other case Steel had been to, but this one was completely different. For instance the sweat on his brow was in higher volume this evening. His eyes darted from corner to corner in anticipation of the court’s judge. He’d known many judges from all over Equestria; it was in fact necessary for any attorney to know a few. Not really to have an edge in the case, thought most used it as such, but just to keep a common ground with everypony. ‘No matter where you came from, you were still connected with whom ever you knew.’ His great grandfather had told him that. Before he set off in the great war of the two gods. Well… he supposed Discord couldn’t really be called a god per say. That quote had helped him through tough times. Even though most of those times hadn’t called for that particular quote it still brought a smile to his face whenever he needed it. Steel remembered about the pony sitting next to him. His broad shoulders made him look like a murderer, but Steel knew. Steel knew all those days playing with him. Steel knew the day he accidentally hurt a puppy and wouldn’t forgive himself even if it wasn’t on purpose. Steel knew his brother was innocent in this trial. His brother wouldn’t… hadn’t hurt as much as a fly for all his life. It was that reason that he was so disappointed in himself. He had hurt another living creature and he thought he was a terrible pony for that. Bus jerked to a stop.

“Looks like we’re here.” Steel said as he led his brother out toward the courthouse. The palatial building made the night grow even darker, as if it knew what was in store for his brother. They stepped inside and were greeted by Night-flower Steel’s wife.

Night-flower kissed Steel, “You’ll do great I’m positive Cloud Dasher will come out of this A-OK.” She gave him a reassuring smile and together Steel and Cloud walked their way to the front desks. Across the table there sat another couple: the prosecutor and Derek Van Mortenburg. Steel knew in his heart that Derek was guilty of killing that innocent child. Steel opened his briefcase checking over the evidence to prove Cloud innocent… but… something was amiss. Exhibit A… where… where was exhibit A? Steel looked over to Derek, who only smiled grotesquely showing his teeth. He showed something under the desk something that looked like… no… no it couldn’t be. Steel checked again, this time positive. Derek had stolen that last exhibit from the briefcase.

The bang of the hammer rang out in the hall, "This court is now in session." said a pudgy stallion. "Let the defendant stand."

Steel and Cloud stood.

"Your opening statement?"

"Your honor. I believe that in desperate times ponies can do irrational, and sometimes life changing things." Steel looked at Derek, but not with a glare more like a soft gaze. He looked at Cloud Dasher his brother... his only brother. "And when such things occur more often than not we blame others for somepony else's actions. However I do not wish to blame this pony for any action that he may or may not have done." He gestured to Derek. "In fact if anything I forgive him for what he's done. And whatever happens here after this meeting, I just want to know that I love you." He looked straight into Cloud's eyes, and they hugged.

The court meeting was adjourned, and Cloud was sentenced to death. His own brother whom he had shared a large part of his life with… put to death. Steel couldn’t believe it. The blow was indescribable and Steel soon stopped showing up for work. Night-flower looked him over with anger for having been so naive and soon left him. She took bashful, his only daughter. Leaving him only with himself and his thoughts. He sat alone in his manor until, little by little, the bank came and took it all away.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

“…That case left me broken and shattered.” Steel finished, the silence in the air only adding to the discomfort.

“Oh my Celestia, I’m sorry I asked.” Derpy said placing a hoof on his own. Derpy wanted to kiss him on the cheek and give him a hug. Not because of any feelings she’d had, she’d sorted those out already. She felt like right now Steel needed somepony to be there for him… he needed a mom. He seemed like just a colt at heart.

With a tear in his eye he said, “It’s fine… I’ve… well I’ve moved on.” He grew a little brighter, “And one day I’m hoping to meet that wondrous Octavia. But all I can do is pray.”

“But if you’re looking for Octavia why are you in Appaloosa, she lives in Canterlot.” Derpy recalled seeing her during the Royal Garden Party.

“Well my job calls me to move a lot, due to the requirement I agreed to saying I must be within two miles or my client.”

Derpy looked around, quizzically, “But I thought you weren’t seeing any clients.”

“Well of course! I can’t move to a city without a reason to can I?” Steel chuckled, “Well at least now I have a different reason to move… ah Canterlot.” Steel’s eyes grew dreamy for a moment, “Say… what’s Canterlot like?”

Derpy pondered at this question. She’d never really been to Canterlot… or even visited. Except for the Garden Party, which was her first time being in Canterlot, she’d never gone. “Well I can tell you that it’s really stuck up. A lot of ponies just walk around judging others, and honestly it’s not all cracked up to be.”

Steel nodded, “So I’ve heard… well I still wish to go there some day, to see her.” Derpy didn’t need reminding she knew what he meant. “Even if only for just a minute, I want to visit her.”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

“I know it hurts right now but it’ll all be ok soon enough,” I said trying my best to comfort Dinky. It’d been at least an hour and a half since I’d told her the news… she didn’t take it so well. Although who am I to say otherwise? I mean she just lost her only mother and now is being taken care of by, probably a complete stranger, to her. I gave her another hug, and she finally accepted the hug and returned it. More or less snuggling me at this point. “Shh shh shh it’s alright. No need to worry I’m here for you.” I rubbed her back and brushed her mane, which she seemed to soothe her a bit more. She squeezed harder, and I began rocking her back and forth— yet another tricked I’ve read up on. Slowly we drew from our world of sadness and a faint knock on the door was heard by us both. “Would you like to see who it is?” I asked looking her in the eye.

She nodded.

“Would you like me to leave you here and come back?”

She shook her head, and clamped her forelegs around me again.

“Ok come on, lets go see who it is.” I got up and pulled her off the bed, and together we walked down the stairs. When I opened the door to my surprise stood Rarity.

“Hello darling! I just wanted to check up on you,” She said with a smile.

“Ah, thank you Rarity! Um… Rarity we need to talk.” I walked her over to the couch, Dinky stayed up on the steps, probably too timid or too sad. “Rarity, do you remember Dinky?”

Rarity gave me a puzzled look, “Might I ask, who is Dinky?”

“Derpy’s daughter, you re—“

“Derpy has a Daughter? What in Equestria?” Rarity interrupted me with a remorseful look. Maybe she felt guilty for not knowing ahead of time… I don’t know.

“Oh I thought you knew.” I said with a bit of concern.

“No! What in heavens gave you the idea that I did?!”

“Oh well I just figured… look it doesn’t matter what I’m trying to tell you is… well… being that Derpy isn’t around anymore we’re going to have to take care of her.”

Rarity looked me dead in the eye, as if trying to unravel what I’m thinking. It made me scoot back a little bit from the awkward moment. “I do not wish to raise her with you.” She said flatly.

I was dumbfounded… I thought of all ponies Rarity would have wanted to raise Dinky with her. I looked back to find Dinky shrunk back a little, knowing exactly what was being said. The next thing she said practically destroyed my heart.

“And I think we need to put that thing,” Rarity gestured toward Dinky with her hoof, “up for adoption this instant.”

That had done it. That was the first time I’d ever heard anypony say such a maniacal thing about another. Tears were streaming down my eyes from anger and anguish. “I… can’t believe you. How could… you BE SO CRUEL?!” I shouted my horn glowing a faint purple and a book in a corner exploding into the air and slamming back down onto the hard surfaced floor. I shot up from the couch and grabbed Dinky using a spell and ran outside. Just ran. Ran from my problems. Ran from our problems. It wasn’t until we came across Derpy’s home that I finally stopped. It’s cascading glow of loneliness only made the home look ever more darker. I put Dinky down, and opened to door. The living room was a total mess. It hadn’t even seemed homey anymore; it just looked cluttered and grotesque. I felt the slight pang in my horn as almost everything in the living room began glowing the purple I’m so familiar with. I lazily put the dishes away, cleaned up the floor and kitchen and put everything where it needed to be. When I was finished I slumped onto Derpy’s couch. The memory of our first date together came to mind, and all I could do was curl up and cry. Dinky came up to me, and curled up next to me. That girl was sticking through tough times… with me. So I guess she really doesn’t find me a stranger anymore. Maybe she felt like I was part of her family now… that thought brought more tears to my eyes. I had my own foal. Well it wasn’t entirely my foal… but it at least felt like it. She accepted me as her temp-mom, and that’s all that mattered to me right now.

Derpy nestled her head into me. I looked at her and her eyes peered right into mine. Suddenly I knew what we had to do. “Dinky.”

Her ears perked up.

