Honorary Dreams

by Lonely Fanboy48

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Other, Romance, Equestria Girls, Main 7 (EqG), Slice of Life, Wallflower Blush
Length: 23379

Oliver hangs out with the Rainbooms as being an honorary member during his Summer Vacation.

Ever since the Rainbooms fixed up Oliver back at the beach, Oliver was better then he was before. He starts to develop new feelings that he never done before. Oliver wanted to see the Rainbooms again, he thought of an idea by helping and hanging out with them. While the girls bring friends like the CMC and Wallflower Blush to meet him.

Thanks to wingdingling and his girlfriend dominus_fortune for editing this fanfic.
https://www.fimfiction.net/user/209410/wingdingaling
https://www.fimfiction.net/user/328566/dominus_fortune

Published 2018-03-22 06:30:12 UTC
Last updated 2018-07-14 15:03:52 UTC

Envelope With Confetti

One fine day when Oliver went to the beach, he meet seven girls and their dog. They were called the Rainbooms. He spent the whole day getting their help after his horrible experience with bullying, and through it all developed a friendship with them all.

By the end of the day, the Rainbooms agreed to have Oliver become an honorary member the Rainbooms. When the boy left for home that day, he envisioned a time when he would see them again.

The school bus pulled up to it’s stop in front of a house, and the children who resided in the neighborhood departed. And what a fine day it was to be getting home from school, for tomorrow was officially the first day of summer vacation.

The children all went their separate ways, and the bus closed it’s door and drove off. The last child to depart was a boy named Oliver.

It had been three weeks since Oliver’s trip to the beach, and his encounter with his eight new friends. Ever since, his life had picked up for the better. The sun seemed to shine brighter. Grass looked greener. Swimming in his pool seemed somehow more refreshing and invigorating than ever. And best of all was that ever since he posted his beach video to the internet, he had received nothing but well wishes and praise from his family and peers.

But, he couldn’t stand on the sidewalk all day taking in the scenery. He still had to get home.

Oliver walked two houses down from his bus stop, onto the front walk of his house, and stepped confidently through the front door.

“Heeeeeere’s Ollie!” Oliver called through the house.

His greeting was met by his little sister, Mela, rushing to him for a big hug.

“Oliver, you’re back!” she enthusiastically greeted.

“And it’s great to be back too. Because, I got something for you,” Oliver said.

“Really? What is it?”

“If you let go, I can take off my backpack and show you.”

“No!” Mela adamantly asserted, “I wanna hug!”

Oliver wriggled his arms from his sister’s grip and removed his backpack from his shoulders. He unzipped the largest pocket and handed Mela a colorful piece of paper.

Mela looked at the drawing, and saw that it was her riding on the back of a pony. Standing on either side of her were Pinkie Pie and Applejack. They were all smiling as they stood on the beach, underneath a rainbow that arched across the sky.

“Wow! Are these the girls we saw on TV?” Mela asked.

“Uh-huh. Those are the friends I made at the beach,” Oliver answered.

“Can I meet them someday?”

“Sure. If I see them again.”

“Is that Oliver I hear?” came the voice of the third sibling. Older brother, Robbie.

Robbie entered the living room to greet his brother.

“Look who’s back from school. And look what you brought home,” he said, looking at the picture his brother drew. “Are those the girls you met a few weeks ago?”

“Yep they are,” Oliver answered. “Right now I’m officially an honorary member to the Rainbooms.”

“What!?” Mela and Robbie shouted.

“Oliver, you’re the luckiest kid at school,” Robbie said, picking up Oliver for a hug.

Then their parents with their baby came into the living room to meet their son.

“So Oliver, what are you going to do for your summer vacation?” his mom asked.

“Not much. I was thinking we could take a family trip to the beach,” Oliver said.

There was no fooling his family. They all knew that he was hoping for a chance he would meet the Rainbooms there again.

“How about you hang out with the Rainbooms again?” his dad said, cutting to the quick.

If Oliver was being honest with himself, that was exactly what he wanted to do. But, in the time since he had met them, he had a lot of time to think about some things, and had decided against it.

“Actually,” I’m not so sure I want to,” Oliver said.

Not one member of his family could comprehend this decision. The way he spoke about them, they thought it might border worship.

“Why don’t you? I think they’d really want to see you again,” his dad said.

“And you said you wanted to see them again,” his mom reminded him.

“I know. But, I’ve been thinking a lot lately. They don’t want to spend all of their time with an eight year old. I just don’t fit in with people their age,” the boy explained.

The mail was delivered through the slot in the door, which was promptly picked up by Mela.

Oliver moved to the couch, and was joined by his parents there.

“Oliver,” his mother began, “When I met those girls, I thought they were just a group of kind-hearted strangers. But, after I watched the video of them helping you, I know they’re more than that. The mere fact that they could have changed you so drastically from the way you were to the way you are now is proof of that. It’s because of that that I know they’ll be delighted to see you again. And I bet they would love to meet your family.”

Oliver looked over his family, not knowing what to say, but knowing his mom was right. Maybe, he could take them to meet his new friends.

His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden popping sound, and a burst of party horns. Looking to the source, they saw Mela covered in confetti, holding an open, pink envelope in her hands.

“Mela! What happened?” Oliver asked.

“It’s for you,” Mela said.

“What?”

“Mela! You shouldn’t open other people’s mail!” Her mother scolded.

“I know. But, there was no return address. And the envelope looked so pretty,” she said, holding up the pink, glittering envelope.

“Well, it’s for you. See what it says,” Robbie urged his brother.

Oliver took the envelope, removed the letter, shook off the remaining confetti and read aloud:

“Dear Oliver,

How have you been since we met you. We haven’t seen you since that day on the beach, and me and the others have really missed you. Spike especially, since he misses the way you scratch his ears.

Anyway, I’m writing because we all wanted to know if you would like to spend your summer vacation with us. We have a cabin in the woods where we can stay the whole summer, so we can get you used to being an honorary member of the Rainbooms.

There was so much more we wanted to do together on the beach, and we realized that one day wasn’t enough for any of us. Twilight already has an entire list of activities planned out for us all to do, and she’s already accommodated them all for if you accept.

Enclosed is a map that will direct you to where the cabin is. Sorry, but you can’t find it on GPS. I know, it’s that out of the way. But, it’s a great place, and I know we’d all be glad if you joined us. Here’s hoping for a ‘yes.’

From, Sunset Shimmer.”

Oliver lowered the letter and stared ahead into space.

“Well, well, well,” his mother said, the letter having contradicted Oliver’s thoughts.

“Tell me about it. He’s younger than me, and he’s already got girls clamoring after him,” Robbie joked.

“Knock it off, Robbie. Don’t make your brother nervous,” his dad admonished.

This was a huge opportunity for Oliver. First, he was making new friends. Now, they wanted to induct him into their group. How could he have refused.

“I’ll do it! I’ll spend the summer with the Rainbooms!” Oliver declared.

“That’s the stuff,” his mom said.

“No it’s not. I haven’t got any of the stuff I need. I have to start packing now. There’s so much I have to get. Clothes, bug spray, water, sleeping bag. I could go on,” Oliver said, as he sprung out of his seat and rushed to his room.

There, he quickly started packing up as much as he could. There was so much to do, and even though he had so much time, he felt he had very little. This summer was going to be great.

Rainbow Cabin And Wallflower’s Garden

The ride was long. Much longer than Oliver had rode before in a car.

The night had passed, and Oliver was ready to see his friends once more. It was his brother Robbie who had volunteered to drive him. It was such a long way that Oliver only had time to eat breakfast and say goodbye to his family before he had to make the long journey.

They had already gone far from the highway, and were driving the country backroads far from their home.

“How much further now, Oliver?” Robbie asked.

“Uh... Let me see: we passed the general store. We saw that broken signpost. So, there should be a turnoff coming up, and that should be a straight shot to the cabin where my friends are staying,” Oliver said, as he looked at the map that had been marked for him.

Oliver’s eyes traced the path on the map. He could almost precisely pinpoint exactly where he was from the cabin at the moment. It was only a short drive that separated him from the girls who had saved his life in a single day. What a whole summer with them could do for him, he could only imagine.

“You’re excited to see your friends again?

Robbie’s voice snapped Oliver back to reality.

“Huh? Yeah. I mean, they’re excited to see me again. I can at least return the favor can’t I?” Oliver answered.

“Is that why you got all those gifts for them?”

“What gifts? I only packed supplies I needed to bring.”

“Supplies like a birdwatcher’s wilderness guide, water balloons, and a bag full of chocolate muffins you baked yourself? Sounds like a heck of a party you’re going to.”

His brother’s laughter made Oliver uncomfortable. Even though he knew Robbie appreciated what the Rainbooms did for him, he never could understand what it really meant to him. They were the single greatest people he had met, and now he was a part of their life.

“There’s the turnoff coming up,” Oliver said, pointing to the right.

Robbie took the turn, and drive the length of the path. It was a narrow, unpaved dirt road, and after about a mile and a half of driving down it, the boys were greeted by a fantastic sight.

There was a large clearing, where fresh tire tracks were dug into the soil, as if a large vehicle had driven away earlier. Nearby, there was a large, sparkling lake, like a diamond in the sun with a pier that jutted into the water. Away from there was a walkway that led up to a cabin that had been ostentatiously decorated with rainbows and glitters that made it sparkle in the sun, almost like it was a real rainbow made manifest into a living area.

“Wow. Your friends don’t mess around with the decorations,” Robbie commented.

“I guess they take this ‘do it yourself’ thing really seriously,” Oliver added.

The boys both got out and quickly unpacked Oliver’s belongings.

“Alright. So, I don’t expect anything serious to happen, but just in case: tell your friends how they can contact me, or mom or dad. Alright?” Robbie said.

“Got it,” Oliver affirmed.

“Okay. I’m going to head back now. Have fun,” Robbie bade his brother. He climbed back into the car, turned it around and drove off.

Now, Oliver was on the threshold of was he was sure was going to be the greatest summer of his young life. With a spring in his step, he climbed up the stairs to the front porch, and strode to the front door. He rolled his wrist twice, then knocked in a musical cadence.

“Who is it?”

Oliver recognized that voice. It was Rainbow Dash. He greeted her in a way that he knew she would remember.

“A swimmer with a ripped figure,” Oliver called.

“Swimmer--?”

Oliver heard footsteps rapidly approaching the door. In about a second it swung open, revealing Rainbow Dash.

“Oliver!” She greeted him.

“Hey--Hey!” Oliver began to greet, before Rainbow Dash picked him up with one arm and playfully noogied him with the other. It ended quickly when Dash plopped him back on the ground.

“Man, did we miss you! Me and the others were just talking what we’d do if you accepted our invitation! You know, it was Pinkie’s idea to send you that in the first place?”

“I kind of guessed,” Oliver said, after he shook feeling back into his head.

“Don’t just stand there! Come in! The others are all waiting for you!” Dash said, grabbing Oliver by his wrist and escorting him inside.

Oliver was just as taken by the interior as the outside. He didn’t know how long they had been using this cabin, but they had pictures lining the painted walls, the wooden floor was laminated with a polished sheen, flowers were placed on small tables that were set out, and the central living area was furnished with a couch and some chairs and a coffee table. Most notably of all were the room’s occupants: Sunset Shimmer, with Twilight Sparkle and a new girl that Oliver didn’t recognize.

“Oliver! You came!” Sunset greeted him, before receiving him with a hug. “I knew you’d get my letter! Come here, let the others say hi.”

Oliver was passed along to Twilight, who hugged her young friend next.

“Welcome to the cabin,” she said.

“Thanks,” Oliver said. He noticed the fourth girl in the room, and introduced himself. “Hi. I’m Oliver.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Wallflower Blush,” the new girl introduced herself. “They told me all about you. And, I think they saved me the same as they did to you.”

“Really?” Wow! That’s great!” Oliver said, heartily shaking Wallflower’s hand.

Wallflower retracted her hand, but giggled at the gesture anyway.

“Where’s everybody else? Didn’t they want to come?” Oliver wondered.

“Everybody’s here, Oliver,” Twilight said. “Rarity and Applejack went to town with their sisters to go shopping for supplies.”

“Rarity and Applejack have sisters?” Oliver wondered.

“Yeah. They wanted to come along after they watched your video of us at the beach,” Dash explained. “They seemed really excited to meet you.”

Oliver smiled slightly. Even though he hadn’t met them, there were so many people who wanted to be his friend, just because. His thoughts ended when Dash pulled him aside.

“So, I was thinking,” Dash began, “Since me and Applejack didn’t spend a whole lot of time with you: we get you for some water skiing on the lake.”

“Alright. Is anyone else coming?” Oliver asked.

“Yeah. Fluttershy wants to come, because she want to go diving with you to see all the fish that live in the lake. We can start when AJ gets back from her trip.”

“Great! Because in the meantime: I have some stuff for you guys,” Oliver said.

He set down his luggage, took off his backpack, and sifted through it. From inside, he produced a plastic container full of cupcakes. Half of them were decorated with orange frosting and apples, the other half were decorated with blue frosting and lightning bolts.

“For you. For helping me.”

“Shoot! Did you make these?” Dash said, taking the container.

“Well, my sister helped. She says ‘hi,’ by the way.”

“I knew we made the right choice helping this kid,” Dash said, ruffling Oliver’s hair.

“Hey, don’t rough me up just yet. I still have gifts for everyone else,” Oliver said, reaching into his backpack to produce more items. “For Pinkie, when she shows up: some chocolate muffins. Made with love, obviously.”

The girls all laughed at the joke, before Oliver presented his next item.

For you, Twilight: some books about geodes and other kinds of rocks. It says something about semi-precious stones, but I don’t really know what that means,” Oliver said, handing the book to Twilight.

“Thank you,” Twilight said, always happy to add a new book to her collection.

Oliver presented his next gift.

“I know that Rarity likes making clothes and stuff, so I got her a catalogue of a bunch of clothes from other countries. I thought she might get some cool ideas from it.”

“You seem to know exactly what people want from just meeting them,” Sunset said, as she took the catalogue and placed it with the cupcakes.

“People say I have a gift,” Oliver explained, as he got his next gift. “Here’s something for Fluttershy. It’s a birdwatcher’s wilderness guide.”

“Wow. It’s uncanny. Fluttershy doesn’t even have any books about bird watching,” Twilight said, having read through her friend’s library before. It was placed with the other gifts.

“And you, Sunset,” Oliver said, “I know we didn’t get much of a chance to talk, but I thought a rematch sometime would be nice.”

