Chapter Seven - Not So Shy, Anymore... Part Three

Before long, mom and I were in the car.

She got in, put the key in the ignition... and just stared towards infinity. I waved a hoof in-front of her, but she barely blinked.

Oh dear. Did I break mom? “Mom, I can drive if you want...”

Slowly, as if she was making a tectonic plate impression, she turned her head towards me. Just... starring.

“Mom, get out. You’re in no shape to drive,” I told her firmly.

I reached to unbuckle myself, but she just put a hand on my hoof. I looked up and some light was back in her eyes. “...Just... what? How?”

I pointed back towards the church. “Remember the paparazzi thing? I'm betting at least one or two are uploading that little scene to YouTube as we speak. Can we take twenty questions later, mom?”

She turned towards the wheel again, put her hand on the key... and hesitated.

I swallowed a sigh. “You promise not to go directly to the tantrums, and I promise I'll be more candid. How about that?”

Her eyes blinked once, before she put on a hesitant smile. “I... can try. I'd like to, even.”

I grinned again, not caring my cheeks were starting to hurt. A day like this, ultimately? So worth it.

The resulting squeak broke the spell for mom, and she chuckled, as we left the parking-lot. I leaned back, breathing a sigh of relief.

That little scene was so worth it and so damn fun!

But I think that was enough excitement for one day. I closed my eyes... and was snoring before I knew it. That scene must have taken more out of me then I thought.

...Granted, twenty-five years is one hell of a time to get rusty skills and that is not even counting the whole half remembered dream, thing. Power will only get you so far, after all.

Before I knew it, mom was shaking me awake. I yawned and focused on her. “...Yes?”

She gave a nod towards my side of the car. I looked out... and recoiled.

Gha! Cloths store! I turned to her, and gave her my best pleading look. “Mom, do we have too?”

As answer, mom just extended her arm and a finger, before giving me a hard jab straight in the tit. That got my attention, all right...

But... “Can’t I just make something non hideous when we get home?”

Mom just rolled her eyes at me. “...Another robe, then?”

I let out the sigh to end all sighs. I could tell where this was going, may as well get something out of it... “...Tell you what? You get me a couple of spools of proper cloth of some type...” I gulped. “...and I'll make a dress. How's that sound?”

Mom pouted. “You simply don't get it, do you?”

I pointed at my naked self. “Mom, in case you've forgotten...”

She raised her hand, cutting me off mid-sentence. Her face was a little stern, but her eyes were kinder than I'd seen all day. “I don't want to put my son in a dress. I want to do something girly with my daughter...”

I winced. I knew I wasn't going to win this... but it was a matter of principle darn it! I don't do dresses! That was old Fluttershy'sidea of clothes! “...Can't we just knit together instead? Or try make up? Hell, I don't know anything about makeup...”

Please take the bait. Please take the bait. Please take the bait...

Mom let out a sharp little laugh. “And you think I know anything about makeup on fur?”

“...Dyes?” I near pleaded.

Mom started looking a bit sad. “Would it really be so bad to go clothes-shopping with your mum?”

“With you specifiable? No. The mind-bogglingly boring act that always takes forever and a day itself? Yes.”

My eyes unfocused as I got flashbacks. The endless wait. The boredom. Having to try boring and ugly piece of clothing after boring and ugly piece of clothing...

Say what you want about Rarity's obsession, at least she just took your measurements and then just let you leave.

Alright, wildcard time! “...Talking about boys?”

Mom gave me an odd look. Yes, she gave the pretty pony princess that she used to call son, an odd look. Took her long enough... “...You’re serious?”

I gulped. Here goes nothing...”...I found Father Smith's son rather... cute.”

“...The gray haired pegasus?”

I gave a sharp nod as response. My mouth was too dry for anything else.

I glance at her. Mom's face was... blank, just blank.

“...Huh,” she said, voice as neutral as her face.

...In for a penny... “...The... other two, as well. I... think I might have developed a slight... wings fetish.”

“...Huh.”

Here goes nothing... “...And turned bisexual.”

I didn't dare look at mom. I just... grabbed my hooves and curled into a ball in the seat. I'd frankly rather be standing in-front of the crowd again.

I flinched slightly as she touched me... but she just started stroking my head. I gave a little whiny of pleasure at the feeling, not really thinking about it. Her hand froze for a moment... but only for a moment. I pretended not to have noticed, instead focusing on the wonderful feel of her fingers running through my hair.

“...I guess it was foolish of me to expect you to go through this unchanged...” She stated, voice careful, but sounding more than a bit tired.

I chuckled softly, eyes still closed. “That was the worst pun ever... but I got what you meant.”

“What do y- Oh.” Mom gave a giggle, as she figured out what I meant. “I guess it was a bit clueless, huh?”

“Not to sound like I've had to many fortune cookies, mom. But life is change. The important bit is liking whoever you end up as.” I snorted. “More than a bit ironic given my circumstances, I know, but I think you know what I meant...”

“...You're actually OK with the concept of... foals?”

I shuddered slightly, making mom let out another laugh. “...More this shape and the powers...” I said slowly and carefully. “...but with the right... stallion? Sure. I think... I could imagine that.”

“...Would they be like you? The... What did you call it? Ali- something or another?”

“Alicorn. It's supposedly the material in a unicorn’s horn. I think it is supposed to be symbolic, somehow...”

I let out another whiny, as she found this wonderful spot just behind my ears. The feeling was just utterly exquisite.

“...and I honestly don't know. But I don't think so. Not without aid I sadly don't know how to give.” I continued.

“Aid?”

“Magic. Granting them whatever aspect they lack... but they might be Alicorns. I simply don't know.”

“Fair enough... So just what was that you did back there?”

“Which part?”

Mom barked out a laugh. “Would you be very irritated with me, if I asked all of it?”

“The geist? They needed something to look forward to. Some hope. I gave a speech and purred it on as thick as I could...”

I stretched, sadly moving out of reach from mom's magic fingers. I was simply too big to stay curled up as tight as that for long.

Mom's voice was suddenly a bit more forceful, but not unkind. “That's not what I asked about and you know it...”

I drew in a bit of power, making my hair dance in a wind only it could feel again. “You mean this?”

Mom sucked in a breath, before extending a trembling hand and touching my hair with it. She passed her hand through a few times, her fingers just slipping through as if it was a stream, not hair.

“Or this?” I whispered, still loud enough that it was almost a shout.

Mom just nodded absently, hand still in my hair. My giggle broke the spell, though.

She withdrew her hands, and folded them on her lap. “...And the going nude in a church thing?”

I tilted my head, scratching my chin in thought. “...I'm fairly certain it’s okay to strip there, if you do it for charity... I did give away my robe, after all.”

Mom just facepalmed at hearing that. “...Why do I have a feeling that is not scripture?”

“Come on,” I said, now serious. “Imagine being almost the lone dude in a place like that and the estrus thing and having been a girl before... He obviously needed it more then me.”

Mom looked confused. “...Estrus?”

My cheeks burned again, and I had to gulp. “You felt that… smell? I… kinda figured it out... That.... time of the year.”

“Oh.”

“I'm not certain if it’s that or month to be honest, I can't remember... but it smelled like all the mares in that place are going through it. Probably part of the transformation...”

“...Oh.”

“...To be blunt, I still feel mixed about this and I was still tempted to drag Scot into the nearest closet.”

“Oh.” Mom got a far off look in her eyes. “Why didn't you?”

I gave her an awkward smile and a blush. “I may have asked... Ehem, all three of them if they would join me for a drink one day...”

Mom leaned back, letting out a slow, careful breath. She wasn't looking at me, but she didn't seem stern either... “...I won't lie, this is... hard, for me to accept.”

My ears fell.

“...But your... happy like this?”

I put a hoof in mom's lap. She started petting it without really noticing. “...I think I could be.”

Mom was still lost in lala land. I pressed on. “I'm in no hurry with the whole... foal thing. It's a very annoying itch, but I'm on top it. I'm sure I can survive a dry spell until they make a pony edition of the pill or condoms...”

Or somepony ‘remembers’ a contraceptive spell... I thought, but didn't say. I think my mom's maximum dose of ‘weird shit’ was way past its daily maximum, already...

Mom suddenly sniffed the air, nose wrinkling. “...Ugh.” She turned to me. “Sorry dear, but now that you've mentioned it, you are a bit on the musky side, right now...”