“We need to go find mommy.” I said brushing her mane once more. “It… it would be for the best….”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Ballpoint looked around his office bored at the fact that he hasn’t had any customers in a while. He looked around his office again, taking in the faint smell of antiques. The natural looking lamp complemented the exotic Granite tabletop along with the hardwood flooring. He takes a hold of one of his pencils and rolls it forward and watches as it rolls back. Back and forth. Back and forth. Over and over. He grew tired of this and looked around the room again. It wasn’t until his eyes lingered toward a picture of Derpy as a filly that his bored expression turned into a hideous grin. That day he… discovered her was such a wonderful night that was. A shame it had to be on her opening night of her school’s play, even if it was glorious. He came away from the thought and focused on the picture once again. “One day my deary… I’ll find you once again.” He could practically smell that wonderful faint smell of… muffins. He imagined what Derpy looked like now’a days, tall, lean, her coat such a soft— almost velvet-like feel. Ballpoint let his smile only grow further, until a knock on the door brought him back to reality. He cleared his throat, “Uh. Come in, please.”

Twilight stepped in, Dinky following not far behind, “Hello my name is Twilight Sparkle.” She closed to door and smiled awkwardly.

Ballpoint smiled, “Ah another customer, eh?” He reached under his desk and pulled out a bottle of chloroform and a napkin. “How can I help you today?” He said as he dipped a bit of it into a napkin under the table.

“Well I’d like your help in locating a pony, you see a… very close friend of mine. Her name is Derpy Hooves.” Twilight pulled out a photo of Derpy and slid it on the table.

Ballpoint swore he heard something go off under the table. At last his time had come. So many years ago had his discovery of his daughter happened, and soon it’s going to happen again. He could hardly contain his ecstasy. “Ah and you would like my help in finding this filly?” Ballpoint said putting the chloroform away. ‘This mule may have a purpose after all.’

“Well that would be very helpful, yes—“ Twilight was interrupted by Dinky poking her horn into Twilight. Dinky looked up into, hoping to get her idea across. Twilight had a gut feeling about what Dinky was trying to say. ‘She thinks something is off about this detective? Hm…’

Ballpoint tapped on the desktop snapping Twilight back out of consciousness. “You were saying?”

“Oh yes um… as I was saying I’d like your help in finding Derpy Hooves.” Twilight pulled out a large sack of bits. “And I’ll pay my worth in finding her.”

Ballpoint smiled at this, oh how he loved to smile. ‘Soon darling… you will pay your worth….’ “I’ll gladly take up this case. Shall we depart sometime soon?”

Twilight lit up at this, “That would be nice! How about in one day?”

“Wonderful darling, let me just send a little note to a… a… friend…” Ballpoint took out a pen and paper. He looked up from his note and watched Twilight’s flank as she departed with Dinky. Dinky looked back and stared right into his eyes, but quickly ran off after seeing him.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Derpy wakes up taking in bright colors of Steel’s room once again. She loved his home; it seemed so much like her own. Normally this thought would have triggered another wave of tears, but today was unlike any other, today was a good day, she could feel it. She walked into the kitchen to find Steel making a round of Grass-cakes. They greeted each other and Derpy was just in time to sit down and eat. They chatted and enjoyed breakfast as usual.

“Well what do you know, I got mail!” Steel said as he picked it up and opened it. “Huh must be the wrong address. Do you know who this might be?”

Derpy walked over and looked over the envelope. There were only three words on the envelope, but the hoofwriting was unmistakable in her father’s writing stated. She stared in horror at the letter, letting in drop to the floor. She collapsed, screaming her head off.

“Derpy? Derpy! DERPY!!” Steel fell to her side, determined to help her in her need.

The only thing she remembered before she blacked-out were three words. The. three words she had been dreading to see since she left home as a filly.

See You Soon….

Old Ghost, New Villain

View Online

Twilight walked back from Ballpoint’s office, thinking intently on what was to come the following day. Finally… finally she and Derpy would reunite again, and they would be happy. The night air was an unusual warm night, and Twilight liked it. She looked back at Dinky who was hopping along side her. Twilight smiled at the sight of her. To think just a few days ago Dinky was lying in the middle of Derpy’s home close to death from starvation. That thought sent a small shiver down her spine. But… in the end she turned out all right, and now she’s like… like… her foal. Twilight felt Dinky bump into her, she looked up into her eyes and it almost made Twilight shed a tear. Dinky was a beautiful foal; Derpy must be a proud mother. Twilight thought more of Derpy. Little glimpses of her flashed by: Eating muffins with her and Dinky, Observing her study, the dream she had of Derpy, and their date together. Twilight’s smile grew just a bit bigger at the same thought of meeting her once again, hopefully in a matter of a day. They approached Derpy’s home, and Twilight opened the door to Derpy’s house, checking outside to make sure they hadn’t been followed. She had gotten a strange feeling suddenly, almost as if somepony were watching them. She looked around Derpy’s home, eying the couch, and getting a flash of Derpy sleeping there on that morning. She looked at the table, and saw a glimpse of the muffins they had together. Twilight sighed for some reason the house seemed even lonelier without that faint smell of muffins, or the homey clutter of toys and letters. She remembered her visit with Ballpoint, and felt a shiver roll down her spine, for some reason she couldn’t shake the feeling off her. Something seemed off about that pony, though she couldn’t put her hoof on it. She turned and faced Dinky, who looked into her eyes yet again. Twilight got a weird feeling… like… like…

“You think something’s wrong with Ballpoint?” Twilight asked. It would have seemed out of the blue to anypony, but it thankfully answered Dinky’s silent question.

Dinky nodded, worry danced across her eyes.
Twilight nods slowly at first, “Yeah… there was something a bit off about him… although I just can’t place it.” A thought came to mind, and she stepped back a bit, disgusted that she would even think that. “Do you… do you have a feeling he might hurt us?”

Dinky nodded gravely. ‘Come on… think of a plan…’ Dinky thought.

Twilight walked up to Dinky and hugged her, “Don’t worry about that sweetie, I will not let him lay a hoof on you. So help me Celestia.” She smiled and kissed Dinky’s forehead.

Dinky smiled, and hugged Twilight’s foreleg. 'She’s just like mommy…'

Twilight hugged her, and said, “If you think Ballpoint to be a bad stallion, how about we ditch him once we find mommy back?” Twilight knelt down to Dinky’s eye level.
Dinky nodded, her smile practically lit up the room. Together Twilight and Dinky walked to the kitchen table. When they sat down Twilight magically got a quill and paper. They stared at the piece of paper, then at each other, and again at the paper. Twilight pursed her brow deep in thought. Finally an idea dawned. “OK. Here’s plan A….”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Steel tries another round of the same routine, cuddling, soothing words, and brushing her mane, however to no avail. This was the third time he’d done this, it was almost becoming a chore. He pushed the thought aside and focused on helping Derpy. “Darn it…” He didn’t know what else he could do, he tried recalling memories of what his parents would do.
Check eyes for signs of stroke
No good, Steel knew by other— easier to detect— signs if Derpy had undergone a stroke
Check pulse
Steel knew just by looking at Derpy’s pupils that she was alive, not even worrying
Comfort
No, that was just done and unfortunately hadn’t worked its charm. So much for “Third time’s the charm.” Steel resorted to drastic measures, slapping and dousing Derpy in water, still no sign of her regaining consciousness. He looked down at the Pegasus, and a thought came to mind. He did have that can of smelling salt in his cupboard. Would that work? He didn’t bother questioning it any further, so he quickly trotted to his kitchen, where he found what he was looking for. But there was something else in the cupboard… what was that? Steel picked it up, and stared at it. He had seen these before in investigations involving undercover agents back when drugs used to be a problem in Cloudsdale. He turned it over, eying is contents. ‘I’ve seen this before… but where?’ He thought. He decided it was just some dead bug, and tossed it in the trash bin forgetting it. He came back to Derpy, and waved the can under her nose. With a stifled cough, she sat up and looked around the room her eyes still pinpricks.

“Derpy listen to me!” He got down and looked her right in the eye, holding her head so she had no choice but to look at him. “Who’s coming for you? Who?”

Derpy struggled, and panicked again at the thought of… him. Never had she thought he would return… after that… that terrible night hadn’t he had his fill? Why did he have to return? Derpy slowly focused on Steel, and quietly said— though in just barely a whisper, “Ball… Ballpoint.”

