Chapters Chapter 2: Different Views
Fillie's Play
Tangerine's POV
-Earlier this morning at Orange Hotel-
Things have gotten pretty slow at home for Tangerine. She may have gotten a new friend at school and hanging out with her cousin this year, but she feels bored. Maybe the fact that Hearth's Warming Eve was a few days ago, or that she was forced to go to bed early two nights ago and not attend the party. The party was for adults only, but she tried convincing her parents to stay up late and talk to her mom's friends, or even Blossomforth, whom she's been talking to the most out of her mom's friends. She even tried pretending not to be tired, but that didn't work as she was yawning the whole night. Before she knew it, she woke up the next morning and slept the whole party away.
Now today, she feels that many things in her life are being missed out on if only she grew up. Now how exactly is she going to grow up if she doesn't even have her cutie mark yet. She then smells something cooking and snaps back to reality. She sees her mom cooking breakfast for her and Dad. Even after the reunion months ago, and helping Blossomforth's health for her job, she's been cooking more and more and even has gotten better, that she even rarely has the hotel staff cook the meals for her family anymore.
The thought then hits Tangerine and wonders what her mom's fillyhood was like back on the farm in Ponyville. As her mom comes into the dining room with plates full of pancakes and eggs on her back, she puts them down on the table and goes back into the kitchen for the milk. Tangerine thinks it's now or never to ask mom what her fillyhood was like. Tangerine gets up from her chair and goes over to the kitchen. As she gets there, her mom is just getting out with the pitcher of milk in her mouth.
As mom puts down the pitcher, Tangerine then asks, "Mommy, what was it like when you were a kid?"
This gets Sherbet's attention and turns around to answer, "Why so sudden with a question like that?
"I'm just concerned that's all.", says Tangerine.
Sherbet then sits down on one of the dining chairs in preparation to answer her daughter's question. "Well sweetie, when I was your age, I worked on the family farm back in Ponyville. You may not know it, but everyday was work for me and my sister, and it was all to keep the family farm up and apple sales in bloom. The only time my sister and I had any fun was when mother went to town to sell our harvest. When she got back though, we had to get back to work for the rest of the day until dinnertime. When sleep the night and continue the whole thing the next day."
Tangerine has a frown on her face as though she never got a clear answer. "Life on the farm sounded boring.", says Tangerine.
"Oh no dearie, my sister and I got used to working, it was fun to us. It's just that when there are days we're tired or bored, we have some games to play to pass the time.", says Sherbet.
Sherbet then recollects her memories backs on the farm with a smile, but then frowns almost immediately and sighs.
"Although, when I met your father and moved to Manehattan, life got boring for me. I'll be honest sweetie, I missed the farm life instead of the enclosed boring work place like now. Sometimes I wish I could go back to my teen years and relive the years I've missed.", says a distraught Sherbet.
Then Sherbet remembers that she's talking to her daughter. She then puts a smile back on her face.
"Okay now sweetie. Time to eat your breakfast. Then when you're done, get ready for school, and I'll see you home tonight.", says Sherbet as she kisses her daughter on the head.
Sherbet then leaves the dining room and goes back into the kitchen to clean up. Tangerine then goes back to her chair and begins to eat her breakfast. Although she asked her mom the question she asked, she never got the answer she wanted. Will the rest of her fillyhood be boring until she's an adult? Or will it be the other way around?
-Later that afternoon, 4:30 p.m.-
After school, Tangerine and her cousin Babs Seed, are walking back home. Even throughout the school day, Tangerine still wonders what her fillyhood will amount too, or what her adulthood will be in the future.
"Hey cuz, what's on yer mind?", asked Babs.
Tangerine snaps back to reality again. She needs to stop doing this.
"Wha? Oh, sorry Babs. I've got a lot on my mind.", says Tangerine.
Babs raises a brow, "Oh, wut is it?"
"Well, have you ever wondered what you'll be as an adult?"
"Not really. Mah folks always say that the future is like a empty field. You'll nevah know what will bloom unless you give it time and patience. So now I jus go with the flow by helping us and muhself finding our cutie marks."
"Oh, okay..."
"Why? Is sumthin on yer mind?"
"No, not at all. Just wondering."
As they reach the street corner where Babs and Tangerine usually split off to go home, Tangerine then got an idea.
"I got it!", yells Tangerine.
Babs, getting startled by this, then asks, "Wut, wut is it?!"
"I know how to get my answer!", says Tangerine with a big grin on her face.
Babs is still confused on what is going on in her cousin's mind.
"Sorry Babs, I gotta get home now, bye!", she says so fast that it is almost inaudible.
Babs is then left alone in the snowy crosswalk what just happened.
-Outside Orange Hotel, 4:45 p.m.-
Tangerine, now out of breath from running home, couldn't wait to tell her mom her great idea. As she approaches the front doors to the hotel, she sees her dad just exiting the building. Mosely sees her daughter running towards him but stops her short.
"Woah there little missy, what's with all the rush?", asks Mosely.
"Hi Daddy, where Mommy?", asks Tangerine.
"Oh, she just left a few minutes ago. Spike just came by and told her that Twilight needed her at the library.", says Mosely.
"Okay Daddy, thank you!", she says quickly and then runs off again towards the library.
Mosely, like Babs, is wondering why she's in a rush.
-Manehattan Library, 5:00 p.m.-
The library, much like the school, is just straightaway from the hotel, but the library is much further away. Then she sees the library just a few feet away. Then she hears yelling in the distance. She looks around to see where it's coming from, and then sees two figures yelling near the library's bus stop. The one yelling is a red unicorn, and the confused looking one is a griffon. As she continues to stare, she sees them walk toward the entrance of the library and enter the building, while still arguing.
After they enter the building, she then follows suit and goes through the double doors. She then feels the warmth of the inside of the library, and proceeds to take off her winter clothing. As she does so, she hears a familiar cry.
"Stop, don't go in there! It's too dangerous!", says a childish voice.
"Get out of my way dragon! I'm going to have a talk with Daring and that's that!", says the voice she heard outside.
She hears the voices on the second floor, and looks up. She sees Spike trying to block the two from entering a door into what she guessed is Twilight's room. As she goes up the steps to the second floor, she sees the two guys then proceed to enter the door with Spike giving a last minute plea.
"Please don't go in..."
*SLAM*
"Daring we need your help!", says the unicorn.
She looks pat them to see a bit of Twilight and her friends, and even her mom! Then she sees the room start to brighten up.
"Everypony run!", yells Twilight.
Not knowing what will happen, she jumps out of the way instinctively next to a nearby table with her head poking out. At the last second, she hears a loud boom and sees a purple flash from outside the inside of the room. As that happened, the two guys are then flung back from the blast, and fly down to the first floor. Spike isn't knock back as far, but is knocked out cold. She then feels something hit her head and feels something wet covering her. She looks in front of her to see a cup on the floor and green liquid covering the floor.
"Eeech, what is this stuff?", she says as she wipes the stuff off of her.
Afterwards, she feels a tingling sensation and feels woozy. Just then, she feels her back hit the table and move it. What's going on? Then the table is flipped over hits the floor with a slam! Spike is then waking up from the blast and feels woozy.
"Oh, what happened?, says a hurt Spike.
Spike then looks to his side and sees a mare crouching on the floor, next to a flipped table.
"Hey who are you? Did you come here with those stupid treasure hunters?", questions an angry Spike.
"What are you talking about Spike?", says Tangerine, but something is off about her voice.
"How do you know my name; and why don't you have a cutie mark?", asks a confused Spike.
"Spike, don't you recognize me? It's me, Tangerine.", says a deep toned Tangerine.
Spike tries to imagine it, then he notices the green liquid on the ground. He then remembers Twilight making this stuff for her demonstration. His eyes go wide as he now buts two and two together.
"Now Tangerine, don't panic.", says a worried Spike.
"Why?, says Tangerine as she gets up from the floor.
Spike then goes to her and turns her around to a mirror hanging on the wall. On the mirror, she sees herself, but also a bit of her mom. She blinks one eye, and the reflection blinks back. She then jumps back, and then looks all around her. She got taller, and her tail and mane got longer too. Now she knows why her voice sounded deeper, she got older.
"Spike, what was in that stuff that got on me?", asks Tangerine.
"Well Twilight made it for.....Oh my gosh, Twilight!", says a worried Spike as he then remembers that his friend maybe hurt from the explosion.
Spike then goes into Twilight's room, that is now filled with smoke that's coming out. Tangerine then looks back to the mirror. She looks at herself and as before, sees a bit of herself and her mom. Her mane got longer and her face looks pretty. Just to be sure, she checks her flank, but still no cutie mark.
She then hears a yell come from Twilights room. Panicking, she gets the table up and hides behind it, hoping for no one to see her like this. She then hears hoovesteps and sees five fillies and a teenager mare head downstairs. What is odd is that all of them look like Twilight and her friends, but the teenager looks like her mom. What happened after that explosion?
She then sees Spike take up the rear and sees him motion her to come down. Tangerine then comes out of hiding and goes down the stairs.
"...you've got six problems on your hoof.", says the tan filly.
"Um, make that seven problems.", says a worried Spike.
