The Duchess' Mansion

Chapters

The Arrival
The Employees
Protector
Visitors
Ponyville
A Return And Farewells

The Arrival

The magical kingdom of Equestria, home of the three human races. The physically strong and hard working Humans, the magically gifted intelligent Elves, and the Avians a race of humans with wings that gift them with flight. these races were once at odds but now live in harmony under their queen, Celestia the goddess of the sun, she rises and sets the sun for everyday while her sister Luna rises and sets the moon. It is at this moment as the moon begins to rise and the sun is setting that a carriage with Celestia's sun emblem on the side carries a young elf woman to her destination. The girl wears a purple vest over a white button up shirt, her purple skirt ends at her knees and is followed by a pair of long black boots with all the laces neatly tied, her long purple hair has a lighter pink strand going through it. She reads a letter shes holding one final time before arriving at her destination.

Dear Teresa Sparkle

I hope this letter finds you well, I require your assistance with a small errand. As you may be aware I am conducting inspections on all important figures political or otherwise, I do this not out of mistrust but for safety, these inspections are as much to insure that all my subjects are well guarded as it is to insure no shady activity is occurring. Now I know your aware of Duchess Rarity, she has a mansion not far from the small town of Ponyville and I wish for you to be the one who inspects it. You must simply arrive at the mansion and give it a look over, search for anything suspicious and make sure the building is well defended. I expect a full report of the Duchess' activities, her staff, and if the mansion is safe. Use your magic to send your report to me as soon as it's finished, I truly thank you for your cooperation and help in this matter Teresa, happy travels.
Your Mentor,

Queen Celestia
Finished reading the letter Teresa sighs and runs a hand through her hair to make sure it's straight, she left in quiet a hurry.

TERESA POV
"It's not like she gave me much choice"I think to my self as the carriage I'm in begins to slow.

"It's not like I wouldn't have done it if she'd given me a choice"And that's true, I'm always willing to help the queen if she needs me to. Honestly I'm just nervous, I've never met Duchess Rarity before and I need to make a good impression, my actions will likely reflect on the Queen.

"We're here ma'am" The driver says as the carriage comes to a stop.

"Thank you, there's no need to wait by the way, I'll be staying here tonight" I inform the driver, I step out and hand him some money for his troubles (unaware he'd already been paid by the Queen) and face towards the mansion as he tells his horses to get moving.

"Seriously?" I ask. Apparently by "We're here" he meant that he was in front of the long dirt road leading to the mansion, looks like I'm walking.

As I begin walking down the road I can't help but notice that there are trees everywhere, apple trees to be specific in fact it looks like an orchard that you'd see on a farm, I wondered if the Duchess allowed the citizens of Ponyville to plant things here or if she just really likes apples.

I'm interrupted from my thoughts when I see another person down the road. A human girl is standing there and seems to be looking at the trees. She is wearing brown cowboy boots, some brown shorts, a short sleeved white shirt, her hair is long and blonde and done up in a big braid, and to top everything off there is a brown stetson hat on her head. If my theory about the Duchess letting the people of Ponyville plant things on her property is true then this is most likely the farmer who owns the apple trees. I still have a ways to walk and talking to someone might distract me from how tired I already am so I decide to approach her, I'm a fairly average height and when I get close I can tell she is a bit taller.

"Um...Hello there" I say while trying not to pant to much, it feels like I've been walking forever.

"Oh, yer that girl I saw get off the carriage right? Are ya tired? Ya've only been walking round three minutes" She asks while looking concerned. I don't get out much so sue me!

"I'm fine.....what are you doing?" I try to get the conversation away from me.

"Just inspectin' ma apples, gettin close to ready for harvesting, what brings ya to this neck of the woods?" Great back on me, I don't really like talking about myself in case you didn't know.

"I'm here to speak to the Duchess, is she in right now?" I hope I don't have to wait to long to speak with her.

The cowgirl looks at the sky "Nah shes probably not here right now, but she'll be back from her flight soon enough, come on I'll walk to the mansion with ya" she says then begins to lead the way down the road, but something she said confuses me.

"Wait, I thought Duchess Rarity was an Elf" I stat as I catch up to the girl and walk beside her.

"She is, she likes to have Re- wait, where are ma manners? I never introduced ma self, my names Jacqueline Apple but most folks call me Jack for short, and whats your name?" I can't believe I forgot to introduce myself.

"Teresa Sparkle is my name I'm the Queen's personal student" I probably shouldn't always refer to myself as that, but I just love saying it.

"Well it's an honor to meet ya, so like I was sayin, the Duchess has.......wait a minute.."Jacqueline stops walking and I stop as well, there was a noise not far off the path, I wondered if I should cast a spell or something until.

"APRIL! SWEETIE! You two get out here right now!" Jacqueline's shouting startles me and I just stand there confused until two young girls come walking out from behind one of the trees.

The girls are the same age, one of them is a human and wears a pair of blue jeans and a yellow short sleeved shirt, with a red bow keeping her red hair in a ponytail. The other one is an elf and wearing a light purple dress and her hair is curly with two different shades of purple in it. for some reason neither is wearing shoes as they step out from behind the tree and walk over to us, everyone is quiet for awhile, I assume Jacqueline is waiting for some kind of explanation.

"We're sorry sis, we were just playing outside is all" The little red head says quietly, while the other one doesn't speak.

"It's almost dark out, you know I don't want you outside at night, and Sweetie you know your sister don't like you out here neither, and where are your shoes?" Jacqueline responds.

"We lost them" The red head explains.

"Lost them? How? Sweeties got at least five pairs of them" Jacqueline says rather confused.

"I dunno, we just lost them somehow, Is Rarity gonna be mad?" The purple haired one says.

"Nah she ain't gonna be mad Sweetie, You'll find them when we get you two inside, now follow me and Teresa here on back to the house" After saying that Jacqueline begins walking down the road again, me and the two girls following quickly after.

"So who are you girls? I'm Teresa" I decide to talk to them, at least learn their names, one of them was April and the other had only been referred to as sweetie.

"Well I'm April, That's ma big sister right there, and Sweetie here's sister is the Duchess lady"The little red head who I now know for sure is April explains, upon April explaining who she is Sweetie perks up.

"Yeah! My sisters really important! She bosses everybody around and I can too! except when....I get in trouble" Sweetie starts off strong but ends rather quietly. hey wait a minute.

"Your name is Sweetie?" I ask, not really believing someone would name their kid that.

"What? no my name is Belle, Belle Diamond, everyone just calls me Sweetie though" Sweetie explains, and I find that odd too, even April called her Sweetie like it was her name.

"Um.....Why do they do that?" I ask honestly puzzled why everyone would call Sweetie, Sweetie instead of her real name.

"I don't know, they just do" Sweetie says while shrugging.

"Well I'll call you Belle Sweetie....oops" I called her Sweetie even though I didn't mean to, But before I can work out the mystery as to why this is a thing we arrive at the mansion's front door.

"All right girls you two go find your shoes before Rarity gets back and takes you shopping for more" That gets both of them moving quickly, I just wave as they leave.

"Bye April! Bye Sweetie!....Darn it!" Why is calling her Belle so impossible!?

I take a moment to admire the foyer of the mansion, it's a rather large room with two doors on the left and right, and a big stair case in front that splits into two stair cases, with a painting sitting above the split in the stairs. the painting looks like Sweetie and who I assume to be the Duchess sitting and smiling together in beautiful dresses.

"The Duchess will be back any minute, how about you wait for her in the library? I'll tell her to come see you when she gets back" Jacqueline offers, I assume she has other things she needs to do right now, but I don't care, what I do care about is where that library is, now how to respond without seeming like a spaze or something.

"You have a Library!? Where is it!? ShowMe!ShowMe!ShowMe! I haven't read a book in almost six hours!" I yell while jumping up and down and shaking her. Not looking like a spaze, totally nailed it.

"Uh....OK, just follow me up stairs then" Jacqueline says as she begins leading the way, we go up the stair case that leads to the left and enter a door which leads to a hallway, after walking for a bit we reach a door on the left, Jacqueline opens it and my jaw drops, there are book shelves everywhere! This room is nearly twice the size of the foyer and it's...it's...it's just so beautiful I feel like I'm about to cry. Jacqueline backs out of the room slowly while I begin spinning in circles and sighing blissfully, oh sweet literature never will I abandon you again.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sometime later as I'm reading someone rudely starts tapping me on the shoulder, I decide to ignore them but they keep doing it and it's starting to annoy me. The more I ignore them the more they tap me or shake my shoulder, Until I can't take it anymore.

"What do you want!?" I snap as I turn around, only for my eyes to immediately go wide. I just snapped at the Duchess....I just yelled at the Duchess!! Crap, not good, not good, I'm about to open my mouth to apologize when a woman standing next to the Duchess pulls her backward gently and puts herself between us. It seems the Duchess' bodyguard found my actions threatening, just perfect.

"You, start talking" The woman commands me in a slightly husky tone, though shorter than the both me and the Duchess by a few inches her voices still commands respect. Actually she looks familiar, have I seen her before? She's wearing a purple set of armor with a diamond engraved on the chest plate, defiantly the Duchess' personal guard, she even has two sheathed swords at her sides. she's an Avian with large blue wings and her hair is multiple colors reminding me of a rainbow, then it hits me.

"Captain Renee?" It's gotta be her, Captain Renee Dash, she was incredibly famous in the army not to long ago, she climbed the ranks very quickly, she easily could have become a major, a colonel, or even a general someday, but a year ago she left the army, shes still in the reserves if Equestria needs her, but no one had seen her since she left, how did Duchess Rarity get her as her personal guard?

"Yeah that's me, The one and only Renee Dash, I have a feeling you're not a threat maybe a little rude but not a threat sorry if I scared ya" Renee says as she enters a more relaxed stance and I thank Queen Celestia herself I yelled at the Duchess and all that happened was I got called rude. Captain Renee than stands to Duchess Rarity's right, Captain Renee holds her left elbow out and Duchess Rarity hooks it with her own as silence takes over the room. After a while Captain Renee moves her right hand, prompting me to speak.

"Oh um hello there I'm Teresa Sparkle, I'm here to talk to Duchess Rarity" OK, rocky start to my first time meeting the Duchess, but I can salvage this.

The Duchess Is a pretty Elf, though her ears are covered by her hair which is purple, long and curly, she's wearing a simple but elegant white dress which goes all the way down to just above her ankles which are covered by a pair of high heel shoes. looking closer i can tell she has a thing for accessories as she's wearing three rings on each hand, on her left hand are a red ring, an orange ring, and a yellow ring, on her right hand is a green ring, a blue ring, and a purple ring. The Duchess smiles at me as she introduces herself.

"I am Duchess Rarity, terribly sorry for disturbing your reading but Jacqueline told us that you wished to speak with me, but she did not explain why. So who sent you Dear?" Duchess Rarity's voice is as elegant as she looks, it's almost musical, both women give me a smile as Captain Renee gestures for me to speak, probably assuming I wouldn't otherwise.

"Oh well the Queen sent me here" For some reason I can't think of, they both tense up when I say that and Duchess Rarity clings harder onto Captain Renee's arm. After staying silent for a moment Captain Renee is the one to speak.

"Is this about military action?" I just stare for a moment, not sure why they'd jump to that idea but eventually I shake my head and they both relax, I assume Captain Renee doesn't want to return to battle, and Duchess Rarity probably doesn't want to lose such a strong bodyguard. Captain Renee once again gestures at me to speak and I sigh internally.

"I'm just conducting an inspection, making sure the mansion and everyone in it is safe, and checking the staff to make sure no employees are untrust worthy" I explain to them, once again Duchess Rarity smiles before she speaks.

"Well that sounds reasonable, me and Renee will be happy to give you a tour and introduce you to all of our staff, but it must wait until tomorrow as it is getting late, come we'll show you to an available room" And with that the Duchess and Captain lead me through the mansion to a spare guest room.

"There are lots of people for you to meet tomorrow so rest up bookworm" Captain Renee says jokingly, she then once again gestures for me to speak and this time I externally sigh.

"I'd really rather you didn't do that, I don't need to be instructed when to speak" I say probably more irritably than I should have as Captain Renee narrows her eyes at me.

"Are you talking back to me?" She says in a dangerous tone that makes me shrink backwards into the guest room.

"Good, I like it when people speak their minds, all the yes men I met in the army annoyed the crap outta me" Captain Renee says while laughing.

"Then why did you sound angry?" I ask honestly confused.

"Because I also like messing with people. well I'm tired after all that flying earlier you feel free to wrap up here Rare I'm going to bed" Captain Renee says while walking away, leaving me speech less. did she just address the Duchess with a nickname?? I've never heard of that before. Duchess Rarity just chuckles as she walks up to me.

"Isn't she fun?" She says while smiling, I guess nicknames are cool with her.

"I suppose so, but I should get some rest too, I'll see you in the morning Duchess Rarity" After I speak the Duchess simply nods then turns to leave.

"Very well, we shall speak more in the morning Teresa my dear, Renee darling! wait for me!" Duchess Rarity then goes down the hallway to catch up to Captain Renee.

I yawn as I head into the guest room and close the door and lock it. I lay down in bed to prepare for my Inspection tomorrow.

Author's Note

This is my first story so I'm not sure how well I did, any comments would be appreciated, let me know what you think or how I could make it better.
Thank you for reading.

The Employees

Dear Queen Celestia

I arrived at Duchess Rarity's mansion without incident and met the Duchess. Did you know The Captain Renee Dash was working as her bodyguard? if you did why does no one know where she is? Well one thing at a time I suppose, now I have not seen much yet but everything seems OK here, I'll be sure to deliver my full report by the end of the day.
Your faithful student,

Teresa Sparkle

Teresa's POV

After sending my letter to the Queen I prepared for my day, Captain Renee said there'd be lots of people for me to meet so I made sure to comb my hair to make sure I look presentable. Now all I have to do iss wait for the Duchess or the Captain to come get me so they can show me around.

Knock Knock Knock OK there's the.......window?

I turn around and sure enough the Duchess is outside my window, I almost question how that's possible since my room is on the second floor but then I really take a look. She's not flying, she's being carried in Captain Renee's arms. But despite my confusion I go over and open the window so I can speak to them.

"Yo bookworm, you plan on staying in there all day?" Captain Renee jokes, causing Duchess Rarity to laugh, though it didn't seem that funny to me.

"I was waiting for one of you to show up so you can introduce me to the staff" I explain in a matter of fact tone.

"Waiting for us instead of taking initiative? I guess I can respect doing things the lazy way" Hey! I resent that remark!

"Renee Darling, Please don't tease her, Teresa we'll be right in, our morning flight is almost finished" Duchess Rarity explains before Captain Renee holds her tight and soars back into the sky. I realize Captain Renee must have been flying her around last night too when I met Jacqueline. She must be dedicated to her work to fly the Duchess around multiple times a day.

Not to long after that encounter they arrive at my door, their arms connected like last night in the library. I'm not sure why they do that.

"Teresa dear are you ready to meet everyone?" The Duchess asks, I nod my head and they begin to lead me around. The tour is mostly uneventful at first as I meet a lot of maids and butlers who apparently all live in the mansion, which does have a large number of rooms, then as we're walking down a hall we see a rather large man, he wears large brown work boots, a brown pair of jeans, a red flannel shirt and has short blonde hair.

"Ah here we go! Teresa meet Big Mac, He's Jack's brother. He helps maintain the orchards outside and is actually an excellent fighter, few people can take him on in hand to hand combat, Big Mac this here is Teresa Sparkle, she works for the Queen' Captain Renee explains as Big Mac approaches us.

"Pleasure to meet you Ma'am" Big Mac says before another voice comes from a door down the hall as it opens.

"Big Mac, those chores won't finish themselves! Go help yer sister with the orchard!" A small old lady screams as she comes out of the door while swinging her cane around. she has short white hair tied in a bun, and is wearing a green dress that covers her so well I can't even see her feet as she shuffles over. Big Mac just nods and walks away as she approaches us.

"Granny Smith always a pleasure to see you" Rarity says before she temporarily lets go of Captain Renee's left arm to give the old woman a hug before returning to holding Captain Renee.

"Good to see ya two too, I hope yer morning flight went well" Granny Smith says before looking over at me as if only just realizing I was there. "Oh my whose this?" She asks.

"This Is Teresa Granny, she works for the Queen, Teresa this is Granny Smith, everyone's favorite senile old woman" Captain Renee introduces with a big smile.

"I keep telling ya I ain't senile yet Renee! Honestly Rarity how do ya put up with this one?" Granny Smith grumbles.

"Sometimes I just don't know how to go on" Duchess Rarity says while putting her left hand to her head dramatically.

"Ha ha you're hilarious" Captain Renee says with a smile on her face, she then nudges Duchess Rarity who nudges back, and they continue on like that for a little bit, I notice a young girl that I remember from last night also come out of the room Granny Smith came out of.

"April! Good to see you again" I say as I run over to speak with April, she looks up at me and smiles.

"Hello Ms. Teresa, how'd you sleep?" April asks me while I notice she must have just gotten up since she's wearing pajamas and her hair has not been put into a ponytail, though she is holding her bow. I also notice that she is holding her shoes which she must have found last night.

"Very well actually, You and Sweetie have any fun plans today?" Thinking about it I haven't seen Sweetie today, Duchess Rarity probably knows where she is.

"I woke Sweetie up earlier, she said she was gonna head for the kitchen" Captain Renee explains as her and the Duchess approach me and April in the hall, it seems Granny Smith left at some point.

"Oh Boy! I wonder what they have for breakfast today!" April yells joyfully before running done the hall towards what I assume is the kitchen.

"Actually Breakfast sounds simply divine right now, lets go to the kitchen shall we?" Duchess Rarity says before her and Captain Renee begin leading the way.

As we approach the kitchen I hear a sound, it sounds like music. A harp? Why is there harp music coming from the kitchen? My question is answered when the door is opened to show Sweetie and April sitting down in front of an elf woman. shes wearing khaki pants and a green short sleeved t-shirt, she has green hair with a single white stripe down the middle. she's playing a harp while sitting on a chair. The piece she's playing is very soft and soothing, as the woman plays I look around the kitchen and I'm very surprised, the whole things a mess! there's food splattered on the floors and walls, many pots and pans have been knocked onto the floor, it's a disaster area, but the oddest part is that no one seems to care, everyone is just listening to that harp player, though Duchess Rarity is helping April tie her hair bow. I direct my attention back to the mess of a kitchen and see two tables flipped over, I can just barely make out what looks like a person hiding behind the table on the left side of the kitchen. The harp player then stops her music and takes a quick bow I join in giving her some applause before she speaks.

