Chapters Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
A New Cipher Meets A Baby Jaguar
Author's Note
This is a crossover with Deltorix's story, A New Cipher but the full story isn't ready to be posted yet so you may have to wait for it but as soon as it is I'll add the link to this story.
A New Cipher Meets A Baby Jaguar
Kipo just stared at the human sitting next to her, an amused smile on his face while Angel stood in front of her, his little paws held up as if he was ready to fight this stranger who just appeared in his home. ’What?! How is there a human here?! Humans don’t exist in My Little Pony!’ Kipo thought in shock.
The human chuckles and pets Angel. “Relax little one, I have no interest in hurting her, just to speak with her, however, we need some privacy.” He snaps his fingers and everything around them turns gray and freezes, even the fire in the fireplace.
Kipo looked at everything in shock before looking at the human. ’How the heck did he do that?!’ she thought then the infant part of her mind was starting to grow fearful of this man and to be honest, she was too.
He smiled at Kipo and bowed his head. “Greetings young one, you can call me Cipher, I am like you in a way. I came to give you a little help and information. Normally I do charge for my help as it is part of my dealings however as you are currently an infant we will just say that you owe me a favor or two in the future.” He chuckled softly before tapping her forehead. “There now you can speak with your thoughts, just focus on me when you want me to hear what you're thinking.”
Kipo slowly nodded before doing as he said and focused on him, ’H-how did you get here?’ she asked him.
He taps his chin before he smiles and draws a light of light in the air. “To explain that I have to dive into multiverse theory, but I will keep it simple. This line is your world, past, present and future. Now alongside this world are-” He waves his hand and the room is filled with bright colorful lines, some even looping into knots. “-An infinite number more, I come from another world.” He pokes a line that grows to a screen showing ponies. “This one specifically.”
Kipo nodded her head in understanding before she asked another question. ’So why are you here? I’m not that interesting or special cause, well,’ Kipo let out a small babble to make her point.
Cipher chuckles and kneels down making all the lines disappear. “You and I are alike in one way. You and I are what’s known as Displaced, short for dimensionally misplaced. We are taken from our homeworlds, given powers, abilities, or in your case a whole new body. I came because I saw you have been de-aged to an infant, I can age you up to your normal age or if you wish to stay like this I can protect your memories. If you wish that is.”
Kipo was about to say that she wanted to be back to her original age but then thought against it, it would be pretty hard to explain to Fluttershy why the baby she found was suddenly grown up. Plus, she was kinda having a bit of fun being a baby, it was also relaxing as she didn’t have that many responsibilities she used to have. ’I think I’ll stay like this.’ she said, well thought, to him.
Cipher nods his head. “Alright, well if that's what you want, then I just need to add a few layers of protection for you.” He reached his arm into…the air as it disappears and he looks like he is digging for something. “Hmm ah, here it is!” He pulls his arm back and this time he is holding a copy of the cane he was already holding. “This is my Token, you can use it to call for my help if you ever need me, but I will be making it so other tokens won’t arrive in your world till you are hmmm let's say sixteen.” He lays the cane next to Kipo.
Kipo just stares at the cane in curiosity. ’So a Token is like a phone for Displaced?’ she asked him.
Cipher nods his head. “That's right young one, I will also make it so you won’t be able to make a Token till you are sixteen. There are some dangerous Displaced out there. I would hate to see an innocent girl like you get dragged into a fight.” He then taps his cane on her head.
’Just how dangerous are we talking about?’ she asked him, a bit worried that sometime in the future she might meet a really bad Displaced. ’Like simple psycho bad or Thanos or Darkseid bad?’
He taps his chin and looks around before poking the air, opening a triangle window to a world filled with monsters, large green monsters using sharp blades to kill ponies and anything else that moves. “True evil, but also-” he swipes his hand, and the image changes to show a power ranger fighting a purple psycho ranger. “-true heroes as well. There are good and bad people out there, some were changed when they arrived, others were tempted by the new powers they acquired.”
Kipo nodded fearfully yet relieved there were some good Displaced out there. ’That’s good to know.’ she thought.
He nods and smiles. “But you won’t have to worry about that, now any more questions?”
’Well kinda, what will happen next?’ she asked him. ’Like will you go back to your world and I will continue living my new life here?’
He nods his head. “Yes, I have a city to run after all.” He chuckles before adding. “You will be free to live your life here but remember two things, first not all Equestrias are like the tv show, and second your uncle Cipher is just a call away.” He said with a smirk.
’Ok, I will try to remember that!’ Kipo said, a bit glad she had someone that can help her when she needs it.
“I am sure you will.” He chuckles with a wink then he stands up and fixes his tie. “Now then I think it's time I meet Miss Shy. unless you wish to speak about anything else?”
Kipo shook her head, ’No I don’t, but why do you need to talk to Fluttershy?’
“She is a pony, true one that has lots of experience taking care of animals, but there is no information in this world about humans. She would not know how to raise you properly. I merely wish to give her some advice and guidance.” He said then he snapped his fingers and time resumed.
Angel still looked ready to fight Cipher as he jumped and gave him a strong kick to his arm before squeaking angrily at him before Kipo grabbed him and began to pet him in order to calm him down. “Bunby!” she said as Angel still glared at Cipher.
Cipher smiles down at Angel and waves his hand before making a carrot appear. “How about a deal little bunny, this delicious carrot for the simple favor of you getting the mistress of this home.”
Angel looked at the carrot and at Cipher crossing his arms and looking away. Not interested in the deal. “Hmm, a tough bunny alright, what if I throw in a little girlfriend for yourself?” Cipher said with a smirk.
Angel glanced at him but still refused. Cipher sighed before saying. “Do it and I will give you the carrot and not tell the whole town about Fluttershy’s dark secret.” Cipher said as his one eye changed from having a normal pupil to a yellow slit.
Angel froze at that before giving Cipher a look that said, ‘you wouldn’t dare.’ While Kipo just looked confused, what secret did Fluttershy have that would make Angel freeze like that.
Cipher gave a look back at Angel that said ‘Try me little man’ while spinning the carrot in his fingers. “Well?”
Angel nodded his head in agreement, he really didn’t want Fluttershy’s secret getting out, it would bring bad news if it did. He then hopped off the couch and up the stairs. A few minutes later, Angel returned with Fluttershy behind him, a worried look on her face. “Y-you wanted to t-talk with me?” she asked him fearfully.
Cipher smiles softly and tosses the carrot to Angel. “Yes, I am Cipher.” He said as his eye returned to normal. “I am just here to give you a bit of help to raise my niece.”
Fluttershy’s eyes widened a bit at that. “O-oh! You mean Kipo is y-your niece?” she asked him, relieved to see that Kipo had some family. “Then do y-you know what happened to her parents?”
“I am afraid it is more complicated than that. When I called her my niece it was more of an adoptive term. We are not related by blood I'm afraid but as you can see we are of the similar species.” He said before sighing. “I am sorry to say she has been taken from her home and changed from what she once was to what she is now. She needs a safe loving home to keep her safe, but also will let her explore her new abilities and grow strong.” Cipher smiles down at Kipo. “She is going to grow up to be something amazing.”
Fluttershy was curious about the whole new abilities thing but she thinks she knows what he’s talking about. “Y-you’re talking about the whole e-ear changing thing?”
Cipher smirks. “Oh she can do so much more than that, she was turned into something amazing. Her future is going to be full of surprises but she needs a safe home to grow and become the woman she is meant to be.” He snaps his fingers as a few books appear out of nowhere. “These books will help you raise her, and to anyone else, they will look like a nature book.”
“O-ok.” she said as she opened one of the books. “H-how to teach Kipo to c-control her changes? You mean there’s g-gonna be more?”
They heard a fit of giggles and looked to see Kipo playing with her new tail, shocking Fluttershy while Cipher chuckles. “Oh yes, as I said, she will be full of surprises.”
“O-oh my, I’m a bit worried b-but I’ll do my best to w-watch over her.” Fluttershy said with a determined look as she walked over to Kipo and picked her up in her hooves.
Cipher taps his chin while looking out towards Canterlot, then he leans down and whispers into her ear. “You can trust Celestia, and in time Luna shall return, make sure to put your faith in the other five.”
Fluttershy was a bit confused by that but nodded her head. “O-ok I guess.” she said,
Cipher looks into his cane and hums. “I am just about out of time but there is just one more thing I want to do before I go.”
“A-and what’s that?” Fluttershy asked him.
Cipher claps his hand and when he opens his palms an orb appears. “A simple but useful gift.” He gives it to Flutershy and the orb melts away revealing a necklace.
“A necklace?” Fluttershy asked in confusion as she looked it over, the necklace was that of a jaguar’s head with amethyst being the eyes.
“This necklace will provide a calming aura around whoever is wearing it. That way it gives ponies a chance to get to know her before judging her no matter what she looks like. I'm sure someone like you can understand how useful a gift like this can be.” Cipher said with a wink and smile that showed sharp fangs before the fangs retract.
Fluttershy didn’t seem fazed by the fangs and just nodded her head. “Y-yes, I can already t-tell it will be useful.” she said, giving him a smile of gratitude. “Thank you.”
“Not a problem, well I must be going oh and your blue friend will arrive in three…two…one.” There is a knocking at the door, making Fluttershy look at the door but when she looked back at Cipher he was gone.
“Hey Fluttershy! You there?!” Rainbow Dash called from the other side of the door.
“J-just a minute!” Fluttershy called back as she looked at Kipo before flying up to her room and placing the baby on her bed, Angel hopping onto the bed as well after he followed the two. “Angel, watch over Kipo and make sure she doesn't attract attention to herself.” Angel gave a nod and Fluttershy flew back downstairs and opened the door. “R-Rainbow Dash, what b-brings you here?” she asked the pegasus nervously.
“What do you mean? It's Monday, I am here to give you the weekly weather schedule like always, and to see if you want to come watch me practice my flying.” Rainbow said with a smirk.
Fluttershy blushes in embarrassment at having forgotten about that. “O-oh, must have s-slipped my mind.” she said with a sheepish smile.
Rainbow frowns before pulling a schedule out of her saddlebag and giving it to Fluttershy. “Are you ok Shy? You seem, more stressed than usual.”
“J-just been a busy d-day for me is all.” Fluttershy said, though on the inside she hated having to lie to one of her closest friends but she had to if she wanted to protect Kipo from-she mentally shook her head, not wanting to think about them ever again.
Rainbow looked outside for a second before leaning in close. “Is somepony stalking you? Do I need to kick some stallion’s plot?”
“N-no! Nopony is s-stalking me Rainbow, I-I just had a very b-busy day is all.” Fluttershy said quickly, wondering why her friend would think such a thing.
“You know I care about you Shy. Ever since I caught that colt following you home in flight school, I have been protecting you.” Rainbow said.
Fluttershy remembered that event very clearly and nodded her head. “I-I know Rainbow, but I-I’m fine.” she said while giving the pegasus a reassuring smile.
Rainbow nods her head slowly. “Ok Shy, but you know you can always trust me.” She smiles,
Ciphers words ring in Fluttershy’s mind, ‘Put your faith in the other five.’
“I-I know, you’re my friend s-so I know I can trust you.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
Rainbow hugs Fluttershy and is about to leave but then Kipo starts to cry. “Huh? Is that a baby crying?”
Fluttershy began to panic a little. “O-oh, it’s just one o-of my animals f-friends babies, they’re really f-fussy today.” she lied, hoping Rainbow Dash would buy it.
Rainbow blinks and shakes her head. “I don’t know how you do it Shy, taking care of so many animals and their children? I would go nuts.” She said before a watch on her wrist beeps. “Oh buck, I gotta go. Good luck Shy, and remember you can always tell me anything.” Rainbow then flapped her wings and shot off into the sky leaving a rainbow trail behind her.
Fluttershy lets out a sigh of relief before she closed her door and quickly flew upstairs and into her room, “Kipo! What’s wrong?!” Fluttershy asked the girl as she picked her up and tried to calm her down. She also noticed Angel was holding his nose and had backed away from the two. “Angel? What’s going on?”
Angel points at Kipo while covering his nose then he hopped out of the room as fast as he could. Fluttershy was confused until she sniffed Kipo.
She then gagged a little as she used her wings to cover her nose. “O-oh, that’s why.” she said while Kipo still cried a little.
’This is so embarrassing!’ she thought in despair.
Fluttershy laid Kipo down and did her best to comfort her while she looked for something to change her with, realizing she only has animal care products, but then a miracle happened and she found a brand new case of diapers the perfect size too.
“Huh? Where did these come from?” she asked before shrugging and continuing to change Kipo’s diaper, still using her wings to cover her nose. Once she had cleaned Kipo’s bottom and thrown the dirty diaper away she put the new diaper on the baby. “There we go, all better?” she asked Kipo who nodded her head, still embarrassed.
Fluttershy then picked up the baby and brought her downstairs and sat her on the couch before looking at the books Cipher left her. “Maybe now would be a good time to see what you will be doing in the future.” she said as she grabbed the first book and sat down next to Kipo, who was playing with her tail again while her cat-like ears were out.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Fluttershy Meets Kipo's New Friend
Author's Note
Hello everyone, this is just a heads up. The future dialogue down below will be written in Toddler speech, for example.
"My name is Kipo, wad's youws?"
It's not like that UWU speech where it's like this,
"Hewwo, my nawme iws kipo. Whawt's youws?"
If you do not like this then let me know, I wish for my readers to enjoy this story but if you do not care then please enjoy the third chapter of Kipo's story!
Fluttershy Meets Kipo's New Friend
Fluttershy hummed to herself as she fed the last of her animals. “There, now is everyone all fed?” she asked them and they voiced their confirmation, all except one.
“Momma, I'm hungwy.” Kipo said as she walked up to her, wearing a purple onesie and holding Angel in her arms. It had been a few years since Fluttershy found Kipo and since then, the girl had begun to see Fluttershy as a mom, much to the mare's great joy.
Angel squeaked something along the lines of ‘Feed the girl before she eats me!’
“Oh Angel, you know Kipo won’t-”
“Nom.” Kipo said as she stuffed Angel's head in her mouth with the little bunny’s legs kicking as he tried to get out. Fluttershy sighed as she shook her head.
“Out.” she said and Kipo obeyed as she spat out the bunny’s head and he fell to the floor with an annoyed look on his face. “You ok Angel?” she asked the bunny.
Angel squeaked and pointed all over the place before Kipo gasped and points at Angel. “Bunny say naughdy wowd!”
“Angel, you know we don’t say that kind of language, especially in front of children.” Fluttershy said sternly then she looked at Kipo, “And what did I say about trying to eat Angel?”
“Nod doo.” Kipo said, pouting a little. “But he yummy! Especially widh kedchup!”
Angel waved a paw at Kipo squeaking. ‘Are you sure she won’t eat us all? Maybe she is an adult and can be released back into the forest.’
Kipo then hugged Angel, “Bud Angel would miss me!” she said before giving him a sad look, “Wight?”
Angel looks away before pouting in defeat. He squeaked softly. ‘Yeah yeah, I would miss you cub, now put me down and get the yellow one to feed you.’
“Yay!” Kipo said happily as she continues to hug Angel a bit longer before letting him go and he hopped over to Fluttershy, who had an amused smile on her face.
“See? She loves you too much to eat you Angel.” Fluttershy said to the bunny.
Angle looks up at Fluttershy and squeaks, ‘For now, but maybe I should tell you about her little friend, that should make you keep a closer eye on her.’
“Kipo is a good girl, I’m sure she won’t eat anyone.” Fluttershy said as she was making Kipo her food, which was fish and some fruit, but paused. “Wait, what do you mean her little friend?”
Angel smirks and points at the backyard. ‘When she goes outside to play, she also plays with a small pony, yellow, red mane and tail, and a big bow on her head. Angel bunny think Kipo cub not listen to Fluttershy pony.’
Fluttershy went wide-eyed at this. “What?! B-but I told her not to go too far from the cottage to where somepony can see her!” Fluttershy said in worry. “Do you know who the pony is?!”
Angel’s nose twitches. ‘Little pony and Kipo cub stay in own backyards, can see each other through fence to apple tree forest. Think little pony related to apple pony.’
Fluttershy knew who he was talking about, the pony Kipo was seeing was Applejack's little sister, Applebloom, granted she hardly saw the filly but she knew Angel was talking about her. “O-oh dear, does Applejack know about this?” she asked Angel.
Angel just shrugs. ‘Angel bunny listen to yellow one, stay in home, and be good bunny. Maybe get tasty reward?’
Fluttershy gave him a deadpanned look, “You just told me this just to get back at Kipo didn’t you?” she asked him.
Angel tries to look innocent. ‘Angel bunny not know what yellow one means, Angel bunny just trying to protect yellow one from shadow ponies.’
Fluttershy sighs. “Angel, please don’t, I have a problem that needs my attention.” she said as she sat down. “Kipo can’t be seen by other ponies, at least not without her necklace that is, but still, it might attract attention to both her and me. The wrong kind of attention. One that might…” she didn’t want to finish that sentence as bad memories flashed before her eyes. Ones filled with screams of terror and death.
Angel frowns and hops up into her lap. ‘Angel bunny sorry, Kipo cub always wear shinny when outside, like yellow one always tell her. Small pony seems nice, Winona say small pony good pony.’
Fluttershy was still worried. “But has she told Applejack? That’s what I want to know. Did Applebloom tell her sister and she is just waiting for the right time to confront me about Kipo? Or is waiting for the right time to…” she didn’t finish that sentence as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes.
Angel scratches his head. ‘Angel bunny sorry, Angel not know. Small pony always show up after lunch, ask?’
Fluttershy sighed again and nodded her head. “I will.” she said before she finished making Kipo’s lunch and walked to the table with it, seeing her adoptive daughter sitting patiently at the table, playing with a couple of mice. “Here you go Kipo, sorry it took so long.” Fluttershy said as she put the plate in front of the girl.
“Fish!” Kipo said happily as she began to eat, her teeth had grown sharper and allowing her to tear into the fish with ease. Once she was done with the fish she happily ate her fruit as well. “Momma, can I play oudside?” Kipo asked as she finished eating.
“Y-yes dear, you can, and mommy will be coming with you as well.” Fluttershy said, which made Kipo smile.
“Yay! Momma can meed Kipo's fwiend!!” Kipo said happily before she hopped out of her chair and practically dragged Fluttershy to the backyard with Angel following them. The three left the cottage and were heading towards the fence, where Fluttershy can see a small filly waiting. The filly had a yellow coat wwith a red mane and tail and a bow that was bigger than her head meaning it was a bit too big for her but it didn't seem to bother her. “Applebwoom!”
“Kipo!” The filly called and ran to the fence smiling and showing off a bit of a gap between her teeth. “Who is that?” she asked after spotting Fluttershy.
“This momma! She gonna pway with us!” Kipo said, excited that her mom was gonna play with her and her friend, she then looked down and picked up Angel. “And this Angwel! He best bunny!” Angel seemed to smirk in pride at the praise a bit.
Applebloom tilts her head. “That's a cute bunny but Winona is cooler.”
(Author's Note: Applebloom doesn't talk like Kipo simply because she's a bit older than her and a bit better taught.)
“Nuh uh! Angel is!” Kipo argued, an angry pout on her face.
Applebloom puffs up her cheeks. “Winona is cooler! And if Ah was allowed off the farm Ah would show you her tricks.”
“Angel can do dwicks doo!” Kipo said and before she can prove it, Fluttershy spoke up.
“U-um, I’m sorry t-to interrupt, but I have a-a question for your f-friend Kipo.” Fluttershy said, looking at Applebloom, who titled her head in curiosity.
“What do ya want to ask me?” Applebloom asked Fluttershy while tilting her head cutely.
“W-well, did you happen t-to tell your sister a-about Kipo?” Fluttershy asked her, making sure to hide the fear in her voice.
Apple Bloom's ears fold back as she digs at the ground. “Well…Ah ain't supposed to be this close to the fence. Please don’t tell ma sister or worse ma granny!”
Fluttershy had mentally let out a sigh of relief. “D-don’t worry, I won’t t-tell.” she said, smiling a bit. “B-but you can’t t-tell them about Kipo, ok?”
“Huh? But why?” Applebloom asked her, luckily, she had a good excuse in case something like this happened.
“B-because I’m gonna s-surprise my friends with h-her and you d-don’t want to spoil m-my surprise do you?” Fluttershy asked her and the filly gasped.
“No Ah wouldn’t miss Shy!” Applebloom said, “Ah won’t tell anyone ‘bout Kipo!”
Fluttershy smiled while making sure to hide her relief. “Thank y-you Applebloom.” Fluttershy said,
“Momma, we play now?” Kipo asked her.
“Yeah, can we play?” Applebloom asked, hopping in place.
Fluttershy nodded her head, causing the two to let out a cheer. “Just stay where I-I can see you, and don’t g-get too close to the Everfree.” Fluttershy warned, knowing how dangerously close her home was to the forest. She might have to fix that in the future.
“Ok momma!” Kipo said as Angel managed to squirm out of her arms while she looked at Applebloom, “Whad game we gonna play?”
“Let’s play ball!” She pulls out a ball.
“Okay!” Kipo said happily and the two began to play with the ball, either playing catch or just kicking it around while Fluttershy watched them with a happy smile on her face. She was glad Kipo made a friend and that she didn’t have to worry about Applejack finding out about Kipo, she was gonna tell her friends but was waiting for the right moment too.
“Maybe telling me of Kipo’s friend was a good idea Angel.” Fluttershy said to her bunny.
Angel squeaks and looks smugly. ‘Angel knows, Angel bunny always have good idea.’
Fluttershy merely giggles at his smugness. “Well, I’m glad you had that idea then. But I still want you to keep an eye on the two of them, just in case Applejack or any of Applebloom’s family come by looking for her.” Fluttershy said sternly.
Angel bunny pouts and squeaks while waving his arms around. ‘But Kipo cub wild! Kipo cub not listen to Angel bunny.’
That was true, the wild thing that is, as she got older Kipo was starting to exhibit behavior similar to young jaguars, which Fluttershy a bit nervous at first but she got used to it. “Yes, she can get out of hoof at times, but she is still a child, she’ll listen to authority. Sometimes.”
Angel sighs and lowers his head in defeat. ‘Ok, Angel bunny will watch over Kipo cub and little pony.’
“Thank you Angel, I would watch over them myself but you know how busy I can get, and including….needing to do that..” Fluttershy said with an ashamed look on her face.
Angel pats Fluttershy’s leg. ‘Yellow one is kind pony, no matter what yellow one has to do to live.’
“Thank you Angel, but sometimes, I have a hard time believing that nowadays.” Fluttershy said as she continued to watch the two children play with the ball by kicking it all over the backyard which made Fluttershy smile seeing her daughter being able to play with someone that wasn't afraid or disgusted by her. It made her both happy and relieved though she couldn't help but worry about the rest of the Apple family and how they'll react to Kipo.
She trusts Applejack of course but even your own friends can betray you sometimes if her parent stories were anything to go by so she didn't want to take any chances. She sighs before walking back inside. She still needed to take care of some of her animal friends who were beginning to become a bit rowdy. "Never a quiet day with a house full of animals." Fluttershy said with a small giggle.
While she was doing that, Applebloom kicked the ball towards the cottage and both she and Kipo ran after it with Kipo being slightly faster than her but still failed to get the ball first. "Aw man!" whined Kipo as Applebloom kicked the ball away from her while she giggles.
"Gotta be faster than that Kipo!" Applebloom told her as she kicked the ball away from the half jaguar girl again. Frustrating Kipo even more as she struggled to keep up.
"No faiw! youw legs awe longew dhan mine!" whined Kipo before she tripped and fell on her front. "Oof!"
Applebloom stopped and turned to Kipo and went to help her up. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm okay." Kipo said as she got up on her feet then grinned and ran over to where the ball was. "Bud now me have the ball!" she then gave it a good kick, sending it over to the fence before chasing after it with Applebloom hot on her heels.
"Hey no fair!" the farm filly whined as she tried to catch up to Kipo just as she kicked the ball into the orchard and the two chased after it, not knowing that they were running straight into the orchard but someone did and they quickly after the two. The two kids, unaware of their follower, continued to run around the orchard while each of them kicked the ball after getting it away from the other. "Ah'm gonna git that ball! Just you wait Kipo!"
"Nu uh! Da ball is mine!" Kipo said with a giggle before she kicked the ball past a tree and the two chased after it but the moment they ran around the tree the ball was nowhere in sight. "Huh? Where da ball?"
"Ah don't know. It was here just a minute ago." Applebloom said as the two looked around for their ball only for Applebloom to realize where they were. "Oh, we're in the orchard."
"We awe?" Kipo asked as she looked around. Her eyes going wide in awe as she looked at all the apple trees. "Whoa! I nevew seen so many apples in one place befowe!"
"This is Sweet Apple Acres. My home." Applebloom said with a smile.
"Acwes? Whad does dhad mean?" Kipo asked in confusion.
"Uh, I don't know. Granny said it meant it was big or something?" Applebloom said, scratching her head, equally confused. Kipo however stopped paying attention and was trying to explore the orchard. "Hey! Wait up!" Appebloom called out as she chased after Kipo but she didn't listen and continued to run through the trees.
Something about running through the trees made her feel something within. Something that was telling her that this was right. It both confused and excited Kipo. However, this feeling disappeared when Kipo suddenly tripped on a tree root, making her face on her front once again with a loud "Oof!"
"Kipo? Are ya ok?" Applebloom asked once she caught up with the half jaguar girl.
"I'm okay." Kipo said as she shook her head before attempting to get up but ended up falling again. She looked up at Applebloom for help and the filly did just that, grabbing her arm, Applebloom helped Kipo get back on her feet. "Dhanks."
"No problem." Applebloom said with a smile before both of their stomachs growled. "You're hungry too?"
Kipo nodded her head. "Yeah, I'm hungwy too. Bud wad can we ead?"
Applebloom just grins and walks over to a tree. "How about a couple of apples? Trust me, you'll never want to eat another apple after trying one of Sweet Apple Acres apples."
Awe you suwe I can have one?" Kipo asked and her stomach growled again, making Applebloom giggle.
"Yeah, Ah'm sure." she then turned and gave the tree a kick but it didn't do anything so she kicked it again and again but the tree didn't even so much as shudder. "Aw dang it! Curse my little filly legs!"
Kipo giggles before looking up at the tree. Suddenly, something within her told her to climb it and her toddler mind couldn't figure out what it was but decided to listen to it so with a hop she had grabbed onto the tree before trying to climb it which confused Applebloom. "What are y'all doing?" she asked Kipo, neither of them noticing that Kipo's hands had gained sharp claws that dug into the bark of the tree which helped her climb higher.
"Climing dha dwee." was Kipo's answer as she slowly made her way up the tree.
"Ah can see that." Applebloom said just as Kipo reached a branch that had a couple of ripe apples hanging from it. Once she saw them she grabbed onto the branch and was going to climb onto it but Applebloom spoke up. "hey! Don't climb on that! It's too small to hold yer weight! Just shake the branch!"
"Okay!" Kipo said back before she shook the branch, causing the apples to bounce a bit before they snapped off and fell to the ground. "I got dhem!"
"Great! Come on down and let's eat!" Applebloom said and Kipo nodded before she looked down and froze. She was really high up in the tree so seeing how far the ground was made her more than a little scared but that same feeling told her that it was going to be ok and that she should not look down while climbing down. Since the feeling helped her get the apples Kipo was willing to trust the weird feeling and looked back up before making her way down the tree but slowly.
Applebloom watched as Kipo slowly climbed down the tree before she eventually reached the ground. "You okay?" Applebloom asked when she saw Kipo shaking a little before she nodded her head.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Kipo said before shaking her head and smiling. "Whewe's dhe apples? I'm hungwy!"
Applebloom smiled as well before holding up the two apples. "Right here! Enjoy Kipo!" she said as she handed Kipo her apple before taking a bite out of hers.
Kipo happily took the apple and bit into it and the moment she did, she was assaulted by a wave of deliciousness that was a Sweet Apple Aces apple. It was so good that she ate it within seconds, smearing her face with both apple juices and apple pieces. After taking one final bite from her apple, Kipo sat down with a happy expression on her face. "Thad was yummy!" Kipo exclaimed happily and Applebloom giggled.
"Told ya Sweet Apple Acres apples were the best apples in Equestria!" the two then heard a twig snap and looked over to see nothing. They thought nothing of it but the bush next to them rustled which made them a little worried. "H-hello? Aj? Big brother? That you?"
The bush continued to rustle and shake and Kipo hid behind Applebloom out of fear as the two started to back away just as something jumped out of the bush. "Angel?" Kipo asked when she saw that it was Angel who had jumped out of the bush. The white bunny then began to squeak at them.
'Kipo cub not supposed to be here! Yellow one will be very upset once she finds out about this!' squeaked Angel and Kipo hung her head low.
"Sowwy Angel, bud we wewe chasing dhe ball an ended up hewe." Kipo said apologetically and Angel couldn't help but sigh.
'Angel bunny not mad. But we do need to get back before yellow pony notices.' he squeaked and Kipo nodded her head.
"Bud we sdill haven'd found ouw ball." Kipo said but Angel shook his head.
'Sorry cub, but Angel bunny sure small pony will find it and cub can play with her again when she finds it.'
"Okay." Kipo said while Applebloom looked confused.
"What's he saying?" Applebloom questioned.
"Bunny said I need do go home befowe momma sees dhad I'm gone." Kipo said.
"Oh, ok." applebloom said, a bit disheartened that Kipo needs to go home but understood. "Ah need to get back home too. I'll try to find the ball so we can play with it again ok?"
Kipo nodded, a small smile forming on her face. "Okay!" she then hugged her friend which was happily returned. "Bye Applebwoom!"
"Bye Kipo! I'll see ya next time!" the two separated and Kipo followed Angel back towards the cottage while Applebloom ran off to her home just as a voice called out her name. Kipo and Angel were running/hopping through the trees until they came across the familiar fence that separated the orchard and the backyard of Fluttershys. Kipo climbed under the fence until she was back in her backyard.
"Kipo. Time to come inside!" the two heard Fluttershy's voice call out and looked to see her head sticking out a window.
"Coming momma!" Kipo called back and ran back inside the house where Fluttershy was waiting for her. Upon seeing her mother she hugged her with a great big smile on her face.
"Did you have fun playing with Applebloom?" Fluttershy asked her as she hugged her daughter back.
Kipo nodded her head. "Yeah! We chased dhe ball all ovew dhe yawd bud we losd id wehn we wan indo dhe apple dwees." that made Angel facepalm and Fluttershy to go wide eyed but she quickly took a few deep breaths to avoid freaking out.
Once she was calm, she spoke. "Kipo, I know you and Applebloom didn't mean to, but you have to promise to not go beyond the fence or anywhere away from the cottage."
"Why?" Kipo asked, confused on why her mother wants her to be close to the cottage.
"Because...." Fluttershy paused, unsure on how to answer this question before she gets an idea. "Because what if you get hurt and I can't hear you because you're so far away? Or what if you get lost?"
"Oh...okay. I pwomise nod do go doo faw fwom dhe coddage." Kipo promised with a smile which in turn, made Flutershy smile in relief.
"Good girl. Now, how about we read a story?" Fluttrrshy suggested and Kipo jumped for joy.
"Yay! Sdowy dime!" she cheered happily and Fluttershy giggled as she and Kipo walked into the living room.
'I know I can't keep telling her that forever, but it's for her own good if she doesn't let other ponies see her. Espeically them. I also know that Kipo will want to leave the cottage and explore on her own and it breaks my heart thinking about that.' Fluttershy thought to herself as she walked over to the bookshelf while Kipo clambered onto the couch. She found a suitable book to read and walked over to the couch and sat on it as well before her smile grew as Kipo cuddles up to her. 'But for now, I'll enjoy every second of her being part of my life.'
"Once upon a time, in a land far, far away....."
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Kipo's First Day Of School!
Kipo peeked under her mother's wing as they walked along the path towards town, feeling nervous about their destination. "M-momma, do I have t-to go?" Kipo asked Fluttershy nervously and the Pegasus merely hugged her wing close to Kipo.
"Yes dear, you have to. As much as I want to have you stay at the house, you need to socialize with other fillies and colts so you can make friends." Fluttershy said and Kipo shook her head.
"But I do have friends! Applebloom, Scoots, and Sweetie Belle! Plus all your friends and my animal friends!" Kipo whined and Fluttershy smiled a bit, knowing that Kipo does have a lot of friends but she still needed to interact with other ponies besides her friends, since she might be going into town when she wants to instead of being locked in the house all the time.
"I know dear, but still, you have to go to school so you can make more friends. You want to make more friends right?" Fluttershy asked the girl, who slowly nodded her head but was still nervous about going to school. "Besides, I'm sure everything will be fine."
"Ok momma." Kipo said just as the two see the schoolhouse, as well as a bunch of other foals playing outside or going inside the building to get to their classes early. "It looks...small."
Fluttershy merely giggled at that. "Maybe just a little, but it's the best school in Ponyville." Fluttershy said before thinking to herself. 'Well, the only school in Ponyville, I wonder why is that since Ponyville is pretty big.' the two soon arrived at the front entrance of the school and stopped and Fluttershy begen to check Kipo's bag if she forgot anything. "Alright, now do you have everything? Lunch?"
"Yes." Kipo said, nodding her head.
"School supplies?"
"Yes."
"Necklace?"
"Wearing it right now."
"Angel?" Fluttershy asked in confusion as she saw the bunny in Kipo's bag and both him and Kipo giving her a sheepish smile.
"I didn't want to be alone and bunny said he would come with me to school." Kipo said and Fluttershy merely shook her head with a smile.
"That's very nice of him but I'm afraid he can't go, animals aren't allowed at school." Fluttershy said and both Kipo and Angel pouted.
"Aaaaw, but I don't want to be alone though!" Kipo said as she took Angel out of her bag and hugged him close to her. "And bunny will miss me!"
Angel began squeaking, 'Yeah, Kipo cub wants me to go with her yellow one. Kipo cub even gave me sad eyes.' both of them gave her pleading looks with their lower lips quivering a bit and Fluttershy just can't say no to those faces.
She lets out a sigh before nodding her head with a smile. "Alright, Angel can stay with you during school."
"Yay!" both Kipo and Angel said happily.
"But, he has to stay out of sight and not disturb anyone in class." Fluttershy said, a slightly stern tone in her voice. "Ok?"
"Ok." Kipo said with Angel nodding his head in agreement before Kipo put Angel back in her bag and the three walked inside and into the classroom, where a magenta earth pony with a light pink mane and tail with three smiling flowers for a Cutie Mark was. The mare looked at the two and smiled a bit while Kipo hid under her mother's wing again.
"Miss Fluttershy, I didn't expect to see you here." the mare said, getting up from her desk and walking over to the pegasus, not noticing Kipo who was peeking out from under Fluttershy's wing. "What brings you here?"
"W-well, I came here t-to enroll my daughter." Fluttershy said, and Cheerilee gasped a little in shock.
"Oh my goodness! You have a daughter? Why haven't I seen her around before?" Cheerilee asked Fluttershy, who nervously rubbed the back of her head.
"W-well, I was a bit w-worried about how other p-ponies would treat her, so I-I've been mostly homeschooling h-her." Fluttershy said and Cheerilee nodded her head in understanding.
"I understand, and you don't have to worry, I'm sure she will have a good time here at the school!" Cheerilee said then looked around Fluttershy, "And where is your daughter by the way? I would love to meet her."
Fluttershy looked at her wing and Cheerliee blushed in embarrassment at not having seen Kipo under Fluttershy's wing. "Come on s-sweetie, Miss Cheerilee is a-a good pony." Fluttershy said to Kipo, who shyly backed away a bit. "D-don't be shy K-Kipo." Kipo was still shy but came out from under Fluttershy's wing, surprising Cheerilee when she saw what Kipo looked like.
"H-hi." Kipo said before hiding behind Fluttershy, making the two mares giggle a bit.
"She certainly takes after you." Cheerilee said to Fluttershy before looking at Kipo, giving the girl a kind smile. "Hello little one, my name is Cheerilee, what's your name?"
"K-Kipo." Kipo responded, still hiding behind Fluttershy, her pink jaguar eyes staring at Cheerilee, who found it strange and adorable, strange because she's never seen anyone with those kinds of eyes before, and adorable because Kipo reminded her of a kitten that was peeking around the corner.
"It's nice to meet you Kipo. I'm sure you'll love coming to school." Cheerilee said, the kind smile still on her face, which made Kipo relax a little as she slowly came out from behind Fluttershy, her jaguar traits disappearing one by one, which made Cheerilee even more surprised but she shook it off. "I understand this is your first day correct?"
"Y-yes." Kipo answered, still feeling a little shy but was starting to get used to Cheerilee's presence.
"Well, I'm sure your first day will be wonderful Kipo, our students are very friendly and I'm sure they would love to be friends with you." Cheerilee said and Kipo perked up a bit at the mention of friends, she did agree to come to school so she can make some friends, even though she has plenty already.
"More friends?" Kipo asked her and Cheerilee nodded her head in response.
“Yes, you’ll make more friends here. Doesn’t that sound nice?” Cheerilee asked Kipo, who nodded her head eagerly.
“Yeah! I-I want to make m-more friends!” Kipo said excitedly.
“Alright, do you know any other fillies or colts?” Cheerilee asked Kipo.
Kipo nodded her and began to tell the mare three of her friends names. “Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. They are my friends.”
“Oh? Well that's great, there is an open seat right between them. I will let you sit there as long as you pay attention in class, ok?” She asked with a smile.
“Ok!” Kipo said, giving the mare a smile as well.
Cheerilee nods and points at a desk in the middle of the room. “Right there, you can set your things there, the bell should ring in a few moments.”
Kipo nodded before running over to the desk, leaving Fluttershy and Cheerilee to talk. “K-Kipo won’t be a b-bother will she? Considering s-she’s, you know, d-different?” Fluttershy asked Cheerilee, still a bit nervous about leaving KIpo by herself.
Cheerilee smiles at Fluttershy and puts a hoof on her shoulder. “Don’t worry Fluttershy, I promise to take good care of her. What you're feeling is perfectly natural, every parent feels it when they drop their child off at school for the first time.”
’Oh, you don’t know the half of it Cheerilee.’ Fluttershy thought to herself before nodding her head. “I-I guess I am feeling a-a little nervous about sending K-Kipo to school.”
“Don’t worry, she will be fine. But if it makes you feel better you can stay over in the park and watch the school from there.” Cheerilee suggested.
Fluttershy would have agreed but she remembers she had to get back to the cottage as some of her animals needed her right now, especially the ones in the Everfree. “O-oh I would love to, b-but I’m a bit b-busy today.”
“Oh yes your animals, well don’t you worry. Kipo is in good hooves, not only am I here but she has her friends.” Cheerilee said, trying her best to comfort Fluttershy.
“T-thank you.” Fluttershy said, relieved to hear that someone will look after he daughter.
Cheerilee nods with a smile before the bell rings loudly and an army of colts and fillies rush into the classroom. “G-guess I better get g-going now.” Fluttershy said before walking over to Kipo and giving her a hug. “B-bye Kipo.”
“Bye momma.” Kipo said as she returned the hug. Fluttershy then gave the girl a kiss on the forehead before leaving.
Some of the children giggle at Fluttershy kissing Kipo’s forehead while others are slowly getting in their seats. Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle join Kipo around her desk. “Wow, she let you join us in school! That's great!” Sweetie said.
“Yeah! You can show the whole class about-”
“Scoots, maybe don’t tell the whole class about what Kipo can do? Especially if you don’t know if she’s ok with it.” Applebloom whispered, cutting off Scootaloo's sentence.
Kipo looks down, nervous. “Mom said I should try not to… it might scare the others.”
“What?! But you look so awesome though! Not as awesome as Rainbow Dash of course but still awesome!” Scootaloo said,
“Scoots, maybe miss Shy is right, I mean, not a lot of ponies would think what Kipo does is awesome.” Sweetie Belle said and Applebloom nodded in agreement.
"But it's unfair that Kipo has to hide an awesome side to her! Not that she isn't awesome already." Scootaloo said.
“It’s o-ok Scoots. I-I don't mind.” Kipo said, giving her friend a small smile of reassurance, showing that she was fine not showing off her jaguar powers.
“I still think the whole class would love to see it.” Scootaloo said huffing.
“What would the whole class love to see?” An annoyingly smug voice was heard behind the girls.
The three fillies let out groans of annoyances while Kipo looked behind her in confusion, seeing a pink filly with a purple and white mane and tail and a tiara on her head. “Um, hi?” Kipo said, wondering who this filly was and why her friends acted like that towards her.
The filly flinched back from Kipo. “Eeew who let their pet into the school.”
“Pet?” Kipo asked then looked around, wondering who would bring their pet to school, besides her of course but she had a good reason for that.
“Kipo is not a pet.” Applebloom said angrily. “She’s our friend.”
“Oh of course you would bring a dirty animal to school with you, Applebroom.” The pink filly said with a smirk. “What's the matter, so hard to make friends, you had to dress up a hairless monkey and bring it to school?”
“But I’m n-not a monkey.” Kipo said, a bit hurt at the filly’s words.
“Yeah, she’s an awesome jaguar!” Scootaloo said, getting in the filly’s face. “So you better watch out Diamond Tiara!”
“U-um Scoots?” Kipo said, trying to keep Scootaloo from making false threats on her behalf as she is not one for violence but the filly was too busy dealing with Diamond Tiara to hear her.
“A jaguar? What now you make up animals Scootaloser?” Diamond said, laughing at her.
“A-actually a jaguar does exist, j-just doesn’t live in E-Equestria, at least that's w-what momma told me.” Kipo said, making Diamond Tiara look at her, making the half jaguar girl shrink back a bit.
Diamond scoff. “So you taught it how to talk, whatever. It still is a freak.” She then turns away from them and sits at her desk.
The three fillies glare at Diamond but then hear sniffling and turn to see Kipo beginning to tear up due to what Diamond Tiara said about her. “I-I’m not a f-freak…” she said sadly,
The three girls hug Kipo. “Don’t listen to her, she is a mean bully that messes with everypony.” Sweetie Belle said.
“B-but why?” Kipo asked them, a few tears escaping her eyes.
“We don’t know, it's just the way she is Ah suppose.” Applebloom said before some soft knocking was heard. When they looked where it was coming from Cheerilee was standing at her desk.
“Alright students, please take your seats, class is about to start.” She said with a smile. All the colts and fillies listened as they began to sit in their seats and waited for Cheerilee to begin teaching. The day went on for Kipo, mostly boring sitting in the classroom but some things she did enjoy learning about. But every now and then Diamond would try to mess with her, throwing balls of paper at her, making hissing sounds, even trying to get her in trouble for passing notes.
But Kipo managed to bear it the entire time and did her best to ignore Diamond Tiara, but it was getting more and more difficult with each passing second and she can feel something in the back of her mind telling her to teach the filly a lesson. ’N-no, momma raised me better than that.’ Kipo thought to herself, pushing back the violent thoughts as best as she could.
Luckily for her, the bell rang, signaling it was time for lunch. “Come on Kipo, join us for lunch.” Sweetie Belle said, pulling on Kipo.
“Ok, but you don’t need to pull, I was gonna ask to eat lunch with you.” Kipo said though she had a small smile on her face.
“Of course you can join us silly!” Scootaloo said laughing.
“We are the four uh..hmm we need a group name.” Applebloom said and that made the others begin thinking up group names for their little group.
“The four crusaders?” Kipo suggested as they sat at a table outside.
“What are crusaders?” Scootaloo asked as she opened a paper bag lunch.
“Um, momma told me what it was but I think I forgot. But it sounds cool. Right?” Kipo asked her three friends as she pulls open her lunchbox, seeing her favorite sweet, a raspberry cupcake, inside of it.
“Alright! It does sound cool enough for me.” Scootaloo said as she started eating her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Kipo smiled knowing that she helped her friends come up with a name for their little group. “So what are we gonna do after school?” she asked them.
The group of fillies hum in thought. “We could go to Sugarcube Corner and get some snacks.” Sweetie Belle suggested.
“We could set up a cool obstacle course for me to practice my scooter on.” Scootaloo suggested.
“We could go play in the park.” Applebloom suggested.
“Oh yes all those ideas sound so…lame!” Diamond said as she walked up while smirking. “Don’t you know how to have fun? I say you chain this freak up and get ponies to pay to see it.”
“B-but I’m not a freak.” Kipo said sadly while Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle glared at Diamond Tiara.
“Hey! Leave her alone you big bully!” Scootaloo shouted angrily.
“Stay out of this Scootaloser. If you don’t want to make bits then stay out of my way.” She starts walking towards Kipo.
But the three fillies block her path. “She ain’t somethin y’all can use to make bits!” Applebloom said, “She’s a living being like the rest of us and our friend! So leave her alone!”
Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes. “Oh please, look at it! It is some kind of hairless monkey!”
“She is not a monkey! So stay away from her or else we’ll tell miss Cheerilee about what you’re gonna do!” Scootaloo warned, none of the three fillies noticing Kipo running away, tears in her eyes due to the hurtful words of Diamond Tiara. Only Tiara noticed this and chose to remain silent about it.
Diamond Tiara scoffs and smirks. “I did nothing wrong.” She then turns to walk around the girls heading for the large tree that had grown next to the school.
“Nothing wrong?! Why I outta-” Scootaloo began before Sweetie Belle spoke up.
“Hey, where’s Kipo?” Sweetie Belle asked as she looked around, getting her friends attention as they looked around for Kipo, finally noticing that she was gone.
“Kipo?” Applebloom calls out looking around.
“Kipo?!” Scootaloo shouted in worry. “Where did she go?!”
“We gotta find her! Who knows how much trouble she will get into if Diamond Tiara finds her!” Sweetie Belle said then the three fillies ran off in different directions while Diamond Tiara snickered to herself as she continued walking over to the tree and looked around for her target.
Diamond Tiara then looks up the tree and giggles darkly. “Just like a monkey to run up a tree, come down here before I get mad.” She said up to Kipo, who had managed to climb the tree thanks to her now formed claws in order to hide from Diamond Tiara.
“I-I’m not a monkey.” Kipo said quietly and sadly as she continues to climb up the tree with her claws, trying to get away from the bully..
“Yes you are monkey! Now get down here so I can make fun of you more!” Diamond said with a cruel laugh.
Kipo looks at Diamond with sad eyes as tears stream down her face before she continues to climb to escape the insults of Diamond Tiara. She grabbed a branch and attempted to pull herself up but it snapped and she let go of it in surprise. “Look out!” Kipo shouted as the branch fell towards Diamond. The colts and fillies around the tree see the branch fall down and hit Diamond and they gasp. Kipo went wide-eyed as she watched Diamond Tiara shout in pain before jumping down in front of her, a worried look on her face. “O-oh my gosh! I-I am so sorry! I s-swear I had no i-idea that branch would break!” Kipo said to Tiara.
“Liar! You did that on purpose you idiotic, hairless monkey, freak!” Diamond yelled while holding her face with a hoof.
“B-but I didn’t..” Kipo said, backing up a bit from Tiara.
Diamond stomps closer. “You did! When I tell Miss Cheerilee and my daddy you will be taken away and thrown in the dungeons!” She yells as she pokes Kipo’s chest. The thought of being taken away from her mother and being locked up in the dungeons made Kipo very afraid as she turned to run. “Oh no you don’t!” she heard Diamond Tiara shout before Kipo felt something step on her tail.
Kipo let out a pained and angered yowl as she whirled around and clawed at the filly, making her scream in pain as she off Kipo's tail. Kipo looked at the shocked and fearful face of Diamond Tiara, now sporting three small claw marks on her cheek, with anger while growling before realizing what she did. “O-oh no…I…I-I...” Kipo began before fear clouded her mind and she turned and began to run away with tears streaming down her face.
Fluttershy lets out a sigh of relief as she gave Harry his food, being the last of her animals that need to be fed. “There, that should be the last of you.” Fluttershy said with a smile then looked at the clock. “Hm, it should be lunchtime at the school, maybe I can-” a sudden bang was heard followed by a cry.
“Momma!” The next thing Fluttershy knew, she was tackled into a hug by a crying Kipo. “I didn’t m-mean it, momma! It w-was an accident I-I swear!” cried Kipo as she sobbed into Fluttershy’s fur.
Fluttershy was shocked at first but then hugged Kipo with her hooves and wings. “Didn’t do what? What happened? Why are you crying sweetie? And why aren't you in school?”
“I-I didn’t mean it! D-don’t let them s-send me to the dungeons! Please!” Kipo begged, holding on tighter to Fluttershy.
A bolt of fear runs through Fluttershy's heart at the mention of someone taking Kipo away but she tries to remain calm and hugs her daughter tighter. “Sweetie, I can't help if you don’t tell me what happened.”
“I-I hurt someone….I d-didn’t mean to…it just h-happened!” Kipo said, shocking Fluttershy.
Fluttershy rubs Kipo’s back and whispers kind words to try and calm her down. ‘Oh no, was it too soon to send her to school? Maybe I didn't teach her the right way to behave, o-or maybe she is just overreacting. Kipo has never hurt anyone before.’
Kipo’s sobs were starting to die down until they were only hiccups and sniffles. “P-please don’t let them t-take me to the d-dungeons momma. Please.” begged Kipo.
“I would never let that happen. Now try to tell me exactly what happened?” Fluttershy said, still comforting her daughter.
Kipo sniffled a bit, “I-I was eating l-lunch with my friends, t-then a mean filly c-came and said mean s-stuff about me. L-like how I was p-pet, a freak, a-and that I should b-be tied up so ponies c-can pay to see me.” Kipo said with fresh tears beginning to form in her eyes.
Fluttershy hugs her daughter tighter as her eyes glow slightly with anger. “That…isn’t nice, what happened next?”
“I ran a-away from the filly a-and climbed up a t-tree, but she found me a-and told me t-to get down so s-she can make fun of m-me.” Kipo said as she held on tighter. “I-I didn’t listen and c-climbed up even higher b-but then I accidentally broke a-a branch and it hit her a-and when I tried to apologize s-she said I was gonna g-get taken away and put in the d-dungeons. I got scared a-and tried to leave b-but she stepped on my tail and I-I….” Kipo paused at that and began sobbing again. “I scratched h-her cheek!”
Fluttershy does her best to calm Kipo as she looks out a window. “I will never let anypony take you away, but you know you will have to apologize for scratching her, right? I know she stepped on your tail first but hurting somepony is never right.”
“I-I know…but I g-got so scared that I-I was gonna be taken from y-you.” Kipo said, shaking a little at the thought of being taken away from the only family she's had.
“I know sweetie, but you have to be brave and trust me ok?” Fluttershy asked, making Kipo look at her.
Kipo sniffles a bit. “O-ok.” she said, slowly nodding her head before there was a knock on the door, making Kipo whimper a bit and cling to her mother.
Fluttershy stood up and kept Kipo hidden under her wing as she walked up to the door and opened it enough to peek through. “Yes?”
She went wide-eyed when she saw Spoiled Rich and four guards next to her, “Where is that abomination of yours?!” Spoiled all but shouted. “That thing hurt my daughter!”
Fluttershy frowns behind the door before sighing and opening the door slowly. “I heard about what happened, Kipo will apologize but you're not taking my daughter.”
“That thing is a menace to society and needs to be thrown in the dungeons!” Spoiled shouted angrily. “Besides, you can always find another freak to play pretend with.”
Fluttershy’s nostrils flared as she tried to keep herself calm. “Do not talk about my daughter like that…Mrs. Rich. I told you my daughter will apologize but no one is taking. My. Daughter.”
“Oh do stop pretending that thing is your daughter, it’s an abomination that should be kept far away from us ponies. You can always get a real daughter when you find a suitable husband.” Spoiled said, making Fluttershy even angrier.
Fluttershy closes her eyes to try to calm down. ‘She is just an upset mother, she doesn’t mean it, she doesn’t mean it, she doesn’t me-’ She is brought out of her thoughts by Spoiled.
“Honestly, what kind of sane pony would believe a freak would be their daughter? It should have just stayed in the Everfree where it belongs.” Spoiled said foolishly, causing Fluttershy to nearly snap. Fluttershy’s eyes snap open in rage barely stopping herself from hurting Spoiled. She then noticed that all the guards were looking away in different directions, even their ears were pointed away from the two mares.
“Now, step aside so the guards can get rid of that pest for you.” Spoiled said as she made a go-away motion with her hoof, expecting Fluttershy to do so.
Fluttershy looks at Spoiled a hard look. “No, I will protect my daughter from anypony. I want you to leave now. I will have Kipo apologize to your daughter at school under Cheerilee’s supervision, until then leave my daughter alone.”
“Do not make this harder on yourself, that thing is going to the dungeons.” Spoiled said as her eyes narrowed at the mare while all of Fluttershy's animal friends began to come out.
Fluttershy steps forward putting their muzzles up against each other. “You will not threaten my daughter. Kipo is a good girl, and your daughter was bullying her! What Kipo did was wrong but she was backed into a corner. Now leave us alone before I do something very…unkind.” It was at this moment all the animals inside and around Fluttershy’s home started to growl and glare at Spoiled Rich.
Spoiled backed up a bit in fear as the animals and Fluttershy glared at her, it was honestly frightening due to the fact that nearly all the animals are small adorable creatures, minus Harry the bear. She then regained her composure and scoffs. “I have more important things to do than deal with a crazy mare and her freak of a ‘daughter’.” Spoiled said as she begins to walk away with her nose stuck up in the air.
Fluttershy stayed firm before Spoiled Rich left then she almost collapsed, if not for Kipo still beside her she would have. “I am sorry ma’am.” One of the guards said. “We just had to follow orders, she does help fund the school and did bring up a real concern. A guard will be near the school to keep an eye on all the students. We promise to be fair.”
Fluttershy nodded her head, though she was a bit worried about guards being near the school and Kipo, but she pushed that worry aside since it wasn't an important topic at the moment. “I-I understand.” Fluttershy said, nodding her head.
The guard sighs and turns to leave. “Come on guys, let’s get back so we can do the paperwork.”
“What do you mean we? You’re the one that is in charge.” Another guard.
“Yeah, plus you are the one that-” The rest of the conversation is drowned out as all the animals come to hug Fluttershy and Kipo.
“T-they’re not gonna t-take me away?” Kipo asked, looking up at Fluttershy, her eyes red and puffy due to her crying so much.
Fluttershy hugs Kipo harder. “No, never. I want you to go to school tomorrow and apologize to the filly, and no matter what she does, don't react to her ok?”
“O-ok momma.” Kipo said, though internally she really didn’t want to interact with Diamond Tiara again.
Fluttershy then takes her back inside and up to her room. “You just lay down and relax.”
“Yes m-momma.” Kipo said before getting her bed, then her eyes widened. “Oh no! I left Angel and my bag at school!”
Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Oh dear…um…I will go get him after making you something to eat.”
“Ok.” Kipo said and just before Fluttershy left to go make something for Kipo, the girl said, “I’m sorry momma.”
“I know sweetie, you just need to learn from this.” She said before leaving the room to get food.
As she was, the door opened again and in walked Angel, pulling Kipo’s bag behind him. ‘Where Kipo cub? Kipo cub left me behind!’ squeaked Angel in annoyance. 'Angel bunny had to drag bag halfway through town!'
Fluttershy quickly walks over and nuzzles Angle. “Oh Angel, I am glad you are ok, unfortunately Kipo ran into a bully at lunch. Do you think you could go join her in her room and help cheer her up?”
Angel went wide-eyed but nodded his head. ‘Ok, I’ll go cheer up Kipo cub.’ he squeaked before hopping up the stairs before Mandu ran up them as well. Fluttershy sighs before making Kipo a simple snack and brings it up to her.
In her room, she saw Kipo holding Angel close to her with Mandu snuggled up to her, a guilty and saddened expression on her face. “Hi momma..” she sadly said, not looking at the mare which made Fluttershy saddened to see Kipo in such a state.
She walks over and sets the plate down and hugs Kipo. “You know I am not mad at you right sweetie?” Kipo nodded her head and Fluttershy kissed the top of her head before getting up. “I am going to go speak to my friends about this, see if their sisters saw what happened.”
“Ok.” Kipo said and Fluttershy sighed as she left Kipo’s room and made her way downstairs,
“Please keep an eye on her.” Fluttershy told her animals and they let out responses that they will, making her smile a bit before leaving. After walking a bit, she saw Rainbow Dash relaxing on a cloud just a bit above the ground. “Rainbow D-Dash, can I talk t-to you please?” she called out to her friend.
“Hmm?” Rainbow looks over the side of the cloud and see's her friend. “What's up Shy?”
“I-it’s about Kipo.” Fluttershy said, and that was more than enough to cause Rainbow to fly down to her, a worried look on her face.
“What's up? Did the kid get hurt or something? Wait..isn’t school still going on?” Rainbow looked up at the sun. “Yep, she should still be in class.”
“T-that’s the thing. Kipo w-was being bullied at school a-and….something bad h-happened.” Fluttershy said which only turned Rainbow's worry into anger.
“What!? Who was it? Scoots didn’t do it, did she?” She asked as she narrows her eyes.
“No! I-it wasn’t Scootaloo. I-it was Spoiled R-Rich’s daughter.” Fluttershy said.
Rainbow was confused a bit before she remembered and frowned. “Oh her, Scoots has told me about her. What do you want to do?”
“I-I just want to t-talk with the rest o-of the girls so we c-can decide what we should d-do.” Fluttershy said and Rainbow Dash nodded her head.
“Right! I will go get them, meet at your place or Rairity’s?” Rainbow asked as her wings flapped.
“Rarity’s.” Fluttershy said, feeling like Kipo would be tired after today’s events so having ponies talking downstairs might not be a good idea right now, considering how loud a couple of her friends can be.
“Right, you head there while I get everypony else.” Rainbow said before flying away in a rainbow blur, kicking up dust that made Fluttershy cough.
Fluttershy lets out a sigh before spreading her wings, figuring she would fly there instead of walk. She got to Rarity’s boutique after fifteen minutes of flying, she knocked on the door, waiting for Rarity to answer. The door opens and Rarity smiles at her friend. “Fluttershy darling, what brings you here? Kipo didn’t rip another shirt did she?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “No, s-she didn’t, but we do n-need to talk about something t-that happened at h-her school.”
“Oh dear, come inside.” Rarity steps aside and lets her in, just as Rainbow lands next to Fluttershy.
“Told them, they should be here in a few minutes.” Rainbow said.
Fluttershy nodded her head as the three walked inside, blinking in surprise when they see Pinkie inside, waiting for them. “P-Pinkie? How did y-you get here?” Fluttershy questioned the overly pink mare.
“Dashie told me something happened so I zipped right over, after letting the Cakes know of course.” Pinkie said with a giggle.
“B-but I just saw you!” Rainbow Dash said before shaking her head. “Know what, no, it’s Pinkie, deal with it.”
Pinkie just giggles and gives Rainbow a cupcake she got out of her mane. “Don’t worry Dashie I am sure with our help Fluttershy’s problem will be solved.”
“W-well we have to w-wait for Applejack to get h-here before we can talk a-about it.” Fluttershy said and everyone finally noticed that Fluttershy was distraught.
“Alright.” Pinkie said as she stopped giggling, seeing how upset Fluttershy is.
There was a knock on the door and Rarity went to go answer it, seeing Applejack on the other side. “Hey y’all, hope Ah made it in time.” Applejack said as she was let in, “So, Dash told me there was a problem with Kipo?”
Fluttershy nodded her head. “Y-yes, there was.”
“Don’t keep us waiting darling, what happened?” Rarity asked with the others nodding and asking Fluttershy to tell them.
Fluttershy sighed as she began to tell her friends what had happened, suffice to say, they were shocked that Kipo would hurt someone, even if it was out of self defense it was still shocking, and angry with Spoiled Rich for all the stuff she said about Kipo. “A-and that’s what h-happened.” Fluttershy said, finishing retelling what had happened.
“That ain't right. Now don’t get me wrong, Ah agree Kipo should be punished but not taken from ya, let alone thrown in the dungeons.” Applejack said, more than upset with Spoiled for trying to seprate a family.
Rainbow growled as she punched her hooves together. “Just let me at that Spoiled mare, I'll teach her a lesson!”
Rarity looks down in thought. “I think we should speak with Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Scootaloo, see what they saw, and if there is anything we can actually do.”
Pinkie was sobbing large waterfall tears. “Poor Kipo! She just wanted some more friends!”
“I-I’m worried that Spoiled m-might do something t-to Kipo when I’m not l-looking.” Fluttershy said worriedly.
“Don’t you worry Shy! You have us and the fillies to keep an eye on her.” Rainbow said, then there was a tap on glass.
Everyone looked over to see a hummingbird repeatedly tapping against the window, Fluttershy went over and opened the window and the hummingbird flew inside, chirping quickly. “W-what’s wrong?” Fluttershy asked it.
It tweeted quickly as it panted. ‘Strange pony break in, take young one, Angel Bunny tell this one to tell you!’
“What did it say Shy?” Rainbow asked, leaning closer.
Fluttershy was just quiet, her eyes wide in terror. “K-Kipo….she was t-taken…” she said slowly as she looked down at the ground before her eyes slowly narrowed in anger before she began to transform, much to the shock of all her friends. Her eyes changed from blue to blood red while her wings started to change from a pegasus feathered wing into a bat’s leathery wing. Her coat, mane, and tail darkened a bit as her ears started to become pointed and the final change happened to her teeth as two of them started to grow and sharpen until she had two vicious looking fangs.
"Someone took. My. Daughter!!"
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Saving Kipo And Making A New Friend
Kipo cried as she sat in a cell within a dimly lit room. She couldn't move due to her leg being shackled to the cage bar while her hands were tied together. “P-please! Let me g-go!” she cried out to the guard standing outside her cell, who was wearing a white cloak with the symbol of the sun on it.
“Be silent mutant freak, you'll soon be blessed by Celestia’s light and your suffering will be over.” The guard said calmly, not even looking at Kipo.
“B-but I’m not suffering! A-and I’m not a-a freak!” Kipo said in fear at what these strange ponies were gonna do to her. She can tell they were ponies because of her nose, which had morphed into a jaguar’s when she woke up in the cell for an unknown reason. “Please! I-I want to go home t-to momma!”
“Your mother will join you as soon as she finds out you are here. Then we can end both of your suffering.” They said and Kipo’s ears twitch and she sees a slight glow coming from the pony's neck under the hood. “So just shut up and wait till it's your turn.”
Kipo wisely stayed quiet, at least mostly, she did let out a few whimpers as she huddled against the wall of the cage, trying to stay as far away from the pony as possible. “Don’t worry about these nuts.” A male voice said beside her. She looked and saw another cage and inside it was another pony. From what Kipo can see, the pony was a stallion based on the body shape. He had black fur with a silver mane and short tail and she can see the oddest Cutie Mark on his flanks, a full moon with three red slash marks on it which were either part of the Cutie Mark or were scars. He also had a couple of scars, one big one on his body and a small one on his cheek. She also noticed his scent was off, like there was a hint of wet dog mixed with his.
“I am just waiting to escape, don't know where you are but if you want I can help save you or you could take their ‘blessing’.” he said, making air quotes with his hooves when he said blessing.
This made Kipo perk up as hope began to fill her. “Y-you can?”
“Sure can just wait for the right time.” He said before he was zapped with a stick held by a unicorn, making grunt in pain through clenched teeth.
“Quiet you Celestia damned freak.” The unicorn ordered and made the stick crackle with electricity in order to scare the pony to listen which didn't phase him in the slightest.
“Leave him a-alone!” Kipo shouted at the unicorn only to get zapped as well, making her scream in pain.
“Oh great now this freak is talking again.” The unicorn said before looking at another guard. “How long before we can start?”
“Soon, just bear the freak's chatter for a little longer.” The guard said before glaring at Kipo and the pony and the pony glared back while Kipo was backing up as best as she could but the cage prevented her from doing so. The guard eventually turned away with a disgusted scoff and Kipo whines as she hugs her knees to her chest.
Thew pony saw this and spoke to the frightened girl. “Hey don’t worry kid, I will keep you safe." he said with a reassurring smile. "My name is Full Moon, what's yours?”
“K-Kipo.” Kipo said quietly as she cried, really wishing she wasn’t here and back home with her friends and mother.
“Well Kipo, don’t worry, this isn’t the first time these nuts have tried to ‘bless’ me.” Full Moon said while rolling his eyes. He then looked at her and was a bit confused. “Why did they kidnap you? I mean you aren’t a pony but even these guys don’t just attack other species.”
“I-I don’t know! I r-really don’t!” Kipo said, tears streaming down her face. “I was j-just sleeping in my room t-then I wake up here!" Kipo then sobs as she hugs her legs closer to herself. "I wanna g-go home!"
Full Moon frowns and looks at the guard who had a disgusted look on his face when he saw Kipo crying. “Does making a filly cry make you feel like a big stallion?”
The pony just scoffs. “Shut up freak. She’s no filly.” the guard said, growling a bit at how talkative the two were being. A loud buzzer then goes off before the ground starts to move. “Finally.”
“W-what's happening?” Kipo asked as she fell over in her cage before looking around even more scared and confused.
“We are being moved to their ‘blessing’ chamber, or as I call it, their death trap.” Moon said before he stood up and growled, a growl that was not very pony-like.
“M-Mr. Moon?” Kipo asked the pony, a bit afraid as the two guards looked at Full Moon in shock and fear.
“You did remember to give him wolfsbane right?!” The unicorn asked as they backed away.
“Me?! I thought you were in charge of that!” The guard shouted before Full Moon started to grow, his fur becoming more wild and unkempt, his hooves turning into paws with sharp claws, and his muzzle changing and becoming more canine in structure. Full Moon howls loudly and rams into the side of the cage. “Move the cages faster!” The cages start moving into a large room with a glass ceiling with the sun shining brightly down into the room.
“M-Mr. Moon! W-what’s going o-on?!” Kipo asked fearfully as she looked at the light.
Full Moon bites onto the bars of his cage as it is moved into the middle of the room and the light seems to focus on him. There is a humming sound coming from the ceiling before it starts glowing and a beam of light shoots down hitting the cage blinding Kipo for a moment. When she can see again she sees only ash where the cage and Full Moon were which made her stare at the ash in horror. “That's one do-” The guard is cut off as he is tackled by a large wolf with black fur. The wolf bites the guard by the neck and flings them across the room before walking over to Kipo.
Kipo just stares at the wolf in fear as she tries to back away from it. “P-please don’t hurt me m-mr. Wolf.” Kipo said fearfully, wishing her momma was here right now.
Fluttershy shook in rage after hearing how her daughter was taken. She so badly wanted to find the ones who took her and break every bone in their body if they so much as harmed a hair on her head. She then noticed that her friends were shaking at the sight of her which made her forget her rage which was replaced by despair. “I am sorry girls, once I save my daughter I will have to move.” she said dejectedly as she hung her head.
“What?! Why?!” her friends shouted in shock.
Fluttershy sighs as she lowers her wings and slowly looks back at them. “Because now you have seen the real me.”
“You mean this?” Rainbow Dash asked, gesturing to Fluttershy’s appearance. “We’re a little upset that you hid this from us, but you think just because you’re a vampony that means we hate you?”
Fluttershy blinks confused. “Yes? We have always been hunted and…I think the Celestial Cult kidnapped Kipo to get me.”
“Now hold on, Celestialism is not a cult.” Applejack said frowning and then she looked away from Fluttershy.
“Whoa whoa whoa, the whole you being a vampony thing was a big surprise, but Celestia has a cult?” Rainbow Dash asked and Fluttershy nodded her head.
“Yes, and maybe it isn’t to you Applejack, but to beings like us vamponies and wereponies, it is. The cultists believe that anything that isn’t a pony is impure and needs to be cleansed, now that may not sound so bad, but that’s because you don’t know how they ‘purify’ beings like me.” Fluttershy explained, her friends a bit hesitant to ask what she meant. However, before they could ask Pinkie spoke up.
“We are wasting time, if they have Kipo it won’t be long before they try to…bless her.” Pinkie said, frowning which was a shocking sight to see since Pinkie hardly ever frowns. it was even more of a shock to see Pinkie's mane and tail deflate while her color darkened a bit. “Can you track her Fluttershy? I would try to just pop up next to her but their…’holy sites’ are usually protected from me.”
“I can, but barely, they know how to prevent vamponies and wereponies from tracking each other should one of their own get captured.” Fluttershy said though she wondered what Pinkie meant when she said the cultists ‘holy’ sites are protected from her. Do they know about her uniqueness or is it something else?
Rarity hums in thought before asking. “Was she wearing that lovely necklace of hers?”
“Yes, why?” Fluttershy asked impatiently, wanting to find Kipo before it was too late.
“Then maybe I can track her. I noticed the jewel inside it and it had a unique vibration to it. It took a while but I found a way to track it in hopes of finding more like it. So far Kipo is the only one within range that I know of that has one.” Rarity said before lighting her horn and closing her eyes. “Hmm ah found it!”
“Where is it?!” Fluttershy asked Rarity, flying up to the unicorn at speeds that would impress Rainbow Dash.
Rairty got over her shock at Fluttershy flying faster than she normally, or rather hardly, does. “I can’t give you an exact area but I can lead you there. I want to help save the poor girl.”
“Me too! No way am I abandoning a friend.” Rainbow said, wanting to beat the ones who dared take Kipo and upset Fluttershy.
They all look to Applejack who takes a step back. “Ah…A-Ah don’t know Shy…Ah was raised to believe in the Celestial church, Ah want to help but…”
Fluttershy wanted to say something but didn’t know what. How are you supposed to comfort someone when to help fight against something they were raised to believe in? Finally after some thinking, she managed to say something, “It’s fine Applejack, you don’t have to come. It’s best if you didn’t anyway, the cultists don’t like 'traitors' just as much as they don’t like other species.”
Applejack looks down with a frown. “I want to believe ya are lying b-but my gut is tellin' me yer not.”
Fluttershy then hugs her friend. “I’m sorry you had to know about this. I really am.” she said as Applejack hugs back before the two seprated.
“Ah…Ah need some time Shy..ah won’t go tellin' no pony about…this.” Applejack waves a hoof over Fluttershy. “J-just don’t be sucking ma or ma kin’s blood.”
“I wouldn’t even dare think about drinking from another pony.” Fluttershy said, looking a bit hurt Applejack would even say that about her but understood why she would think that. “There are other ways a vampony can feed.”
Applejack looks away. “Ah don’t know what is real. Ah only have the stories ma Granny told me.”
“Um dear, I think we should get going. The spell to track this specific gem is difficult for me to maintain.” Rarity interrupts, getting Fluttershy's attention.
Fluttershy nods her head. “Alright, then let’s get going. I’ve got a daughter to save.” she said and all of them except Applejack ran out of the boutique with Rarity leading the way while Fluttershy quickly changed back, otherwise, she would gain too much attention.
Kipo screams as the wolf bites her cage and rips it open. “Come on little one, time to go.” a deeper version of Full Moon’s voice came from the wolf which surprised Kipo.
“M-mr. Moon?” Kipo hesitantly asked, still afraid of the large wolf in front of her.
The wolf nodded his head before turning back into a pony. “Yes, do you still want my help?”
Kipo quickly nodded, not wanting to stay a second later in this place. When she got up to walk out of the cage, she suddenly fell when her leg was caught on something, she looked back and saw the shackle that was still attached to her leg so she quickly tried getting it off. “I-I can’t get it o-off.”
Full Moon huffs and looks around. “What can you do kid?”
“T-this.” Kipo said nervously as she made her jaguar traits appeared, “B-but that’s it, I-I can’t break the metal t-thing.” her ears drooped in sadness.
Full Moon hums before his ear twitches and he looks at the door. “Focus on the feeling you get when you shift. That's the key.” He said before running at the door while changing back into a wolf, but much to Kipo’s horror the cage she is in moves into the middle of the room, and the ceiling starts glowing and humming again.
Kipo closes her eyes as she tries to focus on the feeling whenever she shifts but was failing. “N-no.” she said fearfully. “Come o-on! Please work!”
The glow gets brighter and the hum gets louder, Full Moon was busy fighting one of the guards. “The werepony is fr-” A guard starts before their throat was ripped out by Full Moon.
Kipo did her best to ignore the sounds of ponies dying at the claws and teeth of Full Moon and instead focused on trying to get free. She was pulling at the chain of the shackle, hoping that it would break if she pulled hard enough. “Come on! B-break already!” she pleaded as she continued to pull, looking at the glow fearfully, seeing that it had gotten even brighter. “I don’t want to die!” she cried out before something snapped within her mind, the next thing she knew, her arm had morphed till it was nearly the same size as herself, covered in purple fur and black spots and ending in an almost paw-like hand with sharp claws. Kipo wasted no time in pulling on the chain and it breaks instantly under her new strength. She quickly moves out of the cage just before an unbelievable amount of heat hits the cage behind her turning it into ash and singeing her fur on her tail. “T-that was too c-close.” Kipo said as she looked back at the cage, or what was left of it anyways.
She felt a paw on her shoulder. “Nice job.”
Kipo jumped a bit as she looked at Full Moon. “P-please don’t startle m-me like that.” she said as she held her chest.
“Sorry, kinda good at sneaking around like this.” He said with a chuckle.
“I-it’s fine.” Kipo said as she looked around. “What is t-this place?” she asked,
“As I said, this is the place where these nuts kill anypony like us.” Moon said before looking up and frowning. “Let’s try to destroy this thing.”
“B-but how? It’s too h-high up and I w-want to go home.” Kipo said, beginning to tear up again.
Moon looks around before spotting some large chains holding the platform connected to the glass ceiling. “There, we can break the chains and make the platform slam into the ceiling, at the very least it will crack the glass making it unusable.”
Kipo was nervous about doing so, worried that something bad might happen but nodded her head. She didn’t want others to suffer the same fate that she nearly suffered. “O-ok.” she said, clenching her large paw.
“Alright, you handle that chain-” he points at on to the left. “-and I’ll handle the one on the opposite side. Once both are broken, run to the exit door.” He said, pointing it out, then he ran at the chain.
Kipo looks at the chain then back up at the ceiling. She lets out a small growl before using her paw to slice the chain, cutting through it with ease. She looks over to see Moon biting through his chain, when it snaps he starts running as the platform starts to tilt. Kipo immediately ran after him, not wanting to be on the platform when it hits the ceiling. Once off the two heard a crash but continued running. “W-where do we g-go now?” she asked Full Moon.
“We go for the exit, just follow me little cub, I will keep you safe.” Moon said with a smile before he ran down a hallway.
Kipo smiled a bit as she followed him, glad that she had someone to help her escape the bad ponies, “D-don’t worry momma, I-I’m coming home.” she said quietly to herself.
Fluttershy was getting more and more worried as she and her friends followed Rarity. “Come Rars! How long is this gonna take?! Kipo could be in big trouble right now!” Rainbow Dash said to the unicorn as they ran through the Everfree Forest which made some of them uncomfortable to be in but they continued on for Kipo.
“For the tenth time Rainbow, this spell is difficult and I can only hold it for a few minutes at maximum before I need to re-cast it. I may be an expert when it comes to finding gems but this is such a unique gem that it's hard for me to lock onto.” Rarity said before she casts the spell again and points deeper into the jungle. “This way.” She moves some bushes out of the way only to yelp and duck.
Her friends look ahead and duck as well, seeing a large single building with multiple guards surrounding it. “That’s one of the cultist's temples.” Fluttershy said angrily, knowing that Kipo is in there.
“That is a lot of guards. What should we do? Call the royal guards?” Rainbow asked.
“Would they even believe us?” Rarity asked, doubt in her voice.
“No, most of them would most likely be a cultist as well, we have to do this ourselves.” Fluttershy said, shifting into her vampony form.
Her friends flinch in surprise at the change again. “Ok but how do we take on…wait…” Rainbow looks around when she realized something. “Where is Pinkie?” she asked before there was the sound of a loud splat and a few bonks. They looked and saw Pinkie in the middle of a group of knocked out guards, their faces covered in pies while Pinkie was holding a bat. “W-what?! How did she do that?!” Rainbow asked, shocked that Pinkie managed to knock all the guards out.
“It’s Pinkie.” Fluttershy answered as she walked over to Pinkie. “Good work.”
Pinkie nods with a straight face, then she looks up at the door. “I tried to get inside but…I couldn’t. We will have to get in the normal way.”
“Great.” Fluttershy said, walking up to the door, giving it a glare. “So, we go in the sneaky way, or the loud way?” she asked her friends.
“Your daughter Shy, and you know these guys more than us, you decide.” Rainbow said.
“Good.” Fluttershy said before turning around and kicking the door open with her back hooves and reducing it to splinters. “Cause I’m done being stealthy with these buckers.”
Her friends looked at what remained of the door in awe and shock though none were more amazed than Rainbow Dash. “Whoa that was awesome!”
“Darling language!” Rarity scolded lightly.
“Let’s kick some flank.” Pinkie said and walked into the building.
Fluttershy flew inside, seeing a few guards ahead, she tackled one of them and punched him in the face which nearly broke the ponies jaw before kicking the one behind her, sending both flying into the walls. “Where is she?!” she shouted as she looked at the other guards. “Where is my daughter?!”
The remaining two guards take a few steps back before aiming their spears at her. “We have a breach!” One of them yells.
Fluttershy flew up to the guard that yelled and gave them a strong punch to the face, knocking them out then glared at the other guard. “Where. Is. My. Daughter?!” she all but shouted as her eyes glowed and the guard's eyes glowed red as well. “Tell me now!”
The guard slowly relaxes before dropping the spear. “She…is…in…the…blessing…room.”
Terror filled Fluttershy’s mind when she heard that. “N-no…” she said, eyes wide before she flew off, nearly becoming a blur as she left her friends behind.
“Fluttershy wait for us!” Her friends called as they tried to follow her.
After some twists and turns Futtershy runs into a solid wall of muscle. “Oof, hey watch it!” Fluttershy looked up to see a large black werepony in their wolf form.
“Momma!” Fluttershy heard someone shout before Kipo tackled her into a hug, tears of joy in her eyes.
“Oh Kipo! I’m so glad you’re safe!” Fluttershy said, tears in her own eyes at having her daughter back.
“You are this little one's mom?” Full Moon asked as he started to shift back to a normal pony.
Fluttershy looked at him and the faintest blush appeared on her cheeks before she nodded her head. “Yes, I-I am. Did you help her get free from the cultists?” she asked him.
“Yeah I did, she even helped me destroy their huge magnifying lens. Say want to get out of here or trash the place more?” He asked with a smirk.
“I would say burn this place to the ground, but I have to bring my daughter home.” Fluttershy said, noticing Kipo’s transformed arm, making her go wide-eyed. ’Oh dear, Cipher’s books did say something about that, but I didn’t expect her to learn to do that so soon.’
“Momma can Mr. Moon come home with us?!” Kipo asked while not letting go of Fluttershy since she was afraid she would be taken away again.
“Oh, um, sure.” Fluttershy said, making Kipo smile.
“Yay!” she cheered happily and both Fluttershy and Full Moon smiled at this.
Full Moon chuckles. “Quite the cub you got there.” He said and walked past Fluttershy. “Let’s get out of-” his ears twitch. “-I hear three ponies coming.”
“It might be my friends, or it could be more cultists.” Fluttershy said, standing in front of Kipo, her wings spread out as she gets ready to attack more cultists.
“Momma, why do you look different?” Kipo asked while hiding behind Fluttershy.
Fluttershy tensed up, she had forgotten that she was in her vampony form, “I-I’ll explain later.” She said though secretly she really didn’t want Kipo to see her like this.
“Ok.” Kipo said, knowing that now is not the time for explanations.
Not long after that Pinkie, Rainbow, and Rarity come in around the corner and upon seeing Kipo, they became relieved and overjoyed to see the girl safe and sound. “Shy! You found Kipo!” Rainbow said in relief.
“My goodness, who is that beside you darling?” Rarity asked while looking at Full Moon.
Pinkie’s mane poofed up and she smiled before hopping over to Kipo and pulling a cupcake out of her mane. “Here you go, Kipo.”
Kipo immediately grabbed the cupcake and began to eat it. “Thanks aunt Pinkie!” she said happily.
Pinkie giggles and pets Kipo’s head before Full Moon spoke up. “Well now that your friends are here, let's get out of here."
“Yes, I don’t want to stay in this place any longer than I need to.” Fluttershy said as she put Kipo on her back.
“Right, stay behind me.” Full Moon said before he ran ahead of the group and led them out while fighting a few guards along the way. Soon they managed to reach the exit, letting them run away from the temple with Fluttershy giving it a glare as they ran and they kept running and running till they made it out of the forest.
“Phew! I thought we were gonna get caught or something!” Rainbow Dash said, relieved to be out of the temple and away from the insane ponies.
“Trust me, getting caught is something you don’t want to happen to you.” Fluttershy said as she changed back to normal.
“Yeah, those nuts would treat you like…them.” Full Moon said pointing at Fluttershy and Kipo.
“And what about you? You a cultist or something?” Rainbow Dash asked him, giving him a suspicious glare.
“Mr. Moon saved me auntie Dash.” Kipo said, defending Full Moon.
He nods and smiles. “I sure did, don’t worry about me.” He said, then sniffs the air. “We should get going though. Don’t want some of those nutjobs to catch us.”
Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “Yes, I agree.”
“But where will we go that those jerks won’t look?” Rainbow Dash asked, making the group pause.
“I got a safe house they don’t know about.” Full Moon said making Fluttershy look at him in surprise.
“You do?” she asked him,
“Yeah, it is always better to have safe houses.” He said and started to lead them.
Fluttershy mentally cursed herself for not thinking of making a safe house in case of an emergency. She could have hidden Kipo in there while she went out to talk to her friends and this whole situation wouldn't have happened. “Is it far?” she asked.
“A few miles but not my furthest.” Full Moon said.
“What do you mean by that?” Rarity asked him, curious and a bit confused on what he meant when he said that.
“I got homes all over Equestria.” He said and kept walking.
“Whoa! Now that’s a lot of places to throw parties!” Pinkie said as she hopped next to him while Kipo giggled.
“Aunt Pinkie, why do you always think of parties?” Kipo asked her.
“Because silly filly, parties are the best way to spread smiles!” Pinkie happily told her. Her previous anger towards the cultists seemingly forgotten for now.
“And you want to make everyone smile!” Kipo said happily, forgetting about the events that happened earlier and this made Fluttershy and her friends smile, glad that Kipo was feeling better after what happened at the temple.
“That's right!” Pinkie boops Kipo’s nose.
Kipo giggled again, then looked at her giant paw. “Um, momma, I think my arm is stuck.” she said, gesturing to the large paw, making them notice it for the first time.
“Whoa! I knew you could grow jaguar parts but that is cool.” Rainbow exclaimed as she looked at the paw in awe.
“Oh darling I am sure you will figure it out.” Rarity said though she couldn't help but wonder if she could make something for the paw, like maybe bracelets or some other arm wear or decor.
“And if not we can throw an arm of a jaguar a party.” Pinkie said and that made Kipo smile brightly.
“Yay!” Kipo said, throwing her arms into the air, accidentally hitting a lantern post with her jaguar paw and easily breaking it in half and sending the top half flying. Everyone just stared in shock at what was left of the lantern post before looking at Kipo. “Oopsie.”
Full Moon laughs and grins. “That's a very strong cub you have there ma'am.” He said then winked at Fluttershy.
Fluttershy blushed again and nodded her head. “Y-yes, she is.” she said then looked at Kipo. “Now sweetie, you need to take it easy and not swing your new paw around ok? You don’t want to break anything else do you?”
Kipo shook her head. “I won’t momma.” she said before she began to look over her paw. “But I got a question.”
“What is that dear?” Fluttershy asked.
“How do I make this go away?” Kipo asked as she lifted her paw.
“Don't know how to shift properly?” Moon asked before he hummed. “Have you tried to just shake it back to normal? I did that as a cub, till I learned a better way.”
Kipo tilted her head in confusion but decided to try it out but Fluttershy stopped her before she could. “Um, maybe she shouldn’t do that unless we want something like what happened to the lantern post to happen again.” Fluttershy said before addressing Kipo. “Just focus on changing back, kinda like how you do with your other jaguar parts.”
“Ok momma.” Kipo said as she closed her eyes and focused on changing her arm back, but nothing happened. “Aaaw, it’s not working!”
Full moon slows down till he is beside them and hums. “Hmm alright here is a trick, take the feeling of your animal half and push it into a room inside you. Think of it like putting the animal to bed for the night.”
Kipo nodded as she did what Full Moon said, and slowly but surely, her large paw was changing back to her regular arm. “It worked!” Kipo said happily before jumping from Fluttershy’s back and hugging Full Moon who had to catch her in order to keep her from falling, “Thank you Mr. Moon!”
He chuckles and smiles proudly. “You're welcome little one.”
The others just went ‘aw’ at the sight, “Looks like she’s warmed up to you.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
“Kinda happens when you save kids.” He said with a shrug and smiled.
They kept walking till they reached a large boulder before Full Moon pushed the boulder aside and revealing a hole with a ladder leading down. “What’s down there?” Kipo asked, peaking down into the hole.
“My safe house.” He said before jumping down the hole.
“Wait for me!” Kipo shouted about to jump in as well but Fluttershy grabbed her and flew down into the hole. “Aw! Momma!”
“No, you don’t know how deep it is Kipo.” Fluttershy said as she slowly flew down the hole.
When Fluttershy got to the bottom she saw a few mattresses piled up to cushion the fall. “Oh good, you did follow me.” He said and flipped a switch and the whole room lit up with magic crystals.
“Of course, Kipo was just about to jump in after you and I didn’t want her to accidentally hurt herself.” Fluttershy said as she looked around. “So this is your safe house?”
“One of them.” He said walking around checking stuff. “You can tell the normies it is safe, I jump down the hole all the time.”
Fluttershy nodded as she put Kipo down, who immediately ran off to explore the safe house while Fluttershy went back up the hole. “Wooow! This place is cool! I’ve never been in a safehouse before!” Kipo excitedly said as she looked at all the supplies Full Moon had stored.
“Really? Huh, your mom must be very powerful or very confident.” He said as he finished checking everything. “Good news!” He tosses a pudding cup at Kipo. “Last one.”
“Pudding!” Kipo exclaimed happily as she opened it and began to eat it just as Fluttershy returned with her friends.
Full Moon waves at them and points across the room. “Over there are some drinks, and over there-” he points the other way. “-is the bathroom.”
They nodded their heads. “Alright, we got it. Now I think some explanations are in order.” Rainbow Dash said,.
Full Moon raises an eyebrow. “Like what?”
“Like who are you? Are you a cultist? Or are you a vampony like Fluttershy?” Rarity asked him.
“He’s not a vampony, I would have been hostile towards him if he was.” Fluttershy said, it was a half lie but still true nonetheless.
“True, though normally our kinds do fight like cats and dogs.” He said but then waved it off. “But I don’t care what the old bloods did way back when, I say live in the now.” He walks over to a wall full of screens and pushes a button and they light up showing the area around the rock outside, he then pulls a rope, and the rock moves to cover the hole again.
“How did you manage to make all this? I’ve never seen anything like it.” Rarity asked, then noticed a screen with Pinkie making silly faces. “Wait, Pinkie?”
“Yes?” Pinkie asked, suddenly appearing next to Rarity, making her look at the screen, which didn’t have Pinkie on it, and at Pinkie in confusion.
“Yes, my family invented a lot of this, especially these.” He points up at the glowing crystals. “We call them night lights, or just lights for short. A way to replace candles.”
“They are simply wonderful darling, imagine how many ponies wouldn't have to waste time with candles if they had these crystals.” Rarity said, after getting over her confusion.
“Yes, but the cult has made it difficult to patent and sell these as they are powered by moonlight. So in their eyes they are evil.” He shakes his head and walks over to check on something else. “The screens are part of a security network that allows me to see outside without actually going outside. My sister actually made it.”
“Well your sister sounded really smart for making these.” Fluttershy said, giving him a kind smile.
He sighs but nods. “She was.” He pulls part of the floor up and reveals a hidden closet. “After a day or so we can leave wearing these.” He opens them up to show brown cloaks, with small gold runes stitched around the edges.
Rarity lets out a gasp. “B-but these cloaks are just so…bland! They will do horrors to my image!”
“They may be bland but they are useful. They are Notice Me Not cloaks, special clothes that make it difficult for one to be spotted in a crowd.” Fluttershy said as she looked over the cloaks. “Where did you get these? There aren’t any shops in Ponyville or anywhere close by that sell these.”
He rubs the back of his head. “I always have a few…dozen…laying around in each safehouse. Better safe than sorry, is my family motto.” He leaves the closet up and walls over to the food cupboards and pulls out a box of cereal. “So who is hungry?”
They heard a growl and everyone looks at Kipo, who had a sheepish grin on her face. “I guess I am.” she said,
“What do you want little one? I got cereal, some canned fruit, and even some salted meats.” He asked, smiling.
“Meat!” Kipo said while Rainbow Dash and Rarity look a little sick, they knew Kipo ate meat since she was an omnivore and needed meat to grow up healthy, they just never seen her eat meat before as it made them too queasy just thinking about it.
“Alright, I think I'll have some too, and what about you miss?” He asked Fluttershy.
“I’ll just have some fruit.” Fluttershy said,
“Alright, I assume the same for you three?” He asked the other mares.
The three of them nodded their heads. “Yeah, fruit will do.” Rainbow Dash said,
He opens a cold box and says. “Then help yourselves, I know normies don't like the smell so I will try to cook our food fast.”
“Why do you keep calling us normies?” Rainbow asked him.
“It’s a nickname we use for regular ponies. Though I never really use it.” Fluttershy explained.
“Eh sorry if you don’t like it, I use it all the time.” He said with a smirk as he leaned down and took hold of a few pieces of meat with his mouth and moved them to a frying pan.
“It is alright, though you wouldn’t be using that term with Pinkie, nothing is normal with her.” Rarity said,
“Yeah! She does all sorts of things that are impossible for ponies to do!” Kipo said, remembering all the times her adoptive aunt had pretty much defied all laws of physics more than once.
“Who said I ever called the child of chaos normal?” He asked with a laugh.
Pinkie went wide-eyed while her friends looked at Full Moon in confusion. “Child of chaos? What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked him.
“Nothing.” He said with a smirk as he started to cook the meat. Everyone still looked a bit confused while Pinkie lets out a sigh of relief before they grabbed a couple of cans of fruit and began to eat while Kipo watched the meat cook, cat-like eyes staring intently at the meat. After a while, Full Moon puts the meat on plates and gives Kipo hers. “Eat up cub.”
“Thanks, Mr. Moon!” Kipo said as she began to eat, using her sharp fangs and claws to tear it apart.
He chuckles and smirks at the other ponies. “Hey vamp, you trust these normies?”
“Of course, they’re my friends.” Fluttershy said with a nod. “And it’s Fluttershy, not vamp.”
“Right, well if you can trust them that much..” He shifts in front of them all before he starts eating.
Everyone minus Fluttershy and Kipo went wide-eyed. “Whoa! You’re a werepony?!” Pinkie asked him, a large smile on her face. “That’s awesome!”
“I thought I smelled wolf.” Fluttershy mumbled to herself.
He chuckles and looks at Fluttershy. “Hope you don’t carry that bad blood between our kind.” He then looks at Pinkie. “Yep, werepony, in the fur! You may bask in my awesomeness!” He then poses like he's on a movie poster.
This caused the three of the four mares to blink while Kipo just laughed. “Pft, please, I’m the only awesome one around here.” Rainbow Dash said cockily.
“You wish little pegasus, even if you can fly I am so fast on land none of you…except the pink one cannot run me.” He said smugly.
“You forgot I am a vampony, which means I’m fast in both the air and on land.” Fluttershy said, shocking her friends.
“What!? Flutters you barely fly and you failed flight school! No offense but there's no way you're faster than I am.” Rainbow said as she didn't believe Fluttershy being faster than her.
“That’s because I was really nervous about flying, I had barely any control over my vampony powers.” Fluttershy said as she ate a fruit. “But I am fast, vamponies are naturally faster than regular ponies. On land or in the air.”
Rainbow got in Fluttershy’s face. “We have to race! I wanna know who is faster!”
Fluttershy should have expected this to be Rainbow Dash’s reaction to her being faster than ponies. “Sorry Rainbow Dash, but I can’t, I’m a vampony, and the supposed ‘shyest’ pegasus in Ponyville, the pegasus who hardly ever flies. Do you know how suspicious that would be if I were to race you?”
“Aww come on Shy! We could go to Ghastly Gorge, or somewhere else no pony else will see you.” Rainbow begs.
“Yeah momma! I wanna see how fast you are too!” Kipo said and she and Rainbow give the vampony puppy dog eyes. Fluttershy did her best to resist but failed, Rainbow Dash she can handle, but with Kipo? It was just unfair.
“Alright, we’ll race Rainbow.” Fluttershy said with a defeated sigh, ’Note to self, make myself immune to Kipos cuteness and puppy dog eyes.’
“Yay!/Aww yeah!” Kipo and Rainbow say at the same time.
Full Moon chuckles and shakes his head. “You would be doomed if you had to raise a werepony.” He said.
“Yes, I hear they're the masters of the puppy dog eyes.” Fluttershy said..
He chuckles and nods, shifting back to normal. “Yes, that they are.” He goes over to the screens and watches them.
It’s been days since Fluttershy and her friends invaded the cultist's temple to free Kipo, and since then, the cultists have been searching nonstop for them but were being discreet as to not draw suspicion. But as the days went by, the cultists began to slowly give up looking for them until they stopped entirely, most likely thinking they’d escaped to another town or fled the country.
Full Moon yawns as he stretches. “Alright ladies, I think it is finally safe to move out.”
“You sure? Those cultists jerks aren’t looking for us anymore?” Rainbow Dash asked him, looking away from her and Pinkie’s game of cards.
Pinkie quickly swaps the game to checkers as Moon replies. “Yeah, they have moved on, though keep an eye out for them.”
“That’s good.” Fluttershy said as she closed the book she was reading to Kipo while Rainbow Dash looked at the new game in confusion.
“Ok everypony, and Kipo, grab a cloak and get ready for a climb up.” Moon said as he starts pushing buttons and flipping levers.
Everyone nodded as they grabbed a cloak, though Rarity was hesitant to put her cloak on. Lights started turning off and things started getting dark until the rock moves showing a ray of light coming down the shaft. Then on the side of the shaft ladder rugs pop out and a full ladder slides down to the ground. “Alright everypony start climbing.”
They all listened and began climbing the ladder and popped up above ground, their eyes squinting a bit as they have been underground for a while. “Whoa! What is that bright thing in the sky?” Kipo asked as she shielded her eyes with a small smirk. “Is that the sun?”
They all giggle or laugh and then Moon pushes the boulder back over the hole. “Alright, so where is this…Ponyville?” He asked, trying to remember the name.
“Let me check.” Rainbow Dash said, flying into the air, after a few seconds she flew back down. “It’s that way, just a couple of miles over that hill.” she said, pointing in one direction.
“Ah that sleepy little village. I saw it before but never entered due to some…thing that felt off.” Full Moon said changing what he was gonna say and started walking.
Fluttershy frowned a bit, wondering what he was talking about but thought she’ll ask him later. “What do you mean something felt off Mr. Moon?” Kipo asked him. Or Kipo could just ask him due to childish curiosity.
Moon was quiet for a while. “There is something very dark near your town or at least something very dark happened near your town little one.” He said, but the way he said it made Fluttershy think it wasn’t something a child should hear.
“What do you mean?” Kipo asked, worry in her voice.
“It’s nothing sweetie, I’m sure it’s nothing.” Fluttershy said to Kipo, giving Full Moon a look that said ‘we’ll talk later’.
He lightly nods before looking ahead. “So…I know this is rude and I have tried to not ask but… how did she get kidnapped?”
Fluttershy sighs. “I was out talking with my friends about what happened at her school, they took her while I was gone.” Fluttershy explained, “I only found cause one of my animal friends let me know that she was taken before it was too late.”
“Well thank goodness, I don’t know what I would have done if I saved her and not known where to bring her.” He said with a smile. “But now she is back with her pretty mother.”
Fluttershy blushed a bit but had a small smile on her face. Then Kipo spoke up. “He called you pretty momma!”
“Y-yes he did sweetie.” Fluttershy said,
The other girls giggle at Kipo’s innocence and Fluttershy's embarrassment. “Full Moon darling, you wouldn’t happen to have a crush on our dear Fluttershy would you?”
He blushed a bit but kept his smirk, then his ears perked. “What was that? I will be right back.” He then rushed off into the trees.
“He liiiiikes you~” sang Kipo to Fluttershy.
Fluttershy blushes and shakes her head. “No, he is just being nice.”
“Sure he is.” Pinkie said.
Rarity walks closer to Fluttershy with a smirk. “Fluttershy darling I do believe you will need an extra special trip to the spa after we get back. Maybe a new dress as well.”
“Um, w-whatever for?” Fluttershy asked her,
Rainbow lands next to Fluttershy on her other side as Pinkie takes Kipo and skips ahead. “I think you know why.” Rainbow teases. “Just don’t let him take advantage of you ok?”
Fluttershy’s blush grew. “O-oh dear.”
The girls giggle more and lightly tease Fluttershy till they get near the town where they see Applejack waiting for them. “Girls! You're back and you have Kipo!”
“Aunt Applejack!” Kipo shouted as she ran up to Applejack and hugged her, which the farmer gladly returned. “I missed you!”
“Ah missed you too sugarcube! Why were you gone for so long?” She asked the mares as they approached the two.
“We had to lay low in order to keep the cultists from finding us.” Fluttershy said. “Luckily a new friend had a safehouse for us to hide in.”
“A new friend? Who is that?” Applejack asked as a large black wolf sneaked up behind her.
“Him.” Kipo said, pointing behind Applejack, making the farmer turn around and jump in shock.
“Whoa nelly!” she shouted. “What's a wolf doing here?!”
The wolf growls at Applejack ready to pounce. “Apple!” He growled.
Fluttershy immediately got in between him and Applejack, “Full Moon, calm down please. This is my friend.” she said,
“She is an Apple! They killed my whole family!” He growled wanting to get past Fluttershy but not hurt her. “The worst of them was named Granny Smith, and she reeks of that mare!”
Everyone went wide-eyed in shock at the news but Applejack was even more shocked as she didn't believe her Granny would kill anyone. “N-no…Granny c-couldn’t have done that…she just c-couldn’t!”
“She did! And I will never forget what she looks or smells like.” Full Moon said angrily. “I will never trust any Apple!”
“Full Moon, I know what Granny Smith did to your family was terrible, but Applejack is not like her! If she was, she would have killed Kipo when she first saw her!” Fluttershy said, shifting into her vampony form in case things got a little violent.
Full Moon growls and continues to pace back-and-forth. “She is still related to that monster!”
“Moon, do you remember what you said when we got in the safehouse?” Fluttershy asked him.
“I said a lot of things!” He said then growled. “And don’t use my name in front of her!”
“Live in the now, that’s what you said.” she said, not even flinching from the growl or shouting.
He stops and looks at Fluttershy, then looked at Applejack before looking away. “Fine…But if I see that monster I will get my revenge.” He said before stomping off. “I will find you later Fluttershy.”
“Be safe….” she said as she shifted back to normal, a saddened look on her face.
Applejack watched him go still scared. “C-could what he said be…be true?”
Fluttershy sighed sadly, “Yes, a werepony’s nose is hardly ever wrong.”
Applejack looked heartbroken and sick. “Ah…ma Granny?” Pinkie walks over and hugs her.
“Um hey lets get Shy and Kipo home, it is starting to get late.” Rainbow said.
Everyone nodded their heads before they began to walk in the direction of Fluttershy's cottage with Pinkie comforting Applejack along the way. As they got close to it they saw some ponies standing around it which confused some of them and when they got closer they saw they were almost all guards, with Spoiled Rich standing behind them all. Upon noticing them, Spoiled Rich pointed at Fluttershy and Kipo. “There she is, she thought she could escape responsibility but obviously she's not taking care of the child and it should be taken away.” She said, making Fluttershy’s friends gasp as the guards slowly started walking towards them.
Author's Note
Hello everyone, sorry this took a while, being a writer and editor is a literal hell. Also, sorry for the slightly dark chapter. I wanted to show how much the Cultists hate other species and aren't afraid to hurt someone as young as Kipo. So please don't hate.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Family Drama Then Parties
Kipo hid behind her mother while Fluttershy and her friends blocked the guard's path to her, "What are you doing?!" Fluttershy asked the guards, her wings spread out as she gave them an angry look.
