Little Hooves in a Dark World

Chapters

1 - Hey, My Herdmates
6 - Lack of Safety
23 - C'mon, Sis
2 - Stress Shopping
3 - Shadow Looming
4 - Herd Meeting
5 - Back Online
7 - Jay
8 - Guardian
9 - Happy Herd
10 - Closing the Box
11 - Curious
12 - Hat in Time
13 - Curiouser and Curiouser
14 - Read a Book
15 - Decompressing
16 - Wolves in Forests
17 - Streaming it Out
18 - Retreat
19 - Recover
20 - It's Magic!
21 - Hat's Off To You
22 - Sisterhood
24 - Gift Giving

1 - Hey, My Herdmates

"Hey, My Herdmates!" She smiled at the camera, but the camera wasn't capturing her. It was just looking for that smile, the way her head was inclined, and other little things. It translated all that mess onto a virtual avatar of an equally smiling pony that danced along with her. "What a fantastic day we're having! Now, how many of you did the challenge I gave you?" She waved a finger, which made the avatar wave a hoof. "Be honest!"

The chat filled with viewers noting they did, or did not. She had viewers, which was good, but never quite enough to survive on. "More of you than I thought you would. You're so good! Today we're talking..."

She gave her show, even getting a few superchats out of it. "Oh no, look at that time. Raspberry, signing off!" She waved at them as she slid her other hand to her mouse, ending the stream. With a heavy sigh, she sat back. "That is draining... But fun."

She actually was Raspberry. Raspberry Sunrise. But she was also Sandra Tate. She was a little pony in that wide world, and being human was where she spent a good amount of that time. She could have, if she was stupid, just gone on air as her pony-self. But that would get her in trouble, with all her fellow ponies, and maybe other things that decided they were interested in a real pony.

That was far too many things, and too many of them were unsavory. Nope. She would be a human wearing a pony mask, even if she actually was a pony under that. It amused her, in the end. "Time to get to work." Not that vtubing was work free, but she had to make enough to pay bills and things. She left her house with a little whistle.

"Hey, Sandy." Her neighbor was out there, waving at her as they walked their dog.

"Hey, Tom." She returned the wave on her way to the car. Soon she was safely cocooned in that car. "I love this neighborhood. Nice people." She started it up and got the app going as she installed the phone in its traditional place. "Now let's see who's too lazy to go shopping."

There were quite a few, and an order came in quickly. She pulled out and zoomed off towards the first, a grocery stop. "Your... blueberries..." She read off the app as best she could while driving. "Are on the way."

Sandra pulled into the grocery store parking lot and hurried inside, consulting her phone for the customer's list. She grabbed a cart and efficiently checked items off one by one - milk, eggs, bread, peanut butter. As she turned down the fruit aisle, she scanned the shelves intently for those blueberries.

"Aha, there you are," she murmured, selecting a pint of plump ripe berries. She carefully placed them in her cart, along with the other items. At the register, she packed everything neatly into paper bags.

The morning passed swiftly as Sandra continued making her deliveries. She enjoyed glimpsing inside customers' lives during each brief interaction. Most people were friendly, if distracted - except for Mr. Fennel on Elm Street. He complained that she got the wrong type of yogurt. She politely apologized and made a mental note to double check his items next time.

As lunchtime approached, Sandra's stomach rumbled. She decided to treat herself to a quick burger before her 1PM stream. Her phone dinged with another grocery order. "Ugh, more blueberries?" she laughed. She didn't mind really - it was all part of the job. And she took pride in providing good service, even to the fussiest of customers. Sandra couldn't imagine doing anything else. This work perfectly suited her cheery, helpful nature.

But that address. She had never seen it before. Still, it wasn't her job to filter the addresses. She grabbed everything on their list. "I'll turn off the app the moment this is in your hands. Eat time, stream time..." Sandra pulled in front of a lonely little house. She slid from her car, bag in hand, and hurried up to the front step. "No contact, good." She put it down, snapped a picture of it, and turned to flee.

The door opened before she got far. "Thanks." A male voice.

She turned to offer a smile. That was polite, and got tips. "You..." She trailed off. The man had obvious sores on his face and neck and had far too few teeth on top of that. The ones he did have seemed to be dangerously sharp and he had them exposed in a dangerous grin. "Welcome." She backed away with a nervous laugh.

"Don't be like that." He took a step out into the light. "I'll tip you extra if you hang around..."

"Have a nice day!" She hurried to her car and pulled away with a squeaking of her tires. "I am not one of those kind of drivers..." She shook her head violently free of that ickiness. "Food, stream. Let's do it!"

Sandra drove to a nearby diner, eager to put some distance between herself and that unsettling customer. She ordered a BLT with fries and took deep breaths to calm her rattled nerves as she waited for her food.

When her meal arrived, Sandra ate slowly, scrolling through her phone to catch up on social media. She smiled at a silly meme her brother had tagged her in and left cheerful comments on a few posts. By the time she finished eating, Sandra's upbeat mood had returned.

She headed home to start her stream, pondering fun topics to discuss with her viewers. As she pulled into the driveway, Sandra made a mental note to contact the grocery delivery service about that customer's address. She would feel better if they removed it from the system, so other drivers could avoid an uncomfortable situation.

Sandra entered her house ready to immerse herself in the bright, cheerful world of her pony persona. She pushed the strange encounter out of her mind, eager to spread some joy and positivity online. There was still plenty of daylight left for making that day great.

"Hey, My Herdmates!" She had a customary sign on, that usually helped, or so she read somewhere. "I had to gallop so far today, delivering mail to all the good mares and stallions." It was not exactly what she had done, but close enough? "And even one not so good one, but let's not get into that. It's the afternoon, which means today we hit the news, the good news!"

She began playing clips of nice things going on around the world, adding her own commentary as she went, awwing and discussing with her viewers. "Too many people out there focus only on the bad parts. I'm so glad to share some of the nice things with you all." She blew a kiss at her audience. They could hear it, but the pony-avatar couldn't perfectly even try to follow along with that.

Still, it did the job, with hearts and other such emoji popping up. "You're all so good." Her eyes darted to a message, one of so many, but it caught her eye.

Hope you come back soon. That offer for a big tip's open.

Ice cold ran through Sandra's veins. How? "Did you know they're building a replacement for the community center that got knocked down a few years ago? About time! But good! Maybe..." She had been about to say she'd visit it, but with that stalker... She decided against it. "I'll send them a few dollars. Put your money where your values are, right?"

That got her a few superchats, people enthusiastically giving to the cause through her. "Silly ponies! Give them a call if you want to give to them. They'll thank you! I'm not mad. It's so good to see so many open hearts out there."

Another superchat came, from her new stalker. $50, a considerable superchat.

Hugs and kisses.

From any of her other fans, it would have been cute, and a reason to cheer. She forced a smile. "You're all too much! I'll make sure some of today goes right to them."

Inside, her thoughts raced with concern. She resolved to contact the authorities about the harassment. For the rest of the stream, she remained upbeat but avoided directly addressing further inappropriate comments, not wanting to reward such behavior with attention.

The moment the stream ended, Sandra picked up her phone with a shaky hand. She reported the customer's username, super chats and messages to the police. They promised to look into it and send a patrol by her house to check for anything suspicious.

Sandra double-checked all her security precautions, deeply unsettled. But she reminded herself this was likely just an idle threat from one socially awkward person rather than true danger. Still, they didn't even know where she lived. She was the one that had visited them... It was likely alright, or so she hoped.

She just had to rely on the police to get anything done." She buried her face in her hands with a weary sigh. "I thought this wouldn't happen. I'm a virtual horse. Why would someone stalk a virtual horse?" Sure, she was a real one too, but they didn't know that!

Filled with nervous energy, she stiffly went for her car, not for a delivery, but to head to a friend. She hurried over and up to their door, knocking firmly.

The door swung open to reveal a 20-30 year old male with a clean shave and a mild smile. "Sandy! You should have warned me."

"I should have." Sandra colored faintly. "But today's been a day... Can I come in?"

"Sounds serious." He stepped aside for Sandra and soon they were both in the living room, and on all fours. He was a unicorn, with a blue mane and tail, that tail swaying fitfully. "What's wrong? I'm here to help if I can."

Sandra, then Raspberry Sunrise, shook herself out with an equine whinny. "It was awful! This creep creeped all over me when I delivered to him, and he somehow showed up on my stream! How? Seriously... how? That was not natural!"

He closed to touch his snout to her cheek. "I'm sorry. You're safe here."

She snorted gently. "Don't make it a habit to almost-kiss upset ladies." But she hugged him. "Lucky, I know you..." They were quiet in that embrace a moment. "It's.... It just really freaked me out."

"I would be too." He drew back and stood up. "I'm not a Youtuber... But I can imagine, at least... What can I do for you, right now?"

Raspberry considered that. "This will sound odd, maybe... But can I sleep over here tonight?"

He nodded firmly. "Of course! What are friends for?" He turned, tail lashing. "Besides, we're more than that. Ponies of a herd have to stick together. Who else is gonna?"

Raspberry felt a wave of relief wash over her as Lucky readily agreed to her spontaneous request. His calm demeanor and steadfast support was exactly what she needed after the jarring experience.

She gave him a grateful nuzzle. "Thanks, Lucky. I know it's silly...I just don't really want to be alone tonight." She scuffed a hoof against the plush carpet. "I keep replaying that whole weird interaction in my head. The way he looked at me..." She shuddered.

Lucky listened patiently, his ears pricked with concern. "No, not silly at all," he assured. "I totally understand why you'd feel shaken up. And safety first, always." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "We should do a perimeter check outside and make sure everything looks normal around the house while there's still daylight."

Raspberry nodded, appreciating her friend's level-headed protectiveness. The two ponies stepped out into the backyard, peering cautiously around. But all seemed peaceful - chirping birds, a neighbor mowing their lawn, the faint laughter of kids playing in a park a few streets over.

After determining nothing seemed amiss, they headed back inside. Lucky bustled about setting up a cozy nest of blankets and pillows for Raspberry while she browsed his movie collection. "Ooh, how about a comedy?" she suggested, grabbing out a stack of DVDs with an eager hoof. She was still a bit jittery, but snuggled up here with her best friend, she already felt safer.

Author's Note

And we begin another tale in that dark world, with colorful little ponies. The world of ponies has changed, thanks to the last tale. They're not just hiding and hoping. They have a stronger community, and understand their powers.

That doesn't stop them from getting scared. Horses are easy to scare.

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6 - Lack of Safety

The morning sun seeped into the windows, bringing with it a cheerful warmth. Sandra groaned with a yawn, sitting up with a stretch. "Lou?" She called out, eyes fluttering open. What she hadn't expected was to wake up as a human and sitting on a man's chest. She slipped off to the side, hoping that hadn't hurt him.

"Ah, I'm up!" The other woke with a start. He sat up, a hairy arm stretched to rub at his eyes. "Well, at least you're human again. Did you sleep okay?"

She turned her back to him, picking at the clothes that were somewhat loose on her frame. "Yeah." Her tone wasn't entirely confident. "I, uh. This will sound stupid as hell, Louis, but I—" She dusted herself off lightly. "I'm not used to sleeping with other people."

"I know, you live alone, or lived alone." He crept up beside her. "If you feel uncomfortable, just say so."

She put on a brave face, but his tone made her waver. "It's, it's fine. Maybe I just need some space?" She shook her head violently, her cheeks heating up. "That came out odd. You've been nothing but kind to me." She hooked an arm around him, just to push him away. "But get dressed. I only want to see you naked when there's actual fur involved."

"But I thought you liked human me!" He teased with a grin. "I have some muscle going."

She did her best to ignore the toned abs that he displayed. "Sure, yeah." She looked away, colored darkly. "You are a handsome enough human male. I'm a pretty enough human female. We all got all the parts." She rubbed at one arm with the other hand. "I'm just a little off-kilter, okay? I'll get over it, give me some time." She covered her eyes. "At least get the rest of your clothes on!"

"Oh, sorry." Louis gave her a bit more room, hunting for the various parts to his outfit. "So, about breakfast?"

She relaxed and lowered her hands. "We were up late, and we didn't go shopping yet." She dropped a hand to her tummy. "I'll just make do with a couple slices of toast."

"This isn't your house." Louis strode confidently into his kitchen and dug out some supplies he knew were there. "Got some toaster pastries right here." He dropped two in the toaster and plunged them down to start cooking. "Orange juice over here." He poured two tall glasses. "Breakfast of champions!"

She quirked up a brow. "Okay, that's better than what I was planning on." She claimed one glass and the first pastry out. "What's on the schedule for today?"

He hiked a thumb. "I have bad news that's bothering me. We squished the icky thing, which is good, but it was there, which means they may already know where you ran off to."

"Great. I thought I was safer than that." She frowned a moment. "But at least you killed it, right?" She flexed a hand idly. "I would have been worried about the damn thing sitting in your garage."

"Right, yeah, squished." He chewed on his pastry thoughtfully. "But it was there, telling them maybe where it was. I can't say this house, much as I love it, is totes secure right now."

She leaned against his chest. "Guess that means we get to go somewhere else, right?"

He patted her head. "We'll hang out here another day or two and let our friends do their work. Just relax for once, okay? That's what you came here to do." He huffed gently. "I do not have a spare house. Not many people do who aren't stupidly rich, which neither of us are."

She smirked, folding her arms. "That's an understatement. But I don't want you to have to worry about me and you know I'll pay you rent for—"

"Rent's not an issue, and you know it." He waved that off. "I paid this place off. It would be nice to not see it be damaged by supernatural whatevers though. The not knowing is legit the worst part." He rubbed at his head a moment to ease a tension headache. "So! Some ponies have supernatural buddies. You have any?"

Sandra considered that. "I've only talked to them, and it was only once, really. I mean, I didn't go out of my way, but I don't think I've had much reason to do that." She went over to her computer, trailing her fingers over the tower. "I talk mostly on this, to a lot of people I'll never meet."

"Vtuber, right. People that will never be more than just a name." He sipped at his drink, then set it aside to make a cup of coffee. "Doesn't that ever make you a little sad?"

"Not until you said it like that." She fixed him with a mighty glare. "I'd ask them, but how do I ask a bunch of strangers for supernatural help without coming off sounding like I'm crazy?" She sighed. "You can't. Even if they know I'm a pony, you don't get those kinds of favors, usually, and you don't go around asking for them."

Louis joined her at the computer desk, setting down a second coffee for her to take. "They don't even know that. Your pony's just a mask."

"Admitting I'm a pony to people would get me in trouble." She took the coffee. "So, yeah, even if one of my fans is some kind of awesome supernatural thing, how would I reach out?" She sipped at the drink, wincing slightly. "You got this wrong."

He rubbed at the back of his head, but his gaze didn't shy away. "I know it's a little weak." He took another pull anyway. "I'm a little distracted by all this. I have a job, I work it. No supernatural anything but myself, so don't look at me."

"And if you hear from our friends?"

"I hope that happens fast." He tapped the table, not entirely pleased with the current situation. "Now I'm wondering if we should reach out to see if they have some kind of safehouse or something?"

Sandra took another sip, humming to herself. "I guess it can't hurt to ask. Maybe they can put us in touch with someone." She waved towards Louis' phone, in his pocket. "Give them a call."

"I will, at work." He shrugged with a little snort. "Some of us have that. Do you need anything before I go?"

Sandra swept up his phone, punching in the code. "Yeah, I can just call them." She plopped onto the couch, perching on the edge.

She jumped as his hand came down, reclaiming his phone. "I need that." He stuffed it in his pant pocket and headed for the door. "Call me if anything comes up."

"Wait, seriously? But I'm not working." Her mouth fell open. "You're serious." She pouted, folding her arms. "Fine. You don't want me to be on your phone, I guess." She crossed her arms, but let him head off. "Have one of my own." She dug out hers, but it didn't have the number to dial up the herd. "I really should have added that contact."

So she was left to wait for him to get home.

But as it got later in the day, that grew less attractive. "I know it's not even noon yet, but I'm bored." She glanced at her computer, considering. "Maybe it's time to stream."

She hopped over, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder. "Is my pony self going to be my coping mechanism right now? It's not the worst idea, is it? At least I can work for a little while." She loaded up her streaming platform and got her virtual avatar ready to go, smiling at her, unaware of the problems her human self faced. "Hello, my herd! Raspberry Sunrise here."

"Looks like you're all ready to get going! I can tell I missed some of you." She waved with a wide smile. "Sorry for going absent on you! Let's make up for it, today!" She blew a kiss, her avatar imitating the motion a bit awkwardly, but her audience seemed to get the idea. "Let's start with some gaming today! Something chill and fun."

She grabbed a game and fired it up, beginning the casual commentary she was known for. "See, here's where the bees all attack as one." She wasn't the best gamer around, by quite some measure, but they were there to watch her fumble, and to listen to her talk about it, not to see her blaze through it all. Those were other streamers.

A message popped up. She usually ignored the ones that came unsolicited, but this one had a big superchat attached. They had tipped her, big. "Woah, thanks J202! You're keeping us going with that big chat!" She clicked the chat to see the contents. "Sent you a special gift, check your email," she read aloud. "How mysterious!" She tensed, worrying about if that was her stalker again. "I'll check that out in a little bit. This next part, you have to be really careful."

She moved on to the next part of the level. It was a puzzle and she was failing it spectacularly. "I should just look up the solution." She laughed a bit, pausing the game, but not her chatter. "This feels like one of those 'you have to think like the guys that made this game,' kind of puzzles, you know?"

She pulled up an image of the level, examining the walls and trying to think her way through the problem. "Oh, it's that one?" She went back to the level, tapping a few buttons to switch to a new angle on it. "So that's how you get over that." She took a deep breath. "I have no clue what I'm doing, but let's get this done!" Her fans cheered her on as she made progress through the game. They weren't there to see her be a master, just for her. She liked that part. "I can get through this with the help of my herd!" The chat exploded with cries of enthusiastic support.

But she did have something she wanted to do. "Just a second. I promised J202 a look at this gift." She pulled her eyes away from the game, clicking over to her email.

Hello, little pony. I've been a fan for ages. You're a good pony, and some very bad things have their eyes on you. I want to help. This carrot isn't poisoned. Little pony, you live in a scary world, so you may not trust me, but I am a friend.

A phone number was attached at the bottom of the message. Raspberry grimaced, but decided against reading the letter out loud. It was clearly meant of her real self. "That was so very nice of you, J202! Now, this next part looks tricky."

Her mood sobered up considerably. She pushed herself through the stream, chatting all the while. She reached the end of a stage and signed off with smiles and waves at her virtual herdmates. "Another day, another stream complete." She sat back heavily in her chair. "And a new mystery to deal with."

Sandra pulled that email up, pondering it. "The numbers look legit, but there's no way it's a good thing." She picked up her phone. "Gonna have to show you, Lucky." She frowned. "Should I have my friend take a look at this?" She trailed her fingers over the phone. "Or maybe this is one bright spot in the cloud?" She took a cooling breath. "Laughter. I am laughter. See the bright side. Smile." She forced herself to smile despite it all. "There you are, Raspberry."

She found herself looking up at the door, then at the clock. "He should be back soon." She wandered into the kitchen, searching the cabinets for something to snack on. There was some junkfood for her to nibble on, but the thoughts of that number kept tumbling about in her mind. "Do I call them?" She sat down on the sofa and sank back, staring up at the ceiling. "I don't know what to do." She spread her arms, groaning loudly.

But answers weren't coming to her, despite how much she wanted it to. She went ahead and dialed the number, teeth clenched as she did so. "Please don't be a creep."

She was greeted by a silky smooth voice. "Thank you for calling, little pony. I was worried that I'd have to come and fetch you myself."

Sandra raised a brow, at once calmed and every nerve on fire. That voice sounded friendly, and female, but also, what? "Come fetch me?"

"You're not safe, little pony. I'd hate for an innocent little thing like you to get hurt." The voice raised in volume, like it was getting closer to the phone. "You wandered in front of the wrong set of eyes. You will be hurt, badly, unless you are rescued, little pony. I don't like the idea of cute little horses getting hurt."

Sandra scrambled to her feet, standing stiffly. "I don't like the idea of getting hurt either, but I don't know who you are." Her heart skipped a beat. "Are you, uh, from the channel?"

"J202," sang the mysterious voice. "And a bonafide furry for over a decade. A fuzzy creature that doesn't also have anger issues a mile wide? Sign me up." She spoke with a teasing lilt. "I'd love to claim my intentions were entirely pure, but that would be a lie, and I want us to be honest with each other."

Sandra froze in place, uncertain what to do. "Honest, eh?"

"Yes!" The voice crackled a little with eagerness. "Honest. Honesty is the best policy, even if it is painful. Little pony, I want to gently scratch behind one of your ears and find the spot that makes it quiver, but I also want to keep you safe from the icky things trailing after you."

Sandra swallowed hard. "That's, that's very direct."

"I want to make my interest in you very clear, little pony." A sigh. "But the reality is that some horrible things are after you, and I don't want to see them snuff the joy in you. I love your streams, big fan." A soft pop could be heard. Bubblegum? "Now, let's get down to business. We're short on time."

Author's Note

Can you guess which supernatural being this could be? A hint: They'd be familiar with what a typo is.

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23 - C'mon, Sis

They drove through the suburban streets of Sandra's town towards a destination that only Sandra knew. "You can tell me. You didn't come here just to not tell me. Is it bad? Is it good?"

Susan shrugged lightly. "I don't know. I don't even know if I should say. It's kind of personal."

Sandra scoffed at that. "You're my sister, and you came to visit. You're putting out vibes that something's off. If you can't tell your sister, who can you? Whatever it is, I'm here for you."

"Well..." She leaned her head against the window. "I don't think it's going well with my job. I got a feeling I might lose it."

Sandra thought back, digging about to draw up where she remembered Susan working at last. "That was the, uh, cafe, right?"

Susan slapped Sandra's shoulder. "I quit that ages ago. Guess I really haven't been keeping you up to date."

Sandra thought of her recent escapades and laughed tensely. "Well, we all have things going on. I won't hold that against you if you bring me up to speed now. What have you been doing?"

"I work at a hotel." Susan sighed and pressed her head into her palm. "It was nice at first, but I think they're getting rid of people, and I don't know how to make myself look better than the others."

Sandra hissed gently. "Another reason I never wanted to have a 'boss' if I could help it." She turned into a large parking lot with many stores in a strip. "You're just another cog in their eyes, all replaceable the instant the books look funny."

Susan nodded along. "Yeah, that's what I've been thinking about too. They haven't been talking to me, and I know they're not saying anything to avoid a lawsuit. I have bills to pay, Sandy."

Sandra reached over, using the other hand to draw them into a spot as she rested it on Susan's side. "That's a big suck. If my delivery app suddenly vanished, I'd be so mad."

Susan burst into laughter, the tension popping. "You're still doing that?!"

Sandra parked her car and turned to face her with a smirk. "Hey. My delivery app has gotten me out of a jam or two. You know I can't handle a boss, so this lets me work at my own pace. Besides, I like the streaming thing. It's getting somewhere, slowly. Sure, I'd like that to be faster, but It's what I want to do, you know?"

Susan shrugged lightly. "You're making something of it. That's not a bad gig. I'm glad you found something you want to do." She sighed softly. "I thought hospitality was for me, but I have no idea what I would do now that this seems to be ending."

Sandra slipped her key away. "You learned skills, right? Get a job somewhere else. What's your job at that hotel?" She pushed the car door open and slipped out. "And let's get some food in us."

Susan stepped out after her, closing the door behind her. "I'm a desk person. You know, the one who helps people when they need it."

"Customer service?" Sandra pointed towards one of the buildings in the strip. "I think you'd like this one." It was a store with the name 'Wok It' plastered on the front.

Susan headed towards it, Sandra at her side. "Customer service, yeah. Greet people nice, get them what they want, defuse tense moments and make sure they leave happy. A lot of customer service and juggling what everyone else is doing." She considered the sign of Wok It. "I haven't tried one of these before. Any good?"

Sandra waved dismissively at the idea. "It's good enough. We'll both have eaten, and I know you're the kind who likes to try new things."

They entered the store and stood in line. "Sounds, to me, like you could translate that skill to a lot of other places."

"Sis, I'm trying, scout's honor." She raised a hand up in an imitation. "Got my resume flying around, hoping for a nibble. Hopefully, I get something, but not knowing is the part that kills you."

Sandra ordered herself some orange chicken and rice, while Susan got herself a bowl of fried rice. They both settled down at the table and began eating.

Sandra poked her fork towards Susan, spearing a piece. "I wish I had some cheat code to make it faster, but there really isn't. Oh! Send me your resume and I could help a little, just sending it to more places."

Susan took a bite of her rice and chewed. Sandra could see the gears turning behind her eyes. "Yeah," she said with her mouth still full. "I'll do that. That would actually be great." She snickered softly. "Just be sure to tell me where. I'd hate to show up at an interview and not know what job I landed one for."

Sandra gestured at the soda fountain. "Want a drink? Just rice'll dry you out."

Susan waved Sandra off. "I got it." She hopped up to go fetch herself something.

While Susan was busy, Sandra turned on her phone and pulled up her messages to Louis. 'Hey. Sis dropped by. Having refreshingly normal problems. I'm lending emotional support.'

With that sent, she slipped the phone away and had her smile back on by the time Susan settled back in. "Alright. Now that you got something in you, how about a little more of an answer?"

Susan paused with a raised spoon. "What do you mean?"

Sandra rolled her eyes lightly. "Sis, you're not telling me everything." She waved one hand over the other. "As much as that sucks, you're hiding something else going on."

Susan tensed. Her eyes darted towards Sandra and quickly away. "What are you, psychic? Fine, I guess I can't hide that." She took a breath to steady herself.

Sandra chewed her meal and waited patiently. Sometimes, she reminded herself, it was what one didn't say, and knowing when to shut up.

"Look. You know that boyfriend I had?" Sandra slowly nodded along to that. "Yeah. I broke up with him a little bit ago. We just weren't getting along anymore." She sighed softly, then stared down at her food. "It was stupid, but I thought he really liked me. Turns out, he just liked I had a steady paycheck. As soon as I told him I might be in trouble, that was it."

Sandra put a hand to her head. "Damn. That's not good." She leaned forward, putting her elbows on the table. "Not going to lump all guys in that, Kinda like the one I got, but—"

"Speaking of that!" Susan blurted out loud enough for a head to turn briefly. "When did you and Louis go past 'best buds?' I thought you were were pretty stuck in that comfy rut."

Sandra blushed softly at that. "We just realized the other wanted more than being friends. It's been, what? Three years now?"

Susan rolled her eyes in an exaggerated manner. "Yeah, that was my thought. You two were so stuck, I was getting worried." She laughed, the tension bleeding away from her. "I'm happy for you, though." She tapped her fingers along the cup she had gotten. "But, sorry to dodge, yeah. He just threw me aside the moment I didn't look like a for sure ticket to ease. What I get for even looking at a man without a job."

Sandra shrugged gently at that. "Hey. You're not going to find love again if you stop trying, right?"

"Love?!" Susan squeaked softly at the word. "It wasn't that kind of relationship. Just a nice, fun time." She caught her head with a hand as if it had grown too heavy for her. "Looking back on it, it's easy to see. I'm pretty sure he didn't even like being with a plus-sized lady."

"You're not fat." Sandra said it in a brisk, firm manner. "He sounds like a jerk, and I'm glad you're free of him. You don't need to put up with that kind of negativity." She reached across to poke her sister. "You are just the size you're supposed to be, which is a fun size, I say."

Susan stuck out her tongue, then giggled lightly at the pun. "Oh, stop it." Her tone was light, playful, not actually meaning it.

Sandra smirked. "Besides, with a sleaze like that, pretty sure he didn't care what you looked like, which still sucks." She thought of bringing up the pony thing, but bringing up more odd stuff in the middle of normal life stuff? She shook her head to herself. "I'll do what I can. Oh! Right. I can bring you up to my streamers. Who knows, one of them might have a spot."

Susan tapped a finger on her chin. "That could work. Some of my best jobs I got from friends." She laughed and gave Sandra a playful glare. "Still, can't believe you're willing to put up with someone like me."

Sandra adopted a flat gaze. "You're my sister. I can't trade you in for a new model." Her smile returned. "Besides, I do love you, even when you get annoying."

Susan snickered again. "I'm annoying? What about you?" They both laughed together, drawing more glances from other customers. After a few moments of mirth, they settled back down to finish their meals. "Thanks." She tossed her trash away. "For being a real sister. I needed someone around me being legit for a change of pace."

Sandra beamed, then cleaned up her own trash. "Any time. Ready to go?"

Once they were both free of dishes and leftovers, Susan nodded and headed out. "Yeah. Thanks for listening, I guess."

Sandra bumped into her sister lightly before snaking an arm around her, drawing her close. "What are sister for, if not sharing some trauma with? Now, let's get home, my home. Louis should be home before too long."

***

The door creaked open as Louis entered. The light was off, but he could see a pair of figures sitting on the couch, one larger and one slightly smaller. He reached for the light, turning it on, and the two turned to face him. "Am I missing a movie night?" He tossed his jacket aside on a hook. "That's not fair."

Sandra laughed softly and shook her head. "Nope, you're good. We barely got started on this one. If you're feeling up for it, crash with us. We can rewind." Sandra gestured towards the screen. On it, a movie title was shown in big, bold letters. "It's about a guy who wakes up in a whole new world, full of danger and magic."

Louis sank down between the two in the space they made available for him. "I dunno, sounds a bit hard to believe." His tone was sarcastic, a laugh accompanying it. "Oh, nice to see you, Susan. I'm not ignoring you."

Susan punched his shoulder. "Nice to see you too. I heard you went and took a move, with my sister. Perv. Good on you."

Louis held up his hands, then lightly shoved hers aside in return. "Oh shush, like you wouldn't have said something if we didn't."

Susan laughed and gestured towards the screen. "Eyes on the picture. Glad to see you two getting along." She pressed the play button with a little flare.

Louis settled into place, getting comfortable. "So, what have you all been up to today?"

Susan shrugged gently. "Well, I got to meet the wolves."

Louis tensed. "Really?"

Sandra snickered with a shrug. "And we were torn to ribbons, as you can clearly see. A tragic fate, really."

Author's Note

Good siblings can be such a nice thing, I vote.

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2 - Stress Shopping

An hour later, they were cuddled up on the couch together watching a hilarious romp about ponies getting into wacky antics. Raspberry giggled in delight, feeling herself finally beginning to relax. As the end credits rolled, she murmured, "Thank you, Lucky. This has been a perfect distraction." She glanced down at her phone, sighing at the notification that the delivery app had assigned her a new order. "I forgot to turn that off."

She examined the address. It was a nice part of town, and they had ordered normal things. "I should get to this." She rose to her feet and stretched. "Thank you, again."

"No." Lucky was on his feet too, hand on her shoulder. "You have room in your car for one more. Mind a co-pilot today? This doesn't feel like a day for flying solo, you know?"

Raspberry considered that and immediately perked up at the idea. "Actually, that sounds fantastic." She flashed her friend a bright smile. "Come on! Let's go gallop."

Sandra went out to her car with Louis alongside her. "I didn't want to ask."

Louis slid in on the other side. "You didn't have to ask." He pulled out his phone and tapped at it gently. "Lucky for you, they don't need me , not today. We're free to hang out."

Sandra's hands wrapped tighter around the wheel. "There is that. Just hope my... Freak fan doesn't show up." She started the car up. "Here goes nothing!"

They stopped at one house. A woman hurried out. "Sorry!" She grabbed a bag from Louis. "The kids would be fine..." She headed back in with the bag.

Sandra smirked at her partner. "Well, we know what that means." They were on their way again, soon to reach their destination. Each delivery went as planned, nice and smooth. "Maybe he got the hint and buzzed off." She glanced aside at Louis. "I don't want to monopolize your whole day."

"Nope, you get my whole day. Besides, I could use some tips to make my own deliveries better."

"Better?" Sandra laughed. "Yours are amazing. You've got a good eye." She glanced away and back. "And we both know you only do some deliveries because I do them all the time. You don't need extra cash."

