Mud the Kelpie

Chapters

Hold Your Breath
Night Guest
Pinkie's Way
Apples Never Fall Far
Bulls
Magic Troubles
Sick Day
Ponish

Hold Your Breath

Whether the Tree of Harmony new about household decoration or not, the fact it formed a divot in the roof for a pool was a surprise when the ponies actually got to exploring the massive structure. And after Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy helped gather enough rain clouds to fill it, it became a perfect relaxation spot. But for testing the lung capacity of a new aquatic mammal, it is the perfect choice.

Twilight stood at the very edge of the tiles, leaning over the water to see better. Her eyes filled with amazement and flicking her gaze to the water and to the chain watch. Starlight however was laying back on one of the lawn chairs, completely asleep.

The princess smiled big, staring at the watch. “Almost two hours… This is so exciting!”
Starlight rolled over.
“Extra cheese…” She mumbled.

Mud floated just above the bottom, her hind hooves dragging on the stone. Her eyes closed and her mouth clamped shut while she dozed on. Her ears flattened against her head to keep water from flowing in, the her nose released only a couple tiny bubbles now and then. The water was warm and her own body heat became insulated under the surface. It was a pleasant enough feeling that Mud had also fallen to sleep.

She dreamed about fish and frogs at first, how she used to hunt them, and after failing too many times she went to find turtles. But the thing about swamp turtles, is that she could never remember the difference between the ones that bite, and the ones that don’t.

But when the memories of being so embarrassed by being chased by turtles and never being quick enough to catch a fish, the simplest things a kelpie could do, Mud than dreamed about her new fortune in the ponies just giving her the best food ever. She never would have to worry about hunting, or any sneaking gazes looking to make fun of her at any opportunity.

But dreaming about food only made her hungry, and sitting at the bottom of a pool wasn’t going to help with that. Mud blinked open her eyes, the clear scales shielding them from the slightly less warm water, and her body heat, which would have made it seem cooler. The kelpie began rising to the surface, stomach growling as she went.

Sleep still tugged at her, making moving her arms and legs sluggish as she slid up and onto the hard sun warmed flooring. Taking a deep breath of clean Spring air, she finished pulling herself up and sat back on her haunches, eyes closed.

Twilight gave a slight jump as she wrote down the time, “Two hours! That beats your record from this morning!”
Mud smiled a bit, letting a purr rise in her throat.

The alicorn laid a wing over the kelpie’s shoulder, pulling her close. “What should we do now? Starlight?”
The two looked up at the sleeping unicorn, who startled awake.

“Uh? Two number forty-fives…” She passed out again.

Twilight smiled, “Great idea, let’s get some lunch first.”
Mud’s eyes opened up, and her soaked tail began swinging side to side. Just one shrill and excited bark, forced Starlight to startle awake, ready to go.

Author's Note

bit of kelpie facts

there are art pieces of Mud on DeviantArt, search Topazzia or Child of the Swamp :)

Night Guest

Not much happens at night.
Ponies and animals alike burrow into their beds and nests, nearly all fast asleep.

Kelpies on the other hoof, were primarily nocturnal for that reason. The reason being many of the superior predators where asleep, and prey would be out. It was the only time kelpies would roam there territory without the intense humidity of the swamp, and the water was cooler.

But for Mud, it wasn’t anything special. Ponies slept, no prey to hunt, the air was pleasant no matter what time of day, and she was the only kelpie in several days journey. Her primary activity back in the Swamp was eves dropping on others, and snatching their prey under cover of night to stop her increasing hunger. Now she cold only walk up and down the massive empty halls of the Crystal castle, all on her lonesome.

Feeling no particular aim to where she was walking, she went until her legs grew tired. Circling through the halls, and up the stairs. She decided not to return to her room, even while she wandered the entire castle, she went to the ponies’ rooms.

Her nose lowered to the floor and she followed the strongest scent trail. It smelled like a paste made from fresh rain water and dried cotton dust, very distinct of the flying blue pony they called Rainbow Dash.

The door wasn’t locked, though clothes, comics, and energy drink cans strewn the floor, making the door slightly less easy to push open. Mud’s nose wrinkled at the familiar tang of sweat, but ignored it as she saw the blanket shrouded bed against the wall.

