Power of Flight

Power of Flight

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Chapter 1: The Things That Are Bittersweet

In a world where much of nature was controlled by ponies, it was question on why such powers were given to such weak-hearted creatures. The suns that rose by the Princesses’ existences alone, the weather controlled by the peagasi, and it was a wonder on why the princesses took the original jobs of the Unicorns of the past. Though not many pony believed; there blessing of wings and power of weather came by creatures of the name of Zeus, a god that wasn’t Equus Ferus Caballus of any type.

They had lived even longer than ponies and knew more history, not to mention; the forever loyal gypsy ponies, who had not completely abandoned their heritage.

Those given wings, blessed by originally Zeus, only to have four separate sub-gods watched over them. While unknown, maybe because of their nature, ponies knew not of the other living gods or goddess, as their belief in their ‘Princesses’ overlapped such old news. Gods and Goddess were creature whom knew not of mortal level, so their ‘living’ status was those important moments where every creature, that wasn’t a common Equidae, knew it was a time to appease such beings. Discord, a frightful being he was, wasn’t even a god… a messenger or a knight for that god, but not Chaos as within itself.

The griffon gave out a worried sigh, the memories that would not leave, only forced her to remember that moment of vulnerability. There she laid on the custom made leather couch, where across from her was her father telling her, once more, from the start on why they had to do what they did.

Griffons and Ponies had lived in harmony with one another, rarely would such two completely habitations could make it work, but Griffons stop eating earth ponies many Millenniums back; for it was the compromise the two creatures made in order to stop a long time war long forgotten. Ponies, the ignorant creatures they were, would not take any heed to their kind advisable warnings. They believed to be on top of the food chain.

What fools.

Earth Ponies were strong, Pegasi were agile and the power of flight, while lastly Unicorns had magic and intelligent to their disposal. Even with all of that, the moment they took away the means to kill, to sacrifice it was obvious they were creature that could not save themselves.

Of course, anything that wasn’t seemingly ‘right’ in their little world, was a rejected existences. Ponies who could not live up to such standers were abandoned, Gilda merely rolled her eyes, as she could think of one or two ponies she had found to be rejected from that small world. Not to mention her old man going on, and on, and on about how she should act. She was a third kin and the only female of their family, not mention her grandmother and mother that lived in Gryphon Kingdom which wasn’t even on Equestra’s map. To arrive one would need a boat or wings. Which is why there was need for compromise in the first place, the Equidae needed fast and resistant flier, for only the Gryphonic race was that type of fliers.

Despite being a carnivore race, griffons did enjoy the sweets ponies were able to make, Gilda wasn’t much a sweet tooth, but it was either that, or eat hay. She rather gulp down sweets than eat the blandness called ‘hay’.

Laying her head on the couch’s armrest, which was quite hard, since the wood made it too stiff. Though she was tired listening to the continuous ranting on her ‘mission’, since she was the solo female, for by Gypsy’s law only she was allowed to guard the gates of the Gleipnir. It was tradition and nothing else but still… she couldn’t be cursed with a much more boring job than this. She had already entered the gates a long time ago, the item itself was beautiful but it didn’t seem like it could do much. ‘But it was very, VERY important~’ Continued her father. She heard it all, she knew it all but his words weren’t going to make her care anymore than this.

“Are you listening?!” The two feet taller griffon asked, his black feathers were hard not to notice, as head was a light grey color, his eyes were as black as his feathers. His body of fur was a milky grey essences of color.

“YEAss… I heard you father, for the fortieth time today! Can I go now?” Gilda practically begged. Her old man eyes narrowed into a glare, though he gave up the moment after.

Almost saying dismissingly, waving his talons “Yes, you may go.”

Getting on her talons and paws, with a flick of her tail, she turned head to the exit of the large mansion in the sky. Griffons rarely lived in Cloudsdale since, like she had mention before, they had different styles of living. Ponies breeded animals, cultivated the earth and skies and made sweets. Griffons cooked many type of food, whether meat or fish, wild type of fruit and prided themselves for their hunting skills.

Ponies looked at them with irregular glances, they didn’t need words when their actions showed no hesitation to point out one’s flaws. The animals that were controlled by ponies became no different from dogs, losing all their instinct and doing whatever their master told them.

Since they ruled the skies, the earth and some magical tombs: their arrogance grew with each passing century. It was sickening and the worse thing was, at the time of her old friendship, she honestly had faith in such nimble creatures. Though it was forbidden, oddly enough, the Griffons would hitch a pony at least once in their lives: each of them saying the meat was well balanced. Gilda had refuted the kind gestures of her kind, as hard as it was to believe, living with ponies for most of her life made it difficult for her to even think of eating them. Of course these events were allowed once every long while, the important thing was to never be caught doing such actions. Ironically these were the reasons: Ponies feared parts of the world were nature worked without them, for they knew they were no different than their pets.