"Thank you Sweetie, April, Renee, Rarity, girl I don't know, as you know unless you're that girl I don't know, I'm Lyra Heartstrings and that was my intermission song, ladies you may now continue" Not a second after she finished that sentence two women popped out from behind the two tables I noticed earlier, they were both human, the one on the right side has hair that's half pink half blue, and a dress with matching colors, the one on the left side has poofy curly pink hair and is wearing a pink t-shirt with balloons on it and blue shorts, both women wear aprons and begin flinging food at one another from behind their table shields using pots and pans to deflect or catch projectiles for later use, the pink one even pulls out a crossbow and starts loading it with carrots and apples to fire. To my dismay I accurately guess that these two are the chefs.

"Patty! We are having a normal breakfast today! none of your overly sugary or weird crap!" the pink and blue haired girl screams as she lobs a huge watermelon directly into Patty's face.

"I will never surrender! This recipe, whatever it is, would be so much better with chocolate and hot sauce! I will fight until you see reason Bonnie!" Patty yells as she gets back up and loads her crossbow with something before firing it at Bonnie.

"Patty just this once can't we-"Bonnie stops so she can avoid what Patricia shot."make food without-WAS THAT A KNIFE!? YOU SHOT A KNIFE AT ME!?" Bonnie yells when she looks at what she just dodged, that alarms not only me but everyone else there too.

"Noooooooooooooooooo" Patty says unconvincingly as she drops a knife she was about to load into her crossbow, onto the ground, she then grins wickedly "Not like I need one to defeat you when I have.........wait where is it!?" Patty says as she begins to panic.

"Oh, are you looking for-" Bonnie becomes suddenly calm as she walks out from behind her table"This!" She yells as she pulls out a small cannon from behind her table and lights the fuse, the canon goes off and launches a huge blast of confetti and streamers that somehow destroys Patty's table but only launches her backwards onto the floor, everyone in the room goes crazy with cheering as Lyra runs over to Bonnie and gives her a kiss, Patty sits up and pouts while Captain Renee walks into the middle of the kitchen.

"We have a winner! Bonnie gets to decide how we make the dishes today! Better luck next time Patty!" Captain Renee says before walking over and helping Patty up.

Once she's up Patty and Bonnie walk up to one another, I start to worry until they give each other hugs and start laughing, then I'm just confused.

"I can't believe you stole my party cannon you crazy daisy! That was brilliant, I never would have thought of that but that's probably because the party cannon is mine so it'd be weird if I thought of stealing it because I already have it, so I should've thought you'd steal it and then stolen it from you or what if-" Thankfully Bonnie covers Patty's mouth with her hand until she stops talking.

"Patty, lets just start making breakfast OK?" Bonnie asks, then removes her hand when Patty nods.

"But first Dears, Introductions are in order, this is Teresa Sparkle she is the Queen's personal student and is visiting the mansion on her behalf, Teresa I believe you're already somewhat acquainted with Lyra here" Duchess Rarity speaks up and gestures towards me and the girls in the room as she speaks.

"Kinda, I heard you playing your harp, It was simply beautiful, It's nice to meet you" I say politely.

"Thanks but, this is called a Lyre, not a harp" Lyra corrects me, Now I'm a little embarassed.

"Hi there, my names Bonnie Bonbon Bonbon the third, I'm Lyra's Girlfriend and I'm also one of the two chefs for the mansion, I'm afraid me and my colleague here get into little tiffs when we disagree on how to prepare a meal But trust me when I say we are actually very good at what we do" Bonnie introduces herself very politely and gives a little bow, leaving my mind to wonder why her middle and last name are the same and why this is the third time there's a Bonnie Bonbon Bonbon, but before I can ponder anymore, Patty comes walking up to me.

"Hey there, how ya doin? your new! I like new people! let's be the best of friends! My name is Patricia Diane Pie, But most people call me-" It was at that moment that my blood ran cold and my life started flashing before my eyes.

"PATRICIA DIANE PIE!!?" I yell at the top of my lungs before quickly bolting backwards until my back hits the wall and I try to reach for the door, only for Captain Renee to grab me from behind and restrain my arms and face me back towards Patricia who is looking very confused, Sweetie and April looked confused as well while Bonnie and Lyra just looked bored all of a sudden. Duchess Rarity heaves a heavy sigh and rubs her forehead.

"This again? April, Sweetie, you two go play outside, I'll send someone to get you when food is ready" The girls simply nod their heads and leave the room.

"Why is everyone so calm!? Don't you know who that is!?" A chorus of people sighing is my only response."Patricia Diane Pie is the most infamous woman to ever serve in the army! She was blood thirsty on the battle field, the atrocities she committed are so gruesome most of them cannot be said in polite company!" As I begin to panic I list a few of the things I'd heard she'd done, lets just say blood, bones and internal organs are involved in way to many of them, and by that I mean all of them.

"Okay you good now? got that out of your system?" I just stare dumbfounded at Captain Renee when she says that, but after a moment I nod my head, prompting Captain Renee to release my arms, I decide not to freak out again as the Captain would likely just grab me once more. When my cooperation becomes clear, Renee gestures for Patricia to speak.

"Those stories aren't about me silly-billy, well technically they are, but I never did those things, if I had I'd probably be in army prison or something, no I started those rumors myself, I figured enemy soldiers wouldn't be to thrilled about fighting a psychotic super soldier, but apparently that's not the kind of image the Queen wants for her army so I got transferred to guard duty, but working here's actually way more fun than the army cause there's practically no rules-" Patricia stops as if someone made a comment and looks to the side of the room no one is standing in" Practically no rules" She emphasizes for some reason "But anyway I can assure you that none of those stories you heard about me are true" Patricia finishes before giving me the biggest smile I've ever seen.

"Patty dear thank you for clearing that up, I'll speak to Teresa now, you and Bonnie get started on breakfast" Duchess Rarity says as she stands up and walks over to me and stands next to Captain Renee. Patty and Bonnie start cleaning up the kitchen with Lyra's help and prepare to start cooking.

"Well I do hope that has calmed you down, seems those stories were as effective as Patty intended them to be" Duchess Rarity chuckles along with Captain Renee, I don't feel to embarrassed though, I have a feeling this kinda thing has happened before, possibly a lot.

"Yes, sorry about my outburst I'm feeling much better now" I lie. There is just something about Patty I don't trust, but I have no proof to warrant paranoia. so I stay silent.

"Well it is a nice day out, and the only employee I believe you've yet to meet is outside right now, so lets go for a walk shall we?" Duchess Rarity proposes, Me and Captain Renee simply nod and begin walking toward the front door.

It's not a long walk, the kitchen is where you end up when you take the right hand door in the foyer, as soon as we leave the building I can see April and Sweetie off in the distance playing amongst the trees, Captain Renee looks at Duchess Rarity for some kind of approval and seems to get it as she flys over and picks Sweetie up into a piggy back ride. One of them must have suggested a game because they run further out into the trees, Duchess Rarity simply laughs and begins leading me in the opposite direction.

"Renee is so good with Sweetie, she always keeps her and April entertained, I can't imagine the games they'll play when Sarah gets back" Duchess Rarity says while looking back at the three going off somewhere.

"Whose Sarah?" I inquire while we're walking.

"Oh, Sarah Dash, She's Renee's little sister, she's off at a camp right now but she'll be back any day now I believe" Duchess Rarity explains with a smile as she leads me through the trees.

"Duchess Rarity I'm a little concerned about your security for the mansion, I've seen some guards but not a great amount, mostly maids, butlers, two chefs, a lyrist, two farmers, their grandmother, and apparently three children" I question as we walk, it seems a valid concern to me, the ratio of guards to civilians is alarming.

"Oh, looks can be deceiving my dear, all those maids and butlers actually have military experience, both chefs are are excellent markswomen, being experts with projectile weapons such as bows, crossbows and cannons, the two farmers are the best hand to hand fighters in the whole mansion even trained soldiers can't take them on easily, and Granny Smith is not as helpless as you think, but yes, the children are watched carefully so that they'll be safe. And besides, We have nothing to fear with Renee around." Duchess Rarity explains, I'm rather impressed, though I'm not sure how carefully those girls are actually watched.

"I have heard tales of Captain Renee's accomplishments, how did you manage to get her to come work for you?"

"I think I'll let you figure that out on your own dear, Ah we're here" As Duchess Rarity finishes talking, I notice the sounds of birds singing as I look ahead to see an avian woman sitting in a tree with some birds sitting with her, the woman is wearing a long yellow sundress, and her pink hair goes down almost to her thigh, her yellow wings are currently folded up to her body.

"Chylene dear! there's someone I want you to meet!" Duchess Rarity calls up to the woman, Chylene tells the birds she has to go before unfurling her wings and descending to the ground, and I'm rather surprised, Chylene is incredibly tall, easily the second tallest person here next to Big Mac. But the stranger thing is she seems so meek and helpless, like she's trying to hide behind her hair or something, is that why it's so long?

"Chylene here is the care taker for the mansion, she watches over the animals and babysits the children when no one else can. she joined the reserves at the same time Renee did" Duchess Rarity explains while gesturing towards Chylene, wait a minute, no way.

"You were in the army?" I ask, I've seen some strange things since I got here but there's no way a girl like her would be in the army.

"W-well, I was a medic, I-I joined because m-me and Renee have been friends since we were little, I'm also the nurse here at the mansion, was that OK Rarity?" Chylene speaks very quietly, I have to lean a little closer to her to make sure I hear her.

'Yes dear you did very well, you've gotten so much better at speaking to unfamiliar people, but anyway, this is Teresa, she is the Queen's personal student, as she said, Chylene here is the mansion's medic, and also an excellent Aeromancer" Duchess Rarity pats Chylene gently on her shoulder before turning to me.

"Wait, she's an Aeromancer??" I ask, again, not quite believing it, Aeromancy, also known as weather magic, is a very rare form of magic, only Avians, the Queen and her sister are able to use it, and even then, most Avians don't have the ability to, I've never actually met an Aeromancer before, so I find Chylene immediately fascinating.

"W-well.. yes I c-can, but I'm not terribly good at it" Chylene says in almost a whisper, seeming to be afraid to disappoint me.

"That's fine, I've never had a chance to study Aeromancy before, you have to show it to me sometime! I have to see what you can do!" Chylene wilts a little under me, in my enthusiasm I'd gotten a bit to close for her comfort.

"Teresa dear, give Chylene some space please" Duchess Rarity asks me politely. I take a few steps back and smile sheepishly while Chylene straightens up, or as straight as she gets anyway.

"I-I have to go now, my animals need food, I'll be over there if anyone needs me" Chylene excuses herself quickly and walks over to a small clearing in the orchard filled with animals, I'll have to check it out sometime.

"Well I believe that is everyone you need to meet Teresa, what do you think of the place?" Duchess Rarity asks me, before I answer I look over and see Captain Renee laughing and carrying April and Sweetie as she flies, Sweetie is wearing a brown stetson hat, and Jacqueline is chasing after Captain Renee as she flies through the orchard dodging trees.

"Well this place is certainly lively" I respond honestly, as much as I love the Queen's castle it could get pretty dull, that's one of the reasons I read so much."I like it"

"I am so glad you think so Teresa dear, How long will you be staying with us?" The Duchess asks as she smiles gently. I realize, I still have a bit of work to do.

"I'm not sure how long I'm staying, but would it be alright if I looked through the mansion? on my own that is, you've already given me so much of your time" I'm trying to look for anything suspicious, not that I suspect anyone here, their all lovely people, except maybe Patty.

"HEY BOSS LADY!!!" Speaking of Patty, she's currently running right towards us while holding a large knife, I hide behind the Duchess in a display of cowardice as Patty abruptly stops in front of Duchess Rarity, who doesn't even flinch.

"Breakfast is running late so we're just gonna turn it into brunch, that OK?" Patty asks with a huge smile, I think I know what answer she wants.

"Certainly Patty, why you and Bonnie hardly ever get to make brunch don't you, so by all means go ahead." The Duchess says before Patty takes off like a rocket back to the mansion.

"Well Teresa dear, if you wish to tour the mansion-" Duchess Rarity pauses as Captain Renee flies past, The Duchess uses her magic to levitate the hat off Sweetie's head and puts it on Jacqueline's head as she runs past, which causes her to stop chasing the three thieves "-At least have Jacqueline here escort you back, she doesn't seem to be working right now anyway" She gives Jacqueline a little smirk before walking off in the direction Captain Renee flew off in, calling her name as she goes.

"Ahright then, come on I'll walk you back" Jacqueline says slowly, before walking off towards the mansion, I quickly follow after her.

Not much happens for awhile, I look around the mansion and find nothing of interest, I get called down to brunch shortly after my search is done. The table is a buzz with activity, April talking to her siblings about the work they have done so far today, Bonnie and Lyra discussing meal ideas and songs Lyra is thinking of writing. Duchess Rarity is talking to Captain Renee and Sweetie about the fun morning they had, Patty is just chowing down on her food while Granny Smith eats quietly, the rest of the staff eat at different tables. The meal Patty and Bonnie made is very delicious. I do wonder where Chylene is though, she doesn't seem to be in the room.

"Chylene is having her brunch outside, one of her animals is close to giving birth so she doesn't wanna stray to far from her" Patty answers the question I had not voiced, which alarms me to no small degree.

"Uh thank you Patty" I respond hesitantly, " Uh so Granny Smith I know what your grand kids do, but do you work around the mansion as well?" I ask not really wanting to speak to Patty.

"Did me answering your question really freak you out that much?" I'm not answering that "Why not?" Granny Smith I'm begging you to answer.

"I don't do much, keep ma gran kids outta trouble and doing their work is ma job I guess" Granny Smith says when she finishes chewing her food.

I remember what Duchess Rarity said about her not being as helpless as she looks, I wonder if she can defend herself, I decide to ask "Granny Smith how do-"

"I believe that girl wants ta speak with ya little Missy, best not ta be rude" Granny Smith scolds me as she points to Patty sitting next to me.

"Oh uh....OK" I say and laugh awkwardly as I turn towards Patty " Sorry about that"

"There's no reason to be scared Teresa" Patty says with a smile which actually does put me at ease, a little.

"You're right, this place is very nice, as are the people in it. I don't think I'll have anything negative to say in my report to the Queen, sorry about how I've been acting towards you Patty" I really do feel bad about it.

"No worries, Rarity often tells me I come across as a strange person Twilight" Wait what?

"Whose Twilight?" She already knows my name.

"Oops, ignore that, forgot where I was for a second" Patty says with a sheepish smile, I'm not sure I'll ever understand her.

After brunch I spend most of the day reading in the mansion's library, the Duchess really has an incredible collection, not as grand as the Queen's library but definitely impressive. I come out of the library when people begin heading to bed. Jacqueline's family all share a room it seems, Bonnie and Lyra share one too, Chylene and Patty have their own rooms though Chylene doesn't seem to be in yet, Sweetie's room is right next to the Duchess' which is down the hall from mine. Captain Renee and the Duchess went into her room together when I went to bed, So I don't know where Captain Renee sleeps. Before I go to sleep I write up my report, I inform the Queen that everything seems fine, but I decide to ask about some things that have been bugging me. I use my magic to send off the report and then curl up with one last book for the night.

Author's Note

I wasn't sure how to end this one. again any comments would be helpful. this is my first story so I'm not sure how it's coming out so far.

Protector

Dear Teresa Sparkle,
my dear student, I am happy to review your inspection report and to find that all is well with Duchess Rarity. I shall now respond to all your questions and concerns, Yes I am aware that Captain Dash is at the mansion, it really is no matter to concern yourself with Just a women living her life. As for Ms. Pie, I assure you that she is not dangerous. Patty is a very kind girl, I've actually spoken to her myself and can give you my word on that, just remember she prefers to be called Patty, Not Patricia. And as for your last concern, I took note of how you went into, excruciating detail about how there is no librarian to keep the books organized and maintained, So I have decided to appoint you as the mansion's Librarian and Duchess Rarity's assistant, Along with the letter is another for the Duchess explaining the situation to her as well as a small gift for you and her. Enjoy your new job and remember to have fun.
Her Royal Majesty,

Queen Celestia.

Having received the letter early in the morning, Teresa wasted no time in delivering it to Duchess Rarity, Teresa is not upset to have to leave her duties at the castle,she considers the Queen giving her this position an honor even if she is nervous about it. but the mansion and its employees are so nice, she's sure she'll have a good time. She only has one concern.

Duchess Rarity is frowning.

Teresa's POV

"What is that woman thinking?" Duchess Rarity says with a sigh.

"Is there a problem Duchess Rarity?"

"Just Rarity is fine, and no not a problem. Well not with you dear, but that teacher of yours" She replies, now I'm confused.

"What's wrong exactly?"

"As you may be aware I became Duchess because my parents were killed in an attack on their carriage while on their way to Canterlot. Well you likely don't know this, but many in the nobility believe the queen favors me, gives me more attention or grants me special treatment as a result of that tragedy. I could deal with these fools easily enough because their claims were baseless."Rarity takes a deep breath "But now she has gifted me with her prized student as my assistant simply because I did not have a librarian, I'll likely receive a lot of grief in court for this" I shrink in my seat, unsure what to say.

"Now now, none of that" Rarity smiles at me." It's not your fault, and it's nothing I can't handle just slightly annoying is all. Please try and have a good time here" Rarity pats my hand with hers to reassure me.

"Now is there anymore business you need me for?" Rarity asks while she puts the Queen's letter away and pulls out a different piece of paper and starts writing on it.

"Oh, actually the Queen sent one more thing it's uh........here we go, It's an invitation to a party she's throwing next week, she sent both me and you one" I explain as I pull two invites out of my shirt pocket.

"Oh how lovely, I do so enjoy a good party, is it alright if I bring a date?"

"Of course it's OK. Are you seeing someone?"

