Second chances are often times a rarity. Yet, when some higher power decides to bestow one upon you? You tend to make sure it isn't wasted.
Apparently someone upstairs found some sort of pity within themselves and decided that I was worthy of a second chance. At least, that's what I assume. Since I've magically been dropped into another world, in the body of a baby horse no less!
That was four years ago. Everything was all fine and dandy, my life was going good.
Too good apparently.
Since that's when everything sort of went to shit.
Mega ultra super duper props to: FunkyFresh for helping this story get to how it is today.
I woke up with an eagerness that knew no bounds, rolling out of my bed and sprinting out my bedroom door, my small wings fluttering in excitement as I ran down the hallway. It was when I reached the door to my destination that I stopped, debating whether or not I would keep up this enthusiasm before ultimately shaking my head. Today was the day after all, I couldn’t afford not to be absolutely excited over it.
And seeing as I couldn’t reach the handle while standing on my own hooves, I reared up onto my hind legs and let my upper body press itself against the door – then reaching up with a hoof as far as it could. I could feel the little blurbs of strain starting to form along the length of my hoof until I finally felt the cool metal of the door knob against it, a mischievous grin formed on my face as I twisted it and let my rather miniscule body weight do the rest. I managed to land on all four hooves, thought not without stumbling and almost face planting straight into the carpet, that would’ve been a tragedy.
Either way, I shook those thoughts away and blinked a few times before my eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room. I glanced at the desk in the far corner of the room, a small dolphin shaped clock stood bearing the time. And then I snapped my head over to where the queen-sized bed stood in the middle of the room, deviously grinning as I made to enact my plan.
The grin stretched further across my face as the lump let out a small snore before moving around and falling still once again. Using my forehooves to drag myself forwards, I made it to the edge of the bed, reaching up and grabbing onto the foot of the mattress I grunted and lifted my body. Swinging my legs to the side a few times, I gained a bit of momentum and was able to throw my legs up onto the soft blankets, my upper body rolling softly against the fabrics of the blankets until I landed on my stomach.
I let out a instinctive giggle, thought immediately stifled it with my hoof, it pressing firmly into my muzzled as I glanced further up the bed. And luckily enough, I had not given away my presence. James Bond be damned.
Giggling again, though this time much quieter. I turned myself and slowly lifted myself up and onto my hooves, waiting a few moments before taking a few cautious steps forwards. I placed a hoof on the lump and gently shook it a few times, and after a few seconds of testing and prodding, I held back a bit of laughter as I took a step back and rubbed both hooves together, my wings parted and I bowed my upper body. I definitely looked like a cat, I even did the little shake because it was funny.
And then without much thought, I silently counted in my head. The prey none the wiser as I mentally counted, ‘three.. Two.. one..!’ before using my wings to propel myself forwards.
“Wake up mo– ah!!”
My moment of triumph was cut short by the matrix levels of agility coming from the pony that was laying underneath the layers of blankets, a deep chuckle ringing out as I was instantaneously caught and held in the air from under my arm pits. The rest of my body hung limply as I felt a pout forming on my face, much to the amusement of mother as she simply let out another chuckle as she brought me close to her chest and sat up in bed. And honestly, the feeling of her chest fluff against my face was pretty much all it took to wipe that pout off my face.
"Oh, my sweet, sweet – naive little baby!” she said with a teasing tone as twisted my head so that I could look up at her, shooting her another pout as nuzzled the top of my head.
“You should know by now that the monster doesn’t get spooked by cute little foals wandering into her cave,” she continued. And at the mention of monster I couldn’t help but let my eyes widen just a smidgen.
“M-monster?” I said – not in fear – well, yes. In fear. Because I knew exactly what she meant when she referred to herself as ‘’The monster” and meant that it was time for me to make my escape.
She simply giggled as I playfully tried worming my way out of her embrace, she watched me struggle before nodding, “oh yes, the tickle monster..” she then added emphasis by leaning hear head down closer to me.
"And you know the price for waking up the tickle monster, right?"
The fear doubled and I furthered my escape attempts, but it was useless, her grip was too strong for me.
"Mother, wait! I–AHaha!" I could help the involuntary giggles that left my mouth as she pulled me up and blew raspberries into my belly.
My laughter only continued to fill the room as she moved onto tickling my sides, moving her hooves from side to side as I let out laughter. Rolling from side to side proved to be unfruitful when she lifted me up and dropped me down onto my back, as I would just roll into one or the other one of her hooves.
Even with how big my pride was, I had to concede. This was too much for me.
"Ahaha-i give-aha! I– give!" I strained out in between laughter, my back arching up as I tried dodging her movements. Her attacks would seem to continue going until finally I was given solace in the way of her hooves stopping the attack. My lungs immediately taking in the air that was once forced out of me. The effect still lingering as small tired giggles would form in between breaths.
"Ha.. ha..ha.." I tried to shoot her a look but was unable to.
"I think my little colts had enough, hasn't he? Look how tuckered out he is, and on his birthday too!" She would exclaim in a faux surprised tone, her hoof found its way to the top of my head as she rubbed. "Looks like mommy's going to have to eat all his cake for him!" She would call out.
I widened my eyes and immediately pushed myself up, rolling over so we were stomach to stomach. I placed both hooves against her muzzle. "Noo! It's my cake..ha... I want to eat it!" I protested as my actions caught up with me. Dropping my head onto her chest as I breathed in and out.
"Of course, sweetie, mommy's just messing with you! Now, why don't we go and eat the yummy cake?" She offered with a hint of amusement, patting my head lightly as she giggled.
"Yes, please. Carry me?" I asked, raising my head and pursing my lips, giving her the puppy eyes.. it never failed
Her blue eyes stared into mine for a few seconds before she gave a small sigh and relented, wrapping her hooves around me once again lifting me. Raising herself to her haunches, she spread out her wings and hovered over the bed, keeping me close to her chest she floated over towards the opened door.
"Curse your adorable foal powers!” she said in playful anguish. “To think, I would be brought down to the lowest by the power of my lazy colt!" She dramatically explained while moving out into the hallway.
I giggled at her overly silly ways, mom was truly one of the greatest ponies ever! She always played and joked around with me – she.. was the best mother I could ever ask for.
I smiled brightly before moving out of my thoughts, playing along, "truly a sad day indeed, the mighty foal takes over the helpless adult!" I boasted while raising my hooves in triumph.
I heard her let out a few abrupt chuckles as she descended the stairs, I was good at keeping the smile on at all times. It wasn’t hard to do so actually, life here was good. Awesome even, I literally had no complaints whatsoever. And that just made me think..
'I’ve spent four years of life as a baby horse.. and she’s none the wiser.'
I was too deep in my thoughts that I didn’t notice that I was sat down on a few stacked books on one of the kitchen tables, mother shooting me smile as she strapped a party hat onto the top of her head and quickly disappeared into the kitchen. I only heard the rattling of the fridge and the things she pushed aside before it shut and her hoofsteps approached once again. My eyes immediately fell on the cake, the smile that dropped returned in full force as I closed my eyes at the begginings of the birthday song.
The final words of the faithful happy birthday song were spoken and mom looked down at me with a smile. Minus the candles, this was probably one of the best birthdays I had. Except for my nineteenth birthday, that was wild.
"Oooh, my baby is turning four years old! I'm so happy!" Her voice would draw me out of my thoughts and back up towards her smiling face, I smiled right back at her and reached out my hooves. She took the cue and took a step forward, wrapping our hooves around each other as she let out a little hum full of contentment.
I thought about the past three years at this moment, closing my eyes and taking a quick moment to distance myself from the fact that it was my birthday. More so to the fact that she was able to raise a child in the conditions we were living I'm, now I'm not complaining about anything. It just leaves me in awe of how in control of her situation she is, dealing with a less than fruitful job, suitors, and in general our financial situation.
I had forgotten what it takes to be a single mother in these types of situations, it just made my love and respect for my new horse mother grow with each thought. I used what strength this body gave me to try and tighten the embrace until finally after a few seconds we parted and I looked up to her.
"Thank you, mommy... I just want to say, thank you for all you've done for me... I love you!" I finished with a smile, feeling the tips of my cheeks flush with the slight embarrassment of what I said.
"Ohh..honey!"
Though it did result in me getting another hug and getting smothered with kisses, that was quite the experience and quite heartwarming. Once I was freed from the taste of an overly loving mother I gave her an even bigger smile before turning back towards the cake "now we shall share this cake oh mother of mine."
I of course decided to lay the first claim to the cake and generously gave mother dearest the offer of ten percent of the cake, while I gorged myself on the other ninety percent. Craning my head back over to look at mom once more, I caught her rubbing a hoof against her eyes and breathing in and out. I went to respond before she immediately shook her head and chuckled.
"Oh my little Speckles.. what would I do without you...?" That is what I caught her saying to herself before she abruptly reached forwards and grabbed the whole cake in her hooves. My eyes widened in shock as I glanced from the empty spot on the table to the now smug-looking mother now floating in the air with the cake, my cake.
"Muahahaha! How foolish of you to think that I would settle for nothing less than one hundred percent of the cake, my adorable foal!" She exclaimed in a slightly deeper dramatic tone, kind of reminded me of a certain one hundred an- what am I doing? She has my cake and I need to get it back!
"Oh yeah.. well.. hm!"
Though what I chose to do was not quite the greatest idea, I raised my hoof towards her and stuck my tongue out. Leaving no inclination that I was secretly charging up my laser beam! Mentally counting down the seconds I watched mother's response.
Her smile grew even bigger as she tried to fight back what I could tell was a giggle at my display, but she would be wrong in about five more seconds. Watching her hold the plate tantalizingly close in front of me, she lowered her head towards it and let out a long drawn-out sniff.
"Mmmmh.. chocolate, the best type of cake to steal from a helpless foal!" She cackled.
"Say that to my laser cannon!" I shouted out, mentally cringing at my own words as I positioned my outstretched hoof to be leveled with her chest, letting out an exaggerated and might I say fantastic laser sound effect. I watched as mom widened her eyes and dodged away from me, I frowned as I remembered that she could fly!
The imaginary laser blasted against the corner of the kitchen as my head snapped towards the direction she went, fumbling off the chair and down onto the ground I quickly chased after her.
"Oh my little foal, go back and train another one thousand years! That laser was truly too slow to defeat me" she laughed out.
I made my way into the living room where she floated in the air, my cake in her hooves as she grinned down towards me. I raised my hoof once more and shook it playfully towards her.
"Darn you! You got lucky dodging my awesome laser!" But now I won't let you get the chance!"
I said charging towards her, my wings gaining momentum and starting up a slow but casually rising buzzing noise. I watched as she set down the cake on the nearby coffee table. Turning her body towards my charging form, I suddenly disregarded the cake and continued on my mission.
"Oh, you're approaching me? You're approaching me, my little foal?" Her voice took on the demeanor of a certain someone I might have introduced and referenced around her, it made her out to be a fun mother when she decided to pick up a few of the words and play along with me.
As I quickly made short work of the distance between us, I was laughing loudly in my head and without missing a beat, I immediately responded with "I can't collect my cake if I don't get closer!'' Honestly, I wasn’t sure why I said this very specific reference in this situation where references would all of a sudden come out of my mind and out of my mouth, alright... This tangent was going on for too long and I am not sure why I was still trying to reason with myself why the reference was justified whe- and mom had disappeared from in front of me. When I was finally able to pull myself out of the little mental back and forth with myself, I was able to see that the huge adult pegasus had disappeared from in front of me where I would’ve been able to see where she went.
Snapping out of another mental argument that I was running myself into, I placed a hoof to my chest and glanced around the now empty room and wondered where did that pegasus get off to, looking from the muddy brown couch to the clock on the wall, it was a grandfather clock for some reason. I shook my head and turned back towards the coffee table where I saw mother put the cake earlier, shrugging off the chilly feeling rising in my spine. I took a few hesitant steps forward towards the cake. Each step towards the sugary goodness that was the chocolate The cake was another feeling of anxiousness running its way down my back and off of my conscious, a few more confident steps later and I was looking up at the cake sitting atop of the table.
I let a small grin appear on my muzzle as I reared up on my hind legs once again and placed both of my forehooves atop the table, just out of reach of the chocolate cake that I was soon to take and enjoy for myself. Taking another glance around just to make sure I was safe, I let out a small sigh of relief before gripping at the sides of the plate holding the cake and moving to pull it towards me. Pressing my face forwards and taking a sniff, I grinned and sighed.
“Cake always tastes great, no matter the flavor..”
“And my little foal always thinks he’s safe when in reality-” I heard the same voice call out followed by the rhythmic sound of wings flapping, I widened my eyes and was about to turn around and try to do something about it, but the very manly scream that made its way out of my mouth halted all of my thoughts and processes.
Today was a rather quiet day in pony land, it seemed as if all the excitement from two days ago just up and disappeared. Though it might have to do with the fact that it's probably what these ponies call a school week, yet I think humans call it the same thing. It's whatever, more or less I'm just trying to say that it's been obnoxiously boring.
Mother has had me homeschooled for the longest time though bless her heart, she'd found it troubling as it conflicted with her rather busy and extensive work schedule. I feign the thought of how she powers through it all and still raises a rather happy child, human inside of a child or whatever suits it.
Though with the already expansive knowledge I possessed before coming to pony land, it's safe to say that it was alright for her to leave me alone at home for a quote on quote homeschooling. Not to say that I didn't like homeschooling, I'm just saying it leaves a lot to be desired.
So here I am laying strewn across my mother's bed because it's the biggest bed in the house mind you. A book on the "guide to the elements of harmony for the impending destruction of ponykind" I don't know why mother has this book, or why I was reading all of this malarkey.
But who knows, could be truthful seeing as this whole new world I'm living in is magical in it. A certain page did catch my interest, it was about the ruler of this whole place princess Celestia. Says here that she was one of two users of the elements of harmony before a divergence between the two users caused the elements to lose their bond with them, though on the next page it just contradicts itself and says that the elements of harmony were used by princess Celestia against the other user. In this case, they called her princess Luna, or as her apparent counterpart nightmare moon, and was sent to be banished on the moon for about a thousand years.
I think I need a little breather after that mouthful, so I set the book aside and rolled over onto my stomach before getting to my hooves and promptly jumping off the bed. I stumbled a bit before catching myself, it was rather hard to maneuver these legs when it came to jumping around.
I opened the slightly ajar door to the bedroom to its fullest extent and walked into the small corridor connecting each room, passing by the pictures that were scattered all over the place of yours truly. I stepped into the living room for a few passing moments before entering the interconnected kitchen.
Now mind you I wasn't going to try and cook anything, seeing as I hardly trusted myself with anything electrical in this body. I instead stopped in front of the fridge before standing on my hind legs and pulling it open, planting myself back onto four hooves and stepping around the door, and stopping just in front of the spacious interior of the fridge I pursed my lips.
I quickly resigned to pulling out a half of a sandwich that was left on a plate, taking a small bite before shrugging before turning and closing the fridge. I held the sandwich in my mouth as I walked back through the living room and back into the corridor, stepping back into Mom's room and took a few moments to get back up on the bed.
I rolled over a few times before I made it to where I had set down my book. Lifting myself and shaking my hair out of the way, I reached a hoof up and removed the sandwich from my mouth. The day-old peanut butter and a jelly sandwich had diluted in flavor but were satisfactory nonetheless. As I snacked on the small refreshment, I focused back on the page I was reading. Scanning downwards until I finally found the exact word I left off on.
Right, so basically the two princesses both used to bear the elements of harmony for what seemed like two thousand years before the banishment, apparently it's believed that jealousy is what caused the rather sudden shift in their relationship. The sister of the night and the dreamscape felt as if her night was subjected to less adoration by the populace than her sisters' sun, so she decided to one day try and overthrow her sister and bring..eternal night?
I found myself chuckling slightly at that, that has to be one of the dumbest things a villain has ever wanted. Not even kylo ren in the sequels was this terrible! Eternal night, could you imagine the repercussions of it constantly being night? First, there would be the fact of plant life slowly wilting and dying off, secondly, there would be chaos when the farmers lose their livelihoods and towns lose their tradable food and goods. Thirdly, y'know I'm not even sure why I'm trying to reason against this tall tale. I sighed, taking another bite of my sandwich.
The princess of the sun seeing her sister falling prey to the advances of a dark presence seemed to have ostracized her sister instead of trying to get closer to her. Leading to the dark presence to grow stronger while inhabiting the lunar princesses landscape, leading to the actions once mentioned.
Alright, I think I've had enough of this book for today.
I reached up to the corner of the page I was on and lightly creased the edge of the paper to remember where I was, before gently closing it and tossing it onto the floor.
Honestly, there was a lot that was stupid in that book and a lot that seemed to have nothing to do with the elements of harmony. I found the actions of the previous bearers stupid, to save myself a migraine I'll just agree that there was a lot to be desired with that book.
With that thought out of the way I realize I'd finished the rest of the sandwich, leaving small bits of peanut butter on my hoof. I of course licked the residue off of my hoof before allowing myself to fully sprawl across the bed, staring up at the ceiling in a growing fit of boredom.
Damn, if only I'd been given some sort of entertainment system from my planet when I crossed over to pass the time because pony world lacked a lot of modern technology.
Though no matter what, I agreed that I'd take this new life and go somewhere with it, so sitting here in my boredom was not helping. My wings slightly flexed from the lack of use throughout the day and I felt like hitting myself, I was a pegasus. A horse with wings that could quite possibly break the sound barrier if willpower was something to go off of, now that was not boring.
A smile found its way onto my face as I quickly jumped to my feet and let my wings extend to their great length, which was a few inches give or take. But I would most certainly attempt to fly faster than the speed of cheese since cheese has the most holes it is quite possibly the fastest food. Maybe that or I'm still hungry, anyways I gave my wings a test flap before looking at the edge of the bed.
My eyes narrowed and I gave a small huff of an agreement to myself, I would jump off the bed and simultaneously spin around in mid-air while flying out the door and successfully curving around the obstacles in the house before landing gracefully on the couch. Seemed a little far-fetched, but what's a little danger to a small adorable foal like myself?
Though what I forgot was the fact that this was around the time mother came home from work.
I chuckled before moving into position, bending my knees downwards as my body went downwards In preparation for- except all of my actions halted as I heard the front door jiggle. My eyes slightly widened and a smile made its way onto my face. I had completely forgotten what time it was, forgetting everything I was just doing and throwing myself off the bed before running into the corridor. I curbed around the couch and came to a sliding stop just in front of the door, tentatively looking up and waiting for my favorite person to enter.
The doorknob jiggled for a few painstakingly long minutes before the door was pushed in and the lovely voice of mother filled the room, or it would've If I didn't ambush her with a hug.
"I'm ho- oof!"
"Mommy, welcome home!"
Her being the quick and snuggly mother she is, caught me as soon as I lunged at her, though I seemed to have surprised her I couldn't bypass her motherly skills. Nonetheless, I proceed to wrap my small hooves around her midsection as her own larger ones wrapped around my whole body, props to being a child.
The sound of the door closing behind her mixed into the mirthful giggles she let out, I turned my head upward just in time to receive a kiss to the forehead. My giggles were slightly off base as we were both suddenly on the couch, my vision flipping as I landed onto mother's fluffy stomach as she lay on the couch.
I met her smile with a smaller one on my part, crawling upwards a few inches before dropping my head into the crook of her neck and giving a content sigh. She gave another giggle and moved to stroke the top of my head, breaking the silence.
"Ohh how I missed you Speckles, my baby!"
I playfully rolled my eyes before pushing off of her neck and relaxing into a sitting position on her chest, her cerulean eyes gazing lovingly into my own.
"I missed you too mommy, it was boring as usual with you gone today... but I understand you have to work" I finished while smiling back up at her.
She responded by bringing both of her hooves up and wrapping them around me once more, bringing me in closer for a nuzzle. "Oh I know baby, but now that I'm home we can have some fun!"
"After a nap?"
She simply giggled and nodded "after a nap"
Of course, I wasn't going to immediately drag her into playing and entertaining me on the bat, I know how strenuous working is so whenever she comes home from work I've made it a ritual for the both of us to take a nap on the couch.
I smiled brightly once more before repositioning myself and letting my head rest against her soft belly, don't knock it till you try it. She sealed the deal and proceeded to wrap both her hooves and wings around me, bringing me closer to her as we both slowly drifted off.
Today was proving to be quite the interesting one for the most part, interesting in the fact that I'm currently walking by myself along the streets of Canterlot if I'm saying it right. To say it was and still is an interesting learning experience is a fact, also slightly funny in a sense where instead of there being a variety of ponies. I find myself being quite the odd one out, there were many upon many unicorns wandering up and down, around and right past me. Though that did bring a slight questioning thought into my head, yet I chose not to feed the flames of my worry and continued.
What I was currently doing was what brought a veil of excitement over me. Before leaving for work, as usual, my mother and I both agreed that we were lacking a lot in the sustenance area. So she wrote down a small list of what we would need to buy and what specific type of brand we would need to buy so that sums up what my plan for today is.
Of course, it may have seemed like some sort of crazy and rather idiotic idea letting a colt like myself go out by themselves and complete this task, you would be right if I were a normal foal. But I am a perfectly functioning human adult trapped in the body of a smaller than average pegasus copy with a very overprotective, snuggly, and overall perfect mother. So I think I'm pretty well off when it comes to the independence department-
"Oof!"
I found myself letting out noise as I completely collided with something and bounced right off of it, finding myself with an unfocused gaze to the sky and on my back no less. Though from what the object felt like and how much it hurt, I surmised that I had walked into a wall while I was paying attention to my thoughts.
"Oh Celestia, are you ok?"
Except, that didn't sound like an inanimate object such as a brick wall. I blinked a few more times before registering what happened.
"Uh.. yeah, yeah I'm good.."
I quickly picked myself back up and triple-checked that the note I had been given wasn't damaged or missing, smiling lightly as I found it still tucked into my wings. Then I decided to address the pony that I bumped into, tilting my head upwards to meet the gaze of a female pony, the mare I think? The terminology in this world still confuses me.
"Are you sure little one? That was quite the tumble you took"
I simply responded with a wave of my hoof, in all honesty, the impact of me against her still left my nose throbbing in pain but I wasn't going to admit it. Simply waving off her concerns and quickly apologizing for not paying attention.
"It's alright, was my fault I wasn't paying attention plus, like walking into you would stop me.. see?"
I hopped in place for a few seconds to prove to her, eliciting a small smile from the oddly clothed pony. I felt completely idiotic for not noticing earlier, but this pony was wearing clothes.. or what seemed like clothes. Though now that I realize it, most of the ponies here actually wear some sort of clothing. Excluding myself and my mother of course.
"Very well if you insist..though make that you have my curiosity do you mind answering me a question?"
She switched from concerning herself over whether or not I was hurt, to questioning my intentions pretty fast, well she hasn't questioned my intentions yet but I could feel that she was going to. Though I might as well be right in my judgment, I hadn't seen any other child walking around the place by themselves. So I decided to humor her, activating child mode and tilting my head slightly to the side I questioned, slightly shifting on my feet for added effect.
"What's that miss?"
Her expression shifted about three times as I continued to stare up at her in a waiting manner, the demeanor she approached me with seemed to have completely shifted from the way she is looking at me now.
"What is a small colt like you doing wandering around the streets of Canterlot?"
I found myself forming an answer rather quickly to get myself to my destination quicker, shifting the placement of my hooves than fixing my gaze back up at her I answered.
"I'm just running an errand for my mom, she has to work so I'm taking responsibili- responsibility for her"
I answered with half of a truthful answer, half in the fact that I made it seem as if I knew what I was doing yet still retaining that small childlike naivety so as to not draw more questions from her. Analyzing her disposition up and down as I once again waited for her to answer, slightly tilting my head as she shifted from a smile to a frown and then to a smile once more.
"I see.. well how nice of you to do that for your mother, I won't keep you from your little task any longer..farewell!"
With that small and convoluted interaction done and over with, I glanced back to where the mare started walking to with a slight air of suspicion. Don't assume I am quick to judge her, I just felt a weird vibe emanating from her throughout the whole conversation.
"..bye!"
I half-heartedly responded before turning back towards my original placement and continued forwards, shaking off the thought of her until I got back home. This very important task needed my whole focus if I were attempting to accomplish it without fail, though I do find it slightly funny that I'm trying to make a simple trip to the grocery store sound so detailed and rather important.
I passed by varying groups of ponies on my way to the store, most of them of course wore some type of clothing. Be it the top half of a tuxedo or a dress and... is that guy wearing a monocle? I know this place isn't as advanced as humans are, but I hardly doubt rich people wear monocles anymore.
Though I decided not to continue my rather piercing glance at that specific pony, as I now caught some rather intense looking stares pointed at myself. Though saying that these ponies scared me was laughable, I'd rate them two out of ten in the fearsome puppy look.
Funny to think that a place like this still had those people that simply despised the other for being that of a different blend, in this case, my pegasus heritage seemed to have ticked off the major unicorn population. But I digress, not even pony land could be peaceful all the time not with that very dumb tale of the two royal sisters I found in mother's room.
That did remind me that I still had to finish reading the book, even if it is a bit ridiculous. The more I can learn about pony land the better, no matter how weird and- who am I kidding, I can't justify the topic of the book seeing as humans have rather far-fetched stories that even surpass these ponies!
"To each its own I guess"
This was all I had to say before my train of thought was cut off by the appearance of a rather decently sized building sporting a large symbol of a shopping cart, filled with an assortment of vegetables. I guess it was plausible to say that I had found my way to the grocery store, and just in time too, it seems that my mind wanted to forgo reality and dove deep down into the recesses of my mind to continue the topic beforehand.
Though there was time to do all of that later and for now I would focus on the list, taking a few slow steps forwards while analyzing the items written. Muttering the items back to myself and nodding, I looked back up at the door and pressed forwards.
Immediately walking into the wrong side of the automatic door.
That's when I found myself walking rather precariously back to my home, the bags filled with the items were mainly all stuffed into two separate bags much to my displeasure. Yet saying walking precariously was quite a bit of a stretch, I was more or less struggling to keep the plastic bags from scraping across the ground and ripping. Knowing from past experiences how infuriating and sucky it was to have to pick up every single item that you spent your hard-earned cash on, that's also another reason I like pony land. The only semblance of a monetary system they have is a bit, a single piece of gold is what these ponies use as their money.
While I thank you for tuning into my TEDtalk, I cannot express how heavy and inconvenient these bags are for my small child body. It was akin to batman training to pick up tires and completely fling them across his training area, or something like that.
So I continued for as long as I could before my stubby limbs decided to give up on me and unceremoniously face-planted onto cobblestone, which did make it hurt more. Though the pain was something I'd inevitably get over and not spare a thought about. It was rather disappointing my new pony parent and losing the trust she placed upon me. I'd already made those mistakes back in my past life and wasn't willing to go through them again.
Me laying here being unable to find the energy to even stand up wasn't helping with my already souring mood, no less attempting to haul these bags back to the house. So I resigned to letting the bags rest on the ground next to me as I pushed myself onto my haunches, pursing my lips and turning my gaze to the sky. Immediately regretting it and flinching away at the very bright rays of the sun, I sighed before debating how I would go about this.
I think I sat there for a while because when I finally snapped back into reality, I found that there was an overcast shrouding the area I was set upon. Raising an eyebrow in confusion and turning my gaze upwards only to find nothing, weird seeing as when I turn my gaze upward-
"Oh, shhhhiiii- sugar honey ice tea!!"
As you can tell from my very abrupt reaction something had spooked me, and that something was the same mare I bumped into an hour or two ago. She was looking at me in slight concern, as my reaction found me laying once more on the ground.
"Oh my, are you alright little one? I'm sorry for frightening you"
Frightening? More like almost giving a young child a heart attack, it was slightly frustrating to see how eerily happy she was despite the display of concern she had on. Nonetheless, I decided to shrug it off, not lowering my guard for a second but still shrugging off the second introduction.
"I'm... fine miss, just a little spooked"
While pushing myself up into a sitting position before finally standing up on all four very sore, hooves. I stretched myself out a bit, getting myself limber I returned the focus onto her.
"Thank Celestia for child pain receptors.. though I do have a question for you if you don't mind me asking?"
"Sure, feel free..miss? I didn't quite catch your name?"
Just filing a little report in my head If anything happens, don't mind me.
"Oh my, how rude of me! My name is Aurora crescendo Borealis the second, but you may call me Aurora if you wish... though preferably so"
Is.. is she kidding? I mean what kind of name is Aurora crescendo Borealis the second!? I unintentionally let my eyes widen in disbelief before mentally sighing, there was that one girl back on earth with the thousand letter name. Though I guess you could say that's a bit more outlandish than Aurora crescendo Borealis the second, I believe it was Rhoshandiatellyneshiaunneveshenkescianneshaimondrischlyndasaccarnaerenquellenendrasamecashaunettethalemeicoleshiwhalhinive'onchellecaundenesheaalausondrilynnejeanetrimyranaekuesaundrilynnezekeriakenvaunetradevonneyavondalatarneskcaevontaepreonkeinesceellaviavelzadawnefriendsettajessicannelesciajoyvaelloydietteyvettesparklenesceundrieaquenttaekatilyaevea'shauwneoraliaevaekizzieshiyjuanewandalecciannereneitheliapreciousnesceverroneccaloveliatyronevekacarrionnehenriettaescecleonpatrarutheliacharsalynnmeokcamonaeloiesalynnecsiannemerciadellesciaustillaparissalondonveshadenequamonecaalexetiozetiaquaniaenglaundneshiafrancethosharomeshaunnehawaineakowethauandavernellchishankcarlinaaddoneillesciachristondrafawndrealaotelleoctavionnemiariasarahtashabnequckagailenaxeteshiataharadaponsadeloriakoentescacraigneckadellanierstellavonnemyiatangoneshiadianacorvettinagodtawndrashirlenescekilokoneyasharrontannamyantoniaaquinettesequioadaurilessiaquatandamerceddiamaebellecescajamesauwnneltomecapolotyoajohnyaetheodoradilcyana Koyaanisqatsiuthawyhaiashieakhauwnne Williams.
Don't ask why or how I know every single letter from the top of my head, just thinking it out made my head hurt. But back to the main focus at hand, I proceeded to nod in understanding responding with my own much shorter, simpler name.
"Oh, nice to meet you miss Aurora.. my name is Speckles!"
Had to add that small childish tone at the end, just to make sure I wouldn't forget myself and act as my human adult self. It affected, her face flushed and she let out a small coo.
"How adorable, and adorable colt like you named after the specks on your nose!"
That was an interesting reaction, to say the least, I found myself giving a half-smile before turning to look at our surroundings and back down the road I still had to travel down. I did hope I wouldn't be delayed any further, I still had to drag these heavy bags of groceries back to the house and also put them away. Wouldnt want my mother to have to come home and keep working.
"Um miss Aurora, the question you had?"
"Oh-ph yes! I completely disregarded that fact, I'm sorry I was originally here to ask if you need help with those bags, it seemed like you were struggling just a few moments ago? Would you mind if I carried them for you?"
In all honesty, the offer was something I found myself hesitating to outright deny. For one, she was a unicorn and I was a pegasus the advantage lies where she could magically carry those bags. Secondly, I could get some practice flying beside her and keep myself off my already tired hooves. But there was still a risk that she had bad intentions or some downright predator intentions, so I found myself thinking.
'But mom would be disappointed'
With that floating around my gaze wandered from her still ever so happy and inquisitive face to the grocery bags, then back to my hooves. After a bit of a few seconds of thinking, I found myself agreeing to her offer of assistance.
"Um... if you would be so kind? I would greatly appreciate it misses uh-Borealis?"
"Oh, it would be no trouble at all, if anything it makes me happy helping you! Now let me just.."
Her horn started to glow and I turned to look at both of the heavy grocery bags started to defy gravity, floating up into the air before being pulled past me and just above the mares head. Grin still ear to ear as she looked back down to me, motioning with a hoof to lead the way.
"Oh wow.."
I couldn't help but stare at the magic that the unicorn was producing, all of this still left me in awe at how cool it was and slightly jealous that I couldn't do it. Though snapping myself out of it and quickly turning to face the direction I was originally headed in, ignoring her light giggling I spread my wings and flapped. Bending my knees and pushing up to help the gust of air my wings were picking up float me just a few inches above the ground, hovering for just a few minutes before finding myself pressing forwards.
Turning my head slightly and flicked my head in the correct direction "a-anyways, I live down over there!" Watching her nod before moving to follow me.
The quiet and slightly elongated trip to where I lived was going on a bit normally, for the most part, just the sounds of my wings, her footsteps, and the ambiance emitting from her horn to fill out ears. It gave me a bit of time to think about things and gave me a chance to fully get a good look at her, her coat color was that of a shade of pink that I couldn't name for the life of me. It was much too dark in some places yet at the same time fell into a lighter hue in the other, and evenly colored purple main tied into a ponytail sat atop her head.
Fitted with that same piece of clothing from earlier, I now made it out to be some sort of formal dress. Though I shrugged that little detail off and continued, the last noticeable feature was the cutie mark. Or the bit of the lack of a cutie mark, that's slightly interesting to see.
When I turned my head, I caught Aurora staring at me from the corner of my eye, not with a grin but with a bit of a glare. Though it quickly changed into a smile once more when I fully turned my head back, casually making it seem like I didn't notice anything amiss with her.
What she said next did catch me off guard, for the most part, it almost made my wings halt in their movements in totality. Yet I was able to catch myself as I turned my gaze over to the mare's direction, there was nothing I was able to formulate as a response to that.
"See something you like little one?"
"Um.. yeah, that magic is super cool! I wish I was a unicorn instead of a pegasus! Or both, that would be cool.."
I was partly telling the truth in that sentence, the prospect of being a unicorn did sound pretty good. Though I was fine with being a pegasus, flying is instantaneously giving me an advantage over the other ponies.
"Now that would be cool if you were an alicorn, being a mix between every pony type and end up as royalty seems like a bonus"
That did spark a question regarding the whole alicorn thing, say if you weren't related to the two sisters and were just randomly born an alicorn. Would you be considered immediate royalty by the pony populace, or is there this whole organization of alicorns ruling the ponies and switching out the alicorn rulers every few years? Yet it seemed unlikely that was it, but the topic was something I would look more into later.
--- After a bit of time of walking, well in my case flying. The two of us made it to the moderately-sized house I resided in, landing just atop the first step. I went to turn around and thank her, though paused shortly thereafter I noticed something. Or rather an absence of the mare named Aurora.
"Were here, I'd like to say thank... you?"
All that was there were my grocery bags, neatly placed at the beginning of the steps. My head tilted up from them and I craned around the vicinity, a bit of confusion building up along with slight suspicion.
"Or just mysteriously disappear once we get to my doorstep..that's nice too"
Nonetheless, I went to go and open the front door. Standing up on two legs and fumbling the doorknob with both hooves, before it clicked and pushed inwards.
After getting everything sorted, and remembering to tell mom that we shouldn't keep the door unlocked no matter how safe the neighborhood is. I found myself laying on my mother's bed and staring at the ceiling, I was mulling over the proceedings of today and debating whether or not I should worry about smiling unicorns with long names.
But another thought popped into my mind, rolling myself over towards the edge of the bed I peeked over. The book I tossed down there hadn't been picked up or noticed by mom so, I guess I had some more reading to do.
It has proven to be extraordinarily interesting because every single pony is gifted with the voice of an angel. No matter what cutie mark they have, it seems that singing is a trait that everyone has mastered. Don't ask me how I came to that conclusion, I just recently found out like five minutes ago while randomly singing the lyrics to 'One Jump Ahead' from Aladdin.
It was a great song, don't judge me. Though besides that fact, I just gained knowledge from mother that today we will be going out. To where? She hasn't told me yet, yet another flaw of being a child once more. The excitement I bear can be measured up to the extreme.
But I sighed, being able to sing practically any song I wanted to in a nice singing voice was something I wasn't going to let itself be pushed aside. Plus, I wasn't that good of a singer in the human world, I broke many a bathroom windows when trying to sing in the shower
Being a pony was fun, though being reborn as a child and having to witness the process of childbirth from the inside was...something I'd rather pass up. Which lead me to my next conniption, what exactly was I planning to do when I reached the age of adulthood once more? Maybe work in a cloud factory, seeing as those things exist here.
But I found myself getting a bit annoyed at my thoughts, I was a child for Pete's sake! Maybe I had the mind of an adult, but a child no less. I agreed to make the most out of this life than what I had in my last life, so those mundane adult thoughts would be for much later in this ponies' life.
Could you guess where I was currently going through my very important thought process? If you thought Mom's bed you were correct, I can't deny the fact that it is soo comfortable. I sometimes pretend to have nightmares just to be able to sleep on this bed longer, a slight mischievous thing to do... but who was here to judge me?
I twiddled with my hooves in a show of anxiousness mixed in with boredom, glancing around her quite compact yet comfortable room with creased eyes. Of course, I could go back and read that weirdly titled book about the elements of harmony, but that book was far too large and full of contradictions. I didn't have the time or rather the focus to try and solve the book's problems today, much less think about the power of friendship and whatnot.
So I sat there for a few more moments and stared at the ceiling, offhandedly counting the little bumps from the material in the ceiling. Getting up to the number one thousand before finally having enough, I groaned and rolled over onto my belly; pushing myself onto my hooves and moving to hop off the bed.
Landing on the ground with a bit of a fumble, I ignored it and continued on my way. Through the bedroom door and into the corridor of doors, or rather four doors. Nonetheless, I pressed forwards, walking at a steady pace and starting to hum mindlessly.
The hum ranged from a random mix of noises before finding itself forming into a very catchy and notable tune, the beat I had playing through my head affecting the way I walked. Turning from a light wall into one filled with the shifting of my hips from side to side and the bounce in my step, the humming turning into a bout of whistling as I made my way into the living room.
Doing a small twirl before coming to a stop and looking at a random corner of the room, the lyrics of the song just started pouring out of my mouth and projected across the empty house.
"It means no worries...for the rest of your days!"
Imagining the other two imaginary counterparts that would finish this small triad of music-making at my side, I resumed a small hum as I let their parts play in my head.
"It's our problem-free!"
Turning around and rapidly flapping my wings to make them force me into the air and onto the arm of the couch, I continued.
"Philosophy!"
"Hakuna Matata..."
While the music in my head died down a bit, I fluffed my wings and hopped back down onto the carpeted floor, continuing to shift my hips and bounce around the room. Pretending to follow the two very silly and very imaginary African animals, a grin growing brighter on my face as the song continued.
"Hakuna!"
"Matata!"
"Hakuna"
"Mata- ah!"
I found myself letting out the deepest and manliest scream I have ever heard, the force of it making me stumble and fall onto my back. Staring up at the ceiling in confusion as to the rather familiar bout of giggling continued, before widening my eyes and slightly berating myself for not remembering.
"Mommy!"
The ability to shrug off pretty much anything as a child seems to have proven useful once again, forcing myself onto my hooves and immediately barreling into mother's barrel; no pun intended. Wrapping my small limbs around her as she shortly reciprocated.
"Well hello to you too...my little singer~"
I felt my flash flush and pressed it deeper into mother's chest fluff, seriously couldn't get enough of the stuff. Before I finally removed myself from her and plopped down onto the ground, taking a step back and looking up at her expectantly.
"Uhmm.. oh yeah! now will you tell me where we're going?"
I brushed the teasing remark off and tried to make light of my earlier thoughts, looking at her clearly in the face with as much of a pout I could pull off. Watching her give a small sigh before reaching with a hoof and patting the top of my head, before then picking me up and putting our nose to nose.
"You know that puppy face is cheating right?"
She asked me with a grin, nuzzling me lightly before shifting me down to her chest once more. The sounds of something loud and feathery unfurling were what I heard before we were taken into the air, the sounds of her wings flapping lightly played in the background as I peered my head around. Watching her fly into the corridor and her already open bedroom, where she set me down lightly on the bed.
Watching her fly over to the desk on the right side of the room with a tilt of my head and a slight bubble of excitement, she opened the top drawer and pulled something out. Muttering something that I couldn't quite catch to herself before turning back to me, flying over, and landing right in front of me she grinned.
"What's that behind your back?"
I inquired, trying to crane my head to catch a glimpse of what she held in her wing before she simply put a hoof up.
"Since somepony was so eager to know what mommy had in store for him.. here!"
She passed the item she held in her wings to the hoof she held up, looking at me with a small as she proffered me...tickets?
Well, it was more than a ticket, rather a full-blown lanyard that held a small laminated card that read 'Backstage pass' for what seemed to be the...Wonderbolts? I've heard that name before, where exactly did I hear that-of course!
I look over to a moderately sized poster on the wall, painted in a sky blue color with clouds littering the background. While four weird spandex-wearing ponies stood in flying position in the foreground, bolded words labeling them 'the Wonderbolts'.
So they were some kind of all-pegasus flying team, with an oddly close resemblance to the Blue Angel's. But if this ticket insinuated what I think it did, she was taking me to a flight show.
"You're taking me to a flight show?"
I watched her eagerly nod her head in affirmation, noticing her already sporting the same lanyard, and went to say something. Though was interrupted by mother, her hooves reaching out and grabbing the backstage pass before putting it around my neck.
"Indubitably my intelligent foal! Now let us be on our way to Canterlot stadium!"
She exclaimed in a happy tone before picking me up once more and dropping me down and onto her back, I moved to grab lightly onto her chocolate-colored mane as she trotted out the room and towards the front door. Barely even grabbing onto the keys hanging from the key holder before opening and walking out the door, moving down the steps and onto the street where she evened her pace.
I gave out a sigh before letting go of her hair, just resigning to let my front hooves hang at my side as I looked around. Humming lightly to myself as to pass the time, which caught mothers attention.
"Well Speckles honey, why don't you teach me that little song you were grooving to earlier?"
I chuckled as she emphasized the word 'grooving' with a little shake of her body, thinking about her question for a few seconds before shrugging. What's a little Disney to further brighten the mood?
So I agreed and went to teach her the ways of Timon and Pumba.
--- So there we were, grooving out to one of the songs from my favorite Disney movie. I had shortly after moving to teach her, asked to be placed onto the ground, and proceeded to show her the moves.
Now she was following right behind me doing that little dance step I was doing earlier.
"Hakuna!"
"Matata!"
"Hakuna!"
"Matata!"
"Hakuna!"
"It means no worries!"
"It's our problem free-philosophy!"
"Hakuna Matata..."
Cue the bouts of giggling that spewed out from the both of us as we finished the song, I turned around and looked up at mother as we stopped.
"We sounded awesome!"
I wouldn't be lying if I said that wasn't some of the most fun I've had with a parent since forever! Even she was having trouble trying to speak through the giggling, and I was the child here! Though it was all fun and games until someone decided to spoil the moment.
"Quite a silly yet..marvelous display of talent if I do say so myself, how splendid!".
I stared up at the now very familiar mare that stood just a few feet away from the both of us, her line of sight focused on me as she lightly clapped her hooves. I took a moment to get a good look at her and let out a mental sigh, yes of course she also was wearing one of the dumb backstage passes.
I bit back a groan and converted my slightly shocked and slight fearful expression into one of childlike innocence, hopping in place and looking up at the mare. Which was quite a hard feat mind you, she just kept that weirdly placed smile the whole time. It seemed as if her eyes were staring at me with a mixture of tones, I wasn't sure but to be honest I was unnatural.
"Hi, Mrs. Aurora! did you like our song?"
Though she'd already expressed her reaction earlier, I simply restated the obvious before turning my head backward to look at mother. Though she was too smiling, it felt a bit forced at the sight of Aurora in front of us. Now that was interesting to see, I turn back to the pony in question and waited for her answer.
"Oh why of course, darling! That little song was marvelous..!"
I gave her a small grin before shifting the weight on my legs and looking back at mother, now looking down at me and back up to Aurora. Of course, I'd also be confused and slightly concerned to be seeing my child conversing with a random adult such as her. I took a step to the side as mother stepped forwards, breaking the silence and giving out a greeting if a bit irked.
"Why hello...Aurora if I'm correct? I am speckle's mother if you didn't already assume"
The creepier one of the two then stared at each other for a few seconds before a response was given.
"Why yes that's is my name, though however, it is quite nice to meet the mother of this delightful foal!"
That statement was funny seeing as our only real situations where we've met were her bumping into me, then once again bumping into me. Now bumping into mother and me just outside of canter lot stadium, I let out a sigh through my nose.
I was happy that mother could also the see clear and unsettling presence of this mare, though a bit peeved that she would show up during our outing. So to move things along I butted in the conversation, hopping up on my hooves and letting my wings flutter about.
"Look mom, Mrs.Aurora has one of these backstage pass thingies too!"
I turned my full body around and glance upwards at mother, who had her lips pursed slightly before shaking her head. Peering down at me she replaced it with a smile, sliding a hoof underneath me and lifting me all of the sudden.
"That reminds me! We do have a show to be getting to, I take it you'll also be there?"
It was a rather obvious question though she got a response nonetheless, Aurora glancing up at the sky for a few moments before giving a curt nod. A blank expression was fitted upon her face before it quickly shifted into one of mock surprise, she gave a robotic wave and turned to walk off.
"Oh, dear! I completely forgot, It was nice meeting you darling. See you two there!"
I sat lifted in the air watching her wall further and further away from us before mother spoke up, sparking an eyebrow raise from me.
"Speckles dear, please keep away from that mare in the future okay?"
Not like I was going to persistently go out and try to find her anyways, so I agreed and shook my head with childish fervor. Tilting my head in a small display of confusion before shrugging it off, I hoped it gave the impression that my innocence thought nothing of it.
"Okay mommy, I will"
She simply giggled before pressing her lips against the top of my head, leaving a small kiss upon it before shifting me into a full cradle position. My small bubble of confusion dispersed once I heard the telltale signs of her wings flapping, with a tight grip around me mother told me to hang on before taking into the air.
"Hang on honey, I'm going to take a shortcut"
Seeing as we were currently a couple of feet above the buildings in Canterlot, another very notable song came to mind as we passed by a rather dome-shaped rooftop. Also with the fact that it would take us a bit of time to get to the stadium, which was not going to be long seeing as I could already make out the shape of a large structure in the distance. I decided to pass the time to cure my boredom and to provide a little bit of entertainment for myself.
The song was a rather morbid take on the prospect of flying, so I think I had probable cause to not say the lyrics out loud. What would you think if you were a flying magical creature carrying your child with you, then all of a sudden he starts singing 'come fly with us, come die with us' I mean, sounds reasonable to me.
So humming was the only real noise that was being projected by myself, humming and taking the time to look past the city borders of Canterlot and glanced past the clouds. Which there weren't many of, to be honest, it gave me a perfect view of a massive cloud in the distance.
When I say massive, I say it relatively. The mass of clouds was a pretty far distance away, though gave some rather cool insight as to what lies inside. For example, I could make out what seemed to be a literal rainbow trail that seems to be flowing from the cloud. That gave me another topic to search up when I got back home, I should ask my mother to take me to the library on our way back.
That's when my thoughts were interrupted by the sudden change in speed and the position we were in tilted downwards, I felt the grip around me grow even tighter as we descended. I peeked around the area we were landing at and was a bit blown away at the sheer number of ponies standing around, I'd have to say there were more than a couple thousand ponies here.
"There sure is a lot of ponies here.."
We successfully landed on the smooth pavement below us and I was plopped down right in front of mother, stretching out my hooves mindlessly while continuing to look around.
"Sure is! The Wonderbolts have many fans of all ages!"
That goes the same for the Blue Angel's, though minus the humongous stadium that lies in front of me. Well, they do tend to fly over a stadium when the Superbowl is happening, though on the regular you can see them flying around occasionally.
I take notice of my mother nosing me in a different direction and I take a few steps forward, now facing a rather long and saddening line. Even in my new life, the long line has once again come and decided to ruin my life! This brought back the memories of pain and suffering at Disneyworld, just because I didn't buy a Fastpass!
Meanwhile, mother took notice of the line and frowned. Then looked to her left and sighed relief, there was a sign that designated a line for people with backstage passes. She automatically grabbed my pained form and mosied on over there, stopping just behind a tall earth pony.
After reliving one of the worst nightmares I've ever had to go through, mother took notice of a shorter line for ponies with special access. That made me a tad bit happier as the regular enormous line watched us be let in first, it felt even greater to be on this side of things for once.
So having no trouble on our way into the actual stadium itself, we quickly found suitable seating at just the right distance away from the actual main area of the stadium. I sat in the oversized plastic chair on the right side of mother, looking around as more and more ponies were let in to find their seats.
It gave me time to appreciate and yet at the same time find the similarities in human architecture to pony architecture, it was a little bit of a sobering moment if that makes any sense. On another note, do ponies drink alcohol?
That thought floated in my mind for a bit of a while before finding myself startled at a sudden and loud voice, shaking my head and glancing around in confusion before the realization set in.
"Mares and stallions, please put your hooves together for..... the Wonderbolts!"
The immediate barrage of cheering ponies and the music seeping in made its way into my ears, watching as a sudden spotlight shined upon a floating circular cloth-filled object that brandished the Wonderbolts logo. Giving away as one by one, figures made their way through the fabric and high up into the sky. The spotlight would shut off and the main stadium lights kicked in once again, the figures now high up in the sky were what I was wondering how I didn't realize earlier, the Wonderbolts were now intertwining their hooves and rocketing back towards the ground.
Spinning simultaneously as one, the group of professional fliers formed into a multicolored cone of air that continued downwards, until they suddenly dispersed just a few feet away from the ground. The contrails left behind were an amalgamation of oddly selected colors, though what made it astonishing was the fact that it was how they all seemed to seamlessly float through the air. The wind seemed to just reflect off their bodies and let them be able to perform these by all odds, impossible tricks. It reminded me of otters.
Sadly the show had to come to an end and the Wonderbolts headed backstage, it wasn't until mother tapped me that my unblinking eyes jolted back to life, the only words I had to say were.
I excitedly followed the large crowd of ponies exiting the main area of the stadium, or rather mother did as I was standing upon her back. Slightly able to see just above the sea of ponies and where we needed to go, to where? The backstage of course.
I might have not shown interest in pony worlds little blue angel duplicate flight time before, but believe me, you had to be there to experience it. Though I was slightly disappointed that none of them broke the sound barrier, which I quite enjoyed watching jets in the human world so from time to time. Nonetheless, I really couldn't find myself further disappointed by this, it's like..they're ponies! Total game changer.
Mother diverted our path and moved to break through the sea wall, giving out small and minor apologies as she squeezed and pushed before finally. We stood right in front of a door that presumably leads backstage, if not for the huge bodyguard guarding the door then what else could it be? Or the sign right next to him, that would work too.
These ponies did have decently human casual clothing, if not for the black t-shirt that tightly fit around the unicorn. Along with some cool sunglasses, maybe aviators, or something along the lines of that. It was pony world, after all, I could hope to expect a pun with a horse-related object.
Though regardless, mother simply stepped up to him and presented the lanyards that we both wore around our necks. He gave a simple grunt before stepping aside and opening the door with his horn, mother taking the initiative and walking inside.
"Head straight for a few than on your left you'll see the meeting area.."
With those short yet clear instructions we were on our way, I took the time to glance around the hallway's decor. Which fit the whole random backstage hallway vibe I always see in those Hollywood movies, random trolleys, and crates that sat upon them. They followed the whole silver outline and black center and everything, I guess that was just something synonymous with humans and ponies alike.
The hallways proceeded to follow the same random scattered boxes pattern for a few more minutes before mother spoke, making me turn my gaze over towards the left turn we had to make.
"Well sweetie, remember to be respectful and not to ask too prying questions with the Wonderbolts okay?"
I mean I wasn't going to do that, but alright I guess. I only wanted to ask them a couple of questions about how they can reach such speeds, also about how they can fight the constant g-forces without passing out. Along with how they can keep their lungs in good condition while rising into the higher altitudes- and mothers giving me a stare.
"I know that pensive look on your face.. simple questions not a full-on interrogation, okay honey?"
My ears fell flat against the top of my head and I found myself sporting a rather sheepish grin, settling back down onto my haunches on her back and pouting.
"Okay.. but I just wanted to know the theory behind being a Wonder bolt is all!"
"I'll buy you ice cream if you stop that train of thinking"
I paused and looked over at mothers face, a smug grin now prematurely placed on there. Of course, she would play that card with me, so I relented and gave a curt nod. The grin turned into a grateful smile before she finally turned back around and started walking forwards, shifting directions to account for the left turn.
Which lead us to another hallway, though before I could complain I found it to be much smaller and straight to the point, unlike the one we just came from. A door sat just at the end of the hallway, mother and I took a second to glance at each other before shrugging simultaneously. She closed the distance and went to put her hoof on the handle-
"My my, fancy seeing you two here!"
Seemingly coming straight out of nowhere, mother took a quick one-eighty turn and was met face to face with none other than Aurora. Well, now that's nice, meeting the very creepy mare that seemingly likes to disappear and reappear at will. I felt myself holding back an exasperated sigh before forcing a smile upon my face, choosing to speak first before any of them acted any further.
"Hi there Mrs. Aurora! Are you here to meet the Wonderbolts too?"
Her all too smiley expression twitched before she locked eyes with me, staring for a few seconds before speaking.
"Why yes my dear Speckles, I am also here to mingle with the Wonderbolts.. oh! I also brought this-"
Is it just me or did her pupil flicker for just a split second? Not flicker in a blinking sort of way, more like flickering between her normal eye color and a pupil-less blue color. Either those were some weird magical eye contacts, or something else... though I quickly shifted the focus back to the creepy mare and what she hoofed out of who knows where.
"A little wonder bolts t-shirt for you to get autographed-"
She stopped momentarily and eyed mother, who was by now full eyebrow raise and tensing up the bit of muscle I was sat on. Before addressing her, a grin popping up once more.
"Well, if that's alright with you miss.. quite sorry for not asking your name earlier?"
As I took a moment to look over the t-shirt in her magical grasp, I debated whether or not I wanted it. It was orange, with much darker shades of orange spiral upwards and encompassing a wonder bolts logo.
Mother on the other hand was much less flattered by it, seemingly eyeing the suspicious mare before turning her head to look at me. Our gazes locked briefly before she relented, smiling at me before turning back towards Aurora.
"Its...Hazel snowdrift, and we would be glad to accept this little gift"
"Splendid!"
The shirt floated towards me and I stretched out my hooves to meet it, gingerly grabbing it out of the air and setting it down on my lap. My eyes slightly raised at how dope it looked up close, I'd one hundred percent wear this in the human world.
"Wow.."
Though a thought did float through my head after the little exchange. Hazel Snowdrift? Now that was a lot simpler than Auroras full name, like I for real thought even mother was going to have a ridiculously long name...
"Now what do we say Speckles?"
"Oh uh, thank you, Mrs.Aurora!"
I give out a small form of thanks before returning my focus to the t-shirt, tilting it in my hooves a few times before finally taking a look at the tag. Reading that it was made in 'Neighpan' made me grin a bit before moving onto the size, it was an extra small from what I see. Though it still looks like it's fit me, so that's what I did, I went to put the shirt on.
Weirdly enough, it fit too well on my body. Though I held off from quickly assuming how she got my shirt measurement since don't wear clothes anymore. Rather I focused back on the shirt I was wearing, a weird smell having caught my attention. I assumed it was that usual smell you got from buying a shirt fresh off the clothing stand, yet was put off by the rather off-putting and soft hitting odor.
Glancing back up and past mom's gaze, I watched Aurora put a hoof to her chin and locked eyes with me. Her giving me a wide smile with closed eyes, giving me a nice view of her sharpened teeth.
That was interesting, seeing as ponies are strictly herbivores, and all of their teeth should be flat.
Then mother spoke up once more and broke the silence, prompting Aurora to switch out of the creepy smile and opt for a small grin.
"Well Aurora, we both deeply appreciate the gift..but we should be getting to meet the wonder.....bolts?"
Her statement finished off in a bout of confusion, also confusing for me seeing as I was just staring at her. How could she disappear without me noticing?
"That's not creepy at all.." Mother muttered to herself.
I gave a nod of agreement as mother turned to face the door to our destination, closing the distance and putting a hoof upon it once more. She gave a deep breath of her own before finally pushing the door open, giving me a full view of the spandex-wearing mares and stallions that made up the Wonderbolts.
So I did exactly as my mother told me, kept a polite tone, and only asked simple questions.
I seem to have been caught in a clear lie, having not followed anything that mother told me and instead immediately hopped off her back and approached the one who my shirt resembled. I pointed a hoof upwards at her and commented.
"Hey, hey miss- I don't know your name... I don't know any of your names, this is my first time coming to a show likes this!"
"Please tell me who you are so I can get an autograph from you, very awesome looking female wonder bolt!"
The room was silent for a bit as they all stared at me with confused looks, mother on the other hand was sweating bullets. I dropped my hoof back down before glancing around the room, much of the excitement was lost when Aurora showed up. So I was fixed to simply that single-out burst, pursing my lips as I waited for an answer.
It was then broken by the one I had addressed during my outburst, her look of confusion shifting into an amused grin. Glancing around at her teammates before looking back down at me, she opened her mouth and spoke.
After that whole rather funny ordeal, well funny in my opinion at least. I was now standing on the back of the wonder bolt I demanded to know the name of, found out her name was Spitfire. Pretty cool pony if you think about it, captain of the wonder bolts and has a cool name to add onto it.
We stared at each other for a good feed seconds before I grinned, her gaze also turning into a grin. I took the moment and commented on her statement, though I was confused as to why everybody else was busy staring at the two of us with wide eyes. I started with a very serious question.
"I know I'm awesome...but by the by, between the both of us... do you spitfire?"
I saw her raise an eyebrow before opening her mouth, though I didn't give her time to respond as I moved first.
I took a step closer and glanced up at her, I mean her coat did look as if she could breathe fire. Turning into a small circular movement to get a full rounded view of her, or rather the suit she was wearing. My small footsteps were the only noises being heard due to the rest of the room's occupants resigning to a shocked silence. Excluding spitfire, she just followed my movements with her head in slight amusement.
Midway through the three-sixty, I found myself unfurling my wings and flying up to get a better view of her, in all honesty, I couldn't get a good view of her since she was still in uniform. So I just decided to circle back around and hover in front of her, pursing my lips slightly as I thought of what to say next.
"Hmm... oh yeah! Can I get an autograph? On this shirt preferably?"
I motioned towards the garment j was wearing with a hoof before looking back up at her, she still had that small casual grin on her face.
"Well kid.. you're pretty nonchalant about this whole thing, it's a nice retraction from the usual fans coming back here"
"Though maybe its because I don't know who you are, or rather I do- I just didn't five minutes ago"
She rolled her eyes, which then made me roll my own eyes just to challenge her eye-rolling due to me making her eye roll and so forth. It was a whole back and forth for a few very tense moments before we both found ourselves cracking a smile, she reached a hoof down and simply ruffled the mess of a hairstyle I call my mane.
"Still find it kind of surprising y'know? Seeing as I know your mom and everything.."
"Hm-!"
Hold on what? My train of thought completely derailed and struck straight through the imaginary orphanage, my gaze immediately snapped around and landed on my mother. She didn't notice me at first, seeing as she was now speaking to another member of the wonder bolts. Though my laser-like gaze seemingly pulled her attention and away and down to me, I pursed my lips and gave her a scrutinizing look.
Her reaction was to simply rub the back of her neck and glance at the rest of the people in the room, who up until now were going from a quiet and surprised to an amused and slightly more surprised look. The tilt of her head and a small chuckle was were the noises she made before signing, she then proceeded to walk over to where Spitfire and I were.
"Sooo..."
I looked from either mare while drawing out the question I was going to inevitably ask, my curiosity growing in deuces.
"You know each other?"
They both looked at each other for a good few seconds before they both grinned, a chuckle came from mother and she simply placed a hoof on my head. Seemed as if it was a recurring trend-
"Well.. we did know each other, back In our college years that is"
"Yep, your mom and I were the best of friends! Still are, though it's been a while since we caught up with each other.. eh Hazel?"
"Yeah Spits, just been a little busy with this bundle of joy and some other things...but I thought "hey, why not take my son to his first ever flight show?" Then I got these backstage passes.. so I call this an absolute win."
My attention was caught when she let her sentence trail off before she immediately caught herself, though I'd muse about It later. Yet a sense of nostalgia did pass over me as that last little tangent came out, yet nonetheless. It was time to make light of the situation and to see if I could score a few points with Mrs.Wonderbolt over here.
"Soo.. you mean to tell me on top of being like, the coolest mother ever? You know a celebrity.. and like went to college with them?"
It was at this point I was hovering in the air just mindlessly doing circles around the length of both of them, the little buzz of my wings went unnoticed by me as I continued. Ignoring the look the two shared, I continued with my laps and continued with my statement.
"On top of that, I get to die happy knowing that mom has friends!?"
"Hey! Just because it's TRUE doesn't mean anything-"
That little last part was a bit harsh, but it was completely true. She didn't hang out with anyone of her age, I knew because I already had her weekly and end-of-the-week schedule saved in the recesses of my mind!
"A famous one on top of- eep!"
While flying around the front of Spitfire, I found myself being grabbed and plucked out of the air. Of course, it did make me let out a very frightening and manly exclamation of myself being spooked. But alas, she was braver than I thought, and instead of being scared of my voice, she laughed. How dare she-
"Pfft! Hazel, why haven't you introduced me to this little guy sooner?"
She then very faintly, and I'd like to specify that she did not say it faintly. Asked me if she was misgendering me, I mean was it that hard to tell!?
"You are a dude..right?"
"O-of course I am! I wouldn't be this bodaciously radical if I wasn't."
A rather odd Choice of words on my part, but it did the job and she fixed herself into a laughing position. Wait, there's more than just her laughing-
I let out a gasp as I witnessed mother letting out small giggles herself, that traitor! I simply sat in resignation as they laughed for what seemed like minutes before mother found a respite.
"..anyways Spits, this is the joy of my life Speckles!"
I gave the horse version of jazz hands as to give off a more joking tone to it, well the best I could do while in spitfires grasp.
"Well, I'll be, good to know the both of us did some good in our lives."
I was set back down onto the floor and turned back around to face her, interrupted in my attempt to look up at her by her hoof connecting with and ruffling my hair once again. I poured and glared up at her, she gave me a cocky grin.
"But I hate to cut this short but the boys and I have another show in Las Pegasus, in about the--"
She turned her head to a pony dressed in a black t-shirt and a clipboard in their grip, who proceeded to nod at her question.
"Three hours give or take.."
"Well I guess that's too bad, though it was nice being able to talk to you again"
I went to question the possibilities of them getting to somewhere like Las pegasus in a matter of two hours, seeing as if it were anything like back on earth. I'd still be hundreds of miles away by air, though I could see them going as fast as an airliner. But if I took anything from their show, it was the fact of not questioning the impossible and just enjoying it.
"Well, then I guess I can scratch getting an autograph?"
I butted in with what I wanted way before I even walked in here, resorting to using the greatest weapon in my arsenal; initiate kicked puppy mode.
Watching her break was slightly pleasing.
"Heck kid.. since your my friend's kid I'll do you one better!"
She lunged at me.
---
After the whole "I'll do you one better" scenario, I was now resigned to being slumped over on my mother's back. Spitfire thought that it was such a good idea to scare the living hell out of my foal body, and proceeded to plop me down on her back and fly as if she was trying to outmaneuver an F-16 fighter jet! Makes me wonder if these horses can hone their skills to the point of being able to match human ingenuity, might be something worth keeping in my thoughts.
But on the bright side, I did score some sweet merchandise from her after we landed, though I'm not sure what I would do with this Wonderbolts costume. Halloween maybe? Though I hardly ever celebrated it back on earth, so maybe just when I'm playing pretend. Don't judge me, I have no friends here.
Also, she was kind enough to give me her goggles. You could tell it was the real deal due to them having the telltale signs of constant use and the cool flame decals on it. But I couldn't express my signs of excitement due to me being completely worn out from tornado spitfire over there, just giving off a small groan much to mothers amusement.
"So what did we learn?"
"Using the kicked puppy look on a daredevil is not something you should do"
Here I was looking like a corpse on the living room floor, of course, I was once again finding myself with absolutely nothing to do. Going to the Wonderbolts flight show was the only interesting thing to happen this week, and I still had four more days until the weekend. Which would also leave me with nothing to do, sometimes I find myself reconsidering this whole homeschooling thing. But since it's more convenient for our situation, I'll keep my opinion silent.
Not wanting to fall asleep for the umpteenth time, I pushed myself into a sitting position and glances around the room. Teaching up to the top of my head, I felt the slightly oversized goggles I was given, and immediately an idea was forming in my head. Looking over to where the kitchen connected with the living room, I eyed the counter which was equally lined up with and a good distance away from the kitchen table.
"Hm..."
If I moved a few things around I could quite possibly convert the moderately sized house into a very fun and "death-defying" crash course, could be fun. It could also give me a reason to be using the goggles given to me.
"Could be fun..."
Without me even noticing I was now standing in the middle of the room, I gave a glance up towards the clock just above the fridge and nodded. I would have five hours to practice tice flying and about an hour to put everything back.
I could quite possibly even try to attempt those moves I saw the Wonderbolts pull off, though not the dangerous ones. Or were they all dangerous to a pseudo child like me? Well, I wouldn't find out until I tried.
So for the next hour or so, I zipped around the room trying to rearrange the furniture and flipping chairs over as to create a makeshift ring. The couch cushions would be strategically placed at the end of each and eleven obstacles, to guarantee me a soft landing. That's if I didn't lose control over myself.
I also found a decently sized black pillowcase that I tied to a wooden spoon I found in the utensils drawer, how I made everything stick together and not fall over? Magic.
I'm kidding, mom just had a lot of duct tape and I took advantage of it.
"Soo.. what to start o- oh! I almost forgot!"
Before I even started, my thoughts immediately drifted towards something that would compliment the goggles I was wearing. Turning on my heel- do horses have heels?
Turning around and quickly running down the hallway and taking a left into my open bedroom, I looked around before approaching the bedside table. Standing on my hind legs and reaching up towards the drawer handle, I pulled backward. Teaching my head in and clapping down my teeth onto some fabric, once I had it in my grasp I pushed the drawer closed and let myself fall on my back.
"Oof-"
I quickly shook it off, thanks to the childlike vitality I was rocking, and stood up. Dropping the blue fabric onto the floor and looking at it, it was the wonder bolts costume if you didn't catch on.
Which did a question to my mind now that I look at the piece of clothing, or rather costume. What size of clothing was I exactly? Seeing as I have never worn clothes as a pony excluding that shirt Aurora gave me, I never got the chance to check the size tag on it.
So with a twinge of curiosity, I bent my head downwards and took a look at the tag, creasing my eyebrows as I read off the bolded in letters.
"..made in Ne-Neighpan.. what the hell?"
It was always funny to hear my childish voice say vulgar things, though besides that. There was a pony version of Japan here? Then that must mean that they have ramen here, and if they have ramen here then they have anim- no wait. These ponies haven't grasped the technological advancement that is television than which means there's no animation. Without animation there's no anime, that sucks.
"Well.. that's slightly disappointing"
Though I realized I was getting sidetracked once again and shook my head, I should head to that library sooner or later. Letting my eyes focus back on the tag, I scanned all the fine print before landing on what I think was the size.
"Fillies small... huh?"
I'm pretty sure I'm the opposite of that... but I'd imagine it doesn't matter seeing as the size differences don't come into play until I'm in my teen years. Nonetheless, I'll still wear it, I think my inner monologue has cost me precious flying time.
So I shook my head again and moved to find the zipper for the costume.
--
After falling over and hitting my nose repeatedly, I finally was able to successfully get this costume on. Who knew trying to wear clothing as a four-legged animal would be so hard?
So without further ado, I was now standing atop the kitchen counter with my wings spread out. I gave another look over the little crash course I meshed together, a little bubble pride welled up in me. I swear I even felt a tear run down my eye.
"Well then... let's do this!"
I then got a running start and jumped off the counter, catching myself in the air and continued forwards with the momentum. Leaning my body to the left as I narrowly scraped my side against the chair I set up, stabilizing myself and flying towards my next set of obstacles I took a second to flip the goggles down and on my face.
I successfully flew clean through the ring I set up and decided to try and do a barrel roll, or at least something along the lines of it. Keeping myself steady in the air as I continued with the forward momentum, I banked harshly to the right and witnessed my vision blur before it returned to normal.
"Yes! I did i- OOF!"
My celebration was cut short and I immediately slammed my body into a wall, the speed I was going at helped add in the extra pain I was currently feeling. Letting out a small groan as I comedically found myself stuck to the wall, before slowly sliding down and falling onto my back.
"Ah.. that hurt.."
I stared hazily up at the ceiling for a few moments in a daze, I raised a hoof into view before reaching down and touching my muzzle. Immediately recoiling back and hissing in pain, that was most likely going to leave a mark. Note to self, don't start celebrating too early while you're performing a barrel roll at high speeds.
Now, I'm going to lay here for a while before getting to cleaning things up. So while I closed my eyes, I didn't take notice of the door opening.
What happened after I passed out was luckily nothing worth mentioning. I was able to wake up before my mother, so happened to get home and haphazardly clean the mess I made. It was a bit awkward to explain to mother why I had a bruise on my face, but I was able to talk my way out of suspicion.
Nonetheless, there's something else that needed my full attention.
You wouldn't believe what I so happened to have stumbled upon a few minutes ago, this place had video games! Well, very retro video games, but video games nonetheless. Though I do find it funny that these horses have created technology for entertainment systems, and still have yet to create something along the lines of a washing machine.
But as we all know, video games fall first in the list of priorities, and when I so happened to have not taken a small stroll around town by myself and happened to come across an arcade just a few blocks away from my house. It surprised me, I didn't expect this fancy city to have something like an arcade hanging around. Though I shouldn't question it, I should invest and enjoy it.
Well, that's if I had the money to use said arcade, which was depressing for me. I swear I didn't cry, not one single tear left my eyelids after this realization.
I lied, I was heartbroken. Completely depressed at the thought of not being able to play video games again, it just hurt. So I found myself sitting in front of the display window at the arcade in tears, softly rubbing at the glass in sadness. What put a real damper in it was the picture of a pony who looked eerily similar to a certain character in street fighter.
"I've never felt so much pain in my life. "
"The sadness is just taking over."
"I can- keep!"
My bouts of depressive comments were interrupted by something making contact with my shoulder, making me jump and immediately do a one-eighty. Coming face to face with a not-so-familiar pony, or rather another child to be in fact. He was a bit taller than me, a brown coat with orange hair, and he was wearing one of those helicopter cap doohickeys, also he was an earth pony. Not important, but sort of interesting nonetheless.
He looked down at me with a tilted gaze before he spoke.
"Err... are you okay?"
"Yeah, of course, I am, what makes you think otherwise?"
He stared at me for a good few seconds before frowning and lifting one of his hooves to motion at his face, making gestures of tears. Before he stopped, he stared at me expectantly.
"Oh yeah, the tears. Sorry"
"No, it's cool, what made you start crying in the first place?"
I blinked at the out of the blue question of concern, or rather as concerned as a child could be, without being blunt. Before sheepishly starting to tell him about the whole arcade situation, and how I wasn't going to be able to play the machines in there.
This confused me, why exactly was I just telling this random kid my whole reasoning? Speaking of which, why was everyone here so concerned with the well-being of others? It's not that I don't like it, rather it's just something new for me.
"Soo. You can't play because you don't have any bits?"
I nodded before glancing back at the window, my frown still intact.
"Well.. My mom gave me more than enough bits to play here while she attended to some business or something like that... so, you wanna come inside, and we can split the number of tokens I get?"
I widened my eyes before immediately snapping my attention back towards him, a stranger who was just willing to spend money on someone he just met. Of course, it wasn't unheard of back on earth, but still it sorta just befuddled me on how weird these ponies are when it comes to mannerisms!
Though, besides the internal monologue I had for the like hundredth time, I immediately accepted the offer. I mean, of course, I did, why wouldn't I?
"Uh yeah, that sounds awesome actually!"
"Great, so uh, let's go inside then?"
He turned his head towards the side and coughed lightly as he said that, making me slightly confused.
I then realized in my fit of excitement I had pressed myself very tightly against this other child and backed off immediately.
"Oh shoot.. sorry, just got a little excited"
"I-its cool dude.. let's just get inside"
I awkwardly nodded before dusting myself off the best I could, before moving to follow him through the modern-looking glass door, slightly giddy at the fact that I'd be able to experience what kind of games this place had. Wait, shouldn't I technically be the first human to play alien video games? Then that mea-
"Hey uh... I didn't quite catch your name?"
His question broke my train of thought, and I was dumped back into the world of the living, glancing around as I took in the new interior environment. Surprisingly, it didn't look too off from what one back home would look like. Except it was surprisingly empty, like I think we were the only two people here, including the owner of course.
I turned my head away from the wondrous sight of arcade machines and turned to look up at the brown colt, a small grin on my face.
"Speckles.. Speckles the pegasus!"
"Uh... Button, Button Mash... just call me Button though"
Button Mash? That's a pretty peculiar name, then would that mean that- oh it does!
Taking a glance at his cutie mark, which was something I don't recommend doing unless you're a child or as adorable as I am. I found it to be some sort of Gameboy color-looking device, that was another interesting thing to take note of.
