Perspectives

    I lift myself from the mattress and sigh, what a crazy dream. Strange... I usually forget my dreams by now. Was it real? It must've been... but how can I be sure? There's only one person I know I could ask. And I'm not sure I even really want to talk with her.

    I get out of my bed and into the bathroom. I look in the mirror and adjust my feathers that got ruffled in bed, making them look neater. Once I'm satisfied with my efforts, I leave the room and just start walking, hoping I can find a good place to eat. I see a cafe off to the side and I decide it's a good a place as any, and Thanks to those jobs, Cloud Kicker and the others, I've got plenty of bits for a while. I'm directed to a seat by a waiter and he tells me a waitress will be with me soon, so I look at the menu. I decide on a waffle with mixed berries, along with a glass of apple juice. Apparently the apples are fresh from somewhere called Sweet Apple Acres.

    "May I take your order?" I glance up at the waitress that just spoke and stop to stare. She's got a coat that's a lovely shade of light pink. Her mane is brown and long, not quite wavy, but not quite straight. It's got three stripes, the first is a long pale lavender. The second is a shorter pale mauve that compliments the first color nicely. The third and shortest stripe is a bright orange, bright but still pale in comparison to her eyes. Her eyes are a striking and bold orange, a beautiful and deep orange.

    It takes me a second to realize we're both staring at each other and I can feel a small blush rising into my cheeks. I glance at my menu and remember my order, but I say something else instead.

    "Oh, um... what do you recommend?" I ask her, my eyes drawing back to her. Maybe it was just a trick of the light, but her cheeks almost seemed a shade darker than the rest of her pink coat.

    "For breakfast? I recommend the spinach and mushroom quiche, with a side of... milk? No, hot chocolate." She says with a hoof to her chin contemplatively.

    "Hot chocolate? But, it's not cold out," I say.

    "Oh, I know. But I just think hot chocolate's good regardless." She smiles a tad sheepishly and I look back at her with a growing blush. She chuckles nervously and my heart skips a beat as my eyes dart around nervously. My wings stiffen outward and I look back at them a bit aggravatedly. Stupid foreign limbs, they haven't acted up until now. I grumble a little and look back to find her looking at me a bit awkwardly. My heart is beating quickly and my face flush, warm feelings floating in my mind.

    "I guess I'll have that then." I say, handing her my menu.

    "Good choice," she says with a slight chuckle. She accepts my menu and looks over what she wrote. "I'll be back soon with your drink," she says, turning away a bit quickly. Almost like she's eager to get away from me, my heart lurches and drops suddenly at that thought. Starlet said there was a bit of animosity against griffons because of the last one, but are we really that hated?

    I feel a strong sense of emptiness enter my body. But, at what? I'm missing so much, it should be hard to pinpoint what. Except, nothing has or is bothering me, yet. I do notice one thing though, when the waitress returns the feeling lifts slightly. I stare a tad longer than I probably should as she leaves and once she's gone I look into my hot chocolate absently.

    I've never felt this before, but I have a guess at what I'm feeling. Is this love? But, I like humans, not... ponies. Right? Why won't the answer come to me? It should be easy, a simple yes... But, I'm suddenly not so sure. It's almost like... like I'm looking through a distorted window. What I'm seeing and what I know is on the other side are conflicting.

    I look and I see a pony, but I know she's another living being just like me... is this what homosexuals feel? This conflict? Seeing something you love and you know it's wrong to love it, but you love it anyway? She comes back and I can't hide that fluttering feeling, I avoid eye contact and she wordlessly hands... hoofs? Hooves? Gives me my food. I turn to find a delicious and warm meal, my stomach growls and I reluctantly dig in. The waitress lingering on the forefront of my memory the whole time.

