"So, the punishment is tea with you?" Sweetie Drops asked incredulously as she sat down.

"Well, it's more of a talk. Don't tell the others, true negligence never comes intentionally." Floral responded as he gave a steaming cup of tea to her. "A personal one. I sent Moon and Gilda to go and make some stuff for the treehouse. And Zecora, the zebra, she went to Ponyville to gather a few supplies for herself." He explained and sat down himself.

"I see, the treehouse looks pretty good by the way. Definitely better than the ones I've seen before. Like, it has a lot more feelings?" She said and took a sip. "Mhmm, really good tea."

"Thank you, but that's not why I wanted to speak with you." He said and took his sip.

"Right, I, still lost." She said, a bit down.

"There's a reason for that, isn't there?"

"It's, because I wasn't enough. I'm sorry."

"No, that's not it. You weren't participating at full capacity." He got straight to the point.

"Uh, yeah. I apologize."

"It's fine, I'm not gonna eat you." He joked slightly. "I already knew Steps was going to win. He may be a bit low on stamina compared to the others, but he knows his way around the dark, as well as how to still work with fatigue. Though, he could still try to learn how to use those wings outside of sneaking his way around." He calmly explained as the fire started to grow bigger. "Heavy was a small surprise. It wasn't in his file that he grew up hunting bears. It naturally gave him an advantage."

"Yes, he said nopony ever asked him, so he just didn't mention it." She added on as she anxiously stared forward.

"Yes, I suppose he's the type to do that." He mumbled. "But, what I didn't expect was your performance." He said as he got up and started to climb the treehouse. "I know you're not the stealth type, preferring a more direct approach to most fights with your earth pony strength. But, I already had a solid grasp on your skills from your file." He still talked to her from up there before jumping down. "I'm aware you took a vacation in Ponyville, and your skills could be rusty. But you're not even using them." He said and gave a folder to her.

"Oh." She didn't say a word as she opened it. "I guess you really got everything, your clearance has to be at least on the level of Princess Celestia to view these." She commented as she gave them back.

"I don't care much for your personal lives, my job is to train and hone your skills. You have quite the incredible track record." He said and sat down again. "A cragadile, a small wyvern, a group of spies from Saddle Arabia, letting Equestria have quite an edge over peace negotiations. And most impressively, a bugbear, lethal poison, sixth fastest creature in the wild, strength enough to rival a total of ten earth ponies." He let all the details out clearly.

"I didn't do it alone. And the spies were ridiculously suspicious, coming from just the South."

"I see, the files clearly show you've went through lots of battles and skirmishes with your team. Yet, you never stayed." He told her with a small chuckle. "It was weird. When I first saw your files, I expected a closely bonded team, with the captain acting as more of a friend rather than a boss. But it wasn't that. From day one, you come here from a different direction than everypony else, you haven't stayed for even a minute longer whilst some of your members have already stayed for more than an hour. Just yesterday, Heavy and Eagle stayed for dinner and a drink. Even Iron stayed longer for advice. At this rate, your entire team will be having parties without you." He warned and refilled his cup. "Though, Chain seems to be quite the fan of you. Not even using her horn. Well, you don't fix what's not broken."

"Yes, she's dedicated. She would've passed Royal Guard training with one of the highest scores, but the Princess noticed her early."

"Two Princesses, Captain Drops. Ignoring Luna in her entirety would be close to treason, and it's just mean." He admonished her calmly.

"Yes, sir, sorry."

"Right, but that's beside the point. You're distracted."

Sweetie Drops couldn't reply to that.

"Why is that?" He simply asked as he went for his tea.

Hesitation. Sweetie Drops waited a few seconds for her answer. "It's, something a bit personal."

"Hmm. Well, I'm not entitled to force it out of you. But you'll have to tell them eventually."

"Huh?"

Floral gave a small chuckle as he continued to drink his second cup.

"The tea, what do you think I put in it?" He asked.

