The Lunar Adoption Agency

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Chapter 1

Pipsqueak stared at his baggage hesitantly. This was the fifth time he'd changed homes, and it wasn't any growing easier. Each house was different, and all were equally unfamiliar. The layout was wrong. The noises strange. The ceilings were foreign. The ponies who lived them in were different too. Some were sympathetic, and others were annoyed. Many of them didn't have the time to deal with him, and when they did they seemed to spend too much time making sure he was alright. It hurt, without a doubt, he had no problem admitting that to himself, at least, but he was a big colt, not some little baby that needed constant attention! Being treated special because of what had happened didn't help any either.

He didn't like it. All it did was remind him of the accident and cause trouble with the other foals around town. They were jealous of the special treatment he was given, and most tended to pick on him as a result. Even Applebloom had been aggravated by the way her siblings and grandmother acted around him when he'd stayed at their farm. Though she thankfully hadn't been spiteful enough to bully him.

Now, he was leaving the care of the local mailmare, Derpy Hooves, for Lyra and Bonbon. The young colt still didn't know what a "filly fooler" was, but he did know the two mares seemed to like each other very much. The little pinto brown pony was never able to make much more sense of it than that, but it mattered little to him. It was only a mild curiosity given Derpy's firm insistence he not call them that. "Pipsqueak, are you ready?" His current guardian called in a friendly tone.

Shaking off his hesitance, the earth colt hastily grabbed the handle of his suitcase in his mouth, and with an effort he started to tug it away. It was a bit heavy for him, but with a minimal amount of grunts her managed to haul his luggage out of the guest room to the foyer. Derpy watched him sympathetically with her off-center eyes, and before he'd reached her she trotted towards her charge and took the handle from him. Backing her plot up against it, the slate-grey pegasus levered the suitcase onto her back, as she stood back up. It was indeed a little heavy, but her job had long ago made the single-mother used to carrying heavy packages around, among other things.

Pipsqueak sat down with a huff. "I had that." He stated a little agitatedly.

"Aww, it's no trouble, Pipsqueak. Besides, I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't lend you a hoof when you needed it." Derpy brushed off with a kind smile.

Pip crossed his forelegs and glared at the ground to avoid staring so meanly at the well meaning pegasus. This was just more special treatment. "I didn't need help." He grumbled under his breath.

Either his complaint went unheard or Derpy ignored it, as the pegasus made no indication of having heard the colt. Instead, she merely trotted over to the door and opened it. "Shall we then?" She asked the grumpy pony.

With a brief grimace, Pipsqueak rose to his hooves and cantered out the door. He halted once he was off the mare's stoop and looked over the streets of Ponyville, while she locked her home behind them. As always, the dirt paths that made up the small town's roads were relatively busy but far from the bustling Pip remembered from his home town of Trottingham. The greetings most ponies extended one another was still something he was growing used to. Everypony knowing each other was odd, and it had always made him a little uncomfortable, now moreso than ever. Derpy trotted by him, having finished securing her home, and flashed him a small smile to encourage him. The pinto colt sighed, knowing it was time to move to another house, and together they made their way through town.

It wasn't too far to Bonbon and Lyra's home. Though to Pip the distance mattered little. It was the same monotonous trip he'd made every week for the last month. He tried to ignore it, but every time there were always those stares. They weren't done out of rudeness, and not everypony even acknowledged him. Yet every so often he would see it. Somepony staring at him with that same stinging pity. He wished for nothing more than for them to stop. Sympathy did him no good. How could feeling sorry for him help?! All of them knew what happened, but none of them bothered to really help! Why should they, though? He was just the orphaned son of that strange new couple that moved into town last year! What was he to them?

The earth colt fought off the tears threatening to spill out his eyes, and did his best to put on a determined face. He wouldn't let them see him hurt. His pain wasn't a spectacle for them to gawk at. "Are you excited, Pipsqueak?" Derpy asked, interrupting his thoughts.

The little pony's tough facade fell in surprise at the confusing question. "W...what for?" He asked.

"'Cause, Bon Bon makes candy for a living! All the sweets you can eat, huh? Huh?" Derpy pointed out in the silly voice that she always did for Dinky.

Pip bit back his immediate response. She was trying to distract him, and he didn't appreciate it. As if sweets were enough to make him forget. "I don't really have a sweet tooth." He lied, no one ate as much candy as he did on Nightmare Night.

"Oh, well, what about Lyra? I'm sure your curiosity is burning to be sated." The pegasus continued in her attempt to cheer the colt up.

Pipsqueak couldn't help but furrow his brows at that. All the parents told their foals to stay away from Ms. Hearstrings because she was "strange." He'd never been explained why, and aside from the manner in which she sat she didn't seem that odd. Halting this train of thought, he responded, "No. I'm not interested in the least."

Derpy frowned, but she didn't have much of a chance to follow up on the comment. For they shortly reached Pipsqueak's home for the week. The mailmare knocked on the door, and after only a moment's wait it was answered by a cream mare whose mane and tail were evenly split down the middle between dark blue and bubblegum pink. "Oh, Derpy, I wasn't expecting you this early." She greeted in an oddly hoarse voice.

"My shift in an hour, so I wanted to bring Pipsqueak over before it became a problem." The grey mare explained. "Um, Bon Bon, what's wrong with your voice?"

"Huh?! O-oh! Same old same old!" She brushed off with a blush.

Derpy Hooves quirked a brow for second. Abruptly her eyes widened, and she settled a surprisingly harsh, given her eyes, stare upon the candy-maker. "I expect you will be tactful around your guest, and go to bed on time." She snapped in that beat-around-the-bush type speech grownups used sometimes, like when you asked where babies came from.

"Y-yes, of course! W-we wouldn't do anything to...bother Pipsqueak." Bon Bon replied ambiguously, folding her ears back at Derpy's anger.

Pip had to hold back his own agitation at the confusing conversation, but it was fortunately over. Derpy snorted, before she turned to the young earth pony, her features softening, and leaned down to his eye level. "Now, you be good for Bon Bon and Lyra, alright?" She asked.

With a reluctant sigh, the colt nodded and answered, "Yes, ma'am."

"Good." Derpy replied with a friendly smile, and sat down to offload her former-charge's suitcase.

Once that was down, she gave the young foal a firm hug and waved the two goodbye, before she went on her way. Pip watched her go briefly, but Bon Bon caught his attention by clearing her throat. "Come on inside. I'll show you to your room, so you can get settled in." She rasped.

With no other choice, Pipsqueak bit into the handle of his suitcase and started dragging it inside. He hoped it wouldn't be far to the guest room, as he wanted to be alone for a bit. To his surprise, however, Bon Bon lead him to a couch in the living room. "Sorry. We only have one bedroom. Lyra's made the only other option into her...lab." She warned apologized. "You'll have to sleep on the couch for now. I hope that'll be alright."

"It's fine." Pipsqueak mumbled round the handle in his mouth, and pulled the baggage down onto its side with a grunt.

It wasn't really fine, but he didn't have a right to complain. The mares taking him in this week hadn't done anything wrong. Though he wished they had. If he could scream it might make him feel better. "Right, well, make yourself at home. I'll be in the kitchen making my next batch of candy for the Cakes. Lyra's in her lab down the hall, but it's best if you stay out of there. Our bedroom is right across from her lab. Is there anything you need, before I leave you alone?" Bon Bon asked.

"No." Pip answered shortly, as he unzipped his suitcase and started taking the things he cared about out.

"Oh, alright. You know where I'll be if you need me." The cream mare rasped uncertainly, but only hesitated a moment before leaving the colt to his own devices.

