Rosey Mangos

by Toxic Bacon

Rating: mature
Tags: Romance, Drama, Original Character, Bat Pony, Profanity, Violence, Sex, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 6168

A Canterlot scientist is tasked with studying the Everfree forest but is met with more than she can handle

A young mare tries to discover the secrets of the Everfree forest and its plant life despite everyponies warnings she is determined to fulfill her task as one of Princess Luna's royal scientist researchers. She is confident but still ignorant to dangers outside of a lab which cause her to get into trouble by biting off more than she can chew going into the forest alone.

Will she make it out alive? Or will the she be taught the hard lesson that comes with not having someone to protect her in her time of need?

(Proof read, co-written and art by Ruina)

[This is in no way connected to The time I got reincarnated as a pony]

Published 2020-07-27 19:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-10-27 01:32:28 UTC

Rose Tinted Goggles

“Last stop, Ponyville! Please utilize the nearest exit.”
“What the hay, that was a good dream.” I whispered under my breath. Coming to my senses, I realized all the other ponies were already rushing to get on with their lives. My suitcase seemed quite full, but I guess that doesn’t really matter when I can use my magic.

“Excuse me, could you point me in the direction of the eastern clock tower?” I asked a mare on my way out.

“It’s over thatta way, past Town Hall. Go to Town Hall then make your way down the path until you reach it.” Said the mare.

“Oh okay, thank you,” I reply. Princess Luna told me she had already made arrangements for me to stay in a cottage in Ponyville. After all, a scientist can’t do research in a small hotel room. After searching around for a little bit, I finally came to see a tall building that dwarfed most of the residents' houses that I see around it. That must be town hall I thought. Looking around I spot a bridge over a stream of water that seems to lead outside of the small village. Crossing the bridge and following the path, I take a quiet walk down the dirt road outside of the town taking in the peaceful prairie, a very stark contrast to the busy city of Canterlot. Not that I go out much anyway, the busy streets never really were appealing to me compared to the peace and quiet of being in my lab researching or having nice walks at night under Princess Luna’s moon. With Celestia's hot sun beaming down on me I had to make this walk a little faster if I wanted to get out of this heat sooner rather than later. Praise Celestia and all her might but maybe if she toned down the heat on that thing once in a while I would enjoy it more.

After a bit more of strolling down the dirt path I could finally see a large clock tower coming into view. Picking up my speed a little with my suitcase at my side in my magic I see that there is also a two story cottage near it. That must be the cottage Princess Luna was talking about I thought. Upon reaching the cottage I fish out the key in my saddlebags and unlock the door. Opening it I am welcomed to a cozy living room with a couch, a fuzzy rug, and a large bookshelf that could probably snap my neck in half if it fell on me. There’s also a kitchen with working appliances and an upstairs bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom features a large bed with a window seat area and plenty of plants. As for the bathroom, it seemed pretty standard with a large tub. There was also an empty room, which looks like it will be the perfect space to conduct my experiments, though the skylight was an added bonus. Not that I could see much light through it at the minute, since the sun was already setting. Might as well crawl into bed early and set my lab up tomorrow.

--

The birds here are loud as buck. I roll out of my cozy bed, and slide into the shower to freshen up before heading out for a snack. Even a nerdy pony like myself has to look good when going out. After overhearing what the other ponies were talking about on the train ride, I think I'll fancy myself a sweet treat at a place called Sugar Cube Corner. I am not sure what that is but asking somepony won’t hurt.

As I walk past Town Hall once again, I ask for directions. Apparently it looks like a gingerbread house with candles on top? What the hay is going on here. Walking inside I see a blue earth pony with a pink mane done up like a swirl.

“Hi- uh, I’d like a slice of cheesecake.” I say to the blue earth pony behind the counter.

“Of course darling! My, aren’t you a new face around here? What brings you to Ponyville?” She asks.

“I’m Rose Tint, a Canterlot scientist doing research for Princess Luna. Currently, I have plans to research the Everfree Forest and the phenomenon surrounding its plant life,” I reply while looking over to the seating area.

“The Everfree Forest? Has no pony told you how dangerous that place is? I reckon not even a Canterlot scientist should venture in there alone,” she stated while seeming quite concerned.

