> Target Acquired: Tickle Time! > by NightFurySpeedey8156 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Target Acquired: Twilight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a bright and sunny day in Ponyville. Birds were singing, kids were playing and a certain black feline was plotting something dastardly. Night Fury, a Speed Shifter and good friend to the well known Mane Six and princesses, was in his large house, planning his next stint of trickery. Though he never truly admits it (and honestly never has to with how often he does it), he loves to make trouble and give in to his cheeky childish thoughts. It helped him stay young. And with his most recent plan, he was on the verge of a massive spree. Night Fury knew his friends very well, some saying almost too well. And with that came a trust that no other could acquire without months of effort. With his welcome presence in a multitude of ponies' lives, he's learned a lot of secrets from them. And while some were fairly tame, one similarity stuck out among them all when he moved to Equestria. It seemed all ponies were extremely ticklish. And he was going to exploit it in every way he knew how, especially on his closest friends. “Okay, everything is set up for my next leg of trickery. I know to some, this may come off as naughty. But hey, when your coat color brings along a legend that you're bad luck, why not put it to the test?” He said to himself as he put the last pin on his well put together target board. On this board sat pictures of all his closest friends surrounding a picture of himself, less prominent individuals spread out around the board. Each picture came with a set of information written on sticky notes such as daily walking patterns, house layouts and most importantly, the weak spots of the pony. The “weak spots” weren’t places where he knew he could hurt them, he’d never do that to anycreature. However, he did know his friends were all insanely ticklish, some more than others. And he loved to laugh and make his friends laugh (probably only rivaled by Pinkie Pie). Looking over his masterpiece of a mission board, he smiled to himself, congratulating his own efforts to make this plan so thorough. But now was not the time to admire his craft. It was the time to act. “Okay, time to put this plan in motion. Now, who to target first?” After a few minutes thought, he decided to sneak up on Twilight Sparkle. “Grape Juice has been working hard all week. She could use a little break, whether she likes it or not. And… laughter IS the best medicine.” Fury said. With his target chosen, he took a red marker and circled Twilight's picture, solidifying his first attack. “Target Acquired.” – A few minutes later, near Twilight's Castle… Fury looked up at the castle from the path below, taking in the sheer size of the structure. Fury remembered the moment the chest that spawned from the Tree of Harmony sunk into the ground and grew into this castle after Tirek was defeated. It was a beautiful moment, both for the view of the new castle and Twilight finally breaking through the little identity crisis she was having as the newly crowned Princess of Friendship. Though now was not the time to reminisce about the past, he had a job to do. Walking up to the front door, he snuck his way in and began making his way through the narrow halls of the castle. Thanks to the color of his fur, he blended with the shadows all too well. He did have to dodge Starlight and Spike on his way through the castle, but they didn't notice him at all. “That was close! Can’t let them spoil my fun,” he thought to himself, suppressing a childish giggle. “Now… where would Twilight be, right now?” Remembering how much of a bookworm the mare is, he decided to head for the castle library. If she wasn’t there, the search would be much more difficult. Cracking the door open and peering in through the gap, his mischief tree bore a sweet purple fruit that was currently occupied reading a book on terrain manipulation. “Oooh! That gives me an idea!” Fury thought to himself, a sly grin spreading across his lips. Taking the opportunity to slip inside, he slowly and quietly closed the door behind him and snuck his way around the massive piles of books stacked around the room. Fury always found it funny that with how orderly and neat Twilight was with acquiring and sorting data, she never seemed to care about how sloppy she could be if she was really into it. “Well, I think that’s enough studying for now. Maybe some fiction will help me relax,” Twilight said to herself, as she finished her book and went to put it away. As she neared the book’s place on the shelf, she noticed a small black carpet-rug near where she was headed. She thought nothing of it, thinking Spike or Starlight had placed it there. As long as it didn’t harm her books, she didn’t mind. She made a mental note to ask them about it later though, just in case. She took a few steps over the rug and calmly placed the book back where it was. She turned around to grab another, but she then came to find out that her hoof seemed to be stuck on this strange rug. “Huh?” She said, surprised, giving her leg a few more