Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!

"I found some more over here momma!" Kipo called out to her mother as she stood up from behind the bush she was picking herbs at. Fluttershy smiled at her.

"That's good sweetie, just remember not to pick too many, we only need a small amount this time." Fluttershy instructed and Kipo nodded her head before disappearing back behind the bush to collect more herbs.

'Ah, I kinda needed this. Just a relaxing day with momma with nothing crazy happening.' Kipo thought as she picked some more herbs before seeing that there were no more. 'Aw man, momma said we needed more herbs for medicine and stuff for the animals. Wonder if there are more nearby?' without thinking to tell Fluttershy, Kipo began to walk further into the forest for more herbs, thinking she would be back before Fluttershy realizes she was gone.

She hummed a bit as she searched for more herbs, not paying attention to where she was going until her search brought her deeper into the forest. So far, she has not found any more herbs which upset her a bit. "Aw man, I can't find any more anywhere." whined Kipo before she huffs as she looks around. "Better get back to momma before she gets worried."

However, before Kipo could start walking back, she started to get a strange feeling. Like, something was wanting her to go in a different direction. "What's this weird feeling?" she questioned before letting curiosity take and she followed the feeling. She kept walking until she eventually reached a large cave that was mostly covered in moss and other flora. Kipo shifted her nose into her jaguar one and sniffed the area to see if there were any large predators or worse, Timberwolves around, but strangely, there was nothing, not even a lingering scent that stays if an animal leaves. Almost as if nothing had ever been in this cave. Letting curiosity take over once again, she put her basket down and walked into the cave and the moment she did, her nose started to pick up different smells which confused her greatly. "Huh? That's weird. Why did I immediately pick up something the moment I stepped in here?" Kipo wondered as she walked further into the cave shile shifting her eyes into her jaguar ones so she can see in the darkness of the cave.

Kipo glanced around at the cave walls, seeing that they were pretty normal then looked down at the ground and blinked in surprise. Thanks to her night vision, she was able to see a set of tracks, except, they were pretty odd ones. She can see both pony hooves and talons belong to some kind of bird, but instead of moving seperately, they were moving in unison, almost as if whoever made them had both hooves and talons. "Talons and hooves? Maybe it's a bird pony?" Kipo said as she imagined a combination of a pony and bird with the front legs ending in talons and the back ones ending in hooves with a pair of wings on their back. She couldn't help but giggle a bit at such an image as she walked further into the cave. "That's a silly idea. Maybe it's some animal from the Everfree that no one has discovered yet?"

She hums a bit as she ventured deeper into the cave until she notices light at the end, making her pick up the pace a bit. She eventually reaches the end and sees some sort of altar that was decorated with a few things, like toys, some flowers that were slowing wilting, a couple of lit candles, and a a painting of a colt that was torn and faded but Kipo could still make out most of the colts features, they had a light brown coat with a white mane which had a single horn sticking out with blue eyes. She also saw some kind of batpony, if the eyes were anything to go off of except at the same time, they didn't look like one. For one thing, they had two horns that spiraled together and was clearly much bigger than the colt, maybe around Princess Celestia's size. She couldn't tell for sure based on a painting alone. Both the strange batpony and colt were smiling happily in the painting, making Kipo smile a bit. "They look like good friends. Wonder if someone built this for them. If so, that was nice."

She then looked around and saw another room connected to the one she is in and thanks to her night vision, she was able to make out a simple mattress with a tattered blanket. "Was somebody living here?" She asked, not expecting an answer.

But she did get one.

"Not was. Is." she heard a voice that sounded neither masculine or feminine before she turned around, seeing legs at first before she slowly looked up, stepping back a few feet to see the same batpony from the painting standing right in front of her. The first thing that came to mind was that they were big, and she didn't mean Big Mac big, she means possibly bigger than Celestia big. Like in the picture, she can see they had two horns that were spiraled together but she can also see that they had a pair of large bat wings on their back. There was also the fact that they were all sorts of different colors in different areas of their body, like the head which was gray while the body was black, the front legs a dark green and ended in a pair of talons that were light blue and red. Their back legs ,which were stacked with muscle, were a dark purple and ended in dark red hooves and to complete their appearance, their body was also covered in various scars in different

Kipo gulped upon seeing the large pony who stared down at her with scrutinizing eyes. Kipo eventually found her voice to meekly say, "H-hi."

The pony just continued to stare at her, making Kipo extremely nervous and worried before they spoke. “Where is the Element?”

“T-the what?” Kipo asked, caught off guard by the question. She expected them to ask what she was doing here instead.

“Where is the Element?” The pony asked again, not sounding mad but still on edge. "Give it to me or else."

“T-the Element? Why d-do you want it?” Kipo asked them, backing up a bit.

“It belonged to him, I want it to…to help remember.” They said before holding their head. “Need the Element.” They muttered.

Kipo looked at the pony in concern as it looked like they were in quite a bit of pain and distress so she hesitantly placed a hand on their leg. “H-hey, are you o-ok?”

They flinched back and looked at Kipo with fear for a moment before their expression changed to a neutral one. “I am fine, where is the Element?”

“W-well, there are seven so I-I don’t know which one you are talking a-about. S-sorry.” Kipo apologized to the pony while nervously rubbing her arm.

“Innocence, give me Innocence, it was his.” They said before shaking their head. “It is his, not yours.”

“My E-Element?” Kipo asked quietly. “I-I didn’t know it already b-belonged to someone.”

“He…” They shook their head. “He gave me kindness, friendship, so I protect what is his.”

Kipo smiled a bit and pats the pony’s leg, any fear she had pretty much disappearing after hearing how the strange pony wants to look after something that belonged to their friend. “You’re a good friend for trying to protect something that belonged to someone you cared about.”

The pony looked down at her, not flinching away from her touch. “I want to keep his memory alive.”

“If you need it that badly, I guess I can share it.” Kipo said, hoping that would be enough for the pony.

“Share?” They said, sounding unsure. “But…I need it.”

Kipo hummed a bit and then shrugged. “Ok, I guess you can have it. I don’t really wear it and it’s been in a box under my bed ever since I found it.”

“Under…your bed?” They asked before frowning. “He wore it everywhere!”

Kipo flinches a bit. “S-sorry, I was told it was very important and I didn’t want it to get taken so I left it there to keep it safe.”

They closed their eyes and clenched their talons. “It is fine, but I need the Element to complete the altar of my friend.”

“Altar?” Kipo questioned, tilting her head a bit.

They nodded their head. “Yes, it is something I made to show respect since he helped me with…” they paused, a look of pain on their face.

“Hey, if you don’t want to talk about it it’s fine.” Kipo said, patting their leg again before standing up. “How about we go get the Element now, ok?”

“Yes…but no tricks.” They said before pointing at a door. “This way out.” Kipo nodded as she followed the pony out of the room and into a dark cave where she had to bring out her jaguar eyes in order to see.