They had to have control of everything or it was not worth it.

Zebras, unlike most, ponies did not fear nor hesitate in such parts of the world. Gilda had thought of them the strongest of their kind: smart, strong and speedy. They were honest creatures and never very much arrogant. She could remember meeting Zecora, once,  the riddle speaking zebra merely laugh kindly at her pit of isolation. Saying that she understood their fear of the unknown, for everybody fears the darkness, or the shadows in an eerie night.

It had seemed Zecora was doing fine now, ‘a piece of paradise’ was the title of Ponyville, which a load of bullshit if you asked her. Walking on top of cloudy streets, her talons and paws were feeling a delight of heaven, for it was much different than the mountains she lived on. Pegasi walked everywhere and barely any unicorns to be seen. Unicorns were the only one who could walk on clouds, having magic at their disposal was their trump card, for it be impossible for any flightless creature to walk among the heavens. Ponies honestly thought they had created the storms, lightening, hail and rain… A documents of such things were known only to the Dragons, Foxes, Ratatoskr, Gryphon and Griffons. She was a descendent of the old Gryphon clan or something like that. There were other smart creatures but they weren’t in real knowledge of the past events. There were more but unlikely to be found.

Finally arriving to the edge of the clouds, feeling every muscle, with her wings expanding, with a small jump, she let herself fall against the wind. The whistling that came as she could see the piece of land becoming more detailed, pulling herself up, with her wings well lined, gliding around in circles.

The best thing of Cloudsdale was the air current, it was gentle but not overly cold. The quietness of nothingness, gave her the moment to wipe her head clean of all the boring stuff she had to do for the last three months. She was tired being cooped up with her mother, tired of gaining a ‘title’ as the guardian of the ‘Chain’, most of all: she was tired of walking!! Because realizing she was free to do as she pleased, with a directional change: she dived into the shades of green that were miles away. It was the challenge that came with not losing control of the dive, as she clutched her wings close to her torso, as she was sure she reached the Troposphere, as if to pull to the height of her head while spreading her eagle wings, she was piloting at the highest speed of 127mph as she was going position her body into a more comfortable way. Her muscles were screaming in pain and pleasure, with a single flap she was now between the borders of the mountain at Ponyville and Cloudsdale.

No creature couldn’t understand the hype of flying, unless they too could fly like herself. Griffons weren’t speedsters like herself, great flyers and all, but not at all daredevil with their own wings. That is if you don’t count extreme hunting.

She just enjoyed herself for the time being, as it was the first time in days she was allowed to fly as she liked. The summer’s breeze were delicate and cool, the sun was unusually piercing, while Pegasi in the slightly below her prepared for an evening storm for tonight. ‘This is going to be a bore…’ She could only think as she was probably going to plan to hunt tonight. She wasn’t sure now, but if it was to rain tonight, she surely wouldn’t have the fun to feast tonight.

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“CUTIEMARK CRUSADERS EPIC ADVENTURERS GOOO!!!” They screamed their hearts out. Buzzing her small wings, she couldn’t contain her excitement that she was going to get her cutie mark today!

Hell, she might even become as daring as the Amazing Daring Do! Her idol’s idol! So running with all her strength, she and her friends ran deep into the diamond caves, the world would be at their feet: when they crossed and found an amazing jewel lost in the depth of time.

Or money! Money would be epic! Gold, precious jewels and maybe even fame!

“WHOOHOOO! HERE I COME FAME AND GLORY!” She screamed from the top of her lungs.

AppleBloom was to her right with a determined expression. Applebloom the cowpony she was, had amazing athletic skill though had a touch of creativity that most fillies could only dream of. To her left, was SweetieBell and on the filly’s face was struggle, as she couldn’t keep up with them. The cave they enter wasn’t a typical cave, it glowed with great majesty of illusionist gems and material Scootaloo had never even seen in Rarity’s shop.

They kept going one path to another, though with the left, right, right, left, straight, right, back, left and so. They soon found themselves lost, though the view they got to see was a rare one indeed.

The dead end had a wall of pure mithril, they could not get closer, for the pond was pretty steep and a colorful greenish blue. Actually, the walls look like they were made by natural crystal and material like mithril. The pond, the walls and the dim light that filled the darkness was far too quiet. Scootaloo sighed, while in the background AppleBloom grumbled of finding nothing special. SweetieBell on the other hand looked memorized by the worthless wall covers.

“Looks like a dead end.” Scootaloo admitted with a grumblingly tone. Kicking her hoof at a small rock.

SweetieBell was walking backwards in circles, saying with uncertainty “I don’t know, you guys. I think we found some interesting material. My sister would love to have some of it.”

