Sunlight tapped my eyelids, pulling me away from blissful unawareness. The summer breeze carried many savoring odors from the nearby and faraway trees. Grass blades danced like waves, and so did the leaves. As the breeze stilled, the odor changed to that of critters and food. While stretching up, my tail reached for the water bottle I had left just about Picky's basket, and not much to my surprise, it was missing. That prompted me to stop mid-stretch and sit down to scan ahead.

The basket once full of fruits is now nearly empty, Picky slept right next to the basket, full of empty bags, banana peels, and other miscellaneous fruit I didn't care to give more than a glance over.

A little to the side Dogday was drawing something with Crafty giving him pointers. Two juice boxes sat close in between, strawberry and orange, also an empty plastic plate, and another one with fancy ornaments. I'll ask what Dogday drew later.

Bubba and Bobby were with the notebooks out, if it were for me to guess, Bobby didn't do her history homework. And neither did I, why would I need to know about critters that are already dead?

...

Maybe I should ask Bubba to help me with my homework later.

Bubba had a transparent plastic water bottle and a lunch book with a chocolate bar and some other candy. Bobby had the standard apple juice with her and a few grapes.

Finally, the culprit. Hoppy was arm wrestling against Kicken with an empty dark bottle next to her and a smashed soda can. Kicken didn't bring anything; he said he was already cool. Maybe it's because of that he is losing badly.

"Haa."

Guess I'll just be dry and depressed then.

...

Who am I kidding? It's too nice of a day to be sad. A nice day filled with nice friends, all happy playing and joking around.

"Catnap!", Following his shout, Picky woke up and every critter looked startled. Is there a wild animal near me again? Where? When I turned around Bobby A few inches away from my face, everycritter was also approaching.

Bobby gently grabbed my paw together with two of hers, "Are you okay? Does something hurt?" Wha?

Hoppy looked to the side and Kicken put a wing over my shoulder, "You can tell us anything, okay?"

Dogday stood beside Bobby, his eyes focused on mine. "What happened? Did something bad happen?" I hastily shook my head.

"Then, is it because we aren't sharing food?" She spoke rubbing a hoof against one of her eyes.

"Or do you feel left out?" (Bubba.)

I shook my head once more. The gentle breeze whistled again, "Then why are you crying, Catnap?"

Because I'm...

"Oi, Catnap?" My head hurts. Any attempt to get up was an arduous task, limbs stiff and eyelids heavier than any weight, yet that was a familiar feeling, one that I learned to push through - certainly not thanks to an orange dog - and with a small grunt of effort I made myself sit up and open my eyes, meeting Lucy's yellow eyes at the other side of the bed. Why is there a girl on my bed?

Oh, right. I'm sharing a bed with them, stupid.

I greeted her with a weak paw-wave as it was too early to talk. "You were sniffling." I raised an eyebrow then slowly reached and rubbed the spot under my eyes and sure enough they were moist. My nose also feels a bit runny, did I wake up with allergies? They usually don't happen while asleep though. I wiped my eyes and let a yawn escape my mouth, my stomach grumbled after that. I turn my head a few times until I found the door, my tail reaches for the knob and pulls.

"Is it because of your sickness?"

That sounds... Uncomfortably close. I turned around and sure enough, Lucy was inches away from my face, surely she takes personal space as a suggestion - her amber eyes are pretty though. "Well, you should tell Jet in case something happens." I shook my head. Nothing will happen, I will make sure of it.

Lucy snorted, grabbed both of my paws and- wait, waitwaitwait- oof. I thought this type of situation only happened in comic books. Lucy had just slammed me against the mattress, standing on top of me, squeezing my wrists hard, and a scowl glued on her face. "Nitwit, Jet is your friend. She should know of whatever illness you have!" I nod as fast as I can if only to get out of this awkward position. "My point is, if you don't tell her by the end of the day, I will." B-but- "Understood?" She'll get worried! I don't want to see her like yesterday...

Y-you shouldn't hide something important like that from your friends.

I nodded. Lucy smiled and got off me. "It's better to have a doctor look at you sooner than later." Much that would help. Short of making my body stronger or ripping my soul out, there is no cure. Lucy hopped out of bed and went to the door, taking a brief glance back before gently closing it.

Today is going to be a weird day, isn't it?

The second circuit is definitely impossible to finish in a single day—it'd take years if it weren't for these memories. However, finishing it within this week is possible. Three days if I get my paws on demon blood and poison joke, maybe a petal or two of white roses then...

Hnngh... This won't work! Those materials are rare and even then, if I make it good enough on the first attempt, it would take a whole day of fermentation and a few hours of sunlight to get it just right! I don't even know how much time I have! I should at least recall how to do the second circuit first and try to make some progress.

But I need to help them too, I told Jet I would, how will I find enough time to set the second circuit this way?! I-I need more time, but-

Ow! I slowly drew my paws out of my face, the tip of my claws unsheated and red.

...

I take a deep breath and recall the memories, I need to make some progress today, even if it is just recalling how to do something.

The second circuit should cover the body, have the main layer be the first mixed with the second. Start by creating the circuit around the skin, then flesh, bones, veins, and organs, a final review then connect it to the first circuit. Then hope it works.

With the memories of somepony who already made it through one, should make this affair easier. Should. I'll start late this evening, remembering the specifics and how Life should act to create these circuits.

Time for breakfast then, I hop out of bed and open the door, take the stairs, and meet the cloud with the pegasi herself still in there.

There I can see Lucy eating her cereal. It expires today, doesn't it? So, we can eat it until eleven fifty-nine. I take my own box and sit on the table since somecritter took the chair who knows where.

"Aaah!"

~Thud~

~MeeeeeeOWW!~

I think I knew where the chairs went.

I looked at Lucy and she looked back at me, slowly putting cereal in her mouth. Is this a normal occurrence? She sighed and got off the table "Youch. I knew this wasn't a good idea."

Then, a breeze blew inside the house.

"What's happening?! We're under attack!! To starboard!" Jet looked frantically from each side, a nightcap made out of clouds resting on her head. "Catnap—Catnap?" Her gaze traveled back and forth from Lucy to me until she sighed relieved, "Who made that noise?"

Lucy glared at me. I hopped out of the table and waved a paw for Jet to come, Lucy followed behind. And when I opened the cracked wooden door... Called it.

The chairs have fallen and are now property of the overgrown lawn, who knows what type of monsters lie within...

Also, Leo sat on the ground licking a bruise on his arm while Gus cackled, "You told me it was cool!" he muttered between licks.

"No- pfft, I told you it was dangerous." Gus stifled a wheeze, "Leo- For the love of Celestia, you're going to kill me one of these days." Lucy sighed, Jet shrugged and struggled to muffle a yawn.

"But dangerous is synu- synomy- syno-"

"Synonym."

"That! Synonym of cool- Wawawa," Leo jumped backward, "Who are you?" His eye locked on a brown tabby, wearing a beige trouser and a black beret carrying a bunch of journals under her arm, both her eyes were sky blue and her ears were slightly small but round, and her whiskers were short but enchantin- Ahem. I move towards Leo.