Everypony then looks to her, even the teenage mare. Now closer, Tangerine then recognizes her as her mom!
"Tangerine?", asks the confused mare.
"Mommy?", says a confused Tangerine.
Then both filly Twilight and Sherbet both faint. Everpony gasps as Tangerine then goes to her mom.
"Mommy!", says a distraught Tangerine.
Team Grifficorn POV
-Earlier Today, 4:45 p.m.-
After spending almost a full night of riding a bus from Baltimare to Manehattan, Maximus and Hairy finally make it to their destination. On the bus, Hairy is sitting down on one of the seats of the bus with a duffel bag. In the bag is Maximus, trying to avoid being caught. Since they didn't have enough bits for both of them to go to Manehattan on a one-way trip, Maximus hatched an idea for him to sneak aboard in a traveling bag. It almost failed when Hairy almost gave him away at the bus stop, but with some, 'persuasion' from his bag, he forgot. Now it's the middle of the afternoon, and they're both about to stop at their first location to look for Daring, her friend's library.
Hairy then gets off the bus with his 'luggage' in tow. After the bus then leaves, Hairy opens up the bag, and out pops up Maximus taking in a deep breath of fresh air.
"Hairy, what the hoof do you use this bag for?!", shouts Maximus.
"It's my first time using the bag, Maxy", says an innocent Hairy.
"Then why does it smell like the inside of a motel bathroom?", questions Maximus.
"Oh. Our rat friends left us some small presents for us in there. So I had to dump them out to make room for you.", says Hairy with a smile.
Maximus is shocked, and his face starts becoming green. Maximus then quickly gets out of the bag with his hoof on his mouth, and runs towards the bushes. As he gets in the bushes, Hairy then hears a 'yak' sound. As Maximus gets out, he uses his magic on Hairy to grab his neck. Hairy feels the strain of his friend's magic on his neck, as Maximus then walks up to his face with fire in his eyes.
"Maxy, freezer, freezer!", squeaks out Hairy.
As if by command, Maximus starts counting.
"10, 9, 8, 7, 6....", says Maximus in-between his teeth.
As he counts, he starts to loosen his grip of his magic. He also starts to cool off and his anger is almost gone.
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1.", says a now calm Maximus.
Hairy then wipes his head of sweat as he avoided anything worse from his rage filled friend. Maximus then glares at Hairy.
"Next time warn me about something like that!", shouts Maximus.
"What's wrong with the bag?", says a confused Hairy.
Maximus sighs then says, "Nevermind, we've wasted time already. Come on.
Maximus then gestures Hairy to follow him. They cross the street and head to the double doors of the library.
"Hairy, next time, put me in a new, clean bag.", says a now again angered Maximus.
They then enter through the doors and go into the library. Inside, they see that it seems to be deserted.
"Where is everyone?", says Hairy.
Then there's a noise from the second floor, like a door opening and closing. Maximus then goes up the steps, with Hairy following him. They both reach the top of the stairs and see someone preparing some food on a plate with drinks on the other. As he turns around, Maximus recognizes him as the dragon that grabbed the Soluna Stone, and that was the last time he saw it before it was lost forever in the ruins. Both the dragon and Maximus make eye contact with each other.
"You!", say both Maximus and Spike.
"What are you doing here?"
"Stop saying what I'm saying."
"Cut it out!"
They keep both saying the same thing, until Maximus then charges and pins Spike to the ground.
"It's your fault we're in this mess dragon!", shouts Maximus.
"I have a name you know, it's Spike. What are you doing here?", says a courageous Spike.
"We want to ask that unicorn friend of yours a question.", says Maximus.
"Trixie?", says a confused Spike.
"No! The other unicorn!", shouts Maximus.
"What do you want with Twilight? She's busy with her frie....", says Spike before he shuts his mouth from saying anything else.
Maximus looks up and sees a door. Spike catches this and figures that if he goes in, then the spell will backfire. Maximus starts to get up from Spike.
"Stop, don't go in there! It's too dangerous!"
"Get out of my way dragon! I'm going to have a talk with Daring and that's that!", says Maximus.
He lets go of Spike as he pushes him to the side. He then gestures Hairy to follow.
"So Twilight is meeting her friends, huh? That means Daring is here!", says Maximus as he then opens the door.
"Please don't go in....", pleas Spike.
It's too late. Maximus then slams the door open.
"Daring, we need your help!", shouts Maximus.
Inside the room, he sees six ponies all gathered around. They then all look to see the source of the disturbance. He recognizes the two unicorns he saw before back in Saddle Arabia. The purple unicorn, Twilight, is surrounded by what he thinks is a magic barrier. The blue unicorn in a hat and robe, he suspects from the dragon, is Trixie. His eyes are then drawn to an earth pony with a sweater covering her cutie mark and glasses. What strikes it odd is that she looks like Daring, with the same coat and two-tone mane. Then he sees the magic barrier from Twilight start to crack.
"Everypony, run!", shouts Twilight.
Just as she says that, the barrier then shatters and explodes. The magic wave from the explosion then hits Maximus and Hairy and flings them both back. Maximus feels a sharp pain all over his body then falls unconscious.
Maximus tries to wake up, but doesn't have the energy to do so. He then starts to feel something hit his face. He then opens his eyes and starts to get his vision back. His is head feeling sore, so he goes to feel it. It feels almost empty, like something is missing. He then comes back to reality and then he understands what's missing, his horn!
"Try saying that to our faces!", says a squeaky voice.
Maximus then sees a filly on top of him with a compass cutie mark wearing oversized clothing, and has the same coat and mane like Daring.
"Daring?", says Maximus.
The filly is shocked to hear that.
"How did you...nevermind that, you've got six problems on your hoof.", says the filly Daring.
Spike then walks up to them with another unknown individual.
"Um, make that seven problems.", says a worried Spike.
Everypony then looks to their new guest. It's an adult mare with a peach colored coat, a short, green mane and tail, but what stands out is that she has no cutie mark.
"Tangerine?", says the teenage mare.
"Mommy?", replies the confused and scared mare.
Upon the realization for this, both Twilight and Sherbet then faint and fall unconscious.
Seeing the whole group of fillies Maximus is trying to figure out what is going on as the whole group goes to attend their unconscious friends.
"Maxy, we've gone and made a big problem." ironically says Hairy.
Maximus couldn't Take it anymore. He then yells so loud that it could reach the very gates of Tartarus.
Author's Note
This chapter is just to setup the plot and get multiple views on how this all happened. Glad I could do a diiferent POV story and hope to continue with more of these in the story. As usual, Like, Comment, Fav.
Fillies Play
-The Next Morning, 9:00am-
Twilight wakes up with a headache, and sees she's in her bed. She looks around the room, but doesn't see anypony in the room except Spike.
"Spike! Oh thank Celestia that was all a dream.", says Twilight with a smile.
Spike looks back to Twilight and sees she's awake.
"Twilight, you're awake!", says a happy Spike.
Spike goes to hug Twilight on her bed. Spike lets go and sits on the bed.
"Spike, I just had the most horrible dream. I botched up a spell, and accidentally turned all of our friends into fillies. Plus, Tangerine became an adult from my potion. Boy was that weird.", says Twilight as she chuckles from what she just said.
"Um, that wasn't a dream Twi.", hesitantly says Spike.
Twilight then feels herself over, and then notices that the bed is bigger than before. She groans and was hoping to deny this whole accident.
"So everypony is still a filly?", asks Twilight.
Spike nods.
"And Tangerine being a mare?", asks Twilight.
"The potion accidentally got on her after the explosion.", says Spike.
Twilight groans even more and rubs her temples.
"Where is everypony?", says a distressed Twilight.
"In the lobby. Auntie has also woken up, and we're patching up our two 'guests'.", says Spike as he quotes the last word.
Twilight then remembers the unicorn and griffon that had come by and interrupted the spell.
"Has anypony talked to them?", says an angry Twilight.
"No one. We're waiting for you to talk as soon as you got up.", says Spike.
"Then let's go.", says Twilight as she leaps off the bed.
Twilight and Spike then go out of the room and trot down to the first floor lobby. She sees her friends, still fillies. Daring and Trixie have taken off their clothes, and Sherbet is right next to her now adult daughter, Tangerine. Blossomforth and Octavia are patching up both Maximus and Hairy. Blossomforth is being very gentle as to try and reattach Maximus' horn, and Octavia is bandaging Hairy's broken wing. Twilight makes it to the bottom of the steps and everypony looks to her.
"About time you wake up, Trixie wants to interrogate these meanies!", says an annoyed Trixie.
The whole group then looks to Trixie and are confused why she talked like she is in magic kindergarten.
"Nice insult.", says Maximus.
"Shut up no-horn! It's your fault we're like this!", says Daring.
"Stop yelling, I don't like yelling.", says a quivering Blossomforth.
"Oh hush up. I hate cowardly commoners like you.", says a harsh Octavia.
Twilight looks at all of her friends and wonders why they're talking like children. She notices that Sherbet and Tangerine have the same worried looks on their faces too.
Twilight goes over and asks, "What is happening to everypony?"