“I’m sure I can manage on my own, that’s how it’s always been for me. I mean, I’ve caused a few lab fires in my life and turned out fine,” I assure her.

“Well, I hope you are right,” she says while sitting the cheesecake slice on the counter.

“Thank you, have a nice day ma’am.” I use my magic to carry the plate over to the seating area and enjoy my breakfast. Not going to lie, that was some blessed cheesecake.

Deciding to avoid venturing into town all the time, I head to the market to stock up on the essentials. Afterall, you can’t research on an empty stomach. I see a small earth filly trying to reach up the apples, and decide to use my magic to pass them one.

“Thank you miss- huh you’re new around here aren’t you?” I hear from behind, realizing this mare is probably the filly’s mother.

“Oh, yes I am. I’m Rose Tint, nice to meet you,” I say while setting the apple down for the filly.

“I’m Sky Shine. What brings you to Ponyville?”

“Princess Luna has tasked me with researching the plant life in the Everfree forest.”

“T-the Everfree Forest?” The filly seemed quite shocked. “Aren’t there timberwolves there? And cockatrices, chimeras, hydras and all types of scary creatures?”

“What’s everypony so scared of? Isn’t it just a forest?” I ask.

“Well, it’s known for being a really dangerous place. Fillies aren’t really fond of it either, as you can see,” she said while glancing down at the filly cowering behind her.

“I’m quite confident in my magic, but alright. I’ll keep that in mind.” I pack my bags and head for home so I can set up my lab. After all, it’s only noon and I’d like to set my lab up by sun down.

--
And done. The lab is set up, complete with a fire proof table, a fire extinguisher, and a fire blanket. I’m really hoping to not burn the whole place down. Of course there’s also the pipettes, the petri dishes, the microscopes, etc.

The sun has set but I’m feeling adventurous. Afterall, what if samples taken at night prove to be different from samples taken during the day? It couldn’t hurt to go visit the forest at night.

Gathering up my supplies I head out, it’s already getting darker outside just how I like it. Trotting down the path the forest I could see in the distance slowly starts to grow as I draw closer to it. Reaching the entrance of the forest I could not believe my eyes, there was no light coming through the forest, it seemed like it was sucking in the light but not letting it pass through. Steeling myself from my initial shock I pull the magic lantern out of my saddlebag and pour a little bit of my magic into it. The magic lantern glows a dim glow but slowly gets stronger until I can see a few hooves in front of me. Not one for being scared of the dark, I still need to actually see my equipment. Going deeper into the forest I am welcomed to darkness, along with that darkness the feeling of there being something watching me suddenly came and gone. Thinking nothing of it I go further into the forest looking around at the plant life. It did seem Princess Luna was right. It surprises me how much plants that I have never seen before are here. With that I gather up some of them in my saddlebag as I stroll through the dark forest.

Finally I gather an acceptable amount of plants from the forest. I set my lantern down, the glow of the lantern dimming a little over time, but still giving me a good amount of light to see the area around me. I unpack one of the plants to take a look at it to see just how much differences it has to the plant life from Canterlot. This was cut short by that feeling again from when I first entered the forest, but now along with that feeling came the sound of snarling. Spinning around I am greeted with the sight of a weird creature. It is like a wolf but instead completely made of wood. In my shocked state of seeing such a strange creature it suddenly springs up and leaps at me. With no time to react I try to flee but upon turning it catches my side, its sick wooden teeth burrowing into me as I scream out in pain. Its sickly green eyes glowing looking down at me like a predator that just caught its prey sends me into a panic. Feeling its teeth go in deeper I try my best to somehow get it off of me, in my panicked state the best I could do was try to buck it which of course failed and only brought more pain. The timberwolf started shaking his head trying to get the meat off my bones. Feeling my tears burning my eyes and blurring my vision from the pain of having my side being mauled by the wooden beast I fire up my horn and fire a bolt of energy at the wolf. It bursts into pieces upon impact freeing me from its strong jaws.
Hyperventilating I try to calm my breaths but mostly fail with the blood currently rushing out of my side the best I can do is get my things and try to get out of there. Gathering my bags and the lantern which is flickering with low energy needing to be recharged I attempt to recharge it yet all that comes is pain from my side and horn. Stupid, you need energy to be able to use magic which you are losing right now.Limping, I held the flickering lantern in my magic.