"I like knowing what my friends are going through." He put a hand on her thigh, but she somehow knew he meant nothing but support by it. "And you are one of those."

She laughed as the urge struck her. She had been friendzoned by him a long time ago, but his friendzone was a comfortable place to be. "You're too much."

"My mom says so." They parked out front of the house she wanted. Sandra reached into the bag and checked everything. "Good." She grabbed a bag and headed in. "You coming?"

Louis exited and followed along after a moment, just in time for Sandra to put the bag in a somewhat bored looking customer's hands. "Have a nice day." Sandra waved, turning, and almost bumping into Louis. "Oh, there you are. Look, Why don't I actually turn off the app? We could do something, anything, else?"

Louis grinned. "There's an art fair..."

Sandra groaned. "But..." Her phone was buzzing. She pulled it out to stare at the screen. She was being harassed, online, with comments on her videos, a variety of them. "Look at this." She flipped her phone into his view so he could see the peppering of messages across her videos. "He hasn't given up."

Louis pursed his lips. "We can take care of that." He pulled out his own phone and opened it. "One problem..."

Sandra frowned, worried. "What? Anything's better than being harassed!" She paused. "Unless it's illegal?" She nudged him towards her car. "We may be magical little horses, but let's keep our noses clean."

"But you need a big nose, or you'll have trouble sniffing..." Louis ducked under her smacking hand, laughing as they went to the car. "Okay, okay..."

She pointed to the car and soon they were both inside. She flicked off the delivery app and stuffed the phone away with a sigh. "Art fair? I've never actually been. Sounds more fun than worrying about that jerk."

Louis rubbed his hands together. "Right..."

Sandra pulled them out with a hum. "So what kind of art? Painting, sculptures, poetry, performance...?" She trailed off as she gave him a curious look.

He plugged in an address on his phone and set it down, already in navigation mode. "Just follow the instructions and you'll soon find out."

Sandra had to smile. "I can handle that."

The pair arrived at the venue, parking and exiting. As they approached the ticket booth, they noticed it was free and began making their way inside. Louis shrugged as they headed in. "I forgot this was a freebie. I think it's mostly because they're hoping folks actually buy some of the stuff inside."

Sandra hiked a brow at that. "Guessing that means nothing huge."

As it turned out, it was indeed small things, little dolls of all sorts, each cuter than the last. Sandra laughed and pointed at her favorites, her spirits raising as they went. "This was the absolute perfect idea."

"I figured..." Louis shoved his hands into his pockets with a smile. "You work hard. It's nice to get to blow off steam, right?"

"Without blowing out my bank account..."

"Speaking of that." He pointed to a doll she kept going past. "Want it?"

She leaned in to get a peek at the price. She felt her tail explode down her pants leg at the shock of the large number. "What is that made of?!" She drew the tail back in before any passerby may notice, she hoped.

He was already picking it up, feeling it. "Solid metal. Gold and silver, guessing." He offered it to her. "And worth it if it makes you happy."

It was a statue of a fox with one paw raised in the air and it was adorable, and too expensive. "You can't."

"I can, I am." He offered it anew. "You deserve a treat."

She eyed it a moment before accepting it with a soft murmur. "Thanks, Lucky..." She tucked it into a pocket with a shrug. "I'll be taking this home, but..." She spotted another cute one.

He laughed at her wandering eyes. "Pick your favorite, that's the one we'll buy."

A firm hand came down on her shoulder. "Ma'am." It was a security guard, glaring at her. "We ask that people keep the merchandise in view until they pay for them."

Sandra startled at the sudden intrusion. "I was going to buy it, sir." She patted her pocket. "I'm carrying it for ease of access."

He held out a hand, scowl unmoving. "Buy it, hold it out, or put it down. Those are the rules."

Louis slid between Sandra and the security guard. "I'm paying either way, relax."

But the guard didn't look like he was relaxing. "Fine, I'll buy it then." He gently guided Sandra towards the register. "What a piece of work."

Louis put down a card at the register, letting the bored lady there work on cashing them out. "Want to look around some more, or did that burst your bubble?"

Sandra tried to relax her shoulders. "I just want to leave now, if that's okay."

They were heading out shortly, with another item Sandra had seen in the window. "You spoil me."

"Odd." He leaned in a bit, resisting a laugh. "You get fresh with me all the time."

She swatted at him with a wry look. "That was bad." But she was smiling despite the Dad Joke™️.

A soft tone rang from Louis' phone. "Huh." He dug it out and inspected it. "Horse play."

She knew what that meant and they were soon in the car. "Serious horse play?"

"Looks like it. Can we head back to my place?" He pointed the vague way, but knew she could figure out the exact path.

She pulled away from the art display. "What's wrong?" She pulled out onto the main road, going as quickly as allowed. "Someone get hurt?"

"Worse." He held up the phone, just to reconsider it. Sandra was driving and all. "Signs point to something deciding to hunt feral horses."

Feral horses was something of a new term, to describe ponies that refused to join up with the organizing herds. Sandra and Louis were both happy members of theirs, so they weren't wild. Being wild meant they lacked the immediate protection of that social network, but ponies were ponies.

They didn't like hearing their fellow ponies were being picked on or hurt. "Are they being stalked too, or a step worse than that?"

"Two steps worse than that." He stuffed the phone away. "Let's get home and we can go over the details."

It took a bit before Sandra pulled up at his home and they were hurrying back to that living room. "Alright, what's going on?"

He handed over the phone. "Whoever's doing this, it's not human."

Once inside, the door closed, Sandra fell forward to Raspberry, tail lashing with agitation. "We're not human, technically." She turned to Lucky. "But I'm hoping it's not another pony." She cringed at the idea of ponies attacking one another.

He was able to show her the pictures. That pony had not been harassed, at least as an end point. That was a dead horse, flopped over in the woods somewhere. "Christ on a stick," she hissed out, backstepping. "What tore them up like that?"

Lucky shook his head. "I couldn't say. But we can't even take the chance that it's something working on the periphery and working its way towards proper herds." He pointed at Raspberry. "I'd love to not bring this up, but someone I know's been stalked recently, and I hate these two things together."

She shuddered with building dread, wings fidgeting at her side. "I am not feeling the laughter right now."

"Me neither, but that's what ponies do!" Lucky pumped a hoof. "We'll get them to laugh, right? Like when we visit hospitals."

Raspberry wrinkled her nose. "You sure you aren't trying to become a Laughter? This--" She pointed to the picture. "Is not the work of some child in need of a smile. I don't want whatever did this to smile, ever. I know, against my type, but I have limits."

She applied both hooves to her face, breathing into them a moment. "Sorry. This is a bit stressful."

Lucky walked closer, pulling her into a hug. "For all of us."

She pressed against him. "This is silly. Let's do what ponies do." She looked to her own phone and groaned. "But I can't make people laugh and smile if I'm being stalked on that channel."

Lucky poked at her. "Can't you? You just need your stuff. Want me to go get it?" He pointed a hoof at the door. "You can set up a little studio here, and get right back to streaming."

"It's not that easy." But her resolve wavered. "Still..." She ran her hoof through her hair. "I really do enjoy making people smile. If I can still do that..." She gave Lucky a look. "And maybe get some good done at the same time..."

Lucky nodded, stepping back and rising to two legs, Louis returned. "You wait here and try to relax. I'll grab your stuff."

She watched him go and went to settle on the little nest of bedding she had left in the living room. "This sucks."

But it only got worse as time went by. Would he make it there and back? Had she just thrust him into danger? Other such thoughts haunted her, making her lips pull back and heavy snorting fill the air. "This is just." She shook her head, aborting the thought. "He's fine! He'll be back in a moment and then we'll laugh."

Not being there made the wait longer, so she just had to hope.

Author's Note

I am curious, for those coming from the last story, do you miss the votes? Or maybe you're glad they're gone?

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3 - Shadow Looming

The sound of the door opening made Raspberry jump in her nest of bedding on the livingroom floor. The steps coming closer didn't help calm her. "Got your stuff." She let out a heavy wheeze that turned into a laugh. It was Louis! Thank every deity one wanted to name. She hopped free of her bedding with a shaking of her body, ending with a flick of her tail, she went to greet him.

"And you brought everything!" She nosed into him, helping with the bags.

"Couldn't forget the fun and games." He sighed, plopping down onto his rear, humanized again. "Need help setting this all up? You have a lot of tech gear."

"Lovingly collected over the years." Sandra, hands returned, used them to start moving her things. "Where do you want me setting things up? You--" She paused, noticing something. "When did you get that?" She was pointing at Louis' right arm, where a bandage was firmly wrapped around some wound.

"I told you you needed to relax." He smirked, waving off her concern with a shake of his hand. "The nurse said it wouldn't scar, if I keep the bandages on tight enough, but it'll hurt for a few days."

"Nurse?!" She shook her head, not feeling very relaxed. "You didn't have that when you left. What happened? My house isn't that dangerous, I thought."

He smiled, though it seemed pained. "I was ambushed."

"Ambushed?!" She gripped his shoulders. "By what?!"

He shrugged her off. "Nothing. No idea."

Sandra glared at him. "You didn't get ambushed by 'nothing' and get a neat new bandage. Why are you being evasive?"

"Because I don't want you freaking out, like you're doing." He grabbed her tower, moving the computer into the living room and finding a spot for it to live. "Let's get your studio going right around here." He indicated an area. "The lighting should work great."

Sandra rolled her eyes. "You know I'm not done asking." But she did let it drop, at least for the moment. Working together, they got a studio set up. "You are too nice."

"Loyal," Louis corrected, hitting the power button to boot up her PC. "And you have people to amuse, and maybe lift your own heart. We're safe here, okay? You're with a friend that'll protect you."

"Lou, you're not that rich that you should just take care of a friend without warning." She sat on the computer chair in front of her new station. "And not nearly immortal enough to laugh at getting cut doing it! Seriously." She pointed to his wounded limb. "Care to explain before I call bullshit on this protective nonsense?"

Louis winced, looking away. "I..."

"Louis!" She scowled, giving him the sternest glare she could muster.

"Some guys were following you. I called it in. But before they could get to you, well...." He scratched his neck and snorted. "There were a lot of them, so I decided to do a thing..."

She threw up her hands. "There were a bunch of them and you dived in!" She barked out a strained laugh. "And you came back with just that one cut? I don't know if I should be hitting you or just being impressed. Both is a pretty fine option from where I'm sitting."

"It's a gift I picked up." He rubbed at one arm with the other hand, avoiding the bandage. "Loyalty. Knowing they were coming for you, I could fight. Knowing they were messing around in your house, looking for you? It was like every Loyalty fiber in me was on fire, and I fought." His grin was proud as he stood taller. "And I won!"

"And took down half a neighborhood at the same time!" Sandra tried not to feel touched by the gesture, but she failed miserably. "I'm just glad you're alright." She adjusted the camera on top of her monitor. "It would not have been worth it to have you hurt for this."

"I will protect you from anything that tries to hurt you, and it was all worth it!" He puffed out his chest. "And now it's time to put on that mask and get to work!"

She snorted at that. "I don't have a mask." She pointed to that camera. "They never see my real face. One of the perks of being a Vtuber." She turned that finger to the pony on the screen. It was a little virtual Raspberry, rendered and reacting to Sandra's movements. "They get to assume I'm just some random perfectly normal human with a pony avatar, and they like it."

Louis moved in to stare at the avatar, blinking his eyes. "But..."

Raspberry gave her friend a sidelong glance. "What, don't like her? We can swap the avatar." With a few clicks, she conjured a hulking ogre, a lurching zombie, and a too-cool-for-school techie before swapping back to Raspberry. "But they're expecting this pony."

"Oh, no. I like Raspberry. It's just... I'm sorry..." He winced and started walking backwards. "I'll be in the kitchen. Call me if you need me, but if not, I'll start dinner. You haven't eaten in a while, right?"

Sandra laughed softly. "Yeah, but I wasn't that hungry, Lou." She smiled a little, amused despite the tension. "I'm still not. This whole day has me on edge. Thank you, again, you crazy nut." She flicked the final button to go live. "Hey, my herdmates! Today's been wild." She clicked the button to make her avatar flip out her wings. "But not too wild to keep me away from all of you!"

Raspberry dove straight into a video about humanized ponies that had a chat about the lore she made up on the fly, about how the ponies became more human, and where the magic had gone, and what was happening in that world. It was all made up, and basically wrong, and that was half the point. "They say, if you're a good person, you might find that pony magic." She smiled, her avatar following the motion. "So I expect some of you to show up next stream with hooves. Lemme know, okay?"

A super chat arrived. She perked, eyes moving to read over it. "I have some hooves right here, still attached to their legs."

Sandra laughed it off. "Attached to you, I assume." She did not actually assume that, a cold sweat overtaking her. "That's all for the stream right now, my colts and fillies! Find that pony magic!" She smacked the end stream button. "Jesus fucking Christ. Why don't I just put myself up in the public eye? Might as well paint a target on my forehead." She shivered violently, before calming herself. "At least that's over. Now, where's my Knight in Shining Armor?"

She rose to her feet and slipped on over to the kitchen. "Did you hear any of that, or should I summarize?"

He was facing the stove, poking at some sort of meat in a pan. "I could only hear you talking, and you were having fun, from the sound of it. What'd I miss?" He flipped dinner over skillfully with a fresh set of hisses and sputters. "Dinner will be ready soon."

"I doubt you could have heard me talking, even if you were listening. You didn't turn off the stovetop fan. As for what you missed?" She collapsed into one of his chairs with a loud sigh. "My stalker is still stalking. And he's being maximum creepy while he's at it. How did he even figure out where I lived? We need to know that, or he'll just keep right on following me."

"Can't you block him?" He shrugged softly. "Not an expert on that site, but pretty sure you can block people."

"You think I didn't?! Each time, I block him, and he shows up with a new account." Sandra folded her arms under her chest. "It isn't hard to make those, and he's willing, just to piss me off."

"So why can't you block them all, then?" He turned, frowning at her. "He doesn't have enough time to make 50 accounts a day, and that would be required to beat your blocks."

"Sure, but each time means I get a nasty little creepy comment from him. Fifty creepy messages a day? Not what I'm looking forward to, even if that meant I was keeping up with the weirdo." She rubbed at her head. "Really putting a damper on my Laughter, you know?"

"Sorry to hear that." He turned back to his cooking. "But that does sound rough. Maybe he'll cool off if you ignore him."

She shot up, pacing back and forth. "He's already way past the 'ignore it and it goes away' zone. I saw him, in the real world." She threw her hands up. "He sent a small gang of goons to rifle through my house! Do you really think I should just ignore that?" She was rubbing at her temples, muttering to herself. "I can't let that go, nope. And you even attacked one of them, didn't you?"

Louis tapped his fingers on his counter. "Technically more than one of them." He started plating the food, creating delicious smelling offerings on two of them that he put on the dining room table. "But they were just punks, random thugs, not even armed."

Sandra trailed after him, sitting in the seat he didn't take with a plate. "And you're just thinking about if they had a weapon or not. Louis, you're nuts. I love you, but, nuts." She bit into her meal, closing her eyes. "Oh, god. This is incredible. Are you secretly a chef?"

Louis grinned. "Maybe. Maybe I also cook for others." He started eating, pleased with the results. "I may not be a Laughter, but a good meal can put a smile on a face."

"It really can." She quieted her concerns for the moment, just enjoying the food and the company. "Thank you, again. You're going so far beyond the call of duty and I'm not even sure how to thank you."

"You can do a shout-out on the next video." He speared a slice of his meat and chewed with a happy look on his face. "That'll be enough for me. Also, just to be clear, you are paying rent. I know you're mobile."

Sandra considered her computer. "So long as I have that and all my stuff, sure, which you got for me." She snorted softly. "But yeah, I'm happy to pull my weight. I'm the one crashing in your house all of a sudden. It's the least I can do. Bloody heck, what do I do with the house I already have? I can't even consider going back to it right now."

Louis started cleaning up. "Pack a few bags, enough for a week, and store them here. We can get the rest of your stuff later."

"Later like the cops catch this guy, or like never?" She twirled a fork at him. "And the cops aren't known for being good at catching people who aren't people, and this guy's putting out all the nasty vibes of something that bumps in dark places."

"Is it time for a herd meeting?"

Sandra frowned with thought a moment. "I'm not sure what I'd be asking them. I don't want them charging blindly at something we don't get."

He reached across the table to rest a hand on her shoulder. "So, we ask. You're the first pony to be approached by this jerk without being attacked as the first move. That means we, all of us, can start looking for him." He paused a moment. "Wait, you have his address, right? You said you saw him."

She brightened at that. "I do. At least, that's where he was." She dug out her phone and the address stored within. "What do you think they can do with it?"

"We're ponies." Louis chomped on some broccoli idly. "We have tricks. You just bring that address to the meeting that I'm going to call the moment dinner's over."

Author's Note

Time to get serious, hm? Louis proves he can handle himself.

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4 - Herd Meeting

Sandra fidgeted in her seat. Around her, people were chatting animatedly about all kinds of things. Some of them looked human, others were on all four hooves and swishing their tails as they chatted. Most of them were ponies, either way, or a very closely involved human.

The room was a lounge, full of people and ponies relaxing on beanbag chairs or cushions, with water, soda, and other beverages available to drink. "If there are snacks, I'm missing them." Lucky sank to his haunches next to Sandra. "Not dropping your tail?"

"Not everyone is." Sandra looked from human-shape to human-shape. "I'm a little tense."

Lucky settled a hoof on her shoulder. "You can just share the address, and then we'll talk about ways to track him down. It won't be more than that."

"And they're coming from far away just for that." Sandra let out a sigh and sat back. "Sorry, being negative. They're here, and we did call this. Let's have some faith in our fellow ponies, right?"

"They're good ponies, all of them." Lucky stood. "Time to get this started." He turned to face as much of the crowd as he could at once. "Good evening, everypony. Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know we normally have more warning about these."

He turned and trotted his way to the center of the room, near the projector screen. "Tonight's meeting has a serious topic. We're gathered to help one of our own with an unusual and upsetting issue." He beckoned at Sandra with a curling hoof. "Come on up."

Sandra stepped forward, falling down to all fours on the way and becoming Raspberry. "Hey, my herdmates." It sounded so different, speaking that tagline to other actual ponies instead of her online friends and watchers. "This is kinda scary, kinda creepy, and all messed up." She joined Lucky in the center of the room. "But thank you all for being here to help. And thanks, Lucky."

She cleared her throat. "The quick of it is, some people are harassing me, both online and in the real world." She rubbed a hoof behind her head. "It may be one jerk at the top, don't know. He's been attacking us recently." She dug out a paper and dropped it from her mouth. "But I have an address, where I last set eyes on the guy. We may be ponies, but we don't have to run." She flexed a foreleg. "We can fight back!"

A gentle murmur ran through the crowd. A mare raised her voice to ask, "Shouldn't we involve the police? Are they humans or something more?"

Sandra frowned at that. "More. Humans don't methodically hunt ponies, usually? Ugh, gonna hope not. No, this guy's a step past normal. I saw him, and every alarm I had in me was screaming." She shuddered at that memory. "That wasn't a human."

"How do we stop the creature?" Another pony chimed in.

Raspberry Sunrise tossed a hoof up in a shrug. "Don't know yet, but we're about to find out."

Lucky cleared his throat. "What we need right now is support and solidarity. Together, we can take care of this guy, whatever he is. Besides, we have friendship on our side." He clopped his forehooves firmly. "Ponies aren't built for battle, but we have friends that are."

Eyes glanced from one to another. That ponies made friends with not-ponies was something of an open secret. The creatures of the night didn't like being drawn into the light, so secrecy was always involved. But they had such friends, or at least some ponies did.

"Are they willing to fight for us?" A question hung in the air, unspoken. Could they protect a herd?

A voice broke in, low and rough, almost like the growls of a beast. "It doesn't matter if they're willing or not." A stout unicorn, two words not often placed together, stepped forward. "They are friends. And they probably hate the guy as much as we do. None of them want random murder that can lead humans to their doorstep." He stomped firmly. "It's in their interest too."

There was a general agreement of the notion that this was not a human they would be facing. "What kind of monster?"

The unicorn closed his eyes and rubbed his hooves along his shoulders. "The ponies that have already died, did so in ghastly fashions. Whatever did it, enjoyed doing it. They took their time, nice and slow and didn't stop when they stopped breathing. A sicko, to put it in the kindest terms."

Someone coughed in the air. "Can we fight a monster, though? Even with our friends, that sounds horrible."

Another flashed a smile. "You haven't seen a werewolf in action then. They rip and tear out of habit. This wouldn't even make one flinch." They sat up proudly. "I'll ask my wolf buddy. He was looking for a fight, or so I recall."

The unicorn smiled. "I know a vampire. She loves fighting, and I don't think she'll turn down a request to kick some butt."

Sandra shivered faintly as calls went up, what was sounding like a small but ready cadre of potential allies forming. She had never made such a friend herself. "I have the address." She nudged the paper with a hoof. "Give it to them. If they can take care of this, I'd be, uh, grateful? What's the right word for this? I'd like to know who the hell is going after me."

The unicorn smiled and nudged his muzzle against the paper. "I can help you figure that out. I've worked with one of these." His horn glowed as he picked up the paper and held it in front of his phone for a quick picture. "Sending!" Chimes sounded from other phones as the others received the image. "This thing is our prey now." He rubbed at his neck. "Well, our friends' prey. We're on the case, at least."

Lucky grinned. "It's good to have friends." He trotted over, patting a hand on the unicorn's shoulder. "Any way we can get in on this, Pike?"

Pike twitched up her ears. "Hm?" She inclined her horn at Lucky. "My 'friends' are very slow to act. I can point it out to them, but will they move, and even if they did, would we ever know? I can't predict that." She shrugged with a smile. "Mages, right? Best friends and worst friends sometimes. But, there is another way..." She grinned with a playful look at Lucky. "But that means being careful and not scaring the newbies."

Lucky blinked before smiling back. "Raspberry's not a newbie, and she knows about mages and the supernatural." He reached to draw Raspberry closer. "She lives closer to the 'normal' side of things, but she has a hoof on the other. We all do, being ponies." A few faces soured a moment. "Or pony-adjacent," Lucky hastily added. "All of us are involved, both ways."

Raspberry considered that a moment, leaning into Louis' embrace. "I thought I could avoid this, just sticking to my vtubing and rousing people to have a good day. It was a simple gig." She stood up fully, shaking herself out. "But I got dragged in. At least I'm not alone. I can't say thank you enough to all of you, for standing with me. What a wonderful herd!"

She lit up with a bright smile and a happy prance. "So, um, we know what has to happen." She turned to Lucky. "Are we done?"

"Mostly." He gently pet her right on the end of her nose. "Ponies are welcome to keep gift trading, or enjoying the drinks. That's the official business I had. Anyone else have something they need to raise while we're here?"

Silence ruled. Ponies settled back down. "I have something that could help." Pike leaned back, studying the ceiling a moment. "The monsters we're after, they're called fomori, fomorians when there's more than one." Pike made a face, just thinking about it. "Nasty things, corrupt as a nature. You won't find friends there. This one is one of the old, but still ugly. They have to have something of yours to really pin you down. If you have anything that belonged to the enemy, get rid of it, immediately."

The ponies began to disperse, leaving Raspberry to wonder what thing of hers could have drawn the beast towards her.

Lucky tugged her away to a corner of the room. "You don't have to tell me everything, but do you really have any idea why someone would be targeting you? Nothing comes to mind?"

Raspberry spread her wings with a snap. "That's what I was wondering! I vtube, and deliver people's groceries. I wouldn't think that'd be a fast track to pissing off some elder thing." She folded her wings tight against her back. "I'd say it's not fair, but what is? Pike said I should ditch what I had of his, but would could that even be?"

Lucky frowned, brows furrowing. "She thinks it could be holding him back." He lifted a hand. "But it could also just be the work of some stupid punk kid." He looked out over the room, most of the ponies already gone back to their own lives, perhaps to get some of their friends involved. "I'm just glad you found out and got to us before you got hurt." He pressed his snout against her cheek. "Life is too short."

Raspberry flipped her ears back. "Let's try to keep it as long as we can."

"Too short," he shot back. "Raspberry, will you marry me?"

Raspberry took a step back, eyes wide. "I, uh, thought you weren't even kind of interested?"

Lucky bounced from hoof to hoof in a nervous dance. "Raspberry, you are my best friend, and straight, and I'm straight, and we're fighting for our lives and life is just too—" He turned his head away, eyes scrunched shut. "—too short. I'd rather live it alongside someone I already love. Raspberry, do you love me?"

Raspberry softened at the sentiment, but remained guarded. "Love is a strong word, Lucky."

"I just meant..." He took a breath and blew it back out. "We're best friends, and you mean a lot to me, and..."

Raspberry leaned forward, reaching with her wings to brush against Lucky's sides. "I know I love you, as a friend, but I thought that's where we were. Now you're pushing me out of that comfortable little box."

"We're even then." Lucky smiled awkwardly. "I didn't expect to be punching thugs to get her stuff. Life is full of surprises."

"And too short," added Raspberry with a huff. "I hear. Okay, let's give it a try. We're both already lonely. We can hold each other close, and fill that void." She considered the stallion in front of her. "Yes, Lucky. I will date you." She smooched his cheek gently. "Let's try that before we just jump into marriage, you silly thing. I do care for you, but it's a little soon."

"A bit, I guess." He fidgeted. "But you know we've been together a lot longer than that, just as friends." But, still, she had agreed to date him. He seemed to be lifted by that news alone. "Let's go home. It's our home now."

She inclined her head. "Still yours, but you're lending it to your girlfriend, who appreciates it." Raspberry stood up, becoming Sandra and offering a hand. "Let's head out." She gave the room a look over, eyes landing on the unicorn, Pike, that had suggested getting some of her things back. "But I think I want to see how the fomorian does its tracking."

Lucky rose up to being Louis, hurrying along to get to the car. "I'll drive. You're stressed out enough right now."

"That's actually a point in your favor." Sandra chuckled. "I'm a bad driver. Never gotten a ticket, but I tend to miss stuff."

They were soon cruising back home.

Author's Note

That meeting went so much more smoothly than the ones before a great alicorn helped get ponies back into shape. Thanks, unnamed former protagonist!

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5 - Back Online

"I can't believe that happened." Sandra leaned back against the sofa, running her hands along the arms as she considered the coffee table. "What a day."

"Not everything went bad." Louis laughed at that, getting up from the floor to slip onto the couch beside her.

"I guess not!" She threw up a hand with a smirk. "Turns out I have a boyfriend now."

"Oh no." He gently pecked her closer cheek. "Hope he's a good one and, you know, not—"

"—Total jerk." She stuck out her tongue. "Picks on me all the time." The two giggled and hugged, the problems of the world feeling farther away for at least a moment. "I may be a little selfish, but I'm glad to be home with you, Lou."

"Selfish?" He paused, then gave a squeeze. "How?"

She pressed against him. "Even if someone tried to hurt me, or worse, at least I'd have you by my side, fighting for me. I think that'd make everything better."

He couldn't resist another kiss. He nuzzled in against her, becoming fuzzier by the moment as he became Lucky. "I hope you won't get mad if I don't shave this."

She snorted with poorly contained laughter. "You'd look very odd if you tried." She tickled him under his pony snout. "You can stay fuzzy in this form, I officially allow. Or become Louis, if you like." Her eyes drifted down. "Either way, I'm very interested in seeing if you have what I'm looking for."

"Wait, what?!" Lucky gave an embarrassed little whinny. "That's not something you ask a pony, you know."

"Fine, if you won't answer, I'll check myself." What followed was a brief wrestling match that left both panting, faintly colored, but still sitting next to each other. He swatted at her and hopped to the ground, becoming Louis shortly after. "You must be feeling better, playing around like that. Good!"

"I'm still concerned over things I don't control, though." She prodded him in the shoulder. "You attacked those guys! I don't want you getting hurt on my behalf."

He marched off into the kitchen, the noises of something being made echoing out into the living room. "Too bad, kind of in the boyfriend manual."

"I'm gonna broadcast," she sang out, hopping to her feet and over to her new workstation. "At least, this is something I can control."

She soon had everything running and was facing the camera, her pony avatar sitting in her own chair. "Hey, my herd mates! It's been a pretty weird day, huh?" She grinned, throwing out a little wave. She kept her smile even as she saw a questionable comment pop up. With a few deft keystrokes, she banished them to the dark side of the Internet. "You all know what that looks like."

Lucky arrived with a pair of cups of juice, handing one over to her. She happily sipped at it. "Weird or not, it's time to start the stream! Today we'll be enjoying a classic that always brings me a smile, so buckle in, we're going in!" She pulled up the movie to play over the stream, so old that it had fallen into the public domain, meaning she was free to use it however she wanted.

She gabbed over the movie, talking with her fans, laughing at parts and generally interacting with them constantly. They were there to see her primarily, and she was determined to provide them with a great experience.

Halfway through, she needed to go to the bathroom. "Back in a minute!" She slapped a pause button, using the interruption to remind everyone to stretch their legs and get a drink. It was a surprise to return to Louis talking at her station.

She stormed over with a huff. "What are you doing?"

He slid up and stepped away, gesturing at the seat. "Your mare has returned. I surrender the seat to her."

She pulled him back. "Nu-uh. Explain. Why are you messing with my equipment?" She stared into his eyes. "And no funny answers!"

Louis brushed off his shirt with a soft huff. "I was just filling in the silence with some idle chat. They didn't seem to mind."

She glanced to verify that. She had as many viewers as she had left with, perhaps a few more. The comments were exploding with why she had suddenly changed voices. Her virtual avatar had just started speaking with Louis' voice when he plopped down and started chatting. They seemed to find it all very funny.

She couldn't disagree. She couldn't let it continue. "I'm glad they were willing to put up with it, but it's time to go back to watching the movie." She slid into the seat, smiling at the camera. "Now where did we leave off?" She hit the play button, getting things going.

Alas, the secret was out, and the chat kept talking as much about the new voice as anything Sandra had to say. They wanted to know who the new person was, and their relationship. Some guessed they were roomies, or siblings, or possibly lovers off the camera. She could only giggle at the whole thing. "Yeah, you caught me. I do have a roommate, and yes he's human, not pony. And I think you all know what that means!" She gave a wink to the camera.

She continued talking and answering questions for a bit, keeping up the persona of being a pony that, now, had a human roomie. It was so close to the truth, but she wasn't going to fill them in on those gaps. Eventually, she wanted the limelight back. "Sorry guys, but I'm still a vtuber and want to keep your focus on me. We'll be happy to chat with all of you another time." She burst into giggles. "Maybe a special roomie stream, stay tuned for that!" She wrestled most of them back into watching the movie and chatting about it, and what she was gabbing about.

She slumped back with a sigh, the stream finally ended. "Hey." She sat up, noticing a number growing. "You jerk! I'm getting subs, from you? How?!" She grabbed for the phone, sending a barrage of playful angry text messages.

He returned them as they came, playing along. "Who said I didn't have a channel?"

Her eyes widened and she bolted upright. "You don't!"

"I don't." He patted her on the shoulder. "But that reaction was worth it."

She punched his shoulder with a huff. "Meanie. Okay, okay." She calmed herself with a deep breath. "I feel better, almost normal." She dusted herself off. "Now, back to serious stuff. Do we have anything that belongs to that creep?"

He led the way into the bedroom. "In here, maybe? I haven't seen a sign of it, but that doesn't mean we can rule it out."

She raised a brow at him. "I've never been in there and you know it. I doubt I brought anything in the room I haven't been in, try harder."

"I'll take a look around, then. Feel free to watch." He snorted softly, but didn't object.

She set up in the corner to keep herself out of the way, but make sure the area stayed clean. She racked her brain with the times she'd interacted with the guy that she knew of. She pulled out her phone and pulled up the delivery app. "Just in case." She casually deleted the delivery she had made to him, erasing them from history. "Won't bring him here."

"I hope this works." Louis had a jacket in one hand. "This is mine. It's not like you ever borrowed my coat. But I wore this when I went to your place and 'played' with the people there."