    She was right, everything's delicious.

~~~~~~~

    I groan and blink as bright lights blur my vision. My body feels sore all over, and remembering yesterday I realize why. My head darts up, only to fall back down as a stiff pain adds to my already growing headache. I close my eyes in a futile attempt to soothe my nerves.

    "Whoa, there. Calm down, tiger. It's nice that you're finally awake, but doc says you gotta take it easy." I crack an eye open and turn towards the voice and see Cloudkicker walking over to the bedside.

    "Ugh... doc? Time Turner, Stable, or Redheart?" I ask.

    "Redheart..." Cloudkicker answers, she's giving me that look but she doesn't comment immediately. "Most ponies don't know Nurse Redheart's a doctor," Cloudkicker finally says, I groan and flop away from her.

    "Can the twenty questions wait until I get some food in my system?" I ask my mouth salivating slightly at the thought of food.

    "There's a tray on the bedside table." I turn and find a tray not that far away. I reach for it and find myself falling a few inches short. I look at it quizzically and close my eyes in concentration. I feel the soft hum of magic and open my eyes to see the tray wobbling chaotically in my magical grip, I concentrate more and the tray wobbles towards me. I set it down as carefully as possible and smile wide at not having dropped anything.

    "You weren't kidding about being bad at magic..." Cloudkicker mutters.

    "Hey! I'm trying, ok!" I place a hoof against my head as I feel a slight headache. I shovel some food into my muzzle. Even though it's just hospital food, it tastes great to my hungry stomach. A couple seconds after I finish it off I hear Cloudkicker speak up.

    "Better?" She asks.

   "Much! Thanks!" I say cheerily. My headache having mostly retreated and my eyes finally acclimated to the bland and bright colors of the hospital. The sterile smell is slightly disconcerting, but nothing too unpleasant.

    "Okay... and, Starlet? Even if you can't tell me everything, I'd still like to know as much as possible." Cloudkicker says.

   "Okay! Ask away!" Cloudkicker nods and I smile cheerily.

    "Okay... how about your family?" Cloudkicker starts, my smile falters slightly. She notices. "Oh, Sorry... sore spot?" She asks.

    "No... at least, it shouldn't be. We were Cool. I mean, Yeah my mom and dad divorced and my mom remarried and this new stepdad tends to push me to be things I don't want to be and now they're both trying to get me to be something I don't wanna be and they don't understand me at all and I'm afraid of being who I want to be and I live in fear thanks to them and some days I just get so frustrated and scared and I never act, but we were Cool." I say happily, never skipping a beat. "I mean I still see my dad and love them all. And me and my brother are close, even if we do butt heads occasionally." I falter at this, "well, at least, we did. I don't even know if we'll see each other again," I banish my melancholy and just smile happily. Cloudkicker is looking slightly frazzled, concern etched on her features.

    "Do you, uh... wanna talk about it?" She asks.

    "Um... no, I guess not. I don't think there's anything else to talk about." I say with a smile.

    "Okay, I'm just saying I can understand family problems, if you ever need to talk about them." She says.

    "Oh, Yeah. I guess you would... but, I don't have any family problems." I tell her.

    "But, you just... nevermind," she shakes her head and I wait expectantly. "Okay then... question two, why should I trust you?" She asks.

    "Huh? I thought you already trusted me." I ask with a tilt of my head.

    "I do, but I wanna know why I should." She says.

    "Oh... hmm... I dunno, I guess you shouldn't. I mean, logically speaking. But thank you for trusting me anyways!" I cheer.

    "Yeah, because that's reassuring..." She mutters, I just smile innocently. "Okay then... how did you feel when you killed that stallion? Did you regret it?" My mind skids to a stop and my smile drops.

