Author's Note

Time for a little relaxation.. Maybe.

Downtime

While gliding towards Ponyville, I think back to my new orders given to me by Celestia.

We were all assigned to new areas to scout out or serve as guardians to important figures until a new evil shows it's ugly face. Giselle was given her mysterious gift and sent to watch over her home, Griffonstone. I was sent back to Ponyville obviously, to protect the Elements of Harmony. Echo however was sent to some place called 'Kludgetown' to watch out for anything new. No idea where that is, but I'm sure I'll be sent there sometime. For now, my main priority is to protect those in Ponyville.

I land nearby Ponyville after using the more efficient technique that Echo taught me. Making sure that Skipansverð is still in it's sheathe on my side, I pull a cloak out that Rarity made me beforehand and hide it from sight along with my torso. I smile before heading towards the library to catch up with Twilight. As I arrive at said Library, Twilight coincidentally walks out and bumps into me.

"Oh, I'm sorry for bumping into you th... Oh! Devan! You're back! I mean, back again. Pinkie Pie told me she saw you yesterday and that you left kind of abruptly. She seemed worried about you." Twilight says before looking towards Sugarcube Corner.

"I see.. Well perhaps I'll visit her again. I'll be here for a while this time. I'll make sure she knows I'm okay. I assume she's at the usual place?" I say, also looking towards Sugarcube Corner.

"Actually Devan, you missed quite a competition earlier. Rainbow Dash and Applejack had some sort of physical comparison contest. They seemed to have tied and now are doing a final test to see who will do the best in the Running of the Leaves! Pinkie Pie is the announcer during the event. She's even borrowing a hot air balloon to look over it." Twilight replies while pointing her hoof at the balloon already in the sky. "I was making my way to the event as well to participate. I recently read through a book on how to run, but I don't think I'll do well."

I laugh, remembering the outcome of the episode before speaking. "I'm sure you'll do great, maybe even better than Rainbow Dash and Applejack!"

Twilight gives me a warm smile before giggling. "Maybe you're right Devan. Well, I must go. I'm never late for any event I want to attend!" she says before quickly walking towards the north part of Ponyville.

If only she knew... I wonder where Fluttershy and Rarity are during this event? Probably taking care of their own business. Need to make apparel and care for animals right?

I look up at the Hot Air Balloon and decide to visit Pinkie and Spike. Halfway up to the balloon I realize that I shouldn't reveal to Spike that I can use magic or else Twilight will be on my ass about it along with others.

I suppose I could just.. Do that? I'm sure that it would work considering only Spike is up there...

I continue to fly upwards at a fast enough speed to avoid being seen, stopping on the backside of the balloon. Pinkie and Spike are looking down at the runners and preparing to start announcing. I pull Pinkie Pie's tail gently, which makes her turn around immediately. Seeing me, she smiles instantly. I point at Spike and shake my head, to which she nods and turns back around to avoid suspicion. I yawn and fly up to the top of the balloon and lay on it. Strangely it isn't too hot but just warm. I close my eyes but not before casting a simple spell that will activate telekinesis on my whenever I am about to hit the ground.

Nighty night.. With all that's happened recently, I still need to rest. The sparring match with Luna completely drained me to the point where doing anything just feels tiresome. I'm sure I'll wake up when the balloon lands.

Completely relaxing I find myself easily falling asleep in this peaceful afternoon.

——————————————————————————————————————

After I woke up due to the announcing being over and Pinkie Pie landing, I float down while stretching in the air. Pinkie Pie hops around the balloon with excitement and smiles widely at me.

"Hi Devan! You kinda left me hanging there last time I saw ya! Musta been really busy hmmmmm????" she says before nudging me.

"Yeah.. Sorry about that. Had some business to take care of. Even had to go back to Canterlot, again." I say with a somewhat annoyed tone.

"Wwwweellll, you can make it up to me by getting some lunch tomorrow alright? OH! And going to visit Fluttershy. She was wondering if you were alright, though I didn't think she even talked to you yet. Don't go taking advantage of her okay? Heh.. heh.." Pinkie says somewhat jokingly, obviously showing how much she hates that thought.

You really do like me huh Pinkie Pie? I'm sorry, I can't... Maybe eventually, but I need to protect you first. Though the thought of being with you makes me feel a bit off.. But not as much as before.

