TS&F: S1, Ep3: Til the Flutterguy Sings

Til the Flutterguy Sings

Back inside the Tree Castle, and more specifically in Twilight's elaborately collected library, the two mares and Spike were gathering a few volumes from the numerous shelves displayed. As the lavender Princess levitated the books into a pile, while marking them off from a checklist, also floating beside her, the yellow Pegasus aided the young Dragon in packing and loading the material into the bags and luggage set out to be filled.

"But what makes you think moving to a different place is a bad thing," Spike pondered, after hearing the ponies' discussion concerning Fluttershy's current task, "I mean, maybe all he's looking for is a nice change of pace. A different type of atmosphere. Nothing wrong with that."

"I don't think it's wrong to want that, Spike," Twilight answered, her attention still towards the manuscripts in question, "It's only a supposition of what the Map is directing our attention towards."

"But since the Map showed us that I should be here," the hovering Pegasus added, "looking at the flower to know about our most recent friendship problem, instead of Canterlot or Manehatten, like Spider Bite plans to go, maybe it's telling us that he should stay for some reason."

"True," Spike shrugged, as he placed another set of books into a case, "But maybe it's not about moving, at all. Maybe it's just finding out more about this guy, like you said, Twi."

"Perhaps," she answered, "And it's probably something even simpler than that. All we know, for sure, is that this involves the newcomer, in some way."

"But what about his lessons in magic," the Dragon continued to ask, "Is he having any trouble with those?"

"Actually, he's been excelling at each and every one of them." Her tone remained even, yet slightly hinted a surprised approval. "In fact, he's surpassed most lessons that would take any average novice months, in such a brief period of time. So much so, I actually decided to keep his lessons and reviews at a reduced rate of instruction, so as not to rush through them."

"Did he have any problems with that," the Pegasus wondered.

"On the contrary, he was more than satisfied with it, saying that he trusted my better judgment on such matters that he was unfamiliar with."

"What does he do after those slowed-down lessons?"

"Same, as always," she huffed her reply to the purple and green assistant, "Scaling the castle, inside and out, looking at books, working to adjust his gadgets and making more of his web fluid. Wants to increase its durability and integrity even more, he said. Found a dozen rooms covered in the stuff. Gave even Starlight a scare when he mistook her room for his."

"Oof. Well, there are so many rooms, and many of them do look alike," puffed Fluttershy, as she heaved another load into the piles of baggage, "Where is he, anyway?"

"My guess is he's checking on his three fellow travelers, right now. And possibly Miss Watson, in particular, since she's coming with me, Spike and Zecora to Manehatten." What Twilight summoned before her, next, was a pile of index cards, a projector, and an instructing rod, then trotted towards her packing bags. "This seminar on Everfree vegetation and herbs might prove to be a great step towards gaining a better grasp of that place, which has been left largely unknown for the past millennium."

"Did Rarity get in touch with Miss Pommel, like she said," asked Fluttershy.

"Mm-hmm," she nodded, in turn, "Coco was actually very excited to have somepony with stage experience looking for work. In fact, she was even more thrilled to hear from Rarity that Mary Jane can help with costume designs, also."

"What's up with those two ponies, anyway," the purple and green Dragon inquired, "Mary Jane and Spider Bite? Doesn't anypony think there's something funny going on between them?"

"They do seem to get along rather nicely together," pondered the soft-spoken mare, in response, "Maybe that's also why he's thinking of going."

"It may be the case," the Alicorn replied, "that they share some sort of bond. But the fact that he still conceals his face from the public, as well as his friends, tells me that they're not so much close, as much as familiar with each other. After all, he did say he only knew them through a photographer he's acquainted with, a good friend and family member of theirs."

"Yes, he did tell me that," Fluttershy spoke with a nod of her own, "So he might feel especially concerned for their safety, along with their return home, as much as his friend would. Or, at least try to be."