"Yeah! Why are you trying to take Kipo?!" Rainbow Dash asked next as she hovered above the group, ready to swoop in and take Kipo away from the guards if needed.
"They are here to take away your child since you clearly are not capable of taking care of her." Spoiled said, holding back the smirk as she watched the guards trying to get past Fluttershy and her friends.
"What are you talking about?" Fluttershy asked her, confused. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of my daughter."
"Oh really? Then why hasn't she shown up for school in the past few days?" Spoiled asked her and Fluttershy mentally cursed. During the whole cult kidnapping Kipo and them hiding from them, she had forgotten Kipo had school. She needed a good lie right now otherwise Kipo will be taken from her and she doesn't know if these guards were part of the cultists or not.
“Because some mean ponies took me away, but momma and her friends saved me.” Kipo said, peeking out from behind them before ducking back behind Fluttershy when the guards and Spoiled looked at her.
The guards looked then looked at Fluttershy. “Ma’am, is this true?” one of them asked her and Fluttershy nodded her head.
“Yes, my daughter was foalnapped a few days ago so me and my friends went to go find her.” Fluttershy said before thinking to herself, ’Well, I guess the truth can work too. Just need to edit a few things to not expose myself or Full Moon.’
“Don't be preposterous, if she was really foalnapped you would've called the guards to have them handle it. It is their job after all.” Spoiled said with a scoff. “She obviously taught her daughter to lie in order to make you have sympathy for it .”
Fluttershy's eyes narrowed. “My daughter and I are telling the truth, and the reason why I didn’t tell the guards is because I was too worried about what might have happened to her so I asked my friends to help me look for her.” Fluttershy said in barely controlled anger.
Spoiled scoffs again. “Just face the facts, your pet is dangerous and the guards are going to take it away.” Fluttershy was about to snap but someone beat her to it as a blue blur rushed past them and punched Spoiled across the face.
“No one talks about Fluttershy or her daughter like that!” Rainbow yelled.
Spoiled looked at Rainbow Dash in shock which slowly turned into anger. “How dare you?! Who do you think you are to hit me?!” she shouted at Rainbow Dash before looking at the guards. “I demand she be put under arrest for assaulting me right now!”
“Oh yeah!? Well I demand you are arrested for bad-mouthing my friend! You obviously don't know what you're talking about when it comes to Fluttershy or her child! And you obviously don't like Kipo for some reason!” Rainbow yelled back, getting in Spoiled’s face.
Two guards separated the two mares. “Ok, that’s enough from both of you.” the lead guard said sternly then looked at Rainbow Dash, “You, be lucky we’re not taking you in for assault, consider this your first strike.”
“First strike!? I demand that this mare be arrested for assaulting me! And take away that beast from that yellow feather brain!” Spoiled yelled at the guards, pointing at Kipo and Fluttershy.
“You, quiet! Obviously, this whole thing is a waste of time as it looks like this is due to a personal grudge, but we’ll still question them about what happened.” the lead guard said to Spoiled, growing annoyed with her. Not that he wasn't already.
Kipo looked out, as her eyes changed to her jaguar eyes, and she tilted her head. “Momma, why does the mean lady’s head glow?” She asked softly.
This made Fluttershy look at Kipo in confusion, but didn’t think much of it and focus on the important topic. “Look, just go home ma’am, we’ll handle things from here.” the lead guard said to Spoiled, who just huffed in anger.
“Fine! But when that thing kills some pony, don't say I didn’t warn you!” Spoiled said before stomping off.
Everyone watched as she stomped off before the lead guard sighed while shaking his head. “Sorry about that ma’am. We didn’t realize that the moment she came to us it was due to a personal grudge, which is confusing since a lot of ponies know what kind of pony you are.” he said to Fluttershy.
“It’s fine.” Fluttershy said, relieved that Spoiled was gone otherwise she would have done something unkind to her.
Kipo still hid behind Fluttershy, keeping Fluttershy between her and the guards until the guards were closer, then she hid under Fluttershy's wing. “Momma, they are scary, are they gonna take me away?”
Fluttershy looked down at Kipo, “No sweetie, at least, I hope not.” she said to her before looking at the guards.
“You better not, otherwise we’ll fight for Kipo.” Rainbow Dash said angrily as glared at the guards.
“We just want to find out what happened, and we do have to get statements from all of you. You will all be under a lie detector spell, to make sure that nothing is held back.” The lead guard said to them, then he looked down at Kipo. “She will also need to make a statement.”
Fluttershy frowned but nodded her head. “Ok, we’ll tell you what we know.”
“Good, would you mind if we used your home to question each of you separately?” The lead guard asked.
“I don’t mind.” Fluttershy said before she looked down at Kipo, “Come on out sweetie, we’re about to go home.”
“O-ok momma.” Kipo said nervously.
Everyone walks into her home and the guards take up positions at all the exits as the lead guard turns to the group and says. “Alright, we will be questioning each of you one by one until we have a full picture of what happened.”
Fluttershy nodded her head, “Who will you speak to first?” she asked him.
“Let’s start with you.” He said, looking at Fluttershy.
Fluttershy nodded her head and sat down on the couch with Kipo, who decided to cover herself up with her wing, nervously peeking over Fluttershy’s said appendage. “Go ahead, ask away.” she said.
The guard clears his throat. “Let’s start at the beginning, what happened at the school?” Fluttershy sighs and begins to tell the guards what happened at Cheerilee's school, from when she dropped Kipo off all the way to when Kipo came running into the house, crying about how she hurt Diamond Tiara. “I see.” The guard said, writing it all down. “And then?”
“After I comforted Kipo and put her in her bed, I went to go get my friends to tell them about what happened at school, but after I did, one of my animal friends came and told me somepony took Kipo, so me and my friends went out to look for her.” Fluttershy said, hugging Kipo close to her with her wing as if she was afraid the cultists would show up and take her again.
“I see, and the foalnappers, what about them? Where did they take Kipo? Did they have any identifying markers? How did you get her back?” The guard asked while writing down Fluttershy’s answers.
Fluttershy nervously bit her lip, still worried that the cultists might have infiltrated the guard's ranks but something told her that she needs to tell them if it means protecting Kipo as well as many other creatures from them. “They were cultists of Celestia, they took Kipo to one of their ‘holy’ sites to ‘cleanse’ her.” Fluttershy said and she felt Kipo shake in fear at the memory of the cleansing chamber. “I don’t know what happened to them after we rescued Kipo from them, but I’m afraid they might still be out there somewhere in hiding.”
“Oh them. We have been trying to find them for years.” The guard said with a shake of his head. “We promise to have a few guards keep an eye on your daughter to help keep her safe ma’am.”
Fluttershy nodded her head, “Thank you.”
“We apologize that we weren't able to keep your daughter safe in the first place ma'am. I know for a fact Celestia has ordered that the cult be hunted down for hurting innocent creatures.” The guard said and wrote down some notes.
Fluttershy had some doubt about Celestia but nodded her head. “Is there anything else you need to know?” she asked them.
“Yes, do you foresee any more problems with Ms. Spoiled?” The guard asked.
Fluttershy instantly nodded her head, “Yes, I’m afraid I do”
The guard sighed. “I see, do you feel like pressing charges? As far as I can tell your daughter injured her daughter accidentally when pushed into a corner figuratively. So all that's needed is an apology and the matter is settled, while Ms. Spoiled has pushed the issue to the point of getting us here to take your daughter away.”
Fluttershy began to think, did she want to press charges? It won’t be like her at all to do so but when she looked at Kipo, seeing the fear in her eyes, she made her decision. “Yes, I do. I’m afraid she might try to go after Kipo again.”
The guard nods his head. “Alright, after this we will arrest her.”
Fluttershy nodded her head, not feeling any sort of joy in hearing that but if it means Kipo will be safe from Spoiled, that’s good enough for her. “Thank you.”
“Can you tell us where the cult took Kipo?” The guard asked next.
“It was a ‘holy site’ in the Everfree Forest.” Fluttershy said, making a couple of the guards gulp nervously at the mention of the forest.
He sighed and shook his head. “Damn them, they are crazy.”
“Ahem.” Fluttershy said, gesturing to Kipo. “Please do not swear in front of my daughter.”
“Oh right sorry ma’am.” He said, then kneeled down and looked at Kipo. “Sorry little one.”
“It’s ok.” Kipo said, still hiding behind Fluttershy’s wing.
He smiled a bit and looked at Fluttershy. “She is adorable.”
Fluttershy smiled as well. “Yes, she is and she is a wonderful daughter. I’m glad to have her.”
He smiled a bit. “Alright ma’am, now we have to question her.”
Fluttershy nodded her head, “Ok, sweetie I need you to tell them what happened when you were taken.”
“Ok momma.” Kipo said and began to tell everyone what happened. “I woke up in a dark room in a cage where the mean ponies were keeping me. I-I was so scared a-and wanted to go home b-but they just hurt me w-when I talked.”
“Those bas-” The lead guard started to say but one glare from Fluttershy made him change his wording. “-Jerks, what happened next?”
“T-then Mr. Moon told me everything w-was gonna be alright a-and that he was gonna get m-me back to momma.” Kipo said as she smiled a little as she remembered playing with Full Moon while they were hiding out in his safehouse.
“Mr. Moon?” The guard asked and looked between Fluttershy and Kipo. “Who is that?”
“He is a big wolf!” Kipo said excitedly.
“A big wolf?” The guard asked, confused before smiling and shook his head. ‘Must have been a kind Diamond dog.’ He thought. “Ok, so how did Mr. Moon get you out?”
“He broke free first then fought the mean ponies and then broke the cage I was in, but we were in a room with a big light about to shine on me.” Kipo said then shook in fear at the memories of the cleansing chamber, “I-I saw what it did to M-Mr. Moon's cage, it turned it t-to ash. I was s-so scared that I-I was next.”
The guard reaches out to pet her. “But you made it, you're safe.” Kipo flinched back a bit but let the guard pet her.
“B-but what if the mean ponies t-try to take me again?” Kipo asked him, eyes starting to tear up.
“They won’t take you again Kipo, I promise.” Fluttershy said as she hugged her daughter, using her wing to rub her back soothingly.
The guard nodded his head. “That's right, because not only do you have your brave mother, but you also have the Royal Guard watching out for your safety too.”
“R-really?” Kipo asked him, looking at him with still teary eyes.
He nodded his head and dug into his saddle bag. “Yes little miss, in fact, how about I give you this?” He pulled out a toy badge the guard gave out to children.
“What’s that?” Kipo asked as she looked at the badge.
“It’s an honorary guard badge, with this you are an honorary guard.” He said and gave it to her with a smile.
Kipo gasped as she looked at the badge in excitement. “Really?”
He chuckled and nodded his head. “Yes, but don’t go arresting bullies, just tell one of us if you see someone breaking the rules.”
Kipo nodded her head, now feeling better. “Ok, I promise!” she said happily and this made everyone in the room smile.
He looked at Fluttershy. “Miss, is there anything you wish to tell us?”
“No, I think we told you everything.” Fluttershy said with a shake of her head.
“Alright ma’am, then we just need to question your friends to get all the details we can.” The guard said before pointing at the stairs. “You can take her and go upstairs till we are finished. If that's alright with you.”
“It’s alright with me. Come on Kipo.” Fluttershy said to Kipo and the two hopped off the couch and Fluttershy put Kipo on her back before she walked up the stairs, leaving her friends with the guards.
“Momma, are those ponies good?” Kipo asked while hugging Fluttershy’s neck.
Fluttershy nodded her head, “Yes, the guards are good.” she said though she thought to herself. ’At least I hope so.’ the two then entered Kipo’s room, there Fluttershy can see Mandu and Angel waiting for them and both animals became excited and relieved as they saw their friends enter the room and rushed over to them.
Kipo giggled as Fluttershy let her down and she hugged both of them. “I missed you both so much!”
‘We missed you too cub. Where were you and yellow pony?’ Angel asked them as he returned the hug while Mandu snuggled up to her friend, relieved to see her safe and sound.
“We were hiding from the cultists until they’ve decided to stop looking for us.” Fluttershy explained and both animals looked at her.
‘That why strange ponies come around home past few days?’ Mandu asked the vampony.
Fluttershy knew Angel meant the cultists but had to make sure. “What do you mean strange ponies?” she asked them.
‘Ponies that didn’t smell right, wore strange clothes, had weapons, then the loud one came with armored ones.’ Angel told her.
This made Fluttershy frown, ’He’s definitely talking about the cultists.’ she thought to herself. “Well, I’m sure the guards will make sure they don’t come around here anymore.”
‘Angel bunny will keep watch for strange ponies too.’
‘Me too!’ oinked Mandu, this made both Kipo and Fluttershy smile.
“Thank you Mandu and Angel!” Kipo said as she continued to hug the two animals.
The four of them rested together and talked for a while before there was a knock at the door. “Yo Shy, the guards are done and gone.” Rainbow’s voice came from the other side.
“Ok.” Fluttershy said as she stood up, “Mommy’s going to talk to her friends now, ok Kipo?”
“Ok momma.” Kipo said as she decided to play with Mandu and Angel.
Fluttershy kissed Kipo on the top of her head before going downstairs with her friends who were waiting around in her living room. “Thank you girls.” She said softly.
“Hey, it’s no problem Shy.” Rainbow Dash said,
“Yes, what are friends for?” Rarity said next before asking. “And how is Kipo?”
“She’s doing alright, she’s playing with Mandu and Angel in her room.” Fluttershy said as she walked over to the couch and sat down. “Now, I believe you all have some questions concerning me being a vampony?”
“Hay yeah I do!” Rainbow said, getting close. “How come you never told me?”
Fluttershy sighed, she should have expected that to be the first question Rainbow Dash would ask. “Because of the cultists, my parents told me to not tell anyone in fear that they might be a cultist. I know we were young but you know how much you like to talk about things considered ‘awesome’.”
Rainbow blushed and sat back down as she does remember always talking about everything awesome and knew that she would have talked about her friend being a vampony as it was awesome. “Oh.”
Rarity clears her throat. “I don’t wish to sound rude, but aren’t vamponies ageless?”
“Well yes, but it’s kinda different for us pure vamponies, you see we still can grow up but once we reach a certain age, we just stop aging, but if you were a half-vampony, that’s what we call those who were just bitten, you kinda stay at the same age for the rest of your life.” Fluttershy explained.
“Amazing, and um..those Dusk books are they real?” Rarity asked with a light blush.
Fluttershy merely rolled her eyes, “Define real. Cause there’s a lot of things in those books that are untrue.”
The fashionista blushes more. “Oh um…let’s just say what happened to the main character.”
Rainbow groans. “Come on Rares, I don’t read books and I even think they are trash.”
Fluttershy sighs, “Rarity, stuff like that happens with regular ponies, not just vamponies and wereponies. Though it could happen, it is unlikely as vamp and wereponies tend to stay away from each other due to a grudge our species have with each other. Oh, and vamponies don’t sparkle, that was just an insult to vamponies everywhere.”
Rarity blushes, more out of emberassment. “Oh of course dear, sorry.”
“Oooh oooh I have a question.” Pinkie said while waving her hoof in the air like she was in school.
“Yes Pinkie?” Fluttershy asked her.
“Can I throw you a vampony party?” She asked with a smile.
This made everyone roll their eyes but smiled at their pink friend's antics. “You can, as long it’s just us who attend it ok? I don’t want everyone in Ponyville to know about me being a vampony.”
Pinkie was about to ask why but then she tilted her head and smoke came out of her ears, as she thought very hard. “Oooh right! Okie dokie lokie!” then Rarity asked something that was on all of their minds.
“Darling, please tell us you won’t move away from Ponyville because we know your secret.” Rarity asked and this made all of Fluttershy's friends worried that she would.
Fluttershy just looked down. “I don’t know. I was told by my parents that if anyone knew about my secret that I had to get as far away as possible. But you’re my friends, you haven’t done anything wrong to me or Kipo and I trust all of you.” she then sighed. “I’ll have to speak with my parents about it, I’m too conflicted to decide.”
“If you are gonna do that, I want to come too. I will tell them how awesome it is here in Ponyville!” Rainbow said, then she smirks. “And we can all pinkie promise not to tell any pony about you or that Moon guy.” The others nodded their heads in agreement.
Fluttershy smiled at her friends. “Thank you girls, that means a lot to me, and I’m sure Full Moon will appreciate it as well.” she said before frowning, “I hope he’s okay.”
“Oh I am sure he is fine.” A masculine voice said from behind the kitchen door. Everyone turned to the door in surprise just as Full Moon walked out from behind it. “Miss me?”
“Moon!” Everyone said happily and they rushed over to him.
“It’s good to see that you’re ok. I was kinda worried that some cultists might have found you while you were…you know.” Fluttershy said, not wanting to bring up bad memories.
“Nah, I only get captured if I want to. I knew that there was a temple nearby so I let them capture me so they took me right to it.” He said as she strutted right in.
“But why? Isn't that dangerous?” Rarity asked him.
“Maybe, but those normies are as thick as cheese. I can handle them most of the time.” He said and sat down on a chair. “Nice place you got here.”
“Thank you, can I get you anything to eat or drink?” Fluttershy asked him.
“I’m good for now.” He said with a smile. “How is the pup?”
“She’s doing good, just playing with a couple of her animal friends.” Fluttershy said just as they heard the sound of someone running before Kipo tackled Full Moon into a hug.
“Mr. Moon! You’re here!” Kipo said happily.
He chuckled and gave her a noogie. “Yeah I am pup, I had to check up on you and your mom.”
“So you can make sure we’re alright?” she asked him as she looked up at him.
“Of course little pup, at least until I annoy your mom enough to chase me away.” He said with a chuckle.
“But momma doesn’t chase others away. Even when she gets annoyed.” Kipo said, tilting her head in confusion.
“Maybe, but she hasn’t gotten to know me.” He said, chuckling. once again. “I have been known to chase mares away with my personality.”
Kipo was even more confused. “What do you mean by that?”
He chuckled and rubbed her head more. “I am sure your mom will explain it when you're older.”
Kipo puffed her cheeks out in annoyance. “But I’m old enough now!” Kipo said, and Full Moon just chuckled again.
“Sorry pup, not gonna risk making your mom mad by telling you about the birds and the bees.” He said with a chuckle, then looked up at the mares in the room.
“Yes, so let’s just leave it at that ok Kipo?” Fluttershy said to her daughter,
“Aaaaw ok.” pouted Kipo.
He chuckled and looked at the others. “So what did I miss?”
“Nothing much other than a pain in the flank mare showing up and trying to take Kipo away from Shy.” Rainbow said in annoyance.
“What?” He growled a bit. “Is she one of them?”
“We don’t know, we just think she has a grudge against Shy.” Rainbow said.
“But the guard will arrest her because she keeps trying to take Kipo away, so we won’t have to worry about her.” Fluttershy said, trying to calm Full Moon.
He closes his eyes and takes a few calming breaths. “Sorry about that, I normally keep my cool. I just really don’t like them.” He said before looking at Fluttershy. “Say, you wouldn’t happen to know if there is a place for sale in town would you?”
Fluttershy tapped her chin in thought, “Hmm, well there is the Golden Oaks Library, it serves as a house as well as a library.”
“Huh, it's been a while since I've lived in the library. Alright I'll see if I can get it, then I can stick around and keep an eye on the pup.” He said before hopping off the couch. “I am off to do the one thing my kind hates.” He said, pointing his hoof into the air.
“And what’s that darling?” Rarity asked him.
He deflated and lowered his head to the ground with a groan. “Paperwork.”
Everyone was just confused while Fluttershy giggled. “I don’t get it.” Rainbow said, though she knew no one liked paperwork, she's never heard of an entire species hating it.
He starts walking out the door, acting like his legs have turned to stone. “Trust me, when you move from place to place as often as we often do, you learn to hate the paperwork.”
“There there.” Fluttershy said after walking over to him and patting his back.
He chuckles and smirks before kissing her cheek and running out the door cackling like a madstallion. “We sure he isn’t a were-hyena or something? Cause he laughs like one.” Rainbow said while Fluttershy blushes.
“Fluttershy dear, are you alright?” Rarity asked, getting a bit closer but smirked a bit when she sees Fluttershy holding the cheek Full Moon kissed.
Kipo giggled. “Mr. Moon must like you momma.”
“I-I guess so.” Fluttershy said before clearing her throat.
“Want me to go kick his flank Shy?” Rainbow asked while punching her hooves together.
“No, i-it’s fine, Rainbow.” Fluttershy said, before quietly saying to herself, “I-I didn’t mind.”
The three of them look at each other. “Alright if you say so Shy.” Rainbow said, holding back a smirk.
“Oh darling you simply must let me treat you to a spa day after all the stress that you've had.” Rarity said with a smile.
“Oooh oooh! Are you gonna date him?” Pinkie asked bluntly, before Rarity and Rainbow chided her for being too blunt.
Fluttershy blushed again. “U-um…we’re just friends P-Pinkie.”
“You liiiiike him.” Kipo said in a sing-song tone.
The three mares giggle a bit at Fluttershy’s blush. “Now now dear, it's rude to tease your mother.” Rarity said.
“But she does!” Kipo argued.
“We know dear.” Rarity said, making Fluttershy eep. “But it is still rude.”
“Ok, sorry momma.” Kipo said before hugging Fluttershy, who smiled a little and hugged her back.
“It’s ok Kipo.” Fluttershy said,
“Well, now that that is settled, what are you gonna do next Shy?” Rainbow asked.
“For now, I plan on making sure all of my animal friends are ok, we’ve been gone for a while and I don’t think Angel could have handled all of them by himself. After that, I’m going to miss Cheerilee to explain me and Kipo’s absence.” Fluttershy said before sighing, knowing it was going to be a busy day.
“Want some help?” Rainbow said with a smile.
“Yes dear, while Pinkie and Rainbow help you here I could go down and speak to Miss Cheerilee.” Rarity said.
“Oooh ooh it can be a feed the animals party!” Pinkie said with cheer.
Fluttershy smiled. “Thank you girls, I appreciate it.” she said, “But I don’t want to impose, I’m sure you have all responsibilities to get back to.”
“We can spare one more day dear.” Rarity said.
“But what about Sweetie Belle?” Fluttershy asked Rarity. “I’m sure she has been worried where you’ve been.”
Rarity bites her lip. “True, but she should be with our parents.”
“Still, I think you should at least check on her to make sure she is alright.” Fluttershy said,
Rarity nodded her head. “Alright, but if it's ok with you I am going to bring her here to play with Kipo.”
“It’s fine, I think Kipo can use someone to play with while we work.” Fluttershy said.
“Yay! Sweetie is coming over!” Kipo cheered, jumping up a bit and causing everyone to smile at her excitement.
“I will go check on the weather team, make sure I still have a job, then bring Scoots over.” Rainbow said.
“I should go check in on the Cakes too.” Pinkie said with a sheepish giggle.
Fluttershy nodded. “Ok, I’ll see you when you get back then?”
The three mares nodded their heads before leaving, one by one giving Kipo affection of one kind or another. Once they all left, Fluttershy sighs again before looking around the cottage, knowing that she’s really gonna have a busy day today. “Momma, can we play?” Kipo asked her and Fluttershy smiled.
“Soon, mommy just needs to take care of our animal friends ok?” Fluttershy said and Kipo pouted a bit before brightening up.
“I can help! I miss my friends as well!” Kipo said and Fluttershy giggled.
“Ok, you can help.” Fluttershy said and Kipo cheered before the two went off to check up on Fluttershy’s animals.
Meanwhile, back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack can be seen walking towards her house, head hung low as she remembered what Full Moon said, how her own Granny killed nearly an entire family of wereponies. “I just can’t believe it, sure Granny was always so into Celestiaism but to go as far as killing innocent creatures?” Applejack said to herself before bumping into someone. Looking up, she saw that it was Big Mac. “Oh, howdy Big Mac.”
Big Mac nodded his head slowly, then raised an eyebrow, silently asking what made Applejack so upset. Applejack sighed. “You’re probably wondering why I’m upset.” she said and he nodded. “Truth is, I discovered something about Granny’s past, something that doesn’t make me trust her anymore.”
Both of Big Mac’s eyebrows shoot up in shock. “I…I don’t want to continue talking about it out in the open. Let’s just say it’s really bad and that I’m gonna confront Granny about it.” Applejack said as the two made it to the house. Applejack looked at her home. She used to feel safe and happy in this home, making so many happy memories within and outside its walls, but now, looking at it has filled her with dread.
She felt Big Mac rub against her side in support. Applejack looked at her big brother and smiled a bit before taking a few deep breaths and turning serious. “Alright, you can go now and save yourself from hearing what I’m about to confront Granny with, or you can come with me. Your choice Big Mac.”
“Nnope.” He said, shaking his head and took the first step.
Applejack sighed before the two walked in and headed towards the living room, where they can see Applebloom playing with a few toys with Granny Smith sitting in her rocking chair, who smiled upon seeing Applejack and Big Mac. “Why hello dearies, shouldn’t you two be out in the orchard? Those apples aren’t gonna buck themselves.” Granny Smith said to them.
“Bloom, go to your room, Ah need to have a talk with Granny.” Applejack said to Applebloom, both her and Granny looking confused after Applejack said that.
“Aww, but Applejack, Ah am playing.” Applebloom whined as she gestures to the toys laid out in front of her.
“Bloom, now.” Applejack said sternly before her gaze softened a bit. “Please, Ah don’t want you around for this.”
Applebloom’s ears fold back as she picks up her toys and heads upstairs. “Now why ya gotta yell at er like that?” Granny asked with a huff.
“Cause Ah don’t want her to hear how her own granny is a murderer.” Applejack said, making both Granny’s and Big Mac's eyes widen in shock.
Granny stood up on her shaking legs with her eyes narrowed. “Now why are ya gotta be tellin' lies?” She demanded.
“You know Ah can’t lie even if my life is on the line.” Applejack said angrily. “Now, you tell me if what Ah heard is true or not. Did you kill other ponies just because they were either a werepony or vampony? Well? Did you?!”
Granny’s eyes widened before narrowing once more. “Those things ain't ponies AJ.”
Applejack stomps her hoof angrily. “That’s a load of horseapples and you know it! Those ‘things’ as you call them are just like everypony else! So what if they’re a bit different than us? Who isn’t?! That doesn’t mean y’all gotta kill them!”
“AJ, those things kill and eat us honest Celestia honoring ponies. They all need to be run out of the land, if not burned to the bone.” She said harshly.
Both Apple siblings widened their eyes at that last part before narrowing them. “They don’t eat ponies! Ah know cause Ah know a vampony who found a different way of getting blood that doesn’t require her to get it from other ponies! Buck, even some of my friends hid with a werepony cause your damn fellow cultists were trying to kill them! And he didn’t eat any of them!” Applejack all but shouted while Big Mac made sure to keep an eye out for Applebloom in case she got nosey about what they were talking about.
“What!? You know there is a Vampony and a Werepony nearby?! Ah need to call for a team of hunters before they destroy the town.” She said before starting to walk away. “If yer friends are friends with those things, then they ain’t yer friends no more ya hear me?”
Applejack stood in Granny’s way, an angry look on her face. “You. Leave. Them. Alone.” Applejack said slowly. “Understand?”
“Yer doomin Ponyville girl!” Granny said with a glare. “Yer an Apple, Ah knew Ah should have started yer training when yer parents died. Now yer making friends with them monsters.” She said with a shake of her head.
“Shut up!” Applejack yelled while stomping her hooves. “You don’t know them! You don’t know any of those innocent creatures yet you deem them a plaque?! Who do you or those Celestia damned cultists think they are to deem wereponies and vamponies monsters?! Monsters that needed to be killed!? My parents would be ashamed to be related to this family! Ah know Ah am.” Applejack said the last part quietly.
Granny shocked both Big Mac and Applejack by slapping Applejack across the face. “Now you listen here filly, yer parents were the best hunters Ah've ever seen! They've saved ponies' lives all across Equestria, until one day they were killed saving a filly, around your age at the time.”
Applejack only stared at Granny in shock, not once has Granny ever done something like that in her entire life. Yell and scold yes but never hit. Tears welled up in her eyes as she backed away from Granny. “Yer not my granny, not anymore. Ah can’t be related to a monster.” she said before running out of the house, leaving Granny Smith alone with Big Mac, who was glaring at her.
“Yer consumed by yer hatred, Ah follow Celestia just liked you but Ah know right from wrong. If Celestia saw what you have done she would be sick.” Big Mac said with a deep frown. He then snorts and walks away, looking for his sister.
He found her on a hill that overlooks the orchard, laying on the ground as she cried with her hat laying a bit away from her. He sat down next to her and put a hoof on her back. “Ah would like ta meet yer friends one day.”
Applejack sniffled as she looked up at her big brother before she continued crying. “Mac, what am Ah gonna do? Ah can’t live at Sweet Apple Acres knowing that monster is living with us.” Applejack said in between sobs.
Big Mac looked out at the sunset, quiet for a while. “Ah don’t know AJ, Ah don’t want ta live in the same house as her either, but what about AB, and the farm?” He asked while rubbing her back.
“Ah don’t know, that’s why Ah don’t want to leave, cause if Ah do, who knows what Granny will do to Bloom or what will happen if the farm goes under.” Applejack said, closing her eyes and hoping it was all just a bad dream.
Big Mac looks down at Applejack. “Ah can watch over Bloom, and take care of the farm. Ya can stay with a friend and come work on the farm when ya can.”
“Big Mac no, A-Ah can’t just leave you two here a-and the only being here for w-work! What if she does s-something to you two a-and Ah wasn’t around t-to help you?!” Applejack asked in fear.
He leans down and nuzzles her cheek. “She may be far gone but An can keep us safe from an old mare.”
“B-But Mac, there are others l-like her! What if she c-calls them and they're t-too much for you?!” Applejack asked, slowly starting to calm down but was still crying and afraid for her families safety.
“Then Ah will grab Bloom and run ta ya.” He said simply.
Applejack was still unsure about leaving her brother and sister alone with Granny, but she knew Big Mac can handle anything. “A-alright Big Mac, Ah trust you. B-but Ah can’t help but s-still worry.”
“Ah know, and Ah thank you fer worryin', but Ah got Celestia watching over me. Ah know in ma heart she wouldn’t approve of what Granny has done.” Big Mac said, before looking back at the now set sun.
“Ah hope so. But f-frankly, Ah don’t know what to b-believe anymore.” Applejack said as she looked down at the ground.
He puts a hoof on her shoulder. “Ya can stop if ya want, but Ah still believe Celestia is a goddess.”
“And Ah won’t do anything to convince you otherwise.” Applejack said with a sigh.
“Nnope.” He said, shaking his head. “She is good, ponies can be evil…even Granny.”
Applejack nodded her head. “Yeah.”
He hugs her then says. “You go ta yer friends, Ah’ll watch over Bloom.”
“Alright, just come to me when there’s trouble a’right?” she asked him.
He nodded with a smile. “Eyep.”
Applejack then stood up and wiped her eyes of the remaining tears before hugging her brother who returned the hug. “See ya Big Mac.” she said then started to leave Sweet Apple Acres. Big Mac sighed softly before he stood up and walked back to the house, to do his brotherly duty and protect his sister.
Back with Applejack, she can be seen walking down the road towards a friend's house she hoped would let her stay at. Once there, she knocked at the door and the owner opened it. “Hey Pinkie, do you think Ah can stay here for a while?” she asked the pink mare.
One week later
Fluttershy was walking with Full Moon through the market on the way back to his new home in Golden Oaks library. “I am glad you decided to move here, Kipo enjoys your company so much.”
Full Moon chuckles a bit, “I can tell by how often she visits.”
“Full, I have to ask…were you just teasing when you-” Fluttershy started to ask but Moon lifted a hoof to stop her while staring at the library.
“There are ponies inside, a lot of them.” He said with a soft growl.
Fluttershy frowned before she shifted her ears into her bat-like ones and listened closely but once she heard the whispers from inside she just giggled and changed her ears back to normal. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. Just Pinkie’s way of celebrating a new pony moving in.”
“Huh?” He looked at her as she walked up to the door and waved him to follow.
He hesitantly followed her inside the library, growing more nervous when he saw the lights off before they suddenly turned on and a crowd of ponies shouted. “Surprise!” This made him jump back in shock while Fluttershy giggled and Pinkie zipped over to him.
“What do you think?! Were you surprised?! Were you?! Were you?!” Pinkie asked him.
“Y-yeah I was surprised.” He said and looked around at what seemed like the whole town. “Why?”
“Why? To make you feel welcomed of course, silly!” Pinkie said as it was obvious.
“Welcome…right.” He said before he smiled and shook his head. “Thank you Pinkie.”
“No problem! What are friends for!” Pinkie said before she dashed off somewhere.
Full Moon chuckled before shaking his head. “So much energy in that one.”
“Oh, you have no idea.” Fluttershy said, “She’s the most hyperactive pony I’ve ever met.”
“Oh? Well I guess it is to be expected. So what does one do at a party?” He asked her.
“You’ve never been to one?” Fluttershy asked him in surprise.
“Not since I was a colt.” He said and looked ahead.
“Oh, well you can do a lot of things at a party, from talking to other ponies, play games or just hanging around.” Fluttershy explained and the werepony nodded.
“I see, well I am not one for large groups, perhaps I can stick by your side for a while. If that's ok.” He said and bumped his flank against hers before walking over to the snacks.
Fluttershy blushed a bit before following him. “I-I don’t mind, sometimes being with a friend during a party can be a good thing. Makes things more comfortable.”
Moon’s ear twitched but he smiled. “My thoughts exactly. Ooh wow, look at all the snacks.” He looked from left to right seeing cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, punch, and jello.
“Yeah, parties tend to have a lot of food, considering there might be a lot of ponies attending.” Fluttershy said as she got herself some punch.
Moon grins and grabs a few plates and fills them up with about three of everything. “Sweet!”
Fluttershy giggles, “You must have a big sweet tooth if you’re planning on eating all of that.”
“Well there is that but also me and my family need to eat a lot to keep up our strength.” He said and walked over to a table.
“Ah, that’s right, you do need a lot of energy in order to do certain things.” Fluttershy said, knowing what Full Moon really meant. Wereponies tend to eat a lot more than the average pony due to them burning energy faster.
“Yes, hope you don’t mind.” He said with a chuckle and started eating.
“Don’t worry, there’s plenty of food for everyone.” Fluttershy said as she drank her punch before she remembered something she wanted to ask Full Moon. “Um Moon, can I ask you something?”
“Hmm?” He questioned with a full mouth.
“I-it’s about what you did last week. W-were you just teasing when you, um, k-kissed me?” Fluttershy asked him, blushing.
He blushes and looks away scratching his neck. “Well I-” he starts but is interrupted by Pinkie.
“Hey you two! Why are you hiding in the corner, come on have some fun!” She grabs Moon and pulls him away.
Fluttershy just stared after him before sighing. “Maybe I’ll talk to him after the party.”
Rainbow landed next to Fluttershy. “Hey Shy, what's up?”
“Nothing, Rainbow, just enjoying the party.” Fluttershy said with a small smile.
“So you weren't just watching that stallion walk away?” She said teasing her friend.
Fluttershy blushes again, “U-uh no I wasn’t.” she denied.
Rainbow chuckles and elbows her. “Shy, it's me, your oldest friend.”
Fluttershy sighs, “Ok, maybe I was. But it was because Pinkie dragged him away before he could answer a question I had.”
“Oh? What question was that? Perhaps it has to do with that kiss from last week?” she asked with a smirk.
Fluttershy was silent but nodded her head. “It w-was, I was seeing if he was just t-teasing or not.”
“I see, well maybe he was maybe he wasn’t, if you have the courage to raise Kipo then you have the courage to ask him.” Rainbow said with a wing hug.
“I tried but Pinkie dragged him away before he could answer.” Fluttershy said, “So I’ll just talk to him after the party.”
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “That Pinkie, always buck blocking.”
“Rainbow, I’m sure she is just wanting him to feel welcomed in Ponyville, he’s been on his own for a long time remember?” Fluttershy scolded lightly.
“I know but she saw that kiss too.” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “Anyway, let’s go join the party.”
Fluttershy nodded her head, “Ok, and maybe Pinkie has a reason for dragging him away before he could answer? You know how Pinkie is.”
“Yeah, maybe she is interested in him.” Rainbow jokes and elbows Fluttershy.
“I don’t think Moon can handle her.” Fluttershy jokes, already imagining an exhausted Full Moon.
Rainbow laughs and hugs Fluttershy. “That's more like it, come on.” She pulled her friend along.
Fluttershy giggles as she and Rainbow joined in with the rest of the party. She and everyone in the library continued to party all the way till the sun was beginning to set. At that time, ponies started to slowly but surely leave and go home, thanking Pinkie for the party on their way out.
Soon, all that was left was Full Moon and Fluttershy with the latter having decided to stay and help clean up the library. “Man what a party, I guess the normies of this town aren’t that bad.” Moon said with a smile.
“Yep, and I’m glad you had fun.” Fluttershy said as she threw some streamers into the garbage.
“It was fun, and the food was great too.” He said before licking his lips. “So why did you stay behind? I mean you could have gone home, you know.”
“Well, I kinda wanted to t-talk to you. You didn’t answer my question, about the kiss.” Fluttershy said, blushing a bit as she finally gets a chance to get his answer.
He blushes and coughs into a hoof. “Right that, um…well you are beautiful and kind, a lot kinder than most vamps I have run into, and well I like Kipo too. Sooo…” There is some whispering from the second floor. He looks up and spots Kipo along with Angel and Mandu peeking over the edge. He chuckles and looks at Fluttershy. “Buck it.” He leans in and kisses her on the lips.
Fluttershy widened her eyes in surprise before closing them and returning the kiss. The two then pulled away, both blushing with smiles on their faces. “So I guess this makes us a couple then?” Fluttershy asked him and Full Moon nodded.
"Yeah, I guess it does."
“Yay! Momma Shy has a coltfriend!” Kipo yelled from the second floor.
Fluttershy giggles while Full Moon ruffles her hair. “Yeah, I do.” Fluttershy said,
“Does that mean Mr. Moon is my dad now?” Kipo asked,
They both blush at that. “Uh slow down pup, we are dating, not married.” Moon said with a chuckle.
“Aaaw, ok.” Kipo said with a pout that was just adorable.
Moon and Fluttershy chuckle at her and Fluttershy pulls her into a hug, Kipo just giggles while Angel and Mandu walk up to the group and join in the hug, almost making them look like a family. ’Almost.’ Fluttershy thought to herself.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Birthdays And Nightmares!
Angel and Mandu ran through the Everfree Forest, fear and panic in their eyes as they ran around bushes, rocks, and trees, trying to get away from the monster chasing them, a monster the Everfree has never seen before. The two soon jumped behind a rock, panting hard while Angel peeks out from the side, looking left and right to make sure the monster didn't follow them. Once he was sure they were safe for now he ducked back behind the rock. 'Okay, I think Angel bunny and Mandu are in the clear.' Angel said to Mandu, who let out a sigh of relief.
'Good, I thought we were goners for sure.' Mandu said, neither one of them aware of something watching them from the trees, fangs glistening in the light as it grinned before crawling from the tree to another by the tree branches. Its tail causing a few leaves to rustle, causing both animals ears to perk up when they heard it..
'What was that?!' Angel asked in worry and Mandu peeked over the rock, using her four eyes to look in both directions.
'I don't see anything, maybe it's just the wind?' Mandu said and Angel peeked over as well, his ears twitching as he sniffed the air. Neither one of them noticing the creature landing behind them on silent paws with the grin still on its face as it began to slowly stalk towards them.
'Angel don't think so, must be monster.' Angel said before he and Mandu felt hot air blowing against the back of their necks, causing their furs to stand on ends in fear as they heard growling. They both quickly turned around and the monster roared as it raised its claws into the air and both Angel and Mandu let out squeaks/squeals of terror before running just as the claws of the monster cut into the rock, leaving four deep gashes in it before looking at the two fleeing animals before letting out another loud roar that echoed across the forest and chased after them.
Angel and Mandu tried everything to lose the monster chasing them, from running around trees, jumping into tunnels too small for the monster but big enough for them to run through, to even jumping over a river. Nothing worked as the monster was hot on their tails, and the worst part? It was toying with them. It wasn't chasing them at full speed and they can tell by the grin on its face and the gleam in its eyes. They soon reached a dead end, the only way out was either up, or the way they came. 'Oh no!' Mandu squealed in panic as she looked at the large wall of rock.
'We need to turn back!' Angel squeaked before the two turned to try and run in another direction before the monster can corner them but their fears came true when they turned to see it slowly stalking towards them, letting out a low growl as it got closer and closer, its eyes seemingly shining in the darkness and filling the two animals with even more terror. Angel and Mandu held each other as the monster grew close to them before stopping and getting ready to pounce. 'This is the end for us!'
'Mandu sorry for stealing all your food!' Mandu oinked as they shook in fear.
'Angel bunny sorry for kicking you off couch while sleeping!' Angel squeaked before Mandu stopped shaking and glared at him. 'Um, Angel means sorry for sorry for throwing mud at you?'
The monster then roars as it jumps at them, causing them both to cry out in terror as they fell back and the monster flew over them before rolling across the ground till it was on its back, laughing. "O-ho-ho-ho man! That was hilarious!" Kipo said in between laughs. "You guys were so scared! You were all like, 'aaaaah! No, she's gonna get me!'."
Both Mandu and Angel frowned at her as they got up. 'It wasn't that funny.' Angel said, crossing his arms.
"It kinda was." they heard someone say before Full Moon came out of the bushes with a grin. "You did pretty good pup, you managed to lead them into a dead-end and went right for the kill, figuratively that is."
Kipo smiled as she stood up. She had done some growing over the years since Full Moon first met her, she was almost half Fluttershy's height but still pretty small to him, especially if he went into his wolf form and she's also gained quite a bit of muscle due to him training her on how to control her shifting and from their practice hunts. Her appearance also changed a bit as well. Before Kipo would look mostly human save for the usual summoning of her tail, ears or her cat-like eyes which would disappear after a while but now that she was thirteen, her appearance matched what she is which is a jaguar-human hybrid, her human ears and eyes were replaced by her jaguar ones and her tail swished from side to side behind her. Her two upper canines had also changed as well to the point where they were sharper and stuck out of her upper lip. Her choice of outfits also changed with her appearance, before she would often wear long sleeves and pants but nowadays she wears short or sleeveless shirts and shorts.
"Thanks, Mr. Moon, I didn't think I would enjoy these practice hunts but I love them!" Kipo said, her tail wagging a bit and Full Moon chuckles as he reaches up and ruffles her crazy hair.
"I can see that from the way you chased them, you enjoyed the thrill of the hunt." he said before getting hit by a pebble in the face courtesy of Angel who was giving him an annoyed look with Mandu. "A bit too much though, maybe cut back on the whole playful predator."
Kipo pouted. "Aaaw ok." she whined and Full Moon just chuckles as he begin walking away.
"Alright come on, your mother wants you home soon for your birthday party." he said and Kipo grinned before she, Mandu and Angel followed him.
"Yay! I can't wait!" Kipo said and she ran off at speeds that were, "Keep up slow pokes!" Full Moon just laughs before shifting into his werepony form and chased after her while Angel just sighed in annoyance and hopped onto Mandu's back.
'Get along little piggie.' Angel said and Mandu snorts in annoyance before rearing back with a squeal, launching Angel off her back before running after Kipo and Full Moon, leaving Angel in the dust. 'This is because of what Angel bunny said earlier wasn't it?!' Angel shouted after her but didn't get a reply back as Mandu was already too far away. Angel sighed before he started to hop back to Fluttershy's.
Meanwhile, at Fluttershy's cottage, said vampony was currently setting up her cottage for Kipo's thirteenth birthday, which caused her to smile the whole time. "It's hard to believe it's been thirteen years since Kipo appeared in my life. Time sure flies by when you're raising a half-jaguar."
“From what I have seen, you have done an excellent job my dear.” An old but familiar voice said from behind her and when Fluttershy looked she saw Cipher, but he was paler and had a tired smile.
“Cipher?!” Fluttershy asked in surprise which soon turned to worry. “Are you ok? You don’t look so good.”
He smiles and waves a hand. “I am fine dear, just dealing with some issues back home, nothing to be worried about.” He said before fading a little and flickering back to normal. “It is that time of year again, I came to ask, do you feel she is ready to start her Displaced journey or shall we wait a bit longer?”
Fluttershy frowns and looks down in thought. She had been thinking on that matter for quite a long time, wondering if she should tell Kipo about what she is besides a jaguar hybrid. “I…I don’t know..I do want to tell her but I am worried she might encounter someone who isn’t good and that they might hurt her.”
Cipher nods his head. “True, but I have met a lot of Displaced and there are far more good ones than bad.” He said before fading again, then he grunted and returned to normal. “There are also some extremely powerful ones out there too. Ones that make me look like a school yard clown. When you agree to tell her I will give her a Token, this Token belongs to one of the strongest but kindest people I know.”
“Really? Who is he?” Fluttershy asked, curious on who this person was.
Cipher blinks before he chuckles. “His name is Edward, but once he gets close to you, you can call him Ed. Trust me when I say this, if he cares about little Kipo, nothing and I mean nothing this world can throw at her would stand a chance when he hears they hurt her. The token itself is just a pocket watch.” He said then leaned back and closed his eyes. “Would it be too much to ask for something to drink please?”
Fluttershy nods and walks into the kitchen to get Cipher a cup of water, while she was doing that, both Kipo and Full Moon tumbled into the house after Kipo had tackled him during their race back home. The two wrestled around a bit before Full Moon pinned Kipo. “I win again pup, but you almost got me this time.” Full Moon said with a chuckle.
“Aaw! I knew I should have used the Mega Paws!” pouted Kipo, causing Full Moon to chuckle again.
“I would have loved to see that, my dear.” Cipher said with a soft smile, drawing both their attention.
This made Full Moon stand in front of Kipo with a growl while Kipo looked at Cipher in confusion as there was something about him that was….familiar… “Who the buck are you?!” demanded Full Moon just as Fluttershy rushed out of the kitchen with a cup of water.
“Wait! He’s a friend!” Fluttershy said to the werepony, hoping to keep him from attacking Cipher.
Cipher chuckled before coughing. “You can relax, I would never hurt them, and can’t not now anyway…” He said and only those with super hearing could hear the past part. “I am an old friend, I believe Kipo calls me uncle Cipher.” He said with a smile.
Full Moon looked confused just as Kipo walked up to Cipher, looking him over as if she was trying to remember him. “I’m sorry, but…I don’t remember you..” Kipo said sadly.
Cipher smiled and rubbed her hair. “Don't worry about it kid, last time I was physically here, you were just a baby and Fluttershy had just taken you in.”
Kipo giggles as she playfully swats at his hands while Full Moon looked at Fluttershy. “This true Shy?” Full Moon asked Fluttershy just as she handed Cipher the cup of water.
“Yes, it is.” Fluttershy said with a nod of her head. Full Moon still looked at Cipher with suspicion but changed out of his werepony form.
“Alright, I believe you, but why is he here?” he asked.
“It is little Kipo’s birthday and I came in person because I wasn’t sure if she was ready for a certain gift or not. Unfortunately it's not my call if it is that time or not.” He said before drinking the water and seeming to fade again, this time the cup passes through his hand and shatters on the floor.
This made the three worried when they see this before Fluttershy grabbed a nearby towle and began to clean up the water and glass. “Are you okay?” Kipo asked him,
“Y-yeah…j-just low on power right now.” He said panting before he focused and became solid again. “Sorry for worrying you all.”
“Are you sure you’re ok? You look like you’re running low on magic and aunt Rarity told me that if you run out of magic, it can be bad for your health.” Kipo said as she sat next to him, a concerned look on her face.
Cipher smiled softly and sighed before his suit disappeared, replaced with a normal shirt and jeans. “I did lose most of my magic, it is taking almost all I have to be here today. But you don’t have to worry about me, I will find a way to fix the mess I am in.” He said rubbing her hair.
Kipo was still concerned for the uncle she couldn’t remember having but nodded her head. “Ok.” she said before asking. “You said you had a gift for me but you can’t give it to me? Why?”
He smiles at her. “Because you have to be ready for it, and I don’t know if you are yet.” He said then looked over at Fluttershy.
Kipo looked at her mother in confusion. “Momma? What is he talking about?”
“Yeah, what the heck is this guy talking about? What kind of gift needs Kipo to be ready for it?” Full Moon asked next, curious on what exactly this gift was.
Fluttershy sighs, knowing that she would have to tell Kipo so she looked at Cipher and nodded. “I think it would be best if Cipher explained it.” she said, confusing Kipo and Full Moon while Cipher smiles a bit.
Cipher nodded his head then looked at Kipo. “Kipo dear, you aren’t from this world, and neither am I.” He starts off.
This surprised Kipo and Full Moon. “What? Don’t you mean this land? I know that I am different from ponies but I don’t think I could have come from another world. That would be crazy!” Kipo said in disbelief.
Cipher smiled a bit. “I know it is hard to understand, but to make it simple people like us are taken from our world.” He makes a line appear in the air and a few dots fly off the line into other lines that appear. “And given new powers, or technology and dropped into a different version of Equestria.”
“New powers? You mean-” Kipo then shifted one of her arms into a Mega Paw, “-like this?” she asked him.
Cipher nodded his head before the lines disappeared. “Y…yes just like that.” He flickers but becomes solid again. “We are humans taken from our home world and given amazing powers and a new chance at life. I don’t know how you got here but I do know I have been keeping you safe from another aspect of the Displaced.”
“You see we can create items called Tokens that allow others to summon us to their world, whether it be to make new friends, talk about our situation, or help out if they are in trouble. I made it so Tokens would not appear in your world till you were ready, that way you did not accidentally summon someone dangerous, as not all Displaced are good people, though most are.”
“Is that why you are flickering like that?” Kipo asked him, keeping objects from entering her world for thirteen long years must have been quite taxing.
He shook his head. “No, this is from something that is happening back in my world.” He smiled softly and rubbed her head. “I already gave Fluttershy my token but here is another, one of a very kind but strong man that would do anything to keep sweet girls like you safe from mean bad guys.” He started to push his hand into a small portal and flickers even more and yelled in pain before pulling out a pocket watch and fell over.
“Mr Cipher!” Kipo shouted in worry as everyone rushed to his side. “Are you okay?!”
He coughs up some blood but holds out the pocket watch. “G…got it.”
“You shouldn’t have done that if it was going to cause this much pain to yourself.” Fluttershy said as they all helped him sit back on the couch.
He coughed and smiled weakly. “Sadly that is the most I can do right now, most of my power is…well let’s must say I don’t have it.”
“Don’t have it?” Full Moon asked in confusion. “What do you mean?”
Cipher sighed and waves his hand making a colorful butterfly appear that flew around Kipo and got her attention before flying out of the room making her follow it. “I wasn’t always super powerful, and my powers were based off of the fictional villain from my world. Apparently that same villain existed hidden within my mind when I arrived in Equestria, and after some of my adventures he became sentient enough to separate from me and took most of our power.”
“So you have a powerful villain running around your world now?” Full Moon asked with a frown, knowing from what he’s seen Cipher do, this villain could spell trouble for the entire world if they weren’t stopped.
“So far? No, he is trapped in the town I made.” Cipher said before hanging his head. “I am so tired…I can’t sleep without him stealing more of my powers.”
Fluttershy pats him on the back to comfort him. “Is there any way to defeat him or at least prevent him from taking your powers?” she asked him.
“I don’t know…the only power that he doesn’t seem to be able to take yet is my eye.” He put a hand on his eyepatch. “But I am sure I will find a way…even if it means both of us…don’t survive.”
Fluttershy and Full Moon were silent after he said that, grim and saddened looks on their faces. “If it comes to that I will leave a small part of myself in my token, that way Kipo will never find out.” He said with a small smile. “Fluttershy, thank you for letting me be an uncle to her.”
“Y-you are welcome…” she said sadly, a few tears in her eyes.
Cipher sits up and takes a few breaths. “Now now my dear, no need to be so sad.” He stands up and rubs his hands together. “It is just a last resort solution.”
Fluttershy was still sad but nodded her head. “O-ok, I just hope it doesn’t come to that.” she said.
“You and me both.” He sighed but popped his neck. “Now then I think it is time for Kipo to make her own token.” He snaps his fingers and the butterfly leads her back into the room.
Fluttershy and Full Moon watched as Kipo keeps trying to swat at the butterfly. “Why is she trying to get that thing anyway? She hasn’t done anything like that before.” Full Moon questioned, watching as Kipo tried pouncing on the butterfly when it landed only for it to fly away.
“It's the colors mixed with a small bit of hypnosis magic.” Cipher said before the butterfly popped and Kipo snapped out of it.
“Who? What? Where?” Kipo asked as she looked around before pouting, “Aw, where’s the butterfly?”
Cipher chuckles softly. “Sorry about that my dear, now come here. I am going to tell you how to make a token.”
“Aaw ok.” Kipo said, upset that she couldn’t chase the butterfly anymore before she walked over to Cipher. “So what do I do?”
“Take something important to you that represents who you are or you have a strong connection with. Hold it in your hands, close your eyes and imagine your feelings pouring into it as you speak a message that you want others to hear.” Cipher explained.
Kipo nodded her head and hummed in thought. ’Something that represents me? Like what?’ she thought to herself before getting an idea, she took off her necklace, the same one Cipher gave her, and held it up. “Will this work?”
He smiled and nodded his head. “That will be fine.”
Kipo nodded before taking a deep breath and imagined her feelings pouring into the TOken before speaking her message. “Hello, my n-name is Kipo Shy, daughter of Fluttershy, i-if you wish to summon me then j-just call out purple jaguar and I’ll come t-to help. Just please don’t be a bad guy.” Kipo said shyly.
Cipher smiled and chuckled before he said. “Good now toss it through this.” He then pulls at the air before a ripping sound was heard and there was a portal into the void.
Kipo looked at the portal then at her necklace in worry, she had always worn it since she was a baby so she was worried that she might not get it back again. Cipher, sensing her worry, smiles softly. “Don't worry, you will get it back I promise.” Kipo still was worried before she tossed the necklace into the portal, causing Cipher to let it close just as another portal appears above Kipo and her necklace popped out which she quickly grabbed and put on.
Cipher smiled softly. “See, I told you.”
“Now what?” Kipo asked him.
“Now you get to have your birthday party.” Cipher said before he started to fade again. “Ugh…sorry to say I won't be able to stay but I can at least give you two more gifts.”
Kipo nods sadly, having wanted to get to know her uncle a bit more, “Oh, ok.”
He rubs her head and snaps his fingers which makes him become transparent as a box and a large cake appears. “I am sorry but I need to take care of something back home.”
“It’s ok, I understand.” Kipo said with a nod, wanting to give Cipher a hug but knew she couldn't as he was currently intangible. “I hope I get to see you again someday.”
“Anytime you need me you can call me using the token I left with Fluttershy.” He said with a sad sigh.
Kipo nodded. “Ok uncle Cipher.” she said with a smile.
“See ya around kid.” He said before he disappeared with a flash.
The three were quiet after Cipher disappeared before Kipo asked Fluttershy. “Momma, will I see uncle Cipher again?”
Fluttershy and Moon look at each other before Moon said. “I am sure you will soon pup.”
This made Kipo smile before she looked at the gift Cipher left for her, wondering what it is. “Momma, can I open the gift uncle Cipher left for me?” she asked her mother.
“Of course you can sweetie.” Fluttershy said with a giggle and Kipo immediately began to open it, inside was a necklace with what looks like a pair of wings along with a book about martial arts.
“Hm? What are these?” Kipo asked as she looked at the items.
“I don’t know.” Fluttershy said, looking over the items with her daughter.
Moon looked inside the box and found a note. “Dear Kipo, I am sorry I couldn’t stay but these items should help you on your future adventures. The book is all about human fighting styles, find one that works for you and practice it. While the necklace is a magic item from a far away land, simply wearing it will allow you to fly. Enjoy, your uncle Cipher. P.S. stay weird.” Moon read.
“Allow Kipo to fly?” Fluttershy asked in shock before Kipo suddenly flew over her.
“Wee!” Kipo said as she flew around the house, having put on the necklace. “This is fun!”
Moon chuckles and smirks. “Seems you have something new to teach her.” He said a bit teasingly.
“Oh dear.” Fluttershy said with a sigh before smiling as she watches Kipo zip around the house, giggling the whole time. “Alright Kipo, come down so we can light the cake Cipher left for you.”
“Ok momma!” Kipo said as she tried to land but was stuck in the air. “Uh oh.”
Moon looked over the note before he said. “It says you just have to focus on landing, but to be careful because if you're not you'll just fall.”
A crash was heard and Full Moon looked over to see that Kipo had fallen to the floor. “Ow…” Kipo said in pain.
“Looks like she will need to work on that, try not to fly too high till you learn how to land, ok pup?” Moon said with a smirk.
“Ok.” Kipo said as she got up while Fluttershy checked her for any injuries. “I thought cats landed on their feet.”
“Ah but you weren’t fully cat when you fell, were you?” Moon teases lightly.
“No…” pouted Kipo, causing Full Moon and FLuttershy to laugh a little, Full Moon then ruffles her hair.
“Ah don’t worry pup, I’m sure you’ll have cat-like reflexes even when you’re not full cat.” he said and Kipo nods with a smile. “Now, let’s continue this birthday party.”
“Yay! When will my friends be over?” Kipo asked and just after she asked that, there was a knock on the door and Fluttershy went to open it, revealing both her and Kipo’s friends, minus Pinkie who had told Kipo earlier that she was going to be busy today.
“Kipo!” Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle shouted at the same before they ran inside and tackled the half jaguar girl, causing a fit of giggles to be heard.
“Girls!” Kipo said while hugging them and giggling. “You just missed my uncle.”
“We did? Wait you have an uncle?” Scootaloo asked in surprise.
“Yeah! Though I only just found out myself but he was there when momma found me as a baby.” Kipo explained. “He came to visit me and give me some cool new gifts!” Kipo said as she showed them her necklace and book, confusing some of the ponies.
“He gave ya a necklace?” Applebloom asked.
“He gave you a book?” Scootaloo asked next, finding that choice of gift to be lame.
Kipo nodded her head, “The necklace can let me fly like momma and auntie Dash! And the book is for human martial arts, though I’m not sure why I need it.” Kipo said as she looked at the book in confusion, wondering why she would need such a thing.
Moon smiled softly. “Ah the innocence of youth.” He said softly, while standing next to Fluttershy.
“Yeah, though I do hope Kipo won’t have to encounter anything that might cause her to fight, but that is just wishful thinking. I know that as long as those cultists are out there, they won’t stop coming after us.” Fluttershy said sadly and Full Moon held her close.
“With the two of us teaching her, I am sure she can overcome anything.” He said with a soft smile.
Fluttershy smiles a bit as well. “I hope so.” she said.
“I want to see you fly!” Scootsloo said while her wings buzzed in excitement.
Kipo chuckles nervously while rubbing the back of her head. “Well I want to but I don’t know how to land safely.”
“Awww.” pouted Scootaloo, disappointed she won't get to see her friend fly.
“Oh I almost forgot.” Sweetie Belle set a box down off her back. “Here is my present.”
“And mine too!” Applebloom said, smiling as she set down a flat box.
Kipo accepted the presents and opened them. Sweetie Belle’s gift was a small portable record player, while Applebloom’s was a nice warm apple pie. “Pie!” Kipo said happily before hugging her two friends. “Thanks girls!”
They giggle before Scootaloo blushes and gives Kipo her gift that was unwrapped. “Sorry, I couldn’t find a box or anything.” Everyone looked in shock as Scootaloo's gift was a set of official Wonderbolt goggles.
Kipo gasps as she looks at the goggles. “Official Wonderbolt goggles!? These are amazing! How did you get them, Scoots?!” Kipo excitedly asked the filly.
She smiles and rubs the back of her head. “I was saving up for months.”
“Really? You must have saved up a lot in order to get these.” Kipo said before hugging Scoots. “Thank you.”
Scootaloo smiled and hugged back. “You're welcome, anything for a friend.”
The two then released each other. “Hey, how about we share the goggles? I know you love Wonderbolts just as I do, so it’s only fair!” Kipo offered.
Scootaloo smiled wide. “Sure, but only till I can get my own pair.”
Kipo smiles, “Alright, then we’ll be goggle buddies!” This caused her to giggle at the silly name.
The fillies all giggle as well while Scootaloo had a small blush. “Sure!”
The grown-ups smile at this. “Aw, that’s cute!” Pinkie said with a smile.
Kipo looks over at Pinkie. “Pinkie!” She hugs the mare. “You made it! I thought you said you were busy today.”
“Well I wanted to be here for your birthday so I got the work done super quick!” Pinkie said as she hugged Kipo back.
“I’m glad you are here! Now all my friends and family are here!” Kipo said happily. Kipo smiled at Fluttershy. “Can we have the cake now?” She asked with her jaguar ears popping out.
Fluttershy smiles and nodded her head. “Of course, just let me light the candles.” she said as she grabbed the matches while Full Moon placed the cake on the table, letting F;uttershy light the candles while everyone gathered around it.
Kipo smiled and wiggled in her seat too excited to sit still. “Happy birthday, to you, happy birthday dear Kipo, happy birthday, to you.” the group sang at the same, “Happy birthday, to you. Happy birthday dear Kipo, happy birthday to you!”
Once they were done singing Kipo closed her eyes as she took a deep breath and blowing out the candles, causing everyone to cheer. “What did you wish for Kipo?” Applebloom asked in curiosity.
“I can’t tell you, otherwise it won’t come true!” Kipo said.
All the adults chuckle and smile as Fluttershy starts cutting the cake up. “Cipher is so nice for giving us this cake.”
“Yeah.” Full Moon said as he put the slices on plates and started giving them out to everyone, starting with Kipo first.
All the children start eating as soon as they get their slice while everyone else waits till they all have a slice. “Do tell us about this Cipher pony dear.” Rarity said with a smile before taking a small dainty bite of the cake slice.
“Yeah, what is he like?” Applejack asked.
“Well, he isn’t really a pony, he’s a human like Kipo. He was also the one to have given me the books on how to take care of her and about her jaguar half.” Fluttershy said,
“Oh? Can he turn into a cat like her?” Rainbow asked before taking a large bite out of her slice.
“Well, I don’t actually know. Maybe?” Fluttershy said, “I didn’t think to ask.”
“Well what can he do?” Scootaloo asked with a mouth full of cake.
“Well, from what I’ve seen, he can make things appear out of thin air with a snap of his fingers.” Fluttershy said, surprising her friends and the young fillies.
“Yeah, kinda reminded me of an old legend about a Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony, who could bend all of reality with just a snap of his talons, Concord I believe his name was. Could be wrong though.” Full Moon said, glancing at Pinkie for a second before focusing on the group.
Everyone seemed amazed. “Wow, that sounds kinda scary.” Sweetie Belle said.
“It is, but I think they said he acted more like an overgrown foal than anything, causing numerous childish pranks to happen throughout all of Equestria.” Full Moon said, taking a bite out of his cake, “Until he was stopped by the Royal Sisters.”
“Really? He doesn’t sound all that bad, more like he just wanted to have fun!” Kipo said, thinking this Concord just wants to have fun then cause trouble for everyone.
“Yeah! But maybe his pranks could have hurt some ponies.” Pinkie said, tapping her chin.
“She’s right pup, sometimes a prank can hurt someone.” Full Moon said and Kipo nodded in understanding.
“Back to this Cipher man, what else do you know about him?” Rarity asked.
“I do know he is a kind and caring person, and that he has a good heart.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
“That's good ta hear.” Applejack said with a smile.
“Hey Rarity, can I stay up to watch the sunrise with you?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Oh yeah, can I too?” Applebloom asked next.
“Watch the sunrise?” Kipo asked before looking at Fluttershy confused.
“Oh, they are talking about the Summer Sun Celebration. It’s the day where we commemorate princess Celestia.” Fluttershy explained. “It’s a very important event that will be taking place here in Ponyville, me and my friends even have jobs for the event, mine is making the music.”
Kipo’s eyes widened. “Can I go too? Please mom! I haven't been to Ponyville before but I promise to be good, super good!”
Fluttershy giggles at Kipos excitement and nodded her head. “Yes, you can go too.” Fluttershy said and Kipo jumped for joy.
“Yay!” she shouted, causing everyone to laugh.
Her friends hug her as they all now turn and look at Applejack and Rarity with big foal and jaguar eyes. “Pleaseeeeee!” All four of them beg at once.
Unfortunately, this caused both Applejack and Rarity, as well as everyone in the room, to nearly fall over while clutching their chests with all of them thinking the same thing. ’Too cute!’
Scootaloo walked over and poked Rainbow. “I think we overdid it girls.”
“I think you may be right.” Kipo said as everyone slowly recovered from the cuteness induced heart attacks.
“O-ok, you can go as long as you don’t kill us with your cuteness.” Applejack said with a chuckle before ruffling Applebloom’s hair.
“Yay!” They all cheer and high five together.
This made everyone smile, “Well now that’s over, let’s continue on with this party!” Pinkie said as she pulled out her party cannon and fired confetti into the air, causing laughter all round before they continued on with the birthday party.
Kipo sighed as she laid on a tree branch that was near where her mother was teaching some birds how to sing a song, finding the music they were making to be relaxing as it nearly put the half jaguar girl to sleep.
Kipo then heard a gasp and looked over at a bush, seeing a purple unicorn watching Fluttershy. “Who is that?” She asked herself quietly. She then looked to Fluttershy. “Hey momma, there’s a weird unicorn in the bush.” she said to Fluttershy, causing Fluttershy to quickly turn to look at the unicorn.
The unicorn jumped at Kipo’s voice and looked up, before she stepped forward and out of the bushes. She was purple with a dark purple mane and tail that had a pink stripe through them. She also had a sun necklace around her neck. “H-hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle, I am here to check on the Summer sun celebration preparation.”
This caused Kipo to have flashbacks to the cultists Cleansing Chamber and how close to death she was. Her instincts kicked in and she immediately brought up her guard in case this unicorn tried anything to her or her mother. The same can be said with Fluttershy as she became wary of the unicorn but she also had to get into character. “H-hi.” Fluttershy shyly said, hiding her face in her mane.
“I see that things are going along well so-” Twilight said before the other voice spoke up.
“Come on Twi, don’t be rude, you remember Celestia’s orders.” A male voice said from behind the bushes and Kipo turned to look at whoever was there and much to her surprise, it was a dragon! A big one at that as he, she was guessing it was a he by the voice, was around both Fluttershy's and the unicorn's height with a slightly muscular build. His coloration was mostly purple with a lime green underbelly and ear fins, regular green spines that ran all along his back and to complete his look, he had a pair of wings.
Upon seeing him, Fluttershy eeped and flipped over onto her back, frozen stiff. “Uh…is she ok?” the dragon asked while pointing at Fluttershy.
“Y-yeah, she’s afraid of dragons.” Kipo said, still staring at the dragon in surprise since she had always wanted to see a dragon but couldn’t as they lived far away and were pretty nasty towards others, even to their own kind.
The dragon looked up at Kipo, a bit surprised at Kipo's appearance but shrugged it off. “My name is Spike, who are you? What are you?”
“Spike, that is rude!” Twilight said after turning to face the drake.
“I’m Kipo, and I’m a human.” Kipo said, deciding to keep the jaguar part of herself secret from these two as she doesn’t trust them. “Why are you here?” she asked them while Fluttershy recovered and backed away from the bushes Spike was standing behind.
Twilight turned to face Kipo. “Well Kibo, like I told Miss Fluttershy, I am here to check on the preparation for the Summer Sun Celebration. I think I should get going to the next stop anyway.”
“It’s Kipo, not Kibo.” Kipo said to Twilight as she jumped onto a branch next to the pair. “And who are you going to see next?”
“Spike, who was next?” Twilight asked after jumping back from Kipo’s landing.
The dragon held up a scroll and looked it over. “Nopony, miss Flutttershy was the last one, now we can head to Golden Oaks library.”
This made both Kipo’s and Fluttershy’s ears perk up. Why would they go to Full Moon’s home? “U-um excuse me?” Fluttershy asked the two but they couldn’t hear her due to how quiet she was talking. "Excuse m-me?" still no response.
Kipo, knowing that it would take forever for them to hear her mother, cleared her throat and spoke up for her mom, like she has had to do in the past. “Excuse me?”
This made Spike and Twilight turn to look at her. “Yes?” Twilight said through slightly clenched teeth.
“My mom was trying to get your attention.” Kipos said, a bit confused on why Twilight reacted like that.
She looked over at Fluttershy who was shyly nodding her head. “U-um why do you need to go to the library?”
“Because that is where we will be staying for the Celebration.” Twilight answered, surprising the two. “Why?”
“Well, it’s because Full Moon lives there.” Kipo said, confusing the two.
“Full who?” Spike asked with a raised eyebrow.
“H-he is my colt friend that i-is living there. Has been ever s-since he's moved to Ponyville." Fluttershy said, shocking and angering Twilight.
“What? But I wasn’t told that somepony was already living there!” Twilight said before groaning in annoyance. “Great! Just great! Come on Spike, guess we’ll have to find somewhere else to stay while we’re here!”
“Why can't we just ask to stay there? I mean we will only be there for tonight and we are supposed to stay up all night anyway, so what's the problem?” the dragon asked Twilight.
“Because Spike, I can’t be bothered by a random pony when the fate of the entire world is at stake!” Twilight said before she started to walk away.
“Um, what did she m-mean the entire world is at stake, if you d-don’t mind me asking that is.” Fluttershy asked Spike who just sighed.
“She is worried about some old mare’s tale of Nightmare Moon returning.” he said before shaking his head. "I suggest ignoring it. Twilight often takes things too seriously, like our current living situation."
Kipo thought about it before saying. “If you leave him alone I am sure Mr. Moon won’t mind you using the library to study.”
“Yeah, why can’t we do that?” Spike asked the unicorn, who stopped and sighed.
“Fine, but he better not bother me while I’m trying to find a way to prevent eternal night.” Twilight said then continued to walk off.
Kipo and Fluttershy looked at the unicorn's companion. “S-she does realize Nightmare Moon is just a-an old mare’s tail right? Something t-that shouldn’t be taken seriously.” Fluttershy said to her and she sighed.
“I know that but something has really spooked her, so now I have to try to keep her on track while she follows these clues, wherever they lead her.” Spike said with some annoyance in his voice.
“S-something tells me she d-does this a lot?” Fluttershy asked him.
He gives her an exasperated look. “More times than I can count.”
“Spike, come on!” Twilight yelled from down the path.
“H-how did she get down there so fast?” Kipo asked, surprised Twilight moved so fast despite walking.
“Eh, that’s Twilight for you, if she wants to get somewhere, she’ll get there in a hurry.” Spike said before he rushed after Twilight, “It was nice meeting you two!” he said as she ran down the path.
“Momma, should we follow them and maybe get there first and warn Mr. Moon?” Kipo asked softly.
Fluttershy nodded her head. “Yes, we should. That way he doesn't do anything rash.” Fluttershy said before she and Kipo started to rush towards town. “Follow me, I know a shortcut.”
“Ok momma.” Kipo said and the two spent the next fifteen minutes rushing through town till they reached the library. Kipo then knocked on the door and after a few seconds, Full Moon opened it before smiling when he saw who was on the other side. “Hi Mr Moon, me and momma have something important to tell you.”
“Pup! You're in town! That's wonderful.” He lets them inside with a smile. “What’s up?”
“A mare named Twilight is heading here, and she is wearing a Celestiaism necklace.” Fluttershy said, making Full Moon’s eyes narrow.
“B-but she didn’t seem too bad, she is stressing over some old mare’s tale, Nightmare Moon.” Kipo said quickly then she looked down. “She saw me and didn’t try to hurt me, she seemed shocked but not angry.”
“That may be pup, but still, we shouldn’t trust her, those cultist scum are known for being tricky. For all we know, she could be waiting for the right moment to strike.” Full Moon said with a serious look on his face.
“So what do we do?” Fluttershy asked and Full Moon looked down in thought.
“For now, we wait and see what she will do.” he said and the two girls nodded their heads. “In the meantime, continue with your preparations for the Celebration and you pup, you practice some of those martial arts moves from that book Cipher gave cause something tells me you may need it.”
Kipo nodded her head. “Ok Mr Moon.” she said and with that, the two started to head back towards their home and Full Moon sighed as he closed the door.
“I never thought I’d see the day when someone else would see the signs.” he said as he walked over to the table, where a book on Equestrian legends sat open on a certain page. “Heh, I just hope that Celestia has a plan for her, otherwise, we’re all doomed.” he then heard a knock on the door causing him to sigh and hide the book before going to open it, seeing Twilight and Spike on the other side. He was surprised to see a dragon this far in pony territory but he shook it off and greeted his visitors. “Yes? Can I help you?”
“Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia, and this is Spike, my assistant.” Twilight said, introducing herself and the dragon next to her. “May we come in?”
Full Moon nodded and stepped aside to let them inside. “Sure.” he said and the two entered, with Twilight immediately going through the books. “May I ask what it is that you’re looking for?”
“Just a book on how to defeat Nightmare Moon and prevent eternal night.” Twilight said, causing Spike to sigh in annoyance.
“Don’t mind her, she can get a bit obsessed sometimes. She thinks some old mare’s tale is gonna come true. I promise to clean up any mess she makes, and we will be gone tomorrow.” Spike said with some annoyance in his voice.
“You mean the tale of Nightmare Moon? Why would she obsess over that old story?” Full Moon asked.
“She read some book about prophecies and thinks that Nightmare Moon is real. Just let her stress herself out tonight and tomorrow, when nothing happens, Celestia can calm her down then we will be out of your hair.” Spike said before sitting down on the floor and watching Twilight go nuts, going through book after book.
“She is real Spike! And tonight is the day she returns!” Twilight said as she gave Spike a mild glare.
“Wouldn't that technically be tonight is the night she returns?” the drake asked with a cheeky grin.
“Whatever!” Twilight shouted, throwing a book into the air and just before it hit the floor, Full Moon caught it. Twilight then looked at him. “You! You’ve been living here, is there any book that is related to Nightmare Moon?!”
Full Moon tapped his chin. “Well, there foal time stories, predictions and prophecies, and I think one more but the name escapes me.”
Twilight groans in annoyance. “Great.” she said before she went back to looking.
Fully Moon smirks a bit, seeing her panic. “Feel free to look through all the books here.” He said while he walked over to the kitchen.
“I intend to.” Twilight said while Spike shook his head.
“This is gonna be a long day.” he said as he made himself comfortable on the floor.
“Maybe, but a good book can make time fly.” Full Moon said from the kitchen. “Do either of you want anything?”
“Some tea would be nice.” Spike said while Twilight rolls her eyes.
“I know a book can pass the time, I do nothing but read books!” Twilight said as she read a book but tossed it aside due to it not containing what she needed it.
“Then you should know how to take care of books and not throw them around.” Full Moon said from the kitchen while Spike sighed and stood up.
“I have no time to be careful, I need to find something about-” Twilight began before Spike chopped the back of her neck, causing her to fall to the floor, snoring quietly.
Full Moon peeked his head out and raised an eyebrow. “Wow, didn’t expect that.”
The dragon just shrugged his shoulders. “Hey, someone needed to calm her down. Besides, it’s one of the best ways to do so.”
Full Moon chuckles and comes out with some tea. “True, say what's with her necklace?”
“Hm? Oh that. It’s something all of our family wears, showing how loyal we are to Celestia, well most of us anyways. I honestly don’t see the big deal about Celestiaism, I mean, she’s a regular pony just like everyone else.” Spike said as he sat down at the table. That actually surprised Full Moon a bit, as he knew even the other lands such as the Dragon Lands, consider Celestia a goddess.
“That is a bit surprising to hear but understandable.” Full Moon said as he sat down while Spike sighed.
“Yeah though it’s surprising to hear that you understand, nearly everypony I’ve said this to has reacted negatively.” he said, remembering more than once where a pony would try and defend Celestia and say that she's a goddess and that he should be ashamed for thinking otherwise.
“I am more understanding than most, and I would guess those negative reactions are from…how do I put this…zealots.” Full Moon said while looking at his tea.
Spike nodded his head, “Yeah, so I’ve decided to keep my mouth shut on the matter.” he said before taking a sip of his tea before he remembered something. “Hey, do you know anything about the strange girl near Fluttershy’s house?”
Full Moon’s ear twitches. “Yeah, she is Fluttershy’s daughter.”
Spike’s eyes widened a bit. “Oh, I wondered why she called her momma. So where did she come from?”
“We don’t really know, Fluttershy found her one day.” Full Moon said while sipping his tea.
“Oh, I see.” Spike said, taking another sip of his tea. “Well she seems nice, if a bit wild, she was climbing trees and stuff.”
“She does like to do that.” Full Moon said with a smile. “She also enjoys playing with her friends, same as any foal.”
“Really? I figured that since she was different than ponies, she might have been not liked.” Spike said.
“She has three friends plus all of Fluttershy’s friends.” Full Moon said before sighing. “And yeah, she doesn’t come to town out of fear ponies will be afraid of her.”
“Understandable. The ponies here kinda gave me frightened looks while me and Twilight walked through town.” Spike said as he finished his tea. “Also, sorry about my sister making a mess of your home.”
“Sister?” Full Moon asked, looking between Spike and Twilight, then smirked a bit. “So which one of you is adopted?”
The dragon chuckles a bit. “I am, you see Twilight hatched me from an egg for an exam that would get her into Celestia’s School For Gifted Unicorns.” he said, smiling a bit at the mention of his adoption into the Sparkle family. “Ever since then, I’ve been part of the family. I’m also her assistant, well, I think caretaker would be a better way to describe it, I always have to remind her to eat or sleep whenever she gets too focused on her studies.”
Full Moon chuckles and smirks. “Sounds like a full time job.”
He chuckles again. “You have no idea. But hey, someone’s gotta do it.” he said as he decided to clean up the mess Twilight made. “Hey, do you believe NIghtmare Moon could be real?"
Full Moon was quiet for a bit. “Honestly? Yes I do.”
Spike looked at him in surprise. “Y-you do? But why? She’s just a fairy tale.”
“All fairy tales are based on something.” Full Moon said with a sigh before he got up and walked over to one of the bookshelves and removed a hidden book. “Here, give this to her if Nightmare Moon turns out to be real.”
The dragon tilted his head when he sees the title. “Elements of Harmony?”
“Yes, if she truly is doing this to save everyone she may need that book. But only give it to her if Nightmare Moon does show up.” Full Moon said while walking back to his chair.
Spike nodded his head as he puts the book in a satchel. “Alright, thanks.”
Full Moon then frowned as he sat down as he knew he had to ask this question. “Spike…has Twilight ever tried to…’save you’?” Full Moon asked slowly, dreading the answer to that question.
Spike just raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Save me? You mean like from danger? Then yeah, she has.” he said, misunderstanding what Full Moon meant but that was good as it meant that Twilight wasn’t like the other cultists that try to ‘save’ other species. A rare thing since they focus on monster ponies like wereponies and vamponies but it does happen.
Full Moon smiled a bit and nodded. “Good. Well even though I believe her I pray she is wrong.”
“Because of the whole eternal night thing?” Spike asked and Full Moon nodded. “Yeah, I'd be worried about that as well.”
“I may like the night more than the day but I know the day is needed.” Full Moon said before stretching. “So was there anything else you two needed to check on before the party?”
He shook her head. “No, the last stop was Fluttershy’s so all that’s left to do is wait for the Celebration.”
“Ah so you both already met Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack.” He said with a chuckle.
“Yeah, we did.” he said, getting a dreamy look on his face.
Full Moon smirked. “I know that look, who caught your eye kid?”
The dragon blushes in embarrassment while chuckling and rubbing the back of his head. “U-um, what do you mean?”
“Come on kid, it's just us stallions. Who is he or her?" Full Moon asked and he rubbed the back of his head again.
“W-well, she’s a unicorn named Rarity.” Spike said, sighing a bit as he had that dreamy look again at the mention of the white unicorn.
Full Moon chuckled and smiled. “She is a nice mare kid, though that brings up the question, how old are you?”
“I’m around fifteen. Why?”
“She is around three years older than ya kid, you ok with that?” Full Moon said with a small smirk.
“Well yeah, I don’t care how old she is. Plus, she's kinda beautiful despite being five years older than me.” Spike couldn't help blushing a little after he said that.
Full Moon smiled. “Alright, well good luck to you kid, just don’t let your love blind you.”
“I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“Alright.” Full Moon said before getting up and stretching. “I am gonna go over to Fluttershy’s place, keep the library clean and I won’t have a problem with you or your sister.” He said and started for the door.
“Don’t worry, she’ll be out until the Celebration starts.” Spike said with a wave. “See ya later.”
“Alright see ya.” Full Moon left them alone and headed for Fluttershy’s house. After a few minutes of walking, he soon sees Fluttershy’s home but he also gets a feeling that he was being watched but didn't put too much thought into since he's close to the Everfree. The wind suddenly blew past him and he got the scent of someone familiar, causing him to hold back a grin as he continued walking till he was pretty close to the trees.
Kipo jumps out of the bushes with a roar but Full Moon jumps back just as Kipo lands where he was before tackling her and pinning her to the ground. “You’re gonna have to try harder than that pup.” he said with a chuckle while Kipo pouted.
“Awww I thought I got you that time.” whined Kipo.
“Almost, if it weren’t for that wind you might have.” Full Moon said as he got off of Kipo, letting her stand up.
“Dang it, stupid wind.” Kipo said in annoyance before asking. “So how did it go with Ms Twilight and the dragon?”
“So far so good, but I want to tell Fluttershy too so let’s go find your mom.” He said with a smile.
“Ok, she should still be with our bird friends practicing for the Celebration.” Kipo said as she and Full Moon continued walking towards the cottage and sure enough, Fluttershy was still singing with the birds.
Full Moon smirked and held his hoof up to his lips and then slowly sneaked up behind Fluttershy and just before he could touch her she turned around with a smirk. “You forget that vamponies have a superior sense of hearing.” Fluttershy said while Kipo giggles. Fluttershy then booped his nose. “Nice try though.”
He chuckled and smirked. “True, I just thought with the birds you'd be distracted enough.”
“Nope!” Fluttershy said with a smile before it was wiped off her face when she remembered something. “So, what have you learned about Twilight?”
“Well she is more concerned about Nightmare Moon’s return than the Summer Sun Celebration. From what Spike said she hasn’t mistreated him in any way, other than him being more of her caretaker as she often forgets to eat and sleep.” Full Moon said before smiling. “I think she is just an average pony that believes in the religion but isn’t a zealot.”
Fluttershy lets out a sigh of relief. “That’s good. I was getting worried there.”
“Hey, how does she even have a dragon? I thought dragons don’t interact with ponies?” Kipo asked and Fluttershy wondered the same thing.
“Turns out Twilight hatched his egg for a test to get into Celestia’s school.” He said with a chuckle “And get this, he has a crush on somepony.”
“Oh? Who?” both of them asked at the same time, curious on who caught the dragons eye.
Full Moon smirked and looked up at the sky. “Not telling, goes against the bro code.”
“Aw, ok.” Kipo said before looking at the sun. “Hey look! The sun is going down! That means the Celebration is going to begin!” Kipo said while pointing at the descending sun.
“Sure does, you ready to go into town with us pup?” Full Moon asked with a smile.
“Yes!” Kipo said, jumping into the air a bit in excitement and causing both Fluttershy and Full Moon to laugh a little.
“Alright, make sure you got those necklaces of yours on and then once your mom is ready we can go.” Full Moon said with a smile.
Kipo nodded her head before she and Fluttershy got ready to head to the Celebration with Kipo making sure she had her necklaces, she also decided to bring her Wonderbolt Goggles as well, no particular reason, she just wanted to wear them for the Celebration. While Kipo was getting ready, Fluttershy was getting her bird friends together so they can head to Town Hall. Once the two were done, the three of them then started to head towards the Town Hall, unaware that their lives were about to change.
“Wow, Ponyville is so nice!” Kipo said, looking around with a big smile. She may have gone into town earlier but she was more focused on trying to warn Full Moon about Twilight so she didn't get a chance to see the town, not even on the way back home as Fluttershy needed to make sure the birds were ready for the Celebration.
“It sure is.” Fluttershy said as she waved to a couple of ponies who looked at Kipo in surprise but thanks to her necklace, they didn’t freak out at the sight of her, which made both Fluttershy and Full Moon relieved as they waved back and continued on with their day.
“So many new ponies! Oh I hope I can be friends with some of them!” Kipo said excitedly, practically shaking in excitement at the thought of making new friends.
“We know you are excited pup, but calm down a bit, normies scare easily, even if you're being friendly you could scare them away.” Full moon said as they walked into the town hall.
“Sorry.” Kipo said, blushing in embarrassment.
They both chuckle and lightly bump into her. “It's ok dear, it is your first time being out in the open. We both understand your excitement, we just don't want you to be disappointed.” Fluttershy said with a warm smile.
“I won’t be disappointed, I know that I am different from other ponies but that’s ok, I still have friends who like me for who I am.” Kipo said with a smile.
“Smart girl.” Full Moon said and reached a hoof up and rubbed her hair.
Kipo giggles as she playfully swats at his hoof, then she was tackled by a certain group of fillies. “Girls! No fair!” Kipo said as she and her friends laughed and giggle.
“We couldn’t help it! You always tackle us whenever we come over to play!” Applebloom said then Scootaloo spoke up next.
“Yeah! So we had to take advantage of your distraction.” She said with a giggle, before noticing her face was close to Kipo's own face.
“Scoots? You ok?” Kipo asked Scootaloo, noticing that her attention was on something else.
She blushes and jumps off Kipo. “Sorry, uh let’s get to partying already!”
Kipo was just confused on why Scootaloo acted like that but shrugged and got up and the four of them went off to join in on the party Pinkie had set up, leaving Full Moon and Fluttershy alone. “Aww, I think Kipo has an admirer.” Full Moon whispered.
“Yeah, I think it’s cute.” Fluttershy whispered back.
“Well, while the fillies are playing, once you set up the birds how about you and I share a dance?” Full Moon asked with a smirk.
Fluttershy blushes a little but nods her head with a smile. “I would love to.”
“Great until then I'll get us some punch.” He said and trotted off, looking like the happiest stallion in the room.
Fluttershy just giggles when she sees that before setting up her birds for the Celebration and after a few minutes, Full Moon returns with a small plate that had two cups of punch. He then sets it on the table next to them and hands a cup to Fluttershy. “Here you go.”
“Why, thank you Mr Moon.” Fluttershy said with a shy smile and took a small sip.
“You are welcome Ms Shy.” Full Moon said with a chuckle.
She blushed shyly and smiled. “You w-wanted a d-dance?” She asked while putting on her act.
Full Moon smiles and nods his head. “I did.” he then held his hood out for her. “Shall we?”
She took his hoof slowly and shyly, before the two started to dance and everyone had fun for hours, and then the time came for the sun to rise. “This was so much fun.” She whispered into his ear before they separated.
“Agreed, we should do it again sometime.” he said before kissing her cheek.
She blushes and looks down. “I should get back to the birds, keep an eye on Kipo for me?”
“Of course, you know I won’t let anything happen to the pup.” Full Moon said with a reassuring smile.
Fluttershy smiled and flew up to the birds and waited for her cue as an older mare stepped out on stage. “Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!”
This made everypony cheer in joy and while ponies were cheering, Kipo and the rest of the Crusaders had climbed up onto a balcony so they could get a better view of the celebration. This however didn’t go unnoticed by two ponies. “Hey, it’s that girl.” Twilight said as she stared at Kipo.
“Oh great, now what is that pup doing?” Full Moon said as he walked through the crowd to try and get to the four kids.
“In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this, the longest day of the year!” Mayor Mare exclaimed, causing everyone to cheer again. “And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria…”
“Ready?” Fluttershy asked the birds who nodded their heads but while this was happening, Twilight looked at the moon and saw the image of a mare's head disappear, making her nervous just as Mayor Mare exclaimed.
“Princess Celestia!” she exclaimed as a spotlight shines on another balcony as Rarity pulls on the rope to pull back the curtains while the birds began to sing and revealing….nothing?! This confused everyone in the Town Hall as they wondered where their princess was.
Twilight’s eyes widen and she looks up at the moon. “This can't be good.”
“Oh no.” Full Moon said, panic starting to well in his chest before he tried to get to Kipo and her friends even faster.
“Huh? Where’s Celestia?” Kipo wondered, secretly wanting to see the princess of the sun.
“Remain calm everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation!” Mayor Mare said as she tried to ease the crowds worries, well, most of the crowd.
“Ooh! Ooh! I love guessing games! Is she hiding?” Pinkie asked as she popped up next to Twilight and Spike, thinking that Celestia was playing a silly little game on them while Rarity went to check behind the curtains for their princess, only to return with troubling news.
“She’s gone.” Rarity said, causing everyone to gasp in shock while Full Moon, Kipo and Fluttershy suddenly sensed something, making their fur stand on ends as they growled, glared or backed away from the balcony where Celestia was supposed to appear, confusing their friends at their strange attitude.
Pinkie Pie smiled and looked over at Twilight. “Ooh, she's good.” Then she looked back at the balcony and screamed.
Everyone watched in terror as a blue starry mist appeared on the balcony, “Oh no.” Twilight and Full Moon said before the mist suddenly parted to reveal a pitch black Alicorn with the same blue starry mist as her mane and tail, she was wearing a blue-silver helmet, necklace and shoes and her Cutie Mark was that of a crescent moon surrounded by a purple splotch. “Nightmare Moon.”
Author's Note
How will Kipo fare against the Mare in The Moon, Nightmare Moon? Also, Kipo is now open for crossovers. But don't expect much from her as she is still new to being Displaced and isn't much of a fighter.
And final note, this is what Kipo now officially looks like.
Though I might update the drawing later in the future to make it look nicer.
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Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
“B-because…no one would e-ever see your beautiful night again…”
Everyone looked at Nightmare Moon in fear while she looked over the crowd before she began speaking. “Oh my beloved subjects, it’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious sun loving faces.” Nightmare Moon said then Rainbow suddenly spoke up.
“What did you do with our princess?!” she demanded before she tried to fly at the dark Alicorn but Full Moon stopped her by biting on her tail and holding her back, knowing that rushing someone like the dark Alicorn was suicide.
Nightmare Moon chuckled and leaned down. “Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?” She asked while looking at several ponies.
Pinkie responded though it was one Nightmare Moon didn’t expect or want to hear. “Ooh! Ooh! More guessing games! Um, Hokey Smoke! How about…Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty! Black Snooty!” Applejack quickly covered her friends mouth when she saw the angry look on Nightmare Moons face then she heard someone giggling, causing her to look in the direction of the giggling but seeing an empty balcony.
Well it wasn’t empty as Kipo and her friends had ducked away when Nightmare Moon looked towards them. She continued to stare at the balcony before addressing the crowd. “Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” Nightmare Moon asked as she leers at Fluttershy, making her back away in fear from the Alicorn before she leered at Rarity. “Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?”
A voice suddenly spoke up, causing everyone to turn and look at Twilight and Spike, the latter currently standing next to Twilight with he claws and teeth bared in case Nightmare tried anything against his sister. “I did. And I know who you are, you are the Mare in the Moon. Nightmare Moon!” Twilight said, making everyone gasp in shock at the realization that an old mare’s tale was real!
“Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here.” Nightmare Moon said to Twilight.
“You’re here to..to…” Twilight said, too afraid to tell everyone why Nightmare Moon had return. Fortunately she didn’t have to as Full Moon spoke up.
“To bring eternal night!” Full Moon said, making everyone in the hall begin to panic while Nightmare Moon smiled at Full Moon, glad that someone knows what she wanted, however that smile faded when she sensed something different about Full Moon, something familiar.
Then it finally clicked, and she smiled again when it did. “Well, I didn’t expect to see a creature of the night still alive, I would have thought my sister's little cultists would have wiped you all out.” she said to Full Moon. Nightmare Moon then chuckles as she returns her focus on the crowd. “Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!”
“That's a dumb idea.” Kipo said with a frown as she sat up a bit, making herself visible.
Kipo’s friends and family froze in terror when they heard Kipo say that while Nightmare Moon slowly turned her head to Kipo. “Who. DARES?!?!” she shouted angrily.
This made Kipo recoil back in fear but she still spoke up but her bravado had left when Nightmare Moon’s attention was on her. “I-I did..” she said quietly. “Y-you w-will kill e-everything, w-with forever night.” She said though she was barely able to speak due to the amount of fear she was feeling.
But Nightmare Moon didn’t listen as she teleported over to where Kipo is and picked up the girl with her magic. “You dare speak to me in such a way?! I will make sure you pay for such insolence!”
“Kipo!” Fluttershy and her friends shouted in fear before Fluttershy shifted into her vampony form, shocking the ponies around her.
“Leave my daughter alone!” Fluttershy shouted at Nightmare Moon before flying at her but ended up crashing into a shield courtesy of Nightmare Moon.
“A vampony? I thought your kind was exterminated long ago.” Nightmare Moon said as she looks at Fluttershy as she fell to the ground but Full Moon manages to catch her. “I wonder just how many of you denizens of the night are still alive. I will just have to find out. And as for you.” Nightmare said, looking at a terrified Kipo. “You are coming with me.” with that said the two were surrounded by the same mist Nightmare arrived in.
“Momma!” Kipo called out in fear as Nightmare took her way.
“Kipo!” Fluttershy cried out in anguish as her daughter was taken right in front of her. She then lets out a loud screeching hiss of despair and rage before lowering her head and crying. Full Moon then rushes over to her and pulls her in a hug. “S-she took her! She t-took my little girl!”
“I know, we will get her back I promise.” Full Moon said while the ponies around them are panicking and whispering about Fluttershy. Full Moon notices Twilight rushing out of the building.
“What are we going to do? We’ve got to get Kipo back!” Rainbow said while Fluttershy continued to cry into Full Moons chest.
“Um, excuse me?” they all turned to look at Spike, who was holding the book Full Moon gave him. “But I think I know a way to help your daughter Ms Shy.”
Fluttershy looked up. “H-how? That was an Alicorn, none of us have the power to fight that.” She said through sobs.
"Well, yeah but just because she's an Alicorn doesn't mean we can't beat her in other ways right?" Spike asked and Full Moon nodded.
“Smart thinking, and I may have an idea of where to go next. Alright everyone let’s go to my place, but don't let anypony follow us.” Full Moon said before putting Fluttershy onto his back.
They nodded their heads before they ran out of the town hall and towards Golden Oaks but when they got there, they saw Twilight rummaging through all of the books, “Where is it, where is it, where is it?!” Twilight shouted, unaware of the group watching her.
“What the buck are you doing to my home?!” Full Moon yelled a bit annoyed at having someone breaking into his house.
“Gah!” yelped Twilight in surprise as she jumped in the air before facing the group. “Don’t scare me like that! And for your information, I am trying to find anything that can stop Nightmare Moon before she plunges us all into eternal night!” she then went back to rummaging through the books.
Full Moon groans and points at Spike. “I found the book while you were napping and gave it to Spike, now stop destroying my home.”
“What?! And I’m just now knowing this because?!” Twilight asked and Spike answered her.
“Because I was gonna give it to you when Nightmare Moon was proven to be real, and if she wasn’t, I was gonna return it back to Mr Moon here.” Spike said just as the book was taken out of his hands by Twilight’s magic and she began to read it.
“Wow, maybe I misjudged you.” Full Moon said before setting Fluttershy down. “Listen girls, we need to work together to get Kipo back. I just hope my hunch is right.”
“Hunch, what hunch?” Applejack asked him.
“Yeah, do you have an idea on how to get Kipo back?” Rainbow asked while Fluttershy looked at him with a hopeful expression.
Full Moon looked at all the mares before lowering his head. “I can’t tell you, all I can say is the seven of us need to go to where Nightmare Moon is.”
“I found something!” Twilight shouted, causing everyone to look at her. “There are these items called the Elements of Harmony that are capable of defeating her.”
“Really? Then where are they so we can get them and blast her for taking Kipo!” Rainbow said punching her hoof.
“There is a problem, the Elements of Harmony lie deep withing the Everfree Forest at the Castle of the Two Royal Sister.” Twilight continued, causing almost everyone to gulp in fear.
“The Everfree?! We have to go through the Everfree?! At Night?! But the Everfree is the worst during the night, more predators come out!” Applejack said in fear.
“Where is the castle?” Fluttershy asked Twilight. “Cause if we need those to defeat Nightmare and get my daughter back, then I’ll even go into the deepest parts of the Everfree just to get Kipo back.”
“I am sorry but I have to do this on my own.” Twilight said, putting the book into some saddle bags and walking past everyone, not even noticing Fluttershy’s appearance.
“No, we’re going with you, that’s Kipo that big meanie took! Our friend!” Pinkie said to Twilight, gaining a serious expression.
“She’s right! We’re coming with whether you like it or not!” Rainbow said next.
“Look, I get your friend is in trouble but I can't stop Nightmare and keep you all safe too.” Twilight said, not even stopping as she opens the door and steps through it.
“We don’t need you to keep us safe darling, so we are going.” Rarity said, she and the others still determined as they followed her out of the library.
Twilight sighed and lowered her head. “Fine, but I am not responsible for anything that happens.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. We can handle anything that forest throws at us.” Rainbow said and everyone nodded in agreement.
“Man, these guys sure are brave right Twilight?” Spike asked his sister.
“They are fools Spike.” She said with a sigh and trots to catch up.
Spike frowns and shakes his head before jogging after the group. “I don’t know Twi, I think they have a good reason to go, I mean, Fluttershy’s daughter was taken by Nightmare.”
“I don’t understand why someone that timid would even go after Nightmare, and in such a ridiculous costume.” Twilight said with a huff.
“Um, Twi, I don’t think that’s a costume. I mean, she did just transform in the Town Hall, you didn’t see that?” Spike asked Twilight. “Plus, a parent would do anything for their kid, no matter how scared they are.”
“Don't be ridiculous, there's no way she's a real vampony, they're all fake, it's obviously some sort of magical illusion that she had a friend make for her for some reason.” Twilight said, doubt clear in her voice.
Spike just sighs while shaking his head. “Alright, believe whatever you want Twi.”
Full Moon’s ear turns away from Twilight as he whispers to Fluttershy. “She thinks you're in a costume.”
“Most would think that.” Fluttershy said with a shake of her head before looking at the Everfree Forest that they were approaching.
“Should I keep my secret for now or should I go all out?” He asked in a whisper. “You know I don’t mind if it is for the pup.”
“It is up to you but I think our chances of beating Nightmare would increase if we had the full strength of a werepony.” Fluttershy said and Full Moon nodded his head in agreement.
“Yeah, I will do my best to protect everyone, but you and Kipo most of all,” Full Moon said before he nuzzled Fluttershy’s cheek.
Fluttershy smiles and nuzzles him back. “Thank you.” she said.
“Anything for you, my queen of the night.” He teased lightly before trotting ahead with a smirk.
Fluttershy blushes brightly before suddenly, everyone hears a voice call out within their minds and throughout the air. "Creatures of the night, hear me! Your princess has returned! And with my return, a new age of Equestria will begin! One where the night and its denizens will no longer be mistreated! Join me at Everfree Castle and together, we will begin the Age of Night Eternal!"
They all knew that voice belonged to Nightmare Moon, and it made them worry that she was calling for vamponies, wereponies and every other creature of the night to join her. “Oh no, she’s assembling an army!” Fluttershy said in panic.
“We need to get to the castle now!” Twilight shouted before she started to run into the forest with the others following her.
“Darling, when she said ‘creatures of the night’ was she talking about…” Rarity asked Full Moon with worry.
“Vamponies and wereponies. Yes, yes she was. And I’m afraid that they will come to aid her in her goal, not all monster ponies are content with having to hide their true nature in fear from you normies.” Full Moon said with a frown.
Rarity frowns and sighs. “I am sorry, but how can we get past them without hurting them, or them hurting us?”
“I don’t think we have to worry about that, there are monster ponies all over Equestria, so if they do come we would already be fighting Nightmare.” Full Moon said before thinking to himself. ’I hope.’
“Alright darling. If you ever need to um…go all out I shall try to distract Twilight and Spike.” Rarity said in a whisper.
