Pod BOY: My Little Tony

Chapters

It was a dark and stormy night
Equestria's Newest Resident
Cuteness insues!
The Sun Rises Anew
Meeting Aunty Fluttershy
Meeting an Angel
The Human Hunter?
Investigation's in Ernest!
To whom it may consern
The Meeting at the Library
A Hop Skip and Lightyears away
The Evil Captain Angel Bunny vs. The Terrific Tony!

It was a dark and stormy night

The weather in Ponyville called for rain, and lots of it. The previous couple of days had been clear, and the weather ideal. However, the land was starting to become parched and needed to be attended too. So the pegasi weather control team was called in for a pretty big assignment. They had to prepare a storm, and a sizeable one at that. There would be a tremendous amount of rainfall, lots of lightning, strong winds, the whole ten yards. The residents of Ponyville had been warned a week in advance, and anypony with any sense knew to stay inside today.

So, when said storm arrived it interested certain ponies when they saw a blur of movement in the clouds from their windows. They probably pondered why any sane creature would be outside during the storm. Then, they most likely dismissed the idea that there was a pony was outside. After all it made more sense that the blur was just an illusion brought by the storms lightning than some daredevil pony trying to overcome it...right?

Well one pony was determined to do just that. If an onlooker payed really close attention they would notice a cyan colored pegasus with a characteristically rainbow mane zooming through the dark clouds at incredible speeds, evading lightning strikes, and fighting against the downpour. She looked awe inspiring. Rainbow Dash had a look on her face that was both determined and sad. Even with nature itself fighting against her she continued to move forward. It would have truly been a sight to see if it wasn't also incredibly dangerous and risky. However, the pegasus aptly named Rainbow Dash knew the risks. Heck as a member of the weather control team she even helped build the storm. It was no mystery storms could be dangerous, especially for a pegasus.

Then again Rainbow Dash wasn't your average pegasus. She was an extremely good flyer, reaching speeds that rivaled the best. Rainbow Dash held much promise and was considered a likely candidate to join the famous WonderBolts. However, that doesn't mean that what she's doing was safe, indeed most would consider the task hazardous at best, suicidal at worst.

However, the emotionally distraught pony needed a distraction. She had just been through a rough breakup with a pony she had entrusted her heart with; her special sompony.

It had started off as a normal day, she had finished her cloud quota for the day and decided to stop by his house in Cloudsdale. She had planed to surprise him when he came home from work. However it was Rainbow Dash who would be the one surprised. After she had open the door to his house with a spare key under the doormat (a stupid place to keep a key but he insisted), she heard a noise. Rainbow followed the noise and realized it was coming from the bedroom.

A million thoughts as to what the sound could have been. Each more elaborate than the next.

"Maybe he slept in today?" she naively thought "or maybe he's working out again, certainly sounds like it".

It wasn't a completely illogical thought. She wouldn't have started a relationship with a pony who wasn't able to keep up with her. Actually their were a number of reason's she was with him, him being athletic was definitely one of them. But he was cool to hang around with, he was also one of the few ponies who could get underneath her tomboyish exterior too her inner mare. She loved him for that, many stallions were put off by her 'boyish' attitude, but not him. He was willing to look past all of that. And for a time she counted herself the luckiest mare alive. But she wouldn't have been able to predict what her 'special company' was actually doing...not in a million years.

She opened the bedroom door and what she saw would turn her world upside down. Her special somepony was having an affair with another mare!

She couldn't even breathe, she felt like her heart was literally about to snap into two pieces. Already the tears began to form, she couldn't even breath for a few moments.

At first he didn't even notice Rainbow Dash, that is until he heard the faint sound of her tears. He turned around irratated and was shocked for a second but quickly regained himself. He could salvage the situation if he was careful. He moved ever so slowly toward her, cooing her, and trying to calm her down before she could react. He thought that if he could just calm her calm he could clear himself, all he needed to do was calm Dashie down.

"Shh, shhh ", he said softly "Dashie it's not what it looks like."

"Oh (sniff) really?! Is that a(sniff) fact?!" Yelled Rainbow Dash still trying to compose herself. He edged closer to the distraught mare until held her in his hooves slowly stroking her mane to try to calm her down. After all it worked in the past, why wouldn't it work now?

"You see the thing is..." He began. Rainbow Dash pushed herself away from the traitorous stallion. If expressions could kill the stallion would have been struck dead that instant.

"No! I loved you dammit! And this is how your treating me? You're going behind my back with another mare?!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

"Look Dashie...babe, it's more complicated than that..."

"Actually it's really simple" she said with each word loaded with anger "Really, really simple. Were done! Got it? Finito, finished!!!" Rainbow Dash declared with finality.

But before he could even utter another word in protest, the heartbroken mare had shot out the house like a cannonball. She left with such force that powerful shockwaves shattered every window in the house and knocked the cheating stallion flat on his flank with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

...

For the next couple of days her coworkers noticed that Rainbow Dash was not the same confident pony she use to be. She went about her work without hardly uttering a word, and didn't even so much as grin. They deduced what happened through Rainbow's gloomy demeanor and some rumors floating around about the destruction of her former coltfriend's house. They tried to be supportive, and tell her their are other ponies out there. She responded with a forced smile and a curt nod, but knowing that didn't stop the hurt. Even her friend Fluttershy, whom had been Rainbow Dash's friend since they were foals, couldn't cheer her up.

Rainbow Dash was beyond sadness, she couldn't feel anything. All joy seemed to have left her world the moment her love had betrayed her. She desperately wanted to feel something, anything to replace the hole in her heart. She always felt most alive when she was flying, even more so when her life was on the line. That's what led her to suddenly, in a spur of the moment decide to fly during a storm.

She flew like a mad pony, dodging lightning by mere inches and prevailing against the ever increasing winds and rain. Through grit teeth she pushed herself, it was just something she had too do. If she could survive flying though a storm she could survive a breakup right? Or at least, that's what she told herself.

However, something strange happened; as she was flying over the Everfree Forest she noticed something. She dodged just another lightning bolt just in time, but there was something off about this one. She pondered for a moment before realizing it has come from the ground rather than the sky.

She turned her attention down and saw bright sporadic lights coming from the forest floor. It was like lightning in reverse, instead of coming from the sky and hitting the ground it came from the ground and shot off into the sky! It only lasted for a few seconds and it seemed to have come from one specific location but that was enough time for Rainbow Dash to pinpoint where the flashing had come from. She briefly considered weather or not she should go towards the strange lights being emitted from the already dangerous Everfree Forest.

"Ah screw it I'm already doing something totally insane might as well go two for two!" She said to herself descending to the forest. little did she know what she would find that fateful day. Rainbow Dash didn't know it but she would look back on that day, and say it was one of the best days of her life. In spite of how soaked, and angry she was she was, that day would lead to her happiness in the future.

Author's Note

Story Soundtrack:Persona 3 ost-heartful cry, Persona 3 oat-living with determination, Rihanna-rehab, Pink-so what

Sorry i'm not too experienced in breakups and relationships. So I'm sorry if the breakup didn't seem sincere enough. However the bigger story is what Rainbow Dash will find in the Everfree Forest. The break up was a catalyst to set the scene.

PS: this is set a little before Twilight arrives in Ponyville.

Equestria's Newest Resident

Someponies say I'm reckless, and impulsive...I guess this little venture proves that. Here I was in the middle of the very dangerous Everfree Forest, IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUCKING STORM! I'm soaked to the bone, and beyond exhausted after trying to fight against the strong gales. In a way I'm glad I saw those lights coming from the Everfree Forest, if I didn't...then I may have done some dumb things. Now don't get me wrong I've done some stupid things in the past but this was REALLY stupid. I just needed to go out and do something crazy. Something to prove I didn't need HIM. Everytime a lightning bolt struck I imagined the shock of finding him with another mare, everytime I felt the wind push me back I relived the hopelessness of the moment. But to be honest with myself the storm was actually a lot easier to deal with than heartbreak.

I really hate that stallion, I gave him everything and he just used me like I was nothing! To be honest I kind of hated myself too. How could I not see the signs? The way he eyed other mares when he thought I wasn't looking, at first I thought it was harmess enough. Now, that I think about it I guess he never actually loved me. How unfair is that I loved that stallion with all my heart and he didn't even care enough about me to stay loyal!?

The pony with the Rainbow mane had touched down, and was surveying the forest. Specifically looking for the source of the reverse lightning. Most ponies were terrified of the forest and wouldn't even dream of going into these forsaken woods. Granted, even Rainbow Dash was a little (just a little) frightened of these woods, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. Once she made a decision she rarely ever went back on it.

"Ha! His loss! If he isn't satisfied with Ponyville's fastest flyer and future Wonderbolt then maybe he never the pony for me!!!" Rainbow Dash thought positively seething at this point. But, then why did her heart ache so? The magical nights, and wonderful days...were they all just a lie? She bucked a tree in frustration. "BY CELESTIA THIS SUCKS!" Dash yelled angrily.

Just then the reverse lightning struck again. Only this time since Dash was closer they were in danger of striking her!

Luckily, Rainbow Dash was a damn fast pony, even though flying was her specialty she could really kick up some dirt when she felt like it. As the lightning streaked toward her she dove to her right. Some of the bolts zipped past her. Continuing with that momentum she rolled, and using her athletic prowess launched herself at a tree. A few other bolts were now gaining on her. Once more she was subject to momentum, and it looked like Rainbow was either about to be fried by the lightning, crushed by the tree or possibly both. Then, at the last possible second, she extended her wings and with a few quick flaps, soared clear over the tree avoiding the last volley of the unnatural lightning. She smiled smugly. "Hehe it'll take more than a little lighting to take out me."

From her new vantage point she could see where the lighting was coming from. She noticed something, the lightning was getting smaller, and more concentrated. From the forest ground sprouted a oval of light with lighting jaunting out from it. Then their was final FLASH! It was so bright it appeared as though Celestia was raising the sun at that exact point. The pegasi had to raise her hooves to shield her eyes from the intense burst of light. Then it all stopped, no more light, and no more lightning. Rainbow could hear something though.

She lowered herself and found their was something occupying the space where the lightning originated. What Rainbow Dash saw that day could only be described as...alien. It looked like a pod of some kind. It was primarily white, but had a glass top. Curious Rainbow Dash approached the strange object, and that's when she heard it again a soft but persistent sound and it was coming from the alien object.

She half expected to find some monstrosity writhen the confines of that strange thing. She was half right. What she saw caused her to yelp in surprise and jumped back in shock. "WHAT THE HAY WAS THAT?!?! WHAT THE ACTUAL BUCK WAS THAT?!

"Ok, calm down Rainbow, just calm down," she said to herself. She took a few deep breaths and, finally regaining her composure she neared forgin object once more. She peered into the glass again, she saw a creature that was definitely not from Equestria. The best way to describe it would have been to say it was...squishy. It actually kind of looked like an earthworm in a way, and was naked (both in terms of clothes and fur). Although, it vaguely shared some attributes with a pony though, it had four limbs, two eyes, a mouth, a small snout and ears.

Rainbow Dash stared at the creature for a while completely forgetting about the rain. She was just trying to make sense of this befuddling creature before her. Then she heard the same sound from before, and this time she recognized it. It was crying, this strange alien creature was crying. Once again the pegasi stood dumb founded. She had a ton of questions. What was this thing? Where did it come from? But she came to a realization, she had a choice to make.

She could rush back to town and tell the residents about the creature, but with the rain, and location of the creature in the Evergreen chances are it would take a while before they could find it again, if any other pony even believed her. Not to mention Rainbow wasn't sure she could find the creature again, through a dark storm and forest. Of course if she did leave the creature here there was no telling what would happen to it! The residents of the Everfree must have taken refuge from the storm, but all the commotion and excitement would surely trigger their curiosity. Rainbow Dash shuttered to imagine what they would do to this helpless looking creature. Now she saw their was really only one option.

Rainbow Dash would have to time this just right, after all she didn't want to hurt the creature. Then in a swift motion she nocked off the glass portion of the pod. Luckily, it hadn't shattered and harmed the occupant. She let out a sigh of relief. Then using her front hooves she picked up the creature. Just as she thought it was squishy, but it was warm too...

The creature was still crying though. Rainbow Dash softly shushed it and slowly started rocking it. "Shh there, there, it'll be ok, its going to be ok, everything is going to be alright" she said is a motherly tone.

Then something miraculous happened, the creature stopped crying and looked at her with the widest eyes she had ever seen. It had light brown eyes. Then it smiled, and Rainbow Dash had to use ever ounce of her will-power not to go 'Aww'. In snuggled close enough for Rainbow to hear the creature's fragile heartbeats. 'Thump...a pause...Thump' and with every pause the hardened pegasi swore her own heart stopped.

She would have liked it to have been like that for a while longer. But it was raining hard, and Rainbow Dash knew she had to get this creature out of the rain and to the safety of her home as soon as possible. With a graceful leap she was airborne and began the journey home.

Author's Note

Soundtrack: Daft Punk-something about us, Avicii-hey brother, Naughty Boy-la la la.

Hope you like the story so far. Here's our first glimpse at Equestria's newest resident. I tried to capture the feeling of a pony seeing a human baby for the first time...I hope it was well done. Looks like Rainbow Dash has taken a likening to him already. :)

The next chapter will probably have cuteness, and the funny antics of Rainbow Dash trying to be motherly.(but she's not doing to bad here right so how hard can it be?)

Cuteness insues!

Ok so it turns out the only thing harder than flying through a storm, was flying through a storm with an alien!!! It was a long and arduous journey back to Rainbow Dash's home in the clouds and the storms intensity was still fierce. The storm was still throwing winds her way, and the torrents of rain didn't cease, but at least the lightning had died down a bit. A good thing to the pegasus had enough lightning to last a life time, as it was she was pretty sure her fur was noticeably singed, she did not need to be evading even more while carrying another, albeit smaller, passenger.

She had to take the full brunt of the storm though, and brought the creature as close to her as she could trying her best to shelter the fragile looking thing from the ferocity of the storm. Putting the alien on her back was out of the question, so she was left ferrying it in her front hooves against her chest, like she was hugging the creature for dear life. Apparently, the creature shared that notion because it wrapped it's own limbs around her as tightly as it's little arms would allow.

An onlooker would say Rainbow Dash still held a look of conviction. But unlike previously it was a determination to safeguard another life, not a determination that was to prove something to anypony. She flew less recklessly and was very mindfull of her occupant. Her goal was to get her and the alien softly to her home. The creature, which Rainbow deduced to be an infant, was snuggled against her chest, occasionally letting out a whimper. She had to admit she was impressed, she expected the creature to be having a fit, or at least try to bite her.

