#I was sitting there and I was like “oh that's mr. faust!! oh he must have died :(”

[ananxiousgenz]

JESUS CHRIST ARTHUR LESTER THAT WAS YOUR GIRL DINNER?????

[angelsanarchy]

Alkaline: Euronymous x Y/N Series CH 21

Tagging: @ophelialaufey@madamemaximoff06@forever-not-gonna-sink@ajmiila02@liquidsmoothdomme@shady-the-simp @auggiethecreator @tempt-ress @blacksoul-27

Oystein had stopped putting in orders for a few weeks. He figured after what Y/n went through seeing the photo of Pelle, it would be best to give her a bit of a break. If he got a craving, he didn't mind just stepping in and grabbing it. The few times he went in though, he hadn't seen Y/n in the back or even sitting in the office. When he resumes putting in his orders, some guy ends up dropping his order off.

"Did Y/n finally decide to stop bringing you lunch?" Faust asked confused.

"Honestly, I have no idea. I haven't seen her in a few weeks. He tried again the next day and it was still another person and not Y/n. Eventually he walked into the shop and saw Hammeed standing at the register.

"Your regular Mr. Oystein?" He asked and he gave a nod.

"Hey did Y/n quit?" Oystein could see a saddened look on Hammeed's face.

"Oh no, she asked for some time off. She works very hard. She wasn't doing well. I do apologize she hasn't been able to deliver your orders. Has there been a problem with the deliveries?" He asked

"No no they've been great. Don't worry about it. I was just curious." Oystein took his food back to the store and locked himself in his office. He debating on doing another drive by but after her neighbor had spotted him last time, he didn't want to make it worse.

Instead, he called the grocery store she also worked at.

"Hi I was looking to place an order but wanted to know if Y/n was available to deliver it? She delivers for my parents usually." Oystein asked sitting back in his chair.

"Oh Y/n is on bereavement leave for another week. We can try and find someone else to make a delivery but you might have to just pick up your order." The woman on the line explained.

Oystein hung up the phone and chewed on his lip. Bereavement leave might someone had died. The only person he knew was sick was her mom but she was mentally sick, not on the verge of death sick. He sat for hours trying to decide what to do. He finally searched for a phone book and was able to find the number that matched the address he had written on a small ripped piece of paper he kept in his wallet. He dialed the number and waited nervously for someone to answer.

"Hello?" It was a woman but not Y/n.

"Um...hi I was calling for Y/n...to offer my condolences." Oystein sat up hoping this wouldn't backfire on him.

"Oh I'm sorry sweetheart but she's sitting in Shiva right now. Would you like me to take a message?" The woman asked quietly.

"I um...I'm a friend and I was just worried about her. I heard she was on bereavement leave and I got worried...how is she doing?" Oystein asked cautiously.

"Honestly she's not doing well. She really thought her little brother was getting better. She had spent a lot of time with him working through his issues but his soul was just too broken to bare another day here. It didn't help that she found his body." Oystein closed his eyes tightly hearing what the woman was saying. Y/n's little brother must have killed himself. He wasn't expecting that at all. He remembers her mentioning her brother had issues like Pelle but he never considered that he was so closely related.

"Shiva is over in another few days and she said she would be going back to work soon. Do you work with her?" The woman asked and Oystein swallowed the lump in his throat.

"No I'm just a friend. Can you tell her that Oystein is here if she needs anything, anything at all." He said tearing the photo of Pelle off the wall.

"I will let her know Oystein. Thank you for calling and the condolences." The woman hung up the phone and Oystein took his glasses off, pinching the bridge of his nose. This is not what he was expecting. Everything felt so upside down. He should have known why Y/n was so hurt by his actions when it came to Pelle's death. He came off as a heartless and callous and she was desperately trying to keep her brother here. He felt like the biggest piece of shit on the planet.

He picked up the phone and dialed his home number. He waited to hear his mother's voice.

"Mom, I need your help. Y/n's brother died and I need to know what to send for condolences." Oystein stayed on the phone with his mother for over an hour in search of food delivery, flower delivery and any sort of funeral plans that his family could send an arrangement to. He asked his mom about what Shiva was and she explained that is a period of mourning after the funeral for the family to heal. She explained it was a very personal time for the family's healing journey and that it would be best for him to stay clear of her for now.

He also talked to her about Pelle and how things have happened between the two of them and while she wasn't thrilled to hear how he exploited the death of his friend, she explained to him that she knows how painful it was for him to lose Pelle. Oystein cried on the phone with his mother for the first time since he was a child.

He knew he had to get his shit together for his own sake. He needed to get back to the roots of what brought him to where he was today and stop letting stupid shit overshadow it all.

[vesuviannights]

How would the main six react to MC keeping tarantulas as pets? I mean not roaming free, that would be dangerous 😂 Tarantulas stay in their enclosures. Modern AU if you want to ^^

Look I know tarantulas mostly stay in their tanks but I couldn’t help myself I needed to give these babies their freedom!!!!

Main 6 + “Oh, is that a trantulAHHHHHHHH!” 🕷 Portia 🐈

Hmmmm. Will she get in the way of her duties? Is she likely to steal the eggs Portia is using for the pasta? No? Excellent. She can stay, then

Feels neither here nor there about having such an exotic and strange pet. If MC loves their strange friend, then she can too - and so can Pepi! A very curious little kitty, Pepi has many opinions about this friend and will vocalise them accordingly

On multiple occasions, Portia has been caught holding a one-sided conversation with both Pepi and MC’s tarantula, and certainly getting frustrated when Pepi offers a well-timed excited *prrrrrt!* and Lady Legs offers...nothing

Can MC perhaps teach Lady some words? Or noises? Perhaps just to make her footsteps heavier. It’s a little disconcerting when Portia turns back to her bread dough and there’s suddenly a furry leg sticking out from under the cloth that wasn’t there before

Muriel 🐺

You know how you can give a golden retriever an egg to hold in their soft mouths? Yeah

A friend to all creatures, Muriel helps MC select their - yes, their - new family member. Measurements must be taken for a beautiful, hand-crafted enclosure. Crickets and mealworms and mice (if their new friend is large enough) kept in close quarters

Muriel is so happy to hold the tarantula with him while he completes his chores. A small friend to show his new tomato plant? Someone who he can point out cloud formations to when MC has gone to town for supplies? Company while he feeds the chikceNS OH MY GOD

”FRIEND! He is a friend, not FOO-- NO DROP HIM--”

Lucio 👑

Lets make one thing very clear - he’s terrified, but this man’s love for animals far outweighs that terror

The moment he is left alone with them? His babies. His pRINCESSES. Those are his shmoopies now, sorry MC find yourself some other creature to adopt and then promptly have stolen

It’s very much trial-and-error at first. Lucio learns how to build trust with them, and they in turn figure out the strangeness of his left arm, warm just like MC’s (which they quite enjoy walking on) but not the same feel

Their lil feeties are uncertain at first so Lucio is sure to wear a sleeve over that arm until they’re happy to walk on it

Tea. Parties.

“oh I'm sorry mr. clicky did you want another sugared cricket lump?"

Nadia 🌹

Curious at first - though they were common in the tropical climate of Prakra, she has never encountered such a specimen in person, and certainly not one so colourful and, dare she say it...affectionate

Quite often MC will walk into Nadia’s workshop and see their eight-legged pet sitting atop Nadia’s shoulder as she tinkers

She can be observed murmuring to her shoulder-sitting friend, mostly about why her observation proved false or how pleased she is that her latest theory worked

“Hmmm...no you're quite right, my friend. We shall attempt it another way.”

Julian 🥀

Confused. A strange creature to keep as a pet, no? Surely a hound would make a loyal pet, or if MC is after something smaller a snake like Faust. Or perhaps a bird wou--

Ah beans. The bird.

Well. See. This is certainly a problem, isn’t it? Because birds eat spiders, and Malak is a bird (MC cuts in and reminds Julian that Malak is indeed a familiar, but Julian Will Not Have It), and this new friend is a spider, and does MC see the problem here?

It’s fine. Malak will simply have to stay at one end of the room. For protection. With Julian. For further protection.

no other reason

also please warn him when it molts so he knows to book house-call appointments instead of clinic ones

Asra 🔮

The most unlikely person to be terrified of or question exotic pet choices. Has likely had experience with far stranger pets in his travels, and is sure to keep the shop at a temperate 24C for when Ms. Legs is about

Overall he’s just having a really great time. This is a magician with a snek on one shoulder and an eight-legged ball of fuzz on the other

Faust is also quite accepting of her new shoulder pal, though at first things were off to a rocky start. Witness reports claim she may or may not have attemped to eat friend on first sight

It’s fine don’t worry about it

“Friend! HUG!”

“FAUST NO--”

**

🍑 Requesting | Masterlist | My Ao3 | Buy me a ko-fi?

[melodiouswhite]

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde rewritten - Ch. 61

Chapter Sixty-One: Everyday life

.

“Ah, Dr. Faust!”, Dr. Lanyon said, “You're here for your appointment?”

“No, I want to learn how to dance ballet”, the German doctor retorted sarcastically.

Lanyon mock-gasped: “What, you can't dance ballet???”

“I don't need it in my everyday life, so why would I learn it?”

“Point taken. Do sit down. So, tell me, how have you been?”

The alchemist arched an eyebrow. “Do you want a typically English answer, or-?”

“An honest one.”

“Breathing is unusually hard lately”, Dr. Faust told him. “Must be the asthma and the permanent after-effects from smoke poisoning.”

“If you don't mind, smoke poisoning from what?”, Lanyon queried.

“The Thirty Years War. Everything was on fire back then. Then there were the witch hunts – I can't even remember how many times they tried to burn me at the stake.”

“Oh my god!”

“The 17th century was that brutal, Dr. Lanyon. Don't mind it.”

“But I do!”, Lanyon protested. “And don't act so nonchalant! If you're not traumatised after those horrible experiences of war, I seriously have to question your humanity!”

Dr. Faust sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose: “It's long in the past. And I'd rather not talk about it to you. I may be able to look into your mind and hear your thoughts, but that doesn't change the fact, that I hardly know you.”

Trust issues. That was something Lanyon was more than familiar with.

“You're right”, he gave in. “Let's talk about it no longer. Right now, the more pressing issue is the surgery.”

.

Lady Summers was filing her therapy protocols.

A tedious task, but it had to be done.

More than often it took hours to sort everything into her abundant folders, of which some were thicker than the others. The countess always sorted her folders alphabetically and the protocols and notes inside them chronologically.

The one she was working on right now was the newest folder of her friend Victor Frankenstein – it was one of the biggest ones in her archive. After all, he had been alive for almost 130 years, she had known him for over forty years and the man had a lot of issues, some of them impossible to get rid of. Victor was a complete mess (and kind of a tool) and most of it he had brought upon himself. Sometimes Lady Summers couldn't help but question, why they were still friends. Probably pity and a tad of sympathy – they had been through the same torture all those years ago.

With a sigh, she finished filing the newest of her notes and protocols. She would need a new folder for Victor's case and he already had six of them.

All of her friends had several folders, even Dr. Jekyll, who had been her client for only a few months (then again, he had more problems than most of her clients).

Lady Summers closed the file, put it back into the shelf, went downstairs and prepared to go out.

It was Monday evening, when she would habitually visit the local police stations and prisons.

Not because she liked going there, but because the police liked to spare themselves the trouble of actually doing research by employing her mind-reading abilities. They tipped her handsomely for her service and that was the only reason, why she cooperated with them.

But that didn't stop Lady Summers from taking her frustration out on them for not using their own brains. Really, was it too much to ask, that they just did their job and deduced their cases without the help of a civilian?!

Her butler helped her into her jacket, cloak and shoes, Aoimoku handed her her parasol and they went on their way.

Marie would handle everything in the meantime.

When the three arrived there, Lady Summers gave a curt nod to the porter, before entering the building.

Almost everyone in the room turned to look at her and there was some mumbling from one or the other.

“Good evening, inspector Grumman”, she greeted the oldest of them.