    "B-but, that wasn't... I didn't..." I start.

    "Let me handle this real quick," Starlet says forcefully taking control.

    "No, no I don't. But I'm not happy about it. While not the right thing, I won't deny it wasn't the wrong thing. And other factors notwithstanding, it's just a sad instance of wrong place, wrong time." Starlet answers coldly, obviously a little heated about the event. She almost immediately shoves me back into control and I sway slightly in disorientation.

    "O-okay," Cloudkicker responds, I flash her a nervous smile.

    "I'd rather just put that behind us," I say quietly. Cloudkicker nods hastily and I smile brightly once more. "So, when exactly can I leave?" I ask eagerly.

    "Redheart should be back shortly." Cloudkicker responds. As if on cue, the door opens. When the pony walks in I realize it isn't Redheart, but Lyra.

    "Hey, Lyra!" I say.

    "Starlet! You're up!" Lyra exclaims, rushing over to me. I smile as Bonbon walks in behind her more quietly.

    "Hey Bonbon," I say, she stops and looks at me.

    "Whatever she told you, don't believe it." Bonbon replies.

    "You're not the greatest marefriend ever? Okay then." I chuckle as her jaw drops and she tries to stutter out an answer.

    "Thanks," Lyra drops down and whispers to me conspiratorially.

    "Heh, anytime" I chuckle.

    "Hah hah, you two." Bonbon finally replies blandly. "I see that you're a great deal like these two, should I be scared?" Bonbon asks.

    "Hmm... maybe..." I say, tapping my chin thoughtfully. "I don't have Cloudkickers charm or Lyras obsession so it should be fine." I say waving a hoof.

    "No one has my charm," Cloudkicker boasts.

    "Obsession? I don't have an obsession." Lyra defends.

    "Yes, Lyra, you do." Bonbon says simply.

    "And what is that?" She asks.

    "Humans," I reply.

    "You know? Have you already tried recruiting her?" Bonbon asks accusingly. "I'm Sorry you had to hear all that." She apologizes.

    "Oh, no, I knew what they are. I'm just not a fan of them." I clarify, she looks at me a little curiously before relenting.

    "Yeah. Funny, most ponies don't know about them," Lyra says.

    "As shown, I'm not most ponies." I say, Cloudkicker sighs and leans against the wall. Everybody looks over to her.

    "Something wrong?" Lyra asks her.

    "She doesn't understand me, but she's trying to." I say.

    "Why are you so fascinated by her? You don't get this way over anypony else." Bonbon points out.

    "It's because I'm an enigma, for multiple reasons. And because my actions seem contradictory and illogical," I say.

    "That true?" Lyra asks.

    "Yes," I get a look from Lyra at that comment and stop talking sheepishly.

    "Something like that," Cloudkicker answers.

    "And how do you know this?" Bonbon asks me.

    "Because Cloudkickers my best friend, and I have to know what's concerning her to help!" I reply cheerily.

    "Best friend?" Cloudkicker asks in surprise.

    "Of course! Who else would look over me at the hospital and wait for me to get better!" I reply.

    "You don't want me as a best friend." She says.

    "Stop with the modesty! I don't know a mare more worthy!" I flinch at the word and see Cloudkicker flinch as well. She stares at me hard and I can't help but nervously chuckle. Her eyes sharpen and then she finally relents with a sigh. I need to be more careful with my wording.

    "Okay, what was that?" Lyra asks.

    "What was what?" I ask cheerily.

    "That look, you two shared a look." Lyra points out.

    "Don't worry about it," Cloudkicker speaks up, I nod hastily in approval.

    "That was the look two best friends share." I say, Bonbon gives me a deadpan look.

    "Starlet Mint? We have some tests to run before you leave," I nod happily and my friends leave me in peace, I smile widely at the nurse.