Stepping lightly around the cans and bottles, the kelpie snuck up to the end of the bed. She slowly lifted her head to peer over the sheets, spying the brightly colored head of the pony. Mud raised her hooves one at a time, keeping her wide glowing eyes on her target. Once she was on the bed, she sniffed along the creases, finding where Rainbow was under the blankets.

Sniffing around the pony’s face, Mud figured she was deep enough in sleep that she wouldn’t notice a kelpie moving in. So, Mud began kneading the bed, and the pony with it. But all she could do to make it more comfortable was to wad up the excess bedding around the pegasi’s long hard limbs.

After making a new nest out of her new roommate, Mud curled up with her head on her hooves. But with the rummaging of the blankets, nudging of her muzzle, and the massive weight put on Rainbow’s legs, the pony yawned and looked down at the dark mass.

There was a sudden tensing underneath Mud, and she snapped her startled gaze to the red eyes that met hers. Fear and confusion was sent her way, making her feel the same. Mud’s fur began to bush out, and her muzzle scrunched back to reveal sharp teeth.

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/68d36cb9-7e92-4eda-9f21-b81648d40c44/dfsaegs-6bdb2803-1c73-41ad-8178-9c69f6c17919.jpg/v1/fit/w_414,h_236,q_70,strp/almost_night_terror_by_topazzia_dfsaegs-414w.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NzMxIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvNjhkMzZjYjktN2U5Mi00ZWRhLTlmMjEtYjgxNjQ4ZDQwYzQ0XC9kZnNhZWdzLTZiZGIyODAzLTFjNzMtNDFhZC04MTc4LTljNjlmNmMxNzkxOS5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9MTI4MCJ9XV0sImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTppbWFnZS5vcGVyYXRpb25zIl19.4CdoBLVtMQiJi7BeqZm1lCfrG9iw32H2kEOwCSi4yG4

Rainbow debated if she was dreaming, or if the same demon from that book she read before going to sleep had come for her. But after recognizing the glowing orange eyes, she settled a bit with a groan. Mud calmed too, and reoriented herself to face directly up at Rainbow’s face. The gesture was ignored, and Dash set her head back on the pillow, closing her eyes to try and fall asleep.

Mud let her body settle on Rainbow’s, and pushed her hooves back behind her to slide up along the pony’s body. Rainbow woke again to look down at the grey head slide down to rest against her chest. Mud’s legs curled up to her stomach and her large brown tail fell over them, covering most of her body. Rainbow hesitated, just watching and trying to stay still.

Mud felt overwhelming comfort, her eyes closing, the heart beat of the pony soothing her. Kelpies, especially Tribal Blood, need companions to survive, and feel safe. Mud almost never slept in a full den, after being an outcast. Memories of sleeping alone in the dark and cold forest with wild animals began to fade as she lay next to one of her new friends. While these ponies didn’t sleep together, they were more than welcome to share with Mud, giving her safety.

Rainbow was instead to tired to consider the kelpie’s background, and only remembered being chased, pounced on, had foo stollen from, and general annoyance from this little grey thing. But when she wasn’t a huge pain in the flank, like she was now. Curled up to sleep for a long times, always listened intently when she spoke about Wonder Bolts, the kelpie wasn’t so bad. That was enough for the Pegasus to lay a hoof and a wing over the feral creature, and fall asleep again.

Pinkie's Way

Often times I was alone, and I would feel like I was the only Kelpie in the swamp. I hated that feeling, because I knew the monsters would have only one target.

The pony creatures here helped me so much, and I know they mean well. I guess I’m so used to being alone, I just needed some space.

I can’t help but remember how things used to be, and everyone that isn’t here anymore. It’s weird, but I like it, I think.

Mud sat reclined against her bed, staring blankly at the wall. Deep in thought, she barely noticed time passing. But the pony approaching up the hall knew that something was wrong, and decided to seek out her dark furred companion.

Bouncing along, the translator necklace rattled as she went. Pinkie stuck to the floor right outside, pressing her ear against the door first, before calling out.
“Mu-uud?” She sang gently, listening for a response. But there was nothing, so she let herself in. Pushing through the door she took a few quick strides in and stopped in the middle of the room, scanning amongst the toys and pillows scattered everywhere. The room was a mess, but this was normal, as Mud had never had a room to clean up before.