"I doubt it, but won't hurt to toss it unless you really like it?"

He shrugged, tossing it in a bin. "Not that much. You spot anything else?"

Sandra's eyes wandered to her workstation. "Did you get there before the goon squad showed up?"

"They were there when I got there, why?" He was looking at it too, confusion clear on his face.

She clenched her teeth a moment. "Then they could have left something in it, or on it, and let you take it on purpose." She thumped her head with both fists. "I sound paranoid as all get out, damn it. But this feels like the perfect trick. Using us to lead them right back to where they wanted to be." She flopped back onto the couch with a sigh. "It was right in my home, then I brought it here, into yours."

Louis squinted at his computer. "Nothing seems broken." He kneeled beside the tower and started pulling it apart. "Let's see what's inside and maybe we find something, or not. Won't hurt to look at the thing." He carefully dismantled it, taking off all the parts, laying them out and searching every nook and cranny. "Nothing I can see."

"Figures, or this would be over." She returned to her computer chair, sinking onto it just to bounce off. "What if it's not in the computer?!" She pointed to the chair, then the webcam and the desk.

He gave the chair a cautious poke, but it remained just a chair. "Not a mimic." He turned to look at the rest. The desk had a drawer, so he slid that open, just for a dark little thing to lunge out at him, beeping and blinking lights at him.

He snatched the object, ducking his head down. "Got it!" He dashed out of the room. "Garage! The garage!" He slammed into the door, bouncing out onto the floor of the small concrete chamber.

Sandra squeaked in surprised horror, following him out into the garage. "What now?! Get rid of it!"

"Working on that!" He dropped the thing and stomped down on it with his foot. There was a crunch of metal and the beeping stopped. He kicked the remains aside, putting himself between them and her.

They stared at it together for several long moments, but it seemed well and truly defeated. "The hell was that?!" She dared to approach it, kicking it onto its back for a better look at the strange thing that was as much living as it was mechanical, though all dead and broken.

Louis scooped up the scrap and put it all in a trash bag. "Something we shouldn't poke at anymore. Ponies are just ponies, right?" He sighed loudly and leaned against a wall. "Good thinking. We didn't need that lurking around." He vanished a moment, grabbing the other trashbag. "You're all going out."

He threw them in a neighbor's bin, just to be extra sure. He returned, dusting his hands. "Alright, we should be clear. Girl, you are a trouble magnet." But he hugged her, and she returned it with a defeated sigh.

"I just want things to go back to normal." She thumped her forehead against him. "But thanks, for being here, with me."

He rolled his eyes, brushing fingers against her cheek. "As if I was going anywhere." He slipped behind her, sweeping her up into a bridal carry. "Time for bed. Things'll look brighter in the morning, trust me."

She kicked her feet in the air. "Oh no, now I'm being kidnapped after all that? Can this day get any worse?"

"Stay tuned to find out." He kissed the tip of her nose as he carried her into his bedroom. "Um, we don't have to do anything, you know. Especially right now. I bet you're a little tense."

"A little." She slid from his arms, hitting the ground on all fours. Raspberry hopped up onto the bed and curled there. "Sleep sounds like a great idea right now." She waved her forehooves, inviting him to join her. "Hurry up, we don't have all night."

Louis chuckled at her enthusiasm, or lack thereof. "No, we don't." He reached though, gently ruffling her mane and over her ears. Being a pony, he knew the spots that felt nice to have rubbed and played with. "Goodnight. I'll keep you safe."

"I know you will." She closed her eyes, a soft smile on her lips as she drifted away.

Louis shifted into Lucky, slipping up beside her. He draped an arm over her. Together, they slipped into comfortable dreams, at least sure of the presence of one another.

Author's Note

These two are pretty adorable as partners go, I vote.

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7 - Jay

Sandra found herself on the road, driving. "This is crazy." She tapped at the steering wheel, both hands locked on it as she cruised along. "She's going to lock me up in a dungeon and do strange things to me." And yet, she was going, heading into a far larger city than the suburb she had started in. Traffic slowed around her as she hit rush hour, but she wasn't far from the destination that the strange woman, J202, had indicated for her to meet.

"I wish Louis was here," she sighed, "but he'd never approve of this." And maybe he was right to not do so. Why had she rushed? It felt like something was looming just behind her, moments away from catching up. Something had told her, inside, that she had to move, or face far worse possibilities than even becoming the plaything of some random Internet furry. "Life is too strange right now."

She drove into a parking lot, just to be stared at by a group of very weird people. "Guess I should have changed clothes?" She gave herself a quick glance in the rearview mirror, checking that her dark ponytail and crisp features looked as nice as she could get them. Her clothes had nothing wrong with them, but they weren't super proper. None of her clothes were.

Normally, she didn't need to care about that, being a vtuber and a grocery delivery gig worker. Nobody cared how professional she looked. Most people wouldn't see her anyway. But the people that wanted to talk to her now were unlikely to give a damn about what she wore, until she was wearing fur.

Sandra shivered a little as she got out of her car. The idea of someone being attracted to the idea of what she was, a pony, was a bit off-putting. She wasn't a thing to be fondled or admired. "But I'm also not dumb enough to get mad at people for having a fetish. It's how some of them are wired, I guess."

She marched up to the front door of that apartment building and rang the doorbell there after hitting the room code she'd been given. The answer was almost immediate, "Good little pony. You are good at following directions, just the way I like my ponies. Now, I'll buzz you in." A buzz sounded from the door, loud and piercing. "Come inside. You'll be safe here. The room number tells you the floor."

Sandra held her hand up to the speaker. "Thanks. I'm, uh, Raspberry. Nice to meet you, I think?" She wasn't certain how nice that was going to be, but she took the invitation and hurried inside, looking around warily for trouble. The interior of the building was quieter. Safer? It was an apartment building, meant to keep people safe and cozy. The lobby didn't even have anyone at the desk. She stepped into the elevator and got to the proper floor, hurrying down the hall to the right door.

A sizable door with a pair of new locks on it, all that was needed to make it secure. Some of the doors she'd rushed past, she saw signs of people trying to live good little lives, with signs dangling welcoming visitors, or one warning them away. This one had no signs, just a locked door. She found herself a little comforted by that. No social signals, not wanting to attract anything too friendly, yet inviting only those they wanted to see. It seemed odd to her. "Hey, uh, it's me?" She knocked gently on the door. "J202?"

The door opened inwards to reveal a thin figure, a classic nerd, but of the female variety. She smiled, glasses glinting as she advanced. "Come in, come in! I have some pizza pockets warming up for us inside." She glanced about. "Didn't bring your boy?"

"He'd have talked me out of this." She was led into the apartment and offered a chair. The first thing she noticed was that it had plush leather seats and would have been amazingly comfortable, if not for her sense of caution. Despite how middle of the road the building looked, the interior of that apartment was well-appointed from top to bottom. "And he's at work right now. I sent him a message." She swallowed hard, glancing around at all the interesting things on display.

One of the things that caught her eye was a fairly elaborate rig with several screens that showed her own avatar on one and something else on another. Her host was also a computer person, that seemed obvious, considering how much space it took up.

J202 closed the door behind Sandra and locked it up with several heavy clicks. "Well, welcome to your sanctuary, for now. Little pony." She sang out that last part with dripping affection. "I've heard of ponies, but never met one before." She clapped her hands. "I'm so excited right now. Would you mind if I hugged you?"

Sandra stepped back and considered that. "Sure? Just, don't make it weird, okay?"

"You mean, like, a boyfriend hug?" J202 smiled brightly as she stepped closer. She grabbed Sandra in a warm embrace, but her hands didn't wander anywhere they shouldn't. It was just a hug. "Later, I want one with you on all fours. But, for now, I bet you're freaked out." She started through her apartment as something began beeping. "Pizza wraps are up! Let's get a snack." She popped open a microwave and drew out a plate with two rolled waiting. "Want one?"

"Uh, yeah." Sandra stared at them. "What is that supposed to be?"

J202 shrugged as she put the plate on the table. "An excuse to stuff our faces. You're nervous, so graze a little bit, pony, and relax. As I said, this is a sanctuary."

Sandra picked up one of the wrapped concoctions and pulled it open. The outside was a nice crust that appeared to have something akin to bacon bits inside, giving it a savory flavor. She confirmed this with a bite. "Not bad." She had heard tales that it was impossible to cook those things without it being too hot in the middle, but it seemed right enough by her measure. "Thank you."

"Sit." J202 tapped the table she was already seated at. "Relax. We're friends now! You already know my handle, J202. You can call me Jay if that's too long."

"Jay." Sandra took another bite of the pizza pocket, chewing thoughtfully. "It's so weird to meet people in person that you know from the Internet. But, I guess, I'm kind of like that." She sank onto her seat carefully. "I guess I can't complain too loudly. I gave my handle too just now." She laughed tensely, trying to force herself to relax. "So, um, you like ponies? What does that mean, anyway?"

Jay dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, smiling gently. "It means I have a thing for ponies, yes. But, also, I'm a pretty hard core gamer." She wagged a finger. "Furries and gamers have a big overlap, not so odd there. But let's get real. Can I see you as a pony now? I want to see those twitchy ears and swishy tail." She stood up, coming around the table and leaning over Sandra. "If it's safe, of course. I know some things are secret."

Sandra pushed away from the table, giving herself a little more space. Was it safe to show Jay? She juggled the options in her mind. She found her answer when she realized she'd already changed into a pony. She frowned, feeling annoyed at her subconscious for betraying her like that. "Fine." She lifted a hoof. "If I didn't think it was safe, you wouldn't be seeing this." She stepped from hoof to hoof, doing a little circle in place.

Jay squealed with delight. "Knew it! My own little pony." She reached, only to hesitate, hand hovering so close to Sandra. "May I?" Her fingers flexed, so eager to actually pet Sandra.

"Fine." She had told herself she'd do it, but as Jay's hands brushed over her back, she realized that she'd have preferred a less personal experience. But she kept her complaints to herself, letting the moment happen. It was unfortunately that Jay was figuring out quickly exactly how to handle a pony. Those pets were starting to feel good, instead of just tolerable. She didn't let herself enjoy them, much.

Jay stepped away after a few moments. "And you're really cute. I could see myself enjoying my life with a cute little pony like you. Want another pizza wrap?"

Raspberry pondered the offer, then gave her head a shake. "I'm good." She hadn't even finished the first, though it was mostly gone. She hopped up into the seat, making it wobble under her pony form as she sank on it and leaned in to grab that last morsel and chew it up.

"You sure? I can get more, if you want." Jay made to move, but settled back down when Raspberry waved her hoof.

Raspberry chewed thoughtfully for a moment, then swallowed hard. "Well, here I am, um. I bet it's a letdown, compared to whatever you were dreaming about."

Jay flumped into her seat. "Are. You. Joking? I'm sitting across from a little pony with little adorable wings and she just enjoyed a pizza pocket and she's talking to me and we're already on petting permissions! This is about the best day ever." She adjusted her glasses with a bit of heavy breathing. "Now, about those creeps that are bothering you! I will not tolerate it! Nothing's allowed to chase after my little pony."

Raspberry lowered her ears with a nervous snort. "My friend had an item from one of them, so he called his friends and they took it and sent it back. But they still haven't really said anything to me or him." She tapped her forehooves together gently. "It's a lot of hurry up and wait, you know? I'm sure they're trying their best." She flicked her straw tail behind her. "But it's only getting more nervous."

"Poor thing." Jay reached across the table to take one of Raspberry's hooves, rubbing it and the flesh and fur just beyond it. "You're safe here. I won't let anything bother you while I'm still breathing."

Raspberry squirmed, not wanting to admit that those rubs felt good. "Thanks, but we don't even know each other."

"That doesn't matter to me. You're cute, a little pony, and you're just kind of trying to live your life." She went for booping Raspberry on her cute little snout, bursting into giggles as if she had somehow tickled herself in the process. "So cute. Yeah, not letting you get hurt. Sorry, thems the rules."

Raspberry swallowed hard, trying to figure out what to do with that level of affection. "Thank you?"

"Nope, don't thank me, little pony." Jay's mood sobered up slightly. "I'm just doing the right thing. Of course, 'right' is pretty subjective. But, in my case, right means keeping little ponies from getting hurt. You are to stay here, relax, enjoy all the snacks and drinks you want, and let me handle the bad guys." She thumped a fist into her other hand. "You've got me now, and I will be your shield!"

"Yeah, um." Raspberry drew back. "Thanks, but this isn't really your problem."

Jay snorted out a laugh. "I'm sorry, did I stutter? You're a cute little pony. I like cute little ponies. Something wants to hurt you, the cute little pony. It became my problem."

Raspberry raised a brow. "Cute?" She plucked at her shirt with a hoof, wondering what Jay found cute about her. "Thanks, but I'm just kind of a regular girl."

"Regular girls don't turn into cute little ponies." Jay threw up her hands with a laugh. "Seriously, let me help you. Take the win here."

Raspberry fell back with a sigh, reclining against the back of the chair. "I appreciate it, but can we dial it down just a bit? It's been a really rough day."

"Aw." She looked ready to reach, but fought her first instinct. "Relax. If you want to stream, I have the system set up to swap to your account whenever you want. Want some TV?" She pointed to a big screen waiting to be watched. "Got some radio, snacks, whatever you want. Just chill out. No pressure."

Raspberry pulled herself back to the front of the seat and propped her chin on the table. "Is this going to be some kind of magical girl shenanigans?" She blew out a heavy breath.

"I feel like I'd be lying if I just said no." Jay propped her own head on her palms. "I told you prefer, I want us to be honest with each other. There will be some magical girl stuff. But that's not so bad, is it?" She hopped to her feet. "Now, I'll go busy myself with not-pony stuff. You do whatever you want. Just relax."

Raspberry found herself staring at the ceiling as Jay trotted off to another room. She didn't have the energy to transform back to human just then, but also had nothing else to do.

Author's Note

This chapter flowed eagerly from my fingers. Hello, Jay! What do you think of her?

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8 - Guardian

"Hey, My Herdmates!" Raspberry waved, her virtual avatar imitating the gesture. "One of my lovely herd members took me in, and I'm visiting them. You can't see my room, but it's not the usual!" She gestured to herself. "I know, right? I couldn't believe it either, but they really like me!" She blinked, raising a hoof. "No, I haven't turned my back on you guys, but this is something that I just kind of need to deal with."

She cleared her throat. "Along those lines, I'm here to promise you all that I'll still be streaming! My little rescuer has a full rig and she just tossed it at me. 'Go,' she commanded, 'go and hang out with your herdmates!' Sure, not those exact words, but how was I gonna say no? So, here I am!"

"But, while we're all together like this, let's get some games going!" She opened up a page for donations, flipping through a few to choose a game that seemed fun enough. "Ooo, we haven't tried this one before, and it's multiplayer! If you're playing on Windows™️ and got this installed, I'll be sharing the invite code shortly!" She offered up a wink. "If you've never heard of this game before, then be prepared to have your minds blown! It's got platforming, puzzles, and magic, as well as a nice clean singleplayer mode!" She laughed at that. "Not that we'll be looking at it. Got way too many eager herdmates that wanna gallop with me!"

She fiddled with the code. "Send that out into the world." She settled down. "Okay, it should be shared. Now, if you guys could throw in a donation or two, that'd really help me get some in-game items to share." Her request was like magic, superchats flowing in, money with each one. "You're all so nice! Thanks for the support." She offered up a beaming smile. "Now, who wants to see me run off cliffs?!"

Raspberry's herdmates echoed back their encouragement. They were less eager to hear her slam her virtual character into walls and fail at puzzles for twenty minutes. She hopped into the multiplayer mode, the lobby already filled with her watchers. "Alright! Let's all fail this, together!" A great cheer echoed across the channel as she began the game.

The stream was a complete success, only ended after a lot of silly gaming fun that had her fans cheering her on through the ups and downs. She waved at them gently. "I'll see you all later, herdmates!" She pressed the final button, ending the stream. Her avatar vanished, the screen fading to black as the machines went to sleep. "That was fun."

A sharp rap sounded on the door. "Entering!" Jay made her presence known, strolling in with a massive box of pizza.

Raspberry swiveled in her chair, nose wriggling at the enticing smells. "Wow, did you put everything on that pizza?" She got up and came over, shifting to human form. "What's the occasion?"

"Because you were just so great." She popped the lid open, offering up the steaming, cheesy treat, overflowing with perhaps too many toppings.

Sandra accepted the slice with an appreciative noise. "I didn't realize how hungry I was. Thanks." She took a bite, almost burning her tongue, but enjoying it nonetheless.

Jay nudged her shoulder against Sandra's. "You're welcome, little pony. Did your stream go well?"

Sandra colored at the contact from what was still mostly a stranger. "They had a blast, and so did I, so, um." She took a second careful bite. "This is great, and you're being really nice, but, seriously, why?"

"You're cute. You're also just trying to live your life." She fluffed a hand through Sandra's hair, fingers gliding down over her ponytail. "Also, you're just the right amount of vanilla. I have taken you as my project. I want to protect you, because I've decided I want to live in a world where you're safe and doing silly streams for people. Nothing more complicated. It's what makes me happy, so it's what I'll do."

Sandra stepped away with a sigh, stuffing her mouth with pizza so she wouldn't have to talk.

Jay gave her space, but watched her with a little smile as she ate a slice of her own. "A pizza with everything is the best kind of pizza, right? This will fill you up good." She leaned back, pausing before taking a bite. "Just, think about letting me protect you. It'd be easier for you, I bet."

"No promises," Sandra grumbled out after swallowing, "but, I'll think about it." She looked to the phone dangling on the wall. "That reminds me, alright if I call my boyfriend, let him know I'm okay?"

"Sure." She leaned in. "I can't have my mare be separated from her stallion. He is a stallion, right?" She waggled her brows. "A stallion?"

Sandra glowered at her, cheeks darkening with color. "Yes, he's a guy, and we're dating. I just need to tell him I'm safe." She took another bite of her pizza slice, most of it gone. "Thank you." She fished out her own phone, calling him up.

The answer came swiftly. "Hey, are you okay?" His voice sounded tired, but brightened a bit when he heard her on the line. "I got your message."

Sandra settled on the sofa, pizza in one hand. "This is going to sound crazy, but one of my viewers extended an invitation. Turns out she's way in the know and she loves ponies and she wants to protect this pony from creepy things. So, I'm crashing at her place."

"Oh, good!" He laughed, relieved. "Um, so, you said in the know. Is she one of us? How did that go?"

Sandra shrugged. "Not sure, I haven't asked, and I don't plan on asking." She propped up her feet. "But she's really nice."

"Is she the kind of nice I can't visit?" His doubt was clear in his voice.

Sandra looked at Jay, checking their email. "I'll check. Jay, Alright if my boyfriend visits?"

Jay waved her off with a roll of her eyes. "He is very welcome to come over." She snorted out a laugh. "But if he wants to enjoy himself, he'll have to get used to seeing ponies around the house."

Sandra snorted gently. "He's my boyfriend. I think he's used to a pony being around." She turned her voice into her phone directly. "You're good to come over. I'll text you the address, okay?"

"Be right over." He hung up.

Jay hopped onto the couch beside Sandra. "Your boyfriend! Can I see?" She took a bite of her pizza, savoring it a moment. "You have a picture of him on that phone, right? Let me see." She plucked at the phone, trying to get a look.

Sandra tucked her phone away. "After he comes over."

Jay prodded at Sandra's cheek. "Fine, only because he's already coming. So, tell me straight, is he also a cute little pony or not?" She half-lid her eyes. "Some fuzzy things like other fuzzy things, and others get really nervous about the idea of 'keeping it in the family,' so to speak."

Sandra winced slightly. "Yeah, but that's not how we work." She swallowed down the rest of her slice and made a face at Jay. "I've seen his human self, and I think he's great as that, okay? That's what's important here. Him."

Jay spread her hands out. "If it helps, I think you're cute either way. A cute lady, and a cute pony. Double prize, in one box." She hopped to her feet. "Now! We really should get to hunting that bastard that's trying to hunt you." She slapped her palms together. "The longer he's alive, the more risk he represents to you, and other people, and other things."

Sandra slunk down on the couch. "Can you do that without me?"

"Probably, but he wants you." Jay nodded firmly. "So, that means you should be there when I find him and give him what he deserves."

Sandra shuddered, raising a hand to block out any more words. She sank into the plush couch, taking a moment to appreciate just how soft it was. Jay seemed to have a very comfortable house. It wasn't all too different from her own little place, save for how many games were installed on the systems there. "What do you mean by what he deserves?"

"Oh, not letting him go, to start." Jay scoffed at that. "No, we have to spread our arms wide before we come in, make sure he has no escape routes. And then we deliver swift justice to his foul little person."

Sandra kept her hands over her face. "Deliver swift justice?" She let her hands fall away. "You're not going to kill him, are you?"

Jay hiked a brow. "What he plans for you involves that, I remind, and worse." She snickered gently. "It can get worse. At least I ask before I get odd, and I take 'no' as an answer." She tapped a few buttons on her phone. "I have some things I need to do to set this up, so if you could just wait here, I'd appreciate it." She strolled off, phone in hand.

Sandra grabbed a second slice and sat down at the computer station that'd been assigned to her. She kept half an eye on Jay as the computer techie seemed to be arguing with someone, though the words were hard to make out and she wasn't even sure they were English. It sounded more like a series of grunts.

Sandra wanted to use the time to check on her own computer setup, but decided against it. She was at the house of a stranger, so maybe it was better to keep some distance between herself and her Internet self. Instead, she fiddled with the equipment, learning how to change between the streaming program and her regular feed. It had a lot of features, but she figured it out without much fuss.

It also let her peruse Jay's very full library of games, not all of them to her taste, but a few were. The sheer quantity of them seemed impressive enough. She had almost everything available in digital format, and had bought most of it too. Even Sandra hadn't splurged that much on games. "What do you do, Jay? I'm pretty sure a girl can't pay for all this with stream donations."

Jay paused her conversation. "I don't stream, girl. That's your thing." She picked up where she had been grunting in that odd way without further pause.

Sandra squinted at her. "Then what do you do?"

"Fix computers." She nodded once, then went back to what she was doing.

Sandra let out a heavy sigh and got back to fiddling with the computer. Well, that computer, at least, was very 'fixed'. A knocking at the door drew her attention and she sprang to her feet to go peek through the peephole. Spotting Louis, she wrenched it open, flinging herself into his arms. "You came!"

Louis' arms came up around her and held her tight. "Of course I did." He gave her a soft squeeze. "Can't let you wander off without me." With equal warmth, they snuggled there in the hallway.

Jay whistled from within her apartment, watching them. "That is sweet, now get in here." She pointed at her feet. "He is welcome to come inside. Just no kissing."

Louis pulled back, startled by that last word. "What?"

Jay sneered at Louis. "I mostly wanted to see that reaction. You two are a thing, check." She made a check motion in the air. "But no hanky panky unless you're inviting me. that's just polite. Otherwise, hold it in until you get out of here."

Sandra reddened and tried to block him from view. "We're not doing that kind of stuff! He's just my boyfriend!" She cleared her throat. "Well, come on inside."

Author's Note

Figure out what Jay is yet? Besides nice and a little pervy, that is.

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9 - Happy Herd

Louis entered the apartment, lingering close to Sandra. "Interesting place. I think my place is more colorful, though."

Sandra flopped down onto the sofa. "She likes ponies. A lot."

Jay tapped away at her terminal. "If you're going to just bring that right up, do I get to see two ponies today? Or do I have to earn it first?" She blew a kiss. "The boyfriend and the girlfriend are just so cute together."

Sandra flicked her ponytail out of the way. "Maybe, but we need to talk about you! How does a random girl on the Internet end up being so..."

Louis sank down next to her. "Compared to most random Internet people, not too strange. Has she been nice to you?"

Sandra considered that. "Really, if you ignore the flirting, she's been very nice. She's been way nicer than anyone I've met without even asking."

Louis took one of Sandra's hands, squeezing gently. "Then she sounds like a nice person. And someone we should talk to." He shot a smile at Jay. "If you'd join us, Miss...?"

"Jay is my name, J202 is my tag. Or user handle." She turned in her seat towards them. "Jay works, we're in meatspace. Speaking of that, I think it's time to turn the hunter into the hunted. You two relax while I chase down that jerk that's been making my favorite pony streamer upset."

Sandra pursed her lips together, then leaned forward. "But what does that mean? Like, are you going to shoot him or something?"

"What?" Jay paled slightly. "No! At least, I won't be holding any guns." She rolled her eyes as her typing intensified. "I prefer the digital realms to the dirty meat ones, especially the dangerous ones. Your stalker leaves a nice thick trail, trying to chase you. Which means following him's not so hard."

Sandra closed her eyes. "So, you're going to track down my stalker. That's what you're doing."

"More like hunt him down, but that's the short version of it." She slammed a key with a sneer. "There he is, hiding. He thinks that rundown house is immune from me, maybe, but he has a security camera. Oh, Internet of Things, never die." She grabbed her mouse and waggled it about. "Wow, real dump. You must be right at home." She laughed at her own joke. "And I mean that in the literal sense."

Louis frowned at her. "The stalker's place is messy?"

Jay peeked up. "You two repeat what I say a lot." She snorted, almost a giggle. "It's kinda funny. Two little confused ponies, watching me work. It's nice." She glanced back at her computer screen. "His house is a literal dump. This guy might as well be sleeping in his car, which he might be. The people living around him are scared of him, the poor slobs."

Sandra didn't resist her curiosity, creeping over to see what Jay was looking at. It wasn't the interior of a car, more of an especially dingy house with junk piled high in every direction. A few small holes had been broken through the ceiling, but otherwise it seemed intact. "He's living there?"

"Yup." Jay bobbed her head in time with her words. "You can see him right... there." She focused the camera on a breathing lump, curled on a sofa. "He'd almost be cute if he wasn't a total jerk I plan to make regret even so much as spooking my little pony." She snapped her fingers. "Alright, enough playing around. It's time to let him know what I think of his efforts. Now, I'm just going to blow up his speakers with some loud noise."

Sandra and Louis had both expected a loud noise, perhaps something to startle the man. What came instead was a sonic assault that had the man roll to the floor, screaming in agony. He clutched at the sides of his head, wailing as blood streamed out of his ears.

Louis let out a horrified gasp, sinking to his knees. "That's not legal!"

"Oops! Forgot he'd have sensitive ears. Whoops." Jay didn't sound like she was actually sorry at all. "Let me fix that." She only turned it higher. "Stupid fucker, what you get for messing with Raspberry!"

Sandra blinked, eyes stinging from the noise, which had passed the threshold of what she could tolerate too. She felt glad she wasn't actually in the room, only hearing what Jay's speakers echoed, as uncomfortable as it was. "I can't watch this." She turned away from the assault. Sure, the guy was a creep, and maybe he deserved to be punished. "It's too much."

Louis glanced up at her, but also had to look away. "Should we stop this?"

"You want him coming after you?" Jay slapped the top of her keyboard. "Yeah, not happening, even if I have to scare him into submission myself." Though both had reasons to doubt Jay would stop at 'scaring' the stalker. The screen suddenly switched away, and the sound with it, showing a cartoon horse trotting along with a big smile with some friendly music. "Consider that handled. We don't need to watch the rest of that." She swiveled to face Sandra and Louis. "We can all relax now."

Louis hugged Sandra close, taking the initiative. "You know he'll come after you now, right?"

Jay did not look frightened in the slightest. "That jerk won't be bothering anyone. New topic! I want to see him on hooves, please? I earned it, right?"

Sandra got to her feet, walking over to the corner of the room and ducking out of sight. A moment later, a cute pony replaced the woman, flipping her blue mane out of the way as she walked out into the open. "I trust her."

Louis hesitated a moment. "If you're sure?" He fell down, becoming Lucky with a little whicker.

Jay clapped her hands together firmly. "Too precious! A little lady pegasus and her stallion." She waved them closer. "Come here you little fuzzy things."

Lucky stepped closer to Raspberry, the two huddling together with uncertain snorts. "You'll protect us?"

Jay stepped from her seat, almost seeming to glide across the floor, coming closer with such a big smile on her face. "I'm a gamer, of course I will." She carefully embraced the two, mindful of their equine nature. "Just rest and let me handle this stuff." She ran her hands over their sides, ruffling their furry hides. "You two are so cute! And I can expect to not be ripped to shreds for saying so, unlike some other magical beasts I can think of." She huffed at the thought of those other things.

Raspberry tensed up as Jay began to stroke her, but at least it felt like a good pet, as petting went. She allowed it with a flick of her tail. "Do you know about ponies, besides what you've seen of us?"

"Mmm." Raspberry murmured her agreement. "I know enough. The rest of the supernatural world doesn't take ponies, as a whole thing, super seriously, but they seem to be pretty good at making friends, one on one." She tapped Sandra's nose gently. "You won me over easily enough, and I bet there's others."

Lucky snorted. "If we show them who we are." He pawed at the ground, unsure how he felt about this. "But you seem okay." She took a slow breath. "We, um, ponies, prefer to make friends, if we can, on the average."

Raspberry giggled at the description. "Only getting cuter. I've heard the creed of a few critters that stalk this world, and none of them had 'make friends' high on their priority list." She spread her hands. "Well, go on. Here's a friend."

Raspberry snorted softly. "I can't think of anypony that didn't want to make friends, and not in the bad way." She licked her lips. "Thanks for taking us in."

"See, friend made." She ruffled Raspberry's mane. "Now, technically, you could go home. The creep's gone, but it'll be safer here, little pony." She rubbed her back firmly. "But don't feel pressured or anything."

Lucky sighed with a grunt. "We just met you, and you're inviting us to be permanent roomies?" He glanced aside at Raspberry. "Also, we're a thing. I doubt you want romantic pony couples in your space."

Jay flicked his snout. "Did I say that? You could probably figure out how to share a bed." She half-lid her eyes as her expression hardened. "So, let me clarify, since you're having trouble with the subtle things. I think you're adorable, and that only gets worse the more of you there are. If you think watching you two hug or kiss is going to upset me, you're wrong. I was already a furry before I woke up to greater things."

Raspberry sank against Lucky with a sigh. "You won't attack us, or worse?"

Jay jerked back with a gasp. "Oh my! Little ponies have bad things happen to them?" She scowled at the idea. "Just tell me who."

Raspberry shuddered gently, imagining that sonic assault and Jay's attack on someone else. "Nobody else, promise! If you got rid of that one, then we're all safe." She threw an arm over Lucky, holding him close. "So, thanks. But I don't want anyone else to get hurt."

Jay clicked her tongue. "Oh, it's just one creep. And he really wanted it. You might've heard." She tapped her fingers together. "He wanted to do real nasty things to my cutesies. Not anymore. Now, we're roomies. You stream, I Internet. We should get along just fine." Her eyes went to Lucky. "What do you do?"

"IT guy," Lucky answered plainly, not particularly invested in that answer. "We moved here because this town was cheaper than where we were, and it was somewhere away from most of our families. My friends like it here." He leaned against Raspberry, one of those friends. "Um, thank you, really. It means a lot that you took care of that stalker."

Jay fluffed up his mane. "Anytime. Cute things are to be protected, especially the fuzzy ones." She led them back to the couch, which seemed as soft and comfortable as ever. She took her place with a pony on either side to pet and enjoy. "Man, if every good deed came with petting time, I'd have to work harder."

Raspberry tossed back her head, losing herself in the moment. "I really should give you my own handle. Just call me Raspberry! If you want to protect me, it's best we know each other."

Lucky raised a hoof. "Lucky." He inclined his head. "You're really okay with two ponies?" He leaned in, equine nose close to Jay's cheek. "Magic horses, shedding on your things and going clip-clop?"

"Oh, I don't mind any of that." She clapped her hands together firmly. "Also, Raspberry and Lucky, like candy?" She snickered at the thought. "Now that's just precious." She tickled under Lucky's chin. "You two are too cute for words. Now, one thing. That jerk left a trail of slime leading towards both of you. I'll get on cleaning that up."