“I wouldn’t bother with that, I don’t care about secrecy right now. All I care about is getting the pup back.” Full Moon said, and it was true since trying to keep something a secret would only put Kipo's life at risk.
Rarity looks at Full Moon for a second before nodding. “Alright, I understand and Fluttershy is a very lucky mare to have you dear.”
“And I am lucky to have her.” Full Moon said with a smile.
Rarity smirked a bit. “Do invite me to the wedding darling.” That made Full Moon nearly trip but he managed to stop himself, blushing as he continued running with the group. Rarity just giggled and moved back with her friends.
Kipo struggled against the chain that was keeping her in one spot before she looked around the dark and ruined throne room, scared out of her mind. “M-mommy, Mr Moon please h-hurry.” she then heard hoofsteps approaching her, causing her to look up and shake in fear when she saw the one who took her. “N-Nightmare Moon.” Kipo said fearfully as she began to scoot away from the dark Alicorn.
“Well well well, the little foal that decided to insult me.” Nightmare Moon said with a scowl.
“W-what do you want f-from me?” Kipo asked her, still backing away. She could have used her jaguar powers to escape but she was too scared to do so.
“I am going to punish your little sun loving face.” Nightmare said while leaning her head down. “Once night lasts forever all my lovely creatures of the night shall be free to be themselves.”
“B-but if you do that, y-you’ll kill everyone on t-the planet.” Kipo said, trying to reason with Nightmare Moon. “O-one side will burn w-while the other will freeze.”
Nightmare scoffs. “What would you know, child?”
“A-a lot actually.” Kipo said and Nightmare glares at her. “I-I read a lot s-so I know that if you cause eternal n-night, the whole world will d-die. A-and you would h-have been the cause of i-it.”
Nightmare glares at Kipo. “Then let them all die, none appreciated the night before and they all accused innocent creatures of being monsters.”
“Y-you mean the cultists?” Kipo asked her.
“So they are still around.” Nightmare said with a growl.
Kipo shakily nodded her head. “T-they are but I-I want to know why you w-would willingly let the w-whole world die. It’s j-just not right!”
“Because nopony ever enjoyed the night! They killed innocent creatures for not being ponies, and did horrible things to me as well!” Nightmare said stomping closer. “All those sun lovers deserve to die!”
“B-but what about the r-rest of the world? Do t-they deserve to die a-as well?” Kipo asked her, making Nightmare Moon pause. “Do innocent c-creatures who have no c-connection to t-the cultists, deserve t-to die? Creatures w-who might l-love the night? L-like me?” that surprised Nightmare. Someone loved her night?
“You…love the night? Why were you at that sickening celebration of the sun then?” Nightmare asked as she starts to circle Kipo.
Kipo looks down. “B-because I wanted to ask Celestia why there are cultists t-that follow her and h-hurt others who are d-different.”
Nightmare scoffs and looks away. “I tried that for years, she never heard a word I said.”
“W-why? Wasn’t she your sister?” Kipo asked in confusion.
Nightmare gazed at Kipo. “What do you know?”
“I-I know that family looks after each other. That they wouldn’t let their family suffer at the hooves of others.” Kipo said, starting to become a bit calmer now that she and Nightmare were talking. “W-was there anything t-that prevented her from doing anything? L-like maybe the cultists?”
Nightmare kept walking in circles. “I tried everything to get to her.”
“Like what?” Kipo asked before becoming nervous again. “Cause like I said, m-maybe the cultists could have prevented you from reaching her.”
“I spoke to her about it and she said she was too busy to handle it herself, she left it to her staff.” Nightmare said with a growl.
“Maybe they were cultists, that could be the reason why nothing was done to help the creatures of the night. Cause the cultists could have been anyone and no one would have known.” Kipo said, knowing this thanks to Full Moon and Fluttershy but Nightmare just snorts.
“Even more reason to let this world die, by now there are likely very few creatures of the night left.” Nightmare said, stomping her hoof angrily.
“But what if there are a lot of creatures of the night? I know two and they have managed to avoid the cultists for a long time. You can never know if they survived if you don’t find out.” Kipo said before placing a hand on Nightmare’s leg since she was too short to place it on her shoulder. “Please? Just rethink your plan?” Kipo gave Nightmare a hopeful and pleading look, making the dark Alicorn become silent as she went over what Kipo had said.
Nightmare looked away and Kipo saw in a reflection Nightmare’s eyes changed to look like a normal ponies for a few seconds before she hisses in pain and they change back. “No, they will all pay and the night shall last forever.”
“B-but-” Kipo was then cut off when a cloth was wrapped around her mouth, silencing her.
“Quiet you. Now be a good girl and wait here while I go make sure nothing can stop me.” Nightmare said a she turns into a mist and flew out of the castle, leaving Kipo alone as she struggles against the bindings once again.
Full Moon ducked under Applejack just as she flew over his head. The reason why she flew over his head was because of a manticore had started to attack them from out of nowhere and now they had to fight it in order to get past it. He then turned to Fluttershy who hadn’t joined in on the fight but was trying to get everyone’s attention. “Girls, stop.” She said but the manticore had roared at the same time.
“What is it Fluttershy?” Full Moon asked her. “How come you aren’t fighting?”
“Because he isn’t attacking us.” Fluttershy said, watching the manticore.
“What?” Full Moon asked in confusion before looking at the manticore just as it was fighting Spike and it was then that he can see a thorn in one of its paws. “Well I’ll be, how the heck did you notice that?”
“I am an animal caretaker.” She said with a small smile before she tapped his shoulder. “Would you mind?”
Full Moon nodded before shifting into his werepony form and lets out a loud howl, gaining the attention of everyone, even the manticore, who widened its eyes when it sees Full Moon and started backing away.
“There there, we won’t hurt you.” Fluttershy said as she walked up to it slowly. “You aren’t mean, you are just hurt, aren’t you?”
“Wh-what the…what is he?” Twilight asked, backing away and bumping into Spike.
“Um, a werepony?” Rainbow said as if it was obvious while Fluttershy carefully plucked the thorn out of its paw, causing it to roar in pain before hugging and licking her in thanks, causing her to giggle.
Full Moon smirked and walked past the scared Twilight. “Good work Shy, I can't believe I didn't notice that.”
“It’s fine, not everyone can notice some things.” Fluttershy said as the manticore releases her from its hug and began to leave. “Now, lets keep going.”
As everyone kept walking Twilight looks at Fluttershy and Full Moon in a new light, and whispers to the others. “Girls, we need to get to the elements before them. They have to be working for Nightmare.”
Rainbow suddenly got in Twilight’s face with an angry expression, much to the mares shock. “You got a problem with them?! Huh?!” she asked Twilight.
Twilight backed up, surprised. “Y-yes! They are creatures of the night, they have to be working with Nightmare, why else would they be leading us right to her?”
“Buck you! We’ve known them for a long time! They would never work for that crazy Alicorn! Plus, they’re helping us cause Fluttershy’s kid was taken! So how about you keep your racist speeches to yourself!” Rainbow said before she flew away from the shocked Twilight.
“You shouldn’t judge others just because they’re different, Twilight.” Applejack said before she and the others walked past Twilight.
“B-but they aren’t normal ponies…” Twilight said, confused.
“Twilight, just drop it.” Spike said, preventing his sister from getting beat up. “Does it matter if they’re normal or not?”
“...I…I guess not…” Twilight, confused by their actions and what she has read.
The group continued walking deeper into the forest, quickly noting that it was becoming darker and darker the further they walked. This of course didn’t bother Fluttershy and Full Moon since they have night vision but for the others it was becoming a problem. “Oof, watch where yer stepping Rarity.” Applejack said to the fashionista.
“Sorry darling, but it’s so dark I can barely see my hoof in front of my face.” Rarity said while no one in the group noticing a blue mist stealthily flying around their hooves before sinking into a tree.
“It is so dark I can’t even light up the area with my magic, Spike what about your fire?” Twilight asked, tunring to where she believed Spike was.
“I can try.” Spike said before releasing a small breath of green fire, making nearly everyone scream when they see a twisted and horrifying face on a tree. Everyone huddled together with Fluttershy and Full Moon looking at them with raised eyebrows before they heard laughter. They all looked over to see Pinkie Pie making silly faces at a tree while laughing, confusing everyone.
“Pinkie what are you doing, run!” Twilight screamed at the mare.
“Oh everyone, don’t you see?” Pinkie asked as she started to dance in place before singing. “♪When I was a little filly and the sun was going down♪”
“Tell me she’s not…” Twilight began but was cut off by Pinkie when she appeared above the group.
“♪The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown!♪”
“She is.” Rarity, Full Moon and Fluttershy said at the same time as they all watched Pinkie continue singing and dancing.
“♪I’d hide under my pillow from what I thought I saw! But granny pie said that wasn’t the way to deal with fears at all!♪” Pinkie sang as she hopped around the group.
“Then what is?” Spike asked and Pinkie hopped next to him.
“♪She said ‘Pinkie you gotta stand up tall! Learn to face your fears!
“♪So giggle at the ghostly!
“♪And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna... hahahaha... heh...♪” Pinkie sang in one breath before giggling.
“♪Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!♪” Pinkie then fell to the ground in a fit of giggles along with others minus Full Moon, who just chuckled seeing this.
“Hey look, we can see where we are going now.” Rainbow said with a smile.
“Then let’s get going!” Twilight said as she and the others got up and started heading out of the dark part of the forest with Full Moon whispering to Pinkie.
“Nice job there Pinks, with the whole ‘laughter’ thing.” Full Moon said and Pinkie nods her head.
“Hey, no one makes my friends scared. Just uh, promise not to tell okay?” Pinkie asked with a smile.
“Not my place to tell them, but it will eventually come out.” Full Moon said with a sad smile then trotted ahead of the group.
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Pinkie said as she looked down sadly before shaking her head and bouncing over to the group.
Kipo rubbed her sore ankle after she finally called upon her jaguar powers to break the chain. “Finally, that thing was starting to hurt.” Kipo said before looking around. “I better get back to momma before Nightmare comes back.” she then ran out of the room and tried to look for the exit but ended up getting lost. “Uh oh, I think I took a wrong turn somewhere.” Kipo said as she looked around the hall she was in.
She kept wandering around the ruined castle in search of the exit but came across a large set of doors. “Maybe this will lead the way out.” she said as she pushed the doors open with a loud creak, finding herself in some sort of strange room with a statue of six orbs with an image of a gem engraved on them in the center of it. “Aw man, this place is like a maze instead of a castle!” Kipo said before she turned around to leave but stopped when she felt a strange pull. “Huh? What’s that?”
She then entered the room and walked past the statue and towards the wall behind it as the pull seemingly came from there. Kipo then turned one of her arms into the Mega Paw and punched the wall, causing it to crumble into pebbles and revealing a small compartment with another stone orb in it. Kipo looked at the orb in curiosity as she changed her arm back to normal before picking up the stone orb and looking it over. “Are you the one calling me mister orb?” she asked, not expecting an answer.
The orb suddenly glowed, shocking Kipo to the point of dropping it and causing it to crack the ground upon impact. Kipo backed away as it sparks before stopping. “Well….that was weird.” Kipo said before picking it back up and leaving the room. “Better bring this with me, might be useful and if not, maybe it will look nice at home as decoration!”
However, as she was walking out she heard voices from outside, making her rush over to a window with a smile thinking that those voices belonged to Fluttershy and everyone else but when she looked out the window, her smile was wiped off her face and was replaced by a look of pure terror when she saw who it was speaking. “O-oh no…not them…a-anyone but them!”
Everyone looked at the massive canyon that stood between them and the castle in the distance. “So…how are we going to across this?” Spike asked as she looked at the broken rope bridge.
“Duh!” Rainbow said, flapping her wings with a smirk then she flew through the mist grabbing the end of the bridge and brought it up, however Fluttershy felt a familiar presence she hadn't felt in a long time, making her eyes widen in fear.
“Oh no. Rainbow! Be car-” she was suddenly cut off when a fog appeared out of nowhere.
“Shy, what is it?” Applejack asked in worry and Full Moon was the one to answer.
“Vamponies. Buck, I thought we would have made it before they arrived.” Full Moon said with a growl then looked at Fluttershy. “Can you reach her before they do?”
“I can try!” Fluttershy said as she flew towards Rainbow Dash.
“Vamponies? C-can’t Fluttershy just talk with them?” Rarity asked as she watched her friend disappear into the fog.
“We have to expect the worst, they might be hear to answer the call of Nightmare.” Full Moon said with gritted teeth, worried that there might be more monster ponies. “Damn it, I should have thought of how fast vamponies are. Because of my mistake, we might have to fight very powerful creatures.”
Twilight looked across the canyon and frowned. “Celestia help her.” She whispered.
With Fluttershy, she was trying to get past the fog and get to Rainbow Dash but for some reason, she felt like she was going in circles. “I need to get past this, but for some reason I can’t!” Fluttershy said angrily.
“What's the matter little one?” A voice from the fog said with a chuckle. “Scared of the dark?”
“No, I am not. It wouldn’t make sense for a creature of the night to fear the dark now would it?” Fluttershy asked the voice, trying to use her ears to pinpoint their location.
The voice chuckled. “Then why help the day lovers?” The voice said, and Fluttershy could just barely hear Rainbow yell in pain.
“Rainbow! You leave her alone!” Fluttershy shouted as she flew in the direction she heard Rainbow.
Fluttershy came through the fog and saw Rainbow fighting three vamponies who were toying with her more than fighting. “What's the matter day lover, you scared of us?” One said before punching Rainbow into the bridge post.
Rainbow groans before spitting out some blood and glaring at the vamponies. “Like Tartarus I’m scared of you, I’m friends with a vampony and I’ve seen her scary side all the time. You? You can’t even scare a foal.” she said with a grin, earning her a kick to the gut.
“Leave her alone!” Fluttershy yelled out before landing in between Rainbow and the vamponies, her eyes glowing red while her fangs were bared. “Or else I’ll rip out your throats with my fangs!”
The vamponies chuckle and move around in blurs before the leader stops. “It is her own fault for choosing the day over us, I was kind enough to offer to change her, all she had to do was not tie up the bridge. But she refused, so now we have to stop her to make sure the night can last forever.”
“You’re all fools! If the night lasts forever we will all perish! Ponies and monsters ponies alike! We will all freeze while the other side of the world burns! Is that what you want?!” Fluttershy shouted as she continued to block them from getting to her injured friend.
“We won't die, our new queen will keep us safe while the weaker ponies die off, freeing us.” One of the younger vamponies said.
“Use your heads you idiots! We would have no food and we would slowly freeze to death! Her plan of eternal night will kill us! Even if she can protect us, it won’t do us any good!” Fluttershy said angrily. Angry that they don’t see that Nightmare’s plan for eternal night will just kill them all.
“Enough talk, deal with this welp.” The leader said.
The vamponies all charge at Fluttershy but she just shook her head. “Fools.” she said and in a set of rapid motions, she had defeated the three vamponies, knocking them to the ground with each one of them covered in nasty bruises. She towered over them while they looked at her in shock. “You think half-bloods can defeat a full blooded vampony? Don’t make me laugh.”
Their eyes widened before the oldest among them spoke. “You're a full blood?! Then why the buck are you fighting us!? Kill the normie and we can run free!”
“I don’t want to fight you, and I won’t kill my friend. Unlike you I am not a monster.” Fluttershy said as she turned and walked towards Rainbow and put her on her back. “Even if we are able to run free, what’s the point of that if we all just die in the end? Please, just think about that.” she then flew off back towards the rest of her friends.
Full Moon sighed in relief when he saw them come back through the fog. “You are back.”
“Oh my gosh Rainbow!” Rarity and Pinkie rush over to them.
“What happened to her?!” Applejack asked in worry.
“Half-blood vamponies got the jump on her and toyed with her.” Fluttershy said as she set Rainbow down before looking at Twilight. “Do you know any healing magic?”
Twilight flinched. “Uh, y-yeah b-but if they bit her….”
“They were intent on killing her, besides, turning from a single bite is a werepony thing.” Fluttershy said then gave Twilight a pleading look. “Please heal her.”
Twilight nodded slowly and walked up to Rainbow, she then used her magic to heal Rainbow slowly. “They really hurt her, if you hadn't shown up or brought her back so soon I don’t think she would fly again.”
That made everyone scared, even Rainbow Dash. “T-that would have ha-happened?” Rainbow asked Twilight and she nodded her head. “I-I knew Vamponies were so-strong, but not that s-strong.”
“Yes, even if they were half bloods, they are still stronger than the average pony.” Fluttershy said with a frown then looked towards the castle, noting that the fog was gone. “We have to stop Nightmare now, or else more monster ponies will show up.”
“She’s right. If vamponies are here then we can bet that more are not that far behind.” Full Moon said.
“Y-yes, we need to move.” Twilight said, shakened up a bit after seeing the state Rainbow was left in after encountering just three half blooded vamponies.
“Rainbow, can you stand?” Applejack asked the pegasus who nodded and flapped her wings a little.
“Yeah, I can. Let’s go and kick Nightmares fat flank.” Rainbow said and everyone ran or flew towards the castle, the vamponies from earlier no longer around which both relieved and worried them.
“We have to search the entire castle if we want to find the Elements and defeat Nightmare Moon and end her war before it even begins.” Full Moon said.
“You won’t be ending anything beast.” A voice said as an earth pony in bright white and gold armor steps out from around a corner, along with two others.
Twilight sighs with relief. “Thank goodness, Celestial knights, with their help we can stop Nightmare.”
“Hang on Twilight, I don’t like the looks of these ponies.” Rainbow said as she and the others glared at the ponies in front of them, confusing both Spike and Twilight.
“Why not? They are Celestial Knights, they protect ponies and punish evil. With them protecting us we can get the elements.” Twilight said as she pushes past Rainbow. “Hello sirs, we need your help.”
“Wait, Twilight, maybe we should-” Spike said but was cut off by Twilight.
“Spike, they're Celestial knights, our chances of defeating Nightmare would increase if we have their help.” Twilight said in annoyance and also confusion, wondering why everyone was being so cautious around the knights. Full Moon was watching them closely as Twilight walked up to them. “Please sirs, allow us to help.”
“We don’t need the help of traitors and blasphemers.” The leader said before he reached behind him and lifted a large battle club made of stone and tried to crush Twilight, but Full Moon rushed in and grabbed her before jumping back just in time. More cultists began to come out of hiding, each one of them wielding various weaponry.
“I knew it, cultists.” Full Moon said as he shifted into his full werepony form and growled while Twilight was shocked.
“I knew those guys didn’t look right! They’re the bastards that had taken Kipo in the past!” Rainbow shouted as she and the others got ready to fight them. “Let’s kick these guys’s flanks!”
“W-wait there has to be some kind of mistake. Celestial Knights are good guys.” Twilight said before looking at the knights with a stressed smile. “R-right? You protect the innocent.”
“We do.” one of the knights said, making Twilight sigh a bit in relief before what he said next turned that relief into fear. “We protect the innocent from monsters and blasphemers like you! Now prepare yourselves, traitors! For your deaths!”
“Wh-what? B-but we are t-trying to stop Nightmare Moon! A-and I am Princess Celestia’s personal student!” Twilight yelled while she backed away.
“No student of Celestia’s will ever side with these abominations!” the knight said, pointing the club at Fluttershy and Full Moon.
“I…I…I thought they were normal ponies and they saved us from dangers in the forest, Nightmare also foalnapped their child!” Twilight said, hoping to get through to them.
“Thank you for telling us, we’ll be sure to rid the world of it after we done with you.” the knight said with a grin before he and the other knights charged at them.
Twilight’s eyes widened in horror before Full Moon rushed them and kicked them out of the way. “Don't just stand there gawking at them, get inside! Me and Spike will hold them off!”
“What?! B-but there’s too many of them for you two to take on by yourselves! Let us help!” Applejack said as she and the others prepared to jump into the fight.
“No! We’ll waste too much time fighting them! If we waste time fighting the cultists then it’ll give other monster ponies more time to get here then we’ll be outnumbered!” Fluttershy said, and Full Moon nodded in agreement.
“She is-” Full Moon starts before jumping out of the way of a magic blast then kicking one of the other knights. “-she is right, get moving, the two of us should be able to hold them off!”
They were apprehensive about leaving Spike and Full Moon alone to fight the cultists but knew both he and Fluttershy were right so they ran into the castle with Fluttershy looking back at him with concern. “Be careful.” she said before running inside.
Full Moon growled at the knights while Spike stood next to him, completely nervous. “I have never been in a fight before.” He said with fear in his voice.
“Just follow my lead kid and you might just survive.” Full Moon said as he continues to growl at the knights. Spike still looked nervous but nodded and baring his claws and teeth before the two charged at the knights.
The unicorn knight tried to use his magic on Spike, but he moved out of the way, thanks to his whole life dealing with Twilight and her somewhat reckless lifestyle, he is able to avoid danger easily. While the earth ponies knight tried to slam his club down on Full Moon. “You beasts will not survive this night, and once you are dead we shall kill your demon queen.”
“Wonder how Celestia will feel when you kill her sister.” Full Moon said before he lunges at a knight and bit down on their throat before breaking their neck.
“Foul beast!” The pegasus knight said as he thrust a spear at him. “The holy Celestia has no siblings!”
Full Moon ducks under the blade before jumping up and slashing at the pegasus’s wings with his claws, rendering them useless before he bites the pegasus’s hoof and flings him into another Knight. “You guys claim to know everything about Celestia but you don’t even know she had a sister? You guys call yourselves cultists of Celestia.” Full Moon said while a unicorn was about to blast him but Spike hits him with his fire.
The unicorn screams in pain and runs into the forest to find water. “Oh…oh Celestia I just set a pony on fire.” Spike said in shock as he stared in the direction the pony ran off.
“Don’t worry about it kid, these bastards don’t deserve your pity as they’ve killed thousands of monster ponies over the years.” Full Moon said as he slashes at a knights neck, causing him to hold their gushing neck to stop the bleeding but failed and soon bled to death.
Spike ran over to the bushes before he threw up. Full Moon sighs as he kills the last knight before walking over to Spike and patting his back as he puked. “It’s not always easy killing someone, but sometimes it’s needed in order to protect those we care about.” he said to Spike.
Spike pants and wipes his mouth. “Why? I always thought those knights were good guys.”
“Sometimes even the good guys can be bad.” Full Moon said then he heard yelling, making him look over to see a large group of knights and ponies in white robes charging at them. “Hope you’re feeling better kid, cause we still have a fight on our claws.”
Spike looked at them and whined. “Please don’t tell me we have to kill them.”
“I’m afraid we will have to unless you want them to kill everyone in the castle, including your sister.” Full Moon said as he popped his neck a few times.
Spike looked up at the castle behind him before sighing. “I don't like it but…ok”
Full Moon nodded before facing the incoming army. “You go high I go low, got it?” Full Moon asked Spike who nodded and spreads his wings. “Good, now, let’s get this over with.” with that said the two charged at the incoming cultists.
Meanwhile, inside the castle, Twilight and the others were searching every room for the Elements of Harmony in hopes but were having no such luck in locating them. “What is going on…” Twilight said, confused about what she saw earlier. “The knights are good guys, why would they attack us?” She said to herself as she walked with the group.
“Twi, those guys take Celestiaism to a whole new level, to the point where they believe ponies like Shy and Moon are abominations that need to be killed and they’ll kill anypony who’s helping them as well.” Applejack said as she checked a room but found nothing.
Twilight shakes her head. “Th-that can’t be true…they have to be under some kind of spell from Nightmare.” She said and walked ahead looking in another room and heard sniffing.
“It’s no spell Twilight, that is the way they are. Even before Nightmare came.” Fluttershy said before she was suddenly tackled into a hug by an overjoyed Kipo.
“Momma! I’m so glad you’re here! I was so scared!” cried Kipo, staining Fluttershy’s fur with her tears but the vampony didn’t care as she hugged her daughter while crying tears of joy as well.
"Oh Kipo! I'm so glad you're alright!!" Fluttershy tearfully said as she continued to hold her daughter close, as if she was afraid that she would be take away again.
Twilight watched them for a moment before looking down at the ground and out a hoof on her necklace. “I…don't understand, we are all ponies…kinda…why would they hurt innocent ponies?”
“To them, monster ponies are abominations.” Applejack said with a frown, “I should know, my granny is one of them.”
Twilight looks at Applejack in surprise. “I…I have to tell the princess after this is over.”
Applejack nodded her head while Kipo and Fluttershy let each other go. “Momma, are we going to go home now? I don’t want to stay here anymore, there’s cultists around here!” Kipo said fearfully while Twilight noticed something next to Kipo.
“Hey, what is that?” Twilight pointed at the orb.
Kipo tilted her head in confusion before looking at the orb, “Oh, I found it in a room with six more just like it. Why?”
Twilight looks at the book Full Moon gave her. “I think this is just what we are looking for. Show us where you found it.” Twilight said while taking the orb from Kipo.
“Hey, that’s mine.” Kipo said with a pout.
“We may need it to stop Nightmare.” Twilight said as she put it in her saddlebag.
“Ok, but I want it back after.” Kipo said and she began to lead the group to where she found the other stone orbs. They eventually reach the room after a couple of minutes. “This is where I found it, but it was behind that wall.” Kipo said as she pointed at the wall behind the statue.
Twilight looked at the stone orbs and smiled. “I think this is it, girls these are the elements.”
“Elements?” Kipo asked in confusion while everyone grabbed the Elements and brought them over to Twilight. “Are those things going to help Ms Nightmare?”
“No, it will stop her.” Twilight said as she looked in the book once more. “It says here it just needs a spark and the sixth will be revealed…but...” She counts them. “We have six…is one a fake?”
“Maybe it’s the one Kipo found.” Rainbow said, pointing at the mentioned element.
“It would make sense, it is smaller than the others.” Twilight side with a sigh.
“So…can I have it back?” Kipo asked hopefully and Twilight nodded her head, “Yay!” Kipo cheered as she grabbed her souvenir.
Fluttershy rubs Kipo’s head. “What do we do next Twilight?”
Twilight was quiet for a few seconds before responding. “I’m gonna try something, hopefully it’ll awaken the spark.”
“Come on y’all let’s give her some peace and quiet to concentrate.” Applejack said while guiding everyone out of the room.
“Ok.” Kipo said before she suddenly sensed danger, making her eyes widened before looking back at Twilight, just as a vortex appeared and began pulling the Elements in. “It’s Nightmare!”
Kipo changed her arms and legs as she ran and grabbed onto Twilight’s tail but was pulled into the vortex as well. “Kipo!” Fluttershy called out in fear and panic.
The rest of them ran into the room, looking around while talking over each other before Rarity noticed something out a window causing her to point at it. “Look!” she shouted, making everyone look and see a tower with a strange light coming from it.
“Come on! We need to go help them!” Applejack said as everyone ran out of the room and towards the tower. Meanwhile, at said tower, both Kipo and Twilight were thrown out of the vortex and onto the ground while the vortex changed into Nightmare Moon, who lets out a laugh as she was surrounded by the Elements.
Kipo, seeing her, immediately crouched low to the ground while her nails sharpened into claws, meaning she was ready for a fight even though she doesn't want to. “Why are you doing this to us? J-just let us go, I want to see my momma again!”
“I told you, I am going to bring eternal night so I can’t have these getting in my way of my goal.” Nightmare Moon said, gesturing to the Elements before noticing the one next to Kipo but thought nothing of it since she didn’t believe it was the sixth Element of Magic. Especially after seeing she already had all six.
“B-but I said it would kill the whole world! And you would be responsible for the death of billions!” Kipo said, trying to reason with the dark Alicorn again while Twilight was getting up.
Twilight groans and slowly gets up before she sees the Elements with Nightmare. “No!” She lowered her head and scraped at the floor.
“You’re kidding. You’re kidding right?” Nightmare Moon asked the mare while Kipo was wondering what Twilight was doing. She’ll get killed if she charges head first at Nightmare Moon! She has to think! What can she do to help! Twilight then charged at Nightmare, causing the dark Alicorn to do the same but before she could stab her horn into Twilight, Kipo pounced on her back with a roar much to the surprise of Nightmare Moon.
“What!?” Nightmare Moon shouts as Twilight teleports behind them and next to the stone orbs. “Get off of me!” Nightmare Moon tries to buck her off.
“No! Not until you say you’ll stop trying to kill the whole world!” Kipo said as she held on tighter, her claws sinking into Nightmare Moon's skin to help her stay on.
“I said get off!” Nightmare Moon stands up on her hind hooves and starts falling backwards, ready to crush Kipo.
Kipo saw this and quickly jumped off, letting Nightmare Moon fall onto her back and when she got back up, Kipo latched onto her back again, causing Nightmare Moon to shout in pain as she felt her claws sink into her skin again. “Just promise you won’t bring eternal night and I’ll let you go!” Kipo said as Nightmare Moon continued bucking around wildly. While this was happening, Twilight was trying to use her magic to activate the Elements.
“Just…one…spark. Come on, come on.” Twilight said as her horn glows brighter, catching the attention of Nightmare Moon who upon seeing this, pulled Kipo off her back with her magic and threw against the wall, making her yowl in pain while Nightmare Moon teleports over to Twilight and blasts her away but realized she was too late as the Elements continued to spark around her.
“No, NO!!” the dark Alicorn shouted before the Elements stopped sparking, shocking Twilight and Kipo while Nightmare Moon laughed.
Twilight and Kipo gasped before Twilight said in confusion. “But...where's the sixth Element?!”
“You little fools! Thinking you can defeat me?!" Nightmare Moon then rose up before stomping her front hooves onto the ground which caused a shockwave that knocked Twilight back while also shattering the Elements. "Now you will never see your princess or your sun! The night will last forever!” Nightmare Moon then laughed evilly while Twilight looked down in despair before suddenly, she heard voices approaching them, making her and Kipo turn their heads just as the rest of the group burst into the room.
“Don’t worry Twilight and Kipo, we’re here!” Pinkie said while Fluttershy glared at Nightmare Moon.
“You better not have hurt my daughter!” Fluttershy shouted followed by a hiss.
Twilight then gasps when she sees the group before looking at Nightmare Moon with determination. “You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that? Well you’re wrong! Because the spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!” Twilight said, gesturing to the others behind her while Nightmare was confused.
“What?” Nightmare Moon asked.
“Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty!” Twilight said as a glowing orb appeared around Applejack's neck while Twilight pointed at Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, who tamed a manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness!” then at Pinkie. “Pinkie Pie who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter! Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift represents the spirit of Generosity!” she finally points at Rainbow Dash, “And Rainbow Dash, who could not abandon her friends for promises from vamponies, represents the spirit of Loyalty!” soon all six of them were glowing, making Nightmare Moon stare at them in fear while Kipo stared in awe, none of them noticing Kipo’s souvenir was glowing and floating a bit into the air. “The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!”
“You still don’t have the sixth Element! The spark didn’t work!” Nightmare Moon shouted in denial but Twilight just smiled.
“But it did! A different kind of spark! I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you.” Twilight said while looking at the ponies behind her. “The spark ignited inside me when I realized you all…are my friends! You see Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the spark that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth Element. The Element of Magic.”
All six of them were now glowing brightly before a rainbow beam shot up into the sky before spiraling towards Nightmare Moon but she let out a yell of rage as she fired all of her magic at the beam, holding it back much to the shock of everyone. “I refuse to lose to you fools! I will make the night last forever! And all of the creatures of the night will reign supreme!” Nightmare shouted as she slowly pushed the rainbow beam back.
She then noticed movement out of the corner of her eye before she felt someone hugging her, making her glance down to see Kipo looking at her with crying eyes. “Please…don’t make the night last forever…I-I beg you…” Kipo said, making Nightmare Moon's eyes widened before narrowing.
“And why shouldn’t I?! Cause it’ll kill everyone?!” Nightmare shouted as she put even more energy into her magic beam, pushing the power of the Elements back even further but what Kipo said next surprised her.
“B-because…no one would e-ever see your beautiful night again…” Kipo said, making Nightmare Moon’s eyes widen again while the stone orb glowed even brighter. “Y-you may think no one loves your night, but there are those who do! And not just creatures of the night, but regular ponies as well! I know what happened to you was terrible, but that doesn't mean you should become the thing that they said you were! P-please…”
Nightmare Moon just stared into Kipo’s pleading eyes before tears formed in her own eyes while they slowly turned to normal. Nightmare Moon then pulled Kipo into a hug just as the orb and the rainbow beam flew at them and surrounded them in a bright light.
When it subsided, the six mares were on the ground with gold necklaces with different colored gems around their necks, except for Twilight, who had a crown instead of a necklace. “Ugh my head.” Rainbow said as she held her head while she and everyone else got up.
“Everyone ok?” Applejack asked before they hear Rarity squeal in joy.
“Oh thank goodness! My tail is back!” Rarity said as she looked over her tail. She had cut it off and given it to a serpent named Steven Magnet who had lost his mustache to Nightmare Moon.
“Where’s Kipo? Kipo!” Fluttershy called out as she looked around.
“She’s over here!” Pinkie called out as she stood next to an unconscious Kipo and a strange blue Alicorn. Fluttershy quickly rushed over to Kipo and tried waking her up.
“Kipo! Oh please wake up! Wake up!” Fluttershy begged before Kipo slowly opened her eyes.
“Momma? Is it time for school?” Kipo asked tiredly, causing Fluttershy to smile in relief before hugging her daughter, but due to her vampony strength, she was sorta crushing her.
“Oh I’m so glad that you’re ok!” Fluttershy said while Kipo tried to get her to let go. “I’m never letting you do anything that dangerous ever again!”
“Momma…can’t…breathe!” Kipo gasped out and Fluttershy let her go, letting her take big gulps of air while Fluttershy blushed in embarrassment before she noticed something around Kipo’s wrist.
“What is that?” Fluttershy asked and Kipo tilted her head in confusion before looking down, seeing a bracelet around her arm. It looked to be made out of silver with a purple gem of a roaring jaguar's head that was facing the side, there were also light purple gems on the edges of it.
“Oooh! Pretty!” Kipo said as she looked the bracelet over.
“Where did that come from?” Rainbow asked in confusion then noticed the necklaces and crown her friends were wearing. “Wait, we all got one?”
“I..I think these are the Elements.” Twilight said as she looked at the crown on her head, the gem being shaped like her Cutie Mark.
“Gee Twilight, Ah thought you were just spoutin’ a lot of hooey, but Ah reckon we really do represent the Elements of Friendship.” Applejack said as she looked at her Element, the gem being an orange gem in the shape of an apple.
“Indeed you do.” a voice said before a bright light shined through the window, making everyone cover their eyes before it died down, revealing a tall white Alicorn with a blue, green and pink flowing mane and tail with a sun for a Cutie Mark.
Upon seeing the Alicorn, Fluttershy quickly hid her vampony traits while Kipo hid behind her and Twilight just gasped when she saw her teacher. “Princess Celestia!”
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Kipo shook like a leaf as she stared at Celestia. The very reason why there were cultists trying to kill creatures who were different from ponies, while Fluttershy spread her wings out to try and shield Kipo from view and hoping Celestia doesn’t notice her. Princess Celestia smiled and walked towards Twilight. “Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it.”
Twilight was just confused. “But…you told me it was an old pony tale and that was it.”
Princess Celestia giggled softly. “I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more.” She rubbed Twilight’s back with a wing. “I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart.” She then looked over in Fluttershys and Kipo’s direction. “Now if only another will as well. Princess Luna.”
The two, as well as everyone else, looked at the blue Alicorn next to them while Celestia walked over to her just as Luna gasped when she awoke. “Her name is Luna?” Kipo whispered to Fluttershy who quietly shushed her.
“It has been a thousand years since I’ve seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.” Celestia said to Luna, shocking everyone.
“Sister?!” Twilight and Rainbow said at the same time.
“Will you accept my apology for not helping you back then and forgive me for what I’ve let you become?” Celestia asked Luna, who was starting to cry a little before she hugged the taller Alicorn.
“I’m so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!” cried Luna as Celestia hugs her back, a happy smile on her face at having her sister back.
“I’ve missed you too Luna.” Celestia said while the others smiled at this happy reunion, some more overjoyed than others.
Pinkie blew her nose after shedding a few tears at the happy moment before smiling. “You know what this calls for?” she asked everyone. “A party!”
“Yay!” Kipo cheered, accidentally jumping for joy and revealing herself to Celestia, much to Fluttershy’s horror. Kipo realized what she had done when she noticed the surprised look on Celestia’s face. “Oops.” Fluttershy immediately hid her under a wing.
“Oh my, and who is this?” Celestia asked as she slowly walked towards the two with a smile.
“T-this is my daughter, Kipo, y-your majesty.” Fluttershy said nervously while Kipo peeks from under the wing.
Celestia smiled and kneeled down till she was laying on her belly. “It’s nice to meet you dear, my name is Celestia. What are you doing in such a dangerous place?”
“I-I was helping momma and our friends fight Nightmare, w-well, I mostly j-just talked to her.” Kipo said shyly. “I-I told her that t-there would be no one to enjoy h-her nights if everyone was gone a-and that seemed to work.”
Celestia smiled warmly and looked down before noticing the Element on Kipo’s wrist. “Ah I see, well thank you very much for helping to save my sister. If there is anything I could do, please tell me.”
U-um, there is o-one thing.” Kipo said, slowly coming out from behind Fluttershy. “C-can you make the b-bad ponies leave us alone?”
Celestia blinked in confusion. “What bad ponies?” She asked before looking at Fluttershy. “Is somepony hurting you Miss?”
Fluttershy was nervous for a few seconds before steeling her nerves and speaking. “Y-yes, cultists of Celestiaism y-your majesty.” Fluttershy said, making Celestia’s eyes widened when she heard that.
“What?! Oh no…I thought I took care of those extremists when I lost Luna…” Celestia said before lowering her head in shame. “I am so sorry you and your daughter have been threatened by these ponies. I will try to find them and punish them as soon as I can.”
“They should be outside fighting Spike and a friend of ours, your majesty. If you hurry you might be able to catch them.” Applejack said pointing outside.
Celestia walks over to a window and looks. “I only see Spike with a black earth pony and a few fires….why is Spike throwing up?”
Everyone walked over to the window and look out only for Fluttershy to cover Kipo’s eyes, much to the jaguar girls confusion. “Don’t look Kipo.” Fluttershy said, thanks to her enhanced vision she can see what exactly was burning in the fires. “Y-you’re majesty, I think you s-should take a closer look.” she said to Celestia. “J-just promise not to hurt the b-black earth pony.”
“Why would I hurt…” she stopped when she realized what the fires were. “Wh-why would anypony do this?”
“P-please don’t hurt Mr. Moon! He has been part of our family ever since he’s rescued me from the cleansing chamber!” Kipo begged, standing next to Celestia with a pleading look in her eyes.
Celestia looked at her and was a bit green. “Cleansing Chamber? What are you talking about?”
Kipo would have answered if it weren’t for the flashbacks of the Cleansing Chamber appearing in front of her eyes, making her start to breathe rapidly as she grew afraid. Fluttershy upon seeing this, pulled Kipo into a hug and rubbed her back soothingly before looking at Celestia. “She’s talking about a room where the cultists use the sun to burn monster ponies to ash. A room…that Kipo had ended up in when she was just a little girl.”
Celestia’s eyes widened in horror. “That…that is horrible…I am so sorry you have had to face such a difficult childhood. If it's ok with you miss Fluttershy, I would like to pay for therapy to help her get over the trauma of what she's faced.”
“Thank you, I couldn’t before because I was afraid they might have been a cultist and that they would have taken Kipo again.” Fluttershy said as she continued to try and calm down Kipo, who was still shaking in terror.
“You have my word, I will make sure she is safe. She is too important not just to you but all of Equestria.” Celestia said before gently using a wing to lift Kipo’s arm with the bracelet. “She is the Element of Innocence, a very rare element to be awakened. Even me and my sister couldn’t use it.”
“Element of Innocence? I’ve never heard of that Element before.” Twilight said as she looked at the bracelet in curiosity while Kipo was somewhat calmer and looked at her new bracelet as well.
“Didn't you just learn about the rest of the elements like last night?” Rainbow asked, making Kipo giggle.
Twilight sweat drops and realized Rainbow was right. “Er…yes?”
“Miss Celestia, would it be ok if I keep this shiny bracelet?” Kipo asked while looking up at her with the same pleading look she would use against her mother whenever she wanted something, usually cookies or some other sweet.
The look she was giving Celestia was enough to cause the tall alicorn to hold her chest due to the cuteness induced heart attack. ’Too cute!’ she thought to herself while everyone began to worry over Celestia before she managed to resist the cuteness and smiles at Kipo. “Of course you can young one, it is yours after all.” she said, making Kipo smile and hug her, much to Celestia's surprise but she hugged Kipo back.
“Thank you!” Kipo said happily.
“Aww.” Everyone but Luna, Fluttershy, and Twilight said at once.
Fluttershy looked out the window at Spike and Full Moon, “We should probably speak with them.”
“Yes…but perhaps little, Kipo was it?” At her nod Celestia continued. “Perhaps Kipo would like a ride on my back.” Celestia said with a warm smile.
Kipo gasps. “Can I?!” she asked hopefully.
Celestia giggles and nods. “Yes though I will use my wings to cover you up so you can be warm ok?”
Kipo nodded her head. “Ok!” Kipo said and Celestia knelt down to let Kipo on, who excitedly did so, and once she was secure on her back, Celestia used her wings to cover up Kipo who started to snuggle into the feathers, a content sigh escaping her lips. “Soft.”
Celestia giggles and smiles softly before it fades. “Alright everypony let’s go.”
They all nodded before they left the room, with Celestia being further up ahead due to her trotting a little, much to Kipos joy. Soon enough, they’ve all exited the ruined castle and into the courtyard, where Full Moon was throwing a body into the fire while Spike was looking green in the face. “There, that should be the last of those buckers.” Full Moon said with a huff.
“Language sir.” Celestia said with a small frown but then she began turning green once the smell of burning flesh reached her nose so she used her magic to block out the smell for her and Kipo.
Full Moon quickly looked at Celestia before taking a defensive stance but Fluttershy quickly flew over to him. “It’s ok! She’s not like the cultists, she’s a friend.” Fluttershy said to him.
“Are you sure?” He asked before he saw one of Kipo’s legs sticking out from Celestia’s feathers and he growled. “She has the pup.”
“She isn’t going to harm her.” Fluttershy said before whispering. “She’s doing it because she doesn't want Kipo to see the way you get rid of a lot of corpses.” she gestured to all the fires where countless bodies were burning.
Full Moon looked around before his ears folded back. “R-right…I guess I should have thought of Kipo when I did this…” He sighed and lowered his head. “Let’s get out of here.”
They nodded their heads before they walked towards the bridge but Celestia decided to teleport them to the other side instead of risking it then after they began to travel through the forest. The whole time Full Moon and Fluttershy were glancing at Kipo every now and then to see if she had seen the bodies back at the castle, so far, nothing. This made them relieved that Kipo wouldn’t be scarred by the burning bodies. “I was worried that she might have gotten more traumatized than she already is.” Fluttershy said.
“I am sorry, I should have thought about what would happen when we left with Kipo.” Full Moon said as he lightly nuzzled Fluttershy.
“It’s ok, but be careful next time. We might not get so lucky.” Fluttershy said before sighing. “This has been a long and tiring night, but at least some good came out of this, we found out that Celestia isn’t like the cultists and that she will help with Kipo’s…therapy…” that last part made Fluttershy look down in sadness, making most of her friends notice and pat her back.
“Because of the temple?” Full Moon asked with a frown.
Fluttershy nodded her head. “Yes, even though she looked happy throughout the years, I can tell she still remembers what happened in that horrible place.” Fluttershy said before sighing. “Am I a bad mother for not getting her help sooner because I was too afraid?”
“No, you were worried she would face even more trauma.” Full Moon said and he got as close as he could while not tripping either of them. “You did the best you could with the situation.”
“But still, she’s had to live with that trauma all her life, I’m worried that it might one day be too much for her and she might snap.” Fluttershy said as she looked down.
Full Moon gives her a look of pity before nuzzling her cheek. “You’re a great mom and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. I know Kipo was traumatized all those years ago, but you’re still a great mom for keeping her safe till now. Now the princess will give her the best therapist in Equestria and once she’s cured of her trauma, everything will be alright.” Fluttershy smiles a bit before nuzzling Full Moon back.
“Thank you.” she said.
“You’re welcome.” Full Moon said back as they smiled at each other.
They heard some giggling and looked up to see Kipo peeking out between Celestia’s feathers. “Mama and Moon sitting in a tree.” She sang.
Both Full Moon and Fluttershy blush. “Don’t you do it young lady.” Fluttershy warned but Kipo just grinned.
“K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” Kipo sang, causing everyone to giggle or chuckle in Spike’s case, making the vampony and werepony blush even brighter before Full Moon grins and kisses Fluttershy’s cheek, causing Fluttershy to blush even brighter while Full Moon’s grin grew.
“Oh my, it seems your daughter knows who you like, Miss Fluttershy.” Celestia said in a bit teasing tone.
“Indeed she does your majesty.” Rarity said, holding back a giggle.
“Mama and mister Moon have been friends since he rescued me.” Kipo said from Celestia’s back.
“Oh really now? That is good to hear then.” Celestia said with a smile as she gave a look to the two of them that said she could tell they were more than friends.
They blushed as Kipo continued. “Uh huh! And Mr. Moon sometimes comes over while I am outside practicing my hunting.” Fluttershy eeped and covered her face with her wings and Full Moon nearly tripped.
“Oh? What exactly is the purpose of these visits?” Celestia asked,
“Um, Kipo, m-maybe don’t say that?” Fluttershy said, trying to keep Kipo from saying anything but she didn’t hear her.
“I don’t know, Angel won’t let me go back inside when that happens.” Kipo said, sounding confused, this made the two a bit relieved but also embarrassed which got even worse when Kipo said. “But I do hear weird noises thanks to my jaguar ears coming from mama’s room.”
Fluttershy giggles nervously and says. “Honey, why don’t you tell the princess about your friends.” She could hear Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity giggling and whispering.
“Ok!” Kipo said excitedly and began to tell Celestia about Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle and how they call themselves the Four Crusaders or Cutie Mark Crusaders, the name was a work in progress.
“Nice save, just wish you’d say that earlier.” Full Moon said to Fluttershy.
Fluttershy groans as her wings sag. “Me too, I didn’t think she heard that much.”
“Didn’t you say she had super hearing with those jaguar ears?” Full Moon asked her.
Fluttershy blushes more. “Y-yes…I did, but I thought if she was outside…”
“Well, she did hear us. But it’s fine….sorta.” Full Moon said while rubbing the back of his head.
“Hey, exit to the Everfree incoming.” Rainbow said from above the group, making them look forward and see that they were approaching the exit to the forest.
Fluttershy smiled before she gasped, seeing a few ponies in armor blocking the way. “O-oh no.”
Celestia raises an eyebrow upon seeing them but turned her head slightly to Kipo. “Stay hidden little one.” Kipo nodded her head and hid behind Celestia’s wings before they all continued forward. “Celestial Knights, why are you here?” she asked the armored ponies.
The lead knight gives a salute of hitting his chest. “We were on our way to help deal with Nightmare Moon and her army ma’am.”
“I see. Well there is no need, my student and her friends have dealt with her by using the Elements and in doing so brought back my sister.” Celestia said, gesturing to Luna, who was nervously standing next to the taller Alicorn. “So you can return to what you were doing before.”
The knights seemed to stiffen when they noticed Luna but the lead knight nodded his head. “As you wish Princess. You heard her, into the forest, find any remains of her army.”
“There is no need for that either. There was never an army to begin with.” Celestia said calmly, but inside she didn’t want them to find the remains of the other Celestial Knights as that would cause problems.
They look at each other confused. “I am sorry your highness but we heard her message. Was it a nightly lie?”
“You misunderstood, there was no army because nopony ever came.” Celestia said,
“I see.” The lead knight said before he bowed his head. “Shall we guard you till you are safe back in canterlot?”
“That will not be necessary. I can take care of myself, but thank you for your concern.” Celestia said, giving the knights a kind smile.
“Of course your highness.” The lead knight said while the youngest knight seemed to notice Luna and go stiff.
“Is there a problem?” Celestia asked the young knight after noticing him going stiff.
“N-no your highness.” He said, trying not to look at Luna.
“Are you sure?” Celestia asked him, which made the knight even more nervous.
“I-I am sure your h-highness.” He said while sweating.
“Please don’t mind him ma’am, tonight was going to be the first time he fought a monster.” The lead knight said.
“I understand.” Celestia said with a nod. Full Moon frowns at the knights, barely holding back a growl. “If that is all, then return to Canterlot. I will return later.”
“Yes your majesty.” the lead knight said before he and the rest of the knights turned and begin walking away to the carriages that they had used to get to Ponyville. Once the last of the knights had entered the carriages and flown off in the direction of Canterlot, everyone minus Celestia let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank goodness they left.” Rarity said with a sigh.
“I know right? I don’t think Moonie’s hiddy holes could fit Celestia too.” Pinkie said with a giggle.
“Yeah, I don’t think it could.” Full Moon said while Fluttershy flew up a bit to where Kipo was hiding.
“Kipo? Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked and Celestia moved her wings aside and everyone couldn’t help but go ‘aw’ when they see the girl sleeping with a content and happy smile on her face. “Oh, she must have been all tuckered out from last night's events.”
“I’m not surprised, she was up all day then all night. Oh man, getting her back onto a normal sleeping schedule is going to be a pain.” Full Moon said before smirking. “Of course I could take this opportunity to teach her how to hunt at night, if that's ok with you.”
Fluttershy tapped her chin as she thought it over. “Hm, yes, it’s ok.”
Full Moon smirks. “Cool, she will enjoy that.”
“Why are we just standing here? Let’s go start the party!” Pinkie cheered.
“If it’s alright with you Pinkie, I think I’ll bring Kipo home and put her to bed.” Fluttershy said as Celestia used her magic to help put Kipo on the vampony's back.
“Awww ok, but I will save her some goodies!” Pinkie said with a bright smile.
“Ok, I’m sure she will appreciate it.” Fluttershy said before she began walking towards her home while the others helped Pinkie set up a large party in the center of Ponyville with the theme of the party being ‘Hooray we stopped Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna has returned!’
Full Moon helped a bit before heading to Fluttershy’s place, however through all this Twilight had a sad expression on her face. Celestia noticed this and walked over to Twilight. “Why so glum my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?” Celestia asked her.
“That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them.” Twilight said in sadness and Celestia smiled before looking at Spike.
“Spike, take a note, please. I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville.” Celestia said, causing everyone to cheer and Twilight’s newfound friends hugged her.
“Isn't this exciting? Are you excited cause I'm excited I've never been so excited, well, except for the time that I went-” Pinkie then let out a deep gasp,”-but I mean really-”
Her friends couldn’t help but giggle at the pink mare's actions before a thought entered Twilight’s mind, a thought concerning the seventh Element Kipo has. “Princess, can I ask you about Kipo’s Element?”
“I was wondering when this topic would come up.” Celestia said and this also gained Luna’s attention as well as she knows about the seventh Element as well. “What would you like to know?”
“Well…everything, why wasn’t it in the book? Why did it pick Kipo? Where did it come from? Who used it before?” Twilight listed off questions at a rapid pace making Celestia giggle.
“All good questions but in order for me to explain, I’ll need to start at the beginning, when me and Luna first wielded the Elements.” Celestia said as she sat down while Twilight and her friends sat in front of her. “As most of you know, me and Luna wielded the Elements, Magic, Honesty, Loyalty, Generosity, Laughter and Kindness, however, we also had the seventh Element, the one Kipo currently wields, the Element of Innocence.”
“However, we could not wield its power, it wouldn’t respond to us. But we still brought it with us to defeat a draconequus named Discord, the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. The six Elements we were wielding were strong but just like I-Nightmare Moon did, Discord was able to push them back.” Luna said next, surprising the group.
“What!? Then how did you win?” Rainbow asked.
“A foal had wandered the battlefield and nearly ended up being affected by Discords magic if it weren’t for Luna going to protect them. But the child was not at all scared, instead, they were laughing at all the chaos Discord has created, thinking it was some silly dream.” Celestia said with a faint smile. “That had caused the seventh Element to react and bond with the child and when it did, we used the Elements to defeat Discord.” Celestia finished explaining.
“Wow, saved by a foal.” Pinkie said before giggling. “I bet you gave them a big cake as a reward!”
The two alicorns smiled. “That and whatever he wished for. However, his parents were concerned that he would have to face threats like Discord as well, but we assured them that no such thing would happen. Which of course was true, the reason why we couldn’t defeat Discord with the Elements we possessed was because our connection to them was weak but over the years we have gained access to the rest of their power, so there wasn’t a need to call in the seventh bearer.” Luna explained.
“So, the closer we get the less we will need to call on Kipo’s element?” Twilight asked while taking notes.
The two nodded their heads. “Yes, but do not think the Element of Innocence is by any means weak, in fact, it is one of the purest out of all the Elements.” Celestia said, shocking the group. “So if you do have a strong connection to the Elements, it would be wise to have Innocence with you just in case. The power it’ll give to the rest of the Elements would no doubt be powerful but we have never tested it due to some….problems that have happened to the last bearer.”
Pinkie’s mane goes flat. “Wh-what happened?”
“An incident occured that caused the Bearer to lose their innocence, which in turn cost them to lose their connection to the Element. We rather not speak more on the matter so we’ll leave it at that.” Luna said while looking down in sadness.
Pinkie sniffled and pulled a box of tissues out of a hole in a tree. “That's so sad.”
“It is, but it had happened during a dark age of Equestria, I doubt Kipo would lose her connection to Innocence so easily today. Especially with the way she has been acting.” Celestia said.
“I would hope not.” Rarity said before she shook her head. “Thank you for your help with those knights Princess.”
“You are welcome. Though it pains me to know that the Celestial Knights are part of those cultists.” Celestia said with a sigh. “I had thought I put an end to them after Luna was banished, but I guess I was wrong.”
The girls look at themselves before Applejack steps forward. “Uh yer highness, those cultists are the knights. Mah friends saw them all over that temple that they were holdin' Kipo in.”
This made Celestia even more worried. “I see…”
Twilight looked up from her notes worried. “B-but not everyone is an extremist…right?”
“Some may not or they may be. It is a gamble determining who is good and who isn’t.” Celestia said, “However, I will make sure to find out myself and put an end to this before more innocents are hurt.”
Twilight looked down at her necklace in sadness. “A…am I bad?”
“Why would you ask that Twilight?” Rainbow asked, “Sure at first you were all against wereponies and vamponies, but you’ve considered Fluttershy a friend afterwards. That doesn’t sound like something a bad pony would do.”
“I guess…” She said and looked up at her friends. “I should go apologize to her and Full Moon.”
“I’m sure they’ll forgive you, you were raised on what stories have told you I’m guessing?” Applejack asked her and Twilight nodded. “Same here, I would have thought that the creatures of the night were all monsters that preyed on ponies but after getting to know Full Moon and learning more about Shy’s vampony side, I learned that they are just like us.”
“Ok, if it is alright with you Princess I would like to go apologize now.” Twilight said with a small smile.
Celestia nods with a small, and Twilight begins to head in the direction of Fluttershy’s cottage. Celestia looked at Applejack with a sad expression. “I know this will be uncomfortable but earlier did you say that your family were also part of these extremists?”
Applejack looked down. “My granny yer majesty, my brother and sister aren’t extremists. But Ah don’t know about the rest of the apple clan. Ah had planned on seeing for myself but couldn't since there was work to do on the farm and Ah needed to help take care of mah sister.”
“I see, Granny Smith I believe, right?” Celestia asked before kneeling down to be more on eye level with Applejack.
“Yes.” Applejack said, nodding her head.
“I feel I am to blame for her radicalism as I was the one that gave her the land that your family now sits on. I fear she may have seen it as a divine blessing and threw herself into the religion. Applejack, you must promise me that if you investigate your family about being connected to the extremists not to do it alone as they are dangerous.” Celestia before bowing her head. “Please do not risk your life to fix my mistake.”
“Ah…Ah promise.” Applejack said with a nod.
“Thank you.” Celestia said before standing up. “You all have been so kind to me and my sister, thank you all.” She said to the town of Ponyville.
“You are welcome your majesties.” Rarity said and she and the rest of town bowed to the two Alicorns.
Luna looked around in shock before she started to cry. “Th-thank you all.” She said with a smile on her face and this made Celestia smile, glad to see that the ponies have accepted her back with open hooves.
Meanwhile, back at Fluttershy’s cottage, Fluttershy and Full Moon sat on the couch in front of Twilight, who was looking nervous. “You said you wanted to tell us something Twilight?“ Fluttershy asked the unicorn.
“Yes…I am sorry for what I said about you two…I was wrong, very wrong.” She said with her head hung low.
This made Fluttershy and Full Moon look at each other then at Twilight before Fluttershy got off the couch and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “It’s ok Twilight, we are used to ponies distrusting us, one of the things you have to deal with when you are a monster pony.”
Twilight’s ears fold back. “But you are ponies just like me, so you have different magic that doesn't make you monsters.”
“Magic?” Fluttershy asked in confusion.
“What do you mean magic?” Full Moon asked, equally confused.
Twilight fidgeted a little. “Well um…while we were walking, just before we got to the canyon I checked you both out with a spell I learned, it shows magic cores and your’s aren’t normal…you both have two.”
“We do?” Fluttershy asked in surprise then looked at Full Moon. “Did you know about this?”
He shook his head. “No, it’s actually the first time I’m hearing about this.”
“I can show you, but only for a few seconds, stand in front of each other.” Twilight said and charged her horn.
They nodded their heads before doing what Twilight said and stood in front of each other. Twilight uses her spell on the two of them, and when they look at each other they see their outlines but the world is dark with colorful flowing rivers all around them. Inside their bodies they saw two large pools of these colors. “Fluttershy, you have both Pegasus and, what I am assuming is, vampony magic, while Full Moon you have earth pony and werepony magic.” She explained before the spell fades and she slumps down panting.
Fluttershy helped Twilight onto the couch before going to get her something to drink. “So monster ponies have two types of magic? I’ve never heard of that, I always thought our magic wouldn’t change at all or something. But then again, I’m not a magic expert.” Full Moon said.
“Well…from the…reactions…I have seen from the knights, I don’t think anyone bothered to study any of the um…special ponies before. With your permission I would like to study you two and learn more about how you work. Maybe if I learn enough I can prove to the rest of Equestria that those like you aren’t monsters but another sub species of pony.” Twilight said to them, then drank the tea that Fluttershy brought out.
“Hmm.” hummed Full Moon as he thought about what Twilight said, if she did reveal to everyone that the monster ponies are just a subspecies of ponies and not monsters, it might make things easier for them but then again it might also make the cultists even more driven to wipe out the ‘inferior’ species.
“It’s a bit of a gamble Twilight, but I think it would help us monster ponies live a little easier.” Fluttershy said,
Twilight smiled and nodded her head. “I understand, and I will keep all my research locked away where only me or Princess Celestia can get to it, at least until we have enough to publish it with both of your permissions of course.”
“Thank you.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
“Could I also check Kipo too? She may have two magic cores as well.” Twilight said.
“Kipo?” Fluttershy said, from what she’s read in books Kipo’s species doesn’t have any access to magic as they rely more on science. “Um, I guess just don’t be too shocked if you don’t find anything.”
“Alright, where is she?” Twilight asked with a smile.
“In her room still sleeping.” Fluttershy said and she led Twilight upstairs and into Kipo’s room, seeing that Mandu and Angel were laying next to Kipo. Seeing Mandu startled Twilight as she’s never heard of a blue pig with four eyes before. “That’s Mandu, Kipo’s adoptive uncle sent her over for her birthday.”
“I…see, what….what is she?” Twilight asked as she slowly got closer to Kipo.
“She is a mutant pig.” Fluttershy said casually and Mandu snorts while looking at Twilight. “Don’t worry, she’s friendly as long as you don’t hurt her friends.” Mandu gave a nod of confirmation.
“Alright, well I just want to check Kipo.” Twilight starts using the spell and looks at Kipo but to her shock and confusion she only sees one magic core. “I don’t understand, isn’t she able to do things like you and Full Moon? She only has one core.”
“I’m more surprised than you! Kipo’s species aren’t able to use magic at all. In fact, they have no magical capabilities at all!” Fluttershy said, more shocked and confused than Twilight.
“How is that possible? Magic is a fundamental part of all life.” Twilight said confused before she starts to leave Kipo’s room. “Let’s get out of here before we wake her.”
“Maybe for us but not for Kipo, at least that’s what the books said.” Fluttershy said making Twilight raise an eyebrow at her.
“Book? What book?” She asked as they entered the living room again. Twilight looked ahead and blushed before looking away after seeing Full Moon bend down, ass in the air trying to get something under the couch, his stallion parts on full display.
“Moon, can you please lower your rear. You’re kinda flashing us.” Fluttershy said as she and Twilight turned away, both blushing.
He yelped and bonked his head before he sat down. “Sorry about that, one of your mouse friends took my snack and I was trying to get it back.”
“I-it’s fine, just make sure t-to fully cover yourself next time.” Fluttershy said before clearing her throat. “But we did find something surprising about Kipo.”
“Really? What was it? Because if it's her tail popping out in her sleep that happens sometimes.” He said with a chuckle.
Fluttershy giggled but shook her head. “I already know that. You remember how I told you about Kipo’s species and how they don’t have magic?” Fluttershy asked him and he nodded his head. “Well, turns out Kipo has a magic core.”
“What? Is it so small she can’t use it actively or something?” He asked, confused.
“No, I would say she has a magic core the size of the average unicorn, if anything she should be having magic surges and learning how to control her magic…” Twilight said with a hint of worry.
“Magic surges?” Fluttershy asked in worry and confusion, wondering what a magic surge is.
“When a unicorn foal is young and their magic starts to become active they can do all kinds of crazy things. Random teleports, levitating themselves and objects around them, firing concentrated beams of magic whenever they sneeze, even if the surge is powerful enough…” Twilight blushed at the next part. “Turn their parents into potted plants…”
“That…is odd. But Kipo has never shown any signs of having magic, ever. So why does she have a magic core?” Fluttershy asked.
“I don’t know, maybe that book has a clue you didn’t notice. May I see it?” Twilight asked.
“Well, it’s kinda enchanted to where nopony but me can see its contents.” Fluttershy said.
“It is worth a try, and if I can’t read it then you will just have to write everything down word for word.” Twilight said with a sigh.
Fluttershy nodded her head and walked over to the closet where she keeps the books about Kipo in and grabs them before bringing them over to Twilight. “Here they are. Now, if you can’t read and do need me to write what they say, you have to promise me you won’t let them fall into the wrong hooves.”
Twilight narrows her eyes and uses her magic on her eyes. “This is a powerful illusion spell, I can peek through it but just barely, give me a few minutes.” She started to read what she could of the book.
Fluttershy nodded and she and Full Moon waited patiently for Twilight to read what she could. After an half an hour of waiting, Twilight sighs as she puts down the book and rubs her eyes. “Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked her.
“Yeah, just using that type of magic puts a minor strain on the eyes.” Twilight said. “Well, I found the reason why Kipo has a core, at least, a possible theory.”
“What is it? Is she in danger?” Fluttershy asked worriedly and Full Moon held her hoof.
“No no, well, maybe, but the reason why is because since she was born in a place with zero magic but was raised as an infant in an environment that is rich with magic, it’ll give her a core.” Twilight said before sighing and rubbing the sides of her head. “At least that’s the theory why. But no matter how she got one, she’ll need to be trained in order to use it properly, who knows what will happen at her current age. For all we know, she might be able to blow up entire building just by sneezing.”
“Kipo would never do that.” Fluttershy said frowning then sighed. “Can you help? Rarity is nice but magically…she isn’t that knowledgeable.”
“I can try but if I can’t help her then maybe we should ask Celestia for help, she has been around a lot longer than any of us so she may be able to help Kipo.” Twilight said,
“M-maybe.” Fluttershy said with a sigh. “I am sorry Twilight but it will take time for us to fully trust her. All our lives, ponies with her mark have been chasing us.”
“I understand, you can take all the time you need to fully build some trust between you both and her. But, please remember that if I can’t help Kipo control her magic, then we’ll have to turn to Celestia for help.” Twilight said before standing up. “I should probably get going, me and Spike still need a place to live since the library is currently taken.”
“Actually…” Full moon said, rubbing the back of his head. “I was gonna wait a bit longer but, can I move in with you Shy?” He asked her with a light blush on his face.
Fluttershy blushes but smiles and nuzzles his cheek. “Of course you can, me and Kipo will be so happy if you did.”
Full Moon chuckles and kisses her cheek. “Then if you don’t mind sharing my place till I can move out, you can have the library once I am out.” He said to Twilight.
“Sure, I don’t mind.” Twilight said with a smile.
“Then it is settled. Let’s go so I can start packing.” Full Moon said with a smile.
Twilight nodded before she and Full began to leave, with Twilight looking back at Fluttershy. “I’ll begin her magic training as soon as you want Fluttershy.”
“Ok, maybe after she starts therapy. I will have to think about it.” Fluttershy said with a smile, then when they opened the door Pinkie was on the other side. “Pinkie?”
“Hi everyone!” Pinkie said as she walked in, carrying a tray full of snacks on her back. “I brought some snacks for Kipo when she wakes up!”
Fluttershy smiled and started taking some of it. “Thank you Pinkie, I will make sure she enjoys them, but not spoil her dinner.”
“Okie doki loki! Ooh! I almost forgot, here!” Pinkie said as she pulled out some papers out of her mane. “This tells the story of the Element Kipo is wearing! I’ll warn you though, it’s a bit of a sad tale.”
Fluttershy set the food down and looked at the notes. “Thank you Pinkie.”
“No problem! Welp, I’mma head home now, I am beat!” Pinkie said before she hopped out of Fluttershy's cottage, surprising Twilight when the snacks and tray didn’t react at all to her bouncing.
Fluttershy giggled. “Don’t think about it, she is Pinkie Pie.”
“But-” Twilight began before being cut off by Full Moon.
“Trust us, it’s best not to question it.” Full Moon said with a chuckle before leaving. “See you later Fluttershy.”
“Bye Moon, and behave yourself.” She said with a giggle.
“No promises!” Full Moon said with a chuckle, once the two were far away Fluttershy sighs before closing the door and looked at all her animal friends.
“I should probably start feeding all of you now.” she said before she did just that.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Kipo And The Ticket Monsters
It had been a week since the whole Nightmare Moon fiasco and things had returned to normal for Kipo and her friends and family. “Woohooo!” whooped Scootaloo as she rode her scooter down a hill with Kipo chasing after her and managing to keep up due to her enhanced speed.
“Slow down Scoots! You’re gonna crash and get seriously hurt if you don’t slow down!” Kipo said in concern as she ran next to Scootaloo.
“No way! I want to go faster!” Scootaloo shouted as she buzzed her wings for more speed.
“Geez you love going fast just as much as Aunt Rainbow!” Kipo said before she notices some workers moving a couch up ahead. “Uh oh! Scoots! Slow down! You’re gonna crash into those ponies!”
“Huh?” Scootaloo looked at Kipo before she hit the couch and went flying. “Whoa! Woohoo!” She cheered before she started to scream as she began to fall.
“Scoots!” Kipo shouted before using the couch as a springboard and launched herself up, catching Scootaloo before flipping herself to land on her feet. “Phew! That was close. You okay Scoots?” Kipo asked as she looked down at Scootaloo.
Scootaloo’s eyes were wide open before she raised her hooves and cheered, “Woooohoooo! That was totally awesome! Let's do it again!”
“Yeah you’re okay.” Kipo said with a relieved smile.
“Hey you kids!'' The two looked over at the angry workers. “Watch where you’re going next time!” then they sent over Scootaloo's scooter.
“Sorry.” Kipo and Scootaloo said before Kipo put Scootaloo down.
“That was so much fun! Oh! I just got a Cutie Mark idea! Get the girls and meet me by the junkyard.” She said before speeding off on her Scooter.
“Uh hey wait!” Kipo called out but Scootaloo was already too far away. “I hope it’s not dangerous.”
“With Scootaloo, it’s always dangerous.” Applebloom said as she and Sweetie Belle walked up to Kipo.
“Which means I need to make sure she doesn't hurt herself….again.” Kipo said before the three of them ran in the direction Scootaloo took off in. After fifteen minutes of running, the three kids arrived at the junkyard and what awaited them there made their jaws drop.
Scootaloo was finishing up her work on a large ramp made of scrap, it had just about everything on it, even a kitchen sink, before she noticed her friends had arrived. “Oh hi girls, you are just in time!”
“Uuuum, Scoots, this doesn't look-” a piece of the ramp fell off, making all four of them look at it before Applebloom continued. “-stable”
“Yeah, maybe you shouldn’t do this?” Kipo said, concerned for her friend's safety.
“It’s fine, besides Kipo can catch me like she did before.” Scootaloo said with a grin and started climbing the ladder, making the whole thing wobble and shake.
“But that was because I had something to jump off of, I’m not sure I can jump that high.” Kipo said before dodging a piece of the ramp that had fallen off. “Scoots! Please come down! It’s dangerous!”
“You should really listen to Kipo squirt.” Scootaloo looked behind her to see Rainbow Dash casually laying on a cloud. “I’m all for cool stunts but even I can tell this is dangerous.”
“Aww, but I want to go super fast and super high!” Scootaloo said before stomping her hoof which made the whole ramp shake even more as whole support beams fell off of it and it started to collapse.
Rainbow Dash quickly swooped in and grabbed Scootaloo before the ramp could collapse while Kipo grabbed Applebloom and Sweetie Belle and began running just as the ramp collapses, returning to its original form which was a pile of junk. “See? That could have seriously hurt you.”
Scootaloo’s ears fold back. “I’m sorry Rainbow Dash.”
Rainbow Dash sighs as she brings Scootaloo back to her friends. “It’s fine Scoots, just be careful next time.” the rainbow maned pegasus said before yawning. “Well Imma head over to Sweet Apple Acres now, don’t cause too much trouble alright you four?”
“Ok Aunt Rainbow.” Kipo said to Rainbow Dash with a smile.
They watched as she leaves before Applebloom asked. “Who wants to try zip lining again?”
“Me!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said while raising their hooves while Kipo sighed.
“Here we go again.” she said with a shake of her head. “Girls, can we try doing something that isn’t that dangerous? I’m kinda tired having to save you three every time one of your ideas backfires.”
“Aww.” The three fillies said before Sweetie Belle asked. “Then what do you want to do?”
“I don’t know.” Kipo said, looking up at the sky before getting an idea. “Oh! How about we go to Sugarcube Corner?”
“I guess so, hey maybe Pinkie will let us try for a bakery Cutie Mark.” Applebloom said with a smile, which made the other fillies smile.
“Yeah!” Kipo said, excited at the idea of getting a chance to bake. “Let’s go! Last one there is a rotten egg!” Kipo said before dashing off.
“Hey no fair!” The three said before Applebloom and Sweetie Belle got onto Scootaloo’s red wagon she had brought while Scootaloo tied it to her scooter then they chased after Kipo. The four kids zoomed through Ponyville, laughing and giggling as they did while the ponies they passed just smiled at this and continued on with their day. The four Crusaders soon arrived at Sugarcube Corner, the building that looks like a giant gingerbread house at first glance.
“I win!” Kipo cheered. “And you three are rotten eggs!”
“Nope!” Applebloom jumped out of the wagon and rushed inside. “Ya didn’t make it inside yet.” Sweetie Belle followed quickly and Scootaloo tried but she had to park the scooter.
“Oh no you don’t!” Kipo said before she and Scootaloo scrambled to get inside but ended up tying for last place which meant that both of them were the rotten eggs. “Aw man!” whined Kipo while Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were giggling.
“You’re the rotten eggs!” Applebloom said as Kipo and Scootaloo walked over to them then Pinkie popped her head up from the counter.
“Silly Applebloom! Kipo is too sweet to be rotten!” Pinkie said.
“Hi Aunt Pinkie!” Kipo said before rushing behind the counter and hugging the pink mare who happily returned it.
“So what can I do for you four little troublemakers?” Pinkie asked with a giggle.
“We want to be bakers!” Scootaloo said and the others nodded their heads.
“Can you help us Aunt Pinkie?” Kipo asked her aunt.
Pinkie’s smile becomes more stressed. “Oh? Uh sure I can, let me just…” She rushed into the kitchen and there's the sound of silverware and pans being moved around. She came back and nodded her head. “So girls, what do you want to make?”
“Cake!” three out of four of the Crusaders shouted while the fourth one shouted something different.
"Chocolate parfait!” Kipo shouted, drooling a little as she imagined a chocolate parfait.
Her friends looked at her confused. “Is that a kind of cake?” Scootaloo asked.
“Is it easy?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Is it tasty?” Applebloom asked.
“It is one of the most delicious foods ever!” Kipo said excitedly and Pinkie giggled.
“Yeah, and it’s super easy to make!” Pinkie said but knew that when it comes to the Crusaders, nothing is ever easy.
“Yay!” They all rushed into the kitchen past Pinkie.
Pinkie then got a sense of dread. “....I better bring the extinguisher…” she said as she grabbed said item and walked into the kitchen.
Everyone looked around at the mess of a kitchen as cake batter, icing, eggs, milk and water along with various other stuff covered every inch of the room. “Maybe baking isn’t meant for us.” Scotaloo said, covered in flour.
“Speak for yourself, look at Kipo’s dish.” Applebloom said, pointing at the parfait that sat in front of Kipo. “How come her’s isn’t all messed up?”
“I just followed the instructions.” Kipo said as she showed them the cookbook.
“Good job girls, you all did…wonderfully now how about you go out and enjoy your treats while I clean the mess?” Pinkie said with a forced smile.
“Mine’s on fire.” Sweetie Belle said as she looked at the fire that was her cake just before Pinkie put it out with the extinguisher.
“Mine’s just a blob.” Applebloom said next, poking a small blob of cake batter.
“Mine has eyes.” Scootaloo said as she and the others looked at the tall mass of cake batter that, sure enough, had eyes sticking out with a deadpan expression. The head of the cake batter shook and revealed Mrs. Cake. “Oh, hi Mrs. Cake!”
“Hello dear…would you mind telling me what happened here?” She asked with a forced smile.
“We’re trying to earn our Cutie Marks by becoming bakers!” Scootaloo said before bits of an egg fell from the ceiling.
Mrs. Cake’s eye twitched. “Oh really? Well I see you finished your little cakes, so how about you go out and enjoy…uh..” She said, trying to guess what most of them were.
“We can share my parfait instead!” Kipo said happily as she held her treat, surprising Mrs. Cake to see something that wasn’t a mess or on fire.
“Wow, that is really good. Who showed you how to make this?” She asked, calming down a bit.
“Book.” Kipo said as she pointed at the cookbook.
“Really? Wow, you must love to cook.” She said before tapping her chin. “Tell you what sweetie, if you promise to follow all of Pinkie's directions, then in the summer when school is out, you can work part time here and earn some bits.”
“Really?” Kipo asked and Mrs. Cake nodded her head. “Thank you!”
“Wow! Congratulations Kipo!” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.
“Yeah! Congrats!” Scootaloo said next.
“Ah bet you’re gonna make a lot of bits!” Applebloom said before some cake batter fell on her head. “Hey! Who turned out the lights?!”
Everyone minus Mrs. Cake and Pinkie giggles before Kipo helps remove the cake batter from Applebloom's head. “Come on girls, let’s go enjoy my parfait.” Kipo said with a bright smile.
“Yay!” the three other Crusaders cheered before they all ran out of the kitchen, leaving Mrs. Cake and Pinkie alone.
“I’ll go put up the we’re closed sign.” Pinkie said as she left the kitchen.
“Good, oh and Pinkie, please leave the bill for all the ingredients they used with their guardians.” Mrs. Cake said with a sigh.
“Yes ma’am.” Pinkie said, sighing as well.
Back with the Four Crusaders, they were sitting on a bench and sharing the parfait Kipo had made. “Our cakes were failures but yours is delicious!” Applebloom said.
“Yeah! I could eat this all day.” Scootaloo said.
“How are you so good?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I just followed the instructions.” Kipo said just as they finished the parfait. “So, what should we do now? Cause I’m all out of ideas.” Suddenly some smoke flies in front of Kipo and spins together, forming into a scroll that lands on the table.
The four of them just stared in confusion at the scroll before Kipo picked it up and noticed the sun seal on it. “Huh? What’s this?” she asked before opening it and began reading. “Here ye here ye, her grand royal highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala is to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot on the 21st day of-”
“Boring! Let’s get to the point!” Scootaloo said in boredom but also curiosity.
Kipo nods and skips ahead a bit. “Cordially extends an invitation to Kipo Shy plus one guest?!” Kipo read in surprise and the other Crusaders were just as surprised as her.
“You get to go to the Gala!?” Sweetie Belle asked with shock and envy.
“And you get to bring one guest with you?!” Applebloom asked next in excitement.
“That is so cool!” Scootaloo shouted just as more smoke flew over to Kipo and turned into two golden tickets. Kipo grabs them out of the air and looks them over.
“Wow, but I am confused, why am I being invited to the Gala? I’m not a royal or anything.” Kipo said, more confused than excited.
“Maybe because your mom helped save princess Luna?” Sweetie Belle said.
“But wouldn’t that mean momma would get the letter and not me?” Kipo asked and the Crusaders just shrugged.
“Who knows? But let’s focus on the more important thing.” Scootaloo said before nearly shouting. “Who are you going to take to the gala?! It’s me right?!”
Kipo backs up, not sure. “I don’t know…there are only two tickets and three of you.”
“She’s right, that means she can only take one of us to the Gala.” Applebloom said before the three of them glared at each other, something that Kipo knows that them glaring at each other always leads to- “She’s going to give me the ticket!”
“No me!” Scootaloo said next as she and Applebloom butt heads before Sweetie Belle jumped on top of them.
“Nuh uh! It’s me!” Sweetie Belle said then the three began to fight.
“Girls! Wait! P-please stop fighting!” Kipo said, trying to get the three to stop fighting but they continued while rolling away, leaving Kipo alone and very conflicted. “Aw man, so much for a peaceful day. Maybe Twilight can help me, she used to live in Canterlot so maybe she’ll know what to do.”
“Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!” Twilight yelled as she ran by, followed by a large group of ponies all begging for ‘her extra ticket’.
“Uuuh….” Kipo said as she watched Twilight run away from the ponies before turning and walking in the opposite direction. “She looks busy, so I guess I’ll just have to solve this on my own.”
Kipo walked through town while looking at the two tickets in her hand, wondering just who she should take with her. “Who should I take? Applebloom? No, Aunt Applejack might have gotten tickets as well and would be bringing Applebloom with her, the same can be said for the other Crusaders.” Kipo said, then frowned. “So why give me two?” she then sighs while shaking her head and putting the tickets in her pocket. “I’ll think about it later, cause now I’m bored.”
“You there little monster! I saw what you did! You stole those tickets didn’t you!” Spoiled Rich’s voice came from up ahead.
Kipo frowns even more. Ever since the incident that happened with Diamond Tiara, Spoiled has been bothering both her and Fluttershy and only recently stopped when Full Moon came into their lives. Looks like she’s got the courage to bother Kipo again. “But ma’am, what tickets are you talking about?” Kipo asked, feigning innocence.
“I saw you take those tickets from those fillies and put them in your clothes!” Spoiled said as she got closer and Kipo saw that strange glow around her head again.
Kipo rubbed her eyes, wondering if she was seeing things. “Ms Rich, I didn’t steal anything, these tickets were given to me when I was invited to the Gala.” she said before walking past her. “If you will excuse me, I’m going home to talk to momma about them.”
“Your family may have the common pony fooled, but I know what you all are.” She said with a glare.
“And what would that be?” Kipo asked while looking back at her, seeing the glow around her head again. ’What is that?’
“Monsters, your mother is a filthy blood sucker, your father is a wild mutt, and you are a stray cat they took in.” Spoiled said while stepping closer.
“Even if we are that, we’re still a family, Ms Rich.” Kipo said then smiled. “So you can call me whatever you want, but it’ll just fall on deaf ears.” She then started to walk away. “Bye! Hope you have a nice day!” Spoiled growled and stomped her hooves in the ground. Kipo just giggles when she hears that. “Ponies being mad are funny sometimes.” she said before she started to hum a tune as she continued to walk through town.
Scootaloo suddenly pulls up next to her on her scooter. “Hey Kipo, want a ride!?” She said with a bright smile.
Kipo smiles and nods. “Sure!” she said before noticing the wagon that is usually attached to the scooter is missing. “Where’s the wagon?”
“I uh…took it off to get to you faster?” She said nervously.
“It’s fine, just as long as you don’t go too fast we should be ok!” Kipo said before hopping onto Scootaloo’s scooter while wrapping her arms around the filly, “Let’s go! Off to home!”
“Sure!” Scootaloo buzzed her wings the best she could and sped off, heading to Fluttershy’s home. The whole time Kipo held onto Scootaloo while making sure not to block her wings. She often got nervous when it comes to going fast but sometimes she can handle it when she is with Scootaloo but then Kipo had a thought.
“Hey Scoots, what happened to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle?” Kipo asked the filly.
“They…uh…they are back at Sugarcube Corner, I left when I saw you leave and…thought ‘maybe if I give her some rides she would take me!’” She said with a slight blush as she started to daydream.
Kipo huffs with a pout. “So you did this for the ticket?” she asked, snapping Scootaloo out of her daydream and smiling at her.
“Um, yeah, so…....you’re gonna take me?” she asked her with a hopeful smile and Kipo just gave her a deadpan look.
“Scoots, stop the scooter please.” Kipo said.
“O-ok.” She said and stopped the scooter at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres. “S-so the ticket?”
Kipo crosses her arms, “Scoots, this ticket is a big deal, I can’t just rush this. What if I end up upsetting the others if I choose you? I care about all of you so I don’t want to be the cause of your sadness. Just give me time to think. Ok?” Kipo asked with a smile.
Scootaloo lowers her head. “Yeah, ok. I will give you some time.”
Kipo hugs Scootaloo. “Thanks Scoots! I’d knew you understand!” Kipo said happily, happy that her friend gets that she needs time to think.
“You should go, I see Applebloom rushing up the path.” She said while her wings buzzed now and then out of nervousness.
“Let me guess, so she can try and win the ticket with favors?” Kipo said with a sigh as she looked towards the path leading to Sweet Apple Acres, seeing said filly running towards them. “I’ll just tell her the same thing I told you, shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Ok, um…see ya.” Scootaloo said before speeding off.
“Bye!” Kipo called out before looking towards Applebloom, just as the filly ran up to her. “Now Applebloom before you begin let me-” she was cut off when Applebloom grabbed her arm and began to pull her towards the farm.
“You are gonna love mah family’s cookin, ah promise!” Applebloom said while dragging Kipo up the path.
“Applebloom are you doing this because of the ticket?” Kipo asked her.
Applebloom’s face twisted up. “No?”
“Applebloom, please don’t try and win the ticket by doing me favors, it just doesn’t feel right with me.” Kipo said with a sigh. “Also, you know momma doesn't want me here remember?”
Applebloom’s ears fold back. “But, if ah can go to the Gala then ah can sell mah family’s food there and make us a lot of bits.”
“Um, Applebloom, that won’t work. If it’s a party, why would ponies waste bits on your family’s food when they can get free food at the Gala?” Kipo asked in confusion.
Applebloom blinks and stares off into space as they stand on the front porch of her home. “Ah didn’t think of that.”
Kipo giggles and pats her head. “And that’s why I’m the brains of our group!” she said before turning around. “Now, I’m going to go home to speak with momma about the ticket then I’ll come to a decision ok?”
“What the buck are ya doing on mah farm you foul beast of the night!?” Granny’s voice came from a room upstairs through a window.
“Who that?” Kipo asked as she looked up at Granny Smith.
“Get off mah farm befer Ah get my blades!” She yelled while shaking a hoof out the window.
“Um okay, I guess I’ll go now. Bye Applebloom!” Kipo said with a wave as she hums a tune again while walking away, not bothered by the death glare Granny Smith was giving her. Sweetie Belle ran up to her next, panting and wheezing as she tried to say something. Kipo smiles and sits in front of Sweetie Belle. “Take your time.” she said to Sweetie Bell, who nodded in thanks.
Sweetie Belle sits down and catches her breath. “C-can I go with you?” She asked then added. “I am sure Rarity would make us beautiful dresses.”
“Aunt Rarity would make us beautiful dresses regardless.” Kipo said then stood up. “And sorry Sweetie Belle, but I need to speak with momma about these tickets before I come to a decision.”
“Awww, ok Kipo. wait, are you even allowed on the farm?” She asked before an old curved blade landed in the dirt next to them. “I would take that as a no!” She said with a yelp.
Kipo just looked at the blade then back at the house. “I think you dropped this!” she called out and Granny just shouts angrily while Sweetie Belle just looked at Kipo in bewilderment. “Well, I’m gonna head home now, see ya Sweetie Belle.” Kipo then walked past Sweetie Belle and towards the exit of the farm.
“O-ok, bye.” Sweetie said while watching her leave.
Kipo was unaccosted all the way home and when she opened the door she found Full Moon cleaning up a bit but stopped and turned to see Kipo with a upset look on her face. “Hey there pup, what's wrong?”
Kipo walks over to the couch and falls face first on it with an exhausted groan. “Mr Moon, I have a big problem and need help.” she said, her voice being muffled a bit.
He chuckles and smirks a bit. “Did someone see a colt they like?” He teases a bit.
Kipo looks at him with a pout. “No! It’s these!” she said and pulled the tickets out of her pocket and showed them to him, surprising him when he realized what they were.
“A-are those tickets to the Gala? How the bu…er..how did you get them?” He asked, censoring himself.
“Yeah, and I was invited to the Gala, don’t know why though. But that’s not important!” Kipo said and sat up. “My friends want to go to the Gala with me but I only have two tickets! One for me and one for a guest! But I want all my friends to go with me! Mr Moon what do I do?!”
Full Moon sits down and rubs his chin. “Hmm, two tickets between four friends. That is a tricky thing. I would ask your mother but…she is kind of chasing Twilight down to get her extra ticket.” He lowers his head and sighs, “All because that rabbit asked her to, just so he can steal one of Celestia’s legendary golden carrots.”
“Oh really?” Kipo asks as she sees Angel walking out of the kitchen and the bunny froze when he sees Kipos giving him a stern look. “Angel, you know better than to have momma do everything for you, you’re a big bunny.”
‘But I can't get the golden carrots of the tall one without help!’ He squeaked at her. 'And I hear they're really good!'
“But Angel, I don't care how yummy the golden carrots are, you shouldn't make momma do things for you. Especially if it means chasing after Twilight for her ticket.” Kipo said then blinked. “Wait, momma didn’t get a ticket?”
“No she didn't, which I thought was odd.” Full Moon said with a huff. “They were probably sent out by someone else and that person thought only Twilight should have one, and you…well your name sounds foreign so they could have assumed that you were some sort of delegate from another country.”
Kipo just had a blank face before holding up a few fingers. “One, isn’t Celestia in charge of the Gala? Two, Momma and Auntie’s would be known since they helped save the world from Nightmare so they would be recognized as heroes, and three, even if none of those happened, Ms Luna would have invited them herself since they saved her from the nightmare. I smell something fishy here.” Full Moon had to admit, Kipo had a point, there were just too many facts that would have immediately gotten Fluttershy and her friends tickets to the Gala.
“Perhaps you are right, let’s write a message to Celestia ourselves.” He said with a grin.
“Yes! Let’s!” Kipo said eagerly before asking. “Um, how are we gonna send it to her? Canterlot is too far away and Ms Twilight would have probably broken down by the time the letter reaches her.”
“Spike, I learned a lot about the guy, he can send letters straight to the princess, no one in between.” Full Moon said before putting Angel in his time out cage.
Kipo got a gleam in her eyes when she heard that. “Really?! I have got to see!” Kipo said excitedly.
Full Moon chuckled and rubs her head. “Want a ride? You seemed tired when you came in.”
“Yes please.” Kipo said before getting onto Full Moons back.
He chuckles before smirking. “Alright but we should hurry, you know what that means.” He said as he stepped outside and closed the door.
“You’re gonna go fast?” Kipo asked.
“Yep.” He smirked and started to shift, growing larger.
“Ok, just make sure not to scare anypony like last time or momma will punish you again.” Kipo said as she held onto him.
He chuckled and got ready to run. “I will change back before we get to town.” Then he dashed off leaving black and purple blur.
Kipo held on tighter as Full Moon ran before calming down a bit and looked forward. She can never get used to going at this speed, even with her own enhanced speed she always held back. Soon Full Moon was slowly down while changing back, “Are we almost there?” Kipo asked him.
“We are, see.” He said as they passed the first house. “We have to go to the library and hope Spike is there.”
“Ok.” Kipo said as she sat up a bit. “Mr Moon, why do you think Celestia sent only two tickets to Twilight even though she knew she had friends?”
“Like I said, I think she had someone else send them, someone that doesn’t know Twilight personally only knowing that she is a mare and would probably want to bring a date that's two tickets.” Full Moon said and frowned when he saw Spoiled Rich walking to the guard station.
“You see her too?” Kipo asked as she watches Spoiled. “Is she up to something bad again?”
“I saw her, just ignore her like your mom showed you.” He said with a sigh as they headed for the library. “Hope we don’t catch Twilight at a bad time.”
“I hope so too, last I saw her she was being chased by everyone in town over her second ticket.” Kipo said, making Full Moon’s eyes widened in surprise. “I think Ms Twilight would be exhausted after that and no doubt would have broken down.”
“Oh geez, I knew the Gala was a big deal but that is nuts.” He said with a shake of his head.
“Well can you blame them? Only royals can go to the Gala.” Kipo said,
“True but still, this has gotten out of hoof.” Full Moon said before slowing down to a stop in front of the library just as night arrived. Kipo then got off and walked over to the door before hearing a scream from inside before opening the door and seeing Twilight and Kipo’s Aunts and mom on the balcony above her.
“I can’t decide, I just can’t decide!” Twilight cried in despair as she looked up at the five mares. “It’s important to all of you and I just can’t stand disappointing any of you and giving me gifts and doing me favors won’t make any-” she was then cut off by Full Moon, who covered her mouth with his hoof, he then gave the five of them disappointed looks.
“Shame on all of you. Forcing Twilight to try and choose between her friends like that. Putting her through so much mental trauma just trying to pick which one of you should have the ticket.” Full Moon said to them, making them look down in shame, especially Fluttershy as most of the disappointment was aimed at her.
“And what’s worse, you even got the whole town chasing after her too.” Kipo said while crossing her arms. “I thought I had it rough but I was so wrong, Twilight was the one to have gotten the worse of it.”
“Wait, what do you mean you had it rough, don’t tell me you had tickets too Kipo.” Rainbow Dash asked in shock and Kipo nodded and showed them the tickets. “If you had tickets the whole time, then we could have gone to you to ask for one and-”
“No! I’m actually returning these tickets.” Kipo said, surprising everyone.
“What?! But it’s to the Grand Galloping Gala!!” Rarity said.
“I know, but what is the point of going if I can’t bring all of my friends? I don’t like to choose so I’d rather not go at all if it means not being with my friends.” Kipo said,
“Couldn’t have said it better myself Kipo.” Full Moon said then looked at Spike. “Yo Spike, mind taking a letter for Kipo and I?”
“Uh sure.” Spike said as he pulled a pen and paper from out of nowhere and Kipo cleared her throat.
“Dear Princess Celestia, this is Kipo speaking, you know, the human girl you met when your sister was saved? I wanted to ask why did you only send two tickets to Ms Twilight when she had five other friends too? Even if you weren’t in charge of ticket handling, you could have at least told the one in charge.” Kipo said before Full Moon continued for her.
“And another thing, this is Full Moon speaking by the way, I don’t know if this was some sort of joke or something but doing this has caused Twilight and our friends a lot of pain just because of those two tickets, she even had the whole town chasing after her.” Then Kipo continued.
“So we would appreciate it if an incident like this never happens again, and I would also like to return the tickets I had received as well. If my friends can’t come to the Gala, then I won’t go at all.” Then Twilight spoke up.
“The same goes for me as well princess, as I have learned one of the many joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there is not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So even though we appreciate the invitation, me and Kipo will both be returning our tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala. Sincerely, your faithful student Twilight Sparkle, Kipo Shy, and Full Moon.” Twilight finished speaking while everyone smiled before she and Kipo put their tickets on the paper letting Spike roll it up. “Spike, you can send it now.”
Spike nodded his head before walking over to the window and opened it before releasing a small green flame on it, causing the paper to turn into green smoke that flew out and towards Canterlot. “Gee Twilight, we are sorry for pushing ya like we did.” Applejack said while the others nodded their heads. Suddenly the door bangs open and three fighting fillies come tumbling into the library. “What the hay!?”
“Girls?” Kipo asked before the Crusaders sisters went over and separated the three fillies, “What is going on? Why are you fighting? Is it for the ticket cause I already returned it.”
“Already-” Applebloom started.
“-returned-” Sweetie Belle continued.
“-it?!” Scootaloo finished, all three of them shocked to hear that Kipo returned her tickets to the Gala.
Kipo nodded her head. “Yeah, I didn’t want to choose between my friends so I decided if you girls can’t come with, then I won’t go at all.” Kipo said with a smile.
“Awww.” They all said before hugging Kipo. “You didn’t have to do that for us, we would have understood if you chose your dad.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Dad?” Kipo asked in confusion.
Sweetie Belle points at Full Moon, which makes him and Fluttershy blush. “Mom said that mister Moon and Fluttershy are a cute couple and are as good as married.”
Kipo blinks. “Really? Your mom thinks that?” she then looked at Fluttershy and Full Moon with a hopeful expression.
Both of them are blushing and Full Moon rubbed the back of his neck. “Look pup, we are close but it is still a bit fast to-” He was cut off as Fluttershy hoped down and kissed him before whispering something in his ear that made his tail wag.
This made the kids giggle seeing him wag his tail, making him blush in embarrassment and stop his tail. “What did she say?” Kipo asked him.
“N-nothing little fillies need to hear.” He said, face crimson.
“Aaaw, please? What was it?” Kipo asked then she and the rest of the Crusaders were about to use their trump card for getting what they wanted but Spike suddenly belched out a scroll. “...gross…”
“Oh look, a scroll from the princess!” Full Moon said, happy for the change in subject.
“What does it say Spike?” Twilight asked him as he opened it.
“Dear Twilight, Kipo and Sir Full Moon, I am sorry if you feel like that is what happened and you are right, I should have made sure Twilight got enough tickets for all her friends. I can hope you accept my sincerest apologies with these tickets, it was not easy getting this many but I hope these will help make you feel better.” Spike read as he held up a bunch of tickets. “Whoa, that is a lot, there’s enough for everyone in the room, well except me of course, I wouldn’t want to go to the Gala.”
“Sure you don’t kid, but you can have mine, Canterlot is…not my kind of town.” Full Moon said before Spike burped up another scroll and ticket. “...or not.”
“Yay! Mr Moon is coming to the Gala too!” Kipo said happily. This made everyone smile while Spike feigned disinterest at going but was secretly excited. “Our whole group is going to the Gala! I wonder how fun it’ll be when we go?”
“I will get to wear a beautiful dress and go dancing!” Sweetie Belle said with a giggle.
“I get to hang out with my friends!” Applebloom said next, having rethought the reason why she wants to go to the Gala after Kipo told her attempting to sell food wouldn’t work.
“And I uh…er get to try out all the delicious food! Yeah, I heard they have good food up there.” Scootaloo said with a blush, hiding the real reason why she wanted to go. This made Kipo smile but she soon grew confused when she heard her aunts responses to go to the Gala.
“Now I can show the Wonderbolts my stuff!” Rainbow said while performing a flip in the air.
“And I can sell all my food at the Gala to help out at the farm!” Applejack said next.
“And I get to meet, him ! Prince Blueblood!” Rarity said then let out a dreamy sigh.
“And I get to join in on the party!” Pinkie jumped for joy.
“Wait wait wait wait! Those were the reasons why you chased Ms Twilight for the ticket?” Full Moon asked them, he and Kipo looking at them in surprise and confusion.
“I am sorry but, those are all not good reasons.” Kipo said with a huff.
“What?! Why?!” they all shouted in shock and confusion.
“Well for one Aunt Applejack, there’s free food at the Gala, no one is going to buy your food if there’s free food, second, Aunt Rainbow, you might get arrested for upstaging the Wonderbolts if you just swoop in and perform your own tricks, and Aunt Rarity, Twilight did live in Canterlot and probably knows this prince Blueblood so she could have set you two up for a date and Aunt Pinkie, your reason is a classic you.” Kipo explained.
“Not to mention this is a fancy party and Pinkie your style of party is not compatible, everyone would be upset at you.” Full Moon added.
“But it’s a party! How can they be upset with me if I’m partying like them?!” Pinkie asked in confusion.
“Because it’s like Full Moon said Pinkie, it's a party for the nobility, they don’t party like you so the only thing they do there is dance or talk about business or politics, basic noble stuff.” Twilight explained.
“B-but surely those nobles would want some good ol’ Sweet Apple Acre food right?” Applejack asked hopefully but Kipo shook her head.
“Sorry Aunt Applejack, they wouldn’t waste bits if they can just get free food that is being offered at the Gala.” Kipo said,
“Ah…ah kinda came up with the same plan originally sis.” Applebloom said with a sheepish smile. “Kipo is right, why would they spend bits when there is free food available?”
Applejack sighs, “i guess y’all have a point, shoot, now how am Ah gonna earn bits to help fix up the farm?” Applejack asked,
Kipo thinks about it for a while before she smiles. “How about you and your family host some kind of competition on your farm and charge a few bits to watch?”
“A competition? Ah don’t know, would ponies even go to it?” Applejack asked and Kipo nodded.
“Yeah, especially if you have all sorts of games and challenges for the competition. Everyone loves a good competition right?” Kipo asked.
“It isn’t a bad idea, and if you are ok with it, all of us can help, hay I may even start a betting pool for who wins the most.” Full Moon said with a chuckle.
“Yeah! Some ponies love to bet on competitions! You can make some serious bits if you win a bet!” Rainbow said,
“Not only that, but maybe we can sell food and drinks so ponies don’t get hungry watching the competition and leave.” Applebloom said and Applejack smiled then nodded her head in agreement.
“Thank ya both for coming up with the idea, but if it is just us Apples doing the competition it won't be very entertainin.” She said.
“Maybe other ponies can join in too? Like there could be different entries, one for competitors and the other for watchers?” Kipo suggested, “That way you have more ponies in the competition.”
“Smart thinking pup.” Full Moon chuckled and ruffled her hair. “And don’t worry about your Granny…I want to help you and your siblings. I won’t mess with her for now, I have gotten to know you three more over these years.” He sighed. “I am sorry for how I treated you when we first met.”
“It’s alright Full Moon, if I were in your place I would have reacted the same way.” Applejack said.
Full Moon smiled softly. “So, now that that is all settled.” His smile turned into a smirk as he pulled his bit pouch out of his mane. “Who wants dinner at hay burger? My treat.”
A loud growl was heard and everyone looked over to Twilight, who was blushing in embarrassment. “Hehe, sounds like a good idea.” she said. Everyone laughs as they leave the library.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Kipo hummed as she read the book on the different forms of martial arts her uncle Cipher had given her although she wasn’t reading it to learn about it, just that she finds it interesting on how humans can create so many forms of fighting. Her favorites were the animal styles.
“Are you enjoying that book?” Fluttershy asked Kipo as she wrapped a wing around Kipo.
Kipo nodded her head with a smile. “Yep! I find it kinda funny how humans can create so many forms of fighting.”
“Well from what I saw from you and Cipher, humans are very flexible.” Fluttershy said with a smile. “They kind of remind me of the monkey fighters of the deep jungle.”
“Monkey fighters?” Kipo asked her.
“I have only heard rumors, but deep in a jungle there is a tribe of monkeys that fight with such ferocity that they have complete control over that area, even their natural predators dare not approach them.” Fluttershy explained.
“Really? That sounds so weird. Not even gorillas can chase off their predators.” Kipo said before they heard a door opening and looked over to see an old unicorn stallion. He had a teal coat and red mane and tail that had begun to have white streaks in them. He was currently wearing a dark brown vest and glasses with a notepad being held in his magic.
