A Roegadyn in Equestria

A Roegadyn in Equestria.

Chapter 55: A Little Too Close.

*Point of view: Third Person*
*Location: Ponyville*
*Time: Four in the afternoon. Three days after the Dragon incident*

For the last couple of days not much have been going on. There were no monster attacks, no dire emergencies. Not even a random, out of nowhere visitor to cause any problems whatsoever. However, the skies were filled with groups of Pegasi, along with the clouds they were hauling to slowly block out the sun over Ponyville. The streets were pretty much empty, even with it only being that time of the day.

After a gentle breeze blew by, the sound of a bell could be heard coming from a door that was just opened. Stepping through said door that it was attached to, happened to be Sugar Cube Corner and none other than Rory Mercury, while still in her Pony form. The girl had a cheery smile as she was holding on to a brown paper bag with the shops name printed on it. From behind her, could be heard Pinkie Pie calling out in her usual upbeat voice. “Thanks for coming Rory. I'll see you next time! Let me know if Gambit likes those!”

Rory had already turned and was halfway closing the door on her way out and reply to the mare with a smile. “Oh, don't worry about that. What you make here is always delicious. I'll see you later Pinkie. With that, she closed the door the rest of the way, this eliciting another ring of the bell that was hung on the inside. She then looked towards the right side of the door and saw that her oversized axe was still propped up against the side of the building and completely covered up with a purple cloth.

Once she had retrieved her weapon. Rory began to walk through the town on her way to the hotel that was on the other end of Ponyville. However, she stopped in her tracks and had a thoughtful expression, before she turned around and went in the opposite direction instead. She had taken an opportunity to place the paper bag into the much smaller pouch attached to her hip after fumbling with the weapon.

Which turned out to be pretty easy. This was thanks to it being a, Bag of Holding from Dungeons & Dragons. Meaning that it could contain a lot more than one would think and simply holding the appropriate item near the opening would allow said object to be pulled inside without much effort.

The only real drawback however, was that her axe was far too big to be able to placed it inside. Because of that being the reason, Rory had left her weapon outside of Sugar Cube Corner in the first place. Of course, she really didn't need to worry about it being stolen with the way her Master had intentionally forged it to be much heavier than one would expect upon looking at it.

Now as for why Rory was not with her Master. This was due to an incident that happened earlier that day back over at HQ. After receiving a message through one of the link shells given to a Changeling on site. Her Master had to rush off to take care of a situation in regards to an experiment that needed his expertise. More so with it being one that he was greatly invested in.

Rory had intended to join him, but was told otherwise. This due to it being strange if the both of them were to suddenly disappear. From what she could understand, he would not be coming back for several hours, if not all day long. As for her, going to Pinkie’s workplace. She ended up developing a sweet tooth and tried the place out and found that she absolutely loved their confections. Especially when it came to the jelly filled raspberry donuts. She ended up having fun with sucking the filling out before eating the rest.

So, today was pretty much a day off and instead of going back to the hotel. Rory opted for going for a stroll this afternoon. After some time of wandering around, the wind began to pick up and the rain came down slowly, only to soon turn into that of a heavy downpour. Any other Pony that was outside of the time, had already run back into their home. But when it came to Rory, she was fully enjoying the feeling of the rain hitting her skin and just kept on walking as though there was nothing wrong.

She wasn't even deterred once as her clothing began to cling to her body and started to accentuate her curves. She then began to say under her breath, along with a smile. “It's really a shame that my Master did not come to a world where they go without clothing. What I said the other day about being paraded nude on the streets would have been a lot of fun to try out.”

Being fully immersed into the fantasy. Rory was quite surprised when she heard her name being called out from a short distance away. She had turned and found it to be Applejack standing outside of what she easily identified as the Golden Oaks Library. Apparently, she was in the midst of cleaning herself off with the water hose that was still in her hands.

Once Rory had gotten close enough, she could hear Applejack speaking up over the rain. “Don't go tell me yeah got stuck out here in the rain? Also, where’s Gambit? You two are pretty much two peas in a pod. Can't see one of you without the other nearby, so this is a mite strange.” Rory gave a head shake, which cause the rainwater that was caught in her hair to splatter while she replied to Applejack.

“My Master is out of town and he won't be back till some time tomorrow. So, I'm pretty much on my own today.” Applejack was about to say something else, but the rain began to pick up momentum and she quickly gestured towards the library's door as she yelled over the noise. “We best be getting inside before it gets even worse, we can talk in there!”

Rory gave a quick nod and the two of them made their way into the library and shut the door behind them just as some heavy winds tried to get through the doorway. Applejack had taken only a few steps inside before she came to a sudden stop and was clearly angry at what she saw. Right there, was Twilight and Rarity sitting cross-legged on a rug and both of them were applying some green mush to each other's faces and giggling ever so often.

From that point on, Rory had this look of understanding that was slowly creeping onto her face as she eyed the situation. Of course, as Applejack had the full attention of the two others due to the argument she was having with Rarity. That look of understanding had gone unnoticed before it began to slowly morph to that of a very mischievous one, then back to normal before any of the other girls even realized the change.

It turned out to be Twilight to be the first one to react towards Rory's presence and dropped the book that was being held in her magical grasp. Twilight then spoke out as she quickly approached Rory with a confused expression. “Don't telling me you got caught in the rain too? Oh no, you're just completely soaked right through to the bone!”

Rarity was the next to be right next to Twilight and immediately began to make a fuss about the wet clothing. “You must change out of those immediately or you will catch your death of cold! Twilight, you do happen to have some extra towels I presume. Would it be much trouble if I retrieved them for Rory to dry off with?” Twilight had given a light shake of her head as she answered. “No problem at all, I got some extras up in the closet on the second floor it's right next to the bathroom.”

That was when Twilight began to tap her chin before speaking up again with an apologetic tone. “Oh wait, I forgot that I had Spike put them somewhere else. The towels are in the downstairs closet.” After hearing this, Rory took a quick glance at herself before speaking up. “I suppose dripping everywhere would not be very good now would it, so I'll take you up on the offer.”

That was when she went over to one side of the room and carefully placed her axe down so that it wouldn't cause any damage and immediately went to grabbing onto a few of the buttons to undo her clothing. Seeing this, the other girls quickly developed some shades of pink to cross their cheeks and Rarity was the first one to step forward to interrupt Rory from getting undressed. “Please Rory Dear! It would be best to do that in the bathroom, don't you agree?”

Rory merely tilted her head to the right and relinquished her hold on the one button she was in the middle of undoing, before giving a light shrug and making her way up to the second floor. As she was nearly halfway up the stairs. She said, “I really don't see what the big deal is. We're all girls here. I'll be waiting in the bathroom.”

Once she was up and out of sight. The other three were glancing among each other before Applejack was the first to speak to break the silence. “Well, I'll be saying this, that girl doesn't get bothered by much, now does she? Hmm, I guess I really shouldn't be saying that. We do know of one thing that does.”

Rarity chimed in as she began to make for the closet that contained the towels. “As much as I would rather not admit it. I do believe that Applejack has a point. If you all happened to recall, Rory does have a tender spot when it comes to Mister Gambit after all.”

Applejack gave Rarity a mocking grin before replying. “Mister huh? I think you mean, Master Gambit. Am I really the only one who's noticed that she doesn't call him by name? I've seen them around town a few times and not once has she ever said, Gambit. Don't any of y'all find that just a little odd?” This time it was Twilight who came into the conversation. “Hmmm. I think Applejack does have a point. I have only ever heard that term being used while I was inside of the castle.”

After a few seconds, Twilight's eyes began to widen as a look of realization kicked in. She then slammed her palm onto the side of her head lightly, before saying in a disbelieving voice. “Girls? You don't think he has any connections to nobility, do you?” Applejack scrunched up her face before answering back.

“Are you talking about Gambit? If you are, then I'm pretty sure that ain't right. From what I seen, he ain't the type to be all posh and stuck up. A far cry to another stuck up pony that I won't mention.” When Applejack had said that. A quick dart of her eyes was made in Rarity’s direction.

Rarity had just gotten a stack of towels in her hands and gave a quick scoff towards Applejack for the remark. Although it seemed that Twilight had not picked up on the slightest of what just happened between the two. As Rarity was making her way towards the bottom of the steps to head on up. She then said to Applejack, “If truth be told dear. I honestly do not have a proper understanding of him in order to give an accurate assumption.”