Instead the creature seemed to have accepted Rainbow Dash almost immediately, and seemed to trust her enough to fly the both of them through a storm. It did let out the occasional whimper of fear though. She just held the creature even closer, trying to assure it that as long as she was there she wouldn't let any harm come it's way. She even began to speak to it.

"Shh we're almost there, it's going to be alright. I promise it's going to be alright," Again and again she continued this mantra for the duration of the journey ,"I promise it's all going to be okay".

For some unfathomable reason she couldn't bear to see this creature upset. Everytime it whimpered or let out a sound of distress Rainbow Dash's heart fluttered with worry, everytime it tightened its grip on her she felt it's soft heartbeats, "thump-thump...thump-thump...thump-thump". Every pause between heartbeats was nerve-wracking, she almost couldn't stand it.

"How could something so fragile live in such a hard, harsh world?" Thought the athletic pegesi offhandedly as she continued battling the elements. She stole a glance at the creature in her hooves. It glanced back at her with those impossibly big brown eyes. The thought of something happening to this poor, creature strengthened her resolve. Rainbow Dash inwardly swore that by Celestia herself she wouldn't let anything hurt this innocent creature.

~~~~~

Eventually, by Celestial's grace they did make it back to Rainbow's cloud home. She placed the creature on a sofa and retrieved some towels to dry the creature. Which turned out to be quite a feat, because it kept squirming, but through persistence she finally managed to dry it of the rain water.

As she was drying though, she began to notice certain things about the creatures anatomy. At first it resembled a furless Diamond Dog, but upon closer inspection Rainbow decided the creature entirely different. For one it wasn't entirely furless as she had previously believed. It had small tariffs of fur on it's head, that was brownish in color, although not nearly as thick as a ponies fur.

Next she examined it's limbs. It had four of them like a pony but had...weird attachments to them. The upper limbs didn't resemble the lower half at all! The upper limbs had longer appendages while the lower half had longer limbs in general. Rainbow Dash also noticed it had five of those 'appendages' on each limb! That made...times the four limbs by five made...holy smokes it had twenty 'appendages'.

She continued drying the infant...and with a blush discovered it was a boy.

"Oh so your a guy eh? So you a Casanova or what? You gonna grow up and get all the mares eh?" Rainbow Dash said playfully tussling the infants hair.

He giggled and let out a joyful yelp. Then he grabbed on to Rainbow's hoof and began hugging her nudging his head against her fur. "Awww" Rainbow thought inwardly. Despite how alien this infant looked to her he still managed to look adorable. Really it was unfair, with it's big doe-like eyes, soft-squishy skin, and those adorable sounds it made how could even the tomboyish pegusi athlete resist cooing?

"Woh there little romeo I'm a bit to old for you...but I think I know someone who's just your type." She said with a wink.

Then she disappeared into into her room to look for something, after a while the creature grew restless and began whining. The baby stopped though when Rainbow Dash appeared shortly afterward, but this time holding something in her mouth. It was an old Wonderbolts doll. To be specific it was one of Rainbow's favorite dolls as a filly; General Firefly. General Firefly was slightly tattered apart sported many patchworks, and stiches as well as button eyes. Rainbow Dash figured that if she enjoyed General Firefly as a filly, the alien would find some enjoyment in her old doll...at least she hoped he would he was getting just a little bit rowdy, and Rainbow Das desperately wanted to catch some Zzz's. She presented the creature with the doll, and...it promptly snatched it from her and began squeezing the poor doll.

"You take good care of that doll okay? Her name is General Firefly and she's a very brave, and loyal friend. I had it ever since I was a filly and now I'm passing it on to you ok? ." Honestly she had no idea if the infant could even understand her but she'd like to think it did on some level. The baby alien merely continued to squeeze General Firefly. Suddenly Rainbow Dash was struck with an idea.

Once again she ran into her room, but this time came back with a camera. She snapped a picture of the alien hugging General Firefly. Unfortunately, the flash had frightened the alien infant, and it started crying. She quickly scooped him up in her forelegs and tried rocking him, but to no avail.

"Oh Geezs. Oh come on don't do that. Come on, give me a break kid" Rainbow Dash pleaded. Her mind scrabbling she tried to recall how her father would calm her down when she was a filly. Then suddenly she remembered. He use to sing a lullaby!

"Now how did it go again? Uh...something about crying...and hearts....OH YEA now I remember!

"Ahem....just let me gather myself...(cough, cough)... ok here we go

"Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hoof
Hold it tight

I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry

For one so small,
You seem so strong
My hooves will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more..."

Midway through the song the alien baby had stopped crying, and by the time Rainbow Dash had finished singing the baby was fast asleep. Rainbow Dash picked up General Firefly and placed her in the babies grasp gently kissing him on his forehead. Then she curled herself and slept next to the baby, sure their were lot of questions to answer but Rainbow Dash was really tired. Answers could wait till the morning.

Author's Note

Songs: You'll be in my heart-by Phil Collins

The Sun Rises Anew

The rays of Celestia's sun slowly made their across Ponyville announcing the beginning of a new day. As the rays stretched across the land, the warmth and light of the sun followed. Finally, they reached the abode of a certain cloud home, currently occupied by two occupants. Here an infant biped was clinging to a rag-pegasi doll with button eyes, while a cyan pegasus was protectively curled around the infant. Both of whom were blissfully asleep on a sofa without a care in the world.

After a time the pegasus awoke, and careful not to disturb the other occupant. She walked over to a window taking in the sight of the sun rising over the horizon, admiring the view. Usually, she wouldn't wake up this early, but she had a lot to consider about, and it was currently occupying her sofa. As she watched the sunrise, she mentally reran what happened the day before.

Suddenly reality came crashing down pretty hard for poor Rainbow Dash as she began to realize the full implications of what she had done. She had just taken a creature she had never seen before (from the dangerous Everfree Forest no less!) into her house! What if he was dangerous?

Rainbow Dash peered at the sofa again and couldn't imagine the cute little creature being a danger to anyone...except maybe Captain Firefly (the poor doll looked like it was being constricted by a snake). She doubted he even from Equestria. He sure didn't look like anypony Rainbow could think of; heck he didn't even look like any animal she had ever seen before. So where did he come from? What was the weird pod thingy he was in, it was almost as alien as he was! And the reverse lightning?

She let out a sigh, this whole situation was just so weird, and it seemed the more she thought about it the weirder the whole thing seemed. How would the residents of Ponyville react to the infant? If they ever found out she had flown in the middle of a storm, and took an unknown creature home from the Everfree Forrest, they would probably find her a nice soft room with white walls, and a straight-jacket to match! Or worse what would they do to the poor baby creature she saved? She shivered at the thought. She doubted anypony would do something cruel but...you never knew what a scared pony might do when frightened.

Well letting this get to the public was out of the picture. Maybe she could raise him herself? Or at least until he could fend for himself. After all she wasn't terrible with kids, and he seemed to have taken a liking to her...their was only one problem. She had no idea how to raise an alien, much less a baby one! Their was no avoiding it, Rainbow was goanna need some help.

"No, I can't just tell this to anypony. I have to pick somepony who knows a lot about different creatures, won't ask too many questions, and won't tell anyone" lamented Rainbow. As soon as she uttered those words she knew their was only one pony she could turn too.

~~~~~
Meanwhile on the edge of Ponyville
~~~~~

Rainbow Dash wasn't the only one who woke up early that morning. The pegasus known as Fluttershy was charged with the task of helping the animals in the Ponyville area. A task she happily preformed, and did extremely well. She had woken up early to feed all the animals their breakfast. Fluttershy approached each animal under her charge with the greatest of patience and understanding, waiting for them to begin eating before moving on. She even stirred up conversation with her animal friends asking the 'how their morning was' or 'how's the family doing'. Her gentle, and kind heart was ideal for caring for animals, while her diligence and passion for her task all contributed to make her one of Ponyville's best caretakers.

Now that she had made sure all her animal friends were fed and content, she began setting her own breakfast. Some hay, a side of oats and some tea was Fluttershy's usual preference for breakfast. Outwardly Fluttershy displayed a very timid if not cowardly demeanor. So consequently it was hard for Fluttershy to make friends....if she only ended up running away from them.

Indeed the yellow pegasi seemed to at times deliberately avoid other ponies. But make no mistake this pony had a heart of gold. She certainly did not wan't to hurt anyponies feelings, she was just a gentle, timid soul. So sometimes it was hard for her to express herself around other ponies. She only ever truly opened up to friends that she's comfortable around.

Luckily, Rainbow Dash was just such a pony. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy went way, way back. Ever since the both of them were only just fillies. Back in those days Fluttershy was constantly picked on because of her shyness, but Rainbow Dash took it upon herself to stand up for her. In turn Fluttershy always tried to be their for Rainbow Dash. She went to all of Rainbow's athletic events for moral support, she offered Rainbow advice occasionally. More recently she was the shoulder Rainbow Dash could cry on without fear of judgment.

As she finished her breakfast she heard a nock on the door.

"Coming," said Fluttershy as she walked toward the door. Nothing could prepare Fluttershy for what she was about to see.

Their was Rainbow Dash at here door usually not to rare an occurrence, but she was holding a creature that even Fluttershy; with all her experience dealing with animals, had never seen before.

"Uh hi Fluttershy do you got a minute?" asked Rainbow Dash timidly.

Author's Note

So as I was thinking about how Rainbow Dash may go about raising a human, I decided to Google if any other humans had actually been raised by animals...the results were interesting here's a link too one of the sites I looked up :)
http://www.smashinglists.com/10-feral-human-children-raised-by-animals/

And before you say "mlp ponies are sentient, not animals", I know this, I just wanted to know how a human would react to being raised by a different species.

Meeting Aunty Fluttershy

Rainbow Dash knocked on the door of the cottage, unsure of how exactly Fluttershy would respond to seeing the little alien boy. Knowing how shy and timid the pony could be, Rainbow half expected her to freak out or something. So she braced for the worst

...Well she freaked out alright, just not in the way Rainbow was expecting.

"OH MY GOSH! Rainbow Dash, he's so cute! I wonder what species he could be? A baboon? Perhaps a squirrel of some kind? Oh how wonderful! I wonder if..." the excitable mare continued like that for awhile, lost in her imaginings.

Fluttershy suddenly became very animated and inquisitive, like a school filly, or Rainbow herself at a Wonder Bolts performance. Rainbow Dash inwardly chuckled at herself. Well, duh Rainbow Dash, of course she'd be interested in meeting a new animal friend. I guess I should have seen this coming, though (chuckle). Fluttershy continued fawning and cooing over the creature for a bit longer until she realized that she was leaving her guests at her door.

"Oh, but where are my manners? I'm so very sorry for keeping you in the cold like this. Won't you please come in?" Fluttershy said warmly.

Rainbow accepted her invitation with a polite nod and entered her humble cottage. She had been here a dozen times before, and it was always so warm and inviting, and even kind of homey. She had spent a lot of time there with Fluttershy after the breakup, its calming presence and Fluttershy's compassion probably helped keep her sane. Yet, that was the past, Rainbow was there for a much different reason. Fluttershy led them to her living room, where Rainbow nestled the baby down and made herself comfortable. There was the occasional babble of the animals Fluttershy took care of, but Rainbow became used to it. It was still early, and the little guy was still wandering Princess Luna's realm. I wonder what he's dreaming about? thought Rainbow.

"The usual, Rainbow Dash? Pancakes with orange juice?" our hostess asked. The pony knew her friend well, pancakes and orange juice was Rainbow's favorite. It was early in the morning, and Fluttershy must have deduced that she hadn't had breakfast yet.

"Thanks, that would be great Fluttershy, you’re the best."

"No trouble at all," she replied sweetly.

Heh, she can cook, she is a good listener, and really nice. She'd make one stallion very lucky one day. Even as Rainbow Dash thought this, she highly doubted it. Not because Fluttershy was unbecoming in any way, far from it, in fact. Heck, sometimes Rainbow was jealous of Fluttershy's natural beauty. Other mares had to work at being pretty, Fluttershy just was. She was way too shy to notice, but Rainbow Dash saw the way the stallions looked at her. Unfortunately for them, Fluttershy had no intention of being in a relationship. Not that Rainbow didn't try to convince her otherwise, but considering her last breakup, she was probably the last mare to be giving relationship advice.

Rainbow glanced back at the baby and heard his tummy grumble. Oh poor guy. He must be starving. I wonder if Fluttershy's got some of...what ever he eats.

"Say, Fluttershy, can I get something for him?" Rainbow Dash asked, gesturing to the baby.

"Sure, what does he eat?" Fluttershy asked politely.

The question was simple, yet incredibly simple, and Rainbow Dash face-hoofed for not knowing the answer. Haha...oh this is priceless I don't even know what the kid eats! Geez, this 'caretaking' thing is harder than it looks! To the distraught pony's defense, she had been awfully busy the previous day. After saving the creature from a hostile forest, in the middle of a storm, the question as to what it ate never really came up.

"Hehe...actually, Fluttershy, I have no idea what the little guy noms on. Actually, I don't really know anything about him."

"Oh my, how have you been taking care of him then?"

"Well you see the thing is, I only found him yesterday..."

"Oh!" She said softly yet confused, "Wasn't there a terrible storm yesterday though?"

The cyan pegasus was silent for a moment, and then proceeded to face-hoof for the second time that day alone. Doh! Way to go Rainbow! Now you got to tell your best friend just what it was you were doing in the middle of a storm! She was just going to have to come clean, and tell Fluttershy what happened. It wasn't going to be pretty, and she was pretty sure Fluttershy wouldn't approve of her actions. She looked at the yellow mare to see if she was really going to have her explain herself. The gentle, yet insistent look on Fluttershy's face showed that she wasn't going to budge an inch until she got answers.

"(Sigh). Ok, look the truth is," Rainbow braced herself "Iwasoutflyinginthestormyesterday!"

Fluttershy merely blinked. "I'm sorry, could you please repeat that last part? If you don't mind, that is... I think I missed it."

"Fluttershy...you remember my recent breakup, right?" Rainbow started cautiously. Fluttershy nodded solemnly.

Truth be told, Fluttershy remembered her friend's breakup very well. She had only seen her usually confident and strong friend in such a state when she was really upset. She had seen that look on Rainbow's face when they were fillies and had both been the victims of bullying. Yet, Rainbow had a way of dealing with bullies that Fluttershy envied. It was like nothing they said mattered, because Rainbow knew who she was, and nothing they said could change that. Fluttershy wasn't as...confident. Often the words and taunts of the bullies got to her and she ended up crying. Despite all that, Rainbow Dash was always there for her. To either comfort her or protect her. Now, that they were adults, Fluttershy still found herself in need of Rainbow's help from time to time, which she always gave without a second thought. Fluttershy was no fool though. She knew how one-sided their friendship was at times.

That's why she felt so terrible, because she couldn't comfort Rainbow after her breakup. It hurt the gentle pegasus to know that her friend was in pain, and that she could do nothing to help. Last time she had seen Rainbow Dash, she seemed to look like a mare that had lost her cutie mark, confused and sad beyond words. But, here was her friend before her now, having brought some strange creature with her. True, Fluttershy was excited to see a possible new animal friend, but she was also happy to see her friend again. She had a strange feeling yesterday, and was suddenly concerned about Rainbow Dash. She was glad to see her friend was okay.

Rainbow took a deep breath. This was going to be a long story...

Rainbow Dash valued her friendship with Fluttershy, perhaps even more than Fluttershy at times (weird, but true). She knew that everypony else thought she was the strong, tough and confident pony. And Rainbow tried very hard to keep up that appearance. Truth be told however, Rainbow Dash wasn't always so confidant, and often doubted herself. Yet, having Fluttershy as a friend gave Rainbow Dash a reason to be strong. So as long as she had someone to protect, she would never show weakness. Her loyalty to her friend had made her strong. Fluttershy returned the favor for her by always being their to support her, either by cheering for Rainbow at one of her performances, or just lending an ear on the rare occasions she did lose confidence. As with all things though, change was bound to happen.

As they grew up, Rainbow Dash found that she didn't need to come to Fluttershy's rescue as much. Somewhere along the line, her shy and timid friend had grown some confidence of her very own. Rainbow Dash was happy to see that her friend could handle some of her own problems, yet admitted to herself she missed the old days where she needed Rainbow to always protect her. Yet, part of what being a friend meant was to allow friends to 'fall or rise' on their own. It was just that, sometimes, Rainbow Dash felt like her friend wouldn't need her one day. Or even worse, what if she ended up relying on Fluttershy? That train of thought was what led her to gradually begin distancing herself from Fluttershy. When she found someone who she thought was her special somepony, she finally let her guard down. Rainbow Dash finally felt like she could just be...herself. Heck, she even moved back to Cloudsdale for him. Then it turns out the jerk had been using her...and guess which mare was their for her?

If you guessed Fluttershy, you'd be correct. She was still there willing to lend Rainbow an ear, and offer some simple comfort. Fluttershy may not have known it at the time, but her talk with Rainbow Dash had helped a lot. Unfortunately, that was just the problem. She felt that by breaking down and coming to Fluttershy with her problems, she had let her down in some way, even if the gentle pegasus said otherwise. Between being confused and angry about the breakup, letting Fluttershy down, and letting herself down, Rainbow Dash had done something reckless, and extremely dangerous. You know the story from that point.

"Fluttershy, why don't you take a seat this is going to be a looong story," said Rainbow Dash, moving over so the yellow pegasus could sit down and hear her story, "So here's what happened..."

Rainbow Dash summed up the events yesterday and what led up to it. Everything, from the breakup, to her foolish decision to fly in the middle of a storm (which any pegasus knew was a damn stupid thing to do), to her discovery of the reverse lightning, to the weird pod thing and the creature that resided in it. Rainbow wondered if even her best friend would believe such a story, after all Rainbow hardly believed it...and she was their for Celestia's sake! She just had to tell the story and hope her friend would believe her.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy's emotions were on a roller coaster throughout the whole story. Emotions that ranged from shock, and concern, from relief, to curiosity. Fluttershy had no trouble believing in the story of the alien boy, after all the proof was currently napping on her sofa. What she couldn't believe was that Rainbow had felt so depressed that she nearly got herself killed!

After Rainbow Dash finished, Fluttershy did something the cyan pegasus certainly wasn't expecting. She hugged her. Not a tight squeeze, nor a light pat, but one full of concern and boundless compassion, tears falling freely from her face. Rainbow Dash was at a loss for words. She had expected to be lectured, not hugged, but she'd be lying if she said she didn't need one at the moment. Then, Fluttershy spoke.

"I'm, sorry Rainbow Dash. (sobs) I'm so sorry, " said the gentle pegasus tearfully, " If only I was a better friend. If only..."

"Hey! None of that!" said Rainbow assertively, "Look, I'm a grown up mare, and I made a stupid choice. This is in no way your fault. You hear me? This is not your fault, ok?"

Now it was Rainbow's turn to give a hug. It was tighter then Fluttershy's, but just as compassionate. And, although she would never admit this, she may have shed a tear or two.

"You’re the best friend anypony could hope for. I wasn't thinking straight...I let my emotions get the better of me. I'm the one who should be saying sorry," Rainbow said miserably, "I should have known how my actions would have affected the ponies I cared about...but I was selfish! You have nothing to apologize for. But can you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

Fluttershy broke the hug, and looked Rainbow in the eyes. She was wearing a sincere and warm smile, her tears drying gradually as well.

"Of course I forgive you...that's what friends do," said Fluttershy simply.

They sat there on the couch, in that embrace, for a few more moments, simply glad to be in the company of another pony that cared so much about them. Fluttershy, was glad to simply know that her friend was safe and sound. While Rainbow Dash was just happy to know that in spite of her bad choice she still had her best friend. Then, the touching moment was broken by a gurgling noise followed, by the crying of a certain extraterrestrial.

"Hehe, guess the little dude is hungry," observed Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy giggled as well, and walked off the couch.

"uhm...did you still want those pancakes?" she asked as she walked into the kitchen.

Rainbow Dash however was preoccupied at the moment. She had snuggled next to the tiny creature and had begun to sing. It was quite a sight. The morning sun's rays gradually illuminated the two, as Rainbow was curled around the strange creature, as the rainbow maned pegasus began to sing a beautiful melody. Fluttershy, merely admiring the touching scene for a couple moments, never would have guessed that her usually brash and tomboyish friend could have such a tender side. But, most importantly, was how happy Rainbow Dash looked. After the breakup, Fluttershy had found that Rainbow couldn't give many genuine smiles. They always seemed...forced. Yet, here she was, looking like the most content pony in the world, and it was all because of that creature Rainbow found. (i)Maybe it’s a good thing Rainbow went flying yesterday...I haven't seen here smile like that in a long time. And it was all because of him.(/i)