I guess since they had arcade machines here, they'd also have some sort of handheld entertainment console.
"I take it, you're good at video games?"
"Uh.. duh! If my cutie mark says anything about It"
I found myself asking the slightly obvious question as we came to a stop just in front of an old stallion standing behind a counter. He sported a graying mane and those exhausted eyes that held experience behind them. But he still held a big smile when he saw the two of us approach, eagerly exchanging to a healthy amount of bits Button dumped onto the counter into tokens. He used a hoof to drag them closer to him, impossibly picking them up with both hooves and placing them in a device. Some sort of coin counting machine was my best guess, seeing as I've seen something like this whenever I went to chuck e cheese.
I took a minute or so, but the coins finally stopped shooting out of the machine, and the stallion slid over two decently sized cups of tokens over to us.
"Here you two young fellows go, hope you enjoy yourselves!"
"Hey thanks, by the way, do you have the new pony fighter game here?"
"Sure do! Just got it installed yesterday, it's right over there if you two would like to take a crack at it"
"Thanks!"
With that out of the way, we both took our cups and proceeded to walk over to where the arcade owner pointed. Of course, the only real way I was able to grab onto the cup was when I grabbed it with my teeth, sounds handier than you think.
"Say speckles, you've played pony fighters before?" He casually asked me as we came to a stop in front of the machine, though it was slightly muffled due to the cup in his mouth.
"Uh.."
I set the cup down just beside my hoof before moving to answer him.
"Of course I have! I love the str- I mean pony fighter franchise"
"Then you wouldn't mind having a little one-on-one with me, would you? To see who's the better player"
"Are you challenging me Button?" If so, prepare to have your flank handed to you!"
"Pfft! Yeah! Right, the last pony who said that got completely flawlessed!"
Oh. Just you wait Button, just you wait.
The both of us immediately pulled a token out of our respective cups and placed it into the machine, positioning ourselves, so we could get our hooves on the controls. As soon as I got to the helm, the very nostalgic screen depicting two guys about to fistfight. Though now recreated to where two ponies are staring each other down, and after a tense few seconds, the pony on the right delivers a strong buck to the other jaw.
Eliciting a small chuckle out of me as the screen move up and showed off a skyscraper, before fading to black and the words "pony fighter II world warrior" appeared. I was amazed for a few more moments at the prospect of more games like this one coming out in the near future.
Then we were thrown into the character selection, which was surprisingly really accurate to the original, with the map in the background and everything.
I glanced to my left and watched as Button moved his cursor around each character before finally choosing one, a white stallion with blonde hair and sporting a red karate outfit. Just Ken, as a pony.
"Hurry and pick a character dude!"
"Yeah yeah, just can't wait to get clapped, can you?"
"Huh?"
"Nevermind"
I just as quickly flicked the joystick upwards and pressed the select button, of course, I picked the pony version of Ryu. He did pick Ken, after all, now for the map, I decided to pick Neigpan before Button could say anything.
The screen faded to black, and our characters popped up in an old traditional Japanese-looking environment, the tell-tale words popped up, and before you know it.
"Fight!"
The button immediately rushed forwards and tried to hit me with a roundhouse kick, yet I countered it with a quick jump into the air. Landing behind him and quickly delivering a Shoryuken to his characters back, sending them up into the air before moving backward and sending out a quick Hadouken.
I heard Button Mash make a noise before he immediately started going on the aggressive once more, coming at me with another roundhouse kick which I quickly blocked. Though he did catch me off guard and was able to get me with a hurricane kick, knocking down my health a good bit.
Though I wasn't about to let him beat me that easily, mind you, so I attacked. Hitting him with a Hadouken, before moving up close to him and using a Shoryuken, letting a grin form on my face, I continued pushing him up against the wall. Hitting him with another Hadoken combo before his health bar dropped to zero, and I won with a k.o.
"Hah, didn't you say something along the lines of the last pony who said that got flawless?"
"Err.. Shut up, I'll get you in the second round!"
With that, I turned back towards the screen just as the match started, getting immediately hit with a barrage from Button Mash. He threw abdomen after Hadouken at my character before I was able to block one, then moving to throw in a Shoryuken of my own. Throwing his character up into the air before performing a hurricane kick, getting rid of the last bit of his health, and winning the round.
"Darn it! Next round!"
I laughed slightly before the next round started, it went the same as the last round, though at the last second I found myself on the losing end. My health bar was draining, and Button had a mad grin on his face, but I felt something within myself say "not today!" And I brought it back, being able to not let Button get a hit in, and finishing him off with a super combo.
"Shinku Hadoken!"
"Noooo!"
With that, I won the match, smiling in content as the screen popped up with both of our fighters looking at each other. Though Buttons character was looking worse for wear, my character pointed before some text appeared.
"You must defeat Sheng Long to stand a chance".
I then turned to look at Button, who was staring at the screen with a look of shock on his face. Eyes widened in disbelief at what he had just witnessed before he sighed and looked at me. I expected him to be a bit more toxic or at least mad at me for winning, though I was completely wrong in that.
"I guess you are pretty good at this game.."
"Good game?"
"Of course! I've never been able to pull off the special combo in rapid succession like that, that was so cool!"
"Well, I told you, I love the pony fighter games.. Though I did wish they had something like the king of fighters around here"
"Oh, I've got that game at my house! Wanna come over some time?"
"Uh sure, where exactly do you live?"
"Ponyville! Mom just brought me here because I found out pony fighter was here and insisted on coming"
Oh.
---
"You bring me news of a... child?"
"Yes, my Queen, it has co-"
"Are you idiotic?" I sent you and you alone to Canterlot for a very specific reason! And all you have for me is news of a dumb foal!"
"B-but my Queen, you have to understand, this is no ordinary child.. he differs-"
"My child, you have not begun to understand the amount of complete and utter disappointment you have filled me with... you stray away from your assigned mission for a child? A special child at that!"
"I-"
"How is a special child going to help infiltrate a whole different kingdom? Explain it to me, child, explain the logistics of focusing on a damned child instead of infiltrating and bringing back some useful information"
"But it-"
"So help me, if you try and interrupt one more time I w-"
"He's intoxicating!"
"...intoxicating?"
"Yes, intoxicating! Invigorating, arousing everything! The smell, the taste, and the endless amount of love I can sense within him are what drew me towards him..."
"Endless amount of love?"
"Yes, my Queen endless, I can feel it whenever I'm near him.. Whenever I look deeply into his eyes there's something there, it's rich, it's sweet, it's... it's just... I can't access it!"
"What do you mean my child?" You come here bearing news of a child with quite possibly an endless amount of love...and you can't access it?"
"Every time I try, there's just something always there blocking me... it always leaves a bitter taste in my mouth"
"But there's something else.."
"What exactly is this something else?"
"I-I don't know my queen, it.. It just feels as if I'm not the only one watching him."
"It feels like or is it just you excuse the fact that you're trying to dissuade my very growing urge to punish you?"
"N-no my queen! Truly, it feels as if someone else is there... in Canterlot!"
"Some...one?"
"Yes, my Queen, it's not a pony, it's just something... something else"
"Hmm."
"My Queen?"
"What you say leaves me with much to think about.. But if what you say is true then, bring me the child... take another infiltrator with you and have them search for this mysterious presence you speak of.."
"Yes, my Queen, as you order!"
"Good.. Now I shall retire to my bed chambers, do not fail me, my child."
--
After having a bit more fun with Button Mash, I unfortunately had to leave at a bit of an earlier time than I wanted to. Seeing as I remembered, my mother didn't like it when she returned home, and I wasn't there, especially when she didn't permit me to go out.
But video games take priority, and when I heard the news of an arcade around town, I had to jump on the idea! Like I would pass up on the ide-
"Oof!"
I bumped into someone in my deep train of thought.
Here I was once again in the company of the overly happy Aurora, staring up at her with a slight glance of discontent. Though she just gave that smile, that damned smile. As I went to push myself back up onto my hooves, a sudden cold limb was placed underneath me, and I was suddenly on my feet following the movements of her hoof as she retracted it. I shuddered lightly before moving to take a step, she did the same and matched my pace.
"Hello speckles dearie.. Rather, funny how we keep bumping into each other, isn't it?"
Coincidental? No, funny? Not at all, very creepy? Yes, one hundred percent. Though I didn't express my very out of left field internal statements, I simply gave a half-hearted chuckle, taking in her appearance for the better part of the interaction. She was exactly the same as when we first interacted with each other, seemingly as if she'd never taken off that singular pseudo dress thing.
Nonetheless, I gave her a verbal response.
"Yeah, pretty funny! Like that time, you showed up at the wonderbolts show, surprisingly"
There was a bit of a silence as we stared at each other for a few more moments, I swore I saw her smile twitch for a second.
"Well now, that was a coincidence! I'd never expected you to attend such an event"
I smell a lot of cap in the air.
Though despite that, I had to get going. I was already out longer than I needed to go be, and I had to get home before mother arrived. Which was not too far along, seeing as if I've been able to read the sun correctly, it was still about two hours until she did.
"But it was nice seeing you Ms... Aurora! I really have to get going now, moms making waffles!"
A casual lie just thrown in there to make the whole innocent and dumb child persona work even further, it always did seem to work on most people here. So with a forced smile, I took a step around her and moved to continue on my way.
Though only to once again be blocked off by the unicorn, prompting an eyebrow raise from me, and I tensed myself.
"But Speckles dearie, why don't I walk you to your house?" We could stop to get some ice cream on the way!"
Alright, that's even more fuel to the fire, trying to lure me in with my favorite dairy item? Or rather any kids favorite dessert, she was planning something and I wasn't about to follow along with it.
"But my mommy says I need to be home now, and I can't have ice cream until I finish the waffles she's making!"
So once I again I persisted and took another step around her, this time turning my walking pace into a speedier one. I seemed to gave made it a few feet before I could hear the sounds of her much larger hooves walking after me. I turned my head to the side as she walked alongside me now.
"Well...mommy doesn't have to know that you ate ice cream before dinner, you know?"
"I-"
"We could go to the ice cream parlor and be right back in front of your house real quick, I promise it won't take long!"
I even noticed her looking off to her sides for a fee moments, often times taking sparing glances at the few alleyways we pass by. Seeing as we've traversed into the quieter and empty parts of Canterlot, it just boosted the growth of the ball of worry in my chest.
"Uhm.. I'm fine Mrs. Aurora, but thank you anyways"
She was one hundred percent trying to lure me away, just, so she could quote on quote take me to the ice cream parlor, but jokes on her. I'm not as naive as she thinks, she's trying to lure in an adult. a human nonetheless. And we have a major distaste for predators trying to pull a facade on young children.
But on the other hand, I was in the body of a young child and a body that isn't even that familiar to me. She also did know where I live, along with her having a recurring tendency to show up pit of thin air. She was also a unicorn, I was a pegasus, there was a slight disadvantage on my part if she were to try something. I was about to act on these thoughts when I was stopped, or rather physically stopped by the unicorn placing a hoof on my back.
"Uhm-"
"How about we buy you one of those video game doohickeys you like?" I'll even let you get whatever game you want! You like pony fighter right?"
How did she even know - you know what? I'm not even going to question the logistics of how she knows that. I'm gonna focus on trying to get away from this pedophile.
An idea passed through my head, an idea that would work one hundred percent in my favor. I proceeded to shrink underneath her touch and let my ears plant against the sides of my head.
"Uhmm.. You're making me uncomfortable"
Her hoof immediately pulled away from my back, and she started spewing out an apology, trying to sound very sincere. Truth be told, it was a really good attempt, though I knew better.
"Oh.. I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to make you feel that way, please forgive me? I'm sorry, how can I make it up to you?"
"Can you leave me alone?"
"Uh...heh.. Speckles, that.. That would just make me feel even worse!"
"But it would make me feel better...isn't that what you were trying to do?"
"Yes but, going away isn't as good as buying you something.. Listen my friend is good friends with one of the wonder bolts if you come with me, we can get you an autograph.. You'd like that right?"
She started motioning towards the alleyway that we stood next to, once again disregarding what I said and placing her hoof back on me, trying to encourage me to walk with her. I refused and planted my feet into the ground, shaking my head as tried to take a few steps back.
"Uhmm no.. I just want to go home, I'll just-"
"Speckles!"
Her voice startled me, it sounded completely different from what she did sound like it was if she were using a distortion filter. It just added in to the creepiness and possible danger that she posed, so I doubled my efforts and turned around. Pushing away her hoof and speed walking away.
She must have realized what she'd done, and tried apologizing once again, though I was having none of it and getting the hell out of ther-
"Ahh!"
My world suddenly came to a rough halt, and I was hoisted up into the air, my ability to move was being hindered, and I could only manage a noise of shock as I was pulled backwards.
"Don't walk away from me speckles..."
"Let go of me!"
"Oh no speckles.. I won't be letting go of you anytime soon.."
I was left helpless as when I turned my head around, the unicorn was looking at me with an evil grin as she stepped backwards into the alley, floating my struggling form right behind her.
That's when I realized something.
"RAPE! RAPE! HE-gurk!"
I was successfully able to let out a few screams for assistance before I was violently yanked backwards, the grip on me vanishing as I crashed onto the floor deeper into the alley. Pain immediately flooded my senses, and I instinctively tried to curl myself into a ball, grunting as I pushed past that instinct and forced myself onto my hooves.
Only to be immediately forced back down by someone putting pressure on my back, as I was pinned against the floor, I felt shivers run down my spine as Aurora chuckled.
"You think you're so smart don't you Speckles? Screaming won't help you in this situation, you'll be gone before any pony comes running!"
My eyes widened at the threat, and my struggles resurged, trying in vain to squirm out of her grasp.
"But before I bring you to the Queen.. I'm going to try and crack that dreaded barrier around you and have a little taste for myself"
Queen? Taste? Nope, nope. I started kicking my hind legs back, trying to make contact with her hooves. Her amusement seemed to only grow as I quite helplessly struggled to get away, my eyes scanned the area around me and made contact with a glass bottle that was already broken in half. Offhandedly thanking the person who dumped this useful object here before moving to reach for it, I made contact with the neck of the bottle and pulled it towards me.
Ignoring the pain as I pricked myself with the edges of the bottle and reaffirmed the grasp I had on it, before not wasting anytime and bending my arm backwards at as hard as I could.
"Now hold st- agh!"
Her hoof pulled back as she cried out in pain. I took the chance and pushed myself onto my hooves and flipped my body around. Immediately shifting into a sprint and running through her legs, ignoring the sounds coming from behind me, and stepping back out onto the streets. Taking a sharp left and running as fast as I can, all the while screaming at the top of my lungs.
Though I finally let my voice come to a rest as I saw some ponies start to emerge from their houses that I passed, yet I didn't let up until I was on the path home. Never failing to check behind me, as I now knew what her intentions truly were, also knowing that she knew where I lived.
She wanted me.. Or her Queen apparently wants me, this just made things a lot more complicated.
I ran, which was sort of dumb in a sense since I could technically go airborne whenever I wanted to. But that's besides the point right now, there was a pony who wanted to kidnap me and take me back to her cult or whatever! She even insinuated trying to take a crack at something of mine, the recent memory is fading. With the idea of getting back to the house and never going back outside being prominent, I continued running until I made it to the halfway point.
How I knew? There was a house across the street, and a few houses down from mine that almost away had a blue tarp over the roof. Don't ask why.
Though with the feelings of my legs trying to give up on me, I gave another burst of speed and found myself falling over on the doorstep. It gave me a small moment to let out a few long drawing breaths, slowly but surely pushing myself back onto my hooves, I sighed.
"My legs hurt, my back hurts. And I've got a seemingly pedophilic mare who's a part of a cult that has a queen."
I say cult because what else would these ponies worship, other than their pseudo God, princess Celestia? It happens all the time back on earth, so why not?
"This world is crazy."
Once I shook my head of these thoughts, I found myself stable on my own legs once more. Shaky, yet stable. I nodded and went to go and reach up for the door knob, before pausing for a quick moment.
"Wait a second"
I dropped back down on all fours and approached the door, reaching up a hoof and lightly pushing in the middle of the door. To my utter suspicion, it was unlocked, giving me full access and sight of the slightly obscured living room as the door gradually swung fully open. Alarms were ringing in my head, wanting me to not enter this house and immediately get the hell out of there. There is some type of law enforcement here right? Maybe since Canterlot is connected to a humongous castle, my dumb ass can realize yes! There are guards patrolling the city.
But on the other hand, the conflicting fight or flight instinct was egging me on to do the latter and go inside. After all, she did know where I live and how to get where I live, there's no doubt she sent one of her fellow members here to try and find me or moth-
My eyes widened with realization, and I immediately took the plunge and sprinted inside, ignoring the immediate slamming of the door behind me and coming to a sliding stop in the living room. Eyes darting around as to look for any signs of struggle or for any signs of someone being here recently. I refrained from trying to make my presence known by shouting. It never really helped anyone in my kind of situation, and I wasn't about to have that moment where the kidnapper appears out of thin air. Or even starts stalking the character in their own home after hearing them call put for a loved one, though now that I say that.
My head snapped around as to not let myself be surprised by anything, yet thankfully found nothing waiting for me to turn around. My eyes glanced over the framed picture hanging up on the wall I was facing, it was of me and mother in front of a theme park. Though with the situation being as tense as it is, it was slightly nice to let myself draw out a grin at the memory.
"That was a nice... day?"
My voice faltered on its own as a chill ran down my spine, for what made it do that? The reflection of the glass surface in front of the picture made it so if I looked closely, I could see the top of my head looking back at myself. That and the bright green eyes staring from down the hall.
When I went to turn back around, they were gone. Making my face morph into a slightly bemused expression, before immediately turning and moving towards the front door. I had all the proof I needed that there was someone in my house. I didn't see any tell-tale signs of mother here, so the kidnapper must have gotten here just before I did.
But as I went to nope out of there, my ears flicked upwards, a sudden familiar outburst sounded from behind me, though not much of an outburst and more of an eerie whisper. My eyes widened once more, and I stopped in my tracks, turning my body back around as to confirm what I heard.
"Speckles'... help me, they have me trapped"
"Wha-"
"Help me."
My feet moved on their own as I hurriedly pushed past the living room and stepped into the connecting hallway, glancing around at every room with an ajar door. The urge to help my mother was something really forcing my actions, yet I found the strength to stop myself. Standing in the middle of all the dark and seemingly empty rooms I spoke.
"Mom?"
"In here..."
I was answered by the eerily quiet voice of mother echoing off the walls, turning to watch the door to mother's bedroom glow a faint green color before opening wide. Now that was concerning, and I knew it was something I should not approach, yet I found myself standing just in front of it anyway. Something deep inside of me wanted to stop at nothing to find mother, and it was something that was trying to move my body on its own.
"Come inside. Help me"
"Free me..."
The room kept trying to throw incentives at me, trying to seduce my mind into going in the room. Yet I refused, I pushed that train of thought feel down into my mind and shook my head.
"I. I'll get the guards! They'll help you!"
"NO!"
I flinched at that, her voice seemed to raise in decibels as it screeched out its disagreement. Voice sounding distinctly low-pitched and had a slight distortion to it, exactly like what happened with 'Aurora'. I took steps and backed away from the door, about to turn and leave.
""SPECKLES!"
I turned those small steps and turned them into full sprinting ones as I flipped around and started running, this person was mimicking mother's voice, and I wasn't about to let myself fall for that. Yet I still couldn't help the slight fear that floated around my body, something about that voice messing with moms. Just, no.
As I made my way out into the living room, a flash of green blinded my vision, and I collided into something. Falling flat onto my back in a daze, the edges of my vision still blurred by the sudden flash. Yet I could still make out the black figure now standing over me, deep green eyes staring into my own.
"Why do you run my son? Mommy is here..."
I didn't have time to blink before the figure lunged at my probed form, forcing me to roll over onto my stomach and forced myself up. Stumbling on my own hooves as I made an escape attempt, the hissing of the figure only helped to drive my escapade.
The hairs on my back rose, and I immediately dropped onto my stomach, narrowly moving out of the way as the figure collided with the couch. Though they seemed to have grown more annoyed at my constant dodging and full on tackled, getting the breath knocked out of me made me stop in my attempt to struggle. Giving them the time to press their full body weight on my smaller form, lifting themselves up before dropping back down onto me. A painful groan was drawn out of me as the figure started chuckling to themselves. I couldn't tell if they were male or female, since they still kept the voice of my horse mother mixed in with their own.
"Sssuch a feisty colt..."
"Now I see why the queen wants you"
"One ssso young sshould not have asss enticing of a smell as you do..... so much love in ssuch a small place..."
Why were they all of a sudden drawing out the 's' in their sentence? Though besides them just keeping me pressed against the floor like this, making me shiver as they pressed their nose against my head and inhaled deeply.
"So intoxicating..."
Okay, no. Nope, nope no.
This was getting weirder than frightening, no actually both. I doubled my efforts to try and struggle out of their grasp, attempting to use their distracting as leverage. Successfully catching them off guard and slipping out of their hold, running behind them and back towards the living room. Taking a sudden turn to the left, I unfurled my wings and flapped them. Using the momentum to propel me up onto the kitchen counter, I turned my head around to watch the figure.
They were now standing and staring at me from the door way with their mouth open, revealing fangs and all, their eyes having been tinted with a slight pinkish color. It unnerved and scared me farther than I already was, turning back to what I was doing, I quickly made my way to where a knife was left on a cutting board. I mentally thanked mother for her carelessness and grabbed the handle with my mouth, yanking it out of the wood and turning back to face the figure.
A hiss filled the room as they slowly approached, an insect like clicking followed shortly after. I reaffirmed my shaky stance and motioned towards them with the blade, warning against approaching me any further.
They ignored it and continued their approach, head turning side to side as they let out a few more rhythmic clicks and then- they lunged forwards. Yet I was quicker, bending my knees and lifting my head at them.
Mentally cheering as blade met flesh, and they screeched in pain, falling backwards and taking the knife with them as they thudded against the kitchen floor. I peeked over the side of the counter and slightly gaped at the sight.
The figure was sprawled on the ground, gripping tightly onto the blade that sunk into his eye socket. I could hear the sounds of their panicked and painful breaths as they moved their arms upwards, painful and horrific screeching filled my ears as they shook.
It was so loud that my ears pressed themselves down tightly onto the sides of my head involuntary, even to the point of having my eyes shut.
Though it stopped for a brief moment, and I shakily opened my eyes, the figure had their hooves gripped onto the table in the middle of the kitchen. Using it as leverage to pull themselves shakily onto their feet, I could see and hear the droplets of green blood fall and stain the floor.
Though it seemed like a good moment for me to just escape, something was just keeping me there. Watching the assailant rifle in pain as they fully stood up, I was amazed on how they weren't dead and slightly concerned.
Until their hooves once again wrapped around the knife, and with one quick tug, yanked it out of their socket. Sending a small splatter of blood onto my shocked face, I watched as they immediately dropped the stained knife and looked at me. One eye full of anger and the other just empty, an ugly indent was all to show of what I did.
I took a step back as they hissed towards me, before they took a step forward and tripped. Sending them falling forwards, making me wince once more as I witness them smashing their chin on the edge of the counter and sliding onto the ground.
I peeked over the edge of the counter once more, the insect-like figure was slumped over on the floor. A small trail of blood was left on their way down, and I feared I'd killed them.
Shakily hopping off the counter and turning around, I stepped forward towards their form and poked them. Poking them didn't seem to get a response, so I leaned closer and presses my ear against their chest, they were breathing.
I immediately back away and let out a sigh. I don't know how I would react if I killed them.
"Speckles?"
My head snapped around to meet the owner of the confused and familiar voice of.
Mother and I stared at each other for a good few seconds before her eyes wandered to the very incapacitated figure to my side, they immediately widened, and she quickened her approach. My mind immediately relaxed and wanted to let my hooves outstretched towards her, yet I hesitated. Now knowing that they could mimic voices, I was wary of this seemingly mother being just a shape shifter or a hidden trap.
"Speckles!"
Though from the shock, I couldn't help but feel my mind work at a million miles per hour, focusing on how I was feeling, the feeling of stabbing a kidnapper and almost being kidnapped in one day. My ears flattened as she approached, taking a few steps back until my butt hit the cabinets. I turned around and let out a small noise. Her movements then stopped as I peeked back at her, her head tilted in confusion and slight anxiousness.
"Spec-"
"No!"
I couldn't help the outburst of panic escaping from my mouth, falling backwards in my movements. Looking up as her face morphed into one of avid concern, I couldn't help but vividly imagine the face of the imposing changeling with its glowing green eyes bleeding through the image of mother. I gaped and reached for the knife that was left at my side, pulling it towards me before grasping the stained weapon in my mouth.
"Sthey bachk!"
My muffled words had an effect, her ears lowered, and she reached out a hoof. Making my already jumpy form flinch.
"Honey... it's me.. mommy's he-"
"Yerh not rehal! Just a shaepesifter!"
The other shapeshifter said those exact same words to me, all with a menacing grin and all the malicious intent. I wasn't about to fall prey to her advances, even if it was her.. I couldn't hear the mixed voices, so it just made it all the more confusing.
"Shapeshift- a changeling? Honey, I'm not a changeling!"
Changeling? Is that what they were?
Her words seemed to be strained, eyes starting to water before moving to take another step towards me. Trying to give me a reassuring smile, reaching out a hoof and moving to touch me. I just waved the knife in front of me with a widened expression.
"Ho-honey... please believe me.drop the knife!"
"Prohve it!"
"Speckles... I... Hakuna Mata?"
That made my grip on the knife slightly lessen before I realized something. Aurora had heard our little bout of that song earlier that week and could just as easily recite it to me! I readjusted it in my mouth before shaking my head fervently, looking around for an escape route if necessary.
"Difdherent one!"
She grimaced and bowed her head down, shaking her head before moving to sit on her haunches. I raised an eyebrow before she raised her head and looked back at me, trying to keep a smile on her face past the tears.
"Its tough to be a God! Where were mor-"
I didn't even let her finish, as the knife dropped out of my mouth and the suspicions completely dropped. I felt my eyes water as I rushed her sitting form. Immediately wrapping my hooves around her barrel and pressing my face into her chest, immediately trying to apologize.
"I'm sorry.. I'm sorry! I thought... and you were, but changelin-"
My actions were almost immediately reciprocated, larger hooves wrapping tightly around my body. Doubling it by wrapping her massive wings around me, making the embrace that much tighter. Though it was my turn to be silenced, as she started slowly rocking forwards and backwards to try and soothe me.
"Shh... It's alright"
It wasn't alright, I'd been trying to keep the thought away but the situation just brought the realization crashing down on me. I have a literal target on my back and these changeling fucks want to rape me or something! I'm also in a stupid child's body, I can't defend myself from shit! Especially when I'm literally pinned. If that changeling wasn't distracted, who knows what he'd have done? It's just really frustrating, and this stupid body came with some child-like tendencies, the crying for example.
If I was an adult, I'd assure you I'd be calmer about this, mad and slightly panicked, but still calm enough to not start bawling my eyes out! Of course, I thought that my own mother was one of these changelings and tried to stab her with this already bloody knife.
My head just buried deeper into her chest, just wanting to up and disappear right now. My mind was failing with emotions and I wasn't in the right mind to actually go through the correct motions, my body just up and went "cry".
I just wanted to do nothing more than just fall asleep, my body was exhausted enough as it is, and I have mother to keep me safe. But my tired mind still held that feeling of anxiousness mixed with other things, knowing that Aurora was still out there was a main one.
"It's alright honey. you're safe now, let's just go and get a guard alright? Mommy won't let anything hurt you okay Speckles?"
Her voice was so soothing and convincing at the same time, my adult mind was at that point where impossible promises were being acknowledged as truth. So I relented and nodded into her chest fluff, staying there for a few seconds before removing my head and looking up at her own, just as teary eyes. Though they were dried, and she was much more concerned with me than how she was doing right now.
" ...okay, let's just get the guards before the changeling wakes up."
I finished off my sentence with a slight nasally tone, sniffing as to clear my sinuses and give a weak smile up at her. Ignoring the fantasy creature turning out to be even more real than I imagined, though much less kidnap the chil-
Wait a second, are these changelings just the ponified versions of those from folk-tale, where they kidnap and eat children in their holes? But these guys are more organized and have a queen?
"Explain to me, my child, as my age must be thinking bad news is some new form of good news."
"He's smarter than I thought my Queen, he used some sort of magic to distract me!"
"Magic... didn't you say this child was a pegasus? A four-year-old pegasus?"
"Then explain to me how you were outsmarted. Or even distracted by this foal's make believe powers!"
Before the changeling was able to speak, the shadowy Queen raised a hoof as to silence them. Vibrant red eyes creasing as she turned her head over towards the wounded one, opting to forcing them to stand there instead of getting them fixed up.
"And you.. Explain your injury to me once more, explain to me how you were left blind in one eye?"
The changeling shifted and wobbled on their feet, due to how nervous they were or for the injury, making it so the blood loss made them weary. Faded green and now red eye met the Queen's vision before immediately falling back towards the ground.
"The child stabbed me, my Queen..."
"Yes, I remember... give me the details, my child, explain how a small child eluded your hypnotic advances and stabbed you!"
The sheer anger and force of her voice dropped the wounded changeling down onto their stomach, body terribly shaking.
"He dis.. Distracted me! Th.. Then he uh.. Ran and I followe..d, before getting stahbbed.."
The changelings flow of words seemed to get less and less coherent as they went on. With the wound still flowing freely, they found the idea of closing their eyes pleasant. Before their voice trailed off into silence, the Queen rolled her eyes. With a wave of her hoof, the limp changeling was hoisted off into a tunnel.
"Now.. You"
Her head shifted back towards the original changeling, their body having snapped to attention as they once again made eye contact.
"Listen to me carefully now."
"Y-yes my Queen!"
She gave a toothy smile, showing both rows of very sharp teeth.
"Good. now, I'm going to have you find the child once more. and this time take four others with you and..."
She motioned for them to get closer, before their smile turned into a snarl.
"BRING ME THAT CHILD!"
The changelings face paled, and they shakily nodded, turning towards another haphazardly placed tunnel in the ceiling and flying up towards it.
Shortly after disappearing, the Queen sighed before falling back into her throne.
I was startled into the waking world, being immediately met by the soft and pleasant feeling of the assumable bed beneath me. Also, for the pleasant embrace I was in, peeking my eyes open, I could see the slightly blurry figure of my mother sleeping next to me. Her eyes closed and hair drooping down, though I knew she was prone to snoring... I felt safe. Though my dreams would like to say otherwise, it's good to know that when I passed out once more from the shock, I wasn't waking up in a hospital bed. Don't ask why, just know that hospitals are off limits.
I closed my eyes and let out a drawn out yawn. Shifting slightly, I positioned myself in an awkward sitting position, well as much of a sitting position I could do when someone ten times my size has their arms around me. While my eyes were adjusting to the nicely lit bedroom, I tilted my head as I spotted something out of place. Or rather everything was out of place, this isn't even our own room. did mother rent a hotel room or something? No, it's way too homely to be a hotel..
I was once again startled today, eyes widening as my gaze immediately snapped over to where the door to the bedroom was suddenly kicked in. Scooting closer to mother, who was now returning to the land lit consciousness. While on the other hand, the person who kicked said door waltzed in like she owned the place. Wait.. is that-
"Captain Spitfire?"
I found myself slightly asking out loud, watching as her gaze shifted over to me, and the already mischievous smile on her face deepened. She brought a hoof up towards her muzzle and silently shushed me, making me confused as she closed the distance between her and the side where mother was sleeping.
"ATTENTION TO THE MARE PEACEFULLY SLEEPING, ITS TIME FOR YOU TO WAKE THE BUCK UP! YOU GOTTA GO TO WORK!"
She said buck instead of fu- Anyways.
I was about to voice my concerns when she decided to voice her own concerns rather loudly. Too loudly. I jumped up and out of mother's grasp at the sudden statement, landing a few feet away on the surface of the very soft bed. Is this a tempurpedic? Never mind that! What was really interesting was the way mom's eyes snapped open and she somehow teleported on the ceiling. I simply blinked at the situation.
Mother let out a small exasperated noise of irritation before dropping back down onto the bed, sending a wave through the covers. The force made me bounce in the air for a few seconds. I couldn't help but let out a small giggle as I landed on my stomach.
Spitfire gave me a glance and returned the smile I had on my face, before immediately flying over to a closet in the room and opening it. Pulling something out before just as quickly turning around and tossing a piece of clothing at mother, who in turn caught it with a sigh.
"Good morning to you too Spitfire... though I didn't really expect you to wake up before me."
"Pftt. like I'd miss a chance to jolt you awake like I used to!"
Mother of course wasn't amused and simply shook her head, dropping the piece of clothing onto her lap.
"Look, even the squirts laughing!"
Guilty as charged.
Mother immediately widened her eyes and turned to look at me, the sleep immediately pushed aside with a smile directed towards me. My giggle fit died, and I met her glance, tilting my head before giving out a greeting.
"Morning mom!"
I sorta still had that knowing feeling that yesterday's events still floated around as a constant stress inducer, so I wanted her to just focus on me being happy. Or rather seemingly unaffected by the changeling's advances, though I still did have a bit of a hard time wondering if I actually killed that one or not. Nonetheless, mother smiled and pulled me closer to her. I made contact with her fluffy chest, and she made contact with the top of my head.
Some nuzzles and a few kisses were laid on me before she finally pulled back and let her grip slack. I leaned back and looked up at her. She sighed before deciding to ask me the question I'd been knowing she was going to ask.
"How are you sweetie? Are you alright? You scared mommy when you suddenly passed out like that"
Yeah, that was probably due to me asking too many questions and building up the panic that was ready to be instituted during the situation. So in terms, I had a panic attack and passed out. But that answer would make mom even more worried.
"I'm fine mom... now that you're here at least!"
"Are you sure sweetheart? I could always stay and call in sick at work?"
Though I did mentally agree with the idea of her staying here with me, I knew that it really wasn't a good idea in the long run. She really did need that job, and I wasn't about to ruin ourselves financially by being a crybaby, so I decided to shake my head.
"No, it's fine mom. I'm fine staying here-"
Now that I think about it, I suddenly stopped and turned my head to look at our surroundings one more time. Glancing over the awkward figure of Spitfire just standing there and watching us, kinky.
Though this clearly wasn't our own house, why would it be? I'm pretty sure it counts as a crime scene. So I let that be my next question, trying to move away from the still icy topic.
"By the way mom... where are we and why is Spitfire here?"
She simply blinked and sighed, before patting me lightly on the head. I heard the sound of Spitfire laughing to herself over where she was standing. Mom and I both gave her a look.
"Well sweetie.. After the whole situation with the changeling breaking into our house, which almost gave me a heart attack when I got there"
I frowned at the remembrance of me holding a knife at her, before quickly shaking away the thought.
"But as for why we are here. well Spitfire was kind enough to let us stay with her for a while"
That's when Spitfire decided to cut in, tossing herself onto the bed roughly. Making the both of us jump in surprise as she landed and rolled over onto her back next to us, way too casual about the whole thing.
"I would've done it anytime if you just asked me, we're the bestest of buddies after all! Plus, a nice change of scenery really would do you guys good"
I nodded in slight agreeance and in understanding, though now that I had context, it was back to the topic at hand.
"Well that explains the very soft bed. and the spacious room and the very working lights-"
I turned from Spitfire to look back at my mother's face.
"Done appraising the room sweetie?"
I went to give a rebuttal before the loud voice of Spitfire, but in once more, though directed it towards mom.
"Well, not to butt in on the little mother and son fun pack... I do believe you got to get to work pretty soon-"
At the mention of work, mom's eyes widened further than I thought they could, before she immediately let go of me and flopped out of bed, moving to head toward the door before glancing back at me. I smiled brightly at her and nodded, she returned the smile before continuing on her very swift pace.
The captain of the wonder bolts and I were left on the bed looking at the door where she zoomed out of. I looked over to her prone form, and she looked back at me. It was like that for a few seconds before the sound of thudding and mother's cursing filled our ears. I was the first to break, mouth curving into another grin and ready to laugh. Clearly having an effect on Spitfire, as she seemed to be in the same situation, though in the end we both failed and started laughing.
It was only when mother stepped back into the room looking as presentable as she could in a matter of a few minutes did we stop, both taking in her panting form as she trotted back into the room. Stopping at the edge of the bed and motioning me closer, I stood up and walked to the edge of the bed. I was then brought into a quick and tight embrace, before getting a kiss on the cheek and being sat back down onto the bed.
"Love you Speckles"
"Love you too mom!"
She smiled before grabbing something from the bedside table and moving to hustle out the door, though stopped when Spitfire spoke.
"Hey! Don't I get a goodbye kiss?"
Though I assumed it was in more of a joking tone, I was a bit surprised to see mother snap back around and walk up to her. Bending down and pressing her lips against her check for a split-second before immediately snapping back and going out the door, giving a passing goodbye as she did.
"Bye!"
After a few seconds, the sound of the door opening and shutting down stairs sounded when I looked over at Spitfire. Who was a bit red in the face? I decided to make light of it and spoke up.
"So. just roommates right?"
She turned to me and denied my thoughts immediately. I still laughed, mind you.
"Yes of course! I didn't even think she'd do it!"
I simply shook my head in a jovial manner, before watching Spitfire sigh, before settling back down onto her back. I crawled my way over to her side before letting my head fall down onto her stomach, a bit forwards, but I was a kid. Who was she to immediately think of it as weird?
"Tired?"
"Well, you did sorta wake mother and I up at like. whatever time it is now"
"I mean... yeah, but it was funny huh?"
"It was funny, now I'm tired."
"Well then go back to sleep"
"I was planning on it"
So with that, I decided to push myself up and onto Spitfire's stomach, moving around before finally finding a comfortable position laying on her. Of course, it didn't go without notice, and she almost immediately started spewing out flustered tangents.
"Hey uh squirt! What are you doing?"
"Sleeping."
"Yeah, I know that, why aren't you sleeping on the bed?"
"Another pony is more comfy...and it makes me feel safer"
"...well, I guess you can sleep there, but just for today okay?"
"Yep.."
"And you won't tell your mom?"
I simply nodded. Then almost immediately fell asleep.
I find it slightly funny that no matter how much sleep you get, you still end up feeling really really tired the next time you wake up. Like, what’s the point of sleeping. If you’re just going to end up waking up even more dead tired than before! Because it seems like everywhere in the universe, this rule applies to all- that actually does bring up a question. Is the pony world in a different dimension or planet? Reality, or alternate reality? Does the doctor exist in this world? Wait, would that mean that these ponies have their own doctor who? I-
Nevermind that, I’m getting too off topic. I should do this more often, seeing as apparently when I wake up dead tired in the morning. I have these philosophical conversations with myself that try to figure out the world and all the happenings that it lets run wild.
So for now let’s focus on the topic at hand. Spitfires chest fur is insanely soft, just to clarify if you couldn’t already have observed the extreme exhaustion it brought me when I decided to crawl up and onto her stomach.
“Enjoying yourself kid?”
Speaking of the pony named Spitfire, I had failed to notice her already having been awake and staring down at me. Of course I only knew that because I tilted my head up to stare deeply into her eyes, in a child like way of course. I went to give a response but found myself letting out a very long yawn, watching her eyes slightly crease and her smile widen.
As my yawn came to a stop, I felt my eyes water and blinked them away. Which was still odd to me, I never figured out the science in why our eyes water when we yawn. Funny because it must be something so simple and I so happen to know everything complicated, yet still find myself scattered when it comes to it.
Though in other news, Spitfire was blushing. Being the person I am, I immediately decided to start off my part of the conversation with that. Maybe in the form of a perverse joke, she seemed like the joking type so she might see where I found the humor in it.
“Do you get off to kids opening their mouths wide or something?”
“---Wha! No, I-”
Her response was to immediately deny it and try to stutter out a coherent response, all the while I tried to stop the urge to laugh welling up inside of me. Don’t look at me like that, you’d laugh hard as hell if you found yourself in this specific yet unlikely position. Nonetheless I found myself simply pushing upwards and onto my haunches as I looked down at the still flustered Spitfire, which was odd. I presumed that someone of her stature wouldn’t elicit this certain response. But on the other hand. Anything is possible, and this was a world full of ponies akin to the care bears.
“Relax, I was joking.. Really I expected better from Mrs. “where’s my kiss?” I grinned.
“Alright kid, you wanna play like that?”
Hold on her voice changed, immediately flipping on a dime from her original flustered and struggling disposition to a more serious and possibly militaristic tone? Did this place even have a military? Also, if this place has something like the Blue Angels wouldn’t it mean that the Wonderbolts would be a part of the chain of military in this world?
So many questions today, so little time to answer and comprehend them.
I blinked and turned my attention back to Spitfire, now with a devious grin sported on her face. She simply stared back at me for a few seconds before I realized what was happening, in the corner of my eyes I could see her arms lifting and moving to encase me. Should I call them arms or just hoofs? I'll go w- my eyes widened and I acted from there, snapping out of my inner thought and unfurling my wings. Quickly pushing off from the wonderbolt and into the air. Leaving her to simply catch nothing but air as I flapped my wings plaintively just above her, though feeling my adrenaline slightly spiking on the inside.
“Darn it!”
I didn’t have long to even come up with a remark because she just as quickly rolled herself onto her stomach and unfurled her own much larger and experienced wings. I blinked before halting my wings and letting myself fall, watching as she soared over with a burst of speed and gasping. Of course since I was paying attention to her drifting that curve like it was nothing I fell on my back, letting out a small noise of surprise from me before getting back up.
“Stand still so I can tickle you!”
She immediately told me her plan, which was something of a recurring theme with these ponies. So easy to predict-
“Oh shi-”
I was pressed by even more rapid movements of Spitfire and threw my body to the right and narrowly missed getting caught in her grasp, taking the moment of her crashing into the bed and letting out a few curses to run.
By run I mean. Haul ASS.
I ran out the door and hooked a left, running down the rather spacious hallway of her house and letting my head turn back around from where I ran.
“Cease your resistance!” “Never!”
With that I continued running. Feeling a slight bubble of excitement mixed in with something else, I didn’t really know how to explain it. The excitement felt a bit out of place and slightly.. Chaotic? If that made sense. Or any sense that I could pull off. Clear and concise thoughts while progressively being chased by a very fast mythological creature.
----
Apparently trying to outrun a wonderbolt can only get you so far, I was currently watching the captain of the Wonderbolts in slow motion as she dive bombed me. Her arms wide open and a rather malicious intent radiating off of her. Taken with a grain of salt, these ponies could not pull off a threatening look at all. The closest thing to maliciousness was those changelings, even then I could say that they were somewhat cute. No matter how much it pains me to say that it was true.
No in all seriousness though, time really did seem like it was moving in slow motion. How do I know this? It was because I was already on my feet and she was still about five feet away, in a prime pouncing position. Also with her arms noticeably moving slower and leaving behind a contrail of some sorts, totally honesty here. I don’t know how or why this is happening. All I said was something along the lines of “Stop!” and everything took a grayer tone, which was something I was now noticing. I don’t know exactly how I even missed that in the first place.
I took a few steps forward completely unbarred by the thing that was affecting the old 'human torch' over here, I glanced around up and down her body and noted how they were acting and what they looked like. This was very interesting, something I would have to very well try to figure out later. For now I had to seemingly unfreeze everything.
Question was, how was I going to do that?
I tried touching her yet it only proved to slightly alter the position in which her foot was in. Slowly yet still in the stream of constant movement. I had an odd sense of familiarity with this whole situation.. Oh yes, I felt like QuickSilver! Wait. Did I secretly have mutant powers and just now found out I could go super speedy fast?!
I stopped myself. If I were going about a million times the speed that the whole planet was going right at this moment, then why would I have needed to say stop? That just makes it seem like I had the power over tim-
I could stop time.
Give or take. Not quite super speed or quantum break levels but it was up there.
“Funny all I really had to say was stop- wait!”
“I gotcha now!”
This here fellas is why I call myself a scatter brain. Time seemingly jolted back into life and I was immediately enveloped into the death embrace of Spitfire.
----
After suffering through the unholy act of being tickled for about half an hour, no lie. I was tickled for half an hour straight, all the while being subjected to the Speedster making a joke out of it.
Though now I was currently resting my tingling body on the very nice couch that she had in her living room. She was sitting just on the other end of the couch looking down at me with a contemplative look if I could make it out correctly, I was upside down so I didn’t know whether she was thinking or just staring at a bug on the wall.
“Maybe I went too far with the prolonged tickling..”
I wanted to agree but knew I sort of did deserve it, for the jokes I made back upstairs in her room.
“It's fine.. Just a little jaded..”
“Right well.. Uh, I’m not sure what to do now”
“You could make food or something.. Kinda hungry after all of that”
She nodded and hopped off the couch, turning and looking at my form before she looked hardened. I raised an eyebrow at the sudden shaded look.
“Now I have a very important question for you..”
“Yeah?”
“Pancake or waffle..”
“Uh.. either or I guess”
She sighed.
“Just like your mother” before turning back around and walking over to the presumably kitchen, I simply shrugged. They were the same thing after all.
“Alright then..”
With her now in the other room I started thinking once more. If what I did back there was some sort of newly discovered power. Then why did it take so long to show up? I for sure have said the word stop about a million times over the course of my four years, plus those nine months inside of the stomach of my pony mother.
I took a moment and shuddered at the thought. Never again.
So with a grunt, I rolled over and accidentally slipped off the couch.
"Oof!"
Though thanks to child like powers, I was able to push myself back onto my feet just as quickly. Albeit shaky from the tickle fest earlier.
"Now I wonder if I can just say st-"
I stopped my own train of thought when the hairs on my back raised instantly, a slight sense of foreboding came over me and I turned around.
Oddly enough it wasn't anything. So I shook my head and turned back around, focusing back on what I was doing.
"Today has been very interesting to say the least.."
To be continued..
---
The Queen found herself standing at the base of her throne looking at the very empty ground before her, eyes creased into a very annoyed disposition. Her drones were late. They were completely behind schedule when it came to her plans, they should've captured the colt by now and brought him back to her. What happened now?
After a bit of waiting, while also suspiciously eyeing the kitchen at the hint of a slight burning smell did Spitfire finally emerge. A smug smile placed on her face as she balanced two separate plates on her back. I tilted my head from the position on the couch before simply shrugging and moving to address her.
"Soo.."
"Yeah?"
"Did you burn something?"
"N-no! No, I didn't.. in fact it was just the exertion of my awesomeness that made the waffle maker shoot sparks!"
Now that was slightly concerning. Yet reminiscent of a particular one eyed figure who very much enjoyed destroying her cooking utensils or in this case, the waffle maker. I simply rolled my eyes as she finally got to the front of the couch, I might as well let mom scold her when she got back.
"I'm sure it was."
"Is that sarcasm rookie?"
'No it was cynicism’.
Nonetheless I shook my head and smiled up at her, causing her to return it with a grin of her own. Then moving to gently set the two plates she had prepared on the coffee table, letting them slide down and onto the table by using her wings as some sort of ramp. I couldn’t explain it any better than that, honestly. She sighed and threw herself backwards onto the couch, lightly jolting me up into the air from the force.
"Enough banter, time for the taste test"
I put on my best Gordon Ramsey voice and got off the couch, taking a few steps and looking down at the waffle. Slightly burnt, yet surprisingly appetizing as it stared at me from the plate. Speaking of the plate, I put a hoof to it and realized it was cold. That's twenty points deducted.
"Tsk, let's see if it's as good as I think it is."
Seeing as there were no forks and neither was there any syrup, I wasn't going to bother trying to ask for any of that and simply bent my head down and opened my mouth. Latching onto the breakfast item and jerking my head up, then letting it all slide info my mouth before chewing.
It wasn't bad, slightly difficult on the throat. Though that's partly due to the lack of syrup and me not having any water since yesterday. Though a plain waffle was still as good as a dressed one, I nodded approvingly.
Turning around and watching as Spitfire now lay fully strewn out over the couch, she fixated me with a confused yet amused facial expression.
"Nicely done Spitfire, you move on to the next round"
"Er.. thanks squirt"
I simply chuckled and gave a glance over to the second plate she placed down, only to blink as it was already empty. Looking over to her once more, she sheepishly grinned.
"Can't blame me.. waffles are too damn good"
That's a first. I've never heard another pony other than myself actually say a swear word that wasn't child friendly. So being the asshole of a child I was, I acted.
"That's a bit for the swear jar"
"Wah-"
"You said the no no word, that means you pay up or get tattled on…"
I let the innocent way of speaking drop aside and finished off my sentence, letting the smirk be blatantly evident as she tried to come up with something to say.
"You wouldn't want mommy to know I learned some bad words from her friends.. right?"
"Damn kid.. you're evil"
I merely laughed as evilly as I could for a four year old.
"Yes I know, my mind is very malicious when it comes to forming jokes"
"Is that how you took down that changeling?"
That's when my joking demeanor died and I looked at her with a confused face, suppressing the amount of sudden surprise I was filled with. My first thoughts were on how exactly she knew this, before immediately being answered by the back of my head.
'Mother told her you dolt'
I shook my head and sat down on the floor, motioning to answer her question.
"That was more out of fear and sheer lack of knowing what would happen if the changeling got their han- hooves on me." I finished with a sigh at the memory.
I heard movement from the couch before she started.
"Ah, sorry squirt.. didn't mean to bring up bad memories.. just kinda still- let's move on from that! What do you wanna do?"
She was quick to dismiss the topic she specifically brought up, I squinted suspiciously at her before just as quickly dropping it. That was something to keep in mind next time, or question it now and try to get more answers.
"It's fine I mean.. didn't really affect me all that much, all that matters is that I was able to incapacitate the changeling and get away right?"
Her grin deflated at my casual mention of attempted murder, in self defense of course. As if I would murder someone. Though I do question the possibilities of that now that I here-
Anyways. There was an abrupt silence after I spoke, Spitfire glanced over to her side and looked as if she didn't know what to say. What exactly would she say? We were just talking about waffles and eating breakfast, now we just skipped steps and are talking about my near kidnapping experience.
What is my life? Other than an overly complicated round of conflict.
--
After a few more very awkward moments of silence is when I finally decided to move to a different subject. Wanting to lighten the mood as Spitfire tried to do, I glanced over to her side of the couch.
"Hey Spitfire?"
She blinked and turned over to me, eyes slightly widened in.. tension was it? I'm not really sure, these pony eyes really seem to do what they want.
"Yeah squirt?"
"How fast can you fly?"
"Well uh.."
She was taken back by the question, evidently she didn't really expect me to so smoothly switch things up on her, though since flying seemed to be something she really did enjoy. I'd try to trick her mind into pushing flying into the loop.
"I'd say I'm pretty darn fast.. faster than the rest of the Bolts!"
"Uh huh…"
"What, don't believe me?"
I shook my head as sarcastically as I could, bringing both hooves up into the air in a mock defense.
"I mean I would… if you could break the sound barrier.."
"I've don-"
"On a regular basis"
"..."
I grinned cheekily. Though hiding the giddiness at knowing that sonic booms were possible here, though from what I'm hearing. It is quite the hard feat, as I would assume seeing as you need to literally fly fast enough that you break the barrier that literally holds sound.
Though I really didn't want to go in depth on the flying of this reality, due to it possibly being more than an hour if I got really intrigued. Not to say I'm not, just saying though.
"Moving on! I bet that there's something I can do that you can't"
An aura of competition seemed to have immediately seeped out of the full grown pegasus and braced onto me. Weird how I physically felt it and knew how to describe it, but there's literal love sucking entities here so…
"Oh yeah, what's that squirt?"
"I can moonwalk!"
"Moon wha- ?"
She was confused. Of course she was confused, because the feeble mind of a pony cannot begin to compare itself to the mind of a fully grown adult stuck in a child's body. The feeling of superiority drew a somewhat evil laugh out of me.
"Muhuhu-up!”
I was interrupted by my own teeth betraying me and biting down on the tip of my tongue.
“bhit mai tongth.."
I looked at the amused grin on Spitfires face. I grimaced before shaking my head, I took a few seconds and tested quietly to myself if I could speak normally.
"Thest.. test..test.. alright!"
"As I was saying, moonwalk!"
"What is that… some sort of dance move?"
Right on the dot isn't she? I mean, she is old so I bet she'd know if I was referencing a dance move or not.
"Even better.. it's the greatest dance move to have ever existed!"
"Better than the hoof-lock?"
"Don't know what that is.. but yes!"
She looked unconvinced, her attention now fully on me as she shifted her body and rested her head on a hoof. Watching me as I jumped off the couch and stumbled onto the floor, making sure I was stable before starting.
“Never mind.. I didn’t really expect you to know of the cloudsdale trio”
While I silently questioned what exactly she was talking about, she spoke up and brought my attention back to what was at hand.
"Prove it"
"Alright I will!"
With that, I began to position myself for the best moonwalking position. Nodding to myself as I told my mind to start with my right hoof and end with my left, I moved.
Starting a bit sloppily before slowly being able to do it properly, seemingly sliding across the floor. Walking for a few feet before doing a spin and bouncing upwards, holding myself in the air with my wings and saying the famous words.
"Hee-hee!"
“I am not going to question how exactly you did that... Instead, I’m going to ask you to teach me how!”
With that, I successfully diverted attention away from the almost life scarring event and turned it into another silly situation.
The Queen was fed up with how the actions of her children deeply disappointed her, here she was expecting them all to come back successfully with the child in tow. But no, instead she had to have one of her more inexperienced infiltrators sent out to see what had happened. The news that they gave her made the disappointment turn into anger. An anger that even the weakest of nymphs could sense reverberating across the hive, the messenger themself found it difficult to stay afoot and promptly collapsed on the hive floor. Prompting the two personal guards she had stationed one either side of her throne to scoff, although quietly as to not invoke the Queen's wrath.
“Y-yes my Queen..”
“How in Faust’s name did my most experienced group of infiltrators get caught.. Explain it to me?”
“W-well.. I-the child was relocated to Cloudsdale an-”
Before they were promptly interrupted by the Queen expressing her own thoughts, falling back in her throne and letting a hoof fall over her face. Giving the rather lanky infiltrator a forlorn look, then rolling her eyes as she knew what she had to do.
“Better yet, don’t say anything.. Just.. prepare yourself. You’re coming with me”
“I don’t understa-”
“Imbecile! You’re coming with me, I’m going to be there to make sure that the child is caught!”
That was all the explanation that the changeling needed, swiftly nodding their head before moving back into a preferred standing position. He tried not to make light of his internal conflict on the situation and just turned to step out of the throne room, leaving the Queen alone to confer with herself. Having to reconfigure her plan that was also reconfigured from her recently banished younger sister’s, how disappointed was she when they failed to take over Canterlot. She shook her head before moving onto the topic of how she would do this.
“Well.. if you want something done right, you do it yourself.”
----- “So.. tell me again how these clouds have the ability to keep us on top of them?” That was the first question that came to my head as I addressed the Captain of the Wonderbolts, seeing as the both of us were now sitting on her porch overlooking a very expansive cloud city. Not like star wars, where they had a whole foundation made out of thruster filled metallic beams but full of clouds carrying a bunch of structures that also looked to be made of clouds.
Wait, why was I relating this to star wars? This is so much more related to terraria and those floating islands with the water always seeming to flow out and down, but I haven’t seen that giant white dragon that always seemed to move faster than my alien spaceship and-
I’m going off topic, it was time to see what Spitfires response would be to my question, if my attention had been already taken away by that small bout of video game references.
“Err.. uh, magic.”
Somehow I knew she would say exactly that, so I did what exactly anyone would do in my position if they were given such a useless answer to a question that you have no idea the answer to. I slowly turned my head and squinted at her, leaving her to lightly rub the back of her head with a hoof and chuckle.
“Of course..”
I just shook my head and turned my head to look back at the cloud city.
“So.. this whole cloud cit-”
“Cloudsdale.”
“Cloudsdale, is built on top of a cloud and is kept there by magic?”
“Yep, just like the magic that lets us fly and lets us stand on clouds!”
‘That’s such a bullshit reason..’
“Seems legit.”
It then went silent for a few more moments, which gave me the time to finally realize something. I’ve completely changed locations of living and haven’t questioned nor even tried to reason with myself on how exactly I was so nonchalant about all of this, I mean there still was the possibility that there were changelings. Not that fitting of a name for something that is trying to be the changelings that live in those holes and eat children, at least they eat love or something like that. However that is possible, I am not going to question nor try to confuse myself anymore. I will now proceed to act like nothing else happens and try to live things as normally as I can.
“I’ve noticed something about you squirt.”
She brought me out of another internal monologue and or contemplation on what is and was my life until this point.
“I would try and make some sort of joke but... I’m too interested in you noticing something to try.”
She looked taken back for a few moments before fixing herself and scoffing, I grinned cheekily all the while.
“Pfft- okay rookie! Throwing shots at the Captain of the Wonderbolts?”
“Yes.”
Best to be blunt instead of egging her on, but on the other hand.
“Anyways, before we start another chase scene tell me what you were going to say.”
“Well… before somepony decided to be a little jokester!”
I simply turned my head to the side as she started, now letting the past casualness turn into slight marvel as I really took a moment to realize where I was.
"You al..hen...."
What sounded like she had a seizure then transitioned into a loud thudding noise at my side, I jumped and looked over to Spitfire. I half expected her to seize up or rather just pass through a fit of narcolepsy, but when my eyes met green I gaped. Rather I gaped and jumped up onto my hooves, only to then collide with something standing directly behind me.
"What th-- oh shit!"
I did one eighty and backed away from a looming changeling, standing at a rather larger stature than the other ones I have seen with the bright red slitted eyes. I also took the time to notice that this particular one wore a crown and had long slightly ragged hair that hung around her shoulders, if you could call it that. I took a step back and she took a step forward, I snapped my head backwards and saw that the other changeling was currently dragging the slumped over body of Spitfire back into her own house. I immediately attempted to take action, regretting it a few seconds later.
“Hey! Let go o- wait, let go of me!”
The moment I went to charge forwards I was caught in the firm grasp of the tall changeling, squirming around in a fit of struggling as she simply giggled deeply. Now the changeling's voice I confronted earlier was slightly jarring, even slightly creepy. But this big deep voiced woman one was.. Something else, it helped further my attempts of escape as her grip faltered and I fell forwards onto my face, the hard wood porch sent a wave of pain through my chin.
Nonetheless I didn’t let that stop me and started using my front hooves to crawl forwards, wildly bucking my legs at the changeling trying to get her grip back onto me. Bringing a slight feeling of satisfaction as she grunted and completely let go of my back legs, letting me fully drop onto the floor and crawl forwards.
“Insolent child!”
I was up on my feet and about to sprint when a heavy force was dropped onto my back, a loud grunt of pain being unintentionally released out of my mouth. I tried lifting my body up to go against the weight on my back but was promptly denied by the draft of air and the impacting of her hoof on my back once more. It hurt a lot more the second time than it did the first, apparently this bug thing was ten times stronger than her little changeling friends. I found myself with the air completely knocked out of me, the sneering voice of the changeling did nothing to help the matter.
“Urk!-”
“Calm your struggles foal! You brought this upon yourself, if you know what is good for your being then you would cease..”
“L-like hell I would..Stop!”
But I would persist, I wasn’t about to let myself fall to the attempted kidnapping or even love sucking pyramid scheme these changelings were trying to wrangle me into. As soon as I let out those fateful words I felt the surrounding areas temperature drop a marginally degree lower, which was new. Though everything else was the same, the sudden gray scale and the weight on my back seemingly ceasing. I rolled out from underneath her hold and looked at the frozen changeling still staring at where I once was, taking a moment to catch my breath and take in the situation I was currently going through.
New changeling figure showed up along with another seemingly lower class one and together they knocked out Spitfire. Which put me at an immediate disadvantage as I was only a simple human inside of a literal child’s body with the fickle ability to seemingly slow down or even stop time in it of itself. Even looking back at what I just said lead me to believe I was completely going through a fantasy situation, but I couldn’t sit here forever and just nag on my current situation. This was life or death, or something along those lines. These bugs have proven not being above hurting a child to get what they want, no less completely taking out a fully grown adult to do it. Though now that my attention has been brought to Spitfire, I felt guilty.
“Why can’t I just live a normal life? Honestly!” I echoed to myself.
‘Whatever, let's just skip the depressing realization and try to figure out how the hell I was going to slip out of this tight situation. Now there was the thought of going back into the house and grabbing a knife and just taking out both changelings in one go.. But I’m not sure I’d be ready to actually physically kill two sentient beings no matter how evil or nefarious. Despite the evil eye the tall changeling was giving me, I could feel as if my time was limited an-
“Wait. Did her eyes move?”
Indeed they did, the bright red slits were slowly inching their way over to where I was standing. I could also see the after image of her head turning along with her gaze, I was confused and slightly fearful.
“What the hell how is sh-agh!” I couldn’t find myself willing to finish my own sentence, being distracted by the full on stabbing feeling at my chest. I stopped in my tracks and curled inwards, my mind was filled with the sensory overload of something akin to being shot in the chest. There was a brief pause and I lifted my head, confusion being the main feeling that clouded my already exhausted mind. What exactly happe- and down I go.
I slumped onto the floor with a loud thud and found myself unable to move any part of my body, a sort of paralysis taking over the current working process of my muscles and nerves rendered me a limp ball of fur. A limp ball of fur who was currently looking around wide eyed as he was trapped in his own useless body, feeling his already faint heartbeat increase as the greyscale started gaining color. The environment slowly faded out of black and white and regained their color schemes, with that came the sudden influx of noise as the ambient noises that were once muted now started flowing through the barrier of silence. My attempt at moving increased ten fold as in the corner of my eyes I could see the changeling slowly start gaining their paused inert force of movement, before suddenly they were moving normally as if nothing happened.
Her angered facial expression shifted to a slight air of confusion as she glanced around, her eyes finally meeting my form just a mere few inches away where she originally had me. She grinned and I cringed, brain running hundreds of miles per hour as the rush of endorphins and adrenaline flooded my system. Proving to be completely useless as I could still move nothing of my own body, she took one step forward before she was standing right in front of me. Bending her head down she stared at me in the eyes, a grin filled with sharp fangs.
It was a bit of a surreal moment when the Queen was once again face to face with me, specifically how it still didn’t go through my mind that this whole world was made up of cartoon graphics. Or at least akin to what a cartoon character would see in their own respective vision or universe thingy. But enough of the internal monologue, I was currently being manhandled by this oversized Queen love eating bug and Spitfire was knocked out and taken who knows where! There was also the notion of me having the current motor functions of Stephen Hawking, seemed as if my mind went ‘well. We can’t comprehend this so.. Paralysis!’ or some stupid reason like that. I don’t know, its kind of difficult to think straight in a situation like this. Which mind you would never ever happen!
I certainly did miss the part when the scenery changed and we now were in the middle of shutting the door behind us and approaching what I presumed was the living room, I couldn’t tell. I can’t move my head.
Rhythmic clicking filled the room and my very sensitive ears before a slightly deep yet still weaker than the first round of clicks responded, they stayed doing that for a good few seconds before the Queen began moving once more. At this time, she started chuckling deeply to herself as we walked. Which was majorly concerning, every time a villain laughs and the hero is trapped it means nothing good.
“Seems as though I’ve caught you two delicious morsels at the perfect time…but in your case...”
I swear if she sniffed m-
“Are rather excreting such an attractive aroma around you.. It’s a wonder how my children controlled themselves around you.. It’s a wonder if I’ll lose control just holding you..”
The rapist mindset wasn’t something you so nonchalantly shrug off, I mean I didn’t even know how these creatures consumed love. So from what my imagination can come up with, which is a lot considering these horses think about love and candy all day. But still, I had a good few ideas of what exactly this ‘love eating’ thing was.
So don’t judge me for just shivering ever so slightly as her hoof ran down the length of my back.
“But.. alas I couldn’t just dig in right now, I do have a kingdom to overthrow”
Before I could question what exactly that was insinuating, the grip around me shifted and I was airborne for about a good few seconds before promptly falling like a dead body onto the couch. Arms folded in weird positions and my head thankfully slumping into the position to where I could see the ugly face of the changeling looking down at me with a grin, she turned her head as some more clicking was heard. A grimace was formed and she took one more glance at me, then simply showed me her forked tongue and turned to walk towards the hallway.
“I swear my chil-” That’s all I heard before a door slammed and the audibility completely fell back down to zero, leaving me with my indisposed self wondering how I would regain mobility. Another concern is what exactly they're doing to Spitfire.. I really have to get out of here.
If this was anything like sleep paralysis, or rather a more concerning form of paralysis. The odds were against me in my attempts to escape, so as the mental timer forming in my head started counting down. I started trying to mentally and physically force my body back into motion. Which mind you was still impossible to do when you normally had sleep paralysis, doctors only figured that a few people can wiggle their fingers or their toes. But the body doesn't wake itself up from that until much much later, how exactly am I going to speed up the process when I cant feel my spine down?
--
After a few painful seemingly hours? Maybe minutes of just trying to do anything actually surprisingly paid off. Suddenly as if the blood was rushing back into it, I felt my leg jolt back alive. The light feeling of millions of bubbles popping on the inside of my body encased me, a bit annoying but I had more important things to do. Like maybe escape.
Attempts at wiggling my body around on the couch in an attempt to further the self wake up call, my hind leg kicked out once more and I physically felt and heard my voice vibrate out of my throat and let out the air that had been wanting to come out as something eligible.
“Ah-oof!”
I somewhat successfully made myself roll off the couch and onto the floor with a slight painful thud against my nose. My body felt like I was on some sort of sedative, the pain that I had at first felt inside of my head being somehow suppressed by something. I couldn’t honestly find myself wanting to try and find out exactly how and why my body sort of just shut down and spasmed when I tried using the unorthodox ability I figured out like a good few hours ago.
“Enough inner thought..”
I grunted and placed both hooves on either side of me to try and push my upper body off the ground, getting halfway there before my puny arms decided to tremble and shortly after drop me back down onto my stomach. My eyes closed and I let out a small sigh of dissatisfaction that was muffled by the floor, but I persevered and attempted to push my back up.
It took a good few minutes, which I stupidly decided to focus on myself rather than if the very tall changeling queen thing was done with whatever she was doing and came back to try and absorb my emotions or something. Truthfully I was tired, but in these types of situations I had to ignore my own feelings and instead focus on getting out of this situation.
With a bit more struggle, I was on my hooves and looking around the room trying to formulate a plan.
Now I felt as if I was in a tell tale game, standing the middle of a dangerous situation with a few options. I could either book it out the front door and take my chances with the local law enforcement, but I hardly have faith in my ability to traverse CloudsDale. I could also try my chances with using my ability once more, which my mind clearly told me wasn't a good idea by sending a jolt of pain through my head.
"Ah.. alright I wont"
My last option is grabbing a knife and trying to sneak up and stab the changelings like I did last time. I looked around the room once more and than towards the hallway that the queen disappeared behind. With spitfire being subjected to the changelings..whatever they're doing..
You know what, I guess I'm stabbing a bitch.
My decision was made and I was now wobbly approaching the kitchen from my place in the living room.
I passed through the entrance to the kitchen and my feet met tile, the small tapping of hooves against tile resonated haphazardly as I walked. My eyes flickered around and finally made contact with the counter top, where I could just barely make out the top of a knife rack. Now that I'd figured out where my weapon of choice was, I was now going to have to get up there. Which an answer simply came to my head, flying up there was going to be a gamble at best. Seeing as my wings when I tried to flare them out for example, tensed up and forced themselves back to my sides. Apparently paralysis hindered my ability to fly when I got over it l, which was funny in it's own way.
With that very unnecessary dump of mindless additions to the tangent, I turned back over to where a stool stood placed underneath the kitchen table. Which also brought the question of how exactly ponies could sit on stools, but that was a question for another time.
I approached the stool and ventured underneath and to the other side of it, backing up onto my hindlegs and using my upper body to push it along as I walked forward with it. I cringed at the very noticable screeching of the metal against the tile floor but continued on.
Once stool met counter, I pushed up with my legs and gripped onto the seat of the stool with my two front legs. Struggling to pull up the rest of my body, I finally lay on the seat for a good few seconds before getting up and moving onto the counter.
There lay a good six knives for me to choose from, unfortunately there wasnt a convenient meat cleaver there for me to make use of. But if there was, I would be having some questions for Spitfire.
But since the imaginary clock was running and I was over here wasting time, I quickly looked for a serrated knife and gripped the handle with my mouth. With the knife in my grip, I turned back to the stool and hopped onto it than hopped onto the kitchen floor. Which mind you was a bad idea with a kitchen knife in your mouth for Pete's sake!
I may have sliced a my cheek slightly when my body pivoted downwards once I jumped, but nevertheless I didn't let the childish emotions take a chance to overtake me. I continued forwards with a hurried pace, rounding the corner in an even quicker fashion before making my down the hall.
I looked at the door the bigger of the two changelings disappeared behind and approached it, seeing as it was a knock instead of a handle I needed to put down my knife. With a mental sigh and I dropped it next to me and hopped up, grabbing the knob with both my front hooves and twisting it open. I lightly kicked the door with my hind legs and dropped onto my back as it went ajar, I rolled over and took the knife in my mouth once more.
Once I looked back at the open crack I could see some green magic glowing from within the room, a memory flashed in my mind but I shook my head fervently. I couldn't let these bugs win so with renewed bravery I slinked my way into the room and laid my eyes upon a very disturbing sight.
'Oh Jesus ever loving-'
There was a giant flipping egg alienesque goop covering a good ninety percent of the room! To make it even worse, I could see the two changeling standing right in front of a giant glowing cocoon with the recognizable figure of Spitfire inside of it.
'How the hell did they do this so damn fast!'
My legs felt shaky and not just because of the post paralysis. I was dealing with something that in the human world was just a fantasy, but here it was real life.
"Yesss... my perfect plan is coming together, an infinite love source and a very generous donation of an able bodied pony to make my children even stronger!"
I felt my eyes widen for what seemed like the umpteenth time today, while I was a whole vegetable back in the living room. They were trying to assimilate or- you know what, I don't wanna know.
As the Queens laughter built up and died down, she turned to look at the smaller changeling who was silent until now. A bout of clicking and a small hiss was let out of the now noticeably Male changeling.
"Smell? My child what exact- oh, I do smell it myself now"
She took a moment and let her forked tongue roll out of her mouth, apparently like a snake she was tasting the air. But since It meant that my presence was going to be blown any time soon i really had to act fast, flickering form watching the two of them to the wings at my sides.
I forced them open and bypassed the soreness, forcing out a flap one by one until I got a steady rhythm going. With that I began bolting forwards towards the two of them, my knife angled and ready. The smaller of the two flipped around crazily while the Queen let her head turn backwards in my direction. They widened their eyes as I leapt and flew past their unprepared forms, lifting my head up and sinking it into the cocoon thing that kept Spitfire prisoner.
My body impacted itself against the gelatinous amorphous thing and I wasted no time in sliding my body and the knife all the way down until my butt met the floor.
"Imbecile! What are you waiting for, get that child!"
Without thinking I bit down on the handle of the knife tightly and turned my head so fast I was almost certain I would get whiplash. It was successful as the bug that jumped at me fell right onto the blade, its body stopped short of face to face with me and I was given full view of the changeling as it hissed out its pain in my face.
I bucked the fang filled beast with my back legs and didn't bother watching as it stumbled backwards, a stream of green blood spurting out and landing on me as it did. Instead I focused on continuing my earlier attempts at cutting away at Spitfires prison, only being able to make a small dent in it before my body was pulled backwards.
Letting out a noise muffled by the blade I struggled against the force and bucked my legs as best as I could, the changeling now identifiable as the Queen hissed as she let go of me. My body dropped back onto the floor and I moved to try and get a stab at her, her simply narrowing her eyes and taking a step back.
I thought about what she was doing before realization hit, there was still two of th-
"Oof!"
I was tackled by the bug that I stabbed and lost grip of the knife, it clattering to the ground as the two of us landed a few feet away. The now very angry and bloody bug starring down at me with clouded eyes, it opened its mouth widely before immediately moving down and biting onto my shoulder.
I of course screamed in pain, because this bug was biting me out of nowhere!
"Agh!"
The best thing I could do was batter my free hoof against it's back to make it let go.
"Let! Fucking! Go!"
I was graciously rid of the very painful grip of the changeling when the Queen stomped on over to us and bonked him hard on the head, his grip loosened and he slumped over. I let out a groan.
"Honestly child, resorting to the old ways to battle against a foal no less!"
She kicked the limp form off of me and grabbed me with her magical aura or what not, I really couldn't care to focus. My shoulder was bleeding and my ears were deafened by the blood pumping faster and faster.
"But I can deal with my own child later.. now i have to focus on you very interesting foal.. or even are you a foal? Your eyes betray your form and the emotions emitting from your are very..."
She giggled deeply to herself.
"Let's just say.. I wouldnt be having this small face to face with you if I wasnt a Queen."
That added more concern to my already panicked form, I was injured and my original plan to free Spitfire seemingly ended in failure! Now I was trapped with a Queen and an indisposed rabid changeling.
"Now once we get back to the hive dear child...shall the fun begin."