Steel is taken aback, never had he thought that Ballpoint would return. He can remember that case as if it happened only moments ago. Ballpoint was put to trial for attempt at murder, and… and rape. He was convicted for both felonies, and sentenced to life in prison yet with bail. Even to this day he couldn’t reason why the judge would give him life in prison, yet with bail. How could that monster still be lurking around in the first place? It’s not like… like…? A thought came to mind, though not a pleasant one. Steel got up, “Wait here, I’ll be back in a few,” and walked back to his study. He looked around his stuffy until he found it. The drawer labeled “Crimes Past and Present: x4.” He pulled out a two manila folders, one labeled “Prison Entries,” the next labeled, “Prison Exits.” He flipped through the entries, and found what he was looking for: a mug shot of Ballpoint and the date of his jailing. He closed that one, satisfied from the information, and opened up the second folder. Carefully, painstakingly he checked out each exit recording, and comes to a stop.

Date: October 13
ECT: 4:26 pm.
Reason for exit: Good Behavior/Bail.

Subject has endeavored enough trauma, and therefore must be sent out. A pony, by the name Wing Seed, has claimed him and is now paying the bail as this is being written. Subject is due exit anytime soon.

Wing Seed… no that couldn’t be right…
He checked the passage again, and lost blood from his face. Wing Seed. Not only has Ballpoint been let out but… Wing Seed. That filthy bastard… she can’t be back… she just can’t.
Steel remembered that fateful night with… her. He knew what was in store for Derpy if they stayed her any longer. Sweat lined his brow as he practically dropped the folder after reading the next line. “G-good behavior? For a rapist? B… Bail?!” Steel said aloud. This enraged him, he knew who would be so… so evil as to let Ballpoint out on bail. “Wing. Seed…” Steel whispered through clenched teeth. The thought of somepony even thinking of bailing out that… that monster was beyond his comprehension. He set the folder down gently, and walked back to Derpy, and found she hadn’t moved a muscle. Steel knelt down in front of her.

“Listen.” Steel looked at the ground ashamed he had even known her, “I know who Ballpoint is. And I think my own sister may have ratted me out to him. He… he might know where I live. I’m not sure if he’s on his way, all I can say is that he knows.”

This caused Derpy to have a spasm attack, ‘No please no not him… how could somepony rat out Steel? Why has all this trouble happened to him?’ Derpy’s mind was racing but soon she registered a warm hug from Steel. “But you must understand one thing about me. Since my days starting out as a lawyer, I cared for everypony I met, and mark my words: there is no way I will let him even get to you.” Steel must have sensed Derpy’s thoughts, “It doesn’t matter what happened to me, as it all happened in the past. What matters now is what will happen to you if we don’t act fast. As I’ve said, there is no chance he’s getting close to you.”

Derpy stopped struggling and looked into his eyes, her own on the brink of tears. “Not. A. Chance.” He smiled at her, making her smile too.

“And… how do you suppose we make stop it?” Derpy’s whisper cut through the air. She’d been asking herself that question ever since that night… that awful night. Whenever she’d cry herself to sleep, or wake up in tears and screaming, she’d ask herself. “How do I stop it? How? How? How…”

“Remember those judges I told you about?”

Derpy nodded.

“Well let’s just say they know a thing or two about laying low.” He gave her a hug and got up, pulling her to her hooves. “Pack your coffee mug, we’re going to Manehatten.” Steel said with such a strong voice, it filled her too with hope, and courage.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

“So where do you suppose we check first?” Twilight and Dinky sat in his office; the antique smell pervaded the room. She and Dinky sat a bit further from him this time, aware that Ballpoint wasn’t telling them something.

Ballpoint put down the map he had of Equestria, and looked up, “Why it’s simple of course. We start our search in Appaloosa.” He said it simply. Almost as if they’d find Derpy in a matter of minutes.

“Why there?” Twilight questioned. She’d only been there once, when they had to deliver Bloomberg.

Ballpoint flashed that hideous grin of his, “Let’s just say a little mare told me.” Thanks to that little whore, Wing Seed, he had what he wanted. Soon his little friend 'Steel' would be getting his own little… party. Ballpoint had never tried a stallion before, as they were usually too rough around the edges… well… that and he couldn’t ever trick one easily enough. He couldn’t help but slightly lick the corner of his muzzle at the thought of the feeling of a stallion. Oh the joys he got out of his job, sometimes. Soon not only would that little tramp… Derpy be in his reach, but he’d have a little… buddy as well. “Come with me, as you see I lack a proper way of travel I’d like to know,” Ballpoint stopped as they stepped outside into the chilly night air. “Would you happen to know any form of teleportation spell?”

Twilight didn’t know how to respond to that, but she finally came up with, “You don’t know the teleportation spell?”

Ballpoint shook his head, “Alas I only know a few spells here and there, as my work doesn’t call for magic most of the time. An earth pony could easily fit my role as a Private Investigator.” He looked at Twilight, his eyes at the brink of drifting towards her flank again.

“And why would you think that I could teleport three entities well over fifty miles?” Twilight was almost feeling a bit angered that this pony would be so ignorant as to think that teleportation would be so simple as just a ‘flick of a wand and poof.

Ballpoint studied her, making Twilight back up a little bit, expecting him to make a move of sorts. But thankfully all he did was say, “One can always try, eh?”

Twilight blew steam out of her nostrils, but obligated, “Stand back.” Ballpoint did, but noticed he was nearing Dinky a little too closely, “Dinky move up with mommy sweetie.” She flushed, and looked into space. ‘Had I just done that? Where in Equestria did that come from?’ Twilight quickly shook off the feeling and was glad to see that Dinky had followed her “Orders” and walked up to her. Her horn glowed, casting the purple light Twilight knew so well across the plain looking driveway. Twilight did her best to imagine Appaloosa, though she began having trouble as it had been so long since she’d been there. Harder, harder she tried focusing on simple things first: the main saloon, a cactus, even a little tumbleweed as it rolled past the Court house. She struggled maintaining her focus on the picturesque town, but was woken from her focus by Ballpoint.

He gave her a smug look, “What did I tell you?”

“Yes it’s a bit off,” Twilight said as she looked at the little town on the horizon. “But I suppose it works just as well.”
They began their walk to Appaloosa, Ballpoint could hardly hold his excitement, feeling himself grow a tad bit… hard. Dinky sensed something had changed in Ballpoint’s mood, and walked a bit closer to Twilight.
She noticed this and looked up at Ballpoint, “Hey… are you alright?” She said giving him a protective stare.
He nods slowly relishing now that he is half way to his goal… his… destiny. “Oh, I’m just glad to be back in my hometown is all! It’s been so long since I’ve seen this place, it really does just warm my heart up.” Finally they make it to the big Saloon located near the center of the town. “Stay outside while I go ask for information.” Ballpoint walked inside the Saloon, keeping his hat down so no pony would see his face easily. He walked to the counter, and was greeted by the bartender. “I’m looking for Steel Thunder.”

“Over on Applegroom way, yonder north.”

‘This is just too easy,’ Ballpoint thought to himself as he stepped off the stool. ‘So easy…’ he stopped and sat back down, ‘I may just have a drink.’ “Sparky… Sarsaparilla-Apple bomb please. Two.”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I watched as Ballpoint left inside the Saloon. Finally some time away from that creep. There’s certainly something off about him, and it’s on the tip of my tongue. I shrugged off the thought, and watched the town folk walk on by, continuing with their days. There were plenty of Apple carts lying around not many ponies actually purchasing any of them, though. There was one that caught my eye though, as it had a set of eyes protruding from the cover that engulfed the top of the cart. Normally I wouldn’t have given it any second thought, but those eyes… those yellow eyes seemed all too recognizable. No… those couldn’t be…

Before I knew it I was walking to the cart, Dinky in tow. Derpy’s eyes focused on me, and they ducked down for a moment. When they came back up the cart’s door, facing the other side of the Saloon, was opened. To my surprise and extreme delight it really was Derpy! It was Derpy! IT WAS DERPY!! After everything we’ve been through, after all the constant fears and worries nagging at our very souls, it had all come to an end. For a long moment we just stared into each others eyes, then finally we hugged. Dinky squeezed in, and we had a long group hug.

“Derpy, you’re safe!” I yelled with utter delight.

“Shh, keep it down,” Derpy harshly whispered, “Ballpoint is after me.”

“What?” I asked in a low whisper.