After all he's always covered in those garbs of his. Not once have we had an opportunity to have a conversation either. Then there's the relationship with Rory, who obviously has the modeling potential to shine. Not to mention, her connections with Fleur De Lis.” By then, she was near the top of the steps and paused only long enough to say the following bit, while having a sultry expression. “For all we know, they happen to have a very active lifestyle when it comes to role play.”

When Rarity had disappeared from their site. Applejack turned towards Twilight and the both of them ended up with a heavy set of blushes once again. This sparked the following conversation that went back and forth between the two, starting with Applejack. Who had just taken off her hat to fan herself before talking.

“Uh, Twilight? About what Rarity just said just now. Do you recall when Rory spoke about a ball gag?”

“Oh, I do. Why would she even have one of those? Does it have anything to do with this... Role play talk?”

“Hmmmm... Twilight? Before I answer that. Just how much do you know about sex?”

“S-s-Sex?! Huh, w-what?! I uh! I know that it is a physical response between two individuals that approach one another in order to produce an offspring or possibly as a form of intimate bonding. I know that I have a book around here that gives a detailed illustration of the reproductive process.”

“Twilight, what I meant is, what do you know personally about it... What I'm trying to say is, do you know what S&M is?” When Applejack had said that last bit, the farm mare was turning redder than the very same apples she grew on their family’s orchard.”

All the purple unicorn could do, was to stand there with a blank expression as she blinked several times. This was soon accompanied with her tilting her head and giving the appearance of a confused pet. Then she replied in the most innocent and confused voice that caused Applejack to slightly flinch.

“I don't believe I follow. Is S&M an acronym? Oh, oh! Hold on, I think I have a book around here that might be able to help me! Now I know I saw one around here. It was labeled, most commonly used acronyms. Now where is it, maybe it's in the encyclopedia section?”

However, before Applejack could stop Twilight from going into full-on research mode. Rarity had managed to zoom down the stairway without making any type of noise and grabbing onto two of them in order to usher the entire group into the kitchen in one nonstop sprint.

Applejack clearly protested to this and wrenched Rarity’s arm away that was used to cover her mouth. Fully intending to give her an earful. The farm mare took in a heavy amount of air. But yet again, her mouth was clamped shut by Rarity.

Who instantly brought a finger to her own lips and created a shushing motion after first taking that hand from Twilights and putting it back right away. This in turn, got a small grunt of annoyance from Applejack as her eyes narrowed for a moment. Before rolling them to show that she was going to play along, rather reluctantly.

When it was clear that nothing was going to be said. Rarity released her hands from both of the mouths of her friends and started to speak in a whisper. All the while, taking a few quick glances towards the doorway, that had a clean line of sight to the bottom of the stairs. “Girls you're not going to believe what I just found out!”

The scene then changes to that of a few minutes earlier, just after Rarity climbed the stairs with the towels in hand. The fashionista was currently beginning to give off a small hum of delight over the very notion of being able to spend some time and chat with Rory.

Just yesterday, she attempted to invite her over for some tea, but something or another would just get in the way at every opportunity. She even had this impression that Gambit was intentionally avoiding them with how they would always slip from view whenever there was a crowd of ponies around or the occasional wagon that would pass by right between them.

Rarity had just gotten to the door for the bathroom by the time she was done reminiscing about her many failed attempts to socialize with the supposedly high-society, yet very lewd Pony. She was just about to reach for the door handle when she noticed that it was not completely closed and there was just barely enough space to poke the tip of her pinky finger through. The light coming from within shined through said gap rather easily to indicate that there was no obstruction on the other side.

Not wanting to seem rude at all, she was going to knock on the door, instead of simply opening it. But her hands stopped only a few inches away once the voice of Rory could be heard. “I do hope that my Master is not upset that these got all wet. Oh well, all I can do is say that I'm sorry and make it up to him. I could try wearing the white garter belt and stockings tomorrow night. Perhaps going nude would be the best option? Could always try a new lipstick color.”

There was a small pause before Rory continued. However, by this point, Rarity's interest was piqued so much so, that her instincts to get some juicy gossip had caused the mare to lean in so that she could secretly look through the gap in the door. In her mind, she wanted to get a glimpse at the outfit, as well as to make sure that she could hear every juicy detail all the better.

When she did this, the mare was met by the sight of Rory, who had already gone through and completely disrobe. Aside from the black choker around her neck. It was black in color and was made in a way that there was a rose and thorn pattern within the fabric, that allowed it the be almost seen through.

Her mane and tail were flat due to the rain water causing it to lay down flat. She was even going from one pose to another in the mirror that were obviously sexual in nature. One would have the girl drawing attention to her tale while another would go towards the B cup breasts that were being slightly lifted as she pulled her arms in front of her in order to squeeze them from the sides. Rarity had to swallow a lump in her throat as she began to blush at the sight.

After Rory had struck another pose by lifting both of her arms up and bending at the elbows so that she was holding on to the back of her neck and slightly pushing her chest out. Then she said, “I could always get Master to do me while I look like this. It just might spur him into taking others later on in the future.”

That last comment had caused Rarity to raise an eyebrow questionably. The fashionista was just about to try and come up with some plausible explanations within her mind, before she saw something that caused even that to come to a screeching stop and left her jaw dropping. She even had to cover her mouth as to not be discovered.

The choker around her neck gave off a small glow and this was followed by it producing a shimmering effect that ran across the rest of Rory's body. Once this was completed. What was seeing now was no longer a pony, but instead a girl with similar features standing in Rory's place.

The differences where the facial features missing from a pony, as well as the tail having a slightly different texture to it. The ears even changed to become slightly sharper than that of a pony. As for the rest of her body was now nearly furless. However, it retained the same color as the fur she had just a moment before.

The one in front of her had struck another pose and gave a toothy smile to expose a set of fangs before going back to looking herself over in the mirror. However, just as she had turned at a certain angle that her face could no longer be seen from looking directly at her or even in the mirror’s reflection. Rory had taken a shifty glance over at the door to the bathroom she was in and produced a wicked smile that lasted for the briefest of instances.

Soon after, she turned towards the mirror so that her face could be seen again from the doorway and said one last thing while tapping at the choker on her neck. “I really would rather not have to use this. If only Master could trust that these ponies won't turn into a vicious mob just from knowing of my appearance.”

That was when her entire form shifted back to that of the pony persona that Rarity was familiarize with seeing. However, instead of fright, Rarity started to feel a knot in her stomach after witnessing the sorrowful expression being expressed on the girl.

There was even this loan teardrop that ran down the side of Rory's face. Of course, that soon turned to confusion once she started to tap her chin and say out loud the next bit. “Hmmm. I wonder what's taking Rarity so long to come with those towels?”

Right then, the mare had gone into a full-blown panic and straightened up and stealthily made her way down the hallway a few steps, before turning around and coming towards the bathroom once again. At the same time, she would deliberately make her hoof steps loud enough so she was positive they would be perceived by Rory. Once she had knocked on the door, Rarity had pretended that nothing was wrong and handed over the towels before quickly excusing herself in order to go downstairs.

Going back to the present. Twilight and Applejack had just finished listening to what transpired upstairs and looked positively shocked to the point that they were pretty much statues. Twilight was the next one to speak, as she slowly began to recover control over her mouth and had to steady herself by placing a shaky left hand onto the counter.

Twilight’s eyes were darting back and forth as she was clearly trying to come up with a plan in her head. She then started to say in a rather reluctant tone. “From what... From what Rarity described. I have no doubt that she's a previously undiscovered species. Ears and a tail, but no body fur? I-I have no clue what should I do. Wait, I know. I could send a letter to Celestia, she'll know exactly what to do in this situation! She must have a clue as to her species.”

Applejack was already in the motion of reaching for Twilight, who had just summoned out of her pocket dimension a notepad, when Rarity had already beaten her to the punch and snatched the floating item out of the air. This act had clearly shocked not only Twilight, but the farm mare as well with the sudden movement.