"I, well, it's tea. So, leaves?"

"What you're drinking is a type of tea from my homeland. It's a milk tea. Basically, it's just black tea with milk in it." He explained it simply.

"Alright? But what's important about that?" She asked as she was starting to feel confused.

"Listen closely. To make this milk tea, I first boil a batch of black tea, then pour in milk with a bit of salt. But, what you're doing is drinking the black tea first, then drinking the milk. And eventually, you'll be left with nothing but salt." He took another sip. "Salt is, bitter. It's something you don't usually use on it's own. You always mix it with something else. Without something to mix it with, you're just left with a bitter taste that won't satisfy at all."

"Oh, so you knew." She was a bit sad.

"Not entirely. If you're worried about me forcing you to move away, I won't. But, if you really want to keep this job, and your life, you'll have to stop being so distracted."

"Then, what am I supposed to do?"

"Isn't it simple? You'll have to break a code."

"What?! But, that could expose the entire organization! One slip and the S.M.I.L.E agency will have to come to the light! It'll put others in danger! It'll put her in danger!" She was obviously against it.

"That's why it's secret, isn't it?"

The question stopped her. It was absurd. She would be putting not just her team in danger, but the entire agency. And of course, the one who found out would also be placed in danger.

"I get what you're worried of, but because of that, you're not operating as your best self. I will tell you this as simply as I could, you will die because of that carelessness. So, you'll have to either forget about your mask of 'Bon Bon', or you'll have to expose your secret. I'm sure you know which one you won't do." He stated.

Taking a moment to think, Sweetie Drops was conflicted. She's given her life for the job, but she felt something she's never have before. Something that couldn't be replaced.

"Then, what'll happen after that?" She asked.

"That's something only time will tell." He replied. "She could just go on without caring about it much, maybe she'll try to join the agency. Well, it all depends on how much you trust her."

"I trust her, with my life."

"Then, the answer is simple isn't it?" He asked the final question.

"I, I'll have to think about it." She said as she finished her lukewarm tea and left. "Good night, sir."

"Good night." He replied as he stared at her walking off. "I didn't take her for the romantic type." He mumbled to himself as he went for another cup of tea.

"Yo! Floral! What rhymes with orange?!" Moon loudly asked as she came over with a bunch of small wooden trinkets.

"What?" He asked.

"What rhymes with orange?" Gilda asked and placed a thick wooden circle down.

"Yeah, we tried to think of a bunch of stuff, all we came up with was door hinge." Moon said and started to align them. "I need nails, by the way. I'm gonna make a mirror table."

"Yeah, sure, I'll help you make them in the morning." He replied and picked up a piece as a blueprint immediately came to mind. "I guess, things like ridge, bridge, singe, would rhyme with orange." He listed the few words.

"Cool, where's, uh, Zecora, yeah, where is she?" Gilda asked and poured herself a cup of tea.

"Back again, and all I need is bought. Every item found, just like I thought!" Zecora happily exclaimed as she came through a bush with a cart behind her. "I can't thank you enough for your hospitality. I'll pay you back with potions full of vitality!" She said happily as she disconnected herself from the cart.

"It's fine, Zecora. Though, those potions would really help." Floral said.

"Ooh! Zecora!" Gilda raised a claw. "Think you can make me something that'll help me in close quarter fights? I always end up with no arrows in fights." She requested.

"That's as simple as it could get. A fair trade, no need to fret!" Zecora accepted without hesitation.

"Then I want something that'll explode!" Moon demanded suddenly.

"Explode?" Floral asked amused.

"What, explosions are fun." That was her reply.

"As long as the ingredients are there to find, I'll help you out with all my mind." Zecora said as she brought out a few white boxes from her cart. "I passed by Sugarcube Corner today, and grabbed some baked goods along the way." She explained and opened the first box to reveal donuts.

"Fuck yes!" Moon immediately took one.

"Hey, donuts!" Gilda was happy as well.

