Intermission #1: Gwendolyn's Meeting + Paige and the Crusaders

(Gwendolyn's POV)

        I walked through the town and waved to a couple of ponies with a smile. I have to admit, this world seems to radiate happiness and peace. I walked past an alley and froze in mid step, slowly turning my head to look at the best thing I’ve ever seen. A gingerbread house.... Thank you god, I needed something sweet.

“No problem.” A monotone voice said from nowhere.

        I whipped my head around looking for the voice before sighing, “Strange....” I shrugged and started walking towards the gingerbread house. I opened the door and grinned at the smell of all the candy and sweets inside.

        “Oh hello!” A blue mare was sitting behind the counter, “What can I get for you today?”

        I looked at the sweets before looking at her, “Do you have any sfogliatelle?”

        She grinned, “Oh yes... Dean was nice enough to teach us how to make it.” she reached under the counter and pulled out a rather big one. “That’ll be 3 bits.”

        I reached into my pocket and pulled out some money I... “Borrowed” from Michael. What? I had to get by somehow. “Here you go.”

        She smiled as I grabbed the pastry, “Have a good day.”

        “You too.” I walked over and sat down at one of the tables and took a bite, grinning as the taste hit my tongue.

The door opened again, and in walked a man in a white long coat and black suit. He wore a white hat with a black stripe on it. He also had this grin on his face that would never leave.

“Welcome back Dean!” The cashier greeted with a large smile. The man, now named Dean, looked at me briefly before turning back to the cashier with a bigger grin.

“How’s it going Cup cake?” He waved as he walked up to the counter.

“It’s been going well. Pinkie is out with her friends, but is there anything you would like?” He turned to the assortment of pastries and grinned.

“Blueberry muffin. Haven’t had those in a long time, so I’m in the mood for one.” He replied as he laid down three bits. Cup cake took the bits and gave him a muffin.

“Here you go dear, enjoy.” She smiled as he walked away with a nod and sat down at another table across from me, facing away from me.

I looked at him in confusion as I took another bite of the sfogliatelle. I shrugged and cleared my throat, “Excuse me... Um Dean?”

He had stopped mid-bite and turned to me with closed cheerful eyes, “Howdy!”

“Um... Why are your eyes closed?”

He opened one slightly, kind of intimidating for some reason, “Because it’s fun.”

I shrugged, “Eh, it kinda is.” I nodded my head a little. “I’m Gwendolyn. Nice to meet you.”

He returned the nod as his grin became more friendly, “Same here. I’m Dean, as you’ve probably already heard.”

“Kinda hard not to.” I took a bite and grinned, “I do have to thank you for telling them how to make this.... It’s been too long since I’ve had any.”

He laughed, “I can imagine.” His grin looked more... sinister, “So tell me. How many?”

“How many what? Years since I’ve had this?”

“How many have you turned to stone?”

I tensed up and sighed, “None.... Thank you.”

He stared at me intensely, making me shake a bit. But then his grin became friendly again, “Well, I’ll just take your word for it on that account.”

I took a bite and looked at him, “How’d you tell I was one?”

He laughed, “The hair, the sunglasses, and you yourself confirmed it when I asked about turning people to stone.”

I sighed, “Very few know of those signs...” I groaned. “You’re a hunter aren’t you?”

He smiled gently, “I’m not here to hunt you if that’s what you’re wondering. That life of mine is in the past. As much as I miss it, I have to move on. Besides,” He went up and bought another sfogliatelle and placed it in front of me, “You seem nice enough.”

I smiled, “That’s nice to hear... I thought you were going to behead me.” I took a bite of the new one. “Contrary to what others believe getting beheaded feels like a sting.”

He shrugged, “But it does stop you from doing anything else with the body. Knights always burn it when they’re done.”

“Funny, the guy who did it to me forgot that our blood is potent. He tried collecting some without gloves.”

He laughed, “Then he obviously wasn’t a knight since that’s a pretty rookie mistake.”

“He also did it in a mall of all places.... Let’s just say that didn’t turn out to well.”

He shook his head with a sigh, “Dumbass...” He stared at me with a sad smile, “But there’s one thing that I have to do, as insurance.”

I took a bite and raised an eyebrow, “Oh?”

“I have to fight you. I know gorgons tend to get... carried away. Can you keep yourself in check in the heat of the moment?” He asked as he sat back down and ate his muffin.

“I’ve been working with Death for three years now, I learned to keep that under control....”