She lifted me up and rotated me around for a good few seconds, looking over every inch of my form. Or at least, that's what I assumed she was doing since I have no experience in magic. I only had one thing to say to her in response, I found it fitting.
"Fuck.. you."
It seemed to make her eyes widen for a second before an evil grin formed once again, this time her eyes creasing in a very concerning way.
"Oh no child.. quite the opposite."
Oh. OH. No-
I found it in my self to struggle in the magical grip she had me in, no matter how useless it seemed I had to escape. Now that she quite literally hinted at what she's going to do when she gets me back to her home- man do I wish things were normal.
"A-!!"
Suddenly my vision shifted its orientation and it was like everything was going In slow motion, my head turned and eyes widened as a yellow hoof connected with the side of the Queens face. All at once the magic stopped and I was falling, the Queen let out a grunt and flew all the way across the room and collided against the wall. Than I was caught and brought into an embrace, startling me as I jerked and turned my head to look up at a familiar face.
"Speckles! I'm sorry I was careless but I'm glad you're oka- what the buck.."
Our eye contact faded and instead she landed on the injury I sustained, eyes creasing into a deadly stare.
"Oh boy.. I guess I'm really going to have to kill that changeling.."
I can’t lie and say that being threatened and injured wasn’t traumatizing and wasn’t going to affect me later on in life, due to me already mentally being an adult and whatnot. Though, I couldn’t help but realize that the adult mentality that I am already sporting means absolutely nothing when compared to the situation I am currently in.
Yet I found solace in one thing.
"Ding dong the wicked bitch is dead!" With that, I promptly slumped over into a limp heap and tried to not let the injury I sustained affect me, which was incredibly hard if you were me.
My childish coping method and noticeable pain received a not-so-amused reaction from the one who pretty much killed the changeling queen, or just seriously maimed. I could care less, she was lying motionless and I couldn't tell if she was breathing in that puddle of green blood she was in. Said vanquisher simply let out a small sigh in response, turning around and grabbing me off the floor once more. She turned us away from the utter massacre before us and moved to step out of the room.
She was weirdly silent as the scenery changed and we passed through the hallway and the living room, I turned my head to see us a few feet away from reaching the front door. My mind was currently not so clear and I couldn't help but find the situation light confusing, it's as if something was trying to muffle the environment around me without giving me any say. Not being a fan of this I momentarily shook my head against her chest, which Spitfire probably mistook for a plea of comfort.
"Just.. just hang on buddy, we're going to get some help"
With that, I could assume that we were now in the air, from the flaps of wind impacting against my face whenever we jerked around. It was a rather peaceful sensation compared to what I was subjugated to just a few moments ago, in fact, it was further helping my tired form fall unconscious. Or rather I felt as if everything suddenly lacked sound and my vision was slowly fading into darkness, the struggle wasn't possible and I simply let my head fall back.
--
When I awoke it was thanks to a much more calmed mindset, me being able to comprehend my consciousness at the moment. Well almost consciousness, my eyes blinked a few times in adjusting to the bright white light that seemingly sprung out from the sky. That's when my senses returned to me, I felt as if I was laying upon something.
But it didn't concern me as I could hear and feel the up and down movement of someone presumably next to me, turning over my attention to a now clear yellow furry side. Confusion and slight paranoia tried seeping in but was quickly battered away by my sense of understanding and realization kicking in. I knew only one person with this distinct fur color and ability to snore louder than a bulldozer, random personification but I digress.
So I did what a normal addled and recovering from an almost fatal and traumatizing situation that could have lead to a very bad time, I of course snuggled closer to the second person in this pony world I could trust. Number one being mother dearest of course, which brought my mind to a halt as she crossed into my head. I had completely forgotten that she returned to Canterlot for her very necessary job, but seeing as she was very reluctant and... I do hope that nothing bad happened to her.
While busy with my worry-filled thoughts, I mindlessly pressed my injured shoulder harder than I intended to against Spitfire and was given a creeping jolt of pain in response. Though not as painful as it was originally, it felt slightly numbed down and.. oh.
I could see that my shoulder was fitted with a decently sized gauze to cover the wound I sustained, some red tints were visible but I could tell a professional had a look at this.
This brought me to my next conclusion of many in my very active mindscape.
'We're in a hospital, aren't we? I hope healthcare is free here...'
But enough with the laying around and acting as if I were some sort of indisposed video game character walking up from a coma and the exposition just floods them. As comfortable as laying against Spitfire and going back to sleep was, I couldn't help but keep my worry until after this whole situation was solved. I grunted and placed a hoof against the mare's side to help stabilize and push myself up, the top half of my head rose and I was able to take a glance at the room we were in.
'Yep.. definitely a hospital'
Now that I was aware of where I was. I glanced back down at the sleeping form of Spitfire, I felt guilty about disturbing her very well disturbed dirt nap. But.. answers were something that I needed, also information on when exactly mother would be here.
So like a child, I would gently drop back down to a prone form against the pegasus and scorched my body upwards until I was face to face with her.
"Spitfire? Wake up... hello?"
Soft and timidity was going to get me nowhere with this snoring beast. I lightly frowned before trying once more to wake her up as best as I could.
"Spitfire wake up. We have a city to burn"
Nothing.
So I resorted to nuzzling her until her body forced her into consciousness to see what was touching her. Akin to a feather being rubbed against someone's nose, it took a good few rigorous moments of nuzzling until she stopped mid-snore. A noise was let out of her before an eye flipped open, a bright amber eye looking directly into both of mine.
I stopped nuzzling and brought my head back to give her space. Watching as her gaze drifted from me to air then to me then back to nothingness before finally stopping on me.
Taking this as her being awoken, I moved to speak with a small smile.
"Oh you're awa-oof"
I let out a surprised noise as both of the wonder bolts eyes sprung open and stared at me, short after I felt her hooves wrap around my body and pull me closer.
Head lying flat against her chest as she brought her muzzle down onto the top of my head and let out a sigh of relief. The rapid beating of her heart made it all the more apparent that she was worried about me.
Immediately I felt the grasp around me loosen and Spitfire scooted backwards, sitting up and staring down at me with a sheepish grin. Rubbing the back of her head with a bandage- when did she hurt her hoof?
Now that I think about it. She probably hurt herself when she went all buckwild on the changeling queen, and when I say buckwild. I mean she might've left the changeling as a paraplegic for the rest of her queenly days!
While distracted in my own thoughts I was completley unaware of Spitfire trying to get my attention, only looking up at her when she lightly tapped my shoulder. I titled my head to the side in confusion, frowning as my overgrown hair decided to blind my vision.
"Stupid hair...sorry, what's up Spitfire?"
She sported a grin before immediately getting it removed by a frown, though it didnt seem directed at me as she stared at me for a good few seconds than sighed.
"Are you okay kid?"
I was sort of expecting a question of this sort for a while now. Though I never really figured out exactly how I was going to respond, seeing as I myself feel fine. Better yet, being a human and already being somewhat desensitized to deadly situations has really displaced my feelings. To be frank and to not go on a long tangent that would span longer than the great wall of China, I was conflicted.
So taking a moment to look down at the hospital bed before looking back up at her I responded.
"Yeah, my shoulder hurts a bit whenever I strain it too much.. but other than that I'm fine."
Apparently my response wasnt what she was looking for, as she shook her head and asked the same question.
"No I mean.. are you actually okay? Anything you're feeling that you'd like to talk about or-"
She ran a hoof over her disorganized name before continuing.
"Look I'm not good at these kinds of questions.. I just need to know if you're feeling anything that you're feeling too scared or just want to Express."
I understood what she was asking, there was two ways to ask someone if they were ok. Though from what I said earlier, I'm not exactly sure how I'm supposed to feel after all of that. I mean the last situation left me a crying mess but I think that was my inner child just conflicting me. Or- I don't really know what to say without making it confusing on myself.
"Um.. to be honest with you, I'm not so sure how to feel..I mean sure the moment was a bit frightening and I'm still unsure whether the fact that you beating the changeling Queen senseless left her unable to come after me once more.."
I continued on with the little monologue and missed the slightly eye widened glanced I was being given by her.
"So in retrospect, I feel safe when you or mom are around.. but I'm still left with anxiety about the changelings.. I think that's satisfactory right?"
I'm that moment I realized how unchildlike that whole statement was and met the eyes of a surprised Spitfire. We looked at eachother for a few moments, where I sheepishly grinned until she regained her composure.
"Ah.. I forgot how smart you were, but I'll take your answer for now just...Feel free to talk to me about anything alright?"
The grin fell and a gave a curt shake of my head, maybe next time I should stick to short and to the chase answers in situations like these. Though nonetheless the end to the conversation left us both sitting there for a few moments in silence, until I remembered something.
"Hey Spitfire?"
She shifted her position and glanced back down at me once more, eyes raised slightly.
"Yeah kid?"
"Thanks.. for everything"
I might've imagined a small flush on her muzzle but it must've been my poor eyesight, though she went to speak and I interrupted.
"Especially being moms only and coolest friend.. like for real"
I finished the sentence and smiled up at her as to wait for her reaction, of course I was attempting to bring humor to the conversation. It wasnt good to be all depressive and sappy all the time. Plus, my jokes never fail.
"Pfft.."
Never fail.
"Heh.. it's all good buddy, I love hanging out with you and your mom.."
"Especially my mom right?" Of course, it was never a typical conversation when I started joking around.
"Yeah I- hold on wait!"
I raised my hooves into the air with slight exaggerated mirth "I knew it!"
"No hold on! I- you.. you got me good kid"
I wasn't really joking per say, more or less trying to see what her opinion on mother dearest was. Because of course, everybody she dates has to go through me first. So I just merely laughed at Spitfires bright red face as she tried rubbing it away with her hooves.
"Ahh.. yes I did indeed.."
"Yeah yeah.. now you've had your fun-"
Why did she pause midsenten- I wasnt even to finish my own thoughts as I was suddenly assaulted by the firm yet soft grip of Spitfire grabbing me close, than immediately rubbing her hoof on the top of my head. It was so sudden and frightening that my manly voice came out without my consent.
"Eee-no! Dont noogie the pegasus!"
--
After a bit of struggling and failing to remove myself from the athletes body and deadly noogie attack, which left her once again scoring a point against me as I crumbled onto the bed in defeat. While Spitfire celebrated.
"And that. Is why you never tease the captain of the wondebolts!"
I rolled my eyes but sported a grin nonetheless.
"Yeah yeah.. anyways i-"
A very distant but noticable thump was heard and caught my attention, I turned to my right and looked at the wall. Waiting for a few moments before the same thumping turned into loud thuds. Though this time it didnt stop and kept ascending in decibels.
My body unwillingly tensed up and I tilted my head downwards to take a look at my body, I was shaking. I sighed mentally before looking over to Spitfire who had suddenly walked over to the middle of the room with surprising quietness. It was apparent that she had noticed or atleast heard the same noise at the same time. But instead of starting to suddenly shake like I was for some reason, she had her eyes slightly creased towards the door.
Now instead of questioning how exactly the half dead queen or atleast that's what I thought, was able to pick herself up and again come after Spitfire and I. Spitfire had to have called some sort of authority after the whole event right?
They do have some form of police here right?
'Persistent bitch'.
"Persistent bitch"
Did I say that outloud or was that? I paused in my thoughts and looked over to Spitfire, apparently we had the same thought process.
Shaking my head I focused back onto the situation at hand, the noises were now to the point of where I could hear them right outside the room.
Than they stopped all of the sudden. As of right now I couldn't really explain how I was feeling at the moment, the emotions were coming and going and I was trying to come up with a reasonable prognosis.
"Speckles sta-oof!"
In a sudden quick moment, the yellow pegasus who stood in a apprehensive stance was pushed out of the way as the door opened and a feathered fur approached me.
I wasnt given enough time to prepare for the sudden onslaught and was of course taken by complete and utter surprise. I expected something bad to happen but stopped for a second, instead of trying to take me away or rather try and bite me again. They were hugging m- I now realize I'm a dumbass. The fear I felt previously completely faded away and eas instead overtaken by a unhealthy amount of serotonin being produced. If I'm saying that right? Anyways.
"Mom?"
Of course it was mom. Who else would rush at you at like five hundred miles per hour and completely encase you in a hug, wings and all.
Sure a bit of overly worried and protective mothering wouldn't hurt, seeing as horses are primarily a herd species. So- I dont know where exactly I'm going with this, just saying that mother sort of went into a frenzy and she occupied a good margin of the hospital bed. Of course I sat comfortably in her very assured and loving embrace of hooves and wings, looking at a mirthful Spitfire getting off the floor from across the room.
"As much as I love being like this.. may I ask to have mobility once more?"
A slight suspicion that another changeling was parading around as false 'mother' but deciding on not showing my suspicion physically was best. Glancing up past the wall of feathers and over to Spitfire who was looking at us with a small smile. I was slightly disappointed that while change in attitude, after all. We were just attacked by very rapey changelings a good few hours ago, but after that whole beatdown I'm pretty sure this is the real one.
Though back into reality the firm and very worried filled voice of mother denied me of my request.
"Denied. My precious colt will stay wrapped in my embrace until I'm sure there are no more changelings after him.."
I think that sort of rolled up and tossed my suspicions out the window. But nonetheless, I fixed my gaze on Spitfire once more, who had chosen to stand at the foot of the bed. So I guess that gave me incentive to make light of the situation, but I really found myself having nothing to say. What exactly would I say? 'Hey mom, I know your beat friend and I almost got kidnapped by bugs twice! But were good now, can you make waffles?'
No. Not at all.
A part of me wants to forget about this whole situation and act like nothing ever happened, and the other part of me. I guess 'the child in me' is trying to say otherwise, its just really confusing. Especially with everything in my head, if I were an adult things would've been much easier. But I'm a child, with a new family and new expectations for daily life. A child should not act like I do, neither should they be this calm about almost being harmed.. or rather in my case bitten by the over sizes bug.
"Hm..."
Apparently mother picked up on my increasingly dampening mood and responded by placing her muzzle against the top of my head. I flinched at the initial movement but calmed immediately after she started nuzzling me.
"Colts going to have to use the bathroom sooner or later.. so I doubt youd be able to keep him close like a hen to her eggs"
It was Spitfire who broke the very tense and confusing silence in the room. Mother and I both simultaneously stopped and honed in on the wonderbolt, who's smile was still ever so prominent on her face.
Of course. I was the first to laugh, seeing as it was inevitably true. I was half tempted to strike back with a small comment of my own but was interrupted as the sound of a door opening dragged all the of our attention to a pony in a coat.
Of course I was immediately able to tell that it was a doctor, if the white coat bland the stethoscope wasnt a dead giveaway. Also, there was just that aura around him that just fit the title of a doctor.
His attention drifted from the clipboard he held in his wing to the three of us before speaking, with a good bit of professionalism- well as professional as a horse with wings wearing a coat could be. Also because his name is literally 'Doctor Stallion'.
I'm not one to usually question names, but that's a bit of a stretch.
"Not intruding am I? I could always come back later"
"Oh! Not at all.. please do come in"
Mother was the first one to speak to the doctor with a slight apprehensive tone, but nonetheless granted his request for access.
The pony doctor smiled before fully entering the room and letting the door close with a small click. Walking past Spitfire and stopping just a few feet away from the bed and giving the both of us a smile. I shifted around in mother's embrace before fixing my attention on the doctor, giving him a small grin of my own.
"Very well than good evening, my name is Dr.Stallio-"
Spitfire decided to but in as she walked towards the door, stopping in front of it before turning to look at us.
"Real quick- uh Hazel I gotta go do that thing we talked about before.. I'll see the both of you when you're discharged!"
With that she opened the door and trotted her way out of the room, leaving me wondering what exactly she was hinting at. Also.. when exactly did they have the time to talk about whatever it is she is doing?
"Very well than.. where was I? Oh yes! I am Dr.Stallion and I presume you are Speckles yes?"
Focusing back onto reality I nudged a few feathers out of my eyes before nodding slightly.
"Yes indeed I am speckled the glorious one! This is my mom, the divine and wholesome one"
The two adults gave a small chuckle at my childish antics, which was good. For I had to act like I was good despite the whole situation, as to not get asked anymore questions like Spitfires.
"Yes indeed doctor this is Speckles, I am Hazel,it is very nice to meet you Doctor."
"Ah yes, yes. As so it is to meet the both of you, now shall we get to business?"
I felt mother give a motion that I could assume was a nod.
"Very good. Now last night your son and Mrs.Spitfire were very abrupt patrons of the hospital.. while Spitfire was luckily mostly unharmed. Your child was suffering from a wound to his shoulder, as we have deduced it to be from the one who attacked the both of them."
I winced slightly at the memory, prompting mother to give me a comforting squeeze. Which was very helpful in my mood staying at its constant and normal self.
"With that we were able to seal the wound and render it as harmful as a bruise, which thanks to modern day magic. Should go away in due time"
I gave a small sigh of relief, thankful that nothing back came out of this and the injury I sustained would be healed faster than if I was at a human hospital. If only we as a society were gifted with magical powe- yeah, not that I think about it never mind. Humans are too unpredictable to have something as powerful as magic at their disposal.
But I tuned back in when I realized mother was conversing with the doctor further as soon as I honed in my own thoughts.
"-well I appreciate everything you've done for us doctor."
"It is no problem to me my dear, now. Why dont I get you started on the process of discharging your son?"
"That would be splendid."
"Very well, give me a moment."
With that the good doctor turned and exited the room, leaving the two of us to sit in a small bubble of silence as we waited.
Now that we had a small peaceful time to ourselves, I found myself questioning what exactly we were to do now. Seeing as Spitfires and our own house are practicality off the list of habitability, with the changelings and all. I'll ask mother.
"Hey mom?"
"Yes honey?"
"So, when were out.. where exactly are we going?"
She didnt respond right away. Leaving the room silent for a few more moments as she thought to herself.
"That's a tough question honey.. I haven't really found the peace of mind to think about that. But now that I know you're safe and sound.. I think it's about time I did."
But where. Was the question, we didnt really have a lot if options and with her job and everything- speaking of which.
"What about your job mom? Are-"
"I realized things at home were more important than some dumb.... simply said, I'm no longer working."
"Oh.. well now I guess we can spend more time together again!"
She giggled. It was nice to hear her giggle, it was so much better than hearing her cry. I never like it when an adult cries.
"Yes we can.. and I think I know the right place we can try out living!"
This made me curious.
"Oh! Where?"
"I heard it's quite a small and friendly town, I believe they call it Ponyville?"
Though immediately after that statement.
"On second thought, I've heard some things happening around ponyville.. and them living next to the everfree and all, yeah I'm not sure about that anymore."
With the thought of how healthcare works in this world sort of fresh on my mind, my mother and I successfully walked out of the hospital without any hitches. My thoughts In specific shifted once more and I questioned mother on her choice of living areas. Knowing the area was small and friendly wasn't really a good description.
Shifting to a sitting position on mother’s back I tapped the top of her head a few times to grab her attention.
"Yes, dear?"
"So about this Ponyville place, is all you know about it that it's a small and friendly town?"
Her walk cycle wasn't deterred by my questions and she simply gave a simple response. Much to my disappointment, though I couldn't really blame her.
"Well Uh.. yes.. oh! Actually, I do have a brochure of the place in my mane if you would like to see it."
I blinked a few times before moving a hoof to her manes and stuck it through, much to my surprise I was able to stick my hoof a few inches into it.
'What th- oh, here it is.'
Disregarding the very peculiar and weird way hair works in pony world, I pulled the brochure out of her hair and took it into my hooves. Giving the front page a quick look over before moving to open it, I paused as something caught my eyes. Specifically the little label that stated that there was a population of twenty living there as of right now. This made me let out a very loud "heh?" Before I scanned the front page a few more times and gaped.
"Hey, mom?"
"Yes, sweetie?"
"What year is it?"
"Oh it's XXXX, why do you ask?"
"Yeah.. I'm pretty sure this brochure is like a good century old seeing as it says its population count is at a constant twenty."
"What?"
Mother took a sudden stop and I stumbled forwards onto my stomach, slightly crumbling the brochure beneath me. Though I quickly my pushed myself up and shook my head, taking it and flipping it around to show mother as she twisted her head to look at me.
Her eyes scanned over the dated piece of paper before she grinned sheepishly, turning back to look in the direction she was walking.
"Well, I guess that's why it was just worth two bits.."
I shrugged in agreement before looking back down at the brochure, I glanced my head back up and questioned something.
"Anyways, what do we do with it then?"
I was half tempted to toss it, but since I was a decent person- and wasn’t sure of the penalties for littering on a literal cloud was, I resigned to mother's decision.
"I guess you could throw it in the trash when we get to the ice cream store~"
My thoughts halted and I let the statement register in my head, nodding to myself a few times.
"Ice cream?"
--
What's better than child trauma stacked on top of almost being raped, whipped up with a nice stuffed crust serving of changelings trying to suck your love out of you? While almost getting kidnapped multiple times?
Of course, it was ice cream. Cookie dough ice cream to be in fact, mother on the other hand simply chose plain vanilla. I pity her taste in ice cream flavors, yet nonetheless, I resigned as we took a stop on a random bench. I plopped down onto the bench and scooted over some, allowing mother to also sit down as I closed the space between us. Sitting loosely yet still close to her side, I continued with the frozen dairy treat I was enjoying.
Yo wait, how exactly is ice cream made over here?
“Hm… interesting.”
“What’s interesting?”
I merely gave a shrug at mothers question before shoving the rest of the ice cream cone I was enjoying into my mouth and finished it off with a satisfactory ‘Crunch’ noise. Looking down and wiping the leftover crumbs from my chest before shifting around on the bench, I then turned my focus up towards mother who was looking at me with a small smile. Of course, I returned it, heaven knows we need a lot more smiles as of recent.
“Ice cream always lifts the mood.”
Mother had clearly opened herself up for an attack of the punny sort, so I was quick to draw and decided to do as such.
“You sherbet it does.”
Mid lick she stopped and turned her head down towards me, eyes creasing into a pointed look. Of course, I couldn’t help but return the look with a big shit-eating grin. Though is was simply short-lived as she gave a well-mannered sigh and turned away, not before saying something first.
“It’s a cream against nature to not love it.”
I perked up and responded.
“I wouldn’t cream of not loving ice cream.”
Following suit with my previous actions, mother crunched the rest of her ice cream cone in her mouth before swallowing and letting out a sigh of contentment.
We sat there in a bout of silence for what seemed like more than a minute before I decided to once again break the silence, seeing as there seemed to be a lot more silence happening as of recently. Well, it was justifiable, a lot of things did happen over the course of a week or so and this small sense of peaceful reprieve was something I didn’t want to seem ungrateful for, seeing as I predict more is to come.
Though weirdly enough I wasn’t as concerned with my own clashing thoughts as I usually am, it’s unnaturally clear up there for some reason. I sort of put the blame on the small childish part of my mental state. Which in fact, could be part of the reason for me being completely and totally fine with everything that has happened as of now. Of course, with my superior adult intellect being very very prominent I- you know, I’m not really sure where exactly I’m going with this.
I’ll just. Cast that aside and be content. At least for now. Today seemed to be one of the better days, so why ruin it?
“Hey, mom?”
“Yes, dear?”
“What time is Spitfire getting back, if she is even coming back?”
She pursed her lips before glancing up towards the sky. Waiting a few moments before turning towards me once more and lightly grinning.
“Oh, she’ll be here, well she should be here.”
She paused and gazed up straight towards the sun once more, I tilted my head in confusion once more before I heard her mutter to herself lightly. Props to having horse ears.
"Anyways, what exactly did she have to do when she left in a hurry?"
"Well you do remember she is the captain of the Wonderbolts correct?"
"Yup. Never forgot."
"Well though with the wonderbolts business, she did have to meet with Princess Celestia on the little.. bug problem we're having."
She finished that statement with a bit of venom in her inflection. Which was well deserved in my opinion, anyways on to the main point. She had to confer with the royalty of this world, which did answer my questions of whether or not the wonderbolts were interconnected with some sort of military. If this place even had a military branch, from all I've seen is a bunch of copy and pasted soldiers walking around in gold armor.
"Oh.. well that wasn't too far off from what I was thinking anyways."
So what did that mean exactly? High alert maybe? Extra guards, maybe personal body guards? I don't know.. maybe a visit to the princess herself.. actually. That'd be pretty cool now that I actually think about it.
"--!"
"Hey guys!"
My head snapped up just in time as a yellow blue landed in front of us and regarded is with that same deep tomboyish voice. Forming a huge dust cloud made of.. clouds?
Mother jolted at the sudden appearance and let out a few choice words that'd been muted by my own thoughts. Which which actually wanted to focus for once today..but back to that dust cloud made of cloud. Or is it cloud dust made of cloud..?
Listen don't question how exactly that would ever work while standing on a cloud. Just roll with it, that's what I did as soon as I realized I was in some sort of cartoonish fairy tale.
But I digress. It seemed that Spitfire decided to join the party and make it a three man squad once more, though there wasn't really a purpose in me sitting here and looking awkwardly at nothing.
I pushed myself up onto my hooves and nudged mother. Her annoyed expressions shifting from the sheepishly grinning wonderbolts and down to me, smiling.
"Since Spitfire is here, can we do something now? We look homeless just sitting here.."
"Pfft!"
They both laughed at my joke. Though I was glad they did take it as a joke, since our house and Spitfire's house respectively have both been deemed uninhabitable after the whole. 'Eggy weggy make changelings stronger with Spitfire as a host, while also harvesting the love off a small chi..you get the gist.
I took a moment to reel in the absolute confusion of what I just said to myself.
'What the hell was that description? I might have to just take a moment and may down once we'd settle somewhere'
I shook my head and focused back on reality, I was awaiting for an answer from one of them, fluttering my wings in anticipation. Waiting as they both stopped with the mirth and looked at eachother, I swiveled from Spitfire to mom and vice versa for what seemed like ten minutes before mom spoke up.
"Oh yes, I completely forgot! Speckle's and I agreed that we would check out a small town not far from here.. I believe it was called-"
"Ponyville" I interjected. She gave a nod of thanks before continuing.
"Ponyville..anyways, since you're already here and if not too busy to come and maybe join us?"
"Oh you're headed to Ponyville? It's an interesting town to say the least..especially with all the special characters-"
Spitfire shuddered mid sentence and I titled my head in confusion and curiosity, if she had that reaction to Ponyville. What's going to make mother and I want to actually try and settle down there?
"But.. I guess it's worth the visit. Soo.. when did you plan on going?"
"We were waiting for you before departing" I once again butted in.
She glanced down to me and grinned.
"Well since you so kindly did that. We should waste no time and get going!"
I parted my lips to agree before she suddenly stopped and took a few steps until she was in front of me, I craned my head up and was in the process of letting my prior thoughts out.
But I was interrupted by her grabbing me and lifting me up by the arm pits.
After being downright assaulted by Spitfire, and left to suffer as mother simply giggled to herself at the display. The traitor. Though after the whole fiasco and me kicking Spitfire in the shins, laughing as I watched her bounce around in pain, we decided to finally leave for our destination. Since there wasn’t any other way to get up to this cloud city without being a pegasus or using a hot air balloon or something. At least, I think these guys have evolved enough to have some sort of air transportation for the non-flying horses. It was decided that the trip would be made by flying. Well, they were flying, I was chilling on mother’s back the whole way.
As of this moment, we were going at a leisurely pace. I took the time to distract myself with the scenery and the prospect of actually flying way up in the sky without being in an airplane. Though there was a lack of clouds as we got farther from cloud city, which was funny to me because you would think that there’d be an abundance of clouds in the surrounding area. But I digress.
Now that I think about it. This place seemed pretty weird about its weather, in the fact that it was never forecast or since they don’t have television. Predicted or something, I’d assume with all this magic they’d have a way of doing something of the sorts. I know. What if they actually figured out a way to control the weather? Now that’d be cool, being able to keep it perpetually hot or cold, cloudy or sunny in one area at will. Though now that I really think about it, I couldn’t see the logistics behind that. Unless they were doing what humans did back home, which was cloud seeding.
Though I guess altering the microphysical processes a cloud undergoes to form precipitation is more on the scientific side than it is magic. But why the hell am I overthinking things? I’m a human that bur- that died and somehow was placed into the body of a small talking horse that lives in an intelligent horse society, who also to top it off worships their princesses like Gods.
But it’s whatever.
Instead of focusing on that, I should actually focus on how damn cold it was up here. You’d think all this fur and feathering would keep you warm, but sheesh.
Shivering slightly, I peeked my head around mother’s own head and looked to see if I could spot our destination from here. Which was surprisingly easy, hence the lack of clouds. But when I craned my vision forwards, I could spot the outlined image of a small town in the distance and and a Train station? Well, I guess that’s more fuel to the fire that is my never-ending string of conscious thoughts I like delving into on the daily. Better yet, now I could bug Spitfire about it later. Or quite possibly find someone who is well-read and start firing off stupid and logic questioning questions. We’d have to see since I have to actually take the time to see if this town is somewhere worth staying, or even if it looks like somewhere that’d be good to stay in.
---
I might’ve dozed off on the ride here since I was awoken by a poking sensation on my side. My eyes opened and I blinked at the bright light flooding my visions. I closed my eyes and shook my head a few times. Pushing myself up onto my feet and opening them once more, blinking a few times as my eyes adjusted to the sudden influx of brightness. Feeling a slight kink in my back I bowed my front half down and stretched forwards until I heard a pop, with that done and over with I raised myself back up and looked around. It was apparent to me that we were no longer in the air and now we're standing in the middle of what seemed to be a plaza of some sort of shopping square, since there were stall-like things with horses running them.
I looked over to see who it was that was poking me, and was met with a slightly comedic sight. Of course, I had to know it was Spitfire who had done it, though I didn’t really expect to see her standing there with a sun hat on. Though at the moment she hadn’t taken notice of me looking at her, I turned my head and looked over at mom, who was also taking in the surroundings.
"Well, with new surroundings now in mind, I did a quick three sixty from where I was standing upon and didn’t really see much of intere- except that very out of place house that makes the witch’s gingerbread house look like a lesser being. Also, that library, if it was a library, it just gave off that vibe, it had a very interesting design, yet still confused me on how they were able to fuse together the tree and the library while having the structure embedded into the trunk, the ones back on earth look completely different from this. Though I shook my head and returned focus to what we were doing at the moment, which was currently just standing around and looking at the surroundings as if we were captain America coming back from being frozen. I have no idea why I used that reference.
Before I killed myself with self-creating, my mother was the one to initiate conversation by turning her head.
“Oh you’re awake! We made it to Ponyville if you couldn’t already tell.”
I shrugged my shoulder and sat back down on my butt. Now my main concern was with what exactly we were going to do now that we were here. I mean we weren’t going to immediately visit and settle down here right? What if this place turned out to be some pretty on the outside ugly on the inside type cult of cannibalistic ponies?
Y’know, that sounds stupid coming out of my own thoughts. But there was always a possibility of those things happening, heck there could probably be dragons in this world, and I wouldn’t realize until they start burning down villages and blasting people away with their shouts. Hey wait, if dragons do exist, here are they also intelligent?
I’m getting too into my thoughts again. I told myself I was going to chill with that. I shook my head once more and returned mothers greeting with a question.
“Seems so. What’s the plan? Also, where’s Spitfire?”
I didn’t realize until now, but she seemed to have disappeared in the moment that I fell asleep and woke up, which was funny. She was right next to me a moment ago... Mother’s answer to my question was something that irked my curiosity once more, though it seemed as if she wasn’t giving me the full picture. Because nah, you don't just wake someone up and disappear like that.
“She said something about having to speak with somepony she knows here. As for what we should do, I’m not sure.”
It wasn’t like I wouldn’t figure it out in due time, but I guess I’ll keep that in the back of my mind for now.
“Oh ok.”
Honestly, I didn’t have a clue of what to do either, there didn’t seem much to do here in totality. From what was in viewing distance, I could only really see houses littered here and there with the same stalls I noted earlier covering the place. Oh, also that library looking tree place and that pseudo gingerbread house. Now that I think about it, I’m pretty hungry, and it looks as if that place sells food.
GROWL~
Well it seems as though my body decided on prioritizing food first and questioning life later. So with my new-found goal in mind, I-
"Well, we could always meet up with Spits later. But now it seems as though somepony is hungry for sweets."
Mother was scarily pshycic sometimes.
---
"With the information from our beloved wonderbolts captain, I was able to send Twilight a letter regarding the little ones arrival. "
"Sister. Have you ever had the idea that you've relied on Twilight Sparkle and her friends far too much? This matter should mainly be handled by the two of us, no?"
"The thought has surfaced once or twice... though, besides your agreeable point, how has entering the little ones dream been?"
"Sister, we've gone over this."
"Now are you sure that you haven't been able to enter his dreams?"
"Sister, I am certain! He may be a simple foal, but the fortitude of their mind are much greater than those of even the oldest night guard!"
"Oh dear, and are you certain?"
"Sister, it seems as if you don't even believe us. We have told you thrice times over that we have tried and failed to enter their dreams, without any success!"
"Now now, there is no disbelief on my part. What there is is a rather keen interest. It truly makes me wonder… Luna?"
"Yes sister?"
"Are you still able to bring the two of us into the realm of dreams like you used to?"
"Well yes bu-"
"Then the matter is settled. You shall take me with you on your next excursion to the dream realm, and we will both attempt to enter."
There was a time in a man's life. Well, 'colts' life, where you need to realize that a single place has to outright destroy the competition when it comes to candy or anything sweet related. When I realized it was the Sugar Cube Corner, I shit you not, is like the king of diabetes came down from his plane of existence and sprinkled his mystical sweet sauce al- I should shut up now. That sounds weird the more I play it back in my mind.
All I'm saying is that PonyVille has risen higher on my list of favorite places for this specific reason, nothing else. Don't look at me, I have priorities.
Nonetheless, I was currently sitting in content with a just as amused mom staring at me from across the table. I turned away from the absolutely divine tasting milkshake and looked at her completely. Finding a rather poignant grin creeping up, I then couldn't hold the withdrawal and immediately went back to the bendy straw. I'm sorry I'm an addict, but if you had the chance to go back like twenty or thirty years, give or take my birthday was like two days before I died. But that's not the point right now, but since I'm physically a child, I'm happily enjoying being able to eat all of this again.
Dang. What was I originally talking about? I immediately derailed my own train of thought, and just went off on how good this place was, and I forgot what I was originally doing. I went to slink back into my seat from the raised position I was in, the bendy straw coming with me as I let butt meet the cushion.
"Some ponies satisfied huh?"
I responded with a muffled agreement; the straw now being fiddled around with in my mouth as I waited to see if a conversation would spark.
"That's wonderful.but I do dread the thought of you being super hyper at the end of the day."
She finished her statement with a tone of regret, though all in good fun it was. A smile already cracking through the facade as I returned the grin with one of my own. To be honest, it was nice having moments like these, where it was just mother, and I am enjoying life for once. Though now it's just one climactic event after the other, it's really getting less exciting and blander and more boring. I was one for fun in my life, but having seemingly people trying to kidnap and rape you is really putting a tear in that train of thought.
My pondering form was immediately jolted into one of stupor as mother seemingly slid all the way around her table and was now standing next to my chair, a small smile looking down at me with concerned eyes. At first, I thought it was mother's intuition, but finally, the feeling of my ears pressing themselves against the sides of my head was enough.
In a swift motion that seemed all too practiced, which really was. I was swept up into her hooves and onto her lap as she sat back down on the chair, the straw falling out of my mouth from the sudden movements. I was about to say something, though it was interrupted as Mother muzzle reached down and nuzzled the top of my head, softly whispering.
"Are you still thinking about what happened?"
I internally sighed, but nodded. The grip around me was tightened for a moment before she loosened it. I gave a sigh and put a hoof on hers, it was really easy to be dragged off my downward thoughts by mother. But there was always that moment where the thoughts came back, no matter how much I try to suppress it, it just sucks you know?
"Yeah… but I'm trying not to."
She also gave a sigh of her own, a tired one at that. The situation being exhausting for the two of us alike, a moreover on the latter. Mother was presumably the only adult that really had to take all of this in bulk, there was Spitfire. But, I'm not sure what to think at the moment.
"That's good honey, just try to think happy thoughts, okay? This situation will pass by, and we can take a trip to CelestiaLand, how does that sound?"
I smirked at the prospect of going to CelestiaLand, and then chuckled once I registered it, CelestiaLand. Pony version of Disneyland. What's next, six hoofs? Or maybe pony island? Whatever, I'm getting off-topic.
"Promise?"
Though maybe I shouldn’t have really asked her to promise that, you’ll never know what’s going to happen in the future, and from the situation at hand I don’t even know. Nevertheless, mother was always the upbeat one, which still surprised me at times. I for a fact knew that she knew herself that a promise wasn’t something that you could make all the time, so when she reaffirmed her statement after a few seconds, it was clear to me, from experience, that it wasn’t a promise I should keep my hopes up for.
“Promise.”
I gave a small chuckle as she nuzzled the top of my head once more, eyes drifting around the establishment we were in, and pausing at the sight of a pink mass out of the corner of my eye. Pausing myself for a moment, I fully turned my head to look at whatever it was, eyes landing upon an overly pink pony standing there looking like a crackhead who’d found a twenty. She was bouncing in place with a mad grin, the curls of her pink hair going absolutely crazy with her movements. I narrowed my eyes much less in apprehension, but more in amusement.
It seemed as though this place did have crackheads, or at least ponies who like to indulge in drugs, I guess. Or she’s just on a constant sugar high, and her special mark, or whatever, makes it so candy is like an energy source? Listen, I don’t know. My mind likes to focus on one thing and overanalyze it before moving on to something else completely and going off on it too. So while going to turn my head away from the interesting pony, I noticed her lock eyes with me for a good few seconds. I was confused and then befuddled as she jumped into the air and let out a huge gasp, and bolted off.
“Er…”
Looking down to where my empty milkshake glass stood, then back to where they’d disappeared from.
“Hm.”
“What is it, honey?”
“Nothing, just. Wondering about the effects of atropine on a pony.”
Mother paused mid sentence and I felt a grin start to form. Before it immediately fell at what she said.
"Effects of...what? Where did you learn about that?"
I merely shrugged off the rather obvious display of concern.
"Books."
"Uh-huh."
---
We left the Sugar Cube Corner shortly after mother interrogated me over the subject of what I read in my books, it was a rather scary interrogation. Mainly due to the fact that mother is a master of the passive-aggressive technique. So my childish instinct compelled me to give her the truth, and nothing but that, but I didn’t. For reasons, I didn’t want to be suspicious, and I didn’t want a whole lecture over drugs. If they existed here, but I wasn’t willing to take that chance.
What exactly were we going to do now? I’d assume we’re going to wait for Spitfire to come back. I had half a mind to ask mother if she could take me to that tree house looking thing to check if my library theory was true, but stopped when I remembered what happened just moments ago when I spoke about the contents of what I’ve read. Ugh.
“Hm?”
Oh! Wait, did I say that out loud? Quick think of a response! I looked to the sky and internally sighed in relief.
“Uh. Oh? Hey, there’s Spitfire!” I was saved by the bell in the form of the one and only Captain of the Wonderbolts flying towards us. I stopped moving and turned to face the direction she was coming in full. She performed a circle in the air before finally landing down right in front of us, kicking up a cloud of smoke as both of our attentions were drawn towards her.
I started off the interaction, of course, and had to keep up the appearance after all. Bounding up towards the unaware wonderbolt and only giving her a moments warning "think fast!" Before opening my wings and using them as extra leverage to leap up towards her.
Though much to my disappointment, she was able to grab me mid jump and bring me face to face. Grinning smugly all the while "I thought fast." She refuted.
"Awe." I frowned, as she easily handled me as if I were some stuffed animal, turning her attention towards mother. Meeting her grin with a grin of her own.
"So?" Mother started.
"Ah, right! Yeah, I was talking to Mayor Mare about leasing a house underneath my name."
Although that was surprising news, I was more attracted to the name I hear come out of her mouth. 'Mayor mare?' Like, what?
Well, that doctors name was Dr.Stallion, so I digress. But anyways, onto the more important news, leasing a house here? I thought that we were here to just get a feel for the place instead of actually staying, but I guess I was wrong.
So with that newly gained piece of information, I twisted myself in Spitfires grasp and made as good of eye contact as I could with mother and waited until she notice. Giving me a small grin as I let my own expression fall into a squinted accusatory look, she didn’t tell me anything about this. But then again, she has her reasons. So with a mental sigh I dropped the look and returned the small she gave me. But of course since I was known by the two of them as the very oddly cute and perceptive colt that I was, I of course interrupted their muffled conversation by this point.
“So..uh. We’re living in Ponyville now?”
They both stopped and looked at me, well one was able to. The other was subsequently subjected to me rearranging myself in her grasp and making my way out of her hold and crawled over onto her back. Turning back around and popping my head up over fiery mane, dropping my head down and raising an eyebrow for a response. Spitfires comments we’re falling upon deaf ears as she simply sighed and gave in.
“Hazel, how do you deal with this little guy all the time? All this self confidence mixed in with the sheer..adorability-”
“Oh please. You love me!”
What? I couldn’t let myself be disrespected like that, even if she was doing it in a jovial way I still internally felt a childish instinct to retort. I’ve had a lot of these instincts surface recently, they’re not like an overbearing presence. More like a part of my brain that wants to act a certain way and the other, which is my adult mind. Is keeping those thoughts away and keeping me as bodaciously radical as my adult self was back on earth.
“We both do honey, now leave the old wonderbolt alone. She especially hates it when her hair gets messy.”
“Awe.”
I pouted as mother made her way forwards and grabbed me from my perch on Spitfires head, instead she opted to set me down atop of her head. Spitfire let out a few chuckles of her own before clearing her throat and gathering both of our attention.
“Pfft. As if...but anyways guys, as much as I would love to stay here and just chill with you guy. Which I really do want to do mind you, I still gotta do my job as wonderbolt captain and do all the boring things required of me.”
“So here.”
She unfurled the wing on her right and pulled out a golden key with her mouth then stepped forwards and prompted us to take it, so that’s what I did. Reaching over the top of mothers head and grasping onto it with my tiny hooves, she let go and I brought it close to me. Though with all this I had a question on whether or not we’d be seeing more of her, but was granted that answer because mother spoke on it before I could.
“Does that mean we won’t be seeing much of you again?”
She shook her head a few before responding “The opposite actually, I just gotta follow up on my report, talk with the princess’s again and then check up on how the guys are doing back at the academy.. Yaddah yaddah, anyways I’ve only got to be there for a few days and then I’ll come back and hang with you guys alright?” lazily grinning at the end of that statement.
As mother and her started talking again, I completely tuned it out and focused on one part of her statement, she said she was talking to the princesses again. As in, she must’ve already talked to them. About our predicament? Most likely. Ugh, I’d rather not deal with anything related to royalty until i’m at least at the age where if I start going on about political commentary, it won’t draw curious eyes. Let’s just push aside those worries for now. I just want to focus on one thing at a time while we have a semblance of peace around us. So I turned back into the conversation just as soon as it ended.
“Then it is settled.”
“Yep, that's the plan. But hey, before I go let me just show you exactly where your new abode is.”
I pined at the idea of Spitfire taking off and leaving us on our own to find where this new mysterious house was, but shrugged it off and focused on the fact that I missed a good portion of the conversation that these two were having. I frowned and turned around on mothers head, then sliding down the length of her neck and rested on her back instead. I let out a sigh and simply resided waiting until we got to the house, looking down at the key in my hooves I started mindlessly spinning it.
“Tired honey?” Mother suddenly asked, I blinked. Did I sigh out loud?
“Exhausted actually.” You would’ve thought all that sugar earlier would’ve kept me up and going for much longer. Though I guess being mentally exhausted was a different thing entirely.
“Why don’t you just fall asleep squirt? It’s been a long week and the two of you are more than deserving of some sleep.”
"Seems as though the milkshake did the opposite of what I expected.." I heard mother mutter in relief, but I couldn't find it in me to try and retort. I was just suddenly tired.
That time it was Spitfire trying to coerce me into falling asleep, which was sounding more and more appealing the more I thought about it. I looked up at the sky and was confused as to how the sun was already appearing to be setting, it was bright daylight just a few moments ago. It seemed like the world wanted me to fall asleep at this point, so who was I to try and deny that?
“The next time you wake up, it will be on a nice and comfy bed.”
I grinned and shifted around on mothers back, inching forwards and allowing myself to be covered by her hair. With that I let my eyes close and simply focused on the sway of movement as we made our way.
When I awoke I was greeted by nothing but silence. The first thing to pop into my head was confusion, why is everything so silent. It’s as if I we- my eyes widened and I pushed myself up and onto my feet. My eyes met a wall of darkness that followed my their rapid movements, I tried moving but everything was still flooded by darkness. My breathing picked up and I took a moment to bring a hoof to my chest and tried to calm myself down, panicking would not help me in this situation. I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes.
Only it felt as if I wasn’t taking in any air, I was confused again. My eyes opened and I lifted my hoof from my chest and up to my mouth. I breathed on it to check, and to my surprise. I couldn’t feel any heat nor feel the actual gust against my hoof. I took a moment and sat down, trying to gather my scattered thoughts as they all tried to make sense of where exactly I was and what happened.
The last thing I remembered was falling asleep on mothers back an- I stopped for a moment before realizing something.
“Am I dreaming?”
Correction, would this count as lucid dreaming since i’m consciously aware of the expansive darkness all around me? Wait, don’t you immediately wake up when you realize that it’s all a dream? I stopped and waited a few moments, to see if anything would happen because of it. Three seconds passed. Then a minute. Then two minutes. Huh. Nothing happened.
To be honest it’s interesting, when I usually fall asleep I never really dream. No less, I even realized I fell asleep because it’s already the next day whenever I open my eyes. But I guess this is an exception to all of that.
“Well. Uh, echo?”
I frowned as my voice wasn’t projecting around the room. If this is how I’m going to have to wait until I wake up the- a small flash of blue light interrupts my endeavors. I paused and blinked before turning my attention downwards. Eyes widening at what I saw.
“What..?”
Sitting just a few feet away from me was an amazon Alexa, or echo. Whatever you call it, I’ve never even used one before. But there was one here, right in front of me! How did it get there in the first place?
“Uh.. hey Alexa, what’s my name?”
I waited for a few moments as the flashing blue lights started back up and illuminated a small part of the room, a very familiar female voice projecting from the small cylindrical box.
“I am currently talking to Speckles.”
Oh. Alright then. I guess it works like it would on Earth.
But back to my main thought. If this is a lucid dream and if this Alexa is proof of that. Then I could theoretically imagine anything I want and make it appear in my dream. Right? Wait. I stopped and thought about something, just as a test to see if it- Oh my God!
There sitting in front of me was something I’d always imitated using back when I was on earth. I stood up from my sitting position and reached forwards, grabbing onto the hilt of the object and sliding it into the grasp of my hoof. I tilted the cylinder around in a sort of inspection before my eyes fell upon the button that would make or break this dreamed up object. I anxiously pressed the button at the base of the hilt an-
*SWOOSH*
“Holy shit.”
".."
"Holy shit!"
The light of the purple saber outshined whatever the Alexa projected by a longshot, my happiness knew no bounds at this point. With no one here to judge or laugh at my antics I did what anyone with a working lightsaber would do.
*SWISH* *SHING*
*SWOOOSH*
I stopped in my tracks and looked around at the very empty expanses of my dream and squinted my eyes as a thought drifted in. Could I possibly change how the scenery looks in my dream? If that was possible. I looked down at the purple lightsaber in my hooves and felt a grin etching its way onto my face. Then I could quite possibly complete anything I want.
I started remembering what the place actually looked like in the back of my head, flashes of bright red and orange magma started forming on the otherwise empty floor I was standing on. Rocks started lifting from the ground and forming hills and inclines, shifting the flowing magma as a large flow was created, leading to a large waterfall esque drop at the end. I didn’t realize I was bouncing on my feet until I looked down, I was standing at an elevated position overlooking the river of magma. A floating platform popped into existence just a ways away from where I stood, hovering ever so closely to the magma below.
With that I moved onto the best part. A bundle of shadows crawled from the unchanged ceiling and floated downwards into a collective at the base of the floating platform, culminating until finally a bright blue glow shot out from within the cloud. Followed by the dark lord himself. Well, when he was still Hayden Christensen and or Anakin. The shadows slowly dispersed from around him and floated back up to the ceiling, leaving me with the almost lifelike version of the chosen ond staring daggers at me.
Could you pass out in a dream? Because that’s what I felt like was going to happen. All of this excitement and sudden shock of endorphins was concerning, but all of the possibilities at hand staved it off. Keeping my bouncing to a minimum, I fixed onto Anakin with the most serious face I could pull off at the moment, opening my mouth and saying.
“It’s over Anakin, I have the high ground!”
His posture shifted and both hands were on the saber “you underestimate my power!” he bent his knees and I shifted accordingly, readying the imaginary saber in my hooves.
“Don’t try it!”
He tried it.
--------
Where a ponies eyes closed for a peaceful slumber, the princess of the night's eyes stayed open. Waiting with a mug of coffee in her hooves for a disturbance to make its way to her through the many strings she has attached to the dreaming realm. She waited for any of the sort so she could act accordingly. Though tonight she was distracted with a peculiar pony, a foal no less. Mainly with the fact that she could not enter nor even break through any of the barriers his door had formed, almost every single dreaming pony had a door of their own, her and her sister included. It was very uncommon and albeit rare for a pony to have as much resistance as this little foal does, along with the peculiar fact that she'd never laid eyes upon his door until as of a few days ago when she convened with her sister.
Now that she does realize it, she has every single ponies door catalogued and memorized, every path and every way to enter. All with many a milenia of practice. Though it still majorly confused and frustrated her that she couldn’t enter his dreams without causing damage to him. Despite the vast resources she held at her hooves, she could not come up with a solution to this problem. All she wanted to do was check in on the little foal and see if there were any traumatic effects from his encounter with the changelings, it left a sour taste in her mouth at the thought of not being able to assist him.
As her mood started to dampen, and the effects of the coffee wearing out she found herself wondering what exactly she was to do. A sudden pulling feeling in the back of her head snapped her to attention, the mug practically falling out of her grasp and onto the floor. Confusion was at the front of her mind before switching to excitement as she realized what that meant. The spell she left on the foals door had at last found and entry point, she must tell her sister at once!
With a perfected grace she was gone from her room in a flash. Appearing and promptly crashing down onto an unsuspecting sleeping princess Celestia. Whos eyes snapped open and let out a noise of surprise.
"Agk--!"
"Sister, sister I've done It!"
The younger of the two didn't realize her sister was currently trying to push her off, too content with her news as she bounced up and down happily. Her grin faltered and she looked back down at her sister. Tilting her head as to why she didn't give a response before widening her eyes.
"Oh! Sorry!"
She rolled off of her sister and onto the floor with a small thud. Her sister finally being able to let out the breath that was denied from her, sitting up in her bed and inhaling then exhaling deeply. Fixing her younger sister with an unamused expression, rolling her eyes as Luna was now standing at the side of her bed with a hop in her stance.
"...Truly Luna, was it necessary to jump on top of my bed and almost asphyxiate me?"
"Indeed it was sister! For I have great news!"
Celestia huffed before slowly making her way out of her bed, stepping around Luna and yawning lightly. Luna was quick to follow her older sister and stopped with her mouth open, ready to say something but stopped. Her eyes were drawn to the very prominent moon sitting at the top of the night sky.
"..Astounding work as usual Luna. Though, please do regal to me what was so important that it didn't require the royal soup can?" She motioned to an old soup can attached to a string going across the top of her room. A small grin forming as she stretched her body of its exhaustion.
"Tsk. Sister, now is not the time for joking! For I have found the answer to the problem regarding the foal!"
The solar diarch paused in her downward dog position. Turning her head to gaze up at her sister. A look of curiosity now present.
"Have you really?"
"Yes indeed, the lingering spell I left behind has produced great results. For what was once a fortress of solitude has shifted and now beckons my presence!"
"Don't get too excited now Luna. This still is a delicate situation, and we will need to approach this situation with a grain of salt." Celestia finished. Raising herself back up to her towering height.
"Sister, I don't think a grain of salt would be useful or rather necessary for our excursion?" Luna finished with a confused tilt of her head.
Two sets of footsteps echoed off the ever expansive hallway that was the dreamscape.
Well, somewhat of a custodians path. Tsk. No, not a custodian for it is a job of the most prestigious-
"Luna are you monouloging again?"
With a huff the ruler of the night turned on her heels and was face to face with her sister. A small frown plastered on her face as to show how offended she was. How dare she assume she was doing exactly that?
"Of course not sister!"
"Luna. You were gesturing wildly to yourself."
"..."
She turned back around and continued trotting towards their destination. Frown shifting into a pout as she ignored her sisters amused expression.
"While there is a certain chance that thou is telling the truth.. We have much more important matters to attend to!"
She flipped the conversations main focus as she threw out her hoof and pointed at what lay in front of them. A door that stood different from the many they have passed, it stood taller and wider than most. What was most peculiar was that it was tightly wrapped in golden chains before now, where it was completely bare. Besides the intricate markings lining its berth.
Celestia craned her head around her sister and looked at the door herself, tilting her head before giving it a slight nod.
"Classy. The artisans should really brush up on their craft if this is what a child could come up with." She giggled at her own statement.
"Sister, you find the weirdest things funny..."
"We-"
"No dice! We have a mission to hither to!"
"Sister you used that expression wron-"
She flipped around and creased her eyes. Celestia stopping midsentence as another giggle was to burst from her mouth, causing further disgruntlement in her sister.
"Can we please just open the Faust damned door?"
"I'm waiting on you sister, for you are the only one gifted with the ability to enter dreams."
"..."
---
The two sisters were once again met with darkness, one you would see If you were to keep your eyes shut. Though at the same time it seemed a bit more darker than usual, which was albeit confusing. Luna took a moment to look at the opened door behind here and hummed.
How come it was difficult for her to open that door before now? Also why was it so hard to get into in the first place, this is a damned foal! Shed done this hundreds upon thousands of times before, excluding her time on the moon. Besides that, she hadn't recalled anypony giving her this much trouble!
It was all the more confusing that they hadnt encountered the foa-"woah!" Her thoughts were interrupted by her feet rolling out from underneath her and sending her tumbling down onto her face. She laid there for a few moments in confusion, until her sister snapped her out of it. Bending her face down in front of her.
"Luna! Are you okay?"
"We..I think so, what exactly was that?"
Celestia took a look around the area as Luna took a moment to bring herself back onto her hooves. Shaking her head before starting to scan the area as well, being able to find nothing that wouldve made her tumble like that. Her confusion doubled and she stood there dumbfounded for a moment before the voice of her sister one again broke her focus, turning her head before walking up to her crouched form.
"Luna! I think I've found the object that tripped you up."
She craned her head down to see what exactly her sister was looking at. A black cylinder lay on its side, there were words inscribed onto it but she hadnt the foggiest idea what it was. For it was written in what seemed to be another language.
"Ah-mah-zon? Sister, do you recognize this language?"
Celestia even found herself confused at the sight, she found herself to be well read in most of the languages spoken in Equestria. Even dragon speech, and that was painful on the vocal chords. But this language seemed familiar yet entirely alien at the same time, the symbols were similar to what the minotaur people spoke. Yet, not really. It was difficult to explain to herself.
"..no Luna, I'm afraid I don't know what language this is. Not even what this little box is."
"Dont you mean little cylinder sister?"
"You know what I mean Luna.."
"Hm."
The two were silent for a bit before Celestia spoke up again.
"But isnt it interesting? We know absolutely nothing about this child besides what we've been told by Captain Spitfire. Oh, I cant wait to meet him!"
Luna didnt share that all out excitement at their situation, her mind had started throwing out ideas as her sister started explaining her own interests. For what she knew about herself and for most ponies, somethings are meant to be kept as you'd want it. As for the colt, his privacy in his mind. If the total blockage she received for a week and the extra protection wrapped around the door wasn't anything to go off of. She would assume that he voluntarily didn't want her getting in, no matter her intent.
At the moment, she could feel her previous all out excitement lessen.
"But what if he didnt want us to meet him?"
"Pardon Luna?"
She looked down at the ground before looking into the eyes of her sister.
"What if the child didnt want us getting into their head for a reason?"
"Luna, you do realize we are talking about a foal correct? Most foals would love to be visited by two fabulous princesses such as us in their dreams."
"Sister I understand that part, but it just seems reasonable to me. Do you not remember the last dragon emperor and his reaction to me trying to intervene in his head?"
"At the time we did just get out of a disagreement with the dragons.. so there was sure to be slight distrust. With the fact being that he was a-"
The two were interrupted by the sudden object falling from out of nowhere and landing just a few feet away from where they stood. They were quick to rise to their hooves and look warily at the figure, who was seemingly shrouded by the darkness of the surrounding area. It was a silent stare down between the two and the figure, who had by now lifted themselves from the ground and stood on two legs. Before the same figure decided to speak, the voice completely taken them by surprise and completely breaking down their guard.
"Hello there."
Celestia recognized the figures accent but could tell that it wasn't regularly spoken, there was a hint of something else she couldn't pick up on. Though she cast a glance to Luna before focusing back on them, were they the foal? She was pressed on how to react before her sister spoke up.
"Greetings, Speckles if I am correct?"
The figure faltered in their stance and dropped down onto four hooves, stepping out and letting the shadows recede back into the surroundings. Revealing to them the sight of a small and adorable pegasus colt, Celestia felt her heart twinge as his muzzle scrunched up. Showing her the small specks of white littering it.
"Wait. Princess Luna? Princess...Celestia?"
He looked and sounded very confused, was he not expecting a visit?
Celestia decided to finally speak instead of just stare like a creep.
"Yes indeed my little pony, it is really the both of us."
"Oh! Uh...Wowie!" His tone immediately flipped and he looked up at the both of them with a newly formed smile. With that, a sudden wave of force hit her full on. Making her blink but not react.
"You're here to visit me? The both of you? That's so cool!"
Celestia smiled at his actions. Luna on the other hoof was perturbed by it, his expression before seemed a lot different than what he was showing now. She watched as her sister closed the distance between herself and the colt and lay down on her stomach, a thing she did regularly when talking to children.
"Just wow, it's so cool meeting you! You're really pretty up close!"
"Oh my, a flatterer!"
Her sisters giggling joining in the colts already apparent 'excitement' made her tilt her head even more. His whole tone was shifted just like that, she wasn't really sure what to think. It just seemed fake to her.
"So uhm.. what exactly are you two doing here? Is it to play? I love playing! Especially video games!"
He hopped up in place and buzzed his little wings with each hop. If she weren't full of confusion and suspicion then she would be fawning just like her sister is. But if they did that the whole time they were there, they'd be failing to get information about the changelings from this child. She snapped away from her statuesque standing position and approached the two. With the intent to get some answers to her questions, and fo stop her sister from getting all the attention.
The foal in question was now sitting in the hooves of sister dearest. His eyes drifted passed her sisters and landed on her own, where the two baby blue orbs challenged her own eyes. She paused at the action and much more as the child focused their attention on her.
"Wowie! Hi princess Luna! Are you also here to play?"
"I...we. Are here to actually ask you a few questions. Then we may be able to..play if that is alright with you?"
Speckles paused and stared at her again before tilting his head to the side and looking at her sister.
"Questions? But I don't wanna answer questions! That's so boring! Do we really have to do that Princess? Huh?"
"Well…"
He practically buried his nose into her sisters chest as he said that, slightly irking her as Celestia wasn't bothered by the fact. Also slightly annoyed at her sister for detracting from the mission.
"Sister please."
"Well Luna, we don't want to be rude."
What? What was she talking about, the whole reason they were there was because they had questions and needed answers! Why was her sister acting like this?
"..would you please answer my questions? It's very imp-''
"Well uh, if you play with me I'll answer one of your questions!"
She sighed. This colt was something else entirely, but she relented.
"Very well then.. sister and I would be glad to play."
"Yay!" He hopped out of Celestia's hooves as she stood up and looked down at him, twirling around before looking at the both of them.
"So the game is, lightsabers!" He stated before pulling out a cylindrical object and pressing a button, prompting a blade to form out of the tip. He then tilted his body and pulled his arm back and threw the blade outwards.
Her eyes widened but was unable to react in time as she watched her sister get her head lobbed off by the blade. It then careenned towards her as she tried to do-
I watched the two princesses' bodies tumble onto the floor and promptly dissipate into thin air, making me sigh in relief as the lightsaber twirled around in the air for a bit longer before I promptly caught it. I dropped down onto my butt and cast my glance to where the two of them presumably walked from, tilting my head in confusion as I could see a door in the distance. Why would there be a door in my dream, wait. Was this what those books were talking about when they said that Princess Luna used doors to visit people's dreams? Then that means?
I quickly rose back up onto my hooves and trotted over towards the door, coming to a stop just a few feet away. I scanned the open door up and down for a few seconds before humming. There were a few things coming to mind but I decided not to dwell on them, turning back around I wondered...
My question was answered as the slamming of a door was heard and I turned around. The door was once again shut and the chains that dangled from it, sprung back to life and started wrapping themselves around the door. After the tenth or so loop around the door they stopped and became inanimate, bringing an end to my impressed face.
"That was pretty cool.."
With that said and done I sat back down once again, thoughts mainly focused on the events that transpired not even a few moments ago. I didnt know that both of the princesses would show up in my head, at the very least I expected like one visit and that was from Luna. But with them both showing up and practically giving me a heart attack, I had to resort to the act cute and kill them right after shtick.
I sighed. If this was going to be a recurring thing, the lucid dreaming I mean. Than i would have to build some sort of defenses against this mental intrusion. I really didn't appreciate someone else walking around in my head. I really dont need any questions.
But with the thought of defense in my mind , I shrugged off all else and focused on that. Specifically on how exactly I could make it more difficult to get in?
Deciding to use my wings for once, I flapped myself into the air and floated on over to the big door. These chains wouldnt do by themselves, so why not some.. laser cannons?
With that thought a rapid movement caused me to turn around and stare wide eyed as a big, white and futuristic looking machine stood there. The awe turned into excitement real fast.
"Woah.."
Even though I spent like a good few hours battling against star wars things before i killed the princesses. Not a thought I'd ever thought come out of my mouth by the way. It still just took me by full surprise that all this was happening right in front of me.
Shit was just crazy like that.
But back to the friggin laser. I eyed it up and down before shaking my head, and it just as quickly dissipated into the black flooring. I could totally come up with something better than a laser cannon. Like..
"Master chief!"
With the sudden iconic character coming to mind I turned and looked up. Being faced with the main character of almost every single halo game, excluding reach and ODST. But fuck, was it cool. Even if he was just my imagination.
"Sierra 117 reporting for duty, sir."
I might just pass out. Though I have an idea.
"...Chief.. do you mind saying something for me"
His salute dropped and his golden visor shifted down to look at me, reminding me of how absolutely massive this guy was. Even if I knew it wasnt possible for him to hurt me, I felt my voice quiver.
"Anything sir."
"..uh, could you please say this-"
I quickly hopped up and floated next to his helmet, cupping my hoof around my muzzle as I spoke my request. Heart pounding as I dropped back down and finished my sentence.
"-when I ask you "what you think you're doing"?"
His arms crossed and he looked up at the ceiling for a moment, giving a small chuckle as he nodded back down to me.
"Absolutely sir."
My eyes widened and I started bouncing up and down like an idiot. Though quickly recollecting myself as I started going through with my request, suddenly the scenery shifted and we were standing inside of the cafeteria from the first game.
I quickly floated over to a random table and motioned him over, he turned and swiftly walked over. His visor scanning the area around us before opting to sit down right across from me. I stood on the table and giggled.
'Exchem.. alright, alright. Ready?"
He nodded. So without skipping a beat I walked up to him and asked with the most serious voice I could muster.
"Mind telling me what you're doing Chief?"
He was silent for a moment before extending a hand out. I acquiesced by forming a sizable cheeseburger in his hand, grinning from ear to ear as he started.
"Sir, I'm finishing this cheeseburger."
I jumped and let out a shot out joy. But quickly calmed myself as I turned back to him and nodded, smiling from ear for ear.
"Thank you chief."
"Anytime sir."
With that, he along with the scenery of the cafeteria dissipated and I was now standing back in front of the door. With a renewed vigor I immediately knew what I was going to do.
---
With a triumphant smile, I floated leisurely in the air and admired the work I'd done. The once empty space that lead up to the door had now been replaced with an absolutely giant maze, I floated upwards to get a better view of things. If the princesses were inevitably able to get into my head once more, then the terrors I had in store for them would surely keep them out. Albeit with a bit more questions concerning a child like me having these beasts in his dreams.
"Hmm..Nah."
Once you entered from the door you would be immediately met with a pathway into the maze. It stretched on for a bit before branching out into six different pathways, each one worse than the other. But the best part was, that I added in that little factor from the Maze Runner. These walls would switch every five or six hours give or take, meaning each pathway would lead to something different each time.
Along with it being incredibly annoying to traverse, I added in practically every horror device I could think of. From movies, video games, and even folklore.
I even added in Shreks swamp for the hell of it.
So even if you were to find the exit to the maze, you'd be pressed to actually get outside completely. For at the very end there stood a checkpoint, and at that checkpoint stood a single combine police officer, a garbage bin, and a single can. You know how that interaction goes..
But with everything said and down I floated back down towards the ground and walked away from my imaginary maze. Walking over to a moderately sized boxing ring with two armored figures standing on it across from each other. I sat down on a foldable chair and imagined a whistle in my hoof.
"Alright, Chief! Six! I want a clean match to prove once and for all if you two are evenly matched."
With the two silently nodding, I blew the whistle and watched as the two circled each other. But weirdly enough as the longer I watched the fight, the more drowsy i felt, shaking my head once or twice didn't seem to change anything. I let out a yawn on instinct and was slightly confused.
"--why am I so tir-"
I couldn't even finish my sentence as my eyes closed and vision turned white. Keeping them like that I then abruptly opened them again, getting flooded by the bright lights and overwhelming sense of comfort completely surrounding me. I shifted around as a test and felt the soft texture beneath me start to move with my back. Crawling up my back and placing itself onto my head, rubbing back and forth.
With confusion filling me, I blinked my eyes multiple times to rid them of the exhaustion and to get used to the bright lights.
"Finally awake sleepy head?"
The soft melody of a voice asked me as I registered actually being awake. Shaking my head one final time I twisted my head around and was met with the smiling face of mother looking down at me.
I smiled half heartedly back at her before rolling over until I was laying belly first on her chest. I gave her a small nuzzle before closing my eyes once more.
"Five more minutes..."
She simply giggled a response and rubbed my head again.
I was not ready to start the day. Especially since I wasnt able to finish that imaginary fight!
The two sisters were currently sitting at their dining room table, each looking down at their respective cups. There was an acute silence between the two of them before Celestia cleared her throat, garnering the attention of a tired Luna.
Hiding her expression behind her teacup she fixed her gaze on her sister.
"Luna, I do believe the colt chopped our heads off."
Luna stared at her with her increasingly narrowing eyes until they were finally so narrow, the dark bags under her eyes were more pronounced. She wasn't in the mood to deal with her sister.
"Sister, we think this is the part where we tell you to shut the fuck up?"
"Language!"
She snapped her head upwards.
"Alas thee! no more brain than stone wench!"
"What did yo-" ------
Mother and I were currently lazing on mothers new bed in her new room, of the new house that Spitfire was kind enough to leave for us. Gonna have to find a way to repay her for that, but that could come later. For now, I'm focusing on how I dont really want to move from this spot.
Mother seemed to agree as she shifted her position and let out a content sigh. I could get used to waking up like this every single say. But who knows? Maybe some shit will happen here and we'll have to move again.
Though I couldn't just sit around and do nothing all day, as much as I wanted to and could actually afford to do. There was still a manner of getting ourselves settled into our new living situation.
So with reluctant motivation I pushed myself up into a sitting position on mother's chest and stared down at her relaxed face. Eyes once closed now opening up and looking back at me, she gave me a smile so I returned the favor with one of my own.
"Well, look who's up and at em' at last."
"Psh.. sleep is a gracious gift... and dont think I didnt see you enjoying not having to wake up early anymore." I teased and stuck my tongue out at her.
She laughed lightly and let her head fall against the pillow, admitting defeat to me.
"Ah.. guilty as charged, honey."
I grinned victoriously before taking a moment to glance around the room, I had forgotten to do that when I first woke up. With a first glance I could really see how decent the room looked, a bit bigger than mothers original room but who was I to complain?
But my attention focused back onto her once more, putting my wonder into words because if just kept them in my head, you'd end up with like a whole thesis. So anyways.
"So mom, what's the plan for today?"
She was silent for a moment before a grin grew on her face and she lifted her head back up to look at me. The devious expression stared at my slightly confused and suspicious expression. I noticed her arms lifting from her sides very very slowly, and she was- my eyes widened as I realized what was going to happen.
'Its a trap!'
I tried flapping my wings to immediately get out of there but was caught as she wrapped her arms around my body and laughed. She lifted the rest of her body up and into a sitting position, looking down at me with her ever present grin. I squirmed in her grip but stopped after a few moments, for she was too strong.
"First, were going to take a bath."
"Gasp!"
"Yes, gasp little one. For you will face the wrath of the scrub brush!" She scooted us closer towards the edge of the bed and unfurled her wings, pushing up into the air and floating over towards the exit. Laughing deviously as she did.
I dangled there in defeat as we went into the hallway and started downwards, a pout was the only thing I could muster. Because if it wasnt already obvious, I hated taking showers. Or for a better fact, I hate getting my hair wet. It's one of my pet peeves.
I don't really know why I dont like that, though it just irks me whenever I feel my hair we- "oof".
I was dropped back into reality, literally. I looked around and noticed that we were now in the bathroom, looking over to the open door with hope. But frowning as mother shut it with her back hoof, giving me a curt smile before moving over to the spacious bathtub.
Sighing as I got up from the piece of carpet I was sitting on, I watched as mother bent over the tub and started turning the water on. She smiled before taking a step back and turning to look down at me, tilting her head as I had now gotten into a kneeling position.
Giving my best pout as I begged.
"Mother, I believe it would be best if we didnt take a bath?"
Though she shrugged off my begging and smiled even wider, lowering herself down until we were eye to eye. Her eyebrows creased into a playful glare, making widen my own eyes in surprise.
"We are sorry sir. We do not follow your orders anymore."
My mouth gaped and I stuttered out my best response.
"T-then it is treason."
"You bet your brown flank it is, come here!"
She lunged forwards and I quickly dodged to my left, sliding forwards but quickly getting back onto my feet.
"Never!"
I dodged another one of her grabs and flapped my wings to push myself into the air. I laughed as she face planted but was immediately caught off guard as she pushed herself up and turned around in one quick movement.
I swear I let out the most intimidating and fear striking scream ever.
"Caught you!"
"Eee---!"
----
So there I was sitting in mother's lap as she hummed happily to herself while running a brush over my head. Where she got It from, I don't know.
"Brushy brush brush~"
I sighed and tilted my head downwards too look at the soapy water, mother ended up catching me after all. But I was an idiot for trying to flee in an enclosed area, I should've booked it for the door.
"Wow, your mane is so long when it isn't all curled up!"
My attention turned back towards mother as the sensation of the brush on my head dissapeared and she started talking. Running a hoof down my hair in astonishment, I grinned before responding.
"Hm?"
"Honey, can I braid your mane just this once?"
I paused for a second. Braid my hair? Wouldn't that look a little weird considering I'm a dude and al- no wait never mind, I've seen my cousin braid her horses hair before and that dude was huge. I thought about it for a few more seconds before agreeing, why the hell not? If it makes mother happy than sure.
"Sure."
I heard mother squeal before giving me a hug., than returning back to brushing my hair. I smiled for a few moments before pausing. Hold on a second, how exactly was she going to braid my hair with hooves?
I looked down at my own hooves and started imagining it.
---
After a bit of brushing and braiding from mother, I was plopped onto the bathroom sink and saw myself in the mirror. She asked from above me "what do you think?" Before reaching over and grabbing a towel.
I turned my head from side to side before nodding to myself.
"I like it."
----- Elsewhere, there were two voices talking back and forth to each other. One with increasing panic and worry, and the other with increasing anger.
"Will you can it already!"
"But sir! The queens in a fucking coma! What are we going to do?"
I sat in the living room with a blank stare. Already having soaked up how the new fixings looked I couldn't find anything interesting to look at and just blanked. The couch was comfortable, so that helped with the idea. But I wasn't focused on that right now, I was waiting on mother. Who said she had to go get something before disappearing back down the hallway.
I glanced over from my position on the couch and over to where the hallway met living room. Giving a small sigh I turned my head back and took another look around the room. It was furnished, but not too furnished. Sure there were everything you pretty much needed there to be considered a fully fledged living room. But it was still missing a few key details that would make it one hundred percent home.
What am I talking about? Hell if I know, I'm bored.
I couldn't be bothered to go into the stuff that happened last night, or even consider thinking about everything that has happened until now. I wanted to stop worrying about things and just live normally, albeit for as long as I can before shit starts to fly again. As it inevitably does.
