A Comet's Tale

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Comet's Shower
Chapter 2 - Comet's New Friends
Chapter 3 - Comet's First Day
Chapter 4 - Comet's House
Chapter 5 - Comet's Talent
Chapter 7 - Comet's Day of Discord
Chapter 8 - Comet's Big Upgrade
Chapter 9 - Comet's Confusion
Chapter 10 - Comet's Assistant
Chapter 11 - Comet's Conundrum
Chapter 12 - Comet's Family Reunion
Chapter 13 - Comet's Relatives
Chapter 14 - Comet's Kite
Prologue - Comet's Family *Revised*
Chapter 6 - Comet's Visit From Cloudsdale
A Note of Apology and Things

Chapter 1 - Comet's Shower

The morning and afternoon of that fateful day were something of a blur to Comet. They happened, of course, and if asked, Comet could probably recall such events as the greens he had for lunch or how the children's section at the library was positively a mess from the school field trip, but this was all dwarfed in comparison to the fact that Comet was going to take off into the night and find a living in the stars and sky like he'd dreamed. For the first time, Comet was bubblier and more excited than his mother, Dancer. On two occasions she had to stop him from tipping over a pile of books he had just made and sorted.

In all honesty, Dancer wasn't at all surprised. This was something that Dasher had seen coming for a long time, and if anyone could understand Comet, it was his own father. His mood was not unlike Dasher's when he first came to Manehattan, now that Dancer had thought about it. In retrospect, that didn't surprise her, either. It did dismay her, however, that her youngest son had so very little to pack. A saddlebag of his possessions and his prized telescope in its case was all he had in terms of his own belongings. Her motherly instincts were mad with disapproval, but she knew better than anyone that a colt like her husband could not be dissuaded when rared to go.

In Comet's eyes, the evening could not come fast enough. He was a whole pony-length ahead of his mother the whole way home, and every step of the way he had the fantasy that would soon come to reality unfold. How he would find a small place to build his observatory, how he could use his talents to make a living and new friends and explore new places on his own time. It was constantly buzzing about in his head and he couldn't get it to leave him alone for a second. In all honestly, Comet would put it down for a second. When they got home that evening, Comet rushed upstairs to make sure he was ready.

"Owlaroo, could you get the..." he looked about his room to find his owl's perch was empty. "Owlaroo?" A cool evening breeze greeted him from the nearby open window. "I guess Owlaroo has... 'flown the coop'?" He laughed at his own cleverness as he got out his prized telescope and book. As he worked, he couldn't help but remember the cutie mark on his side he discovered so many years ago: a trio of comets. His mother had found them when he was reading The Astronomical Astronomer's Almanac to All Things Astronomy, This was his first time ever seeing actual meteors (besides the pictures and references he had copied, of course). As he watched the Pegasi work to reveal the starry sky, he couldn't help but feel that this meteor shower was somehow meant for him. It was a sign he couldn't explain but could not ignore or distrust. The twinkling stars (on the off-chance he got to see them) had always been his closest companions and friends. Unwavering, beautiful, and always there to bring a smile to his face, Comet couldn't help but feel at home watching them twinkle wherever he was. Comet focused his telescope on Croupiter. It's purple hew was brighter than normal. He took that down in his notes. Surely, it must mean something. Tonight, he would go out and find that meaning.

It was then that Comet had realized that he was not unlike a star himself. Or any of the other ponies in Manehattan, or all of Equestria, for that matter. They are all different shapes and sizes, and all shine in their own, brilliant, special way. The relationships they make with each other can make them even more beautiful as they form pictures and share stories throughout the whole sky that blankets the night. Tonight, he would literally be a comet; taking off across the sky for a new home and to form new constellations in a place away from this small galaxy he was raised in. This revelation inspired him, and Comet quickly made sure it was all noted before he packed it up in his saddlebag and carefully disassembled his precious telescope.

Comet ran downstairs, his saddlebag and telescope in place, to find his friends and family all waiting outside for him. His mother and father, his sister and brother, Blitzen, whom he'd come to like in the past few days, were all there to make sure that he was off safely. It disheartened him that Cupid, his only friend from school, wasn't able to be here. She disappeared a long time ago. He didn't let that distract him, however. He was sure to exchange goodbyes with all of them before he left, but most importantly, his parents. He was confused to find the expressions on their faces were the complete opposite, but meant exactly the same thing.

His father, who seemed just as proud and excited as he was, roughed up his youngest son's mane one last time before seeing him off. "You get out there and make yourself known. Go out and shine like the stars you know so much about."

His mother could hardly hold back a hiccup of tears, "You know you could come back home anytime you want. We will always have a place here for yours."

"Of course, Mom."

"Will you promise me you'll be okay? You are so young...."

"I promise, Mother. I'll be fine, and do my best."

"Honest? Honestly?" His mother smiled at the fact she knew exactly what her youngest son would say.

"Honest as the stars."

Comet paused for only a minute when a flash arced across the sky. It was time to go. Meteors began arcing across the sky leaving brilliant flares of burning gas in the sky. It was more beautiful than anything Comet had ever read about in any book. He gave one last grin to his closest friends and family, and was off into the night. He chased his friends as fast as he could, bounding through grass, down roads, through glades, and once accidentally into a river. They knew the way, and Comet knew his only chance at finding his own true happiness was with those meteors. The comets danced across the night and lit the way over hills and through valleys for him long into the cold night air. He pushed until his hinds burned and tears watered his eyes from exhaustion or excitement, he was unable to tell which. When the night sky calmed, Comet continued to push. The heavens had pointed the direction for him to go, and he wouldn't stop until he found the place they knew would be his. Unsure what time of night it was, Comet's eyes began to grow heavy. He searched the horizon for anything that seemed like a village. Suddenly, there it was, plain as the nose on his face. A little place in a valley looking up at Canterlot off in the distance. It was perfect. Comet gave the last of his energy to push himself as far as he could to his new home. Comet wandered his way into a forest, and collapsed with his things in a comfy grove.

Everything was so new and so clean smelling that Comet couldn't wait to explore everything that he could. In the morning. His hooves would carry him no further tonight. The grass was soft and the tree he had found, inviting. Tomorrow, Comet would find his new beginnings in the village he found. As he quickly sunk into slumber, his thoughts still buzzing like bees, the last thing he could take in was the pleasant smell of the apples overhead.

Chapter 2 - Comet's New Friends

As Comet dreamed the night away, his future exploits flooded his dreams. He could be a meteorologist, an astronomy professor, a librarian, the list was endless. As he aimlessly wandered the galaxy with his dream-telescope, Comet found constellations he had never read about in his book. A trio of apples, a balloon, a brilliant star borealis, a nebula of stars that sparkled like gems, and a dainty butterfly... In a word, he could describe them as beautiful.

"What do you think he is doing here?"

The voice echoed through Comet's imaginary observatory, vibrating in the walls and windows and shaking the floors. It caught him off guard, reality now as faulty as his attention.

"Look at his cutie mark! Comets! That's so cool!"

Comet ran rings around his observatory, trying to keep the shivering walls standing. Tremors worsening, Comet began having difficulty staying on his hooves, rolling on the floor like a ball in a machine. He came to a final resting place laying on his back in the center of the observatory. He tried desperately to hold on to the beautiful night above him as the textures began to change around him. His awareness melting like a wet chalk drawing, his mind focused exclusively on a single fact that shattered his wonderful dream: Comet's back itched.

Comet stirred on his bed of hay, sending three small figures scattering in all directions. The sun was incredibly bright and burned his eyes. Comet gave a small moan when he tried to move, and his bones creaked in rejection.

"Zombie! Run!" The three fillies ran screaming for the door to be greeted by a figure shadowed by the sunlight.

"What in the hay are you girls doin' here?"

One of the fillies spoke, "Sorry, Applejack, we just wanted to see what the commotion was about."

"Well git," The pony apparently named Applejack spoke, "He could be dangerous. I don't want you three near 'im again until I decide its safe. Y'hear?"

"Yes Applejack," the three said in unison. They ran through Applejack's legs and out upon their business. The pony named Applejack stepped out of the light. From what Comet could tell, the mare was a strong, orange earth-pony. She had a yellow mane and freckles speckled on her cheeks.

"You've been asleep fer two days." Her voice was gruff, but her tone sincere, "We found you underneath one of my apple trees. I'm Applejack, by the way."

In an attempt to stand up, Comet's weight rolled him over on his side. Still groggy from his sleep, he did his best to say "Charmed. I'm Comet." Unfortunately, and much to the dismay of Applejack, the assorted syllables that came out were not something she could piece together.

"Ah... come again?"

"He said his name is Comet!" A louder shape came bounding in through the sunlight. When his eyes settled, Comet found it was a pink mare, with a mane that was not unlike an explosion in its design. "I'm Pinkie Pie! I found you while you were sleeping in Applejack's orchard because I was looking for something exciting because my nose got all itchy and my ears got all flappy and I found you and I was like," the following gasp was either for air or out of fake astonishment, Comet couldn't tell which, "Which has got to be the second or third most astonishing thing ever besides the one time---"

"Uh, thanks, Sugarcube, Ah think he's got it." Applejack interrupted her. Comet appreciated it as his head began to swim from all the talking.

"He's awake? What do we know so far?" A purple unicorn joined the other two. She seemed more organized than the first and much more composed than the second. "Where are you from? It's okay, we won't hurt you."

Comet mustered the strength to sit up to get a good look at them. Comet had to blink a few times when he saw six ponies. When his eyes adjusted, he found he wasn't seeing double; there were six different ponies there staring at him. The purple, the orange, the pink, a blue pegasus that remained aloft above the group, a white unicorn, and he caught a glimpse of a yellow blur hiding behind the group of them. All mares. What kind of dream was this? Where in the heck---

"Come now, don't be shy," The white one piped in.

Comet blinked a few times and composed himself. "I'm Comet. And you are?"

"Pinkie Pie!" The pink one had difficulty sitting still for longer than a few seconds.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle." The purple one was a unicorn. Interesting, he thought to himself.

"I'm Rarity, darling." The white unicorn had a regal air about her.

"I'm Rainbow Dash," The flying one said. She didn't seem particularly interested in what was going on.

"You know me already, Ah said my name's Applejack." The orange one gave a small smile.

The crowd parted briefly to reveal a yellow pegasus shivering behind them. She tucked her face under one of her wings and gave a small screech of a noise. Comet didn't pretend to understand.

"She's Fluttershy." Twilight Sparkle stepped forward. "Where are you from, Comet?"

Comet's neck gave a satisfying crack as he rolled his head. Hay. Not the best bed. Comet rolled off the pile and came to his feet with a small wobble. "Manehattan. I used to live in Manehattan. I left to find a new place to live."

An "Oooooooh" was shared amongst the five that weren't cowering. Apparently, they got a lot of folks from Manehattan.

"I left," Comet managed to get two shaky steps off before falling onto his knees, "To find a place where I could make a name for myself."

The six perked up a bit at that.

"Well, Ponyville has always got room for one more," Twilight Sparkle's smile was accompanied by cheers from her troupe, "We'd love to show you around." Still not entirely sure what happened, Comet had reason to believe he made an assortment of friends before he had even gotten into town.

"Ah! My things! Where are my things?" The saddlebag was not high on his list of priorities, but his prized telescope had to be somewhere. Applejack reproduced his telescope and saddlebag from an empty stall.

"Is this all your things?"

Comet quickly scooped up his telescope and checked to make sure nothing was damaged. It was clean as the day he packed it. After shutting the case and listening for the click of its latches, Comet looked up and gave a nod. It sounded almost as if it was a bad thing that he traveled light. Not that he had ever traveled before, that is.

Once Comet had his things and was able to move effectively, Comet and his friends moved about the barn and out onto Applejack's farm. Comet blinked. "The buildings... they're so far apart."

Applejack gave a knowing chuckle, "Ah figured you'd say that. Welcome to Apple Acres. This is mah apple farm, which provides apples for villages all over." Comet's awe was satisfying to Applejack. She felt that he seemed somehow familiar.

"What did you do in Manehattan?" Twilight was curious about this new pony. There was something odd about him.

"I worked in my mother's library. It was the Manehattan branch of the Equestrian Primary." Comet's answer was automatic. He was required to know key information about the library's relationship to its other branches when civil workers came around. Twilight nodded. She knew of the librarian in Manehattan. She had come to Canterlot numerous times on business.

"Maybe he could work in your library, Twilight," Rarity's idea was met with nods and agreement all around.

"Now that I have Owlowiscious, I don't think I'll be needing any extra help." Twilight wasn't comfortable letting an unknown colt live with her.

"Owlowiscious? You have an owl too?" Were owls standard issue for librarians or something?

"He flew in my window just a few nights ago." Twilight felt she knew where this was going.

"I left my window open and my owl flew away last night! Do you think your owl and my owl are the same owl?"

"Owl owl owl owl owl owl!" Pinkie Pie found that words are funny if you say them over and over.

"Wait..." Applejack thought about the implications of what Comet had said. "You came all the way here from Manehattan in one night?"

Comet didn't know that was a feat, "Yeah..." Everyone looked at Applejack.

"It took me three days following the road to get there."

"Well, I didn't follow a road, I just kind of... followed the stars. And I didn't know you were from Manehattan."

"Ah ain't from Manehattan. It's a long story. Well, no wonder you slept for two whole days. Ah was about to call a doctor for ya, Sugarcube."

Now, Comet was curious. He had shaken hooves with almost everyone in Manehattan at least once (out of obligation, of course. Dinner parties were always dreadfully dull). Had he met Applejack before? The look on Applejack's face suggested that it was a topic for another time. For now, it was time to take a grand tour of his new home in Ponyville with his new friends.

Chapter 3 - Comet's First Day

When Comet and the camaraderie of mares reached Ponyville, he turned to face them.

"Listen... I think I'm going to explore on my own. I know where to find you all, so I'll come get you if you need anything." Comet hoped he didn't come off as rude. All this talking and socializing was starting to make him queezy, and it wasn't that he didn't like a good crowd as much as the next colt, it was just high time he got some of him to keep for himself. A bit put off, the group disbanded, leaving Comet with his bags and case to explore Ponyville. He could feel his own excitement begin to overpower his rumbling stomach and swimming headache. It was probably his nerves, he thought. Middle of the afternoon, good weather, a new town all to myself. Where to start? He thought to himself. He did feel kind of bad for shrugging off all his new friends, so he felt it would be a good idea to see where they each individually spent their days, in time. For now, some amenities needed to be taken care of.

After wandering a little less than aimlessly for a good twenty minutes or so, Comet found a respectable-looking restaurant. When he found a table, he put down his things, and a waiter was practically their waiting for him. It was the middle of the afternoon, after all.

"What can I get you sir?" The waitress was neat and polite. Comet was surprised the service was better than what he got in Manehattan.

"Just some hay fries and any news about the town you can give me. Do you have alfalfa?" The waitress nodded, and Comet grinned. "Can I get some alfalfa and diced carrots over those hay fries? Can you do that for me? I'll pay extra if it's necessary."

"It's no trouble sir," The waitress was eager to get some business. He brought some waters and shot the wind with Comet while his hay fries cooked. "I've heard there's a new pony in town. Some colt nobody's heard of before."

"Really?" Comet decided some fun was due and pretended to be surprised, "What have you heard?"

"That's the thing," the waitress sat down across the table, "Nobody's heard anything, and word spreads fast around here, as you know." Comet nodded in as if in agreement. "They said he's from Manehattan. Some librarian or something." After a few shouts from the kitchen, the waiteress quickly got up from the table, embarrassed. Comet's food was in front of him in a flash. Over his late lunch, the waitress filled Comet in on some of the little questions he had about his new friends. He found that Pinkie Pie used to live with a rock farmer and now works at the baker's, Applejack did live in Manehattan, but only until she decided to move back to Ponyville, and that Twilight Sparkle was from Canterlot. The last fact was apparently a bit too obvious, apparently. "What did you say your name was?" The waitress hadn't asked before this.

"I'm Comet," Comet finished up and payed his check. He was glad he didn't have much that he spent what little money he got from working for his mother on while in Manehattan. "And my mother's a librarian. I just worked for her. Thanks for the fries and some of your time." He tipped her a gold coin on the way out. As she watched him leave, he couldn't help but feel mysterious and exotic. He stood out like a sore thumb and he loved it. For once he was the buzz, and it was a rush. Now that his stomach was satisfied, Comet decided some exploring was finally in order.

Everyone was so cheerful in Ponyville. It was almost as if nothing could go wrong in this, his little town. He did his best to memorize faces and streets. Every star needed to be recorded. On one street corner in particular, Comet found Applejack and one of the smaller fillies from the barn. What was her name again?

"Howdy, Comet." Applejack wore an apron with pockets that jingled with money. A cart with assorted apple-affiliated treats drew his attention. "Jus' trying to make some extra spending money. How comes the explorin'?"

Comet nodded and smiled. "I had some lunch at a restaurant a few blocks over. Chatted with the waitress about the town. Do you have any frozen apples?"

"Frozen? You can eat an apple frozen?" A little voice came from behind Applejack. The red-haired filly with a bow watched him through Applejack's legs.

"Of course. It's my favorite summer treat. And you are?"

"I'm... Applebloom." She seemed shyer than Comet remembered. Did he say something wrong?

"Ah'll have to look into that, Sugarcube. Have you stopped by the bakery yet? Pinkie Pie was looking for you." Applejack sold a pair of caramel apples mid-conversation.

"Alright, I'll stop by. I'll talk to you later, Applejack, Applebloom." Comet felt like a million gold coins. Head clear, still good to go. Hopefully Pinkie Pie would be a little more relaxed now that the excitement was over. Searching his memory, Comet figured the shortest path to the bakery was through a back way. In between a pair of houses. As he squeezed past a pair of barrels, he found a trail of streamers following his same path. Odd, he thought to himself. What in the world are these streamers for? Curious, but not curious enough, Comet shrugged them off and headed for the bakery. The windows were dark, and it was empty inside. The sign in the window said "OPEN", so why was it dark?

Comet poked his head through the partition in the door. "Hello? Anybody here? I was told Pinkie Pie was looking for me..." Silence. There was nopony inside. Not interested in trespassing on his first day, Comet turned and walked away. Weird. Maybe this is some kind of pony game. As Comet wandered around, he found the streets were much emptier than a few hours ago. The sun was still up; it wasn't late. Comet found his way over to Applejack's cart, and found her packing up. "Hey, Applejack."

"Well, howdy---" Applejack turned and found Comet. This took her by surprise, "--- Comet.... Ah thought you went to the baker's?"

"It was so weird. I got there like you said, but it was totally dark inside. I think they closed early or something. I can see why. Do you know where everyone went?" Applejack made a face like she ate something sour.

"Yes?" Comet blinked. What in the world... Applebloom came around the corner, dragging a crate.

"I can't wait to pack up and get to Pinkie Pie's for the...." She saw Comet and ducked behind the cart.

"Why is everyone being so weird all of a sudden? What's the deal?" Comet was starting to get irritated.

"Look, Surgarcube. Let's just go back to Pinkie Pie's together and we'll check it out." Applejack was talking abnormally fast.

"But I was just there. It's dark."

"Are... you sure you went to tha right place? New place and all?" Applejack grinned sheepishly.

"Alright, I'll bite. Let's go." Applejack heaved a sigh of relief.

As they walked, Applebloom followed loosely behind. Comet was starting to wonder if this was the same filly as this morning.

"You seem quieter than I remember Applebloom." Comet heard some mumbling from behind him. He assumed it was Applebloom.

"Speak up, Sugarcube. Why y'all so quiet today? Getting sick?"

"No..." Applebloom was starting to remind Comet more of Fluttershy.

When they arrived at the bakery, Comet was satisfied to find it that he had his directions right, only the bakery was still dark. The sign was changed to "CLOSED" some time between him leaving and coming back. Something was definitely fishy.

"Well thas odd..." Applejack strolled up as casually as she could, "Ah could have sworn she was here waiting for you, Comet." It seemed as if she was talking into the open partition. "Let's go inside and check it out."

"Are you sure? It says it's closed. I don't think it's a good idea."

"You aren't in the city any more, Sugarcube. C'mon in." She took his hoof and led him inside, with Applebloom keeping up the rear.

Suddenly, the little bakery exploded in a fit of lights and color and sound. There were ponies everywhere, with Pinkie Pie at the front of the pack. There was a sign hanging from the ceiling that said "WELCOME COMET". The surprise knocked Comet on his rear, forcing Applebloom to dodge out of the way. She quickly joined her friends at one side of the room.

"What... what is all of this?"

"When you said you wanted to move in, I knew there was only one thing to do and that happened to be the one thing I do best which is throw a party because I love parties and I hope you love parties too and if you don't you will because I'm the best at parties!" Pinkie Pie's words were accompanied by a blur of pink and bounce.

"This is..." Comet's eyes had difficulty taking in everything at the same time. "This is...." Candy, punch, streamers, cake, music, people, food, games... Comet's head started spinning. Head pounding, Comet fell to the floor.

When he came to, there was a crowd of people gathered around him. "Did everyone enjoy the party?" He said with a sheepish grin. There was a round of laughter and some pony helped him up. "How long was I out?"

"You only went down for a minute or two. Does that happen... often?" Twilight Sparkle seemed worried.

"Just some syncope. No big deal. Can I get some of that punch?" Comet parted the crowd and took a swig of the cold fluid. The fruit flavor was vibrant and delicious.

"Synco-what, Comet?" Applejack spoke this time.

"I faint. It happens. If I get scared, or stressed, or excited, I just kind of... take a short nap." Comet did his best to explain it simply. His mother would relate it to his ear, somehow, whenever they talked about it.

"Like.... THIS?!" Rainbow Dash burst out of the sealing rafters making the scariest face she could. Comet froze up for just a split second, and then collapsed on the floor. Rainbow Dash found it hilarious, but the crowd was not amused. They stared in silence. Comet arose in much less time. He gave a shake of his mane, which still clung to the back of his neck in odd curls, and looked back at the rest of the crowd, who watched dumbstruck.

"Does it... hurt?" Fluttershy spoke for the first time. Comet laughed at this.

"No, not unless I hit something on the way down. Oh, that looks good. Do you mind?" He gestured toward the buffet. Nobody said anything, so he went and had some fruit.

"Is there something we can do?" Rarity appeared mortified at the idea of spending so much time on the ground. Comet shook his head.

"Nope. Don't worry about it, I'm fine. I thought this was a party?" Comet went through the LP's and found one he recognized. He put it in and hoped everyone would stop staring at him. Slowly the party came back to life, and ponies moved on, although they treated Comet a bit more delicately than he would have liked. The festivities ran well into the evening, and Comet felt he got the chance to get to know everyone a bit better. At the end of the night, everyone said their goodbyes and their welcomes and went about their way, leaving Comet with the awkward question of where he was going to sleep tonight. Twilight Sparkle, pulling Spike out of another punch bowl, decided it would be okay, considering she was the only one with an extra bed (according to the claims of the other five, who hastily found reasons varying from broken frames to simply missing beds at all).

Too tired to take in the dark library, Comet found the nearest bed and slid in. A familiar hoot greeted them when they came into the room. "Hey, Owlaroo. Seems like you got ahead of me by a night or so." The owl flew over and perched on Twilight. Comet gave a resigned laugh. "Alright, Owlaroo. I don't care. I don't have a house to keep you in right now anyways." All the while Twilight Sparkle continued getting ready for bed. After the last light in the tree was extinguished, Comet's voice could be heard in the dark.

"Twilight?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for letting me stay here, with you."

"...It's no problem, Comet."

"...Hey Twilight?"

"Yes, Comet, what is it?"

"I'm really glad to have met you."

Chapter 4 - Comet's House

Comet's night at Twilight Sparkle's house was awkward to say the least. Whenever Comet tried to be friendly or make conversation, Twilight would always seem put off, or hostile on occasions. Comet's new friend Spike didn't understand it either.

"What's wrong with just talking with him, Twilight? You've never had problems making friends since you moved here."