The earth foal didn't respond. He was more focused on fishing out the things that mattered from his luggage, sentimental things. A story book his mother used to read to him every night, his favorite in the collection being the legend of the Big Bad Wolf, a picture of his first Nightmare Night last year, a special stuffed doll of the Princess his mother had made for him, a notebook full of the tales Pipsqueak's father used to tell him about his adventures on the high seas as a pirate. Something which the pinto colt was still young enough to believe, and had eagerly filled the notebook up with. The only things he brought out of the suitcase were things that meant something to him. He didn't want his essentials cluttering up the room.

As he reached into the bag one last time his teeth clacked against something hard. Pulling it out into the light, he already knew what it was, but once he set it down on the coffee table he still stared at it. It was a framed photograph of his parents and him. He was just a newborn in it, cradled in his mother's forelegs. They appeared so happy, even though he looked like he was about to cry. Perhaps he still was a baby. Because he felt tears well up in his eyes, and he sniffed more than once.

He couldn't believe it. It was still so hard to accept. He wished his parents hadn't gone to that tradeshow in Las Pegasus. He wished his Dad had a different job. He wished they'd missed that train. If any of those things were true, or all of them, then they wouldn't have been on that train. They wouldn't be...

The slam of a door snapped Pipsqueak out of it, and he quickly wiped the tears from his eyes. Turning, he saw a familiar mint unicorn with a streak of white in her mane and tail come out of the hall in the back of the house. She stretched, and her back popped rather loudly, making the earth colt flinch. He never would have thought a pony of her age would have back issues. Maybe it had something to do with her lab? What did she experiment with anyway? He wasn't if sure he wanted to know.

With a distant look, Lyra Heartstings trotted past Pip for the kitchen but abruptly froze mid-step. Slowly, she turned, and she eyed the colt oddly. "Uh...Bon Bon?" She called.

"Yes?" Came the distant answer from the kitchen.

"What's this little foal doing here?" Lyra asked loudly.

"What? That's Pipsqueak! It's our turn to look after him, remember?" Bon Bon coughed, yelling not doing her strained voice any good.

"Oh....Oh!" Lyra exclaimed, as the memory surged back to her. "How you doing little guy?"

Pip bit his lip to keep from saying something he'd regret. This pony had just completely forgotten about him, and then expected him to be all friendly? It wasn't a good impression to say the least. Lyra didn't seem phased by the silence, though, and trotted up to colt's side. She did not sit beside him, but climbed onto the couch to sit in that awful awkward way she always did, perhaps which was the source of her back problems. Unbidden, a white glow surrounded Pipsqueak and lifted him into the air. Panicking at the involuntary levitation, he began to buck and struggle, trying free himself from the awkward weightlessness. Lyra, once again, seemed oblivious, as she set Pipsqueak beside her and ruffled his messy brown mane in what she undoubtedly thought was a friendly manner. The young earth pony fumed and blushed at the continual indignities, which began to try even his ordinarily friendly demeanor, something that had been under a lot of strain recently. However, he was given no chance to vent. "So what'cha got here?" Lyra wondered, as she levitated his story book over. "Ooh! Faustian Tales for Foals! This is a classic! My favorite story's The Last Human."

"I don't care what your favorite story is!" Pip growled through grit teeth. "Put it down!"

The minty unicorn appeared not to hear him, as she quickly skipped through the pages until she found her story. "Here it is! Aw, what? This is the crappy Equish translation, not the original Ancient Unicretian! You can hardly capture any of Queen Faust's unique prose in this!" The air-headed mare groaned in disappointment.

"I don't care! It's MY book! Now put it down!" Pipsqueak finally yelled, glaring at the mint mare.

Lyra stared at the colt in surprise and blinked several times. Carefully, she levitated the storybook back onto the table and climbed off the couch. "Okay, no need to have a hissy." She said calmingly.

"Lyra? What's going on in there?" Bon Bon called.

"It's...It's nothing Bonny! Don't worry about it!" Lyra shouted back, and cautiously turned around to canter out of sight, heading for the kitchen.

The earth foal stood on the couch, heaving from his outburst, for several minutes after Lyra had left, before he finally sat down. His gaze turned to the ground. Screaming didn't make him feel better like he'd thought. He knew he shouldn't have done that. These two mares were taking care of him for nothing. But they were just like everyone else. They just didn't get it. No one got it. Sadly, his gaze turned to the small stuffed Luna on the table. She would've gotten it. With a grunt, the pinto colt pushed himself off the couch and grabbed the toy. He stared at it for only a few seconds longer, before hugging it tightly and sniffing again.

The flamboyantly dressed azure unicorn huffed, as she rested on her on the front of her carriage. She had no idea why she'd been asked to meet her superior out in the outskirts of this horrid forest. They weren't really covert. They couldn't be, so sneaking and secrecy shouldn't be required. If they were she may not have been able to join. After all, her GREAT and MAGNIFICENT style was quite attention grabbing. Why, she was practically a celebrity!

Proudly, the Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon flicked her silvery blue mane with hoof. "Enjoying yourself, Recruit?" A minorly amused voice asked.

Trixie jumped and spun around in surprise. Before her stood a surprisingly handsome batpony. While he shared the grey coat almost unanimous to his breed, he was far less gruff and bulky than most, but he stood quite tall instead. The slender black-maned stallion was dressed in the standard uniform of their organization. A smooth navy blue dress jacket that almost looked like a gryphon soldier's formal wear, black dress pants, and fine horseshoes. The jacket was quite plain except for its silvery lining and buttons, and a high collar that rose straight up and surrounded the batpony's neck.

"H-how dare you sneak up on Trixie, Nightshade?!" The Showmare exclaimed.

"That's 'Sir' to you, Recruit." The batpony corrected calmly. "Now, I trust the situation is truly in need of our intervention?"

Trixie scoffed at the question, "Ha! Trixie would not have reported it if we were not needed!"

The batpony shook his head and asked, "Then perhaps you can fill me in, Recruit?"

"Of course, Sir." Trixie responded with a showy bow, smirking at demonstrating what she saw as a humble show of respect. "The foal in question has been orphaned for a little over a month now. He moved to Ponyville with his family last year, so the ponies of the town have very little familiarity or attachment to him. Two months ago, his parents left on a business trip to Las Pegasus, putting him in the care of the Apple family for the duration. Unfortunately, the train they took on the return trip crashed. Most of its passengers survived. The foal's parents were among the few casualties."

"I see, and Ponyville does not have an orphanage?" Nightshade questioned.

"Trixie was just about to get to that!" The azure mare protested, receiving a belittling look from the batpony in response. "U-uh...um, Sir!"

"Continue then." The stallion ordered with a spin of his forehoof.

Clearing her throat, Trixie resumed her summary, "Since Ponyville has no proper way to deal with orphans, the foal was left in an uncertain situation. Rather than handle things properly, the local government brushed the issue aside with a poor solution. They have been moving the foal to a different home of random choice each week. Presumably, this would continue until the foal was of age."

Nightshade grunted and shook his head at the situation. "This is unacceptable. I shall see to it that Her Grace learns of the irresponsibility of the town government. For now, though, we have a job to do. Good Job, Recruit. You properly analyzed a situation requiring our action. Now let's get to work. What is this foal's name?" He asked.

"Pipsqueak, sir. He's a white and brown pinto earth pony of five years. Today he should have moved to a new home, but I haven't been into town for the last week. So I'm unsure who has him." Trixie answered proudly, full of herself from the praise.

"We'll head to town hall first, then. We can handle the legal issues and find out where he is there. Go put your uniform on." Nightshade instructed.

"W-what?! But Trixie's cape and hat are glorious enough! Why must she change?" Trixie blurted in surprise.

"This is official business, Recruit. You must represent your organization. Now, go find the uniform we gave you and dress." The batpony ordered firmly.