Rarity held the notepad tightly to her chest with both arms, while giving Twilight a stern stare down before she spoke. “Twilight, darling. Perhaps that is not the best course of action. You don't know just who it is that's standing in there.” Twilight had opened her mouth to give a rebuttal. However, Rarity shushed her by placing a finger on her lips before going on. “What we have here, is a girl who's afraid to show her true self because of-.”

Rarity had cut herself off before giving out a tired sigh, as she lowered her hand from Twilight's lips. It was Applejack that attempted to finish what she was obviously about to say. “Because of how narrow-minded we all can be?”

Twilight then chimed in, after immediately coming up with what they were trying to convey. “This could have something to do with what Gilda mentioned. Remember? How other countries view Equestria. Obviously, she's from a foreign land that we know absolutely nothing about. It would also explain a little as to how she's so attached to Gambit if one thinks about it.”

Both the fashionista and the farm mare both had a look of contemplation before giving a solid nod in response to what Twilight proposed. Twilight then continued, although now, she was a little more confident.

“She's unawares as to us knowing about her real appearance. It would be better not to say anything about it to her. Just pretend this never even happened. Go on as we normally would and hope that she feels that she could eventually trust us to know her secret. If she should even suspect that we found out, then she and Gambit might just leave Ponyville altogether.”

Rarity then said, “Shouldn't we at least inform Pinkie, Rainbow and Fluttershy? Oh, and let's not forget little Spike.” Applejack gave a small hum before she threw her opinion in, as she slowly scratched behind her left ear. Well… Seeing as Spike took the news about the dead Dragon well enough. I think that would be a good idea. But I reckon we should be careful about how we break it to da rest of the girls.”

Rarity quickly nodded to this, before she responded. “Excellent idea darling. Fluttershy will need to be told very carefully, as to not scare her to death. For Rainbow, umm. We may need your lasso to keep her under control if you will. Just in case you know, for a lack of a better words, flies off the handle. Pinkie, we will just have to make sure as to that she doesn't turn this into a party.”

Applejack had this look of realization that was clearly noticed by the other two, as she started to talk slowly to show that she herself was beginning to put something together. “Speaking of parties. Do either of you remember there being a welcome to Ponyville party for either of them?”

It took a moment for Rarity to get on to what Applejack had just said and had her eyes going wide. As for Twilight, she was even more confused than before as she raised a finger in order to ask a question. “What's Pinkie not throwing a party for either of them, have to do with right now?”

Twilight saw how Rarity had placed a hand onto her shoulder before clarifying things for the Unicorn. “It's just that, Pinkie always throws a party for just about any occasion. Birthdays, Holidays, you name it, she knows them all. Now, welcome parties are a must for that mare. For all the years that I've known that pony, this is really weird, even for her. It would be as though you yourself just one day had no real interest in reading any books.”

Applejack started to speak as she tapped her chin. “Y'all know something. I do recall Pinkie making a big fuss about me not getting in her way, so that she could be friends with Gambit. She had this really serious look about her and it was a might scary. Come to think of it. I asked her about what his name was before Rainbow had that little run in with him at the flower shop and she refused to tell me. Either she's keeping secrets or Pinkie’s just being Pinkie again.”

Right then, there was a feminine voice that ended up causing all the girls to jump in place. “What's all of this about Pinkie being Pinkie?” When the girls realized that it was Rory, their sights were instantly glued on to her when it was revealed that she was now wearing a purple kimono, with a large yet simple light blue floral pattern at the end of the sleeve’s. The girl’s head was slightly tilted off to the right.

It was easy to see that she had just finished tying the waistband to the outfit she was now wearing. Around her neck was the same choker that Rarity had described and below that was her chest being partially exposed, until it came near where her breasts should be. It took a bit, but Twilight managed to stammer out a response. “Ah, oh, uh we! We-we we're just reminiscing about how random Pinkie can be and this is just what we all end up calling it.”

By the time Twilight was done. Rarity had pretty much forgotten whatever was being said just earlier and rushed right up to Rory in order to examine the new outfit she was wearing with much enthusiasm. This got Rory to raise an eyebrow and asked while Rarity kept on lifting the hem of her kimono in order to examine the stitch work, without even giving any type of warning to Rory as she did so.

“I get it that she's a dress designer and all, but this is bordering on the scary. I might even say her dedication to her craft might be on par with my need for sex.” On that last quip, Rory had covered her mouth with the end of the sleeve, that was just long enough to conceal her hand. Which gave off this air of elegance that momentarily stunned not only Rarity, but the others as well. Before the white mare got back to what she was just doing.

Afterwards, Twilight got around to explaining as to how Rarity and Applejack were pretty much in the same situation as her, with getting stuck out in the rain and with the weather being the way it was, there was no chance of getting back to their houses. So, because of this, the three of them were going to use this opportunity to have themselves a slumber party. Rory was a little hesitant at first, but after some encouragement from the other two. She ended up enjoying herself, even with the constant bickering between Applejack and Rarity.

Unknowingly to the rest of them. Rory pretty much guess what was to happen, thanks to her Master's memories on the episode that had this very event going on. Even the bit where the tree fell through the window was a sight to behold for Rory.

Of course, with her strength that would have taken little effort to clear out, but she made sure to stay to the side in order to let the two bickering ponies to settle their differences. As it turned out, this wasn’t too hard at all. This being thanks to the constant fighting to even remember that she was even there in the first place.

When the night time catastrophe was averted and peace was restored to the slumber party after the two mare’s made up. That was when it really got fun. It hadn't been until the very end, where Twilight was writing another one of her friendship reports, that Rory realized that she had been giggling so much more than normal. Although, during the entire time, she would still have her mind being drawn towards that of what her Master might be doing.

*Point of view: Third Person*
*Location: Tech Hex Institute of science. Research and development department*

There was a sudden crash and a chorus of metallic sounds being made from multiple falling objects that were constantly being made in a room with flickering lights. Suddenly, an aluminum chair could be seen flying across from one end of the laboratory to the next as it went over tables and colliding with a glass cabinet. Thereby shattering its protective cover and spilling the contents everywhere.

There were also half a dozen voices being called out all at once. All of which being in varying states of panic. A few were making whimpers, while others were completely in a panic. What was said, mostly consisted of the following within the next few seconds.

“Someone help me! It hurts, it hurts so bad!”

“Quit your blubbering, that's just a paper cut!”

“But it still hurts, I can see my blood!!!”

“Forget that, run for your life!”

“Nooooooo! They're going to destroy the research! Please take my life, but leave my research alone!”

“Just who's bright idea was it to turn them all on at once?!”

“Look out, they found the office supplies!”

“Leave me, save yourself!”

“Okay, can I have your sandwich too?”

“On second thought, don't leave me behind. And no, you can't have my sandwich! I knew it! It’s been you that’s been stealing my lunch, hasn’t it?”

This pretty much went on for a few minutes, until it finally came to an end after hearing various objects being crushed, due to a mighty impact with a blunt weapon. Afterwards, the voice of Brex could be heard. Unlike his usual tone, this one was rather agitated and at the same time exhausted. “I step out to borrow a screwdriver in the next room for one minute and I find Armageddon happening! What part of don't, touch anything until I come back, did you all not understand?”

What could be seen now that the chaos has finished and the emergency lights that were slowly being brought back online. Was the sight of five Ponies and a single Changeling. All of which that were wearing white lab coats and black gloves. It took less than a second for them all to point unanimously at a single one who was being propped up by a fellow researcher.

The pony then had an apologetic smile, as she lifted her index finger, that had just barely a drop of blood to be seen on the tip. She then said, “I'm really sorry, I got a papercut and… I guess I freaked out a little. I forgot to put on my glove again.”

Another one who turned out to be a stallion, was fixing their glasses. Which had a single lens cracked diagonally across the one meant for his left eye. Spoke up in clear agitation and along with a hint of an accent that suggested that he might be German.

“Aaaak! Freaked out! Freaked out! I've seen a pony get an amputation for their hoof without any sedatives make less of an outburst! You're flailing about done gone and turn them all on before the final adjustments were completed!”

Brex was currently placing a finger onto the side of his head, in order to massage away what could have been a headache. He then reached out with his free hand and placed it on the shoulder of the one who was just yelling, and when he had gotten his attention. Brex had finally calmed down enough to talk in a reassuring voice.