"Oh, I don't know Spike he's just... a colt." That was the best Twilight could put it. Comet and Spike couldn't make heads or tails of it. After a silent breakfast, Comet thanked her again and collected his things. She had a big day getting ready for the Gala at Canterlot tonight and Comet did not want to distract her. On his way out the door, Comet stopped to overhear some furious whispering behind him. After a resigned "Fine" Spike came and joined him.

"What you doing today, Comet?" Spike followed him about the town.

"I'm going to spend the day finding a place to live. I think you and I both know I'm not welcome in the tree again."

"Aw, you're always welcome to spend the night with me, Comet." Spike was ashamed at Twilight's behavior. What had gotten into her? Comet laughed at the thought.

"I don't think I could fit in your basket, Spike." They laughed. After a pause, he turned to face Spike.

"Where do you think I should start?" In all honesty, Comet had no idea how to go about finding a place to live.

"Why don't we check the mayor's office? I'm sure if there's a house with an open bed, it would be listed there."

"I like that idea. Let's do that." Spike hopped on Comet's back and they went together, talking about whatever came to mind.

"So, you're a dragon, right? So you eat gems?"

"Well, not exclusively. Given the choice, I would take gems any day, though." Spike's mouth started to water at the thought. "Well, what about you? What do you like to eat?" Comet hadn't really thought about it.

"Well, I really liked the hay fries with alfalfa and carrots I had yesterday." The waitress was pretty pleasant as well.

"I'm not big on the greens, believe it or not," Spike found vegetables on hay fries to be a crime to taste-buds.

"So... tell me about some of Twilight's friends. I'm pretty sure I have Twilight's character down pretty good," Comet was interested in hearing Spike's input. Hopefully he could give some more immediately relevant information than what the waitress had for him.

"Well, who do you want to hear about?"

"Tell me about... Fluttershy. I've only ever heard her talk once. What does she do?"

"Fluttershy works with animals. She's got this way with little critters and things." Comet guessed that was pretty cool. "She's always been really quiet though, so don't worry, it's not you." That made Comet feel a little better.

"And what about Pinkie Pie? Why is she so... so..."

"Pinkie Pie?"

"Well, yeah." Comet found that was a surprisingly good way to put it.

"Pinkie Pie just loves parties and games. You have to kind of roll with it, but she grows on you after awhile." Comet had a friend like that in school. "Pinkie Pie also loves pranks, too, so keep an eye out." Comet made a mental note of that.

"I guess she gets along with Rainbow Dash pretty well, then?" Comet didn't know what to think of the blue Pegasus.

"Yeah, the two of them have terrorized Ponyville together more than once." Spike knew all too well. "Rainbow Dash is a competitive spirit, though, which makes her a hard worker and a reliable friend." Comet nodded in approval. He felt he made a good choice in getting Spike's thoughts on his new friends.

"I think I know Applejack pretty well at this point, which only leaves---"

"Rarity..." Spike's sigh told Comet all too much. Too much indeed.

"So she's a fashion designer?"

"Only the best fashion designer in all of Equestria! She's been complimented by Hoity Toity, done photo shoots with Photo Finish, she's smart, she's funny, she's beautiful..."

"Alright, alright, I get it. Down boy." Comet had heard enough of that. Drama left a particularly bad taste in his mouth. "Looks like we're here." The town hall had an ornate appeal to it, although it's design was simplistic and sturdy.

At the reception desk inside, they found a receptionist writing letters and filing papers. She appeared... ergonomical. She was easily the least natural-looking unicorn he had ever seen. She returned to her desk when they approached.

"Something I can help you two with?" Her voice sounded interested, but her face said that she would rather be anywhere but here.

"Yeah, I was wondering if there are any houses for sale in Ponyville? I'm Comet."

The receptionist turned and got a large book from a shelf, without a word. She returned with the book and gave a small "Charmed." Speaking of bad tastes in my mouth, Comet thought to himself. She thumbed through the book and revealed a charming display of some of the open rooms and houses in town.

"Wow, these houses are so nice," Spike was fascinated. They were all in the middle of the hustle and bustle of town, waiting to be moved into. They had everything from rooms above the shops for rent to entire two story houses that could be converted into stores. Comet checked how much money he had. He had a solid 430 gold coins to work with. Unfortunately, the smallest cottage he could find was easily triple that.

"Uhm..." Comet did his best to avoid being awkward, "Do you have anything... cheaper? Maybe?" Comet was afraid this would happen. The last thing he wanted to do was have to ask to spend the night at Twilight Sparkle's again.

The receptionist gave a roll of her eyes and went back to the bookshelf. She browsed for a bit and moved to the file cabinet. She waded through papers and pamphlets. She perused assorted colors of documents before reproducing a small manilla folder. There was a photo of a quaint little church on the front.

"Isn't that..." Spike appeared to recognize the building.

"I could sell you the rights to the old church on the hill. It's a bit of a way out of town, and it needs a little work, but I could offer it for as low as 350 gold coins." Comet raised his eyebrows. It was perfect. It even had a bell tower that he could make an observatory out of. He felt a tug on his ear. Spike was waiving him over from his back.

"Excuse us for a minute." Comet quickly turned around to see what was wrong.

"I've been to that place, Comet. It's a dump! You are going to be getting what you pay for."

"So it needs a little work. Nothing I couldn't handle. I took Wood Shop in school." Comet could picture it now. A question arose in his mind. "What happened to the previous owner?" He turned to face the receptionist again. She raised an eyebrow.

"He couldn't afford to maintain the church and moved out west a few years back. Not a lot of marriages in this town." Comet couldn't think of any other options.

"I'll take it!" Spike buried his head in his hands.

"You don't know what you are getting into, Comet..."

"Nonsense, I need some good grunt labor to take my mind off things." Comet payed the receptionist and signed and hoof-printed all the necessary paperwork. At the end, she handed him the manilla folder.

"Good luck to you." Her tone was almost snide, but with it, they took their leave. Comet was stoked. His first place all to himself. He couldn't wait to see it with his own two eyes. They headed out of town, in the opposite direction of the orchard. Comet could see it silhouetted in the sun on the hill.

"The walk isn't that bad," Comet grinned, "It even has a cobblestone path! How cool is that?" The gate at the beginning of the path had rusted off of one of its hinges. Moving carefully, Comet worked around it and headed up the path, Spike on his tail.

When they got to the church, Comet suddenly realized what Spike had meant.

"The picture.... was...."

"The day the pastor left, yes. That's what I was trying to tell you." Spike was satisfied with the look on Comet's face and decided it was I-told-you-so enough for him. The building had virtually no paint left on it, most of the windows were broken or missing, and they could hear a creak from within when the wind blew. There was no bell, but a flapping pair of shutters at the top of the tower.

"Okay... so it needs some tender loving care. Nothing I can't handle." Comet nervously put the key in the lock. The door stuck a bit, but reluctantly opened with some force. The inside reflected the outside of the church. It was small and one-room, with a large storage closet opposite the stairs to the bell tower. A single pew remained on the bare floor. Comet had reason to believe there was a carpet on the floor at one point, but only shreds of it remained.

"You are gonna need some tools, Comet." Spike nodded at the fact that it was worse than he thought. What Comet intended to do with the rest of his afternoon, he had no idea. He was losing light fast, and this place would not keep him out of the cold.

"I'll stop by Applejacks. Surely she has some tools and wood she could lend me."

"Applejack is probably busy, but Big McIntosh would probably help you."

"Is that Applejack's brother or something?"

"Yup. You'll like him, he's a good guy. Strongest colt I've ever met." They locked up the house and Spike found he was running late. "I have to get ready too! See ya, Comet! Good luck!" He ran down the hill for the library. Comet nodded to himself in the failing light. This was just a hurdle. He could handle this. Nothing he couldn't handle at all.

"I have a house!" Comet shouted to the sun. He was just going to pour his soul into it and make it his own. First thing was first, Comet decided, that he had to make it so he could sleep in it that night. Which meant he needed windows, a light source, the tools to install those windows, and a blanket or two. Perhaps a broom to clean a little. The list made perfect sense. Hopefully this Big McIntosh was reasonable.

The walk to Apple Acres was disconcerting. He would need a cart to take all of these things across town, and would probably need to get more tomorrow morning. Just a hurdle. When Comet got to the farm, he found a red colt bucking apples out of the tree with surprising strength. He could clear a tree with a single kick, knocking all the apples out of the tree into thoughtfully placed baskets. That must be him.

"Uh... Excuse me..." Comet approached him cautiously. When he turned to look at Comet, Comet found he had freckles identical to Applejack. "I'm Comet, I just moved here. Are you... Big McIntosh?"

"Eeyup." Big McIntosh's face was practically emotionless.

"I just moved here, like I said, and I just bought the old church on the opposite side of town? Have you been there?"

"Eeyup."

"Yeah, well, it needs a little work, and I was wondering if I could buy some windows off of you and borrow some tools so I could start fixing it up? And the cart to put it all in?"

"Eeyup." Big McIntosh led him down to a big red barn, where everything hardware-related that Comet could think of, was located. Big McIntosh fetched the things Comet asked for quickly and quietly, and had a small cart hitched to go.

"Thanks so much, Big McIntosh. I really appreciate yours and Applejack's hospitality."

"Eeyup." Comet thought, when reflecting upon it later, that Big McIntosh smiled after the last one. He couldn't be sure, though. Comet gave him the last of the money he had, and set off. It took Comet a good 15 minutes and a small push from Big McIntosh to get the cart rolling out of Apple Acres. Comet had no idea it would be so heavy. Comet tugged and huffed at the harness throughout town, drawing more attention to himself than he was comfortable with. On an occasion or two, he had to stop for breath and get some help from passerby to get moving again. A trio of fillies that Comet recognized raced past in a wagon drawn by a small scooter. He knew one of them was Applejack's little sister. What was her name? He couldn't remember it for the life of him.

When they came up beside him, he tried to strike up a conversation between heaves and pants.

"I remember you three." Gasp, "You were in the barn where I woke up." Wheeze. "What were your names again?"

"I'm Sweety Belle," the white one spoke. She had a lovely voice. "And this is Scootaloo and Applebloom." Applebloom! That was her name! Comet could only see the bow poking up from behind Sweety Belle that belonged to Applebloom. "We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders, on the hunt to find our special talents. We saw your Cutie Mark was comets. I was wondering, how did you get it?"

"Well," Pant. "It's not very inter---" Gasp, "---esting. I was reading my favorite book. It was... about... comets..." Comet sweat bullets into that harness. He knew he wasn't the most fit pony in school, but this was ridiculous. That big red colt Big McIntosh could probably bench four of those barrels of apples, and this was all he had?

"Ugh, a book? That's so boring." Scootaloo wasn't impressed. Although, it was safer than some of the things she had tried.

"Right now," Wheeze, "I'm going to fix up," Pant, "My new house. I sure could use some help, if you aren't busy."

Sweety Belle liked the idea. He seemed nice enough. Scootaloo, bored of racing around town, found it was better than nothing, and not to Comet's surprise, Applebloom said nothing.

When they reached the church, the Crusaders were fascinated. It was practically an adventure getting to explore this old place.

"Is it haunted?" Scootaloo hoped he would say yes.

"I sure hope not." Comet slumped over on the gate to catch his breath, only for the gate's last hinge to break and tip the gate (and Comet with) it onto the floor. At this point it was about dinner time and the sun was moving fast. Comet had to get moving quickly.

"Okay Crusaders," Comet figured it would be fast enough if he made a game out of it. "I have a mission for you." His suddenly stern voice got all of their attention. "The one who can explore the house the fastest and bring me as much loose wood as possible will win a special prize. The rules are that you can't pull up or apart any furniture, and if it's rotted it doesn't count.:

"All right," Scootaloo was as eager to win as Rainbow Dash, "I'm not going to lose." Applebloom took a serious stance amongst the three of them. She seemed very sure of herself.

"Ready... go!" The three of them raced off into the house. Comet was satisfied with his handiwork. He was glad he could use their help at least until they had to head for home. Comet carefully moved his tools one at a time up the hill to the house to set them down inside. He could hear the three of them racing around shouting at their findings.

"New Rule!" Comet had an idea. "Anything that's not wood but still interesting is worth bonus points!" More shouts could be heard from about the building. Their energy gave Comet a boost in stamina, and he took his broom and started sweeping the ground floor. By the time the floor was clean enough to start working, the girls had found all they could find.

Comet paced amongst them like a stalwart commander. He eyed their piles carefully. Most of Sweety Belle's wood was rotten, and she was unable to produce anything of interest. Scootaloo found a sizable pile of good boards in what was apparently an attic unmentioned in any of the paperwork. Although Applebloom's pile was one-third the size of Scootaloo's, she had in her hooves a golden pocket watch she had found outside by the water spigot, it was damaged, but opened to reveal the remains of an ancient, water-destroyed picture. Easily the most interesting thing.

"I believe this does it right here," Comet gave a satisfying smile, "Applebloom wins." She gave a heavy sigh of relief. Scootaloo groaned and pouted, and Sweety Belle seemed a little disappointed. "For your special prize, I'm going to need you to come back tomorrow. All three of you. It is late now, and I need you to head home for me to keep us all out of trouble. They appeared tuckered out and had done more than Comet had hoped for in that evening. The lantern Comet had borrowed provided more light than the sun at this point. They said their goodbyes and headed out. Applebloom was last to leave. "Be careful on your way home," Comet called to her, "I don't want to hear of anything bad happening to you in the dark." She gave a small nod and moved to leave.

"Thanks for all your help, Applebloom." His grin made her reveal a small smile before she hurried out. She was a sweet girl. Now that Comet had more than enough to work with, he got cracking. Removing the old windows proved challenging, but it wasn't anything Comet couldn't handle after tugging all that junk across town. Once all three of the windows were in place, he found the draft was almost non-existent. It was old, but a well-built church. The lantern did a good job of warming up the inside now that the leaks were mostly gone. Tomorrow, he would fix the door and see what he could do about getting the water and electricity working again. Also, he had no money, and would need to find work until he could put his talent to work for him. This things took time, he supposed. Although he was tired, there was one thing Comet wanted to do before he slept.