After I say that Rarity gives me a look, it's a look I know all to well, it's a look my mother and the Queen give me when I say something naive. When I apparently don't get something that's obvious, I've gotta say something to make her stop giving me that look.

"Oh shouldn't you bring Captain Renee instead? It's wise to bring your bodyguard places" For some reason I think that made the look worse. Think Teresa think.

"Uh...Where is Captain Renee by the way? shouldn't she be here?"

"She's in the front foyer, she's watching the road to see when-" Before Rarity can finish that sentence, The woman in question kicks open the door to Rarity's office open with a huge smile on her face.

"The carriage is here!! She's back! She's back!" Captain Renee yells while jumping up and down.

"Really? Wonderful! I'll wait outside, You go get Sweetie, come along Teresa, there's one more person who lives in the mansion you have to meet" Rarity says before her and Renee run outside the room leaving me alone. having no other options I decide to follow Rarity down the halls and out the front door.

I see the carriage coming down the dirt road (apparently the one I arrived in didn't feel like doing that) as Captain Renee comes outside carrying Sweetie and places her on the ground. The carriage comes to a stop and a girl around Sweetie and April's age comes walking out. She's an avian with short purple hair, she wears a long sleeveless orange shirt and purple shorts. she has a pair of purple boots and an orange backpack on her back. Once she emerges from the carriage, Rarity,Sweetie and Renee all run forward and wrap her in a group hug.

"I missed you so much Squirt!"

"Sarah dear it is so wonderful to have you back"

"Now me you and April can have all kinds of fun!"

After all of their hellos, Rarity signals to me with her hand quickly before returning to the hug.

"Sarah dear this is Teresa, she just joined us as our librarian. Teresa this is Sarah Dash, Renee's little sister, I mentioned her yesterday, she just returned from a kind of summer camp for Avians" Rarity introduces me and Sarah to each other, not yet having broke the group hug.

"It's nice to meet you ma'am, and it's great to be back but I can barely breathe guys" Sarah manages to gasp out, the three huggers release her and take steps back.

"So your sticking around egghead?"

"Yes I am Captain Renee" She gives me a look " Umm, just Renee?" She smiles.

"Hi there, I'm Sarah! But I guess you already knew that. I'm also the second greatest Avian in the world next to Renee, I'm gonna grow up to be just like her" Sarah says excitedly while Renee gives a cocky smile.

"Well it's nice to meet you Sarah I just arrived recently and look forward to getting to know everyone here, yourself included" Renee and Sarah both give me a kind of 'of course you wanna know me, I'm awesome' look.

"Well Sarah, why don't you and Sweetie go find April? I'm sure the three of you would love to get started on your games" Rarity says. Sarah and Sweetie give each other excited grins before running past the three grown ups present, I watch them run past.

And my body freezes as I finally notice something wrong with Sarah.

Her right wing is orange and rather small, but that's normal for an avian of her age, what bothers me is her left wing. or rather, the fact that she doesn't have one.

I rapidly blink to make sure my eyes aren't tricking me and unfortunately they aren't. Sarah only has one wing, as this information finally clicks in my brain I let out a gasp and hold one of my hands to my mouth, I then notice Renee standing next to me with a rather blank expression on her face. Her eyes move to look at me.

"Don't stare and don't ask about it, you'll only upset her, and trust me when I say you don't want to do that" Renee warns me, I nod to show I understand, Renee then takes Rarity's hand and they follow the two young girls back into the mansion.

Now I'm at a loss of what to do exactly, My curiosity would get the better of me if I spoke to anyone and I'd end up asking about Sarah, and Renee's warning makes me decide to avoid that for right now. Thinking for a moment I decide to satisfy another curiosity of mine, I walk off into the apple orchard looking for Chylene.

30 MINUTES LATER

I throw my right hand into the air as a barrier of light appears in front of me, three blades made out of wind come flying towards me and dissipate upon hitting my shield. I lower my shield and see Chylene across the rows of apple trees making hand motions, once she completes them she points her left hand at me and three small tornadoes appear and rocket across the ground towards me. I channel my magic and spin my body, causing my body to turn into light and disappear I then reappear past Chylene's tornadoes as they go by. I raise my right hand and a ball of energy appears in it, but before I can throw it Chylene claps her hands and when her hands separate a cloud appears in front of her. I throw my energy ball and it makes her cloud explode, only to discover she's not behind it. I spy Chylene moving quickly between the trees, looking closely I spot that there are little tornadoes on her feet causing her to move as fast if not faster than she can fly without any physical effort on her part. As Chylene moves between the trees she throws more wind blades at me, not very accurately though almost as if she's not even trying to hit me. Observing her movement patterns I use my magic to throw a glyph on the ground where I predict she's going to end up, she passes over the glyph and it explodes into light, disorienting her momentarily, I use the opportunity to use my teleportation spell again and appear in front of her. acting quickly I create two circles of energy and place them around her, immobilizing her.

"I-I guess I lose, I hope I showed you enough Aeromancy to make you happy" Chylene says while trying to move her head so her face can hide behind her hair, I release her from my spell so she can do that.

"Actually that was better than I'd hoped for, Aeromancy is fascinating, I'll have to ask you to show me more sometime"

"Oh I don't know, I don't fight often, there are much better aeromancers than me"

"Even if that's the case your help is much appreciated" I try to reassure her, it works and she moves her face out from behind her hair.

"So have you met Sarah yet? I hear she got back today"

"Actually I did....um I was wondering-"

"About her wing?" I look at Chylene, before looking at the ground and nodding.

"It's OK, Sarah and Renee just don't like talking about it. I know you're probably curious. I can't tell you much, but I can give you a little information" I give Chylene a nod and gesture her to begin.

"Well you see, when Sarah was four years old, that's about six years ago now. She got into some kind of accident, I don't know all the details, but Sarah got hurt and Renee didn't show up in time so when she got Sarah to the hospital the doctors couldn't save her wing. Renee took it really hard, she felt so terrible that she couldn't protect her sister that she made a vow, a vow that she would become a protector, she would never allow someone to come to harm if there was some way she could prevent it, that holds especially true for Sarah. the only reason Sarah was allowed to go to camp this year was because Renee knows the camp owners and trusts them" Chylene's story wasn't to long, but it told me what I needed to know for now.

"She wants to protect....everyone?"

"I know it sounds silly, but she's very good at protecting people, just ask Rarity" Chylene explains with a smile.

"Why?" I try to ask, but my question is cut off by someone shouting.

"Chylene!" Both me and Chylene look around wondering who yelled when suddenly Renee lands with a thud in between us.

"There you are, Sarah scraped her knee while the girls were playing, could you come take a look at her just to be safe?" Renee looks a very worried, probably more than necessary.

"Of course, lead the way Renee, have a nice day Teresa" Chylene gives me a little smile and a wave before her and Renee go flying towards the mansion.

Once their out of sight I walk over to a small bag I brought out with me and pull a book out of it, I decide now is a wonderful time to begin reading and so I sit down under one of the apple trees and begin.

As I begin nearing the end of my book I hear a noise and put the book down. I look around but see nothing, except there's an odd looking area further out in the orchard. Curious as to whats over there but not wanting to miss out on my book I continue reading while I walk over to investigate.

Once I arrive I realize the sound I heard was just a bird, It rustled some leaves when it landed in a tree, but there's something odd about this tree, It's not an apple tree, looking ahead there are a lot of trees that aren't apple trees in fact this isn't part of the orchard, it looks like a forest or something, taking a moment to put my book away for now I decide to investigate just a little bit.

It is a forest, a strange one at that, there are flowers and herbs and other plants I'm not familiar with everywhere. I begin walking through the forest observing all there is to observe, I even pick some plants and flowers and put them in a pocket of my bag. There is something odd about the forest, I just have a strange sense of unease while I walk through it, although I write it off, I don't have a reason to worry.

Until I hear noises.

I look around as I begin to hear rustling and snapping twigs, I see shadows moving around in the distance, getting closer by the minute, until I can make out what they are. Timber wolves, wolves made out of pieces of wood animated by magic spirits, they only reside in- that's when I make a terrible discovery, I have heard of this forest, the Everfree forest , not a place you want to be alone, but I try not to panic, I'm an excellent mage, I can get out of this.

I begin taking steps back while channeling a spell in my hand, when the wolves get close enough I throw a large fireball from my hand which explodes, destroying one of the wolves and causing the others to take a couple steps back, I then begin running in the direction the mansion is in as the wolves begin chasing me.

using my magic, I create barriers and throw more fireballs to slow the wolves down. I run into a clearing and take a moment to turn around, there are still ten wolves chasing me, I begin charging another fireball to throw, only to feel myself get forced to the ground. One wolf had split off from the pack and had gotten ahead of me and was now holding me down. I'm about to call out for help when suddenly the weight of the wolf on my back disappears and is replaced by a loud wood shattering sound. One of the ten wolves chasing me begin charging me on the ground, only for a large tornado to appear around me which tears the wolf to pieces.

As the tornado surrounding me disappears, someone lands in front of me, someone wearing purple armor, with blue wings and rainbow hair.

"Renee? What are you doing here?" I ask as Renee turns to face me.

"Whats it look like?" Renee says with a grin as she draws her two swords "I'm saving you" She proclaims before Charging the wolves.

The wolves charge as well, one of them reaches Renee first and she blocks it's claws with one of her swords and uses the other one to impale it's shoulder, she then manages to lift it and slams it into another wolf, before thrusting her swords at another wolf, sending a sword made of wind into it's head slicing it in half, she spins her body around as the wolves surround her creating a wall of clouds which rumble before blasting lighting, blowing three more wolves apart. The wolf she hit with another wolf and the wolf she hit it with begin to get up, she flaps her wings and jumps above the wolves and points her swords down while she begins spinning quickly, sending a barrage of wind blades down on the wolves. two more wolves try to swipe her with their claws as she lands only for her to flap her wings, propelling her backwards out of their range, she swings one of her swords at them and a huge wind blade moves across the ground slicing one of the wolves in half, the other wolf charges her and tries to swipe her with it's claws again, she blocks it's claws every time it tries to slash her, until it lunges with it's fangs, she holds up one of her swords and the wolf bites the blade, Renee gives the wolf a smug grin before using her wings to propel her and the wolf into the air at blinding speeds, the wolf releases her sword only for Renee to put her swords back in their sheathes and grab the wolf's tail as it begins to fall, quickly spinning the wolf in circles she releases it sending it rocketing to the ground, smashing into pieces upon hitting the forest floor. Renee lands and looks over at the one remaining wolf.

"Boo" Is all she says before the wolf turns and begins running deeper into the forest, Renee raises her hand to the sky and the clouds rumble before she lowers her hand to her side and lighting strikes in the distance, rain then begins to fall and extinguishes the fire my spells from earlier had started. I can only stare at Renee in disbelief as she turns to me with only a semi serious look on her face.

"Yeah, probably should have warned you about this place huh?" Renee says, trying to make a joke, she walks over and holds out her hand, I accept it and she pulls me up.

"You're not hurt are you?"

"No, you arrived just in time. I have to say that was.... rather impressive" I say, still utterly dumbfounded.

"Well I was a captain in the army"

"Yes and an Aeromancer it seems, a very skilled one at that." I'm say amazed, I'd heard aeromancy called weather magic before, but she actually manipulated the weather. I didn't know aeromancy could do that, and her skill. She is far superior to Chylene with her magic in combat

"Yeah well, just watch, I'm full of surprises" Renee says with a laugh, she then pats me on the shoulder and gestures for me to follow her, I do and she leads us out of the forest, once out she begins rubbing her chin with her right hand as I stand to her left.

"Hold on, I feel like I'm forgetting something. What was it?......Oh yeah!" Renee says before her left hand shoots up and smacks me on the back of my head.

"Ooooow!! That really hurt! You're wearing gauntlets you know!"

"That was for wandering off, you should have realized there was something wrong with that place! Even if it hadn't been into the Everfree forest you shouldn't wander off like that" Renee scolds me. Then she grabs my shoulder and makes me face her and speaks in a softer tone.

"You're an employee here now, which means I will protect you, but I can't do that if I don't know where you are"

"Then how'd you find me?"

"Fire explosions kinda make a lot of noise ya know"

"Oh well uh, thank you for saving me Renee"

"Don't mention it" Renee then leans in close to me and whispers "Seriously don't mention I saved you after you wandered into the Everfree forest, you will never hear the end of it"

"Uh.......OK"

"Yo Jack! Come over here!" Renee yells, in response I see Jacqueline come out from behind a tree, carrying a basket full of apples.

"Renee, first ya let down ah bunch ah rain on me while I'm harvesting apples and now yer bothering me?" Jacqueline complains as she walks over to us." Teresa? she get you with that rain too?" I finally notice, that the rain did in fact drench me.

"Yeah it did, but it's not really a big deal" I'm still amazed, she manipulated the clouds near the mansion? from that far away?

"Jack I need you to walk Teresa back to the mansion OK? I would, but I've gotta go talk to Rare" Renee does not give Jacqueline a chance to answer before she flies off to the window of Rarity's study. Jacqueline sighs.

"I still got work to do, I'll take you back, we can get changed, then I'll get back to work" Jacqueline says before once again leading me back to the mansion.

We get inside, I head to my room and change into dry clothes before heading to the library and spending the rest of the day relaxing with my books far away from any trees.

Renee's POV

"She wandered into the Everfree?" Rare asks me with a shocked look. "Thank goodness you found her in time"

"Yeah but it's not a huge deal, I think she still could have gotten herself outta there herself"

"Darling I'm sure your assistance was quite welcome" Rare says with a smile "It seems you've saved yet another member of the staff then?"

"I do that a lot huh?" I really do, oh well I'm not complaining. Feels good to help people.

"Well, onto more casual conversation, you will be coming to the party with me right?" I give her a grin.

"Just try to stop me from going" I say while laughing "By the way Rare, did you get a reply?"

"I did, they've packed their bags and are heading over right now" Rare gives me a big smile, as big as the one she gave Sarah when she got off the carriage earlier.

"Great, it's been awhile since last time they were here" The door to the study opens and Sweetie and Sarah come in, only certain people are allowed in Rare's study Rare of course, then me, Sweetie and Sarah, otherwise you need her permission. April is probably waiting outside.

"Hey girls whats up?"

"Well you see um-"

"I wanna- I wanna fly, can you.....carry me please?" Sarah finishes for Sweetie with her head downcast.

"Yeah,no problem, I'll be out in a minute Squirt" I say in a soft voice and give Sarah a smile before her and Sweetie leave the room, I turn to Rare.

"Well my lady, my duty calls" I give her an exaggerated bow and take her hand and give it a little kiss before grinning at her. "I must be off"

Rare giggles a little and waves me away, I give her another bow before leaving her to her paper work and going outside to play with the girls.

Author's Note

Wasn't sure if that was the right way to end this chapter, But I think it works.
I wanted to try some fight scenes and telling some parts of the story from someone else's perspective.
I hope there was enough of a difference between Teresa(Twilight) and Renee's(Rainbow Dash's) Voices during their point of views.

Visitors

TERESA'S POV

Not for the first time since I arrived at Rarity's Mansion I am confused. Rarity, Renee, Sweetie and Sarah are all standing together in front of the mansion, with the apple family and Patty to the left and Bonnie, Lyra, Chylene, and myself to the right, we all seem to be waiting for something. I lean over and ask Rarity.

"Are we expecting visitors to the mansion?"

"Why yes we are dear, and here they come now" Rarity, speaks as carriage turns the corner and begins coming down the road.

"That's a Canterlot carriage, whose visiting? A politician of some sort?" I ask as the carriage begins to park.

"Oh no one special really" Rarity and everyone else pull out head phones and put them over their ears as the carriage comes to a complete stop"It's just my cousin"

Before I can open my mouth the door to the carriage is slammed open and a loud wave of sound comes rushing out of the carriage, I think it's supposed to be music, but it's so loud I can barely tell. I don't have long to think about anything as I soon find my self on the ground, the last thing I see before losing consciousness is Chylene standing over me.

RARITY'S POV

"Oh, is she alright?" I ask Chylene as I take my headphones off.

"Yes she's OK, unconscious but OK" Chylene says while looking Teresa over, that's good at least. I look over at the elf and human women getting out of the carriage.

"I think you had it up to high Vincenza" I say as the elf woman in question walks up to me.

"I keep telling you to call me Vinyl Rare" Renee glares at her" What? You're not the only one who can call her that, and besides, if my music was to loud why isn't Tavi wearing headphones huh?" Vincenza says as she walks over, she is wearing black boots, black skin tight pants, and a white tank top, her hair is a shade of blue, with streaks of a lighter blue in it as well and it's as wild as ever, and her ever present purple shades block her eyes.

"I am not wearing headphones, because my ears have simply grown numb to that noise you call music Vinyl" 'Tavi' says as she gets her cello case out of the carriage. Octavia is her real name, Vincenza insists on calling her Tavi though. she is wearing a white blouse and a long black skirt, she wears a simple pair of dress shoes and a pink bow-tie around her neck. Her black hair is long and falls almost half way down her torso. She pays the carriage driver before he leaves and then walks over to us.

"That's just the excuse you use so you don't have to admit you like my music" Vincenza teases her.

"Vinyl, you- my word.....what happened to her?" Octavia asks while pointing at Teresa.

"She couldn't handle the wubs, not everyone has developed your tolerance for Vi's volume Tavi" Renee says with a laugh.

"Oh man you got a newbie working here? You shoulda told me in your letter Rare, would've taken it easy on her" Everyone just stares at her "OK, that's a lie, I woulda cranked the volume up higher" Vincenza says with a grin.

"Yes this is Teresa Sparkle, our new librarian, Jacqueline, Big Mac, could you two take Teresa inside to Chylene's infirmary?" I introduce Teresa, before Big Mac lifts her over his shoulder and Jacqueline gets the door and they head inside with Chylene.

"Wait, Teresa Sparkle? Queen Celestia's personal student? I believe I have seen her while performing at the castle. Why is she here?" Octavia questions.

"I'll explain over tea, everyone you may go back to work now"

"Hey guys! great to see you! Hope you have a fun visit!" Patrica says while jumping around.

"We've gotta hang out later OK?It's been to long since we've played together" Lyra says as her and Bonnie head inside.