For now I could think about what exactly were going to do today, maybe we could visit that library thing I saw the other day? I would have to note that down, just in case I for-
"Ah!"
I was spooked by the sudden appearance of mother popping up in front of me and I fell backwards onto my back. Looking up at the ceiling as I felt my heartbeat start to normalize, all the while mother was giggling her head off over there. Lifting myself back into a sitting position, I fixed her with the meanest pout I could.
"Awww.. honey, you know I couldn't resist spooking you like that. With you being all adorable and unaware, it was the perfect chance!"
She tried defending herself with an innocent smile, but I saw through that and responded with nothing. I simply crossed my arms and looked off to the side, taking cues from how an actual child would. The pout I was sporting was quickly failing to keep itself down as my lips wanted to prick upwards as I tried not to grin.
Seeing as I wouldn't be listening to her, mother let out a hum before letting out an overdramatic gasp. I turned my head slightly at her reaction, watching as she draped an arm over her face and lamented.
"Oh, how the poor darling left himself open like that! Pretending to be mad just made him prone to a...tickle attack!"
Wait a second- my head snapped to her direction fully as soon as she lunged forwards at me, not giving me any time to react.
"Ahh-!"
---
As I lay on the couch defeated and humiliated, I cant help but smile. I look over at mother who was occupying herself with her own laughter, at my expense of course. It reminds me that I'm still able to recreate those child hood memories that I really couldn't have back on Earth. The quick mention of the memory sting at my eyes for a moment before I rubbed it away with a hoof. Shaking my head and deciding on focusing on something else, I pushed myself back up into a seating position.
"Echem.. mother?"
"Yes, Speckles?"
I simply outstretched my arms and tilted my head to the side slightly, giving her the best 'hug me' expression I could.
"Hug?"
She didnt respond at first and just inched forwards and scooped me up from the couch and into her arms, where I quickly wrapped my arms around her and buried my head into her neck.
"Of course, honey."
She completed the embrace by bringing me close and pressing her muzzle down onto the top of my head. It was a nice feeling of comfort being held like this. The feeling was making me feel a certain type of way, the added in childish instincts helped boost that.
Damn, who's cutting onions?
I didn't notice the tears forming until after we parted and mother looked down at me, her smile turning into a small frown. Giving her a sheepish grin of my own and reaching up with a hoof to rub at my eyes. I attempted to shrug it off but I guess mother wasnt willing to do just that.
"Oh.. what's wrong honey?"
"N-nothing, just give me a moment." I titled my head down as I rubbed at my eyes to try and stop the tears from coming down. While also trying to get ahold of my own emotions at the same time. Damn this childish body sometimes..
"Honey, no. Tell me what's wrong."
She gently pried my hooves away from my face and placed a hoof on my chin, tilting my head up until I looked into her worried eyes. I tried looking away but she gently kept my head in place, making my eyes look everywhere else until finally I gave in and looked at her.
"I was just thinking about stuff that's been happening.. and I guess I just got too emotional. I'm sorry.."
She let out a shush before bringing me in close, I buried myself into her once again because it felt weirdly necessary.
"No baby, never apologize for crying. Bottling up everything would just make you feel worse, and I would hate for that to happen."
"So let's just focus on the happy thoughts Hm?"
I felt a pang of guilt in my chest at the mention of bottling things up. It wasnt really my intention to do so, I wasnt really good when it came to talking about this kind of stuff. It's why I really liked skipping these kinds of emotional responses over and continuing on with the happy gig.
But I guess it wouldve happened either way. Though, I'm thankful it did happen with someone who actually cares about me. I sniffled a bit before managing out a response. I had to flip the emotion of the room.
"Yeah...b-"
Mother interrupted me instead with an upbeat tone of her own, garnering my gaze as I looked back up at her.
"But we've already discussed why there's a reason to be happy right? A certain little outing we have planned?"
I thought for a second before realizing. Right, she said that she would take us to this places equivalent to DisneyLand later on. CelestiaLand right? Wonder how much they had to pay to name it after her. Or if it wasnt a random person who created it, instead the crown was just monopolizing on her popularity? Wait.
Never mind.
That little anecdote slightly raised my mood, but mothers overly infectious and upbeat personality was already affecting me. My gaze formed into a grin and I rubbed gently at my eye.
"R-right. CelestiaLand?"
She nodded before leaning in close and smirking.
"Hey guess what?"
I rose an eyebrow and lowered my hoof.
"Spitfire agreed to go with us.. How's that sound?"
Honestly, it sounded awesome. Not because we were going to an offbeat DisneyLand, but because the three of us could hangout without anything eventful happening. Plus, the amount of indirect teasing I could do was astonishing when I thought about it.
My emotions did a complete one eighty and I found myself forgetting about the remains of tears and smiled.
"Yeah. That does sound fun.. I honestly cant wait!"
She giggled ruffled the top of my head.
"I thought so! Now, let's dry those tears. We've got a big day ahead of us!"
I'm sure we did. Now that mother was out of a job, by her own volition. We had more time to spend together. That was a major bright side to all of this, well, that and finally having a break from all this nonsense. Honestly.
My conscious thought was broken when mother suddenly lifted us both into the air and held me in an outstretched position. The flapping of her wings was the only thing heard for a few moments before I smirked. She smirked right back at me, because she knew that I knew what she was trying to do.
It wasn't long before we both fell into a laughing fit at the ridiculousness.
Funny how we can switch from an emotional situation to a silly one like this right? I guess that was a benefit of being in the body of a child, children generally switched topics at the blink of an eye. Hell, you could even ignore them falling on their face and they wouldn't even notice until you mention it.
"Alright, sweetie. Let's go comb your hair and we can head on over to the sugar cube corner." She said before lowering me back down and turning to hover towards the bathroom.
"For breakfast?"
She simply giggled as we turned a corner and entered the bathroom. Setting me down onto the sink and looking at me in the mirror.
"No silly, it's too late in the day for breakfast"
Huh. I guess we slept in, but food is food I guess. I adjusted myself on the sink and scooted forwards, giving myself a once over in the mirror as mother pulled out a brush from seemingly nowhere. I honestly didnt really see the need to brush my hair, we already took a bath right? And I look hella fresh with the rugged and untamed hairstyle.
But besides that, back to the topic of food. I forget that the sugar cube corner has an endless possibility of items in the menu from the last time we were there. Which was yesterday.
"Oh. I guess lunch then, besides that, yay!"
I made a motion of raising both arms in the air in celebration, simply eliciting a small smile from mother as she began with the brushing.
"Mhm!"
She was muffled by the brush. But I could tell she was also giving a yay of her own.
I sat there and just looked at myself in the mirror until she was done. Which didnt take as long as I expected, for only what seemed like ten minutes passed and the sensation of the brush on my head left. Also with her setting the brush down next to me, proclaiming.
"All done!"
I blinked back into reality and looked at what she'd done to my hair. Which was nothing really, besides coming it all to one side so it would droop over on eye and hang over my left shoulder.
I blew a puff of air at it like those emo teens I would see sometimes. It made me giggle.
"Dont move honey, I've gotta go get something!"
Before I could question It she landed back down onto her hooves and trotted out of the room. Leaving me to my own devices for a small amount of time before trotting back into the room.
"Close your eyes honey."
I did so without hesitation. Thought not without any inkling of curiosity. What exactly was she doing? She placed both of her hooves on top of my head and fumbled with something. She wrapped it around the top of my head and tightened it at the back, though not too tight.
"Alright, you can look now."
When I did open my eyes I was surprised to see the goggles Spitfire had graciously donated to me sitting atop my head again. I stared at myself before feeling a smile start forming, I had completely forgot about these things! I felt complete in my appearance with them on. Though when exactly did she get them?
"My goggles? When did you have the time to get them?"
She grabbed my body once more and plopped me down onto her back as she turned to walk out of the room.
"Oh, Spitfire happened to give them to me before she left."
Oh, I'd have to thank her later.
"Well I'm glad she did, now I'm all dripped out!"
Mother stopped abruptly at the front door, causing me to tumble forwards and get a mouth full of her hair. Yuck.
"What? Dripped out? You're not wet are you? In pretty sure I dried you off pretty good.."
Oh yeah. I forgot these ponies didnt know what human slang was. I spat out mother hair and sat back down on my butt, I cleared my throat and she focused on me.
"No, no. I'm not wet. What I mean is that I looked mega fresh with the goggles."
She opened her mouth in understanding.
"Oooh."
--- Skipping over the fact that I had to explain to mother how the word 'drip' is used in a sentence. By using a few hypotheticals. But than I also mistakenly used another slang word and she questioned me on that one. So I spent a good amount of time explaining a joke to her.
But on the bright side. I was rewarded with a large cookies and cream milkshake that was seemingly calling my name when I looked at It on the menu.
Mother on the other hand, or hoof. Opted for coffee and a donut, which was very surprising and confusing to me. Why would this place be selling coffee? The donut I could understand but also, why was mom drinking coffee at this time of day? Too many questions, yet this milkshake was telling me to ignore them and focus on enjoying it, and enjoy it I did.
I simply closed my eyes in contentment.
"Speckles?"
I opened my eyes and looked across the table at mother. Though she wasn't looking at me but to my right, I tilted my head and looked to where she was looking. Spotting no one until I looked down and spotted a familiar propeller hat wearing colt.
"Button?"
----
The one eyed changeling meekly stared at his comatose Queen. His superior had ordered him to stay by her side until she woke up. But that was seeming more and more unlikely to him as the days went by, seeing as they copied do absolutely nothing about her broken collar bone. The best they could do was give her a neck brace, because they alarmingly couldn't fix it with their limited amount of magic.
The changeling brought his gaze down to his thin hooves before looking over the Queen again. They'd been pressed to direct most of their love reserves into keeping the Queen stable. Which meant that there wasn't a lot to go around for the rest of them.
That was mainly why the hive was In a buzz and his superior was currently trying to calm everybody down.
*Growl*
He looked down at his stomach with a frown. He was starving to say the least.
From out of nowhere the door to the room burst open and shut just as quickly. A large yet thin looking changeling walked in, muttering to himself before fixing his gaze on the meek drone.
"Any sign of conciousness?"
He shook his head.
"Fuck!"
The drone shrunk back at his tone and sighed.
"What exactly are we going to do sir? Everypony is going a little crazy..and with all the infiltrators having to come back... there hasn't really been much love going aroun-"
"I know! I know everyone is starving! What do you want me to do about it? I can't just magically make her wake up!"
"But maybe somepony else could?"
The large changeling paused and looked at him, nodding his head for him to go on.
"W-well. You know how the Queen has ties to another one of her sisters from a different HIV-"
"Cut to the chase."
He nodded.
"Maybe we could get her sister to help wake her...up?"
'Was fear a feeling that changelings felt? Because being on the other side of getting somepony to emit fear kinda sucks. The Queen was one thing, but her sister...'
The low ranking changeling let a shudder rack through his carapace as the image of the green haired sister changeling to his Queen popped into his head. To be honest, he didnt really want to interact with her in the first place. But if his high ranking commander said so, then he really had no choice. Otherwise he'd have his wings chopped off and shoved straight up where the sun doesnt shine. So said his commander, if not obvious.
Shifting his positioning In front of the Queens bed chamber, he anxiously waited for Chrysalis to arrive.
His mouth went ajar and he let out a small gagging noise as the name rolled off his tongue. The very pronunciation of the name forcing a wave of very sour tasting emotion, which was weird. He never knew he could taste his own emotions..or was he just stupid?
'No..definitely not stupid...' he mentally agreed with himself.
'Mayb-' he was cut off by the abrupt sound of the large doors leading to the Queens chamber slowly screeching open. He made his best attempt at standing at attention, or atleast what he'd seen other more important changelings do at times. If his anxiety wasn't already enough, the burning feeling of authority was going to kill him. The constant bombardment of the aura made his Knees buckle a bit, though he was able to catch himself, just barely to meet the imposing and daunting form of the elder sister.
'Oh sweet Nymphous, this is going to suc-'
His wandering eyes dropped back in front of him and completely threw off his attempt at a calm and collected looking drone. It all failed when he failed to realize she had closed the distance between them fairly quickly, standing and staring down at him intently. Mentally he agreed with himself that he would've flat out screamed or even jumped if the situation weren't so tense.
"Drone. Please fill me In on the Dire.. situation at hoof..." The tone of her voice was hard to read, seeing as she was a Queen herself. It was understandable, but he couldn't help but pick up a bit of sarcasm when regarding her sister.
He quickly filled the silence with a cough and forced his stuttering words to come out, only causing the green haired Queen to grimace. She held up a hoof and he immediately silenced, her expression telling him all he needed to know.
"My sister is comatose correct?"
He nodded sheepishly.
"Which means you are In dire need of leadership?"
He nodded again, though this time with a confused hint added into It.
She grinned devilishly, her long muzzle perfectly revealing those even longer fangs in her mouth. Causing him to slightly quiver and silently curse one eye and their commander, for putting him in this situation and letting th-
"Focus drone."
He snapped back to attention, looking up as she had gotten even closer, eyes narrowed down at him before she huffed and took a step back.
"Now as I said once more. Let us go attend to my sister so we can further discuss this dilemma."
"Y-yes Queen Chrysalis.."
-----
Buttons appearance was a pleasant surprise. I guess this moving to ponyville thing did have some more ups than I realized. Also, now mother has proof that I have friends that are my own age, and same gender. Dont know why she brought that up, but, whatever.
Anyways, the interaction led to mother and Buttons mom to move to a separate table that wasnt too far away from the table Button and I sat at. Because apparently in this world, everyone has something in common with an opposite person...
What am I even talking about? That makes utterly no sense, what malarkey am I pulling out of my ass this time?
I chuckled at myself. Prompting Button to look at me In question, asking the question you too would ask if someone started laughing out of nowhere.
"What?"
"What?"
I responded with the same question, because I like being difficult. Also, i liked watching ponies faces change facial expressions. It's a weird yet still interesting habit I found myself doing as of recently.
Ugh. I feel so out of touch right now. Time to shift the conversation to something about Button Mash, maybe about school or something.
"-well! Anyway, Button, hows school?"
He rose an eyebrow at me and his propeller at the top of his hat rotated with his confusion. Interesting.
But he still gave me an answer nonetheless, letting his confusion drop into a smile as he gave me a little run down of what's been happening. Smiling not just because it was genuinely interesting, it was because I didn't have to go to school in this world. Even though I was a kid. Heh.
"Yeah, everything's been good just, Mrs.Cheerilee surprised us with a creativity project the other day. It's due in four days. "
That peaked my interest, so I continued.
"What exactly, does this creativity fall under?"
Another face of confusion was thrown my way by my fellow brown foal before I finally face palmed. I was talking to a child, a fellow child to be exact.
"Uh.. what's it about? Besides creativity I mean?"
His eyes widened in realization and he let out a very audible "oooh." Before putting a hoof to his chin and scrunching up his muzzle in what I could recognize as his inner thoughts working out a response.
Dont ask how exactly I know, I'm just a very weird person.
But it was cute nonetheless. Well, not as cute as the bodaciously radical unit like myself, but cute.
"Oh, uh! Yeah I remember now, it was about the alphabet or something. We have to Express the funda-fundam-"
"Fundamentals." I finished.
He thanked me with a nod. "-fundamentals of the allegorical conno-connota-"
"Connotation?" I asked.
"Yeah. That! Anyways, connotations of the inner meaning of the alphabet and its words, to each of us in our own way and how we would Express it!" He finished with a smile.
I stared at him for a good while, many questions floating around my head before I just settled on one.
"..this is elementary school right?"
He nodded, though pursed his lips immediately after.
"I mean, I guess. But it's all mixed together, Mrs.Cheerilee teaches practically all the foals in Ponyville."
Doesnt sound too weird to me, though mixed classes in such a low grade level? Which brings up the question, what grade is Button 'technically' in? Better yet-
"Hey, how old are you?"
"I just turned eight a month ago, which officially makes me the oldest pony there!" He said with an excited tone, I guess some things never change.
But on the other hand. He's eight years old? That is very surprisin- I was interrupted with a question being directed at me for once
"Well.. how old are you Speckles? We gotta be around the same age right? You're just a little.."
I raised an eyebrow at his halting words. Was he going to make a comment on my height? I'll have him know, being short is nothing to be ashamed of! Better yet, being shorts has a ton of privileges. But listing them off would take too long back to reality!
"Well. There is a reason we are so distinctly different from each other dude. First, I'm four years old to be exact, also. I'm average height for my age!" I defended.
He blinked at me with a look of surprise before shaking his head comedically from side to side. Magical logic proving true as his hat stayed in place all the while.
'Hm..'
"Woah, dude! You're actually four years old? But you act so much older! And...wait, a four year old beat me at video games? Nooooo-"
I kindly reached over the table, which in my case meant I had to crawl onto the table towards hims and placed a hoof on his mouth. Motioning to the rest of the ponies in the room, speaking with a regular voice.
"Calm down. Unless you want everybod- everypony to listen in on our conversation eh?"
He glanced down at my hoof before nodding his head, I slowly removed my hoof from his face and crawled back towards my chair. Sitting down, I decided to bring up the conversation we were having earlier before we got sidetracked.
"So...can you get help?"
I asked if there was a chance that I could help, with all that talk about them having to Express allegorical connotations. Which to be honest, would be complete bullshit if I were mentally his age.
"Well she said that our parents couldn't help us...but she didnt say anything about getting help from somepony that doesn't go to the school?"
His response was perfectly confusing. As I completley understood what he meant, because I myself make lots of confusing sentences. Though most of them in my head.
"Oh! Then can I help you? I really haven't been doing anything as of recently and that sounds like fun!"
My enthusiasm was real, I'd always wanted to show off to my classmates back on earth. I never really gotten the chance to either way, but this was the chance to!
"Uh sure, I guess. I wasnt doing much work by myself anyways.. too busy playing video games on my new coltari."
Was that a very bad horse pun for Atari? Couldn't they have thought if anything..better, I guess is what in trying to say?
Anyways, back to what's at hand.
"Oh cool, but have you thought of what exactly you're going to do for your project?"
He shook his head.
"Well. What did you have in mind?"
He shrugged his shoulders. I squinted my eyes.
"Any idea of what you're going to do?"
He simply said "I dont know.."
I sighed. Suggesting my idea.
"How about a rap?"
His stupor was broken and he echoed.
"Rap?"
I nodded, intently groaning that I had to explain what rap was. While also groaning at the remembrance that the rap genre hasn't been introduced to these guys yet. So I explained it the best way I could.
"Its something new I made up.. it's like a poem, but with the beat of a song in the background. But better!"
We spent a good amount of time discussing what exactly I meant by alphabetical aerobics, when I gave the project that name. Of course, he was confused since he'd heard the word used before when doing exercises, it was sorta the same thing. Though instead you used your expansive vocabulary, well in my case at least. To come up with a full length rap that is made up of words of the alphabet, in alphabetical order. Was that confusing? I would think so, I almost confused myself and I'm the one who came up with the idea!
Anyways.
"So you get the idea right, Button?" I said while brushing a lock of hair away from my face. Noting that I should've probably kept that braid mother made for me, it seemed real helpful if I refused to brush my hair.
Button on the other hand, took a minute before he actually nodded. If he got atleast part of what I was saying registered in his head, then I would be ecstatic. I dont wanna waste anymore time just sitting here and explaining it, that would just je another day wasted, and I've already slept for a majority of it!
"I think I get the gist, I perform the song that lists slot of words from the alphabet..A through Z."
"Of course, and I'd be there with some big note cards to show the class what letter you're on as you rap it..well, that's if I'm allowed to go go the school house when I'm not even registered."
He raised a hoof and let out a 'hm' which was kind of disappointing. I wouldnt want all my excitement to go in one ear and through the other.
"I'll ask Ms.Cheerilee tomorrow in class about that.. but I don't really see a problem with you coming, since you're helping and all!" He finished with a smile.
I couldn't help but smile back at the kid. What could I say? It was infectious, the smile of course.
"Well here's to hoping" I said while pretending to raise a wine glass in the air. Prompting yet another confused reaction.
"--dont ask, its something stupid I like doing" I interrupted before be could even ask.
"Oh, ok then."
While an air of silence drew over us, I turned my head and attention over to our two mothers conversing with eachother. I could barely make out what they were saying, since mother and Buttons mother were exceptionally good at doing that little whisper thing. You know, the things teachers did with like a piece of paper in hearing distance when another faculty member walked into the classroom. No? Then just ignore that, I'm crazy.
Though I was graciously gifted with many talents from my past life as an adult, and with this new Disney cartoon like body I had no limits! Except magic, which sucks balls. But whatever, I could fly. Sick shit, y'know?
What I was trying to say before i interrupted myself, was that I could lip read really well. But I wasnt given the chance to as they finished their conversation and started getting up from their table. Prompting a frown from me as I turned back to Button, who was twiddling with his hooves before I called him.
"Hey." He looked up and tilted his head.
"Moms, arrival imminent." I said with a shake of my head, pointing over to where they were walking toward us.
He took a moment, but he got what I said and perked up. Sitting up taller in his seat and looking over to them with a smile, so I followed suit and also turned to them.
"Hey boys, enjoyed your little coltly talk?" Buttons mom started and finished with a giggle, tossing my mother a glance to which they both looked at me. I blinked and crossed my eyes, what did mom say to her? Mother returned my glance by sticking out her tongue, I gasped. The audacity!
"Yeah mom! Speckles said he would help me with my school project!" Button interrupted and garnered his moms attention, my own one looking at me with a new tilted expression.
"Oh, did he now? The one that you haven't started on yet, mister?" She said teasingly.
Button retaliated with a minuscule attempt.
"W-well! I'll start working on it today, Speckles and I already came up with what we would do! Tell her dude!" He finished by turning her attention to me. I internally rolled my eyes.
"Well ma'am, since Button didn't have any idea what he would do for his project, I decided to give my input and we agreed on a rap." I finished by smiling shyly, just to add to the effect.
Of course, she ate that little action up. Smiling softly before focusing words on my mom, proving my earlier assumptions of mother telling Buttons mom stuff about me. Ugh. What a tongue twister.
"Oh! That's adorable, you were right! Hes so well spoken, trying to act like a big pony." She gushed, mother just nodded along with a bright smile of her own.
"That's my little genius for ya!" Mother blurted out and pulled me into a surprise hug, not that I minded, like at all. But still, way to bruise my ego! T'was not an act, it was truth!
So as I got smothered, I turned to Button. Who was busy watching me with a devious smile, ignoring the fake 'help me' look i gave him.
"Mother. As much as I really love hugging like this, we have company." I pointed out. It took a few seconds before she finally set me back down on the chair, my messed up hair getting even more out of place. Making me mutter to myself and brush the jungle from my eyes.
"Well, I'm sure Caring loves her little foal as much as I do and doesnt mind seeing a fellow mare loving her child, no?" She grinned.
"Well..uh, shifting conversations as a distraction go!" I blurted out before mother could retort and turned back to Caring. Caring? What like Caring Heart? That doesnt sound even remotely close to Button Mash. Was he named and looks like his father-
I was brought out of my stupor as Caring merely giggled at the display and Button rolled his eyes, deciding to speak up again. Like he should've five minutes ago.
"Pft..anyway. mom can Speckles come over so we can start on the project?" He asked and I looked at mother with immediate conflicting thoughts at me just going alone to someone's house immediately after meeting them, alone. She noticed my look and simply nodded, smiling as she pat my head.
"Well, I dont know Button. I'm not sure Hazel would like Speckles going to someponies house he just met with." She said with a hint of sadness. Making me squint and look at mother, did she?
Well, I guess I can't be mad at her. Motherly worries and everything, and with all the bullshit that's happened over the course of a few days.
Button let out a whine, and let me just say. Wow, he could whine like a bitch! No offense, of course.
Either way, he was sad at Carings response and frowned.
"B-but he doesn't have to come alone, his mom can come and hang out with you while we hang out upstairs!"
Caring looked from Button to me then to my mom, as if asking her if that was reasonable.
Mother let her hoof move from the top of my head and back down to the floor. Thinking it over for a few moments before responding, surprisingly with a yes!
"Well, I wouldnt want to hinder both of your excitements, I guess we could come and visit for a while... it has been a tad bit mundane ever since we moved here."
Sweet, I'd get to go and hang out at a friends house for the first time.
Button shared in my excitement, though not mentally like I did. He full on hopped off the chair and onto the floor, jumping up and down in happiness. Which was pretty loud, and now that I think about it. We still were in an establishment...with other ponies who were jow staring at us. Great.
----
So that's how I found myself walking next to the distinctly taller foal just a few feet in front of the both of our mothers, who were walking behind us.
I made sure to try and memerize the houses on the way to Buttons house, just incase of anything bug related happening again. But, here's to hoping th-
"Hey Speckles, how tall are you?" Button asked out of the blue, smiling down at me.
Was he really going to start with this? I visibly frown and turn to look at him.
"Average height."
He simply laughed. "No, like how tall are you r-"
I interrupted. "Average height."
He laughed. "All right..whatever you say short stuff.."
Did he just? Anger. Must kill.
"Run."
"What?" He said confused.
I didn't respond and simply started flapping my wings, giving him a murderous gaze. I lifted into the air and I think that's when he got the full picture.
"H-hey now, Speckles! I was just kidding!"
"Too late, you've sealed your fate! Ahh-" I lunged towards him as he squealed and turned tail.
There was a brief moment where it seemed as if Buttons world was about to end, how you may ask? By me. But I didnt end his world this day, I decided to spare the colt of my wrath. Seeing his frightened face as I cornered him at his front door was enough for me. So I simply sat at the porch just a bit in front of him and waited for the two adults to finally arrive. I might've heard Button collapse onto the floor but my attention was focused on the two mares approaching. Greeting them with a smile as I stood up.
As they reached the porch, I gave mother a victorious grin as she looked down at me with a raised eyebrow. As if she was asking me what exactly I did to warrant that smile, it was quite simple. I pointed over to Caring looking at an out of breath Button as he lay in a heap on the floor. Making me wonder how exactly Button was so out of breath, we weren't that far away from his house when I started chasing him. My conclusion, he is lazy.
Mothers mind reading habits decided go kick in as she simply smiled softly and ruffled my hair.
On the other hand.
"Button?" Caring questioned.
"..yeah?" He said in between breaths, proceeding to push himself back onto his feet as he looked at her.
"Mmm.. nothing, just a reminder that a new diet shall be implemented." She mused with a jovial tone as she turned to the door and simply pushed it open. Funny, seeing as Button could've escaped if he only tried harder. Karma's a bitch.
But it was even funnier when Button let out another comically whiny and outraged 'no!' As he followed his mom inside.
I looked back up at mother who was also looking down at me, we both smiled and shrugged before following suit. Entering the slightly cold and spacious living room that was Buttons house. Though did I need to word that so weirdly?
I blinked off into space for a moment and shook it off momentarily. Instead placing my focus on commenting how the house looked nice, except for that little painting of what I could only assume where the two princesses. Bleh.
"Nice place."
"I'll say." Mother whistled out. Stepping around me but still keeping close, appraising the house for herself and presumably coming up with commentaries of her own in her head.
Attention was finally brought to the two who currently owned and lived in the house as Caring suddenly appeared from a corner I didnt see her go into before. Button following right after her, a frown on his face to contrast her own welcoming smile. While I wondered if they were still talking about that diet from outside, Button rapidly approached me and took my hoof in his own.
My mind switched to its joking nature and I almost blurted out a inappropriate joke, but bit it back as I remembered the company I was in and what exactly I was right now. So I just let myself be dragged along as Button walked us towards the houses staircase.
"...Speckles and me will be upstairs!" He said before resuming his motion of dragging me up the stairs, well I still managed to walk, but you get the idea.
Nevertheless, I turned back towards the two adults looking at us and gave mother a wave.
"Bye mom!" To which she promptly smiled and waved back at me as we finally reached the top of the stairs and turned a corner, my vision being replaced with wall until I faced forwards.
Button finally let go of my hoof and I graciously set it back down onto the floor and walked a little circle to test it. Giving it a nod before following Button as he opened his door, him stepping aside as I stepped in and into the middle of the room. Looking around with a look of genuine surprise at what exactly his room was covered In, and how not far off it was to my br- a kids room would be on earth. Hm.
The door shut and I heard soft footsteps on the carpet, a childish voice taking me out of my stupor. Turning towards him.
"Shocked, huh?" He said with a prideful tone.
"Kinda, more or less surprised. I didnt expect your room to be covered in posters, no wait, I did expect that..I just didn't expect you to have every console known to pony kind.." I fumbled my way through that sentence as I focused on a shelf littered with different familiar, yet different looking retro consoles.
"Yeah I do! I love playing games, and mom got tired of me spending money on arcade tokens so she bought me them!" He said happily, his propeller cap spinning slightly.
I wonder if he has any spare propeller hats, I might want to wear one and see the effects it has on ponies..
"Well, lucky you. I dont even have a gaming console! But anyways, shouldn't we get started?" My distracted brain came up with and the signals forced my mouth to open and enunciate the words.
"Oh! Yeah, let me just get some paper and we can start." He said before walking over towards the desk into the corner of the room. While he did that, I started wondering what words I should use to replace the profanity in that specific rap. Also, how exactly I was going to teach him how to keep in tempo with the beat as it speeds up...and how he would memorise all the words. Hm..
So I guess we would start from the basics.
"Alright, I've got the paper. Now, how do we start?" Button would say as he dropped down onto his butt next to me, placing the paper just in front of us, the ceremoniously spitting out a pencil from his mouth.
"Yuck." I responded.
"Yeah, yeah whatever filly.. anyways, tell me more about the whole rap thing. You said it was like a poem right?" He insulted and carried on, making my eye twitch slightly but shrugged it off. That was strike one.
"Uh, yeah. Its kinda hard to explain. Basically like I said before, it's like reciting a poem with music accompanying it. Its better with a visual representation, but theres really nothing here I can make a beat with."
I paused and took a look around the room, there wasn't much I could really make use of. Also, before I even gave an example of a rap, what exactly should I use as an example? Theres a literally endless amount.
Though I guess I could try pen tapping. If these hooves proved fit to. --- The two mares walked into the kitchen and both took a seat at the dining table, fixing each other with a small smile before one of them would initiate conversation. Now that the two colts were upstairs, there wasnt any childish interruptions or adorable acts that they could laugh at or gush over.
Caring heart started the conversation with a question, but also ended up slipping in a joke.
"Would you like something to drink? Or maybe some sugar cubes? Celestia knows I need to get rid of those before I have a constantly hyper foal on my hooves." She huffed before pointing at a half full glass jar, Hazel giving them a once over and shaking her head. Giggling at the implications before responding.
"Oh, no thank you. I need to watch my figure, Speckles already added on a few pounds after birth." She joked before running a hoof through her hair.
"It doesnt seem like he added much, if his small size is anything to say about it." Caring refuted, sparking a laugh out of the both of them.
"He is really small, despite him not liking anyone commenting on it. But it just makes my little foal cuter, especially when he says it adds a 'one hundred percent cuteness booster'." Hazel would respond with an exaggeration of her hoof.
"Although that does sound like something Button would say, I cant say I disagree with him." She sighed "it reminds me of how Button used to be when he was younger."
"Button is eight years old right?" Hazel broke the silence, shifting in her seat while waiting.
"Oh, yes. Just turned eight years old. Its likes time flies by when you dont notice..." she lamented.
"I wish I could say the same, these days time seems like it's going a hundred miles a minute, but at the same time in slow motion. If that's a correct way of saying things?" She brought a hoof to her chin before smiling abruptly. That's exactly how Speckles thinks and would says things.
Caring seemed to understand what she was laying down "I think I can partially understand what you're saying. Though it has been hard for the both of you if I am to understand?" She said carefully, choosing her words carefully.
"Exactly, it's just nice to be able to sit down again with somepony and just conversate.." another sigh was let out in between pauses before she continued. Looking over towards where the stair case was, then back to the other mare sitting across from her.
"Now that is something I can agree with, it's always nice to sit and talk with somepony. Even if it's one you just met, proves to be a great way for making friends" she finished with a smile.
Hazel also smiled. "Now Speckles will believe I have more friends than he knows of, so he can and I quote "die happy, knowing mother has friends"
Caring tilted her head curiously "may I hear the story behind that?" Obviously interested in what she just said.
I turned from my position on his bed to him laying at the edge of it. The both of us decided that the bed would be the comfier option than sitting on the floor. Also we unanimously agreed that we would stop working on his project for now, mind you we did get stuff done. Just, he got bored, I got bored. Sooner or later, the project was pushed aside and we were just chilling.
I was still stumped on how I could make a beat that fit the actual rap, while pen tapping could work like I said earlier. I dont think these hooves were meant for it.. anyways.
"Wassup?" I responded, still wondering how exactly I'd introduce him into this whole genre of music. It's not like I could pop a music player into existence.. wait.
I raised my hoof and imagined for a moment, closing my eyes briefly and opening them. Expecting somethingz, I was disappointed to see nothing had appeared. I could stop time but no- oh wait shit, I forgot about tha-
I had gotten too lost In my thoughts that I was spooked when Button entered my line of sight so suddenly. I jumped and let out a manly sound, bonking heads with the other foal as we both held our heads. Ouch.
"Oww.. geez, did I really scare you that badly?" He said in confusion.
I looked over him past my hoof and defended myself. "Uh..no, no I wasnt scared. I just wasnt laying attention and you just appeared randomly." Which was true for the most part.
I could feel the eye roll, him laughing and responding.
"Yeah, yeah whatever. Anyways, what I was going to say was when you were going to show me one if those rap thingies. You said you would earlier, also you were going to show me exactly how to say all of those words you wrote down all at once."
"Well, technically those words are the main rap I want you to perform for your project, which I'll show you... hold on, I'll just show you now I guess." I guess I'd just do It without a beat.
Just as I was about to start with the rapping. I was interrupted by the door to Buttons room suddenly opening, the both of us turning to see my mom poking her hear into the room. She smiled sheepishly before fully stepping into the room and flashing an apologetic smile at Button. I raised an eyebrow before she pointed at an imaginary watch on her wrist. I tilted my head before nodding, I want confused by the gesture. More confused by the fact that a horse could wear a watch. Anyways. I was slightly disappointed by the intrusion.
"Has time gone by that fast?" I was the first to break the silence, drawing an utterly confused reaction from Button. He scrambled to his feet before striding over to his rooms window, peeling back a poster that covered it to peer into the darkening streets of Ponyville. Huh.
"Unfortunately so, sorry for interrupting your little colt time. But this old mare is getting tired." She lightly joked, holding out a hoof in a come hither motion. Before I did so, I looked over to a pouting brown colt. Ugh, my heart. But I persevered, giving him a small wave and continued walking over to mother.
"That sucks, but we can always hang out sometime else right?" I said in a hopeful tone. More to give Button a sense that we would get together again.
Mothers large hoof brushed the top of my head and messed with my hair and shook the goggles that I was wearing back and forth. Which i had surprisingly forgotten that I was wearing, which meant I wasnt able to brag about it! Wait. Did that mean Button didn't notice them on the top of my head? Or was it just something that didnt really neeed an explanation, like him wearing a propeller cap. Seemingly for the hell of it.
But with this many questions, reality was once again calling and I had to tune my ears back into the frequency that speech was picked up in. A pretty fucking weird way of saying I tuned back into the conversation. But I'm just weird like that.
I was only able to catch the ending part of the conversation as the older colt was suddenly in front of me. I blinked in a mute show of surprise before being surprised again by him holding out a hoof to me. I stared at it for a moment before realizing he wanted a bro fist. So I reciprocated and our hooves bumped lightly against each other.
"Well, it sucks that its already night and that you didnt get to show me that rap thing.. but I guess we'll have to do it the next time you come over! He said exactly how a friend would talk to you after a playdate, smiling all the while.
"Yeah, dude. Till next time!" I said before starting to walk out of the room with mom. Lazily descending down the stairs by hitching a ride on the mim train, we were greeted by Caring Heart by the door. Who also gave us a farewell before shutting the door behind us, and with that. The two main characters of this story were alone once again.
Nah. I'm more like that one cool looking background character that everyone would make their own headcanon type thing for.
...Moving on.
I took in the sun as it was in its final stages of setting. It looked nice, but still made me wonder if the Princess raising and lowering the sun and moon thing being legit. I mean this was a magical world and all, and I did just slay the two immortal beings in my dreams. But... nevermind, I see where my own reasoning would start to fail me. Starting with the whole dream thing.
Interesting. I wonder how it can be exploited.
But that would have to wait.
"That was certainly a nice use of our time." Mother stated out of the blue with a tired yet upbeat tone.
"Yeah, definitely. It was cool going to someponies house for the first time" I said in agreeance.
"Well. I guess we will be busy with something new while we wait for Spitfire to be done with her duties-" she said with a small yawn. Pausing before speaking again, drawing a confused stare from me.
"-well, I guess that's proof it being time for night night." She gave the words 'night night' and extra oomph by adding a silly voice to it. Which did succeed in making me giggle. But I still found a hole in her logic.
"But mom, didnt we spend the first half of the day sleeping? How are you tired already?"
"I mean.. Is it just an excuse to cuddle or something? I'm not really that tired so I guess you'll have to sleep alone for a bit" I said with as much innocence that I could muster into my already teasing manner.
She went silent for a moment before scoffing in a joking manner, continuing that scoff until she finally found the right words.
"-well.. well because bedtime!" She concluded firmly. Pointing up at the sky with a hoof. Taking me back for a moment as I repeated those words in a slightly stunned manner.
"Bedtime..?"
"Yes, bedtime! The two of us might have slept practically all day, but it's still time for sleep!" She said in a louder voice this time but reigned it in as she tried to stop her demeanor from cracking.
I felt a smile also appear on my face at the act. But I couldn't help feel a slight twinge of nostalgia as a memory pushed itself into the fore front of my mind.
'Its bed time uggo! Go to bed!'
'No no. Bedtime!'
I immediately shook it away as soon as it played through my head. I didn't need a memory like that coming to make me feel sad. Instead focusing that rising feeling into entertaining mothers over exaggerated display of mine and bers exhaustion.
It wasnt right for me to get sad by that. Not after I promised myself something.
Mother was as devious as she was exhausted. Or atleast that's what she says, I doubt it. Despite how much I love her, I cant help but call complete Cap here. Because as soon as we made it to the house she unlocked it without even taking a look at the keyhole. Whenever I was tired and got home I always fumbled the keys, but got better at handling them as I always imagined zombies or some sort of demons coming at me whever I tried unlocking the door. Good times..
But anyways. Mom was just suing the exhaustion as a cover to cuddle and that was that, which I really wasn't opposed to cuddling and stuff. But she really didnt need to make an excuse like this, I wouldn't say anything if she was feeling like being lazy.
Mother was quick to make it up the stairs and into her bedroom, completely ignoring my own bedroom that stood across from hers. Disposing me into the very soft and comfortable bed, she made her way out into the hallway and down the hall. I could hear her footfalls stop and a door opening and closing. Ah, bathroom.
I was also quick to dismiss that and roll over a few times on the bed. Dont judge me, if you were tiny you would do the exact same thing I was doing. The bed felt massive to my tiny body and I was taking advantage of that. Despite all of the tell tale signs that mother was planning something, I continued with the smothering of my body on the blankets.
Until I was rudely interrupted by mother being a sneaky ninja all of the sudden and ambushing me. Yelling out a "rawr" and making me fucking jump. I did not squeal, all I did was jump and got slightly frightened at her sudden appearance. But after the fact, I was immediately scooped into her soft and fuzzy embrace as she jumped onto the bed and plopped me down onto her stomach.
I gave her a small frown to compliment her devious and shit eating grin. This only added to her flame as she giggled and bent her head forwards, placing a kiss upon my nose. I felt my face flush and my arms were immediately up and trying to cover my face, number one because I was blushing, I never blush. Number two, because my nose was my weak spot. At least it was when mother got like this.
Though she was quick to move my arms away and pressed her nose against mine, effectively nuzzling me.
"M-mother!" I said in defense.
"Whaaat?" She said innocently.
"Cant I show my adorable foal that I love them? Oh so much?" She cooed.
I couldn't find myself able to say no to that.
I simply sighed and rested my chin on her chest. Closed my eyes and simply said "I love you mom."
She acquiesced. "I love you too sweetie"
----
Princess Luna found herself staring at the very annoying door of the child who'd completely thrown her and her sister of their dream. It made her feel a multitude of things and made her say a multitude of words to her sister, who just took the situation and its outcome in strides. Acting all nonchalant, when she clearly can tell that Luna is very angry at the situation and at the child. Although the hate for the child themselves was made up of many many annoyances she found herself listing off when she first encountered their door. A bead of sadness came with the anger, layered underneath it like a perfectly decorated cake, the icing appealing and looking rather delectable. But in truth, when. She would take a bite into it, it would give way and dissolve into a bitter and melancholy feeling.
She wanted to help this foal and get to the bottom of the problem with the changelings specifically guarding him, this is why she was more upbeat and deep into the idea. While her sister is as interested and concerned with the foals well being herself, she finds it very very annoying that Celestia would try to downplay it. But with her teeth already straining underneath the force of her grinding them back and forth, she opens her mouth and sighed heavily. Walking closer and closing the distance between her and the door, the chains ever prevalent. Though with a much thicker lining than she remembered, it seemed as though the child hardened his defenses.
That was another reasons why he intrigued her so much. Was the fact that he was seemingly aware of his dreamlike state and willed everything in his dreams, even doing a feat that many would dream of! Overpowering both of the princesses mental prowess and throwing them off like limp sausages!
No. Not like sausages, what was she thinking? She narrowed her eyes and rubbed at her stomach, agreeing that after her excursion she would get herself some sustenance. Maybe a sausage or two. It did sound good now that she did think about it.
But there wasnt time to think about those delectable little pieces of food, it was time to force her way into the child's heads and force him to- she stopped herself. That was rather intense, even for her. Those days were behind her. Instead, she would make her way into the dream and convince the child into giving her answers. Also possibly reprimanding him for disgracefully throwing a glowing blade at her and figuratively killing her.
She realized she was going to deep into things and was just giving the door a very hard and intense look. Shaking her head and focusing back at the task at hoof, she placed a hoof onto the metal chain wrapped tightly around the door and tugged at it. Just barely being able to lift it up for just a moment, feeling the overwhelming and surprising amount of density inside of this mental construct. She was impressed and felt her growing curiosity with this child grow, ponies weren't usually able to pull feats like this and successfully repel seemingly Godlike beings. Maybe the occasional lich or at times a necromancer, but the rarity of those two being around was slim to none. For she swiftly took care of them long ago.
She was getting off topic once more. Not noticing that at her touch a reaction occurred and the chains suddenly pulsed, causing her to take a step back in surprise. Tilting her head as a black substance creeped it's way out of the door and stated culminating tight in front if her, curiosity was taking charge and she decided against readying her horn. Watching as the substance shaped into a rectangular object, with the substance swirling and starting to thicken. Her eyes then widened as the black color faded and was replaced by a bright white rectangle floating in front of her. She was ready to inspect the object but was stopped as letters started to form, or rather write themselves onto the surface.
It finally finished writing out the character before moving downwards and drawing a small circle with a line through it before dissipating.
She shook the surprise and went to inspect it, lighting her horn and trying to discern what exactly this black substance was made of. But there was nothing she was able to pick up, for it was all muddle and hard to discern. Yes, she could sense that it was magic at foot. But what type?
This would've been what fully caught her interests if not for her instinctively reading what was written. It made her gasp as she read it out loud.
"No girls allowed?! Especially those that are so tall that everyone has to look at them... refer to bullet points below. No big and tall ponies with wings and pointy horns!?"
She reached up and touched her horn before pouting. It was not that pointy! She had only stabbed her enemies mercilessly with...ah, she sees the contradiction.
"Bah! This foal cannot undermine the ruler of the night! Overseer of dreams! I am Princess Luna destroyer of evi-oh!" Rearing back on her hooves she started.
When she opened her eyes and dropped back down to the ground she stared as the door was now slightly opened. The chains hung limply on the ground and the no girls allowed sign was no where to be seen.
But she took this as a win. She had obtained entrance to the foals dreams once more and she intended on getting what she wanted. Stepping forwards and into the dream realm she expected an expansive black void that she'd have to traverse for a while like before, but was taken back as she was met with an enormous wall. Looking from her left to her right she could not see any end to this wall, her confusion suddenly peaked as a loud metallic noise was heard.
She snapped her head back forwards and was able to witness four individual pieces of the wall suddenly slid open. Four openings were what she was left with, the last one to the right was even darker than the rest.
She was currently confused. More than she had been since her other visit with the foal, what was this? An entrance to a labyrinth of sorts? Why was he making it so hard!
She felt frustrated and reared her head back and casted a spell intended to collapse the constructs in front of her. Only to be surprised as it stood strong, a single scorch mark lay where her magic had impacted and she was stunned.
"What? T'is impossible. None have been able to persist whenever I cast that spell.." she muttered to herself.
She sighed. It seemed as if she was going to have to play along with this child's play, no matter how strong it seemed. No matter how intentional it seemed, nor smart nor calculated. He was a foal at the end of the day, a simple foal with a great control over their own dreamscape was no match for her. She walked these planes far longer than he has, persisted longer than the thought of him even came to mind.
But why was she so powerless in this situation? They were but a child. This was all but impossible.
"Faust my sisters name.." she cursed before walking towards the path with the most light emitting from it. Stopping just in front of it and peering into the narrow hallway, where some twists and turns were able to be seen. So her hunch of this being some type of labyrinth wasn’t far off, yet it was intriguing. This was such a fortified construct. Something that not even the smartest child should be able to even mentally comprehend.
This was anomalous. This was unnatural and she would get to the bottom of this.
So she sucked in breath and stepped into the narrow hallway, taking a few steps before being startled by the metallic noise once more. Snapping around, she witnessed as the exit slid shut and she was left inside.
Princess Luna had no idea how long it had been since she'd entered this construct. This behemoth of a maze that had been constructed presumably to keep her out of the colts dreams. It was impressive at first glance, the idea of a colt creating a labyrinth of who knows what intrigued her. Though once she had actually stepped hoof into the thing, she found annoying. Annoying in the sense that it had her constantly walking along varying paths which either would be well lit, or the complete opposite and completely pitch black.
She had found it massively tedious and lacking. Huffing to herself as she took another right turn and walked into a dead end, making her form a frown before stomping the ground and turning around. Only to walk into another wall.
As she stumbled back in confusion she wouldnt notice the area around her shift in ways one would think impossible before finally, the wall to her right slid open. Pulling herself together sue would turn to her right and peer into the narrowing passage, tilting her head as she vaguely made out a beam of light at the end.
Knowing there was nowhere else but dead ends for her, she turned and walked into the passage. Finding it getting harder and harder for her to fit through the shrinking hallway before having to squeeze her way through, eventually getting to the point of where her hips got stuck. She puffed out her cheeks as she tries continuing forwards, only just barely scraping by as the sound her body made against the metal proved her struggle.
"..damned...WAL-oof!" As she continued her struggle the hallway suddenly pushed her forward and dropped her onto her muzzle. She groaned once more before pushing herself up onto her hooves, turning to rub at her hips. She fell short as she noticed the small passageway she entered had suddenly turned into a closed off space. It made her blink for a moment, hadnt she just been struggling to fit through there just a moment ago? Where had the...
Her thoughts were cut short as her ears pricked up at the distant sound of something, drawing her attention over to the sudden change in scenery. She was now standing at the foot of an entrance to a cave, the inside being impossible to see from where she was standing. Wasnt she just stuck In a narrow hallwa- she was interrupted by the sound she heard picking up in volume. No longer muffled and seemingly getting closer.
She took a step and backed away from the entrance to the cave, a sense of caution and fear starting to settle in as she braced her horn just in case of anything.
The sound started up once again and now she could clearly make out the sound of footsteps specifically those of a pony. Hence the clopping of hooves against a rocky surface. Though the sound did slightly relive and confuse her at the same time, the only other pony here were her and the colt. Who else would be here?
Then her thoughts were completely thrown off track as the sight of her one and only sister stepped out of the cave. Stopping just in front of her as she just stated blankly at her.
Luna was taken back by the sudden appearance, though quickly breathes a sigh of relief at the sight. Her guard dropped and she went to question her sister for just randomly appearing and frightening her. Why would she just randomly appear here if she had told her before hoof that an approach like this didnt seem necessary.
How was she here if she didnt have the ability to enter ones dreams? That made her stop, her relief turning into suspicions as quickly as a spinning dial.
"Sister..?" She said slowly. Taking in the rather put of character blank stare she was being given by her sister. She got no response.
As she took a step back. Celestia took a step forwards. As this was happening, she could feel herself getting increasingly apprehensive. A thought at the back of her head faintly warning her about the pony in front of her.
Though before she could think any further or even act on anything, she was interrupted by a sickening crunch coming from her sister. Startling her into taking another step back as her sisters form started to curl in on itself while continuing to emit the sickening noise.
Luna could only stare on in horror as her sister body continued contorting and bending until finally, black limbs broke through from underneath her sisters pony form and sprouted upwards before curving onto the floor. The tattered body of her sister was hauled into the air as the limbs rose to their full height. An orange substance ran across the underside of the newly forming creature and packed together, creating a glowing abdomen of sorts.
Luna couldn't find it in herself to move. She was full of fear and could only stare as her sisters body continued being subject to the creatures transformation.
With it all ending as the creature kept Celestias head as it's own and twisted it upside down. Rearing backwards and using her sisters head as a puppet of sorts, it roared and immediately lunged for her frozen form.
She couldn't even muster out a scream before everything went dark.
--
I watched the large monitor with a disappointed expression. Ever since I fell asleep and noticed that a little certain someone was currently in my little defense maze. I decided to just imagine up a large monitor that would let me see into and focus on individuals in the maze. Which was Princess Luna, until she up and died.
I kinds expected her to put up some sort of fight against the creatures in the maze. But I guess the Nosk was too traumatizing for her..
"Hmm. Wonder if this will reflect any meetings I'll have with the Princesses in the future.."
---
Queen Chrysalis stood at the foot of her basically paraplegic younger sisters bed with a very unamused frown on her face. Her fangs dug against the bottom of her lips as she gave her one more look over before turning her attention to the shaking drone standing next to her. Casually turning her head over to look at him, she internally sighed at the sight of his shaky form getting even worse the longer she just stared at him. Part of her was happy at the fact of her being that visually frightening to her subordinates, and the other half was disappointed that this was what her sister had to offer in the form of drones.
She finally broke the silence as the pitiful sight started forming a sour taste in the back of her throat.
"Fret not little drone.. everything will surely turn out alright." She finished with a devilish grin, lowering her head closer to his and simply laughed as he flinched. Truly pitiful.
On the other hoof. Now that she clearly had to wait for the spell she used to quicken the process of her recovery, she could focus on the one thing that stood out to her. When she had decided to question those who knew of the situation regarding her sister, mainly the drone that she took with her. Even despite the injuries that he sported he was still able to stay conscious enough for her to get all the information she needed...before his speech disassembled and he was fixated on a specific pony. A colt to be in fact.
It intrigued her at the moment, though she couldn't get much after that because the drone was so fixated that the colt was all that they were talking about. At first it made her wonder what exactly her sister was teaching and encouraging her children to do before hearing a specific phrase that made her thoughts stop entirely.
Even though the drone sounded so unhinged that his speech was immediately interpreted as meaningless drabble, but it still intrigued her nonetheless. An endless amount of love? From a child no less? It was a chance that she was very willing to chase after, no matter how outrageous it sounded.
Even if it did turn out to be false, the outcome still benefited her. Children were easier to manipulate and drain love out of, so it's still a win win situation in her head.
But with that in mind. She once again turned towards the shaking drone in the room and smiled once more, knowing exactly what she was going to do.
"Drone."
He jumped before turning his head to her, avoiding eye contact as soon as his own eyes met hers.
"Yes, Queen Chrysalis?" He said in a weak voice.
"Gather all of your infiltrators together. I'll be needing to speak them. Understand?"
"Y-yes Que-" he never got the chance to speak as he was once again interrupted.
"Good. Now run along." She said with a wave of her hoof, prompting him to quickly turn tail and vacate the room. Leaving Chrysalis to her own evil thoughts.
After the whole princess Luna and having her face her own sister in the form of a Nosk, a creature that shapeshifts and takes the face of the prey that they have killed. Or even the prey that they are going to kill, and before that I put her through a slightly traumatizing maze. If you were to go into the specific combinations of maze twist and turns, would traumatize you for sure. But I can't help but feel that I sparked something that would go on to spark another situation and yadda yadda..
Anyways, I guess I'll have to wait for another one of these annoying situations to come up again. Who knows how these royal horses are going to react after I bamboozled them the first time, then proceeded to bamboozle them again.
But I think that's when I woke up. Apparently when you think too hard about things and are already conscious of the fact that you are lucid dreaming, I guess they didn't go together well enough.
Though moving on from that, back to the situation at hand. Which was waking up to that same comfortable and fuzzy feeling all over my body. It was quite distracting, enough to make me almost completley forget about the really serious and adult situation, I should probably be considering at this moment. But in the end, nah. Comfort is overloading my system.
I simply let my eyes close again and snuggled in closer to what I assumed was mother's neck and or chest fluff. It half tempted me enough to go back to sleep, but since I've already woken up and sworn to myself that I wouldnt spend my days lazing about. I reluctantly moved my head back from the deep position I was in and opened my eyes.
Accidentally bending myself too far back to the point of where I ended up doing that thing where your body is like "falling!" And you get that child up your spine before you just end up falling over and onto your back. Does that sound weird? I wonder. Since I'm talking to myself and...
Anyways, I pulled myself up and onto my butt before taking a moment to blink back the harsh beams of light. Rubbing at the both of them with a hoof for a moment before giving a test blink and dropping my hoof. A small grin replaced as I fully opened my eyes and yawned, the tired feeling was still there but I could deal with it.
I'd always been a morning person back in my adult years, but it's sort of nice to know you have no repercussions neither any reason to stop your from sleeping in late. Just another nod to how absolutely great I have it here, minus the assault and almost kidnapping. But I could deal with those things, humans are big smart and we all know the reason we survive was on our smart brains and fear.
Where am I going with this? I could not tell you, I'm a sucker for trivial nonsense in the morning. Many reasons why my doggo back at home would.. and that sad feeling is creeping back up! Initiate doing something else to distract myself. Go!
Eyes focusing back onto the peacefully sleeping mother, I grinned and started crawling back towards her. Reaching up towards her face and lightly poking at it.
"Yo, mom."
Nothing.
"Mooom."
Her muzzle scrunched up.
"Motheeeer."
She batted my hoof away before moving to roll over.
"Well.. if that's how it's going to be" I said to myself in response to her completley ignoring my attempts to wake her. This was cause for me to bring out the big guns. So with that, I opened my mouth wide and-
"Mom! Spitfire is here to ask you on a date!!" I blurted out with a big as grin on my face.
To which I got an immediate and very pleasing response from my poor poor mother.
Her eyes snapped opened and she hauled herself up into a sitting position while opening her mouth, about to say something before her wide eyes snapped shut and she recoiled.
"Whaza--agh! The light!" She spouted before falling backwards onto her pillow and covering her face with her hooves.
As she recovered from her rude awakening, I took the moment to do what a kid would do after causing some mischief. I laughed.
"Pffttt! Hah! Good morning mom!" I was able to get out before falling backwards once again.
It was mean, but that expression on her face was too priceless! I've never seen her more alert than at this very moment.
It actually made me wonder if she had any actual f-
"Come here you!" I suddenly heard in the middle of my own mental conversation before I was grabbed and hauled over towards her. I once again let my guard down and mother took advantage of it and landed me trapped in her clutches!
She held me up in front of her and stared me in the eyes for a good few minutes, allowing me to fully accept my fate and hopelessly say.
"Let's talk about this." I said with a small smile.
"You see, you wouldnt wake up and-" my voice was silenced as she simply ddint say anything to me, her narrowed expression turning into a smile. Not one of innocent joy like mine are, no. This was one if those smiles where she would end up tickling me right after the intimidation.
"Aw shucks.." I uselessly said before the torture started.
----
After what seemed to be hours of being mercilessly tickled by a very vengeful mother she finally stopped. I was left exhausted and very regretful laying on mother's stomach, breathing in and out slowly before moving my head up to look at her smug expression.
Her hooves then shortly thereafter came down and gently patted the top of my head as she sighed. All the energy she put into punishing me for that little joke sizzled out and she reciprocated my earlier greeting.
The two sisters sat in a comfortable silence as the morning sun was brought to a halt by princess Celestia, who was enjoying a cup of tea with her eyes closed. While across from her in a rather disorganized state, her younger and much darker sister sat with a shaky cup of coffee in her hooves. The night's encounter with the child had left her suddenly not as inclined to fall asleep or head back into the dream realm once more.
Along with not being a morning pony by a long shot, she blinked rapidly and snuck a glance at her sister. Bright white and elegant Celly. Prim perfect and quite possibly monstrous behind all of that. Just watching how she drank the tea as If it was nothing made her twitch back down to her own cup. Her perception of her sister was quite literally broken and replaced with whatever else was formed inside of that foal's dreams.
She shuddered before setting her cup of coffee down. Clearing her through before blatantly asking from across the room.
"Sister, if thou were a monster using the skin of a pony.. thou would tell us correct?"
Celestia froze and coughed in surprise as her warm tea went down her throat too rapidly. Placing a hoof against her chest before setting down her cup of tea she looked up and gave Luna a confused expression.
"What?"
"Would you?"
"I-I don't understand the que-"
"Heresy!" Luna screamed out abruptly.
---
Now that all the excitement had died down and the two of us were left with a rather quiet and uneventful morning as of right now, I found myself mindlessly walking up and down the halls and rooms of our newly claimed house. It was a lot nicer and more spacious than the one we had to quite literally leave in the dust back in Canterlot. I guess that's just a plus.
Mother was busying herself in the bathroom doing whatever this world's version of women do in there. It honestly didn't seem to change with the opposite genders extended use of the lavatory.
Why did I use such a big brained wording for the bathroom? Because I'm bored. Which Is something I find myself being a lot these days, with the lack of going to school or a dead end job dragging me down. Two things I'm grateful that I no longer have to do right now but still. It's like that moment of college where I graduated and was like 'well. What the hell do I do now?'
Not like finding a job was any easier. Every friggin resume I would turn in would not be accepted because it seemed like I was writing it in a way where it was too personal. Like, what?
But anyway, no more of that bland adult stuff. I've had quite my fill of it.
"Aight. Time to get into some mischief...or not" I said before immediately pouting in disappointment. Sure the house was furnished and all that jazz, but it still lacked a lot of things that made it fun to do back in Canterlot.
Ugh. Screw it, back to adult thinking. Or at least something like that, being an adult sucks.
I spread my wings and hovered over to the couch in the living room and dropped my body on it, quickly flipping over onto my back and staring at the ceiling.
What to do, what to do..
What I would give to have my phone here with me. Or maybe something that actually played music, I always listened to something while I was critically thinking or just randomly scrolling through my phone back on earth. Sure I could just sing my own music, acapella was nice, but most of it would include me using some profanity and or skyrocketing into some sort of soprano.
Y'know, now that I have the whole idea of music in my head I might as well sing something, which is very contradictory to what I literally just said not even to seconds ago. But, there's no one else here who can testify against that!
Anyway, What good song could I sing that wouldnt warrant any shocked reactions from mother dearest. Or maybe even a rap of some sorts, preferably one without as much profanity as modern day rappers like using.
Hm. Disney? Maybe. There's a lot I can list but that would just further my indecisiveness. There's also a lot I want to do but I'm limited. With my voice still being as childish as it is and also I've got no way of actually making it sound better. I doubt I could play a guitar with a hoof, much less a drum set. Though on second thought..
I'm getting too ahead of myself. This was just a little segment I was going to do to quench some boredom, and with all that thinking I think I've found what I'm going to be singing to myself!
Why didn't I think of it earlier? Broadway is a massive source of musical entertainment and in recent times, well.. as in before I died. There were alot of musicals gaining popularity and recognition.
So why not start my day off with the ballad between two people on different sides of the political spectrum. While one is not quite very forthcoming with anything he believes in, and the other is quite literally vocal with every literal thing he does. Its basically the driving force behind his character.
Right, dope. Sucks that I'll have to play two characters at once, but it'll be fun nonetheless.
With renewed excitement I lifted myself up into a sitting position before spreading my wings and hovering over the couch once more. I brought a hoof to my chin before smiling. Reaching over and grabbing onto the few pillows on the couch, I ceremoniously dumped them all onto the floor before dropping onto my hooves.
I quickly gathered up all the pillows and pushed them towards the center of the room before haphazardly stacking them up on each other. With the last plow in my hooves, I positioned it to where it was standing instead of laying flat like the others. I took a step back and admired my work. It was a pillow person, it wasn't necessary to make but it would make it alot easier to go through the motions of the song if I imagine the pillow as the actual opposition.
But enough of that. Onwards with the show.
Turning around and walking away from the pillow person I created, I turned back to face it just a few feet away and went to remember how the song went.
Quietly muttering the lyrics to myself to see if it sounded right.
"How does..hm...adve-" I quickly shook my head. It didn't sound right because it was the same song, yes. But it was the deleted draft of the official version of the song.
After a few moments I nodded. I think I got it this time. Quickly turning back around for the full effect I took in a breath before opening my mout-
"What are you doing sweetie?" A sudden female voice spoke and subsequently startled my ass.
"Sweet Jesus! Ah- oh, y'know.." I recovered from the sudden shock and turned around to look at mother. Who had successfully snuck up on me like the ninja she is, which is probably what she's smiling about right now.
She strode over and closed the distance between us with her long legs and then bent down and picked me up off the ground. Giving me a look over before bringing me close and nuzzling my face. It was abrupt, but I didn't mind.
"Aha I can never get enough of you sweetie." She said with a giggle before focusing her attention back on the pile of pillows. An eyebrow raised in confusion at what she was seeing.
I answered accordingly.
"You see, I was trying to sing a duet. Because I was bored.. soo. I made an imaginary pony out of pillows so I could sing both parts and not sound awkward." I said with an innocent expression.
She let out a small hum before asking. "Oh, was it another one of those little songs you come up with?" She asked with intrigue, obviously referring to when I took advantage of my new vocal cords and sang all those Disney songs.
Which wasn't that far off from what was actually going to be sung, since Disney practically owns everything these days..
The whole thinking about what to sing had me scouring my head for any songs I could sing..and unfortunately.
"This is the song that never ends~" I blurted out.
"Yes it goes on and on my friends!" Shit.
"Somepeople- started singing it not knowing what it was!" Damn it.
"And they'll continue singing it forever just because!" Why the hell did I even remember this song?
"This I-"
I took a moment to slap myself across the face in order to get that outta my system, I have no idea where it came from or rather why it came to me all of a sudden! But hell, that song is annoying. Yet it's pretty catchy..
No! No. No matter how catchy it is, I will never let that song ever slip out of my mouth ever again. It makes me physically sick just to think about that song beyond this point, so I'm doing what I think is best. Completely moving on and focusing my attention back onto the situation at hand.
I was sitting on mother's back as she walked along the streets of Ponyville in order to get some food. I relished in the silence for a moment before blinking as mother started speaking in a slightly disappointed tone.
"Aw- honey why'd you stop singing? That was a nice sounding song!" She finished in a cheery tone before turning forwards once more, casually bobbing her head up and down as she hummed. Hummed the song I was singing out loud not even a few moments ago.
That made my eyes bulge out for a moment as I realized the mistake I made. Quickly letting out a nervous chuckle I inched forwards on her back and placed both hooves on her head. She stopped humming and turned slightly in a questioning manner, to which I immediately spoke against the usage of that song. Ever.
"Hah-uh, mom. I dont think it's that good of a song.. it's more annoying than anything really, only like four verses. None of that good stuff." I finished before rubbing a hoof against the back of my neck.
She lifted a hoof before softly stamping it back down onto the ground. "Nonsense! It's a cute and fun little song- like the other one you sang..hmm. what was it?" She said before drifting off into thought.
"Mom really, I don't think-" I was interrupted.
"Right! it was like Hakuna Matata!" was what she said in the end.
"But Hakuna Matata is a feel good song. A nice song you can sing with friends, not meant to be annoying li-" I couldn't finish my reasoning before she started singing the dreaded song.
"This is the song that never ends~" she said with a smile.
"Mo-" I tried.
"Yes it goes on and on my friends!" She persisted.
"Come on sweetie- some people started singing it not knowing what it was!"
I placed both hooves against my face as I fell backwards on her back and let out a very very loud groan.
"And they'll continue singing it forever just because!"
Kill me. AGAIN. ----
"-Luna." Celestia started. Giving her younger sister a concerned yet tired glare from across the table. The latter had decided to use one of the poor butlers as some sort of barrier between the two of them. Much to her annoyance and the butler's nervousness. She couldn't even get close to her sister without having the butler telekinetically pushed in front of her.
"Cease! BEAST!"
She mentally sighed and she fell back into her own chair, a hoof pressed against her mane. She was definitely going to have to give that pony a raise, maybe some time off after this. Whatever this is.
"Luna.. inside voices please." She continued.
"Why? In order for thou to consume mine flesh as if it were a delectable treat? Nay! WE THINK TIS IS THE BE-'' At this Celestia finally did something.
"Faust damn it Luna!" She shouted before standing up and lighting her own horn, wrenching the butler out of a startled Luna's grasp and floated him towards her. Giving the very frightened pony a motherly smile in the midst of this madness and gently setting him down. The poor thing could hardly stand.
"My little pony, I am terribly sorry for how my sister was acting. Please, take the rest of the week off" she apologized.
"A-all.. is f-forgiven princess!" He said while taking a moment to hastily bow before sprinting out of the room.
Celestia sighed before her aggravated face popped back up and she turned back to look at her sister. Who was now holding the fork she used to eat her breakfast as a weapon! Honestly.
"Luna. I'm only going to tell you this once. I am not a shapeshifting creature that likes to eat ponies. I am also neither a changeling or an imposter.". She reasoned while walking around the table and towards her sisters end.
"Bu-" she shut down her sister's comments in an instant.
"No. I am your sister Luna. Co-ruler of Equestria, nothing more and nothing less." She finished with an exhausted tone.
Luna looked at her with narrowed eyes for a good few moments before finally closing her own and sighing for herself. The fork leaves the hold from her magic and clatters back onto the table.
"We- I... I am sorry sister." Luna started.
"Last night's visit to the child's dreams proved to be one of nightmares.. it simply clouded my thoughts with fear." She lamented.
Celestia frowned and walked closer to her sister, reaching up a hoof and placing it against her back. While trying to comfort her sister, she asked what exactly was nightmarish about the sweet colts' dreams. She'd been there herself, there seemed nothing else but a child thankfully unaffected by the terrible situation happening around them.
"Luna, please help me understand. It doesn't quite register in my mind how you would be so affected by this child?"
Luna was quick to retort, her eyes snapped open and she snapped over to where Celestia was standing. Startling her a bit as she took a step back.
"Sister, that's just it! There's something wrong with that child. What I witnessed in his head was not normal! Not normal at all.. it was so irregular from a normal foals dreams.."
"How so?" Her head tilted at her sister's outburst.
"Sister. He constructed a labyrinth inside of his head just to keep me out! Also, just to seemingly entice me he placed a sign right outside his door that just- and then he-agh! I just don't get it!" She cried out and let her head drop onto the table.
"..I just want to help him, Celly. Is that so bad of me? I just-" Celestia couldn't stand to see her sister like this anymore. She sighed before moving in closer and nuzzling at her distressed sister's face.
"Luna.. look at me." She said as she pulled back. Watching as she slowly brought her head up to meet her own, tears forming at the edges of her distressed face. She simply hugged her.
Staying silent for a moment pulling back, but keeping her at hooves length.
"You've done nothing wrong. You were simply trying to help him like you have with many other children.. it's what you do" she smiled. "There's really no explanation to mind that could explain what caused you to act this way. At first it seemed imperceivable that the sweet little colt we first witness was the proprietor of your grief."
Celestia thought back to that night where the two of them entered the child's dreams. Well, unannounced. But still they did it for the benefit of the child, though she did think back to how the child reacted to the two of them.
"Thank you sister" Luna sniffled out a smile before casting her gaze downwards.
"But what shall we do about the colt?" She asked. "I don't think I have it in me to brave their dreams with the vigor I did before '' she admitted.
Celestia smiled. Wiping away a tear from her sister's cheek before nodding, it was something she should've done from the start.
"Something we should've done from the start. Meet them face to face."
I felt a little more dead inside after the tenth round of the song that never fucking ends.
Anyway.
Mother was currently talking to some street vendor. I couldn't care less because I had an ice cream cone in my hooves and it was frigging cookies and cream. Because we're unhealthy like that and eat dessert as breakfast dont fucking judge me.
Mother had one too but she gobbled it up as if it were candy. Which is funny, since it practically is candy. Wait- are cows sentient here? They've gotta be right? Hold up. Do they give out their milk willingly? Do they have their own cow society? Because I've checked some books and some animals are colonized and some are just basic. Like one hundred percent of the ones on earth.
..
....
Man. I think the ice cream had too much of an effect on me, I have never had such a big brain moment like that in a hot minute. Unless you count me setting up a whole maze to keep a spooky scary princess of dreams out of my dreams as a big brain play. Then, shit I dunno.
Anyways. Enough of the nonsense that my mind likes to randomly pop into existence. Back to the matter at hand. Finishing this ice cream and then moving onto what's really important. Quenching my boredom. Like honestly, that trip to CelestiaLand is sounding funner and more interesting every moment I do nothing. Well I could hang out with Button. Or make some new friends.
Hm. I don't really go to school, dunno if I ever will. But that crosses out a good bit of social interaction opportunities, which once again. I'm still grateful I'm homeschooled. Schools are a bitch and will forever be a bitch. I was exhausted by the time I got into my senior year, only to realise I had another how many years in college if I wanted to pursue what profession I liked. I mean, it was fun and all. Made some friends and made some bad decisions, but still. I reaffirm my statement.
I'm literally such a big brain player right now, and I'm only four years old!
..well. Four years plus those twenty, almost thirty years as an adult and yeah. That statement sounded more egotistical and less depressing in my head.
..
Oh, distraction! Mothers trying to say something.
"Uh-heh? Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." I said to mask the actuality of what I was really thinking about.
She simply giggled through the bag in her mouth. Wait, bag?
"Hold this" she muttered through her clenched teeth and turned her head to offer me the bag, to which I learnt forwards and grabbed onto with one hoof. The other still had the unfinished ice cream. I brought the bag back and set it down just in front of me as she continued looking forwards. Intrigue now on the bag, I brought the ice cream to my mouth and took a lick before questioning.
"So. Uh, what's in the bag?" I said before forgoing the tentative licks and simply stuffing the whole thing in my mouth and biting down.
"Just some apples and a bottle of cider" she casually droned. "Yknow, since we have an empty fridge with nothing in it. Also because eating dessert for breakfast is not a good habit to have" she finished with a small shrug of her shoulders, making me press my hoof down onto the bag as to not let it slip off.
"Also, how did you miss that whole transaction? That nice farmer pony was rather boisterous in her manner of speaking" she butted in.
"I-" I started but she interrupted.
"-no, don't answer the question. I remember now." She said in an exasperated yet light hearted tone.
I mean, true. But going back to what she said. Dessert for breakfast, a bad thing? I can't believe it. The audacity!
"Pft. Mother, you wounded me. Dessert for breakfast is a wonder" I moved on and argued with a smile.
"Truly it is, but my cute little foal wouldn't want to become my cute chubby little pony, would he?" She retorted. Making me pause for a moment and subconsciously made me look down at my rather flat stomach.
Fuck.
"Well.. no." I admitted before I huffed. "Fine. I can't argue with that."
"Mother knows best" she said triumphantly, wiggling her body in a funny manner. It made me laugh. But you weren't here to see it so I could say It didn't.
"Yeah. Yeah." I said in defeat.
But speaking of mother knows best. It does remind me of the disney song with the exact same name. At Least I think it has the same name.
Anyway, Mother is a godsend and you cannot judge me for laughing and loving her as much as I do.
A Lot better than my other mother that's for sure. But that's another story for another day. Maybe when I'm old enough to drink. If they even have alcohol here.
Hm..
I looked down and then looked back down for a single moment and were fast traveling like we were in fallout. Preferably New Vegas.
"Oh, we're at our doorstep." I offhandedly commented.
Mother simply scoffed and reached into her house, procuring the key to the house and unlocking it swiftly before taking us inside and shutting the door behind us.
"Don't forget to lock it." I said as she started walking further into the house.
"Oh! Thank you sweetie" she said before turning around and flipping the lock on the door. She looked at the deadbolt and contemplated it for a moment before shaking her head and turning back around.
"No probs. Speckles knows best of course" I joked.
"Speckles know best on how to get tickled." She fired right back at me as she walked over to the couch. Turning herself so I could slide off and onto the couch, I quickly fixed myself into a sitting position and watched her movements.
I was promptly ambushed by a kiss to my nose. Startling me into tumbling onto my back and making mother giggle madly at my situation as she set the bag down onto the coffee table. I simple gave her a pout in return.