Then she turned to the youngest man in the room: “I see, you're new. Well, good evening, officer Joyce. I hope your wife is feeling better?”

She almost laughed at how the young man stared at her for solid five seconds.

But then he recovered: “U-uhm, yes. M-my wife is feeling better, thank you. But how did you know my name and that she was sick?”

She smiled sweetly: “I'm Lady Summers. It's a pleasure to meet you. Anyway, inspector”, she turned back to Grumman. “I assume you have new-”

“Oh, good evening, Lady Summers!” Another inspector stepped forward and she withheld a groan, when she recognised D.I. Blackwood.

“How good to see you, Milady! If I may say, that's an exquisite dress! You look queenly toni-”

“Yes, yes”, she interrupted him, “words are cheap and so are your attempts at flattery. Let's get started, shall we?”

.

“Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Jekyll”, the woman sighed in relief. “You truly are one of the best physicians I have ever met.”

“Oh, stop it, Madam!”, Jekyll chuckled. “One of these days the flattery will get to my head and I can't possibly let that happen! Who knows, what that would do to my judgement! Anyway, you don't need to worry. It's just a common cold. Be sure to keep warm, drink lots of herbal infusions (peppermint, sage, lavender and ginger, mixed with honey, do a world of good against a sore throat), rest as much as you can and be sure to air the room regularly. But if it gets worse, be sure to send for me. Have a good day and get well soon!”

The woman nodded and saw herself out.

Jekyll took five minutes to air the room, before calling the next patient in.

“Good morning, Mr. Blake”, he greeted the man. “Oh dear, I see the pollen season is taking its toll on you.”

Before the man could answer, he sneezed violently into the room.

The Doctor couldn't help but frown. “Mr. Blake, how many times do I have to tell you to please sneeze into a handkerchief or into the crook of your elbow! It's common decency!”, he added pointedly, when the old man opened his mouth to nag.

This is going to be a long, long, week.

.

“Alright, Sir Carew”, Utterson spoke to his elderly client. “Is there anything more you have to discuss with me?”

“No, no”, the old politician chuckled. “This is all for now. Thank you kindly, Mr. Utterson. You're always such a big help.”

“It's always my pleasure”, the lawyer replied. “Before you go, I heard that you're going to retire from the Parliament?”

“Ah, yes”, Sir Carew confirmed. “I'm beginning to feel my age, I must admit. I'm planning to retire into the country, once I am retired and my daughter has got married. And once that day comes, I would be happy, if you could assist me in ordering my possessions.”

“I will gladly do so”, Utterson promised. “How is your daughter anyway?”

Carew smiled: “Ah, she is as darling as ever. To be fair, it worries me how many suitors she has. You can never know, if they just want your daughter for her beauty, if they truly love her.”

“Well, I have no children, so I can't really relate”, Utterson stated.

For a second he wondered how an old man like Sir Danvers Carew could have such a young daughter (she was not quite twenty), but then he remembered, that Carew had adopted her.

Maybe my own memory is getting rusty.

“By the way, how is Lady Summers?”, Carew inquired out of the blue, startling the other. “After all, she was quite ill used at the royal gala over a month ago.”

“Oh. Her Ladyship is fine”, Utterson told him. “In fact, she visited her father-in-law in Cornwall earlier this month. She returned to London a week ago, you can visit her yourself, if you wish. I'm certain she will be delighted to have tea and crumpets with you.”

“Oh, wonderful”, the older man cried in delight. “Really, that baron was such an animal towards her! She could have died from internal injuries!”

“Hm, she had the good fortune of several capable physicians being there as well”, the lawyer pointed out (wishing Carew would stop talking about that accursed gala already).

“Indeed. The Lady always had fortune on her side – then again, fortune favours the bold. And speaking of them, how are they? I seem to recall, that they are intimate friends of yours?”

“You could say that”, Utterson confirmed, albeit apprehensively. “We have known each other since our school days, so we're very close.”

“Well, give them my regards and my thanks for being such good friends to you and to the countess. And while you're at that, won't you give my thanks to that young brown-haired man, who saved my daughter from that scoundrel's clutches? What was his name again …”

“Mr. Hyde”, the lawyer supplied.

“Right! Anyway, give him and Dr. Jekyll my thanks. As Lisa's father it put me quite at ease to see two gentlemen help my daughter out without ulterior motives.”

Utterson nodded. “I will let them know next time I meet them. Have a nice evening, Sir.”

Then he saw his client off.

He didn't ask, whether Carew remembered, that Hyde was the very same man, who had almost killed him the year before and if yes, how he was feeling about that.

I will just have to ask Lady Summers, he decided. I pray she will be willing to enlighten me, because something about this is making me anxious.

[ihavetogogh]

alright, I wasn’t technically tagged in this, but @the-chesapeake-shipper did a vague-tag to all mutuals yesterday, and 🥺 I’m bored. thank u for ur generosity

rules: tag people you want to get to know better!

your name and then what you would have named yourself: well... coincidentally, i did choose my name a few years back. i’m darcy (yes, after mr. darcy. no, i do not regret it). HOWEVER there are times when i wish i had chosen a name that paid homage to my Japanese heritage. i recently learned that my mom had planned to name me kimiko hunaya and there are lots of days where i consider it because i know my great grandmother approved of it

astrological sign (sun/moon/rising if you know): will someone at a higher level of gay please teach me how to do this stuff???? i’m a capricorn, but i don’t know if that’s sun, moon, or rising

when did you join tumblr and why?: oh god.... way too young? i think i made my first blog in eighth grade. so 2011. mostly because i wanted to be an edgy tween reblogging quotes

top five fandoms: i have to narrow it down? this list is in a constant flux but at this exact moment: nbc hannibal, star trek, tolkien (i cant bring myself to say lotr while the silmarillion still holds most of my heart), the man from uncle, and x-men (but exclusively for erik’s turtlenecks)

top five favorite films: the normal heart, princess mononoke, star trek: the voyage home, the phantom thread, and the pride and prejudice 5 part mini-series that we’re all going to pretend is a movie because i never watch movies...

go to song when you want to Feel something: depends on what i need to feel, but if we’re talking about Yearning(TM), lover please stay by nothing but thieves

what’s your religion or faith if you have one?: i was raised mostly with catholic influences and some shintoism/buddhism. i vacillate between total nihilism and the concept of divinity in nature and the infinite cyclicality of energy and life??

a song that makes you feel seen: anything keaton henson has ever written? beekeeper is a very enduring song from when i was younger that still hits me right in the gut even if i dont feel the same way as i did back then. a more currently relevant song would be garden song by phoebe bridgers

if you could have any career: if i could be the person i want to be rather than the person that i am, i would be a university english professor, preferably at some old university where everything is a little drafty and the campus library has high ceilings and ghosts that stretch back to time immemorial. sharing a love for literature and storytelling has always appealed to me, and if i could, i would spend the rest of my life in academia

do you have a type: men who are too old for me and women who intimidate me 😔

what does your heart/soul yearn for?: faust. all i want right now is to sit down in my library with goethe, tchaikovsky playing in the background. where’s mephistopheles to give me a special witches brew so i have all the time in the world to glut on the passions of humanity?

if you had to describe yourself in 5 words to someone who doesn’t know you: book hoarding bisexual literature student???

favorite subject in school: english, but i also love history (especially art history)

where does your soul feel most at home?: sitting on the end of my grandparent’s crumbling dock, feet dangling in a lake that made it’s home in some scooped out part of the north cascade mountains. everything is still except the whisper of the air through the pine needles and the slap of water against the shore. my grandma and i had wine and charcuterie for lunch and now my grandpa’s talking about his painting—something that straddles the line between the familiar and the surreal. it’s a very comforting memory

top 5 fictional characters: aragorn, son of arathorn, king of gondor; hannibal lecter; jim kirk; thomasina from tom stoppard’s arcadia; lyra belaqua from his dark materials

top 3 moments in a show that made you ugly cry: did you mean when boromir dies in fellowship???? he’s such a tragic character, and sean bean was the perfect casting decision. uuuhmmmmm hannibal tenderly and erotically gutting will in his kitchen. it’s one hell of a sex scene, that. aaaand the ending of your lie in april. i have nothing else to say on the matter

the earth, the sun, the moon, or the stars: has to be the stars (moon, please forgive me....)

favorite kind of weather: when everything is poised on the edge of a storm. the air is perfectly still, and you can smell the rain and the lightning. the sun low enough that there’s nothing but a glow of light at the bottom of the cloud bank

top 3 characters you kin with: elizabeth bennett.... clearly; will graham.... less clearly; and leonard mccoy, ultimate mom friend

favorite medium of art: subtractive sculpture mediums, especially marble, and oil painting. give me all that classic art

introvert/extrovert/ambivert: i’m a big, dumb introvert

a favorite literary quote: i could... spend hours answering this. since i’m thinking of stoppard and his horribly underappreciated plays, we’ll go with my favorite quote from arcadia: “We shed as we pick up, like travellers who must carry everything in their arms, and what we let fall will be picked up by those behind. The procession is very long and life is very short. We die on the march. But there is nothing outside the march so nothing can be lost to it. The missing plays of Sophocles will turn up piece by piece, or be written again in another language. Ancient cures for diseases will reveal themselves once more. Mathematical discoveries glimpsed and lost to view will have their time again. You do not suppose, my lady, that if all of Archimedes had been hiding in the great library of Alexandria, we would be at a loss for a corkscrew?”

some of your favorite books: the hobbit (tolkien), cloud atlas (david mitchell), the goldfinch (donna tartt), broken monsters (lauren beukes), the amber spyglass (phillip pullman), the paper menagerie (ken liu), the vintner’s luck (elizabeth knox), wuthering heights (emily bronte), pride and prejudice (jane austen), lolita (vladimir nabokov), crimson petal in the white (michel faber), sharp objects (gillian flynn), life after life (kate atkinson), the picture of dorian gray (oscar wilde), arcadia (tom stoppard), faust (goethe)

if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?: a townhouse in edinburgh scotland, someplace just big enough for all of my books and a dog and cat. or that town int he netherlands where there’s no cars and everyone gets around by boat. i don’t drive, so that sounds like such a dream??????

if you could live in any time in history, when would it be?: i don’t think i’d like living in any other time, honestly... as a nonbinary person... but i would love to pop into the victorian era for a visit. i want to sit in on a victorian salon, listen to poets read their work and look at art and just generally enjoy the beauty of it. but i wouldn’t like to live then for long

if you could play any instrument masterfully, which would it be?: the cello please and thank you

if you have one, what mythological god or goddess do you feel a connection to?: i vibe pretty hard with persephone...

oh my god, this is so long, but LASTLY, favorite recent selfie in your camera roll: two because why not?

[mysteryvoidscientist]

MLQC x The Arcana Game (Asra)

⚠Possible Spoilers⚠

MC: Hello everyone and welcome to our Miracle Finder show! Today we will be introducing a peculiar gifted magician and fortune teller, Asra Alnazar from Vesuvia!

A loud applause resounded through the studio as all eyes were on a svelte young man with golden brown skin, fluffy white hair and deep purple eyes. He was dressed in a poorly fitted white shirt and brown and black slacks, both with gold decorative studs. Around his neck was a gold choker with simple curve carvings and a small blue crystal on a thick cord. He is proceeded to shake hands with MC as he grinned cheerfully, dimples appearing on his cheeks.

Asra: It's an honour to be on your show Miss MC. I've invited a little friend if you don't mind. 

A cute lavender snake with red eyes slid through Asra's shoulder who seemed delighted he caressed her forehead.

Asra: Her name is Faust and she likes being patted. Oh and she also likes squeezing.

MC was reluctant at first, but the serpent was so friendly and cute that she couldn't help but pat it and giggle.

MC: She's so adorable! But now back to our sheep. We will be welcoming four of the most famous people on Loveland, beginning with the clever and professional CEO of LFG, Victor! The strong and and skilled police officer, Gavin! The sunshine and talented idol, Kiro! The brilliant and genius neuroscientist, Lucien! And a special guest, a graduate student from the archeology department, Shaw!