Raspberry kicked her hooves lightly, listening to them click against the floor. "If it helps, thank you." She considered those words carefully. "Thank you so much. I'm really glad I met you, Jay."

"I'm one of your biggest fans, remember?" Jay slid to her feet. "Can't have one of my favorite channels going dark like that. There's still pizza, so eat up. I'm going to play janitor."

Author's Note

Jay seems to really like having a little pony couple around. More hints given, any idea what she is? :D

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10 - Closing the Box

Raspberry jumped as her phone began to ring. She leaned over it and squeaked at who she saw was calling it. Snapping forms quickly back to Sandra, she grabbed it and slapped the answer button. "Hello?"

"Well, hello there!" A cheerful voice from the other side replied. "A little birdy told me that you've made a new friend. I don't get out much, but I'm glad to see that you're okay."

Sandra whirled away from Jay. "Glad to hear from you. Um, theoretically, my problem's taken care of?"

"So I hear! But, just between us, you should be careful. Walking alongside Mages? Risky business." There was a smile in her voice. "They're humans that deal with things like you. Their kind does strange things. If they decide they 'like' you, getting away can be tricky. Keep it professional! Just a warning."

Sandra found herself a little stunned by that. "Yeah, but, she saved me!" She shook her head at the thought of anything bad coming from that. "She didn't do it to mess with me."

"I didn't say she was messing with you."

Jay leaned in from behind Sandra. "Are you talking about me? Who would you be talking about me with?"

Sandra blinked, considering the options. "You heard us?"

"Eavesdropping, that's what I'm doing." Jay's hands went on Sandra's shoulders, petting her gently. "But mostly your half. You're not quiet. Silly thing." She laughed, twirling in place and heading towards the fridge. "Want a drink?"

Sandra nodded with a quiet swallow. "Look," she directed into her phone, dropping her volume. "She just seems to like ponies, so she protected me."

"Alright." The voice didn't seem fully convinced. "Just don't forget what I told you." She sighed into the phone. "The world is a big place, and there are a lot of dangerous things in it. Sounds like she already likes you. If you don't mind being hers, who am I to talk. If you do, get out, now."

Sandra felt her mouth go dry at the advice. "It's not that bad, I don't think." She slunk back to the couch. "And I really don't want to start a fight or anything."

"Little fights now, big fights later. Just don't let her run over you. Mages are good at that. That's half their point, flipping reality the bird and daring it to backtalk them. Stay safe, Raspberry." A soft click ended the call.

Sandra put away her phone, turning around to face Jay. "You heard all of that, right?"

"Well, it was hard not to." Jay's expression betrayed nothing of her thoughts. "Again, at least your half." She approached with two glasses, both filled with fizzing cola. She put one down on her usual table for foods and drinks. "Here you go. Now, if I wanted the other half, I'd have to do a little digging. That seems kinda rude, so I'll pass." She sipped from her bubbling soda with a satisfied hum.

Sandra stared into her glass for a moment, before taking a careful sip. It didn't taste like anything wrong, so she drank more. "Alright, um, how do you like being a Mage?"

Jay blinked once, staring at Sandra a moment. "They mentioned that? Neon Christ on a stick." She rolled her eyes grandly. "I wasn't specifically trying to hide that. Ratting out people like that? A little rude. You tell them next time you chat."

Sandra was half-sitting in her seat, awkwardly curled in on herself. "She's just concerned for me."

"I hear that." Jay slouched in her seat. "Silly girl, what would I do to you?" She reached and soon was patting Sandra on the shoulder. "I've been pretty upfront. You're a delightful vtuber that only got better the more I learned about you. You're also an adorable pony. You have an adorable pony for a boyfriend. All positives in my book."

Sandra gripped the drink harder, squirming as Jay kept petting her. "Thanks, but the rest of my herd can't come over. Can I tell them about you?"

Jay laughed at that. "If you don't trust me, why would you bring a whole more ponies over for me to squee all over? I'm not opposed, if they're as nice as you are. My own personal petting zoo, I can think of worse things."

Sandra tilted her head slightly. "I've known you for one day."

"It's been an eventful day." Jay waggled her brows. "One of those 'days that could last a lifetime' deals." She drummed her fingers together. "Look, you're not my prisoner." She waved towards her front door. "If you want to head out, I'm not stopping you. Or you can relax, knowing a big scary mage has your back."

Sandra looked down at her drink, then took another sip. "Thanks, but how is someone like you okay with ponies? You said you already knew about them before I came around."

Jay stared off into the distance, gathering her thoughts. "I've heard rumors. Advantage of being online constantly, plenty of opportunities to hear about things, especially if you're looking." She sat at her computer and swiveled to face her computer properly. "People that are ponies, like the wolves, but significantly less snarly, or prone to lacerations?"

Sandra took a deep breath. "They can be like that. Wolves have a tendency to attack first, talk later. Which is fine if you're as tough as they are, but bad news if you're not." She looked down at her hands. "Ponies can get pretty mean too, but not usually. Most of them just want to be left alone."

"Oh, so you don't care if I start 'projecting' images onto every media station on the planet?" Jay snorted softly. "I wouldn't, but I doubt that'd make you happy."

Sandra stiffened tightly. "None of us like tattle tells."

Jay wagged a finger. "You're right on that. Not a single creature I've met likes anyone that tells their secrets. Well, I'm not tattle, as you put it. That's just rude." She settled back in her seat. "Let me tell you about what I've found out, for my own part. Wolves, angry dogs, snarly things? We keep away from each other. Ponies, adorable, but hadn't actually made contact until you. Changelings, distant rumors, never met one. Vampires? Not my thing, and abusive by definition. Pass."

Sandra listened intently. "I never met most of those." She dared a little smile. "I met a mage though. She seems nice."

"We're not so bad, on the average." Jay tossed her hair. "Well, on the average. It's always important to note exceptions, and even some non-exceptions." She perked up. "Oh, forgetting an important part. Not all mages even like being called mages. Technomancers? You run into one, you get away, slowly. Don't turn your back." She hiked a thumb at herself. "And before you ask, my love of computers doesn't make me one."

Sandra twisted her mouth slightly. "Okay, then what are you?"

"Rude." Jay snorted in amusement. "Just a woman with some talents and a way to put them to use." She drained the rest of her glass and set it aside. "Getting into specifics is edging towards that rude zone. I'm on the good guy list! I think people should be able to enjoy the marvelous world they live in, not be slaves to it."

Sandra shifted in her seat. "The people who don't like ponies seem to think ponies don't have a place in the world." She glanced at Jay, reading her expression, but saw only interest.

Jay waved that away. "Exactly! The baddies, the technos, would take all the ponies and either finish them off or put them in a very specific holding pen where nobody would ever actually see them. A crime in either event. Jerks." She tapped away at her computer. "Me? I think ponies are great. Go forth and do your thing. You're harmless, helpful even."

Sandra closed her eyes as she sucked down some more soda. "Good to know there's some good mages." She fiddled with the top of the glass. "Um, what else should I know about you?"

Jay considered that a moment. "My favorite color is an off-orange."

Sandra snickered. "I'm not trying to date you, Jay."

"Aw." Jay snickered gently. "The odds are I'd say yes if you asked. Still, not trying to push your boy out. You two are obviously tight."

Sandra opened her mouth to protest, but didn't. She thought about it for a moment, the way she felt about him, the way she acted around him, the things they had in common. "We've been friends forever. We only became an actual pair recently." She rubbed an arm with the other hand. "But I like him, a lot."

Jay leaned forward. "Do you love him?"

Sandra looked away, her cheeks reddening slightly. "Maybe." She curled up on herself more. "I think so."

"He's my boyfriend," Sandra added quickly, cheeks brightly colored.

Jay blinked once at that. "Dang, yeah, you are." She let out a dramatic sigh. "Lucky for him, really. Still, he seems like a nice guy."

Sandra sighed with a happy rumble in her throat. "He is a great guy. The kind of guy who takes a dangerous trip to rescue his girlfriend." She laughed gently. "Like coming here, not knowing you, ready to snatch me up."

Jay wriggled her fingers at Sandra in a bad imitation of an evil witch. "No way he'd get past my spells." She laughed at the very idea. "No, he seems like a good pony. He's welcome to invade my space whenever."

Sandra played with the hair on her head, touching it with her fingers. "Thank you for your help. If I could do something for you, I'd be willing to, just name it."

Jay raised a lone finger. "Be careful how you phrase promises like that. Now, I said I'd do some slime cleaning, and I got most of the gunk out form behind you, but there's one stubborn spot that refuses to come off." She jabbed the same finger at her screen. "You still have a stalker, and I'm not talking a fan."

Sandra slowly dragged herself to her feet. "Where is he?"

"Where is a tricky question." Jay resumed tapping at her keys. "I'm looking at him online. His location's tricky, as he's doing his best the browse safely, safely tucked behind layers of VPNs. I could tell you where the last layer's at, but that would be useless."

Sandra approached the computer, eyes skimming over the lines of code she didn't understand. "I wish I knew what that was."

"It's stuff." Jay rolled her eyes. "Real easy, real hard." She swiped her mouse. "Bottom line, this guy, the one person in the world that was following the jerk we just took care of. Their odds of being related, high. I swept through the history of their comments on your videos, 85% were auto-modded. That doesn't improve his case for not being a sleazeball we should probably keep an eye on."

Sandra stared at the code flying across the screen. "Is there any way to track him down?"

"A few ways come to mind." She leaned back, hands met on her belly. "Which get progressively more intensive. It's a matter of cost vs benefit, you know? How much is this creep worth to me?"

Sandra scratched an itch on her nose. "Um, we're friends, right?"

Jay gave Sandra a curious look. "What brought that on? It isn't a matter of how much we are or are not friends." She smirked at that. "We're buddies, by the way." She clicked her tongue on her teeth. "But I do have other things pulling at me too. I can't spend all day every day watching after my favorite fuzzy."

Sandra paced a bit, fiddling with her shirt. "No, you have things to do, and that's okay. I just, want to feel safe, again. You know? I don't want to wake up every morning thinking about the people that are trying to hurt me."

Jay sighed gently at that. "Yeah, I hear that." She glanced around. "This place? My happy place. I went through a lot of effort to make it that way, a safe little haven. It's still not perfect, nothing is."

Author's Note

It's hard to go back to that safe feeling.

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11 - Curious

Sandra walked down the street. Her steps made very little noise, the tip of her shoes touching down lightly on the ground before the rest of her weight followed. She could see the grocery store just a block away, taunting her with its closeness. Jogging to it didn't feel right.

"Hey there." The voice came from behind her.

Sandra twisted to see a figure approaching her. "Hi." She kept her eyes on him. He was dressed casually, wearing a shirt and pants combo, but his hat was hard to miss. His smile wasn't setting her at ease either, though she couldn't nail down exactly why. "Need something?"

He spread his hands out, approach slowing a bit. "Just wondering if you know about the pony community here?" He tapped a foot on the ground. "I heard there's some ponies around."

She felt her blood run icy in her veins. "Have you tried a stable? I haven't looked up where the closest one is, but I'd expect horses and stuff around one of those?" Sandra inched back, not wanting to be near the stranger. "Look, um, nice meeting you." She half turned to get away from him.

His steps picked up again, hands raised peacefully. "Hey, nothing bad. Just looking for a pony. I heard a good friend of mine got their hands on one, and they aren't sharing."

She squinted at him, her pace picking up in kind. "Share what? Sorry, not looking for ponies myself. Um, bye!" She sprinted for the grocery store.

He watched her flee, but didn't hasten past a determined walk. "How horse-like, bolting at the first sign of trouble like that."

Sandra slammed through the doors of the grocery store, scrambling inside and watching the strange man pass by, heading elsewhere. She didn't move until he was out of sight. With a shudder, she stepped further inside. At least the store was air conditioned. Soft background music played to lull shoppers into a generally nice mood to spend their money. People were hurrying around on exactly that task.

She collected a shopping cart and grabbed a list. "Alright, Sandra, focus on shopping." She swallowed and considered who'd have given that stranger her trail. Jay would be the obvious suspect, but why? Jay seemed nice enough. Lucky wasn't the type to leak where she was either. Sandra nibbled her lip, trying to figure it out as she shopped.

Somebody tapped her shoulder, causing her to spin around with a startled yelp. Her cart nearly spun too, only a little catch keeping it from rushing off without her. "Jay?" She let out a heavy sigh of relief. "Don't sneak up on me!"

Jay put a finger to her lips. "Easy there, girl." She nudged Sandra towards a quiet corner of the store. "I have you under watch, and someone tagged you. You run into someone, or did they just tag you without coming close?"

Sandra stared at Jay. "Tag me? Someone talked to me, asked about ponies." She played with her shirt. "Um, do I have a tracker on me or something?"

Jay tutted. "Nothing so physical, but still, not a bad comparison." She patted Sandra down as if searching for something. "I'll get rid of it. Who were you talking to?"

"I didn't get their name! Um, hat guy, brown hair, smiling way too much." Sandra hunched up slightly. "He knew about ponies, Jay. What's going on here?"

Jay hummed gently. "Easy, girl." She stroked at Jay as one might to ease an actual horse. "Easy. Hat, brown hair, smile for days? Huh, I think I know who you're talking about." She relaxed. "Prick. Scaring my little pony like that. He's not a bad guy, just a jerk."

Sandra nibbled on her lip. "So, not someone to worry about?"

"Oh, totally a creep!" Jay snorted and shook her head firmly. "Not dangerous to ponies though, usually." She frowned with new thought as she fished out a tablet and tapped at it busily a moment. "Not sure he's actually seen one before. Probably why he was bothering you."

Sandra peeked over her shoulder. "What are you doing?"

"Monitoring the jerk. He tagged you with something simple. Well, 'simple' in that I could tell it was him, hard in that nobody makes it easy for me to erase those things." She hissed softly under her breath. "Primal energy is his specialty. Look, this isn't work for the middle of a store. You go on doing your thing. I'm heading home."

Sandra rocked from foot to foot, shopping forgotten for the moment. "Jay?"

Jay paused, tablet still open as she turned towards Sandra. "Yes?"

"Thank you for protecting me." She tried a smile, even if it didn't last long. "Appreciate it."

Jay turned away. "If I see him, I'll give him an earful for making your day worse." She waved without looking back on her way out.

Sandra resumed her shopping with a heavy sigh. Jay had a tablet, but also magic powers. Something about the energy of primal things? What did that mean? She shuddered gently. Lucky's IT job kept him in computers too. Did he have a magic tablet? She snickered at the idea, doubting it. Pony magic didn't really work with tablets so far as she knew it.

She tried to enjoy her shopping, but felt on edge every time someone got near her. That was silly. Jay said this person wasn't dangerous, just a jerk. Sandra finished her shopping as quickly as she could, heading home after paying for it. However odd things got, her debit card still worked properly.

Sandra smiled at that little victory, knowing she had her supplies. Jay was a sweetie, but what she considered to be 'healthy food' was, to be blunt, kind of terrible. Living on pizza alone just wouldn't do. Sandra carried her groceries back towards Jay's place, humming under her breath as she did.

"Hey there." The same stranger fell into step alongside her. "Groceries? Good idea. Pizza alone isn't healthy, though our friend likes it. Bad habit of hers."

Sandra grit her teeth and picked up her pace. "Jay's nice. Who are you?" She wanted to call for help, but something kept her mouth shut. Fear maybe, the fear that this stranger was more dangerous than Jay let on.

He kept pace easily, a smile on his face. "Jay is nice, when she isn't messing with my things." He spread his hands. "Name's Jacob. Yours?"

Sandra shivered gently, not slowing down. "Could you stop following me?" There, she just said it. If he was a good guy, he'd back off.

Jacob clicked his tongue on his teeth. "Following? That seems rude. I'm walking with you, at most. Jay doesn't like ponies, and yet one's holed up in her place."

"She doesn't like ponies?" The tone she had used, she only realized after saying it. "Ugh!" She twirled on him. "What do you want, really?"

Jacob spread his hands peacefully. "To meet the pony. Jay doesn't share." He tapped his foot. "She's an IT mage, which makes her into a hermit on the best of days. I never met a pony, but I'd like to."

Sandra nibbled her lip gently. "Look, Jay's not a bad person." She wrung her hands gently. "Um, she saved me from someone worse. If you were following me because you heard ponies were around, then, thanks?" She wasn't sure how to feel about that. "Chasing after horses is a good way to get kicked though."

"Ah, true enough." Jacob bobbed his head. "Still, Jay likes her privacy. A pony showing up? Interesting. Want to introduce me to it?"

Sandra flinched back. Confusion welled up in her. Was Jacob not looking for her specifically? "Introduce you to it?" She twisted her mouth slightly. "Jay, mentioned primal things, and the jerk tagging me." She half turned away from him. "Um, does that mean you're a mage too?"

Jacob wagged a finger. "Naughty girl, the public's no place for that kind of talk." He leaned in despite that. "I'm one of her peers, to answer that question. Jay doesn't share, but ponies? Curious things." He clicked his tongue on his teeth again. "Jay was vague about the pony. You're not it, are you?"

Sandra backed up further. "Jay's nice! Um, please stop following me?"

Jacob held up his hands peacefully. "Following still seems rude, though I hear ponies bolt." He had already seen it in practice once. "Can't we just have a friendly conversation?"

Sandra considered sprinting. Jay hadn't come to her rescue yet, and Jacob didn't seem dangerous. However, he knew ponies existed. A mage that wasn't a creep like the technos Jay talked about would be good for ponies. "Talk, sure, yeah." She adjusted the bags in her hands. "You caught me at a bad time."

"How un-gentlemanly of me." He reached to take one of the bags from her. "Allow me to assist."

Sandra reflexively yanked it away. "Um, no, thanks."

Jacob clicked his tongue. "Jay trained you not to trust mages well, I see." He bobbed his head and kept pace alongside her. "Probably a good idea, all things considered. Funny thing, you're going in her direction. Live that way?"

Sandra grit her teeth and marched on, bags in hand. "Jay lives that way, yeah."

"Interesting." Jacob stroked his chin, hat staying on easily. "She likes ponies, doesn't share, but is housing one? She's the naughty one. Sorry for casting doubts on you." He inclined his head towards Sandra. "Jay likes her privacy. Ponies though? Curious things."

Sandra quickened her pace further. "Not following me, got it." She huffed gently.

She fled to the apartment building, but Jacob was still attached to her. He slid in the way at the door, causing a moment of panic before he slid his hand into the handle and pulled it open for her, waving beyond. "Allow me."

Sandra trembled gently as she headed inside, bags feeling much heavier in her hands. "Jay, lives here," she repeated, hoping he'd get the message.

Jacob kept pace easily. "Oh, I know that. We're friends. What sort of friends don't know where the other lives? That'd be impolite. Jay likes ponies. Curious things, and no sharing?" He tutted gently. "She's on the fourth floor. 405?"

Sandra's pace slowed slightly, Jacob confirming things too well. She glared around at the closed doors around them. Dropping the bags, she balled her fists. "Stop it! Stop messing with my head." She stomped a foot firmly. "Jay's not the bad guy here, you are!"

Jacob spread his hands peacefully. "Playing tricks? Never. Jay has a pony friend. Curious thing. She's the one keeping secrets. Sharing is caring." He kept pace alongside Sandra. "405?"

Sandra battered his attempts to calm her away. "Look. I'm not going a step further." She crossed her arms, guarding her bags as if they were a last stand against an insurmountable foe. "Stop it."

Jacob hummed gently. "Stop what? Talking? Walking?" He rocked from foot to foot a moment. "You can relax, no trickery. I just want to meet a pony, same as Jay. Curious things, adorable and fluffy." He smacked his lips gently. "How can I prove that I'm not here to hurt anyone?"

Sandra grit her teeth harder, jaw aching slightly. "Jay saved me." She sucked down air slowly. "Jay protected me. You're her friend, but you chased me home. Stop messing with my head too. Um, Jacob."

Jacob did slow at that. "Now now. Let's be clear, I'm not using anything on your head. You're just confused because a new person's entered your space." He gestured at Jay's door. "There's her space. You'll feel safer in there, won't you? She'll push me out if I do anything in there."

Sandra flinched. "Stay away from Jay!" She slapped him firmly. "Leave her alone. Jay saved me, not you. Um, Jacob."

Jacob didn't stagger at the slap, or even seem bothered by it. "Protective, good trait to have." He bobbed his head firmly. "Don't forget your bags." He pointed to her abandoned groceries. "You bought those with Jay's money, right?"

Sandra grabbed them up quickly, panic on her face as she was reminded of them. "I can pay for my own things!" Face reddened, she fled towards Jay's down in a rapid little trot.

Jacob didn't stop her as she grabbed for the knob, though it was locked. She pressed the doorbell.

"Open now," came Jay's broadcast voice. The lock clicked open, Sandra and her groceries fleeing inside quickly. Jacob slid in behind her, hat sitting neatly on his head.

Jay froze at the sight of him, her tablet glowing faintly before dimming again. "Christ almighty. Jacob, do you just not know when to give up? I swear." She thumped her armrests as she stood up, glaring at him. "This is my space. Why are you invading it?"

Jacob's hat had an aura about it, Sandra noticing it only as Jay reacted to him. A gentle shimmer clung to it, unseen unless something tried to affect it. Not wanting to be between two angry mages, she fled into the kitchen to put away what she had purchased.

Jacob stepped deeper inside, Jay matching him step for step. "Invading? Friends visit friends. Ponies though? I never met one." He clicked his tongue on his teeth grandly. "You've been holding out on me."

"Friends visit without stalking," Jay shot back firmly. "Ponies aren't mine to share. Sandra is a vtuber. Leave her alone." She spread her hands slightly. "I didn't know you cared at all about streaming. Do you even have a computer? I swear, everyone has one these days. Luddite."

Jacob stopped in his approach, just watching Jay evenly. "VTuber? Never heard of it. Streaming though? Curious." He rocked from foot to foot grandly. "Tell me about it?."

"VTuber means she uses computers to stream herself and her friends having fun. But she doesn't show her face. She uses a computer to show a virtual one instead. That's the V in Vtuber. Get it?" Jay huffed with obvious irritation.

Jacob bobbed his head a moment, the aura on his hat stronger for that moment. "Fascinating! So she already is used to presenting a different public face than her private one." She glanced towards Sandra. "Well, we're in private now. May I see you without your mask on?"

Sandra didn't freeze, having finished putting away what she could already. "Um, no, thanks. Jay's helping me hide from bad people. Um, Jacob."

"Bad people, or a bad person? Such vague terms. Helpful of Jay." Jacob considered that carefully. "VTuber. Curious, sharing the computer around like that." He hummed grandly. "Jay, protecting aren't your specialty."

Jay glared at him firmly. "No, it's not. Look, you know the deal. It's the same deal with literally everything on this planet that has a secret. If they want to share, they will. If they don't, forcing them is a good way to get attacked. Why are you picking a fight? Sandra's a harmless streamer. I'm lending a hand. That's all there is to it."

Author's Note

This is the problem with poking one's snout into mage circles.

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12 - Hat in Time

Jacob suddenly burst into laughter. "I'm being rude. You can't just make demands without offering anything, or people will assume you're trying to rob them, isn't that right?"

Jay smirked at that. "Smart move, Jacob. Don't worry about it. Sandra knows I'm helping her." She spread her hands peacefully. "Want something to drink? No tricks, just drinks."

Jacob reached up and plucked off that hat of unknown properties. "Since you are offering, I will gladly accept. Do you have any Doctor Pepper? My favorite."

Jay winced grandly. "Blasphemy! No, I do not. Can I interest you in some root beer instead?" She flicked her fingers towards the kitchen. "Sandra bought groceries."

Jacob clicked his tongue on his teeth aimlessly for a few seconds before switching tracks. "It's hard to say no to such an offer. Root beer it is."

Sandra gestured nervously at the fridge. "I did get some of that." She glanced away and back at Jay. "How'd you know I got root beer?"

Jay snorted softly at Sandra. "You're in a room with two mages. One of them knowing which brand of cola you picked hardly seems that big of a trick." She waved away from the kitchen. "Get out of there, dear. Get on back to your computer or relax in the living room."

Jacob wagged his hat in Jay's direction. "Awful polite for a pair that just met each other." He cocked his head slightly. "So she's living here? Curious. How did that happen?"

Sandra felt her cheeks warm. "She's protecting me." She sank into the chair at the other computer. "I'm thankful for that."

Jacob strode with purpose to the fridge and got himself that bottle of root beer. In just a moment he was pouring it out, a strangely domestic gesture for a 'mage'.

Jay clicked her tongue gently. "Now, we should have talked about that." She tutted at Jacob as he drank from his root beer. "Jacob, Sandra needs some private time. Get out."

Jacob drained half the bottle in one go. "Privacy? Yes, that is needed." He adjusted his hat. "Curious how a pony wound up with you, Jay." His eyes were on Sandra. "Protecting you is a fine thing, but most don't immediately get this chummy. Ponies are affectionate things, aren't they?"

Sandra didn't look away from her computer as she booted it up. "Um, I'm not that touchy-feely. We're just roomies." She flicked her gaze towards Jay.

Jay shrugged with her own laugh. "Not that I haven't tried, but she's right. No touching really going on here. She has a partner, and I'm not it. But someone tried to hurt her. Protecting is important." She hummed grandly. "Alright, all seriousness aside, how'd you know Sandra was staying with me? The slime trails went cold by the time you probably were tracking them."

Jacob drained the last of his soda and abandoned the glass on the counter. "Mmm. How? Call it luck. I came to visit, and saw this wonderful specimen wandering out of your house. She has the most exquisite pattern, allow me to say." He tipped his hat towards Sandra.

Jay drummed her fingers along her computer desk. "She's under my protection, Jacob. You know how things work. Back off." She huffed grandly. "And don't be that infuriatingly vague around her. You know she has no clue what you're talking about."

Sandra swished the mouse, pulling up her streaming account and checking on activity on the channel. She'd gotten new subscribers, a good number of them. That brought a smile to her face. "Aw, I got more followers!"

Jacob flashed Jay a small grin. "Protecting? Curious indeed." He turned towards Sandra with a flourish of his hat. "Don't mind us, Miss Streamer. I was speaking of, shall we say, your aura. You put out a delightful aura if you know how to look for it. I can't put my finger on it, which is why I've been following you."

Sandra froze for a moment before carefully continuing. "Um, aura?" She flexed her fingers lightly. "You can see that stuff?" She turned away from the computer a bit, focusing on Jacob. "What's it, um, look like?"

"Now that is a challenge. How to phrase." He put a hand to his chin with a delicate frown. "Imagine looking at a brick wall, when suddenly a dazzling portrait of grafitti just dances in front of it. No black markings here, but bright colors, a living fresco in a dreary world. A spot of light amid the darkness." He clasped his hands together. "Your aura is worth following for that alone."

Sandra pursed her lips and scratched at the computer desk idly. "Um, sounds neat?" She tilted her head slightly. "How come Jay doesn't have one?"

Jay snorted at that. "Yeah! What's my aura look like, Jacob? It's pretty too, ain't it?" She sounded like she was amused by the whole thing.

Jacob flashed her a little smirk. "Your aura reeks of your specialty. If we keep that brick wall analogy, Jay feels like a thousand wires burst out of it, promising infinity in its coils. Not warm. Intriguing, certainly, but not colorful in the same way."

Sandra clicked at the computer gently, thinking about that. "Jay saved me from a bad person. Um, Jacob." She poked away at the machine some more, seeing how chat was doing. "I owe her for that."

"And here I thought you were being polite by using my name," Jacob murmured softly, almost too quiet to hear. He clasped his hands together grandly. "Miss Sandra, I will offer you something." He held out that mysterious hat. "You can have this, if I can see a pony."

Jay groaned loudly at that. "Knock it off! Sandra's been through a lot, and isn't going to transform in front of a total stranger like you!" She huffed grandly. "Close your stream, dear."

"I wasn't streaming yet." Sandra drew her hands away from the mouse and keyboard just to be sure. She pivoted her chair to face Jacob. "What do you know about ponies?"

Jacob tapped his hat a moment before putting it on again. "Not a great deal. Curious creatures. They exist, but hide away from us. Do they have mages?" He rubbed his chin gently. "Perhaps so, considering Jay's intervention. I can see one aura, yours. Perhaps that means other ponies are beyond my reach?"

Jay gave him a flat look. "Probably because the majority of them don't actually have anything special to show off, at least not in comparison to mages." She spread her hands. "Look, this is a human world, run by humans. We decide the reality we live in, and mages are the ones messing with that, kinda our thing. Ponies can't say they own much of anything past their cute parts."

Sandra winced at that description. "Cute parts?"

Jay rolled her eyes grandly. "Dude, you're cute. That's just a fact. Jacob wants to see ponies, I want him out of my space, let's do a little deal. You transform, he goes away. Everybody wins." She didn't look terribly hopeful about it. "Well, except Jacob."

"Don't be like that. If I get to see it, then I win too. Everyone is a winner in that case." He tapped at the hat atop his head. "The deal is still offered, Sandra. What a lovely name. I'll trade this hat for a chance to see a pony."

Sandra lifted herself up to stand properly. "Jay says it's okay?" She nibbled her lip, fear welling up inside of her. "It's really not that special." A thought came to her. "Ever see a wolf?"

Jacob cringed. "The angry ones? Not my taste, not by far. Horses though? Different breed of animal entirely. Curious things, fluffy, delightful. Jay, why'd you hide such a delightful creature away?" He rubbed his hands together with a rumbling purr.

Sandra fell forward, hitting the ground on hooves as her tail flicked behind her. She was Raspberry, snorting in a way only an equine could. "There. Look." She circled in place. "Pony."

Jacob admired her for a moment, eyes drinking in her features before he clicked his tongue. "Glorious! Oh, you do live up to your aura!" He swept off his hat and approached her with it outstretched. She flinched, but not so much as to stop him from placing the hat atop her head. "As promised."

Jay snorted at that. "Enough drama." She gripped his wrist tightly. "Time to go."

"Friendly farewell, I trust?" Jacob withdrew his hand from Jay's grip easily. "I look forward to next time, little pony. Thank you for showing me such a pretty sight." He bowed grandly to Sandra before backing towards the door. "Thank you, Jay." He opened it and was gone just like that.

Raspberry exhaled a heavy sigh of relief and flicked the hat off of her head. At least, she tried, but the hat remained atop her head. "What?" She looked up at it as best she could. "Jay? Could you help get this off me?"

Jay whistled gently at that. "Oh, Jacob, that tricky rascal. He put a binding on that hat. It's not coming off until someone breaks it." She squinted at the hat with her power. "And that requires more expertise than I have. You are now a hatted pony." She reached around where the hat met Raspberry's head, getting in some petting and scritching along the way. "Aw, and it looks good on you too."

Raspberry craned her neck to look at Jay, eyes wide with worry. "He put a spell on it?" She closed her eyes, accepting Jay's affection. "Or is it the spell? Mmmf, my fault, accepting a magic hat. Should've known better." She wrinkled her nose gently. "It's comfy, though."

Jay snorted grandly at that. "So don't take it off." She rubbed at Raspberry's cheeks before bringing her hands away. "Don't mean to take advantage of a bad situation."

Raspberry stomped a hoof. "I'm not mad. Um, thanks for defending me from him. Jacob." She sat back on her haunches and exhaled softly. "Did I really have an aura he could see?"

Jay cracked her knuckles with a grunt. "Hats, an interesting fascination of his. To your question, I don't think he was lying. His sort specialize in primal energies, so keeping an eye on it is not very far afield for Jacob to be doing." She pointed at her main computer. "Me? I deal with space. The gap between here and there, lie that it is."

Raspberry glanced at the computer. "So you can teleport stuff around? Jay, that's cool!" She tapped her hooves against the ground with a happy snort. "Um, but why'd he leave then?"

"Because I asked him to enough times." Jay rolled her eyes at that. "Can I teleport things? With enough preparation or desperation, yes. It gets complicated, but it does mean spying on you is pretty easy, and knowing what soda you got was beyond simple." She put a hand on Raspberry's snout, covering her nose gently. "You are too cute."