“Rematch?” Sunset wondered.

She caught the bag that Oliver tossed to her, and read the label.

“Water balloons?”

“That shot me and Tony gave you? I figured you might want to try your luck getting back. Of course, you might not have much luck watching your back,” Oliver said with a sly smile.

Twilight and Dash laughed hysterically, while Sunset slowly sat down, remembering how leaving her butt open allowed it to be splattered with water balloons only weeks prior.

“You,” she said, pointing to Oliver, “Are going down, my little friend.”

“I was hoping you’d say that,” Oliver said. He then focused on Wallflower, who hadn’t received any gift at all. “I’m sorry, Wallflower, but I didn’t know you’d be here. If I knew, I would have brought you something.”

“It’s alright. I don’t mind,” Wallflower meekly said. “But, if you wanted to do something for me, you could come see the garden patch I’ve started out back.”

Oliver couldn’t see any reason not to. It would be a good way to get acquainted with the new arrival. Plus, it was something to do before Applejack and Rarity returned from their errands.

“Alright. Let’s do it,” Oliver said.

Wallflower didn’t actually say anything. She only smiled widely and guided Oliver away by his wrist.

It was impressive, to say the least. Oliver was taken behind the cabin, and was shown a small patch of greenery that had been planted there. Among the leafy plants were flower buds that added color to the many shades of verdant plants. Not only were there plants, but insects that darted about. Butterflies fluttered about, ladybugs skittered from leaf to leaf. One ladybug in particular had to fly away, as a praying mantis suddenly sprang from the foliage to strike. Beetles crawled out from underneath the leaves and felt their way through the moist soil. A spider had just finished setting up it’s webbing, when a pesky fly buzzed into it.

“Well. This is it,” Wallflower said. “I know it’s not much, but I just started it. But, I think if I can make something really special, if I work hard on it.”

“I think it’s amazing,” Oliver said, as he touched his finger to a leaf, and allowed a ladybug to crawl onto it.

“You really think so?”

“Sure. This is just like the kind of stuff my sister likes to do when she helps my mom in the garden back home. You know, you two might get along if you met,” Oliver said, letting the ladybug walk to his other hand.

“What’s your sister’s name?” Wallflower wondered.

“Mela.”

“Well, Mela sounds really nice.”

“She is. I think when we’re done here for the summer, you should meet her, and start a garden together.”

Oliver allowed his ladybug to buzz back to the surface of a large leaf. He looked at the garden, and then to the little red beetle, which was grooming itself with its front legs.

“Hey, you know what would be really good to have in this garden?” Oliver said.

“Well, I was thinking it kind of needed some more color to it. I really like marigolds, so I thought I’d plant some of those one of these days,” Wallflower answered.

“Well, some color would be nice. But, not just from the plants. Look at all these little bugs crawling around. If you invited some of the good ones to live here, they could add some life to the garden too.”

“That’s a great idea,” Wallflower said. “But, how?

“My mom says planting herbs like chives and dill attract ladybugs. And marigolds too. And if you grow something like oregano, some more praying mantises might come to hide under them. Then, place some decorative pedestals in the sun, so butterflies can rest on them and notice the colorful flowers. And put a tiny dish of water and pebbles somewhere for the bugs to drink. Also, a hummingbird feeder would help to attract some birds that could keep the pest population down.”

“Did you learn all of that from your mom?”

“Actually, Mela told me all of that. Mom read it to her from a book she got from school.”

“I’m definitely going to need to talk to your sister,” Wallflower answered with a beaming smile.

There came the sound of approaching footsteps from around the corner. Rainbow Dash appeared, already wearing her swimsuit.

“Hey, Oliver, Applejack’s back. She says she wants to start water skiing with you,” Dash reported.

Oliver had been looking forward to spending some quality time with Dash and Applejack, but stopped shortly when he looked back to Wallflower.

“Okay. But, I think I want to finish up with Wallflower first,” Oliver said.

“It’s alright. You can go with them. I know you weren’t expecting me, and already had plans with the others. Besides, I have a new project to set up for us to do now,” Wallflower explained.

“Well, alright,” Oliver said, not completely comfortable with leaving Wallflower alone so prematurely.

“You hear that? She’ll be fine. Let’s go hit the wake,” Dash said, guiding Oliver away.

Before he left, the boy looked over his shoulder, and saw Wallflower gently sifting her hands through the garden greenery.

“You don’t have to worry about her, little dude. She’s fine on her own. In fact, she’s probably trying to figure out how to make that garden special, just for you,” Dash said.

“You think so?” Oliver asked. “I still feel like she would have liked to join us on the lake.”

“Believe me, she’s a lot happier in her garden than she is water skiing,” Dash said, recalling Wallflower’s disastrous attempt at the sport.

They made their way to the pier, where they met with Applejack, who had also already changed into her swimsuit. At the moment, she was sharing the remainder of the cupcakes that Oliver made for her with another girl also in a swimsuit, who Oliver didn’t recognize. One who was almost the same age as himself. Applejack’s sister, Oliver thought.

The younger girl took an enormous bite of her cupcake, and saw Rainbow Dash coming with Oliver.

“Mm--Applejack? Is that him?” The young girl asked through her mouthful.

Applejack glanced in the direction that was pointed, and swallowed her bite with a beaming smile.

“Well, if it ain’t little Oliver,” she greeted him with a pat on his shoulder. “How ya been, pardner?”

“Better, since I met you guys,” Oliver answered.

“That goes without sayin’. I watched yer video at least a hundred times since we shot it. I swear, it gets better every time.” Applejack then motioned to the young girl with her. “I don’t think ya met my sister yet. This here’s Apple Bloom. The youngest member o’ the Apple family.”

“Hi. I’m Oliver,” the boy introduced himself, extending a hand for a shake. What he received, however, felt like more than simply that.

Apple Bloom firmly grasped both of his hands in both of her own, and pumped her arms up and down like she was drilling for oil.

“How-dee, Oliver! It’s a pleasure makin’ yer acquaintance!” Apple Bloom said.

Apple Bloom let go, allowing Oliver to shake feeling back into his arm.

“Uh, nice to meet you too,” Oliver said, taking a quick step back from the girl. “So, we’re supposed to be water skiing?”

“Sounds like Dash already brought ya up to speed. Ya know how to do it?” Applejack asked.

“No,” Oliver said, shaking his head.

“Then, that’s what we’re here for,” Apple Bloom declared. She dragged Oliver away by his arm, “Come on. Me an’ the others picked up some trunks in case ya came. Let’s get ya changed, an’ hit the lake!”

Skiing By Birds And The Kiss Of Nature

Apple Bloom waited impatiently outside one of the changing rooms that was built by the pier. Oliver had been in there for almost three minutes after she gave him his swimming trunks to change into.

“Ain’t ya changed yet, Oliver?” she asked him.

“Don’t rush me! I can barely raise my elbows in this broom closet,” came Oliver’s voice. “Seriously, how did Rainbow Dash and Applejack change so quickly in here?”

“I didn’t have any trouble, an’ I used this same changin’ room,” Apple Bloom said.

“That’s because you’re the shortest person here.”

“No I ain’t! My friends Sweetie Belle an’ Scootaloo are both shorter than me!”

“Alright. You’re one of the three shortest people here.”

Before Oliver could say anything else, Apple Bloom pushed her hand against the side of the changing room, making it wobble back and forth.

“Hey! Hey! Hey! Don’t topple the messenger! I’ve got nothing to do with you being so--”

“Don’t even think about sayin’ it,” Apple Bloom said. If she had to hear how short she was one more time, she may well have gone postal.

“Alright,” Oliver’s voice said through the changing room door, “I’ve got nothing to do with you being so vertically-challenged.”

Apple Bloom placed both hands on the side of the changing room. But, before she could even move, the changing room started shaking without her. Not only that, the ground itself was shaking beneath her.

“Okay! I’m sorry! Jeez, what’s a joke between friends?” Oliver said.

“It ain’t me! It’s my sister,” Apple Bloom said.

Oliver was silent a moment, as if he couldn’t comprehend what he heard. Until he answered, “How the heck much weight could she have gained from those cupcakes?”

“No! It’s Applejack in her tour bus. She’s backin’ it up, so she can put the boat in the lake,” Apple Bloom explained.

“We’re using a boat now?”

“Ya know a better way to start water skiin’?”

There came a series of loud bumps in the changing room, until the door burst open. Oliver staggered out, now clad in his swimming trunks that his friends had bought for him.

“Well, no. But, that’s because I’ve never water skied before,” the boy answered. “Thanks for the trunks, by the way. If I knew we’d be on a lake, I’d have brought some of my own.”

“How come ya didn’t know ya were gonna be on a lake?”

“Because I thought I was going to a cabin in the woods. Without a lake. Far from any body of water.”

He and Apple Bloom walked back to the pier, but Apple Bloom had one last question before they met with the others.

“Hey, what did ya mean when ya said, ‘what’s a joke between friends?’”

“What are you talking about? I meant ‘what’s a joke between friends,’” Oliver answered.

“You sayin’ I’m yer friend now?” Apple Bloom said.

“Why not? Applejack’s my friend. And you’re her sister. Doesn’t that make you my friend too?”

“You bet it does.”

The boat had just been backed into the water, and tied to the nearby pier. Dash did a last minute inspection to make sure everything was ship shape and seaworthy. When she saw there were no problems, she released the boat into the water, and Applejack drove the trailer back onto land.

On the pier, Oliver and Apple Bloom watched as the older girls worked. Once Dash was finished in the water, she swam over to the pier, where Oliver and Apple Bloom helped her up.

“That’s it for the hard part. Now for the fun,” Dash said.

Oliver looked at the boat on the water, and started thinking of the next step for the activity. “Alright, so now what do we do?”

“First: we show you how to do it,” Applejack said, as she guided the kids onto the boat. “Alright, Rainbow Dash. Take this li’l puppy out.”

Dash was just about to push the neutral button, when all of a sudden.

“Wait!”

Everyone froze, and looked to the direction of the objector. An objector with a soft-spoken voice Oliver immediately recognized.

“Fluttershy!” Oliver greeted his friend, who was changed into her wetsuit, and carrying an armload of orange lifejackets.

“We can’t go onto the lake yet. Not until everyone has a lifejacket,” Fluttershy said.

She began handing out lifejackets to everyone. Fluttershy herself put on two, and took her seat next to Oliver.

Now that everything was taken care of, Dash started the boat and throttled it out into the open water. Before they arrived, Fluttershy turned to face Oliver.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t greet you when you said hi. Are you mad at me?” Fluttershy asked.

“No. You never did anything to make me mad,” Oliver answered, sensing the anxiety in Fluttershy’s voice. He then noticed that she was holding something else in her arms. “Oh, you found the gift I got for you.”

“Yes. I’m sorry I wasn’t around to accept it. But, I was in the woods trying to find the best trails for a nature walk. If I knew you were coming so soon, I would have chosen a shorter trail.”

“Easy, Fluttershy,” Oliver said. Apparently, he had not quite soothed her doubt. “It’s alright if you weren’t here to greet me. I’m just happy to see you again.”

“You are?”

“Sure I am. I missed all of you guys.”

Fluttershy giggled, and hugged her birdwatcher guide a little bit tighter.

“So, how’s the book working for you? Did you learn anything?” Oliver asked.

“Oh, yes. There’s so much that I never knew about birdwatching. I never knew you could make a natural lure by trimming a tree’s branches. It’s given me a new project for the little tree next to Wallflower’s garden patch. Oh! Have you met Wallflower Blush yet?”

“Yeah. She’s a really nice girl. She took me to see her garden, and we talked about ways to make it look nicer.”

“It must be wonderful for you. To make new friends so easily.”

“I never really thought about it, but: yeah. It is.”

For a moment, both Oliver and Fluttershy shared a gaze. Of all the friends Oliver had made, he thought he felt closest to Fluttershy. When she took him to see those animals on that day at the beach, it was the first time that he started to feel that he was coming out of the dark place he was pushed into. It was thanks to her that he felt he was able to return to the life he once had.

The sudden sounds of giggling snapped their attention to the Apple sisters.

“Man, if I had me some color pencils, I’d be drawin’ yer weddin’ pictures,” Apple Bloom said.

“C’mon, Apple Bloom, don’t make them uncomfortable. A first date’s supposed to be a happy thing,” Applejack added.

Fluttershy turned a darker shade of red, as she laughed at the notion.

“Eh. Been there, done that,” Oliver said, remembering the lesson he learned the last time he met with Fluttershy. If he was going to be involved with anyone, it would be a girl his own age. And he wasn’t going to worry about that for years to come.

Rainbow Dash hadn’t been paying much attention to the others. She was too focused on getting to a suitable spot to start water skiing. Once she felt they were a safe distance from shore, she abruptly swerved the boat to a stop.

Everyone aboard lurched violently. Apple Bloom was thrown from her seat, and leaned over the back of the boat. Applejack was quick to reach for her sister, but Oliver was quicker.

“Whoah! Don’t go in the water yet! You and the others have to teach me how to water ski first,” Oliver said.

“Thanks. But, I ain’t teachin’ ya. It’s my sister an’ Rainbow Dash,” Apple Bloom said.

For a brief moment, Oliver became aware of Apple Bloom’s smile, despite the surprising experience. And even when the boat rocked to a stop, he noticed that she wasn’t letting go of him. Until Applejack placed her hand on her sister’s shoulder and gently pulled her away.

“Alright, kiddos. I think it’s time fer the lesson to start,” Applejack said with a mischievous chuckle.

“That’s right. And Applejack here’s going to show you the ropes,” Dash said.

“First thing’s ya want, ya gotta have one that’s about sixty feet long, an’ has a little bit o’ give,” Applejack explained, as she showed Oliver a rope that was coiled up on the bottom of the boat.

“Not that, AJ. Show him how to water ski,” Dash said.

“Well, ex-cuse fer practicin’ prudence, Miss Leap-Before-Ya-Look,” Applejack said, before returning her attention to Oliver, “Here’s what ya do first.”

Applejack paused her explanation briefly to hook the rope to the back of the boat.

“First: ya hold onto the rope at all times.”

“Next to keepin’ yer balance, it’s the most important part,” Apple Bloom added.

“Anyhoo,” Applejack said, after hushing her sister to keep her from worrying Oliver, “After that, ya get yer skis on.”

This was illustrated by Applejack sitting on the back of the boat, kicking off her sandals, and letting Apple Bloom place the skis on her feet.