“Why is it so dark?”

“I can see just fine.” They said as they walked ahead of Kipo, easily avoiding all the obstacles.

“Because you’re a batpony?” Kipo asked.

“Among other things.” They quietly said but Kipo heard them thanks to her hearing.

“What was that?” she asked, deciding to not ask about it.

“What was what?” They asked.

“I thought you said said something.” she said.

“I didn’t.” They said with a small frown.

“Oh, ok.” the two walked in silence for a bit before Kipo asked the batpony, "So the colt in the picture was your friend?"

“Yes.” They gained a look of sadness on their face. “He was my only friend.”

Kipo looked at the altar then at the pony, seeing the hurt and sadness in their eyes. She then wrapped her arms around their leg, since they were too big to hug properly, making the pony look down at her. “I’m sure he was happy to have a friend like you.”

They looked back at the picture. “I hope so.”

“Hey, I’m sure he was. I mean, you made something to remember him by and was looking for something that belonged to him. If that’s not a good friend then I don’t know what is.” Kipo said, looking up at him with a small smile.

They nodded slowly. “Yes, thank you little one.”

“You’re welcome mister um…” Kipo trailed off when she realized she doesn’t know the pony’s name. “What’s your name?”

They were quiet for a moment before answering. “Patchwork. But I go by Patch.”

“That’s a nice name.” Kipo said, making Patchwork smile a bit.

“Thank you.” They said before they turned. “Come on, we should go.”

“Ok.” Kipo was about to follow but stopped and looked at the picture and altar before following him. “Do you mind if I ask you something?”

“I don’t mind, ask what you want.” They said as they walked.

“Are you a batpony alicorn? If so, how come no one has mentioned you?” Kipo asked them.

“I…am not a normal alicorn.” They said with a frown.

“You’re not? Is it because you’re a batpony?” she asked.

“No…I am not a batpony, I am…something else.” they said with a heavy sigh and Kipo looked at the scars covering Patch's body.

Kipo, upon seeing them, decided to drop the subject as it was probably a sensitive one and instead choose something else to talk about. “Is there anything you like to do for fun? I find hanging out with my friends while we go on adventures to be fun.”

“Adventures?” They asked.

“Yeah, for Cutie Marks. Though, I know I can’t get one but I can at least help my friends get theirs.” Kipo said with a smile.

“You…remind me of him.” They said slowly.

“I do?”

“Yes, he was always trying to help me get my Cutie Mark.” They said before looking at their flank sadly and when Kipo looked, she saw that they didn’t have a Cutie Mark, making her gasp in surprise as she hadn't noticed before.

“Oh my gosh! You don’t have a Cutie Mark?” she asked them just as they reached a dead end which confused Kipo a bit since this was where the cave entrance was supposed to be.

“No I don’t, at least…not anymore.” They said before pushing the boulder blocking their path out of the way, revealing the outside world.

“Well maybe me and my friends can help you get yours?” she then lets out an excited gasp as a wide smile appeared on her face. “You can even be a Cutie Mark Crusader too!”

“Cutie Mark Crusader?” They asked with a confused look at Kipo.

“It’s what we call ourselves. We dedicate most of our free time trying to earn Cutie Marks. Well, I help my friends try to get theirs since momma said humans can’t get Cutie Marks.” Kipo explained.

“I see…maybe, we will see. I still don’t fully trust you yet.” They said as they walked out of the cave they were in.

“How come you don’t trust me?” Kipo asked them.

“I don’t trust anyone but him.” They said as they led the way.

“Oh, ok. Is that gonna stop us from being friends?” she asked them.

“I don’t know.” They said, their wings twitching a bit.

“Well if it isn’t then I would like us to be friends if that is ok with you.” Kipo said, smiling at them.

“We will see.” They said with a small sigh. “The ponies will attack me when they see me.”

“Why?” Kipo asked before a thought entered her mind, one that made her look down. “Is it because you look different than them?”

“Of course it is, I am a monster, made to hurt others…my mother saw me as a failure and threw me away.” They looked at their mix-matched body. “And now any pony that sees me would attack, all but him.”

Kipo looked at the pony with pity and sadness in her eyes before she hugged their front leg, making them stop in their tracks and look at her. “I’m really sorry you had to go through that. No one should have to go through what you have to.” she said, hugging them tighter. “If it means anything, I don’t think you are a monster. Sure you may look scary but you're a really nice person if someone gets the chance to know you."

“I…” Patchwork started before closing their eyes and looking away. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome Patch.” Kipo said, giving them a small smile.

Patchwork shook their head. “You confuse me.” They said before they started to walk again, lifting Kipo with their hind leg with each step.

Kipo giggles a bit. “How so?”

“You are like him…but…not.” They looked back at Kipo as they walked. “You are not a pony, yet you live in a pony town. You hold the same Element as him, but you do not wear it. But there is one thing you both share is that you both showed me kindness.”

“Well I was raised to be kind to others. Plus, I kinda know what it’s like to be treated differently.” Kipo said as memories of ponies like Spoiled treating her like she didn’t belong, of course they didn’t say anything but she can see it in their eyes.

“He…he was different too. He was born with a weak magic core, meaning he couldn’t perform a lot of spells.” Patchwork said slowly. “Yet he always treated others with kindness because he believes if he were to treat them kindly, they would treat him the same.”

“Really? That’s a good way of living.” Kipo said, smiling.

“Yes…he tried many times to help me make more friends but most screamed and ran away, one even blasted me with magic.” They said with a frown.

“You weren’t hurt were you?” Kipo asked in worry, even though this attack took place thousands of years ago, she couldn’t help but be a bit worried for Patch’s well-being.

“I…needed a new shoulder but otherwise I was fine but they tried to take him from me after attacking me.” Patchwork said with a soft growl. “But their attack was weak and I managed to stop them before the white ones guards took them away.”

Kipo was gonna ask who the white one was but stopped when she realized what Patchwork said. “Wait, you needed a new shoulder?”

They nodded and rubbed a talon along their shoulder where a nasty looking scar was. “Yes.”

Kipo stared at their shoulder. “U-um, what do you mean by that exactly?” she asked, not fully understanding what they meant.

“Their blast weakened the stitches and my arm fell off.” Patchwork told her.

Kipo stares at them in shock at what they just said. “Y-you’re arm fell off? Like fell off fell off?”

Patchwork nodded and looked at the rest of the scars. “Yes, I am put together differently than other ponies. I was put together from the body parts of other ponies then reanimated together. All of it held together by nothing but thread, at least, before the stitches fell out and my parts became more connected, which lead to these stitches.”

Kipo stares at Patchwork in shock since she knew that couldn’t be normal. “U-um, what are you exactly?”

“I…believe I don’t have a species or tribe, I have been called a franken-pony by normal ponies before. A reference to a book about a pony that is created similar to myself..” Patchwork said before they looked down.