She had a smug grin, transmitting both pride and arrogance, "My name is Venator, and I am the grrrreatest hunter of hidden topics, news, and... Mysteries! Also a proud worker of Fillydelphia's branch of Horse News!" Very creative name.

"Oh, I heard of those." Jet chimed in, and Venator's smile widened, "How much?"

She stepped onto our unkept lawn, "A bit."

Jet floated down to meet the tabby's eye, "Isn't that a bit much?" Did she just...

Venator opened her mouth then closed, her eyes narrowed as she tried to figure out whether Jet was joking and paying her the bit or she was actually questioning the price, the newscat coughed, "High-quality production demands as much, and there is no journal with more quality than those I work with!" Her tail swung side from side as she stepped closer to Jet until she was two paws short of her muzzle, I swear, is personal space a foreign thing around here? "And our journals are top, not even nobles can pass it."

The pegasi rubbed her chin then pulled a bag from under her wing, "No..." Then put it back and grabbed another one, "Not this one either..." Then finally, she grabbed a tiny little bag, opened it with her teeth, and shook out two silver coins, "There." Venator took it and handed the journal. Jet took it and threw it at Lucy, who took a small scare and scrambled with the journal, it nearly fell into our fake jungle.

"Thank you." She offered a paw that Jet gladly shook. Both of them met eyes, and - and there it is! Just like she did with Gus they somehow traded a small talk with each other with only stares! How does Jet do this?

Venator adjusted her beret and left, by the time she was on the sidewalk, Gus perked up, "Wait!" Venator turned around, [75] "Do you know any place needing new hires? With no experience, preferably."

The tabby crossed her arms and tapped her feet on the ground a few times, "Hm, the local mail is on short 'hooves', desperate even. The boss is a bit of a jerk, but his current business isn't favorable." She then looked at both sides, whispering the last words. "There's also an opening restaurant in a more 'uncivilized' part of town."

Gus nodded, "Thank you." Venator and went on her way.

Jet trotted to Lucy, her wing stretched, and brought her in, "So, can you read?"

"Y-yeah, absolutely!" Her grip on the journal tightened, Jet nodded and trotted towards Leo.

"So, how's your eye?" Leo sighed and lifted his eyepatch, a small scar, and a completely white iris. I did that to him. With my own claws...

And you enjoyed it.

Ow!

"You're doing it again." I moved my paws away from my face. Jet had to smack me to bring me out of it... Calm, stay calm. "So, Leo. Doc's appointment is in about five minutes, hop on!"

"F-five minutes!?" Leo quickly tried to wiggle up to Jet's back, nearly falling in the process which Jet a small giggle.

"Hold tight! We're going at full speed!" Leo raises an eyebrow and- they're gone, leaving only their fading outlines. Poor Leo.

"So," Ah! Gus, don't sneak up on me- "I was thinking of getting a job on the mail." A job- a job! If I make enough money then I should be able to pay Jet later for that appointment, you're a genius, Gus!

It won't be enough to make up for an eye but it will surely help! "I'm going to see if I can get a job in the mail too!" Every critter looks at me, but I will not waste any more daylight. I need to get a job then- Oh wait, where's the mail? Eh, I'll just ask for directions.

Catnap seems to have a tiny little problem with directions, that's toward the commercial district.

Eh, he'll find his way. "Gus, you can read, right?"

"Yes." I handed the journal to Gus.

"Thank goodness."

Gus flipped through the journal, his eyes quickly darting left to right and then, in no less than a few seconds he closes the journal, that's a mighty acceptable reading speed. "Alright," Gus hands the journal back to me, "Elections in four days, seven ponies disappeared yesterday, today's weather is a heavy downpour, and famous comedian Laughing Stocks made a racist joke on fellians. So, just the usual."

"Mind me inquire what were both of you doing with the stools?" It does make a ruckus in my head to think what they were doing."

"Oh, that. Leo wanted to clean the window." Gus, you...

My paw gently grasped on his shoulder, "L-Lucy?!"

"Is being bloody stupid your specialty today?" I gently increased my grip strength, "Why in the bloody Tartarus have you not told Leo to take the stairs, nitwit?!"

"Maybe we should calm down a little-"

"Calm down? Something bad could have happened!" I release Gus and look back at the window, "Come, we're cleaning it. And you better convince me not to make you sleep on the ground tonight."

The streets were bursting with noise and movement, every meter square had at least five ponies. Only ponies. Many stores, street vendors selling food, keeps, grilled sandwiches, and even somepony frying apples on a stick, the congregation of the many scents was a mess, but a mess that smelled good - a good contrast from the bland and sometimes tricky smell the concrete naturally has. The beans on my feet scraping against concrete and even crunching the occasional dropped chip or soda bottle.

It's the wave of commerce, of ponies that I need to surf until I find a store to take a breath and find information, "Ouch!"[0.5] My feet are hastily lifted into the air, down a cracked bottle, beer bottle laid with new red paint. That short halt led to a pony to push me, I stumbled but kept on my feet.

Then another, and another, and...

I fell. Hooves cared little if they stepped on stone or me.

And it hurt a lot. I tried to scramble to my feet- "Kack!" only to receive a good stomp on the stomach, a bit of red smoke leaking from my stolen breath.

Take them down. We have the means

No, don't think about it Catnap! It's wrong- But hooves are pretty hard. I curled into a ball while many stepped over me.

...

Stomp after stomp the pain just doesn't lessen, I don't want to hurt them!

But is there another way? I take a deep breath and protect my belly as much as I can, then-

An orange glow pulled me back up, a voice soothing as a campfire on a cold camping night, "Be more careful next time," her telekinetic grip gently nudged me forward before disappearing in the pony wave. I don't know who she is but I will remember that orange unicorn with a fire-looking mane. I gulped back down the gas and kept walking, the few bruises on my body from trampling were hurt but were negligible compared to wounds I remember taking... And the stinging pain from my feet. Can't stop.

After a few steps, I spotted an alley to the side, thanks to 06. I went in.

The ground on the alleyway was dirtier than the sidewalk, the ground had some sort of liquid grime and it smelled of rotten- Hngh- O-oh 06-!

~Gulp~

Breathing with my mouth was a terrible idea. Geez, even back home there was only the casual-filled dumpster left in the alleys, but it didn't smell like rotting corpses! Just get used to the smell and all will be fine... Yeah, I can do that. I'm best friends with a dog and dogs smell a lot! It'll be easy!

I hopped close to a dumpster, closed the lid, and sat on it then I brought my hurt feet up, the bean was wet and covered with a thin layer of... Whatever grey substance this is, the only part that isn't is the few droplets of blood sipping through my tissues, I grit my teeth and put some pressure against it with my paw.

My eyes shut tight as my teeth clash, don't be a crybaby Catnap! I've been through worse... Like being hit with a baseball bat, or, having my soul severed by a fifth layer technique- No, that didn't happen to me...

...

Good things, good things! Summer with friends, fun games, and tasty snacks-! I let my paw go from my teeth and exhale another puff of red smoke. Heck, beans shouldn't be so sensible.

Okay, calm, calm. I pushed my paw back onto my cut feet and felt my eyes try to shut, I kept them open this time. Just... Get used to this. Calm, okay. I'm fine.