He shook his head, “It doesn’t mean that it could happen. I want to test you myself, just for my peace of mind. I won’t fight to kill you, just until one of us signals the other to stop.”

I shrugged, “Alright... Any limits or no?”

He nodded, “No releasing restrictions. I won’t use my wraith blade either, I’ll use something I got recently.”

I nodded, “Alright.”

“But first...” He then bit into the muffin and moaned, “Let me finish my muffin cuz’ this is So~ good...”

I shrugged, “Fine with me, I need to finish this anyways.” I took a bite and grinned. “Is good~”

Dean smiled as he finished his muffin, “What can I say? Ma’s recipe is amazing.”

I blinked, “Huh... Reminds me of my Aunt Euryale’s cooking.”

Dean laughed, “God, don’t even talk to me about her. She can be so stingy sometimes! Whenever my mom would have her over, they’d go on and on about that sort of thing.”

I frowned, “Ah.... I didn’t know that.”

He shook his head, “Not to say she wasn’t nice, cause she was. I remember on more than one occasion where she’d look after me at times.”

My frown got deeper as I slumped forward, “Great... Glad to know she got over me quickly.”

He raised an eyebrow in confusion, “What do you mean?”

I laughed somewhat bitterly, “Name’s Gwendolyn Pietra, the run away gorgon. Traveled across America for six whole years.”

He sighed, “Niece, I take it. Right... I never really knew. Sorry if I said anything wrong.”

I looked at him, “It’s fine... Just... Glad to know she definitely moved on.”

He sat there in silence, unsure of what to say.

I took a bite and stood up, “It was nice meeting you Dean, see you at the battle.”

He nodded, “Right.”

I sighed and started towards the door before it burst open and Kondraki walked in. He glared at Cup Cake. “I need cookies.”

Dean stared at Kondraki with a grimace, “Oh god you...”

He froze and looked at Dean, “I’ll be damned....” he nodded slightly. “The hunter and a doctor in the same room.”

He raised his muffin with a blank look, “You’re welcome for 682.”

He grimaced, “Fucker ate me. And you're welcome for Duke.”

Dean smirked, “I still hold the cat piss over his head. Can you believe that you can actually bless that kind of stuff? It’s hilarious!” He chuckled.

He chuckled, “Yeah... Anyways.” He looked at Cup Cake. “Cookies. Now.”

Dean picked up a napkin dispenser and threw it at Kondraki’s head, “Be nice.”

He caught the dispenser and set it down gently, “Ah ah ah... It wouldn’t look good if you broke this mares stuff now would it?”

“I will freeze you.” Dean said with a deadpan.

He raised a hand, “I’m just saying...”

Dean pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, “Good lord now I remember why I avoided you doctors. Always a strain on my sanity...”

“And I remember why I stayed away from you, Bright would be pointing at us and scream “Ha! I was right you fuckers!” It wouldn’t end well for him.”

I sighed, “I’m just going to go now...” Kondraki nodded as I walked out the door into the town. I swear that they’re insane....

(Paige’s POV)

        I walked along the outskirts of town whistling a tune to myself while looking around the countryside. I frowned a little as I thought back to the first time I met Ambrose but shook my head. I was fine now, my sister and my uncle were back, I was still alive, and I had met some interesting new friends.

        I was so caught up in my thoughts that I barely heard the sound of wings before warning bells went off in my head. I jumped to the left as three small ponies in a wagon crashed where I was standing. Oh my god they’re so cuuuuuuuute~!

        A small white unicorn with a pink and purple mane spoke up, “Everypony okay?” her voice squeaked at the end and I had to keep myself from hugging her.

        A light tan pony with a red mane and pink bow groaned, “Ah think so....” she had a slight southern accent. “Why’d ya stop Scootaloo?”

        “Because somepony was in the way.” An orange pegasus with a purple mane and tail hopped up and looked at me. “You okay?”

        I nodded, “Yeah. What about you three?”

        The other two stood up and looked at me, “We’re just fine,” spoke the white unicorn. “Wait! We haven’t met yet, I’m Sweetie Belle!”

        The pegasus jumped next to her, “I’m Scootaloo!”

        The tan filly spoke up, “And ah’m Applebloom, and we’re,” They took a deep breath, “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!”

        I rubbed my ear a bit before smiling, “Nice to meet you, I’m Paige.”

        Sweetie Belle walked over, “Are you new here?”

        I nodded, “Somewhat, yes. I just got here yesterday.”

        Scootaloo spoke up, “We have more important things to do, like get our cutie marks!”