"Nice to see you again Miss Vinyl, Miss Octavia" April says politely before Granny Smith ushers her back inside.

"Hey Sweetie, Hey Sarah, how you girls doing?" Vincenza asks as she kneels down to talk to the girls.

"Great! It's great to see you again Vinyl!" The girls yell in unison before tackling her to the ground.

"Again? Really? This happens every time we visit Vinyl" Octavia says while shaking her head.

"You hear that girls? I think Tavi is jealous" Octavia is promptly tackled by cuteness.

"Alright girls, head on inside and play with April, me, Rare, Vinyl, and Tavi gotta catch up" Renee picks the girls up and takes them inside.

"Well, off to the tea room then" I say with a smile before following Renee inside.

TERESA'S POV

My head is pounding when I wake up, my eyes open to reveal a white ceiling, titling my head lets me see I'm in Chylene's Infirmary, Chylene is sitting in a nearby chair and notices that I woke up, she smiles before heading over to me.

"Oh good, you're awake, Can you hear me OK? I hope Vinyl's music didn't damage your ears"

"I can hear you fine. You said Vinyl?" Chylene nods "As in Vinyl Scratch? The famous DJ? How does Rarity know her?"

"Well she's Rarity's cousin, her real name is Vincenza Staccato, but she really just prefers everyone call her Vinyl, I. I hope that helps"

"Yes it does, thank you Chylene, and don't worry, her music didn't hurt me, I'm sure it won't be long until I look back on this and laugh"

"That's good to hear, you know since everyone else already is" Hold on a second.

"Beg pardon?"

"Well you see um... No one had ever reacted like this to Vinyl's music before, even Octavia the first time she heard it that loud. So most of the staff finds you passing out a little bit well....... funny" Chylene says while slowing hiding more and more behind her hair.

"That's just great I-Hold on...Octavia? Octavia Philharmonica? The famous Cellist? Is she here too?"

"Well of course she is, her and Vinyl are dating, so it makes sense she'd come with her" Those two are dating? I never would have guessed.

"Where are they now? I should properly introduce myself" I get off the infirmary bed and stretch my legs.

"Their in the tea room I believe" Chylene opens her door and points to a room down the hall.

"Thank you for your help Chylene, have a good day" Chylene gives me a little wave while I walk out the door.

It does not take long for me to reach the tea room, I open the door a little and listen for a moment, satisfied that I am not interrupting something more important than idle chit chat I open the door all the way, and immediately all eyes turn towards me. The girl with blue hair, who I recognize as Vinyl Scratch, speaks first.

"Hey sleeping beauty, you up? Or just need more wubs to sleep?" Vinyl laughs and Renee does too. Rarity and Octavia at least have the decency to not laugh out loud.

"It was a little funny, I have never seen that happen before. You are Teresa Sparkle correct? I am Octavia Philharmonica, a pleasure to meet the Queen's personal student" Octavia said as she stood up from her seat and walked over to shake my hand. Vinyl stood up and walked over too.

"Names Vinyl Scratch, Legendary DJ of awesomeness! You may have heard of me" Vinyl says as she shakes my hand vigorously with a big grin on her face.

"Yes I have heard of you, I've just never actually heard your music before now, is it always that loud?"

"Not always, but very often yes. Vinyl believes that playing her music loudly not only makes it better, but it is somehow a good luck charm" Octavia explains with an amused smile on her face.

"It is though, remember, we met because of my music"

"Yes because I wanted you to turn it down because I lived across the hall from you and could not hear myself think"

"But you gotta admit, my music brought us together Tavi" Tavi?

"I will admit that, and I will also admit I would not change anything that has happened between us"

"Ummm, excuse me..... Tavi?" Oh, wait, that must be a nickname.

"Yes, Tavi, it is a nickname Vinyl gave me after we met"

"Yes, Vinyl does have a habit of bestowing nicknames on people. As you may have guessed my cousin is a little eccentric" Rarity explains while taking a sip of her tea. Renee starts laughing and gives Rarity a look that says 'A little?'.

"Guilty as charged, but I'll admit, I'm not exactly sure what to do with Teresa Sparkle. You got any ideas Rey" Vinyl says while looking at Renee.

"Nope, but I'm sure you'll figure something out Vi" Renee says while refilling Rarity's tea cup.

"Come now dears, everyone take a seat, it's much nicer to sit than to stand while having a conversation" Rarity says while gesturing everyone to sit down. Vinyl sits down on the couch across from Rarity and Renee with Octavia to her left. After a moments hesitation, I sit down to Vinyl's right.

"Now where were we? Ah yes, Octavia, you were telling us about your up coming performance?" Rarity inquires as Octavia picks up her cup.

"Yes, well it is quite surprising actually, I am to do a solo performance for Queen Celestia and Luna, I know I have gathered some fame in the past few years. But the royal sisters actually requested me personally. I am not entirely sure why" Octavia explains while drinking her tea, Vinyl gives her an 'are you serious' look.

"Maybe cause you're the greatest cello player ever? You really gotta give yourself more credit Tavi" Vinyl reassures Octavia by wrapping her arm around Octavia's shoulder. Octavia has a small blush on her face.

"Oh,what piece will you be playing for them? perhaps you could play it for us? I'm sure you'll want to practice before the show"

"I can do that, give me a moment to get my cello from our room" Octavia stands and begins to leave. Rarity and Renee watch her leave, and once the door closes they turn to Vinyl with large grins on their faces.

"Now that she's gone, we have a very important question for you Vincenza"

"Shoot Rare" Vinyl says nonchalantly before sipping her tea.

"You popped the question yet Vi?" Renee asks, causing Vinyl to somehow start choking on her tea, after a few coughs she calms down.

"W-what question do you mean Rey?" Vinyl asks with an uneasy smile on her face.

"Will I be getting a new cousin soon? Octavia Staccato sounds nice enough doesn't it Renee?" Rarity says calmly, causing Renee to nod her head and Vinyl to begin laughing nervously.

"Ahhahaha. hahahahahahaha. y-you guys are hilarious, quit joking around" Vinyl waves her hand dismissively while still laughing.

"My word, do you find being with Octavia that bad?"

"What? Of course not, I love being with Tavi, she's awesome! I'm just.....not ready yet" Vinyl starts strong, but gets quiet near the end. Renee reaches over and grabs Vinyl's hand.

"It's OK Vi, Tavi will wait as long as you need" Renee smiles and Vinyl smiles with her.

"Really now Vincenza, must we go through this every time you and Octavia visit?"Rarity asks while casually sipping her tea.

"You started it Rare, you and Rey asked me that the very first time I brought Tavi here"

"Nothing wrong with being curious Vincenza"

"We weren't even dating yet" Vinyl deadpans.

"We were just having fun Vi"

"You've been pretty quiet Teresa, kinda forgot you were here" Renee says with a laugh while looking at me.

"Yeah, how bout you? You got anyone special we can tease you about?" Vinyl says, causing everyone to lean towards me.

"Well, no not really. I don't get out much, if I didn't want to come meet you and Tavi I probably would have just gone to read books in the library" I explain while drinking my tea. before the conversation can continue, the doors to the tea room open and Octavia walks in with her cello case on her back.

"Sorry it took me so long, I had to look over my music sheet before I came back" Octavia explains while she takes her cello out of it's case and sets it up.

"Where is your music sheet? It doesn't look like you have it" Octavia just smiles as she readies her bow.

"I do not require it, I make it a point to memorize all pieces I play. Now, tell me what you think" Octavia closes her eyes and begins to play.

It is a lovely piece, everyone sits in silence as Octavia plays, I've heard her play before, but never in a solo. Now I can understand why she is so popular. Octavia stops playing sooner than I would like.

"It is not quite ready, I shall make some revisions later" Octavia says as she puts her cello away.

"Wonderful as always dear, you certainly are the best" Rarity says, Renee and Vinyl are quick to give their own compliments, I join in as well.

"Thank you, that means a lot coming from you three" Octavia smiles before sitting down next to Vinyl.

"Well we've taken up enough of your time dears, we can't be sitting in here all day, I'm sure the others are very anxious to speak with you again"

"Yeah, Patty will probably bounce off the walls she's so excited" Renee says with a laugh. I'm about to ask why, when Octavia cuts me off.

"So you are not confused Ms.Sparkle, Patricia is in fact my cousin. I am aware we are not very similar, but none the less she is a part of my family" Octavia explains, not looking to happy that the things she's saying are true.

"Better not leave her waiting then right Tavi?" Vinyl laughs while getting up, Octavia recovers her cello before her and Vinyl leave the room.

"It is so much fun having them around" Rarity says with a smile.

"You said it Rare, now if you ladies will excuse me, me and the girls are planning a prank for our musical lovebirds. I'm gonna go see what the kids have got so far" Renee says before leaving the room.

"Well, I should probably get going too-"

"Hold it right there"

"Rarity?"

"I have a-" Rarity sips from her tea before continuing "-Special assignment for you Teresa dear"

"Uh......What's that?"

"You're going to help me" She grins at me "With my paper work"

"Do I have to?"

"It's one of your jobs as librarian" Rarity explains as she stands up and heads for the door. "Just keep in mind if I'm not satisfied with your performance you're fired" she says as she opens the door, and before she closes it she says "My study, ten minutes, no pressure"

OCTAVIA'S POV

"Alright! Let's play!"

Me and Lyra begin playing,Me standing and Lyra sitting on a chair. We are currently playing music in the mansion's kitchen. luckily for me Patricia and Bonnie are caught up in their little food war for dinner preparation. Currently the warring factions have a truce, but that will only last until me and Lyra stop playing, giving them time to plan a strategy. Mid battle musical numbers I find quite odd, but the longer I can prolong dealing with my cousin's odd behavior the better. our song soon comes to a close, and as Vinyl is the only person in here who is not currently playing an instrument or fighting, she is the only one to applaud.

"Nice work guys, but could you play something a bit less.....slow maybe?" Vinyl inquires after clapping, I look to Lyra.

"Is there any piece you could suggest?" She rubs her chin with her free hand before snapping her fingers and pulling a note sheet out of a bag next to her foot, she hands it over to me and I look it over.

"Ah yes, I remember this one, Patricia composed it right? Very well" I hand the paper back over to Lyra before making the appropriate adjustments to my cello, I look over to Lyra and she gives me a nod. and so It begins.

I will never understand this song, I am fairly certain it doesn't even sound like a cello and a lyre are playing it, I suppose this has something to do with Patricia and her general oddness. I tend not to question things when she is involved. The song is not to long and me and Lyra soon finish, Vinyl once again applauds.

"I believe that will do for now" I look out onto the kitchen made battlefield and the women hiding in it "I suppose you two may continue now" And there are the magic words. Bonnie and Patricia pop out from behind their table shields and begin fighting. Me and Lyra put our instruments away. and I sit down in a chair next to Vinyl. Vinyl is the first to speak.

"So Lyra, you were telling us about your theory? About these.....ponies was it?" Lyra grins from ear to ear.

"Yes, but these are no ordinary ponies, their fur and manes can be all kinds of different colors. They come in three different races, like us, Earth ponies to humans, unicorns to elves and Pegasus to Avians. I have reason to believe that these ponies are very intelligent creatures, rivaling even us, they may even have their own civilizations and businesses. It's all so fascinating, especially their hooves! Their not like normal horse hooves, their fairly different actually, you see-" It is at this moment I begin to tune Lyra out, I care for my friend dearly, but there is only so much of her crazy theories about ponies and hooves that I can handle at once. She's even said they might exist in some parallel world, and some of them somehow found their way here. She even accuses the Queen of knowing something about it.

I look to Vinyl, hoping we can find a way to change the topic of conversation. But she has fallen asleep, and Lyra barely seems to register other people in the room at all she is so caught up in her talk of ponies. I suppose that means I must find a way to entertain myself.

"K.O! Oh yeah! I'm the best! Patty's the best!" Patricia begins hoping up and down with a defeated Bonnie on the floor, I guess the fight is over.

"Well done Patricia, are you alright Bonnie?" I ask as Lyra hurries over to help Bonnie, Bonnie gives a little nod. Patricia quickly runs over to me and gives me a rather strong bear hug.

"Tavi It's so good to see you, I wanted to do this earlier but I knew that Rarity and Renee would wanna talk to you so I had to wait, but then it was time to prepare dinner so I had to wait even longer and I thought I was going to explode from over excitement, which isn't the first time I've thought that was going to happen, like this one time I was making this delicious cake and I was so excited about eating it that I couldn't wait, but that's beside the point because my favorite cousin is back and I can finally give you your welcome hug!!" Patricia says at an incredibly fast pace. Good Goddesses woman use a period. Vinyl just laughs a me.

'You're next Vinyl" Patricia says in a mock threatening tone.

"It is nice to see you as well Patricia, how have you been?" I ask, trying to break free from her vice like grip.

"I keep telling you to call me Patty, but any way I've been great Tavi, nothing but fun, fun, fun around here, I heard you and Lyra play my piece. I knew you really liked it." She says with a grin.

"I never said I did not like it Patricia, all I told you before was that it makes no sense how our instruments sound like that while playing it." I see Lyra and Bonnie walking over. "Are you OK Bonnie? I am afraid I missed the end of the battle"

"Perfectly fine trust me, I just need to rest for a minute" Bonnie explains as she takes a seat. Lyra sits next to her, Vinyl looks at me from her seat and chuckles.

"Patricia, if you would be so kind as to stop hugging me so I may sit down? Maybe we can have a conversation before you begin cooking?" Patricia nods her head rapidly and releases me, I sit back down as Patricia runs off and brings back. Two seats?

"Are you expecting company Patricia?" She simply looks at the chair she has placed next to her own, then looks at me and shakes her head. I decide not to question her behavior.

"So how you all been? Anything interesting happen while we've been gone?" Vinyl asks to prevent silence from reigning for any amount of time.

"Pretty well, I've actually managed to win some fights with Patty, so that was pretty cool, I've also made some new recipes for candy, here try some" Bonnie explains before reaching into her pockets and pulling out varies candy that she passes to everyone. As always it is delicious.

"I've been working on and have made some compositions, I was kinda hoping you could show them to your orchestra Tavi" Lyra says before handing me some music sheets.

"These songs are lovely Lyra, such a shame my orchestra doesn't have a player as talented as you to help me play them, but it will sound wonderful anyway, thank you for your assistance" I give Lyra a smile, my orchestra in fact does not have a lyre player at all, our harpist is talented no doubt, but he is no Lyra, a little disappointing as Lyra's compositions often involve her more personal playing style, still she prefers it here with Bonnie, so we will make do without her.

"I already told you I've been great Tavi! Wish you'd call me Patty though, but anyway, there's always something fun to do around here, someone to talk to or prank "One of Patricia's ears twitch"Or someone to ki-" Patricia pauses and glares at the empty seat for a moment before looking at me with her smile back on her face"Or someone to kincoct strategy's to beat Bonnie with"

"You men Concoct do you not Patricia?"

"Oh is that how it's pronounced? Thanks Tavi, now pretty please call me Patty? I really. really, really prefer being called Patty" Patricia says with the biggest puppy dog eyes I've ever seen.

I sigh before responding" Very well Patty, you know I do not like using nicknames, but if it is that important to you I shall call you that" Yes, the girl who everyone calls by her nickname doesn't like nicknames, how ironic.

And that is much how the day progressed, Me,Vinyl,Lyra,Bonnie and Patty sitting around talking, taking breaks so Patty and Bonnie could cook, and also taking breaks during meal times, but for the most part we just sat around and talked. Reminisced about the past,me and Patty told stories of when we were kids growing up in Ponyville, to sum up, we reconnected, we caught up, we had fun. I always enjoying visiting this Mansion

TERESA'S POV

I read books, that is what I consider fun, I also study and research all kinds of things, I once put two different chemicals on two halves of a stretch of land in the castle gardens and literally watched grass grow. I thought that was fun, I enjoyed that week of research. I find many things people find boring fun.

Rarity's paperwork is the most boring thing I've ever done. It is not fun. I didn't think much of it at first since she only gets forms from Ponyville and it's a small town. But the residents don't seem to understand that they don't need the Duchess' permission on everything, There are papers asking for permission to fix windows, buy carriages, trade goods, even people asking if it's OK to take a sick day from work.

"Rarity, I have a quote 'Booze refill form' from a Miss Beatrice Punch?"

"Yes, she's the town's bartender, she needs to restock her alcohol, remember, you can just stamp forms that are asking for home repair or business necessities with my 'approved' stamp dear" Rarity explain's while signing papers, apparently I'm dealing with all the minor stuff that can be stamped, but still has to be read through, while Rarity has the more important forms that need to be signed.

We continue like this for quite awhile, I'm amazed at how many tiny things people seek an OK on. I begin to wonder if these people all just decided to send Rarity a bunch of paper work as some kind of practical joke, but that doesn't seem very likely. Currently I'm reading a form where a man named Carl Caramel Is asking for a sick day, I raise the stamp but as I begin to lower it, the form is surrounded by a diamond shaped barrier, I look up at Rarity and she's frowning.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Umm....Stamping?"

"I hope that's not what you were doing, because Mr.Caramel has already used up all his sick days for the year" The diamond barrier lifts off of the paper and becomes an arrow pointing towards a cabinet "When the matter involves someone's health, such as asking for a sick day or receiving medicine for an ailment of some kind, you must check the person's file, to make sure what their asking for matches up with the information we have, it seems I forgot to mention this to you earlier so I'll let you off the hook, but please use the cabinet when necessary Ms.Sparkle, now please stamp Mr.Caramel's form 'disapproved' and let's move on" With that all said, Rarity returns to her paperwork, I sheepishly grab the other stamp and stamp the form before continuing with my work. I'm a little embarrassed now, I got so into the routine of reading and approving that I almost made a mistake. I return to my work and I'm over half way done when Rarity puts the form she just signed into the signed pile before clapping her hands and causing a small pulse of magic, it doesn't seem to do anything, but then Renee enters the study a few minutes later, the diamond emblem of her chest armor glowing softly.

"You need something Rare?" Renee asks as she enters.