“She wants a bunch of ROCKS?! Y’u have to be bloody kidding me!” AppleBloom said with disbelief.

SweetieBell gave AppleBloom a skeptical look, shaking her head in exasperation “Of course not, silly! This is Mithril, not only is it fashionable, but great for selling to merchants of any continent! I’m sure she’ll enjoy knowing of such a place.”

AppleBloom was still very doubtful look, deciding not to comment what everypony knew she was thinking, though Scootaloo couldn’t help but agree with SweetieBell. If she could sell it, that be great! She wanted to get the newest scooter out on a nice sell. Her mother wouldn’t buy it for sure and Christmas had showed to be useless. She remember the name of this material, however, she was at a lost on how to get it back to sell. She had already check to see her still remaining blank flank. The cave wasn’t abandoned, there was no huge amount of danger, if one had to compare their other adventures to find their cutie mark. The Diamond Dogs did nothing to them, yet Scootaloo couldn’t help but feel edgy being in such a cavern.

“Any idea how to take this stuff with us?” She asked the obvious questions.

SweetieBell and AppleBloom were at a lost, knowing they too, couldn’t do anything about it and it wasn’t as they got anything out of it. No cutie marks made the rest of the day pointless.

Walking to the edge of the pond, AppleBloom tested the water on the surface “The water is weird.”

She and SweetieBell walked together, only to be side by side with their filly friend, the greenish water wasn’t water. It kind of reflected their faces, however, it was thicker than water and shinier. Titling her head she said “What is this? Pollution?” SweetieBell titled her head the other way, seemingly not agree “I doubt it… it’s far too pretty to be of compost, I wonder if it is what I thought it was. Nah… no way… like in a gazillion years would that be true.”

“Waht?! What could ‘t possible be?!” AppleBoom asked impatiently.

“Jewelry Tears…” SweetieBell muttered. It was like something of extreme importance, her and Applebloom, however, were drawing blanks.

The unicorn just gave a flat look, facehooving her face, almost agony-like.

“It is like the most rarest thing in all of Equestra! The mythical liquid that can turn anything into a jewel with the right material!!” Practically screaming it in frustration.

AppleBloom shrugged to her, she shrugged back, it sounded like something in fairytales. Like those ‘humans’ Lyra kept talking about.  Only the words: “It’s super costly, we’ll be billionaires in a single day.” Brought out in themselves a super high pitched squealing noise as they made a tight group hug.

“We’re ric’! We’re Ric’!!! Filthy Rich!” Turning her head to her flank, AppleBloom just frowned knowing they hadn’t any type of cutie mark. So turning their head back at the pond, they could only wonder how they could bring the liquid with them.

“You know, for adventurers, we forgot some pretty basic stuff… like saddlebags.” SweetieBell grumbled. They didn’t have any way to bring it with them.

The earth filly said with worry “Y’u Kno’… Ah'm more worry of how we can get out of here:”

“I know, right? Geez… let’s just walk back.” She had to admit, she had gotten lost and she wasn’t even sure what time it was tonight. Though tomorrow morning she come back for this pricy liquid.

“Do not worry I shall guide you back home, misses.” A light gruffy male voice appeared, as they turn to see at the exit was a small Terrier Diamond Dog, fur of black and brown. His muzzle seemed like a mustache, his eyes were small and beaded, on his chest was a black vest on top his white dress shirt and black tie with red slanted strips. He almost looked elegant but was only 6 inches taller than them.

“Who are you?” She growled at the Diamond Dog.

If they went low enough to kidnap and use for slavery a poor pony, they were all monsters. Rarity was a little bit cooler that day, as she came back making the group of Diamond Dogs practically afraid of her. Though if she could, she would show her friends how strong and dependable she was, making it one step closer to become a town hero. Maybe even take the world by storm!

“You are nothing but trespassers. I will escort you out of this cave and you must never, ever speak of this place again. This is a protected place with mazes of illusions, which you seemed to have pass without a single hitch. I see you’re a bunch of potential fillies, but nighttime is to arrive and if you know what is good for you: you will follow.” The dog was arrogant as they could get.

But the thing that got her was his high vocabulary, were these mutts suppose to be morons? She couldn’t help but feel estranged by the event.

“Tarnashion, Ah don’t remember any mazes, do y’u SweetieBell?” AppleBloom seem just as confused but for a completely different reason.

The unicorn just shrugged, maybe they have or maybe they hadn’t, what did they know?

A bead of sweat fell, dropping his head “Is that so~..? Incredible…. Anyhow, follow me, by the time we exit it shall be time to dine.”

“Waht, is he say’ng?!” The earth filly turned to her friend. Scootaloo, herself, didn’t have a clue but she merely guessed the mutt was talking of dinner time. In which SweetieBell said in a calming, almost obvious, manner “He means we’ll be out around seven 0’ clock. When it’s time to eat. We’re pretty lucky, but sir… can we take some of that Jewelry Tears with us?”