Victor: ...

Gavin: *bows his head*

Kiro: Hellooooo!

Lucien: A pleasure to be part of your show.

Shaw: Yo.

A round of applause and whistles this time, especially from the females in the audience.

MC: Today, our magician will be reading their fortune one by one, so ready for the thrill??

The audience roared in response, making Asra grin wider.

Asra: I know readings are regarded lowly, especially from many scientists. But magic happens when you do not give up, even when you want to. The universe always falls in love with a stubborn heart.

His eyes shone as he remembered his apprentice, and MC seemed to be enamoured by his words, which made the participants quite jealous.

Asra: Each archetype is a manifestation of one's psyche, a facet of your personality that surfaces as you react to external stimuli. You can think of it as a veil that protects you as you brave many hardships in life. The arcana is the means by which all is revealed...

Victor

MC: Our first participant will be Victor! Victor please come on stage.

The young CEO got up from his seat to get on stage and sit in front of Asra on a wooden chair, looking down at him, arms crossed. The fortune telling was shuffling his cards quietly, only to put them fast in an even row on the table with mastery.

Asra: Close your eyes... think about your past, your favourite places, your ambition... and imagine the future you want with your dearest people... take a deep breath... focus...

Victor closed his eyes and did what he was told for the sake of the show. He felt his hands touched which made him flinch, but he just let go of the unease and let his hands roam free. The cards had the intricate scent of myrrh. In some magical traditions, myrrh is incorporated into workings to break hexes and curses... He felt it penetrate through his nose and into his body as he recalled his memories.

Asra guided his hands on the cards on the table, and after a short while, he let go of them, and Victor's hands were flowing on the cards on their own without their owner's consent, but he was too deep into his thoughts to mind.

Victor remembered his first important memory, when MC rescued him as a kid as they were running away... he remembered her silly reports, her cheerful face when they were making her favourite dish, pudding, in Souvenir with Mr Mills. He remembered her carvings on the tree when they were in different timelines, near the riverbank... he travelled through a paradigm shift to change her tragic future, only to come out with the same outcome, again and again... Can he dream of a bright and different future when all the facts were against him?When all odds are against changing fate, can he still hope that a miracle could happen? In any case, he at least was free to imagine otherwise. Imagining their daily idiotic sweet nothings, their cooking together at Souvenir hopefully with no interference of a certain blond glutton... and perhaps a more intimate future. 

With a click of Asra's fingers, Victor opened his eyes agape, sweating and gaslight for air as if saved from drowning deep inside a vast ocean. The audience was subjugated by all of the extraordinary scene, especially when Victor held a certain card without him noticing himself.

Victor: ... what in the hell?

Asra chuckled softly, dimples attracting many of the females' eyes. The magician took the card gently from him and closed his eyes. He heard voices, unspoken murmurs, untranslatable whispers. He smiled and opened his eyes, then conveyed what he was told to Victor especially, to the whole audience implicitly.

Asra: The Emperor is in control of his own destiny, building his empire on a solid foundation. He told you proudly "Trust your experiences. You can learn much from observing the consequences of your actions."

Eyes wide, Victor gulped, feeling his deepest core uncovered by a stranger.

Asra: However, your card is reversed... thus, your Emperor rules over his world with an iron fist, allowing nothing to escape his grasp. Therefore, the mighty Emperor advises you. "Be careful not to hold too tight to your empire. Plants only grow when given room to flourish."

Victor gulped once more, opened his mouth and closed it many times, reluctant for once to speak up for himself. The magician was right. Absolutely right... he read into his very soul.

Victor: ...Correct. The Emperor is right.

The audience roared in applause, and Victor went back to his previous seat, the words of his Emperor echoing through and through in his mind. "Plants only grow when given room to flourish"... Indeed, he can't always be there for her, he can't keep her locked in a safe haven for so long. She must flourish on her own, she must keep seeking for the truth on her own...

-To Be Continued-

[abstractanalogue]

The Wormholes interview (1997)

In June 1997 I interviewed Dave Carroll (1970-2019) of The Wormholes for a a one-off mail-order zine I produced for the band (cover above). I thought I’d transcribe the interview and publish it here as it hasn’t been online before. At this time they had released Scorpio:The Album (1997) so I asked Dave about recording it with Stano, other recent recordings with Stan Erraught (these would later be included on Parijuana in 1999), playing with The Fall in London (March ‘95) and their experience of touring in the UK (’95-’97). 

Q: Tell me about recording Scorpio:The Album.

A: We originally met Stano in town and went to Graham’s house that night with Shane and Francis (of Chunkin’ Bronchii). We didn’t know Stano or even really know him when he was leaving that day. He said nothing and just sat there at a four track. It was him who suggested to get us into a studio. He was good to work with, we’d record anything and everything we wanted and he wouldn’t say a word about it. He had maybe three or four mixes for each song. All the music was recorded in one day. The whole Pulse thing was two days and then the day we spent in Graham’s house. I mean I’m sure people will listen to it and go, ‘Yeah, I can gather it was done in 3 days.’ (laughs). It’s just the way we were heading, we knew we didn’t want to do another Chicks. Whether people like it or not, it is our second album. When you pick it up it may look like a mini album because there’s only so many songs, but when you think of it, ‘Kontinental Kop’ is 18 minutes long, ‘Bee Mee’ is 10 and ‘Freak Franco’ is almost 11 and that’s just three songs. We were surprised when we actually played ‘Kontinental Kop’ on the Play Station, it was like, wow, there’s a track on our CD almost 20 minutes long, I thought we’d knocked all that shit on the head. But then even on Parijuana, if that tape didn’t run out, I don’t know how long ‘Drive Dead Slow’ would have been. We were going at it full ahead from this sort of build up and Mark Carolan had to tell us the tape ran out.

Q: What about working with Stan Erraught (ex The Stars of Heaven and The Sewing Room)? These recordings with Stan at Sun Studios, plus other recordings would be used for Parijuana in 1999.

A:  When we heard Stan wanted to work with us we were blown away, we couldn’t get over it. This guy had done so much, I mean he was releasing records in the 80s. It must have been a really weird and difficult time to release anything, but this guy was doing it then when we were all still in school dreaming about what it would be like to own a guitar, let alone put out a poxy single. Same with Stano, he could have fobbed us off like, ‘Oh these little shits they think their doing something different, making a bit of a noise’ (laughs), but he just thought the way we done out stuff was right up his street.  

It was strange going into the same studio and the same desk as well but with totally different vibes. I hadn’t even talked to Stan or Mark (Carolan), I’d just walked in off the street and we did ‘Turkish Prison Dance’. We were just buzzin, the DAT was there, used just the one mic, Stan played the saz, Mark played guitar, Graham played drums, Anto just stood there and shook the maracas and I played the bongos. Everyone was jammed into this one room and we just banged it out there and then. None of us even realised when we were doing it, it was only after we thought, you know we didn’t play anything really, we just picked up some stuff and rattled it alongside what was being played and it was the first time we’d ever done that. When we heard it back none of us could even talk to each other, we were so chuffed with it. 

After that Mark finished putting up the mics and left. So we’d go in, start recording, Stan would be getting levels say and then he’d run in with his guitar and jump in with us, it was brilliant. We’d definitely work with him again. Stan just totally changed our whole outlook on what it’s like to work in the studio. He was giving us records by Faust and Can. I mean, these are records he’d bought 15, 16 years earlier when he was only a nipper. He told us a story about when he bought The Faust Tapes, it was on sale for 49p. He brought that particular record home when he was about 15 years old and he was eating his dinner with his Mum and Dad playing The Faust Tapes and them wondering what the hell he was listening to, they couldn’t get their head around this record that was chopped to bits.

Q: How has your experience of touring the UK been? First 1995 tour dates above (there was at least one that is not listed, Bristol’s Loco on 30th April with TW).

A: The first UK tour with Trumans Water was amazing, we only had to turn up and play, there was no pressure on us and any time we played with Cornershop it was the same deal. Even if there wasn’t many people we didn’t get so downhearted seeing as weren't the headline band.

On the second UK tour we tried to say to Roadrunner, it’s like this, putting us on a headliner is madness, try and get us on with not even a big band, just a band that 50 or 60 people will turn up to see. There were offers there to play with The Supreme Dicks but Roadrunner wouldn’t front us the money, they said it was pointless bringing us to London for 2 or 3 shows, but then they funded the British tour where we played to no-one for two weeks, apart from the Cornershop gigs. Cornershop were saying it was a bad time of year to tour as students were on holidays. 

We went to Hull and played with Trumans and it was amazing, the audience were animals, just wrecking the place. We go there two months later and its dead, drive into town and it’s a ghost-town. I’m not making that as an excuse because even if the town was all hustle and bustle we still would have only got about 20 people cause no-one knew us. 

At least when we went back the second time, even to have three new songs to bring back to England, we had ‘Marshmallow’, we had ‘Riotman’ and ‘Hotel Cash’. To us that was like bringing gold in your pocket, these aren't off Chicks, these are just new songs. 

The second 1995 UK tour dates.

Q: Tell me more about playing with The Fall in London.

A: In March 1995 we played a beautiful little gig (The Forum) supporting Mr. Mark E. Smith and The Fall on his request or so we were led to believe and we were honoured. That was like the icing on the cake for us and when they came to Dublin (Mean Fiddler) in December they asked for us again. I mean what can we say. We were all too chicken to speak to him. We all had this idea that he was the most arrogant, most unbelievably difficult person to even get two words out of and that’s what scared us off.  We were like we wanted to say hello and I wanted to tell him I though This Nation is one of the best records I’ve heard from any British band. That’s the sort of stuff I wanted to say to the guy but when I approached him I think I mumbled, ‘How-a-yi’ in my worst Dublin accent and scurried up the stairs, hoping he wouldn’t say something sarcastic. When I caught up with Anto and Graham I was hanging out of them saying I’d just met Jesus Christ, like I’d had tea with John Lennon or something. Mark E. Smith said hello to me was my claim to fame for the rest of the day. The gig was great. We were real nervous before. If there’s any band you need as role models it’s The Fall, keep their ethics.

Q: Talk about your UK dates with Scotland’s Pilotcan in Jan/Feb 1997. Pic from Scotland above, by Kieron Mellotte.

We played 6 gigs in 11 days. The better shows were in Edinburgh and London (Camden Falcon). We’ve never really been able to get it together in Scotland, the gigs we played there in ‘95 were bad, both tours. We played with Pilotcan, we knew them from the first tour when we slept on Keiron, from the bands, floor. He puts on gigs, we slept on the same floor as Jon Spencer. He was telling us that Deus had stayed in his flat before us and that they were mad. They were all real quiet, if they weren’t out drinking they’d just be sitting around or you’d find them reading a book. They all kept talking their own language and then laughing. Kieron and all his mates would  be sitting there freaked, up the wall, he’s got  a bunch of Belgians having their own private jokes in his flat (laughs).

Stuart from Mogwai got up at the Attic in Edinburgh and played a Smog track, ‘I Break Horses’. He did it amazing, just him and guitar, he did one or two Mogwai tracks as well, the best thing that happened that night. That was the Pilotcan single launch, it was a mad night. We were all on magic mushrooms and we were going back the next day. We fell asleep listening to the Modern Lovers, amazing album, like the Velvets.

Live review from Melody Maker for first UK tour

A: Any more thoughts?

We never thought in a million years that Cornershop would work with us or even Lo Recordings wanting to put our stuff out on compilations and that. It’s staggering to us, it mightn't mean a great deal to a lot of people but it’s what we always wanted to do. Our aim is to bombard the planet with as much stuff as we can.

A few more live adverts

Wormhole and a few other Irish bands played at the 1995 Phoenix festival (get your glasses out to find them all!)

I travelled to see them play at The Garage and then joined them on the road for the next show the following night at Bristol’s Loco supporting Trumans Water. We travelled back the same night to the comforts of The Florence aka Hotel Cash in London’s King Cross.

Stephen Rennicks

[lemonscreativeworld]

A Rose By Any Other Name

In Which Asra Ruins Everything.