Raspberry wriggled under the attention before jerking away. "Easy! Um, so your computers are the key?" She was free of the touch for only a moment before Jay cupped her cheeks again, squishing them gently. "Ggkh!"

Jay let go at that with a laugh. "Everything you do is a gift. But, yes, I work through computers. Me without some kind of computer is just a very sad person. Jacob though? He doesn't use computers. Just like that hat binds itself to you, he can bind himself to objects. His specialty is primal energies. Now if you want to know how he does it, I never actually asked him. Asking a mage about the hows and you either get brushed off or they'll yak your ears off for hours about it. There's rarely a middle."

Raspberry snorted and tapped a hoof on the ground. "Sounds complicated. Um, primal energies? Is that a different kind of magic?" She flopped onto her side gently. "Jacob wanted to see a pony. But now he knows for sure I am one. Will he come back?"

"Here?" Jay looked around the room. "Probably not, especially for you. But he knows where you're living, and you have his hat. He'll probably come say hello to you when you're not here. Just be polite and act cute. He's a nerd about magic, like any good mage, so showing off will keep him happy."

Raspberry curled up more, finding it easy to just rest on the floor. "This has been a very hectic week." She started at a feel over her ribs. Opening her just shut eyes, she saw Jay stroking along her side. "Jay?"

"Like I said, ponies are too cute. Jacob had to be chased off, but now I'm feeling up a pony. No offense. If you want me to stop, we're stopping. You're in charge here, pony girl." Jay moved her hand along Raspberry's side slowly, just going with the contours of her body. "Soft, warm. Adorable."

Raspberry considered squirming away, but Jay was being gentle and it did feel nice. "Um, okay, but just a bit. Louis likes this sort of thing." She rested her head down on her front legs. "I'm not yours though."

Jay hummed grandly as she rubbed at Raspberry. "Yours? No. Louis and you already gave yourself to each other, didn't you? And I'm not invited into that snuggly family." She felt around towards Raspberry's neck, running a hand along it firmly. "Easy there. Feels good, right?"

Raspberry tensed for a moment before relaxing into the touch. "Are you lonely?"

"Lonely? Hmm, could be." Jay scratched at the fur around Raspberry's throat. "That's another reason to look after you, little pony. Not the only one, but there's a lot of love in you, isn't there? Love and joy. Those are your specialties, aren't they?"

Raspberry clicked her teeth gently as Jay scratched along her throat. "Actually, um." She swallowed thickly and kicked at the air as she was pet. "My specialty is laughter, actually. Making people smile, see the bright side, warm up?"

Jay's hands stilled a moment before continuing their massage. "Making people laugh? Huh, and you decided to become a streamer. There's no better way to do that than poke at jokes."

Raspberry giggled at that, relaxing at the turn of the conversation. "Exactly! As a streamer, it's my job to make people's days a little brighter. I try really hard to give them something they can come away from with a smile."

Jay rubbed along Raspberry's chest for a moment, considering what was being said. "So you're just a happy pony. Adorable. Thanks for telling me, Raspberry." She snuggled into her neck with a soft hum.

It was only then that Raspberry realized she was being snuggled. Jay was basically hugging her. Raspberry could smell her; a faint dusting of cheetos and lingering coffee. It wasn't bad. It was a strangely cozy combination. The embrace itself was a little weak, but the intent was clear. Raspberry let herself enjoy the hug.

"Thanks for trusting me enough to share," Jay murmured into Raspberry's mane. She drew a little more tightly, hugging Raspberry for real once permission was gained without words. "You are too cute, Raspberry."

Raspberry giggled at that, kicking her hooves playfully. "Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation as a bad pony to maintain!"

"Right." Jay did not look like she believed that for even an instant. "Now, getting up." She pushed off the floor and back to her feet. "It'd be awkward if your boy came in while I was doing that."

Raspberry hopped up on all four hooves. "Um, right, yeah." She switched back to human form in an instant. Her new hat, previously atop her head as a pony, stayed in place as if it had been on her head the whole time. "Um." She reached up to feel along the hat and tried pulling it off, to no avail. "So he did enchant this."

Jay snickered softly. "I don't think it's enchanted, so much as being the enchantment. Subtle difference, but important."

Author's Note

Got carried away, so big chapter for you.

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13 - Curiouser and Curiouser

Raspberry sat up, but she wasn't on Jay's spare bed. She wasn't even in Jay's apartment. "What the?" She looked around slowly, eyes wide at the surreal place she seemed to be in. Everything was blackness, but she could still see a little. Beyond that though, there was a strong sensation of someone else's mind nearby. "Jay?"

No reply came, but a pressure came from the same direction as the mind.

With only the clip-clops of her own hooves to keep her company, Raspberry set off towards that presence. "This is a little strange. A lot, really. Am I still sleeping?" She was thinking a lot of things, and feeling a lot of things. She didn't feel asleep, but everyone said that while asleep.

Raspberry shook herself hard. "Don't think like that. Gotta think positive." She cantered onwards, something in her chest welling up with fear. With a second dose of determination, she braved into the unknown. She walked face first into a wall.

Staggering back, dizzy and in some amount of pain, she rubbed at her face. "I thought dreams didn't have pain." She peered at the wall she had just collided with. It was smooth and slightly shiny. A surface, for sure, but how had she missed it?

As if reading her mind, the darkness seemed to retreat, light filling the area from an unseen source. Raspberry stood on a road. The wall was some manner of building, but for what purpose, she had no clue. It was like some alien had a strange lego set and assembled that building in front of her to bump into. "What's going on?!"

Raspberry spun around, and froze. At the end of the street, standing there like it belonged there, was a unicorn. They stood still, tail and mane as white as snow, before turning away and walking off. "W-wait!" Raspberry hurried after them. "Please tell me where in heck we are!"

The unicorn continued to walk off without saying a word. Raspberry caught up easily enough. "Hey, c'mon! Can you talk? This is pretty weird!"

They glanced at Raspberry before ignoring her. Walking with smooth purpose, they strode away from that building.

Raspberry whined softly. "Could you at least give me a hint? Um, what's your name?" She slowed down slightly as she trailed the unicorn. "Can you say something?"

The unicorn flicked their tail, glowed, and vanished.

Raspberry sunk to her haunches, staring at where the unicorn had been. "Well, that isn't very nice, or fair." She wasn't even sure what was happening. Her last memory was of curling up in bed after a busy day. Was she having some strange dream? "Ugh, it's probably Jay's fault."

"Interesting." The voice came from nowhere, but it seemed familiar. Raspberry launched towards it at a speedy trot. A head emerged from the building before her, then another, then three more. A single eye opened, somehow shining a spotlight on Raspberry. "A pony, in our world?"

Raspberry did not like being scrutinized, much less by that strange presence. "Um, hi? Should I be scared, or is this proof in the other direction that I'm asleep and I ate a bad slice of pizza." She stepped backwards slowly, tail between her legs. "Where am I?"

The presence looked at her. "Pony? Curious. The girl you're wearing that face for is a mage, correct?"

Raspberry came to a stop, ears flicking at the strange series of heads. "My face? I, uh, wear this face because it's mine. Do you need a better reason?" She clacked her teeth idly, mind racing with options. "If this is a dream, I don't need to care about that. Right?"

The eye narrowed slightly. "A dream, in here? You could say that, and you wouldn't be wrong, or right, precisely. Little pony, you are being used. Useful though." The heads around the eye started to pile on top of each other.

Raspberry squeaked as a small mountain of heads formed in front of her, gaining in height until it loomed over her. "This is maybe a crazy idea, but could you look like something less, uh, freaky?" She clenched her jaw shut and steeled herself. "It's not my place to judge how others look. You can look however you want."

The eyes turned upwards towards the mountain of heads. "But it is your place to judge." The heads melted away, the eyes followed suit, bones and flesh dripping into nothing as it all dissolved as if they were made of wax and the ground was far too warm. Springing from nothing was a pony. Or, at least, what a pony would look like if they were a simple cartoon, big happy smile included.

Raspberry shifted from side to side, tail lashing slightly. "I'm not sure that's much better, but I can deal with it." She rubbed at her face gently. "Who are you?"

"That's a poor question." The new pony trotted around her. "Poor mare. Something as confusing to you as we are, you should be asking what we are."

Raspberry clicked her tongue against her teeth. "And what are you?"

The pony looked up at the sky, or lack thereof. "Names are such fleeting things. Pronouns are almost more complicated. I am a companion of yours, freely given, but not freely taken. We are partners now! And I admit, I like what I see, even if you are shaking."

Raspberry looked down at her hooves, realizing that she was trembling. "What is this place? You seem to know who I am, so maybe you can tell me what's going on." She took a deep breath. "Um, what do I call you?"

The pony dipped their head with a grandiose bow. "If names are such fleeting things, perhaps I should show you what I'm called instead?" They nodded with that big grin of theirs. "That's fair. You can call me Jim."

Raspberry blinked at the name. "You are not Jim. C'mon."

"Of course not!" They flashed Raspberry a happy wink. "Jim isn't my name, it's a hint."

Raspberry rocked on her hooves for a moment, thinking. "Alright." She advanced on the pony suddenly and tackled them. They fell to the ground easily and she gave them a big hug. Cartoons weren't nearly as fuzzy as actual ponies, like hugging a smooth surface, and they weren't even warm.

"That tickles!" Jim complained, snorting into Raspberry's shoulder. "But you got me! And that name?" They gave her a nudge back. "It means a thousand, in your tongue."

"Not fooling me." Raspberry curled her arms and began tickling her captured creature. "You're playing with me! And if you just want to play around, well, then I'm tickling you until you tell me the truth. I'll figure out who you are if it's the last thing I do."

Jim twisted around in Raspberry's grip, twisting and thrashing in a game of cat and mouse. "Truth is such a tricky thing, I can't say I know what the truth even is!" But the tickles persisted, making Jim laugh and wriggle against her. "Oh dear! Let me go!"

"Nope!" Raspberry bit into their neck, not biting down too hard but enough to make them feel it. "You don't taste like you're lying either." It was, perhaps, sensible that a cartoon tasted mildly of ink. "C'mon, I'm alone in a scary place with a stranger that could be dangerous. You seem to know all about me, so why don't you tell me something I don't know?"

"Fine fine." Jim pushed Raspberry back and stood up with a little equine huff. "You are very direct at times. Look in that mirror, and you will see my true form." Jim pointed at a tall mirror that certainly hadn't been there a moment before. "No more riddles, just have a look."

Raspberry wandered over to the mirror, confused. It looked like an ordinary mirror. When she approached it though, it rippled as if it were a pond disturbed by a stone. "What's this?" Taking shape in its reflection came another pony, Raspberry, looking back at her. On top of her head was the hat that had just been given to her. The hat had a smirk on it. "You're Jacob's hat?"

Jim huffed gently. "Told you I wasn't Jim. But the name fits. It's a better thing than most." They rested a hoof on the mirror, tapping it with a light click. "But, there it is, my true form. At least, physically. But physicals are so dreadfully mundane at times." They waved over their pony form. "Aren't I cuter like this? I could walk with you instead of riding you, this way."

Raspberry couldn't help but feel that smile was unnatural, just a bit. "Well, you can come along, but if Jacob wants his hat back, I can't do anything about it." She poked at the mirror again, rippling it slightly. "I'm sure Jay would know more than me."

"Pfft." Jim leaned against Raspberry with a laugh. "You shouldn't rely on her so much. You're a proud independent pony! Well, an independent human. A human pony. Like that. The point stands!" They reached up to press against Raspberry's head with a nuzzle. "And my dear hat has been paid for already."

Raspberry recoiled with confusion. "Paid for? I didn't pay Jacob."

"Oh, yes you did." Jim waved over Raspberry. "He wanted to see a pony, and you showed him a pony. A deal was done, fair's fair! And look, it got you a hat." They patted the top of Raspberry's head gently. "I'm jealous, I should've bargained harder."

Raspberry rocked back on her haunches. "A hat that's giving me crazy dreams! Alright, Jim. If you're my 'buddy' now, can you do anything besides confuse me?"

Jim pushed themselves up into a standing position. "Plenty of things! First, let's start with the basics. What am I? Who are you? What's the date?" They nodded firmly. "I'm far better than any timepiece on your wrist, that's for sure."

"No, I meant if you could do something besides talking around the issue and being cryptic. We're already in a weird dream place that doesn't seem to obey any laws of reality, and I've only known you a few minutes." Raspberry took a slow breath. "So, interesting, but not very useful. And am I going to wake up exhausted?"

Jim sat down with a huff. "Dreaming is pretty tiring. My point stands though, let's start at the basics. What do you know about me? What are my powers? It's important to understand these things before making use of them." Jim curled on himself and pulled a small manual out of nowhere. "You've been a real champ, how about I make this one easy." They dumped the tome next to Raspberry. "Read that. No tricks, just words. You'll learn so much."

Raspberry considered it carefully before shifting into human form. She grabbed up the manual and cracked it open. It was an ordinary book, though some of the language in it didn't seem familiar. "What does th—" She didn't get to finish the question, sitting up on the bed, in her pony form. She was in Jay's apartment. Guessing from the light, it was early morning.

Her new hat was still on her head, no longer smirking. Next to her, that tome. Raspberry reached out for it and nearly fell out of bed in the process. Carefully grabbing it, she turned to the front cover. There was a name. Jacob. "That tricky little trickster."

Raspberry pushed herself upright and slipped off the bed. She grabbed up the book in human hands and headed for the kitchen. This felt like something to show Jay. She set the tome on the table, right as the doorbell rang. Sandra hurried over to it, only to hesitate and lean in to peek through the peephole in the center.

"Louis!" She threw the door open. "You're here!" Her face was bright, a huge smile showing off how happy she was.

Louis hugged her immediately. "I'm here, yes! Work was something else. I only just got out." He squeezed her warmly as he shuffled inside and kicked the door closed. "You alright?"

Sandra tilted her head back as she was embraced. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just really happy to see you!" She gave him a little kiss on the chin. "And feeling, um, affectionate."

Louis grabbed her cheeks and pressed a big kiss to her lips. "Oh, I am glad to hear that!" He touched noses with her. "All the fatigue of the day, suddenly gone. Are you magic?"

Sandra giggled softly. "Magic? Mmm, you could say that." She nuzzled into his chest happily. "One thing." She pointed deeper into the apartment. "This hat won't come off, and it gave me a message. A book, really. Think Jay would want to see it?"

Louis considered that before nodding slowly. "A book, you say? Sure, why not." He squeezed her again. "Let's get a peek at it then." He took one of her hands and they both went to the table where Sandra had abandoned it.

Author's Note

Dang magic hats! Would you be pleased or displeased by this 'gift'?

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14 - Read a Book

The cover was very simple. A white thing, with no name scribbled on the front. Louis opened it and looked inside. Rows of tiny script lined each page, all of it in a strange language. "I have no idea what this is, but it's not English."

Sandra pursed her lips tightly. "Any ideas, Jay?" She called towards the bedroom where Jay slept. "It came from the hat." She pointed up at the hat still quite stuck on her head. "Which is alive, I think, maybe?"

Jay did not reply immediately. After a moment, she peeked out from the bedroom. "What time is it?" She scratched at her face gently. "Something is wrong with your hair. You should fix it."

Sandra narrowed her eyes. "I have a hat stuck on it. I could brush the parts not covered, at best. Come here. It's the middle of the day! When did you even go to sleep?"

Jay stumbled out, a bit of drool trailing from the corner of her mouth. "Not a clue. Oh, hey Louis." She waved at him without any enthusiasm. "How are you, fine fellow?" That was when she actually saw a clock. "Liar. It's still morning, a foul time I don't belong awake in."

Louis smirked at that. "Not an early riser, then?" He stepped away from the book to shake hands with Jay. "Never had much use for that myself. So, Jay, this book."

Jay finished the shake, then scooted around Louis for a look at that mystery tome. "Where'd that come from, little ponies?"

Sandra scratched at her head idly. "Jim, actually. It's Jacob's hat, so the assumption is that it's, um, well, Jacob's. He wants us to read it."

Jay snorted grandly at that. "That trickster? Ha! I bet he wants us to crack that silly thing open and not learn anything we can actually use." She walked past it towards the kitchen. "And honestly, I could use some breakfast first. Is there any of that bagel left?"

Louis narrowed his eyes as he followed after Jay. "This looks like a very important book to me. Important, or dangerous. Both remains an option. You can't just ignore it because you don't want to read it."

Jay scoffed grandly as she munched on the bagel that was previously in the toaster. "Trust me, this is Jacob's style of magic. It'll be something too weird to use. Half the stuff he talks about sounds more like philosophy than anything. You won't have a single problem with it."

Sandra fluttered up to look over the table, peeking at the words. "I can't read this either. Like it's encoded or something." Despite that, the more she looked at it, the more it made some strange sense. "Mmm." She sat at the table and drew the book closer. "No, I think I can understand this. It's like a second language, but not."

Jay sighed as she was back in the kitchen, preparing herself a cup of coffee. "Yeah, it'll be like that. Just don't fry your brain trying. I like my ponies bright eyed." She returned with the mug cradled in her hands. "More in the pot if either of you want some."

Louis chuckled softly at that. "Maybe a little, it's been a long night for me." He turned his attention to Sandra. "You sure you should be reading that? We don't know what it is."

Sandra waved that off as she sat up straighter. "It's only a book, and Jacob made it clear I have his hat. The hat is keeping an eye on us, maybe." She glanced up at the hat she could just see the rim of. "I think it's friendly." She flipped to the next page. "I feel like this is going on about some 'mental flex', which are two words that don't belong together."

Jay took a sip of her coffee. "You got that right. Sounds like hocus pocus nonsense to me."

Sandra made a point to look away from the book towards Jay. "So what if I read this and gain magical powers?"

Jay put a hand down on Sandra's head, which was her hat for the time being. "Unlikely. Even if that was a book meant to awaken people, your brain's busy being a cute pony. You're not going to stir to the truths of the universe."

Louis watched the pair with mild interest. "Am I missing something here?" He pointed at the book. "That thing, it could make you into a wizard? Is that it?"

Sandra flicked to the next page. "I thought only unicorns did any magic even a little like a mage, and I have wings, not a horn." Being a human at that moment, she had neither. "So I should be safe."

Jay laughed. "Yeah, Sandra's magic isn't a mage's, but it's still a sort of magic. Every human has potential for magic, but so few ever figure out how to do anything with it. Most just sleep through life, not even knowing there's another side." She shrugged at the idea. "Be happy, little ponies. At least you're not doing that."

Louis folded his arms as he watched Jay carefully. "You're talking about magic being real, then? Like this is some book to teach me to turn a man into a frog?"

Jay waved him off with a huff. "Pfft, don't be ridiculous. Even if it worked, you'd be lucky if you learned to see things you shouldn't be seeing. Turning stuff into other things? That comes way later." She sat at her computer. "You think that's easy?"

Sandra nibbled at her lip before going back to reading. "Okay, so, something like this book, um, might be trying to poke me, the inside me, into waking up." She flipped to the next page. "But I'm already not sleeping, you just said. I'm awake, but I'm a waking pony, not a mage. Is that the gist of it?"

Jay rolled her eyes grandly. "Pretty much. Being a little pony's easier. Even if you think your way around to believing the impossible, your head and heart are still so cute and round."

Sandra rolled her eyes. "My heart, nor my head, is rounded than usual." She reached a part, a puzzle, or more like a riddle? She squinted and flipped back a few pages, then forwards again. "Mm. But, if you did that, then this." she flipped back one page. "That'd contradict each other."

Louis didn't like the sound of that. "Jay, don't mess with Sandra's head."

Jay just laughed at that. "I'm not the one that gave her that book. Put it down, little pony. You're better off without it."

Sandra grinned in an awkward way. "Um, it's pretty interesting, actually." She pointed to a line. "This bit about chakras?" She hummed softly. "He went on and on about it." She turned to the next page slowly. "It's just this one part that doesn't fit with the others." She frowned at it, considering it with increasing gravity. "Mmm."

Louis held up his hands. "I'm getting you some water. Drink something, clear your head."

Jay narrowed her eyes as she watched Sandra read. "Shouldn't be making sense to you."

"And it isn't, unless?" She inclined her head. "Unless you took." Her words slurred off as she mentally put the pieces together. Sandra flicked through the pages of the book as a flow of logic built in her mind. Some parts she only saw in a brief glimpse before they passed into history. There was a sequence to this, something she could follow.

"I knew a good book would help!" Jim leaned in over her shoulder from behind.

Sandra jumped at his sudden presence. "Why are you here when I'm awake?"

"You aren't awake." He pointed to where Sandra was slumped over the book, quite passed out. "You're dreaming again."

Sandra gawked at that. "Oh, darn it!" She turned back to Jim. "How do I get out of here?"

"I'm not the one in charge of these things." Jim waved a hoof over her shoulder. "I just like taking credit for things, since, y'know, I'm your special hat now. It's your dream, you decide when to wake up. Still, good job. You worked out the first paradox in good time. We were sure it'd take you a few weeks, but you gobbled that right up, you hungry little horse."

Sandra raised an eyebrow at that. "What does that mean?"

Jim lifted off of her back and transformed into their more human form. "Oh, we had our doubts about you, Sandra. The glow of potential was there, but it so often is, never to actually light into a real fire." He spread his fingers in the air in a mock explosion. "Color us completely interested. So, congratulations."

Sandra rubbed at her forehead slowly. "Um, thank you?" She let out a soft breath. "So, what now? What happens if I'm a mage?"

"You aren't." He prodded her in the center of her chest. "You're a pony. Doesn't mean you can't learn things. That's why you read the book."

Sandra snapped her fingers. "Right! So what comes next? There has to be more to it."

"Of course!" He jabbed a finger at her forehead. "Now, keep working on that. You can't sleep all day." With that, he vanished again.

Sandra sat up in a sudden motion, Louis at her side with a worried expression. "Sorry! I passed out for a bit there. Guess I was tired." She giggled nervously and took the water he offered. She gulped down the liquid greedily. "I'll be fine." She slapped down the empty glass. "So, how was work?"

Louis blurts into laughter. "You ask about that, now? It was fine." He draws her into a hug. "But compared to you randomly passing out, pretty unimportant. Are you feeling better?"

Sandra hugged him back tightly. "Never better!" She pushed herself back into the book. "But it looks like I'm going to be up all night, working through this thing."

His hand came down on the book, blocking some of the letters. "You don't have to. Why don't you stream? I bet they miss you."

While part of her really wanted to see what came next, the thought of streaming did sound very nice. "I suppose you're right." She got up and headed for her computer, a little bounce in her step.

"Good plan." Jay remarked from the other side of the room. "Get all those lousy thoughts out of your head before they start going in circles."

Louis took the book off the table, sitting down with it. With a soft thump, he closed it without trying to read it himself. "Maybe today you could play a new game? They love it when you start a new one."

Sandra laughed softly as she logged in. "It would be something different. Hey my herdmates!" She looked at her list of games and spoke to her streaming audience, "We have a thousand options here! I should really go easy on those sales. Which will be our game of the day?!"

She cycled through her options, narrating for the silent watchers. "Hmm, they don't care about simulators, so that's out. We tried fighting games, but, mm, those are fun, but hard for streaming." She settled on a dating simulator that involved finding true love with a house. "This is such a silly idea, it has to be great!"

As the game loaded, she considered its premise. "Oh, right, a hundred little dates with a house. Why does a house need romance? Will the house bake you cookies?" She started the game with a snicker. "I can't wait to see how bad this one is."

Author's Note

I can do anything...

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15 - Decompressing

Jay opened her eyes on the darkened apartment. Her first instinct was to flick on the light, but it hit her. She had guests. Louis and Sandra were sleeping together peacefully. She watched them instead a moment with a little smile. Having people in her space was still a little new. But new things could be good, and she decided that this was one such case.

She quietly slid out of bed, collected her pants, and dressed for the day. Jay padded around the apartment and started to tidy up. She got a few curious looks from both the ponies as they awoke, but she didn't speak up.

Sandra took care of that, rolling to her haunches, eyes on Jay. "You're like a different person when you first wake up. Not a bad thing, just a thing, but, hm. I don't know." She stretched slowly before shifting to human form with a thought.

"I just know how I am, and it's not like I change my ways for anybody." Jay grabbed up her laptop and plugged it in at her computer desk. "I'm not human until I get some coffee in me, but I do like cute things being what I wake up to. But they should get their own coffee and let me think my thoughts. A woman likes her morning silence."

Louis leaned up and kissed Sandra on the cheek. "I could get used to that. Good morning." He gave her a little squeeze. "I don't want to wear out my welcome, but this has been nice."

Sandra returned the hug with a happy snuggle. "Yeah, very nice." She squeezed her boyfriend and slipped from his grip. "I'm going to get breakfast going for all of us. Let's start the day right. Sound good?"

Jay shook her head. "You are cute together, but it's no excuse for being so damn loud." She was seated at her computer desk already, logging in.

Louis stood up and stretched slowly. "We're both morning people. I think it's a pony average. Most I know are mornings. He jogged off into the bathroom to start his day.

Sandra considered what he had said and blinked a few times. "Are we? I don't know if I'm average." She wandered over to the kitchen and started pulling out ingredients. Most were things she had gotten herself. How Jay survived with so few things to cook, she had no idea. She soon had eggs sizzling on a pan, humming soft cheerful tones.

Jay perked, the smell reaching her as a few veggies added to the melody of scents. "There'll be some for me, right? That smells really good."

Sandra smiled warmly. "I'm making plenty for all of us. Eggs, veggies, and toast. Nothing too special." Reminded of the toast, she got two slices cooking. "Just a nice start of a day. I feel good today."

Louis wandered back in with a smile on his face. "So do I. Even if Jay isn't a morning person." He walked over to where Jay was sitting and peered over her shoulder. The screen was a dense maze of numbers and lines, but he kept looking. "Huh."

Jay chuckled at that. "Does any of this make sense to you?"

"Actually." Louis reached out a pointing finger. "Right, there. Looks like maybe an infiltration attempt? Ah, you caught it." He smiled as Jay blocked the incoming intrusion. "Nice!"

Jay nodded with a grunt. "Just the start of my own day." She held out a hand as Sandra arrived with a plate. "Thanks." She didn't even look away from her monitor as she got some bites in. "Mmm, okay. Maybe the noise is worth it. It's good."

Sandra just grinned and bumped into Louis. "So, we're morning people. Is it bad?"

Louis shook his head. "Not at all. Makes for a lot of early breakfasts." He hummed happily as he ate, standing close to Sandra. "Though, I don't think either of us have made much progress on that book."

Sandra snerked into her own meal. "When did you even start trying? I thought it was my thing?"

Louis shrugged. "I was curious. Nothing ever happened, and I don't speak Chinese, or whatever that was."

Jay finished off her plate. "Yes, well, reading about magic in languages you can't understand is probably for the best." She pulled herself in closer to her station and set down her plate. "Now, today's a fine day. I have business. I have to safeguard the networks of three different companies or I dont get paid, and I need my money like anyone else."

Sandra cleared her throat gently. "Can I tell people about Jim?"

"Who?" Jay answered immediately, but there was a pause before she added, "Oh, right, Jacob's hat." She shook her head. "I wouldn't go discussing it with sleepers, but if you want to bring it up to fellow ponies, have at it. As long as you don't let anyone get any funny ideas, I won't worry about it. And he is a fancy hat. Nobody can take that from you."

Sandra smiled and spun around. "Not even if they tried." She reached up for that hat. A quick pull proved that it remained just as firmly stuck in place as ever before. "Even me. If I was thinking to take it off, it wouldn't come off. Even if I were asleep, or unconscious."

Louis snorted softly. "That sounds dangerous. How would you get it off if you needed to?"

Sandra bumped against him. "I wouldn't. Welcome to magic hats." She skirted around him towards the spare computer. "Do you work today?"

Louis watched her go with a smile on his face. "Actually, I'm free today." He put his hands on his hips. "Maybe we could do something? Outside?"

Sandra raised an eyebrow at him. "Do something? Like, um." She considered, hand at her chin. "I wasn't expecting a fun day, but I won't say no. Did you have something in mind? Do you want to meet the herd?"

Louis scratched at the back of his neck gently. "Maybe some other time? Not that I don't want to meet them, but this feels like it should be just us." He fell to all fours, swishing his tail. "I say we get away from here, out to nature. Let's get our hooves under us and gallop like we mean it."

Sandra tilted her head. "Not a bad idea! Hey Jay, what do you think?"

Jay wasn't listening, hunched over her keyboard. She tapped out several commands. "Hm?" She glanced over her shoulder. "Me and the wilderness are not friends. Don't piss off any wolves on the way, not that I imagine you doing that easily. Or at all." She smirked. "I'm working, but have fun."

Sandra touched noses with Louis before trotting for the door. "We will!" She clapped a hand against her outter thigh. "Up! We're not in the wilderness yet. You need to be on feet until we are." She opened the door with her free hand and laughed at the puzzled look Louis gave her. "This is my life, sometimes."

Louis chuckled softly as he turned back to human form and stood up. "I can get used to it." He got a quick one-armed hug from her on the way past, both heading out of the apartment. "My car's just out front, this way. Or we could walk? I bet we're not that far from something, or is your range pretty big?"

Sandra rolled her shoulders slowly as she thought. "My range is what it is, but I don't think there's any fun spots close enough to just walk to. I say we take the car." She stepped into the elevator and held the door for Louis to duck in. "I like your first idea. Let's get out, really out. A forest hike sounds like fun. And maybe after that we could go see a movie, or find some local diner or something. Like an adventure!"

Louis grinned at that. "Yes! Something wild and fun, just us."

The two emerged at the ground floor, both looking eager to enjoy the day. "This is nice." He drew her closer. "We need a day without drama. That's all I'm hoping for."

Sandra leaned into his embrace as they headed for the car. "Sounds good to me. Just an easy, lazy day." She kissed him on the cheek. "I didn't bring anything." She patted herself down lightly. "But I don't really need it."

Louis huffed out a soft breath. "Exactly." He hopped into the car and waited for her to get in on the passenger side. "Just us." The two shared a kiss, then he sped out into the road smoothly. "Let's get out of here. Enough crazy stuff for a whole year."

The ride was smooth as Louis drove them towards nature. "Hey, uh, you don't have any strange encounters that you're not telling me about, right?" He chuckled nervously. "Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with you, but these magical things seem to happen around you."

Sandra folded her arms. "It's not like I'm looking for them." She looked up at her hat. "This is the latest, if you don't count the book. I left the book behind, so we won't be having any of that, at least."

Louis huffed gently as he drove. "Yeah, I don't know if that was a good idea. I saw it just lying there, when you were out cold. It looks important, and here we are leaving it behind."

Sandra waved that away. "Jay's right there. I doubt she'll let anything happen to it. She knows more about magic stuff than either of us, really. This is her field. We should leave it to the experts."

Louis gripped the steering wheel tighter. "I don't think she knows as much as she wants us to believe. I get the feeling, what, you know, it's like none of us really know what we're in the middle of." He turned onto the interstate easily. "We're all just kinda making it up as we go."

Sandra quirked her lips to one side as she thought that over. "I guess? But we're okay for now. We can worry about big mysterious forces later. Right now, it's just you and me." She considered stealing a kiss, but he was driving. She saved the idea for a later time. "Today, let's just let our tails low and enjoy what we find."

Louis smiled at that. "Yeah. I hope you're ready for adventure, because I feel like there's going to be one." He nodded towards the back seat. "The emergency pack has snacks in it, in case we need them."

Sandra clapped at that idea. "Ooo, did you get some tortilla chips? You know I love those. Any dip?"

Louis chuckled warmly. "They're still emergency supplies. Don't count on a feast."

"Well then I'm glad I already had breakfast." Sandra puffed out a breath of air. "Mmm, that was nice." She settled back to relax. The few cars that were on the road with them, she ignored. It felt like a better time to just relax and wait to arrive. "You haven't had a chance to really gallop in a while too, right?"

Louis rolled his shoulders slowly. "I feel like I've been running every which way. I could do with a real run."