While they follow the mutt, taking a left, right, motion to each pathway. He spoke quiet sturdily “I cannot do so. And I also ask of you not to tell anybody of this place. I have guarded it for years. If anypony were to find it, I would not only lose a home but those memories with them.”

“PLeuaseee—! Like that’s true! All you want is to keep the money all to yourself! I mean look at you! Because of that pit of gold there, you aren’t half as stupid as most of those bastards!” She mocked him coldly. It was a lie…

He was just a greedy dog, nothing more and nothing less.

“… Believe what you like. I am not here to defend myself against mere fillies.” The mutt said, though his tone hinted something else.

Well she had nothing more to say.

For the next half hour was strolling silently. The more they look for something remarkable, like a way to get back, in their sight was only dirt, rocks and small puddles here and there. It was even surprising how they got to their goldmine in the first place. The mutt wasn’t kidding when he said he had made a maze of illusions. If they got Twilight’s help surely they could find a way to beat the mutt’s magic.

The silence was broken by AppleBloom “Hey, mister. Watcha name?”

“The name is Terrier Fiddlestone of Minestra within Artueqe region. I come to these parts of Equestra most of my life, so it is mostly a second home to me.”

“Umm… that’s really long name; how ‘bout’ I call you Terry?”

The mutt nonchalant gesture, it didn’t seem to bother him much. The tunnels they crossed slowly, slowly started to expand into something worth calling a cave. So she tried her best to take small notes of what could be useful. However, Memory wasn’t exactly her strongest trait, she couldn’t even beat Snail in the stupid game! Tossing out the memory, she notice after three rights, one left and two rights; they arrived into a small mining part of the diamond caves.

“So Terry, why ‘r’ y’u so smart? I thought them Diamond Dogs were thickheaded.” The cowpony continued.

Terry with a elegant but gruff tone stated “Us, Diamond Dogs, are creatures of hard labor… there isn’t much time to work and study and take breaks all in the same day. Working as a group, depending on breeds, we separate and divided our strength and weakness, mix them up and hopeful make a promising group.”

She scoffed at that “Sure, sure… you couldn’t even handle a mare for the levels of complaining she did.”

He chuckled at such a statement “No doubt, it was Rover’s group. They are veterans as far as we’re concern, but I’m more of the eastern side, those stories go on for miles. The western side made Rover their leader… though it depends on who you ask. I laughed at that moment of shame that will haunt Rover’s group for eternity. It’s no real fault of his own, it was an inevitable thing. Luckily they’re most nonviolent you can get out of the bastards, we breeds are proudest among the Diamond Dogs legacy. Mutts and purebreds are very different, though we’re use to such confusion, it is understandable.”

‘He talks waayyy too much, does he just like hearing himself talk?’ She thought as all she could do was follow.

“So… you say this place has sentimental values, how come I can’t believe you?”

His voice was mocking “Maybe because you are a naïve and greedy filly. Can one live on a goldmine and not live in that house for the gold? I’ll say it in laypony terms: This was my home long before it was a goldmine.”

“But yah don’t live here, didn’t you say so yourself?!” The earth filly pointed out.

“…. This will just get more complicated. Children always make simple things difficult.” Terry muttered to himself. Not that he was trying to mock them, they just were not deaf, so hearing wasn’t a problem. For a silent creepy cave with nothing but hooves patting about.

“I think you are just talking from your—.” Though SweetieBell cut through her comment with a disapproving look “Scootaloo! What is wrong with you?! Be kind we’re just trying to get home. I would be mad too if somebody rob from me.”

AppleBloom appear to have the same worries. Looking at her like she was somebody to be worried for.

It wasn’t fair! She just wanted to get a new scooter! Was that too much to ask for?! She couldn’t fly, she why couldn’t she ride in style?! Also… the damn mutt was just lying, all these mutts were golddiggers, despite his high vocabulary, he was no different than those kidnappers. Unable to hide her contempt, she just glared at the back of the mutt, Terry, whom gave no mind to her.

So another half hour past, her friends happily chatted with the canine, Scootaloo just gave up on trying to get a permission to have some riches. Somehow and in some way her friends ended up on what they were going to do with their families on the Flower Gazing Celebration, which was a rare sighting of the Passin’SunStar Flowers. It was a time to be with either close friends or with family members, one of those rare times where SweetieBell’s Mom and Dad were able to stay together as a happy family. Even though AppleBloom had neither a mother or father, she had her siblings and granny.

Just hearing them talking happily about it made her want to throw up.

She was happy for them. All the same, she just didn’t want to hear about that stupid festival, even Dinky’s derpy mother had enough time to spend with her kid. It annoyed her to no end. By the time AppleBloom was about to start explain her entire family tree, which in itself, was a three hours explanation. Scootaloo gave a breath of relief. They had gotten out and they had made it to the edge of Ponyville.