Derpy told me her whole story about what happened after our date, what felt like centuries ago, up to the situation she was in now. “You see… Ballpoint is my father…” Derpy said through tears. She quietly sobbed, leaving me speechless.

Rarity… how could she? I thought she would have been alright with us being together, but this…. I couldn’t even process things correctly. And Ballpoint… the stallion I hired to… to find Derpy was her father and he … had… raped her. This news shocked me, but all I could do was hug Derpy as she cried into my shoulders, and gently… ever so gently brushed her mane. She calmed down a bit, and pulled back looking me in the eyes. “Don’t you worry.” I said, “He’s not going to hurt you anymore.”

“But what can we do? We can’t turn him in, he’s a Private Eye, and he has his ways of weaseling through things…” Derpy cried again, and almost collapsed right there if I hadn’t been holding her.

I tilted her chin up, “We’ll find a way.” I said and planted a kiss. It was a long while as I felt her body heat fuse with my own, and feeling her heart rate increase. I held her tighter, and she returned the hug. We parted for breath and in a whisper just barely audible— as if quiet enough for only the two of us to hear— she said, “I love you…”

I couldn’t help but smile, “I love you too.” Eventually we had to go our separate ways, we couldn’t risk Ballpoint getting her. We said our goodbyes, not filled with tears, but rather with courage and hope playing every note in our voices as the cart carried on. Dinky and I walked back to the entrance of the Saloon, and met up with Ballpoint.

“Well… I couldn’t find any information on where Derpy was,” He hick-upped, “But I think I can ask a friend of mine by the name Steel Thunder where she might be.

I looked at him with disdain but managed to say, “Fine… let’s go.”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Ballpoint led Dinky and Twilight through back roads and alleyways, saying that it would cut the time down. Twilight and Dinky followed without any say, any disagreement. Ballpoint knew what happened, at least… he sensed something had happened with Twilight. He knew it was time. At that thought he couldn’t help but crack a smile, ‘well as a conciliation prize I get another mare— and quiet the good looking one at that— and’… he chuckled, ‘and a filly…’

Ballpoint led them to another alley, although this one had no exit, just one way out.

“Why’d we go in he—“ Twilight tried to say but was knocked unconscious by a blunt object.

‘They always have to ask questions before they’re knocked out.’ Ballpoint thought.

Dinky tried to run away, but was over power by Ballpoint. He held her in his grasp, and began slowly licking her, starting at her flanks dragging the wet appendage up her back sending chills through her spine, ending at the base of her neck. She cried out and sobbed both from the odd feeling taking over her body, and from pure terror.

“Oh don’t fret little one,” Ballpoint said in a grotesque singsong voice. “We’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Derpy and Steel finally made it to the apartment. It seemed nice really, nothing out of the ordinary. Not like what Derpy was expecting, but what would she have known? After all the closest thing she’d ever gotten to this was when she hid in her closet after eating that last muffin in grade school.

“Well everything looks spic and span! I can’t wait to hit the buffet downstairs!” Steel trotted down the stairs to the kitchen, where he found the counter loaded with sweets! “Ohhh, Cherry Cobbler, Pecan Pie, is that… Cotton Candy Cloud?” Steel was mesmerized all the treats on the tabletop. He noticed something taped on a box of candy it looked like a little bug… “Hm… this is like the one I saw in my home…” He heard a scream come from the upstairs bedroom. “Derpy?” He rushed up to find Derpy lying in the corner shaking with fear. “What is it?” Then he finally saw it. Lying in the center of the bed was a neat little envelope with a red seal. He felt a chill go down his spine, but proceeded to pick it up and read it.

That wasn’t a clever plan deary. Twilight’s with me, for how long? Depends on my sense of… taste….

You’ve been warned, I don’t have much patients in this sort of matter so be prepared to hand Derpy over to me by three days. If you do not wish to proceed with these circumstances I’ll have no choice but to… have some fun with both Twilight… and Dinky. Meet us in Canterlot.

Don’t. Test. Me.

Steel slowly put down the envelope. Nothing could be said except one thing bounced around his mind like a ping pong ball. How did he know? How did he know? How did he know? How? How?! HOW!? HOW!?! Then the thought of that little bug came to mind. He rushed down from the bedroom, and looked at it again. ‘No… it can’t be…’ Steel checked again to make sure. This… this… “The apartment’s been bugged!” Steel screamed at the top of his lungs. Derpy raced downstairs and met eyes with Steel, check every room, every corner, every INCH of this place we got to get rid of these damn bugs!” He showed her the bug so she knew what she was trying to get. Together they ripped the apartment apart, making sure to get every corner. The walls were chipped and pieces of insulation removed in their search. When they had finally finished the apartment was a complete disaster, the only thing left untouched— for obvious reasons— was the bed. They both climbed in on each side and fell asleep on the spot. The last thought that came to mind was Steel’s, ‘At least… the bugs are all taken care… of…’

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Finally after an hour of dealing with carrying… loading… and tying up those two they’re finally ready to have some fun. And what better way then to have the fun live? He picked up a can of smelling salts. After a few waves under Twilight’s and Dinky’s nostrils they were ready for business.

“Wha… where am I?” Twilight said trying to regain some equilibrium through the splitting headache she had. She eyed Dinky, taking note that they were positioned standing on all fours, Dinky facing Twilight and vise –versa.

“Ah just in time I see for our little play date!” Ballpoint said through gritted teeth, though he wore a chillingly evil smile.”

“What are you… where are we?”

“Oh you don’t know?” Ballpoint got up and slowly— casually walked over to where Twilight stood. “You’re in my… my humble living quarters… well… not so much as my living quarters… more as my… discovery chamber.” He cracked a wicked grin, drool oozing from his mouth, running down his chin.

“Please… just let us go we didn’t do anything to deserve this…” Twilight began to sob, and looked up to find Dinky paralyzed from absolute fear of what was happening around her.

“Oh? But I think you do know why you’re in this position.” He craned her head up to meet his eyes, of which only splayed pure excitement and evil. “You’re here because you chose to not help me find my little girl!” He laughed manically at that last part. “And because of your choice… you’re going to pay for it!” He stepped over to Dinky, rubbing her mane passionately, “And as for you…” He licked his muzzle, taking no care in wiping up the slob from his mouth. “Oh you are the cute one! So cute I could just… eat. You. Up.” He laughed that evil laugh of his, and walked back to the table where he picked up a large red toolbox.

“Why are you acting like this? I thought you were really…” Twilight coughed up a bit of blood, “How could you be acting like THIS?!?” Twilight screamed at the top of her lungs.

“Deary deary me oh… my. Well if you must know, here are the facts.” He threw a bottle of pills at her feet. “I take those whenever I’m feeling a little bit like… he stopped and pondered at just the right word to say… “Like THIS,” he shouted and gestured toward himself. “ If I ever feel this feeling this… this glorious feeling, I just pop a pill and everything is fine and dandy!” But you see you’ve been gone out cold for quite some time… JUST enough time for me to let’s just say regain my old self back.”

By this time Dinky was a mess of tears, wailing softly to herself, unable to comprehend even the tip of what was going to happen to them.

“But you can’t do this! Please there has to be another way!” Twilight screamed back at him.

“Oh but there is another way, darling!” With a hoof he pointed to her plot. “ABOUT TWO IF I PRESUME!!” He laughed manically, cutting into the air, the hearts of the two trapped ponies, and through the very fabric of time itself. He brought the large toolbox up and carried it over to where Twilight was. He propped open a compartment and pulled out a wicked looking blade. Twilight began panicking, struggling against the bonds but to no gain. “Calm down sweetie,” Ballpoint said gently as he brushed the blade’s tip over her coat, careful not to cut even a shred of fur. He brought it up and sliced a piece of her mane. “I really… really like your mane… did you know that?” He said as he popped it into his mouth. Ballpoint chewed it slowly relishing in the exotic flavor of ever fiber in her mane. He swallowed and turned. “And Dinky! What a lovely surprise!”

“LEAVE HER ALONE!!!” Twilight screeched.

“I’d love to but alas… I just can’t leave the room without trying a taste!” He walked over to the crying form, pulled her head up to meet his eyes. and sliced a piece of her mane. He repeated the same process. “You know I do so love the taste of manes, it truly is a delicacy in some parts. He walked back over to Twilight letting his hoof hover across her body, gliding ever some gracefully on the surface of her back.... lower… her midsection… lower… her flank…. lower… to her tail where he gripped it and yanked softly.