"Yes, I have just concluded my paperwork for the evening and was hoping we could how you say 'Hang out' for awhile"

"Well Duh! Like you need to ask, let's go" Renee gestures for Rarity to come with her and the two depart together, Rarity wishes me the best in concluding my paperwork before it's time for bed as she exits the room.

I sigh before turning back to my work and reading the next form.

"Your sending a form to ask if it's OK to send forms to ask if stuff is OK? That's- thinking about it, that kinda sounds like something I did once....weird" It's going to be a long night.

Author's Note

This will not be the only chapter in which Teresa(Twilight) Does not have a major role to play. Other characters such as Chylene(Fluttershy), Jacqueline(Applejack) and Patty(Pinkie Pie) to name a few, who have not had much focus, will have more in later chapters.
Again I was a little unsure how to end this chapter, but I think it turned out decent enough.

Ponyville

Author's Note

This Story was posted sometime ago, but for a reason I can't quite remember I removed it instead of simply putting it on Hiatus. I have made some alterations to the previous chapters so I like them better. This is still the first story I have written so I'm not sure if it's really any good. Any input on how I could improve it would be very appreciated.

Ponyville

Teresa's POV

Today, all the paperwork I did with Rarity makes sense, why do the Ponyville citizens need Rarity's authorization for such minimal tasks? Because we're the ones who do them. Currently every member of the Mansion staff, even our guests Vinyl and Octavia are all packed into carriages heading towards the small town. We have many supplies which we will use to fulfill all the requests made by the citizens, at least all requests that can be done by hand anyway, currently I'm riding in Rarity's carriage, her and Renee sit on one side with Sarah, And I sit on the other with Vinyl and Octavia, due to lack of space Sweetie is sitting on Rarity's lap. As we approach the town, Renee asks a question.

"So girls, you ready for the school year to start up? Both Sweetie and Sarah groan as a response.

"Do we have to go to school?" Sarah Whines

"Kids are just going to pick on us again" Sweetie adds, Wait a minute.

"Rarity, do you have Sweetie attend school at Ponyville? That seems a little strange for the sister of a Duchess" I'm not sure why she'd send her to a public school.

"Yes I do dear, Ponyville is such a lovely town, And even with the bullies the education is wonderful, Ms. Lee is a very kind woman, Both Sweetie and Sarah go there, the private school students can be so cruel, besides, they want to go to the same school as April. But you know how kids are about school." Rarity explains to me. Octavia then turns to face me.

"Besides, many members of the staff have origins in Ponyville, Ms. Lee does a wonderful job teaching just as her mother did, I hope you do not believe because it is a small town, an education here will not be that beneficial" Octavia's tone makes me quickly shake my head, Causing Renee and Vinyl to laugh, the latter speaks up after her chuckle is done.

"Tavi here is a perfect example that a Ponyville education can be a good thing" Vinyl gives Octavia a hug "After all we got a born and raised Ponyvillian right here." Vinyl finishes with another laugh, Octavia just gives her a playful glare.

That's amazing, One of the greatest musicians of all time was raised in Ponyville, I guess I shouldn't underestimate this town. Before conversation can continue the carriages begin to slow. When they come to a stop Renee quickly bolts out of her seat and before I know it, she's standing outside the carriage holding the door open.

"OK, everyone file out! It's time to hand out assignments!" Renee yells as Rarity and the girls get out of the carriage, followed by Vinyl and Octavia, I'm the last to exit and the door slams behind me, All the servants are lined up so I take my spot next to Chylene. Rarity and Renee stand across from us with Sarah and Sweetie behind them, Vinyl and Octavia wait off to the side. Rarity clears her throat and makes sure everyone is listening before speaking.

"Alright everyone, we have many requests to fulfill, Bonnie please come here" Bonnie walks up to Rarity, who pulls the stack of papers we signed last night out of her bag and hands it to Bonnie "And only so many hours in the day, everyone will be responsible for delivering notices and helping the townsfolk as need be. Bonnie will pass out your assignments and I expect them all to be done by days end, Naturally Jacqueline you may start your work after you drop April off at school, now if their are no questions, let's be off" Finishing her speech Rarity takes Sweetie by the hand and begins leading her towards the school I assume, she's followed quickly by Renee, Sarah, Jacqueline and April.

Bonnie wastes no time in handing out assignments, seems for the most part the orders I've received are just delivering letters to people, a delivery as well. with all the forms passed out, everyone splits up to get to their jobs, I'm about to get moving as well but a thought crosses my mind.

"Uh......I don't know where anything is" I look around but everyone else has already left.

RARITY'S POV

"Have a good day girls" I give each of the girls a hug, Sweetie being the only one who doesn't groan in embarrassment, Renee and Jacqueline say their goodbyes as well and the girls head off towards the school building waving goodbye.

"Well another school year has arrived, I hope the girls do well" The bullies at school always make me worried.

"Ain't no reason ta worry Rarity, Them girls can handle themselves pretty well" Jacqueline's comment makes me feel a little better.

"Besides Rare, Sarah can handle any bullies that come their way" Renee says with a grin.

"Renee Danger Dash have you been teaching Sarah Aeromancy again? You know that stuff can be dangerous" I scold Renee while waving a finger at her.

"Uh....um.....Oh hey Jack, we should probably get to work right? I'll see you at the Mayor's house later Rare!" Renee stammers out before taking to the sky, Vincenza just laughs.

"Oh that woman can be so stupid, teaching Aeromancy to a child" I cross my arms and give an unladylike 'hmph', Octavia puts her arm on my shoulder and smiles.

"But none of us would want her to change"

I stare off in the direction Renee flew. "That's true" I say barely over a whisper, I then turn to address my friends "Well then, get to work I suppose Jacqueline. Vincenza, Octavia, enjoy your day in ponyville. I'm off to converse with the Mayor." And with that I bid adieu to my friends and go off to my meeting.

TERESA'S POV

"Thanks for helping me Patty, I was worried I'd never get these delivery's done in time"

"No problem Teresa, I'm always glad to help"

Not long after I realized I had no idea where anything in this town is I luckily ran into Patty, currently we're walking down the road, I'm holding my letters in my hand and the package I'm to deliver is in a levitation field.

"Where are your orders Patty? You don't seem to have anything with you" I take a close look at her and she really isn't holding anything.

"Oh I didn't get any, I don't often do stuff like this, I always get distracted and never get anything done- ooh! Come this way, I've gotta show you sugar cube corner!" Patty bounces up and down before running off, as she is the only person I know around here right now I have to follow her.

Patty runs into a large building that looks like it is made out of different kinds of sweets, I recall I do have a delivery for a place called Sugar Cube Corner anyway so this is kind of fortunate.

As I enter the building I can see Patty is already speaking to the proprietors who are two humans. One is a woman with oddly styled red hair, it being swirled like ice cream, the other one is a man with short orange hair. They both wear aprons and are working while Patty bounces all over the place speaking very quickly and constantly looking at, touching, or eating the sweets in the shop. The two owners seem to find her actions more humorous than anything else, however when the door fully opens a chime sounds and all eyes turn to me. Patty rushes over and puts her arm around my shoulder and ushers me up to the front counter.

"Mr and Mrs Cake I want you guys to meet Teresa Sparkle she just started working at the mansion, Teresa these are the cakes, the owners of Sugar Cube Corner, the greatest place ever" Patty explains with much excitement.

"It's lovely to meet you" Mrs. Cake says.

"It's always a pleasure to meet one of Patty's friends" Mr.Cake adds while looking over the sweets, probably making sure Patty didn't eat to many.

"It's nice to meet you too, actually I believe I have a delivery for you" I proceed to look over my orders and sure enough, I find I'm to deliver the Cakes flour. I levitate the box containing said flour which had been floating behind me onto the counter.

"Two shipments in one day, my Lady Rarity is being very generous today. We only asked for one" Mrs. Cake says as she takes the box off the counter.

"Two?"

"Yeah, one of the mansion's maids came by just a little bit ago and dropped off some flour, she put it in the back" Mr. Cake explains as he takes the box from his wife and heads for the back storage room.

I freeze stiff "Oh Dear" I quickly use my magic to open the box Mr.Cake holds, revealing the flour inside. "Drat, Patty I need to request you bring me the second box immediately" Patty and the Cakes look confused for a moment but Patty does as I ask and heads into the storage room, quickly returning with the requested box. I levitate it from her hands and bring it in front of me and open it. I then proceed to panic.

"How did this happen? This isn't right"

"What's wrong Teresa?" Patty asks as she hops over to my side and looks at the boxes contents. "Hey this isn't flour, there's just a bunch of bottles in here" Patty says with a frown at the objects in the box.

"That's because this isn't a flour crate for the Cakes, it's the alcohol for Ms. Punch's Bar. Why did the maid who came here deliver this? This isn't at all the right place." I'm absolutely baffled, But I have to remain calm, there is an issue that must be fixed. I turn to Patty.

"Patty I need you to find Bonnie, see if she can remember which maid she gave the order to deliver the alcohol to OK? It's imperative we make sure she hasn't messed up any other deliveries" Patty listens intently before giving a salute and running off, I reseal the alcohol in it's box.

"I'm afraid I must be off now Mr and Mrs Cake. I have to get this delivered to Ms. Punch" I apologize and start to leave as the Cakes say their goodbyes.

"The bar is down the street on the left side past the Library. The Library is a large tree." Mrs. Cake shouts as I'm walking out the door. I turn and thank her before the door closes and I hurry on my way.

It's not long before I arrive at the library, which as Mrs. Cake said is a large tree. and as much I would love to enter and find some literature I still have much to do, including solving this miniature crisis. I scan the buildings on the left side as I continue past the library and eventually see the bar, But before i can turn and enter the establishment I crash into someone else on the road and we both fall to the ground. I notice many objects scatter around me though fireworks seem to be the most common item.

"Don't you know to look where you're going!?" A female voice shouts as me and the stranger pick ourselves up. Though we end up just sitting up and collecting our possessions with our respective magic.

"Terribly sorry about that, I was in a bit of a hurry" I look up at the person I crashed into and see myself reflected in purple eyes. The woman I ran into is an elf with long hair, it's a shade of light blue that almost looks silver. I can't tell what she's wearing as her whole body is covered in a cape with star and moon designs all over it, there is a magician's hat with the same designs adorned on her head. The woman stars at me for a few moments before looking at the varies papers I'm gathering, as well as the box that is now on the ground behind me. She looks away and scoffs before speaking.

"You know, just because you're playing delivery girl for the Duchess doesn't mean you can be careless" She says while looking away from me.

"Well I am sorry about-"

"Shut it" The mysterious woman says as she turns to look at me again and holds up her hand to silence me "Even if you are not just a simple maid, Trixie has more important things to do than listen to your apologizes or anything else you have to say, she is very busy preparing for her next show." The woman, Trixie as I now know her than stands up and finishes picking up her supplies into a large box, I stand up as well and grab the remainder of my papers.

"And who is Trixie exactly?"

She turns to me aghast "You do not know the Great and Powerful Trixie!? She is only the greatest performer in all of Equestria, Her performances astound all who view them. Not knowing her instantly makes your life that much more empty." Trixie strikes a pose with one hand outstretched behind her and the other towards me with one finger pointing at me, her cloak is behind her now so I can see she wears a suit with the same design as her hat and cloak. "She would give you a ticket for her next performance so you may be wowed by her abilities" Trixie puts her hands back within her cloak once again covering herself and then chuckles with a smirk on her face "But Trixie is performing in the grand city of Canterlot for her performance next week and as you work for the Duchess here near Ponyville you won't be able to attend."

"Next week huh? Actually I do believe I'll be able to make that" I can see her perform before I go to the Queen's party with Rarity, it'd be interesting to see if she's as good as she says. She looks surprised at my statement for a moment before grinning.

"You are truly excited to see Trixie perform She sees. Very well She will give you a ticket, Just tell Trixie your name" Trixie then pulls out a piece of paper and a pencil in a quick flourish.

"My name is Teresa Sparkle" I tell her and she quickly writes it down, She puts the pencil away but pauses before she hands me the paper.

"Teresa? Sparkle? Trixie has heard this name before she is sure of it" Trixie crosses her right arm over her chest and then puts her left elbow in her right hand and begins tapping her head with her fingers, after a few moments she snaps her fingers and points at me.

"Did you attend Queen Celestia's school for gifted Elves?" I'm confused by her question but nod my head in response.

"Trixie thought so, when Trixie was in the school she often saw Sparkle studying like there was nothing else to do. Trixie remembers you scoring at the top of the class every time, She often wondered what such a big bookworm would do after she graduated. Trixie supposes there are worse things then working for the Duchess Rarity, Personally Trixie prefers being her own boss but whatever" Trixie finishes her ramble by handing the ticket with my name on it to me.

"Trixie must be going now, she has many things to do before days end, see you next time Sparkle" Trixie then takes her package and leaves, I ponder what she said before something clicks in my brain.

Many things to do.....Many things to do. I look at the papers in my hands and the box I'm levitating. "Oh crap that's right! I have to get all this done!"

"TERESA!!" I turn at the sound of my name to find Patty barreling towards me at incredible speed, she stops just short of hitting me and shoves some papers in my face.

"I found Bonnie, and she told me which maid had the orders for the delivery so I hunted her down and you're not gonna believe this! She just kinda dropped her packages off in places so she could get done super fast and go shopping, she made other deliveries and I'll bet my party license that she was a Lazy Daisy on those too, So what do ya wanna do about it?" Patty removes the papers from my face as she speaks, and I think about her words for a moment.

"Well first of all we have fix this mistake, Patty I need you to look in the places on those papers, see if any of the packages made it to their destinations, then I need you to find any and all employees that are finished with their work and have them help you locate those missing packages and make sure those items are given to the right people, I need to finish my orders and then I'll come help you if you're not done, alright?" I explain my plan as it comes to me.

"You got it Teresa, you can count on me, I'll get this problem fixed lickity split" Patty then runs off as she begins singing about fixing the problem, I have a strange urge to run over and join in the song, But I fight it back and proceed to finally enter the bar.

"Well it's about time one of you people showed up" I'm greeted as I enter by a human woman standing behind the bar, she has long light purple hair and wears a pink shirt, an apron and tan pants.

"Sorry about this, there was a little problem, but it should be getting fixed as we speak, I assume you are Beatrice Punch?" Beatrice nods in understanding as I explain why I'm late, and nods affirmative when I ask her name.

"Yeah that's me, send that box over here would ya?" I levitate the box over to her and she inspects the contents, she whistles before speaking "She sent the good stuff this time" Beatrice looks up from the box at me. "Case you're wondering about the size of the delivery, The Duchess ain't the only way I get more booze for my bar, sometimes I get it delivered from other places, but usually I brew it myself. Not a lot of folks in Ponyville drink alcohol often but the Duchess' Wine can fetch some high prices, I ask her for some every now and then to keep my business going smooth."

I give Beatrice a sheepish laugh "does the fact I'm new at working for the Duchess really come across that easily?" She laughs heartily before responding.

"Not really, it's just not everyone at the mansion has delivered my booze before, their usually confused why it's only one box. But you're a newbie huh? hows about a drink to celebrate your new position?" Beatrice pulls one of the bottle out of the newly delivered crate.

"Oh I couldn't, that's for your customers"

"Nah this one is for me,the rest are for the costumers. Actually" Beatrice pulls a second bottle out of the box. "These two are for me, the rest...Actually" Beatrice reaches for another bottle.

"Well Ms. Punch, as fun as that would be I actually have quite a few things left to do today so I'll just be going now" Beatrice gives me a dismissive wave goodbye as I leave the bar, I turn around as the door is closing to see Beatrice has removed roughly half the bottles from the box and finally looks ready to put the box away.

"OK, I better hurry up and get the rest done" I run off to get my work completed, asking for directions when necessary.

RENEE'S POV

"What's going on Rey?"

"Yes, you seem troubled"

I Turn to Tavi and Vi as they walk up to me, at the moment I'm pacing in front of the mayor's building, waiting for Rare to get out so I can share some bad news.

"I Talked to Bonnie and Lyra, Apparently they ran into Patty and found out one of our employees made some incorrect deliveries so she could get done faster. I figured Rare should know about it as soon as she gets done with the mayor."

"Man that sucks, sure hope it wasn't that newbie" Vi Says with a frown.

"Nah it wasn't Teresa, doubt she'd do something like that. according to what Bonnie heard from Patty, Teresa is trying to fix the situation. It was one of our maids who caused the issue"

"Well at least it wasn't anyone important"

"Vinyl!" Tavi shouts at her.

"Well she isn't" Vi's response doesn't lighten Tavi's mood any, and I'd really rather they don't have a fight right now, I'm gonna say something before this gets outta hand.

"Tavi, Vi's wording might be kinda blunt but she's kinda right" Vi goes for a high five and I give her one before addressing Tavi again "This chick is gonna get fired, no doubt considering all the trouble she caused for other staff members. But she's a maid, losing her ain't exactly a huge deal. Not the nicest thing to say but them's the brakes" Tavi huffs but seems to give up.

"My, My, I take it one of our employees has done something wrong?" Me,Tavi and Vi all turn to look at the new voice, Rare is standing in front of the town hall door as it closes behind her.

"Yeah, one of our maids apparently really botched up her deliveries today. According to what I've heard she dropped her stuff off super quick so she could go shopping, in the wrong locations just so you know" I explain the situation to Rare as best I can while she walks over to us. She frowns when I finish my report.

"Well that's distressing, Renee could you locate that maid and ensure she is at the carriages after I pick the girls up from school?" Renee sighs after giving me my orders.

"Sure thing Rare, why don't you, Tavi and Vi go get some tea? There's a nice little shop over there" I point them towards a little tea shop before taking off into town.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LATER BY THE CARRIAGES: TERESA'S POV

"Taylor, this isn't the first problem we've had with you is it?" Will Rarity talks to her I take this chance to get a good look at this Taylor girl as she quietly shakes her head no, she has simple short brown hair and is wearing a normal maid outfit and headdress.

"I'm afraid I'll have to let you go Taylor, as soon as we return to the manor, you will pack your things and leave. Is that understood?" Taylor nods her head as Renee begins to usher people onto the carriages.

"Best of luck finding a new job" Rarity sighs before continuing "If you need to, you may use me as a reference with future employers, now get on a carriage" Rarity shoos Taylor onto a carriage as Renee instructs me to go back onto the carriage I arrived in.