“Mrs. Shy, I presume?” the stallion asked the mare while Kipo shyly scooted close to her mother.
Fluttershy nodded. “Yes, that is me and my daughter.”
“H-hi.” Kipo said quietly with a small wave.
The stallion nods with a smile. “Welcome, I am Dr. Brum.”
“I…I am Kipo.” She said shyly. “Are y-you the pony I am supposed to talk to? Momma hasn’t said anything about why I am here.”
“Yes, I am.” Dr. Brum said as he stepped aside to let them inside his office.
Kipo looked up at her mother. “Do we have to go in, momma?”
Fluttershy nodded her head. “Yes, but don’t worry, Dr. Brum just wants to talk and see how you are doing.”
“Ok, i-if you say so momma.” Kipo said with a sigh and followed them into the room.
“Go ahead and take a seat on the chair. You can have your mother sit with you if you want.” Dr. Burm said, pointing at the large chair in the middle of the room. Kipo nodded her head as she walked over to it and sat down with her mother sitting right next to her.
Kipo looked around the office and asked. “Um…so what do we talk about?”
“Oh anything really but why don’t we start with how you are doing.” Dr. Brum said as he sat in another chair.
Kipo fidgets a little. “W-well, I’m doing good at home. Momma and Mr. Moon have been taking good care of m-me.”
“That is nice to hear, perhaps you can tell me about your mother and Mr. Moon?” Dr. Brum asked her while writing what she had said down.
“M-momma and Mr. Moon are really n-nice to me and even w-when they are busy most days they a-always find time to play with m-me.” Kipo said and Fluttershy smiled at her as she wrapped her wing around her.
Dr. Brum smiled softly. “That is good, do I scare you?”
Kipo lightly shook her head. “N-no. My friends and family t-tell me I get shy when meeting others j-just like momma.”
Dr. Brum smiled softly. “I see, well would you like some candy?” He lifted a bowl over to her with some candies.
Kipo smiled brightly when she sees the bowl filled with sweets before looking at her mom who nodded her head. “Go ahead dear.” she said and Kipo cheers a bit before grabbing a couple from the bowl.
“T-thank you!” the half-jaguar girl said to the old stallion who just chuckles in response.
Dr. Brum chuckled and set the bowl down. “Hmm how about you tell me about yourself next young one.”
“Ok. What do you want to know?” Kipo asked him as she ate one of the candies.
“Well, how about you tell me what you like to do for fun.” He suggested with a smile.
“I like to help my friends try to earn their Cutie Marks and help momma take care of our animal friends.” Kipo said with a small smile.
Dr. Brum smiled and nodded as he wrote something down. “That is very nice of you, do you have any fears?”
“Fears? Well, I do worry for my friends whenever we go on Cutie Mark hunting. Does that count?” Kipo asked him.
Dr. Brum chuckled and nodded his head. “That is perfectly normal, how do you feel about your family life?”
Kipo couldn’t help but smile. “I think it’s great! I have the best mom and friends in Equestria!” Kipo declared happily.
Fluttershy blushed with a smile while Dr. Brum chuckled. “That is wonderful. Kipo, I would like to be your friend so you feel comfortable around me. Is there anything you would like to have or know?”
Kipo nodded her head excitedly. “I would like to have another friend!”
Dr. Brum chuckled and smiled. “That is always a good thing.” The next fifteen minutes were spent with Dr. Brum asking Kipo about how she is doing and the like with the girl giving positive responses to each one.
Dr. Brum looked at the clock hanging on his wall and put the notebook and pencil down. “Well, I believe our talk has come to an end.”
This kinda disappointed Kipo a bit since she wanted to talk with the old stallion some more. “Aww, already?”
“Yes, but don’t worry you can come see me in a week.” He said with a smile.
This seemed to cheer Kipo up a bit. “Ok!”
“Kipo, would you mind waiting in the waiting room while me and your mother talk about boring stuff?” Dr. Brum asked with a smile.
Kipo looked at her mother who nodded her head. “I’ll be out in just a moment.” Fluttershy reassured and Kipo nodded before getting off the couch and walked into the waiting room, leaving Fluttershy alone with Dr. Brum.
“Miss Shy, your daughter is hiding something, perhaps even from herself.” Dr. Brum said.
Fluttershy couldn’t help but worry after he said that. “H-how can you tell?”
“She didn't share anything negative, no experiences with bullies, no childhood angst against her parents, no offense, and most importantly of all she's a pony pleaser. Somepony who does everything in their power to please everypony around them, regardless of their own wants and needs.” Dr. Brum said before fixing his glasses. “I wasn't told much about the case other than the fact that she was not a pony and that she experienced trauma, would you please tell me what happened that caused her to need therapy?”
“W-well….” Fluttershy paused, she wawa unsure of telling the stallion of Kipo’s run in with the Cultists and the Cleansing Chamber but she knew she had to if Kipo was gonna get past any trauma she had. So, taking a deep breath to prepare herself for the retelling of Kipo’s kidnapping. “When she was little, she was kidnapped by Cultists of Celestia and taken to one of their ‘holy sites’.”
The stallion sighed and rubbed his head. “That is troubling, she is not the first person I have talked to about these cultists. Each one has needed a lot of help.”
Fluttershy couldn’t help but worry after he said. “H-how much help?”
He looked down and rubbed his eyes. “Years of therapy, I may be able to help her more if I hypnotize her after a few more sessions.”
“H-hypnotize?” Fluttershy asked, her eyes wide in shock.
“Yes, it is one of my specialties. But I won’t do it without your permission.” He told her with a sigh.
“I-I don’t know.” Fluttershy said, unsure of the idea of hypnotizing her daughter. Sure she can hypnotize others but she never liked the thought of taking away someone's free will. “Maybe y-you can explain the procedure to m-me first?”
“Sure Miss Shy.” He said with a smile. “I use my magic to help her relax and speak to her subconsciousness, after that I can learn what is troubling her that she is hiding from herself.”
“A-and the patients you used t-this method on are okay with it?” she asked him.
“I promise you ma'am that all the patients that I have used my hypnosis magic on have been perfectly fine.” He said with a smile.
Fluttershy was still unsure but she wanted her love and worry for her daughter pushed aside any doubts. “O-ok. But can we do it after one o-or two more visits?”
“Yes, I was going to wait a while anyway. I need to earn her trust first.” He said with a smile.
“O-ok.” Fluttershy said with a nod. She would have to discuss this with Full Moon and maybe her friends to get their opinions. “Is there anything e-else we need to discuss?”
Dr. Brum hummed and rubbed his chin. “I think that is all for now, better go check on Kipo before she-” There was the sound of something falling.
“Sorry!” Kipo yelled.
“O-oh dear.” Fluttershy said quietly before she and Dr. Brum walked out of the office.
They found Kipo standing next to a stack of chairs that had fallen over. “I was trying to get that.” She pointed up at a lizard that was near the ceiling.
When Dr. Brum saw the lizard he sighed before chuckling. “Just how do you keep getting in here?” He asked the lizard who just looked at him.
Fluttershy giggled softly and flew up to the lizard. “Hello little fella, are you lost?”
The lizard looked at her. ‘No, I come here lots. Old one and I have a game. He tries to keep me out, and I sneak back in. It’s really fun.’ the lizard said with a mischievous glint in its eyes.
She giggled and smiled. “Ok, as long as you aren’t causing any trouble.”
“What did he say?” Dr. Brum said.
“He said you play a game with him, trying to keep him out.” Fluttershy said with a giggle.
Dr. Brum chuckled at this. “Yes, I suppose we do play a game. He would always sneak in here and whenever I find him I bring him outside only for him to sneak back in. And he wouldn’t even bother hiding either. He would always hang out in the most obvious of places. Cheeky little thing he is.”
The lizard let out a croak as if agreeing with what Dr. Brum said about it while Kipo giggled. “That was silly mister lizard.”
Dr. Brum chuckles once more. “Well, it was nice speaking with you Kipo. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Thank you Mr. Brum. I hope you enjoy yours too!” she said with a warm smile.
“I will be sure to try.” Dr. Brum said with a chuckle. After saying their goodbye’s, Fluttershy and Kipo then began to leave with Dr. Brum waved them off before the lizard jumped onto his head, making itself comfortable in his messy mane. “Yep, definitely a cheeky lizard.” the old stallion said as he walked back into his office.
Kipo hummed as she and her mother walked down the streets of Canterlot, too good of a mood to be shy around the noble ponies that walk the city’s streets. “My word, do you see that strange creature next to that commoner?” A noble asked another.
“I do! Just what is that thing? Some sort of monster from the Everfree?” another noble questioned.
“Maybe it's an exotic pet and we can buy one.” A third said. That last comment made Fluttershy nearly want to shout at them for such comments but she kept her cool as Kipo didn’t seem to be paying them any attention.
Kipo suddenly gasped and ran over to a toy store and looked in the window. “Wow, all these toys are cool!”
“Kipo, don’t rush off like that please.” Fluttershy said before noticing movement out of the corner of her eye. When she turned, she saw two ponies, one mare and the other a stallion, walking towards her and she got a bad feeling in her gut about what these two wanted. “U-um hello. Can I-I help you?”
“Yes you can, you see we are looking for a present for our son, where did you get that pet of yours?” The mare said with a smile.
’Keep calm Fluttershy. Don’t get upset in public.’ Fluttershy thought to herself. “I-I’m sorry but Kipo isn’t a pet.”
“It isn’t? Then what is it?” The stallion asked.
“My daughter.” Fluttershy said, then pointed at Kipo, who was too busy looking at all the toys. “Tell me, would a pet walk act and behave like a child? Would a pet even talk? Not that they can’t but still.”
“Oh please, like any self-respecting pony would have a non-pony as a child.” The mare said with a huff. “Just tell us where you got her.”
’It’s not worth Fluttershy. Don’t go berserk on her. Just calm down.’ Fluttershy thought again, trying desperately to keep herself from assaulting the mare. “She is my daughter. Now, I must ask you to leave us alone.”
The mare scoffed. “Fine, whatever, I will find one of my own somewhere else.” They walked away.
’Good luck with that.’ Fluttershy already knew there was no way the mare could find another human like Kipo since she’s the only one in this universe.
“Momma! Can I get a toy? Please?” Kipo called out as she turned to look at her mother with pleading eyes.
Fluttershy looked at her and smiled softly. “Ok, but just one.”
“Yay!!” cheered Kipo before she rushed into the story much to her mothers amusement.
Fluttershy giggled and followed her daughter into the store. After a few minutes, both of them came out with Kipo holding a box. Inside was a gift for Scootaloo.
“Momma look! Do you think Scootaloo will like it?” Kipo asked while holding it up.
“I’m sure she will love it sweetie.” Fluttershy said with a smile which only made Kipo smile even brighter. “Now come on, let’s get to the train station so we can get home.”
“Ok momma.” Kipo said before the two made their way to the train station which took about half an hour. Once they arrived, Fluttershy went to get them tickets back to Ponyville while Kipo waited patientally.
“Thank you for letting me get this momma.” Kipo said as they waited for the train.
“You’re welcome, Kipo.” Fluttershy told her as she got their tickets and now they sat on a bench to wait for the train to Ponyville to arrive.
Kipo looked around before she gasped softly and gently pulled on Fluttershy’s mane. “Momma look, I never saw ponies like that. Are they like you?” she whispered while pointing at a few ponies with dark fur and bat wings.
Fluttershy turned to look at the ponies Kipo was pointing at and knew what they were. “Oh, no dear, those are bat-ponies, distant cousins of vamponies.” Fluttershy explained in a hush voice.
“Really?” Kipo asked, eyes slightly wide in wonder and curiosity.
Fluttershy nodded and rubbed her head. “They are mostly nocturnal, are omnivores, and are very loyal to princess Luna, even while she was banished.”
“Really? Were they her knights?” Kipo asked, picturing an image of Luna standing standing alongside bat-ponies in knightly armor.
Fluttershy giggled with a smile. “I believe there were a few that made it to the rank of knight back then.”
“S-so cool.” Kipo said, practically shaking with excitement.
Fluttershy smiled and rubbed her head. “Do you want to speak with them? There seems to be a filly around your age.”
“C-can we?” Fluttershy’s daughter shyly asked as she began to fidget.
Fluttershy giggled again and got up. “Sure, just be polite.” They started walking over to the bat ponies.
One of them noticed the two approaching them and turned her head to face them. “Yes? Can I help you?” the mare asked them.
“I am sorry to bother you, but my daughter noticed you two and would like to know more about you.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
“Oh? It’s not everyday someone would want to know about us batponies.” the mare said while the filly hid behind her mother.
Kipo waved with a small smile. “Hi, my n-name is Kipo.” The mare was a bit startled at Kipo’s appearance but shook it off since she isn’t exactly ‘normal’ either.
“It’s nice to meet you Kipo, my name is Silva Petal and this is my daughter, Night Lily.” Silva Petal said while gesturing to the hiding filly.
“H-hi.” Night Lilly said with a small wave.
Kipo smiled a bit and asked. “That i-is a nice name, do you like animals?”
“S-some of them.” Night Lily said as she slowly came out from behind her mother as she and Kipo kept talking to one another which made both their respective mothers smile.
“Aw, this is sweet.” Silva Petal said with Fluttershy nodding in agreement.
“Yeah.” Fluttershy said before introducing herself. “My name is F-Fluttershy by the way. I am sorry for not introducing m-myself earlier.”
“Oh it’s quite alright ma’am.” Silva Petal said with a wave of her hoof. “Also, pardon me if this sounds a bit rude but what is Kipo exactly?”
“She is a human. W-well, a human with a few extra bits.” Fluttershy giggled. “I found her as a baby and raised her as my own.”
“Well that’s very thoughtful of you but what happened to the parents?” she asked the vampony before a train whistle was heard. “Oh buck. There’s our train.”
Fluttershy smiled and poked Kipo. “That is our train too. I can tell you when we’re seated.”
Silva Petal nodded her head. “Alright, that is fine with me.” she said just as the train began pulling up and the two mares turned to their daughters, smiling when they saw the two happily chatting away. “Lily, our train is here.”
“Kipo, it’s time to go.” Fluttershy called out and their daughters turned to face them.
“Ok momma.” Kipo said.
“Y-yes mom.” Lily said next before the four of them got onto the train and found a spot that was far enough from everyone else so they could speak freely.
“So, you sounded like your daughter’s past was a secret or something.” Silva Petal said to Fluttershy.
“W-well it kinda is and isn’t.” Fluttershy said before she began to tell Silva Petal most of Kipo’s past while Kipo and Night Lily talked to each other.
“So Lily, w-what do you like to do for fun?” Kipo asked the filly.
“Oh um I like to fly at night.” Lily said with a smile.
“Aw, you’re lucky you get to be out at night. I have to go to bed early.” Kipo said with a pout.
She giggled a bit. “We are normally up all night.”
Kipo was still pouting. “Still lucky. I rarely get to stay up past my bedtime and it’s never for long.”
Lily giggled and pointed out the window. “I am way up past my bedtime.”
“Because batponies sleep during the day?” Kipo questioned and Night Lily nodded her head.
“Yeah, it was kinda exciting to see the sun.” She said with a smile.
Kipo’s pout turned into a smile. “Hey Lily? Where do you live? I-I’m asking because I want to hang out again.”
She smiled and giggled. “We live in hollow shades.”
“Hollow…Shades? Where’s that?” Kipo asked with a confused look on her face.
“It is at the end of the tracks to the south.” Lily said with a smile. “Where do you live?”
“Ponyville.” Kipo answered.
“Ponyville?” Lily hummed in thought before her eyes widened and she let out a cute squeal. “You mean the place where Princess Luna returned after her time on the moon?!” Kipo blinked at the sudden change of attitude and Lily realized what she did and blushed in embarrassment. “S-sorry.”
“It’s ok. I understand if you’re excited for Ms. Luna’s return.” Kipo said followed by a giggle.
“We waited so long for her to return, I wish I could have met her.” Lily said before she hung her head.
Kipo placed a hand on Lily’s shoulder while smiling warmly at her. “Hey, I’m sure you’ll get a chance to meet her.”
Lily’s wings fluttered a bit in excitement as she imagined meeting the fabled princess Luna, the great alicorn of the moon. “I hope so but I can’t wait! I heard so many great things about her!”
Kipo giggled and nodded her head. “She is really nice, especially after we helped save her.”
This made Night Lily look at her in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, me, momma, Mr. Moon and my aunties helped save Ms. Luna.” Kipo said and the batpony filly’s eyes widened in shock before she grabbed Kipo by the shoulders and began to ask question after question regarding that night and about Luna. ’Wow, she must really like Ms. Luna.’ the half jaguar thought with a giggle before she began to tell Night Lily of the night Nightmare Moon returned.
Celestia sighed as she walked through the hallway of Canterlot Castle. A tray full of food floating beside her thanks to her magic.
“Really ma’am? A midday snack?” Inkwell asked as she walked up behind Celestia, making the solar alicorn turn to her. Inkwell was an elderly unicorn mare with an ice blue coat and a dark gray mane that was tied up into a bun and adorning her flanks was a simple jar of ink.
“No, it’s for my sister. She didn’t come out to lunch. Again.” Celestia informed the elderly mare.
“The poor dear, I do hope she starts to eat and socialize.” Inkwell said as she followed Celestia.
“I am hoping for the same but I know that she is feeling overwhelmed by everything, the new forms of speech, the advancement of magic. Everything that is far different from what she had known before.” Celestia said with a sigh.
“I can only imagine how she feels, jumping a thousand years into the future.” Inkwell said while shaking her head. “Would you like anything?”
“I am good Inkwell but thank you for asking.” Celestia gave the mare a smile of appreciation before they reached a single door with a symbol of the moon on it.
“Very well, enjoy your time with your sister.” She said before turning and leaving.
“And you enjoy the rest of your day Inkwell.” Celestia said before turning to the door and knocking.
“Wh-who is it?” Luna’s voice came from inside.
“It’s me, Tia. I have brought you some food” Celestia said and there was silence before a click was heard and the door cracked open a bit. Celestia took this as an invitation to come in and walked inside her sister's room. Though it was more or less a slightly refurbished guest room, only having the bare necessities like a wardrobe, dressers, a bed and the like.
“H-hello sister…” Luna said as she sat on the bed while covered in sheets.
Celestia smiled warmly at her sister. “Hello Luna. How are you doing today?”
“I am…fine.” She said softly and looked down at the bed. Celestia couldn’t help but frown when Luna said that. Placing the tray on the nightstand, she sat on the bed and hugged her little sister with a wing.
“You know if something is wrong you can tell me, you that right sister?” Celestia told the lunar alicorn.
“I…um…” Luna looked up at Celestia before looking down. “We fear the ponies still do not love the night.”
“What makes you say that?” Celestia asked her, a hint of concern in her eyes.
“Your guards and maids…they shy away from me…us..” Luna said quietly.
Celesita frowned at that. “Give them time Luna, I’m sure they’ll warm up to you.” she said though her mind had other thoughts as she remembered how the Cultists were also her Knights, making her think that the ponies who shied away from her sister were also part of the Cultists. ’No, I can’t just immediately accuse someone like that. I need proof first.’
“Do…do you know if the Thestrals still thrive?” Luna asked her sister.
“The batponies? Yes, I am sure they are still around. I’ve had a couple of visits from them so you do not need to worry about them being extinct or anything.” Celestia reassured and Luna sighed in relief.
“We would like to hire them as our guard and servants…if you’ll allow it sister.” Luna said, smiling at first before her ears folded back.
Celestia giggled a bit. “Of course I’ll allow it if it’ll help make you feel comfortable.”
Luna smiled a bit. “We…I would enjoy that a lot sister.” Luna rubbed her hoof in a circle on the bed. “Sister, I am sorry for what happened…all those years ago.”
Celestia shook her head. “No, if anyone is at fault it’s me. I should have listened to your concerns about what was happening instead of treating them like they were nothing.”
“But I still went too far…Sister, perhaps I am not worthy of the throne.” Luna said sadly before Celestia pulled her into a hug.
“Luna, you are more than worthy of the throne. But, if you wish, you can wait to stand by my side as co-ruler until you are more used to the current era.” Celestia said.
Luna was quiet for a moment before she had a small smile. “Do…do you think I…I could live in Ponyville for a short while? I wish to know the new Element of Innocence.”
Celestia smiled and nodded her head. “Of course you can. Though promise you’ll write to me about her? I would like to hear how she is doing after my little mishap with the tickets to the Gala.”
Luna shook her head as she sighed. “Why do you still throw those boring parties?”
Celestia sighed. “Honestly? Just to appease the nobles plus its tradition. But I am hoping Twilight and her friends as well as Kipo would liven things up.”
Luna shook her head. “Nobles…I had hoped they would be gone by now.”
“Some things never change Luna, not even nobles.” Celestia said with a grimace.
“A shame…but please tell me the Blood line has faded out.” Luna said as she started to eat.
“Well, not quite. They are still around and part of nobility but I don’t think you’ll have a problem with them. More specifically, our nephew Prince Blueblood.” Celestia said.
“Nephew!?” Luna shouted, thankfully with her low amount of magic she couldn’t use the Royal Canterlot Voice. “How could thou lay with one of them!?”
“He’s not related to me by blood sister. He’s more or less an adopted nephew. Honestly, in order for me to fool around with a member of the Blood family, I’d have to either be mind controlled, drunk or really really really desperate.” Celestia said.
Luna giggled softly before cheekily saying. “You mean like when you hit on Starswirl?”
Celestia blushes in embarrassment. “T-that was just a phase sister!”
Luna giggled and smiled. “Sure.”
Celestia pouts before giggling as well. It was nice to be able to talk to someone like this, even with her closest friends, they always tread lightly with her, but speaking with her sister? Without things like titles or formalities? It was the best thing ever.
“Thank you for coming to see me sister, it helps.” Luna said with a small smile.
“You are welcome Luna.” Celestia said as she hugged her sister again. Before a thought entered Luna’s mind. A thought concerning the Cultists that had appeared that night to try and slay her.
Luna looked down and gulped. “Sister…I..lI have a question about…your worshippers.”
Celestia sighed a bit. “I had a feeling this discussion would come up sooner or later.” she said before sighing again. “I’d rather you not call them that. They are nothing more than murderers who kill innocent ponies just because they are different.”
“I…I know, but I am glad you see them for what they are now.” Luna said before looking down. “How are they still around?”
“I…I honestly have no idea. I had thought I had put an end to them thousands of years ago when I had lost you.” Celestia said with a frown. “Turns out they’ve been hiding from right under my nose this whole time.”
“What do you mean?” Luna asked with concern.
“You saw it Luna. On the day you returned. My own Knights are also Cultists.” Celestia said while looking down, her eyes narrowed in anger.
Luna seemed to pull the sheets around herself more. “Y-yes…I remember that…”
Upon noticing this, she hugged her sister once again. “Do not worry Luna, I will make sure they finally pay for everything they have done. I swear it.”
“Sister…I…I wrote a possible law for you to look over…” She slowly pointed over at the desk. “I understand if you can’t make it a law right now but you should read it at least.”
This piqued the solar alicorns interest as she got off the bed and walked over to the desk. “You did? I’m surprised sister, usually you don’t care much for law making.”
“What do you mean?” Luna asked as she lifted her head. “I sent you law suggestions all the time.”
Celestia’s eyes widened and she turned to her sister. “Y-you have?”
“Yes…I thought you were ignoring them…” Luna said as she started to look down. “But some of them you did pass with a few changes.”
“What sort of changes?” Celestia asked, getting a bad feeling about what Luna would say next.
“We had ideas for making it illegal to persecute the Thestrals, you passed a law that recognized them as a fourth tribe of pony but they were still not protected from assault.” She said softly.
Celestia was gonna swear but took a few deep breaths to calm herself. “Luna, tell me, who did you give these suggestions to? Was it my assistant?”
“I believe so, sometimes it was my assistant. It was difficult to meet up with you when both of our schedules were so busy.” Luna said and sat up.
“Luna, I’m going to be honest but I never received these law suggestions.” Celestia said, shocking Luna. “And I believe my assistant might have been a Cultist so that’s why your suggestions never reached me or were changed.”
“I…I see.” Luna looked down. “I should have tried harder but I assumed those inside the castle would be both of our allies.”
“I had thought the same. I guess we were both wrong.” Celestia said, angry at herself for not being more cautious, especially if the outcome hurt her sister.
Luna got up and walked over to her sister before she put a hoof on Celestia’s side. “I know you always meant well.” Luna then looked down. “I always kept a back up draft of the laws I made in my room, perhaps they are still there.”
“Maybe, but the castle has been there for a thousand years.” Celestia said, not wanting to crush her sister's hopes.
Luna smiled and nodded her head. “True, but there is a chance. Even if they aren’t there I would like to see what has survived.”
Celestia nodded her head. In truth she too wondered what had survived after all these years. She would have gotten them but doing so would mean leaving her duties which would cause an uproar and she dare not send ponies into the Everfree. Luna however is more than capable of handling herself since she was always the more combative of the two. “Very well, however, as my sisterly duty I will tell you to be safe.”
“Of course sister, though given my current form…I may ask your student to help me.” Luna said as she looked at her body.
“I understand, though you will have to be prepared to answer a lot of questions. Twilight is the curious type.” Celestia said with a small giggle escaping her lips as she remembers how Twilight would bombard one with question after question.
Luna rolled her eyes before poking Celestia with a hoof. “If she is anything like you I shall give her a cake to stop the questions.”
“Oh trust me, that won’t work on her. She’ll never stop.” Celestia said with a smirk. “Also, you can’t easily bribe me with cake anymore. I have a strong will and have resisted cake many times.”
Luna held up her cupcake with a flat look. “Sister we shall give you this cupcake if thou let us wear thine crown.”
“Deal.” Celestia said and Luna gave her the cupcake while Celestia gave her her crown before eating the cupcake. She then noticed the smirk Luna had on her face. “I haven’t had any cake for a week so this doesn’t count.”
“Sure you haven’t.” Luna said and poked Celestia’s flank. “At least I know why the hallways are so large in this castle.”
“My flanks are not the reason sister.” Celestia said, shooting her sister an annoyed glare.
Luna smirked and giggled. “Sure it isn’t sister.” Suddenly someone began knocking on the door, drawing both sisters' attention to it.
“Who is it?” Luna asked while Celestia gained a bad feeling.
“Just a maid ma’am, I am here to clean the room.” A mare’s voice came from the other side of the door. Luna looked at her sister who nodded before she used her magic to cloak herself. Once she was hidden, Luna opened the door for the maid. The maid looked normal enough and even smiled. “May I come in?”
“Of c-course.” Luna said, though was a bit nervous as she stepped aside to let the maid in.
The maid walked inside and looked around quickly before she started to gather up any trash. “I must say ma’am, I am glad you are back.” She said kindly, Luna seemed to relax a bit.
“T-thank you though I am still nervous about everything.” Luna said while Celestia seemed to relax a bit as well but shook her head and kept her guard up.
The maid turned her head, her mane falling a bit to show a hair clip in the shape of Celestia’s Cutie Mark. “Don’t worry, you won’t have to worry about much soon.” She said as she started to pull out a blade behind her.
“What do you mean?” Luna asked, turning to face the maid just as she lunged at her only to be pinned to the ground by Celestia’s magic.
“Gah! Die night devil!” The maid shouted as she tried to move closer, unaware she was being held by Celestia’s magic. Suddenly, Celestia uncloaked herself and stood over the shocked mare.
“You dare try to kill my sister?” She asked the mare.
“M-my goddess! I am trying to serve you by removing the devil of the night from your home.” The maid assassin said as she dropped the blade, a purple shine being seen on its edges.
Celestia looked at the blade before picking it up with her magic. “This ‘devil’ as you call her, is my own flesh and blood. The only family I have left in this world. And you were going to kill her.” she said, her voice low and full of anger but she handed the blade to Luna. “You are more experienced with weapons and enchantments, can you tell me what’s on this blade?”
Luna shyly picked up the blade in her magic and looked it over. “Some kind of poison, without tests I can't tell what kind.” She looked up at Celestia. “The blade is also made to make the wound as painful as possible…”
“Is that so?” Celestia asked while glaring at the mare who recoiled back from her deity’s gaze.
“Your highness don't let the night devil trick you!” The assassin said with fear. “I know the truth, the devil of the night will trick the sun goddess to lock the day away forever!”
“Enough.” Celestia sternly said and the mare immediately shut up. “As of right now, you are accused of treason and attempted murder of royalty.”
The assassin’s mouth fell open in shock. “W-what?! But your majesty-”
“Silence! You will be taken to the dungeons for questioning.” Celestia said before shouting. “Guards!”
Some guards came in after a moment and looked around. “Yes, your highness?”
“This mare has attempted to assassinate royalty.” Celestia said, gesturing to the maid. “Bring her to the dungeon at once.”
“Yes ma’am!” The guards grabbed the mare before putting hoofcuffs on her and took her away.
“W-wait! But your highness!” The mare tried shouting only to be dragged out, leaving Celestia and Luna alone.
Luna lowered her head as she stood next to Celestia. “It seems moving to Ponyville will be good for me in more than one way…”
“Oh Luna.” Celestia said as she hugged her sister. “I’m sorry that not even your newest home can be safe for you. But I promise, I will find more of these cultists and put an end to this religion once and for all.”
Luna nuzzled Celestia and closed her eyes. “Thank you sister, let us enjoy lunch before I begin packing.”
“O-oh, you’re leaving today?” Celestia asked, a bit disheartened to hear that.
“I feel it would be best, but I have a surprise for you.” Luna walked over to her closet and opened it and she pulled out two hand held mirrors. “Here.” She gave one with her Cutie Mark on it to Celestia.
“What are these?” Celestia asked as she looked at the mirror.
Luna giggled as she channeled some magic into the mirror she had with Celestia’s Cutie Mark on it, then the image in the mirror in Celestia’s magic changed to show Luna. “Hello sister.”
Celestia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my, Luna just what are these?”
“I made a spell to link these two mirrors so when magic is channeled into them they link up and we can talk to each other at any time.” Luna said, though her voice came from the mirror in Celestia’s magic as well.
“Wow Luna, this spell is amazing! It certainly makes communicating much easier!” Celestia said as she hugged her sister, proud of what she created. “This must have taken you a while to make.”
Luna blushed and looked away. “We have been working on it for…a long time before our fall.”
“Oh..well I think it’s very great. If Starswirl were here, he’d be pestering you about how to make the spell.” Celestia said.
Luna smiled softly and looked up at Celestia. “I guess so, but he would also complain about him being able to make a better spell.”
“True, but I think he would be proud as well.” Celestia said.
Luna smiled softly. “I hope so.” She looked down at the mirror. She set it down and looked at Celestia. “What can you tell me about the new Element of Innocence?”
“Kipo? Well, from what I know, she is a very sweet girl and she really cares about those close to her as shown in the letter she sent to me about the tickets. I also know that there isn’t anything like her before.” Celestia said.
“I have seen.” Luna smiled and looked out the window. “Does she have many friends?”
“Well from what I’ve seen, I do believe the other bearers, minus Twilight, and Full Moon are her friends though she could have more.” Celestia answered while tapping her chin as she thought about what else there was about Kipo.
Luna smiled as she nodded before rubbing her chin. “I wonder what her dreams are like.”
“Probably peaceful. Though after hearing about her time with the Cultists, I wouldn’t be surprised if she had a nightmare or two about them.” Celestia said with a bit of a saddened look on her face.
“She had a run in with them?” Luna asked, shocked.
“Yes, unfortunately. Though I have hired a therapist to help with any trauma she had gotten from them.” Celestia said, though she was still a bit worried about Kipo’s mental health.
Luna looked down and narrowed her eyes a bit in thought before she smiled. “Sister…could you get me modern psychology books? I think I know how I can help our ponies.”
“I suppose I could but what is it that you have in mind?” Celestia asked her, curious to hear what it is Luna has planned.
Luna smiled as she pointed at her horn. “I will help ponies work through their nightmares.”
“Oh? That’s a good idea. It’ll definitely help ponies work through their greatest fears.” Celestia said with a smile and Luna beamed with pride at the idea.
“Thank you sister.” She said with a smile. “It will take some time and I will need to study dreams more than my old days but…I feel like this is also part of my Cutie Mark.”
“And I’m sure you’ll do great.” Celestia said.
Luna smiled and held up Celestia’s crown. “Do you want this back?”
“Hmm, no, go ahead and keep it, I have a few spares so I don’t mind.” Celestia then giggled. “Perhaps you can gift it to Kipo, I can already imagine her thinking she became princess of Equestria.”
Luna giggled and smirked. “Ah yes, the young wishes of a filly to be a princess, not knowing all the work that comes with it.”
“Oh such a cruel thing being a princess is.” Celestia said in fake sadness before giggling.
Luna giggled and smiled. “Yes, but perhaps that is one of her dreams. If it is, I won't spoil it for her.”
“Can imagine a girl as sweet as Kipo as a princess?” Celestia asked.
Luna giggled and smiled. “She would probably make candy free or something like that.”
“Oh yes, most definitely.” Celestia said, laughing a bit.
“Perhaps we shall let her see what it is like as a princess for a day.” Luna said with a smile.
“Oh, now that would be an interesting idea.” Celestia said, already imagining all the things Kipo would do as a princess.
Luna giggled and smiled. “Shall we both do it?”
Celestia thought about it before nodding her head. “Why not? I’m sure she would be more than happy to be a princess. Though we may have to limit what she can or can’t do.”
“Of course, and we will have to have those we, and she, trust to be her guards.” Luna said as she finished eating. She then lifted her head with a grin. “Sister, we have an idea! What if we hold a contest once a year to let a young filly or colt be in charge for a day starting after Kipo?”
“Hmm. Interesting proposal sister. Something like that has never happened so why not? It would be bound to fulfill some foal’s wish to be a prince or princess.” Celestia said, grinning as well.
“And give you a day off once a year.” Luna giggled a bit. “Of course we will have to make sure what they do won’t cause trouble for us or others later.”
“Yes, just like I said, we’ll have to limit what they can do.” Celestia said, already making plans for this event in her mind.
Luna smiled and up. “So do you want to do anything else before I start packing?”
“Hmm, not sure. Is there anything you want to do?” Celestia asked her, deciding that Luna should be the one to pick what they should do since it was only fair.
Luna looked around before smiling. “How about we just catch up as I pack?”
Celestia nodded her head. “Very well, I’ll also help you pack if you wish.” Luna smiled and started to pack as they talked.
Back with Kipo and Night Lily, Kipo had just finished the tale of Nightmare Moon’s return to the batpony filly who was wide eyed. “Wow, I can’t believe I am talking with a hero.”
Kipo shyly rubbed the back of her head. “I don’t know about that. I didn’t really do much.”
“You helped save princess Luna though.” Lily said, confused at how Kipo was so calm.
“Well yeah, but it was my momma, aunts and Ms. Twilight who did all the work.” Kipo said.
“I guess so.” Lily said before the train started to slow down. “Aww we are getting close to your stop.”
“Aw man. I wanted to hang out with you some more!” pouted Kipo as she looked out the window to see that they were indeed about to stop at Ponyville.
“How about I give you our address so you can send me letters?” Lily suggested.
Kipo cheered up at this idea as she nodded her head. “Yeah! That sounds like a great idea! I’ll also give you mine too!”
“Aww, it is so sweet seeing Lily make a new friend. It was nice talking with you, Miss Fluttershy.” Lily’s mother said with a smile.
“Yes, it was nice talking to you as well Miss Silva.” Fluttershy said with a smile of her own just as the train fully stopped.
“I hope to see you again some night.” Silva said with a smile.
“Same here. I did enjoy our talk, even if most of it was spent explaining Kipo’s past.” Fluttershy said.
“What mother doesn’t enjoy talking about their child?” Silva asked with a smirk.
Fluttershy giggles a bit. “True.” Fluttershy then stood up and looked at Kipo. “Come on Kipo, it’s time to go home.”
“Ok momma.” Kipo said before she and Night Lily handed each other strips of paper that had their addresses on them. “Bye Lily, hopefully we can see each other again.”
“Me too!” Lily said as Kipo and Fluttershy got off the train and waved at Silva Petal and Night Lily as it began to leave once the next passengers got on.
Kipo smiled and looked at Fluttershy. “Mom, will it be ok if I write her letters?”
Fluttershy looked at her with a smile. “Of course it’s ok. She is your friend after all.”
“Thank you mom!” Kipo gives Fluttershy a hug.
“Kipo!” Three voices were heard and when the two looked ahead, they saw three fillies running towards them.
“Girls!” Kipo exclaimed happily before she was tackled into a hug by the other Crusaders, causing her to laugh. “Oh I missed you three!”
“We missed you too!” Sweetie Belle said as they all shared a hug.
Flutershy giggled and smiled. “Girls, we were only gone for a day.”
“But it was still too long!” Scootaloo told her before they all got up.
Kipo giggled and smiled at her friends. “What do you girls want to do?”
“How about we try getting our Cutie Marks? I came up with a lot of great ideas we can try!” Scootaloo suggests, her wings buzzing in excitement.
“Sure!” Kipo looked at her mom. “Momma, can I go play with my friends?”
Fluttershy smiled and nodded her head. “You can, just remember to be home by dinner.”
“I will!” Kipo said before she hugged Fluttershy then she and the Crusaders ran off.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders, Paragliders!” the three fillies shouted at once as they got further away from the train station, making Fluttershy shake her head but the smile was still on her face as she knew Kipo would do her best to keep them out of trouble.
“Even with all this stuff happening, I’m glad Kipo is doing alright.” she said before she began to head back to her home.
Meanwhile, within the Everfree, a cloaked figure walked out of the castle of the Two Royal Sisters. “It really is gone. I’m sorry old friend.” they said before pulling out a torn picture of the new Element Bearers that was torn out of a newspaper and stared at the circled image of Kipo. “I’ll make sure to get it back.”
The figure then put the picture back in their cloak and began to walk off into the forest.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
The Applebucking Disaster
“Boy howdy, Ah got my work cut out for me.” Applejack said as she and Big Mac, who had bandages around his mid section, stood on a hill overlooking the orchard. “That there is the biggest bumper crop of apples Ah’ve ever laid eyes on.”
“Eyup. Too big for you to handle on yer own.” Big Mac said to his sister, doubt clear in his voice.
“Come on big brother, you’ll need to rest and get yerself better! Ah haven’t met an apple orchard yet that Ah can’t handle!” Applejack said confidently while pressing her hoof against Big Mac’s side, causing him to tense up in pain before he moved away with an annoyed look. “Oops, sorry.” she then looked at the orchard again, her confident smile returning. “Ah'll take a bite of this job by days end!”
“Biting off more than you can chew is just what Ah’m afraid of.” Big Mac said calmly while Applejack looked offended.
“Are you saying my mouth is keeping promises my legs can’t keep?” Applejack asked him before a rustle was heard and they heard a voice above them.
“Eyup!” a girl's voice said before giggling was heard.
“Girls? What are you doing in the trees?” Applejack asked while frowning up at them, seeing Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Applebloom, and Kipo up on a tree branch. “Kipo, you know it ain’t safe for ya here.”
“Just hanging around.” Kipo said with a smile before she hung upside down on the branch, putting her on eye level with Applejack and Big Mac. “Aunt Applejack, there’s no way you alone can harvest all these apples, there’s too many!”
Applejack narrowed her eyes. “You callin' me weak or lazy?” She asked with a snort.
“You know I don’t think that, I think you’re one of the strongest ponies I know Aunt Applejack! But one pony against all that.” Kipo pointed at the orchard. “Is just simply impossible to do.”
“Watch me!” Applejack said with a huff and stomped off to start working.
Big Mac shook his head. “Don’t mind her girls, she is just being stubborn.”
“It’s fine Big Mac, we know how she is.” Applebloom said as Kipo helped her and the other Crusaders down. “But still, doesn’t big sis know that this might go a lot faster if she had her friends help?”
“Yeah, Rainbow Dash would do anything for her friends.” Scootaloo said as Kipo put her down before hopping off the branch herself.
“Ah know that, she knows that, but her pride won’t let this ‘challenge’ go. She took our honest worries for her as a challenge.” He said before rubbing his side. “Ah need to go lay down, do you girls mind helping her out?”
“Of course we will! Right girls?” Applebloom said before asking her friends, who nodded their heads.
“Heck yeah we will! Besides, it should be fun!” Scootaloo said, buzzing her wings a bit. “We might even get apple picking Cutie Marks too!”
Sweetie Belle smiled and asked. “Can I use my magic? It would be good practice for me.”
Big Mac hummed, “Normally Ah would object to the use of magic since apple harvesting is always done with a good strong kick but considering y’all are little fillies, I’ll allow it.” Big Mac said with a small smile. “And yes Kipo, y’all can use yer jaguar powers, just don’t damage the trees too much with them claws of yours.”
“Yes!” Kipo said happily.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders Apple Buckers!” The four of them shout and clap hooves and hands together.
Big Mac chuckles before he continued to walk away. “Alright, stay out of trouble you four. Ah don’t want to hear how you caused some sort of disaster alright?”
“Ok Big Mac!” Kipo said as she and the others waved bye to Big Mac before looking at all the apple trees. “The one to get the least amount of apples at the end of the day has to do a dare!” Kipo said before she ran off while laughing.
“Good luck girls, apple bucking is in mah blood.” Applebloom said with a laugh.
“Please, I have my magic, I can pick more apples than any of you.” Sweetie Belle said as she made her horn glow.
“Hah! I have my scooter! I can just ram into the trees to get those apples down!” Scootaloo said confidently and Kipo giggles.
“Make sure you have your helmet, Scoots! Wouldn’t want to knock yourself out on the first try!” Kipo told the filly.
They all laughed before they stopped at some trees and started to work. Sweetie Belle was careful and only picked one apple at a time, before setting it in the bucket. Scootaloo however was not careful at all and just rammed her scooter full speed into a tree, only managing to knock down a few apples into the buckets. Applebloom was busy using her hind legs to kick her tree to knock down the apples though unlike her siblings who can knock them down with one kick, Applebloom needed to kick the trees a few times. Kipo however was the most productive one as she had climbed up on her first tree and shook the branches, causing a lot of apples to fall into the buckets and when it was empty, she moved on to the next one by jumping to it.
Things moved along until it was lunch time and Kipo had filled ten buckets, Applebloom eight, Scootaloo three, and Sweetie Belle one. “Man, am I tired. You do this every day Bloom?” Kipo asked before jumping down from the tree and wiping off the sweat from her forehead.
“Yup! Ain’t nothing better than harvesting apples!” Applebloom said as they all walked through the orchard and towards the house.
“Doesn’t it get tiring?” Kipo asked her.
“At first it was, but ya get better at it the longer ya do it.” Applebloom said with a smile before she frowned. “Why can’t Granny be nice to ya?”
“I don't know.” Kipo said with a shake of her head. “Mr Moon said that Granny and a few other ponies with her don't like anything that isn't normal to them. And I’m by far the most non normal thing around.”
“But you are nice and cool!” Scootaloo said with a huff. “If I was a bit older I would give her a piece of my mind.”
“You would?” Kipo asked her and she nodded, causing the girl to hug her. “Aw! Thanks Scoots! I’m glad to have someone like you as a friend!”
Scootaloo blushed but smiled and hugged back. “A-anything for you.”
“I don’t think we should antagonize Granny by bringing Kipo inside…not to say she is right…I just don’t like yelling.” Sweetie Belle said while looking at the ground.
“It’s fine, I’ll wait out here.” Kipo said before she jumped up into a tree and laid down. “Just make sure you bring back some food! I’m hungry!”
“We can have a picnic.” Applebloom said with a smile. “Come on girls, let's get some food and drinks!”
The three fillies then ran into the house, leaving Kipo alone outside but she didn't mind as she liked the outdoors and preferred it over being cooped up at home back even when she was younger. Kipo sighs as she looks up at the blue sky with a smile and decided to try and guess the shapes the clouds took as they blew by. After a few minutes of waiting, Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle came running back out with a basket on their backs. “Hey Kipo! We got the food and drinks!” Scootaloo called out and Kipo nodded before jumping down and landed in front of them.
“That’s great! Then let’s find a good spot to set up the picnic!” Kipo said and they nodded before they all searched for somewhere to set up the picnic.
“I know a place but it is a bit dusty.” Applebloom said and started trotting off into the trees.
“Really? Where?” Scootaloo asked in curiosity.
“An old club house Ah found!” She said with a bit of a skip in her step.
This made the three other Crusaders widen their eyes before grinning. “A clubhouse!? That’s so cool! Maybe if no one is using it we can use it!” Kipo suggested, making Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nod their heads in agreement as the idea of having their own clubhouse sounded awesome as they can use it for all sorts of things like coming up with Cutie Mark ideas or just use it as a place to hang out at.
“Yeah! Just imagine how cool it’ll be to have our own clubhouse!” Scootaloo said as her wings buzzed with excitement. "You have to let us see it!"
"Yeah!" both Kipo and Sweeite Belle exclaimed at the same time and Applebloom just giggles.
"Alright, follow me. It's just a bit of ways from the barn." Applebloom said before running off.
They all rush to follow Applebloom and get to a clearing with a clubhouse built next to a tree. The only bad part was it was covered in dust and falling apart due to the lack of use over the years. Applebloom smiled and looked back at her friends. “What do you think girls? Maybe we can fix it up and claim it as the new headquarters of the cutie mark Crusaders.” A piece of the ramp fell and kicked up some dust.
“Eh….” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said at the same time as they looked at the clubhouse, beginning to have second thoughts.
“I think it looks perfect for our new headquarters!” Kipo said excitedly, surprising her friends. “Sure we’ll have to fix it up but that will be even better cause we rebuilt it ourselves!”
The others smile and nod their heads, agreeing with that logic. “Yeah! But we should wait till after harvest, don’t want to overwork ourselves like your sister.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Agreed.” the others said in unison before they started to set up the picnic and once it was finished, they began eating. The food the three fillies had packed were apple fritters, apple juice and pie.
“Mmm, your family always makes the best food Bloom.” Kipo said as she bit into her slice of pie.
“Thanks Kipo, though you should really try the Zap Apple products we make when Zap Apple season comes around.” Applebloom said,
“I’ve heard of Zap Apples but never tried them before, what do they taste like?” Kipo asked Applebloom.
“They are amazing! But so hard to harvest.” She said and shook her head before sipping some juice.
“Really? Why?” Kipo asked as she takes a bite out of a fritter.
“We gotta wait for special signs, then once they're ready we only have a day to harvest them before they just disappear.” Applebloom said then smiled. “Granny told me that I can help this year.”
“That’s so cool Applebloom! I wish I can help out with the harvest too.” Kipo said, looking down a bit before looking up with a smile. “But that’s alright! Just make sure you save some Zap Apple jam for me ok?”
“Sure, I will make it myself!” She said with a smile.
Kipo hugged Applebloom with a happy smile on her face. “Thanks Applebloom!” Kipo said to the bow wearing filly while Scootaloo looked at Applebloom with a hint of jealousy.
Sweetie Belle looked at Scootaloo before she started to grin. “What?” Scootaloo asked after noticing Sweetie Belle’s grin.
“I know your secret.” She whispered to her then peeked over at Kipo back returning to Scootaloo.
Scootaloo tenses up before giving Sweetie Belle a nervous smile. “W-what secret?” she asked her.
Sweetie giggled. “You like Kipo don’t you?”
Scootaloo blushes before she began to speak rapidly. “What?! N-no! She’s my friend! S-simple as that! It’s not like I-I like like her or anything! O-or that I wanted the tickets s-so I can ask her to dance with me! Yep! Just f-friends!” she then gave Sweetie Belle a forced smile, hoping she’ll believe it.
Sweetie giggled and pulled Scootaloo closer before whispering. “I won’t tell but you gotta tell her!”
“I-I know but I’m too nervous! W-what if she doesn’t feel the same?” Scootaloo asked nervously.
“Well…I guess that's possible, but all my sister's romance books say you'd feel better after telling her.” Sweetie Belle said after tapping her chin,
“Really? A-are you sure?” Scootaloo asked her.
“It always works out in Rarity’s books.” She said with a smile.
“Hey girls, what are you talking about?” Kipo asked the two after noticing them talking quietly to each other.
“Nothing!” Scootaloo quickly said, making Kipo look at her in confusion.
“You sure? You two were doing a lot of whispering.” Kipo said and Scootaloo nodded.
“Yep! I-it was nothing important! Right Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked the unicorn filly.
Sweetie Belle looked between them before smiling. “We were just talking about what we should add to the clubhouse!”
This made Kipo smile. “Really? What ideas did you two have?”
“U-um, a, uh, a ramp! That way I can perform cool stunts!” Scootaloo said, quickly making up something.
“Ooh! That sounds awesome!” Kipo said excitedly and Scootaloo let out a sigh of relief. “Hey, maybe you can show me how to do some tricks like you when we set it up!”
“S-sure.” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“I was thinking of a pole to slide down if we are in a hurry, but that would leave a hole in the floor.” Sweetie said, adding to the lie.
“What if we add it to the side? That way we’ll still be able to leave in a hurry but it won’t leave a hole in the floor?” Applebloom suggested.
“That is smart thinking Applebloom, hey maybe one of you girls can get a Cutie Mark while we are working on it.” Kipo said.
“A carpenter Cutie Mark? That sounds cool!” Applebloom said excitedly.
“Heck yeah it is!” Scootaloo said next, equally as excited.
“I guess any Cutie Mark is better than none.” Sweetie Belle said then she got an idea to play matchmaker. “Hey Kipo, maybe we should split up, two of us work on one row of trees while the others work on another. I call Applebloom!” She said quickly.
“Then I guess I get Scootaloo!” Kipo said while Scootaloo gave Sweetie Belle a ‘what are you doing?!’ look.
Sweetie Belle winked before trotting over to Applebloom. “I bet we can get more apples then you two.”
“You’re on!” Kipo said then as soon as they finish eating they pack up the blanket and basket before rushing back to the house and when they returned the basket, Kipo then ran off into the orchard. “Come on Scoots! Let’s show them what we can do!”
“R-right!” She called out before looking at Sweetie Belle. “Why?”
“Why what?” Sweetie Belle asked innocently.
“Why did you do that? Now I will be alone…with Kipo.” She asked as she starts to blush.
“What? All I did was make our work easier and a lot more fun.” Sweetie Belle said as she and Applebloom start to walk away.
Scootaloo groans before chasing after Kipo. “Wait for me!”
The four Crusaders spent the next half hour harvesting apples from the trees with Scootaloo blushing the whole due to being alone with Kipo when suddenly, “Hey! What are y’all girls doing?!” they all turned to see an angry Applejack walking over to them.
“Hi Aunt Applejack!” Kipo said, waving from up on a branch.
“We are just helping you harvest apples.” Scootaloo said, her blush slowly fading now that someone else was with them.
“That’s my job! You four should be out playing or something, not doing my work!” Applejack said as Kipo jumped off the branch,
“But Aunt Applejack-” Kipo began but Applejack just started to shoo them away.
“No buts, this is my job and I can do it all by myself!” Applejack said as she lead the four girls off the farm. “Now, why don’t y’all go play or something and leave this to me.”
They look at each other and frown before Kipo steps forward. “If you won’t let us work then can we at least do something we want to do on the farm?”
“As long as it isn’t gonna cause destruction to the trees or you helping me.” Applejack said before turning and walking to the nearest tree and began to kick it, causing the apples to fall into the baskets below.
“Ok, come on girls, let's head back to the house, we gotta ask Bic Mac for something.” Kipo said before running ahead.
“Wait up.” Scootaloo said as she and the others ran after Kipo. “What are we going to ask Big Mac?”
“First for supplies to fix up the clubhouse and second his permission to work on the harvest whenever Aunt Applejack isn’t.” Kipo said with a smirk.
“That’s actually a good idea.” Applebloom said, a bit upset that she didn't think of it herself. “When Applejack is done working, we can harvest apples while she is taking a break, that way she won’t know.”
“And on top of that, we can repair the clubhouse!” Scootaloo said excitedly.
“Exactly!” Kipo said,
“You are really smart, Kipo.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.
“Oh come on, I’m not that smart, any of you girls would have thought of it.” Kipo said as she rubbed the back of her head.
“Actually I was gonna suggest we go to Rarity’s to get measured for our dresses.” Sweetie Belle said with a blush.
“I was gonna suggest going to the park.” Scootaloo said.
“Ah didn't know what ah wanted to do.” Applebloom said.
“Hehe, well still, any of you would have thought of it eventually.” Kipo said before they arrived at the house. “Go ask Big Mac for supplies and his permission to work when Applejack isn’t and I’ll wait out here.”
“Ok, Ah’ll be right back.” Applebloom said before she ran inside.
Kipo then sat under a tree while stretching. “Man, we’re gonna be busy today! But hey, at least we’re helping Aunt Applejack and getting a new club for us.”
“Yeah, though I wish she would just ask her friends.” Sweetie Belle said with a confused frown.
“I am sure she will, she will be helping Rainbow on a stunt tomorrow, perfect time to ask.” Scootaloo said with a nod of her head.
“Aunt Rainbow would gladly help out but I think having just her helping out would still take too long to harvest all these apples.” Kipo said as she looked at all the apple trees around them.
“Rainbow can get her to ask everypony else.” Scootaloo said with a confident grin.
Kipo then giggles. “A stubborn aunt vs another stubborn aunt, that would be silly to see.”
“Hey Kipo, do you like Ms Twilight?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Hm? Ms Twilight?” Kipo asked, then looked up. “I don’t know, I mean, she doesn’t seem to distrust momma or Mr Moon but she’s really nice to me and teaches me new things whenever I go to the library.”
“I think she reads too much, she is always in a book whenever I see her.” Scootaloo said.
Kipo giggles, “Yeah, she is a bookworm.” she said just as Applebloom came out.
“He said as long as we are careful we can use whatever we find in the barn, except for the power tools.” Applebloom said with a smile.
“That is fine, we can still do plenty of repairs with regular tools.” Kipo said before the four of them entered the barn and started grabbing the tools they needed to repair the clubhouse and putting them in a wheelbarrow.
The four of them then head back to the clubhouse and look at it. “So uh…how do we start?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Let’s start with the ramp, that way it won’t fall from under us if we just work on the clubhouse itself and we end up getting hurt.” Kipo said as she picks up a tool and walks over to the ramp.
“Ok.” The others grab random tools and follow her.
They began working on the ramp. First they removed all the broken wood from it as they were no longer useful for the ramp and replaced it with new wood, they also replaced all the rusty nails too as those would be hazardous if one of them was cut by the rusty nails. Pretty soon, the ramp was all fixed and looked better than before.
“Wow, we are making quick work of this!” Applebloom said with a smile as she wiped her forehead.
“Yeah! Maybe because there’s four of us working on it at the same time.” Kipo said as she hammered the last nail into the ramp. “Now, I think we should work on the railing around the clubhouse, so that way we don’t accidentally fall off if we step back or something.”
“Good idea. Oh, we are out of nails.” Sweetie Belle said after checking the wheelbarrow.
“I’ll go get them.” Kipo said as she put down her hammer, “Be back in a sec!” she then ran off towards the barn, easily getting there in a few minutes. She then entered the barn and looked around for more nails. “Now, where are they?”
Kipo looked around in the barn for a bit before she found a box, however when she turned around Granny was standing in the doorway with a none too pleased look on her face. “What are ya doing in mah barn?”
Kipo grew nervous before holding up the box, “I-I was getting some nails so me and the other Crusaders can repair our new clubhouse.”
“Why? So you can hide them away and corrupt them with your lies?” She asked while she started to walk towards Kipo.
Kipo began stepping back. “N-no! So that way it can be a place to hang out and come up with ideas for getting Cutie Marks!”
“Monsters like you don’t get Cutie Marks.” she said as she pulled out her sharp knitting needles.
Kipo immediately grew afraid, “I-I know, but that d-doesn’t mean I can’t help my friends g-get theirs.” she said fearfully as she got ready to run in case Granny tried anything.
“Any Cutie Mark you could help them get would be a curse.” She said before she stood up on her hind legs ready to stab Kipo but then there was a loud cracking sound as Granny’s spine bent at a bad angle. She yelled in pain and fell over dropping her knitting needles.
Kipo gasped before putting down the box and rushed over to Granny, “Oh my gosh are you okay?!” Kipo asked in worry before Granny tried pushing her away.
“Get away from me ya damned beast!” Granny tried to get up but more cracking sounds as her hip pops out of its socket. “Aaahhh!” Kipo, upon hearing pops, picked Granny up as carefully as she could so she didn't make it worse then ran out of the barn as fast as possible and the whole time Granny was angrily shouting and cursing at Kipo.
After running through town getting the attention of just about everyone she passed she made it to the hospital and went through the front door. “Please someone help! Granny Smith is hurt!”
Several doctors rushed over to Kipo, “What happened?! How did she get hurt?!” one of them asked her as they took Granny from Kipo and put her on a stretcher.
“Her back let out some bad sounding pops when she tried to reach for something.” Kipo said, lying about the real reason how Granny hurt herself.
“We need to fix her spine and-did her leg pop out of the socket?! She must be in horrible pain. Get her to the ER immediately!” The doctor said and Granny was taken away. “You did a very good thing to bring her here, dear.”
“Will she be okay?” Kipo asked him.
“Well it will take some time but I think so, she is lucky you were there to help her.” The doctor said with a smile.
Kipo lets out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad too, I don’t know how Aunt Applejack or Applebloom would feel if their granny got really hurt.”
“She will have to stay in the hospital for a while but she should recover.” He smiled and gave Kipo a lollipop.
Kipo smiled and nodded. “Ok, I hope she’ll get better.” she said then left, needing to go back to the farm in order to tell Big Mac and the rest of the Apple family what had happened.
Along the way she saw some of the town's ponies talking in hushed whispers but thanks to her enhanced hearing, she can hear what they were talking about. Her. This made her look down before she decided to just run back to the farm and she kept running and running till she reached the house. She took a few deep breaths before knocking on door. “Come in.” She heard Big Mac's voice say on the other side before she entered.
“Big Mac? Can I talk to you?” Kipo called out as she looked around for the red stallion and saw him sitting on the couch.
He lifted his head and looked at her. “Kipo? Yeah, what's wrong?”
“I..I had to bring Granny to the hospital cause her back broke.” Kipo said while rubbing her arm.
Big Mac’s eyes widened and he got up a bit too fast. “She what!?”
Big Mac then hissed in pain and held his side and Kipo helped him sit back down. “Be careful, you're still hurt!” she told him in worry.
“Ah know, it was just a shock.” He takes a few breaths. “Tell me what happened.”
“I was getting more nails for me and the other Crusaders so we can continue working on the clubhouse, when Granny walked in and…” Kipo paused, wondering if she should tell Big Mac that his Granny tried to kill her but Big Mac already knew what happened next from her silence.
Big Mac sighed. “She tried ta hurt ya didn’t she?”
Kipo slowly nodded, “But b-before she did, her back broke so I quickly brought her to the hospital.”
“Damn it Granny.” Big Mac cursed under his breath. “You did the right thing Kipo, Ah am sorry she is like this.”
“It’s ok, Big Mac.” Kipo said with a small smile. “I’m more worried about Granny and if she’ll recover.” that made Big Mac shake his head with a small smile of his own because even when Granny tried to hurt Kipo the jaguar girl is still worried about her. One of the many charms of Kipo, more worried about others than herself.
“Well, Ah can tell AJ…if she ever takes a break. You and yer friends can go into town and treat yerselves, my treat.” He said and gave her some bits.
“But what about the orchard? Aunt Applejack still needs help.” Kipo said,
“Ya won’t be any help if ya overwork yourselves. Take a break.” He said with a smile.
Kipo hugs Big Mac, making sure not to hurt him as she did. “Thanks Big Mac!”
He chuckles and pats her head. “Not a problem little filly, just keep an eye on both mah sisters till Ah can again ok?”
“Ok!” Kipo said then ran out of the house and towards the clubhouse where the other Crusaders were sitting around. “Hi girls!”
“There you are, where are the nails?” Applebloom asked.
“I couldn’t get them, something…happened.” Kipo said, looking down a bit.
“What happened?” Sweetie Belle asked as she set down the saw she was holding and walked over.
“Um…” Kipo said, wondering if she should tell Applebloom or if she should let Big Mac do it. “Big Mac will tell you.”
“Ok, so what now?” Applebloom asked though she was a bit confused on what it is that Kipo wasn't telling her. “More apple bucking?”
“Actually Big Mac said we can go to town to take a break! He even gave us some bits!” Kipo said as she showed her friends the bits.
“Ooo! Let’s go to BonBon’s shop! She always has the best candy.” Scootaloo said.
“Yeah! Candy!” Kipo said excitedly then the four of them ran off towards Ponyville.
The next day shows Applejack kicking a tree and make the apples fall down into the baskets before kicking another tree and sending more apples falling into the baskets and when she kicks a third tree she stops to catch her breath with small bags under her eyes due to her not sleeping last night. She then starts to nod off a bit before jolting awake with a shake of her head.
Applejack kicks the open air while Twilight watches with Kipo and Applebloom standing next to her. “What on earth is that pony doing?” Twilight asked in confusion and concern just as Applejack kicks the basket, knocking it over and sending the apples inside rolling across the ground.
“Whoops.” Applejck said as she goes to pick them up but walks past them.
“Aunt Applejack has spent all night working on the harvest.” Kipo said in worry.
“We tried ta help but she just shooed us away.” Applebloom said while her ears were pressed against her head.
Twilight frowned before walking over to Applejack. “Hey Applejack!” but Applejack didn’t hear her as she fell asleep while standing up. “Applejack!” Applejack remained asleep. “Applejack!” still nothing, making Twilight frown before teleporting in front of Applejack. “APPLEJACK!!”
“Oh!” Applejack jolted awake from the shout before shaking her head. “H-howdy Twilight, Kipo, and Applebloom.” She then walked past Twilight and towards a tree.
“Applejack, why are you doing Applebucking Season all by yourself?” Twilight asked, having been told what Applebucking Season is.
“Because Big Macintosh hurt himself.” Applejack said as she walked away from the now empty apple tree just before Twilight teleports in front of her.
“What about all those relatives I met when I came to Ponyville?” Twilight asked. “Can’t they help?”
“They all were just here for the Apple Family Reunion.” Applebloom said and Applejack nodded her head.
“Yep, they live all over Equestria and are all busy harvesting their own orchards.” Applejack said as she continued walking while Twilight prepared to teleport again. “So uh, Ah’m on my own.” Then Twilight reappears in front of her once again. “Which means Ah should really get back to work.” Twilight didn’t move. “Ahem, hint hint? Get back to work?”
Twilight rolls her eyes and moves aside. “Fine.”
“Could ya step aside Twilight?” Applejack said, wobbling a little, making both Kipo and Applebloom even more concerned.
“She did Aunt Applejack.” Kipo said and Applejack looked over to her side, seeing Twilight standing there.
“Applejack, you don’t look so good.” Twilight said though it sounded more like an echo to Applejack as she sees more than one Twilight. Applejack then shook her head as she walked to a tree.
“Don’t none of you three worry none, I’m just fine and dandy.” Applejack then attempts to kick the tree but just kicks nothing but air, causing her to stumble backwards. Kipo then walks to her aunt.
“Aunt Applejack, do you…want some help?” Kipo asked her.
“Help?” Applejack then scoffs and shakes her head. “No way! No how!”
“But there’s no way you can do it all on your own sis.” Applebloom said to her and Applejack looked at her.
“Is that a challenge!?” Applejack asked her as she looked down at her.
“U-um, no.” Applebloom said, stepping back a bit.
“Well, Ah’m gonna prove to you and the rest of you that Ah can do it!” Applejack said loudly then walks past Kipo with her nose in the air. “Now if you’ll excuse me! Ah got apples to buck!”
“See? She’s too stubborn!” Kipo said to Twilight.
Twilight sighed and shook her head. “I see that, but I am afraid we can’t do anything until she asks for help.”
“But she won’t ask for help, if anything she’ll attempt to do this all on her own.” Kipo said, “And if we try to reason with her, she’ll just see it as a challenge.”
“I know Kipo, but for now all we can do is keep an eye on her and wait for her to come to her senses.” Twilight said with a sigh.
“And how long will that take? Applejack will work herself to death if she keeps going with no sleep.” Applebloom said, a worried look on her face.
“I don’t know Applebloom…I don’t know.” Twilight said just as worried. However, Kipo just frowned before walking over to a tree full of apples and jumped onto the branch and began shaking the other branches, making the apples fall into the branches.
This however didn't go unnoticed by Applejack as she rushed over to the tree with a angry look on her face. “Hey! Ah told ya, Ah don’t need yer help!” Applejack said as she bucked the tree hard enough to crack it and knock Kipo out of the tree.
Luckily Kipo activates her flight necklace and safely hovers towards the ground but she did pout at Applejack. “Aunt Applejack, you can’t harvest all these apples by yourself! It can’t be done!”
“Yes Ah can! And Ah will prove it!” Applejack yelled before pointing in Kipo’s general direction. “And until Ah do, you ain’t allowed on mah farm!”
“What?! B-but Applejack-” Applebloom tried to reason with her sister but was cut off.
“No buts Applebloom! Until Ah prove it, Kipo is not allowed on the farm!” Applejack said with a stern look.
“You’re such a stubborn mule Aunt Applejack!” Kipo said angrily just as a mule brays next to her, making her and everyone else look at it in surprise. “S-sorry mister.”
“It happens.” He said then walked along.
“Well, uh, anyway, Kipo, off the farm. Now.” Applejack said sternly and Kipo pouts before she crosses her arms while sitting down.
“No!” she said.
“Get off the farm now Kipo.”
“No!”
“Off.”
“No!”
“Off.”
“No!”
“Now.”
“Make me!”
Five seconds later, Applejack had dragged Kipo all the way to the outskirts of the farm. “Dang it, foiled by Earth Pony strength.” Kipo said, still pouting.
Applejack dropped her beyond the fence. “Now you stay out till the harvest is over!”
Kipo just blows a raspberry at Applejack before standing up. “Fine you big meanie!” she then starts to walk away.
Twilight catches up with Kipo. “I am sorry for how Applejack is acting, I am sure she didn’t mean it.”
“It’s fine. But this means I can’t help fix the clubhouse.” Kipo said sadly as she continues walking.
“Clubhouse?” Twilight asked, confused.
“Yeah, I found an old clubhouse while exploring the farm and thought it’d be the perfect place for all us Crusaders to hang out when trying to come up with ways to get our Cutie Marks!” Applebloom said happily. “We’ve been trying to fix it since yesterday.”
“Really? Well…you should have an adult present when working on something like that. Tell you what, how about I'll bring some books on construction and I can use my magic to keep all of you hidden while you work on it, including you Kipo.” Twilight said with a smile.
“Yay! Thanks Ms Twilight!” Kipo and Applebloom said at the same time as they hugged Twilight, who returned the hug with a giggle.
“Sure thing girls, just remember, don’t tell Applejack I did this, at least not till she apologizes for kicking you out.” Twilight said then lightly pushed them. “Go get your friends while I get the books.”
“Ok!” Kipo and Applebloom both said before they ran off towards Ponyville so they can get their friends. Half an hour later, the Crusaders waited for Twilight at the farm but she didn’t show up.
“I thought you said Twilight was coming?” Scootaloo asked Applebloom and Kipo.
“She is but Ah don’t know why she’s taking so long.” Applebloom said before Kipo pointed at a slowly approaching Twilight.
“Look there she is! And she looks pretty mad about something.” Kipo said,
Twilight walks up to the fillies and girl with a frown. “What’s wrong Twilight?” Sweetie Belle asked the purple unicorn.
Twilight sighs and looks at the farm. “Applejack just launched Rainbow Dash past the clouds above Ponyville.”
“What?! Is she ok?!” the four of them asked simultaneously in worry.
“She managed to get control of herself before she crashed but just barely.” Twilight said with a huff.
“Aunt Applejack needs to sleep and stop working if she’s going to end up nearly hurting someone.” Kipo said with a frown, her friends nodding their heads in agreement.
“I agree but there is nothing I can do short of using a sleep spell on her and…well those are very frowned on, if she is mad enough she could call the guards.” Twilight said with a sigh.
“They are? Why? They sound like they can be very useful.” Applebloom said, “Especially for Applejack! You saw her, she was kicking nothing but air earlier!”
“Because, some bad unicorn could use them to put guards asleep and do whatever they want.” Twilight said sadly.
“Oh.” Applebloom said sadly, their chance of getting Applejack to take a break going down the drain. Kipo then pats her back.
“Hey, I’m sure we can find some way to make Aunt Applejack take a break.” Kipo said in reassurance.
“We could just bonk her on the head like in those cartoons.” Scootaloo said with a giggle.
This made the others giggle as well. “She probably won’t like that plus it might hurt her.” Twilight said,
“Aww.” Scootaloo kicked a rock. “Then maybe we can give her something to drink that will make her sleepy.”
“Sleeping medicine might work.” Twilight said.
Scootaloo pumps a hoof in celebration. “Yes! One more good idea for me girls.”
“Aw no fair.” whined Sweetie Belle.
“I think it’s a great idea Scoots! Good job!” praised Kipo, making Scootaloo blush a bit.
“Can we do that now?” Applebloom asked.
“We’ll have to talk to your family about it first, wouldn’t want to do something without their permission.” Twilight said before they started walking into Sweet Apple Acres.
The fillies and Kipo follow her. “What kind of books did you bring?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Oh, just some basic construction and carpentry along with a few others. I figured they would be useful when helping you four build your clubhouse.” Twilight said confidently.
“Really? How can a book help us?” Scootaloo asked with a smirk.
Twilight looked at Scootaloo in shock. “A book can help with a lot of things! And these books will teach you how to repair or build your clubhouse without you four getting hurt!” Twilight said.
“We were doing good on our own.” She said smugly.
Twilight huffs. “I’m sure there is some improvement needed.” Twilight said just as they arrived at the house before Twilight knocked on the door.
There was the sound of wood creaking coming from inside before the door opened showing Big Mac, he smiled and said. “Howdy Twilight, how are ya doin?”
“I am doing good Big Mac, but there is something we would all like to discuss with you.” Twilight said and the four kids nodded their heads. “It's concerning Applejack and her refusal to accept help.”
Big Mac sighs and steps aside. “Ah know, she is as stubborn as a-”
“Don’t say it!” Kipo said, looking around.
“Yeah, you’ll cause a mule to appear.” Twilight said as they all walk inside. “Now, Big Mac, we may have something for Applejack, but we need your permission to do it.”
“What do ya have in mind?” He asked before walking over and laying on the couch.
“Sleeping medicine to put her to sleep, that way she isn’t a danger to herself or to others. She sent Rainbow Dash flying through the air when she tried to help her with a stunt.” Twilight said, making Big Mac sigh and shake his head.
“Dang it AJ…fine but…Ah need ya to find somepony to finish the harvest when ya knock her out. We need the money.” Big Mac said with a sad smile.
“Me and the others can handle that. I’m sure they would love to help out.” Twilight said with a reassuring smile.
“Yeah! There’s also us too!” Applebloom said, gesturing to her and her friends. “With this many ponies and Kipo working on the farm, we’ll get the harvest done in no time!”
Big Mac smiled and chuckled before hissing in pain. “Don’t you fillies want ta finish yer little project before that? We got plenty of adults ta handle the harvest so ya can focus yer energy on that project.”
“It’s ok Big Mac, we’re almost done with it so we can help out finishing the harvest.” Applebloom said.
“Yeah, all that is needed to be fixed is the main clubhouse building, shouldn’t too hard.” Scootaloo said confidently.
“Well, alright but you girls take more breaks then everypony else got it?” Big Mac said sternly.
“Yes sir!” the four of them said with a salute, making Big Mac chuckle.
“Alright, Ah will make a drink for ya to use to put her to sleep, give me a few…five…” He sighed. “Ten minutes.”
“Take as much time as you need Big Mac.” Kipo said with a smile. “But would you like some help?”
“Ah got it, why don’t you show Twilight the clubhouse, oh uh…and miss Twilight could you do me a big favor?” Big Mac asked.
“Sure, what is it?” Twilight asked him.
He leans in close and whispers. “Ah would do it mah self but Ah couldn’t get there before the girls, and Ah am sorry but…could you make sure the girls don't find some old…uh magazines Ah may have left hidden in the clubhouse? They should be in a small false floor in the left corner. And again, Ah am so sorry to ask you this.”
Twilight nods in understanding with a small blush, knowing what kind of magazines he was talking about. “S-sure, I can take care of it. But uh, what would you like me to do with them other than make sure the girls don’t see them?”
He chuckles a bit with a barely noticeable blush thanks to his red fur. “Ya can destroy em if ya want. Ah am a big stallion now and don’t need or want those, especially with Applebloom around.” He whispered back then rubbed his side.
“No problem. I’ll get it done.” Twilight said and Big Mac nodded his thanks.
“Thank ya Twilight and again, sorry ya have to see a…immature part of mah past…Aj may have also left some things too…sorry.” He said sheepishly.
“I-it’s fine Big Mac, e-everypony goes through that p-phase.” Twilight said with a wave of her hoof.
He nods his head then starts walking towards the stairs. “An will try to make the drink as fast as ah can.”
“Alright, we’ll wait here.” Twilight said, then looked around. “Girls? Where’d you go?”
“In here Ms Twilight!” Kipo called out from the kitchen and Twilight walked over to see the three out of four Crusaders packing some food into a basket. “We’re just packing some food for when we decide to take a break from repairing the clubhouse! And Applebloom is loading up the wheelbarrow with tools!”
Twilight smiled. “Alright, would you like some help?”
“Yes please.” Kipo said as she put several drinks into the basket. “That would be much appreciated Ms Twilight!”
Twilight uses her magic to move a few more things into the basket and then lifts it up and puts it on her back. “There we go, all set.”
“Thanks Ms Twilight, I don’t think we could have gotten all the food in before Big Mac came back.” Kipo said with a smile of appreciation.
“No problem Kipo, now show me this clubhouse of yours.” She said and started to leave the house.
Outside she can see Applebloom pushing a wheelbarrow full of different tools. “I’m all set here! Let’s get going y’all!” Applebloom said, everyone nodded and led Twilight to the clubhouse.
“Oh my, you girls did an ok job on the ramp but you will have to rebuild a lot of this.” She said as she walked up the ramp and tapped the door to open it, however the door fell off the door frame and hit the floor then the floor collapsed to the ground.
“Hey we didn’t even get to that yet!” Scootaloo protested.
“Yeah, now we have to build a new door.” Applebloom said with a pout.
“And a new floor.” Sweetie Belle said as she looked under the clubhouse then she saw something colorful but faded. “Huh? What are these?”
“What’s what?” Twilight asked as she looked in the direction Sweetie Belle was looking. She saw the old magazines that Big Mac asked her to hide and Sweetie Belle was heading right for them. Twilight panicked as the very top one was clearly a play colt magazine.
“I wanna see!” Scootaloo said as she zipped over to the magazines but Twilight teleported them to her before using her magic to burn them. “Aww! I didn’t get to see those!”
“S-sorry girls, I saw uh…SPIDER! Yes, a very dangerous spider.” She said with a nervous smile.
“Oh, that makes sense, but I really wanted to know what those magazines were about. They might have contained cool awesome stunts or something!” Scootaloo said excitedly.
Twilight blushed and shook her head. “I don’t think you would like them.” She whispered. Scoots then sees something on the ground near where Twilight burned the magazines, making her sneak over and pick it up.
It was a page of the magazine, a bit burned but she could still perfectly see the mare in a very suggestive pose, which made Scootaloo blush and have new feelings. Her wings even stood stretched out as far as they could. Twilight notices what Scootaloo was looking at and immediately took the page away and stuffed it in her bags. “What were you looking at, Scoots?” Applebloom asked her friend while Twilight made a zipping motion with her hoof which none of the girls except Scootaloo noticed.
“I uh…s-something lame.” She said still embarrassed and confused.
“Oh, ok.” Applebloom said, though she had a sneaking suspicion that whatever it was that Scootaloo saw was anything but lame.
“A-anyway, girls let me check the clubhouse before you start work on it then while you are eating I will take care of Applejack.” Twilight said, letting out a sigh of relief.
“Ok.” three out of four of them said while Scootaloo just mumbled then they left to let Twilight check the clubhouse.
The first thing she did was check for any more hidden items and upon not finding anything she moved on to inspecting the actual clubhouse and it's structural integrity which was not good. At all. “Yeah, they will have to practically rebuild the whole thing.”
She sighs as she steps outside the clubhouse and saw the four Crusaders eating a bit. “So how is it?” Applebloom asked Twilight.
“Well the bad news is you're gonna have to rebuild it from the ground up, good news is the ramp is fine.” Twilight said.
“Yes! I knew we did a good job!” Sweetie Belle said happily.
“So if we have to rebuild the clubhouse, does that mean we’ll have to take it down?” Kipo asked Twilight.
“I am afraid so, but let me do that so you don’t hurt yourselves.” Twilight said with a sigh, then she saw Scootaloo still spaced out.
“But I can take it down easily with Mega Jaguar Paws!” Kipo said while shifting one of her arms into said paws.
“And if you get a splinter?” Twilight asked with a frown. “Or worse, get cut by a rusty nail.”
“Don’t worry, these things are actually pretty durable! Mr Moon had me use them to punch trees to see how strong they are and I didn’t get a single scratch on them!” Kipo said with a grin.
“Still I would rather be safe than sorry, plus your mother would be upset if you got hurt under my watch.”
Kipo pouts as her arm shifts back to normal. “Aw man. Ok.”
“Now you four eat and I will go see if Big Mac has Applejack’s drink ready.” Twilight said before walking away.
“Bye!” the three of them said before they looked at Scootaloo, who was still spacing out.
“Ok, just what the heck was on that magazine?” Applebloom asked in annoyance.
Twilight sighs as she approaches the house, seeing Big Mac waiting there with a cup in his hoof. “Howdy Ms Twilight, I made the drink.” he said to her.
“Thank you Big Mac, I will bring your sister back as soon as I can.” She said and took the cup.
“Please do, I just saw her kicking a couple of dead trees earlier after coming back from helping Pinkie.” Big Mac said.
Twilight sighed. “I will be as fast as I can, try to keep a path clear for me.” She said before trotting off in search of Applejack.
She found her stuck hanging upside down in the air due to her cart falling into an apple basket. Oh, and she was asleep as well. “Applejack, we need to talk.” Twilight said to her while waking up the farm pony.
This made Applejack wake up with a start. “Wha?! Huh?!” Applejack looked around before her eyes fell on Twilight. “Oh, it’s you Twilight.” Applejack then yawns. “Ah know what yer gonna say, but the answer is still no.”
“I actually came here to give you something to drink, I know you can use it right about now.” Twilight said as she levitated the cup in front of Applejack. “But maybe we should put you back on ground level first.”
“Ah am…actually Ah am thirsty, give it here.” She said and held out a hoof, not even noticing that she is upside down.
“Hold on.” Twilight said before she used her magic to put Applejack and her cart back on the ground. “There, wouldn’t want you to choke when you try to drink this.” Twilight then handed the cup to Applejack who drank it all in one gulp. “Wow, you really were thirsty.”
“Thank ya for the drink now Ah really should get back to work.” Applejack started to walk to the next tree. Then she immediately flopped face first into the ground and started snoring.
“Sorry Applejack, but it was for your own good.” Twilight said as she carries Applejack back to the house with her magic. Once there she went inside and saw Big Mac laying on the couch, who looked relieved to see his sister sleeping.
“Thank ya Twilight.” He said with a soft smile.
“It’s no problem Big Mac and once I put her to bed and help the Crusaders with their clubhouse I will get the rest of my friends to help harvest the apples.” Twilight said before walking up the stairs and bringing Applejack into her room and laying her on the bed then walked back downstairs.
“Ya are a really good friend to put up with mah sister’s stubbornness.” Big Mac said with a small smile.
“Yeah, but I can only take so much of it and I don’t care how upset she is with me when she wakes up, she needed to take a break and get some help.” Twilight said with a smile of her own.
“She will understand once she gets some sleep.” he said with a chuckle. “Now go on before them fillies get into trouble…or covered in tree sap…again.”
Twilight giggles and nods before she decided to teleport back to the Crusaders, seeing them just looking up at the sky while laying down. “Hi Ms Twilight!” Kipo said as she waved to Twilight.
“What's going on here?” She asked as she looked down at the fillies.
“Just relaxing for a bit.” Applebloom said as she and the others stood up. “So, did you put Applejack to sleep?”
“Yes, and she is in her bed right now.” She said with a smile. “Now would you girls like to relax a bit more or get to work?”
“I want to finish the clubhouse!” Scootaloo said, wanting to take her mind off of what she saw in that burnt page.
“Same here!” Kipo said next.
“Alright let me just…” Twilight uses her magic to grab the whole clubhouse then pulls it apart, piece by piece. She laid everything out next to them in a neat orderly line. “Do that, ok girls now you can start.”
They nodded and began to rebuild the clubhouse and Twilight was surprised to see that they were doing a good job at it, especially Applebloom. Of course she did correct some mistakes they made here and there but overall she was impressed. Soon the sun was starting to set and they had the clubhouse mostly finished, it just needed a door and paint as well as some furniture inside. “Good job girls.”
“Thanks Ms Twilight! But we couldn’t have done it without yer help!” Applebloom said,
“Don't sell yourself so short, I only corrected a few things. Together you four did an amazing job.” Twilight said with a smile and rubbed their heads. “Now let’s get you all home.”
“Ok.” the first one to be dropped off was Applebloom then they all left Sweet Apple Acres to drop off Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Kipo.
The next day, Twilight and her friends, along with the CMC were busy harvesting the apple trees since Applejack was still asleep. “Geez, that stuff must have been pretty strong if it’s knocked AJ for this long.” Rainbow Dash said as she kicked a tree, knocking the apples down.
“I think she was just that tired.” Twilight said as she moved about ten tree’s worth of apples with her magic.
“Yeah, super tired.” Applebloom said as she kicked a tree a few times.
“Well at least now the poor dear has help before things got out of hoof.” Rarity said as she picked apples with her magic, though she didn’t get as much as Twilight.
“Maybe we can surprise her by finishing before she wakes up!” Sweetie Belle suggested with a smile as she helped her sister.
“Great idea Sweetie Belle!” Kipo said from up in a tree. “I bet she’ll be so happy and relieved that we got all the apples harvested!”
Fluttershy smiled and rubbed Kipo’s head. “That's my girl, I will go get us some drinks.”
“Ok momma!” Kipo said before she began to shake the branches to knock down the apples.
“Wowie, we sure are going through these trees fast.” Pinkie said as she bounces on top of a tree and knocking all the apples down.
“Yep! If we keep this up, we’ll get done with the apple harvest in no time!” Twilight said which made everyone cheer and work a bit faster.
“Hey ladies, lunch time.” Full Moon said as he walked up with a few picnic baskets on his back.
“Food!” Rainbow Dash said as she flew at one of the baskets but Full Moon stepped to the side, letting her fly past him. “Dang it! Almost had it that time!”
“Nice try Dash, but even with your speed my reflexes are faster.” He said with a chuckle as he started setting out the food.
“Just you wait Full Moon, I’ll get you yet!” Rainbow said, causing her friends to laugh a little.
“Sure you will Dash, so far only one mare has been able to catch me.” He smiled as Fluttershy returned then he kissed her cheek.
“Ok, you and me need to have a race Shy, I just got to find out how fast you are.” Rainbow Dash said, really wanting to see just how fast her best friend really is.
“We can have a race someday Rainbow Dash, I’m still looking over a map of Equestria for a suitable route for us to race on so my secret doesn’t get revealed.” Fluttershy said to Rainbow Dash as she carried the drinks over to each of her friends and daughter.
“Momma will make you eat dust.” Kipo said with a giggle.
“Pft, please, I’m the fastest in all of Equestria.” Rainbow Dash said cockily. “I’m sure I can win.”
“Nope!” Kipo said. “But you will get an A for effort.”
“Careful kid, you are cute but no one is faster than I am.” the rainbow maned pegasus said with a proud smile.
“Mama is!” Kipo said and Rainbow Dash smirked before she started to give Kipo a noogie. “Ah! No! Not the noogie!” Everyone laughs as they watch Kipo try to escape Rainbow’s noogie.
“Rainbow, as cute as it is to watch you two play, let Kipo eat.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
Rainbow Dash chuckles. “Ok, but one more!” she then gave Kipo one more noogie. “Come on squirt, let’s go eat!”
“Ok!” Kipo said as she and Rainbow Dash got out of the tree and walked over to the rest of the group just as another was walking towards them.
“H-hey everyone.” They all looked to see a still tired Applejack.
“Applejack!” Applebloom ran over and hugged her. “Are ya feeling more like yerself?”
Applejack smiles and hugs Applebloom. “Yeah, still tired though but Ah wanted to talk with everyone before going back to bed.” Everyone looked at her, though Kipo was hiding behind Fluttershy as she was a bit worried she would get in trouble. “You can come out Kipo, Ah needed to talk to you as well.” Applejack said and Kipo slowly came out form behind Fluttershy while Applejack rubbed the back of her head. “Look.....Ah want to say Ah’m sorry for all the trouble Ah've caused. Ah let my stupid pride get the best of me and it caused a whole heap of trouble.”
“You sure did…am…am I allowed back on the farm?” Kipo asked.
Applejack smiled and nodded her head. “Yeah, Ah shouldn’t have banned you in the first place, you were only trying to help and get me to see reason.”
“Thanks Aunt Applejack!” Kipo said happily as she hugged the farmer who hugged her back. “And I am so sorry about Granny.”
“Hm? What do you mean?” Applejack asked in confusion.
“Big Mac didn’t tell you?” Kipo asked her.
“Tell me what? Did Granny try to hurt you?” Applejack asked, worried.
Kipo nodded her head. “Y-yeah but her back got hurt before she did so I brought her to the hospital.
Applejack's eyes widened. “She what?! Why didn't anypony tell me?”
“Big Mac was supposed to cause I didn’t think I should do it.” Kipo said nervously.
She sighed and rubbed her head. “It’s alright, he was asleep when Ah came down, he didn't get a chance to tell me. If it is alright with you girls, Ah am gonna go see her.”
“Are you sure? You did spend a lot of time working on these trees with no breaks.” Twilight said,
“Ah…Ah have to see her Twi, plus Ah rested enough to make it to the hospital and if Ah collapse there, at least somepony can take care of me.” She said with a sad smile.
Everyone was still worried but respected her wishes. “Alright Applejack, if you say so. Just be careful.” Twilight said with concern in her voice.
“Ah will, and thank ya all for helping me see how stubborn Ah was bein.” Applejack said then she started walking down the path to Ponyville. Applejack sighed as she walked. She was angry at Granny for trying to hurt Kipo and she knew the reason why too. “Damn granny, just because she’s different doesn’t mean Kipo needs to die.” Applejack said to herself.
After a half an hour of walking, she soon arrived at the hospital and walked up to the front desk. “Hi, my name is Applejack and Ah’m here to see my granny who was brought in here not that long ago.” she said to the secretary.
“Ah yes, she is in room 202, be careful she is quite upset.” The nurse said before ending in a whisper.
Applejack nodded in thanks and went off to search for room 202. Once she found it she walked in and saw Granny Smith laying on the bed, an angry look on her face. “Granny.” Applejack said simply.
Granny looked over at Applejack and sighed. “Praise Celestia, tell these quacks Ah am fine!”
“No you ain’t Granny, you’re here for a reason and that is your back breaking. If it weren’t for Kipo, you’d be a lot worse situation than now.” Applejack said and Granny scoffs.
“Ah would have been fine! Ah don’t need some beast takin care of me.” Granny said while crossing her hooves.
“Don’t you talk that way about Kipo. She’s a good girl and Ah hate the way you keep labeling her as some sort of monster.” Applejack said with narrowed eyes.
“Because she is! She ain’t a Celestia blessed species, so she must be a Nightmare damned one!” Granny said with a huff.
“Does it matter what species she is or who blessed her? She’s just like the rest of us! Someone who is trying to live a nice life!” Applejack said, stomping her hoof. “And Ah don’t understand how or why you and the rest of those damned cultists think otherwise!”
“Applejack! We are not cultists! We are devout followers of Celestia! And you should be too.” Granny said before she huffs. “Maybe it ain’t too late for that Twilight filly.”
“Twilight did believe that monster ponies were bad but she saw that they are good. And I refuse to become like those monsters.” Applejack said.
Granny frowned for a moment before she smiled. “Oh good, Ah was worried that beast made you lose your way. As soon as Ah am back on my hooves Ah will start her trainin.”
“Ah'm not talking about monster ponies, Ah’m talking about the cultists Granny.” Applejack said, making Granny glare at her. “Vamponies, wereponies, all of them, they are just like us! And Ah won’t let myself be like you or your fellow cultists.”
Granny looked away from Applejack. “Then ah guess ah don’t know you anymore.”
“The same can be said about you.” Applejack said then turned away. “Ah had hoped Kipo getting you here when you needed help would do something to change yer mind, guess Ah was wrong.” She then left and Granny looked down at her necklace and frowned.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Everyone in Ponyville went about their day like any other, enjoying the peace and quiet of the small town that was home to the Bearers of Harmony. “Cutie Mark Crusaders! High Speed Racers!!” well, that was until three familiar voices cried out in unison as the Crusaders sped down a hill, each one riding a makeshift go-cart.
“Girls wait up!!” Kipo called out as she chased after them with her enhanced speed.
“Keep up slowpoke!” Applebloom said as she made a turn.
“Yeah! I thought you had super speed, Kipo!” Scootaloo said before jumping off a small hill and landing, getting a bit more speed.
“I do but I don’t like going too fast!” Kipo said back as sweat dripped off her brow.
Sweetie Belle slowed down a little bit by lightly pulling on the brake. “You could ride with me, if you want.”
“Yes please!” Kipo shouted as she hopped into the cart, practically gasping for air. “I’m never running that fast again!”
Sweetie Belle giggled and leaned forward as her cart started to catch up with the others. “Well, with your added weight my cart is a bit faster!”
“You calling me fat?” Kipo asked the filly.
“What?! No! I am just saying the cart has more weight on it now so gravity is pulling it faster.” Sweetie Belle quickly explained to avoid making her friend think she insulted her.
“I’m just messing with you Sweetie Belle!” Kipo said with a giggle, making the filly huff while pouting.
“Not funny, I thought I really upset y-” Their cart hit a rock and both of them were launched out of the cart as it came to a sudden stop.
Kipo’s instincts kicked in as she grabbed Sweetie Belle before flipping and landing on her feet, kicking up dust and dirt as she did. “You ok?” she asked her friend who was silent and wide eyed.
“That…was…amazing! Let’s do it again!”
“Yeah, you’re ok.” Kipo said, giggling a bit as she put her down.
Sweetie Belle laughed before she noticed Scootaloo and Applebloom had left them behind. “Aww.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure we can catch up with them.” Kipo reassured before looking at the go-cart and winced when she saw the front end completely destroyed. “Uh oh, that’s not good.”
“I don’t think the stallion who rented us the go-carts is gonna be happy about this.” Sweetie Belle said and Kipo nodded in agreement.
“M-maybe we can fix it?” Kipo suggested.
“What are we gonna do?” Sweetie Belle said with fear.
“U-um, maybe Mr. Moon will know what to do?” Kipo suggested,growing afraid as well.
“We have to hurry!” Sweetie tried to use her magic to lift the cart but she could only lift the pieces. Kipo nodded before she summoned her Mega Paws and picked up the cart just as their friends drove towards them.
“What’s going on?” Scootaloo asked before she noticed the state of Sweetie Belle's cart. “What happened to your cart?!”
“We crashed into a rock but we’re fine. Wish we can say the same about the cart.” Sweetie Belle said as she casted a worried glance at the cart.
“Oh man, this is bad, you are in so much trouble.” Scootaloo said as she and Applebloom followed them.
“We know!” both Sweetie Belle and Kipo exclaimed in unison as they rushed towards Kipo’s home.
“Hopefully Mr. Moon might be able to help us!” Kipo said.
“Want us to help or try to distract the guy we rented this from?” Applebloom asked.
“Just help us get this to my home!” Kipo said as they continued running.
“Load it on ma cart.” Applebloom said as she stopped.
“Will it even fit?” Scootaloo asked as KIpo tried putting the damaged cart on Applebloom’s.
“Who cares!? We need to get this thing fix or we’re all in big trouble!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
Applebloom started moving the cart and much to everyone’s relief, the cart was actually moving forwards but at a slow pace. “It’s workin’!” With a new mode of transportation for the damaged cart, the four of them rushed towards the cottage with Sweetie Belle getting in Scootaloo's cart while Kipo was stuck with running alongside them. Soon enough, they managed to get the cart and pieces to Fluttershy’s home and Sweetie jumped out Scootaloo’s cart and bangs on the door.
“Mister Moon! Please be here!” she yelled as she continued to bang on the door before someone opened it, causing the filly’s hooves to beat against their chest.
“Oof!” they heard someone grunt before they looked up at who opened the door and saw that it was Full Moon who answered. “What’s going on? Why were you banging on the door like a crazed foal?”
“We need your help badly!” Sweetie Belle said with panic clear in her voice. “We broke a cart we rented!”
“You what?!” Full Moon exclaimed as his eyes widened and he looked towards said cart and winced, seeing how badly damaged it was. “Oh bu-butterfingers!” he said, quickly changing what he was originally going to say.
“C-can you fix it?” Kipo asked with a hopeful and pleading expression.
“Please say you can!” Sweetie Belle said as Applebloom and Scootaloo joined them in using their cute eyes on Full Moon.
“Well…” he then sighed. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you!” The four of them hugged Full Moon, all of them both relieved and happy that they won’t get in trouble.
“You’re welcome but you’ll have to tell the one who rented it to you that it got damaged. It’s not good to keep this a secret from the owner.” Full Moon told them.
Sweetie Belle whined. “B-but I will get in trouble!”
“It’s best to get in trouble now rather than later if the problem grows into something even worse. Even if I do fix this, I might have done it wrong and if anyone tries riding it they might get hurt should the cart break again.” Full Moon told them and they all looked down, knowing that he was right.
“O-ok, we’ll tell the owner what happened.” Kipo said, her ears drooping while Sweetie Belle nodded her head in agreement.
“W-will you come with us when we tell him?” Sweetie Belle asked him and the werepony nodded his head.
“I will.” he said with a small smile which cheered up Sweetie Belle a bit before he walked over to the cart. “Now, let’s see what we’re working with here.”
The foals gather around the cart. “Wow…looking at it when we aren’t in a rush…it's trashed.” Scootaloo said.
“Y-yeah.” Sweetie Belle said as she began to grow worried at how mad the owner would be once he hears how she had damaged the cart. Kipo, sensing the growing worry in Sweetie Belle, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder followed by a reassuring smile.
“Hey, I’m sure Mr. Moon can fix it. A-at least he’ll fix it as best he can.” she told her friend.
“Y-yeah…I will do my best.” Full Moon said as he rubbed the back of his head. “Um…Kipo mind getting me Fluttershy’s tools?”
Kipo nodded her head before running off to get said items from the storage shed next to the cottage. “Scootaloo, do me a favor and go into town and find Fluttershy, Applebloom could you find Applejack?” Full Moon said as he checked the cart.
“Uh yeah/on it.” both fillies said at the same time before they got into their own go carts and sped off.
“Am I gonna get grounded?” Sweetie Belle asked as she looked down in sadness.
Full Moon looked at her before sighing. “I think you should ask your parents that question.”
She whined and lowered her head. “They are busy, Rarity is watching me. She is going to ground me!”
“Hey, I’m sure it was an accident and she might think the same thing.” Full Moon reassured while patting her back. “I think the more important thing she’ll think about is if you are ok.”
“I guess so but I am scared she will ground me.” She said and lowered her head as Kipo came back holding the tool box.
“I got the tools.” Kipo said as she placed the box next to the broken cart.
“Thank you Kipo.” Full Moon opened the tool box and started to work on the cart. He took note that it wasn’t powered by anything but simple pedal so that made him a bit relieved as he didn’t want to fix some sort of power source for the cart should it have been damaged from the crash.
“Hmm, I think we need paint and new wood.” He said as he finished looking over the parts that are mostly intact.
“Is that it?” Sweetie Belle asked as Kipo ran off to get said items.
“Maybe, I am not a carpenter. Best I can do is jerry rig it back together.” Full Moon said with a shrug.
“Ok but w-was there anything else broken?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Well…” He lifted the cart and looked under it. “I think it is fine but probably not a good idea to keep renting this.”
“That means it is no longer usable, is it?” Sweetie Belle fearfully asked, dreading the answer.
“Sadly, that seems to be the case.” He pointed at a crack going from the break to the bumper of the cart. “This will make it break again in no time.”
“Oh…” Sweetie Belle said, her ears folding back as she thought how much trouble she was in.
“Don’t worry, I am sure you won’t get in too much trouble.” He said as he started to fix the cart the best he could.
Soon Applebloom and Applejack came running up to the group. “Dang, Bloom told me what happened, but seein’ it in pony is different. Are ya hurt Sweetie?”
“N-no.” Sweetie Belle said while Kipo returned with a paint bucket and some wood. “I’m fine. Kipo managed to catch me before I could fall.”
“Ya were lucky.” Applejack said before she looked at Full Moon. “Ah am guessin’ you want ma help fixin’ this cart?”
“Pretty much.” Full Moon said with a nod.
“Ah will do ma best.” Applejack said as she joined in helping him fix the cart.
“Thanks.” Full Moon said as the three girls watched the two adults work.
“Think they’ll fix it?” Kipo asked her friends.
“I hope so.” Sweetie said as she sat next to Kipo. They heard flapping and looking up and saw Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo coming.
“Yo, what’s going on?” Rainbow Dash asked them once they were close enough.
“Sweetie accidentally broke the cart we rented.” Applebloom said.
“Really? Dang, you ok Sweetie Belle?” Rainbow Dash asked the filly who nodded.
“Yeah, Kipo saved me but now I am gonna get in trouble.” She said with a whine before Kipo hugged her to make her feel better.
“How come?” Rainbow Dash asked and Full Moon answered her.
“Because even with Applejack’s help I don’t think we can fully fix this and will have to tell the rental pony.” He said as he held the cart for Applejack.
“Yep, this thing is not gonna be used ever again.” Applejack said.
“Dang.” Rainbow Dash said.
Kipo patted Sweetie’s back. “I am sure if we tell them it was an accident they won't be upset.”
“Hold up…” Applejack said before leaning closer and scrapping a hoof at the crack. “This crack isn’t new.”
“It is?” everyone asked at the same time in surprise.
“Yeah, there is evidence this crack has been here for a while.” Applejack said as she sat back.
“Let me see.” Full Moon said as he looked at the crack. Inside the crack there was clear evidence that it was dried out more than a fresh crack should have, there was also a tuft of silver fur stuck inside. “What in the world? How did I miss this?”
“S-so I’m not gonna get in trouble?” Sweetie Belle asked hopefully.
“There is a chance but something isn’t adding up.” Applejack said before she narrowed her eyes. “Scoots, Bloom, bring your carts here.”
“Um, ok?” Scootaloo said before she and Applebloom pushed their carts over to Full Moon.
He and Applejack checked the carts before both quietly cursed. “This is damaged.” Full Moon said.
“This one too, that no good pony put y’all in danger!” Applejack said as she stomped a hoof.
“What?!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily. “Oh when I get my hooves on him!!”
“We can take you all to his shop.” Sweetie Belle said, relieved she most likely won’t get in trouble now but was also upset that even if she didn’t run into that rock, she still could have gotten hurt either way.
“Please do. We need to have a few words with the owner.” Applejack said and the four led them back to the shop. They had also brought the damaged cart too just in case. Eventually, they reached the go-cart store.
“This is the place.” Kipo said.
“Good, girls stay here.” Full Moon said as he walked inside with the two mares following him. They looked around for the owner before spotting a lone stallion behind a counter. The stallion had silver fur with a golden mane and tail and his Cutie Mark was that of a bag of silver bits.
He looked at the three ponies and smiled. “Hello, can I help you with anything?” he asked them as they walked up to the counter.
“Buck yeah you can!” Rainbow Dash yelled before Full Moon put a hoof on her shoulder.
“Rainbow, let me handle this.” Full Moon said while the stallion looked surprised by Rainbow Dash’s outburst.
Rainbow huffed and stood next to Applejack as both mares glared at the stallion behind the counter. “Fine.”