"We don't know dearie. They started acting like this all night after we passed out. At least, that's what Tangerine said.", says a worried Sherbet.
Twilight then hears 'all night', and then asks, "All night? How long was I out?"
"About 16 hours.", says Tangerine.
"Oh no, this is bad, very bad!", says a worried Twilight.
"What's wrong?", asks Sherbet.
"I never anticipated something like this. Let me explain.", says Twilight.
Sherbet and Tangerine then sit down and pay attention to listen to Twilight's explanation.
"I know the spell is supposed to regress one object's age, but never thought about the side effects on living creatures other than plants and furniture. What I can theorize is that because we changed back to fillies, our mental stability is also altered as well. So not only do we look like fillies, we now act like fillies.", says Twilight.
"How come the three of us are unaffected?", asks Sherbet.
"I have book smarts and an adult mindset at this point to keep me stable. Plus the fact I was unconscious for 16 hours. So it may be taking affect slowly. Since both of you two are close to being mares, I can suggest your minds are unaffected.", says Twilight.
"Well how long does this spell last?", asks Sherbet.
"It doesn't. This spell can't be cured unless I make the antidote, but since the antidote was used on Tangerine, I need to make another one.", says Twilight.
"Where can we get more supplies?", asks Sherbet.
"I don't know, I got this stuff when I left Canterlot in case for my studies. I don't know where to get them now.", says a worried Twilight.
"What are the items you need?", asks Tangerine.
"A Phoenix feather, Poison Joke, and senescit* berries.", says Twilight.
"Now where in the hay in all of Equestria can we find these?", asks Sherbet.
"I don't know, but if this isn't fixed by 5 pm tomorrow according to my calculations, the spell will be permanent.", says a distraught Twilight.
Everypony in the room looks towards Twilight all react the same with a big, "WHAT!"
Then everypony in the room starts panicking.
"I can't be like this forever, I'm Daring Do, I need to go on adventures!"
"My audience won't allow a filly like Trixie to perform on stage without getting hurt!"
"If only I have my flowers to keep me company."
"I can't perform in the Canterlot Symphony Orchestra as a filly!"
"How will my husband react to being married to a teenager?"
"How will daddy react to having a mare for a child?"
Then somepony roars at the top of his lungs, "SHUT UP!"
Then the whole room goes quiet, and looks toward the sinister duo all bandaged up.
"What are we, an eye sore, what about us and our situation?", says Maximus.
Daring then flies toward him and gets right in his face.
"If it wasn't for you two, we wouldn't be in this mess? Plus, how did you know I was Daring Do?", asks Daring.
"Okay, let me explain. First, your disguise doesn't fool me. A sweater and glasses, really? Who are you, Supercolt? Second, Hairy and I didn't know about this, we wanted to come and ask for your help.", says Maximus.
Then the whole group is getting confused and raising a brow at this.
"Let me start at the beginning.", says Maximus.
Maximus then tells everypony about their troubles after their dealings with Ahuizotl, and coming here to ask for money troubles. Maximus made sure to try and keep Hairy from blabbering the truth of trying to trick them and run off with the money they need. So he trained Hairy the night before to stop speaking his mind.
"So that's why you came here?", says Daring.
"Yes, and I'm sorry for roughing up the little guy. Old habits die hard.", says a sorry Maximus.
They get a cold stare from Spike as a response, but pay no attention.
"Well, what do we do now dearie?", asks Sherbet.
"I don't know. Where can we find the supplies we need in this large city by 5 o'clock tomorrow night?", says Twilight.
Maximus and Hairy get up while posing and say, "Why not Team Grifficorn!"
Twilight raises her brow with confusion.
"Did you forget, we're treasure hunters. Anything that needs finding, we'll help you retrieve it.", says Hairy with a smile on his face.
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you.", says Blossomforth as she goes to hug Hairy.
Maximus then pries her off Hairy and says, "However, there is the term of payment."
"I knew you two were up to something!", shouts Daring.
"Us? We wouldn't dream of something like that.", says Maximus.
The whole group starts getting suspicious about the situation at hoof.
Maximus then begins to state his demands, "You need to make a cure, we need money to keep our business afloat. I believe we can make an arrangement. Since you are all not in the situation to do such a thing walking around a large city as fillies, probably not the best idea. However, since two of your friends are of proper age to walk around, they can help us. Here's the deal, Orange Sherbet pays us the amount we need to get us out of debt, and Hairy and I along with your friends, will help get the supplies you need. Do we have a deal?"
He gestures a hoof to Twilight in order to close the deal.
Twilight tries to consider this, but doesn't have the option of figuring out any other ideas, considering the situation they're in. She then comes to a conclusion.
Twilight gestures her hoof forward and pounds Maximus' hoof and says, "Deal. You'll only get paid after the job is finished, got it?"
"No problems on our end.", says Maximus with a smile on his face.
"Twilight, are you crazy, after what happened to us?", says Daring.
"We don't have much of a choice in the matter now do we?", says Twilight.
Maximus then looks to Sherbet and says, "You'll gladly pay for our services after wards right?"
Sherbet then glares at the suspicious duo and says, "Only if you keep your end of the bargain."
Spike then speaks and asks, "Well, what now?"
Sherbet then says, "Spike, you stay here and keep our friends in check, we don't know how much further the spell will affect them."
Spike then salutes and keeps his vow to do so, "You can count on me."
"Where do we start first?", asks Tangerine.
"Let's ask somepony where to find these things.", asks Hairy.
Maximus then slaps his head until somepony speaks, "Let's ask my husband, he has much information about finding anything in the city.", says Sherbet
"Then let's go!", says Maximus.
The four individuals start to head out the door as Spike says, "Good luck guys!"
Everypony waves and exit the library as a thought occurs in Maximus' head.
"They thought us out pretty quick. So they made sure to pay us later instead of right away. No matter, I can make this work later in the long run.", thinks Maximus.
As they leave the library, Twilight then says, "I'll be in my room studying to prepare to get everything back to normal."
Twilight then goes up to the second floor and closes the door to her room.
Spike then draws his attention to the rest of the fillies.
"So, what do you all want to do?", asks Spike.
"Play with us.", says Daring with an evil smile on her face.
She then takes a step forward with her sweater in her mouth, followed by Trixie, Blossomforth, and Octavia, having the same look on their faces as Daring.
"Uh, what are you all going to do?", asks Spike.
"Come play with us Spike, forever, and ever, and ever.", says everypony at the same time.
They then launch at Spike and he screams at the top of his lungs in fright.
-Orange Hotel: Orange Residence, 10:00 am-
After Sherbet and Tangerine make it back home along with Hairy and Maximus, they had to endure many stares not only from the staff, but they had to deal with the shock from Mosely as soon as they entered the door. After calming him down, they explained what happened, and what they're planning to do to solve this problem.
Mosely is trying to wrap all of this in his head, but is having trouble doing so.
"I can't believe this happened! You look just like the day I met you!", says a distraught Mosely.
"Hard to believe Mosely, but this is the truth.", says a sorry Sherbet.
Mosely then looks over to his daughter and says, "Not only that, our daughter is a fully grown mare!"
Tangerine is by a mirror and checking herself all over.
"Now the more I think about it, I wanted to be an adult. I may get used to this.", says a smiling Tangerine.
"Now don't get any ideas little missy.", says an angry Sherbet.
Mosely then looks at Maximus with a face full of rage. He goes over to him and pins him to the wall.
"You caused this, and you better fix this.", says an angry Mosely.
"Why is everypony grabbing me today?", questions Maximus.
"I have every mind to knock you senseless, but I'm a proper gentlecolt. The worst that can happen to you is that I can sue you.", says Mosely.
"Oh great, as if we didn't have financial troubles already.", ironically says Maximus.
Sherbet then separated her husband from Maximus.
"Hold it dear! I've agreed to help them, and in return pay them for helping us.", says Sherbet.
"What are you saying? You're going to reward these brutes for causing all of this in the first place?", questions Mosely.
Tangerine then steps in as well.
"Please daddy, let them help. They're trying to fix this mess, and in return we pay them to get out of debt. We can't do that until you help point us in the right direction.", says Tangerine with a sad look on her face.
Mosely then calms down and sighs in submission from both his wife and daughter.
"Okay, I'll help." He then turns to Maximus, "Remember what I said. So don't get any ideas about causing more troubles for my wife and daughter. Got it?", says Mosely with a glare.
Mosely and Hairy both salute and stand at attention.
"We both swear on our lives nothing will happen.", says Maximus.
In the back of his mind however...
"He catches on quickly. Better keep an eye out for him in the future.", says Maximus in the back of his head.
Maximus and Hairy get away from the wall and go to sit on the living room couch. Sherbet and Tangerine go to stand next to them as Mosely then goes to sit on a nearby chair.
"Okay Mr. Orange, we've only got 31 hours to go until the spell is permanent. Do you any idea where we can find our supplies in under that time frame?", asks Maximus.
Mosely is in a thinking pose trying to collect a thought that may help them. He then gets an idea.
"I've got it!", shouts Mosely.
The group gets startled, but also pleased at the same time.