"These treats are made with bananas and berries, a combo that's sweet and a little bit merry." Zecora happily explained the treats as she took one for herself

Staring at the three enjoying themselves, Floral couldn't help but smile. For him, this was exactly what he wished for. A family of sorts, no matter what they went through, still remain happy and cheerful. It was these small moments of peace that Floral truly missed.

"Dude, grab one! These are actually amazing!" Moon told Floral.

He chuckled. "Sure, is there anything with blueberries in it?"

Coming through the door, Moon walked a bit and saw Gilda coming over the fence on the treehouse. With slight flair, she placed a cloth over it.

"Is it good?" Moon asked.

"Table's looking good." Gilda said as she pushed it bit to check its stability.

"I guess it's about time we made an actual table huh?" Moon commented and sat at it on a log. "Should probably make chairs too."

"We can do it later." Floral told them as he took a seat. "So, we'll be starting with weapon training soon enough. We'll have to fit basically decades of experience into about twenty days." He said as he slapped a bunch of files on the table.

"Sounds impossible." Gilda said as she leaned on the fence.

"It is, that's why we can only improve their basics. We'll give them a start, and they'll have to figure out their fighting styles on their own." He replied and brought out the first file. "Eagle Eye. Brown coat, gold mane. Pegasus. Skills include scouting, long range archery, camouflage in sandy areas, and great at fleeing through the skies. This one's obvious." He finished and put it aside.

"Long or short bow though?" Moon asked.

"There's a difference?" Gilda asked as she thought of her way of shooting.

"You have a long bow. It's a bit slower, but has greater power and range than the short bow. Although you can't use it in close combat, you also have claws, plus there's Moon and me in front of you." He explained and brought out the next. "Stargazer. Indigo coat, gray mane. Unicorn. Skills are fast spell casting, multitasking, good magic sensitivity. He should get a short sword or such in case of emergencies."

"Yeah, it's probably the best option." Gilda was fine with it.

"Ah, the guy who's scared of the dark. Ain't got a problem there." Moon agreed.

"You're never afraid of the dark. You're only scared of what could be in it." Floral said softly. "Then here's Silent Steps." He brought out the next one. "Dark coat, dark mane."

"Kind of guy that's born for stealth." Moon said jokingly.

"Then knives it is, no?" Gilda suggested.

"Agreed." Floral said. "Heavy Hitter. White coat, light yellow mane. Earth Pony. Fast, efficient, and quiet. I thought warhammer at first, but gauntlets might suit better." He said and looked at the two.

"I guess?" Gilda said.

"I really wanna say warhammer." Moon was a bit hesitant.

"Do you have an idea, Gilda?" Floral asked.

"Well, I was thinking the uh, big sword?" She suggested.

"You mean, Greatsword?" Floral asked.

"Is it the really big ones? With the, uh, a really wide blade?" Gilda asked back.

"I suppose that could work." He said.

"It'll have to be custom made though, not many ponies that could use something like that." Moon mumbled to the idea.

"Well, that's not our problem." Floral said as he pulled out the next one. "Second in command, Chain Link. Unicorn. Silver coat, red mane. Skills include incredible flexibility, fast decision making, quite fast, high mental strength. Though, she's already chosen her weapon."

"Less work for us, I guess." Moon mumbled.

"What's she using? Gilda asked.

"Kusarigama. A Neighpanese weapon. It's a scythe connected to a spiked ball with a long chain." Floral explained.

"How the hell are we supposed to teach something like that?" Moon asked.

Floral simply stared back at her.

"Oh, fuck off. Why'd you learn something like that?" She asked.

"You know how to use that thing?" Gilda asked.

"I learnt it, so I could infiltrate a group of Neighpanese ponies. It worked." He said before moving on.

"Oh yeah, that reminds me, hey Moon, what kinda fan club makes smoke bombs and poison?" Gilda asked.

"I don't fucking know? An obsessed group of teenagers?" Moon replied.

