> Alternate Beginnings: Year Four
>  by Doug Graves
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 1 Touched by the Wind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 3rd, 996 Domina Solaria

Rainbow Dash attempts to clear the annoying beeping from her mind, trying to get back to soaring through the clear blue skies, flying around with Scootaloo. The small orange pegasus, happily playing among the thermals, twisting and turning as she flies about. And Rainbow is right behind her, the mare relishing the feeling of her daughter's wake over her own wings.

Rainbow grumbles unhappily; that incessant beeping will not go away! What will it take to get it to stop!

Much to her disappointment, the noise speeds up before an alarm sounds, quiet, off in the distance. She sighs happily as it finally gets quieter, the beeping slowing down, and she relaxes back into her comfortable cloud. She attempts to look around again, trying to push through the skies, now overcast, many broken layers of thick gray clouds obstructing her view. She wants to get another glimpse of Scootaloo as the sun lights up the clouds around her, piercing through some thinner areas. She squints as the tone seems to subside into the background, replaced by the heavy clop of hooves on wood. Rainbow opens one eye; is Pinkie messing with her again?

Instead of the clouds she expects, Rainbow is greeted by the sight of a wall. A white, sterile, boring wall. Doug, sitting at a desk in front of that wall; he seems to be working on something, the light scratch of his pencil on the papers in front of him. Then, a potted plant. Green leaves, the trunk slowly twisting around in its otherwise barren pot. A weird machine, blinking lights and some red numbers with no context. The smiling face of Princess Celestia, colorful mane waving. The sheets, gray as the clouds, tangled around her cyan hooves. A railing of some kind, likely attached to the cloud she is laying on, keeping her from rolling off. More wall, still blank and boring, with a dark window, twinkling lights visible.

Wait, what is Doug doing in the room with her? Shouldn't her stallion be at home, at his desk, if he is working on those reports? Why would he be here in the clouds with her and Scootaloo? None of this makes any sense.

Rainbow groans, trying to ask the human why he is here. His head twitches, as if surprised by the sound in the room; he turns, a smile breaking out on his face as she spots the dried tears by his eyes. She weakly holds up her hooves, unable to untangle herself, as she manages to croak out, "Little D, why are you here?"

Doug knocks his chair aside as he dashes over, grasping her forehooves with his hands. His face lights up, "Rainbow Dash!" He rescues her from the clouds as he pulls her hooves passed his chest, wrapping her forelegs around his body as he gathers her into his arms, "Oh, my Big D, you're okay!"

Rainbow awkwardly tries to pat the human's back as he embraces her, "Uh, yeah, why wouldn't I be okay?" She looks around the room again, only able to move her eyes. She realizes that she is in a hospital room, laying on a earth pony bed, with ordinary, non-cloud sheets. "Did something happen?"

Doug looks off to the side; Rainbow follows his gaze to Princess Celestia. The pegasus weakly raises a hoof and tries to wave, her hoof barely flopping up and down as the alicorn steps forward, saying, "Yes, Rainbow Dash, and I can tell you more when you are feeling up to it."

"Okay." Rainbow tries to move her head back, but her neck feels weak, like somepony took all of the energy out of her. And replaced it with something less awesome, something slow, like molasses. She whimpers softly, Doug repositioning her head so she can look up at him.

"Are you feeling okay, Rainbow?"

"Uh. Yeah, I mean, I think so, I don't hurt, but I can barely move." She tries to look back at Princess Celestia, merely able to drop her head to the side. "So, uh, I guess while I'm not doing anything else you can tell me what happened."

"Very well, Rainbow Dash. I'm afraid that I share a portion of the blame for what happened to you. I interrupted the ritual that Sunset Shimmer was performing. My interruption may have saved you a considerable amount of magic and recovery time, but I am disappointed in myself, that I was not able to stop what Sunset Shimmer was doing earlier." Princess Celestia sighs, "Another one of my many failures. In any case; due to the inherent difficulties in the spell itself her control over the siphon of magic was quickly unraveling. If she had continued the ritual then the tear in your magic would have worsened, possibly to the point of being irreparable. Because of how I entered the room her control was severed. The best way I can describe it would be that it left open a hole in your magic, a gash; we were able to patch that hole, but it will take time to fully heal. The doctors believe that you will make a full recovery, in time, regaining nearly all of your potential."

Rainbow tries to nod, her body unable to hold up her head. She falls backwards to the pillow underneath her as Doug moves to a more comfortable position, spooning her while keeping his arms clasped around her. She asks, "How is Scootaloo?"

Princess Celestia turns to the side, "Well, I am told it has been difficult keeping your filly out of the room; you did need your rest after all. She is doing very well, as she is anxious to show you."

Doug helps Rainbow Dash sit up as the door opens, Scootaloo scampering inside. Her face lights up as she sees Rainbow, saying, "Big Sis! Look what I can do! Up!" She jumps onto the bed, turning around while her tiny wings beat as fast as they can. She takes a running start and leaps off. Previously, Scootaloo would have dropped through the air like an earth pony, but now she slowly glides down, landing on the floor below three seconds later. 

The filly pants heavily, trying to climb back onto the bed before Doug bends to the side, giving his foal a helping hand. Rainbow looks at Scootaloo, beaming with pride as she tries to lift her forelegs. Scootaloo races over, diving under one of her dam's hooves as Rainbow says, "Oh, Sis, I'm so proud of you."

The two enjoy the moment for several seconds before Princess Celestia says, "Sunset Shimmer told me to tell you, 'twenty percent.' Do you know what that means?"

Rainbow screws up her face in concentration, "Um, she said she would be trying to draw something like eight percent of my magic? Or maybe my excess magic? So she only got twenty percent of that before she stopped?"

Princess Celestia nods, "Yes, that fits with what we observed. We measured an increase in Scootaloo's thaumic capacity, and a very slight decrease in yours; at least, your theoretical maximum capacity once your magic has fully returned. I am afraid, Rainbow, that the... procedure that Sunset attempted with you is incredibly unsafe. Wildly so. It is a testament to her remarkable ability, and your extreme luck, that she was as successful with you two as she was. Her method essentially boiled down to, 'poke a hole in your magic field, hold it open while channeling the extracted magic into Scootaloo, and once enough magic has been drained or she, Sunset, runs low on magic, stitch up the hole she poked'. If any of those steps had gone wrong, or if she ran out of mana before the process was complete, or if her mana battery malfunctioned, even for a second, you could have lost all of your magic. Perhaps permanently." Princess Celestia gives Rainbow a hard look, "Please don't try something like this again."

Rainbow smiles, her eyes unfocusing and staring at the ceiling, "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, dam." She seems to regain a bit of composure, sitting up slightly and saying, "So, uh, what happened to Sunset? Dungeons?"

Princess Celestia shakes her head, "Suffice it to say she banished herself to a distant land rather than deal with the consequences here." As Rainbow begins to open her mouth Princess Celestia shakes her head, "No, she is not banished to Tartarus." She mutters to herself, 'someplace far, far worse.'

Rainbow opens her mouth, closing it, before opening it again. She plants a kiss on Scootaloo as the filly pokes her head out. Rainbow looks at Doug, "How long have you been here, and how long have I been here?"

Doug says, "Three days, or about sixty hours. You had been here six hours by the time I arrived. Celestia sent word as soon as she could, along with a pegasus chariot. Suffice it to say I am taking the train home." He scratches her head before gripping her tightly, saying, "Rainbow, I'm so glad you are okay, I was worried sick. So is the rest of the herd, and they send their condolences and wish you a speedy recovery."

Rainbow manages to eke out, "Oh, they aren't here? How have you been holding up?"

Doug shrugs, loosening his grip, "Well, I've been keeping up with work while I've been waiting on you here, catching up on some reading. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Apple Bloom took the evening train home; Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Sweetie Belle should get here in the morning, and they would have spent time with you while I slept. The only time I step out is to grab food, catch up with the mares before they leave on the evening train back to Ponyville and sleep."

Rainbow looks outside at the evening sky, "So, they already went home? Just you and me? And Scoots?"

Doug nods, "Yup, Scootaloo has spent the whole time with you as well. She was just outside the room, playing with a couple of the other foals here when she heard you were awake."

Rainbow looks over at Princess Celestia, "How long do I have to stay in the hospital? I really want to go outside, exercise my wings a little, I feel stiff all over." She tries to extend her wings, but finds that she lacks the strength to do so. And Doug is in the way, but she can't even push against him.

"Well, first, the good news: Rainbow, you are able to leave the hospital; you are in a stable condition, though I don't recommend leaving the hospital entirely until tomorrow morning. Physically, you will be fine, though you are likely exhausted and weak; you will recover your physical strength within a few hours, now that your magic is flowing through your body unrestricted. Or at least, in the limited amount you have available. Once you feel strong enough you can engage in running or other activities." Princess Celestia winks at the two before continuing, "You may do wing exercises that do not involve stressing your magic. However, in regards to your flying," Princess Celestia places a hoof on Rainbow's chest, looking into the pegasus' eyes, "Rainbow, I know this will come as a shock, and the worst possible news ever." A fearful look comes over Rainbow's face as Princess Celestia continues, "In order to keep the patch we have sewn in your magic stable, you are not to push anything involving magic. You are still going to be able to fly, but only to the extent that Fluttershy would beat you in a race."

Doug helps Rainbow throw her hooves into the air, a distressed, "Nnnnoooooooo!!" escaping from her lips and echoing around the room. 

Princess Celestia smiles at Doug's antics as he waves Rainbow's hooves around in circles, then back and forth, then making little figure eights. Rainbow smiles initially but quickly gets embarrassed as he starts making little cooing noises. The pegasus pouts, "Come on, big guy, enough already."

Doug gives a heavy sigh, lowering her hooves back to her body. He smiles, scratching her head as she smiles up at him, trying to move her hind legs. Like Princess Celestia said, she can feel them slowly getting stronger, but not yet strong enough to really move around or hold herself up. Scootaloo yawns into Rainbow's side, the filly snuggling closer to her dam and closing her eyes. 

Princess Celestia smiles, "Don't worry too much, Rainbow. Over time, your magic will return, as your field strengthens. Then, you will be able to best your herdmate in a race once again." She puts a hoof on Rainbow's hind leg, "I can see you are in good hooves, Rainbow." She winks at Doug, "Or hands, as the case may be. Pleasant dreams." She turns, walking out of the room and turning off the heart rate monitor as the door closes.

Rainbow forces her head back, the effort leaving her panting as she looks up at Doug's face. He moves his head down, slowly kissing Rainbow before pulling his head back. She frowns, weakly raising her hooves and struggling to find his head. Doug raises an arm, grabbing one of her hooves and assisting it to a position behind his head. She smiles, lightly pulling him towards her.

As their kiss finishes Rainbow tries to push Doug to the side, away from Scootaloo. He scratches her ear, looking into her magenta eyes, "You sure?"

Rainbow nods, giving Doug a sultry look , "Oh ya, I'm sure. Just, careful not to wake her, okay?" Doug nods, pushing Rainbow away from his body. Scootaloo stirs as her backrest shifts, allowing Doug to extricate his leg from underneath Rainbow. He lays his mare back against the sheets, Scootaloo shifting slightly but drifting back to sleep as her dam lays still. Doug moves to Rainbow's front, placing his arms around her neck and embracing her head as he rests his chest against hers.
> 2 Reforged Bonds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 4th, 996

Rainbow Dash wakes up, her body feeling numb from the pressure on her chest. She glances down, smiling; it looks like her stallion has fallen asleep on top of her, though it is no worse than when any of the other mares did the same. A little better, in fact; she has no problem cuddling with him, especially when they are alone or just with the herd, but it is a little awkward when she wakes up next to Fluttershy or Applejack. Pinkie Pie or Rarity on the other hoof... well, at least they seem to enjoy it just as much as she does.

Rainbow shifts, trying to get some feeling back into her hindlegs. Doug stirs on top of her, his dark blue eyes slowly opening and staring into her large magenta irises. They share a quick kiss, Rainbow smiling at his morning breath, before she gently pushes him away. He gets up, careful not to disturb the orange filly next to them, and makes his way to the bathroom. Rainbow stretches her hooves, slipping out of bed to follow him.

One quick refreshment later, a note next to Scootaloo in case the filly wakes up early, and the two are stretching outside of the hospital. Rainbow bounces up and down on her hooves, glad to finally be able to get the soreness out. Though last night with Doug has done a wonder in that regard too, the human ever responsive to her needs. He didn't try to take advantage of her incapacitated state, instead purely focusing on her and what she needed. She smiles, looking up at him; he turns, ruffling her mane and asking, "Ready to go?"

Rainbow nods, taking off at a moderate ground pace. At least her physical endurance hasn't suffered as much, the pegasus able to keep pace with the human as the two make their way through the streets of Canterlot, meandering back and forth among the twisted paths. They come to a stop on one of the main drags, the sidewalks starting to fill with ponies, slipping into one of the less ostentatious shops. The baker, an amber coated stallion, happily fills their order for a dozen donuts. Rainbow Dash and Doug eat five donuts each on their walk back to the hospital, leaving the final two for Scootaloo.

A cool breeze blows Rainbow's mane and she spreads her wings as they get close to the hospital, briefly taking to the air. A reproving look from Doug and she grins at him, "I know, I know, keep it slow. Ugh, I hate going slow." She glides around, a few lazy circles in the air, "Hey, uh, do you think that-"

"No, Rainbow, going really fast by falling and then catching yourself does not count as going slow. Besides, if you did try that and either, one, couldn't catch yourself in time, or, two, hurt yourself with a successful catch, what would happen? We would be right back here, and that's assuming that you don't lose all your magic when you reopen that wound."

Rainbow sighs, landing back on the ground, "I know, fine, you can stop laying it on so thick. What if instead I very slowly decelerate to catch myself?" She nuzzles his leg, his hand resting behind her ears as the two walk back into the hospital. Scootaloo is awake, sitting on the bed while her wings beat like a hummingbird. Rainbow glances at a piece of paper and remarks, "Hey, that's some speed you got there, squirt."

Scootaloo nods, letting her wings rest against her sides, "Thanks. It's the only way I can get any lift, though. I can't seem to glide like you, I have to keep them beating to get anywhere."

Rainbow cocks her head to the side, "Huh. Well, we'll figure something out when we get to the train."

Doug gathers his materials, placing the notebooks in a satchel, "Oh?"

Rainbow nods, "Yeah, one of the nurses left a note. Apparently the rest of the herd will be meeting us at the train station, all six. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Apple Bloom were able to change over to the other train at one of the other stations so they didn't have to go all the way to Ponyville and then come back."

Doug nods, "Good, that's great. Guess we'll all be going home today, then." He slings the satchel over one shoulder, "Glad to get out of this city. Scoots, you want a ride or you want to walk?"

Scootaloo prances around, "I wanna ride! I wanna ride!" Doug chuckles, scooping the filly up and placing her behind his head. She grips his neck with her hindlegs, holding her front hooves against the top of his head. Rainbow grabs the rest of her items, donning the saddlebags, as the three exit the room.

Doug remarks, "Let me know if you need off," as he ducks under one of the low doorways. Scootaloo grips his forehead tightly in order to stay on, Doug grimacing a little at the pressure. He is more careful at the next doorway, bending his knees more and looking up to make sure Scootaloo is clear. Doug walks over to one of the receptionists, the mare smiling at the filly perched on his head. Doug pays off their balance and gets directions, the three walking outside. Rainbow keeps a slow pace towards the train station, the excited filly turning her head left, right, and up to try to take in all the sights. 

More than a few heads turn and watch as they walk down the road, Scootaloo eventually whispering, "Daddy, why are so many of the ponies watching us?" Not many ponies seem to catch the remark, continuing to stare at the three as they make their way along the sidewalk.

Doug shrugs, smiling, "They've probably never seen such a tall filly before! How's the weather up there?"

Scootaloo holds a hoof out, "Um, it's a little warm, I don't suppose you can go any higher?" She sticks her head as far forward as she can go, standing up on Doug's shoulders and stretching out. One of his arms reflexively goes up, grasping a hindleg. Scootaloo looks down, "What's wrong, Daddy?"

Doug says, "Oh, I was just worried about you falling off, you know."

Scootaloo scoffs, "But, Daddy, I can fly now, remember? Or, at least sort of glide. Can i jump off?"

Rainbow beams as Doug says, "Okay, but be careful." Scootaloo crouches down, her wings spreading out and beating furiously as she leaps off. She slowly glides down, hooves outstretched, before she lands on the ground ten seconds later. She spins around as Rainbow stomps her hooves, taking a quick bow before standing on her hindlegs again, forelegs raised in the air. Doug rolls his eyes, "Okay, but no more leaping off until we get to the train station, okay?"

Scootaloo nods, "Okay!" as Doug reaches down, replacing her behind his head. The three continue the rest of the way to the train station, getting there an hour before the train from Ponyville is scheduled to arrive. Doug takes a seat far in the back, leaning against one of the walls in the corner. Rainbow moves to his lap, one of Doug's hands moving behind her head and the other to between her wings. She coos, laying down and resting her head against one of his legs. Scootaloo hops off, moving to the stairs. She alternates between climbing up the stairs and seeing how far she can get when she leaps off, her wings beating to try to keep her airborne.

Thirty minutes later and Rainbow Dash is napping in Doug's lap, the hoof traffic in the train station beginning to pick up. Doug whistles, a tired Scootaloo coming over and resting against his side while he continues reading. A few minutes later and the filly is fast asleep, her tangled purple mane occasionally tickling Doug's side as he reads.

A pegasus mailmare tentatively walks up to the two, reading a hoofwritten card. She glances back and forth, coughing once and looking between Doug and Rainbow. "Um, I have a delivery, for Cold Digger?"

Doug nods at the mailmare; the hospital must have directed the mail here, part of the reason he wants to make sure they know where he is. Rainbow Dash is the only other pony who really knows how he likes his weather scheduling to go, though she doesn't really care for the work when he is available. She had begrudgingly agreed to take over during his week long Badlands trip last year, mostly just handling the last minute or emergency changes that are occasionally required, but other than that he really hasn't been able to take a break from it. So, the letters arrive, though during the winter it is more reports and less last-minute requests.

The mailmare pulls out several thick envelopes, smiling at Rainbow and Scootaloo, "I'll just leave them here for her. Thanks, have a nice day!" Doug waves, shaking his head as he returns to his book. Most ponies assume that Cold Digger is a pegasus; only a few on the weather patrol at Ponyville, the Cloudsdale weather factory, and certain Wonderbolts know the truth. And that is just the way he likes it.

Doug opens the envelopes, reading through the summaries of the reports. Not finding any crises, Doug puts the reports back, picking back up one of the romances Rarity had recommended. Most of them are fairly predictable, but it gives him something to do when he needs a break from the scheduling, and they aren't bad for insights into how the ponies operate. Or they give him ideas of what to do with his mares, things they would enjoy. Sometimes he'll read through biographies or history books, but they tend to be just as dry as the weather reports.

The train whistle breaks Doug away from his book; yup, looks like this one will be the Ponyville train. He glances at the timetable; they will have about an hour before the morning train departs. Not quite enough time for the fancier sit down restaurants Rarity prefers, but still enough for a good herd-style breakfast. He gently shakes Rainbow, moving his hands and scratching behind her ears when she doesn't stir. He moves his hands down her neck and colorful mane, gradually pushing harder and harder. By the time he gets to her wings he is digging in as hard as he can, and when he moves to her flanks he lightly taps one side, then the other.

Rainbow sighs, "Aww, you always stop before the good part," as she slowly turns her head. They share a smile as Rainbow stands up, yawning and tapping her hooves on the ground. Doug gathers the envelopes, placing them in his satchel and standing, an alert Scootaloo again perched on his head.

The doors to the train open, a large number of businessmares making their way out, clutching briefcases in their magic or their mouths. Towards the end, four mares and two small fillies make their way out, glancing around the station until they spot Rainbow, Doug, and Scootaloo off in the corner.

"Rainbow! Ah'm so glad to see you!" Applejack, the lead mare of Herd Apple, canters over to the three, her pregnant belly swaying back and forth. The orange earth pony embraces Rainbow, who chuckles as she returns the hug, looking at the rest of her herd as they make their way closer.

Rarity says as she approaches, "You should know better than to move so quickly, Applejack. Rainbow, it is very nice to see you up and about."

Applejack huffs as the white unicorn joins the hug, "It ain't my first rodeo, Rares, Ah know how much Ah can push myself." She looks past her second to see the other two mares in the herd coming forward. 

Pinkie Pie, the mare just as pregnant as Applejack, comes up first, annoyance on her face at the enforced slowness. The pink earth pony walks around Applejack and Rarity, finding an opening and sticking first one hoof, then another around Rainbow's barrel. She begins squeezing, "Rainbow, I'm so happy you are okay! I hope you don't take how long it took to get here as an indication of how happy I am to see you, because the doctor told me that I have to take things slow and I just know how much you hate taking things slow!"

Rainbow laughs, "Yeah, Pinkie, I fully expected you to dive into here, tackling me with a hug."

Pinkie Pie squeezes hard, "Yeah! I think I can still do that, do you think you would like it? Rainbow?"

Rainbow turns a deeper shade of blue, struggling to get out, "Pinkie... can't... breathe..."

Pinkie releases her tight grasp around Rainbow, laughing, "Oh, I guess I don't know my own size! Which is funny, because I'm like twenty percent bigger!" 

Rainbow pants as Fluttershy, the last member of Herd Apple, flies above them. She nuzzles Rainbow, "Um, I'm happy you're better too. How are you feeling?"

Rainbow winces, "A little crushed. Other than that, well, I'm feeling okay. A little sad this is how it turned out, but I'd do it again even if I knew this was the outcome."

Scootaloo jumps off of Doug, gliding over to her sisters Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle; Apple Bloom asks, "So, what happened? Did she say?"

Scootaloo shakes her head, "No, Princess Celestia said a little, but I couldn't really understand it. Most of what I got was that it was really dangerous, and she shouldn't try it again."

Sweetie Belle anxious asks, "But, she's going to be okay?"

Scootaloo nods, "Yeah, something about her magic being low, but she seemed okay with it. Except for one time. But she and Daddy slept together, and she seemed fine then."

Sweetie Belle pouts, "Aww, they let you sleep with Daddy? Big Sis never lets me sleep in the bed when Daddy is there."

Scootaloo shrugs, "Yeah, pretended to fall asleep next to Rainbow, though she nearly caught me. They didn't talk about anything interesting either, Daddy just helped her stretch out a bit. She said she was doing way better in the morning, especially after their run together. And they brought me donuts!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle pout, "Lucky!"

Fluttershy nods as the ponies back out of their group hug, the group listening in on the fillies, "So, what exactly happened?"

Applejack's stomach growls, the mare giving a forced smile, "Uh, Ah don't suppose we can discuss this over breakfast? They didn't exactly serve any on the train, and some of us are eating for two." Pinkie Pie digs around in her mane, pulling out a cupcake which Applejack eagerly devours. "Thanks, Pinks, that'll tide me over for now. We have, what, an hour or so?"

Rarity shakes her head, "A little less than that, especially if we take into account our slower pace. We will also need to purchase tickets. Rainbow, I saw a quaint little place the last time Doug and I were out, would you like to go there?"

Applejack sighs, "Come on, Rares, Ah need somewhere that Ah can fill up and not break the bank. Surely there's a place like that nearby?"

Rarity sighs, "Oh, come now, Applejack, one fancy breakfast won't kill you."

Applejack glares at Rarity, Doug stepping in between them and scratching both of their heads, "How about, I'll take Rarity and Fluttershy to the place she saw. Applejack, Rainbow, and Pinkie, you find something you like; I think there is an EHOP around here somewhere close. If you three can take the foals, I think that would work better too. Rainbow told me a bit about what happened, and then once we are all together on the train we can discuss more."

"But Ah like eating with you, Doug!" Applejack sighs, "Ah suppose that can work, though; alright, 'Shy, you got the foals for now, Ah think it's this way." Rarity quickly makes her way over to the counter, purchasing the tickets for their return trip, while the remaining ponies leave for their respective restaurants.

Both restaurants happen to be in the same direction, Doug explaining what Princess Celestia had told him. When he finishes Rainbow says, "So, what Princess Celestia didn't say, but I think she knows, is that what Sunset Shimmer tried to do was some sort of dark magic. She thought it would be safe, and tried to do it alone. The hope was that the ritual would have transferred a tiny bit of my magic to Scootaloo, hopefully giving her enough... um... magic capacity to be able to fly. And if it worked with me, maybe it would have worked with each of you. But, she lost control a little way through, and Princess Celestia said to not try it again, on account of how dangerous it is, even if everything goes correctly. I'm not going to stop looking for ways to help Scoots, and each of our foals, but maybe doing it with dark magic isn't the best choice."

The gathered ponies nod, sharing another quick hug with Rainbow outside EHOP. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Doug continue walking towards a specialty diner, taking a seat at one of the tables outside. Doug looks at the menu, debating whether to get one of the, in his view wildly overpriced, meat dishes, ending up deciding on the more modestly priced fried fish. Rarity and Fluttershy get the house soup and one of the Canterlot salads, deciding to split the two between them.

Applejack orders three of the largest hay browns, three stacks of pancakes, and two glasses of apple juice, turning to the others and asking what they would like. Pinkie Pie, not to be outdone, orders the same but with everything covered in syrup. Rainbow, not quite as famished, orders a single stack of pancakes, but with an order of the hash browns and bread to go. The fillies get one of the junior meals each, a half stack of pancakes with lots of cream on top in a Celestial Sun pattern.

Satisfied with their meals, and amazed that Applejack and Pinkie Pie managed to pack away all of their breakfast, the herd moves back to the train. Doug, happy that he will be riding with all of his mares, instead of one of the cargo cars, helps load the few bags they have packed, though balks a little once he gets to Rarity's portion.
> 3 A Master Seeks Help
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The members of Herd Apple board the train, the ponies taking up nine of the twelve seats of one of the passenger cars. The whistle sounds, loud through the open windows, each head slowly turning as they watch the majesty of Canterlot Castle gradually disappear as they travel down the mountain. The sun is the next to pass from sight as the train slowly spirals along the side, eventually to reappear as they come out of one of the many tunnels.

Rarity sighs as Canterlot slips out of view a second time, "Oh, to live there! What majesty, what splendor!"

Doug shakes his head, "Good riddance."

Rarity exclaims, "What? But, Princess Celestia is there! And all the fashion ponies; oh, it would be a dream come true!"

Applejack slowly moves back to her seat, "Ah'm with Doug on this one, Ah had enough of them nobles turning their noses up at us when we were eating breakfast. Plus, there ain't no farmland on the mountain, what would Ah do there?"

Doug interjects, "Hydroponics?"

Applejack flatly stares at him, "Ah don't know what that means, but it sounds like an abomination against nature."

Rainbow cuts off the ensuing argument, "I don't know; the Wonderbolts do perform a lot of shows at Canterlot, so it would be nice to live nearby. But, I like working in Ponyville too; I know everypony, they all know me. Canterlot's just too big." Doug raises his bottle of apple juice, holding it out towards Rainbow before taking a sip.

Fluttershy says, "Well, I hear the gardens are absolutely spectacular, especially during the summer. I think I could be a gardener or a zookeeper there, and help take care of the critters they have from all over Equestria."

Pinkie Pie nods, "And the night life! I know we never really got to enjoy them, because we were on the train, or worried about Rainbow, but a couple times that I snuck out there were some pretty epic parties going on! You should have seen the moves that those ponies could pull! They were all, like, boom! Hieyah! And then they'd flip, like, three times!"

Pinkie Pie continues babbling, barely containing her excitement while Rainbow moves over to Fluttershy and Doug. She rests in Doug's lap, motioning for Fluttershy to come closer. Doug places a hand on Rainbow's head and scratches behind her ears, alternating which hand is holding his papers and which mare he is scratching. Rainbow says in a soft voice, "So, Fluttershy, the doctors told me that I can't stress my magic too much. That means that I won't be able to fly like I normally do, going really fast and all."

Fluttershy nods, "I'm sorry to hear that, Rainbow. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Rainbow rubs the back of her head, "Well, I was kinda hoping that you would, you know, help me learn to fly like you."

Fluttershy pauses, whispering, "You... um... want to fly like me?" The excitement in her voice grows to a nearly audible level, "You need my help to fly?"

Rainbow shushes Fluttershy, "Hey, not so loud! I don't want to, you know, let everypony know that I'm getting help."

Fluttershy smiles over to Rainbow Dash, holding a hoof towards her, "Don't worry, Rainbow, your secret is safe with me. And I suppose Doug." She looks up, the human reading through the various reports that came in the mail.

Doug says without taking his eyes off the papers, "I'm busy, but did you need something?" His hand continues scratching Rainbow's ear, leaving occasionally to turn the page.

Fluttershy chuckles, "No, dear, sorry." She looks back to Rainbow, "Not that you wouldn't tell him anyway. So, what kind of help do you need?"

Rainbow puts a hoof to her chin, "Hmm. Well, I think any pointers on how you fly. I'll be honest, your wing power has never been all that impressive, but you do a great job with it - I've always admired your control at low speeds. And I'm afraid I'm not going to have either before the Wonderbolt exam I have coming up in May."

Fluttershy slowly nods her head, "My, that is quite the conundrum."

"Yeah, I figure I can either work on building my speed - you know, my power and acceleration, or I can work on control. I think if I want any chance of doing well on the exam, I'm going to have to work on my control. Do some really precise moves, wow the judges that way. And then on the speed portions, well, I'm going to have to fly my absolute best, really practice some of the turns."

Rainbow pulls out her wrapped sandwich, "And they didn't give me nearly enough food at the hospital last night. But, gotta build that back up slowly," she motions to the others, "Can't go all Pinkie Pie and devour half a bakery or something."

Pinkie Pie shouts from across the train, "Then you'd end up like me! But, instead of getting bigger over time, you'd get bigger all at once! Ooh, maybe I should try that with the next foal!"

A chorus of, "No, Pinkie!" sounds from the other mares as Rainbow smiles, looking back at Fluttershy. "So, 'Shy, how do you do it? Any words of advice?"

Fluttershy puts a hoof to her chin, her face disappearing behind her pink mane. "Hmm... well, I never really thought about it before. I just kind of, you know, fly. Or in my case, gently glide around, careful of any passing birds or insects." She peeks back at Rainbow, "Is this what it is like when you help Scootaloo fly?"

Rainbow gives a halfhearted nod, "Yeah; I've always just been, well, as awesome as I want to be, and never really thought too much about what I did to do it. Made it hard to teach Scootaloo when so many of my actions are, um..."

"Instinctual." The two ponies look up at Doug, the human turning a page in his weather report. He glances down at them, "What? I multitask."

Rainbow rolls her eyes, "Anyway, that gave me a great idea. How about you help both me and Scootaloo learn? Hopefully she'll be able to use that bit of magic she got from me and do more than just glide around."

Fluttershy grins, "Oh, that would be nice. And, if I have my little one next year, I can help her, and you can help me with her too! Oh, but she won't have the same boost as Scootaloo. It will be more like your training with Scootaloo the previous year."

Rainbow nods, "Yeah, I guess so. Though, if your foal is anything like you, then I don't know if my techniques would work so well. But I can still try if you want."

Fluttershy smiles over, nuzzling Rainbow, "I would love to have your help, especially if she is staying over at Apple Acres a lot of the time."

Rainbow rolls over, her head fully against Doug's stomach and hooves in the air, "Well, I'll do what I can. We'll see where I am a year from now, I do like being able to commute from home to work in ten seconds flat. How long does it take you to get from your house to Acres?" Doug begins running his hand along Rainbow's chest, swirling his fingers through the thin fur.

Fluttershy pauses, "Um. If I take the scenic route, maybe fifteen minutes. And I like the scenic route, I get to catch up with all my animal friends along the way. So, maybe more than that if I stop and chat with them." She rolls over, pushing next to Rainbow, also looking up at Doug and giving him a wide smile. Doug glances down from his paper, sighing and gently pulling on one of Fluttershy's wings. She extends the wing and Doug places the papers between two feathers, freeing both of his hands to rub the mares' stomachs while he keeps reading.

A few minutes later and Doug notices the train is quiet, the only sounds puncturing the silence the occasional groan from Rainbow or Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus loses her grip amid a particularly loud moan, the papers dropping to the floor. Doug glances from the scattered papers to see Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity also laying with their bellies bared, slowly scooting along their backs as they look up at him with pleading expressions in their eyes. He sighs, rolling his eyes as Applejack and Pinkie Pie push towards him, their sneaky advance spoiled by Fluttershy's loss of control. Rarity levitates the papers over to him, taking a spot between his feet and pressing her belly against them.

Doug begins kneading Rarity's belly with his feet, his hands moving to Applejack and Pinkie Pie. He starts at their necks, slowly massaging down until he reaches their teats, not yet engorged. He moves his way back to the top, moving side to side before swapping back to Rainbow and Fluttershy.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo watch the mares as they get more and more into the massage. Apple Bloom asks, "Any of you bring a deck of cards?" Sweetie Belle nods, the three foals moving to a corner and placing the cards on the floor of the train. They begin flipping cards, Apple Bloom asking, "So, Scoots, what's it like having more magic?"

Scootaloo pauses, "Well, I'm not really sure." She looks back over her body, "I don't really remember what it was like not being able to do something. Like, I know that before when I flapped my wings, nothing really happened." She starts flapping her wings, her front hooves raising a little and the cards on the floor shifting in the breeze, "But now, when I flap them, I get lifted up. I don't really know why that is, so it makes it hard to, I dunno, get better at flying. Because I don't really know what I'm doing now." Applejack and Pinkie Pie get up, moving between the fillies and Doug.

Apple Bloom nods, "Yeah, Ah know what you mean. When Applejack helps me with finding the seeds it's real easy going, but when it's just me Ah don't really remember how it happened before. Just that Ah have to keep on searching and searching until Ah find them." She flips two cards, smiling as Scootaloo remembers one of the earlier cards, the pegasus doing much better than she normally does. "How about you, Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle shrugs as Fluttershy and Applejack give nervous glances around the train, the compartment empty besides their herd. The papers fall to a near pile as Rarity shifts position, Doug's toes tickling her belly as she moves her head towards his knees. Sweetie Belle flips a card, "Well, Rarity is really strong, and she knows what she's doing, so that helps. She had to perfect her telekinesis through hard work and study, just like I'm doing, so she knows what kind of obstacles I'll run into. I'm getting a lot better!" Sweetie Belle demonstrates, flipping over another card. However, when she goes to flip the two cards back over she ends up flipping the whole row of cards.

Sweetie Belle raises a hoof to her head, "Oops. I guess I need to work on that." A low moan from Rarity interrupts her, the three foals glancing over to Rarity as she moves her head against Doug's, but Applejack and Pinkie Pie are mostly in the way. "I'm good at picking up one thing, but Sis says I need to work on my control when they get farther away from each other."

Apple Bloom nods, "Ah haven't even tried working on two seeds at once, so it's mighty impressive that you can do that, even if you don't get it every time. Ah've seen Applejack work on a whole row of crops just walking by! You should see it, it's really cool!" She begins walking back and forth among the cards, making little grunts at each card.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nod excitedly, Sweetie Belle saying, "Yeah! That must be why her cutie mark is the three apples, right? If she was really good at working one tree, then it would be a big apple, like Big Mac!"

The three foals nod, looking over at Applejack. Rainbow Dash is now resting along Doug's chest, their mouths pressed against each other as Rainbow rocks up and down. Scootaloo says, "I wonder what kind of cutie mark we're going to get?"

Apple Bloom says, "Well, Ah think mines going to be some sort of apple, if every member of my family has something to say about it. Sweetie Belle, isn't your family pretty varied?"

Sweetie thinks, "Hmm. So, Big Sis has the three gems. Magnum has three hoofballs, and Cookie has three cookies. I don't remember any others besides that. So mine could be pretty varied, I guess."

They watch as an out of breath Rainbow steps off Doug, Fluttershy moving forward and kissing him. The three fillies giggle at the sight, Rainbow noticing and glancing fearfully over at Applejack. The earth pony doesn't react, and Rainbow gingerly walks over, saying "Hey, girls, hows the game going?" She walks past them, moving over to the cards laying on the floor.

Scootaloo shrugs, turning and facing Rainbow, "It's going fine, I guess. Rainbow, what kind of cutie marks do your parents have?"

Rainbow stops at the cards, turning around and laying down next to them, the fillies moving over to her. Her hind hoof twitches, the leg moving back and forth a few times as Rainbow says, "Oh, um, Windy has a cloud with a few gusts of wind, and Bow has a cloud with a rainbow coming off the back, a large horseshoe imposed on top of it. Why?"

Apple Bloom shrugs, "Oh, we were just wondering what kind of cutie marks we would be getting. You got any ideas?"

"Well, just not to stress over it too much." Rainbow moves a hoof towards a few of the cards, pushing them around, "I mean, it'll happen eventually, right? And it normally doesn't happen for a few more years. Plenty of time."