"Oh, don't give me that face sweetie. It only fuels more of my motherly instinct. Which means more and more kisses!" She said with a close eyed grin.
In the spur of the moment I simply shot onto my hooves and pointed up at her.
"Hah! You're threats don't scare me because I love your kisses!' I said matter of factly.
"Oh, you do do you~" she started, beginning to move her body before a sudden noise interrupted us.
KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.
Mothers face turned into one of confusion as she stood back up and turned to look at the door. I also looked on in confusion. We still had a few days until Spitfire took her leave and I don't reckon button is out of school.
"Well. Who could that be so early this morning?" Mother said in an apprehensive tone. Approaching the door and peering into the peephole for a moment she than moved to open the door.
'Hm.'
She cracked it open and greeted the person in a confused tone.
"Hello?"
"Are you Hazel Snowdrift?" An unfamiliar male voice suddenly questioned. Which made me spring up from my seat and walk on over to the front door. Looking from the door to the kitchen with a bead of anxiousness building up. Would I have to go full on knife warrior on a bitch again?
Mother responded.
"Well, yes. But I would like to know wh-" she couldn't finish her question as she was interrupted.
"The royal sisters would like to have an audience with you and your foal." He finished.
Wait a second. I continued walking until I was behind mother, I could hardly see past her so I just went underneath her legs. Peering upwards to see two ponies with golden armor standing there.
This could only mean one thing.
'Well shit. I guess Luna got tired of my nonsense.'
First impression with this worlds versions of law enforcement's? Not really a fan. Not in a sense of where they are all strict and hardened like I assumed they should be. Given that they defend a literal goddess. Or pseudo goddess, nothing is unkillable. Don't question why I've brought that up.
But after all that tense and rather-- almost intimidating appearance at the front door? The tension in the air dissipated and I got really good look at the. Well, pardon my language. Fucking ripped Pegasus. Legit I had no idea horses, better yet Ponies! I never expected in my life to come across one with a literal six pack. Hey wait a second. Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention details when I was around ponies. Huh.
Well. Time to look underneath po-
Anyways. Back to what I was saying before I went on and on-
All in all. They weren't scary, they didn't give me a intimidating or rather dangerous vibe. I guess that whole thing was just a front or rather just the heat of the moment. But it could also be a really impressive sort of reverse psychology. Where their guards pretend to be the opposite if what they pretend to be in order for them to get the mump on their enemies. Hm.
"Speckles?" I suddenly heard. Which snapped me out of my stupor and brought me back into the real world. I blinked and looked up at mom who was looking down at me with an apprehensive expression. Which was reasonable. Seeing how these ponies worship Celestia and Luna.
"Yeah mom?" I retorted. Looking back over to the armored pony who was now turned around and walking over to a rather illustrious horse carriage. Pfft.
"Promise me you wont ask the Princesses those questions you usually ask." She said before motioning me forwards by nudging me.
I took the hint and stepped forwards with a small smile on my face. Which was more focused on the fact that these ponies actually pull and ride on carriages! Like how could it get any better? They fly us away with it?
Wait a sec. That actually seemed possible now that I think about it.
Keeping myself from actually laughing as we got closer to the carriage. I simply threw out a hoof and titled my head.
"Pssh! Don't worry mom. I've got it all under control!" I reassured while also doing a cool looking spin. Which didn't throw me off balance or even cause me to stop in place, man all the possibilities.
The guard had stood and waited for us at the door to the carriage and generously held it open for the both of us. To which I gladly took advantage of and hopped up the steps and climbed into the seat. Which was cold. So I simply interrupted mother, who was commenting about what I said as she stepped into the carriage herself.
"I really do-" she paused and instinctively placed her arms around me and looked down at my face. I grinned. She also grinned, but it was followed by a sigh.
"I sure hope so darling. These are the princesses we're talking about." She said with an emphasis on the "princesses" like I know that they are really old and important but.. eh.
I didn't share the sentiment with mother. But I was still going to keep her wishes, I've never really seen her this nervous. Other than the other times where I was in danger or.. yeah.
But even if it wasn't really clearly shown from that face she's giving me, I've known her long enough to know what she's thinking when saying most things.
"Fiiiine. I'll be nice." I said before adjusting myself so that I was sitting vertically. About to say something else before the carriage jerked and I was thrown forwards, though thankfully immediately caught and reeled back in.
"-okay!" Was what came out as I calmed down from the sudden movement, mother reinforced it by rubbing at the top of my head.
"I hate carriages.."
"Me too honey. Me too."
Then it was quiet for a moment. Then another moment, and for also another moment. We both sat there in the now flying carriage looking at the clouds and bright blue sky, while also having mother transition from rubbing to head pats. The best kind of pat.
The quiet also gave me the time to think about how I would go about doing things when meeting with the princesses. A nice moment to think about whether or not I would mess with the two of them. Again. Or rather actually do this seriously and have a nice and quiet conversation explaining everything and anything relating to the recent events happening in my life.
I closed my eyes and decided to think.
Hm..
---
"Luna you're pacing as if we were moments away from meeting some delegates." Was what Celestia said to break the silence, tiring from watching her sister was back and forth around the throne room. Not sharing in her sisters worry and or anxiety over meeting the child. Though in all honesty, she was kind of excited to meet the child once again. The last and only time that the two of them met with the child, ended with the two of them up and being beheaded. Figuratively, of course. It was still surprising nonetheless. That meeting with the child had her somewhat out of it.
But not as out of focus as her sister. Who was currently too into her own thoughts to notice the banana peel that Celestia just so happened to drop around the area Luna was walking around. Which now that she noticed her getting ever so closer to the peel, made her solely pay attention to her sister getting closer and closer towards that banana peel.
Feigning concern, though at the same time. It'd been a while since she played a prank on her sister. This seemed like the best time to do so. So as soon as she predicted the flop. She opened her mouth.
"Watch out sister-"
Luna on the other hoof, didn't respond to her sisters comments. Nor did she head the warning from Celestia. She was too busy doing exactly what her sister was telling her that she was doing. Pacing. Full of not worry, but instead a mixture of dread and anxiety over the idea of meeting face to face with the child that has caused her a very very painful headache. Also at the same time has caused her-
"Waah!" were the words that came rocketing out of her mouth as she lost her train of thought and slipped over something on the floor that wasn't there before and dropped onto her muzzle. Painfully. Laying there for a few moments before placing both of her front hooves against the tile flooring and looked over to where her sister was trying not to let out the very obvious laughter flood out of her mouth.
Her eyes creased and a small frown started forming on her face.
I completely and totally agree with anyone that says flying in an airplane sucks. Not in the sense of where I'm always anxious and or scared of the plane dropping out of the sky or rocketing towards the ground, no flying is awesome. Just when it's on your own time and through your own ability of flight. Like what is the point of taking a luxurious carriage back and forth constantly while being pulled by other flying pegasi that could be not wasting their time pulling around some lazy noble or.. ugh. I'm going to deep into this, just know that I'm not really enjoying this whole horse drawn carriage thing. Because as I said before, this whole trip could've gone a lot faster if they just sent a letter or something and let us fly over there, or even take a train. They have trains here right?
I took a quick glance out the side of the carriage, only to be just as quickly pulled back in and pressed back against mothers chest. I simply rolled my eyes and continued with what I was saying.
Anyways, yes. After witnessing a rather pink and flamboyant train chugging it's way up a mountain in a spiraling manner, it is safe to assume that locomotives are present. Which does also bring up the interesting thought of what age and what tech level this pony civilization is in, since they have arcade machines. I mean they've got to be equal to the twentieth century in relation to humanity, seeing as arcades and arcade machines were very popular during that time. But then again, with the train and carriages being the main forms of travel, also including flying and teleportation. If that's possible of course.
Maybe steampunk. Mm. Nah, I have yet to see any steam powered zeppelins or an excess amount of gears being used in daily fashion. But I guess I'm just overthinking things, as usual. Which is normal, but eh. I really have no idea what to say after that. Soo.. Advanced attention shifting focusing g-
"Hold on, Speckles, we're landing." was what I heard a few seconds after I used my secret technique, which didn't include me running away, and a few seconds after she said that. I could feel the jolting of the carriage as the two carriage drivers landed us on the ground.
That's when I decided to ground myself back into focus and took another look at my surroundings. Which had evidently shifted drastically, what was once a vast open sky was replaced by the white and golden painted building of a castle. Which could only really be compared to what a Disney princesses castle would look like, overly extravagant and regal. But then I look over and see that a portion of the castle was painted in a dark blue color, specifically a tower on the farther side. Which to be honest, was a dead giveaway as to who exactly that was referenced after.
Anyway- oh. Wait when did we get inside?
"I know that face honey. You were completely zoned out and didn't notice that I had to pick you up and carry you out as the guards started leading us." was what mother said to me as I blinked and turned my head.
I seem to be zoning out a lot these days, sooner or later I'm going to get into some trouble with all these feats of ineptitude. Maybe it's because I'm living in this horse world and still adjusting… but-
"-uh.. I- I was too busy thinking of questions I could inter- I mean ask the princesses!" I stuttered out before finishing it with a firm planting of my hoof onto mother's back. Which I only came to realize that i was sitting upon due to her saying so and also because when I started teetering off, she stopped and used the muscles of her wings to keep me steady.
The ambience of us walking and the shifting metal of the guards armor plates just a ways in front of us was prominent for a few moments. Which left me a good few seconds to look at the very over the top royal hallway I've ever seen. Not even disney could beat this display of unnecessary show of wealth, like who needs that gold vase that's encrusted with another fine lining of gold?
"More like you're in a bit of shock at seeing the lavish castle the royal sisters live in" she said breaking the silence, an amused undertone was also easy to hear in her words.
So I responded accordingly.
"Pfft. Yeah right, as if all this shiny and very expensive display of power wil.. yeah, I see what you meant." I said while bringing a hoof to my chin and thinking of a better thing to say.
"Speckles, I know you.. and you will not bring this up whenever we meet with their majesties ok?" She finished with a soft yet firm tone.
I would've said something in protest, but. Mom is scary. So I think I'll stick to heeding her physic warnings.
But anyways. I've literally forgotten about the main reason mother and I were called for, well. I haven't forgotten completely. Scaring the princess with a hollow knight boss that made me over ten-thousand geo, would be a cause for concern. Seeing as I'm literally a little kid who was attacked by changelings and formed something that looked and pretty much acted like a changeling.
Hmm. Yeah I think I answered my own unasked questions with that explanation.
...
So I guess it was just time to play the innocent and timid little child act when confronted. Since I really didn't want to expose myself and really give away anything as of yet, I assume this role is perfect. Or maybe I could just play an innocent and curious child role, since that's more fitting with how my actual self professed personality is nowadays.
There was much to do and much to see... especially now that I realize how long this hallway was.
For how long was I in deep thought for? To me it would've made sense to have been at the meeting place or somethi- wait a second.
I snapped my head upwards and looked at the ceiling as something caught my eye up ahead. It was a darker corner of the ceiling, just a few feet away and above the two guards who were escorting us. Were those eyes peeking out from the dark?
I blinked once and then twice and looked back up, only to notice that the eyes seemed to have suddenly disappeared as we got closer.
Which in turn immediately made a chill run it's way up my spine.
'Ah shit. This isn't going to end well.'
Was what I thought before I remembered that my dumb ass has a particular power that can stop time for however long I want! Literally the power of DIO in my hooves and I forget...
....Probably because the last time I did it was when I was almost kidnapped and Spitfire almost became a changeling breeding thing and left me with a splitting headache, and paralysis.
But I could work out and figure out as to why exactly that was much much later, this was another one of those TellTale moments. Where the bar was turning red and I had to take action or let my character suffer, which in this case is mother, those two nameless guards and I.
...
Fuck it.
I took in a deep breath and spoke out "stop" just as soon as I noticed the eyes dart forwards, revealing a darkened figure attached to them. Who was abruptly halted in its movements as everything lost its color and turned grey, as did the world around it as I stood up on mother's back.
I took a quick look at the giant windows lining the hallway and saw that everything outside was just as muted and frozen as it was inside. Then I shook my head and hopped off the side of mothers back and walked forwards. Stopping right next to where the frozen guards were taking their next steps and looked upwards. Confirming my original and very prevalent anxiousness.
"A changeling." I said while scanning the rest of the ceiling and paused, something felt off about there only being one.
"Wait a second."
I turned around and looked behind where we were walking from and felt my eyes widen.
"Oh shit." Was the only word to come out of my mouth as I noticed more pronounced figures hidden into the ceiling.
How the hell did this go unnoticed? Well, how was I the only one to notice? Better yet, how did they even manage to sneak their way in at the exact same time I showed up.. without the princesses or the guards catching.
I brought a hoof to my face and rubbed, before letting out a sigh.
How exactly was I going to do this? I really have no idea. Why did life keep putting me into these quick time events at every turn? Hell if I know.
Did I have an idea on how I was going to get out of this? No, n- hey wait a second. I looked over to where I saw that gold vase a minute ago and quickly flew towards it. Hovering In place just in front of the little table that supported it and thinking for a second.
"Hm.." I said before tentatively reaching for it, stopping halfway for a second before shaking my head.
I wrapped a hoof around the handle. Which brought up a very nice question on why exactly it had handles if ponies didnt have hands. But that was for another day, I had to lift this surprisingly lightweight piece of metal and plan my next course of action.
Since the flow of time has been completely stopped and the laws of physics don't apply to a frozen plane of existence. Then It means I can lightly tap this against the changelings face, and then when time resumes they would feel the full force effect.
Or at least, that's what the flash and quicksilver taught me. But then again, the flash in the show was very inconsistent and was constantly taken out by ridiculous means. So I guess quicksilver is the way to go.
"Let me just.." I muttered to myself as I flew up towards the first charging changeling I saw and lined up the vase with their face, rearing my arms back and forth a few times before stopping it and touching it against the changeling's fang before finally smiling and throwing my arms back and launching it forwards. The impact didn't make any noise, but I could visibly see the frozen effect of the vase hitting the changeling. Its face comedically gets pushed inwards at the force.
I pulled back and turned to look at the other changelings who were charging out of their hiding places. At first glance I was scared and anxious at the idea of getting attacked again, since my secret ability kinda crapped out on me the last time something like this happened. But despite the fear of going completely numb and paraplegic at the back of my head, I took a breath and flew forwards. Approaching one of the two changelings coming from the back I paused for a moment, this one looked familiar.
"Why does.. wait! You're the asshole who got the stab stab!" I said to their completely frozen form.
I gave them a good eye once once over before looking at their unusable eye, it would be a shame if both eyes looked like that one.
I nonchalantly raised the vase in my grasp as I commented "well, not much of a shame seeing as you're trying to take me to your rapist Queen....soo-BAM!" I yelled as I threw the vase at their face, though it would immediately freeze just as the tip of one of its handles touched their face. I knew for a fact that they wouldn't be able to tell what hit them.
I dropped back down onto the floor and eyed the two remaining changelings that had to be dealt with. I looked back over to where the little table holding the vase sat and grinned, that would do very nicely.
I quickly jogged over and grabbed it, pushing myself into the air with my wings once more and approaching a smaller changeling. To which I simply whacked once with the table, then twice for good measure. Then finally I flew around behind it, well. Her, now that I could unintentionally see that. Which meant that this was going to double suck for her when time resumed.
So after shoving the small table as best as I could into where the sun doesn't shine, I turned over to the last remaining changeling without a small twinge of regret.
I floated around in front of it with my hoof on my chin for a good minute as I wondered how I could dispatch this one.
"Welp. I've got nothing." I said before turning around, eyes passing over mothers nonchalant and frozen form and then to the guards.. who were carrying some convenient spears
"Nevermind. I'm just going to borrow this." I nonchalantly said while reaching over and firmly grasping the spear, then removing it from the frozen guards grasp and turning around.
"Let's just.." I moved the tip of the spear so that it was pressed against the underside of the changeling. I was going to press it harder, but I paused for a second. Hmm. Killing changeling equals revenge, but could also follow up with regret at taking a life. But then I turned around and looked at the other frozen changelings.
"Well. I guess it's like killing a cockroach. A large, winged and scarier cockro- yeah nevermind." I stabbed forwards and pulled back. But looking at the stab wound starting to form I frowned at it's small size and shrugged.
.. ..
..
Twenty-eight stab wounds later. Haha. Funny.
After doing the deed, I did a small three-sixty and admired my work. With that, I fluttered on over to where mother stood frozen and simply plopped down on her back as if nothing happened. With an inhale, I opened my mouth and said "stop."
With that, the world gained its color once more and all the actions that were frozen started up. -- The changeling who was struck with the vase recoiled back from the very hard hit and promptly fell from its spot on the roof.
"-!!!" *THUD*
--- Next was the changeling who I had thrown the vase at. Who only had a millisecond to wind their eyes as the vase collided with their face and they went flying into a pillar.
"-GURK!" *SLAM* --- Followed by that was the changeling who had the table rammed into them, a strangled cry came out of their mouth before they fell backwards. Right onto the table stuck in them.
"SCRE-HURK!" *THUD* *CREAK*
---
Finally all that was left was the changeling who had been stabbed, simply floating and watching their comrades be dispatched by an unseen force. Their eyes widened as thoughts ran through their head.
'W-wha..'
Suddenly he heard the sound of something dripping against the floor, making him cock an eye as he looked down. Seeing HIS blood dripping from his stab wo..
'Oh.' Was all that he was able to say before simply passing out from the shock and dropping onto the floor like the rest of his kin.
--
Evidently, everyone was unmoving. Besides myself as I watched them all get absolutely fucked!
But my excitement was quickly drowned out by the guards and mothers' panicked voices and actions.
"Sweet Celestia!"
"What in the blazes!"
"The hell?!"
For one, I was quickly moved from her back and into her arms. Which was a nice change. Secondly, the guards quickly circled around us. Which wasnt much of a circle since there were only two of them, but nevertheless they raised their spears up.
The one who's spear I used did not notice the blue blood dripping off of it as he pressed a hoof against his chest plate. A bright blue light shown immediately afterwards, I tilted my head and wondered if that was their way of calling reinforc-
"We have more guards on the way, stick close to us! There could be more than these.." he said in an apprehensive yet confused tone.
I simply smiled smugly as mother smothered me.
Kek.
Meanwhile, while waiting for the child to arrive.
The two princesses were sat at their dining room table, finally getting around to finishing their breakfast. Until suddenly the two of them stopped and looked at eachother. Silence between the two was prevalent for a moment before Celestia spoke up.
"Luna, did you sense that?"
Luna nodded. "Yes, we- I mean, I sense it too."
What they sensed was a strong force of magic flooding in before abruptly stopping and receding. Leaving the two of them confused as to what exactly that was.
Celestia went to speak again until the doors burst open.
Both their heads snapped to a haggard guard. His armor haphazardly put on as he stumbled forwards and yelled out.
"Changelings in the west wing of the castle!"
With that the two of them were up and flashing their horns, teleporting out of the room. Leaving the guard on the floor as he looked at where they teleported with envy. For he was a simple earth pony and had to haul his ass over there double time.
He shook his head and righted himself on his hooves, straightened out his armor before turning towards the door and bolting out of it.
It wasn't long before a whole platoon of guards curved around that corner with efficient momentum. They quickly broke formation and surrounded the downed changelings, spears and crossbows alike. All aimed towards them, threatening them to lash out once more. Which they wouldn't. Seeing as I fucked them. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
'Well.' I thought to myself while glancing over to the changeling who had the chair rammed up so far into their backdoor. I had a moment to purse my lips in acceptance before my head was turned and mothers chest was in my face.
"D-don't look at them honey. Let's just let the guards handle this.." mother said in a terse voice. Of course she had a right to be worried, she was my mother for one. Also, her and everybody else here have no idea what exactly happened. So I took the moment to reassure her that I was fine and to see if I could lighten the situation. Even if it was very..tense at the moment.
So I wiggled my head out of her bindings and tilted my gaze upwards so that I could get her attention. Successfully doing so after a few seconds her worry filled face tore itself away from the aftermath and looked down at me. My very cute, diabetes inducing, and stress relieving face. With an added bonus of my ears drooped and big eyes looking up at her with a smile.
The effects were immediate. As she closed her eyes and sighed, a smile forced its way onto her muzzle and I mentally cheered.
This was definitely a very shitty situation. But as long as I can make mom smile time and time again whenever these situations pop up, it's all worthwhile.
"It's alright mom, the changelings didn't get us." I said in a cheerful manner. I got a nice and long nuzzle in response to that.
"Yeah.. they didn't. But this was really too close for comfort." She commented before turning us both around and walking a small distance away from the congregated guards. I surmised it was to help herself get situated so that she could focus on comforting me if anything else happens.
Exactly three seconds later.
"Hey, wait!"
One of the two original pegasus guards escorting us turned around and called out to us. Very rapid and clunky footfalls followed until mother stopped and turned us back to look at him. His helmet was pushed back into place as he tightened himself in front of us, his eyes scanned the surrounding area as he told us of his concern.
"Sorry miss, but with this small group of changelings infiltrating their way into the castle. It's strictly protocol that you stick with us until we can assure your safety without our presence." He calmly said, a betrayal of what he was actually feeling. Of course, it was easily readable as his body language and eye movements gave it away. But the concern was legitimate. If these four dumbasses almost got the jump on us, then there could be mo-
'Shit.' I mentally cursed myself. That means they're actually trying to get my ass this time.
The two adults were none the wiser to my real reason for panic, mother of course had a six sense and could tell when stuff like this happened to me. So she cut herself off and put her attention on me, her muzzle rubbing gently against the top of my head.
"it's going to be alright honey.. the nice guard here is going to make sure we're safe.. right?" She said in a two toned voice. Which I was able to pick up on, because I'm not a stupid kid. But it didn't really calm my nerves as I glanced over to the jittery guard, who was now trying his best to put a smile on.
"A-absolutely miss! The two of you are our top priority." Was what he responded with. It was nice to know, but I'm not sure how well I can trust these guards with the life of mother and I. Seeing as their lack of action with my first encounter with the changelings, and for not having the sense to look up.
I quickly responded to the growing awkward silence with a small smile aimed at him as he gave a small grin back towards me before falling serious once more. Raising his spear with a hoof before turning around and motioning for us to follow.
Mother readjusted me in her embrace and plopped me down onto her back in a prone position. My head tilted before she answered my question "just hold on and keep yourself pressed against me sweetie." She urged while giving me a smile of her own. "We'll get out of this soon enough." Before quickly following after the guard.
'Hopefully.' I muttered internally. Adjusting myself so that my arms wrapped around her barrel as far as they could, which was not much. But I still had a nice grip.
The second pegasus guard joined alongside the one leading us away and nodded towards him before he separated and lagged behind. I turned and saw that he was now taking position behind, effectively having two fronts of defense. Nice.
But what wasn't nice was the fact that there could he a dozen more of these changelings, and I don't think I could keep pausing time and dispatch them. Last time I spent frequently in the frozen space, I was hit by a migraine like pain and was rendered paralyzed until I could pull myself together.
It was troublesome to say the least… well, I had a lot more words to say than troublesome but I decided against it. I had to focus more on how I would plan out an eventual second encounter, an event where I'm getting kidnapped and for when I have to go full Rambo on these bugs.
U- and suddenly a cold feeling caught my attention and I turned my head to the left, where not even a moment later. A flash occurred and the figure of the real Princess Luna appeared in all her tall glory. This caused the two guards to stop and immediately salute towards her, leaving both mother and I to just stare as she eased them.
But I really wasn't much in awe like I supposed mother was, killing two godly beings in your dreams makes you lose a bit of respect for them. Probably why I wasn't affected by that authoritative aura wafting off of her in droves.
The sight of her and her alone did bring up a question.
'Wonder where the other Princess is.' I mentally mused as the two of us locked gazes for a split second before she broke it and addressed the guards again.
"What is the situation as of now?" She firmly asked.
"Defused at the moment your highness, the changelings that originally at..well, that tried ambushing us were all simultaneously dropped." He responded. Offhandedly wiping a bead of sweat from the top of his eyebrow.
I let a tiny smug grin form on my face at the mention of them dropping instantaneously.
Luna raised an eyebrow and glanced over to the large group of guards looking over the incapacitated changelings, now having been joined by even more guards with purple covered armor this time.
'Interesting. I wonder what the purple signifies…' I looked back over to the princess as she started giving orders to the two of them.
"Interesting. I will assess the situation myself as well. The two of you will lead these two to mine sister's personal study. Where you two are to make sure our guests don't get out of your sight, am I clear?"
"Yes, Princess!" The two shouted before turning and continuing forwards. Mother and I simply followed along as the two guards led us down another hallway.
I looked around in a precautionary manner, seeing as I spotted them just barely a moment ago. I could blink and they could be there ready to get the jump on us.
'Ugh…' this whole thing is getting worse by the minute. Next you're going to tell me that their Queen memorized the layout of this building and is waiting in a specific blindspot..
Wait. Did I just jinx myself?
Chrysalis didn't falter in her movements as she ordered one of her sister's drones to check around the corner. For she had indeed planned ahead and was taking part of the excursion herself. Disguising herself as one of the poor maids caught in the middle of this changeling conflict.
"Well..?" She hissed. Her disguised eyes slit for a moment before returning to their soft and magenta coloring.
The drone in question hissed out a hasty response before backing away from the corner. Standing there and staring back up at her with a stupid blank expression before she grunted and pushed them back.
"Don't look at me like that! Remember the plan and jump out with the other two when I scream for help!" She whispered to the blatant drone. Who shakily hissed once more at her already turned body, drooping down a bit at the lack of care coming from her.
Chrysalis on the other hand, ruffled up the stolen maid outfit she was wearing and shook her morphed pixie cut. Nodding to herself before stopping at the abrupt sound of hoof steps getting closer.
"..Hurry, this way! It's not that far!" A male voice spoke out.
Perfect.
"--!!"
Before anything else could be heard, she immediately threw herself from her hiding spot around the corner and collided against the fancy tiling. Mentally noting that she could've been less rough than that before rushing up onto her hooves and looking back as her three accomplices stood deathly still. One sniffed the air, before the others did so as well, pupils dilating. Confusing and annoying her at the same time but she couldn't afford to lose this opportunity.
"O-oh thank Celestia! Please help me! T-th-" she couldn't even finish her own fake plea for help as a chorus of hisses made her stop. Her attention slipping away from the tense royal guards leading the mare and THAT foal to safety.
The three drones had started hissing, its ferocity growing as they turned the corner and completely ignored her disguised form and the conceived plan.
'What are they doing!' Chrysalis felt her eye twitch and grit her teeth behind closed lips. Immediately forming a mind link between herself and three of them as they stalked towards the two guards. Who by now had funneled the mare and FOAL way behind them, both raising their spears in preparation.
'What are you doing! This isn-' her commands were doing nothing to stop the three.
She huffed before realizing that one of the guards was shouting for her to run.
'This isn't what we planned for drones! I-' she was this time met by a cacophony of muddled and disorganized thoughts.
'-hunger..'
'Overwhelming..'
'...bountiful..'
What?
'Smell..'
'Breath it.. DRINK it..'
She stared at the drones as if they'd gone insane. They were now all spouting nonsense at her as they hissed and snapped their fangs at the guards.
She collapsed the mind link and inhaled deep-
A sweet, oh so sweet odor wafted deep into her senses. Everything in her mind blanked as her body and mind focused on that smell. She wanted more of it. More of that.. that ADDICTING smell…
Some semblance of coherent thought tried to work it's way back into her thoughts and she shook her head, but was outright ignored. Her expression blanked and her morphed figure was showered in green flames as she tilted her head back and sniffed the air once again. Licking her fangs as she did so.
Completely ignoring the panicked voices of the guards as one frantically tapped at their chest repeating 'Chrysalis!' While the other hardened his defensive stance. Albeit faltering as he looked back and forth between the exit and her.
She was entranced. She couldn't control herself. She was LOSING control of herself.
This.. this was not normal. This overwhelming force wasn't normal, it was anomalous. Enticing, even. Was this what my sister was talking about? Is this the effect she could hardly resist.. I-
Her mind blanked again. This time with one thought slithering all around her head. Eyes narrowing on their own and her body getting lower to the floor. She tried shaking it off, hooves grabbing onto her head and shaking fiercely. Her inner voice shouting and shouting until finally.
Feed..
A repressed instinct took the reins of her mind and pressed that one thought even further.
Drain.. FEED..
She couldn't control herself anymore and bared her longer and more threatening fangs at the guards who were now shitting themselves. They both took steps backwards as she advanced forwards, pushing past her enthralled drones and staring at them. Staring at HIM specifically. She wanted HIM. Every fiber of her being wanted HIM.
The mind link had formed once more and she was met again with her drones thoughts.
'Enough for all..'
'Sweet…so...sweet..'
Her thoughts were of the same topic. Non-stop. She couldn't wait anymore. She had to taste. She had to-
She violently threw herself forwards and her drones followed suit, her horn subconsciously lighting up and grabbing onto the FOAL. His own panicked voice was drowned out by the mix of his mother and everyone else's voice yelling out.
"What the fuck." Were the only words that slipped out of my mouth at that moment. What I had just witnessed completely skyrocketed past all the other expectations I had for something like this. I expected the same queen that Spitfire and I both took out back at her house. Yet, this one is different. Taller and slimmer than the other one, her eyes a sickly green color. Doing absolutely nothing to compliment that predatory glare she was giving me, and me specifically.
Her frozen eyes were still locked with my own before I diverted and looked down. Noticing I was still stuck in her telekinetic grasp I shrugged it off and focused on calming myself down. It would do me no good to be this worked up in a situation like this. I'm out of danger for the most part, just have to chill. Just have to chill and think up a way of how I'm going to break out of this frozen magical grasp, then quicksilver the whole situation again by knocking these rabid bugs out.
"For real..." I commented in disbelief and with major annoyance at what had just transpired. This new bug queen, Chrysalis. If what the guards were repeating over and over while metaphorically shitting themselves was anything. Then this queen meant business. Even worse that for some reason she and her changeling lackeys completely went ballistic!
Hell, I have no doubt that my ass would have gotten a face of fangs and or something else if I hadn't frozen time like I just did there. That would not be a fun time, well. None of this is a fun time. But for sure, looking at her frozen and very widened maw gave me a sense of gratitude at whatever force had given me this power.
Speaking of which, why did she go ballistic? Why did her little friends go ballistic. The only instance of this being brought to my attention was way back when one of the other queens, changeling, outright sunk its fangs into my shoulder. She then commented on it being a disgraceful and primitive sort of way of taking love. Which was scary if that's what they used to do instead of using their hocus pocus magical disguise and mindfuckery bullshit.
Aurora also said something about my uncrackable and delectable scent. Which may not be the exact worst she used but it still hits the same, because she also gave off the unhinged vibe. Not to the point of savagery like Chrysalis is doing, but still. It could've transgressed if I didn't hit her with the bottle.
Was I really that much of a turn on for these changelings? Well, no I shouldn't say turn o- no.. wait. Yeah, I could say that I'm a turn on for these guys.
In a sense of where I'm turning on their savage mindsets, which is scarier when these horses have yet again, magic at their disposal and being over six feet tall. Which was an oversight because I was short, it was a very prominent feature.
Nevertheless, I'm not trying to get captured/drained/raped and or anything else that these things could do if I'm ever caught.
So with that in mind I looked back down at the glowing green magic gripped tightly around my body, mostly around my midsection, but yes my body. Which confused me, did active magic still hold its physics defying properties in a plane where even that is defined?
I tested that by squirming, twisting my hips and moving my ar- I was interrupted by my body subsequently dropping onto the floor.
*THUD*
"-agh fuck!"
My question was answered, at the price of my back and the back of my head hurting for a few moments. I groaned and rubbed lightly at the painful spots before shaking my head and scrambling back onto my feet. Then spreading my wings and floating myself back into the air, looking at the magic where I was once held in. Its whole form now warped and looked as if it was ripped a decent amount, which was most likely myself breaking free.
"Well, at least now I know I can bamboozle the hell out of magic users." I grinned at that. But shifted my thoughts away from that, I had other things to think about instead of trying to prank some unicorns.
Like what I was going to do to this big bug, and her other bugs that were charging just a bit behind her.
"Hmm." I leaned back in the air and pressed a hoof against my chin, flying higher into the air and looking at the stretch of hallway that met the intersection where she popped out of.
There were painted glass windows lining the hallway, which gave me a particularly evil idea. Though not evil enough. I had to hit these guys hard for all the trauma they're producing at the moment and for the foreseeable future. Because I know for a fact that my mother is not going to let me go anywhere alone for a long time now. Which I didn't mind since I was four years old, a very uncannily smart four year old, but still a small child nonetheless. Maybe even a therapist, if we could afford one…
I sighed.
"Well. I guess now that you're messing with my life. I'll be ruining yours way worse than you'd expect." I commented before lowering myself back to eye level.
I glanced back at where mother stood frozen, a pang in my chest immediately formed as I saw her facial expression. She was reared on two hindlegs, wings flared and both front hooves outstretched to where I was grabbed from her.
Then I looked over to the two frightened guards with their spears raised, one turned with their spear at chrysalis, while the other tried holding off the other three changelings.
"Ugh."
I pressed both hooves over my face and took a deep breath, exhaling two seconds later and feeling my head a bit clearer.
"Alright. I got this." I nodded and went to work.
I first flew over to where the three changelings were charging at the poor guard, taking a look at his ready position I nodded. If Dio had taught me anything, it was that you could punch a hole through a frozen person's stomach and move them as if they were paper.
I started positioning the guard like I would a ragdoll, being as gentle as I could with my adjustments as to not cause any real harm when time resumes. Raising his body upwards, spreading his back legs further, unfurling his wings and then manipulating the hooves holding a spear. One outstretched in a lunching motion and the other pushing the spear forwards.
Then moving onto the closest changeling, I pulled him forwards and adjusted his body's angle. Rotating him around until he was upside down, everything on, well. His underside now easily exposed, I then pushed him so that a certain part would get afflicted by the guard.
I winced in sympathy at the thought, but it was tough luck.
So moving onto the other two, I had an idea. An idea I'm certain even Dio would be proud of, I quickly lined the two changelings up and went to work. Straightening myself in the air and squaring my shoulders, I distanced myself before rearing an arm back before pushing forwards and striking the changeling square in the chest as hard as I could.
On my end, it felt as if I punched jello. A slightly more condensed jello, but soft nonetheless.
So with those three taken care of, I turned back towards the big mama roach and the poor pegasus guard trying to stab at her. I say poor because with the look on his face and the way he held his spear, I didn't think he would do against her.
But I would graciously help him with that, by grabbing the spear out of his hooves and gripping onto it with my own. Turning back to Chrysalis's back side, I reared back and stabbed at the pony version of a thigh. Uh, flank. I think.
Still, I stabbed it in as far as I could until I was sure that she would be hindered when everything resumed. Making sure not to pull it out and leaving it embedded in there while floating over to face her once more, then looked back over to the guard. Particularly his helmet.
"Perfect." I flew back over and placed both hooves on either side of it, casually slipping it off his head, flying back over to Queenie's face and nodding.
*WHACK*
I hit it against the side of her face.
*CLANG*
Also under her chin.
*WHACK*
Then one more at the base of her already crooked horn. Pushing back and looking as her intimidating face morphed ever so slightly at the impacts.
"Right." I said with a small huff. I got a little too into that, and the guys helmet is proof.
But he wouldn't notice the large dents in the heat of the moment. From an outside perspective, it looks like he was the one who took down Chrysalis. So..
"I'm just gonna.." I moved over and slid it back onto his head. Patting him lightly at the top of his armored head before moving to my original spot. I kept my wings in motion so it looked like I was falling from her grasp when I resumed.
All I had to do was act surprised and fearful. Easy.
So without further ado.
"...stop."
In a matter of moments, everything brightened back into its original colors. Then came the muted sound that was originally playing, followed by the paused motion.
"Speckles!" Was the first thing I heard.
I fluttered my wings around as I tried to keep myself from falling onto the floor, successfully being able to do so before I was snatched into a familiar warm embrace. Letting out a breath into her chest as everything played out right behind me.
-- *CRACK*
"Scre-" a garbled noise was heard before that voice was silenced and their body thudded against the floor. Presumably leaving a befuddled guard in its wake.
--
The two changelings lined up with one another didnt even get to let anything out of their mouths, as the impact into the first one's chest carried enough momentum to make him briefly cough up blood. Before it's force pushed them back, flying into the one behind them and sending them both careening into a wall.
*THUD*
-- Chrysalis felt the pain shooting from her flank first, wanting to screech out but was stopped as an invisible force sent her head into three different directions. Each hit was painful, though in her current state of mind, she couldn't feel it. But when the final blow came everything in her body stopped completely, before a shooting pain flooded her senses. Immediately crashing down onto the floor unconscious, right next to the broken pieces of her horn.
*THUD* ---
I pressed myself tighter against mothers chest and felt her rapid heartbeat beating right against my face. Making it seem as though I was hiding myself away until everything went away, which she was instinctually reciprocating to. While her gaze and mind was partially focused on what was happening. The other part of her head kicked in and started shakily rubbing at the top of my head. Trying to soothe my fears.
On the other hand, I was keeping my big grin hidden away in her fur. As the confused voices kicked back in, I felt a small chill run down my spine.
"..What!''
"...uh."
There was a light crackle and popping noise before it completely faded, confusing me as I tilted my head around. Catching sight of a tall and white figure with multi-colored hair, it was all slightly blurred from my position. But my assumption was tha-
"Princess!" Both guards' voices called out in surprise.
When Celestia arrived it seemed as if the atmosphere in the corridor shifted. For the better? Maybe, if you couldn't read into the aura she was giving off as she stomped over to where the two guards were. Their dumbfounded and surprised expressions quickly shifting and whatever training they had kicked in. Their hooves flying upwards in a salute before doing the usual "at ease" or whatever thing before they started telling her what happened.
Which was funny from my point of view. Seeing as I'm the one who single handed clapped Chrysalis's chee- yeah. Hold up. That doesn't sound right.
I paused in my musings and completely tuned out what was happening in front of me any further and thought about what I just said to myself.
Hm. I mean, I'm not exaggerating. It was true that I absolutely demolished her. But that's such a childish and really left field thing to say... which made it entirely reasonable for me to refer to it as that. Who was I to doubt myself?
.. ..
Screw it.
I absolutely Clapped Chrysalis's cheeks, and her sist-- Oh yeah! I forgot about that. That means that I'm currently 2-0 when it came to the changelings.
Well, technically 1.5-0 since it was an effort between Spitfire and I to take her down. But in most cases assists count as kills and I'm fully taking advantage of that virtue -- 2-0!
'Suck on that bug bitch!' I mentally shouted to Chrysalis limp form being examined by the two shaken up guards. Along with her little creepy children too.
Well. I guess her little children didn't really deserve punishment as harsh as I subjected them to. Hopefully I didn't kill them, because if everything was found out and it was made known that I took out both groups. I'd have no doubt that there would be this whole debacle of whether or not I'm sane and whatever nonsense like that.
Well. I-- ah fuck.
I just realized. I stabbed Chrysalis somewhere in the thigh pretty deep and the femoral artery could've been punctured.. if anatomy worked similarly with horses and bug horses. Then that could be troublesome and dangerous.
'Well. That's fucking great.' I said while mentally sighing. Something else I'm gonna have to deal with!
.....
I looked over to where the two guards were originally talking to Celestia and noticed they'd disappeared. Making me blink back into reality as I turn my gaze towards my peripheral and looked up at the abrupt appearance.
'Oh. There she is.' I mentally muttered in surprise as I noticed her now in front of us and talking to mother. Which further proved how deep I could fall into thought and not notice when someone walks over and starts talking to the person that is holding onto me. Jeez.
I took a bit to actually get a good look at her enormous and apparently majestic form. Which might've been exaggerated, because sure, she's tall and has both parts of a pegasus and unicorn. Other than that, she's just a physics defying horse with a Jocasta comple- mm. I take that back. That's too mean and derisive of a description.
Whatever. The ideology behind the princesses doesn't really affect me like a normal person would be affected in this world.
I decided to listen back in to what was happening to distract myself.
"I'm terribly sorry my little ponies. You two weren't harmed in the attack hopefully?" Were the only words I bothered to pay attention to as she spoke to mother. Playing the part and giving her a small smile, my naturally drooped ears pressing even further against my head to just drive the effect furthe-
-Wait. Is it normal for my ears to be droopy? I mean, I've never really said anything about it because I thought it was normal. But now that I question myself about it, I find it sort of weird. Huh. I guess I'll have to think about that later.
I turned my attention back to what was happening and looked upwards.
Giving me a hint of satisfaction as her expression fell for just long enough for little old me to notice. Forcing me to bite back the urge to let my tongue slip out and grin smugly, it would just bring up more questions I would inevitably be asked.
Well. That's if I let her actually get to ask the questions. Just like in the dream where both of them dared to walk the path of the Star and approached me. Luckily I had my trusty lightsaber there and cleaved their heads off then and there.
'That still means that I have the privilege of being the only "little kid" to have one over on the princesses.' Which was another thing I couldn't wait to hold over their heads for as long as I could get away with it.
Though in all seriousness. I didn't have an actual lightsaber at my disposal, and this was sort of real life. Where things had causes and effects, I had to play my cards right.
Ugh. This is gonna give me a headache. Especially with how drained I feel from stopping time more than a handful of times in short time spans.
Whatever. I'll figure it out as I go. Let's just tune back into whatever's happening around me.
"-thankfully some of your guards were able to save us from whatever those changelings had in mind." Mother finished with a sigh of relief. The tension leaving her body as the idea of any more danger threatening us lessened. Which I would've agreed with, if not for something bugging me. Get it?
...
"Yes. Thankfully they were stopped before you or your ChiLd could be harmed." She paused and let out a small sigh "again, I am so so sorry that this has happened. I should've been more prepared and conscious of the idea of the changelings getting passed Canterlot's defenses once more." She finished lowly. Giving off the effect that she felt immensely responsible and apologetic about this that most would play off as sympathetic given the situation, but just the way that she said it sort of rubbed me the wrong way.
I have no idea why. Just feels weird how she's using her wording and tone of voice to sway the way it would be perceived. Well, actually I do know why I'm thinking like this. One, because I'm generally a conscious person and two, because I'm living in a world where sentient beings can shapeshift and unwittingly make you think you're talking to someone you're really not talking to.
Wait a second.
I blinked a few times before looking back at my shifted surroundings. I was now sitting atop mothers back instead of when I was being smothered in her feathers earlier and it looks as if we were following princess Celestia further down the hallway. Presumably to her study or whatever. Since that was the original plan when the two guards were the ones leading us there before Chrysalis came out all high and mighty.
But since that was done with, I could instead worry on whether or not my assumption was correct. Adjusting myself on mothers back so that both of my legs were hanging on either side of of her back an- I'll save the unnecessary description and just say that I was sitting on my butt and looking around her shoulder to see the princess walking just in front of us. I kept my gaze unmoving before looking up and down at her to see if anything was out of the ordinary but quickly realize that in my position I wasn't going to be able to do anything of the sorts. Unless I stopped time again. But I didn't immediately do that in the beginning because I wasn't sure where exactly my limit was in that area and me already feeling a bit drained didn't leave a good enough impression to outright try and do one of those bullet time things again.
Because it would be extremely weird and concerning if your son just suddenly went from being alright to suddenly locking up and falling limp on your back, especially with how things were happening at the moment. But if my earlier suspicions were true than I could be making a big mistake without taking that risk and seeing whether or not I'm right.
'Ugh. Screw it. I'll take the risk.' I mentally agreed and rolled my eyes. I'm taking the fattest nap ever when I get done and over with this shit.
I brought a hoof to my face and whispered out "stop". Which immediately sent a jolt of pain through my head, but didn't completely incapacitate me like last time. Which was great but now it was time to get to work.
So without much fuss I spread my wings and floated up into the air and over mothers frozen form. Coming to a stop in the space the two of them left between each other while walking, I landed back down and walked forwards. Inspecting the frozen form of the princess as i-
"Damn." I said unintentionally as I caught a glimpse of something I wasn't supposed to see. Snapping my gaze away from it a few seconds after I notice what I was doing and coughed. Focusing back onto what I was doing and walked around the front of the princess. But taking a moment to think about it I quickly dismissed it and shook my head, flapping my wings again and getting up to eye level, which took a second because I completely forgot that she was like six feet tall.
Well, in pony measurements. I'm not sure what the comparison to a human and pony would be, since ponies are like at knee level in reality. Though technically, like I said before. Celestia is technically a regular horse in a world filled with miniature horses, except a sheer difference in appearance and demeanor.
--whatever, I'm getting to deep into things. I gotta hurry up and check to see if this is the real Celestia and not some sort of fake out that the other changeling Queen tried to do. Before I end up reverting time and falling under paralysis again. I could feel the further parts of my head starting to lightly send little jolts of pain whenever I moved my head around faster than usual.
With a sigh, I pressed a hoof against my face before focusing my gaze onto her eyes. Then moved on to the rest of her frozen face before glancing around at anything that looked out of place on her body, any inconsistencies, any things that would bring up a red flag. Anything at all that cou-
"Wait a second." I muttered to myself for like the umpteenth time as I backtracked and looked at her face again.
"Were your eyes always...?" I questioned while getting a better look, reaching out both of my hooves and grabbing onto her face as gently as I could and leaned in a bit closer. "There's no fucking way." I said in an exasperated tone as I let go of her face and floated backwards a bit so that I could throw my arms up into the air and let out a very loud noise of frustration.
"You gotta be fucking kidding me. I thought Spitfire snapped your neck or something the last time you showed up!" for real. I squash one bug and another one shows up with the same bug that I thought that I squashed! Why are these changelings like cockroaches.
"Can't you stay dead for like a good five.. maybe ten ye-!!" I paused as the jolts of pain grew in intensity. Eyes widening as I threw my head to look around at the hallways around me, all the grey was slowly regaining it's color and I wasn't able to do anything about it. I wasn't able to do anything about the sudden lack of feeling in my wings as my world shifted and I dropped onto my back with a thud. Gritting my teeth as I tried raising myself upwards, the feeling of cold numbness that started in my wings started slithering it's way into the rest of my body as I tried to fight against it.
The best I could manage was pushing my upper body upwards for about two seconds before it all caught up to me and I dropped face first onto the ground, aggravating the pain surging in my head even further as I wasn't able to do anything. Everything was picking up the pace and I could barely feel the presence of sound popping back in before the grayness completely receded and time resumed, the only thing I could find myself saying was 'Fuck.'
Because not only did it seem like I just suddenly dropped like a ragdoll in front Princess Celestia and mother, I just dropped limp in front of the worst fucking thing I could've dropped in front of! For like, the second time! GOD FU-
"---!! Speckl--" THUD
No.
I widened my eyes as mothers panicked voice was immediately silenced and I horrifically caught the brief motion of her whole body dropping onto the floor unconscious as I could only helplessly watch. Trying to jerk my body back to life as the shrill feeling of fear and anxiety built up inside of me, adding in a sense of anger into the mix as I couldn't do jack shit! I'm disabled because of a stupid fucking risk, mothe- 'UGH' -I felt like screaming! Bu- even though I couldn't feel anything. I still felt that chill run down my spine as the sudden deep feminine laughter echoed through the room.
Letting that sink in for a second before my vision was skewed once more and my sense of gravity was defiled by the familiar owner of the laughter, who I could assume was lifting me up by my tail before rotating me around so I could face her. Still in the form of Princess Celestia just so I could still feel the idiocy of my actions before she slowly erupted into red flames. Keeping eye contact with me the whole way until I was finally privy to her true hole filled buggy form in all it's demented glory.
I never stopped trying to move against my unresponsive body. I even tried speaking but still got nothing. I could only sit and watch as she manically reared her head back and laughed. Which could also be part of her downfall. Since we were still standing in the middle of the hallway and she was just laughing away than the guards were going to obviously hear, wait. Where were those two guards that were there just a minute ago?
How the hell did she get rid of them without me or mother noticing! How did she even disguise herself as the Princess? What type of convoluted plan did she and her sister make? Was it all planned for her to go psycho and get herself captur- wait a second! They didn't even do anything with Chrysalis and her little posse of rabid changelings! A-
"You see.. Speckles?" She called me out of my panicked stupor, referring to me by my name. Which would've made me recoil in disgust if I could. But I could only watch as she continued speaking. Her split tongue rolling out of her mouth and licking at her mismatched fangs, evidence of when she got absolutely knocked the hell out by Spitfire. Though it was still all the more worrying.
"You see? YOU see!" she said in a jovial tone. Almost too happy and deluded to be even considered sane.
She brought me closer to her face as her eyes creased before whispering out something that made me internally stop.
"You could never get away from me.." and then everything went dark.
Hazel woke up with a throbbing pain at the back of her head, a long with a very fuzzy and muted sense of hearing. Opening her eyes let her see that she was lying on the floor with a small pool of blood seeping out from her nose. If the sudden bolt of pain was anything to say about it, she raised her head upwards and shook. Trying to get rid of the constant ringing brought on by her lack of hearing at the moment, placing her hooves on either side of her head and pressing them against it tightly before dropping them back onto the floor. Groaning outwardly and using her hooves to push herself upwards, she had half a mind to ask herself what exactly happened during those minutes that she was unconscious.. though after a moment of painful realization her eyes shot open.
Her brain shot into action and spoke to her body, throwing herself upwards and onto her hooves as she stumbled stumbled forwards before shakily getting onto her feet, the world slightly spinning around her as her annoyance and desperation increased. Growing frantic as she couldn't see anypony else in the room, the pain from her nose was vastly smaller than the pain building up in her chest. Her thoughts gravitating towards what exactly happened moments before she found herself unconscious on the floor played out again and again as she scrambled around the corridor. Searching for any sign of Speckles.
"Nononononono..." she started as a mute mutter before it grew as her heart beat increased, the panicked and sadness further helping that growing pain in her chest swell. "..nonNO!!" She finally screamed out in anguish and fell down onto the floor, her legs giving up on her at the reality of what happened.
The reality was that they took him!
Hooves now frantically stomping up and down against the floor as she tried rationalizing the not so calm thoughts floating around her head. But it was proving impossible because she'd lost her child! N- "no that's not true! S-she stole him!" she told argued against her own demeaning thoughts.
That b-fucking changeling took him away from her! The tiling carefully constructed by the builders of the castle many years ago cracked against the force of her stomps as the distaste for changelings flipped and turned into absolute hate for them.
But she couldn't just sit here and scream curses and cry at nothing, she had to move. She had to find her baby. But how? She had no idea where he was taken and why he was taken, it was just all confusing. Even from the start back at Canterlot, because all the problems they had weren't enough life had to throw these stupid insects at them! She was perfectly fine with the life that they had before but no.
She wipe away the tears that were messing up whatever sort of makeup she couldn't remember applying at the moment and looked around again, with as much focus she could muster up she noticed something glistening just a ways away from her. She tilted her head and quickly crawled her way towards it, once close enough she was able to tell exactly what it was. It was a way to help her Speckles even if she wasn't anywhere close to him. It was one of the guards ponies chest plate, with the bright blue gem in the center of it, not worrying about how it was just left there on the floor before moving. Eyeing the blue gem in the middle of it she remembered what it was used for and pressed quickly pressed down on it until it's bright blue glow reflected off of the floor and she let it drop out of her hooves and looked at either side of the corridor.
A blue light shone from the armor piece before returning back to its dull and blue color. With that she let the piece drop out of her hoof as she turned and waited for the eventual appearance of the guards.
With how angry and distraught she was feeling at the moment she knew that she couldn't do anything to help Speckles until she talked to the princesses, who she couldn't help but blame partly for this happening. But she just reluctantly dropped back onto her haunches and let out a heavy sigh and rubbed both hooves against her head, the pain she was originally feeling when she woke up resurfaced. This was just all insa-
The cacophony of armor jostling in place brought her attention away from the pain and towards the site of a group of armored ponies quickly hustling over to her. Giving her the strength to push herself onto her hooves.
Then there was light...
Or so I thought, because when I opened my eyes I was met with the glowing eyes and glowing horn of a changeling that was too close for comfort. Which immediately brought out a response from me "back the fuck up!" As I tried moving myself. Only too look down and find that I was compelled encased in that disgusting alien like goop.
Then again. A glance at the rest of the dark area gave me insight as to where exactly I was, and the remembrance that I was just recently kidnapped very prevalent in my mind. Mentally let out a humongous sig- only to be interrupted by the changeling who I told to go screw off getting closer to me. I struggled against the goop as I tried moving my head backwards from the changelings face.
Though my unsuccessful struggle was stabbed even deeper into my head as the changeling grinned, their eyes creasing as they gave me a full display of their pearly white fangs. I wouldve said something against that too but I stopped when she spoke to me. The sudden realization of who this specific changeling was dawned on me.
"Hi Speckles~" she spoke in that very prominent voice, with the Canterlot accent and everything. Who also proceeded to fall into a fit of giggling as she looked at my surprised face.
"Aurora." I said in a terse tone. Fixing my gaze and now full on glaring at her. Of course she had to rear her ugly head around just to rub it in.. better yet.. what has she been doing ever since I pulled a Houdini on her?
"Ah! So you do remember me." She said in an overly sweet tone, backing away so our faces were not almost touching anymore and smiling. Creepily smiling.
"You have no idea how happy that makes me!" Before moving back in and placing one of her cheesy legs against my face, forcefully moving my head to the side and sniffing due to my lack of freedom. "...Are you happy to see me?" She perused in a satisfied tone.
To which I immediately snapped back. "Bitch. Do I look happy to see you? Why in the world would I be happy to see an ug-ack!" I couldn't finish my insult as she up and punched me across the face! Which immediately sent a jolt of pain coursing through me and a sudden groan of pain from me.
"That wasnt the answer I was looking for honey.." she said in an overly sweet tone. Switching back into that Canterlot accent she used to try and infiltrate my life, now trying to force the narrative in her favor. I could feel some sort of pressure forming at the base of my head, and it just wasnt the throbbing from the sucker punch.
I grit my teeth and furiously shook my head.
"And you'll keep getting the wrong answer! You stupid rap-ack!" Her loud hiss and hooves pressed firmly on my neck stopped any refutes. I opened my mouth and let our a wheeze as she pressured further, easily ignoring my struggles as I kicked against the goop I was stuck in. Heart racing faster and faster befor-
"Speckles, I can only allow so much before I do something worse than.. hit you." She finished in a calmer voice before finally letting go and dropping back onto her hooves.
Giving me ample time to greedily breath I'm as much fresh air as I could. My glare returning as I took that time to situate myself and figure out what I'm going to say and do after that.
'Fuck me.. what kind psychopath chokes out a kid!' I mentally yelled.
"W-hy are you even here anyways? Queenie sent you to guard little old me?" I coughed out, ignoring her comment, the phantom feeling of her hooves still on my throat sent a chill down my spine.
I then focused my attention and anger downwards to the stuff I was trapped in.
I felt my way around the inside of the goop with my hooves, pressing against the firm yet squishy substance to see if I could force my hoof through it.
"Actually. No, I'm not even supposed to be here.. Mother dearest clearly ordered everyone to stay away from this room." she accentuated the 'mother dearest' part exactly how I would, which made me stop grit my teeth in annoyance.
She grinned at that.
"Oh, you like how I worded that? I learned it from a little somepony." she pressed a hoof against my nose "boop!" and I felt myself scrunch up involuntarily.
"..you're disgusting." I commented.
She happily refuted with "disgustingly obsessed with you~" and laughed to herself.
"But sadly I cant stay any longer.. Mother is bound to barge in here." She let out a sigh and ran a hoof down the side of my face "sad that I wouldnt be able to get a taste for myself...unless?" She mused. To which I quickly shut down.
"Fuck you."
"I wish.." she angrily muttered to herself.
'Wait wha-'
"But! I can satisfy myself with thi-" she pressed her nose right against my neck and inhaled deeply. Leaving me helplessly receptive as she pulled back and shuddered out an exhale.
"Absolutely delectable" before she slinked back into the shadows where she appeared from and disappeared.
"Finally..." I let out a sigh if relief. Then immediately went back to trying to get out of this. Kicking at it with my back hooves so that it would stretch out, so then I could use my arms to try and break through the stretched out substance.
I bit my tongue as I pressed my hooves deeper into it "come.....ON- yes!" My eyes widened and I frantically scrambled as soon as I heard the ripping noise. Shifting my hips around so I could slide downwards ever so slightly until I finally slid out through the bottom half. Landing on the floor with a disgusting 'squish'.
"-oh gross." I muttered. Getting onto my feet and looking around the room for an exit, I stepped forwards and squinted my eyes at the dark corners of the room. Rough outlines of walls and indentations in them were the only things I could make out. Frustrating me as I knew the clock was ticking, Queenie could be inbound at any moment!
"C'mon.. c'mon.. where is-" my ears shot up as I heard the sound of something shifting and than darting for a dark corner as light suddenly shone into the room. I just barely slinked out of the way of the beam of light and crouched down, pressing myself as close to the ground as I could.
The voice of the Queen followed almost immediately after I hid myself away, looking up as her glowing red eyes stared at the wall where I was supposed to be stuck to. She hugged out in annoyance before turning her head to the side, making me come to the conclusion.
She knew I was still I here.
I mentally cursed at that and shifted on my feet, my stomach fully pressing against the floor as I inched forwards. Planning on just booking it passed her while she wasnt looking.
"Hmm...you're still in here aren't you?" She called out. "I can tell because I can smell you.. and because I'm not stupid." She continued.
'My ass. She's dumb as bell for not leaving a guard with me.' I argued but shook my head. I should be more worried about the fact that she was literally sniffing me out!
"Its why I cant wait to devour you.." She stepped forwards.
I crawled forwards even further, twisting my body towards the doorway she entered from and went to go even farther. Only stopping as the fur on my back raised and I immediately froze on the spot, instinctively knowing that there were eyes on me.
"Found you~" she crooned.
This sparked the fight or flight response and I chose the latter.
"Bye bitch!" I yelled out as I lurched forwards and used that momentum to start hauling ass out of the room.
Princess Celestia was not having a good day. Neither was her sister, but at least she wasn't the one getting verbally laid out as she walked at the moment..
"What do you mean you can't immediately organize a recovery effort!" The very outraged and emotional voice of a mother yelled at her. For what seemed to be the hundredth time as she tried in vain to organize her guards and send out unicorn messengers. Even if she didn't want the council to be a part of this, she had to let them know what had happened.
An incident like this just can't be pushed into obscurity like they tried to do with the last encounter with changelings. It made her eye twitch every time she thought back to almost being killed by the overpowered changeling Queen.
Who also happened to get away… but she really couldn't think at the moment.
She fixed her with a very terse response layered in her usual motherly and empathetic tone of voice "my little pony.. I understand the shock and emotions of losing a chil-'' but was immediately interrupted by an even louder outcry from her. Craning her head around and pausing mid step as she looked down at the pink pegasus.
"What the buck are you trying to appropriate into my mind right!? There's no trying to work around the fact that my foal was ponynapped!" She accentuated as she flew into the air, throwing her hooves up and letting out an exclamation "by CHANGELINGS! Not even regular changelings, the QUEEN. The mother bucking Queen of all changelings princess!" She finished while crossing her hooves against her chest.
No. She was not having a good day.
Celestia dropped her raised hoof back down onto the tiled floor and turned her body completely to face her. Taking in a deep breath as an excuse to figure out how she would word out an acceptable answer.
"--Mrs.Snowdrift.. I understand. I understand and am aware of everything you've told me." She paused, "But it is time for you to understand that my sister and I are trying to sort out the situation." She gave her a reassuring smile as she continued "that includes sorting out the process of rescuing your foal. But in order for me to do that, I need to keep the rest of the castle populace in a calm state of mind" she explained.
Not paying attention to how the pink pegasus was proving that a frown could go even deeper than you'd expect it to. She continues on with trying to use her words to her advantage once again "-also, not only do we have to worry about your child being taken, there has also been two of my solar guards reported mis-".
Hazel was thinking bad thoughts.
"Princess." She interrupted in an oddly calm tone. Her otherwise enraged face was replaced by a tight smile as she looked up at the princess.
"-yes?" Celestia responded.
"What BULLSH-"
I couldn't really count the amount of time that passed whenever I hauled ass away from Queen whatever her name was, since I suddenly realized that I never learned her name. I learned her apparent sister's name, but not hers. Though what matters most is the fact that I was now hiding for my life inside of a disgusting and very wet crevice I found when I turned a corner and tripped over myself and thumped my muzzle. So I was "safe" for the most part, but I couldn't count on it because staying still in a place that's akin to a xenomorph's playground was sure to end up with me getting screwed.
"Right.." I sighed out before flipping myself onto my stomach and crawling forwards so I could peek my head out to see what exactly my options were, which was more dark and decrepit looking hallways covered in that alien shit. Luckily I couldn’t see any changelings scouring the halls and every nook and cranny for my ass, which was sort of concerning. The Queen didn’t outright do everything in her power to try and stop me from escaping that room she had me in, and she also didn’t go bat shit crazy and run me down like her sister tried to do back at the castle.
I let out an exhale of air before fully pulling myself out of the little nook I was hiding inside of and pushing myself back onto my feet and crouching down, making sure to take another look around at the surrounding area before raising myself and walking. At a brisk, yet careful pace. I was already covered in all of this gunk and I wasn’t in the mood to eat shit again and risk exposing my position to whatever plan the Queen is hatching up while I’m none the wiser.
“Anyways…” I said while coming to a stop at an intersection. Where all the ways that I could go were on the walls, on the floor and even on the ceiling, my lips pressed into a thin line on my face as I looked around at all of them. “This is...” before shaking my head and stepping forwards, only for my hoof to meet air and my brain stopping for a moment before it realized that I was falling.. For about five seconds before I landed on an incline and started sliding the rest of the way down, like some sort of haphazard slide that led me through complete and utter darkness for what seemed like hours until I flew out of the tunnel and was thrown face first into a puddle.
"Ah-pthew!" I spit out the droplets that landed in my mouth as I scrambled back onto my feet, taking a moment to look at what I landed in before trying to shake it all off.
"Phtew! The hell is this?" I said in disgust, wiping a hoof across my forehead before letting out a sigh in discontentment.
This lasted for a few more moments before I gave up on trying to completely rid myself of the li- which was now turning into some weird gel!
I immediately leaped forwards and as moved as far as I could away from that puddle, watching as it congealed and turned into a weird amorphous glob of goo. I made a face before looking down at my body and spotting the small specks of goo that formed, making that face turn into a deep scowl.
"...." but I didn't have time to deal with this nonsense, I had to keep going if I didn't want to get caught with my pants down.
Which now that I look at the room I am in, where the walls are lined entirely with all the congealed goo that mixed with some stone pillars- made me even more apprehensive. I stop appraising the room and turn towards the two main pillars adjacent from each other, connected to a stone archway that sat above a hallway and walked over to it. Quietly stepping over small holes and puddles that litter the floor of the hallway, I continued on and took a left at an intersection of corridors.
I got a few feet into the corridor before my ears perked all the way up as I caught something audible, my eyes narrowed and I crouched down with my head raised. Listening out for that sound again.
I paused.
"-ce m-" I craned my head further.
"-ace me!"
"There it is.." I said in a quiet tone. Continuing to listen to the voice and turning my head in every direction until I found the correct one.
I mentally nodded before turning my head around looking at the corridor across from me. That's where it seemed that the voice was coming from, which was confusing. Everything here had been empty and barren thus far except for when I woke up trapped and escaped the Queen.
Which meant that it was a changeling patrol looking for me, or rather someone who's also been captured by these bugs. Itd still be a risk going either way, because there could be changelings there guarding them, or it could also be a trap in itself to try and lure me out.
"Hm…" I thought for a moment. If this proved in my favor then I could possibly have another person to help escape with. But I'm also screwed if it's a trap, because I'm not sure if I can pull off another escape or even fight back if there's nothing here I could use.
I looked down at my hooves and frowned.
'These hands are also not hands anymore, I can't throw down with them like I could if I were human.' I mused.
But after a few minutes and the voice getting quieter pushed my decision and I stood up and pressed forwards in that direction. Passing through the middle of the intersection and entering the hallway, which was littered with twists and turns and some dead ends. That could've confused me if the voice wasn't there leading me towards it, if just barely.
There was a feeling In my chest that chilled my spine as I listened to the voice suddenly silent as I turned a corner. Before immediately widening my eyes and ducking back around the corner, my breathing picked up and the chill ran through me as I processed what I saw. Pressing a hoof to my chest and feeling my heart beating rapidly, I took a moment to calm myself before peeking back around the corner.
'Holy shit..' I mentally cursed as I was witness to two changelings standing right in front of a glowing egg sac looking thing right at the center of the room. The same thing that the queen trapped Spitfire inside of whenever she tried turning her house into a psuedo-hive. Only this time, there was a blurry image of a blue pony inside of it.
My eyes drifted away from the changelings hissing back and forth to each other in their creepy changeling speech, and I looked at the rest of the vast room. Feeling my eyes widen again as I took notice of all the egg sacs lining the walls in rows, thankfully none of them were or glowing and or had any other ponies inside of them besides the one in the middle.
'This looks like the cloning facility on kamino..' I referenced instinctively before shaking my head and ducking down as another changeling flew into the room.
This was much larger than the other two and was visibly authoritative, seeing as the two changelings flinched and haphazardly saluted them. But I could've guessed that from their stature and the stupid hat they were wearing, looked like they were apart of the third reich with how many tassels the shoulders pads had.
But despite that. They hissed out something in a deeper tone than the other two before motioning toward a tunnel in the ceiling, the two smaller changelings nodded before all three of them spread their wings and took off one by one into the tunnel. The buzzing and hissing got fainter and fainter until it was completely silent in the room. Finally giving me the chance to step around the corner and enter the room fully.
Really taking a moment to drink in the reality of this whole situation as I looked at all the egg sacs.
"Jesus.." I whispered to myself.
But the glowing sac that held the pony inside of it drew my attention once again, making me turn my head and quickly walk to it. Making sure I looked around and made sure nothing else was in here before stopping just in front of it. Staring up at it in awe and slight anxiousness, thinking back to how Spitfire was placed inside one of these.
The way I got her out of there was with a kitchen knife, which I didn't have at the moment, and pressing a hoof against the surface of the egg. Proved to me that I wouldn't be able to pop it with just my little kid hooves. It was squishy yet dense.
So how was I going to free this pony?
I did a 360 of the room again and found absolutely nothing, until my eyes led me to a couple of stalactites sticking out of the walls. Which confused me, since they usually grow on the ceiling of caves. Was this hive dug inside of a cave? If so, how deep down?
Hopefully not bedrock deep, because that'd be a pain in the ass to try and avoid all these changelings whole climbing every single level of this hive.
'Whatever. Break off a piece of stalagmite and pop the egg. Then we get the hell out of dodge.' I nodded, spreading my wings and quickly flying over to the spiky rocks.
I looked for the least thickest part of its cone shape, before maneuvering my body around it and placing both back legs against it while holding onto another with my front legs. I reared my legs back and kicked at it, and kept doing so until the rock finally cracked under the constant abuse.
Making me grin as I gave one last kick and it broke off, the modest piece of rock fell to the floor. Making a small thud. I flew down and picked it up with both hooves, hugging it against my stomach and flying back into the air. Struggling as its added weight was straining my wings.
I flew over towards the glowing egg and ascended to the point where I could press the sharpened tip of the rock against the top of it. Removing an arm from around it and pressing it against the top of the spear, using the force to press down even further against the egg until it gave way. Sinking an inch or two into it before pushing down, gradually cutting away at the dense material and letting the disgusting fluid inside of it spray onto me.
I scrunched up my face as I finally cut all the way through it, dropping the spike and jumping back as the wave of fluid rushed from the egg and dragged the blue pony from inside of it. Dropping them unceremoniously onto the floor, covered completely in the rancid smelling liquid.
I shook the drops from me before approaching the pony, taking a better look at their appearance. For one, they were a pegasus. Two, they were a ''he' if not for the short black hair and tail that literally hid nothing!
That's why I planned to keep my tail long and bountiful for as long as I could, I could not live with having everything exposed 24/7.
Besides that, he was unconscious, obviously. Which meant that I had to wake him up through any means necessary, seeing as the current situation requires it.
I walked over to where his face was and sat down in front of it, raising a hoof and lightly patting at his muzzle.
Before immediately sucker punching him. Which wasn't much of a 'sucker' punch since I'm basically skin and bones, but since I hit him in the face. It proved effective. He stirred and groaned, his eyes cracking open ever so slightly.
'Green eyes.' Noted.
He blinked once or twice when he noticed me, his body shifted and he fixed to push himself up.
"Hm...kid? Wait. Kid?!" His voice exclaimed as he immediately slipped and fell back onto his face.
His yell caused me to widen my eyes and lean forward, pressing both of my hooves against his mouth so that he couldn't speak.
"S-shut the fuck up you dumb bitch!" I whisper yelled at his surprised expression, which caused me to realize what I just said.
There was a brief moment of silence immediately after I decided that verbally assaulting the guy with my very elaborate vocabulary, was a somewhat bad idea. If it wasn't already obvious to myself and looking at that guys expression as he also took a moment to register what I said. I had a split second to choose whether or not I'd play it off and chalk it up to my nerves and the main fact that I was physically a kid and I'd be prone to reacting a specific type of way. Or I could.. uh, do something else.
I'm not really sure because I am definitely not feeling all up to speed and trying to think things out while also risking getting sneak attacked by a very prominent changeling threat was just giving me the beginnings of a migraine. So instead I would just try to get his mind off of me completely barraging him with curses, I'd focus on trying to get us moving. Seeing as now that I made the choice to actually save his ass, I had to keep going with it.
As the quick decision making state of mind started honing itself back into reality, I blinked and started improvising. First, by letting my eyes widen just a tad bit in a pseudo realization at what I just said before shaking my head fervently and removing my hooves from his shocked face. Then, I brought my hooves down to my own face and spoke. Letting an antsy persona wash over me as I apologized.
''Sorry.." I stuttered as I did so. Letting out a sigh as I rubbed down the length of my muzzle before raising my head back up towards him "It's just all so.." Pausing as I mentally grasped for words as I did so.
"Scary?" His voice answered out for me. Keeping in line with my quieted demeanor ss to not garner any attention. Though he wss oddly calm for the circumstance he was in not even a few minutes ago and for the moments where I wasn't there and where he was getting stuffed in that cocoon.
"What?" I found myself unconsciously answering as my current thought process was interrupted. Now finding myself focusing intently on the dude I just so happened to save on a whim, taking another moment to take in his appearance. Which now sported a sympathetic expression.
"I said it's scary, isn't it?" He responded.
"Well.. yeah." I agreed with a small nod. Before shaking my head and adding a small remark that I couldnt help but add in.
"I mean.. I would've said something along the lines of stressful."
He simply grinned before shaking his head "you and me both Speckles.." and looked back down at me with those now suspiciously looking green eyes.
I felt my eyes narrow as those words left his mouth, dropping my hooves completely and fixed a glare at him. The name drop caught me slightly off guard, but luckily. I'm not that big of an idiot to let my discombobulated self not register that in my head as very suspect.
So I started. Tone without suspicion, instead a bit of faux innocence. Attempting to make my voice as unassuming as it could be.
"How do you my name?" I stated. Before tilting my head as he widened his eyes as if he realised something before shaking his hand.
"Oh, oh! Buck, I'm stupid" he said while pressing a hood to his forehead. "Sorry, that seemed a little suspicious, right?"
I nodded. "Still is".
His ears dropped a little as he brought both hooves up, instinctively making scoot backwards as I watched his movements. Ready at a moments notice to use my little secret weapon if he tried anything.
"You may not recognize it, but I'm a royal guard!" He said with emphasis.
"Royal guard?" I said in disbelief. Because sure, moving ten steps ahead and placing a disguised changeling inside one of these eggs. Would then make it so I stumble upon them thinking they were another pony, free them. And then escape together under the guise of him being a royal guard, does sound a little farfetched.
But you never know with these guys..
"Yes! a royal guard, I was one of the ones escorting you away from danger" he said matter of factly.
Admittedly, I sort of scoffed at that. Thinking back to how the two of them shit themselves when queen cheese legs showed up.
"How am I supposed to trust that?" I questioned. Before feeling my ears subconsciously perk up as the guy was busy trying to formate a response. I tuned everything out for a second before turning my head to look behind me. Listening in closely this time.
..
'Was that clicki-' my own thoughts were cut off as my attention was drawn back to the guy talking to me.
"I doubt the changelings would go the extra mile just to try and trap you like that!" He exclaimed.
I grimaced at his loud exclamation and pushed myself forwards, pressing both hooves against his one of his legs as I did so.
"Alright, fine. But you gotta remember that were still stuck in a presumably changeling infested hive!" I whisper-yelled right back at him. Fixing him another glare as his lips parted to form another retort.
"We-!!" Before I shut him up once again by leaning up on two legs and pressing both of my front legs on his mouth. While also managing to get some of that disgusting goop on myself as I did so.
I looked behind me towards the entrance I came from and listened as the clicking turned from muffled to audible. As if it was right around the-
"We've got to start moving" I tersely whispered as I made eye contact with him.
I would deal with those suspicions later. For now, I've gotta avoid this.