"Phew." I hope I don't get an infection from this. If only Bobby or Crafty were here. Or Dogday, or everycritter...

E-enough of that! I opened my eyes and glared at trash on the ground Bubba would've picked up and... and...

I shook my head and looked at a black door near two big dumpsters, even if disgusting Hoppy would have no problem hiding inside one...

W-why is it so painful?! There was no way for me to know this would happen, Jet already said it! So. Get. It. On. Your. Head!

I looked elsewhere and- there, an empty dirty mattress hidden by a few dumpsters and trash cans, together with a grimy blanket and an equally dirty pillow with a few white blotches, a tin can had fallen over spilling some silver bits..? Why-

~Crash!~

I immediately turned around and- Oh thank 06, it's just a dog digging through an... a- I forced my eyes close and gulped down any bile that came up, my paw left my feet and I hopped out of the dumpster, pain shot through all my body, but I don't care. I need to get away!

"Wh- Hey!"

Out of the way ponies!

"Watch it!"

Somewhere has to be safe- Anywhere!

I opened one door and further pushed away any pony that stood in my way, until a hoof reached onto my shoulder and pulled me. Suddenly the smell, the yells, everything became clear. Coffee and pastries, and a line. I had just pushed somepony out of the waiting line. Disapproving looks and quiet commentaries rained down.

"Did you see that?"

"Poor kitty cat must be hungry."

"Tsk, tsk. If even I have to wait in line, so should he."

"I absolutely cannot imagine myself without my favorite croissant. I'd probably do the same."

"Hmph! As expected of the working class to do such heinous acts!"

"Full Pockets, remind us why someone so prestigious is among us again?"

Then finally, the mare who had a grip on my shoulder turned me around, it was a green pegasus with a gentle smile on her face, "To the back of the lineeeeeeeeeeEEEE- What's wrong with your eyes?!"

I-I'm sorry! I just need somewhere quiet. I pushed his hoof aside and darted forward to the cashier, out of the line this time.

"H-hum- S-sir-"

I whispered "Bathroom?"

The cashier took a step back and then looked to my right, "I-it's to the right- I-I mean your-" I turned around and walked to the bathroom, however, a few steps in I felt somepony tug my tail, and the sound of magic.

"Even if your working-class poni- er, fellian lack a sense of righteousness, you still should apologize," I'm being stared at again. "It's the least you can do to everypony here!" Yes, he's right. But why is he talking like- "Then maybe I won't call the cops." There it is. How many nobles have I heard talking like that? "Come on now, get on your knees." He waved his hoof dismissingly.

"Chill out, colt. He's juust a little guy, no need to get aaall worked up." A raspy, low voice came from one of the ponies I pushed.

"Yeah, he was a bit of a jerk, but a sorry is enough! Let the fellian go, Pocket's." A yellow unicorn spoke up from her chair, her hair the same color as the bread crumbles at the side of her mouth, she had an equally yellow cap worn backward.

Another spoke up from the line, "While he was a tad uncouth, throwing him at the slammer is deeply unnecessary."

Another spoke up from the corner of the store, a unicorn with a comic book stuffed on his muzzle "While kit-cats are a bit mischievous, that has never gotten anypony in jail, has it?"

Then a small blue colt with a black mane tapped the snob leg. "Mister, if you keep saying bad stuff to other ponies you'll never have friends!"

The noble slug slammed his hoof at the ground and huffed, the colt waddled away with a whimper. "Oooh? And what are you working class ponies going to do about it?!" Silence. That's enough. "That's what I thought-" I puffed out a small cloud of dream gas, and he fell asleep surprisingly easily. Not that I expected a noble to be able to resist it anyway. The many ponies stared at me wide-eyed, some even slowly made their way to the exit.

I took in a deep breath, "I'm sorry." And as soon as their dread came it went away. Everypony suddenly looked at me weirdly, except the yellow unicorn who was a tone redder. "He'll wake up later." I turned away and went to the bathroom.

I flicked the lightswitch, opened the lid and-

"Bleehrg!"

Fall on my knees.

Are you okay Catnap?

That pony w-was a jigsaw puzzle, his hooves, legs, horn... His eyes were out of his head and-and his bones- Eugh-

"Cough-"

Who would do something like that to another pony- what type of monster would even attempt something like-

But arcanists aren't around anymore..?

"Uhm- A-are you okay in there?"

J-Jet will know what to do, right? She always knows what to do! She has to...

The click of the door and the turn on the knob went slightly forward, "S-sir, if you are fine enough t-to walk I need you out, w-we're closing soon."

How long have I been in there?

Hngh, doesn't matter. I close the lid, flush the toilet and as I am no animal, wash my paws and face. When I looked back up, the mirror reflected me. I'm fine. As long as I am still me, it will be fine.

I opened the door and was met with an empty bakery, many round red tables and chairs were left disorganized, so it shouldn't have been that long that they all left.

Outside was... Raining? But it was a sunny day, free of clouds even!

"H-hey." The cashier, a red unicorn mare with a purple, short spiky mane trotted forward with a small teacup in his telekinetic grip. "S-since you've been so long in the bathroom, I-I thought of making some licorice tea. It's good for the stomach."

I shouldn't take things from strangers but... She feels honest. I do remember a hoofful- pawful of ponies like her, working on the fields or in the guilds. They were good drinking buddies and always did honest work for Equestria.

Plus, maybe the rain gets weaker once I'm done with the tea, and maybe I will be able to forget... That.

"Achoo~"

It didn't get weaker. On the good side, my feet doesn't sting as much.

And on the forever growing bad side, I'm now stuck covered in towels while being dried out by a very old mane dryer, so old there was a family of spiders in there "What were you thinking!?" Okay, maybe going for a run in the rain wasn't a good idea. "Didn't'ya see how strong the rain is?!" Jet pulled all the towels away and replaced them with blankets just as fast. But kept using the mane dryer "If ya get seriously sick after this I swear..." But talking about sick, I lift my feet and Jet raises an eyebrow before growing, "Of course!" In a flash her figure flicks and there she was holding a roll of bandages, the moment she began to roll my feet were ticklish, and I had to fight a chuckle once she finished. "This was sum unicorn magicked badges, they don't have those around your world, do they?" I shook my head... My world. This whole situation reminds me of that time we went for a run to Picky's house in the middle of the rain.

It was a nice impromptu sleepover that got everycritter involved got into trouble. I wonder if I can manage to go back before the end of the weekend.

From the sound coming upstairs, the three of them should be doing some cleaning there and oh critters, are they good at it - the floor, kitchen, even the roaches are shining spotless.

"So, how's Leo?"

"He's fine, doc said by the end of the week his peeper should be good." Peeper? Never heard that one. But that's a relief that Leo's getting better.

Now, "How much was the appointment?"

Jet raised an eyebrow then turned off the mane dryer. "Catnap, I heard ya went for a gig in the mail, is that right?" I nodded. Her ears dropped- is she sad? Why is she- "Ya know, peeps your age should be running 'round and having fun, eating dirt..." She coughed, "I let ya help Gus and the rest because I know it wouldn't take that long to tidy up this place, that ya would end up having some fun while at it." But I can do so much more here!