"Yeah, I suppose." Sweetie Belle looks over at her dam, Rarity having taken Pinkie Pie's spot between them and Doug, "So, do you know if we are getting new sisters? Or a brother?"

Rainbow nods, "Two sisters. Exciting, isn't it?"

The three foals nod, starting to scamper around, the card game forgotten. Apple Bloom says, "Oh, and there's gonna be another Apple! Ah bet she loves working on the fields with me and Big Sis!"

Scootaloo says, "What about Pinkie's foal? What's she going to love doing?"

Sweetie Belle says, "Oh! Pinkie loves partying! Maybe she'll be a party pony!"

Rainbow glances up, watching Pinkie Pie and Applejack trade places, "Oh, yeah, those are good ideas! What else can you come up with?"

Apple Bloom says, "Well, Pinkie Pie likes decorating. And baking. And fun games."

Scootaloo adds, "And Applejack likes baking and fun games too! And hard work, being outside. Pinkie doesn't work with plants like Applejack, though."

"Yeah, and Pinkie Pie is a bit more, umm..." Sweetie Belle stammers, trying to think of the word.

Rainbow smirks, "Crazy?" before slapping a hoof to her mouth, eyes drifting toward the ceiling. She starts whistling, a quick 'too ta too' before saying, "Eccentric?"

Scootaloo peers at Rainbow, "What's eccentric?"

Sweetie Belle says, "I think it means crazy."

Rainbow coughs, "Well, you didn't hear that from me. And it's a good kind of crazy. Anyway, those are great ideas on what the foals will like doing!" Her hind leg spasms, Rainbow grimacing, "Ugh, I might need Doug to give me another turn... with his massage. Yes. His massage." The foals turn, seeing Doug and the other mares sitting up and watching them. 

Applejack slowly makes her way over, "So, talking about the new foals, huh?" The three fillies nod, "Well, what do you think their names should be?"

Apple Bloom hums before saying, "Well, you were telling me before about all the Apple relatives Ah have, but Ah don't remember a lot of them. Maybe we can go over them again when we get back home?"

Applejack nods, "We can do that, Sis; Ah'd like that. Family is real important to an Apple." She looks over at Doug, giving him a smile, "Gotta make sure your breeding stock is good and strong." She nuzzles Apple Bloom, "So, you want to wait before coming up with some names?"

Apple Bloom says, "Well, do we have any Apple Trees in the family? I don't remember any Apple Trees. Mostly apple products and pieces of the apple tree, like me and Apple Blossom, or Apple Leaves."

Applejack chuckles, "Well, it might be a little presumptuous to name a foal Apple Tree. Maybe a great, great, great grandsire was named Apple Tree? Ah'd have to ask Golden Delicious, she knows all of the Apple family's history."

Doug says, "What about Applebaum?"

Applejack cocks her head, "Bomb? What's a bomb?" She glances over at Rarity and Rainbow Dash, "Either of you two heard of a bomb?"

Rarity shakes her head while Rainbow Dash says, "Um, isn't it, like, a kind of firework?"

Pinkie Pie nods, her excitement contained by the doctor's orders to not go too crazy, "Yup! Sometimes I like confetti bombs, or streamer bombs, or especially party bombs! Though I prefer my party cannon. Ooh! A party cannon that shoots party bombs!"

Doug shakes his head, "Heh, while I suppose they do sound similar, baum, or 'b' 'a' 'u' 'm', is the word for 'tree' in another language. Don't speak much of it, but I remember that word. So, Applebaum, all one word, means apple tree."

Apple Bloom nods, "Ah like it!" She turns to Applejack, "We should name her Applebaum!"

Applejack nuzzles Doug, the two smiling at Apple Bloom; Applejack says, "Ah think that's a great name, you two." She looks down, rubbing her belly, before looking over at Pinkie Pie. "You know what you're gonna name your foal?"

Pinkie Pie nods, "Lemon!"

Scootaloo cocks her head, "What's a lemon?"

Doug quips, "Something that doesn't work quite right."

Pinkie Pie holds her hooves up in the air, "Lemon Pie! Get it?"

Sweetie Belle whispers to Scootaloo, "Lemon is a fruit, kinda sour. Sis bought me one once, from Lemon Tart. It was... different. Kind of made my tongue hurt. But tasted good with some sugar!"

Fluttershy says, "Well, I think it's a nice choice. Very fitting."

Doug ruffles Pinkie's mane as the herd settles back down for the rest of journey, "Yup, Pinkie does love her some sugar."
> 4 Against the Tide
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 5th, 996

Rainbow Dash sighs to herself as she walks along the snow covered path leading to Fluttershy's cottage. The cold snow isn't too much of a discomfort, but just the necessity of walking along instead of flying is slowly getting to her. The temptation, if she is flying, is just too great. Even the brief flight around Doug had nearly been too much, her body and spirit wanting to soar into the sky in celebration.

Alas, it is not to be. Not yet. And Rainbow has her Wonderbolt interview coming up in four months, not nearly enough time. Not if what the doctors said is true, that it will take years for her magic to fully heal. And the doctors had strongly warned her against having another foal at any point during the recovery phase; apparently the whole foaling process is draining on a pony's magic, even without considering what may or may not happen with Doug specifically. And she doesn't want to risk having the patch on her magic rupture, or whatever the doctors said. Especially if it happens when she isn't flying. At least if it happened when she is flying she would have been doing what she loves. Although she does love Doug, so maybe it'll still count.

The green top of Fluttershy's cottage comes into view, snow covering the highest branches. A few of the hardier birds occasionally flit back and forth, darting from bird feeder to house to pegasus. Fluttershy is sitting down, chatting with a few of the birds as Rainbow walks closer; Fluttershy finally noticing the rainbow mare as she crosses the stream. Fluttershy waves, smiling at Rainbow Dash as the birds chirp happily. "Morning, Fluttershy!"

"Good morning, Rainbow Dash. Oh, I'm so excited! It's been a while since we last flew together, hasn't it?"

Rainbow Dash nods, scratching the back of her mane while she looks up, "Yeah, it has been a while, I guess. But, we can make up for lost time, right? So, what awesome exercises do you have planned?" She smiles at Fluttershy, her wings spreading from her body.

"Oh, I've got a lot of exciting things for today. First off, we're going to fly around town."

"Yeah?" Rainbow looks on excitedly, giving her wings an experimental flap.

"And we're going to find all the empty nests that the southern birds have left."

Rainbow stares blankly at Fluttershy for a few seconds before uttering a curt, "What."

Fluttershy nods, "You see, a lot of those nests have grown old and are falling apart, despite Rarity's thoughtful care in putting them together. So, we need to remove all the old nests from the trees scattered over Ponyville and the surrounding forest."

"Alright, so it's a kind of race, right?" Rainbow smirks, smiling to the side and flapping her wings again, "See who can get the most nests the fastest!"

Fluttershy shakes her head, remaining in her sitting position, "No, Rainbow Dash. We have to go slow, and make sure that we find every nest."

"Aww, I don't like going slow." Rainbow pouts, looking around at the snow covered trees as her wings fold back to her body. She walks up to Fluttershy, sitting down next to her and trying to locate a few of the nests in nearby trees.

Fluttershy puts a comforting hoof around Rainbow's back, "I know, but if we don't get all the nests then one of the birds might find and use one. And if that nest breaks, then that poor bird's eggs or chicks would come tumbling out of the tree. And that would be just terrible."

"Ughhhh..." Rainbow Dash groans, looking at anything but her herdmate. "I know, I know, it would be bad, sure. But, there has to be a way to make this, I don't know, more interesting or something. And I need to learn to fly like you, so can we start with some slow flight exercises or something?"

"Oh. Um, if you think that is best, then we can do that. But..."

"Alright! So, slow flight." Rainbow stares at Fluttershy, the mare awkwardly looking off to the side. "What are we waiting for?"

"Um, okay." Fluttershy slowly lifts into the air, her wings barely beating. Rainbow Dash takes off, trying to mimic Fluttershy but going much higher, a pained look on her face at the difference between their control. Fluttershy gives Rainbow a small smile as she hovers a foot off the ground, not disturbing the grass around her, "I think we might need to start with the basics."

Rainbow Dash sighs, returning to the ground and landing with a loud thud. "Alright, 'Shy, what'dya got?" Fluttershy takes a deep breath, slowly letting it out. She repeats this several times, Rainbow Dash starting to fidget and look around the area. "So, what am I supposed to be seeing here?"

Fluttershy takes another deep breath, "Two things, Rainbow. Control." She gently blows the breath out, taking at least twice as long as the previous one. 

As she breathes in, Rainbow Dash says, "And the second thing?" As Fluttershy continues breathing in Rainbow groans again, flopping onto the ground; Fluttershy slowly breathes out, taking twice as long as the previous breath.

"Patience."

Rainbow rolls her eyes while laying on the ground, "You're kidding me."

"The greatest weapon you have, Rainbow, needs to be patience." Fluttershy stares down at Rainbow, still hovering in the air.

"Ughhh..." Rainbow rolls back to her hooves, "Fine. So, I need control and patience. And I'll get those, don't worry about it. Now, what else?"

"Now, you will also need two other things when you are flying slow. Quiet and tranquility. You must strive to be at peace with your surroundings, to move in tandem when they move. To allow yourself to be rocked by the world around you, and not rock back." Fluttershy demonstrates as she flies, one of her birds flying up and grabbing a dried leaf. The bird drops the leaf, Fluttershy moving a wing back and forth, the path of the leaf not being disturbed.

Rainbow flaps her wings, the gust of wind blowing Fluttershy's mane back. The leaf flies away, the two pegasi watching as it lands in the stream. "Alright, I might need to work on that a little. Anything else?"

"Well, it is going to be very easy to want to go fast when you are flying slow, and you must stay calm." Fluttershy lands on the ground and sits still, barely moving as she watches Rainbow.

"Okay, I can do that." Rainbow moves side to side, glancing all around. "So, when do we start?"

"Whenever you are ready, Rainbow." Fluttershy smiles at Rainbow, moving no other muscles.

"Right. Sitting still. Calm." Rainbow breathes in and out before closing her eyes. After a few seconds she opens her eyes, "Okay, what's next?"

Fluttershy sighs to herself as she sits up, "Once you have mastered those aspects, you will have no trouble at all with slow flight. Now, what have we learned?"

Rainbow Dash nods, "Patience and control."

"Good."

"Quiet and tranquility."

"Yes, and most importantly?"

"Calm!"

"Right! So, now that you know the elements of slow flight, let's see it."

Rainbow flaps her wings, taking to the air. She bobs up and down as her wings beat, smiling at Fluttershy.

"Quieter!"

Rainbow looks nervously around, trying to slow her wings. This ends up increasing the amount she is bobbing up and down as each flap has to lift her even higher.

"Quieter!"

Rainbow tries taking many short flaps; this steadies her up and down motion, but increases the wing blowing against Fluttershy's face.

Fluttershy strains out a whisper, "Quieter!"

Rainbow huffs in frustration, flapping her wings hard enough to push Fluttershy back a few inches. Rainbow grunts in pain, coming to rest on the ground and rolling her wings back and forth, stretching them out. She smirks as Fluttershy rolls to her side, "Too quiet?"

Fluttershy gathers her courage, slowly standing up. "Well, Rainbow Dash, that was... nice."

Rainbow cocks her head to the side, "Nice?"

Fluttershy nods, "Nice. Now, for the first phase of our nest gathering routine, I like to think about all the locations that I placed a nest."

Rainbow watches as Fluttershy closes her eyes, the yellow pegasus barely moving as she breathes in and out. Rainbow starts fidgeting, looking at the various trees. Most of them have snow covering their green leaves, hiding any nests that might be tucked away in the branches. She turns back to Fluttershy, the pegasus still meditating. "Come on, 'Shy? When do we actually do anything?"

Fluttershy nods, "Very well, on to phase two: locating the nests. First, we move to each tree that has nests."

Rainbow nods, "Okay, moving I like. Which tree do we go to first?"

Fluttershy walks up to the tree next to them, "This one."

Rainbow smiles, "Okay, one nest coming right up!" She flaps her wings, catapulting herself into the tree. After a few seconds she sticks her head out, a brown nest half perched by her colorful mane while several birds fly around, whistling.

Fluttershy quietly moves over to Rainbow, saying in a hushed tone, "I'm sorry, Rainbow, but it seems that you forgot one of the lessons we learned."

Rainbow rolls her eyes, "Oh, heh, ya. Patience, right? Or control. Or was it calm? Tranquility?"

"Okay, maybe you didn't forget the lessons, you just didn't abide by them."

"But, Fluttershy, I got the nest, right? On to the next tree!" Rainbow flies out of the tree, dropping the nest next to Fluttershy and looking at the pegasus.

"Well, we would, except..." Fluttershy hides behind her mane, looking off to the side.

"Except?"

"Um... it's okay, we can go to the next tree." She slowly gets to her hooves.

Rainbow sighs, "Come on, 'Shy, you can tell me what's wrong."

"...You didn't get all the nests in this tree."

"What? Really?" Rainbow cranes her neck, looking into the tree to try to spot the missing nest.

Fluttershy nods, "Yes. That is why phase one is so important. A Wonderbolt routine wouldn't be nearly as spectacular if you went straight to a speedy dive, right? You have to climb first."

Rainbow rubs the back of her head, "Yeah, I guess that would end pretty poorly. Gotta make sure you're adequately prepared, before breaking into one of their awesome routines." A dreamy look slowly spreads over Rainbow's face before she shakes her head, snapping out of it. "Fine, can we go now? You know where the nests are, just tell me which trees and how many nests and I'll get 'em out."

"And what will we practice as we make our way from tree to tree?"

Rainbow grins, "Control. Patience. Something. Something. Calm." Rainbow starts walking while Fluttershy stands still. Rainbow turns around, exasperated, "Alright, what did I forget this time?"

"It's just... there's still a nest in this tree."
> 5 Crushing Squall
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 6th, 996

One day. One lousy day. That was all she could stand of Fluttershy's slow flight technique. Rainbow had felt herself slowly going crazy as she followed her herdmate around. She constantly found herself looking up, watching the pegasi in the sky as they rolled out the overcast skies that Ponyville would have for the next few days. Only to be brought back to the ground as  Fluttershy pointed out another tree, off in the distance. And then it was a long, slow, excruciatingly boring flight as she made her way to the tree, gathering the nests hidden amongst the branches, and returning to Fluttershy.

Gathering the nests themselves wasn't so bad. They were often cleverly hidden in the branches, requiring a bit of maneuvering in tight spaces. Great practice for her control, but, well, it got painful, as the twigs and branches poked into her wings as she poked into the tree. Her lack of control, despite her friend's efforts, frustrated her more than Fluttershy's insistence on following her instructions on the correct mindset while they were flying around. The issue was that her wings just weren't responding how she is used to them responding. She knows where she wants to go, and gives what she thinks is the proper amount of effort to get her there, and one of two things happen. She doesn't move at all, or she moves too far. It's not like she ever had the ability Fluttershy seemed to expect her to have, the ability to 'get rocked without rocking back' or whatever. 

Scootaloo had done... reasonably well. Her filly did fine with the meditation aspects: getting herself calm, sitting peacefully, and paying attention to Fluttershy. Still a little impatient, but Rainbow knows exactly where that came from. Scootaloo had a lot of trouble with flying, though; Fluttershy can lift herself into the air by barely flapping her wings, and then seems to hover in midair without any extra effort. Scootaloo, on the other hoof, couldn't even lift off the ground no matter how hard she beat her wings, often pushing herself forwards instead. And it didn't seem to matter the orientation of Scootaloo either. Maybe if they took her to a hill, or a cliff, and see if she could go up one of those, but that will be a test for another day.

For Rainbow, though, her lack of control will be the norm for the coming months and years. Today is the last day of her medical leave, and tomorrow is her normal day off. In two days she will be back to her normal weather work, which shouldn't be too bad. She'll have to remind herself to take it slow, of course, and she'll assign herself the work she is able to do. It won't be glamorous, by any stretch, as she only trusts herself to push clouds around. At least for now. No busting clouds at top speed, or wrangling a storm into position. At least her team understands her predicament, even if they don't know the full story.

Rainbow sighs, looking up at the sky. Well, might as well go help out the weather team, doing what she can. Which, if she is being honest with herself, isn't much. Rainbow slowly flies up, watching as the buildings get smaller and smaller. She can see her cloud house, anchored just outside of Sweet Apple Acres. Instead of making her way to the staging area, Rainbow first flies to Fluttershy's cottage. Might as well let her herdmate know what she'll be doing, so she won't worry when she doesn't show up.

Fluttershy is outside, basking in the early morning sun. Rainbow spots a few of the same birds flying around as well as Harry the bear. Rainbow slowly lands, Fluttershy flinching and making to sprint away before she realizes who it is. "Oh! Um, hello Rainbow Dash. I didn't think you would be around so early."

Rainbow hangs her head, "Yeah, well, that's just it. 'Shy, I know we both gave it our best, but I don't think it's going to work out."

"Oh. Um. Okay. What are we talking about again?"

Rainbow plops down on the ground, not really wanting to look Fluttershy in the eyes. "The whole slow flight thing. I'm just having a really hard time with it, and I don't think it's right for me. It's not you, Fluttershy, I love working with you, but... well, you know."

Fluttershy slowly nods, "It's okay, Rainbow. I understand. Good luck with getting back in shape!"

Rainbow moves over, nuzzling Fluttershy before taking flight and clumsily heading towards the staging area for the morning weather team. She glances back, seeing Fluttershy watch her fly away, before turning back and noticing she is already off course. Rainbow grits her teeth, correcting her flight path and focusing on moving steadily to her destination.

As Rainbow flies away, Fluttershy watches her herdmate closely. A single tear forms, slowly rolling down her cheek as she moves to her cottage. She grabs a bit of bird feed, refilling the feeders, and sets out for Sweet Apple Acres.

Rainbow flies higher and higher, pushing her way through the overcast layer gathering over Ponyville. The giant pile of clouds will have to be flattened, spread over Ponyville and the surrounding farms, then checked to make sure there aren't any areas that are spread too thin. And then monitored to make sure it didn't break apart or start early. All in preparation for tomorrow's snowfall, burying the area in a foot of the powdery fluff. A nice, easy day, a great way to break herself back in.

"Hey Open Skies, how's it hanging?" she calls, the green pegasus turning and looking at her. 

He raises one eyebrow before grabbing a clipboard of papers from his side. "Morning, Rainbow Dash," he says, flipping through the schedule, "I thought you were taking the day off? Shouldn't you be recuperating?"

Rainbow shrugs, "Well, you know me, I'm feeling better already! I'll just be, ugh, taking it slow, and I'm not looking to step on any hooves or anything. Just put me, you know, wherever I'm needed." Rainbow smiles before she pauses, turning and looking at the clouds underneath them with a slight frown, "Or, you know, where I can keep it slow. Just pushing clouds or something."

Open Skies looks again, eyeing the teal pegasus suspiciously, "Are you sure? You don't want to, you know, try something reckless to prove yourself, get hurt in the process, and realize that you should have taken it slow?"

A smirk grows on Rainbow's face, "Yeah, that would have been a great opportunity to learn something, show some character development and teach a moral, right? But it'd also mean that I don't have any trust in the ponies around me, the ones telling me that I need to take it slow."

Open Skies nods, "Yup! Much better this way. So, let's see, I'll start you off working with Cloud Chaser, you'll be taking the top layer of clouds from here to the southern edge of the layer, about a mile and a half south of Ponyville."

"You got it!"

Meanwhile, at Sweet Apple Acres, three pairs of eyes cast nervous glances over their hastily crafted barricades. The overcast skies ahead promise more snow, but it isn't scheduled to fall until tomorrow. The upcoming dry snow won't be great for snowball or fort making and the six are making the best of the slushy snow currently under hoof. 

"Alright, Sweetie Belle, what's the score?" Doug asks the filly perched on his shoulders as he packs another snowball, hiding behind the two roughly spherical piles of snow stacked on top of each other. He glances past the multi-pronged piece of wood jutting out the side, spotting Applejack hiding behind a roughly pony shaped piece of snow. Scootaloo is on Applejack's back, about to throw a second snowball; he darts back, the first snowball nearly hitting him in the shoulder.

"Applejack is at sixteen, I think. Pinkie Pie at twelve." Sweetie Belle peeks over the black hat on top of the pile of snow before shrieking, trying to duck down. The snowball arcs over the top, coming down and smacking her in the horn. "Ow!" she calls, shaking the bits of snow out of her mane, her voice losing a little spirit, "And that brings us up to fourteen."

Doug passes the filly another snowball, "Alright, ready? We just need to hit Pinkie three times, and then Applejack four." He glances down at the ten snowballs he has crafted, picking them up and holding them at the ready. "Hopefully they are low on ammo, after that last salvo. We're going to peek, then dodge back, then charge Pinkie. Got it?"

"Got it!" Sweetie Belle cries, grasping the snowball tightly in her hooves, making little indents and deforming the hastily mashed together sphere. She peeks again, this time dodging both of the snowballs thrown her way.

Doug leaps out, quickly passing snowball after snowball to Sweetie Belle as he charges Pinkie's fort. He realizes, as soon as he dashes out, his mistake: the small pile of snow Pinkie Pie has been hiding behind before has been reshaped into a towering wall, complete with arrow slits and battlements. Pinkie Pie and Apple Bloom wait at the top, a truly massive number of snowballs behind the pink pony. Doug grits his teeth and charges forward, intent on smashing his way through the snow door. Maybe if he can get to that pile he can stand a chance-

Only for Applejack and Scootaloo to attack from the side, Applejack pushing together snow and tossing the hastily mashed balls up before grabbing another hooffull as she rushes forward. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle shriek in delight as they lob snowball after snowball at each other, most missing their target as their steeds gallop around.

Two of Sweetie Belle's snowballs find their mark on Applejack and three on Pinkie Pie before Doug impacts the surprisingly solid door. Pinkie Pie yells, "Hah! Most ponies knock first!" He tries to peel himself away from the snow as a hail of snowballs impact his back from above, Pinkie Pie tossing one snowball after another to Apple Bloom, the filly able to hit the relatively immobile Doug.

The fillies might have relented once they got to twenty hits. But that just meant that the mares decide to join in.

After all is said and done, Doug staggers to his office, a nice cup of hot chocolate with half a dozen melting marshmallows in hand. He shivers a bit, clutching the cup a little closer as he shakes some more snow out of his hair; the ponies keep the house at close to the same temperature as outside, since their coats handle the cold remarkably well; they often only wear a scarf around the neck, if anything. His gloved hands occasionally rub at the light fabric on his chest, the robe doing a reasonable job of keeping him warm in the cold farmhouse, but he still grimaces as he settles into the frigid chair. At least the mares do a great job keeping the bed warm.

The light red Manehatten folder is spread open on his desk, notes and charts spilling out as he reads through the last of the progress reports. He had set them aside when the two mares came into the room earlier, looking to do a bit of play outside with the fillies. He smiles, saying to himself as he finishes the section, "Looks like no changes there. Another one down, now for the suburbs." He tidies up his desk, replacing all of the charts and papers into the folder and makes a mark on an official looking form. He places the form in the out bay, the folder next to a long color coded line of its sisters, and pulls out a dark red folder.

Doug opens the folder as a light knock comes from outside, the door slowly swinging open. Doug briefly glances, "Hello, Fluttershy," before doing a double take. He notices her slightly puffy eyes, a few tear streaks down one cheek, and that she is hiding behind her mane. "What's wrong, 'Shy?" He turns his heavy chair, opening his arms and legs.

Fluttershy slowly walks up, climbing into Doug's chair and wrapping one foreleg, then the other around the surprised human. She leans her muzzle into the folds of his untied robe, maneuvering her way past the fabric to rest her face on his bare chest. Doug wraps one arm around her hind legs, lifting her up as his other arm holds the back of her neck. He lightly pats her pink mane, Fluttershy's soft sobs echoing through the room.

They hold the position for a few minutes, Doug's steady breathing a sharp contrast to the occasional gasp and choked sob that Fluttershy lets out. She turns her head up, light blue eyes staring into Doug's dark blue as he kisses her nose, his eyes barely moving up as to ask her again. She sighs, dropping her face and hiding behind her mane. Doug lets out a long breath, relaxing back into his chair as he continues holding onto Fluttershy. The arm behind her shifts, doing long strokes along her back as his other arm starts petting her mane, finding its way under her long, wavy lengths to scratch at her neck. His hand slowly tightens, turning her head up as his head moves down. He gives her a long kiss, Fluttershy returning it after a short hesitation. One foreleg moves, spreading his shirt open as her kisses grow longer and push harder against his mouth.

Fluttershy pulls on Doug's back with one foreleg while her hind legs step onto the floor, slowly dragging Doug with her. He steps out of the chair, moving to the floor with Fluttershy as she lays down on her back. His hands go to her flanks before he notices that Fluttershy has gone quiet, no longer moving to keep up with him and instead laying with her head to the side, eyes unfocused.

Doug sighs, his hands move to the pegasus' barrel as he lays down on the cold floor beside her, slowly stroking up and down her wings. He tries again, "Fluttershy, you know I'm here for you, right?"

Fluttershy slowly nods, barely noticeable as her long hair spills around her head. A soft, "I do," can be heard, the mare letting loose a long sigh as she slowly turns her head. "Doug?" she hesitantly asks, "Do you like me?"

"Of course I like you, Fluttershy," he responds; one corner of his mouth curls up as a hand moves onto her flank, giving her a squeeze, "Would you like me to show you how much I like you?" Fluttershy sighs, her disappointment apparent to Doug as his hand slowly makes its way back to her side. Doug kisses the side of her head, his hand slowly stroking her as he says, "There are so many things I like about you, Fluttershy. Would you like me to start listing them?"

A smile breaks out over Fluttershy's face as she slowly shakes her head. She turns, her mouth turning to a frown as she looks at him and says, "Why would Rainbow Dash not want to work with me on flying?"

Doug slowly strokes Fluttershy's back as he mentally grimaces; how is he going to deal with this land mine? Does Fluttershy actually want the reasons that Rainbow Dash might not want to fly with her? If she is instead looking for affirmation, words of encouragement, then that would be exactly the wrong things to say to her. If she is looking for ways to improve her working relationship with Rainbow, well, at least she might appreciate some of the things he said about her first.

"Well, Fluttershy, you have very good control over your flying. Sometimes I barely even feel you when you fly in here."

"So, you think she is jealous of me?"

Doug rubs Fluttershy's back a little harder. "I think she is going through a difficult time, and it is good that she has such an understanding friend to be there for her, especially when she might not realize it."

"So, you don't think it is me?"

"Fluttershy, I think you make an excellent instructor, you're incredibly patient and understanding. You love and care about Rainbow, and all of us, and you'll do a great job with your foal, or foals, when it happens. Rainbow just... might have some difficulty working at your speed, even if that is all she is restricted to right now."

Fluttershy smiles, turning and kissing Doug. "Um, we can keep going if you want, I feel a lot better."

Doug nods, stroking Fluttershy's mane out of her face as he goes for another kiss.
> 6 The Trembling Earth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

February 8th, 996

"Grrr!"

The silence in the hospital room is punctured by another of Applejack's loud grunts, the mare forcing herself to breathe in and out. She grits her teeth, one foreleg straining against the bed while the other gives Doug a run for his money, threatening to pull the human across her chest. She pants hard against the cloth sheets, regaining her strength for the upcoming, and hopefully last, push.

"Alright, Applejack," Doug says, a firm grip on her hoof, "Next one coming in two minutes, time to rest." He ruffles her mane, the farmpony's hat lying forgotten on the floor behind her. She smiles up at him before closing her eyes and going back to resting. Doug holds on to the cup of ice with one hand before placing it on Applejack's forehead, eliciting a smile from the mare at the cool touch.

"Alright, love, get ready. In, two, three, four, Out, two, three, four, In, two..." Applejack's breathing matches Doug's count, "Okay, here it comes. Push, two, three, four, Out, two, three, four. You're doing great, keep it up, and In, two, three, four," A loud grunt emanates from Applejack, and she forces her eyes open, staring into Doug's eyes as she strains against his arm. From behind her Nurse Redheart gives Doug a hint of a nod as a bit of white can be seen coming from between Applejack's legs. "Alright, Applejack, almost there, just a little bit more. In, two, three, four," Doug strokes her mane with his free hand, a flicker of relief from the mare as she continues pushing.

Nurse Redheart moves close to Applejack, assisting and then cleaning the newly born foal. Doug gives Applejack a kiss, the exhausted mare barely attempting to kiss him back before sinking into the sheets and closing her eyes. Doug reaches back, picking her hat up from the ground and dusting it off before dropping it onto her head, covering her muzzle and eyes. A few exaggerated snores can be heard from under the hat, Doug slightly lifting the side and peeking under. Applejack winks back at him, smiling at her stallion. He ruffles her mane and says, "Wow, after all that and you still joke around. Ah like that."

Applejack pushes the hat back to the top of her head, "Oh shucks, twern't nothing. Ah heard and it's true, gets easier every time." She looks over at Nurse Redheart, smiling at the small bundle in the mare's arms, "So, how's the little one?"

The beep of a machine is the only reply as Nurse Redheart looks from one monitor to another. She glances over at Doctor Horse, the unicorn recalled to Ponyville for the two births. He glances between Applejack and Nurse Redheart and shrugs, "Same as the others. Not that you were expecting anything different, you know."

Applejack nods, a glum look on her face, "Ah suppose. She coming along well, regardless?" Nurse Redheart nods, passing the tiny brown foal to Doug as Applejack frowns. "What, Ah can't hold my own foal? Ah'm not some kind of invalid over here."

Doug shakes his head, holding the foal close to Applejack, "No, there's just something else that has to happen first, before we can leave here." He beams down at the foal, caressing its mane - a dull red with two strands of green. 

Applejack rolls her eyes, "Oh, right. Somehow Ah managed to block that that happened the last time Ah had to do this." She settles back down, content to nuzzle the foal as the last remnants of the foaling process leave her body. Soon after and Applejack is cleaned up, the foal happily nestled between her legs and lightly dozing, exhausted from the ordeal.

The wheels of the hospital gurney squeak as Doug pushes the bed to the room Pinkie Pie is resting in. The pink pony looks up, her pale yellow foal between her legs, fast asleep. Pinkie Pie waves at them, the top half of her body undulating back and forth while the bottom half stays still, not disturbing the foal. She whispers loudly, "Everything go well? I hope it went as well as mine went, because mine went really well!"

Applejack nods, "Yes, Pinkie, it went very well. And Ah'm really glad they aren't making us stay an extra two days. As soon as Ah can walk out of here, Ah'm gonna." She looks down, playing with her foal's mane, running her hoof along the stripes. She looks up at Pinkie, "It's not spoiling a secret if everypony already knows it, right?" At Pinkie's nod, Applejack smiles, "Alright then. Hello, Applebaum."

The foal stirs, looking up at Applejack with tired eyes and giving a yawn. Applejack and Doug glance at each other, sharing a smile as Applebaum gives a quiet whimper, moving around as if hunting for something. Doug moves a hand down, guiding the foal to one of Applejack's teats, the foal quickly latching on.

Pinkie Pie mimics the action, saying, "Hello, Lemon! Up and at em!" She lightly strokes Lemon's mane, a dull yellow collection of curls with a few cream streaks. The foal bounces to her hooves, easily the most energy of any of the ponies in the room, and spins in place a few times. She spots Applebaum, starting to move towards her brown sister before Pinkie Pie catches her with a hoof, redirecting her yellow foal to her own belly and away from the several foot drop. She laughs, "Silly Lemon, your treat is right here!"

Several minutes of nursing later, a knock comes at the door. Doug wakes up from his nap next to Applejack, each mare also dozing a little, enjoying the pleasant contact with their foal. Nurse Redheart steps through the door, smiling at each of them before setting a package of papers on one of the tables. "Just the notes, nothing to be alarmed about. Condition is the same as your other three foals. Would you like the full explanation?"

Pinkie Pie shakes her head, "I remember most of it. Just a brief recap?"

A minute and one retrieved chart later, Nurse Redheart explains, "Your foal, Lemon, has a thaumic deficiency. Essentially, she has a low magic potential. Since you don't involve yourself in many of the... typical earth pony expressions of magic, Pinkie, it might not impact you much. Though with your Pinkie Sense... well, the less said about that the better." Nurse Redheart coughs, looking over at Applejack, "Your foal, Applebaum, is going to present similarly to Apple Bloom. Low magic, difficulty with farming, slightly less strength. Otherwise, should be a healthy foal. Did you want to do periodic checkups like before?"

"Eeyup, expecting as much there. Ah think we'll pass on the checkups, thank you though." Applejack smiles down at her foal, "So, Baum, what'll it be? You want to work with apples?" The foal opens one eye, looking up with an exasperated face that seems to say, 'Excuse me? I'm busy here.' Applejack laughs, "Oh, aren't you the cutest. Ah'm sure Doug will love playing with you." The foal rolls her eyes before closing them and going back to nursing.

A smile breaks out on Doug's face as he watches the foal's antics; not even an hour old and she is giving her mother grief. He rubs Applejack's mane and settles down next to her as Nurse Redheart packs up her materials. The nurse gives them a friendly wave, "Come see me at the nurse's station if you need anything, or are ready to go," and walking out the door, pushing her chart in front of her.

The mares lay on their beds for several minutes before Applejack notices a quiet in the room, punctuated only by soft breathing. She looks between her foal and Pinkie's; both are asleep, and Doug is up, quietly packing up their things. She carefully gets to her hooves, saying, "Alright, Pinkie, plenty of other mares who'll need this room. Up and at 'em." Pinkie Pie yawns, getting to her hooves as well. Doug softly strokes Applebaum's mane before lifting the foal, wrapping her in a blanket. The foal stirs, briefly pushing against the swaddle but enjoying the contact before settling back down. 

Lemon, on the other hoof, immediately wakes up as he grabs hold. She squirms as Doug picks her up, waving her hooves back and forth and trying to fight him off as he gets the blanket under her. His efforts are only slightly hindered by Pinkie cheering the foal on, the foal giggling as she squirms around. When she tries to roll over he picks her up, the foal turning and pointing a hoof at Pinkie Pie, waving her foreleg back and forth. "Oh, you want Mama?" Doug remarks, rotating the foal around so she can see her dam a little easier. The foal gives a cheery chirp, now holding both hooves out towards her. "Okay, we can go see her." Doug takes the opportunity to bundle the foal up while she is focusing on Pinkie Pie, handing the swaddled foal to her.

Pinkie Pie takes the foal, holding it with two hooves as she gets to her hind legs, still a little unsteady. Doug picks up Applebaum, the five heading to the nurse station and checking out, nodding in greeting at the string of very pregnant mares waiting for their time to begin. Some of them eye Doug suspiciously, though most seem more concerned with what their own bodies are going through than to watch the human carry his foal outside while a second pony walks human-style next to him, also carrying her foal.

They exit the hospital to the brisk chill of winter, Applejack remarking, "Ah feel like we've been here before," as Fluttershy waves to them. The yellow pegasus walks through the heavily trampled snow covering the streets outside Ponyville General, nuzzling first Applejack and Applebaum. Pinkie Pie nuzzles Lemon, the foal giggling back before Pinkie Pie tosses her into the air, the foal gently landing on Pinkie's back. Pinkie Pie starts walking forward into the snow covered streets, Fluttershy standing still to greet Pinkie Pie and Lemon. Doug ruffles Fluttershy's mane as she walks next to him, pushing her muzzle into his hand before glancing up at the human with a smile.

"So, 'Shy, we having another party at the Apple farmhouse?" Doug asks, feeling the mare tense underneath him.

The pegasus' eyes dart back and forth, "Um, what might have given you that idea?"

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie exclaims, Lemon bobbing up and down on her back, "Nopony told me about a party going on at Applejack's!" Her eyes shift back and forth, looking between Doug and Fluttershy, "And when this pink pony perceives the party who pushed a party past the premiere party planner in Ponyville, Pinkie's going to be pretty perturbed!"

"Oh?" Doug asks, "What would worry the wingding wizard of this whistle-stop?"

"Oh, come on! Clearly, only clueless others could overlook completely that I, the illustrious, terrific, inspirational tower in town ingeniously took it to invent the incredible-" Pinkie Pie gasps, rearing up on her hind legs and throwing her hooves to her muzzle, Lemon catapulting off her back, "I just got it! That means there are TWO parties for the foals!" Doug shifts Applebaum to one arm and manages to snag Lemon out of midair with the other as Pinkie Pie continues, "I need to coordinate a few things, be right back!"

"Pinkie!" Doug shouts as the pink pony disappears in a cloud of dust and streamers. He sighs, glancing down at the foal in his arm who seems none too disappointed in the brief trip through the air. In fact, the way she is waving her forelegs around, it's almost as if, "What?" he says, looking down at her, "You want to go again?" Doug glances over at Applejack, "I think Rainbow said it best, when she said Pinkie Pie is crazy." He holds the foal to his face, briefly nuzzling her chest, "Now, you're just going to love excitement, aren't you? Yes you are!"