tugs. “Was there glue on this? Tar maybe? How’d my hoof get stuck? And… where in Equestria did this carpet come from anyway?” To answer her question, she did not have to call for anypony or consult a book. The carpet answered that for her. “From the long lost world of Nunya Business, bookworm!” “Nunya Business?” She repeated. “Never heard of it, maybe I have a book about… WAIT A MINUTE! I know that voice! Come on out, Night Fury.” “With pleasure…” In one fell swoop, Fury snatched Twilight's leg from under her, tripping her up and got behind her. “WOAHHHHH!” Twilight screamed. “Surprise! Looks like that carpet wasn't all you thought it was!” Fury said with a chuckle. “That’s for sure.” She replied, giggling. “What brings you here? No friendship issues, I hope. Although, if that is the case, you’ve come to the right place.” “Oh no no, far from any problems. For I have snuck my way past your student and pseudo brother to bring a gift. A gift that all shall receive on my accord.” Fury said dramatically. “Oooohhh!” Twilight giggled, clapping her hooves. “That’s very kind, thank you! What kind of gift is it? May I see it now, please?” “Oh, this gift is very special, believe me. But it's not exactly what you think.” Fury explained. “I've recently come to the realization that you ponies have certain… sensitivities. And one of them I've come to experiment with. Now all I need to do for this is move my paws over here…” He carefully moved his paws over to Twilight's rear hooves, her weak spot. “Make contact aaaaaand… coochie coochie coo!” “What?! Waihihihihihihihihihihihit!” Twilight screamed, realizing what he was doing. “GYAHHAHAHAHHHHAHHHAHHHAHAHAHAHHAHAH!” “How does that feel, Grape Juice?” The cat asked. “AHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! IHIHIHHIHIHHIHIT TIHIHIHIHIHIHCKLES!” Twilight said, bellowing uncontrollable laughter. “Well… that was my plan,” Night Fury chuckled. His toes scribbled over her rear hooves with vigor, getting to every part of it in a good stretch before he set his sights on her rather succulent looking wings. “Ok, I think I’m gonna wing it now!” He quipped. “What?! Nohohohohohohoohoho!” Twilight yelped, as he switched from tickling her hooves to her wings. She knew from Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy that Pegasus’ wings were particularly ticklish, and, somehow, her wings were even more so, making her reactions much more delightful for her attacker. “Awww, look at all those wiggly movements. So tantalizing and cute. You're very smart, but not very strong, even for an alicorn.” Fury said. “IHIHIHIM STILL TRYIHIHIHIHIHING TO GET MY STRENGTH UHUHUHUHUP!” She managed to squeak out through her laughing fit. “Well… a strong mare wouldn’t be laughing like a fool. And, for some reason or another, I think you’re enjoying this. Are you, Grape Juice? Huh?” He teased her. “NOHOHOHOHO!” She tried to get defensive about her feelings about this surprise tickle attack, but Night Fury could see right through her. Not that her already fragile state hid much from plain sight. “I wonder how many times you received this treatment from Celestia when you were younger. Not to mention Shining Armor, Cadence, and your parents. I bet they absolutely adored tickling you crazy. Especially with how sweet the music of your laughter is.” Fury commented, which made her blush. “I thought so.” “Okay okahahahahay, I admit it! It does feel a lihihihihitle good!” She squealed. “Good, that's all I wanted to hear.” Fury said, satisfied with his efforts and finally letting off on his attack to give her some breathing room. “(Gasp!)… (Gasp!) Wow! That… (gasp) was (gasp)… intense!” She said, trying to catch her breath. “You are an evil tickler, you know that?” “Oh I know, but it's fun! It always makes me feel young whenever I start causing trouble.” Fury chuckled deviously. “That’s for sure,” Twilight giggled. “Thank you, Fury. I didn’t realize how much I needed that today. I haven’t laughed that hard in a while.” “Happy to oblige, my Princess.” Fury said, with a bow. Then, his strong hearing picked up the sound of rushing steps and two familiar voices heading this way. “Nuts, looks like your nerd squad caught the noise. Okay look, I'm making a stretch to do everyone I know and get them good too, you're just my first target. Don't let them know what the deal is! Starlight's already on my list and the last thing I need is a potential opportunity getting blown. Can you keep things silent?” Fury asked quickly. Twilight now understood that this wasn't just some random occurrence nor an act of targeted mischief just towards her. He had a full operation going. She now knew that he was in a league of his own, setting up every potential target with the best of his smarts to get them where they least expect it. “I can keep a secret, I'll make sure that your operation is well kept under wraps. But before you disappear, I recommend heading for Canterlot. The other princesses are grouping up there tomorrow and that would be a golden opportunity for a three-for-one deal.” Twilight said. “Thanks for the tip!” Fury stated happily. “Before you leave, though, I’d like to ask something from you, in