2482 = LOVE

Soon… every pony in the kitchen had their own personal, exceptional Clunky-cooked meal set before them. While they ate, Twilight told about everything that had happened and answered all their questions. And as they finished, they all had one prevailing, nagging question for Twilight.

“When are you going to show Clunky to every pony?” Applejack questioned.

“Yeah… you can’t keep this metal wonder cooped up in your castle forever.” Rarity added.

“Princess Celestia really needs to know about this one, Twilight.” Big Macintosh said with concern.

“We need to have a party for Clunky and invite every pony!” Pinkie said with glee.

“Come on Twilight! Think of how cool this would be!” Rainbow Dash said putting her two bits in.

“Yes… yes. I understand your concerns. I’m sure that deep down every pony in Equestria would love to meet Clunky. But… the real question is; does Clunky want to meet them? Has anyone asked how he/she/it feels about the situation? Does Clunky WANT to be the center of attention… or DO YOU?” Twilight Sparkle said like a true princess.

No one could answer her, because they have not given the robot’s point of view much thought at all.

“I say we give it another day so Clunky can think ALONE, and in the end we let CLUNKY decide!” Twilight demanded.

“COME ON!” Rainbow Dash grumbled. The rest of the ponies mumbled under their breath.

“And… in the meantime, you tell NO PONY about ANYTHING that has happened… or I’ll have you arrested.” Twilight continued with a regal pomp that had nuances of Celestia thrown in.

“Arrested? Seriously?!” Rainbow Dash said sarcastically.

“SERIOUSLY!” Twilight said sternly, putting her hoof down.

Every pony could tell that she was beginning to be VERY upset with the whole situation.

“Well then… I have LOADS of work to do in my studio and I must be off!” Rarity said nervously as she pranced out of the kitchen.

“Yeah… well farmin’ is a job that’s never done.” Applejack said timidly as she trotted out the door. Big Mac quickly followed after her.

“Heh… the weather is always waiting.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew out in a rush.

“What about you, Pinkie?” Twilight said.

“Oh… I’m good.” Pinkie said, still sitting at the table.

“Don’t you have some pies to bake or cakes to deliver?” Twilight said with great agitation.

“I did all that yesterday.” Pinkie said.

“I would suggest that you leave quickly to your Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie. Twilight’s adrenal flow has increased dramatically in the last few moments.” Clunky said, trying to make Pinkie leave.

“Ok.” Pinkie said with a shoulder shrug, and bounced out the door.

“It’s alright now Twilight… just breathe.” Spike said trying to calm Twilight back down.

“I’M GONNA HURT EVERY PONY! I MEAN IT!” Twilight screamed in a seething rage.

“WHAT ABOUT CLUNKY? WHAT ABOUT CLUNKY? YOU MEAN… WHAT ABOUT YOURSELVES!!!” Twilight yelled loudly with great sarcasm.

She was so mad because no pony thought about how Clunky would feel, being an attraction for every pony to gawk at.

“OOOOOH! IF I LEFT IT UP TO THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE YOU AS A SIDESHOW! A CARNIVAL FREAK! A CIRCUS CLOWN!” Twilight hollered looking directly at Clunky.

Clunky quickly grabbed Twilight and hugged her tightly. As they hugged, Twilight greatly calmed down.

“What… What was that for?” Twilight said puzzled.

“A hug is something done when you really care about someone.” Clunky said, repeating what Rarity said in the barn.

Twilight’s eyes filled with tears as she embraced yet again.

“I do care for you Clunky, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” Twilight said crying in emotional release.

“I care for you too Twilight Sparkle.” Clunky said with an electronic smile.

The two stood there embracing as Spike watched.

“Now… you’re making ME cry!” Spike said.

“Come here… we care for you too Spike.” Twilight said as they included him in their hugfest.

After they released, Clunky’s smile disappeared as it thought hard about a question.

“Something confuses me Twilight… what is LOVE? I know that it is good and all should show it… but what is it? Logic needed.” Clunky said in confusion.

“Well… caring is a big part of it. The other part though, you have to figure out on your own.” Twilight said as she wiped her eyes.

“Noted.” Clunky said.

After a few moments, Clunky’s neon green smile returned.