I could help pay you for Leo's treatment which is my fault, and then with enough money I could hire some critters to help me look for the almanac, that's how money works right? Of course it is!

It used to work like that in the past with the Explorer guild, why wouldn't it now?

Jet sighed, "Do ya remember the last day you genuinely had fun? Had some foal argument over something stupid? Or had simply been happy for the sake of being?" I... Don't. I shook my head. "Thought so." Her eyes suddenly narrow, the air briefly becomes sharper, "and Catnap, mail is dangerous business, at least, every year five to ten deaths come from mail ponies."

This sensation won't stop me, I want to help! "I can't in good consciousness let ya work there." I need to help. Else I'm just an aberration.

"I will do it."

"Ya won't!" Jet wings fully spread wide, "It's too dangerous." She stared down at me and I kept an even glare. Her wings slowly folded back as she instead looked at the door. Her snout scrunched back and she took a deep breath through her nostrils before exhaling, rubbing her hooves, "Fine... But only three- no, two days top! And no more foal labor after that." That won't be enough to do anything!

"Fiv-"*

"Cough- cough!"

Worst "Cough-!" timing. Well Lucy, there you have it!

It was so hard to breathe- "Catnap!" All I could make was some gagging sounds, Jet flew above the sofa and picked me up with her before giving me one uncomfortable hug.

"Kack-!" And then a huge amount of blood flew from my mouth, I quickly breathed in, the air raspy passing through my windpipe. Jet put me back on the couch.

"I'll call a doc over so wait-" Nonono!

"No, wait Jet!" Jet was at the door- Curse her superpony speed! "It's an arcane issue- normal medicine won't work-"

"Then explain it to me!" A sudden appearance right to my face was expected. What wasn't was her snout pressing against my nose. "And ya better explain it right!" Her hoof poked my chest. My tail stretched and with a tug- "Eeep!" She is on the couch.

"This is happening because the soul is too big for the body so-"

"Soul?" Jet ears perked up, "Ain't that the thing that makes us, well, us?"

"In a way, the soul serves as the blueprint for the body, once you are an adult it kind of becomes useless, but that's besides-"

"I thought that it was our consciousness or something." Jet! "Right, sorry."

"The soul does make the consciousness, but that's it. Anyhoo, the soul is essentially a smaller version of you made out of Life," I raised a paw to stop Jet's soon-to-be question, "Life is a different type of magic that comes from within everything alive." Jet kept her hoof raised, "Hm?"

"Why the soul being too big is a problem?" Oh right, forgot about that, "Like, having a big soul isn't a good thing?"

"Think of it, like, uhm. Okay, imagine this: You're in an endless desert, however, you have a magical cup that fills up every day to the brim, which, let's assume, is just enough water for you to live another day, following?" Jet nodded, "Now, let's say, out of nowhere that magical cup fills with way more water than usual, which would be fine if the water didn't come in all at once within the empty compartment of the cup. Instantaneously."

"It would burst..."* Jet's eyes widened, "Ya'll be fine... Right?"

"Yes." My mouth feels dry but I still need to tell her something else. "Jet," that unfortunate pony, "when I went to look for the mail I-" had seen something terrible.

...

"I saw a pony in pieces."

The pegasi raised an eyebrow, "In... Pieces?" Then her eyes slowly widened and her eyes shrank.

"In a trash can, pieces." Hooves cut with stems of bones pocking out, eyeball popping rolling out of the skull and the intestines... All in pieces. Dreams, a life. In pieces. Left in the trash, like an old toy- Jet pulled me in a hug.

"Do ya remember where?"

I shook my head, but that nice pony comes to mind. Then that cashier working in the bakery..! "There was a bakery nearby."

Jet let go, "Can ya tell me where you went from here?"

"I walked a straight right."

The pegasi smiled, slowly letting go of the hug. "Okay. I'll be out for sum'time. Go help them clean up meanwhile." She pat my head.

~Tud~

"Owwie!"

"It sounds like they need it."

The door closed behind me, leaving the safety of a home away. The winds roared and lightning struck true, rain as thick as arrows. On days like these, we had to keep working so the ship didn't fall apart.

I hope Celaeno is fine sailing 'cross the clouds.

My wings flex and after a quick warmup, I blast to the skies, unbothered by wind or rain. An elementary spell that could've saved tens of ponies, keeps me even more impervious from unsavory weather than my natural magic already does, but whew, the weather ponies went all out on this one.

Nice 'ta keep my head out of a foal attempting foal labor. Him lookin' more mature than other fellians isn't an excuse. He shouldn't work but I can't do shit to help him either... The grown-up knows less than the pipsqueak, how novel.

"Buck that, I don't know a thing."

"There's a bakery." I stopped my momentum and looked back, many alleyways everywhere.

As much as ponies are blind, we wouldn't close an eye for a corpse on the streets, "So many alleyways..." My eyes narrowed as the sound of the rain slowly faded from my mind, the wind that my wings fought against became meanless as I drew in a breath and flapped my wings.

Going fast was never a question of talent or effort, it's of focus. Most pegasi already fly enough to have enough muscle to go as fast as me, but since our magic works as an ally and as an enemy at the same time, as this speed would tear the fragile Veta veins, in our wings - something that would make us incapable of flight. With enough focus, that subconscious barrier can be brought down.

Going fast never was a question of talent or effort, but continuous flying fast? Now that is something that talent and effort apply.

See, mom and dad? I'm a few hooves closer to meet you again.

I'll become a proud hero who never leaves her friends behind, my past will be no more than summer rain after I become a Cloudmaster!

My wings shot open and the sudden reduction of speed nearly beat the air out of me, and it would've if I wasn't used to it. I took a glance backward before gliding down to the ground. A few alleyways from the bakery, in between a restaurant and an ice cream shop, larvae coming out of the eyes, and bits of flesh missing from each detached limb. It would've been so easy to notice if they had just taken the trash out today, or simply taken a smoke break, as this place...

This place smells. "Like the ol'cells." Nostalgic, yet irritating. "Not even hidden, they just don't care." A villain is on the loose, free to kill any unfortunate innocent pony with an overworked police force.

My hooves were tingling, "How many ponies ended like this?!" I'll catch this villain, and make whatever did this pay. I reared back and gave a good buck at a trash can, imagining it was whoever did this. "Tartarus." After I help Catnap I'll need to keep a lookout around this city.

Is it even worth going to the police department? They'll just file the report and forget 'bout it and leave it here to rot. This can't have been the first case the villain simply left a body in an accessible place, no.

At least I don't suppose so. Where was that Venator fellian said she worked now? Hoarse Shews? No, Horse... Horse news. Right. I'll see If I can find her before going back.

I begin to take flight but not before taking a good look at the head, writhing with vermin. "I'll find who did this to you." Eventually. Last thing we need is an evil spirit coming out. I flap my wings and prepare to leave, but something comes to mind, "Wait- Right! That should cheer him a bit! Kits love those things." I'll look for some convenience store on the way back...

"I got this!" Leo blurted.

"No, you unquestionably do not!" Lucy retorted.

The ginger cat was trying to reach a spot at the far left of the room, standing on one-foot tip-toes on top of a four-legged ladder. I doubt even Kickin' would have this courage, and neither Hoppy would be this brash, after all, both still have a self-preservation instinct.