        I raised a hand, “Um, what’s a cutie mark?”

        Applebloom spoke up, “It’s a mark that appears on a pony's flank when they discover their special talent!”

        “We were on our way to the lake to see if the rumors were true,” Said Scootaloo from near the wagon, “but the wheels broken and I don’t have a spare.”

        “Wait,” I looked at them, “you’re heading to the lake? That’s where my house is....”

        “Wait,” Sweetie Belle looked at me, “your house is over the lake? And you own a house!?”

        I nodded, “Yeah, and yes I own a house. I hated the dorm rooms.”

        Scootaloo looked at me, “Wait... Could you help us get our cutie marks!?”

        I paused and nodded slowly, “I could.... But I’d need to give you the test.”

        Applebloom looked at me, “Test? What test?”

        I grinned, “One that determines the school of magic you fit in.”

        Applebloom and Scootaloo groaned, “Looks like Sweetie’s the only one who can do it then....”

        I shook my head, “Au contraire, I’ve seen cats cast this magic.”

        “Really!?” Scootaloo appeared in front of me, “You can really teach us magic!?”

        “Yes. But first,” I pulled out my spell book and turned to the test page, “Answer these questions to find out what type of wizard you are. You like to spend time with: Your friends or by yourself?”

        All three looked at each other and responded, “With our friends.”

        I nodded and looked at the next, “Which of these is the most powerful? Hurricane, volcano, tornado, earthquake, blizzard, plague, or sandstorm?”

        They talked to each other before Sweetie looked at me, “Plague, it takes time to find a cure and can stay around longer.”

        I nodded and scratched that off, “Your favorite activity is: Learning something new, camping or fishing, reading and playing games, playing with your pets, competitive sports, or can you not decide?”

        They all looked at each other and huddled again, and a few minutes later Applebloom looked at me. “We can’t decide.”

        I smiled, “What is your favorite time of day? Night, morning, or the afternoon?”

        “Afternoon!” They shouted.

        I nodded, “The most important thing in a story is: All of the characters, or the hero or heroine?”

        Scootaloo jumped up, “The hero!”

        Sweetie Belle jumped up, “No! It’s all of them!”

        “Is not!” Scootaloo pressed her head against Sweetie’s

        “Is to!”

        Applebloom pushed them away, “It’s all of them. Including the hero.”

        Scootaloo sighed, “Alright.”

        I smiled and scratched it off, “What is your favorite animal? Dragon, crab, shark, serpent, unicorn, polar bear, or a bat?”

        “Why is unicorn on there?” Sweetie raised an eyebrow, “I’m not an animal!”

        I raised my hands, “Where I’m from they are much different than how they are here.”

        She looked at me closely before nodding, “Okay... I’d have to say the dragon.” the others nodded in agreement.

        “What’s your favorite season?”

        Scootaloo grinned, “Summer, for sure!”

        I nodded, “What is your favorite gemstone? Ruby, jade, sapphire, or citrine?”

        Applebloom put a hoof to her chin, “Ah’d have to say sapphire.”

        Sweetie nodded, “It is rather beautiful.”

        Scootaloo frowned a little, “Alright.... Sapphire!”

        I scratched it off and the page changed to a symbol of a snowflake, “You have chosen the school of ice. Ice wizards are strong, loyal, courageous, and honest. They focus on protecting others and aiding them in their endeavors.”

        Scootaloo grinned, “That sounds awesome!”

        I nodded, “I’ve met ice wizards before and the things they can do are amazing. But I’m only going to be teaching you ice beetle,” I raised my hand before they could complain. “That way you can practice and get better. Doing this will allow me to teach you new spells after you show promise.”

        Applebloom smiled and nodded, “That sounds like a good idea!”

        “Alright...” I flipped my book so they could see, “Now, read this and try it for yourselves.”

        By the time all three of them had managed to draw the symbol and summon the beetle the sun was setting on the horizon. They waved me off as I made my way back to the house. I appeared up on the grass in a flurry of leaves, and when I got inside Michael and Kondraki were trying to get in a chair.

        “NO! My chair!” Michael was pushing against Kondraki.

        Kondraki scowled, “You. Get. The. Floor!”

        I laughed and they looked over at me, “I can get more beds you know.”

        Michael fist pumped, “Yes! You owe me five bucks Kondraki!”

        I sighed and summoned a few beds and put them on the ground in a row, “Good night.” I walked over to my bed and closed the curtains before laying in bed and falling asleep.