“Once yer all set up,” Applejack continued. She abruptly cut herself off by dropping backwards into the drink.

The kids both looked over the back off the boat, while Fluttershy gasped at the sight.

“Now, ya don’t wanna be right next to the boat when it starts,” Applejack said, as she paddled backwards in the water.

“Otherwise, the propeller would make Applejack into Apple Sauce,” Apple Bloom giggled.

“Quit scarin’ Oliver already!” Applejack shouted.

“Aw, come on, sis. What’s a joke between friends?”

As funny as Apple Bloom thought she was being, Oliver rolled his eyes. Behind them, Fluttershy was turning a darker shade of green.

“This here’s the stance ya want when ya start!” Applejack called from the water. Currently, her knees were bent, and her toes were up, so the skis stuck straight out of the water. “An’ when ya get goin’, ya wanna keep yer knees bent, an’ yer feet shoulder-width apart! Follow me?”

“Uh, yeah! Feet apart, knees bent!” Oliver answered.

“Alright. Then, we’re good to go!” Applejack said, looking to Dash.

This was what Dash was waiting for. The chance to test how fast the boat could really go. She started up the boat, revved up the engine, and blasted it forward as fast as she could.

Oliver watched in amazement as Applejack seemed to rise from the water, then glide along it’s surface. It was almost like magic what he saw.

“Yee-haw!!” Applejack hollered, as she tore across the water behind the boat. She started showboating by holding the handle between her knees and holding her arms out to the side.

Oliver’s jaw dropped at the display. Something Apple Bloom noticed. If her sister was going to put on a show for him, she may as well go all out.

“Applejack! Show him the ol’ ‘alley-oop!’” Apple Bloom called out.

It was hard to see from the boat, but Applejack was smiling widely. Even though it was difficult to hear what was being said over the engine, she recognized the gesture her sister was making with her hands. This was going to be what took Oliver’s breath away. She started by reaching for the handle behind her knees.

Oliver watched curiously, and his heart nearly stopped from what he saw next.

In one quick, fluid movement, Applejack raised one leg after the other, and did a complete somersault on the water’s surface.

“Whoah!” Oliver said, too amazed to say much else.

“Yeah! Applejack, ya did it! Ten fer ten!” Apple Bloom cheered. She turned to face Oliver, “That’s my sister out there!”

“So, tell me: are you two sisters?” Oliver asked, having heard about them being sisters for what must have been the third or fourth time.

Apple Bloom cuffed the back of Oliver’s head.

“Nobody likes a wise guy, Oliver,” Apple Bloom said.

From her fetal position on the boat’s deck, Fluttershy peered up over the back of the boat to look at Applejack.

“R-R-R-Rainbow Dash, I think Applejack wants you to stop!” she said.

Dash looked at the boat’s mirrors, and saw Applejack signalling to stop. She quickly slowed the boat down, and allowed it to drift to a stop.

Applejack’s momentum kept her going, but she slowly sank into the water as she slowed down. In seconds, she was right alongside the boat, and grabbed onto the side to keep from flying past it.

“An’ that’s how it’s done, sugarcube,” Applejack said, as Fluttershy and Apple Bloom helped her into the boat. Applejack took off her skis and took her seat. “Now, how’s about you give it a shot.”

“But, Applejack, what if he’s not ready after watching you do it only once? Don’t you think Oliver should watch you do it again? For a few more times?” Fluttershy said.

“Aw, come on, Flutters. Don’t worry about the kid. He’ll have a blast on the lake. I guarantee it,” Dash said, before revving the engine loudly. Loud enough to make Fluttershy duck in cover.

“Sure I will. But, there’s a bit of a problem here,” Oliver said, placing his foot inside of Applejack’s ski, showing it was too big. “See, my junior sized foot won’t fit in the sasquatch-sized ski.”

“Ever been kicked by a sasquatch?” Applejack said, hiding her size eleven feet behind the crouching Fluttershy.

“No, but the Loch Ness monster once asked me for a handout.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. This kid had an answer for everything. No wonder he found it so easy to make friends.

“Don’t sweat it, Oliver. Ya won’t be usin’ my sister’s skis anyway. You’ll be usin’ the kid skis,” Apple Bloom said. She reached underneath the seats on the boat, and produced a pair of skis that were sized for children. Skis that were colored hot pink, and had graphics of hearts and flowers.

“Great. Get me some high heels and a sundress, and I’ll be all set,” Oliver said.

The older girls all laughed, but Apple Bloom continued with her explanation.

“Nuh-uh. These’re mine. Yer usin’ the boy skis.”

Apple Bloom produced another pair of skis.

“How are those boy skis?” Oliver asked.

Apple Bloom looked at the pair of skis they had gotten for Oliver during their shopping trip, and noticed they were colored the same as the other ones. But, with one minor difference.

“Well, these ain’t got flowers an’ hearts on ‘em,” Apple Bloom said.

“Whatever. I’ll take them. If this is what it takes to get me onto the lake, let’s do it,” Oliver said. He sat down on the back of the boat, and allowed Fluttershy to place the skis on his feet. Next to him, Apple Bloom sat down and had Applejack put skis on her feet. “Isn’t there only room on that rope for one?”

“Not if ya stay on yer side,” Apple Bloom said.

“That’s not how it works, and you know it,” Dash said from the front of the boat. “Apple Bloom’s going out to the water to coach you. So, you’ll be using the dual rope.”

“Ah yes, the ‘duel’ rope. Before people realized swords ended the fights quicker,” Oliver said.

“It’s a rope with two handles, stupid,”Apple Bloom said.

“An’ you need to learn how to hold it,” Applejack said, placing the handle in Oliver’s hands.

“Don’t make it sound so complicated, AJ. All he’s got to do is hold tight and not let go,” Rainbow Dash said. She turned around, and started the boat. “Now, let’s get these little puppies in the water!”

“What?” Was all Oliver had time to say, when the boat suddenly sped forward, and knocked him and Apple Bloom into the water.

Dash had seen that her friends already had placed the skis on the feet of the younger passengers, and was ready to start Oliver on his first major activity.

“Remember: feet apart, knees bent,” Apple Bloom reminded Oliver.

“Got it: feet bent, knees apart,” Oliver said with a nervous smile.

Apple Bloom groaned and rolled her eyes.

Of all the surprises Oliver had experienced since he arrived, he was taken completely off guard when Apple Bloom took his hand and held tightly.

“Just hold onto me,” Apple Bloom said. She and Oliver noticed the rope was quickly going taut. “An’ don’t let go!!”

Oliver screamed in response, as the rope jerked them both out of the water. In less than a second, he was upright and felt as if he was flying.

The boy looked down, and saw that his skis were gliding along the water, just as he had seen Applejack doing. Looking over, he saw Apple Bloom was doing the same. The only real difference was that she appeared confident while riding the wake.

Feeling a jump in the waves, Oliver held more tightly to Apple Bloom’s hand.

“Ow!” Apple Bloom said. She jerked her arm, trying to pull her hand from Oliver’s painful grip. This proved to be a big mistake.

Instead of freeing herself, she yanked Oliver closer to herself, and threw them both off balance.

Both children wobbled about, trying to stay upright. Oliver pulled on Apple Bloom’s hand, trying to set himself upright. Only, he pulled too hard, and pulled her with him.

“How’re the kids doing back there?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Looks like we’re gonna have a spill,” Applejack answered.

Fluttershy was holding for dear life to the boat, but peered up when she heard the kids might be in trouble. She saw Oliver and Apple Bloom swaying unsteadily in the water, and quickly touched her geode.

Beneath the water, the fish heard Fluttershy’s request, and quickly swam to the surface.

Though he could feel them, Oliver didn’t dare to look down, as the trouts, carps and catfish of the lake gently nudged his feet back into a skiing position. Soon, he was set back to normal. Next to him, Apple Bloom was set right by another school of fish. And through it all, they never let go of one another.

Both children sighed, relieved the danger had passed.

On the boat, the older girls sighed too. Dash was looking nervously over her shoulder to see what was going on, and slumped her shoulders.

“Rainbow Dash!!! Look out!!!” Fluttershy said.

Dash snapped her eyes forward, and saw that the boat was heading dangerously close to some rocks.

Focusing her mind, and putting her skills to the test, Dash swerved the boat sharply.

The fish in the water kept the young skiers steady, but the sudden jerk made Oliver finally let go of Apple Bloom’s hand.

The boy screamed loudly when he found himself headed straight for the rocks Rainbow Dash tried to save him from.

The front of his skis ramped up an angled rock. Seeing little recourse, he released his rope and went flying through the air.

Fluttershy nearly fainted, but had just enough nerve left in her to activate her geode again.

The nearby ducks and herons heard her call, and took to the air to guide Oliver to a safer course.

Oliver was both mortified and mystified. It was almost like being in a dream, flying through the air, surrounded by birds. Then, came the part where he fell.

Through whatever machinations, he found himself skipping across the surface of the water like a stone. After four or five skips, he started to steadily glide across the water, then slowly sink.

This was it. This was where his ride ended. Until he started rising from the water. His skis had touched bottom, and he skidded to the shore, where he came to a complete stop.

Wet as a mackeral and stiff as a board, Oliver stood petrified in place. He didn’t even react when he heard applause and whistling nearby.

“Now, that’s a world class skier,” said a young girl with short, purple hair.

“Do it again!” Cheered another young girl, with longer, curly hair that was two different shades of purple.

The boat quickly swerved to a halt on the water. While the older girls jumped out of the boat and started swimming to shore, Apple Bloom allowed herself to glide to landfall, where she came to a smooth halt, before taking off her water skis.

“Oliver!” She called to her friend as she ran over.

Oliver still didn’t answer. He was still stuck in a wide-eyed stupor.

“What the heck were ya thinkin’, ya big stupid!!?”

Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy reached the shore and ran over to Oliver.

“Oh, please, please, please! Don’t be hurt!” Fluttershy said.

When they reached the other children, Apple Bloom was still berating Oliver.

“Ya have any idea what ya just did!? Ya crashed right into a rock! Ya coulda killed yerself! But, no! That ain’t good enough! Ya have to go flyin’ a hundred feet into the air, an’ come plummetin’ back, so we can all have a heart attack an’ go with ya to the pearly gates!! Ya stupid, no good…”

Apple Bloom stopped her ranting, when she looked at Oliver’s frozen features. For as scared as he was, there was no way that she could stay mad at him. And it became clearer that he had no intention to worry her so when she felt his shaking arms wrap around her and holder her closely.

It was a complete surprise to her. Now, she was not worried for Oliver’s safety, but for his mental state. With her head on his shoulder, she could hear his rapid breathing, and feel his heart beating hard against her chest.

“I’m sorry,” Apple Bloom sighed, “Ya scared us all just as bad, ya know.”

The other two young girls watched, and wretched at the display.

“Doesn’t she know she’s hugging a boy?” the short-haired girl asked.

The older girls, however couldn’t stop smiling, and were all fighting the urge to giggle uncontrollably.

“Ain’t ya gonna kiss him, Apple Bloom?” Applejack said.

Apple Bloom didn’t respond. She didn’t even take her face out of Oliver’s shoulder to hide her reddening face.

“Ew! You can’t kiss a boy! They got disease! And they’re made of puppy dog tails!” The curly-haired girl said.

“You shouldn’t be afraid to show him you care, Apple Bloom. It’s easy. Like this,” Fluttershy said.

Nobody was prepared when they saw Fluttershy pucker up and plant a peck on Oliver’s forehead.

And that was the last thing Oliver remembered, before passing out.

“Oh yeah. It’s going to be loads of fun with this guy around,” Rainbow Dash said.

Shopping With Rarity

Slowly, Oliver roused from his deep sleep. For all his time in a state of unconsciousness, he dreamed about gliding across the surface of the water. Only this time, he was not wearing skis. Simply, he was rushing across the water, periodically sliding on the soles of his feet and making a wave of a wake.

After riding on a swell in the water, Oliver soon found he was flying through the sky. Not flying, actually. Rather, he was gliding on his feet through the air the same as he was doing on the water.

Higher and higher the boy went, passing by the many birds that flew above the land. Around him, clouds drifted about, allowing him to pass through them and make them burst like fireworks. Next came a rainbow, which he touched his foot on and slid across, making a spray of color that blew in every direction. Then, there came the most wondrous sight of all.

Ahead lay the largest could he had seen yet. A breeze wafted around the cloud, and morphed it into the exact shape of Fluttershy’s head. Every detail was exactly as he knew it to be, right down to the warm, yet modest and reticent smile. And Oliver was heading right for it.

When Oliver was almost upon it, it suddenly took the exact shape and size of the real Fluttershy, still clad in her wetsuit and lifejacket. And she was closer to him now than before.

The last thing before Oliver passed out flashed into his mind. The feel of Fluttershy’s lips against his forehead. And there she was waiting for him again. Or, so he thought.

Through no process of change, Fluttershy had become Applebloom, the way he saw her last in her swimsuit and lifejacket. In an instant, he found that she was held in his arms just the same as by the lake. And he found that, for whatever reason, he did not want to let go.

He and Apple Bloom drifted about in the clouds, listening to the gentle music the blowing wind and singing birds made.

“Oh! He’s waking up!

Funny. That didn’t sound like music.

“Do you think he’s alright? Should I get the first aid kit?”

The world around Oliver faded completely to black, as the sounds around him gave way to a pair of familiar voices. The second one, he recognized as Fluttershy’s. The other was a girl he hadn’t yet met at the cabin: Pinkie Pie.

Perhaps it was the simple desire to see his old friend again, but Oliver slowly started opening his eyes. And what he saw through is blurred vision was a wall of pink with flecks of brown. After his vision focused--

“Hiya, Oliver!” Pinkie greeted him

“Sweet cuppin’ cakes!!!” Oliver shouted, as he jumped off of the cot he was laying on.

“No. Chocolate muffins,” Pinkie corrected, before wiping the crumbs off her face. “Thanks, by the way. Sorry I wasn’t here earlier. I was...busy. Yeah, that’s it.”

Oliver briefly examined himself, noticing he was still dressed in his swimming trunks. Fluttershy, however, had changed into a sundress and a pair of sandals. A brief look around, and he saw he was now in a small room, likely a guest room in the cabin. When he glanced out the window, he saw that the time of day had not changed so drastically.

“How long was I out?” Oliver wondered.

“Oh, it wasn’t very long. Only a half hour,” Fluttershy said, as she sat Oliver down on the cot, and took a seat next to him. “I’m sorry if I did anything to worry you earlier. I was just trying to show Apple Bloom how she could make you feel better after that scary experience. You aren’t mad at me for making you pass out, are you?”