Pinkie slid onto the bed and peeked down at the sulking creature, noticing the distant gaze.
“Heya Muddy-Mud.”

Still no answer, Pinkie stepped down and sat beside the Kelpie. “Haven’t seen ya in a bit, it got really boring.”

Mud understood her words, but only took a deep breath.
Pinkie kept a smile, although a look of knowing came on.
“Hey, I know that look.”
She leans close to the Kelpie. “You’re thinking.”

Mud glances at her, letting a sound emanate in her throat. But she crossed her arms, answering in a low hum.
“Yeah… thinking.”

Pinkie smiled encouragingly, “About what?”
Mud hesitated, but straightened up. “Home. Well, my old home.”
“Do ya miss it?”
Mud turns a stern gaze to the pink pony, “No, in fact I’m just remembering how awful it was.”
Pinkie’s smile faded to one of hurtful understanding.
“It wasn’t a home… it was a maggot pit.” The Kelpie went on, her muzzle wrinkling to reveal spiteful fangs.

But it wasn’t enough to discourage Pinkie’s efforts, so she raised a hoof, setting it firmly over her shoulder. “Hey, I’m sure it wasn’t perfect.”

Mud looked surprised at the gesture, making eye contact with the pony.

Pinkie continued, gaze distant, she remembered her own home. Every day was the same gray, and nothing brought joy to her life.
“I never really considered change to actually happen, but then I saw my rainbow. It was enough for me to see that not everything had to be all frowns and not expecting anything from life.”

Mud sat quietly, listening to every word.
Noticing her attention, Pinkie smiled and went on. “I guess we were your rainbow huh? By the sound of it you found us just in time, and I’m glad we found you.”
She reached her other arm over and around the Kelpie, pulling her close in a warm hug.

Mud was taken aback by the pony’s words, and the gesture of kindness. But she felt a kind of joy beginning to shine, deep within her chest. She wanted to believe Pinkie, but something pulled at the back of her mind. Though it was comforting, Mud knew this hug wouldn’t last forever.

The swamp didn’t last, why should this place…

But the pony’s voice brought her back.
“No matter what shadow you come to, there’s always the other side.”

As if the pony read her mind, Mud stared in surprise. But Pinkies smile, and warm embrace, banished all the lingering thoughts of being alone again.

The kelpie hesitated, and smiled, letting her head rest on Pinkie’s chest, just under her chin.
“Thanks Pinkie” Mud purred as her mood began to rise, slowly, but it was a start she liked.

Author's Note

a really really realy realy rely ralely yllaer reayly really short story...

I aint good at writing.

Apples Never Fall Far

Not many fruit trees survived in the swamp, as the constant changing of weather and water level trees and all sorts of plant life shot up to full growth and died almost a quickly. Leaving the swamp shrouded in mold covered tree trunks and mud that seeped into the earth. Only fruit trees grew in the forest, along with Lonerbloods and monsters.

The thought of even seeing the bright colored bulbs was always something Mud had wanted, but crushing them and drinking the nectar was entirely new. Ponies talked about it like this was normal, but Mud was still fascinated by it. She liked the tasted an more, finishing mouthful after mouthful, she wanted more. Applejack was the apparent expert on juice, and made it taste better by just making it herself.

The orange pony smelled pleasantly of well processed soil, a sweet and sour tang, and freshly chewed wood. As side from smell, everyone had their own unique scent, this pony was different. She was taller by a bit, and was bulky, even for a mare. Applejack didn't have a horn or wings, and her fur looked course, like meant to deflect weather.

Mud felt a sense of familiarity as both of them were more alike, more so than stumpy, soft, horned, winged creatures. She then felt even more connected to the supposed, carefree paradise, than what the Earth Pony asked her after a while...

Applejack placed another apple on the juicer, clamping it down to press it. Mud finished the last of her sippy-cup she had, as she didn't know how to use a regular cup without spilling one. The farm pony had a smile, one that said she thought carefully on what she was about to say.

"Hey sugar cube, y'all came here bah herself." She started, her accent just making through the translator on the table.
Mud set her "special cup" on the table, and looked up. "Hm, yeah, I guess."

"Well, I suppose y'all didn't just sprung out the ground. Ya must have folks?"