"One of our maids here had a sick filly about Tangerine's age, but nothing in our modern medicine could help her. So in a deed of desperation, she went to an unknown shop keep around Harlem. This shopkeeper specializes in magical cures of unknown origin. What the filly had was a illness called 'Dancer', where the filly started dancing uncontrollably. The shopkeeper said that she might've contracted it from a passing mosquito. Otherwise, he cured her sick child and asked for no payment in return.", says Mosely as he finishes his explanation.
Maximus then smiles and says, "Well, there's our solution. Next stop, Harlem!"
Before Team Grifficorn get off the couch, Sherbet interrupted them.
"Hold your hourses there! Harlem is no place to be here in Manehattan, especially at night.", says Sherbet.
"Well that's no trouble. We just need to get there before dark.", says Maximus with a cocky smile.
"I forgot to mention something though." Then everypony in the room looks to him, "The shopkeeper in question....is a zebra.
-Meanwhile, back at the library-
Spike is tied up and hanging from the second floor over some chemicals in a cauldron on the first floor. The Filly 6, excluding Twilight, are chanting while marching in formation around the cauldron.
Spike is then thinking, "Twilight, Sherbet, Tangerine, please find the cure fast, before I become dragon stew!"
-Only 31 hours remain....-
Author's Note
*Senescit is Latin for Aging.
Just to avoid any speculation, the future zebra isn't Zecora. This will be a different character. I promise to include more of Plot B with Spike and the Filly 6 in the future. As usual, Rate, Comment, and Fave.
Chapter 4: You've Met With A Terrible Fate
Fillie's Play
-Outskirts of Harlem, 11:00 A.M.-
Knowing that they need to see a zebra, their interest wasn't just intrigued, but also with a bit of concern. The group hasn't encountered or even seen a zebra before. Even Hairy and Maximus, on their various jobs, never even encountered any zebras before. All they heard about is they're native to Zebrica, and often practice charms or incantations as a substitute to magic in the world. Putting these together maybe be the only way to cure this, but they may need to be careful.
After being given directions to the zebra's shop by the maid in question from Mosely, they head their merry way to Harlem. After taking about an hour to get there, they reached the streets of Harlem. They can tell because of the worn down environment and of the unwelcome looks from the citizens on the streets.
While walking down the street, the group is staying huddled together to make sure they don't get separated. Even after getting to Harlem, they have no idea what building they're looking for. They want to ask, but some of the citizens were either giving them angry or happy looks. Some of the happy looking ones are making odd looks to Tangerine, and even whistling at her. They are then looking to avoid them and keep going their merry way.
Tangerine then tells her mom of what is on her mind.
"Those guys are giving me the creeps", says a worried Tangerine.
"Stallions will tend to do that whenever they see a beautiful mare out on the streets.", says Sherbet.
"But why?", asked Tangerine.
"Cause they like you for just your looks, and will do anything to have you.", says a stern Sherbet.
"I don't like the sound of that.", says a scared Tangerine.
"Well good. At least you'll know this when you are aged properly, next time.", says Sherbet.
Maximus then jumps into the conversation and says, "Okay, enough with the heartfelt speeches, we need to find this shop quickly."
"Keep your horn on pal!", says an angry Sherbet.
"I would, if it wasn't broken and attached with a bandage!", shouts Maximus.
"You forget that I'm the one paying for you to do this job."
"I wouldn't be so lenient to do this if I didn't have any choice not only to get out of this mess, but to also get my business afloat."
"Gaaahh! You're the most rude, selfish, and inconsiderate little spawn of Tartarus if I ever saw one!"
"Well, at least I don't act an upper crust attitude that needs adjusting!"
"Well I..."
Hairy and Tangerine then both interrupt them and shout, "Enough fighting!"
Both Maximus and Sherbet stop their arguing and look towards them.
"Maximus, remember, freezer.", says Hairy as if by command.
Maximus then starts counting down from 10 to 1 as he then calms his temper.
"Mommy, you never fight with anypony, not even daddy or me. What has gotten into you?", says a worried Tangerine.
Sherbet then realizes what she just did and says, "You're right. I don't know what came over me. I only acted like that out of instinct. That hasn't happened since...", then something hits her.
"Since what mommy?", asks Tangerine.
"...since I was a teenager back on the farm. Oh Celestia what's happening?", says a frightened Sherbet.
Maximus goes over back to Sherbet.
"Must be the spell taking affect.", says a now calm Maximus.
"But I thought the spell wouldn't be taking affect on us?", says a confused Sherbet.
"Don't forget that Twilight is a filly now. She may be miscalculating some information due to mentality loss for being a kid.", says Maximus.
"Then why isn't my daughter affected?", asks Sherbet.
"Maybe, since a child's mind is still developing over time, they don't have any parts of the brains fully developed. Since she's an adult from unnatural causes, she may have a fully grown brain, but she hasn't learned any of the traits or lessons to develop upon. That might explain why your friends are acting immature. Their brains have regressed thus resulting in their current state.", explains Maximus.
"Then why doesn't Twilight know this is happening to herself?", asks Tangerine.
"She may be oblivious at all of what's happening to her. She may be acting like it right now and not even notice. It could be like there's two minds in a body, one child, one adult.
Tangerine and Sherbet look at each other having worried looks on their faces.
"If that's true, and Twilight is mentally a filly, does that mean that the spell could be permanent even sooner than tomorrow?", says a scared Tangerine.
"I don't think so, but let's not get that thought in our heads. Let's find this shop and get this over with.", says Maximus.
Tangerine and Sherbet both nod in agreement as is not the time to get worried. The group then continues to go their merry way and return to their search for the mystery shop.
As Hairy and Maximus have a bit of whispering distance from Tangerine and Sherbet, they speak to each other.
"That's not like you to do something uplifting Maxy.", says Hairy.
"I can't let them be in a worried state of mind, otherwise we'll never achieve our goal.", says Maximus.
"I think these ponies are nice. Maybe this may not be the best idea to scam them.", says a sorry looking Hairy.
Maximus grabs a hold of his friend using his hoof, since his magic won't work because of his broken horn. He then looks into his friends eyes with a serious look on his face.
"Do you want to go back to the life we used to have? Cold and alone with nopony else to look out for other than ourselves. Remember the pact we made.", says Maximus with a cold tone.
Then Hairy gets a scared look on his face as if reliving a dark memory.
Maximus then let's go of Hairy and says, "Don't forget what happened, we only rely on ourselves."
Hairy then comes back to his senses and says, "You're right. The cold alley will never have me. Maxy will always be there for me. I need nopony else, but you."
Maximus got his answer. So he gestures his friend to keep moving and they go to catch up with Sherbet and Tangerine.
-Meanwhile, back at the Library-
After Spike got himself untied after being hung over a cauldron for an hour, he found his chance to escape after the five fillies went off who knows where. After he got himself down, he goes to find himself a hiding place. As he goes in the aisles of bookshelves, the place starts getting darker; Spike needs to remind Twilight to replace the light bulbs.
He then hears giggling coming from somewhere. He checks behind himself but finds nothing. The giggling is getting closer, but he still sees nothing. He then starts getting very scared and starts running down the aisles. As he is running, the giggling sounds like it's still getting closer. Spike runs with all of his might, but it seems to be getting him nowhere. He tries to go through different aisles to try and lose this voice, but even that isn't working as he is still hearing the giggling. Then he gets cornered at the corner of the aisle and is trapped. From both directions, he can hear more and more laughter coming towards him.
Then Spike sees five figures walking towards him. He sees that it's the fillies, and they're coming for him.
"Looks like our prisoner escaped.", says Daring with a creepy smile.
"You know what that calls for?", says Trixie with the same creepy smile.
Spike shakes his head.
Then the fillies say at the same time, "Punishment!"
As they're about to grab Spike, he then says out of fear, "Please, don't do anything to me! I'll do whatever you want, just please don't hurt me!"
They all stop and reply, "Anything?"
"Yes, anything you want me to do.", says a scared Spike.
Daring then goes up to him and says, "Okay then. You do whatever we ask for you to do, and in return, we won't 'hurt' you.
Spike then wipes his head with a sigh of relief.
He then asks them all, "Okay, which one of you shall I help first?"
Spike then hears a growling coming from Blossomforth.
"I'm hungry Spike, make me food!", shouts Blossomforth.
"Okay, what do you want to have?", asks Spike.
"Macaroni and Cheese!", says a happy Blossomforth.
Spike is now in the Library's kitchen that resides in the living quarters of the building, making the mac and cheese for Blossomforth. Spike has finished making the mac and cheese for Blossomforth. He carries the plate of mac and cheese to Blossomforth sitting at the table in the kitchen. As he puts the plate down, Blossomforth is looking angry.
"This stinks. I hate it this way!", says and angry Blossomforth.
"What's wrong with it?", asks Spike.
"Less cheese!" says an angry Blssomforth.
Spike then goes and makes another batch. He then returns with the adjustments.
"More macaroni!", says Blossomforth still angry.
Spike then makes another batch, starting to get annoyed. He returns again with the new adjustments.
"Less macaroni!", says a still angry Blossomforth.
Spike then makes his next batch now as angry as Blossomforth. He returns with the new adjustments.
"More cheese!", says Blossomforth as she is starting to raise her voice for being impatient.