I sit down in the carriage with Vinyl and Octavia, I look out the door to see Sarah and Sweetie standing near Rarity as Renee walks up to her and pats her back gently then whispers something before taking her hand and leading her and the girls into the carriage. Sarah sits on one side of the seat and Renee sits in the middle, Rarity sits on the side opposite of Sarah and once again puts Sweetie in her lap. Rarity calls for the carriages to move out before closing the door, I immediately feel the carriage begin to move.

"I dislike firing people, it's not a good feeling. You've let people go from your club before right Vincenza? Does it get easier?" Rarity stats as we go head towards the mansion. Vinyl thinks for a bit before answering.

"I guess so, never really been a problem for me. When someone's gotta go, they gotta go. Doesn't matter if you like it or not, ya still gotta do it.That's part of being a boss, like me" Vinyl gives a little bow as if she has spoken great wisdom, Rarity chuckles before replying.

"Thank you Vincenza, very helpful"

"So, how was school today girls?" Renee asks Sarah and Sweetie, both girls seem to be more positive then when we were heading towards the town.

"Not to bad actually, No one picked on us at all" Sweetie says with a big smile.

"Doubt every day will be like this but it was pretty cool to not have to deal with Diana at all" Sarah adds in.

"Whose Diana?"

"She's the biggest bully at school, she almost never leaves us alone. Thinks shes so much better then everyone" Sarah explains with a deep frown. Sweetie looks at Sarah before looking at me sadly.

"She tried to be friends with me when I started going to school in Ponyville, cause I'm the Duchess' sister, but then she started picking on Sarah and when I tried to get her to stop she started being mean to me too. I bet we could be great friends if she'd just be a little nicer" Sweetie and Sarah pout, Rarity sighs before speaking.

"Me, Renee and Ms. Lee have all tried to discuss Diana's behavior problems with her parents. But they refuse to believe their darling daughter is capable of any wrong doing so unfortunately no progress has been made." Rarity and the girls frown and look down sadly, Renee looks between the frowning faces before reaching her hands behind her back, she winces before pulling two blue feathers from behind her back one in each hand. Renee holds the feathers in front of her face before darting her hands to the sides and tickling Sweetie and Sarah, the girls curl themselves up to try and escape the tickling. Renee retracts her hands and everyone in the carriage has a good laugh at Renee's antics, Rarity is about to speak before she begins to laugh uncontrollably, I look and see that Renee's tickle attack has been directed towards Rarity now.

"That's enough sad talk alright? I want smiles in this carriage right now that is an order, understood?" Renee points at Rarity and the girls as she speaks, they all give a sort of salute while giggling.

"Of course Captain" They all say in unison before laughing again.

"This makes me very curious what you were like in the military Renee. Judging only from your accomplishments I almost assumed you were a no nonsense kind of solider" I question as Renee ruffles Sarah's hair before readjusting in her seat and addressing me.

"You could say that I was then. But this is different, these are my friends, my family. There's no need to be serious all the time" Renee pulls Rarity and the girls into a quick group hug before facing me again.

"Do you miss it? I've heard stories about you, apparently you were quite impressive. Pardon my curiosity" Renee simply shrugs before answering.

"I guess I miss it a little, but there's really no reason to go back, My superiors know how to reach me if I'm actually needed. What stories have you heard? I bet I know which one is going around the most, happened when I was still a private pretty early in my recruitment."

"Oh yes, you're referring to when you managed to uncover those Changling spies? A lot of people were impressed you and your team accomplished something like that so early into service" For some reason Rarity and Renee look confused for a few moments before something seems to click in Renee's head before she smiles sheepishly.

"Oh yeah, that was my first major victory, can't believe I almost forgot that one" Rarity looks at her confused before Renee turns to her and whispers something. Rarity simple begins messing with Sweetie's hair and Sweetie laughs as Rarity styles it.

"Which story were you thinking of Renee?"

"Oh uh. It's nothing, forget about it" I'm about to question further when Tavi speaks up.

"Teresa, I've often wondered what life is like in the palace, would you indulge my curiosity?" I turn to Tavi and Vinyl and begin to have a conversation with them, we speak of our different experiences in Canterlot and I tell them specifically of my time as Celestia's Student.

During our conversation the carriages arrive back at the mansion and everyone files out and returns to their normal tasks, with Bonnie and Patty ensuring everyone that they'll get dinner done quickly to reward everyone for their work today. I continue my conversation with Tavi and Vinyl, We even head to the kitchen to watch Patty and Bonnie have their usual battle over the menu. I think this could actually become an entertaining way to start the day.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A few hours later I'm returning to my room for the night when I walk past Rarity's Study, the door is slightly ajar and I can hear Rarity and Renee on the other side. I decide to just keep walking when I start to hear voices from the room.

"So if you aren't credited in the report, what does it say?"

"The report stats that a freak but fortunate lightning storm struck during the battle"

"That's it? People think what happened that day was just a coincidence? A stroke of luck? Renee that happened because-"

"I know Rare, but do you really think people would believe me if I said it was me, the Queen and her sister are the only ones who are supposed to be able to manipulate the weather with aeromancy. I'm surprised you believed I did that back then"

"I saw you call that lightning bolt Renee, If you hadn't been there me and Sweetie would be-"

"I understand Rare, I know you feel like I deserve to be rewarded for what happened that day, but it's-"

"Don't say it's fine!"

"Rare...."

"I know I sound silly right now, you've done so many other things that you were congratulated for. But you saved our lives Renee, if not for you I wouldn't be here right now and neither would Sweetie, I wouldn't have even been able to say goodbye to my parents before they passed. And for people to think that was just a coincidence, for you to not even get a simple 'good job' for everything you've done? For me that is a grave injustice"

"Rare, you and Sweetie are alive and well, I've made so many new friends and have gotten to know you. That's all the reward I could ever need"

"Oh.....Renee"

"And I don't care how sappy or cliche that sounded, I'm not taking it back"

"Hahahaha, Nor should you"

"Just remember, no one can know I can use Aeromancy to manipulate the weather. The Queen herself told me to keep it a secret, so only our trusted friends and family can know alright? Let's just keep that incident in the past OK?"

"Yeah yeah, whatever"

"Yeah yeah, whatever? That's not a very ladylike thing to say Rare"

"But I- Augh! I blame you, you're a terrible influence on proper ladies"

"Whatever, come on milady, let's get you to bed"

"Very well, lead the way good knight"

I panic as I hear the conversation end and realize I had been listening in to a probably private conversation. I quickly but quietly head off towards my room, hoping that if Rarity and Renee see me they won't suspect I'd been listening. Thinking while I move I decide on a plan of action, Once I arrive in my room I close and lock the door. I then visualize the mansion's library in my mind before charging a spell in my hands, I unleash the spell and teleport to the library. Before I pick up any books I write a letter and send it before I begin my work.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CANTERLOT CASTLE: PRINCESS LUNA'S ROOM

Luna, younger sister to the Queen and Goddess of the Moon, rises from her luxurious bed to begin her night duties, she turns to gaze out her window at the night sky.

"Ha! I told Tia I could handle rising the moon in my sleep" Luna tilts her head to look at the sky from another angle, she then straightens her head and waves her hand, causing the stars in the sky to rearrange themselves into a more beautiful alignment.

"Though controlling the night while dream walking doesn't exactly bring out my best work I suppose" Shrugging Luna begins to prepare for the night, she puts on her dark blue dress and dons her crown, She puts on her Blue high heels and finally she puts on a pair of dark blue gloves.

Luna begins making tweaks to the night sky to ensure it's how she wants it to look when a knock at her door catches her attention.

"I shouldn't be late yet" Luna ponders as she looks at the clock on her wall by the bed, she has a little more time before she needs to arrive in the throne room. Curious she heads over to the door and opens it with her magic.

On the other side of the door is one of Luna's night guard, her night guard are a special kind of human. They are Avians but their eyes, ears and wings are like a bats rather then an elves pointed ears or an Avian's bird wings.

"Good evening Princess Luna, this letter just arrived for you. It's from Teresa Sparkle" Raising an eyebrow momentarily Luna takes the letter from the guard.

"Thank you, you are dismissed" The guard bows before turning to leave as Luna closes the door. She then begins to read the letter as she paces around the room.

Dear Princess Luna

I'm sure you are surprised to hear from me and I do wish I was writing simply as a friend. But I'm afraid I have a favor I need to ask of you, I have begun researching Aeromancy however there is only so much I can learn from the Aeromancers that are employed at Duchess Rarity's estate. I was hoping you could send me any books in the royal library having to do with Aeromancy, after doing my research I promise I will send more letters to you, and I apologize for not messaging you sooner. I truly hope my request does not inconvenience you and I wish you well on your royal duties tonight.

By the way, I look forward to seeing you at the Queen's party in a few days
Your friend,

Teresa Sparkle

Luna chuckles lightly before placing the letter on her desk, she makes a mental note to get Teresa those books as soon as possible before heading out of her room towards the throne room.

"I wonder what brought this on"

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE EQUESTRIA/GRYPHON BORDER

Gryphons, a race similar to Avians. Like Avians they have bird wings but they also have eagle eyes and talons for hands, their feet are like a lions and they even have tails like lions as well. It has long been argued by the three races and Gryphons alike whether Gryphons count as another kind of human or if they are something else entirely, conflicts about this have caused major problems in the past which led to the Gryphons forming their own Kingdom near Equestria. and while the two countries currently have a peace, it is shaky and border gates have been placed to prevent citizens of each country from entering the other without the proper papers. Currently at this border there is a human man watching over the booth on the Equestrian side, he has short brown hair and glasses he must occasionally push back up. The man can't see his counter part on the Gryphon side but as he looks up the road he sees a Gryphon woman pulling a carriage behind her. The man isn't confused though as he has seen this woman before and knows she doesn't have the bits to purchase and care for a horse to pull the carriage for her, so it can be slow going when she's traveling like she is now. The Gryphon girl makes a quick stop at the Gryphon booth before heading over to the Equestrian side.

"Hey long time no see, Welcome back to Equestria. Just let me make sure your papers are all in order"

"No prob, here ya go dude" The Gryphon girl pulls out her papers and the man looks them over.

"Alright it's all good, I'll just stamp this for you and you can be on your way. How was your family by the way?"

"Oh you know same old same old" The Gryphon takes her papers back "Thanks, See ya next time dude" She puts her papers away and continues pulling her carriage.

"No problem, have a good visit Gilda"

A Return And Farewells

VINYL'S POV

"What's that noise? Man what time is it?" I reach over to pick up the clock on the nightstand, It's a little difficult because the nightstand is to the right of the bed and I'm on the left side but it looks like Tavi's not in bed at the moment so I manage to grab it.

"It's only noon? Who gets up this early?" Well lots of people probably but whatever. I hear the strange noise I heard earlier but now that I'm not in the middle of waking up I can tell what it is. I hear an instrument, it's like a string instrument I think, not as deep as Tavi's Cello But not as light as Lyra's harp thingy(Lyre). It doesn't take me long to realize what it is though. I want to find out where the sound's coming from but I gotta get dressed first(Don't ask) and find my shades.

Doesn't take me long to get ready, I just throw on a tank top and camo pants plus my boots, then I stand outside me and Tavi's room and listen closely to find out where the music is coming from. It's pretty cool actually, I blast my music at full volume all the time but my hearing is like, super good, like there are servants I pass in the halls that probably don't even hear the music at all. I follow the sound until I find a staircase, I hurry up until it until I see a door at the top, opening it I end up on the roof of all places. I look around until I find what I knew I was gonna see. Tavi standing there in her normal blouse and skirt (Missing her bow-tie though) playing one of her instruments, it's like a tiny version of her Cello, she can hold it in one hand, in this case her left hand, With her chin resting on part of it while she has the stick thing in her right. I walk over to her and I guess she hears my foot steps cause she stops playing and faces me. Her deep purple eyes tell what I already suspected.

"What you so worried about Tavi?" Tavi lowers her playing stick and her Mini Cello and looks away from me.

"Why would you think I am worried about anything Vinyl? I enjoy playing music and it is lovely out today so I see no reason not to do what I am presently doing" Tavi huffs at me. She is so cute, thinking I'd buy that.

"Well lets see, you're in a mansion with your friends but instead your up here alone. You must have left the room quickly since you forgot your bow-tie. Plus I know you only play your Mini Cello when your worried, kinda a weird habit of yours" I grin while Tavi sighs and rubs her forehead with a couple of fingers on her right hand.

"First of all Vinyl,this instrument is called a Viola not a Mini Cello. And secondly I am fi-" I raise one of my eyebrows and point to the Viola I guess it's called and Tavi sighs. "I suppose I do not play this instrument that often. Very well, I will admit something is bothering me, Only because I know you will not drop the subject until I do" kneeling down, Tavi puts her Mini Cello(Viola) into its case and once it's safely put away she turns to address me again.

"It is my performance for the Queen and Princess. I have performed for them in the past,even in a solo, in Canterlot Hall and the Castle but always with the rest of the Orchestra around me. But now I am to perform alone within the throne room itself, not even mentioning the fact that I have no idea why they have summoned me in the first place."

"They probably just heard about how much ass you kick on the Cello. I can't exactly blame em for wanting a private concert, I've thoroughly enjoyed the ones I've gotten" Encase she doesn't remember exactly what I'm talking about I wiggle my eyebrows at her and a blush spreads all across her face.

"Vinyl, that is inappropriate" Tavi says while looking away from me. I slowly walk up and place my hands on her shoulders causing her to look at me. I give her a gently smile.

"Ya gotta stop worrying about this performance Tavi. Sure your orchestra pals won't be there, but I've got your back, I'll be there to support you the whole time" I reach into my pocket and pull out a little pink Bow-tie, I bring it up and tie it around Tavi's neck. "You'll do great"

"YEAH!! YOU GOT THIS TAVI!!" Me and Tavi hear a voice yell from the ground, but before we can walk over to the edge and look down a large blast of confetti rockets into the sky before falling back down and landing not far away. Out of the mass of confetti pops Patty carrying lots of balloons and a cake that is somehow still intact. She dashes over to us quickly.

"It's like Vinyl said Tavi, you're gonna do great. Those Royal sisters won't have any idea what hit them they'll be so blown away"

"I, appreciate the enthusiasm Patri- I mean Patty. But uh, how did you know what we were talking about and where we were?" Tavi asks slowly while taking the cake I assume is meant for her from Patty, who just chuckles and waves her hand dismissively.

"Ha, please. I know everything" Patty says while taking the balloons she has and tieing them to little weights she pulls out of nowhere and placing them around the roof. Me and Tavi look at each other and shrug, not really sure how to respond to that.

"So what you doin Patty" I ask as she continues placing balloons around the rooftop.

"Well I didn't throw you girls a welcome party when you got here, since I know how you feel about that kinda thing Tavi"

"Well that was very considerate of you Patty"

"Plus I didn't throw Teresa one either since all those characters needed to be introduced when she got here and I didn't have time during the early chapters" Seeming happy about her balloon placement, Patty walks back over to us. Me and Tavi look confused at each other before I ask the question on both our minds.

"Where ya going with this Patty?"

"Well Tavi only has a couple of days before her performance right? So I know you guys are going to leave today which makes me very sad. But then it hit me, I can throw a 'Welcome Teresa' and 'Goodbye Vinyl and Tavi, see ya next time' Party at the same time and make it a double party!"

"Patty I-"

"Trust me Tavi, You'll have a great time, this is the only party I'll make you attend K? Good glad we got that settled. Vinyl think you could help me with the music? we can get your deck set up up here"

"Sounds like a great idea to me!" I outstretch my hand and Patty puts her hand on top of mine.

"I will help too, I want to make sure this party does not get to insane" Tavi says while putting her hand on top of Patty's.

"Alright girls, let's make this a party so amazing anyone who gets super wasted will regret not remembering what happened for the rest of their lives" Patty declares with a huge grin, one spreads over my face too and even Tavi has a little smile.

"1...2...3...PARTY!!" We all shout together and throw our hands into the air. Patty then gives out instructions on what we're gonna need to do and we get to work immediately.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MEANWHILE, RARITY'S STUDY: TERESA'S POV

"You alright Egghead?" I look up upon hearing Renee's voice, my head had been dropping while I sit in the chair in front of Rarity's desk. Renee brought me in here for a reason I have not been told yet, I'm sitting on a chair in the middle of Rarity's study with Renee standing directly in front of the desk leaning back with her hands on the wood.

"Huh? Yeah, Yeah I'm OK" Renee stares at me like she doesn't quite believe me which makes sense since it isn't true. I got next to no sleep as I had stayed up till early in the morning going over all the magic books in the library as well as the books Luna had sent me. Every book confirmed what I had overheard, No one besides The royal sisters has ever been able to manipulate the weather with Aeromancy, some Aeromancy masters in the past had managed to control a single cloud to some extent, But what Renee and the sisters do is beyond anything I've read.

"So I'm guessing you're wondering why you're here?" Renee looks to me and continues when I Nod. "You remember when I saved you from those timber wolves in the Everfree Forest a couple days ago? Well I may have accidentally shown you something you weren't supposed to see"

"You controlling the weather with your Aeromancy?"

"Well...Yeah, how'd ya guess? Oh well, doesn't matter, the point is I need you to keep that little ability a secret OK? You may not know but not many people can do that. And I'd really appreciate you not telling anyone."

"You have my word Renee, But May I ask why exactly?"

Renee Inhales sharply and lets the breath out slowly. "That's the tricky part, I don't really know".

"I'm Sorry, I don't understand"

"Early on in my recruitment I used my aeromancy for-" Renee Hesitates for a moment, I realize she was likely about to mention The event her and Rarity were talking about last night. Eventually she decides against explaining her past "I used my Aeromancy for.... Reasons".

"After I did though, somehow the Queen found out about it and actually summoned me personally. I met her and she told me not to show anyone but those I trust completely my ability. She kinda figured I wouldn't be able to keep a secret like this from everyone" Renee thinks for a moment "Correctly figured by the way".

"So When I Saved You in the forest, I just kinda got caught up in the moment and used my aeromancy to strike that lightning and make it rain."

"Thank You for telling me that Renee, It's nice to know you trust me."