A/N: This is largely based on two things; the meme of MC saying Muriel can have their last name by @arcana-time and @derpam for the comic about Asra bursting into Muriel’s hut and ruining the potential first kiss between him and the Apprentice. 

It was a rare day when Muriel visited the shop during open hours. It was even rarer when he stayed for the whole day, though he spent most of it in the backroom. I had made sure to buy some eel and black mead especially for his visit as well as a comfortable spot in the backroom. Whenever I was not dealing with a customer, I made sure to check up on him, popping my head in and asking him if he was okay.

The darling man was just sitting in a pile of our biggest pillows, some of which I was graciously allowed to bring home with me from The Palace, with a fantasy novella he had asked to borrow. He seemed so concentrated on it, his eyes reading the pages intently and my heart sang with how adorable he is. Even better was that Dumpling had curled up around his neck and dozed off, Muriel idly reaching up to give him head scritches. It was all too adorable; I just wanted to squeal with joy but I had to be the consummate professional I am for my patrons.

As it stands, I just finished with a pair of regulars, a saucy grandmother who came in with her quiet husband. She came in to ask questions about her grandchildren, mostly about their health and love lives. He would ask about their own future and it was entertaining to watch Granny Idris say, “We’ll be dead in a few years, what do you mean?!”

But that was not the catalyst that led to the most exciting events today. As they were leaving, I was engaged in conversation about marriage. “I’m interested to see the man or woman in your future, Mr. Stefanidis!” Granny had said, and I laughed at her remark.

“Who is to say I do not already have one, hm? Did you ever think on that, Mrs. Idris?” My retort made her snort and she just patted my cheek as Grampy Idris just took his wife’s hand in his and pressed a kiss to the wrinkly knuckles there. He tutted at his wife for her nosiness, and gently dragged her away while she continued to call out questions I gave no answers to. While Granny Idris was something akin to a grandmotherly figure to me, I had no desire to tell her about the subject of my affections, especially when I saw him walk out of the backroom and onto the main floor. Dumpling was nowhere to be found and I suspect that he left the lazy weasel on the pillows.

“Do you need something, darling?” I ask him, shutting the door and put a note in the front window about being out to lunch. Of course, I would stay in to eat with Muriel; even if I wanted to go out, I would never leave him alone in the shop. He might leave without saying goodbye, and I could never have that. “Do you wish for some tea or sweets?”

He stood there for a moment, looking at me with confusion written as plainly as letter on his face. “That woman…” He said, and I blinked.

“Oh, Mrs. Idris? Yes, she is a regular patron here, and a wild one at that.” I replied, already getting out the necessary components to make a refreshing rose and lavender tea. “Spicy old woman, I adore her.”

He looked away and then back to me, several times as though he was thinking. “She called you Stefanidis.”

Putting the kettle on the stove, I filled it with water and waited for it to boil. Motioning him to take a seat with me, I took one for myself and answered him. “Yes, that it is my name. Aneirin Stefanidis.” To my delight, he only hesitated a moment before sitting down. Before, he would merely insist on standing a ways away from me…now, though, he felt comfortable enough to sit next to me. It made my heart burst even more and I wanted to kiss away the furrow to his brows. “Do you not have a last name, darling?”

“No.” His answer was blunt and to the point but I could feel the hint of sadness to it. The poor baby probably felt somehow left out. “I never thought about it before.”

I put my elbow on the table and placed my chin in my hand. “Well…do you want a surname?” The question was as innocent as I could ask and yet, he still seemed to blush.

“I…don’t know.”

“You can have my last name, if you wish.” The words flowed so cleanly from my mouth, with no support from my conscious brain. It was nothing more than a gut reaction and even I was surprised I had spoken them. It took us both a moment to properly register them and once we did, we looked at each other with red staining our cheeks. “I…” My voice cracked and I cleared my throat. “I did not mean to say that…”

He stared at me for a long second before turning away. “You shouldn’t say things you don’t mean.” Was…was that disappointment I detected? Or was I so used to the gruff annoyance that I merely wished it was something else?

Opening my mouth to say something else, the kettle took that time to whistle, and I rushed up to set it off the heat, turning the stove down. Turning back, I saw him looking at me strangely but he turned away too fast for me to catch a glimpse of his expression.

The next few seconds happened in a blur. I took a couple steps forward to get closer to him in an effort to not talk across the room when I saw a familiar flash of white and then I was falling. I had tripped over Dumpling, who had come from seemingly nowhere. I held my hands out to cushion my fall, but instead of face-planting into the hard floor, I face-planted into the solid wall of Muriel’s chest. His hands were on my hips in an effort to keep me steady and my hands were on either side of his body.

Once I had realized exactly what kind of position I was in, I slowly leaned back to look up at Muriel. My voice was caught in my throat as I saw how close our lips were in this position. His face was a bright, almost cherry red, and I am more than sure my own face was well on its way to being just as bright. I could smell the eel and mead on his breath and even more than that, the scent of myrrh was intoxicating. I felt like I was drowning in his presence and I never wanted to surface for air. “M…Muri…el…” I practically whimpered and his response was for his grip to tighten ever so slightly.

The slight rubbing of his skin against mine shocked me as he started moving closer, leaning down further until our lips were just whispering against each other. I was in a state of euphoric bliss; after months of pining away for this beautiful soul, this large mountain man with an even larger heart, this shy, kind, wondrous human being, I would finally get my wish of us acknowledging and cementing our mutual attraction. It was everything I wanted and possibly more.

…

Until there was a deafening giggle and Muriel and I both froze, our heads snapping towards the door. There stood Master Asra, Faust dangling around his neck. “Working hard, Aneirin?” He said and I wanted to slap him silly.

In a panic, Muriel almost pushed me away and turned away from his longtime friend, leaving me to face a smug asshole. The anger and annoyance was hard to keep out of my voice as I asked, sickly sweet. “Master, would you like to join me outside for a moment? There is something of the ever most importance I must ask you.”

It was then he knew he fucked up, as the look on his face dropped a little. But he could not escape as I marched towards him and grabbed his arm. “Muriel, darling, if you would be ever so kind as to make the tea, I would appreciate you to the moon.” His response was a deep grumble, which is what I expected.

I opened the door and then slammed it behind me, letting go of Asra and we just stood there for a moment in a tense silence. “So…” He started off, his voice still smug. “You and Muriel, hm?”

“Asra…I shall give you a five second headstart towards The Palace.” Golden lightning was already crackling in my hands as my eyes glowed with my magic and he was gone in a white and purple blur.

Suffice to say, he just barely made it to The Palace.   

[koriand]

Three Rascals (Asra x MC x Muriel)

Summary: In which you, the MC, are childhood friends with Muriel and Asra. A story from the past.

A/N: I had a burst of inspiration for some scenarios between MC, Asra and Muriel. This is the first one so far and I hope y'all like it! I haven't written in a looong time, so you'll have to forgive my crappy writing.

Edit: My dumbass wrote Asra with male pronouns when they're nonbinary, so I fixed that! Thanks to tumblr user voidelsspussyblr for mentioning it in the replies! 💕

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Two children walked the streets of Vesuvia, hand in hand. One had a small, frail frame; their skin was the color of sand, dipped with rays of a gold sunset, and their hair was pure white, with beautiful curls to frame their face. The boy next to them was taller, and bulky; he had a more olive hue to his skin, though. The bags under his eyes were prominent, and his dark hair was long, with noticeable split ends. They both came trotting towards your father's bakery, and you couldn't help but smile, feeling your younger self filled to the brim with excitement. Asra and Muriel. But, that excitement slowly died down as you remembered how long the line for bread and pastries was.

The bakery was almost never full at this hour, but the seasons were shifting-bringing in cold air-which meant customers coming at random times of the day; all to get some freshly baked pumpkin bread. Asra and Muriel stopped outside of the bakery, perfectly within your eyesight. Asra waved at you with a warm smile, while Muriel raised his hand and then lowered it. You waved back, and gestured for them to wait. You turned to your father, Selasi, while he spoke with a customer. You stood there for a minute, impatiently waiting for the conversation to end.

"I hope Ashanti is able to carry the baby full term."

"Thank you, Selasi, it means a lot to us."

"Dad," You interjected. Your father gave his last thank you's to the customer, and turned towards you.

"Sweetie, you know you shouldn't interrupt my conversations!" He scolded you, but then the corner of his lips gave way, and he laughed. He leaned into you, whispering. "Thank you, though, otherwise he would have dragged the conversation further." You giggled, knowing exactly what he meant. You quickly change subjects, desperate to go out with Asra and Muriel.

"So, dad, is it okay for me to leave now? I've been helping most of the day, and I'm pretty sure it should be Kehlani's shift by now." You said, eager for him to dismiss you. Kehlani was your older sister, though, not the most responsible one at that. Your father smiled.

"Are your friends here?" He asked, one eyebrow raised. You nodded, noticeably excited. He shook your hair. "You can go out now, but on one condition: do not get into trouble. It was hard enough explaining to Mrs. Holloway why her garden didn't have any of her favorite flowers without getting the three of you involved." You rolled your eyes at him.

"Dad, you know that Asra needed ingredients for a spell! Muriel was sick with a fever that wasn't coming down! I had to help!" Your father laughed a hearty laugh. His chest filled with pride in the knowledge that he's raised a kind child. He extended his hand expectantly, and you untied your apron, handing it over quickly. You went to the back of the bakery, snatched two loafs of pumpkin bread, and ran out to the streets to meet your friends.

"Hey," Asra called out, as you felt yourself be swallowed by too many faces, customers, and vendors. You turned to your right, and gave them the most sincere smile you could muster, but walked sheepishly towards them. You presented the bread and Asra gasped. It was still warm as they felt it; they leaned into you and gave you a peck on your cheek. "Thank you." Blush creeped into your face, and your smile became small. Muriel looked at you and offered a smirk as an expression of gratitude.

"What do you guys want to do today? We could go to the underground theatre, and watch the new play." You suggested, but it already seems Asra had something else in mind.

"We want to show you our home, and also, Muriel has something he wants you to see." Asra says, already pulling Muriel behind them. Muriel extends his hand for you to hold, and you do. His hands are dry, calloused, even for a young boy. You thought about the fact that they both pick up odd jobs for sustenance; Muriel does hard labor, meanwhile Asra has taken up a spot where he performs with his snake familiar, Faust. Muriel's work must be hardening his palms. You wish they didn't need to do these things.

You walked around the outskirts of Vesuvia, among trees, and chattering birds. The trees surrounding you were tall, and the forest was not devoid of color, because you saw many, beautiful, wild flowers during your journey to the boys house. You felt your grip on Muriel's hand tighten when you heard a wolf howl. Muriel let out a low laugh, and Asra snickered.

"It's alright, the wolves are harmless." Muriel speaks, looking back at you with a closed lipped smile. You nod, wishing you could relax, but not being able to. You stop in front of a big tree, with a door at its center. You stare at it for a bit, while Asra and Muriel pick up random branches to start a fire with. A chicken comes gawking, and you nearly jumped out of your skin, letting out a scream. The chicken screeched back, and, immediately, you begin to laugh, and the boys do too.

"I didn't think you were so jumpy!" Asra says through their laugh. You keep laughing, and the chicken just bobs its head. Muriel comes over, scooping up the chicken in his arms, and presenting it to you.

"You have to relax and pet it gently." Muriel instructs. You wipe your tears from laughing, and take a deep breath. You extend your hand to pet it, but it gawks at you again, and you pull your hand back just as quickly.

"I don't think he likes me, Muriel." You say, giving him an embarrassed smile. Muriel nods.

"Maybe you're right." He says, giving the chicken a worried look. "It could be because he's never seen you before." You shrug, opening your moth to say something, but are quickly cut off.

"Hey, you two, come inside." Asra says, already kicking the door open, because their arms are filled with branches and twigs. Muriel places the chicken down, going inside the house as you follow pursuit. You notice it's a small hut, just enough space for one or two adults, but three children can comfortably fit here.