Lemon chirps appreciably as Applejack moves next to Doug, "Nice catch there, partner. Ah can take one of them, if'n you want."

Doug shrugs, "Nah, I got it." The two walk side by side, following Fluttershy down the road.

"Hey, 'Shy? Why are we going this way?" Applejack asks, looking off to the side towards Sweet Apple Acres. "Why are we heading towards Sugarcube Corner?"

"Oh, um, you just, um, never know with Pinkie Pie, right?" Fluttershy stammers, trying not to look Applejack in the eye.

"But, Ah thought our 'surprise' party would be at Sweet Apple Acres! Why in tarnation would... Oh no. Please tell me it ain't..." Applejack swiftly moves down to the cross road next to Sugarcube Corner, looking again towards Sweet Apple Acres. A large cloud of dirt and snow is being raised in the distance, "Please tell me it ain't the main house... Oh thank Celestia, it's not."

One of the Apple family barns is being dragged through the streets, ponies hurriedly moving out of the way. Big Mac leads a team of earth ponies, collectively strapped to the barn and dragging it down the center of the street. Pinkie Pie rides the front of the barn, one foreleg holding on to a rope secured to the main hoist and the other scanning the horizon. She spots Applejack, Fluttershy, and Doug, releasing her hold on the rope to wave at them while continuing to scan with the other arm.

As Pinkie Pie tumbles to the ground the barn comes to a stop outside of Sugarcube Corner, right in front of Applejack. Pinkie Pie continues her roll, standing upright and beaming at the three as if nothing happened, "So, are you ready to PARTY?"

The earth ponies unhitch themselves, walking into the barn. Big Mac gives a nod before heading inside; Applejack and Pinkie Pie follow him and the crowd of ponies while Fluttershy looks up at Doug. He sighs, debating whether to army crawl into the barn or not. He tucks his chin to his chest, holding both foals at his waist as he hunches over, and walks into the dimly lit barn.

A firecracker goes off high above his head as the lights turn on, the collected ponies inside shouting, "SURPRISE!!"

Doug deadpans a look at Pinkie Pie, "Seriously? A surprise party? After you dragged the barn halfway across town?"
> 7 Winter's Mournful Melodies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

February 15th, 996

"Mama, I can't find my vest!"

"What do you mean, Sweetie Belle? I can't find my vest! And I was sure it was right on my dresser!"

Rarity bursts into Sweetie Belle's room, a frantic look on her disheveled muzzle. Her mane, normally perfectly coiffed, has random hairs sticking up in places, her tail faring no better. She looks around the cluttered room, trying to spot either her vest or her filly's. Sweetie Belle is doing the same, tossing bits and pieces of tan fabric aside while digging through a pile of scraps. Rarity scowls, "What have I told you about keeping your room clean?"

"But, Mama," comes the rushed reply, "I was working on my vest! And I knew it needed some extra flair, just like you say about your dresses!"

Rarity closes her eyes, putting a hoof to her forehead, while her horn lights up. A glow surrounds each scrap of fabric, lifting them up before setting them back down, sorted neatly by color. "Now," a forced calm in her voice, "where did you see your vest last?"

"I was working on it, right in the corner like you told me to! And then, when I was finished, I took it and hung it up..." Sweetie Belle gives a sheepish grin, "Right in my closet." She looks at the open closet door, her tiny tan animal vest staring back at her. "Oops. I guess it was here all along?"

Rarity shakes her head, "Well, I'm happy we found your vest, Sweetie Belle, but that doesn't solve the problem of where my vest ended up." Rarity paces back and forth a few times before moving to the door, looking back at Sweetie Belle, "I suppose I shall search through the store again, but I could have sworn..." Rarity trails off, looking at the pile of tan scraps Sweetie Belle was digging through earlier. She says in a sweet voice, "Darling, where did you get the fabric to make your vest?"

Sweetie Belle stops admiring her tan vest, decorated with small blue and green ribbons cut into the shape of clouds or tiny critters, "Um, I used some of the spare fabric in your room. Why?"

"But, Sweetie Belle," Rarity says, her voice rising to a forced falsetto, moving over and slowly pushing a hoof through the tan scraps, "I don't recall having any spare tan fabric in my room."

"What do you mean? You had a bunch, right next to your dresser!"

One of Rarity's eyes squints, a few more pieces of her mane jutting out of place. She dashes out of Sweetie's room to her own, shrieking as she sees the fallen vest stand on her dresser. She looks behind the dresser, to the sides, and underneath, a look of dread on her face as she begins tugging at her unruly mane. She shakes her head to the side, muttering, "No, no no, no, no! Of all the worst possibilities, this can't be happening!" She gets up, fuming a little and yelling, "Sweetie Belle! Come here this instant!"

"But, Mama!" Sweetie Belle says as she walks into the room, holding an oat bar in her hoof, "I'm hungry!" She looks around the room, "Did you find your vest?"

Rarity points a hoof at the dresser, "Is this where you found your, ahem, material for your vest?"

Sweetie Belle nods, "Ah huh, right there at the bottom. Why?"

Rarity lets out long sigh, pressing a hoof against her forehead. "No matter. Go get your breakfast. I'll just have to..." Rarity thinks; she might be able to do something with the scraps that remain, her former vest now cut down to Sweetie Belle's size. She is out of pieces of tan fabric large enough to make the main body, and the two spare vests she has would be obviously not her size, not fit for the master tailor the other ponies know her as. Maybe they wouldn't notice a few alterations...

A knock on the door breaks her concentration, Doug's voice coming up from the main store area, "Rarity? You still up there?" Rarity heads downstairs, looking over to see Doug. He is wearing the blue vest she made him over his light coat and holding half a set of ice skate blades. "Morning! Mayor Mare finished her speech already, something about hopefully giving us all enough time to finish this year. Very hopeful and inspirational." He holds up his boots in the other hand, "I was hoping you could affix these blades to these boots, at least temporarily." He holds them out, eyeing her mane with a raised eyebrow.

Rarity sighs, levitating the boots and blades over to her to take a closer look. "Good morning, dear. I've been having a somewhat stressful day so far. You don't want to know."

"Right. Um, did you know that they sing before Winter Wrap Up? Very catchy."

Rarity nods, her horn lighting up, "Oh, yes, they do that every year. Were you not around?"

Doug shrugs as a burst of magic fuses the blades to the boots, "Nope, taking care of the foals first time, then didn't really want to come to town the second. Silver Set waved at me, shortly followed by Spoiled Rich, so there is that." He looks around the store, trying not to focus on Rarity's mane, "Maybe you could teach me the song, you know, for next year." He pauses, taking one more glance at Rarity's mane during the silence. "Well, um, good luck then. Nothing I can help with?"

Rarity shakes her head, "Unless you can make a new vest for me spring out of nothing, I'm afraid I am out of luck this Winter Wrap Up. Oh, I might not even go at all!" She holds a hoof up, swooning onto her red couch. She looks over at Doug, one of his hands moving to his chin. She hopefully asks, "You have something?"

"So, remember last year, how I told all of you how cute you looked in your Winter Wrap Up vests," Doug glances over at Sweetie Belle, the filly chewing on an oat bar, "And we spent some quality time at Applejack's?" 

A smile forms on Rarity's muzzle as she nods, "That was why I needed to make a new vest this year! I couldn't remember where my old one ran off to, and I was running low on fabric by the time I thought to make myself a new one and stop searching for the old one."

"Well, I think we kept the vests over there, either in the attic or one of the closets with Applejack's hats. Sorry, though, I have to go and catch up with Pinkie. She's going to help me get ready, since I'm taking over for her on ice skating duty this year." Doug moves over, ruffling Rarity's mane.

After a few playful swipes, and maybe a kiss or two, Doug exits the store, Rarity panting on her couch. She levitates a mirror over, scowling at her mane, before bringing a brush and repairing the damage Doug tried to inflict. Satisfied she calls, "Sweetie Belle, I need to head to Applejack's. Are you going to be okay working during Winter Wrap Up by yourself? I shouldn't be gone long."

Sweetie Belle practically prances out of the kitchen, "Of course, Big Sis! I'm a big filly, I can handle it!"

Rarity nods, giving Sweetie Belle a kiss, "Very well. I will see you back here in no time at all!" She opens the door, quickly reconsidering, grabbing her boots and a scarf, and leaving the Boutique. She spots a pile of hay for the nests moving of its own accord - well, most likely carried by some filly - as she walks outside. She canters down the road towards Sweet Apple Acres, several ponies beginning their work in the skies and on the houses. The hard snow crunches under her hooves as she leaves Ponyville, the snow getting deeper and less compacted along the road. She tries to keep to the large path carved along the fresh snow; it is likely from Doug walking a filly or two along the road with one of the mares, the group having already made their way to the mustering area this morning.

Rarity walks past the gate, still following the path, several snow plows lined up and waiting for their earth pony drivers. She makes her way into the Apple farmhouse, calling, "Applejack? Granny Smith?" as she heads upstairs. She opens the closet door in the master bedroom, a dozen of Applejack's hats staring back at her. She quickly levitates them, only finding a green plant vest. "Oh yes," she remarks to herself, "I did make Applejack a new plant vest this year, she was still a little large after her foaling to fit in the old one. And she needed a team lead legband, so a little extra styling on the vest wasn't improper. But where is my old vest?"

Rarity replaces all the hats and the old vest, continuing to murmur to herself, "Well, I doubt they would have moved my vest to the attic. But they might have? After all, Applejack will need her old vest next year after she has lost the foal weight, and they might have figured I didn't need my vest again." She makes her way up the attic stairs, glancing around at the assorted boxes. She grimaces at the thought of getting her coat all dusty, and looks around at the cobwebs. 

She sighs, "Of all the worst places that it could be!" She tentatively places a hoof, scattering dust around. She glances down, pausing and muttering to herself, "This is The. Worst. Wait. This much dust at the entryway. They couldn't have come up here, or there would be less dust! Or at least, an uneven amount of dust. And this whole place is filthy!" Satisfied by her explanation, she turns around, closing the attic door and wiping the bit of dust off her hoof and coat with a towel from the bathroom. 

Hearing a bit of commotion outside, Rarity looks to see Applejack and Big Mac hooking themselves up to the snowplows. Rarity calls, "Applejack!" and makes her way towards the earth pony.

Applejack stops buckling herself in, "Rarity? What are you doing here?" Her eyes trace over Rarity's naked form, a brief smile creeping along her muzzle, "You know, Ah remember when we just had these small pins to let each other know which team we were on, we'd-"

"Yes, yes, I grew up here too." Rarity huffs, "I don't make vests for the entire town just to walk around without one. Now, my old animal team vest. Have you seen it?"

Applejack glances back towards Ponyville as she starts buckling in again, "Um, yes; we thought you didn't need it any more. Ah'm sorry, Ah thought you would have asked for it earlier if you needed it."

Rarity lets out a sigh of relief, "Oh thank Celestia." Rarity and Applejack stare at each other for a few seconds before Rarity continues, "Um, darling, where is it?"

Applejack stammers, "Uh, that's the thing..."

"You didn't get rid of it, did you? Please tell me you didn't get rid of it."

Applejack shakes her head, "No, it's just that, since we didn't think you needed it, we let Scootaloo borrow it."

Rarity groans, "I know it wouldn't have fit her. Did you have to cut it up for her?"

"No, we just used a few pieces of rope as belts. She looks real funny, too, but she thought it was fine and Rainbow didn't mind."

Rarity nods, "Okay, so Rainbow has her?"

Applejack shrugs, "Last Ah saw. Ah think she was assigned to Ponyville, getting the roofs clear."

"Very well, back to Ponyville. Good day, Applejack!"

"Good luck finding it, Rarity!" Applejack finishes strapping herself in, Big Mac and several other members of the plant team waiting patiently to start plowing.

Rarity trots down the road, the snowbanks on either side starting to lessen. The clouds are slowly being cleared, a few pegasi in the sky. She trots into Ponyville, spotting Sweetie Belle and a hooffull of finished nests. She seems to be working with somepony else; satisfied she can leave the filly alone, Rarity starts scanning the skies for Rainbow Dash.

After passing a few houses Rarity nearly facehooves; of course Rainbow wouldn't be in the sky, her magic is still restricted. She spots the colorful pegasus soon after, helping clear one of the houses with a forced smile on her muzzle. Rarity calls out, "Rainbow Dash!"

Rainbow pauses, looking around for the source before spotting Rarity. She happily tosses her shovel into the snow on the house, slowly fluttering down, "Rarity! Good to see you, thanks for the interruption. It gets, uh, real boring really fast just shoveling snow. And they don't exactly have a lot of ponies doing it. What did you want?"

Rarity nods, "I can imagine, it sounds dreadful, but somepony has to do it, yes? Anyway, have you seen Scootaloo?"

Rainbow nods, "Yeah. Why?"

Rarity recounts, "Well, I... misplaced the animal team vest I made for this year, and I need to find my old one. I learned that Applejack still had it, so I went and met with her only to learn that Scootaloo has it. Now, do you know where she is?"

Rainbow smirks, "Yeah, she looked pretty funny in it. But no, I don't know, we split up, Scootaloo going to work with the animal team and me working on weather over here. Maybe try Fluttershy?"

Rarity sighs, "Very well, that will be my next destination. Thank you!"

Rainbow sighs, looking back up at the uncleared houses, "Yeah, no problem." She slowly flies back up, placing two hooves on the shovel and tossing snow to the ground once again.

Rarity waves at Sweetie Belle as she passes the table, even more nests starting to pile up. Sweetie Belle waves back, a purple tail carrying a pile of completed nests disappearing behind one of the tables. Rarity continues along the path towards Fluttershy's house, the nearly untouched snow chilling her sides and legs as she blazes a trail. She looks around the house, none of the snow yet cleared. She does see a large path, wider than anything Doug would have cleared, coming from the Everfree and then back a different direction. She looks over, puzzling over the implications before realizing - that is the direction to Harry the Bear's house! 

She follows the path away from the Everfree, quickly coming to a clearing. Dozens, if not hundreds, of birds are swarming around, a cacophony of voices chirping, tweeting, and warbling. In the middle, Fluttershy can be seen, pacing from one section to the other. As Rarity gets closer Fluttershy's soft voice can barely be made out, "Don't worry, Mr. Jay, the snow will be cleared soon. Then we can get all the nests ready! Yes, Mrs. Sparrow, the nests are going to be just as good as last year! No, Mr. Hawk, you can't eat Mr. Robin, not yet. Please, everypony, be patient."

Rarity coughs, "Um," and Fluttershy gasps, quickly flying away before noticing who is behind her. She returns, a sheepish grin on her muzzle as Rarity continues, "I'm sorry to sneak up on you, Fluttershy, but I need to know. Is Scootaloo around here?"

Fluttershy looks around before shaking her head, "No, I don't think so. Why are you looking for her?"

Rarity sighs, straining so her voice can be heard over the birds, "Well, I found out this morning that my vest has been... oh, how shall I say, misappropriated. It is too late to do anything about it, but I was reminded that I had a spare vest over at Applejack's. She told me that Rainbow Dash had Scootaloo wear it, but Rainbow didn't know where Scootaloo is. Do you know?"

Fluttershy shakes her head, "No, but Cloud Kicker is the animal team lead this year. I think she is stationed around the pond, or one of the lakes, helping out Raindrops, the new weather team lead. Also making sure all the southern birds come in and have somewhere to go. Speaking of, shouldn't you be making nests?"

Rarity nods, "Yes, and I have to get my vest before I am able to begin! I must be in the proper frame of mind, of course, and I cannot get there without my vest! Thank you for your help, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy waves as Rarity begins to leave the forest. She stops at the edge of the trees, looking at the couple feet of snow still on the ground. She reconsiders, going back to Fluttershy's cottage and taking the path to Ponyville, the snow slowly melting from the clear skies. She walks past the larger lake, the ice already scored and beginning to melt into smaller pieces. Her feet slosh through the slushy snow until she gets to Ponyville, the ground turning to hard packed dirt with some snow still by the sides of houses. She passes Sweetie Belle, the filly still hard at work. The ground around them is starting to get muddy, many small hoofprints dotting what remains of the snow around the table. 

Rarity continues to the southern section of Ponyville, spotting Cloud Kicker above one of the ponds. The pegasus is coordinating with a few other members of the animal and weather team, a small cloud of black dots barely able to be seen far to the south. Rarity spots Doug in the middle of the lake, the biped wearing his coat tied around his waist and blue vest on his otherwise bare chest, slowly scoring lines in the ice. Pinkie Pie and Silver Set are sitting next to one of the trees, a blanket over Pinkie's back side and a pillow between her front hooves, a large backpack next to her. Silver Set is watching the two fillies of the Rich herd scamper around while her two newborn foals huddle close to the mare. Pinkie Pie perks up as Rarity gets close, waving a hoof but not really moving from her position, "Hi Rarity! How's Winter Wrap Up going?"

Rarity sighs, "Well, it could be better, I suppose. Have you seen Scootaloo?"

Pinkie Pie shakes her head, "Nope! I just have these two!" She lifts the blanket, Applebaum and Lemon nursing while resting on top of a second blanket. They both whine at the cold air, huddling into Pinkie's belly, and the mare quickly replaces their cover. "Where have you looked?"

"Well, I started at my Boutique, walked to Applejack's, asked her, walked back to Ponyville, asked Rainbow Dash, walked to Fluttershy's, asked her, and now I've walked to you, and asked you. I'm just about out of ideas!"

Pinkie Pie nods, "Hmm, that is quite the conundrum. I mean, I am the best at hide and seek, but I'm a little busy at the moment. Have you thought about not wearing your vest?"

"Oh, Pinkie, don't be silly. If I'm not wearing my vest, how will anypony know what I am supposed to be doing? I'll probably get press ganged into weather duty!"

"Oh, that's easy! Just start working where you want to work, everypony will probably figure you got the vest dirty or something. Or have another foal, but that didn't help Applejack this year. Hmm, that is a toughie!"

"Well, I suppose I will have to give that a try. How is Doug doing?"

"Oh, well, he's doing great! He was a little shaky at first, but he keeps his balance really well, and since he's on two hooves instead of four he can score deeper than me, even though I weigh more, but I get two hooves to score with while he generally sticks to one. And he was using this backpack of metal to weigh himself down even more, but he stopped when the ice started melting. I don't think he wanted anything extra weighing him down in case he broke through the ice, and he even said something that we were melting the ice too early. But, in any case, I think he wants to give everypony's job a shot. So I'll be able to do skating next year, he knows how much I like doing it!"

Rarity rolls her eyes at Pinkie's extended explanation, "A simple, 'he is doing well' would have sufficed, dear. Well, keep those foals nice and warm. Good day, Pinkie!"

"Toasty woasty they will be! Hmm, more like good afternoon, Rarity!"

Rarity walks back to Ponyville, heading towards the Carousel Boutique and her normal position as nest crafter. Rainbow Dash is cleaning off the top, Rarity soon spotting Sweetie Belle standing on top of the table out front, looking down at some filly completely covered in mud and splashing around in the puddles. As Rarity gets closer she sees the nests are stacked high, most if not all the materials used up. She moves closer, avoiding the splatter and inspecting one of the nests by hoof as Sweetie Belle nervously waves at her. "These nests are very well done, Sweetie Belle; have you been working on them all by yourself?"

Sweetie Belle shakes her head, "No, I've had Scootaloo helping me out!"

Rarity stares at Sweetie Belle, "Scootaloo? Where is she?" Sweetie Belle points a hoof at the filly in front of the table. Rarity looks over; the mud covered filly shakes a bit of brown goop off her head, revealing a tangle of purple mane and orange coat. Scootaloo glances up at Rarity, purple irises staring back at the unicorn. Rarity says, "Scootaloo? Please tell me you aren't wearing my vest. That would be The-"

Scootaloo shakes her head, more pieces of mud flying off, "Nope! Rainbow told me I couldn't get it dirty, so I took it off, hanging it over there." She points a hoof at one of the nearby trees, the clean animal vest neatly hanging from several pieces of rope.

Rarity sighs in relief, "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I've been looking all over for you! Now, time to get to work!" Rarity moves over, taking the vest and quickly donning it. She moves over to the table, Sweetie Belle staring back at her. "So, how many more nests do we need to make?"

Sweetie Belle stammers, "Uh, Scootaloo and I managed to finish all the nests we need this year, actually."

Rarity smiles, "Really? That's very impressive!"

A hoof taps Rarity's flank, the unicorn turning to see an irate Rainbow Dash. "Yup, and since you aren't needed here, and you've managed to shirk your normal Winter Wrap Up duties, guess what?"

Rarity wails, "Noooo! Of all the Worst. Possible. Jobs!" and flails her hooves as Rainbow Dash hoofs her a shovel and pushes the unicorn towards the many houses that still need snow cleared off their roofs.
> 8 A Call Into the Void
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 3rd, 996

"Oh dear. Oh dear. Oh dear." Fluttershy paces back and forth in the living room, slowly wearing a line in the rug. She keeps her lead low, dreading the upcoming ordeal she will be going through. Well, the act itself won't be the difficult part. During most of their encounters together Doug does most of the heavy lifting, at least with her.

"Come on, 'Shy, it ain't that bad," Applejack huffs. She has been watching the pegasus for at least fifteen minutes while getting the room and food ready for tonight, and Celestia knows how long she had been pacing before that. "Now, what's got your mane in such a tangle?"

"Oh, dear, is my mane tangled? I better go home and fix it." Fluttershy stops pacing, moving towards the front door.

"No, Fluttershy, your mane isn't tangled or anything." Applejack sighs, "You look perfect, just like you always do."

Fluttershy halts, looking towards Applejack and hiding behind her mane, "You're just saying that."

Applejack turns slightly away, grimacing while saying to herself, "Rarity better not find out about this," and then turning back to Fluttershy, saying in a falsetto southern belle, "But, Fluttershy, Ah've always admired your mane. And, just how do you get it to curl around like that? Ah love the waves you manage to keep, it looks so natural, so you."

The pegasus' face brightens, "Oh, you really think so?"

Applejack nods, her normal voice again, "Honest apple."

Fluttershy smiles, "Oh, well, I comb it before and after I take my shower, where I use a special conditioner Rarity told me about." Her eyes dart to the front door, "I can go get it and show you if you'd like."

Applejack shakes her head, "No, 'Shy, that's okay. Tell me more about combing your hair, do you have to work on it for a long time?"

"No, well, maybe five minutes?" Fluttershy looks to the ground, "Sometimes longer if Doug has been particularly energetic that night."

Applejack laughs, "Yeah, he sure can put a furrow in the mattress. Ah don't think you have to worry about that tonight."

"Oh. Well, about tonight... well... I'm scared of..."

Applejack moves over, nuzzling Fluttershy. "It's okay, Sugarcube, we all get frightened about things. Now, what are you worried about?"

"I'm scared of..."

Applejack sighs, "Is it because the Princesses will be there?"

Fluttershy shakes her head, "No, it's..." she sighs, hanging her head, "Well, yes, I'm scared about being intimate in front of the Princesses."

Applejack rubs a hoof over Fluttershy's back, "It's okay, 'Shy. Ah did it, and it wasn't so bad."

"Well, I'm not you, Applejack, I don't have your courage."

"Just think of it like when it's just you and Rainbow with Doug. You do okay then, right?"

"Yes, because Rainbow isn't a Princess."

"Okay, well, what about when the whole herd is together. You remember the train ride, right?" 

"Yes, but this is different. This is in front of the Princesses."

"What if you two are in a different room, and you just come out once you're done?"

Fluttershy covers her face with her hooves, giving a soft whimper as she sinks to the floor.

Applejack sighs. "Alright, Fluttershy. None of us are gonna make you do something you don't want to do." She walks over to the window, looking out at the evening sun. "She's gonna be disappointed, but Ah suppose that's unavoidable." Applejack moves back, nuzzling Fluttershy, "Just remember, we all love you and want the best for you. Why didn't you say anything earlier?"

Fluttershy whispers, "I was scared."

The front door opens, Rainbow Dash walking through. Rarity's voice can be heard outside, "No, Winona, stay outside and be quiet, okay?" Rarity enters the room, nodding at Applejack and Fluttershy. Rainbow takes a seat at the dining room table and Rarity heads to the kitchen. They are followed shortly by Pinkie Pie and a trio of fillies; Pinkie Pie heads to the kitchen while the fillies start scampering around the room. 

Doug enters last, holding two foals and closing the door behind him. He sniffs the foals, glancing at Pinkie Pie and grimacing, "Oh and counting," taking the two foals to the bathroom. Fluttershy moves over to the table as some of the commotion subsides, sighing and staring at the empty plate in front of her.

Rainbow nuzzles her herdmate, "Hey, 'Shy, something wrong?" Fluttershy looks away, trying to hide her discomfort behind her mane. "Oh. Well, um, I'm here, I guess, if you need, you know, something." Rainbow looks around the room, whistling a few notes before turning back to Fluttershy with a grin, "So, you excited for tonight?"

At the lack of response Rainbow sighs, watching the kitchen door as Rarity levitates a few large serving dishes into the room. She salivates as she spots a large potato and spaghetti sandwich, sweet potato fries, and apple dumplings. Applejack follows behind with several bottles of cider, a large apple pie, and a bowl of nuts and dried fruit. The two start to dish out portions for each pony, spreading the plates around the table. Doug returns, holding two bottles and two newly diapered foals, placing them at the smaller table off to the side. He whistles; Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo bound into the room, slowing down and taking their place at the foal table. Doug sits down, smiling as Applejack nuzzles him before she takes her own seat at the table.

Pinkie Pie returns, bringing out a large banana ice cream cake with pink icing swirling around the edges and a smaller vanilla cake decorated with Princess Celestia's cutie mark in orange frosting. She places the large cake in the center of the table and the smaller one at one of the open seats. The group goes silent as each pony begins digging into their plates, the food on the table disappearing as evening turns to dusk.

"Alright, girls, time for bed." Applejack calls as the fillies finish their food. The two smallest have already fallen asleep, laying with their heads on the table and empty bottles forgotten off to the side. The trio yawn together, each looking at the other, hoping one dares to say something when they obviously are sleepy. Sweetie Belle finally says, "But, Applejack, we want to see the Princesses!"

Applejack smiles, "Okay, you three, but as soon as they arrive we need to go to bed, alright?"

"Okay," comes the tired chorus, the trio moving towards the hallway leading to their bedrooms. They take up a position in sight of the front door, laying down together as Doug gets up from his chair. He gathers up Applebaum and Lemon, carrying the two sleeping foals to their bedroom. Applejack moves over to Rainbow and Pinkie Pie, "Alright, you two, time for bed."

"Excuse me?" Rainbow says, raising an eyebrow as Pinkie Pie also looks confused, "Something wrong? I kinda want to watch." Pinkie Pie nods as well, opening her mouth to say something before glancing at Fluttershy and shutting her mouth.

Applejack nods, "Well, Fluttershy is having a bit of difficulty getting her courage up. She doesn't want to do anything in front of the Princesses. It's her choice, and Ah'm not gonna push her."

Rainbow sighs as Pinkie Pie merely looks disappointed, saying, "Oh. Well, I hope she feels better later, I mean, it's not like the Princesses are doing this just for fun! I thought that was the point, right? To help them get foals of their own?"

Applejack nods, glaring at Pinkie Pie, "Yes, well, if it makes Fluttershy uncomfortable then that's just too bad. Now, each of you, off to bed. That means you too, Rares."

The mares keep their mouths shut, looking at Fluttershy with sad eyes. The pegasus hides behind her mane as Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow begin walking away from the dining room table, Doug intercepting them with a confused look as he returns from the foals room. A bright light shines from outside as the moon rises in the sky; the seven ponies watch as Doug moves to the front door, opening it. He moves to the side and bows, allowing Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance to enter the room. The two alicorns look over the kneeling ponies, Princess Celestia saying, "Rise, my little ponies. It is good to see all of you again."

Each pony rises, Applejack stepping forward with a worried look on her face. She stammers, "Um, Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance, it's, uh, an honor having you grace our home again. We have some dinner prepared for you, if you are hungry." Applejack stops, steeling herself for a few seconds as the Princesses stare at her, "But Ah have some bad news as well." Applejack pauses again at the disappointment apparent in the Princesses' eyes, taking a few deep breaths before continuing, "You see, Fluttershy-"

Applejack flinches as Fluttershy puts a hoof on her back. Applejack turns, giving Fluttershy a confused look. The pegasus has her eyes locked on Princess Celestia's face, a nervous smile on her muzzle as Fluttershy says, "Um, it's okay, Applejack. I'll do it."

A smile creeps over Applejack's muzzle, "Oh, 'Shy, that's great news!" She looks over at her herdmates, each of them beaming an encouraging smile at Fluttershy. Applejack pauses, looking back at Fluttershy as she quietly asks, "Do you mind if we watch?"

Fluttershy closes her eyes, slowly nodding her head, "Just, um, please be quiet, okay?"

The mares nod their heads, Rainbow saying, "Sure, 'Shy, we can do that." She turns to the fillies, "Okay, you three, you got to see the Princesses. Say good night!"

A sleepy chorus of "Good night, Princesses!" follows, the fillies yawning as they shuffle off to their room. Applejack follows behind them, ready to tuck the foals in and read a quick story, if she has to. Seeing as they might get excited about the Princesses being here and try to get another glimpse, she better make sure they are asleep.

Princess Celestia's eyes brighten as she spots the cake with her name literally on it, and playfully pushes past the ponies to partake. Pinkie Pie pronks up, positioning herself to observe the exact reactions Princess Celestia has as she works her way through the blueberry section of the cake.

Doug and Fluttershy move off to the corner, Fluttershy giving the gathered mares a worried look. Doug scratches behind her ears as they lay down, whispering, "Shh, Fluttershy, it's just you and me. Just focus on that, okay?" Fluttershy nods, slowly going for a long kiss. His hands start at her muzzle and ears, long strokes that slowly work their way down her body.

Rarity glances nervously at Fluttershy, then back at Princess Cadance. Rarity whispers, "So, Princess Cadance, how has your research been going?" Fluttershy's ear flicks back, a short whimper from the mare.

Princess Cadance's horn flares briefly before she says in a normal tone, "There; they won't be able to hear us. The research has been... well, it's been slow. I only have the two, well, five, times we have observed this. And I can only replay them so many times before I start worrying that it won't ever happen with me. Fortunately, I have found somepony who comforts me in those times of despair."

Rarity's eyes light up, "Oh, do tell! I was curious if there was anypony in your life!"

Princess Cadance smiles, "I'll tell you after we are finished here, it really is quite the tale, what with both of us having secret lives outside of school."

Rarity playfully swipes at Princess Cadance, "Oh, you foul temptress, you! Princess of love, more like Princess of Tantalizing Tales! Very well, a lady must know patience. What are you focusing on tonight?"

"Well, same thing as before, but we've refined the spells to focus on how the magical aspects change when they interact with Doug. Essentially, why do the foals end up low power instead of normal power and some amalgamation of human and pony parts."

"That sounds somewhat similar to the tests two years ago. Well, if you need to study the foals I suppose we can bring them out, but please, nothing invasive. I would hate for their only memories of the Princesses to be traumatic ones!"

Princess Cadance nods as Rainbow and Pinkie Pie move over, taking positions next to each other. Princess Celestia walks over, licking the frosting from her lips as she settles down next to Rarity. She remarks, "You know, I don't know that I've ever thought to study the foals directly. I was so focused on the problem of getting past that first division that it completely slipped my mind. Well, that, and I assigned a team that I had hoped would find something and report it to me, but I suppose nothing came of that. Rarity, do you mind if I levitate one of them here?" Rarity shakes her head, Princess Celestia's horn lighting. The door to the foals room opens, Applebaum hovering through the air while gripping a blanket. Princess Celestia's eyes glow bright as a similar glow surrounds the foal. "Fascinating," she says in a low voice. "To think that magic would still be actively required..."

"What is that?" asks Rarity, her own eyes lighting up. She focuses on the foal, not comprehending what Princess Celestia is talking about; the foal looks normal, just low powered.

Princess Celestia turns her eyes, focusing on Doug. His body lights up; he briefly glances at the Princesses before turning back. Fluttershy doesn't react; the mare's eyes are closed and she seems to be focusing on her breathing. Princess Celestia nods, the glow fading from Doug, "Ah. As you know, with Doug, he has no magic in his magical core, if he does have one; it can be difficult to tell, with nothing there. The earth pony magic present in Applebaum has to compensate for that. It is as if you had a certain amount of material to build a house. With, well, all other ponies, you merely have to build four walls and a roof. The size of the house is how much magical ability that pony will have. But with Applebaum, and I believe with the rest of your foals, their magical core also has to dig out the foundation, lay the ground work, and put a nice floor on top to hide the roughness underneath. I believe the magic in your foals has to actively suppress the human characteristics."

Princess Cadance nods, "Yes, I can see it as well, the way her entire body flickers with magic, but there seems to be no byproduct, no reaction. It wouldn't have shown up on any of the specialist's scans, since it isn't moving anywhere. Their machines track the flux in a pony's magic, the movement of it as it travels through a pony's body. Instead it is each cell, on division, that is forcibly converted to a pony cell. And that conversion is a large drain on their magical ability." She pauses, inspecting the foal's head, "Though the cells are not entirely pony. They don't seem to have been fully converted; more like quite a bit of modification, to function as any other pony's despite the lack of magic. Which is why they have no trouble with strength, coordination, or thinking, despite the, how shall I say, boost that magic gives all of us."

Princess Celestia nods, "Yes; though that gives little hope for Scootaloo and Fluttershy's future foal, since flight and weather magic are, as the names suggest, nearly entirely magic based."

Princess Cadance continues inspecting the foal, looking deeper, two spots between Applebaum's hind legs briefly glowing bright. Several minutes pass before she says, "The division on her eggs has already taken place, it appears; they are more heavily modified. There will be no human children or hybrid foals from her; and her foals should not suffer the same ailment she does, as they will not need to suppress the human characteristics."

Applejack breaths a sigh of relief, "Well, Princesses, that's a mighty load off my back. If nothing else comes from this, thank you for that. Ah was terribly worried that they would have trouble, you know, in the future, finding mates, who might be worried about their own offspring."

Princess Celestia nods, "Indeed, my little pony, we are glad to provide that relief. She glances over at Fluttershy and Doug, the two finished and walking over. She smiles as Princess Cadance releases her silence spell, Celestia saying, "Now, I believe somepony was going to tell us about this unicorn she fancies?"
> 9 The Aesthete's Spirit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Cadance settles into her chair, pulling over a glass of apple juice and a tray of nuts. She takes a drink as Princess Celestia eyes the leftover yellow cake, glancing between the gathered ponies before the tray softly scrapes along the table, stopping in front of her. Pinkie Pie steps forward, pawing the ground a single time as she gives Princess Celestia a hard stare. Princess Celestia stares back, a brief showdown between the two as a tumbleweed blows by accompanied by a slow drumroll and Applejack whistling, a warbling up and down as she beats her hooves against the floor. The staring contest continues as Applejack whispers to Rarity, "Nice effect with that."

Rainbow Dash eagerly jumps into Doug's lap as he takes a seat, one leg on each side of his hips, though she frowns as he maneuvers himself away from between her legs. She pouts as he says, "Sorry, Rainbow, but you told me earlier, before your heat started, to ignore any protests you made, no matter how badly you beg me."

"Pah!" Rainbow scoffs, her eyes shifting back and forth, "I don't beg. You can't prove anything." She settles against him, her wings staying forced to her sides while his hand rubs her mane. Applejack sits between Rarity and Doug, looking up at her stallion with a pleading look on her face. Doug rolls his eyes, one hand petting Applejack while the other alternates between Rainbow and Fluttershy. Rainbow grabs an apple with her teeth, holding the fruit up so Doug can take a bite.

The room goes silent as Princess Celestia and Pinkie Pie paw the ground, mirroring each other. Both of them look to the cake, then back at each other, before snorting and charging. They collide, Princess Celestia's horn narrowly missing Pinkie's head as a localized cloud of dust forms around them. Pinkie Pie seems able to hold her own by the existence of more limbs than an earth pony is commonly agreed to have, while Princess Celestia seems to be holding back, her horn remaining unpowered. 

After ten seconds of roughhousing Pinkie Pie is ejected from the dust cloud towards the table. The cloud clears, revealing the Princess raising a hoof, "Huzzah! Victory is mine!"

She gasps as Pinkie Pie slowly gets up, the earth pony standing on two legs and raising her hooves to her muzzle, "I didn't hear no bell," before weaving back and forth. Princess Celestia mimics the two legged stance, raising her hooves, before Pinkie Pie turns and scarfs down half of the remaining cake and makes a mad dash to the kitchen.

"Thief! Vagabond! Come back, you, you violator of the sacred field of cake boxing!" Princess Celestia gives chase, leaping over the table as the collected ponies turn to Princess Cadance.

"So," Rarity says, "Tell us about this pony!"