I flashed a sheepish grin at her. “...Not really my fault. I did shower today, remember?”

I vaguely, even for the other misty memories, recalled something about using perfumes as to not olfactory scream “Take me now!” to every stallion nearby... but that was all. Nothing about types or even smells, just the vaguest of recollections...

I got a disturbing impression that part of me didn't want to remember how to hide... Well, that.

But I did remember his sheepish grin as he clutched my robe like the finest of trophies... the small flash making another tingle happen under my tail.

But did I really care? It felt... so damn good, to get those kinds of stares for one measly time in my life...

I felt a small part of me wither and die, as others bloomed, when I admitted it fully with myself.

Being the one in a relationship that gets mounted... didn't sound so bad. The opposite, even...

A soft smile came to me, as my mind drifted off...

A home, one or five wonderful caring stallions, a couple of mares on the side...

Mom made a disgusted sound, snapping me out of it. “...What?”

“...I realize this is new and... trying for you, but you’re...” She hesitated, before nodding at my seat. “...ruining the car, let’s put it like that.”

I quickly pushed my hips together, blushing like... something extremely red, OK?

Not the most expressive thought, but I was kinda distracted by how... wet, I was. To my shame and... interest, I was even sitting in a small puddle. I tried very hard to ignore the sticky, wet, hot, wonderful feeling...

I quickly started thinking about something else. Something boring like... socks.

Long, black, frilly stockings... almost covering my cutie-marks, making any stallion or mare scream wi-

I tried to swallow my embarrassment, but my cheeks were still burning. OK, I admit that was a poor choice of subject. “...Could we just go home, please? I think I need another cold shower...”

Mom was busy shaking her head, but she did start the car and pull out, muttering something about: “...My son, the canary yellow pony succubus...”

But she smiled back, when I shot her a thankful smile.

“No offense,” she said after a few kilometers. “But in a robe or... just nude is one thing, but no child of mine is going out in public nude and dripping. I'll owe you instead, OK? We'll make something at home...”

“...Sorry,” I muttered. “I’m just not used to these... urges.”

“Sweetie, you’re not the first girl that's gotten hot and bothered over a...” She drifted off, blushing.

I couldn't help myself, and smirked as I said: “Oh, I'm certain I'm not the first girl that's gotten excited over a stallion...”

Mom blushed, but pressed on. “Look, all-things considered I'm honestly relieved you’re having those kind of urges.” She shuddered, a small grimace of disgust appearing. “I can't believe I'm about to ask this... but you able to... You know, with a hoof...?”

The world was suddenly a horrible ironic hell of pure embarrassment. I think I heard something in my mind snap, and something in my cheeks turn to slag. I looked at her, pleading for mercy with my eyes... but she just had a knowing smile.

I steeled myself. I did not care to tell my mother this, but... “...I found a website for... bestiality enthusiast.”

Mom made a choking sound. I pressed on, eyes glued on the road. “With... sex-toy blueprints. I... printed one out. I'm covered on... that.”

I could feel mom poking at the subject mentally, like a tooth badly removed. It’s not there, hurts like hell, but you simply can’t stop yourself... “...Isn't your metal 3D-printer at the shop?”

I nodded weakly. “I saw the butterflies and... guessed where the wind was blowing. It seemed... prudent.” I gave a small salute. “Always prepared, right?”

I could just imagine mom's mental image of her little boy scout and... that. Payback, yes! “...And if it had been a joke?” She asked in an incredulous voice at the words passing her lips.

I shrugged. “Something to put on the mantle as a conversation object?”

Mom laughed so hard, she almost drove off the road... again. This has been one strange day, alright...

“But seriously,” she said as she fought for breath and vehicle control. “Cold metal? Up there?”

“Mom, I obviously warm it up in my hooves a bit first. I'm not that clueless about my new yogurt gun holster...”

Mom almost twitched of the road again. Is it bad, that I'm getting used to it? “...How long have you been looking to use that one in a serious conversation?”

I stuck my tongue out at her, as I gently tapped my horn. “What? You prefer dragon’s lair, considering the mythological circumstances?”

Mom harrumphed happily again, making me smile. I much preferred these types of verbal spars... “And what, is wrong with simply calling it a vagina?”

“Well, nothing wrong, per say. Just a bit boring and clinical...” I said, in a thoughtful voice that was only a little faked. “...I mean, surelysomething like raiding granny's cellar, to open my magical box, or declaring myself the queen of this castle sounds a bit more interesting...”

Mom shook her head. “I can’t believe I'm having this conversation...”

“Hey, you were just trying to have the talk again with your son, the magical pony princess...” I fought back some giggles. “Did you expect it to be normal?”

Mom let out a snort. “Alright, now you’re just being silly.”

“Oh right, forgot the part about winged unicorn of kindness, proper firearms handling and doom. Thanks mom!”

Mom tilted her head. “...Really? Firearms?”

“And dooooom.” I droned, waving my hooves in a dramatic fashion.

“I'm being serious, dare.”

I decided to humor her, and raised my arms in an uncommitted gesture. “Well, that's the kind of stuff the marks are supposed to help do and I have those shiny new cross-hairs... But even as a part of me hate to admit it, they might just be a pair of over-glorified birthmark for all I know about 'em. Could be just that.”

“...Seriously? A personalized mark that focuses...”

“Allegedly according to a kid’s show and what might be false memories...” I injected.

Mom paused while I spoke, but then just shrugged and pressed on. “...your talents...”

“Talent. Singular. Ponies are weird about that.” I once more interjected.

Mom's jaw dropped. “What.”

I made air-quotes again. “’A cutie-mark represents a pony’s special talent... The one thing their destined to do...’ “I made a gagging sound. “Personally? I call shenanigans, cultural bias and cast-system. A carefully orchestrated one...”

I gritted my teeth.

“And I only know two morons that could have pulled that off…” I growled.

The car seemed to darken at the venom in my voice at the last part. Mom gave me a worried glance. I took the hint, and carefully kept my eyes closed until I calmed down.

“...You sound mad.”

I let out a sigh, and sank back in my seat. Trying to ignore the sticky feeling and to lower my shoulders and wings. “That's because I am.”

“...Why?”

I thought over how to phrase it. Mom must have recognized one of my thoughtful modes, because I heard her make a happy little sound, before letting me think. “...Two possibility, right? No matter by whom or why... the memories are either false or true. Correct?”

“...Sure.”

“The thing is...” I sagged back, because two parts of me didn't want to admit this, out loud. The part of me that still considered itself a brony, and the nagging, ghostly and half-faded (if mostly ignored) voice, habits and memories of what I had started to consider ‘Old Fluttershy...’ But mom deserved to hear it.

“Equestria is run by two overly romantic, incompetent nags. They may be old and powerful, but I would frankly be surprised if they could find their own plots with a map, a compass and a survey team.”

I opened my eyes, as a shiver flashed down my back. I'd half expected shouts of “Gasp! Sacrilege!” or things to that effect.

...And I noticed mom was looking very interested at me.Oh, well. May as well hang for the cow, right?

“Those ‘flashbacks,’ right? They are starting to make me mad. Not just the implications, but the contents.”

Mom hummed in agreement, as she drove by one of the few other cars I'd seen on this journey. She hadn't been exaggerating about people keeping indoors.

I flashed the staring driver a grin, before continuing. “Right, here's the thing. How much have you seen of the show?”

Mom coughed once. “...I got too weirded out. Only the first two partner thing and a few after that...”

I nodded. Right, right... Seeing the creature your son's turned into have adventures and shenanigans with other similar creatures in an animated kid's show? While being… Well, Fluttershy. Can't say I blame her...

“I get it, mom. Thanks for trying,” I said, while flashing a grin. Mom smiled back, looking a bit relieved. I could encourage though, after all...

“Anyway, where was I?” I continued, resting my head on a hoof. “Right. Take Ponyville...”

“The whole kingdom of nudists thing was a bit weird, but that actually seemed a nice town...”

My eyes unfocused, as another memory got shaken loose… “...Yeah, it was…”

I stood in the shattered doorway of a near abandoned and half-rotted cottage, the stains of the last owner that underestimated the Everfree still making the place reek... but I had the dirt-cheap deed in my saddle-bag. I only needed to stop heaving and clean up... and it would be mine.

I gulped. At least Mayor Mare had told me that... no burial was needed. Those scraps were already in the ground.

...It had to be better than Cloudsdale, right? Nopony there neither cared nor understood my talent... even Dash.