“Franken-pony? I don’t think I read that book.” Kipo said.

“I am a pony made from the dead, parts of corpses stitched together and then re-animated with necromancy.” Patchwork told her before looking away in shame. “Do I scare or disgust you?”

Kipo looked at them in shock at what she just heard before looking down at the ground. Granted she did find it scary, terrifying actually, but, ’Nothing about Patch is scary. They are just someone who cares about their friend.’ Kipo smiles a bit and looks up at Patch. “You don’t scare me. And I don’t think you’re disgusting either.”

“Even though I am basically a walking corpse?” They asked her with a raised eyebrow.

“Well that is a bit scary but I don’t think it means you’re a monster. One shouldn’t judge others based on appearances, it’s like that saying goes, ‘never judge a book by its cover’.” Kipo said, still smiling up at them.

They looked at her for a moment before smiling. “You truly are just like him. Kind hearted and willing to not judge others so quickly.”

Kipo’s smile grew at that. “What can I say, I was raised to be kind to others. Glad I was if it means I keep making friends like you.”

They nodded slowly before looking ahead. “We…have a while to walk, do you want to talk about anything?”

“Sure! What do you want to talk about?” Kipo asked before a question popped in her mind. “Actually, I have a question, what will you do when you have the Element?”

“I will put it in my altar to my friend and guard it.” They said simply, showing they haven’t thought about it much.

“That’s it? That doesn’t seem to be a really good way to live. Being all alone in that cave with no one to keep you company. Sounds pretty lonely if you ask me.” Kipo remarked.

“It is how I have been for the past thousand years.” They said softly.

“Well maybe you don’t have to be alone? Maybe you can hang out with me and my friends?” Kipo suggested.

“How? No one in your town would accept me.” They said with a frown. “They are all normal ponies.”

“Well you don’t have to live in Ponyville. I’m just saying you can come visit.” Kipo said.

“I guess.” Patchwork said softly. Before Kipo could say anything else, Full Moon, in his wolf form, jumped out of the bushes, growling at Patchwork.

“Mr. Moon?!” Kipo exclaimed in surprise.

Patchwork growled at Full Moon and stood in front of Kipo protectively. “Get. Away. From. The pup.” growled Full Moon before the Mane Six rushed out of the bushes as well. Each one of them had surprised looks on their faces when they saw Patchwork.

“What is that thing?!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“I-I don’t know! It looks like an alicorn b-but that should be impossible!” Twilight said, confused and extremely shocked at seeing another alicorn.

“Stay away from my friend!” Patchwork growled back.

“Yeah, sure you are!” Full Moon said, not believing Patchwork's words as the two continued to glare at each other. “Now get away from her! Or else!”

Patchwork’s horns start to glow as their wings spread out. “You will not take her from me!” Full Moon lets out a howl as he charges at Patchwork.

“Stop!” Kipo and another voice said before Princess Luna landed in between them, making Full Moon stop in his tracks.

“Princess Luna?!” Everyone exclaimed upon seeing the lunar alicorn.

“The blue one.” Patchwork said and backed up a bit.

Luna looked at Patchwork, surprise in her eyes. “It has been too long Patchwork. I did not think you were still around.”

Patchwork bowed their head. “I am indeed alive ma’am.”

“Wait, princess Luna, you know what that thing is?!” Twilight exclaimed in shock.

“That ‘thing’ is an old friend of not only me and my sister, but to the original bearer of Innocence.” Luna said, surprising everyone save for Kipo who already knew.

“What!? How are they alive!?” Rainbow Dash shouted in shock.

“More importantly why are they covered in scars and look like some kind of vampony alicorn?!” Applejack shouted next while gesturing to Patchworks appearance.

“All that can be explained at a later date. For now, let us get out of this forest.” Luna said, ceasing all further conversation as they all knew that was a good idea.

The others looked to Luna and nodded their heads in agreement while Fluttershy walked over and pulled Kipo into a wing hug. “Are you ok Kipo?” she asked her daughter as she checked her for any injuries.

“I’m ok momma, Patch wasn’t trying to hurt me. They just wanted to get something that belonged to their friend.” she said as they all walked through the forest.

“And what exactly would you have that he…she?” Full Moon started to ask before shaking his head. “Would want?”

“My Element.” that made everyone stop and turn to her with wide eyes while also simultaneously shouting,

“WHAT?!”

Kipo covered her ears from the shout. “I said they could have it.”

“B-but you can’t just give away one of the Elements! Especially not to some random pony we know nothing about!” Twilight exclaimed, not believing what she was hearing.

“But they wanted it so they can remember their friend. Plus, I don’t really wear it so it’d be pretty pointless to have it.” Kipo explained.

Luna sighed a bit. “Young Kipo, the Element is tied to you and may be needed in the future.”

“Why? It’s not like something bad is gonna happen after I give Patch my Element. And it’s not like it’s going to be gone forever.” Kipo said, not understanding the importance of the Element of Innocence.

Luna sighed and closed her eyes. “There could always be a new threat to Equestria. If you give it away and something does come up there is a chance we can’t find Patchwork to get the Element back.”

“But what about momma, auntie’s and Ms. Twilight’s Elements, won’t they be enough?” Kipo asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Luna looked unsure. “They can work together, yes, but the seventh element, your element, amplifies the power of the other six.”

“Oh, it’s that important?” Kipo asked and Luna nodded. “But what about Patch? They need it for their altar of their friend.”

“Their…altar?” Luna asked with a frown before she looked at Patchwork. “You have an…altar to him?” She asked gently.

Patchwork nods their head. “Yes, I do. I created it after…” they then went silent.

“We understand.” Luna said softly before she placed a hoof on their shoulder. “May we see it?”

Patchwork looked at her and then nodded their head. “Yes, you can. It would be wrong of me to refuse since you too were close to him.” they then turned and began walking back into the forest with Luna following. The others looked at each other before hesitantly following the two.

Twilight moved a bit faster to step up beside princess Luna. “Princes, I don’t mean to sound rude but who are you both talking about?”

“We are talking about the original bearer of Innocence. He was Patchwork's first friend.” Luna said.

Twilight’s eyes widened a bit. “Oh…we haven’t heard much about him, could you tell us about him?”

“I…I rather not. It is too painful for me.” she said, gaining a saddened expression on her face.

“It’s ok, ya don’t have to tell us.” Applejack reassured.

“But maybe you can tell us about mister scars and random parts over there.” Rainbow Dash said, pointing a hoof at Patchwork.

“Wait, I thought Patchy was a mare?” Pinkie said, bouncing alongside them.

Luna put a hoof to her lips as she remembered when she and her sister met Patchwork and how they had the same thoughts. “If our memory is correct they are neither stallion or mare, and chooses not to identify with either.”

“Wait really? How can you be sure they aren’t either?” Rarity asked.