Princess Cadance smiles, "Well, we were both attending Canterlot Academy when we first met. I was going there while completing my Friendship Lessons for Princess Celestia. I had already ascended at the time, of course, and did my best to downplay my being a Princess and instead tried to fit in as anypony else would. I first noticed Shining Armor when he dropped his Ogres and Oubliettes books and I helped him pick them up."

Rarity titters, "Oh, did you know Doug also plays? Or, at least, a different version of the game. Maybe you should have him over, I'm sure Doug could whip up a character for him!"

"Oh, that would be fun, wouldn't it? At the time, I didn't know how much he was into those games." Princess Cadance smiles, looking at Princess Celestia as she walks back into the room carrying Pinkie Pie in her magic.

Princess Celestia drops an immobile Pinkie Pie onto her chair, taking a seat on top of her, "Have at thee, royal rump warmer! This is your punishment for eating cake that is rightfully ours!" Princess Celestia looks at Princess Cadance, smiling, "Yes, he was quite the geek then. Oh, listen to me; he still is."

Princess Cadance laughs, "Yes, he is. He managed to get up the courage to invite me to play, and I did, but his friends were just so in awe! Like they couldn't imagine him ending up with a mare like me. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself; that part didn't happen until later, once we were together. Let's see; at the time, I didn't know that he was involved in the royal guard, so my first impression of him was this gentle giant of a stallion who was so afraid to move around, like he might hurt somepony just by bumping into them. You see, he had to go through the earth pony section of the guard training in order to eventually qualify for captain, so he had some impressive muscles under his coat that he did his best to portray as, how shall I say, a little extra to grab onto."

Applejack remarks, "Yeah, sounds like Big Mac; he can pull a house by himself if he has the mind to, but you won't see him challenge anypony to a wrestling contest."

Princess Cadance smiles, "Yes, that does sound like Shiny. Never was the instigator of anything, barely even stood up for himself. I mean, we eventually went to a dance together where he asked me out, but that is a story for another time."

Rarity pouts, "Aww, but we have time now!"

Princess Cadance rolls her eyes, "Oh, fine, but there really isn't much to tell. Shining Armor thought I was going to the school dance with another stallion, so he never asked me. I thought he was busy or not really interested; I had been delaying this other stallion that asked me, but Shining never came around. I eventually said yes to this other stallion who kept pestering me over and over. I later grilled Shiny's sister for information, and made her promise not to tell him about the incident. And she wouldn't break a promise."

From underneath Princess Celestia comes a muffled sentence, indecipherable except the last word, "Forever!"

Princess Cadance continues, "Later, at the dance, I found out that he was, in fact, available and interested. I left my date and went to Shining Armor."

Princess Celestia chuckles, "Yes, I do remember telling you to ditch that stallion you were with the first chance you got."

"I really am jumping around a lot. So, at the start of the dance, the two of us, that is, myself and Buck, the stallion I was originally going to the dance with, we were crowned Fall Formal Queen and King. Which is funny, being a princess already. But, Shining Armor managed to convince the crowd of ponies of Buck's faults, and I gave Shining Armor the crown." The gathered mares beat their hooves onto the floor, Princess Cadance and Princess Celestia smiling at each other. "So, Shining Armor invited me to play a game or two of Ogres with his friends, but you don't want to hear about that."

Doug says, "I want to-" before Rainbow silences him by pushing her mouth against his. Doug's long sigh is only slightly muffled, the pegasus barely able to keep herself from laughing as he changes his sigh into a long kiss.

"Oh, don't mind him," Rarity says, "Tell us more about Shining Armor, he sounds dreamy."

"Every bit and more." Princess Cadance looks up, eyes lost in the ceiling, "His love for me runs deep, as deep as Doug's love for all of you. He truly cares about me and all of the ponies around him, and will make an excellent consort and hopefully sire for our children. Alas, he will not be the first stallion I attempt to foal with. Whether that is for the best, I do not know; however, if I had tried with him, and it did not work between us then, I do not know if any amount of encouragement would have convinced me to try with him again. At the time I tried with the Prince, I did not know about Doug and his, how shall I say, potential. I do believe I ruined the Prince, though, he never was quite the same afterwards. He aspired to be consort with every fiber of his being, and did his best to please me. And he got to touch his dream before it was cruelly taken away from him."

Princess Celestia gives a sad smile, "Yes, I do hope he is able to recover eventually, but it has been years and he is still as reclusive as he was before he attempted with you. But, sister, do not worry about my nephew, and I am sure that we will find a way to make it work between you and Shining Armor."

"Well, Princesses, know we here are glad to give any assistance we can," Applejack says, smiling at the two alicorns. Her voice lowers conspiratorially, "Are ya planning on trying with him soon?"

Princess Celestia interjects, "Speaking of trying soon, it is nearly time." The room goes silent as three sets of eyes light up, all attention focused on Fluttershy. The mare shies away at the attention, hiding behind her mane. Doug rubs her back, the pegasus flinching initially at the contact before cuddling closer to him. A few minutes later and the light in the room winks out, the Princesses returning to their previous positions and Rarity slowly sitting down. Celestia continues, "Fascinating, as always. I believe I am close to something, but not quite there; it may need a little research to the viability. Congratulations, Fluttershy, on your new filly. So, Cadance, you were saying about Shining?"

Princess Cadance shakes her head, "Well, when I applied to join your herd two years ago Shining Armor was just promoted to lieutenant, part of the officer corps program. Princess Celestia hoof picked him to be on the fast track for promotion. I think she had an inkling of what would go on between us, what with how she assigned him to go to Canterlot Academy for additional lessons on the civilian side of things."

"I will neither confirm nor deny my intentions with regards to any ponies, present or not."

"Of course you won't. Now, where was I? Oh yes, so we graduate from Canterlot Academy; Shining had to keep his position in the guard a secret; well, not a secret, or I couldn't tell you, but just not commonly known. Shining Armor hopes to get promoted to Captain of the Guard in the next few years as he continues his training. Once that happens, we are sure to be married, as it would be a little improper for a Princess to get married to a pony of a lower station, even to a rapidly rising star."

Princess Celestia winks, "Not that we would let that stop us, but we might find a way to get them an appointment or advance their career if it were the case. But Shining Armor certainly doesn't need the help, his shield spells live up to his name."

Rarity sighs, looking over at Doug with a dreamy expression on her face, "It must be so nice to be married to your special somepony."

Doug coughs, "Yeah, well, I already told you it already happened and we don't need to go through all that hassle."

Rarity slides over to Doug, putting on her best face, "But, darling, it would be a fabulous opportunity to showcase all of us." As Rarity lists off each name the mare turns to Doug, giving him their widest smile. Even Pinkie Pie, peeking out from under Princess Celestia, "I can make us stand out in beautiful dresses, Applejack can cater the main course while Pinkie Pie handles the party, Rainbow can provide the entertainment, showcasing her moves, once she has recovered of course. Fluttershy provides the music, with a bird choir. Doug, you will just stand there, since that seems to be all you want to do."

The gathered mares laugh, Princess Cadance saying, "That sounds marvelous, Rarity, I just may have to steal all of you in order to pull that off when it comes to my own wedding."

Doug rolls his eyes, "And when you catch the bridal bouquet then we can plan the... rewedding? Maybe marriage celebration that you want to have so badly. Rainbow should be better by then, gives all of you time to prepare, decide if you really-"

Rarity's eyes light up as she cuts him off, "Oh, darling, thank you so much! You won't be disappointed, I guarantee it!" as the other mares gather around, beaming at Doug.

"Well, I can see I'm outvoted here. Yes, it'll be a great party. Woohoo." Doug manages to get as little enthusiasm as possible into his cheer, Pinkie Pie scoffing as she disappears underneath Princess Celestia.

Rarity turns back to Princess Cadance, "So, tell us more, what's he like?"

Princess Cadance giggles, "Well, you know he is a little bit of a nerd." Princess Celestia smirks at 'little', "And he's madly in love with me. And, when you put those two together, he tends to go to outlandish lengths to try to prove this love to me, even though I know he loves me with his whole heart. So, there was one time, he got all of his friends and a few others, I think they were new recruits, to dress up as monsters. Then, he had me dress up in this really tight, form fitting suit. I have no idea how he got my dimensions so exact, or who made it for him, though he probably made it himself. It was mostly blue, and white, and had all sorts of bandages wrapped around my hooves and head. I could barely see out of it! And he dresses in this green tunic, and we wander around 'fighting' his friends. Well, originally he wanted me to be captured by the monsters, but I told him that I thought that he should be the one captured and I would be rescuing him. We decided to run around together then, after that, both of us fighting the monsters and finding pieces of crystal hearts."

"Oh dear, I'm beginning to doubt my earlier idea about inviting him over," Rarity quips.

"Too late, I already heard it." Doug reaches over to scratch Rarity's ears as she rolls her eyes.

"Well, he's always been kind to me. He could stand up for himself a little more, but that could have just been a product of being in a school environment. After all, it wouldn't do to win your schoolyard scuffles by pinning somepony to a wall with a shield, now would it?" Princess Cadance smiles, peering into a glass of apple juice before continuing, "You can't exactly remove the guard training that they made all of us go through. And they don't include many courses on, how shall I say, diplomatic solutions."

Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance stand, a brief bow to the assembled mares. Princess Celestia says, "Well, my little ponies, it has been wonderful, as always. Thank you again for your assistance."

"Of course, your highness, we're always glad to offer our help, however you need it." Applejack looks over at Fluttershy, the pegasus returning a shy smile, "Do, uh, do you think you'll need to visit us again? It's been a pleasure having you here."

"I believe so; after observing you and your foal today, I believe that it would very likely work between Doug and either myself or Cadance. And if the foals turned out low powered, which they likely would - well, low powered for an alicorn - it would correct in a generation. However, as we know that is not your, or even our, at this point, preferred solution, I think a bit more research is in order." Princess Celestia winks at Applejack and Doug, "Let us know what, if any, decisions you make in that regard." The gathered ponies wave, heading to bed while the Princesses stand.

"Good night, my little ponies." Princess Celestia gives a short bow as three mares walk out of the room. Fluttershy pauses, looking back at Doug with a smile and rubbing her belly before she leaves, leaving Rainbow quietly snoring in Doug's arms as he stands.
> 10 A Vision of Ice and Fire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 5th, 996

Rainbow Dash looks at the course ahead of her. The weather today calls for scattered clouds over Ponyville. The placement really doesn't matter, so she has rearranged them into a rough simulation of a race course. The clouds serve as her pylons and gates, the areas she needs to pass through in order to complete one circuit of the course. Total length: about two miles.

It isn't anything like the real thing at the Wonderbolt Academy, of course; the wind generators and lightning coils that the Academy incorporates makes the experience much more akin to actually flying through a thunderstorm. The ice and lightning filled stormclouds mess with your sight, making it nearly impossible to tell how far away you are until you burst headfirst into one. You have to navigate by instinct, reflexes, and pure talent.

Things Rainbow Dash is going to prove she has today. Scootaloo is perched on a cloud nearby, watching her dam with bated breath as the filly takes the stopwatch, starting the countdown. The high voice chants, "Ready... Set... Go!"

Rainbow Dash bursts from her starting line, immediately feeling the drain on her magic. She grits her teeth, taking the first turn a little too sharply as she clips into the first cloud pylon. Another strong beat of Rainbow Dash's wings propels the pegasus through the air, passing through the second set of cloud gates. She angles upwards, her wings steadily beating as she takes on a bit of an endurance sprint, a climb across the length of the course; she had run out of clouds to make a true slalom section. She pushes her wings to their limit, though the high speed she ends up with makes her downwards turn a little too large as she goes into the dive section.

Rainbow Dash punches directly through the lower cloud; she should have made a sharper turn there, but her acceleration has already started to give out, making the final sprint slower than it should have been. A tear slowly forms in her eyes, blown away by the wind as Rainbow Dash passes the last of the clouds she had set up for her course.  But, she sighs to herself as she slows down, it's not going to matter. Not this time. And after all the effort she put in for the last five years... well, really, more like her entire life. All that effort, wasted down a storm drain, due to a series of mistakes and unfortunate events.

The letter has already been sent. She just set this up on a whim, to see if maybe she could pull out another miracle; find that, yes, she really did have the power inside her all along! But, alas, life can't be just like the story books her parents read her, about the little pegasus that could drag all the clouds up the mountain. Rainbow Dash doesn't need to look at the stopwatch. Seventy seconds. Seventy tail pulling seconds on a course that she should have finished in ten seconds flat.

Rainbow settles down on one of the clouds, resting her head on her hooves. She suppresses the sniffles she feels coming on; she isn't going to cry, not now. Not with the reason she is having this difficulty watching her, barely able to flit from cloud to slightly lower cloud. She watches with red rimmed eyes as Scootaloo slowly makes her way towards her, having to pause at every cloud to rest her tired wings. But, Rainbow smiles to herself, her filly is making it. Slowly but surely, she is making her way towards her.

Scootaloo stops at the closest cloud to Rainbow, looking up the three insurmountable feet at her dam. "Big Sis! That was so cool! How you flew from one cloud and around another cloud and then you went up really fast and then zoomed back down!"

Rainbow chokes back a sob, grimacing; what kind of filly is she raising, that thinks a seventy second time on a beginner level obstacle course is cool? She was beating this time back when she was Scootaloo's age, give or take a year!

"Mama?"

Rainbow forces a smile on her face as she takes off, landing next to Scootaloo. She flinches as her wing twinges, sore from the exertion, "Yeah, squirt? What's up?"

A brief hesitation before Scootaloo continues, "Oh, um, you just seemed sad, you know, like you hoped you could do better."

Rainbow looks away, focusing on the clouds slowly drifting away from each other, "Yeah, Scoots. I guess I am a little sad. Used to be able to do this course a lot faster."

Scootaloo looks down at her own hooves, then back at the cloud twenty yards away that she had last been sitting on. "And it's my fault too, isn't it? If I wasn't around-"

"HEY!" Rainbow shouts, pointing a hoof at Scootaloo, "I don't EVER want to hear you blame yourself! For that or for anything else!" Rainbow frowns as a tear forms in Scootaloo's eyes, the filly quivering as she looks down again. Rainbow moves a hoof over, rubbing Scootaloo's back while saying in a softer voice, "Hey, Scoots, I'm sorry for yelling at you, it's not your fault. You were trying to encourage me, and I took it the wrong way."

Scootaloo continues staring at the cloud they are sitting on. Rainbow sighs, wrapping her filly in her forelegs, "What do you say we go into town, Sis, find something to take your mind off of this?" At the filly's slow nod, Rainbow smiles, "Alright, hop on, the Rainbow Express is heading to Ponyville!"

Scootaloo climbs up Rainbow's side, holding onto her neck as Rainbow jumps off the cloud. She begins plummeting, picking up more speed than she knows is safe, but she needs this. The wind on her face, blowing harder and harder and drowning out Scootaloo's excited scream. Rainbow Dash smiles as she very gradually shallows out her descent, keeping the acceleration as low as she can. Soon, they are zooming over Ponyville, their destination passing below them. Scootaloo wraps her forelegs tightly around Rainbow as they begin a slow turn, a large spiral as their speed slows.

The two pegasi land outside Barnyard Bargains, an excited filly leaping off of Rainbow and prancing around, "That was awesome! I've never flown that fast before! Well, not since you took me to Canterlot, but still! That was so cool!"

Rainbow smiles, rubbing a hoof through Scootaloo's mane as she breathes heavily, "Yeah, squirt, that was pretty fun. Now, let's go find you something inside, alright?"

Scootaloo stops her prancing, "Okay!" The two head inside, looking around at the scattered aisles. Some contain shelves displaying food and drinks, others racks of gardening tools and bags of seeds with pictures depicting the vegetable or flower inside. Scootaloo, however, is drawn to the vibrantly colored toy section. She runs in, glancing from brightly colored balls to sparkly gallons of paint labeled 'New Style - Glitter Paint!'. Her eyes, however, focus on one item in particular as she makes her way further down the aisle.

"Good evening, Rainbow Dash. How are your wings doing?" Filthy Rich confidently strides up to Rainbow Dash, the brown earth pony running a hoof through his slicked back hair.

"Evening, Filthy. They've, uh," Rainbow glances backwards, "They've been better."

"Oh, please, Rainbow, call me Rich. Well, I do hope you feel better, I've missed seeing my favorite pegasus up in the air, practicing her moves." He turns, giving a startled look at Scootaloo as she drags a brown wooden board with four tan wheels. "Uh, miss, is that what you wanted?"

"Yup!" Scootaloo exclaims, hugging the wooden board, "It's perfect!" She puts the board down on the ground, resting her back two legs on it. She lifts one of her front legs, the board beginning to roll out from underneath her. Her wings flap, pushing her body forward. "Wua-whoa!" she lets out as she rolls forward, wings flapping faster but merely propelling her into one of the display cases.

Rainbow Dash and Filthy Rich wince, turning their heads and raising hooves to ward away the debris. A few balls and plushie dolls fall down around the filly who awkwardly rubs a hoof against her head. "Hey, now," Filthy Rich says, "Let's try to keep the roughhousing in the store to a minimum, please." Hey leans in towards Rainbow, whispering, "Are you sure? That's a unicorn toy, for practicing come to life spells and learning about pushing things. I ain't seen a pony riding one before."

Rainbow nods, a smirk growing on her face, "Oh, I'm with Scootaloo. It's perfect. Although, I think she might need some hoofbars, you know, something to hold onto. And a good helmet."

Filthy Rich nods as Scootaloo tries to get on the board again, "Eyup, I can see that. Make a nice, um, scooter for little Scootaloo." He walks forward, "Hey, Scootaloo, let me help you with that. I've got the perfect addition in mind!"

Scootaloo hops off the board, narrowly averting a second disaster. Filthy Rich takes the board, carrying it under one foreleg and walking, a practiced three legged gait to the back of the store. Rainbow Dash moves over, putting a hoof on a slightly crestfallen Scootaloo, "Don't worry, he'll be right back. Now, what do you think about getting a helmet for you and your sisters? You know they're also going to want a ride!"

"Oh, yeah, they'll be so excited!" Scootaloo immediately perks up, dashing back to the toy section. Rainbow watches with a smile on her face as Scootaloo looks around for a filly sized helmet, a drilling sound coming from the back of the store. Minutes later she emerges, a purple helmet with two white racing stripes on top of Scootaloo's head. She passes the other two helmets to Rainbow Dash, who tosses them onto her back, held between her wings. The two walk up to the register, debating which filly will like which helmet; Scootaloo thinks Apple Bloom will want the green one, but Rainbow Dash is convinced they'll fight over who gets the blue one.

Filthy Rich returns a minute later, holding the brown scooter. He has drilled a hole in the front of the board, bolting a 'T' shaped metal rod to serve as hoofbars. "There you go, little filly. Did you find all that you were looking for?"

The two pegasi nod, Rainbow Dash nervously leaning over the counter, "Hey, uh, I kinda left my bits at home. I don't suppose you can?"

Filthy Rich winks at Rainbow Dash, "Oh, don't worry about it, Rainbow, I know you are good for it. Go on, take it; have fun and stay safe, you hear!"

Rainbow smiles back at Filthy Rich before turning to her filly. Scootaloo is already climbing onto it, testing out the hoofbars. Rainbow smiles, rolling her eyes a little as she says, "Now, Scootaloo, no riding around inside!"

"Aww, but I'll be careful!" Scootaloo tries her best puppy dog face, the hint of a tear forming in one eye, but Rainbow is having none of it.

"You heard me! Outside, then we'll race to the park!"

"Ugh, fine!" Scootaloo awkwardly drags the scooter outside, dropping it on the ground and hopping on. She makes a revving sound with her wings as she climbs aboard, balancing all four hooves on the sturdy wood.

"Readysetgo!" Rainbow Dash exclaims as she watches Scootaloo, making sure the filly is ready. They both set off with determined looks in their eyes, racing down the streets. Rainbow grits her teeth as she realizes that Scootaloo is ahead of her, swiftly taking flight though her speed seems anything but; she must still be exhausted from the race earlier. She watches as the filly picks up speed, her wings blurring as they push her forward. Rainbow gives a cheer as Scootaloo hits a ramp, though it turns to a gasp as the scooter slowly turns to the side.

Scootaloo braces herself as the scooter hits the ground sideways, the filly rolling through the streets as the scooter crashes underneath her. Rainbow flies over to the fallen pegasus, cradling her filly in her arms. Scootaloo coughs once, looking around in a daze. "Hey, squirt," Rainbow smiles as Scootaloo focuses her eyes, "Next time, remember you can fly your scooter the direction you want, just grip the front a little tighter and twist."

"Oh yeah," Scootaloo weakly replies, "I'll have to try that next time."

"Or, you know, just let go and fly to safety. You're way more valuable than the scooter." Rainbow gives Scootaloo a quick nuzzle, "Now, up and at em, I've had worse crashes than that when I was a filly and I got right back up!"

Scootaloo grunts, slowly pushing to her hooves, "Yeah, when the going gets tough, the tough don't notice!"

Rainbow nods, smiling at her, "'Cause they have hard shells."

Scootaloo picks up her scooter, one of the wheels wobbling a little bit. She sets it back down, brushing a bit of the dirt off of her and breathing out. "Okay, Scoots, you got this," she says to herself, putting her hind legs on the wooden board. She grins up at Rainbow Dash, "Readysetgo!"

The two race off again, a little slower this time as Scootaloo weaves her way between the ponies walking along the street. Rainbow can feel the strain on her wings, but especially on her magic, but it feels so much better, so much more natural. Like it is what she is meant to do; she loves the speed, the competition, a delicious breath of fresh air compared to the control exercises she has been forcing herself through for the past three months.

They make their way to one of the parks on the outskirts of Ponyville; she shouts, "Come on, Scoots, you can't just let me win!" Rainbow spots a certain orange maned pegasus out of the corner of her eye as she crosses the park boundary; she gives a reserved happy dance as Scootaloo catches up to her, the filly breathing hard as her wings beat at a slow pace.

"But, Sis," Scootaloo says, rolling her eyes at her dam's antics, "What if I fall off again?"

Rainbow stops dancing, moving over and nuzzling Scootaloo. She tenderly strokes the purple mane to the side, looking into Scootaloo's eyes, "Falling's a part of life, Sis. What matters is that we pick ourselves back up and try again." Rainbow backs up a little, "But, I might need to teach you how to crash though; it's important not to tense up, better off being relaxed and rolling with it instead of trying to stop yourself completely." She moves a little closer, her voice dropping to a whisper, "Now, just between us, I'm getting a little tired, so why don't you do a couple laps around the park while I regain my strength, okay?"

As Scootaloo smiles and rides away on her scooter Rainbow lets out a quick breath, a muttered, "Omygosh omygosh omygosh!" as she prances. She takes a quick look behind her; yes, it is true! Captain Spitfire is here! "Wait", she says to herself, "Does that means that Spitfire got the letter? Why would she be here, then?"
> 11 Fire from the Sky
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash looks away, her excitement building more and more as Captain Spitfire flies closer. She tries to keep her composure, her inner fanfilly screaming at her to begin dancing again as Captain Spitfire lands behind her, the yellow pegasus wearing a tan aviator jacket. "Evening, Rainbow Dash." Omygosh! It is true! She is here to see her!

Rainbow casually turns, doing her best to project an aura of awesome coolness, "Evening, Captain Spitfire. Long ways from the Wonderbolt Academy; what brings you to Ponyville?" 

"Oh, you know," Spitfire tosses her two tone orange mane seductively, "Just got back from banging your stallion." Spitfire rolls her eyes, holding up a letter in her hoof, "I ca-"

"OMYGOSH!" Rainbow claps her hooves to her face, pulling down her eyelids, "Really? Ahhh, and I told him I wanted to watch!" Rainbow snorts, looking back to Sweet Apple Acres. "Ah well, he can always tell me about it. Ooh, maybe next time he'll be okay if I join in!"

A raspy voice tries to get her attention, "Dash."

Rainbow Dash puts a hoof back on the ground, the other one against her chin as she mulls over the possibilities, "So, what position did you start in? Classic?" She puts her front hooves on the ground, forelegs slightly bent while her hind legs stand straight. She glances back at her raised flanks, "Nah, he doesn't like that as much. But he might do it if you were  uncomfortable. Foaling?" Rainbow rolls to her side, one back leg lying on the ground while the other raises a few inches. Spitfire gives a long sigh, putting one of her hooves over her eyes as Rainbow continues, "That's a bit more adventurous. Would that be more up your alley for the first time?"

The Wonderbolt is slightly louder this time, "Rainbow."

"He really likes 'F' to 'F'; you know, face to face," Rainbow rolls on her back, legs spread wide, "But that can be pretty weird, definitely not for the first time. Not what you would be expecting. Though he doesn't mind face to face with the mare on top." Rainbow's rolls back over, standing up as she says, "Omygosh, what if it isn't the first time?" Her front hooves go to her mouth, pushing her lips together as her voice goes up an octave, "That would be So Awesome!"

"Rainbow Dash!" Spitfire shouts, standing as tall as she can and glaring down at the cyan pegasus.

A smirk crosses Rainbow's face, "Maybe you-" before she notices Spitfire's stern expression, her grin turning sheepish as she rubs the back of her head.

"And here I thought the Prankster of Ponyville could recognize a joke." Spitfire stares at Rainbow Dash, raising the letter, "Because that's what I thought this was."

Rainbow's face falls as she recognizes the letter in Spitfire's hoof, "Oh. So, you didn't do anything with Doug."

Spitfire smirks, winking at Rainbow Dash, "Trust me, Dash, if something happens between me and Doug, you'll be there. I've been waiting for three years to pay you back for that comment; my ears aren't that old." She shakes the letter back and forth, "Now, you care to explain to me what this is?"

Rainbow Dash sighs, her frown still on her face, "It's my letter telling you that I won't be trying for the Wonderbolts any more. I thought I was pretty clear about that, you know, in the letter."

Two yellow hooves go to the sky as Spitfire gets in Rainbow's face, "Oh, and what horrible thing happened that you, one of the most promising fliers we've ever had, that made her decide that she isn't good enough to even apply to become a Wonderbolt?" Spitfire increases her glare at Rainbow, stepping forwards as Rainbow Dash slowly backs up. Rainbow sits down, Spitfire looming over her and staring down.

Rainbow looks to the side, trying to hide her face and lowering her voice as Scootaloo rides by, the filly slowing down as she gets in earshot. "It's... it was..." Rainbow looks over at Scootaloo as the filly slowly pushes the scooter closer, sighing, "Dark magic. Basically knocked out my magic, entirely. Had to start over from scratch; I'm flying at a 25k level, now."

Spitfire's stare at Rainbow lightens before she moves closer. She nudges Rainbow, muzzle to muzzle, before they both lay down in the shade of one of the trees. Spitfire reaches a hoof towards Rainbow, saying, "Well, that was... unexpected. You want to talk about it?"

A cyan hoof meets the yellow one, "Well... not really, but I probably should, you know?" Rainbow smiles as Scootaloo comes closer, the filly dismounting from her scooter and walking over, sitting next to her dam. Rainbow rubs the filly's head as she pulls her close, "So, end of last year, I got involved in something that I probably shouldn't have been, it backfired. The doctors who rescued me weren't able to close off the wound in my magical core, not initially. With Princess Celestia's help they ended up buying enough time to induce a coma and hook me up to some life support something or other, so I didn't die from thaumic deprivation. Once I was completely empty they were able to seal the wound. I'm slowly regaining it, but it's going to be a long time before I'm ready again."

Captain Spitfire looks down at Scootaloo, a cross between a worried stare and a conspiratorial gaze as she moves closer and her voice lowers, "Is this, how shall I say, is this going to come back to you? As in, do I, as Captain of the Wonderbolts, need to worry about somepony finding out?"

Rainbow Dash shakes her head, "No; Princess Celestia knows, a bunch of doctors, the rest of Herd Apple, maybe a few ponies on the weather squad. No idea who else, though a lot those ponies might not know the dark magic part, just that something happened, and not much besides dark magic can really do this." She looks down at Scootaloo, slowly stroking the purple mane, "I did it for this little squirt here. The ritual transferred some of my magic to her, so that she could fly. Thought it was going to be safe, but things went wrong, and here I am."

Spitfire nods, moving away to a more comfortable distance, "Good, because I heard some rumors about something happening to a certain pegasus, but I didn't want to fly to any conclusions. So, you said your magic was completely knocked out, as in, to nothing? Newborn foal? And you've gone from flying at a 30k level, a true beginner, to flying at 25k in three months?"

A slight shrug, followed by a nod from the cyan mare, "Well, maybe three and a half months, but yeah. Could barely even move my muscles, much less fly, when I first woke up. Next day I was able to lift myself, and the day after that I tried to practice using some of Fluttershy's techniques for slow flight; she has really good control, but her power is low. I thought, you know, I might be able to do a passable job with that, but I just wasn't making a lot of progress. I'm still trying to use her techniques, but I'm having a really hard time with it. Not seeing a lot of progress, that is."

"Still, most pegasi take a year to advance one k, the best new fliers doing two k a year, and you're doing it in a month. Or less. A couple years from now, you'll be back to flying where you were before, about a six dan A, right?"

"Well, if that keeps up, sure." Rainbow sighs, her head sinking to her hooves, "But it's been really frustrating, you know. I feel like I'm reverting back to Junior Speedsters, and I'm Rainbow Crash again. All speed, no control. And there is no way I'm going to get into the Wonderbolts in a month, flying like that."

"Well, Rainbow, what is your goal? Is it to become a Wonderbolt in a month?" Rainbow starts to nod, but catches herself as Spitfire continues, looking in the direction of the Academy, "Or is it to become a Wonderbolt? Because those aren't the same thing." She turns her head back, watching Rainbow's reaction.

"Well, I've always wanted to be a Wonderbolt. I've wanted that my whole life, you know?" Rainbow smiles as she looks over at Spitfire, "I've had posters of you girls in my room since I was a filly! Well, maybe not you, heh, since you're only a couple years older than me. And then I transferred out to work weather while you continued on the fast track to the Wonderbolts." A distant look works its way into Rainbow's eyes as she reminisces about what could have been.

"Heh, Fleetfoot and I couldn't stand you back then, you know. This uppity little youngster, faster than she has any right to be, as long as she was going in a straight line." Spitfire winks at Rainbow, the cyan pegasus giving a short chuckle.

"Heh, yeah, that was totally me back then. Thought I was so awesome, so happy that I could go so fast, and crashing everywhere else. It's just, with this, I was so focused on trying to make it happen this year that I tried to work on my control, hoping to get a passing grade that way. And it was really tough, still is, and felt like I was taking two flaps forward, one flap back."

"It being tough and you feel like you aren't making progress - that's normal, Dash." Spitfire reaches a hoof out again, meeting Rainbow's and briefly smiling before adopting a stern expression, falling back into more of her drill instructor voice, "If all you practice is getting your control back, sure, you'll fly better, but for how long? If your power keeps on increasing this rapidly you're going to lose all that time you spent practicing. It's like you practiced the timing for a fog course, where you can't see the upcoming curves or obstacles and must anticipate when you're supposed to make each turn, and then your speed doubles. Or even increases twenty percent, and now your timing is all off and you need to relearn everything."

Rainbow nods, "You know, that's a really good point. I hadn't thought of that, 'cause my speed has always come so naturally to me; all I ever had to work on was control. Once this happened to me, I figured all I had to do was work on control again, and everything would be fine." She sighs, looking down at her hooves, "Guess I need to change my game plan, huh?"

Spitfire smiles, "Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you. You might still want to work with that herdmate of yours anyway; Fluttershy, right? If just to make sure your control doesn't revert too badly." She pats her hoof on Rainbow's, "Now, need anything else? Because I'd really like to burn this letter and forget I ever saw it."

Rainbow grins, "Heh, yeah, you can do that. Like you said, it'll be a couple years, at least, but you can count on seeing me again!" She rubs the back of her mane, "Though, I wouldn't mind if you could give me a few pointers on speed exercises, ways to train to go faster."

"Sure, Rainbow Dash, I'll send a packet with a few of the routines we use." The two sit in silence for a few seconds; Rainbow has a contented smile, enjoying the company, while a grin slowly creeps over Spitfire's face. "So, is Doug free tonight?"

Rainbow rolls her eyes, "You realize, I know you're joking, but I really, really wish you weren't."
> 12 The Silverwood
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 7th, 996

Outside the red and white wooden schoolhouse sits a smattering of mares. Some are watching the sky, idly wasting away the last moments before they will, once again, be subject to the whims of those they brought into the world. Or their herdmates did, at least. Two pairs are chatting with each other, spread out and discussing the weather, the crops they are planting and should plant, and how their foals are doing. The last, a silver earth pony, is sitting in the shade, reading a book as two young foals, one silver and one brown, alternate between frolicking around the grass and quietly clambering over their dam.

The bell above the Ponyville schoolhouse rings, a warning to all nearby ponies to pack up what they are doing and prepare for the inevitable rush of fillies from the front doors. The oldest fillies file out first, the eldest about eight years, all with cutie marks. They fan out and make their way in twos and threes, a few waiting for a younger sister. Next up is the middle class, about six years old. A few in this age group are missing their cutie marks but they are by far the minority. Most of these ponies find a mare and herd up, a few groups leaving.

Silver Set stands as the last group, the fillies four years and younger, exit the schoolhouse. Barely any of these fillies have their cutie marks, but they all seem happy nonetheless. She smiles at Diamond Tiara, her lead mare's filly, and Silver Spoon, her own. The two fillies walk straight to Silver Set, laughing to themselves about something or other. "Alright, Silver Hoop, Silver Stud, you two need to come along." The two foals stop playing out in the grass, walking over to their dam as Silver Set takes a look around. Most of the other mares and fillies have left the area, leaving a group of three young fillies walking along the road by themselves.

Silver Set looks around for any of the Apple herd; normally, Fluttershy or Applejack would be waiting for them, or at least Pinkie Pie. When she doesn't spot anypony, she walks up behind them, her four fillies following her closely. She clears her throat, saying, "Excuse me? Apple Bloom?"

The trio stops, turning and looking up; Apple Bloom says, "Hi, Silver Set. Good afternoon!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo glance at each other, slightly confused as to why the mare has come up to them.

"Good afternoon, Apple Bloom. And Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo." Silver set looks around again, making sure she didn't miss some pegasus hiding in the trees or the sky, "Do you not have somepony coming to pick you up?"

The trio glance at each other, shaking their head before Apple Bloom says, "We're meeting up with Daddy at the park outside of town, by Sweet Apple Acres. Why? Are you heading that way?"

Silver Set looks over the four fillies following her. "Well, I suppose we can walk along with you, if you don't mind."

"Oh, it's not a problem at all, right girls?" Apple Bloom looks over to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, the two giving unsure nods. The eight ponies start walking along, mostly sticking to their previous groups and chattering among themselves.

They reach the park and Silver Set immediately spots Doug by the lack of other ponies playing nearby. The human is sitting by a tree, two saddlebags by his side and a book of some sort in his hand. He is engrossed in his reading as two small foals play nearby, fascinated by the grass and dirt around them. A blue ball sits next to him; the yellow foal will occasionally run up to it and knock it around, but quickly forgets about it and goes back to her brown sister.

Apple Bloom shouts, "Daddy!" as she canters forward. Her two sisters move quickly to keep up. Doug looks up, waving at the three. He extends his wave as he spots Silver Set and her pack of fillies, the five of them continuing closer. He sets aside his notebook as each of his three fillies stop next to him, nuzzling against his hands as he scratches their heads. Their greeting complete, the trio dash towards the blue ball; Scootaloo makes it there first, kicking it with her hoof as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle give chase.

"Good afternoon, Doug," Silver Set says, moving over to Doug. He raises a hand in greeting, the silver mare dropping her saddlebags to the ground and sitting down in the sun, a body length from the human. "I hope you don't mind, but I walked them here." Diamond Tiara rolls her eyes, sitting down while Silver Spoon watches the trio scamper around.

"Afternoon. No, I don't mind at all; I'd be there to pick them up, but Mayor Mare asked me not to. Said a few of the other ponies complained, and I didn't want to be disruptive, so here I am. Miss Cheerilee knows as well, and the walk isn't terribly long for them." Silver Set nods as Silver Hoop and Silver Stud push into her stomach. She rolls her eyes, rolling to her side.

"Um, Mama, can we go play with the ball?" Silver Spoon asks, looking at the trio. 

"Yes, dear. If you want to play, Diamond Tiara, you may as well. Remember to share!"

"Come on, DT, let's go!" Silver Spoon says, getting to her hooves. Diamond Tiara reluctantly gets to her hooves as well, but moves with a little more haste as the sounds of suckling come from Silver Set.

"So," Diamond Tiara asks as she gets closer, "What are the rules?"

"Rules?" says Scootaloo, "What rules? We just kick the ball."

Diamond Tiara huffs, "Well, you have to have rules."

"No you don't."

"Fine." Diamond Tiara runs up, kicking the ball as hard as she can. The ball flies into the sky, a good fifteen yard kick. Scootaloo gives chase while Sweetie Belle glares at Diamond Tiara, the pink earth pony retorting, "What? You said there aren't any rules." 