Taking his prized telescope and a blanket, Comet climbed the rickety stairs to the bell tower, where he pinned down the flapping shutters. In protest, one of them fell to the ground with a loud crack. Comet was too tired to care. Carefully perching his telescope so that it poked out of the bell tower, Comet took in the big, bright universe around him. There was an unfathomable number of stars this far from civilization. A glowing trail of stars could be seen moving through the sky like a heavenly river, moving across the path it had probably moved for at least hundreds of thousands of years. Comet would name all of these stars. One day, he would become acquainted with every single one. Suddenly dissatisfied with his view, Comet carefully grabbed his telescope and scaled to the top of the flat bell tower roof, where he could take it all in. He found the large cross on that roof was good as a safety in case he slipped. Comet drank in the energy of the universe like he never had before in his life. This spot, where he sat and simply absorbed all of his joy and soreness and comfort, would be his home.

~~~

As Applebloom walked home in the night, she turned once or twice to look back at that house, hoping to see the colt that lived inside. She wasn't sure what it was about him, but he made her insides turn and her mouth feel fuzzy whenever he spoke. His words echoed in her head as she walked. When she turned for the last time, she saw him, sitting on the roof of the bell tower, gazing at the stars in the night. The moonlight illuminated him enough to see his shape, but not define any of his features. She wondered how he felt up there. Was he enjoying himself? Was he lonely? She couldn't tell from here, and once thought of going back. She knew she would be in trouble for being out this late, though, and that kept her headed home.

She would dream of him on his roof that night, and had trouble thinking about anything else for the next few days to come.

Chapter 5 - Comet's Talent

Despite the fact that Comet slept on an old pew (the only furniture currently in his new home) with a pair of old blankets, Comet awoke the next morning feeling more rested than he ever had in his entire life. The sun came in his brand new windows, and Comet knew it would be a good day. He gave a stretch and let out a moan, hearing that satisfying crack he had become accustomed to. He shoved his front door open, and took in all that he saw. The still sleeping village of Ponyville below, where he would try to find a job to make some extra money today, lay below. The view was astounding. Comet nodded in approval. He looked down the hill to find the gate he had broke the day before. Not that he particularly wanted a gate, it did need to be fixed though. He nodded in approval. Comet looked to his right and found the remains of a shutter that broke off of his bell tower the night before. Although it was his fault, Comet couldn't help but feel it was somehow was meant to be there, and knew he would clean that up today as well. He nodded in approval. His sights sought, Comet lightly trotted down his cobblestone path, worked around his broken gate, and out onto the trail down to the village. It was going to be a great day, he could feel it.

When he arrived in town, he found the shops were just starting to open to another regular day. Groggy eyes and sleepy steps could be seen and heard across the streets. Why was he up so early. again? Comet didn't know, but didn't mind. Better early than any other time of day. Comet's stomach gave a growl of hunger. He had been working all the day before, and only on breakfast for that matter. Unfortunately, he had no money, and would need to sing for his supper, so to speak. He decided it might be a good idea to check the restaurant he stopped at a few days earlier and see if they could use his help. The food was good and he knew one person there already. Comet felt he knew his way around town pretty well, and found the restaurant without much trouble. The smells of breakfast wafted through the kitchen. He caught the waitress in the middle of a small yawn and she let out a squeak.

"Can I get you a table, Comet?" She seemed happy to see him.

"Actually, I don't have any money," Comet grinned sheepishly. He hoped his cheery mood might rub off on her. "I spent it all on my new house."

"You bought a house? Like all to yourself, house? On your second day in town? Where is it?"

"You know the old church on the hill?"

"Oh..." The waitress kept her comments to herself. She should've guessed it couldn't have been that good of a place.

"I just put new windows in last night. It helped a ton. I was hoping you might have some work for me to do so I can keep up the good pace and maybe get some breakfast. Maybe I could wash dishes or something."

"Uh..." The waitress had difficulty placing her words, "Y'see, I would love to help you, really, I would, Comet. But we just opened. There are no dishes to wash." Comet figured he should have thought about that before hand. He gave her a nod and a smile.

"Well, I'm going to keep looking, then. Thanks for the help, and keep something hot for me, okay?"

She nodded, "Of course, Comet. Good luck!"

"You bet!" He continued on around the town. That made sense. Why would they have work when they just opened? Comet didn't let that slow him down. There were all kinds of things he could do, still. Another smell caught his nose. Of course, Comet thought, The bakery always needs fresh goods every day. There was something he could do.

Comet found Pikie Pie humming away as she worked in the kitchen. He gave a light knock on the bottom partition of the door and was greeted with a smile.

"Hiya, Comet," Pinkie Pie was always beams and smiles. "What can I do you for do for you do?"

"I was wondering if you needed any help. I need money to finish working on my new house."

"Oh boy! Help! That would be the bestest best thing ever, Comet! Let me get Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" She bounced back into the kitchen. Pinkie Pie produced the couple, who appeared much sprightlier this time of morning than most of the ponies in Ponyville.

"Something we can help you with, dearie?" Mrs. Cup Cake was a nice mare, and Comet liked her before she said anything.

"Well, Mrs. Cup Cake, I moved into Ponyville yesterday, and was wondering if you had some work I could do around here to make a little extra money."

"Can you bake?" Mr. Carrot Cake was eager to get Pinkie Pie out of the kitchen. "We have a lot of deliveries that need to be done, and Pinkie Pie can take care of them if you are willing to give us a hand."

"I love deliveries!" Pinkie Pie bounced over to a pile of tied packages. Apparently, this place was buzzing before even Comet got up. "It's one of my favorite favorite games!"

"Do your best not to eat any of them, Dearie," Comet thought Mrs. Cup Cake was kidding, but the tone in her voice sounded very serious. Maybe Comet would be more trustworthy with the packages (if he knew anyone in Ponyville, that is).

"Yes ma'am!" Pinkie Pie scooped up a couple of boxes and bounced out the door, out into the new sunshine.

"So, have you ever baked anything before?" Mr. Carrot Cake's question still held.

"My mother did teach me how to bake one thing," Comet knew he wasn't the best cook. "I can follow directions, though."

"Great," Mrs. Cup Cake gave him a small smile, "We could always use an extra pair of hands. Put on this spare apron and come into the kitchen."

Comet worked with the Cakes well into lunch time. Although he was unnaturally slow on his own, he could follow directions to a "t", and did his very best. Unfortunately, his mother's recipe for Fruit-Jam Swirl Upside-Down Cake took much too long to be able to sell in the bakery. At least when Comet reproduced the recipe, he was only able to make one of these cakes in the time it took Pinkie Pie to finish the deliveries. When she was done, Mr. and Mrs. Cake thanked him for his hard work, and payed him for his service and the recipe. It was more money than Comet had hoped for, but not enough to pick up the things he wanted today, or get by for that matter. Comet thanked them again for their help and he stepped out into the bustle of the village to find something new to do. At least he wouldn't go hungry today and could pick up some new shutters and some nails.

Full of bread and energy, Comet found Rainbow Dash tackling a particularly uncooperative cloud in an attempt to get it to produce water. Finally, something he knew he was good at it.

"Rainbow Dash!" He called to her and caught her attention.

"What's up, Comet?" Rainbow Dash plopped down on the cloud and watched him from above.

"What can you tell me about the weather committee here in Ponyville?"

"They make sure the weather is balanced and organized. Why?" Rainbow Dash was unsure she understood the question.

"I was wondering if I could help. I happen to be an experienced meteorologist." Comet puffed out his chest in pride. He was a bit put out to find Rainbow Dash laughing at him from her cloud.

"Meteo-what?" Rainbow Dash was not impressed.

"I study the weather," Comet found it hard to believe she didn't know what meteorology was.

"Why do you need to study it? Just do it."

"Don't you need to know what the weather will be like tomorrow or the day after?"

"Well duh," Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, "I make the weather whatever I want." Comet had nothing to say to this. Meteorology was not very useful in a town where the weather was tamed and controlled. In Manehattan, the Weather Committee responded to existing weather and kept the air clean and the sort. Apparently that wasn't need here.

"Never mind, Rainbow Dash."

"You're funny, Comet. Come see me again sometime."

"Uh-huh." Comet was starting to find his spirits dampen, and it wasn't from the increasing water pressure from the cloud Rainbow Dash was beating on. Rainbow Dash watched him walk away. He seemed irritated. Was it something she said?

Comet hadn't considered what he would do if his talents weren't necessary. What if Ponyville didn't need an astronomer, or worse, already had one? As Comet wandered Ponyville, he saw a telescope on a balcony of the library. He shook his head in what was building frustration. Of course it would be Twilight Sparkle that was the astronomer. The one person he thought it would be easiest to befriend, who turned out to be the hardest. She was so... difficult. Comet walked straight by the library, uninterested in whatever could be happening inside. Twilight had Spike and Owlaroo to help her; he didn't want to help her anyways. Maybe he should try looking in different places. Experimenting. Although he wasn't very strong, maybe there was something he could help with at Apple Acres. He didn't want to intrude on Big McIntosh's hospitality too much, though. He already had some tools and windows, and he was going to take money too? Comet decided that wasn't a very good idea.

As he wandered out of town, Comet found he was on his way back home in the mid-afternoon. As he moved down the road, he found a turn he didn't notice on the way down. Curious, he turned and went the other way. As the town grew smaller behind him, Comet noticed the forest that grew larger in front of him. Curious at the opportunity to explore something new, Comet wandered into the dark and damp, following the road. The brush got thicker, and so did the air. Comet looked around for some shelter. The damp that clung in the air suggested it would rain soon. Comet found this odd when he thought about it. Rainbow Dash had the skies above Ponyville practically clear, so why was there a chance on showers just outside the village?

A curious smell halted his thought process. In a small clearing, Comet found a lonely little hut, a trail of smoke curling out one window something like singing could be heard inside. Comet moved to the door and peeked inside. What he saw caught him off-guard. A decorated striped horse moved about a cauldron sprinkling assorted herbs and an spices into a pot. Suddenly, she spoke.

"Come in, child, there's no need to fear. A new face is always welcome here." Comet came inside. The hut was decorated with tribal regalia and ornaments. Comet decided it was not unlike a mosaic in and of itself.

"Oh, I'm Comet. I just moved here."

"I'm Zecora, little tourist. What brings you to the Everfree Forest?"

"I'm just exploring. I like your soup, it smells wonderful."

"The smell went far, I had a hunch. I would you like to stay for lunch?"

"That sounds wonderful. I think it's going to rain soon, anyways."

"But the skies are clear and very plain. Why do you say it could rain?"

"I read a lot of books. Meteorology and Astronomy are kind of a hobbies of mine." Comet looked outside to find it started to drizzle. Zecora seemed astonished. She came closer to him.

"I can see you spend much time staring at the skies. The stars, they glint within your eyes." Comet backed up a bit.

"Oh, well, thank you, I guess. I mean, I donno, that's very kind of you." Comet was embarrassed at the compliment. Zecora went through her things and produced a leather bound book. It appeared to have no title.

"Perhaps you can decipher this book. It too, is about the stars. Take a look." Comet browsed the book and read small bits and pieces. It was astrology, an old pseudoscience that claimed one could predict how days would turn out and luck and the like based on the constellations in the sky that night and the night before.

"It's called Astrology. It's just an old hokey theory."

"Sometimes, when a feather appears to be duller, it just needs to be dyed a different color." Comet didn't understand. First verse, now riddles?

"I'm sorry, I don't follow."

"Your eyes say you feel your talents are in waste. Perhaps a different approach should be faced." Comet considered this. He knew the stars well. Maybe it was time he put that to a new use. Comet stuck a hoof out in the rain, and felt the air. It appeared to be thinning.

"Thank you for your time, Zecora. The rain will be stopping soon, so I think I should go to. I'll come visit you again."

"Your talent is greater than you can show. We shall meet again, I know."

When Comet stepped out into the rain, he found it already slowing down. As he strolled, he thought about the mysterious book Zecora gave him. What secrets could it hold at closer examination? Maybe he should go to the library and see what information Spike could give him. Maybe if he was luckier, Twilight Sparkle wouldn't be there.

It was mid-afternoon when Comet made it back to Ponyville. He pushed open the door to the library and heard the satisfying tinkle of the bell on the door. Spike was there to greet him.

"Hey Comet, how are you?"

"Great, Spike. I've been fixing up the church."

"You mean last night? You slept there last night?"

"Sure. I put on some new windows so it wouldn't be drafty, and I slept like a foal." Spike nodded, impressed.

"Listen, I got this book from Zecora, and I was wondering if you could give me any information on it."

"I could try, but Twilight Sparkle would be a better person to ask."

"Is she here right now?"

"No, she's running errands about town. She'll be back in a few hours." Comet heaved a sigh of relief. It was probably better that way. He did not want to start an argument today.

"What do you think?" Comet changed the subject off of Twilight Sparkle back to his book.

"The binding suggests it was handwritten, like a journal or script. It very well might be one of a kind." Comet nodded in consideration. Perhaps he should read it to get more information out it. In retrospect, that probably would have been a simpler idea.

"Do you have any books on the Everfree Forest?" Comet was curious about something?

"Sure. What about it? Flora, fauna, creepies, crawlies, we have all kinds of things."

"How about the Forest in general? Like an ambiguation or a research novel?"

"Yeah, let me get it for you. Were you thinking about taking it home?"

"Yeah, there's something I wanna look into."

"It's dangerous, Comet, be careful." Comet knew what Spike meant, but gave a sneer.

"I doubt the book's bite is as bad as the bookkeeper's."

"What was that?" Comet's hair stood on end to hear a familiar voice behind him. The door shut with a small tinkle of the bell.

"Um... hello, Twilight Sparkle." Comet immediately regretted his entire conversation.

"I'm going to have to ask you to leave. The library's closed."

"Twilight..." Spike came back with a pair of books for Comet, "Relax, it was all in good----"

"Spike, show Comet to the door. We are locking up for the night." Spike heaved a sigh.

"Yes, Twilight." Spike let Comet out. "Listen, if you need anything, Comet, just ask. I got your back." He shared a hoof-bump with Comet before getting called back inside by Twilight Sparkle. A click was heard behind the door when it closed. Comet rolled his eyes as he headed for home. Before he left town, he picked up some hinges and nails. He didn't have enough money to replace the shutter he broke, but with what he had he could fix the door and the gate. That was a good start, Comet decided. Once past the gate, Comet put his things down on his pew and got a hammer and some hinges. He had difficulty finding the hammer. It didn't seem to be where he left it. Once the gate was working well, Comet found the door would be more difficult than he thought, as the wood was warped (which was probably what ruined the hinges). After a couple of well placed bangs, Comet splintered the door off of the ratty old hinges, Big McIntosh style. His hinds hurt afterward, but it left Comet feeling satisfied with his own physical strength. Gathering what wood he had left, he fashioned a new door to the new hinges, recycling the doorknob. Odd, Comet thought to himself, I remember having more wood.

The new door fit well. Comet spent some time opening and closing it, in his own satisfaction. The lock couldn't be forced open anymore, either. Comet took the old door and threw it in the pot-belly stove in the closet. Since he had enough wood tonight, he might as well make it cozy. The dry old wood lit up well. Soon, the whole house was nice and warm. Comet got one of his books he got from Spike and propped it open. He pored into his book like he did in his mother's library. The Everfree forest was fascinating. The wildlife that grew on its own, the fauna that lived without care, but the most intriguing thing was the weather. According to both volumes of his book, the Everfree Forest is most notably known for its unpredictable weather, which has, on numerous occasions, moved away from the forest and damaged the nearby towns and villages, causing much trouble for the weather committees of Cloudsdale. To this very day they have tried their best to contain the weather and struggle to do so. Comet thought about that. It was just weather. If they had someone that was there, keeping an eye on the forest, they could be better prepared for the weather there.

It struck Comet like a ton of bales of hay. That could be Comet's job. If he could predict the weather in the forest, he could report to Cloudsdale to help them stay on top of it. It was so simple. So grand. It was perfect. He couldn't wait to run it by his friends tomorrow in Ponyville.

A noise distracted Comet from his celebration. Comet turned to face the stairs and found a drowsy Applebloom come into the room. She gave a small smile and dragged one of his blankets to the corner the stove was in and curled up in it.

Before Comet could get a word in edgewise, she was fast asleep.

Chapter 7 - Comet's Day of Discord

The sun shining in Comet's window awoke him that next morning He must have slept particularly well, because much to Comet's dismay, he had already wasted about a third of his day. Despite the fact that he couldn't watch the sun rise this morning, Comet climbed to his bell tower roof to check his equipment he set up the night before. He figured that if he did get a letter from Cloudsdale today, he should have whatever information he could possibly have ready for them. Either that, or tell them what he had in hopes that it would sway their decision. As Comet looked at his instruments, something very odd was happening. The readings he was getting wasn't making any sense.

The air pressure suggested that he was in the bottom of a ravine, not the highest point in Ponyville. The temperature was so high that his alcohol solution had percolated at the top of his thermometer, away from the metal plate, and the spinning vane would make a quarter of a turn or so before turning the other direction, and swaying back. Comet didn't understand. They were working fine yesterday. He checked the air. Maybe there was a bad storm last night. The pressure felt okay, but something he had never felt before was hanging about. It felt... sticky. And sweet. What kind of weather is sticky and sweet? Comet was bewildered. He needed to get down into Ponyville right away and send a letter. Either something very bad was going to happen, or it was about to start raining desserts on his house.

Or, both.

When Comet got into Ponyville, it was a disaster. Houses were turning upside down upon themselves, pink clouds and chocolate rain, and for some reason, the rabbits had unrealistically long---

"Howdy, Comet." The voice behind him made Comet's hair stand on end. It was, sensual. Mature. Like a model. It sounded strangely familiar, however. He turned around. Or, it was Applebloom.

"Do you like it?" Comet was dreaming. This was some crazy, screwed up dream where nine different kinds of crazy was going down.

"Uh... Applebloom... it's well... different." Comet needed to get out of there before it got any weirder. "Look, I need to uh... Get to the library, and uh, send a letter. You should uh... take... cover. And stuff. Bye now!" Comet rushed off for the library, hoping to Celestia that she didn't follow him.

"I'll be waiting," Applebloom smiled. This was the best thing to have ever happened to her.

Comet shut the library door behind him. That was something he never wanted to experience again.

The library was empty and quiet. Comet looked around, and heard a moan from upstairs. It sounded like Spike. Comet rushed up to him and found him lying on the floor. Spike moaned again and produced a letter, which fell on a large pile.

"Spike?"

"Comet... urp. Make it stop..." The letter pile continued to grow.

"What happened?"

"Celes... ugh... Celestia... friendship..."

"Uh, well, since you obviously can't write me a letter, I was wondering... Are there any in there for me?" Comet hoped that didn't come off as rude. He browsed the pile and found one with the seal of Cloudsdale on it. It was addressed to him. He read it:

"To Our Esteemed Comet,

We of the Primary Branch of the Equestrian Weather Committee have considered your application and would like to request your assistance as a terms of employment. As we are sure you are aware at this point, adverse and unpredictable weather conditions are affecting all of Equestria. Your expertise in the subject of weather has been verified, and if you have any help you could provide for us and all of Equestria in this time of need, it would be much obliged. Should you assist in the containment of these disasters, we would like to offer you the position of Everfree Ranger. We urge you to accept this our gracious offer and hope you can help to control the growing disaster across Equestria."

It was signed and stamped by all the members of the weather committee. This was it. Comet had the job. He just needed to handle some cotton candy and chocolate milk, and his dream job was locked in.

"Spike, do you know what this means?"

"Ugh... con... congratulations..." Spike rolled over.

"All I have to do to is fix the chaos outside, and and I got the job." Comet knew what he had to do. "Spike, you stay here. I'm going to practice meteorology." It was time to get to the bottom of this.

"Urp... 'kay..."

Comet rushed outside and found the anarchy was worsening. The dirt, which was now a delightful blue and cyan checkerboard, was met by a road of soap leading to holes in the ground where a majority of the buildings (that weren't made of cards) floated freely in the air. Comet searched the sky and found that his house, as well, had joined the party. He hoped it didn't tussle with any of the bigger houses. He put so much money into that place as it is. Comet focused. Carefully sneaking around the mature-voiced Applebloom, Comet tried to find a source to all of the nonsense.

Given the fact that cotton candy dissolves when wet, it stands to reason that this chaos is magic related. Comet concluded. That... and everything is going bat-shit crazy. In the center of town, Comet found a creature he had never seen before. It was like a bad game of Mr. Potato-Colt. Someone just sneezed animal parts onto a dragon body. He approached the laughing creature and figured he might have something to do with this.

"And you are?"

"Discord, draconequus lord of chaos and disharmony. And you are?"

"I'm Comet. Is this your doing?"

"Charmed. Isn't it wonderful? Chaos capital of the world, is what I call it."

"So everything is going to stay this way?"

Suddenly, the sun hid and the moon looped into the sky. All this was starting to irritate Comet.

"But of course. This town needed to loosen up, and now it's not getting any looser," He gestured to the floating buildings and laughed. Comet nodded. A comedian. Wonderful. Maybe a brain teaser could confuse him a bit.

"So, is there anything I can expect to happen today?"

"Besides chaos and anarchy? Nothing!" Discord flopped down on his thrown with a small bark when he landed.

"What about tomorrow?" Comet tried to sound generally curious.

"Why, I imagine that I won't be going anywhere tomorrow, so I would assume it would be about the same. Are you getting at something, Comet? I'm very busy dismantling physics here."

"I'm not sure I understand. You said you were the lord of chaos and disharmony."

"What of it?"

"Isn't there order in the fact that everything is going to be the same tomorrow?"

The rain stopped for just a second. Discord blinked.

"I mean, if I don't know what's going to happen today, and I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, isn't there an organized pattern forming here?"

A house settled down in its place. Comet found the funniest thing Discord had done all day was the look on his face right then. Suddenly, the rain began again and the house transformed into cards.

"I know what you are trying to do, Comet. You think you can break my focus with a mind game? I made the mind game! I am the mind game. Let's see how smart you are when you are made of wood!" With a snap of his lion's paw, Comet disappeared with a light poof and was replaced by a delicate mahogany side table. A trio of comets were etched into the finish on the tabletop. "Your idea was good, Comet, but in the face of chaos, I'm afraid your logic does have a leg to stand on!" Discord laughed and laughed. In his reverie, he knocked the Comet-corner-piece on the floor. Discord turned and looked at it. "Watch your tongue, Comet, or I'll stain you." A pink cloud moved over, and Discord conjured a glass, filling it with chocolate milk. "Chaos, is a wonderful, wonderful thing."

"Not as wonderful as friendship!" Twilight Sparkle and her friends approached the draconequus, armed with pretty jewelry table-Comet didn't recognize.

"Oh," Discord drank the glass off his chocolate milk and sneered, "This again?" He gave his milk a toss behind him, right at Comet. The resulting explosion sent table-Comet careening. He collided with a tree and relieved to find that the tree squeaked like a small toy, allowing him to rest without damage on the ground. He couldn't see what was happening from this position, to his frustration.

Suddenly, a smoking red lightning bolt wizzed past him. If table-Comet had lungs, he would have shouted in surprise. Assorted colored energy beams began flying in all directions. If only table-Comet could see what was happening. If only table-Comet could see period! He had no eyes, of course. There was a bright flash of light, and Comet landed with a thump on the ground. He was delighted to find he had flesh and a mane again as opposed to a delicate lemon-scented finish.

The following day, a celebration was held in Canterlot to honor the heroes that saved Equestria from the villainous Discord. There was even a statue of Discord in a silly pose to enhance the occasion. Comet watched from the front of the crowd, proud of his friends who received honor medals from Princess Celestia herself. He knew that nopony would know of his attempt to defeat Discord, but that didn't matter. He had a medal of his own that he wore with pride. Wearing his new Ranger uniform, Comet beamed not only for his friends, but for his own accomplishments as well. If only his parents and siblings could be here to see him now. If only they could see that he went out and, albeit with a few hiccups along the way, managed to not only find a place to call his own, but found work doing something he loved. And an assortment of new friends, too. He joined the gang in the reception afterward, congratulating all of them.

"I saw the whole thing. You guys were truly amazing. Especially you, Twilight Sparkle. I had no idea you were so talented." Twilight Sparkle looked away at his compliment.

"Oh, uh, well, it was nothing. I couldn't have done it without all of my friends."

"I like your new duds," Spike felt the dark green uniform went well with Comet's dark grey skin.

"Thanks. I guess Discord did come in handy for something." They all laughed at that. Something left Comet feeling uneasy. "So... what happens now? You are all heroes and stuff."

"What of it?" Rarity wasn't sure she understood.

"You tryin' to make a point, Comet?" Applejack didn't know what he meant either.

"Well, I'm just some colt. I mean, I was there, sure, but I'm no hero."

"You don't have to be a hero to hang out with us, Comet," Twilight Sparkle was surprised he would say such a thing. "We aren't any different just because we got medals from the princess."

"Yur stuck with us," Applejack smiled.

"We like you just the way you are." Fluttershy spoke the longest sentence he had ever heard her say. She was going to be a very important friend in the future. Comet knew there were many dangerous creatures in the Everfree Forest, and he hoped that Fluttershy would be there if he needed her expertise.

"And we hope you like us just the same." Rainbow Dash shared a hoof-bump with him.

"Now that I have a real job..." Comet looked at Pinkie Pie and she giggled, "I'm going to need all of your guys's help fixing up my house. It still needs paint and shutters and---"

"Furniture?" Everyone laughed at Spike's comment, especially Comet. The future was looking bright, and Comet couldn't wait to see what it had in store.

Someone watched Comet from a distance. She shuffled an ornate deck of cards with levitation as she thought to herself. When she saw him at the front of the crowd at the ceremony, she could hardly believe it. She could pick out that folded ear anywhere. It had been ten years since she had last seen him. He had grown into a handsome colt in the time she had been gone. He talked and laughed with a circle of ponies and a dragon. She was glad Comet had made new friends, but at the same time, it gave her an angry feeling in the pit of her stomach. She was his oldest and best friend. Why didn't he notice her? He never did, now that she thought about it. Maybe she should go over and say something. The idea made her uncomfortable. A reading first, to still her nerves, and then she would give it a shot. The cards fanned out in front of her, forming an ornate sun symbol on the table. She looked at the backs of her cards carefully and focused on her question: Would she be able to get close to Comet, now that she'd found him again?

The first card she flipped depicted a powerful sorceress. The Ace of Wands. That was a good sign, Cupid thought to herself. It meant opportunity, ambition. She would get her chance. The next card would tell her the catch, however. It would tell her the cost of the first card. She had 77 other possible outcomes, and none of them were particularly good. She was getting pretty nervous.

The second card depicted eight wrestling Pegasi. The Eight of Wings. She sweat bullets. This was not what she was hoping for. It meant obstacles, or even a trap. What kind of trap? What could it mean? She pored over the backs of the cards, as if they would simply tell her what she wanted to know. What kind of fate was in store? The last card, at this point, was the most important. It was the card that would tie it all together. The root of the problem. The obstacle in particular. What could it be? She couldn't tell by sitting there with an unfinished fortune. Which card, which card? 76 paths, and only one was the path to follow. She calmed herself. it was just an explanation. She just needed to know why, and then she could proceed to overcome it.

After taking a deep breath, Cupid picked the card next to the first. An allicorn dressed in robes sat at a throne, a crossed scepter in hoof. The Hierophant.. That was it. That was the problem. She slumped back against the wall. Conformity. Comet was meeting some kind of standard, looking for some kind of acceptance, and that was getting in the way of her chance to be with him. Cupid searched her memory. What could that be referring to? Who was he conforming to? She watched him laugh with his new friends. As she though to herself, the cards reorganized and began to shuffle themselves again. Was it his new friends? Was he giving something up to be with them? It had been almost ten years since she had last seen him. There could be anything. She should go talk to him.

Cupid stopped and thought about that idea. The deck paused for just a bit, and then continued shuffling in mid-air. She could find out where he was staying at that point. Get to know him again. She had so much she wanted to talk about. Surely, they had room for one more in their circle. Summing up her courage, she collected her things (just her shawl and cards), and moved over to the circle. She inserted herself across the table from Comet.

"Comet? Comet is that you?" She approached the table and focused hard on him, as if she didn't recognize him.

"Hi. Um. Have we... wait. Cupid? Cupid is that you?" At this point, all the attention was on the cream-colored unicorn that was apparently more important than the rest of them.

"It's been so long, Comet... I've missed you." Everyone watched Comet, awaiting an introduction. Comet got the hint.

"Everyone, this is Cupid. She was my first friend in Manehattan. I haven't seen her in about ten years now? Give or take? Cupid, this is Spike, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie. They are my new friends." They nodded to her in turn as he went around the circle.

"I love your shawl, darling. Your timing on the season is impeccable." Rarity loved the alternating white and brown colors. She could tell it was hand woven, and it must be very old.

"Thanks. It was my mother's. Where have you gone, Comet? I came back to Manehattan to find you, and Dasher told me you had taken off for parts unknown."

"I should say the same thing. You dropped out of school without a letter or anything. Nopony knew where you went. I found a place in Ponyville, where I monitor the weather in the Everfree Forest."

Ponyville. Cupid had never been there, but it was supposed to be beautiful this time of year. How luxurious. "I'm so happy for you." She smiled. It was the same smile that Twilight gave him in the forest. It still made him feel weird.

"What are the cards for? They look nice." Spike was referring to the floating deck of cards that laced in and out of itself behind her. Cupid moved them out onto the table.

"These are Tarot Cards. I'm a fortune teller. It was something that was passed down from my grandmother to my mother, and from her to me." She smiled and had the cards form an ornate shape that rotated slowly in the middle of the table. Oohs and Ahs were shared amongst the eight of them. Comet had no idea she had gotten so good with those cards. Cupid's mother did readings for them when they were little foals. She smiled at the crowd. "Would you like me to do a reading?"

"If it's not too much trouble," Fluttershy was entranced by the decorative red and gold cards.

"Okay. First, I need a question. 'Yes' or 'No' questions are easiest to answer, but any question at all will suffice."

There was a pause as everyone thought of a question. Comet spoke first.

"Will I be successful at my new job?" Everyone agreed that was a good question. Cupid decided it was high time to show her stuff.

Her cards swirled and spun, hanging in the air and spinning in place, to join the pile and form a rapidly mixing group of decks. She decided a four-card reading would paint an accurate picture. When the cards settled, four piles rested on the table. Everyone watched in wonder as Cupid flipped the first card.

"This card represents your strengths. What you will take away from your job at the end of each day." Ten hoof-prints on the card of different colors formed a trio of circles. The Ten of Hooves Cupid was glad it wasn't bad news. "This is the ten of hooves. It means fulfillment, or contempt. You can be confident that you did good work at the end of each day." Everyone nodded and smiled at Comet. The look on his face suggested that he too, was glad it wasn't bad news. "Our second path represents your weaknesses. This is the thing that will hold you back from day to day." A shadow of a pony in a spotlight is circled by a collection of ponies watching down on him. Judgement. Cupid expected this. From what she remembered of her old friend, it was always something that bothered him. "This card is Judgement. In this case, it represents worry, or lack of faith. You need to have confidence in yourself and your abilities in order to succeed." Comet swallowed. It was astonishing how cards could bring out exactly what you were thinking of.

"We're halfway done. This third card represents your trials. This is what you strive to overcome in every day of work you do." The card depicted an unkempt earth-pony in a forest. The Hermit. Cupid smiled. Comet found comfort in this. "This odd card is The Hermit. He represents vigilance, or patience."

"How do you overcome patience?" Spike wasn't sure what this meant. Twilight Sparkle shushed him.

"In this case, it means something will try you and force you to wait. It is important to remember that if you can rely on others besides yourself, and everything will turn out fine. Confidence in your own abilities won't be enough; those you work with will be necessary for you to succeed. " Comet nodded. That could mean any number of things, but it wasn't bad news.

"This last card is my least favorite. It represents your tribulations. This is the thing that will cause you much discomfort from day to day. Unfortunately, no reading is entirely happy." The final pile revealed its top card. Ten multi-colored gems danced across a blue ocean background. The Ten of Gems. This was not good. Everyone watched Cupid, waiting for her explanation. "This is the Ten of Gems. It represents family, and support. I'm sorry, Comet. The cards tell me that you will need much strength in the future. Dasher and Dancer may not see your reasoning, but it's important to know that your parents will love you no matter what decision you make, although it will take time for them to accept it."

Comet stared at this last card. His parents wouldn't like his job? It was what he wanted, though, and wasn't that enough? He didn't understand. What did it mean? For a while, nobody said anything. Cupid's card shuffled back together, and she tucked them away behind her.

"It's okay, Comet. It wasn't all bad." Twilight tried to make him feel better.

"An we got your back, Sugarcube. You can count on us." Applejack always seemed to know what to say.to make him feel better. Cheers were held all around. Cupid did her best to spend as much time with Comet as she could for the rest of the evening. At the end of the night, she approached him.

"Comet?"

"Yeah, Cupid. What is it?"

"I was wondering... would it be okay... if I came and visited you in Ponyville?"

"Yeah. Yeah, of course! I would love to have you. It's been so long since we've been able to hang out like old times."

"O-Okay!" She was glad to hear his confident voice again. It was like something sleeping within her had woken up and just started to stretch its legs. "Well, I better get back to Manehattan. Long trip."

"Yeah." Comet nodded. He knew all about that trek. "Take care, Cupid."

"I will... Comet..." She disappeared into the night.

Although her reading worried him, Comet was glad to have seen his good friend again. It was going to be a lot of fun tomorrow, he could feel it.

Chapter 8 - Comet's Big Upgrade

As Comet watched the stars that night, he though about Cupid. Although she hadn't changed much, he felt that she was different, somehow. She looked a lot more like her mother, Comet was aware of that. There was something beneath that, though. Something that was different in her that he couldn't put his hoof on. He tried naming some of the constellations from Zecora's book to take his mind off of it. There were only a handful in the sky tonight. He saw Brittle Snout, the diamond dog. He represented greed, or wanting. Comet thought about that. He was happy with what he had. He didn't want anything. He had everything he ever wanted at this point. What more was there to want? He gazed on and found Slithery, the snake, and Cottonpoof, the rabbit. They represented temptation and fertility, respectively. Comet blinked. Ah. That kind of want. He hadn't really thought about that before. It was never really high on his priorities. He didn't need somepony around to make him feel better about himself; he'd always done just fine on his own.

Struck by a bout of curiosity, the word "if" came into Comet's mind. What if there was somepony special in his life? What would be different? It disconcerted Comet that he couldn't think of an answer to his own question. What would be different? He didn't have secrets that needed keeping, or hooves that needed holding, or wounds that needed comforting. Or did he? He thought about Spike and Rainbow Dash and what they told him. Were any of his friends attractive? He never thought about it.

Twilight Sparkle was much nicer than he gave her credit for. She was reliable and intelligent. Apparently, she liked him, according to Spike. She was a unicorn, though. How could he keep up with that?

Comet liked Fluttershy, but he didn't know anything about her. She was a good friend, and he hoped to get to know her better, but it would be weird to rush into anything. Pegasus moved her off the list, though.

Rarity was pretty, Comet gave Spike that, but she was so... dramatic. That, and Spike would never forgive him if he intruded on that. That, and that magic thing. Again, problem.

Rainbow Dash was more of a guy than he was. She was crazy, and spontaneous. She would be a laugh all of the time, but again, that was something that he couldn't keep up with even if he wanted to.

Pinkie Pie. Comet could easily leave it at that.

Applejack was reliable. She was strong, funny, and always knew what to say to make him feel better. She was good-looking in the rugged sense of the word. He doubted she'd be interested in anyone that couldn't buck an apple out of a tree, though.

At the realization that he was going through his friends like a shopping list, Comet felt dirty. How did this all start up, again? Did other colts wade through their friends of the opposite sex for consideration as mates? Was that normal?

Normal sucked.

Comet thought back on what his father had told him. His dad always seemed to have the answers, and although he wasn't here now, this wasn't a new topic. There was a time when his dad thought Comet was interested in all of this. He would sit him down, and they would have a "father-son" thing.

"I'm going to tell you what my father told me, Comet," he would say.

"Grandpa Donner?"

"Yes, son, my father. He would tell me that 'As an earth-pony, we had a proud heritage of hard work that ran through our blood. We don't have wings or magic to help us do things, just our bodies, hearts, and minds.' Does that make sense?" He would always laugh at Dasher's impersonation of his quirky grandfather.

"Yeah, dad, but what does that have to do with fillies?"

"Sometimes, you will look at a mare and find that there's something different about her. Something different that will make you look at them differently. You need to realize that some of them are too different, Comet. It's not natural."

"You mean... like Cupid? Cupid has a horn, and I don't."

"Sort of. It's not the horn that's important, but what's inside."

"So..." Comet always had trouble understanding this part, and still did to this day. "What's inside me is different than what's inside other ponies?"

"Yes. You have something you can only give away once, and you'll know for sure when you are ready to give that to the right pony."

"What is it, dad?"

"Your heart, son. Your heart."

Perhaps he was approaching this the wrong way, Comet thought. If this was supposed to be so natural, why worry about it? It would happen in its own good time, and then everyone would be happy and he wouldn't have to worry about it anymore.

"Look," It was decided. "If it's going to happen, it'll happen. Okay? End of story." His words echoed in the still night air. He had no idea he had said that aloud.