“It was only an accident and we should be thankful that none of you are gravely injured. Now, if you will Professor Gear Turner. Let us take a break and make sure to get you and all of your staff checked out in the Infirmary. We'll come back in a few hours and clean up this mess and see what can be salvaged. That would be a better use of our time and energy. Now wouldn’t you agree?”

The pony quickly fixed his glasses after Brex removed his hand and gave him a full-on salute with nearly hitting his own head with his hand. It didn't take him long to get the rest of them out of the room and to make things even more strange. Was how he got them all to march perfectly in tune with their arms and legs being completely straight as they walked as if they were simple robots, that just so happened to have no joints for the knees and elbows to bend those limbs.

As soon as the group of ponies were through the door and by the sounds of it, already halfway down the hallway before going around the corner. Brex had made his way over to one of the chairs and plopped right into it. While giving a heavy and drawn-out sigh. But it took less than a second before he ended up shifting in place and giving off these grunts of annoyance.

His right arm went and tried to fish underneath his butt. When it came out again, one could see a twisted amalgamation of tiny gears that were pretty much warped so much so, that it was unrecognizable. The whole thing could easily fit in the palm of his hand. After reaching over with his other hand for a nearby magnifying glass. He could see a number of the still barely made out smooth surfaces displayed, were these tiny markings that were consistent with magical symbols.

He was just about to try and identify exactly what was in his hand, but the subtle jerk of his palm had caused it to come apart and the bits went in between his fingers and onto the floor. This was followed with a long stretch of silence before Brex gave off an extended growl of annoyance, before he started to say something to himself. “This is going to become an all-nighter; I just know it... I hope Rory is keeping herself occupied without causing too much trouble.”

He had just snapped his fingers before continuing. “I can make it up to her by taking us both to that one tavern. There should still be some gold bits left in that bag I left behind. Or could it be possible that Ryu ended up using all of it up in that drinking game with the three mare’s the last time I was there? Well, all I can hope for is that my name is remembered.” Brex then turned to the mess and created two body doubles of himself, so that all three could get to work on cleaning up the lab before any of the others could come back.

*Point of view: Brex Mith*
*Location: Ponyville*
*Time: Seven in the morning*

Not wanting things to get suspicious with him suddenly appearing in town. Especially after having Rory be ready with the excuse that he had left. The Roegadyn came out of a shadow that was hidden away among a cluster of small trees for the road leading in and out of Ponyville.

As he was walking back into town and passing the welcoming sign. Brex was still clearly annoyed with the way he was grumbling to himself from behind his mask. “Not once... Not twice... But three times that we kept on having an accident in that lab alone.”

“After the first time, I thought we were going to catch up on our work. But Noooooo~. If it wasn't for the professor trying to do things all on his own whenever I had my back turned, then it probably would be done already! I'm going to recommend that he gets a full health examination, including an eye exam. Just how easy is it for him to get two connector ports mixed up with the plus and minus symbols that were clearly labeled? They were even color coded with blue and red for crying out loud.”

Brex then looked towards the tall building in the center of town from where he currently stood, that was just a little way in to Ponyville. He was just about to call out to Rory with the mental connection, when he was interrupted by someone calling his name from one of the stalls. When he turned to see just who it was, it was instantly found out to be the one and only Rose.

“Morning Gambit! This just has to be a first. Your mare friend isn't hanging off your arm this morning. Seeing as you can't see one of you without the other, it kind of makes one think that there's something wrong.” Rose was wearing her usual red going out outfit, along with a basket filled with some fresh produce. There were even a few eggs in the basket, so Brex believed she was getting ingredients for breakfast most likely.

From what Brex understood. Rose was pretty much the, go-to girl when it came to getting supplies or making deliveries. Lily would mostly be in charge of the inside workings of the store and customer relations. Now, when it came to Daisy. Brex understood that the mare mostly worked in the back, due to her strong tendencies to overreact. And when Brex says that she overreacts. What he really means is that she has a very short temper, which wasn't really good for customers that couldn't make up their minds quickly enough for the mare’s taste.

Brex gave a quick shake of the head as he glanced over at the rest of the stalls for a second, before turning his full attention back to Rose to give a reply. “Just got back. Left town for business.” Rose quickly gave a dramatic and over the top reaction to that, by holding her hand up to her forehead and pretending to almost faint. This was quickly followed up with her returning to her usual upbeat self and giving him a playful smile as she spoke up.

“Darn it all. And here I thought I could scoop you up when you're at your lowest to cheer you up. Oh well, back to the market I go. There's got to be a decent stallion around here somewhere! Hey Gambit, you wouldn't happen to know of any, would you?” In response, Brex gave a light chuckle and began to pat her on the head before he started to talk. “I'll keep an eye out for you. Thanks for looking out for me.”

Rose had gone into another one of those trances. A small smile creeped on after she at first was surprised. And there was this low hum as her ears began to move to the sides in order to give his hand some more freedom. Even Rose’s eyes were closing halfway as they became unfocused.

This of course, only lasted a couple of seconds before she managed to gather the willpower to playfully bat his hand away and give him a look that just convey, that he wasn't playing fair. This was only broken when she had this slightly shocked expression, before she spoke out hurriedly. “Oh yeah, I bet you haven't heard yet! Word down the grapevine says that Gilda is going to be starting on the weather team at the start of next month.”

Brex had tilted his head slightly and this prompted Rose to continue. “Yep! As it turns out. The weather team didn't have enough ponies to get the storm ready last night in time, so they are branching out for a few more flyers that are looking to get some part-time work in. The word is, that Rainbow Dash put in a good word for her. So, if Gilda lives up to expectations, then she can have a full-time gig later on.”

Brex quickly thought to himself upon hearing that. “Huh? Well good for her. It's not like I train her from dawn till dusk. She does spend a lot of time with Rainbow, so this works out with their relationship. But hold on there. I could have sworn that Gilda wanted to make biscuits or something like that. Maybe later tonight I'll ask Rory to help go through those memories a little bit to see if I'm wrong. I could always ask Gilda, but I gave her a couple of days off. Wouldn't want to interrupt her if the two of them are up to something.”

Now as for the outside world. Brex gave a subtle nod to what Rose had just told him. The mare then continued. “You know what Gambit? It's good that Rory finally got to joining you here in Ponyville. Ever since she arrived, you seem a little less on edge. Even got past saying only a few words at a time to me. I can say without a doubt, that she is a positive influence on you.”

Back inside of his head. Brex was awkwardly laughing while at the same time, giving a slight wince towards the words that Rose just used. He then had this abstract image of Rory and him standing on a mountain of bleached white skulls. Princess Celestia would probably be locked inside of a stockade, as Rory whipped her nonstop and complaining about what she had done to her master.

As for him, he would be sitting on a golden throne on top of said pile of skulls, with countless females chained together and worshiping his feet. All the doing of Rory because she would think that this would please him.

He then said to Rose in the most convincing voice he was able to muster, and at the same time, very thankful that he currently had a mask on to hide his crooked face. “That's right. Rory is a great influence and I don't know what I do without her.” He then whispered the next bit. “It's a good thing I can keep her under control.” Rose had responded with a loud huh sound, before Brex spoke up again to cover his mistake. “Oh, I said. It's a good thing she's around to keep me on the ball.”

Brex then continued with; “I'm going to look for her now, I'll see you later Rose.” With that, the two said they're goodbyes and Brex made his way deeper into town. As for Rose, she went back to her shopping after immediately spotting a vendor that had just what she was looking for and made a break for it before whatever she was going at was sold out.

*Point of view: Gilda*

The Griffin had just flown through a cloud, thereby dispersing it to allow some sunlight to pass onto the town below. Along with her, was Rainbow doing the same to another cloud of her own. After continuing to clear the skies for a few minutes more. The pair had stopped when there was just one left and decided to take a break by sitting on it together.

Rainbow had just stretched her arms and got a satisfying pop to be emitted, before having a look of relief crossing her face. Afterwards, she fell back and plopped into the cloud before speaking up. “Feels a lot like we're back at flight school, doesn't it?” Gilda replied after giving an amused snort and doing pretty much the same thing as Rainbow and laying down next to her. “I guess it does. Only difference now is there's no annoying teachers.”