"I like your house, it's very cozy." You say, noticing one bed in the far right corner, a fireplace in the center, and small table to the left. Asra throws the branches in the fire place, and they're about whisper a spell, when Muriel interrupts them by lighting a match and throwing it in. Asra gives him an annoyed glance.

"You still don't know how to handle fire magic well, Asra. Remember last time?" Muriel asked. You snort, remembering how they almost burned your hands by trying to warm up bread. Asra pouted, but didn't respond. Asra sits on the bed, Muriel sits next to his legs and you sit next to Asra. You spend the rest of the day braiding Muriel's hair, and learning how to make flower crowns with Asra.

It's night time now, and Muriel wakes up from his nap. He notices both you and Asra sleeping soundly on the bed. Asra has their face buried against your neck, and you have your leg under theirs. Muriel smiles, remembering how you both beckoned him to come nap on the bed. He refused, worried he would somehow crush you both, even though, he wasn't that big; just taller, and with a bit more muscle than both of you. He stood up, and lightly shook Asra awake. You were a heavy sleeper, so Asra found themself giggling when they noticed your lips slightly parted, and drool sliding from it. He quietly asked Muriel to bring over a cloth, and gently wiped away the saliva they could get. Asra leaned into your forehead and gave you a kiss.

"Hey, wake up." They whispered into your ear. You woke up abruptly, shaken, and even slightly irritated. Your mind began to settle, and you looked around the hut. Oh no, you thought.

"What time is it?" You asked, scared. You hoped it wasn't too late into the night, knowing your father would definitely ground you if you got home late.

"It's night time, and I know you have to go home, but before that, Muriel and I want to show you something." Asra said, while standing up from the bed. You rubbed your eyes, and stretched. You remember that Asra had mentioned this earlier.

Asra grabbed Muriel's hand, and he offered his to you again. The three of you set off in the darkness of the forest. Asra managed to conjure a small ball of light with their free hand, sending shivers down your spine. You'd seen Asra perform different types of magic tricks plenty of times, but this time it felt different. This was pure energy flowing through them, and they were in full control of it. You gazed in awe. The three of you stop on a spot in the forest, like a small clearing, with yellow, blue, and glowing flowers. Muriel and Asra sit down, and place you between them both.

"What are we doing?" You asked. Asra shushed you, asking you to lower your voice.

"The Heart of the Forest comes here sometimes, and Asra thinks tonight will be one of the nights we get to see it close. We've only seen her from far away, but maybe tonight will be different." Muriel whispered, green eyes looking in your direction. Muriel wasn't one to be overly expressive, but right now, under the moonlight, and with the help of the glowing flowers, you could see excitement in his eyes for the first time. You felt yourself smile. You wish you could somehow keep him this way forever; if you were an artist, you would have found a way to commit his green eyes into paper or canvas.

"I thought The Heart was a myth?" You asked too soon, as you heard twigs snap under heavy hooves. The beautiful creature came from between the trees, glowing like an ethereal being only can; the deer-bird hybrid had feathers of iridescent colors all through her body, she was tall, and with antlers twice the normal size of any deer; her antlers were pure white, with shiny spiderwebs intertwining them, and crystal beads of water on the webs. You stared at her in complete astonishment, but something was wrong. Her breathing seemed ragged, and her eyes darted from every corner of the clearing. Your brows furrowed in worry. Your instincts tugged at you, wanting to go near her.

You stood up slowly, moving your gaze to the ground. A sacred creature deserves respect. You thought. All the myths of The Heart spoke of people's care for her.

Muriel lifted his hand to stop you, but it only got mid-way, not wanting to scare The Heart away. Asra and Muriel exchanged puzzled looks behind you. The Heart stood still when she noticed your movement. You kept your head down, and walked cautiously. Once you were five feet apart from her, you stopped; she kept her place.

Maybe I should bow. You thought. You bent your posture, bowing to the creature before you. The Heart snorted, and closed the gap between you both by placing her snout against your forehead. You prudently lifted your gaze, and looked at her eyes. Your hand slowly made it's way to pet her head, and immediately, a surge of energy overcame you. Magic flowed through your arms, and in the air; Asra stood up promptly after noticing this, because their hands were glowing, while your entire being glowed too; The Hearts eyes lit up, and so did her feathers. You felt your pulse pick up, and a far off voice came reverberating through your mind. It sounded like a woman's.

"Help. Hide." She said. "Hunters." You gasped.

"Muriel, Asra, she says she needs help hiding! People are hunting her!" The Heart looks directly at both boys, and you can feel her fear. Muriel and Asra nod fervently, and Muriel immediately springs to hist feet. The sound of galloping comes near, and The Heart begins to tense.

"Follow me, my lady, I'll take you somewhere safe." Muriel whispers as he begins to run into the woods. You look at the deer, and give her a reassuring expression. She runs off behind Muriel, as you and Asra stay behind.

"We need to cast a spell to cover The Heart's tracks!" Asra spoke to you. You looked back at them, desperation in your face. "Just repeat after me." They said, walking towards you, and holding your hands in theirs.

"Winds of South, come strong to us, erase this path, and make it visible no more!" Asra whispered; you spoke behind him, your voice trembling. One of his hands let go of yours, and he directed it towards the path Muriel and The Heart took. You mimic his gesture, and the wind picks up, howling in its sudden awakening. Dirt, leaves and everything in between begins to move, effectively covering the tracks. Once you're both satisfied, you stop, and the wind dissipates with you.

Soon enough, a man with a golden arm, blonde hair, and luxurious clothing comes into view. This must be Count Lucio, you realized. Everyone spoke about his lost arm, replaced by a mechanical one made of gold.

"You two!" The man shouts, and points a finger at you both. Your grip on Asra's hand tightens. "Have you seen the deer? I need it." Two guards come galloping behind him.

"No, sir, I don't think I've seen any deer in this forest." Asra replies quickly, and sounding very convincing at it. The man scowls, but doesn't look away from either of you.

"What are two children doing in a forest, during the night anyways?" Asked one of the guards. Asra offered a smile.

"We go lost on our way home." Asra replied, with complete ease.

"Count, what should we do?" He asked. The Count thought for a long moment, and began moving away.

"Let's go back to the palace."

"But, Count, the children."

"They'll find their way out eventually." He said with finality as he kicked his horse, and sped off. The guards followed close behind him. You and Asra sighed in relief, relaxation washing over you.

"We should go back to the hut." Asra spoke. You agreed, and walked hand in hand with them.

Near the hut, you spot Muriel; he's sitting next to the door, holding and iridescent feather. He sees you both and smiles a genuine smile. You run to him, and wrap your arms around him tightly; Asra follows behind you, and throws themself ontop of you both. The three of you are laughing, and all the worries of your father grounding you go out of you mind. All you can think about is this moment.

"We did it, Muriel, we saved The Heart of the Forest!" You say loudly and cheerfully. You lean in and kiss his cheek, and Muriel's face goes red. Asra kisses his other cheek, and the three of you hug again. It's an amazing night, and neither of you want it to end.

[broken-clover]

Dust Strikers Story Mode 1/4

I haven’t seen too many resources available when it comes to Guilty Gear: Dust Strikers, a DS-only sidegame released in 2006. While I will agree that the gameplay and story did leave a bit to be desired, I still get a decent bit of fun out of it as the only GG game I own that I can play at college. I wound up going through all 20 story modes for the purpose of jotting down all the game dialogue, in case anybody needed it for reference for whatever reason and didn’t have a copy of the game. I’m gonna upload this in chunks for the sake of space.

Part 1 (Sol, Ky, May, Millia, Axl), Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Dialogue for some scenes is repeated. I tried my best to keep this more or less lifted right from the game, though I did make a few edits just for grammar’s sake because this game isn’t very well edited. I did not try to change any conversations just for the sake of it.

Sol:...Whew... Jam: How rude. What's your problem? Faust: Is there something wrong? Sol: A doctor and a chef? This is a big joke. Quit following me wherever I go. Go back to your real jobs, man! Faust: This is what it takes to master the tricks of the trade. It's necessary to learn to see things from the patient's perspective. Jame: The art of cooking is also a quest. You're not gonna find anything new just by sitting around. Venom: Then I should get to know a wider variety of opponents. Let's roll! Sol: Move it. Just go to bed!

Bridget: Whoah, everybody looks tough Chipp: Hey! what's a kid doing here? Eddie: A child. Attractive in terms of her youthfulness but too immature to become my host Bridget: You're not taking me seriously? Then let me show you my moves Sol:...back off. Don't be wasting my time Eddie: Interesting. I shall keep a record of the battle results for future reference Bridget: Don't be surprised! Here I come! Sol: What am I, a babysitter? I can't deal with this...

Slayer: This is quite an unusual combination Sol: I'm starting to get tired of your face Testament: Different being. What do you want? Slayer: Nope. Nothing in particular. Just happened to pass by. Testament: Then please go away Dizzy: Oh, you're Mr. Slayer, aren't you? Please excuse Testament's words. He doesn't mean any harm. Slayer: I'm not bothered by it. Don't worry. But this is quite interesting. Sol: So what the hell is your point? Slayer: Those who have veered off the path. I guess the same must be said of me. Testament: What are you insinuating? You better have a good explanation Slayer: My apologies if I offended you. I'm just genuinely interested in your powers Sol: You using us to kill your boredom? I think it's time you hung em up.

Anji: Finally found you. Sol:...It's you again. Anji: Let me ask you straight out. Do you have any idea where 'he' is? Sol: So what if I know? Anji: Can you tell me where he is? Of course I'm willing to work for it. You and I have a bout, and if I win, you tell me. Sounds fair? Baiken: Wait! Let me in on the festivities Sol: Sorry, not interested. You guys enjoy each other's company Anji: Even Justice feared my powers...Still not interested? Sol:...! Baiken: Shut your trap! You're starting to get on my nerves. I'll kick all of your butts right now! Axl: Whoa!...Damn it...is this a bad time? Baiken: Eavesdropping, are we? I'm not impressed! Axl: I just wanted to ask chief something Sol: And even you. Why does everyone want to stick their noses in other people's business! Axl: No worries, chief! Just a quick bout, no hard feelings! Sol: I'm not responsible for what happens.

I-no: You're late. You shouldn't make ladies wait like that. Sol: shut up. What are you wandering around for? Johnny: Hey, what a coincidence. Didn't expect to run into you here....guess yu're busy with a woman Sol: You stay out of it I-no: Ooh, another cute guy Ky: All of you! Freeze right there! I-no: and now a cute boy, too. Ky: Sol..! And Johnny the pirate, and you're..! I-no: I'd stay out of it if I were you. Why don't you just go home to mommy? Sol: That's enough chit chatting. Let's let the fists do the talking! Ky: ...Sol! I-no: The violent guy as always. Sure, why not...I'll cut you all up into pieces! Ky: I guess there's no alternative. Holy Knight combat was initially meant for handling multiple enemies. I'll show you what it's all about!

Sol: Finally we meet... Gig: Grrr... Sol: I'm here to figure you out. Gig: Grrrgh! Sol:...Too late, I guess. Then die.

Gig: Grr...grr... Sol: Don't bother. It's over Gig: Grr.... Sol:...I'll make sure we get even for your sake. I guarantee you we'll find the dirt bag...

Ky

Jam: Ayah! Who's this cute guy? Ky: You must be...that chef, Ms. Jam Kuradoberi. Jam: That's right! You remembered me! I'm so happy! Ky: I'm glad to see you're doing well. May: Wahts...oops! Oh no! Ky: You must be May, the pirate May: Are you going after Johnny? You'll have to get by me first. Ky: Please, put your guard down. I'm not after pirates right now. Testament: So you're out bounty-hunting then. Probably after me then, aren't you? Jam: Ooh, you're quite the hottie too. Wanna work at my restaurant? Testament: Stop talking nonsense... May: It's two hot guys...but Johnny's way hotter than both of you!