"I don't really have a choice since I already showed you it".

"I still appreciate the trust." The room is silent for a bit before I decide to ask a question.

"So You really don't know why Queen Celestia wanted you to keep this a secret?"

"No clue, I tried asking her and she just said 'I simply request you don't reveal this information, unless it is someone you trust completely, with your life' And That's All I Got out of her." Renee just shrugs like it doesn't really matter and begins drumming her fingers on the desk.

"Well I Guess That's It. Hope I Didn't interrupt anything important you had planned today. I'll be seeing you" And With that Renee begins walking towards the door. I Quickly stand up and follow after her.

"I Actually Don't Have Anything Planned Today, What Are You Up To?" I Ask Renee After Catching Up To Her In The Hallway.

"I Was Kinda Planning On Taking A Nap Or Something-" Renee Stops For A Second. "Wait I Just Remembered I Did Have Something Going On Today."

"Whats That Renee"

Renee Simply Grins At Me. "Come With Me, I Wanna Show You Something."

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-____

MEANWHILE IN SWEETIE/SARAH'S ROOM: SWEETIE'S POV

What should I do? What CAN I do? Me And Sarah are sitting in our room, my bed on the left side of the door and hers on the right side. Sarah is sitting on her bed with her body facing in my direction without looking at me herself. Shes looking to her right side, at her remaining wing, She does this sometimes. She'll stretch it to it's maximum length before pulling it back to her side and flapping it a few times, then she'll just stare at it awhile without sparing a glance at the side of her body lacking a wing, this kinda ritual thing is the only time she moves her wing all day everyday, for obvious reasons.

She never talks about it but it's obvious when shes thinking about her condition even when she isn't looking at her wing, I've tried to talk to her about it before but she always pretends shes fine and changes the subject. Rarity told me once shes bottling it up and its not healthy for her to do and we should try to get her to talk about it. But I've never seen her with a bottle. Renee says she's stubborn just like she is and isn't gonna talk about it unless she wants to. So I usually just sit here on my bed waiting for her to get done with her wing and do what she always does, hop up and shout "Lets find April, I've got a great idea!" But Not today, It looks like something is wrong so I take a closer look at Sarah's wing And I'm surprised by what I see. Her wing is a mess, it hasn't been getting taken care of because it's never used. It looks kinda dirty and some feathers look out of place probably because of all the games we play, how had she managed to hide that from Rarity and Renee? Quickly I Stand up from my bed and walk over to Sarah, once I'm standing in front of her she looks up at me confused.

"Uh, did you need something Sweetie?"

Whoops, I Hadn't exactly had a plan when I walked over, Sorta did that without thinking. I put my right hand on the back of my head and and laugh nervously while trying to think of what to do when a light bulb goes off in my head, either that or the faulty bulb in the light above me turned back on randomly, Point is I have an Idea.

"I wanna help you" I tell Sarah before climbing on the bed and sitting behind her.

"With what?" I don't answer her, I just reach my hand up and softly grip her wing with one hand and begin moving her feathers with the other.

"I saw Renee doing this once, she told me it was important for Avians to take care of their wings or they'll get uncomfortable or even start to hurt if it gets to bad. I can't do much to help, but this looked pretty easy when Renee did it."

Sarah looks kinda confused, she probably hasn't done this herself before. But after a bit of me moving feathers around she looks like she remembers something and just stares forward with a content look.

Sarah's wing isn't to big so it doesn't take me long to finish up with it, especially since it wasn't actually as bad as it had looked from my bed.

"That looks ok I think, Hows it feel?" Sarah flaps her wing a few times before it folds up and rests on her back.

"It feels better, you did a good job" Sarah giggles "But Renee is better at preening".

"Huh? Whats That?" Sarah looks at me with a raised eyebrow before laughing some more.

"Really? You just did that without knowing what it is?" I just nod my head "Preening is what we call fixing up our wings, Both Avians and Birds do it. Renee used to do it for me all the time when I was real little, cause I couldn't do it myself very well. I'd kinda forgotten about it actually, since I don't use it for anything these days." After saying that Sarah gets quiet again and faces forward. I try to think of something to say, something that might get her to talk.

"Sarah I-"

"Sometimes I swear I feel it" That stops me in my tracks.

"Uh, feel what Sarah?"

"My wing." My eyes go wide and my mouth hangs open when she says that, I take a few seconds for my brain to restart before speaking.

"You....Feel It?"

"Not really, but sometimes when I'm just sitting around it feels like it's still there and sometimes I instinctively try to flap it But it's still in that mangled shape it was in before it was amputated and it hurts, it hurts so bad." I lean over from where I'm sitting and see the beginnings of tears under Sarah's Eyes. "I try and ignore it, the pain I mean, that's why I focus on my wing in the morning, to keep my mind off it."

"I can't imagine how hard this must be for you"

"It's ok" Sarah shoots me a grin that makes her look just like Renee "Figured I might as well tell someone that eventually".

"You're fine" I grumble before smacking Sarah on the back causing her to fall off the bed and land on her face, she doesn't get hurt though as our room has really soft carpeting.

"Hey, you better be nicer to me, my sister is an army captain" Sarah says after she sits up, then she sticks her tongue out at me.

"And my sister is your sisters boss so meh" I respond very maturely while sticking my own tongue out, Rarity would be proud.

"We could argue whose sister is better all day" I nod in agreement to Sarah's statement "So why don't you save me the trouble and just admit I'm right and my sister is way better." I pout at Sarah while she gives me another grin and chuckles to herself, I try think of a clever come back when-

"Speaking of your sisters, any idea where they are?" Me and Sarah both jump before turning to look at a woman standing in the doorway. Her golden talon reaches up to scratch her head.

"Wow, didn't mean to scare ya squirts"

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MANSION BASEMENT: TERESA'S POV

Currently I'm sitting on a bench in the basement, the basement is a huge area underneath the mansion almost as wide as the mansion is its self. I'm sitting with Rarity on my left and Vinyl and Octavia on my right, they say their taking a short break from something. After a few moments I lean over to whisper to Rarity.

"I have a question."

"Ask away Teresa dear."

"Why are we watching your employees fight each other?" I look out into the expanse of the basement seeing various members of the staff paired up in one on one matches with various practice weapons or while barehanded. The match the four of us sitting on the bench are the most interested in though is Renee and Jacqueline who are fighting hand to hand, Renee had given her dual swords to Rarity to hold before removing her armor, leaving her in a light blue tank top and white pants and a pair of blue socks which she took off before stepping into the circle drawn on the floor marking the combat area.

"They are training so that they can be ready to fight at a moments notice. They train with the weapons their used to, or try out new options. And its perfectly safe, we always make sure no one gets seriously hurt" Rarity explains while holding Renee's sheathed swords carefully in her hands. I straighten up and focus on the fight once again, I try to observe the combatants closely.

I already knew Jacqueline was a little taller than an average woman, not by a lot but a noticeable amount. Renee on the other hand I am seeing without her armor for the first time and I'm a bit surprised, I already knew she was a little smaller then me but without her armor she looks even smaller. Renee is not tiny or anything but her height is below average and while I can see she has muscle on her, Jacqueline definitely has more, and is significantly taller.

"Sizing up the competition Spark?" Vinyl says while bumping my shoulder.

"Well their fighting hand to hand so it's a bit fascinating considering the size difference" I stop for a second as Jacqueline punches Renee in the face and sends her sprawling onto the ground, Renee is on the floor for less than a second before she springs herself back up onto her feet and delivers a quick but powerful kick to Jacqueline's chest sending her backward but she doesn't fall." Why hasn't Renee flown yet?"

"Renee doesn't use her wings during hand to hand combat training. She thinks her opponent might believe shes giving herself an unfair advantage"

"Her wings? How would that be an unfair advantage? If you're going to fight an Avian shouldn't you be prepared to face them when they fly? I don't think her wings would make the fight unfair, in fact it'd probably make the training better by allowing Jacqueline to study an Avian's moves and attacks in a more natural way."

"That's some clever thinking Spark." Vinyl says with a chuckle "To bad Jack is to Afraid of losing to go along with that!" Vinyl states loudly to ensure Jacqueline can hear her. Jacqueline blocks a kick from Renee by grabbing her foot, and then lifts her through the air and slams her onto the floor. Once again Renee is not on the ground for long as she hops onto her feet and gains some distance. Jacqueline meanwhile glares over at Vinyl.

"Oh Shut it Scratch, using her wings is cheatin' and ya know it! I prefer to fight on equal Fair Terms." Jacqueline huffs while Vinyl smiles feeling shes proved her point, Jacqueline returns to a battle pose and waits for Renee's next move, but as Renee is about to attack again Rarity stands up and raises one hand while the other keeps Renee's swords held to her chest.

"Hold on a minute!" Jacqueline and Renee stop immediately and both face Rarity with confused looks. "Renee darling, come over here for a moment please" Renee quickly leaves the combat circle and walks over before standing in front of Rarity.

"Need something Rare?"

"You haven't cut your hair recently have you?"

"Wha- What does my hair have to do with anything?" Renee asks before quickly blowing some stray strands off her face.

"Didn't think so, turn around and sit down."

"Rare-"

"That is an order Captain" Rarity says in a fake commanding tone. Renee rolls her eyes but sits down as instructed. Rarity messes with her hair for a little bit before telling Renee to stand back up, her hair now pulled back into a ponytail tied with a small purple ribbon.

"There, is that better, perhaps you see just a bit better?"

"Yeah, I guess so, can I get back to training now?"

"Of course darling"

Renee walks back over and stands on the opposite end of the training circle from Jacqueline, Jacqueline lets out a small chuckle while her and Renee enter battle poses.

"Nice hair Renee, Did Rarity make ya all purty?" Jacqueline mocks.

"If you're jealous of my good looks Jack just say so, I won't think less of you for it" Renee counters, causing Jacqueline to frown.

"Ya gonna make jokes or are we gonna finish this?"

"Hmm...." Renee thinks for a moment "Finish it"

The fight continues for a few minutes, Renee uses her superior speed to land many quick hits on Jacqueline, But while Renee's punches and kicks don't seem to have a great effect on Jacqueline, her counter attacks seem to have a great effect on Renee. As the fight goes on it's obvious that Renee has suffered more damage then Jacqueline and it's becoming harder for her to get any decent hit in. The two combatants face each other with determination, I can see the fire in their eyes as they begin what I feel will be the final struggle in their battle.

Renee runs towards Jacqueline preparing her right hand for an attack on Jacqueline's left side, Jacqueline begins moving her arms to block the attack when Renee's right leg bends and kicks off the ground, changing Renee's course at the last second allowing her to hit Jacqueline's now undefended right side with a swift strike to the ribs, following her momentum Renee proceeds by kicking Jacqueline in the stomach. However Jacqueline recovers quickly and swings both hands at the same time. crashing her fists into both sides of Renee's rib-cage causing Renee to stumble backwards allowing Jacqueline to raise her leg up for a powerful kick in the center of Renee's chest knocking the wind out of her as well as send her to the ground with a loud thud. Renee stays on the ground for a few seconds this time and gets up slower then before. She seems to be panting a bit while Jacqueline seems mostly ok. Renee charges once again but her movements are a little slower allowing Jacqueline to block her fist and knee her in the stomach, Jacqueline having not let go of Renee's hand flips Renee around and loops her arms under Renee's preventing her from escaping. Renee begins to struggle under Jacqueline's grip but it seems useless.

"Wow, is this it? I don't think Rey can escape that hold" Vinyl says while leaning on the edge of her seat. I look at the struggle before responding.

"I think so, Renee can't use her Aeromancy because it's a fist fight, Also shes likely more proficient with her swords then unarmed. She can't use her wings which reduces her maneuverability and that's not even getting into the fact Jacqueline is bigger, stronger and has more experience hand to hand." I state my observations on the fight and the other girls on the bench consider them, Octavia looks slightly sad when she speaks.

"It is true that Jacqueline's blows had a greater effect on Renee then Renee's attacks had on Jacqueline. Humans are known to be the physically strongest of our species after all, That usually means a grounded Avian is at a disadvantage when it comes to pure strength" Me and Vinyl nod our heads to Octavia's assessment. "But that doesn't mean it is over though".

"Octavia's right, Just keep watching" Rarity speaks up, I look over at her and she's clutching the sheathed blades very tightly, I can just barely hear her whisper "Come on darling, there's got to be a way out of there". I turn my attention back to the fighters as Renee continues to struggle.

Renee tries to swing her arms but Jacqueline's hold prevents them from doing anything worthwhile, she tries to kick Jacqueline but she can't hit very high up and Jacqueline ignores any pain the kicks may cause to her legs. Renee's wings begin to ruffle and it looks like shes about to use them, which would make sense as their her only hope of escape, but while wincing from the pain of Jacqueline's hold she seems to remember she agreed not to use them and her wings settle back down. Renee grits her teeth and closes her eyes, but eventually she stops and adopts a kind of sad look but with her eyes still closed, It looks like she's about to surrender. Her mouth opens and all four of us on the bench lean as far forward as we can, But suddenly Renee's eyes shoot open and her legs kick off the ground, She doesn't go anywhere since Jacqueline is still holding her but her legs loop around Jacqueline's. Renee's feet hit the back of Jacqueline's knees causing her legs to buckle involuntarily sending Jacqueline to her knees with Renee coming along. While their falling though Renee whips her head back suddenly, hitting the back of her skull into Jacqueline's face. Because of the blow Jacqueline eases her hold just enough for Renee to squirm out of Jacqueline's arms and with a swift kick backwards with her left foot, Renee sends Jacqueline off her knees and onto her back. Taking advantage of the situation Renee crouches then leaps a few feet into the air without assistance from her wings, She curls her left leg up and stretches out her right leg as she quickly descends to the ground landing a forceful blow onto the center of Jacqueline's chest. The blow hits so hard I can feel the force of it from my seat and Wince from it. Renee then bends her right foot and kicks backwards, doing a back-flip through the air and landing by Jacqueline's feet.

"You ok Jack?"

"Man that hurt" Jacqueline tries to mumble under her breath but everyone can hear her anyway, She'd closed her eyes when the blow hit but now opens her right eye to look at Renee "Ya know I sometimes forget why they made ya a Cap'n in the first place? I gotta stop doin' that."

"Need a hand?" Renee asks while stretching out her hand, Jacqueline takes it and Renee helps her up. I Just sit on my seat dumbfounded while Vinyl, Octavia and Rarity begin cheering.

"Alright, I guess that makes it 65 to 40, Ma favor right?" Jacqueline ask once she's standing up, still looking confident.

"Yeah,Yeah, but I'm catching up. I'd be worried if I was you Jack, most of your wins are from when I was still a cadet." Renee says while grinning.

"Don't get to cocky now." Jacqueline says with a chuckle. I simply observe the interaction, not fully understanding what just happened.

"She....She Just Won?" Vinyl slaps me hard on the back while laughing.

"Damn right she did! Way to go Rey!" At Vinyls cheering, Renee Gives an exaggerated bow while Jacqueline claps for her opponent.

"She Won? But Jacqueline had the clear advantage. She only got one really good hit in, How did she- I'm interrupted from my thoughts when a new voice speaks up.

"That was a quite fight Dash, glad I didn't miss to much of it" Everyone turns to face the new voice, I see Sweetie and Sarah standing near the entrance to the basement, their excitement over the battle finally exploding as they rush over to congratulate Renee and hug her. But what really catches my attention is the woman also near the door, the woman who had spoken. Shes a Gryphon.

The Gryphon girl wears a white long sleeve shirt and brown pants, instead of hands with fingers she has golden talons with sharp claws, her feet and toes are instead a lions paws, I can see her lion tail sway lazily behind her and her large white wings rest on her back comfortably. She has short white hair with the front done up slightly and colored purple, the last thing I notice are her eyes, which are a piercing shade of yellow. She looks at me for a moment and whether or not shes trying to be intimidating, I'm intimidated. She looks towards Renee again and smiles a surprisingly gentle smile.

"Hey Dash"

"Gilda" Renee nearly whispers, but a smile does form on her face after a moment and once she finishes hugging Sarah and Sweetie she spreads her wings and flies over to Gilda and gives her a gentle hug.

"Its been way to long" Renee stops hugging Gilda and flaps backward a short distance and lands back on the ground. "What brings you back G?"

"I figured a year was a bit to long to be away. Good to see ya Dash" Gilda puts her talon into a fist and faces it to Renee, who forms her own fist and connects with Gilda's.

"Welcome back Gilda, I hope your trip wasn't to difficult dear" Rarity says with a smile as her, Jacqueline,Vinyl,Octavia, Sweetie,Sarah and me walk over to Renee and Gilda.

"Wasn't to bad, How ya been Princess?" Rarity laughs lightly at the nickname.

"I'm a Duchess, Not a Princess, You know that dear" Gilda just rolls her eyes and smiles.

"It's a nickname Princess, just roll with it K?" After she speaks Sarah and Sweetie and each give her a quick hug.

"Hey squirts, Thanks for you're help. Wheres the third musketeer by the way?"

"April is with her brother doing some chores or something" Sarah explains, but before any conversation can continue, the doors to the basement burst open and Patty rushes into the room, dashing over to Vinyl and Octavia and hoisting them both into the air with seemingly little effort.

"BREAKS OVER!! I'M TAKING THESE!!" Patty Quickly and excitedly yells before rushing back towards the exit with the bewildered musicians in her hands. However she stops suddenly and stands parallel to Gilda. Patty is smiling but Gilda looks rather disinterested.

"Gilda"

"Patty"

"I'm throwing a double party, would you like me to add a 'welcome Gilda' Party to the event?"

"I'd rather you didn't"

"Will you be attending the party?"

"Doubtful"

"As you wish, come along girls we need to see what records Vinyl brought" Patty then rushes out of the room.

"Umm... Is there something between those two?" I ask carefully, looking to Renee and Rarity for answers.

"Lets just say Patty and G did not get off on the right foot the first time they met" Renee says while chuckling nervously.

"I'm not exactly the most friendly person you'll ever meet" Gilda flatly states while looking directly at what feels like my soul. "And I was really bad a few years ago when Dash first brought me to visit the mansion, and because of Patty everyone including Renee and Sarah realized what a jerk I was."