"You got this!" Gus cheered, Lucy glared at him and her claws came out "Just step back and get down!" Not so valiant?

"Hmph." She crossed her arms and looked away.

All our eyes went wide as Leo nearly lost balance, "Phew, keep holding that ladder tight Catnap!" On it! Well, just for insurance my tail inched closer to Leo's hanging foot.

Lucy then sighed, "Are we really going to cut the grass tomorrow?"

"Can't wait for it." Gus replied with the enthusiasm of a sloth. "I'll be looking for that mail job later."

"Escaping?" Lucy raised an eyebrow.

Gus shook his head, "Looking out for the future."

"I got it! I got! I-" He slipped and I pulled, Gus quickly extended his arm and caught his sibling. And fell to the ground with him.

~Thud~

The Bombay sighed "I'll go get some ice, make sure these dunces stay alive." Her footsteps soon faded, leaving me with two silly critters.

"Uungh... I think I got a concussion." Oh, how do we treat that?

My tail reached for Leo's paw and pulled him up, for him almost to fall on me now, thankfully his feet got some grip, stopping inches from my face. "Hi." I gently pushed Leo away and reached my paw for Gus to take to which he didn't as the ceiling seemed more friendly than I.

"Mother..?" Nuh-uh, just Catnap. I crouched down and lifted him with surprising ease. Right, I need to get used to this. "Ow." Gus's eyes seemed distant, cloudy. That's not good. I left him on the toilet, his paw rubbing the top of his head, "I'll- I'll be fine." And when I turned around...

"I'll get it this time!" Oh for 06 sake, Leo get down from that ladder!

~Creeak!~

"Uh-"

Leo! I could see Leo head diving straight to the edge of the sink- if he hits it he is going to-

Everything slowed down. Sh- Crap. If I had been done with the second circuit then a full body enhancement...

That doesn't matter! I need to do something or Leo's brains will be all over- ugh! I- I can leap and grab him but I'll hit something too.

Leo inching closer at each moment also doesn't help. I don't even think if I can actually pick him up from this far...

I'll have to try.

The clock ticks hasten, I bend my knees and then leap. Time resumes at its normal speed.

Yet, even with that, everything seemed slow - paws outstretched but my beans did nothing more than slightly push Leo's head, it proved to be just enough for him to not hit the sink and flip mid-air to at least use his arms to take the impact.

So, there's a saying among critter cats, either you successfully make a jump or fail horribly, no in between. Destiny flipped his coin and it landed on heads, the tip of my muzzle bending against the sink edge, and what was barely healed broke even further.

The chilling before the pain gave enough room for me to realize, that maybe, I should've leaped with a little less strength. Then regret manifested in a physical form.

Don't cry Catnap, grown stallions don't cry! "Phew, Thanks for da save- You good?" L-Leo, shut up! I'm not a frickin horse, I'm not even an adult, I should've stayed in bed I-I- "Ouchie." I'm going to cry and you stupid memories stay shut while I'm at it!

"Couldn't find ice, so I took a water bottle- Holy motherland." I want to see my friends again! "That's a hefty amount of blood." A-and mom! "Well, don't just stand there Leonard. Take those paws out of your mouth and grab some toilet paper, you doofus!" And dad, brother too-

"On it!" A-and... Nurse long legs-! "Y'know, when I was a lil'kit trouble chased me at every step, and oh cats, how many steps I'd taken..." W-wha? "As everything always worked out'n'the end, I grew numb - what I mean is, I'm sorry for dragging you into my skit." D-don't be sorry! You shouldn't, after what I did to you this pain is nothing! I-it's fluffing nothing!!

I wiped the tears away from my eyes and even after more began forming at the corner of my eyes, I refused to blink. The blood on my nose ran a bit through my throat and a lot from snout to chin, dripping on the just clean floor... When I looked back up Leo offered some toilet paper, I took and immediately plugged my nose.

"Okay, both of you out. We," she pointed to Gus, "will finish this joint." Gus gave a thumbs up and a smile. "Leo, go clean the attic. Slowly." He gingerly saluted, then she turned to me, a small smile forming on her face, "And Catnap, if you want to sit down-" I immediately shook my head. "Then with Leo."

Leo looked at me and smiled, "Well then," he folded the ladder and picked it up, "Lez do it!" and there he went, trotting like a stallion after conquering his- Ew, gross. I grabbed a roll of toilet paper and put the drenched one into the trash then chased after him.

In the hallway, standing at the tip of the ladder reaching for a thread that pulls the stairs to the attic was Leo. Again. "Leo."*

"Hold on~" He tiptoed, grasped the thread and- "Yippie!" jumped down the ladder!?

"Leo!" The stairs to the attic hit the foldable ladder, which hit Leo down to the ground. By Luna, even Schrödinger didn't disregard pain so obliviously!

"Whaat?" I groaned and went up to the attic, he's a hopeless case "Wait for me!"

It was dusty, for a lack of better term. Dust bunnies were dust monsters, small spider webs that were expected to cover a large portion of the ceiling, this whole place would be approved for Halloween if the spiders weren't real.

While it was dark, it wasn't enough to actually obstruct too much my sight, there were old portraits of pegasi square and round, a few wooden drawers claimed by spiders while others by roaches, and an open chest at the other side.

At least the room wasn't claustrophobic, the whole gang plus my new friends could fit in. I looked around and sure enough, there was a rune behind me which I reached, the moment my beans touched the rune Lumen stones came to light.

So, when will Leo come up? I looked back downstairs and there the ginger was, holding a bucket full of water, a 'Bubbly bubbles super cleaning' spray with his mouth, and two cloths in the other hand "Helf, fleaz." I knew better than to let him climb these stairs with so much stuff, so I reached with my tail and Leo, struggling, reached his paw with the bucket forward. With a safe wrap and a gentle lift, I put the bucket at my side and watched Leo climb up the ladders.

At last, he accomplished so with no accidents! he handed me one cloth, "Alright, where do we start?" Hmm... I do want to see what is in that chest. I point to the chest. "Cool, I'll be at the nearby drawers."

Without further ado, we started - Leo put the bucket next to me and I peeked inside the drawer. Different from the many portraits that were of older pegasi, this one had a young Jet giggling together with another pegasi of golden coat and fire-looking mane, behind some sort of factory spewing rainbows. There were some faded horns scribbled with red marker on the golden pegasi and a yellow crown on Jet. I further squinted my eyes to discern faded letters written at the top of the photo, 'Champions of Rainbow Factory Pop-Quiz!'

I put the picture on the floor and grabbed the next thing, a thick book with a blue cover and a cloud spewing lightning at the center. Lightning and Cloud Manipulation. I grabbed back the photo and put the book down and the photo on top then reached deeper, another book revealed itself, equally as thick but had a gray cover with a pegasi and another fading, bigger pegasi. Basic of Cloud Golems and Acceleration. I looked back at the other book and shrugged, a look wouldn't hurt.

...Nevermind. This is stuff Bubba reads on picnics and I don't understand shi- a shrimp out of it. I lifted the book about lightning and put this one below it.