Zappa: Hey! Miss! Millia:...Yes? Zappa: If it's possible, can you be my wi... Millia:... Zappa: Actually, never mind... Axl: Dude, let me show you how it's done. Hey, you in the beautiful blond hair! Let me buy you a cup of coffee so I can see which glows brighter, your hair or your eyes. Millia:...Um, I'm in a hurry. Ky: You're Millia, the former assassin. If you're not with the guild anymore, leave the rest to the police force. No need to put yourself in danger. Millia: I'll take care of him. It's none of your business. Ky: But no, we have to... Zappa: What's all this talk about? Even the police are here. Maybe I should get outta...NO!...Happiness. Hatred! Hatred! Millia: Why don't I ever have luck with men?

Faust: Traveling lady with the scent of blood. Where are you headed? Baiken: Get lost, you lame doc. It's none of your business. I can kill whoever I want. Chipp: Woman enduring countless bloodshed. So you're that Japanese beauty? Ky: There's nothing but anger inside you. As a protector of public safety, I can't let such hateful words pass Baiken: Kid, if you don't wanna get hurt, you should just keep your mouth shut Ky: I have confidence in my sword. Not exactly my favorite option, but in this case I have no choice Faust: What you need is some time off in total peaceful serenity. As a physician, it is my obligation to make sure that you are cured.

Anji: You must be Ky Kiske, former leader of the Sacred Order of Holy Knights Ky: Yes, that would be me. And who are you? Anji: Last name is Mito, first name is Anji. I'm just a journeyman Ky: So what can I help you with? Anji: I'd like to challenge you to a match. I wanted to see firsthand the skills of a top-class warrior like yourself. Ky: I can tell from your presence that you're not an ordinary foe. Asian martial arts? Interesting. I accept your challenge. Slayer: In that case, count me in too. Fighting for the sake of fighting. To me fighting is life's best form of entertainment. Don't you think? Potemkin: I myself haven’t had any worthy opponents recently. Sure, I'll take you on. Ky: This is getting interesting. It's been a while for me too. Bring it on!

I-no: You're late. You shouldn't make ladies wait like that. Sol: shut up. What are you wandering around for? Johnny: Hey, what a coincidence. Didn't expect to run into you here....guess you're busy with a woman. Sol: You stay out of it. I-no: Ooh, another cute guy. Ky: All of you! Freeze right there! I-no: and now a cute boy, too. Ky: Sol..! And Johnny the pirate, and you're..! I-no: I'd stay out of it if I were you. Why don't you just go home to mommy? Sol: That's enough chit chatting. Let's let the fists do the talking! Ky: ...Sol! I-no: The violent guy as always. Sure, why not...I'll cut you all up into pieces! Ky: I guess there's no alternative. Holy Knight combat was initially meant for handling multiple enemies. I'll show you what it's all about!

Ky: What overpowering energy! Gig: Grr... Ky: You telling me this used to be a man? Gig: Grrrgh! Ky: Damn! I have no other choice...

Gig: Grr...grr... Ky: Barely managed to hang on... Gig: Ghhh... Ky: It looks like his losing control of reason has maximized his powers to infinite levels... Gig: Grr.... Ky: ...Pease, rest in peace I-no: Good job for a young boy like you. Ky:! I-no: I can probably kill you easily now...but that wouldn't be fun. So I'll let you go. Ky: You tell the man who created Gears, that he will pay for his crimes! I-no: You don't stand a chance! Why don't you look at yourself in the mirror before you speak? But I'll let him know anyway. Seeya! Ky: ...hate to admit it, but I'm not strong enough yet...but I will eventually rise over the true Gear powers.

May

May: I've got the chills. Faust: Perhaps you have a cold. Here, let me take a look. May: Don't come near me! Faust: What's the problem? May: These vibes...I'm positive! You're...you're bald, aren't you! Venom: You must be Faust, the Dark Doctor. Or should I call you doctor- Faust: Stop it. I don't use that name anymore. Venom:...Excuse me for being disrespectful. Doctor, I'd like you to accompany me. Faust: I'm sorry, my job is to save lives. I don't know if I can be of much help to you and your comrades. May: Look at all that hair...I guess it's not as bad as being bald...doesn't it get in the way? Venom: Let's put your limitations into perspective, then. You'll realize there are only so many lives you can save! May: Who, me? Zappa: KILL! KILL! Let me kill! May: What's with all these weirdos? I'm fighting for real, then!

Chipp: Please, I'm begging you! Baiken: Geez, what is your problem? Chipp: Make me Japanese! Even samurai give mercy, don't they? Baiken: No samurai here. Not a chance, buddy. Be a big boy and get over it, willya? Anji: Hey, what are you doing here? Chipp: You'll do! Please, tell me how to become Japanese! Anji: There's no way in hell, man. Be content being the 'president' Chipp: NO! I wanna become the president, become a Japanese, surpass master's ninjutsu abilities and take revenge! May: You guys arguing over something? Chipp: Damn...what are you doing here? Anji: Yup. A 'Japanese' May: Japa...what? Why're you crying sir? Something wrong? Did I do something wrong? Chipp: I will reach the top! You watch me, master! May: Wow, you scared me! You know I'm tough when I'm mad!

Jam: Ayah! Who's this cute guy? Ky: You must be...that chef, Ms. Jam Kuradoberi. Jam: That's right! You remembered me! I'm so happy! Ky: I'm glad to see you're doing well. May: Whats...oops! Oh no! Ky: You must be May, the pirate May: Are you going after Johnny? You'll have to get by me first. Ky: Please, put your guard down. I'm not after pirates right now. Testament: So you're out bounty-hunting then. Probably after me then, aren't you? Jam: Ooh, you're quite the hottie too. Wanna work at my restaurant? Testament: Stop talking nonsense... May: It's two hot guys...but Johnny's way hotter than both of you!

May: Wow! Look how big you are! Potemkin: And so are you. May: Hey! That's not very nice! Potemkin: No, I just thought you grew a little compared to the last time I saw you May: Well thanks fr the compliment. Think I'm good enough for Johnny now? Eddie: Having a host in her growth spurt...might not be a bad idea. Johnny: Out of the way, May! Potemkin: Humph! May:...Thanks Johnny: Thanks. I owe you one. Eddie: How dare you... May: Now it's my turn! I'll prove it to you that a girl in love is unbeatable!

Millia: Long time no see...Honey, you look very different. Dizzy: It's all thanks to May, and all of my great friends. May: Hee hee. Stop, you're embarrassing me Dizzy...everyone loves you only because you're a good person, that's all. Bridget: Yes, I think so too. To think that there used to be a bounty on her is weird when you think about it now. Millia: Treasure that happiness you have. And don't turn out like me. May: Why don't you join Jellyfish too? I'm sure Johnny will welcome you. Not to mention you're beautiful. I'm a bit jealous...don'f forget though, Johnny is mine! Millia:...thanks. But I think I'll take a pass. I have some unfinished business. Plus...actually, never mind. I think I better go now. Okay, let me through.

May: Phew. Finally here. Gig: Grr.... May: Wow!...No worries. I'm not freaked out. Johnny always tells me I should lend a helping hand to those in need. Come with me, my friend. Gig: Grrrgh! May: What! Whoa!

Gig: Grr...grr... May:...Why? I didn't want to do this to you. Gig: Grr... May: I'm so sorry...

Dizzy: May! May: Dizzy...I couldn't do it...Couldn't help him like Johnny would. I just wish we could've been friends. Dizzy:...I think you did the right thing... May: Whatdya mean? Dizzy: Look at that peaceful face. Thanks to you, he's finally free from long suffering. May:... Dizzy: Let's go back. Everyone's waiting. May:...uh, all right (...rest in peace, my friend...and good night)

Millia

Zappa: Hey! Miss! Millia:...Yes? Zappa: If it's possible, can you be my wi... Millia:... Zappa: Actually, never mind... Axl: Dude, let me show you how it's done. Hey, you in the beautiful blond hair! Let me buy you a cup of coffee so I can see which glows brighter, your hair or your eyes. Millia:...Um, I'm in a hurry. Ky: You're Millia, the former assassin. If you're not with the guild anymore, leave the rest to the police force. No need to put yourself in danger. Millia: I'll take care of him. It's none of your business. Ky: But no, we have to... Zappa: What's all this talk about? Even the police are here. Maybe I should get outta...NO!...Happiness. Hatred! Hatred! Millia: Why don't I ever have luck with men?

I-no: What do we have here, the desperate bachelorettes council? Baiken: What kind of greeting is that? That's not a very nice thing to say Jam: That's right! You're rude! And what about you? I-no: Oh dear, don't be so uptight. It's just a joke, honey. Or were you offended 'cause I was right on the mark? Millia: You're a joke. Why don't you get outta here. I-no: Oh no. I'm scared. I guess this is how women become as they get older. Baiken: You crazy! I'll cut you up into pieces! Jam: I'm not showing you any mercy either! Millia: If you're not gonna get outta here, we'll have to get rid of you. It's as simple as that. I-no: You're such sweethearts. Very well, I make you cry lots. We'll find out how loud you can cry.

Millia: Long time no see...Honey, you look very different. Dizzy: It's all thanks to May, and all of my great friends. May: Hee hee. Stop, you're embarrassing me Dizzy...everyone loves you only because you're a good person, that's all. Bridget: Yes, I think so too. To think that there used to be a bounty on her is weird when you think about it now. Millia: Treasure that happiness you have. And don't turn out like me. May: Why don't you join Jellyfish too? I'm sure Johnny will welcome you. Not to mention you're beautiful. I'm a bit jealous...don'f forget though, Johnny is mine! Millia:...thanks. But I think I'll take a pass. I have some unfinished business. Plus...actually, never mind. I think I better go now. Okay, let me through.

Testament:...Long time no see. Millia: That's a first. You coming up to me to say hi. Things have changed, haven't they? Testament: You're still caught up in the past and changing the thorny path. Millia:...it's none of your business. Move out of the way, will you? Testament: I don't have a problem, but... Millia:... Testament: You seem hesitant. With such mixed feelings, it may cost you your life. Millia:!!! I must have lost my edge, to be getting advice from you. Potemkin: What he's saying is on the money. Those with swaying motivation never fight to their full potential. Please excuse my eavesdropping. Anji: Just happened to pass by. Millia: Then I guess I'll have to eliminate all doubts before I get to him. I'll need your cooperation for that.

Millia: So...we meet again...Zato. Eddie: So you still haven't gotten over him? Millia: Shut up, you damn beast...I'm talking to him, not you! Eddie: What do you want to talk to ME about? Millia: I'm taking you down. I'm sick and tired of looking at your pathetic, bony remains. Venom: Not so fast...! Master Zato is regarded as the crown-jewel of the guild. You'll have to hand him over to me...! Slayer: I've told you the Guild is no more. No raison d'etre and no purpose. Continued existence will only bring further regret and despair. Venom: Oldtimers can keep their mouth shut. The guild no longer belongs to you. Millia: It has nothing to do with me anymore, I don't care what happens to it. I just want to take care of this guy with my very own hands. Eddie: Do you think it will be that easy? What do "I" think?"...Not so easy, "I" say. Venom: I sense you...Master Zato. I am going to free you, Master, from the evil spell of death! Eddie: Ha ha...this is great! Lowly humans who cannot accept death. That's the right evil spirit to have! Slayer: I'm the one who started all of this. I must atone for my past deeds. Fine, let us put an end to it all.

Millia: You look very much like him. Gig: Grr... Millia:You resemble him...and you resemble me. Gig: Grrrgh! Millia:...All right. I'll let you rest.

Gig: Grr...grr... Millia:...good night. It's all over now. For you, and for me. Gig: Grr... Millia:...may your soul rest in peace

Millia: (Have I been watching my own future? Is this what you wanted to tell me? Zato...)

Axl

Axl: Hey, what's that you're holding? I didn't know you had those toys, even in this day and age. Bridget: This is not a toy! It's a tool of my trade! Axl: Ouch! I'm sorry! What have we here? Playing pool at a place like this? Venom: How dare you insult my combat style. I say you deserve a beating. Axl: Hang on a sec! Something wrong with this era. Every toy's being used as a weapon. So what do people actually play with? Johnny: The best for of entertainment, I'd say is the thrill and romance of playing with fireworks at night. I'm pretty sure that's the consensus. Axl: You know what you're talking about! I'm actually great with fire myself...here we go!