"But why move away, if he's really into taking care of them?" Spike's question formed a slight pause of contemplation from the mares, as Twilight began the completion of her packing.

"I'm willing to believe it's because," she firmly, though delicately offered, "in some way, like Mary Jane, he's looking for familiar trotting grounds, himself."

"Don't you mean swinging grounds?" The reptilian's remark caused a slight smirk from Twilight and Fluttershy, as the three friends completed their task of traveling preparations.

"Sure you don't need a hoof?" The peach redhead tossed a few accessories that she received from the white Unicorn into a bag, as she heard the web-head speak.

"I think I can manage, Spidey, thanks," she chuckled, "Besides, it's not like I can't do anything other than travel light."

The web-slinger simply crouched laterally, his hooded head protruding from the wall, over the sofa the case was on. Shifting his head between the mare and her current task, he shrugged his horizontal shoulders, and said, "True. I guess that's a problem when you're somepony who's looking for something to pass the time."

"Two weeks without fighting crime," MJ offered, "That's got to be a rough change for a guy like you."

"Don't have to tell me," he huffed, "I mean, I'm not complaining. Everything here's beautiful. Great. Gorgeous, even. But it's just so…so peaceful. So…way, too quiet. It rattles my spider brain to find ways of doing something useful, when all you see around you is pure, complete, total silence and tranquility. Plus, everypony here's got a job to go to, and lending a helping hoof when needed, not requiring a wall-crawling pony to help save the day. Heh, I've actually gotten used to saying those idioms around here, now. And I know it probably won't be any different in Equestria's equivalent to the Big Apple from this. No crime rate, whatsoever. If not, the occasional troublemaker or pawn broker, hanging out in dark alleys. But I think what I'd really like is some city noise. You know, shouting ponies, saying, 'I'm trottin' 'ere! I'm trottin' 'ere!' and the hustle and bustle of a major metropolis. I mean, that's what you're trying to do, right?"

"I don't think it's so much what I want to do," she replied, "as much as what I need to do. I really think this is necessary, in order to get well situated around here. I also think you've managed to do that for yourself, already."

"You mean with all our new friends?"

"Looks to me they could use a tough guy like you, once in a while. And aren't you still taking lessons from Twilight, for that new ability of yours?"

"Yeah, but," he strove to counter, "I-I mean sure, I've picked up a few, very valuable tips from her, but it's not like I can't do that still by mail, or, you know, go to the nearest magical academy, and enroll. Kind of makes me wonder about that strange doctor that I kept hearing about back at home."

"Not so keen about her house rules, huh?"

"I don't know," he shrugged, ignoring her slight tease, "That's kind have been like starting boot camp. Very strict, early hours, very impatient and intolerant with my antics."

"Sounds more like a squabbling couple, to me," MJ persisted in her jests.

"Yeah, good luck with that, Matchmaker," flatly stated the wall-crawler, making the redhead grin. She also could not help recalling her attempts of bringing her friends, Gwen and Peter together, with a warm reminiscence.

"I'm not looking to catch my eye on Tzeitel, anytime soon," she heard him continue, "Besides, it's not really how the Princess runs things that gets me. Or her, in general. She just likes a solid, well established order of things, in a nicely set routine. Nopony can blame her for that. It's practically her job description. I'm just so bored out of my skull, that I don't even know what I should do next. In fact, I think I might even be deliberately getting on her nerves, just to get something to happen. And it's a flipping castle! Closest thing I've been in one of those is an old pal's penthouse, and I can honestly say I might have developed a slight case of agoraphobia from a few sleepovers there."

Mary Jane chuckled at the irony of the scarlet stallion's final remark, before asking in a more serious tone, "What about May and Nick? Aren't you worried about how well they'll be, while you're gone?"