“Thank you, fillies. Your kind and gentle demeanor. I wish you a kind and wonderful year.” Terry said as he gave a small bow, before entering his small tunnel entrance. They waved goodbye to the mutt.

Though once the mutt vanish from sight, lifting their heads, they noticed the walls of dark clouds looming over the earth, all over Ponyville too. The humidity could be smell, felt since the air was becoming heavy and sticky. It was something as a pegasus, she couldn’t imagine to do as a grown up, she absolutely hated the rain. It was always cold, never refreshing and her mane took forever to dry. Usually she wouldn’t mind the rain, though everything in the atmosphere was telling everypony the storm would be unforgiving heavy.

“Girls, I think we should hurry… a storm this big will start at any second.” AppleBloom worriedly.

None of them could disagree as they all start to run back home, finally getting out of the Diamond Dogs area, they found themselves split since the Apple Family lived at the edges of Ponyville, which was very far across from Futtershy’s cottage. Only her and SweetieBell were left, for once they entered the town’s borders, a roar of thunder sounded the abandoned streets and parks.

“Aaahh!!! Mom is going to kill me! See you, Scootaloo!” SweetieBell parted to the far east as her family’s house was next. Scootaloo looked her friend part, her feelings became uncertain as lighting was a frightening possibility. What if it would hit her?

The closer she came home, which was on the other side of the town, she had to cross the two bridges of the lake. Already passing the town hall, she was now near the next bridge, that would lead most ponies to the road of Manehatten. It was the downtown part of Ponyville and most didn’t come here. Though the prices were fairer, or that what her father use to say, as she notice the familiar home, raindrops wetted her muzzle. She was just on the bridge, when the storm decided to start, she started to doubt whether she had good luck to begin with. Misfortune like playing tricks on her.

But she made it home and that’s what count, in the end.

Her house was a decent size, it was redecorated, since compared to the other houses beside them. It was colored with white, yellow and purple paste like colors. The wooden door was closed, the windows had the shutters placed and it was prepared to face the storm. Only just to knock, the sound of the raindrops quicken and gain more pressure as it hit against the ground of the town.

She sat there, being hit by the rain, unable to move any closer to the door than she had.

Hearing the wind blowing in her ears, only waited nearly a minute, she knocked again and harder. She wanted to get out of this horrible weather. She gave out a groan, knowing full well what had happen, for this wasn’t the first time she had been locked out of her own house. Feeling her blood boil, she made her hoof to slam against the wooden surface, yelling “MOM! LET ME IN!!! MOOoooOOoomMMMmmm!!!!!”

Today had become a terrible storm, it was necessary, since the cycle of life needed water. The clouds were filled with too much lightening, making it truly impossible to control and watch over the storm completely. They said the water would be around two to three inches.

All she could do was glare at the door, which bordered her away from salvation from the rain, sitting there in her negative mood; she awaited. Waiting for something, she knew would not happen: her mother actually getting up and notice her daughter wasn’t home. Her mother, she lost all feelings of affection, for the pony, who owned that title. When father had died, her mother had already stopped her fashion career, expecting him to take care of them all. He loved the both of them, seemingly her mother loved him back to the point she stopped living her own life. Scootaloo only glared at the door, as she was very cold, hit by water and wind. She was tired, as she had spent time with her dear friend in hopes to find their cutie marks. And all she wanted was to go home.

But the damn door wouldn’t open!

Sighing a tired acknowledgment, she began to run to the town hall, the only public place that would give shelter without bothering anybody. The wind was unfair, though it was better than being soak to the bone.

For the passing of minutes, she was in a sitting position as she far as the eye could see. The river acted up, the leaves flown harshly in the airborne position only to get bored and laid down. Playing lazily with a small rock with her hoof, she sighed as it seem time was going more slower than usual. It wasn’t surprising, she had nowhere to go or to do. Because harsh storms like these, ponies in Ponyville closed up just about anything. Her friends would lend her a hand, though… she was sure some adult would ask her question she was happier not answering. The wind was blowing fiercely that it made a whistling sound, the lightning struck about everywhere. Noting that fact, she couldn’t suppress her whimpering.

So she curled herself up, in order to keep warm and not in any way, a possible hit of the electrical currents.

Only then a familiar voice called her “Hewy! Scootaloo?” It was none other than that stupid mare, Derpy.

She was flapping her wings as she looked outside the balcony. “Whatya doing in thwere? Come with me. You know you’re always welcome.”

Scootaloo glared at the estranged eyed pony, who’s pupils would always be in a disjointed matter. She turned her head back, hearing the background Derpy putting her hooves on the Town’s Halls floor, she honestly didn’t want to go there of all places! It just… was.. So un cool---!! Yet Rainbow Dash never noticed her but the two eye freak did.