Sandra let out a short burst of laughter. "I love the way you put that. All this rushing around, but no running. Yeah, that sounds right. Let's fix that. What about parking? Are we going to go off-roading?"

Louis glanced at her with a smile. "There's a place for parking that isn't far. I wouldn't want to leave my car at random." He drew off the highway towards a park. "Easy access to the wilderness without being in the middle of literal nowhere. What do you think?"

Sandra took in the scenery as they arrived. It was wooded and grassy. The parking lot was empty. "I'm glad it's still so early. No people to deal with, not yet." She checked herself quickly, then stepped out of the parked car. "This park generally safe, you know, to let it all hang out?"

Louis turned off the engine and slipped out of the car, quickly becoming a pony. "Of course! This is why I like this place. It's public land, but it's one of those weird spots where nothing really goes on."

She fell next to him with a little whicker. "Let's go." She sped forward, just to pause and look up. "Silly hat." It was still there, perched on her head. It didn't seem to care if she was a human or a pony. "Guess you get to come along with us."

Louis laughed and joined her. "C'mon. It's this way!" He took off with an excited neigh. "Let's see who can get there first!"

Sandra had wings, which was cheating, but that just made it more fun. She picked up and soared just over his head to come down beyond him, galloping ahead of him with a laugh.

Author's Note

A little break's good, right?

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16 - Wolves in Forests

The forest stretched out around them. Trees were everywhere, trunks rising from the earth and flaring into great crowns that towered overhead. The leaves of those trees provided cover from the sun. They kept things cool in the warming summer air. Little glades and paths wound through the wood, and trails cut through the spaces in interesting ways.

Lucky's tail streamed behind him as he took the lead, using his hooves with grace and ease as he charged ahead.

Raspberry dashed up beside him, wings extended for balance as she matched his speed. They dashed up hills and around rocks. In a way, it was more fun to let it all out than to just run back home.

At least until they heard a growl. They slid to a stop just in front of a wolf that was glaring at them. Its fur was mottled, almost like tree bark.

Raspberry held out a hoof. "Shh. Just be still." She held her breath as the wolf leaned forward with bared teeth. It sniffed them over carefully.

"We don't mean any harm." Lucky was breathing hard, but he didn't dare move any further.

A snap of a twig. They glanced in time to see a human approaching with folded arms. "You ponies crack me up every time I see you. That is how you get eaten by a wolf."

Raspberry turned away from the human to look back at the wolf. She realized that it wasn't angry, or ready to attack. It was happy, its tail wagging like a mad thing. It got right into Raspberry's face and let out a canine laugh just before slobbering her with a wide tongue. She laughed, pawing at it with a hoof.

Lucky blinked as the two began to play as if nothing was wrong. "Oh, um. Hello?"

The human laughed and walked over, holding out a hand. "Yep. Let me guess, you're new to the whole being a pony thing? If not, you should really learn how to make friends with nature." He flashed his teeth. "But, I'd watch out. Nature has a bite, always did."

Raspberry tipped her head in confusion. "I'm not one of those ponies." She waved a hoof over herself. "I've been like this for years, ever since I started to grow up." She spread her wings a little. "Sorry. We were just enjoying a good run. Are we in the way?"

Lucky whinnied softly as he realized the wolf was at his flank, looking him over. He ducked away from it and slid around behind Raspberry. "Hey, wolf, nice, stay there."

Raspberry bumped against him with a laugh. "Don't be scared. They're such a good boy." She sniffed at the wolf, but her eyes were on the human. "Did we make anyone upset?"

The man shook his head. "Not in the slightest. Some people come out here to get some peace and quiet. And then they find horses racing through their spot." He pointed off into the woods. "You're getting close to where we would be mad. Little ponies shouldn't be galloping into wolves' dens."

Lucky gasped at that. "Dens? That's dangerous!" He sidled away from the wolf that seemed to be a little too happy to see him. "Do you think we should move on?"

"That would be smart." The man pointed where they came from. "Right back where you started. Gaia doesn't frown on you little ponies, but she isn't welcoming you here either."

Raspberry dipped her head with a whicker. "We don't want to cause any trouble." She raised her head and stared right at the human. "Is this land owned by anyone?"

The man laughs at that. "Owning nature, the very idea of it. So very human." He throws up a hand. "We own it by being here. We own it by protecting and nurturing it. We do not own it with a slip of dead paper."

Lucky tilted his head slightly as he tried to wrap his mind around that idea. "Are you with Gaia, then? Is she a group, or a society?"

"A little bit of both." He shrugged his shoulders. "And a person, vast and mightier than any of us. Little ponies, you truly wandered in here blindly. If it weren't for me, I shudder to think what would have happened."

Raspberry shifted to human form and extended a hand. "That sounds dire. I'm Sandra, and this is Louis."

Lucky became Louis, standing as Sandra had. "Nice to meet you." He kept Sandra between himself and that wolf though.

The man bowed to the two ponies. "Ah, how very human of you." He looked over their clothes carefully. "Modern and stylish, too." He raised a hand towards them. "I am Hunter, proud protector of the land." With his free hand, he gestured at the wolf. "They're Pepper, and they seem to think you two are good people."

Pepper yipped happily, tongue lolling.

Louis nodded at that slowly. "Um, okay. So we should go?" He wanted to understand the nature of the group here. He liked running in the forest, but he didn't want to annoy people.

Sandra offered a hand and was soon stroking and softly rubbing at Pepper. "I never had a wolf this close. Are they usually so friendly?"

Hunter smirked as he watched Pepper snuggle into Sandra. "In my experience, no. In general, wolves are better than humans. They understand when to let nature run its course, and when to act to protect it. This wolf, however, has a mind of their own, and they have decided they like you."

Pepper let out a huff and nipped at Sandra's fingers, mildly painful, but not breaking the skin.

"Oh!" Sandra leaned back. "No biting! But you are still so very good." She giggled softly as Pepper snorted at her and butted in for more head pats. "Such a good wolfy!" She grabbed Pepper in both hands, ruffling twice at once.

Hunter shook his head. "Pepper, you're doing a terrible job of chasing her away."

Pepper whined as they glanced between the two people.

Sandra stopped what she was doing. "What? You want us to go?"

Pepper nuzzled into her hand, demanding more pets without words. This was a request Sandra was happy to oblige, petting the friendly wolf, at least until he casually knocked her over. "Hey!"

Hunter chuckled softly. "I think he wants to play with you as a pony, if you'd oblige?"

Louis laughed as Pepper started licking all over Sandra. "Is that alright?"

Pepper quickly decided that was more than okay and attacked Louis with slobbery affection.

Sandra became Raspberry, flicking her tail. "Silly thing. I'd say to just ask, but I guess a wolf can't really do that."

Hunter folded his arms. "Mmm, I don't know about that. I think they could if they wanted to, but why bother when you can push the weak-willed around?"

Raspberry glanced at him. "Hey now! Don't go calling me weak. That's rude, really."

He prodded her, her new hat specifically. "What is this? It stays on your head even as you change, or move."

Raspberry glared up at the brim of it. "A hat. We found it and it won't come off."

Hunter reached down and grabbed at it. He tugged and pulled with all his strength. But it was just pulling Raspberry along with it. "Interesting. It feels alive."

Louis frowned at that. "Wait, really?"

Sandra smirked. "It is. And it speaks to me."

"Oh?" Hunter grabbed her hat again. "What does it say?"

She frowned at that. "Mmm, I'm not sure. It's kinda mysterious. I'm still trying to, hey!" Her words were interrupted by Pepper coming in to headbutt her and demand attention. "I get it, you want pats."

They laughed in a wolfish sort of way, a panting really, then pounced on her. It was time to play, and they seemed to want to do it with the pony as a pony.

Raspberry grunted as she had a hundred and twenty pounds of furry wolf pushing into her. "Okay, okay! You win! You get to play with me!" She slid away from the happy animal, but not fast enough to avoid getting some more licks across her face. The two began to run away, playing a sort of tag with touches of their snouts before dashing back and forth.

Lucky inclined his head at the two. "Um, we're not bothering, are we? They seem to be having a good time."

Hunter watched the wolf and pony with a growing smile. "No, I think it's fine. This is one of the joys of Gaia's existence. If you are happy, express it. If you are angry." He flexed a fist. "You express it. It's nice to see a moment of happiness."

Lucky cocked his head slightly. "Are you religious, then? In the usual way, I mean?"

Hunter took a step away from him. "No. Don't talk to me about that false god." He huffed at the thought. "A delusion humans comfort themselves with, that god won't help us, or you, little pony. You don't fit into their songs."

Lucky took a nervous step away from him. "Sorry. I didn't know. You seem like a religious type of person, so I just assumed."

Hunter snorted at that. "Never assume. One of the first rules to living in nature. Little horse, your kind are not unknown to us. Bringer of lighter emotions, it is a wonder you were not already wiped off this world in these troubled times."

Lucky frowned at that. "People wouldn't do that."

"Not intentionally." Hunter walked away from him slowly. "But there are more ways to snuff out a life than the obvious." He folds his hand, eyes turning towards the tops of trees far above. "The world isn't friendly to kind thoughts. Even you must admit that."

Lucky walked up next to him. "I've never really thought about it." He reached up a hoof, standing on his hind legs. "The sun's warm and welcoming. The moon is good to relax by." He rubbed at his neck with a sigh. "Even the night is good for wandering, and being free."

Hunter laughs lightly at that. "You don't need to convince me that the forest is a better place to be than the suffocating city you both stink of."

Lucky frowned at that. "Harsh. I don't think it's so bad. People can be good, you know? We're not all trying to just do our thing."

"Most of you are." He watched Sandra and Pepper playing. "Maybe not the ponies. This is why we came, to ward you away, instead of tearing you apart. Little ponies, watch your steps."

Lucky was watching too. "What did I say?" He leaned back on his haunches with a frown. "Are you warning us about wolves, or people?"

Hunter laughed, light and mirthful. "People don't come here too often, not this deep. This place 'belongs' to us wolves."

Lucky's ears sagged as he considered that. "That sounds sad. Isn't there enough room for both of you?"

"In theory." Hunter huffed out an almost-laugh at the idea. "The world is large enough for all the creatures on it, but humans want much more than their share of it."

Lucky gave him a look over. "It doesn't have to be that way. We're working to make things better for the ponies. Why can't we do that for wolves too?"

Hunter clapped Lucky on the shoulder. "You're a good pony. But this isn't your fight."

"It could be!" Lucky took a step away from him, whinnying his objection. "The world is bad because people think it has to be. Why do we get to decide that? Who said that wolves have to suffer just so humans can have their cars and cities?"

Hunter smirked at the very idea. "Because cars need roads. Roads cut off natural places and paths. How do you have both at once?"

Lucky blinked, considering that problem. "Mmm, I don't know, but maybe we could figure it out." He dipped his head with a huff. "There has to be a way."

Hunter pats the confused pony on his withers. "You're a nice pony, but just a pony, thinking impossible, but kind, thoughts."

Lucky nudged into his hand. "Maybe it's impossible, but if nobody tries, it'll never happen."

Hunter took in a deep breath and released it slowly. "Maybe so, but now is not the time to fight that battle. The world burns. Such dreams have long since passed us."

Raspberry suddenly yelped, pinned under a wolf. "Hey! Okay, I give!" She laughed as Pepper got a few good licks in. "Oh you crazy wolfy!" She half-heartedly kicked out at them. "You've had your fun, now let me up."

Pepper stepped off of Raspberry, looking quite pleased for having proven himself superior.

Hunter snapped his fingers. "Come on. We have to continue the patrol. You two, get lost. Don't get hurt."

Raspberry looked after them. "Do you come here a lot?"

Hunter shrugged, setting off at a lazy pace. "Only when needed. Don't come looking for us."

Raspberry trotted up next to Pepper and nudged against him. "But we want to play more."

Pepper snorted softly, glancing at her.

Lucky nodded his head as he caught up to the pair. "Yeah, let's keep playing! We didn't get to run enough before you showed up."

Hunter quirked his lips to one side as he looked between the three of them. He pointed to some marks on some trees. "See those? Do not pass those. They are the final warning. Do not pass them and you have not gone too far."

Raspberry took a look at the markings, then glanced back at Hunter. "What happens if we do?"

"Don't." He made a sweeping gesture. "Return the way you came."

Raspberry bobbed her head. "Alright. We'll come back, not past those, to play again another time, okay?"

Pepper snorted his answer and started to trot away.

Hunter nodded his head slightly. "Maybe so. Now, we are busy. Go." He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "You don't belong here. Not yet."

Raspberry paused a moment. "Yet?"

Hunter chuckled, but didn't speak further. He set off into the dense forest.

Raspberry turned to Lucky. "That was exciting, in a good way, I think. That wolf was so fun!"

Lucky rolled his shoulders. "They were nice. Let's head back? It sounds like there are places we don't belong."

Raspberry quirked her lips slightly as she led the way back. "You weren't listening. They weren't just telling us 'don't be there'. They were telling us where we could go!"

Lucky frowned as he followed her back. "What? I thought they wanted us gone."

Raspberry tilted her head with a huff. "At first, maybe, but then Pepper said he liked us. He told us exactly, Hunter that is. He said where we couldn't go, which meant the rest was where we could go. If we want to see them, we go up to those marks, but not past them. We wait like good people and not any further."

Lucky hummed softly. "I don't know if I trust them. That human seemed dangerous."

Raspberry led him back the way they came, over some rocks, through a few streams, and away from the deeper forest. "Of course they were dangerous." She inclined an ear back at him. "Didn't you realize what they were?"

Lucky pawed at the ground slowly. "He was a Gaian."

Raspberry laughed gently. "They weren't just that. They were a Gaian that also wasn't human. We just met two werewolves. Don't know what else they could be. If we had annoyed them, they woulda went all growly and torn us apart."

Lucky gulped audibly. "I guess so." He panted softly. "What now? What does it mean?"

Raspberry hummed as she ran. "Well, I guess it means that if we want to come back and play with Pepper again, we don't go past those marks, or Pepper might get mad, easy as that." She hopped up onto a log, trotting along it. "He was nice."

Lucky shook his head as he followed her. "Okay, I don't think we should bother them again."

"Of course we will!" Raspberry dropped off the log, landing on the other side with a snicker. "They need a smile too, maybe more than most. If I can get them to smile and enjoy the moment, which I think I did, it was worth it. They need to smile."

Lucky was working to keep up with her, hooves hitting the ground with soft thumps. "They seemed nice, but not exactly friendly."

Raspberry scoffed at that. "Would you be?" She nudged against him. "They're warriors, I heard. Not sure what they fight, but they fight it really hard. Warriors come off as a bit grumpy, but they're still alive, and they want to smile. Did you see how happy Pepper was, playing with me?"

Lucky smirked slightly. "Maybe so. Maybe he just likes ponies. You said that before."

Raspberry paused her running to bump into him. "It could be anything. But if he wants to smile, I'll be there to help."

Author's Note

Woof! Is visiting the wolves a good idea?

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17 - Streaming it Out

Neither spoke of their meeting. Most supernatural creatures preferred their privacy. The business of the wolves was not the business of mages, no matter how friendly one was between them. Raspberry was still happy to report to Jay that they had had a wonderful time out. "I got to really let loose. It may be hard to imagine, but a good gallop really can make the world look better."

Jay was not exactly convinced of that idea, but she accepted it as the truth. "I don't think you're wrong. If I tried to gallop, I'd hurt myself." She kept looking at her computer screen. "Some people really dig the whole 'physical activity' thing." She glanced aside at Raspberry. "Only one physical activity I can think of right now, and it's already off the menu."

Raspberry snorted into a hoof, though it sounded a little like a whinny. "If you want to come with us next time, I'm sure you'll get a chance to let it all out."

Jay reached over to tap her little pony roomie on the nose. "Not the kind of activity I was hinting at, you adorable fuzzball. Glad you two had fun. You had fun, didn't you, Lucky?"

Lucky paced from hoof to hoof. "Yes. Like Raspberry was saying, keeping ponies cooped up for too long, no good." He shook himself out. "I feel a lot better."

Raspberry pivoted on the spot, twisting around to reach for her boyfriend. "I don't think we should be talking about anything in front of Jay." She giggled softly as she landed on top of him with a thump.

Jay hiked a brow. "Talking about what?"

Raspberry hugged Lucky from above, pinning him, not that he seemed to object. "All the things we did, out in the forest."

Jay's brows went up. "So you did pick up what I was putting down. Lucky girl. Glad you two had a blast. Now, not to be a downer, but shouldn't you put your human face back on and do a stream? You haven't done one today."

Raspberry perked up and became Sandra. "You're right." She dusted herself off and went over to her computer. "I should tell my fans what I've been up to."

Jay chuckled softly as she watched Sandra set up a stream. "Yeah, it'll be good for you. Plus, I don't want to listen to people complain that they miss you. That's what you get for being popular."

Sandra got settled in. "Aww, don't say that." She got the stream set up to go, doublechecked her avatar program was running... "And we can go live!" She clicked the mouse. "Hello, my herdmates! Boy, today's been great! I got to head out into a real forest and just hike for hours!"

Jay watched her with a little smile. "She's such a ham."

Lucky wandered towards the kitchen, leaving Sandra to her stream and instead focusing on getting something to eat. "Do you want anything?"

Jay considered it as she looked up at the ceiling. "Nah. I'll make myself a sandwich later."

Lucky nodded as he started pulling things from the fridge. "Sounds good."

Sandra joyfully chatted with her stream audience about the wonders of getting out and enjoying what nature has to offer. "One thing." She waved a finger at the camera, even if it wouldn't be visible. "Always be careful out there. Nature's wonderful, but she'll shank you in your sleep if you're not paying attention. Like a bad date with a hot lady, keep your eyes open!" She burst into laughter. "That sounded so very wrong, forgive me."

Her room's chat filled with lols and rofls alongside little snippets agreeing or disagreeing in lively discussion.

Sandra grinned happily at the merriment her fans were sharing. "I'm telling you. These little getaways are good for you. Keep a pack with you, a good pair of shoes, a good friend to be with." She paused. "Not going alone makes it a lot more safe, and fun, at the same time. I took someone with me, and he was a blast." She leaned in. "He even brought the snacks, so, bang, I clearly picked the right friend."

A new wave of laughter washed through her crowd.

"Are you talking about me?" Lucky, now Louis, wandered over towards Sandra.

She grabbed him and pulled him closer. "Chat! Say hello to the stallion that's dating me! Lucky, say hi!"

Louis peered into the camera. "Hello chat. I don't know what I'm supposed to say."

Sandra snickered at his discomfort. "What, you're scared of my herd? They're just a bunch of ponies enjoying what I have to share with them. Now, say hello, and just be yourself. They won't bite. You're mine!"

Louis considered the implications of that statement. "I think they'll hate me."

"Don't be silly! Now, go on." Sandra gave him a little shove towards her mic. "Look at the chat. They want to know who you are."

Louis gave the chat a quick glance, then said, "Uh, hello chat. I'm Louis. I'm a friend of Sandra's. We've been going out for a while now. Nice to meet you."

Sandra elbowed him. "Don't give away your human name, silly. Lucky is a dear friend of mine, has been forever. The whole dating thing is new, but he isn't."

Louis chuckled softly as he slid back and out of camera. "We're going to head off. Lots of stuff to do. See you all next time!"

"Yes!" Sandra leaned towards her mic. "Let's play something fun, together. I have exactly the game I've been dying to try, and it's multiplayer, meaning I can run with my herdmates. How's that sound?!"

Louis raised a hand in the background. "I'll be back."

Sandra was watching Louis leave. "Mmm, are you sure?"

Louis was already out of sight, but his voice could still be heard. "Yep! I want to get dinner started!"

"Dinner? We had lunch like an hour ago." She waved that away. "Oh well. My ponies, what do you think? A new game?"

The chat was quite excited, and so was she. Reflecting a good mood was one of her talents, and she got the game up in a flash to enjoy with them. "I hope you're ready for spooky, and silly times. We're not running from the ghost. We are the ghosts in this game." The room cheered as the game started.

Jay leaned on one hand, watching Sandra. "This is only better from this side of the camera. Rescuing you was one of my better ideas." She looked back at her own screen and got to typing.

Louis got to work in the kitchen, pulling out things to cook, making use of what he had. Jay did not provide many interesting things, but there were some gems to be found. He took what he could and tried to make it work. Soon, the smells of preparing goodness wafted through the apartment.

Both ladies were glancing his way with interest, despite both of their claims of disinterest before.

"You smell that? What did you find?" Sandra's mouth was watering at the idea of having a snack.

Louis kept working as he spoke. "You like stir fry, right? It'll be a little while yet, but it smells great."

Sandra's tummy rumbled at the idea. "I can't wait." She was already grabbing at her stomach in anticipation. "My herd mates, you heard that, right? My boy's making my tummy go rumbly! The fiend. Once we finish this level, I'm going to gallop over there and get a share, whether he likes it or not."

The chat exploded with spicy comments, most encouraging her casual larceny.

"That's my herd!" She laughed warmly as she went back to playing with them.

Jay shook her head slowly. "You are adorable." She didn't move from her spot though, keeping an eye on her screen.

When the stream concluded, Sandra hopped to her feet, one hand on the hat that refused to leave her. "Now, I warned you. Coming for that."

Louis was stirring the pan, looking down at it. "Are you sure? It's not ready yet."

Sandra took a peek into the pan, inhaling deeply. "Mmm, alright, finish it then. Then I'm taking my share!"

Louis smiled at that. "How hungry are you? You did eat lunch already."

Sandra blushed as she remembered. "Um, I guess I shouldn't be that hungry, but... Mmm, you don't get to make something that smells that good and then tell me I should mind my weight." She prodded at his side. "That's just mean."

Louis hummed softly. "I'm sorry then." He worked on the stir fry slowly. "Maybe this isn't a meal we should share."

Sandra punched him on the shoulder. "Oh no. No getting out of it! You're sharing, or I'm taking. Your choice."

Louis chuckled at that. "Alright, alright. Calm down, you can have some. There's enough for all three of us, don't worry."

Jay snickered at the two of them. "Going to get diabetes with you two around." She swiped her mouse. "Let me know when I should take a break. Lord on a stick, it's been forever since I had something like a family dinner."

Sandra looked over at her. "Sounds like it's time to remedy that. I'm hungry enough to eat three dinners in one go. I got an active lifestyle. I gotta get fed!"

Louis returned fire with a prod of his own. "Active lifestyle is not something you get for one afternoon's hike." He moved the pan off the head. "But it's done. Go sit down. I'll bring over a plate for each of you."

Sandra stuck out her tongue, then flounced over to sit next to Jay. "Look at him. Trying to control me."

Jay smirked at that. "Hah! Not with how much you've been on top lately."

Louis came with two plates, putting one in front of each of them. "Eat up." He withdrew to get his own plate, then join them. "This has been a nice day. Oh, I'll stop by the store later. Really need more stuff to prepare in there."

Jay rolled her eyes as she tried some. "Mmm, look. I don't cook that often, so I don't think about it. You two are the ones changing the flow of things."

Sandra immediately put her fork down. "I didn't realize it before, but yeah, I feel that way too. This is home now, more than my apartment. Something about being here feels right." She folded her arms under her chest. "Can I come with? I happen to like shopping, and with a friend is even better."

Jay snorted at that. "Louis looks like he can carry a lot of bags. I think he'd be happier going alone."

Sandra elbowed Jay in the side. "I never said I'd let him carry the bags."

Lucky raised a hand. "Easy there. I have no problems with Sandra coming along. Just a quick trip, grab some food for later, come back. You know a good spot for that?"

Sandra remembered the grocery store she'd been to, just a few blocks away. "Yeah, it's in walking distance, so close to here. We could walk, if you're up for it."

Louis smiled at that idea. "Of course. That sounds good."

Jay worked on her meal. "Guess it's settled then. Go have fun, I'm staying right here. If you bring something good back, maybe I'll say thank you."

Sandra huffed softly, but her smile was swift to return. "That reminds me. What's the rent?"

"Rent?" Jay frowned at that. "That's my problem."

Sandra chomped some of the delicious food Louis had prepared. "We live here, so it's our problem too. I don't want to be a freeloader."

Jay swiped a hand. "Do your streams and your game stuff, whatever. Pay for your own food, your clothes, and whatever else you want. That's rent enough."

Louis paused as he considered that. "Thank you. That's very nice of you, but let us at least contribute a little something. It'd make us both feel better about it."

Sandra snickered as she jabbed an elbow into Jay's side. "Yeah, what he said. There's three of us now. Just being a cute pony shouldn't be the full price of rent." She colored at the thought. "Not like we're that close."

A firm knock drew their eyes towards the door.

Author's Note

A delightfully decompressing chapter. Who's knocking? Don't they know we're relaxing in here?! Sheesh.

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18 - Retreat

Jay glanced at the clock, then hopped to her feet. "I wasn't expecting anyone."

Louis and Sandra both backed from the door, eyes locked on it.

Jay glared at them both. "Do not do that." She smoothed out her shirt and walked over to open the door. "Hello, may I help you?"

A tall human stood in the doorway. He gazed on Jay with an impassive expression. "Excuse me, ma'am. I'm with a city program, inspecting places for pests. Can I come in to check?"

Jay hummed as she looked him over. "Yeah, that's fine." She gestured inside. "After the last time, I've been careful. No bugs bothering us."

"Thank you." He stepped in smoothly, eyes roaming. He stopped as he saw Sandra and Louis sitting at the table. "Pardon the intrusion." He looked back at Jay. "I won't be long."

Louis' eyes were narrowed, his expression was dour.

Sandra reached up for her hat. It felt like it wanted to leap from her head, and its agitation wasn't making her any more relaxed. "So..." She trailed off as the inspector moved into the next room, looking around. He began to pull out devices. Jay moved with him to answer questions. After several minutes, he made his way back over to the entrance.

"Thank you for your cooperation." The man turned towards Jay. "You seem to be clean, which is good to hear."

Jay shrugged, leading him towards the exit. "I'm trying. Thanks for stopping by to check." She waved as he left and closed the door behind him.

She fell against that same door, back to it. She was huffing for breath as she gazed at her two guests. "You have no idea how lucky we were." She tapped a finger to her glasses. "He was packing heat. Three pistols in the vest, knife, taser... Is something wrong?"

Sandra clung to her chair, panting softly. "I didn't like that guy. My hat didn't like that guy, which is an odd thing to say about a hat, but it didn't. Nothing about him felt right."

Louis swallowed, shaking his head slightly. "No. He was lying."

Jay huffed at them both, crossing her arms. "Yeah, obviously. That guy's probably with the Technocracy, or a step or two removed. Bloody hell! They shouldn't be sniffing around my place." She began to pace fitfully. "Shit, shit, shit!"

Sandra forced herself to her feet, stumbling over to a wall to lean on. "What does this mean?"

Jay growled deep in her throat, the noise barely contained. "It means this place is trash. It means everything in it has to be gone over with the finest comb I can find. It means—" She folded her arms. "You have to find a new place, away from me. As much as I don't want to say it, we're too close. They'll notice. They'll take you away from me."

Sandra recoiled at that sharp dismissal. "I thought we were friends? I thought you liked having us around?"

"I do." Jay squeezed herself tightly. "But it's dangerous. There's no way I can guarantee they won't be back soon."

Louis took a deep breath. "Alright."

Sandra whirled on him. "Alright?"

"Alright," he echoed a third time, hand on her shoulder. "Each of us, each desperate shadow in the darkness, we know when danger's coming, and she's running. Hey, Jay? Alright to share emails?"

Jay snorted at that. "For a while." She offered a wan smile. "As long as I stay ahead of the law."

Louis held out his phone. "Fair enough. Put yours in?"

With the exchange of contacts, Louis led the stunned Sandra towards the door. "She has to handle her business, and we have ours."

Sandra muttered something as she staggered past him and out the door.

Louis waited till he was out in the hall with her to ask. "You alright?"

"Nope!" Sandra rounded on him. "I am very not okay! I thought I had a friend, a real friend. Someone I'd have for years, maybe forever." She sagged, huffing gently. "It's not fair."

Louis rubbed the back of his neck, head hanging in shame. "It's never fair, but sometimes it has to be done." His words didn't sound like he believed them, but the cadence remained steady. "You can stay at my place." He smiled gently. "Living with your boyfriend isn't such a bad idea, right?"

Sandra pushed at the wall lightly. "Not you. It's not that I don't want to live with you, but it's because she wants us gone, and I can't deal with that."

Louis squeezed her close. "It's not that she wants us to leave, but she wants us safe even more. Let's not make this harder on her. You know she's watching this hallway."

Sandra scowled, then stomped off down the hall, anger clear in her face. She didn't stop until they were outside and a few buildings over. Her energy levels were not where they had been earlier today.

Louis stood at her side, the two quiet for an enduring time.

"Why?" she finally whispered.

"Because Jay cares about us." Louis turned his face skyward. "If she really wanted us gone, she could have sent us packing in an instant, and if she didn't care about us, she wouldn't be telling us to run for our safety." He gently tapped her on the side. "This is a time we could use some laughter. It's what she would want."

Sandra sighed deeply. "Maybe it is." She turned a weak smile towards him. "Okay. When do we move in?"

Louis grinned. "Hey, my place was always open." He hiked a thumb. "This way. I have some good snacks I've been saving for a rainy day. Looks like you might need them now."

Sandra accepted his guidance, letting him lead her away from their old haunt. "Thanks, Lucky."

They poured into Louis' car and drove across town.

Sandra looked up at the building after sliding from the vehicle. "Oh. I wasn't expecting a house."

Louis chuckled. "Have you never been here? Damn, how long have we been friends? About time we fixed that!" He opened the door wide for her to enter. "Please, come on in. The fridge should still have a few cold beers left."

Sandra smirked as she followed. "Geez, Lucky, you weren't kidding. I like how comfy this place looks."

Louis scratched at the base of his neck. "Sorry about the mess. It's mostly paperwork for stuff I'm doing. Feel free to sit anywhere, and kick papers off anything."

Sandra snorted as she made her way to a couch covered in a pile of paper. She nudged it gently with her knee, then dropped onto it when the papers shifted and gave her enough space. "You need to put some space between work and home."

Louis plodded back in with two cold ones, offering one of them. "Is that different for everyone? For some reason, I figured everyone lived as I did."

Sandra sipped at the beer. "Maybe it's a personality type thing, but some people aren't such workaholics." She tilted her head slightly. "Well, sort of." She poked at a pile. "Give me a hint what goes where and I'll start cleaning. Least I can do, living here. Also, pretty sure I'd go nuts if I left it like this."

Louis put the bottle down with a sigh. "Honestly, if you could help me with this, you'll make it a thousand times better than it is now. Here, these papers go here, these ones go over there..."

Hours flew by as Sandra and Louis slowly started to get the house sorted out. Her previous dismay began to lift as she got into the work. Somewhere along the way, she fell to four hooves and Raspberry took flight, darting around to where things needed to be with a smile.

In a strange bit of irony, sorting out Louis' house actually helped put Sandra's mind at ease. The distraction was pleasant, and the sense of accomplishment afterwards was all the sweeter.

"See?" She waved at the cleaner living room. "Now this is somewhere you can live in, and even invite a friend over without feeling awkward about it. I swear, you and Jay had similar feelings about clutter."

Louis groaned in his chair as he reached down to rub his sore leg. "Yeah, but hers is always intentional, if she hasn't been threatened into cleaning things. Me? I'm lazy."

Raspberry landed beside him, leaning her furry form against his leg. "You went and got a girlfriend, so she's going to insist you take care of yourself, even when you don't want to. That's what friends are for."

Louis reached over to pat her ears, earning a sigh of contentment. "What did you think about Jay?"

She gave him a look, tilting her head. "I think she lives in a different, equally dangerous, world, and I wish we could protect her for a change. But, in the end, I don't even know what shadow is chasing her. I think it was the best idea to separate for now." She rested a hoof on his lap. "Doesn't mean we can't miss her."

Louis nodded slowly, reaching down to hug his furry partner. "Yeah. That's why I swapped contact details. Just because life sucks doesn't mean we can't talk, maybe get back together later?"