"Well, that's where Canterlot fits into all of this, in terms of an option," Spidey said, "It's not a metropolitan area, like Manehatten, but it's definitely the size and scale of a city that's more my speed than a small town setting, like Ponyville. Plus, it's close enough for me to check in on them, once in a while, but also not too close to be hovering over them. Even that can be annoying for anybody. Sorry, anypony. Guess I'm still not used to that. They're well situated, and well looked after. I just think the last thing they need is my pestering company."

"You're thinking a good distance means a safe distance." The green irises of the mare read the stallion's shaded countenance most accurately. Once he offered a silent, stoic nod in return, she could tell this was as much about his concern for her friend's aunt and the physician, as much as finding a comfortable fit. Just then, the slightly opened door to the guest room she stayed in widened, prompting Mary Jane to shift her focus towards it, and Spidey to raise himself to a perch against the wall.

"Mary Jane, I was hoping I could catch you before your departure," her lodger spoke, "I'm rather curious if you might be interested also in possibly co-managing my third shop, while staying in Manehattan. I could cover for expenses at the nearest suite for the first few months, if that'd be the case."

"Sounds like a good offer," answered the Earth Pony, "I'll take it into consideration. Thanks."

"You know where to reach me, darling," Rarity smiled, then shifted her attention towards her latest guest, "And, Spider Bite, I was wondering if you'd be a dear and come down to give me a few measurements?"

"Wait, you want my measurements," he asked, his awareness now sharply attentive, "Am I being fitted for a tux, or something?"

"Just a lateral project that's been under wraps lately," she answered plainly, though with a curiously slight gleam, "Would you be so kind as to offer me assistance, in that regard?"

"Um, sure, I guess," tilted the beige Unicorn's head, in reply, "I don't see why not." Noticing the white mare beam a little more, MJ heard Rarity thank the perched stallion and bidding her safe travels, before making her own exit. With a raised brow, she looked at the wall-crawler to see his own reaction, in which he turned his head towards her, and asked, "What's she up to, exactly? Any idea?"

The peach Earth Pony simply shrugged in reply, wondering if Spidey was even aware of the Unicorn's shift in demeanor whenever around him, or simply chose to ignore it. "Though she seems nice enough to go out of her way, and make something for you."

"Yeah, well, she's the embodiment of the Element Generosity," he tilted his head again, "Really shouldn't expect anything less from her, I guess. But that's been going on around here a lot, lately. Just yesterday, the Apple family sent a cart of their fresh goods to the palace, as a token of gratitude. I thought looking after Mrs. Parker and the Doc was more than enough thanks. And that's another reason I think I should get out of Dodge. All the sudden recognition. I mean, it's not like I did everything on my own. And even then, I didn't make much progress in helping to stop Chrysalis."

Mary Jane recalled how gracious Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash had been to her and Spidey, both during, and after the party, for rescuing the little fillies. Considering the circumstances of his customary reception in New York, which has been widely mixed, at best, she could understand his discomfort of such an unusual amount of kindness directed towards him.

"Look, Web-slinger," she spoke, "Like I said before, I think you've got a good thing going here. Just need to give it more time to settle."

"And the restlessness? Am I supposed to get over that eventually, too?"

"I think that's just you still adjusting to all the serenity. You're just not used to it yet, is all. So what, if you don't save the day on a regular basis? Every…pony could use a nice vacay, now and then. Every soldier needs some rest after a tour. What I think you need, to help calm your nerves, is finding something that helps you fit in around here. Like you said, find a job, become part of the normal, everyday life here."

"I'm a genetically altered metahuman, transformed into a talking, equinoid creature, in another dimension where, quote-unquote, Friendship is Magic, crouching laterally onto a wall of a Unicorn's home. I don't think you can detract from normal any further than that."

"So, try and get a good taste of normal around here, first," she shrugged once more, "Then let the normality grow on you. You can't go wrong with normal, daily living, you know."

"You know something," he sharply stated, "I have no idea why, but despite not agreeing with everything you said, I feel totally comfortable talking to you about stuff."

"That's probably because I have that kind of effect on others in general," said MJ, with a smile, to which he offered a small grin of his own.