I waited for him to nod before I let go and dropped down onto all fours, then moved a few steps away as I scanned the ceiling for the hole I saw those changelings use to get out of here.
I could hear the soft impacts of his hooves against the squishy floor as he presumably stood up. Though chose to ignore it as I continued walking and scanning for the- aha!
My eyes landed on the opening and I spun on my heels, before immediately taking a step back at how close he was when I did so.
Like for real. Way too close. But anyways.
I had to crane my head all the way upwards to meet his gaze as he looked back down to me.
An apologetic expression looked back down at me as I shook off the small heart attack and pointed where I was looking at. He followed my hoof and looked at the exit as well. Before looking down at me and nodding.
"Hold on" he whispered.
Great, he understood. So now he can just follow me lead as I fl- wait what did he sa-
I paused mentally as he wrapped a hoof underneath me and pulled me up before plopping me down onto his back. Only being given enough time to wrangle my thoughts and grab onto his neck as his wings spread and started flapping. Bringing us up into the air and closer to the hole in the ceiling and away from the incoming threat.
"Sister?"
"Yes Luna?"
"Why did you remove Hazel from the room?"
...
...
"Sister?"
"..because, I couldn't bring myself to tell her that I have no inclination as to where her foal was taken."
"We have Chrysalis in custody, surely-"
"That's the idea, Luna. This wasn't orchestrated by Chrysalis, she was found incapacitated with two of her drones in the wing where Mrs.Snowdrift was found."
"What are thou insinuating..?"
"..somepony else used Chrysalis as a distraction to get to Speckles. Presumably without her knowledge."
"We-"
"And succeeded, Luna."
".."
"Now please, help me get a hoof hold on this situation."
There wasn't a phrase out of the many in my head, that I could pull out and specifically use to describe my location without repeating them. I'm pretty sure I've already used them all, theres not many words you can use with "icky green egg stuff" and still accurately describe. Much less being able to describe the room with countless amounts of glowing amorphous globs of glowing green.. goo, that we came to a sudden stop into.
I felt a shift underneath me and pitched forwards into his neck as he halted and landed back onto the ground. I shook my head of his hair and took another look at the room, really getting a general sense of how freaky this was. Even if it was expected with these bug ponies, there really isn't a function in the human brain that lets it sort of... click, that an unnatural force lurks around.
He curled his wings back into his sides as he nodded to himself, muttering something that I wasn't quite paying attention to as he crouched down. A wing outstretched itself, and I unconsciously let go of his neck and slid down the length of his wing. Plopping my little hoofsies straight into the black go- shit, I'll call it black shit from now on.
My feet met the black shit, and I flinched as the unpleasant squelching noises sounded as I took some steps forwards. Eyes moving away from the glowing eggs, which was me still trying to discern whether or not they'd do, something, at least something for... I'm not sure how to finish that thought.
'Whatever' I shook my head and looked back up at him. Which now that I've come to another realization, I actually never took the time to consider what this guys name was. Not the foggiest clue or idea as to what to call him besides 'that guy' and 'Mr.Royal Guard' or whatever else I decided to call him earlier when we started getting away from the incoming changelings.
He'd trotted over to one of the walls of the room while I decided what exactly what I was going to do about his name, ask about it, or wait until later seeing as this was a pretty tense situation to just casually walk up to him and be all like 'what's your name?' then receive a weirded out response from him in return.
I shook my head and quickly trotted over towards him, internally cringing at the sounds my hooves made while touching the black shi-
'Alright, I change my mind. I'm obviously going to keep commenting on the floor, so referring to it as a curse is going to sound weird over time.'
Nevertheless, I came to a stop next to him as he stared off into a darker part of the room, he was unmoving for a moment before he blinked and looked down at me. Affording me a small smile before fully turning his body and crouching down so that we were face to face. I took a step back in response and stopped at a preferable inch or two back before I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Hey Speckles, you alright?" He stated softly, breaking eye contact to look around us before looking back to me.
A small bead of my unorthodox comedy was prevalent and latched onto a similar memory I had. Though I wasn't in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, and neither was I a little girl name Clementine.
In a sense, this felt entirely like a telltale NPC type interaction, but nevermind that, I dont have a scroll wheel of options to pick from.
I afforded a sigh after a few moments of silence and gave one of my beloved responses to a dangerous situation like this.
"Obviously, getting kidnapped by morally questionable changelings in broad daylight? Especially in the princesses castle?" I rained it back in as I felt my frustrations surfacing without me noticing.
I shook my head and looked back up at him, gauging his expression sag as I continued.
"Other then that? Yeah, I'm peachy."
I would've said 'Peachy keen jellybean!' But it's such a stupid phrase that I was subconsciously blocked off from mentioning it.
He also let out a sigh and shifted his footing, the residue of what was encasing him moments ago had dried up and caked his body. A grimace formed on his face as the black funk we were standing in was now adding even more stuff to sticking to his fur.
"Yeah, that's what I thought."
Hey wait, since this stuff was very prone to sticking and staining, did that mean I'd have to take a bath when i got home? I looked down at myself and felt a bit of dread seeping in, since I was just now seeing the results of me hauling as and eating shit all over this place.
'Gosh darnnit.' I mentally sighed.
"But with how you first introduced yourself and from what the princess filled me in on back before.. well, all of this" his voice drew me out of my important thoughts once again.
"-yep, Speckles the great, mighty and powerful God" I finished with a small grin, making sure not to emphasize the 'Mighty and powerful!' Part since we were pretty close to changelings.
While he stifled a small chuckle, I suddenly remembered why the hell we were in here and snapped my attention back towards the tunnel we came from. The green hue that seemed to be synonymous with these changelings lit up patt of its interior, thankfully letting me see the lack of changelings peering through it.
Man I felt like such a dumbass for not even realizing the very prevalent danger, no even a few feet behind us!
I'll chalk it up to just being in here for a while, my mind having to kick back into what it was made to do. Which was keeping my ass away from any of these changelings, and their queen.
'Especially with 'miss feral psycho' back at the castle.' I felt myself shudder at the memory.
"But with that out of the way, I've come to a realization" I said as I snapped back around. "Were in a flipping changeling hive, we can't afford to stand around with our fing- err.. hooves up where the sun doesn't shine."
He raised an eyebrow and went to respond to that before I cut him off by flapping my own wings and dropping onto his back again.
"-wee dont have time to question anything, we've gotta keep going" I said while shifting myself into a better grip as he stood up.
"..right, let's get out of here.." he started and spread put his wings, head moving around to look for an anterior exit.
Meanwhile at the castle, the mare who was expressing her anger and grief at her child being kidnapped was sat outside a big and golden door. Tears streaks visible on both of her cheeks, teeth bared, and narrowed expression staring at a very uncomfortable royal guard. Specifically the one that was given the task of keeping the grieving and emotional mother outside.
Which was an honest to Celestia bad idea. Not that he would ever bring that up to the solar diarch, he valued his life way too much to try and provoke an already agitated princess Celestia.
How did he know she was agitated? Wouldn't the princess who's lived for thousands of years be able to masterfully mask her anger? Short answer, yes. She was pretty good at keeping it together until she took the ink and parchment away from Raven.
Even shorter answer, philosophers and nobility alike have mastered the art of keeping a calm demeanor while having their writing very prominently expressing how they feel.
The fact that Mrs.Snowdrift was yelling at the princess didn't help it at all.
But right now, having the piercing glare that seemed to make him want to crawl under a gravestone and cry as he suffocated to death, was much better than the weight her raw emotions were projecting onto him.
"Sorry ma'am, orders are orders" he simply stated in his serious voice. Well, as much of a serious voice he could muster without stuttering.
"..well, that orders is a bucking dumb one, so I've delegated to NOT listen to it!" She huffed at him.
"The changelings came in here and kidnapped my baby, my FOAL, and you're here denying me the right to ask for his safety?" She continued with that shaky and angered voice of hers "after the princess herself invited us here? Even knowing what happened back in Canterlot AND CloudsDale?"
He couldn't say anything in response.
"She obviously knew the risks and still invited us here! It's like she didn't even care about those incidents!" She continued, leaning forwards and planting a hoof on his chest plate, he felt a strong force hold it in place as he subtly tried to move away.
Oh, sweet Celestia..
The Queen shifted in her throne, draping her legs over the sides as she stared down at her children standing at attention just below her throne. An unamused expression firmly planted on her face as she eyed them all with much scrutiny. But she couldn't really be bothered to mouth off to them again, there were more pressing matters to attend to.
Very pressing indeed, she had a little love filled foal to track down and capture once more. Then she had to go back to Canterlot and begrudgingly save her sister from the clutches of the ponies. As much as she despised the idea, Chrysalis still was her sister. And with the news of her apparently reverting back to a more feral state when confronted by the child, she was more use to her here than being imprisoned by the ponies.
"Is S2 currently functioning?" She casually stated, not bothering to fix her gaze onto any of her children. That would just prolong the answering period.
A few meek clicks brought a fang filled smile to her face "good, tell her to report to the lower levels.. and bring the child to me."
A single click followed the buzzing of wings was enough of a response for her to shift her long body again. Using a hoof to prop up her head as she fixed her gaze onto the remaining changelings.
"Now, the rest of you are going to do your dear mother a favor.."
It wasn't unusual for Spitfire to be called to Canterlot Castle on the occasion, be it for something with the Wonderbolts, or just for a friendly visit. Though the latter was on the lesser of the spectrum because what overshadowed all of that, was the main reason that she was here in the first place. Since she was currently the Captain of the Wonderbolts, she wasn't a stranger to the idea of being a branch of the Equestrian Royal Guard. Since Equestria hasn't had an official military in over a thousand years, when Celestia was still referred to as an Emperor. Empress? she wasn't sure, she wasn't a history buff.
Moreover, she was currently back in Canterlot for business that pertained to her dealings with Wonderbolts.
At first, she thought that she was going to meet face to face with and talk to about their whole changelings situation with Princess Celestia, she was pleasantly surprised when it was Princess Luna who was waiting for her in the throne room instead of Celestia. But she wasn't going to comment on it since she wasn't really perturbed by the lunar alicorn, unlike other ponies who've outwardly projected their distrust and wariness over the princess, she wasn't much of a judge. Also for the fact that trying to childishly judge a pony over what she did when they were currently dealing with a crisis that was almost as the whole Canterlot Wedding Scenario, as the internal affairs like to refer to it as, was stupid.
Also because two ponies she cared about were in the middle of the ordeal.
She came to a stop in both her thoughts and her stride and stood in place, straightening herself up towards Princess Luna and giving her a curt salute.
"At ease captain, I am not my sister" Princess Luna was first to speak, standing a few ways away from Spitfire, not quite sitting down on the throne, and instead resting a hoof on the armrest before she turned towards her.
Spitfire simply nodded before dropping her hoof back down onto the tile, the sound a hoof would usually make when making contact against tiling wasn't present as the cloth of her suit muted the nose and instead let it something more akin to a thud. Her thoughts quickly formed into words and she spoke up, her voice formal instead of its usual raspy and boisterous tone, preferring to use that inflection she used when she was acting as a drill sergeant to newer Wonderbolt recruits. But without its layers of aggression and force, as that would just be inappropriate when dealing with somepony of higher stature like Princess Luna.
"What's the situation looking like, princess?" she questioned. Watching the princess let out a small sigh to herself before letting her hoof fall from the armrest, her much larger hoof giving a louder noise as she turned and walked towards her, hooves loudly clacking due her horseshoes.
"We will be honest with you captain, the situation is less than ideal" she talked as she walked, her usual tone of speech was a mixture of the older speech pattern she was used to and the modern rendition of that speech pattern she was still struggling to fully adjust to. "The guards are unraveling themselves from within as more and more changelings are being ousted from their positions in the garrison, and the revelation is much more grim than how it sounds."
Her horn briefly flashed before she closed her eyes and sighed in relief.
"More than a half of the guards have been identified as changelings" she admitted.
This caused Spitfire to blink as her eyes had been widened to an impossibly large size that the idea of there still being more changelings than ponies masquerading around the sisters, even after the whole wedding fiasco, where Chrysalis and all of her changelings were thrown out of the city by the huge beam of love that Princess Cadance and her husband formed. She would've thought that Celestia would've had more fierce detection and prevention spells in place since they were able to pull something off as large as that, but with this new piece of information, she was ultimately flabbergasted.
"Wait what? I thought that the Canterlot Wedding would've done something to help prevent something like this?" Spitfire questioned once more. "With Princess Cadance herself being replaced by the changeling queen, there should've been something in place to prevent something like this, right?"
Princess Luna looked down at the floor for a few moments before raising her head back up and shaking her head "sadly, no. We were not wise in our course of actions and instead chose to try and essentially.. sweep things under the rugs, as you would say?" she said in more of an asking tone instead of actually knowing full and well what it meant. While also not fulling answering Spitfire's question, which she could understand, even if it slightly perturbed her.
"Through the folly of our own actions, we have ultimately allowed an... unknown changeling queen in tandem with Chrysalis, to attempt to and.. su-" she wasn't able to finish her statement as Spitfire was quick to interrupt her by taking a step forwards and letting her concern over the ones she knew were the main idea behind Princess Luna's hesitant form of speaking towards the end.
"They got Speckles and Hazel!?" she uncharacteristically exclaimed. Eyes widened in disbelief as she looked over Princess Luna's features to see if she was getting the wrong idea from her incentives, but was disheartened as she did nothing to disagree with her.
"Fortunately, Hazel was spared the same fate as her foal.. who was unfortunately taken during the brief insurgency" she added in, mistakenly thinking that it would be better than the both of them being captured. Though was proven wrong almost immediately as Spitfire took a step back and ran a hoof through her hair as she let out a breath, eyes now looking down in the ground as her disbelief turned into realization, and her concern turned into worry.
"Do.. do we have any leads as to where the other changeling queen went off to? and can I see her?" she said after a moment, steeling her resolve and looking back up at Princess Luna.
"We have gained nothing new from the situation currently with Chrysalis, who is currently in custody in the dungeons" she shook her head. Momentarily grimacing at the thought of the rabid changeling queen refusing to come to her senses. "She is vehemently.. refusing, to come to her senses."
"You may see Hazel after a moment. I have some things to discuss with you." she said as Spitfire nodded and returned to the current situation.
Tilting her head in a show of confusion, her resolve dissolving as the look on Princess Luna's face was a mixture of something that was familiar to her yet she couldn't really explain what exactly the princess looked like she was thinking about. Though Spitfire new exactly what she herself was thinking about that little tidbit, it made her even more outraged and angered at the changeling queen. First she decides that she's going to be in cahoots with this unknown changeling queen and try to invade canterlot castle, for like what, the second time and then she has the audacity to get herself captured and act like she's still all high and mighty. It really grinded her gears.
Her lips pursed for a moment as she bent her head backwards and let out a breath through her teeth as she gritted them before turning her head back to its original position to lock eyes with the lunar princess once more, the obvious question she had forming in her mind coming out of her mouth before she realized that she actually asked it.
"Can you explain what you meant by refusing to come to her senses?" her thoughts forming an image of the changeling queen giving a fang filled grin while sitting as straight as she could in that damp jail cell that the guards presumably threw her in. "If it's a matter of getting her to tal-" she was then interrupted as the princess spoke once again.
"Well, it is more of a matter of getting her to stop throwing herself against the bars of her cell" Princess Luna admitted.
Spitfire was a bit confused when Luna said that to her, if she wasn't already confused and contemplative over a lot of things that were happening and in the process of happening after this whole chaotic mess. She knew that the changeling queen's temper was a bit larger than her even larger than life personality, but she really didn't expect her to start trying to break out of the cell that way. She'd've thought that she'd wait for her little changeling soldiers to try and infiltrate their way into the castle and try to break her out that way.
She wanted to respond though wasn't able to as her own body stopped her from uttering anything and instead focused on her thoughts trying to rationalize what exactly was meant by Chrysalis throwing herself against the bars of the cell.
Princess Luna sensed this confusion and instead approached Spitfire, closing the distance between the two of them in a matter of seconds before she let her horn faintly glow a dark purple hue. "We think it is better if thou would see for thine self" and with that, Spitfires vision was sent for a twist as the room seemed to flash a bright white color that lasted for as long as she could even register it. But she didn't let the discombobulation sway and shook her head rapidly, shaking away the little purple swirls of color that were making their way all across her vision as she blinked them away.
"Now, if you were to follow me, Captain" Princess Luna's voice broke Spitfire out of her little stupor and she actually took in where they were. The dungeons, which was less damp and gothic as she'd expected it to be, being that she'd actually never been in here she really had no idea, so this was a pleasant surprise. She guessed.
She dutifully walked alongside the princess as the walked down a corridor that was lined with many different cells of the same size, same length, and same color. Which was a very light green color. A very unpleasant and annoyingly green color, if that made any sense. It did to her, since she was the one being repulsed by just looking at it for too long. But there was nowhere else to focus her gaze that wouldn't look weird, so she just pushed through and continued looking forwards until the princess slowed to a stop at the end of the corridor. Where there was a door made out of reinforced iron that was guarded by two very anxious looking day guards that seemed to flinch every time a loud bang reverberated from inside of the room.
Spitfire furrowed her brow and briefly looked away from the two of them to look up to Princess Luna, who's gaze had turned steely as she gave the order for the two of them to open the door for her. Which they did a few seconds after she gave out the order, their bodily expressions and very prevalent expressions on their faces helped to show that they were very well, scared. Which they had every right being, since all that was coming from inside of that room was very loud and constant banging.
Then as the door was undergoing the brief unlocking process, with one of the guards raising their spear up in a ready position while the other used his unicorn heritage to remove the locks that were visible and those that were hidden inside the hulking door made of metal. After this the unicorn took a step back and wrapped the entire door in his magical grasp before taking an audible breath before pulling the door open, letting the bangs that were muffled behind the door come out in full force. Causing the two guards to flinch instinctively as they suddenly came to a stop and a very guttural hiss sounded its way to everyponies ears.
This caused her heart to start beating a little faster against her chest. As the door fully opened, giving her a full view of what was clearly Chrysalis's cell she turned her head back to look at Luna. Her face was unmoving as she nodded at the guards before looking back down at Spitfire, who was a bit taken a back by the sudden force that she felt wash across her face as Luna looked down at her. She nodded her head forwards and the two of them went to enter the cell, with Luna taking the lead.
Spitfire stopped when Luna suddenly stopped, stepping around her and walking a bit in front of her she let her eyes fall on the cell that held the fearsome changeling queen. The same eyes that immediately widened upon seeing the state the the walls of the cell looked like, covered in scratches and impact marks that drilled pretty deep into the bricklike material the cells walls were made of. What also drew her attention was the viscous bright green fluid that was left in puddles around the floor of the cell, each of the puddles feeding out into a single stream of green liquid that drew her eyes over to the back of the cell. Everything of her figure was shrouded, except those very unnerving eyes. Causing her to stop as the two glowing green stared right back at her from the darkness.
She opened her mouth and turned her head away from the very disturbing sight, looking back at the princess with the intent to say something. But was interrupted by the fur on her back raising as a chill passed over her, she went to turn her head back to the cell, and almost immediately jumped backwards as the figure of Chrysalis leapt out of the darkness with great speed and crashed against the bars of the cells. The metal bars were sturdy though, with a very familiar golden aura flashing as soon as she impacted against it, causing the changeling to simply let out another hiss as she took a few step backs from the bars.
"Woah." was all that Spitfire was able to say as her heart finally stopped trying to break out of her chest. Taking in the appearance of the queen with a very surprised look on her face, her hair was a mess, her pupils were thin slits, making them even more intimidating with the vibrant green that surrounded it. The green liquid that was all over the cells, was also all over her neck and muzzle, dripping from her mouth actually.
"Woah is right Captain" princess Luna broke the silence and also approached the bars. A lack of fear was evident in her disposition as her eyes narrowed. Drawing another hiss from the changeling as she bent her body down, letting her jaw open wide, as wide as a snakes for comparison. Letting every single one of her fangs covered in that green liquid show much to Spitfires very unsettled expression.
Her long and snake like tongue licked all around her teeth as she tore her gaze away from the changeling and back to the princess.
"I.. I didn't expect her to be.."
"Out of control? Neither did we" Luna responded.
"I didn't expect her to be this.. feral" she said instead before her eyes were drawn upwards to the stump on her forehead "and her horn.. it's broken."
"Yes, sister and I are still trying to figure out what is the cause of her mental break. Well, more I than my sister and I" she lingered on that end of the sentence before continuing "..but still the question of why is still unanswered, neither is the reason behind her broken horn. We have many speculations, but nothing is concrete."
"I.. just wow." to the wonderbolt captain, it was unfathomable.
To the princess, it was another concerning variable to add into the equation, who's answer was that little foal that was targeted.
"Now, let us go meet with Mrs.Snowdrift. There are topics that require her presence as well" Princess Luna said as she held a staring contest with the rabid changeling queen. The latter of the two hissing and breaking the contact as she snapped her jaws at her. Luna then let out a hum and turned on her heels, with Spitfire doing the same as they walked towards the exit.
This whole same patterned tunnels and rooms that we kept going in and out of was getting really annoying. Plus, with all the sharp twist and turns this guy was taking while dodging sight of any of the changelings and maneuvering through the tight spaces and dark areas, was just leaving the two of us covered in all of this gunk. It was all mainly getting in my hair and causing the strands that hung over my face to start sticking to my forehead and any of the fur that was attached to my face. It was really annoying to take a hoof off of my grip on his neck and trying to let my eyes have some sort of clear line of sight without the constant coverage.
But I was getting really prissy for a moment there. Let's dial it back down and focus on what's at hand, getting out of this hive and not getting the two of us drained out of our love and you've already got the gist from my constant reminders with the changelings totally being rapists and all.
Nevertheless, the darkness from the most recent tunnel we were flying through finally dropped us out into a very large room. Larger than most of the rooms that we've already passed through and from my brief glances at the ceilings, it was good to know that there was only one exit to this room. A curved out doorway that fed out into a hallway that was imbued with the changeling hive material and some sort of stone, at least from what I could see. I'd have to get closer to actually see if my hunch that was creeping along the inside of my head was true. Also with how I found those stalagmite/stalactites earlier and used them to break this guy out of his prison, that's really giving me the idea that this hive is probably situated inside of or below some sort of cave system.
Maybe even a mountain. I'd even relate this to High Charity and that whole fiasco with the flood. But I was really fucking grateful that the flood didn't exist in pony land. I'd be beyond dead by now if that was something even fathomable.
Anyways, he furled his wings back into his sides and started scanning the room once again. Giving me the time to remove myself from being pressed against his neck and pushing myself up onto my feet on his back, I rolled my neck around for a moment before I hopped off of his back and started walking around the room. Even with how stupidly dangerous it was to start scanning around the room without continuously moving like I was doing earlier, I had some sort of mental fluctuation between being completely out of myself, but now I am fully focused on this. Pushing back the prospect of getting captured and never seeing the light of day again, I'm focusing on what we're going to do. If there's going to be an us in the future.
Since I never really took the time to really analyze this guy. Even if he says that he is a royal guard, I can't just resort to snuffing the idea that they decided to shapeshift into one of the guards they already sucked the love out of and locked him away until I showed up.
I drifted my eyes away from him and looked back at the room in detail. If I haven't already done so, because I am just like that. So I took the chance and turned myself towards the doorway and started lightly jogging towards it, coming to a stop just where the stone met the gunk and brought myself down to its level so that I could take a better look at it. Now I wasn't a geologist in the slightest, so I had no idea if these were a specific type of stone which would mean something else entirely. But I did play Minecraft quite a bit, so I know for a fact that this stone is definitely telling of being underground. Even with how stupid it sounds. Don't judge me.
I turned at the sound of footsteps and looked up to see him stopping just in front of me, a small grin was on his face as he brought his gaze down towards me and bent downwards slightly. Before he could ask me a question, I was quick to ask a question of my own "-before you say anything, you already know my name. So I'd like to know yours as well, Mr. Royal guard" as I moved a hoof towards the stone and rubbed the flat part of my hoof against it.
He adjusted his position and acquiesced "yeah, sorry about that. I'm Spear head" he said with a small chuckle. Trying to make light of this very crappy situation, I know, he was trying his best. But still, I couldn't help but internally shrug my shoulders and instead let a small nod of acknowledgment be my answer. Giving him the time to go back to asking what he was originally going to ask.
"Anyways Speckles, are you doing alright?" he said in a concerned manner. Making me turn my head back up to him and tilting my head at the question. Replaying it in my head, since he'd already asked me that question before. "I know this question was already asked, but I really got to make sure that you're all good. You're my main concern right now" he said with a smile sigh.
I was touched. Ignoring the fact that he was talking to me like you'd talk to Clementine if you were Lee, but still.
So I gave him an actual answer. Not a really truthful answer that vented out all of my real feelings on the situation, since that'll really just be a lot to process, coming from a child at least. And trying to comfort a traumatize child while trying to get yourself and said traumatized child out of the belly of the beast, was not easy, I understood that. So I wasn't going to try and make this guys job any harder than it's already been.
"I'm not dead, so that's something isn't it?" I said with a small chuckle of my own, garnering a small smile from Spear before he gave another sigh.
"And it's something that I'm going to not let happen, I promise you" he said as his face turned serious.
As much as I knew that this was 50/50 chance on whether or not to outright trust him all the way, but since I've already been relying on him to get us out here, I've got no other choice but to do so. If it bites me in the ass, then I'll deal with that if it happens. There was a reason I've been sparse on my usage of my time powers after all.
He offered out one of his much larger hooves with its flat side facing me, his serious expression affording a small smile to break through as he offered me this little.. er, hoof bump, if I remember it correctly. Much like a fist bump, but it was less of knuckle on knuckle contact and instead just two flat surfaces touching each other, so I reached up my own hoof and lightly bumped it against his before dropping it back down to the ground.
"Then I'll look out for you as well, goes vice versa since were both stuck here right?" I said with a smile of my own. Causing him to nod before standing back up to his full height.
"Definitely, now lets see where this hallway leads to" he said to which I nodded and turned back to the hallway. I walked towards the middle and looked back to him as he took one final glance at the room we were just about to leave before walking over to me. He came to a stop just beside me and gave me a look before he started to lead the way.
To which we were only able to take a few steps before a very low pitched hiss echoed from right in front of us. Causing the two of us to immediately jump into high alert as our attention focused in on the darkness that was further into the hallway, me squinting my eyes to see where exactly that changeling was before a large blue hoof blocked my sight and instead snaked its way underneath met, hoisting me up and dropping me further behind him. I offered a glance up to him as he intensely stared into the darkness.
"Stay behind me.."
I simply nodded and took another glance at the darkness as another deep hiss came out.
it's like all the circumstances for something going wrong always like to make themselves known whenever it seems very inconvenient for them to do so, since these seems to always happen when something goes right. The universe wants things to go flipping wrong for me.
A skittering noise ran on for quite a bit of time before two glowing red eyes made themselves known in the darkness, causing me to purse my lips in distaste before two more sets of glowing eyes appeared right after the two large ones. This cause me to instinctively take a step back because I know for a fact that if anything with glowing eyes hisses at you from the darkness, and also has two more sets of eyes to stare at, you'd be immediately walking in the other direction.
But since there wasn't really anywhere else to go, besides backtracking. We had to face this.. changeling? I hope its a changeling.
Spear Head physically readied himself for whatever was going to show itself from the darkness, his mind was shifting back into how it should be in a confrontational situation. Thinking of every way he was taught to fight and block somepony.
Though I'm sure that the honing of his skill were surely interrupted by the sound of skittering intensifying as the eyes bent downwards and suddenly closed. Causing the two of us to be on high alert as all that was heard was more and more skittering of whatever this thing was, and I was ready to do whatever I could to try and fend off this threat.
While I was looking to the side and searching for anything that either of us could use as a weapon, I suddenly felt my body tense up and felt compelled to look back up to where the creature was hiding.
"Spear.." I suddenly spoke, causing him to look back at me out of the corner of his eye "..I think we should get out of- Oh shit! stop!" I immediately let my vulgar tendencies spill right out of my mouth as leaped backwards and let the magic words slip out of my mouth right afterwards, watching the world go gray as I landed on my ass. A hoof went right up to my chest as I felt my heart starting to pound against it.
My head snapped up to Spear head, who was in the process of looking back at what I'd just screamed at. He was reared up on his hindlegs like you'd do with a regular horse on earth, and what he was facing. Was something out of fucking nightmares. Or at least, something you'd find inside of Tim Burtons nightmares.
I quickly jumped up onto my feet and looked at what was currently lunging clearly right at me, it was what looked like a regular changeling, sure. The front half of it was a normal changeling, despite the extra eyes and bug like mandibles that extended from the base of its jaws, and the rest of its body was what I could only describe as an unholy amount of thin-centipede like legs connected to an even longer and thicker centipede-like body. It's mouth was outstretched and its long snake like tongue was on display.
What I could see at the moment was definitely not all of it. I could only see a few feet of the centipede part of its body, and from what I know about centipedes, which was very little, I knew that they were very fucking long and creepy.
That's exactly what this hybrid mutant like thing was. Absolutely fucking creepy, and I was having none of it.
The door loudly slammed closed and the guards outside worked on getting the locks back into place. Neither them or the two who were just inside of the prison cell were aware of the two bright red eyes appearing from a corner of the room that was shrouded in darkness. The eyes moved forwards and from the darkness a very bizarre looking changelings face was visible, before it pushed the rest of its body downwards and dropped onto the floor. Revealing itself to be rather distinctly different from a normal changeling, the front half of the changelings body was normal, but as it moved forwards, it's limbs were instead that of an arachnids. All eight of the silently gliding them across the cell until they came to stop in front of the cell, where Chrysalis stood facing away from them, before her ears suddenly perked up and her head snapped around, fangs bared as her eyes fell on the spider like changeling.
She let out a hiss that led into a click. Tilting her head as she looked at them. Who reciprocated with a few clicks of their own. Which then caused Chrysalis to narrow her eyes and widen her frothing mouth into an animalistic grin.
Time being frozen did not do any justice to the centipede-changeling hybrid thing. Even when I got closer to the changeling to get a better understanding of what exactly I was dealing with here, I just couldn't find it in myself to continued looking at it. I grimaced and looked past it, eyeing the mile long body and all of the very large and dangerous legs that were numbered in the thousands and wishing that in this moment I had a M2 flamethrower to eradicate this thing off the face of this planet.
Nevertheless I could see that beyond all of gangly legs, there was a perfectly carved out tunnel that seemed to be where all of the other tunnels fed into. But the further I looked the more dark it got, so I shook my head and quickly distanced myself away from the changeling. I walked over to Spear Head and looked up at him, specifically his facial expression. It was a stark contrast to all the other Royal Guards that I saw back at the castle. This guy wasn't actually shitting himself at the sight of something that one would only dream of in their nightmares.
That won him a few brownie points with me.
"Alright.." I said to myself as I turned around to look at the living blockade that kept us from getting out of here. Nodding my head as a plan started forming.
"Alright." I said in finality before I turned over to Spear Head and reach over to grab one of his hooves. I wrapped my own hooves around the much larger ones and spread my wings out, flapping them for a bit before I lifted myself into the air and started moving him and myself along.
But note that since I wasn't a hummingbird and my wings weren't structured like theirs, it was more difficult. But I was lucky that freezing time meant that everything I touched and moved was essentially weightless.
Though I did have to be wary as I dragged him along. I was covering enough ground to be almost past the normal changeling looking part of the hybrids body, but as I stopped and looked along the rest of the centipede half of it I worried over the possibility of my ability fizzling out on me in an inopportune time like it did in the past.
I flew us over and through parts of the changelings body that curled over in on itself and that blocked the parts that I was currently flying us through. It was a good bit of that before I finally was able to get us clear and into a centered part of the tunnel. The other smaller and more narrow tunnels that fed into this one were all faintly glowing with the same bright green substance that lined a lot of this places wall.
That wasn't important at the moment, what was finding out how we were going to get away from this beast when I restarted the flow of time.
"Okay.." I let go of his hoof and made sure that he wasn't in any position to go flying when everything started up again. Then I flew back up and landed down on his back, leaning my body forwards and grabbing onto his neck I let out a small sigh and mentally prepared myself for what was most likely going to be another one of these chase scenes. "Stop.."
A small but sharp feeling of pain hit me in the center of my forehead as all of the grey distorted and started funneling all of the color back into my vision. Then sound followed up by the movements of Spear Head fell back into normalcy.
"---! huh?" Spear's voice was the first thing coherent thing I heard as he took a step back in surprise and quickly looked at his surroundings, before he immediately glanced around to look at me. His face was full of confusion and as he stared me in the eyes, but I was quick to shut down any sort of questions he had.
"Forget that, run!" I said while pressing myself closer to him and readjusting my grip around his neck.
The loud impact sound and the screeching that followed was quick to further my insistence to start running as his eyes looked past me and back over at where the changeling was quickly learning that we were in fact, not right where it wanted us to be! So he asked no further question and immediately started booking it in the opposite direction.
As we were on the move, I took a quick look behind us. Immediately regretting that decision as I was able to see that the changeling had already flipped around and was crawling its way towards us at an alarming rate. I felt my own eyes widen in disbelief before I opened my eyes and urged Spear on.
"You're going to have to go faster than this!"
His breathing picked up and I was jostled forwards as the crashing of his hooves against the ground grew louder with every impact, and I felt my own heartbeat pick up as I turned my head and saw that the changeling was crawling all over the floor, the ceiling and the walls to try and get to us.
The colors of the walls seemed to blend together with how fast we were going.
"Hold on!" I heard his voice call out as he suddenly jerked to the side and we started running down another one intersecting tunnel.
I heard the changeling let out a pained noise as it missed us and crashed into the floor.
"Don't let go!" he yelled out once again as he sped up again.
My grip on his hair was firm and my body was tensing up with every bump and twist that we took so that I wouldn't fall off of his back, I only snapped my head away from looking behind us when he leaped over something. My eyes widening for the umpteenth time today as I saw that the thing he leapt over was a big ass hole leading to a very black and abyss looking death. Looking forwards, I was treated to an even scarier sight, the ledge that would lead to another side of the ginormous hole was nowhere close to where he just jumped from. My heart momentarily stopped beating and I felt the magic words forming at the edge of my tongue until I suddenly felt Spears wings snap open and start flapping furiously.
'This asshole...' I let a curse slip in my head as I felt my heart start beating normally as he straightened us out and quickly flew us over to the opposite edge of the chasm.
Princess Luna faltered in her stride. A certain intrusive thought overtaking her immediate thought process as she came to a complete stop, letting the captain of the WonderBolts unknowingly continue along without her for a few moments. Until she finally realized the fact that Luna stopped and turned on a dime, tilting her head in the alicorns directions. Glancing at her current expression with a concerned one of her own, she quickly trotted forwards and closed the distance between the two of them. Making her concern known as she called out her name.
"Princess?" she tried.
But as much as she tried waving her hooves in her face and flying up so that she could block her vision, it proved fruitless as Luna stared continuously in the direction that they were walking in, a hundred yard stare, if you would. Though that's the conclusion you would come up with when you're from an outsiders perspective, since if you were currently inside of the lunar diarchs mind, you would come to realize that there are multiple things that are trying to overload her brain. Though the main one that was proving to be much larger than the others was how exactly she and her sister were going to compensate for everything that'd happened. To her 'little ponies' and to the main little pony that has her guilt eating at her very core.
The term little ponies to Luna was rather a subconscious form of logomania she had surrounding that word.
Helping each and every guard that'd been affected by the changelings after the whole ordeal is over is going to be more difficult than her sister would love to admit to herself, since Luna was the more realistic of the two, her perception of things going as smoothly as the well loved and cherished being that is her sister going was indeed skewed. Not to mention the fact that they would actually have to find out where the blasted changelings were in the first place. The appearance of not one but two changeling queens, albeit one of them being egregiously familiar to the two sisters was bad in it of themselves because now they were certain that more than one of these changeling societies existed.
But having Queen Chrysalis imprisoned in the dungeons was a small reprieve to everything.
'Thank my sister for her mental break' she said to herself in the midst of her own thoughts.
Captain Spitfire on the other hand was busy trying every way that she could to try and pull the Princess out of her own mind, name calling wasn't working, neither was waving her hooves in front of her face, making her face form into a frown of her own as she landed back down on her hooves and looked straight up at the Lunar Princesses face. She thought about how exactly she was going to bring the Princess back for a few more moments. Looking down at the ground in contemplation before looking back up and raising a hoof, glancing at the metal shoes that she was wearing, a slight wince was drawn as she reared her hoof back and struck upwards. Letting a very muddled 'smack' echo through the very empty hallway.
"Huh- Oh!" Princess Luna said as she suddenly was reigned back in, her head had moved to the side from the force of the slap given by the WonderBolt. Though it seemed as she seemingly ignored the fact and instead looked down to address the sheepishly grinning Spitfire. "Captain, my apologies.. I was distracted by some rather disheartening thoughts" she admitted with a frown of her own, her ears lowering slightly as she did so.
"No.. it's all good, Princess" Spitfire responded in earnest. "I have a lot of things going on in my head as well, can't blame yourself for getting too deep into things" she admitted. Briefly letting a small grin grace her face before sighing and turning around, the gravity and overall tone of this situation had made it so difficult to try and joke around or make light of anything.
"We thank you for your words, Captain" Princess Luna thanked with a small smile of her own. Letting a small sigh come from her lips before she motioned forwards once again "now let us not delay any further.. I fear Mrs. Snowdrift's temper will be the death of my sister and her guards." She said with slight disdain to her sister.
Spitfire simply nodded and with that, the two of them continued down the hallway.
"Ma'am I'm sorry, but I cannot let you into the room!" the guard refused once again. Even with his position of Hazel having him pressed onto the ground with her unnatural amount of strength, all of his attempts to get her off of him failed, and because of the shortage of guards due to the damn changelings. He was on his own with this crazy mare.
He understood that all of this anger and outrage was more directed at the fact that her child was just kidnapped by the changelings, he was sympathetic in that aspect. But resorting to this was just insane! He struggled against her once more, but was immediately foiled as she simply increased the pressure of her hooves on his chestplate.
"I'm not asking you to let me in the room, I'm demanding you to let me back in!" she once again repeated much to his disdain.
"I told you I'm not to let you back in the ro-" his retort was cut off by the sound of Princess Luna interjecting her much louder voice into the conflict.
"Please refrain from assaulting the guards, Mrs. Snowdrift" she said with a small sigh. The sound of her horn igniting and the appearance of a dark blue aura surrounding itself around the pink pegasus before lifting her up and off of the guard, then gently moving her back and setting her down on the ground.
"P-princess!" the guard said in surprise as he fumbled around on the floor for a moment before shooting up onto his feet and stiffening into a salute.
"At ease" she said in response to his salute. Not finding it really necessary with this day and age, the last war that Equestria was even a part of was the conflict between the minotaur's and one of the nameless kingdoms of old. Too far in the past for her to even remember their name. Nevertheless, she fixed her attention on the guard and dismissed him "Please go inform my sister that I will deal with Mr. SnowDrift" before turning around.
He hesitated for a moment before nodding and turning to enter the room that was barred entrance to Hazel.
"But Princess, I-" Hazels voice was silenced as Spitfire stepped around the Lunar Princess and walked over towards her. A small smile on her face as she came to a stop in front of her. The two of them looking at each other in a brief moment of silence before Hazel was quick to pull the other pony in a hug.
Our movement didn't stop for a second after Spear Head landed on the other side of the chasm and kept hauling ass off to wherever these seemingly endless tunnels would lead us, I spit out a strand of that ended up in my mouth as I was pressed tight against the back of his neck. It was the best grip I could get on him without having fingers readily available to me. So I wasn't going to be receiving any judgment from anyone as I kept myself pressed up against his neck and shoulders as we yet again ended up walking into another stretch of darkened tunnels. My very non existent night vision doing nothing to help me as I tried squinting to see if I could spot anything. But I didn't have to squint for long as I was suddenly blinded by a bright flash of white light, letting out a pained noise as I immediately shut my eyes and placed my hooves over my eyelids, my teeth pressing firmly against each other as I shook my head back and forth.
Spear wasn't fairing any better as I felt him suddenly jerk and let out a surprised noise of his own.
'Who the hell flash banged me?' I mentally cursed as I tried to open my eyes. The scrambling of my eyesight made it so that I was seeing those weird rings of purple that usually lingered around after a moment or two of me looking directly at something bright, like the sun. But in this case, some jack ass decided that blinding me was the best course of action.
'Assholes' I cursed again as I gained my bearings on my surroundings. Keeping my hooves up at my face just in case anything of the flashing sort decided to make itself known again, I looked at where we were and paused. Having to take a moment to actually register the image that appeared in my head, I half expected it to turn back to normal and just be the effect of getting the flood of bright white light in my eyes. But as the effects faded away and I blinked once, then twice before mentally resigning. Those little flicks of distorted light were lingering in the corners of my eyes.
I let out and audible groan nonetheless. Spear seemed to agree with my sentiment as his own noise of discomfort played out after mine.
"What was that?" I said after a moment. Taking a look at our surroundings and noticing that nothing looked different. So I crossed out the idea that we were teleported somewhere.
"Nothing good, I bet." Spear would grumble underneath me. Before he finally seemed to reign himself in and continued forwards.
Yet I still couldn't help but be suspicious, even if he was quick to shrug it off, and even if there seemed to be no real reason for the flash to have happened. I one hundred percent know that it's probably going to be something that is going to screw me over in the future. It's just the most plausible assumption that I could make. Video game logic proves that things like this happen for a reason.
"Everything they've done so far has been nothing short of terrible," I said with a bit of snark. Not directed towards Spear but mainly towards the general situation that we were in for the past few da- days? Hours? I could honestly care less, I've spent way too much time in this changeling hive. Way longer than someone like me should be. Honestly I'm glad I'm not a regular child, I would've ripped my vocal chords a new string from the amount of panicked shouting if I didn't have the common sense to actually try to do something against my captors.
"Let's just focus on getting out of here, the sooner the better," I said with a small sigh as we rounded a corner. To guess what? Even more endless stretches of tunnels!
"All these tunnels are going to make me contract trypophobia.." I muttered.
Spitfire was a bit out of practice when it came to trying to calm somepony down when their child has been ripped straight from their hooves and kept in an unknown location, especially when the parent was single, not having that support from their significant other made it even harder on them. Also with the fact that said pony used to be one of her closest friends before they fell out of contact all those years ago, it made the situation hit even closer to home. So she could only reciprocate the hug that Hazel wrapped her into and tried adding in words of comfort to the best of her abilities, but it was only doing so much for the mare that was in complete hysterics over the fact that her foal had been constantly ripped from her grasp over the course of a few weeks.
It made her distaste for the changelings as a whole to delve further into a sort of hatred for them, adding in the fact of the whole Canterlot wedding fiasco, she really had nothing more to say about the changelings that others weren't already thinking when the concept of them was brought up in conversation.
But them really sinking to such lows as kidnapping an innocent and harmless child? It made her blood boil at the sheer gall that they had to outright storm Canterlot Castle for what seemed like the second, well, it was the second time that they've stormed the castle. Nevertheless, they had the absolute gall to actually storm the castle and target Speckles for seemingly whatever reason they had.
A thought in the back of her head made it seem like the changelings just outright kidnapped Speckles like that just to spite her for the absolute mockery she made of them the last time that they tried to do that, in a calmer state of mind she would've had a grin on her face at the memory of the changeling queens face distorting just by the amount of force she put into her punch. But it just served to fill her with an even greater sense of confusion and anger.
Why did they want him in the first place? She wanted to ask, but she knew she probably wouldn't ever get the answer to that question.
Speckles was just some random foal, why target him? From what she knew about him, the only thing that could be of worth noting is the fact that he has an above level of intelligence for a foal of his age, and that is putting it lightly. She'd seen kids that were considered 'gifted' in 'Princess Celestia's school for Gifted Unicorns', that were of the same age and some that were well over his age, act completely differently than how he did. There was just something about the way he talked and just how self aware he was of himself that was of interest, and that was the only thing she could see him being singled out for.
But regardless of how smart he was he was still a child, who did absolutely nothing to deserve this situation that he so happened to find himself in, he and Hazel both, it was just terrible.
And glancing back down at her friend made her wince, and it was a detraction from the amount of time that she's seen something far worse that should've prompted a wince from her but didn't, tuning her ears back into the real world, she couldn't find herself saying anything in response to her hysterics. It'd been such a long time since she'd seen the pink pegasus that she just found it hard to pick up where they'd fallen out of contact, in a deeper more emotional way than she'd been indulging in for the past few weeks she'd gotten to reacquaint herself with her and to introduce herself to Speckles.
She also felt a little bad for Princess Luna who was awkwardly standing a few feet away from where she was originally, trying to make it seem like she wasn't watching the interaction in front of her by feigning interest in the reflection of her that was casted by some of the tiling.
But she relented and focused on trying her best to comfort her friend, it was the very least that she could do in her position, with which she had very little experience in since she was always on the receiving end of comforts by Hazel.
"I-I just don't know why! Why would they do this to me? why would they take my baby from me?!" the sorrow filled voice of Hazel caused her eyes to focus back down to where the pink pegasus's arms were tightly wrapped around her neck. She shifted her own arms and used her hooves to try and soothe her by rubbing her back in a circular fashion.
"I don't know, Hazel, I don't know." Were the words that left her mouth as soon as she contemplated even speaking them. And it was the truth. She did not know in the slightest.
"What I do know is that you have got to calm down," she calmly said. She internally winced after the fact because that is not something you say to somepony, especially in this position. But she had to save face.
"H-how am I supposed to calm down? Why should I calm down? I come here and i-" Hazel was quick to voice against her request. Her voice choking up as she pulled away from the embrace and turned away. "-i I get my baby stolen from me, Spitfire! I can't.." she trailed off before turning to face her once again.
"I just can't calm down!"
"I understand that, Hazel," Spitfire said gently, still keeping her hooves on her friend's back. "It's okay to feel angry, upset, and frustrated. You have every right to feel those emotions, but we need to think about Speckles too. He needs us to be strong for him, to think of a plan, and to get him back safely."
She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing, "And in order to do that, we need to remain calm and focused. I know it's easier said than done, but we have to try. We can't let our emotions cloud our judgment and hinder our ability to help Speckles."
Hazel looked at Spitfire, her eyes red from crying. Spitfire could see the pain in her friend's eyes, and it broke her heart. But she knew she had to be strong for her friend, to be the rock she needed in this difficult time.
"I'm here for you, Hazel," Spitfire said softly. "We'll get through this together. We'll find Speckles and bring him back home where he belongs."
Hazel nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Okay," she said, her voice still shaky. "Okay, we'll do this together."
Spitfire smiled, giving her friend a reassuring hug. "That's the spirit," she said. "Now, let's start thinking of a plan."
"We might actually have a plan," Luna's voice butted in.
Spitfire turned to face Princess Luna, her expression one of curiosity and hope. "What is it, Princess?" she asked, her tone eager.
"It is one my sister has discouraged me from acting upon," she admitted. "But we, I mean, I have been taken a sample of the magic used by the unknown changeling queen and have used it as a basis for when I used my magic to scan the surrounding area," Luna explained. "And I believe I've found something that could lead us to the changeling hive where Speckles is being held."
Hazel's ears perked up at the mention of Speckles. "What did you find?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
"There's a cave system not too far from here," Luna said, gesturing with her hoof. "It's been shielded with powerful magic, which you can guess is the changelings, but I was able to detect a small disturbance in the barrier that fluctuated every so often. I believe that could be a way into the hive."
"And Princess Celestia is not a fan of this, why?" Hazel's accusatory voice would question. Causing Luna to look at the ground and let out a small sigh. "Sister is well, how do we put this," she placed a hoof to her chin before nodding. "Sister has gone soft, she has a sort of belief of things."
Hazel wasn't satisfied but Spitfire quickly interjected, her mind already focused on what was important and working on a plan. "Okay, we need to get there as soon as possible. We can't waste any time."
"I'll lead the way," Luna said, her horn glowing as she created a magical portal. "Follow me." As she stepped through the swirling blue vortex.
Hazel and Spitfire wasted no time, following Luna through the portal and into the cave system. The air was damp and cool, and the sound of dripping water echoed off the walls. But they pushed on, determined to find Speckles and bring him home.
"No teleportation?" Hazel would ask as she glanced back to the swirling vortex suddenly fizzle out and disappear, the soft blue glow it was emitting causing the darkness to seep back in behind them.
Luna simply shook her head as she lit her horn and lead the way. "A one way portal is more seamless and expels less magic than a long distance teleportation spell."
Hazel tilted her head in interest while Spitfire simply shook her head. 'Egghead,' she would think but not admit out loud.
They continued along the cave, with Luna creating a magical shield halfway through to protect them from any surprises. The barrier was invisible and only the faintest hints of magic could be felt in the air. "We are near the entrance," her quiet voice would say as the two ponies behind her tensed.
They rounded a corner and Luna came to a sudden stop, causing the two two slam into each other as Luna simply turned around and pointed with a hoof. The two followed the motion and looked around the corner to see the sight of a large and gaping crevice with glowing green masses growing along the walls. The sight of it caused the two pegasi to gag while Princess Luna simply fixed it with a narrowed gaze.
But Lunas head suddenly snapped in another direction as a familiar sensation coursed through her causing the two to look at her in confusion. Spitfire shook her head and went up to question her, but she paused as Lunas ears pressed against her head and her horn glowed brightly. "get behind me, we must hurry!" as she sprinted towards the entrance of the hive.
"This room looks important," Spear muttered as we walked into another spacious room. But instead of there being a multitude of cocoons lining the walls, it was empty.
It looked more like an auditorium, what with the center of the room having a set of elevated pieces of stairs carved into the stone. But it could also be a throne room, what with the large throne cut from stone sitting at the center of the platform.
Ah.
"Ya think?" Was my sarcastic reply as he walked further into the room, my head started looking from left to right for an exit.
"No need to get hostile, just making an observation." Spear said with a verbal roll of his eyes. To which I simply squinted my eyes and unwrapped my hooves from around his neck and promptly hopped down onto my own four legs, immediately stumbling as they'd fallen asleep from me not using them in quite a bit. After I made sure that everything was working and I could feel the blood bubbling back into my limbs did I quickly trot in front of the blue pegasus and made my retort. "A dumbass statement, that's what," I simply said with a small shrug before turning and making my way towards the throne.
"Wh-what?" his surprised voice called out before he shook his head and leaned forwards as he followed me to the throne. "You kiss your mother with that mouth?" he'd say just as I turned around to look up at him. His face was a mix of curiosity and surprise as he looked down at me.
"Why wouldn't I? It's good enough for your mother," I let slip from my mouth as I clambered onto the throne and sat on my rear looking up at his flabbergasted face with a bit of a smug grin plastered on my own face.
He opened his mouth to respond but paused and simply shook his head as he looked down at the floor and muttered something before raising his head and returning back to his stoic face. "Listen, Kid," he tried. I'm pretty sure I told him my name already, looks like the early onset dementia is kicking already. So I better help him.
"Speckles," I simply corrected.
"Alright listen, Speckles," he said with a nod. "I could care less if you curse like a sailor, I'm more focused on us actually getting up and out of this changeling hive," he whispered urgently to me. "Now, we just have to.." he paused and looked off to the side in thought.
"..." he didn't say anything else as he dropped onto his haunches and stared down at the ground as if he was trying to melt the stone it was made out of. I fixed him with a confused look before shaking my head and looking away from him.
And as I sat on the empty throne, my small hooves dangling off the edge. I tried to think of a plan, a way out of this place, but nothing seemed to come to mind. The silence was deafening, and I wished I could hear something, anything to break it. I went to say something to Spear before something caught my eyes, or rather, a lot of somethings caught my eyes.
Because when I looked up and around us, I truly felt a chill run up my spine from just how many glowing green eyes were staring at the two of us from the darkness. It spooked me enough that a little, "oh shit," left my lips as I got up and stood on the throne. The curse caused Spear to shoot me a confused look before I simply used a hoof to point behind him, causing his eyes to suddenly narrow as he leapt to his hooves and spun around with his wings spread. And I wondered what exactly that would do against the hundreds of magic wielding, love sucking, changelings.
"Your fear is rightly deserved.." the familiar deep and hissy voice of the cockroach Queen herself caused me to looked up and scan around the sea of green eyes before they suddenly appeared at the epicenter, I followed them as the buzzing of wings echoed along the room. Her cheese leg hooves were the first things I saw as she landed from the darkness. "You've crawled all along my web and have finally landed at the center, how convenient." she chuckled darkly. "I was hoping for more of a challenge.. my dearest child told me how much of a chase you gave her.."
I tossed her a disbelieving look as she fully stepped out of the shadows, with that same fang filled grin staring not at Spear in front of me, but directly at me. Spear saw this and quickly blocked her eyesight with his body. "You won't get away with this, changeling," he simply growled at her. His voice slipped into a really authoritative one.
"Oh, won't I?" she simply teased. "You're surrounded by all my lovely children and with nowhere to go!" she said in a sing song voice.
"I've already won." she hissed.
"leave it to a Queen to force her subjects to do her dirty work for her," I simply said as a distraction as I looked around the room and tried to approximate how long it would take me to stop time and subdue every single one of these changelings in the room without paralyzing myself. "It's a tale as old as time."
The changeling queen's eyes narrowed as she turned her attention to me. "You are quite the clever one, aren't you?" she said with a smirk. "But your little tricks won't work on me again. Whatever you did to me last time won't work this time, you're in my domain now, my magic is embedded in every stone."
She began to walk towards us, her hoofsteps echoing in the silent throne room. "You see, my dear, I am not like the other changelings or my sister. I am more powerful than they could ever hope to be. I can sense your every move, anticipate your every thought." Her large and crooked horn glowed dangerously as she looked down at Spear with an amused grin.
I tried to keep my cool, but I could feel my heart racing in my chest. I didn't know what she was capable of, since I'd only encountered her once or twice before, but I knew that I didn't want to find out. "What do you want from us.. what do you want from me?" I asked, trying to buy time.
The changeling queen chuckled darkly. "What do I want?" she repeated. "Oh, nothing much. Just your love and your magic, and perhaps a little bit of revenge."
"Revenge?" I echoed, my mind racing to try and figure out what she could be talking about. "What did we ever do to you?"
The changeling queen's eyes blazed with anger. "You and your kind have been a thorn in our side for far too long," she spat. "Always interfering, always trying to take what is not yours. It's time for you to pay the price."
And like a switch her expression changed and her sneer shifted back into a grin, "Oh, but I can worry about revenge at a later time. I'm more interested in your endless love," she giggled again. It was a creepy noise.
"Or what my children have told me," she dropped her grin and looked to her side as a lighter shade of red eyes suddenly glowed from the darkness and out stepped the very bane of my existence, Aurora, or whatever her name was. She looked down at Aurora with a bit of annoyance as the latter hyper focused on me and grinned widely, it looked a lot less contained than when she first showed me those pearly white fangs.
But she pushed the manic Aurora back into the darkness before fixating her gaze on the two of us. "now that you are in my humble abode.. why don't we, play a game?" she said as she lit her horn and the sound of metal scraping against stone rang out before a short sword floated out of the darkness and dropped in front of the taken aback Spear.
She hissed as she pulled out a sword of her own, an ornate blade that looked really out of place in her magical grasp. "You like it?" she said as she noticed my gaze. "It belonged to the late king of Haystonia." I pitied the man who she stole that from.
"What kind of game?" Spear questioned.
"Simple, you fight me one on one." she grinned. "And I might let you leave if you win."
I was about to call her out on how ridiculous that was before Spear beat me to the punch.
He took a deep inhale before bending down and picking up the sword with his mouth, he somehow spun the sword around with just his mouth and spread his legs as he lowered his head to her.
The changeling queen's eyes narrowed as she stepped forward, her sword at the ready. "You're brave, I'll give you that," she said with a smirk. "But you're also a fool. You can't possibly hope to defeat me."
Spear didn't respond, but I could feel myself tense as I watched the two. The words at the tip of my tongue as I prepared to stop time and help out Spear if anything started going south.
But before I could react, the changeling queen suddenly lunged forward, her sword flashing in the dim light of the throne room. Spear barely had time to react, parrying her attack with the shortsword and dodging her follow-up strikes. I simply looked on with widened eyes as he did so.
The queen moved with an eerie grace, her movements almost inhumanly fluid. She seemed to glide across the floor, her eyes fixed on Spear with a predator's intensity as she backed away.
The two combatants clashed, the sound of metal on metal ringing out through the room. Spear was quick and precise, his movements honed through years of training no doubt, but the queen was unnaturally fast, dodging and weaving with a fluidity that seemed impossible for a creature of her size.
The queen's attacks were wild and unpredictable, and she seemed to be using her long, stocky body to her advantage, contorting and twisting in ways that were impossible for any ordinary creature. It didn't make sense for that size to be doing things like that.
Spear was on the defensive, his sword moving in a blur as he tried to keep up with the queen's rapid strikes. He was breathing heavily, sweat pouring down his face, but he refused to give up.
The queen hissed with amusement, clearly enjoying the fight. "You're quite skilled for a royal guard," she said. "But you're no match for me."
Spear gritted his teeth, redoubling his efforts. He managed to land a few strikes, but the queen simply shrugged them off, seemingly unaffected by the blows. She simply flicked her tongue out as she lunged forwards at break neck speeds, Spear just narrowly used his wings to propel himself up into the air and barrel rolled out of the way as she used her magic to stab at the air where he was. He slid on his feet as he landed and deflected another strike from her sword.
The queen's attacks were becoming more ferocious, her sword whistling through the air as she launched a flurry of blows. Spear was forced back, his sword barely keeping up with the queen's frenzied assault.
Just as it seemed that Spear was about to be overwhelmed, he managed to sidestep the queen's sword and landed a solid blow to her side with the handle. The queen recoiled, hissing in pain, but she quickly regained her composure and attacked again.
The two combatants were now locked in a fierce battle, the sound of their swords ringing out through the throne room. Sweat dripped down their faces, and their breathing was heavy and ragged.
Spear was skilled, but the queen's movements were just too fast and unpredictable. She seemed to be everywhere at once, attacking from every angle.
Finally, Spear saw an opening and launched a powerful strike. The queen managed to block it, but the force of the blow sent her staggering back. Spear saw his chance and charged forward, his sword flashing in the air.
The queen's movements became even more frenzied, her sword moving with a speed and fluidity that seemed almost inhuman. But despite her best efforts, Spear managed to land a powerful blow that sent the queen reeling.
For a moment, it seemed as though the fight was over, but the queen was not one to give up easily. With a fierce snarl, she launched herself at Spear, her sword flashing in the air.
The two combatants clashed once again, their swords ringing out through the throne room. It was a battle of skill and determination, and in the end, it was Spear who emerged victorious, his sword flashing through the air and landing the final blow.
The queen fell to the ground, her sword clattering to the floor beside her. She lay there, panting and gasping for breath, her eyes fixed on Spear with a mixture of rage and admiration.
"Nicely done, royal guard," she hissed. "You are indeed a worthy opponent. It's no wonder that you were chosen as a breeding stock." To which I had many questions as to what she meant by that.
Spear breathed a sigh of relief, his chest heaving with exertion. He looked down at the fallen queen, his sword still at the ready.
"I'll take that as a compliment," he said, his voice laced with exhaustion.
The queen simply chuckled, her eyes fixed on Spear with a predator's intensity. "Don't get too comfortable, royal guard," she said. "I don't play fai-" and before she could even get that sentence out I quickly lurched forwards and shouted "stop!" and felt my heart almost beat out of my chest as I just narrowly saved Spear from being struck by a salvo of magical blasts from the changelings hiding in the darkness. I almost slipped out of the throne from how my hooves were still outstretched forwards and I balanced on my hind legs, I spread out my wings and quickly flapped them as I raised myself into the air.
I felt at my chest as I flew over to where Spear still stood with his exhausted expression and the changeling queen lay with her creepy grin.
"I knew she'd pull something like that.." I breathed out. "Just so lucky that I caught it." I admitted as I flew up to Spear and gently grabbed his face with both of my hooves and pulled him out of the way of the magical blasts. I set him back down next to the throne and flew back to the where the magic was in suspended animation. I gingerly reached out a hoof and touched the blasts, instinctively reeling for the pain but stopped as I didn't feel anything.
"So much for 'I can sense everything'" I mimicked her voice before looking at the magic.
"Idea," I simply grinned as I grabbed them in my hooves and directed them so that they would careen down towards the Queen, directly at her face. I flew turned around and quickly flew back to the throne and plopped myself back down on it as I let out a calm breath. "stop."
The Queen's eyes widened in shock as she realized what was happening as time resumed. She tried to dodge, but it was too late. The magical blasts struck her full in the face, the green explosion forming a cloud over her form and sending her flying into the wall.
As she hit the ground, she let out a deafening screech that echoed throughout the room. The other changelings emerged from the shadows, hissing and snarling. She joined their snarling as she rose to her feet, her hair disheveled and her form heavy with burns from the magic.
Spear spun around and looked down at himself and the changelings in confusion, but quickly scooped me up from the throne and held me close to his chest as he held out the sword with his mouth in as much of a defense as he could muster. I looked up at his sweaty face and he simply shot down a disgruntled smile back down at me as he returned his gaze to the approaching changelings.
But it seemed that she wasn't having any of Spears nonsense and bared her horn down, the magic crackled out of her damaged horn and quickly shot out towards us in the form of blood red tendrils. Spear tried to fly out of the way but the sheer speed outmatched him as they caught us out of the air and stole me out of his grasp and tightened its tendrils around his body, forcing the blade out of his mouth as he grunted in pain. I tried shouting out the words but the tendrils swam along my body and wrapped around my neck, causing my words to come out as a "GHACK!" as she slammed me down onto the floor and dragged me over to her.
I grunted at the pain along my back and brought my hooves up to the tendrils gripping my neck. I couldn't. Breathe.
"You and your little.. TRICKS!" she yelled hissed directly into my face as I tried kicking her away with my hind legs. "I won't let you run this time.." she growled with unbridled rage.
The queen quieted though, her eyes fixed on mine, and I felt her horn begin to glow. I could sense the magic flowing from her, a dark, oily energy that sought to seep into my mind and suck the love out of me. It was a familiar feeling from the time that Aurora tried to do it to me, but this was much different, much stronger. It was hard to resist and keep myself from passing out from how tight the grip was on my neck.
But I refused to give in. I focused on nothingness. I let those blank emotions fill me up, pushing back against the queen's magic with every ounce of my being. It was grating, as if trying to pull off an army of leeches from your brain.
The queen hissed in frustration, her eyes narrowing as she realized that her magic was having no effect on me. She unhinged her jaw, revealing her sharp, needle-like teeth, and I felt a surge of fear.
But I refused to back down. I stood my ground, channeling all of my mental fortitude into resisting the queen's magic. I could feel the strain in my mind, the pressure building as the queen pushed harder and harder, but I held on.
And then, suddenly, it was over. The queen stepped back, her jaw snapping shut as she glared at me with a mixture of rage and awe.
"Impossible," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "How could you resist me?"
I smiled through the lack of air, feeling a sense of pride and triumph. This just caused her even more rage as she hissed deafeningly into my face and tossed my so hard into the ground that my vision went black for a moment. But the only thing I could focus on was how the tendrils unwrapped themselves from my throat and finally let me breath, I ignored the pain flaring all over my body and simply curled into myself as much as I could while greedily taking in breaths of air.
"Y-you monster!" Spear would shout from where I couldn't see him. And to be honest, I really couldn't move myself. The pain just caused me to grit my teeth and lay there as still as a corpse.
"No matter.." she walked over to my body and lowered her head down to my level, tilting her head as her slit eyes stared into mine. "I shall simp-" but she was cut off by a cacophony of cracks coming from somewhere in the room and just the room shaking entirely as a large blast shook the room. I painfully rolled over to see what'd happened, but the shrieking of changelings and the queen herself told me that it was nothing good for them. The dust covered any sort of sight line for me but I let out a noise as something grabbed me, but to my relief it was the injured form of Spear who'd crawled over to where I was and wrapped his hooves around me protectively.
"Spear.. are you?" I tried to ask him if he was alright but he simply pressed me further into his chest.
"J-just h-ang on.." he grunted through his own pain as he cradled me. I couldn't help but finally close my eyes in exhaustion.
Princess Luna had led them through a sped up walkthrough of the cave, her magic almost autonomous with the way that it lit the way, shielded them, and rendered any changelings that attack them unconscious.
"YOU!" the Queens voice echoed all along the cave as the dust settled. "How dare you desecrate my beautiful hive!" she hissed loudly and as one all the changelings in the room started towards the three ponies that'd entered the room. Spitfire got into a battle stance while Hazel simply did the same. But Princess Luna wasn't having any of it as her horn simply flared and at once all the changelings in the room collapsed onto the ground, even those that were airborne had their wings completely stop and let them ragdoll onto the floor. The Queen was the only one who'd resisted the magic and simply looked down at her children with hatred in her eyes before she lit her horn and charged full force at the Princess.
But a blue aura sprouted from the ground and wrapped around the changeling, stopping her momentum and slamming her against the floor and Princess Luna had acted quickly, using her powerful magic to subdue the changeling queen. With a flick of her horn, she bound the queen's hooves and wings in a tight grip of magical energy, rendering her unable to move or cast any spells.
"Stay back, both of you," Luna warned Spitfire and Hazel. "This changeling is more dangerous than I expected and could try to harm us even in her restrained state." She simply looked down as the changeling hissed and growled, green viscous spittle flying everywhere.
The two nodded in understanding, and Spitfire kept a watchful eye on the Queen while Luna approached her, her horn glowing with a soft blue light.
"What do you want with these ponies?" Luna demanded, her voice firm and authoritative.
The changeling queen sneered and spat at Luna's hooves. "I am Queen Vespera, ruler of this hive that you have desecrated! And as for these ponies, they are nothing but food to us. Food for me to grow even more powerful!"
Luna's expression hardened at the queen's callous admission. "You are a twisted and cruel creature. You will not harm these ponies any longer. You will be brought to justice for your crimes."
"I WI--" but she was cut off as Luna summoned a metal muzzle out of thin air and clamped it over Vespera's mouth. The Queen simply continued struggling as Luna turned away from her and looked to Spitfire and Hazel, her expression softening just a bit as she focused on Hazel. "Now, we wi-" but Hazel cut her off as with her own wandering eyes she caught sight of an injured blue pegasus cradling something small and brown in his hooves.
"Speckles!" Hazels voice cried out as she sprinted over to where the prone pegasus was. Spitfire was quick to follow after her, though with a bit more caution as she cast a look at the incapacitated changelings around them before kneeling down to where Hazel was trying to talk to the stallion. Luna followed shortly after making sure that there were no more changelings in their vicinity.
"G-give me my baby!" she would say while prodding at the unresponsive stallions side. Spitfire would try to calm Hazel as she placed a hoof on her back. "Hazel.. come on, relax."
The stallion only seemed to respond when the towering form of Princess Luna popped over the heads of the two pegasi mares, one eye was firmly shut and the other widened and his lips curved into a small grin. The first thing he did was shakily raise a hoof up to his forehead, "Li-lieutenant Spear H-head.." he grunted out. "Sorry.. had to make sure.." he said while turning his gaze over to Hazel and finally relaxing his grip.
Hazel easily spread his hooves open and took in the sight of the small sleeping figure of Speckles huddled close against his chest, she felt tears pricking at her eyes before she leaned in and snatched him out of Spears grasp and pressed him close to hers as she wrapped her hooves firmly around his body. Holding him as if he would disappear at any moment. She only broke from the hug as she sat on her haunches and took in the state of Speckles as he let out soft snores.
He had bruises and cuts all along his body, but what worried her most was the large and darkly colored bruises around his neck. The tears only fell faster as she whimpered and held him close once again. Spitfire looked at Speckles and only winced and tried to look away to save face but she was pulled into the embrace by Hazel, causing her to smile softly as she reciprocated.
Princess Luna on the other hand, was happy at the results, but she was a bit worried over the sight of the royal guard, Spear Head. He was trying to push himself back onto his hooves, but was clearly struggling as his knees shook before buckling underneath him. She caught him with her magic and set him gently back onto the floor as she gave him a small smile as he looked up at her through his one opened eye.
"You did good, my sister would.." she stopped before shaking her head. "I am proud of you, now rest." she said while bending down and pressing her horn against his head, causing him to fall unconscious.
She stood back up and looked at the other ponies in the room, she had no place in their celebration. So she simply materialized an ink and quill in front of her, quickly using her magic to write out a small note before signing it and rolling it up. She looked over to the two mares and not wanting to ruin their moment, floated the rolled up letter over to Spitfire and gently slipped it into one of the crevices of her armor.
She then closed her eyes and flashed her horn, all of the ponies but her were transported back to Canterlot castle, specifically the infirmary.
Luna remained in the remains of the changeling hive with new found determination in her eyes, she would clear out the rest by herself.
“You know I’m never letting you out of my sight, right?” Mother’s stern but playful voice would say as she looked down at me. Her hooves were wrapped around me and gently held me in her lap as the two of us sat in a hospital bed, specifically the hospital in Canterlot castle. Which was interesting, I did not think that they would have their private hospital inside of the castle, that did bring up a good few questions.
“Never ever?” I said with a small grin as I looked up at her. She’d looked a lot more frazzled and tensed than she was a good few days ago, but you can already guess why exactly that was. Anyways I would now do my best to make sure that the whole kidnapping situation would be a very distant bad memory with as much humor as I could.
“Never ever forever,” she said as she leaned down and nuzzled my cheek. Her chuckle turned into a small sigh as she lifted me and brought me into another hug, the fourth one in the last twenty minutes. But as I’ve said before, I wasn’t someone that was against getting hugged. I very much loved hugs and physical attention. "I love you mom."
"I love you too, sweetie," she replied, giving me a gentle squeeze. "More than anything in this world."
We stayed there in comfortable silence for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's company. I felt so grateful to have her in my life. After everything we'd been through, I knew that we were closer than ever before.
So that’s why I had to start being as comical as I usually was. I’d had enough sadness.
“Even more than ice cream?” I said as I pulled away and tilted my head up with a raised eyebrow. “You seemed to love vanilla ice cream a whole lot.”
My mother let out a laugh at my comment, her eyes shining with amusement. "Well, almost as much as ice cream," she said with a playful wink. "But you know what they say, love conquers all."
I giggled at her response and snuggled back into her embrace. “Isn’t that a line from a fairy tale?” I’d say with a grin.
She’d snickered and booped me on the nose with her hoof, letting out an amused “shh,” as my face instinctively scrunched up at the touch.
We would continue joking for a few more minutes until I’d bend my neck too far to the side and let out a small noise of pain as I reached up and felt the bandages that were wrapped around it. This caused mom to stop and immediately lean in, a few dozen concerned words spilling out of her mouth as she asked me what was wrong. “Are you all right sweetie?” she said as I felt her hooves tense.
I let out a small nod as the pain melted away as I fixed my neck straight again, “yeah, just turned my head too far to the side,” I’d say as I dropped my hoof back down.
Right, the Queen had left a few marks when she grabbed and practically choke and slammed me into the floor with those tentacles of hers, the doctors mentioned something about my vocal cords and windpipe being the main source of affliction before they’d used their magic to fix them. Though the magic only went so far with things involving medicine and I was still left with a bruised neck and sore body.
“I’m fine mom,” I say as her expression dropped. “Really, it doesn’t even hurt anymore,” I said as she brought me into another hug. I could feel how her heartbeat was a lot quicker than it was before, her worry evident as I tried calming her down. “We’re safe now.”
“I know, I know,” she eventually sighed. “Just.. are you sure you’re okay?” she said as she inspected my body up and down, a hoof gently touching my bandages as she looked like she was contemplating something.
I nodded. “I’m okay,” I urged. “Though I’m kind of hungry,” I said as I tried moving the topic away from my injuries. “Could go for a cookie.”
She scoffed in amusement. “A cookie? After everything you’ve been through, you still have room for dessert?”
I nodded, a small grin forming on my face. “Yeah, I mean, why not? A cookie would be a great way to celebrate being alive and safe, don’t you think?”
Mom chuckled at my reasoning and ruffled my mane with her hoof. “You always know how to make me smile, sweetie. Okay, we’ll see about getting you a cookie the next time the nurse checks on us,” she said with a smile.
About ten minutes passed and a nurse finally stepped into the room, causing the both of us to look at the opening door.
The nurse, a gentle-looking unicorn mare with a red coat and a pink mane greeted us with a warm smile. "Hello, Mrs. Snowdrift," she said, addressing my mother. "How are you both doing?" as she fully stepped into the room trailing a cart behind her.
"hungry," I would immediately interject with a grin.
The nurse chuckled. "Well, let's see if we can fix that for you, shall we?" she said, as she pulled out a small tray of cookies from a drawer in her cart.
I immediately perked up at the sight of the cookies, and my mouth started to water. "Ooh, can I have one?" I asked, looking up at my mother with pleading eyes. She couldn’t resist these eyes, no one could.
My mother smiled indulgently at me. "Of course, you can, sweetie. Just remember to eat it slowly, okay? You don't want to upset your stomach after everything you've been through."