With an exaggerated huff, Trixie hopped off her carriage, and walked around it to the entrance at its rear. She would NOT diminish her brilliance any. How else would she be recognized for the wondrous mare that she was? No, she would go in uniform, she didn't have much choice, but who said she could only wear that?

Digging through her chest of belongings, she pulled out the jacket and pants and studied them for the moment. This would not be the best, ...but it would have to do. The magician only removed her star spangled cape and hat long enough to slip on her formal uniform. Once dressed, the unicorn wasted no time in replacing her signature clothing. Proudly, the mare exited her carriage, and walked back around to join her superior officer. However, her disposition was destroyed when Nightshade began laughing at the sight of her. Trixie blushed at the reaction, and her jaw moved noiselessly for a moment. "S-stop laughing at Trixie!" She demanded.

The stallion did not comply immediately, but only stopped after several minutes. With a trembling grin, he held back a chuckle to reply, "If you want to go dressed like that, Ms. Lulamoon, that's your choice. I shall find it infinitely amusing."

Trixie growled and fumed at the insult, but as her superior officer turned to head into town she was robbed of any chance to comeback at him, instead being forced to follow.

It wasn't far to Ponyville. The Showmare distrusted the forest greatly, especially after her first visit to this town, and so she had parked her carriage only deep enough in that they would not be spotted by a casual observer. It took only a few minutes before they were walking the streets of the little hamlet. Needless to say, they attracted some attention, even if only mild curiosity. Two strange, mostly, well-dressed ponies coming into town did not go unnoticed. Though much to Trixie's frustration she noticed several ponies holding in laughter, as she passed. The mare tried to hide her blush at the insult of it all, but she was extremely grateful when they arrived at Town Hall and left the streets. She was starting to think she might have made a mistake, but she refused to admit it.

The governmental building was not especially larger than any other building in Ponyville save for its height. For the seat of the Mayor was a four story structure with three balconies going round-about it. Each floor served a specific purpose. The top floor was the Mayor's office. The third was where court was held. The second was for meetings of the town council, and the bottom was a reception and waiting area.

Once inside, Nightshade wasted no time in approaching the Receptionist, despite her clearly being busy with something. "Excuse me, Ma'am, we're hear to see the Mayor." He spoke, grabbing her attention.

The pegasus mare looked up from what she was writing, and dropped the pencil out of her mouth when she saw what breed of pony was speaking to her. In an attempt to be professional, the Receptionist spoke with veiled disdain, "Mayor Mare is busy today, and has cancelled all appointments, neither is she taking any."

"Pah!" Trixie scoffed, attracting the pegasus' attention. "WE are a part of a government agency directly under the crown, and we speak and act with authority far greater than that of your dingy little town! The Mayor has no choice, but to see us!"

Nightshade shot his subordinate a glare for the attitude, before clearing his throat and interjecting, "As overzealous as Ms. Lulamoon may be, she speaks the truth. Our agency is under the direct control of the princesses, one in particular, and as such we have authority far higher than that of your local government. If the Mayor is not seeing someone else then she can make time to see us. We will be out of her mane shortly. We merely have some matters that we must settle."

The Receptionist looked doubtful for a moment but relented. Reluctantly she turned on the intercom. "Ms. Mayor?" She asked.

"Yes? What is it?" Came back the voice of a middle-aged mare.

"Two government agents are here to see you. I don't know what for, but I didn't want to take any risks. They'll be coming up shortly." The pegasus explained.

A sigh came through the machine, and the Mayor responded, "I understand. Thank you for the warning, dear."

After turning the intercom back off, the Receptionist grunted, "The Mayor will see you now, sir"

Ignoring the bite in the pegasus' tone, Nightshade gave her a pleasant smile and proceeded for the stairs, Trixie hot on his heels.

"Aren't you going to eat, Pipsqueak?" Bon Bon rasped.

"No." Pip answered.

The young colt had spent his whole day moping. Much to the concern of Bon Bon and Lyra most of his time was spent either staring out the window hugging his stuffed doll or staring at the picture of his family. On the former account, the mares tried to encourage him to go outside and play, but he'd staunchly refused. Now, as the sun was setting, he was refusing to eat dinner.

"Come on, you have to eat something." The cream mare urged.

"No." The earth foal insisted.

Lyra sighed exasperatedly, and snatched the colt up in her magic. "Come on kid. I'm tired of arguing. You're eating." She stated plainly, but upon being wrapped up in the alien white glow once more Pipsqueak began to yell and panic.

"Lyra, someone's gonna hear!" Bon Bon fussed.

The mint mare aggravatedly dropped their temporary charge back onto the couch. "Fine. You can keep arguing with the squirt, but I'm too hungry to keep this up! If he wants to starve, let him! I'm going to eat!" She retorted, her stomach growling in agreement, and stormed off into the kitchen.

The earth mare watched her go sadly, before turning back to the sulking colt. "Please, Pipsqueak. Just come eat." She begged tiredly.

"No. I just want to sleep. Leave me alone." Pip retorted.

Uneasily, the cream mare acquiesced, leaving the pinto pony to his thoughts. The foal stared out the window beside the couch forlornly. Today had not been a good day. No day since he'd lost his parents had been a good one, and the longer it went the tougher it became. Wasn't it supposed to grow easier? It sure didn't seem like it. Every day that went by it became harder for him to act normal, harder to not snap or sit and grieve like now. Were things ever going to change? When would they start getting better?

Once the sun was beyond the horizon, the moon shot up into the sky to light up the night. The foal admired the beautiful white ball in the sky mournfully. He'd never been particularly interested in either day or night, but he'd gained a lot of adoration for the Night herself after meeting her. He wondered what she was doing now. If she ever intended to come back to Ponyville. Could she help him in anyway?

There was a knock on the door, but Pipsqueak ignored it. He was vaguely aware of someone walking by to answer it. It was only when they started speaking to whoever was at the door that he bothered to pay attention. "Yes?" Bon Bon asked.

"Ms. Bon Bon, I presume?" A smooth male voice guessed.

"I am. What's this about?" The earth mare questioned again.

"My name is Nightshade. This is my associate, Trixie Lulamoon--" The stallion tried to explain.

However, he was interrupted by a voice that Pipsqueak vaguely recognized, "The Great and Powerful Trixie Lulamoon!"

After a second of silence, the stallion continued, "We're with the LAA."

Author's Note

Hello everyone! It's been awhile since I've written anything, but here I am. I hope you'll enjoy this story. I don't have much to say on it right now, unlike I usually do, but that's because I feel more confident about the way I've written things. I believe they can be understood quite well on their own. Any questions I will gladly answer, though.

To those wondering about True Colors, at this time I have no intention of yet returning to it. I do, however, hope you will enjoy this story, and what I intend to do with it. To any worried I may abandon this, I assure you that I will not. Chances are this will be shorter than what I've written of True Colors already, and I have a solid plan and set routine for writing now. So you will see this story complete. Have no doubts about that.

Now, please, tell me what you think.

Chapter 2

The empty fields had broken quite some time ago. For the past several hours the road had been crossing over a very well-maintained landscape of hills. Pipsqueak's attention wasn't really on the environment, though. He was just staring off into space. In truth, he was busy trying to make sense of all this. He had left Ponyville two days ago, and he wouldn't be going back.

The two ponies who had shown up on Bon Bon and Lyra's doorstep were with a group called the Lunar Adoption Agency, and they'd come for him. He didn't really understand it all, but Nightshade had said they worked for Princess Luna. That had been enough to convince the little pinto pony this was at least better than being shuffled from home to home each week, but he wasn't sure how much help this would actually be. From what he gathered, he was being brought to a large facility near Manehatten where the LAA looked after all the foals they took in until a good home could be found for them, essentially an extra large orphanage. Pip knew he was an orphan of course, but going to an orphanage was a blow to his gut all the same. Still, if Luna was in charge then this had to be for the best.