Mud paused, although being able to understand ponies, she didn't know what they were saying sometimes. "Huh?"

AJ set aside the apple she was about to press, turning to face the Kelpie while leaning on the counter.
“Parents? Ma ‘n Pa?”

Mud paused, and slowly set down her cup. She stared at the pony a moment, completely speechless as her mind reeled into thinking how to get away. But looking down at the table, she sighed, avoiding eye contact she answered.

“No…”

Applejack knew her answer from the beginning, that prick of ears and wide eyes told the pony enough.
“Ah understand.” She kept a faint smile as Mud sat unmoving.
Mud didn’t look up, just crossing her arms over her chest.

AJ glanced at the ground, letting up on the attention.
“Ah guess we got somethin’ in common.”

Mud looked up, surprised. “What?”

AJ met her gaze, “Yeah, not somethin’ Ah like bringin’ up. But I jus’ thought y’all might’ve had someone waitin’ fer ya.”

Mud tried to ignore her, and shrank down with her mane falling over her face. AJ saw and walked over, setting a hoof across Mud’s shoulder.
“Now don’t be like that, nothin’ to be ashamed of.”

Mud looks up at her, somewhat cross expression softening.
AJ went on, crouching beside the kelpie to be at eye level.
“Need ta talk about it?”

Mud looked down, grumbling under her breath. “Nothing to talk about…”
She straightened in her seat, “They weren’t really there all the time.”

AJ looked sympathetic, and stayed close. “And?”
Mud’s expression darkened, “And what? Dad didn’t care, neither did mom.”
The kelpie gritted her teeth, “At least she lived long enough to tell me how I didn’t matter to her.”

The orange pony stayed by her side, standing to hug the kelpie with strong arms.
Mud’s anger distracted her from the world around her, so the sudden affection surprised her. AJ’s voice hummed against her brown mane.
“Now Sugar cube, it’s not that you didn’t matter, it’s ‘cause they couldn’t take care of ya right.”

Mud looked up at her as she went on.

“Ah’m sorry ya got the short straw, but sometimes things happen, ya cant let it get you down too much.”

Mud listened, and slowly let her muscles relax.

“None of it was yer fault, and if ya think anything other, than it’s time fer a change.”

Taken aback, the Kelpie stared. The orange smiling face turned away as AJ went back to the counter, continuing with the juicing.

Mud had never heard anyone say this before, but the ponies did it all the time. So sudden from what she was used too, she just sat and stared. AJ said nothing more on the matter, and poured more apple juice into the pitcher, ready to refill Mud’s cup.

Author's Note

Everything is posted on my Deviant art before everywhere else, and the actual art for each story.

I dont know how to do images in FiM Fiction ._.

Bulls

The Swamp was so densely grown, and water dark and shielded with bark and weeds. Huts in the camp were small and built with little room to move between. If a kelpie wanted space, it would find it in the Forest, or the Flatlands.

Ponyville was a wide, open area, with flat grass yards and dirt roads. Houses so spaced apart Mud could see each street over to the very edge of town. It was too much space, making her feel exposed. Her fur tingled along her back as she watched each pony the small group passed. She prowled in between Rarity, Fluttershy, and Apple Jack.

The Ponies were much more comfortable, in fact they liked going outside more than the kelpie. Rarity even took the necklace, wrapped pearls around it, and wore a matching hat that had white flowers around the band.

The unicorn led the three to Café Hay, claiming it was an “afternoon tea”.

But after sitting around a strangely large mushroom table, Mud glanced off while the ponies ordered the drinks.

Other ponies sat together at the tables around the lot, all in pairs. But not just at the tables, ponies walked together up and down the street. They all pressed close to each other, fur touching and shoulder rubbing as they strolled closely. Some even had the tails entwined, and their muzzles close as they whispered.

Any pony that wasn’t sitting across from each other, enthralled in conversation, they sat as the others walked, blush very visible as tails swung side to side.

All the affection being shared, Mud knew she should feel happy for them. But all she felt was an awful churning in her gut, mixed feelings of embarrassment and sadness.

Her emotions became visible as she watched a table across from her own group. Rarity had glanced down at her, seeing the locked line of sight and slow settling of her chin on the table. The unicorn, having full knowledge of what was happening, only smiled and pretended not to notice.