From the position Gilda was in. It wasn't possible for her to notice the expression on Rainbows face, as she looked a little worried at the moment that Gilda said the word, teacher. The Pegasus then propped her upper half up, while pushing with her elbows to look at the Griffin and began to ask her a question. “Say, Gilda. There's something I've been meaning to ask you. It's uh, about Gambit.”

Gilda's eyes went wide for a moment and there was this flash of worry, before she went back to her usual cocky attitude. After giving a quick scoff, Gilda replied in her usual, trying to act tough attitude. “Why do you have to go and bring that oversized dweeb up? I don't have to see him for a few days, which means I can skip out on that Tartarus training of his! Heh, fine. What do you want to know?”

Rainbow then started the conversation between the two of them, that would go back and forth. Consisting of the following. All the while, Rainbow would look a little uncomfortable with bringing them all up. On Gilda's part, she would look a little worried from time to time.

“I may have made a bad impression and I just want to know, what kind of a stallion he is.”

“What? Rainbow Dash? My Rainbow Dash, is interested in a male? And it has to be him?! Now I know I've taken a few too many knocks to the head from him. And you're asking me what kind of a stallion he is? Between you and me, I doubt he's even a pony at all. Believe you me. There's no pony on this world that acts the way he does.”

“Gilda, it's not what you think. I really went a little overboard when we met. Whenever I'm around him, it always gets a little awkward. He said that he's over it, but a part of me is still not convinced. He calls every pony else by their names. But whenever he says mine, all I get is, Miss Dash! It's obvious that the guy hasn't forgiven me completely.”

“You're definitely going to know if you crossed the line with him. Trust me, you don't want to be on the receiving end of one of his punishments. I swear, he can arm wrestle two minotaur’s at the same time with what I've seen him do.”

“That's what I mean! The both of you have obviously known each other for years now. Like... What's up with him teaching you how to fight with a spear, when he has that doohickey on his back? A Caster shouldn't be giving advice to a kick-ass babe like you!”

“A kick-ass babe huh? You may want to be careful there... Miss Dash. Keep flattering me like that and we're going to have to worry about there being enough cloud cover up here to keep things hidden. You're not going to believe this, but he can do more than those card tricks. Do you remember in my letters when I talked about my two aunts?”

“Hmmm. Oh yeah, I remember you mentioning them. They were learning how to use bows and arrows, right?”

“That's right. Their assistant teachers over at the Eastern School of Combat. They're almost as strong as the headmare’s there. The thing is, Gambit was the one who first taught them how to fire an arrow.”

“Wait, WHAT!!! But, but those two are practically legends. I don't think there's another out there that could beat their long-distance shooting record. Are you really telling me that Gambit taught them? No way, no how! Even if what you're saying is true, then he probably just gave them some pointers and everything is all on them.”

“Oh, you have no idea how much he trained the both of them. There are some days that they came back when the sun had already come down. Their feathers were completely a mess and they look no better than zombies. Once in a while, in the middle of the night. I'd hear one or both of them talking in our native language while they're asleep. They would say phrases that I didn't even think could come out of a Griffin's mouth. Most of it was gibberish. But they would always say Gambit's name and give off a whimper.”

“Oh right~. Come on! That was a long time ago. We were still kids so you probably heard them wrong. Sure, he looks big, but I doubt he has enough stamina to train them that hard.”

“Not enough stamina, is it? Wasn't it just you that told me yesterday about how Rory talked about how long they can get it on? I've seen her in action. You better believe it when I say if a male can keep up with her, then he may as well be an Alicorn or something silly like that.”

“Huh? How long ago did you first meet Rory? She must have been a small foal back then. I still don't believe it. Even after Applejack said it was true when it came to her being older than me.”

“I met Rory close to maybe, nine or ten years ago. She looks exactly the same as she did back then too. I’m not lying.”

“You've got to be bucking kidding! She can't possibly look exactly the same after nine years. Even if she looks to be sixteen or something. How can she still look the same age after all these years? Hold up, then what about Gambit?”

“What about the dweeb?”

“Is he the same as Rory? I mean, does he seem older than back then?”

“I really can't answer that.”

“Why the hay not?”

“Because he's never taken off his cloak or mask around me. I don't think he's done that for my aunt's or even Einstein either. He's been wearing that same white and blue robe for as long as I can remember. Hmm, but I think at one time he did wear one that was mostly yellow and brown at the top.”

“Yellow and brown? Well, the white and blue obviously looks better on him than that. Also, don't you dare tell Rarity I said that. The last thing I need is for her to look into it too much and try and get me to try on some of those stuffy dresses.”

“Yeah, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing something like what she makes. I'll really sock her in the nose if she comes in anywhere near me with anything frilly. Anyway, Gambit used to wear yellow and brown. When I first saw him, he was using a bow and arrow and fighting a stupid monster. I never said anything in our letters. But at the time, I was kidnapped along with some other kids. My two aunts and Einstein came to rescue us, but we're caught in a trap.”

“It ended up being Gambit who killed the monster and took all the other kids back home. My aunts ended up asking him to help teach them how to use a bow and arrow after that. He even gave Einstein a few pointers on how to fight too.”

“Huh? Isn't Einstein that Diamond dog with the sword and shield? Whoa, whoa, you need to slow down. Gambit can use Magic, Shoot a bow and arrow and fight with a shield and sword? But he's just a stallion! Yeah, I get he's strong I guess, but there's no way he can do that. If it was true, then how come he's an unknown?”

“I'm in the dark as much as you are. All I know is, he would come by on the same day every month and pay us a visit whenever I was with my aunts. The two of them couldn't even speak equestrian very well. It was actually Gambit that helped them with that little problem. I had no idea at the time that he was fluent in our lands tongue. Up until then, Einstein was always doing the go between whenever they needed to talk to anyone in town.”

“Anyone? Don't you mean any-.”

“Rainbow, we had a discussion about that already, don't you remember... Or do you need me to give you another black eye to jog your memory?”

“No, no. I remember and besides weren't you the one that got the black eye? And again, I'm sorry. It's going to take some time to get used to that phrase. What were the odds that Princess Celestia would make an announcement about that in the papers the very next morning?”

“I'd say it was a long time coming. It's sure to catch on in the big cities, but here in Ponyville, I don't think it's going to stick anytime soon. This place is practically filled with nothing but ponies. Oh, and don't get me started on the lack of food either.”

“Food? We got the best hey Burgers and Fries anywhere around. Not to mention, Sugar Cube Corner. The market is also open almost all week long. Just what else could you need?”

“Ah! Hello? What do you think this is on my face? Just what do you think is on the end of my fingers? And do you see this tail of mine, that you're always infatuated with? I'm a griffin, we need protein. That means I need to eat meat. Hurrg... If it wasn't for Gambit having a supply on hand, then I'd have to spend more time hunting in the forest. Most of what I need is deeper inside. Yeah, even gave me a Stern talking to keep away from those animals at that Fluttershy is place.”

“Urgh! The more I hear, the more I feel worse! Just what am I going to do now?”

“Okay Rainbow, I know where this is leading. You did something again didn't you? Just fess up already.”

“Oh I, well... It's just that. I may have accused him... Again. And at the same time, I probably pissed off Rory too.”

“Hold on! You accused Gambit and Rory... Got angry? Oh, horse feathers. The one, and only absolute rule you should follow is to never bad mouth Gambit when Rory is within earshot. I remember one time where this Pony tried to insult Gambit. Rory was there and she broke that mare's hand in several places without batting an eye. What did you say this time?”

“Uaaaaahhhhhhh.... I uh, thought Rory was still a minor and he was taking advantage of her. Sooooo, I ended up calling him out on it.”

“YOU DID WHAT?!! Rainbow! You're lucky to still be alive! There's something you should really know about Gambit. Out of all the things in this world that could possibly get him angry more than anything, aside from something happening to Rory. Would have to be the mistreatment of children. He doesn't even believe in punishment through physical beating or yelling. Whenever I acted up, he never once raised a finger to me. But if you're an adult, he will not hesitate. So, you saying something like that to him probably did a number.”

“Oh, buck me seven ways to Sunday... Why do I keep putting my hoof in my mouth whenever it involves him? Gilda, you know him. You got any advice? I’’ take anything at this point!”