"We lost touch for a long time before I finally built up the courage and came back to apologize. Ever since then I've come over to hang when I'm not in the Gryphon Kingdom with my family."

"You were gone a whole year this time G, Something happen?"

"Just been searching around for a new job, not all of us decided to join the reserves and move into a mansion Dash" Gilda jokes, Renee chuckles lightly before inquiring further.

"I thought you got a job, at like a delivery service or something"

"Yeah I did, but I'm just not sure it's for me ya know Dash? I mean they wouldn't even let me bring these babies on deliveries" Gilda gestures to her belt which I now see holds two sheathed swords attached to it very similar to Renee's. "I've still got the job, but have been looking for something else. So we'll see."

"If you insist on bringing your swords everywhere why not join back up with the army? I bet our old battalion misses their Lieutenant"

"Wouldn't be the same without our Captain, besides my time with the army ended a long time ago" Gilda shrugs then sighs "Come on Dash, don't you go worrying about me. I can take care of myself."

"Then write more knucklehead" Renee pats Gilda on the back and they share a laugh.

"Um, Gilda if I may ask a question?" Gilda turns to me and raises an eyebrow.

"Got a problem?"

"Well no it's just... uh.."

"maybe it's your eyes G" Renee suggests.

"Ooh, you've never met a Gryphon before is that it?" Gilda asks me, while folding her arms.

"Well no, I've never met a Gryphon in person" Gilda nods her head and shrugs.

"Gryphons have the eyes of a hawk, they can be kinda unsettling for people the first time they see them." Gilda whispers under hear breathe "Or if you're lame" She then coughs and continues "You'll get used to them eventually."

"Thank you Gilda, but what I wanted to ask is, you were in the army?"

"Yeah, I was"

"The Equestrian Army?" Gilda narrows her eyes at me and for a second I feel like shrinking backward.

"What? A Gryphon not good enough for your army?" Gilda asks with completely unconcealed anger and the other girls in the room don't look to happy either. I quickly begin flailing my hands around.

"No,no,no,no! I didn't mean it like that! I was just asking, I'm just curious!" After a bit longer of insisting, everyone seems to relax, Gilda folds her arms again.

"Yeah, I was in the Equestrian Army, I was actually born here in Equestria. Few years ago my family left Equestria to return to the Gryphon Kingdom where my Mom was born, I'm a citizen of the Gryphon Kingdom now so I can't be in the Equestrian Army anymore. I just come here from time to time to visit Dash and the Others." Rarity walks up and gives Gilda a small hug.

"And it's nice of you to visit, Why don't me and Renee show you around?" Rarity then turns to me "Teresa, you and Gilda can get more acquainted later. Why don't you go and see if you can help Patty with that party shes apparently planning without running it by me at all." Rarity instructs seeming only mildly annoyed at Patty's actions.

"Of course Rarity, Gilda I'll speak to you later."

"I'm gonna have one more fight then maybe get a little work done, I'll see ya'll at the party later". Jacqueline says before walking towards all the servants who are still sparring.

Rarity and Renee leave with Gilda while Sarah and Sweetie run off to find April. I meanwhile head off to try and find Patty to help her.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LATER, ON THE ROOF (TIME:9:05PM)

"So what kind of music will you be playing at the party Vinyl?" I decide to ask Vinyl some questions while I'm helping her set up her equipment as Patty requested. There are several tables and even a makeshift bar now laid out in locations on the roof of the mansion, Me and Vinyl are standing on a stage that Patty created, though I hesitate to call it that as it's mostly just wood stacked on top of other wood.

"All kinds, I've got my dub-step, some rock n roll, country songs the apple family suggested and lots of other stuff" Vinyl explains while facing away from me and making adjustments to her turntables. "What I've always liked about Patty's parties is I can play any music I want. I'm usually kinda restricted when I'm playing in a club, But I have way to much fun to really mind." Vinyl makes a final adjustment before kneeling down and opening a compartment on her turntables, she then starts messing with wires.

"Have you ever considered opening your own club?" I ask Vinyl while using my magic to levitate a large speaker into position. Vinyl closes the compartment, stands up and stretches, She then chuckles a little and faces me.

"Course I have Spark, But that is one expensive idea. I've been trying to save up to open my own place for years." I look at her skeptically while making sure the sound system is all in order.

"Years? Your the most famous DJ in all of Equestria and your dating one of the most famous classical musicians in a century. Do you really have money issues?" Vinyl just nods her head and grins at me.

"You clearly don't know how bad I am with money."

"How bad are we talking?" Before Vinyl can answer that however, another voice speaks up.

"Do you believe Vinyl to be an at least averagely intelligent person?" Me and Vinyl turn to see Octavia carrying two large boxes towards the 'stage' with Patty carrying a box and bouncing joyfully behind Octavia. I look at Vinyl briefly before facing Octavia.

"Yeah, I do."

"Then do not ask how she handles her money." Octavia bluntly states while placing her box on the ground. Patty giggles and places her box next to Octavia's boxes.

"You ok Tavi? Those Boxes Look like their pretty heavy." I ask Octavia when shes done putting her boxes down. Octavia dismisses my concern quickly.

"No need to worry Teresa, I have carried my cello with me almost everywhere since I was young. I can handle these."

"Whats in them anyway?" after asking that question Patty suddenly appeared in front of my face. I jump backward in shock as she begins talking while making random hand gestures.

"Only the most important thing to have at a super double roof party! a specially created fence and net combination of my own creation, it will prevent any and all drunk party goers, Avian or otherwise from leaving the roof any other way then the door back into the mansion since humans and elves can't get over the fence and Avians can't fly over because of the net. That way they'll head back inside instead of off the roof and onto the ground. Pretty good idea huh?" Patty says with a large smile, looking rather proud. Octavia gives her a gentle pat on the back.

"Well done Patty, that should keep everyone safe." Octavia says with a smile before something seems to click in her brain and she gives Patty a deadpanned stare. "That fence and net are not just to keep people safe in the party area is it? It is also your excuse to make the party as crazy as you can is it not?" Patty just scratches her head and giggles..

"Ya figured me out, you know me so well Tavi." Patty admits with a laugh, Octavia just sighs.

"As parties are one area you have more expertise then me in, I shall leave such decisions up to you. Now, shall we begin constructing this fence?" Octavia asks, causing Patty to begin explaining how the fence is going to be set up and where As well as how to set up the supports to keep the safety net in place. Vinyl looks over to me as I move the last speaker into place.

"Looks Good Spark" Vinyl grabs and lifts an object with a red magic aura "Catch" She says while flinging the object over to me. I attempt to catch the object in my hands but I fumble it and it falls, luckily I catch the object in my purple magic aura before it crashes to the ground. As I lift it back up to my face I can tell it's a beer bottle. I can feel some of Vinyl's residual magic energy on the bottle, giving it a kind of static like feeling. I look at Vinyl with a quizzical expression.

"What exactly is this for?"

"Uh...It's beer Spark, ya drink it." Vinyl says with a chuckle while taking a seat on the edge of the 'stage'. "I figured since we're done setting up we could sit down, have some beers and shoot the shit till it's time to party.... You drink right?"

"I've tried it before, it's not really my thing." Following Vinyls sigh I decide to change my answer slightly. "But um...I wouldn't mind talking with you and I guess having a drink wouldn't be so bad." I answer while having a seat next to Vinyl.

"Thanks, I like having a drinking buddy and since Tavi and Patty are setting stuff up and Renee is showing Gilda around I figured you could be fun." Vinyl seems startled for a second before looking at me and scratching her head nervously. "Wow didn't mean for that to sound like you were a last resort or something, I did wanna have a drink with you so I hope you're not offended or something."

"No it's fine." I open my bottle with my magic and take a sip. It's Not bad, but It's not great either. "I'll admit Vinyl, I never knew Rarity had a cousin. And I'd heard quiet a bit about the duke, duchess and their family."

"Not surprising, I come from her mom's side of the family, a.k.a, the side that married into the whole nobility thing. So, since my side of the family aren't nobles, people weren't exactly that interested." Vinyl explains with a shrug, But then gives me a big grin. "But could you imagine what all those snooty nobles would say if they found out 'The elegant and graceful Duchess Rarity' " Vinyl says Rarity's name and title with an exaggerated fancy accent "Is related to a beer drinking, party rocking DJ?" Vinyl laughs while I can only assume imagining what the nobility would think of such a revelation. I crack a smile of my own as I decide to add to her question.

"and what if they also found out their favorite classical musician was dating that same DJ?" Vinyl's imagination provides her with another few laughs about that reaction. She takes another drink of her beer before looking at me.

"I've contemplated revealing that information before. But I figure, As funny as seeing everyone's faces would probably be, I feel like it would cause a lot of problems for Rare and Tavi. You probably know how old school those nobles can be about relationships like ours." I take another small sip from my bottle before hanging my head slightly.

"The nobility's views on stuff like that is a bit... Outdated? Is that the right way to phrase it?"

"Let's go with that Spark, point is that'd be nothing but trouble for those two. So come on, Let's change the subject." I give Vinyl a smile. I then take another sip and giggle a little, Vinyl looks at me.

"What is it?"

"I was just wondering, Are their any other relatives that are going to pop in that I should be worried about trying to destroy my ear drums?" I say before laughing out loud. It's possible I don't hold my alcohol that well.

"Very funny Spark" Vinyl says light heartily. "But actually no, I'm an only child, Rare and Sweetie have been the closest things to siblings I've ever had." Vinyl shrugs and takes another drink. "My folks don't leave Manehattan that often and I haven't seen any of Rare's Relatives from the nobility since her folks died." Vinyl finishes her beer and grabs another one from somewhere behind her DJ equipment.

"How about you Spark? Any family?" At Vinyl's question I smile fondly while staring off into space.

"Yeah, my mom and dad, And my Brothers. My big brother Shaun is in the military, he's the highest ranking General in all of Equestria. They call him General Shining Armor because of his mastery of shield spells. But my little brother Spencer is kind of like my assistant, he's always helping me with errands and assignments back in Canterlot. He couldn't come with me to the mansion because school was starting back up soon and my mom wouldn't let him. I write to my brothers sometimes when I'm reading in the library." After rambling for a bit I take a big sip of from my bottle and find it's almost empty. I look to Vinyl to ask for another bottle when I notice both her eyebrows raised above her glasses, which is my only indication she's surprised as I can't see her eyes.

"Is something the matter Vinyl?"

"Your Older Brother is Shining Armor? I've heard things about that guy, that's pretty cool Spark. You're the Queen's Assistant and your brother leads an army, props to your family." Vinyl's eyebrows had lowered but after she speaks one rises again quizzically.

"Actually that reminds me of a question I've been wondering since I got here. I just wasn't sure if I wanted to ask." I take the last drink of my bottle before responding.

"Ask away Vinyl, I won't mind I'm sure."

"Alright then, Well it's just-" Vinyl coughs a little. "-Well uh, If you're the Queen's student and her assistant, why are you working for Rare here at the mansion instead of doing stuff in Canterlot? Did you get fired or something?" I'm about to laugh off her question when sudden realization causes my eyes to open as wide as possible. I have no idea why I was ordered to stay.

"I don't know why, But I wasn't fired, this is just a temporary assignment, I wasn't fired, Though the Queen could have made someone else Rarity's new Librarian instead of me, But I wasn't fired, The Queen always has a plan, I wasn't fired, I wasn't fired, I wasn't fired-" I continue chanting 'I wasn't fired' as I curl up into a ball and start to hyperventilate. Vinyl looks around Frantically, unsure what to do about my situation.
After a bit she shrugs and her hand shoots up and she slaps me hard in the face. I fall backwards and blink a few times before sitting back up.

"Thanks Vinyl, I think I needed that."

"No problem Spark, But uh, Instead of freaking out like that why not just ask the Queen whats up?" Vinyl speaks slowly and calmly, probably watching for any reaction from me that might mean she has to slap me again.

"You're right, you're right, you are very much right." I take several deep breathes to calm myself down before continuing. "I will send the Queen a letter asking for specifics. May I have another bottle by the way?"

"That may not be a good idea. Thinking about it, I got this stuff from the bar in Ponyville, and that chick can brew some strong stuff. Best for you to be in your right mind if you're sending letters to the Queen." I ponder what Vinyl says for a minute before giving her a small smile.

"You're right Vinyl, thank you, That was thoughtful of you. Very responsible." I chuckle a little and my eyes close for a second, when they open and I look at Vinyl again, I see that her eyebrows are once again raised above her glasses. She points to herself before speaking.

"You think, that I'M responsible?" Vinyl asks in disbelief, I give her an affirmative nod and another smile. Only for her eyebrows to dip sharply, giving her the look of someone very determined.

"OH Hell to the no!" Vinyl shouts before standing up and walking behind her deck. "Patty! When's the party starting? I need to do something ridiculous and/or stupid to keep my reputation in tact!" I look over and see Patty and Octavia finish putting the fence and net up in the proper location. Patty thinks for a moment before holding up a couple of fingers, then she speaks to Octavia for a moment before rushing back into the Mansion.

"Patty said she is going to get people now, so the party will start in a couple minutes when she gets the first group up here." Octavia explains once she walks over to me and Vinyl. She then looks at the two of us and asks. "So what is going on over here then?" Vinyl gestures to me.

"She called me responsible!" Vinyl shouts before gritting her teeth and getting ready to start the music once people arrive on the roof. Octavia chuckles softly and looks at me with an Amused expression.

"You are correct actually, Vinyl can be very thoughtful and responsible." Octavia looks at Vinyl and giggles a little as Vinyl looks at her and pouts. She faces me again. "Not that she likes people to know that, I ask you keep that little detail to yourself if possible Teresa."

"You have my word Tavi. Now is there anything else we need to do?"

"Not at all Teresa, I shall keep Vinyl company and you can enjoy the party." Me and Octavia shake hands and I'm about to say'Have fun' when suddenly Vinyl speaks up with a huge grin on her face.

"That means Spark is our first party-goer tonight! LET IT BEGIN!!" Vinyl shouts as she begins the first song. I quickly look at Octavia who looks slightly apologetic before a wave of sound blasts across the roof nearly pushing me over, though Octavia doesn't seem affected by it. The sound dies down a little as it seems Vinyl had set the volume knob just a little to high for her first song. Not long after though, Patty arrives with the first group of party-goers and the event begins to kick into full swing. Octavia takes a seat near Vinyl while I decide to look for anyone in the first group who I actually know somewhat.

With the party commencing We begin one of the longest nights of my life.

"Surely it's been long enough Dear. You and Patty can put the past behind you yes?"

Me and Rare have been trying to convince G to come to Patty's party since we left the basement. G has been here before so there really wasn't anything new to show her so We're in Rare's study right now, And just a minute ago Patty came by and told us the party had started. Me and Rare wanna go, but-

"You can go to the party without me, It's fine really. We can hang out tomorrow or something." G tries to wave us off but me and Rare don't give up easy.

"But if you and Patty were to just talk about it-" Rare starts but G holds one of her talons to Rare's lips and makes her stop, I almost reach for my swords out of instinct but I relax myself in time.

"Relax Princess. You can't rush me on this, I'll talk to Patty when I feel like it." With that G walks away from Rarity and opens the door of the study. We all file out into the hall before G closes the door and keeps talking.

"You two head off to the party already. Trust me, I'll find something to do. Might even try and turn in early if I wear earmuffs to block out Vi's music or something." Me and Rare could literally stay here and argue with her all night, G is probably the stubbornest person I know, So me and Rare forfeit the conversation for now and head off for the party, Wishing G a good night before leaving.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEANWHILE APPLE ORCHARD: JACQUELINE'S POV
"Come on Sis! It's gettin' dark!" Big Mac says while walkin' over towards the mansion. Caught me little off guard it did, seein' as how that was the first time he'd spoken since I came out here, I'd almost plum forgot he was here.

"I'm comin' bro! I was just givin' this place one more look over fore Patty's party!" I tell 'im while heading over to 'im quick. But on ma way over I swear I hear somethin', somethin' that sounds like leaves moving around. So I stop dead in ma tracks and whip around crouching a little bit.

Big Mac don't say nothin', he just scratches his head while I look all over the trees lookin' for anythin' strange. I keep real quiet in case any other noises happen. After awhile it looks like the sound I heard was just the wind blowin' through the trees. I stand straight and walk over to Big Mac who opens the door for me. "Sorry bout that. It was nothin'." Big Mac just nods as the door closes behind us as we enter the Mansion.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As the door closes, leaves in a tree far from the Mansion begin to rustle, the leaves settle moments later and a sound can be heard.
A low, but audible "hiss".
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MANSION ENTRANCE (TIME 9:47 AM) Renee's POV

"C'mon, I'm in the zone! Let's keep it going a little lon-" Vy's excitement is silenced by everyone else yawning. She chuckles a little as Rare rubs her eyes and speaks.

"Vincenza I hate to have to inform you once again, But the party is over. Everyone is very much tired So I think best if we all head to bed." I slowy nod my head while letting out another big yawn.

"Sides Vy, your carriage is probably gonna arrive any minute now, you wanna make Tavi wait until you're partied out?" Once I ask she looks over at Tavi, who looks so tired she'll probably maim someone if she doesn't get to sleep soon.

"I am simply not built for such long nights, But I knew I had no way to stop Patty and Vinyl once they got started. Let's just go home Vinyl, Please?" Tavi mumbles in such a grouchy tone the 'Please' sounded more like 'RIGHT NOW'. Vi gulps and says quick goodbyes before we all give each other one final hug as their carriage arrives.

"Don't forget to write Vincenza!"

"I won't Rare! See you next time!" Vy and Rare exchange as she enters in the carriage. As the door closes I can see Tavi immediately fell asleep once she got inside and chuckle a little despite my grogginess.

Vy and Tavi's carriage begins leaveing as I feel a weight on my shoulder, I look down and see Rare leaning against me. She probably stumbled cause of how tired she is, She can barely keep her eyes open. I put my arms around Rare and gently lead her inside hoping we'll all get some good sleep, And praying tommorow isn't to exciting.

Author's Note

I couldn't bring myself to write the party, as it would likely have made the chapter way to long and I don't feel it deserved it's own chapter. So yeah, I'll leave that up to your Imaginations I guess. I just hope this chapter is ok.