Accept What Is Givenby xd77ChaptersHelping SunnyA Pocket Full of PoseyReassurance From BeyondLaying Down the Law/We Are FamilyHelping SunnyIt had been only a couple of days since Lasso lost his parents to Opaline's callous ways. All in all, he did feel at home, since he was now living with Izzy who had now become his legal guardian. However, he had one secret he did not want to reveal to her: him calling her his mom. The reason for that was because even though she was only his guardian, to him, she was a second mother to him. Even better for Lasso, he had already made new friends to be around, all thanks to Izzy. However, he could feel that his new friends were already feeling like a family to him. He saw something in them that made them feel like family, and that's what he was wanting to reveal, but had to wait until the right moment to do so. Anyway, it was morning, and Lasso had just woken up from a good night's sleep. He and Izzy were returning to Maretime Bay today to catch up on Sunny and the others. Even better, Lasso had developed a liking for Sunny's smoothies, due to their strong fruit taste and flavor. And there was a new flavor created he had never gotten to try, even though others already had, it was none other than "The Alicorn Special". The little unicorn colt was tranced by the sudden smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen. He used his magic to levitate a brush, did his main, put on his bandana, and walked towards the kitchen door. Inside was Izzy cooking a scrumptious breakfast for both of them, she turned to see him enter and greeted him with a smile. "Good morning cowcolt, did you sleep well?" she asked. "Sure did Izzy, Ah'm lookin' forward to another day with Sunny." he stated with as much joy. However, Izzy could sense that the joy in him was not that joyous. "Lasso, is there something wrong?" she asked, but Lasso shook his head. Diving into the breakfast she had made for him. "Come on sweetheart, you know you can tell me anything." she said. After swallowing the chewed food down, he decided to talk. "Well remember when Ah' told Opaline that you and yer' friends were mah' family?" "Yes, we all heard you say that." "Well, what if it really is true?" he asked, biting more of his breakfast, Izzy put a hoof on his back and gave a comforting smile. "Lasso, you know that well enough. No matter what happens, me, Sunny, and the others are always here for you. That's the true meaning of family, we stick together, we work together, we protect each other. I taught you that already, and so did your parents." Lasso showed a real smile now and gave his legal guardian a big hug, Izzy returned it. "Now eat up, we have a big day ahead of us." she stated, Lasso went back to eating his breakfast. After nearly 15 minutes, his plate was emptied, and he could not have felt more happier to eat. Once he had brushed his teeth, he and Izzy were finally able to depart for Maretime Bay, where Sunny and the others were meeting. Lasso was still feeling excited, since he was eager to try the new smoothie flavor. Lasso climbed onto Izzy's back as she closed and locked the front door. As they strolled through the streets of Bridlewood, Lasso had something to say to her, so he tapped her neck with his hoof. "What is it sweetie?" she asked, stopping dead center. Now Lasso had a big question to ask her, but because he was in fear of being able to hear her reject it, he made up a non-important question. "What are we going to do in Maretime Bay?" he asked, while successfully hiding the real question. "Well, like I told you last night, we are going to have a smoothie with Sunny. Besides, you have been begging her to try the alicorn special. Then you will be with her for the rest of the day." Lasso was stunned, "Why!?!" "Because sweetie, I have to go speak with somepony there about sales on your old home. Not to mention moving your furniture from your old room somewhere. But until we can find a company to do that part, you will be sleeping and snuggling with me on the sectional." Izzy stated, "In the meantime, let's just concentrate on what I have to do and what you have to do." It was rather the typical distance of their walk, but they still managed to make it into the edge of Maretime Bay. Izzy let Lasso off her back so that he could walk. It was appearing to be just another ordinary day, ponies of different races had come for meeting with friends, or work. Izzy and Lasso soon found themselves in the middle of the city, where the big businesses resided. Now it would not be long before they could find Sunny's smoothie trailer, even though she owned a shop. It was not even opening time yet for Sunny, despite some businesses turning lights on. Her smoothie trailer hours were from 10 AM to 6 PM, and it was only 9:30. However, due to increased wages and popularity of her drinks, she decided to open up earlier than expected. Sunny was at the side of her trailer, keys in hoof, and undid the locks. Right as soon as she undid the locks, she was interrupted by hoofsteps clopping behind her. Sunny soon turned to see none other than Izzy and Lasso, whom she was very interested to be with. After all, Lasso was going to be her assistant smoothie maker today, and needed all the help she could get. Not to even mention the fact that he was good at making things, especially hats. As for Lasso, he was still a bit worried, since he had never dealt with customer service or food making. On the other hand, he was rather happy since he was going to know Sunny more through this. Anyway, Sunny gave a warm smile to both of them. "Morning Izzy, hey Lasso." she stated. "Good morning." Izzy said. "Hey Sunny, Izzy told me Ah'm supposed to help ya' today." "That's right." "Do Ah' still get to try the new alicorn special you created?" Sunny and Izzy giggled, "Little dude, of course you're going to try it, but not until this afternoon." "Why?" "Because we are going to have a moderate customer line up soon. So, in the meantime, I just need you to concentrate on helping me in my trailer today. But I promise, you will get an alicorn special, okay?" Sunny said, rubbing Lasso's main with her hoof. "Got it." Lasso obeyed. Izzy felt that it was time for her to take care of the money and property business now. So, she focused in and knelt down to Lasso, leaning into his face. "Well, I have to go take care of my business now cowcolt. You listen to Sunny, do as she tells you to, and don't give her any trouble or pout about it, are we clear?" "Yes Mo-Ah' mean Izzy." Lasso said, correcting himself. Sunny and Izzy soon looked at each other in confusion. What was he really about to call Izzy? But it was quickly brushed off as Izzy kissed him goodbye, then departed. Lasso watched her leave the area, then vanish into the massive crowds of Maretime Bay. His focus was cut off quickly, for he felt a hoof on his shoulder. Lasso looked up to see Sunny staring at him with a comforting smile. "I know it's going to be tough being away from her for the day. But at least it's going to turn out right for you two." She informed; Lasso returned the smile. "Ah' know Sunny." "Well, what do you say we get started on setting up everything?" "Okay." Lasso stated, still in confusion over what he what he nearly called Izzy. Sunny opened the side door to her smoothie trailer and went inside, Lasso following her. "Now, the first thing I do is I manage to get everything set up and ready. I need you to open up the drawers there, and take out all the cups, then put them on top of the stool." Lasso did what she told him and put all the cups and lids on one side of the stool, then put the straws on the other side. The next thing they did was set up the blender to make the drinks, lastly, they opened the container that stored all the fruits. Once everything was in place and ready to go, Sunny unlocked the window frame and lifted it up, revealing the friendly greeting of the first few customers. "Good morning Maretime Bay, Sunny's Smoothies is now open." In no time, the first pony approached the front, it was a male green earth pony. "And what flavor might I make for you today good sir?" "I'll have a pear-nana strawberry smoothie, medium please." he said. "Coming right up sir, my assistant here will get that ready for you." The earth pony was quickly confused, "You have an assistant?" "Yeah, he's just helping out today." Sunny answered, pointing to Lasso behind her. The earth pony quickly saw him gathering pearnanas and strawberries up to the blender. "Wait, isn't that the colt who helped you win the battle against Opaline and got our magic back?" he asked in surprise, Sunny nodded her head with her eyes closed. "Why is he here helping you?" "Well Izzy Moonbow has just taken guardianship of him. But she had to come here and take care of inheritance forms, plus property appraisers of his old home. So, I told her I would watch him for today while she takes care of all of that." "I see." said the earth pony, looking impressed at his work. "He sure does work hard for a lad his age." "He loves to work, he helped Izzy with jewelry making, plus he makes hats." The earth pony was even more impressed but took