~~~

Cupid packed her things and prepared to leave. Her cards hung and spun in the air, like a collection of ornate crystal chandeliers. She didn't like this grimey apartment anyways, so she felt it was high time she took off.

"Leaving already?" The land-lady, and her friend, was sad to see her packing so soon, "You haven't been here a month. You said there was so much opportunity for profit when you got here."

"I know what I said," She sighed and looked at her, "It's just... I need to be somewhere else." The land-lady was old, and had been around the block before.

"You found Comet?" Cupid didn't say anything. "Gracious girl, when are you going to stop chasing this boy? It isn't good for you! And the worst part is that he has no idea! None at all! How can you stand it?"

"I don't want to get into it right now." The cards quivered in place. This made the land-lady a bit nervous.

"Will you at least tell me where you are going?" The last thing Cupid picked up was a photograph from when they were little. She had carried that memento around for ten years, and now it was high time she went out and got the real thing.

"I'm headed for Ponyville."

~~~

Comet was awoken the next day by a knock at the door. Unsure of what was going on, he waddled over, dragging a blanket, and opened the door to find a well-dressed Pegasus in a flat hat. "Order for you sir." Comet nodded, still unsure of what was going on. He hoof-printed the invoice, and turned around. It wasn't for a good ten seconds that he realized what was on the invoice. Suddenly awake as anything, he dashed outside to find that the Pegasi were delivering their eleventh box, most of which were larger than Comet was. He was speechless. All of it was equipment. The latest tech from the Primary Branch of the weather committee, just showing up at his door. A high-grade 400x viewing telescope, like the ones in observatories, was amongst those boxes. Comet slapped himself around a couple of times to make sure he wasn't dreaming. When he found that he wasn't, he hopped and skipped straight into Rudolph, who was organizing the team.

"G-Good morning, sir." He bumped into the house and straightened himself out. Comet blinked. He had forgotten that Rudolph was going to be his personal assistant. He had an assistant. Comet giggled with delight. This put off Rudolph a bit.

"Is... is something the matter, sir?"

"Not at all, Rudolph, not at all. If we could put the telescope on the bell-tower roof, boys, I don't have the means of getting it there myself." The large dome fit well on the roof of the bell-tower, once the cross was removed. Unsure of how to get it usable, the workers left a large pile of cords and set-up simply in the bell-tower. Comet looked forward to getting a chance to play with that. The next box they opened contained a mobile weather station. Powered by a crystal with latent magical radiation, it could transmit detailed information from the Everfree forest straight to Comet's house. Comet's eyes grew wide.

"That... that will stay here f-for now." Rudolph moved it off to the side. He knew first-hand how expensive it was.

With Rudolph's help and collaboration, Comet began the process of moving all of the rest of the equipment into his bare house, finding that it all easily took up about a third of the floor space. He could read numbers he had only read about with all of this. He even had a device that, using the telescope, could measure atmospheric density. Although he wasn't sure what that would be useful for, it was exciting to see something colleges dreamed they had right in his little house.

In all the set-up, he was happy to find his friends had come up the hill to see what the commotion was about.

"What in the hay is all of this?" Applejack had never seen so many do-hickeys before.

"This, is my equipment. I will use it to monitor the weather in the Everfree Forest." Comet couldn't contain his grin. "I think they went a little overboard, but in all honesty I can't complain."

"This is amazing!" Spike couldn't believe it, "You are like a real-life scientist, Comet."

"I've always considered myself a 'man of science'." The abnormally deep voice he used to say this made everyone laugh. Rudolph joined the group with a bit of an uncoordinated landing.

"Hey, Rudolph." Rainbow Dash grinned.

"Will you be staying in Ponyville as well?" Twilight was interested to see what the red Pegasus's purpose was.

"S-sort of." Rudolph became quieter depending on how large the crowd was. "I'll be here working in the lab during the day, and-and taking my reports back to Cloudsdale in the night."

"Bit of a stutter there, Red," Rainbow Dash punched him and he hell over. He rolled down the hill and out the gate, and everyone couldn't help but laugh. "Whoops." Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly. She couldn't help but feel she knew Rudolph from somewhere. He seemed so familiar, it was like having the same conversation as one you had not too long ago.

"You still don't have any furniture, Comet," Spike couldn't believe he had gone for this long with only a long bench to sleep on. No lights, no bed. It was unfathomable.

"Th-that reminds me." Rudolph fixed his glasses and brushed off his coat. He had a small bag that he gave to Comet. "This is from the Weather Committee for your services in-in the Discord in-incident."

Comet blinked. Nobody knew he was even there. Twilight Sparkle smiled at him. "You're welcome, Comet." Comet brightened up at that. He took the bag and opened it up. He closed and opened it again to make sure that he saw what he thought he saw.

"This is... this is more money than I've seen in my entire life!" Comet did a small victory dance in front of them. "No more sleeping on pews for me, guys!" Everyone had a cheer.

"I-I can take care of things here if-if you want, s-sir." Rudolph could tell Comet had some shopping to do.

"Thanks, Rudolph, I'll be back in a few hours." He took off with his friends down the hill for Ponyville, and Rudolph turned to observe the Pegasi moving equipment into Comet's house.

Rainbow Dash... did she remember him? Rudolph couldn't be sure. She was so... unpredictable. Even now.

When they got down into town, Comet decided that lunch was in order. "On me, everyone! As a thanks for all of your help." When they arrived at the restaurant, the waitress had to move a pair of tables together to make room for everyone. They sat down and talked about everything and nothing while the waitress moved about the table, collecting orders. When she came around to Comet, they talked like they did when he first arrived in Ponyville.

"Anything new and exciting to report?"

"After the past two days? As if. You ponies are what's new and exciting. I think you should relax and take a load off before you jump into something new."

"I'm with you on that one," Everyone laughed at Spike's comment.

There was something about a hot lunch that made Comet full of energy to tackle his day. He was on top of his game, king of the rock, sage of the---

Wah?!" He tripped over a wagon and landed with a thump on the ground. He turned to find he had made quite a mess of the supplies being transported by Scootaloo and company. Applebloom ran over to him and did her best to help him up.

"Scootaloo, watch were you're going," She tried to cover for Comet. Scootaloo rolled her eyes at this.

"It's okay, Applebloom, it was my fault." He brushed himself off and eyed the supplies. Some paint, wood, a box of nails and things. Apparently, he wasn't the only one with a project going on. "What are you fillies working on?"

"It's a prop for our new comedy act," Applebloom was happy he asked. Scootaloo couldn't take much more of this.

"We should get going," She bumped Sweety Belle and she agreed. They buzzed off, and Comet couldn't help but shrug. It was nice to see Applebloom putting that wood-working skill to good use. As they passed by the town hall, a new flier was posted on the bulletin board. Comet blinked. Apparently, Cupid had a poster now.

"Fortune-telling and soothsaying. Love's Mysteries, Life's Happenstances, Secrets Revealed..." Spike read aloud while everyone gazed at the red-gold poster. Comet didn't know she had become a traveling performer. It seemed so... unstable for her.

"It sounds so glamorous," Rarity seemed excited.

"It could be fun," Twilight agreed.

"Meh," Rainbow Dash thought the cards looked cool, but nothing to get worked up about.

"I would love to have a reading done," Fluttershy vividly remembered the reading she did yesterday.

"We could throw her a party!" Pinkie Pie thought she would be a great addition to any party.

"Ah dunno. They're just cards." Applejack found it to be superstitious nonsense.

"We should support her when she gets here, though," Comet couldn't think of anything else to say. How did she get this put up here?

"Aren't we supposed to be furniture shopping?" Spike was wondering why they were sitting there for so long.

"Ah! I forgot! Rudolph is at my house all by himself! What if he breaks something? What if he breaks something I haven't gotten to play with yet?"

"Relax." Twilight found his outbursts charming, but immature, "You remember what Cupid said about relying on others?"

Comet nodded. He had the sinking feeling this was going to be brought up a lot for the next few days.

They spent another good hour or so filling the last of Comet's free space with amenities. An actual bed, a table, a good lamp and a good-sized pile of wood for working with were among some of the things he spent his money on. At the end of the day, Comet's house (in regards to the inside, at least), was looking like quite the pad. He was happy for all his friends help, and they saw him off with smiles. As the sun set on Comet's new telescope, he couldn't help but feel that he owed it all to them. Maybe he should make something for him, he brainstormed as he walked inside. Rudolph calibrated equipment and took some basic readings while Comet wrote his first report. As he discussed storm hazards of low-pressure zones, his thoughts trailed to what he could do for his friends. He did take them out to lunch today. But, that was almost more him flaunting his money than being generous. He speculated the possibility of a storm brewing over the forest, and maybe he could show them his night sky tonight.

Sure, they had seen the night before, but not the way he'd seen it. There was so much to absorb, so much to learn. He felt that sharing that with his friends was the least he could do. As he finished with a warning that a team should be prepared to dissipate anything dangerous, he decided he should try to put something together tomorrow night. Like, a stargazing party. Comet nodded to himself. He rolled up the report, and passed it to Rudolph, thanking him for his work that day. It took a few tries to get off the ground, but Rudolph got on his way without destroying anything. Comet thought about how we would put something like that together. He would need a new viewing platform. His roof was now a domed telescope. Not for romping, and certainly nothing he could relax on. Relaxing. That gave Comet an idea. His furniture wouldn't arrive till tomorrow, but he could live without his pew for one night. Mustering all his strength, he dragged it across the floor and out onto the grass. He laid back on it once it was outside, and found he was in a comfortable position to see the sky, just like against his cross. He wasn't sure yet how he would get it onto the roof, but that was something he would tackle in the morning. It was a long day, and he had a lot of work to do tomorrow.

He had certainly taken a step up that night, but the changes had just begun.

~~~

Cupid strolled through the night, watching the stars. Comet probably watched these stars. She giggled to herself, he could probably name all of them, too. Her cards danced lightly around her, forming circles and star shapes that passed and looped around each other like an elegant chain. It was astonishing how, even on this cool night, she was able to stay warm in her shawl. She never really understood how a single piece of clothing could keep her warm in the cold, cool in the sun, and be formal and informal all at the same time. Her grandmother would tell her it was ancient unicorn magic, sewn right into the cloth. Sometimes, she wondered whether she was serious or not.

Her grandmother was the one that introduced her to Comet. She could remember how shy he was then, until her grandmother told him that he was indestructible if he had a good friend at his side. He learned what metaphors were that same day, when Cupid rode with him to the hospital with a broken leg. He was so thick sometimes.

As she reminisced amongst the stars, she couldn't help but remember what her grandmother told her, the day she had to leave:

"My child," She told her, "There is something you must do that your mother did before you, and I did before her. It's something that we, as part of our family, have done as unicorns for generations."

"Gran, what is it? What am I doing?" She simply smiled.

"You need to know that when you want something bad enough, if you peruse it with inspiration and willpower, you can overcome anything to achieve it."

"Anything, Gran?"

"Anything at all, child."

She didn't know then how true those words would be to her that night and through the years to come. A new opportunity was laid before her, just like her cards had said, and now it was time to face it.

As she stood on the outskirts of Ponyville, she had no idea that her tribulations were just beginning.

Chapter 9 - Comet's Confusion

Sleeping on the floor that night was much harder than he thought. As he tried to relax, he would find a comfortable spot, start thinking, get uncomfortable, and then have to move. He didn't want to sleep outside, given he would soak in the humidity and likely catch cold. He was too tired and frustrated to bring the pew in, either. His thoughts would buzz and skitter about his head like insects, forcing him to twist and turn.

You have no idea... they said.

How could you be so cruel? So ignorant...

"Ugh... to what?" Comet called out into his empty house. His only response until he tried to sleep again was the whir and click of his equipment.

Comet... it sounded like Cupid.

Comet... it sounded like Twilight Sparkle.

He rolled onto his stomach, staring into the black. What in the heck was going on?

"I don't know what you're talking about." This darkness was getting on his nerves. "Why can't they be just my friends?"

I don't want to be just your friend. I never wanted to be just your friend, the ghost Cupid whispered.

Would you pick her over me? the ghost Twilight pouted.

"What...? You don't even like me! You ignore me, and say weird things when I talk, and kick me out of your house!"

A knock at the door stirred Comet from his imaginary argument. At this time of night? He walked over and reluctantly opened the door, mortified to find Twilight Sparkle there. She had a look on her face he didn't recognize.

"Comet..." her voice was barely a whisper as she leaned in to him. Her lips curved to a small, delicate pucker.

"Whoa! Whoa whoa!" Comet flung himself back. He rolled on the floor and found something else to look at. "Listen, Twilight... I..."

"Twilight?" He cringed when he heard Cupid's voice from the doorway. Dissident to turning to look, he found that it was now Cupid that stood there, hung up in the same position. "Forget about Twilight Sparkle. I'm here for you, Comet..." She moved into the house.

"No..." Comet shook his head. His skull throbbed, his heart pounded, his adrenaline pumped through his veins. He found it disconcerting that it was not a bad feeling. "I don't know! I can't! It's... it's..."

"Just relax, Comet..." Twilight-Cupid sat down next to him, a Picasso of the two unicorns. "I'm here to help you..." Their voices said in unison. Comet tried to resist and get up the stairs, but his arms and legs wouldn't work. She put him down on the floor, staring up at the ceiling, until all he saw was Twilight-Cupid over him. His eyes closed, and his heart raced in his ears. A knock on the door caused him to sit up, in reflex.

Comet blinked. He had traveled all the way across the floor to the stairs, where he lay in his dream. The sun burned his eyes, which watered in the morning light. He put a hoof up to his face. Of course it was a dream. It didn't make any sense. "I mean... I'm not even attracted to---" a slightly irritated knock on the door reminded Comet of what had saved him from the Cupid-Sparkle in his dream. He got up and brushed himself off, and tried to compose himself as he opened the door. He didn't care that there was nobody actually at the door. As he stared off into the beautiful morning, he realized that he really didn't want anyone to be at the door. He shut it again. He was exhausted, and his back ached. Looking around his room, he realized he had nothing to do here, and that he might as well head down into Ponyville, now that he was up.

He was hungry. A hot breakfast sounded like a pleasant change of pace. Ponyville was already up and about by the time he got down into town. Shopkeepers sold, pedestrians did their merry thing, and Comet ignored all of them. It was all dwarfed in comparison to the smell coming from his preferred restaurant. He showed up at the gate for an outdoor table and the waitress happily seated him.

"Gosh, Comet," she already knew what he wanted to drink, and sat it down on the table, "You look terrible. Rough night?"

"Y-yeah..." He blinked. He forgot to freshen up before he left. His mane was a tangled mess, his eyes baggy, face sweating. A perpetual frown of being uncomfortable in his own skin hung on his face. "I had some uh... trouble with my floor."

The waitress didn't feel she understood, but she didn't press the matter. "What can I get you?"

"Food." The tone of his voice made his comment much less entertaining. He downed his orange juice and flopped down onto the table. He had never been so exhausted in his whole life. The waitress checked to make sure the cook was busy, and sat down across from him.

"Do... do you want to talk about it? I'm here for you, Comet." Her voice echoed his dreams from the night before. He cringed.

"Please... I just want some food. Something hot. Something really, really hot." The waitress nodded. She felt bad for him, but she knew that pushing him could cause him to push back, and she was legitimately afraid of what he would say or do in this state. As she walked away, Comet sighed. He should apologize to her. She probably could help him. She had every other time he sat down at this table. When she returned, she had a skillet of vegetable fajitas. The stuffed bell peppers sizzled and spit at him from the pan. He scrunched up his face as he bit into one. It was hot. The temperature burnt his tongue, and the taste burned his throat. His eyes watered.

"Everything okay?" The waitress felt bad, but it was what he asked for.

"It's perfect," Comet swallowed. He was going to need more juice for this. "Listen... I'm sorry, I just had a really---" He cracked his neck, and he felt a little better at that, "---a really rough night."

The waitress sat down and tried again, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Comet had some of his onions. They were much better than the bell peppers. "Have you... have you ever liked someone... different than you?"

The waitress considered all the possible implications of his sentence. She had frankly no idea what he was talking about. "Different... how?" The look on her face suggested that he needed to approach it a different way. He got down low, steam from his food engulfing his face. He whispered softly to her.

"Have you ever... liked two people at the same time?" The waitress leaned back and laughed. That was what this was all about? She felt bad when she found he was completely serious, and a bit put off by her laughter.

"Yeah, Comet. It's totally normal?"

"Even if they're... different?"

"What does this different you keep mentioning entail?"

"Well... they're unicorns..." Comet looked away when he said it. He had no idea what to make of it.

She blinked at him. She had no idea he was so old-fashioned. "Are they bad people because of that?"

"No!" Comet took a large bite of a number of different vegetables to fill his face. He swallowed hard. "No, they aren't at all. One is kind, and intelligent, and headstrong, and talented... and the other was someone that I was able to count on since I was little. She's pretty, and stubborn, and smart..." Although Comet knew what he was talking about, the waitress found he gave the exact same description for two different ponies.

"Are they... similar?"

"No way. Totally different ponies." The waitress nodded. Of course they were. It had been a long time since she had felt like that about someone. "Do you have butterflies in your stomach?"

"If they are made of lead and anchors."

"Uh... head swimming?"

"Like a lake."

"Hooves shaking?"

"I figured that was from the terrible sleep last night."

"Jeez, Comet. It's almost as if you aren't enjoying this." Comet's eye twitched at this comment. The only reason he came here was because he wasn't enjoying this.

"Am I supposed to?" Comet knew he was angry because he was grumpy, and did his best to contain it.

"It's not a bad thing. Healthy even." He yawned. His look of disbelief made her a little irritated. "Look, just trust me on this. It is a natural thing. You just need to relax and let mother nature do her thing. The right answer will come to you in time."

"The right answer..." That gave Comet an Idea. He happened to know a pony who could reveal secrets, love's mysteries, and so on and so forth. He finished his food, and the waitress was relieved to find that he did look much better after a hot breakfast. He fixed his mane and cleaned himself off, and tipped her well. "Thanks, for everything."

"Of course." She smiled at him. She had a really pretty smile. Now that he had his head on straight, Comet decided it was high time to get to the bottom of this.

As Comet strolled the village, he found that he was able to enjoy it more when he was awake. Everything was like slurred watercolor before he got his act together. He just needed to be natural. To relax. He found that finding Cupid was very easy. She had rented one of the houses that was out of his price range. This made him laugh a little on the inside, and cry a little on the inside. He did his best not to let it get to him. He wanted to walk around and compose himself a bit, now that he knew where to go. He perused the products in the windows of shops, finding almost every thing in this town was happy, and quaint. It pleased him. He had a cupcake at the Cake's bakery, and could feel his self-confidence rushing back to him. Maybe the waitress was right. Just being natural made it very painless. Perhaps he should pick up a book at the library when he was done at Cupid's. He wasn't sure what book yet, but he found the urge compelling. He focused as he walked up to the fortune-teller's shop. Suave... he focused. Composed. It's nothing I can't handle.

He leaned on the door frame and gave a knock on the wall. Cupid came down the stairs, pleased as punch to have a customer so early in the day.

"Welcome to Cupid's..." She hummed to herself. She was so pleasant, Comet smiled to himself. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Actually," She froze up for a bit at his voice. "There is something I need your help with."

"Comet! I'm so glad you came to see me!" She beamed at him. "Do you like it? I had a friend from Manehattan do the decor." Comet looked around the shop and found that the red-gold theme went well with the focus on her card-reading. Delicate cloths and pictures of hoof-line diagrams lined the walls. He sat down at the table and she quickly took her place on the other side.

"It's nice." Comet smiled. "It fits you well." Her cream colored face turned a light shade of pink at this. She did her best to focus.

"What would you like me to look into?"

"I need to make a... decision. Like a crossroads kind of thing. Does that make sense?" He did his best to be ambiguous.

"Like a... love-related decision?" Cupid was eager to know.

"No," he quickly lied, shaking his head. "It's for... business. I have gotten some weird readings at home from the equipment, and I'm not sure what to report."

"Ah." Cupid nodded. Of course. Comet was the only earth-pony she knew who always had his head in the clouds. Cards whisked over to her from all parts of the room. Some hiding in the cloth on the walls and ceiling, a few coming down the stairs, until she had a good-sized stack in front of her. She was in a show-offy mood, and if there was anyone she wanted to impress, it was Comet.