return.” She quickly added. He turned his head back, a worried expression on his face. “What would that be?” he asked. “Another round. And soon, please.” She said with a smile. Fury smiled back. “I’ll put it on my to-do list. See you soon, Grape Juice!” He chuckled before leaving. Just as he left, the other door swung open, Spike and Starlight standing in the frame. “Twilight! We heard you laughing like you'd lost your marbles, what's going on?” They asked. “I’m not at liberty to say,” she answered, shaking her head, before adding a sly smile. “But I’m sure either one or both of you will find out soon enough.” “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” Starlight asked, slightly afraid. – Night Fury soon returned home and got back to his mission board in his room. He looked up at the many pictures and began rearranging the three other princesses to be grouped together with a new picture of Canterlot Castle pinned next to them. “Okay, now that I know these three will be in the same spot at once, I'll be able to narrow down a few things. Thanks to Twilight's brilliance, I can now take out three targets in one go. Looks like I'm headed for the big city tomorrow. But first, I have to make sure I have my information up to date.” He then looked over to his picture of Twilight, took his red marker and crossed her out, indicating that she had been dealt with. Fury was proud that he managed to pull this off, all of his work coming together in one beautiful web of mischievous acts and friendly games. But he would get to sip on that sweet taste of victory later. For now, he had a trip to plan tomorrow and three new targets to take down. All thanks to Ponyville’s local bookworm. “Target Down.” > Target Acquired: Cadence [1 Of 3] > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was the next morning on the train to Canterlot, ponies already starting to get the gears turning for the day ahead. And Night Fury was no different. If it weren't for his body practically forcing him to sleep, he would have been out the door at the crack of dawn. But, being a cat and all, he couldn't resist the thought of being lazy. He eventually did wake up and got some well deserved breakfast before heading back to his room on the train to check the journal he kept as a mini version of his planning board for on the go use. “Alright, let's see here. Twilight: Already done and dealt with. Next up: The three other princesses. Let's see… let's go from youngest to oldest, that oughta be good.” Not to mention, buy me some time so other ponies in town don’t get too suspicious.” Fury said to himself. He is and has been good friends with the elder princesses ever since they first met. They bonded over jokes and past experiences and the occasional bit of gossip. He may not be a mare, or a pony at all for that matter, but he had to admit, the drama was juicy around these parts. He had especially grown close to Cadence, not only because they were around the same age and had much in common, but by the fact that she was the one who gave him the chance to come and live in Equestria when he got an airdropped invitation to her wedding after the defeat and surprising reform of the Changelings and their queen. “Never a dull moment here,” he said to himself. “Oh! Here already?! Time flies when you’re occupied.” His train pulled into the station in Canterlot, allowing him to step off and take in the smell of the surroundings. Canterlot was much more on the high society side of things as this was the Capital of the nation. Many high ranking officials, celebrities and other well-known figures resided here. But there were only three that mattered to him as he walked along with his journal in paw, marking Cadence with a circle to confirm. “Target Acquired.” – Princess Cadence had just retired to her room. It had been a long and stressful day, setting new trade deals, settling border disputes, among the many other duties of being royalty. “Ugh! I feel so tight.” She whined, as she took off her regalia. “I wish Shining were here to help me relieve some of this tension. Perhaps a hot bath might help me think of something else to do in the meantime.” Just then, she hears noises. “OoOoOoOo…” The noises sounded ghostly and echoed. “Who’s there?!” She yelled, summoning a rod to defend herself from a possible intruder. “Be not afraid, young one. For I am but a friendly ghost. A ghost of childish delight and endearment.” “And… how do I know I can trust you?” She asked, showing the benefit of the doubt, but still keeping her guard up. “Where are you?” “I am nowhere. I am everywhere. I am what is and isn't. What is happy and what is sad. You say you have a certain tightness within you. Pain from the overabundance of work as a Royal figure perhaps?” The voice asked. Now she was suspicious. Just who was in the room with her? “And… you’re not trying to blackmail me, or anything?” She asked, cautiously. “But of course not, my dear. Please, lay down your weapon. I am not armed, and I have no ill will towards you.” The voice answered. She did as she was asked and remained still, keeping a passive eye on the darker areas of the room. Meanwhile, below the bed