“Mad? Nah. Not after what you did, anyway.”

“Oh...that,” Fluttershy said, giggling like a schoolgirl and blushing red as a tomato.

“Come on, you can say it,” Pinkie said, as she took a seat on the other side of Oliver. “Everyone else is already talking about it, and boy is Apple Bloom upset. You should see how her veins bulge when Rarity and Sweetie Belle talk about planning your first date with Fluttershy.”

“That’s not happening, Pinkie,” Oliver said.

“I said that we should throw a first date party, but Rarity said--What!?” Pinkie said.

“Sorry, but that pig doesn’t fly here.”

“I think what Oliver means to say is that he doesn’t want to date a girl that isn’t his own age,” Fluttershy said.

“And, you know: I’m pretty okay with that,” Oliver added.

“Well, this puts a dent in our plan,” Pinkie Pie said. She abruptly stood up and walked to the door at the other end of the room, and stuck her head through the doorway. “False alarm, Rarity. Kick the plans.”

“What plans? If you’re referring to a date between Oliver and Fluttershy: you’re the only one who had that idea,” came Rarity’s voice from the other room.

“No I wasn’t. You were planning their date. And Spike even said they’d make a cute couple,” Pinkie said.

Rarity walked into the room past Pinkie, carrying a bundle of clothes in her arms. Behind her, the young girl with curly hair tailed after, carrying a folded article of clothing. Bringing up the rear was Spike, who was carrying a hat in his mouth.

“I didn’t say that. I said it would be creepy and weird if they dated. Fluttershy’s almost twice his age,” Spike said.

“And it was merely a joke on my part,” Rarity added.

“And Oliver’s not even mature enough to start dating. I mean, I’m a puppy, and I know that,” Spike said. He hopped onto the cot next to Oliver, and placed the hat he was holding onto Oliver’s lap. “Hey there, Oliver. Nice seeing you again.”

“You too, pups,” Oliver answered, as he scratched behind Spike’s ear, making the puppy’s back leg kick wildly. He looked to his lap, and used his other hand to pick up and examine the hat. It was a fishing hat, colored a bluish-gray, and had a black band with two feathers stuck in it. One feather was significantly longer than the other. “So, what’s with the hat? Did you get it for me, or is there a fisherman missing somewhere?”

“It’s a gift of course,” Rarity giggled. She proceeded to place the hat on Oliver’s head, then place the rest of the clothes she carried on his lap. “As are these. I trust you need something to change into about now.”

Oliver glanced down at the clothes in his lap, then looked back up at Rarity. “You planned this, didn’t you?”

“Of course I did. After all, one must look their best, even in the wilderness,” Rarity said, standing up to model her sleeveless blouse and capri pants.

“You wouldn’t believe how many sketches she went through. Normally, she only uses one sheet of paper for some shorts and a t-shirt. But this: you wouldn’t think there were any trees left in the forest after she was done sketching,” Spike said.

“Well, I just thought the boy Apple Bloom dates should look at the very least presentable.”

“Ew! Rarity, nobody’s going on a date around here,” the younger girl said, before she introduced herself. “Hi. I’m Sweetie Belle. I’m Rarity’s sister. I helped make some of these clothes.”

Oliver looked at the jacket Sweetie Belle handed him, and held it up to better view it.

“Oh. It looks...wonderful, Sweetie,” Fluttershy said.

Oliver looked at the jacket. It was a simple jacket, made of denim and covered in patches. Patches that had images of blooming roses, diamond tiaras and sparkling unicorns. To add insult to insult, the patches weren’t stitched on very well. Neither were the pockets, Oliver noted.

“I just thought you needed something practical. So, I made you this,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Ahem,” Rarity began, “I made it. You simply added the patches.”

“But, it was my idea to make him a denim jacket.”

“Simply offering an outline and then having someone else complete every detail, and then fill in any design flaw does not make the work your own.”

“Oh, don’t be such a nitpicker.”

Pinkie had been listening to what the others were saying for some time now. Earlier that day, she, Twilight and Sunset were already planning to set up a surprise party to officially induct Oliver as an honorary Rainboom. If they were going to set up discreetly, Oliver would have to be out of the picture for the time being.

Rarity had said she wanted some activity time with Oliver for the day, and Pinkie thought she knew just the thing that would accomplish that, and keep Oliver busy.

“Rarity!” Pinkie interjected, “Why don’t you take Oliver shopping for some other clothes. After all, funny hats and denim aren’t exactly all-purpose outdoor wear.”

“Yes. I believe you’re right,” Rarity said, catching on to Pinkie’s hint.

“Right about what?” Sweetie Belle wondered.

“You know. About Oliver needing something new to wear,” Pinkie said.

“I don’t.”

“Then it’s settled,” Rarity declared. “Oliver, dear, when you’re all changed, won’t you join me and Sweetie Belle for some shopping to get you some new clothes?”

“Uh…” Oliver answered.

“Splendid. Come along, everyone. Give the boy some privacy,” Rarity said, before leading everyone out of the room.

In addition to their tour bus, Rarity had taken along her own car for such small errands as the one they were currently going on. After a twenty minute drive, Rarity had driven herself, Oliver, Sweetie Belle and Spike to the nearest clothing outlet.

It was a small shop that sold just a little bit of everything. The merchandise was nothing of note, but as soon as Rarity stepped inside, she saw immediate potential in the simple garbs that the store sold.

“Wah-ha-ha! Sweetie Belle, do you see what I see?” Rarity asked

Sweetie looked to where her sister was pointing, and gave her answer, “Uh...One of those fishing jackets?”

“Oh, dear girl. I’d almost forgotten how naive I was at your age,” Rarity sighed, before she led her sister away by her hand, “Come along, Sweetie Belle. We must choose the proper evening attire for our young friend.”

Oliver was left at the door, holding Spike’s leash. As he stood, one of the patches on his denim jacket simple fell to the floor.

“Well, I guess we should look for something for us to do,” Oliver said.

“Let’s see if they have a pet section in this place. I could go for some new chew toys,” Spike said, before walking off.

There wasn’t a pet section per se, but there was an outdoor section with lengths of rope that Spike heartily chewed on, and used to play tug-o-war with Oliver. For a puppy, Oliver found Spike to be deceptively strong. Particularly when Spike jerked his head and yanked Oliver off his feet, and making two more of Sweetie Belle’s poorly stitched patches fall off.

“Yes! And the tug-o-war champ has been decided!” Spike victoriously proclaimed.

“I want a doping test done,” Oliver said.

Spike made a retort, but Oliver didn’t hear it. He noticed something else in the next section of the store. Across the aisle they were on, there was a stationary section, and as if by fate, there was a card on display of a small apple tree on a hill.

“Hey? What are you looking at?” Spike said. His eyes drifted to the card that was on display, and knew precisely what Oliver was thinking. “You’re thinking about Apple Bloom right now, aren’t you?”

“What? No. I haven’t been thinking about her,” Oliver said, realizing then what he just said.

“Right. And I’m a seven foot werewolf with a witch as my master. Look, I already heard about you and Apple Bloom down by the lake. Not nearly as much as you and Fluttershy, (gross, by the way). Applejack won’t shut up about it, and it’s driving me nuts. I mean, what is it about you that makes these girls go nuts?”

“Well, I wasn’t really thinking about Apple Bloom like...you know, that. I just feel kind of bad about how much I scared her when we were supposed to be having fun,” Oliver answered.

“Then, why don’t you tell her about that? Then we can put an end to all that girly stuff going on around here,” Spike said.

Oliver thought about what Spike said to him, and realized the puppy was right. If anything was going to end any confusion, and reinforce his newfound friendships, he was going to have to set things straight.

“You’re right,” Oliver said, as he walked over and picked up a card and an envelope.

“What’re you doing?” Spike wondered.

“I’m doing what you said, Spike. I’m going to tell Apple Bloom how I feel about all this mushy business. You don’t have a pen, do you?” Oliver asked.

“You’re asking that to a dog?” Spike deadpanned.

“Oh, right. Unless I want fleas and bad breath, I shouldn’t ask you for much.”

Spike darted forward and started chewing Oliver’s shoe.

“There you boys are,” Rarity said, as she and Sweetie Belle returned. The boys stopped their quarrel to pay their full attention to their friends. “It seems that this shopping trip was a complete success. We’ve picked the perfect clothes to modify for your little outing.”

“For the next several outings,” Sweetie said, who was practically buried by the amount of clothes Rarity had chosen. Curse those general store prices.

The items were bought and paid for, and they all carried out what couldn’t be packed up into the single bag that Rarity brought.

Among the items she held, Rarity found an open envelope with a card stuck inside of it.

“Hm. I don’t remember picking this up,” Rarity said.

“Oh, there it is,” Oliver said, as he took it from Rarity’s hand.

“Ah. I see. It’s something you bought to pass along words of amour to a special someone,” Rarity said, noting that it had a picture of an apple tree on it.

“Me? No. I think I have to wait a few years for that,” Oliver said. “By the way, do you have a pen I can borrow?”

Spike and Sweetie Belle rolled their eyes.

The Party Of Romantic Feelings

Everything seemed set. Oliver got everything he needed from the store, and then some. Rarity had found a pen in the center console of her car, and allowed Oliver to use it for his card.

For the entire trip, Oliver was mulling over what he was to write, and for minutes at a time wrote nothing, until he quickly jotted something down. He wanted to write something that he truly meant, but for his young age could not think of the right words. And it was more difficult to think with all the prying eyes.

“This isn’t an Olympic event!” Oliver said, hiding his card from Spike, who was seated to his side; and Sweetie Belle, who was peering over the front seat.

“I just want to see what you’re writing for Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said.

“It’s not for Apple Bloom!” Oliver asserted.

“Sure it’s not. And I’m a talking plant that drinks blood.”

“Sweetie Belle! Don’t be vulgar,” Rarity admonished her sister.

“But, she’s right. Oliver’s got it so bad, he needs surgery to remove it,” Spike said.

“Speaking of: I think this pup’s ready to get fixed,” Oliver said.

Spike yipped quietly, and ran to the safety of Rarity’s lap.

“Now, now, that’s enough from all of you,” Rarity said. “We’re almost back to the cabin now, and we can let whatever happens next happen.”

None of the younger passengers knew what she meant by that, but the rest of the ride passed in relative silence, with only the occasional scratching of Oliver’s pen to be heard.

The car arrived back at the cabin, where Rarity parked her car next to the bus in the clearing. When they walked inside, there to greet them was the other girl Oliver first saw Sweetie Belle with.

“Hey, Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle greeted her.

“Hey! You guys are back,” the girl called Scootaloo responded. She looked past Sweetie to see the boy from back at the lake busily writing in a small greeting card. “So, how’s our casanova doing? Working on mash notes now?”

Oliver stopped writing and glanced up at Scootaloo.

“You bet he is. He’s been working on that thing for Apple Bloom the whole ride here,” Spike answered.

“Jeez, just go on and break Fluttershy’s heart. We’ll be hearing about it for months,” Scootaloo said.

Oliver rolled his eyes again. How long was everyone going to go on about the Fluttershy business?

“Children. Children, please. Give Oliver some privacy with this matter. If anything is to come of this, we cannot be pressuring him. And besides, Fluttershy is much too old for our young friend,” Rarity said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must be making our outfits for tonight.”

“Thanks, Rarity. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Oliver said, before taking his leave.

Oliver left to the next room, and closed the door behind him. When he turned, he found he wasn’t alone. There were Wallflower and Twilight sitting peacefully, reading from a stack of books. Both were holding books that pertained to gardening. Oliver didn’t see what book Twilight had, but he could see a picture of a ladybug and a mantis on the book Wallflower held.

“Oh. Hi, Oliver,” Twilight greeted him. “Wallflower and I were just researching more about garden care after those tips you gave her. Do you want to join us?”

Any other time, Oliver would have happily helped his new friends, but had a pressing matter to attend to.

“Sorry. I’m a little preoccupied right now,” Oliver answered.

“I see,” Wallflower answered. “What’s that in your hand?”

“My preoccupation,” Oliver said, hiding the card behind his back, as he exited out the door on the other side of the room, leaving the others to wonder what was going on.

Oliver was going to have to search a little harder for a quiet place to continue his work. His next stop was the kitchen. That wouldn’t do, since everyone would be regularly coming in here for a snack at some point or another. Instead, he chose the bathroom next. But, when he rattled the doorknob, he found it to be locked.

“No room at the inn,” Rainbow Dash’s voice came from inside.

“Hrm…” Oliver muttered to himself. He was running out of options, and decided to try again.

He went back to the kitchen, and found Applejack there raiding the fridge, just as he knew someone would do at some point that day. He got past her without her noticing, and went out to the veranda beyond the dining area.

This was going to be the spot where he would have some quiet time to finish writing in his card. The only thing to do out here was watch the birds flying across the sky. However, that’s exactly what Fluttershy was doing out there.

Oliver quickly went back inside and walked past Applejack again, just before she turned around and set out half the contents of the refrigerator onto the counter for a sandwich. There was one place that Oliver realized he hadn’t thought of before: the guest room where he had woken up earlier. That would be his private spot to finish his card.

With a renewed spring in his step, Oliver started walking to where he remembered that room being. Surely, nobody would bother him there.

He approached the door, turned the knob, and opened it to walk inside.

“SURPRISE!!!” Came the shout that blew Oliver backwards.

The boy had to fumble to catch his card, which was drifting down from the air.

Everybody else that Oliver hadn’t yet seen since his return trip, including Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Spike, all came pouring out of the room he intended to enter.

“What’s going on!? Are we under attack!?” Oliver said, recovering from the shock.

“Did you forget already? This is to celebrate your honorary membership as a Rainboom!” Pinkie answered.

“Also, Rainbow Dash and Applejack kind of wanted to make up for what happened earlier today” Sunset said.

“So, I made ya this,” Applejack said, presenting an enormous sandwich to Oliver.

“Thanks,” Oliver said, as he took the plate with the sandwich on it. “But, I can’t--”

Before he could continue, he was forcibly pulled aside by Pinkie grabbing his wrist. So great was the force, he nearly dropped both items he held. After grasping for the card, and balancing the sandwich on its plate, he found himself face to face with Pinkie Pie.

“Don’t be such a party pooper, Oliver. This party’s for you. And we’ve already set up a bunch of activities to do,” Pinkie said.