Making my way back from the path I came from. That is until I hear sounds of something moving behind me. Turning around slowly to the sound I am just in time to see the timberwolf I blew to pieces moments ago is forming into a perfect copy of the timberwolf. My eyes turn to pinpricks as I notice this. Doing the best to ignore the burning in my side and the blood trail I am leaving behind I make a mad dash to get out of the forest, the burning in my side growing hotter with every moment, the tears in my eyes blurring my vision to the point that I can barely see but that doesn’t stop me because I can still hear the thing behind me, it is not as fast I am guessing from it only recently reforming. As I run faster the corners of my vision are starting to darken. I am feeling weaker by the second. More darkness is filling my vision as I finally am able to see the exit to the forest.

Sprinting out of the forest I trip over myself, crying out in pain as I land on my side I slowly lose consciousness but not before I spot a dark figure bucking my pursuer back into the accursed forest. They trot up to me asking me if I am ok, their voice sounding off from what a normal pony sounds like which I try to reply but all that comes out of my muzzle is a whimper as darkness fills my vision completely.

A mango for another day

Pov: Hot wing

I wake up to the sound of my alarm clock blaring in my ears. Do normal ponies actually use these torture devices? Getting up, I drag myself along to do my daily routine: brush my teeth, shower, grab a bite to eat and realizing the train for Ponyville leaves in 10 minutes.

I bolt past the earth ponies and fly on by, some giving me strange looks, with just a moment to spare before the train takes off. As I find a spot to sit down, a unicorn waves to motion me towards a free seat.

“Thanks sir,” I say to him as I sit down and catch my breath.

“No problem, what happened to you?” he replied.

“Well, I’m a member of the Lunar Guard. Today’s my first day of vacation and I kind of forgot.”

“I take it you have somewhere to be then. Perhaps an exotic getaway or adventure?” He seemed to be on the older side, although I’m not sure what his age is. “Personally, I’d recommend a spa day or two.”

“Some of the other guys maybe. Personally I’m going to visit Ponyville for a while, maybe make some friends,” I stated while looking out the window. In just a little while, I’ll be far away from Canterlot, and able to relax for a while.

“I bet you will make some good memories at least. Always good to make ‘em while you’re young.” Ah, that’s my stop, it was nice talking to you.”

“You too,” I reply while considering taking a nap for a while. Maybe I can nap now, and fly around a bit at night, being a thestral and all that’s my comfort zone.

--

“Last stop, Ponyville! Please utilize the nearest exit.”

Sweet, I am finally free from listening to the accursed fillies laughing up a storm. Though I can hear my stomach rumbling, so this is officially snack time. I’ll just fly around ‘till I find somewhere to eat. In fact, that little cafe with the yellow roof looks like it’ll do.

“What would you like to order, sir?”

“I’ll take a number 12- the fruit salad.” Damn it they don’t have any mangoes. At least it looks pretty appetizing. Apple, banana, pear, pineapple, how do you miss mango??? After I finish eating I should head over to the hotel to check in I guess. I leave a tip for the waiter and head out, walking along the dirt path to the hotel. I think it’s the building right up there, although it looks pretty home-like with the wooden roof, vines, and plant life surrounding it.

“Welcome to the Golden Horseshoe Hotel. How many will be staying?”

“A room for one please.”

The unicorn behind the desk passes me the key with his magic, and tells me to head to the second floor, room 11. I walk up the stairs and find the room after turning at the corner of the hallway. It has a large white bed, night stand, a standard bathroom, and a window. A window, that I could easily just fly out of real quick to check the town out. I lock the hotel door and open the window. The sun has set and most ponies have headed inside for the night. Stretching my wings out, I climb out the window and start flying around. The train was so cramped today, I’ve been dying to just fly around. As I fly around, I see fewer and fewer ponies out. There’s the parents rounding up their fillies, the birds settling down, and the moon is rising. Flying past town hall, I realize I’ve been flying around pretty far from the hotel. The forest in the distance is peaking my interest, although I can’t say it would be smart to explore there alone so I won’t land there.