I took another look inside the chest and a last book remained, this one thicker than the rest and with a cover that felt old to the touch, looking at it reminded me of rotten tree bark. There was no drawing on this one nor a title on top.

Well, that won't stop me from looking inside! Aha, I knew there was a title- Gladiator Regime Forwards the Birth of a Cloudmaster.

Written by Hurricane. I closed the book.

"Catnap?" Why am I trembling? "You look pale, we can take a break if you need it. even if we just started." He wrote a book. No- no. This isn't about me. He has nothing to do with me. I lifted the pile of books and put this one below the rest. "Look-"

"I'm fine, let's just get to it."

Phew, all's done. Both of us dropped the cloth in the bucket and walked down down stairs, There Gus lay down on the sofa with a water bottle as a pillow, Lucy had nabbed a chair and sat next to him. I'm not sure how to feel about that "Did you find the mail?" Leo asked, to which I shook my head. "That's fine, it's probably too sneaky to be found normally too." ...The mail, sneaky? As in, the whole building, sneaky?

Lucy sighed, "How we will cut the grass with those toy cross-cutters?" Leo shrugged and sat on the ground beside Lucy

Gus grunted, "With the power of friendship! And a whole carriage of perseverance." I shrugged and went to the kitchen to nab myself a chair.

The Bombay huffed, "Easy for you to say that, nit-"

~SLAM!~

"III'M BACK~!" Jet jetted the door shut, "Why're ya on the table?" I wonder why, Jet?! "Eh," she stared at my face then froze. "What happened?"

"I failed a jump."

The pegasi snorted then shuffled a giggle, she flew to a drawer a bit out of reach for us. From there she pulled and opened an old cardboard shoe box- wait, how do shoes work for hooves? From inside she picked out a smaller box and opened it with such caution as handling a newborn kit. Then she put it all back, when Jet turned around at the tip of her hoof there was a bandaid with a little heart sticker, she dropped back to the ground and trotted towards me stopping a few hooves away from me, there she extended her hoof and I- Oh, she immediately retracted. "Wait." She kissed the heart and- it's glowing?! "Now take it." And I did so. Love magic always had a knack for healing and mom always said kissing Boo boos makes them go away, so... I placed it on the bridge of my snout, and immediate relief was awarded. "There."

Jet proceeded to snatch a chair and went to sit next to the others. How useful that bandaid would be if we had it back home. Home... I sighed and grabbed a chair of my own.

Once in there, I dropped my chair next to Jet's, that's when she opened her left wing and her hoof reached- YELLOW YARN BALL! "For ya." Thank you! I won't even question how it didn't drop earlier as there's so much to do right now! I could draw a Dogday using a yarn line and...

"So," Oh. Uhm. I put the yarn ball on my lap. "Do ya have any landmarks from when you first arrived?" The fellians stared at each other.

"There were trees, and a bear wasp with four arms, some wolves made out of wood-"

Leo burst with enthusiasm, "Everfree?! You went there?!" So that's the name of that place! And I just mentioned two creatures and he recognized them, that means they are unique there, right? None out here, right? "Was it scary inside? Were there as many poison plants as they say- wait..." Huh? Is there something wrong with my fur? "Was that where you got your sick?"

Lucy glared at his orange brother, "Leo!"

The ginger cat tilted his head, "What?" Gus sighed, slightly disappointed. "Ooh. I wasn't supposed to tell yet?" Lucy face palmed.

"No worries, I already know. But they should know of something more, right?" Jet looked at me. I'll explain this to them later or tomorrow. I nodded toward Jet, hopefully, she gets this as a 'Yes, I will tell them' and not an 'I will tell them now.'

The pegasi shrugged, "So, Everfree." Mhm, "It's not far-" Not far? "I'm good flying low, so I could get a look there every day-"

"How far?"

It should be very far away, not far from Jet could be very, very far away- "...Far enough to not be a problem." See? Very far! Not-a-problem! "Was that why ya ended up in the hospital? Look, it's fine t'be scared."

"Yeah! I get scared all the time, it's normal!" Leo, stop lying!

"Every time Leo does something, I'm genuinely terrified. That clumsy paws of his always brings back a bruise or two." Okay, that I can concede. I can't imagine how Lucy lived with him.

But that's beside the point, it's not about being scared, it's about- "It's also normal to worry about somepony ya care for."

"So there is no need to hide something from us, okay?" But making your friends worried isn't a sign of good frien- "And just to be clear, we care about you, I do and so do they."

"Yeah, you've been so nice to us since we met!" Leo said, Gus gave a thumbs up and Lucy nodded.

"It doesn't feel good though."

"No, it doesn't. But it does show that we love and care about you, and that does feel good, doesn't it?" I guess.

"Thanks."

Leo gave a smiling critter worthy smile, "No problem! Now what juicy secret are you hiding from us?" I- Uh-

"Don't bug him about it, he'll tell us eventually," Gus said with a dismissal wave, Leo nodded and Lucy sighed.

Even after what I did to them, they still want to be friends with me...

It's because you're a good critter. (Picky)

I also want to be friends with them. "See, I knew you guys were friends the moment I met!" Shush Jet!

They all shared a good fit of laughter "No need to be ashamed Catnap!"

As their laughter diminished, Jet's eyes bored into mine, "Don't worry 'bout the way home, I will find it even if I need to uproot the whole of Everfree!" Thank you- Thank you so much. "Ah- I didn't say anything bad right?" I shook my head.

Leo tilted his head, then perked up. "Ooh! Is it pain?"

"Or having allergies?" Lucy said right after, to both I shook my head.

Jet tilted her head, "Then why are you crying?"

"Because I'm happy to have you guys as friends."

"Daww!" Jet leaped towards me with open hooves, there was no escaping a super flying pony hug, and neither did I want to escape. We nearly fell from our chairs but luckily Leo's follow-up hug stabilized our balance.

Gus coughed, "Pardon if I do end up ruining this moment of joy, but," He got up from the sofa, "I was wondering if you could take me to the mail for a quick job interview?"

I stared at Jet, her eyes wide then felt a sigh brush past my fur. "Fine, Catnap also wanted to... work there." There might not be much that I can do with two days' worth of bits, but it's a start!

As much as I dislike getting myself wet, I do like rain - the city, trees, grass, everything just becomes a tad bit more beautiful and natural with it, be it a flower or concrete structures, it all just becomes a bit more special after the rain ends and the sun shines. It's almost worth getting my fur damp.

Jet gave us a ride through the city, and eventually, we arrived at a large white building with a big display of an outline of pegasi and a mail bag filled with letters, with a big neon sign below "Wonder Delivery, this should be the place. I'll wait outside, do your best!" Should. Jet just picked the first mail she saw, but if it lacks so many workers it might work out.

Gus hopped out and staggered a bit, she went a bit faster than usual and I wouldn't blame anycritter for vomiting or being dazed after a Jet ride. When we were about to open the door, the door opened itself revealing a clown pony walking through, a yellow earth pony wearing a humongous large cowboy hat with red circles staining his fur. "HI THERE!" He sounded as if a rubber chew toy and a rubber chicken had a child that could speak.