~~~~

Fluttershy had finished cooking and set the pancakes and orange juice in front of the eager Rainbow Dash.

"Oh boy, Fluttershy! You've really out done yourself this time! Isn't that right little guy?" said Rainbow nudging the alien. She was rewarded with a bright smile, followed by some giggles. Meanwhile, Fluttershy blushed at the complement.

"Thank you. Please enjoy." she said sheepishly.

No, they had not forgotten to feed the little alien. They had debated about what he might eat, though. Rainbow Dash had suggested just feeding him pony food, but Fluttershy reminded her that pony food was geared towards...well ponies, which this creature was most definitely not. Eating something it wasn't meant to could make the creature very ill, a risk neither mare was willing to take. However, they both agreed that he was an infant of some kind, so using baby formula would probably be the best option. Luckily, as care taker of Ponyville's animals, Fluttershy often had to feed baby animals, so she always had baby formula available. The creature drank the liquid with no complaints, and thanked them with an appreciative burp, much to the amusement of the two mares.

"Uhm...not to be pushy or anything but uhm...,"

"Hmm? What is it Fluttershy?" Asked Rainbow, briefly stoping her assault on the poor defenseless pancakes.

"Uhm...have you named him yet?"

Rainbow was silent for a moment, then proceeded to face-hoof for the third time that day.

"I didn't even think about that! By Celestia, I stink at this 'caretaker' thing," said Rainbow Dash, frustrated. Fluttershy frowned slightly, and then spoke.

"I don't think your a 'bad' caretaker Rainbow Dash...just a little inexperienced, that's all," she ended with a smile. Rainbow perked up a bit.

"So...a name eh? ...How about Rex!? Or Destroyer!? The Ultimator? Oh, how about..."

"Uhm...Rainbow. He's only a baby, not a professional pony wrestler," interrupted Fluttershy.

"Yea but that would be so cool! ...But I see you point, Flutters."

"Perhaps Thomas?" suggested Fluttershy.

"Nah. I like the T in the beginning though," said Rainbow Dash, then looked thoughtful "Hey, how about Tony?"

"Tony?" Fluttershy mused.

"Yeah! Its tough, but not too tough!"

"Well...I like it." said Fluttershy approvingly. Apparently, the alien agreed, because it squealed with delight when it heard his name. Rainbow Dash smiled, and suddenly got an idea. She gently held the newly christened 'Tony' in her forelegs, flew over to Fluttershy and deposited him next to her.

"Tony the alien, baby...thing. This is your Aunty. Aunty Fluttershy," said Rainbow with a fake Canterlot voice. Tony responded by hugging his new Aunty, perhaps a bit tightly, because Fluttershy gasped suddenly.

"Oh yeah...sorry I forgot to warn ya. Tony's a hugger." Fluttershy then returned the hug.

"Nice to meet you Tony," she said, then softly added "Take care of your mommy ok Tony?" The creature let out another joyous squeal, which she took as a 'yes'.

Author's Note

Songs: No Place I'd Rather Be~Clean Bandit, Maps~Maroon 5

Do I smell a little romance between Rainbow and Fluttershy brewing? (he said smiling smugly)

And we finally here the little tikes name! It got kind of annoying constantly referring to Tony as 'the alien'.

I've heard some questions as to how long my chapters take...well generally I try to get at least one of my stories updated weekly. Taking account, the writing, spell checking, and just getting inspired, the writing process takes a while for me. ;)

I've finally got an editor! They go by the name 'themultiversewatcher'. A huge thanks friend!!!

Meeting an Angel

As the two pegasi were discussing more adult and practical matters, our dear Tony decided to go exploring. With a surprising amount of nimbleness, he slid off the sofa, and with a soft 'thump' landed on his rump. The cottage was filled with the sounds of all sorts of animals, mostly those of domesticated, docile creatures. Fluttershy took care of her more 'wild' animal friends outside. To Tony's perspective, though, Fluttershy's cottage looked like a huge zoo, filled with exotic creatures and wonders!

He let out a 'gahh' in what one can only presume to be awe, at his surroundings.

Just then a rabbit scurried by stopping dead in its tracks when it noticed Tony. Meet the notorious rabbit named Angel Bunny. Angel ruled with an iron fist...or paw in this case. His decision was law! Second only to their generous hostess, Fluttershy, of course. The rule of thumb had simply become 'If you wanted your stay at Fluttershy's cottage to be a pleasant one, you did not want to tick off Angel Bunny,' a creed even the most ferocious animals followed, least they incur the bunny's horrible wrath!

Eyeing at this new creature in his territory, Angel hoped over to confront the intruder.

He shot Tony a glare meant to intimidate and pacify. The reaction was rather...underwhelming. Tony merely cocked his head in inquiry, followed by his normal phrase 'gahh?'

Needless to say, Angel was a bit shocked. That move usually left his victim cowering! Puffing out his chest and standing upright, he took a fighting stance, letting Tony know he meant business! Only to be answered again with another one of Tony's typical baby noises.

Angel was appalled. Nothing seemed to intimidate this creature! He would get the newcomer to acknowledge his superiority! He confidently strode up to Tony, only mere inches from his face, with an expression of utter confidence. Unfortunately for Angel, he was now within striking distance!

And quick as a flash, Tony promptly seized Angel and squeezed him in a tight bear hug!

It happened so fast Angel only had time to utter a single 'squeak' in alarm before being pulled into in Tony's grip. He squirmed and pulled, but nothing seemed to work. Tony's long reach, mixed with his versatile digits on his forelimbs, made his hugs darn near impossible to escape. Even still, Tony's furry little captive tried fervently to escape his grasp, but he wasn't budging. Disgruntled, the furry captive finally accepted his fate, scowling and folding his paws.

Tony, on the other hand, was delighted to meet another friend, and all too happy to give the bunny one of his signature 'Tony hugs'. Holding the soft, fluffy creature firmly, he cuddled him mercilessly.

The animals witnessing what transpired were in shock! This strange hairless little creature managed to subdue the terror that was Angel Bunny? Why, it was unheard of, nopony stood up to the bunny! So shocked they were, they began making a ruckus at the sheer ludicrousness of the situation.

________________

Fluttershy's ears twitched at the sound of her animals in distress. She was surprised by what she saw. Tony was latched onto the poor disgruntled Angel Bunny, while Tony proceeded to mercilessly snuggle him. Honestly, it was just too adorable.

"Awww, Angel, are you trying to make a new friend?" asked Fluttershy genuinely, trying her best not to fawn over the adorable display.

A vein in Angel Bunny's skull nearly popped in sheer irritation, and he gave Fluttershy a frustrated glare. Then, it got worse.

Rainbow took one look at the scene and swore she could felt her heart melt a bit. "Aww, that's priceless! Looks like 'Tough Tony' strikes again," she said giggling a bit.

Humbled and embarrassed, the bunny slumped in defeat within Tony's ever-persistent grasp. Deciding to spare the bunny any more embarrassment, the two pegasi floated to them, and finally freed Angel from his captor.

The newly freed bunny was still a bit shaken up by the events that transpired and, out of pure spite, stuck his tongue out at his former tormentor. Fluttershy gave him a disapproving look, but the rabbit looked unapologetic. After all the creature had assaulted him on his turf, why should he care?

Unfortunately, Tony didn't like being separated from his furry little friend. His eyes began to water, and his face held a look of disappointment. Before anypony could react, Tony started bawling.

"Wahhhhhh! Waaaaaaahhhhhhh!" he squealed.

"Aww geez, not again," complained Rainbow Dash, "Shhhh it’s ok, it’s ok Tony". Despite her coddling, the unconscionable baby continued bawling. She tried rocking him, feeding him formula (which he refused), and even tried singing again, but the water works just kept coming. "Ah come on squirt, give me a break, what's wrong?"

Angel Bunny merely looked on at the odd spectacle. The creature that captured him, held him captive, and embarrassed him...was crying? And he couldn't help but feel...sorry for the creature. Angel quickly pushed these thoughts aside; after all he deserved it right?

Fluttershy looked on the scene unfolding before her. Her friend was desperately trying to calm the bawling baby but to no avail, while her beloved Angel Bunny merely looked on impassively. Then, suddenly, she had an idea on how to get Tony to calm down.

"Uhm...Angel, can I please have a word with you?" asked Fluttershy. The rabbit obeyed and hopped over to his mistress. Then, in a lower voice, she spoke.

"I know it isn't your fault...and I would never ask you to do something you weren't comfortable with...but could you maybe let Tony hug you again?"

Angel Bunny's jaw dropped to the ground! How could his mistress ask such a thing of him? How could he bend his own pride to even consider doing such a thing? He shook his head vigorously in objection, folded his paws, and stomped his foot in indignation.