Oh, she was at least supportive... But understanding was something else. Something I'd never get if I stayed in Cloudsdale.

My heart soared when I thought just how... Different this town was. There were still far, far too many ponies for my taste... but at least they understood! When I'd explained my hope and plan for the oh so kind mayor, she had even wished me luck! No “Why?” or “Seriously, what's the point? Just polite interest at a pegasus being interesting in animals!

I grinned so wide it echoed. I just might be happy here, I can tell...

I rummaged in my bags. Most of my stuff was still in Cloudsdale, but that wasn't that long a flight. I emptied what I'd brought, mostly cleaning supplies, tools for repairs and similar.

I took the enchanted crayon that would ward of animals until I could get a door and drew a simple line all around the frame. Such a simple ward would only last a day or two, but more than enough. I didn't want to use it, I'd rather just be friends with them... but considering the last owner I didn't feel like taking quite that large a chance. Not without somewhere other than the town to run to if things went wrong.

I hummed happily, as I grabbed the rags and the bottle of ammonia. Now for the disgusting bit...

“...You alright?” I vaguely heard mom say, her voice tense.

I blinked slowly, shaking my head to clear it.

Then I noticed we were beside the road again... and mom had sounded really worried. I smiled weakly at her. “Sorry, mom. Just another memory.” I poked my temple. “Anthony Weaver, still at your service.”

Mom let out a slow breath, as worry visibly faded from her like dew evaporating from a flower.

Only when she let go, did I notice she had been holding my hoof so hard I had pins and needles. “...How long was I out, this time?” I asked, as I shook the limb to get some feel back into it.

“Only a minute or two...” I mentally swore, as mom shuddered. More than enough to plow into a rock or something... or fall to the ground while airborne. At least they weren’t getting longer or anything... Mom was looking to the horizon again. “...Your eyes where... blank. Just blank. I was... worried you weren’t coming back.”

Now it was my time to shudder. I carefully took mom's hand in my hoof, giving it a small squeeze. “...Mom, I want you to promise me something.”

“Name it.” I smiled at that, but it soon faltered at the thought of... Well.

I took a deep breath, before steeling myself and looking her in her beautiful, worried, brown eyes. I put my other hoof over her hand, it and my hoof was trembling slightly. “...If that happens, can you promise me to be the world’s greatest mom to her, as well?”

Mom hesitated. She put her hand atop my right hoof and gripped it tightly. As if I might just... drift off, if she didn't.

I secretly wondered… what if the small act did just that? That and others like it. If I hadn't had such a good life, such a loving and caring family... Would I have? Just... let go and drifted off in the memories, somepony else opening their eyes for the first time in... Whatever the right time-frame is.

But I didn't say it. I just squeezed her hands a bit harder. Holding on.

My ears drooped, but I made certain my voice was soft. “If that happens, she'll be a victim just as much as I am. She didn't do this. She'll just be a lonely, terrified and confused girl, needing help... Please, for my sake?”

Mom closed her eyes, and was silent for so long I almost wondered if she had fallen asleep. “...I... don't think I could call... her, my daughter. It would hurt too much...”

My lip quivered, and my heart sank at the words.

“...but... granddaughter? That... I could do. For you.”

My ears folded back up, as I started crying happily and pulled her into a hug. “You tease.”

“I meant every damn word. In that order.” she said voice so adamant I almost felt the words in the air.

I thought of making a ‘witty’ comment... But I felt wetness against my neck and remained silent.

There's a time and place for just letting a moment linger, after all.

Before long, we sank back into our seats and were on our way in silence. I just... didn't have anything to add, at the moment and it seemed mom was in a similar frame of mind.

It was only then I noticed my hair was still doing its impression of a hybrid between seaweed and cotton-candy. I was barely noticing I was doing it. It was like... breathing almost, but instead of a burning uncomfortable feeling if I didn't, I simply didn't have that power. It felt... weird, but nice. Like a warm water-bottle in your pocket, but for my whole body.

I studied it in the mirror for a while. It was a beautiful display... and clearly neither normal, nor even operating under physics as I knew them.

...Granted, I'd done a few displays of my own for gun-shows and could have probably faked it with the right and expensive hologram equipment...

But the knowledge that ‘Yup. That's my hair.’ just... drove it home.

I thought of something from the first two episodes and moved a strand experimentally. Just folding and unfolding it. No idea how, but it seemed... natural, somehow. Like moving any other limb. As soon as I let go, it went back to weaving in the breeze that touched only it.

I really wasn't human anymore. Bloody hell, I might not be mortal anymore.

I should have been running screaming, laughing and crying in the streets, all at once...

But somehow, I was just simply... OK, with the whole concept and thing. Perhaps I had only grasped this intellectually so far? Perhaps... I did feel quite drained emotionally, but after such a roller-coaster of a day after these strange two weeks... Can anybody blame me?

And then I noticed that it wasn't pure pink. Not when like this. Every-once in awhile it got this... golden shimmer. Like god-rays during the heights of summer.

And these tiny gleaming sparks of light flashed erratically. They reminded me of something, but it took me almost a half-hour of staring before I could place it.

Like light reflexes on a scope far, far away.

I let out a low whistle as it clicked. Nature... and weapons. Did that mean I had become...

The Alicorn of the Hunt?

I hummed slightly, as I thought it over. One heck of a title, I'll grant it that...

“...What are you thinking?” Mom asked, sounding interested.

“Just thinking about my marks and what they might mean. I'm wondering just...” I paused, thinking about how I should phrase it. “...if the idea of... past life coming back is true, then what has Fluttershy become? What would she think of me?”

Mom chuckled softly, looking happy. “You and your philosophic moods...”

“But I'm serious. Fluttershy cared for animals of all kinds her whole life...”

“According to a TV-show and what might be false memories caused by a medical condition...” Mom interjected, taking on the (so deliciously ironic) role of Devil's Advocate.

I let out a laugh, before continuing. “...and I'm a, if you excuse the dramatics, a death-dealer. Some contrast, right?”

Mom bopped me lightly on the arm, not taking her eyes off the road. “You make much needed tools for feeding people, weapons for defense and works of art. If stupid people misuse them, then that is no fault of yours.”

Mom laughed, as my cheeks squeaked again. “Thanks. I was just being dramatic, but it was nice to hear that.”

“Anytime.”

“...Anyway...” I continued after flashing her another smile. “That's her. How would everypony else react, if you follow what I mean?”

“What? You mean if my son really is one of the long lost princesses of ‘The Magical Kingdom of Equestria?’” Mom countered, voice dripping sarcasm.

“Humor me. The philosophy and thought experiment is interesting, if nothing else...”

“So, in that case miss ‘bacon, bacon, bacon...’”

...Huh, good point.

I rifled through my memories. “...I think they had a small scene in the fourth season, the second galloping gala one...”

“…The thing Twilight got tickets for?” Mom sounded a bit confused. Both at that she was actually saying the words, and the question itself.

“Think the Oscars in prestige, but a ball. Dancing, music, food... Stuff like that.” I explained absentmindedly. “Trust me, duller than it sounds.”

Mom gave a tiny nod, looking a bit impressed. “...You have memories from one?”

“I really wish I hadn't...” I said, as an image of being asked for dance after dance by spoiled nobles flashed through my mind...

I shuddered. No wonder Fluttershy had been so keen on the garden. It had only gotten worse after the whole princesses thing...”Anyway, my point was that...” A thought struck me. “You mind if I use the characters names? I can say ‘a pony’ and similar, if it makes you uncomfortable...”

Mom smiled, a bit strained, but still a smile. “For good or ill, false or true... this is a part of you now. Go on, I won't mind. Tell your story.”

A wave of relief flooded over me. “You’re the best mom ever, you know that?”

She smiled smugly. “So I've been told...”

I continued, smiling myself. “Anyway... You know those weird regional delicacies you have to be mad, a tourist or worse, local, to like?” Mom nodded. “Like that. That's the pony opinion on meat...”

“In the show.”

I snorted. “Yes, yes.... And if anyone objects, they can have me stop eating ham, bacon and steak when they pry the knife and fork out of my cold, dead hooves...”

I had to slurp some drool at the thought. It was awhile since I had any meat...

Speaking of food...” Mom interrupted. “...How is the... feed working?”