“I would like to look today at Ponyville in my costume. I would like to observe more ponies and what they do. I would also like to see where they live.” Clunky said.

“Ok… but that isn’t a very good costume. Night… yes. But, I don’t know how ‘covert’ you can be in the daylight.” Twilight said with concern.

“I know… that is why I improved upon it before you awoke. Flame brushed and textured polyester looks almost like pony skin. I learned the technique from ‘Fabrics, Textiles, and you – A craftpony’s guide.’” Clunky said almost beaming.

“That is amazing! Hey… wait. Where did you get the material?” Twilight said confused.

“There is a large alcove with sliding doors, near your bedroom.” The robot said.

“MY CLOSETS! Well… Rarity can ALWAYS make more dresses.” Twilight said with a giggle.

Twilight then realized something.

“I’m so sorry… You have been SO nice to every pony… even though they probably don’t deserve it… but what about you? Do you want something to eat? I’ll make you anything, if of course you can eat. Um… can you eat… anything at all?!” Twilight said awkwardly, feeling like not a very good host.

“I can eat. Foodstuffs and organics are broken down in my system and are vaporized, then converted into simple energy. However, I am fine. I also gain energy via solar. Your Equestrian sun has been more than efficient to me.” Clunky said revealing another antenna that was hidden in its frame.

“It’s settled then… whenever you want to go explore, just tell me… I’ll be there. Just give me a little time to freshen up OK.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Noted.” Clunky said.

After a few hours had passed, Clunky decided that the time was right. So, Twilight helped put on Clunky’s improved costume and they strolled into Ponyville together… with Spike trailing behind.

“Come on Spike! We’re gonna leave you in the dust!” Twilight said jokingly.

“I know… I know…” Spike said downtrodden. He was walking much slower than usual because he had missed his nappy time.

“Well, this is it Clunky… the glorious Sugar Cube Corner!” Twilight said with outstretched hoof like a tour guide.

“Do you want to go inside?” She continued.

“Yes… very much.” Clunky spoke.

As they entered, the air was filled with the alluring scents of cinnamon and vanilla. There were cakes and pies stacked up everywhere. The sight of all the goodies quickly snapped Spike out of his funk.

“Wow Pinkie Pie! You sure have been busy!” Spike exclaimed almost slobbering.

Pinkie Pie was standing behind the counter with a mixing bowl in hand. She however didn’t look very Pinkie-like.

“Oh… It’s you.” Pinkie said with a rude accent, glaring at Twilight.

“I’ve been making pies and cakes ALL DAY to deliver them…” She continued.

“I thought you said you did your deliveries yesterday?!” Twilight spoke bewildered.

“I did. And now I’m gonna’ just throw these on pony’s doorsteps… whether they want them or not.” Pinkie said with a hateful tone.

“PINKIE! I understand that you’re mad at me… but I just want what’s BEST for Clunky! If you can’t understand that… then FINE!” Twilight said in a huff.

“Well FINE!” Pinkie hatefully returned.

“Fine then… come along Clunky, we’ll go where we are MORE APPRECIATED!” Twilight said prancing towards the door.

Clunky could only stand motionless.

“Aren’t you coming?!” Twilight said turning back.

Clunky quickly moved behind the counter and grabbed Pinkie Pie.

“Hey!” Pinkie shouted.

The robot hugged her for several seconds and then released without a word.

As they left, Pinkie was visibly shook up and put down her mixing bowl with tears in her eyes.

“OK then… Where would you like to go next?” Twilight said with a sigh.

“I was wanting to observe something more natural.” Clunky said.

“Well… Fluttershy is about as ‘natural’ as you can get, and at least SHE’S not mad at me… so off to Fluttershy’s we go!” Twilight said trying to regain her good mood.

“Weirdy ponies?!” Clunky said stopping, with a tone of concern.

“Oh no! All of those strange ponies went back home… to wherever they go. They only come into town on weird… er… ‘Special’ occasions.” Twilight said with a snicker.

“Noted.” Clunky said.

Soon, they were standing in front of Fluttershy’s cottage, on the edge of the Everfree forest. Fluttershy was standing outside, tending to several woodland creatures.