Pinkie Pie seems to notice the sour expression on my face and sighs before speaking in a somber tone. "I suppose I got a little paranoid huh? Don't worry, I'll always want to be your friend. Even if I... Well, I'll catch up with you tomorrow alright Devan?"

"Alright Pinkie.. I'll always be here for you too. See you tomorrow, make sure you're ready ya silly pony." I say before hugging her tightly and then walking towards Fluttershy's home.

Pinkie waves at me when get a few dozen feet away from each other. I wave back with a sincere smile plastered on my face.

Now.. What did Fluttershy want with me I wonder... After all, we only talked once. She did break down though, so perhaps she needs help improving her social skills?

I arrive at Fluttershy's home and knock on the door. A hesitant but gentle voice calls out.

"H-Hello? Wh-who's there?" sounds Fluttershy from beyond the door.

"It's Devan. I heard you wanted to speak with me?" I say with a tinge of confusion to my voice.

The door opens slowly as Fluttershy's head peeks around the corner with Angel does the same at the bottom of the door. "Oh. Hello there Devan. Yes, I asked Pinkie Pie if you were okay. She gave me this strange look and then nodded really quickly. I.. I was worried about her and you after that. S-so are you okay?" she asks timidly, looking everywhere but into my eyes.

Oy, Pinkie.. Made her worry eh?

"Yes, I'm perfectly fine. A bigger question is how are you? Anything you need help with?" I ask with a smile.

Fluttershy gains a surprised look before looking to the left strangely. I look to the left with her and notice a broken tree. We both look back at each other and she blushes with embarrassment.

"There is a.. Slight issue. A manticore well, kind of gets lost in my garden, the poor thing. A couple flower beds have been destroyed and recently that tree was accidentally broken. I was wondering if you could be a lookout tonight and see if you can chase him away?" says Fluttershy innocently with a nervous smile.

A manticore... I could handle it but it's strange that she thinks or knows I can.

"But a manticore is pretty big. I don't know if I could handle it Fluttershy.", I reply with faux confusion.

"Oh, but I saw you using ma.. Oh dear." she begins to say before stopping herself.

I see... Looks like I was spotted. Well, I guess Ill have to.

"Saw me huh? Alright, ill help. But one small favor? Please refrain from telling others." I say in a hushed voice.

She nods before giggling gently. "I get to keep a secret? How thrilling!" Fluttershy whispers in an exhilarating tone.

Jeez Flutters, you're that innocent? Welp, looks like I'll be staying here tonight. I need to meet up with Pinkie Pie tomorrow so hopefully this won't be some big problem... Thinking that is going to make it happen huh?

I groan and facepalm while walking away to the broken tree. After I make it to the tree I find a nice soft spot on some grass and lay down towards Fluttershy's home. She comes out and animals I didnt even know were there enter from all sides, ready to greet her. She tends to each one, making sure they are happy or satisfied. A small funeral was held for the passing of an older squirrel. Fluttershy cried at that funeral, genuinely showing that she cared for the squirrel. I look away in order to avoid such a tragic sight. While looking away, I notice the edge of the Everfree Forest in the distance. No one is around it of course, for fear of curses or monsters and the like. I close my eyes, feeling the cool shade hit my face and enjoying a bit of lounging around.

I've been pretty lazy today. Should probably go do something until later when I need to be her lookout. Maybe go make sure everything is okay at the boutique perhaps? There's Applejack too... Could help out at the farm since Applebloom wanted to see me. Yeah, should go do that.

I get up after around ten minutes of shuteye and stretch once again today. Looking around again, I see that the small funeral was also a short one. I shrug and head out towards the farm, feeling the gem on the hilt of my new sword. It's smooth, almost perfectly so.

Luna probably gave up a lot of expensive gems for my reward. Plus that one she gave to me as an apology. What'd she say? That it could be used to empower any enchantment? I'll have to think of one and apply the gem to something... But what? My sword is already decked out and I really don't wanna fuck that up. Perhaps something I can just passively have on me? She said that hardening my sword was passive enough to just be enchanted and done with, so I think that'd be the best choice. Still can't for the life of me decide what to enchant. Maybe another secondary weapon?... Hmm...