Twilight let out a soft squeak.

“Oh does mommy like that?” He tugged harder.

Twilight was on the brink of losing herself. Tears burned her eyes, making them a deep crimson blood shot red. “It’s truly a shame if you don’t make it past the first few minutes of this darling…” he put the knife down and pulled out a shear. “ For we’ve got a whole night planned out.” He laughed again, the laughter echoing through the chamber room, bouncing off ever wall every corner every centimeter of the room. It practically drove Twilight to insanity right then and there, but unfortunately she managed to pull through just barely.

“”LET THE FUN BEGIN!!”

Author's Note!

Hope you enjoyed this week's chapter! I know there's this bucked up cliffhanger, hope you're ready for the next wild ride! Don't forget to rate, comment and/or track! Thanks for reading this guys, it means a lot!

Twilight Hours

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Steel woke up with a small headache, he peered around the room and almost fainted at the sight had it not been for the memory of yesterday. The room was a disaster; the wall paint was barely connected to the actual wall and the insulation was seeping out of the cracks like tan blood. It was truly a creepy sight. He shrugged it off and carefully got out of bed, taking great care to not step on anything that might wake Derpy up. He really didn’t want to her to see this quite yet. After a long minute of slow maneuvering away from shreds of wall, and fallen objects Steel made it out of the room and walked down the stirs to the kitchen. After a long night like that he needed some coffee to calm the nerves. Steel didn’t usually drink anything other than the occasional drink at somepony’s party, but in times like these anything was necessary to calm him and Derpy down. And what better way that a tall warm cup of coffee straight from the maker? He picked up a mug and smiled at the sight. Derpy still held onto the “I <3 Lawyers” mug, even after all of what she’s been through. It brought a warm fuzzy feeling to mind, as if they had grown closer as family these past few days. He put the mug down over the dispenser and waited to the soft-black liquid to pour gently out into it. After that mug was filled Steel slowly took a sip of it, still black. He swished it in his mouth, taking note of the Canterlot grade substance. “How could something like this make it to Manehatten?” Steel wondered out loud. “Maybe this apartment isn’t as low-laying as we thought…” he shrugged, “Ah well, luxury over hiding I suppose.” He finished with another sip. He looked back at the living room, still a complete mess, and sighed. ’Perhaps we should fix this place up a bit.’ Steel thought as he kicked over a piece of wall. They really had gone a bit too far with this “Bug-finding” mess that they got themselves into yesterday. He was about to leave upstairs when a little envelope caught his eye. Under normal circumstances he would’ve simply opened it without a moments notice, but there was something a bit too creepy with this envelope. Not only did it have that blood-red crimson seal on it, but whom were they expecting mail from? Steel backed up from the envelope terrified of what it might hold. And then it hit him. “How did he get the mail here?” Steel said loudly as he backed even farther away. “Maybe… maybe some mail pony brought it. Yeah that would make sense.” He smiled a little bit relieved but then frowned at another thought. ‘Mail is fifteen floors down in the lobby…’ In an anxiety filled rage he trotted up to it, picked it up and opened it. He with shaky hooves he read it aloud. Meaning that Ballpoint delivered the note himself. Steel’s eyes grew wide with fear. ‘He… he’s toying with us!’ Steel finally focused on the note.

Uppertin Square, is where you find that special mare.

Uppertin Square manor, 18832 Canterlot

That had done it; he threw the envelope down and fell apart at the seams. ‘He knew where I used to live….’ Tears poured out of his eyes, rolling down his cheeks. He finally let out a pain-filled moan and hit the floor of the apartment with his hoof, letting out all of his bottled up rage, and fear. ‘Why…’ was all he managed to think after that.

Derpy woke up to find the room a complete atrocity; complemented with blood curdling moans from downstairs it put Derpy to fright right then and there. It wasn’t until she registered that it was Steel had she shook herself from the fear and sped down stairs to find Steel in a heap crying to himself. Never had she even thought that this would happen to Steel, she felt that of all ponies he was a strong lovable… almost like a “Knight In Shining Armor” kind of pony. Ever pony is real, and Steel is certainly as pony as any other. She knelt next to him and gave him in a soft hug. Funny, how every time she’d been in this situation Steel was there and now it’s pretty much in reverse. Derpy chuckled a bit, holding Steel closer.

Steel let out a muffled sniff, “I’m sorry.” Leaving Derpy stunned. “I shouldn’t act this wa—“

“Don’t talk like that.” Derpy said putting a hoof to his muzzle. “You are just like everypony else, in fact you’re better than most ponies. Just because you have one little show of emotions doesn’t make you any less of a stallion.” She smiled, and that reassured Steel a bit. “Now please tell me, what are you so worked up about?”

Steel didn’t want to tell Derpy the news, in case it would cause another one of her episodes to erupt again, “It’s just everything that is happening I just wish… Ballpoint was never brought up in this case.”

Derpy nodded, “we all feel that way, making it a better idea to ask ‘What do we do now?’”

Steel looked at the letter under the table, “We need to go back to my old home. Ballpoint is keeping Twilight and Dinky there.”

Derpy pulled back, “How do—“

“Just trust me on this.” Steel got up, shaking himself off of the angst he still felt inside. It was slowly creeping up on him, but thankfully he had Derpy with him to help him through these tough times as he did for her. “Don’t bother packing the mug, I have a feeling we won’t need it anytime soon.” He remembered the coffee, and picked up another cup. He poured a cup for Derpy and offered her it. She thanked him and they walked out of the room, out of the apartment complex and started down the street.

“How are we getting to Canterlot? It’s not like there’s a chariot lying around.” Derpy said eyeing the tall buildings.

“Hm… well I suppose we can ask another friend of mine for a lift. Although I think he may ask for a favor in return…” Steel looked up at Derpy, “Seems like a fair trade in my opinion.”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Brace Racer looked up at his wall clock. Nothing to do, his paper work was already completed. He smiled when the next idea occurred to him. Finally it had been so long since he’d done this, almost too long. His eyes shifted from the corners of the room, to the main door, just to make sure nopony say what he was about to do. He opened up his top drawer and slowly, almost as if to savor the sight of it, pulled out a box of... fancy chocolate. He opened up the box lid, and gazed at the sight of twelve tiny squares, triangles, and circles. He carefully picked one up and placed to morsel in his mouth, chewing it slowly as the flavor of chocolate with a hint of cherry exploded on his taste buds. He swallowed, “My what marvelous delicacies I really should thank the chef when I get the chance!” He heard a knock at the door, panicked, and quickly put the box away in his drawer. Brace almost fell out of his chair on the other end when he practically fell into it. “Come in!”

Steel opened the door, followed by Derpy. “Hey Brace!” Steel said as he sat down in one of his chairs.

“My my it’s been a long time since we’ve met hasn’t it?” Brace said as he pulled out the box of sweets. “My apologies for the ruckus I was just trying to hide these pretties!” He opened them up, “would you care to try one?” He happily gave both Derpy and Steel one. They thanked him and ate it right up. “So how is everything?” He sat back in his chair and pointed to Derpy, “And who’s this one?”

“My name is Derpy Hooves and we were wondering—“

“Well hello there Derpy Hooves a pleasure it is to meet you!” He reached over and shook her hoof without a moments notice. Derpy just smiled and looked at Steel with a smirk. Steel just smiled sheepishly and shrugged.

“Well thank you—“
“Stop right there!” Brace said with a glowing smile, “Don’t tell me… you two…” He didn’t finish but wriggled his eyebrows.
Derpy and Steel quickly looked at each other, then back at him. “No no no!! It’s not like that!” They both said in unison.
Steel face hoofed.
“We just need your help, and then we’ll be out of your mane.” Derpy said.

“Oh? What kind of help?” Brace said looking at Steel.

“Well erm,” Steel stopped and looked at Derpy, “Let’s not go into details, we just need a carriage to Canterlot, and we need it now.”

Brace looked at Steel inquisitively but didn’t bother to ask, “Very well! I’ll get you a carriage in a matter of minutes. Although I must be honest, a carriage to Canterlot is asking a lot, you’re going to owe me a favor sometime.” He called the main lobby, “Yes Sara please give full access of my carriage to Mr. Steel Thunder and Ms. Derpy Hooves. Oh and make sure somepony will be there to drive them.” He shut off the intercom and smiled at them, “There’s a carriage waiting in the parking center.”