“Oh hello Twilight and Snapple Apple sir. You look so much better now! It is always sad when a pony is sick. I am glad that Twilight was able to help you!” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“Thank you kindly ma’am. Twilight here is a might powerful nurse pony, I must say.” Clunky said in a country pony accent, with its mechanized hand using the costume’s face as a puppet.

Twilight’s eyes swelled as she was startled in amazement.

“Yes… Yes… I… I fixed him right up and… and everything is great now!” Twilight said almost stuttering.

Suddenly, the cottage door opened quickly and Rainbow Dash stepped out.

“As I was saying Fluttershy… I….” Rainbow said stopping mid-sentence.

She could only stare at the three with a look of disgust.

“OH! that’s OK Fluttershy… I was JUST LEAVING!” Rainbow Dash said with a snarky sour tone.

She greatly wound up to dash away as fast as she could.

Suddenly, she took off…

Amazingly, Clunky grabbed her in mid-flight before she had time to gain altitude!

“HEY! WHAT GIVES!?” Rainbow Dash shouted.

Clunky hugged her tightly, and after several seconds released.

Then… Clunky, Twilight, and Spike turned to walk away without a single word.

“Hey! Why are you so… so huggy?!” Rainbow Dash questioned with sarcasm.

“It’s probably because Clunky is trying to teach you, that it has FEELINGS TOO!” Twilight said, as the trio continued to walk away.

“Clunky?!” Fluttershy said in confusion.

“We’ll talk later Fluttershy…” Twilight said in passing.

Rainbow could only stand there motionless, looking at the ground as they left her sight.

After a few moments down the road Twilight stopped, still in shock.

“Ok… you have to tell me. Where did you learn that one?!” Twilight eagerly questioned.

“The face was from ‘Power Pegasi Puppetry for young foals’” Clunky said.

“The voice was from ‘Appaloosan folk – An oral history.’” it continued.

“I like the pictures in that one…” Spike said with a snort.

“There were no pictures!?” Clunky said puzzled.

“I know!” Spike said laughing.

“It was a joke, Clunky.” Twilight said also laughing.

“Noted.” Clunky said.

After a few more minutes travel down the pathway leading away from Fluttershy’s, Twilight again spoke.

“Ok Clunky… where would you like to go now? We’ll go wherever you’d like.” Twilight said with a smile.

“I would like to see more of Sweet Apple Acres.” Clunky said.

“Ok… but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t start some sort of feudin’” Twilight said with a laugh.

“Ok partner… we’ll mosey over yonder.” Clunky said with an even brighter smile. The light of which, Twilight could see through the costume.

The greenish glow warmed Twilight’s heart to the point of tears.

“Do I make Twilight Sparkle cry?” Clunky said with tenderness.

“It’s not that type of cry.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Noted.” Clunky said.

After a short journey through the countryside, soon they could see the striking features of many apple trees. As they passed into the orchard, they were suddenly greeted by a familiar sound.

“Hello Twilight, Spike, and Clunky!” Big Macintosh said with kindness.

“Hello Big Mac!” Twilight and Clunky said in unison.

Spike walked over and gave a customary claw-hoof bump.

“Hey! I see you upgraded your duds! Textured Polyester isn’t it?” Big Mac questioned.

“Why yes it is.” Clunky said.

“That’s an old play actor’s trick to look like pony skin. Great job!” Big Mac said to Clunky with a smile.

“You really DO read a lot!” Twilight said gleefully.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac said with a wink.

“I would talk to ya’ll for a long while but… I think there’s someone else that urgently wants to talk to you…” He said looking at one of the apple trees. Applejack could be seen watching, trying to use it as camouflage.

It didn’t work very well.

“I think you have somethin’ to say Applejack… Don’t ya?!” Big Macintosh said, shoving her sister in the side out of her hiding place. With her cover blown, Applejack slowly trotted over to where Clunky and Twilight were standing. She could hardly look at them, with her head hung low.

“Is there something you want to say?” Twilight said.

“Uh… I’ve been thinkin’ a lot about all what you said at breakfast, Twilight. And you’re right… I was only thinkin’ about myself and how much attention it would bring to our Apple farm. I even had the silly thought of using Clunky as a spokesperson, and puttin’ his picture on every box and bag. That was very wrong of me.” Applejack said as she dropped her head even lower.