“Come oun, there’s nowthin’ to be bothered by. We’re having Chocolate Fudge cake today! Though… I’d really be happier with muffins. But Sparkler wanted chocolate and muffings were tiring she said… ooowwhhh… The point is! Chocolate day has arrived! We even have whip cream! Nopony going to notice anything anyway with this type of weather.” Derpy said with a gentle tone with a mix of self discussion of events.

With hesitation she got up on her hooves and with a grim face, she faced the smiling mare. It was creepy to look at.

“Do you want me to cawry you?” She asked, titling her head with a never changing expression.

Growling,  retorting “No. I’m not a baby, let’s just go!”

Derpy, nodding, took the lead going east from the Town house, where stood close by a statue of somepony. Four block over and five to the left… they made it to a cozy, though cramped up houses, that were more or less connected. Opening the door, Derpy held it open for her, as she entered soaking wet once more into a new place. The entrance had a wooden floor, a table in the middle, on top of a red circled rug. Sitting at the four seated table, were two unicorns: the smaller one looking more like Derpy with a purple hinted hue was Dinky. The older one was almost around, if not younger,  age than the six mare.

They seemed to be enjoying themselves with a nice cake.

Noticing her arrival, Sparkler spoke cynically, if not condescending “So mother dearest did it once again, huh?”

“Shut up!”She growled, her and Sparkler never got along, it had been like this ever since she was a foal. Though that may not be exactly right…

“Hello, muffin! And miss I-The-Betrayer-Of-The-Muffin-Kingdom!” Derpy said joyously as she hug Dinky that came running to her mother. Sparkler only chuckled at her mother’s words with playful words responded “I’m glad you’re home too.”

Grumbling, as she trotted to her seat, she took a piece of cake.

“Mommy! Did it go well? I mean you’re not hurt are you?” Dinky spoke in a fast pace manner. Facing her mother after the hug. The mare only laughed with content, rubbing her filly’s head.

Leaning her head down to eye contact, though it was a pretty strange scene, as the mare answered “Of course not, my muffin. The skies couldn’t have been more kinder. I also got to visit an old friend of mine before departing. It was a pretty fun day.”

The two ponies walked and finally sat themselves together with the rest.

“So who was this friend of yours?” Sparkler seem fairly surprised as turn to her mother, where Dinky once sat. Dinky choose to it right next to her, Scootaloo mental grumbled but then again she wasn’t even happy being here in the first place. She didn’t have any negative feelings toward the youngest pony, however… she didn’t exactly care for the attention the filly gave to her. Sparkler was one she absolutely despised, always getting on her case for her attitude. Did the mare even known her own attitude?! Scootaloo doubted it.

Derpy, well… Scootaloo had a lot to say about her.

“Wewll… I guess couldn’t call us friends-friends, but she was in my old flight camp and it was pretty fun. Seemingly she had a family matter, though I don’t really know much of the Relasònè head. Only that they have some power of the taxing between skies and earth. Not many ponies were happy to hear of it. Mr. Lowbirdge gave me his thanks, like always, then I saw Mrs.Loo, she still wants to give you a another playdate.” Derpy ended up explaining that she had to deliver a package to Cloudsdale since she was the only one free for the travel. Cloudsdale wasn’t exactly hard to get to, though she didn’t exactly know how many pegasi even work there.

Unicorns were especially favored in the mailing business, though for small towns like Ponyville, earth ponies had a chance to shine. Not that it was an impressive job to begin with. It was pretty boor—rring.

Just about anypony could do it.

The older unicorn groaned “Mom, I love you and Lana Loo, but pleeaasee— Don’t make me go!”

Derpy looked at her daughter’s clamped hooves, almost acting like a prayer, though it was a bit hard to understand the expression across, as once more the pupils went in different directions. Her voice contained authority, though if only hinted “I’mma sowrry but you must. Sparkler you have to at least try. Loo is only looking for the best for you.”

“But I already have friends. I don’t need any more nor do I need a date.” Now her lamenting became complaining.

Scootaloo merely ate her, fantastic tasting, fudge cake with Dinky who didn’t seem to have a clue on what was happening. Scootaloo heard rumors concerning her un-favorite pony, though she didn’t exactly understand what the problem exactly was. It must have been a grown up thing at best. Though it was already widely known that Sparkler was adopted by Derpy, while the other unicorn was her actual kin. Sparkler was exactly one of the well known magical powers that second to the mare six.