his attention to see Lasso handing him the smoothie he ordered. "Here ya' go sir." he stated. "Thanks kid." the earth pony responded, "I'm rather impressed at how you work." "Thank you." Lasso said with a saddened smile. The earth pony then left the trailer, while Sunny waited for the next customer to show up. While she waited, she turned to Lasso who was gathering fruits. "Lasso?" "Yes Sunny?" "Why do you look so down, you should be feeling great." Sunny quoted. Lasso soon thought about what happened earlier, then finally spoke up. "Well Sunny, ever since Izzy and Ah' met, she's been like a second mother to me. Up until now, she's just been mah' friend and I appreciate it from her." Sunny put a hoof on his side, "Go on." "Well, it's only been a couple of days since everything happened. And now that she's mah' guardian, she's raisin' me herself, Ah' almost called her mom because that's what she is to me. Ah' want to call her mah' mom, but not only am Ah' afraid of tellin' her that, but somethin' else too." "What would that be?" "The only thing ah' had to family were just mah' parents, till now. Ah' never had any other family, no grandparents, no aunts or uncles, brothers, or sisters. Ah' feel like Ah'm an orphan, even though Ah' live with Izzy now. All Ah' really want is a real family, and Izzy to be mah' second mom." "But you said that we were your family when you and I defeated Opaline. How can you say that, even though you mentioned it?" "Because Ah' don't really know if Ah' can accept what Ah' can get from Izzy, or the rest of y'all." Lasso said sadly. But Sunny had his back in knowing it. "I'm pretty sure Izzy wouldn't mind you calling her mom. She loves you too much to where you could call her that." "Really?" Lasso asked, starting to show some joy, Sunny petted his head. "I'm sure, and she'll inform you positively. Plus, you will get a family from a few ponies that love you too." "Thanks Sunny." Lasso said, giving her a big hug, Sunny returned it. Then they both resumed working, just as the next pony showed up, who turned out to be none other than Posey. Author's Note I know this chapter has nothing to do with what the story is about, but it's just a warmup chapter. Lasso will get his real wish of them being his family in the end. A Pocket Full of PoseyIt was going good so far as Lasso helped Sunny with her business, especially since Lasso's assistance paid off well. Now the next customer was Posey who was showing a friendly posture, rather than her annoyed and irritated one. She was actually smiling and greeted Sunny courteously. Sunny on the other hand was really surprised, because Posey usually would either snarl or furrow her eyes. However instead of asking, Sunny just greeted her with the same form of expression. "Good morning Sunny, sure is a nice one today." Posey stated. "Hi Posey, you sure are in a good mood today." Posey was rather taken back at Sunny's response; she was in a good mood for a reason, "Well, I've been experiencing a lot of joy from getting our magic back, I never would have expected it to be returned from spirits of dead ponies. Nor would I have ever seen such courage and perseverance from a little colt. That was something I had never seen before, and also, I wanted to apologize for being such a burden on the mission. I just felt like since we lost our magic again, it seemed hopeless." Sunny smiled, "Come one, we're together no matter what." She was now cheerful at hearing that, but Sunny returned to her normal customer business, "So anyway, I take it you're wanting a tropical treat as always?" In a matter of apprehensiveness, Posey rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof. "Actually, I came here to find out about that little guy, do you know where he is?" Sunny was rather surprised, "Well, you don't have to look hard, cause he's actually here." Lasso, being in the trailer, was also surprised. He was already used to being around Izzy and the other four, but he had never expected to be adored by another one. Sunny stepped to the side to let Posey see for herself, as Lasso stared at her, she put her hoof on her cheek and gasped. "Um, hi?" Lasso said, nervously. "Well, hello there." said Posey, "I didn't know you were here today, what are you doing here with Sunny?" Sunny answered for him, "Izzy had to come here to do some personal business, so I am watching him for the day. I am having him help me around the trailer today." Posey looked at Lasso through the opening, "Is that true sweetie, are you really helping her out?" "Yes Ah' am." he answered. She was truly amazed, never in her life did she witness a colt his age actually working. She could never have found the perfect time to take an interest in him now. To show that she wanted to befriend and develop a bond with him, she decided to make a simple solution to him. Sunny still stared at her in confusion, especially at how nice and courteous she was being. Before Posey could do the solution, she turned to see if there were any other customers or a line. Luckily for her, she was the only one there at that time. Quickly, she turned around back to the opening of the trailer, then stared at Lasso with a warm smile. "I really got to hand it to you sweetie, what you did was very brave." Lasso blushed, "Thanks, Ah' was pretty good." Posey giggled, then something came to her head. Sunny on the other hand was really seeing what was going on. She now had a feeling Posey was wanting to befriend him. Unfortunately, it was not going to be done in an ordinary greeting and hoof shake. "Listen sweetheart." Posey stated, "I know we just met and everything. But um, can you come out here and give me a hug?" Lasso was hesitant at first, but Sunny assured him with a smile that everything was okay, and he should give her a chance. He hopped out of the side door and walked around the front of the trailer where Posey remained. In one swift motion, Posey held a hoof open, letting him approach it. Once he was close enough Posey scooped him up in it, next she stood on her hind legs. Like a newborn baby to a mother, Posey had him wrapped in her forehooves, his head snug against her chest. "I knew we'd get along." Posey said. "Ah' never thought Ah'd be makin' new friends already." Lasso responded. "Ya' must really like me." "Well unlike my previous experiences with ponies, I've come to appreciate that not all are careless." "Thanks Posey." Lasso said, hugging her again. But Posey could see he was feeling down. "What's wrong sweetheart?" she asked as Sunny stared at them. "Well, Ah' told Sunny this earlier. Before Ah' helped her restore her alicorn powers, and defeated Opaline, Ah' told Opaline that Ah' still had family; mah' friends. But Ah' only said that out of courage, Ah' just don't know if it's true. If mah' friends can really be mah' family or not." "Go on sweetie." Sunny said. "It's only been a couple of days since Izzy took me in, but Ah' really see her as a second mom to me. Ah' want to call her that, but Ah'm afraid of what her answer will be. Ah' also want somethin' found in sibling figures." Posey patted him on the back, "I know sweetie, I understand this is a big decision for you. But I can assure you that if you ask Izzy, she'll accept it." "Really?" Lasso asked, showing positivity. "I know, and she's going to gladly appreciate it when you ask." Lasso finally showed a smile, then hugged Posey one last time. Posey gladly returned the final hug, then put him down. "Well, I have to go now. It was a pleasure meeting you Lasso, same to you Sunny." "Same to you." replied Sunny. "Ah' hope to meet you again soon." Lasso said, with a smile. Posey stroked his mane, making him giggle. "I know sweetie, we will see each other again." she replied, she then turned and left the area. After she had vanished, Lasso went back into the trailer to resume helping Sunny. "Ya' know something, Sunny?" "What?" "Ah' actually like Posey, Ah' want her to be one of mah' friends. The next time Ah' see her, Ah'm gonna ask her." "Well, the way she acted to you, I think your answer to that was a yes." Lasso was starting warm up to Sunny as like a surrogate aunt. But still wondered if he felt like Izzy was a second mom to him. Author's Note Looks like Lasso has already made his first friend. Reassurance From BeyondThe day really felt like it had flown by, for the time being was now 4:40 PM. It was 19 minutes before Sunny closed up shop for the evening, but Lasso still wanted her newest flavor of smoothie, the alicorn special. And Sunny knew that she had to keep her promise of letting him have one, so after they worked together to store away everything, she did just that. Once she had closed the door to her trailer, she started up the blender one last time. Soon, Lasso and Sunny were out of the trailer, and into the orange skies of the sun setting over Maretime Bay. Each with alicorn special smoothies in their hooves. "Thanks for everything today Sunny, Ah' really enjoyed it." Lasso said with a smile, he was now feeling warmed up a bit. "It's no problem Lasso, just remember that you are always welcome to see me." Sunny replied, "Now, we just have to wait for Izzy to come back