“Sometimes something new comes along, and it’s easy to lose your head over it. And, get so caught up in it that you forget what’s right. I’m awful sorry Twilight and sorry to you too Clunky. I hope ya’ll forgive me…” Applejack continued with a solemn tone.

After a minute, Clunky moved and grabbed Applejack.

“Forgiveness is good. I forgive you Applejack.” Clunky said as he hugged her.

“And… I forgive you too.” Twilight said as she joined in.

After a minute or two they released.

“Oh… now see an what you done. You got me all teary-eyed!” Applejack said fighting back her emotions.

“I’ve got so much work to do… I’ll see you all later!” Applejack continued, as she rushed off to cry somewhere… alone.

As they watched her run away, Clunky spoke.

“I would like to see studio next.” Clunky said looking at Twilight.

“I had a feeling that you might say that.” Twilight said with a beaming smile.

“Jump on… Spike! We’re going back to Ponyville!” She said, motioning for Spike.

“How many times can one Dragon cry in a day? You guys are killing me!” Spike said as he got on Twilight’s back.

“I have a good intuition that we’re almost done, Spike.” Twilight said as they started walking.

The long trek back to Ponyville seemed like mere minutes. As they went, the three chatted back and forth like good companions of old. It felt more and more to Twilight with each passing step, that Clunky was far less of a machine and much more of a friend. In those moments, Twilight realized that she was very happy that Clunky had crash landed into her life.

She thought about all the time before, when she felt that friends were silly and unneeded. And then suddenly by Celestia’s prodding, she had five of the best that any pony could ever have. Now, she had a new friend that did nothing but remind her just how important and needed they all were in her life. At that moment, she could not help but blurt it out.

“I love you Clunky.” Twilight said with a big hug.

“You found your missing part?” Clunky questioned.

“Yes. And soon you’ll find yours too.” Twilight said with a shimmer of tears.

“Oh Come on! You just keep making me cry!” Spike said wiping his eyes.

“I love you too Spike.” Twilight said as she grabbed and hugged her number one assistant.

After a few minutes, they could see Ponyville and Rarity’s studio in plain sight.

“We’re almost there.” Twilight said.

“Good. All this fuzzy feeling stuff has done nothing but make me hungry! I hope Rarity has some Gems… I can… borrow.” Spike said with optimism.

“Oh Spike!” Twilight said rolling her eyes.

Within moments, the trio was standing in front of the Carousel Boutique’s entrance door.

However… something was not right.

“CLOSED! Rarity never closes early! Even when she’s away at her fashion shows, someone is ALWAYS running her boutique… she would keep it open 24/7 if she could get away with it!” Twilight said agitated.

“This is your Spikey Wikey… please open your doory Honey Bunny!” Spike said as he gently knocked on the door.

“Spike?” Twilight said with a raised eyebrow.

“What! She loves that kind of stuff…” Spike said with a shudder.

“GO AWAY!” Rarity screamed from behind the door.

Twilight decided to take a more assertive approach.

“Rarity open up! This is the Princess! Don’t make me have to bring guards to make you come out!” Twilight said with a huff.

“DANG! You are becoming MORE like CELESTIA all the time!” Spike said with a laugh.

“SPIKE!” Twilight shouted.

After a few moments, the voice returned.

“I SAID GO AWAY!” Rarity yelled again.

“Let me try… Twilight.” Clunky said.

With a sigh, Twilight nodded and moved back.

“Rareté... je sais que vous ne voulez pas de nous cacher. Mais, vous avez honte de la façon dont vous avez agi. Nous ne sommes pas ici pour vous faire du mal ou de crier à vous. Nous sommes ici parce que nous nous soucions pour vous. S'il vous plaît... Rareté sortir.” Clunky said in a different language.

(Translation: “Rarity… I know that you do not want to hide from us. But, you feel ashamed for the way you acted. We are not here to hurt you or to yell at you. We are here because we care for you. Please… come out Rarity.”)

Suddenly, the door cracked open.

“How… How did you know?” Rarity said with tears dropping from her eyes.

“Introductions dans la couture française par Rareté.” Clunky said.