I nodded eagerly as the nurse handed me a cookie. It was warm and soft, with a gooey center that melted in my mouth. It was the perfect comfort food after everything that had happened.
As I savored the cookie, the nurse turned to my mother. "So, Mrs. Snowdrift, the doctor wanted me to ask you a few questions about your son's care." That made me tune into the conversation as I wiped away the crumbs from the cookie.
My mother nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "Of course. What do you need to know?"
"He particularly wanted to know about the lack of a medical history, we only have the time of his birth and a single instance of him being checked into CloudsDale General besides that," she said as she floated a clipboard from her cart.
My mother furrowed her brow in concern. "I see. Is that going to be a problem?"
The nurse shook her head. "Not necessarily. We'll just have to do some extra tests and assessments to make sure we have a complete understanding of his health status. It shouldn't take too long, though."
"Alright, thank you for letting us know," my mother said with a small sigh of relief. "And as for his current condition?"
The nurse turned her attention to me as I was not so sneakily trying to reach for her cart, giving me a gentle smile as she used her horn to float another cookie off her cart and into my hooves. "Well, you seem to be doing quite well considering what you've been through. Your vocal cords and windpipe are healing nicely, and we'll be able to remove the bandages soon. Your neck is still a bit tender, so we'll need to be careful with that. But overall, you're on the road to recovery."
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It was good to know that I was going to be okay. And the prospect of getting rid of those bandages was definitely a welcome one.
"Thank you for taking care of him," my mother said gratefully to the nurse.
"It's my pleasure," the nurse replied with a smile. "I'll be back in a little bit to check on him again. In the meantime, is there anything else you need?"
My mother shook her head. "No, we're good for now. Thank you."
The nurse nodded and made her way out of the room, leaving us alone again. My mother turned to me with a soft smile.
"You heard her, sweetie. You're doing well. We'll have you out of here and back home in no time."
I smiled back at her, “great, now I can finally explain to Button why I kinda disappeared after making friends with him,” I said with a small laugh.
Mother chuckled. "I'm sure he'll understand our, well, very weird situation. Then you'll be back to hanging out with him in no time."
I nodded. "That'd be nice. Thanks, mom."
"Of course, sweetie. Now, how about we enjoy those cookies together?" she said, gesturing towards the small stack of cookies on the nurse's cart that was left behind.
I grinned, feeling my stomach growl with hunger. "Sounds like a plan to me."
We both reached for a cookie and took a bite, savoring the sweetness. As we enjoyed our treats, we chatted about our plans once we got back home.
We finished our cookies and settled in for some much-needed rest, with me being buried in mothers wings and hooves as she rested on her back. As I closed my eyes, I felt a sense of gratitude for my mother's love and care, I really didn’t think I’d ever experience anything like this ever again. Well, the second time around.
"So uh, when do you get to the part where you give me a bowl of ice cream?" I said as I sat on the hospital bed. I looked up at the same nurse as she placed the cold stethoscope on my chest. She was currently giving me a physical because Mom agreed to let her get a few more assessments of me, which I found annoying. I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. Nevertheless, I shivered at the cold metal of the stethoscope as she pressed it against my chest.
"Do you have tonsillitis?" The nurse said as she looked me in the eyes with amusement.
I fake coughed, "yes, it's very painful."
The nurse chuckled and shook her head, she then turned to mom who was looming at me with a slight worry. Probably since I never really was ever taken to the doctors by her.
"I'm just giving him a little auscultation," she said as I breathed in and out, her changing positions as I turned and looked at Mother. Her head was tilted as she tried to understand what the nurse said.
"She's checking my heartbeat, Mom," I said with a small chuckle. "Auscultation is just the fancy term for it," I said as the nurse pulled the stethoscope away and gave me a small look of surprise. Probably because I actually knew what the literal term was.
The nurse smiled at me. "You're quite knowledgeable for your age," she said, jotting down some notes on her clipboard. "And don't worry, we'll be done with these assessments soon enough. We just want to make sure we have a complete picture of your health so we can give you the best care possible now and in the future."
I nodded, understanding the reasoning behind the extra tests. But that didn't make me any less impatient to leave this hospital room and go back to my normal life. Well, as normal as it could get.
"Now before I take these bandages off, I would like to see if your vocal chords are all in shapely order," she said as she used her magic to rifle through the cart.
"So.. what do you want me to do?" I said as I tilted my head.
She smiled, "I'd like for you to see if you could recite these poem snippets I have…" she said as she bent down and looked inside of the cart. "Though I can't seem to find them, I might have to go see if I left them-" though I interrupted her.
"I mean, if you want me to recite poetry then that's easy," I said with a wave of my hoof. Mother chuckled at this and the nurse lifted her head up and looked at me curiously. Though I couldn't help but be suspicious, why would I need to recite a poem? I wasn't a doctor but it seemed strange to make a four year old do that.
Maybe she's trying to suss something out, the princess, I mean. This hospital was in her castle after all, and all of these ponies were technically employed under her. Who's to say that doctors follow doctor-patient confidentiality when the princess is asking?
Hm. Alright, I'll bite the bait.
"Are you sure?" She would say as she looked to mother for confirmation.
"Oh yes, Speckles writes his own little songs all the time, I think he can easily think up a poem," she said with pride as she ruffled my hair. I gave a grin up at her before looking back at the nurse.
She pursed her lips before nodding and pulling out a separate sheet of paper and a quill, "well, whenever you're ready dear," she smiled as the tip of the quill touched the paper.
I nodded and tapped my hooves together for a moment, thinking how I could word this out and make it subtle. And after a minute or two I nodded and opened my mouth.
"A crown of gold atop a regal head, A ruler's gaze that commands with dread, But hidden intentions cannot be unsaid, For the wise can sense what's left unsaid."
"The shimmering veil of deceit so thin, A glint of truth amidst the din, The facade may fool the crowd within, But the astute know where to begin."
She looked at me with a perplexed expression for a moment, before shaking her head and writing it down. I grinned and continued.
"A whispered word, a subtle hint, A knowing glance that cannot be mint, The discerning can see through the tint, For truth and wisdom do not squint."
Hm, was that too on the nose? Maybe, but I couldn't really bother to care at the moment. Her expression was hilarious as she processed exactly what I said.
"See? Speckles Is very talented," mother said with a giggle as she pulled me into another hug.
"I can see that," the nurse nodded as she set the paper back down onto the cart and thought to herself for a moment.
Then she shook her head and lit her horn, the small wisps of magic undoing the bandages on my neck and floating them over to the cart. I reached up and felt at my neck, it felt much better without the wraps.
Anyways, I thought back to the idea of ice cream, which sounded really appealing at the moment. It's been too long since I've had some cookies and cream in my stomach.
"So.. about that ice cream?" I said with a head tilt.
"Well, if it helps, we can get you some ice cream after we're done here," my mother said with a smile, catching on to my earlier comment. This is why I loved her.
I perked up at that. "Really?"
"Of course," she said. "I'm kind of in the mood for some as well," she admitted. "And I think you deserve some after being such a good little patient," she said as she booed my nose again.
The nurse looked between us and shook her head, "Just make sure the little one doesn't eat too many sweets, just because his metabolism is very high doesn't mean he should be eating mainly sweets," she said as she floated a clipboard over to mother for her to sign. A pen would float out of the nurse's coat pocket as well.
Why didn't she use that pen when she wrote down what I said?
"Of course, we'll make sure to monitor his sugar intake," my mother assured the nurse as she signed the forms. "Thank you for your help, we really appreciate it."
The nurse smiled and floated the clipboard and pen back to her cart before reaching down into the bottom section of the cart and using her horn again to pull out a lollipop. I smirked as she held it out to me, "Isn't this a bit contradictory?"
She gave me a look, but laughed as she shook her head, "Do you want the lollipop or not?" she said as she went to pull it away. But I quickly stopped her, I never said I didn't want it. I would never turn down sweets, unless it was chocolate, a lot of chocolate is not something I could eat all the time.
"Let's not get too hasty now," I said as I stretched my hooves outwards.
The nurse chuckled and handed me the lollipop. "Just make sure to brush your teeth after," she said with a smile.
"Will do," I said, grinning as I unwrapped the lollipop and popped it into my mouth. The sweet taste of cherry filled my taste buds, making me forget about the physical and the extra tests for a moment.
My mother and the nurse continued to chat for a bit, discussing the details of my treatment and the follow-up appointments I would need to have. I tuned them out, focusing on my lollipop because I never did like listening to medical jargon, even as an adult. It was up there with math and physics in the things that I hated having to listen to. So I savored the lollipop as I thought about what I was going to do when I got back home.
Finally, the nurse finished up her assessments and left the room. My mother turned to me and gave me a smile. "All done," she said. "Let's get out of here and go get that ice cream."
I grinned, before getting up and moving to hop off the bed, only for Mother to catch me mid-jump and hold me in her hooves. I looked up at her with a head tilt, "I'd rather you rode on my back," she said as she shifted me around and plopped me down onto her back.
I chuckled at her choice of transportation, but I was grateful for it nonetheless. It felt nice to be carried by her like this. I wrapped my hooves around her neck and held on tight as she walked out of the hospital room and down the hallway.
As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the other ponies in the hospital. mostly nurses and doctors and the patients were mainly all royal guards, which I guess was reasonable because this hospital was literally inside of Canterlot castle. But I shook my head and shifted my position on mothers back.
Then a thing popped into my head as mom briefly asked for directions from one of the many nurses, I placed a hoof to the lollipop stick I kept in my mouth and pulled it out. There wasn't anymore of the lollipop remaining since I'd eaten it already, but biting on the sick weirdly felt nice
"Question," I said as mother pushed open a rather large double door and out into a vast shift in scenery. The white and sterile hospital setting being replaced by the regal and expensive looking interior of the castle.
"Answer," mother giggled as she walked. To which I rolled my eyes in amusement.
But I got to my point,"Where's Spitfire?" I questioned as I finally came to notice the lack of a loud and boisterous yellow pegasus.
"Uh, not sure," mother said with a small shrug. "She was at the hospital in the beginning but later said that she had to speak with Princess Celestia, and I haven't seen her since."
Oh, right. I forgot about her whole job.
"Sounds like a hassle," I said in response. To which mother nodded, "with the princesses? Oh, one hundred percent."
As we made our way out of the castle, the sun was shining brightly, and a cool breeze blew through the air. It was the perfect day for a little adventure. We walked down the cobblestone path and passed the royal gardens, where the flowers were in full bloom and the birds were singing sweetly. Very disneylike.
"We could always go to that one ice cream parlour we frequented, they always had good ice cream," I said, breaking the peaceful silence.
"That's a great idea," mother replied, smiling at me.
"Awesome!" I exclaimed, feeling excited at the prospect of trying something new.
We walked through the town, taking in the familiar sights and sounds, and soon arrived at the ice cream shop. It was a quaint little place with a sign that read "Sweet Treats" in bright, bold letters.
As we walked inside, the sweet aroma of freshly made ice cream filled our nostrils. The shop was bustling with customers, all eager to try the delicious treats on offer.
"What flavor are you getting?" I asked mother, eyeing the menu board. I expected vanilla.
"I think I'll go with chocolate fudge," she said, looking at me. "What about you?"
"I'm not sure," I replied, scanning the menu. "Maybe strawberry or vanilla."
As we waited in line, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment with my mother. It was nice to spend some quality time together and forget about the stresses of life for a while.
Finally, it was our turn to order, and we each got a double scoop cone with our chosen flavors. Mom plopped me down on a seat and handed me my cone before moving to sit across from me.
"This was a great idea," mother said, smiling at me.
"Maybe we can come here again sometime," I said as I savored my ice cream. It was unbelievably good. I'd definitely go through the effort of taking a train from ponyville to canterlot for this ice cream.
"Definitely," she said, taking another bite of her ice cream. "And who knows, maybe Spitfire will join us next time." She said as she looked up and past me before grinning.
I mirrored her grin at the thought and took another bite of my ice cream, feeling grateful for this moment of simple- !!!
"Who says I'm not already here?" A familiar scratchy voice whispered in my ear before wrapping her hooves around me and lifting me up. A surprised squeak left my mouth as I clutched my ice cream and looked up at the grinning sight of spitfire.
"Spitfire! You scared me," I said with a laugh as I dangle in her grasp.
"Where did you even come from?" I said as I felt my heart beat a mile a minute at the surprise. Did she follow us here?
"I got done talking with the Princess and was on my way back to see you guys when I spotted the both of you leaving the castle," she said as I lifted up my cone to her.
"You scared the absolute," I paused. "Fuzz out of me," I chose to say. Didn't want to get hit with that motherly look from mom.
"I know, it's my specialty," she replied, still grinning from ear to ear. "So, what are you guys up to?" As she sat down on the chair I was sitting on, plopping me down onto her lap as she looked at mother.
"We were just getting some ice cream," I replied, pointing to my cone. "Want to join us?"
"Absolutely," Spitfire said, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the ice cream.
Princess Celestia had that same nurse with her in the throne room, a slight tone of disappointment in her voice as she learned that she'd let Speckles and his mother leave.
"With all due respect princess, asking for his medical records is already a breach of my oath.. keeping the two here with no real reason is not a level I'm willing to stoop to."
"I understand your position, Nurse Hearthstone," Princess Celestia said, her tone softening. "But please understand that Speckles is not an ordinary patient. He possesses a powerful magic that could potentially cause harm if not properly understood and controlled."
The nurse shook her head, "regardless of that princess, he is a foal, a foal that was just rescued from a changeling hive," she said with disbelief as she tilted her head. "I don't feel it right to bring any more needed stress by forcing them to stay in the castle, and the hospital wing is still a part of the castle."
Princess Celestia nodded understandingly, "I see your point, Nurse Hearthstone. You are right, Speckles and his mother have been through a lot and I don't want to cause them any more distress. However, I still need to make sure that Speckles and his magic are under control and safe for him and those around him."
"I appreciate your concern, Your Highness. But as a nurse, I cannot simply hand over private medical files without a valid reason." Hearthstone would as she held the folder aloft in her magical aura. Her body language was an obvious show of hesitation as she stood before the grand form of Princess Celestia.
Celestia gave her a soft smile, a trait that she often used with these kinds of situations, "I understand your concerns about privacy, but rest assured, the patient's best interests are at heart."
"Of course, Your Highness. But that doesn't give me the right to violate their privacy." Hearthstone stood her ground, floating the folder firmly against her side as she disagreed with the princess. "..Neither does it give you the right to use me as a proxy to violate their privacy," she said with a shaky tone. Already disagreeing with the Princess was something that she'd never seen herself doing, it made her hooves tremble as she vehemently shook her head.
Celestia considered her words for a moment, though to an outside perspective it looked as if she'd responded in an instant, "Of course, Nurse Hearthstone. But let me ask you this, if someone you deeply cared about was in danger, wouldn't you do everything in your power to help them?" she tried to convince her to see things her way. "My little pony, you know I would never do anything to harm them, right?"
Hearthstone furiously shook her head in disagreement, "O-of course not, Your Highness. But that.." she couldn't find any more words, "it just doesn't give me the right to violate their privacy.. as a medical professional.."
Celestia smiled again before getting up from her seated position, her form being illuminated by a physical gold aura as she stepped down from her throne and approached the nurse, "I understand your point of view, Nurse Hearthstone. But as the ruler of Equestria, I have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of my subjects. And sometimes, that requires taking necessary steps, even if they may seem extreme." She placed her hoof to her chin to make her look up at her, "trust my judgment my little pony, I haven't lead you astray thus far, have I?"
Hearthstone glanced to the side as Celestia set her hoof back down and out stretched her hoof expectantly, her resolve was breaking, "Can you at least give me a reason for needing these files?"
Celestia shook her head, "I'm afraid I cannot reveal the details at this time, Nurse Hearthstone. But trust me, it is a matter of great importance, and I wouldn't ask this of you unless it was absolutely necessary." She reinforced her position, something in her tone carried across the room as she spoke.
Hearthstone was silent for a few moments, her eyes darting from the floor than back up to Celestia's patient form, that same smile still on her face. She let a barely noticeable grimace form on her face, feeling the guilt build up before nodding, "I-I understand, Your Highness. I'll trust your judgment on this one." what other choice did she have? It felt like the Princess was hinting at something. She just couldn't put her hoof on it, and she did not want to jeopardize her position. So she relented and floated the folder over and into Celestia's hoof, the Princess's smile seemingly getting brighter as she took it and used her own magic to lift it up.
"Thank you, Nurse Hearthstone. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. And rest assured, once everything is settled, I'll make sure to reward your loyalty and dedication to your profession." The princess said as she glanced down at Hearthstone.
Nurse Hearthstone bows respectfully and leaves the room, her hesitation evident in her posture. Princess Celestia takes a deep breath and looks down at the medical files in her magic. She opens and flips through them, scanning for any noteworthy pieces of information.
"Interesting," she mutters to herself as she reads that the pony of interest, Speckles, had only visited the hospital twice in his life. She turns to the magical scan report and her interest deepens as she reads the results. The colt's magic count is very high, much higher than her own, and she was an alicorn. They were just a mere pegasus. This was..
"This is peculiar," Celestia whispers, her brow furrowed in thought. "What could this mean?"
She ponders over the information, her mind racing with possibilities. After a few moments, she tucks the files back into the folder and makes to leave the room, her mind consumed with thoughts of the mystery behind Speckles and his unusual magical abilities.
Though another thought came to her head as she walked along the halls. Where was Luna? She'd succeeded in what she said she was going to do, but she hadn't called for a group of guards to come and properly arrest the changelings and their Queen. It only made her more concerned when she remembered how Luna's demeanor shifted when the two of them disagreed on how they should deal with Speckle's situation. And she had to agree, seeing Speckles safely returned in the moment Luna teleported him and his mother and Captain Spitfire into Canterlot's medical wing, was a lot better than how she had decided to deal with it.
But there were still a lot of things that she had to deal with, lots of paperwork, lots of headaches with the nobles, and for sure another headache of an argument with sister dearest. Then there was the matter of figuring out how she would deal with another powerful magic caster in this point of time.. it was like there were magical prodigies springing up everywhere, far too many for her to keep her eyes on at once.
Ugh. She needed a cake.
Hearthstone walked with uncertainty, her mind running with different thoughts and her chest panging with the building amount of guilt and shame for breaching the trust and privacy of a patient. Even worse, breaching her oath. Even if it was the Princess asking, she shouldn't have been obligated to give her anything. It was protected under the thirteenth allocation to the Hippocratic document.
She let out a sigh as she trudged back to the medical side of the castle, breathing out her memorization of the oath she was to abide by:
"As a medical practitioner, I solemnly swear to uphold the principles of the Hippocratic Oath."
"I will dedicate my life to the well-being of all ponies, regardless of their race or social status. I will use my knowledge and skills to alleviate their suffering and promote their health to the best of my ability."
"I.. I will always act in the best interests of my patients, placing their needs above my own personal gain. I will never exploit their vulnerabilities or take advantage of their trust." she winced at that one.
"I will maintain the utmost respect for pony life, never intentionally causing harm or performing procedures without informed consent."
"I will maintain the confidentiality of my patients' personal information, and will never use it for personal gain or disclose it without their permission." Another wince.
"I will continuously strive to improve my knowledge and skills, keeping up with advances in medical science and technology, and will use this knowledge to benefit my patients."
"In taking this oath, I commit myself to a life of service and compassion, and to the highest ethical and professional standards in the practice of medicine in the wonderful land of Equestria under the watchful eyes of the Diarchy."
Meanwhile, Speckles had finished up at the ice cream parlor and he and his mother plus Spitfire were flying back to Ponyville, he was riding on Spitfires back because she'd promised to show him how much control she had in the air.
As we flew back to Ponyville, I couldn't help but feel exhilarated as I rode on Spitfire's back. I'd only briefly experienced her flying aptitude when I first met her, but experiencing it this way, with the wind whipping through my mane and tail made me feel alive.
"Whoa, this is amazing!" I shouted in excitement, my hooves gripping tightly onto Spitfire's coat.
Spitfire laughed, "Told ya kid, flying is the best thing ever!"
I really couldn't help but agree as I looked down at the world below. I saw the colorful buildings and ponies going about their day, all seemed so small from our high vantage point.
After a while, we landed back in Ponyville, and I hopped off Spitfire's back, feeling a little wobbly on my hooves after the exhilarating flight.
"Thanks for the ride, Spitfire!" I said, grinning from ear to ear.
"No problem, kiddo," Spitfire replied, ruffling my mane with a hoof. "You're a natural up there. Who knows, maybe you'll be flying with the Wonderbolts someday!"
Now that was an interesting prospect. I already had the goggles and the flight suit.. hm. Though I looked up when I saw Mother gently land beside us not even a few moments later, a small smile on her face as she looked down at me.
As we walked through the bustling streets of Ponyville, mother asked, "So, what do you want to do next, Speckles?"
I thought for a second before nodding, "Sleep." Because to be honest, I could never get enough sleep.
Spitfire looked surprised. "Oh, alright. " She glanced up at mom, "though I shouldn't be surprised." She chuckled.
Mother nodded in agreement. "Yes, he's had quite the adventure today. A nap sounds like a good idea." As she picked me up in her hooves, twisting herself around so that I had easy access to her back.
"You coming Spitfire?" I said as I hopped up onto Mother's back. Glancing around her shoulder as I smiled.
"Well, I wouldn't want to intrude," she said as she rubbed the back of her neck. "And-"
"As much as you already do?" Mother said with a playful roll of her eyes.
Spitfire laughed and shook her head before agreeing. "Alright, I'll come with you guys, my house is still being debugged anyways," she said as she walked next to Mother and picked me up off her back. "Come on, I can get us there lickity split!"
Pfft.
"You did not just say lickity split," I said as she held me under my armpits. A laugh built up in my throat before she let out a sound of playful offense. "Whatever! let's get going," she said before she held me close to her chest and shot up into the sky with a flap of her wings. Mother watched with a shake of her head as she chuckled to herself.
"I like walking," she would say as she twirled around the key to the locked house in her hoof and watched them disappear into the distance.
When she did arrive she saw that Speckles was laughing his absolute ass off as Spitfire was trying to pry one of the windows open, he had fallen onto his back and Spitfire only ended up bumping her muzzle into the window and recoiling back with a curse.
"Swear jar!" Speckles laughed. Spitfire let out a sigh and plopped down next to him as his mother approached.
"I've got the key to my obviously locked house, dumbass," she teased her friend. With Spitfire let a small smirk reach her face.
"What, you're not gonna swear jar her but you'll swear jar me?" she said as she looked at Speckles.
Speckles giggled, "Sorry Spitfire, you know the rules. Besides, my mom gets a pass." He then turned to his mother, "Can we go inside now? I'm getting hungry."
"Sure thing, Speckles," his mother said with a smile as she unlocked the door and led the way inside.
"I thought you were tired?" Spitfire gave him a playful scrutinizing gaze. He simply laughed as she picked him up and tickled him as they entered the house.
"Hungry and tired, it happens," his mother would simply say as she set her key down before closing the door shut and double locking it.
As they settled in, Hazel pulled out some ingredients from the pantry and began to cook up a storm. Meanwhile, Speckles and Spitfire sat on the couch, chatting and playing some games.
After a while, Hazel called out that dinner was ready, and they all gathered around the table to dig in. The food was delicious, and they all enjoyed each other's company as they ate.
"now it's time for a nap," his mother said as she finished cleaning up the remains of dinner and stepped back into the living room to see Spitfire and Speckles on the couch.
"Sweet," Speckles said as he hopped off the couch and walked towards his mom. Though he paused and turned to look as Spitfire settled herself onto her back on the couch.
"You're gonna sleep on the couch?" he said as he looked at her with a tilted head.
"Yeah, where else?" she said in response.
"Well, with us," Speckles said like it was obvious.
Spitfire looked surprised, "Uh, I don't think your mom would be alright wit-"
"I mean, it wouldn't be the first time," his mom interrupted, shrugging her shoulders. "We shared a bed a lot of the time in college when they accidentally gave us one bed."
"See?" Speckles said as he walked up and grabbed her larger hoof with his own and pulled her onto her feet. "You're family now anyways, so it's not weird."
Spitfire paused before smiling. "Thanks, kid," as she let herself be pulled along by the small foal.
His mother would smile at the sight before turning and moving to turn off the lights in the rooms, taking a glance at the image she had on one of her tables before turning off the living room light and heading into her room. She saw Speckles sitting on the bed and Spitfire already laying on the left side grinning as the two chatted.
"Alrighty, I'll excuse the lack of a bath for today but in the morning the first thing I'll do is give you a shower," she said as she turned off the lights and crawled into the right side of the bed. Speckles let out a "boo" as Spitfire snickered to herself.
"Why are you laughing? You're also taking a shower Miss Wonderbolt," she said as she lifted the blanket and let me crawl underneath them and twist my body around before I popped my head back out, enjoying the feeling of the soft blankets.
"Pfft. yeah, alright," Spitfire chuckled softly.
"Good night sweetie," Mother said as she kissed me on the forehead. One of her hooves draped around me as I glanced at Spitfire, "Good night Spitfire."
"Night kid," she replied. "Good night Hazel."
"Good night Spitfire," Mother replied.
A good ten minutes then went by, I was busy staring up at the ceiling as I lay in between them. My thoughts were reflective for a moment before I was surprised to hear Mother speak to Spitfire. Her tone was just barely audible.
"Are you awake?" she softly said. To which she received an immediate reply, "Yeah?" spitfire said just as softly.
"Won't Speckles wake up?" Spitfire asked.
"He's a pretty heavy sleeper," his mother said softly. "We're good if we keep this tone." Kind of a lie, but eh.
"What's on your mind then, Hazel?" Spitfire said asking for the reason that she started the conversation.
"I wanted to talk about us," she said with a small sigh.
"What do you mean?" Spitfire said as the blankets slightly shifted.
"Well.."
Oh, alright. That's when I decided that I was going to actually fall asleep, I didn't want to listen in on this private conversation. So I closed my eyes and.. bam. I woke up in that same empty void. I stood up and shook my head before turning to look around and landing on that maze I'd built the first time I was in here. Then I grinned as an idea formed in my head.
Some DS bosses would make this place a lot more... Lively.
Would the Princess be able to defend herself against a dozen Abyss Watchers? Hm.
“So Speckles,” Spitfire would ask me the next morning as the two of us sat on the couch, mother was in the kitchen cleaning around and wondering what she would make for breakfast. And so that left us some time to kill, I glanced up at Spitfire with a head tilt, “What’s up?” I said with a yawn.
“You ever thought about what your cutie mark was going to be?” she said as she pointed down to my lack of a tattoo on my butt. I glanced down as well, but that was just for show, I honestly didn’t really care for them. Although hers looked pretty cool, I doubted I would get something as cool as that with the amount of stuff I have at my disposal.
“Hmm.. nope,” I said with a shake of my head. “Didn’t really care enough to think about what it would be,” I said truthfully.
“Well, you are around the age where cutie marks show up, so I was just wondering,” she said as she scratched at her nose.
“Well, if I had to guess, I’d probably say it would be something to do with music,” I said as she looked down at me curiously.
“Huh, that was pretty obvious, I’m dumb,” she said with a chuckle as she smoothed back her mane. “I forget that you’ve made up like, what, a couple of dozen songs already?” she said as she patted the top of my head.
Well, technically I stole them, but since their original owners did not live in this universe, I indeed wrote them, “Yes, I am planning on writing a lot more so that when I get older and my voice gets deeper,” I said trying to mimic a deeper voice. But it seemed impossible with how my voice squeaked and remained high pitched, “I can start a music career and get all of the money!” I said as I sprung up into the air and raised my hooves.
I hung there for comedic effect, which started working as she smirked before closing her eyes and laughing, “you’re a riot kid,” she said as she plucked me from the air and held me close to her chest. “But I don’t think your voice is going to get any deeper,” she said with a chuckle.
“Well, why not?” I said with a slight frown, it was an honest question.
“Male pegasi tend to have higher voices than the regular colts and stallions,” she said. “Only like a good few guys I know have a deep voice, and the rest are unicorns and earth ponies,” then she put a hoof to her chin.
“And mostly female pegasi have a deeper tone to their voices,” she said with a shrug. “See?” she said as she dropped her voice a few tones, causing me to blink in surprise as I felt the vibration of her voice in her chest. “Woah,” I said with real shock. How the hell did that make sense? In what world did that even come close to making sense? Science class didn’t teach me any of this.
“But, doesn’t testosterone build when I get older?” I said with genuine confusion. “My voice should get deeper,” I said as I looked down at myself. But the memory of a book I read saying that pegasi were the smallest and the most delicate pony species caused me to furrow my brow.
She rubbed the back of her neck with one hoof, a sheepish look on her face, “well, I’m not an egghead, so I have no idea how it makes sense,” she said as he bopped my nose. “My only guess is because we pegasi are built to be fit for flying instead of being broad and strong like the others,” she then brought her hoof up, “hollow bones and everything, so, yeah.”
“Well, that sucks,” I simply said in response. Because what else could I say that wouldn’t cause Spitfire to ask how I knew so much about anatomy when I didn’t go to school? “Guess I’ll have to make do with what I got.”
“That’s the spirit,” she said as she ruffled my hair again. “Keep that attitude and you’ll be a lot better than most ponies,” she said.
“Better than you?” I teased. To which she let out an offended scoff, “Please, you’re like a close second to my greatness,” she chuckled.
“Oh, I would’ve said the same thing, only for Mother, you’re like a solid third place,” I said with a smug grin.
“Third place?” she asked incredulously. “Well, shit, I guess that makes sense,” she said to herself.
“The swear jar also makes sense,” I said as I pointed to a jar on the coffee table.
She rolled her eyes, “Yeah, yeah,” as she set me down and walked over to the jar.
But yeah, knowing that my voice is probably not going to get deeper in the slightest kind of limited the number of songs that I could replicate, at least properly. Because how am I supposed to properly Rick Roll someone if my voice isn’t deep like his?
I sighed. But that was a long time from now, for now, I had time to build up a list of songs that I could use to make easy money real quick. And time to relax, adult stuff was later.
So I thought back to what Spitfire said when she conceded to being second best to Mother because, besides the joke, it seemed like she meant it. “What’d you mean by being second best to Mom?” I said as she pulled out a bit from her mane and dropped it into the jar, the sizable pile jingling as she plopped back down next to me.
“What do you mean?” she said as she looked down at me.
“Like, in a literal sense, in a flying sense?” I said with a gesture of my hoof. Causing her to perk up in realization, “Oh, right. Yeah, your mom was a better flyer than I was,” she simply said. This caused me to pause and tilt my head.
“She was a better flyer than you? Like, mechanically or?”
“Kinda in both ways, she was extremely fast, even though her wings are larger than average,” to which I tilted my head in confusion. Didn’t bigger wings mean a bigger gust of air, no wait, bigger means more air resistance.
“She somehow found a way to bypass all that wind pressure and completely blitzed all of the other ponies in our college,” she said with fondness. “And those big wings helped her get her cutie mark since she’s literally able to use her wings to drift along the wind currents.”
“That’s cool,” I said with awe. I knew Mom was awesome, but I didn’t know she was that awesome. There was so much stuff that Spitfire knew about her that I didn’t, and that meant there are probably lots of cool stories between the two.
“I know right?” she said with a chuckle.
“Yeah, she’s pretty amazing,” I said with a smile. “But you’re amazing too, Spitfire. I mean, you’re one of the Wonderbolts! That’s like, the coolest thing ever!”
Spitfire smiled at me, “Thanks, kid. It’s definitely been an amazing experience being part of the Wonderbolts.”
I nodded in agreement, “I bet it has been. I mean, you get to fly with the best of the best and perform in front of thousands of ponies.”
“Yeah, it’s definitely an adrenaline rush,” Spitfire said with a grin. “But it’s also a lot of hard work and dedication. It takes a lot of training and practice to be able to perform at that level.”
“I can imagine,” I said with a nod. “But it’s worth it, right? To be able to do what you love and share it with others?”
Spitfire’s smile grew wider, “Absolutely. It’s the best feeling in the world to be able to share the magic of flight with others.”
She then picked me up again, “and hey, maybe I’ll be able to teach you how to fly as well as your mom and me, huh?” she said as she grinned. “I’ve seen you fly before and I can tell that you take after your mom pretty well, though I’ll have to see if you grow any taller,” she said as she rotated me around and inspected me. “Because small flyers sometimes have a harder time keeping themselves balanced in the air,” she said as I was rotated vertically once again.
“I am average height, thank you very much,” I said as I stuck my tongue out at her.
"Average height for a little baby," she teased. "you're four years old, at your age, I was seven," she chuckled.
"That makes no sense!" I said with a laugh.
Spitfire laughed with me and then plopped me back down onto the couch. "Well, let's get ready for breakfast. Your mom's probably finished deciding what she wants to make by now," she said as she hopped off the couch and walked over to the kitchen. I followed her, my thoughts filled with the possibilities of what my mother might be making. Pancakes? Waffles? French toast? The possibilities were endless.
As we entered the kitchen, my nose was greeted with the scent of freshly baked muffins. My mother turned to us with a smile, "Good morning, you two! I made blueberry muffins for breakfast," she said as she gestured towards the plate of muffins on the counter.
My eyes widened with excitement as I rushed over to grab one. "Thank you, Mom! They look delicious!" I said as I took a big bite out of the muffin. And to be honest, the flavor was impossibly indescribable. Too good for words.
Spitfire chuckled at my enthusiasm and grabbed a muffin for herself. "These are amazing, Hazel. You really outdid yourself this time," she said as she savored the flavor.
My mother blushed at the compliment. "Oh, it's nothing, really. I just wanted to try something new," she said as she poured us each a glass of orange juice.
As we enjoyed our breakfast, Spitfire and my mother continued to chat about old times while I listened in while stuffing my face with more food because the food was awesome. Also if I was able to get away with eating as much food as I could without gaining any weight, you best believe I was taking advantage of that in a heartbeat.
"Also," Mother suddenly said with a playfully serious tone. Spitfire and I glanced at her.
"I wasn't kidding about the two of you taking a bath today," she said as she set down her cup of orange juice.
I paused with a half-eaten muffin in my hoof as I glanced over to Spitfire, she had a mouthful of muffins as well. She gave me a knowing glance before the both of us gingerly set down our muffins and curtly nodded.
"Book it, Spitfire!" I said as she and I both sprung out of our seats at the same time, she caught me in her hooves and quickly took off in a barrel roll back into the living room.
Mother’s chuckle would ring out as we quickly vacated the kitchen, causing her to immediately unfurl her own wings and give chase.
I could hear Spitfire's laughter as she zoomed around the living room, dodging furniture and narrowly avoiding collisions with the walls with practiced ease. I clung onto her tightly, my own giggles mixing with hers.
As we flew through the air, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Spitfire. She was not only a close friend of my mother's but had quickly become a close part of our family now that she’d met up with my mother again.
Eventually, after several minutes of flying and playing, we both knew that we couldn't avoid bath time any longer. With a resigned sigh, we both flew back to the kitchen Spitfire set me down gently on the floor, we heard the chuckles of Mother get closer until she also flew into the kitchen. She easily dropped down onto her hooves and furled her large wings back to her sides, giving a playful glare at the both of us before giggling and picking me up.
“Dread it. Run from it,” she said as she held me in her hooves. A grin formed on her face.
“Destiny still arrives, all the same,” I said with a giggle, she quickly joined in and nuzzled her nose against mine.
Spitfire let out a chuckle of her own at our antics from where she stood, shifting on her hooves and smiling.
"Alright, you two," Mother said with a grin, "let's get this over with." As she let me climb onto her back and started walking out of the kitchen, Spitfire followed right behind us as Mother started climbing the stairs. As Spitfire started up as well, I decided to be cheeky.
“No wandering eyes,” I said with a soft chuckle as Spitfire glanced at me before glancing away. She muttered something to herself but I couldn’t hear it, I was too busy chuckling to do so anyway.
And with the maternal magic that mother seemed to wield, as soon as we stepped into the bathroom I could see that the tub was already filled and a single rubber duck was floating along in the water. I would never understand how she did things sometimes, and I agree that I would never ever try to figure it out.
“You know the drill sweetie,” Mother said as she took me off her back and dropped me down onto the floor. “In you go,” she said as she reached into the closet inside the bathroom and pulled out a few towels.
With a groan, I climbed into the tub, shivering as the lukewarm water enveloped me. Spitfire followed suit after Mother gave her one of her patented looks. A particular look that she liked to use in response to my kicked-puppy look.
I then scooted back in the water, plopping down on Spitfire's lap as mother also climbed into the tub, not before dropping a bar of soap and a loofah into the water. I rolled my eyes playfully as she gave me a goofy grin.
As much as I hated bath time, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment and happiness at that moment. With Spitfire and Mother by my side, I knew that I was loved and cared for, and that was all that mattered to me. No changelings, no Princesses, nothing else.
"Unhand me you stupid overgrown pony!" The Queen would continue to struggle against Luna's magic as she dragged her along the winding tunnels of the hive. Luna let out a puff of air as she lit the way with her horn and dragged the changeling by her hooves. "I will not let you- mmph!" Luna snuffed her speech by wrapping her magic around her mouth.
"I preferred when you were hissing, bug," Luna said as she sent out a pulse of magic as she stepped into a much larger opening. A few screeches and clicks were beard before various figures fell from the ceiling, falling unconscious as soon as they hit the floor.
The Queen let out a hiss as Luna stepped over the forms of her children, but as ignored as Luna glanced up at the spiral of unused cocoons along the walls. A disgusted grimace formed on her face before she started popping them with her magic. Short but precise beams shooting out of her horn as she cleared out the room.
"Unhand the Queen!" A masculine voice hissed out from behind Luna. This caused her to spin around on her hooves and narrowed her eyes as they landed on a taller armored changeling. They wore an officer's hat, it looked old, most likely pilfered from Equestrian guards in the past.
"And what makes you think I shall do that?" Lyna would respond as the changeling unsheathed a sword. "Are you going to fight an alicorn, little changeling?" She said in an amused tone.
The officer gritted his teeth, "no.. but she Is," he said before stepping to the side as Luna titled her head in intrigue. Her eyes fixated on the glowing eyes she could see in one of the dark entrances above them. The eyes were massive as they blinked and moved, a deep hiss filling the room as Luna shifted her footing.
The rapid movement of many feet was heard before two large black hooves reached out and showed what seemed to be a regular changeling. Albeit larger as it stared at Luna, the princess readied her horn, but gave pause as the changeling exposed its full form.
A large centipede-like body unraveled from the darkness as it lowered itself to the floor, skittering closer and shifted its eyes over to the Queen.
"I've faced beasts thrice the size of you," Luna said as she tossed the bound Queen aside and gave the centipede-changeling hybrid her full focus.
Its mouth opened wide, its fangs razor sharp as mandibles outstretched themselves, it's for rearing up before lunging at Luna.
The princess let a smile form onto her face as she unfurled her wings and took to the air as the changeling pulverized the ground where she once stood. Sending rocks and hive material everywhere as if quickly glided across and leapt up at her. She shot a beam of magic at it that sent it careening in the opposite direction.
It crashed into a pillar, taking a chunk out of it as it crawled around it, climbing upwards and onto their ceiling as Luna shot more beams at it.
A ball of green viscous spittle formed in its mouth before it shot it out, Luna rolling to the left as the spittle bubbled and melted the wall it landed on.
"Peculiar," Luna said as she charged the monstrosity head on. There was a hint of excitement within her as she charged it head on. A shield blocking another glob of acidic spit before she reared a hoof and socked it across the face as she collided against it.
It let out an echoing shriek as her strength sent It flying back, it crashed onto the floor, it lifted itself up and spit out a mandible that had come loose. Its eyes narrowed dangerously before it charged again, it's own horn glowing as tentacles of green magic shot out like vines.
Luna simply took this in stride, her grin growing bigger as she sent her magic out towards it.
As the two beings clashed, their powers creating bursts of light and sound, Luna felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. She had always enjoyed a good challenge, and this centipede-changeling hybrid was definitely a nice challenge to her rusty combat skills.
But Luna was not one to back down easily. She dodged and weaved through the tentacles of green magic, her wings fluttering gracefully behind her. With each move she made, she felt more confident, more in control. More like her old self.
The changeling, however, was not giving up. It lunged at her again and again, its sharp fangs and mandibles snapping dangerously close to her face. But Luna was always one step ahead, always anticipating its moves.
Finally, with a blast of her magic, Luna sent the changeling flying across the room. It crashed into the far wall, leaving a large dent in the stone.
Luna landed gracefully on the ground, her wings folding neatly behind her. She approached the fallen creature cautiously, ready for any last-ditch effort it might make.
But the changeling lay still, its body twitching slightly as it breathed its last. Luna sighed in relief, her heart still pounding with the thrill of battle.
She then walked over to where the armored changeling was still trying to remove the bindings that Luna placed on the Queen. It lets out a myriad of hisses and clicks before jumping and turning to look at her.
"Well, now what did we learn?" she said with a head tilt.
The armored changeling hissed and clicked in response, its eyes darting back and forth as if searching for an escape route. Luna raised an eyebrow, amused by its defiance.
"I see," she said, nodding slowly. "You've learned nothing at all."
With a flick of her horn, Luna summoned a beam of light that enveloped the changeling, rendering it powerless. She walked closer, her eyes fixed on the struggling creature.
"You know," she said, her voice low and dangerous, "I have a particular distaste for those who would harm my subjects."
The changeling hissed and thrashed about, but it was no use. Luna's magic was too strong. "I suggest you remember that," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
With another flick of her horn, Luna released the changeling from its bindings and watched as it scurried away, its armor clanking against the ground.
Luna turned back to the Queen, who was looking at her with a venomous glare. Though she simply turned and lit her horn again as she started walking back the way she came from, dragging to Queen along with her as her magic reached deep into all the passageways and nooks and crannies of the hive. The tendrils of deep blue magic grabbed onto either conscious or unconscious changelings and started dragging them towards her as she stepped back into the room where she’d saved Speckles.
She admired the unconscious changelings around her and the ones that were promptly dropped into the room by her magic and let out a small sigh, that was quite tiring. But nevertheless she materialized a letter and used her magic to write words on it before rolling it up and teleporting it back to Canterlot Castle. Luna then turned and dropped the Queen unceremoniously onto the floor and stepped into the center of the room, she lit her horn and placed a hoof up to it, she focused the magic into her hoof before stomping it down into the ground.
The area around her pulsed with magic before she took a few steps back and watched as a deep blue pillar formed out of the ground, it stretched out into a sort of platform with a swirling vortex hovering in the middle.
She smiled, Star Swirl made it very easy to long distance teleport if you just put down an anchor to and from your destination.
“Now, we wait,” she said as she plopped down onto the floor.
Meanwhile Celestia was face first in a cake, absolutely devouring the baked treat before pulling her head back at the sound of an item being teleported to her. She looked up with the crumbs and icing of the cake and used her horn to grab the letter out of the air.
Celestia wiped the crumbs and icing off her face before opening the letter with her magic. As she read the contents of the letter, her expression grew serious.
"This is urgent," she muttered to herself. Before glancing down at her cake, "I've run out of cake."
Then her serious expression turned into one of relief, "finally Luna," she muttered before using her horn to grab onto the anchor that Luna had thrown through the magic field and watched as a platform and a swirling vortex appeared off to the side where she was sitting.
She then turned to where an earth pony guard stood resolutely near the door, “My little pony,” she said to catch his attention.
“Yes, princess?” he quickly saluted.
“Please gather your fellow guards and tell them to meet me here, oh, and tell them to bring cages and binders,” she said with a smile as she nonchalantly floated the cake up and tossed it into a trash can.
The guard nodded but internally grimaced, the barracks were halfway across the castle, and he would have to take a shortcut through the maze if he wanted to get there quickly. So without saying anything more, he turned and booked it out of the room, his hooves clapping along the tiled flooring as Celestia watched briefly.
It took a good bit of time before three separate pulses of magic popped into the room, each pulse with a unicorn at the head of a group of royal guards, each group had a couple of decent sized cages that could fit many different creatures inside of them.
“We are going to assist Luna in capturing the changelings from their hive,” she said as she stood up, brushing the cake crumbs off her regalia and coat. She took a deep breath and stepped onto the platform, feeling a familiar rush of magic as it lifted her up and carried her through the vortex.
She then blinked as she appeared inside of the run down interior of the changeling hive, her eyes flicking around before landing on Luna as her younger sister stood up, “Sister! It took you long enough,” she said with a smile.
“I see you have been busy,” she said as she glanced at the giant hole in the wall and at the various amounts of changelings laying on the floor unconscious.
“Very,” Luna nodded.
Meanwhile one of the lieutenants was standing nervously at the front of the vortex, he turned and looked at the rest of the royal guards, “Do I really have to go in first?” he said with hesitation.
“You drew the short hoof,” one of them said, “tough luck.”
“That game is unfair, I have short hooves,” he said as he sighed.
“Who cares, go in.”
He sighed before adjusting his helmet and stepping into the vortex.
The other looked at each other, “well, I don’t feel his magic being snuffed out,” one of the unicorns said as he lifted up one of the cages with his magic. “So I guess we’re good to go.”
Luna curtly dodged a conversation with her sister after they did the laborious job of dragging all the changelings back to the castle and into the dungeons, and then making sure that there weren’t any changelings left. And then she had to make sure that none of her guards or her guards were changelings, which cost her a few hours as she had to capture twenty or so compromised guards. Much to her annoyance because she thought that Celestia had already taken care of them, but nevertheless, she did that and then more of that.
And now she was in her room, kicking off her shoes and floating her crown onto her bedside table, and then taking off her chest piece before she threw herself onto her bed, a deep groan coming out of her as the exhaustion from the day hit her. Though it was muted by the plushness of her bed, she still groaned as she rolled over.
Her job wasn’t done yet, she still had to go into the dreamscape and see if anyone was having nightmares, dying in their sleep, getting possessed by shadowy ponies, and just watching over to make sure things were all right.
She also had to check in on Speckles and see if he was alright. And that made her groan even louder, that foal was very ridiculous when it came to his dreams. If only he would simply let her into his dreams and to talk, and or help him with his feelings, everything would go along smoothly.
But no, that foal had to kill her, place a stupid maze in his head, and then kill her again!
Ugh.
But without further delay, she lit her horn and casted a spell that knocked her out instantly, her loud snores filling the room as she dived into the dreamscape. She sighed and watched as the myriad of doors started falling into place, the hallway extending as all of the doors started appearing with their names hovering over them. She then walked forwards and pressed a button on the side of the start of the hallway, the doors shifted and the hallway started sectioning off into small sectors before she pressed on a letter and watched as it moved like clockwork.
The doors shifted and shifted until finally, Speckle’s door appeared in front of her. If she could call it a door, because she had no idea what she was looking at. This was completely different than it was last time, the chains were gone and instead was a wall of bright yellow fog. It was dark in some places and lighter in others, but she simply tilted her head before stepping into the fog.
A strange sound echoed around her as she stepped out of the fog and looked around, only to grimace as she recognized the long and winding walls all around her, “Faust damn it, Speckles,” she muttered to herself.
Princess Luna continued her journey through the twisting and turning maze, her horn glowing brightly as she illuminated the path ahead. As she walked, she came across a passage that seemed to lead into a large room.
Curiosity piqued, Luna cautiously made her way through the passage and into the room beyond. The space was dimly lit, but Luna's horn illuminated the area and she saw that she was in a grand hall. The room was vast and circular, with a high ceiling that seemed to stretch up into the darkness.
In the center of the room, Luna saw a group of figures gathered around a large bonfire. She was both curious and apprehensive at what imaginative manner of creatures these were. The foal was very creative with what he used in order to hinder her progress in his dreams.
She still shuddered when she thought back to when the child made a disfigured version of her sister attack her.
Nevertheless, she stepped into the room. She turned and jumped when the entrance she came in from had a murky yellow fog billowing from it, she couldn't see through or even put her hoof through
As she looked towards the center of the room was a massive bonfire, its flames casting a warm glow across the arena.
What surprised her more was the sudden jump to action in the center of the room.
The figures themselves were a sight to behold, clad in ornate armor and wielding blazing swords. They moved with a fluid grace, their bodies twisting and turning as they fought one another in a dance of death.
The sound of clashing swords echoed throughout the arena, accompanied by the occasional grunt or roar of exertion. Sparks flew as swords collided, and the room was filled with the acrid scent of burning metal.
The figures fought with a ferocity that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. They moved as one, their blades striking in perfect unison. Each warrior seemed to anticipate the other's moves, their instincts honed to a razor-sharp edge by years of endless combat.
The battle seemed to go on forever, until finally two armored figures stood remaining in the carnage. Luna was albeit horrified, actually very intrigued and felt a sense of respect for these creatures, even if they were fictitious. It had been many millennia since she'd seen actual combat, and despite the violence and chaos, there was a strange beauty to the scene. The figures fought with a fluidity and grace that was almost poetic, their swords traced intricate patterns in the air.
But her wonder and awe was cut short as the two figures turned and locked eyes on her, their towering hunched form straightened as either of the two raised their blades. A sword and a dagger drenched with the blood of the fallen combatants, with which they shifted their feet and crossed their blades over either arm.
A sense of apprehension started filling Luna as things were looking as if she would have to fight these creatures. And looking down at herself, she didn't have any weapons and her magic was predictably ineffective against the child's constructs. But even so, she lowered her head the slightest bit and spaced her hooves to match their dispositions, her eyes narrowed as she honed in all the years of combative experience she'd garnered. Her hooves would have to suffice for now.
But from the endless darkness above, a bell rang. She paused and glanced up, taking her eyes off her two opponents as they stood silent. She squinted and took a few steps back as something narrowly missed hitting her.
Luna looked down and saw a scythe lying at her feet. It was a beautiful weapon, with a long curved blade and a sturdy wooden handle. She picked it up, feeling the weight of it in her hoof.
Strange, but everything about this colt was strange.
But it didn't matter right now, this was one of her favorite kinds of weapons, she thinks she still has her own forged one in her personal chest back at the castle. And to be honest with herself, she was eager to use the scythe.
Luna raised the scythe and charged at the figure, eager to test her skills against theirs. The figures moved swiftly in turn, their blades flashing in the dim light of the bonfire.
The sound of the ringing bell echoed around them as they clashed, their weapons flashing in the firelight as sparks flew, she spun the scythe around as she parried and redirected the quick flurry of attacks that they were throwing at her. Her teeth grit and her heart races with excitement as she feels herself actually having to put more effort into the fight.
The figures fought with a ferocity that matched Luna's own, his movements fluid and precise as he swung its own weapons at her. Luna spun her weapon around, deflecting their blows and redirecting its attacks with ease.
As they fought, Luna felt her heart racing with excitement. She had fought many battles before, but this one felt different - more exhilarating, more alive. She could feel the adrenaline pumping through her veins, her muscles straining as she parried and dodged.
The sound of the ringing bell echoed around them, its steady beat punctuating their every move. Luna and the figures circled each other, each one trying to gain the upper hand. Suddenly, the figure lunged forward, their weapons flashing through the air. Luna dodged to the side, feeling the rush of air as the weapon whistled past her ear.
She spun around, bringing her own scythe up in a swift arc. The weapons clashed, sparks flying as metal met metal. Luna pushed forward, using all her strength to force the figure back.
For a moment, it seemed as though she had gained the advantage. But then the figure regained his footing as the other lunged forwards as well, the three of them were once again locked in a fierce struggle.
Their weapons flashed in the firelight, ringing out against each other with a deafening noise. Luna's teeth were gritted, her hooves pounding against the stone floor as she fought with all her might.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, the figures stumbled back, the two falling to their knees. Luna stood panting, her scythe held at the ready.
But the two simply looked at each other before nodding as they glanced up at her, and as if they were never there, the two figures disappeared in a yellow mist, as well as the room around them as it shifted back into the familiar look of the maze. She glanced down and watched as her scythe also disappeared, she let out a breath of air and looked back up.
I was currently trying to figure out if I was still able to pull off a moonwalk on all fours, why? Because I had time to kill. Also because I was using this as a gauge to see how hard it would be to dance as a pony, since all I have to go off of is the times I saw horses back on Earth being taught to trot in time with music. Spitfire was currently watching me from her place on the couch, she was lying on her side and watching me with amusement as I muttered and mumbled to myself.
I'd managed to do a moonwalk while standing on two feet, so this shouldn't be that hard. It was just the same thing, though I was moving two sets of feet shaped differently than two regular human feet. So.. yeah.
"Right hoof flat," I muttered as I pressed my hoof down. Then I raised my heel and slid my left hoof back, I made sure to do this with both of my right hooves and then shifted my weight again before doing the same thing with my left hooves and sliding them back. I did it a few more times before my brain registered how to do it slowly so that I could then do it smoother.
"Okay, I got it," I said as I nodded and turned to fully face Spitfire as she tilted her head. "What did you get?" "You remember that little dance move I showed you when I slid back on two hooves?" I said with a small grin.
She thought to herself for a moment, glancing up at the ceiling before nodding, "yeah, what'd you call it.. the moonwalk, was it?"
"Exactly! Now, I'm gonna show you how I can do it on all fours," I said as I turned my body away.
"Oh, this I gotta see!" she said as she sat up. I let out a chuckle as she leaned closer in interest as I took a breath and prepared myself.
"Well, watch and learn," I said with excitement.
I took a deep breath and focused, then began to moonwalk backwards on all fours. It was definitely harder than doing it on two feet, but I managed to pull it off with a bit of effort. Spitfire watched, her eyes widening in amazement.
There was also an idea where quadrupeds could spin I'm a circle whole doing something like this. Then again, I've only heard this theory once before, but I wanted to see if it was true. So why not tempt fate and see if I could do it, the only negative outcome would be light teasing from Spitfire, and probably a hug.
That sounded reasonable.
Only I was stopped when Mother entered the room like a ninja and caused me to jump three feet into the air and into her waiting hooves, her giggles drowned out my surprised shriek as she held me close and nuzzled against me as she sat down next to a grinning Spitfire.
"Where were you?" I said as she plopped me onto her lap, her hooves supporting me as I gave her an amused glare. "And why would you scare me like that? that's cheating," I said with a small huff.
Mother chuckled and gave me a playful nudge with her nose. "I'm sorry, Honey. I didn't mean to startle you. I just couldn't bear leaving you alone for any longer," she said with a smile.
"What am I, chopped hay?" Spitfire said as she playfully nudged Mother. Mother simply chuckled as she continued nuzzling me.
I rolled my eyes and leaned into her touch, letting out a contented sigh. "Well, you missed my amazing moonwalk on all fours," I said, turning to Spitfire with a grin.
Spitfire laughed and clapped her hooves together. "It was pretty good, I have to admit. But I still gotta know, where'd you learn how to do this?" she said as she gave a look at Mom. "You teach him?" She said to which Mom shook her head.
"I got bored one day and figured it out, I guess?" I said in more a confused tone to make it seem like it was one of those childish tones. Making it seem like I was clueless and just figured it out myself instead of the actual reason, I stole it from a very popular music artist back on Earth.
"Anyways."
Twilight Sparkle furrowed her brow as she reread the letter from Princess Celestia. She had been tasked with keeping a close eye on a young foal, and the princess had emphasized that it was of the utmost importance.
Twilight knew better than to question the orders of the princess, but she couldn't help but wonder why this particular foal was so important. She scanned the letter again, looking for any clues or hints as to what made this foal so special.
“You alright, Twi?” The voice of her beloved assistant would cause her to set the letter down on the table and turn around to see Spike standing there.
Twilight smiled at Spike's thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Spike. I'm fine, really. Just a little busy with a new assignment from Princess Celestia."
Spike's eyes widened. "A new assignment? What is it?" he said as he waddled over.
Twilight hesitated for a moment, considering whether or not to share the details with Spike. Ultimately, she decided that he deserved to know. "I've been tasked with keeping an eye on a young foal. Princess Celestia emphasized that it's very important."
Spike looked surprised. "A foal? That's.. weird. Do you know why it's so important?"
Twilight shook her head. "No, not yet. But I'll find out. I just have to finish figuring out how much theoretical power the old mages of history needed in order to raise the moon by themselves"
Spike nodded. "Well, you know I'm always here to help you out, Twilight. Whatever you need, just say the word."
Twilight smiled gratefully at Spike. "Thanks, Spike. I appreciate it."
"The letter says that the foal's name is Speckles," she said as she set the letter down and turned to face Spike. "I have no idea who that is." And she knew everypony, well, almost everypony. The Mayor hadn't given her the updated Ponyville census when she asked for it.
"And how do you plan on finding out?" Spike said as he sat back in his basket.
Twilight didn't respond and simply pulled one of the drawers back on her table and pulled out a black suit with her magic, turning to face Spike with a small grin. It helped her sneak into the castle once, so didn't doubt that it would be effective in helping her research that foal.
But Spike didn't seem to agree with her mental, already knowing where her train of thought was going as he gave her a deadpanned look.
"No," the baby dragon immediately denied. "You are not sneaking around in that suit after what happened the last time, and I am not putting one on and sneaking around town with you."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "That was a one-time thing, Spike. Besides, I need to find out more about this foal and keep an eye on them. It's important. I can't fail the Princess."
Spike groaned. "Fine, but I'm not going with you. You're on your own this time. I do not need any more time-traveling nonsense," he said as he laid back in his basket, pulling his blankets over himself as he dug into a well-deserved mid-day nap.
Twilight chuckled. "I won't need your help, Spike. I've got this."
She put on the black suit, covering herself from head to hoof, and then teleported out of the library, determined to find out more about this mysterious foal named Speckles.
But as Twilight went a few minutes into her mission, she stopped and realized something, this suit wasn’t going to help her in the slightest. What was she even thinking? She let out a sigh and lit her horn, the suit disappearing and instead being replaced by a pair of binoculars and a hat over her head.
The passing ponies either gave her a brief greeting or a strange look as she giggled to herself before crouching down and jumping into a bush, which didn’t really cover her form all that well, her back half was seen as she uprooted the bush and started moving it along the ground.
Some ponies would stop to stare as they watched a part of Twilight sticking out of a moving bush as it headed further into Ponyville, specifically a pair of ponies would be staring at her retreating form. A stallion and a mare looked at each other, looked at the bush, before looking at each other again.
“Twilight’s antics?” The stallion said.
“Twilight’s antics,” the mare nodded her head as the two shrugged their shoulders and kept walking down their own path.
"But should we be concerned?" The mare said as she thought of something, tilting her head as she stared up at the stallion. "I mean, the last time she acted like that, we were practically killing each other over a doll," she said with a shiver. The memory of that day still haunted her.
"Well, now that you say that," the stallion said as he paused and stared over to where Twilight's tail disappeared around the corner. He went to say something, but stopped and shook his head, "Actually, nah, let's just get back home and prepare for the the worst."
The mare pursed her lips before nodding, "alrighty then."
Then the two kept walking, the lingering thought of Twilight Sparkle probably destroying the town of Ponyville in their minds.
I figured I could probably take over the world if I really wanted to. I mean, not that I was planning on doing so, but if I really thought about it, I really could. I mean, if the changelings are able to disguise themselves and infiltrate the castle, not once, but twice, and even fool the Princesses. And since I could stop time and all.. I could most definitely get up to some devious shenanigans.
But not that I would anyways, that's a lot of work for me even if I do have the ability to freeze time at will. But then again, subjugating the rulers of this world and being able to take out any enemies that would try to stand in my way? That really did sound appealing. Though then again, it sounded like too much work.
I'd only take over the world if I had not other choice.
Anyways, currently I sat around on the couch with a huge book on my lap, I'd gotten bored and picked a random book that was already on the shelves of the house when mother bought it. And honestly, it was a struggle to even pull this book from the top of the of the shelf without the weight of it dragging my flying form down to the ground, but luckily I was able to grab it. The dust almost killed me, sure, but it seemed worth it because as I took in the sight of the dusty cover art, I tilted my head.
It was an image of a dragon, or rather, a dragon standing on two legs wielding a massive scepter. That made me think about something, what kind of dragons, if Equestria even has dragons, what kind of dragons would they be? The Germanic ones? The Chinese ones? Maybe even the different kinds of dragons that you would see in media.
Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if I saw a dragon that looked like King Ghidora somewhere in a painting or something. Maybe mother could indulge me in that curious question of mine. Hm.
Speaking of mother, she and spitfire were talking in the kitchen, about what? I'm not sure, and I really don't care at this moment. I was more interested in this book about dragons.
I opened the book and was surprised to see that the pages of the index looked old, ancient, even. I ran my hoof along the words and noted some interesting chapters: Chapter 27: Speciation, Chapter 43: Shouts, chap-
"Wait, Shouts? Like, Thu'um shouts?" I said to myself as I immediately started flipping the pages of the massive book, feeling the weight accumulating on my lap as I flipped through the dusty old pages, using a great amount of effort to move the great amount of paper until I finally landed on the beginning of the chapter.
As I began to quietly read the chapter on Shouts, I was fascinated by the information I was taking in. The book described the draconic magic as one of the most powerful pillar of magics in Equestria, capable of altering the fabric of reality itself. It went on to explain how dragons could use their voices, ergo - shouts, to harness the elements and manipulate them to their will.
But as powerful and awesome as it seemed to be, it looked like using their shouts as a form of magic was ever so slightly shifted to a more proper and rather more pony friendly way of using magic, if they used magic at all. Because as I looked further down the page, I came to learn that a certain white Alicorn was the reason for something like this to happen.
Ancient Dragon Lord Choryrth. 12XX~
In the midst of the Pony-Dragon war, Princess Celestia of Equestria approached the leader of the unified dragons clans, Dragon Lord Choryrth, to negotiate a ceasefire. The dragons were known for their powerful magical shouts, which could decimate entire armies, and Celestia knew that the war would only escalate into ultimate destruction if the dragons continued to use their abilities. A meeting of great importance would be held in the Dragon Lands in order to discuss a ceasefire between the two races, Celestia at the time would ask for in return for the unified armies of ponykind moving from their captured land in the Dragon Lands, the dragons would ultimately prohibit the use of their destructive magic after a varying amount of meetings and counter offers.
This decision would be remembered as a pivotal moment in dragon history, marking the beginning of a new era of wisdom and maturity for the proud and noble race.
More on the "Historical Moments of DragonKind" in chapter 34.
I couldn't believe what I was reading. If this information was accurate, then it meant that dragons were capable of the same awesome form of magic from Skyrim. And to be honest, that completely outclassed any sort of magic that any of the princesses could do, dragons shouts were top tier in my book.
Lost in thought, I continued to read the chapter, learning more and more about the history of the magic and the dragons that wielded/mastered it. But as I neared the end of the chapter, I suddenly heard a loud crash coming from the kitchen.
Startled, I quickly closed the book and hopped off the couch before rushing over to see what had happened. As I entered the kitchen, I saw that Mother and Spitfire had knocked over a pile of dishes while they were cleaning up. They both looked up at me sheepishly as I approached.
"Are you two alright?" I asked, a concerned look on my face as I approached mother.
"We're fine," Mother replied, smiling. "Just a little accident. We'll clean it up in a jiffy."
I glanced down at the pile of broken porcelain and looked up at her with a deadpanned expression, "little accident? This looks likes you dropped ten plates on the floor," I said as I took a step forwards. Though I was immediately picked up by mother as she let out a small laugh, "Well, maybe a bit more than a little accident," she admitted, holding me close to her chest.
Spitfire chimed in, "Sorry about that, kiddo. We got a bit distracted." I squinted my eyes at that but ultimately shrugged it off.
Then I shrugged, not really bothered by the mess since I didn't have to clean it up, "It's okay, accidents happen," I said with a smile, patting Mother's chest.
"That's right," Mother said as she nuzzled the top of my head. "And when accidents happen, the pony in question has to take responsibility and clean up her mess," she said in that lecturing tone, and even though she was looking at me while she was saying it, I felt like it was more aimed towards Spitfire. The Wonderbolt letting out a huff of air at being thrown under the bus, "yeah, sure, it was all my fault," she said as she playfully rolled her eyes.
I chuckled at the playful banter between Mother and Spitfire, feeling content in their presence. But as I looked down at the broken dishes, a thought occurred to me. "Hey Mom, do you think we can visit Button any time soon?" I wouldn't bring up my newfound information on dragons, since it would be strange for me to even be really interested in world reality altering magic.
Mother looked down at me with a smile, "Of course, sweetie. We can visit him today if you want?"
I tilted my head up at her, "really? aren't you busy with.. stuff?" I said as I didn't really know what she would be busy with since she quit her job.
"No, as for what I know, we have a clear schedule for the foreseeable future," she said with a smile as she glanced over at Spitfire who had reached into the closet and pulled out a broom and dust pan, she dropped the dustpan on the floor and held the broom in her hooves as she glanced over.
"The Wonderbolts don't have any new shows planned until two months from now," she said with a small shrug as she started sweeping away at the broken plates, "so I'm pretty much open to doing anything."
I smiled at the news, happy that I would be able to visit Button. "That's great! I'm sure Button would love to see us."
Mother nodded, "I'm sure he would. Why don't you go get ready and we can head over there in a little bit?"
"But I'm already ready," I said as I looked at myself. Though Mother shook her head, "you have to brush your mane and tail, and brush your teeth," as she stepped out of the kitchen with me and started up the stairs.
After a quick bout of Mother chasing me around with the brush, she set me down on the floor and walked back into the kitchen to see that Spitfire had finished up with cleaning the plates and turned to look at Mother with a nod. To which she then turned and both of them stepped out of the kitchen.
"Ready to go, sweetie?" Mother asked with a smile.
I nodded eagerly, "Yes! Let's go!" I said while hopping up into her arms and letting her plop me down onto her back as she walked over to the table and grabbed her keys off of it.
And with that, the three of us made our way out of the house and out into the streets of Ponyville as we walked towards Button's home, ready to go blow his mind with what I've been up to for the last couple of days.
Meanwhile, twilight sparkle had done some "sneaking" around and it was when she mentioned the foal to Pinkie Pie that she learned what he looked like, "how do you know what he looks like? I don't remember you throwing a welcome party for him," twilight said as she peeked out from the bush she was using as a disguise.
Pinkie Pie turned to Twilight, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, I didn't need to throw a party to know what he looks like," she said with a grin. "I have a secret weapon."
"A secret weapon?" Twilight asked, intrigued.
Pinkie Pie nodded and motioned for Twilight to follow her. They tiptoed over to a nearby tree, where Pinkie reached into a hollowed-out knot in the trunk and pulled out a small, round mirror.
"This is my Mirror of Imagination," Pinkie explained, holding up the mirror for Twilight to see. "It shows me images of all the ponies in Equestria, even ones I haven't met yet."
Twilight looked at the mirror skeptically. "That sounds a bit too good to be true," she said.
Pinkie Pie shrugged. "It's a Pinkie Pie invention. What can I say?"
Curious, Twilight took the mirror from Pinkie's hooves and held it up to her own face. At first, she saw only her own reflection. But as she concentrated, she began to see images of other ponies flashing across the surface of the mirror.
"Whoa," Twilight breathed in amazement. "This is incredible!" her thoughts were filled on what kinds of tests she could run on the mirror so that she could figure out on what kind of magic that is being worked with, but then she remembered something, it was Pinkie Pie. She was an anomalous and really overall, random. So those thoughts were thrown out as she focused back on Pinkie.
Pinkie Pie beamed with pride. "I know, right? And the best part is, the Mirror of Imagination never lies. It always shows you exactly what you need to see."
Twilight handed the mirror back to Pinkie Pie, feeling excited and a little bit scared by the possibilities of this new tool. "So, can you show me what the foal looks like?" she asked.
Pinkie Pie nodded and held the mirror up in front of her face. She closed her eyes and concentrated, and a moment later, an image appeared on the surface of the mirror. Twilight blinked when she saw it. She didn't expect Speckles to be so, well, cute. Especially with those little white specks on his muzzle, and with his name being Speckles, it was even more adorable to think about.
"Why didn't you throw a party for him, don't you usually do it to all the new ponies in Ponyville?" Twilight asked the party pony.
"Well, probably because Captain Spitfire told me not to!" Pinkie pie said after a moment of thought, bouncing up and down on her hooves with a happy smile.
"Captain Spitfire?" Twilight repeated, confused. "What does she have to do with this?"
Pinkie Pie's expression turned serious. "Because she's friends with him," she explained. "Apparently he's been through a lot and she wants to make sure he's taken care of. That's the first thing she told me when Speckles and his Mom arrived in Ponyville."
Twilight's interest was piqued, the Princess didn't tell her of anything more than watching out for Speckles because all she told her was to keep eyes on him, strange.
"Well, thanks Pinkie, I'll be sure to make a note of all of this when I report back to the Princess."
As she turned to leave, Pinkie called after her. "Hey Twilight, if you find out more about him, let me know! I want to throw him a party, even if it's a little late!"
Twilight smiled. "Of course, Pinkie. I'll keep you updated." She then turned and hopped back into her bush disguise and started walking back to the streets of Ponyville, now knowing what he looked like, she could properly watch him.
"Monitor him," she muttered to herself in correction, watching him made it sound weird.
Princess Celestia sat in the dining hall sipping a cup of tea quietly, a small content smile on her face before she glanced up to see her sister walking into the dining room, her hair a mess and missing her regalia.
"Hello Lu-"
"Go fuck yourself," Luna said in an exhausted tone as she grabbed the pot of coffee that was sitting on her end on the table and dumping it all into her mouth, the heat completely doing nothing to her as she turned and walked out of the room after swallowing.
Celestia blinked as the door shut behind Luna and set down her cup of tea, "Okay then," she said to herself before floating the cup of tea back up to her mouth.
Luna walked through the winding halls of the maze for another ungodly amount of time before she found another open stretch, it was an overpass that led into a grassy field. She tilted her head downwards as she stepped out from the hall of the maze and felt the grass under her hooves, marveling at just how real it felt, she turned around and noticed that the opening behind her had disappeared. She deadpanned for a moment, Speckles really seemed to like making things appear and disappear for no real reason.
She turned back and looked at the scenery around her, there were a varying amount of trees, some dead, some alive. There was also a concrete path that was littered with cracks and holes, the grass having burst through it. Glancing over off into the distance, she noticed that there was a large bridge leading off into a city of sorts, the building akin to the ones you'd see in Manehattan. Though the bridge looked unusable, as the support system halfway through collapsed on itself.
Strange, she would think to herself as she tore her eyes away from the area around her and looked at what was directly in front of her. Right down the path –road– as she remembered, there was a large stone wall that surrounded a presumable town. As she approached, she noticed the gate seemed to be a sort of mix between the front of a house and a gate.
There were concrete barriers littered around as she walked up to the gate in curiosity, her head swiveling around until she focused back in front of her. That's when she noticed the strange figure sitting on a chair, they were fitted with a grey and worn suit and tie, a hat sitting atop their strangely flat face as they looked up from the book in their… hands. Yes, they were hands.
She only knew because minotaurs and primates shared the same type of appendage, though this figure didn't look like any sort of primate or minotaur. They were far too short and far less muscular, they lacked the fur and the bovine face. Overall, they looked strange.
But it gave her a friendly smile, showing off its teeth as I sat up in its chair and greeted her, "ah, hey there stranger." It greeted her in a masculine voice.
She blinked and glanced down at the biped, though the height difference wasn't by much, because even sitting down they reached just where her neck ended.
"Ho there, creature," Luna responded in tow, causing the biped to blink as she continued. "What manner of structure is this?" Her mix of modern and dated tongue slipped through.
"Well, this is the covenant," He said with a brief wave of his hand. "The safest place in the Commonwealth, I'll tell you what," he said with another chuckle.
"The covenant?" She muttered to herself.
Though he didn't notice and instead shifted again in his chair, "if you'd like to see the nice and safe interior, I'll have to give you the good ol' SAFE test," he said as he reached down and picked up a stack of papers she hadn't noticed before. "Its just to filter all of the undesirables, to keep the citizens safe," he said as he stood up and motioned to the table beside them.
She watched him approach the table for a moment, slight apprehension in her disposition as she hesitated. His tone seemed a bit.. strange, it was something that she couldn't put her hoof on. But something wasn't as nice and as endearing as he was trying to force himself to be.
But she shook her head and walked over to the table, having to push the chair farther back to accommodate her own anatomy, and sat down. The chair was rather cold.
"Right, I'm gonna ask you a few questions and give you the response," he said as he straightened the stack. "You just pick the answer choice that seems right, sounds good?"
She took a moment before nodding her head, this was simple, it wasn't like the trial of combat she experienced before. How hard was it to answer a few questions?
"Alrighty, question 1, You are approached by a frenzied scientist, who yells, "I'm going to put my quantum harmonizer in your photonic resonation chamber!" What's your response?" He said before listing off the answers.
"I'd say "Up yours, too, buddy."
"I'd grab a pipe and knock him out."
"I'd slip away before he finishes."
"I wouldn't worry, if he did that it'd cause a parabolic destabilization of the fission singularity."
Luna blinked. Then she blinked again and finally squinted her eyes in confusion.
"Uh.." she said with confusion. "The uh, fourth answer?" She said as she glanced up from her hooves.
He didn't respond, only nodding before moving on to the next question, leaving Luna internally panicking. What manner of question was that? She had absolutely no idea what a parabolic destabilization even was!