“U-uh, is something the matter?” the stallion nervously asked them.
“Yes there is…sir…” Full Moon said as he did his best to stay calm and he walked up to the counter. “Do you mind telling me why you rented damaged carts to three fillies?”
The stallion's eyes widened while his pupils shrunk before he gulped nervously. “I-I have no idea what you a-are talking about. All of my products a-are top of the line.”
Full Moon took a moment to breathe a few times. “Applejack, could you please bring the carts here?”
Applejack just nodded and went outside and returned a few minutes later with all three carts before she put them in front of the stallion before pointing at the crack she had found. “Does this look like a top of the line product to you?” she asked the stallion.
The stallion cleared his throat and looked away a bit. “When I rented those carts they were in perfect working order.”
“Don’t pull that bull on us. These carts had damage on them that was way too old to have been damaged today.” Full Moon said angrily and the stallion gulped again. “So you’re gonna tell us why you nearly had three fillies hurt themselves on these things right now.”
The stallion looked down and frowned. “All sales are final.”
Full Moon growls and the stallion flinched from how bestial it sounded. Full Moon stopped and turned. “Then we’re going to the guard about this and make sure you don’t put lives in danger.”
That seemed to change the stallion's attitude completely as he paled. “W-wait!! Please don’t! I-I’ll refund you just please don’t tell the guard! I need this shop!”
“Why would you put them in danger in the first place!?” Rainbow shouted as she got close to the stallion.
“P-please! I’m sorry but I had t-to avoid getting them fixed to save b-bits! My family needs the bits!” The stallion said, recoiling back from the angry rainbow maned pegasus. “I-I’m sorry if anyone got h-hurt but please don’t tell the g-guard!”
“If you need the bits then just rent out the safe carts!” Rainbow Dash shouted angrily.
“T-there’s not enough of them! And getting them f-fixed would have costed too much! And I don’t want my family to suffer because of it!” the stallion shouted before he broke down crying. “B-but now I’m making others suffer…”
The mares start to calm down. “What are ya talkin about?” Applejack asked him.
The stallion continues to sob but answers Applejack’s question. “M-my family…we’re close to broke a-and my wife is sick, very s-sick. I’m doing everything I can t-to keep us from being homeless. E-even putting others in danger with broken c-carts.”
Kipo had been listening from outside but she poked her head in. “Wh-what if I help out? Maybe I could fix the carts and help you make more money.”
“Pup, you know nothing about fixing go-karts or the like. This is something for someone with more experience in building and repairing stuff.” Full Moon said.
Kipo lowered her head. “But he needs help.”
Full Moon sighs. “I know pup, which is why I’m going to offer to repair things for him.”
“Really/what!?” Kipo, Applejack, Rainbow, and the stallion asked.
“Yeah, I can understand why he did it, just didn’t like how he did it.” Full Moon said, sighing again before he narrowed his eyes at the stallion. “But I’m not doing it for free. As soon as you get enough bits, you’ll be paying me for the repairs and such.”
“Y-yes sir, thank you!” thanked the stallion, now smiling in both relief and joy.
“Now you won’t have to rent out broken carts.” Kipo said, glad things turned out ok even if they did start badly.
Applejack sighed and scratched her head. “Ah guess Ah am ok with this, but if ma sister or any other foal gets hurt because of this stallion Ah am going right to the guard.”
“T-that is fair. To be honest I-I’m quite ashamed of myself for c-chosing the easy way out.” the stallion said, his ears folding back as he gained a guilty look on his face.
“You are gonna have me keeping an eye on you pal!” Rainbow said, still upset.
“Aunt Rainbow, please calm down.” Kipo said to her aunt, making the pegasus look at Kipo. “He said he was upset about what he did.”
Rainbow sighed and turned away. “Fine, I need to fly.” She then flew out the door, leaving a rainbow trail behind as she did.
Full Moon sighed before looking at the four kids and only mare in the room. “Applejack, can you take Sweetie Belle to explain what had happened? I feel like Rarity should know about this.”
“Sure, ya gonna be ok partner?” She asked.
“Yeah, I just need to discuss some things with….” Full Moon paused, realizing he doesn’t know the name of the stallion.
“S-Silver Bags.” Silver Bag said.
“Right, Silver Bags. I’ll just be discussing some things. That’s all.” Full Moon said and Applejack just looked at him for a few seconds before sighing and nodding.
“Come on y’all, let’s go.” Applejack said as she left the store while ushering the little ones out of the building, leaving Full Moon alone with Silver Bags.
“Alright Sweetie, let’s go and talk to Rarity.” Applejack told the alabaster filly.
“What about us?” Applebloom asked her sister.
“I said let’s go to all of ya.” Applejack said with a smile.
“Oh, ok sis.” Applebloom said and the group made their way to Rarity’s boutique where upon arriving, Applejack knocked on the door and after a few seconds of waiting, Rarity opened the door.
“Applejack, what a delight to see you darling.” She said with a smile and stepped aside to let them in.
“Likewise Rarity. Though Ah wish Ah can see the reason why Ah’m here is a delight.” Applejack said as she and the Crusaders entered the boutique.
Rarity sighed a bit. “What did Sweetie Belle do?”
“She didn’t do anything but be a victim of a stallion's attempt of trying to save bits.” Applejack said before she began to tell Rarity about what had happened, at least from what Applebloom told her that is. Once she was done explaining, Rarity’s eyes were narrowed.
“That no good scoundrel and cheapskate!” Rarity said with a stomp.
“Yeah, Ah’m pretty ticked too. But he did it to support his family so Ah can’t really get upset at him for that.” Applejack said with a shake of her head.
Rarity growled a bit and paced back and forth. “Oh I can not stand ponies that do cheap work to save bits.”
“But aunt Rarity, he was trying to help his family. Sure it may have been wrong but wouldn't you have done the same to help your family?” Kipo asked the clearly upset mare, making her stop pacing.
Rarity sighed and shook her head. “No I wouldn’t have, I would have looked for another way.”
“And if there wasn’t?” Sweetie Belle asked.
Rarity frowned and looked away. “I would find a way that didn’t risk others.” She looked back at them. “There always has to be a way.”
“Not all the time.” Scootaloo said.
“Yeah aunt Rarity, you can’t always find a way of not hurting somepony without hurting yourself.” Kipo said with a sad frown. Rarity looked at them before sighing.
“Let’s change the topic. So Full Moon is going to be working for that stallion?” Rarity asked Applejack.
“That's right, he is probably gonna make sure this doesn’t happen again.” Applejack said as she fixed her hat.
“Well that’s good. The dear has been looking for a job for a while so I’m glad he’s found one that not only ends his search but also make sure ponies don’t get hurt.” Rarity said.
“Ah agree, it was gettin so bad Ah was thinkin of giving him a job myself.” Applejack said while shaking her head.
“You mean on the farm? But wouldn’t Granny refuse and say everything must be done by Apples?” Rarity asked.
“Probably but he could work the stand.” Applejack said before lowering her head. “If he would even work for us after what Granny did.”
“Oh yes.” Rarity said, wincing as she remembered what Granny had done to his family.
“Rarity, can we go play?” Sweetie Belle asked her, distracting Rarity from an obviously touchy subject.
“Yes yes, go have fun, just stay safe.” Rarity said, too distracted to pay attention.
“We will Rarity!” Applebloom said before the four Crusaders ran out of the boutique.
“What do you girls want to do now?” Kipo asked them as they ran away from the boutique.
“I don’t know. I’m a bit out of ideas.” Scootaloo said.
“How about we fix up the club house some more?” Sweetie Belle suggested.
“But I thought it was good enough?” Kipo asked with a confused look on her face.
“We could always make it better.” Sweetie said with a smile.
“Ah agree, but if not we could always just hang out there.” Applebloom said.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea. It’s been a while since we just relaxed instead of going on Cutie Mark hunting adventures.” Scootaloo said and everyone nodded in agreement.
“Hey, maybe we can get some snacks and comics too?” Kipo suggested.
“Good idea Kipo!” Applebloom said as the group headed to a sweet shop called Bon Bon’s Sweets.
“I hope we have enough bits for both.” Kipo wondered as they ran.
“I got my allowance this morning.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile as they headed inside the store.
“That’s great! Ah also got some bits that should help buy both sweets and comics!” Applebloom said as she showed them her bit pouch and Kipo couldn’t help but stare at it.
“You know, I’m wondering something.” Kipo said.
“What?” Applebloom asked while tilting her head while grabbing some candy.
“Just where exactly do you keep your bit pouches? One minute you don’t have them on you, and the next you suddenly pull them seemingly out of thin air.” Kipo said.
The fillies looked at each other before pulling on a pouch near their flanks hidden by their fur. “We have pockets.” Scootaloo said.
Kipo was surprised to see them. “Wait, ponies have built in pockets!? That’s so cool! Yet, I’m wondering why I never saw them before.”
“You probably just weren’t paying attention.” Sweetie Belle said as they got some more candy.
“Probably.” Kipo said as they walked up to the counter where Bon Bon was waiting.
“Hello girls.” She smiled. “Did you find everything?”
“Yes Ms Bon Bon. We did.” Applebloom said as they placed their desired sweets on the counter.
Bon Bon counted everything up before she smiled. “That will be fifteen bits.”
“Oh hey, that’s not a lot.” Applebloom said as she and everyone else paid for everything together which left them with enough for other things.
“This is great! We might have enough for comics!” Scootaloo said excitedly.
“Yeah, let’s go to the shop across the street.” Sweetie Belle said before they bumped into someone and when they looked up they saw-
“Princess Luna?” Kipo questioned upon seeing the lunar alicorn who looked shocked and nervous upon hearing Kipo say her name.
“What are you talking about Kipo? This mare doesn’t look anything like Princess Luna.” Scootaloo said, confused on why her friend would say the mare in front of them was princess Luna. The mare was a unicorn with a white coat and pink mane and tail with a smiling sun adorning her flanks.
“E-er, yes! We-I am not princess Luna! I a-am Sunny Smiles!” Luna said with a nervous grin while Kipo gave her a confused look.
“Um, but you look like princess Luna.” Kipo said.
“Are you ok Kipo? Did you hit your head or something?” Sweetie Belle asked her friend as she tried to look Kipo’s head over.
“I’m fine Sweetie Belle but you girls really don’t see princess Luna? She’s standing right in front of us.” Kipo said, gesturing to Luna.
“No, we just see a regular pony.” Scootaloo said.
“Maybe we should bring ya to Fluttershy’s. You might be seeing things.” Applebloom said, now joining Sweetie Belle in checking Kipo’s head for any bumps.
“I am not, I see princess Luna in front of us with a strange glow around her.” Kipo said as she stomped her foot while pouting. While this was happening, Luna was looking at Kipo in surprise and confusion, but then had a thought and decided to try something.
“U-um, tell me, young, uh, filly. What do I look like?” she asked Kipo who tilted her head in confused, her friends equally confused.
“Like princess Luna, dark blue fur with a light mane and tail and a crescent moon for a Cutie Mark. Although you have a weird glow around you for some reason. Is that normal princess Luna?” Kipo asked the alicorn who just sighed and decided to come clean lest she risk future problems from arising because of Kipo’s strange ability to see right through her disguise.
“I am princess Luna, I am wearing a magical disguise. Please don’t call me Luna in public.” She said with a small sigh. “It was my sister's idea.”
The three fillies were wide eyed in surprise while Kipo smirked at them. “Told ya I wasn’t seeing things! But wait, why are in disguise Ms Lu-I mean, Ms Smiles?”
“Because we..I was attacked in our castle. I wanted to learn more about the modern age but my sister said I should hide who I am so I am not attacked again and so those around me won’t act differently.” Luna said while sighing.
“Wait, if you are in disguise, how is that Kipo is able to see right through it?” Scootaloo questioned and they all looked at Kipo who just stared back at them.
“What? I don’t know the answer.” Kipo said with a shrug.
“I must admit it is a bit concerning.” Luna said with a sigh, deciding to investigate it later. “What are you fillies up to?”
“We are about to head to the comic book shop and then to our clubhouse.” Scootaloo said, pointing at said shop.
“I see…” Luna looked before she smiled weakly. “Would you four like to join me in my temporary home?”
“Really? Is that ok?” Scootaloo asked.
“We don’t want to take up some of your time.” Kipo shyly said, fidgeting a little.
“We would…I would enjoy making some friends.” Luna said with a nervous smile.
The Crusaders noticed the excited grin that was forming on Kipo’s face. “I think being friends is a great idea Ms Smiles!”
Luna smiled softly. “Then go ahead and get whatever you want from that store and we can go to my home.”
The Crusaders just rolled their eyes but still smiled at their friends' typical behavior at wanting to make friends. “Alright, then let’s get going.” Scootaloo said and they all proceeded towards the comic shop.
Luna smiled as she watched them go. “New friends.” She said softly to herself.
“Come on Ms Smiles! I want to show you what kind of comics there are!” Kipo called out to her, snapping her out of her thoughts.
“Oh!” She chuckled and followed the fillies. Once inside, Luna was a bit amazed at the sight of the many comic books that line the shelves of the shop. This shop alone could rival Canterlots royal library.
“Pretty cool huh?” Kipo asked her after seeing her amazed look.
“Indeed, there are so many.” Luna said as she looked around in awe. “What are they about?”
“A lot of things! From superheroes, knights and wizards, to even mystery and romance!” Kipo said before grabbing a comic and showing it to Luna. “This one is called Power Ponies, it’s pretty famous all over Equestria. At least, that’s what I heard.”
“Fascinating.” Luna said before she smiled. “I shall get one of each!”
The Crusaders all giggled before Scootaloo asked her, “You sure you can afford them all?”
“Of course I can.” Luna said with a smile and pulled out a platinum bit.
“Oooh.” the Crusaders said in unison as they stared at the bit.
“That’s much better looking than a regular bit.” Sweetie Belle said, already imagining Rarity being stunned by its beauty before trying to use it for a dress or something.
“What is it?” Kipo asked.
“It is a platinum bit, it is worth a thousand normal bits.” Luna said proudly.
The girls jaws dropped upon hearing that. “A-” Sweetie Belle began.
“-thousand-” Scootaloo continued.
“-bits-” Applebloom said next.
“For just one?!” Kipo finished.
Luna’s smile slowly faded. “Is…is that too much?”
“Are you kidding?! That’s enough to buy the entire shop!” Scootaloo said before gasping. “You should totally do that!! Then we can have all the comics we want!!”
“But Scoots, that wouldn’t be fair to others who want to read them.” Kipo told her overly excited friend.
“I agree with young Kipo, I do not wish to take the enjoyment of the comics from other foals.” Luna said with a sigh.
“Aw man.” Scootaloo said, lightly kicking the ground, disheartened that nobody would agree to her idea. Upon seeing this, Kipo hugged her friend, making the filly gain a faint pink tint on her cheeks.
“Aw it’s okay Scoots. I thought the idea was cool.” she said in hopes of cheering her up.
“Th-thanks Kipo.” Scootaloo said shyly.
“I will see if the owner can break my platinum bit.” Luna said before walking off towards the front counter where a mare was waiting.
“Hello, is there anything I can help you with?” she asked Luna in the typical employee tone of voice.
Luna cleared her throat and looked around before asking. “Um…do you think you could break this for me?” Luna showed her the platinum bit.
The mare looked at the bit in confusion. “‘I’m sorry but what is that? A new type of bit?”
“Y-you haven’t seen one before? This is a platinum bit, they are common in Canterlot.” Luna said, surprised that the mare doesnt know what it is.
“Oh! That must be it then, we don’t get royals don’t here in this little town so a platinum bit is pretty rare. Nonexistent in comic shops cause, let’s be honest, what royal would spend their bits in something ‘childish and a waste of time’.” the mare said in the best posh accent she could pull off before giggling. “Sorry, couldn’t help myself.”
Luna giggled a little. “Yes I could see that, but sadly this is all I have, it is worth a thousand bits. Can you break it? I do plan on buying one of everything.”
“Well, I’m sorry but I don’t have that many bits.” the mare said.
“I see…does Ponyville have a bank?” Luna asked with a sheepish smile.
“Of course, it wouldn't be a decent town without one.” she said before grabbing a paper and pen. “Here, you’re obviously new around here so I’ll write the address and directions to the bank.”
“Thank you ma’am, could you also help those fillies? I will pay for what they want once I return.” Luna said with a smile.
The mare nodded her head. “Of course, though I should warn you, they might get a lot. Those four are regulars here.”
Luna smiled a bit. “Then um… limit them to two hundred bits please.”
The mare giggles and nods. “Will do my best ma’am.”
“Thank you.” Luna then left the store to find the bank, passing familiar two fillies, one pink and the other gray.
“I’m telling you, those blank flanks and that freak came this way.” the pink filly said as she looked around for their targets.
“Look, there they are.” The gray fillies said while pointing at Kipo and her friends. “And that weirdo is with them.”
The pink filly glares at Kipo before placing a hoof right on her cheek where three scars were. “I swear, she is so going to pay for what she did to me all those years ago.”
The gray filly lifted a hoof. “D-do you want me to go get your mom Diamond?”
Diamond Tiara frowned before shaking her head. “No, she won’t be able to do anything without the guard getting involved.”
“Then what should we do?” The gray filly asked.
“I don’t know SIlver Spoon, but I just know she’s going to pay for ruining my face. I swear it.” Diamond Tiara said, glaring daggers at Kipo who was unaware of the filly outside the shop.
“Oh! How about we trip her or something to make her knock something over to get her in trouble?” Silver Spoon suggested.
“No, we need something bigger, something that would guarantee that she’ll get in trouble other than a stupid leg trip.” Diamond Tiara said.
Silver Spoon lowered her head. “Oh, um…I don’t have any ideas.”
Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes. “Typical. It’s always me who has to come up with the plans.” shooting Kipo one last glare, she turned and began walking away.
“W-wait I thought you wanted a new comic.” Silver said as she followed the bossy filly who turned and shushed her.
“Shut up! Do you want all of Ponyville to know!?!” Diamond Tiara whispered angrily to her friend.
Silver flinched and lowered her head. “W-would it be that bad? Everypony likes comics.”
“Not ponies of our stature. Every foal at school would laugh at me! I have a reputation to uphold you know.” Diamond Tiara said.
Silver Spoon looked confused before pointing at a shelf. “But I wanted the newest Wonder Mare comic.”
Diamond Tiara groans while facepalming. “Make it quick.”
“Thank you!” Silver Spoon then quickly ran inside to buy the comic but it didn’t go unnoticed as Scootaloo saw her running to a shelf that contained the Wonder Mare comics, making her raise an eyebrow.
Silver Spoon got the comic and paid for it before coming back to Diamond Tiara. “I got it.”
“Good now let’s go before those Blank Flanks and freak notice us.” Diamond Tiara said and the two walked away from the shop.
“Ok.” The two fillies left but Diamond Tiara ran into Luna as she came back.
“Oh, terribly sorry about that. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” Luna said to the two.
“Out of our way!” Diamond Tiara said as she moved around Luna who was a bit shocked at her outburst.
“S-sorry.” She said as she stepped aside for the tiara wearing filly.
“Sorry ma’am.” Silver Spoon said quietly before rushing after her friend.
Scootaloo came up to Luna after following Silver Spoon out of the store. “Are you ok?”
“Yes, I was just a bit surprised.” Luna said, looking in the direction the two filly’s went.
“Yeah I bet, that was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, two bullies from our school.” Scootaloo said with a frown.
“Oh, I see. I take it you often have interactions with them?” She asked the filly.
“Yeah, they bully us for not having our Cutie Marks yet.” Scootaloo said before moving back into the store with Luna following her, a shocked look on her face.
“What?! They bully you for not having your Marks yet?! But that is a ridiculous reason to bully someone!” Luna said, not understanding how bullying someone over a Cutie Mark would make sense.
“I know right? She thinks she is better than us because she has her Cutie Mark and we don’t.” Scootaloo said with a frown as they walked over to the others.
“But what about Kipo? I don’t know much about her but I don’t think she would be able to gain a Cutie Mark. Does she pick on her?” Luna asked Scootaloo who only grew more angry as she remembered the time Diamond Tiara picked on her.
“She did…but after Kipo accidently cut her face with her claws we haven’t seen her for a while.” Scootaloo said before closing her eyes and sighing. “I am sorry you had to meet her.”
“It is alright young one.” Luna said, though she did want to ask about Kipo cutting the filly’s face but decided against it and chose to make a mental note about it to tell her sister later.
“What’s alright?” Applebloom asked them, having heard most of their conversation.
“You ok Scoots?” Kipo asked the orange filly.
“It’s nothing, let’s get the comics we wanted.” Scootaloo said after shaking her head.
Kipo still stared at her but nodded her head. “Ok.” She and the others then picked up their respective stacks of comics they had collected while Luna was out. The stacks weren’t all that big, in fact, if you combined them only one person would be needed to carry them.
Luna paid for their comics and one of each for her, which she collected with her magic. “Thank thee…I mean thank you.”
“You’re welcome ma’am. Come again anytime you want.” the clerk said with a friendly smile.
Luna smiled softly and led the fillies and Kipo out of the store. “So, shall we get to my new home?”
“Yeah! I want to see so I can visit sometimes!” Kipo exclaimed excitedly, surprising Luna that someone wanted to visit her though she did expect it from Kipo given the girls friendly nature.
Luna smiled and nodded as they headed off to an area near the markets. She found a house with some stars around the walls while having a large sun around the door. “Oh sister.” She shook her head and unlocked the door.
“Why did you shake your head? I think the place looks pretty cool.” Sweetie Belle said.
“It is nothing, little one.” Luna smiled as she looked around inside, seeing a mostly empty home. “I will have to get some decorations.”
“Maybe we can help with that.” Kipo suggested.
“Maybe but I don’t want to keep you busy helping me.” Luna said with a smile.
“I don’t mind. Do you girls?” Kipo turned to look at her friends.
“Nope.” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“Ah would love to help a princess.” Applebloom said with a grin.
“I could help with picking things if you’d like.” Sweetie Belle said with a shy smile.
Kipo smiled and looked at Luna. “See? We’re willing to help you redecorate your new home! Oh! What if we ask Aunts Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Ms/ Twilight, Spike, momma and Mr. Moon to help?”
Luna smiled softly. “Well I suppose that would be nice. But that can wait, for now let us enjoy these comics.”
All four Crusaders voiced their agreements before they all read their newly bought comics. They would also talk about each one, discussing which character is the best or which has a better story or things like that. Granted things did get a bit heated when discussing these topics but any future arguing or fighting was quickly ended before they began by Luna, who despite these occurrences, was having the best day of her life due to her worries of the Cultists and any other problems pretty much vanishing from her mind as she enjoyed the company of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end as the time to raise the moon was approaching. “One moment girls, I have to take care of my duties…” Luna said as she got up before she stopped and looked back. “Would you like to watch me raise the moon?”
They immediately scurried after her, excited grins on their faces. “Heck yeah we do! It’s not every day you get to see an alicorn raise the sun or moon in person!”
Luna giggled softly and walked over to a hidden window that looked up at the sky, she lit her horn and floated up into the air softly as she slowly lifted the moon into the sky. She landed on the ground and panted heavily. “P-perhaps I am not yet ready to do that daily.”
The Crusaders gave her worried looks before Kipo asked, “Are you ok?”
“J-just tired, perhaps you all should go home.” Luna said while slowly standing back up.
“Yeah, Rarity is probably wondering where I am.” Sweetie Belle said with the other Crusaders nodding.
“Yeah, Big Mac is probably getting worried that Ah’m not back yet.” Applebloom said.
“Be safe my friends.” Luna said with a smile.
“We will. And have a nice night Ms Smiles!” Kipo said and the four of them gathered their comics before leaving and heading off to their respective homes
Luna smiled and giggled a bit before picking up the mirror and called her sister. It took a while but soon enough, the solar alicorn's face appeared in the mirror. “Oh Luna! It’s good to see you! Tell me, how was your first day in Ponyville?”
“It was interesting.” Luna said with a soft smile. “I met three fillies and the young Kipo, as well as two rude little fillies.”
“Oh? How were they rude?” Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.
“They bumped into me and the pink one told me to get out of her way, later Scootaloo told me they are bullies.” Luna explained with a sigh.
“Oh, I see.” Celestia said, her smile disappearing before she shook her head. “Well, I’m sure you probably won’t encounter them again. So other than meeting Kipo and those fillies, what did you do today?”
Luna blushed and looked away shyly. “Well, I found out that no pony in Ponyville has seen a platinum bit before, as well as buying a ton of comic books.” She then showed her sister the stacks of comics which made Celestia giggle.
“Yes, nobles rarely go to other towns so platinum bits are quite a rare sight to see.” Celestia said. “And you are lucky to get a chance to read comics. I sadly am unable to do so.”
“Why not? I could send you copies.” Luna said as she turned the mirror back to face her.
“You forget, royal duties and all that. Plus, if the nobles were to find out they would try to twist it into whatever story they want in order to gain more power or to make me look bad.” Celestia said, letting out a disheartened sigh.
Luna tapped her chin before she grinned. “What if I bring the books into the dream world and let you read them there?”
Celestia began grinning at that idea. “Fantastic idea Luna! It’ll make sure no pesky noble would try to use something as enjoying a comic to their advantage! Plus, it’ll give us a way to hang out too.”
“True, though it will take me some time to copy the comics into the dream world.” Luna said with a smile.
“Take as much time as you need. I lasted this long without reading anything other than regular books. I can wait a little bit longer.” Celestia said.
“Alright, how was your day?” Luna asked with a small smile.
“The usual, sitting through boring meetings, growing annoyed with nobles who are whining about a stain on their shirt, sorting through important documents. Usual princess stuff.” Celestia said then let out a tired sigh.
Luna’s ears perk up. “Oh dang, I forgot to tell Kipo’s parents about the princess for a day idea.”
Celestia pouts at this. “Aw you did? I would have loved to hear about all the stuff Kip would have done if you had told her. Well, the first chance you get, tell Ms Fluttershy, I’m sure she’ll agree with our idea.”
“I agree, she is so nice. I am sure she would do nice things.” Luna said with a soft giggle.
“That, or cause utter chaos. It’s a fifty-fifty thing when it comes to children.” Celestia said with a giggle.
Luna giggled as well. “That is true, hmm perhaps we should also make sure bullies can’t enter the contest next year.” Luna said with a bit of worry.
“Yes, it would be a good idea though it would cause problems with the parents arguing that their foal is a ‘saint’ or something like that.” Celestia said while rolling her eyes.
“Yes, I can see that happening as well…hmm” Luna tapped her chin. “Perhaps we can have an assistant to always help the filly or colt that wins and they can stop them from abusing the power to hurt others.”
“That, or we could hold several contests to see what kind of princess or prince they would be.” Celestia suggested before smirking a bit. “Cause, let’s be honest, what kind of foal ever listens to an adult?”
Luna smiled and nodded. “True, and it is a good idea. Though sadly I don’t think we could be judges, and any judges that we pick should be kept secret until the day of the competition. That way they can't be bribed by any nobles that entered their foals.”
“Yes, a good idea.” Celestia said before yawning. “OH, terribly sorry sister, it’s just it’s been a long day and I am quite tired.”
“That's alright sister, I should get to bed too.” Luna said with a smile.
Meanwhile with Kipo, said jaguar girl had finally arrived back at her home and smiled as she opened the door. “I am home!”
Fluttershy looked away from what she was doing, which was trying to feed Angel a salad but the bunny refused to do so. “Kipo? You were out quite late today. Did something happen?”
“Me and the girls were just hanging out with a new friend.” Kipo told her as she closed the door,
“A new friend?” Fluttershy asked, a bit concerned.
Kipo, oblivious to her mothers concern, nodded her head. “Yeah, and you won’t believe who it was!”
“Who was it?” Fluttershy asked as she managed to get Angel to start eating.
“It was princess Luna!” Kipo happily exclaimed, shocking Fluttershy while Kipo gasps. “Oh no! I wasn’t supposed to say that! I hope she won’t get mad at me!”
“Princess Luna is in town?!” Fluttershy asked, shocked that a princess would come to town.
Kipo’s ears drooped a bit due to telling someone about Luna being in town even though she said not to. “Y-yeah but she doesn’t want anyone to know it’s her! She’s in disguise!”
“I…I see.” Fluttershy said as she still looked concerned. “Did she say why she is here?”
“She said she wanted to learn about stuff and that she was attacked in the castle.” Kipo explained.
Fluttershy gasped and flew over to hug Kipo which confused Kipo a bit but she didn’t pull away from the hug. “Oh no, I hope she is ok.”
“She looked okay to me.” Kipo said before she remembered something and looked up at her mother. “Hey momma.”
“Yes sweetie?” Fluttershy asked while still hugging Kipo and petting her head.
“Are my eyes weird?” She asked Fluttershy, who was a bit surprised to hear that question.
“What?” Fluttershy leaned back and looked at Kipo.
“My eyes. Are they weird?” Kipo said, gesturing to her cat-like eyes.
“No dear, they are lovely.” Fluttershy said and hugged Kipo again.
“But I can see things that no one else can. Like earlier today, princess Luna was disguised but I didn’t see her disguise, only her. And I would see a weird glow coming from that mean mare’s head too yet no one else notices. Does that make my eyes weird?” Kipo asked and Fluttershy was surprised to hear this. She never read anything about this in the books Cipher gave her so she didn’t know what Kipo was talking about. Maybe she should have a talk with Twilight about it.
Fluttershy tapped her chin. “Well…I can’t say I know how you are seeing those things but I promise to talk with Twilight as soon as I can.”
“Ok momma.” Kipo said while nodding her head before she smelled something. “Hey momma? Is something burning?”
Flutrershy gasped and flew into the kitchen so fast Rainbow would be proud. “Oh no, our dinner!” Kipo just giggles before going to sit at the table while wondering what the next day would bring.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
The Party Crashers At Everfree Castle
Author's Note
This chapter is a crossover with Deltorix's story, The Power Of Rock. Though I am sorry to say it is not published yet. Also, sorry for the long wait for an update. I kinda wanted to get a lot of chapters done for this story before posting more that you guys have more than just one chapter to read. That, and some IRL stuff had came up that kept me pretty busy so I hope you guys enjoy the chapters!
The Party Crashers At Everfree Castle
Fluttershy, with Kipo on her back, and Full Moon walked through the streets of Ponyville. The reason for their trip to Ponyville was because they needed to get some food for themselves and for Fluttershy’s animals as well as get some equipment for Full Moon so he can go do some hunting later since he and Kipo need meat to stay healthy.
“Momma, how much longer?” Kipo asked as she laid back on Fluttershy’s back.
“Not that long now, Kipo. We just need to get Moon’s hunting equipment.” Fluttershy said as she looked back at her daughter and Full Moon ruffled her hair.
“Yeah pup. Just be a little more patient ok?” He asked her and Kipo nodded.
“Ok.” Kipo said. “But it’s so boring though!”
Fluttershy giggled and smiled. “Don’t worry, we will be ready soon.”
“So Shy. WHat’s on today’s agenda other than the usual?” Full Moon asked his marefriend.
“Well, other than getting your equipment, not much.” Fluttershy said as she looked at their grocery list and Kipo pouted.
“Aw man! That means we’re gonna be bored all day! I can’t go to my friends cause they’re all busy! And I don’t like to go anywhere alone!” Kipo whined. “Wish we could do something fun today.” none of them noticed that someone had heard what Kipo said and was quietly following the trio before running in front of them which made them halt as the unknown pony ran by.
“Hey watch it bub!” Full Moon shouted at the retreating pony. “Some ponies.”
Kipo looked at the retreating pony and smelled the air before looking down and saw a flier. “Mom, what’s that?” She pointed it out to them.
“What’s what?” Fluttershy asked as she looked down, seeing a small flier. She then picked it up and read the big bold words that were on it. “Everfree Party. Come to the Everfree Castle at night for the biggest party ever held. No normies allowed.”
Kipo brightened up immediately. “A party?! Can we go?! Please! We have nothing better to do today!” Kipo begged her mom.
“I don’t know…” Fluttershy said nervously.
“Let me see that.” Full Moon looked at the flier before grinning. “Oh man we have to go, this is legit, I have been to her parties before, it is always awesome.”
“Who’s parties?” Fluttershy asked in confusion and Full Moon showed her the host’s name. “DJ V4mp0n3? I never heard of her.”
“She is an amazing DJ, though whenever I saw her and was close enough I couldn’t smell her.” Full Moon said while rubbing his chin.
“Couldn’t smell her? THat’s odd. Usually wereponies sense of smell are good.” Fluttershy said, curious about this V4mp0n3 character.
“Come on Shy, we can go and have some fun, maybe Kipo can make some new friends.” Full Moon said with a smile.
“Yeah! Please momma?” Kipo begged and Fluttershy didn’t have time to prepare for Kipo’s trump card aka her cuteness which made her sigh and nod.
“Ok fine we can go, AFTER we get what we need.” Fluttershy said.
“Yay!” Kipo cheered happily, making Full Moon chuckle a bit.
“Glad you agreed Shy, the parties are always the best plus you can be in your real form without worry.” Full Moon told her.
“I guess.” Fluttershy said with a sigh.
“Don’t worry momma. I’m sure we’ll be fine! If Mr. Moon says it’s ok then it must be ok!” Kipo said and Full Moon nodded his head.
“Yeah. The parties are always in places where normies wouldn’t dare to go.” Full Moon said as they reached the local huntsman shop. “I’ll be out in a minute. Go ahead and take the pup home so she can get some sleep. V4mp0n3’s parties always happen at night.”
“Ok Moon, don’t spend all our money.” Fluttershy said before kissing his cheek before he went inside and took Kipo home and during the trip Kipo had been looking at the flier that listed what was going to be at the party and one thing in particular caught her interest.
“Momma, why does this say there is blood being served at the party?” Kipo asked Fluttershy as she showed her the flier.
“Well…if there are more vamponies like me there, they may want to drink blood.” Fluttershy said in a whisper.
Kipo just tilted her head in confusion. “But you never did.” and it was only half true as Fluttershy decided to try and drink blood when Kipo wasn’t around so as to not scare her.
Fluttershy’s ears fold down. “Well…I do dear, just not around you. I didn’t want to scare you.”
“But I wouldn’t be scared. You’re my mom and I know you need it to stay healthy.” Kipo said, smiling at the pony who raised her.
Fluttershy smiled and nuzzled Kipo. “Thank you dear, I still think I will keep it away from you but it makes me happy you aren’t scared.”
“I’d never be scared of you momma!” Kipo said as she hugged Fluttershy. “Never ever!”
Fluttershy smiled and hugged Kipo with her neck. “Thank you sweetie.” The two soon arrived at their home and Kipo hopped off Fluttershy’s back. “Now go and get some sleep for tonight, don’t want you too tired for the party.”
“Ok!” Kipo said as she ran up the stairs while Fluttershy went to put the groceries away.
“I wonder why Moon couldn’t smell that V4mp0n3 pony.” Fluttershy questioned herself but decided to think on it later as she needed to make sure her animals would be alright while she was gone.
Later that night, Full Moon entered Kipo’s room to see that the half jaguar girl was sound asleep which made him smile a bit as he walked over to her bed and began to lightly shake the girl.
“Five more minutes.” She grumbled and rolled over.
Full Moon chuckles as he shakes her again. “C’mon pup. You don’t want to miss the party do you?”
Kipo immediately jumped out of bed, a huge grin on her face. “I’m up!”
Full Moon chuckled and smirked. “Go get cleaned up then put on something fun.”
“Like what?” Kipo asked, this was her first non Pinkie party so she didn’t really know how to prepare for it.
Full Moon tapped his chin. “Something that will let you move freely, something you can dance in and of course something you like and feel comfortable in.”
Kipo tapped her chin as she thinks on what Full Moon said then looked at her current clothes. “I mean, these should be good enough right?” she asked as she gestured to her white shirt and blue shorts along with the Wonderbolts goggles hanging off her neck.
“Sure pup, but just in case have your necklaces on.” He said with a wink.
Kipo nodded and grabbed her two necklaces that were on her nightstand and put them on. She also saw her Element and decided to leave it as she didn’t really need it for the party. “I’m ready!”
“You sure you don’t want that with you?” Full Moon asked while pointing at her Element.
“I’m sure. It’s not like it’ll be interesting to see.” Kipo said with a shrug.
“Alright but lock it up, we don’t want someone taking it.” He said before frowning and looked downstairs, thinking of Angel.
“Ok.” Kipo said as she grabbed her Element and reached under her bed and pulled out a small box with a lock on it. She then took a key out of her pocket and unlocked the box and put her Element in it and locking it back up again. “Done!”
“Good girl, now let’s get your mom and get to that party.” Full Moon said with a grin. Kipo cheered as they left her room and went downstairs, seeing Fluttershy already waiting for them.
“Come on momma! We got a party to get to!” Kipo said as she began to push Fluttershy out of the house.
Fluttershy giggled and started to walk. “Ok ok, calm down dear.”
“Can you blame her for being this excited? It’s one of the first non Pinkie parties she’s been to.” Full Moon said with a chuckle as he walked alongside his marefriend as Kipo went up ahead, trying to hurry them up.
“I know, but I am still worried for her.” Fluttershy said with a sigh. “What if this is some kind of trap?”
“Don’t worry, the flier was legit. Plus the parties are always under the cultists' radar so they don’t even know that we have these kinds of parties.” Full Moon reassured her.
“Ok, thank you for being here for us.” Fluttershy said and nuzzled his side.
“Aaaaw. That’s sweet.” Kipo said before she jumped up into a tree once they reached the forest.
“Be careful Kipo, I know you like to climb trees but you can still fall.” Fluttershy called out.
“No I won’t! I have cat-like reflexes, remember?” Kipo asked as she jumped onto another tree branch and didn’t fall thanks to her tail helping her keep herself balanced.
“I know Kipo, but accidents can still happen.” Fluttershy said while keeping an eye on her daughter.
“Come on momma, I haven’t fallen out of a tree since I was five! I’ll be fine!” Kipo said as she jumped onto another branch.
Fluttershy pouts a little. “Fine, but if you do fall I will tell you I told you so.” Kipo just giggled as jumps onto another branch but when she did, her tail brushed against a guitar that she didn’t see. The guitar played a small tune as her tail brushed against the strings.
A large portal opened ahead of them in the air then a loud metal beast came flying out of it. “Whoa!” It slammed onto the ground and skidded to a stop inches from Fluttershy and Full Moon, inside the metal beast was a creature similar to Kipo but with peach colored skin and obviously male, next to him was Spike the dragon, or at least someone who looked like him. Behind them flying out of the portal was a blue dragoness wearing a black shirt with a upside down bird on it, and Twilight Sparkle with a horn and wings?!
“Dude! That was awesome! We’ve got to do that again!” The Spike look alike said excitedly.
“I’ll admit, it was an interesting experience.” Twilight said.
“I'll admit I didn't see that coming hold on my check over my car.” The man said as he did something and the rumbling from the metal beast stopped and he jumped out. “Oh, uh guys we have some company.” He said pointing at Fluttershy and Full Moon who were both in their monster pony forms and were growling/hissing at the group.
“Who are you bunkers and where did you come from?!” Full Moon demanded as he bared his sharp teeth which made the dragoness pull out two swords.
“Whoa calm down Alessia, they don’t know who we are.” The man said before he looked back at them. “Um, short answer is I am Edword, and these are my friends Spike, Twilight, and Alessia.”
Fluttershy then remembered something. “Are you…are you a Displaced?” She asked Edward.
“Yep, I am.” He said with a nod. “Are you the one that summoned me or is your human someone close by?”
“I did.” Fluttershy said, noticing Kipo hiding up in the tree out of the corner of her eye. “But it was an accident.”
“Oh bummer.” Edward said with a sigh. “I was hoping to meet someone new, anyway if you need a lift somewhere I can probably fit us all in my car, I just need to check if that fall damaged it.” He pats the metal beast.
“The buck is a car?!” Full Moon asked, still growing a bit as he can smell something off about Edward and Alessia.
Edward patted the metal beast. “This, it is a …uh… self pulling carriage I guess would be the closest thank you guys have.” He explained then got down on the ground and shimmied underneath the car.
“I see.” Full Moon said, a bit calmer but still on edge as he doesn’t know how they’ll react to Kipo. He then noticed Alessia was sniffing the air.
“There’s something nearby. Something…unknown.” Alessia said and both Fluttershy and Full Moon tensed up.
“Do they smell like a demon?” Edward asked while under the car.
“If they smelled like a demon I would have said so.” Alessia said in annoyance before she continued sniffing the air.
“Well it’s the Everfree, there’s all sorts of weird things here. Tartarus knows I get confused when I smell something unknown as well.” Full Moon said, trying to get Alessia to stop sniffing the air for Kipo.
“If it isn’t a demon then we should leave it alone.” Edward said before he came out chrome under the car and clapped his hands together to dust them off. “Car is fine, if you want that ride then I can take us wherever you're going.”
“Why does Fluttershy look so different?” Spike asked.
“She actually looks like Flutterbat back when Applejack asked me and the others to help clear ehr orchard of vampire fruit bats.” Twilight said which confused everyone around them. “Long story short, we had Fluttershy use the Stare on them so I can get rid of their appetite for apples but the instincts of the bats transferred over to her and caused a whole series of events until she was cured.”
Edward looked between the two ponies and scratched his head. “I don't know how ponies are supposed to look like here but you kinda look….wolfish.” He said with Spike nodding his head.
“And don’t forget huge!” Spike said. “I bet they’re as big as Celestia! Maybe bigger!”
“Yeah, I was gonna say something about that, but they could be normal sized here.” Edward said with a shrug.
“I wonder how big their Celestia is.” Spike wondered.
“To us? Big. You? Probably a giant.” Full Moon said just as Fluttershy noticed something that made her gasp and nudge Full Moon before gesturing with her eyes towards Edwards car, making him freeze when he saw Kipo on the back of it, a curious expression on her face.
“Damn, if I meet her I will have to resist making jokes about her size.” Edward said with a chuckle and put a hand on the car. “So where are you two going? Do you know your world’s Displaced?”
“Y-you can say that.” Fluttershy said nervously as Kipo inched closer to Edward, he nor his friends not noticing her.
“Really? What are they like? I hope they are cool, I have only met one other, but he was kinda rude, though he did have his reasons.” Edword said before he turned to face the car and came face to face with Kipo.
“Hi!” Kipo exclaimed happily which made Edward jump back in shock while a hand was over where his heart was.
“Jesus kid! You almost gave me a heart attack.” Edward said while patting his chest. “I assume you are the displaced of this world, nice to meet you.”
“Yep! My name is Kipo!” Kipo greeted while Edward's friends stared at her in surprise due to them not hearing her at all.
Edward chuckled “Nice to meet you Kipo, so what are you and them doing out here?”
“We’re about to go to the castle for a party!” Kipo replied which piqued Edwards interest.
“A party huh? Mind if we join?” He asked with a smirk.
Kipo grew excited and looked at Fluttershy. “Can he?! Please momma! Can he please come with us?!” Twilight and Spike went wide-eyed in surprise when they heard Kipo call Fluttershy momma.
“I don’t know…” Fluttershy said, nervous of the strangers.
“I’m sorry did she call you momma, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked.
“Y-yes she did. She’s my daughter.” Fluttershy said nervously.
“That…is strange to hear, Fluttershy back home…doesn't have a daughter.” Twilight said before she sighed and shook her head. “I guess you were telling the truth about different worlds Edward.”
“Yep.” Edward said then the cars horn blared, shocking everyone and there was a scream from Kipo as she jumped up and latched onto a branch, shaking like a leaf.
“Ok who touched my car?” Edward said before looking at the driver's seat.
“M-me.” Kipo said, still shaking while Fluttershy flew up to try and calm down her daughter.. “I was c-curious and pressed s-something and I think I-I made it mad. I’m s-sorry.”
Edward raised an eyebrow. “It isn't alive, and you just pressed on the horn, it is used to warn people you're coming or to get someone’s attention.” He explained.
“Well it certainly might have gained the attention of the entire forest.” Full Moon said as Fluttershy managed to get Kipo down from the tree.
“Maybe, so about that party?” Edward asked.
“Well like the pup said, it’s at the Everfree castle which would take us a while to get there on hoof.” Full Moon said then sighed. “So I guess we’ll have to accept your offer of a ‘ride’ or whatever it is you said.”
“Cool, everyone get on, I won’t go too fast.” Edward said before he got into the driver’s seat and started the car. Twilight said down on the back, Spike sat down on her lap and Alessia sat next to her.
Fluttershy, Full Moon and Kipo were the only ones who had yet to get in as they were nervous but they also noticed the lack of room for all of them. “I-I think I’ll fly.” Fluttershy said and Full Moon nodded as he got in the front seat with Kipo sitting in his lap and Fluttershy flying above them.
Edward turned the car around and followed Full Moon’s directions. “So how long has Kipo been Displaced?”
The answer shocked Edward. “Since she was a baby.” Fluttershy told him.
“Really? That…is nuts, I have only been Displaced for two days.” Edward said.
“Yeah and he’s already done a lot.” Alessia said.
“Like what?” Fluttershy asked her.
“Well, I fought a ton of demons in Tartarus, found my new friend Alessia, drove out of Tartarus, drove to ponyville, then I took Spike camping.” Edward said while driving around a few trees.
“What are demons and Tartarus?” Kipo asked in curiosity.
“Uh...right little kid.” Edward rubbed his chin before saying. “Tartarus is a place for very bad people, like a superjail, and demons live there, they are very evil and plan on attacking my world.”
“But why?” Kipo asked.
“I don’t know, but they enjoy hurting others so it would be bad if they invade.” Edward explained.
“Yeah, that’s the only reason they need to invade.” Alessia said.
“Sounds bad, but uh…why is Twilight an alicorn?” Full Moon asked.
“Yeah! Why is Ms. Twilight an alicorn like Celestia and Luna?” Kipo asked and SPike answered their questions.
“Well Twilight did something that swapped her friends Cutie Marks and when she reminded them of who they were and stuff, she became the princess of Friendship.” Spike explained.
Fluttershy and Full Moon looked at each other worried. “That…can happen?” Fluttershy asked.
“I don’t know. It happened to our Twilight.” Spike said while Kipo had a curious look on her face.
“Wait, so if I do something, could I become a princess?” Kipo asked in wonder as she imagined herself as a princess.
Fluttershy giggled and flew near Kipo and rubbed her head. “Oh sweetie, you are always my princess.”
“I know momma.” Kipo replied with a smile. “But can you imagine me with wings!”
She giggled and smiled at Kipo. “You are perfect the way you are dear.”
“Yeah pup. Besides, you already have something to help you fly remember?” Full Moon told her.
“Oh yeah, my necklace!” Kipo said as she pulled out her necklace. “I forgot about it!”
“A necklace lets her fly? How?” Twilight asked.
“It’s something her adoptive uncle gave her. We don’t really know how it works other than she just needs to think of flying and she does.” Fluttershy explained.
“Fascinating, would you mind if I examined it later?” Twilight asked.
“Um, ok. Just make sure you give it back.” Kipo said and Twilight nodded just as Edward stopped the car when they reached the canyon that separated them and the castle where flashing lights and muffled music can be seen and heard.
“Well I guess we are here.” Edward said and turned the car off.
“So how is our group gonna cross? I don’t see a bridge.” Spike said as she looked around.
“The canyon doesn’t block every part of the castle, there are a few spots that we can use to cross.” Full Moon said as he walked in one direction.
“Alright but at least if we don’t find a bridge five of us can fly.” Edward said with a smile as he put his guitar and ax on his back before following the group. They didn’t have to walk far as they saw one part of the canyon that connects which allowed them to cross it and begin walking towards the castle.
“See? What did I tell ya?” Full Moon said with a smirk.
“Cool, this place is kinda cool, I will have to find it in my world.” Edward said with a smile.
“It’s spooky is what it is!” Kipo said as they approached the front doors which had two ponies guarding it. Except they weren’t regular ponies as their bottom halves were replaced by spider abdomens.
“Hey Full Moon! We were wondering when you’ll get here!” one of the spider ponies said to Full Moon in a friendly tone then looked at the rest of the group. “And I see you brought company.”
“Yeah, though some of them are from very far away.” Full Moon said while rubbing the back of his head.
“Fascinating, I've never seen ponies like you before.” Twilight said while she looked at the two spider-ponies.
“Stop staring you, uh…” the second spider pony began but stopped when she couldn’t figure out what to call Twilight. “Um, mino-pony? Ponitaur? What the buck even are you?”
“I am an alicorn.” Twilight said.
“We are from another universe and are just visiting.” Edward said.
The two spider ponies looked at each then at Full Moon. “They’re from a very distant land.” Full Moon told them.
“Ah, got it.” the first spider pony said as stepped aside while opening the doors. “Enjoy the party.”
Fluttershy had to hold Kipo back in order to keep the girl from running inside due to her excitement before they all walked inside. “Don’t tell somepony that you’re from another universe, me and Full Moon can understand it cause we’ve talked with Kipo’s uncle about it. But if you tell anypony else they’ll think you’re crazy.” Fluttershy told Edward.
“Right, I guess Kipo’s displaced status is a secret.” Edward said with a nod.
“Yes. Her existence is also a bit of a secret as well.” Fluttershy said.
“Man that must stink.” Edward said with a sigh. “Luckily for me I was Displaced as I was.”
“Stink? What do you mean?” Kipo asked him in confusion.
“Well…I can walk around in the open, sure when me and Alessia came to town they were scared of us, but that was mostly because of my car.” Edward said while rubbing his head.
“Oh, Kipo can walk around the open. We just try to keep her existence hidden from…certain groups.” Fluttershy said, not wanting to say who it was that they were trying to keep Kipo hidden from.
“Oh, well I hope things work out for you three.” Edward said then smiled. “Maybe after the party I can show the kid how to fight.”
“Good luck. Kipo doesn’t like to fight.” Full Moon said and Kipo shook her head.
“Nope! I don’t like fighting, it just makes people angrier.” Kipo said.
“Then I know just the fighting style to teach you, it is all about avoiding getting hit and using your opponent's force against them, you barely have to hit anyone with it.” Edward said with a smile.
“No! I don’t want to fight!” Kipo said while shaking her head. “I hate fighting!”
“But what if someone attacks you, don’t you want to know how to avoid getting hit long enough to escape or for help to arrive?” Edward asked, making a good point.
“But who would attack me?” Kipo asked, tilting her head in confusion. “Everyone in town is really friendly with me.”
“Maybe, but not everyone will be.” Edward said. “I am not saying to use it to hurt people or anything, just that it would be a good idea to learn how to just in case.” He then looked at Twilight. “Not everything in our world is peaceful right?”
“That’s right.” Twilight said, nodding her head.
“See? So just think about it ok?” Edward asked Kipo.
“No!” Kipo said and crossed her arms.
Edward sighed and slumped. “Oh woe is me will I ever find a student to teach.” He said, over dramatically.
Unfortunately this didn’t have any effect on Kipo. “I have an aunt who often tries that with me. But nice try though.” They then arrived at a large room where creatures of all shapes and sizes were dancing to the beat of what sounded like dubstep music. “Whoa! There’s so many different creatures here!”
“Dubstep? Not the best music but this stuff isn’t bad, better than the trash back where I am from.” Edward said as he looked around. “Wow, there really are a lot of cool people here.”
“Yep, all sorts of monster ponies here.” Full Moon said then saw something that made him rub his eyes and look again but it was gone. “Huh, weird. Thought I saw something.”
“What did you think you saw?” Fluttershy asked as Edward and Alessia headed further into the party.
“Don’t know. But it didn’t look like any monster pony I’m familiar with.” Full Moon said, “It looked like some sort of, I don’t know, giant ape or something?”
“Giant ape?” Fluttershy asked, just as confused. “Maybe I should go check it out.”
“Oh come on Shy, it’s probably nothing.” Full Moon said, gently nudging her side. “We’re at one of the greatest parties, tied with Pinkie’s parties of course, in Equestria. A party where we can be ourselves without discremination.”
Fluttershy sighed but smiled. “Ok, I trust you.” She nuzzled Full Moon.
“Don’t you always?” Full Moon asked her with a chuckle then noticed something missing. “Uh oh. I think Kipo disappeared on us.”
“What!?” Fluttershy asked and looked around in worry.
Full Moon sighs. “I’ll find her. You just enjoy the party ok?”
“But…but…” Fluttershy said while looking around, worried for Kipo.
“Relax, the monster ponies here are usually friendly plus combined with Kipo’s friendly and cheery attitude, she might even make some friends here.” Full Moon said, giving FLuttershy a reassuring smile.
“O-ok, but hurry, remember what Celestia told us about the last element of innocence bearer.” Fluttershy said.
“Yeah I know, the last bearer lost their connection with the Element when they lost their innocence but don’t worry, I’m sure nothing will happen to Kipo.” Full Moon said then kissed her cheek and began to walk off to look for the half jaguar girl. “You just enjoy the party, I’ll find her.”
“Ok.” Fluttershy said softly and watched him leave.
Meanwhile, in another part of the room. Kipo was giggling as she danced to the beat of the music, finding that she kinda liked dubstep. “This is fun!” Kipo cheered before bumping into someone. “Oops, sorry about that.” Kipo told the person, seeing that they were a giant orangutan. “Whoa, you’re a big ape.”
“I am not an ape, I am an orangutan.” He said a bit offended.
“But aren’t orangutan’s part of the ape family?” Kipo asked and the orangutan thought it over.
“I guess… who are you?” He asked.
“I’m Kipo Shy! What's your name?” Kipo introduced herself as she held her hand out to the orangutan.
“I am Gerard.” He said and just looked down at her. “Aren’t you a bit young to be out this late?”
“My mom let me come!” Kipo responded cheerfully. “So Gerard, where did you come from? I’ve never seen an orangutan, or any orangutan, like you before so I can guess you come from a different land?”
“Yes, far away land, I was on my way to the pony’s capital to deliver a message.” He said and took a sip of some juice from a red plastic cup he was holding.
“Oooh, what kind of message?” Kipo asked curiously.
“One meant for the leader of Equestria.” He said a bit too sternly.
“O-oh, ok. Sorry if I was being nosy.” Kipo apologized, stepping back a bit.
“My boss doesn’t want me telling others the message, I have to find a large white winged unicorn with a sun mark. That's what he said.” Gerard said with a nod, as if confirming he said the right thing.
“That’s Celestia. I actually met her once and she was very nice.” Kipo said with a smile on her face as she remembers the time Celestia let her ride on her back. “But if you’re supposed to be in Canterlot, why are you here at a party?”
“Heard music and was hungry.” He said simply.
“Long trip?” Kipo asked and Gerard nodded his head.
“Yes. What are you?” He leaned down and looked Kipo over closely. “Mute?”
“What’s a Mute?” Kipo asked in confusion. “I’m a human jaguar hybrid. At least that’s what my mom tells me.”
Gerard nodded in understanding. “Ah, then you are a mute, I know what a human is, so if you are a mix of things then you are a mute.”
“Wait, you do? Does that mean you know other humans?” Kipo asked hopefully as she kinda wanted to meet other humans besides her uncle and Displaced don’t count as some might not be human.
Gerard scratched his chin. “I wouldn’t say I know them, there may be some back where I am from.”
This made Kipo grin just as Full Moon found her. “There you are pup, been looking everywhere for you and-” he then stopped speaking when he saw Gerard. “Well I’ll be damned. I did see a giant ape.”
“Actually mister Moon, he prefers orangutan.” Kipo said before telling him. “He also knows other humans!”
This surprised Full Moon as he looked at Gerard. “You do?” He asked him.
“I do, we have them in my homeland.” He said before he started to walk over to the snack table. “Very far away, weeks of walking.”
“Is that how you got here Mr. Gerard?” Kipo asked him.
“Oh no, I have a Mute Flamingo that makes the travel much easier.” He said as he grabbed some snacks while Kipo and Full Moon were confused but before they could ask, they heard something break on the stage followed by the music stopping.
“Sorry folks, it seems to have some technical difficulties.” A heavily disguised and roboticized voice said from the stage, making a lot of creatures moan in disappointment.
“Don’t worry, I got this.” Edward said as he walked on stage. “When a show is in trouble, all you need is a roadie.” He said while walking up to the DJ equipment.
“What’s a roadie?” The DJ asked in confusion.
“Me.” He said with a chuckle and checked over the system. “Hmm, it seems you burned out a wire, easy fix.” He kneeled down and started working on it.
The DJ nodded and addressed the crowd. “Don’t worry folks, the technical difficulties will be resolved soon! I promise!”
Edward worked on the wires while saying. “Want some advice? Find a roadie, they usually hang out around concerts, get one to work for you and your equipment will always be set up on time, full working order, and if you want they can even find you some groupies.” The DJ equipment lit up as he finished the repairs. “A good roadie knows how to fix anything, get anything, make anything and when their job is done you’ll wonder if they were even there in the first place.” He said as he left the stage, sticking to the shadows.
“Whoa, he’s good.” The DJ said and started the music back up again, which made the crowd cheer and continue partying.
Edward made his way around the crowd to the snack table and smiled. “Hey little dudette.” He said to Kipo.
“Hi Eddie!” Kipo greeted excitedly, “Guess what? There’s humans here! Well, technically in another land but still! I can meet humans other than Displaced!”
“Really? That sounds good, I hope you get to meet them, kid.” He said with a soft smile. “Hey dude, is this food for anybody?” He asked Full Moon.
“Yep. Though I would check the punch first, it might be blood for the vamponies.” Full Moon said as he gestured to the labels on the punch bowls.
“Yikes, thanks for the warning.” He said, shaking his head. “I would hate to accidentally drink from the wrong bowl.”
Full Moon chuckles. “Yeah.” he said as he watched Kipo, making sure she didn't disappear again but she was content to just dance in the same spot.
“So how long have you and Fluttershy was it? How long have you two been together?” Edward asked while taking a bite of a cookie.
“Since Kipo was around seven.” Full Moon said as he took a burger off the table and bit into it.
“Oh? Well she is a lucky girl to have you watching out for her, though I pity anyone who tries to date Kipo.” He said with a chuckle.
Full Moon chuckles as well. “You would think that but not a lot of boys see her nothing more than a friend or ‘that jaguar girl’. Though she did catch the eye of a filly named Scootaloo.” he then looked at the guitar on Edwards back. “Why do you lug that guitar around with you?”
“I play now and then, it is also one of my weapons.” Edward told him with a smirk, then took it off his back and played a few notes making a burger float into the air. “I can also cast magic with it.” When he stopped playing the burger fell.
“Damn, that’s both impressive and interesting. Enchantments aren’t exactly easy, especially if you’re planning on using different kinds of magic with said enchanted item.” Full Moon said then got an idea. “Hey, how good are you at playing?”
“Good enough to earn some money and calm down some scared ponies.” Edward said then smirked. “Are you thinking what I think you are thinking?”
“Yep.” Full Moon said then glanced at V4mp0n3. “Hope they don’t mind us giving an improvement to the music.”
“I got an idea, do you play anything or want me to handle it?” Edward asked as he put the guitar back on his back.
“I sometimes play guitar, drums and a few other instruments.” Full Moon said while shrugging a bit.
“Hmm, give me a minute, I am gonna check if they have extra instruments.” Edward said before he headed over to the stage and got on it but was hidden in the shadows. “Hey DJ dude, got any extra instruments and would you mind me and my friends putting on a live show?”
V4mp0n3 looked at him. “Yeah I got some spares and I don’t mind dude. It might improve everyone’s night if they hear different music.”
“Cool, call over that blue dragoness, and the black earth pony.” He said before heading backstage.
They nodded their heads. “What’s the name of the pony? I can’t just call out black earth pony, there are a few ponies of that description here too you know.”
Edward popped his head out. “Full Moon I think.”
They nodded their head. “Yo! Can the dragoness and one Full Moon come on over here?” they called out and Alessia and Full Moon began heading towards the DJ booth.
“What’s going on Edward?” Alessia asked him.
He grinned at them. “How would you two like to play for a live audience?” He showed them a drum set and bass guitar.
Full Moon grinned while Alessia just shrugged. “Buck yeah! I’m in!” Full Moon said excitedly.
“Meh, alright.” Alessia said next.
Edward handed Alessia the bass. “You do know how to play right?”
“Eh, so and so.” Alessia said while making the so-so gesture with her hand.
“Alright, give me a moment.” He dug into his pockets before pulling out an old cracked Ipod nano. “Here it is, let me find the right song.” He put an earbud into his ear and cycled through the songs until he found the one he wanted. “Here, this is the song we will play.” He let them listen to the song.
“Whoa, now that’s what I call a song.” Full Moon said, a grin on his face.
“Agreed, I’ve heard you play before but this is pretty good. I don’t know if we can match it.” Alessia said.
“Relax, this is for fun. Do your best and have some fun, once we get home we can practice more if you want.” Edward said while placing a hand on her shoulder and smiling.
Alessia nodded her head. “I’d like that. I don’t get many chances to try and practice back in Tartarus cause you know, trying to stay alive.”
“Yeah, maybe we can visit the guardian of metal and he can upgrade your bass into a battle bass later.” Edward said with a smirk.
“Guardian of metal?” Full Moon asked and Alessia waved it off.
“Don’t worry about it. Let’s just get ready to play.” Alessia said.
Edward worked on the set up a bit more before grinning. “All set, you two ready?”
The two nodded their heads as they stood next to or held their instruments. “Ready.” The two said while grinning.
Edward reached through a certain and tapped V4mp0n3’s back and gave them a thumbs up. V4mp0n3 nodded their heads and stopped the music which caused everyone to complain. “Hey, what happened to the music?” One monster pony complained.
“Sorry about fillies and gentlecolts, but I had to stop the music so you all can have a live performance from three of the guests here!” V4mp0n3 said enthusiastically which piqued the interest of everyone as they began to murmur about if this was a thing or not. “Now give it up to these guys!” And the curtains pulled back to reveal Edward, Alessia and Full Moon.
“Hey everyone, this is a song from my home, I hope you all like it.” Edward tapped his foot and counted down before they began to play. At first the three just played their instruments in a tune the crowd wasn’t familiar with but sounded pretty good and then Edward began to sing.
“♪This ain't a song for the broken-hearted No silent prayer for faith-departed And I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd You're gonna hear my voice when I shout it out loud
It's my life It's now or never But I ain't gonna live forever I just want to live while I'm alive ♪” Full Moon repeated after Edward.
“♪My heart is like an open highway Like Frankie said, "I did it my way" I just want to live while I'm alive It's my life
At this point the crowd was beginning to really enjoy the song the group was playing, even Kipo and Fluttershy who had met up after Full left to sing on the stage and they were beginning to dance to the song.
♪Yeah, this is for the ones who stood their ground For Tommy and Gina, who never backed down Tomorrow's getting harder, make no mistake Luck ain't even lucky, got to make your own breaks
♪It's my life And it's now or never I ain't gonna live forever I just want to live while I'm alive ♪” sang Alessia after Edward just like Full Moon
♪My heart is like an open highway ♪Like Frankie said, "I did it my way" I just want to live while I'm alive 'Cause it's my life
Edward then began to perform a solo which really got the crowd cheering and when Edward sang again, the crowd joined in as well, seemingly knowing the rest of the lyrics. How they know nobody will know.
♪Better stand tall when they're calling you out Don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down
It's my life And it's now or never 'Cause I ain't gonna live forever I just want to live while I'm alive
♪My heart is like an open highway Like Frankie said, "I did it my way" I just want to live while I'm alive
♪And it's now or never I ain't gonna live forever I just want to live while I'm alive (It's my life)My heart is like an open highway Like Frankie said, "I did it my way" I just want to live while I'm alive 'Cause it's my life!♪”
At the end of the song V4mp0n3 activated the stage fireworks for extra flare and that made the crowd cheer loudly, nearly making the old castle shake as they did.
“Hope about a hoof for our guest musicians!” V4mp0n3 said and the crowd either stomped or clapped their hooves in response, still cheering.
“Thank you, thank you!” Edward said bowing. “I am happy you enjoyed it.” When the curtains closed, they began to put away the instruments.
“That was awesome! Did you hear them?! They loved it!” Full Moon exclaimed happily. “I’ve got to do that more often!”
“Unfortunately you'll have to find bandmates from your own world, we have to go home eventually.” Edward said with a chuckle. “But if you ever need a roadie give me a call.”
“I’ll be sure to do that. If I remember where your summoning thingy is.” Full Moon said as they began to leave the stage, none of them noticing a certain half jaguar talking to V4mp0n3.
“Token, and it shouldn't be hard to lose, it is my guitar.” Edward told him with a chuckle.
“Yeah, somewhere in the forest.” Full Moon said.
“Wait, you guys didn’t bring it with you?” Edward asked, confused.
“Nope, I didn’t see the pup grab it so that means she must have left it behind by accident.” Full Moon said just as they see Fluttershy. “Hey Shy. How’d you like the show?”
“I loved it.” Fluttershy said as she nuzzled Full Moon. “You were amazing up there.”
Full Moon chuckled with a smile. “Thanks Shy, what did the pup think?” He asked and looked around.
“She loved it as well. Though she disappeared somewhere.” Fluttershy said as she looked around.
“Do you two mean Kipo?” Edward asked with a small smirk while he blocked their view of the stage.
“Yes. She’s disappeared on me again.” Fluttershy said just as different music began to play, one that was a bit upbeat compared to the one Edward and the others played.
“You didn’t think that was it did you? Well get ready everyone for this next song that’ll be sung by Kipo Shy!” V4mp0n3 said just as the curtains opened, revealing a slightly nervously Kipo with a strange helmet who looked at the crowd before taking a deep breath and putting the helmet on.
Music then began to play which the crowd started to slowly get into the beat of the music before Kipo began to sing.
“♪When can we do this again?
When can I see you again?
“♪Switch on the sky and the stars glow for you
“♪ It's been fun but now I've got to go Life it way too short to take it slow But before I go and hit the road I gotta know, 'til then, When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh When can I see you again? Oh oh oh oh When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh I gotta know, when can I see you again? (When can I see you again?) ♪”
“♪ Joined at the hip, yeah your sidekick needs you Life is a trip down the road that leads you Look all around at all the mountains you haven't climbed It's just a matter of time, before we learn how to fly Welcome to the rhythm of the night There's something in the air you can't deny ♪”
During the middle of her song, Kipo began to glow softly which caused a reaction among the monster ponies as they all began to since and dance along to the song. Even Eddie couldn’t help but dance.
“♪ It's been fun but now I've got to go Life is way too short to take it slow But before I go and hit the road I gotta know, 'til then, When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh When can I see you again? Oh oh oh oh When can we do this again? Oh oh oh oh I gotta know, When can I see you again? ♪”
“♪Don't close your eyes 'cause your future's ready to shine It's just a matter of time, before we learn how to fly
Welcome to the rhythm of the night
There's something in the air you can't deny
So let me know before I wave goodbye
When can I see you again?
Oh oh oh oh
When can we do this again?
Oh oh oh oh
When can I see you again?
Oh oh oh oh
When can we do this again?
Oh oh oh oh!♪”
“♪ Yeah, it's been fun but now I've got to go Life is way too short to take it slow But before I go and hit the road Tell me when When can I see you again? When can I see you again? Tell me when When can I see you again? ♪”
Everyone in the room began to cheer loudly, praising the girl for her performance and Fluttershy and Full Moon couldn’t help but smile when they saw Kipo bring so many smiles to the monster ponies that were here.
“The kid has a lot of talent.” Edward said with a smile. “Maybe she could be a professional singer, one day at least.”
“Who knows.” Full Moon said as Kipo went backstage while the curtains closed.
“What a beautiful performance by Kipo! How about giving her a round of applause eh?!” V4mp0n3 said and the crowd did just that.
“Come on, let’s go congratulate her on her performance.” Fluttershy said as she began walking towards the stage and the arrived to see Kipo nervously waiting for them.
Edward followed them and smiled at the happy family. “You did good kid, everyone loved it.”
“I-I heard.” Kipo replied, a shy smile on her face. “I-I honestly thought they wouldn’t like it but I’m glad they did.”
“Well you did amazing kid, maybe you can try again later.” Edward said with a smile.
Kipo smiled and nodded her head and Twilight asked her something. “Hey, how did you perform that glow spell?”
“Spell?” Kipo asked in confusion.
“I think she means what you were doing while you were singing.” Edward clarified.
All they got was a confused look. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Huh, must have been this world's musical magic.” Twilight said and wrote down some notes.
Both Fluttershy and Full Moon knew it wasn’t that but didn’t want to say anything about it. “Well how about we celebrate Kipo’s success of giving the crowd a beautiful song?” Full Moon suggested.
“Sounds good to me.” Edward said before ruffling Kipo’s hair.
Kipo giggles as she playfully swats his hand away but before they can walk over to the snacks table, one of the spider ponies from before crashed into the room, his body layered with multiple cuts and burns. The music stopped as everyone looked at the spider pony who was struggling to get up, “C-cul….cul..” he then coughed up some blood.
“Hey, what is it? Was it a beast of the Everfree?” a snake pony asked him and the spider pony shook his head. “Then what?!”
“Cult-” an arrow pierced through his skull, silencing him. Then bursting into the room was an army of ponies in armor with the symbol of Celestia’s sun adorning them.
“CULTISTS!!” a monster pony shouted and what happened next was complete pandemonium! Monster ponies left and right were trying to find any means of escape except they were all blocked off by the Cultists who began to shoot the monster ponies down with arrows and magic.
“What the hell is going on?” Edward asked as he took his ax off his back and Alessia took out her twin short swords.
“Cultists! They view monster ponies as abominations that need to be killed! They shouldn’t be here! This place is too far into the Everfree!” Full Moon said as he was shocked to see Cultists this far in the Everfree. “We need to get out of here now!”
Edward frowned and his ax burst into flames. “Then let’s make an opening.”
“Normally I'd be all for killing Cultists but there’s too many of them and they came prepared.” Full Moon said while gesturing to a few Cultists who sprayed some sort of mist at the vamponies, making them gag and gasp for air which meant that the mist was garlic or powdered silver while another groups' weapons were burning away at some wereponies flesh which meant they were silver.
“Then let’s see if they have something for me.” Edward growled as his skin turned red and large wings grew out of his back. “Rah!” He charged at the nearest cultist.
The cultist didn’t have time to react before Edward chopped off their head with his ax. “Demon!!” a cultist shouted while pointing at Edward.
Edward frowned at the cultists. “You want to fight a monster? Then focus on me ya armored pussies.” He taunted while spinning his ax and moving away from the monster ponies.
A cultist then threw a bottle at Edward and when it shattered against him, it started to hurt like hell. “Holy water. Your kind are not fans of this if I remember right.” A cloaked cultist said while Edward screamed in pain.
“Fuck, where the hell did you get this?” Edward asked as he shook it off. “That fucking hurt.” He ran at the cultists and swung his ax.
The robed cultist pulled out a staff made of silver and blocked the swing before jabbing it into Edwards gut, knocking the wind out of him but before they could hit him again, Full Moon tackled them while his jaws were locked around their neck and with a strong pull, ripped out their throat. “You ok?” he asked Edward after he spat out the chunk of flesh.
“Yeah, just didn’t think holy water was a thing here, or that it would hurt me.” Edward said before he frowned. “Maybe I should try long ranged attacks.” He switched to his guitar.
“Like I said, these buckers are prepared.” Full Moon said as he looked around then spotted an unguarded door. “I see a way out of here. But even with Fluttershy helping us fight, we’ll still be outnumbered. We’ll need some help.”
“Then let’s get organized.” He started to play a small tune before, when he finished, a wave of energy washed out around him, making all his allies’ weapons glow. “Good thing I remembered how to play that.”
“Why are your dragon friend’s weapons glowing?” Full Moon asked as he looked at Alessia, who was busy stabbing or burning multiple cultists.
“I just played a music spell that rallies allies and gives them a small boost to their attack power.” Edward explained.
Full Moon grins. “Thanks! This will make clearing them a lot easier!” he then looked at Fluttershy, SPike, Twilight and Kipo. “Come on, everyone needs to help fight. Even you pup.” But Kipo was frozen, her eyes were wide and fill with terror as flashbacks of her being nearly burned alive flashed before her eyes.
“I-I…I can’t..” Kipo said in terror.
“Spike, guard Kipo.” Edward ordered before he started strumming his guitar making lightning strike some cultists.
“U-uh right.” Spike said as he stood next to Kipo who was beginning to shake like a leaf.
“Full Moon, you should get the other monster poonies to fight with us, if we fight together we can win.” Edward told him while strumming his guitar, the more he strummed the more it glowed red hot.
“It won’t do any good. They’ll want to get away from the cultists as soon as they can.” Full Moon said as he clawed a cultist.
“Twilight, got any magic to stop this?” Edward asked as his hands got burned from his overheated guitar.
“Stop what exactly?!” Twilight asked as she used her magic to keep any cultist away from Kipo and Spike.
“I don’t know, maybe start teleporting the monster ponies out of here?” Edward suggested as he used his flaming ax to cut one of the cultists.
Twilight nodded and focused her magic on some monster ponies but an arrow nearly hit her in the head.” I-I can’t! There’s too many cultists around and everyone is all over the place! I’ll need someone to protect me while I try to focus!”
“But all of our fighters are already busy!” Spike exclaimed and he was right, Edward, Fluttershy, Full Moon and Alessia were all too busy fighting off cultists. Edward then looked at Kipo.
“Kipo, we need you to protect Twilight so she can save the others!” He said while blocking a sword with his ax.
“B-but I..I..I-I…” Kipo stammered out.
“Kipo, we need you!” Edward said before kicking a cultist away. Kipo started breathing heavily as more flashbacks of the Cleansing Chamber appeared in front of her eyes. “Kipo!” Edward shouted again and Kipo just turned and ran away, disappearing into the crowd of monster ponies.
“Kipo wait!” Fluttershy called out and was about to fly after her but Full Moon pulled her away from a swing of a cultists sword.
“We have to focus on them first, then we can go find her.” Full Moon told her before kicking one of the cultists.
“B-but Kipo-” Full Moon cut her off.
“Can take care of herself, but we are surrounded by cultists, if we don't deal with them first then we will all end up in cages or in the ground.” Full Moon told her.
“As cold as it sounds, Full Moon is right, we have to stop these guys first.” Edward said before cutting one of the cultists in half.
Fluttershy still looked torn between finding her daughter and fighting the cultists so they could escape. Eventually she sighed and nodded her head before flying at a cultist attempting to stab Spike with their spear and punching them square in the face, breaking their neck instantly. “There might be a secret passage somewhere, castles like this often have one. Look for it.” Fluttershy told them.
Edward looked up and whistled. “Everyone, get under a hole in the ceiling, I am gonna bring the house down!”
The monster ponies did just that, choosing to believe Edward if it meant getting rid of the cultists faster. Once all of them were under a hole, they nervously looked at the cultists that were beginning to surround them.
Edward jumped into the air before slamming onto the ground while playing a loud power cord which makes an earthquake happen. The earthquake caused the oldcastle to crack and crumble before the ceiling fell and crushed some if not most of the cultists.
Everyone stared in shock at Edward before FUll Moon snapped them out of it. “Now’s our chance! Get them before they recover!” This caused the monster ponies to snap out of it and rush the remaining cultists and said cultists could barely fight back before they were all slaughtered.
Edward stood up and used his ax to cut off the spear tip of one of the cultists, then got in his face. “Boo.”
The cultist screamed and tried to run away but a vampony tackled him and bit into his neck before they began drinking his blood. “That’s the last of them.” Full Moon said.
“Now we have to find Kipo!” Fluttershy said in panic and worry.
“I’ll help.” Edward said as he put his ax on his back, then he felt a buzzing and checked his pocket to find his fire tribute counter, and it was going up.
“Thank you.” Fluttershy said with a nod of appreciation.
Edward hummed before putting his counter back in his pocket. “Let’s go find her.”
They all nodded. “We’ll have to search the entire castle first in case she hid in one of the rooms here.” Alessia said.
“Yeah that is a smart plan…I hope I didn’t fuck up with my plan.” Edward said with a sigh.
“I’m sure you didn’t.” Full Moon said and began to sniff the air. “I can help out the most with my sense of smell, if she is here, I’ll find her instantly.”
“I just have my normal senses, I'm not enhanced.” Edward said before he shivered and changed back to normal.
“Can we please find my daughter?!” Fluttershy exclaimed before flying off.
“Right, let’s do this fast.” Edward said before he headed for one of the towers.
“I’ll stay here and help tend to the wounded.” Spike said, gesturing to the wounded monster ponies.
“Same here, my magic might be able to heal up their injuries.” Twilight said and Full Moon nodded.
“Alright. But keep an eye out, who knows if there are more cultists.” Full Moon said then he and Alessia split up.
Everyone was back in the main room of the castle after spending at least a couple of hours searching for Kipo yet none of them had any luck. “W-where is she?! She wouldn’t go too far from me! She couldn’t have gone into the forest right?!” Fluttershy said while pacing back and forth.
Edward crossed his arms and thought out loud. “She was terrified, I saw that look before, she has PTSD…she will go somewhere she feels safest, the question is where is that?”
“W-well that would either be my home or the clubhouse.” Fluttershy said and Full Moon nodded.
“Right, we’ll split up, half of us will go to the clubhouse, the rest go to Fluttershy’s.” Full Moon said. “Who’s going where?”
Edward hummed in thought. “I can follow Fluttershy to her home.”
“I’ll follow you to this clubhouse of hers.” Alessia said while she put her swords away.
“I-I’ll go with Full Moon to the clubhouse.” Spike said
“Guess that means I’ll go with Fluttershy to her home then.” Twilight said and they walked to their chosen partners.
“Alright, looks like we have our parties. We’ll all meet back at Fluttershy’s if we don't find her.” Full Moon said and everyone nodded.
They all left, and got in Edward’s car and drove out of the forest, stopping for only a moment to find and recover Edward’s token. They continued on their way till they made it out of the forest and Edward turned it off. “Alright, we split up from here.”
They nodded their heads and got out of the car. “Ok, good luck Shy and I hope Kipo is ok.” Full Moon said to Fluttershy who nodded in agreement.
“Same.” Fluttershy said before they all split up with Fluttershy’s group heading towards her home which only took about a few minutes of travel. When they got there, they were shocked and filled with dread when they saw the front door broken in half. “O-oh no.”
Edward took his ax off his back and frowned. “Got any unfamiliar scents?” He asked quietly as he made his way to the door slowly.
“N-no, my animals make it difficult to identify someone by smell.” Fluttershy said as she too made her way to the door.
“I can try scanning for anyone with my magic.” Twilight suggested.
“Wouldn’t that give us away though? I mean your magic is bright.” Edward said quietly.
“Not really, and my magic isn’t that bright. Only when I perform more advanced spells.” Twilight said.
Edward sighed. “Let Fluttershy decide, it is her home.”
Everyone looked at Fluttershy who nodded her head. “Do it. I don’t want to rush in there blindly and end up getting us all killed, including my daughter.”
Twilight nodded and her horn glowed while she stared intently on Fluttershy’s cottage for a few seconds before the glow went away. “All I sense are animals and one person upstairs.” Twilight said.
“Alright, Fluttershy, you seem to be the fastest of us, you should go in first just in case they aren’t friendly and you need to strike.” Edward suggested.
Fluttershy nodded and walked inside and when she did she saw that her animals were nowhere to be seen. She then heard squeaking and snorting and looked over to see both Mandu and Angel waiting at the bottom of the stairs. “Angel, Mandu, who’s here right now?” she asked them.
‘It Kipo cub and…’ Angel then paused and gained a worried look. ‘Kipo cub hurt, arrow in shoulder. Angel did best he could.’
Fluttershy’s heart nearly stopped when she heard that. “Thank you for telling me this! I’ll tend to her right now while you invite my friends inside!” Fluttershy then rushed up the stairs and towards Kipo’s room which was being blocked by some of her animals but they moved aside for her. When she entered, she was greeted with a sobbing Kipo with one hand holding her shoulder which was wrapped in bloody bandages laying on her bed.
Kipo quickly turned her head to Fluttershy and upon seeing her cried even harder. “M-momma! It hurts! P-please make it stop!” Kipo begged while Fluttershy quickly rushed over to her and held her in her hooves, quietly shushing her.
“I know baby, I know. But I’ll make it better.” Fluttershy reassured as Kipo cried into her fur while Mandu walked in with a first aid kit in her mouth. Fluttershy took the kit and placed it next to her. “Now, I’m gonna remove the bandages so I can treat it properly. Ok?”
Kipo just gave a shaky nod and Fluttershy began to remove the bandages wrapped around her shoulder so she could see how bad it was. She was a bit relieved to see that the wound wasn’t that bad, just a standard arrow wound that didn’t go too deep into KIpo’s skin. “Don’t worry Kipo, it’s just a small cut.” Fluttershy reassured.
“B-but it hurts so m-m-much! Small cuts d-don’t hurt that b-ba-bad!” Cried Kipo while Fluttershy’s heart broke upon seeing her daughter in this much pain.
“Don’t worry, I said I was going to make it better and that’s what I’m gonna do.” Fluttershy said as a few birds flew in with a wet towel and gave it to her and she was about to clean the wound but KIpo flinched away.
“N-no! It hurts when you t-touch it!” Kipo said, covering the wound with her hand.
“Kipo, I won’t be able to help it heal if you don’t let me. I know you’re in pain and afraid but I promise you that you’ll feel better soon.” Fluttershy said in reassurance and Kipo just sniffled. “Ok?”
Kipo sniffled again but nodded her head. “O-ok.” She then removed her hand and Fluttershy began to clean the wound while Kipo gritted her teeth in pain and Fluttershy comforted her until the wound was clean.
“Now this next part is going to really hurt so I need to bite on this ok?” Fluttershy said as he gave Kipo part of her blanket and Kipo nodded before biting on the blanket while Fluttershy got out new bandages along with an ointment to help the wound heal quicker. Fluttershy then began to apply the bandages around Kipo’s shoulder while Kipo bites down on the blanket, new tears in her eyes. “It’s ok, we’re almost done.” Fluttershy comforted as she continued to apply the bandages.
This went on for a few seconds until Fluttershy was finished and was now hugging Kipo while rubbing her back soothingly. “M-m-momma, why do the m-m-mean ponies hate u-us so much?” Kipo asked Fluttershy. “W-we didn’t do anything t-to them! So why?”
Fluttershy was now crying as well. “It’s because w-we are different from regular ponies.” Fluttershy told her.
“B-b-but we’re just like them t-though! We live n-normal lives just like regular po-ponies!” Kipo said as she cried into Fluttershy’s fur again. “We’re not d-different from them!”
“Unfortunately that's just how some people are.” Edward said from the doorway. “But you can show them you are better than what they think you are by living a good life. Care for your friends, protect your family, and enjoy life.”
“B-but those mean ponies w-will just ruin it again! T-they’ll keep taking things t-that make me and others h-happy!” sobbed Kipo.
Edward sighed and looked down. “Yeah, they will keep trying, but that just means you and those you care about need to get stronger, so they can’t push you around.” He looked up at Kipo. “Kipo, life is hard, and you will have to face your fears one day, but until then…get stronger and keep close to your friends and family, and if you ever need my help I am just a strum away.” He set the token guitar next to the door.
Kipo sniffles a bit and nods her head. “O-ok Mr E-Edward.”
Edward smiled with a chuckle. “Please just Ed or Edward, Mr Edward makes me sound old.”
“O-ok Eddie.” Kipo said then yawned.
Edward smiled and shook his head. “Get some rest kid, you have your whole life ahead of you.”
Kipo nodded and laid down on her good shoulder. “E-Eddie? Can you….c-can you play me a song?”
Edward rubbed his head. “Sure kid, give me a moment to think of one.” He said as he sat down and got his guitar out. He then figured one out and smiled as he played his guitar softly.
“♪ We may not have sunshine
But we've got each other♪” Edward sang before Fluttershy sang next while Edward played.
“♪ And that's even better
You don't need the sun to keep you warm
Wishes come from you♪” Kipo yawned while closing her eyes, beginning to fall asleep.
“♪ We may not have storm clouds
We've got something special here♪”
Kipo was snoring softly, a peaceful look on her face which brought a smile to both Fluttershy’s and Edwards faces. Fluttershy then gently covered Kipo up and kissed her cheek. “I love you my little bundle of joy.” Fluttershy said softly before she and Edward began to leave her room while both Angel and Mandu hopped onto the bed and laid down next to Kipo.
“She is a good kid, I hope I was able to help some.” Edward said softly.
“She is and I hope so too. But after tonight, I fear that she’s even more traumatized than before.” Fluttershy said, a sad look on her face as she closed the door just a bit.
“I don’t know much about this world but you should find her a therapist to help her through her PTSD.” Edward told her and they two walked down stairs.
“I know, Celestia paid for a therapist for her. Though we only visited him once and he says she’s hiding something from even herself.” Fluttershy said, before frowning. “He does have a way to help her but I’m not sure about it just yet.”
Edward crossed his arms and hummed in thought. “What is his idea?”
Fluttershy sighs. “He wants to hypnotize her. It’ll let him speak to her subconscious so he can find out what is troubling her.”
“Hmm, well I can understand your concerns, but if he agrees to let you be in the room when it happens I don’t see why not.” Edward suggested with a slight shrug of his shoulders.
“B-but even then, I’ll still be nervous because the thought of hypnotizing someone, even if it’s to help them, never sat well with me.” Fluttershy said. “Plus, Kipo isn’t normal like everyone, what if the treatment causes side effects? Bad ones that would forever affect her?”
“Hmm. well I must say this, humans do have a type of hypnosis therapy, so it should be fine.” Edwprd said as he scratched his in. “Perhaps you can talk to her about how hypnotism works and ask her what she wants.”
Fluttershy was quiet for a few seconds before responding. “I…I suppose I can asked her if she wants to. Though, it’ll have to happen sometime after she’s recovered from this night.”
“Probably a good idea.” Edward said with a nod. “Unfortunately we're stuck here until morning, but I can help out around your house until then.”
“What do you mean you’re stuck here until morning?” Fluttershy asked in confusion as she walked over to the busted front door and looked it over.
“From what I know, only the person that summoned me can send me home.” Edward explained before he looked at the door as well. “This is an easy fix, five minutes tops.”
“So you have to wait until Kipo wakes up in the morning in order to go home then.” Fluttershy said with a sigh then pointed out. “Also, the door is broken in half with several pieces missing.”
“Not a problem.” Edward said with a smile. “Give me five minutes.” He cracked his knuckles and headed outside.
“Um, ok?” Fluttershy said before she began to clean up all the wood bits on the floor.
After a few minutes Edward came back with a door made of freshly cut wood. He begins to remove the old door and install the new one. After five minutes he was finished. “It ain’t pretty but it will keep the weather and bugs out.”
“But how? You were gone for five minutes, it usually takes a bit longer to make a door.” Fluttershy said, surprised to see Edward make a door so fast.
“I am a roadie.” He said with a grin. “Like I said it ain’t pretty but it will do.”
“Well I think this roadie job is more productive than others.” Fluttershy said just as Full Moon and the others walked up to the cottage.
Edward chuckled while rubbing his nose. “Just tell me what needs fixing and what to leave alone and I will get to work.”
Fluttershy giggles a bit. “I’ll be sure to let you know but for now, I think everyone can use some rest.” Fluttershy said.
Edward shrugged with a smile. “I can rest when I am dead, if I am stuck here I may as well be useful.”
“So I take it the pup is ok?” Full Moon asked them as he and the others walked in.
“Sort of. She was hit by an arrow in the shoulder but the wound wasn’t all that bad but it really hurt her.” Fluttershy said sadly.
Full Moon growled a bit but didn’t do much else. “Damn it, I wish I could have protected her.”
“I did too but there wasn’t anything we could have. We were outnumbered left and right.” Fluttershy said while patting his back. “Let’s just be thankful that Kipo only made it out with just a minor wound." she then sighed.
He looked at her with worry. "You ok?"
She slowly nodded her head. "Yeah, just wondering how Dr. Brum is going to help Kipo after this incident. Though I'm not sure if he can given how terrified Kipo was so she might not talk about it."
“Hey, I'm sure he can help her. I mean, Celestia did suggest him after all. She wouldn't have if she didn't believe he could help her.” Full Moon reassured.
Fluttershy was still doubtful but nodded her head. "I guess you are right but I'm still a bit worried."
Full Moon wrapped a hoof around her and gave her a hug. "I know, but you must have a little faith." he then yawned a bit. "Maybe we should get some sleep. It's been a long night."
Fluttershy nodded in agreement then looked at her three other guests. “I have a guest room one or two of you can use.”
“Eh, I’ll sleep on the couch.” Alessia said while pointing a thumb at said furniture.
“Guess me and Spike are sharing then.” Twilight said with Spike nodding in agreement. Then everyone began to head to bed except for Fluttershy as she had some things to do which Edward might be able to help with.
The next morning, everyone was outside of the cottage, well, almost everyone. Kipo was standing next to the door frame, refusing to leave the house. “S-so this is goodbye for now.” Kipo said to Edward who was seated in his car along with Alessia, Spike and Twilight.
“Yeah, sorry about that kid, but like I said, if you need me just strum that guitar and I will come to save ya.” Edward said while giving her a thumbs up. “You remember that ok?”
“O-ok.” Kipo said while nodding. “U-um, how do I send y-you home again?”
Edward smiled. “You say, our contract is complete.”
“Our c-contract is complete. Bye Eddie.” Kipo said while waving goodbye.
Edward waved as a portal opened below the car and it sank down into it. “See ya around kid, and remember, you don’t have to be a monster, trust your friends and family with your pain, lastly, keep moving forwar-” Edward was cut off as he passed through the portal and then it closed.
“What was he trying to say?” Full Moon asked and Fluttershy just shrugged.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Everfree Castle Aftermath
Angel looked up at his owner as she carried a tray of food back up the stairs, her face full of worry and sorrow as the two approached Kipo's room who hadn't left her room for two whole days. Which didn't go unnoticed as the Crusaders and the rest of Fluttershy's friends had stopped by one day to see what was going on. Fluttershy and Full Moon simply didn't have the heart to tell the Crusaders so they just told the three fillies that Kipo was sick, their friends however, Fluttershy couldn't keep the truth from them so they told them everything.
Needless to say, they weren't at all happy. Rainbow Dash even wanted to fly all over the forest just to find a Cultist and beat them to a pulp. The only reason why she didn't was because her friends managed to talk her down since they, specifically Fluttershy and Full Moon, knew that the Cultists were very dangerous to monster ponies. They dare not imagine how a regular pegasus would be able to stand against them. Once Rainbow Dash was calmed down, they all agreed to stop by every now and then just to check up on Kipo and comfort her whenever they do.
Fluttershy sighed, she was glad to have such great friends such as them. Always being there when you needed them. Especially during times like these. Angel squeaking caught her attention and when she looked at him, she noticed that she had stopped walking. Shaking her head, she continued walking towards her daughters room. When the two reached the door, Fluttershy put the tray down before knocking on the door.
It was quiet for a moment before a response came from inside. “Yes momma?” Kipo’s voice called out and Fluttershy became confused. What confused her was that Kipo's voice didn’t sound scared or sad like the previous days. Frowning in worry, she opened the door and saw her daughter sitting on her bed with a book in her lap. The vampony stared at her daughter as she showed no signs of fear or sadness like before.
Kipo looked up with a smile, showing off her regular human eyes instead of her usual jaguar ones. “Hi momma, is it breakfast time?”
“Y-yes, it is.” Fluttershy said, completely taken aback by Kipo’s otherwise cheerful attitude as she picked up the tray and walked in before Kipo took it.
“Thanks momma!” Kipo said before she began eating her breakfast while Fluttershy looked down at Angel who was just as taken aback as she was.
Angel shrugged his shoulders, unsure of how to react to this sudden change in Kipo. Turning back to her daughter, she nervously asked, “A-are you feeling alright?”
Kipo stopped eating and looked at her mother with confusion in her eyes. “Um, yeah? Why?”
“W-well um…I am worried about you…after what happened at the castle.” Fluttershy said gently and she barely noticed the small twitch one of her fingers did.
“At the castle?” Kipo asked.
“Yes…I…do you not want to talk about it?” Fluttershy asked gently as she placed a hoof on her shoulder.
“About what?” Kipo asked, making Fluttershy even more worried until what Kipo said next surprised and confused her. “Sorry momma but I don’t really remember much of the castle. All I remember is having fun at the party and then being sick for a while.”
Angel looked at Fluttershy. ‘Did cub hit head?’
“No I didn’t Angel. At least, I don’t think I did.” Kipo said, now growing confused on if she had hit her head or not. Fluttershy however was just silent. She knew Kipo couldn’t have forgotten what had happened last night, especially not after hitting her head. Something like that could not be forgotten so easily so it made Fluttershy worried.
The two heard knocking and looked over to see Full Moon knocking on the door frame. “Are my girls decent?”
“Hi Mr. Moon!” Kipo happily called which stunned the werepony.
“Kipo…you are…ok?” He asked as he walked into the room then shared a worried look with Fluttershy.
“Um, yeah? But are you and momma ok? You two seemed awfully worried for some reason.” Kipo asked, wondering why the two were so worried about her when nothing was wrong with her.
Full Moon pulled Fluttershy out of the room for a moment. “What do you think is going on?”
“I-I don’t know. Nothing in the books said anything about this. M-maybe she’s just locking away her trauma?” Fluttershy said, unable to find a good answer to Kipo’s unusual behavior.
“Maybe, it is the best explanation that we have, so maybe we should just pretend it didn't happen for her sake.” Full Moon said with a sigh.
“B-but it did happen! We can’t just p-pretend like it never happened!” Fluttershy whisper shouted, not liking the idea of pretending a massacre didn’t happen even though they were right in the middle of it.
“I am just suggesting…we let her act normal and tell the therapist about it.” He said while scratching his head.
Fluttershy really wanted to say something but knew that a talk with Dr. Brum would help answer the many questions she has about what has happened to her daughter. “O-ok.”
“Hopefully we can get some answers soon.” Full Moon said before he kissed Fluttershy’s cheek. “I did a check around town, no sign of them .”
“Not a single trace?” Fluttershy asked though she wasn’t surprised. Given the fact that they hunt monster ponies, they would have to be good at hiding to avoid expert trackers like wereponies and vamponies.
He shook his head. “Nothing, I couldn’t even find tracks other than the creatures that were at the party.” He looked over his shoulder and down the stairs. “One of us should stick with Kipo today when we can.”
She nodded her head. “Agreed.”
“Do you have any plans? I could shadow her for the day if you are busy.” Full Moon said softly.
“I-I'm afraid so. I've been so worried about Kipo that I have been neglecting my duties." Fluttershy said, gesturing to the animals that made her cottage their home.
Full Moon nodded in understanding. "I understand, you can take care of everything here while I shadow Kipo.”
Fluttershy looked unsure of that idea. “I don’t know, a-are you sure you can handle e-everything alone?”
“Of course.” He smiled and tilted his head. “Don’t trust me?”
“I-it’s not that. You know I would always trust you. It’s just I’m worried that something would happen and you won’t know what to do.” Fluttershy said worriedly.
“If that happens I will ask our friends.” He said with a soft smile.
“B-but-” Fluttershy began, starting to go into full panicked mother mode but Full Moon stopped her.
Full Moon kissed her on the lips before saying. “I can handle it, Flutterpie.”
Fluttershy still didn’t look sure but trusted him enough to leave Kipo in his hooves. “A-alright, I trust you.”
“Thank you, now let’s go back to our eavesdropper.” He said with a smirk and looked at the door where a purple jaguar ear could be seen peeking around the doorway which disappeared in an instant.
Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle a bit before the two walked into Kipo’s room where said girl was trying to look innocent. “Kipo-” Fluttershy began but Kipo quickly said,
“I wasn’t eavesdropping!” she said quickly.
“Then how did you know we were about to talk to you about eavesdropping?” Full Moon asked with a smirk that says ‘got ya’.
“I uh….” Kipo stopped when she realized she couldn’t think of a good excuse and pouts. “Ok maybe I was listening a little bit.”
“Kipo, you really shouldn’t listen to other ponies' conversations.” Fluttershy said as she pulled Kipo into a hug.
“I know, I couldn’t help it. You and Mr. Moon were acting all weird and I wanted to know why. I’m sorry.” Kipo apologized.
Full Moon shook his head with a chuckle. “You don’t need to worry about us pup, how about you eat your breakfast and go play with your friends?”
“I’m already done eating.” Kipo said, pointing to the empty tray.
“Oh alright, well if you want you can go out and play with your friends.” Full Moon said.
“Thanks Mr. Moon!” Kipo said as she hugged him before running out of the room.
“You know she’s gonna know you’re following her if she heard our conversation.” Flutttershy told the werepony.
“She will know I am following, but not where.” He said with a smirk. “I taught her everything she knows about hunting, but not everything I know.”
“That’s true but you have to remember, her nose can pick up any scent.” Fluttershy told him.
“Only if I want her to find me, I know how to avoid predators.” He said with a chuckle.
Fluttershy sighed and shook her head. “Ok, just please be careful and don’t embarrass her.”
“Now when have I ever embarrassed her?” Full Moon asked her.
"True but still, I'm sure you'll find a way." she said then nuzzled his cheek. "Be careful, ok?"
He just chuckles and kisses her cheek. “I promise." he then turned and left, leaving Fluttershy alone in her cottage. She looked at some of her animals and knew she had a bit of a long day ahead of her. Sighing, she got to work.
Kipo was walking through the town looking around for her friends. “I wonder what we will do today.” She then noticed Sugarcube Corner and decided to check inside for her friends. Once she entered she looked around for any signs of her friends until she spotted the familiar purple messy hair of Scootaloo. Grinning, she quickly rushed over. “Hey Scootaloo!”
The filly looked over and smiled. “Kipo!”
Kipo hugged her friend who returned it. “How are you doing Scoots?”
“I am good just picking up some snacks for our…our…” Scootaloo stopped when she noticed the bandage around Kipo’s arm.
“What’s wrong?” Kipo asked, tilting her head in confusion when she saw Scootaloo trail off.
“Y-your arm…wh-what happened?” Scootaloo asked as her ears folded back in worry.
“Huh?” Kipo asked and looked at her arm. “I don’t know. I think I cut myself last night by accident. I’m ok though.”
“O-oh ok.” Scootaloo said softly. “Do you want to join me in going to Sweetie’s place?”
“The Boutique? Sure!” Kipo said with a smile. “I wanted to hang out with you girls anyways.”
“That's good because we were going to see if you were able to hang out with us after I picked up the snacks.” Scootaloo said with a smile, then Pinkie popped up with a to-go bag.
“Here ya go Scoots! Oh, hi Kipo!” Pinkie said upon noticing Kipo.
“Hi aunt Pinkie!” Kipo greeted happily.
“Hi Kipo!” Pinkie said before giving Kipo a smaller bag. “These are for you.”
“Really? What’s in it?” she asked as she opened the bag and peered inside.
Inside were a few cookies with red crosses on them. “They are my special get well cookies.” Pinkie said with a smile.
“Thank you aunt Pinkie but why are they get well cookies? I’m not sick.” Kipo asked, a bit confused.
Pinkie pointed at Kipo’s bandaged arm. “You are hurt so these can help speed up the healing.”
“Really? They can?” Scootaloo asked the pink mare.
“Yep!” Pinkie said with a wink. “But they are tricky to make so I don't make them often.”
“How’d you make them aunt Pinkie?” Kipo asked as she took one of the cookies out and began eating it.
“It is a secret recipe.” Pinkie said with a giggle and wink.
“Ok.” Kipo said though she was curious on how Pinkie made them.
“Go have some fun with your friends.” Pinkie said with a smile.
Kipo nodded her head. “Ok aunt Pinkie.” she said and after Scootaloo paid for the snacks minus the cookies Pinkie gifted Kipo, the two walked out and began to make their way to Carousel Boutique. “So how have you been Scoots?”
“I have been ok, me and the others have been trying to come up with ways for us to get our Cutie Marks like always. Do you have any new ideas?” She asked with a smile as they walked through the streets.
Kipo hummed in thought. “Hmm, well we tried a lot of things to get you and the others Cutie Marks. I’m not really sure what else we can try.”
Scootaloo thought for a bit before a light blush appeared on her cheeks. “Wh-what about maybe…something to help couples?”
Kipo looked at her with a slightly confused look. “Help couples? That’s a new one. What brought up this idea?”
Scootaloo rubbed the back of her head. “I don’t know, I just thought…maybe we could try helping others.”