Chipp: Hey! I have a question. Axl: Hi there, you look very hot. I-no: You talking about me? Axl: Of course! Who else would it be? Great body, silky smooth hair, you're electrifying! I-no: You're very good with words. Let me ask you then. Who's hotter? That woman or me? Chipp: Hey, listen up! Millia:...don't bother me. Chipp: !...you used to be in the guild! Millia: Yes, but that was a long while ago. Now I'm in the same boat as you. Axl: Ah man, this is a tough one. They're both really hot. Chipp: I'm taking down the guild! You women stay out of it! Millia: That I cannot do. Just like you, I can't pull out. Axl: This is a tough decision... Millia: And...quit staring at me with that perverted look on your face! Axl: Oops, I think I got her mad at me.

Potemkin: You youngster there. I see you have some talent. How about testing some of that talent on my fists? Axl: Man, you've got a nice build. But what do you have to gain? Plus, are you sure you can handle me? Potemkin: I wouldn't underestimate me. My drive for freedom locked inside my heart is my greatest weapon. Axl: Cool. I love peace and freedom too. But you might get out of breath when you're so stiff all the time. Ky: So you're fighting in the name of peace and freedom. Perhaps I might come up with answers for myself too. Excuse me, I'd like in as well. Jam: Just drive won't take you anywhere. There's no victory for those who can't face reality. I'll prove it to you right now!

Faust: This is an interesting symptom. I see, it's a cause and effect cycle. Axl: You, I never asked you to check up on me! Even though it's true that I've been through a lot, I've never had any doubts about my body. Faust: Oh, is that right? If there aren't any cures, that may very well be the best treatment. Axl: I'm more concerned about your body. Looks a little mysterious. Faust: Not to worry. It's all functional Slayer: Irregulars with an added spice that changes the world of men. Axl: You talking about us? Slayer: It's because of people like you that makes humans interesting. Even though you're blessed with great powers, it's normal to you. Very typical of how humans behave. Axl: It'll stress you out if you think so deeply. Zappa: Hahahahaha! Slayer: Look. Yet another fellow favored by the goddess of fortune. Axl: I do like women but I'm not sure about the goddess. Slayer: It must be the uncertainty factor that led you into running into me Axl: C'mon, let's just have fun...I thought this was supposed to be a party!

Anji: Finally found you. Sol:...It's you again. Anji: Let me ask you straight out. Do you have any idea where 'he' is? Sol: So what if I know? Anji: Can you tell me where he is? Of course I'm willing to work for it. You and I have a bout, and if I win, you tell me. Sounds fair? Baiken: Wait! Let me in on the festivities Sol: Sorry, not interested. You guys enjoy each other's company Anji: Even Justice feared my powers...Still not interested? Sol:...! Baiken: Shut your trap! You're starting to get on my nerves. I'll kick all of your butts right now! Axl: Whoa!...Damn it...is this a bad time? Baiken: Eavesdropping, are we? I'm not impressed! Axl: I just wanted to ask chief something Sol: And even you. Why does everyone want to stick their noses in other people's business! Axl: No worries, chief! Just a quick bout, no hard feelings! Sol: I'm not responsible for what happens.

Axl: Huh? You can still speak? Gig: Grr... Axl: Man, what am I gonna do? Gig: Grrgh! Axl: Sorry dude, it's not my time yet.

Gig: Grr....grr... Axl: Phew! Hey, man. Haven't you had enough? Gig: Grr... Axl: I think that should be enough....what? This sensation!!! That Man: It is not yet the time for you to find out the truth. When the time comes you will find out. Whether you like it or not! Axl: Who are you? That Man: We shall part for a short time. Time traveler. Axl:...Ahhhgh!

Axl: What period is this? Looks like a messy period in time. Oh well, things will work out. Since getting rattled isn't my style!

[audreycritter]

Hullo there, Bruce & Jason family bonding. A fic request response for @mylittleangelxxx​ set in Cor Et Cerebrum continuity. 

Gen Rated T for language

The leaves from the puny, withered decorative landscaping tree in the crumbling plaza are tinged red with early autumn. The cracked parking lot with faded yellow lines is not the sort of place one might expect to find Bruce Wayne on a Tuesday afternoon, but he is there nevertheless, sitting in a nondescript car chosen for the occasion, waiting.

After five minutes pass, the low roar of a motorcycle engine grows closer. A figure in a full mask helmet takes a swooping right into the plaza and pulls up next to the car, almost too close to the driver door. The bike shuts off and Jason Todd takes his helmet off and hangs it on the handlebars.

He's parked so close that Bruce can barely open his door enough to climb out. He frowns at the bike and twists sideways to fit through the narrow opening. Jason makes no effort to move the motorcycle but grins crookedly at him.

“Hiya, Dad,” he says, and Bruce almost shuts the corner of his jacket in the door when he starts.

“You do that on purpose,” he says, only mildly irritated and mostly, secretly, pleased. He means, vaguely, Jason’s tendency to only pull out the familial name when he's either genuinely distressed or hopes to startle or otherwise jolt Bruce.

“What?” Jason asks, a hand over his chest. “‘Me? Call you father? The nerve.”

Despite the offended tone, Bruce is relieved that Jason seems to be in a good mood. He's been the most temperamental of their patchwork family unit for some time, but the past year has had the lemons-and-sugar effect of drawing the kid closer to family and rattling him physically and emotionally all at the same time.

As if Jay, of all people, needed more of that.

Instead of answering Jason’s mock outrage, Bruce tousles the boy’s hair hard enough to make him duck his head and swat at the side of Bruce’s face in retaliation. The blow cuffs Bruce’s cheekbone and even Jason looks surprised at how solidly it landed.

“Ow,” Bruce says, putting a hand to his face. “I probably deserved that.”

“You crybaby,” Jason shoots back, heading across the lot for the small store that is their intended destination. “It was frickin’ nothing,” he calls out behind him.

Bruce follows and quickens his pace to be walking alongside Jason, whose shoulders are hunched while his hands are jammed into his pockets.

“Jay,” Bruce says, as they step up on the curb in tandem. “Don't worry about it.”

Something in Bruce’s tone must convince Jason, because instead of tightening toward explosion, the young man visibly relaxes. The door bell chimes as Bruce pulls on the metal handle and they go from the bright autumn light into the dim interior.

The inside of the musty, crowded shop smells of ink and old paper and Bruce inhales deeply. Jason has pulled his hands out of his pockets and is already picking up clothbound books on the new arrivals shelf, turning them over as he studies the spines.

“Hullo,” a voice calls from the back of the bookstore. “Be right with you!”

The towering wooden and metal shelves are so closely spaced, it’s hard to see very far from the front counter. The shelving doesn’t match and Bruce has always guessed it was picked up piecemeal from library auctions, but he isn’t certain. The layout of the store is older than him, by maybe a decade or more.

Jason’s already tucked a book under his arm before turning for the taller stacks. Bruce catches a glimpse of it as he walks by-- it’s a worn Tom Swift.

“Are we looking for something?” Jason asks, scanning the shelves. They’re a mix in this aisle of more recent used books, none older than twenty or thirty years. Some of them have intact dustjackets with faded or folded edges.

“I haven’t stopped by in a while,” Bruce says, crouching in the narrow space to study a shelf of densely packed paperbacks. He makes a quick study of the vertical names, searching for Allingham or Sayers or anything missing from Alfred’s worn collection.

“You needed a babysitter?” Jason asks, amused, without looking down. There’s a tenseness in his voice when Bruce stands and Jason glances over, doing a single sweep with his eyes of the fluid motion. “You’re not nursing broken ribs or a fucking concussion, are you?”

“No,” Bruce says, letting the slight sting of the assumption wash over him and choosing to let it fade away. “Just thought you’d enjoy it. It’s been a busy few weeks.”

“Frick, but it has,” Jason sighs, pulling a book out to look at the cover. He makes a face and nods to it.

Bruce looks. It’s a painting of a vampire in a black cape with shining silver teeth, embracing a woman with blonde, curling locks and a sheathed knife strapped to her bare back.

“It’s you and Selina,” Jason says with a smirk, sliding the book back.

“Stop,” Bruce says, attempting sternness but failing miserably to his own ears. “Selina would never carry a dagger that impractical.”

In response, Jason snorts and then takes the book all the way off the shelf and holds it against his side along with the Tom Swift volume.

“I think I need this one,” he says, turning the corner around the aisle.

“Sorry about that,” the voice from the back of the store says, drawing close to them. “Was in the middle of glueing a spine.”

An elderly man with a stooped back emerges from a back room, just at the corner they’re approaching. There’s a flicker of recognition and then he smiles warmly.

“Mr. Wayne!” he exclaims. “I was starting to get worried I’d lost my bread and butter.”

“We’ve been busy, Mr. Murphy,” Bruce says easily and Jason gives a slight wave and resumes looking over a high row of much older books, with maroon or mustard or navy cloth bindings and embossed titles and curved spines. “We were overdue for a visit.”

“I’d say,” Murphy agrees. “And this boy of yours. I haven’t seen him in over a year.”

“I’ve been out of town,” Jason says, tearing his eyes away from the shelf. Bruce can’t tell if the older man’s attention is making Jason feel welcome or uneasy, the boy’s face is so impassive.

“Ah, well,” Murphy gestures a ‘what-can-you-do’ with his hands. “I have some things I’ve been waiting to show you, Mr. Wayne.”

“Lead the way,” Bruce agrees amiably, letting himself be drawn away from the $1 and $2 volumes lining the shelves of the aisle they’re in. They approach the front again, drawing close to the glass case near the register. Jason trails after them and then joins Bruce in leaning over the glass.

Murphy pulls a small keyring out of his pocket and unlocks the case from behind.

“This, this one I got from a German fellow,” he says, reverently lifting a gray and tan book. “Goethe’s Faust, a Harrap printing for London. One of a thousand in the first run.” He opens the book and holds the pages spread for them and Bruce scans the German verse without touching the book.

“Faust creeps me out,” Jason says, with clear admiration in his eyes.

“You prefer Marlowe?” Murphy asks, raising an eyebrow.

“If you sell your soul to the devil, doesn’t matter if it’s in English or German,” Jason says.

“Eh,” Murphy says. “Probably true.”

“I’ll take it,” Bruce says, eyeing Jason sidelong. The younger man, for all his protests, still hasn’t taken his gaze off the dark lines of text. “What else do you have?”

“You don’t have a Faust?” Jason asks, finally looking away as Murphy closes the book and sets it aside. “No. I know you have a Faust. At least four, actually. I remember moving them.”

“And now you do,” Bruce says casually, turning his attention back to the contents of the case.

Beside him, Jason freezes and makes a small noise of protest.

“You’re not going to buy me a ton of shit,” Jason says. Bruce thinks he sounds more pleased than annoyed.

“No,” Bruce agrees. “Which is why I had to get that one in before you were on your guard. Help me find something for Damian.”

“Is that a Narnia set?” Jason asks, peering down, distracted.

“It is,” Murphy agrees. “First American printing. Got it just yesterday, actually. Condition isn’t great but it’s not bad, either. Wanna see it?”

“Yes,” Jason says quickly.

“For Damian?” Bruce asks, guessing this to not be the case for a reason he can’t quite put his finger on. For knowing himself to be an intelligent man, it irritates him how often he feels dense.

“Damian doesn’t like Narnia,” Jason says, taking the offered box set in his hands and looking it over. Apparently, Murphy is unbothered by either of them holding these without a commitment. Or maybe he’s already assumed the sale from Jason’s initial reaction.

“He doesn’t?” Bruce asks. It doesn’t especially surprise him that his youngest isn’t as enraptured by fantasy, but he’s curious about Jason knowing this.

“The Calormen,” Jason says, looking up at Bruce with a crease of his brow.