“Let’s kick this pig!” Dash said, as she entered the room and turned on the stereo.

The music thumped loudly through the room, and quicker than Oliver could comprehend, everyone in the room started dancing. As much as the boy appreciated the effort that everyone put into the festivities, he still had to finish his card.

Carefully, he started traipsing through the room. A more hazardous task than he would have liked.

Applejack was already dancing madly in the middle of the room, and bumped hard into Oliver.

The boy had to stumble to keep the sandwich he was holding atop its plate, and continued past.

Twilight and Sunset were both swing dancing back to back, and Oliver raised his arms to squeeze between the two.

Rainbow Dash was holding Scootaloo by her hands, and swinging her through the air. Oliver had to duck, to avoid getting kicked in the head. Unfortunately, he also dropped his card.

Terror struck him as the card drifted to the floor, among the dancers. Keeping low, Oliver crouched his way through the crowd, trying to reach for his card, which kept getting swept away by his unwitting friends. His search was stopped when he bumped into somebody’s back.

“Ow! What the heck’re ya thinkin’ ya--” the back’s owner said, as she turned around. “Oliver. I been lookin’ for ya since I heard ya got back.”

Of all the luck, he had to bump into Apple Bloom. Of all the more luck, she was looking for him. Apprehension hit the boy, as he debated whether or not to stay and talk with Apple Bloom, but the sight of his card getting away from him made his decision for him.

“Hate to keep you searching, but I have something else to do,” Oliver said, before he ducked out of view and resumed following his card.

Finally, Oliver dove forward, and slid across the floor. He successfully grabbed the card, and continued to slide past everyone else. He kept his momentum going by rolling out of the room, and standing up in the doorway, before quickly taking his leave back to the kitchen.

“Whew,” Oliver huffed, as he sat down at the counter. Finally, he would be able to finish his card. He set his pen to the paper, and slowly started the first stroke.

“Oliver?”

Oliver nearly scratched his pen across the card when he heard the soft voice behind him. Quickly and discreetly as he could, he quickly stuffed the card into the drawer just in front of himself and turned around to see--

“Fluttershy? Why aren’t you at the party with everyone else?” Oliver asked his guest.

“I was actually wondering why you weren’t. Don’t you like Pinkie’s party?” Fluttershy asked.

“Actually, I haven’t had a chance to even start,” Oliver answered.

“What do you mean? I thought I saw you bump into Apple Bloom in there. I almost thought you were going to ask her to dance.”

Oliver grumbled quietly and flushed red. Were this a cartoon, this would be where a plume of smoke rose from his head.

“Well, that’s the thing,” the boy answered. “I’ve been trying to think of a way to talk to Apple Bloom and clear up some things that people have been talking about. But, I never get the chance to think about what to say.”

“Oh. I see. You must really care about her.”

“I just want us to be friends, without all this weird stuff floating around.”

“Well. I think she was looking for you just now, before you left. Maybe, you could try talking to her away from all of the others. I mean, if you want to.”

Oliver grumbled again. Fluttershy was right. If anything was to be done, he would have no time to prepare for it.

“You’re right, Fluttershy,” the boy declared as he picked up a bottle of apple juice and drank the entire contents. Artificial courage, on his part. “It’s like Applejack says: it’s time to hitch up my britches and mosey like a man,” Oliver said.

“Applejack said that?” Fluttershy wondered.

“No. But, it sounds like something she would say.”

Fluttershy giggled, knowing Oliver was right and watched as he confidently strode out of the room with the empty bottle in his hand.

“He’s going to be such a hit with girls when he’s older,” Fluttershy thought to herself.

When she first entered the room, she had seen Oliver holding something. She didn’t like to invade on other’s privacy, but she was curious as to the nature of the item he was holding. She looked left and right, then quietly opened the drawer to retrieve the card within.

As Oliver was approaching the living room, he heard a new tune playing. One that was country western, complete with fiddles and a washboard. There in the middle of the room, he saw the Apple sisters dancing merrily about the floor. Both were equally impressive, making Oliver wonder how long the two of them had been dancing.

In seconds, the others all joined in. Oliver would normally dive for a chance to honk the tonk for a hootenanny, but he had other matters to attend to. He wove his way through the crowd, looking for Apple Bloom. Until she found him.

“Oliver!” she greeted him. “Yer just in time fer the hodown!”

“That sounds like it would hurt if you did it wrong,” Oliver said.

“Huh?” Apple Bloom answered.

“Can we talk somewhere? It’s not easy talking over the dueling fiddles.”

“Alright. Let’s go,” Apple Bloom said.

Oliver and Apple Bloom almost started walking away, when Applejack stepped in front of them.

“Hold on there, kiddos. You ain’t goin’ nowhere ‘til ya had yer first dance together,” Applejack said, with a mischievous grin.

This was what Oliver wanted to stop. And he wasn’t about to let Applejack delay him. Thinking quickly, he held up the empty apple juice bottle and offered it to Applejack.

“You know, this music’s kind of dull. Why don’t you liven it up a bit,” Oliver suggested.

“An’ how,” Applejack said, as she enthusiastically took the bottle and started blowing into it in tune with the music on the stereo.

They were free to go now. The two children quietly slipped outside and made their way to a tree that had a swing set up underneath of it.

“So, what’d ya wanna talk about?” Apple Bloom wondered.

This was it. Oliver wanted to cross the rubicon, and here he was at the shores. With a deep breath, he started speaking his mind.

“Apple Bloom: what did you think about me when we first met?” he asked.

He felt his chest clutch when Apple Bloom didn’t answer right away. It became worse when she actually began to answer.

“Um...Well, I liked the cupcakes ya made my sister,” she said.

“But, what about me? I’m asking what you thought about me.”

“Ya want honesty? I thought you looked like some kinda shmoe. Like, a big, dumb, doofus who didn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.”

“Well, I guess I brought that on myself,” Oliver said, after his own stint of silence.

“You bet ya did. An’ I only knew I was right after ya almost got yerself killed durin’ that water ski fiasco.”

“Actually, I almost get killed once a week. But, you know, if you’re going to be dumb, you better be tough,” Oliver said.

“See, that’s what I’m talkin’ about! Ya run yer stupid mouth, an’ ya make everyone else mad at ya!”

Apple Bloom needed to blow off some steam, and sat down on the nearby swing with her back to Oliver.

It was true. His friends often told him about when he would run a string of humorous witticisms, often at inappropriate times. However, his friends often found themselves laughing anyway, no matter how annoyed they were with him. And he knew he could do the same with Apple Bloom, even if he had just met her.

Apple Bloom felt Oliver’s hands gently push on her back, and slowly swing her forward.

“Apple Bloom,” Oliver began, “I can understand how much of a pain that can be. Especially when you were so scared earlier.”

Apple Bloom didn’t say anything, but peered over her shoulder to glance at Oliver. She caught sight of him gently placing his hands on her back again, then felt him push her forward on the swing.

“But, that’s just what I’m like. You know. It’s who I am. You pretty much had me nailed when you first met me. That’s something my other friends only learned later, to their frustration,” Oliver said.

Oliver couldn’t see it, but when Apple Bloom faced forward, she was smiling. She knew she always had a propensity for judging character, and was happy to hear it validated.

“The thing is, that’s what they all like about me. I’m not really sure why, but I think it’s all part of accepting someone as your friend. You just have to take them, flaws and all.”

Apple Bloom waited until she was further away from Oliver to giggle, so he wouldn’t hear her. When she swung back, she finally answered.

“Well, alright. I guess ya got a point. But, if ya pull anymore stunts like that, yer gonna hear all about my flaws. Loud, angry, violent flaws,” Apple Bloom said.

“I thought that didn’t start until girls turn thirteen,” Oliver said.

Apple Bloom pushed her feet on the ground, and bumped into Oliver hard enough to knock him down.

“Oh, I’m going to be a hit with girls when I’m older. Or just get hit,” Oliver groaned.

Apple Bloom laughed from her seat on the swing, as Oliver stood up.

“I’ll give you something to laugh about. Here: a one way trip to the moon!” Oliver said, before he placed his hand on Apple Bloom’s back, and pushed as hard as he could.

Apple Bloom yelped loudly as she swung higher than before, and laughed as she came back down.

“Higher!” she said to Oliver, who obliged and pushed Apple Bloom again.

Unknown to either of them, the other girls were all watching them. None of them said anything to one another. They all knew that Oliver and Apple Bloom simply wanted nothing more than to be children together, without the others pressuring them to be something more.

“Hey! That looks like fun,” Scootaloo said, “Come on, Sweetie Belle.”

The other two children rushed down the cabin’s steps and toward the swing.

“Wait for me!” Spike called after, as he followed behind.

The children all played around the swing in the noon day sun. So far, the day was looking pretty good.

Behind everyone else in the cabin, Fluttershy stepped into the adjacent room and opened Oliver’s card to read.

“Dear Apple Bloom

I know we only met today, but I think that I learned something from meeting you. You were so friendly when we first met, but not in the same way as your sister and her friends. You were genuinely pleased to meet me, for only the first time. I learned that just by meeting certain people, you want them in your life always. I think that if I’m right, then we can be--

And that seemed to be all that Oliver had time to write. Whatever he planned to say next, Fluttershy knew that whatever happened now was all for the better as she looked out the window to watch the children play.

Helping Wallflower’s Garden

Early the next day, Oliver joined Wallflower for a trip to a nearby nursery to buy new plants for the garden she had started behind the cabin.

They borrowed Rarity’s car and drove into town for their supplies. Currently, Wallflower was looking through a patch of herbs. The very kind that Oliver told her would attract benevolent insects to her garden.

Nearby, Oliver was looking at a decorative fountain. The decoration depicted a cherub holding a pitcher of water, who was pouring water out into a pool before it.

“So, it’s okay for this kid to get naked in public. I got ants crawling up my pant leg, and my mom says I got a problem after I try getting them out,” Oliver commented. “Some guys get all the luck.”

Wallflower giggled quietly as she looked over the herb planters, and picked up one for purchase.

“You said that herbs like oregano would be good for my garden patch, didn’t you?” she asked Oliver.

“Yeah, that’s the stuff. It’s like catnip for ladybugs. Now, get some ladynip for cats, and old ladies will come running. Then get some bugnip for ladies, and we’ll have one heck of a mother’s day present,” Oliver said.

Wallflower giggled uncontrollably. Even though he was too young to be dating, she knew he was definitely going to be popular with girls his own age when he was older.

“Alright. I just want to buy some more flowers, and I’ll be ready to go,” Wallflower said.

“Sure thing, Wallflower. What are we getting?” Oliver asked

“Um...I was thinking of something like a climbing plant, like roses or ivy.”

“Climbing plants? That must be some strong fertilizer they’re growing in,” Oliver said. He leaned in close, and smelled the roses deeply. His eyes watered, and his hair stood on end. “Oh yeah...definitely strong…” He squeaked out.

Wallflower giggled again and sniffed the roses herself.

“Oh! Honey perfume roses! We have to get these. No exceptions,” Wallflower said, as she loaded a planter into her cart.

“Can we leave the smell?” Oliver said.

“Sorry, no. The smell is what makes this rose special,” Wallflower said, as she walked along, and came to the ivy plants.

“What are you talking about? All plants smell. Now, if I ever find the plant that can sit up and bark, then I’d call it special,” Oliver said.

“Oliver, there’s a lot more to plants than what most people think,” Wallflower said, as she examined the fronds on a fern that was set with the ivy. “They’re living things, just like you and me. They need food, water, care and love.” Wallflower found that the fern she found had a few brown spots, and decided to revitalize it at home. She put it in the cart, and went to examining the ivies.

“Sure, I love plants. Mom’s basil-stuffed tomatoes: nothing even comes close. Except for her creamed cauliflower soup,” Oliver answered.

“Oh, Oliver. You don’t just have to eat plants. You can use them to liven up your house in so many ways. In fact, you can even make friends with them on most occasions,” Wallflower said, as she tickled her fingers through the leaves of the plant.

“I’m sorry? Friends? If I wanted to make friends with a do-nothing co-dependent, I’d move in with my cousin,” Oliver said, as he pricked his finger gently against a cactus thorn. Until he pricked it just a little too hard “Ah! It bites like my cousin too.”

“You shouldn’t say things like that around the plants. They understand everything you say, you know.”

Oliver raised a curious eyebrow, and looked all around at the plants in the nursery.

“You’re telling me these salad fixings can understand me?” Oliver said, pointing to the plants around him.

“Yes. The way they grow all depends on how you talk to them. That’s why you should only say nice things around them,” Wallflower explained. “And it’s not just words they understand. They respond very well to music too. And they can raise or droop their leaves when you’re happy or sad. And so much more. They even remember and react to certain things that happen to them. In fact, when you pluck a leaf from a plant, they scream.”

“Scream?” Oliver asked.

“Yes,” Wallflower said, as a leaf fell from the ivy she was handling. “They don’t scream in ways that are like people. But, when they lose a leaf, or a branch, or a root, the entire plant releases a huge surge of oxygen. It’s actually kind of sad to think about…”

Oliver thought hard about what Wallflower told him just then. Apparently, there was much more to the world he knew than friends and family. He always knew to treat all others with respect and kindness, people and animals alike, but never thought once about his treatment of plants. Just the mere thought made him decide to be a little more mindful when shopping for fruits and vegetables.

“Well, I think that we’ve got enough for the garden. Let’s get these paid for, and head back to the cabin,” Wallflower said.

Wallflower left with the cart, while Oliver mulled over what he was told. He wondered what else there was to learn about the world, and what he could discover from something else as mundane as a daisy.

He leaned his hand onto the nearby table, and yelped when he brushed his knuckles against the very same cactus as before.

Oliver glared at the succulent, as he held his stinging hand. He looked to make sure that Wallflower wasn’t looking. When he saw she wasn’t he leaned in close to the cactus.

“Die!” he quietly growled.

Every single spine on the cactus fell off at once, and landed in a heap around the pot it was planted in. Feeling satisfied with himself, Oliver turned around and left.

Back in the garden, Wallflower was busy digging small holes in the garden soil with her trowel. She gently scooped away a heap of dried leaves, and shoveled out a small hole, before taking a small piece of oregano, and the soil it was growing into its place.

After Wallflower was finished with the tiny sprig, she heard a sound like a loud heaving and wheezing.

Oliver came walking in, carrying an enormous planter with the rose in it.

“Doesn’t this break some child labor law?” Oliver huffed.

“What do you mean?” Wallflower wondered, as she dug another space for more herbs to be planted.