and get you." "Sunny, Lasso!" said a couple of familiar voices. Sunny and Lasso turned to see Zipp and Pipp walking towards them. "Hey Zipp, Pipp!" Lasso said with joy, running up to them and hugging them. Sunny followed behind him as well. "Sorry you two, I've already closed up shop." "We know, we just needed to get a breather from helping our mom out." Zipp exclaimed. "What happened?" Lasso asked. "We had to pamper Cloud Puff for her all day!" Pipp whined, "All his slobbering and hyperactive behavior was driving us nuts!" "Wow, I'm sorry you had to go through that." Sunny said. "Well, anyway, what brought you to Maretime Bay today?" Pipp asked Lasso. "Well, Izzy had some stuff to take care of here, she was going to have a smoothie, but Ah' guess she had too much to accomplish." "What kind of work?" Zipp asked. "Did she have to get some diamonds here for her jewelry?" Pipp asked. "No." Lasso answered, "She's had to meet with a landlord for a decent selling price on mah' old home. Plus, she's gone to get some final papers signed for her to become mah' legal guardian fully." Zipp and Pipp could tell, aside from Sunny, that the colt was feeling down. Because the whole time he was answering their questions, he responded with a nervous tone. "Hey, why are you talking like that?" "Is something wrong?" Lasso was clearly having enough of everypony's curiosity on his attitude, so this was the last time he was going to say it. "Ah've been thinking about what Ah' said to Opaline when me and Sunny defeated her. Y'all know about y'all being mah' family. Even though y'all are just mah' friends." "Why would you be so concerned about that?" Pipp asked, rubbing his mane. "Because Izzy is practically mah' second mom. Ah' want to call her that and get a real family again. Ah'm just scared of what her response will be." "Pipsqueak, I'm sure Izzy won't mind if you called her your mom." Pipp assured. Zipp picked Lasso up and held him the same way Posey did earlier, "Come on kid, when was the last time Izzy denied anything that you requested?" "When she refused to let me take some beads for a school project." Lasso answered sarcastically. The girls shook their heads, "I meant you calling her anything other than her name?" "Um...uh?" "Yeah, we soooooo didn't think so." Pipp vocalized. "You see Lasso, if you ask her, she won't mind it. Besides, I'm pretty sure that nopony will ever replace your parents. You should know that even though they are gone now, they're alive in you. And your parents knew how much you love Izzy, so why not face it up and ask her?" Sunny informed. Lasso quickly thought this over, turning over to the sun setting in the horizon on the ocean. Sunny was right when she said to him that his parents would always love him no matter what. Plus, they were still alive in him, heart and soul. His thinking was soon interrupted by the sound of familiar hoof steps approaching their direction. He turned to see Izzy, trotting up to the group with a good attitude and appreciative. "Hey Iz." Zipp said. "That sure was one heck of a to-do list you accomplished." Sunny replied. "Well, it turned out to be a miracle." Izzy replied back, Lasso figured it would be good news. So, he walked up to his legal guardian, hoping for the best. "What's the miracle Mo-Ah' mean Izzy?" he asked, causing Izzy to turned confused. "What was that?" she asked. "Uh n-nothin'." Lasso answered nervously, "Just a slip of the tongue." Izzy smiled small, "Whatever sweetie. Anyway, I got a hold of the landmare who your parents used when they bought your former house. I spoke with him about pricing for sale, and he managed to offer 150,000 in gold bits for the price." Lasso was really pumped out at hearing this! "Ya mean, Ah'll finally have enough for mah' own room?!" he asked. Izzy shook her head nervously. "Iz, why are you nervous about that?" asked Sunny. "Well, he told me that 150,000 was going to be the actual price. But, he told me it would be at least several weeks before they can get it ready for selling. "What!?!" Lasso asked in shock, "But, Ah' want mah' stuff and mah' own room back!" Izzy trotted up to Lasso and fubbed his main. "I know sweetie, but it's going to be a while before we can do that." "Awww nuts!" Lasso groaned. "Well anyway, I'm sure you listened to Sunny and did what she told you?" Lasso nodded. Izzy then turned to Sunny, "Did he?" "Of course he did." Sunny answered, pulling him to her side "In fact, he was the biggest helper I have ever had." "Well, I guess we can settle out bonds after all." "Or surrogate families." Lasso stated, this made everyone turn to him, confused. "What do you mean pipsqueak?" Pipp asked. "Ah' mean the fact that, we're all here, like a family." Lasso answered, still trying to hide what he really wanted. Izzy smiled, and put a hoof on his shoulder, "I guess you can say it like that." Izzy and the others looked up to see the sun was about gone, and it was getting really late. Not only was it about to be nightfall, but it was also nearing Lasso's bedtime. It was an on cue moment though, because Lasso yawned, he was pooped from all the working with Sunny. Izzy giggled at hearing him yawning, "Well, I guess we'd better get going cowcolt, you've had it out and in today." She said, levitating him onto her back. "Well, I'll see you all later. Thanks for watching him Sunny." "Don't mention it Iz, it's what I've always wanted to do." Sunny replied. As Sunny, Zipp, and Pipp watched Izzy leave with Lasso, something came upon Sunny. In one quick hesitation, she turned to Zipp and Pipp. "Girls?" "What is it Sunny?" Pipp asked. "Listen, while Lasso was helping me today, he looked rather down. But whenever he stared at me, he showed happiness." "Maybe he's just warming up to being around you." Zipp replied. "Or it could be that he saw you as his ment-o-r-r-r-r." Pipp vocalized in tune. As they were talking, they overlooked one building, the sheriff's office. Because Hitch was closing it up for the evening, it did not take him long to hear the three familiar voices yakking behind him. Sparky on the other hand could not keep awake, especially because he was a baby dragon, so he was already fast asleep on Hitch's back. "Hey girls, what's up?" "Hey Hitch." Pipp replied, quickly noticing little Sparky fast asleep on him. "I see your little helper did his share today." "Heh, you could say that." Hitch replied, joining them on their walk, "What were you all talking about?" "Well, Izzy had some personal business to take care of today. So, I was put in charge of watching Lasso while she was out taking care of it." "How's the little guy doing, I mean he's been really depressed for the past two days now." "Hitch, his parents were murdered by Opaline, isn't it obvious why he's depressed?!" "Sorry, anyway how's he doing?" "Well, he was still feeling down today. Posey came by also to be with him for a bit, but he was telling us about something strange. He told us he was wanting to call Izzy his mom, but he was afraid of her replacing the role of his real parents. He also was questioning about us being his adoptive family, even though he said we were when he and I defeated Opaline." Zipp and Hitch quickly bonded up, Sunny and Pipp showed determined looks. "Come on everypony, we all need to show him that we are all going to be there for him." Zipp reprimanded. "You're right." Hitch said, "Lasso needs a group of ponies to call family, even if he's not so sure. Plus, he needs a male role model, and fatherly figure to look up to." "Better add a little brother figure too." Zipp informed, referring to Sparky. "Well, he also needs a maternal grandmother, an aunt, a surrogate sister, and foalsitters." Sunny said. "How will we find that?" Pipp asked. "We'll figure it all out together." Hitch answered. Unknown to them, behind the corner of the street they were on, Posey Bloom had been listening. She really felt like she had to be a part of this, because she loved Lasso so much. Therefore, she decided to wait until the last moment, a moment to if she could take the sister lead. .....LATER THAT NIGHT, AT IZZY'S HOUSE.... Lasso was underneath several rows of quilts and blankets on the living room sectional. The same sectional he had slept on for the past two nights, now his third night. His head rested on two pillows; he was fast asleep with Izzy's hoof wrapped around him to keep him close. Without warning, a sudden rush of cold air flew around him, it was so intensifying to feel that it woke him up. Lasso looked around to see where the feeling came from, but the room was quiet. So, he went back to sleep, after just a few minutes of his transitioning phase of sleeping, he heard voices. ...."Lasso.".... He had woken up again. "Who's there?" he asked, before he knew it, wisps of magical smoke came out of nowhere. Lasso was now terrified at what he was seeing, making him cover his face with the sheets. ...."Do not be scared sweetheart.".... The voice said, it sure did not take long for him to find out who it was calling him. "Mom, Dad?!" Lasso asked with a soft voice, and indeed it was none other than his parents. The magical smoking wisps formed into ghostly apparitions