I made grimace of disgust. “Like health muesli, but less taste. It’s kinda nice and crunchy but it just so bland. I get that we can’t exactly get enough fruit and veg considering the shortage thanks to this pony thing...”

Mom gave me a kind, but resolute gaze. “I'm not risking finding you dead in your bed from an allergic reaction, just because you felt like eating cheese before we know you can. Sorry, but I'm putting my foot down on this.”

“Fine, fine…” I grumbled. “But if I ‘remember’ a food, or find it in the show...”

“Then you can shave a square on your hoof and rub a little on your skin. If that works, then you can eat a little.”

I coughed, as the image of a shaved pony flashed through my mind. “You do realize I'm not a pony in the animal sense, right? Those ponies are more like...” I thought if I should finish my sentence or not, but honesty won out. “...Well, to be blunt, an orangutan to you.”

Mom sucked in a breath. I wondered if I had gone too far, but she just let it out again. “...There's no evidence these changes are genetic yet, you...”

I interrupted that nonsense. “Mom, I'm the drunken one-night stand mix of a tiny horse, a narwhal and a chicken so warped by something I can fly with these tiny wings. I... don't think there's much left of the old me, not like that...”

We drove in silence for a while after that. Mom broke it first. “...If there was a way...?” She kept her voice neutral, but there was a uncertain undertone to it.

“To turn back, you mean? To be human again?” Mom nodded. I thought it over.

I was still thinking when we reached home. Mom turned the car off, but didn't get out. She just... turned, and looked at me. Waiting for my answer.

“...You do realize that this shape is not only capable of flight and psychic powers slash magic, but might be undying, as well?” I carefully inquired.

Mom nodded slowly. “I know it's a hard question. But I still want your answer.”

There was nothing accusing in her voice, just worry and curiosity. “...Can you get me a towel or something while I think? I think showing my twat in... That state, for one relative is one to many for one day...”

Mom reached forward, and gave me a pat on the shoulder. “Tell you what? Why don't you tell me when you have the answer?”

I could hear the undercurrent of doubt, the one screaming: “Or when you trust me with the answer.”

“Well, I can say one thing right now...” I almost chuckled, as mom's eyes lit up, but I fought it down. “If things continue like this, and I have all my old memories and skills, I just get some more showed in my skull from somewhere, wherever that turns out to be?”

Mom nodded, as I braced myself for her reaction. “Then I don't see any reason to turn back. Sorry, mom.”

To my surprise, mom actually smiled at that. It must have been plain I was beyond confused, because she just reached out and patted me again. “...Dafuq?”

Mom laughed, before she answered. “...You've always been your fathers’ son in things like this. Making things work and work well, worrying about the spiritual later, if ever...”

She gently poked one of my wings, smiling. “Wanna guess my thoughts on this?”

My jaw dropped, as mom giggled. “...Seriously?”

“Well, you’re no ever spinning wheels nestled inside each-other, rimmed with eyes, I'll grant that much...” Mom suddenly got serious. “But what I saw today, even if it was thanks do to my folly?”

...Seriously, she remembers that but not the horrible stupidity of Leviticus? “...Yes?”

Mom made her voice as dark as she could, raising it just short of a shout. “’Sorry, I'm new at this.’” She cleared her throat, before continuing. “...That was... Well, you, Anthony. So you, I almost ran up and gave you a hug on the spot.”

She took my hoof, cradling it in both hands. I just... didn't know what to say, so I waited for her to continue. “...And yet, it was not.” She raised one hand, and drew her fingers through my hair. “Not in the flesh.”

I finally found my words. “...You seriously think I'm a... angel? Don't get me wrong, it is an improvement, but...”

Mom put a finger to my lips, silencing me. “I try not to ruin your moments.”

I almost rolled my eyes, but I relented. Fine. Her thinking that was weird, but better than finding holy water in my food, or something. Out loud I just said “Fine, continue.” as she removed her finger.

She smiled, before doing so. “...You gave hope to many today, by acting with grace and dignity. Am I so wrong, to think you did God's work today?”

And by using dread powers that may or may not be slowly killing me... but details.

Mom's eyes narrowed. Fucking parent based telepathy. Gets you every time. “Fine miss critic. Why did you do it?”

“...Because it was the neighborly thing to do? It cost me little but some cloth and words, and it might make everyone in that room and beyond sleep better, tonight?” I mean, seriously... My eyes narrowed a bit. “I'm going to be blunt, mom. I think the implication a bit insulting that just because I committed an act of altruism, it must be a divine miracle...”

Mom actually laughed a little at that one. It made me feel a bit better about the whole mess. Her eyes twinkled, as she spoke again. “Father Smith said that... Fluttershy was the Princesses of Kindness, right?”

Where was she going with this? “...Yes.”

Mom gave a dry laugh, as she got out of the car. “Everybody always remember the sins, never the virtues... Can you list them, for me? Your interest in the spiritual has always been a joy to me, even if it lead you astray in the end.”

I ignored the comment about my faith. “Fine. Humility, Chastity, Temperance, Diligence, Charity. Patience and...”

My mind went blank. Mom just smiled again. “...Son of a b-”

“Language!” Mom snapped, but the smile was still in place. “And yes, to offer charity, compassion and friendship, without any sake but its own... Is that not...?”

I gave mom a glare, but my heart wasn't in it. She didn't even flinch. “Say it. You know you want to...”

“Is that not Kindness?”

I resisted the urge to gently bang my head against the glove-compartment. I'd ruined enough of my parents stuff for one day. I gently leaned back, and put my hooves over my face instead. “...I just can't escape it, can I? I'm going to end up on some horribly uncomfortable throne, listening to morons, wearing ugly and heavy jewelry,all while I could be doing stuff... Again.”

Mom gave of a giggle. “One day, I think I want to hear just how much you remember, no matter the source... But now, I think we've dwelt enough on this for one day. Wait here, I'll go get that towel.”

I started to get out anyway. “...Look, I'll just keep my tail down. I really need so just...”

Mom leaned in and put a hand on the seat-belt release. “It will only take a moment, just wait.”

I leaned back, resigned to it. I still unbuckled and stretched a bit, but I made a sweeping gesture toward the door to our house, as I did so. Mom just smiled and nodded, before she got going.

I took the time to just... look at it. Nothing special, just another one of the one story buildings with a simple steel roof that were so common around here. The only thing a bit odd was that it was brick and mortar instead of wood. It was usually too hot, too cramped...

And it was home. A home I'd dreaded I might not be welcomed to again, or even see again, when this... mess started.

For just a moment, an image of a pegasi cloud house was superimposed over it. Columns, a few urns, a rainbow fall... Strange to think of sculpted clouds as ‘typical,’ but it too had been, but for Cloudsdale.

That place had been too cold and empty, instead...

My thoughts of home were interrupted as the front-door flew open. I barely had time to react, before my door was yankedopen hard by a broad shouldered man with black hair, a lumberjack beard and furious looking green eyes, dressed in half of a four-piece suit.

He looked as he had been crying. “Hi, Mark. Something wrong?” I asked.

I barely got the Hi out properly, before my big teddy-bear of a big brother just reached in, grabbed me in a hug and gave me a squeeze... then he sank down still outside the car and started wailing. Me still along for the ride.

Now, my brother is one of those great big mountains of a man that looks like he can juggle trailers for a laugh, but would have to be coursed to swat a fly.

Even I have a hard time remembering he's a lawyer, sometimes.

But he wasn't this sensitive. Not usually. I pushed a bit, looking him in the eye. “Mark, what's wrong? Did something happen?”

It took a while, as well as curious stares from the neighbors and mom looking worried and sheepish in the background, but he managed to sob it out after a while.

He'd heard the whole confession thing, seen mom drag me out so fast that I hit my head on the door frame...

And far too many hours later... mom had walked in alone.

I gave him an extra hard hug after he got that bit across. “I’m so sorry, Mark. I just had a clothes malfunction. I'm alright. Mom just went in to get a towel...”

Mark glared back at mom, who held up an example of the item in question as combined shield and peace-offering. He turned back, still looking wretched, but a bit better. “...Please don't scare me like that.”

I pulled him in, giving him a few more pats for good measure. “I have no intention to.”

“You better.” He growled, but I just laughed.

I grinned cheekily. “What? Feeling that protective of your little sis, are we?”

He just snorted. “You’re the one with the arsenal, not me.”

My eyes drifted down to my hips. “...That I am.” I looked up, as I decoupled from the embrace. Making sure to stand on all fours not to offer a complete show of my privates. “Shall we? I didn't get any lunch. I'm starving.”