“I mean why do I, the skinny eight year old, have to haul this thing, which I’m sure has cement in the bottom, all the way from the car?” Oliver said, as he dropped the planter on the ground, with a thud that sent a small tremor through his feet.

“Well, I don’t know if I can do it, since you're such a strong boy, and I’m so dainty,” Wallflower joked.

“You’re not dainty. I haven’t met a girl in my life who was dainty. Not my mom. Not my sister. Not any of my friends. And not that paranoid schizophrenic my dad said he dated once,” Oliver said.

Wallflower stopped working to have a fit of giggling.

“You think I’m joking, don’t you?” Oliver said.

“No,” Wallflower giggled, “It’s just the delivery of it.”

“Well, the delivery comes natural,” Oliver said, as he put on a pair of gloves, and knelt down to pick up his tools to help. “But, I’m dead serious about that schizo. According to dad, she was the most interesting woman he ever dated.”

“I guess any woman like that would be,” Wallflower answered.

Minutes passed as the two went about finding spaces to plant what they had bought, and digging spaces for them to be planted in. They repeated the process of fertilizing and watering each hole, and soon enough, something began to happen.

It started with a buzzing sound, before a bee landed on the rose in the planter. The bee crawled and danced about in the flower’s blossom, before it buzzed away in a different direction.

“Guess it didn’t like the smell,” Oliver said, waving the air in front of his nose.

“I think it’s going to go tell its friends where to find those roses,” Wallflower said.

“What?”

“When bees fly in alone like that, it’s because they’re looking for new places to find food. I read that in a book I found,” Wallflower answered.

“Oh. So, I guess we’d better get that thing in the ground, before we’re stuck like pincushions,” Oliver said, pointing to the rose.

“Okay. Let’s get started.”

Oliver went and retrieved the big shovel that was leaning on the nearby wall. With a precise strike, he broke the soft ground, and started digging.

As he worked, Wallflower started noticing more insects that were popping up around the garden. A praying mantis had crawled out of the the roots of the nearby bushes, and curiously walked over to the new herbs that had just been planted.

The large insect touched its mandibles to the plant, then marched off to another section of the garden, where another mantis was standing. The two bugs raised their front legs, and spread their wings in a display of aggression, but it was quickly offset by a large beetle walking between them.

The beetle seemed to lumber along, paying no mind to any of the smaller insects around it. Its feet passed over a group of ladybugs, over a spider that found its way up a stalk of flowers. A dragonfly buzzed around Wallflower’s head, until it found a broad leaf to land on.

Oliver struck the shovel one more time, and found the hole was now deep enough to use. He and Wallflower poured water into the hole, along with a generous amount of fertilizer. Then they took the rose by its trunk, and lifted it out of the bucket it was in to place it in the hole.

After the rose was placed in the hole, the two of them stepped back to admire their work. The garden was certainly coming along nicely.

As he looked at the work he had completed, Oliver started thinking back to what he was told in the nursery. He almost felt as if the plants could thank him, if they had words. Maybe there really was something to what Wallflower told him.

“Wallflower?” Oliver began, “Do you think the plants would like it if we put a radio, or something, out here every now and then?”

“I think they would,” Wallflower said, as a smirk crossed her face.

However, it wasn’t music that happened next. Rather, the sound of many small wings buzzing sounded nearby, as many bees flew past them to get to the roses.

With a yelp, both Oliver and Wallflower ran around the corner of the house. Once they were out front, the two of them were swatting the air, and brushing themselves off to remove any bees they imagined were on them.

“I guess we finished that rose bush just in time,” Wallflower laughed.

“Yeah. One great big bee buffet, open for business. Best part is: no dress code for that restaurant,” Oliver said.

“Let’s go inside. I think I’ve had enough excitement,” Wallflower said.

“Amen to that, Sister Soil,” Oliver answered.

The two of them went inside. Wallflower took a seat in the den, while Oliver went to the kitchen. He rifled through the fridge for anything that he could eat, and found a loaf of sliced bread, a bottle of green olives, a head of lettuce, and a can of white beans.

“Nice,” Oliver said. In less than a minute, he had chopped the olives, spread the beans, and sprinkled it with vinegar. He took a moment to look at the sandwich, thinking earlier back to the things he said about eating plants. “Well, there’s no denying the one sad fact of life: plants are too darn tasty to stop eating.”

The boy opened his mouth for the first bite.

“Oliver?”

As soon Oliver’s teeth clenched around the sandwich, he turned to face who had spoken to him. There in the door was Sunset, and she was standing like she was holding something behind her back.

“Wassup?” Oliver asked, before chewing his food.

“Well, I was just thinking about taking you up on that rematch,” Sunset said, as she revealed the bag of water balloons the boy had given her. Oliver’s eyes lit up, and he nodded his head. As soon as his sandwich was finished, he was going to dominate as king of the court again.

Splash Party II

The challenge was extended, and accepted. After the necessary preparations were made, and the supplies were packed. Everything was set for the second round of the splash party. Only one thing was off about it.

“Why the heck are we going on a hike?” Oliver asked, as he trudged along the path, already changed into a t-shirt and trunks.

“I told you. It’s because we’re going to have our next splash party,” Sunset explained, who had changed into her bikini top and sarong.

“Oh, swell. That makes perfect sense. On the way, we get all the sun and exhaustion of going to the beach without ever getting in the water,” Oliver said.

“We’re still having our party. Why do you think we brought all those supplies,” Wallflower said, who had changed into a floral shirt and denim shorts, layered over a one piece swimsuit.

“About that: why am I the one carrying all of the supplies?” Oliver said.

At the moment, Oliver was carrying a wooden pole across his shoulders. On either end were two large pails, filled to overflowing with water balloons and water guns.

“But, Oliver, don’t you feel like such a gentleman carrying those for two dainty girls?” Wallflower asked.

“I didn’t buy your dainty garbage before, and I’m not buying it now,” Oliver said.

“Oh, quit your whining. After all, we’re about to go into battle. And isn’t this how warriors used to train themselves a thousand years ago?” Sunset said.

“Unless there’s a temple full of monks waiting to train me in their knightley valors at the top of this hill, I think you need to take a turn ‘training,’” Oliver rebutted.

“You don’t need to worry about it much longer. We’re almost there anyway. Then you can cut the melodramatics,” Sunset said, rolling her eyes at Oliver’s comment.

“How did you know I was melodramatic? I never told anyone that. Not even my parents. The only person I ever told was my best friend, Tony. And I only told him, because deep down I think he knows he’s melodramatic too.”

“Hold on,” Wallflower said, preventing any more quips, wisecracks and monkeyshines from their young company. “Do you hear that?”

They all listened intently, and heard the faint sounds of rushing water somewhere nearby.

They were getting close. Sunset smiled at the prospect of reclaiming her honor, after it was so unceremoniously besmirched at the beach before. Now, glory would be her’s in a grand display of hydro warfare.

The rest of the hike was finished in silence, as they rounded a bend. There, Oliver saw a wondrous sight.

There were all the others, already wearing their swimsuits, ready for the party with their own buckets of supplies. They were in a basin that was nestled within the hills and trees of the forest around them. At the very back, a rather tall, yet thin waterfall no more than seven feet wide was pouring water into the basin. The basin itself drained into a hole in the ground, which led to a dark cave that let the river flow downhill. Large rocks were lain about, offering what Oliver thought may offer adequate cover for the impending battle.

“Hey! Over here!” Sunset called to the others.

Everyone in the basin looked in the direction of Sunset’s voice, delighted to see that the last members of their group had arrived for the festivities.

“Everyone’s here? Alriiiight. Now, we can start fixin’ each other’s wagon,” Applejack said, as she drew a pair of water pistols from holsters on her waist.

“You said it, sister,” Apple Bloom proclaimed, as she presented a rather large water gun, and a slingshot on her arm. “Hunker down, y’all. It’s monsoon season!”

Oliver looked left and right at the buckets he was carrying across his shoulders, and noted the supplies within looked relatively wimpy, compared to what heat the others were packing. With an internal groan, he placed the buckets on the ground, and slid the wooden pole out from between them.

“Alright. Who wants to be on my team? I got the orange pistol, and I got the green pistol,” Oliver deadpanned.

“Hate to break this to you, kid: but we’re not doing the team thing this time,” Sunset said, as she drew a large water pistol from the bottom of the bucket. One that Oliver had the impression she had hidden there for herself. “It’s every man, woman and child for themselves out there. And this time, your butt is mine.”

Oliver smirked at the obvious challenge. She was going to attempt to pay him back for the humiliation she suffered the last time, and was going to give her all to it.

“Alright. Fair enough,” Oliver said. “But, I have a question: if we’re not on any teams here, who will we know who wins?”

“It’s not about winning or losing,” Twilight said.

“It’s all about splashing as many suckers as you can. It doesn’t even matter how wet you get this time. Just as long as you make something awesome of yourself,” Dash said, as she twirled a pair of long water balloons that were tied together like they were a pair of nunchucks.

“Yes, Rainbow Dash. It’s all about the awesome,” Twilight conceded.

“But, we don’t have to play too rough, do we?” asked Fluttershy, who was wearing goggles, a snorkel, and a yellow slicker over her wetsuit.

“Rough?” Sunset asked, before dramatically spreading her arms to indicate the lay of the land before them all. “Take a look around us, brothers and sisters. This is the world our ancestors knew. Where it was dog-eat-dog, and survival of the fittest. They--”

*SPLASH*

“WHAT THE--!?!?!?”

Sunset’s dramatic speech was cut short by another unceremonious water balloon below the belt. She whipped around, and saw Oliver innocently standing with two water pistols in his waistband, and a water balloon in his hand.

“Ah…” Oliver stalled, before pointing to Wallflower, “She did it.”

“Liar!” Wallflower said.

And that was that. Sunset drew her Dirty Harry-sized water pistol, and shot straight for Oliver’s head.

Oliver dove to the side, and rolled for cover behind the rocks he had seen earlier.

“That’s it, girls! Game on!!” Dash shouted, as she pumped her weapon, and shot forth a single large burst of water at the others, before pumping again, then firing again.

Oliver had to run around the sides of the rock as Sunset came skidding around the corner with her water pistol drawn.

The boy rolled over the top of the rock to escape Sunset. He doubled back to his buckets full of water balloons, and had to slide beneath a stream shot from Wallflower’s water gun to reach them.

Unfortunately, this led to his legs scraping across the dirt and rocks that were on the ground.

“Oh!! Why didn’t I wear jeans to this splash party!?” Oliver groaned, as he picked up a bucket, and started hurling water balloons at Wallflower.

Wallflower took cover behind a tree, as two balloons whizzed past her, and splashed the ground around her.

Sunset reappeared from around the rocks, and shot straight and true at Oliver’s chest.

“Bullseye!!” Sunset said, before firing more shots.

Oliver rolled along the ground, careful not to squash the water balloons he acquired after fending off Wallflower. He stopped in a kneel, and threw the first with the precision of a quarterback.

Sunset easily sidestepped the first, but was hit squarely in the forehead by the second.

Were this an action movie, this would be where Oliver made a witty one-liner after defeating his opponent. However, nobody was ever defeated by a water balloon in those movies.

Sunset shot Oliver twice, sending the boy running for cover. She would have gone after him, if not for the sudden double team of Wallflower and Twilight.

Oliver ran along the length of the river, to the cave where it drained into. He jumped and folded his arms across his chest, and laid as flat on his back as he could, when he dropped into the water.

The water was deep enough to carry him quickly down its current, but it was not so deep to spare his poor backside from bumping the smooth rocks on its bottom.

After riding the current a good fifty feet in, Oliver rolled onto the bank and rubbed his sore back.

“Not a good day for my back,” Oliver groaned, as he cracked his spine. “Great day for a chiropractor.”

A jetstream of water blew past him, making him run for cover around a large rock formation in the cave. He peered out, and saw Rarity across from him, holding a dainty, pink water gun. She raised her weapon, and shot forth another stream.

Oliver crouched and shot at her, but Rarity didn’t seem to react at all to his attack. Stranger still, the stream of water Rarity fired seemed to come from the side.

A glint of light gave away the trick. What he had fired at was Rarity’s reflection in a crystal. In fact, one of many crystals that littered the cave, and created a carnival of reflections all around.

In his young life, Oliver had seen just about every action movie under the sun. From the martial arts cinema of Hong Kong, to the crime thrillers and spaghetti westerns of Europe, Oliver must have watched them all. Now, he was living them.

An image of Sweetie Belle appeared in the crystal before him. Oliver jumped aside, right into a stream of water that was shot seemingly from nowhere.

Oliver found himself surrounded by images of both Rarity and Sweetie Belle. But, he knew that attacks could only come from two possible direction. The only problem was: which direction were they going to come from?

Oliver dove back into the river, firing his water pistols at five different images, before he rolled into a landing back in the water. Lying on his back, Oliver fired his water pistols out to each side at two more images of the attacking sisters. Sweetie Belle didn’t react, but Rarity recoiled and held her eye.

“Ah!! This eyeliner was supposed to be waterproof!” Rarity shouted, before running to another cover. When she did, an image of herself appeared in the crystal where she was standing before.

With that one happenstance, Oliver gained a preliminary understanding of how he could beat their tricks. One look to Sweetie Belle aiming her water gun laterally to him, and he ducked to the side.

A stream of water passed by Oliver, and he saw another image of Sweetie Belle on either side of a prism aiming her gun to either side of him.

Oliver’s mind quickly filled in the blanks from what the reflections revealed, and he triangulated his opponent’s position. With a snap of his arms, he turned around and shot Sweetie unmerciful, forcing her to run for cover.

Taking no more chances in the cave, Oliver followed the river’s flow out to the other end. Here, Oliver found himself in another part of the hill, where the river poured into a smaller pond, before flowing down a winding path. Here, the trees would offer adequate cover, and the rocks on the hill would grant access to higher ground. But, Oliver had no chance to take advantage of either.

Something small and purple rolled out from behind one of the trees, and sprayed Oliver with a burst of water. Oliver ran behind one of the trees to hide from the attack.

“Jeez! First step in the sun, and it’s raining cats and dogs!” Oliver said.

“Half-right, sucker!” called a familiar voice.

“Spike?” Oliver wondered, before peering around the tree.

A stream of water forced Oliver to duck back to cover. The sound of Spike’s paws rushing toward him made him jump and grab one of the lowest branches, allowing him to climb up to the tree and create a shield of branches and nettles.