Luna coughed into a hoof with a light blush. “Our doctors checked them over once and saw no…no private parts.” she said, censoring herself since Kipo was nearby.

“Wait, how in tarnation is that even possible? How can someone be born with no gender?” Applejack asked,

“Does it have something to do with all those scars and random parts attached to their body?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Because Patchwork wasn’t born like a normal pony.” Luna said softly. “They were stitched together from the body parts of dead creatures.”

“Princess you shouldn’t-” but Patchwork was cut off when everyone shouted at once.

“WHAT?!” that made Patchwork, Luna and Kipo flinch due to the volume of the shout.

Patchwork sighs while shaking their head. “Great.”

“I am sorry Patch, but they are good ponies, and if you are going to interact with young Kipo, they should know about you.” Luna told them.

“And why should they? What’s to stop them from seeing a freak once they fully know what I am, hm?” Patchwork asked Luna.

“Because I am a werepony.” Full Moon said.

“I am a vamp pony.” Fluttershy added.

“And I am a human!” Kipo added last with a smile.

“And we’re friends with them.” Twilight said, gesturing to the rest of the group.

“I believe that answers your question Patchwork.” Luna said with a smirk as Patchwork huffs a bit.

“Fine, I’ll explain everything but back in my home. I don’t exactly trust these woods.” Patchwork said as they continued walking.

“Yes…” Luna looked around. “The forest has gotten more wild lately.”

“It has? It doesn’t look any different to me. And me and Mr. Moon often come here.” Kipo commented as she looked around.

“Sorry, I mean more wild compared to my time.” Luna told her with a sigh.

“Oh ok.” Kipo said.

“So we’re just gonna go to this guys, er, their cave so they can explain what they are?” Rainbow Dash asked. “And no one is going to question just how we’re going with this so willingly?”

“We have Princess Luna with us, and she trusts him…er them.” Twilight said as her ears twitched at her slip up.

“I know that but we’re just being so casual about it. Like it’s just an average Tuesday for us or something.” Rainbow Dash said and her friends did have to admit she did have a point. “Maybe all the stuff that’s happened through out the years kinda had something to do with our attitude towards crazy and unexpected things?”

“Maybe, I mean we do live in the same town as Pinkie.” Rarity said before smiling at the mare. “No offense.”

“None taken!” Pinkie said as she hopped next to the group.

Kipp giggled a bit. “Yeah, aunt Pinkie can do some cool stuff.”

“Like what?” Luna asked,

“A lot, some being able to defy the very laws of physics itself. Like the ability to slide up a slide, not using her hooves or anything to help her, we mean actually slide back up it. There’s also the fact she can pop up from out of nowhere at any moment.” Full Moon listed off and Pathwork hums.

“Reminds me a bit of that Draconequus you and your sister defeated.” Patchwork said and Luna’s expression turned to one of annoyance.

“Yes, him. I rather not speak about him at the moment.” Luna said and that piqued everyone’s curiosity except for Pinkie who had a small bead of sweat dripping from her forehead but before anyone could say anything, they had arrived at Patchworks cave.

“Oh look, we are here!” Pinkie said with a nervous smile. Luna was silent as she stared at the cave before looking at Patchwork.

“You have been in here since that day?” she asked them.

They nodded slowly. “Yes and no, I have moved around but always returned here.”

“I see.” was all Luna said before looking back at the cave. She then turned to the others. “You will all remain here since it does not concern you.”

“What!? But we came to keep Kipo safe!” Rainbow Dash said as she hovered in the air.

“You misunderstand what I mean. I want you all to stay, even Kipo, since this is a…personal thing to me and Patchwork.” Luna explained, her expression saddening.

Twilight nodded as she and Applejack made Rainbow Dash land. “Ok, princess, please be careful.”

“Trust me young Twilight, with Patchwork nearby, my safety is guaranteed.” Luna reassured before she and Patchwork entered the cave.

Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves and huffed. “This stinks.”

“What does Aunt Rainbow?” Kipo asked the rainbow maned mare.

“We don’t know this…guy? But the princess seems to know him and he probably foalnapped you, but we aren’t taking him in…” Rainbow said before rubbing her head in frustration. “Gah!”

“Rainbow, I’m sure he’ll, er, they’ll face some kind of punishment for their actions when this is over.” Twilight said.

"But Patch never foalnapped me." Kipo said, making everyone look at her and she grew nervous.

"What do you mean pup?" Full Moon asked.

Kipo rubbed her arm. "I uh, I kinda wandered off on my own trying to find more herbs."

"Oh Kipo. You should have told me, I was worried that someone had taken you." Fluttershy said, lightly scolding her daughter.

"I know, but I thought I was only going to be gone for a second and be back before you noticed. I'm sorry momma." Kipo apologized and Fluttershy just sighs and hugs her daughter.

"It's ok, just make sure to let me know if you plan on wandering off somewhere ok? You had me really worried." Fluttershy said and Kipo nodded as she hugged her back.

"Ok momma. I promise."

“Dear, I think it is time we taught Kipo how to defend herself.” Full Moon said to Fluttershy with a soft frown.

“You mean like…fight?” Kipo asked, her brow beginning to furrow a bit and that made everyone look at each other with nervous looks since they all know how Kipo feels about fighting.

“Well…yes, but only enough to keep yourself safe.” Full Moon said to her.

“No! I don’t like fighting!” Kipo said, furiously shaking her head with a frown on her face.

“We know honey, but you have to know how to defend yourself or those around you.” Fluttershy said softly.

“No! I don’t want to!” Kipo stubbornly said, pulling herself away from her mother and crossing her arms while turning away from them.

“Kipo…” Fluttershy said softly with a frown.

“Look pup, we understand you don’t like to fight, but sometimes words aren’t enough, and you won’t be able to run away. What would you do if your friends were foalnapped and we were all too busy or also captured to help save them?” Full Moon asked her as he took a step closer to her.

Kipo just remained quiet and that made everyone look at each other in worry before she spoke up again. “I don’t want to fight. I don’t like it. Please don’t suggest that again, ok Mr. Moon?”

He sighed and looked down. “Fine, but we are going to go over some other things to help keep you safe.”

“As long as they don’t involve fighting then ok.” Kipo said, turning her head to look at him, a small smile on her face. They all heard hoofsteps and turned to see Luna and Patchwork walking back out though Luna had tear stains on her cheeks with Patchwork having a mournful look on their face. “Are you ok Ms. Luna?”

“Y-yes. I’m-” she stopped and took a deep breath before continuing. “I’m fine young one.”

Rainbow Dash glared at Patchwork as she felt her wings twitch. “What happened in there?” She asked, full of suspicion.

“I saw Patchwork’s altar and…some old memories resurfaced.” Luna said, her voice full of grief and sadness. “And after seeing it, I will have to talk with my sister regarding letting them have the Element of Innocence.”

“What!?” Most of the girls yelled in shock.