~~~~~~~

    I was released from the hospital without trouble, just told to take it easy. Bonbon left to go open shop and now I'm left alone with just Lyra and Cloudkicker. We're headed to the park to just hang and maybe have a picnic, it is getting to around that time.

    "Hello, miss!" I turn to my side to find a filly in the most darling little dress that I can't help but feel I should know...

    "Hello! Who are you?" I ask excited to meet somepony new.

    "My name's Star Soar! It's nice to meet you." she says.

    "Oh, funny. My name's Starlet! It's great to meet you too!" I cheer, offering a wide smile. Cloudkicker and Lyra are a bit to the side, waiting for me. I can see them watching us, but I also see their hesitance to intervene. "Do you know my friends? They're the ones standing off to the side awkwardly like dorks!" I giggle and wave a hoof in their direction. Star soar looks over at them and I do to.

    "Wha- dorks?!" Cloudkicker exclaims, abandoning all pretense of pretending not to listen to our conversation.

    "I'm not a dork! ...am I?" Lyra asks, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

    "Yep, they're both big dorks. But that's okay, that's part of what makes them so gosh darned endearing!" I whisper to her, she giggles and seems to ease a little.

    "Yeah, I know Lyra. She's misses Bonbons marefriend. And Cloudkicker is Dinkys moms special somepony. And Blossomforths. And sometimes-" Cloudkicker interrupts before she can go any further.

    "Yeah, thanks kid. Glad I've got a reputation with the younger generation..." Cloudkicker groans.

    "Yeah, You're like Scootaloos third favorite pegasus!" Star announces.

    "Well, that's reassuring. Wait... third? I know Rainbow dash, but who's the second?" Cloudkicker asks.

    "Twilight introduced her to the Daring Do series." Star explains.

    "Of course, I'm second place to a fictional character and the mare thats larger than life. Eh, all in all I could be faring worse." Cloud Kicker says, brushing a hoof against her hoof.

    "Silly! You're her third favorite 'Pegasus'. I'm sure you're much farther back on her list than that." I say with a giggle, Cloudkicker drops the hoof and shoots me a very annoyed look.

    "Thanks. I really needed some reality." Cloud Kicker says, sarcasm dripping from her tone all the while.

    "You're welcome!" I cheer, turning back to Star Soar. "So, what's up?" I ask.

    "Huh?" She asks, tilting her head slightly.

    "Well, you approached me with what I assumed was a purpose. And since we were speaking of her, I assumed you know Scootaloo and thats why she keeps on looking at us from that tree waaaay over there!" I explain, Star Soar blinks as she processes this.

    "They're... they're in a tree?" Star asks, turning around to find them.

    "Well, Scootaloo is behind one. If the others are there, I haven't seen them yet." I shrug, Star Soar still trying to decipher which tree she's behind. She doesn't need to search any longer because Scootaloo peeks her head out and meets my eyes. Her fur seems to go a little pale as she darts back before guiltily stepping out and walking towards us.

    "What happened to subtlety?" Star Soar asks.

    "Oh hush." Scootaloo shushes. "Have you asked yet?" She adds in a not so quiet whisper.

    "I was about to!" Star turns to me, but I beat her to the chase.

    "Yes, but I'm the seeker. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7-" I start counting to 50, but I'm stopped before I get too involved.

    "What?" Star Soar asks in confusion.

    "Scootaloo was hiding, I thought we were playing hide and seek. 8,9,10,11-" I explain, continuing where I was interrupted. Only to get cut off again.

    "We're not playing hide and seek." Scootaloo says.

    "Not if you keep on interrupting me we aren't. 12,13,14,15-" I'm interrupted again, so I continue to count quietly.

    "Will you forget about hide and seek. We want to ask you to join our club!" Scootaloo shouts. All eyes turn to me, I look at the two of them, but I don't say anything. I don't say anything for a while.

    "Well?" Star Soar asks.

    "Do you have anything to say?" Scootaloo asks, I raise my hoof and wait a second.

    "50. Ready or not, here I come!" I look at the two fillies standing before me in turn, their mouths agape. "... you guys are terrible at this game."

    "Forget about the game!" Scootaloo exclaims.

    "Aha, so you admit there was a game!" I accuse. She closes her wings slowly, as well as opens and closes her mouth wordlessly a couple of times. She eventually turns and hits her head with her hoof a couple of times before turning to Star Soar, ignoring me entirely.

    "You're on your own, I can't handle anyone relatively like Pinkie right now, it's too early in the morning..." Scootaloo says, walking towards Sweet Apple Acres.

    "It's nearly noon!" I yell after her. I hear a very loud groan as her head droops. Star looks at me in surprise.

    "So, uh..." she trails off.

    "Yeah, sure." I tell her.

    "Huh?"

    "The Crusaders, I want in."

    "Just like that?"

    "Just like that."

    "It's just... with Scootaloo..." I snort at that and laugh a little.

    "With Scootaloo I was reminded entirely too much of Twilight, she needs to loosen up a

little." I tell Star. "Hey, I think we were gonna get some lunch, you wanna come with? Or maybe go grab Scootaloo and meet us in the park for a picnic?" I offer.