Spike repeats the process now getting even more angry.
"More cheese and macaroni!", says a now demanding Blossomforth.
Spike repeats and is now almost at a limit with his anger.
"Too much macaroni!" now shouts Blossomforth at the top of her lungs.
Spike is now about to blow with anger. If Blossomforth doesn't like it, too bad for her. He now returns keeping the angry look on his face as he hands the plate to her.
Blossomforth then looks happy and sees her meal finished.
"Oooh, perfect.", says a happy Blossomforth.
She then smacks the plate away as it hits Spikes head.
"I hate macaroni and cheese.", says an again angry Blossomforth.
As she gets down from her chair, she goes over to a nearby fruit bowl, and picks an apple to munch on. She then tosses
"I'm full, I'm going to smell the flowers.", says a now happy Blossomforth.
As she leaves the kitchen, Spike is twitching his eye and then yells so loud, he spouts flames that it sets the whole kitchen ablaze. The sprinkler system then goes off and puts the flames in the kitchen out along Spike getting wet and sticky being covered in the remains of his macaroni and cheese.
After getting cleaned up in his special bubble bath, he then goes back out to the lobby of the library. He then stretches his arms and then proceeds to go upstairs until he's tugged away by Trixie.
"Woah! Trixie, what do you want?", asks a confused Spike.
"I need you Spike. You will be my assistant for a trick I'm practicing to do.", says Trixie.
"O-o-o-okay, as long as you don't demand too much.", stutters Spike.
He is then being dragged to the resting area with the grand fireplace, and several comfy chairs and tables all spread out. This area is open to the public to rest and read books here and rest their day away. They often get ponies coming from a long day of work or during their lunch break to take their time and read a book. Spike then sees Trixie putting him on a makeshift stage made of some of the tables from around the area.
Trixie then uses her magic to levitate a box onto her makeshift stage.
"Okay, now get in." says Trixie quickly.
Spike then gets the idea of where Trixie is going with this. It's the old sewn in half trick.
"Okay Trixie, I'll play." says Spike with a sly smile on his face.
Spike then gets into the box as the lid is then shut down as Spike fits himself into the box. He knows that there's fake legs at the end of this box to make the trick work. The only problem is, there's no fake legs. Plus, Trixie doesn't have a saw with her.
"Hey Trix, where's the saw?", asks a concerned Spike.
"I had to get a substitute for that. So I went for something a little faster.", says Trixie with the same sly smile Spike made.
Trixie is then levitating a power saw over the box. She then starts it up and is about to cut the box in half, along with Spike in it. This is no magic trick, this is an accident waiting to happen. Spike goes completely white and jumps out of the box right before the saw cuts the box in half. After Spike gets out of the box and sees the remains of now two pieces of the box on the stage, he then gets an image of what would've happened to himself if he stayed in there. Imagining this, he passes out.
"Yo, Spike! I need your help!", says a mysterious voice.
Spike opens his eyes and is laying down on one of the couches in the resting area. He gets up and sees Daring sitting right next to him.
"Daring? What happened?", asks Spike.
"You passed out from Trixie's attempt on your life.", says Daring while giggling.
Spike then remembers of what happened before, and tries to forget all about it.
"Okay, well, what do you want me to do?", asks Spike.
"What makes you think that I want a favor from you?", says Daring.
"Considering that everypony else has been asking me for favors lately, I figure that you will ask for me eventually.", says a not too thrilled Spike.
Daring then has a huge grin on her face then drags Spike with her as Spike yelps from being dragged along. They both stop in a random aisle lined with scissors, pencils, and pens all glued in a upward position on the floor. Spike then has a glum look on his face as if he knows where this is going.
"Let me guess, you're going to do something 'Daring' involving this makeshift spike pit?", says a not too thrilled Spike.
"You betcha!", says Daring now on top of the bookshelf.
Spike didn't even notice her going to the top the bookshelf. Daring then looks down and begins to position herself over her makeshift pit.
"Now time to make a depth defying attempt of awesomeness!", says an exhilarated Daring.
Daring then jumps off the shelf and heads toward the makeshift pit, belly first. Spike, still looking glum, then jumps in the way of Daring to block her fall of getting hurt. Spike block the impact with his back and manages to stop her from getting hurt. In the process though, his back is now pinned with scissors, pencils, and pens on his back, and holding Daring in his arms.
"That was awesome!", says an excited Daring.
Daring then looks to Spike, still holding her, with a confused look on her face.
"Hey, you okay?", asks a confused Daring.
"No, I'm fan hoofin-tastic, nothing but gumdrops and ice cream for me.", says Spike trying not to cry from pain.
"Ooh, can I have some too?", asks a happy Daring.
Spike is about to explode again, but then something strikes his mind, "By the way, why didn't you use your wings?"
Spike, in one of the public bathrooms in the library, finally gets all of the objects sticking out of his back and throws them away in the trash. After washing his back from one of the sinks, and patching himself up, he finally heads out. This time, he's trying to sneak about the library to try and not be seen by the fillies and being forced to do more extreme chores. He slips by the lounge area, then sneaks over to the reception desk, tip-toes up the steps towards the second floor, then slithers on the floor towards Twilight's room. Just as he's about to enter her room, something pulls him away from the door.
Spike yells as he then panics right away, "Please, don't hurt me, I'll do whatever you want me to do. Just let me live!"
Octavia then speaks in a low whisper that Spike can still hear, "I want to speak to you in private, so that nopony else can hear us."
Spike is wondering where this conversation is going.
"I've been getting distracted as of late, and I'll I can see are images of you Spike.", says a shy Octavia.
Spike is then going wide-eyed as he's surprised of what he's hearing.
"I've been getting these feeling like I've never felt before, and it's every time you're around.", says Octavia while twiddling with her hooves.
Spike is starting to blush and sweating very heavily.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is...", says Octavia, who's also blushing.
She starts to get closer, as this makes Spikes heart beat very fast.
"Will you be my very special somepony?", says Octavia in a very soft shy tone.
As she gets closer and closer within breath range, Spike has racing thoughts in his head, "Is this really happening? Is Octavia confessing her love to me? What should I do? Should I kiss her? This is all that I've ever dreamed of! I'm going for it!"
Spike then makes his move trying to kiss her. Before he makes contact, Octavia interrupts him.
"Before we share this moment, can you do something special for me?", says a sweet Octavia.
"Yes, anything. Whatever you need my love, just say it.", says a love struck Spike.
Just as he says that, Octavia pulls away from Spike. Then all at once, Daring, Blossomforth, and Trixie all pop out behind her from the side of the couch and join with Octavia. Spike then goes wide-eyed again while still keeping his kissy face.
Then all of the fillies say, "Make us some Macaroni and Cheese!"
Spike then goes twitchy eyed and then shouts to the very heavens themselves.
-Harlem, 8:00 P.M.-
After what seemed an eternity, they finally managed to thin down their search and reach the shop they were looking for. It was snuck away in an alleyway that nopony would dare enter for its threatening appearance. Their search struck gold after they found some tips at a nearby salt bar, when Maximus asked the barkeep for directions to the shop. This helped as the barkeep was once a customer of this zebra. He once had a broken leg and couldn't provide for his customers with an injury like that, and even couldn't afford the medical bills. He then found the shop and asked for help. He then made him a special remedy to heal his leg, and was up and good the next morning. This helped them so much in their search and headed straight for the location.
While standing outside the shop, it looks more like a tent in the alleyway. There's also weird looking masks decorating the entrance with the shop sign standing vertically that says 'Zebrica Medical Aid'.
"This seems self-explanatory. We found our place!", says a happy Maximus while looking at the sign.
As he's about to go into the shop, the entire group pauses. Maximus looks back to them, and sees that they're scared.
"What's stopping you? We're finally here, after wasting an entire day trying to find this place. What's stopping you guys, tell me?", asks a concerned Maximus.
Sherbet, Tangerine, and Hairy are all having concerned looks on their faces while collecting their thoughts.
Tangerine then speaks up and says, "We've never encountered a zebra before, how can we make sure what everypony else told us is true?"
Maximus then replies, "You've got the proof with the maids child being cured, and the barkeeps leg being healed."
Sherbet then speaks out, "I'll believe my husband either way, but what if the cure we're looking for is not here? Then we've wasted our time looking for this place."
"Well we'll never know until we go in and ask him now do we?", says Maximus.
He then looks over to Hairy and asks him, "Do you have something to say?"
Hairy then speaks up with an angry look on his face and tells Maximus, "I'm done doing this Max!"
Maximus is then surprised to hear this out of his friend.
"Sherbet, Tangerine, you've been lied to!", shouts Hairy.
Maximus is now scared. His friend is going to spill the beans.
"What are you doing? Don't do this Hairy, think of the possibilities after we're done with all of this!", says a scared Maximus.
"I won't lie to them anymore. I want to help these kind ponies. They need to know the truth!", says an angry Hairy.
"Hairy, no, don't!", says a very scared Maximus.
Hairy then takes in a deep breath and then spills it all out, "We've been deceiving you from the beginning. We only came to find you all to scam you out of money. After you pay us, we would've run off with it."