"Parker's really lucky to have a good friend in you."

"Yeah, I know," she nodded, her smile fading only slightly, but noticeable, as she closed her small luggage, "And I know he knows it. Just wish he could trust that completely. With me, and his aunt. Like I know he used to with another."

"Believe me, I know what you're talking about."

I don't know. Maybe MJ's got a point. Is my tenuous friendship with these ponies what I've needed all along? Just a small anchor on something substantially good, while I'm here? Maybe I should also try to find ways of earning my keep. But what about Celestia and Luna? They know my secret, and my past. I can confide in them about something, and they trust me completely. Though they would probably say something similar. But it's ultimately my call to make, right? If I think it's for the best, then I should do it. Or maybe I just…need to take a step back, and review. Take this time to, I don't know, try and figure things out? With a little help, along the way? And I was the one who found that little flower when I was aimlessly wandering around with my thoughts. When no one else would've noticed it. Seems important enough, given the circumstances. Where did it even come from, anyway? And why did it decide to come up after all of this randomness? When Aunt May, the others and myself showed up? Is it a way back? Or something completely different?

The cloaked, beige Unicorn with dark blue lenses simply stood on the wooden platform of the station, as the steam locomotive pulled in. The engine made a great huff, as it came to a complete stop. As the lavender, winged Unicorn and peach Earth Pony made their way on board, and the young dragon carried their belongings inside, Zecora turned to Fluttershy and said, "Now, be sure while I'm away, that my home and my things be okay."

"Don't worry about anything, Zecora," the yellow Pegasus answered softly, "We'll be sure to keep everything kept nice, and tidy, while you're gone."

"As for you young stallion, take care," she turned to Peter, and kindly offered, "Your great unease all are aware."

"Yep, that's me," he smirked, "Mr. Great Unease. Anxiety's my middle name. Or do you ponies even have those?"

The striped mare lightly chuckled, as she extended her hoof to him. The wall-crawler took it with a friendly smile in turn, saying, "Thanks. I'll try my best."

"The best is all one can do," she replied, "So long as what's truly best is known by you."

As the train began to depart, it's steam engine chugging and puffing along, there popped up, into the open air beside the remaining ponies, in a bling and flash of light, an odd creature suspended in midflight. The wings were those of a gargoyle, and a bird, the forelimbs of a lion and hawk's talon, and its hind legs were of an alligator and goat. The hide of its tail and bodice were draconian, by the looks of its scaly texture. But what caught Pete's full attention particularly was the creature's face, consisting that of a goat and horse, with a singular fang from its jaw, and antlers of a gazelle and deer protruding above its red irises, which were in a field of yellow for its eyeballs.

"Goodbye, Twilight, Spike, Zecora and Mary Jane," it cried out in a male voice, which somehow made the web-head think of an uptown thespian, as it waved a handkerchief with its talon, "Don't forget to write!"

And…enter the goat-faced dragon. Wonder where all his pals are at?

"Ah, I always do miss those ponies so dearly whenever we part ways," he sighed, with emphatic anguish, "But now's not the time for such sentiment, any longer." He beamed as the hanky vanished from his grasp, then snapped the appendages from his paw. At that, a tray of china cups and spout, filled with a steaming substance, along with a small dish of cookies and muffins emerged before him. "How about we take this chance, and make up for that nice tea visit we've so abruptly postponed, Fluttershy? You may bring your new friend with you as well, of course. Don't wish something similar that happened to Tree Hugger to befall Mister Spider Bite, here."

"Oh, um, Spider Bite," gently spoke Fluttershy, "I would like you to properly meet our other friend, Discord."

"The Master of Chaos, now reformed," he announced with grandiose exuberance, and bowed as he shook Spidey's hoof with his paw. The tea tray were still held by both forelimbs. "A pleasure to meet you, truly."

"Yeah, same to you…Discord." A good taste of normal around here? Check.