As I fly around, I can hear the ruffles in the trees.It almost feels as if there are creatures in the forest watching me, or perhaps someone else inside the forest. In fact, I’m almost certain there is someone in the forest as I can hear distant cries. One side of me is telling myself to get the heck outta there but my training as a guard tells me otherwise. I’ll slowly lower myself down to the forest. Upon drawing closer to the source of the sound I slowly realize that it’s a mare's voice, and proving my suspicions that it is coming from the forest. The mare’s cries turned more into screams as she drew closer to the opening of the forest. I rise up slowly to make sure I do not intercept the screaming pony. A few seconds later the pony bursted out of the forest covered in dirt, sweat, and what I presumed to be lots of blood from the trail it was making behind her. Not too long after, she seemed to trip over herself as she was exiting out of the forest. I looked at the mare for a moment, worried what could have happened to her, that is until I saw a timberwolf about to pounce on her.

Readying myself, I dive for the timberwolf before it can reach the mare, crashing down near the wooden beast. I quickly pivet on my hooves and shoot my hind legs out, bucking the timberwolf shattering it into splinters. Looking down at the mess of the creature I don’t see any of the pieces trying to form back together. I quickly turn to the mare laying on the ground and rush to her.

“Are you ok?” I ask, the only answer coming from the mare being a small whimper I then notice her side is bleeding pretty badly even with her saddlebags blocking it partially. Her uniform that I presume was a pristine white before, was dirtied up from the forest. Upon closer inspection of the uniform I see a name tag but blood and dirt making it hard to read all I can make out of it is “Rose.”

Snapping myself out of my trance I take the saddlebags off of the mare and quickly put them on myself, ignoring the magic lantern dropped nearby that has ceased its weak flickering I get the mare onto my back making sure to be careful of her wounds. Checking to make sure she is not at risk of falling off I lift off into the air and make a rush for the town.

Getting into the town, I fly for a little bit to see exactly where the hospital is. Spotting the large building with a red cross on it that screamed “Hospital” I quickly made my way down making sure not to hurt the cargo on my back. I trot into the lobby area, seeing the receptionist pony at the front desk I make my way over to the unicorn mare. She looks up at me wide eyed, a reaction I know too well for my kind. The mare looked to who I was carrying which made her reaction even worse.

“Sweet Celestia! What happened?” The mare asked in a panic

“Get a doctor in here, she was attacked by a timberwolf,” I replied turning around to show the mare the extent of Rose’s injuries.

The nurse looked over to the mare for a split second before she rushed off, returning quickly with two stallions and a stretcher. They gave me some odd looks but I brushed it off and watched as they took her to the back.

“You should get going,” the nurse said to me. I figured I should leave before anything happens, so I walk out of the hospital and take to the skies. As I’m flying away from the hospital, I notice some armored ponies walk into the front entrance. Maybe I’m just tired and need some sleep.

--

“Open up! This is the Royal Guard.” I hear hooves banging against the hotel door and yelling for me to present myself. As I rush over to the door and open it, I see the stallion from the front desk next to two royal guards.

“Excuse me sirs, what seems to be the problem?” I ask.

“You are under arrest for attacking a royal scientist appointed by Princess Luna.”

“W-what? I did no such thing! I saved her, she was attacked by a timberwolf. I didn’t even know she was a royal scientist!” I pleaded with the guards, but they had already ruffled me into cuffs.

“Tell it to the Canterlot Court then, buddy.”

Cold courts & hot wings

Rose Tint’s POV

“Miss! You’re awake!”

I open my eyes to the bright hospital lights and my blurry vision. There’s a nurse pony next to my bed, placing a glass of water on the table next to me.

“Uh- Hi, yes I am. What happened?” I asked, my memory needing a little jog. There was a black thestral with a blue mane, I think, and some monster attacking me. A timberwolf? I think that’s what the filly told me about.

“You were attacked by a thestral! Celestia be damned, those beings don’t belong with the rest of ponykind.”

“What? He saved me from a timberwolf. What happened to him? Did he get thrown into jail in Canterlot?” My jaw dropped, who had the audacity to call the guard on him? Is he getting a fair trial? My heart is racing. I don’t even think he got my name, since the embroidery on my lab coat was stained.