The tea arrived only a second after, and a small cup was placed in front of Mud. Applejack and Fluttershy sipped their tea while Rarity only held hers, and then the unicorn spoke.

“Hm, isn’t afternoon tea just wonderful?”

Fluttershy smiled, “Oh yes, very relaxing.”

Rarity glances at Mud, “What about you darling?”

The kelpie shifted to look away, her only response was muttering. “Not thirsty.”

AJ and Fluttershy shared concerned looks, but the unicorn was unfazed.

Rarity hummed and thought up her best conversation starter, “Mud darling.”

She looks up at the unicorn.

“Do kelpies have any sort of, uhh, fashion?” Her scheming grin went entirely unnoticed.

AJ grunted, while Fluttershy took another sip. Mud was left to look up at the unicorn questioningly.

“You know; suits, dresses-“ She lifts her necklace slightly, “-Jewelry, maybe makeup?”

Applejack nodded, “Mh, yeah, the bigguns.”

Fluttershy also knew, “Some of them wore paint.”

“The Guardians?” Mud guessed, chin still on the mushroom.

Rarity nodded, "Yes yes, I suppose body paint counts."

"Well," The Kelpie thought a second, "No one wears stuff like that."

She points at Rarity's hat, "We'd cover ourselves in muck to disguise our scent or to keep warm."

She sits up slightly, "Also White Line, the stuff Guardians wear."

The unicorn found her chance, and keeping a cool smile, she sipped her tea and pressed on.

"I heard they were tall, and so many, quite the selection for a pretty made like you."

Instant blush, and a retreating glance at the other two ponies. But the unicorn had set firmly in the Kelpies emotions.

"What!?" Mud's fur bristled, and she wanted to run.

"Stallions darling." Rarity leaned in.

Mud had just became more confused, "What's a stallion?"

"Boys, gentlecolts, the males?"

Mud stared, mind working to try and change the subject. "You mean... Bulls?"

AJ raised a brow, but switched to understanding.

"A'right, yeah a bull."

Rarity rested an elbow on the table, and chin on that hoof. "How charming, and surely they are good looking."

Mud curled up on her stool as much as she could, locking her gaze to the ground. Ears burning with embarrassment, she could only squeek in response.

Applejack grunted, setting her cup down.

"Ah think that's enough, lookit her, she's bakin' like a tater."

Rarity chuckles, glancing one last time at the thourouly flustered Kelpie.

"Come now darling, she's clearly a gem."

She sets a hoof on Mud's shoulder, "Maybe she'll find a nice stallion."

Mud regretted coming with these ponies, sitting and drinking tea, taking in every one of those words that brought back memories. Although it might have come out some time, waking up one night in this new land deciding it was time to move on.

But no.

No matter what happened, how she felt, or what anyone would say. She loved one, and only one bull, and swore they would be together. All that dreaming and wishes would only catch up and he'd stand there waiting for her to wake up, and love Mud more than any of her new freinds could.

All just wishful thinking, and it hurt to remember. Not that she would give up on her dreams, just everyone said dreams are for pups.

And she is not a pup anymore.

Author's Note

stories posted on Deviantart first, https://www.deviantart.com/topazzia

also the tumblr, will post there soon https://www.tumblr.com/mudthekelpie

also i dont know how to put art in fimfiction, so it's all on DA as well :/

Magic Troubles

Fur ruined with twigs, sand, and mud, soaked in the rain that had been pouring the entire day. A trail formed of the dripping filth all along the floor, the muck seeming to never end. Mud snuck outside and had rolled and slid through every puddle or mud pit she found. The Kelpie trotted proudly down the hall, on her way to the living room, ready to relax in front of the fireplace. She was thoroughly exhausted, but happy she could still do kelpie things in pony territory.

However, she was not expecting a shocked gasp right in front of her. stopping mid stride, Mud stared at the unicorn, who’s jaw dropped, and horrified at something on the kelpie’s body.

Starlight was just leaving the living room, and froze at the sight of the filthy mare.
“How are you this filthy?!”

The words were just gibberish to a kelpie’s ears, and the mare Starlight addressed only paused, shrugged, and took a few steps more.