The cards orbited her in a trio of circles. They spun around themselves slowly, revealing themselves to Comet one at a time as they moved around Cupid. It was always exciting to see the cards do their thing, Comet grinned. They moved away from her, condensing down into a trio of stars on the table. They then collapsed to lay flat. Comet leaned over and prepared for what Cupid had to say.

"This first card is what you have to gain from your first decision. Focus on that now." He thought about Twilight Sparkle. She was mean to him because she was shy. Even then, she was charming, and Comet already had a fondness for the books she kept. The card in the center of the first star was an earth-pony on a throne. She smiled sheepishly at the crooked crown on her head. This was one of Cupid's favorite cards, The Queen of Hooves. "This is the Queen of Hooves. In regards to your weather problem, she represents a decision where your own thoughts outweigh your common sense. That doesn't mean it's a bad decision, but choosing that one that will bring you happiness and peace of mind." Cupid knew the card meant much more than that, though. A lover, reliable and amiable. It was one of the best cards someone could hope for in a love-based reading.

Comet liked the sound of what she had told her. He thought about how every time he needed something, Twilight Sparkle stepped up and had it taken care of before he could say anything. He owed a great deal of furniture in his house to her.

"This next card represents your other hand. Choosing this over your first decision will forfeit that for this. Focus on that second choice now." Comet thought about when he was a little colt. All the times that Cupid was there, just to be with him, whether she got in trouble or not. He remembered how sad he was when she disappeared. He felt so... alone, for the longest time. The card at the center of the second star depicted a brilliant diamond. It glimmered and sparkled as if it would shine right out of the card. Cupid nodded thoughtfully. The Ace of Gems. "This is the Ace of Gems, which represents prosperity. Choosing this path will be a step in a new direction, and not a bad direction at that. This choice will bring you pleasure, or the start of a period of happiness." Comet swallowed hard. If anything, this reading was making his decision harder.

"How..." Comet tried to choose his words carefully. "How are the two decisions... different?"

"Well," Cupid was worried she wasn't helping. Both choices were good, sound choices, "The Queen is a decision you can count on. she won't let you ever regret choosing her." Comet nodded, waiting to hear the other side. "The Ace of Gems is more about material gain. It can mean physical pleasure, or a lucrative choice." This explanation left Comet at a loss for words. Cupid was his best friend. He had never considered her to be physically attractive. He didn't even know he was attracted to her at all until this morning. His gut told him that Twilight seemed like the better decision at this point.

"We have one card left though. This last card represents the cost of your choice. When you lose something, it can sometimes have backlash. That is represented by this card. When you choose one, you can expect this to happen in regards to the other." The final card depicted five wings in a spiral shape. Cupid cringed. Comet didn't like the look of that. The Five of Wings. "This is the five of wings, Comet. in this case it represents lack of fairness, or an empty victory. Your choice, if made, will be shadowed by the loss of the latter. Have you considered possibly choosing both?"

Comet shook his head. He couldn't choose both of them. The mental image made Comet feel dirty, and he let go of it as fast as he could.

"Perhaps choosing neither is a better option, then? Agreeing to disagree, so to speak?"

Comet hadn't considered the possibility that choosing neither of them would be the better decision. That way, he could be with both of them. It was simple, and kind of solved the problem. Cupid sorted her cards back into a large pile, and it began to shuffle itself.

"Sometimes, you aren't left with that option. You can only stall a decision for so long in some regards." Comet nodded. "Choose carefully. Come see me again, okay?"

"Okay." He smiled at her. He turned to find a small line had formed behind him. At the door. Cupid was pretty good at drawing attention to herself. He left a gold coin on her table, and headed out to the bright brightness of mid-day. Now that he had the input of a deck of assorted cards, he wanted to go have a talk with Twilight Sparkle.

As Comet walked, he played with his three choices in his head. He didn't have any intention making money, so he wasn't sure what lucrative could mean. Peace of mind sounded nice, but Comet was not looking forward to regretting not choosing Cupid. It all doubled back on itself in the end. When he got to the library, he found that Twilight Sparkle was just heading out. There was a pause, and then they both started talking simultaneously. Another pause, and it started again

Comet laughed, "Go ahead, Twilight."

"Oh, okay. I was just heading out to.. go for a walk. You wouldn't happen to have any problems that needed solving, would you?"

Could all unicorns read minds or something? "Me? Uh, no, not really." He lied.

"Even the tiniest little thing? We are friends, after all." Comet nodded. That was precisely the problem.

"I, uh, I got nothing. Honest as the stars. Is Spike in?" Twilight sighed in disappointment.

"Yes, he's inside. I have to go." She trotted off. As Comet watched her go, he had the inclination she was looking for trouble. That was unlike her.

Comet walked inside to find Spike writing a letter. He sent it off before turning to find Comet.

"Oh, hey Comet. What's up?"

"I was wondering if you have any books on storms. I think one might be brewing above the Everfree Forest."

"Is it going to be dangerous?"

"Not if I can get Cloudsdale to take care of it. What's up with Twilight? She seems... disheveled." Spike rolled his eyes.

"She's freaking out because she hasn't helped anyone today."

"Ah." Comet nodded. That was an interesting way to go about your day. He got his book from Spike and headed for home.

It was obviously going to be a boring day in Ponyville.

Chapter 10 - Comet's Assistant

As Comet walked home, he found the wind was gusty, unpredictable. He turned and watched the Everfree Forest. This was not something he wanted to deal with today. As he walked up the hill, he eyed the sky for any developing clouds. Nothing to be concerned with... just relax, he unlocked his door and came inside with his book. The air pressure was still dangerously low. Wind speeds... sporadic. He watched the three-dimensional dial spin back and forth on a gyroscope. If a dust storm built up, it could mean a lot of collateral damage for Ponyville. He realized there was someone in more immediate danger. He grabbed a printout of the variable wind speeds and put it and some supplies into a saddlebag. He needed to make Cloudsdale aware of the potential magnitude of this storm. But first, he needed to make sure that Zecora was safe. He turned to leave.

He opened the door to find Cupid standing there waiting for him.

"Cupid!" Why now? He had work to do...

"Hi, Comet." She smiled at him, "Are you busy?"

"Actually," He worked around her to get out the door, saddlebag half on, "I am. I could use your help, though."

"Really?" She was disappointed, but glad she could contribute, "What do you need?"

"I need you to go to Ponyville. Find Twilight Sparkle in the library." Cupid's look of disapproval irritated Comet.

"What?" Comet didn't have time for this. "Something wrong?"

"No." Cupid composed herself. Comet needed her help. "I'll find Twilight."

"Alright. She has a baby dragon that follows her around named Spike. Give him this," He passed the scroll of readings to her. "I need you to have him send this with a letter. There's a storm coming. I need a hazard team and Rudolph inbound right away."

Understanding that this was an issue greater than her, she nodded. "What will you be doing?"

"I need to get Zecora out of the forest before the coming storm gets any bigger. It could be dangerous for her to stay in the forest."

Cupid nodded. She was glad she knew him well enough to not need to worry. As she ran off for Ponyville, she was legitimately worried. Was this just another day for Comet? It seemed so... dangerous. She hoped she could get into town in time.

As Comet neared the forest, the wind picked up. Leaves off the trees and loose dirt from the ground picked up and swirled and spiraled in small twisters. All the signs were in place; a dust devil was brewing. He was lucky it was a dry day. If it got any wetter, this could escalate into a full-blown typhoon. He rushed down the trail.

"Zecora! Zecora!" Where was she? He rushed around her hut. She wasn't inside. Did she already get out?

"Comet, there is no need to shout," She came out of the forest, "Can't you see that I was out?"

"Zecora, we have to go! A storm is coming," She seemed abnormally calm.

"I think you are overreacting some," She looked around. "A little wind never hurt anyone."

"It's small now, but trust me, we need to get out of the forest right away!" She saw the urgency in his eyes, and trusted him. She ran inside and grabbed some things, and made for the edge of the forest. As Zecora ran with him, she saw his cause for concern. The older trees moaned under the stress of the building storm. This is could cause a lot of damage.

Cupid found the library and knocked on the door. She tapped her hoof in impatience. Rarity opened the door.

"Cupid! How delightful. Come in, come in."

"Thanks. Is everypony here?" They came up to the second floor and found Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and spike gathered in a circle. Everyone seemed cheerful and greeted her when she walked in.

"Spike," Cupid walked over to him and handed him the scroll of technical readings. "Comet asked me to get you to send a letter to Cloudsdale for him."

"Okay. What does it need to say?"

"That there's a storm building in the Everfree Forest, and that he needs a hazard team led by Rudolph to help take care of it."

"What?!" Everyone had no idea how she could say that so calmly.

"What can we do?" Rarity hoped Cupid had an answer for her.

"We need to warn Ponyville!" Rainbow Dash got up and headed for the door. The others followed him. Cupid watched Twilight Sparkle leave and followed her out.

When Comet and Zecora got into town, they found Rudolph and a team of Pegasi there waiting for him. When Comet came into few, Rudolph lost his balance and landed with a thud on the ground.

"S-sir." He quickly got up when Comet approached him.

"Easy, Rudolph. I need you to counteract the culminating low-pressure zone with a building centripetal force that would disperse the now rotating cumulonimbus cone."

"S-sir?" None of the Pegasi had any idea what he was talking about. Comet groaned.

"Get in there and fly counterclockwise! Go, now!" The pegasi rushed off for the forest, Rudolph bounding in an attempt to get airborne toward Comet's house. "Where's Rainbow Dash?"

Zecora went to help their friends while Comet ran through the town. "Rainbow Dash!" He called into the now scrambling crowds. Ponies from all over town boarded windows, rationed food and barrels of water, and did head counts. Cupid, who was shepherding a group of school-children back to their parents, watched him run through the streets. She wasn't sure how it made her feel to watch him look so fervently for her friend.

"Rainbow Dash!"

"Yeah Comet?" She set down a board she was carrying and flew over to him.

"I need you to come with me. The hazard team might need your speed."

"All right!" They rushed off to his house.

After some climbing and uncoordinated flapping, Rudolph managed to scale onto Comet's roof. He watched as the team moved in unison against the wind, in hopes of slowing the growing storm. The wind could be felt at Comet's house at this point, picking up and not relinquishing for minutes on end. Rocks and small trees could be seen through the cloud cover. Rudolph pawed the roof, wishing he could do something. Comet and Rainbow Dash joined him shortly, Rainbow landing next to Rudolph.

"How are they faring?" Using Applebloom's ladder, Comet climbed up onto his roof.

"N-not well, s-sir."

"We should get in there and help them!" Rainbow Dash didn't want to sit around and do nothing. They watched in horror as one by one, the hazard time dropped out of the storm. It was building too quickly, and one of the members of the hazard team was taken out by a tree. They disbanded into the forest.

"This is bad! It could head for Ponyville!" Rainbow Dash, overpowering Comet, took off. She stopped to turn back to look at Rudolph, "Are you coming?"

"I... I-I c-can't..." Rudolph didn't know what to do. He couldn't keep up with Rainbow Dash anymore. The look she gave him made him feel more helpless than he had in a very long time. In a flash of multicolored light, Rainbow Dash took off for the now rampaging typhoon.

"We have to stop her! She could die, Rudolph!" Comet got up and rushed over to his equipment. There had to be some way to dissipate the storm. At least direct it away from Ponyville, something. Rudolph sat on the roof, alone. The wind whipped in his ears and mane and dirt stung his eyes. He watched the trail from Rainbow's tail rush in circled around the hurricane, dodging debris. If only he could do something. If only he wasn't so debilitating. Comet came back up with a long trail of readings. "If we punch a hole through it, we could cause a pressure vacuum that forces the typhoon to move in the direction we put through it. You have to tell Rainbow Dash!"

"I..." Rudolph looked within himself. He had to try. He leapt off the roof, attempting to stay airborne, but crashed to the ground. He watched the cyclone from the dirt in despair. Why was he so useless?

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash's trail stopped. They stared in horror. It didn't make it out of the cyclone. She was still inside.

Rudolph rose from the ground. He knew what he had to do. Comet watched him from the roof.

"...Rudolph?" He took off his glasses, and looked up at Comet. He had never seen a face so serious. Rudolph removed his lab coat, revealing a thin frame and maroon arrow in the shape of a Z on his flank. Comet had never thought about what Rudolph's talent was. Rudolph looked up at Comet.

"S-sorry... s-sir..." And we was gone. Comet watched speechless as the red trail bolted through the sky.

His flight pattern was not unlike a scribble, darting in every which direction like a red bolt of lightning. He never moved in the same direction for more than a yard, making him difficult to watch for more than a minute.

Rudolph pumped his wings and swung his weight with a finesse he hadn't had for a long time. His head ached, but it didn't matter. He needed to help his old friend.

Face it Red, you can't beat me. The wind was bitter and stung his face. When he was close enough to the outside of the cyclone, he stopped for just a second to get his bearings before zig-zagging off again.

Is that a challenge? Low-altitude obstacle course, after lunch. He punched through the side of the cumulonimbus clouds, the vacuum of air behind him pushing him into the raging torrent.

So you beat me once. You got lucky, Red. Rudolph's jagged path cut around debris, turning on a time to make sharp turns Comet couldn't believe. He disappeared into the eye.

This was fun. We should do it again sometime. Rudolph scanned the inside of the hurricane, looking for Rainbow Dash. His head pounded, his vision clouded. He shook it off, finding a rainbow-colored tail in the top of a tree.

That win was just luck. You know I am the fastest, Red. You can't beat me. He rushed over, dodging around a tree and through a tree and oscillating around Rainbow Dash until he found a way to scoop her up.

Red? Red, you're okay. Oh Celestia, please tell me you're okay. Somepony help me! He did his best not to hurt her as he whipped around in the storm, punching out the other side.

You're awake. I'm so glad, Red. After he broke through the other side of the cyclone, he worked his way around it as it moved toward him. He could feel blood from the crack in his skull mingle with his perspiration.

The doctor... he told me you'd never fly again, Red... As Rudolph cleared the storm, he could feel his balance failing him. His wings, no longer in unison, folded and he crashed into Comet's house, dropping Rainbow Dash on the grass. He slid to the ground, unconscious.

Dumbfounded, Comet leapt down half the ladder and rushed over to them. He saw Rudolph bleeding from the skull and panicked. He must have hurt himself in the storm. Thinking quickly, he got Big McIntosh's cart. He hauled Rainbow Dash and Rudolph into the cart, surprised at how heavy his thin assistant was. He strapped himself in and rushed for town. Rudolph had saved them from a brutal storm, and he was not going to lose him now.

He pulled on the practically overflowing cart, straining and bruising the harness into his gray flesh. Slowly, the cart inched ahead, and Comet got it moving. He panted and wheezed as he finally got the cart rolling for Ponyville. One step at a time, Comet pushed himself like he had never pushed himself before, Almost there. One... more... step...

Rainbow Dash came to in the cart. Something felt hot against her side. She had a splitting headache, and her right wing burned and stung to the touch. She looked up to find her childhood friend Red, and she was practically on top of him.

"Red...? Red!" He was bleeding. "Not again!"

She paced in the waiting room, tears stained on her blue face. A nurse came to her.

"What happened? What were you doing?"

"We... we were racing, and he must have lost control... and..."

"Rainbow Dash... I'm afraid your friend has sustained a lot of damage to his skull. There's a possibility he's taken brain damage..."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Red... I'm so sorry..." Rudolph stirred at her voice.

"D-dash... I... I d-don't hate y-you..."

"Red..."

When they got into town, their friends came running. With the combined magic of Twilight, Rarity, and Cupid, Comet was able to rush the two of them to the hospital in Canterlot. They found the executive secretary there, infuriated with all of them, when they arrived. She was shouting at nurses, doctors, and hospital security as they rushed around them to tend to Rainbow Dash and Rudolph's injuries.

"What have you done?" She shrieked, "What have you done to my son?!"

"Ma'am," Comet tried to be as respectful as possible despite the fact that he was loosing his cool, "Your son just saved Ponyville."

"You took the only good thing in this world and- Hey! Let go of me! What're you...? Hey!" Comet couldn't help but grin as his hysterical boss was dragged away by security. She was making a scene, he supposed. Now silent, they sat in the waiting room. Pinkie Pie entertained a young colt that waited with her mother, Fluttershy and Rarity sitting silently. Cupid and Twilight Sparkle did their best to cheer up Comet, who was beside himself with mixed emotions.

Rudolph... he never knew. He didn't know anything about his assistant, now that he thought about it. He had only known him for two or three days, and Rudolph had already saved an entire town, with Comet's help of course. Rudolph crashing into his house with Rainbow Dash in his arms played through Comet's head over and over again. He saw Rudolph's head before he hit the building. That injury was not new. He had pushed himself to the point of almost killing himself... to save Rainbow Dash. What was their relationship, he wondered, and what would it be like, now that Rainbow Dash knew who he was?

"It'll be okay, Comet..." Cupid put a hoof on his shoulder.

"Yeah, Rainbow Dash has probably hurt herself plenty of times before this... she'll be fine."

They sat in silence for an hour or two until, led by a nurse, Rainbow Dash returned to the lobby. The seven of them swarmed upon her, careful of her bandaged wing and head. She heard so many voices at once, and understood none them, but was overjoyed that her friends were all there to make sure she was okay. She was disconcerted to find that Rudolph hadn't made it out yet.

"His injuries were a bit worse than yours..." Comet though out loud. Cupid elbowed him at this.

"Where do you know him from, Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy spoke the curiosities of the entire group. They all went and sat down in the waiting room.

"Red was one of my only friends in flight camp," Rainbow Dash explained to the group. "He was lanky and didn't talk a lot, so everyone just called him Red." Comet nodded. "I thought he looked familiar when he showed up for work at Comet's house, but I couldn't recognize him with those goofy glasses on." A few of them rolled their eyes at this. Impulsive Rainbow Dash, as always. "Gilda called him Zig-Zag, because his special talent was that he could make turns sharper than anything we'd ever seen before." Comet recalled watching him take off, his entropic flight path that Comet compared to a red scribble. "He could double back on himself in mid-air like nobody's business. When I saw Rudolph fly for the first time, I knew it wasn't him. Red was one of the most skilled fliers I had ever known."

"Rudolph? Skilled? What happened?" Applejack didn't understand. The look on Rainbow Dash's face told the story.

"We were racing on a low-altitude obstacle course one afternoon. He had already beaten me once, and I guess I pushed him a little hard. He tried to turn too sharp in mid-air and went straight into the ground head-first. He had to go to the hospital, and I havn't seen him since..."

"And I intended to keep it that way!" The more composed Mrs. Lyra Windhoof joined them in the waiting room. An extra pair of security ponies took posts in case she made another scene. "Every time you show up, Rainbow Dash, my son almost gets killed! His first accident left him crippled, broken! It took me years to get him out of Cloudsdale and into the air again after that. He went to school, almost finished getting a degree, and found a job working for the weather committee until you showed up! This is all your fault!"

"I..." Rainbow Dash cringed, hanging her head, "I'm sorry... Mrs. Windhoof, I---"

"And now I've lost my baby Rudy again and it's because of you! You!" She screamed this last 'you' as the security apprehended her again and dragged her away. Some sedatives were in order, Comet commented to himself. Rainbow Dash hung her head low.

"What a witch of a woman," Fluttershy was flabbergasted at the display.

"Don't believe a word she says, Rainbow Dash," Rarity tried to comfort her, "Not a word if it is true. It was not your---"

"But it is my fault!" Tears welled in her eyes, "She is right about everything! I've hurt him twice now because I do things without thinking. I've broken my wing, too! I can't do anything!" She ran outside.

Comet wished they could help her, but the only pony they feared could do it, was their friend Rudolph.

Chapter 11 - Comet's Conundrum

Rudolph laid in his hospital bed, head throbbing and arms, sore. A nurse sat by the bed, smiling at him.

"Good morning, Rudolph."

"W-who are y-you? How d-do you k-know m-my name?" She waved the clipboard in her hand. Rudolph said nothing.

"Did it feel good to fly again? Fly like you used to?" Rudolph said nothing.

"It's okay. I know you have mixed feelings about it. I have something I need to explain to you." Rudolph half-listened, half-thought about Rainbow Dash.

"Your skull is damaged. I'm sure you knew that, but it's damaged to a new degree now. Your acrobatic skill in the air will be unmatched if you push yourself. But at a cost."

"C-cost?"

"Yes. Every time you release yourself, every time you fly like you could, the damage to the motor function portion of your brain will worsen. Your flying and coordination will worsen to the point that you could only fly if you push yourself. After that..."

"Af-after that?" She said nothing for awhile, and then looked at him, the sadness apparent in her eyes.

"The Motor and Premotor Cortexs will develop an aneurysm, reducing you to a catatonic state." Rudolph swallowed hard, tears welling in his eyes.

"Wh-what am I s-supposed to d-do with that?" His sorrow stung his already aching head.

"I'm sorry, Rudolph," She felt just as bad having to be the one to give him the news. Using telekinesis, she set down the clipboard, and turned his head to look at her, gently. He stared into her light grey face. "Listen to me. You can't let this stop you." He didn't understand. "You... you have the potential to go out and be known for generations for your work and accomplishments. The things that hold you back can only make you stronger in ways you can never fully understand. Believe me when I tell you, pursue what you love until you can't anymore. You have to keep going. You can keep going."

"Wh-who are you? D-do I n-know you?" She released her grip and turned and walked away. She turned only once to look at him.

"Maybe. Good luck, Rudolph." And with that, she was gone.

He looked out the windows. Pegasi moved about in the sky, and he was jealous of every single one of them. Some delivered packages, some did acrobatics, and some did whatever they wanted. At that moment, Rudolph would've given everything to be any one of them. Age, sex, color, it didn't matter. To have the head and wings of someone normal. His self-pity was interrupted by a knock on the door. He turned and saw the one pony he truly wished to see standing in the doorway.

Rainbow Dash. Although one of her wings was clipped and casted, she was still unbelievably quick. She rushed over to the bed, apologizing and crying and mouthing off about his mother. He just looked at her until she stopped talking.

"R-rainbow Dash." He hoped she didn't beat herself up about this. It was the wrong message he wanted to come across.

"Red, I..."

"Shhh." He looked into those wet eyes of hers and smiled. He felt he was starting to know what that Nurse meant. "Y-your wing is c-clipped."

"I don't care about that. They told me you'd never fly again."

"N-not never. Sh-shouldn't."

"Did... did you hurt yourself? For me?"

"Y-yes. I w-wouldn't have d-done it an-any other w-way." She bit her lip.

"Why? Why me?" Although it hurt to move, he pulled her close and rested his forehead on hers.

"Because." He let her go when he heard a knock on the door.

Comet, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Fluttershy, Rarity, Cupid, Pinkie Pie and Applejack all entered. They carried assorted gifts, from flowers and cards to actually wrapped presents. Pinkie Pie had the remnants of a dozen cupcakes.

"G-guys."

"That was a brave thing you did, Rudolph." Rainbow Dash smiled at him when Comet said this.

"We just want you to know how thankful we all are. And all of Ponyville, too." Twilight was right behind Comet.

"So we're throwing a party!" Pinkie burst out some streamers and confetti, making a small mess.

"You are a true friend to Rainbow Dash," Rarity smiled at him.

"And a true friend to all of us." Fluttershy joined in the festivities. Rudolph couldn't help but smile a little and laugh.

"Y-yeah. Th-thanks."

He was in the hospital for three days after that to ensure he was stable physically and mentally. That made his stay a total of eight days in length, and without frequent visits from all his friends (and even more frequent visits from Rainbow Dash), he wasn't sure he would have made it mentally. He returned home to Ponyville to a welcome address by the Mayor and a cheering crowd of ponies. Although he couldn't fly, he knew he would be happy here, in Ponyville. Much to the dismay of his mother, his request to work full-time for Comet as Assistant Everfree Ranger was passed, and he was given a house right in the middle of Ponyville.