“Please, I know how you may not like it but please do not try to argue with me about it. Especially since I am not entirely sure about it myself.” Luna said and seeing the look on her face, those that were against it didn’t argue for her sake.

Rainbow Dash sighed but kept her hooves crossed. “Fine, but he better fork it over if we need it.”

“I prefer they/them.” Patchwork reminded her.

“Whatever.” She grumbled and looked away from Patchwork.

“Let’s just return back to Ponyville. Patch, I’ll return soon, either with or without Kipo’s Element.” Luna said, looking at Patchwork who nodded their head.

“Very well…as long as it is in safe hooves.” They said with a slow nod, then they looked at Kipo. “It was nice meeting you Kipo. ”

“It was nice meeting you too Patch. I really hope you do come visit sometime. I bet you would have lots of fun going of adventures with me and my friends." Kipo said with a smile and Patchwork chuckles.

“I’ll be sure to remember that.” they said.

Fluttershy pulled Kipo close with her wing. “Come on Kipo, let’s go home.”

“Yeah, your friend Scootaloo was wanting to talk to you about something. Don't know what though, all she said was that it was important." Full Moon said.

“Oh? Ok. Maybe when we get back I can go and talk to her and see what she wanted to talk to me about."

Full Moon smirked a little. “Yes, that is a good idea.”

“If you wish, I can teleport all of us back. Well, near Ponyville anyways.” Luna offered. “Can’t have anyone notice me, it would pretty much ruin why I’m in Ponyville.”

“We would appreciate that Princess Luna.” Twilight said with a smile.

Kipo smiled at her. “Can me and the girls still come over tomorrow?”

Luna smiled a bit and nodded her head. “You can if it is ok with your guardians.”

“Can we momma and aunties?” Kipo asked Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity.

“Well…I suppose so, as long as you aren’t bothering the princess.” Fluttershy said with a soft smile.

“Not my call.” Rainbow said with a shrug.

“Shoot, Applebloom would be safe with Princess Luna, and cause less trouble. As long as her chores are done it's fine with me.” Applejack said with a smile.

“I don’t mind as long as Sweetie Belle behaves herself.” Rarity said with a smile of her own.

“Yay! We’re gonna have so much fun Ms. Luna! Oh! Maybe we should bring over some comic books too!” Kipo excitedly said before pausing as a thought entered her mind. “I’m just realizing this but you’re here. How? I didn’t tell anyone about you being in Ponyville, except for momma by accident, and you were in disguise too. So how did momma, Mr. Moon and aunties find you?”

“Wait, back up, Kipo knew you were here the entire time?” Rainbow Dash asked and Luna sighs a bit and nods her head.

“Yes, but I asked her and her friends not to tell anyone since I simply wish to relax and not think about certain things.” Luna explained and everyone nodded in understanding. She then looked at Kipo, “As for how the new Bearers and sir Moon found me, your mother searched for me and when she found me, using the vamponies enhanced sense of smell to pick up my scent, she explained that you had gone missing and I immediately retrieved the other Bearers and began our search for you.”

“Oh.” Kipo said.

Full Moon and Fluttershy nuzzled Kipo before putting her on Fluttershy’s back. “I think it's time to go home though.”

Luna nodded her head and looked at Patchwork. “Goodbye for now Patchwork. I’ll see again soon.”

“I look forward to it, princess.” Patchwork said with a bow. Luna bowed her head a little and then she teleported her and everyone else to the edge of the Everfree. Once there, Luna casted the disguise spell on herself, becoming Sunny Smiles once more.

“There, now we can go.” Luna said and everyone nodded.

“Whoa, totally different.” Rainbow muttered as she looked the princess over.

“You should hear her name.” Kipo said, giggling a bit and Luna blushes a bit which made everyone curious.

“It wasn’t picked by me.” Luna said shyly.

“What is it? What is it? What is it?” Pinkie asked excitedly before gesturing to her Cutie Mark. “Does have to do with your Cutie Mark? I bet it’s Sunny Smiles!” that made Luna look at her in surprise.

“It…it is actually.” Luna said in shock.

“How did you manage to figure it out Pinkie?” Twilight asked and Pinkie just shrugged.

“Eh, was just guessing.” Pinkie said with a shrug. “Welp, gotta go! Got to help the Cakes with some orders!”

Pinkie then disappeared in a cloud of pink dust. “Wha…where did she go?” Luna asked, looking around for her.

“Eh, probably at Sugarcube by now.” Full Moon said with a shrug.

“Wait, why aren’t you questioning how she just disappeared like that?” Luna asked, still confused.

“It’s Aunt Pinkie. Not much else to say.” Kipo said, giggling a bit at Luna’s confusion.

“Princess, there is a rule about Pinkie, just don’t think about the stuff she does.” Rarity said with a soft giggle.

“But she, but you….” Luna then sighed and shook her head. “I’ll worry about it later.” Some of the girls giggled but Twilight was still confused herself.

“Well, I should be heading back home now.” Applejack said

“I’ll be going home as well. Maybe I’ll stop by the spa as well. I never did finish my spa session.” Rarity commented.

“And I have important business to take care of.” Rainbow Dash said and Full Moon smirks a bit.

“You mean take a nap on some random cloud somewhere?” he asked her and she blushes with a sheepish grin.

“Maybe.” She said before taking off into the sky. This made everyone else chuckle a bit before they began to head off in different directions.

“Oh, Ms. Fluttershy and sir Full Moon?” Luna called out to two, making them and Kipo stop and look at her.

“Yes princess?” Fluttershy asked, lowering her head a bit.

“I wish to speak with you two, alone, at my home.” Luna said in a serious tone of voice, making the two of them worried while Kipo looks confused.

“Y-yes ma’am.” Fluttershy said softly.

“We will be there as soon as we can, just let us take Kipo home.” Full Moon said as he leaned on Fluttershy.

Luna nodded her head. “Very well. I will be waiting.” Luna said before teleporting away, most likely back to her house.

Kipo looked up at Fluttershy and Full Moon, her confusion being replaced with a look of worry. “Momma, Mr. Moon, are you in trouble? Because Ms. Luna looked pretty upset.”

“I don’t think so dear, I think she is just worried about something.” Fluttershy said before she leaned her head back and nuzzled Kipo.

Kipo giggles a bit. “Ok, momma.” she said before asking, “Is it ok if I go find Scoots now and see what she wants to talk about?”

“Well…ok, as long as you don’t take too long.” Fluttershy said as they changed their direction.

“I promise I won’t. I’ll just run to her and back.” Kipo said.

“Ok dear, but hurry.” Fluttershy said with a small smile.

“Thank you momma!” Kipo said and jumped off Fluttershy’s back before running down the road.

Full Moon chuckles a bit. “Glad to see the pup is still in high spirits.”

“Well she would be after making a new friend.” Fluttershy said softly.