“I can't really see you doing anything. Besides, if that dweeb hasn't taken any action now, then you're probably fine. But now that Rory's here, I'd watch what I say and do from now on if I were you. That girl can really lose her mind and go all crazy. I’m pretty sure that even if she was going up against one of your rulers, that she’d even attack Celestia, if that Princess said anything bad about him.”

“Just great… Maybe I should try talking to Rose or Twilight on this.”

“What's those two got to do with this?”

“Well, Rose is often seeing speaking with him and they both talk normally to one another. It might just be my imagination, but I think she's gotten a little peppier since Gambit came to town. Once I was flying by the market a while back, I saw him patting her head.”

“Hold on. You just said you saw him Patty her head? That dweeb... It's safe to say that mare’s a goner. Here's a word of warning. Don't let him catch you off guard when he does that. Trust me, it's embarrassing. I won’t go into any details, just trust me, OK?”

“Embarrassing? Oooh~. I remember now. Twilight completely spaced out when he did that to her. She was pretty much a drooling mess. No way am I letting that happen to me. It would just destroy my image.”

“Putting aside, the weird power that the oversized weave has. I think I get the picture with this Rose, but what's your other friend got to do with it?”

“It's like this. I sometimes hear Twilight mentioning that Gambit hangs out with Spike now and then. She might know a thing or two.”

Gilda had released a small grunt of annoyance and in one swift motion, rolled her body so that she was now on top of Rainbow. With the way Gilda was holding herself up on her hands and knees. Rainbow's arms and legs were pinned straight down. Rainbow was now heavily blushing as Gilda leaned in with a predatory gaze before saying, “I think that's way more than enough of talking about the dweeb.”

From there, she leaned in close to Rainbows right ear and started to whisper something into it. In response. Rainbow's wings popped out to their full length. All that the blue Pegasus could do was to slowly nod with a crooked smile on her face.

Gilda quickly reached over with her right hand and pulled a part of the cloud over them both so that they were hidden from view. The only things that could be heard was the ruffling of clothing being harshly pulled off and some light moaning from a pair of females from inside of the cloud that seems to slightly contort, thanks to the movement within.

*Point of view: Third person*
*Location: Dodge City*

Dodge City was a place considered to have a wild west theme. The land may have had a few more areas of vegetation compared to the badlands. But a reasonably sized town that was just a little bigger than Ponyville had been erected. Most of the buildings were quite small. Although, there were a few that looked quite modern when compared to the rest.

Towards the South side of Dodge City. Was a highway road that stretched towards the South and into the Badlands, while in the other direction, it went Westward. Just a few miles away from the protective wall, there was a small wagon train heading towards the West that could not have left more than twenty minutes prior. The group of Ponies, along with a couple of Griffins and a single Minotaur, were either walking alongside the wagons or pulling them along.

They were just getting to the beginning of a row of small hills that needed to be passed by on the left side. That was when a single basilisk came lumbering out of some rocky crevices. It had let out a loud hiss as it came barreling towards them at full speed. Thanks to the way it did this, it was easy to assume that the monster was going to ram directly into the lead wagon with its whole body. The creature was three and a half meters tall and the distance it covered with each step could easily have outdone anyone there if they were to try and run.

(Here is a picture of the monster.)

The mare who was pulling the cart, alongside of another. Became so panicked, that they were unable to get themselves free from the harnesses that were keeping them a fixed to their cargo. They had just grabbed on to each other and let out a shared scream just as the creature was within striking distance.

The ground gave subtle quakes as to each time its legs had hit the ground thanks to its weight. The mouth was already opened and bearing its fangs and ready to taste the first Pony. But before it could even touch the mare's that were literally staring down its throat. The beast was blindsided by something passing by so quickly, that it made nothing but a blur and a partial outline of itself as it collided with its form and continued on without even slowing down at all.

Pretty much in slow motion before the two mare’s… Was the site of the monsters eyes going comically wide and clearly showing both disbelief and extreme pain, as it was literally sent flying in over the hills so that it was clear on the other side. It had even released some spittle in the process that landed on the mare’s clothing with how close it was when this all occurred.

The only thing that could be heard from the sudden silence from everyone there and before the loud crash that the creature obviously produced upon landing in the distance. Was that of a loud, yet adorable sound, that was in the direction of the dust trail going towards the West and was already beginning to fade in the distance. “Kahweeeeeeeh!”

The two mare were quickly gathered around by the rest of those that were a part of the wagon train only moments after. As they were still hanging on to one another and blankly staring where the beast was just moments ago. One of them was in the middle of wiping off the foul-smelling spit from her shirt, while asking the other one a question in a confused voice. “I was watching… And I still didn't see what happened... Are you thinking what I'm thinking?”

The other mare replied in the straightest voice possible, while blinking slowly. “I don't know. Were you thinking, Oh My Celestia, Oh My Celestia, Oh My Celestia. I almost got my head bit off by a monster... If so, then yes. Also, next time, don't volunteer us to be the front.”

*Point of view: Brex Mith*
*Time: Seven thirty-five in the morning*

Brex had been wandering around town to take his time as he made his way towards the Golden Oaks Library. This was after getting in touch with Rory to find out that she had been there for the sleepover episode.

It had only taken a few minutes to have Rory convey the events that happened while he was at HQ. But when she had gotten to the point of the story, where she had intentionally allowed Rarity to catch her in her normal form, did he nearly have a heart attack and clutched onto his chest. Thoughts flooded his mind about getting Rory out of there as quickly as possible.

It had taken some time for Rory to calm him down in order to explain her reasoning for doing so. To make a long story short. Rory was deeply concerned with the rate things were moving and made a calculated risk in order to see just what these girls would do.

So, when Rory had gotten those towels and Rarity excused herself to go downstairs again. The girl quickly dried herself off within a few seconds and stealthily made her way downstairs herself and stood around the doorway from the kitchen, in order to eavesdrop on their conversation.

As it stands. Rory had been constantly attempting to convince him to finally show himself for what he really is, but came out with very little to show for it. Not even Fancy Pants, Fleur De Lis or Queen Bellona, had the chance to see his face, even after all this time. As for Rin and Lin. Even with Rory convincing him to allow them to join in their activities. They were pretty much in the dark as well with constantly needing to wear some type of eye cover when his body was exposed at all.

At one time or another, Brex had even contemplated taking off his mask for those two so he had inquired as to whether or not they were bothered with not knowing their Lord's face. The two ended up surprising him when they said that they were perfectly fine with the current arrangement. In fact, they seemed all for it considering the facts. Brex asked them again as to why they were fine with it and their response was quite unusual to say the least.

According to them. It had to do with their ability to sense emotions. Thanks to their inability to feel his. The two of them got to experience something that they were completely unaccustomed to. In other words. Serving him was a complete turn on to them with how exotic it felt to be completely in the dark. So, when it came to him covering up his face that only added to the mystery. All that they knew of his form was from direct touch.

It was because of this simple fact or rather unusual fact. That Brex could see back then, how Rory was quite upset with the idea of losing two supporters in her plans to get him to open up. Now with putting that aside.

Brex was more than deeply relieved with the outcome of Rory's little bet. In fact, he was a little relieved to say the least for Rory. He did try his very best to hide this from the girl, but he had been feeling guilty that she had to hide herself for so long and maybe this was something that really needed to be done before now.

Another five minutes or so had gone by, when he finally made it to the front door of the library. Another reason for him not going straight to her was also having to do with Rory's spending some quality time with Twilight, Rarity and Applejack for breakfast.

Rory did try to get him to arrive sooner so that he can be there as well and maybe do some flirting in front of them. But Brex refused, seeing as he felt that he shouldn't be there to interrupt their fun and opted for arriving only now as they were about to go back to their own homes.

That was when the door was open from inside and Applejack, along with Rarity were exiting together. The two just happen to be so into their conversation with Twilight, who is still in the house to be able to look ahead of themselves, that the pair had run right into Gambit after taking only a few steps outside.

Whether it be by fortune… Or miss fortune. The following happened as a result. As they collided with him. The two Ponies started to stumble back. But due to them being so shocked at the sudden Impact. The way they stumbled made the two tangle their legs into one another. There was a shared set of feminine yells before they ended up trying to stand up straight. But because of the way their legs were currently situated, both Rarity and Applejack ended up falling forward once again and onto their knees.