Mark put his broad hands at his sides, and gave mom another glare. “Just where did you drag her?”

“Albuquerque,” I answered, making him blink and refocus on me. ”but I met a priest that wasn't all talk, his cute son and even reached an understanding with mom, so it was not that bad a road-trip...”

“...Huh.” He scratched his head. “...His cute son?”

I grinned. “And two hot mares!” I fished out the card from my wings. “Granted, it was by proxy, but you could say I got their number...”

Mark was just shaking his head, lips pursed and arms crossed. “...You turn into a female cartoon character and you still get more action than me. Life just isn’t fair, is it?”

I just couldn't resist. “Well, there were a lot of young eager mares at that ch-” I got interrupted, as the towel mom had thrown wrapped around my face. I got it off with as much dignity I could muster, before making a turnaround gesture at my grinning brother. He complied, and I quickly had the thing wrapped around my midsection.

And honestly? It didn't look that bad. The material was a joke, of course, but it cowered what it should and didn't feel half bad, either...

Perhaps I should think a little harder on my ‘No dresses, ever!’ rule...

Mark pointed a finger (Of Doom!) at mom, just stating. “I've made Chili Con Carne. Unless Anthony says otherwise, she will get to eat off it.”

Mom let out a sigh, but just walked indoors. I felt a bit guilty... “She's just worried, you know?”

Mark snorted. “That's no reason to feed you those pellets.”

I decided to meet the two warring parties halfway. “Fine, but can I borrow you razor?”

He just turned, and looked at me like I’d grown more limbs. “...Why?”

I explained the test mom wanted me to do. Mark just nodded, as we made our way inside.

And a thought came to me, as I more or less fell on the couch in the living room. “Say, can I get a bowl, as well?”

“...Why?”

I grinned at him. “Just a small surprise. I think you and mom might like it.”

Mark shrugged, before wandering off to get the stuff. I took the moment to just... bask in the sun-ray that hit the couch at this time of day. There was just something calming in that feel of warm fur and gentle, but strong energies playing along my pelt.

And then I got another idea. “Hey, Mark!”

“What!” He shouted from the kitchen.

“Can you get me another bowl, one with water?!”

“Cold or warm?!”

I noticed that I was quite thirsty, now that I thought about it. It had been a couple of hours... “...One of each, if it isn't too much trouble!”

“OK!”

“Thanks!”

“Can you two stop shouting?!” Mom interrupted with, from the other side of the house.

My impish side just couldn't help it. “Fine. I'll just talk, instead.”

I heard a muttering of something along the line of: “...Oh Lord, give me strength...”

Mark gave me a odd look, as he came in with the plastic bowls balanced in his arms. “...You've figured out the royal voice?”

I grinned at him. “Yes. I have figured out the royal voice. It is awesome.”

His hair billowed back a bit at the last word, but he just grinned as he put the bowls down on the table. “A hundred bucks if you say ‘Yay.’ like that and I get to film it.”

I stuck my tongue out at him. “What? No Fus-Ro-Dah joke? You have no style, dear brother...”

Mark tilted his head at me. “...Huh. So that's why you were freaking obsessed with that game...”

“Oh, please. It's a great game. My having turned into best pony has nothing to do with it...”

“One thousand hours great?”

I rolled my eyes, not bothering to correct the much higher number. “I'm sorry, did mister ‘I can recite the Phoenix Wright series in my sleep,’ say something?”

Before Mark could make a (oh, so obvious) ‘Hold it!’ joke, mom's voice rang out. “Anthony, I understand you have a new toy and want to drive every one of the neighbors insane, but please? I've gotten a headache from all the excitement and driving today...”

“So-” I quickly fixed my slip, as Mark nearly doubled over with laughter. “I meant to say, sorry, mom. We’ll be quiet.”

Mom murmured something from the master bedroom, but I didn't hear what.

Mark was looking between me and the bowls with great interest, though. “So, you intend to give the laws of nature the finger again?”

I hummed happily in confirmation, as I floated over the bowl with warm water. “I still don't know about these ‘flashbacks’, but according to them a certain pegasus had an internship at the weather factory, while trying to get her cutie mark...”

“No way!”

Mom snarled something. Mark clamped a fist over his mouth.

His grin was still clearly visible.

I chuckled, as I sat up on my haunches and started kneading the water with my wings, pouring energy into it. His eyes grew to nearly... Well, pony size, as he saw the white streaks forming in the water and guessed what I was doing. He sank down next to me, just watching me work.

“...How long have you...?” He asked, nearly reverent.

“Yesterday. But mom was on the warpath...” That mom had had a mixed reaction to my transformation was an understatement, but at least things seemed to have finally turned around.

Mark just shook his head. “There are labs chiefs that would kill their first-born in your name to just see this. Don't get me wrong, I love mom, but sometimes I just don't get her, you know?”

I nodded absently, as I continued to knead. “Not that hard, if you think about it. We both take after dad...”

“He called, by the way.”

I stopped temporarily, making some water-vapor rise free from the constraints of my magic, but I snatched it with a wing and re-added it to the mix. “...How is he?”

Mark patted me on the shoulder, almost making me break my concentration. “He's finally gotten emergency leave from the pipeline. He should be here sometimes tomorrow.”

I nodded absently. Dad is an engineer. A damn good one, and worked in the oil industry mostly. At the moment he was overseeing maintenance of the Keystone Pipeline up in Canada.

Good pay, but it kept him away for long periods. I usually didn't mind, but...

Well, it would have been nice to have had him here during the crisis... “So, what then? Has this reached such critical mass his superiors actually took his word on ‘My son is now my pony daughter, I need to go home?’”

Mark scratched his chin. “...Don't know what and how much he told them, to be honest. I guess that could be it?”

I let out a sigh, still kneading. The water in the bowl was almost completely white now.

“...Shouldn't it be rising and expanding?”

“I'm keeping it compressed,” I said only a bit smugly, as I poured the last burst of magic into the mix. I kept a wing on the bowl to continue to keep it in. ”Once I let go of this... Poof. Instant cloud.”

Mark had his hands clutched under his chin, eyes still enormous. “Coooool.”

Now... Here, and ‘herd’ it there, or in my bedroom? Choices, choices...

Mark must have guessed at my thoughts. “Do it here. Easier to clean the floor when it evaporates.”

“Actually,” I stated. “If I “remember” correctly, I should be able to just maintain this little beauty with some TLC. It's going to make it a lot more humid in here, however... Perhaps outside would be wiser?”

He patted me on the head. I wasn't sure if I should growl or coo, to be honest. It felt nice, but he had clearly meant it as a light insult... “You’re the magical pony princess. Do what you think best.”

“Outside it is then...” I carefully cradled the bowl in a wing, and started walking on all fours towards the backdoor. I didn't want to be distracted by the added task of keeping balance on my back-legs, and it seemed stupid to have a sign screaming ‘Look! Look! There's a pegasus in this building!’ out front.

So out back I went, Mark sauntering along behind me humming eagerly as he awaited my ‘next trick.’

There wasn't much out back. A few trees (and the corpse of one more...), an old swing-set we really should have gotten rid of years ago, some grass, a high fence... That's about it, really. A good place to feel the breeze without getting stared at (even more so now, in my case) but nothing special.

I did note with interest that it seemed to be getting slowly greener though. The grass was a bit not only taller, but the blades where even wider. (And looked disturbingly juicy to my new eyes. I hadn't tried it.) The leaves on the trees seemed a bit lusher, and so on. I hadn't even tried any of that specificity, but my mare (bada boom, tish!) presence seemed to be aiding the greenery in the place.

She hadn't said so, but I think that was one of the things that had worried mom. People that turn into strange things aren’t supposed to grace the world with their presence.

I think she would have had an easier time dealing with me blighting the place, to be blunt. It would have fit her worldview better.

...Still, she seemed to be dealing with it now. No sense dwelling.

I finished actually entering the garden, sitting down in its center. I turned smiling at Mark. “You ready for weird shit?”

“Always,” he chuckled, getting his phone out.

I frowned a bit at that. “...I don't mind you taking pics, but you’re not uploading them, right? I don't want every creep to know about this...”

He held up his palms at me. “Only for the photo-album, I promise...” A grin split his beard. “And for blackmail, of course.”

I rolled my eyes at the ‘joke.’ “Fine, fine... Ready?”