Sweetie Belle says, "Well, you aren't supposed to kick the ball that hard!"

“Well, maybe somepony should have told me that.” Diamond Tiara smirks as she haughtily looks up into the air.

Sweetie Belle snorts, pawing the ground as Scootaloo returns, slowly dribbling the ball. Apple Bloom quickly gets between Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara, saying, “Well, um, if you want to have rules, Daddy told me about a game he played. So, hmm, so we need to split into two teams.”

“How are we going to do that?” Diamond Tiara asks derisively, “There are five of us. The teams would be uneven!”

“Oh. Um. Maybe… okay, I got it!” Apple Bloom looks at Scootaloo, “I’m going to need two sticks, about as tall as we are.”

“On it!” Scootaloo dashes away, quickly returning with two long sticks in her mouth. She brings them over, dropping them at Apple Bloom’s hooves.

Apple Bloom looks at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, “Okay, we need to put these sticks in the ground, about ten feet apart.”

Diamond Tiara scoffs, “What are you looking at me for? I would think you should do that, you have lots of experience digging holes.” Silver Spoon rolls her eyes, looking away from Diamond Tiara. Sweetie Belle slowly shakes her head as Apple Bloom gives an exasperated look.

“Fine.” Apple Bloom digs one of the holes, a look of surprise on her face as Silver Spoon picks up one of the sticks, placing it in the hole and helping Apple Bloom stomp the dirt back in place. She helps dig out the second hole while Scootaloo grabs the stick, holding it in place as Apple Bloom pushes the dirt around it.

Diamond Tiara walks up to Silver Spoon, whispering, “What are you doing?”

Silver Spoon whispers back, a touch of frustration, “No, DT, what are you doing?”

Their exchange is cut short as Apple Bloom says, “Okay, so the object of the game is to kick the ball between these two sticks. That’s a goal. And the top of the ball has to go under the top of the sticks. Or it doesn’t count. Ah’ll be goalie first, trying to stop you all from kicking the ball in. If you do score, then whoever kicked it in gets to be goalie, and the old goalie takes their place.”

Silver Spoon nods, “So, what’s this game called?”

“Daddy says that the name translates to hoofball, but-”

“What?” Diamond Tiara exclaims, cutting Apple Bloom off, “There already is a hoofball, and this isn’t anything like it.”

“Ah know, Ah was getting to that,” Apple Bloom says, rolling her eyes, “He said the same thing. That most of his world called hoofball, um, hoofball.”

“No,” Sweetie Belle says, “He called it football.”

“What’s a foot?” Silver Spoon asks. "I thought it was just a unit of measurement."

Scootaloo says, “It’s that weird thing on his hind leg, instead of a hoof. The one on his forelegs he calls hands.”

Silver Spoon nods as Apple Bloom continues, “So, he says that his world also has a sport that is called hoofball and that it plays similar to the sport that we call hoofball. There's just this one country or something that doesn't call hoofball hoofball, and that we should use their name, which is soccer."

Scoolatoo says, "Now I'm confused and I think I know what you are talking about."

Apple Bloom shrugs, "Anyway, now we need two teams.”

“I call Diamond Tiara!” says Scootaloo, racing to the ball, “And we get the ball first!”

“Alright, Sweetie Belle, you’re with me!” says Silver Spoon, moving between Scootaloo and the goal.

Doug and Silver Set watch as the fillies start their game, the five chasing the blue ball around. Doug is holding Lemon; the yellow foal is fascinated by the fillies running around. Applebaum is curled against his leg; both foals are quietly sucking on a bottle, sleepy eyes occasionally opening before closing again.

“Well, you certainly have raised some very good fillies, Doug. I was sure that it was going to escalate. Diamond Tiara would get angry and stomp off. Spoiled Rich would then be here, some cross words for you and me.”

“Thanks; I’ve always tried to be accommodating, and they’ve picked up on that really well.” Doug glances down at the two foals nestled between Silver Set’s legs, “So, Silver Hoop and Silver Stud, right?” Silver Set nods, “How did the rest of the herd take it?”

“Oh, Filthy thought it was hilarious. He laughed for a good ten seconds, before saying something along the lines of, ‘I better not see any paperwork until he's fifteen, ya hear?’ I know he's joking, but it was funny nonetheless. Spoiled took it a lot better than I thought; she just asked where I had gotten the names from. I told her it I came up with Silver Hoop, but Silver Stud was from you, and she quieted down after that. I hope it doesn’t come back to bite you or anything, and I’m sorry if it does.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. I would have said something if I didn’t want that to happen.” Doug lies back, his two foals asleep and cuddling between his legs. He grabs his notebook and weather reports as the two watch the fillies play.

Several minutes later and a hungry cry is heard from between Silver Set’s legs, soon joined by a second one. Doug glances over; Silver Set’s teats are on full display as the two foals look up at their dam with large, tear stained eyes. A worried look comes over her face as she reaches for her bag. An unhappy sigh follows soon after as she puts the bag down, glancing down at the two, “I’m sorry, Doug, but I already gave them the extra bottle I had earlier, since I thought we would be heading straight home. It looks like I’ll have to cut this short. And they were having such a pleasant time, too.” She looks over at the fillies, still engrossed in their game as the wailing continues.

“Here.” Silver Set looks over to see Doug holding out two bottles, both about one third full of milk. His two foals are still asleep, though beginning to stir a little from the noise. “I’ve got a little more, in case they wake up hungry.”

Silver Set smiles, getting up and walking to take the two bottles. She lays on her side, her back up against Doug’s leg, as her two foals scamper over. Their cries immediately subside as they grasp the bottles, snuggling up against their dam as they start sucking. “Thank you, Doug; I appreciate it and you can tell they do too.” Silver Set relaxes, her body pressing against Doug’s leg as the two foals settle down.

“Don’t worry about it,” Doug says as he returns to his reports. Silver Set pulls out her book, beginning to read as the four foals soon nap in the warm afternoon sun.

Several minutes later and Silver Set lets out a quiet breath as Doug’s hand rests against her side. She glances over; his eyes are focused on his report, one hand turning the page as his other hand softly presses into her. She closes her eyes, enjoying the contact; if only Filthy did this, but he is always so busy with work. Silver Set smiles as Doug’s hand begins idly rubbing her side, short strokes up and down.

Doug mentally grimaces; the way Silver Set is laying against him doesn’t leave anywhere for his arm to comfortably rest except for on her. Ponies in general seem okay with physical contact, often nuzzling each other in greeting or when saying goodbye. All the mares in the herd love the contact, Rainbow especially, and they generally encourage him to go in herd order to forestall any arguments. And she is the one who initiated the contact, right? He notices his hand is idly rubbing her coat and stops; he is too used to one of his mares laying next to him, usually Fluttershy or Rarity, while he works into the night. And he has a lot of work still to do; three more weather reports to read, and then a full mailbag waiting for him at the farmhouse. Maybe he can get Fluttershy to help him open and sort the letters, once she is done with whatever census she is working on. A soft coo from next to him distracts him from his report; apparently, he has gone a bit further, his hand rubbing the soft hair of Silver Set’s belly.

Silver Set opens her eyes as Doug raises his hand, “Wait,” she says, a hoof raising to his hand, “You don’t have to stop.” Her hoof guides his hand back to her belly, moving it up to her chest and back down to just above her teats.

“Really?”

“Really. A little physical contact is fine between friends. Nothing more than what you would get at the spa.” She smiles as she releases him, his hand continuing to move up and down her belly, “You know, you should get a job at the spa. I’ll be your best customer.”

Doug chuckles to himself, “I already work about seventy hours a week, between helping out Applejack at the farm and weather scheduling. Maybe I can slot you in at some point, a nice private session.”

Silver Set looks up at him, a twinkle in her eye, “Doug! I’m a married mare!” She laughs as Doug pauses in his ministrations, a worried look on his face, “I’m kidding. Well, not about the married part, but that you should worry about it.” She sighs happily as he starts rubbing again, “I may need to get Spoiled to try this. One hour of these hands on her and she’ll have no problem with you.”

“Yeah, that or she’ll accuse me of trying to steal honest ponies from their herd, turning them into my broodmares or something.”

A soft whisper from Silver Set, too low to be heard by Doug, ‘I’d be your broodmare, if you keep up these massages.’

“What was that?”

“Oh, nothing.” Silver Set pushes up against Doug’s leg, the two foals at her side stirring slightly. She closes her eyes, resting against him as he shrugs, picking up the weather reports and finding his place. His hand returns to her belly, idly twisting the thin hair. Light snores soon come from the mare, the foals sound asleep, and the fillies continuing to play their game, gradually getting slower as they wear themselves out.

Soon enough, the five fillies declare the game a success, nopony having bothered to keep score, or even decided how to keep score. They chatter to each other about the cool plays and big whiffs as they make their way back. Doug smiles at the group as they come close; Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon snuggle next to Silver Set, pressing against Silver Hoop and Silver Stud. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo take positions to Doug's left while Sweetie Belle picks her way between his legs and hops onto his stomach. Doug quietly coughs, "Apple Bloom, can you hoof me that?" Apple Bloom looks to her side, grabbing the folder and passing it over before settling down. Doug happily sighs as the ponies press against him, though finding a place to rest his hands proves a little difficult as he tries to get back to reading the reports.
> 13 The Sharpened Blade
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 10th, 996

The loud ring of metal on metal sounds from one of the barns on Sweet Apple Acres, located further back and away from the main drag. Doug had been moderately surprised years ago that the Smith family only had the one small smithy, barely even a furnace, that they used for small repairs. It didn't go as hot as the blacksmith's or the farrier's, but it works for getting the iron plowshares back in shape. Big Mac normally is the one who does the repair work of their tools, firing up the forge and swinging hammer to metal.

Every Apple assists in construction work, but for minor repairs of their existing structures it is sometimes easier to pay one of the unicorns to heat something for a bit of welding instead of taking everything apart, carting it to town or to the 'burn barn', and then taking it back and replacing it where it needs to go. Rarity assists for the smaller pieces, that just need a minor amount of adjustment, or a little help holding everything in place, but she doesn't quite have the oomph a few of the other unicorns have when it comes to fire spells. It pains Applejack every time they have to use magic to fix things, that what they were doing 'weren't natural', but she would go along with it. Begrudgingly. If there is no other option. Which often means Doug helping Big Mac remove and cart the relevant piece to the burn barn.

"No, you want to hit the red part, that didn't sound right."

Doug grunts as he repositions the heavy hammer, striking the softer section of the metal. Big Mac nods at the duller thud, the red earth pony watching Doug as he tries to straighten out the twisted metal, the heavy pony-style gloves making things a little more difficult for the human. It is easier for him than the ponies to work on something delicate, their ability to grab things diluted by the thick material. Their increased strength and stamina, though, tends to let them work the forge easier than he can, especially if they are working on enough things.

Big Mac had been working on plowing one of the new fields to the southeast. It got... well, not quite dangerously close to the Everfree Forest, since the train tracks are in the way of actually trying to plow Everfree land, but still a few stones throw away. Those areas tend to run a little rougher, as if the ground itself isn't quite tame. The plow had hit a snag, some root or rock or a contemptuous essence golem. The sudden stop caused Big Mac to lose his footing, sustaining a nasty gash on his front leg, lending more credence to the golem theory, since there weren't any stones in the area that could have done that.

The earth pony had howled precisely loud enough to get Applejack's attention, and immediately stopped as soon as he knew help was on the way. Nopony questioned this assertion, and neither Applejack nor Big Mac would speak more on the issue. The golem, if there in fact was one, may or may not have been punted far enough into the Everfree Forest that nopony would be finding the gem. If there was a golem to begin with. Doug only knows that not every piece of the plow had been recovered, part of the reason he is here helping repair and replace some of the broken or missing pieces. Fortunately Big Mac isn't permanently injured, but the wound is bad enough to keep him from hard labor.

Big Mac inspects the piece of metal Doug holds out, the stallion holding a bandaged foreleg to his chin. Big Mac nods in approval and looks back to the plow; only two more pieces to go. He winces as he puts his leg back on the ground; fortunately, earth ponies, especially Apple ponies, heal quickly, but it will still be a day before he can get back to plowing the easier sections, and probably two before he tries his hoof at the southeast field again. Doug had expressed a willingness to help out, and had finished most of his other duties around the farm. They would swap it around, have Doug plow one of the new fields, then Big Mac wouldn't fall too far behind.

Doug had readily agreed, so the human will be taking his turn at the plow, just as soon as they finish here. Doug finishes heating the next section, holding the metal on the anvil, stopping at Big Mac's quick, "Nnope." Doug glances over at Big Mac, then back at the metal, and with a sheepish grin flips it over. Big Mac confirms with a nod as Doug begins hammering the next piece, making the bend in the metal sharper instead of hammering it flat.

"So, Big Mac, you, uh, found any mares that you're interested in?"

Big Mac fixes Doug with a hard stare as if daring the human to continue his line of questioning.

Doug, however, remains oblivious as he focuses on hammering, "You know, a lot of the earth ponies in town are pretty cute."

"Nnope."

"Oh? You like some of the pegasi?"

Big Mac huffs, saying nothing, shifting a little as he looks away.

"A unicorn?"

Big Mac's eyes dart back and forth; he raises a foreleg to his mouth, trying to hide a nervous gulp before he sets his composure straight again. "Nn... Nnope."

Doug watches the earth pony as he returns the plowshare to the fire, "Well, I'm not judging or anything. Look at me; I certainly never thought I would end up with a pony before I came here. Much less five." He glances over at Big Mac, the stallion still with a nervous expression on his face. "Is it that important to you? You want me to just drop this?"

Big Mac slowly shakes his head, "It's just..." He sighs, pondering how he wants to phrase his next statement. "Ah want to find somepony who will be happy with me on the farm."

"So, no Aloe and Lotus then? I hear they are, ahem, a package deal."

Big Mac snorts, wincing as he stamps his foreleg to the ground. "Ah ain't dealing with those two, not again."

"Again?" Doug smirks, removing the plowshare from the furnace.

Big Mac stares at Doug impassively, who goes back to reshaping the metal.

"So, you looking to find a mare or two who want to help on the farm like Applejack and I do?"

"Well... Ah suppose that would be nice, but as long as you and Applejack are around here Ah don't think that's needed." Big Mac glances back and forth, "Though, we have a lot of land we ain't using to the full potential."

Doug nods, flipping the plowshare over to even out a section, "What about somepony who would help sell the produce? I rarely see you out there, but I know that's because you like working the fields and dislike working the store."

"Eeyup."

"So, anypony come to mind?" Big Mac stares into space as the sounds of hammering cease, Doug holding the plowshare up to the good one he brought for comparison. He returns it to the furnace, looking over at Big Mac. "I can think of one, well, three. Or maybe more, I don't really keep up with who is dating whom, you know?"

Big Mac smirks, "Is one of them Ms. Swirl?"

Doug nods, "I think she's still a little miffed Pinkie Pie got snatched up before she did. And I know she wants foals, too." He shakes his head, "Or that's what Pinkie says, anyway."

"It would be nice, having somepony dedicated to selling apples and whatnot. But, Ah don't know, we never really... clicked the couple of times Ah've gone into Sugarcube Corner."

"Well, I'd hardly say that Fluttershy and I 'clicked', even after the first date. It took a while to really get comfortable with her, and her with me. But now, she's having a foal, and both of us couldn't be happier."

Big Mac's eyes fall as he sounds a little depressed, "Ee...yup."

Doug glances over as he withdraws the plowshare, slight confusion as he looks at Big Mac. "Is... um..." He pauses, scratching his head with his forearm, the heavy glove depositing soot in his hair, "Did you have feelings for Fluttershy before?"

"Ah... It ain't right, thinking about another stallion's mares that way." Big Mac looks away, trying to focus on anything in the room instead of the human standing in front of him.

Doug slowly nods, "I get that. I'm not worried or anything," Big Mac's eyes narrow as he stares at the wall, "Or accusing you of anything, of course, but I did want to ask you something else." Big Mac turns, the glare in his eyes turning neutral. Doug says, "If a pony lies with another pony, what does that mean?"

Big Mac stares at Doug for a long time before he deadpans, "Ah didn't think Ah'd need to explain the facts of life to you, but here goes."

Doug laughs as he miss swings his hammer, fortunately impacting the anvil instead of his hand. He notices the smirk on Big Mac's face as he says, "Okay, I walked into that one. Maybe I should have been more specific. If a pony is laying down, all four hooves on the ground, and another pony lays down next to them, on their side with their back pressed up next to the first pony's side."

Big Mac looks at Doug, raising an eyebrow, "Ah think Ah follow you, but it might be easier to demonstrate."

"I suppose. You know if Applejack is around?"

Big Mac shakes his head as Doug finishes the plowshare, satisfied with the result. The last plowshare just takes a few hits, not even needing to heat up. "Ah think she's busy with the orchards. Feels like its always apple bucking season around this time of year. So, just lay down on the ground, and show me what it was like. Was it with Pinkie Pie?"

Doug shakes his head, "No, Silver Set." Big Mac raises an eyebrow, but says nothing. "Her foals were crying, and I offered her some of Applebaum and Lemon's bottle, then she lay next to me." Doug sits back against the wall, Big Mac slowly walking towards him. Doug motions with his hand and Big Mac turns around so his head will be laying next to Doug's feet. He looks over his shoulder, Doug nodding, and lays down. His large back presses against Doug's leg, threatening to push him over.

"Like this?"

"Yup, though she is quite a bit smaller than you, so I wasn't pressing up against her as hard."

"Eeyup. It's a fairly innocent position; she don't mean nothing by it, just that she trusts you and is friendly."

"And if my hand happens to rest on her? Or scratch her side and belly?"

Big Mac turns his head, eyes narrowing as Doug demonstrates, "As long as that's all your scratching, but Ah'd be careful there." He turns his head back, resting against Doug's leg. He stiffens for a moment before relaxing as Doug's hand rests on his side, giving a low, quiet moan as the fingers start to rub up and down. He lays still, tongue slowly lolling out of his mouth before his ears perk up.

The barn doors open, Applejack walking through. She spots the two laying down on the floor, a grin spreading across her face as her gaze drifts lower, "Well, Ah knew something was getting hot in here." Big Mac's face turns red, more than his normal coat coloring, stammering a few times as Applejack continues, "Ah know it's not very common, but sometimes a herd does have two stallions in it."

Doug grins, taking his hand away from Big Mac to help contain his laughter. Applejack saunters over, grabbing one of the large sledgehammers along the wall, "Generally they try to take in a few more mares, to try to keep the numbers about where they would be if it weren't for the stallions'... you know... proclivities."

Big Mac's face manages to get close to purple as he shakes his head back and forth, Applejack shushing him with a hoof. She leans in close, "It's okay, Mac, Ah'll be sure to keep my bed separate from yours." She moves her muzzle forward, her hot breath on the stallion's face.

"Nn... you're joking, right, Applejack? Sis?"

Applejack slowly lowers her head, pushing her face into the crook of his neck, taking a long sniff of the stallion's sweat. "Of course Ah am; Ah'd never keep you away from my bed." She winks at Doug, turning and flicking her tail over Big Mac's head before sashaying out the door, closing it behind her.

Doug's discipline fails, bursting out laughing as Big Mac shifts a hind leg and covers his head with his hooves. Doug pushes against Big Mac's barrel as he stands up, leaving the wide eyed earth pony trying to cover himself as he rolls onto his back, his support suddenly gone. Doug busies himself with packing up the pieces of still warm metal, splashing a bit of the water barrel on himself to help with the heat and calm himself down. He begins securing the various pieces of the plow while Big Mac composes himself, slowly getting up.

"Ee... She was joking, right? She don't really think that about us?"

Doug reaches over, patting the stallion's mane, "Nope. She was joking, and she knows that it's really hard to get me. In fact, I'd probably have kissed you if I thought I could keep a straight face afterwards."

"Really?"

Doug nods, "Yup, really. See?" he motions down, "Still limp. Nothing going on between us. I... didn't bother to check you." Big Mac goes red again, somehow managing to not confirm Doug's assertion. Doug laughs, "Kidding, Kidding. Jeez, we might need to tease you more often, I'd hate to see you get this way when the mares really start joking around."

"Nnope."

"Oh, fine." Doug starts dragging the plow outside, "What were we talking about?"

"Ah think we were talking about what kind of mares you were going to ask out, since we'll need a couple more to round out the herd."

Doug grins at Big Mac, "Well played, sir, well played. I guess, I haven't thought too much about it. You know what Spoiled Rich did, right?"

"Eeyup."

"Well, I guess we're what, nearly halfway done with that? Before I can really start courting another mare, if I was in fact interested in any. I figured I would wait, see which ones are still available when the time comes. No sense in pining after a mare when I can't pursue her, just to see her fall into some other stallion's clutches." Big Mac sighs as they walk along the road, "You know I don't hold it against you that you were, or are, interested in Fluttershy, right?"

"Eeyup. It's just, you know, a little hard when every fifth day she comes over here, and Ah know what the two of you are doing. Or when you head over to her place on other days."

Doug nods, "You know, if you got a herd of your own, your own place, it might not bother you as much."

"Or if you got your own place."

Doug nods, "You know, that isn't a bad idea. The farmhouse does get a little crowded, when the whole herd is here."

"Eeyup. Ah still think you're a terrible influence on Applejack, you know."

"Yeah, I know."
> 14 Vital Transformation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Doug stands at the edge of the field, looking around at the bare ground. He grunts, putting his shoulder into the harness as he starts plowing the field, Big Mac walking next to him. The wheat they grow doesn't need a lot of tilling, the ground being fairly fertile and free of rocks or roots. Earth pony magic helps out a lot in that regard too, but the magic can be a little finicky. Specifically, what a pony is doing or thinks they are doing makes a difference, oftentimes a substantial one, to the end result. So merely walking around a field is not enough to really get the magical juices flowing. If one is just doing that, they have to be consciously channeling the magic, which ends up being quite draining. The Apple family has found that plowing a field helps the crops grow abundantly with the main exercise being pulling the plow along, the corresponding mindset allowing the magic to flow freely and relatively effortlessly. And plowing a field is a good practice to have regardless, even if there isn't much to actually clear.

Sometimes they reach these conclusions through trial and error. Sometimes through the result of theorizing, or talking with other ponies about what techniques they use. Other times it is a bit more of a scattershot approach, just doing everything exactly the same as they did last time and hoping the end result is the same.

Doug laughs as he recalls some of Applejack's attempts to get him to 'assist' in their, how shall he call them, rituals. He helps with the redecorating, helping paint circles on the walls where they will store the jam. He hasn't made too much of a point that they could do the same with hanging different pictures or sheets that already have polka dots painted on them. Or just not repainting the room, and having a dedicated polka dot room to store the jam. Sometime he tells himself it's because their way might be the only effective one, and potentially ruining a years worth of Zap Apple Jam isn't worth the risk. Or he doesn't want to get on their bad side, if just for a day, that he somehow knows earth pony magic better than an earth pony.

He doesn't quite have the heart to yell at the glass jars. Though it might be a good place to channel some of the frustrations he feels in regards to the work they do on the farm. He likes the more scientific approach, but with the farm occasionally balancing on a razor's edge, as far as finances go, they can't really afford a year or two of low production. Or, as Applejack warned, losing the effect entirely.

It has happened in the past, but fortunately not to the Apple family here in Ponyville, at least not something significant on their farm. There are stories, though, of one of their ancestors. The 'Pink Lady', as she came to be known, had set up a farm in the back woods of what is now Appleloosa. She, like many of their kin, started growing apple trees, tilling the land and preparing for the coming harvest.

The trees, however, took longer than normal to bear fruit. So, she had tended them carefully, deliberately, keeping away any traces of blight or pest. Finally, the first harvest had come, and the apples had a distinctly pink shine, matching her cutie mark, that earned her the nickname. She had wept tears of joy at the time, as she traveled up and down the rows of apple trees.

The second harvest, however, came with a startling discovery. The trees still bore pink apples, but the flesh inside was pink as well. Some, the trees closest to her when she had started crying, even bore apples with red flesh, the same as her eyes, hidden under the pink skin. The taste was beyond description; Granny Smith, who claimed to have talked to ponies who had tasted it, said it was like comparing Zap Apple Jam to spreading dirt on your bread.

The next year, and 'Pink Lady' went out to harvest her apples. However, she had not shed tears of joy, or tears of sorrow, or really shared any kind of emotion with her trees after the previous harvest. The apples, of course, looked the same. They were the same pink color, the same shape, even the same smell. But the flesh inside, and the taste, was the same as they had been the first year. That is, to say, normal. Common. Mundane.

No matter what she tried: the tears she wept, the joys she shared, the foals she conceived, she was never able to reclaim the magic that had been lost. Rumor was that she even attempted spilling her own blood, but that sounded more like embellishing to mess with the less squeamish than something she actually tried; pony blood was no more special than any other byproduct. She had discovered, in the hardest possible way, that what matters is the emotions and the mindset of the pony involved. One might even say the loyalty or devotion is the most important aspect, and that the land deals with betrayal, even unintentional, most harshly.

And so, the 'Pink Lady' name went down, maybe not in history, but in the back of many an Apple mind, of the danger of forsaking the land and the bounty that it gives. And so go many of Doug's aspirations to test, to predict, to exploit the magic. 

His mare Pinkie Pie certainly bucks any reasonable expectations or explanations, and he gave up trying to figure that out when she told him that she knew something was wrong with him last year when her 'Ear Flop, then Eye Flutter, then Knee Twitch' meant to look out for opening doors, and that his 'magical core' somehow acted as a 'door' that the essences from the crystal had gone through. He supposes it makes sense, from a certain point of view; but, when her tail starts twitching, he dives for cover like everypony else.

"So, Big Mac," Doug asks as he drags the plow around, "This feel like it's working?"

"Eeyup."

"Going to plant today?"

"Nnope."

"Why not?"

Big Mac glares to the side, Doug's habit of asking questions he can't answer with a simple 'yup' or 'nope' making him revert to his old ways. "Ah'm surprised you want to learn so much about pony magic, Doug, seeing as you can't exactly make use of it. As Ah always say, knowledge is all well and good, but not if you can't plow a field with it."

Doug nods as he turns the plow, beginning another line in the dirt, "Well, sure, I won't directly make use of it. But I could help you all figure out better ways, even if I'm just acting as the wall to bounce ideas off of."

Big Mac glances down, the slightly uneven line noticeable to his trained eye. Maybe he needs to let Doug take a turn more often, let the human get a little better grasp on things. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Um, think of it like this. Let's say you are trying to figure out how to do something better, like how to build a barn. Now, you know a lot about building a barn; you know where the joints are going to go, the frame, the walls. Maybe even what color you are going to paint it at the end."

"Eeyup."

"Now, think about what would happen if you try to explain to me how to build a barn." Doug pauses, turning the plow and starting another row. "You can't just say to me, 'lay the frame'. You need to explain, in detail, all the different aspects. And during that explaining process you might realize that there are other things that you could do that might work better, or some steps that you take that are unnecessary. It doesn't matter that I don't know, and probably can't help, you could be explaining to Winona for all that it matters. But you, the one with the knowledge, you are able to spot those areas that can improve."

"Eeyup."

Doug waits a few seconds before he sighs, "So, why do you wait to plant the grain? Or other crops for that matter?"

Big Mac grunts, "Because the ground needs time." At Doug's silence he sighs, "You want the long version?"

"Well, not doing much else out here."

"You know Ah like using this time to think, right?"

"Oh? About what unicorn you want to ask out?"

Big Mac quickly looks left and right as they make another turn, "Well, you see, the ground needs a certain amount of time for the magic we're imbuing to really, um, acclimate. If we go too fast, it doesn't set right."

"What happens if it doesn't set right?"

"Well, hmm, set right maybe isn't the right way of describing it. You see, the earth pony magic is concentrated along where we walk, as we walk with the plow. You would think it would be best to plant right then, because that is where all the magic is, right?"

"Right."

"Well, what happens is the plants do grow well, real well. But only for a few days, and then the magic that we've put into the ground gets used up. And the plants have nothing else to draw from, just the nutrients in the soil. And there ain't much in this soil, not this close to the Everfree."

"Not much at all."

"But, what the Everfree does have is magic. Lots and lots of magic. But, nopony really can access that magic, not directly. It ain't natural, and it ain't tamed to do what ponies want it to do."

"What do you mean it ain't natural?"

"Um... that's a story for a different day, way too long a tangent. Now, as Ah was saying, while nopony can access the magic, we can get the ground to act as a wellspring of sorts. By properly setting up and channeling our magic, of course, and it takes a lot of time and effort. Normally, we only do that when we're making apple trees, and we put extra effort in when we're planting new zap apples."

"The other types of crops don't last long enough?"

"No, it's... Huh."

The two walk along in silence for a while, Big Mac thinking to himself. He glances at the Everfree Forest, then at the ground they are walking along, then to the apple trees. He comes to a halt, Doug stopping a few steps later. The human turns, looking at the stallion as he continues staring at the ground. After a minute Big Mac looks up at Doug, "So, you like experimenting, huh?"

"I guess I do, yes."

"Well, you know my position on ideas."

"Can't plow a field with 'em."

"Eeyup. Well, here's your chance to prove me wrong, Doug. You just gave me an idea Ah can plow a field with. Now, lift that plow up, we're starting over and going slow."

Doug lifts the plow, patting Big Mac on the back, "Mac, I didn't give you anything, you came up with it all on your own. I just helped you think about it a different way. So, what are we doing?"

"Well, you know how Ah told you that the magic runs out when we plant the crops too soon after we plow?"

Doug sets the plow, dragging it through one of the furrows, "Yup."

"Too fast." Doug slows down as Big Mac continues, "So, Ah was doing a similar thing here, but on a slightly longer scale. You see, crops like wheat and corn and flowers, they only last the one harvest. So, the thought goes, you only need enough magic to last the one harvest."

"You have multiple ways of making these nets?"

"You ask too many questions, Doug. Might need to act more like a wall."

"Yes, sir."

"Don't call me sir. Now, yes, we can make multiple kinds of nets, or field weaves. The most basic, of course, is none. Planting right after plowing, just allowing the magic we placed to do its work and then run out. That's if we need immediate food, and works best with grass and hay where the taste ain't the object."

"What about not using magic when plowing?"

"Not using... you mean, like if a unicorn or pegasus did the plowing? Or you?"

Doug coughs, "Or Apple Bloom, depending, but yes."

Big Mac's expression drops, mouthing a silent, 'oh'. He stammers for a moment before looking at Doug, "Ah suppose we might need to do a bit more experimenting, huh?"

"Sure thing, hoss. You were talking about the different weaves?"

Big Mac rolls his eyes at the new nickname, "Eeyup, field weaves. So, Ah guess you have, um, Ah'll call it zero, what you were saying, since we don't have a name for it. Then what we call None, which is when an earth pony pulls and we plant immediately. Next up would be light, or less than one day. Since we're plowing in the afternoon, we would plant either late evening or early morning. That allows some time for the weave to integrate with the surrounding magic, but still keeps a lot of the magic that we put into the ground. Generally, we use that for one time harvests, like corn, flowers, hay."

"So, short term crops."

Big Mac nods, "But, that means that every time we replant, we need to plow. Ah think you know, Ah told you last time, that it's better to plow than to not plow if we're spreading magic. Same with bucking apples; hitting the trees with our hooves actually is good for the tree, as we spread our magic to them, helping revitalize them and get the next crop of apples out quicker. Ah've watched you kick the trees, and Ah'll be honest, Ah'm surprised it works, but it don't do much for the next crop. Me or Applejack have to go back afterwards, give 'em a little special attention, which is why we haven't had you do that in a while."

"Yup. So, replanting?"

"Oh yeah. Um, so, the last one would be heavy. Ah suppose there is another, extra, but we just use that for the zap apples. Nothing else benefits from us going over more than twice. Heavy would be going over the field a second time, which we use for the apple trees. It slows down the rate that the magic flows from the ground to the trees, or in this case the wheat. That means that it won't grow as fast, because the magic that we put in has dissipated, or really, because it has integrated with the magic in the ground. So, this wheat might take longer to grow, but the harvest should be larger."

"So, the hope is that even though you are planting fewer fields the larger yields will compensate?"

Big Mac considers a second before nodding, "Sort of, but Ah don't think it will be enough. Not by itself. The real savings, if we see it, will be with who can do the plowing. In other words, if you plow and plant this field by yourself, on the second harvest, and then we see how well the crops grow. In fact, we should do a second field, and have Apple Bloom plow it. That would be like one of your 'scientific experiments', right?"

"That's right, but, we would need a third field, a control field if you will, that you plow and plant using the same techniques. Heavy weave with you plowing and planting the first and the second crops, that is. It wouldn't be right to compare the heavy fields that we plant to light fields that you plant. The fewer variables you change the better, as it helps isolate what the relevant variables are, or how important each variable is to the final result. Especially if the results you get from the tests are consistent."

"Eeyup. Now, why didn't Ah ask you about this before?"

"Because if you didn't buck me, Applejack would. She still might."

"Ee...yup."
> 15 Lightning Falls
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 20th, 996

Rainbow Dash excitedly floats up and down as she helps strap in a few more suitcases to the top of the wagon. The pegasus is almost to Pinkie Pie levels of enthusiasm, her wings pumping up and down and making it difficult to correctly fasten the straps. She grits her teeth as her wings pull her too far away for the third time, one of the two ropes coming out of her hooves and falling next to Applejack.

The earth pony, strapped in to the front of the wagon, gives an exasperated sigh as she hears the rope fall again, "Fluttershy, could you please help Rainbow? Ah'd like to get back here before moonrise, ya know."

Rainbow Dash huffs, "I got this! Just give me one more chance!" as she zooms down, the other rope still clutched tightly in her hooves. However, she can't slow down fast enough as she grabs the fallen rope and hits the ground, rolling a few times. She snaps back as the other rope goes taut, pulling the pegasus back towards the wagon. The top of the wagon leans dangerously, the many suitcases threatening to topple over.

Applejack feels pressure from an odd angle as the straps holding her tightly to the wagon now work against her. She gives a startled, "Wua-woah!" as her hooves lift from the ground. Rainbow gasps, holding her hooves to try to block the cascade of falling bags as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy rush to her defense.

"Oh, come now, Rainbow Dash, what happened to those exercises you were doing?" Rarity casually asks, her horn flaring and lifting the few suitcases dangerously close to falling. "I thought your control was supposed to be getting better." The wagon load, now less imbalanced, drops back down as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy push against the pile, returning Applejack to the ground. Pinkie Pie helps steady the wagon while Fluttershy checks on Rainbow Dash. Doug walks up, carrying two more heavy trunks that he tries to find a good spot for. He finally decides to just drop them in the spot where he would have sat, resigning himself to the long walk ahead of him. Better than the heavy trunks crushing something else.

"Now, Rarity, Ah'm all for being prepared, but what is all this?" Applejack asks, looking at the additional items she will need to cart around. "It looks like ya packed up half the store for our day trip to the water."

"Oh, please, Applejack, it's only a quarter of the store." Rarity looks around at the annoyed faces of her herdmates as her magic lifts the two pieces of rope to the top of the pile, "What? I might need to change a color here, a cut there, make our outfits look outstanding!"

"Outfits?" Doug asks, helping the five fillies into the wagon. Each clambers up, resting their front hooves on the box rod and looking over Applejack's head at the surrounding area. Rainbow gives Fluttershy a quick nuzzle and takes back off, moving again to the top of the wagon where she manages to tie the ropes together.

Rarity says, "Why, yes, darling, you didn't think we would be going around and swimming... naked, did you?" The other mares roll their eyes as Fluttershy double checks the bindings on the side of the wagon.

"Well, we do just about everything naked," Doug replies, "Why would swimming be any different?" He looks over as they start walking, Rarity's tailstyle doing little to hide the hair on her backside, but nothing else is visible.

Rarity flicks her tail across Doug's flanks as Applejack remarks, "Yeah; Ah go swimming at the pond all the time, and Ah don't wear nothing. Apple Bloom's got those floaters, but that's cause she's having a hard time learning to pony paddle. Miss Cheerilee thinks it's on account of the human part, makes her body denser than ours."

Rainbow sets down next to Doug, peering at the human, "So, you know how to swim, right?" Doug nods as Rainbow continues, "And, do you float?"

Doug shakes his head, "Hence the knowing how to swim. I can float for short periods, while I hold my breath, but otherwise straight down."

"Ah." Rainbow looks around at the others, "Some ponies float really well. Especially pegasi. I heard unicorns and earth ponies sometimes have trouble with swimming, and pegasi are in the air, so you don't see a lot of swimming attractions." Doug nods as they continue walking, Fluttershy coming to rest on the wagon.

Rainbow Dash moves over to the wagon, taking off and slowly flying next to Fluttershy. Applejack glances backwards, "Now, Ah'm fine carting Fluttershy around on account of her being pregnant, but Ah ain't carrying," Applejack does a quick count of the ponies around her, "All ten of y'all. Not that Ah can't, but it'll break the wagon, given how much... stuff Rarity decided to pack."