"I know you two haven't gotten started on the right hoof...but I think you two could make good friends," the gentle pegasus continued. Angel scoffed at the idea but Fluttershy continued, "He didn't mean to scare or embarrass you Angel. He's just a baby, just like you once were." Angel's cold expression softened at this, but he still stood defiant.

"You know how much I depend on you right? You’re Mommy's little helper," she said gently tussling his ears. The stroking to both his ego and his ears had finally dwindled Angel's indignation. "But, Mommy needs your help now, she needs you to be a strong bunny for her...can you do that for Mommy?"

The one thing Angel valued more than his own pride was his mistress's happiness. Angel didn't like it, but he knew he only had one course of action left. Bouncing up to Rainbow Dash, he tugged at her and held his paws out. Rainbow Dash understood. She didn't know if he could pacify Tony, but she decided to trust the little rabbit, placing the still squalling infant gently on the ground.

Angel Bunny took a deep breath and then leapt at Tony, giving him the biggest bear hug his little paws would allow. The hug's effect was nearly instantaneous. Tony didn't stop crying immediately, but rather hugged the brave bunny back. Then, little by little, the baby slowly calmed down. Angel Bunny simply held on to the poor creature he was once so easy to dismiss. He felt rather ashamed he blew this whole thing out of proportion, the baby wasn't a threat, and he just wanted attention.

With Tony sufficiently calm, Rainbow gently took him back into her hooves and began gently rocking him. His little tantrum having tuckered him out, and after being fed his formula again, Tony was out like a light.

"Whew, thanks for the assist Fluttershy," said a relieved Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy nodded appreciatively, but an indignant Angel Bunny taped his foot impatiently.

"Oh, don't think I forgot about you, little guy," she continued with a grin, "Next time I visit, you can expect a really big carrot with your name all over it!"

The bunny’s mouth began to water at the idea.

Author's Note

Hello dear readers! I hoped you enjoyed this chapter. I couldn't resist having the cute little bunny meet Tony. So it looks like Angel and Tony have smoothed things over, which is nice.

Props to my editors! Themultiversewatcher and Citizenchaos! Thanks guys :)

Some info regarding the future of Tony's Exploits
1) This story will detail his entire life (so we're in it for the long haul guys)
2) I'm thinking Ponies and Humans age differently so...yea that will be interesting! :)
3) Due to being raised by Ponies he may gain some of their mannerisms, but their are some things expressly human that will separate him. (already were seeing it with his hugs )

The Human Hunter?

A couple weeks ago a huge thunderstorm was scheduled for Ponyville. Anypony with any sense stayed in that day. Perhaps they used the time to bond, perhaps they caught up on some work. One pony was studying furiously that day though. A recent immigrant to Ponyville, this particular mare was interested in the "unnatural" phenomena that occurred in the Everfree Forest.

Her name was Lyra Heartstrings. Most knew her as the renowned musician, but what most ponies didn't know was that she was a paranormal investigator as well. Ever since she was young she had been interested in mythology and legends. One of her favorite topics being of the elusive creature known as a "Human". As she sat on the Train to Ponyville she reflected on all the events that lead her up to this point, and her first tale of the Humans.

Her Grandpappy told her all sorts of stories about them. They were unlike anypony in Equestria because they were said to have no magic at all! Instead they had rely on their wits, and creativity. It was said that they came to Equestria in various types of ways through a "bridge between the worlds". In the stories her Grandpappy would tell her the Humans were always the good guys, they would show up whenever somepony was in trouble and save the day. They would slay evil monsters, and save ponies.

Yet, as with all things eventually one must grow up and put away childish things. Except Lyra couldn't let it go. Not to say she hadn't tried, but the allure of finding that mythical race, and what they could contribute to Equestia flooded her young mind. She traveled all across Equestria researching the weird, the abnormal. And her travels had finally brought her here to Ponyville. She had heard of the Everfree Forrest of course and heard about how dangerous it was. Yet there was a rumor circling around about particularly odd weather phenomenon in the Everfree just a couple weeks ago.

"I know your out there humans...I'll find you someday," Lyra muttered to herself.

~~~~~

Meanwhile

Some of the ponies on the Ponyville weather team had noticed that Rainbow Dash's behavior had done a 180. She went from sullen and depressed, back to her showy, fiery self. Indeed she seemed even more determined now days. Most ponies chalked it up to Rainbow Dash's indomitable spirit, although a couple ponies speculated she had found a different stallion in her life.

Yet, there was one odd thing. Rainbow Dash was using alot more of her holidays than usual. Now it's well known that Rainbow Dash can be a bit lazy at times, heck she was often seen napping on the job. Yet, she was so fast and efficient at her job that she could more than make up for the lost time. Lately though she seemed to take less naps though and worked straight through her shifts. This meant she usually finished her work load long before anypony else, and sometimes she even got started on the next days assignments. The catch? She was asking for alot more days off. Much to the annoyance of MayWeather the manager to the Ponyville Weather Team. Everybody knew asking MayWeather for days off was just begging to be told off, the veteran Weather Manager who was all about efficiency, and firmly believed that everypony should give their all during work hours. Needless to say MayWeather and Rainbow Dash butted heads. Like the were currently doing in MayWeathers office.

"WHAT! Your asking for another day off!" yelled MayWeather. The pony was positively fuming at this point while Rainbow Dash meely leaned against the wall with a confidant smile.

"Why you aragont little...what makes you think you deserve all these days off huh? " MayWeather demanded "You think that just because you show up to work and actually do, gee I dont know ACTUAL WORK that your entitled to all these days off!"

If Rainbow Dash was intimidated she sure didn't show it. She cassually trotted up and handed her a file.

"Whats this suppose to be" MayWeather said somewhat bemused.

"Oh nothing much just the assignments for the nest couple days Stocked, Droped and Loaded!" Rainbow said smoothly with a waving motion of her hoof for emphasis.

MayWeather looked positively ready to explode by this point, but before she could say anything Rainbow Dash continued.

"See I know you Boss. If there's one thing you love, its efficiency. You've kept me around this long because of how fast I can get the job done, and how fast I can pick up the slack if we're ever running late."

MayWeather gave the cyan pegusus a good long glare, and finally sighed.

"Celestia damn it Rainbow Dash if you aren't right! But would it kill ya to even give a tiny ounce of respect for your job?"

"Woa Boss! Don't get it twisted. I love this job, and I like working here. I may not look like it but I do care about this job" Rainbow attested.

"Humph. Attitude kid. It's about attitude," MayWeather said breaking it down "Sure your fast, but if your constantly taking naps think about what that means for the other workers will ya? How would you react to a worker who could do twice the amount of work you could do and naps the rest of her shift?"

Rainbow Dash considered her words for a minute, but things were different now. She wasn't doing this for herself she had sompony to look after and she needed to be around him as much as possible.

"Sooo....is that a yes?" Rainbow asked smugly smiling at the reaction she knew MayWeather would have.

MayWeather slammed her head onto her desk and Rainbow chuckled.

"Go, just go already." MayWeather said with her face still embedded in the desk.

"Thank you Boss! Don't worry I'll clear those clouds even faster next week" Rainbow said zooming off. MayWeather just mumbled something incoherent about that "rainbow headed headache".

"Im getting to old for this MayWeather concluded" downing an aspirin for her ever growing headaches.

~~~~
Lyra took a deep breath as she exited the train. The seagreen unicorn admired the quaint little town for a bit and had a hopeful smile on her face.

"This will be the place I finally get some answers" she though to herself. Already she was feeling the butterflies of anticipation welling within her. Lyra's other leads may have not lead to anything in particular but she was confidant this time would be different. Just then her stomach grumbled reminding her that there were even more pressing matters.

With a blush she admitted "Hehe maybe I should go get some lunch, before I go human hunting?"

So with those words Lyra Heartstrings journeyed into Ponyville, with hope in her heart and a rummbly tummy.
~~~~

Rainbow Dash on the other hand zoomed away at breakneck speeds to reach Fluttershy's cottage, but perhaps just a little to fast. She was coming in on Fluttershy's cottage a little to hot!

CRASH!

"Rainbow Dash are you alright" called a concerned voice. Fluttershy immediately rushed over to her friend.

"Im fine, im fine sop your fussing" Rainbow quickly regaining her posture and trying to preserve what little shred of pride was left "I was, I was just trying out a new technique! Yea a new technique!"

Fluttershy cocked in eyebrow in disbelief but didn't peruse the matter. She had a more pressing question.

"Your here awfully early Rainbow Dash...gasp! Did something happen at work? Are you okay?" The yellow pegusus begain to launch herself into a worrying fit.

"Woa, woa, calm down! Nothing bad happened at the Weather Station. Honest." She said crossing her heart with her hooves.

Fluttershy looked visibly more relaxed, and took a deep breath "That is a relief. I thought something might have happened" she said putting a hoof to her heart checking her pulse.

"Nah. I was just telling the Boss-lady I worked extra hard so I deserved a little down time. So now I get to spend time with my two favorite ponies in all of Equesria" The mischievous Pegasus said with a wink.

Fluttershy blushed a bit, but retorted, "Nice try but I know why your really here. Follow me he's asleep in the living room."

As they trotted to the living room though Rainbow gently bumped Fluttershy "Hey I meant what I said back there. Thanks for helping me take care of this little rascal Fluttershy. Celestia knows I couldn't handle a foal all by myself."

"Oh but he's just been a little angel Rainbow Dash. Honestly watching him along with my other animals has been no trouble at all" She said almost proudly. However a certain exhausted bunny passing by merely rolled his eyes. She had no idea the lengths he had to go to to keep Tony out of trouble. The infant had a curiosity that would put a cat's to shame!

"No trouble for you maybe..." The bunny thought. Yet for all the trouble Tony caused him he had grown rather attached to the infant. He hoped over to where Tony was sleeping and snuggled next to him.

Author's Note

Yea at this point in time Rainbow Dash isn't the manager of the Ponyville Weather Team just yet. So introducing Weather Manager "MayWeather"! Ohhh she can't stand Rainbow but at the same time she knows she needs Dash. It's a vicious cycle for her a hilarious one for us.

For Rainbow Dash's personality and language im sort of drawing from the character Yusuke Urameshi from Yu Yu Hakusho. His blunt, yet honest answers, his sarcasm, but his over all concern I think jives well with Rainbow Dash's personality.

Also "Enter Lyra Heartstrings"!

I may elaborate more with Angel and Tony's interactions but I in vision something like...this for them

Investigation's in Ernest!

Lyra had witlessly explored the town looking for a good place to grab some lunch. Some of the local residents had recommended a little bakery called SugarCube Corner. She had begun to make her way the bakery. She took the time to admire the little town, it was so very different than Canterlot. For one their were none of those pompous fancy-smancy types, everypony around here seemed to lead rather simple, charmed lives. Lyra inwardly chuckled she was probably over romanticizing this place but she could definitely see herself returning here, for reasons other than research.

She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice that another equally oblivious pony was heading straight for her! The two oblivious ponies collided causing Lyra to drop her backpack and notes.

"Oh no my notes!" Lyra shouted. Desperately grabbing at her notes.

"Oh Im so sorry! I wasn't paying attention!" the other pony said, helping her recover her notes. After a bit of struggling they finally managed to secure all notes and Lyra breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thanks! I don't know what I would have done if anything happened to those notes." Lyra explained.

"It was my fault really I'm usually more observant it's just...I've been so busy lately..." the other mare tried to explain.

"It's okay, no harm done. I should also apologize. I was just daydreaming and here we are. Hehe Mom always said I spent so much time with my head in the clouds that I may as well have been born a pegusus!"

This got a chuckle out of the other mare. The mare in question was a Earth pony and had a Vanilla coat, with blue and pink highlights and baby blue eyes.

"Oh sorry Im Bonbon. Sorry again about bumping into you" the Earth pony said timidly.

"No worries I was just on my way to get something to eat, when I started daydreaming" Lyra explained.

"Really? I happen to have a Candy Shop and to apologize I'll let you have anything off the shelf free of charge!" Bonbon offered. Looking at the Earth pony's pleading eyes Lyra felt she would have broken her heart if she refused, plus the offer of free treats was too tempting for Lyra to resist.

"Hehe okay sounds good! I like sweets just as much as anypony" she relented.

Bonbon smiled and clapped in joy "Oh thank you! We have a wonderful selection to choose from!"

With that the two mares walked down the streets of Ponyville.

~~~~~

Meanwhile

Rainbow and Fluttershy had got to talking again. True they had taken Tony in but they still had no real idea what he was. At first it seemed like taking care of him would be just like any other foal, however they soon began to realize this wasn't the case.

Rainbow had noticed that Tony had begun growing in a nice pair of chompers and had the nibble marks to prove it. The boy was teething, not just ordinary pony teeth either...he was going a rather impressive set of canines. She tried not to imagine the worse, after all Tony seemed so defenseless. Fluttershy even pointed out that many creatures like raccoons and bears have canines, but it was still a bit unsettling to think that Tony could be a predator.

Add that along with the boy's habit of grabbing everything in sight, he had also taken a liking to stuffing anything not nailed down into his mouth. On top of that they realized that his developmental stage was probably longer than a ponies. By the age of two most foals could walk and talk easily enough, yet this was not the case for Tony. It was as if he were still a newborn, causing no end of worry on the part of his adoptive mothers. True they tried to stay optimistic, but since they knew so little of him they couldn't know if something was wrong with him or not. Despite her appearance Rainbow feared the worst for her adoptive son, she worried that by taking him in she had somehow harmed him. Was their a chance that their was some trick to raising him that they weren't getting? Maybe he wouldn't turn out anything like a pony! Yet, they both knew that they needed to keep him safe. They both glanced over the alien baby with concern.

"Flutters... I've been thinking," Rainbow said contemplatively.

"About what?" Fluttershy inquired.

"We...we don't really know much about Tony" Rainbow admitted. Fluttershy nodded, even with her innate fascination with animals, Tony still surprised her every now and again. They both learned alot since their first days taking him in, but their was still so much they were ignorant about.

"So I've been thinking...you remember that pod. The one that I said Tony came from?"

"Yes...do you think maybe...?" Fluttershy began

"I do. I think that pod may have some answers about Tony...I think I have to go find it." Rainbow said definitively.

They were quiet for a moment, their was apprehension in the air. True they might find answers, but what if they didn't like them? Or worse what if their were no answers at all. Yet, every day they held off was another day Tony grew and their lack of knowledge became more and more apparent. He had begun to refuse the baby food, and was becoming more fussy. It could be simple toddler behavior but...there was a chance it was more.

"I...I think your right Rainbow Dash. We are playing at caregivers but we don't even know that much about who we are caring for." Fluttershy stated. Rainbow Dash winced at the statement. The headstrong pegusus would have liked to have believe that maybe, just maybe her determination and instinct would be enough to take care of Tony, but it was becoming readily apparent that it might not be so simple.