she was now sitting on, Fury was trying his best to not laugh and give away his position. “Man, this ghost trick is working beautifully. Alright, time to make my move.” He whispered, continuing the facade. “So, my ghostly roommate, what exactly brings you into the mortal realm?” Cadence asked, keeping her guard up. “If you aren’t here to attack, why have you come? And what do you want with me, exactly?” “Why, I have come on my own accord to give you relief. You see, in a previous life, I was a fan favorite for my experience in making ponies laugh. I was known as the best friend everyone wanted and needed. And I believe you are another that requires my expertise, even in the afterlife.” The voice said, its “physical form” now climbing up behind Cadence and setting its appendages next to her sides. “Ooookaaaay. But… what’s that got to do with me? I’m still confused.” She stated, now tense and afraid. “Why do I have the feeling that you’re going to jump me?” “Oh, I am, Cady. Just not in the way you expected!” And just like that, Fury was on her and giving her the works.. “GYAAHHAHAHAHA!!” She screamed, as he began tickling her hips. Thankfully the room was soundproofed. Pinkie Pie could’ve done her one-pony-band routine in the room, and no other patrons would’ve heard a sound. “WAHAHAHAHAIT A MINUTE! FURY, IT'S YOUHUHUHUHUHUHU!” “Yes indeed,” he chuckled. “And you’re still just as ticklish as I remember.” He hopped off of Cadence and took a seat in a nearby chair, allowing the Alicorn to catch her breath. “You're no ghost… you little… sneak…” She huffed. “Of course not. I’m alive as can be.” He said with a chuckle. “Now… I heard you say that you felt tight. Did that loosen you up a bit?” Cadence stretched out her muscles, slightly. She was surprised to find out that she did, indeed, feel loosened up. “I… do feel an improvement.” she admitted. “But it's not as much as a full massage.” “Well then, looks like you'll need something a little more intense. Say, where do you feel the most tight?” Fury asked. “I'd say around my chest and my tummy. I've been holding back a lot of my strength with how… infuriating some of this job can be.” “Fair enough. Please, allow me to ease some of that tension for you.” Fury stated, as he sat himself next to her stomach. Then he noticed the look in her eyes. “Don’t worry. I intend to give you the best massage I can, it might tickle a bit in places, but I’ll be as gentle as I can. I promise.” Cadence took a deep breath, then nodded her affirmation before allowing herself to relax. After which Fury began his work, finding the tight areas in her stomach and gently kneading them to release the pressure. Cadence groaned as he did his work, releasing a few giggles when he hit the more ticklish parts on her stomach. “Starting to feel better?” Fury asked. “Yes, I- EEP!” Cadence tried to answer, when he hit a particularly sweet spot on her stomach. “Sorry.” he apologized. “No, no! It’s okay,” she reassured him. “This is helping a lot…(sighs deeply)… I’m starting to feel a lot better.” “Good.” … “Because I'm done playing nice. Kitchi kitchi koo!” “What?! Waihihihihihit!” Cadence attempted to say, before falling apart in her giggles yet again. “That never gets old,” Fury said to himself. “Come on, Cady, you know me. I never let an opportunity to mess with you go to waste, and this is no different.” He began to tickle her hips mercilessly as he said this. She couldn’t tell whether or not he was attempting a pun, but regardless, it was pretty funny. “FURYHEHEHEHEHE! Stop it! HAHAHAHAHA! I’M GONNA WEHEHEHEHEHET THE BEHEHEHEHEHEHED!” the pink Alicorn pleaded. “Uh oh! Don’t want that.” Fury panicked, abruptly ending the tickling. Cadence made a mad dash to the bathroom, but returned shortly thereafter. Crisis averted. “I apologize for that, Cadence.” Fury apologized. “I hope I didn’t go too far.” “No no, it’s okay.” Cadence reassured him. “I can’t tell you how many times Auntie Celestia did the same to me when I was a filly. Shining’s even tickled me to that point once or twice, Twilight too. So, it’s nothing that I’m not accustomed to.” “I see.” he said. “So… are you feeling better?” She nodded, affirmingly. Then she began to stretch her legs again, and a yawn escaped her lips. “That was very fun,” Cadence stated. “But… (yawn) I think it’s time to hit the hay. You’re more than welcome to stay the night, if you want. I have plenty of room, and I’d be happy with some company. Shining and Flurry are away on a Daddy/Daughter trip.” “I’d be happy to. Thank you.” the cat stated. And after arranging enough soft pillows and blankets on the bed, the two laid themselves down for the evening. “So… who else have you tickled recently?” Cadence asked curiously. “Only Twilight and you, so far.” Fury admitted. “Although, I do plan on getting Celestia and Luna while I’m here. And, when I return to Ponyville, get the rest of my friends, and… possibly a few others.” “Sounds like fun.” Cadence stated. “(yawn) Good night, Fury.” “Good night, Cadence,” Fury said. But before he fell asleep, he quietly got out his journal and crossed Cadence off, taking one more off the list. “Target Down. 1 Down, 2 to go.”