of them. "Lasso sweetie, you must know that even though we are now in the afterlife, we are with you in spirit." said the ghost of Lone Star Jr. "Really?" he asked his father. "Yes dear." Granny Smith III answered, comfortingly. "You also have to know, Izzy loves you just as much as we do. No matter what you two do, nopony will ever replace us." Lasso smiled, "Thanks." "Always remember, and never forget." Lone Star said, then he and Granny Smith III vanished away. The whole thing was revealed to be a dream though, because Lasso woke up with a small gasp. He checked his surroundings for any signs of magical smoke, or voices, there weren't any. Even though his gasp was silent, it still managed to wake up Izzy, because she yawned. "Lasso, what's the matter, did you have a bad dream?" she asked, pulling him even closer to her. Poor Lasso, he couldn't bare it any longer. Thanks to the vision he just had, he finally had the courage to admit the truth. "Izzy, Ah've been wanting to ask you this. And it's not about helpin' Sunny, or smoothies at all." "Oh?" "Ah' know you're mah' legal guardian now, but...." he sighed, "Can ah' call you mom?" Izzy was in utter confusion "Are you sure about that sweetheart, I just mean, I don't want to take in place of your parents." "Well, Ah'm askin' because ever since we met, Ah've seen you as a second mommy to me. And no matter what, even though you are just a guardian, Ah' want a second mommy, and you won't ever replace mah' parents." "You really mean that?" Izzy asked with tears filling her eyes. "Yes, Ah' want you to be mah' mommy!" Lasso exclaimed. Izzy held Lasso in her forehooves, the two clung to each other tightly as they both hugged each other. "Oh sweetie, of course you can call me mommy." Lasso could not now have felt any better, for he finally managed to get that out of him. "Well, let's go back to sleep okay." "All right." "Good night Lasso, I love you." Izzy said, kissing him on his forehead. She was first to fall asleep again, but she soon felt rubbing. She opened one eye and saw her little cowcolt had snuggled closer to wear his back and head were warm on her chest. "Ah' love you too.........mommy." Lasso muttered. Gradually, they both drifted off to sleep. Laying Down the Law/We Are FamilyThe next morning, Lasso and Izzy were having their breakfast together. Only this time, instead of being in a hurry like the previous morning, this would be just a typical breakfast to start a normal day. But unlike the past couple of days, Lasso was finally able to show positivity, because he told the truth to Izzy about her being a second mom to him, and she was able to accept the new role of being a mother, even though she was just his guardian. Unbeknownst to him though, Lasso was about to get something even bigger, something he had never thought he would get. Izzy spoke up, "So, cowcolt, did you sleep well?" "Yes mom." he answered. "Well, that's good to know, because I need to talk to you." "About what?" "Well, you are now under my guardianship." "Yes, Ah' know." "I mean, since you are going to be living here with me, I feel that I need to lay down the rules." Izzy answered. "What!?!" Lasso exclaimed. "Sorry sweetie, but I am in charge, now listen up." The little colt groaned softly, but Izzy was not having it, because she gave him a death glare. This quickly made him change and listen. Finally, Izzy started laying down the ground rules she made. "First rule, you might have been able to stay up late before, but you will have a curfew. It will be precisely at 9:00 PM, after 9 PM, you are to be in this house and in the sectional until you have a room." "Yes mom." Lasso answered. "Second rule, unless you are helping me with my jewelry and your hats, my crafting room is off limits." "Yes." "Now this is the last thing, it's not much of a rule, but a heads up of what to be expected." Lasso was now puzzled, "What do you mean?" Izzy smiled, then opened her forehooves wide, "Come here, you!" Lasso smiled also and climbed in them, while she wrapped him up and held him tight. "What will Ah' expect?" he asked, smiling but confused. "Also, because I love you so much, I will be tickling you!" she said, tickling his belly and making him giggle. "Plus, I am also going to be hugging you, kissing you, and snuggling with you a lot. So be prepared for all of that too sweetie." Lasso snickered, "Okay mama, Ah' will." Izzy then put him back into his seat so he could finish his breakfast. Not even before he finished his cereal, there was a knock at the door. "Now who could that be?" Izzy asked, she got up from her seat and walked over to the front door. What she saw when she opened the door was really surprising to her, the entire group was there, including Misty and Posey! "What in hoofness?!" "Hey Iz." Sunny said with a smile, "We all wanted to come by to see Lasso, we want to speak with him." "About what?" "We figured he needs a group of ponies for something special." Posey stated. "And a couple of male counterparts in it too." Hitch stated, Sparky gurgled with his pony father in alliance. "Not to mention a close friend." Misty stated. Izzy gave a comforting smile, she knew what they all were referring to, but wanted to tell Lasso in person. "Lastly, he needs an older and more surrogate pony to speak to." said Queen Haven. That's when it all came down to Izzy, they wanted to be something Lasso desperately was asking for. Without further ado, she went back to the kitchen to see him in time to finish his breakfast. "Lasso sweetie?" "Yes mama?" "Can you come up front with me?" "Why?" "It's the gang, they're here to see you." "Really?" "Yes, come on." Lasso got up from the table and followed Izzy to the living room, and indeed the whole posy was there. Just like before, they all greeted him with friendly and caring smiles. "Hi y'all, what are y'll doin' here?" he asked. "Hey buddy." Zipp replied, stroking his mane with her hoof, "There's something we've been meaning to speak with you about." "What's that?" Lasso asked. Posey approached and pulled him closer in, "Well sweetie, we were all noticing how down you have been for the past two days. I could tell that you needed something big and full of love to circle you over." "As did I." Misty replied, "After I saw you and Sunny defeat Opaline, I instantly regretted my role in what happened. As a way of asking for forgiveness, I vowed to be a part of the big love circle." "We all want to be in this circle dear." Queen Haven said. "As do I." Hitch replied, Sparkly gurgled to agree with him. "Same here." replied Sunny. "What do y'all mean?" Izzy put a hoof on his shoulder, "Sweetie, we've all been talking about how all you had were just your parents, until now. You already know you have me as your surrogate mother and legal guardian, but I finally know what else you were wondering about. And that was if friends really would be family, despite you mentioning it when you and Sunny here defeated Opaline." "You mean?!" Lasso asked, now understanding what was really going on. Sunny walked up to him and pulled him closer to her. "Yes dear, you are right, friends are family too." "You all really want to be mah' family!?!" "Yes." they all said. "But how will Ah' know who's what for it?" Lasso asked. "Don't worry pipsqueak." Pipp insured, 'We've s-o-o-o-o got it all worked out." "How so?" "Well, we were quietly discussing it all together last night, so we want you to listen good and see what you think." "Okay." The first one to speak up was Sunny, "You've already got Izzy as your adoptive mother, so that part you don't have to worry about. However, you do need two maybe three surrogate sisters to be with you as play mares. Therefore me, Posey, and Misty have volunteered to take that role." Next, it was Hitch's turn. "I know you need a male role model and fatherly figure to look up to. As a bonus, you look like you could use a little brother to play with. So, Sparky here says he'll be your little brother, and I'll take the role of the father and model." Little Sparky proved this by flying up to Lasso and hugging him, which he gladly returned. Next and lastly were Zipp, Pipp, and Queen Haven. "Last, you need a couple of foalsitters to watch over you while in case Izzy has to leave for something." Zipp notified. "So-o-o-o-o, Zipp and I have made the choice to be your foalsitters." Pipp informed. "And last but not least, you need a maternal grandmare to be around you. So, think of me as being that for you dear." said Queen Haven with a smile. "So, what do you say cowcolt?" asked Izzy. Lasso could soon feel his emotions kick into his heart, it almost felt like joy was tugging at it. This was nothing more than a reaction of surrounding love for his soul, his mouth quivered, his eyes widening. "YES, AH'LL DO IT!!!!!!!!!" he said with complete happiness! "YOU ALL ARE MAH' FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!" Lasso really wanted to hug them now, but he didn't know who to start with. Luckily, it was started for him, for the first one to pick him up and hug him was Izzy. Next was Sunny, then Sparky and Hitch, Zipp, Pipp, Posey, Misty, and finally Queen Haven. "We all love you Lasso." they all stated, making him feel really special, "We are family."