Raspberry smiled, though it was strained at best. "Thanks, Lucky."

He ruffled her between the ears, mussing her mane before softly petting along it. "At least what chased you out of your place is handled. We can go back to normal living now if we wanted?"

Raspberry smiled. "Normality is subjective."

Louis chuckled. "Good point. Guess it's a matter of figuring out what 'normal' is, and then settling into that pattern again. Sounds kinda boring, honestly.

Raspberry inclined her head. "For one, I want to visit the puppy again. He's cute and he knows how to play. Would also be a great place to just wander."

Louis reached over to pet her gently, a fond smile growing on his lips. "True. I don't really feel comfortable meeting with them in their true forms just yet, though." He shuddered, imagining the scene of standing amidst two large, hairy wolves. "They're kinda creepy, aren't they?"

Raspberry giggled softly, nuzzling into his side. "Only if they want to be. I thought they liked us, so we should be fine. Just play nice." She waved a hoof at him. "Be a good part of their day."

Louis bobbed his head with a sigh, glancing aside. "Fair enough." His attention drifted back to Raspberry. "Why not go there now?"

The equine girl frowned at him, pressing into his side more firmly. "Today was full enough, thanks. I just finished being chased out of a safe place. Hug me and remind me I'm safe here, please." She squeezed her eyes shut tight. "Maybe tomorrow."

Louis carefully hugged her, gently cradling the small, fluffy body. "Of course. Come on, then. Why don't we go for a walk around town? Just you, me, and the night air, maybe find some stars."

Raspberry stretched out in Louis' grasp, becoming Sandra. "That sounds kind of nice, actually. You have some good ideas once in a while." She rested against his chest. "Better than sitting here being scared." She paused a moment longer before untangling herself from him and hopping to her feet. "Okay, let's go. Need a coat, it's probably chilly." She paused. "Which I do not have. Damn speedy runs." She held onto her shoulders, feeling the sudden chill of evening.

Louis patted her shoulder with a chuckle, wandering off to the bedroom closet. "You can have my jacket." He offered a weathered but still quite functional coat towards her. "Should hold out until we're back."

Sandra grinned as she slipped into the oversized jacket. "Thanks."

Together they made their way down the street, towards where the moon was beginning to peek over the buildings. "There's this nice plaza I like hanging out at." He pointed down another street. "It's quieter at this hour too. Great for just unwinding."

Sandra nodded. "Sounds good. Let's see this plaza."

Louis led her along, keeping pace easily with her slower steps.

Sandra looked up at the half moon overhead. "Do you believe in destiny? Fate?"

Louis blinked, raising an eyebrow. "Well, we happen to be two special people. It's hard to entirely deny the idea." He shrugged. "I don't know if fate guides all things, but it certainly has its moments."

Sandra hummed softly. "Maybe."

"What prompted your question?" He adjusted the cuff on his jacket around her wrist.

She leaned against him gently. "I think I'm just glad I'm with you right now." She hugged his arm to her. "This feels good. Like I've got someone supporting me and caring for me. I'm grateful for that."

Louis gave her a lopsided grin. "Of course I do." He gently stroked her side. "Come on, it's only a bit further to the plaza. Pretty this time of evening, with the lanterns lit."

Author's Note

That was jarringly abrupt. Sandra does not approve. Where is life's manager?

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19 - Recover

They walked into the plaza, and Sandra was pleased by the sight. It was a large courtyard of some kind of white stone, perhaps marble. Stone lanterns lined the outer rim of the plaza, the flames inside dancing slowly with the gentle breeze. "Check this out." Louis waved around the area with a glad smile. "You don't see this very often."

Sandra nodded in agreement. "Yep, this place is great." She moved further into the plaza, looking around at everything, gaze straying up to the sky. "Not a lot of people around either."

Louis chuckled softly. "Yeah, it's pretty quiet out. Why do you think I brought you here? You know, if you want to go flying..."

Sandra squeaked. "Now you're spoiling me." But instead of considering the idea, she closed in on him instead, hugging lightly. "Not right this second though."

Louis smiled at her. "What are you thinking right now, then? Your thoughts are always interesting."

Sandra held her hands over his heart, gazing up at him, into his eyes. "I'm thinking I didn't pick too badly for my first real partner. I'm thinking this world sucks sometimes, but we're still kicking. I'm thinking..." She paused to take in a slow breath, and then released it in a sigh. "I'm thinking about how lucky we are."

Louis returned her smile. "I think so too. In a crazy sort of way, we're very lucky, and not just because I'm here."

Sandra giggled softly. "You know what I mean, silly." Then she pulled him closer and pressed a kiss to his lips.

They were soft, gentle, and oh-so warm. His body heat radiated from every inch, surrounding her in his embrace.

She let the kiss linger for some moments, eyes drifting shut as she pressed against him.

"Hey." Proving the plaza wasn't entirely abandoned, another person was just wandering past. He gave them a wave. "Get a room!"

The two lovers broke apart with soft chuckles.

Sandra blushed slightly, glancing away. "I think that guy has the right idea." She elbowed Louis gently. "We should get a room."

Louis nodded slowly. "Yes, but..." He glanced up at the stars above. "I don't think we should go back home just yet."

She tilted her head. "What did you have in mind? I'm starting to feel chilly out here."

Louis smiled. "Come on. I'll take you somewhere nice." He offered his hand.

Sandra took it gently and followed after him. She wasn't quite sure where he was leading her, but it was nice to be out with Louis. She was willing to go where the night took them. The two walked together out of the plaza and along the sidewalk.

"Are you alright?" Louis reached out to touch her shoulder. "If something's bothering you, I want to know."

"A lot is bothering me." She leaned against him. "I had things pretty stable, thought I was in a nice comfy little rut. Then, you know, being stalked, on to strange new friends, strange new hats—" She reached up for her hat, still stuck to her. "—Cute but maybe dangerous canines, and on to being kicked out of the second new home in as many weeks."

Louis hugged her gently, pausing their walk. "I'm sorry."

She leaned into his hug. "Not your fault, Lucky. We're just living in interesting times." She patted his hand. "I must have annoyed someone in a past life or something. But we're stuck with the world we're in. At least I can make the most of it."

Louis gestured ahead. "That's where we're headed." Up the road was a quaint little cafe, with outdoor seating and warm golden light spilling through the windows.

Sandra peered at the sign overhead. "The Golden Grind. Interesting name."

Louis nodded. "It's pretty good. I come here once in a while, but never with you, until now."

"Let's try it out then." She walked in front of him, taking in a slow breath. "Oh, it smells nice. Like coffee and... chocolate? My favorite." She took a seat near the window.

A waitress moved towards them with purpose. "Welcome! Louis, when did you get a girl?"

Louis shrugged. "It's been a few weeks, actually. We're pretty happy, too."

She beamed. "Good for you! What can I get for you two?"

Sandra hummed softly, glancing over the menu. "What do you suggest for a first timer? I'm fairly open-minded."

The waitress nodded, rattling off some names that went right over Sandra's head. "Um... I'll just go with a hot chocolate." She handed over the menu.

The waitress turned to Louis. He knew exactly what he wanted, ordering without delay. "Thanks."

"No problem. Be right back." The waitress wandered into the back of the store, leaving the couple alone again.

Louis looked over at her with a gentle smile. "So, what do you think?"

"The atmosphere is relaxed, and the smell is great, unless you're trying to avoid chocolate." She smirked at him. "After all that, their chocolate better be good."

"One of the best around, I swear." Louis chuckled as the waitress came out and placed the hot drinks in front of the duo. "Thank you."

Sandra blew on hers, watching the surface ripple gently before taking a sip. She sighed contentedly. "Mmm, color me pleasantly surprised."

Louis' lips quirked up. He was quiet, but he didn't seem to want to break the moment of silence.

Sandra put down the cup and reached for a tiny brown packet of sweetener, only for her hand to brush against Louis's. She hesitated a moment, just to curl her finger around his hand. "Hey."

Louis smiled back at her. "Hey." His fingers curled around hers in turn. "You seem pretty relaxed."

She nodded. "The world is weird, and my day hasn't felt right since that strange inspector came into Jay's place. But being here, with you, right now? That feels nice." Her smile was warm and honest. "We have good drinks, a good atmosphere..." Her eyes danced around the small cafe with its wooden tables and dark green accents. The smell of coffee beans and chocolate hung in the air. "We should come here more often."

Louis hummed softly as he sipped at his own cup. "Glad you like it so far."

Sandra sighed contentedly, then looked down at her drink. "It's getting late."

"It is." He took a bite of the sandwich he had ordered. "Want to head back, get some sleep?"

Sandra licked the froth from her upper lip and nodded. "Sounds good. I don't think Raspberry is up for much in the way of fun right now. She's been acting up, more than usual, all day."

Louis poked Sandra in the shoulder. "You are Raspberry. Just feeling restless?"

She reached up to her head, feeling the hat atop it. "Yeah. Maybe." Her fingers traced the brim. "I don't think it's me, though. It feels like something else. Maybe my hat." Her lips pursed. "So, ever have a cursed hat before?"

Louis winced. "Can't say I have."

Sandra tugged at the brim gently. "Come on. Let's go home." She rose from her seat, offering a hand to Louis.

Louis held up a hand and hurried to the front counter to settle the bill before he rushed back to her side. "Don't want to dine and dash at one of my fave places."

She snickered. "Nah, that's not something you're known for." She nudged him gently. "Let's go home, okay?"

Louis led the way out the door. They walked in companionable quiet through the streets. As crazy as things had been, there was some amount of healing to be had in the simple mundanity of talking home with one's special someone.

***

They stepped into Louis' place and Sandra sighed as she dropped her coat on the table. "Home sweet home."

Louis chuckled at that. "Welcome to my humble abode."

She turned and patted his shoulder. "Thanks for today. You're really good at calming me down."

Louis offered her a small nod and smile in return. "No problem. You're there to cheer people up. I'm the steadying rock." He gestured inside. "I have a room on the left with my computer. Not as fancy as Jay's, but you should be able to stream when you feel like it. My room is the one right next to that, so if you ever need me, don't hesitate to knock."

Sandra smiled. "Thanks. I'm probably going to go for a nap, then do something with my channel." She paused. "Also, it's not really your room right now."

"Oh?" He looked down the hallway at the door. "Why not?"

"Because it's our room right now, unless you're pushing me into another one?" Her smile was warm, and she leaned against him for that moment. "If you want, I'll sleep elsewhere, but I'd prefer not to."

Louis chuckled softly, his hand drifting up to stroke through her hair. "Of course not. If you're alright being with me, I'm not sending you away." He pecked her forehead. "I'll count myself lucky that a pegasus decided to keep me company." He grinned as she blushed, looking away. "Now, go get some rest. I'll get dinner started in an hour or so."

She yawned as she stepped towards the hallway. Stepping through Louis' house, she pressed into his bedroom and paused. It smelled of him, a musky, earthy scent that permeated the room. The bed was fairly simple in appearance, white sheets over a firm mattress. The room had no other furniture, merely a large bed, some windows, and a carpeted floor.

Sandra turned in surprise, just to almost bump into the drawers. They were hiding right by the door. "Oh." She moved past them to step onto the carpet. "This is comfy."

She yawned a second time as she pulled back the covers, then slipped beneath. The pillow was soft, and she nuzzled into it, eyes falling shut.

The next thing she knew was being nuzzled by something warm and soft. She cracked an eye to see Louis in Lucky form, nosing at her. "Hello there, cutie."

Lucky shook his head slightly, mane brushing against her face. He was large enough to loom over her with ease, yet gentle as could be in his affection.

Sandra sighed and hugged around his neck, pulling him down. "You know, I'm not supposed to be the sleepy one, but you're so comfortable. What time is it?"

Lucky's lips brushed her ear. "Dinner time." He nipped gently at the same ear. "Unless you'd rather it be cuddle time, but then dinner will get cold on us."

"Sounds like cuddles are best for dessert." She rubbed his neck and then let go. "Alright." She yawned cutely and stretched out under the blankets. "What did you make?"

He smiled fondly. "You like chicken?"

She nodded lightly, rubbing at her eyes as she sat up. "I do. Please tell me it's roast chicken."

"Hey." He hopped to the ground, resuming being Louis. "Did you spy on me?"

Sandra laughed gently as she got to her feet and hugged him. "Nope. I just love this smell, and it reminded me of a good home-cooked meal." She stepped past him into the hall.

In the dining room, the chicken awaited them. The aroma was amazing, and Sandra couldn't help but inhale deeply and grin at him. "This smells amazing, Lucky."

Louis smiled. "Let's hope it tastes just as good." He slid in across from her at the small table. "I have some salad fixings if you want one too."

"No thanks. Not tonight." She reached for the chicken, to cut herself a piece of breast meat and some leg. "Mmm, this looks really juicy." She brought it to her plate and took a quick bite, and her face lit up. "Mmm, just as promised." She took a second bite, her expression one of bliss. "Thank you. Today started so rough, but you gave me such a perfect little landing pad to fall onto."

Louis chuckled. "I'm glad you're happy. You deserve that." He also picked himself some chicken and began to eat.

The meal was nice and relaxed. It wasn't anything fancy, not even served in an impressive manner. Despite that, they both looked quite pleased to be there, with each other.

Author's Note

Sometimes you just need to decompress a little.

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20 - It's Magic!

Sandra smiled into the camera. She waved to the audience and tilted her head. "Hey, My Herdmates! It's been a bit since we had an adventure together. I missed you all! But, I'm here now, so let's have fun together!"

Her channel name scrolled across the screen. Ponies in Pjs, followed by Sandra, her own name. "I haven't talked about it much, but boy the last few months have been wild. Ups and downs." She started a video playing, old enough to not have copyright issues. It was just background noise for them. "So, I'm moving, and you'll never guess where. Come on, try."

She grinned as she leaned forward. "Yes, I'm getting out of my old place and in with my boyfriend." The chat exploded with comments and startled emojis, along with others of far more suggestive variety with waggling brows and eggplants aplenty. "I see some of you are excited too."

She smirked into the camera. "I'm sure some of you are thinking about what that means for my channel, right? Don't worry, I won't stop being a pony, or a girl. Or a ponygirl." She wagged a finger with each step of that, her avatar following along for them. "Besides, lucky me, I found a guy that's just as into ponies as I am, so he's supportive and sweet. He even made dinner tonight." She glanced towards the kitchen, where Louis was pointedly ignoring her, but Sandra could see his ears burning.

The chat filled with comments of congratulations, along with questions. Her fingers danced with replies even as she spoke. "It was a pretty wild time getting here." She launched into the tale, leaving out some details such as names and certain places, but still telling a harrowing tale of escape. "But hey, now I'm living with my beau, and I've got a new friend or two." She also left out anything supernatural. No reason to upset the normies with such things.

The chat exploded with awe and disbelief. Some wanted to know more of the tale. Others requested pictures. "I'll show you around tomorrow." She smiled brightly. "It's pretty late tonight, but I'll make time for a good tour of the place. But, at the least, I wanted to check in with you all." She laughed as she moved the video on their screens to be just over her avatar's head. "Make sure you know the streams are moving right along!" She blew a kiss towards the screen. "Thank you for coming to see me today. We're going to have so much fun together, My Herdmates. But until then, take care, and have fun!"

Louis came over, dishes complete. "That sounded generally cheerful. Stream go well?"

Sandra smiled as she shut down the camera and pushed herself away from the computer. "Yeah. They were supportive, which is nice. It's good to know people care about you." She rose and stretched out. "I want to go back to the forest. It was a nice place to stretch, and I don't feel done with the wolves."

He grasped her shoulder with more strength than she had expected, jumping with surprise. "No."

She looked up at his unusually tense face. "W-what's wrong?"

"No." He took his hand back. "Sorry, not trying to hurt you, but you have to stop. You've been lucky, so far. That's all. What will you do if they decide to attack? No matter how much you try and care for them, wolves are not pets."

Sandra sighed and looked at the window, where the world was covered by a thin blanket of snow. She could see flecks coming down, adding to it slowly in the dark light of late evening. "Being lucky is your job," she jested, but it sounded a little flat. "Are you that worried?"

Louis huffed gently. "Of course I am! You're my girlfriend, and they're wolves. They can tear you apart, even if they're usually gentle. They only need to do it once." He spread his hands. "And they're not the first. She was nice in the end, but she could have done all kinds of bad things to us at any time, and her friend left you a little reminder." He flicked that hat still stuck to her head.

Sandra rubbed her neck. "That's true. What are you getting at? That I should never go into the forest again? That I shouldn't go anywhere near a creature that isn't perfectly harmless?"

Louis let out a soft sigh. "Forests are fine, but I am saying maybe you should ease up on the other supernaturals. I know some ponies have a supernatural buddy. We tried that. It didn't work out. They have their own issues, and we can get swept up in them."

She frowned up at him. "But I don't mind."

Louis flicked her hat again. "You do when it gets you bitten."

Sandra sighed, reaching up to rub over her hat. "Yeah..." She drew it out as if it were the end of an argument.

Louis wasn't so easily deterred. "And look at your friend Jay. What's up with that guy? She has to flee her place because of some shadowy agency?"

Sandra didn't have a direct counter for that, with no clue what really happened. "I hope she's okay."

Louis merely hugged Sandra tightly. "I know. We can visit the forest. We can do all kinds of things. I'm just thinking it's best to take it easy around other... other supernaturals like us, okay?"

Sandra tapped at that hat. "I can't avoid this. It's literally attached. You won't get mad if I try to learn more about it at least, right?"

Louis hummed gently, patting her shoulder. "I think that's fair."

Sandra hugged Louis again. "Thank you for caring."

Louis gave her another hug, squeezing gently before letting her go. "I'm not trying to be a controlling boyfriend. I'm not one of those 'well you're living under my roof, you follow my rules, rawr' kinda guys. You know that, right? I'm just scared. I don't want to lose you, after all."

She nodded quietly. "Yeah. I understand. I'll be more careful."

Louis smiled, though he could feel the thick tension. "Let's do something. Wanna watch a movie? We haven't done that together in a while."

She nodded quickly. "Yeah, that sounds good. Do we have popcorn?"

Louis chuckled as he headed towards the TV room. "I can make some, hold on." He paused at the entrance. "Just so you know, I love the heck out of you. If I do something you don't like, tell me."

Sandra nodded. "Thanks. Same." She pecked his cheek and walked into the TV room, while Louis darted for the microwave.

Sandra dropped onto the couch with a soft sigh. With a hand on that hat, her eyes went upwards towards it. "Alright, you. When are you going to tell me something besides enjoying the free ride?" She dug out the book that hat had assigned for her. "Or do I have to keep reading this?"

She flipped through a few pages, frowning at the dense text and complex diagrams. The words defied casual order, teasing at the mind. It was the stuff of mages, rewriters of reality itself.

Louis plodded back in with a pair of drinks and a bowl of popcorn. "Here, let's watch something dumb and silly."

Sandra laughed gently, nodding. "That's exactly what we need right now." She set the book aside for the moment. "Dumb and silly sounds great."

She leaned against Louis, resting her head on his shoulder. The TV started up, showing a comedy. This one wasn't so much romantic as it was a series of funny events. Some were physical, others were witty. In the end, it was a fine way to while away an evening together.

The next morning, with Louis fled to work, Sandra sat down with the book open on the table in front of her. Her hat remained firmly stuck to her head. The words still looked strange, yet somehow they made sense. It was as if the knowledge was there, she simply had to open up to it. It was hard to describe, but it was like the words were keys, and her mind, the lock. Slowly, she was working those keys into the locks and turning them.

Sandra leaned over the tome and began to read. There was a lot of theory about magic, the various types of magic users, and how it flowed. She felt like the book expected her to know all this stuff already. Alas, she was no wizard. Still, there was a spell. It even looked, relatively, simple. She perked on seeing it and read it forward and backwards. "Huh." It looked like something she could do. "So... you want me to do this?" She reached up for her hat.

The sensation of joy was overwhelming. Sandra had no idea the hat felt things, let alone so strongly. She sighed at that. "Well." The spell didn't look dangerous. If it worked, the most it'd do is color something. The ultimate hair dye kit! She laughed at the very idea of an arcane spraycan she could use on whatever she wished.

She looked around the apartment. There weren't any reagents in reach, but Louis did have a few herbs in his kitchen along with a bag of chalk. She also found a knife and some candles. "Perfect." She took all her gathered ingredients into the living room and set them up the way the diagram had shown her.

Her hands shook lightly as she waved them over the setup. She wasn't sure if she should say the words aloud, or in her head. The book didn't give instructions either way. Maybe this was something they assumed you knew? She frowned and began reciting the words out loud, at first unsteady, but increasing in flow as she went.

Her hands moved over the various components, adding pinches here and there as the ritual demanded. With her eyes shut tight, she chanted the words in an even voice, feeling something tugging at her from inside. Another key, another lock. Something inside her fell open, and magic flowed in a strange, new, way that sent prickles of sensation running up her sides.

She focused on a mirror and her hair specifically. "Purple," she said, no, demanded, as the ritual completed. Her eyes widened as the magic flowed through her and out across her hair, which became purple swiftly right to the roots, as if she had always had purple hair. "Whoa... that's... that was awesome." She beamed and grabbed the book again, flipping through pages. "Okay. So what did I do right?"

Her fingers danced along the page, trying to keep track of what was there. Flipping too quickly made her dizzy with the amount of information trying to force itself into her brain at once.

The door banged shut behind Louis. "I'm home!" He called, wandering inside. His voice fell at seeing her so intently focused on the book. He also noticed her shockingly bright purple hair. "W-what?" His voice sounded weak as he stepped closer. "What have you been doing?"

She looked up, beaming at him. "I figured it out!"

"You figured out how to dye your hair?" He reached to run his fingers through the altered hair. "And you're reading that strange book. How are these related?"

Sandra's smile didn't fade. "Because I'm doing magic!" She grabbed his hands. "It's not a strange book. It's making sense. I think I'm supposed to be able to understand this stuff." She waved at her collection of candles and herbs. "I can do it again."

"Woah." He drew her in close. "Calm down. You've given me all the proof I need. I swear, it's like you were born with purple hair."

She smiled. "Thanks. I like it." She rubbed the back of her head, feeling where the hat met it. "This thing is helping me with magic. I don't think it's cursed anymore."

Louis nodded slowly. "If you're stuck with it, at least it's not hurting you." He gently tried to lift the hat, but it remained completely attached to her. "Are you just going to be wearing this forever?"

She looked up, tilting her head slightly. "Maybe? I mean, if it's a magic teacher, why wouldn't I?"

He sighed gently, shaking his head. "Alright, I'm going to go get changed, then maybe we can play around with your magic." He wandered off with some light mumbling about how things had turned.

Author's Note

Sandra picks up a bit of sorcery, and enjoys purple hair!

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21 - Hat's Off To You

After a few hours of practicing magic, Louis was holding his head, clearly trying not to fall over from the intensity of it all.

Sandra held his shoulders and guided him to the couch. "Okay, maybe that was too much practice."

Louis rubbed his head with one hand, the other flopped on the couch. "I have no idea how you managed it. It doesn't even make sense."

She giggled softly, dropping beside him. Her arm draped over his shoulder as she hugged close. "That's okay. I'm the mage of this couple, and you're my stalwart defender."

He smirked at the idea, his grimace turning to a little laugh. "Are we playing a game? I'll be your tank any day though." He leaned in to peck her on the cheek. "Just try not to turn me into a newt."

She laughed in turn, kissing him back. "I promise." She hugged him tightly. "I'll always protect you, my love." She rubbed his chest gently, giving him a playful smirk.

He quickly forgot about the book in favor of snuggling in closer with Sandra. "I'll leave this magic in your capable hooves and stick to pony magic, as far as that goes." His hand slid along her side. "Though this is something that looks amazing on you." He ran his fingers through the purple hair. "It suits you so nicely."

She beamed, looking down at him. "It fits me so much more than I thought it would at first." She brushed a hand through her hair, admiring it. "It's a silly thing, but I'm kind of glad to arrive at this absurd and pampering moment after all that."

He hugged her once more before getting up and plodding off to the kitchen. Sandra leaned back on the couch and smiled, letting out a relaxed breath. Life wasn't always good, but sometimes it could turn out nice. "This is nice too, your place that is. Nobody here judging us, just each other. I can judge you sufficiently all on my own." She laughed lightly.

Louis nodded as he started to make dinner. "That's how I like to be at home, totally relaxed. No expectations."

Her gaze drifted to the door. "I guess I understand why you were so insistent on staying away from other people like us, at least, not at home." She sighed gently. "Still hope she's alright though."

By the time Louis got back, Sandra was peering through that dense tome of forbidden knowledge. He sat down, setting a glass on the table for her to reach for whenever she wanted. "You're really into that."

Sandra nodded as she set it down. "It's amazing. The way magic works is just mindbending and I love it." She reached over and grasped his hand, gently stroking the back of it. "Not as amazing as having you here is, of course."

Louis smiled warmly. "Of course. Even I have to admit it's neat that you're doing magic now." He squeezed her hand gently in return. "Just be careful."

"I know." She tapped her hat. "I already got one unexpected trinket out of it." A thought reached her with a snap of her fingers. "Actually, I wonder if it'll visit me tonight, now that I've done a proper spell."

Louis' expression fell a little. "You mean the thing that gave you that... keepsake?" He gestured to her hat.

"Not the giver, he's a human. I think? Mages are humans, right? Just like we're humans, and also ponies." She frowned, puzzling over that. "But human, yeah. The hat isn't. It's, uh, something else." Her face scrunched in concentration as she tried to figure out what the hat was, exactly.

Louis' hand slipped from hers and landed on her lap. "It's more magic things."

She felt along the attached arm back to Louis. "More magic things, for sure. I think it, the hat, may visit, by showing up in my dream. At least, that's how it did it before."

Louis' expression furrowed in thought. "Is it dangerous?"

Sandra shrugged gently, tilting her head side to side. "Well... It's hard to say. It's got some kinda magic powers of its own, but it just talked last time. I didn't feel threatened, just confused and a bit annoyed at the time."

Louis nodded slowly. "I guess it should be okay then. Do you mind if I watch over you?" His lips curled in a fond smile, while his gaze lingered on her. "You look really cute when you sleep, you know."

Sandra lightly pushed him, bursting into laughter. "We're sleeping together, but you just made that sound creepy!"

Louis rubbed his arm with an awkward laugh. "It's not like that. I like seeing you happy, and you're very happy, when you're sleeping."

She smiled gently at him as she moved in closer. The two spent a few quality minutes exchanging little kisses and hugs in a pleasant evening of cuddles. Still, all good things had to come to an end, and both were tired from the day. They had work the next morning, after all. So, they pulled apart and got ready for bed.

Sandra didn't put on any clothes, just curled up in bed in her natural, fluffy state as Raspberry. Louis curled around her, his arms draped over her. His legs slid up under her, and she leaned against him with a soft exhale of contentment. "Goodnight."

Louis pecked the top of her head, which was right between the ears for Raspberry. She gave a happy whicker, and the two settled in peacefully for a night's rest.

Raspberry woke up what felt like moments later, trotting down a hallway of mirrors that turned at sharp right angles in a maze that stretched out forever in all directions. "Okay... This feels familiar." She looked around at her reflection in all directions. Then her gaze focused on a single reflection that was different from the rest. A small, purple hat. It bounced along through the reflections, just around the next corner.

She jumped into that intersection as if to surprise the phantom. "Ah ha! You can't escape—" She blinked, looking around at all the corners of this new intersection, seeing the hat bounce off in the opposite direction of where it should have come from. "Oh you..." She wheeled around and chased after it. "I did it. I cast the spell! Why are you hiding?"

The hat paused at an intersection. When Raspberry skidded to a stop inside, it bounced off in another direction, towards the right this time. Raspberry spun about and followed after it with a soft huffing for breath. "Is this a game? Feels like one. If you want to be chased, fine. Ponies are good at tag."

She sped up her chase, darting around the corner and barely catching the hat bounce away again. Her hooves slid off a mirror, which reflected the scene from all directions. She frowned, noticing something new about the reflection. She slowed to a stop, turning to face the closest mirror and look into it anew.

Within was herself. She wasn't moving as Raspberry would, but rather, watching with an intensity that was unusual for her. Then, she spoke, "Why are you chasing it?"

Raspberry blinked at herself, tilting her head to the side. "I was hoping he had some answers, and just to talk to it. It's kinda cool to have a magic mentor. Why?" She moved closer towards the mirror, to see her double move in time with her perfectly. The eyes were the only thing not quite matching. That, and the mouth, that spoke different words.

"Well. I think maybe you shouldn't." The reflection turned her gaze away, peering at a hat that bounced by. "It might not be a good idea."

Raspberry tilted her head. "He's stuck to my head all the time." She reached up, but in the dream, she was wearing no hat. "Huh, not right now?"

The reflection shrugged gently. "I don't know. But you have to wonder, why did he pick me? It has to be something special. What if, it isn't a good special?"

Raspberry shook her hoof at what was herself? Who was shaking their hoof right back at her. "They helped me learn magic, and that's pretty nice. Wouldn't that be a good special?"

"Is it good or bad? I don't know, and you don't know either." She turned to face herself once more, their eyes meeting. "We don't know what they want, or why they picked us."

Sandra felt her ears fall limply. "No, guess we don't. That was why I wanted to talk to him, among other reasons." She dropped to her haunches. "Does this mean—" She didn't get to finish her question, waking up. She jerked upwards to feel something land beside her. The hat, previously stuck to her head, was laying there on the bed. "Oooh."

She reached for it, inspecting it curiously, but it felt like any other hat. She didn't put it back on. "Fool me once." She instead parked it on a shelf. "A cursed hat of learning. You start learning or it's stuck forever? I don't think I'd buy you off the shelf, even with my experience." She shook her head and moved to her computer.

Louis wandered in while she was still going over the videos from last night. "Morning! Hey, where'd your hat go?" He reached to muss her hair, able to reach all of it.

Sandra smiled and leaned back against him gently. "I took it off. It's over there, on the shelf. I had an interesting dream last night. I don't trust that hat anymore." She shrugged as she moved to the next part of her video. "Part of me thinks maybe I got what I needed from it. If I put it back on, I'm signing up for even deeper craziness, right?"

Louis hummed thoughtfully. "If you say so. I don't want to judge, but it's a little odd, isn't it?"

She frowned softly. "It did make my hair this pretty purple color. Well, it helped me learn how to do it myself." She shook her head, making her hair bounce about. "So, I'm not mad, thankful even. Still, done wearing it. If you want to learn magic, you go put it on."

Louis waved his hand dismissively with a snort. "As if. You think I want to sit down and read that tome of arcane mysteries? It looks like it weighs half as much as you and costs more than all my furniture combined."

Sandra reached over to pat the book. "It's not like you have to buy it. It's already here. Now, I'm going to get this finished, uploaded, and maybe a new stream? You have work today?"

He nodded in return. "Yep, but it's nearby, so you can just walk in if you need me."

Sandra smiled gently at him, tilting her head. "That's good to hear, though I'm not planning anything crazy today. And I have your number. I'm way more likely to drop a text or a call." She clicked the upload button, getting her edited clip on its way. "Let's both make things we're proud of today."

***

Sandra had managed to get in several hours of editing and streaming before she looked at the time and realized it was almost noon. She shut off her stream with a farewell to the fans that were watching live. "Time got away from me!" She hopped up to snatch a snack for herself and sat down on the couch.

She only noticed after sitting that she had parked herself right in front of the book of magic without thinking about it. She glanced down at it and then shrugged at it. "Oh, why not." She flipped open the book and started to read. The words flowed with more ease this time. After an hour or so of reading, she felt confident enough to try another spell or two. "The purple hair is nice, but maybe something a little more practical."

Her eyes danced over the next ritual she wanted. "Some elemental mastery." She gathered up the candles, chalk, and other things needed for the spell to take form. The process felt a little faster and smoother. As she chanted, something seemed to flow through her, the magic she was summoning.