Spike rushed into view below, and Oliver saw clearly what he was against. Somehow, the puppy had strapped what looked like a scuba tank to his back, and a pair of goggles over his eyes. Mounted on his sides were what looked like a pair of cannons, and a rubber bulb was mounted in front of his mouth.

“This dog will have his day!” Spike declared, before chomping the rubber bulb in front of his mouth. With that, the cannons on his side shot forth a powerful stream of water that reached Oliver in the tree.

Seeing his cover of branches would do no good, Oliver jumped to the ground, where he laid down to avoid another blast from Spike.

“Hold your nose! We’re going to have a wet dog over here!” Oliver said, as he fired back at Spike.

Having four legs proved advantageous for Spike, as he ran faster than Oliver could fire behind another tree.

With Spike behind cover, Oliver stood up and started climbing up the rocks on the hillside.

A stream of water from Spike’s cannons narrowly missed him, making the boy take more caution as he climbed.

Spike tried climbing after Oliver, only to find his canine build impeded his ability. Hanging from the side of the rock, Spike chomped his rubber bulb again, and hit the rocks in front of Oliver.

Oliver stopped running, just in time to dodge two dangers. The first was the stream shot by Spike. The second was a swing from Rainbow Dash’s improvised nunchucks, as she leapt over a rock to attack.

Like a villain in a Bruce Lee movie, Oliver found himself waving his body back and forth to avoid each hit from Dash’s nunchucks.

Oliver’s back was to a wall, and Dash swung again. Oliver dodged, and the balloons Dash was swinging popped with a loud splash.

Now that she was vulnerable, Oliver drew his water pistols and let loose a flurry of shots.

Dash rolled for cover behind rocks that were lower down the hill from Oliver. She had another pair of nunchucks on her waistband of her shorts, but opted to draw her water gun from her back. After a loud pump, she pulled the trigger, and shot a burst of water at Oliver.

Oliver yelped, and ducked for cover. However, he was not spared from the splash on the wall behind him, and ended up soaked anyway.

It was clear that he would have to escape. Unfortunately, the path Oliver had chosen was a dead end that led to a picnic area on the hill. The way that continued up was at the fork in the path further down, where Rainbow Dash was camped.

The quickest way down would be by hopping across the rocks. Something that was quite risky in itself. But, as Dash had said, this whole party was for the sake of making something awesome of themselves. And if Oliver wasn’t going to take a risk, he may as well have lost.

“Okay. I saw this movie,” Oliver thought to himself. “That western with the Basque immigrants. They called themselves fierce mountain fighters. I need to be like them now.”

Another splash from Dash’s weapon snapped him out of his thoughts. He was going to have to act now. With a jolt, Oliver hopped to the top of the rock he was behind, and started hopping down the hill across the tops of the other rocks.

Dash carefully aimed her water gun, and pumped it loudly, before firing again. She clenched her teeth when she missed her bounding target, and quickly pumped again, before Oliver leapt through the air toward her, his pistols firing.

When Oliver landed, Dash aimed her gun at him.

With a swing of his guns, Oliver swatted Dash’s weapon out of her hands, and shot her twice in the face.

Dash reached for her nunchucks, only to find that Oliver had clasped her hand in his, and pumped her arm like he was shaking her hand.

“How do you do?” Oliver quickly said, before shooting Dash again. In the same motion, he released Dash’s hand, took the nunchucks from her waistband and broke them against her face.

Both Dash and Oliver were splashed by the attack, and it became doubly so when a water balloon hit Oliver and splashed all over Dash.

Apple Bloom was loading water balloons from a pouch on her waist into a slingshot that stretched all the way up her arm when she pulled it back. She let fly another balloon, straight for Oliver.

Both Dash and Oliver ran in the same direction. Dash to recover her gun, which she started using to defend herself from Apple Bloom. Oliver to return back up the hillside.

As he ran, Oliver shook his water pistols, and found their ammo was getting low. He would need to quickly refill them. He mentally analyzed his options. The buckets full of water balloons were filled with water, but it would leave him in the open. He would only be able to stop there to restock on water balloons, but would need another way to safely refill his guns.

He reached the basin, and saw that there was a battle going on between Applejack, Scootaloo and Twilight. Applejack was firing her water pistols with the finesse of a western heroine against her two opponents. Scootaloo had stationed herself up in a tree to get a vantage with what seemed to be the water gun equivalent of a sniper rifle. Twilight, however, had taken the route of a simple, standard water gun.

With them all busy, it would be easy for Oliver to refill his water guns in the basin, where there was cover from attacks. Quickly, he ran to collect his bucket of water balloons, and started running for the water.

Scootaloo noticed Oliver running, and climbed around the tree branches to shelter herself from Twilight and Applejack’s attacks, before she took aim on Oliver.

Oliver had to jump in order to dodge a shot from Scootaloo. He quickened his pace toward the water, while Scootaloo aimed for another shot.

The water was nearer than before. Without even stopping, Oliver put his bucket on the ground, opened his water pistols and dove into the water. Bubbles popped up to the surface as the air in Oliver’s pistols was replaced with water. In seconds, the boy resurfaced and capped his guns. Now, he was ready to take on the next threat. Or so he thought.

Unknown to Oliver, a periscope rose from the water behind him. It turned and spotted the boy as he was leaving the basin.

There was a loud splash, and Oliver turned to see Pinkie Pie had burst from the water, holding what looked like a bazooka over her shoulder.

“Son of a splashdown!!!” Oliver shouted.

Pinkie fired her weapon, sending a thoroughly foam rocket to Oliver.

Oliver dove behind a picnic table that was set up by the water. Quickly, he overturned the table, just before another rocket splashed against his improvised cover. So great was the splash that it soaked the entire area around the table.

“Don’t you need a permit for that thing!?” Oliver shouted to Pinkie.

“Sure. I have it right here!” Pinkie answered.

Oliver peeked his head out, and quickly retracted it as Pinkie fired again.

The pink fiend would have to be neutralized. A look to the bucket of water balloons, and Oliver had an idea.

As limited as his strength was, he slowly started pushing the picnic table along the ground, creating a mobile cover.

Pinkie started walking through the water toward Oliver, ready to flank his cover and splash him into next week.

Oliver reached his bucket, and reached out to grab it. The second his fingers wrapped around the bucket’s handle, Pinkie popped up from behind the table, her bazooka aimed for Oliver.

Oliver jammed his bucket over the front of Pinkie’s bazooka, creating a large splash that blew all over Pinkie. In order to make good his escape, Oliver took the bucket, and jammed it over Pinkie’s head, the remaining water balloons all breaking on her.

“Dirty trick!!” Pinkie’s shout echoed, as she tried to take the bucket off her head.

Now that his ammo supply was full, and Pinkie was out of his way, Oliver ran for higher ground up the waterfall at the back of the basin.

He followed the trail up the side, finding that it cut off, and was continued along a fallen tree trunk. His first step onto the tree, and his arm was shot by a stream of water.

Oliver shouted and held his arm, as if he were actually shot by a real gun. He looked ahead, and through the hazy mist the waterfall created, he saw the silhouette of Sunset Shimmer standing at the other end of the tree, her weapon aimed for another shot.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Sunset said, “You’re thinking it should have been easier getting to me. That you should’ve been able to dishonor me in front of everyone again.”

“Dogs like you have no honor,” Oliver rebutted, drawing his water pistols like a modern day knight.

“A dog, am I? You’re not even fit to give me my towel, whelp,” Sunset said.

“Let this be our final battle!” Oliver said.

And the water flew.

Down below, the others all gathered around the base of the waterfall to watch the battle above. To them, it seemed that Oliver and Sunset were evenly matched. Oliver’s rapid squirts were cut through by Sunset’s massive streams. Each fighter at the end of the log agily dodged one another’s attacks, neither one landing a hit.

“They’re really going at it up there. Do you think we should do something?” Twilight wondered.

“An’ ruin the fun fer them? Not a chance. I say we let ‘em duke it out, an’ see who comes out on top,” Applejack said.

“Let who duke it out? Come out on top of what? Somebody get this thing off my head and let me see!!” Pinkie panicked, still trying to get the bucket off of her head.

Rainbow Dash quickly grabbed Pinkie in a headlock and pried the bucket off her friend’s head.

“Thanks, Dashie,” Pinkie said, after shaking the water from her hair.

“No problem. Now, let’s watch. Looks like we’re getting to the good part,” Dash said, pointing Pinkie up to where Sunset and Oliver were battling.

Oliver was slowly stepping forward across the log, closing the distance to Sunset.

Sunset followed suit, taking slow, small steps toward Oliver.

Oliver’s footing failed him, and he slipped to a kneeling position.

Sunset aimed her hand cannon at Oliver’s head, eagerly anticipating the pull of the trigger.

Oliver knew dodging would be impossible from kneeling. Quick as he could think, he leapt from the log toward the waterfall, where he grabbed a sapling that was growing from the rocks. From there, he leapt from the rocky wall back to the log, where he landed right in front of Sunset.

The crowd below cheered at the theatrics. And their cheering grew louder when they saw something they could only equate to a scene in a kung fu movie.

Oliver and Sunset were within arm’s reach of one another, and were thrusting their water guns at each other, pulling their respective triggers and nimbly dodging each others watery shots.

Sunset reached and grappled Oliver’s arm, then aimed her water gun at his head.

Oliver swatted her gun hand away, and aimed his free hand with the water pistol at her.

Sunset nimbly dodged out of the way.

Oliver planted his foot on top of Sunset’s, and aimed again.

Sunset clinched Oliver’s free arm.

Now, they were both immobilized, and struggled to free themselves and gain the upper hand.

Everyone below held their breath, eagerly awaiting to see who would become the winner.

Oliver and Sunset swung their bodies back and forth, trying hard to free themselves from one another. With one powerful heave, they both leaned way over, so that they were facing the water below them.

Sunset tried to pull herself back up, but was stopped by Oliver.

“It seems you have trained me too well!” Oliver shouted over the roar of the waterfall. “By making me carry those supplies up the hill, I have outgrown you as my master!”

Sunset had to resist Oliver heaving them both downward.

“No! You have nothing to gain from this foolishness! You’ll only splash us both!” Sunset said.

“Then I’ll see you...in about half an hour when we go back to the cabin!” Oliver said.

Those were the last words spoken when Oliver lurched far forward, making them both plummet to the water below.

With a mighty splash, water splattered over everyone else who was watching. Afterward, only a swell of white water bubbled up to the surface, signifying the end of the battle.

“THAT...WAS...AWESOME!!!! DID YOU SEE THAT!!!!?!?!” Rainbow Dash cheered.

“THEY CAME IN AND SUNSET WAS ALL *PEPPEW PEPPEW*!!! THEN OLIVER COMES IN ALL *POWPOWPOWPOW*!!!! AND THEN IT’S *SWING* *THWACK* *WHAMMA-BAMMA-BAMMA*!!!” Pinkie added.

Everyone else added their own input, recapping the battle, and pointing out details the others may have missed. All but one.

“Has anyone noticed they haven’t come up yet?” Twilight asked.

That immediately ended any joviality in the air, replacing it with concern. The swell of bubbles has stopped seconds ago, and neither Oliver or Sunset had surfaced.

“Come on, y’all! Time fer a water rescue!” Apple Bloom declared, readying to dive in after the others.

“Hold on. Look,” Applejack said, pointing to the water.

Slowly something was rising to the surface. In a sudden splash, Oliver rose triumphantly from the water, holding one water pistol crossed over his chest and the other held high in the air. Though he was young, skinny, and soaked to the bone, the boy held himself with the proud air of a knight in shining armor.

“In the name of the Rainbooms: I have slain thee, sun beast!!” Oliver declared.

“Yeah, yeah. Rub it in, why don’t you?” Sunset said, as she walked from the water to shore.

When Oliver and Sunset reached shore, they were greeted by all of their friends, who had nothing but praise for the show they had put on. Though there were no winners or losers for this splash party, it was unanimously decided that they two had put on the most awesome display, and were thus crowned unofficial winners.

“Alright. Great. Thanks. As honored as I am to have served in the line of duty, I think we have to call off the splash party. My back’s killing me, and I’ve got water in places it doesn’t belong,” Oliver said.

“Call it off? But, we just got started. We ain’t even in round two yet,” Apple Bloom said.

“Alright. You guys can keep going. But, I think me and Oliver have to sit this out,” Sunset said, holding her aching butt as she and Oliver walked away.

“Couldn’t take the splash, could you?” Oliver chuckled.

“I landed on a bed of rocks!” Sunset said.

The two of them hobbled over to the picnic table Oliver had overturned, and started setting it upright.

“You handled yourself pretty good up there. Where’d you learn all of that stuff?” Sunset asked.

“Nowhere. I just watch a lot of action movies. Of course, there are things you can’t learn from those. That was just beginner’s luck what I did,” Oliver explained, after the table was set up.

When he sat down, he experienced one of those things one could not learn from action movies: awareness.

As soon as he sat down, there was an incredible splash underneath him. Oliver’s mind quickly filled in the blanks once more. How he had left his bucket of water balloons by the picnic table. How one could have fallen out of the bucket to the ground, and lingered there. How Sunset could have seen the opportunity staring her in the face, and placed the water balloon where a certain miscreant could sit on it.

“Yes! My honor is restored!” Sunset cheered, before she stooped over in pain.

“Ha ha. You got yours. Now lay down, before we take you back to the cabin on a stretcher,” Oliver said, as he laid down across the bench on his back.

Sunset laid across the bench on the other side on her stomach, and found a curious sight there.

“Weird. I don’t remember anyone bringing a raft,” Sunset said to herself, noting the large, yellow, inflatable raft that was overturned next to the table.

“Is it safe to come out yet?” asked Fluttershy’s voice from under the raft.

Her question was answered by a splash of water that splattered across the raft.

“EEP!” Fluttershy said, making the raft shake with her trembling.

Oliver and Sunset both sighed at the sight, and spent the rest of the splash party recovering on the benches.

Underage Love Talk

The battle had been fought. In the small mountain hamlet that lay nestled up in the basin in the woods, only the tattered remains of dozens of broken water balloons remained. A silent testament to the battle that had taken place there only an hour before. Now, the battle was long behind, and the water spilled by the brave and boisterous combatants.

Now, the soldiers of that battle were back at their home base. The rainbow cabin in the woods, where the champion of the splashdown, Oliver, walked out of the bathroom.