But an outstretched hoof stopped her again, “Hold up, I’m not letting you near any furniture.”
She lights her horn.
“Not until you took a bath!”

Mud backed up now, finally realizing what the pony intended. She heard that word before, and it meant she would be cleaned.

Starlight lit her horn, “Oh no you don’t!”

Mud whipped around to sprint away, but Starlight was quicker. A blue field was thrown around the Kelpie, making her jump. Mud’s hooves slid in the muck trail she left on the floor, leaving behind a perfect bubble of magic in her likeness.

“Wuh-uh?”
The unicorn watched as the soaked brown tail disappeared around the corner, but only for a moment to give chase.

Mud’s hooves splattered on the ground, hitting the crystal floor. Moving too quick to, and too slippery, she slid across the hall. The table and vase shook as the kelpie slammed into the wall, leaving Mud to lay flat on the floor. Her head spun as she tried to stand again, but her pursuer now stood over her.

Starlight charged her magic again, wrapping the struggling creature in another field. But she slipped out of it easily still, and lunged to the side to escape. A surge of frustration went through the unicorn, making the magic spark and flash brighter around Mud’s body.

She was now trapped, mid stride.
“Alright you…” Starlight smiled with victory, and maintained the strain of power. “Your gonna get cleaned up, and we’re gonna figure out what the hay just happened!”

Author's Note

art for this story

https://www.deviantart.com/topazzia/art/Filthy-961887318

pls someone idk how to put art in fimfiction DX

Sick Day

Mud was completely asleep, but had a rude awakening in the morning.

Her head was heavy, but not of sleep. Her limbs were sore, feeling both oily and dry. It was hard to breath, no air passed through her nose, and her mouth dried so her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. Mud felt like her eyes were being pushed out of her head, that coupled with chilling aches and pains almost unbearable, she forced herself to sit up.

Kelpies had to have sensitive skin in order to function properly in the wild or under water. All well and good for survival, but if a kelpie were to fall ill it would mean death if not treated.

Muds chest clenched, her fear rising as she woke up more. Her eyes began to tear up as realization hit her.

She was sick.

Breakfast had been placed on the table, the usual biscuits, hash browns, and various juice and fruits. Starlight and Fluttershy stood to the side, ready for Mud to come running in as usual. But as they waited more than the normal time, the ponies looked back into the hall. Something was wrong, and the other girls noticed too.

The door was shut, with no sign of activity. Starlight attempted to turn the handle, but it clicked.

"Locked?"

She knocked on the door, "Mud? You in there?"

Starlight, Rarity, and Fluttershy pressed their cheeks to the door, hearing a sobbing sound. Now worried, Starlight focused on the lock. She managed to force unlock it, and swung the door open.

Immediately Mud's glowing eyes flicked up, and she rolled, falling off to the floor behind the bed. The room was dark, curtains pulled closed. Starlight walked over to open the curtains, with the other ponies close behind. When light filled the room, everyone saw Mud curled up, partly under the bed and sobbing with her hooves covering her face.

Concern swept over the ponies’ faces, and starlight went to sit by the kelpie.
“Mud? What’s wrong?”

The small grey mare flinched and whined, “No!”

Starlight froze, her hoof just hovering over the kelpie. “What’s wrong?”
Applejack moves over to Mud’s other side, “Now Sugar cube.”

The Earth pony sat down, and set a hoof over the kelpie’s shoulder, as Mud revealed her reddened cheeks and soaked muzzle.

The heat and shudders AJ felt emanating from the creature made it clear what was wrong.
“Careful y’all, she’s sick somethin’ fierce.”

Rarity tilted her head, glancing down at Mud. “That’s what this is about? She locked the door!”

Fluttershy approached with sympathy, setting the necklace translator on the bed. “She’s just scared.”

Starlight shifted a hoof over Mud’s shoulder, under her arm, and lifts her to sit up straight. The Kelpie gave no resistance, but continued with tears.

“Come on,” Starlight urged her with a comforting brush over an ear, “Tell us what’s wrong.”

Stifling her sobbing, Mud grumbled, avoiding eye contact.
“You’re gonna get rid of me…”
Another stream ran down her face, and she choked on her words.

All eyes around her went wide, and AJ leaned in.
“What makes ya think that?!”