Beside him sat that magician that had visited Ponyville several times, the voice he had recognized, Trixie. He had no idea she was a government agent, and it confused him why she would be helping foals. She didn't seem like the kind of pony to care, and to be frank he found her obnoxious. He would've preferred to go with the batpony, Nightshade, but the stallion had other things to handle. Besides, when the earth colt had asked the Nightshade had mentioned taking a train. There was no way the earth foal was ever going to do that, so he'd settle for riding Trixie's carriage to their destination. The azure mare herself, was exerting little effort to drive the carriage. She was not one for manual labor, and years ago had made a spell to drive her carriage for her. All she had to do was feed it magic to direct it and ride along.

Upon reaching the top of the hill they'd been climbing Pip's eyes widened. The orphanage was now visible, and even from this distance he could see that it was a truly grand building. When he'd imagined the facility he'd thought it would be large and a little worn down. This building was four times any reasonable size, and though the details weren't easily visible from this distance it was clearly extravagant. Around it a large cast iron and silvery-metal fence circled, and cut a castle-sized portion of land out just for those within the facility.

It took time, but as they drew closer the earth colt was able to tell more about the orphanage. The building itself was a very dark mixture of blues and black that radiated both an odd sense of welcomeness and warning. Both it and the fence were beautifully decorated with masterful flourishes of craftsmanship and classical accents. This was no simple orphanage. This was a royal foster home!

The carriage stopped once it reached the gate, which possessed an image made by the bent bars of iron that Pipsqueak couldn't decide if it was Princess Luna or Nightmare Moon. There were two ponies standing guard at the gate, and as the carriage stopped they approached to speak to Trixie. Pip paid no attention to them or the conversation they were having with the Showmare. Instead, his focus centered in on the metal plate at the top of gate, and the words etched upon it.

We shan't judge for which thine background be. Whether wolf or pony thou shalt have thine haven here. For We shall see to the joy and care of all within. Be aware those with malcontent. Though these children be not of the Night, the Night shall keep them.

Pipsqueak frowned at the words, stuck on one sentence. You don't welcome wolves. Even he knew that. The creaking of the gates snapped the young colt out of his thought. The guards had finished speaking to Trixie and were opening the way for her and him. Shortly, the carriage began moving again, and they passed into the orphanage grounds. Mostly, the well kempt yard was empty of anything not plant life at the moment, but Pip easily spotted a few foals playing something and another reading. It struck him as odd. Were they like him or not? Hadn't they lost their parents too? How could they be enjoying themselves so easily?

Finally, Trixie's carriage reached its last stop and rested before stairs leading up to the foster home's beautiful main doors. "Here you are, squirt. The GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie has delivered you safely!" The Magician proclaimed proudly.

Pip frowned and turned to the azure mare. "So...you're going then?" He asked uncertainly.

"Hmm...Trixie had not thought of it, but she supposes she will be staying a day or two to rest from the road." The unicorn answered, rubbing a hoof on her chin thoughtfully.

"R...right." The earth foal responded in his best attempt not to sound rude, disliking the idea of dealing with the mare anymore.

Cautiously, he peered over the side of the carriage. It was a good distance to the ground for him. He gulped, and looked behind him at Trixie, contemplating if he should ask for help. Yet as the showmare climbed down on her side determination settled into the little pinto pony. He wasn't helpless. Why should he rely on her? With that thought in mind, he jumped. His landing was less than graceful, as the colt smacked into the ground belly first. He groaned, but quickly skittered to his hooves when he heard his older companion coming around the carriage. Trixie seemed not to notice his blunder. Starting up the steps to the entrance of the orphanage, she ordered, "Come. The Great and Powerful One must show you to Matron Needle Work, before she can go about her own business."

Pipsqueak furrowed his brows, as he trotted after the unicorn. "What? What about my things?" He asked worriedly.

"Somepony will come and retrieve your suitcase." Trixie explained matter-of-factly.

The earth colt couldn't stop himself from frowning. Who knew to come grab his things? How did they know where to bring it? HE didn't even know where his room would be. Before he could continue that line of thought he and Trixie entered the foster home, and his jaw dropped in awe. As impressive as the outside was Pipsqueak had been unprepared for the interior.

The grand hall was naturally designed to impress, and that it did magnificently. The foyer was utterly massive, and the floors were spotless black marble and largely vacant except a few ponies of varying ages heading somewhere. Directly across from the door was an extravagant wide staircase that split into two directions when it hit the wall. All five stories of the structure were visible and distinguishable from the entrance by the perfectly arranged balconies spread throughout grand hall, through which Pip could make out many other foals playing. Finally, eight grand pillars of obsidian rose from the floor to the ceiling high above, more for aesthetic than actual support.

Pipsqueak only snapped out of his reverie right before Trixie disappeared down one of many corridors, and in a brief moment of panic he rushed after her, not wanting to end up lost. He caught up easily and sighed in relief, fussing at himself mentally for the outburst. Nevertheless, he paid more attention to where the azure mare was leading him this time, but he was not able to make himself ignore his surroundings. Outside the main entrance, the foster home was less awe-inspiring but still maintained a very elegant look to itself. Though it was not cold. The halls were well lit with a soothing yellow light, and there were plants and lively paintings spread about to decorate. To be honest, though, if it weren't for the occasional foal rushing about he would've been scared of breaking something in here. Yet none of the other orphans seemed worried.

As they rounded a corner Pip thought he spotted an odd tail at the end of the new passage slipping out of sight, but he pondered it only for a moment. The reason being that Trixie turned into a room to the side, and he had to follow her. They came into a surprisingly small office. It was by no means unfitting of the regal building, but its smaller size and minimal decoration showed it was clearly not the most important office in the facility. At the sole desk of the room sat a young magenta earth mare with an unkempt black mane and tail that had a single stripe of crimson in each. Her eyes were drooping, as she stared off into space, as her mind had blanked before they'd entered the room.

Trixie waited impatiently for a moment before clearing her throat. The magenta mare started and snorted, "H-huh?! What?!"

"Matron Needle Work, the Great and Powerful Trixie has arrived!" The unicorn announced proudly.

"Oh, you're...one of the recruits right?" The earth mare asked, and her eyes shifted to Pipsqueak, analyzing him in one uncomfortable second for the young colt. "Ah, you brought a foal."

"Yes, after much hard work and travel Trixie has--"

"You can go." Needle Work dismissed. "I'll handle him from here."

"Wha--, b-but Trixie's tale is full of triumph a-and--" The showmare sputtered indignantly.

"You're boring me. I'm bored. Go. I want to speak to the colt alone." The Matron of the facility interrupted once more.

Trixie's jaw was practically on the floor. Pipsqueak would've found it amusing if he weren't about to be alone in a room with a stranger. Seeing the Showmare had yet to leave, Needle shooed her with a hoof, and the Magician, in utter shock, complied blankly. Once the door shut Pip stared at the earth mare in quiet unease. She was the one to break the silence, "I'm sure she means well, but I always like to have a one on one with any of the foals that come here. At anyrate, my name is Needle Work, and I'm one of the agents in charge with the care of the home. Specifically, I look out for the welfare of you kids. So, what's your name little guy?"

Pip was uncertain about giving away his name, but Needle Work at least sounded pleasant. Had he thought about it he would've realized he didn't have much of a choice anyway. She would learn it eventually. "Pipsqueak." He answered.

"Good to meet you, Pipsqueak. Would you like any refreshments? I'm sure you've been on the road awhile." Needle Work offered.

The colt suddenly realized how dry his tongue was. Maybe some drink would help. "Sure." He agreed with only a little hesitance.

"Cool. I always keep some soda in here. Helps keep me from getting exhausted. Shh, don't tell my boss. She just finished fussing at me for staying up the past few days and nights." Needle warned playfully, before she opened something behind her desk.