"My 'stuff' is not junk, Applejack," Rarity retorts.

"Ah didn't say it was."

"Well, you were certainly thinking it. And I don't appreciate the sentiment. Each item has been hoofpicked, in case we run into certain emergencies."

"Like the life preservers? Why would we need life preservers?"

"You know, in case we make it to the river, and as we're leaving the wagon breaks down, so we have to convert the wagon to a raft. We'll each need life preservers then, or we might drown!"

"Doug, a little help?" Doug moves over, massaging Applejack's head as she continues walking along, "You know, Rares, if we didn't pack all those unnecessary items then we wouldn't need all those unnecessary items!"

"Oh, come now, the preservers are only a few pounds each. Besides, we had to bring them for the foals anyway, what's a few more?"

Applejack grumbles to herself as they continue walking along, Rarity levitating over a suitcase. She pulls out a wide brimmed hat, the tan cloth along the sides moving to shade her head. Applejack looks over, a look of confusion on her face as she remarks, "Huh. Ah didn't expect you to have a hat like that, Rares, it's awfully..."

"Oh, I know, it is a bit drab, but I didn't think to spruce it up a little before we came."

"No, Ah was gonna say, it's more practical than what you normally make. And Ah mean that as a compliment."

"Oh, well, thank you dear, it served me well when Doug and I were out in the Badlands."

Fluttershy looks over, "Yes, it does look very nice. Do you think you could make me one?"

Rarity nods her head, a second suitcase slipping from the tower, opening just a sliver, and a piece of light green fabric rolls out. The suitcase pushes its way back in, a second, small bag opening. Thread, needles, and a pink ribbon levitate out before the bag goes back onto the stack. The ribbon wraps around Fluttershy's head, the mare giggling at the touch, as Rarity crafts a hat for her herdmate.

"Yeah, I've had about enough of this," Rainbow says, rolling her eyes as Fluttershy dons the hat. "I'm gonna start practicing a couple of those new exercises. Don't know if I can handle some of the tougher ones yet, so I'm working on a few agility drills while I'm building up." She looks over at Fluttershy, the mare admiring her hat in one of Rarity's mirrors, "Hey, 'Shy, these exercises Spitfire sent have been working really well.  You want to join me?"

"Oh, I don't know, Rainbow, I'm happy just resting here." Fluttershy glowers a little, a little upset Rainbow isn't making more use of her exercises, though she perks up as she watches Rarity tie the ribbon around the outside of the hat.

"Oh, okay then. Hey Doug, you want to do some sprints with me?" Rainbow smirks as she moves over to Doug, dropping to her hooves and she stretching her wings, "They've been going really well, and I'm probably only a little faster than you, so you'll be able to eat my dust instead of just watching it."

Doug shucks off the pack he is carrying onto the wagon, "Oh, you're on, Rainbow!" He does a few leg stretches, then his arms as he slowly jogs past Applejack. 

Rainbow motions to the forest to their left, "Alright, we go out two trees, then back to the wagon, then out four trees, then back, until we get to ten trees away, then we go back down to eight, and so on. And it's however many trees out from when you get back to the wagon. Got it?"

"Got it!"

"Readysetgo!" Rainbow takes off, Doug quickly following behind. Doug is able to take a quick lead as Rainbow struggles with the quick turnarounds, though both are surprised as Scootaloo breaks her scooter out and joins them. The foals cheer on Scootaloo, Applejack and Pinkie Pie cheer for Doug, while Fluttershy and Rarity cheer for Rainbow.

Rainbow's speed comes into play as they get to the longer stretches, the five yards between each tree quickly eaten up by the three competitors. Scootaloo and Doug stay neck and neck; Doug is the fastest on cornering, but Scootaloo is only slightly slower than Rainbow Dash while much better at turning around. The filly is also quickly improving, and by the end of it her cornering is nearly as good as Doug's.

However, her endurance could use a little work; both Rainbow and Doug are going strong after the two minute race, but Scootaloo is panting heavily. As they come up to the last few laps Scootaloo is slowly being overtaken by Rainbow, the mare putting on her game face as she turns her circuits into circles. Scootaloo looks up, disheartened as Rainbow finishes first with a loud cheer from Rarity and Fluttershy waving her forelegs in the air. Doug passes the filly soon after, a depressed sigh from the filly as she finishes third.

Doug grabs Scootaloo, "You did a great job, girl! Good effort, all the way until the end!" he rubs her mane, lifting her up and depositing her in the wagon next to her sisters, her scooter in the back.

"Yeah, but I still lost," Scootaloo groans, stretching her sore muscles.

"Well, think about it like this," Rainbow says, walking along and rubbing her sore wings, "Doug is at the peak of his game, but you and me? For us, the sky's the limit. Pretty soon, you'll be leaving him in the dust, don't worry about it!"

Rainbow hops in the wagon as Scootaloo smiles up, Doug saying, "Yeah, I've kind of resigned myself to that fact. However, I'm still going to enjoy it while I can." He smiles over at Scootaloo, tousling her mane as he walks over to Applejack.

"Speaking of enjoying it, Rainbow, your hooves ain't tired, even if your wings are." Applejack grunts, "And Ah ain't enjoying the extra weight."

Rainbow Dash grumbles as she hops out, walking along the wagon. Doug scratches her along the ears and she looks up at him, a little winded but smiling.

About thirty minutes later and they find themselves at one of the larger streams that feeds from the Unicorn Range to the main Ponyville River. Applejack announces,"Alright, everypony, this here's our stop!" as she comes to a halt. Pinkie Pie, wearing a snorkel and inflatable barrel ring, gallops forward, diving into the shallow water. She splashes around, giving a playful shriek as Scootaloo and Apple Bloom run up to the water's edge. A sharp whistle from Doug causes the fillies to stop, turning around to see what the fuss is about.

Doug is holding up three filly sized life preservers, extracted from one of the suitcases. Rarity takes them in her magic, walking along with Sweetie Belle to get the trio suited up. The fillies roll their eyes at the enforced safety measures, but hold alongside the edge of the water. Once the vests are securely fastened they dart into the water, Scootaloo trying to see how far she can fly across the water while the other two splash about.

After relinquishing the vests Rarity helps Doug pull out a bag of food and a few jugs of apple juice. Rainbow flies up, Doug tossing her a bottle of cider, and after a brief kiss she moves over to Fluttershy, asking her, "Hey, 'Shy, I'm gonna do a couple laps across the stream, work on some cornering. You want to come with?" Fluttershy shakes her head, sighing as Rainbow flies off across the water. The cyan pegasus begins doing laps back and forth, trying to work on cornering while still keeping her speed high.

Once Rarity finds a certain suitcase she starts setting up an umbrella, folding chairs, and a few blankets. Applejack takes a quick dip in the stream before moving over, laying down on one of the blankets as Applebaum and Lemon walk towards her. She sniffs, a quick cough to Doug and a head nod towards the foals. Doug sighs as he grabs the diaper bag, moving towards the foals and quickly changing their dirty diapers. He remarks in a low voice, "I think Pinkie Pie cheats or something, I don't think she has managed to change a diaper yet."

Applejack shakes her head, "Ah dunno about cheating or nothing, but she does have an awful good sense of timing. You can be certain those two were clean the entire ride here, and there she is gallivanting off in the water right when it happens." The two foals quickly make their way to Applejack while Doug sets out the rest of the picnic, a quick tussle of Rarity's mane followed by a dash to the water. Rarity raises a hoof, shaking it as she smiles and lays back down.

Fluttershy moves over to Rarity, "It sure is lovely here, a very nice spot." She looks around, a few birds cautiously making their way closer but avoiding the ruckus in the water. "I'm sure Winona would have loved to come along."

Rarity blanches, a quick glance to Applejack. Fluttershy had given Winona to Rarity as a pet last year, but the experience had ultimately not been a pleasant one. Applejack had received a cat, Opalescence, and hadn't had a good time with her either. Fluttershy, however, had been extremely pleased that she had been able to find a companion for her two herdmates, and neither mare had the heart to tell the pegasus that they had swapped pets last year. In fact, she probably still didn't know, and the two mares had attempted to avoid any mention of the situation to Fluttershy.

Rarity stammers, "Oh, yes, I'm sure she would have, but it would have been a long walk for those tiny paws. Though, she does love going for walks!" Rarity nervously laughs, glancing again at Applejack.

Fluttershy glances over at Applejack as well, "Heh, I don't know how much Opal would have liked it. She loves hanging around inside instead, doesn't she?"

Rarity nods, "Oh, yes, Opal much prefers the indoors. She'll occasionally wander outside, and doesn't mind if I take her out, but she prefers it inside by the window, napping in the sun."

Fluttershy smiles, settling down for a quick nap in the sun. Applejack starts lightly snoring as Rainbow returns, pulling out a set of shades and resting on one of the folding chairs. Soon enough the four mares and two foals are asleep while Pinkie Pie and Doug exhaust the trio playing in the water.

After thirty minutes the trio stagger out of the water, flopping to the ground. Doug picks the three up, taking off their life preservers and setting them on a blanket. The three curl up, manes and coats still soaked with water. Rarity glances over as she slowly wakes up, saying, "You should really dry them off now, otherwise they will have a horrible time getting their manes to behave." Doug groans as he gets back up, digging through the suitcases until he finds a towel. The fillies protest as he dries them off, quickly cuddling with each other once he finishes.

Doug makes a nice lunch of sandwiches, sprinkling each plate with greens and apples. The mares slowly awaken from their nap, stretching out and eyeing the food with sleepy eyes. He starts distributing plates, each mare thanking him. When he hands Fluttershy her plate of lettuce and bread she looks at it, a brief frown on her face. Doug pauses, "Everything okay?"

"Um, do you have any cucumbers?" Fluttershy says, "If you don't, that's okay."

"I might have one or two packed away, let me see." Applejack and Rarity start scarfing down their food as he checks the food, withdrawing a cucumber and knife. He slices the cucumbers for Fluttershy, Rainbow still happily snoring away. Rarity moves over to Doug, laying her head in his lap as she pouts. Doug looks down, "Aww, did you not get to style all of your swimsuits?"

Rarity shakes her head, doing her best to force tears to her eyes while keeping her smile from her mouth. "It's an unmitigated disaster, Doug! I made this one for Fluttershy!" She pulls out a green and blue full body suit, four holes for legs and one for the tail, "Since I know how much she likes covering up. I made these," two pairs of swim trunks, one solid red and one pink with yellow flowers, "One for you and one for Rainbow. I also have a top for Rainbow, if she wanted." She levitates over two tops, one purple and one yellow.

Doug raises an eyebrow, "But, wouldn't the swim trunks cover that area?"

Rarity laughs, "Oh, dear, they are worn by the front legs, not the hind ones!" She hops up, quickly donning the purple top and a blue skirt for herself, matching her cutie mark. She glances over at Pinkie Pie, the mare still frolicking around in the water. "They act more like a life preserver with a little extra flare, especially for us unicorns. I thought Pinkie Pie would have something, and didn't know if Applejack would ever wear anything, but I made these just in case." She has two other sets, one bright pink and one orange, that she levitates over and sets down next to her.

"Well, Rarity, they all look really nice; thanks for making them." Doug looks around at the mares and fillies, most of whom are eating or asleep, "Maybe we'll get a chance to wear them after we wake up." Rarity nods, resting her head against Doug as she closes her eyes. Doug lays back down, enjoying the quiet company of his herd.
> 16 A Prodigious Hand
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 25th, 996

Another beautiful day, but this one is going to be cut short by some evening showers. Mayor Mare had received a few requests by a number of ponies to cut down on the number of daytime hours that are focused on rain. The ponies instead want the rain that occasionally happens in Ponyville to occur in the evenings. And, unfortunately, the requests went unheeded for five days before they got noticed by an intern (found under a Sugarcube takeout box) and hastily sent to a weather office in Cloudsdale. Which, to the intern's credit, looks a lot like the weather scheduling office but instead is the weather factory scheduling office. Where they languished in a inbox that rarely gets used for five days before being routed to the correct office, which is located in Ponyville. Specifically, at Sweet Apple Acres.

After a week of not noticing anything different, the ponies again complained to Mayor Mare, about why their requests have gone unfulfilled, and what the hold up is, and when they can expect a change in the weather. Or at the very least an explanation as to why their requests aren't able to be complied with, or when the expected changes will happen. Mayor Mare, as any good representative would, resolved to get right on it and promptly sent an express letter to Cloudsdale, inquiring as to when the amended schedules will be delivered.

This letter arrived at the correct office, and a new letter was sent back later that day to the Ponyville office, inquiring as to when the amended schedules would arrive.

The next day, another new letter was sent back to Cloudsdale, informing the office that the schedule had most recently been amended a week ago, the amended schedules had already been sent, and here is another copy just in case.

Cloudsdale promptly rerouted that the same day; in fact, the pegasus who received the package had immediately opened it, took one look at the contents, scribbled the Mayor's address, slapped on a new stamp, stuffed everything in the old package, and hoofed it back. At this point, a certain gray mailpony was starting to get pretty perturbed at the constant express flights to and from Ponyville. At least the pay is good.

Mayor Mare looked at the 'amended' schedules, compared them to the previous schedules, and discovered they were the same.

The process repeated itself, this time with the response being that no requests for amending the schedule had been received in the last nine days, or at the least none concerning the time of rain.

On the tenth day, the weather scheduler of Ponyville (and most other areas in Equestria) opened a letter, postmarked that day, that included requests marked from ten days ago.

So, here Doug is, wracking his brain to try to figure out how to modify the upcoming week of weather in Ponyville, as Mayor Mare promised that she would do everything in her power to resolve this situation to the ponies satisfaction.

Which meant that it would rain this evening. When it really, really shouldn't be.

At least the fillies he is ostensibly watching can take of themselves. Mostly. Doug is sitting outside, under a tree, his compact reference guide next to him and a series of charts and requests for the upcoming week spread around him. Laying next to him, resting against his leg, is Silver Set, the earth pony mare swapping between reading her book, watching her herd's fillies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, scamper around the field, and watching her two foals play in the grass. Sometimes the two foals watch the fillies play, sometimes they'll wander back to their dam, sometimes they fall asleep. As long as they are in eyesight, it doesn't matter too much.

Doug's fillies are currently engaged in a heated match. The trio introduced the concept of soccer to the other fillies in their class and the game quickly became quite popular. They have two goals, pretty much just sticks dug into the ground, and the concept of out of bounds is still a little nebulous. But, they have fun, and things generally stay pretty low key.

The teams this time look to be, well, a little uneven. Whoever the other team nominated to be captain had gone for the biggest fillies first, or their friends, and allowed DT and Scoots to team up. Well, their loss. Otherwise the teams looked pretty even: Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara, Twist, Snails, and Snips versus Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Silver Spoon, Rumble, and Featherweight.

"Oh, no."

Doug stops watching the fillies at their game, turning to the side. Silver Set is pushing through her large bag, trying to find something. Most of the contents of the bag are already on the grass: empty bottles, some chewy food, and spare diapers. Lots of spare diapers. But apparently none of those are the item that the mare is looking for. "So, you forget something?"

"Yes." Silver Set sighs, dropping her empty bag and rolling back to her previous position, "I left my... oh, never mind."

"Suit yourself." Doug goes back to alternating between watching the fillies scamper around, one large pack of fillies chasing around a bright orange ball. He shakes his head; young kids, or fillies, played soccer the same everywhere. One large pack chasing after the ball, little thought to passing or teammates or strategy. Just kick the ball towards the opposing goal. Or miss, and hope one of your teammates can pick up the slack.

"Ugh." The mare next to him groans; Doug stops rubbing her side and looks over. She looks uncomfortable, her mouth briefly twisting before she tries to relax, settling against him again. Doug shrugs, going back to his reports as some filly scores. Some of the fillies cheer as they canter back to their side of the field while the other team looks around, seemingly resigned to another loss at the hooves of Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara.

The two did make a good team; Diamond Tiara is a power hitter, and a little lazy, often playing midfield and waiting for the ball to come to her. Scootaloo plays forward, and is one of the more tactically minded of the fillies. She sometimes chases the ball, but she isn't the fastest or the hardest hitting. So, instead, she waits for Diamond Tiara to kick the ball up the field, and starts in a position to take advantage of that. Sometimes her teammates think she isn't helping, but her impressive number of scores beg to differ.

Doug watches as the two set up their game plan again. The other team gets the ball, kicks it to the middle of the field, Diamond Tiara charging forward and-

The mare next to him gives an irritated rumble, shifting around and pushing her hooves down her chest.

"You okay?" Another cheer from one side of the field.

"I'll live, just uncomfortable. Nothing you can help with."

"Oh?" Doug glances over, curious as to what would be making Silver Set uncomfortable.

Silver Set nods, "Yes. If you must know, I left my... equipment at home. I thought I returned it to my bag, but I must have forgotten after I pulled it out for a quick pump before coming here." Doug raises an eyebrow as Silver Set continues, pointing a hoof at her two foals, "I'm trying to wean those two, get them used to the bottle, but I just get so uncomfortable. I'm afraid I'm going to get a blockage, and these," she waggles her hooves back and forth, "aren't exactly made for the task, if you know what I mean."

"I thought ponies could grasp things pretty well." Doug says, his mouth slowly turning to a smirk; after Spoiled Rich remarked to him and Rarity about ponies and their ability to grasp things his mare had tried it out, with good results. Not as good as the normal way, but still entertaining.

Silver Set rolls her eyes, "Well, yes, they can, us earth ponies especially, but a firm grip is worse than nothing if you can't grab the right spot. And it can be difficult to grasp close enough to the body to force everything out instead of farther in."

"I imagine that would be pretty bad, yup." Doug turns to the next page, making a few notes on the paper. The mare next to him shifts, twisting one way and then another. Doug starts to make another note as Silver Set bumps into him again.

"Sorry, sorry, just trying to get comfortable here. Ugh, I may just walk home to grab it; you okay watching the fillies?"

"Um..." comes the hesitant reply. Some of the other mares aren't terribly comfortable with Doug being the only creature watching their fillies, only agreeing to leave their them around him if there is another pony also available to watch.

"Oh. Right." Silver Set frowns, remembering after Doug's hesitation. She drops back to the ground before shifting again several seconds later. "I'm sorry, normally it isn't this bad."

"Mmhmm." Doug glances back to his request sheet; maybe if he pushes back the rain on the outskirts east and west parts of Ponyville a day, he could keep everything balanced and not need to redo the whole month.

"Hey, um, Doug?" comes the hesitant question from his side.

"Yeah?"

"I... Um... If it wouldn't be too weird, would you help me?"

"Weird? What kind of help do you need?" Doug glances over, Silver Set turning her head and giving him a forced smile.

"You see... Mm, I'll just push through it. Don't worry about it. Shouldn't be too much longer, anyway." She shifts awkwardly again, pushing Doug's arm as she turns her head.

Doug sighs, setting down his book, "Alright, what is it?"

"Well, it's not something a mare would ask a stallion to help with, especially one outside the herd... although that could be because of the hoof thing, but even with a pump it really isn't done."

"You... want me to help you pump?"

"Please?" Silver Set looks up at Doug, a hopeful smile on her face.

Doug motions to the fillies still engrossed in their game, "Do you think they would notice?"

"Oh, um... you might want to be a little discreet about it. Can your arm reach me from there?" Doug looks over as Silver Set shifts forward, her two engorged teats now in easy reach. His hand slowly traces a line down her belly, Doug watching the fillies as his hand gets close. "Oh, wait, almost forgot." Silver Set leans over, grabbing one of the empty bottles and holding it up to her body.

Silver Set giggles as he reaches her lower belly, Doug raising an eyebrow and pausing. Silver Set settles down, "Sorry, sorry, just a little ticklish there. You can keep going." Silver Set holds the bottle up to the nipple as Doug reaches the teat, looking back up at him as he stops. "Something wrong?"

"Um, you just seem remarkably okay with this. Human women... how shall I say... never would be."

"Why? Just a part of life." Silver Set sighs in relief as Doug starts squeezing, "Oh, that feels so much better. But, you do this to the cows, right? Or are you worried about touching them as well."

"Hmm," Doug says as he continues, "You know, sometimes I do help them with milking. I guess with cows back home it is a common thing for humans to do. I suppose you could do it with horses too, they just didn't make as much milk as a cow, so it wasn't really done."

"Oh, you're getting a lot out of me. Can you swap?"

"Sure." Silver Set moves the half full bottle from one teat to the other, Doug swapping as well. Silver Set lets out another long sigh as Doug starts.

Of all of his mares, Doug would put Silver Set most similarly to Pinkie Pie. Both foaled recently, and are producing, though Silver Set is a little bigger because of her twins increased demand. Not as firm, but that could have just been the extra milk. Applejack is as large as Pinkie but much firmer. Close to Rarity, though the unicorn's teats had quickly returned to normal after Sweetie Belle was weaned. Rainbow and Fluttershy are similar, both quite small, neither pegasus standing out much at all from their belly hair. But that will change for Fluttershy in the coming year.

Doug breaks the silence, "So, you enjoying this?"

"Hmm? I mean, sort of?" Silver Set looks down at Doug's hand grasping her, "I would say more like scratching an itch than anything truly pleasurable. Why, do you enjoy it?"

A quiet cough, "Probably more than I should."

"Oh." Silver Set turns her head to the side, "Well, if it is making you uncomfortable we can stop. I'm sorry."

"Nah, it's okay. So, you really don't see this as anything more than one friend helping out another?"

Silver Set shakes her head, "No, not really. I mean, it's not commonly done, but that's because it's hard to do it without equipment, and if you have the equipment it's pretty easy to do yourself. Kind of like helping out with a cooler, when a mare is in heat but needs some relief and doesn't want to get pregnant. Do you see it as something more?"

"To be honest, I do; I think I've trained my mares to see it as a form of foreplay, letting them know I'm in the mood. So, they respond to it differently than you do. Though they certainly don't get, how shall I say, excited when their little ones are there."

"Oh, okay." A shy smile comes over Silver Set's mouth, "So, are you excited now?"

"Um, a little, yes."

Silver Set turns, winking at Doug, "Glad to know I still got it. Hold on, let me get another bottle." The mare moves away, grabbing the second empty bottle as her two foals come towards her. She splits the contents between the two bottles before grabbing a third bottle. She uses a hoof to ward off the two foals trying to get to her teats, "No, dears. Here, take these." She hoofs each foal a bottle, their disappointment disappearing as they start on their meal.

Silver Set returns, laying next to Doug and looking up at him, watching him watch the foals. She nudges him with a hoof, "Hey, you got a job to finish." Doug rolls his eyes as his hand goes back to position. Soon enough the mare is dry on both sides; she takes the bottle from Silver Hoop, adds half while the foal protests vociferously. She merely waits until Silver Stud finishes his bottle, swapping it out for the other during the foal's loud protests.

Doug leans back, relaxing against the tree; he had found a solution, though a few of the farm ponies on the west half of Ponyville would need to be notified of the no-notice change in their weather. Hopefully they didn't hold it against him, but such is life. He looks over, seeing five fillies approaching. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Silver Spoon are beaming, laughing with each other. Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara have somewhat less of a smile, but still look pretty pleased with themselves, Scootaloo dribbling their blue ball.

"So, how did the game go?"

Scootaloo answers, "Uh, pretty well. We lost, eight to seven. We were doing really well at the start, something like five to one. But once they learned to kick the ball past DT instead of at her we started to do a lot worse. Rumble is really fast, too. I was the only pegasus on our team, and he's faster than me, so nopony else stood a chance at catching him."

Apple Bloom smiles, "Yeah, Ah was the one kicking the ball to him. A lot like your set up, Scootaloo. You and Diamond Tiara, you know?"

Scootaloo nods, the trio waving goodbye to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon as Silver Set gathers her herd. The Rich herd waves back, starting their trek back home before the evening rain starts. Scootaloo says, "Yeah, didn't know how long it would last, before somepony else figures it out. I mean, it still worked whenever DT got the ball, but that just happened less and less."

Doug looks over at Sweetie Belle, remarking, "You're being quiet, Sweetie Belle. How was it for you?"

Sweetie Belle looks to the side, "Oh, it was fun and all, I suppose."

Doug gathers his materials, standing up and waiting for Sweetie Belle to elaborate. When she doesn't, he prompts her, "And?"

The four start walking, Scootaloo slowly dribbling the ball as Sweetie Belle sighs, "I dunno, I'm just not doing as much as Apple Bloom, or Scootaloo, or a lot of the other ponies on the field. I'm not that fast, and I don't kick that hard. I just get in the way."

"Well, it's impressive that you're noticing that, Sweetie Belle." Doug motions at the three fillies standing within a hoof's reach of each other, their blue ball at Scootaloo's hooves, "However, you can play the game with more than just how fast you run or how hard you kick. For instance; if you wanted to play that ball downfield, how many of you could kick it?"

The three fillies look at each other, Scootaloo venturing, "One of us?"

Doug nods, motioning for Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom to back off, "And, Scootaloo, how about now?"

Scootaloo looks back at her sisters, "Um, just me? So, one of us?"

Doug nods again, "Exactly. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle being there next to you didn't actually help you play the ball. Only one of you can kick it. By spreading out, you do two things. One, you cover more area, making it more likely that one of you will be able to field the ball when it gets kicked towards you. Also, you are then able to pass to each other, in order to set up the breakaway situations you have found to be so effective at scoring."

The trio look at him in confusion, a chorused, "What?"

Doug motions to Scootaloo, "Right now, Scootaloo has the ball, right? Let's say I'm the opposing team. So she's going to have a hard time getting the ball downfield."

"Right, it's tough to dribble the ball downfield. It just gets taken away from me."

"Exactly." Doug motions to Sweetie Belle, "Scootaloo, kick the ball to Apple Bloom."

"But, that's going backwards." Scootaloo looks back at Apple Bloom, then at the ball.

Doug smiles, "I know, but just do it, okay?"

"Okay." Scootaloo kicks the ball back to Apple Bloom, the earth pony attempting to trap it, then chasing after the ball when it bounces off her hoof. Her dribbles aren't as coordinated as Scootaloo's, but she is doing okay.

"Now, what is the other team going to do?" 

Sweetie Belle says, "They're going to go after Apple Bloom!"

"Correct!" Doug starts moving towards Apple Bloom and motions at Sweetie Belle, "Now, Apple Bloom, kick the ball to Sweetie Belle."

"Okay!" Apple Bloom kicks the ball, Sweetie Belle doing a decent job at trapping it, though her dribbles are about as good as Apple Bloom's.

Doug starts walking towards Sweetie Belle, "Now, what does this look like?" The three fillies pause, observing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle in the back, Doug slowly walking towards the ball, and Scootaloo out front.

"It's a breakaway!" exclaims Sweetie Belle, looking at the ball at her hooves and at Scootaloo.

"Very good!" Doug points, "Now, kick the ball past Scootaloo, but not so far that she can't run to it and catch it." Sweetie Belle takes a few careful steps forward before spinning around and bucking the ball with both hooves. It shoots off into the air, Scootaloo giving a chirp of surprise and chasing after it as it rolls into the apple orchards. Doug laughs, "Okay, we might need to work on our aim when we hit the ball like that."

"You mean, you aren't gonna yell at me for kicking it too hard?"

"Well, how else are you going to learn? You can't be afraid of trying new things just because it might not work out, or you might get yelled at. How else are you going to improve? Just by watching others?"

"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle says, "We shouldn't be afraid of trying new things, or other ponies making fun of us." The other two fillies nod in agreement as Scootaloo brings the ball back, the four heading back to the Apple farmhouse.
> 17 Soil, Worms, and Blood
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 14th, 996

Big Mac looks over the four partitioned wheat fields. They had taken one large virgin field near the Everfree, about an acre, broken it into four parts, and plowed three of those parts twice for the heavy field weave. Doug had plowed and planted the last quarter, by himself and with no weave, to test and see how it worked with no magic at all. The next day Big Mac planted the remaining three quarter acres, everything timed as they normally would.

Today has gone well so far, the morning sun shining down on the chaff scattered around and the fresh earth, newly plowed and waiting. The wheat harvest on the heavy weave, as he predicted, has taken five weeks instead of the normal twenty days. The harvest took longer to gather, owing to the increased yield; about thirty percent more than their harvest on the light weave. Thirty percent less than a normal harvest, by how much the field could grow in a week. One of their light weave harvests, from a different acre that served as their control, is there, still a week from harvesting but growing steadily. No sense in letting a field lay fallow for weeks, and there should only be a very small amount of contamination to the other tests, if any.

Doug's last quarter, though, is still growing. If you could call it that. Barely even coming up to his barrel, compared to the rest that had waved back and forth above his head, full stalks ready to be harvested. They had finished the reaping yesterday, what felt like a long day of cutting stalks, but was probably closer to three hours. Big Mac did not care for harvesting wheat. Or planting it for that matter, but there aren't any Ponyvillians who grow a lot of the grass. So, if they wanted bread, or pie crusts, or dumplings, then they had to grow it. Well, they could import the flour, like Ms. Swirl did at Sugarcube, but they have their own small mill so they don't ever need to.

But, here is the real test, the reason that he had expended the extra time on the three fields. Big Mac has plowed and planted his section as he normally would, the mounds of dirt already teeming with green sprouts working their way through the fertile earth. It felt a little off, and in the back of his mind he knows why. When you do a heavy weave, it doesn't... how would he put this so Doug would understand... it makes it harder for later infusions of magic to take hold. As in, when he plows, and plants, the magic he is newly infusing into the field doesn't really stick around, doesn't really get absorbed by the new crops. Plowing instead helps keep the heavy weave in place, so it feels more different, rather than bad. The crops get more of their fertilizer from the ground, welling up through the heavy weave from the surrounding earth. 

So, the heavy weave would take a little longer to grow. Probably about the same as the first run. At only a quarter less than a normal light weave, it won't hurt the farm that badly overall. Still, not enough for him to want to do another experiment like this. Maybe if Doug had more free time, or Apple Bloom got a cutie mark in farming that somehow isn't apple related. Otherwise, they really wouldn't see any savings at all. But, maybe he'd be surprised, but it has been quite a while since Big McIntosh has been surprised at something happening on his farm.

Doug is nearly finished plowing his field. Big Mac had taken about fifty minutes to plow his quarter acre, the human just about finishing on his second hour. Sweat glistens off the human's back, despite the cool summer breeze and the clouds overhead. Big Mac glances up; if he was really serious about finding the best combination of rain, sun, and weaves he might do a bit more, plow another few fields and have the water set up differently for each. Try to find that sweet spot, but that is more Doug's thing. And it's unlikely they'll plant this much wheat again, given how the quarter Doug planted by himself is doing.

Big Mac glances over to Apple Bloom; she is starting to get acquainted with her own plow. The filly is inspecting each section, just like he showed her, testing the various pieces and making sure they are securely attached. Running a hoof along the blades. Making sure there aren't any worn or loose areas on the straps. He smiles; she sure takes to new things quickly, just like her sire.

Big Mac finds himself watching Doug again, eyes running down his toned flanks. Doug pauses at the end of a row, stretching his muscled arms above his head, taking a drink from his bottle before dumping the remaining water on his head, drops of liquid flinging from his short cropped hair as he-

"Grr!" Big Mac stamps a hoof in frustration; ever since Applejack made fun of him he can't help himself, his thoughts occasionally turn to Doug when he is free to think. Maybe he should find a mare to court, if just to take his mind off of things. He focuses again, the human finishing the last row of plowing. Big Mac watches as Doug drops the well-worn plow off to the side; they normally don't plant this much wheat, so they will probably end up trading a bit of what they are growing here to some of the other farmers. Or they could give it to Pinkie Pie to use at Sugarcube. The Apples prefer to let the other farmers grow their own of a crop that, in all honesty, doesn't require much of a special touch. At least Doug eats a lot of it, but since he only eats the seeds, they have a lot extra to go through. Or plow under, as he did with his section, and Doug did with his.

Maybe Junebug would be interested; she is kinda cute, and batted her eyes at him the last time he had gone to market. Or maybe it was at one of the other ponies around him, it could be kind of hard to tell sometimes. Would she really be lead mare material, though? He really wants a mare that he can trust to run things on her own, help around the farm when needed, a mare with some business sense, a mare like Applejack...

Big Mac beats his head against one of the nearby trees, stomping both hooves against the ground and trying to remove those images from his mind. He hears Doug call, "Alright, Apple Bloom, you're up!" the human moving over to the filly and trying to ignore Big Mac. Doug helps her strap in to the filly sized plow they had to custom make. It looks real funny, like one pony trying to pull a house, seen from far away. Hopefully she has the strength to drag it through the ground, and the fortitude to go the whole quarter acre without giving out. Or taking too long, for that matter. He would like to get all three fields plowed and planted on the same day, at about the same time.

While Big Mac, and Applejack for that matter, had taken a turn at the plow at around her age, maybe a little older, they didn't plow the whole field. More just as a test to see if they would get some sort of plowing cutie mark. Sometimes it would be easy as that; other times, like Applejack's case, you had to realize what you were missing. But, as the saying goes, if you never started it in the first place, kinda hard to miss it.

"Almost thirty months and she's got a full length plow; we going for a cutie mark in strength here?" Applejack remarks, walking up to Big Mac. She looks over the field; they had cleared it of chaff and weeds, if only to help the filly with the arduous task ahead of her. Done their best to not drop any magic while doing so, as against their nature as that is. There shouldn't be any large rocks, or existing root systems, all them having been dug out five weeks ago when Big Mac laid the heavy weave.

"Eeyup."

Doug walks over, nodding to Big Mac, "Hoss." Big Mac rolls his eyes as Doug moves over to Applejack, rubbing her withers as Apple Bloom starts plowing. "Good to see you, Applejack. We've got half lengths if she has trouble with getting enough power, but she seems all right, at least initially. Theoretically I could help push, too, since I won't contaminate her side of the experiment. At least, assuming her magic flows as easily as Big Mac's does just by walking along the plow instead of dragging it. That might not be a good assumption, actually."

"Eeyup."

"Hey Doug, you planted your side yet?" Applejack asks, looking over at the second field.

Doug wipes his brow, "Not yet, going to grab something to drink first, need to stay hydrated. Been a while since I worked this hard out in the fields."

"Eeyup."

Applejack's eyes slowly work down Doug's body, stopping at his flanks, "Sound to me like we need to get you working harder around here; hate to see that nice, toned body of yours go to waste."

"Ee... consarn it, Applejack!" Big Mac glares at Applejack, frustrated that she has gotten under his coat yet again.

Applejack smirks, turning her head up and winking at Doug, "Hey, not my fault you talked without thinking again." She flicks Doug's flank with her tail as he walks away, the human turning and winking at her as he walks back to the farmhouse, dragging the plow. The two watch as Apple Bloom steadily pulls her plow across the field. Doug soon returns, heading to his field with a satchel of seeds on one shoulder and a large jug of water set down next to the field. He makes his way up and down the rows, planting seeds and kicking the dirt back on top. Applejack turns to Big Mac, "Hoss?"

Big Mac shrugs, "He called me that after Ah told him not to call me 'sir'. Ah think it's a cross between boss and horse."

Applejack smiles, "Hey, if the horseshoe fits," as Big Mac snorts.

Apple Bloom is slowing down, pausing at the ends of rows to rest. But, she is keeping at it; Big Mac nods to Applejack, turning and walking back to the farmhouse. It will be several hours until the filly is done with the field, and there are other chores that he needs to attend to. Plus, he could spot that twinkle in Applejack's eye.

Applejack gives a contented sigh as she watches Apple Bloom start another row, still about a quarter of the field to go. Doug walks back over to Applejack, his field planted, and he kneels down, resting his hand on her back. "How's she doing?"

"Real well, for her first time. Taking breaks, which is good; endurance is holding up mostly 'cause of that. Ah probably would have given out by now, honestly. A great job for her first plowing. Speaking of," Applejack winks at Doug, moving forward to kiss her stallion. His hand moves down her back, slowly digging in deeper as he gets closer to her flanks, "Ah think you got one more field to attend to."
> 18 Custodians of Silence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

June 17th, 996

The Rich mansion bustles with activity as Silver Set helps Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon get ready for school. The fillies trade excited banter about their homework assignments, their activities, and their friends. Spoiled Rich's ears perk as she hears the name of the Apple fillies repeated a few times, followed by a few sentences in more hushed tones. 

Silver Set says, "Now, girls, we don't use that kind of language. In the house or outside. It is insulting and derogatory."

"What language is that?" Spoiled Rich asks as she walks from the dining room to the kitchen, noting the angry look on Diamond Tiara's face while Silver Spoon seems more admonished. 

Silver Set fixes Silver Spoon with a hard glare. "Whorse."

Diamond Tiara's face curls up in a smirk, immediately disappearing as her dam turns and stares at her. Spoiled Rich curtly says, "We do not find that language funny, Diamond Tiara. We do not use it, except when absolutely necessary. It is unbecoming of a Rich mare, and I do not want to hear it casually uttered from your mouth." She turns to look at Silver Spoon, "Where did you hear this word?"