“Ah, probably. I believe his trial is in a couple of days,” she replied.

“Well, I’m getting the buck out of here. Thanks for all you’ve done but I’ve got a thestral to thank,” I said while making my way out of the bed and to the door. Before she could reply, I ran to the front desk to be discharged. The front desk pony saw that I appeared to be fine, and consulted with the nurse pony who was catching up to me. They agreed to let me be discharged, and let me go without any medications to take with me. I did however acquire a copy of my medical records to take with me as evidence for the trial.

Alright, the train for Canterlot should be arriving in a few minutes. All I have to do is prove his innocence at the trial. Simple enough, I’m the only other pony who knows what happened. I just hope there’s no jury or rigged judge.

“All aboard for Canterlot!”

--

Upon my arrival in Canterlot, I checked into a hotel. I have work to do! These ponies are out right crazy for throwing the pony who saved me in jail to await a trial. There’s quite a bit of buzz in the lounge area, perhaps I can gather some information.

“Uh, Hi. I was wondering if you could tell me anything about the trial that’s taking place soon?” I asked a stallion who was standing by some refreshments.

“Oh, the thestral trial that’s taking place tomorrow? They’ll rip him to shreds. Especially if the mare he attacked doesn’t show up.”

“That’s me! He saved me, and he’s innocent.” I stated.

“I’mma be honest ma’am. I believe you, I think he’s innocent, but there’s no way the court will accept his pleas.”

I looked at the stallion and turned away, running to the stairs. I went up to my room, defeated, and confused. Why do all these ponies have something against bat ponies? Did they learn nothing from the history of ponykind? Either way, I have to prove his innocence in court tomorrow. Better get a good night’s sleep tonight.

--

Sun beaming through the curtains wakes me. I roll out of the hotel bed, and head to the lobby to check out. I’ll just grab a crepe from a stand for breakfast. Speaking of which, there’s one right at the corner. I head up to the pony, hand him some bits, and carry it with my magic. Mmm, strawberries with cream is so good. I’ll have to treat the bat pony who saved me to this.

As I head to the court house, I notice the Royal Guard outside. Nonetheless, I try to walk inside.

“Stop! You cannot enter,” one of the guard ponies proclaims.

“Who’s to stop me? I am a Royal Scientist, appointed by Princess Luna. I am the mare from this case, as you can see by these records I acquired from the hospital. Now let me through.”

“Uh- I think we should let her through,” one says.

“Should we really?” another one inquires.

“These hospital records are legitimate, this mare brings evidence applicable to the trial. We must let her in,” the third one proclaims, moving aside to allow me through.

As I walk inside, I see ponies are seated in the back. The bat pony who saved me is up front next to what I can assume to be a lawyer. The judge doesn’t look happy.

“Young thestral, take to the stand. What is your account of the night in question?” The judge asked.

“I checked into the Golden Horseshoe hotel, and decided to fly around a bit during the night. As I was flying over the Everfree forest in Ponyville, I heard shrieks and screams coming from the forest. As I flew down, I noticed a pink unicorn in a lab coat being attacked by a timberwolf. I bucked the timberwolf and put her on my back, and flew to the closest hospital,” he stated nervously. I can’t tell if he notices me or not.

“What else do you remember about this supposed pink unicorn?”

“She had a long reddish brown mane with a red braided streak. Her lab coat had her name embroidered on it, but all I could make out was the word ‘rose.’ I believe I caught a glimpse of her cutie mark as well, a flask with a rose in it.”

“Interesting…” the judge smirked.

“Your Honor, I am Rose Tint. I am the mare this thestral is talking about.”

“Excuse me, it is not your turn to speak ma’am. In fact, I do not recall us inviting a pink unicorn named Rose Tint to this trial. Guards, seize her,” the judge stated.

“W-what? I am a Royal Scientist under Princess Luna. You cannot and will not seize me. This threstal is innocent.” The guards circle me. As they are about to carry me out of this court house, the doors burst down.

“Order!” was shouted, but not by the judge. It was Princess Luna herself. I bow my head to the ground. “Young Rose Tint, what is your account of that night?”