Her job was being the assistant of Ingredient for UNknown Casters shop, it consisted of having a above average knowledge of all material of the world.  IUNC shop was usually empty, with the exception of passersby travelers and Twilight Sparkle. Sparkler was proud to say it was her job, always saying in an arrogant tone that it was what only good student ponies could get. Pitiful that it was mostly empty around the year. That didn’t stop the unicorn to make it seem like a pretty busy shop… though it would work once a month, since it cost too much to keep appearance.

“Scootaloo… why isn’t your mommy home?” Dinky turned to her.

Her retort was a scowl “She’s… not… well…” She be damned, what was she suppose to tell the filly? In this house, everypony knew about her mother’s case, kindly pretended it didn’t exist. Though Dinky had a vague idea, she was innocent enough to believe anything, even when she held some sort of doubt.

“Muffin, you mustn’t put your noise into other’s business. Her Mommy just isn’t feeling well.”

“Heh… she hasn’t been well for years,” Rolling her hoof around the side of her head “She had some lose screws for years.”

Giving a small smack at the light magenta pony's shoulder, Derpy shook her head in complete disapprove manner “Cupcake… That wasn’t nice, say sorry.”

Being angry at the unicorn, she snared “Yeah, Even a Derp like pony would have to teach you the basic like that!”

Derpy merely frowned at the event, shaking her head and hoped a bomb wouldn’t fall from the sky. For the words triggered even more negative feelings between the two ponies.

“For one thing, she’s isn’t Derp, Derpy or a retard, secondly she’s Ditzy Doo… Our mother and a kind mare who let you in! You can leave if you really don’t want to stay here!” Sparkler was at a yelling hype with her voice.

“Ditzy, Derpy. Tamato, tomato. Not really different if you ask me.” She remark as she gave off a smug shrug.

Dinky whined softly “Momma… name is Ditzy… I think it’s very different from Derpy. Hmm…”

“I mean come on, she break everything, and I mean everything. She doesn’t notices anything either! She’s injured more people than she helps, so yeah… I think Derpy a pretty fitting name for a mother like yours.” She just couldn’t stop herself.

She had nothing nice to say about Derpy, or Ditzy, or whatever you wanted to call the pegasus. Though even she wasn’t blind enough to know she should of held her tongue. This wasn’t the first time she been locked out of her house nor was it the first time that Derpy had actually given her shelter on bad days like these. Yet Derpy really was freaky, creepy, pathetic and useless to everypony around her. Instead of just being like the air, she made simple events into problematic events.

“Take that back right now!” Sparkler was just about screaming now.

Leaning forward, with both hooves on the table, she challenge “Make me!”

Derpy got between the two ponies, while Dinky could only look with offense at the scene, Sparkler and herself were forced to be behind the table. Their tension would not fade, as the furies and challenge unicorn stared at her with cross hooves. She stared at Sparkler with a smug smile.

“Muffins, muffins… come on… let’s enjoy this moment together and no fiwghting tis bad for the soul. It only make our food taste sour. Come on… let’s not fight.”

She scoffed as she look to the left, the unicorn look to the right, anywhere but where their eyes stood. Though Dinky’s sniffing couldn’t be unheard, it made Scootaloo a little uneasy, because she knew how much Dinky was suffering for her mother’s existences. She understood it better than anypony in Ponyville. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoons were annoying, neurotic bullies and were mean to everypony. Though nopony would want to admit it, they did agree with them when it came to Derpy Doo. They had to protect the crying filly at least once, the prank was just a bitter tasting joke.

She had said horrible things, hadn’t she?

“Mommy isn’t stupid, or weird…” Were the words muttered by the naïve filly.

Just like herself, Dinky unconditionally loved her mother, despite they were the cause of all that was bad.

“I know muffin. So don’t cry. Scootaloo, please say sorry. Say you’re wrong.” Derpy said it not for herself, but because Dinky was hurt the most.

Even though it was a lie, she shouldn’t had acted like that anyway. It was just plain rude. Why was it, that every day became more and more about fighting? Hell, after Discord, she got only angrier and about every little thing. Just like that day… were it covered with red… nah… she shouldn’t think… about such stupid things.

“Dinky, hey… It’s all just water under the bridge. I didn’t mean it, honestly… I’m just tired… cold… lonely… and hungry. It just got to me and I just burst, hahaha…. Ditzy Doo, not Derpy, I would never say such stuff. Or at least to that context, okay?” She forced herself to say, she didn’t mean it much and it probably showed. Though she couldn’t think of a way to make it seem all accidental either.

Dinky nodded, it was obvious she wasn’t convinced, her emotion of sorrow mellowed out. Then a clapping of hooves came about as her mother spoke “Well, with that all cleared up, how about some fresh bake Rasberry muffins? Anypony??”

“ME! Me! I want a muffin!” Dinky immediately asked for a second helping of food.

Turning to the mare who was walking to the kitchen, Scootaloo agreed “Sure, why not? The storm isn’t going to end for a while anyway.”