Helping SunnyIt had been only a couple of days since Lasso lost his parents to Opaline's callous ways. All in all, he did feel at home, since he was now living with Izzy who had now become his legal guardian. However, he had one secret he did not want to reveal to her: him calling her his mom. The reason for that was because even though she was only his guardian, to him, she was a second mother to him. Even better for Lasso, he had already made new friends to be around, all thanks to Izzy. However, he could feel that his new friends were already feeling like a family to him. He saw something in them that made them feel like family, and that's what he was wanting to reveal, but had to wait until the right moment to do so. Anyway, it was morning, and Lasso had just woken up from a good night's sleep. He and Izzy were returning to Maretime Bay today to catch up on Sunny and the others. Even better, Lasso had developed a liking for Sunny's smoothies, due to their strong fruit taste and flavor. And there was a new flavor created he had never gotten to try, even though others already had, it was none other than "The Alicorn Special". The little unicorn colt was tranced by the sudden smell of breakfast cooking in the kitchen. He used his magic to levitate a brush, did his main, put on his bandana, and walked towards the kitchen door. Inside was Izzy cooking a scrumptious breakfast for both of them, she turned to see him enter and greeted him with a smile. "Good morning cowcolt, did you sleep well?" she asked. "Sure did Izzy, Ah'm lookin' forward to another day with Sunny." he stated with as much joy. However, Izzy could sense that the joy in him was not that joyous. "Lasso, is there something wrong?" she asked, but Lasso shook his head. Diving into the breakfast she had made for him. "Come on sweetheart, you know you can tell me anything." she said. After swallowing the chewed food down, he decided to talk. "Well remember when Ah' told Opaline that you and yer' friends were mah' family?" "Yes, we all heard you say that." "Well, what if it really is true?" he asked, biting more of his breakfast, Izzy put a hoof on his back and gave a comforting smile. "Lasso, you know that well enough. No matter what happens, me, Sunny, and the others are always here for you. That's the true meaning of family, we stick together, we work together, we protect each other. I taught you that already, and so did your parents." Lasso showed a real smile now and gave his legal guardian a big hug, Izzy returned it. "Now eat up, we have a big day ahead of us." she stated, Lasso went back to eating his breakfast. After nearly 15 minutes, his plate was emptied, and he could not have felt more happier to eat. Once he had brushed his teeth, he and Izzy were finally able to depart for Maretime Bay, where Sunny and the others were meeting. Lasso was still feeling excited, since he was eager to try the new smoothie flavor. Lasso climbed onto Izzy's back as she closed and locked the front door. As they strolled through the streets of Bridlewood, Lasso had something to say to her, so he tapped her neck with his hoof. "What is it sweetie?" she asked, stopping dead center. Now Lasso had a big question to ask her, but because he was in fear of being able to hear her reject it, he made up a non-important question. "What are we going to do in Maretime Bay?" he asked, while successfully hiding the real question. "Well, like I told you last night, we are going to have a smoothie with Sunny. Besides, you have been begging her to try the alicorn special. Then you will be with her for the rest of the day." Lasso was stunned, "Why!?!" "Because sweetie, I have to go speak with somepony there about sales on your old home. Not to mention moving your furniture from your old room somewhere. But until we can find a company to do that part, you will be sleeping and snuggling with me on the sectional." Izzy stated, "In the meantime, let's just concentrate on what I have to do and what you have to do." It was rather the typical distance of their walk, but they still managed to make it into the edge of Maretime Bay. Izzy let Lasso off her back so that he could walk. It was appearing to be just another ordinary day, ponies of different races had come for meeting with friends, or work. Izzy and Lasso soon found themselves in the middle of the city, where the big businesses resided. Now it would not be long before they could find Sunny's smoothie trailer, even though she owned a shop. It was not even opening time yet for Sunny, despite some businesses turning lights on. Her smoothie trailer hours were from 10 AM to 6 PM, and it was only 9:30. However, due to increased wages and popularity of her drinks, she decided to open up earlier than expected. Sunny was at the side of her trailer, keys in hoof, and undid the locks. Right as soon as she undid the locks, she was interrupted by hoofsteps clopping behind her. Sunny soon turned to see none other than Izzy and Lasso, whom she was very interested to be with. After all, Lasso was going to be her assistant smoothie maker today, and needed all the help she could get. Not to even mention the fact that he was good at making things, especially hats. As for Lasso, he was still a bit worried, since he had never dealt with customer service or food making. On the other hand, he was rather happy since he was going to know Sunny more through this. Anyway, Sunny gave a warm smile to both of them. "Morning Izzy, hey Lasso." she stated. "Good morning." Izzy said. "Hey Sunny, Izzy told me Ah'm supposed to help ya' today." "That's right." "Do Ah' still get to try the new alicorn special you created?" Sunny and Izzy giggled, "Little dude, of course you're going to try it, but not until this afternoon." "Why?" "Because we are going to have a moderate customer line up soon. So, in the meantime, I just need you to concentrate on helping me in my trailer today. But I promise, you will get an alicorn special, okay?" Sunny said, rubbing Lasso's main with her hoof. "Got it." Lasso obeyed. Izzy felt that it was time for her to take care of the money and property business now. So, she focused in and knelt down to Lasso, leaning into his face. "Well, I have to go take care of my business now cowcolt. You listen to Sunny, do as she tells you to, and don't give her any trouble or pout about it, are we clear?" "Yes Mo-Ah' mean Izzy." Lasso said, correcting himself. Sunny and Izzy soon looked at each other in confusion. What was he really about to call Izzy? But it was quickly brushed off as Izzy kissed him goodbye, then departed. Lasso watched her leave the area, then vanish into the massive crowds of Maretime Bay. His focus was cut off quickly, for he felt a hoof on his shoulder. Lasso looked up to see Sunny staring at him with a comforting smile. "I know it's going to be tough being away from her for the day. But at least it's going to turn out right for you two." She informed; Lasso returned the smile. "Ah' know Sunny." "Well, what do you say we get started on setting up everything?" "Okay." Lasso stated, still in confusion over what he what he nearly called Izzy. Sunny opened the side door to her smoothie trailer and went inside, Lasso following her. "Now, the first thing I do is I manage to get everything set up and ready. I need you to open up the drawers there, and take out all the cups, then put them on top of the stool." Lasso did what she told him and put all the cups and lids on one side of the stool, then put the straws on the other side. The next thing they did was set up the blender to make the drinks, lastly, they opened the container that stored all the fruits. Once everything was in place and ready to go, Sunny unlocked the window frame and lifted it up, revealing the friendly greeting of the first few customers. "Good morning Maretime Bay, Sunny's Smoothies is now open." In no time, the first pony approached the front, it was a male green earth pony. "And what flavor might I make for you today good sir?" "I'll have a pear-nana strawberry smoothie, medium please." he said. "Coming right up sir, my assistant here will get that ready for you." The earth pony was quickly confused, "You have an assistant?" "Yeah, he's just helping out today." Sunny answered, pointing to Lasso behind her. The earth pony quickly saw him gathering pearnanas and strawberries up to the blender. "Wait, isn't that the colt who helped you win the battle against Opaline and got our magic back?" he asked in surprise, Sunny nodded her head with her eyes closed. "Why is he here helping you?" "Well Izzy Moonbow has just taken guardianship of him. But she had to come here and take care of inheritance forms, plus property appraisers of his old home. So, I told her I would watch him for today while she takes care of all of that." "I see." said the earth pony, looking impressed at his work. "He sure does work hard for a lad his age." "He loves to work, he helped Izzy with jewelry making, plus he makes hats." The earth pony was even more impressed but took his attention to see Lasso handing him the smoothie he ordered. "Here