"Yet," Fluttershy added "I think we're both in this to the end. Im not going to give up on Tony and I know you aren't."

"So...you agree with me?" Rainbow inquired.

"...yes. I'll even go check the Ponyville Library and see what I can find." Flutterhshy said with conviction. Rainbow as impressed, she knew Fluttershy didn't like even going into town that much due to her social anxiety. The rainbow Pegasus gave her friend a hug.

"Thanks Flutters that would mean a lot to me." Rainbow Dash said with a smile.

Fluttershy smiled for a minute then looked at the friend concerned "But...you're going back into the Everfree too look for the pod?"

"Well...yea. I mean it's as good a place as any to look for answers right?"

Fluttershy seemed skeptical "You said it was dark and raining when you found Tony, could you even find the pod again? Plus the creatures of the Everfree won't be driven away by the storm...it seems like a long shot..."

Rainbow nodded her head "Yea it'll be dangerous but...I don't know... I feel like it needs to be done Fluttershy."

Fluttershy saw the familiar look of determination in Rainbow's eye and sighed,

"Okay, okay just...be safe," she picked up Tony and squeezed his cheeks and her own for emphasis for a pout "for both our sakes"

Rainbow broke into a fit of giggles seeing the ridiculous expressions of the Pegusus and toddler.

"I promise...especially with those expressions! No monster is gonna keep me away form you two." she said giving them a big hug.

~~~~~~

Meanwhile

On their way to Bonbon's Candy Store, Lyra and the Earth pony had really begun to hit it off. It started off with Bonbon casually asking about the notes Lyra was carrying around. Lyra then went on to discuss how they were all for research for her fascination with cryptozoology, especially pertaining to humans. Interestingly enough Bonbon seemed rather knowledgeable on the subject and they chatted like a bunch of school fillies.

By the time they got to Bonbon's store Lyra had already caught Bonbon up on her leads on "paranormal" occurrences in the Everfree lately. Bonbon had gotten them both a drink and they continued their conversation in earnest.

"So just to summarize you came here all the way from Canterlot, to look into the storm we had the other-day? Specifically the reports of weird lightning right?" Bonbon asked

Lyra replied with a nod "I don't think that this was something fluke of nature or a mistake on the towns Weather management. I think their may be something going on here."

Bonbon took a sip of her drink and pondered once again "So do you have any leads?"

Lyra blushed and admitted that she might not have though that through.

"Hmm well if I were in your shoes I'd cover the bases."

"Cover my bases?" Lyra inquired.

"Yea you know. Check to see if the storm was litigate, or if somepony was just fibbing" Bonbon elaborated.

Lyra nodded that did make a lot of sense, "Okay so do I ask around or...?"

Bonbon shrugged "Not sure. That you're gonna have to find out yourself. Ponyville library might have some clues though, and asking the weather team couldn't hurt"

With a plan in mind and a full belly Lyra was already feeling lucky. She thanked her generous host and was about to set out.

"Oh If you need lodgings you can bunk at my house...err if you want?"

"Yea! That sounds like a great idea! Thanks for everything Bonbon wish me happy hunting!" Lyra then set off to the Ponyville Library.

Author's Note

BAM! Another duo is born. This time it's Lyra and Bonbon, seems like their gonna make a great team lookng for the mysterious human.

Meanwhile Flutters and Rainbow have their own series of investigations to deal with.

Gee with all these investigators I wonder if they will ever cross paths?

And what of the Pod and Tony's mysterious origins?

To whom it may consern

After discussing her plan with Fluttershy, and with the day off, Rainbow decided to put her plan into action. Tony would be watched over for the evening by Angel Bunny and Fluttershy's animal friends until they return. Fluttershy herself was going to head to the Ponyville Library, and Rainbow Dash had decided to further investigate the strange pod that brought Tony in the first place.

She hoped that somehow there was something on the pod that could give her answers. To be honest she had absolutely no idea what she would find. Rainbow hoped things would be easy and maybe there would be some sort of "How to Raise your Tony" book or something in the pod.

Mustering her courage she flew cautiously to the border of the Everfree forest. She gulped at the imposing tower of trees ahead of her, then she gathered her courage and entered the forest. Rainbow Dash lightly hovered off the ground, like a hummingbird progressing forward. She continued forward until she could no longer see the exit and was surrounded by the trees of the Everfree. She was now deep into the forest's embrace.

Her ear twitched at every sound, her scenes were on full alert, and to be brutally honest she was terrified. Now don't get it twisted, Rainbow Dash was one of the bravest ponies you'd ever meet, but there was just something unsettling about this odd forest. As a Pegasus she could use the magic around her to When she had wandered in here during the storm she wasn't thinking straight, but now? She could feel the eyes surrounding her, and she knew most of them weren't friendly.

"This is all for Tony, This is all for Tony" she repeated to herself.

Suddenly, she heard the crack of a twig to her left. She immediately dove to the right, got herself in a fighting pose, and puffed-out intimidatingly. From the bushes emerged a squirrel. It sniffed it's paw once or twice and then scudded away.

Rainbow breathed a sigh of relief and continued into the forest. She saw many strange things along the way, strange stone statues, a nearly destroyed bridge, and several other weird sights. Finally, she began to see some familiar territory. She could make out some of the scorch marks from the lightning, of the previous night. Then she was able to make out the pod itself! She smiled triumphantly and began to trot towards the pod.

It sort of looked different now that it was in the light of day. It was covered with so many bells and whistles Rainbow Dash just knew that whoever, or whatever made the thing was definitely an egghead.

She inwardly groaned at the thought. Eggheads just made everything way harder than they had to be. She was more of a straight shooter herself anyways.

She jogged up to it and eyed it for a couple seconds. Then she touched it. It felt smooth to the touch, yet cold. She circled the pod tracing it with her hooves, inspecting it more closely.

The top of the pod was gone and the glass that had covered it long since shattered. She couldn't help but think that such a cold metallic device was a rather "cold" way to transport a baby. Then she felt an indent in the metal. With her curiosity peaked she pressed down on it.

Suddenly there was a click, then suddenly there several whirling and twirling motions as the mechanical gears suddenly sprang to life.

Rainbow yelped and leaped back in surprise.

The pod continued to spurn, and sputter until there was a small "ding".

The contraption seemed to spit out a floating orb. It seemingly "blinked" a couple times. Then floated over to Rainbow Dash.

With what she had just witnessed it would almost have been excusable if she turned tail and ran that very moment. Yet, Rainbow was no ordinary pony. Still visibly shaken she instead stood her ground.

The orb seemed to blink a couple more times before shooting out a beam at the Pegasus. Rainbow flinched but noticed that strangely enough, it didn't hurt. The beam encompassed her body for a couple moments, the Orb blinked and "beeped" a few times. Then the orb stopped, it blinked once more and the pixel eye in its center seemed to be smiling, although Rainbow couldn't really tell if that was just her imagination or not. Then the orb floated back into the pod and seemingly "melded" back into the pod.

The orb was fully consumed except for its eye. The eye of the orb suddenly shot out another spurt of light, this time the light took a shape. Rainbow had seen a similar illusion done by unicorns called a hologram, but what really interested her was that the "light creature" looked like Tony!

Well, that wasn't accurate. He looked like an adult of the sort of creature Tony was but looked so different from him at the same time. She also noticed that the creature sported a rather unkempt goatee and matted worn hair. Offhandedly Rainbow wondered if this figure could have been Tony's Dad.

He wore what appeared to be some sort of military garments, however, they had definitely seen better days. It was clear that the poor creature had Tartarus and back. His eyes looked so incredibly sad, it was like he was on the edge of tears. However, this was undercut by a similarly strong sense of fiery resolve within those very eyes. Those eyes told the story of a creature that had seen the worst of the world and had survived, but at a cost.

One detail Rainbow definitely noticed that may have skipped over most other pony's heads, was the metals on the creatures vest. As an aspiring Wonderbolt, she knew the importance of metals, whoever this creature was Rainbow was sure he was important.

Then the hologram spoke.

~~~~

"To be honest...I don't know where to begin..."

"The incident nearly two decades ago?"

"The fact our world is dying?"

"That we are looking for hope...ANY kind of hope that someone out there can save us?"

"No that's not fair...agh! I'm rambling, so much for keeping first contact professional. Let me start again."

(Coughs)

Hello, fellow life form! ....no...this doesn't feel right. Screw it. I'm going off script."

(off screen mumblings)

"Yes, I'm going off script!"

"...humanities first contact with another species should be genuine...not masked behind false pretenses."

"Hello there. No doubt you are confused. If you're receiving this message then that means that...you are intelligent!
...Errr that is to say that you are capable of thought! Capable of reason! And...
Look...
What I mean to say is that...we are probably alike in some way.
We may be able to talk with one another."

"...my people...they are not long for this world...this message is a plea.
To any species...with a capacity for the reason...with a sense of compassion...
Please watch over the occupant in this pod. This occupant...is now the most important asset we have.
This "Pod Person" is the culmination of all our hopes and dreams."

"I don't know who...or what is receiving this message. If anyone is out there at all."

"But I choose to believe that this message will reach someone out there..."

"I choose to believe that this Pod will find a home."

"One where the inhabitants will welcome him with kindness and an open heart."

"...we have nothing now...only hope. Hope that one of us may survive."

"I implore you...to look deep within your heart..."

"Look after this Pod Child."

~~~~~

After the message, the hologram vanished and the eye of the orb closed, leaving one very confused Rainbow Dash alone in the Everfree Forrest, to contemplate just what Tony was.

Author's Note

Okay so the Hologram part is by far my favorite part of this chapter. Think of it like Leia in Star Wars. :scootangel:

So we begin to get answers about Tony. :pinkiegasp:

I've also got a pretty clear direction the story will take now. The reason for the long amount of time until this update has been a combination of Graduation, finding jobs and even a family member passing on.

Recommended soundtrack
https://youtu.be/X5y-Y7EumPk

The Meeting at the Library

~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile: In Ponyville Library
~~~~~~~~~
Ponyville was a modest little town with all the charm and comforts a small community could provide. Although even it had its share of oddities. For one was their rather unique library, for you see it was a library cut within the confined of a rather large oak tree. Thus garnering the name of the "Golden Oak Library". Within this establishment was an elderly pony with rather large glasses named Ms. Decimal. For nearly as long as any Ponyvillian could recall she had always been the town's librarian, indeed hardly anyone could remember a time she wasn't. Ms. Decimal took great pride in her occupation and even in her old age, the library was always in tip-top shape. She had dutifully served the town for many years and was quite proud of her accomplishment.

However, today the elderly librarian looked wistfully at a photo of a luxurious vacation spot. Ms. Decimal did love her job, however, she was reaching up there in age, and she was beginning to consider just finding a nice place to settle for retirement. Just then the familiar chime of a customer rang out.

Ms. Decimal had to adjust her glasses at the sight before her. It was Fluttershy. This must have been quite the occasion for the poor dearie didn't much venture into town.

"Hello, Fluttershy. What brings you in today?"

"Oh uhm...research...Ms. Decimal ma'am" Fluttershy explained in a whisper barely audible for most ponies.

"I'm sorry dearie my hearing isn't what it use to be. Come again?"

"I'm here...to...err read about exotic animals ma'am" Fluttershy stated with just a tiny bit more volume.

Ms. Decimal frowned. She hadn't heard what the timid young pegasus had said at all. She was about to say as much when suddenly the doorbell chimed again, alerting to the presence of another customer. This time it was a mint green unicorn, however, she sported a rather large backpack and seemed rather excitable.

"Ah! Finally, maybe now I'll get answers!" The unicorn declared triumphantly.

The sudden outburst sent a terrified Fluttershy scrambling for cover. Unfortunately, said cover happened to have been a bookcase which toppled over, spilling its contents and nearly burying the pegasus in its wordy contents.

"Woa! Hold On! I've got ya!" The green unicorn said and leaped into action, immediately began to dig the pegasus out of the avalanche of books. There was a tense moment of silence and Ms. Decimal briefly entertained the notion of diving in after them, but then both of them emerged from the books gasping for breath.

"Geeze! And they say words can't hurt you!" The green unicorn quipped "Oh I'm Lyra by the way."

"I'm...uhm...I'm Fluttershy" the timid pegesi replied. If she were a turtle she'd no doubt have retreated to her shell.

"Hey, come again? I didn't hear you" Lyra asked.

"You'll find that our dear Fluttershy can be...most shy around strangers." Ms. Decimal explained, "The poor dearie has a hard time speaking louder than a mouse to most ponies until she can get to know them."

No sooner had Ms. Decimal spoke, Fluttershy had quickly recovered and hid a couple bookcases away carefully eyeing Lyra from a safe distance.

"Oh, I see. Well than..uhm it was nice to meet you. I've got some research to do!" Lyra declared proudly waving at the cowering pegasi. Fluttershy let out a little squeak and hid again behind the bookcase. However, the mention of research had gotten Ms. Decimal's attention.

"Oh? What kind? If I may so inquire" Ms. Decimal asked.

"I'm looking for any instances of any "strange" creatures or "phenomena" around Ponyville!" Lyra declared with gusto.

"Shhh...I understand you're a bit excited dearie, but this is a library do try to keep an inside voice."

Lyra blushed deeply "Err...right sorry."

"Now dearie what exactly are you looking for specifically?" Ms. Decimal inquired.

Taking care to manage her voice this time Lyra responded "Well...I'm looking for any information on the strange lightning I've heard of coming from this town...or any information on "strange creatures"?"

Ms. Decimal pondered for a moment and smiled in recognition "Why dearie I believe the Everfree forest is just what you're looking for."

"The Everfree forest?" The name seemed to ring a bell, but Lyra couldn't quite remember where she had heard it, "You gotta forgive me Miss Librarian lady, I'm not all that familiar with the local geography just yet. Yet, the name sounds familiar..."

Ms. Decimal adjusted her glasses before continuing "Then allow me to elaborate dearie. You see the Everfree Forrest is a bit of a local oddity. The clouds move of there own accord, there are a number of strange wild beasts that also inhabit the region. There are a great number of dangers if one were to attempt to venture into the Everfree that is to be certain."

Lyra's eyes lit up in recognition. She remembered hearing about a strange forest where unnatural phenomena occurred, although she had only glanced over the subject. She wished she had studied the topic more before heading off on her expedition. Lyra sat down, digesting the info being given to her. She certainly would not have thought that such a dangerous place was so close to such a ordinary looking town.

"So chances are that any mysterious phenomena are in this so-called Everfree Forrest right? So that should be my first investigation point!"

"Well...dearie the forest is quite dangerous, it would be best to bring another pony with you, specifically somepony who knows the area very well."

"I see..."