Full Moon chuckles a bit. "Yeah, even though they looked frightening to some foals, Kipo didn't seem to treat them all that different from her friends.” Full Moon said before frowning a bit. “What do you think Luna wants to talk to us about?”

“I don’t know.” Fluttershy said while shaking her head. “Hopefully it’s nothing bad or concerning Kipo.”

Full Moon nodded his head. “I agree, she looked pretty serious about it and I’d hate for it to be about Kipo.” he then sighed. “Guess we can only find out once we go and talk to her.”

“Yes, I just hope she doesn’t call me a bad mother and take Kipo away.” Fluttershy said softly as her ears folded back.

Full Moon quickly nuzzled her cheek. “Hey, I’m sure that won’t happen. You’re the best pony I know and have done a great job in raising Kipo. There’s no way you’re a bad mom.”

“But this Kipo wandered off while under my watch. Doesn't that make me a bad mom?" Fluttershy asked.

Full Moon frowned a bit. “Hey, kids are gonna wander off sometimes when a parent isn't looking, it happens to everyone so it happening to you doesn't make you a bad mom."

Fluttershy looked at him sadly. “But what about the fact I am letting Kipo stay in danger by staying in Ponyville? You and I are fully aware of the dangers of being a non pony or even a monster pony, we knew the Cult was out there somewhere.”

Full Moon let out a small sigh and nodded once. “Yes, we do know. But you have to remember that those bastards don’t dare attack when there are witnesses since they don’t know if there are other monster ponies around in disguise who would attack them.”

“I know…” Fluttershy said softly before she sat down. “I am just worried if I messed up, kept Kipo too isolated or not isolated enough, putting her in danger.”

Full Moon sat down next to her, rubbing her back to help comfort her. “Hey, you didn’t mess up. You did your best to make sure your daughter, who you took in as your own, lived a happy life and you’re already succeeding at that because she has loving and caring friends all around her. Me, Dash, Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack, Twilight, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Buck, even the princesses care about her. Tell me, how did you mess up if you got the princesses to befriend her?”

Fluttershy smiled a bit and lightly pushed him. “Watch your language…but I see your point.”

He chuckles before nuzzling her. “Doubting yourself is normal and something every parent goes through. They wonder if they did a good enough job or what they could have done differently. You feeling this is normal. So don’t ever doubt yourself. Ok?”

She nodded softly before leaning on him. “Thank you.”

“I wouldn’t be a good coltfriend if I couldn’t comfort the mare I love now would I?” he said, giving her a small kiss.

Fluttershy giggled softly as she nuzzled him back. “You are the best coltfriend.” She smirked a little. “Especially for a big bad wolf.”

He chuckled and smirked back. “Well if I am the big bad wolf, you must be my adorable little bat.” He teased back.

This earned a giggle from Fluttershy just as they noticed Kipo running back to them. “Shh, Kipo is coming back.” Fluttershy said with a blush on her cheeks.

“What, don’t want her to know about my new nickname for you, my little bat?” Full Moon teased again.

Fluttershy lightly smacked him with her wing. “It is embarrassing.”

“What's embarrassing momma?” Kipo asked as she ran up to them.

“Nothing dear, did you find your friend?” Fluttershy said with a smile.

“I did, Scootaloo was hanging out around the fountain but when I asked what she wanted to talk about, she just said it's not important right now."

“I see, maybe she just isn't ready to say it yet.” Fluttershy said before nuzzling Kipo. “Are you ready to head home?”

“Can I go play with my friends first momma?” Kipo asked.

“Well…I suppose so, but stay safe ok?” Fluttershy said before nuzzling Kipo.

“Don’t worry. I promise nothing will happen to me. We’ll stick to areas where there are a lot of ponies or maybe we can be around Aunt Rarities, Pinkies, Dash’s, and Ms. Twilights places if that will make you feel better.” Kipo suggested and while Fluttershy still looked a little nervous and unsure, she nodded her head.

“Yes, that can work for me.” Kipo then gave her one more hug.

“Thanks momma. I promise we’ll be safe.” she said before running off back to her friends.

Full Moon smiled and rubbed up against Fluttershy. “She is happy, you should be too.”

“I am happy. But it doesn’t mean I can’t feel worried at times.” Fluttershy said.

“I know, maybe a nice hunt will help you relax.” He said with a smile.

“You know I don’t hunt.” Fluttershy said, looking at him.

He shrugged a bit. “Ever hear of catch and release?” He asked with a smirk.

“I have but I just don’t like hunting. Plus there’s the fact that I’m considered a friend to animals. How do you think they’ll react if the mare they trust just starts hunting them and scaring them?” Fluttershy asked with a raised eyebrow.

He sighed and lowered his head. “Good point, I just wanted to do something special with you.”

“It’s fine. I’m sure we can find something to do. But it might have to wait since Luna wants to talk with us.”

“Right, can’t upset the night queen.” He said with a small smirk.

Fluttershy rolls her eyes but had a small smile as the two of them made their way to Luna’s. The trip took about several minutes before they finally arrived. Fluttershy stepped up and knocked on the door followed by Luna replying with, “Just a moment.”

Full Moon looked around the front of the house. “Very…normal.”

“I mean, she is trying to blend in.” Fluttershy reminded just as the door opened and Luna, in her disguise, looked at the two of them, her expression turning to a more serious one.

“Ah, good. You’re here.” She then stepped aside to let them in. “Come, we have quite a bit to talk about.”

“Yes ma’am.” Full Moon said as they walked inside. The three of them walked into the living room and sat down on the couches opposite of each other.

“Now then.” Luna began while taking off her disguise. “First off, I had talked with my sister regarding Patchwork taking the Element of Innocence and well, we are still discussing it but we are leaning towards them taking it considering why they want it.”

“Is there a way they could move closer, just in case the Element is needed?” Full Moon asked.

Luna sighed. “Sadly that is not up to us but to Patchwork. If they don’t wish to move then there is little possibility of changing their mind.”

“Surely if you ask them they would listen, I mean you are a princess.” He said, slightly shocked.

“Patchwork doesn’t follow us because we are princesses. He sees me and my sister as friends and would do things for us as a friend, but following our orders because we rule Equestria? He won’t do it.” Luna explained, shocking the two.

“Wow…I didn’t think there was any pony that wasn’t…well evil that wouldn’t follow your orders.” Fluttershy said softly.

“Yes, it certainly surprised us as well but that is besides the point. Patch may be allowed to have the Element and it’s up to them if they wish to move closer to Ponyville so we can get it in case it is needed.” Luna said and the two nodded. “Now for the real reason why I have called you here.”

“The Element wasn’t the reason?” Full Moon asked, confused.

“No, it concerns the safety of Kipo.” she said and that got Fluttershy and Full Moon really worried, Fluttershy especially.

“H-her safety? Is this about the Cult?” Fluttershy asked with a frown.