Silver Spoon starts softly sobbing, slow tears rolling down her cheeks, "I... I don't want to get them in trouble."

"Well, they should be in trouble if they thought to use that word around you. Was it one of your friends?"

Silver Spoon gives a slow nod, quivering under Spoiled Rich's gaze.

Spoiled Rich's eyebrows furrow, "Was it one of the Apple sp-... fillies?"

Silver Spoon nods again, hesitantly offering, "Apple Bloom asked Scootaloo what... whorse meant. When Scootaloo didn't know, she asked me and Diamond Tiara. Diamond Tiara told her it was a naughty word, but we didn't know what it meant."

Spoiled Rich's gaze softens. "And you did not use the word?"

Silver Spoon slowly shakes her head, "No; it doesn't sound like a nice word."

Spoiled Rich nods, "Very well, if it was innocent curiosity, then there will be no punishment. I will, however, need to have a talk with whoever uttered these words in front of you, or the Apple fillies for that matter. Did they say where they heard it?"

Diamond Tiara says, "Apple Bloom overheard Doug call Big Mac, and then Applejack asked about it too, but she didn't seem unhappy about it."

A smirk comes over Spoiled Rich's face, "Well, I may just need to have a discussion with one of them, then. You two run along, go get some breakfast." The two fillies comply, eager to escape any further recrimination. Spoiled Rich regards Silver Set; her junior mare had told her of the 'incident' between herself and Doug a month ago. Spoiled Rich had initially been quite perturbed; it would be quite the scandal, a Rich mare and the human, but she had heard nothing from any other ponies, not even whispered gossip or glances in her direction. And Silver Set had been careful not to repeat the encounter, citing his apparent discomfort with assisting. As he well should be.

But now, another opportunity to put the human to the test. He should most certainly not be using that kind of language around his fillies, much less at all, or using the epithet as a casual nickname. That the rest of his herd is so inured to his language speaks reams about his character, or lack thereof.

Several hours later, after school lets out, Spoiled Rich and Silver Set meet the young ponies as they stream out the front door of the school. Miss Cheerilee waves goodbye to the fillies, quite a number of the younger mares walking along the road towards the fields outside Sweet Apple Acres.

Apple Bloom and Silver Spoon are happily chatting, as well as Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara, but their conversation comes to a halt as the Rich fillies spot their dams. Their heads hang down, a quiet coming over the Apple fillies as they huddle back, unsure as to why both Rich mares would be there. The trio follows the four Rich ponies, silent glances back and forth only disturbed by the click clack of Scootaloo's scooter as they make their way to the field. They arrive after several minutes; many of the other mares have spread to the northeast, a large gathering of young ponies in the middle of the field, while Doug is sitting to the southwest in the shade of the trees, engrossed in a book. His two young foals are close by and attempting to push a blue ball around, mostly successful with the object that is larger than they are.

Snips and Snails are making foals of themselves, waving to the five fillies walking along the road, trying to get them to speed up to start their game. Spoiled Rich leads the fillies towards Doug while Silver Set walks up to the main group, saying, "Go ahead and start your game, they will be along shortly."

A few fillies grumble about the potentially uneven teams that will result, but they quickly back off, lining up and nominating two captains. It seems some of the older fillies have also gotten interested in the game, though none are quite large enough to completely dominate the younger ones.

Silver Set returns to Spoiled Rich; the mare is watching Doug from a few bodylengths away, not far enough to make conversation difficult, but awkward. Doug has lowered his book and is watching her; a few seconds pass before he says, "Good afternoon, Mrs. Rich, Silver Set."

Spoiled Rich stands up straighter, "I thought you knew the rules, Doug, as to when you are allowed to speak to ponies."

Confusion spreads on Doug's face, "Um, I guess I'm sorry, but I thought we were good enough friends to be past that."

Spoiled Rich cocks her head, continuing her glare, "Oh? And what other areas are you being lax in?"

Doug raises an eyebrow, "I'm... afraid that I don't really know what you're talking about."

"Well, then, let me inform you." Spoiled Rich shakes her head, "I cannot believe I need to say this, but I do not want you using foul language around your fillies, and I especially do not want you doing the same around ours."

Doug sets his book on the ground, "Okay, I think we may need to back up a little bit. What are you talking about?"

Spoiled Rich stamps a hoof on the ground, the five fillies looking awkwardly at each other. Silver Set quietly says, "It was your use of the word... whorse."

Doug turns his head to the side, looking at the fillies, then back to Silver Set and Spoiled Rich. "Really? I didn't realize it was inappropriate."

"Of course you didn't, it is likely the norm for where you came from." Spoiled Rich continues staring at Doug, her voice raising, "But in Ponyville, such a thing is unbecoming of a proper stallion or mare, and should not be spoken of in front of fillies!"

"But," Doug says, looking around, "Aren't you all little horses?"

Silver Set gasps as fury spreads over Spoiled Rich's face. The pink mare advances, cutting the distance between her and Doug in half. The human scrambles to a crouched position as Spoiled Rich raises a hoof, pointing it at Doug, "You, sir, are a foul mouthed brute! How dare you speak of your own foals in such a manner, much less the rest of us!"

Doug looks back at the fillies, confusion still on his face, before he glances at the soccer game; most of the ponies have stopped playing, watching the commotion. "Okay, I think we might have a misunderstanding here."

Spoiled Rich advances another step, "No, you are the one who does not understand. We are upstanding ponies, not... playthings for your vapid fantasies!"

"I don't see you that way, and I've always treated you all with respect!"

"YOU JUST CALLED ME A WHORSE!"

"Yes! And?"

Spoiled Rich turns, walking a few steps away and muttering in a loud voice, "I can't deal with this."

Doug looks at Silver Set, an exasperated, "Do you mind explaining what is going on?"

Silver Set moves a little closer, "Doug, a whorse is... a stallion of ill-repute, who... offers his body to mares, for bits. It is deeply insulting to use regarding a mare, for it asserts that her only worth is her bits. It is shameful for anypony to be called one. I cannot believe you called Spoiled Rich one; I thought you were better than that." She turns her head, unable to keep looking at him.

Doug looks at her blankly for a few seconds before sighing and sitting back down, putting his hands on his head. A few seconds later he says in a louder voice, "Spoiled Rich, I am sorry I called you a... whorse. The word means something different where I came from, and I honestly did not mean to imply anything improper about you."

The pink mare turns, giving Doug a hard look, "I'm afraid I'm going to need a little more of an explanation than that before I accept your apology."

"Well, a... horse is an animal back where I came from. Physically, it is a lot like a pony, just bigger; about as tall as me, maybe eight hundred pounds. And not sapient. Humans had domesticated them, lived and worked with them. I thought you all had some sort of, um, precursor species that you came from. A magicless variant of pony, from thousands of years ago or more. I didn't know that the word had a separate meaning, and I'm sorry I called you one; can you forgive me?"

Spoiled Rich looks around at the ponies, many of the fillies having moved closer to watch and listen while the mares have also gotten up, ready to call their young if needed. She sighs, turning back to Doug and walking forward, briefly nuzzling the human on the cheek. "Yes, Doug, I accept your apology, and you are forgiven." As she backs away, "You are correct about the... archaic usage of the word, but it is rarely used in that manner, outside of ancient history textbooks. And, it would be a little insulting even if you were using it with that context in mind. It would imply that one is an unthinking animal. Do try and watch your language, please. Though I suspect there will be many a conversation about language tonight."

Doug nods, a smirk slowly growing over his mouth, "Any other words I should worry about?"

"Oh, it won't be that easy for you to get me to call them out, Doug, you'll have to try a little harder in the future." Spoiled Rich returns the smirk as she slightly shifts her hips back and forth. "Though, I am curious; these... horses, you say. They are work animals?"

"Yup. Domesticated ones, at least, especially ones with a calm or friendly demeanor. Very strong, hardy, good at pulling things, or riding, rounding up cattle, whatever you need. Intelligent, for animals that is, and they make good companions."

Spoiled Rich cocks her head, "You... ride them?" She glances around at the fillies surrounding them, "Is that an... appropriate topic?"

"Oh, there's nothing... ahem, inappropriate about it. I mean, I could just about ride... oh jeez, this is harder than I thought. One would use a saddle, and... I did it again, didn't I?" Spoiled Rich and Silver Set both have a hoof against their face, the fillies looking on eagerly. Silver Set nods and Doug sighs, "Whatever, I guess there will be several conversations tonight. The saddle makes it more comfortable to ride the horse-"

"Okay, we should stop there," says Silver Set, "I do hope you don't try... riding any pony like that, at least not outside of the privacy of the bedroom."'

Doug slowly nods, "Right. I mean, you are a little small to attempt that, and I wouldn't want to hurt anypony."

Silver Set smirks, glancing down, "Oh, I don't think anypony would be hurt, Doug, not by your... size." She looks back up, "It's more, it would be a little demeaning to serve as a steed, especially if just for transportation where you can walk around yourself. But, as I haven't heard of you trying that, I don't think it is an issue."

"Right." Doug looks around at the ponies surrounding them, "So, um, anything else? Again, I'm sorry about the... misunderstanding."

Spoiled Rich shakes her head, "No, I believe that is all." She looks around at the various fillies, "Now, I believe you all were about to start a game, were you not?"

The various other fillies canter back to the soccer field while the Apple and Rich ponies remain. Apple Bloom looks up, hesitantly asking, "Daddy, why did you call Bic Mac a horse?"

Doug thinks for a second before saying, "I called Big Mac 'hoss', as a portmanteau, or a combination of words, between horse and boss." Apple Bloom mouths the words to herself as continues, "Partially to get under his coat, though I didn't know the less appropriate meaning. Mostly I used it because he is a enduring, dependable worker, the horse part, and he knows a lot more about farming than me, the boss part. I certainly didn't want to start anything like this."

The fillies nod before cantering off, eager to join the soccer game as it starts back up. Spoiled Rich nods at Doug before walking off, Silver Set laying down near him as the two foals start scampering around again, pushing the blue ball around.
> 19 Song of the Sekhema
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 18th, 996

The Carousel Boutique is closing for the end of the day, another long and productive session of sitting around while waiting for ponies to come to the store. Rarity sighs as she looks outside; she needs to get another large order, something to work on in the interim. She has plenty of inventory, having spent most of the day making hats. Or taking apart hats and remaking them with different colors of gems. Speaking of, her gem stockpiles are overflowing, on account of their recent trip to the Badlands. Maybe she'll make a solo run to the Ghastly Gorge; she'd probably just end up giving away the gems, but just to give her something to do. Maybe meet up with Shav, see if she has found an area to settle in. Doug might like to see her again, just to see how the pups are doing, but he stays busy with the work on the farm and his weather scheduling.

Speaking of Doug, the side door to the kitchen opens, her stallion calling out, "Rarity, we're home!"

Rarity peeks from the main store area, her purple and pink maned filly spotting her. "Hi Big Sis!" Sweetie Belle calls, her small hooves racing along the floor as she tries to keep her dam in sight. Rarity disappears from the doorway, hiding behind a few of her ponnequinns. Sweetie Belle, the small filly with a much better vantage point, quickly makes her way around the stands, giving chase. Rarity smiles at her filly, trying to keep one of the stands between them before dashing towards the kitchen.

She glances back, trying to keep a close eye on the filly as she slides along the floor before her view is flipped, replaced with one of the ceiling. Her hind legs squirm underneath her - well, actually above her - trying to find purchase as Doug's arms wrap around her barrel just under her forelegs, lifting the unicorn and holding her against his chest. She flails her legs, a playful, "Nooo!" as Doug slowly lowers to the ground.

He holds her forelegs to the sides, Rarity laughing as Sweetie Belle runs up. She rests her hind legs as the filly gets close, wincing as she jumps onto her. Rarity's struggles begin anew as the filly nuzzles her belly, turning her head to the side to look at Doug with mournful eyes and a quiver in her lips.

Instead of the release she is hoping for Doug joins in, his hands no longer pushing her forelegs to the side and instead find the soft hair of her belly. The long, slow strokes of his fingernails digging into her draws a quick breath, Rarity closing her eyes and leaning her head back, careful to poke her horn over his shoulder instead of into his head. Sweetie Belle pauses at the change in composure of her dam, curious as to what would cause her to breathe out and shudder.

Doug's hands stop scratching, turning to the pads of his fingers to knead up and down her stomach. Her head finds his, their lips quickly brushing against each other as Rarity lets out a low moan.

"Mama? Are you okay?"

Rarity smiles as she looks back down, "Yes, darling, I'm doing just fine. I think your sire was just about to start dinner, wasn't he?"

Doug sighs, legs releasing their hold around Rarity. He pushes up slightly with his hips, Rarity miming the action to encourage Sweetie Belle to jump off. Once the filly does Rarity rolls to her hooves, getting up and offering a hoof to Doug. He pulls himself up, hand slipping inside Rarity's mane to scratch her head before heading to the kitchen.

Rarity sighs, levitating over a mirror to make sure nothing is out of place. She smiles at her still perfectly coiffed curls; he has learned over the years how to pet her mane and head without messing up anything. She walks into the kitchen, Sweetie Belle close behind, "So, what is the plan for dinner?"

Doug shrugs as he gathers vegetables from her pantry, "Um, nothing special. You want anything in particular?"

Sweetie Belle pipes up, "Quesadillas!"

"Oh?" Doug glances over, smiling, "You like lots of cheese, right?" At the filly's excited nod Doug smiles, going to the fridge. He withdraws a bit of flour and cheese and heads to the counter, making a few flat pieces and spreading the cheese on top. "Hey, Rares, can you get drinks? Orange juice for me." Rarity withdraws a carton of apple juice, pouring herself and Sweetie Belle a glass before grabbing the orange juice, pouring a glass for Doug. She levitates it to him; he drains it in one go, tossing the empty glass back to her. She smirks, catching it in her magic and refilling it.

Doug starts humming to himself as he makes the quesadillas, Sweetie Belle's with extra cheese, a bit of cilantro for Rarity's. He opens the fridge, withdrawing four eggs and scrambling them for himself. He brings out the two meals, plates laden with salad, before returning to the kitchen, grabbing his own as the eggs finish. He prepares a fourth plate, loading it with plain quesadillas for Fluttershy as well as two apples.

As Doug returns to the table Rarity remarks, "Doug, you know how you wanted to learn the Winter Wrap Up song?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, I guess I did. It just slipped my mind, all that ice skating tired me out."

"Yes, and I wasn't exactly in the right mood afterwards. Or the next day, for that matter, when I got press ganged again into helping clear houses."

"Yeah, they got me helping clear the streets outside Ponyville, if I recall. Not nearly as much fun as ice skating."

"Indeed. Did you want to learn the song?"

"Hmm." Doug takes his quesadilla, wrapping the eggs up inside before taking a large bite. Sweetie Belle wrinkles her nose at the sight before looking down at her own plate. She takes the cheesy concoction, folding it twice and holding the mass up to her wide open mouth.

"Ahem." 

Sweetie Belle glances up, her dam giving her the stinkeye. Sweetie Belle nervously smiles before taking a smaller bite.

Rarity continues, "Yes, darling, I know Doug can take big bites, but you need to get a little bigger before you try taking something that large in your mouth." She winks at Doug as her filly nods, Doug hiding his own smirk with a second bite. "So, Doug, are you avoiding my question or just unsure of your response?"

Doug sighs as he chews, finally swallowing as Rarity takes a dainty bite. "Well, I don't think I'm that good. I've never really sung outside a group, so... I'm not really sure."

Rarity nods, "Well, everypony has to start somewhere. Do you know what a scale is?"

Doug nods, "I have some music theory, but I haven't compared it to what you do here. A through G, middle C, that kind of thing?"

Rarity gives a slow nod, "Remarkable that that would be the same; there are quite a few similarities between our worlds. But yes, just do your best, sing me a scale." Doug looks down at his half finished plate, then back at Rarity. The mare sighs, "Would you like to wait until you have finished?"

Doug shakes his head, "No, I guess I'll try now." He attempts a quick scale, reverting to the 'Do Re Mi' he learned in elementary school. 

Rarity nods along, her ears perking up as he finishes, "Well, you went a little quickly to get a good read, but overall I would say you have a fine voice. You waver a bit, and have difficulty hitting some of the notes perfectly, but that will come with practice and better form. Try sitting up more, lean your head back and stick your chest out."

"Ohh, Big Sis, can I sing with you too?"

Rarity smiles down at Sweetie Belle, "Once you finish your dinner, darling. Then you may practice with us."

"Okay!"

"Ahem, what do we say?"

Sweetie Belle stammers, "Um, may I sing with you, too?"

"Better, and I would like that very much. Now, Doug, same for you, finish your meal and we will get started on warming up our voice before we start learning the song." Rarity smirks, "We can even make it the game for the evening; if you can sing the entirety of the Winter Wrap Up song by the time we retire for the night, you win."

Doug nods, scarfing down the rest of his meal and draining his orange juice. Rarity rolls her eyes, "Sweetie Belle, I do hope you grow up with a modicum of decency."

"What's a modicum?"

"A small amount. I use it humorously, as I wish for you to be very decent, but I only say that I hope you have a little."

"Oh. Okay. What's decent?"

"Decent, or decency, is proper behavior and manners. Such as not taking too large of a bite, or too much to eat at a time; a good rule of hoof is if you cannot swallow the food in your mouth by the time somepony finishes asking you a question, you had too much. And no, you should not answer a question while there is food in your mouth."

"How come Daddy takes such big bites? And Applejack?"

"Because he is an uncultured brute when he thinks he is being humorous, and Applejack rushes things."

Doug smirks, without missing a beat, "And here I thought you were going to say it is because she was raised in a barn. Or on a farm."

Rarity somehow restrains from rolling her eyes and hides her smile, instead giving an expression of long-suffering as she looks at Sweetie Belle, "See, he is trying it again. The best way to deal with this, if you do not want a stallion to continue, is to pretend to not find it humorous" -Doug's face falls- "Despite the fact that he is both correct and funny." She winks at Doug, his face regaining its normal smile. "Normally, that is called being polite; however, in a joking context, or a routine, that is called being the 'straight pony'. Your sire strives to make everypony the fool, and he cannot stand a straight pony in a normal, everyday context because he cannot tell if they got the joke or just think he is being mean."

Doug frowns as he nods, "Yeah, it's why I tend to only joke around those I know, who know I'm joking. I do tend to joke without thinking it through since, well, I'm trying to be funny."

"Yes, it does ruin the joke otherwise, if it doesn't come out fast enough." She leans over, stage whispering to Sweetie Belle, "It's why you must always laugh at his jokes, even if you don't get them. Otherwise, he might think you are taking him seriously."

Sweetie Belle looks over at Doug, then at their empty plates, "Um, okay. When do we start singing?"

"Now is fine, let us retire to the store, I believe the sound will resonate better there. I will get some chairs."

The three move to the storefront; Doug helps rearrange some of the ponnequinns while Rarity brings in a few comfortable chairs. Rarity has Sweetie Belle, then Doug, then both of them together match her pitch as best they can and hold the note.

About an hour later Fluttershy quietly opens the side door, pausing as she hears noises coming from further inside. She ventures inside, a timid, "Hello?" that goes unanswered. The music continues, Fluttershy taking flight and silently flying through the house. She hears the music get louder as she heads to the store front, one of her forelegs swaying to the beat.

Fluttershy watches from the doorway; Doug briefly glances over; he is singing the base line, though he randomly swaps to tenor at times. Sweetie Belle is doing her best to mimic her dam, both singing the soprano part, as they sing about waking up the critters, providing food and homes. Rarity motions with her hoof, the two cutting off. "Very good. Now, for the next part, we are bringing back the southern birds. After that, the plant team section, and the chorus, and the song is done."

Fluttershy squeals, "Oh, I love that part!" She immediately clasps her hooves over her mouth as the three turn to her. She darts behind the wall, peeking a head out as the three watch her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Please, don't mind me."

"Are you sure?" Doug asks, patting the open area next to him, "You looked like you were enjoying it. Come join us!"

"Um, okay." Fluttershy hesitantly moves forward, greeting Doug with a short kiss before taking the spot next to him.

"Very good. Now, stand, you sound much better that way." Doug gets to his feet as Rarity continues, "We will start from the beginning; if we can make it all the way through the song, excellent."

Fluttershy hums along as the three start singing. Her hooves keep tapping with the beat, her head nodding and eyes closed. Doug stumbles as Fluttershy joins in, Rarity quickly poking him with a hoof to get him back on track. The four make it through the entirety of the song, Fluttershy matching Rarity and Sweetie Belle on the soprano section while Doug carries the base. 

The song comes to an end; Doug pumps a fist, Rarity giving a slight eye roll at her stallion 'winning' this night's game. Fluttershy sits with a pleased look on her face as Rarity and Doug smile at her. Sweetie Belle does a small dance, prancing around and exclaiming, "Mama, that was so cool!"

Fluttershy opens her eyes as Rarity says, "Yes, darling, it certainly was." She turns to Fluttershy, "Fluttershy, you have such a beautiful voice! How have I never heard you sing before?"

Fluttershy's eyes go wide before she hides behind her mane, a squeaky, "No!" escaping.

Doug moves over, scratching Fluttershy's mane to the side in order to see her eyes, sitting down next to her. "Hey, 'Shy, it's okay." Fluttershy, no longer hidden by her mane, turns and pushes her muzzle into Doug's chest. He grips her head tightly, a confused look on his face as he says, "What's wrong?"

"It's just..." Fluttershy looks up at Doug, "Um, I don't want to sing in front of other ponies."

Rarity moves over, stroking a hoof along Fluttershy's back, "Darling, why does that bother you so much? You have an amazing voice, and I'm sure other ponies would love to listen to you sing."

Fluttershy shudders, "It's just, the thought of singing where others are watching makes me..." The pegasus squeaks again, burying her face in Doug's chest and sobbing.

"Fluttershy, I hate seeing you like this," Rarity says, her hoof continuing to stroke Fluttershy's side, "What can we do to help?"

A few sniffs and choked sobs later, and Fluttershy turns her head looking at Rarity, "Well, you see, it's just, I like the quiet. I like singing when it is just my birds and myself, and I don't have to worry about ponies watching or laughing or making fun of me." Fluttershy shakes her head as Rarity opens her mouth, the unicorn quickly shutting her mouth and drawing a hoof across her muzzle, "I don't need a stage, or fans, or anything. I sing for me, Rarity, not anypony else. And I don't really want anypony knowing about it; I want them to like me, not just my voice or my flanks." She sighs, looking around, "It's... okay when I'm in a large group, but otherwise... it's not what I want." Fluttershy stops talking, giving a shy smile and nodding at Rarity.

"Very well, Fluttershy, if that is what you wish, then we are happy to keep your secret." Rarity glances over, Doug nodding, and turns a smile at Fluttershy, "Just know, you are always welcome to sing with us, just us, here in the privacy of the Boutique. Or, if you just want to listen to us sing, that is fine, too."

"Thank you, Rarity," Fluttershy whispers, snuggling up against her herdmate.

"Of course, darling," Rarity says, nuzzling the pegasus, "Now, the last section could use a little work." She looks over at Doug and Sweetie Belle, "Would you like to sing through just the end, or start from the beginning?"

As they start over from the beginning, Fluttershy finds her hoof tapping up against the floor again. "Oh, no," she whispers to herself, trying to contain her desire to sing along.
> 20 Path of Betrayal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

August 12th, 996

"Hmm," Fluttershy mutters to herself as she slowly flies through the oak trees, "This area might be okay, but there aren't a lot of fruit trees besides the Apple's. I need somewhere that has more flowering plants, or berry bushes." This area of the forest is technically part of Sweet Apple Acres, part of the land grant that Princess Celestia had given the settlers those hundred years ago. But the Apple family has not yet converted the land to apple trees, or any kind of productive tree. Not many ponies ate acorns, other than as a delicacy, and there are plenty of other oak groves in the world. So, the Apple family lets the nuts fall where they may, not bothering to gather or harvest them. Her animal friends, though, sure love them, and she'll be sad to see these trees go when the Apple family expands their farmland. 

Fluttershy's ears perk up as she hears the soft, fast cadence of paws on dirt. She recognizes those paws! The pegasus glances around, quickly locating the pet she entrusted to Rarity as the dog makes her way down one of the rows of the nearby Apple orchard. "Oh, hello Winona!" Fluttershy exclaims, peering through the branches of the oak tree she is scouting. 

Winona barks once, a cheerful hello. The collie cocks her head to the side with a look that asks Fluttershy what she is doing at this part of the farm.

Fluttershy glances over, "Oh, um, I'm just checking up with a few of the birds. Some of them were talking about a colony of fruit bats that is migrating to the area, and I'm trying to find out how many there are. And if I can find a good spot for them. Make sure they don't put too much of a strain on the nearby forest."

Winona barks a few times before releasing a growl, then a deep ruff.

"Well, I suppose I don't spend a lot of time in the orchard. I can understand why you thought I might be somepony else, somepony who isn't supposed to be here. I do mostly go straight to the farmhouse." Fluttershy glances around, "And, it has been a while since we have spoken. I'm sorry, I should have made more of an effort to meet up with you when I've been over at Rarity's."

Fluttershy stops for a moment, as Winona cocks her head to the side, "You know, speaking of, I haven't seen you at Rarity's boutique in... in a long time." She looks away from the tree, putting a hoof to her chin, "And I see Opalescence over there from time to time, and I haven't seen Opal on the farm. Even in her favorite napping spots, like right by the eastern window when the sun comes up."

Winona sits down, wagging her tail and letting her tongue loll out of her mouth in the hot summer heat.

"Well, you're here now, aren't you? Would you like to help me out?"

Winona lets out a short bark, getting up and walking closer to Fluttershy.

"Aww, who's a good girl?" Fluttershy pulls a treat from her small pack, tossing it to the collie. Winona grabs the treat out of mid air, quickly scarfing it down and looking at Fluttershy expectantly. "You can have another treat once we finish. So, like I said, I'm looking for an area that the fruit bats will be able to live. Ideally, it should be somewhere cool, like a cave, and dark, like a cave. And I'm also looking for someplace that has a lot of flowers and shrubs."

Winona nods along, barking twice.

"I haven't thought to try the northwest part. You say that there are some caves in the areas that lead to the mountains?"

Winona gives a happy bark.

Fluttershy nods, "We should scout that way then! Although, it is getting a little late. Hmm, probably an hour to get there. An hour back. And who knows how long it will take to search for an empty cave or two."

Winona looks up towards the sun, there being about three hours left in the day.

"Oh. Hmm. Um. Well, I should let Applejack know that I might be late getting back. Do you know where she is, Winona?"

Winona nods, taking off to the east. Fluttershy flies behind, slowly losing ground to the running collie. Winona barks as soon as Applejack comes into view, the earth pony smiling in greeting. Applejack says, "Hey, there, Winona! Did you find that pegasus?" Winona barks as Fluttershy comes into view, Applejack remarking, "You got her to follow you too?" She looks up, spotting the yellow pegasus, "Oh! Uh, hey, Fluttershy, how are things?"

"They are going well, Applejack. I was trying to find a place for a new group of fruit bats-"

"Uh-uh." Applejack shakes her head, "No way, no how."

"Um. Okay?" Fluttershy cowers down, hiding behind her mane.

Applejack stares at Fluttershy for a few seconds before sighing, "Ah suppose Ah should let you fully explain, huh? Just know, Ah ain't letting any fruit bats near the farm, and Ah ain't budging on that."

Fluttershy nods, "I... I... Okay. I was going to say that I am going to the foothills of the mountains to try to find a place for them, and that I might be late coming back. And if it is okay for me to take Winona with me, but I suppose I should ask Rarity about that."

"Oh. Well, um, thank you for telling me, 'Shy. Ah'm sorry Ah assumed that you wanted the fruit bats to feast on our hard labors."

"It's okay, I haven't actually talked to them yet. Though I'm sure that they would love your apples, and would help spread the trees far and wide."

Applejack's eyes narrow, "Ah huh."

"But, um, so, hows Opal been? Any trouble?"

Applejack's eyes shift back and forth as she takes a step back, "Oh, um, nope! No trouble at all!"

"Oh good, I'm glad the two of you are getting along. Winona sure seems happy, doesn't she?"

Applejack grows even more nervous, "Yes! Very happy, she's been very happy."

Fluttershy smiles and nods, "I'm glad to hear my two friends are doing so well with their pets. Well, I'll go see Rarity, and I'll see you later."

"Ah... Alright, see you later, 'Shy." Applejack wipes the sweat off her forehead, replacing her hat with a loud sigh as Fluttershy takes off, Winona barking as she follows behind. The two quickly make their way back to town, Fluttershy opening the front door to the Carousel Boutique.

"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique!" She pauses at seeing Fluttershy and Winona, a brief shudder passing across her face before she composes herself. "Fluttershy! So good to see you, how is everything? Going well?" Rarity glances at Fluttershy, her head tilting a little to the side as she forces a smile.

Fluttershy nods, "Oh, yes, going very well. Is everything all right here?"

Rarity smiles and nods, "Yes, business has gone well today. Lots of repairs, cleaning, that sort of thing on Summer Sun attire before they put it away for another year. Are things going well at Applejack's? I thought you would be over there tonight."

"Applejack is doing fine, same with me. I wanted to ask if it was alright if I take Winona with me; we'll be traveling to the northwest, deep into the forest, looking for some caves."

"Why would I... I mean, excuse me, why would I have a problem with you taking Winona, Fluttershy? Of course it is okay!" Rarity forces a smile on her face. "Of course you already talked about it with Applejack, and I'm sure she had no issue either."

"No, she is fine with me coming back late tonight. Have you had any trouble with Winona?"

Rarity's eyes shift to the side before she composes herself, "Oh, Fluttershy, Winona and I have been getting along better than ever. Right girl?" Winona gives a bark, smiling and wagging her tail. An annoyed Opal gets up from one of the tables, walking to the kitchen and flicking her tail back and forth. Fluttershy stares, confused, as the cat exits the room. She glances over at Rarity, who smiles back at her with a nervous look. "Well... um... I guess I'll be going."

"Alright, Fluttershy. Stay safe!"

"Okay." Fluttershy looks back at the kitchen as she and Winona exiting the Boutique. "Huh," she remarks to the dog, "I wonder why Opal is over here?"

Winona gives a bark, then something between a growl and a deep ruff.

"Oh, she sleeps over there all the time? Well, I can imagine that gets pretty crowded then, with both of you."

Winona growls again, then barks twice.

"Wait, you sleep over at Sweet Apple Acres?" Fluttershy looks to the south as they exit the northwest part of Ponyville. "But... let me get this straight. You stay at Sweet Apple Acres, and Opalescence stays at the Carousel Boutique?"

Winona gives an excited nod, looking back at the Carousel Boutique with a glare and at Sweet Apple Acres with a smile.

Fluttershy sighs, "But, why wouldn't they tell me?" as she picks up Winona, flying over the forest to the northwest.

About an hour later, Rarity closes up the Carousel Boutique. She sighs before nodding resolutely, starting the walk to Sweet Apple Acres. She hesitates before opening the front door, pushing it open. The light in Doug's office is on, as is the kitchen, but the light in the foals room is off. She she spots Applejack sitting in the dining room and starting at an empty plate in front of her. The earth pony's head raises at the clop of Rarity's hooves as the unicorn sits down at the table next to her.

"Applejack," Rarity leads; Applejack says, "Rarity, Ah-" before they both cut off. After a few seconds Applejack says, "You first,"; at Rarity's, "No, you first," Applejack sighs, "Ah think we need to tell Fluttershy about Winona."

Rarity nods as she sighs, "I agree. And not just because she might have figured it out when she came to the store."

"Of course you tipped her off," Applejack says, Rarity neutrally staring back at her. Applejack sighs before grimacing and looking down at her plate, "Well, Ah ain't exactly blameless either. It just got harder and harder, ya know? It's been over a year."

"I... well, for me, I just didn't know how she would take it. Would she be happy knowing that we are happier, and so are Winona and Opal?"

"Ah know what you mean. Ah hoped it would be obvious, that she had figured it out, and didn't say anything. Well, that ain't true, not fully; that's wishful thinking on my part. It's just, Ah knew that every day that went by that we didn't tell her outright made it harder to tell her, and telling her then would make her feel even worse."

"I felt the same way. It was like walking on pins and needles around her, whenever I thought the topic might come up."

"More like walking along the orchard after a rain, trying not to step in any of the puddles."

"Yes, I suppose." Rarity sighs, "And here we are, talking about her behind her back."

"Rares, you're the... well, fourth worst gossip Ah know, after that flower trio."

"Aww, I'm moving up!"

Applejack rolls her eyes, "And we ain't saying bad things about Fluttershy, we're... discussing the best approach. How to deal with her."

"Hmm, yes, we are. So. How do we approach this?"

"Ah don't, Rares. Ah don't know." The two mares sigh, looking around the farmhouse for anything that might give them an idea of what to say.
> 21 Blood of the Betrayed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The tops of the trees barely miss Fluttershy's hooves as she flies above the forest, looking down and rapidly darting back and forth, scanning the ground for any sign or shadow of a cave. Her mind moves as quickly as her eyes, trying to process what is happening with her herdmates.

"Winona?"

The dog gives a somewhat fearful bark, suspended as she is fifty feet above the ground.

"Do you like staying with Applejack?"

Winona nods her head, trying to stay as still as possible in Fluttershy's hooves as she lets loose a low growl.

Fluttershy glances back, looking at the small travel pack at her side, "Hmm, I suppose I should have borrowed Rainbow's custom saddlebags." A tear comes to her eye, "I'm just as bad at thinking about that as I am at finding good owners for pets, aren't I?"

Winona shakes her head, two short barks.

"Oh, Winona, I don't mean to get so upset, it's just that I... I..." Fluttershy sobs, holding her hooves to her face, drying her tears with Winona. She looks down at the terrified dog shaking in her hooves, "Oh, dear, Winona, I'm sorry, I just..."

Fluttershy sobs again, her hooves starting to shake. "Oh, um..." she moves to the top of the nearest tree, placing Winona in the branches. The dog clings, first to Fluttershy, then to the branch as Fluttershy settles down next to her. The two sway, the tree bending back and forth as Fluttershy cries. Winona lets loose a mournful howl, terrified as she looks down at the dizzying drop.

Fluttershy slowly regains her composure, looking over at Winona. The dog continues shaking, eyes locked on the ground below. She sniffles as she tries to pick the dog back up, her paws clinging desperately to the branch. "Shh," she coos, "It's okay, I'm better. We'll get through this." Fluttershy slowly pries first one paw, then the other, then the first paw again from the tree. Winona relaxes as Fluttershy's hooves wrap around her, carefully fluttering down to the forest floor.

Winona gives a happy bark as her paws contact the ground, a quick glance back at the yellow pegasus. On seeing tears still forming in her eyes she gives a quieter bark, moving forward to nuzzle Fluttershy's leg. The mare drops down, her pregnant belly resting on the ground, forcing herself to nuzzle the dog in return. "It's just... so... frustrating!" Fluttershy shouts into the woods, managing to rustle a few of the nearby leaves. She gives a heavy sigh, feeling a little better at getting the anger towards her herdmates out of her system, "Well, we might as well do what we came here to do. Now, if you were a bunch of nice, dark caves, where would you be?"

Winona sniffs the ground, circling a few times before darting off. Fluttershy smiles, giving chase while wiping the last of her tears from her eyes. "Plenty of time to worry about that later. Oh, hello little birdie!" She spots one of the forest birds who flitters down, chirping away. "I'm from Ponyville, and I was looking for a cave for some new arrivals!" Scattered chirping as a second bird arrives, "Oh, hello to you too! Its a family of fruit bats that I'm trying to find a home for."

A few more birds gather, chirping among themselves. Fluttershy quietly listens before she realizes that Winona has ran off, and not returned! She was supposed to follow the collie, but instead got distracted by the birds! "Oh, um, excuse me, everyone."

The birds continue chirping, ignoring the quiet pegasus. "Please be quiet, I need your help."

A few birds give annoyed chirps before flying around, their warbles mixed with other birds arriving. 

"No, I need help with something else, Winona's gone missing! And I need your help to find her!"

The birds stop chirping at Fluttershy's outburst. She breathes heavily, regaining her normal composure after a few seconds, "Oh, um, I think she went that way." Fluttershy points with a hoof down the direction she thinks Winona ran off. Most of the birds fly that way while a few take off on other angles, widening their search. Fluttershy takes off, heading down the middle before excited bark comes at her from the side.

However, it isn't the excited bark of Winona, but instead the animated bark of a timber wolf.

"Eep!" Fluttershy gasps, trying to fly away as the wolf barrels after her. One the of the birds flies in the timber wolf's face, the brief distraction enough for Fluttershy to dart away, weaving between trees as she tries to out distance the wolf. She glances up, a sharp intake of breath as she sees two more timber wolves leaping from limb to limb above her. The other wolf is still tailing her on the left side, and Fluttershy makes a break to the right, trying to get underneath and behind the wolf above her.