“Hmm, ok. I guess we can try that.” Kipo said with a grin.
Scootaloo smiled and they got to the door of the Carousel Boutique. “Cool, we can bring it up with the others.”
“Alright.” she said just as the door opened to reveal Rarity. “Hi aunt Rarity!”
“Oh hello Kipo, Scootaloo, how are you two?” Rarity asked as she stepped aside.
“We’re doing good.” Scootaloo said as she and Kipo entered the Boutique. “Is Sweetie Belle here? We want to try getting our Cutie Marks again.”
“Yes, Applebloom is also up in her room with Sweetie.” Rarity said with a smile.
“Cool! This will make things a bit easier! Come on Kipo!” Scootaloo said as she rushed up the stairs with Kipo chasing after her. Rarity just shook her head with a smile before closing the door and went back to her work.
Both Kipo and Scootaloo entered Sweetie Belle’s room, seeing their two friends sitting around but they had turned their heads to look at them before smiling. “Hey Kipo! Did Scootaloo go pick you up?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“No, I was already looking for you girls and found Scoots at Sugarcube.” Kipo told them.
“Oh, that's good, we were gonna find ya after we came up with a plan.” Applebloom said before pointing at a paper filled with some drawings of Cutie Mark ideas.
“Well Scoots came up with one on our way here.” Kipo said, making their friends turn to said filly.
Scoolaoo blushed and fidgeted. “Um…I thought maybe we could help couples?”
“Couples? As in ponies who are together couples?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Why or how did you come up with that?” Applebloom asked next.
“I just thought it would be a nice thing to do ok?” Scootaloo said as she started to blush more.
“I think it’s a good idea. Not only will it keep you girls from getting in trouble, like always, but we get to help other ponies too!” Kipo said.
Sweetie Belle tapped her chin. “Hmm yeah that is true. I vote for Scootaloo’s idea.”
“Well shoot, we got no other ideas so why not?” Applebloom said.
“Alright then let’s go!” Kipo said with a smile. The four of them then ran out of the room, down the stairs and out the front door.
“Be careful girls!” Rarity called out before the door closed.
The four Crusaders kept running through town. “So who should we help first?” Kipo asked her friends.
“How about mister and misses Cake?” Sweetie Belle suggested.
“The Cakes? What can we do to help them?” Scootaloo asked as they started to slow down so they won’t get tired too early.
“I don’t know.” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug.
“Maybe we can go and check and see if they need any help?” Kipo suggested.
“That is the plan.” Applebloom said before she smiled. “Ah know how to cook!” Her friends just stared at her, making her look at them in confusion. “What?”
“Um, last time we cooked in their kitchen, you three made a mess out of the place. You even covered Ms. Cake in cake batter.” Kipo said.
“That was because we got over excited.” Applebloom said dismissively.
“Sure it was.” Kipo said.
Applebloom puffed out her cheeks. “It was!”
Kipo just giggles and pats her head. “Yeah yeah, I believe you.”
Applebloom huffed and started running. “Ah’ll show ya!”
“Hey wait up!” Her friends called out before chasing after her.
The four of them ran till they got back to Sugarcube Corner. “Oh welcome back Kipo, Scootaloo. Was there something wrong with your food?” Pinkie asked.
“No, we just came here to help Mr. and Mrs. Cake.” Kipo answered.
“O-oh uh…” Pinkie looked around nervously before she got an idea. “How about you help them by foal sitting?”
“Foalsitting? You mean watch the twins?” Scootaloo asked and Pinkie nodded her head.
“Yep! I am sure they would be grateful if you could watch them.” Pinkie said with a smile.
“I think we can do that.” Sweetie Belle said and her friends nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, let’s go ask them!” Kipo said then looked at her aunt. “Do you know where they are?”
“They are upstairs taking care of the twins.” Pinkie said with a smile she peeked over Kipo’s shoulder and winked.
“Why did you wink?” Kipo asked as she turned around but saw nothing.
“Oh nothing.” Pinkie said with a giggle. The Crusaders were confused but shrugged.
“Can you take us to them Pinkie?” Applebloom asked the overly pink mare.
“Sorry girls, I am busy running the shop.” She said before rushing over to the counter.
“That’s ok, we can find them on our own.” Scootaloo said before running up the stairs. “Come on girls!”
“Hey wait up!” Kipo followed the fillies. “It is rude to go into somepony’s home without permission!”
The four of them got upstairs and found Mrs. Cake in the hallway. “Oh my, hello girls, what can I do for you?”
“Hi Mrs. Cake, we’re just here to help with the twins.” Kipo said.
“Really?” She asked surprised. “Well…I suppose that will be ok, go ahead and help Carrot Cake while I help Pinkie.” She said with a smile.
“Ok. Where is he?” Applebloom asked her.
“He is in the twin’s room.” Mrs. Cake said with a smile as she walked around them.
“Bye Mrs. Cake!” Kipo said with a wave before she and the others entered the twins’s room, seeing a slightly tired Carrot Cake holding Pound Cake while Pumpkin played with some blocks.
“Hi mister Cake, Mrs. Cake said we can help you.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.
“Oh she did? I don’t know. I kinda got it handled.” Carrot Cake said only for Pumpkin to throw a rattle at him before giggling.
Sweetie Belle picked up the rattle and shook it in front of Pumpkin's face. “Look, Pumpkin, your rattle.” Pumpkin coos as she watches her rattle before giggling and reaching for it.
Sweetie smiled as she gave the rattle back. “We can help you with them.” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“Yeah! We can watch them while you rest.” Applebloom said as she sat next to Pound Cake.
“Well….I don’t know girls. These two can really be a hassle.” Carrot Cake said, nervous about leaving his kids with the Crusaders, knowing how the twins can get.
“Mr. Cake, I promise we can handle them.” Kipo promised with a reassuring smile.
He still looked unsure but looked into Kipo’s eyes and saw she was being truthful about being responsible so he nodded slowly. “Ok, but call for help if anything happens ok?”
“Yes sir!” Kipo said, giving a playful salute as she did before giggling.
He smiled softly and rubbed her head. “Thank you, you four are good fillies.” He then walked out of the room before peeking back in as the girls played with the foals who were all sorts of giggly.
Sweetie Belle sat down in front of Pumpkin and covered her eyes, “Where’s the baby?” she asked and Pumpkin look confused for a second before Sweetie Belle quickly uncovered her eyes. There she is!” this sent the foal into a fit of giggles.
Kipo smiled and played with Pound by using her tail and tickling him, making him start giggling as well as he grabbed onto it. “Foals are adorable.”
“That much is certain.” Scootaloo said.
“Just be careful Kipo, you don’t want him pulling on yer tail.” Applebloom said as she held Pumpkin.
“I’ll be fine. He’s just a baby. It’s not like he’s gonna pull that hard.” Kipo said.
“Maybe.” Applebloom said with a smile. “But they can surprise ya.”
“Applebloom is right, he may just grab ahold of you and start flying around the room.” Scootaloo warned Kipo.
“Girls, he’s a baby. He’s not gonna be able to pick me up.” Kipo said though she did snicker at the thought of a baby being able to fly around the room while carrying her.
However while she was snickering, Pound grabbed her tail and started laughing, his wings also buzzed to life and lifted him into the air which in turn caused him to pull Kipo up by her tail. “We warned you.” Scootaloo and Applebloom said together.
“Wait, how is this possible??? He’s a baby so he shouldn’t be able to lift me up like this! Right???” Kipo said, completely confused by this impossibility as she was lifted higher before Pound began flying around with the gobsmacked Kipo while her friends and Pumpkin watched in amusement.
“Kipo, when ponies are young our magic can act strange, heck my mom told me I once teleported myself inside of a cookie jar.” Sweetie belle said with a giggle.
“Yeah and I flew around the house so fast I made a small tornado.” Scootaloo said with a laugh.
“Now you tell me.” Kipo said before Pound accidentally bonked against the crib. “Ow! Someone, please help.” Pound then flew out of the room while babbling happily.
Scootaloo shook a toy as she followed them. “Pound, look I got one of your toys.”
Pound stopped flying and looked at the toy before dropping Kipo and flying over to it and taking out of Scootaloo’s hoof before shaking it around. “Thanks.” groaned Kipo.
Scootaloo walked over and helped Kipo up. “Are you hurt?”
“I’m ok. Though I wish that I knew about babies being way stronger than they looked earlier.” she said as she rubbed her head.
“Sorry, I thought you knew.” Scootaloo said with a small sigh.
“Nope, first time I’m hearing about about it.” she said before she grabbed Pound Cake, who was too busy playing with his toy, and the three of them walked back into the room, seeing Pumpkin attempting to eat one of her toys while Sweetie Belle and Applebloom tried to stop her.
“Pumpkin no, this isn't food.” Sweetie Belle said as she pulled but the little foals magic was much stronger as Pumpkin kept a firm grip on the toy.
“Wow, you girls weren’t kidding about the whole magic being stronger as a baby thing.” Kipo said as she watched the tug of war between Sweetie Belle and Pumpkin.
“Yeah, just be glad they ain't earth ponies. Mah sister told me when ah was little ah once lifted the whole barn to get to a ball.” Applebloom said while shaking her head.
Her friends stared at her in disbelief. “Yeah I ain’t buying that. What about you girls?” Scootaloo asked Sweetie Belle and Kipo.
“Nope.” both responded in unison.
Applebloom blushed and pouted. “Fine, it was just the shed.”
“Yeah that’s a bit more believable.” Kipo said and Applebloom pouted a bit and the two foals laughed at the face she was making.
“Aw, babies are just so cute!” Kipo said.
“Yes.” Sweetie and Scootaloo said with smiles. And that’s how the four of them spent most of their time, simply watching over the twins and keeping them from causing too much trouble though there were times were the two foals would cause a bit of trouble for them but it wasn’t anything they couldn’t handle.
Soon enough Mrs. Cake came into the room with a plate filled with snacks on her back. “Lunch time for the babies, I can handle that. You girls can take these snacks and take a break.” She said with a smile only to stifle her laughter when she saw Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo being spun around in the air by Pumpkin while Kipo was once again in Pound Cake's clutches as he flew around the room.
“Help.” Kipo said before she was swung into the crib which caused her to bump her head on it.
Mrs Cake blinked at the sight before shaking her head. “Pumpkin, Pound, put them down please.” she said in a slightly stern tone which made both foals look at her before cooing in delight. They dropped their temporary babysitters and made their way over to their mother who promptly picked them up in her hooves.
“Thanks Mrs. Cake, things were going well until that happened.” Scootaloo said while rubbing her head.
“Someone make the world stop spinning.” groaned Sweetie Belle, her eyes having turned into swirls.
“I see that.” she said, stifling her giggles at the sight. "Though you did do a good job watching over them that me, Pinkie and Carrot were able to get some work done, so thank you.”
“You’re welcome Mrs. Cake.” Kipo said with a smile as she stood up.
“Hey, let’s see if we got our marks!” Applebloom excitedly said and her, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo checked to see if they had gotten their Cutie Marks but saw that they did not.
“Aww.” They said and pouted when they saw their flanks were blank.
“I guess babysitting foals isn’t your girls special talent.” Kipo said to the dejected fillies.
“It’s ok, we still had fun.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.
“Yeah, even if there were a couple of mishaps it was still fun.” Kipo said.
“In any case, thank you girls.” Mrs. Cake said with a smile.
“You’re welcome Mrs. Cake.” all four of them said at the same time. After Mrs. Cake took over taking care of the twins in order to put them down for a nap, the Crusaders left Sugarcube and were now walking through town.
“What should we do now?” Applebloom asked her friends.
“I’m not sure. Our Cutie Mark idea didn’t seem to work so now we’re stuck with trying to come up with a new plan.” Scootaloo said as they walk in front of an alley.
“I’m sure we’ll come up with some-” Kipo was cut off when a loud bang was heard from the alley, causing the jaguar hybrid to quickly turn towards the noise. Her friends stared in shock at their friends' sudden change in demeanor. Her pupils had shrunk a bit while her teeth were slightly bared as she growled lowly, revealing much sharper teeth. They also saw her hands had gained much sharper claws as well. Overall, she looked like she was ready to attack something.
“A-are you ok Kipo?” Scootaloo asked as she moved in front of Kipo. Kipo’s eyes glanced down at her before she shook her head. Her eyes and hands returning to their previous state.
“Y-yeah, sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” Kipo said as she rubbed the back of her head.
“Maybe we should take you to see a doctor.” Sweetie Belle suggested.
“No, I think I’m fine. Honest.” Kipo said, giving them a reassuring smile.
“If ya are sure.” Applebloom said with a frown.
“Of course I’m sure. It’s probably something that happens once and won’t happen again.” Kipo said before they continued walking only to bump into someone. “Oof! Sorry about that I-” Kipo stopped when she realized who it was she bumped into. “Ms. Zecora?”
Said zebra looked down at Kipo and raised an eyebrow. “Young child of the feline, what are you doing out? Are you feeling fine?”
“I am. Why do you ask?” Kipo asked her.
“You and the other little ones near a dark alley where danger could be.” Zecora said and looked down the dark alley.
“Oh, we’re fine Zecora. Well, I think most of us are anyways.” Scootaloo mumbled the last part to herself but Zecora heard her.
“Are you sure little one?” Zecora asked.
“H-huh? Um, yeah. Everything’s fine. At least I think so.” Scootaloo said nervously while her friends looked at her.
“What’s wrong Scoots?” Kipo asked her.
“It’s nothing. I swear.” Scootaloo said.
“Come now young one, share your woes.” Zecora siad with a kind smile.
“Well…” Scootaloo said then looked at Kipo who looked back at her in confusion.
“What?” the jaguar hybrid questioned.
Scootaloo sat down and rubbed her tail. “I am worried one of the babies drooled on my tail.” She lied.
“Really? That’s all?” Applebloom asked though Zecora knew that baby drool wouldn’t warrant such a worried look in the fillies eyes but decided to drop it for now.
“Yeah, it feels weird.” Scootaloo said while rubbing her tail.
“Maybe it’s just a knot in your tail. That can happen when you don’t brush it.” Sweetie Belle said.
“I know the feeling. I sometimes get knots in my hair.” Kipo said, pointing at her crazy head of hair.
“Maybe.” Scootaloo said with a frown as she looked at Kipo. “Do you girls want to go back to Sweetie’s and get cleaned up?”
“Yeah, Pound decided that my tail would be good to nibble on.” Kipo said, looking at her tail.
“And getting those plushies out of Pumpkins mouth is not a clean job.” Sweetie Belle said, grimacing a bit in disgust at the memory.
“Hey miss Zecora do ya think we could help you after we clean up?” Applebloom asked.
“Hm, I could use a hoof or two while I am busy with my brew.” Zecora said but added, “But ask your families first. If they do say yes, then come meet me by the edge of the forest with one or all of your guardians.”
“Ok!” Kipo said with a smile and looked at her friends. “Do we go as a group or split up?”
“Let’s split up! That way we can get our families faster!” Applebloom said.
“Alright, see you girls at the edge of town.” Sweetie said with a smile before she walked off.
“See you all soon.” Scootaloo ran off stopping only for a moment to look back at Kipo with worry but went back to running off. Kipo was a bit confused by this behavior but shrugged it off and began running back to her home.
“See ya Ms Zecora! I’ll be back soon!” she waved back at the zebra.
“We will try ta hurry.” Applebloom said before she ran off.
“Take your time.” she said to the retreating fillies. She then hears a commotion a bit aways from her and looked over to see two ponies she didn’t expect to be fighting. Big Mac and Full Moon. Her curiosity piqued, she walked over to them, managing to hear their conversation.
“How about you back off normie!” Full Moon shouted at Big Mac.
“I don’t want yer girl around ma sisters no more got it?” Big Mac said while leaning closer.
“Why?! Because she’s different?!” Full Moon demanded.
“Because she is dangerous!” Big Mac shouted back with a glare.
“Dangerous?! She wouldn’t even dare hurt a fly!” Full Moon shouted angrily and Zecora stepped in before things got too heated.
“Enough! Both of you must calm yourselves before either of your charges come back and see this.” she told them.
Big Mac frowned at her and it was at this point that she could see four claw marks on his face which were still bleeding. “Stay out of this Zecora, I am speaking with Full Moon.”
“No, both of you are to separate at once. Otherwise you both will get in trouble.” Zecora said, making sure to stay in between the two stallions. Big Mac glared at Full Moon once more before he turned to leave.
“Don’t trust him Miss Zecora, he and his Daughter are dangerous.” Big Mac said as he left.
“I do not believe such a thing. Go and stop with your nonsense.” Zecora said before Big Mac was gone. She sighed and turned to Full Moon. “Tell me, what had started this fight other than Big Mac accusing you and young Kipo of being dangerous?”
Full Moon watched Big Mac leave before he let out a frustrated sigh. “An old family feud got reignited.”
“I see.” Zecora said, not needing any further explanations as she knows how family feuds can be. Especially concerning wereponies.
Full Moon sighed and started to walk off. “I need to get back home before Kipo does.”
“You may be already too late on that as young Kipo is heading to her home to request permission from her mother to come to my hut.” Zecora told him.
“Buck.” He cursed before he ran off to try to beat her to the house. Zecora watched him run off before shaking her head and went back to waiting by the forest. Back with Full Moon, he kept running towards the cottage while thinking to himself. ‘Damn it, that was too long and I lost sight of Kipo, I hope it worked though.’
He eventually reached the cottage and proceeded to enter only to bump into Kipo who fell on her butt. “Oof! Sorry about that.” Kipo said, looking up at who she bumped into before smiling. “Hi Mr. Moon!”
“H-hey pup.” He said while trying not to pant from how fast he ran. “What are ya doing home so early?”
“I came back to ask momma if I can go with Ms. Zecora to her hut to help her.” Kipo said just as Fluttershy came out.
“I see, well be safe and if you are going with friends keep them safe too ok? Normies aren’t as used to the forest as we are.” Full Moon said before he patted Kipo’s head with a smile.
“I promise Mr. Moon, but Ms. Zecora said to also bring either my momma or guardian too if I want.” Kipo told him. “So I wanted to know if you or momma want to come with?”
Full Moon tapped his chin before he smiled. “How about both of us, if she is free that is.”
“I-I am.” Fluttershy said, making Kipo smile happily just before snorting could be heard as Mandu ran over to them.
“Hi Mandu! Do you want to come too?” Kipo asked the pig mute.
She nodded and nuzzled Kipo’s leg while Fluttershy giggled. “Make sure to keep her safe outside.”
“I will momma!” Kipo said as she pets Mandu.
Full Moon smiled and rubbed himself on Fluttershy. “We have to talk when we get a moment.” He whispered.
“Is i-it about Kipo?” Fluttershy whispered back.
“No, but also yes.” Full Moon said with a sigh as the family left the house.
“No but also yes?” the confused vampony asked.
Full Moon saw Kipo had walked ahead of them a bit and whispered to Fluttershy. “I am doing something that could be a bit dangerous.”
That made Fluttershy gulp nervously. “L-like what exactly?”
Full Moon frowned a bit before he sighed. “I got into a fight with Big Mac.”
“You what?!” Fluttershy exclaimed in shock.
“Is something wrong?” Kipo asked her mother after hearing her shout.
“Nothing little pup, keep playing with Mandu.” Full Moon said with a smile.
“Are you sure?” Kipo asked before Mandu tackles her, making her erupt into a fit of giggles.
Full Moon smiled and leaned on Fluttershy. “She is so innocent, I hope she isn’t pulled into the trouble to come.”
“What do you mean? Full Moon just what happened while you were out?” Fluttershy asked him.
Full Moon frowned and let out a sigh. “I fought with Big Mac out in public, but it is being handled.”
“You fought with Big Mac?! But why?! Besides Applejack, he’s one of the only Apples that we know of that is friendly with us!” Fluttershy exclaimed, though this time much more quietly to avoid drawing Kipo’s attention again.
Full Moon was quiet for a moment before he said. “Stallion business.”
Fluttershy didn’t like that response one bit. “Stallion business? Full Moon you can’t just say that you fought with Big Mac and then say that it was stallion business and think that’ll be the end of it.”
“It is…complicated, but it had to happen.” He said with a frown.
“Full Moon, please. Tell me what-” before Fluttershy could finish, Kipo had shouted out.
“Hi Ms Zecora!” Kipo waved at the zebra shamaness that was still waiting by the forest along with Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and their respective guardians.
“We will talk about it tonight after Kipo goes to bed, I promise.” Full Moon whispered before he waved at the other mares. “Hey ladies, I see the fillies got you all to come.”
“Yeah well, I couldn’t let Scoots go into the Everfree by herself now can I?” Rainbow Dash asked as she hovered above the group.
“I wouldn’t be alone, I would be with my friends and Miss Zecora.” Scootaloo said.
“Even then dear, it’s best if we went along with you four just in case. Safety in numbers after all.” Rarity said.
“I kinda agree with Rarity.” Sweetie Belle said softly as she rubbed her leg.
“I’m sure we would have been fine.” Scootaloo said then she finally noticed Mandu. “Oh, you brought Mandu?”
“Yeah, she wanted to come with me. Plus, it’s been a while since she’s been out of the house.” Kipo said as she pets the Mute pig on the head.
“Hey Shy, can we talk for a spell?” Applejack asked as the group started to move into the forest.
“Of c-course.” Fluttershy said with a nod though she could guess what Applejack wanted to talk about.
Fluttershy and Applejack stayed in the back of the group and Applejack started with a slight frown. “I heard Full Moon and Big Mac got into an argument down in the market, do you know what it was about?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “No, the only thing he told me was that it was stallion business.”
Applejack sighed and frowned while shaking her head. “I saw Big Mac talkin’ with Granny when Ah followed Bloom here.”
“W-what?” Fluttershy asked in surprise.
“Yeah.” Applejack said with a sigh. “And she was smilin.”
That made Fluttershy worried. “O-oh dear. I’d hate to know what made her smile.”
“Me too, Ah hope Mac aint doin somethin he will regret.” Applejack said with a frown.
“I hope so too. Big Mac is a good stallion and I really don’t want to see him end up like the Cultists.” Fluttershy said.
Applejack let out a sigh. “An will try ta talk with em after this, maybe you and Full Moon should talk about this.”
“I will try.” Fluttershy said.
“Hey slowpokes! Hurry up! You’re falling behind!” Rainbow Dash called out to her two friends.
“Right, sorry RD.” Applejack said as she and Fluttershy trot to catch up.
“What were you and momma talking about Aunt Applejack?” Kipo asked the apple farmer.
“We were talkin about…” Applejack started before she bit her lip, unable to lie.
“Just adult stuff dear. That’s all.” Fluttershy said quickly, knowing how Applejack is when it comes to lying.
“Oh ok.” Kipo said with a smile. The group continued on through the forest, the CMC would pass the time by chasing Mandu around or she would chase them, either way, the forest was filled with their laughter.
Eventually they had reached Zecora’s hut. Most, if not all of them, had been to Zeocra’s hut before so those that hadn’t were a bit uneasy about the masks all over her home. “Miss Zecora, what do you want us to do first?” Kipo asked with a bright smile.
“Well, you can clean up the area over there and if I require it, could bring me some ingredients for the brew that I am making.” Zecora told them as she put her bag down and walked over to the cauldron in the center of the hut.
“Sure thing!” Scootaloo said as the girls started to clean.
“Cleaning dear?” Rarity asked Zecora as the shamaness lit the fire under the cauldron.
“It is the safest thing for them to do. And for us as well. After all, little fillies do tend to make a mess of things.” Zecora said.
“That is true.” Rainbow said with a laugh then looked at the cauldron. “So what are you making?”
“Just a simple potion, nothing more.” Zecora said as she grabbed some ingredients nearby and put them in the boiling liquid.
“What is it gonna do?” Rainbow asked while watching.
“Nothing worth explaining.” was Zecora’s response. She then looked at Applebloom. “Young Applebloom please hand me that root on that shelf.”
“Right away!” Applebloom reached up and got the root, then gave it to Zecora.
“Thank you.” Zecora said as she broke off a piece of it and added it to the brew. This caused a light green mist to rise from it followed by a foul smell which was bad for those with much stronger senses of smell like Kipo and Full Moon.
“Ack! My nose! It burns!” Kipo cried as she covered her nose.
“Gah!” Full Moon shook his head before covering his nose. “What was in that?”
“Root of a Timberwolf. Quite difficult to acquire but very useful in most brews.” Zecora said as she used a ladle to stir the cauldron. Then she grabbed a flower and plucked its petals and added them to the brew, causing the mist to change colors and the foul smell to disappear.
“Warn us next time please, that stuck to tartarus.” Full Moon said while still rubbing his nose.
“I think Kipo died.” Scootaloo said and everyone looked at Kipo who was laying on the ground, her eyes becoming swirls while her tongue stuck out.
“She is just in shock, take her outside to breathe some fresh air.” Full Moon explained before he sighed. “She has a stronger sense of smell than the average pony.”
“Even stronger than a wereponies?” Rainbow Dash asked as Scootaloo and Fluttershy brought Kipo outside.
“About the same, but I am used to getting surprised by strong scents.” Full Moon said while he finally lowered his hoof.
“That much is obvious. Kipo was KO’d by the smell instantly.” Rainbow Dash said with a snicker, making the other snicker or giggle as well.
Full Moon rolled his eyes. “Yes, well I may have to train her to get used to things like that. The Cultists use scent bombs to weaken wearponies and other creatures with sensitive noses.”
“Oh.” Rainbow Dash said, the mood dropping at the mention of how the Cultists use a wereponies sense of smell against them.
Full Moon let out a sigh. “Sorry about dropping the mood.”
“It’s fine Full Moon. No need to worry about it.” Applejack said.
He sighed and looked over at Zecora. “Hey Zecora, is there a spot in your hut where the adults can talk with a bit of privacy?”
“Hmm, sadly no as my hut is rather small.” Zecora said.
“I can use magic to give us some privacy but we will need to be out of the way so none of the foals walk into the area.” Rarity said with a soft smile.
“Do that.” Full Moon said.
Rarity walked over to a corner of the hut away from anything else and lit her horn with magic. She smiled and looked at the group before moving her mouth to speak but they heard nothing.
“Wow, that’s some advanced stuff.” Full Moon said then looked at Zecora. “Are you gonna be ok with the little ones?”
“Yes, I can keep them out of trouble for a while.” Zecora said with a smile.
“Thanks.” Full Moon said then he and the others walked over to Rarity.
“What did you need to talk about dear?” Rarity asked.
Full Moon sighed and sat down. “Me and Big Mac got into a fight regarding Kipo.”
This shocked all the mares, even Applejack who didn’t know the reason of said fight. “What?! What were you two fighting about?!” Rainbow Dash asked him.
Full Moon sighed and looked away a bit. “Big Mac said he caught Kipo looking at Applebloom strangely, like a predator. I tried to tell him he was wrong but he wouldn’t have any of it. I even tried to show him Kipo is a good girl but he saw her sharp teeth when her tail was pulled by a foal. That settled it for him. He doesn’t want Kipo or us around Applebloom or Applejack.” He explained, and even though Applejack didn’t feel any lies, she felt like he was somehow.
“But he was so fine with her being around! He even knows about her little jaguar traits.” Rarity said, distraught that someone that they knew and trusted to be a friend would suddenly hate Kipo like that.
“I know that, but…I kinda got upset and clawed his face.” Full Moon said with a sigh.
“You what??!!?!” Most of the mares shouted in shock while Applejack frowned, already knowing he lied.
Full Moon frowned and looked at the ground. “He wouldn’t listen to reason, and the moment he mentioned that damn religion I snapped.”
“Wait what? You don’t mean Celestiaism right?” Rainbow Dash asked, hoping she wasn’t hearing things right.
“I do.” Full Moon said with a nod.
“Now Ah know that’s a load of horseapples! Big Mac is against that blasted cult!” Applejack said angrily.
“You can speak with him if you don’t believe me.” Full Moon said with a frown.
“Ah will. Because Ah know for a fact that Big Mac is just as against the idea of killing innocent ponies as me.” Applejack said.
“I hope you can talk some sense into him.” Full Moon said as Fluttershy, Kipo and Scootaloo came back inside and started helping Zecora again while Fluttershy walked over to the group, noticing the distraught looks of Rarity and Rainbow Dash and the angry glare on Applejacks face.
“What happened?” she asked.
“I told them what happened between me and Big Mac.” Full Moon said.
“O-oh. I’m guessing the reason behind the fight wasn’t anything good.” Fluttershy said and they nodded their heads.
“Sorry Shy.” Full Moon said with a bit of a sigh.
“Just tell me what had caused the fight.” Fluttershy said while looking down. Full moon sighed, hating to explain what he told the others but knew he had to.
Meanwhile Kipo smiled up at Zecora. “What can we do for you now?”
“Well, one of you can stir the pot while I grab some more ingredients.” Zecora said.
“Ok.” Kipo said before Zecora gave her a large ladle and she started to slowly stir the pot. “Like this?”
Zecora nodded her head before walking over to a shelf full of different items. “Yes, keep stirring it just like that.” while she was gathering supplies, the other CMC and Mandu had huddled around Kipo and the cauldron to watch.
“What do ya think the adults are talking about?” Applebloom asked as she watched her sisters and others speaking but was not able to hear them.
“I don’t know. I can’t hear them which is weird since my ears can hear just about everything.” Kipo said, not taking her eyes off the pot but did try listening in to the adults conversation but couldn’t hear anything as well.
“It is Rarity’s privacy spell, she uses it late at night when she is getting ready for bed or speaking with a customer.” Sweetie Belle said as she looked into the pot.
“Eh? Why would she need to use that when talking with customers or even at night?” Scootaloo asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yeah, that’s so weird.” Kipo added just as Zecora came back only to add a couple of items into the brew before returning to the shelves.
“I don’t know but she locks the door when she does it.” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug.
“Huh, weird. Must be some lame adult stuff or something.” Scootaloo said then looked at the brew. “What do you think Zecora’s making?”
Zecora smirked a bit. “Some lame adult stuff, little one.”
“Aw man.” Scootaloo said with a pout, making her friends giggle a bit. “Can you at least give us a hint?”
Zecora peeked over at the other adults before she chuckled. “It is something to help stallions in bed.”
“You mean to help them sleep?” Kipo asked the zebra shamaness.
She chuckled and smirked. “I will say no more little one.”
“Dang.” Kipo said, pouting a bit herself.
“Hey, maybe we can try earning our own potion brewing Cutie Marks after this if helping Zecora doesn’t get us our Cutie Marks.” Applebloom said.
Zecora’s eyes widened a bit. “Oh um…p-perhaps you can use the small cauldron over there.” She pointed at a small cauldron sitting upside down on a counter.
“Awesome! I wonder what kind of potions we can make!” Scootaloo said, her wings buzzing in excitement.
“Maybe we can ask Ms Zecora to teach us? That way we don’t accidentally mess something up.” Kipo said, knowing how that whenever her friends wing something, it usually ends in disaster.
“Um, I believe I have a beginners book in the cupboard.” Zecora said while pointing at another cupboard.
The other three Crusaders rushed over to it and opened it and sure enough, there was a beginners book to potion brewery sitting there. “This is great! Ah bet we can make all sorts of potions with this!” Applebloom exclaimed excitedly as she grabbed the book.
“Maybe we should wait on that? After all, we’ve been busy all day so we should take a break from Cutie Mark hunting.” Kipo said as Zecora took over.
“It would be a good idea to wait till your sisters are able to watch over you.” Zecora said.
“Yeah, I feel like that’s a good idea.” Sweetie Belle said just as the adults walked over to them, no doubt done talking.
“Hi momma.” Kipo said with a smile. “Are you all done talking?”
“Yes, we are.” Fluttershy said, giving KIpo a smile though Zecora could immediately tell that something was wrong based on the looks on all of them but decided to not speak up about it.
“Can you help us practice potion brewing?” Applebloom asked while holding up the book.
“Uh, maybe some other time Bloom. Ah got something to take care of back on the farm.” Applejack said, holding back her anger and sadness.
Applebloom tilted her head. “Does that mean we need to go home?”
“After y’all are done here.” Applejack said.
“They can go at any time.” Zecora said with a smile. “They were a great help.”
“You’re welcome Ms Zecora, we’re happy to help.” Kipo said with a smile of her own.
Zecora smiled and patted Kipo’s head. “Stay safe young one.”
“I will Ms Zecora.” Kipo said before she looked around. “Hey, where’d Mandu go?” Snorting was heard and everyone looked over to see the Mute Pig biting on one of the tables legs.
Zecora grabbed a broom and whacked Mandu on the butt. “No, bad pig.”
Mandu lets out a snort of surprise before biting the broomstick only for Kipo to grab her, making the Mute Pig let go. “Bad piggy. No eating Ms Zecora’s stuff.” Kipo said.
Mandu squealed and snorted. “Wonder why she did that.” Full Moon wondered.
“I don’t know, Cipher didn’t really give me any books about her.” Fluttershy said before looking at Zecora. “Sorry about her. I’ll try to see why she did that.”
“I would appreciate it.” Zecora said with a shake of her head.
“Hey Zecora, mind if Ah borrow this book for a bit?” Applebloom asked as she held up the book.
“I do not mind as long as you don’t attempt to make any potions without supervision.” Zecora said with a soft smile.
“Ah won’t. Ah promise.” Applebloom said with a smile.
“Have a good day young ones.” Zecora said as she got back to mixing the potion in the cauldron.
“Bye Zecora!” the Crusaders said all at once before leaving the hut with the adults following them.
Rainbow Dash flew next to Applejack. “Want me to come back as backup?”
Applejack shook her head. “No, this is family matters. Ah don’t want to get y’all involved.”
“I know but I want to be there for you if you need me.” Rainbow Dash said, concern in her voice.
“And Ah appreciate it but…” the apple farmer sighed. “This is just something Ah have to deal with myself.”
“Alright, but I will be above your farm in the usual spot if you need me.” Rainbow Dash said with a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder.
“Thanks Dash.” Applejack said with a small smile.
“You also have us too Applejack. If you need help with anything, we’re there for you.” Rarity said and Fluttershy and Full Moon nodded their heads in agreement.
“Thank you all.” Applejack said with a small smile.
Her friends all returned the smile, though strangely, Full Moon’s faltered a bit. “You’re welcome, Applejack. What are friends for?” Fluttershy said.
“I guess that is true.” She chuckled a bit. They then heard a commotion in front of them and looked over to see Kipo was glowing.
“Kipo!?” Fluttershy flew over to her with Full Moon running after her.
“What’s happening?!” Kipo asked in fear as she glowed even brighter while some sort of mist began to surround her.
“We got you Kipo!” Full Moon said before the mist swallowed the small family, leaving nothing behind.
“Kipo!”
“Fluttershy/Full Moon!”
Everyone shouted in shock and horror at the disappearance of their friends. “Where’d they go?!” Rainbow Dash shouted as she flew around they area where they were last seen.
Rarity lit her horn to search for Kipo’s necklace but her eyes widened. “I can’t find Kipo’s necklace anywhere!”
“What?! But can’t your magic find any gem no matter the distance?!” Rainbow Dash questioned, getting in Rarity's face. “How can it not find her?!”
“I don’t know.” Rarity said as she pushed Rainbow Dash back. “Let’s go to Twilight, maybe she can use a stronger version of the spell.”
“Then let’s get there now!” Rainbow Dash said as she flew off towards Ponyville, leaving a rainbow trail behind her.
“She does know none of us can move as fast as her right?” Applejack asked before she picked up Applebloom and Scootaloo while Rarity picked up Sweetie Belle and both mares placed the fillies on their backs.
“What about Mandu?” Rarity asked.
“Mandu can run really fast. I’ve seen her do it before.” Scootaloo said and Mandu snorts in confirmation.
“Well, alright then. Let’s get going, Rainbow will be getting to Twilight’s right about now.” Rarity said before she started to run. Applejack nodded before she and Mandu ran with Rarity to Twilights, hoping that she might have some answers to their friends disappearance.
Author's Note
Where did Kipo, her mother, and Full Moon disappear to? Find out in the next chap!
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Luna's Startling Discovery
Luna hummed as she walked through the streets of Ponyville. Her mind filled with countless questions. Questions that she had no answers for. ’This is most troubling. I have never encountered anything like what I saw that night. I worry what it would mean. Both for Equestria, and for her.’ the disguised alicorn thought to herself before sighing. ’I’ll think more on this later. For now, I must get some supplies for my house.’
With that in mind, Luna continued on towards the marketplace of Ponyville. She saw tons of ponies going about their business, not bothered by her presence at all. “Morning ma’am, what can I help ya with?” A carrot vendor asked her with a smile as Luna approached the stall.
“Yes, I would like some carrots please.” Luna said, a bit nervous since she still isn’t used to interacting with other ponies.
“Not a problem ma’am, how many?” She asked as she got a bag ready.
“Four please.” she said then grabbed her bit pouch to pay.
She nodded and put four carrots into the bag before she held it out. “That will be eight bits please.”
Luna nodded as she gave the mare eight bits while grabbing the bag of carrots. “There you go.”
“Thank you ma’am, are you new to town?” She asked with a smile.
Luna nodded her head. “Yes, I am.”
“What else are ya lookin for? Maybe I can point ya to it.” The carrot vendor suggested.
“Well, I do need some more food as well as some books. I sadly do not know where the local library is.” Luna said while rubbing the back of her head.
The vendor smiled at her. “No worries miss, we got a whole marketplace as well as the general store along this street, and the library is a large tree down the other way.” She explained.
Luna smiled a bit in gratitude. “Thank you. I’ve been wondering where the library was for a while now. There are some books that I need.”
The vendor giggled a bit. “Yes, because the building looks like a tree most out of towners walk right past it without noticing.”
“I can tell. Thank you for the directions Ms.” Luna said.
“Carrot Top, and it is nice to help you.” She said with a smile.
“Nice to meet you Miss Carrot Top, I am L-Sunny, Sunny Smiles.” Luna said, catching herself before she could say her real name.
Carrot Top smiled more and held a hoof out. “Well, I hope you enjoy our small town, Miss Smiles.”
Luna shook the mares hoof. “Thank you Miss Top, and I hope your day goes well.” after that, Luna made her way further into the marketplace, feeling a bit more at ease after her small conversation with the carrot stall owner. ’Maybe coming to Ponyville was a good idea after all.’
She soon approached a couple of more vendors all selling different things. “Muffin?” Someone asked her from the left while holding out a muffin. She was a gray pegasus mare with blond mane, crossed eyes, and a sweet smile.
Luna was a bit surprised by the sudden offer but accepted the muffin. “Er, thank you Ms.”
“You’re welcome miss, my name is Ditzy Doo, but most call me Muffins, Bubbles or Derpy.” She said while still smiling.
Luna raised an eyebrow at such odd nicknames, though she could understand the Derpy nickname due to the mare's eyes but the others were quite odd. “Those are some…interesting nicknames.”
“Thanks, my friends gave them to me.” She said before she turned to pick something up and Luna could see the mare’s Cutie Mark was of seven bubbles.
’Strange. I have never seen a Cutie Mark like that before.’ Luna thought to herself.
The mare stood back up with a basket of muffins. “Have a nice day ma’am, I gotta get to my job.” She then trotted off.
“Oh, fare well then.” Luna said as she left before she went back to her shopping trip. It took her about half an hour to get all the things she needed from the marketplace before she began to make her way towards the library which took her a while but thanks to Carrot Tops directions and description of it, she managed to find it. “Huh, it really is a tree. Wonder how such a thing could happen.”
Walking up to the building, she attempted to open it but found the door locked which confused her so she knocked on the door. Luna waited for a few moments before she tried to listen through the door.
A few seconds later, she heard footsteps before the door unlocked and opened, revealing Spike. “Oh, sorry about that. I’m guessing you are here for the library right?”
“Oh, y-yes. I’m sorry, did I come at a bad time?” She asked him.
“No, well, I’m not exactly sure myself but you can come into the library. Sorry if the door was locked, the place kinda serves as a home to me and my sister.” Spike said as he let Luna in.
“I see.” Luna slowly walked inside and looked around. “D-do you have any books on psychology? The newer the better.”
“Psychology huh? I think we have some. Let me check.” Spike said before he walked over to a bookshelf and looked through it. “Hmm, Physics, Phenomena Unexplained, ah! Psychology!” he then started pulling out a few books and brought them over to her. “Is this enough?”
Luna looked through the books and smiled before she asked. “Do you have any books on dreams as well?”
“Dreams? Uh, sure.” Spike said before walking to another shelf and looked through for a few seconds before pulling out a book and handed it to her. “This is the only one we have about it. Sorry but there hasn’t been much research done about dreams.”
“I see, thank you.” Luna said with a soft smile as she put the book in her bag.
“You’re welcome. Is there anything else you need?” Spike asked her.
“I believe that is it, when do I need to return the books?” She asked as she checked her bag.
“About a week from now. But you can always renew your checkout to extend the time you’re borrowing them.” Spike explained.
“Thank you young drake.” She said before she offered him some bits.
“Oh, you don’t need to do that. The books are free so you don’t really need to give me bits. Well, unless you return the book late. Then you’d have to pay the late fee.” Spike said.
“I see, you are most kind.” Luna said as she returned her bits.
Spike chuckles a bit. “Well I was raised to be kind to others if I want to be treated the same. “But anyways, is that all you need?”
“I believe so, thank you for your help. I hope the rest of your day goes well.” She starts to turn to leave.
“Same to you.” he said as she walked out the door, sighing a bit in content.
’That went better than expected. I guess it’s time to head on back home now.’ she thought to herself before remembering she still needed to speak with Celestia. ’Right..I’ll just teleport back instead of walking. That way I can get this out of the way and put my mind at ease if Tia has heard of something like this before.’ she then lit her horn and teleported back home.
Once she reappeared in the living room of her home, she began putting away her items in the fridge while placing the books on the table. Once that was done, she sighed before making the mirror appear while removing her disguise. She channeled her magic into it and waited for her sister to answer.
After a few moments the reflection changed to show Celestia. “Luna, it's lovely to hear from you so soon. How are you?”
“I am doing well sister. Well, mostly well.” Luna said and Celestia gained a worried look.
“What's wrong? Did something happen?” Celestia asked before she gasped. “Do I need to send some guards there?”
“No, well, at least I don’t think so.” Luna said before sighing. “It’s concerning Kipo.”
“Kipo? Tell me what happened.” Celestia said as she moved to a large pillow.
“Well, it started after I had went to our old castle last night…”
“Disrespectful, no good vandals.” Luna grumbled as she entered the house. She had just returned from her and her sisters old castle to get some things that might have survived the sands of time only to see that it was even worse shape than the last time she was there. She thought it had crumbled while she was gone but found evidence of others being there, and based on the decorations she had found, it didn’t take a genius to figure out that a party was held there which could have led to more of the castle falling apart. Luckily she didn’t see any bodies so that means that there were no casualties.
“Hmph, if I find out who it was that caused such damage to my old home, I’ll surely punish them.” she said before sighing. “I should calm down. It’s no use getting upset over something like that. Especially tonight.”
Indeed, tonight was a special night. Tonight was the night she dream walked. She was nervous since it’s been a long time since the last time she has dream walked but she believes it’s best to do so if she wants to help ponies through their dreams. ’However, this would be a test to see if I haven’t gotten rusty during my time on the moon. So I’ll visit a pony's dream and not interact with it.’ she thought as she walked into her room and laid down in her bed.
She closed her eyes while at the same time focusing her magic. This was always the tricky part, keeping her magic going while falling asleep was always the most frustrating part but thanks to her years of practice, she had learned how to keep her magic going until she falls asleep.
Soon, she felt herself leave the waking world and enter the dreamscape, making her open her eyes and smile upon seeing the familiar space. She had always found the dreamscape so fascinating and beautiful at the same time. ’It doesn’t look any different from the last time I was here.’ she thought happily before using her magic to search the dreamscape for a dream she can enter until she got an idea. “Hmm, perhaps Kipo would be the best candidate. I have wondered what she dreams about.”
With her mind made up, she focused her mind on Kipo and soon enough, a door appeared before her. She tilted her head at the door's design. It was completely magenta save for the purple pair of cat-like eyes on it. It slit pupils staring at her, almost as if they were judging her. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a unique dream door.” she commented before walking towards it and opened it, revealing a bright white light that momentarily blinded her but she continued forwards until she entered.
When the light faded, she saw that she was in the old castle which was filled with monster ponies of various shapes, sizes and species. Each one of them was dancing to the beat of music she’s never heard before. “Well, it seems I have found the culprits.”
Luna looked around and saw a being like Kipo but older and male playing a strange instrument on stage along with Full Moon and a dragoness which was a surprise to her. “Another human? Could it be that there are humans somewhere in Equus?” Luna wondered as she listened to them play.
At the end of the song, a pony wearing a strange suit that covered their entire body along with a strange helmet activated the stage fireworks for extra flare and that made the crowd cheer loudly, nearly making the old castle shake as they did. “Hope about a hoof for our guest musicians!” the strange pony said in an unknown tone of voice and the crowd either stomped or clapped their hooves in response, still cheering.
“Thank you, thank you!” The human male said bowing. “I am happy you enjoyed it.” Then the curtains closed.
“How interesting. Todays forms of entertainment certainly have improved.” Luna commented before shaking her head. “But still, is this a dream? If so, it is quite odd as dreams usually focus on the dreamer. So where is Kipo?”
Luna decided to take to the air to search for her but didn’t see any signs of her. Though she did see a giant ape but paid no mind to it. Her search didn’t take long before the music cut off and the pony in the helmet spoke. “You didn’t think it was over did you? Well get ready everyone for this next song is sung by Kipo Shy!”
This made Luna look back at the stage just as the curtains opened, revealing a nervous looking Kipo. Raising an eyebrow, she wondered what she was doing before she began to sing. Luna watched with a smile as Kipo sang while the rest of the monster ponies began dancing to it, causing her to giggle a little. “Well, at least I found her. But still, this dream is odd since it didn’t immediately start with her and instead started with others.”
Deciding to think on it later, she decided to simply land and enjoy the show until it was over. However, in the middle of the song, she noticed that Kipo had a faint glow around her which seemed to affect the monster ponies as they danced even more. Deciding to get a closer look, Luna teleported up to Kipo to observe the glow. While it was a dream or whatever, she couldn’t exactly tell what it was but had a feeling it was something magic related. “Does young Kipo have magic of her own? Maybe that is why she was able to see through my disguise when I first arrived in Ponyville. I’ll have to ask her when I get a chance.”
Like before, she decided to think on it later and teleported back to where she was previously. ’Thank mother that teleporting in dreams pose no risk of accidentally teleporting into someone or something otherwise things would have been messy.’
“I’m sorry Luna but is that what you wanted to talk to me about? A strange dream and the fact that Kipo has magic?” Celestia asked her sister who shook her head.
“No, sorry, I was just telling the story from beginning to end but I can skip to the thing that’s concerning me.” Luna said.
“If that is what you want, sister, you are the one telling the story.” Celestia said with a smile. “Though it is nice to know young Kipo wishes to be a singer.”
Luna giggles a bit. “Yes, though I believe she did so because the other human and Sir Full Moon did so.”
“Ah yes the other human, we must ask her about that some day.” Celestia said with a thoughtful expression.
“I can ask her when I see her again, I’m curious on how there is another human here. Perhaps they are in a distant land and ponies haven’t encountered them yet?” Luna suggested and Celestia just shrugged.
“Perhaps, now please continue, you have my interest peaked.” Celestia said with a giggle.
Luna nodded. “Of course.”
After Kipo had finished singing, Luna noticed that the human as well as Kipo’s caretakers, the dragoness and two others she couldn’t make out walk towards the stage. Being a bit nosey herself, she decided to follow. ’Perhaps I could learn where this human came from.’ she thought as she followed them backstage, where she could finally make out the two other members of the group.
One was clearly one of the new Element Bearers, Twilight Sparkle, except her body shape was a odd combination of a human and a pony. ’Twilight Sparkle? What has happened to her? Why does she look like that?’ Luna thought in shock before looking at the other, which was Twilight’s dragon assistant, Spine she believed he was called.
The human then began speaking to Kipo, who looked to be a bit shy. “You did good kid, everyone loved it.”
“I-I heard.” Kipo replied, a shy smile on her face. “I-I honestly thought they wouldn’t like it but I’m glad they did.”
“Well you did amazing kid, maybe you can try again later.” the human said with a smile.
Kipo smiled and nodded her head and Luna smiled a bit before Twilight asked the jaguar girl something. “Hey, how did you perform all that glow spell?”
“Spell?” Kipo asked in confusion.
“I think she means what you were doing while you were singing.” the human clarified.
All they got was a confused look. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Huh, must have been this world's musical magic.” Twilight said and wrote down some notes.
“That can’t be right. Musical magic doesn’t really cause such small effects like a glow. It’s always so been so flashy.” Luna said, not believing that theory and noticed the looks Fluttershy and Full Moon were giving each other, almost as if they were thinking the same as her. “Hmm.”
“Well how about we celebrate Kipo’s success of giving the crowd a beautiful song?” Full Moon suggested.
“Sounds good to me.” the human, who Luna would call Bard because of him playing music so well, said before ruffling Kipo’s hair.
Kipo giggles as she playfully swats his hand away but before they can walk over to the snacks table, one of the spider ponies from before crashed into the room, his body layered with multiple cuts and burns. The music stopped as everyone looked at the spider pony who was struggling to get up, “C-cul….cul..” he then coughed up some blood.
“Hey, what is it? Was it a beast of the Everfree?” a snake pony asked him and the spider pony shook his head. “Then what?!”
“Cult-” an arrow pierced through his skull, silencing him. Then bursting into the room was an army of ponies in armor with the symbol of Celestia’s sun adorning them.
“CULTISTS!!” a monster pony shouted and what happened next was complete pandemonium! Monster ponies left and right were trying to find any means of escape except they were all blocked off by the Cultists who began to shoot the monster ponies down with arrows and magic.
Luna was staring at the scene in shock and horror at what she was seeing but shook her head and narrowed her eyes. “Even these blasted Cultists won’t leave her alone in her dreams. Do not worry Kipo, I’ll banish these nightmares from your mind.” with that said, Luna’s horn glowed before she shot at the Cultists to disperse the nightmare. Only to gasp in shock when her magic passed through them. “W-what?! That shouldn’t be possible! All dreams and nightmares are affected by my magic! So how can they be…”
She stopped when she had a thought. A horrible terrible thought. “U-unless….unless this isn’t a dream….” she looked back at Kipo, seeing the girls terrified face. “But a memory…”
Luna looked at her sister who had a shocked and horrified look on her face. “Kipo was attacked by the Cultists at that party!? Oh no…was she hurt?”
“I…” Luna then sighed. “I’m afraid so.”
“This is horrible…what should we do?” Celestia asked Luna.
“I do not know. The best we can do is be there for her as well as try to make sure the Cultists never do something like this again.” Luna said, determination and hate in her voice.
“Agreed, perhaps I should have one of my S.M.I.L.E. agents keep a closer eye on her…” Celestia said while tapping her chin.
Luna tilted her head. ’S.M.I.L.E?’ she thought in confusion before shaking her head, figuring it would be a later topic.
Celestia then looked back at her sister. “Was there anything else that happened?”
Luna nodded her head. “There was.”
Luna just remained frozen in shock at what she discovered, not even paying attention to Bard, Full Moon and the dragoness fighting against the Cultists while the others remained huddled together. ’W-why didn’t I realize it sooner?! This whole time I was in a memory not a dream!’ Luna thought to herself before she heard someone playing music and looked at Bard just as he finished playing his instrument which caused the dragoness weapons to glow.
“Good thing I remembered how to play that.” he said before Full Moon questioned him.
“Why are your dragon friend’s weapons glowing?” Full Moon asked as he looked at dragoness, who was busy stabbing or burning multiple Cultists.
“I just played a music spell that rallies allies and gives them a small boost to their attack power.” Bard explained.
Full Moon grins. “Thanks! This will make clearing them a lot easier!” He then looked at Fluttershy, Spike, Twilight and Kipo. “Come on, everyone needs to help fight. Even you pup.” But Kipo was frozen, her eyes were wide and filled with terror as flashbacks of her being nearly burned alive flashed before her eyes.
“Did he seriously just ask a child to fight against Cultists?!” Luna exclaimed in shock, not sure if she heard right.
“I-I…I can’t..” she heard Kipo fearfully say, making her look at her.
“How could he expect Kipo to fight against them? She is no fighter.” Luna said, angry at Full Moon for saying such a thing. She continued watching as the fight continued on, monster ponies left and right trying to escape or fighting back against the Cultists, making her grimace at how gruesome some of them were being but she couldn’t really blame them. The Cultists have tormented monster ponies for who knows how long, some of them might have considered this fight a way to get vengeance.
’If only I had known about this, I could have at least helped them or prevented this from happening.’ Luna thought sadly before Bard spoke up again.
“Twilight, got any magic to stop this?” Bard asked as Twilight while his hands got burned from his overheated instrument.
“Stop what exactly?!” Twilight asked as she used her magic to keep any cultist away from Kipo and Spike.
“I don’t know, maybe start teleporting the monster ponies out of here?” Bard suggested as he used his flaming ax to cut one of the cultists.
Twilight nodded and focused her magic on some monster ponies but an arrow nearly hit her in the head.” I-I can’t! There’s too many cultists around and everyone is all over the place! I’ll need someone to protect me while I try to focus!”
“But all of our fighters are already busy!” Spike exclaimed and Luna knew what he said was true as all of their friends were busy fighting. Bard then looked at Kipo and spoke.
“Kipo, we need you to protect Twilight so she can save the others!” He said while blocking a sword with his ax.
Luna’s eyes widened again. “He as well?! Does no one here realize she is a child?!”
“B-but I..I..I-I…” Kipo stammered out.
“Kipo, we need you!” Bard said before kicking a cultist away. Luna watched in worry as Kipo started breathing heavily. “Kipo!” Bard shouted again and Kipo just turned and ran away, disappearing into the crowd of monster ponies.
“Kipo wait!” Fluttershy called out while Luna flew after Kipo, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to see what happened to Kipo’s family and friends but she also wanted to be sure if she didn’t get hurt during this.
She watched as Kipo ran through the crowd of monster ponies and Cultists, fear and panic clear on her face as she struggled to escape. This made Luna wish even more to have been there to prevent this from happening.
Luna started to grow confused as the dream began to lose focus and become blurry all except for herself and Kipo. She wondered what was going on but then remembered something about fear. Of how everything around someone would become blurry when one feels an immense amount of fear, which was probably happening to Kipo right now. Kipo ran towards an open window only for something to hit her arm, making her scream in pain as she fell to the ground while Luna’s eyes widened in panic at the sight of a Cultist rushing over to the down Kipo, who had an arrow in her arm.
“NO!” Luna cried out as the Cultist continued running at Kipo before knocking her back to a wall.
“Not so fast freak. You’re not going anywhere.” the Cultist said as he approached Kipo, putting away the bow and pulling out a sword.
“N-no! Leave me alone! P-please!” Kipo begged, trying to back away from the Cultist but the wall behind her prevented her from doing so. Kipo tried running to the side only for the Cultist to step on her tail, making her scream in pain and also keeping her from running away.
“No where to go now freak.” the Cultist said mockingly.
“N-no! Stop! Please!” Kipo begged again as she tried crawling away, her claws leaving scratch marks in the ground. “L-leave me alone!”
The Cultist just chuckles as he raises his blade. “Say goodbye to the world of the living. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure the rest of your kind, even your vampony freak of a mother all join you soon enough.”
That seemed to make something within Kipo snap as she began growling lowly. “I…said…” the Cutlist grew confused before Kipo spun around and shot her fist at him. “LEAVE ME ALONE!!” her arm suddenly shifted into its Mega Paw form, much to the shock of the Cultist before he was launched high into the air from the blow.
“H-how was she capable of doing that? Did…did her family and that bard know she could do that?” Luna asked herself, in shock at what she just witnessed.
Kipo continued growling before shaking her head and jumped out the window. Luna spread her wings and flew after her only to stop when she saw everything starting to fade. “Is she beginning to wake up? No, that can’t be right. It’s not time for her to wake up.”
She watched as the memory faded away before feeling something trying to shove her out of Kipo’s mind, forcing her to fight against the unknown force. “W-what is this?! What’s going on!?” she questioned as she looked around before hearing a loud roar. She turned quickly only to catch a glimpse of something before she was shoved out with Kipo’s dream door slamming shut behind her.
Luna stared at the door from the ground, eyes wide in shock as confusion clouded her mind. “What just…happened?”
Celestia stared at her sister in shock. Something forcing Luna, who can enter ones dreams whenever she chooses so long as they are asleep, out of Kipo’s dreamscape. “That…has never happened…are you hurt?”
“No, was just shocked at what has happened and what I had seen before I was thrown out.” Luna said and Celestia sighed in relief.
“Good. Luna, you need to be careful. Whatever that was, it could be dangerous.” Celestia said with a serious frown.
“Perhaps, but perhaps not. We can’t really tell unless we learn more about it.” Luna said, and Celestia knew she was thinking of going back into Kipo’s dreamspace to learn more about the strange phenomenon in her mind.
“Luna…y-you won’t take no for an answer will you? You are going into her dreams again no matter what I say.” Celestia said with a small frown.
“I’m afraid not sister, we need to know what this thing is. But I am not a fool who would blindly rush in without a plan. I’m going to prepare myself first, learn some spells, prepare some mental defenses in case it attacks my own mind, all of it. So you have nothing to fear.” Luna said this with a reassuring smile.
Celestia smiled softly before nodding her head. “As long as you take every possible precaution, I just got you back. I don't wanna lose you again.”
Luna smiled at that. “I know, and I promise, I’ll be careful.”
“Good, now is there anything else you want to talk about? I could use a good distraction from my paperwork.” Celestia said with a tired sigh.
“Maybe you can tell me what’s been happening with you?” Luna suggested.
“Mostly the same as every other day, taking care of royal business, smiling for hours while they take pictures of me at events, and doing my best to keep everypony happy.” Celestia said before she frowned and lifted a piece of paper in front of her with her magic. “But I did get this report of a violent fight that happened in a small town on the edge of Equestria.”
This piqued Luna’s interest a bit. “A fight? What do you mean?”
“The report is a bit vague as they only found the result of the fight…although from what I'm reading it almost sounds like a wild animal attack. There was blood everywhere, cracks in the stone walls and floor, even a metal beam dented…but no bodies were found.” Celestia said with a worried frown.
“A wild animal denting a metal beam? Not likely given how nearly all creatures that are capable of doing so are all in the Everfree while basic animals like bears and such roam the lands of Equestria.” Luna said, having heard that creatures like manticores and Timberwolves and other dangerous beasts live in the Everfree and nowhere else from both her sister and the locals.
“I know that sister, I was talking mostly about all the blood…Luna, according to these reports there is more blood than three ponies have in their whole body.” Celestia said with a sigh. “I don’t know what it could be, and what's even worse is I have a delegate from a far away land in the castle so I need to be as professional as I can be.”
“A delegate? It’s been a while since one appeared. Or have they been constantly bugging you?” Luna asked her.
“This one is new, they are from an island and they are upset that they were attacked on their way to meet me.” Celestia said with a sigh.
“What? They were attacked? By who?” Luna asked in worry, knowing how first impressions are always important when dealing with delegates from other nations. Especially unknown nations.
“He just said…ponies in armor…” Celestia said as her face paled and her eyes widened in dawning horror. “Oh no…the Cultists.”
Luna’s eyes widened as well. “The Cultists attacked them?! Wait, you don’t suppose they were at that party do you? The same one Kipo and the other monster ponies were at?!”
“It is a possibility…he did say he had stopped for some free food before the attack.” Celestia said before groaning. “This just makes it worse.”
Luna became worried, this delegate could be from a powerful nation and might not be so forgiving for such actions against just one of their own. “O-oh dear, maybe I should come back? Help keep the peace?”
“Only if you want to, I have more experience dealing with stressful situations and angry dignitaries. Plus…you seem really happy in Ponyville.” Celestia said, finishing with a soft smile.
Luna rubs the back of her head. “Well….it is certainly better than the castle. I get to experience new things that I haven’t before, meet new ponies, and so much more.” she finished, a small smile of her own.
Celestia smiled sadly. “Then stay, come back to the castle only when you are ready. Your happiness, and mental health are what is important.”
“But, what if you need me? I-I could come back right now.” Luna said, not liking the sad smile her sister had.
Celestia shook her head. “If I need you I can send a dragon fire message, I will just have to be content with seeing you through this mirror.”
“Well….” Luna then had an idea that she hoped would be ok. “I can visit then. There’s nothing wrong with that.”
Celestia’s smile brightened. “Of course you can, you can come and visit any time you want.”
Luna mentally sighed in relief, glad that that idea was able to make Celestia happy. “Well then, I’ll be sure to let you know when I do visit. Or maybe I’ll just surprise you.”
Celestia let out a small laugh. “Both are fine.” She said before she moved the mirror to hide her face, however Luna was able to hear the sound of chewing.
A small smirk formed on her face as she asked, “So Tia, how did you manage to sneak that slice of cake out of the kitchen?” she asked, already knowing what she was eating and the sound of chewing stopped.
“...what cake?” Celestia asked with a mouth full after a moment.
Luna couldn’t help but giggle at her sisters never ending love for cake. “Tia, I know you have cake. It was obvious you had it.”
Celestia lifted her head, frosting covering her muzzle. “Really? I thought I hid the fact I had it so well.”
“You did, until you decided to eat it.” Luna said.
Celestia started to pout cutely. “Oh darn.” She looked down at her nose before licking all the frosting off her face.
Luna giggled a bit at that but then her happy mood was brought down a bit. “Sister…do you think Kipo will be alright? Considering what has happened?”
“I don’t know…thankfully I already suggested a therapist to Fluttershy for her.” Celestia said with a soft sigh.
“Not what I meant.” Luna said.
“You are talking about the arrow that hit her, yes?” Celestia asked in a worried tone. “If she was dreaming then she must have made it home, and Fluttershy has probably already bandaged her up if not taken her to the hospital.”
“Most likely but I’m worried about her safety. Based on the memory, there were hundreds of Cultists raiding the castle. I’m worried that Ponyville is just simply too dangerous for her.” Luna said, worry clear in her voice.
“Yes…I see that problem…” Celestia said while rubbing her chin. “I don’t think Fluttershy would be willing to move, and separating her from the other Elements isn't a good idea either.”
“So what can we do? Kipo, as well as Fluttershy, are at great risk. And I doubt the Cultists would care about them being the new Element bearers.” Luna said.
“Yes..” Celestia closed her eyes to think. “They won’t want to move, their status as Element bearers won't protect them, and the Cultists seem willing to attack innocent creatures that are just having a party…”
Luna nodded her head. “Yes…there are no lines that they won’t cross.”
“I can try to make a public announcement, both revealing the Cultists and their activities while calling them out and saying that they are wrong.” Celestia suggested.
Luna shook her head. “It might only upset them and make them believe that you are either not the ‘real’ Celestia or are under some form of mind control.”
Celestia frowned and sighed. “Then the most I can do is try to clear any Cultists out of my guards and then have them try to capture and arrest the Cultists.”
“But how are you going to do that? That would take ages and they could strike again.” Luna said and Celestia sighed.
“I know sister, but I have a limit of what I can do…” She lowered her head.
Luna sighed, unable to think of anything they could do. Then she had a thought. “Sister, remember our conversation before I left for Ponyville? About the thestrals and how I wish to have them be part of my guard? What if I have them help arrest any Cultist as well as protect the Element Bearers here in Ponyville?”
“Yes, I think it is a great idea, though you may have to go speak with them yourself, they do not trust me or my guard…for good reason I see now.” Celestia while looking at the ground at the last part.
“Tia, I’m sure that once we talk to the thestrals that they will see that you don’t have any connection to the Cultists and might trust you.” Luna said, hoping to cheer her sister up.
“I am sure they will Luna, but as long as those monsters are hurting innocent ponies in my name…they are right to fear me.” Celestia said before shaking her head. “Get them to come back and then we shall see about taking the Cultists down.”
Luna nodded her head. “Don’t worry, I will. I will have to plan an appropriate time for me to go to their village.”
Celestia smiled a bit. “Why not invite Kipo and her family along?”
“Are you sure that is wise?” Luna asked her, unsure if she should take Kipo’s family with her on such an important mission.
“You would be there to keep them safe and it would let her meet her soon to be guardians right away.” Celestia said with a smile.
“Well, I suppose, being with me would be the safest for them and they would need to learn about their new guards.” Luna said while looking down in thought.
“It would also give you a chance to bond with them as well.” Celestia said with a smile.
“That is also true. I do wish to know more about young Kipo and her family. Maybe it can give me some insight into what I saw in her dreamspace.” Luna said before there was a commotion coming from Celestia’s side of the mirror, making the solar alicorn sigh.
“I’m sorry sister, but I’m afraid I’ll have to cut this conversation short. It seems I need to take care of something.” Celestia said.
“It’s fine. I understand. It was nice speaking with you and I’ll keep you updated on anything else that happens with Kipo.” Luna said and Celestia nodded her head.
“Please do.” more commotion was heard and Celestia sighed. “I’ll do my best to speak to you later. Goodbye for now sister.”
“Goodbye sister.” Luna said and the connection ended. She sighed before putting the mirror down. She looked at the books and figured she should give them a quick read before planning her trip to the thestral village.
Celestia sighed as she placed the mirror down. ’Poor Kipo, no child should have to go through something like that. Though it is concerning to know about something within her mind as well as her strange violent behavior.’ she thought to herself before she stood up, knowing that she had to go meet with the delegate. However, before she does, she grabs a pen and paper and wrote a message on it before rolling it up and sending it via dragonfire. ’Hopefully Agent Furlong has some spare agents that can watch over the Element Bearers as well as their families.’ with that done, she exited her room and began to make her way to where the commotion was, knowing full well that it was going to be a stressful day.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Author's Note
Now, there will be a link to the story, another one of Deltorix's stories, but it hasn't been published yet, I simply put the link there since I am forgetful and may not remember to put a link to the crossover in this chap.
Chapter 19
Twilight sighed as she wrote something in a journal which had a sketch of Kipo with her jaugar parts marked and listed. "Ok, so she can change her form anytime she wants. Her reflexes also seem to have been enhanced thanks to this. But I wonder, are they just as good when she's fully human?" she wondered aloud before sighing. "Maybe I should go over those notes Fluttershy gave me. They might help me figure out just how-"
Before she could finish, the door suddenly banged open followed by a loud, "TWILIGHT!!"
“GAH!!" Twilight yelled in surprise and fright as she practically jumped several feet into the air before falling down with a thud. "Ow.."
"Twilight you have to help us!" she heard Rainbow Dash shout before her friends, their sisters and Mandu began to shout, speak and squeal over one another, making it difficult to figure out what it was they needed help with.
"GIRLS!" Twilight managed to shout, making everyone go quiet. "Thank you, now can you please calmly tell me what happened?" she asked them as she stood up.
"Kipo, Shy and Full Moon disappeared!" Rainbow Dash said and Twilight's eyes widened as she whirled around to face her.
"WHAT?!? What do you mean they disappeared?!" she asked her, fear and panic in her voice.
"It's true! We were walking back from Zecora's after helping her and the next thing we know, Kipo was surrounded by some sort of mist before she, Fluttershy and Full Moon disappeared!" Scootaloo explained with Mandu snorting and nodding her head in agreement.
"We came here hoping you know what happened to them!" Applejack said, hoping and praying that Twilight would know something.
"I-I don't know what happened to them! I never heard of a mist just appearing out of nowhere and making someone disappear! Maybe i-it was just something to distract you?" Twilight suggested but that seemed to fill the group with even more panic.
"What if it was those crazy Cultists!? They could have used that mist to distract us and could have taken Kipo and the others when we weren't looking!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, causing the group to go wide eyed in terror.
"We got ta find them now! Rainbow Dash! You search from the air, Ah'll search the ground and Rarity, keep trying your magic, maybe they were out of range when ya tried it." Applejack ordered and the two mares nodded their heads.
"Wait hold on!" Twilight shouted, getting their attention before they could do anything else.. "We don't even know if it was the Cultists! We can't just assume the worst right away. Let's all take a deep breath to calm down and think rationally instead of running around like wild chickens."
"B-but Kipo could-" Sweetie Belle tried saying but Twilight stopped her.
"I know you're all worried about her and the others but we won't be any help to her or Full Moon or Fluttershy if we're running around in a panic." Twilight said, and the group saw her point as running around aimlessly would have caused even more problems for them.
“Then what should we do?” Scootaloo asked as she stepped forward, wanting to do something to help find her friend.
“The best we can do is do some investigation. That way we can find out what happened to them as well as give us some clues as to what caused their disappearance.” Twilight said.
“Then let’s get going!” Rainbow said as she flew out the window.
“Rainbow wait! Oh for Celestia’s sake!” Applejack exclaimed before stomping her hoof in frustration.
“I am sure she will come back when she realizes she doesn’t have a plan.” Rarity asked before looking at Twilight. “So, where do we start?”
“We’ll look around the area where they first disappeared. However, three certain fillies and pig need to go home because I don’t feel comfortable with bringing them with us.” Twilight said.
“Aww!” They all said before Scootaloo stomped her little hoof. “We aren’t leaving till our friend is safe.” Mandu squeals in agreement.
“I understand you want to know if she’s safe but the Everfree is a bit too dangerous for you three. Especially if all of us are going to be searching for clues.” Twilight said and the others did agree with her on that. Except for the fillies.
“Then what are we supposed to do?” Scootaloo asked again.
“Y’all can wait at Shy’s place. If they do come back, that’s probably the first place they’re gonna go.” Applejack told them.
The three fillies looked at each other, Scootaloo didn't look happy about it but they all nodded their heads. “And don’t try to sneak out and search for Kipo, Fluttershy and Full Moon either. Because one of us will be watching you three.” Rarity said.
“What?” Applebloom asked while looking at her friends.
“We weren’t planning that.” Sweetie Belle said next.
“Yeah, it’s not like we would know exactly where to start looking or anything.” Scootaloo said while trying not to look at Applejack.
“Girls, we’ve known y’all our whole lives. We know how y’all think by this point.” Applejack said.
“Aww.” The three fillies lower their heads in defeat.
“Don’t worry. I promise we’ll find them and make sure they are ok.” Twilight reassured them.
“You better, I don’t…we don’t want to lose our friend.” Scootaloo said, correcting her mistake.
“Trust us sugarcube, we don’t want to lose them either.” Applejack said, placing a hoof on the fillies shoulder.
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle hug their friend. “Ah am sure ma sis and her friends can find Kipo, Shy, and mister Moon.”
“Yeah! If anyone can find them, it’s them.” Sweetie Belle said in agreement.
“Ok, I just hope she..they are safe.” Scootaloo said while looking at the ground.
“I’m sure they will be.” Twilight said just as Rainbow Dash flew in through a different window, breaking it while she had a sheepish look on her face.
“Yeah…I don’t know where to start…” Rainbow Dash said sheepishly.
“We’re going to the Everfree to look for clues. However, I don’t feel very comfortable with the thought of the Crusaders potentially sneaking out so we’ll need someone to watch them while we’re gone.” Twilight said before Pinkie popped out of nowhere next to her.
“I can watch them!” she exclaimed in her usual overly cheery tone which caused Twilight to jump.
“Gah!” Twilight patted her chest to keep her heart beating before she frowned at Pinkie. “Pinkie, what have I said about just popping up out of nowhere?!”
“Um, not to do it?” Pinkie asked.
Twilight sighed and rubbed her face. “Ok, Pinkie is gonna watch the girls, now we can go look for clues.”
Everyone nodded before Twilight and most of her friends head off towards the Everfree while Pinkie brought the Crusaders to Fluttershy’s cottage in case Kipo, Fluttershy and Full Moon went there when and if they come back from wherever they are.
It took them a while to get to the area where their friends disappeared, mostly because trying to find a specific spot in a forest was difficult, add in the fact that they also wanted to get Twilight’s help immediately so they couldn’t memorize the spot where they were.
“It was right about here where they disappeared.” Rainbow said while flying in a circle around where she last saw Fluttershy and her family.
Twilight hummed in thought as she looked around. She didn’t see anything that could have triggered a magical trap but then again, it could have been hidden. There was also the possibility of a unicorn casting a teleport spell from a distance.
“Do ya see anything?” Applejack asked Twilight.
“No, nothing yet. I’ll try scanning for any magic residue in case it was a teleportation spell.” Twilight said as her horn glows.
“What can we do ta help?” Applejack asked her.
“Just keep searching around, maybe there might be something we would have missed.” Twilight told them as she looked around, scanning the area with her horn.
They all nodded and began searching for clues with Rainbow Dash checking the trees, Rarity was checking the bushes and Applejack started checking for tracks in the dirt. “I ain't finding any tracks ‘cept for ours.” Applejack said with a sigh.
“There isn’t a branch out of place in these trees.” Rainbow Dash said with a groan.
“I am afraid I am turning up empty as well darlings.” Rarity said as she walked back to the group, a few leaves stuck in her mane.
They all looked back at Twilight who had a look of both confusion and curiosity. “Twi? What about you?” Applejack asked her as Twilight continued scanning the area.
“I….I’m honestly not sure what I’m sensing but it’s definitely something.” she told them.
“Some kind of new magic?” Rarity asked, confused.
“I really don’t know. All I know is that it had flared up recently, but I don’t know what it means.” Twilight said.
“Then what should we do?” Rainbow Dash asked as she hopped from hoof to hoof, feeling jittery.
Twilight sighed as she stopped channeling magic to her horn. “Keep investigating for now. It’s the only thing we can do.”
“Right, Ah will check the path further back.” Applejack said as she trotted off.
“I will search from above.” Rainbow Dash said as she flew into the sky.
“And Rarity, I may need you here. Your ability to sense certain gemstones, specifically Kipo’s necklace, would be helpful if you’re with me.” Twilight told the lavender maned unicorn.
Rarity nodded her head. “Right, I will keep trying.” and with that said, the two began to search for any clues on their friends strange disappearance.
Scootaloo stared out the window of Fluttershy’s cottage while her friends sat on the couch with Pinkie and Mandu.’Come on, where are they? They should have found something by now.’ the filly thought in worry.
Angel bunny hopped up to her and thumped his foot a few times with a glare. Scootaloo looked at him in confusion. “What? What do you want?” He pointed at the spot she was leaning on then at himself while squeaking a lot.
Scootaloo continued to stare at him in confusion before looking at the others. “Anybody know what he’s saying?”
Sweetie Belle looked over and shrugged. “Maybe he is hungry?”
Applebloom watched him for a second before she chuckled. “Scoots, I think he wants that spot.”
“Well he can find his own spot. I was here first.” Scootaloo said, frowning at the bunny. Angel glared at Scootaloo before his glare turned into an evil smirk and he hopped away. Scootaloo watched Angel hop away before looking at her friends. “Did anyone else find that smirk worrying?”
“Yeah, what do you think is going through his head?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Who knows? That bunny is pretty weird.” Applebloom said with a shrug and Mandu snorts in agreement as she stared in the direction Angel went off to.
Sweetie Belle looked at Pinkie. “Is there anything we can do to help look for Kipo and her family?”
Pinkie looked at her. “Sorry Sweetie, but there’s not much we can do.”
She sighed as Applebloom patted her back. “Ah am sure they will be back safe and sound.” She said, however they all heard a loud snip sound. Everyone looked over and saw Angel holding a large set of scissors and a clump of purple fur in his paws.
“Huh?” Scootaloo then looked at her tail, seeing nearly all of it was gone. “MY TAIL!! Why you rotten little-” Angel ran off with Scootaloo chasing after him.
Pinkie giggled a bit. “I hope she won't get in trouble because of that.”
“Scootaloo knows not to break stuff in others homes.” Applebloom said in reassurance before there was a commotion coming from another room.
Pinkie shook her head. “I meant about her tail being cut short.”
“Oh, Ah’m sure it’ll be fine. A lot of ponies cut their tails short right?” Applebloom asked.
“Well….” Pinkie said as she looked away, thinking about all the ponies she knows that have short tails. “Yeah, it should be ok, as long as her parents don’t get upset.”
“Scoots parent’s would have said something about our crusading so I’m sure her having a short tail would be fine.” Sweetie Belle said before Scootaloo came back with an annoyed look on her face.
“Stupid bunny.” she muttered as she walked back towards the window.
“Are ya alright Scoots?” Applebloom asked.
“No, that darn bunny got away before I could get my hooves on it.” she said as she stopped and looked at her friend. “On top of that, our sisters haven’t came back yet which means they didn’t find Kipo, Fluttershy and Mr. Moon.”
Sweetie Belle frowned and walked to the door. “Then maybe we can check around the house, maybe there is a clue.”
“Yeah, Twilight did say we shouldn’t be in the Everfree but that didn’t mean we can’t look around the place.” Applebloom said and her, Mandu and Scootaloo followed Sweetie Belle to the door.
“I don’t know girls, this sounds like walking the line.” Pinkie said as she followed them, not sure what to do.
“But Pinkie, if we don’t look, then how can we help Kipo?” Scootaloo asked as she opened the door.
“Help Kipo with what?” Kipo asked her, making them all look at her, Fluttershy and Full Moon.
“Kipo!” The fillies shouted before they and Mandu tackled the human girl, hugging her.
“Whoa!” exclaimed Kipo in surprise before she giggled and hugged her friends. “I guess you missed me huh?”
“Where did you go!?” Scootaloo asked.
“Are you hurt?!” Sweetie Belle asked next.
“How did ya escape!?” Applebloom asked last.
“Girls I’m fine! I’ll explain everything ok?” Kipo reassured them. “But for now, can you please get off? I’m a bit tired.”
Everyone got off of Kipo and looked at her, still worried. After Kipo got up, they all went back inside and Kipo unceremoniously fell onto the couch with a tired sigh which Full Moon chuckle a bit.
“You tired pup?” Full Moon asked with a smile.
“Yeah.” Kipo said, her voice muffled by the couch pillow before lifting it up and looking at her friends. “But I did say I would explain what happened.”
The fillies all gathered around her as Pinkie pulled out a bucket of popcorn. “So where did you go and what was with that smoke?” Scootaloo asked her. “You weren’t hurt right?”
“No, I’m fine. I actually made a new friend who’s just like me! Well, kinda. She’s human but not a hybrid like me.” Kipo said with a smile as she sat up. “Her name is Kendra ! She kinda summoned me to help with some things but momma and Mr. Moon did most of it.”
“Kendra?” Scootaloo asked, sounding a little jealous before she shook her head. “What happened? What is she like? Where did you go?”
“Well she’s very nice and I went to her-” Kipo tried saying but was cut off by Fluttershy.
“Kendra summoned Kipo from another land.” Fluttershy said.
“Another land?” Sweetie Belle asked with stars in her eyes. “Wow! What was it like?”
“It was kinda like Equestria but a little different.” Fluttershy said.
“Yeah, the leader there set up a system where only certain kinds of magic are allowed and anyone using magic all willy nilly gets arrested.” Full Moon said, making the fillies gasp.
“Those poor unicorns!” Sweetie Belle said while cupping her cheeks.
“Actually everyone there can use magic, it is kinda weird.” Kipo chimed in.
“Wait, really? Everyone?” Scootaloo asked and Kipo nodded.
“Even those who can’t use magic. Kendra showed me a neat little thing! I’ll show you!” Kipo said as she pulled out some pieces of paper form her pocket and placed them on the table. The pieces of paper had strange symbols on them with words under each. “This one is fire, light, plant, and ice.” Kipo said, pointing at each symbol. “Kendra called them Glyphs and she also said anyone can use them!”
“Really? That’s cool! Can you show us?” Sweetie Belle asked with a smile.
“Sure!” Kipo said before looking at Fluttershy. “Momma, do you know where the paper is?”
“Over there in the closet.” Fluttershy said and before Kipo could get them, the CMC rushed over to the closet and opened it before grabbing the paper and bringing it over to her, excited looks on their faces.
Kipo giggles and traces the plant glyph. “Ok, Kendra said it should be as simple as tapping while focusing on what you want.” She then placed the new paper on the ground and tapped it, they waited but nothing happened. “Huh?”
“Um, is something supposed to happen?” Applebloom asked Kipo as she taps on the Glyph again but still nothing happened.
“Yeah, it worked when I made a Glyph with her. I don’t know why it’s not working now.” Kipo said, a bit disheartened.
“Maybe they only work in her land?” Fluttershy suggested.
“Aw man. But I really wanted to show the girls what a Glyph can do!” Kipo said.
Fluttershy giggled and rubbed Kipo’s head. “It is ok, maybe we can show them later.”
“Ok.” Kipo said, still upset at not being able to show her friend the cool Glyphs. ’Maybe I can see Kendra again and ask her about why the Glyphs aren’t working.’
“What did you do while you were there?” Applebloom asked first.
“How did she summon you?” Scootaloo asked next.
“Did you have fun?” Pinkie asked last.
“Yeah, we did have fun. I even met a new creature named Hooty! He was a owl-worm. As for what we did there and how she summoned me, I’m not really sure how it works to be honest.” Kipo said, and it was true. She had no idea how Tokens worked. “Probably magic.”
Scootaloo pouted a bit while Pinkie smiled and clapped her hooves, and Applebloom asked. “An owl-worm? What is it like?”
“He’s actually pretty friendly and nice. And he’s got a big appetite too! I saw him eat a Timberwolf in just one bite!” Kipo said, causing her friend's eyes to widen in surprise and awe.
“A whole Timberwolf!?” They shouted.
“Yeah! It was actually surprising! I honestly think he was an owl-snake instead of an owl-worm.” Kipo said.
“That sounds scary, what was he like?” Sweetie Belle asked and while Kipo was explaining her trip to Kendra’s world, Pinkie walked over to Full Moon and Fluttershy.
“So I take it you guys had fun on your little trip?” she asked the two.
“Well I wouldn’t say fun, it was interesting.” Full Moon said with a chuckle.
“Yes, it was, though I can’t help but worry a little for Kendra. I hope she is doing alright.” Fluttershy said.
“She seems like a tough pup.” Full Moon said.
“I know but still, she’s pretty much alone with all of Equestria against her just because she uses Glyphs. Something I fear would happen with Kipo.” Fluttershy said, looking down a bit.
Full Moon nuzzled her. “She has her Applejack, just as Kipo has you and me.”
“I know, but I can’t help but worry for her.” Fluttershy said.
“Hey come on Fluttershy! I’m sure Kendra will be a-okay!” Pinkie said, bouncing in place a little as she said that.
Full Moon smiled softly as he rubbed Fluttershy’s back. “Calm down Fluttershy, I don’t think that her friends will let her be hurt.”
“I will be right back, I should go tell the girls you’re back.” Pinkie said as she skipped to the door.
“Oh yes, you should. I’m sure they’re all pretty worried about us after we just disappeared like that.” Fluttershy said.
“Yeah, they are searching the forest for you.” Pinkie said as she opened the door.
“Want me to come with?” Full Moon asked her. “Might make tracking them down easier.”
“If you want to.” Pinkie said before she smirked a bit and wiggled her eyebrows. “Or you could stay and have some alone time with Fluttershy.”
Full Moon blushed a bit. “Pinkie! The girls are still here.”
Pinkie giggles a bit. “That’s not what I mean silly. I mean hang out with her and stuff.”
Full Moon frowned and gave her a small glare. “Then why were you wiggling your eyebrows?”
“Just to see your reaction.” She said with a giggle.
He rolled his eyes. “Go tell them we are home Pinkie.”
“Oki doki loki!” Pinkie said before bouncing off towards the Everfree.
Full Moon shook his head before looking back at Fluttershy. “Why don't you play with the foals while I make you some tea.” He suggested to her.
She nodded her head. “Ok.” she said before walking to the CMC while Full Moon walked into the kitchen.
Kipo looked up when she heard Fluttershy come closer. “Hi momma, want to help us draw the glyphs?”
“Oh, sorry, but I don’t really have that much knowledge on them.” Fluttershy said as she sat next to them.
“It’s ok, I can show you just like I did with my friends.” Kipo offered as she handed Fluttershy some paper before grabbing a blank one.
“Alright.” Fluttershy said with a smile as she joined her daughter and her friends.
Meanwhile, with Twilight and the others, they were searching throughout the forest for any signs of their missing friends but were having no luck in finding even a tiny clue on their whereabouts, making some of them frustrated.
“Where the buck did they go!?” Rainbow Dash shouted while pulling her mane.
“Calm down Dash. Getting all worked up ain’t gonna help us in finding them.” Applejack said, though she was slowly losing hope in finding her friends.
“But where could they be? We haven’t found any clues or anything!” Rainbow Dash said with a frown, then Rarity gasped as her horn was glowing brightly.
“What? Did you pick something up?” Twilight asked her as she and the others rushed over to her.
“Yes! I can sense Kipo’s necklace!” she said, making the others smile.
“That is great! Where is she?” Rainbow Dash asked as she landed.
Rarity hummed as she turned in a few directions before stopping in one which made her confused. “That’s odd.”
“What's odd?” Twilight asked before she noticed which way Rarity was facing.
“The necklace…I’m sensing it in the direction of Fluttershy’s cottage.” Rarity said, surprising and confusing everyone.
“What?” Rainbow Dash asked with a confused frown. “Did they escape and head home?”
“I have no idea. But we should investigate.” Twilight said but before they could get moving, a rustle came from their right, causing them to turn and get on the defensive as it could either be a predator or the ones who took their friends.
Suddenly Pinkie jumped out of the bushes. “Hi girls!” This made all of them scream in surprise from the sudden jumpscare which made Pinkie giggle a bit. “Why are you all screaming? Is this a screaming party?”
“Pinkie?! What are y’all doing here?! Ah thought you were supposed to wait at Shy’s cottage?!” Applejack asked her as the others tried to calm down after the near heart attack they just had.
“I was, but when Fluttershy, Full Moon, and Kipo came back I came to tell you.” Pinkie said with an innocent smile.
“They’re back?!'' All four of them shouted before bombarding her with question after about where they have been or how did they escape whoever took them or who took them in the ffirst place.
Pinkie looked between each pony as they asked their questions and tried to answer but each time another pony asked a new question, this went on for a few minutes before Pinkie started to get annoyed and reached into a tree before pulling out some cupcakes and stuffed them into her friends mouths. “Let’s go see Fluttershy.”
They were surprised that she pulled cupcakes out of a tree but got the message that they were pretty much giving Pinkie no chance to talk so they all nodded as they grabbed the cupcakes from their mouths.
“Where did…” Twilight started to ask.
“I store cupcakes all over the place incase of cupcake emergencies, I replace them every day of course.” Pinkie answered Twilight’s question before she could ask.
Twilight knew Pinkie enough to accept that kind of answer so she nodded her head. “You said our friends were at the cottage. Did they say anything about what had happened?”
“Yep!” Pinkie said as she hopped along the path.
“Care to tell us?” The purple mare asked her.
“I would but then you’d get the story twice.” Pinkie said as they left the forest.
“Twice?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Yeah, Kipo or Fluttershy would tell you when we arrive at her house.” Pinkie said with a giggle.
“Oh.” Rainbow Dash said. “But are they alright? That’s the big question.”
“Yeah, they are fine, Kipo is showing the other girls something she learned from where they were taken.” Pinkie said with a smile.
This confused all of them but decided to wait till Fluttershy or Full Moon to answer their questions. They continued walking towards the cottage until they finally reached it. Unable to help themselves, all of them minus Pinkie ran to the door and went inside, seeing Kipo teaching both the CMC and Fluttershy how to draw something.
Fluttershy looked up and smiled when she saw her friends. “Hi girls, sorry for scaring you.” she said after seeing their looks of relief.
“Fluttershy!!” all four of them cried out as they pretty much tackled the mare into a hug. Fluttershy yelped as she was tackled to the ground, too surprised to stay standing.
“Where did you go?!”
“Are you alright?!”
“Who took y’all?!”
“What happened?!”
Were the questions that were being asked over and over again. “I…we are all ok, no one took us, I can’t say where we went, and we helped a human girl around Kipo’s age.” Fluttershy tried to tell them.
“What?!” all four of them shouted in shock.
“You met another human?! Where?!” Twilight asked her, eager to know about this second human and possibly more information about humans.
“Um…” Fluttershy looked at the fillies before looking back at her friends. “Another land, very far away.”
“But how did you get there?! We saw you, Kipo and Full Moon disappear in a puff of pink smoke!” Applejack said then looked around. “Where is Full Moon?”
“In the kitchen making snacks and tea!” He called from the kitchen.
“We were summoned there, or rather…Kipo was, we just got pulled along.” Fluttershy answered the other question.
“Wait, Kipo was summoned to this human? But no spell like that exists.” Twilight said, surprised to hear that they were summoned to another land.
Fluttershy sighed and pointed at the fillies. “I will tell you all more later.”
“What? But why not now?” Twilight asked her.
Fluttershy sighed and pointed again at the fillies. “I will explain everything later.”
Twilight sighed, knowing that Fluttershy won’t talk about it while the fillies are around for some reason. “Alright.”
Full Moon came out with tea and some sandwiches. “Anyone hungry?”
“Me!” all four Crusaders shouted at the same time as they stopped what they were doing. Full Moon chuckled a bit as he placed the sandwiches and tea on the table and the four of them immediately started grabbing some and started eating.
“Slow down girls. There’s enough for everyone.” Applejack told them before turning to Fluttershy and Full Moon. “It’s good that y’all are back safe and sound. We had gotten so worried about y’all when ya disappeared like that.”
“We are sorry.” Fluttershy said before she started leading the mares into the kitchen. “I will try to explain.”
“Yeah, we didn’t expect to be summoned to another land out of the blue.” Full Moon said.
“Full, would you mind watching the girls?” Fluttershy said with a certain look that says ‘do it or you're in trouble’.
The werepony just chuckles and nods his head. “Yeah, I can handle them.”
“Thank you.” She said before leading the mares fully into the kitchen. “Kipo, no eavesdropping on us.” She said and they heard a soft eep. “Ok, we can talk now.”
“How’d you know Kipo was gonna try and listen in on us?” Applejack asked her.
Fluttershy sighed and shook her head. “Side effect of her ears, she can hear everything in the house.”
“Oh.” was all Applejack said.
“Now then, the reason I brought you girls into the kitchen is so I can tell you the truth. I'm not sure if you want your sisters to know or not, but we weren’t summoned to another land, apparently we were summoned to another world, another version of Equestria.” Fluttershy told them while rubbing her left foreleg.
This surprised the group but there were more than a couple of them being doubtful. “I’m sorry but I don’t find that to be highly likely. I mean, dimensional travel is just impossible.” Twilight said. “Many unicorn wizards have tried but all of them have failed.”
“Well…if what I was told is right, it isn’t unicorn or even alicorn magic that allows Kipo to go to these other Equestrias. It is because she is something called a Displaced.” Fluttershy said before adding. “At least that is what Cipher explained to me.”
“Displaced? What’s a Displaced?” Rainbow Dash asked her.
“From what I am told, it is a human that is taken from their world and changed in some way before being sent to one of an infinite number of Equestrias. I know other Equestrias exist because in the version that we went to we met that world’s Applejack, and she was human.” Fluttershy told them.
“Wait, taken from their world? You mean Kipo was taken from her home world and brought here to Equestria?!” Twilight asked as she and the others were in shock of such a thing. Granted Twilight was still unsure that they traveled to another dimension, but still, being taken from your home and then just dropped off in another was just terrible.
Fluttershy nodded her head. “Though…I don’t think all Displaced are as helpless as Kipo was when I first found her. There is Cipher, her adoptive uncle, or so he says, and he can bend reality to his will…but…last time I saw him he was…hurt or sick. I am not sure.”
“Then after him we met a man named Edward who helped us from an attack a few nights ago, he also replaced our door.” Fluttershy said then she smiled softly. “Then there is Kendra, even though she is around Kipo’s age she was still able to avoid the Royal Guard using her smarts.”
“Cipher can warp reality? How did a human possess such magic?” Twilight asked while making mental notes of the Displaced Fluttershy has named.
“Time and place Twilight. Ah’m sure if this Cipher fella comes around again, you can ask him.” Applejack said.
“Um…yes, if he can come back.” Fluttershy said sadly. “Like I said, last time he was he something was wrong, he was split in two I think he said…magicly not physically. He lost a lot of his power and it was a struggle to just stay here.”
This caused some concern among her friends after she said that as what she told them sounded not all pleasant to experience. “Hopefully the poor dear will be alright.” Rarity said.
“I hope so too.” Fluttershy said before sighing. “Anyway, a Displaced can make an item called a Token, it lets other Displaced summon them for help or just to see another human.”
“Wait, what if there were bad Displaced? They can’t all be good now can they?” Rainbow Dash, making a valid point. “What if one of these bad Displaced summon Kipo?”
“I…don’t know.” Fluttershy said with her head low. “Cipher was the one keeping Kipo from accidentally making a token but on her last birthday he showed her how to make one. So now she can be summoned by anyone that finds her Token.”
“Well let’s just hope and pray to Celestia that an evil Displaced doesn’t find it.” Twilight said with her friends nodding in agreement.
Fluttershy frowned slightly but nodded. “Yes…that is the most we can do.” She sighed and rubbed her temples with her wings. “Do any of you have more questions?”
“No, we need some time to digest this new information. It’s a lot to take in.” Applejack said and the others nodded before a thought popped into Twilight’s head.
“Hey, would it be alright if I told Celestia about this? I mean, considering that Kipo is one of the Element Bearers, I think she would want to make sure she is safe.” Twilight said.
Fluttershy looked a bit unsure but sighed. “Alright, but just her.”
Twilight nodded her head. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone else about this. Besides.” Twilight then gained a sheepish grin on her face as she rubbed the back of her head. “I wasn’t exactly all that social before coming to Ponyville so the only ones I keep in contact with is Celestia and my family, well except for my brother. “
“I see…I am sorry to hear that Twilight, I know how lonely that kind of life can be.” Fluttershy said with a small sigh.
“It’s fine. I actually chose that kind of lifestyle. I thought friendship was nonsense and wanted nothing to do with it.” Twilight said, chuckling a bit at how ironic it is that before she used to want nothing to do with friendship but now is friends with so many ponies after just one day of leaving Canterlot.
Fluttershy looked at Twilight with a soft but still sad smile. “At least now you have all of us.”
Twilight nodded her head. “Yeah, and I’m glad I do. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have friends like you girls.”
“Probably with your nose stuck in a book somewhere?” Rainbow Dash asked, causing everyone to giggle.
“Ooooor in a deep dark dungeon for trying and failing to stop Nightmare Moon.” Pinkie said with a cheerful smile.
“Uuuuh….yeah..probably that too.” Applejack said.
“Anyway…let’s go back and make sure the girls haven’t tried to get their Cutie Marks by tying Full Moon up again.” Fluttershy said with a soft giggle.
“Heh, still wondering how they managed it the first time.” Applejack said before she and the others started to leave the kitchen.
"Through sheer dumb luck thanks to Kipo helping them out." Rainbow Dash said.
"Well can you blame her? She has been trying to get one up on Full Moon for a while now so with her friends wanting to get a 'Wolf Trapper' Cutie Mark was probably the best chance she could have." Fluttershy said as they all entered the living room seeing that the CMC were still drawing the Glyphs with Full Moon watching them. "Everything alright out here?"
Full Moon turned to her and nodded his head. "Yeah, they've just been busy drawing those Glyph things. Though it's a bit of a shame they can't be used anymore but it's good practice in case they somehow work again and they may need a specific Glyph."
"Does everything really need to be considered as a tool in case things go wrong or something?" Rarity asked him with a raised eyebrow and he just chuckles.
"What can I say? You live the kind of lifestyle us monster ponies do you tend to try and use any resource you can to stay alive in case You-Know-Who's show up." he said, not saying Cultists to avoid scaring Kipo since the attack in the Everfree Castle was still fresh in their minds, even if Kipo doesn't really remember it.
"You-Know-Who? You mean the-" Rainbow Dash was hushed by Fluttershy before she could finish that sentence before glancing at Kipo who was still drawing with her friends, not paying attention to their conversation at all. Fluttershy then gave her a look followed by a shake of her head and Rainbow Dash didn't need any hints that she shouldn't say the word 'Cultist' around Kipo. "Um, right, yeah. You-Know-Who's."
"Well anyways, Ah got something to ask you and Full, Shy." Applejack said before rubbing her leg. "Do y'all mind if Bloom stay the night here? Just until Ah get some things sorted back on the farm?"
Full Moon grimaces a bit, knowing that she was talking about his and Big Mac's fight earlier today and how Big Mac was talking to Granny Smith who looked way too happy about whatever the conversation was about. Fluttershy, thinking the same thing, just nods her head. "I don't mind Applejack. And maybe the other girls can stay the night too?"
This caused an excited gasp to escape Kipo as she grinned from ear to ear after hearing about her friends staying the night. "Like a sleepover?!"
Fluttershy smiles and nods her head. "Yes, like a sleepover."
The cottage was filled with cheers from all four Crusaders followed by excited chatter about what they were going to do during the sleepover, some ideas involved playing games or telling spooky stories. "Oh! What if we camp outside? That way, we can all cook s'mores and stuff?" Applebloom suggested and all three of her friends smiled.
"Yeah! That's even better than a regular sleepover!" then all four of them looked at their respective guardians but before they could use their weaponized cuteness on them, their guardians held up their hooves.
"No need to give us heart attacks girls. You can camp outside if you want." Fluttershy said with a small giggle.
"Yeah, what she said." Rainbow Dash said next.
This made the four of them cheer happily before they split up, Kipo going upstairs to get her own things for the camp out while the three fillies bolt out the door to no doubt do the same thing. "I swear those four are more full of energy than Pinkie Pie." Rarity said before she and Rainbow Dash chased after their sisters.
"Ah better chase after Bloom as well just to make sure she'll be ok when she gets to the farm." Applejack said which made the others frown in worry for their friend and the problems that are sure to sprout up on the farm thanks to what has happened between Full Moon and Big Mac. Before her friends can comfort her, Applejack was already making her way out the door, leaving them in silence for a while before it was broken by Pinkie.
"Well, I should get going too. The Cakes needed help with the bakery before I came out to help with you guys disappearing." Pinkie said and Fluttershy and Full Moon nodded their heads.
"Alright, take care Pinkie." Full Moon said and Pinkie left followed by Twilight who said something about needing to write a letter which left just Full Moon and Fluttershy with the mare sighing.
"This has been an eventful day." Fluttershy said and Full Moon nodded his head.
"Yeah, but hey, life always is." the werepony said as he nuzzled his marefriends cheek which she returned. "If you want I can keep an eye on the pup and her friends while you take a break."
"I would like that." Full Moon nodded with a small smile.
"Alright, you go rest up and I'll prepare everything for the pup's camp out." he told her and Fluttershy nodded before walking up the stairs to go and rest.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Scootaloo Talks About Her Crush
Scootaloo tapped her pencil against her desk, bored out of her mind as Cheerilee gave a lecture on something. She wasn't really paying attention. Instead, she was thinking about her and the other Crusaders camp out, specifically, the part where Kipo thinks that no one would like her more than just a friend which wasn't true at all, she likes her more than a friend. At least, she thinks so. She wasn't sure about her feelings for her closest friend. On one hoof, she couldn't help but feel her heart flutter whenever Kipo smiles, compliments her or just being close to her but on the other hoof, she wasn't sure if her feelings for her friend was right and that she might reject her, or worse, their friendship is ruined because of her feelings. She shuddered a bit at the last scenario. 'I really don't want that to happen. Being friends with Kipo is the greatest thing ever.'
Scootaloo glanced over at Kipo, seeing her paying attention to what Cheerilee was saying, making the filly chuckle a little. Kipo always did have a strange, to her at least, interest in learning new things, even if they were pretty boring. The school bell rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Oh! Time for lunch students." Cheerilee cheerily said and everyone in the classroom grabbed their lunchboxes and began to head out for lunch with Scootaloo being the first one out the door, glad that it was lunch time so she didn't have to spend time listening about boring stuff. When she exited the schoolhouse, she walked over to her and her friends usual spot by a tree and sat down, waiting for her friends.
"Well well, look who it is." an annoying arrogant voice said, making Scootaloo grit her teeth and glare at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.
"What do you want?" the filly asked the two bullies in a not so nice tone.
"Oh nothing, just wanted to say hi to one of the Blank Flanks." Silver Spoon said in a sing song tone when she said Blank Flanks, which irked Scootaloo.