"So tell me, dearie, what exactly are you looking into. Usually, I wouldn't pry but..."

"Nah, it's alright. Well, truth be told I'm a Human Hunter!" Lyra declared proudly. Ms. Decimal looked rather surprised.

"Humans? Why I thought they were just stories to tell young foals?"

"Ah, so you've heard about them?" Lyra asked excitedly.

"Indeed. Ponies now days don't seem to pay much attention to the legends of old, but back in the day, Humans were quite the tall tale. Much like the legendary Nightmare Moon, once there was even scholarly debate as to whether or not the legends could have had a basis in actual history" Ms. Decimal said with a light chuckle "Yet, nowadays it seems ponies have more pressing matters than debating the validity of old legends."

"Well, maybe those legends do have a basis in truth!" Lyra declared "That's why I'm here to uncover the truth behind the mysterious species".

Ms. Decimal let out a gentle titter of laughter, "This young one certainly is passionate" she thought to herself. As a librarian, she felt it was her duty to help foster that passion.

"So dearie if I am to infer correctly you believe there may be a human here in Ponyville?"

"Errr...not exactly" Lyra admitted, "Humans are usually heralded by strange phenomena, and I heard that there was a strange lightning storm near the area so...here I am."

"Indeed..." Ms. Decimal said nodding in agreement "Still this is quite the undertaking to look for a legend. If I may ask what inspired you to look so thoroughly into this? Surely there are other things a strapping, young unicorn such as yourself could be doing with their precocious time?"

"Well my actual job is as a musician, the lyre is my specialty...Human Hunting is just sort of a hobby I suppose..."

"Well dearie you've certainly gone out of your way for a so-called "hobby" but to see such passion and determination in one so young is awe-inspiring."

"Hehe, thanks...to be honest, it was another friend of mine who inspired me to come here," Lyra explained.

"Oh, how so?" Ms. Decimal inquired.

"I have a friend back in Canterlot, she's a bit of a bookworm, but she never laughed at my interest in Humans. She was just as interested in old legends as me! Although she's way more clever than me if I'm being honest with myself" Lyra admitted blushing.

"Well dearie you certainly have courage coming out here on your own just to look up a legend," Ms. Decimal said kindly "Back to the matter at hand, It sounds like your legendary Human might be somewhere in the Everfree Forrest, yet for that, you'd need a guide..."

"I see...are you offering or..."

"Ohhoho no dearie. I'm afraid these fragile old bones wouldn't be much use to you" Ms. Decimal pointed out.

"Oh right err...sorry"

"No need to apologize. Yet, you will need some young blood to help you on your little crusade..."

"Will any local's be willing to guide me?" Lyra inquired

"Unlikely," Ms. Decimal said in a dubious tone "most ponies around here keep well clear of the Everfree."

"So...I'll go it alone then I suppose?" Lyra declared.

Ms. Decimal shook her head disapprovingly "No, no dearie. The Forrest isn't something any pony can just walk into willy-nilly. Especially if you don't know the area..."

"So what should I do?" Lyra asked.

No sooner did she ask did she hear a slight muffling noise. It was Fluttershy who was slightly peaking from her hiding spot behind a bookcase.

"I errr...I uhmmm...I live near the Everfree..." Fluttershy explained "I overheard your investigation...and uhm...I think we can work something out?"

Lyra was rather dumbfounded. The yellow pegasus seemed as timid as a mouse, not just moments before. Yet, here she was offering to take her to one of the most mysterious and dangerous places in Equestria.

"Err...not to be rude...Fluttershy was it? But the Everfree Forrest may be a bit too dangerous for you."

At this Ms. Decimal stepped in, "Actually, she has an animal care shelter of sorts, near the Everfree. Now, that I think about it...Fluttershy may be one of the most knowledgeable ponies about both the Everfree and exotic animals."

"Is...I mean is that true?" Lyra said dumbfounded. Fluttershy let out a timid nod.

"I..uhm...I take care of many different kinds of animals, from squirrels to bunnies, to birdies..."

"Indeed our dear Fluttershy is quite the animal enthusiast; why I remember when she was just a filly, oh how she would go on about her animal friends, not a day would pass that she wasn't looking up a book for a new creature she just had to care for." Ms. Decimal said with a nostalgic gleam.

Fluttershy blushed "Well...taking care of animals is my special talent."

"Quite right Fluttershy quite right" Ms. Decimal agreed, oblivious to Fluttershy's flushed face "Well if you two are all settled I have other chores to attend to. It sure is lucky you two meet I think you two will get along famously."

With that, the Ponyville Librarian left to begin cleaning up the bookcases that had been toppled over previously. Fluttershy (bless her heart) had made a noble attempt but lacked Ms. Decimal's discerning grace regarding the Dewey Decimal System. Thus leaving the Human Hunter and Ponyville's resident animal caretaker to their own devices.

Lyra gave Fluttershy a good hard look, before extending a hoof in friendship.

"Hey, I'm sorry if I spooked ya earlier. I was just so excited you see, I'm currently on an investigation and I got a really good feeling about it!"

"Uhm...about the "Human" creature right? I didn't mean to pry...but well you were speaking rather loudly..."

"Yea I guess I did...do you know about Humans?" Lyra inquired hopefully.

Fluttershy thought for a moment "I...I don't believe so. Yet, the way you talk about them seems familiar."

"AH well, you see Human's have many stories, and legends across Equestrian history. Stories of them and their fascinating abilities."

"Oh...I see" Fluttershy replied, "Uhm Lyra if you don't mind what exactly are Humans?"

"Well, Humans are visitors from...another place you see, and when ever they come to Equestria weird weather phenomena follows."

"Like the reverse lightning you mentioned?"

Lyra's ears perked up in excitement "Yes! Exactly!"

"I see...does anyone know what Humans looked like?" Fluttershy asked.

"Sources vary, but a few consistencies are that they are bipedal like Minotaurs..." Lyra elaborated.

"Or Diamond Dogs?" Fluttershy added.

"Yes. They were naked with the exception of some fur on their heads,"

"Naked? Oh my. Don't they get cold?"

"Maybe. That's not really an issue for Humans though they have tons of contraptions and gadgets. I'm sure keeping warm isn't an issue for them. Humans are said to be master craftsman building contraptions that are as tough as Dragons!"

Fluttershy whimpered a bit "Uhm they sound sort of scary..."

Seeing her expression Lyra toned down a bit "I mean, Humans have also have been said to help ponies throughout history."

"Really?"

"Yea. It's mostly speculation but some legends have attributed the introduction of agriculture or electricity to ponykind. Admittedly these are probably fictitious accounts. Yet sometimes there can be a glimmer of truth too old legends you know?"

Fluttershy nodded, it made a certain amount of sense "Can you tell me more?"

Lyra positively beamed and continued her lecture.

It would continue like that for a while. Lyra showing of her expertise in her knowledge of the mysterious Humans, and Fluttershy listening intently. She only asked the occasional question as she allowed Lyra to do most of the talking. Lyra spoke with the passion of a pony who was truly passionate about something. like a foal discovering their special talent, or Rainbow Dash talking about the Wonderbolts. However, Fluttershy paid attention to it all.

Slowly the pieces began to churn in Fluttershy's head. These human creatures seemed to share a lot in common with Tony. Although she thought perhaps Lyra may simply be embellishing certain aspects, there was no doubt that her descriptions of Humans were strikingly similar to Tony. Fluttershy would have so kept this all in mind when she met back up with Rainbow Dash.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rainbow Dash stood in-font of the alien pod dumbfounded. It's true she had come into the forest for answers but nothing could have prepared her for this.

"Okay Rainbow Dash just think. I mean you just found out that you adopted an alien. One who's species is aparently gone. And that Tony may just be the last of his kind!"

The enormity of the situation hit her even harder. For a minute she panicked, and couldn't catch her breath. Maybe she should tell somepony important what was going on. Surely their were other ponies a hundred times more ready to handle the situation better than her right? For the briefest moment Rainbow entertained the notion of just, giving Tony away.

Then a new fear hit her. A familiar fear. What would other ponies think of Tony? Even if she came forward and explained the whole situation how could Rainbow be sure that Tony would be safe? Rainbow had just seen a plea first hand from one of Tony's kind that he was important. She wasn't the scholarly type but even she knew that an alien was an important discovery. What if some egghead wanted to open him up like some sick science experiment? Rainbow nearly vomited at the idea.

"Nopony is gonna hurt my Little Tony" she vowed. More than being an alien, or being important, Tony was just a kid. He deserved to be raised and loved just like any young foal. Rainbow admitted to herself that she probably wouldn't have been the first pony that would come to mind to take care of an alien, but she decided that she would have to be good enough. Besides, she had Fluttershy to help out, and that bunny to keep Tony company too.

With renewed vigor Rainbow Dash decided to inspect the pod a bit more hoping to uncover some more secrets. She poked and prodded the pod for a bit. She clicked the same spot that the floating orb had disintegrated into and the message played again. No noticeable difference, the same bipedal alien, with the same desperate message.

Rainbow was kind of annoyed. You'd think the aliens would have some kind of instruction book on raising their young but no such luck. She poked around the bottom compartment of the pod and suddenly heard a 'click'. A compartment opened up.

"Finally we're getting somewhere." Rainbow said with a grin.

As she looked at it's contents however she was left rather confused. It was filled with all sorts of trinkets and doodads, the purpose of which Rainbow couldn't even begin to decipher.

"Oh great. Looks like Tony's folks were a bunch of eggheads." Rainbow said with a dejected sigh. She decided to take out a long cylinder looking thing, and a red bobble. Rainbow kind of stared at them hoping something would happen. When that inevitability didn't work she fiddled with them for a bit. Then she realized something, the red boble and the cylander seemed to have connecting points. Curious to this development she tries clicking the two doodads togeather and was rewarded to see them fixate themselves togeather.

"Ha! This egghead stuff ain't so hard!" Rainbow declared triumphantly. The new contraption looked familiar though.

"Huh sort of looks like a cannon or something"

As soon as she mentioned that she heard a high-pitch whining noise, coming from the contraption. The red doodad began to glow brighter, then before Rainbow could react their was a blast of red light form the cylinder.

"Gah!" Rainbow yelped in surprised just as she dodged just in time for the beam to miss her.

"What in Tarturas was that!?"

There was smoke coming from the nozzle of the contraption and it seemed to have "calmed down". Rainbow checked herself to make sure she was still in one piece, aside than a slight singe on her wings she figured she'd manage. She also looked at the trajectory of the beam and found a small burnt imprint on the tree.

"Huh. Guess Tony's buddies came prepared for a fight. I wonder why they left it in the same compartment with a baby though."

Rainbow thought about it for a second. It made no sense to give a cannon to an infant. It was possible that somepony was suppose to accompany Tony. The she eyed the cannon for a minute and fiddled with it again managing to 'un-click' it. The cannon disassembled and she placed it back in the Pod. She grabbed some of its other contents and fiddled with them. She did this for a while finding components, clicking them together into various shapes, and then un-clicking them. For most of the other components she couldn't figure out their function. One appeared to be a cradle though, another seemed to be a pot. Rainbow figured that there must have been a dozen ways to attach these 'doodads' but Celestia help her she she wasn't an egghead.

"This stuff doesn't look all that helpful. Probably best to leave it here. I should head back to the cottage and pick up Tony. I wonder how Fluttershy is doing?"

With that she began the trek back to the cottage eager to tell Fluttershy what she had discovered.

~~~~~
Meanwhile
~~~~~

Fluttershy and Lyra had a long discussion about Humans, and various other cryptids. Fluttershy in turn told Lyra about the native wild life and the Everfree Forrest. However, Fluttershy made sure to not mention Tony. Lyra seemed like a good pony however, Fluttershy's instincts told her not to revel Tony to anypony just yet. Plus that decision should be Dashie's.

Fluttershy however, began to notice how late it was getting and knew it was about time to get going back to her cottage.

"uhm...Lyra it's been a pleasure talking with you but I really should head home now."

"Oh sorry! My blabbing probably took up your whole day! My bad." Lyra said embarrassed.

"Oh it's no issue. It's been fascinating talking with you." Fluttershy said with a smile.

"Yea, I meet somepony earlier today I can bunk with. If you wanna meet up later I'll probably be hitting up the library so I'll be seeing ya Fluttershy!" and with that the mint green unicorn trotted off. Fluttershy too began to flutter home.

~~~~~~~~
Elsewhere, and Meanwhile
~~~~~~~~

Three mysterious forces looked at their screens with grave expressions.

"This is unexpected." said on booming male voice.

"Maybe, maybe not. We should have accounted for this in our computations" countered a stoic voice.

"Well we have to deal with it now. How long do we have?" asked a female voice.

"Time is of no consequence, however this is a situation that needs to be remedied posthaste."

"Perhaps, however I am intrigued by this set of computations. I suggest we see how this iteration goes"

"So we're all in agreement? This iteration will play out?" said the female voice.

The other two figures nodded.

"Very well motion carried. Let us see how our dear 'Tony' preforms."

Author's Note

So Lyra and Fluttershy meet...this ought to be interesting.
I wonder, oh I wonder what is up with Tony's pod too? :ajsmug:
Probably alot of secrets (shhh) :pinkiecrazy:

As to the Ominious 3 figures...I was planning on saving them but you guys have been patient with me so I'm showing my hand a tad bit early. :twilightoops:

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I do have a "larger" idea in mind than just a quick little story, but it's a little tricky laying it out in a satisfying way. Let's just say that this story is many genres, I did pick my genre tags for a reason.

Hope you enjoy!

A Hop Skip and Lightyears away

~~~Meanwhile on Tony's Homeworld
This place was once lush and full of life, but that was long ago. Now the landscape is barren and dotted with the vintage remains of lost civilization. An endless desert as far as the eye can see. Interrupted only by the occasional cloud of dust swept up by the wind, and ragged remains of foliage.

Suddenly a loud explosion is heard destroying the silence.

Two hooded figures are chatting over the radio, they had been anticipating this. They're talking excitedly about capturing the last of "them". One of the hooded figures had spotted earlier something with his binoculars several large explosions going off in one of the "planted" sectors. That could only mean one thing, their trap had been sprung! Excited the pair raced off in their vehicles to the site of their trap.

It was a graveyard of machinery of all types. Many types of vehicles, appliances and several other features of a lost age. On any other day the two might have taken the time to scavenge but today they had a much larger goal in mind. In spite of their excitement, they still traveled cautiously. Finally, they approached what they were looking for in the center of the junkyard. The pair eye each other and then with trepidation grabs a device from his person and with a mixture of caution, and excitement contacts their commander.

"We've got it. We've gotten the last of them."