The wolves above quickly turn back, chasing Fluttershy but from further back. The wolf on the ground sprints after her, nipping at her hooves as Fluttershy dodges to the left, then back to the right. The wolf moves to cut her off, Fluttershy turning and dashing off to the left again. The wolf hangs back, allowing Fluttershy to gain a little distance. She looks back up again, the wolves above again cutting off her potential flight. It's almost like...

Fluttershy gasps as she comes to a thorny thicket, the thick brambles cutting off her further escape. She glances backwards, breathing heavily as two wolves flank on her left and right. The largest wolf advances from the middle, a large sneer on its tooth filled maw. 

Fluttershy turns, fixing the alpha timber wolf with her Stare. It doesn't even stumble as it continues advancing, the pegasus' thoughts turning to that of her unborn foal as she cowers, trying to recover her stamina while holding her hooves above her head. She can feel the stench of decay as the alpha snorts, bits of brown leaves and pollen escaping from its open jaws. Fluttershy hides behind her mane as the wolf opens its mouth even wider-

A loud bark from the side startles Fluttershy, but more importantly distracts the alpha from closing its jaws around her head. The alpha glances to the side as Winona jumps out of the foliage, a low growl emanating from the collie. The branches of the alpha contort to a derisive smirk as one of the timber wolves steps in between the collie and Fluttershy, matching her growl for growl. The alpha turns back to Fluttershy; the mare still looks like she is cowering, watching Winona through her mane while her hind legs get ready.

The wolf lunges towards Winona, the collie yelping while dodging to the side. The wolf skids, regaining its balance for a second lunge. Fluttershy dashes forwards, disrupting the wolf by charging into its side. The alpha gives chase, about to bite into Fluttershy's exposed flank when a small white blur lands on top of its head.

A white foot knocks the alpha off balance, the bunny doing several midair flips as he lands. He pulls out two carrots, whipping them around his body while the alpha gets back on its feet. It glares at the bunny, pawing the ground as the bunny holds out one carrot. He slowly rotates the carrot, the green leaves pointing towards the ground, flicking it towards his face twice. The alpha growls, slinking to the side as the bunny slowly rotates, keeping one carrot pointed directly at it, the other held loosely at his side.

The third wolf charges the bunny from the back, blind siding him and punting him through the air. Fluttershy gasps as the bunny slams into a tree, dropping to the ground and laying still. Winona dashes towards the bunny as Fluttershy follows closely behind, grabbing the collie with one hoof. The alpha swipes its claws across Fluttershy's flank as she scoops up the bunny with the other hoof. She screams in pain, taking to the air, quickly climbing above the treetops as the wolves scramble to climb after her.

Fluttershy winces as she hovers above the tree tops, the timber wolves still visible as they prowl back and forth. She looks down, the unconscious bunny breathing but otherwise not responding. Her own side throbs with pain, the cuts oozing blood that she can feel matting her fur. She glances around, travelling towards the foothills away from Ponyville while the wolves underneath seem to lose interest, heading away from her. At least she has her travel pack with her, and a few medical supplies.

She flies along for a few minutes before spotting a cliff, the sparse trees nearby providing a little shade from the evening sun. Fluttershy sets down on the outside of a cave, placing Winona and the bunny on the ground. She inspects the bunny, seeing a small cut on its foot where it kicked the wolf and a large bruise on its shoulder and jaw where it hit the tree. None of the bones seem to be broken, so she goes to her pack, pulling out a bottle, a few bandages and some disinfectant.

The bunny screeches as it awakens, Fluttershy quickly turning and saying, "Oh, don't worry, I'm here to help you. My name is Fluttershy, what's your name?"

The bunny screeches again, looking at the supplies Fluttershy has in her hooves. 

"Oh, your name is 'Ain gel? That's a beautiful name."

The bunny screeches a third time, shaking its head and pointing at the bottle.

"Yes, 'Ain gel, don't worry, I'll be right there." Fluttershy pulls the cap off her bottle of pain gel.

The bunny puts a paw to his mouth, trying to lower the swelling and fix his pronunciation. He points to his injured foot, stamping the other and trying to growl while holding his jaw.

"Yes, I see the wound, I have a bit of this pain gel that I will apply, but after I disinfect it. This might sting a little; okay, ready Angel Bunny? You don't mind if I call you that, do you?"

The bunny makes what can only be described as a sarcastic growl as he points at the bottle, then at his foot. He winces as Fluttershy applies the alcohol wipe, and relaxes as the pain gel is spread on the wound.

"There, Angel Bunny, much better. How does your jaw feel?"

Angel Bunny shrugs his shoulders as Fluttershy applies the bandage.

"Well, I don't know how much I can do for that. I can try a little of the gel, on the outside, but it looks like you just have a bit of swelling. It should go down in a day. Would you help me with my cuts, Angel? I would have a hard time reaching."

The bunny takes the offered wipe, moving to Fluttershy's side. She grimaces as he cleans up some of the blood, looking at the wipe and stamping his foot.

"Oh, um, I do have some water in my pack. Winona, can you get it for him?"

Winona retrieves the bottle of water, bringing it to Angel. The bunny merely stares at it; Fluttershy moves, taking off the cap and dribbling some of the water onto the bloodied fur. She winces as she pushes the fur around, trying to get the blood out. Satisfied she has gotten as much as she can Fluttershy lays back, Angel applying the wipe again against the four cuts. Fluttershy instructs him as he takes the bandage, pushing it over the wound.

"Thank you very much, Angel, both for saving me from those timber wolves and for helping patch me back up." The bunny squeaks in reply, Fluttershy nodding, "You are very welcome, too. Can I help you with anything else?" The bunny chatters his teeth, looking at his two paws. "Oh, you lost your carrots? Um, I don't think I have any with me, but I have some back at my house. I live near Ponyville. Would you like to come back with me? You could live with me, if you like, I have lots of animal friends who come and go."

Angel shrugs, rubbing his sore jaw. Fluttershy continues, "Um, but, before we go, I need to find a cave. I'm looking for somewhere a new colony of bats can live."

Angel raises one eyebrow, pointing at the cave they literally landed at the mouth of. Fluttershy turns, a sheepish grin on her face, "Oh. I guess I had more important things on my mind, huh?" as she smiles, closing her eyes and moving her head towards Angel. The bunny merely sighs, hopping into the somewhat lighter pack. Fluttershy hesitantly moves to the front of the cave, calling, "Hello? Anypony in there?"

Satisfied at the lack of response Fluttershy flies up, putting the saddlebags back on and grabbing Winona, reassuring the dog before beginning the long flight back to Ponyville.
> 22 Agony at Dusk
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy winces in pain as she flies, the collie in her hooves starting to get heavier. She should be good for the rest of the hour long flight, but the pain gel on her flank is starting to wear off. She grimaces, looking back at her saddlebags; hopefully Angel Bunny is doing well. The rabbit had only looked out of the bag once before rapping its paw across her side, chittering about being too high and diving back inside. Her mind turns to her herdmates as she continues towards her cottage.

"Winona?"

The dog gives a short, nervous bark.

"Did you like staying with Rarity?

She stays silent for several seconds before uttering a low growl.

Fluttershy sighs, "It's okay, I can understand that you don't want to talk now; I can wait until we get home. I'm sorry for bringing it up."

Several minutes pass before Winona releases a series of barks, growls, and a whimper.

A tear comes to her eye; the dog's confession about her time living with Rarity does nothing to help Fluttershy's nerves. "And, how is your time with Applejack?"

Winona gives a series of happy barks.

"Oh." Fluttershy sighs. "Did you ever talk with Opal?"

A bark, followed by silence, then a few barks.

"Yes, she doesn't get out much. That does sound like Rarity as well, at least among our friends." 

How did she misjudge her friends so badly? She thought she had done a good job, finding them pets that fit, that had the qualities they had asked for. Fluttershy spots her cottage, slowly gliding down. She announces, trying to keep up her happy tone, "Okay, you two, we're here!" Winona hops down as soon as the ground is in reach, Angel Bunny sticking his head out of the saddlebags and giving a sleepy nod. "Let's get you those carrots, hmm?" 

Angel Bunny hops down, impatiently tapping his injured foot on the ground before wincing and swapping feet. Fluttershy opens the door, holding it open while Angel Bunny stares at her. She smiles, "You're free to stay inside, if you like." Seeing the bunny still standing and tapping his foot she goes inside, grabbing two carrots and hoofing them over. He takes them, quickly chowing down before hopping inside.

Fluttershy follows the bunny inside, going upstairs to her bathroom. She carefully peels away the bandages; the wound on her flank already looks much better. She takes a bit more of the disinfectant, spreading it over and wincing at the sharp pricks. She takes her brush, combing the hair over to try to hide the marks, satisfied at the slight unevenness that remains. Back downstairs, and Angel Bunny is staring at her, arms crossed. Fluttershy smiles, finding a small basket and blanket and setting them near her couch. He walks over, a short assessment before shaking his head. Fluttershy gets a small pillow, the bunny nodding, ripping it from her hooves and laying down in the basket.

Fluttershy walks back outside, a quick glance to Winona gets the dog to walk along next to her, the two beginning the trek to Sweet Apple Acres. Her mind keeps circling back to why Applejack and Rarity hid, and are still hiding that they swapped pets from her. Her mind plays out how she thinks the encounter will go: they would have gathered the whole herd, or at least a majority; with just Rainbow the two of them would have enough to override Doug, though he certainly wouldn't be happy about it. The three of them would try to talk to her, and she would overreact, and raise her voice at them. And then their disappointment in her would be even more justified, and they would kick her out of the herd, even though she is with foal, and she'd... she'd...

Tears come to Fluttershy's eyes, Winona giving a worried look up as they continue walking. Fluttershy shakes her head; no, they wouldn't kick her out. They would just belittle her, make her feel useless and unappreciated like Rainbow did. The mare hadn't apologized for how she made Fluttershy feel at the start of the year, and it still hurts whenever Fluttershy thinks about it. Or watches Rainbow fly around, using those speed exercises Spitfire gave her. She even rubbed it in Fluttershy's muzzle when she tried to get Fluttershy to try them out with her, and occasionally still tries, despite her dropping hints that she is happy the way she is.

At least Pinkie Pie and Doug appreciate her; both are quick to complement her on how she is doing with the animals, asking about how her activities are going, or helping out with the projects around her cottage. It would be nice if Applejack, Rarity, or Rainbow helped out, but they are often busy with their own jobs. Doug and Pinkie Pie both work, but at least they make some time for her.

Fluttershy notices a few lights are on as she walks up to the front door of the Apple farmhouse, slowly opening it. She sees Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow all sitting at the dining room table as she makes her way inside, Winona giving a short bark in greeting. The three mares turn, looking at Fluttershy with tired expressions.

Applejack begins in a solemn voice, "Fluttershy, we need to talk." Words follow after, but Fluttershy doesn't comprehend, her mind replaying the worst case scenario that she could come up with. Tears flow freely as she crumples to the floor, her mane and hooves covering her muzzle and trying to hide her sobs.

The sound of hooves clopping against the wooden floor, drawing closer breaks Fluttershy from her nightmare, her despair, looking up to see Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow slowly moving towards her. Each of them has a worried look on their muzzle, and Fluttershy quickly babbles, "Oh, no, I'm sorry, you don't want me making a scene but I'm sorry, it's just that I can change, I can do better, I'll do anything you want me to and I'll try but please don't kick me out of the herd, I know you all don't want me in and I'm sorry but please, pretty pretty please!"

Rainbow gives a bewildered look to Applejack and Rarity; the unicorn does her best to give Fluttershy a reassuring smile while Applejack merely raises an eyebrow, saying, "Come again?"

Fluttershy wails, "Oh, please, Applejack, I don't know what you had to do to convince Doug, but please please please don't go through with this!" She holds up a shaking hoof to Applejack, but shies away when Applejack merely looks at it, confusion spreading over the earth pony's muzzle.

"Fluttershy, don't worry, it is okay," Rarity says, smiling at the pegasus, "There's no need to panic."

"What!" Fluttershy exclaims, looking up at Rarity, then Applejack and Rainbow, "This is the perfect time to panic! You're kicking me out of the herd, five months pregnant, and you say not to worry? I know I didn't give you the best pets, or the perfect instructions, but please, I can do better! Please, let me talk to Doug, if nothing else, and we can find a way to work past this!"

"Fluttershy, we ain't kicking you out of the herd."

"But, Applejack, please, I'm sorry for what I did, or didn't do, and-"

"Zip it." Rainbow says as she moves over, putting a hoof over Fluttershy's mouth. The pegasus looks up at her in shock, Rainbow continuing, "We are not, I repeat, we are not kicking you out of the herd. Please stop begging us, okay?" Fluttershy nods her head, a terrified look in her eyes, Rainbow's hoof still over her mouth. "Okay, good. Now, Applejack and Rarity are trying to apologize for Winona and Opal and how they treated you, and I apparently did something that I should apologize for as well but I'm not sure so I'm just going to stop talking and let them talk." Rainbow withdraws her hoof, smiling at Fluttershy.

The yellow pegasus looks down and to the side, a mumbled, "Okay."

Applejack gets down on her knees, resting her barrel on the floor, "Fluttershy? Are ya doing all right?" Fluttershy slowly nods, not making eye contact with anypony. "Alright, Fluttershy, Ah want to say that Ah'm sorry for not telling you about swapping pets with Rarity. Ah was afraid of how you would take it, and it just got harder and harder to bring up as time went by. Ah started avoiding you, trying to keep Winona out of sight, for fear that you would figure it out and react poorly."

Fluttershy mumbles something, hiding behind her mane.

Applejack sighs, "Look, maybe Ah was right, thinking that you might take it a little hard. Ah should have come to you when Ah was first having problems with Opal, but Ah saw how happy you were and Ah didn't want to take that away from you. It just got easier to conceal my problems with Opal than to bring them up to you. And after so many times of telling ya that everything was fine, Ah sure didn't want to go back and say that Ah had been having these problems for so long."

"It was the same for me, darling," Rarity says, lightly laying a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder, "I was having difficulty with Winona, and how much she wanted to stay outside and go for walks. I should have brought that to your attention much earlier."

"And then, when Rarity went on her expedition with Doug, Ah had Winona stay with me for a week." Applejack sighs, looking down at the floor, "And Ah really enjoyed having Winona with me. Ah was mighty sad to think about watching her go, and it wasn't until Ah saw the problems Rarity was having with Winona that Ah really thought about it. And, Ah'm sad to admit, we kinda agreed to hide it from you."

Rarity nuzzles Fluttershy, shortly followed by Applejack, "I'm sorry, Fluttershy, for keeping this from you. Please forgive me."

Fluttershy smiles as she looks up, seeing Doug standing in the doorway and watching silently. She nuzzles Applejack and Rarity, "I forgive you, of course I do. I, just, I'm sorry I wasn't able to give you two the perfect pets in the first place."

"But, Fluttershy, just because you ain't perfect doesn't mean you don't belong in the herd; Ah'd have to kick myself out first. And even then, you just gave us the pets we asked for. It's just as much our fault, more so in fact, as yours."

Rainbow joins in the nuzzling, aiming for Fluttershy, "Well, 'Shy, I'm sorry that I made you upset? But I'm still a little confused at what I did."

Fluttershy looks down at her hooves, "Oh, um, it's okay, Rainbow. You don't have to worry about it."

Rainbow sighs, rolling her eyes before a smirk comes over her muzzle, "Now, you aren't going to make me do to you what Doug does to me, are you?"

Fluttershy's eyes go wide, "You wouldn't!"

Rainbow cackles as Applejack and Rarity back up. She slowly pushes Fluttershy onto her back, exposing the mare's belly and moving her muzzle down. "Now, do you want to talk?"

Rarity whispers to Applejack, "I may need to borrow Doug out of turn after this."

Applejack whispers back, "You and Rainbow both, Ah imagine."

Fluttershy squirms, "Um, Rainbow, why are you here, anyway?" She looks to the side, Doug holding a hand across his mouth, a hard look in his eyes as he watches Rainbow, "Um, seeing as tonight is Applejack's and my turn."

Rainbow laughs, a sinister chuckling as she moves a hoof over Fluttershy's exposed belly, smiling as she brings her mouth close to her herdmate's, "Oh, they were just worried if you didn't show back up in time. They wanted somepony who would scout for you, sound the alarm. Now, spill!" Fluttershy shies away, holding up her hooves and tensing as Rainbow brings her hoof closer to Fluttershy's belly. At the yellow pegasus' soft sob Rainbow sighs, "Ah, come on, 'Shy, you know I'm just playing, right?" Rainbow sits back, releasing her hold and watching Fluttershy.

"But, Rainbow, you aren't taking into account how I'm feeling." Fluttershy sighs as she rolls to her hooves, "You really want me to tell you?" At Rainbow's nod she continues, "Rainbow, you really hurt me when you told me you didn't want to fly with me."

"What?" Rainbow exclaims, "How does that bother you? I-"

Rainbow is shut off as Applejack puts a hoof over Rainbow's mouth, the earth pony shaking her head no. "Rainbow, let Fluttershy say her piece. Fluttershy, Ah'm sorry for the interruption. You were saying?"

Rainbow sits, a grumpy look on her muzzle as Applejack pulls her hoof away, but remains quiet. Fluttershy pauses before saying, getting quieter as she goes, "Well, um, I think I said my piece, it's okay."

Applejack shakes her head, "No, Fluttershy, it ain't okay. Now, something else is bothering you, and it's gonna be better to get it all out there, clear the air for everypony, alright?"

Fluttershy nods, sighing, "Okay. Um, Rainbow, it hurt my feelings when you rubbed it in my muzzle that the speed lessons Spitfire gave you were working better for you than my help." Rainbow gives a confused look but manages to hold her tongue as Fluttershy looks over at Applejack and Rarity, "It really hurt that each of you asked me for help, and then found better help from somepony else."

Rainbow looks to Applejack for confirmation; at her nod she says, a bit forced, "I'm sorry, Fluttershy, for making you feel unwanted and unappreciated. I'm sorry that I, um, rubbed it in your muzzle that the speed exercises were working better for me." Her smile seems to become more natural, "I didn't mean to make you upset. Friends?"

Fluttershy smiles at Rainbow, "It's okay, Rainbow, I forgive you." She smiles over at Applejack and Rarity, "And I know none of you meant to hurt me." Fluttershy looks over at the doorway, Doug still standing there and smiling at the four of them, "Now, it's late and I'm tired, what do you say we go to bed?"

Rainbow nuzzles Fluttershy, saying, "I hope you don't mind sharing the bed with a few extras, right?"

"Oh, um, I... I suppose I don't mind."
> 23 The King and the Brambles
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

October 4th, 996

Big Mac shakes his head as he looks over the two fields of wheat remaining. The tall stalks have grown steadily over the last four months, finally reaching their full height, flowered, seeded, and now are about to be harvested. It is like watching one of those fancy science displays, where they take pictures of something and present them back to back, to give an idea about how something changes over time. But this is in reverse. It has taken over five times as long for the wheat to grow in the field that Doug planted on the heavy weave, and almost seven times as long for the field that Doug had plowed and planted by himself. Just over five months. And the yield looked to be a third, at best, of their normal crop. Seven percent of their highest yield per acre year. One twelfth, give or take, depending on the harvest. A dismal result. The experiment, he would say if anypony asked, is a failure.

Apple Bloom's field had been somewhere in between. Took three months to grow, half a normal yield. Given her difficulties with magic, it made sense. Probably not getting a cutie mark in wheat farming, thank Faust. His own quarter acre field is still doing well, and he kept replanting to see how many harvests the heavy weave could take before it gave out. At five, and still going strong, though the upcoming harvest will be the last one for this year. Hopefully the weave lasts the winter, but without plants continually drawing magic through, it is very likely the whole thing would need to be scrapped and redone in the spring.

Doug had mentioned he was doing the calculation a little off. You see, he hadn't taken into account that he didn't need to plow and harvest the field as frequently. Say it takes him about four hours to plow, rest, and plant a light weave acre. About four hours to harvest, give or take. For a light weave, it takes him one time over the field. Then one for the harvest three weeks later. So, eight hours of work per three weeks for one acre. That gets you one field worth of food, call it two thousand pounds. Two hundred fifty pounds per hour of work, gotten every three weeks. Field gives eight hundred thirty pounds a week.

With the heavy weave, he needs to plow twice for the first time, taking about eight hours. Only needs one plow on the second planting. Five hours to harvest, from the larger yield. So thirteen hours on the first time, only nine on subsequent harvests. Harvest about thirty percent more, so the yield is about twenty six hundred pounds. First harvest, two hundred pounds per hour of work, harvested every five weeks. Next harvest, call it two hundred ninety pounds per hour of work. Field gives five hundred eighty pounds a week.

So, which one is better? Big Mac smiles; Doug loves these trade-off type games, and he finds himself getting more and more interested in the thought process behind it, how to come up with and figure out these scenarios. They really did interest and drive the human. If you are low on fields? Light weave. If you have plenty of acreage, and care more about harvest per hour? Heavy weave. Assuming the heavy weave lasts for more than two harvests. If it only lasts for two, then they are about even. And with it lasting for five, maybe more, harvests? Well, they had plenty of land at Sweet Apple Acres, though he doesn't like how they have more wheat growing at a time, mostly for Doug's consumption. Sweet Wheat Acres just doesn't have the same ring to it. But, Doug is certainly pleased to have helped out. So is Big Mac; if the only thing they get out of this is he has to spend less time working with wheat, he'll be happy as a hog. The human plowing side of things, though...

Applejack is standing at his side as Big Mac strides up to the human, a smirk growing on the red pony's muzzle, "So, enjoying the fruits of your labor yet?"

"Eeyup." comes the quick reply, Doug chewing a long stalk of wheat.

Big Mac rolls his eyes before looking around; Doug has the hand scythe he made resting against the fence, ready to be put to use. Big Mac had chuckled at Doug's original twenty inch blade design and two handed staff, despite the claim that it would double as a Nightmare Night costume. Knowing the human, he would probably make one anyway, but the thought that some scarecrow with a larger than normal scythe would be frightening is somewhat silly. He had talked Doug down to the smaller, more easily wielded blade, especially since he planned on harvesting the field himself. 

"So, hoss, how much wheat flour would you normally get from a field this size?"

"A quarter acre, off one harvest? Maybe five hundred pounds of flour, after it's milled and all."

Doug nods, "And how much do you see here?"

Big Mac squints, turning his head to the side, "One hundred twenty or so, each. Bit more on the magic one, bit less on yours. Might end up a bit less on both, depends how much gets dropped on the ground."

Doug switches the wheat stalk to the other side of his mouth, "So, I do about as well as back home."

"So, it took ya how long to do this?"

Doug counts on his fingers, "Let's see, two hours to plow one quarter acre. Five months to grow, so might get two in a season if I found the right wheat, but lets stick with one harvest a year. It'll take, hmm, let's call it five hours to harvest the half acre."

Applejack raises an eyebrow, "That's pretty optimistic there, partner, for just starting off."

Doug shrugs, "Well, I'm new now, but I think I'd get faster as I got used to it, or made some better tools."

"Well, at least you ain't going to thresh it yourself, or mill it." Big Mac shakes his head at Doug's insistence on going through every part of the process. It helps him think through everything, though, so he isn't complaining. He did miss that part about taking less time overall on the other experiment, after all.

"Sure, but then I'd probably have to trade a portion, let's say half, to whoever does. So, I can plant an acre a day, maybe more if I push myself, but I'd have other chores than just plowing. I can only plant for four months, since it takes five months to grow and I've only got nine months of growing time, so I've got one hundred and twenty acres of farmland I can work myself."

"So, a twentieth of Sweet Apple Acres?" Applejack whistles, "That ain't bad, for a non-earth pony. Ah mean, you're just growing wheat, but still."

Doug nods, "So, one month off, then next four months I spend harvesting the wheat as it matures, and carting it to get processed and traded after. So, figure, two hundred forty pounds of flour that I end up with per acre, and one hundred twenty acres. Ends up with, hmm, just under twenty nine thousand pounds of wheat."

Big Mac does a quick calculation; using heavy weaves everywhere, eight months of work, thirty days a month, eight hour days, two hundred ninety pounds an hour, makes five hundred fifty six thousand, eight hundred pounds of wheat. Half of that if he is trading part of it to be milled. Just about ten times what the human made.

"And how much do you eat a year?" Applejack asks while Big Mac moves his own stalk from one side of his mouth to the other.

"Um, rough estimate, aiming high, call it two thousand five hundred pounds a year. For just me. So, by myself, I'm productive enough to feed twelve people."

Big Mac thinks to himself; growing apples isn't as 'productive', calorie for hour worked, as growing wheat and hay, but they don't need to mass produce calories. Taste is way, way more important for everypony. So they probably produce enough apples to feed forty ponies compared to one hundred twenty growing wheat. Well, that is per acre, and they can grow way more acres of apples than they can wheat. So maybe they do even out, but it could be cutie mark related.

"Is, uh, is that a lot? Ah mean, we grow a heck of a lot more than that, and that's mostly apples." Applejack shakes her head, "Ah don't see how you got your population got so large if that's all you're able to sustain. Ah mean, that's just food you're talking about, that's not counting housing, or weather, or medical bills, or all the other jobs ponies have."

Doug nods, "Yup. I mean, my old job, before I came here, I made about ten times what I would make if I was a full time farmer here. And that's not taking into account that not every field would perform this well; this is very high quality farmland. Most areas would make a lot less; you might see half of the population employed in farming in worse areas, or spots without as good tools. Like metal plowshares."

Applejack smiles at the complement, but frowns after, "So, then, how did humans get so numerous? And such varied jobs, if so many of you worked the land. Ah mean, you look at Ponyville, a farming community, and less than ten percent of us are farmers. At best; that's counting me, you, Big Mac, Granny, and Apple Bloom as working on this farm."

"Yup." Doug picks up a stalk of wheat, slowly pulling the grains off and inspecting them.

Applejack bumps Doug with her flank, "Ah asked you a question, partner."

"Oh." Doug looks up, "Well, we cheated."

Applejack raises an eyebrow, "Ah might need more of an explanation than that."

"Well, you know what animals are like, back where I came from, right?"

"Sure. Dumb as a fish. Nothing like us, or even Mary Joe."

Doug chuckles, "Yeah, it's definitely a little weird for me thanking the cow whose milk I'm drinking. So, we would use oxen, or horses, or whatever animal is available to do the plowing for us. Feed and take care of them, of course. That was the way of things for a lot of people the world over. Would probably be, let's say, twice as good as I did. Maybe only half again, counting the extra cost of the animal. And it's way easier for anyone to farm, because you don't have to be as physically fit as I am. You probably still would be, from all the work you're doing. But it wasn't until later that the real innovation happened."

"And what's that?" Applejack laughs, poking Doug in the side with a hoof, "You breed some sort of, Ah dunno, super horse?"

Doug chuckles, "You could say that. Mechanical horse, called a tractor. Think of... think of a unicorn come to life spell, right? Makes it turn on its own. You could hook up one, two, maybe even ten plows to one tractor. Plow ten feet at a time instead of one, and at three miles an hour or more, for as long as you care to plow."

Applejack raises an eyebrow, "You're saying you, with one of these here 'tractors', could plow more'n ten times as fast as Big Mac on a good day? And do it all day long?"

"Eeyup." Doug flicks the wheat he is holding away from him. "Had a similar machine for harvesting, called a combine. Because it combined reaping, threshing, and winnowing, leaving only the grain with the machine and everything else being left on the field. Then, you could go over it with a baler to make hay bales, if you wanted to keep all the stalks and whatnot. Or just plow it under if you didn't, and start the next crop. Some machines even planted as they plowed. So, the pinnacle of human engineering, and we're as good as a bunch of magic ponies." He winks at Applejack as she rolls her eyes, "Well, I better get started on this. Remind me when I'm done to never try something like this again." Doug grabs his scythe, walking to the field to begin cutting.

Applejack moves a little closer to Big Mac, "No wonder you're so interested in getting a unicorn of your own." Big Mac stares at Applejack, his expression unreadable as she continues, "Ah can see it now, old Big Mac sitting on top of some sort of tractor. Only part of him that moves is his hoof, slightly to the left, slightly to the right, just guiding it along." She snickers at the thought, not noticing Big Mac's increasing grin.

"Well, Sis, maybe you'll get another unicorn in your herd, too. Ah can see it myself: all the apples in the apple trees, magically pulled from the branches" -Applejack gasps in horror- "And set into one basket so large even Ah can't lift it." Applejack winces, "Then, she just levitates it over, dumping the contents into boxes, and they get sorted as they roll down." Applejack holds her hooves over her head, sinking to the ground, "And they don't even bruise, because she's got such a careful hold on the apples. In fact, Ah think she'd treat them with more care than you do."

Applejack wails, "Stop, make it stop!" as she playfully beats her hooves against the ground.

"And it won't stop there, we need some giant conveyor belts that cart the apples where they need to go. And they'll feed straight into some big mechanical presses that make juice for us, and big engines that make cider. In metal cans, no less. And the remains will be already pulverized to some apple mush not fit for the pigs to eat, and we'll ship all that off as the pride of Sweet Apple Acres."

"Noo! Stop, Ah'll do anything!" Applejack flails around on the ground before Big Mac lightly pushes her with a hoof.

Big Mac sighs, "Ah'm joking, you know, Ah'm just getting back at you for implying me and Doug were an item. Ah'd hate for that to happen to us, too."

Applejack slowly gets up, smiling at Big Mac, "Ah know. Sometimes, though, Ah like it more when you don't talk so much. Actually, that might be true of Doug too. He tries, but it ain't the right way a lot of the time, you know? And I'm worried something might happen, even if the worst thing that happened here is just him wasting his time with trying to recreate something from back where he came from." She sighs, "Well, at least he enjoyed himself, a good break from the monotony of weather scheduling. Even if it didn't work out."

"Eeyup. Well, he did help me find a better way of growing wheat."

Applejack rolls her eyes, the two watching Doug as he goes from stalk to stalk.
> 24 Epilogue: Three Years Later
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Carousel Boutique - normally bustling inside with ponies trying to get new dresses, accessories, or last minute repairs done to their outfits - instead has a long line of ponies outside, wondering what is causing the delay. The doors open, a purple unicorn sprinting out with what appears to be an inebriated dragon youngling on her back. The various mares glance at each other before starting to file inside, Rarity exclaiming, "Oh dear, I forgot all about you! I'm terribly sorry for the delay, just give me a moment to get my shop in order. I'll be with each of you as soon as I am able!"

The first pony in line moves over, holding a dress with a long tear in it. Rarity finishes putting away the costumes the mystery mare had been trying on; she levitates her red glasses over, glancing at the tear, then at the long line of ponies. "Ahem," she announces, "Attention everypony: if you are here for a repair, I'll be able to get all of those out of the way first. Please, form up inside, your attire with you with the necessary repair facing out, please!"

A dozen needles, thread of various colors, and two pairs of scissors levitate up. Rarity inspects each article of clothing as the ponies line up, needles and thread moving to the articles in question, the unicorn humming to herself as she mends the tears, rips, and minor damage that might occur when a foal gets into the wrong closet. The repairs finish quickly, and Rarity looks at the next pony. This one is not wearing anything, instead looking at the various dresses arranged around the store. Rarity announces, "Everypony who needs new attire, I am sorry, but the only available dresses will be off the shelf. Minor alterations free of charge, as always. Please, come inside, and I can provide assistance as needed."

Outside the Carousel Boutique, near the outskirts of Ponyville, Pinkie Pie quickly pronks along a dirt path. She looks around the various trees and bushes, scanning for Fluttershy. She has just gotten Rarity's emergency message, that the Summer Sun Celebration Organizer has escaped her clutches earlier than expected. The pink pony spots Fluttershy near a thin, sparsely leaved tree, hovering in the air and leading a bird choir. As the sound builds, Pinkie Pie sees the organizer approaching. She gasps, disappearing from the path and darting behind the small mound under the tree. She reappears behind the tree, her body stretched thin as she contours herself to not be seen. She begins whistling out of time, an annoyed blue jay glaring at her.

Fluttershy interrupts the choir, saying, "Oh, my. Um, stop please, everyone." She takes off; Pinkie Pie talks at the same time as Fluttershy, keeping her voice to a whisper and inaudible to the organizer. Fluttershy says, looking at the blue jay, "Um... excuse me, sir." The blue jay jumps backwards, chirping that he isn't the one to blame. Fluttershy continues, "I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny, tiny bit off."

While Fluttershy is talking, Pinkie Pie hurriedly whispers, "Fluttershy, keep talking normally. You need to stall the organizer, the purple pony walking up. Anything; stand still, lead her the wrong way, whatever you can think of. I just need a little time." Fluttershy flies backwards, giving Pinkie Pie a wink as she gently glides back to the ground, her eyes remaining closed. Pinkie Pie, now out of sight of everypony, slinks down and away from the tree, hastily making her way back to the Ponyville Library.

Fluttershy says, "Now, follow me, please. A-one, A-two, A-one, two, three," as the birds resume singing their melodies.

A look of panic briefly crosses Pinkie Pie's face as she sees birds scatter from the tree. She quickly calms herself; if Fluttershy isn't able to manage this, well, she'll just have to be faster. Pinkie Pie arrives at the library, a blur of motion as she sets up the cupcakes, gets the drinks ready, and double checks the punch bowl. A few ponies are starting to dance, some quiet music playing while they shuffle around. Pinkie Pie places the drinks, salivating at the Fire Sauce Rainbow brought and placed on the table already. The games follow next, Pinkie dashing between closets, some not even in the library, in order to get all the necessary board games and her deluxe Pin the Tail set.

Applejack walks through the front door, carrying a few of the games that Pinkie Pie had been searching for, those she keeps at the Apple farmhouse. Pinkie Pie jumps up, quickly sorting through them and putting them in the appropriate places. Applejack looks around at the party, "Wow, Pinkie, you've really outdone yourself. All this for a Summer Sun Celebration pre-party?"

Pinkie Pie rolls her eyes, "The pre-party is only, like, the most important party! Without it, how would you get in mood for the real party?"

Applejack rolls her eyes, "Alright, sure. And it ain't to try to impress, you know, a certain purple pony?"

Pinkie Pie raises an eyebrow, "Who, Amethyst Star?"

A green coated mare looks over, "Did you need me?"

Applejack shakes her head, "No, Lyra, Ah mean, Amethyst Star. Ah didn't mean you, sorry." Applejack turns to Pinkie as the unicorn walks off, "Ah'm talking about that organizer. You know, she kinda meets all the requirements."

"Oooh. Hmm, I guess she does! That just makes going all out on this party even better!" Pinkie Pie pronks around, quickly double checking the various sections of the party.

Satisfied with the games, the party setup, and with nearly all of the participating ponies inside, Pinkie Pie does a quick check outside, spotting Fluttershy and the organizer walking down the road. She smiles to herself; Fluttershy has done it again, somehow managing to slow down the implacable organizer. Well, more like easily distracted organizer, given that each member of her herd had been able to distract the organizer at least once. The front door to the library opens, a pristine Rarity walking through. "Oh dear, I hope I'm not too late, I was swamped with last minute requests for tonight and tomorrow." She comes up to Pinkie Pie, looking out at the road and spotting the organizer as well. "Just in time, I suppose."

Pinkie Pie nods, a whispered "Quiet!" that somehow manages to shush the entire room. Well, scratching her hoof on a chalkboard helps as well. The gathered ponies wait silently, preparing themselves for whatever it is Pinkie Pie has planned. 

From outside the library they hear a muffled, "I am so sorry. How did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville, and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep."

A number of mares glance at each other, their worried looks difficult to make out in the darkened room. A second younger voice says, "No I don't," before giving a short lived scream. The impact of what could only be a baby dragon on hard ground is heard, a number of the mare wincing and waiting for the inevitable cry of the injured baby dragon.

Instead, they hear a condescending, "Aww, wook at that! He's so sweepy he can't even keep his widdle bawance!" The gathered ponies again try to make out each other's expressions in the dark; who is this mare?"

A brief silence comes over the room for several seconds before the door opens, Fluttershy visible in the open door and carrying a small purple dragon. She says, mid sentence, "Him to bed," as she flies in before a purple mare dashes past, pushing Fluttershy back the way she came and leaving the dragon sitting among them.

Pinkie Pie silently gasps, scrounging around for something. Finding what she is looking for, she flicks a light onto the baby dragon that illuminates him and helps keep the rest of the room in relative darkness. The purple mare says, "Yes, yes. We'll get right on that. Well, good night!" before shutting the door in Fluttershy's face.

The baby dragon says, "Huh, rude much?", many of the ponies nodding in agreement. Pinkie Pie glares at each of them, though how she is able to see their nods or they are able to know she is glaring at them in particular is better left unknown. Pinkie Pie directs a second light that illuminates the purple pony as she walks back into the main room.

"Sorry, Spike, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time!" The purple mare sighs, "I just need to be alone so that I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where's the light?"

Before her horn can flare Pinkie Pie turns on the lights, the gathered ponies smiling and yelling, "SURPRISE!", releasing streamers, confetti, and blowing on their noisemakers.