He nodded.

I put the bowl down, let go... and galloped for it. Mark flinched at my sudden burst of speed, and I almost lost my towel. Ford Prefect would have not approved.

Still, he relaxed, as I came to a sudden stop beside him. “...Seriously?”

I hushed him, waving at the bowl. He took the hint.

At first... surprise, nothing happened. But I felt the energies starting to fade, as they did their thing.

A wet, wheezing sound, a white fluffy but mostly silent slow-mo explosion...

And I had my cloud. It wasn't that big, a bit larger then one of those novelty beach-balls, nothing more.

Mark's jaw dropped, and I had to catch his cell with TK as it tumbled from his fingers. I quickly spun it around and took a pic, the click breaking his fugue state. He grinned, before snatching his phone back from my magic aura. “Alright, no jokes. That was really damn cool, sis.”

He chuckled, as I squeaked at the compliment.

He swept an arm towards it, waving his cell with the other. “Wanna pose on your creation?”

Oh, that wasn't half bad an idea... “Sounds fun, but I want a copy.”

He started nodding, only to gasp and almost re-dropping his cell, as I jumped off and flew over to the cloud. I had to use a lot of energy out here in the open, but it was hardly a long flight.

I didn't sit down, not yet.

My smug grin at the sight of his dropped jaw was so wide it almost made my head fall off.

That made him find his voice. “You can fly? Since when?”

“Remember those thumping sounds? Practice makes perfect...” I gave a couple of extra pushes with my wing, zooming a couple of laps around him just to show off.

He didn't even try to swivel around and follow me, he just grinned as I had my fun. “I must admit, I was really worried when this started... but I'm honestly starting to feel a bit jealous.”

I finally finished my fly by, and settled on the cloud. It felt... kinda nice, if a bit too cold for my tastes. (And teats. My nipples did not care for the sensation. Let us put it like that.) But quite soft and fluffy. I reshaped it a bit, making myself comfortable. It was kinda like sitting on a pile of cotton that had been in a freezer. Soft, but with some yield and I could imagine it must be heavenly on warm nights.

Couldn't imagine sleeping on it all the time, though. I think I prefer the more solid and warmer feel of a proper mattress.

I nodded at Mark, as I settled down on the now flat cloud disk. “I must admit, for a Kafka style crisis this has some nice side benefits...”

Mark just shook his head, looking bemused. “My former brother, now sister said, as she sat on the cloud she made...”

I flared my wings, straightened my neck and gave him my smiling profile. “Just take the photo.”

Mark grinned again, but started doing his best Austin Powers impression. Thankfully without any shouts of ‘Oh, baby!’

It actually took a while, but he finally finished. “There. Now I'm no photographer, but if one of these doesn’t make the Christmas cards this year I'm eating my boxers.”

“Oh, gimme!” I reached a hoof out, beckoning him over.

He complied. I started looking through the pics while he amused himself by going “Oh! Ah!” at passing his hand through the cloud...

“You know,” I muttered. “That there's a name for ground-bound clouds, right?”

He rolled his eyes at that. “Yeah, so? How often do we get fog? Besides, this is magical super fog, made by my sis the Alicorn. I think I'm entitled to being a bit impressed.”

I murmured an agreement. If he wanted to think I'm awesome... Well, I saw no point in changing that impression.

I continued checking the photos, he continues passing his hands through the mist.

And they were actually pretty good. There were a few of the new me drooling on the couch while sleeping and sprawled in a boneless heap while relearning how to walk, that I felt a bit indignant about, but they were so adorable I couldn't help but see why he had snapped them.

I hid the image of him showing the world his tonsils in a subfolder for later. Besides, I had something on him...

The ones off me on this cloud, though? My, my, my. Even with this horribly clashing blue towel around my waist... Proud wings flared, as if I could claim the sky at any moment... My ethereal mane billowing... A smile on cute lips that was downright adorable in its own right...

Hell, I'd do me.

“You know,” I said, as I handed the thing back. “You should save those until next time there's one of those local photo contests. I think some of those pics could have a shot.”

He laughed a bit, inclining his head towards the house. “I think somebody else thinks the sight is impressive...”

I looked at what he was referring to. Mom was standing in one of the windows, smiling. I gave a small wave that she returned, before walking out of sight.

Mark gave me a cunning look. “So... I take it she's reclassified who she thinks has given you this?”

I groaned, before jumping off. “Don't remind me.”

Mark just walked through the cloud, arms outstretched and going: “Weeeeee!”

An idea came to me. Something I remembered from the same set of flashbacks. “Hey, Mark?”

He stopped in the middle of the cloud. Only his head and legs were poking out. “...Yes?”

“Walk out for a sec.”

He did so without hesitation. “...Sure, why?”

I lowered my horn at him, making him gulp softly. “Hold still, this should only tingle a bit...”

“You sure that's safe on humans?” He quickly countered, backing off a step.

I just snorted. “Who just ran screaming ‘Weee!’ through a magically created cloud? Hate to break it to you, but if magic is that kind of dangerous then...” I stumbled on the words for a moment, but pressed on. “...Well, then I'm a walking, talking Chernobyl. Don't you want to have the good as well, just in case?”

I nodded at the verdant plants. “But considering the side-effects so far, I kinda doubt it.”

Mark hummed thoughtfully, now at ease. “...How about you lift my hand with your telekinesis first? It’s a bit less... full-body, then the spell I think you were going to pull on me.”

“Oh, good idea!” I quickly did so, raising his hand gently into the air. He looked very interestedly on the cyan nimbus.

“...You know?” He said, slow and thoughtful, flexing his hand in the field that held it up. “I'm glad I trust you, because it feels like you could just yank me skyward, even like this...” He grunted and did a one-armed pull up. I had to feed a bit more power to it, but my spell held. “...Yup, you can lift my body-weight without even breaking a sweat. I won't lie, that's kinda scary, sis.”

I grinned at him as I let go. “Well, I'm hardly the standard model...”

He nodded, as he cracked his knuckles. “Just careful who you show that kind of thing to. I realize it might be strange to think about, but you basically have a combined multi-tool, a gravity-gun and unlicensed auto-cannon strapped to your forehead. People might get... weird, about that.”

“Bha!” I said holding out a hoof. His eyes lit up as he got it and bumped knuckles with my hoof. “You have my back...”

“...And I'll have yours. Sure.” He said as he grinned, as I grinned back.

I felt giddy at that. It just felt... really damn nice, knowing my family was still on my side. “Besides, I've got all these nasty little things that need fingers to use properly stashed away... Surely that's an equalizer?”

Mark shuddered, drawing his arms around himself despite the heat. “I really hope it doesn’t come to that...”

My mood fell. “You’re the lawyer, but I'm fairly certain that legally right now I'm the family pet. I... won’t go easy, if some bastard tried to do something with that...”

Mark walked over and gave me a hug. I hugged back. “...I'm not sure, but I've heard some rumors from people I trust, that the UN is gathering together for an emergency summit...”

I blinked up at him. “...What?”

He nodded. “To bolt some emergency rules to the Declaration of Human rights and pressure the nations into signing laws to... Well, avoid that kind of nastiness... That's the rumor, at least.”

I let go, grinning. “Well, finally some good news then.”

Mark folded down on the ground, giving me an inquiring look. “...So, what are you going to do if they have some compromise along the lines of the Mutant Registration act from X-men?”

I sat down as well, moving and flattening the cloud with my TK as to give us some shade.

Mark just shook his head at the sight. “...You just used your magic, to move the cloud you made... To block the sun?”

“Would you prefer...” I said raising my arms in front of me, opening my eyes wide. “Ex-terminate! Ex-terminate!”

Mark shuddered, before giving me a light glare. “No offense, brother.But given the circumstances?” He slowly shook his head, expression grim.

I scratched the back of my head, and gave him a sheepish smile. “Just a tad too creepy?”

“No. You don't say?” His face softened, and he pointed up. “Anyway, seriously?”

I waved a hoof and wing in the air, just to emphasis. “If you got it...” I got a bit more serious. “Besides, you know the average politician. It's probably only a matter of time before you need licenses up the wazoo...” I pointed at the cloud myself with a wing. “Even for something like that.”

For all his talk, it amused me when he scooted over into the shade and lay down. I decided to be the bigger man, and let it pass without comment. “Fine. But shouldn't there be some?” He said.