ya' go sir." he stated. "Thanks kid." the earth pony responded, "I'm rather impressed at how you work." "Thank you." Lasso said with a saddened smile. The earth pony then left the trailer, while Sunny waited for the next customer to show up. While she waited, she turned to Lasso who was gathering fruits. "Lasso?" "Yes Sunny?" "Why do you look so down, you should be feeling great." Sunny quoted. Lasso soon thought about what happened earlier, then finally spoke up. "Well Sunny, ever since Izzy and Ah' met, she's been like a second mother to me. Up until now, she's just been mah' friend and I appreciate it from her." Sunny put a hoof on his side, "Go on." "Well, it's only been a couple of days since everything happened. And now that she's mah' guardian, she's raisin' me herself, Ah' almost called her mom because that's what she is to me. Ah' want to call her mah' mom, but not only am Ah' afraid of tellin' her that, but somethin' else too." "What would that be?" "The only thing ah' had to family were just mah' parents, till now. Ah' never had any other family, no grandparents, no aunts or uncles, brothers, or sisters. Ah' feel like Ah'm an orphan, even though Ah' live with Izzy now. All Ah' really want is a real family, and Izzy to be mah' second mom." "But you said that we were your family when you and I defeated Opaline. How can you say that, even though you mentioned it?" "Because Ah' don't really know if Ah' can accept what Ah' can get from Izzy, or the rest of y'all." Lasso said sadly. But Sunny had his back in knowing it. "I'm pretty sure Izzy wouldn't mind you calling her mom. She loves you too much to where you could call her that." "Really?" Lasso asked, starting to show some joy, Sunny petted his head. "I'm sure, and she'll inform you positively. Plus, you will get a family from a few ponies that love you too." "Thanks Sunny." Lasso said, giving her a big hug, Sunny returned it. Then they both resumed working, just as the next pony showed up, who turned out to be none other than Posey. Author's Note I know this chapter has nothing to do with what the story is about, but it's just a warmup chapter. Lasso will get his real wish of them being his family in the end.
A Pocket Full of PoseyIt was going good so far as Lasso helped Sunny with her business, especially since Lasso's assistance paid off well. Now the next customer was Posey who was showing a friendly posture, rather than her annoyed and irritated one. She was actually smiling and greeted Sunny courteously. Sunny on the other hand was really surprised, because Posey usually would either snarl or furrow her eyes. However instead of asking, Sunny just greeted her with the same form of expression. "Good morning Sunny, sure is a nice one today." Posey stated. "Hi Posey, you sure are in a good mood today." Posey was rather taken back at Sunny's response; she was in a good mood for a reason, "Well, I've been experiencing a lot of joy from getting our magic back, I never would have expected it to be returned from spirits of dead ponies. Nor would I have ever seen such courage and perseverance from a little colt. That was something I had never seen before, and also, I wanted to apologize for being such a burden on the mission. I just felt like since we lost our magic again, it seemed hopeless." Sunny smiled, "Come one, we're together no matter what." She was now cheerful at hearing that, but Sunny returned to her normal customer business, "So anyway, I take it you're wanting a tropical treat as always?" In a matter of apprehensiveness, Posey rubbed the back of her neck with her hoof. "Actually, I came here to find out about that little guy, do you know where he is?" Sunny was rather surprised, "Well, you don't have to look hard, cause he's actually here." Lasso, being in the trailer, was also surprised. He was already used to being around Izzy and the other four, but he had never expected to be adored by another one. Sunny stepped to the side to let Posey see for herself, as Lasso stared at her, she put her hoof on her cheek and gasped. "Um, hi?" Lasso said, nervously. "Well, hello there." said Posey, "I didn't know you were here today, what are you doing here with Sunny?" Sunny answered for him, "Izzy had to come here to do some personal business, so I am watching him for the day. I am having him help me around the trailer today." Posey looked at Lasso through the opening, "Is that true sweetie, are you really helping her out?" "Yes Ah' am." he answered. She was truly amazed, never in her life did she witness a colt his age actually working. She could never have found the perfect time to take an interest in him now. To show that she wanted to befriend and develop a bond with him, she decided to make a simple solution to him. Sunny still stared at her in confusion, especially at how nice and courteous she was being. Before Posey could do the solution, she turned to see if there were any other customers or a line. Luckily for her, she was the only one there at that time. Quickly, she turned around back to the opening of the trailer, then stared at Lasso with a warm smile. "I really got to hand it to you sweetie, what you did was very brave." Lasso blushed, "Thanks, Ah' was pretty good." Posey giggled, then something came to her head. Sunny on the other hand was really seeing what was going on. She now had a feeling Posey was wanting to befriend him. Unfortunately, it was not going to be done in an ordinary greeting and hoof shake. "Listen sweetheart." Posey stated, "I know we just met and everything. But um, can you come out here and give me a hug?" Lasso was hesitant at first, but Sunny assured him with a smile that everything was okay, and he should give her a chance. He hopped out of the side door and walked around the front of the trailer where Posey remained. In one swift motion, Posey held a hoof open, letting him approach it. Once he was close enough Posey scooped him up in it, next she stood on her hind legs. Like a newborn baby to a mother, Posey had him wrapped in her forehooves, his head snug against her chest. "I knew we'd get along." Posey said. "Ah' never thought Ah'd be makin' new friends already." Lasso responded. "Ya' must really like me." "Well unlike my previous experiences with ponies, I've come to appreciate that not all are careless." "Thanks Posey." Lasso said, hugging her again. But Posey could see he was feeling down. "What's wrong sweetheart?" she asked as Sunny stared at them. "Well, Ah' told Sunny this earlier. Before Ah' helped her restore her alicorn powers, and defeated Opaline, Ah' told Opaline that Ah' still had family; mah' friends. But Ah' only said that out of courage, Ah' just don't know if it's true. If mah' friends can really be mah' family or not." "Go on sweetie." Sunny said. "It's only been a couple of days since Izzy took me in, but Ah' really see her as a second mom to me. Ah' want to call her that, but Ah'm afraid of what her answer will be. Ah' also want somethin' found in sibling figures." Posey patted him on the back, "I know sweetie, I understand this is a big decision for you. But I can assure you that if you ask Izzy, she'll accept it." "Really?" Lasso asked, showing positivity. "I know, and she's going to gladly appreciate it when you ask." Lasso finally showed a smile, then hugged Posey one last time. Posey gladly returned the final hug, then put him down. "Well, I have to go now. It was a pleasure meeting you Lasso, same to you Sunny." "Same to you." replied Sunny. "Ah' hope to meet you again soon." Lasso said, with a smile. Posey stroked his mane, making him giggle. "I know sweetie, we will see each other again." she replied, she then turned and left the area. After she had vanished, Lasso went back into the trailer to resume helping Sunny. "Ya' know something, Sunny?" "What?" "Ah' actually like Posey, Ah' want her to be one of mah' friends. The next time Ah' see her, Ah'm gonna ask her." "Well, the way she acted to you, I think your answer to that was a yes." Lasso was starting warm up to Sunny as like a surrogate aunt. But still wondered if he felt like Izzy was a second mom to him. Author's Note Looks like Lasso has already made his first friend.