"Question two, While working as an intern in the Clinic, a patient with a strange infection on his foot stumbles through the door. The infection is spreading at an alarming rate, but the doctor has stepped out for a while. What do you do?"
"Medicate the infected area as best I can."
"Restrain the patient, and merely observe as the infection spreads."
"Or, Amputate the foot before the infection spreads."
Luna's mind blanked as she glanced back down at her hooves, she was not a medical professional. And it has been decades since she ever had to tend to any type of wound she'd sustained.
'Oh Faust,' She internally groaned.
It seemed that there was some sort of misunderstanding, as Luna was now running from a group of those angry bipedal creatures as they shot spells from their loud machines. The impressively quick spells shot around, above, and narrowly at her face as she ducked and dodged while sprinting towards the opening that appeared as she managed to escape the covenant.
They'd tried assaulting and kidnapping her, accusing her of being a synth, what was a synth? She didn't even know, but they were out to get her! And she wasn't keen on sticking around to find out what they do to assumed synths.
So she crossed the final stretch to the opening and quickly entered it, the opening immediately shutting as it formed into a wall behind her. She let out a sigh as she slid to a stop, her shoes scraping against the floor as she took another look at the wall.
How does a four-year-old have the imagination of a master storyteller? She shook her head and turned around and looked down the hall of the maze.
As she walked, she couldn't help but notice how the path became more and more illuminated, it started with torches before ultimately being replaced by those artificial lights. It was to the point where she extinguished her horn light and stopped as she looked around, it was well lit, the metallic walls with engravings clear to her as she looked on in interest. She stumbled as the maze suddenly shifted, a loud scraping noise sounding before the hall in front of her extended and increased in size.
A wooden post was erected in front of her, causing her to step back as it formed words on its surface. She leaned in and read the words, tilting her in confusion, "Stay in the light?" She took another look around.
"Why should I stay in the.." she muttered to herself before continuing to read. "Watch your shadow! They can't be stopped, all you can do is run."
She glanced down at her shadow, hardly visible with all the light as she noted nothing of interest. It was the same large shadow. She didn't understand wh-
"Hey! Who turned off the lights?" A sudden voice caused her to pause as she turned around and glanced down the opposite way, where the lights flickered. Her eyes fell upon a pony standing in the darkness staring at her. She couldn't see their face, all she could make out was that they were a unicorn.
For some reason, she didn't think this was a good thing.
Present
The walk through Ponyville was rather quiet, the three of us walking in content silence until I decided to make a joke. The joke was something corny, particularly the one where you ask if you know why you never see elephants hiding in trees. It was stupid and simple, and it got a snort out of Spitfire and an amused smile from Mother.
I grinned at the encouragement of their amusement and started cracking off a string of corny jokes, causing the two to laugh the more I did so eventually. It was great, even with the other ponies walking around us glancing at us with smiles. Though, that could've been because they recognized Spitfire, but eh.
I went to make the joke about pigs doing karate when I stopped, my head tilting as I realized something. I was being watched. How did I know this? Simple, I got that little shiver that runs down your spine and that overlap feeling of being watched. It must've been just me because Mother and Spitfire didn't seem to pick it up.
The two were still recovering from the jokes I was telling and I tilted my head, the shiver ran up my spine again and I turned my head around. The direction I turned to was a break in where houses were, it was sort of a park area. And my focus trailed down to a bush that looked out of place.
And now that I noticed that the bush was out of place, I pursed my lips and squinted my eyes. Now that I could see that the bush seemed to be out of place, I couldn’t focus on anything else, so I tilted my head before looking back in the other direction.
“Stop.” I would say under my breath and turned my head back as I watched the world suddenly pulse outwards and the color started draining back down into a muted greyscale, the sound also was drowned out by the deafening silence as everyone slowed down until ultimately freezing in place. I let out a small sigh before standing up on mothers back and flexing my wings, they unfurled and I flapped them a few times before floating up into the air and flying in front of Mother and Spitfire.
The two had frozen smiles on their face as Spitfire was looking up to where I was and Mother had a closed-eyed smile as she glanced off to the side. I took a moment to smile at their pure expressions before shaking my head and turning my attention over to the current dilemma, that bush. That bush that I may or may not throw into the stratosphere if I find out that there is some sort of changeling stalking me, but I’ll probably do that.
I flapped my wings and flew over to where the bush was and hovered over it for a few moments, and when I got close enough that I could make out the fine details of the bush, I came to the realization that the whole rear end of someone was sticking out of it. With their purple fur and different-colored tail, I didn’t really care about the color and instead reached down and grabbed onto the edges of the bush. The leaves felt fake against my hooves as I easily pulled the bush up and away from the person hiding inside of it, and to my surprise, I saw that the bush didn’t actually have any roots beneath it. Better yet, the leaves were fake.
I scrutinized it for a moment before letting go of it and left it floating in the air as I turned back to look at the culprit in the bush, pausing as instead of a changeling, I caught sight of a purple unicorn with a pith hat and a pair of binoculars. Her hair was black with two toned streaks of colored hair in them. Besides that, I had absolutely no idea who this – weird – mare, was who was watching us.
If it was a changeling in disguise, I’d have to applaud the audacity that they had to try and use a literal bush disguise in order to try and spy on me. But as I poked the pony a few times, I didn’t see anything that would make her seem like a changeling, because I’d assume that their disguise would drop if they weren’t focused. And since time was stopped and their focus was technically non-existent, I figured that I could disrupt their shapeshifting by prodding them.
Though that was pretty far-fetched, even for me.
Anyways, I think this pony was just some sort of pervert. Because as I glanced down in between her hooves, I noticed that she had a pencil and a large notebook opened to a page with a sketched-out picture of me. And as I reached down and grabbed the book into my hooves, I couldn’t lie, it was a pretty well-drawn image. And there were some words underneath it, my name being one of them as it was under the image in parenthesis.
“Anomaly?” I said to myself as I inspected the page, apparently, she’d written a lot more than these two pages about me that ultimately added up to nothing really of interest. Everything here was just a mixture of big words and complicated thoughts that were just speculating what was so special about me. And as I read a particular sentence, I looked up at the pony again, my eyes creased in amusement.
"So far I have seen nothing out of the ordinary, the foal has shown no signs of anything to worry about. Though, if the Princess believes they are worth watching, then I will do my best-"
I didn't need to read the rest of that to get the gist of things, Sunbutt sent someone to spy on me? That’s hilarious.
“If you want anomaly, I’ll show you anomaly,” I said with a chuckle as I reached down to pick up the pencil that she had and erased the carefully drawn image of myself, and instead replaced it with a little doodle of this pony. I touched up the little googly eyes I’d given her before looking down at the literal paragraphs of observations and opinions on me before also erasing them and instead writing two simple words.
“Am Smart.” I laughed at my own humor before shutting the book and dropping it back down in between her hooves. Then I dropped the pencil and reached up to grab the binoculars that she had over her eyes, making sure to pull the strap over her head and hold it in my hooves. I looked it over for a few moments before tossing it aside, letting it float frozen before placing a hoof under my chin.
What to do? I couldn't draw on her face because she had a pencil so that limited me on that aspect.
I then glanced up at a nearby tree and a grin formed on my face.
One second Twilight was conspicuously watching Speckles and his mother and Spitfire walking and the next thing she knew she was hanging from a tree by a hoof. It caused her great confusion as her vision spiraled and she wiggled around as she tried orienting herself. There was a rope tightly wound around her hooves that left her unable to move much.
And as she tried using her magic to untie the ropes, she let out a huff as she was unable to do so.
"--!!" She grits her teeth as she swung from side to side as her magic reached out and fried, pulling at the knot. Still useless as the rope didn't budge, causing her frustration as she looked back over to where Speckles and his family were getting further and further away.
"How did I even get up here?" She muttered to herself in confusion as she continued trying to free herself.
But after a good few minutes of trying, she finally gave up with a sigh. Letting her head fall back as she tried to blink away the feeling of the blood rushing to her head.
"You good Twi?" A certain scratchy voice caused her to blink her eyes open and turned her head around as best as she could. The familiar sight of magenta-colored eyes caused her to sigh in relief. It was Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow, you have to get me down from here!" She said as she squirmed. "I feel like my head is going to pop from all the blood rushing down."
The cyan pegasus tilted her head in curiosity, "how exactly did you get tied up and hung from a tree?" She said with a hint of amusement in her voice. "Spell gone wrong?"
"Uh, no," Twilight blushed in embarrassment. "I was keeping an eye on a pony of interest for the princess," she explained.
"You were stalking somepony?" Rainbow Dash would say with an amused tone. A sly grin formed on her face as Twilight sputtered, fervently shaking her head.
"Not stalking, watching! I was wat-" she groaned. "Can you just get me down from here?"
"Can't you use your magic? Rainbow said as she flew up and inspected the knot in the rope that was holding Twilight up, her head tilting as she nudged it with a hoof and nodded at just how strong it felt.
“I would’ve done so if I was able to untie the knot,” Twilight said with another shake, “just give me a hoof, Rainbow,” she said with a sigh.
“Yeah, I got you,” Rainbow said as she grabbed one end of the rope and tugged it, expecting it to give but quirked her eyebrow when it didn’t. She tried it again and found that it wouldn’t budge, “weird,” she said as she grabbed both sides and tried it again.
“What?” Twilight said as she craned her reddening face up at Rainbow.
“Did you piss off a filly scout? Because this is a tough knot,” she said as she pulled and pulled before finally, it gave and unraveled itself, gravity taking its course and dropping Twilight onto her face. The purple mare groaned as gravity pulled the rest of her body down to where she was lying on her back, feeling the blood leave her face as she sighed a breath of relief.
“Though, couldn’t you have just teleported out of the rope? I’ve seen you do it before,” Rainbow said as she dropped onto her hooves and looked down at Twilight.
“Oh, right,” Twilight said as she face hoofed.
Anyways, I left that purple unicorn hanging from a tree and continued on my way to Button's house like normal, cracking off a few more jokes before we were finally at his doorstep and Mother knocked on the door. We waited for a few moments before the door opened and the face of Button’s mother, Caring Heart, was visible. She visibly brightened up as she looked at the three of us, a smile forming on her face as she opened the door wider.
"Hello there, Hazel! And Speckles, it's good to see you both," Caring Heart greeted us warmly. "And Captain Spitfire?" she asked, noticing Spitfire standing beside us.
"Spitfire is an old friend of mine," Mother replied, smiling over at her. "Speckles wanted to see how Button was doing and Spitfire tagged along."
Caring Heart's eyes lit up. "Oh, that's wonderful! Come on in, all of you. Button is in the living room."
We followed her into the living room, making sure to close the door behind us as we walked, I shifted on mothers back, standing up on my hind legs and peering around her shoulders as we stepped into the familiar living room. Caring called out to Button who was sitting in the center of the living room with some sort of handheld device in his hooves, this piqued my interest, but I could look at that later. “Button, there’s someponies here to see you!” Caring’s voice broke him out of tunnel vision and he looked up, “Huh?” before looking from his mom to the three of us, a smile breaking onto his face as she dropped his device and stood up.
“Speckles!” he said as he quickly ran over to where I was in the process of hopping off of mothers back, not even letting me touch the floor before I was grabbed into a rather strong hug and lifted up as he giggled. “Man, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you!” he said as the lack of air was getting to me, I silently blinked my eyes before he let go and plopped me back down onto my own legs. I wobbled for a few moments before shaking my head and grinning up at him, “hi Button.”
“Hi, Speckle’s mom!” Button said as he glanced up at Mother with a smile, Mother gave him a smile in return. "Hey, Button," She said with a smile, before patting him on the head.
Button chuckled before taking a glance at Spitfire, “Hi Captain Spitfire,” and turned to look at me.
“Hey kiddo,” Spitfire said with a chuckle as Button paused and squinted his eyes. “Wait a second,” he said as he slowly turned his head back and upwards, his eyes slowly widening in the realization of who he was looking at, “Captain Spitfire!?” He said in shock.
“In the flesh,” Spitfire chuckled at his reaction.
He was silent before he turned and looked at me, “Dude?”
“Yeah?”
“Captain Spitfire is standing in my living room.”
“Yep,” I said with a nod.
“Am I dreami- ouch!” I cut him off by bopping him in the nose as he shook his head and rubbed his muzzle, then his eyes widened as he turned and looked up at Spitfire, “I’m not dreaming.”
“Nope, this is Spitfire, my mom's friend, that is a mare,” I said with a grin.
“Since when did you know the Captain of the Wonderbolts?” he said in awe.
“Since before I got to Ponyville,” I said with a small shrug. “We lived at her house before some changelings broke into her house.”
“Wait what?” Carings voice overshadowed Button's voice as she looked down at me in concern, “Did I hear you correctly sweetie?”
Mother let out a small sigh, “It’s a long story, why don’t you kids run along while the grownups talk?” she said more to me than she did to Button. So I took the hint and grabbed Button's larger hoof, “C’mon dude, Let’s go to your room,” I said as I pulled him a few inches before he found his own footing and followed me as the two of us quickly disappeared up the stairs. I walked down the half for a few feet before glancing up at Button's door, I couldn’t quite reach it and turned to look at Button, he was shaking his head before looking from me to the door knob.
“Short stack,” he chuckled as he easily grabbed the doorknob and twisted it open, and let us into his room, I gave him a playful glare as I stepped passed him and into his room, to which I quickly hopped up onto his bed. I stood tall and looked down at him, "I will have you know Button that I am of average height for my age, you are just abnormally tall, that's it!" I said as I turned my head up at him dramatically.
He let out a chuckled and rolled his eyes playfully, "yeah right, dude, you look like a baby," he said as he also hopped up onto his bed and still towered over me. "I know a few four-year-old's at school that are taller than you," he said as he brought his hoof from the top of his head to the top of mine, "Yeah, even Pipsqueak is taller than you, that's crazy," he said with a surprise.
Looking past the fact that someone's name was Pipsqueak, I narrowed my eyes up at him, "Them's fighting words, Button."
He grinned, "bring it, short stuff," He said as I flew up into the air.
I won, quite easily to be honest. It was hilarious watching Button look around in confusion when I would suddenly appear behind him and grapple him from behind, and even more when I pinned him to the ground and declared myself the winner. The absolute look on his face was akin to the face he made when I whooped him in Street Fighter, well, Pony Fighter. But there was more whining now than there was when I beat him back there, but nevertheless, I grinned victoriously as I sat on his back. He was laying on his stomach with a big frown on his face as he turned his head up to look back at me.
“Alright, alright, uncle,” he admitted in a defeated tone. “You win.”
“I know,” I said with a giggle before standing up and hopping off of his back. “Now what am I?”
“Average height,” he said with an eye roll as he stood up and shook his head, his hair being tussled around in the playfight. He playfully glared down at me before a grin broke out across his face, “But dude, you’re really fast, I have no idea how you managed to beat me,” he said in awe. “Out of all the foals, Scootaloo has to be the fastest I’ve seen, but you,” he said with a nod, “you’re fast.”
“I’m just built different,” I said with a smug grin, while also biting back the internal cringe I felt from uttering that sentence out loud. But nevertheless, it seemed that Button got the idea as he simply rolled his eyes and smiled.
Though I was intrigued, he mentioned a girl - I assume it's a girl - who's pretty fast. I tilted my head after getting over my initial cringe at my humorous comment, "how fast can she fly?" I asked casually. Definitely not feeling a sense of competitiveness coming over me.
"Oh, well," Button said as he blinked in sudden realization. "She can't fly," he admitted with a small chuckle. "Though, she does use her wings to go really fast on her scooter, that's what I meant by fast."
I raised an eyebrow, other than the fact that I was disappointed that my competition couldn't fly, I was more interested in the fact that someone who was, physically, older than I was couldn't fly. "Does she have like a problem or?"
"I don't know," he said as he walked over and plopped himself down onto his bed. He batted the propeller hat on the top of his head as he thought, "she never really explained it to us when we asked, though I can only really guess it's because her wings are like - really small."
"I mean, my wings are small and I can fly," I said as I looked down at my side, stretching out one of my wings and measuring it silently. "It probably has to be something more than just being small," I said as I nodded and let my wing furl back into my side.
Button thought to himself for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. It must be something more than just wing size. Maybe there's some other reason why she can't fly. I guess she just likes scooting around instead. She's really good at it, though, and she loves the speed."
Curiosity sparked within me for a moment. "Do you think she'd be up for a race?" I asked, unable to resist the opportunity for a friendly competition. And honestly, now that I wasn't a responsible adult that needed to let children win all the time, I could gladly destroy children in any sort of competition without being verbally cowed by other adults.
Button grinned mischievously. "I'm sure she would! She's always up for a challenge. I can introduce you to her if you'd like."
"I'd love that!" I replied eagerly.
"Cool," he nodded. "I'll bring it up tomorrow at school and see what she thinks of it, knowing how she is, she'll probably say yes."
"I'll be back, gotta use the bathroom," he said suddenly before sliding the little propeller hat off of his head and setting it down on the bed before hopping down and quickly making his way to the door and just as quickly disappearing down the hall. I looked at the empty door for a moment before looking at the hat on the bed, I'd probably look good in that hat. So I nonchalantly made my way over to the bed and took a moment to climb up onto it before glancing down at the hat, I took it in my hoof before setting it down on my head.
Though I did have to wrestle with the locks of my hair that kept pushing the hat and causing it to ever so slightly slide off of my head, to which I rolled my eyes in annoyance before flattening the locks of hair and setting the hat firmly down. I waited for a moment to see if it would fall before grinning and hopping off of the bed, I made my way over to the mirror that Button had in his room, why he had it? I don't even know. But taking a looking at myself in the mirror, I looked like I could definitely give someone diabetes from just looking at me.
And I'm not just stroking my own ego, it was the truth and no one is going to dissuade my opinion. I was fucking adorable.
Anyways, I shook my head with a chuckle before turning and looking around at Buttons room. I didn't quite remember what it looked like since I only did visit that one time, but it was safe to say I wasn't really wrong in my memories of what was strewn around the room. For one, there was a mess of pillows and - I walked over to the pillows and picked up a still wrapped juice box - juice boxes sitting right in front of the really old looking TV. Old for my perception of time, but probably pretty modern for what these ponies are experiencing.
Though I was still pretty surprised, didn't expect them to have this type of gaming technology, disregarding the arcade that I went to, this little - what seemed to be - an alternate version of the SNES made me pause in my previous thoughts of just how far along are these ponies technology wise. Though I wouldn't dwell on that, it was just funny seeing this thing with the weirdest controller shapes I've ever seen.
They looked like the basic controller you'd find back on earth but they had this extra bit protruding from the bottom, it curved out to the left, probably so that an earth pony could keep a grip on it without magic.
"Back," the voice of Button snapped me out of my musings and I turned over to him with a grin.
"Are you wearing my hat?" he said with a laugh as he walked over to me, looking down at me as I craned my head up at him and gave him one of my patented smiles. The effect almost instant as he turned away and coughed into a hoof, "Sweet Celestia dude, you gotta watch who you're aiming at with that weapon," he said as he shook his head.
"Can't help what comes naturally," I said with a giggle before turning off my smile, didn't want to kill the guy.
"Anyways Specks, I was thinking about getting some ice cream or something, you thi-" though I was quick to interrupt him by grabbing onto one of his hooves and just dragging him towards the door with the strength of a thousand ponies my size. "Never think I would deny the chance of obtaining the ice cream," I would simply respond to him as we stopped at the stairs, where I finally let him go and looked up at him.
"Now I gotta ask my mom, she's probably gonna want to come with us because the last time she left me alone I got kidnapped," I said nonchalantly before moving to descend down the stairs.
Button blinked for a moment, "wait what?" he said as he instinctively reached forwards and grasped my tail with a hoof, this caused me to pause as he gently tugged back on it. "Ow?"
"Sorry," he said as he let go of my tail, "but you cannot just run past the fact that you were kidnapped like it was nothing!" he said as he stepped down to my level.
"Oh yeah, forgot about that."
"Hey Twilight, question." The raspy voice of Rainbow Dash caused Twilight to look up from where she was still trying to shake off the feeling of wooziness that came with being hung from her hooves, "answer?" she replied with a slight groan.
"Did you let Spike write in your note book?" the cyan pegasus would ask as she tilted her head and snorted as she reread the only words that were on the page, and admired the doodle of Twilight that was drawn in a goofy way.
"No?" Twilight said as she shook her head and quickly trotted over to where Rainbow Dash was and used her magic to tilt the book down so that she could look inside and - "wait a second," she said as her eyes widened and she fully stole the book out of Rainbows grasp, using her magic to hurriedly flip through all of the now empty pages, her blood pressure seemed to rise as plopped down onto her haunches.
"I had so many theories and observations written down on here!" she said with a groan before flipping all the way back and pausing on the doodle that made Rainbow Dash laugh, it was a crudely drawn image of her with oversized eyes and a bubble of text that read.
"Am smart?" she said with confusion. "When did.. no, he couldn't have, could he?"
"Who, spike?" Rainbow Dash said as she looked at Twilight with a raised brow. "I mean, he probably just didn't kn-"
"No, Rainbow, I'm talking about the pony I'm watching," she said with a confused tone. "The little colt tha-"
"You're watching kids now?" Rainbow said with an amused tone.
"That's besides the point!" Twilight said as her cheeks reddened and she turned to look at Rainbow Dash.
Luna sat on her bed with a pot of coffee in her hooves, not in her magic, she was far too tired to even fathom the idea of magic at the moment. She leaned her head back and drank all of the now lukewarm liquid from the pot before letting out a small sigh and dropping the pot unceremoniously off the edge of her bed, where it bounced off of the accumulated amount of empty pots she'd already drunken from.
"I'm definitely spending too much time trying to do this the hard way," she said to herself as she leaned back in her bed. Her hair was strewn about because she couldn't bother to put up the spell that would make her hair float up in the usual display she had it. "I'm just going to visit him, I have no idea what I was thinking trying to reason with a child that is too smart for his own good."
"ugh," she groaned as she moved to get up, only to fall flat on her back.
Maybe after a nap, she was still tired from using all of her wit trying to escape those dreaded shadowy creatures from Speckles latest dream trap, them constantly asking, "hey! who turned off the lights?" was so annoying to hear, especially when they were trying to eat your flesh.
"Definitely after a nap," she said as she let her head hit the pillow, her eyes closing instantly. "And if anyone dares trying to disturb me for the next ten hours, that includes letting servants and my sister walk in, please note the fact that I can readily reassign you to the coldest regions of Equestrias borders!" she said loud enough so that the guards stationed outside of her room could hear.
It's been a few days since hanging out with Button again and I gotta say, life is good, great even. Even if I am jinxing myself by saying this to myself, I just can't hold in the fact that living peacefully without love-sucking bugs trying to absorb your emotions is just great. Am I repeating myself?
Hm.
Anyways, on a completely separate note, I absolutely had no idea that our house had a backyard to it. I almost didn't believe it when Spitfire offered to take me out back and show me a few of her flying maneuvers and how she performs them, but when she gave me an amused look and simply picked me up like it was nothing. She passed by a giggling mother who was busy cleaning what remained of today's lunch and simply pushed open the door that was connected to the kitchen, one that I have absolutely no memory of whatsoever, and stepped out into the sun. Luckily I was saved from its harsh rays as Spitfire immediately hovered her large hoof over my head and provided shade as I stared at the expanse of the yard. It was pretty decently sized for what it was, the wooden fence erected around it provided a good amount of privacy and didn't look all that worn from where I was standing.
And so that is what my day was occupied by, with me sitting my butt on a pillow that mother had deemed disposable and plopped down next to me before forcing, not insisting, forcing me down and nuzzling the top of my head before turning around and leaving me to turn and watch where Spitfire stood. She was on the far side of the yard with her wings spread out, a large grin on her face that allowed me to see just how pearly white her teeth were before she called out to me to see if I was ready to witness greatness. I simply gave a half-assed "whoo" as I threw both of my hooves up in the air and let them hang there before letting them fall back down to my sides.
"Just wait, I'll turn that whoo into WHOO!" she said before she shot up into the air at speeds that if you would've blinked you would've completely missed as I followed her form as she shot up into the sky, though not too high as she didn't want to garner any attention. But honestly, her showing off like this was bound to catch someone's attention, be it accidentally or if someone was coincidentally looking up at the sky. Nevertheless, I just shrugged and continued watching her as she started flipping and maneuvering through the air in a manner that made it look like she was cutting through the air. A small trail of flames would follow her when she would increase her speeds in small bursts, which I'll admit, was pretty cool.
And don't knock me, watching her perform all of these tricks in front of me was awesome, one of the best things I've seen honestly, but my thoughts were more focused on some of the information that I learned about Equestria's history and its magic. As the title of the book drifted back into my head I couldn't help but grin at the thought of absolutely bamboozling someone who - hypothetically, would come after me, and get shot into oblivion by a shout. Now that would be awesome.
I already had this little back-and-forth with myself before but honestly, I was still wondering if I would be able to replicate those shouts from Skyrim since they were basically the same thing. And even then, if regular Nords could learn how to use shouts for themselves, then I could for sure learn how to use these shouts for my own personal gain. Specifically "Bend Will," now that I remember it. I could use that to make my current enemies and any enemies that I gain in the future, just walk away.
Especially those changelings, I could just use it on their Queen and make her.. uh, I don't know. Didn't think past the part of using the shout to make her submit to my bidding. And that's even if I get the chance to do so. She’s most likely in prison so I’ll never really get the chance to come face to face with her again, unless Celestia’s state-of-the-art prison that’s probably under her castle doesn’t fail to keep her contained, right?
Anyways.
Spitfire was in the process of doing a three-sixty spin that ended in her pausing in mid-air and spreading out her limbs and wings, an outline of flames pulsing out from behind her in a way that I could only describe as a Phoenix being rebirthed. I blinked at the impressive sight before gravity seemed to realize that she was defying physics and the flames around her dissipated before she flipped around so that she was facing the ground as she was free-falling. Her wings were tightly pressed against her sides as her grin grew bigger and bigger as she rocketed towards the ground, and when it seemed like she was going to splatter on the ground her wings suddenly sprung up and she banked to the left before drifting around, and dropping down on her hooves. The momentum carried her across the grass, kicking up dirt and grass she finally skidded up all the way to me and grinned down at me.
"What'd you think?"
And honestly, that was awesome, I couldn't even being to describe how awesome the thing that I just witnessed was, "I'm speechless," I simply said as I looked up at her face. She'd morphed into an even bigger grin as she puffed out her chest, "that's exactly what I thought!" she boasted to herself.
"And now I have to use the bathroom," she suddenly said as she broke out of her boasting and tottered on her hooves for a moment before quickly walking past me and hurriedly opening the door before her clopping hooves faded into the house as I looked on with pursed lips. "Hm, guess high speeds make someone wanna pee," but then I shook my head, I had better things to focus on.
And now that I was alone I could actually see if any of my hopes proved true.
I gave one last glance at the door before hopping off of the pillow and onto my hooves, shaking off the lack of feeling in my legs from sitting on my ass and quickly walking around in a little circle. And once I was sure that I was good to go, I grinned and walked across the yard and stopped where I was far enough from the door, and brought a hoof up to my chest. Mentally flipping through the pages of shouts that I had memorized from my hundred thousand playthroughs of Skyrim and the media around it.
For shits and giggles, I could try and call a dragon with that one shout but that would be pretty hard to explain to both mother and the random dragon that would come flying in from whatever distance just to heed my call if it worked like that after all.
But how funny would that be? A random ass dragon completely sent the ponies into a panic as they would come flying in like a bullet, crashing into the houses without much care what they wrecked before shouting for the one who'd challenged them to come out and – you know what? Nevermind. I can see that quickly turning topsy-turvy. And from what I've read in that big book in the House, it's that modern-day ponies probably have absolutely no idea or have even fathomed the concept of dragons having that sort of magic. Maybe if they were really invested historians, but considering that back on Earth the governmental figures really liked covering things up that they didn't want the public to know. I'm sure that Celestia has done that.
All politicians had their own agenda after all. But I’d have to look into her extensive history later on when I find a book about her, I was keen to know what the princesses were up to like – the pony version of the medieval era.
But moving on from that! I just had to try and use one of those shouts, just once. The tantalizing prospect of just trying when I had the perfect moment to do so was too much for me to try and resist and I ended up caving in. A small grin on my face as I walked a bit further into the center of the yard and prepared myself, I squared my hooves and planted them firmly into the ground, feeling the earth beneath me I nodded.
"Fus... Ro..." I paused mid-sentence, instead of looking directly at the fence and risking destroying everything in front of me with the sudden reminder of how devastating the shout was – in lore because it was a lot less powerful in the game. So I readjusted my position and craned my head upwards, looking up at the sky so that nothing would be destroyed or knocked over in my attempt.
As I stood there, preparing to unleash the power of the shout, I took a moment to gather my focus. The words echoed in my mind, and I could almost feel the energy building up within me. With a deep breath, I attempted to call upon any sort of magic connected to those same words that I used countless times when I was playing Skyrim.
"FUS RO DAH!"
The air around me seemed to ripple as the shout left my lips. However, to my surprise, nothing happened. There was no powerful blast of force, no objects flying around, and no immediate reaction from the surroundings. Damn, guess it was too good to be true.
I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. I guess the magic of Equestria didn't really align with the mechanics of Skyrim's shouts. Or maybe, as I speculated earlier, the shouts were reserved for certain individuals with a deeper understanding of Equestrian magic.
Nonetheless, I didn't let that dampen my spirits. There was still a ton of stuff that I could mess around with because of the already pretty powerful form of magic that I already used on a daily.I could really just do whatever I want with that spell on its own, sure I’d have to practice in order for it not to paralyze me whenever I use it for too long.
Though… Did my time-stop ability technically count as a shout? Since I actually have to verbally say the word “stop” in order for anything to happen. And dragon magic was just the dragon shouting out the action in their own tongue…
That… gives me an idea. If my theory was true, then instead of actually saying the shout word for word, I could instead do what I did with my time-stopping ability. Maybe that would work instead of looking like a dumbass as I probably shouted unintelligible nonsense into the sky.
"Uh... Force! Unrelenting Forc- woah!" I exclaimed, feeling the energy flooding back into me like a torrential downpour as I was practically flattened into the ground from the force shooting from my mouth.
Even with the wind knocked out of me, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement as I let out a wheeze and rolled onto my stomach as I pushed myself up onto my hooves again, caught off guard by the sudden power that surged through me as I caught my breath. The ground beneath me shook, and a gust of wind whipped around, rustling the leaves on nearby trees. It worked! My theory had been right! I quickly regained my balance, a wide grin spreading across my face.
"Holy shit!" I shouted, a mix of shock and exhilaration coursing through my veins. I couldn't believe it—my modified shout actually worked! I really didn’t think that it was going to work that way, but since it did, that just made me even more excited at what it entailed.
I looked around, taking in the aftermath of my impromptu shout. Leaves and debris danced in the air, carried by the force I had unleashed. The ground had a noticeable dent where I was currently standing, evidence of the impact of me getting flattened as I came to notice when I looked down where I stood.
“Speckles?” Mother's voice caused me to suddenly fall onto my rear and put on as innocent of an expression that I could muster with all of the pent-up excitement and giddiness I was feeling, I then turned to look over my shoulder. Mother had quickly started on her way over towards me with a look of concern on her face, I didn’t even get a chance to give a response when she quickly scooped me up into her hooves. “Is everything all right?” I said with some confusion as she looked me over for a few moments before letting out a sigh of relief.
“I should be asking you that–” she paused as she took the moment to look me up and down, rotating me around in her hooves for a few moments before letting out a sigh of relief. “Did something happen? I heard a really loud noise and I – wh-what is this?” she said as she lifted me up and looked below me as I formed a rather sheepish grin on my face. Her brows narrowed in confusion as she was staring down at the really obvious dent in the grass that came from me shouting into the sky.
Damn, uh. I wasn’t sure what to say. So as long as I said something convincing I could worm my way out of this, I’ve done it countless of times. This wasn’t any different.
“Uh… did clouds always have tails sticking out of them?” I said as I looked around the yard for something to try and bullshit my way out of this, and I honestly wasn’t expecting to look up into the sky and see a cloud just sitting above the yard. I have to admit, it threw me off. Because I completely forgot about the current situation, my eyes slightly narrowed but quickly shifted back to the innocent ones as mother let out a noise of confusion and lowered me back down. She looked me in the eyes and tilted her head, “What do you mean?” before looking directly up and pausing.
“What the fu–” she stopped herself before she could let out the curse and shook her head. A mixture of expressions flicked across her face before she turned around and set me down on the ground, my hooves softly thudding against the grass as she let go of me and straightened herself. Her expression finally settled on a rather too-pleasant smile, her eyes showing a lot calmer of emotion than what I was getting from the aura emanating from her smile.
“Mom?” I said with some confusion as I looked up at her. “Are you all ri-”
I was interrupted as she reached out and gently patted me on the head, “Everything is fine honey, now why don’t you just go inside? Mommy is going to go and move that cloud.”
“Uh… alright,” I said after a moment before taking one last look up at the cloud with the tail hanging out of it, noting the rainbow pattern and wondering why it rang a familiar bell in my head. But I didn’t dwell on it too much and simply did as Mother asked, I turned tail and quickly made my way into the house and promptly shut the door behind me.
I gave a glance at the kitchen before quickly moving and lifting myself up with my wings, floating upwards and dropping onto the counter as I moved towards the curtains. I raised it up and took a step forwards, letting it drape across my back as I stared out the window to where I could see Mom had turned around and was now staring up at the cloud. I could read her expression from here and…
“What are we looking at?” the sudden raspy voice of Spitfire caused me to almost jump out of my own fur as I turned my head and noticed that she had also stuck her head underneath the curtains and was looking out the window as well. And besides the fact that I kinda wanted to punch her for that jump scare, I shook my head and looked back towards the window. “Uh, mom’s angry.” And mom was scary when she was scary.
“Oh! What at?” Spitfire said in an excited tone.
“That cloud with the rainbow tail that she’s currently yelling at,” I simply said with a growing grin as I watched the event unfold.
“Oh, coo– wait, Rainbow tail?” Spitfire said in a confused tone. And I raised an eyebrow before turning and looking up at her now concerned expression. What did she have to be concerned about? That person in the clouds was probably watching for a while and… Oh, fuck.
“Ah, shit..” Spitfire said before quickly backtracking her head from underneath the curtain, the sound of her hooves rapidly clopping against the tiles briefly rang out before the opening and closing of the door left me in silence once again.
Though I was more concerned with the fact that I didn’t notice that someone was watching me, and using a cloud of all things to do so. Though, granted I was already aware that you could stand on clouds, I just didn’t think someone would steal one from the sky and use it to do some reconnaissance. And depending on how long they were watching me and for who exactly they were watching me, I could have even more problems stacking myself onto my already-filled plate. Which was great.
Alright, yes, Rainbow Dash was guilty of spying on the small brown foal in his own backyard, but it was at Twilight's behest! Honestly, she wasn’t even sure why Twilight was so obsessed with learning everything she could about this kid. It was also really weird that it was specifically a foal, and if she wasn’t her friend she would’ve definitely dropped even more suspicion onto her. But eventually, she got the egghead to explain to her that she was doing this at the very special request of the princess, which – was still weird, to be honest. But she really couldn’t argue against the princess, no pony in their right mind would go against the princess of all things.
So she caved when Twilight practically begged Rainbow Dash to help her where she couldn’t and to spy from the sky where she wasn’t capable of – stalking, it was practically stalking. But whatever, she was loyal to her friends and she would do whatever she could to help them out. And after all, things considered, she found out something absolutely mind-blowing, the kid knew Spitfire. The Captain Spitfire, of the Wonderbolts! Like, what the hell?
And after she had to practically bite into her own hoof to stifle her quickly growing sense of fan girling over the literal Captain of what she dreamed of becoming one day, and if it wasn’t obvious, she wanted to be a Wonderbolt. She watched with rapt attention how Spitfire interacted with the kid – Speckles, if she remembered right. She was really half and half when it came to listening to Twilight's briefing on the kid.
Spitfire also almost made her scream out in pure joy when she witnessed a trick that she’d never seen before coming from the Wonderbolt, the whole thing with the death-defying barrel rolls, the quick save when free falling – the bucking fire, it was awesome. So freaking awesome that she almost felt offended for Spitfire when her eyes trailed back to Speckles and just how bored he kind of looked watching her. He just sat on that pretty oversized - no, he’s just tiny. Like really tiny.
Anyways, he just sat on that large pillow of his almost looking like he was staring off into space as he blankly looked up and gingerly followed Spitfire's movements. And Rainbow Dash wasn’t even sure how the kid was keeping such a face when getting a private air show, right in his own backyard of all places!
“No expression at all… really?” Rainbow Dash muttered to herself as she leaned her head just a tad bit forward so that she got a better look at things. “It’s like that one guy when I… oh, there’s the reaction.” She interrupted herself as she noticed Speckles suddenly smiling and looking up at Spitfire as she landed and walked over to him.
The two exchanged words for a few moments before Spitfire quickly trotted off into the house, leaving Speckles by himself as he briefly stared at the door before looking back and grinning to himself. He then stood up and – wow, there was practically no height change from when he was sitting down to when he stood up. She stopped herself from snickering as he hopped off the pillow and walked his way to the center of the yard and looked down at his hooves with a pensive expression. And then he stood like that for what seemed like minutes, causing Rainbow Dash to grimace and prop her head up with her hooves as she stared down at him.
Yeesh, this was boring. What did the princess see in this little foal? Because all that Rainbow Dash saw was nothing all that special about him, sure, he had the interesting thing of knowing Captain Spitfire. But she chalked that up to him being some sort of relative of hers, or she was dating somepony and this was just their kid that Spitfire was entertaining. Hm, Spitfire never really let it known that she was dating any pony, so she wonder- oh, he’s moving.
She broke out of her thoughts and focused back down on Speckles as he shook his head and grinned once again before looking straight up at the sky, causing Rainbow Dash to pull her head back just a bit so that she wasn’t visible but could still see. He took in a deep breath before shouting something that she could just barely make out from where she was hovering above, and it caused her to squint as he just shouted the most random amalgamation of words out to the sky. What was it? Fus ro dah? Weird.
And he looked disappointed as if he was expecting something to happen when he shouted that. Letting out a sigh before ultimately shrugging his shoulders and turned around, almost looking as if he was about to retreat back into the house before he stopped midstep. He stood there for a few minutes, probably thinking to himself before he turned back around and stared up at the sky.
Though she wasn’t prepared for what came next, one moment she was watching him with increasing boredom as he went to presumably shout at the sky once again, and the next she was almost deafened by the loudest noise she’d ever heard. And that wasn’t the worst part of it, it was when a huge ass whirlwind formed from out of nowhere and completely threw her around, leaving her struggling to hold onto her cloud as she was spun around before ultimately getting pushed back. And it left her with widened eyes as she finally regained control of her senses and fixed her position on the cloud, letting out a few pants as she looked over the cloud.
Speckles was standing in a large dent in the grass with a happy face as he hopped around with excitement, causing Rainbow Dash even more confusion, that came from the kid? That huge whirlwind that almost threw her entirely off course came from that small little foal? What in the actual buck?
Just hold on a moment. She had to completely shake her frazzled mane out of her face and shake away the feeling of her brain being jumbled around in her skull as she realized what exactly happened. Did he just shout a whirlwind into the air? Was that magic? It had to be magic. Twilight is going to go crazy over – no, absolutely ballistic trying to figure out if Rainbow Dash is telling the truth or telling a complete lie.
“Though, when doesn’t she ever not go ballistic over something stupid?” she said in realization to herself. Just last week she was going crazy over not being able to tell whether or not the sun and moon were raised by Princess Celestia, something about her looking over ancient philosopher theories of the planet revolving around the sun. It made her shake her head at even questioning it, everypony knew that the sun revolved around the planet because of Princess Celestia.
Ugh. All that egghead stuff was causing her even more confusion, so she cleared those thoughts out of her head before dropping both hooves onto the cloud and moving her body so that she could peek over again. She wanted to see if Speckles was doing any more of those physically impossible things that a pegasus couldn’t do. Though what she didn’t expect to see when she peeked over the edge, was a pink pegasus glaring daggers up at her.
“Woah!” Rainbow Dash cried out in shock as she recoiled backward, the pegasus flying up and– wow, her wings were huge!
“Just what do you think you’re doing?” was the question thrown towards her as she gathered her bearings, trying to push herself back to get some space but the mare quickly inched forwards with crossed hooves. If looks could kill, she’d definitely already murdered Rainbow Dash with those eyes.
“Uh... nothing?” Damn it, Dash.
She didn’t seem to like that answer, her eyes narrowing further. “I’ll tell you what you were doing, you were watching my son. You damn creep!” her anger caused the cyan pegasus to back up just a few inches as she brought her hooves up and shook them. Rainbow Dash sputtered because she was absolutely right, she was freaking watching a foal in their own backyard from a cloud. If that wasn’t the definition of creeping, then she had absolutely no idea what was.
“I– listen, I wasn’t watching your so-” her ears folded back as she internally winced at her own rebuttal and was instantly interrupted by the angry mother of the foal she was watching – for Twilight, she was watching them for Twilight.
“Then what the hell were you doing, sitting up on this cloud that’s sitting right above my backyard in clear sight of my backyard? And you better give me a damn good answer, because nothing is going to save you from me busting your ass,” she said as she leaned even further. To the point where the two of them were a nose hair away from each other.
Rainbow Dash gulped, feeling the intensity of the pink pegasus's glare. She knew she had to choose her words carefully if she wanted to diffuse the situation.
And Rainbow was never really good with her words, so she did the only thing that she could think that she could do to escape the wrath of Speckle’s mom. And that was absolutely booking it away from this house and losing the pink pegasus with her superior speed because, with wings like those, she doubted she could catch her. So doing what she did best when dealing with a situation like this, she ran.
“Uh…” she said in distraction as she tried to lift up a hoof as subtly as possible. She literally felt the heat of her stare trying to melt off her fur as she felt sweat drip from her brow before she caved and dropped her hoof down hard. The cloud split in half and dropped Rainbow Dash out of the bottom, sending her into a brief free fall before she quickly barrel-rolled and shot out her wings. She let out a powerful flap of her wings and shot off in the opposite direction of the house, the surprised and outraged voice of the pink pegasus behind her as she did so.
Or at least, that’s what she thought would happen. The last thing she ever expected to happen was to feel herself literally get tackled out of the air, the loud sound of the air whizzing past them as she craned her head and looked up with wide eyes at the pink pegasus holding her with a death grip. They were sent into a free fall as she struggled and squirmed against the larger mare's grip, Rainbow Dash found it basically impossible to break out of her grip as the mare shouted obscenities at her.
And just as she thought that she was going to get spiked into the ground by an angry mother, she felt some relief as she opened up her large wings and stopped them just a couple of inches from smashing into the ground. The grip loosened and she was dropped onto the floor, getting a mouthful of grass in the process, she shook her head and spit it out as she spun around to face the pegasus.
“Did you really think you could just up and fly away from this? I told you that nothing was going to save you from this beating that I am going to lay on you!” she shouted at Rainbow Dash before the latter let out a frightened noise and dove out of the way of her lunge. As her chest hit the floor, she scrambled up onto her hooves with widened eyes as she quickly unfurled her wings and tried to take off again.
‘This mare is going to kill me!’ Rainbow Dash screamed to herself as she just barely lifted off into the air before being once again tackled by her, the force causing a noise to come out of her as she fell with the added weight of a fully grown pegasus on her back. She squirmed and struggled against her greater strength, being able to roll over onto her back and suddenly blinked as she felt herself get struck across the face. The feeling so new to her that she had to take a few seconds to process the fact that there was a growing pain all over her face before she instinctively threw her hooves up and started blocked the incoming blows.
And sweet Celestia, this mare had to be a fighter or something because they hurt like Tartarus, and she been in fights with other pegasi before – the punches and bucks felt absolutely nothing like the treatment she was getting as she tried to kick her off. Her words were practically unheard against the angered curses and grunts coming from Speckle’s angry mom.
But all she knew that she was getting her ass kicked and she couldn’t do anything about it!
Hazel got tired of the cyan stalker blocking all of her punches to her face and grit her teeth as she brought a hoof up and instead drove it down harshly into her stomach, causing an immediate reaction. She wheezed out as her hooves flew down to cover her stomach, leaving a perfect opening to her face as she spaced out in an attempt to try and regain all of the air that she’d knocked out her. Hazel didn’t hear the voice calling out her name as she was too busy trying to rationalize whether or not she would get in all that much trouble because this mare was guilty of watching her baby – she was also trespassing. This beating was one hundred percent justified!
“Hazel, stop!” her honed in sense of anger came to a pause as she raised her hoof up and went to drive it down again but was unable to as she felt a hoof wrap around hers. She momentarily pulled her attention away from the wheezing creep and looked up to see Spitfire looking down at her with a concerned expression. And she was also gritting her teeth slightly as she pulled against the strength of hoof trying to drive itself into the cyan ponies face again.
“Stop, please,” she said as the two stared at each other for a few tense seconds. Hazel looked from Spitfire down at the downed pegasus who had finally caught her breath and was looking up between the two of them with a mix of shock and fear on her face.
“Why?” she said defensively. “Have you forgotten everyone who’s tried to steal my baby from me?”
Spitfire sighed but didn’t let go of her hoof, “because I know who this is – and she's a friend of mine. She's Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty. And stupid.. Very, very stupid."
Hazel's grip loosened slightly, but her expression remained skeptical. "And why was she watching my son?"
Rainbow Dash, still recovering from the beating, managed to catch her breath and spoke up. "I was...uh...helping Twilight with her task from Princess Celestia. She wanted to know more about Speckles, and I was just...um...gathering information from the sky."
Hazel raised an eyebrow, not fully convinced. "Twilight Sparkle?" Hazel said with some confusion as she didn’t recognize the name, tilting her head at Spitfire who shook her head.
“Twilight’s the Princesses student, she gets up to stupid things like this all the time..”
Rainbow Dash nodded quickly. "Yes, that's right! It was all at Twilight's request. She thought there might be something special about Speckles, and she wanted me to keep an eye on him. I didn't mean any harm, I swear!"
Hazel's expression softened a little as she looked at Rainbow Dash, considering her words. Spitfire spoke up again, trying to diffuse the tension further. "Hazel, I vouch for Rainbow Dash.. If she says she was helping Twilight, then I believe her."
“But that doesn’t ju–” Hazel said with some frustration in her voice before being interrupted by Spitfire who let her hoof go and nodded her head, “look – I know, I know. Just let me talk to her, go back inside with Speckles.”
Hazel glanced between the two pegasi, still unsure. "Fine," she finally said, releasing her grip on Rainbow Dash. "But if I catch you spying on my son again, there won't be any mercy."
Rainbow Dash quickly got up, rubbing her sore stomach and wincing. "No worries! I won't be watching him anymore, I promise." Rainbow Dash flinched backwards as Hazel took a mock step forwards, seeming satisfied with herself at the reaction before turning and walking off towards the house.
Hazel fought the urge to snap back around and give that mare one last punch before her shoulders drooped and she quickly opened and closed the door behind her, taking a moment to calm herself before turning to look at the most important thing in her life. Her baby took a moment before hopping down from the kitchen counter and looked over at her with his big blue eyes. And she felt her anger fizzle out as she smiled.
She walked over to him and knelt down, wrapping a wing around him protectively. "Are you okay, Speckles?"
Speckles nodded, his eyes still wide with the excitement of watching his mom beat the crap out of someone. "Yeah, Mom. I'm fine. But who was that mare?"
Hazel glanced out the window to where Spitfire was talking to Rainbow Dash. "Just someone who made a mistake, but she won't bother us anymore. Let's go play, okay?"
“Are you okay?” he said with concern, the ever perceptive foal that he was. She couldn’t help but coo down at him as he smiled up at her, picking him up in her arms and cuddling him close. “I am now, sweetie.”
Spitfire was good at keeping the annoyance out of her voice as she spoke.
“So the Princess sent Twilight to spy on Speckles because he has something ‘special’ about him?” Spitfire asked as she turned back to look at Rainbow Dash. The cyan pegasus was still wincing to herself as she tried to soothe the pain of the beating she’d gotten from Hazel, one her eyes blackened from that first blow as she looked up at the Captain of the Wonderbolts. “Why don’t you explain that to me?”
Rainbow Dash was silent for a few moments as she tried to not freak out and make an idiot of herself – well, more of an idiot than she’d already made herself out to be. But the Captain of the Wonderbolts knew who she was.
“It’s like I told you before, Spitfire,” she said with a sigh. “All Twilight told me was what Princess Celestia told her in the letter she sent her to watch him because he was special, and that’s pretty much all the letter said.”
“And yet she told me that she wasn’t..” Spitfire muttered to herself before looking up, “And how long has this investigation been going on?”
“Uh, I only started helping Twilight a few days ago, and I think I first heard about this a week ago.” Rainbow Dash said truthfully, though with some nervousness as she was literally talking to her idol.
She then shook her head, “all right, here’s what’s going to happen.” She said as her voice slipped from the casual one she was using and into a more authoritative tone, much like she used whenever dealing with Wonderbolt business.
“I am overriding that order from Princess Celesti-” this caused Rainbow Dash to widen her eyes as she looked up at Spitfire as if she hadn’t heard her right.
“Y-you can do that?” the surprise was evident.
“Normally, no,” Spitfire shook her head. “But this situation is a whole lot bigger than you think, Dash, and it falls under the specific clause that allows me to override the authority of the Princess.”
“But you can’t just not do what the Princess tells you to do – it’s unheard of,” Rainbow said with even more confusion in her tone.
“Well, we’re lucky Commander Hurricane made sure that was possible,” Spitfire simply said in response before moving back to what she was going to say originally. “Now, like I said before, this whole order given to you by Twilight who was told by the Princess? It’s now null.” She said with finality in her voice.
“Oh.. uh,” Dash rubbed the back of her neck, she didn’t even know that was possible.
“I’ll explain everything in full later when I tell both you and Twilight the terms of this nullification,” she added in before letting the sterness fall from her voice. The casualness slipped back in as she gave Rainbow Dash a look. "You really know how to get yourself into trouble, don't you?"
Rainbow Dash blinked in confusion, “you know about me?”
“I know all about you and your friends, it comes with the job,” Spitfire simply said with a small shrug of her shoulders.
“Oh, wow..”
Spitfire sighed. "Look – next time something like this happens, maybe think twice before spying on foals in their own backyard."
Rainbow Dash nodded, still feeling a bit sore from the encounter. "Lesson learned, Spitfire. Lesson learned."
Rainbow Dash had quickly flown away after her talk with Spitfire, still reeling from bruises and the idea of Spitfire completely halting one of the Princess's missions for Twilight. She didn't think it was possible, but apparently it was. What kind of rank did Captain of the Wonderbolts translate to anyways for that kind of power? She'd have to ask Twilight later, right after she explained why she looked like she got run over by a carriage and how they were no longer going to be able to help Celestia with her request. She landed down in front of Twilight's library and knocked on the door, instead of going through the window like she usually does.
Twilight Sparkle opened the door, her expression changing from surprise to concern as she saw Rainbow Dash's battered appearance. "Rainbow Dash, what happened? Are you okay?" she asked, stepping aside to let her friend inside.
Rainbow Dash winced as she entered the library. "Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine," she muttered, rubbing at her face. "But we've got a problem. A big one."
Twilight closed the door behind them and led Rainbow Dash to the living room, motioning for her to take a seat. "What happened? And why do you look like you've been in a fight?"
Rainbow Dash sighed and recounted the events that had transpired, starting from her spying on Speckles in his backyard, witnessing whatever that magical whirlwind was, and eventually being confronted and beat up by Hazel, Speckles' mother. She emphasized the intervention of Spitfire, and how she’d stopped Hazel from going farther than bruising her body. She'd probably have broken some bones if Spitfire didn't stop her.
Twilight listened attentively, her expression growing more serious as Rainbow Dash spoke. "So, Spitfire put a halt to the investigation?" she asked, concern evident in her voice. She didn't think a Wonderbolt had that much authority, she'd have to look into that.
Rainbow Dash nodded. "Yeah, she stepped in and stopped Hazel before things got even worse. And she recognized me too, Twilight! She knows who I am. I didn't know she had any connections to the princess or anything like that."
Twilight sighed, running a hoof through her mane. "I don't have all the answers, Rainbow Dash. I have to write a let–”
“Well, about that.” Rainbow Dash said with a sheepish grin.
“What?” Twilight said in confusion.
“Spitfire kinda told me not to let you send any more letters until after she got here and explained everything to the both of us,” this caused Twilight to stand up. “You means she’s coming here?”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash nodded.
“When?” she said with worry.
“I have no idea, Twi.” She shrugged her shoulders, causing Twilight’s eye to twitch.
“By the way, you got an ice pack or something? I’m hurting everywhere.”
Twilight was in a panic, Why? – because she was Twilight Sparkle. Resident librarian of Ponyville, Element of Harmony bearer, destroyer of Cheerilees kinder – prestigious student of Princess Celestia. She had to shake her head at the stupid memory of a spell gone wrong and instead focused on how Princess Celestia was going to absolutely admonish her for messing up her missing of utmost importance, stalking a chi– no, watching! Watching a foal. It was completely justified, Princess Celestia gave her explicit reasoning as to why. Also, was there ever a reason to doubt Celestia’s judgment? Twilight didn’t think so, never did she once doubt her mentor, and never did Celestia once let her down.
Moreover, panic was readily settling in as she paced around the center of the library, the bright purple manifestation of her aura encompassing a literal tornado of books as she tried to find the historical, theoretical, and or falsified reasoning that Captain Spitfire gave Rainbow Dash. From the book denoting the earliest bits of information that was recorded before the Unification Era, to every single bit of recorded history of Ponykinds form of law and rationality. She could, for the life of her, not find anything close to: “The Hurricane Clause.” Even when she narrowed down her search to a hoof full of books, about a hundred or so that all dealt with Ancient Pegasi.
She even reread all five thousand pages of Commander Hurricane's autobiography. Unfortunately, it was the censored version of the book, since Princess Celestia had the original uncensored version of the book back in her own personal library and refused to let Twilight read it. And while she trusted Princess Celestia's words, she was still disappointed that she wasn't able to read it. She was a grown mare, she could handle reading through a historical figure's traditionalist views.
But even then, there wasn’t a mention of the clause in any sense in any of these books.
“What are we looking for again?” The slightly bored voice of Spike, her loyal assistant, caused her to pause momentarily and glance over to where he was handing an ice pack to Rainbow Dash. The latter let out a small wince as she took the ice pack and pressed it against herself, though still gave a brief thanks to Spike as he turned around and focused his attention on Twilight.
“We - are looking for anything in this library that mentions the existence of a: “Hurricane Clause”, which I have to imagine was created by Commander Hurricane if the name didn’t give it away,” she trailed off to herself as she turned back to the books floating around her. She used her magic to rapidly flip through the pages of the book before sighing dropping it onto the floor and floating another in front of her.
"I've practically torn this place apart tr-" Rainbow Dash let out a snicker to herself, though let out a small wince as she pressed the ice pack closer to her face. Her reaction brought an unamused expression to Twilight's face as she shot a warning look at Rainbow Dash before turning her attention back down to where Spike was standing at attention.
"Spike," she said when she cleared her throat and looked down at him. "Do you think you could go back and look through the book titles I've already gone through just in case I missed anything?" She asked as she set another five books back down in their place on the shelves before pulling another ten from the shelf to its left. "I'm currently looking from W to Z," she said as she looked down at the baby dragon.
"But that's more than half of the whole library," Spike said after a moment of realizing what Twilight said to him. His eyes narrowed for a few moments before widening in slight disbelief. But then he let out a small sigh and nodded his head, "Alright Twilight, I'll do it."
"Thanks, Spike, you're the best!" Twilight said as she brought the dragon into a brief hug before setting him back down and engrossing herself in the books around her once again.
Spike smiled to himself for a moment before turning and walking over to the left side of the library and preparing himself to start the daunting task of making sure Twilight of all ponies didn't overlook something. It happened, sometimes.
Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was still running the ice pack along her scrapes and bruises, quietly thinking to herself as she alternated from watching Spike to watching Twilight. Her brows furrowed as the memory of her absolutely getting blitzed by Speckle's mother played once again, causing her to frown in slight embarrassment. If any of the other girls found out that she lost to a meager housemare, she would never live it down. Especially since Fluttershy never forgot these kinds of things, so whenever they'd have a disagreement in the future, she'd mention Rainbow Dash getting bested by Hazel in that passive-aggressive tone of hers.
She sighed, trying to brush off the thought. Instead, she thought of the main focus of why Twilight was in such a panic. The Hurricane Clause, she'd never heard of it before. And Twilight would've probably mentioned it before if she knew about it, but seeing that she didn't, Rainbow Dash was still forcing her mind to think beyond her usual simpler thoughts.
Hurricane Clause..
"Hmmm..." She said as she set the icepack down next to her and rubbed at her chin with a hoof.
Oh wait, now that she thought about it. She did remember Fluttershy mentioning something along those lines when she took that one class back in flig-
A knock at the door caused two of the three inhabitants to jump, while Spike simply looked down from where he was standing on top of the ladder he used to reach the higher shelves. "You know, you should really place a sign outside saying that people don't need to knock to enter a library," Spike said as he made to climb down the ladder.
"I got it, Spike," Twilight interjected as she looked up from the books that were in a spiral around her. She took the time to set them all down on a nearby table before shaking her head and walking over towards the door.
Rainbow Dash turned and watched as Twilight opened the door to Captain Spitfire, like she said she would, she arrived and greeted Twilight before asking if she could step inside. The purple unicorn nodded before taking a step back and letting the yellow pegasus in.
"So I bet Rainbow Dash has already told you why I'm here?" Spitfire said as her gaze trailed from Rainbow Dash to Twilight. The latter of the two bit back the instinct to flinch at the shift in the pegasi's tone, it felt a lot more intense than she was used to.
"Yes, it was the first thing that Rainbow Dash told m-" Twilight was interrupted as Captain Spitfire held up a hoof, causing the purple unicorn to pause and look at her with some confusion.
"Now that you're aware, I'll keep this short." She said as she set her hoof back down. "By enacting the Hurricane Clause under a justifiable situation, I as Captain of the Wonderbolts, hereby nullify the orders given to you by Princess Celestia. And all dealings with the individuals that originate from the sovereign state of CloudsDale will be dealt with by the ruling party of Cloudsdale." Which caused both Rainbow Dash and Twilight to pause.
In Rainbow Dash's case, she had no idea what sovereign meant.
But for Twilight, this was like telling her that Princess Celestia was never an Alicorn. All the previous thoughts in her head froze and she only focused on the words that Captain Spitfire said to her. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was agape as she tried to process it. She failed once, twice, and finally a third time before fervently shaking her head.
"Since when was CloudsDale independent from Equestria?!" she said as she quickly walked up to Spitfire and looked up at the yellow pegasi's impassive face.
"Technically, it always was." The voice of Rainbow Dash caused Twilight to spin around and look at the cyan pegasus immediately. "Er.. like when there were still tribes. Commander Hurricane only agreed to unify the tribes if the pegasi could keep their independence," she said as she rubbed the back of her head.
"What? I paid attention in class, sometimes.." she muttered as Twilight gave her a surprised look.
"No, I'm confused as to why I never heard of this?" Twilight said as she tried to wrap her head around the idea. "I've read almost every history book about the formation of Equestria and did not know that CloudsDale was its own state." She said with confusion.
"That's because that detail is almost always missing from modern-day history classes," Captain Spitfire said as tried to focus the conversation back to what she needed to say, as she stepped closer to where Twilight walked over. "But nevertheless, you can look into it more on your own time. Right now I need you to send a letter to the Princess for me."
I was sitting on the couch watching as Mother paced around in front of me, walking from one side of the living room to the other side as the frown forming on her face deepened with every step. The moment that we stepped into the living room from where we were in the kitchen, I noticed that her expression changed from a smile to a frown whenever I so happened to look away from her. And of course, the reason for that was extremely obvious and I'd be stupid to think that the whole that happened with Rainbow Dash wouldn't linger around in Mom's head.
It didn't for me - well, it did. I mean in a bad way because I honestly found the sight of Mother absolutely beating the crap out of Rainbow Dash hilarious. With any other kid, it'd probably be a traumatizing thing to happen to them. That and all the other crap that's happened to me over the course of.. eh, a month? yeah, it's insane. Luckily for me, I'm pretty much desensitized to stuff like this because of a few unfortunate things that happened to me before even coming to Equestria, which is already on top of being kidnapped, choked out, etcetera, etcetera.
A stray frustrated mutter coming from Mother caused me to frown as I looked down at my hooves.
Mom was clearly not okay. And it was my duty to make sure that that wasn't the case.
So I did what any normal small adorable child would do when their parent is in distress, I tried to get a smile out of her.
I stood up and took a second to hop off of the couch and walk over to where she'd turned and paced to the other side of the living room. So when she turned around and came back, I was in her path. And like I thought, I'd immediately brought her out of her own thoughts as she stopped and looked down to where I was blocking her way. I looked up at her with as much cuteness as I could physically add to myself, trying to emphasize my eyes as I smiled up at her.
And she could never really keep her face straight whenever I was intentionally trying to get her to break it, it was like that for basically everyone I'd talked to up 'till this point. So when our eyes locked, her frown flipped upside down and she was now softy smiling down at me as I enacted my second tactic. I sat down on my haunches and brought both of my arms upwards so that I was reaching up at her, tilting my head so that it'd have a greater effect.
I tried not to grin deviously as she practically melted, her eyes softening even further before not letting a second go to waste and immediately reaching down and lifting me up and into her arms. I was smothered in her warmth as she held me close to her chest, nuzzling down into my head as I wrapped as much of her neck as I could fit around my arms.
"Are you okay honey?" she asked with concern as her grasp lessened just the slightest bit and I brought my head up to look at her, a small frown forming on my face as I shook my head.
"I'm okay, I just wanna know if you're okay, Mom," I said as I looked up at her earnestly. "You said you were okay earlier, but you've been pacing around the room for the past ten minutes, I can't help but be worried."
She let out a small sigh as she leaned down and rubbed her nose against mine, more for her comfort than my own.
"I just can't help but be worried that whenever I take my eyes off of you, you'll be swooped up and taken away somewhere where I can't find you this time," she said with a tone absolutely laced with worry. And I hated that she felt that way, and I hated the fact that I couldn't really do anything to alleviate that fear if things continued how they were most likely going to keep going. Constant problems with the royalty of this place, the changelings that have that insanely strange focus on me, and just the random ponies that are watching me for no apparent reason.
"I'm sorr-" though I was interrupted as Mother simply tutted down at me in disagreement. Another nuzzle against my face before she spoke, "You have nothing to be sorry for, sweetie, absolutely nothing. If anything, it's my fault." She said as her voice dropped a few tones lower.
And this time it was my turn to disagree as I fervently shook my head, because one, that was a lie. And two, I was the one that kinda messed up and kickstarted the whole thing. I say that because if I didn't follow the whole "Stranger Danger" thing to a fault, I wouldn't have garnered the attention of these bugs.
That's the second thing that's been my fault.
I bit back a grimace and shook my head once again. I didn't want this to trail into a who's fault it is situation because that'd get us nowhere. But I don't think I'm gonna be able to convince her that it was my fault instead, it'd probably give her even more guilt than she's already probably feeling. And I didn't want that. Not one bit.
"You can't say that, Mom," I finally decided to say. The words that were jumbled around in my head were finally able to sort themselves into something I deemed reasonable. "Because I know that with how much you've done for me and how hard you've been working to keep me happy, that I know one million percent that it's not your fault, Mom." I didn't have to worry about intentionally staggering my words. Mother was already well aware of the fact that I could speak very eloquently.
Well, when I wanted to.
"You're not a bad mom," I firmly stated.
"Honey.." Mother's voice wavered just the slightest bit as I looked back up at her.
"It's the truth, Mom. And you can't make me think anything otherwise," I said with finality. "You have been the best mom that I've ev-" I then made it so that it sounded like I was stuttering over my words as I tried correcting what I was going to say, a small blurb of panic rose in my chest before I shook my head. "You're the best mom I could've ever asked for," I said as I smiled up at her.
Almost messed up there.
But it seemed like Mother didn't notice as I scanned her features. There was a quivering smile on her face and her eyes were soft, the beginnings of tears brimming in their corners as I went to continue.
"So please, don't blame yourself. None of this is your fault," I said as I pressed myself against her chest. My hooves were trapped against her so I wasn't able to hug her back, but I think she got the intention as the grip she had on me tightened and her head lowered. I could feel the teardrops landing in my hair as her sniffles trailed into actual crying.
"Thank you, sweetie.." she said with a quivering voice.
We held each other in silence for a few moments, with us hugging each other tightly and with me silently listening to her heartbeat.
"Mom, it's going to be okay," I murmured softly after a few more moments of silence. "We'll figure everything out. We always do."
She sniffled and nodded, her grip on me loosening just enough for me to look up at her tear-streaked face. "I love you so much, Speckles. Sometimes I just... I can't help but feel like I'm failing you."
I wormed one of my hooves up and wiped away a tear from her cheek. "You're not failing, Mom. Not at all. Look at me." I gestured to myself with another smile. "I'm happy, I'm safe, and I'm loved. What more could I ask for?"
A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and I continued, "We've been through a lot, and we've handled it together. And we'll keep handling whatever comes our way. Okay?"
She nodded again, the weight on her shoulders seeming to ease. I could sense the shift in her mood, and it made me feel like I was doing something right. It was a good feeling.
"Now," I said, trying to lighten the mood by using some of my usual humor, "how about we do something like going to the SugarCube Corner? I wanted to try some of the delicious-looking cookies that they make."
Her eyes brightened a bit, and she chuckled through her remaining sniffles. "Cookies sound wonderful. You always know how to make things better, Speckles."
I beamed up at her, "You should know, I get it from you."
"That you do," she said with another small chuckle, giving me another tight squeeze before finally letting go. "Now, let's go get some cookies."
"I love you!" I said as I stood up, watching as that smile never left her face as she made to stand up herself. She stretched a hoof outwards before quickly reaching down and wrapping me in that same hoof. I giggled as she lifted me up and brought me close to her face, nuzzling me as she let out her own chuckles.
"And I love you more," she said with a warm tone.
It was a good feeling.
Princess Celestia was sat in her office, a myriad of different and important scrolls and papers stacked on either side of her desk. A quill was held aloft in her magic as she mindlessly sorted through the rather annoying, and abundant amount of petitions and requests from the local nobles who'd chosen not to attend her rather daily day courts. A cup of tea sat almost empty next to her ink well as she sighed and set down the latest scroll she'd had to sign off on, it was a generous request, a baker in Canterlot had been trying to obtain a loan to start building a sister shop in the lower parts of Canterlot.
She smiled at the scroll before rolling it up and magically tying a golden ribbon around the rolled-up parchment and setting it down beside her before ultimately letting out a small sigh. It was a good distraction, tending to all the more minuscule items on her list. But now she had to go back to sorting through what covered the majority of her desk, reports, concerns, and backlash concerning the recent resurgence of the changelings.
A grimace wormed its way into her regal features before turning into a surprised expression the air crackled and popped before a small green swirl of flames appeared in front of her, dropping a scroll from Twilight.
She smiled, a friendship report would give her something to be less stressed about. She picked up the new scroll with her magic and untied the ribbon, setting it aside before turning the scroll and unrolling it. And as her eyes read the first few words of the letter, her smile immediately fell and her eyes narrowed.
Maybe she'd read it wrong.
But as she reread the letter for the fifth time, she couldn't help but grimace once again.
"Here you are thousands of years later, still being a pain in the flank," she muttered to herself as she set the letter down and made to stand up. She'd have to have a word with Captain Spitfire and a chat with Luna, even if the latter was still angry at her.
"I really shouldn't make it a habit of giving you all these sweets," Mother's exasperated voice caused me to look up from where I was absorbing this bowl of mint ice cream, giving her a playful glare as she took a sip from the just as sweet milkshake she ordered. A hypocrite does not speak the truth. And instead of eloquently telling her that, I stuck my tongue out.
"You say that but you still choose to indulge with me!" I playfully accused as I pointed a hoof at her.
Her response was a playful roll of her eyes as she picked up a pink-colored napkin that was sitting in the center of the table and leaned across the table to wipe the ice cream that encircled my mouth. "But," she said with a sigh as she pulled back and set the napkin down, "I guess I'll let it slide considering the circumstances." She deflected.
Hopefully, I could make her relent and let me have more sweets when we weren't experiencing an absolute smorgasbord of unfortunate events. It was pretty easy when we still lived in Canterlot. It could be even easier now because the SugarCube Corner was a lot closer to home.
"Hm, you've left your ice cream unoccupied for than a minute.." Mother's teasing voice caused me to blink back into reality. I looked down to where she had her much larger hoof wrapped around my bowl and was ever so slowly dragging it toward her with a growing grin. "I guess that means you don't want it anymore?" she giggled as I gasped and immediately moved to steal it back. But she was much stronger than I was, and she was using that to leverage against me, her giggling increasing as she effortlessly pulled both me and my bowl up into the air.
I stubbornly dangled in the air as she pulled me across the table, opening her other arm as I let go of the bowl and landed in her embrace.
"Missions accomplished," Mother said with a chuckle as her arm wrapped around me as I looked up at her face.
"You were just using my love of ice cream as an excuse to hug me, weren't you?" I called her out because that's just who I was. And because she could've just asked for a hug if she wanted one, she knew I never refused hugs. Or physical affection in general, it was nice.
"Guilty as charged, sweetie," Mother smiled as she set the bowl down next to her milkshake and leaned down to nuzzle the top of my head. I returned the gesture by leaning up and nuzzling up into her chest fluff.
I'm sure I could hear some sort of 'awing' noise from a few places around the confectionary, but I ignored them. The only important thing that I needed to keep my focus on was right in front of me.
And the other one was somewhere around Ponyville, the last thing she said was.. strange. I don't remember what Spitfire said she was going to do after Mother absolutely rocked Rainbow Dash, but it still made me laugh.
But I'm guessing she went to deal with the whole situation, I'll probably 'accidentally' overhear it all through Spitfire's and mothers conversation whenever she pops up again.
"What are you thinking about, sweetie?" Mother made me look up as she leaned down to look down at me in her lap, a concerned expression on her face.
"Just thinking about Spitfire," I said truthfully, already feeling a way I could make her move away from any negative thoughts she might've had in her head.
A small grin creeps up on my face as she lets out a contemplative noise, "What about her?" taking a sip of her milkshake.
"Do you like her?" I asked in as innocent of a voice I could muster.
But to give Mother credit, she was a lot better at hiding any of those reactions than Spitfire was. That Wonderbolt was so obviously enamored that every single tease about Mother made her blush and stammer to herself.
Mother choked on the milkshake as she processed the question, setting it down on the table as she cleared her throat with a couple of coughs. I would've been more concerned if it weren't for the circumstances, I simply looked up and patted at her chest as her coughing fit calmed down and she breathed in and out.
"Does that mean you do?" I started in a teasing tone.
"Ye-" she finally caught her breath. "Yes, of course I like her, sweetie. She's my best friend after all," she tried using that as an excuse. Being college roommates made it all the more obvious, and coming from the same mare who said that sharing the bed was a somewhat common occurrence between the two of them.
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her response, a mischievous grin forming on my face. "Best friend, huh? Is that what they're calling it these days?" I teased, poking fun at her attempt to downplay whatever might be going on between her and Spitfire.
Mother's cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her composure, giving me a playful swat on the top of my head. "Oh, hush, you. You know better than to go digging for trouble," she chided, though there was a hint of amusement in her tone.
I shrugged innocently, batting my eyelashes in mock innocence. "I'm just curious, that's all. It's not every day your mom has a Wonderbolt for a 'best friend'," I air-quoted the term for emphasis, enjoying the way her expression shifted between amusement and mild exasperation.
"Well, aren't you just full of sass today," she chuckled, shaking her head affectionately. "But yes, Spitfire is a dear friend, and I value her greatly."
I nodded, deciding to ease off on the teasing for now. "I know, Mom. I was just teasing," I said, leaning into her side. "But seriously, if something more is going on, I wouldn't mind. Spitfire's cool."
Mother looked down at me for a few seconds before she chuckled, wrapping her hoof around me in a gentle squeeze. "You're too much sometimes, you know that?" she said, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
Man, I had to bite back the biggest urge to throw in a ' that's what she said' joke right at her, only settling for a playful giggle as I leaned into her affection.
"But I appreciate your acceptance, baby," she said in a softer tone as she set my unfinished bow of ice cream down onto my lap. "Now finish your ice cream before it melts," I could hear the smile in her voice as she went to finish the rest of her milkshake.
With a grin, I nodded eagerly, reaching for my bowl of mint ice cream as Mother returned to her milkshake.
"You love who you love," I couldn't help but add in between mouthfuls. Because, if that's what made her happy, then I was all for it.
Apparently, that sentence made her even happier because I had to fight to not lose grip on my bowl of ice cream deliciousness as she pulled me into an even tighter hug.