The next few days in Ponyville were spent preparing for a special celebration, Nightmare Night. Rainbow Dash, who, when flying carefully and slower than she liked, found she could fly with the help of a cloud as support. She spent the days before the festival with Rudolph, preparing a very special costume to call her own.

Comet didn't understand the purpose of Nightmare Night and, because of the recent storm, was sending multiple reports a day to the weather committee out of fear of something developing before the celebration. A watched pot never boiled, and Comet intended to keep it that way. This was much to Cupid's displeasure, but found that when she wasn't reading fortunes for ponies in her little shop, she would spend her time in Rarity's boutique, talking about everything and nothing, posing in new dresses for her to ensure they fit, and doing the occasional reading for Rarity.

"Rarity, can I tell you a secret?" She became very serious one afternoon in particular.

"Of course, Cupid, anything."

"I... I have a crush on Comet. I have for a long, long time. Longer than I've known you." Rarity would have laughed if it wasn't for the serious tone in her voice.

"I... see. What a... shocking revelation?" She sat down next to Cupid. It was obviously bothering her.

"It's just... he's been so busy lately. I want... I want to tell him how I feel."

"That's the spirit, darling! If you need anything from me, don't hesitate to ask."

"How... how would I...?"

"Well," Rarity knew what she wanted, and already had something in mind. "What about Nightmare Night? Everyone will be at the festival, so I'm sure we could put something romantic together." Cupid squealed in excitement, hugging Rarity. They immediately set to work, buzzing like bees and planning and giggling like the rest of Ponyville.

The night of the Nightmare Night celebration, Comet found that he was forced from multiple sides to dress-up, although the only person that came all the way out to his house for candy collecting was Applebloom. She was so cute in her "Wife of Coltenstein" outfit, Comet couldn't help but laugh every time she showed up. Although she was the only one that saw his friar outfit, he didn't especially care. After the third time Applebloom had come to the door, Comet was distracted yet again by another knock at the door. He had long since taken off his costume, and went about the house in his Ranger uniform.

"Applebloom," Comet laughed to himself, talking to her through the door, "I like your costume, but you can't keep coming all the way out here by you---" He opened the door to find Cupid standing at the door. She had a red and gold dress that shimmered in the moonlight, her hair pinned behind her head with what appeared to be one of her cards. She smiled at him, eyes glittering like the stars Comet was writing about.

"You... you look... beautiful..." Comet had to blink a few times to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

"What say you play hooky with me for a bit?" She gestured for the trail down the hill. She didn't especially like the lines Rarity told her to say, but she appeared to be more experienced than her at this.

"I... uh... well, Cupid, y'see..." Comet rubbed his two front hooves together, stumbling for words. Cupid made a pouting face.

"You'd waste away your night inside rather than going on a little walk with me?"

"I... eheh... sure, let's go." Comet shut the door behind him. Cupid sighed under her breath. She owed Rarity a gold coin for the pouty-face working. Comet felt horribly under-dressed in his Ranger uniform, but it was actually the most professional piece of clothing he owned. One of the only pieces of clothing he owned. They walked down the hill to the gate.

"Did you have some place special in particular?"

"Actually, I---" She caught a glimpse of camo-Rarity in the corner of her eye. She was motioning with her hoof, suggesting she didn't know where she was going. Cupid turned to him and smiled. "Actually, I have no idea. Let's just, take a walk."

"Alright." Comet didn't mind getting the chance to stretch his legs. He was disconcerted to find that she turned them toward the village.

"Have you been down to the festival yet?" Cupid tried to make small talk as they walked.

"You know, I haven't? I love your costume by the way. You look great." Cupid beamed at his compliment.

"Thanks. Rarity made it for me, special for Nightmare Night." Comet nodded. She did appear to be spending a lot of time with Rarity lately.

"Nightmare Night. It seems like a kind of silly holiday, doesn't it?" Camo-Rarity motioned to agree with him.

"Yeah. Pretty dumb, right?"

"I wouldn't say dumb. I mean, I love a good festival as much as the next colt, but I've always loved the night. Why do they have to mock the one that made it so beautiful?" Cupid felt stupid for suggesting the holiday was dumb.

"Nightmare Moon? Didn't she try to make it night forever?" Comet grinned at her.

"Would that be such a bad thing? A beautiful night like this one, forever?" Cupid smiled at him. That same smile that gave him butterflies in his stomach.

"I guess you're right. Oh! What's this?" They found the elaborate display of the town caught them both off guard. The decoration, the music, the festivities, everything was much more than either of them had expected. Games, food, comstumes, candy, it was all here. Applebloom was overjoyed that Comet had come down, but unsure why it was Cupid that succeeded and not her.

"Comet," a small friend of Applebloom's came up to him. Although he had never met Comet, she hardly ever stopped talking about him. "Why aren't you in a costume?" Comet wasn't sure what to say to the small, brown, and white one.

"Why Pipsqueak," Cupid had talked to the smallest colt a number of time, "Comet is in costume. Aren't you, Comet?"

"Of... of course." Comet grinned at the friend of Applebloom, "I'm a... Creature Catcher!" Applebloom laughed at this. He had remembered one of her stories.

"Isn't it a delightful costume, Pip?" The card in Cupid's hair stirred when she spoke. She had no idea it took as much, if not more focus to keep it still than it did to move it.

"Wow, Comet, that's amazing!" Pipsqueak jumped and ran around them. "Have you met Princess Luna?"

"Can't say that I have." Comet blinked. "Why, has she gobbled up anyone yet?"

"No, but she is really good at Tarantula Toss!" He ran off with Applebloom to be with the other ponies.

"It sounds almost as if he knows her personally," Comet laughed as he and Cupid got some drinks.

"I have no doubt he does. She was playing with them not even an hour ago." Princess Luna was in town? Tonight? Why hadn't anypony told him? He was locked up in his house for most of the evening, he surmised.

"There's a pony I would love to get a chance to talk to. All the bodies in the night sky, all the stars, there are so many questions I have for her." As Comet listed questions to himself on nebulas, planet formation, and constellations, Cupid wished there was some way she could get his attention back on her. From under the table, Camo-Rarity tried giving her suggestions for changing the topic. Games, food, anything. Games sounded like something they could laugh about later.

"Let's play a game, Comet." She stood in the square, awaiting his input. Ponies scrambled about, laughing and playing. Although Comet was perfectly happy watching, he didn't want to leave her hanging.

"Sounds like fun," Comet smiled at her.

"What game do you want to play?" Comet didn't have an answer for her. He looked at the assorted games and found that there wasn't a single one that he was particularly interested in embarrassing himself at. He watched the Cutie-Mark Crusaders work together to pitch a pumpkin into a target with a crude catapult.

"That looks like fun. Wanna check it out?"

"Sure." As long as she could be the center of his attention, she didn't mind. They approached a catapult, pumpkin at the ready. Comet aimed it carefully. If a collection of fillies in kindergarten could hit a target, so... could... h--- Comet's concentration was shattered by a crack of thunder. He leapt in fright and collapsed against the firing mechanism, unconscious. Bent at his weight, the catapult pelted the pumpkin over the target and out of sight. Comet rolled off the firing mechanism stunned and irritated.

"Glad to see you're feeling better, Rainbow Dash." He cleared his head with a good shake. She rolled on her cloud, laughing and laughing.

"You should've seen the look on your face! It was priceless!" Cupid was glad she saw her coming.

"I... I missed, didn't I?" Comet heaved a sigh. He looked at Cupid, hoping she would say something to cheer him up.

"It... it was really close, Comet," She lied, "If Rainbow Dash hadn't gotten the jump on you, you totally would've hit it."

"No way, Cupid, he shot it like 40 yards too far," Rainbow Dash laughed, thinking it was a joke. She shut up and zoomed off when Cupid shot daggers at her.

"It's okay, Comet," Perhaps games were a bad idea. "It's a lot harder than it looks." As they walked across the square, they passed the waitress from the restaurant. She was ecstatic to see Comet out of his house for once.

"He lives! Glad to see you get out of the cave. Enjoying the festival?"

"It's... okay I guess?" Comet wasn't sure if he was having fun yet.

"You should try the Apple Dunk. It's wild." She smiled at him under her bonnet. She was dressed in a dress that was probably as old as Comet's parents. It somehow fit on her.

"We'll check it out. I'll stop by for brunch tomorrow, okay?" He and Cupid turned to leave.

"Alrighty! Have fun you two!" She watched them go with a knowing smile. They approached Applejack's basin of apples, a group of giggling fillies running past.

"Well Ah'll be," Applejack was happy to see Comet out and about, "Ah was about to send a search pony. You came down for Nightmare Night, after all. Ah was afraid you'da locked yerself up all day. 'Tain't good fer ya, y'hear?"

"All right, all right." Comet laughed at her lecture. He had been holed up for the past few days, and he did feel a bit paler. "I'll try not to spend so much time in my work." He eyed the green fluid in the basin with apprehension. Applejack laughed at his reaction.

"It's just water, Sugarcube. T'ain't gonna hurt ya. Give it a shot." Cupid watched expectantly as Comet dunked his head in the basin. He had to come up for air a number of times before he was able to find an apple at all with his mouth. As time wore on, his search became more fervent, sloshing water all over himself. Cupid had to protect her dress a number of times.

"Don't hurt yourself, Comet." She wasn't sure he heard him. Finally, he surfaced with an apple in mouth, panting and out of breath. Cupid and Applejack both cheered for him as he chewed his apple triumphantly. Sopping wet and without a care, Comet decided that he maybe he should have tried Nightmare Night before shutting it down. He was actually really enjoying himself once he got into the spirit. Comet and Cupid talked and laughed for the remainder of the evening, chatting and joking with the rest of the costumed camaraderie. Once, Comet saw Twilight Sparkle walking with an allicorn whose mane sparkled like the night sky. His eyes widened at the revelation of who Twilight was with. He made eye contact with each of them for just a brief moment before Cupid quickly pulled him away.