Shortly, the young mare came around her table carrying a drink can in her mouth, revealing a light muscle tone to her body now that all of her was visible. Pip's attention was quickly attracted by the Matron's odd cutie mark, though. A tired yet sharp eye next to a scar like x, which had a needle emerging from it with a dripping crimson thread. He stopped gawking at what was, to him, a very odd brand once the drink was placed before him by the mare. She smirked in a friendly manner, as he popped the lid with his teeth and, carefully gripping the can between his forehooves, took a few swallows. When he finished, Needle Work commented, "Your accent sounds eastern equestrian...Let me guess, Trottingham."

Pip blinked, impressed, and slowly explained, "That's where I grew up, but...I came from Ponyville."

"Really?" Needle asked in surprise and sat in front of the earth foal. "Pretty dangerous town, right on the edge of the Everfree. There's a reason why it's still so small despite being so close to the capital. What could've lead your family to move there?"

Pipsqueak's gaze drifted to the ground at the mention of his parents. "I don't know. I was just four when we left Trottingham." He answered sadly.

Realizing her mistake, the young Matron seamlessly redirected the conversation, "Four huh? So how old are you now?"

After another swallow of drink, the colt replied a bit less depressed, "Five and a half."

"Oh really? When's your birthday?" Needle Work wondered excitedly.

"The 5th of September." Pip answered slowly. "Why?"

The magenta mare sighed and gave him a sad smile. "Just trying to cheer you up." She revealed. "Doesn't seem to be working, though, so enough my questions."

She returned to her spot behind her desk, and quickly sorted through her papers until she found what she was looking for. "Let me see...Ah, Pipsqueak. You're the only foal we're expecting today. You'll have a room to yourself for the moment. Room five o eight on the fourth floor. You're baggage should probably be there before long if it's not already. Would you like an escort?" She offered kindly.

Pip finished off his drink and stared at the can thoughtfully for a moment. He might be able to find the way on his own, but he didn't want to take the chance. "S-sure." He agreed.

With a kind smile, the Matron rose from her desk once more, and left her office, waving her hoof for Pip to follow. Hurriedly, the foal took off after her. Needle Work's gait was much faster than Trixie's, and Pipsqueak had to canter just to keep up. Nevertheless, it paid off. It only took the two minutes to reach the grand hall again and ascend the stairs. Passing by the rooms of the fourth floor, Pip suddenly realized something was off by looking at the numbers on the doors. "Umm, Ms. Work--" He began.

"Needle, Pip. No one likes being equated to work." The magenta mare corrected.

"Oh, um, Needle the numbers are off. Shouldn't these be four hundreds since we're on the fourth floor?" He pointed out.

Needle Work chuckled, "No. That's not how things work here. Orphans' rooms begin on the second floor, and each floor upward, save the fifth, has two hundred rooms for you to live. One through two hundred on the second floor, so on and so forth. The fifth floor only has a hundred bedrooms. We use the extra space up there for offices and facilities we don't have room for on the bottom floor."

"Oh." Pip blurted, only catching half of what said due to their arrival.

The two had stopped at the five hundred eighth room. "Well, here you are Pippy. Take care of yourself. Lunch is at noon, don't forget." Needle dismissed, and casually walked away before the earth colt could think of a way to make her stay a little longer.

Finally, for the first time in several days, the little pinto pony was alone. For some reason, it didn't bring him comfort. Quietly, he stared at his door for a moment. Then he jumped up, unable to reach the handle easily due to his shorter-than-average height, and hit the handle. That seemed to be all that was needed, as the door cracked open. With a deep breath to prepare himself, Pip nudged his way into the room.

It was small. Not overly small but certainly compact. It was clearly only meant for two ponies to live in, a thought supported by they bunk bed against the back wall. Pip could certainly see how he would be the only pony in the room if only one other foal could be put in here. More importantly, however, his belongings were here as promised. Relieved he moved over to the suitcase and started unpacking.

The earth colt didn't know how long he'd be here, but he suspected it would be quite awhile. So rather than leave what wasn't precious to him in the suitcase as he had done at all the houses he'd stayed in Ponyville, he brought everything out and put it away in appropriate spots. Upon finishing, he stepped back to look around again. The only things that really stood out in the room were his story book and stuffed Luna doll. It still felt unfamiliar. Pip would've sighed, but his door suddenly opened and slammed shut.

The pinto pony quickly spun, and was presented with the sight of another earth colt that was a solid chocolate color, with the exception of his ginger tail and mane, wearing a beanie cap and leaning against the door like he was trying to keep it shut. "What are you doing?!" Pip exclaimed, upset by the intrusion.

The brown colt's eyes widened when he realized he wasn't alone and quickly shushed Pipsqueak. "Be quiet." He whispered fearfully.

Outside hoofsteps could be heard. "Where are you Button?" Called an upset voice that may not have been from an adult. "You have to pay the toll!"

Pip furrowed his eyebrows and whispered, "What's going on?"

"I'm hiding, so keep quiet!" The intruder hissed through clenched teeth.

After a moment, the hoofsteps proceeded down the hall outside and silence prevailed. The chocolate colt let out a breath he'd been holding in, but Pipsqueak didn't allow him his moment of relief. "What was that about?" The pinto pony pressed agitatedly.

"Quicksilver's a bully is what it is! He thinks just because he's the oldest he can push the rest of us around! He won't even let me in the game room without paying a toll! Yeah, well I don't have any money!" The intruding pony angrily shouted in the direction the hoofsteps had gone.

Pip frowned. He really shouldn't have been surprised to hear about a bully, but it still bothered him that one existed in a place meant to take care of foals. "I'm Button Mash, by the way. Thanks for not giving me away." The chocolate colt interrupted his thoughts.

"Huh? Oh,...it's not a problem, I guess. My name's Pipsqueak." Pip introduced himself.

"Good to meet you." Button responded happily, as he walked over to the shorter foal and offered his hoof.

Pip just stared at it, not sure what to do. Button shook his hoof a little to try to prompt and response, but when he received none he dropped the offer, quietly grumbling to himself about something called a brohoof. Trying to move past the awkwardness, Pipsqueak asked, "How long have you been here?"

"About a year or so." Button answered. "I don't pay much attention to time."

Pip wondered how little attention the other colt could pay to not realize how long he'd been staying at this foster home, but before he could ask Button Mash suddenly gasped, "Oh crap! It's almost lunch time! Today's spaghetti day! I can't miss it!"

With that, the chocolate colt galloped out the door. To his credit, it only took Pipsqueak a few seconds to realize that if he didn't want to miss lunch he'd need a guide, and he chased after his new acquaintance.

Needle Work stared at the paperwork before her. The words were blurry, and she was having a hard time focusing. Maybe her Grace was right, and she needed to catch some sleep, not that it was that simple. Alternatively, it could just be because she was bored. She hated paperwork. Normally she had a certain someone to help her with this. Dear lord she wished-- "Oh, Needle Work!" Came a cheery voice.

The magenta mare snapped awake at the voice, and as its owner walked in a smile spread across her face. Speak of the devil. "Rambler!" She greeted happily. "You're back!"

The pegasus mare before her looked the exact opposite to her. Rambler's coat was light blue, and her blonde mane and tail were neatly cut. Upon her flanks were two golden cursive words that read "Hallelujah," and she was slightly chubby. "Yep! Did you miss me?" She asked.

"Miss you? I'm swamped over here! How could I possibly get by without you?" Needle retorted happily.

"Oh, you'd find a way! You always do!" Rambler encouraged, as she walked around the desk and hugged her close friend.

"Oh, yeah." The magenta mare responded with a laugh. "I forgot how well I was doing before I started working for the LAA."