“No. Allow me to share some information. You see, as a princess of the night, my magic allows me to do a lot of things. One of those is being able to enter ones dream.” Luna said then frowned. “However, during my…fall and becoming Nightmare Moon, I haven’t used that ability for a long time. It was only recently that I decided to try it again, and the first one I wanted to try it with is Kipo, mostly out of curiosity to see what she dreams. However, can you guess what I stumbled upon instead of a dream?”

“Random thoughts and images?” Fluttershy asked softly.

Luna shook her head, her expression hardening. “No. A memory. About a party. At mine and my sister's old castle, where you three as well as another human, a dragon, and Twilight Sparkle except she was more human-like.”

“O-oh, you saw the party?” Full Moon asked, a bit nervous since Luna didn’t seem all that pleased about a party taking place in her old home and damaging it. But there was also the thought that she saw the Cultists as well.

“And that’s not all.” Luna said, eyes narrowing and both Fluttershy and Full Moon gulped as they realized that she must have saw Kipo getting hurt by the Cultists. “As I watched the memory, which I had thought was a dream at first until the Cultists appeared and I tried to disperse the dream to replace it with a more pleasant one, I saw that you all fought against them. But the one thing that stuck out the most is something that other human said,” she then looked at Full Moon, who gulped a bit when he saw the intense anger in her eyes. “As well as you.”

“We…we were outnumbered and-” He tried to say before Luna cut him off.

“And you thought it was alright for a child to fight against well trained, highly dangerous murderers who have been hunting monster ponies for thousands of years?” Luna asked him, stepping closer to him with each step until she towered over him while he shook like a leaf since from his point of view, Luna looked ready to turn him to ash. “A grand idea indeed.”

“S-sorry.” He squeaked out.

“You should be! Asking a child to fight against the Cultists. Sweet mother of us, what were you thinking?” Luna asked or rather, demanded from him. “What was going through your mind to ask her to help you fight them? Did you not stop to consider that maybe she is JUST A CHILD!?” that last part she nearly used her Royal Canterlot Voice but ended up with just a regular shout instead while her eyes became full white and glowing.

He looked down in shame. “I…wasn’t thinking. I just knew they outnumbered us and we needed all the help we could get to win the fight.”

That seemed to be a poor choice of wording as Luna seemed to have gotten even angrier as her horn started sparking with magic. “Win the fight?! Why not escape and live!? Did you see how many Cultists were attacking?! And your first thought was winning a fight that was unwinnable?!”

He frowned and looked away from her. “We were surrounded, we couldn’t just run.”

“You could have done anything but fight! Twilight, or at least some odd version of her, was with you! You could have had her teleport you all to safety! Instead you decided to stay and fight! Not only putting your lives on the line but a child’s as well!!” Luna shouted before stopping and taking a few deep breaths to calm herself. “Yelling won’t fix it. However, I am tempted to place you under arrest for child endangerment as well as make sure you stay far away from her.”

“What!? I…” He started to say before lowering his head. “I…would deserve it.”

“You most certainly would. However, I just know Kipo will put up a big fight about this or grow upset and I do not want to ruin our friendship because of it. So, I’m going to say this Full Moon. Think about the consequences before putting a child’s life in danger. Or else I won’t be so merciful. Understand?”

He nodded softly. “Yes ma’am…I have to remember she isn't like me, she hasn’t had to fight her whole life.”

Luna’s expression softened slightly before sighing. “You better. I do not wish to remove you from her as I can tell she sees you as part of her family. However, for her safety I will if it comes to it. Including you.” she looked at Fluttershy. “Even though I am a princess, I am not above the law and if you too prove a danger for her safety I have no choice but to remove her from you.”

“I would never put her in danger.” Fluttershy said with a frown.

“I understand that but even if you don’t mean to, even you can put her in danger. I don’t wish to upset either of you but that is the truth that must be said. Anyone, even a loving and caring mother, can put someone they care about in danger.” Luna explained and Full Moon and Fluttershy just sat there, letting her words sink in. Sighing again, Luna sat on the couch again. “With that out of the way, I’m afraid I must also speak to you about something else regarding Kipo.”

“Oh geez, there is more?” Full Moon asked with a worried frown.

“Yes, however I do not know much about it but I would advise caution. You see, in the middle of her memory, I saw that a Cultist had shot her in the arm and was going to finish her off but before he did, Kipo suddenly attacked him, nearly sending him across the room due to turning one of her arms into a much larger paw-like version.” Luna said and the two grew worried since they knew Kipo would never do such a thing. “Tell me, has Kipo ever shown that kind of behavior before?”

“Not exactly.” Fluttershy said with a small frown. “She has shown some predator instincts but she has never lashed out.”

“Please explain what you mean.” Luna asked. “Because there was something else but I need more details before I can tell you about it.”

“Well I have seen her watching some of the smaller animals like how a predator would stock its prey.” Fluttershy said with a small frown.

“There is also the time she scratched that Diamond filly.” Full Moon added.

“But that was years ago and because she stepped on her tail. She reacted in self defense.” Fluttershy argued while Luna hummed. “So I don’t think we should count that. Oh wait! There was a time that she felt so cooped up and Angel once said that she was acting like how an animal would if caged too long.”

“I see.” Luna said before asking. “And that’s it?”

“She was pacing around the room, unable to relax and she was getting more and more upset.” Fluttershy said with a small frown.

“Most troubling.” Luna said before Full Moon asked,

“What? What does this have to do with Kipo?”

“A lot I’m afraid. You see, just after she attacked that Cultist in the memory, it began to fade away, I had thought it was her waking up but if that were the case I would have been forced out already. Instead, everything faded away and I found myself in some strange area. Everything was pink with fog surrounding me and water replacing the ground. But soon after, something was trying to force me out and succeeded despite my efforts to remain to investigate. That is when I heard a roar that belonged to some beast and that is when I was finally forced out.” Luna explained and that shocked Fluttershy and Full Moon. “I believe this behavior has something to do with whatever it was that forced me out of her mind. I believe it might be influencing her somehow. However this is just a theory so I could be wrong.”

Fluttershy looked down and frowned in thought. “I…think I read about this or something like it.”

“You have?” Full Moon asked her.

“I think so, it was in the books Cipher gave me.” Fluttershy said with a frown.

“Cipher?” Luna questioned before shaking her head. “Time and place. What did these books say? Anything concerning that I should know about?”

“I don’t remember everything, I would have to check them…but I think you met her subconscious. If I remember right, human minds are a lot more guarded than a pony’s. Even though you aren’t a threat it saw you as one.”

“Hmm, how odd. Do you think I can look at these books? I may need them for later.” Luna asked.

“What do you mean for later?” Full Moon asked her.

“Well, I had plan on going back to see just what this thing is. Even though what you say is true, I still wish to know what this, guardian of her mind really is because I have a feeling that it is more than that.” Luna said before adding. “However, I will only do so with your permission. If you do not want me to enter young Kipo’s mind again, then I won’t. But I only wish to do so for her safety because we don’t fully know what that thing is and it may be a threat.”