    "Oh, uh, yeah. Great, yeah, sure, I'll go get her. See you there?" Star says.

    "Yeppurooni!" I watch as she trots off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres and we head the other way.

    "So, you're a crusader now?" Lyra asks.

    "Apparently!" I smile at her happily and continue walking.

    "And that doesn't concern you or anything?" Lyra asks.

    "Not really."

    "...ok, cool. Congrats" Lyra says.

~~~~~~~

    "Spike! Thank goodness you're here! I need help!" I shout to the tiny dragon as soon as the door to the library opens up.

    "What? You need me? You sure you don't want Twilight?" He asks, scratching his head in confusion.

    "Yeah," I nod vigorously.

    "Uh, OK." He turns to yell into the library. "Hey, Twilight! I'm going out!" I hear a crash accompanied by a scream and multiple thumps. Perplexed, I try to look past him into the Library, but he just closes the door. "Okay, what is it you need help with?" He asks.

    "A girl." I say quickly, eager to get to work as soon as possible.

    "A... a girl?" he asks nervously.

    "Yeah," I nod vigorously.

    "Uh, you sure you want me? And not say... Rainbow Dash?" He asks, chuckling nervously.

    "No, Spike. I need some help, from man to man. You're really the only guy I know." I explain.

    "I don't know if I can be all that much help..."

    "Come on, Spike. I just need a little help in winning her over, nothing huge. Come on, bro, you gotta help," I beg.

    "R-right. Nothing big. Uh, Okay... I guess, first, I should know who she is." Spike says.

    "Uh... well, she's got this light pink coat, and a mostly brown mane that kinda does a little curly flip on the ends." I start.

    "Mostly brown?" He asks, raising a brow.

    "Well, there's this cascading sort of stripy pattern in the front, it's actually really beautiful. It goes from light orange, to pale maroon, to pale grey, from the inside outwards. The light orange is like her eyes, but dulled. Oh, right, here Yes are this really vibrant orange." I explain, picturing her in my minds eye.

    "Lots of earthy colors... is she an earth pony?"

    "No, a Pegasus. Oh, and she wears glasses." I add.

    "You sure remember this all very well." He snickers and I blush.

    "I haven't been able to get her out of my mind." I defend.

    "Wow, you got it bad. Okay, well, why do you need help? Did you try just talking to her?"

    "Well, I did talk to her... but I'm not sure she thinks too highly about me..." I say, rubbing my neck nervously.

    "Why is that?"

    "Well, I heard the last Griffin in town didn't go over so well with everybody else."

    "Oh, right..." he taps his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I think we need to consult an expert..." he decides.

    "Expert? On love?" I ask.

    "No, expert on showing ponies you're not who they think you are. And I know the perfect pony." Spike says, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

~~~~~~~

    I am so done with love.

    I could understand seeing it in a couple places, but I seem to be seeing it everywhere today. It was bad enough last night at AJ's, but now I seem to be seeing love everywhere. Every time I come near a couple I have this incredible urge to regurgitate, and to avoid doing just that I try to steer clear. Even seeing a couple makes me feel a little queasy, I must still be having some sort of adverse reaction to love.

    I wasn't entirely comfortable about AJ and RD, but I tried to stand it. Now... there's just too much love. I see another couple and balk, thankfully I find my destination is nearby. I walk into the shop and find myself greeted by a very familiar pony.

    "Oh, Heartbreak! Is nice to see juu!" I smile nervously to Subtle Brew as I make my way to the counter.

    "Hey," I reply awkwardly.

    "How have juu been? Have juu found te balance yet?" She asks. I sigh.

    "Not exactly... I don't suppose you have anything that can help with slight nausea?" I sigh.

    "Hmm... I can make two. Te Ginger tea is good for te nausea and Also indigestion. Then there is te special Germane Chamomile, good for nausea and anxiety." She says, tapping a hoof to her chin while looking at the ceiling.

    "I think I could use some of that chamomile," I say, letting out a sigh of relief.