She reached for the pony side of her, laughing lightly as she mixed in that laughter energy to it. The energies she was working with took a lighter tone, filled with the pony mirth as she wove it. "Fire," she called out, holding up her right hand. A flame blossomed from it, dancing over her fingers. It was warm to the touch, but not enough to harm her. "Earth!" A heavy ball of steel appeared in her left hand, vibrating as if eager to move.

Sandra beamed and tossed them both away. The ball of steel landed with a thud, but the fire vanished into a puff of smoke. "Success!"

Her hands tingled with energy. She wriggled them as she stood up. "Now to make sure I didn't just—" But the steel ball was already gone, and there was no crater where it landed. "Phew. Louis would not appreciate a new dent in his floor."

She felt the magic coursing through her, even as she turned to look at the book once more. A small part of herself cautioned her about overdoing it, but she shook off that concern. "I'm probably fine." She closed the book. "All done." Learning a second ritual felt like quite a step for one day.

Sandra trotted off to the kitchen to munch on a little late lunch for herself. She felt like she was forgetting something, but it was probably just nerves. Her eyes widened and she coughed, choking lightly. "Water, for one." She poured herself a quick glass and turned, holding it, just to jump back.

In front of her was the smiling form of Jacob. "Good afternoon, my little pony. I see you've gotten good use out of my gift."

Sandra gulped, taking a slow sip from her water. "I hope you don't mind, I took it off."

Jacob tilted his head. "Should I mind?"

Sandra shrugged. "I'm honestly not sure."

"Who can be." Jacob walked right past her, towards the bedroom. "It was a gift, which you made use of. Its served its purpose, and you, little pony, are done with it, or it'd still be on your head." He leaned on the wall, his body language casual, but his eyes alert and intense. "You learned much."

She nodded slowly to that. "I did. How do you know?"

He waved a hand. "Come now! I gave you a magical hat that gave you magical lessons, and you ask how I would know that?"

Sandra shrugged lightly. "Fair point." She peered at him with her eyes squinted. "So, what do you want now, for it? I don't exactly have a pile of treasure."

"Droll." He vanished off into the bedroom and returned wearing that hat. "But no, I didn't do that looking for money. There are simpler ways to get that, if I wanted it. You already gave me what I wanted for this exchange, did you forget?"

Sandra stared at him. "I... transformed, right? Was seeing a pony that valuable?"

"That you ask tells me you like what you got in return. Excellent!" Jacob clapped his hands together in one firm strike. "I do love when what I give is remembered fondly.

Author's Note

Who invited Jacob back into things?

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22 - Sisterhood

The moment Louis got home, Sandra hurried to him. "Glad to see you, but we had a visitor, and spraying for them won't help."

Louis paused at the door. "Oh boy, which one?"

"Jacob, the one that gave me the hat." Sandra gestured to her hat-less head. "It's gone. He took it back. I think he also stole one of your shirts, the purple one."

Louis snorted. "I could easily buy a replacement. I assume you weren't hurt or anything?"

She shook her head quickly. "All intact, but that was creepy! He was just there suddenly, spouting his usual cryptic things at me. Is that a mage thing? Jay didn't do it as often, but she could."

Louis shrugged back. "Mages are all over the place, I think. What's important is that you're safe." He leaned over and kissed her. "So, shall we cook up something tasty?"

She nodded eagerly, leaning against him and nuzzling into his chest with an exhale of contentment. "Good idea, just, sorry." She detached to stand on her own. "I think part of me was kinda hoping we were done with all of that, here. Him appearing out of nowhere really rattled me."

Louis gently stroked along her back. "It's fine. We're going to be fine, you know why?" Sandra shook her head slowly. He grinned at her. "Because we have each other."

"Aw." She went in for a peck on his cheek with a giggle. "That was stupid, but just what I needed to hear."

"Come on, let's make some food, then maybe play a game or something. Just chill out for the night." He led her into the kitchen, where he started to get out ingredients.

"You know." She looked pensive a moment. "I haven't played a game I wasn't in the middle of streaming in a while." She laughed. "Let's do it. What'cha making, by the way?"

He waved at the ingredients. "I was thinking steak and veggies. How does that sound?"

She smiled. "Sounds delicious." She slipped in beside him and got to reaching. "And like something I can help with. I'll handle those veggies."

Louis smiled over at her. "It's nice to have you here. Not just to help, but... it feels more lived in when you're around." He shrugged at that, a little embarrassed by how silly it sounded. "I had a lot less reasons to have a chat when I was alone." He got a pan going. "I like it."

She smiled and hugged him gently. "I'm glad." She pecked his cheek. "You're pretty great."

He smirked as he started up the meat. "Pretty great, eh?"

She snorted softly. "Were you hoping for a 'Very amazingly great'? I'll taste what you make before considering that upgrade." She wagged her finger at him lightly.

Louis laughed. "Challenge accepted!" He grinned and patted her on the shoulder. "I'll make you something delicious. You'll see."

Sandra nodded and turned to focus on her veggies.

Soon enough, they both had a plate with each other's work adorning them and they went as a happy couple to the living room.

They chatted and ate, taking turns feeding each other, and Sandra actually broke down in giggles. "Okay. You get that upgrade." She leaned against Louis with a softer giggle. "That was delicious." Her worries felt much further away, allowing herself to play the evening away, snuggled against her new partner.

***

The next day, she did a stream for her fans and made progress in the game she was playing with them. She checked chat and smiled. "Oh, it's nice to see you here again!" The screen name was familiar: Equestriagirl111. "Yeah. I'm getting along pretty well with my new partner. We have a real nice little domestic situation."

The chat flooded with new questions, and some repeats. "Yes. Yes, he's cute." She giggled lightly. "What do I like about him? Oh geez, that's going to get me swarmed by curious Herdmates." She pressed into the game, at least until the next time she died. "He's supportive. He laughs at my jokes. He has some of his own, and he's just always there for me. Um, not that I'm super needy or anything, and I try to be right back there for him, but it's one of his better qualities."

She giggled and pushed through to the next section of the game, leaping from one rooftop to another in-game.

The chatbox flooded with comments about her being a good friend. Sandra gave a light shrug. "I try to be a good streaming pal to all of you, but that's a different kind of friend than the one you have to go to sleep with and wake up with without getting annoyed."

She hopped in game, jumping across the rooftops, only to miss and fall to her death. She burst into laughter at the ridiculousness of it.

"That feels like a sign. It's time for me to get out a little bit. I'll see all you lovely herdmates later, alright?" She waved at the screen and ended the stream. She was just turning away when she heard a knock at the door.

Sandra went to check it out, but nobody was there. She looked down to see a single letter laying on the floor, having been pushed under the doorway. Brow raised, she crouched down to snag it. "Who left you here?" She turned it about in her hands, looking for an address. She froze, seeing the name on the front: Sandra.

The letter itself was thickly folded paper. She opened it up and began to read:

My Dearest Filly,

It's been too long.

She backed up and closed the door gently, as if the world might notice if she reacted too strongly. When it was closed, and locked, she continued the letter.

I'm sure by this point you don't even remember me! I know it's been such a long time since we've last seen one another. Years of time, and yet, you were always in my heart. My sweet little filly, you must have grown so big by now.

Her eyes scanned across the words, taking them in with disbelief. She felt as if someone had punched her in the gut. Whoever had sent that letter knew her pretty well. Dearest filly? Only one person came to mind that called her that.

That's right! It's your big sis. I'm writing to let you know I'll be back in town soon. I can't wait to see you again. I'm sure you'll be thrilled.

"How did you even know where I was?!" she blurt out to nothing, as if the letter could answer her. Her heart sped up, hammering against her ribs as she read on.

I'm looking forward to meeting all your friends. I know how excited you'll be to see me! We'll have such a wonderful time together.

There, finally. There was a phone number. Sandra dialed it quickly into her cell. "Sis?" she asked when the phone picked up. It could have been anyone.

The voice on the other end laughed softly. "Sandra, don't you recognize your big sis anymore?"

She sighed in relief. "How on Earth did you find me? I've moved, twice. I didn't really send updates on the whole thing, and you just send a letter anyway."

"Friendship gift." She couldn't see it, but she could imagine her sister wriggling fingers. "So long as you're my friend, I know my messages will reach you. You learn any new gifts?"

Sandra leaned against the wall. "I'm a mage now."

"Oooh!" There were some noises she couldn't identify. "You have to tell me how that works! It sounds amazing. But first, since we're talking, give me your address so I can get over there the moment I touch down."

She laughed nervously. "I hope you'll like it here."

***

Just as Sandra promised, she was at the door to greet her sister the moment she arrived. They hugged each other tightly and exchanged all the pleasantries one would expect. Her sister looked Sandra over. "You've changed. Grown up a little. What have you been up to, little sister of mine?"

Sandra grinned and shrugged lightly. "Oh, just... living life. It's pretty great." She stepped back to gesture towards the place. "And this is home for me."

Her sister stepped in with a smile. Sandra took the chance to give her sister an exam. Unlike her own slender build, her sister was fuller, heavier, and a little taller, with a face framed by dark, curly locks. As the older sister, she always felt she had to take care of Sandra. She had a warm smile, though she had a tendency to push others around, whether they wanted her to or not.

It was always with the best intentions. As friends went, she was a good one. It was just that she had a way of stepping on toes, even with Sandra. She could already tell this was going to be an interesting stay for her, at the very least.

Sandra watched her sister look the place over. It was always the little things, putting her bag down without asking where, for one. "One thing, this place belongs to my boyfriend—"

"You have one of those?!" Her attention was fully on Sandra. "I demand every detail. Names, species, likes, dislikes. How much he likes you."

Sandra laughed and gestured down the hall. "Well, his name is Louis. Pony, loyalty. He's very kind and caring. I think he likes me a lot, and I like him right back. If you want to see what he looks like, just check my stream." She kept walking and led her sister into the living room.

Her sister chuckled softly. "Stream? You got fancier after I left. What aren't you telling Susan?"

Sandra pointed at the computer. "I'm a streamer, as one of my jobs. I play games, watch movies and otherwise hang out with Internet strangers. It's pretty fun. I have friends all over the world."

Susan whistled softly. "Sounds like some party. Maybe you can introduce me to a couple? Could use more people to spend my time off with."

Sandra gently pushed Susan. "You don't 'hang out' with them like that. I'm more of a celebrity to them. Inviting them to hang out with me, for real, or my sister, would be kinda strange."

Susan rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm not that scary. I bet they'll understand. So, what else is there to do around here?"

Sandra huffed out and shrugged gently. "I was thinking of heading out into the woods, dance with the wolves. I have some business unfinished with them."

Susan tensed. "By 'wolves' do you mean the sort that can become murder machines or somewhat surly people?"

Sandra patted her gently on the shoulder. "It's fine. I got this, sis."

"Sandy," she warned. "They're dangerous. There's a reason we don't talk about them like we're talking about the weather."

Sandra nodded quickly. "I know, I know." She danced back, then fell to her hooves as Raspberry. "I'm just being friendly with them. Sometimes that's all a thing needs, someone to talk to."

Susan stared at her. "...You know, you look pretty good as a pony." Her lips tugged in a smile.

Raspberry beamed. "Thanks! Louis said that too."

Susan laughed and reached out to stroke along that mane. "He got good taste." She paused, then asked. "You said he was a loyalty? Lucky. Last one I had wasn't so loyal." She frowned with the memory of it.

Raspberry tilted her head lightly to one side. "I thought you left your ex?"

Susan smiled awkwardly. "Yeah, that was part of the reason. Just... keep an eye on him."

Raspberry shook her head. "You said it yourself, he's a loyalty, and I knew him for ages before we tried being a couple. He's no playboy." She tapped a hoof on the ground. "Well? Come on, let your tail show."

Susan sighed, then transformed into a fluffy pony. She was a few inches taller than Raspberry, though a bit heavier. She had a dark brown coat, similar to her hair color, and a slightly curled, darker brown mane with a single white streak running through the middle. "Soft Smile, reporting for duty."

Raspberry nodded. "Alright! Let's go introduce you to my new friends!" She danced around Soft Smile. "You came for a little adventure, right? No? Well, too bad. Let's have fun!" She danced out the door and darted down the hall, leaving Soft to catch up.

She trotted in place impatiently, watching Soft Smile walk at her own pace, shaking herself off. "I wanted some company, but Louis is working. Lucky me, you're here to fill in that duty." She turned and reached the door, rising up to be Sandra anew. "Let's not go outside like that though. Don't need those questions."

Soft rolled her eyes. "You're the one who made me transform in the first place." She waited for Sandra to open the door. "You know, since I'm your big sister—" Sandra groaned at that. "I should get more say in what we do today." She became Susan anew. "So, let's have some fun. I've never been to this city before, so show me around. What's there to do?"

Sandra shrugged lightly. "Well, you could try a job." That got her a stern look. "Well, are you planning on visiting a little while, or am I getting a new roomie?" Susan avoided her gaze and gave no answer. Sandra sighed and shook her head. "Alright, you're staying here. You'll need something to pay your way. I'm not going to carry your weight."

Susan folded her arms. "Was that a joke? I know I'm a little heavy, but that was a low blow, sis." She looked away with an annoyed expression.

Sandra huffed and lightly nudged her arm. "You know I love you. Come on, let's just head out there and you'll see it for yourself." She led the way to her own car and soon was in the driver's seat with Susan beside her. "Welcome to my home away from home, also where I make deliveries for some extra cash whenever I need it. It's a handy lifehack."

Susan snorted at her phrasing. "Sounds like you've gotten a lot done since you left home." Her gaze wandered out the window. "So, what's this place about?" She gestured at the suburban neighborhood they were in. "Looks peaceful enough. What are you doing for fun?"

Sandra drove through the streets, peering at her sister. "I'm a gamer, remember? So I play games. I also hang out with friends sometimes. Today, I wanted to visit those wolves. So, seriously, coming with me or not?"

Susan tilted her head, thinking. "You don't need me over your shoulder, right? How about you introduce them to me later, when we're all free and collected. I'd love to meet your new friends, but it sounds like you want some time to talk."

Sandra swatted at her sister. "I think I can manage a 'Hey, here's my sister' in the discussion. It's just a hello. You wouldn't be in the way."

"I would." Susan shrugged. "Look, I know you got this. If you really want to introduce us right away, we'll do it. You're in charge for once!"

Sandra pulled into a parking lot and turned off her car, leaning back. "Huh." Had that been the first time she had gotten control? Rather than doubting it, she slid free of the car and waited for Susan before locking it up. "It's a good little trot from here. Last time, I even got some good gallops in." She beamed at her sister. "You're going to love it."

Susan followed after Sandra as she took off down the path. "I'm sure I will." Her tone had an edge of concern, but she didn't say anything further as they traveled through the forest. "So, where are these wolves? Have you met their leader yet?"

Sandra shrugged lightly. "We just ran into each other last time." She turned to Susan and smiled. "Think of it like a little adventure." She fell to being Raspberry. "May as well be clear they're meeting a pair of ponies."

Soft Smiled nodded and became such. "You're a very trusting filly. I'm proud of you." She nuzzled along Raspberry's neck, getting an annoyed squeal from her sister.

Raspberry hugged Soft a brief moment before trotting ahead. "Let's stretch out these legs. This trail is great for it, and if we go a little further, the wolves tend to hang out." She showed off with a few leaping bounds. "Come on! I know you got this in you."

Soft huffed as she caught up. "I'm not as, hmmph, used to running." As heavyset as a pony as she was as a human, she huffed to keep up with Raspberry. "You really love this forest, huh?"

Raspberry slowed to a walk, taking a calming breath. "It feels like it has a kind of magic to it, different from what the book talks about, but still there."

"Stop," came a new, but familiar, voice. The two ponies paused, glancing between each other.

"That's one of the wolves!" Raspberry explained in a whisper. "I think I met his pack last time I was here."

"Not one step further." A man emerged from behind a tree, his eyes sharp and cold. "You're on our lands, intruders. Turn back. We don't want to have to hurt you."

Raspberry took one more step. Soft Smiled reached out, but missed as her sister moved closer. "Hello. I met you all last time. We won't go past the marked trees, promise. We come in peace."

"Good." He stepped up, his eyes locked onto Soft Smile. "What is this, a pony convoy? You're making a lot of noise out here."

Soft nodded slowly. "Yeah, it's just me and my sis here." She shied back half a step. "If we're in the way..."

He waved her off. "We're out here for patrols, that's all. You're not in our way yet." His gaze lingered on them as he let out a brief whistle. Another man emerged from behind some trees.

Raspberry sat and waved a hoof at them both. "Nice to meet you two. I don't recognize either of you, but I guess it'd be more strange if I had met you all just that one time. I'm Raspberry, that's Soft Smile."

The newcomer, the man who responded to that whistle, tilted his head at the two ponies before him. "I see. Well, I'm sure you have your reasons to be here, though this is a strange way to meet people."

Raspberry inclined her head. "Going to their home and saying hi? Sounds pretty traditional to me. How else do you meet your neighbors?" She turned to face him, tilting her head side to side as she inspected him. "So, what're you doing today?"

"We're hunting," said the original wolf. "So please leave."

Raspberry pouted at that. "Don't brush us off so quickly. You don't mind a friendly face, do you?" She glanced up at Soft Smiled, who was looking between the two. "I promise I'm not here to make trouble for you. We just wanted to meet some wolves, and you're both pretty nice."

One of them laughed lightly. The other, who seemed more familiar with them both, looked at Raspberry with an almost wistful smile. "You are something special, aren't you?"

She shrugged lightly and gave a playful swish of her tail. "If it's special to want to be friendly, guilty." She raised a hoof to her chin. "Why don't you show your tails too?"

Soft Smiled reached over and nudged her sister. "Are you sure we should be asking that? It's not very polite."

Raspberry rolled her eyes. "It's fine. We already look like this."

"Your sister is smart. Besides, wolves don't talk. I would say ponies shouldn't either, but you've already proven that thought incorrect." That same wolf from before took a few steps closer. He reached down and ruffled Raspberry's mane lightly, then turned and vanished into the trees.

"Wait!" she called out after him. "I wasn't done yet."

Another of them snorted at her call. "He's continuing his patrol. He's like that." He stepped closer and kneeled down in front of Raspberry. "You really just want to be friends?"

She smiled at him, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Yep!"

He laughed and patted her head lightly. "If you were anyone else, I'd call you a fool for wanting that." Taking advantage of her relaxed pose, he ruffled her cheeks and stroked over her neck. "I never had the chance to look over a horse this close before."

Raspberry laughed softly. "It's nice, isn't it?"

Soft Smiled sighed softly. "Raspberry..."

The man nodded. "Yes, I agree with your friend there." He gave her one last pat before standing up straight again, looking to the path ahead. "You picked a bad day for this. I'd love to play, but we have business. Being late is not an option."

Raspberry waved at him. "Then go! Have fun!" She beamed at him. "I can't wait to see you again. I'm sure your friends will love it too."

The man glanced at his retreating companion, who gave him an unimpressed look. "See you next time." He fell to four wolven paws and darted off into the forest after the others. Soon, the two ponies were entirely alone.

Raspberry turned to Susan. "See, we're both fine. They're a little busy, which is a shame, but I don't feel bad at least getting to say hi."

Soft smiled slowly nodded along with her, looking off in the distance. "You really are lucky. What's next? Want to meet the vampires?"

Raspberry nudged her gently. "I'm not rushing to say hi to those." She shivered at the thought. "But the wolves are fun." She trotted past Soft, heading right back the way they had originally come. "I'm hoping, if I visit enough, they'll get used to me."

Soft smiled laughed softly. "They might, but you still need to keep your guard up, sis. For all you know, they could just be pretending to like you. It's easy to turn a pony into a meal for a whole pack."

Raspberry stuck out her tongue at that mental image. "They wouldn't! Oh, but that's a good idea. Next time, I'll bring some snacks for them. What do wolves like to eat?"

Soft smiled gave her an odd look. "Sis, you can't bribe them into liking you. If they accept you as friends, you don't need to bring food. In fact, if they do, you should invite them over and cook for them."

Raspberry paused to clop her hooves together. "Oh! That's a really good idea. Invite them for a little outdoor cooking? I bet they'd be down for that." She nudged Soft Smiled affectionately. "Alright, you can be in charge now. What's next?"

Soft Smile snorted softly. "I'm tired from that walk, and you know I need more calories when I change like that. I vote you show me where you like to get a bite to eat and we fill our human faces."

Raspberry tilted her head, ears perked. "Good point! I'm starving too. Let's go!" She took the lead towards her car, turning back every now and then to see her sister catching up. "You seem to be doing well," she called out.

Soft smiled gave a noncommittal shrug as she caught up. "I'll be glad to be back in the car." She rose up to be Susan as she reached for the handle, just to pause. "Right, unlock it first." She hopped in the moment she heard the lock click.

Sandra settled in behind the wheel and glanced over. "So... what're you hungry for? I have a few ideas, but thought you should choose."

Susan leaned back with a huff and closed her eyes. "Whatever you want is fine."

"You sure? That's a big gesture of trust." Sandra got her car humming and pulled free of the parking lot. "You've become more trusting of your little sis, huh? So, tell me what really happened, and what brought you here. It's obviously not just a random urge. Something wrong?"

Author's Note

Did you know she has a sister? But why is she here, exactly? Did 4k to make up for missing some updates last month, oops.

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24 - Gift Giving

The world had always been a strange and mysterious place to Sandra. From the very first moments she had become aware of her surroundings, there was the presence of magic, ever at the edge of the world, just waiting for the right moment to burst out and make itself known.

That she had become a pony, later, hardly served to diminish this feeling. With a swaying tail and erect ears, she eagerly embraced life for having even more obvious magic in it. This, too, passed when her sister, who had always seemed to be 'normal,' became a pony as well.

But that was fine. It was good to know she wasn't alone anymore. They had been two joyful ponies, trotting side by side through what life had for them. At least until they became 'Responsible Adults'. Then bills had to be paid, and dreams had to be reached for slower than either wanted to.

Sandra had lucked into her dream. Streaming games was the kind of thing she could do for years on end, with no sign of getting bored. Her only regret was that Susan wasn't quite able to do the same, and that they were a state apart. So, when she woke up the next morning, she hit the ground on eager hooves and trotted out into the living room. "Are you awake? Of course you are. You know where I keep my gaming system?" She paused, looking around her now empty house.

Her ears drooped, and she slumped down onto her haunches. "You didn't run off that quickly, did you?!" She rose back up and put her forehooves to her face, calling out as loud as she could. "Sis? Louis! Where are you two!"

A door creaked, then swung open as Susan peeked out, rubbing at her eyes. "Why are you so energetic this early in the morning? I swear you're an actual kid."

Raspberry darted over and beamed at Susan. "Because! It's a new day, with new chances for adventure!"

Susan rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Yep, kid." She offered her arms, and soon was holding up Raspberry as she made her way towards the kitchen. "I assume you slept well then, being as energetic as that."

Raspberry swished her tail lightly, swinging her hooves. "Oh, yeah. You?"

"Yep. I'll have to steal that bed at some point." She set Raspberry down on the kitchen table and settled into a seat herself. "It has no business being as comfy as it is. Now, serious talk, you two really don't mind me moping around? A new couple probably doesn't want a sister bringing down the mood."

Raspberry tilted her head in amusement. "Mope? You? I can't imagine it. Besides, sis, I got good news for you. I may have found a gig you might be interested in." She beamed.

Susan slowly rose a brow. "You did that fast?"

Raspberry waved a hoof dismissively. "Not me. Louis said he'd be willing to get you in on something. His place is looking for some people, and that hole may be Susan sized." She clapped her hooves together. "Wouldn't that be great?"

Susan's face was inscrutable, but after a few moments she gave a little nod. "Sure. Let him know I'm interested." Her tone was dull, but there was an edge of hope to it. "You little laughter." She reached out, ruffling Raspberry's mane. "Couldn't let me go a full day of a mope before you jumped right on that problem. I hate that, but I love it too. Thank you."

Raspberry laughed and nuzzled into the touch. "That's what we ponies do. We have fun and share our good mood with others." She beamed. "But I'll send the word over. Now! Magic!"

Susan blinked at that sharp turn in the conversation. "Magic? Well, we're both ponies."

"More magic." Raspberry got a coy smirk on her equine face. "Magic magic, outside of being a pony. Watch." She held up a hoof and spoke ancient words of terrible import. That hoof began to crackle with electricity and fire, dancing elements across her hoof.

Susan's eyes grew wide. She stared, her mouth hanging slightly open as she tried to take in what Raspberry was doing. "Huh." Her head tilted. "What? How?" She rolled her hands quickly over one another. "That isn't in the pony list of tricks, last I knew."

"It isn't," sang out Raspberry, letting the power fade. "But I learned it. It's human magic, and we're still two of those, on top of being ponies." She wriggled, looking extra cute with her hooves wagging in the air. "Isn't it great?"

Susan slowly shook her head, looking at Raspberry in disbelief. "How? Magic, that's not a thing, is it?" She leaned closer. "You just made fire and lightning appear from nowhere!"

Raspberry got a flat look, barely holding back snickers. "We're two magic ponies, Sis. You do not get to pull the 'but there's no such thing as magic' thing at me."

Susan stared at her sister, a long, slow stare that said 'I hate when you're right.'

Raspberry giggled and nuzzled into her. "I'm sure you'll come to love it as much as I do." She lifted an ear. "If you want? Um, you don't have to, and I got the idea it's pretty mind bendy. But hey, I was never scared of a little bent mind in the morning!"

Susan leaned back, rubbing her hands together. She considered it, but only for a few moments before giving in to a little laugh. "Well... I don't think you would put up with a con that didn't pay off, and a magic trick would take some serious prep." She let out a slow breath. "But let's tackle one thing at a time. See if there's really a job, and if I can get it. We get that settled, then maybe magic time?"

Raspberry laughed and nodded along. "Okay! Fair deal. That's what we'll do, then." Her ears perked, then she hopped off the table. "There we go!" She hit the ground on human feet, shoe-clad. "For today, I want you to have fun. So, want to stream with me?"

Sandra did a twirl towards the computer room. "We can play games, chat with my fans, and just waste a day away." She paused to glance towards Susan's room. "But first, we should clean up."

Susan nodded slowly, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Yeah, probably should. But let's make it snappy."

They moved together to clean up from the evening's rest. Soon, Sandra found herself sitting before her streaming setup, her camera pointed at them both. "Today will be a naked stream."

Susan blinked at that phrasing. "I'm a bit overdressed for that, and I don't want to be naked for your fans."

Sandra elbowed her sister. "Not that kind. I mean I won't be running any avatars. They'll see us, as us." She gestured Susan towards the second chair and got her settled into it. "Ready for some fun?"

Susan laughed lightly. "Sure. Let's do this. You know how to make a show, so I'll leave it in your capable hands."

"Hey, my herd-mates!" Sandra waved at the camera, than wrapped an arm around Susan. "I got my sister with me today, and we're going to both be playing games with you all today!"

The camera was able to catch the slight roll of eyes from Susan. "You sure you want both of us? I'm not a star like you are."

Sandra shook her head. "It'll be great!" She grabbed two controllers, pressing one into Susan's grip. "Now what kind of game shall we start with, hm? Something cozy? Maybe something adventurous?"

"Uh, how about something light?" Susan waved her controller. "Not sure if I'm up for too much today. You know, it's been a while since I had fun." Her tone softened.

"Cozy it is!" She pressed some buttons, conjuring a game on the screen. "Let's go retire to the countryside, start a farm, and then romance the heck out of every single walking person in this town."

Susan gawked at her. "That's what the game is?"

Sandra laughed at Susan's shock. "It is. We get a whole little world to play with." She settled back, glancing at her sister. "Never played a farm cozy game? I swear, they all follow the same basic formula."

On the second screen, her chat eagerly talked about the glories of the cozy farming genre. "We're going to build a farm, grow some produce, and have fun with everyone in the village. What could go wrong?" Sandra got the game started. "So, my name here will be Rasp, and sis, what should I name your character?"

But Susan was already busily entering a name with her gamepad. "I got this."

A moment later, their characters appeared on screen. "Let's see, there I am. I look like me. And there's you..." She tilted her head at her sister's avatar.

It was a buff, hulking man with a shirt that showed his abs. "Sis, that's an interesting take."

Susan smirked, barely holding back a laugh. "If I'm going to be staring at someone for a while, why not some eye candy?" Her avatar struck a pose.

"Well, you're not wrong," laughed Sandra. "But let's set our farm up and see where it goes from there." They quickly chose a plot of land to begin on, then moved their avatars into a home. A minute turned into an hour quickly with the chat eagerly offering ideas and advice to the two of them as they performed their agricultural adventure. "And now we have... a crop."

"Nice." Susan leaned over, nudging her sister lightly. "I think I like this game."

Sandra beamed. "Then that's what I'll play, because it makes me happy to make others happy." That got a new flood of heart emojis from her fans. "Aw, you guys."

They only stopped because it was about lunch time. "Let your mare get her snacks, okay?" She waved at her camera. "Be back later!" She rose up to head for the door.

Susan followed after her. "I'm surprised how nice it is. It feels so personal."

Sandra laughed softly. "My fans love it." She stepped into her kitchen and went about making them some quick bites. "Why they're usually happy to play some cozy games with me. A chance to have fun, chat, and just hang out." She took a breath, thinking about it. "For some of them, I'm their only real chance to just do that, hang out with someone without expectations, who'll tell them little funny things and not bring the mood down."

Susan took one of the sandwiches offered to her. "Huh. You really do know your fans, don't you?" She munched away at the morsel with a light smile on her face. "Being a streamer really is your kind of thing. I love that you made your pony self fit into your human life so seamlessly like that. Jealous a little." She gave Sandra a little nudge. "You make me want to chase my dreams harder."

Sandra snickered softly at that and nudged her right back. "Sis? I'll be right there with you. If you want some help, you just have to point me in the direction. I got a lot of luck in my life, and I don't mind sharing it with my sister." She munched on her sandwich, then gave Susan a little wink.

"Thanks," murmured Susan, holding the word close as she ate. "Seriously, all good luck?"

"Well, mostly." Sandra turned her thoughts to her recent escapades. "A lot of good and bad luck all mixed together, but came out good in the end?"

Susan nodded slowly. "That makes more sense than just luck. There's always some bad, just how much bad."

"Mostly good, though." Sandra set her plate down and considered the meal. "Met some new wonderful people, got scared away from them, ran into my sister suddenly." She hugged Susan with that part. "And some waggy-tailed dogs! Nope, happy enough being alive."

Susan laughed and leaned in. "Oh yeah? Waggy tailed dogs?"

Sandra scoffed, shaking her head lightly at that. "It was adorable. Two wolfy boys, one of which kept playing with me. You met them, but don't call them dogs. That will probably annoy them, a lot, and I hear annoying them is a bad idea. They are proud wolves."

"A couple of wolves, huh?" Susan shrugged lightly. "Sounds like you're living dangerously."

"It's just life for us." Sandra smirked at her sister. "We're the kinds who can do things like be a magic pony if we feel like it." She reached up and rubbed at an ear. "I heard, just heard, that some ponies can change bits of themselves, instead of just all pony or all human. Can you imagine that?"

"I can." She grabbed at her tail, which swished into being as she did so.

Sandra's eyes lit up and she bounced in place. "Oh, oh! So good to see!" She did not hesitate to grab her sister's tail. "Look at it! When did you learn that trick?! Is it a gift?" She narrowed her eyes with a growing grin. "A gift you can teach me?"

Susan squeaked, then pouted lightly, trying to hide the blush on her face. "Y-yeah, I learned it recently. Just a little thing." She wiggled gently in her sister's hold. "Get your hands off my butt, you."

Sandra let go to laugh at the ceiling. "You're so cute, sister! I love you." She wiped a tear from her eyes. "Okay, okay. Show me." She hand out a hand towards Susan. "It's been a while since I got a gift. It's nice to go back to pony roots."

Susan's lips quirked upwards in amusement. "Huh. I guess so, yeah." She held out her own hands. "Well... close your eyes, and reach out."

Sandra closed her eyes, putting her hands firmly in Susan's grip.

Author's Note

Sisters come with even more advantages when they're also a magic pony.

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