Sparkler’s expression was still dark, but shrugging, she got on her hooves and walked to the room beyond the kitchen. Before she left, her words were “No thanks, I have to study for Mr. Bane’s static test. Have fun.”

With the two mares out of hearing rang, Dinky whispered to her “… So Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are right? Mommy is so stupid that she accidently had me? I was better off not being born than alive with her?”

If heart were to stop at any moment, it was now, because how… why?! Why would she believe in such things. “You don’t believe that, do you? I mean… do you?”

Praying to Celestia that she hadn’t just indirectly approved something to the same level as those ponies! Who in their right mind would say that? Especially to such a young filly! Even when insulted by the two snottiest earth fillies, never had such a cruel insult left their mouth. When did these type of thing start to happen? Why hadn’t Miss Cheerilee do something about it?! Then again, as her expression turned into a derisive frank expression with a bitter mirth, it was just the fact of life. No adult could help a kid when they really needed them.

Saying useless stuff and doing nothing to stop it.

“No… I don’t believe it. But I thought you’d agree with them.” She said with a hurt tone.

Shaing her head, she informed her underclassmate “No,nono… I do not agree with that! What I said was… well… she makes a lot of problems. But it’s no fault of your own.”

Dinky gave her a sad skeptical look “I love momma, no matter what. I need nopony when I have her. But… I thought… you were different. I kind of… want to hate you. You’re so mean… but you’re not the only pony.”

“… Well you can hate me. Do what you want, I don’t care.” She mumbled yet she didn’t really feel like that.

“Then if I hate you… will we ever be friends again?” Dinky said with a cool expression.

Looking down at the pony, she didn’t have a clear idea “… People fight all the time. Who knows?”

The night took it course, as Derp—Ditzy continue to prepare scratch made muffins, so they began to play together with My Little Human toys, laughing at the expense of village jokes. This place was almost at times another place she could come to, if she needed it, though she hated how she would have to come to a house that belong to such a character to such mockery. Scootaloo who was at the age where flight should become possible, was unable to fly, since nopony would teach her.

Only Ditzy was willingly to help her fly… of course she rejected it, though if she really needed it she could always have that offer.

She hated coming here mostly because she didn’t want anypony, especially that Rainbow Dash, were to find out. Dinky was a follower pony, hanging out with Pipsqueak who acted like the leader. Though if she hated this place so much, why did she bother staying? It was convenient, why else would she bother staying inside a nice cozy house in such a horrible weather? Though she wouldn’t come unless she was invited. Yet every time, that strange mare welcome her, maybe it had to do with the fact the mare knew her family personally. She came to the funeral of her father’s death, Sparkler was there too as Rarity and her parents. Thinking of such days were the most painful; because the most painful ones weren’t the worse moments, but the moments that should of given delight.

But since it was only a memory: it would never happen again. There was no worse sting in any life that could bear such a heavy moment. Like being allergic to sweets, you see them everywhere, but aren’t allow to eat, if you care to live.

The rain didn’t stop, it look like she be stuck at the Doo’s house for a little while longer. But Derpy already said she could sleep with Dinky, since they were just so close as friends. Scootaloo could only shrug, not giving much space to say no, since she rather not die of cold. Sparkler for the rest of night was nowhere to be seen. Dinky had gone to prepare for bed after another helping of muffins, which were the sweetest she ever tasted. It was a family receipt, because no matter where she look, no muffin ever had the great quality Derpy had with Muffins. Only looking at the old photo of her mother, father and Derpy’s family together made her wonder why such a picture existed.

Her mother was no longer that happy unicorn from long ago.

“Hey, Scoo… Wanna check if your mother’s awake?” The mare asked motherly.

Shaking her head, her words were cold “No… it be pointless. You know she’s not going to answer, who knows if she even up.”

Looking up to the photo, she was staring at, the mare muttered “She was a beautiful pony. She loves you dearly even if… she can’t really be there for you. You are never alone, you know that, right? You may feel like you are, but you aren’t. If you ever need any help.. the Doo family will always be here.”

“…” She didn’t say anything, what was there to say? Thank you? Why?!

But it was lonely…

… and nopony could ever understand her or her life.

Being patted on the head by the strange eyed, smiling mare, Derpy advised “It’s time to go to bed. Tomorrow, you’ll take Dinky to school, okay? Then we’re even.”

She wondered how she could go to school without her saddlebag and accepted it was nothing that big of a loss. Going beyond the kitchen, to the room at the left, was Dinky’s room which was childishly colored and decorated. The young filly was already sleeping peacefully. There below the bed was a blanket made bed, in order to be soft and comfy. Laying herself into it, she could feel the soft padded blankets cuddling and warming her, taking the sheet above she position herself to sleep in peace.

Honestly… she be happy sleeping forever in this type of warmth.