"How about you make like a bug and buzz off? I'm not in the mood to deal with you two jerks." Scootaloo said, turning her back to them and continued eating.
"Was that really the best you could do? That was so sad. Almost as sad as that freak." Diamond Tiara said and Scootaloo's fur bristled in anger as she turned to her.
"Leave Kipo alone Diamond. She has done nothing wrong to you." that was a poor choice of words as Diamond Tiara's smug face soon turned to one of anger and hatred.
"Nothing wrong?! Look at my face!!" Diamond Tiara pointed at the three claw marks on her cheek. "She did that to me!! She's nothing more than a wild animal that needs to be locked up before it hurts any more decent ponies!!"
"Maybe you shouldn't have stepped on her tail and tried bullying her!! What'd you think was gonna happen!? And don't ever say that about Kipo! She's not some wild animal! She's the greatest person I know! Just as great as Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo argued back, her and Diamond butting heads only for Kipo to pull them apart.
"Alright, break it up you two!" she said to them, holding Scootaloo back as Diamond recoiled back in disgust. "How about we just go our seperate ways and not interact with each other. Ok?"
The two still glared at each other before Diamond Tiara huffs and turns away. "We were just leaving anyways since we don't want to be around a savage beast." the two fillies then left, laughing cruelly to themselves. Kipo's friends glared at the two fillies before looking at Kipo, seeing her with her gaze aimed at the ground, hurt in her eyes.
"Hey, don't pay no mind to those two. You're not some savage beast." Applebloom said, patting her arm.
"Yeah, you're the nicest and greatest person we know. Diamond Tiara is just an idiot who doesn't know what a great person you are." Scootaloo said.
"Not how I would have said it but yeah, what they said." Sweetie Belle voiced her own agreement and Kipo smiled at her friends before hugging them.
"Aw, I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have such great friends like you girls!" the fillies happily returned the hug and remained like that for a few minutes before separating sitting down on the grass and began to eat their lunch.
"So, how has your day been?" Sweetie Belle asked her friends.
"Bored outta my mind." was Scootaloo's response and her friends giggled.
"You're always bored whenever we're at school, Scootaloo." Applebloom said then adding. "The only one who doesn't look bored is Kipo."
Kipo shrugs her shoulders. "Hey, I like learning new stuff."
"Careful Kipo, otherwise you might get the nickname 'egghead' like Twilight if you keep that up." Scootaloo joked and Kipo stuck her tongue at her, causing all her friends to laugh before they went back to eating and talking only for a colt to walk up them, making them look at him in confusion.
“Hey there.” the colt said to them.
“Hi, um, what’s up?” Kipo asked him.
“You have a nice mane.” The colt said with a smile.
“Who does? Sweetie Belle?” Kipo asked, pointing at said filly.
“No silly, you.” The colt said, pointing at Kipo. “You also have pretty eyes.”
“M-m-me!?” Kipo asked, eyes going wide in shock while a faint blush appeared on her cheeks while her friends’ jaws dropped. “A-are you sure you’re talking about me?”
“Yes, you.” The colt said with a smile before he started to snicker a bit. “Your fur seems soft too.”
“I uh, I-I.” Kipo was left speechless since this was a first for her. Her friends were equally shocked but also happy, well, Scootaloo was feeling a little jealous but she pushed that aside.
“Yeah, it is a real surprise that a monster like you can seem so cute.” The colt said before he burst out laughing.
Kipo’s friends gasp while she froze. “W-what?”
“Yeah, she is a freak. A pretty freak, but still a freak.” He said and then the girls heard Diamond and Silver laughing from their seats. Tears started to form in Kipo’s eyes, making her friends become angry at the colt.
“You better apologize right now!” Scootaloo demanded.
“Why?” He asked with a smirk before he started walking away. “I did my job, have fun picking up after that thing.”
“That’s it!!” Scootaloo exclaimed before she tackled the colt to the ground and the two began fighting. “Apologize now!!”
“Get off of me you crazy filly!” He shouted as they rolled around on the ground, punching and pushing each other.
“Scoots stop!” Kipo called out to her friend as everyone circled the two with some of the students chanting ‘fight’ over and over again.
“I said get off!” The colt kicked Scootaloo off him. Scootaloo fell to the ground with a grunt before getting up and glaring at the colt, however, before she could do anything, they all heard a voice.
“What is going on here?!” Everyone turned to see a quickly approaching Cheerilee with a none too pleased look on her face.
The colt smirked a bit before he pointed at Scootaloo. “She attacked me for no reason!”
“It’s true!” Diamond Tiara joined in. “She just attacked him as he was walking by!”
“What?! That’s not true!! This jerkface called Kipo a monster and stuff!” Scootaloo said, pointing at the colt.
“Yeah! He was being all nice at first to her but then he became a big ol’ jerk and called her names!” Applebloom said, glaring at the colt.
“I didn’t do anything!” the colt shouted back however, Cheerliee was having none of it.
“All of you, to my desk, now.” Cheerilee sternly said to the colt, Diamond Tiara and the CMC.
“A-all of us?” Kipo asked worriedly.
“Yes, all of you, inside now!” Cheerilee said while pointing and frowning. Kipo, the CMC, the colt and Diamond Tiara all walked into the building with Cheerilee following them. Soon enough, they had reached her desk where Cheerilee sat down to hear what had happened. “Now, would ONE of you kindly explain what happened?”
“That wild filly Scootaloo attacked poor Rumble for no reason! He was just walking past them and she attacked.” Diamond Tiara told the teacher.
“That’s a big fat lie! Rumble was being a big old jerk to Kipo and I tried to get him to apologize to her!” Scootaloo said, glaring at Diamond Tiara and Rumble.
“You did attack me!” Rumble said before pointing at the bruises that are forming. “How else could I have gotten these?”
“You deserve it for what you did to Kipo! You acted all nice and stuff, complimenting her before you started calling her a monster and stuff!” Scootaloo shouted.
“Yeah! Who does stuff like that?!” Applebloom shouted next.
“Is this true?” Cheerliee asked and the CMC smiled however they noticed she was looking at them with a frown. “You did attack Rumble?”
“W-well…yes but only to get him to apologize to Kipo!” a now nervous Scootaloo said.
“That is no way to behave Scootaloo. Violence is never the answer.” The teacher told her.
“B-but what about him?!” Scootaloo pointed at Rumble.
“He will be punished for his mean words but you attacked him Scootaloo, what if his parents call the guard on you?”
“They wouldn’t arrest a kid….r-right?” Scootaloo asked.
Diamond Tiara grinned as she moved closer to Rumble and whispered into his ear. “Yes they would if his parents wanted to press charges.”
“B-but what about him messing with Kipo?! Surely he’s not just going to get away with that!” Scootaloo questioned.
“I said he will be punished, but Scootaloo, you attacked him physically.” Cheerilee told her again. Scootaloo looks down in sadness and Kipo pats her back to try and comfort her.
Cheerilee turned to Rumble as he nodded at Diamond Tiara. “As for you young colt, how dare you mess with this poor filly's heart.”
“What filly?” Rumble asked as he looked around.
“Kipo you dirtbag!!” Scootaloo shouted at him, getting ready to jump him again but Kipo held her back.
“Scoots no! You’re already in enough trouble!” she pleaded as she held her back.
Rumble moved to hide behind Cheerilee. “See!? She is crazy! She almost attacked me, thank goodness their pet stopped her.”
“Rumble enough! Your family will be hearing about this awful behavior of yours towards another student.” Cheerilee said, making Rumble’s face pale.
“B-but...but…” He tried to argue.
“No, I have heard enough and you openly disrespecting Kipo like that will not tolerated. And you Diamond Tiara, do not think I didn’t see you whispering to him. Is there something you wish to say?” Cheerilee asked her.
Diamond Tiara tried to look innocent. “I was just telling him that he should do the right thing and tell his parents about what happened.”
Cheerilee still stared at her before sighing. “Anyways, both Rumble and Scootaloo will have their respective guardians told about this and will be detention for the rest of the school week starting tomorrow.”
“What!? But I was just-!” Scootaloo started before she was cut off.
“Even if you were sticking up for your friend, fighting is still not allowed.” Cheerilee said in a tone that said her decision was final and no amount of arguing was going to change that.
Scootaloo lowered her head and grumbled, upset that she was getting punished and the other CMC did their best to comfort her. While behind the teacher Diamond Tiara stuck her tongue out at the girls with a smug smile only to freeze when she saw Kipo glaring at her, except her eyes were once again cat-like and full of anger towards the smug filly. The amount of anger in her eyes sent shivers down her spine or they would if she wasn’t so full of terror right now. “Kipo? Are you ok dear?” Cheerilee’s voice said, making Kipo look away from Diamond Tiara and at Cheerilee, who had a worried look on her face.
Blinking a bit and causing her eyes to return to normal, Kipo responded. “Huh?”
“You were glaring so hard, it was like you were in a trance.” She said with worry.
“I was?” Kipo asked as her friends looked at her.
Cheerilee wondered if she was just seeing things but decided to keep that incident pinned in her mind and just drop it. “In any case, lunch is almost over, all of you but Scootaloo and Rumble get going.”
“Yes Ms. Cheerilee.” everyone said before the CMC and Diamond Tiara started to walk out, leaving Rumble, Scootaloo and Cheerilee alone in the classroom.
“You two go to your desks and don't talk.” She said, pointing at their desks. The two of them begrudgingly walked to their desks and sat down, giving each other glares every now and then until lunch was over and everyone made their way back inside.
“Wow Scootaloo, you must love to learn if you were inside before the bell rang.” Snips said with a smile.
“Yeah, you don’t usually like learning stuff.” Snails said next.
“Oh go eat a carrot.” Scootaloo grumbled.
“Scootaloo, language.” Cheerilee scolded.
“What did I say?” She asked, looking at Cherrilee confused.
“Just don’t say that again.” Cheerilee said.
Scootaloo grumbled and looked down at her desk. “Fine.” her friends gave her saddened looks but knew they couldn’t do anything other than comfort her when they get the chance. The rest of the school day was spent with Scootaloo glaring at her desk and not really paying attention.
When the bell rings Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Kipo walk over to Scootaloo’s desk. “Hey Scoots, do you want to get a milkshake before going home?” Kipo asked.
“Sorry but I need to go home and tell my aunts that I have detention.” Scootaloo said dejectedly.
“Ok, I hope you don’t get in more trouble because of me.” Kipo said sadly.
“Hey, it’s not because of you! It was that jerk Rumble! You had nothing to do with me getting in trouble!” Scootaloo reassured with a small smile.
“But you stood up for me, if you hadn't then you wouldn’t be in trouble.” Kipo said, as Applebloom and Sweetie Belle gave Kipo friendly nuzzles.
Scootaloo nudges Kipo a bit. “Hey, what kind of friend would I be if I just let you get picked on like that?” she gave her a smile. “Besides, it's not the first time I got in trouble at school, remember? So it’s no big deal.”
Kipo smiled a bit as she gave Scootaloo a hug. “I am still sorry, but you are a good friend.”
Scootaloo felt a pain in her chest at being called friend again but brushed it off and hugged Kipo back. “Heh, no problem Kipo.”
“Girls, you don’t have to go home but I have to clean up and close the school.” Cheerilee said to them.
“Ok Ms. Cheerilee.” all four of them said before leaving the classroom.
“Well, I better get home and talk to my aunts about getting detention for the rest of the week. I’ll see you girls later.” Scootaloo said to her friends.
“Bye.” The rest of them said before Scootaloo started heading home. As she was walking, she thought back to the pain she felt from being called friend, making her frown.
’Why does it always hurt when she says friend to me? There’s nothing wrong with that. Sure I’d like to us be something more than that but I’m ok with just being called a friend. Right?’ she thought to herself as she walked.
She was so deep in thought that she walked past and around ponies in the crowded path. ’I mean, it’s not the end of the world if I’m just a friend to her. Yeah, lots of ponies are just friends with someone who they like. It all works out just fine.’ Scootaloo then groans in frustration before sighing sadly. ’Oh who am I fooling. I like her way more than a friend to just ignore these feelings. But we’ve been friends since we were all little, there’s no way me or her could ruin that by becoming a c-couple.’
She stopped and looked up from the ground, seeing that she was back home. With a sigh she entered and walked up to the living room, seeing that her aunts weren’t around. Figuring that they must be out, she walked up to her room and flopped onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “Why? Why do I have these feelings for her? When did I have feelings for her?” that made Scootaloo blink a bit and sit up a bit. “When did I start having feelings for Kipo?”
She began to think back to when she first started feeling this way towards her friend but was having trouble finding out when she developed these feelings. “Did they just sort of happen? Is it something every filly goes through as they get older? Is it just a phase?”
“Is what a phase?” Scootaloo jumped a little when she heard someone speak, making her look towards the door to her room to see her aunt, Holiday. She was a slightly pudgy mare opened the door. She had slightly dark red eyes and a pale yellow coat with a brilliant scarlet mane and tail with both having very light red colored streaks in them. On her flanks was a symbol of a sail boat with a sun shining down on it.
“O-oh hi aunt Holiday.” Scootaloo said with a sigh.
“Hello Scootaloo, is everything ok? You look troubled?” Holiday asked as she stepped into the room.
“Well…I uh, I maybe sorta kinda got in trouble at school today?” Scootaloo said with a sheepish smile.
Holiday sighed and shook her head. “What did you do this time?”
“It wasn’t my fault! I swear! It was this jerk Rumble who was picking on Kipo!” Scootaloo said, crossing her hooves.
“I don’t see how you got in trouble yet.” Holiday said as she sat down and crossed her hooves.
“He..he was acting all nice, complimenting her and calling her cute before saying that she was a freak and a monster. So I wanted to make him apologize for hurting Kipo like that.” Scootaloo explained, frowning and looking down at her bed.
Holiday raised an eyebrow. “By talking to him?”
“You think I would be in trouble if I just talked to him, Aunt Holiday?” Scootaloo asked before sighing. “I did tell him to apologize but he just kept being mean and so we fought and Ms. Cheerilee gave us detention for the rest of the week starting tomorrow.”
Holiday sighed and shook her head. “Oh Scootaloo, why would you feel like fighting is the answer?”
Scootaloo continued to stare down at her bed. “W-well, Kipo just looked so hurt when he started being mean to her. No one ever compliments her besides me and my friends and it’s because she’s different than others. But that’s what makes her beautiful in her own way!” Scootaloo realized what she had said and began blushing brightly. “I-I mean awesome! Yeah! I said a-awesome!”
Holiday hummed a bit before she sat next to Scootaloo and wrapped a hoof around her. “Scootaloo, do you have a crush on Kipo?”
Her blush grew even brighter. “M-me? Pft! Nah! W-we’re just friends! It’s not l-like I do have a crush on her or anything! I don’t d-do mushy stuff!” she denied though it was pretty obvious she was lying.
“Scootaloo, it's ok to have these feelings and I am happy for you, but you can’t fight any colt that is mean to her.” Holiday siad with a kind smile.
“But if you’d seen just how hurt she was you would too! Kipo is the most kindest person I know. She does her best to be kind to others but she always gets mean looks from some ponies. And hearing Rumble compliment her instead of insult her must have made her so happy.” she then frowned. “Only for that dirtbag to start insulting her. It was so messed up! And seeing how hurt she was, it just ticked me off on how someone can be so cruel to someone like her!”
Holiday rubbed Scootaloo’s back. “I know sweetie, but violence isn’t the answer, you should have just told your teacher and avoided him.”
“I know, I just….I just didn’t want to see her so upset like that. It just pains me to see her upset.” she then looked up at Holiday. “Is that normal? I mean for someone who has a crush on someone, not that I’m admitting that I do! I’m just asking!” the blush returned to her cheeks after she said that.
Holiday giggled a bit. “Yes, we want to protect the ones we love, and if you had a crush on Kipo, you would do anything to see her happy.” She smiled down at Scootaloo. “Why don’t you tell me when you started feeling like you like her that way.”
Scootaloo rubbed her arm. “I don’t really know. One day I just thought Kipo looked c-c-cute and the next thing I knew, I started wanting to be more than friends with her.”
Holiday nodded a bit. “I was the same way with Lofty, I made a fool of myself trying to act cool around her.” She giggled and shook her head. “But she liked me for who I was, I didn’t need to put on an act for her.”
“B-but that’s the thing, Kipo likes me as a friend. I don’t know if she’d be interested in dating me or even if she is into girls.” Scootaloo said and as much as she hate to admit it, she was kinda scared of being rejected. “W-what if she doesn’t want to date me a-and our friendship is ruined because of it? What if she no longer wants to be friends with me? What if-”
Holiday cuts off before she could go on any further. “Easy Scootaloo, breathe slowly, in-” She took a deep breath. “-then out.” She let it out slowly, and Scootaloo followed her, calming down a little. “I know it can be nerve racking to confess your feelings, but until you do, these thoughts will continue to buzz around your head.”
“But-!” Scootaloo started however Holiday put a hoof on her lips.
“You said Kipo is the kidnest pony you know, do you really think she would stop being your friend just because you told her about your crush? Or do you think she is kind enough and mature enough to have a conversation with you and set boundaries if she isn't interested?”
“W-well…” Scootaloo began to think and her aunt was right, Kipo was really kind, maybe even just as kind as Fluttershy, so she wouldn’t just mock her or be mean about her revealing her feelings. “I-I guess you’re right. But what if she really doesn’t feel the same way towards me?”
Holiday smiled sadly and rubbed Scootaloo’s mane. “Then you do your beat to keep her happy as a friend.” She stood up and started to walk out of her room before she stopped and looked back. “Oh and starting tomorrow you are grounded.”
“Aw man.” Scootaloo said dejectedly though she kinda expected it. “Ok aunt Holiday.”
Holiday smiled and winked at her. “So make the most of today ok?”
Scootaloo was a little confused by that but figured it was her aunt being her aunt. “Ok aunt Holiday. Do you mind if I go out and tell the other Crusaders that I won’t be hanging out with them tomorrow?”
“Sure dear, and tell Kipo I said hi.” Holiday said with a giggle before walking away.
“Ok auntie.” Scootaloo said before she got out of bed and got out of the house before retrieving her scooter. “Ok, knowing the girls, they probably all went home instead of going out Crusading. So who should I tell that I won’t be Crusading for a while first?” her thoughts then turned to Kipo and what her aunt had said. Blushing a little, she began to think. ’Should I really tell her? Should I tell Kipo how I feel about her?’ she was still worried about being rejected but her aunt's words rang through her mind, making her gain a determined expression. ’I’ll never know unless I actually say something instead of letting my feelings stay welled up inside me.’
With that in mind, Scootaloo put her helmet on, which was always with her scooter, and took off, using her wings to zoom through the streets of Ponyville towards Fluttershy’s cottage. The trip took a while but she eventually arrived at the cottage, so she came to a stop before getting off and walking up to the front door before freezing. She felt weak in the knees as she stared up at the door which somehow became menacing and terrifying. She quickly shook her head. ’Snap out of it Scoots. You can do this! Just go in, confess, and pray to Celestia you don’t end up with a broken heart!’ that last part didn’t really help her but she didn’t care so she took a few deep breaths before raising a shaky hoof.
Her hoof remained in the air for a few seconds before she finally willed herself to knock quickly and hard. “Welp no ones home! Guess I better go to the others!” Scootaloo said as she turned around to leave.
The door opened and Full Moon looked out. “Scootaloo? What are you doing here?”
Scootaloo stopped and turned, giving Full Moon a nervous smile. “H-hi-” her voice cracked before she cleared her throat. H-hi Mr. Moon. Is uh, is K-Kipo home?”
“Oh, sorry Scootaloo but she and Fluttershy went into the forest to get some herbs for medicine and I don't know when they'll be back.”
“O-oh, she is?” she asked and Full Moon nodded.
“Yeah, sorry.” Full Moon smiled apologetically. “Maybe you can leave a message I can give her?”
“T-that’s fine. I kinda want to tell her m-myself so I’ll just come b-by later.” she said.
“Alright, you take care of yourself.” Full Moon said as he stepped back inside and started to close the door.
“You too.” She said as the door fully closes. She sighed as she walked back to her scooter. “Well, on one hoof I’m glad she isn’t here. I don’t think I’m fully ready to confess to her just yet.”
The door opened a bit and Full Moon asked. “Confess what?”
“Nothing!” she quickly shouted, her face bright red from embarrassment due to nearly being caught.
Full Moon raised an eyebrow. “You do remember I have super hearing, right?”
“Oh…r-right.” Scootaloo said, she really did forget he had super hearing.
“Anyway, Kipo and Shy should be back soon, maybe you can check back again sometime later."
“A-are you sure?” Scootaloo asked, growing nervous again.
“I am sure it will be fine.” Full Moon nodded with a smile. “Good luck with whatever you want to confess.”
“T-thanks.” she said before getting on her scooter and sped off. She had no destination in mind as the only thing on it was if she was truly ready to confess to Kipo or not. One on hoof, she was feeling extremely scared about confessing, on the other, she doesn't know what would happen if she didn't. She was so worried that part way back into town her scooter hit a rock and she was sent flying through the air. “Whoa!”
Scootaloo was then caught by a pair of hooves before she could hit the ground. “I got you squirt.” she looked up and saw Rainbow Dash smiling down at her. “Sup?”
“Rainbow Dash!” She smiled as her wings buzzed. “You saved me!”
“Of course I did. What kind of mare would I be if I just let ya get hurt?” she asked with a chuckle before setting the filly down and looked at the scooter. “You should watch where you’re going. Lots of things could send you flying like that.”
“Yeah, I know. Sorry, I was just thinking about, er, stuff.” Scootaloo said, rubbing the back of her head.
“What got you so distracted that you didn’t see what tripped you?” Rainbow Dash asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I uh…” she went quiet, blushing faintly.
“Scoots?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising her eyebrow further at Scootalo’s strange behavior.
“I-it’s about Kipo.” Scootaloo said quietly but Rainbow Dash heard her.
“Kipo?” Rainbow asked before she really paid attention to Scootaloo’s body language and then her eyes widened a little. “Oh! Um…how about we go to Sugarcube Corner and I'll get you something to eat while we talk?”
“A-are you sure?” Scootaloo asked. “I mean, I don’t mind hanging out with you but I think I'm just fine. Yeah, totally, completely, absolutely fine." Scootaloo said though Rainbow Dash could clearly see that she was not fine at all.
Rainbow Dash smiled a bit and lowered herself to the ground. “Get on, we can talk once you have something to eat, ok?”
Scootaloo sighs and nods her head. “Ok.” she then climbs onto Rainbow Dash’s back. “What about my scooter?”
“I got it.” Rainbow Dash stood up and walked over to the scooter, then she tucked it under one of her wings. “See? All tucked away safe and sound.” She then started trotting to the sweet shop with Scootaloo remaining silent the whole trip.
Eventually the two arrived at the shop. “We’re here squirt.”
“Huh?” Scootaloo looked up. “Oh, thanks…sorry for making you carry me.”
“It’s fine. Now, let’s get some grub and we can talk, ok?” Rainbow Dash asked and Scootaloo nodded as she hopped off.
“Ok.”
“Find a seat while I get us something.” Rainbow Dash said before getting in line, giving Scootaloo more time to think. Scootaloo nodded her head and walked over with her scooter to one of the empty tables while Rainbow Dash went to get them some food. After a few minutes Rainbow Dash came back with two shakes and a box of cookies. “I’m back, now then.” She looked at Scootaloo. “What’s on your mind?”
Scootaloo sighed. “Like I said, it’s about Kipo a-and…something else.”
Rainbow Dash smiled at Scootaloo. “Take your time, squirt, I am here to listen.”
Scootaloo sighed again and fidgeted with the straw of her milkshake. “W-well…I want to tell K-Kipo something that’s been on m-my mind for a while.”
“Ok, well maybe it would help to tell me first?” Rainbow Dash offered.
Scootaloo fidgets even more. “I-I um, you see I, the thing is-” Scootaloo stops and takes a deep breath. “IwanttoconfessmyfeelingsforKipobecauseIreallyreallylikeher!”
Rainbow Dash blinked a few times before she smiled. “That's great Scoots! I hope things work out for you two! I think you two would make a good couple!”
“But that’s the thing! I don’t know if she actually wants to be a couple! What if she rejects me?! What if me confessing ruins our friendship?! And it breaks apart the Crusaders?!” Scootaloo exclaimed, breathing rapidly due to her freaking out.
“Whoa whoa whoa, calm down Scoots, take calming breaths.” Rainbow said while placing a hoof on her shoulder. “Look, even if she doesn’t like you like that, Kipo is a good filly and won’t let your love ruin your friendship. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle won’t let that happen either.”
Scootaloo sighs and slumps in her chair. “I know, I’m just nervous. Why does having a crush on someone and trying to admit it to them have to be so hard?”
Rainbow Dash chuckled a bit while scratching her cheek. “Yeah…it can be, but you will always have these thoughts flying around in your head till you speak to her about your feelings. These nervous feelings don’t go away otherwise, in fact they get worse…”
"What do you mean?" Scootaloo asked her, a bit confused on how she knows so much.
Rainbow Dash sighed and lowered her head. “A long time ago when I was your age I had a crush on a colt but I didn’t want to ruin my friendship with him…so I didn’t say anything but my feelings just got worse and worse until I saw him with another filly.”
Scootaloo's eyes were a little wide after hearing that. “That must have been heartbreaking to see.”
Rainbow Dash nodded her head and let out a small sigh. “If I am honest, it still stings a bit thinking about it, but that is life. Your first crush will always be in your heart, even if you move onto somepony else.”
Scootaloo looked down at the table in thought. “I-I guess that makes sense.”
“And one more thing, I did eventually tell him how I felt, we are still friends.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
“Wait really?” She asked and Rainbow Dash nodded her head. “Huh, I guess you weren’t kidding about the whole we’ll still be friends despite the crush thing.”
“Don’t get me wrong, it was a bit awkward at first, but Rain and I worked through it and still hang out whenever I go to Cloudsdale.” Rainbow Dash said before she took a sip of her drink.
Scootaloo nodded her head before smiling a bit. “Well, I guess I’m feeling a little better about my situation.” She then hugged her big sister figure. “Thanks Rainbow Dash.”
“Anytime squirt.” Rainbow Dash said as she rubbed Scootaloo’s head. “Just remember what I said about always being friends.”
“I will, Rainbow Dash.” the two then separated. “Well, I guess I’ll go over to the spa and talk with Kipo and hopefully not get too hurt if she says she doesn’t feel the same.” she then looked at her milkshake, seeing that it was still full. “Right after I’m done with my milkshake.”
Rainbow Dash just chuckled and smirked. “Just remember to be yourself, sometimes mushy stuff is a good thing.”
“Yeah, I guess.” she said before the two went back to enjoying their milkshakes and snacks until they were done.
“Good luck squirt, I hope things work out for you.” Rainbow said before she smirked. “And don't forget the fan club meeting later in the week.”
“Are you kidding, I never forget!” Scootaloo exclaimed proudly before getting on her scooter. “See ya Rainbow Dash.”
“Later Scoots.” Rainbow Dash said before Scootaloo sped off at top speed, heading right for the spa.
“Oh wait! I forgot to tell her I was grounded!” Scootaloo said, facepalming. “Oh well, I’ll have to let her know later. For now, I'll head back home and maybe check by the cottage later to see if Kipo is there." With that, she rode off on her scooter back to her home.
Fluttershy hummed as she picked a few herbs and put them into her basket. "I found some more over here momma!" Kipo called out and she looked over to see Kipo standing behind a bush and holding up a handful of herbs.
"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. This made Fluttershy smile a bit as she went back to harvesting. 'I needed this. A day where me and my daughter just do something normal without having to end up dealing with something crazy happening. That seems to happen a lot here in Ponyville. I wonder why.' Fluttershy shook her head, deciding to focus on having a relaxing day out and not think about why Ponyville often attracts so much crazy events.
She picked the last herb they needed and put it in her basket before looking towards the bushes where Kipo was. "Ok Kipo, time to go home." there was no response, making her frown a bit as she started walking over to the bushes. "Kipo?" she called out again and there was still no response. Now fully worried, she dropped the basket and rushed over before pulling the bushes apart, seeing no trace of her daughter. "KIPO!!"
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
The Guardian of Innocence
"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.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
The school bell rang out and colts and fillies began rushing out of the schoolhouse, all too happy that school was out. “Man that test was hard.” Scootaloo said as she and her friends walked out.
“Only because you didn’t study Scoots.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Who has time for studying when we could be earning our Cutie Marks?” Scootaloo said with a smirk.
“Um, pretty much everyone who wants to pass the test?” Kipo said, causing Scootaloo to roll her eyes.
“Yeah yeah, whatever.” Scootaloo said before she grinned at her friends. “I got an idea of how we can get our Cutie Marks with the cannon Pinkie let us use.”
“Its not gonna involve Mr. Moon getting another pie to the face is it?” Applebloom asked, earning giggles from the others.
“No, but we could do that for fun.” She laughed before she pointed ahead. “We use the cannon to fire ourselves at a large trampoline for either a daredevil or trapeze Cutie Mark!”
Her friends sweatdropped at that. “Why do nearly every one of your ideas involve us getting into a dangerous situation or something along those lines?” Applebloom asked.
“Because aren't those the most awesome Cutie Marks?” Scootaloo asked in return. “I mean seriously would you want a lame Cutie Mark like stamp collecting or grass clipping?”
“No way!” both fillies exclaimed at the same time, causing Kipo to laugh at her friends' reactions.
“Well, maybe instead we don’t try to get your Cutie Marks with such extreme ideas. They can still be cool but not too extreme you know?” Kipo suggested.
“Aww, fine.” Scootaloo tapped her chin as she thought of ideas.
The others began to think as well. “Hmm, what would be a good Cutie Mark for us?” Applebloom wondered.
“How about we try being music stars?” Sweetie Belle suggested.
“Music stars?” Kipo asked.
“You know, singing for large crowds of ponies, being a star and the height of fashion?” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.
“Hmm, not a bad idea.” Scootaloo said, grinning a bit.
“Well, ponies do sing a lot so I don’t see why not. Plus, I have an instrument that I got from a friend.” Kipo said and the instrument she was talking about was Edwards Token. She and Full Moon ran into it during one of their little training hunts and brought it back.
“You do? Cool.” Scootaloo said with a smile. “What is it?”
“A guitar. I haven’t really practiced with it but hey, this would give me a chance to!” the half jaguar girl said with a grin which then turned sheepish. “Though sorry in advance if I end playing really badly.”
“That's ok, we will all have some work to do.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Hey! What if we become a band?” Applebloom said with a smile.
“That’s a great idea!” Scootaloo said, wings buzzing in excitement. “I bet we can definitely get our Cutie Marks like that!”
“Kipo can be guitar, Sweetie can sing, and uh…” Applebloom tapped as she looked at Scootaloo. “Can you play the drums, Scootaloo?”
“Pft, please, it’ll be easy!” Scootaloo confidently said.
“Can ya get a drum set?” Applebloom asked her.
“Uh….no.” she said, shaking her head. “But I can probably make one. All I need are some buckets and a couple of sticks.”
“I don’t know Scoots, it might not sound that good with buckets.” Sweetie Belle said.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Kipo said.
“Let’s go find our instruments and meet up at Kipo’s place.” Applebloom said with a smile.
“Ok, and I can either help you Scoots or I can go ahead and head to my home and get some practice in.” Kipo said, looking at the purple maned filly.
Scootaloo smiled and shyly dug at the ground. “I wouldn’t mind the help.”
Kipo smiled and nodded. “Ok. Then we’ll see you girls back at my place.”
“Ok, see ya soon.” Applebloom said as she ran off.
“Yeah, see you there.” Sweetie Belle said before she trotted off.
Kipo placed a hand on Scootaloo’s back. “Come on Scoots, let’s go find some buckets and a couple sticks. Shouldn’t be too hard and if we find them quickly, we can get some practice in before the others arrive.”
“Right.” Scootaloo said with a smile. The two went off to find any unused buckets they may need. Surprisingly, there were more than a few that were left out or were given to them by ponies who didn’t need them anymore. They actually had to get Scootaloo’s wagon just to carry them all.
“Wow, look at this haul.” Scootaloo said with a grin as she looked at all the buckets.
“Yeah, I thought it would take us a little longer to get this many.” Kipo said then held up two branches. “And we also have two sticks! I can use my claws to shape these into drumsticks when we get to my place.”
“Cool!” Scootaloo said with a smile before she looked up as a pair of shadows passed over them. “Huh?” She saw a blue and brown blur speed past them and head for Rainbow’s house.
“Was that Aunt Rainbow?” Kipo questioned and Scootaloo shrugged.
“Maybe, but who was the brown blur?” She asked before glancing back at her wings and pouting a bit.
Kipo just shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe another pegasus?”
“Maybe, anyway let’s get going.” Scootaloo said as she buzzed her wings.
“Yeah, we can ask Aunt Rainbow about it later.” Kipo said as the two of them kept walking towards the cottage and eventually arriving.
“Alright we’re here, I’ll get everything set up and you go get your guitar.” Scootaloo said and Kipo nodded before dashing inside while she got the buckets set up into what she thought a drum set looked like.
“Hey pup, what are ya doing?” Full Moon asked when he saw Kipo walk inside.
“Oh, just getting Mr. Edwards Token to use for me and the girls new band.” she told him as she headed up the stairs to her room.
Full Moon blinked. “A band?”
“Yeah!” Kipo shouted from her room. “Who knows, we might be really great and end up famous!”
Full Moon chuckled and smirked a bit. “Kinda hard to be a band with just a guitar.”
“Oh don’t worry, the others are getting their instruments. Well, me and Scootaloo already got hers, a bunch of buckets that will act as her drums!”
“I see…do you have somepony watching you?” He asked as he got up from the couch.
“We don’t but we’re just right outside the cottage!” Kipo called back followed by the sound of objects crashing. “I’m ok! I also found the guitar!”
He chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Ok, I will be back in a bit, you make sure you and your friends stay out of trouble.” He said as he walked to the front door.
“I promise we won’t get into too much trouble!” Kipo said as she rushed down the stairs, Ed’s Token in hand.
He chuckled and nodded his head. “Alright pup, see you in a bit.” He started trotting away from the cottage, passing by Scootaloo who had set up all of the buckets and was now waiting on Kipo.
Kipo ran over to Scootaloo with a grin on her face. “Hey! Found the guitar! Now all I have to do is carve those sticks into drumsticks.”
“Cool!” Scootaloo said as she looked at the guitar. “That is a cool guitar, can I try it?”
“Go ahead. Just be careful with it.” Kipo said as she handed the guitar to Scootaloo who gave her the two sticks. She then shifted one of her arms into a Mega Paw and used a single claw to start carving.
“It is so cool you can do that.” Scootaloo said before she played with the guitar.
“Yeah, and the best part is that whenever I swing it around, I don’t seem to lose my balance.” Kipo said, swinging her Mega Paw around for emphasis.
“Probably because your tail compensates for your movements.” Scootaloo said before strumming the guitar a few times.
“Maybe.” Kipo said before she went back to carving, already nearly done since her claws were so sharp.
Scootaloo watched her, her tail wagging a bit. “You are really skilled with those sharp claws.”
Kipo nodded her head. “Yeah, Mr. Moon taught me how to use them so I don’t accidentally hurt someone or break anything. I mean, these things can slice through metal!”
“Whoa! Really?” Scootaloo asked, shocked.
“Yeah, it was an accident when we found out so Mr. Moon taught me how to be careful with them.” Kipo said, done with carving the drumsticks and handed them to Scootaloo. “Here you go Scoots!”
“Wow, you are really good.” She said as she looked the sticks over.
“Ah it’s nothing. I just pretty much cut it until it was in the shape of two smaller sticks that’s all.” Kipo said followed by a giggle.
“Still, they are well balanced.” Scootaloo said before she started banging on the buckets. Kipo winces a little since the banging was a little loud but still smiled and grabbed her guitar before strumming it a little.
Scootaloo was having fun, randomly banging on the buckets but slowly she started making a beat. Kipo noticed this and grinned before she played the guitar a little louder and the two of them just kept playing, not paying attention to anything around them.
Angle poked his head outside through a small rabbit door and squeaked while shaking his little paw, but Kipo couldn’t hear him over their noise. The bunny huffs before going back in while covering his ears just as Full Moon returned, a cart full of different instruments behind him.
“Hey you two, I could hear you from across town.” He said with a small smirk.
The two of them didn’t hear him as they still kept playing very loudly. Full Moon chuckled and shook his head before he tapped on Scootaloo’s shoulder and then shook his hoof across his neck. Scootaloo stopped banging on the drums which made Kipo stop as she was confused why her friend stopped until she saw Full Moon. “Hi Mr. Moon, what’s up?” both of them said at the same time.
He chuckled and pointed at the cart. “If you are both careful you can use these.”
“Whoa! More instruments?” Kipo asked as the two of them rushed and began looking over the instruments in excitement.
He chuckled and sat down. “Yeah, I used to practice playing each of them whenever I had to…hide for a long time.” He said before smiling. “Now with all these you four can form a real band if you want.”
“Awesome! Wait, did you bring a drum set as well? I don’t think the buckets are working out for me.” Scootaloo said, looking at the buckets.
“Yep.” Full Moon lifted a tarp. “Here, I will set them up and show you how to play.”
“Thanks Mr. Moon!” Scootaloo happily said then noticed that Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were trotting up the path to the cottage.
Full Moon started setting up the drum kit and teaching Scootaloo how each piece is meant to be played. “Whoa, where did all this come from?” Applebloom asked, surprised to see that many instruments.
“Mr. Moon brought them for us to use for our band.” Kipo said.
“Wow!” Sweetie Belle said as she looked it all over. “There are so many!”
“Yeah! Guess I didn’t need to bring AJ’s bass guitar.” Applebloom said and they noticed that said instrument was on the filly’s back.
“That is a nice bass, you can use it if you want.” Full Moon said with a smile.
“You sure? It won’t sound out of place with the others right?” Applebloom asked, taking the bass off her back.
“Not really, and if it is out of tune we can change it.” He said with a chuckle. “Give It a strum.”
“Ok.” Applebloom said before giving the guitar a couple of strums, they were off key a bit so it made Kipo wince from the terrible noise.
“Oof, yeah let me see it.” He checked the bass before tuning it a bit.
“That hurt my ears.” Kipo said, and Applebloom gave her a sheepish smile.
“Sorry.” Applebloom said softly.
“It’s ok, no need to worry about it.” she told her while patting her back.
Full Moon strummed the bass and it sounded great. “There, all set.”
“Cool. Thanks Mr. Moon.” thanked Applebloom as she took the bass back. “So that leaves you Sweetie Belle, what instrument did y’all bring?”
“Oh, I didn’t really find one other than a little flute. Maybe I can find one in the cart?” Sweetie Belle asked, looking at the cart full of instruments.
“You can look if you want, but I would suggest you sing.” Full Moon said with a smile.
“Me? O-oh I don’t know. I’m not all that great.” Sweetie Belle said with a nervous blush.
“Are you kidding? You’re great at singing! You have one of the most beautiful voices I know!” Kipo complimented, earning a shy smile from Sweetie Belle.
Scootaloo looked between them and pouted a little. “Y-yeah, Sweetie is really good at singing.”
“So we have two guitar players, a drummer, and our singer. That sounds like a good band make up right?” Kipo asked.
“Yep, you can actually make a band out of any combination of instruments if you're good enough but that is the classic band set up.” Full Moon said with a smile. “Now who wants some music lessons?”
“We don’t need lessons! I bet we’re already gonna be good!” Scootaloo said with a confident smirk on her face.
He chuckled and smirked, looking at the other girls. “And you three?”
“Maybe we can give it a trial run? See how we do the first time?” Applebloom suggested and everyone agreed.
“Yeah, and if we don’t do so well then we can get some lessons.” Kipo said.
“Alright, have fun.” He said and walked over to some grass before laying down.
“Alright girls, what kind of song should we play?” Kipo asked her friends.
“Oh I know!” Sweetie Belle said with a smile. “Let’s sing something simple to start, like the happy birthday song?”
“The happy birthday song?” Scootaloo asked.
“Yeah, it is easy and we all know it.” Sweetie Belle said, still smiling.
“It is a good starter song for us.” Kipo said in agreement.
“Aww fine.” Scootaloo said with a pout.
Kipo pats her back. “Don’t worry, we can sing a song of your choice next. Ok?”
“Ok.” Scootaloo said with a nod.
The Crusaders all gathered together and after making sure they were ready,they began to play and sing happy birthday, except they weren’t doing so great, in fact, they were doing pretty poorly that it made Full Moon wince from the off-key playing. Sweetie Belle was the only one doing good but combine her good singing with the others poor playing, it really didn’t matter how well she sang. This went on until they reached the end of the song and they all looked at Full Moon. “Soooo? How’d we do?” Applebloom asked.
“Well…” Full Moon started before he looked away. “I can still teach you how to play.”
“It was bad wasn’t it?” Scootaloo asked.
He looked back at them with a sigh. “Sorry girls, it was bad.”
“We kinda figured based on your reaction.” Kipo said.
“If you want I can try to teach you all at once or do separate lessons.”
“Eh, we’re in no rush so how about we do separate lessons?” Kipo suggested.
“Eh, I’m cool with that.” Scootaloo said, shrugging her shoulders a bit.
“Ok, I will let you girls pick the order in which I teach.” He said before standing up. “And while you do that I shall get lunch.”
“Yes Mr. Moon.” they all said before they began to discuss with one another about who’s going to be first to get taught how to play while Full Moon went inside to get food.
“I think Sweetie or I should go first.” Scootaloo said before pointing at Kipo. “He can teach you any time, and Applebloom has AJ to teach her how to play.”
“Ah kinda have to agree with that. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle don’t really have anyone to teach them.” Applebloom said and Kipo nodded her head.
“Yeah, I’m ok with that.” she said.
“Well there are a few musical ponies in town.” Sweetie Belle said with a small smile.
“Well true but Full Moon knows us well enough to know how to teach us in a way that we’ll understand it better.” Kipo said and they had to agree with that. “Besides, who would have the time to teach us how to play?”
“I don’t know, but maybe that white unicorn?” Sweetie Belle suggested before elaborating. “DJ PON3.”
“DJ PON3? Who’s that?” Kipo asked.
“You don’t know who that is!?” Scootaloo asked, shocked. “She is a super cool DJ that shows up at all of Pinkie's parties!”
“Oh. Really? Isn’t she the pony who’s always wearing sunglasses and a pair of headphones all the time?” Kipo asked and her friends nodded.
“Yeah that’s her, she is super famous.” Sweetie Belle said before scratching her head. “I wonder why she moved to Ponyville though.”
“Maybe she wanted a change of scenery?” Scootaloo guessed.
“Yeah, Ponyville is great.” Applebloom said before her eyes widened. “Hey! I got an idea! What if we go see her and tell her we want to help out at the next party? We will be her opening act!”
“Yeah! It can be the start of our rise to being all time music stars!” Scootaloo exclaimed, jumping into the air as her wings buzzed in excitement.
“What’s got you so pumped up?” Full Moon asked as he came out with a tray of food on his back and a portable table in his mouth.
“We were just talking about asking DJ PON3 to see if we can help her by becoming her opening act.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Yeah! It’ll definitely make us super famous if a lot of ponies see us play!” Scootaloo said, her wings still buzzing in excitement.
Full Moon winced lightly at the idea. “Oh…I see, perhaps I should go with you girls when you go meet her.”
“Wait, so that means we can ask her?!” Applebloom asked as she and the others began to gain huge grins on their faces.
“Yes, but you won’t go on stage till you at least know how to play your instruments.” He said before adding. “Also ask your guardians.”
“We will! Don’t worry! I’m sure Rainbow Dash will want to hear how we’re gonna become famous!” Scootaloo said.
He chuckled and waved a hoof at the food after sliding it onto the table. “Well my little band, eat up first.” The Crusaders put down their instruments and walked over to the plate of food and began to eat while also still talking.
“I wonder what we should call ourselves if we do become famous rockstars.” Kipo said before taking a bite out of a sandwich.
“Well first we need to pick who is the lead.” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“You mean lead singer or something?” Applebloom asked.
“Kinda, in a band there is always one pony in charge of the group. Iit isn't always the singer, sometimes it's the guitar player.” Scootaloo said with a grin.
“Oh, so a leader then. But um, none of us are the leader type.” Kipo said.
“I was gonna suggest you actually.” Scootaloo said with a small smile.
“Wait, me?” Kipo asked and Scootaloo nodded. “Why me? I don’t really know the first thing about being in charge. All I’m good at is making sure you three don’t get hurt.”
“Exactly, you are probably the most responsible out of all of us and you also make sure that we don't do anything too reckless.” Scootaloo said with a smile, getting the others to nod.
“Well, I guess I have to agree with you on that. But I’m still not sure if I’m up for it.” she said, nervously rubbing her arm.
“Give it a try, you may like it.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile.
“Yeah, plus, Ah’d think you would be great at it!” Applebloom encouraged.
Kipo smiled a little and nodded. “Ok, I’ll give it a shot.”
“Now that that is settled, how about the Cutie Rockers?” Applebloom suggested with a smile.
“Hmm, Cutie Rockers? It doesn’t really roll off the tongue.” Scootaloo said.
“Sweetie and the Belles?” Sweetie Belle suggested next with a sheepish smile.
Her friends giggled a bit. “Maybe if we don’t have any other ideas.” Applebloom said.
“Oh! How about something with Kipo’s name?” Scootaloo suggested.
“My name? I mean, there really isn’t much to work with. You have Kipo and then you have Shy.” Kipo said with a shrug. “Can’t really create something with those.”
The girls hummed in thought before Sweetie Belle suggested. “Kipo and the ponettes?”
“Ponettes?” the other Crusaders questioned.
Sweetie Belle shrugged. “It is a suffix that is usually given to female groups.”
The Crusaders thought it over, it did sound good and they didn’t have any other ideas save for Sweetie and the Belle’s. “Hmm, it does sound good.” Applebloom said.
“We can use it till we come up with something better.” Kipo said shyly.
“That’s ok, we have a band name. All we need to do is get some lessons.” Scootaloo said.
“And with that we can begin.” Full Moon said with a smile. “Who’s first?”
“You want to go first Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked her.
“Ok, but aren’t I just singing?” She asked.
“You are but you could still be taught how to sing in sync with the music so you’re not out of sync.” Full Moon said. “So I could teach both you and Scootaloo at the same time.”
“Cool!” They said at the same time.
Full Moon chuckles a bit. “You four just keep saying everything in unison huh?”
“It is our thing.” Applebloom said with a chuckle.
“Yeah, plus it would feel weird to stop now since we’ve done it for so long.” Scootaloo said and Full Moon chuckles.
“Alright, let’s start with Scootaloo, get on the seat and I will show you how to play.”
Scootaloo nodded before running over to her drum set and picked up the drumsticks Kipo made her, ready to get started if the excited grin on her face was any indication.
“Alright start with a simple beat, in your mind count to one and tap this drum each time.” Full Moon said before demonstrating. “One.” He tapped the drum. “One.” He tapped again, he repeated this a few times before looking at Scootaloo.
Scootaloo nodded, even though she thought it was lame and boring, she counted to one before tapping on the drum each time. “One.” she tapped the drum. “One.” another tap.
“Good, now while you are doing that try to do the same with this drum but count to two.” Full Moon explained, tapping another drum.
Scootaloo nodded. “One, two.” she tapping the first drum on one and the second one at two.
“Good work, now this part is tricky.” Full Moon went on for the next half hour teaching her the basics of playing the drums. Scootaloo managed to follow his instructions thanks to him making it easy for her and soon, she was playing the drums. Not expertly since she still had a long ways to go but she was decent enough.
“Good work, now the hard part.” Full Moon said before he grinned. “Homework!”
“Aw man!” Scootaloo whined and everyone laughed at her reaction. “Not homework! I hate homework!”
“Sorry kiddo, but you have to do it or you won’t be much of a drum player.” Full Moon said before handing her a book. “Read this when you can, it is a book on how to read music.”
“Darn it.” grumbled Scootaloo as she took the book.
“Hey, that is not a word a filly should use.” Full Moon said with a frown before looking at the others. “I don’t want any of you saying that word, especially you Kipo.”
“You don’t want us to say darn it?” Kipo asked, a bit confused.
“Huh? Didn’t she say…” Full Moon frowned and rubbed his ear, pulling out a small ball of wax.
That immediately grossed out the Crusaders as they all grimaced at it while exclaiming. “Ew! Gross!”
He rolled his eyes and tossed the wax into the forest. “It is just ear wax, we all make it.”
“But it’s still gross dude!” Scootaloo said, still grimacing.
He shook his head. “Anyway, I must have misheard you, I thought you said something else.”
“What did you think I said?” she asked him.
Full Moon raised an eyebrow. “You really think I would tell you the bad word that little fillies should say?”
“Uuhh, maybe?” Scootaloo said and Full Moon just shakes his head while smiling a bit.
“Nice try.” He looked up at the sun and checked the time before humming. “If you’d like, I can take you girls to a music store and get you each books on how to read music.”
“We would like that Mr. Moon.” Kipo said, her friends agreeing.
“Plus, it’ll be a nice break to have after practicing for a while.” Sweetie Belle added.
“Alright, help me get these things backed into the cart and then we can go.” He said as he started disassembling the drum set.
“Ok Mr. Moon.” The Crusaders then started to help him put the instruments they had taken out, save for Kipo’s guitar as she decided to keep it on her, back into the cart.
After they finished he pulled it over to the side of Fluttershy’s house. “Alright, let’s go kids.” He smiled and started walking away from the house. Kipo and her friends quickly followed and the five of them made their way into Ponyville before something caught Kipo’s eye and she looked up.
“What was that?” Kipo asked after seeing something colorful spin out of control in the sky before disappearing.
“What was what?” Scootaloo asked as she looked up, following Kipo’s gaze.
“I thought I saw something in the sky. Not too sure what though since it disappeared before I could get a good look at it.” Kipo said.
“Maybe you’ll see it again, or it could have been a pegasus.” Scootaloo said with a small shrug.
“Maybe.” Kipo shrugged as well as they continued to follow Full Moon to a nearby music shop.
“Ah here it is.” He said as he looked at the sign to the store. “I haven’t been here before.” He muttered before sniffing the air while reaching for the door but froze.
“But it does seem like a pretty cool place.” Applebloom said as she and the other Crusaders entered.
Full Moon gulped before he followed in after them. He looked around to spot what he smelled but so far nothing. “You girls head to the book section, Kipo, keep an eye on them.”
Kipo giggles a bit. “I always do if I want to keep them out of trouble.”
Full Moon looked around and sniffed a few times before covering his nose. ‘Damn, wolf’s bane is all around the shop.’
“Yo, you good dude? Place is not dusty is it?” he heard someone say and turned to look at a unicorn mare with a white coat, a mane and tail with two different shades of blue that was unkempt, and was wearing a pair of magenta shades that covered her eyes with a pair of headphones around her neck. He recognized this mare as Vinyl Scratch, or otherwise known as DJ PON3, a mare who usually kept quiet most of the time.
“Just…something smells off.” He said softly and lowered his hoof, he looked at her eyes and raised an eyebrow. “You run this shop?”
She nodded her head. “Yup. Kinda figured I could start a small business, because being a DJ for some of Pinkie’s parties doesn’t exactly help much with bills. Plus, there’s also the fact my roommate gets on my case about it too.”
“I see.” Full Moon glanced around before looking back at the mare. “Are you new to town?”
“Nah dude. Been here for years. Why do you ask?” she asked him.
“I just didn’t know you lived in town.” He said as he tried to sniff the air but only smelled the wolf’s bane.
“Are you sure you’re good? You keep smelling something ever since ya got in here.” Vinyl said, raising an eyebrow at him.
“I think so…I just smelled something…batty.” He said with a frown.
“Batty?” she asked then hummed a bit. “Well I did find a couple of bats up in the attic just yesterday when I was cleaning this place up a bit. They made a mess out of that place like you wouldn’t believe!” she chuckled, “Maybe you’re smelling bat turd that I haven’t managed to fully clean out and haven’t noticed.”
“I don’t think that’s it.” He said with a frown. “You are the bat…aren’t you?” He asked letting out a growl.
“Uh, do I look like a bat to you? Because last time I checked, I had a horn, no wings, and certainly no fangs.” she then showed him her teeth which were all flat like everyone else’s. “See? No fangs. So you gonna keep accusing me of stuff or you here to buy something? Because if it’s the first, you can go ahead and leave buddy.”
Full Moon frowned and looked around again, once he knew they were alone he said. “I know what you are, I warn you, don’t you dare hurt my family or friends.” The fur on his back lifted up as he bared his teeth as they shifted to sharp fangs.
She just scoffs before pulling her shades down a bit, revealing a pair of blood red eyes with slit pupils. “You don’t scare me mutt. I’ve been around long enough to know how to scare you guys away. Like the wolfsbane that you keep picking up. So. Back. The. Buck. Off.” she then lifted her shades back up to cover her eyes.
Full Moon struggled to keep his fangs out but they slowly changed back. “If you hurt my pup and her friends, you won’t be able to run fast enough.” He said before tilting his head. “Go sell them the books they came for so we can leave.”
“Yeah yeah, don’t need to tell me what to do mutt.” Vinyl said as Kipo and the rest of the Crusaders came up with books.
“Hi Mr. Moon, we have the books and are ready to check out.” Kipo said, then she and her friends noticed the tension between Full Moon and Vinyl. “Is something wrong?”
“No, get your books girls, we should get you all home.” Full Moon said, not taking his eyes off of Vinyl.
The girls all looked at each other in worry before placing their books on the checkout counter, letting Vinyl ring them all up while she kept her eyes on Full Moon though one could barely tell with her shades blocking their view of her eyes.
“Here you go kiddos.” She said while passing the bag of books to them.
“Thank you.” They said as they grabbed their bags.
“See you around, Mr. Moon.” Vinyl said to him with a smirk that showed off one of her fangs.
He lets out a low growl as he ushered the Crusaders out of the shop. Once they were outside they all began to walk back to the cottage, silent for a few minutes until they were far enough away. “Girls, I want you to be very careful around that mare.”
“Why? She seemed nice.” Scootaloo said, confused.
“Did it have something to do with the wolfsbane I smelt in there?” Kipo asked and Full Moon nodded.
“Yes, but we can’t talk about it here.” He said as his ear twitched.
“Ok.” Kipo said quietly and they all remained quiet all the way until they reached the cottage.
Full Moon sat down and sighed. “I need something to get that smell out of my nose.”
“Um, what smell?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Wolfsbane, Miss Zecora told me about it once. Said it was like a repellent for wereponies or something?” Kipo said, not sure if she got the details right.
“More or less, it weakens them.” Full Moon said before looking over at the fillies. “Would you girls go back to town and get Fluttershy for me?”
However, before any of them could respond, they all heard a loud, beastly roar coming all the way from Ponyville, shocking them all. “What the hay was that?!” Scootaloo shouted as they all stared at the town.
Full Moon twitched his ears before nodding a bit. “A griffon.”
“A griffon?!” Scootaloo excitedly exclaimed, jumping into the air as her wings buzzed. “A griffon is in Ponyville!? We have to go see it!”
“I wouldn’t, from the sound of that roar they…no she is very upset.” Full Moon said as his ears kept twitching.
“She? How can you tell it was a girl griffon that roared?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“The pitch of the roar. Male griffons sound more deep.” Full Moon said softly.
“Really? Huh, Ah’m gonna guess you’ve been around griffons before?” Applebloom asked and Full Moon nodded.
“Yeah, I ran with a …not so nice group a while before I met Fluttershy.” He said with a soft smile.
“What do you mean Mr. Moon? Why weren’t they nice?” Kipo asked, curious to learn about Full Moon’s past.
Full Moon sighed a bit. “I…don’t like talking about that time of my life.” He said while looking away in shame.
“Oh, that’s ok. You don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to.” Kipo said, giving him a small smile as she pats his leg.
He smiled at her. “Thank you pup.” He said before everyone heard hooves trotting up to the cottage and looked over to see Fluttershy, looking a little worried.
“You ok momma?” Kipo asked her mother as she walked up to them.
“I’m fine sweetie, though I would advise you and your friends be careful when out in town.” Fluttershy said.
“Because of the griffon in town?” Full Moon asked.
“Yes, she’s not very friendly. I learned that the hard way when I accidentally stepped on her tail while leading a family of ducks to a nearby pond for them to stay at.” Fluttershy said then sighed. “She roared in my face as a result.”
“Yikes, not fun, even for us.” He said before he smiled at the kids. “Why don’t you four start reading your books? I need to talk with Fluttershy for a minute.”
“Ok, Mr. Moon.” Sweetie Belle said before she and the others ran back over to the instruments with the bag of books.
Fluttershy watched them go before looking at Full Moon. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“There is someone in town that we may have to worry about.” He said with a frown before pointing at her. “Another vamp.”
That made Fluttershy worried even more as she had not noticed that there was another vampony living in Ponyville before. “What? Are you sure?”
“She flashed her fangs and eyes at me, I am pretty sure.” He said before sighing. “She also has her shop filled with wolfsbane.”
“Wolfsbane? She must be pretty knowledgeable to know about that.” Fluttershy said, frowning. “Who is it?”
“A white unicorn mare, Vinyl Scratch.” He said with a frown and rubbed his nose. “That darn smell is still stuck in my muzzle.”
“Vinyl? She works as a DJ for some of Pinkie’s parties. I didn’t expect her to be a vampony.” Fluttershy said before sighing. “As long as she doesn’t come around here or look for trouble with us, we should just leave her alone. But if she does anything to Kipo or our friends, then I’ll deal with her.”
“I already gave her a warning about staying about from Kipo and her friends, though…I don’t think she took me seriously…she probably thought I was all bark.” He scoffed a bit.
“Most vamponies would think that. Same with wereponies, they won’t take us vamponies seriously.” Fluttershy said. “Anyways, like I said, if she comes around here looking for trouble I’ll take care of her.”
“Alright, just be careful.” He said with a sigh then he smiled. “Mind if I sniff you?”
Fluttershy blinked a little in surprise before raising an eyebrow at him. “Um, why?”
He smiled and got closer. “So I can smell your scent all day long.” He said with a soft growl.
That made Fluttershy’s face turn a bright shade of red and she began to stammer a bit. “W-well, I, u-uh, maybe we, o-oh dear.”
He chuckled and nuzzled her. “You are so adorable when you are shy.” Fluttershy just squeaks in response, making Full Moon laugh. “I love you.” He said softly as he placed his forehead on hers.
“I-I love you too. Even if you like to tease me most of the time.” Fluttershy finally managed to say, giving him a small pout.
He chuckled a bit and sat back. “Aww but you're so cute when I tease you.” He smiled and looked over at Kipo and the others as they read their books. “They seem to be having fun.”
Fluttershy nodded her head. “Yeah, though it makes me wonder if they might end up being a band when they grow older, if they didn’t already plan on becoming one.”
“It would be nice if they could.” He said before he got up and stretched. “Welp, I need to go get that smell of wolfsbane out of my nose.”
“Alright, want me to take over teaching them how to play?” Fluttershy asked.
“If you don’t mind.” He said with a smile and nuzzle.
She nuzzled him back. “Alright, I’ll handle teaching them while you try to get that smell out.”
“You are so kind to me.” He kissed her cheek before trotting into the house.
Fluttershy smiles before walking over to the Crusaders who noticed her. “Hi momma. Where’s Mr. Moon?”
“He is just getting cleaned up, and after a little bit all of you should get cleaned up too. It is almost lunch time.” She said with a smile.
“It is? Wow, time sure flies by when you’re having fun. Well, as much fun as you can have with reading a book.” Scootaloo said, holding up said music book with an annoyed look on her face.
Fluttershy giggled a bit. “Reading can be fun.”
“Maybe for someone like Twilight but not to me.” Scootaloo said.
“But hey, at least if we read these we can get better with our instruments and maybe one day become one of the greatest bands ever.” Kipo said and Scootaloo nodded.
“That sounds fun.” Fluttershy said softly before she giggled. “Rainbow tried to get me to join her band once.”
“Rainbow Dash nearly made a band?!” Scootaloo asked excitedly.
“And you were asked to join momma?” Kipo asked next.
“Oh yes, but this was back when we were in flight school and I was far too shy to go on stage and play with her.” Fluttersny said before frowning a bit. “But she did find another pony to play with…but she wasn’t a pony. Gilda…” She looked back towards town. “Was that her?” She asked herself.
“Gilda wasn’t a pony? What was she then?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I bet she was something cool like a dragon!” Scootaloo suggested.
“She is a griffon, she was as shy as I was but I guess she toughened up.” Fluttershy sighed softly.
“Maybe she’s the griffon we heard from Ponyville?” Applebloom said.
“Maybe, she seemed similar.” Fluttershy said softly. She then shook her head a bit. “Anyways, let’s go ahead and get back to practicing, ok?”
“Whoo!” Scootaloo cheered as she set the book down and ran over to the drum set.
“Settle down Scoots. Oh what am I even saying, you’ll get excited no matter what I say huh?” Kipo asked as she, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom walked over with the latter getting her instrument.
“This is gonna be fun.” Applebloom said with a smile.
“Yeah, hopefully we’ll get pretty good enough for our first gig.” Sweetie Belle said. Soon, all four of them were ready to practice.
“One two three!” Scootaloo shouted before she started playing, however, a few seconds into playing, her drumsticks suddenly snapped in half, causing the two pieces to go flying. Thankfully they didn’t hit anyone and instead landed in a bush or on the ground.
Scootaloo looked at the sticks in sadness. “My sticks…”
“Don’t worry Scoots, I can make you another pair.” Kipo reassured as she pats her back.
“Really?” She asked with a smile.
Kipo nodded her head. “Yeah, and this time, I’ll try to make them a little better so they don’t break so easily.”
“Ok.” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“I just need to find a stick and-”
“You can use these!” Everyone jumped when they heard Pinkie’s voice, making them look to see her pulling out a pair of drumsticks from her mane and holding them out to Scootaloo. “Hi girls!”
“Hi Pinkie!” All the girls said together.
“Thank you for the drum sticks!” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“No problem Scoots!” Pinkie Pie said as she ruffles Scootaloo's mane a bit. “Oh! Before I forget, I wanted to ask if you girls wanted to play at the party I’m planning!”
“You want us to play at your party?” Kipo asked as she and her friends began to grow excited.
“Yep! Vinyl is a bit busy so she can’t play and I heard you four were starting a band.” Pinkie Pie said with a smile.
“We are but we’re not sure if we are good enough yet so we were about to be taught by Fluttershy before you suddenly appeared.” Applebloom explained.
“That's ok, I am sure you girls will be great!” Pinkie Pie said with a smile.
The four of them began to think about it. “Well, it would be a good way to see how well we do performing for a crowd.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Yeah, plus, imagine how cool we’ll be if we become a big hit!” Scootaloo added.
“We should practice more though.” Applebloom said before she asked. “When is the party?”
“Oh in about an hour. Plenty of time to get that practice in!” Pinkie said before she began to hop away. “Welp, gotta go! Got to get the party ready!”
“An hour? Oh dear.” Fluttershy said with a frown.
“What’s wrong momma?” Kipo asked.
“Well that isn’t much time, you’ll want to be cleaned up for the party after all.” She said with a slight frown.
“Oh. Well I’m sure we can get that done quickly. Right girls?” Kipo asked her friends.
“Yeah! We can be super fast.” Scootaloo said with a grin.
“Well…” Fluttershy then sighed and smiled. “Ok. As long as you are quick about it.”
The girls cheered before getting back to practicing. They practiced for a while before Full Moon walked out, after having finally gotten rid of the smell of wolfsbane from his nose, and smiled. “They are getting better.”
“Yeah, they are. Probably because something is driving them to get better. Want to know what that is?” Fluttershy asked her coltfriend.
“Sure.” He asked as he sat next to her and smiled at her.
“Pinkie asked them to perform at the party she’s setting up.”
“Oh wow, lucky them.” He smiled at that.
“Yeah, but the party starts in an hour so now they’re gonna get as much practice as they can before needing to get cleaned up for it.” Fluttershy said, wincing slightly when she heard Kipo play a bad note, making her frown before trying again.
“I see, well I will be sure to let everypony know ahead of time to be gentle with them.” He said with a small chuckle.
“I’m sure Pinkie would already take care of that but thanks.” Fluttershy said just as the Crusaders stopped playing and looked at them expectantly.
“So how did we do?” Scootaloo asked.
“You did good, kids, a bit more work and you”ll be ready. Speaking of being ready, have you picked a song?” Full Moon asked with a small smile.
“Oh, um…” They all looked at each other.
“We haven’t exactly thought of that yet.” Applebloom said.
“I suggest you think about it and pick something simple.” He said with a chuckle.
“Ok Mr. Moon.” Kipo said and they began to discuss what kind of song they should play for the party.
After a while the Crusaders had figured out a song to play and, after getting cleaned up for the party, they, Full Moon and Fluttershy began to make their way to Sugarcube Corner with Full Moon pulling the cart that had Scootaloo’s drum set. “Wonder what kind of party Aunt Pinkie is throwing this time.” Kipo wondered.
“It is probably a welcome party for the griffon in town.” Full Moon said with a small frown.
“If it is Gilda then I am surprised to see her here, she lives all the way in Griffon Stone.” Fluttershy said as she watched the girls, making sure they were being careful.
“Wonder what she’s doing all the way out here.” Full Moon said, humming in thought. “Maybe she’s here for something?”
“She and Rainbow were close friends, she could be here for her.” Fluttershy said to him.
“Really? Dash was friends with a griffon?” Full Moon asked, a bit surprised by such news. “Wonder how that happened.”
“She went to flight school with us as a transfer student.” Fluttershy said with a smile. “She was pretty shy at first but eventually came out of her shell when she and Rainbow Dash became friends.”
“Ah, I see. Wonder why Rainbow doesn’t talk about her.” Full Moon said the last part more to himself than to Fluttershy.
“I’m not sure, maybe she was hurt when Gilda had to leave back home?” Fluttershy guessed as they arrived at the Sugarcube Corner, inside they saw Rainbow Dash setting up a few pranks.
“What’cha doing Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked the rainbow maned pegasus.
Rainbow Dash jumped into the air. “Oh geez! You scared the hay out of me!” She took a few breaths to calm down before smiling. “Hey squirt, I am just setting up some pranks.”
“Pranks? For who?” Scootaloo asked, she and the others curious on why Rainbow Dash was setting them up and who they were for.
Rainbow shrugged a bit. “For whoever trips them, everypony gets a good laugh and have some fun.”
“Just make sure you don’t set them up near whatever Pinkie Pie has designated as the stage area. The pup and her friends are gonna be playing for the party.” Full Moon said.
“They are what?!” Rainbow asked with a grin.
“We’re gonna play for the party! As of right now, you’re looking at Ponyville’s newest band, Kipo and The Ponettes!” Scootaloo declared proudly, striking a pose as she did.
Rainbow Dash let out an excited laugh. “That is wonderful Scoots! After the party I will show you my guitar skills.”
“Really?! Awesome!” Scootaloo exclaimed happily, causing her friends to roll their eyes a bit but were still smiling.
“Welp, go ahead and ask Pinkie where she wants you to play and I’ll get the drum set ready ok?” Full Moon said to them.
“Ok Mr. Moon!” Kipo said before she and her friends went to look for the hyperactive pink mare.
Fluttershy walked up to Rainbow Dash. “Are you sure there should be this many pranks?”
“Relax Shy, all of them are harmless. No one is going to get hurt from them.” Rainbow Dash said, smirking a bit. “If anything, everyone will get a kick out of them.”
“If you say so.” Fluttershy said softly.
“Relax will ya? Besides, not all these pranks are meant for everyone else. Let’s just say I had a specific target in mind.” she then snickers a bit.
Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. “As long as everyone has fun I guess its fine.”
Scootaloo then ran up to them. “We found out where Pinkie wants us to play.”
“Cool, let’s get everything set up.” Full Moon said with a smirk. He and Scootaloo then went off to another part of the bakery, leaving Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash alone.
“So, how have you been Shy?” Rainbow Dash asked her long time friend.
“I have been alright. Discovered something today but it’s nothing to worry about.” Fluttershy said but then thought to herself, ’For now at least.’
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Well if we don’t have to worry them it is probably nothing. How has Kipo been?”
“She has been doing fine. She has been enjoying practicing playing her guitar though she is a little nervous since her friends suggested she be the leader of the band.”
“She is the leader?” Rainbow Dash asked with a raised eyebrow. “Huh, it could be good for her confidence.”
“I think so too. I just hope she doesn’t freeze up when they begin to play.” Fluttershy said, her voice had a hint of worry in it which Rainbow Dash noticed and just chuckles.
“I don’t think she will, but you should be in the first row so she can focus on you if she starts to freeze up.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile and light push.
Fluttershy nodded. “Yeah, probably a good idea.” The two then began to make their way over to the food table. “So, I saw Gilda not that long ago. She here for a visit?”
“Yeah, but with my busy schedule we haven't had much time to hang.” Rainbow Dash said with a groan. “Sometimes it bites to be in charge of the weather.”
Fluttershy pats her friends back. “It does but hey, someone has to do it. Plus, you are good at it.”
“Oh I know I am the best at it, but I get so busy.” She sighed and rubbed her face.
Fluttershy just giggles a bit before frowning a bit. “Um, Rainbow Dash? Can I ask you something? Something about Gilda?”
“Sure, what's up?” Rainbow Dash Asked with a smile.
“U-um, well, has Gilda acted a little different since she got here?” she asked.
“Well…maybe a bit.” Rainbow Dash said before looking ahead. “But like I said I haven’t been able to hang with her much, I am either busy with work or Pinkie Pie showed up and kinda…butted in.”
That made Fluttershy raise an eyebrow but decided to focus on what she was trying to say. “Well, earlier today she roared in my face very loudly after I accidentally stepped on her tail and apologized to her. I’m not saying this to create a rift in your friendship with her, I just wanted to let you know.”
Rainbow Dash frowned a bit before she looked away and sighed. “Yeah, her tail is…sensitive. I will try to talk to her when she shows up.”
Fluttershy nodded. “Ok.”
Rainbow Dash looked over at the stage where the kids were finished setting up. “Hope they do good, their first gig is always the scariest.”
“Yeah. Remember how nervous you were when you and Gilda first started your band?” Fluttershy teased, causing Rainbow Dash to blush in embarrassment.
“Yeah…we kinda didn’t know what we were doing back then.” She chuckled a bit. “But hey, at least we did well.”
Fluttershy giggles a bit. “Yeah, you did.”
“Is the reason you never joined us was because of your secret?” Rainbow Dash asked her.
“Oh no, that was me being too shy to do so.” Fluttershy said and Rainbow Dash nodded.
“Ok, I asked because…well after you told us I started thinking back on everything and I was worried I may have been pushing you too hard.” Rainbow Dash said softly as she rubbed her foreleg.
“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.
“Well…I always tried to get you to come out of your shell but…I could have been putting you in danger without realizing it.” Rainbow Dash said with a frown as she looked at the ground.
“Rainbow Dash it’s fine. You were just trying to help me so you don’t need to feel guilty about doing so.” Fluttershy reassured, hugging her friend.
Rainbow Dash hugged her back. “Thanks, I just hope I never said or did anything upsetting to you.”
“You didn’t.” Fluttershy then smirked. “Oh, by the way, whenever you and Pinkie try to prank me, do remember that I can still hear you even if you are behind a bush some distance away.”
Rainbow blushed a bit and chuckled. “Right…I will be sure to remember that.”
They then heard the doors open and looked to see a griffon standing at the entrance. She was mostly brown save for her head which had white feathers with three bigger feathers sticking out the top of her head that had purple tips, and she had yellow eyes.
“Hey G!” Rainbow said with a smile as she flew over to the griffon. “You remember Fluttershy right?” She asked while gesturing to Fluttershy.
“Fluttershy?” Gilda asked, confused as she looked at Fluttershy before it clicked. “Oh yeah, Fluttershy. Wait, didn’t I…” her eyes widened as she recalled what she had done earlier. “Oh…oh buck.”
Fluttershy waved shyly. “H-hey Gilda, s-sorry again for…s-stepping on your tail.”
“It’s uh, it’s fine. I um..” Gilda looked uncomfortable before she sighed. “I’m sorry for roaring in your face. It was pretty uncool of me.” hearing that made Rainbow Dash smile a bit.
“O-oh thank you for apologizing. I do hope you like our small town.” Fluttershy said with a smile then she used a wing to point at the stage. “In a bit my daughter and her friends are gonna play for everyone, but…well…” She looked like she was trying to find a nice way to say it.
“Your kid? Well now that’s a surprise. Who’s the lucky stallion that you started a family with?” Gilda asked, smirking a bit.
Fluttershy blushed bright red and looked at the ground. “Oh u-um I…don’t…we…”
Rainbow sighed a bit. “Fluttersny has a coltfriend but they didn’t do it to make Kipo, Kipo is adopted.”
“Ah, ok. But still, congrats on the kid.” She then looked around. “So where are they? Lost somewhere in this little party or something?”
Fluttershy looked around before smiling and pointed at Kipo as she adjusted her guitar. “That is her.”
Gilda looked and blinked a bit in surprise. “What the hay is she? She reminds me of a minotaur, except, less bull and more ape and stuff.”
“She is called a human.” Fluttershy said with a soft smile. “I found her as a baby and raised her.”
“Human? Never heard of them. You sure she ain’t just some odd minotaur or something?” Gilda asked.
“She…well her story is very complicated, but she is a human. Would you like to meet her?” Fluttershy asked with a kind smile.
Gilda became slightly nervous. “I don’t know. What if the kid is scared of griffons? I don’t want to make a bad first impression.”
“Well…she actually hasn’t met one before, but she is very friendly and will want to be your friend.” Fluttershy said before she frowned a little. “But please…don’t roar in her face.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t. As if I’d ever do that to a kid.” Gilda said.
Fluttershy nodded and smiled again. “Good, and it is nice to see you again, Gilda.” She started walking to Kipo and the other fillies.
“Same to you Flutters. Glad to see that you’ve been doing well.” Gilda said as she, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were about to reach the girls when suddenly, Pinkie appeared out of nowhere.
“Hi girls! You’re just in time!” she said, causing the three of them to jump.
“Pinkie, you shouldn’t do that.” Fluttershy said with a small frown.
“Do what?” Pinkie asked innocently.
“Pop out of nowhere.” Fluttershy said with a soft sigh.
“Oooh! Ok! Sorry about that. Anyways, you three are just in time to hear Kipo and her friends play!” Pinkie excitedly said.
Fluttershy smiled softly. “Wonderful, I can't wait to hear them.”
“Okie doki! Welp, I better go tell everyone that the Crusaders about to play!” Pinkie then dashed off.
“I bet they’ll sound great.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Not if you taught them.” Gilda said with a chuckle as she elbowed Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash just chuckles. “Well, I didn’t. I think they practiced on their own or something.”
“My coltfriend helped them.” Fluttershy said softly before Pinkie began to speak loudly.
“Hey everyone! Today we have a special surprise for you as a newly formed band is gonna be playing for us! So give a round of applause for Kipo and the Ponnettes!” cheered Pinkie as she gestures to Kipo and her friends and they begin to play.
[Kipo]
“♪Look, here, are three little ponies Ready to sing for this crowd Listen up, 'cause here's our story I'm gonna sing it♪”
[Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Kipo, and Scootaloo]
“♪Very loud!♪”
[Scootaloo]
“♪When you're a younger pony And your flank is very bare Feels like the sun will never come When your cutie mark's not there!♪”
“♪So the three of us will fight the fight There is nothing that we fear We'll have to figure out what we'll do next♪”
[Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Kipo, and Scootaloo]
“♪Till our Cutie Marks are here!
We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders On a quest to find out who we are And we will never stop the journey Not until we have our cutie marks!♪”
[Scootaloo]
“♪They all say that you'll get your mark When the time is really right And you know just what you're supposed to do And your talent comes to light!♪”
“♪But it's not as easy as it sounds And that waiting's hard to do So we test our talents everywhere!♪”
{Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Kipo and Scootaloo]
“♪Until our face is blue!
We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders On a quest to find out who we are And we will never stop the journey Not until we have our Cutie Marks
We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders On a quest to find out who we are And we will never stop the journey Not until we have our Cutie Marks!♪”
Everyone began to cheer when the song ended, making the Crusaders all smile proudly. “Wow, the kids aren't bad, still need some practice but if this is their first gig it is pretty good.” Gilda said with a small smirk.
“Yeah, bet you’re pretty proud huh Shy?” Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy who just smiled and nodded her head.
“I am, but I am mostly just happy Kipo is having fun.” She said as she watched Kipo.
“She does seem happy.” Gilda said before picking up a glass of punch and drank it, however it was a prank glass that spilled the punch onto her chest feathers. “Gah! What the heck!?”
Rainbow Dash began laughing. “Oh man that was priceless!”
Gilda growled and crushed the cup. “Whoever did that is dead.”
“Whoa easy G. No need to go all crazy. It’s just a harmless prank.” Rainbow Dash said to her old friend, smirking a little as she asked, “You’re seriously not gonna freak out over something as small as that, right?”
“Do you have any idea how hard it is to get punch out of griffon feathers?!” Gilda all but yelled before she covered her face and tried to calm down.
“Ok yeah, I do know since you told me about it back then. Don’t worry though, I’m sure it isn’t gonna stain too bad so there won’t be much of a hassle.” Rainbow Dash said, hoping to calm her friend down while Fluttershy looked a bit worried.
“Just…get me something to clean my chest off with please, I am trying really hard not to snap.”
“Snap?” Fluttershy asked while Rainbow Dash left to get something for GIlda to use to clean herself up.
“You know, start yelling at everyone here, being a bitch to everyone.” Gilda said with a frown.
“O-oh. Have you started getting some anger problems after the last time I saw you?” Fluttershy asked but quickly added. “If you don’t mind telling me that is.”
Gilda sighed and rubbed her face. “Look, sorry again about the roar, and yeah…I have been working on my anger problem but…sometimes life can really test my patience, ya know?”
Fluttershy nodded her head. “I understand Gilda. Life is like that sometimes.”
“Yeah, I suppose havin a chick would let you understand how I feel some times.” Gilda said before she groaned and rubbed her face. “I came here to see Dash again and maybe make up for all the time we missed but that pink pony keeps getting in the way.”
“You mean Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy asked and Gilda nodded. “Oh, she does tend to be a bit...much but she means well. She’s always trying to make new friends but can get carried away.”
“Whatever.” Gilda huffed. “I just wanted to spend time with Dash…and you as well, now that I know you are here.”
“Maybe I can talk to Pinkie to ease up a bit. That way you can hang out with Rainbow Dash more without having to worry about her constantly trying to butt in.” Fluttershy offered just as Rainbow Dash made her way towards them with a rag in hoof.
“Thanks, I would really appreciate it.” Gilda said with a hint of a smile on her beak before she accepted the rag and started cleaning her chest feathers. “Thanks Dash.”
“No problem Gilda. So, you two been catching up?” She asked them.
“Oh yes, Gilda was just telling me about how she is trying to control her anger.” Fluttershy said with a soft smile.
“Anger? You got anger issues G?” Rainbow Dash asked and Gilda just sighs.
“Yeah…I often snap at somegriff, er…somepony whenever the slightest thing makes me upset.” Gilda said with a frown. “I didn’t want to snap at you because of something small so before coming here I tried ro get better.”
“Geez, that must suck. Always snapping even at the littlest of things. Must be a terrible way to live.” Rainbow Dash said.
Gilda frowned and looked away from Rainbow. “It’s all I’ve known since returning to Griffon Stone.”
Both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy pat her back. “Well, if you need help, me and Shy can help ya anytime. Right Shy?”
Fluttershy nods. “That’s right.”
“As much as I appreciate the offer, I don't want to ruin our friendship by giving into my greed by just asking for a bunch of bits. Back in Griffon Stone everygriff won’t do anything unless you pay them.” Gilda said with a frown. “It gets to you, and you start acting like that soon enough.”
“Geez, that’s a rough way to live.” Rainbow Dash said and Gilda nodded.
“It is.” She sighed and rolled her eyes. “I even tried selling my family scones from a cart but nogriff wants them…”
Both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash just pat their old friends back just as KIpo and her friends ran over and began to excitedly talk to the two mares. “Did you see us play momma?!” Kipo asked her mother.
“I bet we looked cool huh Rainbow Dash!?” Scootaloo asked her sister figure.
“Yeah! Did you see how the whole bakery cheered after we were done?!” Applebloom asked.
“Yeah, you girls did awesome!” Rainbow said with a grin.
“It sounded much better than when you practiced.” Fluttershy said before thinking to herself. ‘I wonder if they triggered a heart song by mistake?’
That is when the Crusaders noticed Gilda and gasped. “Oh my gosh! You’re a griffon!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
Gilda took a step back. “Y-yeah I am. My name is Gilda.”
“It’s nice to meet you Gilda, my name is Kipo!” Kipo happily introduced herself.
“Ah’m Applebloom!”
“I’m Sweetie Belle.”
“And I’m Scootaloo! Rainbow Dash’s number one and biggest fan and I gotta say it, you look so cool! Not as cool as Rainbow Dash of course but still pretty cool!” Scootaloo said and Gilda just smirks a bit.
“Almost as cool huh?” Gilda said before she puffed out her chest and spread her wings. “I’d say I am the cooler one.”
“No way! Rainbow Dash is!” Scootaloo argued.
“How about we just say that the both of them are cool?” Fluttershy suggested.
“No! Only Rainbow is the cool one.” Scootaloo said but Kipo placed a hand on her shoulder.
“There can be more than one cool one, Scoots. No need to get so worked up about it ok?” Kipo asked with a smile.
“O-ok.” She said as she looked at Kipo. “Sorry Miss Gilda.” She said to the griffon.
“Nah, it's fine, squirt.” Gilda said as she ruffled Scootaloo’s mane. “Kinda expected that from Dash’s number one fan.”
Fluttershy smiled, seeing everyone getting along. “Momma, do you think I could get more lessons?” Kipo asked as she held up a piece of paper that showed an ad for music lessons taught by two mares, Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Melody.
Fluttershy frowned a bit when she saw Vinyl’s name. “Oh, well, you can but wouldn’t it be better if Full Moon taught you instead?”
“Well…he is just one stallion, he can’t teach all of us at the same time, I thought if two of us learned from them, you and Mrs. Moon can teach the other two.” Kipo explained her reasoning.
“Well…” Fluttershy then sighed. “I’ll think about it ok?”
Kipo nodded her head. “Ok momma.”
Pinkie then popped up right next to her with a big smile on her face. “So what do ya think Gilda?! Are ya having lotsa fun?!”
Gilda frowned at Pinkie. “I was…”
“Um, Pinkie? Mind if I talk to you? Oh, and you too Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy said to her two friends.
“Sure what's up?” Rainbow Dash said as Pinkie nodded her head.
“Well,” Fluttershy then whispered in Rainbow Dash’s ear about her needing to take her pranks down to avoid upsetting Gilda. “Can you do that?”
Rainbow Dash hummed a bit before she smirked. “I got a better idea.” Rainbow Dash whispered to Gilda warning her about all the pranks she hid while Fluttershy talked with Pinkie about boundaries.
“Oh, so you’re the one responsible for the punch that got all over my feathers.” Gilda said with an unamused expression at first before chuckling. “Should’ve figured that was your doing.”
Rainbow Dash chuckled and rubbed the back of her head. “Yeah, sorry about that.”
“It’s fine. You’re lucky they didn’t stain.” Gilda said.
“Even if they did, you will shed them soon, right?” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
“No, while I do have fur, feathers are another story, we can only shed them once or twice a year and I’ve already shed twice so if they do stain, I’ll have to pluck them out myself instead.” Gilda explained.
“Will it hurt?” Kipo asked her.
“Yeah, it is a bit more painful than pulling out fur.” Gilda said before she shook her head. “Anyway, I will have to look for a place to stay the night after this party, does this little town have a hotel or something?”
“Yeah but you’re more than welcome to crash at my place if you want.” Rainbow Dash said.
“I am?” Gilda asked before raising an eyebrow. “How much?”
“Um, how much what?” Rainbow Dash asked in confusion.
“How much do I have to pay?” Gilda asked her.
“Oh, nothing. I’m not gonna charge my friend bits while she’s staying at my place. The only thing I ask is that you help with the chores.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Why did you ask how much you needed to pay for staying with Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo asked.
“Because nothing is done for free back in Griffon Stone.” Gilda said with a frown.
“Really?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Yeah…it…it gets exhausting.” Gilda said with a small sigh.
“Well, like Aunt Rainbow Dash said, you don’t have to pay her to stay with her.” Kipo said and Rainbow Dash nodded.
“Th…thanks Dash, I will probably leave in a day or two.” Gilda said while rubbing the back of her head.
“That’s fine G. I’m just happy you visited after all this time.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
“Yeah…me too.” Gilda said as she started to smile. Fluttershy and Pinkie then walked back to the group with Pinkie having an apologetic look on her face.
“Hey um, Gilda? I wanna say I’m sorry for constantly butting in like that. I guess I kinda got a bit carried away when I wanted to hang out with Rainbow Dash.” Pinkie apologized to the griffon.
Gilda looked at her before glancing at Rainbow Dash and sighing. “It…it’s fine, just…it's fine.” She said with a small huff as she tried not to be mad at her.
“So are we friends now?” she asked.
Gilda grumbled a bit before sighing. “Sure.”
“Yay!” Pinkie cheered loudly, making nearly everyone around her giggle at her usual antics. “Now let’s go ahead and get to partying!”
Kipo smiled and leaned on Fluttershy. “Momma, can I sit down and rest?”
“Go ahead sweetie. I bet playing for such a big crowd has you a bit tuckered out huh?” Fluttershy asked as Kipo climbed up onto her mothers back.
“Yeah, a little.” she said but had a big smile on her face. “But it was still so fun!”
Gilda smiled a bit. “You got a brave chick to play in front of a crowd this big.”
“Yes, she is very brave.” Fluttershy said softly.
Kipo chuckles while sheepishly rubbing the back of her head. “I’m not that brave.”
Fluttershy looked onto her back and smiled. “Shh, you can rest sweetie.”
Kipo nodded her head, “Ok momma.” then she snuggled into her mother's mane with a content smile on her face.
Rainbow chuckled and shook her head. “Still a surprise you became a mother first out of all our friends.”
“Yeah, no offense but I would have figured it would be after most of us had kids that you’d get one.” Gilda said.
Fluttershy blushed and smiled a bit. “Well…Kipo is special and I still haven’t…” She cleared her throat a bit. “Anyway, I just felt like Kipo needed me.”
“Well it’s a good thing you did. I don’t know how our lives would have been if you hadn’t adopted her.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Yeah, we would have never became such great friends.” Scootaloo piped up.
“And you wouldn’t have met Full Moon either.” Rainbow Dash added then looked around, “Speaking of which, where is he? I thought he came here with you girls?”
“He did…” Fluttershy looked around and frowned. “Where did he go?”
“I’m here. Sorry about that. Pinkie wanted me to do some things for her.” Full Moon said as he walked over to them.
Fluttershy smiled and nuzzled him. “Oh, ok.”
“So I’m guessing this is your coltfriend?” Gilda asked with a smirk on her beak.
“Yes, this is Full Moon.” Fluttershy said with a shy smile.
“Sup. Names Gilda. Rainbow Dash’s and Fluttershy’s old friend from Flight School.” Gilda said, holding her talon out and Full Moon shook it.
“I see.” He shook her talon before pulling her closer and whispering. “Make her cry again and I will knock your beak off.”
Gilda’s eyes went wide a bit before she chuckles. “Yeah, he’s definitely a keeper Shy. You got really lucky with him.”
Fluttershy blushed and weakly pushed Full Moon. “Full! Don’t be mean.”
“What? Just giving Gilda here a little warning is all.” Full Moon said, narrowing his eyes at Gilda.
“Mr. Moon, please don’t be mean to Miss Gilda.” Kipo said.
Full Moon sighed and lowered his head. “Why must my girls not let me defend them?” He muttered overdramatically.
This caused everyone to just laugh which made him start chuckling a bit. “You’re silly sometimes Mr. Moon.”
“I just want my girls to be happy.” He said with a small smile.
“And you are doing a great job at it.” Fluttershy said and then nuzzled his cheek.
He smiled and muzzled her back. “Do you girls want anything from the snack table?”
“Nah I’m good.” Gilda said.
“Same.”
“Can you get me some cookies please Mr. Moon?” Kipo asked. “Chocolate chip ones?”
“Sure thing pup.” He said with a smile as he walked off.
“Pup?” Gilda asked, confused.
Fluttershy grew a bit nervous but quickly came up with a lie. “O-oh, it’s just a silly little nickname he calls her sometimes along with other ones. Right Full?”
“Huh?” He looked back before smiling. “Yeah, what she said.”
Gilda just raises an eyebrow before shrugging and thinking it was just an odd quirk or something. “Alright, if you say so. Anyways, let’s get back to partying instead of just standing around and yapping so much.”
“I’m with you on that G.” Rainbow Dash said as she and Gilda walked off into the crowd to join in on the festivities. This made Fluttershy roll her eyes with a smile.
“Those two never change.” she said to herself as she and Kipo waited for Full Moon to return with Kipo’s cookies.
KIpo yawned as she laid on her mothers back as they all walked back to their home after the party was over. “That was really fun momma.”
“Yes it was dear.” Fluttershy said softly as they walked.
“Yeah, it was especially fun when you and your friends played pup.” Full Moon said as he pulled the cart of instruments, including Ed’s Token.
“It was pretty fun playing with my friends. I do hope we can do that more often.” Kipo said with a smile.
“You can, as much as you want.” Fluttershy said as they walked over the small bridge that leads to their home.
“Yay! I wonder how Mr Ed will feel about me using his Token to play in a band.” Kipo wondered.
Full Moon and Fluttershy chuckled. “I am sure he would love it, maybe you can…” Fluttershy started to say before she noticed a familiar scent in the air so she raised her nose and sniffed the air before she frowned. “Full…watch Kipo.”
“Why?” He asked before he too picked up what she was smelling and frowned. “Come on pup, let’s get you inside.”
“Um, ok.” Kipo said, clearly confused as she and Full Moon, after he unhitched himself from the cart, walked into the cottage, leaving Fluttershy alone.
Fluttershy followed the scent and walked all around her house making her frown as her eyes changed from blue to blood red with slit pupils. “That bitch…”
“Momma said a bad word!” Kipo shouted from within the house after hearing her mother swear thanks to her super hearing.
Fluttershy flinched a bit and sighed before she shook her head and started walking away from the house. “You are in big trouble now.” She whispered to herself as her eyes narrowed.
View Online
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Confronting The Trespasser And The Polyjuice Potion
Vinyl sighed as she walks through her shop, making sure everything was in order before she locks up for the night and goes home. As she put the bits she had earned for the day in a safe, she heard the door bell jingle, indicating that someone had just entered. "Sorry buddy but we're closed." she said to whoever entered but then she remembered that she had already locked the front door. Frowning a little, she turned and looked at whoever entered her shop only to see no one inside. Her eyes narrowed before she took off her shades and started to slowly walk around her shop, her senses on high alert as she searched for whoever or rather whatever entered her shop. "Alright, whoever you are, you have no idea who you are messing with. If you're that mutt from earlier, then you should have stayed away. I know how to deal with your kind. Pretty sure I made that obvious with all the wolfsbane all over my shop."
There was no reply, only silence. She hums a bit as she sniffs the air but didn't pick up the scent of wet dog like one would usually pick up when it comes to wereponies. That made her a bit confused. However, a voice spoke from the darkness. "Why were you near my home?" Vinyl eyes glanced in different directions in hopes of seeing the intruder.
"I have no idea about what you're talking about but what I know is that you're messing with the wrong pony buddy. I'm not an easy target." she said as she kept her guard.
"Oh trust me, I know full well what you are but like that will matter since I doubt you've faced anything like me before." the voice said, seemingly coming from everywhere, making it difficult to find the owner.
"I highly doubt it. I know you're a monster pony. No ordinary pony, not even a unicorn, would be able to hide this well. And I've been around long enough to know how to defend myself against others." Vinyl's ear twitched and she turned around to look behind her but there was nothing there.
That is when someone spoke into her ear. "Nice theory. Shall we put that to the test then?"
Vinyl whirled around while throwing a punch at the voice but hit nothing but air. A growl of frustration escaped Vinyl's lips as she looked around again. "Stop hiding and come out. Or are you too scared to face me?"
"As if I'm scared of someone like you. I've seen things far worse than you." the voice said from Vinyls left, making her turn and shoot a beam of magic but all that did was wreck a shelf and send its contents all over the place.
That made Vinyl silently swear to herself, knowing she's gonna have to clean that up after she deals with the intruder. "Now you're starting to piss me off! Making me wreck my own shop while you hide in the shadows! Come out and face me! Now!"
The voice went silent for a bit, making Vinyl think that whoever it was was being scared but then they spoke up again. "Very well. I have gauged how strong you are long enough." she then heard footsteps and turned to see Fluttershy stepping out of the shadows, her red eyes practically glowing in the darkness as she stepped forth before stopping, just a few feet from Vinyl.
"You?!" Vinyl exclaimed in surprise, well, to say that Vinyl was surprised was an understatement, she was completely floored as Fluttershy was the last pony she would suspect of being a vampony. Sure there was the incident during the Summer Sun Celebration but all she got were rumors and every one of the mare's friends denied it and that pretty much ended any suspicion about the mare. "You're a vampony?! I mean, there were rumors but still, I didn't expect you to be a vampony."
"Yes, no one would hardly ever suspect the meek and cowardly mare, one who wouldn't even hurt a fly. A nice cover wouldn't you agree?" Fluttershy asked her as she starts to circle around her. "But we're getting off topic. Why did you come by my home?"
"Hmph, was merely scoping the place out since I met a mutt earlier today. Followed his scent all the way back to your place. Didn't expect to see that the mutts little marefriend was a vamp." Vinyl said, keeping her eyes on Fluttershy in case she tried anything. "If you want an apology then you're wasting your time. I'm not apologizing especially after you made me wreck my shop."
"I'm not here for an apology. I'm here to make sure you don't ever come near my territory again." Fluttershy said, stopping in front of the mare who just laughs.
"Oh please, I'm not scared of you. I've been around for centuries so I know how to deal with nearly every monster pony in existence." Vinyl said with a smirk but what Fluttershy said next wiped the smirk off her face.
"Every monster pony?" Vinyl's eyes slowly widened as her pupils shrunk as she watched Fluttershy's fur darkens with small tufts sticking out, specifically the tips of her ears, her once feathered wings morphed and changed into a pair of leathery bat wings. Even her Cutie Mark changes, turning from three butterflies to three bats.
Vinyl steps back in terror. "Y-you're a, a, a-"
"A Pure Blood. Yes. I am. And you are a Half Blood." Fluttershy said as she takes a domineering step towards Vinyl, slowly backing her up until her haunches are pressed against the wall. Fluttershy loomed over the terrified mare who was shaking. "So, still think you can take me on?"
Vinyl gulps before shaking her head and narrowing her eyes at Fluttershy. "Yeah, I still think I can. I'm not afraid of you. Even if you are some random Pure Blood."
Fluttershy just stared at her before replying. "You're a brave one, I'll give you that. But I know that you are terrified of me. Of what I'm capable of. Aren't you?"
A bead of sweat trickled down the side of Vinyl's face at that before she scoffs. "As if. Y-you're just some random Pure Blood who probably never had to fight in her life. Me? I'm someone who's always constantly preparing. Preparing for if and when I ever run into another monster pony who wants to either hurt me or kill me. That includes other vamponies like you." Vinyl, after saying that, was growing more confident and brave as she stops shaking and glares at Fluttershy through her shades. "Hell, I bet can easily take you since you're on my turf."
"I'll admit, even I am a little worried about all these countermeasures to monster ponies but that alone won't help you and you know it." Fluttershy said, her demeanor calm which put Vinyl on edge a bit as she expected Fluttershy to at least show a little bit of worry after she stood up to her, especially since they are within Vinyl's shop, a place she had a ton of countermeasures for each and every kind of monster pony there is so to see Fluttershy acting unbothered by it was unnerving. "But again, I'm not here for a fight. I merely want you to stay the buck away from my family and friends. Because if I find out you tried anything with them." Fluttershy's eyes then narrowed as they began to glow an ominous red. "I'll make sure that no matter where you are, you'll never feel safe. Understand?"
Vinyl grits her teeth, knowing there was nothing she could do. Even though she has all these countermeasures against various monsterponies, especially for vamponies, she knew that she would never be able to reach them with Fluttershy so close to her and being a Pure Blood meant that Fluttershy was faster and stronger than her. So, she slowly nodded her head. "Crystal."
Fluttershy nodded. "Good. I'm glad you understand. I didn't want to force you to comply as it's something I'm ok with, but I would have if you were to refuse." Fluttershy then turned and began to walk into the shadows. "I'll be going now, just remember, don't try anything with my family and we won't be having any problems."
And with that, Fluttershy stepped into the shadows and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Vinyl alone in her shop.
Vinyl stared at the spot where Fluttershy was and cursed to herself. "Damn it. If I had known there was a fucking Pure Blood here I would have never moved here." Vinyl then sighs. "Well, at least she wasn't like most Pure Bloods so I guess that's good." The DJ then went back to closing down her shop.
Fluttershy sighs as she entered her home where Full Moon got up from the couch and walked over to nuzzle her. "Hey, you ok? You kinda left without saying a word." he asked her.
"Yeah, just had to take care of vampony business is all. Nothing to worry about." Fluttershy told him as she nuzzles him back.
"You sure? You look a little stressed out." Full Moon said and Fluttershy just sighs.
"Maybe I am a little stressed, but you would be too if you had to deal with someone that trespassed onto your territory." Fluttershy said and Full Moon chuckles a bit.
"Oh trust me, I have a couple of times." he said then smirked a bit. "How about I help you with that stress a bit."
Fluttershy knew what that smirk meant and couldn't help but giggle a bit and smirk back at him. "Oh? And how are you going to do that?"
"I think I can think of a few ways." was all he said before leaning in to kiss her and she did the same.
"Mr. Moon! Have you seen Mandu? My goggles fell on her and she ran off somewhere!" Kipo called out from another room, making the two adults stop while their cheeks turned red.
"J-just a second pup! I'll help you find her!" he called back while Fluttershy pouts a bit. "I swore I put her down to sleep."
"I-it's fine, we'll just have to do wait for when she isn't here." Fluttershy said and Full Moon sighed and nodded before he went off to help Kipo find the mute pig before sending her back to bed while Fluttershy sighs and looks out the window and towards town, knowing things were gonna be even more difficult now that she has to deal with Vinyl.
"Why can't our lives just be peaceful like everyone elses?" she asked no one before walking off.
The next day, Kipo, with Mandu, was hanging out with her friends at Sugarcube Corner, each one of them having a milkshake in front of them while Mandu had a bowl full of different pastries as they talked about the events of yesterday, specifically, them playing for the party for Gilda. "Man we were awesome yesterday! I bet we're gonna be the greatest rockstars ever!" Scootaloo exclaimed.
"Yeah! Did y'all hear how loud they were clapping after we were done?" Applebloom asked just as the door to the bakery opened.
"I wonder if we might be able to play again sometime soon?" Kipo asked before they hear a snort followed by cruel laughter.
"Oh please! As if anyone would let you blank flanks play again after that terrible performance. Maybe you should take up comedy since that's what that little show was, comedic." the three fillies immediately glowered while Kipo frowns a bit as they turned to see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walking in.
"Yeah, I bet the reason why they all clapped in the first place was the fact that you were done and getting off the stage." Silver Spoon added and the two fillies began laughing again.
"Oh buzz off you two! We're not in the mood to deal with you!" Scootaloo said as the three fillies glared at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon while Kipo remained quiet.
"Yeah! Just leave us alone!" Applebloom said next.
"Or what? You're gonna sic your beast on us?" Diamond Tiara asked and Kipo's head lowered while Scootaloo and Mandu growls angrily and was going to pounce on the filly but Sweetie Belle held her back.
"Scoots, no. She's not worth it. Let's just go." Sweetie Belle said as she got off the chair.
"Yeah, we can find another place to hang out at." Kipo said while Scootaloo growls again but agreed with her friends and got off her chair as well and the five of them began to leave with Mandu and Scootaloo glaring at Diamond Tiara.
