Author's Note

Mallow learns something shocking about himself.

3. Mallow Learns a Harsh Truth

Getting information from Mallow, Twilight learns that her next stop is Tadpole Pond. They hope that Mallo's grandfather can help them to learn about the Smithy Gang and the star that went to the sky. On the grounds of Canterlot City, the two heroes find themselves in front of a pipe.

"This pipe leads to the Kero Sewers." Mallow said. "It's the only way to get to Tadpole Pond."

"A sewer?" Twilight gasped. "My elegant friend, Rarity, wouldn't go near a sewer. But, let's go anyway."

The two heroes went down the pipe into the sewers. It doesn't look so dingy. And, the waters look clear. Twilight looks into the water, and sees a bunch of red fish swimming in it.

"Those are Cheep Cheeps." Twilight noticed. "I guess a lot of creatures from the Mushroom Kingdom are here in Equestria."

As they continue their travels in the sewers, they see a bunch of rats running around.

"Yuk!" Mallow groaned. "Rat Funks!'

The travelers make their way through the sewers, battling these creatures along the way. They even battle Ghost like creatures called Boos. Soon, they see a green switch. After Twilight hopped on the switch, the water below them started to drain.

"Look at that." Mallow said happily. "That will take care of those Cheep Cheeps."

Twilight noticed something on the area where the water was. "Look. There's a warp pipe. Let's see where it goes."

As they went down the pipe, they continue their travels. That's when they see a large yellow and red dog like creature.

"My name is Belome." The creature said. "If you want to continue through the sewers, you'll have to deal with me!"

"Better be careful, Mallow." Twilight advised. "This doggy looks hungry."

"Let him eat this!" Mallow said with determination. "Thunderbolt!"

Mallow strikes Belome down with lightning. This got Belome hit badly. Suddenly, Belome opened it's mouth and encased Mallow whole.

"NO!" Twilight gasped. She sees her friend struggling in Belome's mouth. "Time to try my newest move. SUPER JUMP!"

Jumping high, Twilight gave a big hit to Belome, causing it to spit Mallow out.

"Yipe!" Mallow gasped. "It was scary in there."

Belome got very upset. "You made me lose my lunch!"

Twilight saw her necklace glow. That means that she can call for one of my friends. "Fluttershy, help us!"

Like magic, Fluttershy appeared and saw this situation.

"Nobody hurts my friends." Fluttershy said with authority. "Time for my special ability!"

Fluttershy gave Belome her stare. The creature felt fear as Fluttershy vanished. Combining the Super Jump and Thunderbolt, Twilight and Mallow defeated the vicious dog.

"That'll teach you a lesson, bad doggie!" Twilight said.

"Oh yeah?" Belome said as it steps on a green switch. "Try to survive a massive flood. So long, suckers!"

As Belome runs off, Twilight and Mallow sees a gate rising. They then here something from behind it.

"I hear something." Mallow said.

"Me too." Twilight replied. "It sounds like...." Twilight then starts to panic. "WATER!!!"

At that moment, a wave of water gushed out and pushed the two friends through the sewers. They soon we're washed out of the sewers and outside a mountain. Mallow was riding on Twilight's back as she flapped her beautiful wings.

"Wow!" Mallow said. "What a trip."

"At least we're out of those sewers." Twilight said. "Hold on tight. I'm floating down the mountain."

Twilight slowly descended down the mountain. Along the way, she and Mallow started to gather coins. When they made their way down the mountains, they find themselves on a big barrel. Then, it started to roll along the river.

"I think even Fluttershy wouldn't resist this ride." Twilight said. "This is fun. I like it."

"Me too." Mallow added. "Hopefully we won't hit any snags when this ride is over."

The barrel soon stops at the end of the river. Getting off the barrel, Twilight and Mallow got a chance to rest up. Mallow then sees something that got him excited. "I see it!"

"What do you see?" Twilight asked.

"Tadpole Pond. Now, we can see my grandpa."

"That's good news indeed. Now, we can get some answers to this whole ordeal."

Twilight and Mallow went from the river and stopped what looks like a beautiful pond. In the water, they see some fish swimming around.

"This place looks peaceful." Twilight said. "Fluttershy would feel at home."

At that moment, an elderly looking frog was floating on the hook of a Lakitu. Then, he sees Mallow. "Mallow! Is that you?"

"Grandpa!" Mallow cheered. "It's me, all right."

"I see you are joined by the Princess of Friendship: Twilight Sparkle."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir." Twilight replied.

The old frog raises his staff. "Tadpoles, make a path for our visitors to cross."

A group of tadpoles lined up for Twilight and Mallow to cross. Soon, they talk with this critter, known as the Frog Sage.

"My friends," the Frog Sage said, "these fiends of the Smithy Gang are making trouble all over. I fear all of Equestria is in danger."

"Don't we know it." Twilight said. "We fought one of them. Claymorton."

"This Claymorton is only the first of these fiends. There are still more of them scattered. Only when they're all gone, will the giant sword at the Castle of the Two Sisters be gone."

Twilight remembers something. "Me and the rest of the Mane Six went there to save our friend, Megan, from Queen Chrysalis."

The Frog Sage got intrigued. "Chrysalis is the former queen of the Changelings. Right?"

"Yes, sir."

"After the sword dug into the castle, Chrysalis flew off. And, Megan went into hiding as well. I'm sure you'll find them during your journey."

"We won't let you down, Grandpa." Mallow said.

The Frog Sage soon made a sad confession. "There's something you should know, Mallow. I'm not really your grandfather."

This shocked Mallow a lot. "What?!"

"You see, many years ago, a basket came to our pind with a little white puffy baby floated here. This basket reads, Please take care of Mallow. He needs somebody to protect him. So, I took the baby in. And, took care of him like he was my grandson."

"And, that baby was me?"

"That's correct, my lad. I'm sorry for deceiving you like this."

Mallow started to cry. Twilight comforted him. "I'm sorry, Mallow."

"This is...so much to....take in." Mallow sadly said. He soon got himself together. "But, if he's right, my parents might still be alive. And hopefully, I will find them and get back together with them."

"That's the spirit. Now, let's see if we can find more of the Smithy Gang."

"You might want to try the village of Ponyville." The Frog Sage suggested.

"That's your home." Mallow realized. "Isn't it, Twilight?"

"Yes it is, Mallow." Twilight replied. "Let's go."

The two adventurers now make their way to Ponyville. What will await them there? Learning a new fact, Mallow is now determined to find his parents.