Reassurance From BeyondThe day really felt like it had flown by, for the time being was now 4:40 PM. It was 19 minutes before Sunny closed up shop for the evening, but Lasso still wanted her newest flavor of smoothie, the alicorn special. And Sunny knew that she had to keep her promise of letting him have one, so after they worked together to store away everything, she did just that. Once she had closed the door to her trailer, she started up the blender one last time. Soon, Lasso and Sunny were out of the trailer, and into the orange skies of the sun setting over Maretime Bay. Each with alicorn special smoothies in their hooves. "Thanks for everything today Sunny, Ah' really enjoyed it." Lasso said with a smile, he was now feeling warmed up a bit. "It's no problem Lasso, just remember that you are always welcome to see me." Sunny replied, "Now, we just have to wait for Izzy to come back and get you." "Sunny, Lasso!" said a couple of familiar voices. Sunny and Lasso turned to see Zipp and Pipp walking towards them. "Hey Zipp, Pipp!" Lasso said with joy, running up to them and hugging them. Sunny followed behind him as well. "Sorry you two, I've already closed up shop." "We know, we just needed to get a breather from helping our mom out." Zipp exclaimed. "What happened?" Lasso asked. "We had to pamper Cloud Puff for her all day!" Pipp whined, "All his slobbering and hyperactive behavior was driving us nuts!" "Wow, I'm sorry you had to go through that." Sunny said. "Well, anyway, what brought you to Maretime Bay today?" Pipp asked Lasso. "Well, Izzy had some stuff to take care of here, she was going to have a smoothie, but Ah' guess she had too much to accomplish." "What kind of work?" Zipp asked. "Did she have to get some diamonds here for her jewelry?" Pipp asked. "No." Lasso answered, "She's had to meet with a landlord for a decent selling price on mah' old home. Plus, she's gone to get some final papers signed for her to become mah' legal guardian fully." Zipp and Pipp could tell, aside from Sunny, that the colt was feeling down. Because the whole time he was answering their questions, he responded with a nervous tone. "Hey, why are you talking like that?" "Is something wrong?" Lasso was clearly having enough of everypony's curiosity on his attitude, so this was the last time he was going to say it. "Ah've been thinking about what Ah' said to Opaline when me and Sunny defeated her. Y'all know about y'all being mah' family. Even though y'all are just mah' friends." "Why would you be so concerned about that?" Pipp asked, rubbing his mane. "Because Izzy is practically mah' second mom. Ah' want to call her that and get a real family again. Ah'm just scared of what her response will be." "Pipsqueak, I'm sure Izzy won't mind if you called her your mom." Pipp assured. Zipp picked Lasso up and held him the same way Posey did earlier, "Come on kid, when was the last time Izzy denied anything that you requested?" "When she refused to let me take some beads for a school project." Lasso answered sarcastically. The girls shook their heads, "I meant you calling her anything other than her name?" "Um...uh?" "Yeah, we soooooo didn't think so." Pipp vocalized. "You see Lasso, if you ask her, she won't mind it. Besides, I'm pretty sure that nopony will ever replace your parents. You should know that even though they are gone now, they're alive in you. And your parents knew how much you love Izzy, so why not face it up and ask her?" Sunny informed. Lasso quickly thought this over, turning over to the sun setting in the horizon on the ocean. Sunny was right when she said to him that his parents would always love him no matter what. Plus, they were still alive in him, heart and soul. His thinking was soon interrupted by the sound of familiar hoof steps approaching their direction. He turned to see Izzy, trotting up to the group with a good attitude and appreciative. "Hey Iz." Zipp said. "That sure was one heck of a to-do list you accomplished." Sunny replied. "Well, it turned out to be a miracle." Izzy replied back, Lasso figured it would be good news. So, he walked up to his legal guardian, hoping for the best. "What's the miracle Mo-Ah' mean Izzy?" he asked, causing Izzy to turned confused. "What was that?" she asked. "Uh n-nothin'." Lasso answered nervously, "Just a slip of the tongue." Izzy smiled small, "Whatever sweetie. Anyway, I got a hold of the landmare who your parents used when they bought your former house. I spoke with him about pricing for sale, and he managed to offer 150,000 in gold bits for the price." Lasso was really pumped out at hearing this! "Ya mean, Ah'll finally have enough for mah' own room?!" he asked. Izzy shook her head nervously. "Iz, why are you nervous about that?" asked Sunny. "Well, he told me that 150,000 was going to be the actual price. But, he told me it would be at least several weeks before they can get it ready for selling. "What!?!" Lasso asked in shock, "But, Ah' want mah' stuff and mah' own room back!" Izzy trotted up to Lasso and fubbed his main. "I know sweetie, but it's going to be a while before we can do that." "Awww nuts!" Lasso groaned. "Well anyway, I'm sure you listened to Sunny and did what she told you?" Lasso nodded. Izzy then turned to Sunny, "Did he?" "Of course he did." Sunny answered, pulling him to her side "In fact, he was the biggest helper I have ever had." "Well, I guess we can settle out bonds after all." "Or surrogate families." Lasso stated, this made everyone turn to him, confused. "What do you mean pipsqueak?" Pipp asked. "Ah' mean the fact that, we're all here, like a family." Lasso answered, still trying to hide what he really wanted. Izzy smiled, and put a hoof on his shoulder, "I guess you can say it like that." Izzy and the others looked up to see the sun was about gone, and it was getting really late. Not only was it about to be nightfall, but it was also nearing Lasso's bedtime. It was an on cue moment though, because Lasso yawned, he was pooped from all the working with Sunny. Izzy giggled at hearing him yawning, "Well, I guess we'd better get going cowcolt, you've had it out and in today." She said, levitating him onto her back. "Well, I'll see you all later. Thanks for watching him Sunny." "Don't mention it Iz, it's what I've always wanted to do." Sunny replied. As Sunny, Zipp, and Pipp watched Izzy leave with Lasso, something came upon Sunny. In one quick hesitation, she turned to Zipp and Pipp. "Girls?" "What is it Sunny?" Pipp asked. "Listen, while Lasso was helping me today, he looked rather down. But whenever he stared at me, he showed happiness." "Maybe he's just warming up to being around you." Zipp replied. "Or it could be that he saw you as his ment-o-r-r-r-r." Pipp vocalized in tune. As they were talking, they overlooked one building, the sheriff's office. Because Hitch was closing it up for the evening, it did not take him long to hear the three familiar voices yakking behind him. Sparky on the other hand could not keep awake, especially because he was a baby dragon, so he was already fast asleep on Hitch's back. "Hey girls, what's up?" "Hey Hitch." Pipp replied, quickly noticing little Sparky fast asleep on him. "I see your little helper did his share today." "Heh, you could say that." Hitch replied, joining them on their walk, "What were you all talking about?" "Well, Izzy had some personal business to take care of today. So, I was put in charge of watching Lasso while she was out taking care of it." "How's the little guy doing, I mean he's been really depressed for the past two days now." "Hitch, his parents were murdered by Opaline, isn't it obvious why he's depressed?!" "Sorry, anyway how's he doing?" "Well, he was still feeling down today. Posey came by also to be with him for a bit, but he was telling us about something strange. He told us he was wanting to call Izzy his mom, but he was afraid of her replacing the role of his real parents. He also was questioning about us being his adoptive family, even though he said we were when he and I defeated Opaline." Zipp and Hitch quickly bonded up, Sunny and Pipp showed determined looks. "Come on everypony, we all need to show him that we are all going to be there for him." Zipp reprimanded. "You're right." Hitch said, "Lasso needs a group of ponies to call family, even if he's not so sure. Plus, he needs a male role model, and fatherly figure to look up to." "Better add a little brother figure too." Zipp informed, referring to Sparky. "Well, he also needs a maternal grandmother, an aunt, a surrogate sister, and foalsitters." Sunny said. "How will we find that?" Pipp asked. "We'll figure it all out together." Hitch answered. Unknown to them, behind the corner of the street they were on, Posey Bloom had been listening. She really felt like she had to be a part of this, because she loved Lasso so much. Therefore, she decided to wait until the last moment, a moment to if she could take the sister lead. .....LATER THAT NIGHT, AT IZZY'S HOUSE.... Lasso was underneath several rows of quilts and blankets on the living room sectional. The same sectional he had slept on for the past two nights, now his third night. His head rested on two pillows; he was fast asleep with Izzy's hoof wrapped around him to keep him close. Without warning, a sudden rush of cold air flew around him, it was so intensifying to feel that it woke him up. Lasso looked around to see where the feeling came from, but the room was quiet. So, he went back to sleep, after just a few minutes of his transitioning phase of sleeping, he heard voices. ...."Lasso.".... He had woken up again. "Who's there?" he asked, before he knew it, wisps of magical smoke came out of nowhere. Lasso was now terrified at what he was seeing, making him cover his face with the sheets. ...."Do not be scared sweetheart.".... The voice said, it sure did not take long for him to find out who it was calling him. "Mom, Dad?!" Lasso asked with a soft voice, and indeed it was none other than his parents. The magical smoking wisps formed into ghostly apparitions of them. "Lasso sweetie, you must know that even though we are now in the