Diamond Tiara, who wasn't gonna let herself be ignored, grabbed one of the milkshakes. "Hey! You forgot your drinks!" she then tosses the contents at them but they got out of the way while Diamond Tiara just laughs. This caused Sweetie Belle and Applebloom to hold Scootaloo back from attacking the filly while Mandu looked ready to charge at her, pawing at the ground with her hoof while snorting angrily before Kipo picked her up.
"Ahem." a voice said from behind the filly, making her turn to see a very upset looking Mrs. Cake. "If you are going to assault my customers, then you can leave my shop. Understand?"
Diamond Tiara opened her mouth to argue but a stern glare from the mare shut her up before she could. So the tiara wearing filly just huffs and begins to leave. "Whatever. We were just leaving. Come on Silver Spoon." Diamond Tiara ordered the gray filly who rushed over and the two haughty fillies left the bakery.
"Thanks Mrs. Cake." Sweetie Belle said and Mrs. Cake just smiles at them.
"You are welcome girls. How about I let you take those milkshakes to go?" she offered and they eagerly nodded.
"But one of them is now all over the floor." Kipo pointed out, looking at said beverage on the floor.
"I'll make a new one, this one a little cheaper." Mrs. Cake said, making Kipo smile.
"Thanks Mrs. Cake!" this made the mare giggle a bit before she walked over to the counter to make a new milkshake while Kipo put Mandu down and pulled out a few bits to pay for the new milkshake while her friends grabbed theirs. Soon, Mrs. Cake had placed a new milkshake on the counter while Kipo put the bits down as well before grabbing the milkshake. "Thank you Mrs. Cake."
"You're welcome dear. Oh, and don't forget, when school is out and you wish for a job, you're more than welcome to apply here." Mrs. Cake reminded the human/Mute hybrid. Kipo nodded her head as she followed her friends out the door.
"I'll think about it." with that said, the CMC, Kipo and Mandu left Sugercube Corner and walked down the street.
"So what should we do now girls?" Scootaloo asked her friends who all hummed in thought.
"Hmm, I'm not sure. Maybe we can keep practicing for our band?" Sweetie Belle suggested.
"I kinda want to take a break from that for a bit." Kipo said and Sweetie Belle nodded. "Maybe we can go visit Ms. Lu-I mean, Ms. Smiles?" Kipo suggested, quickly correcting herself before she said Luna's name.
"Wasn't she busy with something at the moment?" Scootaloo asked.
Mandu began snorting. 'Yeah, said it was super important and that she doesn't want to be disturbed.'
"Oh yeah." Kipo said, remembering one time she tried to visit princess Luna, the lunar alicorn had told her that she had important matters to deal with and won't be able to hang out for a while. Kipo wasn't bothered by it since she was a princess, even if she was living in Ponyville for a while, so she would no doubt be busy with all sorts of things a princess has to deal with. Being a princess isn't exactly all it cracked up to be. "Then I'm out of ideas."
"How about we visit Zecora? Maybe she might let us do some potion brewing." Applebloom suggested and her friends smile and nod their heads, liking that idea.
"Alright, we can do that." Sweeite Belle said.
"Yeah, I'm always up for brewing some cool potions!" Scootaloo excitedly said next, her wings flapping rapidly, creating a sort of buzzing sound. "And maybe this time she might let us brew some really cool ones! Like maybe a potion that gives super strength or something!"
Her friends giggle a bit and nod with Kipo saying, "Alright, then let's get going to Zecora's!" and they were about to run off before a voice called out to them, making them stop.
"Hold on a minute you five." they all turned to see Twilight and Spike walking towards them. "You're not going into the Everfree by yourselves."
"But Twilight, we've been to Zecora's plenty of times so we know the safest and fastest way to get there." Scootaloo argued.
"I'm sorry, but it's still the Everfree. Even if you know a safe path, it's still dangerous and what if a Timber wolf or something shows up?" Twilight pointed out.
"Kipo would tell us if one is coming." Sweetie Belle said, pointing at said girl. "She knows what they smell like."
"Don't remind me." Kipo grimaced a bit as she remembers the foul odor she smelt from the Timberwolves back when she was little. "They smell reeeaaally bad!"
That earned a few giggles and a chuckle from Spike while Twilight rolled her eyes a bit but had a small smile on her face. "Well I still think it's not a good idea to go into that forest by yourselves. So me and Spike will go with you to make sure you five are safe."
"Ok Ms. Twilight." Kipo said and the six of them then began to make their way through town and towards the forest.
"So, I heard you girls started a band." Spike said and Sweetie Belle nodded.
"Yeah. We performed at Gilda's little party the other day." the unicorn filly said before Scootaloo exclaimed.
"And totally rocked it!”
“Really? Cool, I was kinda too focused on the cake but I did hear you girls play a little bit.” Spike said with a chuckle.
“Aw man, then y’all missed out. We played pretty dang good.” Applebloom said.
“Maybe you can play again at the next party.” Spike said with a smile.
“If Aunt Pinkie wants us to.” Kipo said.
“I bet she will after how well we played.” Scootaloo said.
Twilight smiled and nodded. “I am sure she would love to have you play again, assuming you do all your chores and homework.”
“I do do my chores and homework.” Kipo said with Mandu snorting, as if confirming what she said.
“Same. Applejack and Big Mac always have me do them before I can go play.” Applebloom said.
“I think the only one who might not do them is Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle said, looking at the orange filly.
Scootaloo huffed a bit. “Is it my fault chores and homework are always so boring?”
“How can you find homework to be boring?” Twilight asked her, a hint of surprise on her face.
Scootaloo looked at her as if it was obvious. “Because it is school work?”
“That doesn’t really explain why you find it boring. I think it’s pretty fun.” Twilight said and Scootaloo gave her an incredulous look.
“That’s because you love learning Twilight.” Spike said with a chuckle.
“Yeah, Scoots is more of a sportsy kind of filly who rather keep moving and stuff instead of sitting still and learning.” Kipo added.
“Yeah, the only thing I want to learn is how to be awesome and perform cool new tricks and stuff.” Scootaloo said.
“So you can impress Rainbow?” Sweetie Belle asked with a giggle.
“Uh, yeah. So I can impress Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo said, a barely noticeable pink tint forming on her cheeks.
Kipo giggled a bit. “I am sure she is already impressed by you Scoots.”
“C-couldn’t hurt to impress her a little more right?” Scootaloo asked with a chuckle.
“Suuure.” Sweetie Belle said with a giggle before she skipped ahead, knowing who Scootaloo wanted to actually impress.
Scootaloo grumbled a bit with a slight blush on her cheeks. “Come on Sweetie, no reason to tease Scootaloo.” Kipo said with a slight roll of her eyes.
Twilight smiled softly. “Now now girls, you can get back to teasing each other when you are back from Zecora’s, but for now please stick together.”
“Why? It’s not like we’re gonna get lost in town.” Applebloom said, raising an eyebrow in confusion.
“I want to make sure you girls don’t rush ahead into the forest.” Twilight told her.
“Hey, we wouldn’t do that. We know well enough to stay by someone instead of running off.” Scootaloo said.
“Maybe, but you are still young impulsive fillies.” Twilight said, making the girls, except Kipo, roll their eyes.
“We’re not that impulsive, especially Kipo. She tries to keep us from getting into trouble every time.” Sweetie Belle said.
“It’s true, I do.” Kipo said with a nod. “Anyways, what kind of potions do you think Zecora would let us brew? If she is willing to let us that is.”
“Ah wanna learn something that helps plants grow faster.” Applebloom said with a smile.
“I’m ok with brewing anything really.” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug.
“I already told you what I want to brew. Something cool like a super strength potion or something.” Scootaloo said.
Spike smiled a bit. “I wonder if I should learn how to brew stuff.”
“You can if you want to Spike. I think it might be a great thing for you to learn about.” Twilight said to the purple drake with a smile.
“A dragon making potions. Now that would be a cool sight to see.” Scootaloo commented.
“Oooh! What if we got you a spooky wizard’s cloak and stuff? I bet that would look spooky and mysterious and also really cool!” Kipo suggested. The girls giggled as they nodded their heads while Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes, even Spike chuckles a bit at that.
“Might be a cool Nightmare Night costume.” Spike said.
“Better than last year's costume.” Twilight said while shaking her head.
“Oh come on, it wasn’t that bad.” Spike said, looking at the mare with a slightly miffed look on his face.
“Spike, you were dressed as an egg and you kept bumping into things.” Twilight with a groan.
That made the girls giggle with Mandu letting out a series of short snorts as her own version of giggling, making Spike blush in embarrassment. “Aw come on Twi, I was still really young and thought it was a good costume.”
“It probably would have, if you included arm and eye holes.” Twilight told him with a chuckle of her own. “He was just an egg with legs.”
“That sounds a little silly.” Sweetie Belle commented, making Spike cross his arms with a huff, still blushing in embarrassment.
“But…kinda cute too.” Applebloom muttered before she looked at Twilight. “Do ya have a picture?”
“I do but it’s back at the library.” Twilight said just as they reached the edge of the Everfree Forest.
Sweetie Belle giggled as she looked at Twilight. “I would like to see too, maybe after we are done at Ms. Zecora’s.”
“Alright.” Twilight said as she took the lead with Spike walking behind the group. “Anyways, let’s be careful while we’re here, ok?”
“Yes Ms. Twilight.” The girls all said together.
“Hopefully we won’t run into anything while we’re walking through this place. I don’t really want to run into a pack of Timberwolves or something.” Spike said.
“I can smell them before they get close enough to us remember?” Kipo said as she rubbed her arm.
“Yeah, but there’s also other things to worry about. Like Manticores.” Spike said.
“I bet Kipo can scare them away if she used her cool powers!” Scootaloo said with a smile.
“Scoots, you know I wouldn’t do that.” Kipo said to her friend.
“I mean…you wouldn’t hurt them, just…you know spook them, where they run away.” Scootaloo said while rubbing one of her legs.
Kipo shook her head. “I still don’t really want to do it.”
“Oh, sorry.” Scootaloo said before lowering her head.
“Hey it’s ok. No need to be upset.” Kipo said, patting Scootaloo on the back.
Scootaloo looked at her, her frown fading a bit. “You aren’t upset?”
“Why would I be upset?” Kipo asked her.
“Because I assumed you would use your powers in a way that you don’t like.” Scootaloo said softly. “I didn’t want to upset you, I just thought…it would be pretty cool.”
“I said I am not upset so don’t worry about it, ok?” Kipo said with a soft smile.
Scootaloo nodded a little. “Ok.”
Sweetie Belle looked around at all the plants and hummed. “Are these plants different from last time?”
“What do y’all mean Sweetie Belle?” Applebloom asked as she looked at the unicorn filly.
“These flowers and bushes look different.” Sweetie Belle said with a small frown.
Everyone looked around and just like Sweetie Belle said, everything was different and unfamiliar. “Oh no. Did we get lost?” Twilight questioned as she looked around.
“I don’t think so.” Spike said as he looked down. “We are still on the path Zecora made.”
“But why is everything different?” Scootaloo asked while Mandu snorts worriedly with Kipo looking around, her senses on high alert for anything dangerous, she even shifted her nose to her jaguar one to pick up scents better while her eyes became cat-like to give herself night vision so she can see in the more darker areas of the forest. However, she did pick up a smell that smells really bad.
“Do you see anything Kipo?” Sweetie Belle asked as Twilight stood protectively over the fillies.
“No and I’m not smelling anything out of the ordinary either except for something that smells pretty bad but not like Timberwolf bad.” Kipo said, still looking around while occasionally sniffing the air.
“Maybe we should turn back.” Twilight said as her horn started to glow faintly.
“Aw come on. I’m sure everything is fine.” Scootaloo said though even she was unsure if everything was ok.
“The path seemed to be unchanged, so maybe we can keep going?” Spike said as he looked back and forth between where they came from and where they were headed.
“I don’t know. A forest changing out of the blue like this should be a good reason for us to turn back.” Twilight said.
“Maybe we can ask Ms. Zecora if she knows anything about it?” Kipo suggested. “After all, she does live here.”
“Yeah! But even if she doesn’t know, what if she is stuck in the forest and needs help?” Sweetie Belle said, making a good point. If Zecora really didn’t know and was in trouble, then they should help her.
Twilight thought about it for a minute before sighing. “Alright, I guess we can check with Zecora about this and help her if she is in trouble.”
“Let’s go!” Applebloom said as she started to rush ahead.
“Wait! Applebloom don’t just run off like that!” Twilight called out as she and the others chased after the filly.
“But Zecora could be in trouble, we gotta check on her!” Applebloom said, not slowing down.
“But you shouldn’t be running off! Especially in the Everfree Forest!” Spike said, flying next to the group instead of running.
“He is right, Applebloom, slow down!” Kipo said as she ran alongside them, making sure to keep an eye and or ear out for any danger.
Applebloom didn’t listen and kept running until eventually they arrived at Zecora’s hut which looked the same as the last time they saw it. “Zecora!” Applebloom shouted as she got to the door and started banging on the door with all her strength, causing the doorframe to shake a bit.
“Please refrain from banging on my door, for it surely will soon end up on the floor.” she heard Zecora say before the door opened.
Applebloom stopped and sighed with relief. “You are ok.”
“Indeed I am. But I must ask, why would you believe I wouldn’t be?” Zecora asked her just as the others ran up to the door.
“The forest along the path seemed to have changed.” Twilight said while she was panting a bit.
“Changed?” Zecora asked.
“Yeah, all the plants and stuff are different than what we are familiar with.” Sweetie Belle said.
“It was odd.” Kipo said before she looked back down the path.
“Ah, I believe that was my doing.” Zecora said, surprising them.
“You? But how?” Twilight asked before adding. “Why?”
“To ward off the various beasts lest they make visitors like you their feast.” Zecora explained. “Many of the plants in this forest have different effects and I know of some that could ward off even hungry Timberwolves so I planted them along the path to my hut.”
“Oh…that's why the path smelled different.” Kipo said softly with Mandu snorting in agreement.
Zecora nodded. “Yes, the plants surrounding the path are ones that emit a smell that various animals will find unpleasant.”
“I see, do you think you can give me the notes on the plants?” Twilight asked her as everyone started to go inside when Zecora stepped aside to let them in.
“Why do you need notes about plants Twilight?” Spike asked her.
“If they work how Zecora described then maybe I can show the princess and she can organize for the entirety of the border of the Everfree to be implanted with those plants.” Twilight explained to Spike.
“I am afraid that will only work for so long. This is not a permanent solution for warding off the beasts of the Everfree. Not only that, it does not affect the much larger animals living here.” Zecora said with a shake of her head.
“Oh…” Twilight said as her ears folded back.
“It was a good idea though Ms. Twilight.” Kipo said to the mare, giving her a small smile.
Twilight smiled back at the girl. “Thanks Kipo.” she then looked at Zecora. “Anyways, other than wondering where the plants came from, the Crusaders wanted to come here to see if you would let them brew potions.”
“If it is potions you want to brew, I will have to teach you something new.” Zecora said with a smile.
“A new potion?” Kipo asked.
Zecora nodded as she walked over to a bookshelf. “A new book I have, perhaps you all would like to take a look?”
“Yeha!” all of the Crusaders said at once in excitement.
Zecora smiled and got the book out before walking over to a table and placing it on it before opening it. “Let us see what this book holds.” The girls all got close around Zecora and began to look through the books contents.
“Oooh! There’s a potion that gives us super strength!” Scootaloo pointed at a potion after Zecora turned the page. “Think we should make that girls?”
“Hmm, I don’t know. Looks pretty complicated.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Oh come on, it would be cool to have the strength of an earth pony for a little bit.” Scootaloo said with a pout.
“Ah’m already an Earth Pony.” Applebloom pointed out.
“And I am easily stronger than one with my Mega Paws.” Kipo added.
“What about me and Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked.
“I mean, I’m not really all that into physical stuff so it would kinda wasted on me.” Sweetie Belle said.
“It would kinda be a waste if we made a big pot of strength potion if it’s gonna be used by only one of us.” Spike said.
Scootaloo pouted and sighed. “Fiiiine.”
“Maybe next time Scoots.” Kipo said as she reached over and pat her friend on the back but when she looked back at the book, her eyes went wide when she saw what potion was on the next page. “How about this one?”
Her friends, Spike, Twilight and Zecora looked at the potion Kipo pointed at. The name of the potion read ‘Polyjuice Potion’. “Polyjuice potion? What’s that?” Spike asked.
“According to the book, it allows one to change their species for a short period of time. For example, if a Earth pony wishes to become a dragon, then drinking this potion would change them into one. It was made as a way to improve relationships between different species if one were to experience what it was like being a different species.” Twilight read and after hearing how it can change what race they were, the Crusaders and even Spike were hooked and wanted to try it out.
“Whoa! That sounds so cool!” Spike said before he looked up at Twilight’s horn. “Do you think…I could be a unicorn?”
“I mean, if you want to.” Twilight said.
Scootaloo glanced at Kipo with a light blush. “Do you think I could try becoming what Kipo is?”
“You want to become a human-jaguar hybrid Scoots?” Kipo asked her friend.
“Why not? You are super cool.” Scootaloo said while tapping her hooves together.
Kipo smiles a bit. “Alright, a human-jaguar could be a neat form for you.”
“It would be kinda cool if I could turn into a dragon for a bit.” Sweetie Belle said while tapping her chin.
“A dragon huh? Now that would be interesting.” Applebloom said before humming a bit as she looked around, thinking of what species she could change into until her eyes landed on Zecora. “Maybe Ah can be a zebra like Zecora?”
“You wish to be like me? That would be interesting to see.” Zecora said with a smile.
Mandu began snorting a bit. ‘What will you be Kipo?’
Kipo hummed a bit before getting an idea. “I think I have an idea of what to become.”
Twilight smiled a bit. “I should stay myself just in case there is an accident and we need my magic.”
Zecora nodded her head. “Yes, a wise idea indeed.” she then looked at the potion and what it needed to be brew. “Hmm, to make this brew, it requires a few ingredients that are new. I would need to go out and collect them while you five get the most important ones.”
“We get to get the important ingredients?!” Scootaloo asked with a smile.
“Yes, the essence of the creature you wish to become.” Zecora told them. “In order for this brew to work, you’ll need the essence of the target creature, whether it be a hair or a scale.”
“Oh, that sounds easy enough.” Kipo said.
“Aww, so we aren’t going on an epic quest?” Scootaloo asked with a pout.
“I am afraid not young one.” Zecora said with a shake of her head.
“Well it should easy since the things we need are pretty close by.” Sweetie Belle said with Spike nodding in agreement.
“Except for mine. I gotta go home and get it.” Kipo said.
“You have to go home?” Sweetie Belle asked with a tilt of her head. “What are you gonna turn into? Fluttershy and Scootaloo are pegasi, while Full Moon and Applebloom are earth ponies, so both are here.”
“Well, yeah but the thing I want to become is something a little different. I won’t say any more so you’ll have to wait and see.” Kipo told them with a small grin, making them a little curious on what creature she was gonna try becoming. Maybe it was one of the many animals that lived at her home?
“Well…alright, but that means I have to walk you home.” Twilight said as she looked at the other girls and Spike. “Spike, you are in charge until Zecora gets back, make sure nothing happens.”
“Don’t worry Twi. I’ll make sure everything is ok here. You can count on me.” Spike said with a salute.
Twilight smiled and nodded, giving him a hug. “We will get back as soon as we can.”
“Alright, stay safe.” Spike said, returning the hug.
Twilight looked at Kipo. “Ok, let’s go.” Kipo nodded before she, Mandu and Twilight Zecora’s hut and began to make their way towards Fluttershy’s cottage.
Kipo looked at Twilight. “Do you think this potion will really transform us into other species?”
“Well, I wouldn’t be too hopeful about it as morphing into other species, even with the most complex and powerful of spells or potions, is a very difficult thing.” Twilight said.
“Oh, that’s fine then. It still couldn’t hurt to try it.” Kipo said.
“Plus even if it does work, I would think it would be temporary and pretty short.” Twilight added after a moment of thought.
“That’s ok with me. I don’t mind if it’s temporary as long as I get to know what it’s like being a different creature.” Kipo said with a small smile then thought of something. “I wonder if the one who made the potion was a monsterpony. Or even a regular pony wishing to know what it was like as a monsterpony? That’s probably why the book said it was intended to improve relations between different species.”
“Maybe. It does seem like a great way to better understand other races.” Twilight said.
Kipo nodded her head. “Yeah. I think the one who made the potion is pretty great for wanting to improve relations like that. It’s a little better than just judging someone outright without getting to know them first.”
Twilight smiled a bit. “I suppose more ponies should think like that…if they did then maybe the dark side of my religion wouldn’t exist.” She said sadly while looking down, causing them to stop.
Kipo looked down for a moment before she looked at the mare and placed a hand on Twilight’s side. “Ms. Twilight? Do…do you feel like you’re also responsible for the scary ponies actions?”
Twilight looked at her as her ears folded back a bit. “I…suppose I do, at least a little.”
“But why? You’re so nice and helpful and they’re so mean a-and…” Kipo trailed off, brief flashbacks appearing in her mind before she shook her head and pushed those memories to the back of her mind. “B-but yeah, you’re really nice compared to t-them.”
“Well…yes, but it is because we share the same faith in Celestia…it makes me wonder…if I would turn out like them if I hadn't met you or your mother.” Twilight said softly.
“Well I don’t t-think you would have. I mean, t-they hate everyone else but y-you and your family took in Spike. I don’t think t-they would have done something like that.” Kipo said, hoping that would cheer Twilight up if only a little bit.
Twilight nodded with a small smile. “You are right about that.” She looked at Kipo before gently nuzzling her. “You are a good filly.”
Kipo giggles a little. “I’m not a filly Twilight.”
Twilight giggled a bit. “Oh? So you are a colt?”
Kipo giggles again. “Of course I’m not!”
“If you aren’t a filly and you aren’t a colt then what are you?” Twilight asked with a teasing smile.
“A human-jaguar girl.” Kipo responded.
“Yes, but you are still a girl, a filly.” Twilight said with a smile and giggle.
Kipo shook her head with a small smile. “You are silly Twilight.”
“So are you Kipo.” Twilight replied back and the two of them shared a small laugh as they continued walking towards the cottage, talking a little more as did so before eventually, the three of them arrive at said building.
Kipo smiled and rushed up to the door with Mandu following her. “I will be right back!”
“Ok.” Twilight said as the two ran into her home.
“Hey Mandu, do you wanna become a bunny like Angel?” Kipo asked her friend.
The pig Mute looked at her before shaking her head. ‘No, Mandu doesn’t want to become a bunny.’
“Aww, too bad. I bet you would have been adorable as a bunny.” Kipo said with a giggle before heading upstairs, thinking her mother would be up there.
Once the two were upstairs, Kipo then started to head to Fluttershy’s room before entering. “Hey momma? I need to ask you for something.”
“Huh?” Fluttershy looked up from her knitting. “What do you need?”
“Just something simple like a hair for a potion me and the Crusaders are gonna try brewing.” Kipo said and Fluttershy grew a bit curious after hearing that since what potion would need a hair from her to work?
“A potion? What kind of potion? Is it safe?” Fluttershy asked as she set her knitting equipment down.
“The potion is called Polyjuice. It lets anyone who drinks it become a different species but it requires the essence of the species you want to turn into. And the potion seems safe since Zecora is letting us do it.” Kipo said then looked at the knitting needles in confusion. “Since when do you knit?”
“I see…I have always knit when I have spare time. It is one of my hobbies.” Fluttershy said as she got up. “What do you need?”
“Just a hair. That’s all.” Kipo said. “And I haven’t seen you knit before. Did you just start?”
Fluttershy shook her head before she walked over to a closet and opened it, showing Kipo a ton of knitted blankets, hats, scarfs and other things. “No, I mostly did it when you were asleep.”
Kipo looked at all the stuff her mother made in awe. “Whoa! You made so many things! And they all look really good too!”
Fluttershy smiled softly. “Thank you sweetie, I made you a sweater for winter, I hope you like it.”
“Really? Thanks momma.” Kipo said with a smile.
Fluttershy smiled before she walked over to a makeup desk and got a brush. “There are a few hairs on this, just be careful ok?”
“I promise I’ll be careful momma.” Kipo promised as she took the brush and grabbed a couple hairs from it, grinning the whole time. “I can’t wait to become like you!”
“I am sure you will be a lovely pegasus.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
“Well, I’m not exactly becoming a pegasus. If I was then I would have gotten the needed essence from Scoots.” Kipo said, which confused Fluttershy a bit.
“You aren’t?” Fluttershy asked and Kipo shook her head.
“Nope. Though I’m surprised it’s taking everyone this long to realize what I’m gonna try and turn into.” Kipo said and it finally clicked in Fluttershy’s mind about what Kipo is trying to become.
“Kipo, you want to be a vampony?” Fluttershy asked, worried for her daughter.
Kipo nodded her head. “Yeah. I’ve been a little curious about what it is like to be a vampony or a werepony for a while and when I saw the potion and what it does I figured it would be a great way to find out what being either is like.”
“Well…ok, but I am coming along with.” Fluttershy said as she walked up and nuzzled Kipo.
Kipo giggles a bit from the nuzzle before nodding. “Ok momma.”
Fluttershy smiled softly. “Let’s get going, we don’t want to keep your friends waiting.” Kipo nodded and she, Fluttershy and Mandu left the cottage to see Twilight waiting who smiled upon seeing Fluttershy.
“Hey Fluttershy. How are you?” she asked the mare who smiled at her.
“I am alright Twilight. I was just doing some knitting when Kipo told me what you all were doing.” She said as she walked up to the mare.
“Oh? I didn’t know you knit.” Twilight said before the four of them started to walk back to Zecora’s hut.
“I mostly do it when I have free time, after everyone is asleep.” Fluttershy said softly as she looked ahead.
“You know I have a question about that. When do vamponies and wereponies sleep? I ask this because from what I know, vamponies can only come out at night with wereponies transforming during the night as well but after getting to know you and Full Moon, I can see that vamponies can come out during the day just fine. Which brings up another question about how can vamponies go out into the day even though it is said that they burn up in the sun and-” and with that, Twilight began to fire question after question at the poor mare.
Fluttershy put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Calm down Twilight. A lot of those stories and myths about us are purposeful misinformation. Think about it, you can't exactly be accused of being a vampony if you are seen around town in daylight a lot.”
“Well, I guess you are right about that. But what about the sleep thing? Do monsterponies like you just never sleep?” Twilight asked.
“Silly Twilight, everyone needs sleep. Even monsterponies.” Kipo said with a small giggle.
“Kipo is right, we may have a bit more energy than normal ponies but we still need sleep, I normally go to sleep around ten or eleven o'clock.” Fluttershy said while shaking her head. “You are mixing ponies that are fully nocturnal and the ones that are awake in the daytime. We can be one or the other, not both at the same time.”
“Oh, I see. Sorry about that.” Twilight apologized.
“It is ok.” Fluttershy with a nod. “It is partly the fault of the ponies that made up those stories.”
“Yeah…” Twilight said, looking down a bit before saying, “Well, maybe after my studies on monsterponies are done, any untruths that were made would be undone.”
“I don’t know Twilight…some of those were made to protect us.” Fluttershy said with a small frown.
“Wait what?” Twilight asked in surprise, even Kipo looked at her with a bit of a wide eyed look.
“Someone made lies about monsterponies to protect you?” Kipo asked her mother.
“Yes.” Fluttershy said with a nod. “Such as the burning in daylight for vamponies thing is made up so it is easier for us to hide from the Cultists. After all, they wouldn’t suspect a vampony to be out in broad daylight when we burn up in it right?”
“That does make sense. If the Cultists knew to only look for you at night, then they would not suspect you to be hiding in plain sight in the day.” Twilight said and Fluttershy nodded her head.
“That is right, so while there are indeed lies about us, those lies help protect us from the Cultists.” Fluttershy said with a small smile. “I can fill you in on more misinformation as we walk if you want.”
Twilight nodded her head. “I would like that.” Fluttershy smiled softly and told Twilight a few more bits of false information. Eventually, the group arrived at Zecora’s hut and entered, seeing the shaman mixing some kind of black sludge in her cauldron with a spoon while the others watched with grossed out looks on their faces.
Kipo covered her nose as she started to gag with Mandu shaking her head and squealing as she quickly stepped away from the hut. “Gross! Why does it smell so bad?”
‘Yeah! That smells so bad!’ Mandu snorted in agreement.
“An unfortunate effect of the Polyjuice potion.” Zecora said simply before using one hoof to grab some ingredients and tossed them into the potion. “However, the smell will eventually fade away when it is close to done.”
“Good.” Kipo said, still covering her nose.
“So what brings you here Fluttershy?” Spike asked Fluttershy.
“I am just here to watch Kipo.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
“Oh, ok.” Spike said, accepting that answer. “Anyways, like Zecora said, the potion is just about done so we’ll be able to change into the race we want to become.”
“It should be pretty interesting.” Fluttershy said with a smile.
“Yeah and totally awesome!” Scootaloo exclaimed excitedly before gagging a bit when she got a whiff of the potion again.
Twilight smiled and let out a soft giggle. “Remember girls, you’ll have to be careful so you don’t hurt yourselves.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll be careful.” Applebloom said to the mare just as Zecora threw in another ingredient and the smell disappeared much to the relief of everyone, mostly Kipo and Mandu, while the potion changed from a black sludge to a more clear liquid, almost resembling water a bit.
“The potion is done, now, go and grab cups from the cupboard.” Zecora instructed the CMC, Kipo and Spike while pointing at a cupboard who all nodded and did as she said.
“What next?” Spike asked as he held his cup.
“Next, I’ll pour the brew into your cups and then you add the essence of the creature you wish to become.” Zecora said as she used the spoon to scoop up some of the potion before pouring it into each of their cups.
Each of them added their ingredients and they saw them melt and become part of the potion. “Are they ready?” Kipo asked with a smile.
Zecora nodded her head. “Yes, now you simply drink them.”
They all nodded before they started drinking the potion with most of them gaining grimaces on their faces as the potion kinda made them want to hurl. “Ugh! It’s gross!” Scootaloo exclaimed.
“Yuck!” Applebloom said as she shivered and shook her head.
“I don’t get why you guys are complaining so much. It actually tastes pretty good.” Spike said, licking his lips a little which made all the girls look at him like he was crazy. “What? It is go-” Spike paused with a bit of a confused look on his face.
“What’s wrong Spi-” Sweetie Belle stopped speaking as well and soon, the others began to gain slightly confused looks on their faces before the cups slipped from their grips and clattered against the floor, spilling whatever potion was left in them.
“Girls? Are you ok?” Fluttershy asked them, her, Zecora and Twilight growing worried.
“I…I feel funny.” Kipo said, taking a step forward a bit before stumbling and that is when the three older mares saw a strange glow starting to cover their bodies.
“Zecora, is this supposed to happen?” Twilight asked with some worry.
“Yes, according to the description, this is what is supposed to happen after consuming the Polyjuice Potion.” Zecora said after grabbing the book to look at Polyjuice Potion page.
“Kipo, are you ok?” Fluttershy asked as she reached out to Kipo. Before Kipo could reply, her, the CMC and Spike were suddenly engulfed in a bright flash of light, blinding Twilight, Fluttershy, Zecora and Mandu, who ran back from the hut in surprise from the sudden flash of light. They then regained their eyesight and saw that the others were now completely different.
One of them, a light purple unicorn with a spikey green and dark purple mane and tail with lime green accents in his coat in some places, coughed a little and then looked at Twilight and blinked his green eyes a bit. “Hey Twi, how do I-” He coughed again. “-look?”
“Spike?” Twilight asked and Spike nodded his head. “Wow, you look pretty good as a pony.”
That made Spike smile. “Thanks.”
“What about us? How do we look?” they hear Sweetie Belle ask and look over, seeing the now changed CMC. The most noticeable one would have to be Sweetie Belle. She was around the same height of Spike when he was a dragon with marshmallow white scales with her spines and underbelly being the same colors as her mane with the membranes of her wings being purple.
“Whoa.” Spike said as he looked her over, a barely noticeable pink tint on his cheeks. “You look really p-pretty.”
Sweetie Belle smiles a bit at that, a pink tint on her own cheeks which was easily noticed due to her white scales. “T-thanks.”
“What about me? Am Ah different?” Applebloom asked, and when everyone looked at her and nearly giggled, or chuckled in Spike’s case, when they saw that Applebloom looked more like a mini Zecora except with her colors and signature pink bow.
“You look like a mini Zecora!” Scootaloo said with a laugh. Scootaloo was definitely a human except she didn’t have any jaguar traits like Kipo. She was wearing a teal shirt with a pair of green cargo shorts and to finish off her new look was the fact that she was barefooted like Kipo was.
“You look pretty cool Scootaloo, but did you not get my jaguar powers?” Kipo asked as she took a step before tripping and landing chin first on the floor. Everyone looked at her and her friends, Spike and Zecora were surprised to see that instead of a normal pegasus like they were expecting, Kipo was a vampony. She had a pair of large bat-like wings on her back with her ears resembling a bat with tufts of fur sticking out. She had blood red eyes with a pair of sharp fangs sticking out of her upper lip. Finishing off her look was a Cutie Mark on her flank that looked like a shield with a jaguar head inside it. They also noticed that she no longer had her ponytail and now her hair, or rather mane, hung loose around the back of her neck, just barely reaching her shoulders.
“Are you ok Kipo?” Fluttershy asked her daughter who nodded a bit with Mandu oinking a bit in concern for her friend.
“I’m ok.” Kipo said as she stood up on shaky hooves, not at all used to standing on four legs. “It is a little harder to walk like this than run on all fours in my human form.” She added with an embarrassed chuckle before she pats Mandu on the head to help ease her worries. Fluttershy nodded a little though still kept an eye on her daughter, a hint of worry in her eyes.
“Anyways, yeah, I’m a little confused why I don’t have your jaguar features. Maybe I’m just a full human or something?” Scootaloo said, looking herself over for any signs of fur or anything that could show that she does have Kipo’s powers.
“Maybe try focusing on bringing them out?” Kipo suggested as she walked around at bit to get used to walking on her new hooves.
“Ok…uh how do I do that?” Scootaloo asked as she looked at her hands.
“It’s really simple. My Mega Paws first came out when I was in danger, maybe think about something dangerous?” Kipo suggested before stopping, her new vampony ears picking up a faint but noticeable sound that almost sounded like beating?
“Something dangerous?” Scootaloo asked before closing her eyes and thinking.
“Yeah, that’s how I brought out my Mega Paws the first time. After that, I just focus on my shifting like Mr. Moon told me to and now I can bring them out whenever I want.” Kipo said while also focusing on the beating sound a bit and realized that it was coming from everyone around her, making her a bit confused until she realized it was the sound of their hearts beating. ’Huh? I can hear their hearts beating? That’s kinda cool! I didn’t know vamponies could hear things that well!’ she thought to herself, smiling a little while her nose began twitching a bit.
Scootaloo focused harder and was shaking her arms. “Come on!”
“Careful Scoots. Y’all don’t want to hurt anyone when your Mega Paws pop out while you're swinging your arms around like that.” Applebloom said, ducking under one of Scootaloo’s arms when it swung towards her.
“But I want to bring out the Mega Paws!” Scootaloo whined as she kept swinging her arms around with her friends trying to stop her before she hurt someone.
“I think you should listen, Scootaloo. It’s not safe to be doing that.” Fluttershy said and while this was happening, Kipo’s smile was replaced by a confused frown as she sniffed the air a bit after her nose picked up a strange yet oddly delicious scent.
“I want them, I want them, I want them!” Scootaloo shouted as she kept trying.
“Scootaloo, maybe stop waving your arms around and we can help you bring them out?” Spike said, hesitantly taking a step forward to try and stop the girl from hurting anyone but it didn't seem like the girl was listening as she kept swinging her arms.
“Come….on!” Scootaloo shouted before her arms changed and her fingers grew claws. Spike, who was closer to Scootaloo, ended up getting scratched by her on the chest, making him shout in pain and surprise and making Scootaloo stop her flailing to look at him in shock, seeing the scratch marks on his chest which had a bit of blood leaking from them.
“Spike! I am so sorry!” She said and reached to him in hopes of helping him.
“It’s fine. It's just a scratch.” Spike reassured her, giving her a smile to show that he was ok.
“We should still treat it just in case. It could get an infection or something if left untreated.” Twilight said while Zecora went to get a first aid kit she kept around just in case.
Fluttershy frowned softly and put a hoof on Scootaloo’s arm after seeing that she was close to freaking out a bit. “Scootaloo, calm down, your powers react to your emotions.”
“I-I…” Scootaloo took a deep breath and nodded. “O-ok, I’m calm.”
Fluttershy nodded but then noticed something out of the corner of her eye, making her turn and go wide eyed upon seeing Kipo, specifically, the look on Kipo’s face. The transformed girl's eyes were wide with the pupils dilated as she stared at something, her mouth slightly open with a bit of drool leaking from the corner of her lips. Fluttershy gulped as she looked at what Kipo was looking at, terror filling her as she realized Kipo was staring at the blood on Spike’s chest which was being cleaned up by Zecora. Fluttershy quickly but carefully moved between Spike and Kipo, lowering her face to be on level with Kipo’s so they were looking each other in the eye. “Kipo, you need to listen to me, focus on my voice.”
That got everyone’s attention as they turned towards the two with confused looks. Kipo kept staring blankly ahead, her nose twitching every now and then as she sniffed the air, filling her senses with the scent of blood but she did focus on her mother which relieved Fluttershy a bit as it meant she hadn’t given in to her instincts, at least not yet. “Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, stepping around her friend to see what was going on. “What’s going on?”
“Cover Spike’s cuts Twilight.” Fluttershy said as he gently hugged Kipo. “I am here dear, just focus on my voice and don’t think about Spike’s cut.”
“C-cu…cut…blo…blood…” Kipo said slowly, letting out shaky breaths in between each word. The CMC, Spike and Twilight looked worried, thinking that she was reacting negatively to the sight of blood, like the sight of it was bring up bad memories or something but what she said next immediately made them think otherwise. “F-food…”
“I know you feel a strong hunger, but you need to focus so you don’t hurt your friend, you don’t want that do you?” Fluttershy said to Kipo softly while rubbing her head.
“F-friend…no…hurt…” Kipo said while Twilight and Zecora started to cover up the cut on Spike’s chest after the zebra got a first aid kit. Kipo then shook her head and blinked her eyes a little and Fluttershy saw that they no longer dilated. “What…what happened?”
“You just went through ‘the hunger’, I am very proud that you could fight it at all.” Fluttershy said softly and nuzzled her daughter.
“Hunger? You mean Kipo was hungry?” Scootaloo asked.
“Not exactly.” Fluttershy said as she held Kipo close. “The hunger is when a vampony can’t control themselves and goes after the closest source of blood… normally a pony Kipo’s age would have already learned how to control those urges but as she was recently transformed…her new instinct took over for a moment.”
“Did that mean I would have drank blood?” Kipo asked her mother, a little grossed out by the idea of drinking blood.
Fluttershy chuckled a little and nodded her head. “Yes, but I suggest against it, we don’t know what will happen if you do.”
“I would probably be very disgusted that I did that once I realized that I drank someone’s blood.” Kipo said.
“Perhaps but…well we don’t know if it would make your vamponyisom permanent.” Fluttershy told her while rubbing Kipo’s head.
“Yeah, that thought is a good reason to keep Kipo from drinking blood.” Twilight said as she finished patching up Spike’s cut.
Fluttershy looked at the others. “I am sorry everypony, I should have known this could have happened.”
“Hey, it’s not your fault. In a way, you kinda did know this would happen and immediately stopped it before it got out of hoof.” Twilight said, placing a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder and smiling a little at her.
Fluttershy smiled softly. “I guess so.” She looked at Kipo. “How are you feeling now sweetie?”
Kipo smiled at her mother. “I’m feeling ok momma.”
“Good, I know it is loud but you need to try to tune out the sound of everyponies’ heart beats.” Fluttershy told her with a soft smile.
“Wait she can hear our heartbeats?” Sweetie Belle asked and Kipo nodded.
“Yep! It sounds like a bunch of drums playing all at once with so many of us gathered around. Plus there’s all the smells I’m picking up as well that are a bit much.” Kipo said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything her ears and nose were picking up.
Fluttershy rubbed Kipo’s back. “I know it is a lot to take in dear.”
“Is this how all vamponies live momma? Being overwhelmed by their senses like this?” Kipo asked her.
Fluttershy nodded her head. “Yes, it is. But those who are born like me grow up learning how to tune out the noise.”
“Does Mr. Moon have to deal with things like this too?” Kipo asked.
“Yeah, he should have the same kind of senses like vamponies right? Wouldn’t that mean wereponies like him would get overwhelmed as well?” Applebloom asked.
“But didn’t either Fluttershy or Full Moon say that a vamponies senses are stronger than a wereponies?” Sweetie Belle asked next. “So does that mean that they aren’t as overwhelmed like vamponies?”
“I got a better question. Why aren’t we going out and having fun with these new forms?” Scootaloo asked her friends. “I especially want to keep trying and bringing out the Mega Paws and see just how strong they really are!”
Fluttershy sighed softly. “In order of your questions, yes wearponies can be overwhelmed as well, yes vamponies do have some senses that are stronger than wearponies but they still have senses that can be overwhelmed, and you can play but you all have to be careful and under our watch, after I teach Kipo how to take on a pegasus form.”
“You mean shapeshift like you?” Kipo asked.
Fluttershy nodded and smiled down at Kipo. “Yes, we can’t have you walking around as a full vampony in public.”
They all nodded in agreement. “Ok, so how do I turn into a pony? Is it like my shifting where I just focus on it?”
“It is similar, but for this it feels more like…” Fluttershy started to say before she grew a light blush on her cheeks. “Like putting on a skintight suit that squeezes your body into a more…normal shape.”
“Really? That’s what it’s like?” Spike asked.
“And why are you blushing?” Scootaloo asked, more confused by the fact Fluttershy was blushing as she described changing into a pegasus was like.
Fluttershy coughed into a hoof. “N-no reason.” She shook her head to shake loose her thoughts. “Anyway, that is how I always pictured it when I made myself look like a normal pegasus.”
“So I just need to think the same and I’ll change into a pegasus?” Kipo asked. “Sounds pretty simple.”
“Yes, just be careful, even in pegasus form you can still use some vampony powers.” Fluttershy said before she tapped her chin and muttered. “I wonder if you will inherit all of my powers or just some of them.”
Kipo closed her eyes and focused on shifting and thanks to her having some experience in shifting thanks to her powers, she managed to succeed in changing into a pegasus pony. She then opened her eyes, which were now her signature magenta color instead of red. “Did I do it?”
Fluttershy smiled and nodded her head. “Yes you did sweetie, I am so proud of you.” She nuzzled Kipo so much she accidentally knocked Kipo over.
“Oof!” Kipo then giggled a little. “You’re nuzzling me a lot today huh momma?”
Fluttershy blushed a bit and put a hoof to her cheek. “Oh my, I guess I am. Sorry if I am embarrassing you.”
“Why would I find it embarrassing?” Kipo asked her as she got up.
Fluttershy smiled a bit. “Well from what I have heard, fillies your age don’t like being nuzzled in public all the time.”
“But I’m not like most fillies remember?”
“That is true.” Fluttershy said with a small nod. “I suppose we should get you girls to the park so you can have some fun.”
“Yeah!” The four of them cheered with Mandu squealing in excitement as well, making everyone else smile.
“Well, while that is happening, me and Spike can head back to the library. Unless you want to hang out with them Spike?” Twilight asked her little brother.
Spike looked at the girls and smiled a bit before he looked at Twilight. “If that is ok, I would like to go with them, maybe learn how to use this.” He pointed at his new horn. “And help Sweetie Belle with her dragon body.”
Twilight nodded her head. “Ok, that is fine with me. Just be safe ok?”
“Of course, but don’t you want to come too?” Spike asked her.
Twilight shook her head. “Sorry but I have some things to take of back at the library.”
“Oh…ok, maybe if I am still a unicorn later I can show you what I learn.” Spike said with a small smile.
“Sounds like a good idea. Speaking of which, how long does this potion last Zecora?” Twilight asked, turning to look at Zecora.
Zecora tapped her chin. “If my memory is correct, in an hour the potion should lose effect.”
“An hour? That doesn’t seem very long.” Sweetie Belle said, a little disappointed that their transformation would only last an hour.
“If your guardians agree you can try more at a later time.” Zecora offered with a soft smile which Kipo and the Crusaders grow excited and happy.
“Awesome! I’m sure my aunts would say yes!” Scootaloo said with a grin.
“And I’m sure Rarity would be ok with it since I can just tell her that she can use this as an opportunity to make new outfits for different creatures.” Sweetie Belle said, a small giggle escaping her as she knows how her sister can be when it comes to designing outfits for others.
“Ah’m sure Applejack or Big Mac would be ok with it as well.” Applebloom said next.
Zecora nodded and smiled. “Dear Fluttershy, can you handle these fillies on your own?”
“Yes, I can handle them.” Fluttershy said with a nod.
“Then I should clean up my hut, if you wish I can make a few bottles of the potion.” Zecora said with a smile, looking over at the cauldron which was still half full.
“Really? You can?” Scootaloo asked.
“Yes, though I believe there is only enough for one more dose for each of you.” Zecora said as she smiled at Scootaloo.
“That’s fine with me as long as I get a chance to try becoming another creature when I want to.” Kipo said with her friends agreeing.
Zecora nodded her head. “Alright, I’ll go ahead and pour the rest into bottles for each of you.” and with that, Zecora grabbed a few bottles, one for each of the Crusaders and Spike before pouring the rest of the Polyjuice potion into them. Once she was done, she then handed them to Kipo and the others. “There you go. One bottle of Polyjuice potion for each of you.”
“Cool.” Scootaloo said with a grin before she looked at her hands. “Huh, grabbing things with hands is a lot easier, no magic field but you don’t lose your grip as easily.”
“Yeah, having hands is kinda a lot better than just using hooves to grab things.” Sweetie Belle said, flexing her claws a little. “Anyways, shall we start heading to the park now?”
“Yeah!” Applebloom said with a nod before she giggled a bit. “Ah hope Ah don’t accidentally go around starting a rumor that Zecora has a filly running around.”
“What about me? I’m a human, er, human-jaguar hybrid, won’t that cause even more rumors?” Scootaloo asked, gesturing to herself though she wasn’t bothered by such a thought if the small smile on her face was any indication.
“Maybe but you do look a lot like Kipo, just…you know, in your colors and with your mane style.” Sweetie Belle said with a shrug.
“Maybe a rumor will start that I can change my colors or something.” Kipo said with a small giggle.
The other girls and mares giggled at that with Spike chuckling a little. “That would be funny, ah can see some of the colts askin ya ta change color in front of them.” Applebloom said as they started to leave Zecora’s hut.
“Bet they’ll be pretty disappointed when they realize that you can’t.” Spike said.
“Yeah but maybe I can.” Kipo said with a giggle and a wink. “I just need a little magical help from Twilight.”
“You mean you might have a little fun with the rumor and go along with it?” Scootaloo asked her crush who nodded a little.
“Why not? It is a harmless one anyway, and who knows…it may help the other foals stop being afraid of me.” Kipo said with a soft smile that slowly faded.
Everyone looked at her with pity before Scootaloo pats her on the back. “Hey, I’m sure they’ll stop being idiots and be scared of you eventually.”
“Scoots, that’s not nice.” Kipo said to her friend but did smile again. “But thanks.”
Scootaloo smiled a bit. “Hey, I will call them whatever they are, it may not be nice but neither is not giving you a chance.”
“You still shouldn’t call them names, Scootaloo.” Kipo said with a soft smile.
Scootaloo just shrugs a little. “Maybe. But anyways, do you think while we walk you can help me try and bring out some jaguar features?”
Kipo nodded her head. “Sure.”
Author's Note
Hello everyone. Here's the latest chap of Kipo and yes, the Polyjuice Potion was one hundred percent inspired by the one from Harry Potter with my own little lore twist to it. Hope you all like this chapter and what has happened in it.
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Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
The Element Of Kindness Meets The Baby Jaguar
The boom of thunder followed by the flash of lightning was heard throughout the forest as the rain continued to pour, making all the inhabitants run to their homes or seek shelter from the rain, the only ones that were out was the occasional Timberwolf.
Or pony.
"O-oh my. I knew I-I shouldn't have st-stayed out so late!" a timid voice said as a butter-yellow pegasus with a pink mane and tail walked through the forest, trying her best to stay as dry as possible but failed as she was almost soaked to the bone with her hooves, coat and tail caked with mud. Fluttershy looked around, making sure she is on the right path to her cottage and didn't end up lost.
The reason she was out here was that a few of her animal friends needed some help and being Fluttershy, she gladly helped, she just didn't realize that it would take so long to the point where it's almost nighttime. Didn't help that the storm came in and made the forest even darker and scarier than before, leading her to quickly rush through the forest, which led her to end up in her current situation. "O-oh no, I-I think I made a-a wrong turn." Fluttershy said fearfully to herself as she looked around. "O-or maybe I am o-on the right p-path?" she was unsure of herself now, praying that she would be able to get out of the forest before it got even darker or else she'll have to find someplace to either wait out the storm or spend the night. "I-I hope n-neither of those h-happen." she then let out a yelp when she heard the boom of thunder, making her pick up the pace.
But then, she paused.
Her ears twitched as she looked around, she swore she could have heard something. Something that didn't belong in the Everfree. But where or what was it? There! She looked to her right, straining her ears to listen for that sound again. She heard nothing but the sound of rain against the leaves and the howl of the wind along with the occasional boom of thunder. "M-maybe I was i-imagining-" she paused, there it was again! She quickly heads off in the direction of the sound, worry filling her mind as she ducked under a low-hanging branch, wincing a bit when it had snagged some of her mane, leaving it worse for wear but that was the least of her worries.
As she got closer and closer to the sound, she was starting to figure out what it was, which only made her quicken her pace. "O-oh my goodness! W-what's a baby d-doing here?!" she asked no one as she flew towards the sound, which was the crying of an infant. She flew past low hanging branches, bushes, and vines till she reached a tree that was thankfully blocking most of the rain with its leaves. She saw that the tree had a little hole at the base of it and she can hear the faint sound of sniffling before crying can be heard again. Fluttershy quickly flew over to the hole and peeked inside but due to her blocking most of the light from entering the little hole, she can barely make out a small bundle wrapped up in a blue, at least she thinks it's blue, it could be green, blanket.
The crying had stopped when she had looked into the hole but she can hear the faint whimpers of the baby inside. "T-there there little one. I-I'm not gonna hurt you." Fluttershy said soothingly as she carefully reached inside and grabbed the baby. The little thing squirmed a little as she carefully brought it out of the hole but there were no protests from them. "Don't worry, I'm gonna-" Fluttershy paused in shock when she saw what the baby looked like when it came out of the hole and into the light.
The baby was not a pony, that's for sure. Instead, they were some sort of ape-like creature with the only bit of fur they had was on their head which was a pink lavender color while they were a pearly purple. The baby looked up at her with her dark fuschia-colored eyes that were slightly red and puffy from crying with tears still leaking from her eyes as she let out a whimper. Suddenly, another boom of thunder was heard and the baby had started crying again from the loud noise, snapping Fluttershy out of her shocked state as she began to gently rock the baby in her hooves. "Shh, there there, it's ok, you're ok." Fluttershy said reassuringly and soothingly, which was working as the baby was starting to calm down a bit but still sniffled a bit. "That's it, you're ok. You're ok."
The baby had finally calmed down and looked at Fluttershy again before babbling something, what it was exactly Fluttershy had no idea but she did know one thing, being out during a storm as a baby is definitely not a good idea so after making sure the baby was held securely in her hooves, Fluttershy flew in the direction she had hoped her cottage was. And she was lucky she had gone in that direction as she can see the faint light of something in the distance and as she got closer to it she saw that it was her cottage. "Look, we're almost home little one, now we'll be out of the cold and rain and in someplace warm and cozy. Doesn't that sound nice?" Fluttershy asked the small bundle and they let out a happy babble, making the mare smile as she left the forest and entered her home.
A lot of the animals living or hiding inside the cottage quickly went over to her and began voicing their relief and happiness at their caretaker's return before they noticed the small bundle in her hooves, making them curious as they watched Fluttershy put the bundle on the couch next to the fireplace before removing the damp blanket and wrapping them in a new one. The baby let out a small coo as they snuggled into the new blanket, already starting to feel warm as Fluttershy smiled again as she watched the baby get cozy while letting out small coos, it almost didn't make Fluttershy leave the bundle of adorableness to get them something to eat but she knew that she had to get the baby something, she didn't know how long they were in that hole so the baby might be hungry.
While Fluttershy was going to get the baby some food, her animal friends got close to the baby and looked at them in curiosity as they've never seen anything like them before. Harry the bear leaned down and started to sniff the baby, not noticing the baby was looking at him in fear with small whimpers escaping their lips as Harry sniffed them. Then a small white thing hopped in between Harry and the baby and started to squeak at the large bear, who looked at the bunny and listened as the bunny pointed at the baby who had tears beginning to form in their eyes once again and Harry got the hint that he might be scaring the baby so he backed off.
The bunny, better known as Angel, nodded his head before looking at the baby, who was staring back at him in curiosity. He then hopped over to the baby and pet their head with a smile, as if showing them they'll be alright. The baby in return let out a small babble as Angel began to squeak in reassurance but the baby was having a hard time understanding the bunny and much to the shock of all the animals, the baby's ears suddenly changed!
They were cat-like in nature and were twitching every few seconds and before the animals can get over their shock, Fluttershy came in, holding a small bottle of warm milk in her hoof. "Ok little one, I have something for you to-" Fluttershy then gasped when she saw the baby and their new ears, almost dropping the bottle in shock but managed to hold onto it as she quickly flew over to the infant. "Oh my goodness! Your ears! They're...they're..." Fluttershy stammered out as she looked the baby over and the baby was beginning to whimper again, thinking they had done something wrong and Fluttershy noticed this before she quickly calmed them down. "Oh there there, you didn't do anything wrong. This is just a surprise is all." the baby let out a sniffle before seeing the bottle and their stomach let out a growl. The baby hearing this, gave Fluttershy the most adorable pleading look as she made a grabbing motion for the bottle and the mare didn't need to be told twice as she smiles at the baby before picking them up in her hooves and giving them the bottle, which the baby greedily gulped down in a few seconds. "My goodness, somepony was hungry weren't they?" Fluttershy asked them with a small giggle just as the baby finished the bottle.
Fluttershy then put the bottle on a little stand before she began to burp the baby, which they did then let out a coo of content before they began to try and grab a small strand of the mare's mane, much to said mares amusement. "Aw, you're just so adorable aren't you?" Fluttershy asked them before the baby started to squirm, a look of discomfort on their face and Fluttershy can tell why. "Aw, don't worry, little one, I'll take care of it in no time." the mare then left the living room and into another room where a small changing station was.
Fluttershy used to do a few babysitting jobs in the past due to her kind nature so she was prepared in case somepony needed her to watch their foal. After Fluttershy changed the baby's diaper and found out that the infant was a she, she returned to the living room with a happy baby in her hooves. "There, all better now?" she asked her and the baby let out a small coo in reply followed by a yawn. "Aw, looks like somepony is ready for bed." instead of going to her room with the baby she decided to stay near the fire in case she was still a little cold
Fluttershy laid down on the couch with the baby, causing her to yawn again as she snuggled up to the pegasus. Fluttershy draped her wing over the baby, smiling in content as she watched the baby nibbling on some of her mane as she slowly closed her eyes. "Sleep well." she said as she gave the baby a small kiss on her forehead before laying her head down with her eyes closing, and soon the two were asleep.
The rays of the sun shined through the windows of Fluttershy's cottage and the first one to react to the sun shining on her was the baby. Instead of crying or voicing her discomfort, she simply opened her eyes and looked around and saw she was still in the cottage. The baby then sat up, albeit a bit clumsily, and looked around in curiosity and shock. 'I'm still here? I thought it was all a dream.' the baby thought as she looked around before she looked back at Fluttershy and couldn't help but smile at the pegasus. 'Though I'm not complaining, I was found by one of the best characters in the show!'
A sudden squeaking got the baby's attention, making her look and see Angel standing next to her, a look of curiosity on his face and she realized that he was looking at her cat-like ears, which were still around much to her annoyance. 'Must be wondering what kind of baby I am. Can't say I blame him, it's not every day you see a small baby suddenly sprout jaguar ears.'
Angel then started to squeak a bit as he hopped over closer to her and tapped her ears, which caused them to twitch a little at the contact. She then smiled as she suddenly hugged him, the baby part of her mind taking over. "Bunby!" she said, glad and surprised that she can talk, if somewhat. Angel had squeaked in surprise from the sudden hug before hugging her back.
She then let go of Angel and started babbling a bit before she felt a pair of hooves pick her up, "Aw, are you and Angel getting along?" Fluttershy asked her as she held the baby close to her.
'Yes, we are getting along.' she thought before babbling her reply which just made Fluttershy giggle a bit before she got a thoughtful look on her face.
"Hmm, I wonder what I should call you, I can't keep calling you little one now can I? After all, you won't be so little forever." Fluttershy said as she nuzzled the baby, causing her to giggle as she held onto the mare's face.
'Simple enough, I could tell her my name which is...' her train of thought suddenly stopped as she tried to remember her name but for some reason, she couldn't. 'What? Why can't I remember my name? Maybe being a baby has something to do with it. That's probably why.' she thought to herself, though was a bit unsure about the reason why she couldn't remember her name.
"Hmm, maybe I'll call you Violet? No, too obvious. Catherine? No." Fluttershy said as she continued to muse over names for the baby.
"Keeeeoooo!" the baby said, making Fluttershy blink in surprise that she was able to talk but shook it off and smiled at her.
"What's that?" she asked her.
"Keeeeooo!" the baby repeated.
"Keo? Your name is Keo?" Fluttershy asked and the baby made a face.
"Keeepooooo!" the baby said and this time, Fluttershy understood what she was trying to say.
"Kipo? Is that it?" Fluttershy asked and the baby repeated herself, this time with a giggle. Fluttershy giggled as well as she mulled over the name. "Hmm, Kipo....Kipo, I think that's a great name. Especially since you picked it." Fluttershy said, nuzzling the now named Kipo, much to the baby's delight. A sudden loud knock was heard, making Fluttershy and Kipo look at the door in curiosity. "Now who could that be?" Fluttershy was about to walk over to it but stopped and looked down at Kipo, who looked back at her. The mare frowned before she put Kipo back on the couch and covered her with her blanket. "Now, I need you to be quiet now alright? Fluttershy has to answer the door and will be back ok?"
"Door?" Kipo asked and Fluttershy nodded her head and another knock was heard.
"J-just a minute!" Fluttershy called out before making sure Kipo was hidden behind the blanket. "Remember, stay quiet." she said one last time before walking over to the door and opened it. Seeing one of her friends on the other side who let out a dramatic gasp when she saw Fluttershy.
"Fluttershy! What in the world happened to your coat and mane and tail!?" Rarity asked the pegasus, gesturing her hoof to the dried mud that still covered parts of her along with her disheveled mane and tail, making Fluttershy blush in embarrassment as she forgot to clean herself up last night due to her being tired and distracted with Kipo.
"O-oh, I was out l-last night when the storm c-came in and I had t-to walk home but was too t-tired to clean myself." Fluttershy said, leaving out the fact she found a baby in the Everfree.
"Oh this will not do at all! This calls for an emergency spa day immediately!" Rarity said as she grabs Fluttershy's hoof and tried to drag her out of her cottage but Fluttershy quickly stopped her.
"W-wait! Um, are y-you sure a spa day i-is needed? I can just t-take a bath here." Fluttershy said, not wanting to leave Kipo alone for too long. She trusted her animal friends but she knew they won't know how to take care of.....whatever Kipo is, so she wanted to stay to make sure she would be alright.
"No no no no no! A simple bath would not be enough to help you dear! A trip to the spa is more than enough to help return you to your original beauty." Rarity said and Fluttershy knew she won't be able to get out of it so she sighed and closed her eyes. "Fluttershy? Are you-" Rarity stopped speaking when Fluttershy opened her eyes.
Back with Kipo, she was currently hugging Angel while nibbling on his ear much to his annoyance. Hey, she was a baby, can't blame her for acting like one whenever the baby part of her mind takes over. Though she was also listening in on the conversation between Fluttershy and Rarity thanks to her jaguar ears which enhanced her hearing, at least somewhat. She can make out what they were saying at first but then they started to whisper really quietly, too quiet for her to hear, making her wonder what they were saying before they spoke up again. "S-so Rarity, about t-that spa day?" Fluttershy asked the mare who had a bit of a blank look on her face before snapping out of it.
"Hm? Oh I'm terribly sorry dear, I just remembered that I have a few orders to complete so I can't go on a spa day today." Rarity said, which confused Kipo for a bit but she shrugged it off. She knew from the show that Rarity would be overworking herself sometimes so she didn't find it odd that the unicorn would cancel a spa day.
"O-oh, that's alright R-Rarity." Fluttershy said, and Kipo can hear the hidden joy in the mares voice but thought nothing of it as well.
"Do try to clean yourself up dear, alright?" Rarity asked her friend and Fluttershy nodded her head, "Well, I'll be off now, maybe after I'm done we can have that spa day."
"O-ok Rarity." Fluttershy said as she watched her friend leave before frowning and closing the door. 'I hate doing that sometimes, but I had to do it in order to take care of Kipo.' she thought to herself before she trotted back over to Kipo and went aw when she saw the girl and Angel hugging each other while wrapped up in a blanket. "Aaw, you two look absolutely adorable!" Angel made a few squeaks which translated to,
'I'm not adorable! I'm cool!' which made Fluttershy giggle at his response.
Kipo let out a giggle as well when she heard his response before blinking. Did she just hear what he said? Nah, there's no way she can understand him. The original Kipo couldn't understand what animals were saying so why would she? She must be imagining things. "Well, I suppose I should go get cleaned up." Fluttershy said before picking up Kipo and Angel. "What about you? Do you need a bath as well?" she asked Kipo as she looked her over to see if the baby needed a bath but saw that she didn't. Probably because her blanket had protected her from the harshness of the forest so she was pretty clean. "Guess not. Now Angel, while mommy is in the bath, I need you to keep an eye on Kipo ok?"
Ange nodded his head before gave a little salute, which made Fluttershy smile and put the two back on the couch. "Behave for uncle Angel ok Kipo?" the mare asked the baby who gave a small babble of confirmation. Fluttershy nodded her head, knowing that Kipo would be okay so she went off upstairs to her bathroom to clean up.
This let Kipo look around the cottage in curiosity, seeing many of Fluttershy's animal friends waking up and starting their day, some of them heading over to Kipo to insepct her due to them being curious about her, but she didn't mind, she actually loved the company of animals back before she ended up as a baby. Which led to her being a zoo keeper so she can be around the animals, she didn't know why, she just felt more comfortable around them then other people.
Kipo then felt her ears twitched, making her swat at them with her hands. 'Okay, these things are a bit annoying with the twitching, how do I make them disappear again? Something about herbs in herbs out or something?' she thought to herself as she took a few deep breaths and she felt her ears changing back, making her smile and Angel look at her in shock as she made them appear and disappear over and over again. 'Yes! Too easy! Though I wonder what other parts of me I can change.'
Kipo then spent the next few minutes trying to change her other limbs but was unsuccessful, which made her upset. She then decided to give up and hug the bunny next to her, who was still in shock that the baby next to him had changed her ears back to normal. Then they heard someone laughing a bit, making Kipo look and see something she didn't expect.
A human.
Author's Note
Hello everyone! Yes, I am publishing a new story even though I already have like ten stories published. Please give me your feedback and what you want added to the story.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
The Purple Eyed Jaguar's Birthday!
A couple of years had passed and Fluttershy couldn't have been happier during those years and the reason for that was because of Kipo's friendship with Applebloom. Sure she was nervous at first but she soon learned to be relaxed whenever the filly would come over after lunchtime to play with Kipo and due to her coming over every day, when she isn’t busy helping on the farm that is, Kipo has been happy. Fluttershy had read that Kipo might have control of her powers if she has friends she can trust so that was good for both her and Kipo!
But Fluttershy was still too nervous about sending Kipo off to school or taking her to the park due to how ponies might react and she also wanted to introduce Kipo to her friends but she also nervous about doing that as well so it was a lifesaver when Applebloom would play with Kipo.
Fluttershy hummed a merry tune as she stirred something in a bowl with a bright big smile on her face. “Oh, I can’t wait to celebrate Kipo’s birthday!” Fluttershy said happily while Angel helped her gather some ingredients with an equally happy expression on his face.
Angel squeaks a bit as he helps her. ‘Oh right Kipo cub party today, is cub finally old enough to go?’
Fluttershy merely rolls her eyes at this but still had a smile on her face. “Oh Angel, still making that little joke? You know that you would miss Kipo if she goes. Not that she will, of course, she’s still a kid.”
Angel looks away and squeaks. ‘Yeah a joke, what will you do for Kipo cub’s party?’
“Well, I am making her a raspberry lemon cake, since you know she loves raspberries, and I was thinking of having Applebloom come over as well but I’m still working on that.” Fluttershy said she was still thinking of why Applebloom should be over for Kipo’s birthday or else Applejack will get suspicious and investigate.
There was a flash as a box wrapped in gift wrap appeared along with a note addressed to Fluttershy. The note read, “Dear Fluttershy, I regret to inform you that I will be unable to attend young Kipo’s party this year as I am dealing with something…personal. However, I did include a gift I believe she will enjoy. Please apologize to her on my behalf sincerely, Cipher.”
“Oh? I wonder what it is?” Fluttershy as she looked the box over. “Well whatever it is, I’m glad Mr. Cipher was able to send a gift for Kipo.” Angel hops over and tries to open the gift. “Angel! That’s Kipo’s gift.” Fluttershy scolded while giving the bunny a stern look. Angel pouts and stops trying to open the gift. “Good boy Angel, now can you put it with the other ones in the closet? And can you check on Kipo after that?”
Angel nods his little head and lifts the box barely able to hold it before hopping away. Angel found Kipo in her room, just staring out the window while her tail swished lazily behind her. Over the years Kipo had been letting her more animalistic parts out more often, like her tail and ears, though her feet would always be paws instead since she didn't have anything to cover them whenever she goes out and they all learned that human feet aren't as resistant to the outside world like hooves or paws. She’s also been a little depressed lately, though neither Fluttershy nor Angel knew why. Angel sighs before hopping up onto the window and squeaking. ‘Hello Kipo cub, what you doing?’
“Hi Angel.” Kipo said, still staring out the window. “Just staring out the window, like always.”
Angel looks out the window only to see the front yard and the town of Ponyville just over the hill. ‘Why?’
Kipo was just quiet as she continued to stare out the window and Angel followed her gaze and sees that she wasn’t staring at the town but the forest next to it. Angel then hopped onto Kipo’s head and rapidly thumped his foot on her though not enough to hurt her, just to get her attention away from the forest. ‘No bad cub! The yellow one would be worried sick.’
Kipo glanced up at the bunny thumping his foot on her head. “But Angel, I want to see the forest.” Kipo whined, “It might be fun!”
Angel grabs her hair and leans down to look into Kipo’s eyes. ‘Fun for you, but your momma would be scared for you.’ He squeaked slowly and made sure to say each word so she could fully understand him.
Kipo sighed sadly as she slumped against the window sill. “I know, but…I don’t know, I feel so…cooped up…” Kipos eyes slowly turned completely purple with her pupils turning into black cat-like slits. “...trapped….” her hands then gained sharp claws that were scratching against the window sill. “...caged….” she was growling a bit now which unnerved Angel on how animalistic it sounded. “Like an animal….”
Angel looks at Kipo worriedly while wondering if he should go get Fluttershy but Kipo suddenly sighs and her eyes and hands return to normal. “Do you ever get like that Angel? Feeling all cooped up?” she asked the bunny as if not noticing her strange behavior.
Angel thought about it. ‘Yes, when yellow one insists on leaving me at home when she goes out, puts Angel Bunny in charge of other animals, no choice but stay or upset yellow one.’
Kipo sighs again and looks back out the window. “Then you know why I want to go into the forest. There are no ponies there that would see me and it has a lot of room for me to play. More than a lot, it is a forest! There is a ton of room.”
Angel sighs and unlocks the window and opens it as much as he can. ‘Do not let the yellow one know I help you, be back soon, if see predator run home.’
Kipo blinks in surprise before smiling and hugging the bunny. “Thank you Angel! I promise I won’t tell momma about this!” she said before releasing the bunny and climbing out the window. “I’ll be back soon ok? It’ll be just a quick run.”
Angel looks worried and nod. ‘Be careful Kipo, forest dangerous.’
Kipo nodded her head, “I will Angel, I promise!” she said before running towards the forest. Angel sighs and puts some pillows in Kipo’s bed before making it look like she is asleep.
“Angel? Is Kipo doing alright?” Fluttershy called out.
Angel squeaks before leaving the room to Fluttershy’s side. ‘She sleeping.’
“Oh, ok.” Fluttershy said, “She must not be feeling good lately if she’s going to sleep in the middle of the day. I do hope she’s alright, I’ve gotten pretty attached to her over the years.”
Angel thumps his foot as he thinks before speaking. ‘Maybe the party is the perfect time to show her to your friends? The pinkie one and little pony already know, why not the rainbow one, the apple one, and the stinky one?’
“Hmm, maybe, I’m still a little nervous.” Fluttershy said nervously.
‘Did that strange one not say to put your faith in the five? Could these ponies be the five?’ Angel asked.
“Well, possibly.” Fluttershy said before sighing. “A-alright, I’ll introduce them to Kipo. But, if they do end up hating her, you know I have to use that on them.”
Angel nods slowly and looks away. ‘Angel Bunny knows, Angel Bunny will watch Kipo, Yellow one go invite ponies, please do before pink one shows up.’ Angel then shudders in fear.
“Oh come on Angel, she isn’t that bad. Sure she’s a little excited all the time, but she means well.” Fluttershy said giggling a little at Angel’s reaction towards her friend.
Angel shakes his head. ‘The pink one feels wrong. No danger…just wrong.’ He shrugs at her confused look. ‘Maybe not pony.’
“Oh come now Angel, I’m sure it’s nothing.” Fluttershy reassured though she was curious on why Angel was feeling that way about Pinkie Pie.
Back with Kipo, said girl just ran through the Everfree Forest, a feeling of something she couldn’t quite place. She ran in between trees and bushes and jumped over logs and boulders, and at some point, she was running on all fours with her arms and legs gaining purple and black-spotted fur, and her other jaguar traits had popped out.
But she didn’t care, she felt for once......free. Yes, that was the feeling she was feeling at this moment. Freedom. Kipo let out a shout of joy as she continued to run, going even faster than before.
A few minutes later the girl had stopped by a small pond, panting hard while her heart was hammering against her chest. She couldn’t have been happier! “This is amazing!” cheered Kipo as she stood at the edge of the pond. Just then the snapping of a twig can be heard, no multiple twigs, there was also a foul odor coming from everywhere around her.
Kipo’s senses were on high alert as she looked around, something within her telling to keep her guard up. Her eyes darted around the surrounding forest, and thanks to her Jaguar eyes, she could see from the darkness wooden wolves. “Timberwolves.” Kipo said quietly to herself, having heard stories about the beasts from her mom. She let out a growl as she crouched to the ground, ready to run should the wolves decide to attack.
The wolves come into the clearing and surround her growling and glaring at her. She was outnumbered and outmatched and she knew it. Her fear starts to affect her form till she is left with just her tail and fur.
Kipo was about to run when a bottle crashed in front of the Timberwolves, a strange vapor rising out of it and when the Timberwolves got a whiff of it, immediately recoiled in disgust and began running away. “Cover your nose child, for this odor, is not mild.” a voice said to Kipo and she covered her nose, not wanting to smell something that sent Timberwolves running.
“W-who are you?” Kipo asked the voice as she looked around.
“I am who I am, the question is who are you?” The voice said, and thanks to Kipo’s ears she could follow where the voice was coming from.
“K-Kipo.” Kipo responded as she looked in the direction of the voice while her eyes changed back into her Jaguar ones and she could see a zebra hiding under the darkness of the trees thanks to her night vision.
“You are a strange creature little cat. What brings you out to the Everfree?” The zebra said before slowly walking out.
“Just felt like going on a run is all.” Kipo said, the jaguar part of her telling to stay on her guard in case the zebra tried anything.
“The Everfree is not safe for one as small as thee. You should flee before they return to have a kitty snack.” The zebra warns.
Kipo frowned a bit, not wanting to leave the forest so soon. “But I don’t want to leave the forest yet.”
“Child of felines, the Everfree is not for playing in, go to Ponyville and make some friends.” The zebra looks around. “I shall guide you back.”
Kipo had tensed up, the desire to be free and not be cooped up all the time filling her mind, leading her to let out a growl while her eyes narrowed and her teeth sharpened. “No! I don’t want to be cooped up again!” she nearly shouted.
“Little cat, you can be home without being locked away, simply make friends.” The zebra said.
The anger Kipo felt quickly went away and was replaced by sadness. “But momma won’t let me, she says I can’t leave the house or go out that often cause other ponies might be scared of me.” she said, small tears in her eyes. “I only have Applebloom and Angel for friends.”
The zebra slowly approaches before pulling Kipo into a hug. “A mother's protection can be suffocating but she is worried about your safety no doubt, earn her trust, and don't sneak about.”
Kipo was still upset but nodded her head. “Ok.” she said,
“Let's get you home before your mother comes looking for you.” The zebra said.
“Ok.” Kipo said, then looked around nervously. “U-um, I think I kinda got lost.”
The zebra chuckles softly and pets Kipo’s head gently. “I know the way to town.” She then starts to lead Kipo out of the forest.
“M-maybe not the town? My momma lives by the forest, in a little cottage.” Kipo said, “Maybe you’ve seen it every now and then?”
“Ah the shy pegasus, I am surprised one as shy as her has found a mate.” The zebra giggles and makes a turn.
“Mate?” Kipo asked in confusion. “What’s that?”
She smiles down at Kipo and rubs her head with a hoof. “A father little one.”
“Oh, no. I don’t have a dad, momma found me when I was a baby and has been taking care of me since.” Kipo explained, while she was upset she didn’t have a dad, she still had her momma and that was more than enough for her.
The zebra nods her head. “I see, well I hope you have learned your lesson about the forest's dangers.” The two soon come to the edge of the forest and see the cottage a few feet away.
“Yeah, I have.” Kipo said, knowing that if she smelled a foul odor then she needs to run otherwise she’ll get in trouble with the TImberwolves again.
The zebra pets Kipo one last time. “Stay safe little one, and even if it means getting in trouble you should tell your mother the truth of what you did.” She then turns to walk away.
Kipo watches her leave before heading back to her home. Once she reached the window to her room she peeked inside to see if her momma was in there, seeing that she wasn’t, she carefully climbed back into her room. She heard thumping behind her and turned to see Angel hopping over to her. “Hi Angel!” Kipo said happily.
Angel crossed his arms and did not look happy.
“What?” Kipo asked in confusion. “What’s wrong?”
“Ahem.” Fluttershy said behind Kipo, hidden from the window.
Kipo froze when she heard Fluttershy behind her before slowly looking at her mom, seeing the angry look on her face. Kipo gulped and smiled nervously. “H-hi momma.” she said,
Fluttershy took a breath before frowning at Kipo. “Where were you?”
“J-just outside.” Kipo said nervously, not wanting to say that she was in the Everfree.
“Oh really? So I must have walked right past you as I ran around the house looking for you.” Fluttershy said.
Kipo gulped again, just wondering how long she has been gone to cause Fluttershy to look for her. “U-uh, yes?” she said,
Fluttershy closes her eyes and frowns. “After today, you are grounded. Come on, I have some ponies I wanted you to meet.” She said upset and walked to the door.
Kipo looked down sadly and follows Fluttershy before what the mare said caught up with her. “Wait, ponies? You mean I can make more friends?!” Kipo asked excitedly.
Fluttershy sighs and nods. “Yes, I brought my friends to meet you, but after today I don’t know if I can trust you.” She opens the door. “Now go downstairs and meet my friends.”
Kipo didn’t want to argue with Fluttershy, she knew she did something wrong and was kinda regretting it. Kinda. She loved that feeling of freedom running through the forest gave her. “Ok.” she said and was about to walk downstairs before stopping and looking at Fluttershy. “I’m sorry.”
Fluttershy just nods as some tears form in her eyes, and Kipo went downstairs, seeing a group of ponies, most of them around the same age as Fluttershy. There was a blue pegasus with rainbow mane and tail who squinted her eyes to look at Kipo, beside her was a short orange pegasus with a purple mane and tail, an orange earth pony with blond mane and tail and a stetson, her friend Applebloom, a beautiful white unicorn mare with a purple curly mane and tail, beside her was a young unicorn filly with pink and purple mane, and lastly, Pinkie Pie who has a large smile.
“H-hi.” Kipo said, starting to get nervous, she didn’t expect to meet this many new ponies though she was relieved to see Pinkie and Applebloom here, but still.
“Kipo!” Applebloom said with a smile and runs over hugging Kipo and shocking everpony there except for Pinkie.
“Girls, this is Kipo, my…my daughter.” Fluttershy said from the stairs and a small smile.
“Wait, your daughter?! Is that why you hardly come hang with us?” Rainbow Dash asked Fluttershy.
Fluttershy blushes a bit and lowers her head nodding. “Y-yes, I’m sorry for not telling you girls, I was just worried for her.”
“Whatever for? Sure she’s a little, uh, different, but something tells me she’s a good girl.” Applejack said, making Fluttershy smile a bit at that.
“Indeed, though I must ask, where did she come from?” Rarity asked her and it was Kipo who answered.
“Momma found me in the forest when I was just a baby.” Kipo said, making the group gasp in shock.
“Whoa! That's awesome!” The orange filly said, only to get a wing slap to the back of her head from Rainbow. “Ow! What was that for?”
“Because being found in the forest as a baby isn’t a good sign.” Rainbow Dash said, thinking to herself. ’Especially if that forest is the Everfree.’
“Maybe it’s best if we don’t talk about it.” Fluttershy said, giving them a look that said she’ll explain it to them later. “For now let’s just enjoy the party.” This made the three fillies, Kipo and, obviously, Pinkie excited.
The little ones cheered and went over to where the snacks, followed by Pinkie, were and started to talk with each other. While the girls came closer to Fluttershy and whispered to her. “Ok Shy spill, who is she? What is she?” Rainbow started.
“Have ya looked for her family?” Applejack asked.
“Who has been making her outfits?” Rarity finished, at the other's looks she rolls her eyes. “It is an important question.”
“W-well, in order. “Her name is Kipo, my daughter, and she is something called a human.” Fluttershy said before sighing. “The family part though is a bit complicated.” This made her friends curious, concerned, and confused.
“What do ya mean it's complicated?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah, I mean if we can find her family then we can kick their plots for abandoning her.” Rainbow said.
Rarity looks down. “If you need any help raising her I will always be willing to help.”
“W-well, you see…” Fluttershy said before pausing, wondering if she should tell them about Kipo’s past but remembered what Cipher told her. “She does have an uncle, but he’s more of an adoptive uncle, he told me she was taken from her home and changed.”
The others gasp before Rainbow hits her hooves together. “So she was foalnapped and experimented on? We need to tell the princess!”
Fluttershy went wide-eyed in fear. “N-no! I mean, w-we can’t tell her. At l-least not yet anyway.” Fluttershy said,
“Huh?” They all said, then Applejack asked. “Why the hay not? Ah am sure the princess could help you find her family.”
“W-well, it’s because I-I’m nervous of what s-she will do if she sees K-Kipo. It took me t-this long to tell you g-girls about her.” Fluttershy said, “P-plus, nopony has ever seen a-anything like Kipo or h-her uncle before, I haven’t. S-so there might b-be a chance Celestia won’t k-know about Kipo’s species.”
“So? What do you think she would do, throw Kipp into a cell or something? It's Princess Celestia we are talking about! She will help you and Kipo, and at the very least she could find the foulnappers and punish them.” Rainbow said to her friend.
Fluttershy lets out a sigh. “I-I know, but well….t-there’s another thing I-I’m worried about.” Fluttershy said, this time quietly to herself.
The others get a bit closer. “Come on Shy, we are your friends, you can tell us anything.” Rainbow said while putting a hoof on her shoulder.
“I…I c-can’t, at least n-not yet.” Fluttershy said sadly.
“Why? Fluttershy we are your friends, there is nothing you can tell us that would change that.” Applejack said and hugged her.
“Indeed darling, we will never abandon you.” Rarity said, joining the hug.
“Come on Shy, you know we would never betray your trust.” Rainbow added before she hugs Fluttershy and Fluttershy feels a connection to these three ponies, and once again Cipher’s words rang through her head.
She wanted to tell her friends, but that would raise even more questions, questions she doesn’t want to answer. “I just c-can’t. Just trust m-me on this.” she said,
They sigh and back up nodding their heads. “Alright darling, but at least now you have us to help watch over little Kipo. Speaking of her, please bring her over soon so I can make her a wonderful outfit.”
Fluttershy nodded her head, a small smile on her face. “Ok, and t-thank you for understanding g-girls.” she said, then the orange and white fillies came running back, excited looks on their faces.
“Rainbow you gotta see this!” the orange filly said.
“What is it Scootaloo?” Rainbow asked.
“Rarity you are gonna flip when you see Kipo’s cool trick!” The white filly said while pulling on Rarity's leg.
“Sweetie, you know it is rude to pull on somepony’s leg, and a lady does not ‘flip out’, that is uncouth.” Rarity said.
That is when the two saw Kipo, who had her jaguar traits out, such as her tail, ears, eyes, fur, and teeth. Kipo was looking at the two in confusion while munching on a cupcake. “Whoa! That is awesome! She’s like part cat or something.” Rainbow said.
“My goodness, her fur and pattern are magnificent!” Rarity said.
“Boy howdy, how did Kipo change into a cat?” Applejack asked, tipping her hat back, and Fluttershy spotted a sun-shaped pin in it.
She grew nervous but answered. “R-remember h-how I said she was c-changed? Well, t-that’s it.” Fluttershy said, doing her best to not sound nervous while pointing to Kipo. “A-and she actually t-turns into a jaguar.”
“Whoa, that is even cooler! Though it is too bad she doesn’t have wings, I would have loved to have a new flying buddy.” Rainbow said.
Rarity rubs her chin. “Hmm, I may need your help to come up with an outfit that can fit both her forms.”
Applejack tilts her head. “Well ain't that something, she sure does have some gift, Celestia sure did bless her.”
Fluttershy nearly let out a sigh of relief when Applejack said that. “Y-you can say t-that.” she said before looking at Rarity. “And I-I’ll do my best t-to help, I’ve uh, been m-making most of her clothes since s-she’s been with me.”
The Pinkie popped up from a potted plant next to the three. “And I helped too! I got little Kippy some clothes too!” Pinkie said happily.
Rainbow jumped into the air. “Gah! Pinkie! Don’t do that.”
“Sorry!” Pinkie said while the little ones giggled at Rainbow's reaction to Pinkie’s little jump scare.
The others chuckle and Kipo walks over. “Auntie Pinkie scared you!” She said to Rainbow with a giggle.
“N-no she didn’t! She just surprised me is all.” Rainbow said with an embarrassed blush on her face.
“Yes, she did!” Kipo said, still giggling.
Rainbow pouts as the other girls giggle with Kipo. “Fine, fine she scared me!”
Kipo hugged Rainbow. “It’s ok, you’re still cool!” she said, smiling at the pegasus.
Rainbow blushed but hugs Kipo back. “Heh, you're a good filly.”
“I know, momma tells me that.” Kipo said then remembered that she wasn’t a good girl due to sneaking out behind her mom's back, which made her feel guilty and upset again. Fluttershy noticed the slight change in Kipo’s attitude and knew she was thinking about what she did earlier.
Fluttershy walks over and wraps a wing around Kipo. “Yes, she is, even when she disobeys me from time to time.”
“She doesn’t listen? I’d figure since she was being raised by you, she would listen.” Applejack said, a bit surprised but not that much, she knew what it’s like having a little kid around. “What’d she do?”
Kipo lowers her head. “I snuck out to run in the forest. It was really fun being free b-but then…”
Everyone minus Fluttershy gave her worried and shocked looks. “You what?! The Everfree ain’t no place for a filly! Why would you go there?!”
Kipo was silent for a few seconds before responding, “Was feeling so, I don’t know, trapped?” Kipo said, confusing everyone by her choice of words and Fluttershy began to think about it before it hit her. Kipo was part jaguar, and she has been showing off her jaguar traits more often, maybe she was gaining the traits of a jaguar mentally as well! And since she’s an animal expert, she knows some animals hate being in small spaces, jaguars being one of them.
“Then when Angel unlocked the window and let me leave-” Fluttershy immediately frowned and glared at Angel. “-I took the chance to go for a run, it felt so good to feel my heart pumping and wind through my fur!” Kipo said, getting excited and shifting a bit more. “Then when I stopped by a lake to catch my breath I was surrounded by Timberwolves but was saved by someone.”
“Timberwolves?!” Everyone shouted in shock while Rarity fainted.
Kipo nodded her head, “B-but I was saved! T-there’s no reason to worry.” Kipo said quickly, hoping that would calm them down a bit.
The adults all looked at each other before Rainbow asked. “But by who? Anypony who is brave enough to enter the Everfree forest is already here.”
“By a zebra, she threw a bottle of some stinky gas at the Timberwolves, making them run away.” Kipo said, shocking them.
Pinkie gasps super loud. “Oh no! Zecora!” Pinkie jumps onto a table and starts to sing and dance. “She's an evil enchantress, She does evil dances, and if you look deep in her eyes, she'll put you in trances! Then what will she do? She'll mix up an evil brew, then she'll gobble you up in a big tasty stew, Soooo... Watch out!” She ended up on her hind legs and her forelegs held up like she was a monster about to attack, panting after singing and doing a weird dance.
“Aunty Pinkie, why are you singing a song about the zebra as if she’s bad?” Kipo asked Pinkie in confusion.
“Duh because she is!” Rainbow said.
“She is a wicked enchantress that every now and then will come into Ponyville scaring all of us ponies.” Applejack said.
“And she lives in the forest!” Pinkie said.
Kipo frowned a bit when they said that about her new friend, well, sorta friend. “So you all think she’s bad because of what she does and where she lives?” she asked, not really liking the reason for their disliking of the zebra. “That sounds like a silly reason to be afraid of her.”
“You don’t know what yer saying little sugar cube. Zecora is a bad pony.” Applejack said.
“But she’s a zebra, not a pony.” Kipo pointed out.
Fluttershy looked at Kipo. “What's a zebra?” Applebloom asked.
“Somepony who is bad Applebloom.” Applejack said,
“And with a terrible sense in fashion, did you see those stripes?” Rarity asked and everyone rolled their eyes at that. Kipo was very upset after hearing how Fluttershy's friends were acting towards Zecora, the one who saved her from the Timberwolves.
“So I’m bad too huh?” Kipo asked, shocking everyone in the room.
Fluttershy hugs Kipo. “Of course not, you're not bad.”
Kipo looks up at Fluttershy, “But I’m not a pony, so that must mean I’m bad, and it will make everyone afraid of me whenever I’m around, spreading rumors and lies about me, singing mean songs, and commenting on my looks.” Kipo said, frowning. “I must be bad because I don’t do stuff like other ponies and live near a spooky forest.”
The others look down, ashamed of their behavior as they hear a child put things into perspective for them. “Maybe we got a bit carried away.” Applejack said while rubbing the back of her head.
“Yes, we shouldn’t judge others because of what they look like and how they act before getting to know them.” Rarity said and Kipo nodded, happy that they were getting it.
“You should apologize to miss Zecora and show the rest of the town that she isn’t bad.” Kipo said and they all nodded their heads.
“But how? No pony knows where she lives, only that she lives in the forest.” Rainbow said, making a good point. No one knew where the zebra lived besides somewhere within the Everfree, and no one wanted to go looking for her.
“Well, maybe you can talk to her when she visits the town again.” Applebloom suggested. “She does go to the town sometimes remember?”
“Applebloom is right, just speak with her next time she comes to town.” Kipo said and they all nodded their heads.
“Well, now that life lesson is over, let’s see what Kipo got for presents!” Scootaloo said excitedly.
“Presents!” Kipo said, equally excited and making everyone giggle at her excitement. Kipo pounced over to the presents and started to open them one by one.
They were all from Fluttershy due to her friends just finding out about Kipo, though they did promise to get some presents for Kipo later. The presents Kipo got ranged from more clothes, a couple of books on animals, and a telescope due to Kipo wishing to look at the stars more closely. “Thanks momma!” Kipo said to Fluttershy. Angel pokes Fluttershy’s leg before pointing at the closet.
Fluttershy was confused for a second before realizing what Angel was trying to tell her. “Oh! I almost forgot!” she said as she walked over to the closet and pulled out Ciphers gift, gaining Kipo’s attention. “This is from your uncle Cipher Kipo, you probably don’t remember him since he was here when you were a baby.”
Kipo blinked in slight surprise. “What is it?” she asked as Fluttershy put the box in from of her, it was pretty big and strangely it had a couple of holes in it, small ones that didn’t let her peek inside it.
“Open and find out!” Sweetie Belle said and Kipo did just that, tearing away at the wrapping paper and was about to open it before something peeked out of the box a bit, surprising everyone and causing the thing to go back in the box.
Kipo stared at the box while her jaguar ears picked up some sounds coming from it, they sounded like….snorts? Kipo then grabbed the lid of the box and slowly opened it. Something let out a squeal and jumped at Kipo. “Kipo!” everyone shouted in panic before hearing giggles from Kipo.
They watched as the creature, which looked like some sort of pig with six legs and blue skin lick the girl's face, causing her to squirm and giggle, “It’s a pig?” Applejack said, unsure if that was right cause she has never seen a pig like that one before.
“Oh my, um Kipo are you alright?” Fluttershy asked worried to try to get between the pig and her daughter.
“Yeah! I have another friend!” Kipo said happily as she hugged the pig, a large smile on her face whole the pig looked at her, letting her see its four eyes which shocked her.
“Well…as long as you're happy…although I wish Cipher had asked me before getting you a pet.” Fluttershy said with a defeated smile.
“Um, does this Cipher fellow usually get Kipo, um,” Rarity began before pausing, not sure what to say about the strange pig.
“I think she looks cute!” Pinkie said as she began to rub the pig's belly, which made it let out happy snorts.
“Normally toys or strange devices.” Fluttershy answers Rarity.
“Guess he decided to change things up a bit.” Rainbow Dash said while the kids and Pinkie played with the pig.
“I’m gonna name you…” Kipo paused and began to think before getting an idea. “Mandu! Do you like that name Mandu?”
Mandu oinked a bit. ‘Sounds good to me!’
“Then Mandu it is!” Kipo said happily while Fluttershy’s friends stared at her in confusion.
“Wait, she can understand the pig?” Rainbow asked.
Fluttershy nods her head with a light blush. “Yes, s-she has been able to for a w-while now, I think she picked u-up the skill to speak with a-animals from watching me.”
“I guess that makes sense.” Rarity said while the kids and Mandu were playing tag.
“O-oh girls, not in t-the house please!” Fluttershy said and the five ran outside.
“Well, at least they’re having fun.” Applejack said with a chuckle.
Fluttershy’s ears twitch up and down as she feels nervous but happy Kipo has friends now. “Oh Fluttershy, if you are worried about little Kipo, all of us and our sisters can watch out for her, maybe she could even go to school.” Rarity said, walking up next to Fluttershy and rubbing sides with her.
“Thanks, g-girls, to be honest, I-I was beginning to h-have problems as Kipo g-got older.” Fluttershy said, “And I-I did think of sending her t-to school but was nervous a-about the other foals reactions t-to her so she’s been m-mostly homeschooled.”
“Now Shy, I ain't saying you're wrong for doing that but a foal needs some social interaction. She may not be a pony but she is still a child and I'm sure Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo will look after Kipo.” Applejack said.
“I know, b-but I still can’t help b-but be nervous.” Fluttershy said,
It’s been a few days after the party and Fluttershy’s friends have grown attached to Kipo since then. Helping Fluttershy with watching over the girl while she was too busy to do so, with Applejack allowing the girl to come to the apple farm whenever her Granny was asleep for some odd reason.
There was a knock at Fluttershy’s door early in the morning. “Fluttershy, darling it is me.” Rarity’s voice called out.
“C-coming!” Fluttershy called out as she walked over to the door after helping Kipo feed Mandu. She opens the door to see Rarity with saddlebags on her back. “Hello R-Rarity, thank you f-for coming.”
“It's no problem darling but I really don’t see why you couldn’t bring Kipo to my shop.” Rarity said as she walked in and pulled in some equipment and fabric behind her using her magic.
“I-I’m nervous about bringing K-Kipo out in public r-remember?” Fluttershy said.
Rarity sighs and nods her head. “Yes I know dear, but honestly Ponyville is a peaceful town, I am sure everypony will love her.” She set everything down and smiles. “Now where is the dear?”
“Aunt Rarity!” Kipo exclaimed as she ran up to the unicorn after hearing her and hugged her with Mandu right behind her.
Rarity smiles and hugs Kipo back. "Now now Kipo, I told you aunt Rarity makes me sound old.”
“Aw but aunt Rarity, you’re still beautiful even if I call you aunt!” Kipo said,
Rarity blushed at the praise. “Aww, you are so sweet little Kipo.”
“Momma did tell me to be kind to others if I want them to be kind to me!” replied Kipo.
Fluttershy giggles and shows Rarity one of the books Cipher gave her. “R-Rarity you may n-need this.”
She looks at it and tilts her head. “I’m sorry but how would a book on birds help?”
Fluttershy looked confused before remembering something. “O-oh dear, I forgot a-about that.” she said then explained to Rarity about how Cipher gave her a few books on Kipo and how to take care of her but they would look like regular nature books to others.
“Oh dear, well perhaps you will have to read it to me or copy the drawings if it is the pictures you need me to see.” Rarity suggested.
“I-I think I can d-do that.” Fluttershy said as she grabbed several pieces of paper and a pen and got to work on copying everything from the book.
Rarity smiles at Kipo. “Alright darling, please stay still and keep your forelegs up so I can get your measurements ok?"
Kipo just tilts her head in confusion. "Forelegs? But I have two not four."
"She means your arms Kipo." Fluttershy clarified.
"Oh, ok." Kipo then brought up her arms and Rarity started to take her measurements, writing them down on a notebook as she does so.
After a few minutes Rarity finishes her measurements and smiles at her. “Alright dear you can put your arms down and perhaps I can get a few measurements of your Jaguar parts?”
Kipo nodded as she brought her arms down and brought her jaguar traits. “Ok.” she said, “Just don’t pull on my tail, that hurts.”
“Oh I know darling, I have my own you know.” Rarity said with a giggle.
“Really?” Kipo asked in curiosity. Both Rarity and Fluttershy giggle as they wag their tails.
“As you can see dear, we ponies do have tails, and know the pain of one being pulled.” Rarity said.
“Oh yeah.” Kipo said, feeling embarrassed that she didn’t realize that’s what she was talking about.
They giggle and Rarity finishes her measurements and starts to write up a few designs. “Now would either of you like anything specific?”
“Nothing that might make me hot! I can cover myself in fur so if I wear something too big I get all hot. And maybe you can make it to where I can let my tail out when I want to?” Kipo asked and Rarity nodded as she wrote that down.
“Hmm, yes I can see what I can do, however with your body shape it might take a few tries before I make something perfect.” Rarity said.
“G-good thing I managed t-to copy some stuff f-from the book.” Fluttershy said as she handed Rarity a few notes and drawings. “Maybe t-those can help?”
“Ah yes these are perfect Fluttershy, thank you.” Rarity said with a smile as she looked them over.
“Y-you’re welcome.” Fluttershy said.
“Can I go play now?” Kipo asked and Mandu snorted in agreement.
Fluttershy nodded her head, “Yes, you can.” she said just as Mandu squealed happily before running and Kipo chased after her.
“Mandu! Get back here you silly piggy!” Kipo called after the Mute as the two ran out of the living room.
Fluttershy giggles watching her go. “She is a darling isn’t she dear?” Rarity asked Fluttershy.
“Y-yes, she is. And I a-am glad I can be a mother to h-her.” Fluttershy said with a happy smile.
Rarity shakes her head with a smile. “I must say I am a bit jealous darling, you are the first of us to have a child.”
“O-oh, I’m sure y-you’ll be a parent a-as well Rarity.” Fluttershy said,
Rarity giggles and waves a hoof. “Oh darling, I am not worried about that. After all, we are all still so young.”
As the two mares talked there was the sound of glass breaking, which was followed by Kipo yelling. “I didn’t do it!”
“O-oh dear.” Fluttershy said in worry as she walked over to where Kipo had yelled.
Fluttershy saw Kipo and Mandu standing next to a picture frame on the floor with broken glass all around it. “I didn’t do it!” Kipo repeats.
“A-are you alright?” Fluttershy asked Kipo, not worried about the picture frame and Kipo nodded her head.
“Yes, I-I didn’t get cut, neither did Mandu.” Kipo said and Mandu nodded her head.
Fluttershy sighs in relief. “Thank goodness, please go to your room while I clean this up.”
“Ok…” Kipo said in a slightly saddened tone before walking up the stairs with Mandu following her while Fluttershy grabbed a broom and dustpan and began to clean up the glass.
Rarity then walks in. “Fluttershy, what happened?”
Fluttershy just sighed a bit, “Just K-Kipo accidentally k-knocking over stuff.” Fluttershy said as she cleaned up the last of the glass.
Rarity giggles and pats Fluttershy’s back. “It's ok, Sweetie Belle does things like this all the time.”
“I-I thought she w-was more careful now, b-but I guess she g-got a bit carried away.” Fluttershy said as she threw the glass away before putting away the broom and dustpan, then picked up the picture frame.
The picture was of her and Kipo when she was younger. The two of them were sitting together on the couch with a book about fairy tales. Fluttershy smiles as Rarity nods her head. “She probably got excited while playing with her pet. If it were Sweetie Belle I would probably only give her a small talking to and then let her go play outside.”
Fluttershy put the picture on another stand, “W-well, that is a-a good idea, I t-think I made her think s-she was in big trouble.” Fluttershy said,
Rarity nods her head and turns to walk away. “I will get back to work.”
“O-ok, I’ll see you l-later.” Fluttershy said as she was about to walk up the stairs to Kipo’s room.
Kipo was sitting on her bed petting her pet and looking down. “Kipo?” Fluttershy asked and the girl looked at her. “S-sorry if I made it sound like you were in big trouble by sending you to your room.”
“I’m not in trouble?” Kipo asked and her Jaguar ears popped up.
Fluttershy shook her head. “No, you’re not, I was actually more worried that you might have gotten hurt by the glass than the picture breaking.” Fluttershy said as she walked over to her daughter.
Kipo sits up while still hugging her pet. “I didn’t get hurt momma. C-can I go outside?”
Fluttershy smiled and nodded her head. “Yes, just be careful ok?” she said and Kipo nodded her head, with Mandu snorting happily.
“Thanks momma!” Kipo said before she ran out of her room only to return a few seconds later and give Fluttershy a hug, which the mare happily returned.
“You’re welcome Kipo.” Fluttershy said and Kipo ran off with Mandu till they ran outside and began to play.
Equestria And The Wonderbeasts!
Hello dear readers!
This is to let you all know that I will be hosting my first Q&A thing. I honestly don't know what these are called. Basically, you can all ask me questions down in the comments regarding the story and I will do my best to answer them. I'm sure a lot of you have questions regarding this fic so ask away!
Here's a first question I'm sure most of you are wondering, what kind of Equestria is Kipo in? Well, I can't give much spoilers but I will say this. Kipo is in a world where all the ponies are much larger. I'm sure many of you remember in one of the EQG movies that it was shown how tall the ponies were compared to humans. With them looking to only be around mid thigh in height, possibly waist level.
But in Kipo's world, well, take a look at these two height charts I had drawn.
There, now you all know the height difference between a human and the ponies in Kipo's world. At least to the best of my scaling ability. I might update these later in the future but in the meantime, that's the height difference between humans and ponies.