    "Did juu eat someting bad?" She asks, long tendrils of magic busy at making some tea and also packaging some.

    "No, just... I guess you could chock it up to me not being adapted yet," I say, looking out the window. I see another couple and turn away with a groan. Subtle brew follows my gaze and turns to me with a knowing smile. Oh no, if she even insinuates...

    "I tink I know what te problem is." She says, a coy smile as the water boils. I can't really stand more fortune cookie wisdom, even if it was correct. Which I can almost guarantee it won't be. "Is te nausea possibly from a boy?" She asks, I recoil as my nausea kicks in.

    "F-f-fet no!" I exclaim, she frowns.

    "A girl?" She asks.

    "I think I need a bucket." I say, withholding the urge to projectile vomit.

    "Is nothing to be ashamed of. Is strange to me, but juu are free to love who juu want." She says.

    "I don't love anyp-p-pony" I exclaim before she can go farther.

    "Truly? Nopony?" She quirks an eyebrow at me.

    "Nop-p-pony." I affirm.

    "I was sure there was te one pony. A colt if I recall." She says.

    "No, I never loved anyp-p-pony." I reiterate.

    "I was not privy to juur entire situation, but I do know juu got in some trouble for te colt. Te farmponies cousin?" She says. She's... talking about Dib?

    "Well, Yeah. But that isn't love, I liked the kid, sure..." I say, rubbing my neck.

    "Are juu sure? From te sound of things juu went through a lot for te colt." She says, checking the water.

    "Yeah, there were some pains here and there... but it's cool though, he reminded me of... well, me a little." I tell her, a small smile at the thought planting itself on my face.

    "Pains?" She asks, preparing the tea cups. "Some say, love hurts. There is famous saying, true love is finding those worth hurting for. Would juu hurt for te colt?" She asks, placing a cup in front of me. I stare at it blankly, digesting what she's told me.

    Truth is, I had hurt for Dib. Multiple times, trying to help him. Was that love? No, love was... love is... what is love? Is it really as simple as she makes it to be?

   "Honey?"

    "Huh? O-oh... Yeah," i pick up my cup gently with both forehooves and hold it while she puts some honey in it. I think on Dib a little more and find my nausea over love receding to the back of my mind. My current confusion overshadowing it.

   "I see juu are thinking, and I have other customers. But, juu should know, I don't think juur as lonely as juu claim." I watch her leave to go help some other customer and I think on her words. Much more helpful than I had expected, even if it still sounded like a fortune cookie. I finish my tea in thought and head to the counter once more where Subtle Brew is selling tea to another pony I don't know. The other pony leaves and I step up.

    "Juu are leaving?" She asks.

    "Yeah, the tea was good." I comment.

    "I is glad Juu like it, I have been practicing without hay just for juu!" She says cutely.

    "Oh, um... Thanks, I guess." I say awkwardly.

    "Juu want me to read juur tea leaves?" She asks hopefully.

    "No, I'm good." I say, she just shakes her head sadly and uses her magic to grab my extra bag of tea.

    "One day," she sighs wistfully. I hand her the bits and take the bag and put it into my saddlebag. "Juu have a great day! Hope to see juu later!" She says.

    "Yeah, you too," I say awkwardly. Thoughts still barely lingering on our conversation, but I'm jarred out of these thoughts by a certain baby dragon.

    "H.B.!" I turn to find him running towards me with none other than the new Griffin behind him. "We need your help!" Spike says as he comes within talking distance.

    "Hey, Spike. And... Mike, was it?" I ask.

    "Yeah, and you're... Heartbreak, right?" He says, cocking his head in thought.

   "H.B." I say, he looks at me weirdly and I sigh. "What did you want Spike?"

    "We need your expert opinion on something." He says.

    "And what might that something be?" I ask, caution creeping into my voice. I wasn't aware I was an expert on anything, my hooves don't even work right and my cutie mark is a fake.

    "Well, see, Mike likes this girl and..." my caution turns to unbridled rage at Spikes bodacity to even insinuate I'm an expert on anything, but to actually insinuate I'm a love expert?

    "Spike?" I interrupt.