afterlife, we are with you in spirit." said the ghost of Lone Star Jr. "Really?" he asked his father. "Yes dear." Granny Smith III answered, comfortingly. "You also have to know, Izzy loves you just as much as we do. No matter what you two do, nopony will ever replace us." Lasso smiled, "Thanks." "Always remember, and never forget." Lone Star said, then he and Granny Smith III vanished away. The whole thing was revealed to be a dream though, because Lasso woke up with a small gasp. He checked his surroundings for any signs of magical smoke, or voices, there weren't any. Even though his gasp was silent, it still managed to wake up Izzy, because she yawned. "Lasso, what's the matter, did you have a bad dream?" she asked, pulling him even closer to her. Poor Lasso, he couldn't bare it any longer. Thanks to the vision he just had, he finally had the courage to admit the truth. "Izzy, Ah've been wanting to ask you this. And it's not about helpin' Sunny, or smoothies at all." "Oh?" "Ah' know you're mah' legal guardian now, but...." he sighed, "Can ah' call you mom?" Izzy was in utter confusion "Are you sure about that sweetheart, I just mean, I don't want to take in place of your parents." "Well, Ah'm askin' because ever since we met, Ah've seen you as a second mommy to me. And no matter what, even though you are just a guardian, Ah' want a second mommy, and you won't ever replace mah' parents." "You really mean that?" Izzy asked with tears filling her eyes. "Yes, Ah' want you to be mah' mommy!" Lasso exclaimed. Izzy held Lasso in her forehooves, the two clung to each other tightly as they both hugged each other. "Oh sweetie, of course you can call me mommy." Lasso could not now have felt any better, for he finally managed to get that out of him. "Well, let's go back to sleep okay." "All right." "Good night Lasso, I love you." Izzy said, kissing him on his forehead. She was first to fall asleep again, but she soon felt rubbing. She opened one eye and saw her little cowcolt had snuggled closer to wear his back and head were warm on her chest. "Ah' love you too.........mommy." Lasso muttered. Gradually, they both drifted off to sleep.
Laying Down the Law/We Are FamilyThe next morning, Lasso and Izzy were having their breakfast together. Only this time, instead of being in a hurry like the previous morning, this would be just a typical breakfast to start a normal day. But unlike the past couple of days, Lasso was finally able to show positivity, because he told the truth to Izzy about her being a second mom to him, and she was able to accept the new role of being a mother, even though she was just his guardian. Unbeknownst to him though, Lasso was about to get something even bigger, something he had never thought he would get. Izzy spoke up, "So, cowcolt, did you sleep well?" "Yes mom." he answered. "Well, that's good to know, because I need to talk to you." "About what?" "Well, you are now under my guardianship." "Yes, Ah' know." "I mean, since you are going to be living here with me, I feel that I need to lay down the rules." Izzy answered. "What!?!" Lasso exclaimed. "Sorry sweetie, but I am in charge, now listen up." The little colt groaned softly, but Izzy was not having it, because she gave him a death glare. This quickly made him change and listen. Finally, Izzy started laying down the ground rules she made. "First rule, you might have been able to stay up late before, but you will have a curfew. It will be precisely at 9:00 PM, after 9 PM, you are to be in this house and in the sectional until you have a room." "Yes mom." Lasso answered. "Second rule, unless you are helping me with my jewelry and your hats, my crafting room is off limits." "Yes." "Now this is the last thing, it's not much of a rule, but a heads up of what to be expected." Lasso was now puzzled, "What do you mean?" Izzy smiled, then opened her forehooves wide, "Come here, you!" Lasso smiled also and climbed in them, while she wrapped him up and held him tight. "What will Ah' expect?" he asked, smiling but confused. "Also, because I love you so much, I will be tickling you!" she said, tickling his belly and making him giggle. "Plus, I am also going to be hugging you, kissing you, and snuggling with you a lot. So be prepared for all of that too sweetie." Lasso snickered, "Okay mama, Ah' will." Izzy then put him back into his seat so he could finish his breakfast. Not even before he finished his cereal, there was a knock at the door. "Now who could that be?" Izzy asked, she got up from her seat and walked over to the front door. What she saw when she opened the door was really surprising to her, the entire group was there, including Misty and Posey! "What in hoofness?!" "Hey Iz." Sunny said with a smile, "We all wanted to come by to see Lasso, we want to speak with him." "About what?" "We figured he needs a group of ponies for something special." Posey stated. "And a couple of male counterparts in it too." Hitch stated, Sparky gurgled with his pony father in alliance. "Not to mention a close friend." Misty stated. Izzy gave a comforting smile, she knew what they all were referring to, but wanted to tell Lasso in person. "Lastly, he needs an older and more surrogate pony to speak to." said Queen Haven. That's when it all came down to Izzy, they wanted to be something Lasso desperately was asking for. Without further ado, she went back to the kitchen to see him in time to finish his breakfast. "Lasso sweetie?" "Yes mama?" "Can you come up front with me?" "Why?" "It's the gang, they're here to see you." "Really?" "Yes, come on." Lasso got up from the table and followed Izzy to the living room, and indeed the whole posy was there. Just like before, they all greeted him with friendly and caring smiles. "Hi y'all, what are y'll doin' here?" he asked. "Hey buddy." Zipp replied, stroking his mane with her hoof, "There's something we've been meaning to speak with you about." "What's that?" Lasso asked. Posey approached and pulled him closer in, "Well sweetie, we were all noticing how down you have been for the past two days. I could tell that you needed something big and full of love to circle you over." "As did I." Misty replied, "After I saw you and Sunny defeat Opaline, I instantly regretted my role in what happened. As a way of asking for forgiveness, I vowed to be a part of the big love circle." "We all want to be in this circle dear." Queen Haven said. "As do I." Hitch replied, Sparkly gurgled to agree with him. "Same here." replied Sunny. "What do y'all mean?" Izzy put a hoof on his shoulder, "Sweetie, we've all been talking about how all you had were just your parents, until now. You already know you have me as your surrogate mother and legal guardian, but I finally know what else you were wondering about. And that was if friends really would be family, despite you mentioning it when you and Sunny here defeated Opaline." "You mean?!" Lasso asked, now understanding what was really going on. Sunny walked up to him and pulled him closer to her. "Yes dear, you are right, friends are family too." "You all really want to be mah' family!?!" "Yes." they all said. "But how will Ah' know who's what for it?" Lasso asked. "Don't worry pipsqueak." Pipp insured, 'We've s-o-o-o-o got it all worked out." "How so?" "Well, we were quietly discussing it all together last night, so we want you to listen good and see what you think." "Okay." The first one to speak up was Sunny, "You've already got Izzy as your adoptive mother, so that part you don't have to worry about. However, you do need two maybe three surrogate sisters to be with you as play mares. Therefore me, Posey, and Misty have volunteered to take that role." Next, it was Hitch's turn. "I know you need a male role model and fatherly figure to look up to. As a bonus, you look like you could use a little brother to play with. So, Sparky here says he'll be your little brother, and I'll take the role of the father and model." Little Sparky proved this by flying up to Lasso and hugging him, which he gladly returned. Next and lastly were Zipp, Pipp, and Queen Haven. "Last, you need a couple of foalsitters to watch over you while in case Izzy has to leave for something." Zipp notified. "So-o-o-o-o, Zipp and I have made the choice to be your foalsitters." Pipp informed. "And last but not least, you need a maternal grandmare to be around you. So, think of me as being that for you dear." said Queen Haven with a smile. "So, what do you say cowcolt?" asked Izzy. Lasso could soon feel his emotions kick into his heart, it almost felt like joy was tugging at it. This was nothing more than a reaction of surrounding love for his soul, his mouth quivered, his eyes widening. "YES, AH'LL DO IT!!!!!!!!!" he said with complete happiness! "YOU ALL ARE MAH' FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!" Lasso really wanted to hug them now, but he didn't know who to start with. Luckily, it was started for him, for the first one to pick him up and hug him was Izzy. Next was Sunny, then Sparky and Hitch, Zipp, Pipp, Posey, Misty, and finally Queen Haven. "We all love you Lasso." they all stated, making him feel really special, "We are family."