Steel and Derpy got up, “Thank you so much for your help,” Steel said as he shook Brace’s hoof.

“Me pleasure! Do come back sometime!” Brace said as he plopped another chocolate into his mouth.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

The carriage finally landed, Derpy and Steel got out, rushing through the streets of Canterlot. They pushed passed pony after pony, shouts and huffs where heard by the two ponies, but they didn’t care the only thing they had in mind was finding Twilight and Dinky. They turned a corner, Steel almost losing his balance but managed to regain it. “We got to move faster!” Derpy shouted over the hustle and bustle of the streets.

“Yeah I know,” Steel turned; he looked around but couldn’t find any other way of transport. He looked back at Derpy and suddenly an idea came to mind, “Derpy can you lift me up?”

“I don’t know… I can always try though!” Derpy sprinted so she was next to Steel; she flapped her wings a few times and finally gained air. Derpy lowered herself and gripped Steel by his side. She started flapping harder, quicker, with more stamina and slowly Steel lost feeling of the ground in his hooves.

“You did it!” He shouted. Steel looked ahead and found the street. He pointed with his hoof to the street. Derpy nodded and banked left flapping hard to miss more hanging signs. They finally reached the manor, at long last. They rushed the door, and with a loud crunch the main door was broken off its hinges. “Twilight where are you?” Derpy shouted through the air.

“Ah… looks like your friends have arrived,” Ballpoint checked his watch, “And only a few minutes to spare! A shame there wasn’t enough time to mount you, I was really looking forward to that…” He shrugged, “Oh well… tah tah you filthy mongrel.” He jumped down a flight of stairs and landed outside in the backyard. With quickness he wrote out a letter, dropped it, and with ease he teleported out of Canterlot leaving behind only a dark purple burn in the grass.

Derpy and Steel looked around the front room, yet couldn't find any sign of Twilight or Dinky. Steel opened a door that lead down a dark flight of steps. He motioned to Derpy and she followed. As they grew closer to their destination they began smelling a horrible stench of blood and gore. When they reached the bottom the sight was worse than anypony could’ve imagined. The walls were covered in blood, the floor too also held chunks of red particles and clumps of matted hair. But the sight most revolting was the sight of Twilight’s condition. Cuts, scraps and burns lined her sides, blood oozing down from every which way. She didn’t seem to be responding at all, giving a sign that she may have fallen under unconsciousness. Derpy went wide-eyed then quickly looked away from the heinous scene before her. Steel did the same. For a moment Nopony spoke, as the scene was just too unsettling. Not only was Twilight in terrible condition, but Dinky…

“No…” Derpy spoke. “Please… he couldn’t have… not her…” She rushed up to Dinky and knelt aside from her. There wasn’t much damage to her; in fact it looked as if Dinky had been spared most of the damage. Her outside trauma seemed only to be a few cuts here and there, but Derpy could see it in Dinky’s eyes that what she had witnessed cannot easily be forgotten. Derpy hugged her daughter with tears streaming down her cheeks, and only grew incredibly worried more and more as she didn’t feel Dinky responding to the hug.
“Derpy… Derpy…” Steel said tapping her shoulder.
She looked back at him; “We need to get Twilight and Dinky to the hospital, now!”
“There’s not enough time, they she be dead by the time we arrive!” Derpy looked around for anything that might help heal Twilight. Her eyes peered at Steel’s horn then it came, “You can heal her.” She said.

“What? No I—“

“Yes… I’ve read up on unicorns. You can—“

“When did you read up on unicorns?”

“Not important right now, we need to heal Twilight.”

“Fine… and just how do you know how to heal her?”

Derpy tried hard to recall the information. “First… you need to look directly at her horn… then… just… just imagine her as the condition she used to be.”

Steel looked at the ground, as if searching for an answer. “Alright then…” He said as he stepped forward to Twilight. He focused on her, remembering how she looked before… this happened to her. Her dazzling mane as it flowed in the breeze, her cute dimples and how they showed themselves whenever she smiled, the way she blushed whenever she got embarrassed. Then he focused on her personal appeals. The way she’d always try to test everything and anything she didn’t understand.
Steel began feeling his horn pulsing with magic, enveloping the room with a light blue.
The way she’d stick up for her friends.
The light blue magic began it’s way down towards Twilight and started circling her.
How she loved Derpy with all her heart, even trying to get professional help to find her when she was missing.
The magic encircled Twilight and Steel, illuminating the room more and more until they were merely a blur of Blue colored Light.
How she never gave up. The way she knew how to handle things. How much of a caring mother she was to Dinky. How she helped Dinky through tough times.
By now the magic that encased the two had blown into a form of sorts, swirling into a form of a heart. Steel didn’t know where all this information was coming from, it seemed out of nowhere, but he still pushed on.
Steel felt a sensation like no other. It was a feeling of security, like a chilly night indoors with somepony special to you. Steel had a weird image of Octavia with him, but shook it away and focused.
How she saved Dinky from certain doom.
By now the form of light had enclosed some and tightened around the two forms. The spell was almost complete, and Steel could feel it. The magic coursing through his horn grew in power and in one last second all of his energy was released into Twilight’s aurora. He fell to the ground breathless.
Derpy rushed to his side, and helped him up a bit. They quickly looked at Twilight and found absolutely nothing had changed…

Steel eyes grew wide as saucepans, “It… didn’t work…”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Ballpoint thought about his little encounter with Twilight, oh what absolute fun that was! He had a feeling his time was coming to an end, there was just something about the air, and the timing that suggested it. Might as well make the most of it. And what better way than having another party! He looked around Ponyville for just the right pony. And then he found her. Her mane, oh her mane, how it cascaded down her body with such grace… such elegance. Her pure white coat… almost like… like a marshmallow. He licked his muzzle, yet another glorious patron to… party with. He walked up to her and watched as she entered some clothing shop.

“Hello,” She said half-heartedly. She had bags in her eyes, probably from lack of sleep. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique how may I help you?” She said.

“I’d like to try out your line of clothes, do you have any brand new outfits in the back?” Ballpoint said.

“Why yes we do, here at Carousel Boutique we have a large assortment of clothing from hats to capes. Now follow me, please.” She said as she escorted Ballpoint to the back of the shop.

‘Only a matter of time…’ he said as he eyed Rarity’s flank. ‘For the fun to resume….

Not All Ponies Go To Heaven

View Online

It was dark. That was all I was able to understand…

Darkness. Surrounding me… engulfing me… eating me…

I tried to move, but it… it didn’t work. As I flailed about in the pitch-black liquid, all that occurred to me was falling deeper… deeper into the darkness. It wasn’t like the warm darkness of a blanket in the wintertime… it was cold darkness, like being stuck in a freezing winter storm. Suddenly a low booming voice erupted from thin air. I knew that voice all too well…

“Greetings, deary!” Ballpoint’s voice said acidly. At that two hooves formed above me, the right one holding a glistening knife, and the other holding an evil looking syringe filled with a dark purple liquid. Slowly the syringe-holding hoof lowered itself in jabbed the needle into my side. I tried to scream from pain but nothing… nothing escaped from my mouth only the sound of air rushing out of my throat. The needle began to twist, causing shards of pain to explode in my side. Soon however the pain subsided and the syringe was taken out. I let out a sigh of relief, but then grew still from terror as the second hoof— wielding the knife— lowered itself and cut into my flank. My eyes grew wide at the sight of the blade cutting… the blood dripping out from my side— but yet no pain at all. I felt my heart begin pounding in my chest as the adrenaline coursed through my veins. The knife was pulled out and moved onto my neck, I tried to flail around— desperate to delay the blade’s next cut, but found myself unable to move. All I could do was watch as the blade carefully floated towards me… towards my lifeline. The hoof positioned the blade just below my jugular and with one last remark, “Ta Ta.” from Ballpoint the blade was shoved into my neck with a sickening shlunk!

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

The ride was long… so long Derpy didn’t realize that the hospital had been so far off from Steel’s old apartment. Through large bumps, and busy intersections Steel and Derpy managed to get Twilight and Dinky to the nearest hospital.