“It happens every time!” Mud flinched away from her unicorn embrace, “I always get sick, and they always chase me away.”

The pony’s eyes widened at the declaration.

“Useless kelpies can’t stay!”

Rainbow swiped her wings, looking agitated. “What?!”
Starlight paused, and secured another hold on the small grey mare. “Hey, we’re not kelpies.”

Mud looked up at her, the crying ceased.

“Chasing you off isn’t even an option.” The unicorn turned up to Pinkie Pie and Rarity, “You two get vegetable broth on the stove, Fluttershy, find the Cold & Flu in the bathroom and bring it.”

The ponies dispersed, and the kelpie was pushed up into her bed, and the curtains tossed away to let in sunlight. Mud was taken aback by the sudden change in behavior, and stayed still and confused as she watched. Rainbow sped away to find a tissue box, while Starlight turned to AJ.

“Help take the sheets; we can wash them while she uses the fresh ones.”
The unicorn replaced the pillow and blanket, passing them to the farm pony, and unfolding new ones from the closet.

“But… I’m sick, I…” Mud sat up.
Starlight smiled, and stepped closer to set a hoof on the blanket. “We can fix sick, and we want to help the best we can.”

Mud coughed, clearing her throat that became red and irritated. But her gaze fell on the pony, seeing the truthfulness showing in that smile.

“Just lay back, the girls’ll be back with everything you’ll need.” Starlight firmly touched the kelpies hot gasping chest, pushing her into the pillow. “Are you gonna let your friends help you?”

Author's Note

Mud will return in End Game

Ponish

Mud followed begrudgingly into the empty room, the pink pony leading more happily.

Though she was hardly paying attention, Mud picked up on a subtle conversation earlier that day.

After quite some time, Pinkie Pie learned the different sounds Mud made while not wearing the necklace, and after informing Starlight of a couple of these instances Starlight got an idea.

“It’s not wise to keep on using this necklace spell.” She gestures to the piece of jewelry on the table.
“It could get lost, damaged, and one of us could forget to hoof it off to the other.”

Pinkie nodded in agreement, “And Mud hates to wear it!”

“I think it’s time for the next task,” Starlight steps around to stand beside the earthpony.
“And since you two are already understanding each other…”

It was decided that Pinkie Pie shall teach Mud Ponish, whenever she can.

Mud however was not as excited, as this now took up precious napping time. But surely it would not be the worst thing in the world, she would be with Pinkie most of the time. While this pony was more energetic and outgoing than the kelpie, she at least took interest in Mud, which was enough.

“Now!” Pinkie dropped a package on the ground, next to a blackboard.
“How should we start?”

Mud could barely understand, and with the necklace turned off, it was probably useless to try and respond. But that thought crossed her mind again, “not being able to understand”. What if she could, maybe that awful thing she had to wear was useless after all, and pony gibberish could make sense.

But patience was thin with this kelpie, and sitting still for almost an hour, watching the pink pony show her cards with scribbles, almost unbearable. Mud let herself settle to the floor, resting her chin on a hoof. Pinkie noticed, and watched as the orange eyes closed.

“Hey sleepy head!” She poked a hoof at Mud’s ear, “We’re not done yet.”

With only a grunt as a response, the pony sat back, thinking any way to keep going.
The solution came to her just then, “Wait here!” And she jumped up and ran out of the room.
Mud only huffed and rolled onto her side, continuing with her sleep.

Only a second later, Mud felt a hoof press her shoulder. She opened one eye and saw a platter of fresh cookies right in front of her. Ears shot up, and scrambled to sit up. The smell was strong and sweet, the kelpie leaned in to take the biggest bite she could. But a pink hoof tapped her nose gently, making her halt.

“Nah ah! These are re-ward-s.” Pinkie said carefully.
She holds up one of the cards with a letter on it, “Get these right…”
“You get a cookie.” Pinkie scoops up one of the delicious snacks.

Mud’s mouth water as it was held in front of her, letting her lick it up and swallow whole. The taste was so much better on an empty stomach, which made her want more. Understanding what Pinkie had gestured, the kelpie sat up straight and still.

She was ready to learn, so long as she got the cookies the pink pony Pinkie Pie promised.

Author's Note

new story X3

my art:
https://www.deviantart.com/topazzia