Seemingly out of reflex to prevent themselves from being hurt as they fell. Their arms had instinctively reached out so that they were both holding around and just under his waist. This in turn, led to the fashionista and the farm mare to press their faces firmly into his crotch with their eyes closed tightly and giving a startled grunt.

Without even looking down and staying perfectly still after all of this. Brex could plainly feel the both of them nuzzling against his package. Even though there were layers of cloth in between. It also didn't help in the least, that his earlier reminiscing. Especially with his two maids before coming to the door, had had the effect of causing him to get rather... Invigorated down there. But he did end up flinching slightly from behind his mask, after clearly hearing what could have been heavy sniffing from down below.

Their arms were also beginning to tightly clench at his robes as they did this for a good few seconds. Before Brex spoke up rather casually for the situation. While still looking towards the doorway that had Twilight in a frozen state of shock and Rory directly behind the Unicorn. Who was giving a playful smirk and crossing her arms in a triumphant pose. Which clearly showed that she was either loving this or had somehow planned it.

“Good morning, Miss Rarity. Good morning, Miss Applejack. It would appear that you are not quite awake just yet. I heard that a storm was set up for last night. Clearly, the two of you have not gotten enough sleep.” Almost immediately, there was the pair down below giving their own variations of gasps, as they quickly got back onto their legs and brushed themselves off of any dirt.

As they were doing that. Brex could see them both trying to speak up, but every syllable kept getting caught in their throat. So, it just came out as complete gibberish as the two of them look towards him and back at one another to try and get some support, but failing miserably.

Rarity was trying to stand up straight. But her legs kept trying to cross themselves as her right hand kept playing with one of the top buttons on her white blouse nervously. She had quickly stammered out, while trying to walk away backwards at first at a Brisk pace.

“I, it's, we, you, huh! Y-Yes v-very much so! Couldn't get a wink of sleep at all! I'll j-just be heading back home and-. That was when Rarity began to stumble before quickly writing herself up again before she finished. “I-I must get going, I shall see you all later darlings, Tata!” And with that, she was off faster than Pinkie Pie being told that there's a cupcake eating contest down the road. Oddly enough her hair was slightly messed up due to all of this yet she didn’t take the time to check herself as she left.

Pretty much at the same time this was happening. Applejack was in the same state. While having a heavy blush that would say that Big Mac couldn't be considered to be red in color if compared. The farm mare was holding onto her hat with her right-hand after taking it off and the left was currently running itself through her not yet braided hair repeatedly.

She had given an overly exaggerated chuckle, while watching Rarity trying to make a getaway. Applejack had managed to put the hat back on and leave her hair alone, only for her to absent-mindedly grab onto the white button-up work shirt she had on in order to try to make it cover more of the cleavage that she was normally showing off. Although, in her haste, she had mistakenly undone one of them to show even more of her cleavage. This giving a quick glimpse at the yellow bra that she was sporting.

Once she had realized her current situation. The orange mare made a break for it while screaming over her left shoulder in an out of breath fashion. “S-Sorry! I can't stay and chat, but I think I hear Big Mac calling me! I'm really late for my chores!” It was easily caught on by Brex with the way her face contorted for a moment as she said those words, just like she normally does when trying to tell a lie on the show.

Over with Twilight she had just placed a hand onto her forehead and was now lightly shaking her head. Along with a clear blush underneath her palm, that could be seen from witnessing such an embarrassing scene. She then said in an apologetic tone. “A-Are you okay over there Gambit? You did just get bumped into by two mare's and one of them was Applejack. She’s the strongest out of all of us when it comes to strength.”

Brex ended up tilting his head to the left, just slightly enough to show that he was confused in some way or another, before replying in his usual way. “What, that? I've been hit with a lot worse. As for Applejack, she’s as light as a flower.”

“But seriously, it's not a good idea to go outside when you're still half asleep. Especially if you're so tired that you'll end up clinging onto whatever you can. I'm not entirely sure, but I think they were just about to take a nap while still holding on to me as well. Must have gotten confused and thought they were still in their beds I presume.”

Twilight's eyes were quickly shifting from left to right. She also gave an embarrassed smile as she replied. “Oh yeah! Uh, that's right. They were very, very tired. Can you believe a tree fell through one of the library's windows when we were going to sleep?” That was when Rory stepped alongside of Twilight. With her left arm, Rory placed it behind the Unicorn so that it was now on the opposite shoulder and pulling the mare in closer. Rory then started to speak while Twilight was surprised by the sudden motion.

“That's right Master. This big old tree branch came crashing right into Twilight's bedroom right as the wind got really bad. Luckily, there was no water damage. But the window frame did get pretty banged up. There's just no telling what might happen the next time it rains. All those books might get damaged by some slow moisture leakage if it's not checked out and proper repairs are made.”

Upon hearing about the supposed future destruction of her books. The purple Unicorn had started to hyperventilate and mumble to herself of what sounded like a list of book titles. As this was going on. Brex narrowed his eyes towards Rory before opening up the connection and speaking to her with a slow and accusatory tone. “Rory… I can see where this is heading.”

Rory answered with her voice being that a pure innocence. “Oh, come now Master. No need to be like that. I am merely suggesting that this is an opportunity to fix the damage before any of the books you like to read end up getting destroyed. Besides, you're here anyway and it would be better than getting called back later on.”

“Also, you can get the task done pretty quick from what I could tell from earlier. I doubt very much that this would take more than ten or fifteen minutes at the most. Besides, I know you are itching to mess with Twilight and this would be a good opportunity to do so. You can’t say that you’re not thinking of it now and then.”

From behind is mask. Brex was giving Rory a stern look, but it soon turned into one of contemplation. Only a few seconds later, did Brex finally release a small sigh before lately shaking his head and giving a shrugging gesture, that completely went unawares to Twilight that was still in the middle of freaking out.

He then brought his attention back to the mare and spoke just loud enough that Twilight could hear over her own ramblings. “Twilight, could you please show me to where this happened. Maybe I could do something about some of the damage to the library.”

This ended up snaping Twilight out of whatever nonsense she was currently saying and adopted a hopeful smile and a set of stars filling her eyes that glittered so much, that Brex wondered if it was meant to happen or only an effect that he could perceive.

Without showing much forethought at all. The purple Unicorn had already rushed right up and taking a hold of his right hand to pull him inside as quickly as she could. Brex knowing that she wouldn't be able to move him very easily. Had already moved along and was guided straight to her room on the upper floor. But along the way, as they were passing Rory. The Roegadyn easily caught a glimpse of the girl giving him a small smile before following closely behind.

Once they were inside of Twilight's surprisingly big room. Brex went straight to work with going over the window frame, as well as the floorboards where the tree must have fallen, due to the scratch marks made. He knelt down right in front of the damaged frame and placed his right hand onto it. Soon there was a small fluorescent white light that shined from underneath his palm. This lasted a solid minute before he pulled it away to reveal it to be as good as new, before going on to the next one that happened to be a small crack in the glass.

As he was doing this. He could hear Twilight only a few feet away and saying the following, while apparently making some notes by the sound of the quill scratching on parchment that he was able to pick up with his hearing. “Just how is he doing that? I clearly see no horn for the channeling, but he's casting a Unicorn spell... Hmm, no. I don't think it's a spell that I know. It feels different to a simple repair spell. Rory, is Gambit using a magic item?”

Rory responded to the question in a hush, as to not be too loud and break his concentration. “My Master is not using a magical item to do any of this. You could say it's a unique spell that he and only a few others know of how to use. This one right here is called, Mend. It allows one to repair a small tear or broken seam in an object that is about twelve inches in diameter or less. Just think a broken chain, glass and other such objects. It could be used as many times as one wants, but it does take a full minute to take effect. It's counted as one of the lower-level spells and it's quite useful to have on hand.”

Twilight caught on and followed Rory's example and brought her voice down in order to ask her next question as she kept her eyes on Gambit. “Just what do you mean by, that’s a lower-level spell? I can already tell that it's far different from what I looked up in the Canterlot library. Which happens to be classified as a mid to high tier and only those who have progressed high enough could even hope to cast it. I was unaware that the Astrologian’s even had such a spell in their arsenal. No wonder they were only taught near Canterlot.”