“I was collecting samples in the Everfree forest when a timberwolf attacked me. It bit into my flank, causing me to scream. As I was trying to make my escape I collapsed and nearly fainted. I caught a glimpse of my savior, a thestral with a short blue mane and red eyes. I woke up in a hospital a few days later,” I stated.

“Your Honor, I believe these ponies are telling the truth. Their stories match up. Although I do not believe you should be out at night alone. I understand the importance of researching at night, however, and I assign Hot Wing, member of the Lunar Guard, to accompany you while you research.”

“Thank you, Princess Luna,” I reply, a little teary eyed. Who knows what would have happened had I not woken up yesterday.

“As a member of the Lunar Guard, I will protect her to the best of my abilities,” Hot wing exclaimed.

“I believe you two will work together to unearth some of Equestria’s most important science. However, I must leave now as I have quite a packed schedule,” she smiled.

We wave to Luna as she exits the court house, and turn to each other.

“Thanks for saving me that night, uhm, Hot Wing was it?”

“Haha, yea. Thank you as well, for coming here to defend me.”

“There’s a crepe stand not far from here, I’d like to treat you for saving me. Maybe we can a bit before heading back to Ponyville,” I say.

“Sounds good to me. I’d like to get to know you a little more too, y’know,” he replied looking in the opposite direction. Not too weird to want to get to know the pony you’re going to be working with.

We exit the courthouse and trot to the crepe stand. I purchase two more crepes, pass the vendor some bits, and we head over to sit on the bench nearby.

“What brought you to Ponyville?” I asked, since it doesn’t make sense for a member of the Lunar Guard to be there for no reason.

“I was supposed to be enjoying my vacation. I assume you were assigned to do some research on the Everfree forest?”

“Yea, I probably should’ve listened to what the locals were telling me. I currently live in a cottage, you can live there with me. Since you don’t have a house there or anything…”

“That sounds good, thanks. Let’s catch the next train so we can head on back then?”

“I hope this is the last train I have to go on for a while,” I reply, excited for what is to happen next. Maybe Princess Luna was onto something by partnering us.

Sweet Sweet Sorbet

Rose Tint rolled out of her bed, and went downstairs to check on her new roommate (#justroommates). The cottage only had one bed, so Hot Wing had to sleep on the living room couch (granted, she did give him some extra pillows). He was still asleep, so Rose Tint decided to sneak in a little breakfast making after showering. A hot shower always wakes her up.

While humming to herself, she began working on cooking a delightful breakfast. Magic always makes prepping ingredients easier, although it’s not like she wouldn’t know what it’s like without. Waffles with fruit were a favorite of hers, but today she fancied scrambled eggs and prench toast. She turned on the stove while reaching for a pan using her magic, and cracked the eggs. Extra cinnamon in the prench toast mixture, please. Thinking of her guest makes her smile, and luckily there were some ripe mangoes in the fridge for the lucky batpony. She pulls out of the fridge and sets them on the counter with her magic. After slicing the mangoes to put ontop of the prench toast, she checks on the progress of the prench toast that was on the stove. Magic made multi-tasking easy.

The smell of sweet breakfast serenaded the cottage, and Hot Wing was roused awake. He hurried down stairs to see what the mare had been up to, hoping she wasn’t just cooking for herself. To his surprise, she had placed silverware and napkins out for two and was lowering the prench toast and scrambled eggs onto plates.

“Is this actually for me?” Hotwing asked curiously.

“Of course. I wasn’t just going to cook breakfast and leave you hanging,” she replied while setting a can of whipped cream and the sliced mangoes in the middle of the dining table.

“You didn’t need to, although mangoes are my favorite,” he chuckled. “Do you cook like this for everypony?”

“Just you, I didn’t have a lot of friends back in Canterlot. I was always holed up in my research or studies,” the mare said before going for a bite of prench toast with extra extra whipped cream and a couple mango slices.

‘So you were regarded highly then, right?”

“Maybe. I don’t really care to think of that.”