Sherbet and Tangerine both gasp at this sudden revelation. They then both look to Maximus with angry looks on their faces.
Maximus is just standing there shocked that all of his plans are now ruined. He then looks back to Hairy with a sad look on his face.
"Why did you do this? Now we'll be back on the streets cold and alone!", says a sad Maximus.
Hairy is then looking sad as well, and begins crying, "It's not worth it while using others for our own use."
Then something comes from out of the tent and speaks out, "Now what's with all of the racket outside of my tent!"
It's definitely a stallion from the sound of his voice. It then starts coming from the entrance of the shop and walks out into the moonlit night.
The figure in question has stripes all over his body with golden rings covering its neck. It's mane is in a mohawk like style with gray hairs covering the sides. The figure has wrinkles on its face, clearly looking middle aged. The most obvious feature on him is what appears to be a cutie mark in the shape of a moon.
The stallion in question is the zebra shopkeep they're looking for! He looks around and takes a good look at the group standing outside his shop. He smiles and chuckles a very creepy laugh.
"Follow me inside. You've all met with a terrible fate, haven't you?"
Author's Note
Sorry this took so long to get out, I'm focusing on finals for college. When I'm on break, I'll definitely get this finished before New Years.
Fillies Play
The group has made it to their destination, but are now at each other's heads. Hairy has just spilled the beans on his and Max's little secret, and are now being constantly being eyed on by Tangerine and Sherbet. While in the tent, they managed to take in their surroundings.
They take a look around the tent and see that along the sides of the cloth, there's shelves and hangers filled to the brim with odds and ends of magical items, brews, potions, and what appears to be a jar of frogs legs. They're sitting in the middle of the tent, which is set up with a rug and a couple of cushions. At the center of the tent, and the sitting area they're at, is a big bubbling cauldron. They're host is in the back of the tent, which is set up with several cloths to separate the rooms. Maximus assumes that could be the zebra's room.
The zebra comes back with a bottle in his mouth, and the bottle is see-through with a bubbling purple liquid inside. He then comes by and sets the potion in-between Maximus and Hairy.
Maximus is confused at this gesture and didn't even ask the colt one for anything yet.
"What's this for?", asks Maximus.
"That's for you and your griffon friend here. Drink it up to heal your horn, and his wing.", says the old zebra as he gestures to take the potion.
Maximus didn't know what to do. He doesn't know if he should trust him right away. They came here to find this healer, so maybe he's already trying to help them? Either way, he's going to take the potion. He takes the cork off the bottle and spits it away. Maximus then takes the bottle in his mouth, and drinks half of it down. After putting the potion down, he feels something strange happening on his horn. There's a bright flash on his head, and then it just vanishes as fast as it comes. He's wondering what happened, so he takes off his bandage and tries to do his magic. He tries to levitate the bottle, and sees that it's floating with his magic. Shocked, he touches his horn, and it doesn't move. His horn is fixed!
While the bottle is still floating, he then levitates it over to Hairy and gestures him to take it. Hairy opens his mouth and then drinks the rest of the potion down. Hairy then spits out the bottle, and then the same bright flash comes from his broken wing. Just like before, the flash disappeared and now Hairy's wing is fixed, as he flaps it up and down to test it.
Hairy then speaks up to ask the zebra a question, "Why did you help us with our broken limbs? We didn't even ask for anything yet."
"I saw you in trouble, and I knew you needed my assistance. Broken parts are just fillies play to me.", says the zebra with a smile on his face.
"But that's not the reason we're here, but thanks for healing us.", says Maximus.
The zebra then raises his brow and ask, "Oh, then what is it you need?"
"I'll gladly tell you the whole thing.", says Maximus with a smile on his face.
Before he starts speaking, Maximus sees Tangerine and Sherbet still trying to stare him down.
He then looks back to the zebra with now a sad looking face and says, "The TRUE reason we're here."
Maximus then begins to tell him everything that has happened up to this point. This took about an hour to explain the whole story up to this point and also explain why they need help.
"I see. You need these supplies to make the antidote right? This spell is very complicated, I'm surprised your friend tried to attempt it.", says the concerned zebra.
"So, will you help us?", asks Sherbet.
"Of course I will. Oh and by the way, call me Gilmaan.", says the zebra.
"Thank you Mr. Gilmaan. Plus it just hit me, don't zebra's usually rhyme when they talk?", asks Hairy.
"You're right saying that, but I was born here in Equestria. My parents came here from Zebrica while they were still young. I've lived here my whole life, but I still keep to my family heritage as you can see my stock is from my native land.", explains Gilmaan.
"So, do you have the supplies we need?", asks Sherbet.
Gilmaan then has a frown on his face, "Sadly, I don't my friends."
Everypony has a shocked expression on their faces, as if they've seen a ghost.
"Then, we'll stay like this forever?", says Tangerine as if she's about to cry.
"Now don't cry young one, I can get the supplies you need, and I'll even make the antidote for free as well.", says Gilmaan with a kind tone.
Then the group starts having hope again, as Gilmaan has complete faith that he'll be able to get their supplies.
"But for now, you need your rest. You all have been running around all day. Plus, Harlem is no place for ponies at this hour.", says Gilmaan.
They want to keep going, but he's right. They'll be in no commission to go anywhere if they made an all-nighter. So they all agree to stay the night.
"I'll get you some guest sheets.", says Gilmaan as he starts to leave.
As he leaves the room, Tangerine and Sherbet then get up and go over to Maximus and Hairy, still upset.
"You better not be getting ideas of going anywhere! You're sticking with us and we'll be next to you the whole night!", says a stern Tangerine.
"What point is there in leaving now? We'll be back on the streets after this is all over.", says an upset Maximus.
"What are you talking about?", asks Sherbet.
"Why do you think Hairy and I took up treasure hunting?", says Maximus.
"To get rich, what else?", says a sarcastic Sherbet.
"To make sure we never suffer the horrors of being poor, and with no family.", says Hairy as he speaks up.
Tangerine and Sherbet then look to Hairy.
"What do you mean?", asks Tangerine.
"There more to our story, than meets the eye.", says Hairy in a dry tone.
As far as we can remember, Maxy and I grew up on the streets, with no parents, and no memory of where we came from. With no money to our name, we often tried scamming ponies, doing sidewalk shows, or even stealing to get by. At one point, we were to the point of starvation, and even the cops were on the lookout for us. When winter hit, we were cold and alone. It seemed like the Gates of Tatarus were about to welcome us. When we woke up, we were in the hospital. The doctors told us we would have died if a janitor didn't find us in the alleyway. We stayed in the hospital for weeks to get treated for malnourishment and hypothermia. After we were released, the cops puts us in a foster home. At first, we were living the dream, finally having a family to care for us, and have all the food we needed. Only to realize that it didn't last long. We were soon being treated like servants. We had to clean, cook, dress, and act nice in front of their peers. For you see, we were put in a house of upper crust citizens. We were their dress up dolls, supposed to act like puppets with no will. This was worse than the alleyway we lived in, we were thinking of going back. The only problem was, was it the best decision? Then Maxy had an idea, we'd steal their jewelry. When they went to sleep one night, we stole all of their jewelry from their jewel case. Afterwards, we left in the middle of the night and ran off towards Fillydelphia. After we sold the jewelry, we made a life for ourselves by getting an old office building. We then decided to try and start a business to keep the money coming. We were stumped on trying to find out what to do, and then we found a news article about a missing diamond. We then started searching, but came up empty hooved. After days of searching, we almost gave up. Until Maxy accidentally sat on the diamond, in the middle of the park we were in. It was near a tree, and so small, it was hard to see from plain sight. We then soon gave it back and got a very large reward, and Maxy also got his cutie mark that day for finding treasure. Maxy then decided we would become treasure hunters and get rich of finding any lost artifacts. Growing up from young kids with no money to their name, to young adult treasure hunters, this was the life we knew we needed to stay away from the life of the poor ever again. Hairy finishes his story and starts crying afterwards. Maximus also tries to hold it all in, but joins his friend in the waterworks, but more restrainted. Sherbet and Tangerine are both surprised, but they're also filled with guilt after starting to give them a hard time when their secret was revealed. They then go over and give both of them a comforting hug.
"We had no idea what you've been through.", says a sorry Tangerine.
Maximus pulls away and says with bitter harshness, "You have no idea what we experienced! Our life was a constant struggle for our very lives! I don't need your sympathy!"
Tangerine is now frightened and hurt from his words. She is just staring at his red and watery eyes with anger still present. Then Hairy breaks away from Sherbet's hold goes over to hug his friend.
"They're our friends now, they wish to help us. I know that you have issues with trust. Trust in them, and they'll trust in us.", says a sincere Hairy.
Maximus tries to ignore this, but then gets down on all fours in defeat as his friend's words reach him. He then bawls out as he lets out all of his built up emotions. Tangerine and Sherbet then join Hairy in a group hug to comfort the sobbing unicorn. The rest of the night lasted with the whole group never moving from that spot until Gilmaan came back with sheets.