I snorted. “You’re talking to a gunsmith, remember? I'm more than aware that if you hand some people a starter gun, they will find some way to blow their nipples off...”

“No offense, but being able to lift a man high-enough to let go once, if you know what I mean, is a bit different...”

I sank down completely on my stomach, following my brother's example in spirit, if not letter. It was kinda comforting after a day like this, to just lie down and shoot the breeze about current events...

Although I was getting a bit fed up with the ‘pony, pony, pony’ aspect of the conversations.

Granted, it was kinda understandable, but it gets old, you know?

Still, this was my brother, not some random goon. He deserved answers. “Look, your average unicorn has... Well, remember Rarity pre-ascension?”

A smug look came over Mark, as he started to sing. “Thread by thread! Stitching it together!” He suddenly looked serious again. “The repeatedly hinted to be somewhat average magic vise unicorn, that could still make her studio filled with sharp things dance, you mean?”

With rising dread, I started realizing Mark had something of a point. It only takes one asshole to ruin things for the rest of us. “...Fine, I see what you mean... but that doesn’t change that for most we're talking mostly invisible hands and a couple of tricks on the side... And mostly on the practical side, not the ‘make heads explode’ one.”

Mark put his hands under his head. “You know, I never got that part. When your local library has grimoires, who in their right mind would roll a fighter, so to speak?”

“Well, think about it.” I pointed to my butt. “Equestria in the show is a land of specialists. You might have to wear another hat temporally, but in the end your life revolves around your ‘special’ talent.This duel mark thing I've got going would probably be nightmare-fuel for the average Equestrian thanks to the whole one special talent nonsense.”

“...Rarity has a talent for gems, but still makes dresses...” He countered, but he sounded a bit unconvinced.

“And she turns cloth and thread from simple things, to things more valuable than your average house, by her skills and...?”

Mark grunted. “...And slobbering them in finally cut gems. Point.”

My stomach made its tiger in a maternity ward impression again... but strangely I didn't feel that hungry. I glanced at my hair, though about a certain other Alicorn’s extended lunar visit and wondered if there where fringe benefits to the whole deal I'd gotten...

But unless I found myself locked in a cupboard for a decade or two, I honestly saw no reason why I should try finding out.

I got up, realizing only then I'd forgotten my drink. “You mentioned food?”

Mark pointed at the cloud again. “You just gonna leave that?”

I looked at my pretty little cloud. “...You think it might cause any trouble?

He threw up his arms. “You’re the one that has the flashbacks of somepony else. I don't know. And what am I supposed to do if that happens? Flap my arms and wish really hard?”

I hummed softly, thinking it over. “...You're right, better safe than sorry... But can you do something while I get rid of it?”

“...Yes?”

“Can you go get the other bowls? I forgot them and I think I need to drop the towel to... Well, buck the cloud properly...”

“And you don't want to strip in-front of your brother, got it. Back in a few.” He got up, giving me a two-finger salute before sauntering on his way.

I waited until I heard the door close, before just shrugging the towel off. It was a wee bit disturbing how easy the nudist thing was coming to me... but what can you do? I only had so many articles of clothing that fit me anymore.

Granted, that was more a matter of time and letting capitalism have its way and before long pony fitted clothes is more or less guaranteed to show up... but what was I supposed to do until then? Hide in my bed? I think not.

Without further ado, I took to the air, briefly wondering if the other pegasi I met today would be able to do this around here. I could solve the moisture problem by simply pouring enough energy at it until it went away... But could they? Still, if they managed, it might just make them into better fliers then they'd ever been...

I shook my head and willed the subject away for another time. Mark would be back any moment.

I hovered, took aim... and let loose a buck that made my hooves whistle through the air. I barely had time to pat myself on the back...

Before the sudden increase in air moisture from the cloud dissipating and my near overcharged wings made me shot skyward screaming.

I didn't get that far...

Well, for flight that formed a mach-cone, at least. I was roughly four-five hundred feet up. The view would have been glorious, if I hadn't managed to terrify myself in the act. I spread my shaking wings so wide they ached, making me slowly drift down in a straight line.

I hit the ground with a soft thud. I didn't bother getting up. I just hugged the ground hard with all six trembling limbs. I vaguely felt my hair and tail dig into the ground in a couple of spots, as well.

“...I could really use that fucking manual...” I muttered, as the door crashed open, mom and Mark bursting out.

I carefully tried rising, but Mark pushed me down. “What happened?”

I focused on them. I couldn't help but smile, at how worried they looked. “Just another learning pain. I'm fine...”

Mark slapped my rump hard, making me yelp and my sprawled legs twitched in an involuntary buck. “Not what I asked. If you’re going to worry us like this, we want to know the details.”

Mom's face turned stern, but she just nodded at Mark's words.

I let out a tiny sigh, but I could see where the wind was blowing... (Literally and figuratively!) “I dissipated the cloud, but I didn't expect the sudden increase in air moisture. Thus the cannonball impression... It was just a dumb mistake.”

“A mistake almost made you go supersonic?!” Mom and Mark near shouted in unison.

I gave them such a glare I'm surprised their noses didn't catch fire. They did flinch away from me, though... “How. The. Fuck. Do you two think I feel about this?! I'm worried I’ll sneeze wrong and kill somebody! I could probably cause collateral by shouting right now!”

That actually shook Mark out of it. “...Like now?”

My anger just... drained. I felt... empty, just empty. I sagged down on the ground again. “...I was thinking like this, but sure...”

Mark responded by hoisting my up, and just carrying me inside like a sack of potatoes. “...Wha...?” I managed, oozing style and grace...

Mom took the rear, hand over her face as to not laugh herself silly.

“You've had one long, weird, and troubled day. Whatever you have planned with those bowls can wait until tomorrow. I'm putting you in bed...”

My stomach growled again, interrupting Mark.

“...after having gotten you some food and water.” He added, barely missing a beat.

I just sank down over his shoulder. I must admit, that... did sound good. “...Actually I wanted to do a small thing for the chili...”

“I made a large pot. You can do that tomorrow...”

Aww... It sure feels nice to be cared for, for once...

“...Thanks, Mark. But can you please put me down?” I asked politely.

He grunted unhappily, but complied. The down was far gentler than the up, but I got an unamused look at the end of it.

We were just inside the door, so I snagged the towel from outside using my TK. Both gave it interested looks as it drifted by that only stopped when I reared up on my hind-legs and wrapped it around my waist again.

Mark had a slight tint of red to his cheeks, but I pretended not to notice it as I walked out to the kitchen.

My large grin and tail swinging a bit wider was completely a coincidence, I swear.

The smell hit my immediately when I entered the kitchen. Beans, spices, rise...

And flesh, if I may be a bit dramatic. The smell made me drool so badly I had to wipe my neck.

Mark chuckled behind me. “Told ya.” He said a bit smug to mom, who just let out a sigh in response.

I remembered a certain hunks display earlier and turned my head without bothering with the rest of me. I kept it to the side, as to not unmake the progress mom had made with accepting my little my little pony condition, but I had my head to a ninety degree angle from forward and my neck wasn't even strained. Felt a bit funky, but considering that held true for more or less all of my body at the moment...

Mark must have anticipated my question, because he just pointed to the fridge. I gave him a nod and a smile, before asking: “Already eaten? Or should I...?” I gave another nod to the sunbathed dinner-table.

Mark sat down at the same. “Was waiting for you two.” Mom looked a bit guilty, before following his example.

I also sat down. Grinning. They looked confused for a moment, then Mark face-palmed and mom just gave her head another shake.

Tough crowd... Suddenly I got Trixie's reaction in Boast Busters a bit better... Wonder what happened to her, now that I think about it? No matter, not important at the moment. “Come on, if I don't practice...”

Mark made a get on with it gesture towards the fridge. I wasted no time complying...

Then I blushed and rose from my seat. “Sorry, got carried away and forgot that you need to be able to visualize the thing...”

Mark just facepalmed again, but mom was... grinning. I gave her a puzzled look. “Just nice to see some proof this is as new to you...”

My eyebrow rose. “And the scene outdoors?”

“You made a mach-cone...” Mark answered plainly. “...I think we're entitled to be a little startled.” Mom nodded her agreement.

“...Fair enough,” I said as I turned. They kinda had a point. I mean, had anybody told me last month I'd be doing stuff like that by mistake, I would have called them major league crazy.