My thinking took advantage of my the whole time I was walking to the farm, which caused me to ignore other ponies that were acknowledging me along the way. It wasn't until I slammed my head into a branch of an apple tree that I stopped to look around.

Oh. I'm here.. Jeez, come on Devan. Can't go off thinking without looking around... Though it was an important issue. Such an apologetic and powerful gift should be used for something special.

In the distance Applejack is doing her usual farmwork. Hitting tree's, making apples fall. Over, and over, and over again. Her slamming into the tree, and it absorbing the shock and causing the apples to almost shoot downwards.

I walk over to her, waiting for the tree kicking to end. Applejack notices me and wipes her brow off and smiles.

"Well hello there Devan. Ah' haven' seen ya in a while! I hope everythin' is okay? The girls were talking about you every now an' then. Some soundin mighty worried, others not carin' ta even talk about ya." Applejack says with a frown.

I chuckle for a second, knowing exactly who that would be. "Rainbow doesn't like me much still eh? Oh well, I'm sure she'll come around eventually. I heard you both lost at the Running of the Leaves?" I ask knowingly, sitting on the cart nearby.

Applejack freezes before taking a sip of water from a bottle and continues after a moment before speaking up. "Ah' suppose, though Twilight said it was nuthin' but a fun game ta' play. That me an' Rainbow are both strong and fast."

True, they are both probably stronger and faster than me... When I'm not using magic. I wonder why they were all not taught how to use magic if they couldn't consciously? I suppose it would make them want power.. Do irreversible damage to their friendship which would ruin the Elements of Harmony.

"I believe she is right. I assume everything is going well here? Sorry I haven't been around to help out, but after my lunch with Pinkie tomorrow I can stop by and do a few things for you. Is that good?" I say with a smile.

"Ah' reckon that'll be just fine. Plenty for you ta' help with around here." Applejack says before 'bucking' another tree, causing apples to fall.

"Before I go, do you think I could try that?" I say while inspecting a nearby tree full of apples.

"Ah' don't see why not. You can try, jus' don't ruin the tree ya hear?" she says before moving onto another tree.

After inspecting the tree for a bit more, I prepare both of my fists with some magical essence, covering both with a small amount like I did before with the rock during training. Unlike before however, I simply push on the tree suddenly with both hands, this causes the reaction I expect and shakes the tree immediately. Apples fall from the tree as if Applejack smacked it with her hooves.

Glad I just used my palms, kind of raw but that's because I didn't protect them enough. A fist would've actually done damage... I think my training over how to use magic is over, but I have much more to go when it comes to using it in the right amounts. I'll need to train more. But this gave me an idea for the enchantment! Guess I'll head towards Rarity and see if it can be done. I want to do the enchantment myself though, have to learn sometime.

"Well now, ya did a mighty fine job. Maybe I'll have you on apple tree duty tomorrow." Applejack says with a bit of amazement.

"Hah, I bet I could harvest more apples than you!" I say with a grin.

"Oh realllyy now? That there sounds like a challenge Devan. Ah' hope you know what your gettin into here." she replies with a grin of her own.

"Don't worry, I know. See you tomorrow, cereal!" I say before walking away.

As I'm walking away, all I could hear was Applejack whisper 'What?' to herself gently in confusion.

Silly ponies, Trix are for humans... And Trixie I guess.

——————————————————————————————————————

Arriving at the Carousel Boutique I find that Twilight is already there holding a very... Interesting dress.

Weird, I thought Applejack was supposed to be here for this...

Twilight goes inside with her dress and into Rarity's so called 'Thinking and Dressmaking room that I am to not enter'. After walking to the doorway and leaning on the outside of the room, listening in, I can hear the typical Rarity responses about how it 'It won't be a problem at all!' and how it would be her pleasure to do so. Strangely enough the conversation with Applejack doesn't happen but Rainbow Dash still crashes through the roof and the fashion show is still planned.

I guess it worked out, but I wonder if me talking to Applejack stopped her from showing up... Probably. I suppose I should let Rarity do what she needs to then. She'll be busier than usual anyways. Welp, maybe another time. Guess I'll get a bite to eat and go see if Obsidian is healing well. The damned tree better be.