"I'M GRRRRRRRRRRRUFFAW, 'R' ONLY IMPLEMENTED TO SOUND EXTRA SILLY, ON THAT NOTE SADLY I'M LATE FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT CLOWN SCHOOL, SO TAKE THIS!" He pushed two cotton candies out of... somewhere? Is this some sort of magic? Doesn't matter, as I never declined free cotton candy- Jet stared at the clown then took the two cotton candies. Oh right, I shouldn't take things from strangers, should I? Nevertheless, the clown laughed and ran away in the rain. How are these red circles still on his coat? Wait- did he say clown school? Gus and went in, Jet waved her wing as her hoof was occupied by the cotton candy.

I followed after Gus.

The insides were rather empty besides two pots with small bushes decorating the exit, the ground was composed of blue and red square tiles, and contrary to the white outside, inside the walls were red with a blue lining near ground level, ahead sat a cream-colored mare with a chocolate mane behind one of those bank stands, but instead of glass there was an iron fence painted red, there were other stands like this one but empty. She sat on a stool, I guess, eyes deep into a magazine.

As there was no critter inside besides us, Gus took the front and I followed behind. Then we stood still in front of the mare for an unnecessary amount of minutes before Gus coughed, "Ahem."

"Oh!" The pony perked up, her magazine went in the air and she scrambled to get it, it slid through the only rectangular hole in the fence and her sudden loss of balance in the stool made her snout follow the magazine, perfectly fitting through the rectangular hole.

Pfff. Gus looked a-pff-way, to spare any embarrassment- I can't- "Pfhahahaha!" Oh 06- It's just like that time Crafty got stuck on a vending machine- "Ow!" Gus jabbed my ribs and pointed to the teary-eyed mare. Oh. "Sorry."

"It's fine." The mare picked herself up and rubbed her snout, now I feel kinda bad. Oh right, her magazine! I reached for the magazine and took a small peak inside, it was about stallions wearing business suits, with some pages having dog ears.

"Quite the taste." Gus commented, the mare covered her face.

"C-can I have that back?" I flipped through the pages with the dog ears and undid the dog ears, that should do as a sorry, right? When I handed it back, the face of the pony would make a pomegranate wither with shame. Oh no, does she have a fever? "Ahem, packaaaAAAAHWAWHATISWRONGWITHYOUREYES!?" I was in front of you for- only now- gah! I turn my back to her. I don't have weird eyes, they are the weird ones, and...

Gus grabbed my shoulder, spun me around, and put an arm over my shoulder, "They look very cool to me."

"...They do look unique." The pony glanced back at me and shivered, "And nightmarish. In a cool way" Nightmarish- wait, did she say cool? The mare looked at me and nodded, "So, what brings you here today?"

Gus let go of me, "Work of course!" and walked forward, "You do need some able-paws live up this place, eh?"

She looked at Gus up and down then nodded, "Oh. Okay, do you, um, do you have a curriculum?"

"It's pretty empty in here for a mail, isn't it?" Gus smiled, "My, I don't even see any workers coming or going," And smiled, "There should be a lot of delayed packages-"

"I get it," the mare sighed, "I'll call the chief, then it's up to you." She headed to a door on her right and disappeared from view, pretty well hidden.

"Most mail companies have a shortage of working-paws, so getting in is easy." Gus turned to look at me, his paw patting my shoulder. "Now getting out..." Why is it hard? Can't you just call quits? "Are you sure about this?" I nod, I need to pay for that appointment to make up to Leo.

Plus, it should be fun, walking around the city and delivering ponies their package. She said five to ten deaths come from mail ponies, and I'm not a pony. Plus, how big is this country? What are the chances that something will happen on the very first day? "In what horse mind would I hire two fellians- Even more with no professional experience! They'd die in a month!"* This doesn't seem promising...

"But we need more employees! We only got two pegasus with us and they're overworked!" Gus's ear flicked.

"Alright, alright. Grab the contracts, I'll check them out." Gus turned to face the iron fence and put on a smile as a big earth pony stallion followed behind the mare, his coat was red with a black mane and a badly cut beard. This is one of the few ponies who actually wears a suit, although a bit wrinkled. He doesn't look happy with a perpetual scowl glued on his face - I wonder what type of life would make somepony like this?

"Furballs," If my voice was deep, his was the whole damn abyss. "Why should I hire you."

"Be-" Gus put a paw in my mouth. Alright then.

"We have been across these streets for a while and know the place." What? But I-

Somehow his scowl deepened further, "So, you are rats."

Gus's mouth twitched and his tail swayed, but his voice kept at an even tone, "With knowledge of the ins and outs of this city."

"So, because you know a little how to squirm around this place, I should hire you over a pony-" The mare gave a weak jab at her boss- and he yelped, "Squeaky Rolls!"

"My bad." She rolled her eyes.

"As I was saying, that isn't enough." His gaze steeled onto Gus, I'd wager if he could he would buck us out.

Gus simply smiled, and continued, "Oh well, maybe it is. A... Regal stallion with strong and noble ideals like yourself, should know how the importance of good and hard workers." He raised an eyebrow, "the casual pony wouldn't even try to find a safer route that is also quicker, but we can do so."

The chief put a hoof under his chin, "That way we can both deliver more packages and at a quicker rate!" He grinned ear to ear, his perpetual scowl broken. "Then, that will attract more workers and reputation... Both of you are in! Squeaky?"

"On it." Squeaky forced a smile that disappeared as soon as her boss left the room "Alrighty, here you go!" She slid the contracts that Gus signed after giving it a quick glance then he gave a thumbs up, so I signed the contract. Squeaky passed two blue caps with 'WD' sewn on them with the drawing of a pegasi with a mailbag, "Welcome to the team!" Both of us took it but only I wore it.

"When do we start?" Gus asked.

Squeaky replied, "Tomorrow morning."

Business done, both of us left. Jet was outside jumping up and down on a cloud, she stopped at our sight, "How was it?"

"Hired." Gus and I gave a thumbs up.

"Nice," She gave a few more hops and the cloud plumped down, "Mind hopping in?"

I raised an eyebrow, Gus approached the cloud and touched it, his eyes widened "How?" He took a step in the cloud and he stood there, seems like Jet progressed as a gladiator.

Jet smirked, "Advanced pegasi shenanigans, what'cha waitin' for, Catnap? Hop in!" She signaled with her hoof, "C'mon! Jump, jump!" Hoppy... Alright. I jumped onto the cloud and it was surprisingly not only solid, but fluffy?!

"Hahaha! Yes! I did it! Now, if I can make it a bit sturdier, I will be able to build my first cloud golem!" Jet gave the cloud a soft kick and it flew up, if a bit slow. I looked ahead and the rain seemed to have died down to soft pit-patters.

"Brace yourself, we'll go full speed!" Oh no.

"W-wait-"

"Jet-"

Both of us were wrapped around towels, Gus had long been asleep since we came back. Lucy had yelled at Jet at our arrival, but the pegasus was not only fast at flying but at dodging arguments as well. Somehow she managed to make Lucy drop the topic. Leo sat next to me but kept quiet because of Gus's soft purring in his sleep.

I felt my thoughts diminishing too, that is until I smelled something savory, the smell of fish. Tuna, cooked tuna! How long has it been since I ate meat or anything- "Catnap, you're salivating." Shush Leo, so are you! Both of us wiped our mouths and Leo shook Gus awake. I jumped out of the couch and walked toward the kitchen, the scent simply drawing my legs to move closer.