"Sarcasm works a little too well for you." The pegasus commented and reluctantly ended the hug.

"You think?" Needle joked. "I feel it works just fine. Enough with me, though. How did things go?"

"Great! It's been forever since I visited home! My Mom and Dad said they missed you, though." Rambler answered.

"Well we couldn't both leave." Needle responded.

"Oh! And on the way in I saw someone sneaking onto the grounds!" The pegasus announced, cheerily.

"You WHAT?!" Needle exclaimed, bolting to her hooves.

Pipsqueak grumbled to himself in annoyance. Without a single thought he'd followed Button Mash to the dinner hall, but it wasn't even eleven o'clock yet. The darker colt indeed had no sense of time. He'd dragged the pinto pony all the way downstairs for nothing, it wasn't exactly a quick walk either given the size of the place.

At last, though, Pip arrived back at his room. When he opened the door, however, he found his quarters were not unoccupied. An older dark brown, almost black, unicorn filly with a creamy beige mane and tail sat on the bottom bunk of his bed looking through his story book. Pipsqueak's face contorted in fury. "Hey! Who are you?! What are you doing in my room?!" He demanded.

The unicorn looked up in surprise, words failing her. "I said, who are you?!" He demanded again.

"Uh...Cocobomb."

The Wolf in the Palace

Many years ago there was a Lion, and the Lion ruled the land. He was the envy of all his neighbors. For he possessed great riches and lived in a palace. And the Lion knew this and gloried in himself. He spake, 'There is none so rich and powerful as I. My beauty is outmatched and my wives many.'

There came then one day onto the land of the lion, a pitiable naughty Wolf. The thing was a dreadful sight, his belly gaunt and his fur scraggy. Yet he walked without fear and slunk in no shadow. The Lion found the Wolf prowling round about his gate, and lo and behold he called to the creature, 'Wherefore hath thou come unto my land?'

The Wolf replied, 'I am but a humble beggar come to witness the wonder and majesty of him who rules this land.'

The Lion was pleased and thought unto himself, 'I may take him in, and show him all that is mine. That he may glory more and shower me with praise.'

This pleased the Lion, and so he opened the gate for the Wolf and welcomed him into his home. The Lion took his guest, and showed the many wonders inside his halls. He showed him the treasury, and the Wolf praised him saying, 'I had heard of a lake of gold, but truly this is a sea.'

He showed him his wardrobe, and the Wolf praised him saying, 'There is not a seam on a one, and they shine brighter than any ruby or sapphire.'

He showed him his wives, and the Wolf praised him saying, 'They are all beautiful and strong beyond compare. Even the eldest of them appear supple.'

And so it was with everything in the palace. The Lion showed the Wolf everything that belonged to him, and each time the Wolf would praise the Lion such that he felt beyond compare. Then at last they came to the larder. But the Wolf gave no words and merely sighed. When the Lion heard no more praise coming he asked his guest what the matter was. The Wolf responded, 'Your stores are large indeed, but seeing them reminds me only of the pangs in my own stomach.'

The Lion felt clever, for he thought, 'I shall give this Wolf food that I might add generosity to my treasures, and he will sing my glory all the louder.'

So it was that the Wolf sat at the Lion's table and was given a slice of cheese and cake to eat. When he had devoured it he spake saying, 'It is wonderful, and I shall go on my way shortly. But a meal this does not make. For I have need of meat.'

The Lion thought this reasonable, and had a portion of calf prepared for the Wolf. When the Wolf had eaten it he said, 'My need has been met, but would it not shine better upon the lord of the land to send his guest away with more than he needed. Give me the rest of the calf.'

The Lion was pleased with the notion, and had the remainder of the calf prepared. When the Wolf had eaten that he said, 'My lord is generous beyond measure and has so much. Perhaps he might part with but a single thing of his for a poor wolf such as I.'

'Go on.' The Lion responded, for the praise pleased him. 'Ask what you will.'

'Perhaps you might part with one of your wives.' The Wolf suggested.

The Lion thought this was good. For he indeed had many wives and could part with one if it meant more glory for him. So the Lion had one of his wives bound and brought to the Wolf, and the Wolf ate her whole. Now the Wolf had grown from the food the Lion gave him and now stood larger than his host. And so the Big Bad Wolf perceived he was strong enough to take whatever he wanted. And turning to the Lion he said, 'The lord is wealthy and generous. The lord is fat and juicy. Might the lord offer himself up?'

The Lion then perceived his error. For he saw that the Wolf was indeed larger than himself and able to take what he wanted. Fearfully, the Lion attempted to run, but with ease the wolf snatched him up and swallowed him whole.

Author's Note

On my iPhone, so I'll be short. I don't guarantee a new chapter every week, but I'll try to get them out as soon as possible. Also, on the matter of Button, his mom isn't dead. I just wanted to have another character in here who wasn't an OC. I'm sure you can tell this a very OC-heavy story. Finally, while they are characters in their own right, Needle Work and Rambler are based two characters from another show I love. Let's see if you can figure out who.

Chapter 3

"Um, maybe you should calm down, Needle." Rambler urged, as she followed the young magenta mare storming down the halls.

Even so, the earth pony continued on, ignoring her best friend's advice. She had every right to be infuriated, and she felt wholly justified in her fury. She wouldn't be doing her job if she wasn't pissed about this. Without warning, Needle Work turned on her forehooves and bucked a door open. About facing, she stared in on the scene inside with a dark look.

Within the larger office than her own were two other mares, and they had the young filly Cocobomb seated before them. The two mares were Security Chief Razor Sharp, a rare bicorn, and the odd bat pony Madame Elegance. Cocobomb stared up at the cat-like Security Chief in clear fear, intimidated by more than her rough unkempt grey coat and sharp cruel teeth and bull-horns. Needle snarled at the scene. "Rambler, take the filly and go get her some ice cream." She ordered.

"Yes ma'am!" Rambler responded worriedly and hurried over to fetch the young brown unicorn.

But as the pegasus ushered the scared foal out of the room she was stopped by Razor's voice, "I can not allow you to do that."

"The wellbeing of all the orphans here is my duty. Her care is under my authority." Needle growled.

"And the safety of this sanctuary and those within is MY duty. She stays." The bicorn retorted aggravatedly.

"She is not a threat!" The earth mare screamed, as she stepped inbetween the predatory pony and Cocobomb.

Wasting no more time, Rambler hurried out with the young unicorn.

Razor Sharp narrowed her eyes at Needle Work. "She snuck onto the grounds." The white-maned mare asserted.

"She's homeless." The earth pony growled.

"No adult should've been able to get in without being noticed, let alone a foal." The bicorn snarled back, her long feline tail snapping at the ground like a whip.

"Oh yes, so that makes it alright to interrogate her like an adult!" Needle yelled, and stepped up to the challenge by walking up to the Security Chief's face, glaring right into her eyes.

"I'm not afraid of you, monster!" Razor snapped, and tilted her head forward slightly to press the tips of her sharp horns against the magenta mare's head.

"Funny hearing that from you!" Needle retorted, her eyes narrowing to pin pricks at the insult.

"Enough!" Elegance commanded, ending her silence.

Needle Work hesitated, before pulling out of her peer's face. Her attention fell on the tall rose-colored mare behind the Security Chief, a color which was very odd for her breed. Elegance sat just out of the sunlight, her pale platinum mane and tail still somehow managing to catch the light. "Razor Sharp, the foals' care falls under Matron Needle Work's authority, and if she feels you were being too harsh then you are to heed her advice. Needle Work, the Security Chief is correct. If a foal like her managed to sneak in then we have a breach in our defenses, and it must be fixed. Since we know not what it is, that filly is our only way to find out. We do not want one of the orphans running away, and we do not want anything malicious intent to find its way in. Now, this questioning will resume later, and you will BOTH cooperate in it. Am I understood?" The powerful mare asked.