Cupid had attracted quite a crowd by the end of the night, costumed ponies asking her for readings and tricks with her cards. Comet took that opportunity to slip away, looking for Twilight and Princess Luna. When he found he couldn't find them, he returned to Cupid's side to find that she had made an elaborate serpent with her cards, which slithered and clawed at the air. Distracted, he didn't think much of it until he returned home.

~~~

Twilight Sparkle returned to her library, flustered. Confused, Spike tried to decipher her frustration.

"Something wrong, Twilight?"

"Yes. No. I'm not sure." She paced about as she took off her hand-made costume. No wonder she couldn't find Comet. He was with Cupid the whole night.

"Did you have fun?"

"Yeah, loads, Spike."

"Did someone do something wrong?"

"I... I'm not sure." She walked upstairs to look out the window. Spike wasn't sure what she meant.

"Was it Night- I mean, Princess Luna?"

"No."

"Was it Rainbow Dash's pranking?"

"What? No."

"Was it Rarity or Fluttershy or Applejack or Pinkie Pie?"

"No, no, no, no, no!"

"Was it Comet? I didn't see him at all tonight."

"He was with Cupid all night." Twilight played with her telescope while he talked to her.

"Why are you mad, though?" Spike wasn't sure if that was the problem.

"I don't know!" She snapped at him. "...I'm sorry, Spike. I just, I think it makes me angry, but I don't know why, and that makes me angrier."

"Uh... do you not like Cupid?" Twilight had to stop and think about it.

"I don't not like her, Spike. She's not a bad pony... I don't know." She flopped down on her bed, exhausted. It was a long night. She didn't want to think about it anymore. She rolled up in her blankets and fell asleep. Spike watched her snooze. He hadn't seen her so angry about something in a long time. Looking over at the telescope, he was curious to see what she was looking at.

Through the lens, he saw a dark figure sitting on the roof of a house, staring at the stars. He looked at Twilight Sparkle, unsure what to make of it. Too tired to think, he found his bed and curled up in it, falling quickly into a deep slumber.

Chapter 12 - Comet's Family Reunion

Comet stared at the stars, the festivities of the night still swirling in his head like green water in a basin. The light left his night-vision damaged, but the longer he stared, the more he could see. Autumn was one of his favorite times for constellations. Andromeda, Cassiopeia, the Triangulum, all the big-shots were out tonight. He found that many of them were referenced in Zecora's book, or at least the stars that made them were used differently. It made him wonder about all the different constellations that could be made with the stars out there. A sigh escaped his lips as he got comfortable on his roof.

"'Tis beautiful, is it not?" Comet jumped to find that he was not alone. The allicorn that was with Twilight Sparkle at the festival sat next to him. But, that meant...

"P-princess?"

"Luna, if you please." She looked at him, dark eyes aglow in the night.

"Alright. Luna. What can I do for you?" Comet was afraid he was in trouble. She seemed young physically, but spoke like someone who was very, very old. It disoriented Comet. How did she know him?

"Twilight Sparkle told me thou appreciated our night as much as she did. We wanted to see for ourselves." Again with the unicorns and the mind reading. Comet began to feel he should seriously start a study on this or something.

"I've always wanted to meet you, myself. I do love the night. When I heard you wanted it to be night eternally, I actually didn't mind all that much." He laughed, but realized he was talking to the wrong person about it. He shut his mouth and looked away, unsure of what exactly to say. If there was anything farther out of his league, it was royalty. After a pause, Luna spoke.

"May we ask thou a question?"

"Of course, your excellence. Luna, I mean. Ask me anything."

"Wouldst thou live in the night if thou could?" Comet hadn't thought about it before. It was always how his day started, and how it ended.The alpha and omega, so to speak. The highlights of his day.

"Is that an invitation?" She turned to look at him, the cold in her eyes suggesting that another joke would make her leave. He tried approaching it a different way. "Although I do love the night, I'm not sure what I would do if it was there all the time. I would get used to the beauty if it was always there, you know?"

"Twilight Sparkle said the same thing." Luna thought carefully about his words. "You share a lot with her. Perhaps thou art making a mistake." Comet raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her.

"Mistake, Luna?"

"Although those who share the most in common with us are the most difficult to live with, they are always the most loyal of companions." Comet could tell she was speaking from experience.

"I'm not sure I understand." He didn't know royalty ever beat around the bush.

"We can see Twilight Sparkle dost care about thou. We find it unwise to ignore one such as her." Comet said nothing. Did he do something wrong, by seeing the Nightmare Night with Cupid?

"Cupid is just a friend, Luna. I don't mean to neglect Twilight Sparkle by spending an evening with Cupid."

"We doubt Twilight Sparkle understands that." She stood to leave. "We are glad to have met you. It makes me glad to see someone who appreciates our work." The mix of traditional and old-fashioned speak confused Comet. "We wouldst like to speak to thou again." She stepped off his roof with a powerful flap of her ebony wings. A dark chariot waited below. Her servants, no longer in costume, were at her beck and call to leave. She made it so, and disappeared into the night, leaving a bright flash across the half-moon. What a treat. Comet slept well that night, having met one of the most important figures in all of Equestria because she felt like it.

Comet was awoken the following morning by Rudolph, ready for work. Half awake, Comet ushered him into his house.

"S-sleep well, s-sir?" Rudolph wore no bandages, but still had his wings clipped down with braces, preventing flight. He must have walked all the way here.

"Like a baby. Princess Luna visited me last night." He beamed. Rudolph didn't find that to be very exciting, considering that he saw her a number of times at Nightmare Night. After a minute or so, Comet realized this, and they got to work. After calibrating and cleaning the instruments, they took some readings, and Comet explained their meaning and thought process. Rudolph obediently took notes and observed, giving his input when applicable. The Everfree Forest yielded nothing exciting for them today. It was overcast. Just like it was everywhere. The humidity suggested that rain was unlikely, and the thickness and cloud makeup inclined that it would be that way all day. Report filed and ready to be sent off for the day, they wrapped up just in time for Comet's brunch.

They walked back to Ponyville together, the town just waking for the day's adventures.

"Got any special plans today, Rudolph?"

"N-not really. J-just th-th-therapy." Comet nodded. Rudolph was spending most of his money on expensive physical therapy. He hoped that, with training, he could fly with proficiency without hurting himself. It was only his first or second lesson, and so far it was just leaving him sore and worked. He knew it was better than doing nothing, however.

"Ah. Sounds... tiring, actually." They laughed together. Once or twice, Rudolph stumbled on the way down the hill, but Comet was there to keep him up. Comet hoped that Rudolph knew that all of their friends were there to keep him up. They got down into the morning bustle of Ponyville, and Rudolph turned to head back home.

"S-see you t-tomorrow, s-sir."

"Anytime you wanna hang out, Rudolph, you know where to find me."

"Al-alright." He grinned. Comet cringed when Rudolph walked into a cart while looking the other way. What a lug. A fun guy, but still a lug. The waitress had a seat waiting for Comet when he got there. Pancakes, orange juice, fresh fruit, the works were laid out before him. Comet's stomach rumbled like a deep pit. He grinned when the waitress laughed. They sat and talked while Comet ate.

"Enjoying the easy life?" Comet nodded, swallowing a third of a pancake.

"Everything I've wanted to do, I have nailed down. It's great." The waitress looked around, checking to see if anyone was listening

"Have you heard the latest juicy bit? It involves you."

"Does it now? What's the word?"

"I heard down the grapevine that your family hunted you down after the celebration at the defeat of Discord. They are supposed to be reaching Ponyville, today!" Comet chocked on an orange slice, spraying small orange bits all over the table.

"What?! Who all knows this? Why don't I know?"

"A few people I imagine. I pick up these things eavesdropping, you know." Who in town knew so much about Comet that they knew when his parents would show up in town? Comet shook the thought out of his mind; it wasn't important right now.

"This is bad, this is very bad..." If Comet's parents found out that he was falling in love with unicorns... he shuddered at the thought. They wouldn't understand.

"What's so bad about it? Dancer is gonna love your new place." Comet stopped for a second.

"You... you know my mother?" The waitress giggled.

"Of course. Who doesn't? She's pretty famous herself, Comet."

"Forgive me if I don't keep up with the innermost circles of librarians." Comet was becoming more and more curious about his friend from the restaurant. Who was she, exactly?

"Comet!" He jumped and turned around to find that Rainbow Dash was looking for him.

"There's a group of earth-ponies looking for you. Are they your family?" Comet rubbed his hooves over his eyes. This was a nightmare. And he could honestly say he knew a Nightmare now. He put a napkin down in his food, leaving a generous tip as always.

"Now, or never I suppose." As Comet walked with Rainbow Dash, he started thinking to himself. A voice in him questioned his thought process. What was the big deal? His parents were awesome. He thought about how proud his dad would be to see that he was living his dream. As long as they didn't find out about his preferences, there would be nothing to worry about. When he saw the crowd at the village entrance, his fears melted. Comet recognized the ponies that walked down the street instantly.

"Leaflet!" Dancer was first to notice him. They collided in the street in a colossal hug. She was accompanied by her husband, Dasher, Comet's brother Prancer, his sister, Vixen, and his sister's boyfriend, Blitzen. Blitzen didn't join in on the group hug; he was distracted by the pegasus that had accompanied Comet to his parents.

"Dash." Vixen broke out of the hug when she heard the name. Her eyes narrowed.

"Hey Blitzen." Rainbow Dash landed on the ground and eyed the earth-pony next to him, "Who is this?"

"I'm Vixen." Comet's sister puffed herself out as far as she could, "And I know all about you, Rainbow Dash."

"From who?" She gestured to the white pegasus she associated with, "This show-pony? He doesn't know a thing about me!"

"As if, Rainbow Crash. I used to know you better than anybody." A puff of hot air shot out of Rainbow Dash's nostrils.

"Guys!" Comet got between them. "Do we have to do this right now? We haven't been in town for five minutes, and we're already starting fights?"

"I'm not sure, Comet," Blitzen's gaze narrowed. "Are we doing this right now?"

"I could beat you any time, anywhere." Rainbow Dash pawed the dirt, as if she would charge headfirst into the white pegasus. Comet had never seen this side of Rainbow Dash before. Her eyes burned, her nostrils flared, and Comet was legitimately afraid of what she would do to Blitzen. After knowing both of them, he knew Blitzen couldn't hold a candle to her in terms of sheer speed or technique. Brute force was an entirely different matter, however. This was still rapidly growing into a situation, and Comet got in-between the two of them.

"Honest as the stars? Can it. Both of you. Rainbow Dash, go get Rudolph and the gang. Blitzen, watch it." Blitzen turned to look away from Rainbow Dash as she shot off toward town, faster than she needed to. Unsure of how to approach the scenario, Dancer tried to cheer everyone up.

"Why don't you show us around Ponyville, Leaflet? It seems so... rustic." She was disconcerted at the small scene Vixen's companion had made, but wanted to see her son's accomplishments more than anything.

"Out of all the places to settle down," Dasher grinned at his son, "You really picked a winner, kid."

"Speaking of which..." Prancer grabbed Comet around the neck and ruffled his mane, "Have you picked a winner, yet? Some homey village girl?"

"Prancer!" He cringed and let his sibling go at the stern tone in his mother's voice. She smiled though, "Don't use 'homey' like it's a bad thing. I'm sure she's very pleasant." Although she was giving her best effort, Comet was not amused.

"I don't have a girlfriend, mom."

"Of course, of course," Dasher knew his son better than that. It obviously meant that he had someone in mind, but didn't want them to know about it. "But what are we sitting around for? Let's check out this Ponyville."

They walked into town, Comet answering the flood of questions that his family had for him. Yes, everything he needed he could get in town. Yes, he had plumbing and electricity. No, he didn't know any of the neighboring villages besides Canterlot and Cloudsdale. No, he cooked for himself when he got hungry. Yes, he knew enough people in town to---

"Twilight Sparkle!" Comet had never have been happier to see his beautiful purple friend. "Everyone, this is Twilight Sparkle. Head librarian of Ponyville, and one of my closest friends." His introduction left her pink with embarrassment. "This is Dasher and Dancer, my parents, my brother and sister Prancer and Vixen, and Vixen's... friend, Blitzen." He didn't want to brew another argument.

"Charmed." She smiled and greeted the group.

"Glad to see you are getting along in the world, dear." Dancer was happy to see her again.

"Likewise, Dancer." Comet had forgotten that Twilight knew his mother from her time in Canterlot's libraries.

Rainbow Dash then produced the rest of Comet's friends for him to introduce. She landed next to Rudolph, making special attention to never make eye contact with Blitzen.

"This is Spike, Twilight's assistant." Spike grinned. He observed that all of Comet's relatives were assorted shades of grey.

"This is Rarity, proprietor of the Carousel Boutique." Rarity gave a small curtsy. Vixen's eyes grew wide with astonishment. The Rarity lived in this little town?

"This is Fluttershy, our animal caretaker." She hid behind the group when Prancer gave her a small wink.

"This is Pinkie Pie." He put a hoof over her mouth before she could say anything. After a short while, she began vibrating, unable to vent her excitement any other way. "We'll be joining her for a small welcoming party this evening." She nodded vigorously.

"This is Rudolph, my personal assistant and good friend." Although Rudolph was happy to meet Comet's family, Rainbow Dash's reaction made him uneasy.

"And this is---"

"Cupid!" Dancer finished his sentence for him, rushing over to her. "How are you, dear? Glad to see you finally settled down." Cupid grinned sheepishly.

"Thanks, Dancer. It's nice to see you again."

"And last, but most certainly not least, I'd like to introduce Applejack, the owner of Sweet Apple Acres."

"Howdy, all." Applejack nodded to each of them, smiling. Dancer approved of this last one. Comet could use someone in his life that kept him busy physically as well as mentally.

"Everyone, I'd like to introduce my family. Dasher and Dancer, my parents." His parents bowed and curtsied in unison.

"My brother and sister, Vixen and Prancer." They both appeared to be very excited to be here, for entirely different reasons, Comet was sure.

"And lastly, Vixen's friend, Blitzen." He puffed out his chest at the mention of his name. The group observed that he looked astonishingly like a royal guard in his proud pose..

"And this is Ponyville, my new home." They all watched in wonder as Comet, with the assistance of his friends, accurately labeled all of the landmarks and important locations in Ponyville. They spent a good hour of their time wandering the village, saying their greetings to all of the other ponies on their way. The waitress was happy to see Comet enjoying himself with his family. Comet put in a reservation for dinner before the party at Pinkie Pie's. There was one last landmark Comet wanted to show them all before the tour ended. As they moved up the hill to Comet's house, Dancer eyed the Everfree Forest with unease.

"You work in there, Leaflet?" Cupid and Twilight Sparkle giggled at Comet's pet name. Comet ignored it.

"Not directly. Rudolph and I placed a mobile weather station in the forest, so we don't have to go hiking through it on a daily basis."

"I see..." Dancer still thought it seemed dangerous.

"It-it's p-perfectly safe, D-Dancer." Rudolph did his best to assure her. Comet was probably the best person Cloudsdale could have picked for the job, and there was no way they could get rid of him. When they got into Comet's house, we wasn't surprised to find the mixed reactions.

"Awesome..." Dasher was awestruck, to Comet's delight, "I'm so glad to see all the support you've gotten for this, son."

"It's... delightful, Leaflet." Comet wasn't surprised it was all a bit over his mother's head. "I'm just glad to see you doing something you love."

"I've never been in here before," Fluttershy was also amazed. "You know what all of these do?"

"Pretty amazing, isn't it?" Prancer grinned at Fluttershy, causing her to squeak and take refuge behind Rainbow Dash.

"Nice work, kid," Vixen and Blitzen gave their approval. With well over a dozen warm bodies in Comet's house, it was needless to say it was crowded and they didn't spend much time inside.

"Well, I'm sure our tour was enjoyable," Comet was struck by a good idea, "But I think everyone has their own ideas of what they specifically want to see in Ponyville. How about we disband for now, see the sights on our own time, and then rendezvous in the evening for dinner with a good friend of mine?" Cheers were had amongst the lot of them.

"I'd love see another one of your readings," Cupid was delighted to comply with Dancer.

"I'd best make sure your mother stays out of trouble." Dasher's comment was met with an elbow in the ribs, but he laughed nonetheless.

"I'd love to see the Carousel Boutique, Rarity." Vixen was twitching with excitement. Rarity already had a few ideas about dresses for this one.

"We have unfinished business, me and you." Blitzen eyed Rainbow Dash with a grin.

"Try me, show-pony, I could beat you with one wing tied behind my back."

"Or t-two." Rudolph chipped in. Rainbow Dash found confidence in the fact that Rudolph had her back.

"I'd like to see more of the animals." Prancer tried to find the cute yellow one behind Rainbow Dash, but she had disappeared. A squeak was heard amongst the crowd, and only Comet and his friends could tell it was in displeasure.

"Well, sounds like we all got someplace to be." Applejack decided it sounded like things were settled.

"I have a party to set up!" Pinkie Pie zoomed off for town before anyone could get a word in otherwise.

"Until dinner, then." Comet nodded in satisfaction. He was glad his family had all found things to look forward to in town.

With that, they separated, everyone going there separate ways for the afternoon ahead.

Chapter 13 - Comet's Relatives

Rudolph's frustration was apparent in his eyes. He flexed his wings against the clips on his sides over and over as he watched Rainbow Dash and Blitzen argue on the starting line. Who had the advantage didn't matter. Where they were going wasn't important. Rudolph did not want to sit on the sidelines and watch. He could beat that white pegasus for her. She didn't need to stoop to his level. Rudolph could probably fly rings around him. Literally. After half an hour or so of arguing, a route was set. Reluctantly, Rudolph held the flag in his mouth, unwilling to let them go without him.

"What's the hold up, Red?" Blitzen started to become impatient. He hopped in place, waiting for Rudolph to throw the flag. Rainbow Dash looked at him, and he saw the sadness in her eyes. He knew he was being selfish. This was her race. Trying to get involved in something that had nothing to do with him would only cause more problems. Reluctantly, Rudolph gave the flag a swing, and in a small explosion of dust and wind, they were off, disappearing off into the distance. His wings aching from flexing against the clips, Rudolph put down the flag and watched them go.

Rainbow Dash's form was always a sight to behold. It was always something Rudolph had difficulty putting into words, although he had difficulty speaking period nowadays. Her entire body, from her nostrils to the tip of her hooves worked in unison to put everything she had where it needed to go as fast as possible. She was, without a better turn of phrase, built for speed. Blitzen was simply a larger pony than she was. Although he had much more mass to move, he had the wings and muscle mass to support it. Comet watched them race for the first ring, neck and neck. Rainbow Dash could hear the wind whistling in her ears, and couldn't help but feel bad for Rudolph.

He loves to race as much as I do. Who am I to get between him and that? She thought to herself. Almost missing the first ring, she forced herself to focus. That slip-up had given Blitzen the slightest of leads. Nopony could match her speed. Nopony. Shooting off like a rocket, Rudolph watched with pride as a rainbow trail shot past Blitzen, punching through the cloud-line and racing out of sight. This was something he had to see. Carefully checking to make sure no one was around, Rudolph undid the clips on his wings, hiding them in a bush. He wasn't going to race, he just wanted to spectate. Rudolph unfurled and tucked his wings, relieved to not have the weight of his clips hanging on his aching shoulders. It took him four tries to get off the ground and get airborne, losing balance only once before he, too, disappeared into the clouds above.

Dasher and Dancer laughed and laughed in Cupid's parlor. Dancer was tickled by Cupid's readings, and had her reveal card after card, answering question after question. The quality of their dinner, the weather tomorrow, how Vixen did on her literature test, the list went on and on. Exhausted, Cupid finished her last reading for the day, explaining that the card was The Devil. The horned pony represented an unexpected experience, or controversy. The foreboding of the card couldn't taint Dancer's good mood, however.

"I just love this air! There's something in the air, isn't there, Dasher?" She giggled and giggled.

"Of course dear," He looked at Cupid and shrugged. He was happy she was enjoying herself, despite the fact that he didn't know to what she was deriving so much pleasure.

"So who is the lucky pony my boy has found?" Dancer's grin became sly as she got low on the table, searching the room for something invisible. This dramatic change in subject caught both her husband and Cupid off-guard.

"W-why do you say that?" This side of Dancer made Cupid shift on her hooves in uneasiness.

"The cards told me so, dear." Dancer reached for the rapidly retreating cards. They took refuge in a furiously shuffling pile behind Cupid. "You said so yourself." Cupid searched her memory, and unless Dancer had asked her to read something, while thinking of something else, she hadn't recalled doing any love readings. She realized with horror that she could've said any number of things with her readings if that was the case. What if she said something bad about herself? Or hurt her chances with Comet?

"That Berry Punch seemed like a nice girl, didn't she, Dasher?" Dancer went through a mental list of all the earth-ponies she had met in the few hours she had been in town.

"I..." Dasher had never seen this side of his wife, either, "I don't believe Comet knows Berry Punch very well, honey."

"Well, what makes you say that?"

"She didn't know who Comet was when we spoke to her."

"I suppose you're right." Dancer continued searching through her mental list.

"What about that other pony? What was her name?" She ignored Dasher's facial expression at this, "Oh, you know! I've been hearing she has been spending a lot of time with Comet. She even snuck into Comet's house one evening."

"Applebloom?" Cupid was hoping Dancer wasn't suggesting what she thought she----

"Applebloom! That was it! What a delightful girl, don't you think, Dasher?" Realizing who his wife was talking about, he nodded.

"A very nice lass indeed. Good with her hooves, too." Dasher nodded with approval.

"Well, I best be seeing what my offspring are up to. I'll see you at the dinner, Cupid?" And with that, Dasher and Dancer walked away from Cupid's parlor, leaving her sitting at her table, mouth agape. An odd number of emotions bubbled and churned within Cupid. Applebloom was young enough to be Comet's child, much less... she shuddered at the thought. There had to be some kind of mix-up. She collected herself, and a disconcerting thought came to her mind. Why didn't Dancer suggest her? She had only known Comet since elementary school. She was only his closest and oldest friend. She revealed a single card, which to her dismay revealed an ornate circle of symbols of all kinds of symbols and objects.

The Wheel of Fortune. If a deck of cards could be sarcastic, surely it was this one. She collected her cards and moved out into the bustling afternoon, knowing fully well without the card that whatever happened, she sure as sugar wouldn't forget it.

Comet chatted the afternoon away, enjoying the company of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity and his sister Vixen in the Carousel Boutique, Rarity's shop of finer clothing. Comet had never particularly enjoyed clothing, but he was glad to see Vixen enjoying herself as much as she was, and it seemed everyone was having a good time. As he relaxed, watching Rarity and Vixen dance about the room in ball-gowns to the glee of the fillies around him, he couldn't help but feel the darkest sense of foreboding loom over him. Twilight looked at him to find that he had a look on his face that suggested a bug was in his fruit juice.

"Something wrong, Comet?" He shook his head and smiled at her.

"No, I---" He was interrupted by a knock on the door. Applebloom got up and, laughing, walked over to open it. After a pause, she returned.

"It's for you, Comet!" She hopped over to him, smiling. Unsure of who it could be, Comet walked outside to find the eldest of the newest generation of the Apple Family, Big McIntosh, waiting for him.

"Big McIntosh? Is something wrong?" The red colt towered over him, looking down on Comet's small frame.

"...Eeyup." Comet had never seen big McIntosh like this before. Comet shifted on his hooves in uneasiness at the awkward silence that followed.

"Is... is uh, is it something that's my fault?" Comet couldn't help but feel like a small animal that had broken something.

"...Eeyup." Big McIntosh put a powerful hoof forward, causing Comet to jump back, falling over a bench beneath some hung laundry. Although the green-apple eyes appeared emotionless, Comet couldn't help but feel that they bored through Comet, searching for something. He knew he was small, but against the great colt overpowering his willpower, he was miniscule.

"What c-can I do, McIntosh? What did I do?" With the physical stature of a wet puppy, Comet had no idea how to approach this situation. He had never been happier to see Applebloom poke her head out from the door.

"Comet, what's taking so lon--- Big McIntosh! Don't hurt him!" She rushed out to Comet, getting in between her older brother and Comet. She looked up into eyes, checking first to make sure that Comet wasn't hurt. She blinked a few times, listening to the red colt's incoherent whispers. She was completely silent as she turned to face Comet, pain in her eyes. "Is... is what he says true, Comet?" Her bottom lip and teary eyes were heartbreaking. Whatever Comet did, it had destroyed one of his greatest friends. What could he have done so mindlessly, so horribly, that it could ruin Applebloom's adorable face?

"Yes? No! I don't know what anyone is talking about! What did I do?" Comet was flabbergasted and confused.

"Are you... dating Applejack, Comet?" Comet's response was halted by his train of thought coming off the tracks and derailing into the station, crushing passing innocent thoughts in its wake. Something disconnected in his mind, and it took him a second to come back to reality.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were dating my sister, Comet?!" She practically shouted at him. In the seriousness of her face, Comet did his best to suppress a laugh.

"No! Who told you that? She's just a friend! I never had any intention of going out with Applejack! I don't like her that way." The relationship between Big McIntosh and Applebloom was reaffirmed by their simultaneous change of expression. They looked at each other and then looked back at Comet. "Why? Who said I was?"

"Your parents."

The gathering crowd at the small restaurant in Ponyville paused only for a second at the flock of birds that fled from what sounded not unlike a shout the Carousel Boutique. Fleeing for dinner with the crowd from Rarity's boutique, Comet was incredibly worried. He was glad he had managed to sort out this problem with Applebloom and (for his own safety) with Big McIntosh, but if his mother was wandering Ponyville spreading this rumor, who knows who might already know? Someone important might get the wrong idea. They arrived at the restaurant just in time for dinner, but the look on the waitress's face told everything that Comet needed to know.

"Applejack?" She had a look on her face like she couldn't understand Comet's thought process. Comet waved her off with a worried hoof.

"Don't worry, I'll explain everything." Comet and his friends gathered around the large banquet that had been played out for Comet and his friends. Everyone that Comet had taken a liking to in the past few months had all gathered to meet and greet with Comet's family. Unfortunately, the only spot available was next to a very irritated Applejack, who was at the center of attention. Comet did his best to slink in next to her unnoticed, but he was unable to accomplish this without first drawing the attention of his parents.

"Leaflet!" Dancer's shouting attracted throngs to her as usual. "When were you going to tell us that you had met someone special?" Her gaze repeatedly returned to Applejack, who would in turn shoot a glare at the colt next to her. He had some explaining to do.

"Mom... we're not... I didn't..." He tried to explain himself.

"It's okay, Leaflet, I just wanted to speed things along." She was sure dense enough to be Comet's mother, "When I found out that you were seeing someone, I just had to find out as much information as possible about her. What a lovely earth-pony she is, too, I'm so proud of you, Leaflet."

"Applejack and I aren't dating, Mom." He finally managed to silence her, "No offense to you, Applejack, but I'm not dating anyone, and I never really had an intention of going out with anyone for awhile. Why are you spreading rumors that I was dating Applejack?" Dancer laughed at this.

"Oh, Leaflet, don't be coy. You can't keep secrets from me. I heard you've been spending a lot of time with a certain Applebloom, not Applejack."

There was a pause around the whole table. All the pieces had fallen into place. Applebloom revealed herself, taking a seat on Comet's lap, overjoyed at the idea of being paired with Comet.

"Hello there, Applebloom." Comet rubbed her head, disheveling the bow on her head. She smiled back up at him.

"Howdy, Comet. Is it okay if I come over and watch the stars again tonight?"

"Sure, Applebloom. My house is always welcome if it's okay with Applejack." Applejack rolled her eyes, knowing finally what was going on after a hectic afternoon of accusations.

"Of course, Applebloom. Just don't be out too late." Everyone laughed, the situation finally resolved. Embarrassed, Dancer ate almost entirely in silence, speaking only when spoken to or prompted by Dasher. Beyond this, a merriment was had about the table, although Appplebloom was a bit put off to find out she hadn't successfully roped down Comet, so to speak. Finally, during dessert, Dancer spoke after spending a long time in thought.

"Cupid's readings are never wrong, though."

"I'm sorry, Mom?"

"Cupid told me that you were thinking of someone special, and Applejack was the only earth-pony that came to mind." Comet blinked. An incredibly delicate situation had splayed out before him. He would have to navigate this carefully, or she would find out that Comet was interested in not one, but two unicorns, no less.

"Why do you have to bore into my social life, mom? Can't I let you know when I'm ready? Or I've actually asked her out yet?" Comet tried to pin it back on her.

"So there is somepony you like." Dancer's sly smile returned.

"Ugh..." Dasher rolled his eyes, getting irritated with his spouse, "I'm going to need a drink if this going to happen tonight..." He flagged down the waitress and had her bring him and his son an ornate cocktail of a number of different alcohols. Comet looked at him nervously. "Ha! Don't worry, son. A mare should drink and be merry with his son! I'm proud of you and all your friends." The waitress returned with the pair of drinks, setting one down in front of Comet. She was silent. It bubbled and hissed in its clear glass, and although it didn't look particularly appetizing, Comet found that downing it burned is throat and made his head swim. It was perfect for drowning out the babbling of his mother and the rising voices of the ponies around him. Another left Comet's vision hazy, his speech almost incomprehensible.
A third, and... well... Comet wasn't sure what happened after that point.

Chapter 14 - Comet's Kite

"G'mornin', Comet!" She beamed at him, getting off of him to find he had dark bags under his eyes. "Trouble sleepin'?"

"Y-yeah..." He cracked his back with a long stretch and looked at the clock. It was late. Rudolph should have been here by now. He hadn't been late once yet. He took a quick glance at his machinery as Applebloom scuttled around the room. The Everfree forest was motionless. That was also a first. What an eerie day, Comet thought to himself. He shook himself as awake as he could, and opened the door to a warm, autumn breeze. "We should get you home. I said I'd bring you home last night, remember?"

"Aw, Comet, do we have to? We had so much fun!" Applebloom rushed out the door and then back inside in her excitement.

"I'm sure, Applebloom, Applejack is probably worried about you. Let's go." He motioned out the door and away they went. The sky was clear, the wind was nice. If Comet wasn't afraid of his reception in town, he'd have decided that today was good flying weather. He hadn't made a kite since he was little, but it was certainly something to keep him busy. Maybe he could pick up some supplies in town. As they walked, Applebloom couldn't stop talking about the stars Comet had shown her the night before. It always made Comet smile to see someone as passionate about the stars as him. The thought made him think about Twilight Sparkle. She probably hated him now.

"Everyone... everyone seemed pretty mad yesterday, huh, Applebloom?"

"Yeah... can you really only love earth-ponies, Comet?" The naivety in her voice didn't match the insight in her words.

"I... I dunno, Applebloom. That's what my parents want."

"That's weird, Comet." Applebloom went back to ranting about Comet's telescope, leaving him lost in his own thoughts.

Was it weird? He had never thought about it before. He was always told that this was just the way it was, and he accepted it. Why was that wrong?

When they got into town, it was emptier than Comet had ever seen it. The town was absolutely silent. He had no idea Ponyville could be so quiet. "It's almost like it was when Zecora first showed up!" Applebloom looked around in awe. They passed by Twilight's library, and Comet had a half of a mind to knock on the door and see what happened. Was it a holiday or something? They foraged on into the eerie silence. As they passed Sugar Cube Corner, Comet couldn't help but notice figures moving in the window. That's what confused Comet the most. The ponies hadn't left. They were hiding. From what? Comet wondered. They crossed out of town and on the outskirts, they found the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack and Big McIntosh stood at the archway, waiting for Applebloom. She ran to greet them. She got up to them, and they quietly beckoned her inside. Applejack looked at Comet only once before turning and disappearing into the barn.