They stuffed their mouths with the delectable food. Rose Tint placed the dirty dishes in the sink when they finished and Hot Wing insisted on cleaning as a “thank you.” Afterwards, Rose Tint insisted they head out to go shopping. The cottage could still use some decor and well, to be frank, Hot Wing needed a bed of some kind.

As they began walking to the mattress store in town, Hot Wing chimed in “I don’t really think I need a bed.”

“Of course you do silly, you’re not going to sleep on the couch all the time,” Rose Tint joked.

“I mean, bat ponies can just hang from trees. I think a shower bar would be fine.”

“You cannot be serious right now.”

“I am. Let’s head into the home goods store.”

The bell at the entrance chimed as they walked in together, getting a slightly weird looks from the shopkeeper but that’s alright. There weren’t many bat ponies around here, so it was to be expected. Rose Tint placed some throw pillows, a cute froggy teapot, and some blankets in the cart. Hot Wing opted for a… less than conventional bed.

“If we’re buying that, I hope you don’t have plans to sneak into my bed,” she said.

“Maybe later,” said the flirty guard.

She rolled her eyes as they approached the shopkeeper. They finished checking out quickly, but Hot Wing realized he was getting a bit tired. He wasn’t used to being around so many normal ponies that weren’t nocturnal, so they quickly returned to the cottage. Rose Tint hooked the shower rod up to the living room ceiling and put some of the throw pillows below for cautionary reasons. He drifted into sweet slumber while Rose Tint finished placing the goodies around the cottage. Who wouldn’t love a froggy tea pot in their woodland cottage?

Despite her sleepy head guard being fast asleep, Rose Tint decided to go back to researching the Everfree forest. Her research papers, and well, samples were found at the scene so she was able to keep them. Considering the strange behavior exhibited by the plant life, she figured there might be a sort of serum inside some of the plant life. She started by cutting thin samples and placing them on slides for a microscope. Biology wasn’t exactly her foretay, but she did receive some brief training in it before coming to Ponyville. Normal plant cells are quite rigid, but the ones from the Everfree forest seemed to be flexible almost. Perhaps there was some sort of magic at work?

She decided to use a syringe to extract some of the liquid that oozed from one of the vine samples and placed it in a test tube. Luckily, Princess Luna made sure standard lab chemicals were sent over to the cottage so she didn’t have to order them from a speciality store. As she mixed the vine juices with a red liquid, the substance turned to a pretty sparkly purple tone. An indication of magic. She hurried to grab her journal and write down her work from today, as well as her theories. By the time she finished, sleepy head had awoken.

“Doing some science?”

“Just finished, do you need something?”

“Can you make dinner.. I’m kind of hungry now,” said the batpony with some embarrassment.

“Let’s go into town and visit a restaurant instead, I was doing some research while you were asleep. I’d rather not try cooking on top,” she replied.

“Nah, I can make a mean hayburger at home.”

“Oh really?” she smirked.

“Yea, and it’ll knock your hoofs off!”

“I’ll make some mango sorbet if you can prove it,” Rose Tint said while laughing.

“You won’t be disappointed,” Hot Wing shouted as he ran into the kitchen.

Rose Tint began cleaning up her lab space, which included sanitizing the desk, making sure the microscope was put back properly, and cleaning the tools she used. Of course, lab equipment broke from time to time but it was best practice to try to make it last. Afterwards, she headed to the living room to relax on the couch while reading a book on the history of thestrals to better understand her guest. She figured it would be less awkward around him if she understood him a bit better, and figured it wouldn’t hurt to study a bit of history anyway. After a while, she began to smell the aroma coming from the kitchen.

“Dinner’s ready! Come and get it~”

As they sat at the dining table together once more, Rose Tint decided to ask a question she wasn’t quite sure of the answer for.

“So, why did you join the lunar guard?”

“I guess it was the only job that really fit me, a bonehead,” he chuckled. “And how about you, I’m assuming you’re a scientist because of your cutie mark, right?”

“I just kind of stuck with it. It was my favorite subject in school and I was always messing around with stuff after class. What’s the explanation behind your cutie mark?”

“You wouldn’t want to know.”

“Pleeeeeaaaasssseeee,” she pried.

“I won a vegan hot wing eating contest.”

Rose Tint burst out laughing.

“I owe you the mango sorbet just for that.”