~~~Miles away...in an undisclosed location

Lieutenant Issac Crowley, was a rather unseemly man. If one were partial to judging based on appearances one would assume that the man currently draped in a cold, dark bunker pouring over maps and diagrams looked extremely lanky and malnourished almost as if the man had not eaten in weeks. His silver eyes that once held a fierce gleam seemed dull instead. His jacket was perhaps one of the only indicators that this man was once a highly respected and powerful individual. It was positively littered with metals and medallions; some containing a story, a strategy, and a victory.

Other metals brought only the memory of pain dismay, and fear for the burden placed upon him. One could almost mistake Crowley for a scarecrow draped with a decorative jacket if they did not personally know the man. Then there is a rumbling from his communicator. Begrudgingly he eyes the device, loathe to be separated from his dioramas and maps. Suddenly, he is risen from his crane-like stupor and excitedly heads to the site, grabbing Chief of Technology, Alicia Page with him. She was busy too, but when the Lieutenant explained what his scouts had found she knew that she had to go see for herself. They grabbed their custom military-grade vehicle and drove out to the sight. What a sight it was.

In the junkyard, they hear the familiar angry mechanical whirling of the Tri-drones. Then they see it. The mechanical menace stands nearly 60 feet tall, with writhing tentacles and with 8 burning red eyes. By now an entire battalion is ready and armed at the site eyeing the mechanical creature with venom. Issac and Alicia watch contemplatively as one of the rangers asks if they should "finish it". Issac lets out a small, careful smile and gives the order. At that moment a squad of rangers line up their Weaponized Thermal Ray Guns (WTRG's) and unleash unholy hell on the thing. The mechanical monstrosity writhes under the brutal assault uttering an unearthly wail, before finally stopping, with its eight eye-like vectors going dim. Issac taps his feet together twice and floats up using his rocket-powered boots. With a swift and brutal motion yanks out one of its eyes and yells for all of the Resistance to hear "IT IS OVER!"

The stationed camera's at the site had been recording and broadcasting the whole event. Thus, around the world cheers of joy and elation could be heard. For the first time in what felt like forever, it finally felt like the people of the planet not only had a chance at surviving, but had a chance for the future. As of this day they were no longer under the cruel tyranny on the mechanical menace. After all the fighting and planning it was finally over. The people of the Earth could finally live with hope in their hearts now that the enemy had been vanquished. Or so they thought.

Alicia watches with a bemused expression, technically the conflict had been over for several months now, yet there was symbolism to finding the last Pod and wiping it out. However, she knew that this feeling couldn't last, for she knew the truth, this world would not last much longer.

Alicia watched Issac floating above the monster, with a triumphant expression. She almost swore that his eyes gleamed the way they use too...back in the old days. He wasn't usually the type to be in the spotlight but Alicia suspected that he secretly enjoyed the moment. However, she glanced at the now "dead" machine with contempt, the conflict wasn't over yet. The Tri-pods may have presented a clear and visible danger but it was their "invisible" danger that was truly dangerous.

"This isn't over yet. The fighting might be over but the "fight" isn't" Alicia muttered to herself.

So among a planet rejoicing, Alicia stood the only one aware of the terrible truth.

~~~~~
Meanwhile... in a place beyond definition
~~~~~
Three impossibly tall beings with large bulbous pitch black eyes, observe the globe with deep intent.

"It would seem that this one is worth watching and maintaining," said one of the figures gesturing toward one of their projections. His booming, loud voice echoed in an eerie manner. Yet, his companions hardly seemed to have noticed.

"This outcome was well within our calculations though. What far intrigues me is the other one." replies a stoic voice.

"Well let us give them some credit. They have come a long way, they at the very least deserve some recognition for that fact" said a female voice. Her voice was by far the most empathetic yet...

"Your attempts to be more humane are juvenile and unwarranted," the stotic voice stated simply. His voice held so little personality that talking to the "Stotic one" it would be like listening to the wind.

The "Female one" simply let out a mock gesture of shock, leading the "Booming One"to let out a deep chuckle.

"Then let us return our attention to our other subject. I'm curious how the permutations will change" The loud one said, and with a wave of his long hands the projection they changed to a globe of Equestria.

"Now the experiment "truly" begins," the stotic one said.

~~~~~
Meanwhile in Equestria.
~~~~

Fluttershy opened the door to her cabin and let out a slight sigh of relief. She had put up a brave front today, going out into town and meeting other ponies, but now she was safe and sound in her home surrounded by all her friends. Unbeknownst to her, a pair of eyes were steadily trained right on the unsuspecting pegasus. Then suddenly in a flash of movement her unseen assailant sprung!

"Harry!" Fluttershy said happily "Oh I'm happy to be home too." She then proceeded to give the grizzly bear a great big hug.

"I've had quite the day...I was nearly crushed by books!"

Harry let out a concerned gasp and immediately scooped her up in his large paws as if to defend her from the big, bad world.

Fluttershy let out a gentle giggle, but gently wiggled her way free she had other obligations at the moment. She and Harry proceeded to go over to each animal and check on how they were doing. Most of the animals were content, Fluttershy was very attentive to their needs and wants. Then turned her attention to her newest charge, Tony.

He was currently enjoying a brief nap cuddled with Angel Bunny and his favorite plushie "Commander Firefly. With Tony's energy, it was a nap that was undoubtedly deserved. Harry the bear and Fluttershy were now left to their own devices with everyone occupied, a rare moment indeed in Fluttershy's cottage. Fluttershy decided to take this time to do a little bit of research. Her interaction with Lyra had piqued her interest.

Lyra's descriptions of humans were nearly a direct match with Tony. Fluttershy considered the unicorn's descriptions thoughtfully. In a way, it made sense that she had never heard of the term "human". Fluttershy was far more concerned with animals in reality than those of speculation. Still to think, that she would be taking care of a "mythical" creature was astounding.

She looked at Tony and considered the infant. She wondered what his parent's or what his kin was like. Lyra said that they had all sorts of weird gadgets, some were strong enough to compete with Dragons! Others were dazzling enough to confound even unicorn scholars.

Tony certainly didn't seem like that. Although, she noticed he had a curiosity, unlike any creature she had encountered. He was always trying to grab things with his tiny little hands.

Also, during the short time she knew him, she also noticed that he seemed to learn rather quickly. Tony would figure out, where Angel Bunny would hide during their little games rather quickly. He also got into mischief once or twice. He had figured out how to unlock some of the enclosures! Luckily her animals were such sweethearts and would never harm a hair on his head. On another note, he also managed to sneak his way into her pantry for a treat once or twice while she wasn't looking. Although, whether or not that was more due to Angel Bunny's influence the caretaker couldn't tell.

However, when she looked at him recently she couldn't help but begin to see him more as...a filly...as a young pony.

Fluttershy never really gave much thought into motherhood, but she was beginning to understand the feeling more and more.

"I wonder if this is how Rainbow Dash felt when she first saw Tony?" Fluttershy murmured to herself.

~~~~
Speaking of Rainbow Dash...
~~~~
Rainbow Dash was nearly out of the forest by now. Finding the pod had taken longer than she anticipated and its contents were strange and foreign to her. Even after spending a considerable amount of time fiddling with the devices she still wasn't sure what a lot of them even did.

Then... there was that ominous message. Who or whatever the hologram was it was obviously not Equestrian.

"Well there goes my hope this was all some sort of super, secret government experiment" she chuckled.

Still, the figure reminded her of a Wonderbolt in a way. The uniform and the way he carried himself...it seemed like the figure was some sort of soldier. Now the question was...what did the soldier have to do with Tony?

The best Rainbow could figure...the alien soldier must have sent Tony off somewhere he thought Tony would be safe. Based on the message is sounded like Tony's home was kinda wrecked, and she frowned at the thought. Rainbow Dash knew that if something happened to Cloudsdale that she would be devastated. Poor, Tony was an orphan with no way to go back home.

"So I'll just have to be a better role model then," Rainbow said trying the psyche herself up.

She was nearing the cottage now...she would have to tell Fluttershy everything...this was going to be hard.

Rainbow took a deep breath and entered the cottage.

~~~~~

Lyra Heartstrings was in a particularly good mood. Admittedly she had reservations about dropping everything and going off to Ponyville in search of one of the mythical "humans" she heard about as a filly. In spite of everything Lyra really felt that her investigation was onto a good start. The unicorn already had a possible source, her new acquaintance Fluttershy. The timid pegasus might just be able to help Lyra uncover the truth behind things.

The library also had a lot of information. There were maps and news clippings, all the perfect materials to look into the mysterious occurrences in the Everfree. Granted she suddenly found herself carrying quite a load, turns out words may not hurt you but they sure are heavy!

Lyra grunted with visible effort trying to drag her bounty along her way. Ponies would walk past with visible looks of confusion but would more than likely just continue trotting along. Honestly, Lyra was kinda hoping some pony might help her out but based on the expressions from everyponies faces it looked like that wasn't going to be an option.

"Geeze wouldn't it be great to have a little bit of help with all this?" Lyra wandered out loud, hoping to evoke some sort of response. For a second it seemed like no one had heard the poor unicorn, then suddenly she heard a soft, delicate "ahem".

The voice came from an unlikely source, it was a regal looking unicorn, who looked far more like a pony she'd meet in Canterlot than in a place like Ponyville. Indeed, she even had an ensemble that was straight out of a fashion magazine, an ornate, race hat paired with a stylish set of sunglases.

"Why darling you're approach is all off. Here allow me." the unicorn said with poise and precision. Then with a dramatic wave of her mane, the ivory unicorn let out a feminine sigh "Oh my if only there were some, big, strong stallion that could possibly help my dear friend."

Lyra was dumbstruck, partially because she couldn't believe there was any pony gutsy enough to try something like that. Even more confounding it worked! Suddenly a couple of the stallions walking past stopped dead in their tracks and galloped straight toward her load of research. Now they were fighting over who would have the "honor" of carrying her luggage.

The ivory unicorn must have seen Lyra's face because she giggled slightly "it's all about the flourish darling." With that, the mysterious unicorn trotted off.

"Flourish huh... I gotta remember that" Lyra said thoughtfully. If nothing else this town was filled to the brim with interesting pones. Suddenly her pondering was interrupted.

"Err excuse me miss? Where do you want all this stuff?" asked one of the stallions that were currently straining under the weight of her luggage.

"That...is a good question" Lyra admitted. The crowd of stallions holding her luggage all groaned. "Okay, okay give me a second okay? You all volunteered after all." They grumbled irritably still but admitted quieted down.

"Now...where can I stay for the night?" A hotel wouldn't do, she needed someplace where she could reside for a while and compile her research. She needed someone who wouldn't mind her lodging either. She briefly considered Fluttershy but remembered how timid she was, Lyra barging in demanding to live in her place would probably terrify the poor girl.

Suddenly a familiar aroma crossed her sent. It smelt like freshly made candies! Just like that Lyra knew exactly who she could stay with. "Alright boy's follow me, and follow that amazing smell!"

~~~~

Ponyville's Premiere Party Pony had been rather restless for several day's now. Ever since that weird lightning storm the other days, her uncanny scenes had been on high alert, and now it was happening again! Somepony, somewhere desperately needed a party and by Celestia, she was going to give them one!

However, in spite of the fact that every instinct in her body was telling her otherwise, the party would have to wait Sugercube Corner was still open, and they still had customers. Yet, the pink earth pony promised to herself that the moment she was free she was going to begin preparations immediately!

Just then the door swung open. Revealing a mint green unicorn, and a pack of stallions trailing behind her carrying a ridiculously large stack of luggage. Such an odd sight might have caused any ordinary pony to pause in bewilderment, but not Ponyville's Premiere Party Pony. No, she could tell this was exactly what she was waiting for!

~~~~

Lyra looked curiously at the store before her a bit puzzled. Instead of a candy store, it was a bakery, someplace called "SugerCube Corner". She tapped her foot in thought "Well this doesn't seem right..."

"So we carried this all the way here for nothing?!" on of the stallions whined.

"Oh shush you. I figured the smell would bring me to that one pony..."

Suddenly the door barged open, there was a flash of pink and suddenly a pair of baby blue eyes were just inches away from her own "HIIIYA! My names Pinkie Pie!"

Lyra lept back in utter surprise "Gahh! Geeze don't do that! You nearly scared me out of my fur!"

"Oppsie dasie" the pink pony said cheerfully, "I'm super duper sorry. It's just that I've been waiting for this all week! I just knew somepony new was coming to town. But then nopony came! And then I said that's super weird, somepony new is most definitely coming to Ponyville! And here you are! I'm so excited! Are you excited?"

"Uh...sure?" to be honest Lyra only caught every other word of the excitable ponies little dialogue.

"Great!" the Pink Pony exclaimed in pure joy, then suddenly she gasped as if she had just realized something terrible "I just realized we have so much to prepare for!" Then as quick as she appeared she suddenly vanished, leaving Lyra utterly stunned.

Lyra looked to the stallions still holding her luggage for any sort of explanation, and was met with shrugs "Yea even we don't know what goes on in that particular Earth Ponies head half of the time."

Suddenly the pink pony appeared in a flash again, "Oh im gonna need these guys to help out with the preparations. Okay? Thankies! Bye!" and then she was gone and so were some of the stallions carrying the luggage!

Now there was just Lyra and two other stallions left standing utterly baffled outside the bakery.

"I say we skedaddle before she poof's back here!" one stallion suggested.

"Eyuup!" agreed with a red stallion.

"Sounds good!" Lyra concurred, and in a flash, the three were in a dead sprint away from the strangeness that was SugarCube Corner and it's strange pink occupant.

~~~~~

All three were exhausted, and gasping for breath.

"Did...did we lose her?" asked one of the stallions.

Lyra was too exhausted to answer, trying to recollect her witts. Looking around Lyra realized she was right where she needed to be. "This is the place, guys. Thanks for all the help but I can take it from here."

With that, she levitated the luggage and entered Bonbon's Candy Emporium.

The two stallions looked rather conflicted about the situation, relieved that their little excursion was over but kinda disappointed in the results.

"You know what...next time im gonna keep walking," one stallion said before walking off in a huff.