And there, a basket of fruits and four open cans of canned tuna, "Was it hard to find it?" Jet asked.

Leo shook his head, "No, it was quite near too. Convenience stores really are a convenience." You knew about this?!

The best of ocean treats is sold near here?! Where?

Gulp

The pegasi smiled, "Well, let's get into it before Catnap makes himself a river."

Little did they know, my tail already had snuck and snatched the bottled happiness in one swipe! Ocean treats, to my mouth! "I still don't get how his tail is so flexible and strong!" Oh, that's easy. Mom and Dad made me with lots of love!

Never, ever I would have thought that savory sea meat filled with preservation chemicals would beat the real deal, hunger surely does its magic... If this isn't how the Hour of Joy that 06 forebodes is like, I'm no longer worshipping him! There are just too many flavors that I think my tongue may explode~

I reach the can for another mouthful but... It's empty. "Why the long face? if ya like it we can get more tomorrow." W-would you be so kind, this pegasi is truly an angel on earth! I nod as many times as it takes for her to understand how much I want this. By the time I get dizzy, I stop and take a look around, the other meat lovers are enjoying their tuna. And I also realized I was the only one who ate the whole can stand up, as they all sat at the table.

Leo spoke with a mouthful and Lucy stared down his words back to his throat, Gus laughed and talked about how he yanked thirty bits from a grumpy old pony at poker, and Jet's surprised gasps were a sign she was mildly interested... I hope Mom and Dad aren't too worried.

...

Now should be a good time to tell them about arcane arts. True friends don't keep secrets from each other, and I think I have the formula to sure-explain arcane arts. "Hey, I want to say something." And every critter suddenly turned quiet. I lifted a finger and Life flowed, this whole day has been a bit of a rollercoaster but it is ending on a good note. A Spark came out of my finger.

"Wow, do you have superpowers?" And of course, Leo is the first to assume something far-fetched. But I guess what was common once is now far-fetched too.

I shook my head. "Arcane arts," I raised a finger, once more using Spark, "are real."

Leo perked up, "Arcane arts? like those from fairy tales?!" Gus stared at me and Lucy's eyes were wide.

"More or less. Let me explain, an arcane art is a circuit made to optimize the body's natural flow of Life, and Life is something that everything alive produces." Now I got every critter's attention as even Jet seemed interested, "Each arcane art is built with the purpose of optimizing the body to perfection, and each varies with their definition of what is perfect." Jet raised a hoof together with a wing.

"Are they all the same?" Nice question.

"No, an arcane art will show a difference in techniques depending on the name and the emotion or desire it was initially made with-"

Gus spoke up, "Why is the naming and important?" Jet glared at him.

"Well, because Life is defiance. To have a name is to yell that you aren't just another speck in the world, that you aren't expendable, and that you won't be washed away by time like others. A name brings power to an arcane art, now an emotion or desire is needed to concentrate and put said power in one or two directions." I took a huge breath, "There are nine directions with many variables each, although only eight are possible to be used, arcanists call the directions 'layers.' The first layer represents the mind." I wish I had some water right now. "The second layer is the body, the third signifies power, and the fourth-" Jet raised her hoof.

Jet asked away once I stopped. "The first two are easy to understand, but what does the third do?"

"Actually, what do any of them do?" Leo added. Lucy nodded and Gus just kept looking at me with deep eyes.

"The first is quite intuitive, illusions, making yourself invisible to other critters, kill somepony off at long distance-"

"What?!" I glared at Jet.

"Ahem, possibilities are endless. I guess it could even cure mental illness, depression, and the liking instantaneously if a circuit was researched well enough." Now Jet's eyes widened, "But that's beside the point, I can't really explain everything, so I will just say what each layer is." I take another, and hopefully final large breath, "Fourth affects the fundamental laws of the world, fifth affects the soul, sixth affects the natural order of the world, seventh affects the material the world is made out of, eight manipulates the gears of the world, and ninth is heaven." Phew, "That sums up the basics. Anything else is too extensive."

I'm done with my daily amount of words, "Okay. A bit exoteric with the layers, but what type of magic isn't? So, anything that is alive can learn arcane arts?" Maybe not, Jet does seem curious.

"Like me?" Leo, you aren't arcanist material.

"That definitely is something, well it's getting a bit late and I have work tomorrow, so g'night." And Gus fell asleep then and there. I almost envy this ability of his, if his REM wasn't so volatile every time he does it.

"...I'm going to put him in bed." Lucy sighed, a bit tired but a smile crept on her face as she picked up Gus, albeit with a bit of difficulty, "I'll... be... right... back..!" Much difficulty. Leo went up for her help.

"So?" Oh, right.

"Yes, but they will lose the world's blessing."

Jet raised an eyebrow, "And that is?"

"Magic. Arcanism is a path of defiance, the very first thing to defy is the nature of yourself and the world. Plus it's quite dangerous to take the first step." And the second too.

"That isn't for me then." Jet sighed, "I'll go take a look on Everfree." Jet hopped out of the chair

"Wait, I do remember a ravine near where I first arrived." Better than nothing.

Jet nodded, "You better catch some sleep for tomorrow. I'll wake you up very early." She got up from her chair, trotted to the door, and left. Guess I'll sleep a bit earlier then.

...

I did kind of ruin dinner, didn't I?

The journey was fruitful—somewhat. I found a ravine for sure, but besides that, nothing... I managed to come around to the idea of my first friend being gone. I did so before when I realized he wasn't from around here. "But still, it doesn't feel nice for him to be on the clock."

That's it! I know what to do! IF his plan doesn't work, I'll make sure these days around us will be his best-ish! Even if that is a bit of a grim thought...

Fillydelphia doesn't have many good sights, so tourism is out. The classic party can only be fun so many times... He liked tuna though. I could get more for all of them, maybe catch some live fish too- I hope Everfree fish aren't as poisonous as some plants though... Ugh, I'll need to go through an encyclopedia.

I open the front door and promptly enter inside, then lock behind- "Eh?" Catnap is sleeping on the couch today? Eh. It'll be easier to wake him up. I take a breath and release clouds, enough for a soft bed, I jump in and promptly fall. I'll need to get a job soon... And get some cloud golems... Cloud captors then... then... become a Cloudmaster and... Make them proud of me...

...

Author's Note

I wanted to get this one out on Halloween - still a bit of an overshot about the three-chapter-in-a-week thing.

This one got a bit of a rewrite into it since the previous chapter changed some things. Originally I wasn't planning on giving any further explanation on the magic system and just leaving it incognito throughout the whole fic' (Another reason this chapter got a bit fat), but decided, hey, might as well open my hand a bit and throw the basic in. Auxiliary techniques sadly don't fit as basic and neither do artifacts, alignments, affinity, charms, wards, or combinations but eh, can't give it all else there'll be no mysteries.

So next chapter they will both start as mail ~~ponies~~ cats, giving some inspiration for young Derpy. Surely, nothing can go wrong in the most dangerous job Equestria can offer.

So, I'll try to get the next one out this month. Let's see if this deadline lives.