-Manehattan Library, 10:00 A.M.-
The inside of the library is a cheesy mess after Spike was forced to make more Macaroni and Cheese from the demanding fillies. This ended up taking the whole night to finish until he passed out. Spike wakes up on the floor of the kitchen, sore all over. He gets up, still drowsy, and heads over to the kitchen door to get out. As he gets out, he sees the fillies all passed out on the floor outside the door. He guessed that they were going to jump him after he got out of the kitchen, but passed out waiting for him. He ignores them and goes to the second floor to see Twilight. As he finally makes it to the door, he enters her room. He then sees that Twilight is at her desk reading a book.
"Morning Twilight. Found anything yet?", asks Spike.
Twilight doesn't respond to him.
Spike then tries asking again, this time getting closer and speaking a little louder.
"Twilight? Have you found anything?", asks a baffled Spike.
Twilight still doesn't respond.
Spike then fully goes to her side and sees that she's still reading, but has bags under her eyes. She must've been up all night.
"Whoa, déjà vu.", thinks Spike.
Spike then shrugs her to get her attention. Twilight then snaps out of her trance, and lets out a big yawn.
She then looks and sees Spike, and asks, "Oh, hello Spike. What time is it?"
"It's morning, 10 o'clock.", says Spike.
Twilight then goes wide-eyed and then looks over to her window to see that the sun is out.
"Oh my gosh! Why didn't you tell me?", asks Twilight.
"You said you were busy, and I was being dragged around by the fillies all day.", says an upset Spike.
Twilight then goes over to her book, and sees that it wasn't the book she was looking for, but just regular Daring Do books. In fact, there's a huge pile of those books in one area.
"Whoa, déjà vu.", says Twilight.
"I know right?", point out Spike.
Twilight s trying to recollect why this all happened. Then it hit her. She then hoofslaps her head in disgust after realizing what happened.
"Ugh, I'm such an idiot!", shouts Twilight.
"What's wrong?", asks Spike.
"I was going to research some of the books I brought from Canterlot, but I ended up with nothing. So I thought to check the books here in the library, but I got distracted by reading Daring Do to pass the time.", explains Twilight.
"That's not like you to get easily distracted.", says Spike.
"You're right. Ooh, this spell is getting worse by the minute!", says a worried Twilight.
She then looks over to the window to look outside, hopefully to see her friends returning with the antidote.
"Hurry back guys, we don't have much time left.", says Twilight, hopefully waiting for her friends.
-Harlem: Zebrica Medical Aid-
The group got up very fast the moment Gilmaan woke them up to get ready and find their supplies. They didn't have much time left, so they ate breakfast quickly and got instructions where to find their supplies.
Locations for Supplies:
Phoenix Feather- Manehattan Central Park Petting Zoo
Poison Joke- Madison Mare Garden
Senescit berries- Unknown: Requires above items
"Why are the berries unknown?", asks Hairy
"The location will be revealed after you bring the other 2 items back to me for your antidote.", says Gilmaan.
"Why does it have to be that way?", asks Maximus.
"In due time. But first...", says Gilmaan as he goes to grab something.
He come back with two necklaces in his mouth, each with a flower at the end with a golden vine like design.
"Put these on, both of you. Whatever you do, never take them off until you come back.", instructs Gilmaan.
"Ooookay", awkwardly says Maximus.
Both Maximus and Hairy put on the necklaces and each take a list to find the items.
"I'll go with Sherbet to get the Poison Joke. My horn will avoid any of us getting infected from it. While you and Tangerine find the phoenix feather at the petting zoo. We meet back after lunch, got it?", as he instructs Hairy.
Tangerine and Sherbet also agree to Max's plan to separate and cover the area for less time.
"Alright, let's move out!", shouts Maximus.
They then rush out the tent and into Harlem to begin their search. Gilmaan remains in the center of the room and says to himself, "Celestia, pray these ponies aren't too late."
7 hours remain......
Author's Note
Shorter chapter, but building up for what could be my largest chapter yet! Expect the epic finale near or on Christmas! As usual, comment, rate, like, and Fav this story.
Chapter 6: New Beginnings
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Fillies Play
-Baltimare, Nighttime-
The streets of Baltimare are all lit up and covered in snow as the night life never ceases here and with fillies and colts playing. In one corner of the city however lies an old building with cracks, broken windows, faded paint, a hole from the ceiling, and finished with a sign titled, 'Grifficorn Treasure Hunters'. The letters from the sign are either missing or crooked and are about to fall at some time. Then two figures come up from the street, one a unicorn, and the other a griffon. What is notable about them is that they're covered in mud from head to hoof and shivering in the cold.
The unicorn, named Maximus, is a very gruff and mean spirited individual. His coat is colored red with eyes of crimson, and has a brown mane and tail color that are both long, straight and flat; looking like it's been through multiple rinse cycles in the laundry. His cutie mark is of a magnifying glass and two diamonds on each side of the handle. The griffon, named Hairy, is very playful and childish who always speaks his mind. Though playful on the inside, he can look very intimidating since he's larger than Maximus. His eagle side coat color is gray with the wings being gold, his lower half, is also the same color as his wings and has eyes of a piercing yellow, like a snake eye.
Both are coming back from a job, but in the process, got dirty and got very little pay for their job. Maximus gets his keys for their building using his magic and unlocks the door. The inside of the building looks even more dirty than the outside. There's trash everywhere, a pile full of letters, one desk and two chairs, a sink with no water flowing, one light bulb from the ceiling with no power, and what appears to be a 'present' from their rat friends. Maximus now in along with Hairy, collapses onto the floor.
"I've had it Hairy, I'm done, I'm through, I'm finished with dirty filth of a building!", shouts Maximus.
Hairy then shaking the mud off him, talks to Maximus,
"But Max, we did a good job today, we helped saved a filly get her pet cat out of a tree, and we got paid too. Even though we tripped on some mud chasing the cat after getting it down.", says Hairy as he hold out five bits in his claw.
Maximus still annoyed, smacks his friend's claws and the bits go flying.
"That won't help us." shouts Maximus. "Look over there, do you see what I see?".
His hoof is pointing to the pile of letters next to their desk. Hairy looks over and sees the letters.
"They're letters from our friends?", happily says Hairy.
"NO! They're bills, nothing but bills. Bills, bills, bills, bills, bills! I'm sick of it!", shouts Maximus as he then bucks the letter pile and they go all over the building decorating it with even more trash on the floor.
"When you and I started this business, we hoped to become the best treasure hunters in the world, now look at us!", shouts Maximus. "After we failed that job back in Saddle Arabia, we never got paid from that stupid blue face of a businessman! Now we have no more jobs, stuck doing odds and ends around the local neighborhoods, and we can't afford these bills. We've hit rock bottom my friend, and if we don't pay everything in four days, we'll be out in the streets. If only we asked for help, if only there can be a sign of some kind. Anything!", says Maximus as he raises his hooves up in a desperate act of plea.
"Why don't we ask Daring then to help us with our money problems?", asks Hairy.
"You idiot, you don't even....", says Maximus as he turns around and sees his friend holding a newspaper with the cover page showing Daring and five other ponies in a group shot.
"Give me that!", shouts Maximus as he takes the paper away from his friend with his magic.
With his crimson magic aura surrounding the paper, he then looks at the picture, and checks the date. Dated six months ago, during the Summer Sun Celebration, it shows the ponies who defeated Nightmare Moon in a group shot, Daring included. He then recognizes another pony with a gasp.
"This is brilliant my friend, do you know who this is?" asks Maximus as points to the picture. Hairy is looking at the picture, but is having trouble thinking.
"Uh, I don't know.", says Hairy.
"This is Sherbet Orange, she and her husband Mosely Orange own the Orange Catering Co.", says Maximus. "Think about it, they're rich, and they're good friends with Daring. So what if we try to fool them into giving us their money?"
"How do we do that Max?", asks Hairy.
"Simple, we act like we're down on our luck and try to get on their good side. We gain their trust and when the time is right they decide to help us, we book a trip back here and we'll be living the good life!", shouts Maximus as his eyes have been replaced by bits.
"But aren't we already down on our luck?", says Hairy.
Maximus then jumps back to reality and then replies,
"Yes of course, but that's not the point, we'll be rich either way. Now it's time to take a bus to Manehattan!", shouts Maximus as he points to nothing.
"But we don't have enough bits for the two of us.", says Hairy.
Maximus groans, then replies again, "Yes, I know. One of us will hide as luggage so we can avoid paying for extra, now let's move so we can catch the last bus.", says Maximus as he motions Hairy to follow him.
"But Max...", says Hairy, but is then interrupted by Maximus.
"What is it this time?!", shouts Maximus.
"You're still covered in mud.", says Hairy.
Maximus then realizes he's still covered in mud and sighs.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Do you know you're all my very best friends?
-Manehattan Library, 5:00 p.m.-
Twilight can't believe that she's been in Manehattan for six months after defeating Nightmare Moon and learning the meaning of friendship. So much has happened in that time, stopping an Ursa Minor, going to a family reunion, seeing ancient ruins, and even seeing the Sonic Rainboom in action! Twilight is thankful that this all happened to her. She sometimes also wonders what would've happened if she never came here, or if she was to be somewhere else instead of Manehattan? What matters now is that Hearth's Warming Eve is over and the new year is around the corner, three days to be exact.