At that point, Comet realized it was his doing. He had caused this cold shoulder amongst the residents of Ponyville. He walked from storefront to storefront, occasionally calling into window displays in hopes that someone would help him. After a bit of pestering, he managed to get over to the library with assorted colors of tissue paper, springy dowels, and a sappy adhesive paste. He only needed one last thing. Summing up his courage, he approached the large hollow tree. It took a few minutes of playing with the doorbell before the door creaked open.

"Spike! How've you been?" The baby dragon appeared apathetic at best.

"Oh, hey, Comet. Can I get you something?"

"I just need an encyclopedia of dragons, a menagerie of birds, and a paintbrush or two, please."

"Okay. Let me get them for you." Before Spike could shut the door, Comet tried to stop him.

"Actually, I was wondering if it would be okay... if I came inside?" Spike looked up at his friend. There was something in his eyes Comet didn't recognize.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Comet. Let me get your things." The door shut with a soft slam. Put out, Comet waited on the doorstep for a solid fifteen minutes or so before Spike came back, producing two large volumes and a pair of small paintbrushes.

"Thanks, Spike." Comet grinned at him, but it appeared to have no affect.

"See you later." The door shut again. Collecting his things, Comet walked back out into the empty street. For the first time in a long time, Comet felt a pang in his chest from being left alone. Searching his mind for some companionship, he thought of a place where there was always someone to talk to him when he needed it.

Comet sat at the table of his favorite restaurant, hoping to see a smiling face come out of the back. Eventually, the waitress appeared, producing two glasses of ice water. She sat across from him at the table, looking for something in his face.

"What?" After awhile, it started weirding him out.

"How old are you, Comet?" The tone in her voice was much more serious today than usual. It gave Comet the feeling he wasn't going to particularly enjoy the following conversation.

"Uh... gee, I don't know. Twenty? Twenty-two? Somewhere in there?"

"Do you think that's old enough?" She sounded almost angry at him. He didn't understand the question.

"Old enough to... what?"

"To make your own decisions?"

"Well sure. I think? What's with the weird question?"

"If you are old enough to make your own decisions, then why do you just go along with what your parents say?" Comet blinked.

"Excuse me? Why am I being interrogated here? What did I do? Why is everyone acting strange today?" The waitress stood up.

"You need to grow up, Comet. You can't live in your parents' shadow for the rest of your life. You have to make your own decisions."

"I don't understand. What have I done wrong?" The waitress slammed back down into the table, her hot breath in Comet's face.

"Your parents said a lot of hurtful things yesterday, and you just sat by and watched. How did you think people would respond?"

"Why are you so angry with me? I didn't do anything." She slumped back in her chair at this, looking away.

"Look at me, Comet. What do you see?" Another weird question. Comet focused on her. He was shocked to find that this was the first time he had ever really given her a serious glance. It was almost as if she blended into the background, her voice being the only thing he noticed. It took much more effort than he expected to produce a description.

"You're a tall, slender pony, with a very light purple skin tone and a cut, grey mane." Comet nodded. She was quite pretty.

"What else?"

"You... you have dark blue eyes, a white uniform, with some kind of string necklace, and a horn." She was a unicorn. Comet began putting two and two together.

"Am I less of a pony because I have a horn?"

"No! No, of course not!" She looked back at him, anger still apparent in her eyes.

"Then why couldn't you say that for Twilight Sparkle last night?" He couldn't produce an answer for her.

"Everypony here is part of a family, Comet. You can't insult one third or two thirds without hurting the whole community."

"I didn't insult---"

"You sat back and watched. You did nothing. That's just as bad. You have a lot of making up to do." The waitress stood to walk away.

"Wait! I... all this time, and I never got your name." She turned to look at him.

"Maybe some other time. Maybe when you're ready to be a better pony." With that, she disappeared back into the restaurant. Her words weighed down on Comet like a ton of bricks. He hadn't grown at all since he had gotten here. Everyone has been growing up around him, and he's been a naive little colt. Comet collected his things, wandering back through the town back to his church. He watched the windows of the shops as he passed by. What redeeming qualities did he have? After everything that has happened, what did he have that he could use to bring his friends back?

The dirt path had no response for him, despite the earnestness in his gaze. Comet's door opened silently as he passed through the doorway into his house. At least my door is reliable. He looked at his machinery, his achievements and his pride and joy. What did it matter if he didn't have friends to share it with? What was he worth without a camaraderie to make him laugh? He sat on his single pew, sorting his tissue paper by color. Although they were slightly different, they were all the same. They were different colors, of course, but what all was different besides?

He looked out his window to the now bustling village. He had to apologize. He had to show them that he wanted their friendship. He wanted to laugh and play and be irritated by Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie Pie..." He looked curiously at his tissue paper. He thought of the crazy pink one and her revelries. He needed to get their attention. Colors... He had an idea.

Applebloom paced back and forth in her clubhouse. "I want to help Comet." She finally spoke to her friends.

Scootaloo and Sweety Belle looked at her. "Why? Applejack said not to. He's not any of our friends." Scootaloo was tired of this subject.

"He's my friend! He wants to be friends with everypony! Ah know it!" Applebloom didn't understand why everyone didn't like Comet anymore. She looked through her telescope at his church, a position it had been in for a few days now. "I'm sure as sugar he's doin' somethin' to get everypony's attention right now..." As she focused the lens on the window, a purple shape floated out the window. A tail dangled out the window for just a moment before it began to drift down the hill in the breeze.

"Thas it!" Applebloom bolted out the door before either of the other two could get a word in edgewise.

The library was unnaturally quiet. Twilight remained in her private quarters, silent. Occasionally, Spike would call to her as he polished a ruby to pass the time.

"I'm sure he wants to be given a chance, Twilight." It would not be graced with a response. The wind began to grow gusty outside.

"Twilight..." Tap, "I really think you're--" Tap-tap, "Overreacting." Spike paused. Something rapped on the upstairs window. When he had finally decided to get up and find out what the fuss was about, Spike was surprised to have found four ornate kites had caught on the branches of the tree, scratching at the window. Each one of the purple and pink kites had a portion of a long letter painted on it. Spike collected one out of the tree, dropping it when he found the glue was still wet. It drifted from the window down to the floor, sticking to the table face down. Shutting the window, Spike pulled it up to find the paint was also still wet, smudging into an intelligible grey mark on the table. Spike did his best to clean it up, but he hoped the letter's contents weren't too important. Being much more careful this time, he grabbed the box kite that was closest. He was relieved to find that the letter was written on the inside, and was careful not to drop it.

if that's possible. I've never minded that you were a unicorn, or that any of your friends weren't earth-ponies. In fact, I've always felt that their gifts made them special, just like yours. I've always felt you are special, Twilight Sparkle.

Prologue - Comet's Family Revised

The streets of Manehattan hustled and bustled with ponies and mares of all shapes, sizes, and colors. The din of big business, drama, and incredible amounts of traffic shaped what was just another day in just the same city. As loud and innocuous as the outside world was, it was unable to penetrate first the large double doors, then the halls of books and books, and then the worn, bound cover of Comet's book as he read in silence.
The library was quiet. Possibly the single quietest place in all of Manehattan, if not the only quiet place. Just the way Comet liked and preferred it. As he poured through his most precious of books, The Astronomical Astronomer's Almanac to All Things Astronomy, Comet could hear the soft clop of his mother, Dancer, sneaking up on him. He sighed as he prepared for a familiar pounce at a familiar time of night. Dancer's usual tumble sent Comet's book and notes sprawling across the floor of the empty library in a disheveled mess. Exasperated as always, the ash-colored colt had the same thing to say to his hyperactive mother as he rolled off of the waxed marble floor:
"Honestly? Honest as the stars?" It was from a story he was read when he was a much smaller colt. He was given the same reply as always.
"Time to head for home, Leaflet." Dancer was always known for her bubbly personality and brighter disposition. She could bring sunlight to any room, even this dark corner of her library. She helped him pick up his notes and pack them into his saddlebag. She noticed something different this time, however; a look of disappointment splashed across her youngest son's face. "Something the matter, Leaflet?" she tightened Comet's saddlebag with a strong tug.
After he found air return to his lungs, Comet quickly searched for an answer. "Croupiter is supposed to be bright tonight, but I don't think I'll be able to see it through the cloud cover," he hoped a sheepish grin could cover his bold-faced lie. It wasn't just tonight that was disappointing in this bedlam of lights and ponies and pollution of Manehattan; it was every night since he was a little colt.
"Ah," Dancer could feel something else was bothering her son, but she felt it might be best if he was kept to himself, "Well I doubt Croupiter is going anywhere anytime soon. I'm sure there'll be clearer nights to put your telescope to use." They finished the evening with locking up the cabinets of cards for the checkouts. Their age was always a reminder to Comet that the library his mother had come to love had about as much livelihood as a morgue. They were certainly lucky they were paid by the city.
Dancer locked the large double-door behind her as she and her son walked into the brisk night air. Dancer had always found the night-life of Manehattan was a sight to see. The hustle and bustle under the streetlamps of the refined in their evening wear going to Celestia-knows-where. She longed for the day her husband, Dasher, would show her about the town like that night so many---
"Have you ever wanted to leave Manehattan, mom?" Comet's words brought Dancer back to the sidewalk with her son.
"I... uh... Well, no, Comet. Why do you ask?"
"...Oh... Never mind, then, Forget it." Comet watched a shadow move in an ally. No doubt some cat or large rodent was scavenging for food. At least it could go where it wanted and did as it pleased, even if it was just rubbish.
"One of these days, Leaflet, we'll go out and see the world. I promise," She did what she could to cheer him up.
"You mean that? You really mean that?" Comet's eyes had a disbelief Dancer knew all too well. This wouldn't be the first time Dancer had promised something that never happened. It had made him callous to her more far-reaching claims.
"Honest as the stars, Leaflet." Dancer pushed up against him reassuringly.
Comet sighed and pressed back. Dancer always knew what to say to make him feel better.
When Dancer got in the door, Dasher was there to greet them.
"Honey, we're home." Dancer kicked the door closed with a satisfying slam. Dasher smiled at his wife and youngest son.
"Welcome home, you two. Dinner is just about ready." Dinner time was probably one of the few times Comet saw his father clean and presentable. Even though they had money, the fact that Dasher worked in the coal stores of the family's power plant rather in the manager booth there always left him filthy and dingy. His attitude was always quite the latter, however.
Comet's older brother Prancer and sister Vixen were waiting for them at the table in the lavish dining room.
"...So as I was saying, the pegasi said they are clearing the clouds for some special occasion tomorrow night. It's supposed to be a really big deal." Vixen always had a story to tell from school. She was studying to become a professional model. "Have you been fraternizing with that Blitzen pegasus again? We've been over this a thousand thousand times, Vixen. He's a pegasus." Dasher could see right through her, just as he always did.
"I-I was not!" Vixen's grey face became hot. Despite the disapproval of both of her parents, Vixen and Blitzen's relationship was as obvious as the blush that spread quickly across her face. What was it with daughters and doing just the opposite of what their parents said? Comet knew he would never know. She quickly tried to change the subject, "I guess there's going to be an asteroid shower or something."
Comet rolled his eyes, sitting at the table with them. "It's called a meteor shower, Vixen. Asteroids don't fall from the sky."
"Relax, Comet," Prancer gave him a clop aside the folded ear on the right side of his head, "Vixen don't know no better." The hoof to his head left Comet sore and irritated. His folded ear was always a target to his coercing brother, and the butt of many jokes, including the reason why his mother called him "Leaflet". She would always say 'he was a folded page in her big book', whatever that meant. As he rubbed his now aching head, he began to realize the gravity of his sister's statement.
"A meteor shower? Tomorrow night? Really? When?" Comet practically exploded with excitement.
Vixen was taken aback, "Relax, bro, a few hours after sundown. Go geek out somewhere else; you'll get nerd on my food."
"Vixen!" Comet's sister cringed at the familiar tone in her mother's voice, "You're right on your way to get sent from the table."
Vixen rolled her eyes. Comet could tell an argument was brewing, so he inhaled his food and made a break for his room.
The noise beneath Comet reassured him of how much he disliked Manehattan. Being forced to listen to the merits of Blitzen as an important figure on the weather community and the fact that he's a pegasus and she's an earth pony for the ten hundred thousandth time only made him listless. That, and the cloud cover meant there literally were no stars for him to see that night. A rotten night indeed, Comet thought to himself. "I need to get out of here. I've been dealing with the same drool life for twenty years now. What do I have to show for it? Nothing. One day..." The stars on his ceiling had been there since he was little. He had reorganized them more times than he could count to match the constellations that were overhead. They had lost their ability to glow in the dark long ago. The sky had to be one of the---
He was startled out of his thought process by a clop on his door-frame. Dasher, his father, was there watching him. "One day like tomorrow?" His father was always characterized as all-knowing, despite the fact that he worked more than anyone else in the house. It was entirely due to the success of his father at the family business that Comet was able to pursue his studies so passionately.
Comet sat up in bed. He had no idea he was thinking out loud to himself, or that the argument beneath him had dissipated. "Hi, Dad... listen..."
"No, you listen," Dasher came and sat down beside his son. People had always said that Comet had looked like his dad since he was very little. Much more than either of Comet's siblings. "Your mother and I aren't slow. We didn't get off the apple-cart yesterday. We know how you feel and what's been on your mind."
"Dad..."
"Let me finish. I want you to know that nobody is going to think less of you for not liking where you are now. And, actually, it's pretty natural. You should have the opportunity to go out and make a name for yourself like I did and both your brother and sister before you. They made their names a bit closer to home, but I had to leave home to find out about myself, just like you feel now."
Comet was dumbstruck. He had no idea his parents actually knew anything about him at all.
"Tomorrow night is gonna be a big deal, isn't it? I mean, I don't even know how many times you've read that book, the Almanac's Astronomer---"
"The Astronomical Astronomer's Almanac to All Things Astronomy?"
"Right. It's almost like you were made for tomorrow night, kid. And I've never let an opportunity get past me, and neither should you."
"Do you really mean...?"
"Yup. I'm kicking you out! I've been wanting a pool room for the longest time!" Dasher was almost proud of himself.
Comet was not amused, (Comet never appreciated his father's sense of humor), but he knew his Dad was being brave in his own way. Comet was at a loss for words. He apparently was not as cryptic and mysterious as he thought.
When he was joined by the rest of his family in his room, Comet understood at this point that everyone but him knew that he was leaving to make his own life tomorrow. As they all squashed for room on the bed, Comet realized that although he is leaving them behind, he wouldn't give them up for the world. The mood was only detracted from once, when a white pegasus knocked on the window to show he had opened a hole in the cloud cover for the moon and the stars to shine through into Comet's room. Blitzen must have been in on it as well. Comet sighed. This was his family, and it would never change. For the first time in a very long time, Comet didn't have a problem with that.

Chapter 6 - Comet's Visit From Cloudsdale

Comet was unsure how to approach this situation. He had so many questions for the filly. And none of them could be answered until she got up. Comet had a lot of things he wanted to do that day, and couldn't do any of them with Applebloom sleeping on his floor. In an attempt to avoid stress, Comet moved up to the bell tower so he could watch the sun rise. When he got there, he found a ladder, fashioned from his wood, that led up onto the roof. It was sturdy and well built. Comet couldn't help but smile. She must be talented, Comet thought to himself. He scaled his new ladder with ease and relaxed against the cross like he did a few nights earlier.

What could possess her to leave? Comet didn't understand. Did she get in a fight with someone? Was it a dare? He didn't think he knew her very well, although he was learning more and more about her whether he wanted to or not. Applejack must be worried sick. He hoped she wouldn't be mad at him. Hopefully she would believe him when he told her he literally found her here. The door was old and could be forced open, even when locked, so she must have come inside and gone up to the bell tower when I came home. She probably fell asleep up there and came down when it was too cold for her. Comet nodded to himself. That seemed to be the most logical explanation. Comet was unsure what he would have done if he was there when she got here. Would he have let her in out of pity? Walked her home? Sent her away? He didn't like the last one. She didn't deserve that.

The peeking pink and red sun soothed Comet's tense muscles. He could look up and still see the universe, but like watching a ball in two halves from the inside, the blue sky and sun were well on their way around. He heard a small voice.

"Comet? Comet?" He believed she was up. Comet climbed down (which was much easier and safer with Applebloom's ladder), and moved into the main room. Applebloom ran up to him and pressed against him. Unsure of what to do, Comet put a hoof around her and sat her down on the pew.

"How are you, Applebloom?" He was genuinely worried about this filly.

"..." Applebloom bit her bottom lip, as if thinking of what to say. She couldn't think of anything.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes." Applebloom lied.

"What happened in the town yesterday, Applebloom? I didn't expect to find you when I got home."

"Well..." Applebloom bit her lip again. "Sweety Belle and Scootaloo were making fun of me. I went home and Applejack got mad at me. She told me I was too little. I was so mad, I left. I came here." The door was weaker than he thought, Comet commented to himself. At least he put up a much better one tonight.

"Why were they making fun of you?" Applebloom wouldn't say. She would look away and not make eye contact whenever he asked. "Did you make that ladder, Applebloom?" She nodded. "I really like it, thank you." She released a small smile. "We should go back to town. Your sister is probably worried sick."

"No!" Applebloom stood up. "I can take care of myself. I want to stay here!"

"But we both saw last night that I ended up taking care of you, didn't I?" Applebloom said nothing. "Let me tell you something. Sit down. Did you know I have an older sister and and older brother? They are both bigger and stronger than I am still, and look how old I am!" Applebloom giggled at his old man face. "You know what? There are always going to be ponies that are bigger and stronger than you. And that's okay. We just need to make sure we stick up for the little guy. You and me." He smiled at her, and he could tell his little speech was making her feel better. "We little people, we have something special nobody else does. Do you know what it is?"

"No," Applebloom couldn't think of anything Applejack couldn't do better than her. "What is it?"

"We are brave." Comet nodded to himself. "We are so, so brave. Sure, the big ponies are brave too, but they could never be braver than us."

"Why?"

"Because everything is so much bigger when you're little. The trees you climb, the houses you live in, and even the fights you have." Applebloom was starting to piece together what he was saying. "But you've stood up to bigger things than this before, right? So we just need to step up and face it like the little ponies we are." Comet moved for his new door. "Shall we?"

Applebloom nodded. She was glad she came here last night. "Do you like my new door?" Applebloom eyed it and gave him a look. "I think I probably could have made a better one."

Comet laughed. "Well, the next time I'm building something, I'll have you help me, okay?"

"Okay!"

Comet walked Applebloom down to the village. It was buzzing. There seemed to be some kind of commotion. When they got closer, they heard people shouting her name. Appleboom made a face, but Comet put a hoof around her.

"We can do this. Little people, remember?" She gave a nod and together, they went into town.

At the center of the hustle and bustle was Applejack. She was a mess. Her yellow mane was all over the place, and the bags under her eyes suggested she didn't sleep a wink. Comet called to her, and she sprinted to the two of them. A crowd gathered around them, relieved that Applebloom was found.

"Ah was so worried about you! Ah'm sorry, Applebloom, I never wanted you to leave. Where did you find her, Comet?"

"She came to my place last night. The old church on the hill?" He gestured behind him. "She was no trouble. She even built me a strong ladder."

"Applebloom, don't you ever go runnin' off again, Sugarcube. You scared me half to death!"

Applebloom held her head as high as she could. "Yes, Applejack. I'm sorry."

A cheer was had for Comet for looking after Applebloom. When the crowd dispersed, Twilight Sparkle and Spike were there looking for him.

"Twilight." Spike nudged her forward. Twilight did not look dissimilar to Applebloom just a few hours earlier.

"Twilight Sparkle." Comet got down low to look up into her eyes. "I'm sorry I called you a name yesterday."

"I'm sorry, too, Comet. I don't know what got into me." Comet grinned at her.

"I hope we can get along a bit better now. Can I borrow Spike for a bit?" Twilight and Spike looked at each other, and Spike joined Comet. He huddled him close and whispered in Spike's ear.

"Can you send a letter for me, Spike?"

"Well, sure Comet. Do you need the Princess to know something?"

"No, I was hoping you could send it to the Weather Committee in Cloudsdale."

"Alright, I can do that." The three of them went back to the library. Much to Comet's displeasure it was still as awkward as ever, only Twilight Sparkle appeared more sick than anything else.

"Okay, can I just dictate to you? My hoof-printing is terrible." Spike nodded. "Alright, this is what I want it to say:"

"To the Weather Committee of Cloudsdale,

My name is Comet and I'm the newest resident of Ponyville. It has come to my attention that you are in need of someone to monitor the weather patterns above the Everfree Forest. I happen to have such a talent, and would like to submit myself as an applicant for the position of Everfree Ranger. If you could send someone to Ponyville to discuss it, I would be very pleased. As I am an earth-pony, I don't think I could visit you directly in Cloudsdale.---"

Twilight jumped in at that point. "I could help you get there. I have magic, and I can make you walk on clouds, and Pinkie Pie has a balloon to get you there, and...." Comet looked at her with a small smile and she shut up and walked away. He shook his head.

"There's something weird in the head with that girl."

It was at this point that Spike put two and two together. He found it somewhat unbelievable that Comet couldn't see it. He decided not to press the matter. He scratched out the last sentence and they continued.

"I am an earth-pony, but with some magic-related assistance, I would be happy to come for an interview in person. Please write back soon."

Spike sent it on its way. It was fascinating to behold. The reply was brisk in coming back. Spike licked his lips after producing the letter. It tasted different than the ones from Canterlot. He read it aloud.

"Dearest Comet,

If what you suggest you can do is true, you would be an invaluable service here in Cloudsdale and to all of it's neighboring cities, villages, and especially Canterlot. A pupil of ours will be inbound to discuss details and verify for us that what you say is true. Expect him within the hour.

Equestrian Weather Committee, Cloudsdale Primary Branch

Windhoof, Vice Secretary"

"Wow, Comet, that's so cool! You're going to be the first Everfree Ranger!" Comet admired the stamp of authenticity on his neatly written letter. He was living the dream. Comet walked out onto the balcony of the library, eying the cloud city.

"I guess this town did need a meteorologist." He looked at Spike and grinned. The three of them had lunch. although Twilight Sparkle said almost nothing throughout lunch. When they finished, Rainbow Dash flew down to them from a light cloud.

"Comet! Comet!" She was in a rush. Not surprising, Comet thought to himself.

"What's up, Rainbow Dash?"

"A pegasus is here from Cloud Tech! He says he's looking for you." Comet froze up from the rush. When he awoke, he was greeted by a bright red pegasus in a white lab-coat. He had a pair of square glasses on that made his eyes look unnaturally large.

"Are you Comet?" His voice was soft and slurred, like he was the nervous one.

"That would be me," Comet quickly got to his feet, "And you are?"

"I'm Rudolph, I'm an intern for the Weather Committee Primary." He seemed to have a no-nonsense attitude about him.

"I see. What do you need me to do?"

"Well... I, uh..." He fumbled with his things and the mares giggled. "Would you care to demonstrate your uh... uh talent?"

"Well sure, let's go back to my place." The five of them headed out of town for Comet's house. Twilight was impressed with the work Comet had done so far.

"I'll see you on the roof." Comet went inside with Twilight and Spike. Rainbow Dash and Rudolph flew up to the roof, although Rudolph, who was attempting to read papers off of his clipboard while flying, ran into the exhaust from the stove, covering himself with soot. Rainbow Dash found this to be a riot. Rudolph shook himself off and joined them atop the bell tower. Spike had to ride on Twilight's back as the three of them and Comet's telescope made it a little tight. Comet looked through his telescope at the clouds forming above the forest. Some small, thin clouds, were moving in from high altitude, while larger, low clouds came in much lower.

"The cloud pattern suggests there is a colliding high and low pressure system, which means there's going to be sharp, gusting winds." Comet looked at Rudolph, "There might be some drizzling due to the low altitude of those clouds, but nothing that would leave the forest." Rudolph dictated furiously. "Given the rate of diminishing wind speeds in this air pressure, I can say with almost certainty that it's going to be abnormally cold tonight due to wind chill."

"Woah." Spike's mind was blown. "You can tell that just by looking at clouds?"

"Well sure," Comet enjoyed talking about himself, "the sky is a specialty of mine, be it night or day. If we went into the forest, I could be more specific than that."

"In-into the forest?" Spike didn't like that idea.

"Please," Rudolph would write and then scribble out and then write more and then continue scribbling. "I'm going to need some specifics that we could verify back at the lab."

They all rendezvoused in the main room, where Twilight Sparkle was mortified to find that Comet had only a single piece of furniture.

"What did you expect? I spent all the money I saved to buy this place, the windows, borrow the tools, and did some work in town to fix the door and gate." He smiled sheepishly. It wasn't great, but he owned it, and that was what made it the only place he would stay at. It was special in it's own way.

Comet gathered some equipment, and with Twilight and Rainbow's help, he assembled it and they carefully loaded it into the cart he had borrowed from Apple Acres. They set off for the forest. Rudolph appeared to be impressed, but he had difficulty flying and writing at the same time. He often dropped his things and slowed them down. The wind picked up when they neared the forest edge. Rudolph wrote that down.

"I don't have a lot, considering I built this all at home. With more supplies, I could get you more data."

"Just show me what you have, please." Even fixing his glasses caused Rudolph to lose control. Comet feared for the safety of his devices. They went into the forest a ways and when they found an unoccupied clearing, Comet set up shop. Spike eyed all the instruments with wonder.

"What do they all do?" He pictured Comet dressed as a mad scientist.

"Well," Comet pointed out each one individually, "This one measure's wind speed. You see the train speedometer I fashioned to this vane? This one measures Barometric pressure. The air pushes down on the water in this tube and I can measure the pressure based on how far the water moves up the tube. See how I have it marked so I don't always have to use a ruler? This is a rain collector that strains the water for cloud content. It looks simple, but can be important if there is a chance of acid rain or if there's some form of air pollutant."

"Acid rain?" Twilight didn't like the sound of that.

"It comes from smog poisoning the clouds and causing the rain to eat away at wood and unprotected metals. You shouldn't have to worry about it out here in the country. This crude thing was the first thing I built. Believe it or not, it's a thermometer. It measures the temperature. Basically, this plate of metal heats or cools depending on the temperature outside, ignoring windchill because its in this small box, see? This fluid in here looks like water, but it's actually a very sensitive alcohol. It moves up and down this cylinder depending on if it's hot or cold. I got the fluid as a birthday present, when my mother found out I enjoyed this kind of thing."

Rudolph scribbled so hard, Comet was surprised he didn't break his clipboard. "Well, I think this will be plenty. I will take this back to my superiors, and expect to hear from us in a day or two." Rudolph turned and flew into a tree, which made Rainbow Dash giggle and little, and he quickly composed himself and flew off. Comet breathed a sigh of relief.

"How did I do?"

"That was awesome, Comet! You read about all this at home, but you can do so much with it!" Comet grinned, Spike was too much.

"You have some cool toys." Rainbow eyed them for a bit and then turned away, "I still prefer making my own weather." They all turned to Twilight Sparkle, awaiting her input. She just looked at Comet.

"It was all right. I guess." Twilight flipped her mane over to one side and smiled at Comet. He wasn't sure what it meant and it gave him an awkward feeling in his stomach. Spike felt that was a little harsh. Put off by Spike's look, she added, "It was very... intellectual, Comet." She turned to leave, "Well, it's late, so I will be taking off. Bye, Rainbow Dash. Don't stay out too late, Spike. ....Comet...." She moved off down the trail by herself.

"Oh," Rainbow Dash made a face at Comet when she was gone. "Someone has an admirer."

"What? Twilight? Seriously? Did you forget she kicked me out of her house yesterday? She hardly ever says anything to me, and she always leaves whenever I'm around." Spike gave him a look.

"For a smart guy, you sure are pretty dense, Comet."

"What? You too? Stop it, guys. I don't know what you are talking about."

They laughed and teased Comet all the way home. They both agreed he did an excellent job, and they hoped Cloudsdale would hire him. It was starting to get dark, so when they reached the fork, Comet said his farewells. He was tired, and was looking forward to a quiet night on his own. No work, no stress, no stowaways. He did a quick lap around the house to make sure no fillies were going to spring out on him. The coast was clear, so he headed inside. Everything was exactly as he left it. He climbed to the roof to do his stargazing for the evening.

As he watched the sky and pointed out planets and constellations to himself, Comet thought about what Spike and Rainbow Dash had said. It seemed absurd to him, but it's not like they would say something like that without reason. Sure, Twilight Sparkle was smart and talented, but Comet didn't know anything about her. She was headstrong, and mean without reason. Comet shook his head. If anything did happen, they would probably just fight all of the time. And she was a unicorn. Comet was always raised on the premise that ponies were different for a reason. Unicorns, Pegasi, Earth-Ponies, they were all just too different. Not necessarily better than one another, just... different.

A Note of Apology and Things

Some of my loyal readers are going to be in for a bit of a whirl at reading this...

If you haven't been able to tell, Comet's Tale has been having some difficulty getting off the ground for the past... ..,
... well, months, actually. I have danced around a few reasons why this is: work, school, girlfriend, all very real and viable excuses, but they all are shadows of a truth I have had difficulty facing until now: I simply don't want to.

After a hiatus of writing and retreating to my studies, returning to A Comet's Tale had a feeling similar too... going through a baby book, or visiting your kindergarten class room. My work is juvenile. Infantile, even. Even down at its roots, A Comet's Tale is flawed and poorly thought out. The pacing is jank and my characterization skills are terrible. As some of my commentators (there has been quite a few of you and you know who you are) have put it, I need to put this to bed, write something totally different, and then come back and start over.

I have every intention of doing just that.

Some of you may be disheartened at this, but it's a learning phase and a growing phase. I started A Comet's Tale for the sole purpose of getting my feet wet with writing consistently about a group of characters for longer than a chapter or two, and now that I have done just that, I feel that it is time to put down on paper a piece of work I can come back to and be proud of and have pride in.

Thank you for everything, my loyal readers. My trackers, my followers. You put me on the featured articles board for approximately 20 hours, which is to this day a gift I will cherish for a long, long time. If you aren't too frustrated, though, I would like to turn your attention to something entirely new. Something that nopony may have expected of me before. No characters you know, and (for some of you) no characters you may come to love.

I would like to introduce to you now, The Garden's House