(Translation:  Introductions into French dressmaking by Rarity)

“My old textbook I wrote?! No one ever bought that old thing!” Rarity scoffed.

“I bought a copy. I never could read a single word of it, but I bought it just the same.” Twilight said.

“Why would you do that?” Rarity said crying.

“Because you’re my friend and I love you.” Twilight said with tears dropping from her eyes.

“Oh I love you too!” Rarity said as she hugged her friend. They cried and cried as they embraced.

“Oh Twilight! I’m so sorry! I’ve been such a selfish fool! I don’t want to hurt anyone!” Rarity burst with sorrow.

After a few moments, Twilight let go with tears still dropping from her eyes.

Clunky then moved in and grabbed Rarity.

“I’m so sorry to you too! All I could see is what I could get from you… not who you are!” Rarity howled.

“I forgive you Rarity.” Clunky said as they hugged.

After a few minutes, the girls stopped their tears. However, there was a sound of sorrow just behind the door.

“Spike?!” Rarity said as she opened the door all the way.

“YOU GUYS ARE KILLING ME!” Spike said holding a wet bowl of gems. They were now saturated with dragon tears.

“Awww my Spikey Wikey!” Rarity said as she grabbed Spike and hugged him as well. They both smiled together and began laughing.

Twillight however stood puzzled.

“How in the world did you get inside, Spike?!” Twilight questioned.

“I used the back door.” Spike said.

“Now… why didn’t I think of that!” Twilight said hitting her head with her hoof.

The three laughed and visited for over an hour. Clunky talked at length about what it did to the costume, and the techniques that were used. Rarity showed Clunky all of her studio and what she had been working on for Sapphire Shores. Clunky made several suggestions to her design and Rarity surprisingly loved each one of them. Rarity too suddenly felt like Clunky was one of the group. She looked upon it no more as a mechanized oddity, but rather as good friend that had seemingly always been there.

“It’s getting late and we really need to get back to the castle.” Twilight said with a slight yawn.

“Oh! Must you rush off?” Rarity said with disappointment in her voice.

“Yes… Clunky still has a big decision to make tomorrow. ‘Costume or no costume.’ He still needs time to contemplate everything.” Twilight said like a Princess.

“You are correct, Twilight.” Clunky said.

“Well… Come on Spike. We have some more walking to do.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Farewell my love…” Spike said to Rarity with a bow.

Rarity made a fake swoon and then laughed smiling.

“Goodbye Rarity.” Clunky said as he shut the door behind them.

The three slowly traveled back towards the castle, and soon they were safely inside.

“Ok Now tell me the truth… you went to all those locations today not because you wanted to ‘explore.’ It was because you wanted to hug everyone… and you knew that by hugging them, it would make them think… didn’t you?” Twilight questioned as she bolted the door.

“Well… My scanners ARE fully functional. They could have influenced me in where to go the TINIEST little bit.” Clunky said almost sarcastically.

“That sounded like a joke!” Spike said with a laugh.

“Maybe…” Clunky said with a smile as it pulled off its costume.

All of a sudden, Clunky stopped everything and stood motionless.

“What’s wrong, Clunky?!” Twilight said with great concern.

Quickly, Clunky produced a spinning antenna from its frame.

“Anomaly 12485.667 kilowatts detected.” Clunky said in a more robotic voice.

“You mean… you mean what brought you here… has returned!?” Twilight said with a shriek in her voice.

“Yes. At altitude 45894.2225 feet above Sweet Apple Acres.” Clunky said.

Suddenly, the neon green smile that Clunky wore left.

“Dilemma.” Clunky said.

“What?” Twilight asked.

“Dilemma. Logic needed.” Clunky repeated

“What DILEMMA?!” Twilight questioned.

“Dilemma found. Command Central Explorer probe 2482 or Clunky… Ponyville… hug… friends? Logic needed, Twilight Sparkle.” Clunky said with a look of bewilderment.

“I can’t answer that! That is something you have to decide for yourself!” Twilight said in fear.

After a few minutes of non-movement from extreme contemplation, Clunky suddenly spoke.

“I have to go.” Clunky said as it unbolted the door and moved with great unseen speed away from the castle.

As Clunky left, Twilight’s heart began to break as she picked up the costume from the floor and embraced it tightly.