    "Huh, what is it H.B.?" He asks.

    "I'm feeling generous, so I'll give you a couple seconds headstart before I strangle you," I seethe. He notices me glaring daggers at him and waves his claws in a don't kill me motion.

    "No, Wait, let me explain!" He exclaims hastily.

    "Is this some cruel joke? Did Twilight put you up to this?" I ask icily.

    "No!"

    "What then? Just to mock me, make me a spectacle, an amusement for you to laugh about with the new guy?"

    "No!"

    "Then why come to me for LOVE advice!?" I fume.

    "We don't need love advice!" I pause at that.

    "You... don't? But you said-" I'm interrupted by Spike.

    "I didn't get to finish!" Spike huffs, composing himself. "Ok, so Mike and this girl. He likes her, but he thinks she might not like griffins thanks to a griffin we had in Ponyville a while back."

    "Oh, right, Gilda. Hadn't even thought about how she could affect him..." I say idly.

    "How do you- never mind. We need ideas on how to either change her view of him or see if she doesn't have any prejudice after all."

    "... why exactly did you think this was my area of expertise?" I ask him.

    "Well... because... reasons! Look, we're in crisis mode here, you gotta help us!" Spike says exasperatedly.

    "And what is it that you want me to do?" I ask pointedly.

    "Well... we were hoping you would know." Spike says.

    "Unbelievable." I exclaim, rolling my eyes. "Again, what made you think I'd be a good p-p-pony for this?" I ask.

    "Well, I figured you're the best pony I know for proving you aren't who ponies think you are." Spike says.

    "Spike... your intentions, however wrong, are nice. But I can hardly ma-ma-anage my own social life, and I can't even do that right." I snort derisively.

    "Manage?" I hear the griffin mutter.

    "it's a speech impediment, okay?!" I yell, he backs up with his front claws up. I groan and turn to spike. "Look, why can't you find somep-p-pony else?"

    "Well, I don't know any stallions really aside from big mac or mister cake and neither would be very helpful..." he says, numbering them off on his claws.

    "Why not?" I ask incredulously.

    "Big mac isn't one for relationships. Cake is working."

    "If you want a stallion, why come to me?" I ask bitterly.

    "Well, you may not be a stallion, but you aren't really a mare either. You'd never see rarity wearing a hat like that, would you?" I blink and look up subcosciously, and though I can only see the brim I know he's right. To an extent.

    "Ok, fine..." I run a hoof through my mane idly, looking over Mike. "Uh... I don't suppose you could just ask her and take the risk?" I say, Spike smacks his forehead. "Right, stupid question..." I sit down and rub my temple gently with hoof. Okay, so the direct way is out. The next best way is... "we need to observe how she reacts to being near you, or seeing you." I tell them, holding my breath.

    "... see! I knew it was a great idea to ask you!" Spike says. I let out my breath, relieved.

~~~~~~~

    "Tia!" I shout as I enter the throne room.

    "Luna? What's the matter?" She asks calmly, no doubt she's doubting the urgency of the issue.

    "The matter? The matter is that I thought you were done keeping me out of the loop!" I seethe.

    "What?"

    "Don't pretend you don't know, I know you do. You knew last time, and you know this time, and..." I look at my sisters blank look. "Truly? You do not know?" I ask, skeptical.

    "I don't think so, but I don't know what you are refferring to. What seems to be the problem?" She asks, genuinely concerned it seemed.

    "Oh, it's just a mare... Starlet Mint, she's not of this world. I guess I just assumed you knew because of last time with Heartbreak." I sigh, unfortunately Celestia doesn't relax. She actually tenses up and her face turns slightly red. I brace myself, something bad is bound to be coming.

    "Where is she?" Celestia asks brusquely.

    "Ponyville, but there's no need to be brash!" I exclaim.

    "Luna, I know you want to help, but I think I know when my ponies are in danger." She turns away from me to the guard beside her. "Assemble a team, bring me the mare known as Starlet Mint into custody and then transport her here. Be ready to use force, she could be extremely dangerous. But I want her alive, take all precautions necessary."