He ran a towel through his yellow hair, drying off what the sun had not during the hike back to the cabin. The t-shirt and trunks he had worn as his combat fatigues had long since hung to dry, and the fabric of his tank top and jeans felt like the welcome touch of an old friend against his cooled and refreshed skin.

With a sigh, he ruffled the towel through his hair as he walked through the empty hall of the cabin. When he reached the living room, he sat down in the armchair, taking in the first moment of solitude he had since he arrived.

Oliver closed his eyes, listening only to the sound of silence as he replayed the splash party moment by moment through his mind.

In his moments of meditative silence, Oliver could see how straight from the beginning to the very end, he had grown in the short burst of battle.

His very first move had been a dishonorable one. In a cowardly move, he had attacked his opponent from behind. A tactic relegated only to those who feared failure. In the time since, he sharpened his mind against Rarity and Sweetie Belle, accepted defeat at a greater opponent in Spike, faced his fears and risks against Dash, stood up to something greater than himself against Pinkie, and reclaimed his redemption in a face to face showdown against the one whom he had besmirched.

For all his reflection, Oliver smiled. During the heat of battle, he had fantasized about being a modern day knight. Now, it seemed that fantasy was not so far-fetched.

“Oliver?” a familiar voice gently asked.

Oliver opened his eyes, and saw Apple Bloom standing beside him.

“You alright?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yeah. I’m just a bit exhausted,” Oliver answered.

“Goes without sayin’,” Apple Bloom agreed. “‘Course, you were the one actin’ like the star bull in a rodeo.”

Oliver said nothing, but smiled at the aspect of being the star in the show.

Apple Bloom couldn’t put her finger on it, but something about Oliver had changed since she first met him. If there was anything that she could name, it was that he seemed like more of a grownup than when he first arrived. For these observations, she felt as if there was a distance growing between them. Something that made her look at her new friend with sadness and admiration both at once. These thoughts left her when she remembered what she had come looking for Oliver for.

“Uh, me an’ the others saw a pizza place in town earlier. Thought we’d go check it out. You in?” Apple Bloom said.

“Now?” Oliver asked.

“‘Course now. After that hodown, I think we all wanna get a bite.”

“Can’t argue with that. After that tour of service in the mountains, I think we earned a pizza break,” Oliver said, as he slowly stood up from the chair.

“Tour o’ service? What would ya know about servin’,” Apple Bloom asked.

“Today, I served about a hundred liters to opposing forces on all sides. Then I served watery justice to a vengeful opponent. Now, I’m getting served some ‘zza with my choice of topping. All I need now is my degree in servological sciences, and I’ll be a registered servicist,” Oliver said. “Where’s everyone else now?”

“They’re all waitin’ by the bus, ‘professor.’ Let’s not keep ‘em waitin’, an’ get us some ‘’zza,’” Apple Bloom said, sardonically emphasizing the last word in each sentence.

Oliver was too tired to say much else, and walked to the door.

Simply watching Oliver move made Apple Bloom realize what more had changed about him. He seemed to walk with an air of pride in his movements. To Apple Bloom, Oliver’s movements had purpose. Like he had discovered a destination, and was walking toward it forever after.

Seeing him made her own steps slow down to a pace where she walked behind him. How could she hope to attain what he had?

Oliver stopped walking and turned around.

“Apple Bloom?” He extended his hand to her, “You coming?”

Seeing Oliver offer his hand made things clear to her. Apple Bloom then knew that nothing had changed at all between them. No matter how he had changed, he would remain her friend forever and always.

Oliver was at the door, and nearly took his coat off the hook there.

In one swift motion, a red blur ran by him as Apple Bloom snatched his coat and ran outside with it.

“Hey!” Oliver said.

“Ya want it? Come an’ get it,” Apple Bloom challenged.

“A challenge! This demands satisfaction, treacherous apple fiend!” Oliver said, before he lunged like a musketeer.

Apple Bloom moved away.

“You ain’t gettin’ no satisfaction, cowboy!” Apple Bloom said.

Oliver reached again.

Apple Bloom escaped by sliding down the railing on the wooden porch’s stairs.

Oliver jumped directly to the ground and chased after Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom turned around and held up Oliver’s sweater like a matador’s red cape.

Oliver grabbed and missed again.

Apple Bloom ran around the Rainboom’s tour bus, making Oliver chase after her.

Twilight watched the two children run around the outside from the driver’s seat. In the passenger seats in the back, all the others watched the children, as Apple Bloom playfully evaded Oliver’s attempts to retrieve his jacket.

After the third time around the bus, Twilight opened the bus doors.

Apple Bloom instinctively ran inside the bus and took cover on a seat.

Oliver shortly followed, and saw Apple Bloom taking cover. With the technique and finesse of Dirty Harry, Oliver rushed down the bus aisle and accosted Apple Bloom on her seat.

There, the children wrestled in the seat, drawing the others to gather around them to watch the friendly altercation.

Oliver squirmed and struggled to reclaim his jacket. With one final pull, he wrestled it from Apple Bloom’s grip and held his prize high above his head like a wrestler’s championship belt.

“Alright. Sit down, ya big blowhard. We ain’t gonna get our pizza if ya don’t buckle up,” Apple Bloom said.

“Wuhp!!” Oliver said, as Apple Bloom pulled him down to his seat by his pant leg.

The others all took Apple Bloom’s cue, and took their individual seats.

As the bus pulled out of its parking Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash took one last look to the children, and saw how they were sitting huddled on their seat together, talking happily about what they would order on their pizzas.

From the afternoon of playtime on the swing, up to now when they were sitting so closely, the two Rainbooms thought they could see something growing between Oliver and Apple Bloom. Something they would have to be taught about from someone older and more experienced.

“Do you think we should have a talk with them?” Fluttershy wondered aloud.

“Yeah. Better the kid learns now that he can’t be with Apple Bloom,” Rainbow Dash agreed.

Even deep in this backwood country, the residents relished the chance to congregate at their local pizzeria.

Outside the simple wooden building, cars filled the parking lot nearly to capacity, forcing Twilight to park the bus on a turnout a short distance away.

Once they were inside, they were reminded once more that they were out of their element.

This place was a far cry from the sleek, linoleum-floored pizza places with padded seating they all knew. Here, the smell of wood mingled with fire-roasted pizza and fresh-poured beer, as though to greet all who entered. The wooden plank floors creaked with every step, while the wooden seats of the corner booths welcomed vast quantities of guests to take a load off and enjoy the calm atmosphere.

“Alright. So, I’ve got everyone’s order here,” Twilight said, as she presented a slip of paper that everyone had compiled their orders for five pizzas onto. “You guys go find us some seats, while I take care of the orders.”

“Okie-dokie, Twilight. Let’s see: we could all sit at that long table over there! Or we could push together a bunch of these little tables. Ohh! Let’s get that corner booth over th--!” Pinkie said, before she noticed something in the corner. “They have pinball!”

Pinkie ran off to play the noisy arcade machine, while the others all moved to the booths along the perimeter of the establishment.

Oliver started walking to the same table as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Spike. As much as he wanted to spend more time with his new friends, he was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.

“Oliver,” Fluttershy said.

“Hey, Fluttershy. Want to grab a seat at the kids table?” Oliver greeted her.

“No. Um, it’s just...Could you come with me for a minute?”

“Sure. What for?”

“Nothing serious. We just think we need to have a talk with you,” Rainbow Dash said, as she led the others to an unoccupied table.

Oliver took his seat, while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sat across from him. For all the good times he had with them, something about the way that the girls were looking at him made him feel slightly anxious. It was as if the playfulness and kindness within them had been replaced with a grave concern of an unknown trouble. To ease his mind, Oliver would have to bring the phantom problem into the open.

“So, what’s up? Was there something you wanted to talk about, or am I just more fun than the others?” Oliver asked.

Neither of the girls knew how to begin. They sat staring uncomfortably at the table between them. It was only then that they realized that neither of them had any reference for love or romance, having never been in any serious relationship themselves.

Rainbow Dash had read plenty of books where daring adventurers rescued beautiful maidens from perilous dangers. But, Oliver had not rescued Apple Bloom by swinging on a rope and sweeping her off of a precariously balanced rock on a cliffside. Nobody outside of a Daring Do novel fell in love that way.

In her lifetime, she had never experienced anything so awkward and scary as a simple conversation.

“Oliver,” Fluttershy began, before losing her nerve.

“It’s about you and Apple Bloom,” Dash finished up.

Any anxiety Oliver had left him in that moment left him completely. With a roll of his eyes, a smile spread across his face.

“Aw, don’t tell me you’re bringing that up again,” Oliver said.

“I know it’s not a comfortable subject. But, me and Fluttershy have been talking, and we think it’s something you should hear,” Dash said.

“We just think that you’re getting into something you don’t understand,” Fluttershy explained.

“Yeah. Kids like you don’t usually start hanging out with girls until you’re almost twelve. I didn’t even make friends with a boy until I was fifteen,” Dash said.

“There’s just so much that you haven’t experienced yet. Boys like you need to learn about love and romance, before you try involving yourself with a girl,” Fluttershy added. She opened her mouth to speak again, but was cut off by Dash.

“Yeah! What about playing pirates with all your guy friends? What about killing time with video games in the afternoon? You get none of that with a girlfriend.”

“But, it doesn’t have to be all bad,” Fluttershy said over Dash’s speech.

“It’s a nightmare, until you’re too old to be able to handle it,” Dash said.

“And you’re already so young. You can’t even begin to know what we’re talking about--” Fluttershy added.

“I don’t,” Oliver said, but he wasn’t heard over the others talking.

“--And it doesn’t get better, even when you’re our age. I’ve never even had a boyfriend,” Dash finished for Fluttershy.”

“Me neither,” Fluttershy finished.

Both of the older girls paused, and stared silently at the napkin dispenser and shakers full of parmesan and crushed red pepper in the center of the table.

“Oh, I feel like such a letdown,” Fluttershy said.

“I’m going to die alone,” Dash lamented.

Oliver’s eyes bounced back and forth between Dash and Fluttershy as they took turns speaking frantically. And he continued after they stopped talking, as though waiting for him to respond.

“Are you done?” Oliver asked. “I feel bad not paying admission to watch that ventriloquism act you put on.”

Both girls released an exasperated exhale when they realized how they had been behaving.

“I think you’re missing the point,” Dash said.

“Then, that’s your fault,” Oliver shrugged. He folded his hands on the tabletop and leaned closer to the others, “But, I think it’s the two of you who don’t actually understand what’s going on. Me an Apple Bloom are just friends. That’s it. End of story. I don’t know how either of you, or anyone else interpreted anything romantic between us.”

“But, we saw you and her at the lake. And then at the swing,” Fluttershy said.

“You can’t tell us that’s not puppy love,” Dash added.

“Puppy love is Spike getting a date. I was just making a new friend,” Oliver said. “I know you two have got this big sister concern thing going for me. But, I already know that I don’t understand a thing there is about real romance and real love.”

“Yeah? Then what’s the deal with you getting all misty-eyed at Fluttershy at the beach?” Dash asked, making Fluttershy turn red.

“You mean you never had a small crush on a boy you knew when you were my age?” Oliver asked. “You got past it, right? I don’t know how long it took you, but I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since the last time I saw you all. It just can’t work if I don’t know what I’m getting into.”

All of a sudden, Dash and Fluttershy both felt less mature than the eight year old they were sharing the table with. What were they even doing trying to have a talk with him on a subject they knew nothing about?

“Frankly, I’m getting a little concerned,” Oliver continued. “Just the fact that this keeps coming up is making me feel like it’s you trying to push us together. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable that is for me? If anyone else knew about it, we’d all be in trouble. Or on probation.”

There was no denying the logic of the boy, who was clearly wise beyond his years. Dash almost felt as if she was being lectured by her dad, which made her feel slightly ashamed of herself.

Fluttershy too was ashamed of what she had been unintentionally facilitating. If anything she was afraid of losing Oliver as her friend. And the only way to avoid that was to simply step aside, and allow him to be a child.

“You’re right. Sorry, for butting into your business,” Dash sighed.

Fluttershy nodded in agreement.

“Hey, no harm done. We all got some growing up to do,” Oliver said, before he stood up. “I’m going to go sit at the table where all my friends are. And it’s not a double date, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Oliver laughed quietly at his quip, to only silent stares of the others. “I’m joking. Laugh.”

No response.

“Tough crowd,” Oliver muttered, before he returned to the table where the other kids and Spike were sat.

“Goodness. When did he become such a grown up?” Fluttershy wondered.

“I don’t know. But, now I feel really uncomfortable and pervy for trying to hook up some kids,” Dash replied.

“Rainbow Dash, Oliver’s already made it clear that he has no romantic interest in Apple Bloom. And he’s already forgiven us for goading him on. Maybe we just need to let him be, and see where his life takes him when he’s older,” Fluttershy said.

Dash glanced over, and saw how Oliver was happily interacting with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Spike. For all appearances, they really were just friends. Whether they would remain so in the future had yet to be seen. Without even stopping, Dash and Fluttershy returned to the booth with the others, just as their order was called.

Twilight, Sunset and Rarity all went to the counter to retrieve their pizzas, setting three on their own table, and two with the kids.

Well into the evening, they all revealed happily, eating their slices and passing slices between their tables.

“Ugh! Who ordered the anchovies and capers on buffalo sauce!?” Pinkie exclaimed, as a slice of the stuff was passed to Dash.

“Yo!” Oliver’s voice said, as his hand raised over the divider between the booths.

“What kind of monster would do that to pizza!?” Pinkie said.

“The kind of monster who likes his spicy and salty. Like a pickled pepper. Or a radish in a good brine,” Oliver said.

“Alright. Now I’m curious,” Sunset said, as she reached her plate over the divider. “Hit me.”

Oliver placed a slice on her plate, and Sunset retracted her arm.

She stared pensively at her plate, debating whether or not she was brave enough to actually try the bizarre recipe.

In the periphery of her vision, Sunset saw Rainbow Dash sniffing her slice of the pizza. In a rash attempt to reclaim her honor, Sunset took a bite as quick as a cobra. If only she knew what she was in for.

The saltiness of the toppings and the spiciness of the sauce proved too much for her, as she turned green and fell over shortly after swallowing.

“Hmph. Lightweight,” Dash said, before she took her own bite. Her eyes popped wide, and she too turned green, before slumping limply in her seat after swallowing.

“Mm…” Oliver said, shaking his head. Without even looking, he knew what had happened to the others. “Rookies. Happens to the best of them.”

He, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Spike all clinked their slices of anchovies and capers together like they were holding a toast, before heartily eating.