Derpy sat at a near by chair next to the E.R. room. The walls seemed whiter than before, almost bleached. The floor— just a bleached made everything seem like a world of white. The only things keeping her from leaving were Dinky, and Twilight. Twilight… it’s impossible to comprehend what Ballpoint did to Twilight, and more importantly why of all ponies he’d chosen to hurt her…
Dinky sat with Derpy, snuggled up to her— her eyes switching from side to side under her eye lids, indicating she was asleep. Derpy looked down at her daughter, perplexed that her father— Dinky’s own grandfather— would do such a monstrous thing to his flesh and blood. Derpy brushed a piece of mane of Dinky’s eyes, and felt a bittersweet feeling rising up in her. Sure they had rescued her from certain doom, but at a cost. ‘Dinky… oh Dinky…’ Derpy thought as she hugged the sleeping form tighter.

Steel walked up to her, “How’s she doing?” He asked eying Derpy with worry. Over a day since they had found Twilight and Dinky, Steel’s emotions had run dry since then. He no longer cared what he felt, only what had to be done. Derpy somewhat understood him, but still didn’t like the thought as it made Steel seem cold and calculating.

“She’s fine I suppose, I don’t know to be honest.” Derpy brushed Dinky’s mane, as she squirmed in her sleep.

Steel and Derpy heard hoofsteps coming to their right, and soon they were greeted once again by the doctor. Derpy looked up and him, “So? Anything?”

The Doctor did not wear a smile, or show much of any emotion, just a blank face with tired eyes. “M’am, I’m sorry to say but it seems that Twilight is in a coma from the severe trauma she had to undergo. We also found her body charged with excess magic, do you have any idea how that may have came about?”

Derpy and Steel looked at each other, then at the Doctor, “It was me. I tried using my magic to… to try and help her.”

“I see… well as you probably guessed it did little to nothing to aiding her attempts at recovery. It may have in fact, reduced chances of recovery.” He said that with a straight face, but Steel could see it in his eyes he was not taking any enjoyment in this. “We don’t have any approximate time as to when she may wake up.”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

If that blade wasn’t bad enough.

Oh if that blade wasn’t bad enough, now it got much… much worse. I didn’t know where I was; the only thing that occurred to me was I was running from something. The rocky landscape made hiding impossible, leaving running the only sane option. I darted to my left, around a large boulder and kept the same quick pace. Nothing was getting to me, I shivered upon remembering the knife, and I’ll make sure of it. A fork in the road. I sprinted further, turning to the right, and looked back for just a moment. What a terrible moment that was. I didn’t know what it was, but there was definitely s… something there. The air grew c-colder around me, making r-running a lot harder. “Just a few more minutes, deary…” said the voice. That voice. Why had it come back? If the knife dream-scape wasn’t bad enough, now I was being chased by that same creepy voice. The air grew e-even colder around me, and I became aware that I could see my breath. I turned harshly to my left, almost loosing my balance and falling off the edge of the Cliff-side. I turned back and saw that hideous creature. It’s eyes like pinpricks in a head much too large for it’s body. Its claws… its terrifying claws, and how they cut through the stone wall like butter. What ever it was— it was smiling— obviously enjoying putting me through this kind of torment. I took another right turn around a large boulder, still looking back. The creature’s mouth wasn’t even recognizable, just a jet-black hole with light-blue drool slowly falling out as it ran past. Its legs were long and slender; I was amazed they could even hold up something like the creature. Not only were the legs slender, but the arms…. they were merely sticks with globs at the end— probably for the ‘hands.’ And it had dozens upon dozens of arms, some of then without any ‘hands’ just long sticks jutting out from every which way, it made the whole creature look like some kind of experimentation with a spider and an octopus. I finally made a left turn, but stopped abruptly when I found myself trapped in a dead end. I looked back, but was simply mortified from the appearance of the creature to the point where I closed my eyes. “Deary… deary… deary…” It said with lustful slobber spraying the walls. “Me… oh… my” next thing I heard was a loud crunch and feeling pain like no other…

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Twilight woke with a start, searching the room for anything that might resemble what she saw in her dream. The only thing she was greeted with was white on white on white. White walls. White floor. White Ceiling. White, white, white. She looked to her left and found a tabletop, covered with flowers and a letter. Twilight blinked, taking in what she saw, but soon grasped the information. She carefully reached over and took hold of the letter. With some trouble she opened it and read it. Although it took some time, she was able to distinguish the words and read, though a bit slower than usual.

Dear Twilight,
Steel and I have saved you from Ballpoint, we’ll fill you in later on what happened to you. All that matters right now is you’re safe and secure. When you’re ready you can just ring the bell and send in a nurse to help you with anything.

I love you, and always will,

Derpy Hooves.

It took a few minutes before her brain clicked, but was able to find the big red button. With a light-hearted push it sounded a bell in the speakers, and in less than a minute a Nurse was at her side, “Looks like somepony’s awake! Would you like anything?”

Twilight looked around the room, slowly recalling the right words to use, “Can… can I see D… Derpy Hooves?” Twilight gave a weak shudder and fell back onto the pillow.

“Of course, they’ll be in here shortly.” She exited without another word and soon Derpy came in. Just the sight of Derpy brought back memories of the past. At first little things: Eating muffins with her and… some other littler pony, Reading books with her… no wait… she had books but she only looked at them, and the date— that she knew easily enough. Who could forget something as magical as that wonderful night? She remembered how she messed up the spell, how Rarity tried to be there for her, how she took Dinky… Dinky… hey, hey Dinky! Dinky what who she ate the muffins with besides Derpy. Now it made sense, the littler pony was Dinky. How she took Dinky in as her foal. How Rarity rejected the offer of mothering Dinky with her. How she hired Ballpoint to find Derpy. Ballpoint… Ballpoint… Ballpoint. Something wasn’t right about that word. Why did it sound so… so… evil? Her memory of him suddenly flooded into her conscious. How he used the cow prod to get her to her hooves so she could stand for the next wave of pain. How he’d use Dinky as a tool to get her to obey him. How He’d slice through her flesh with that knife of his… that bloodied, mangled knife. The thoughts came rushing back, and in a panic she focused her attention back to Derpy. “Heh… Hello Derpy.” Twilight said.

Derpy leaned in and kissed Twilight’s forehead, “Hey sleepy head.”

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Twilight sat in a lounging position while Steel and Derpy filled her in on everything that had happened from when they found her to now. Twilight heard most of it, other times though she found herself staring at Derpy with such dreamy eyes it just had to make Derpy stop talking and ask whether she was feeling fine or not. Twilight would say she’s fine and they’d continue, it was as simple as that. By the end of the day, Twilight was in need of rest, leaving Derpy and Steel to wait in the lobby for the next day.

By morning Derpy and Steel greeted Twilight, her conditions already getting better with every hour. “The doctors don’t know what to make of it. They think it’s just some miracle, or dumb luck.” Derpy said.

Twilight nodded, “So it may seem, but I have a theory.” She looked at Steel, “I have a feeling somepony is the cause for my increase in recovery.”

“You don’t think—“

“Yeah I do.” Twilight said, “Whatever you did back in Ballpoint’s hide out, it’s working its helpful way through me.”

Steel didn’t know what to say, he was simply at a loss. “But the doctors said that it wasn’t helping at all.”

“Well I’m no doctor, but do you see this?” She held up her hoof which now only held a small scar in the place of a gash once there only a mere few hours before. “Yeah, neither do I.”

After another day of talking with Twilight, Derpy and Steel left her alone for some thinking time, as Twilight called it, to go get something to eat.

“So you really think my spell thingy actually helped?” Steel asked Derpy as he bit into a daisy sandwich.

“I think it did, I mean do you see how fast Twilight is recovering?” Derpy said while keeping a close eye on Dinky. She was accepting food, but she was still too shocked to do much else. Derpy scooted over and wrapped Dinky in her forelegs. “She may make a full recovery in less than a few days.”

They finished their breakfast and walked to Twilight’s room, where they stood there, mouths opened, as they watched Twilight already walking about the room using a cane, but no less. “Tw… Twilight you’re already walking?” Derpy said as she ran into her, sending them both sprawled onto of the bed. Derpy planted a kiss on Twilight’s muzzle, “I knew you’d be alright in a few days, I knew it!” Derpy said snuggling up to Twilight.

“Yes it’s very good to hear, but I’m not completely healed, yet” Twilight got Derpy off of her, “It’s probably going to take another day.’

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

“Now as you can see, our latest and greatest selection features gold and navy-blue figures sewed into the fabric itself.” Rarity propped one on a nearby table, “It’s almost like viewing a painting, yet in the fabric itself.”