“Well…” Fluttershy looked unsure. “If you promise to make sure Kipo is safe I will help. I think Twilight has a copy of the books.”

Luna nodded her head. “I promise. That is why I wish to find out what this thing is as it could be dangerous. And if I do find out, you will be the first ones to know.”

“Ok, I will ask Twilight for her copies as soon as I can.” Fluttershy said softly.

“Thank you but I can handle that.” Luna said and Fluttershy nodded.

“Is that all princess?” Full Moon asked her and she nodded.

“Yes. For now. You two may leave. However, I must tell you both this. If Kipo continues to show signs of this predatory behavior or it seemingly begins to increase, tell me immediately. Understand?”

“We will. But what will you do?” Fluttershy asked her and Luna sighed.

“I am not sure. I will have to discuss that with my sister.” Luna’s response wasn’t what Fluttershy wanted to hear but understood that this was something no one ever had to deal with before.

Full Moon leaned on Fluttershy. “We will keep an eye on Kipo ma’am.”

“Good. Now, I believe that is all. You two are dismissed.” she said and the couple nodded before getting off the couch and made their way to the door.

Full Moon looked back. “Oh and Princess, perhaps make the next full moon a bit darker? I don’t want anypony seeing me.”

Luna was a bit confused by this. “Hm? Why?” it then clicked in her mind when she realized what a full moon meant for a werepony. “Ah, right. Full moon’s are a bit of a problem for wereponies since it makes them more feral. I’ll see what I can do but I have never had to dim the moon before.”

“It's ok if you can’t do it.” Full Moon said with a soft smile.

“I am sure I am capable of it. I will try to test it tonight and let you know.” Luna promised.

He nodded and followed Fluttershy out who had a slightly concerned look on her face. “Hey, are you ok?”

“Not really. I’m worried about Kipo and what Luna just told us.” she told him.

“I’m worried about her too.” Full Moon said with a frown.

“I’m worried that what if this thing in her mind manages to fully take over? What would happen to my daughter then? Would she become some wild beast? Will she remain like that forever? There are just so many worst case scenarios that it almost makes me want to keep her away from the world just to protect her. But I also know that it would only hurt her instead.” Fluttershy then sighed, slumping a little as they walked through the streets of Ponyville.

He rubbed up against her. “You and I will continue to grow our bond with her and keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn’t change.”

“But what if that’s not enough? Cipher’s books said it might work but I’m worried that it won’t.” Fluttershy said, small tears in the corners of her eyes.

Full Moon looked up at the sky for a moment. “Hmm, well…maybe the Element of Innocence can keep her…herself?”

Fluttershy tilted her head a bit at that. “Her Element? I don’t know. We don’t know anything about them and what they can do. So how can we expect it to help us like that?”

“I don’t know…maybe tomorrow we can call Cipher for answers?” He suggested next.

“We can try, but he was in a really bad state. I don’t want to make him even worse. Maybe we can call him if we can’t come up with any other solution.” Fluttershy suggested and Full Moon nodded.

“Right, hmm maybe we can ask Twilight to make a spell to find more Tokens? There could be more Displaced out there that could help Kipo.” He suggested next.

“Hm, I don’t know if a spell would be able to find them but it is worth a shot.” Fluttershy said.

Full Moon leaned closer and kissed her cheek. “We will do all we can to keep Kipo safe.”

Fluttershy smiled, happy to have such a caring coltfriend like him but there were still doubts in her mind. “I hope so. I really do.”

He lightly bumped her. “How about I take care of the morning chores and you can sleep in?”

“Oh I can’t do that. I’m more than capable of doing them. Plus, I’m not tired at all.” Fluttershy said.

Full Moon smiled but rolled his eyes. “I am trying to do something nice for you.”

“Oh. But still, I don’t think I could fall asleep at this time of day.” She then gave him a kiss on the cheek. “But I appreciate the thought.”

Full Moon chuckled and shook his head. “Ok, my offer still stands.”

“And I may or may not accept it. We’ll just have to see.” Fluttershy said before there was a sudden shout.

“Incoming!” they both turned in the direction the shout came from only for Full Moon to get hit in the face by a pie. Fluttershy quickly stifled her laughter as Kipo and her friends ran up, sheepish and amused looks on their faces.

“Oops. Sorry Mr. Moon.” Kipo apologized.

The pie slowly slid off his face before he licked his face. “Well…thanks for the snack kids, but why did I get hit in the face with a pie?”

“We were trying to get a ‘Clown Experts’ Cutie Mark.” Sweetie Belle said.

“And since we figured that throwing a pie would have been too cliche, we decide to fire one out of a cannon.” Scootaloo added.

“Where did you even get a cannon?” Fluttershy asked.

“Aunt Pinkie lent us her party cannon.” Kipo answered.

“Oh Pinkie…” Fluttershy shook her head. “Please be more careful.”

“We will. I just need to work on my aim a little.” Applebloom said.

“A little? You managed to shoot that pie all the way over here. I say it needs a lot of work.” Scootaloo said, snickering a bit.

“I suggest aiming the cannon either at a wall, or towards a part of town that no pony is at.” Full Moon suggested. “Unless you want to hit more ponies with pie.”

“Hmm, think we might get lucky and hit Diamond Tiara and SIlverspoon?” Scootaloo asked her friends.

“Probably not so let’s just aim the cannon at a wall or something like Mr. Moon said.” Kipo said and Scootaloo pouts.

“Aw man.” They all then ran off in the same direction they came from.

Fluttershy smiled softly. “It is good to see Kipo is keeping them out of trouble…or trying to anyway.”

“Yeah, well someone has to. Have you seen the shenanigans those three by themselves get into?” Full Moon asked.

Fluttershy giggled a bit. “I have, did you hear about the tree sap incident?”

“I’d have to be deaf not to.” Full Moon chuckles a bit.

She giggled some more. “I suppose so, they are good fillies though.”

“Yeah. Good fillies who get into lots of trouble.”

She smiled at him. “Like you weren’t a troublemaker as a colt.”

He lets out a small laugh. “Me and my sister were the biggest troublemakers ever!”

Fluttershy smiled softly. “You haven’t told me much about your family before.”

“I haven’t?” He asked and Fluttershy shook her head. “Oh.”

“You don’t have to, but I would like it.” Fluttershy said with a smile.

"Maybe some day.” he said and she could see the sadness in his eyes before he cleared his throat. “Anyways, let’s get back before I’m attacked again with more pies.” Fluttershy nodded before they walked back to the cottage with her leaning on him.

However, as they walked away, an unknown figure watched them from the shadows of a nearby alley with narrowed eyes before chuckling. "Things are getting more and more interesting." they said before turning and walking away, disappearing into the shadows of the alley.