"Eyup" agreed the red stallion. Besides this little distraction was interrupting his work schedule, now he was sure he was gonna get an earful from his sister. He sighed and began walking back home, to Sweet Apple Acres.

~~~~~

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were reconvening, what they had discovered. Rainbow was surprised to hear that Fluttershy had found someone who was investigating the strange lightning and she was even more surprised that this "investigator" was specifically looking for a creature that seemed to resemble Tony a little too much for her liking. Rainbow wasn't sure she trusted this "investigator" but Fluttershy seemed to trust this pony, and considering how difficult a feat that was Rainbow supposed she should keep an open mind.

Fluttershy, on the other hand, could feel her heart drop when Rainbow relayed the message the pod gave her. To think that Tony might be the last of his kind? The idea was too sad to even think about.

"To think that poor little Tony might be the last of his kind?" the yellow pegasus said weeping slightly. Rainbow covered a wing over her friends back in comfort.

"Yea...but hey we don't know if Tony's the last. Could be they got things all figures out whatever he came from."

"I...I guess that's true.."

"Yea! Anyways that pod thingy has all sorts of doo-dadds and thing-a-migiggers. Maybe one of them can do...something? But I'll be darned if I can understand any of it..."

Suddenly a light bulb went off in Fluttershy's head "Maybe...you don't have too."

"Huh? Why not?" Rainbow inquired not really getting what Fluttershy was insinuating.

"I think...I think the unicorn I meet in the library might know a thing or two about the pod Tony came from..." Fluttershy said explaining her plan. Rainbow was silent for a moment.

"Flutters...you just meet this pony..."

"I know...I'm not saying we show her Tony or anything drastic.... She was asking if I could give her a tour of the Everfree...I could maybe lead her to the pod and..."

"and she can look at the pod and tell us about it, without us telling her about Tony!" Rainbow exclaimed finally connecting the dotts. Fluttershy blushed but nodded "Yea...if you think it's a good idea that it...."

"Whelp...I think that having somepony who knows about Tony's kind as a...whats the word...detective? Yea, I think having sompony as our own personal Tony detective could be super useful."

However, Rainbow pauses to gather her thoughts and continues "But...I don't think we should tell this unicorn buddy of yours about Tony just yet. We can just lead her to the pod and ask her questions about what she thinks of the thing."

Fluttershy nodded in understanding "Right of course. I'll be super careful"

"Whep it's about time to take the little tyke home." Rainbow trotted up to the sleeping toddler and gently scooped him up into her embrace "you know if we do manage to send him back...I think I'd miss him alot. Funny huh?"

With that the two now had a new plan and it all hinged on this new visitor to Ponyville.

~~~~~

The three amorphous, tall beings looked at their monitor with a variety of expressions.

"These Equines are very interesting," said the female one finally.

"They are far too trusting," the stotic one said in his usual monotone voice, "they should be more pragmatic in a situation like this."

"Not everyone is as logical as you" the one with the booming voice pointed out "I'm sure you've already seen all the possible ways this can go?"

The stotic one was silent.

"Oh is there a piece of the puzzle that eludes even your great mind?" said the one with eh booming voice, in a tone bordering on amusement.

"No...I see the possibilities...but they are not in focus like before..." this time the stotic one's voice betrayed an emotion the group had never thought they'd ever hear from him, fear.

"You're thinking too literally. This is just an iteration...one of many. We have been over the same routine time and time again. There is no significant deviation here, you are just hung up on the details" explained the feminine one.

"Perhaps...perhaps not. We should continue to monitor the situation until all calculations have been accounted for."

"Well we have nothing but time I suppose," the female voice pointed out.

"Was that suppose to be humorous?" The loud one inquired in an irritated tone "If so then your technique is severely lacking."

"Well...what about this Lyra Heartstrings? What do we think of her?" The female voice said changing the subject.

The loud one considered the question for a moment and then answered, "If she interferes...and becomes a nuisance..." His eyes glowed a dark shade of red, at the implication "Well I don't have to tell you...do I?"

"You're being too brash. I sense no danger from the wannabe detective. Her kind is far too primitive to pose any real threat." the stotic one stated as calmly as if he were reciting an equation. "No, the danger is their influence on the subject."

"So would it not be better to terminate the experiment and start over?" Inquired the one with the loud voice.

"If this iteration happened once, it's bound to happen again. It would be best to discover the reason why this iteration is unfolding the way it is before doing anything hasty" the feminine one chimed in.

"Indeed, I should also note that it well within my calculations that these Equines will be quite advantageous if applied correctly..."

"But if things get out of hand..." the loud one urged, there was longing in his voice. He wanted, no he needed to here his compatriots say it.

"If the experiment becomes to risky I shall terminate it" the stotic one said without skipping a beat.

"That is all I ask." the loud one said somewhat placated "Doesn't mean we can't still explore this iteration of course. These equines are still proving to be interesting. A shame really, they should have done what any rational creature would have done when encountering a strange new life-form...they should have destroyed it."

The other two figures nodded in agreement. True the equines would have felt the three's collective wrath but it would have been a fare gentler fate than what their new visitor would inflict upon them.

"A shame. Their world would have gone completely undisturbed too if it wasn't for this iterations strange defect. Yet, it can't be helped, the mission comes first."

The other two nodded "The Mission First, forever and always."

Author's Note

Wow some actual development!
Okay so admittedly I'm playing my hand a bit here. But I was kind of in a rut as to how to progress the story...so in order to progress I kind of had to break my own rules a bit. However, I think I've laid out most of the premise for the "endgame" right here in this chapter.

I think you guys are pretty clever so If you do have theories try not to spoil anyone unless they specifically ask your opinion okay? :pinkiehappy:

I've also decided to start moving the wheel on the timeline of events in Ponyville a bit. I think I mentioned this but as of this moment the story currently takes place a few months to a year prior to Twilight coming to Ponyville. :twilightsheepish:

So I wanted to start this chapter off with a different point of view. Namely Tony's former home. Looks like it's seen better days :fluttercry: This Issac Crowley fella, and Alicia Page...I wonder.... :pinkiecrazy: :raritywink:

Looks like Lyra is also getting settled into town. I wonder how her human hunting crusade will go? :derpyderp1: Also...I wonder who those weird ponies she meet in this chapter were... :trollestia:

And finally our Wierd, all-knowing Trio. I wonder what their up too? What is their Endgame exactly? :duck: They don't seem to think much of ponies...either...kinda sad don't they know how soft and cute the ponies are? :raritystarry:
Geeze those three...just got such big EGO's. Speaking of I wonder what their names are?

Disclamer:
Okay I know that I started off this story in a very "cute" setting. But that was just part 1 of my "masterplan". Now I ramp up the intrigue!

Sorry if you came for the "cute" hopefully you stick around to see where this all leads. Hopefully somewhere heartfelt and worthwhile. :scootangel:

Thanks for being so patient with me and I hope you continue to enjoy the story of Tony and his adventures.

The Evil Captain Angel Bunny vs. The Terrific Tony!

Somewhere in Equestria a battle of epic proportions is taking place!

Just outside the City of "Carrot Island" the evil Captain Angel Bunny has taken the fair Lady Fluttershy hostage! He has demanded the residence of Carrot Island surrender all of their carrots or they will never see the beloved Lady Fluttershy again. Oh isn't there anyone who can stop this tyrant's reign of terror?

"Bwhahaha! Now that I have Lady Fluttershy as my captive Carrot Island will have no choice but to surrender all their carrots to me!" the Sinister Captain Bunny said while twirling his mustache maniacally.

"Oh umhm...you won't get away with this you mean bunny you. I mean you should probably let me go. If you don't mind that is" warned Lady Fluttershy.

"Hhaha their is no one to save you now!" Captain Bunny gloated.

Wait what is that off in the distance? Is it a bird? Is it a Pegasus? Neigh, it is the Terrific Tony come to save the day!

"Gasp! So at last my mortal enemy the "Terrific Tony" has come at last!" Proclaimed the sinister Captain Angel.

"Your reign of terror over the people of Carrot Land is over!" said Tony defiantly.

"Bwhaha you cannot win! I am evil! Plus i have an eye-patch and mustache so ha!" The dastardly Bunny said mocking our hero, sticking out his tongue for good measure.

"True your eye-patch might be awesome, and your mustache totally evil, but I fight for good and good always wins!" Tony declared heroically and with that our hero leaped into action! As the Terrific Tony did battle a cyan Pegasus with a rainbow mane snuck up behind enemy lines to rescue the fair maiden.

"Don't worry Flutter...er i mean "Lady" Fluttershy. I'll have you untied and out of here in ten seconds flat!" said the totally awesome Pegasus, with the metals of her many heroic exploits glistening in the sunlight.

"Oh thank you, High Rank Wonderbolt Lieutenant Rainbow "Flash" Dash! did i say that right Rainbow Dash?" said the grateful maiden as she was untied.

Meanwhile, the battle was turning toward the evil Captain Angel's favor. "Bhwaha it is over Terrific Tony! Accept Defeat!"

Tony, however had one ace up his sleeves. His most powerful weapon of all! Filled with renewed strength our hero barreled toward the sinister bunny. Captain Angel Bunny's eyes widened in horror!

"No! Not that! Anything but that!" But it was too late Captain Angel Bunny's moment of reckoning had finally come, "Noooo!"

____

Somewhere in Equestria a certain Bunny was enduring another one of a certain baby's hugs.

"And so the land was saved thanks to the Terrific Tony, and Wonderbolt Rainbow "Flash" Dash. And for his great service the Terrific Tony received...Tickles!" Rainbow Dash said as she proceeded to tickle the infant mercilessly. Angel Bunny (forgetting his imaginary loss) soon joined in and together the ticked the little alien.

Fluttershy looked upon the scene unfolding before her, with a gentle smile. Their simple game of pretend had just started with Rainbow Dash keeping Tony busy. Then, her little Angel joined in. Next thing everypony knew they were on some grand adventure. Angel had come to take a liking to Tony by now and Rainbow had started narrating Tony and Angel playing together. Fluttershy decided the moment was too precious to pass up and fashioned an eye-patch and mustache out of some lettice for Angel to play thefole as "The Evil Captain Bunny!" Surprisingly they even got Fluttershy to take an active role in their little play. Apparently the animals liked their little play, because every animal whiten eyesight couldn't help but cheer at their little performance.

"Thank you, thank you. You've been a great audience" said Rainbow Dash triumphantly. Angel Bunny bowed for his animal audience and, Tony following in his friends example, bowed too.

Fluttershy giggled at the scene, the whole situation was just to absurd not to laugh. Her was her best friend, putting on a performance with a tiny alien, next to Angel Bunny dressed as a Pirate. Heck they all laughed, not at anyone in particular just at how things progressed and how natural yet weird the whole situation felt. Finally the Pegasi broke off and left Tony and Angel to continue their little "showdown".

"Hahah wow. That was a riot Fluttershy," said Rainbow Dash, coming down from her humor induced high "I mean. What even was that!"

Fluttershy was too busy chuckling to answer correctly, but she had a feeling she knew what just happened. She would never dare sing in front of other ponies but when she was with her animal friends everything was different. She could preform for them, and even sing for them, because she loved them and knew they would never hurt her. Maybe, Rainbow Dash felt the same way about Tony? Although never in a thousand years would Fluttershy have guessed her brave and confidant friend would attempt something like what just transpired.

For a couple of moments they just sat there, bathing in the afterglow of their joy. Yet, reality is a cruel mistress. Fluttershy noticed her friends expression gradually became more, and more solemn.

"What's wrong Rainbow Dash?"

"Fluttershy...Im so confused."

"About what?" the gentle Pegasus urged.

"About Tony! Well...yea. I mean he obviously can't take care of himself...and it doesn't look like he even comes from Equestria. He's just a lost little alien," Rainbow Dash explained solemnly. That was true, as much as a joy Tony was to have around, he definitely wasn't a pony.

"So, the only option left is to take care of the little tike myself! At least until...his folks come to get him I guess."

"Then what is the problem?" asked Fluttershy

"Me! Or rather if i can take care of him. You know me Flutters. Im an athlete, Leader of the Ponyville Weather Team and an aspiring Wonderbolt to boot. How can I be the best if I'm worrying about a kid?"

"Well you could," began Fluttershy, and then she was cut off.

"I mean it isn't that i hate the idea of being a...a mom" she said with a slight blush, "Far from it! The little tike's really grown on me you know?"

"Okay then maybe," Fluttershy began, before again being cut off.

"Argh! This whole thing stinks!" Rainbow said gazing at the infant and bunny playing merrily, "Why can't I take care of Tony, and do my duties? Why can't I be a mom, and a Wonderbolt?"

"Maybe you can be both" Fluttershy suggested simply.

"What? That's crazy talk. I mean...Is it really possible?" questioned Rainbow, "No. Even if i did decide to take in Tony, I don't know the first thing about him or babies for that matter."

"I don't think that's true Rainbow Dash" replied Fluttershy. When the cyan Pegasus responded with a confused look she decided to explain. "Like i said your not a "bad" caretaker. In fact i think you make a very good one"

"Really?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well...yes. Just looking at how you and Tony interact, it sort of reminds me of how I am with my animal friends. Your patient with him, your more open with him, and you look so happy taking care of him."

But Rainbow Dash wasn't convinced "...yea but I'm not the caretaker type. Plus we don't even know what he is. How do i even begin handling that?"

Fluttershy however would not be deterred, "The same way anypony handles anything "baby steps". If you really care about something then you keep on trying until you succeed. Everything else is in Celestia's hands."

The rainbow maned Pegasus was deep in thought, "Geez Flutters, you make it seem that as long as I wanna take care of Tony i can."

"That's exactly what Im saying," reinforced the gentle Pegasus, then added "and if you need any help you always have me. I may not have dealt with Tony's particular species but I still know a thing or two about caretaking. We can work it out together."

"Really you don't mind?" asked Rainbow Dash. While it was true that Fluttershy was her friend she never would have guessed she was willing to go so far for her sake, "I mean aren't you busy taking cake of all these animals?"

Fluttershy's response was surprisingly quick, "Oh Im sure i could make some time for a friend. Besides like i said "ponies make time for what they love," quickly realizing what she said Fluttershy put her hooves to her mouth with a deep blush. Luckily Rainbow Dash didn't seem to have noticed the comment.

"Wow. Fluttershy that means a lot to me." Rainbow said with an earnest smile.

Rainbow Dash thought about Fluttershy's proposal, about her work and dreams, and about Tony. She thought about how happy she was around the strange little alien, and quickly realized that now that she had met him achieving anyone of her goals would be a hollow victory. Taking care of him might not be as bad as she thought, she had lasted this long after all, and Fluttershy did say she would help. Yea maybe their would be some rough patches ahead, but hey! She was Rainbow Dash, she could do anything she set her mind too.

"You know what Fluttershy I'll do it. I'll be a mom." Rainbow Dash said, not so much as a statement but more like a declaration. From that moment on Rainbow Dash had a son, and Tony a mother.

Author's Note

Some random sillyness. :derpytongue2: Mixed with some seriousness. Hopefully they balanced out. The whole pretend thing is sort of an omage to a cetrain Story involving Toys :ajsmug:

Well there's no going back for Rainbow Dash she's a mommy now. I thing i've covered alot of the bases for the "baby" part of this story, next up Boyhood! :rainbowderp:

What do you think will Dashie make a good mommy? How will Tony end up?
Will the sinister Captain Angel Bunny make another appearance?

Stay tuned to find out!