"Huh." Gilda was slightly shocked.

"Told you it would be a straight answer." Floral said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, yeah." Gilda said annoyed.

"The fuck are you guys-ah. You bitch, you didn't tell me there was a cult." Moon immediately asked Floral.

"Well, there isn't. I made sure." He said calmly before pulling out the next file.

"Dude, damn." Was all Moon could say.

"I guess it's a fan club." Gilda commented.

"Sure it is." Floral gave a chuckle. "Captain Sweetie Drops. Beige coat, blue and pink mane. Earth Pony. Skills include stealth, leadership, hooh-to-hoof combat, acrobatics, acting, hang-gliding, boating, blimp licensed, short sword usage, information gathering, athleticism, spear usage, long sword usage, shield usage, ball usage, cannon usage, bow usage, knife usage, wire usage, pencil usage." He listed it all off with a casual tone.

"Holy shit!" Moon exclaimed rightfully.

"How the fuck are you so calm about this?! I mean, pencil usage?" Gilda asked befuddled.

"Pencils are sharp, and can dig into vulnerable spots just fine." Floral said calmly. "I've already read these before they came here. I can only guess the agency is the reason Equestria's military force has fallen so low. The agency would take care of anything extra that happened. I'm not sure if she's killed anything before though, there's only mentions of captures here." He muttered to himself.

"I, fucking hell." Gilda muttered.

"So, what the hell's her weapon?" Moon asked.

"Gauntlets, extra knives." He simply answered.

"Damn, seriously. And here I was thinking ponies were soft." Gilda said with shock. "Except for you two, you guys are just enigmas."

"Jee, I'm glad." Moon said sarcastically.

"Then there's the new recruit, Iron Shield." Floral said and pulled out the last file. "Pegasus. White coat, silver mane. Trained in sword usage." He said and put it away.

"That's, um." Gilda didn't know what to say.

"Yeah. It is a bit disappointing after Captain Drops. But he's a new recruit, so he'll have to catch up." Floral told them.

"I'll say, the asshole's got a good survival instinct. He's dodging pretty much everything I'm throwing at him." Moon interjected. "Of course, I'm holding back. But my point still stands."

"Yes, it seems the main thing that's been holding him back was the fear of getting hurt." Floral said calmly. "He gets over that, he'll be an incredible fighter."

"Alright, so, we just gotta train him in shielding right?" Gilda asked.

"He'll learn from experience. To learn a shield, you only need to remember a few rules." Floral explained.

"Yeah, so, shield it is, right?" Moon asked.

"Yes, let's go with the stereotype on this one." Floral said and gathered the files into a folder.

"Wait, so if Drops is that good, why the hell is she so terrible in training?" Moon asked.

"That's a personal problem for her. I took care of it, but, we'll see how well it went tomorrow." Floral closed the discussion.

"Alright!" Moon cheered and took a big stretch. "My back was aching from all this work." She complained.

"We talked for like ten minutes at most." Gilda said from the side as she started to inspect her arrows.

"So? I'm still fucking tired. I'm going to eat some of those cupcakes Zecora brought." Moon said and jumped over the fence.

"Hey! Don't you dare eat them all!" Gilda yelled and jumped after her.

Floral only laughed at their antics. Though, that feeling quickly faded away as he opened a file again.

"A group of spies from Saddle Arabia." He mumbled. "Yet they came from just the South. Not the East. If the spies wanted to go come from someplace else, they could've easily chosen East. Even the West if it was that important." He mumbled more as something started to form in his mind. "Fuck, something big is gonna happen soon."

With that thought, his next action was already decided.

"I wonder if there's anything with blueberries left?"

He would wait until either night, or until Celestia visited.

Author's Note

More counseling time! I thought I could slowly branch his influence out like this.

And as for training, don't you think the two girls are actually enjoying this? It feels like a pretty good break from being bored all day.

Anyways, as always. Thanks for reading!