"Yes ma'am." Razor agreed unwillingly.

Needle Work had to stop from spitting at the order. "Fine." She grunted.

"Good. Then we're done here." Madame Elegance stated curtly, as she rose to stand on her long legs.

Once the bat pony had left Needle took the chance to shoot Razor another glare, earning a warning growl from the bicorn, before leaving herself. She was not at all satisfied with the way things turned out. She hated working with the Security Chief. More than once they'd come close to ripping each other's throats out, and usually it was because of the way predatory pony treated a foal. It was not that the earth mare didn't respect Razor Sharp. The cat-shaped pony was a capable soldier, and she did her job well. When it came to the orphans, though, the bull-horned bitch showed little consideration for how to act around them. She treated them like adults, and you couldn't do that with most foals. The worst part, though, was that the poor filly who'd snuck in would have to be interrogated again. At least Needle could try to prepare her now.

"YOU! Wait up!" A voice interrupted that Matron's thoughts.

Holding back a groan, Needle Work spun in mid-step to spot that recruit again. What did she call herself the other day? Trixie? "What?" She asked shortly.

The showmare stormed up to her with an agitated scowl. "You snubbed Trixie!" She stated.

"Your point?" Needle asked, not seeing the big deal.

"You disrespected her in front of the foal she saved!" Trixie asserted.

Needle took a deep breath, and rubbed her forehead with hoof to try to keep her shortening temper in check. "You didn't save Pipsqueak. We are not heroes. We are her Grace's forehoof. We each do a duty. That's it! There is no glory. There is no fame. You did your job, and you did it well. But that's all." She tried to explain.

"Pipsqueak?" Trixie blurted, only partly catching what was said.

"It's part of my duty to know who all the foals here are, and it was part of my duty to give Pipsqueak a one on one to sort things out!" Needle answered with glare at the unicorn for not even knowing the name of the foal she helped. "There was no time or sense for you to boast."

"Boast?! Trixie learnt her lesson before! She does not exaggerate the truth!" The azure unicorn protested.

Needle Work grit her teeth. Quickly, she wrapped her forehoof around the Showmare's head, and pulled it against her own to look in the offending unicorn's eyes. "Then learn this! I am not in the mood to put up with someone else's attitude, and I'm doing my best not to beat the ever-living crap out of you! Now piss off before I stop caring about what anyone who sees might think!" She threatened.

Trixie gulped. "Y-you can't do that to Trixie!" She tried to reason.

Needle continued to glare at the azure mare silently for a moment, before finally releasing her head. "No. You're right." The Matron grunted and turned to leave. "Just don't make yourself a nuisance."

The point must have been made, because the annoying unicorn didn't follow any further. Needle Work was granted peace, as she continued her walk. No one else bothered her, and she was able to cool down. Her Majesty often warned her that she needed to work on her temper, but it wasn't exactly that easy. Needle Work had been able to fly off the handle whenever she wanted, before she joined the LAA. She often had too, making it a habit, and old habits are hard to break.

Upon reaching the dining hall, the earth mare only had to look around to spot her friend waving energetically at her from the distance. Needle took just a moment to trot over to the pegasus and smirked at the sight before her. Rambler was shoveling ice cream into her mouth like an energetic filly. "Needle, you should have some!" The pegasus offered around a mouthful, and slid her half eaten bowl over some.

Staring at the messy, partially melted, and drool ridden frozen treat the Matron of the facility could only chuckle nervously, "U-um, no thanks, Rambler. You can have it."

With a shrug, her best friend drew the bowl back over and resumed eating. Needle Work then took notice of something else. Cocobomb wasn't here. "Hey, where's that filly I sent you away with?" She asked.

"Hmm? Oh, she said she didn't want any ice cream, so she left! I got to have her bowl, though!" Rambler answered joyfully through her full mouth.

Needle could only sigh. Of course Rambler would just let the filly go. Ah well, it's not like she was going to find more trouble.

Pipsqueak tried his best to ignore Button Mash's rambling. Evidently, the other earth colt had somehow gotten the idea that they were friends, and was hanging out with him all the time now. It wasn't exactly appealing given how obnoxious the chocolate earth pony was, but for some reason Pip couldn't tell him to buzz off. With a sigh, the young colt tried to focus on his story book.

--heeded not the word of his elder. Arrogantly, the Colt strode into the forest as the day before. For he had already proven to himself that no animal would dare him for fear of his father, whose dominion stretched far throughout the tribes of ponies.

As before, no animal laid hold to him. The manticore lay as still as before, and yea even the Ursa did play as tender as a kitten. Then came the Colt unto a patch of trees he did not recognize. Deeper had the Colt tread than the day before, but he did not worry. For he knew his father's authority protected him. It was at this time came an animal from the trees that the Colt did not know. A great Wolf of immense size with a hunger to his gaze.

Boldly, the Colt spoke until the beast, "Wolf, I am the son of the great Warlord, whose dominion stretches wide across pony lands. Therefore, I command you bow down to me."

A smile grew upon the beast's face, and the Wolf spoke thus, "--

"--And so if I wanna beat the giant killer moth I need to spend hours grinding, and that's just not my thing. So I looked up a guide on the internet, and I found that there's this really cool sword hidden somewhere in the Cave of Despair that might--" Button Mash continued rambling, interrupting Pipsqueak's train of thought.

"You know what?" The pinto pony stopped his annoying acquaintance, jumping off his bed. "I'm gonna go play outside."

"Oh, cool. I'll go with you." Button stated.

Pip slapped his own face to keep from groaning. Even as the chocolate colt stood up to follow him, carrying his gamecolt in his mouth. It seemed there would be no escaping Button's company. At least the slightly older orphan had shut up now. Resigning himself to the other earth foal's companionship, Pip trotted over to the door, but before he could jump up to hit the knob it swung inward, nearly hitting him in the face.

The pinto colt stumbled back in surprise, but on the other side of the door was only the slender more mature frame of Cocobomb. Pipsqueak fought not to glare at the unicorn, figuring it would be bad to start something with his abruptly added roommate. The filly, though, stared down at him in an odd form of concern. "Oh, are you alright? I didn't know you were right there." She excused.

"I'm fine." Pip grunted. "I was just going outside."

Cocobomb frowned. "Oh, uh...Maybe I can come with you?" She wondered.

"No way. Keep your cooties away from us." Button Mash interjected, his voice slightly muffled by his game system.

The older filly sent a glare at the foal, making him flinch back, before turning her attention back to her roommate with a softer expression. For once, though, Pipsqueak was in agreement with Button. One unwanted companion was enough for him. "No. You're not coming." He answered.

Cocobomb's frown deepened. "But, m-maybe I...okay." She surrendered, and stepped aside to allow Pip and Button to go.

The pinto colt left without further word, but Button Mash smugly stopped to blow a raspberry at the filly around the system in his mouth. His fumbling attempt at taunting the tall orphan caused his game to unpause, though, and his character was swiftly killed. Eyes widening, the earth foal spat out his game colt with a shout, "Dang it!"

Cocobomb smirked at the chocolate colt's misfortune, but as Button ran off after Pipsqueak without his game her frown returned. Pip remained unaware of the exchange, as he cantered down the stairs to the main entrance. He didn't pause to wait for Button. The original point of heading outside was to ditch the slightly older foal. So it was much to the pinto pony's aggravation when his annoying companion caught up and started speaking again, "Who does that filly think she is? You can't just hang with the cool herd like that."

Pip paused, as he reached the bottom of the stairs. "The cool herd?" He asked incredulously, quirking a brow at the chocolate colt.

Button Mash's eyes drooped to the ground. "Yeah, okay. We're not that cool." He admitted. "B-but still, fillies have cooties!"