To celebrate for the new year, she's making a resolution to practice more spells and try to perfect even the toughest of spells and potions. Although she would want to do these things outside and not inside the library where the books could be damaged, outside is not the best place to be in the middle of winter. So she decided to do this spell inside of her private room, in the back of the library on the second floor. Twilight has been setting up this spell for quite some time and needed some peace and quiet, though with the occasional interruption from Spike entering her room. After setting up, getting the supplies, and centering the spell for two days, she's ready.
Knowing this may work, she wanted to show off her friends how far she's been working on her spells. She's been skeptical at first showing off, but with Trixie being a performer and not being ashamed for showing off, Twilight figured this wouldn't hurt her friendship. She sent Spike to retrieve her friends, while she prepares for her test. She draws an enchantment circle in her room using a magic chalk, positions six crystals around the circle, and lights two candles on the outside of the circle. Last thing she does is putting a flower in a pot inside of the circle.
"Perfect, now everything is ready.", Twilight says to herself.
She then hears her door opening as Spike comes in followed by the rest of her friends. Blossomforth, Honey (Daring) Do, Trixie, Octavia, and lastly Orange Sherbet.
"Hi everypony, glad you could come." says Twilight with a smile on her face.
Spike then shuts the door hard, and Trixie groans as it shut.
"Oooohhhh, Trixie's head still hurts.", groans Trixies.
"We told you to go easy on the bourbon from the Hearth's Warming party.", says Honey.
"Sorry, but when Trixie loves a party, she may get too happy and drink a little too much bourbon, and then steal some for herself.", groans Trixie. '
"We thought you gave up on the stuff?", asks Blossomforth.
"Trixie did so she could focus on her performing career, and make a good image of herself, but the need comes by once in a while....", but then pauses as she rubs her temples from the hangover, "Anypony got an aspirin?"
"Ahem", says Twilight as to get her friend's attention
Everypony then looks back to Twilight and listens.
"Now, I know we had some fun at Aunties annual holiday parties, but let's get down to business.", says Twilight. "The reason I called you here is because I want to show you all how far I've come in my magic. I've been living here for almost six months and learned a lot during my stay. So I've made the resolution to advance my studies in magic a bit further.", says Twilight. "Spike, can you come over?", she then gestures for Spike to come forward.
Spike then walks up to her and stands in front of her. Twilight then closes her eyes and focuses her magic on Spike. Her horn then begins to glows and her magic aura surrounds on Spike's upper lip. Then with a flash, everypony sees that Spike has grown a mustache. Everypony awes at this and this makes Spike chuckle with glee.
"Haha, thanks Twilight.", says Spike as he hugs Twilight.
He then immediately gets a great idea in his head.
"Now if you excuse me....", says Spike as he then runs over to Octavia. "Hey Octavia, what do you think?", says Spike as he twirls his 'stache around.
Twilight chuckles and says, "Sorry Spike, but that has to go." She then lights up her horn again and makes the moustache disappears before Spike can even react to stop her. Spike frowns and moans after his loss, but Octavia chuckles under her breath.
"Now to continue where I left off, I plan on completing more difficult spells. Since they can be tricky and a bit difficult for me, I decided to use some magical items for assisstance.", says Twilight.
"What spell in particular are you trying to perform?", asks Blossomforth.
"An age spell.", says Twilight dryly.
Everypony, and Spike, gasp at the realization of their discovery. Then she is bombarded by questions: What does it do, why would you do this, can this actually work, is it safe, etc.
"Hold up everypony!", shouts Twilight. Everypony then quiets down to give time for Twilight to answer all of their questions.
Twilight then takes in a deep breath, "Okay, first, the age spell is kind of self explanitory. It can progress or regress an object or living subject's age. Second, I want to try and surpass my magical skills and maybe find a use for these kind of spells in the future. Third, this can actually work if all of my concentration is 100% and with no interuptions. Finally, if something does go wrong and it backfires on me or anyone of you, I've made a potion to fix the problem. Specifically, I'm going to regress this flower to its budding stage. So if I regress by accident, that potion will then return me to my original age."
As Twilight finishes her explaination, there's nothing but silence.
"Anything else?", asks Twilight.
"Nothing dearie, just be okay", says a concerned Sherbet.
"Okay then, now Spike, do you mind getting our friends some snacks please?", asks Twilight.
"Sure thing Twilight.", says Spike as he then leaves the room.
"Okay, now everypony, stay quiet and try to not say a word.", says Twilight.
The group all nods and then keep silent. Twilight positions herself in her enchanted circle with the two candles lit, all six crystal positioned, and being careful not to smear the magic circle. Twilight then closes her eyes and begins her casting, with her horn glowing and the magic circle now beginning to glow. The circle starts growing even brighter and even gains a purplish hue to it. Also the crystals start shining purple, and even the candle's flames have a violet hue to them. Then when all seems at its peak, a magic barrier starts forming and envelops Twilight inside the circle. Then at last, the flower starts to react and shake. The flower then starts to close up its petals and starts to take its bud shape.
Twilight then opens her eyes to see her progress and sees the flower now in its budding stage.
"Perfect, its working, it's really working! Nothing can go wrong now!", Twilight thinks.
Just as she thought up those exact words, doors to her room then slam open.
"Daring, we need your help!", shouts a red unicorn with a griffon right next to him.
Honey then looks behind her to see two individuals she thought that she would never see again, the treasure hunting duo, Hairy and Maximus.
Twilight then whirls around and sees the source of her interruption along with the rest of her friends. At the same time, her tail then sweeps across the chalk marking of the circle and smears the chalk. Just as she does so, the magic barrier then starts to spark and causes the room to shake. A crack then begins forming in front of her friends from the barrier.
"Everypony, run!", shouts Twilight.
Then all at once, Twilight is enveloped in a blinding light inside the barrier, then the crack from the barrier shatters as a beam of light hits the group, save for Hairy and Maximus as a wave of magic pushes them back with an 'oomph' from the second floor, to the ground floor into a bookshelf.
Twilight wakes up with a groan and feeling pain all over her body.
"Twilight are you okay?! Twilight?!", shouts a frantic Spike.
"Yes, I'm okay, but I'm just sore all over.", says an unhappy Twilight.
Twilight then sees that the chalk circle is all smeared, thanks to that interruption from the individuals she came across during her trip in Saddle Arabia while searching for the Soluna Stone. Not only that, the crystals are shattered and the candles are all melted till there was no wick left, with all of the wax melted. As she gets up, she noticed the room is a bit bigger and smoke has covered the whole room. She then goes over to her window to open it up with her magic. As the window opens, the room starts to clear. As she turns around she then sees not her friends, but four small fillies, and a teenage mare on the ground. The particular thing is, it's that all of them have the same color and coat as her friends, and even cutie marks. Not only that, Trixie's hat & cape, along with Honey's sweater & glasses are being worn by two of the fillies, but clearly too large for them to wear. Then it clicks in Twilights head that these fillies are her friends!
"Oh my gosh Spike, my spell backfired! They're now fillies!", shouts Twilight, but in a high pitched voice.
Spike then seeing Twilight clearly, takes a mirror from her desk and goes over to her. "You might want to look at youself.", says Spike as he hesitantly shows Twilights reflection.
What Twilight sees is her, but not her. She sees a filly with her same mane and color. She hasn't looked like this since magic kindergarten! She then realizes she got affected by her own spell too! Twilight then screams at the tops of her lungs, that it almost shatters glass.
Her friends now, fully awake, see the same result on themselves and panic almost the same.
"Twilight, what happened, how did this happen?", asks a filly Blossomforth.
"I have an idea, but we must greet our two guests.", says an angry filly Twilight.
The whole group and Spike then goes down to the first floor and to the now shattered bookshelf.
There, Maximus and Hairy are groaning, as no doubt being injured. Filly Honey, then goes over to Maximus, and punches him in the face.
"Hey you idiot, wake up!", shouts Honey.
Maximus then brings himself back to reality, along with Hairy.
"What happened?", says a now fully awake Maximus. As he gets up, he groans as his head hurts so much, then feels his head and feels that his horn is cracked! "What the flying buck is going on?", says a confused Maximus.
"Try saying that to our faces!", says a squeaky Honey.
Maximus then sees a filly on top of him with a compass cutie mark wearing oversized clothing, and has the same coat and mane like Daring.
"Daring?", says Maximus.
Honey shocked to hear that Maximus knows her identity, but now is not important.
"How did you...nevermind that, you've got six problems on your hoof.", says an angry Honey.
Spike then walks up to them with another unknown individual.
"Um, make that seven problems.", says a worried Spike.
Everypony then looks to their new guest. It's an adult mare with a peach colored coat, a short, green mane and tail, but what stands out is that she has no cutie mark. Sherbet then realizes who this older mare is.
"Tangerine?", says a confused Sherbet.
"Mommy?", replies the confused and scared mare.
Upon the realization for this, both Twilight and Sherbet then faint and fall unconscious.
Author's Note
I'm trying something new in my writing style, and hope this helps everypony read better. Somethings will be explained next chapter, stay tuned. As usual, Like, comment, and fav this story.