Rory gave a small giggle before saying, “I believe you're mistaken. This has nothing to do with the Astrologian.” Twilight, could be heard stammering for a moment, before raising her voice slightly as she replied to that. But I thought it was believed that a non-Unicorn could only use magic that was from the schools. Are you telling me that this also extends to other types of magic as well? Can you tell me just who it was that taught Gambit how to do all of this?”

Rory had obviously made a sound to suggest that she may have just shrugged and gave out a small hum, before answering the mare. “I'm sorry Twilight, but I believe I might be overstepping my bounds by telling you even this much about it already. You're just going to have to ask him yourself.”

From then on, as Brex was fixing the minor damages that were caused by last night's storm. Twilight would essentially be hovering around him and trying to ask multiple questions. These ranging from the specifics of the Mend spell, that he was using, as well as any type of clue for where it came from and who might have taught it to him. But during the several minutes that he had to go through in order to finish up.

Brex would either ignore Twilight or give some half-assed answer. Which only irritated the Unicorn as she kept trying to come up with one guess right after another. There would be speculations as to special classes being taught that was not made public to the other students. Possibly what he knew was from some unpublished works. There was even a long rant as she tried to compare it to that of the fixing spell that the Unicorns could do.

As all of this was going on, He would grumble through the connection and Rory would just stand there with an amused look on her face. When he had finished. He called out to Rory while still standing in the middle of Twilight's room and trying to spot any other damages he can work on. Which ended up with the two of them going back and forth.

“Rory, could you check downstairs? I believe the book that I was reading before might be on the shelf directly below Twilight’s window.”

“Hold on just a moment Master. I'll take a look... ... ... Hmm, nope! I don't think I see anything down here! What was it you were reading anyway?”

“Never mind then. If you don't see any water damage, then we're all finished up here.”

“Oh, come on Master. I'm really curious as to what it was. Please~.”

“Fine! Sheesh! It should be on the second shelf down. Go thirteen books starting from the left. The book is white, with a gold trim.”

“One... Two... Ten, ah ha! Here we go, thirteen! Huh? Master? Why would you be reading this? You're the one that-.”

“Never mind. I think we're all done now. let's get going.”

Brex turned to Twilight as he made his way for the stairs and said, “Consider this as thanks for letting Rory stay the night. I know that you hardly know her, but thanks none the same.” To that, Twilight just gave him a big smile and walk them both out of her house. Of course, As she did that, she was thanking him for his help repeatedly. No doubt for saving the literary works from mold and other such horrible parel.

Once they had gotten outside and Twilight closed the door. Brex stood there for a moment and slowly turned his head towards Rory. Who was standing at his left side before he spoke in a slow and deliberate tone. One that just said that he was suspecting her of something. “Rory... I know I said I'm not going to be actively hiding anymore, but do you have to try and bring up things in front of Twilight so much?”

Rory had jumped up against his body and gave him a big hug as she giggled out a response. “Master, you know that everything I do is for your benefit. Besides, now Twilight has an interest in something that you yourself have written.”

Brex had given a slight tilt of the head, that Rory had obviously picked up on before she elaborated. “You know that she's trying to figure out just who you really are. Not only are you using magic right in front of her that she previously never knew about, but she's also going to look into what you are reading in her library. Oh! By the way. I’m also surprised that you were able to handle that so well when those two were all over you back there.”

He ended up replying to that after first letting out a small huff. “Well… After waking up in the morning to find not only you under my sheets, but those other two along with you. I can safely say that I’ve come to be accustomed to both the sight and feeling of such a situation by now. Not to say I wasn’t caught off guard by it. Although, I do hope they don’t act all weird about it later on.”

Rory was clearly about to go on. But Brex had roughly grabbed onto her by the waist and threw her over his back, so that he was holding on to both of her legs with his left arm and started to make his way in the direction of the hotel. Rory had given out a startled yelp of surprise, which instantly turned into an excited giggling fit and lightly kicking her legs, as she was dangling there and holding on to her large axe. She then said, “Oh my, am I about to get punished, Tee-Hee~.”

*Point of view: Twilight Sparkle*

Right after escorting Gambit and Rory out of the library. Twilight had immediately gone up to the second floor and right in front of a window that just barely was able to get the two in her sights, as they we're making their way deeper into town. The Unicorn even had a slight blush upon seeing Rory being carried away and hearing the excited sounds the mare was giving off from all the way up where she was watching from.

As soon as site was lost of the pair. Twilight immediately went back downstairs in a full sprint after recalling the directions that Gambit gave in order to locate that one particular book. The last words that Rory was saying, had rang in her mind and this piqued her curiosity to where she couldn't concentrate on doing anything else. At least, not until she found it so that she could discover what exactly it could have been for some small insight into the mind of the strange stallion.

At the bookshelf in question. She began to count from the left side and one row down from the top. It had only taken a few seconds until she had located the white book and pulled it out from between its brothers and sisters and gave the cover a quick glance. Twilight had a look of confusion as she slightly tilted her head and began to silently say the title to herself.

She then said out loud. “I don't believe I've gotten around to reading you yet. Who was it that wrote this anyway?” As her eyes drifted down. The bottom of the book would come into view and all that would be seen were the initials, B. M. Twilight did not recognize the author, seeing as simply putting only the initials of a Pony's name was not normally used in publicizing a book. A few seconds had gone by before Twilight had taken it under her right arm and made her way into the kitchen.

*Point of view: Third person*
*Location: Canterlot Castle. Throne Room*
*Time: Ten in the morning*

The sun could be seen with completely clear skies through one of the open windows of the throne room. The inside was pretty much busy as usual with how there were groups of Nobles with one another. All of them discussing their plans and going over possible ways to give their petitions to the one running Day Court.

Among them, were a few of the regular citizens and one pony that was easily identified thanks to their mustache and one monocle that they wore. This Pony was even wearing a very stylish, yet simple gray suit and holding within his arms a thick brown folder with some colorful designs printed on the outside. Said designs were comprised primarily of gold, yellow and some green colors.

Right now, there was a pony currently with Celestia's attention at the bottom of the stairs, trying to give a proposal to the best of her ability. Fancy Pants had a habit of attending Day Court once in a while. Even if he had nothing to say to the Princess, just so he can hear some of what was going on in the city. But honestly, it was more to keep tabs on the more troublesome members of the noble faction. However, today it seemed that he had some legitimate business this time around with Celestia.

Back to the one who is giving their current presentation. It was clear that they were attempting to come up with funds from the Royal Treasury, to start up a business involving mining rights. But from what could be heard so far. It was no better than a suicidal and desperate act, seeing as it was one targeted towards locating valuable resources near the heart of the Everfree.

Celestia, who was sitting at her throne. Was holding onto her usual diplomatic mask that she had grown so much accustomed to wearing while in front of her subjects and was listening intently. As soon as the pony had gotten to the end and was about to make their finishing statement. The pony took in a deep breath and said, “Your highness. I do realize that the Everfree forest is quite dangerous but, uh… What could be found there, without Ray the Whisk. I mean! It would outweigh the risk.”

“Yes, we will need to pay quite a hefty sum to get the proper security. As well as the funds to ship the equipment. But in the long run it will be to our advantage. Canterlot was not built in a day as they say. I am certain that going for such a Gambit, would meet with your approval.” Fancy Pants had been carefully watching the Princess at the time to gauge her response to such a ludicrous and highly costly venture.

But, as soon as the pony had mentioned the word, Gambit. There was the smallest of cracks that could be seen and Princess Celestia's left hand was starting to grip at the throne’s armrest a little tighter. This was apparent, with the way that her fingers were slightly bending from the pressure.

Fancy Pants wasn't too sure about this either, but he could have sworn that for the briefest of instances. The Princess might have begun to turn a light shade of pink and her eyes became slightly blank as they looked off in the distance.

Until his turn came up. Fancy Pants would continue to watch one Noble after another coming up to Celestia, as well as the common folk with their smaller, yet equally important request. But ever since that preposterous mining endeavor was given. Fancy Pants would sniff the air every now and then and think to himself the following. “Since when did anyone sneak a cake into the throne room? And does my nose deceive me, I detect the aroma of vanilla?”