Rolling his eyes, Pipsqueak trotted up to the front door. "My mom said that cooties were just an invention of the popular foals to keep all the really cool ponies to themselves." He responded.

"Really?" Button blurted, his voice squeaking in surprise. "She sounds like she knows a lot. Where is she? My mom kind of lost me...Er, well, she didn't really lose me. I kind of ran away cause I didn't want to move from Manehatten to some little village called Ponyville. When the LAA found me they'd tried to bring me back, but I left on the day of the move. So she wasn't there anymore."

Pip grit his teeth at the question. It wasn't obvious what happened to his mother? No, he supposed it couldn't be to some idiot who didn't appreciate his parent when he still had her! "She's dead." The smaller earth colt stated, and jumped up to the handle to open the door.

As the entrance cracked open he dropped down, but Button followed him outside a bit more slowly. "O-oh. I'm sorry. I didn't know." The chocolate colt apologized.

Pipsqueak didn't respond, as he descended the doorway's stairs. It was a bright sunny day, and the cool spring weather had enticed more than a few other orphans outside. Several of them seemed to be playing tag or hide and seek. While others didn't seem to be playing any discernible game at all, just running to and fro happily.

The pinto pony made his way to none of them. Instead, he chose a secluded part of the foster home's courtyard between the fence and the side of the massive facility. "Why are we over here?" Button asked. "Everypony else is up front."

"BECAUSE everypony else is upfront." Pip answered, as he laid down against the foot of the building.

Button furrowed his brow, not understanding, but before he could question his friend further a familiar voice called out, "There you are, you little shit."

The chocolate colt froze, and Pipsqueak turned his gaze to the pegasus now coming down the alleyway. He was tall, even taller than Cocobomb, with a dirty silver coat. The colt had to be in his teens. "You slipped away without paying up the other day, so you owe me interest on top of the usual ten bits." The mangy colt stated.

Button turned and around chuckled nervously, "Oh, uh, h-hey! Fancy meeting you here, Quicksilver. U-umm, I-I don't uh...h-have the money right now."

"Really? That's a shame. I guess I'm gonna have to extract payment another way." Quicksilver stated in mock-pity.

Pipsqueak frowned. He couldn't stand bullies, and...like it or not Button was his friend. "Hey! Pick on somepony your own size!" The short orphan ordered, as he climbed to his hooves.

Quicksilver seemed to take note of the pinto pony for the first time. "Oh? You want to pay in his stead? Alright then." The teenaged colt responded almost pleasantly.

Without warning, the bully swung a hoof at Pip's head, and he barely managed to duck in time. He was unprepared for the swift uppercut that followed, though, as Quicksilver reared up to pull the move off. Pipsqueak was knocked onto his side by blow, tearing up a little from the pain. The pegasus moved to continue beating the helpless foal, only for Button to halt him by grabbing onto his forehoof. "No! I'm the one you want, not him!" The chocolate colt begged.

Quicksilver grunted, and knocked the earth pony off his hoof. "Sorry, shit-stain, but the shrimp needs to learn the pecking order." He spat.

"Leave. Him! ALONE!" Another voice roared.

Pip blinked in surprise. At the entrance of the alley stood Cocobomb. The filly looked much larger than before, as the light framed her like some sort of hero. Quicksilver was clearly unimpressed, though. "Oh? You want some too, filly?" He taunted.

Cocobomb snarled like an animal, and in the blink of an eye she charged forward. Quicksilver, flinched back, unprepared for the brown filly's speed, but it didn't save him from the attack. The seemingly slender unicorn stopped right before ramming into the bully and spun around on her forehooves. Only to swing her hindhooves into the side of the pegasus' face with the full force of her gallop. The teenaged pegasus cried out in pain from the blow, as his head slammed into the foster home's metal fence. Groaning, he tried to stand back up, but Cocobomb pressed a hoof down on his neck. Pipsqueak couldn't see the look on his roommate's face, but he could easily read one of terror on Quicksilver's. "Stay down." The brown filly snarled with more than a hint of viciousness.

Button Mash scuttled over to Pip and quickly helped the younger foal up. "Come on, let's get out of here." He whispered in panic.

Pip didn't move, though. He was too young to understand the intricacies of combat, but he knew what he just saw was not the work of an undisciplined fighter. He was in awe. As the tall filly finally stepped off of Quicksilver's neck and turned her attention to the two younger orphans, Button hid behind Pipsqueak, but it was Cocobomb's soft look of concern from earlier that met them. "I wasn't too late, was I?" She asked.

Pipsqueak wasn't sure what to say. He was grateful for the help, but he couldn't say he didn't share some of Button's sentiments at the moment. Why had she shown up? "I thought I said for you not to come." He responded, trying to make the comment as little rude as possible.

"Oh, u-um, well I don't know anyone, so when I thought about it some more I went against your wishes. I mean...I don't have any friends, and we can't be friends if we don't get to know each other, right?" The brown unicorn tried to explain, almost as if making an excuse.

Pip frowned for a moment, before allowing a small smile to grow on his face. "Well, thanks for helping us." He said.

"Y-yeah, thanks." Button agreed, as he cautiously came out from behind his smaller friend.

"You're welcome, Pipsqueak!" Cocobomb replied happily, brightening up. "Now come on. Let's leave this worm to lick his wounds."

Nodding in agreement, the pinto colt trotted out from between the foster home and fence with Coco and Button Mash trailing behind him. Maybe he wasn't as alone as he thought.

Pip walked through the forest slowly. His eyes shifted about his surroundings in worry. He didn't know where he was, or how he came to be here. All he knew was that it was late, the moon high into the sky, and he heard odd sounds every now and then. The cracking of a twig or clap of something hard against wood. He wasn't alone, and he knew it. There was something in this forest with him, a shadow amongst the trees.

The young colt had no idea where he was heading until he came to it. A small clearing within the forest was laid out before him, and within its center were two gravestone with very familiar names. Pipsqueak froze and teared up at the sight, but why were his parents out here in the forest? From the shadows across from him, the small orphan noticed two glowing turquoise eyes. He stared into the mesmerizing orbs, until a sudden motion jerked him awake.

Pipsqueak's bolted into consciousness and sat up in bed panting, the haunting eyes from his dream burned into his brain. A creak drew the foal's attention to the cracked door of the room. He furrowed his eyebrows. Why was the door open? He could hear Cocobomb snoring in the bed above him, so he knew she was still here. Had someone been in their room?

Gulping, Pip jumped out of bed and approached the door. He stuck his head through the crack and looked around cautiously, but the hall was empty. "H-hello?" He called out to the darkness.

When he received no response, he looked back at his bunk bed, at Cocobomb's sleeping form. He'd feel a lot safer in his roommate's company, but he didn't want to disturb her. Swallowing hard once more, the earth colt nudged his way out of the room and started down the hall.

The somber elegant coloring or the LAA foster home took on an ominous feeling at night, the dark colors consuming far more light than necessary. Pip could barely make out his hooves on the ground. It was simply too dark. He was about to turn back when heard the heavy steps of something very close by. Then the colt froze, as hanging high above him were those glowing turquoise eyes from his dream.

And thus the Wolf spoke, "Welcome, oh Warlord's son, into my dominion."

Author's Note

Sorry for this one taking longer, but, as I said, I make no promise on specific times. I only guarantee that I'm working on the chapters as fast possible. That said, I hope you enjoy this one as much as the previous two.

Also, I forgot to mention last time, Cocobomb is an OC belonging to Janushyde. She is not my own, but was invented during private RPs between the two of us. Janushyde has given me full permission to use her and all other OC characters he has made, and as such he might see what's going on here. I hope to throw him for a loop too. :trollestia:

Finally, big thanks to Leonofsweden for pre-reading my chapters for me.