I got to the center of the room, and got to work. The cupboard with the plates and glasses, the fridge and the drawer with the cutlery all flew open as I willed it. I fought down a desire to sing ‘Higitus Figitus’ from Disney's The Sword in the Stone. The mental image of me recreating that scene without really meaning to was hilarious, but I didn't think mom would be very happy if I actually managed to do it...

And the Fluttershy thing? I must admit, I was getting disturbingly used to this shape. The mental bits are terrifying...but the rest? What kid didn't dream about flying through the sky shooting lasers from their eyes at one point or another? I was having a blast with it.

I started with the cutlery, just to be sure. I more sensed Mark and mom tense then saw it... But they relaxed when they saw the spoons float to my outstretched hoof. I saw no reason to risk anything or anybody else today.

I started humming, as I shut the drawer. I mean, just look at me. I'm using my mind slash and or magic to serve dinner. How cool is that?

I floated the pots with chili and rise out of the fridge, grabbing a jug of OJ on impulse, before shutting the door. I didn't even feel strained, as I floated them all to the table.

A grin split my face. I levitated the bowls to me, and made them float around in a circle at arm height as if I was juggling them, as I turned back. “Look, ma! No hands!” I said, waving my hooves just to make the joke lamer.

This time mom joined Mark in his contemplation of close-range palm-reading.

I sat down giggling, while placing the bowls down.

I stopped, and refocused on the cupboard. The five glasses I'd forgotten soon joined us, even if mine and one of the extras made a small pit-stop at the tap.

I grinned at my slightly stunned dinner partners. “So, how was that?” I said, taking a swig of my water and draining the glass in that one sweep. I refilled it with OJ, using my hooves this time. Fuck me if I know how they do the whole sticking to things thing, but then that goes for a lot of my body at the moment...

They looked a little impressed, but it was a far-cry from the shouts the first few times I'd pulled it off. Mark nodded to the extra glasses. “What's that for?”

“Small experiment.” I answered, sounding as uninformative on purpose as I could. I put a wingtip to my lips and hushed, as they both started asking something.

They leaned back, waiting for me to continue with interest.

Now, the thing I was about to do? Started as a (Allegedly. Memories. Bla,bla, bla...) as a pegasi trick to preserve food. Salt is heavy, and you might need to trade for it. Smoking stuff tastes good and is kinda easy, but you either have to spend more time on the ground then most pegasi are comfortable with or drag lumber to cloud height. Drying... well, that works, but without salt it gets very bland.

But water and something to pour or stir with? When you live on, and can reshape clouds, then those things are near everywhere.

I started pouring the water back and forth between the glasses, pouring magic into the liquid as I did so, and keeping it in the light. For the first dozen or so pours, nothing much happened...

Then mom and Mark gasped, as it started changing color.

Or colors, to be precise.

I continued the back and forth moment until the liquid was completely rainbow colored.

“...Is that...?” Mark asked in a quiet voice. Mom looked between my smug grin, and Mark's slack jaw, clearly wondering what was so special about the pretty liquid...

“Yup, Rainbow essence.” I raised the glass, making all its colors dance along the table. “Might be the first drops of it on dear old Sol III, even.”

Mark grabbed a spoon, pointing it the wrong way towards the glass. “May I?”

I grinned. Mark's one of those that think Jalapenos makes nice snacks, especially with a bit of Tabasco.I knew he would be interested. “Sure, but only one drop to begin with.”

He nodded. “Can you get the milk? Just to be sure?”

I nodded back, and easily levitated a jug of it over, now that I know how the inside of the fridge currently looked. Mark was focused on the prismatic liquid, but I got another nod as thanks.

“Sure this is safe?” Mom asked, looking intrigued, but a bit worried.

Mark dipped the end of the spoon down, as he answered. “Supposed to be spicy as hell, but safe to eat...”

I realized mom had a point. “Put some on your skin, first. Just in case.”

He grumbled, but complied. He looked surprised as soon as the drop landed on the flat of his hand. “...Huh, it's actually a bit warm to the touch. Like keeping it in a tiny sunbeam.”

“Nothing else?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Nothing I can feel.” He leaned in, and licked it off. Mom and I held our breaths...

And then... nothing happened.

He looked at the glass, disappointment writ large.

Then... nothing happened.

He didn't even do the change colors thing. Let down!

“...Perhaps it’s more reactive with pony taste-buds?” I volunteered.

Mark just shrugged, dipping his spoon the right way down this time. “Kinda like a bit stronger habaneros, but a sweet taste, rather than a smoky one. Not bad, but not flames from the mouth hot.”

Mom was smiling bemusedly. “I know what you two consider not that strong. I think I'll pass...”

I shrugged, before dipping my own spoon and showing it in my mouth. A burning sensation quickly filled my mouth, but it was just as Mark said. A sweet, non-smoky habanero, not the magical flamethrower I'd expected.

It was good though. A really nice, crisp taste and I could imagine it becoming something of a staple on the table for dishes like this. And not only at our table, at that... Just... a bit of a letdown. “So much for that theory...” I added, as I re-dipped my spoon and started licking it like a sucker from hell.

Mom was just shaking her head at her two insane so- children, before Mark offered: “Try taking a gulp. It might be something with the spoons, or we aren’t getting enough of it in one go...”

I gave another shrug, as I grabbed the glass. It was really neat how the colors didn't blend together, but I must admit I felt disappointed in my creation. I tilted my head back, and took a large swig.

I even sloshed it around in my mouth a bit, before swallowing. That made me give off a small wince afterward and to chase it down with a swig from the milk, but nope. Nothing more.

“...Does it need to simmer for a bit to become the proper deal?”

I gave him a shake, making my hair dance around. “Not to my ‘memory...’ It just has to go opaque. That's it...”

“Lame!” Mark shouted, before taking his own swig of the rainbow liquid. He too winced, but nothing more.

I bumped the jug of OJ against the milk jug he took up, before answering. “You said it.” We both took a swig of the jugs, before setting them down.

“...I just know I'm going to regret this...” Mom muttered, turning the near empty glass upside down over her spoon. A single drop fell on it.

Mark scooted the jug of milk over to her, as she braced herself. She hesitated, but opted to just jam the thing straight into her mouth in the end.

For a moment I thought it might be working, but her face had just gotten a bit red the natural way. She grabbed the milk and almost drained the half-full container. “You two are insane.” She panted out, as she put the jug back on the table.

Mark and I just shared a laugh at that, as we started scooping up the proper food. Mom joined in on both as soon as she stopped panting.

We eat mostly in silence, focused on the food. Mark had made it a bit mild for mom's sake, but the chili was still divine. Moist, soft beans, juicy meat and just a hint of the lager Mark favored.

Or perhaps that was me, the whole enhanced senses working in tandem with my two weeks without meat on my plate. Mom gave me a couple of worried looks at the start, but quickly relaxed when I just kept shoveling the stuff down my hatch.

Mark shook his head a couple of times at the sight, but made no comment. He did fish out his cell and snap a pic, but that was it.

Before long, I was done and floated the dishes over to the sink as I got up with a content smile on my face. “Thanks. As good as ever, Mark.”

My giant of a brother was still shoveling food into his black pit of a stomach, but he looked up and gave me an appreciating smile.

“Mind if I dodge the rest? I'm spent.”

He just waved a hand vaguely towards my room. “Heck, the parts I saw were bad enough. You go sleep.”

I nodded and smiled thankfully, before wishing them both goodnight and heading to my bed.

Truth be told, I had a small loft over my shop I usually lived in, and this old room of mine was mostly a bed and a nightstand. Still, it had been a lifesaver during this pony thing considering how much closer to civilization my shop was. I doubt I would have even finished changing before an insane fan would have clobbered me over the head, had I tried to hide there.

I closed and locked my door, before just letting my towel fall and unceremoniously flopping onto the bed.

My eyes drifted between my nightstand and my assets... The thought of some ‘alone time’ was tempting, but I was simply too spent. I decided that my new interest in toys and the shower slash car I'd almost forgot about could wait until tomorrow.

I barely got the blanket over me and my head on my pillows, before I started drifting off. All that energy I'd been throwing around must have gotten to me worse than I thought.

But a good day, all-things considered...

I thought with a smile, before untroubled sleep claimed me.

Author's Note

Regarding the meat thing... There's actually a scene in the show that supports the MLP ponies are omnivores thing:

Notice the boulogne sandwich? Just so you guys don't think I'm completely pulling it from my arse.