“Ah, very good,” Ballpoint nodded, “And how much would this cost me?”

“Oh it’s not going to be cheap, darling, I can tell you that.” Rarity paused and counted out the amount of bits needed, she turned her back for just a second.

“Gotch’a!” Ballpoint said as he quickly knocked Rarity in the temple with his hoof. She fell to the floor unconscious. “And now we can prepare…”

He looked around the room for anything that may be of use. “Well the table will be needed soon enough.” He moved the table to the center of the room, knocking aside any unwanted shelves or dressers. He picked up a dresser and titled it on its side, using it as a makeshift second table. He walked out of the room, quietly stepped up the staircase leading to Rarity’s quarters and found a few instruments that would come in handy later on. “A shame this one doesn’t have much to use.” Ballpoint looked around the room, genuinely sad, “Well I have my own tool to use.” He stepped back into the room, carefully placed Rarity on it, and began tying her up. ‘If just holding her brought shivers to me,’ Ballpoint thought, ‘I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s going to feel like inside her!’ Ballpoint stole a lick of Rarity’s ear as he finished the final knot. ‘Hmmm, no smelling salts.’ Ballpoint thought eying the room, ‘looks like I’m going to have to wait.’ He said as he pulled up a chair.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Papers and papers. That was what the hospital was all about: paperwork after paperwork after paperwork. But it was worth it, to get Twilight back, and to be a family once again. Derpy couldn’t help but smile at what was happening around her. Twilight was beginning signed out of the hospital, Dinky was becoming more and more stable, everything just seemed right.

“Oh! And one more thing.” The Nurse said, “This was sent by somepony named… Rarity? Yeah, well, here’s the letter.” She gave them the letter and walked off. Derpy hoofed the letter to Twilight, who opened it with ease.

Dear Twilight,

Sorry for everything that happened to you. I have a feeling I’m the one who put you through it. Meet me at Carousel Boutique, there’s something I need to tell you about. Oh, and if you’ve found her already, bring Derpy I need so apologies to her.

With love, Rarity

After a trek to the nearest carriage-port, Twilight, Steel, Derpy, and Dinky finally got off the carriage and stepped into Ponyville. The brisk cool wind blew in everypony’s hair as they walked up to Carousel Boutique. Twilight knocked on the door.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Ballpoint practically fell out of his chair. Company? This early? But he hadn’t even started playing with her. ‘Maybe if I simply wait, they’ll depart.’ He thought. He shifted in his seat, but stopped suddenly when he heard moaning coming from a certain pony. He lunged out of his seat, and shoved his hoof into Rarity’s muzzle, silencing her. Rarity panicked and took hold of the situation; she realized she was bound, meaning the only thing to do was…

She thought for a second, and then bit with all her might on Ballpoint’s hoof. He gave a shriek of pain and pulled back, just as Rarity screamed at the top of her lungs.

“That sounded like Rarity!” Derpy yelled; as Steel slammed open the door.

“I’ll check in the back, Twilight and Derpy check Rarity’s bedroom.” Steel said as he raced through the store. He made a quick turn and saw three doors. He opened up the first one: No good. He rushed to the second one: Still nothing. Another scream pierced through the air, as he Slammed open the third. “Derpy, Twilight she’s ove—“ Steel was pushed back by Ballpoint.

“Oh no you don’t, boy!” Ballpoint said as he levitated a rack into the air, ready to be thrown. Twilight jumped in the mess, and quickly teleported them all to the outskirts of the Everfree Forest.

“What was the point to that?!” Steel yelled.

“Well we don’t want to hurt any other pony besides him, now do we? The farther away from anypony else, the better.” Twilight said as she focused her attention to Ballpoint, “We’re giving you one last chance, please accept defeat and surrender yourself to the law enforcement.”

“Ha! You actually believe that I’d be that dull as to do something like that?” Ballpoint said as his horn began glowing a dark purple, “…Never…” without a moments hesitance, he launched a large bolt of pure energy from his horn toward Twilight. She dodged it, diving to the left as Steel charged at him, horn pointed directly at Ballpoint’s heart. Ballpoint smiled, and with one deep swoop of his hoof, he sent Steel through the air, and landing on a rock. He turned to see Twilight’s own cast of purple light escaping her horn, shooting straight for Ballpoint. With a quick flash, he pounded the energy ball aside, almost hitting Steel’s side. “Is that really the best you can do?” Ballpoint said as he summoned a large void of pitch-black energy. It was sent hurdling towards Derpy, but thankfully she managed to just make it out as the orb careened into the ground, sending shadows and Dark Purple bolts flying in every direction. Twilight had never seen such immense power in one unicorn, but knew the cause of such magical abilities. Dark Magic. Twilight had read about it before, and how it was used eons ago by the lesser unicorns in an attempt to over throw the princess. She shook the thought aside, and kept up the assault. More energy bolts flew from both sides of the field. The air was becoming more and more electric, as Ballpoint sent another Black Void towards Steel; He scrambled up just in time to take the void head on. He didn’t have any other choice, either get hit by a few tons of Dark Magic… or charge it. He took the latter and ran for it. With his horn glowing a light- blue, he pierced through the void with so much force, he pushed it in the other direction. It was a feeling like no other. Cold swept through him, and Steel could have sworn he heard whispers float by him while he was in the void. He quickly stopped and watched as the orb zoomed towards Ballpoint. This took him off, guard never had he seen anypony able to break through that kind of spell! He didn’t have time to react, as the orb found it’s way into Ballpoint. With a gasp he felt the blow like no other. Pure sub-zero temperatures coursed through his body, and he could almost feel his entire being begin to freeze. He stepped back, just in the right spot for a blow from Derpy. She punched him with both hooves, aiming for his face. Ballpoint couldn’t move, having dealt with the cold ordeal, leaving me only able to take each blow upon his face. Derpy was lost in her mind, she wasn’t aware of what she was doing— it seemed as if everything was a blur. She finally eased off, and turned one-eighty to buck him in the face. When she felt the sound and feeling in her hooves of collision, she few back to Twilight’s side. Twilight kept at him with more and more bolts of energy, the light purple beams zipping both passed Ballpoint, and hitting him. Bolts of power sped their way through Ballpoint’s chest, causing bursts of pain to shoot through him. Ballpoint looked up to find Steel’s horn impale his chest.

Silence.

Ballpoint faltered. Steel pulled his horn out, and looked at him. He looked back and found Twilight and Derpy rushing to join him.

Ballpoint blinked for a second, and with one last breath of air, he fell to the ground motionless.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Derpy and I sat on top of a hill, viewing the afternoon sun as it rose past. Dinky was at school right about now, and Derpy took the day off from delivery. Things finally seemed to be getting back to normal. Ballpoint was… gone, Rarity had given us a long and dramatic apology and thanked us for saving her from him. Steel went his separate way, talking about heading back to Canterlot in search of Octavia. I smiled at remembering him. I just couldn’t believe that Derpy had found somepony like him. He truly was one of a kind. I broke free from my thoughts and looked into Derpy’s eyes. She no longer had them cross-eyed, or spoke in her old “dialect” instead she spoke with such grace, it would put Celestia to shame. She gazed into mine, and for a moment we sat peering into each other’s very souls. I broke eye contact for a second when I closed my eyes and leaned in. I felt a sensation completely new to me as our mouths met. The feeling of her tongue entwining with mine sent shivers down my back. I leaned in further, kissing her hard, slowly rolling my forelegs up her back and around her shoulders. We parted for breath, and I looked at her. She was dazzling, the afternoon sun complemented her mane, and her eyes. Derpy looked at me, and we hugged for a long… long time. Never have I felt anything more perfect then sitting with her.

Author’s Notes:
Well we’re here at last. The finale to Opposites Attract. There’s been so much going on behind the scenes in the creation, and in the writing of this piece that I’d just like to make a few shout outs.

MR. FRISBY: Thanks for the help in outlining, and with the cover art (hopefully going to be put up soon) With much love: Thank You.

Banksyt: For helping with through thick and thin, letting me know where things need work, and where things were the best in reading. Hell you even wrote yourself a pretty good version of Twirpy shipping, “Focused Eyes.” From the bottom of my heart: Thank You.

Overall I just want to thank each and every one of you whom read and supported me through writing this, whether it be from Feedback, or just throwing in a little random comment. I hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as I did writing it! You guys, are what makes this fandom awesome. <3

Sincerely—

Joseph “BronyGuy” Smythe.