“Oh,” Bruce says, understanding slamming into him like a careening steam engine. If he’d had a vague sense of feeling dense before, it fully floods him now. “Hm.”

If Murphy is intrigued by this exchange, he doesn’t show it or ask questions. He never has. Bruce isn’t even entirely sure the man is aware that Jason died or if his easy acceptance of Jason’s return is wrapped up in a mute, elderly wisdom of the contradictions of Gotham, even out here in the limping suburbs.

“I’ll take ‘em,” Jason says, surrendering them reluctantly.

Bruce considers, very briefly, telling Murphy to add them to his own tab, but suspects if he does so, Jason won’t show obvious interest in anything else. He decides to just keep track of how much Jason spends and then let Alfred sort it out somehow.

“I’m guessing this is a duplicate for you, too,” Murphy says, with an understanding smile.

“Yeah, you know,” Jason shrugs. “Might have kids someday. Gotta stock up.”

Bruce pretends to be engrossed in a bookbinding, partly so Jason doesn’t see his reaction to this casual statement and partly because he can’t actually figure out quite how he feels about it to hide it very well.

With a casual observer, he might actually be successful, but Jason nudges him in the side with an elbow when Murphy turns to wrap the set in brown paper.

“Oh, shoot,” Murphy says. “I've left the tape in the other room. I'll be right back.”

He leaves the counter, seemingly unworried about leaving them with the open case.

“Don't panic, old timer,” Jason says. “Dickie and I have a pact not to have any until we're sure you're done taking in strays. The family can only handle so much drama.”

“I'm done,” Bruce says resolutely. “And I don't take in strays. You aren't cats.”

“You keep telling yourself that,” Jason says smugly. “I'm waiting til Damian hits sixteen, just in case. It seems to be the cut-off. I'm not in a hurry.”

Despite his outward irritation, the slight glare he turns on his second son, something in Bruce is deeply relieved to hear Jason talk so openly and calmly about his younger siblings. It soothes concerns that Jason, even now, regards their presence as a kind of insult or intrusion.

“Alfred would throw me out of the house,” Bruce says mildly, instead of arguing.

“You could come stay with me,” Jason grins. “It'll be fun. Me, you, a salty teenager, a tiny apartment. Maybe we can get that reality show your PR guy keeps trying to talk you into.”

Bruce chuckles and asks, “Tim?”

“He thought you were considering it, you know,” Jason says. “He called me in a hot panic.”

“What'd you say?” Bruce asks, thinking suddenly of Tim and the fact that he should take the kid out for coffee or something soon.

“I told him it's be good acting practice,” Jason says. “That you sounded excited and we shouldn't take it from you. And that I was going back to stay with the Kents.”

“Jay,” Bruce says, trying to muster the ire to sound reproving.

“B?” Jason asks. Their eyes meet, Jason’s glinting with amusement that Bruce finds himself unable to not match. After a second, something in Jason’s expression shifts, his features more solemn though not troubled. “Shit,” he says plainly. “I've missed you.”

When Jason ducks his head, Bruce puts a hand on his shoulder and squeezes.

“It's been too quiet without you,” Bruce says. “You sure about staying in Gotham this year, though? Clark said Martha already thinks the house feels too empty.”

Jason nods and leans closer to a book.

“Yeah,” he says. “I already got stuff set up at Gotham U. It's time to just fricking get over it and be home. Damian would like that.”

It takes Bruce a moment to realize the last sentence was directed toward the book, and not connected to sentiments about Jason’s physical location.

“What is it?” he asks, twisting his neck trying to make out the faint title.

“Want to see another one? Ah, yes. The Histories.” Murphy asks, returning with an old tape dispenser. When he sets it on the counter, Bruce can hear the sand inside the false wood veneer shifting and settling. “I wasn't joking, you know. Not to pressure you, but I live for a month on your visits.”

“You're just appealing to my sense of pity,” Bruce accuses with a slight smile.

“I own a stinking used book store in a dying plaza,” Murphy says. “Rent is cheap but ebooks are cheaper. I'm not above honest begging to support my paper habit. Can't say no to a pretty book.”

“We are cut from the same cloth,” Jason says a little forlornly. “You want my advice?”

Murphy’s lips twitch, as if he's prepared to be amused, and he lifts the book out without them needing to specify.

“What's your advice, young Xenophon?”

“Find a rich guy to adopt you,” Jason says glibly, carefully holding the book and then handing it to Bruce.

Bruce intentionally and with some effort keeps his face carefully neutral.

“Huh,” Murphy says. “You in the market, Mr. Wayne? Don't know anybody else anymore.”

“No,” Bruce says, “but I'll take the Herodotus.”

“Give him three years,” Jason advises.

“I think we're done,” Bruce says and Jason sets the Tom Swift and paranormal romance on the counter. “Unless you wanted to browse some more.”

“Nah,” Jason says. “I gotta go get my rat from Dev before he gets too attached.”

Murphy begins ringing up the purchases and he pauses when he reaches for the Tom Swift.

“Separate bills?” he asks.

“Hell, no,” Jason says. “I'm broke.”

Bruce’s heart warms a little at this allowance, knowing that Jason both has money and is letting this one fall to Bruce on purpose.

“How long has Dev had the rat?” he asks, pulling out his wallet.

“Since last Thanksgiving,” Jason says.

“Jay,” Bruce says with a crooked smile, “I don't think it's your rat anymore.”

“Come help me liberate him,” Jason invites, a little pleading. “I can't face Dev crying all by myself.”

Murphy’s demeanor betrays no emotion besides mild good humor as he swipes Bruce’s card for the few-thousand dollar charge. Most of it is the Faust.

“I don't even like the rat,” Bruce says. “I told Cass it was a bad idea the first day.”

“Cass didn't listen to you about something?” Jason exclaims, taking the offered brown bag from Murphy. He staggers back in exaggerated and false shock. “The perfect child ignored your fricking wishes? Yours?”

“It is the only mark ever against her,” Bruce says dryly. “Thank you, Mr. Murphy.”

“Come back again,” Murphy says. “Soon.”

Jason nods and they step out of the shop together.

“How are you getting the rat home on a motorcycle?” Bruce asks, unlocking his car. Jason had paused to take the book for Damian out of the bag and he freezes, suddenly, and gives the motorcycle an angry look.

“I don't know,” he says stiffly.

“I'll give you a ride,” Bruce says. “We can swing back for the bike later.”

He waits a moment to see if Jason will argue or resist, either for actual reasons or just to be contrary.

“You sure?” Jason says instead, one hand on the passenger door. “I mean, jiminy cricket, aren't you busy or something?”

“My whole afternoon is yours,” Bruce says. He decides to push a little. “And dinner, if you want it.”

He wasn't lying when he said he had missed Jason. Even if there had been interludes where the family was together, or that week that Jason had surgery and it was just the two of them, it has been a long ten months. It is the sort of thing he felt himself more and more capable of noticing or acknowledging recently, as he is less totally consumed by work. He often finds himself forced to pay attention, by activity in the house and the transition of sullen teens into noisy, bolder young adults.

“Food’s my love language,” Jason says when Bruce joins him in the car. “Did Martha Kent tell you?”

“Alfred could have told me,” Bruce says, guiding the car out of the parking lot.

Jason falls silent and when Bruce looks over, he's perusing the Tom Swift book. Bruce is content to let the silence, which feels more comfortable than tense, settle over them for a while. He drives without forcing effort into maintaining conversation even though a question is nagging the back of his mind, something he's danced around and not directly asked Jason in the few weeks he's been back in Gotham.

It feels more pressing the longer they're on the road until the silence tips from casual to anticipatory. Jason closes the book and looks out the window at the bay as they drive over a bridge.

Bruce clears his throat and for all his usual decisive action, finds the words stuck there.

“So,” Jason says, almost as a prompt. “I think my course load is gonna be pretty heavy this year.”

There are methods of finesse and diplomacy that Bruce finds it easy to wield in the boardroom, when the subject is one he is easily detached from and can be analytical about. But the closer things move up from the work of his fingers to the beating of his heart, the more that tact falls away and he mentally resigns himself to bluntness.

“Are you going to patrol again?”

Jason doesn't look startled by the question but he does, briefly, look very torn. He opens his mouth, swallows, licks his lips and presses them together.

“I don't know,” he says after a long pause. “It feels like a waste not to. What do you think?”

A year ago, six months ago even, this might have felt or even actually been a challenge.

But right now, Bruce just hears an earnest and troubled question.

“I think you should do what's best for you,” he says, knowing this isn't much of an answer but feeling compelled anyway. Jason scoffs and turns back to the window.

“Sure,” he says, bitterly. “Fuck.”

“Jay,” Bruce says, slowing to a stop at a red light. He watches Jason watch the girls in the car stopped next to them.

“What,” Jason says flatly.

“This is hard for me to answer,” Bruce says frankly, thinking of conversations he's had recently with Selina. He wishes he'd talked this through with her, too. She's always been better at nuance. “If I tell you not to go out, I think you'll read it as doubt in your abilities. If I tell you to patrol with us, I'm worried you’ll feel obligated or avoid me.”

“That,” Jason says, looking down at the book on his lap, running a thumb across the cover, “is probably true.”

“So, what do you want? You've had a while off. Do you miss it?”

“I miss feeling like I was making a difference,” Jason says. His thumb traces the curve of a massive, wired contraption in the cover illustration. “But no. I don't miss it. I feel like I should and I don't. And I don't want to decide.”

“Then don't,” Bruce says. “Don't make anything final. Just be Jason for a while. There isn't a deadline.”

“I'm glad I was Robin,” Jason says suddenly, a little fiercely. “I don't regret it.”

“I know,” Bruce agrees quietly. “But you don't have to prove that by never moving on to something else. You can be a Wayne and not have the usual nightlife.”

Jason pulled his hand back from the book and cupped it around his ear, relaxing into a cheeky grin.

“Sorry, I'm a little hard of hearing. All those guns and not enough ear protection. Can you say that again?”

Bruce isn't quite ready to make it into a joke yet.

“I'm serious, Jay. It's my fault I've made it seem mandatory but it was never supposed to be.”

“Okay,” Jason says, lowering his hand. “I'll think about it.”

“And besides, Alfred would throw a party if he thought one of us had enough sense to get out,” Bruce adds, pulling into the parking lot.

“I might pretend to be sure, then, just to get a cake out of it,” Jason says, and the stress in the car seems to have melted away.

“He'd make one for you if you'd just ask,” Bruce says, turning the car off.

“That's not any fun,” Jason says.

They climb the interior stairs together and stop outside the door. Bruce has made the trek to this rarely visited apartment alone before; he realizes he has no idea how often Jason’s done the same. He knocks and there's the sound of movement inside.

“You can't sodding have him!” Dev yells through the door, without even answering. “You fucking abandoned him!”

“Algernon’s mine,” Jason yells back, pounding on the door again. “We had a deal!”

There's a long pause.

“He died!” Dev says vehemently. “Dames’ bloody cat ate him.”

“Alfred’s never hunted anything in his life,” Jason retorts. “He's too lazy.”

“The rat gave himself up,” Dev answers, sounding closer to the door now. “Get a new one if you bloody care so much.”

“I'm not paying for that,” Bruce says firmly.

“You're a fucking liar!” Jason yells.

“Sod off!” Dev yells back.

A door down the hall opens and a sleepy-looking woman leans out and glares at them, then slams her door shut.

The door to Dev’s apartment swings open and Dev is standing there, scowling. The rat cage is visible behind him on a low table, the supplies already gathered into a bag next to it.

“Hullo, Wayne,” Dev says. “Your son’s an absentee parent.”

“He came to see his grandrat,” Jason says fiercely, pushing his way past Dev into the apartment.

“I did not and never say that again,” Bruce says, going in after him when Dev steps back and gestures a welcome with a flourish.

“You've been back for weeks,” Dev says, a final and feeble protest.

“I was settling some stuff,” Jason argues. “Get your own rat. This was respite care and you fricking knew it. And only ‘cause Martha’s got a stiffer backbone than Bruce.”

Bruce’s eyes narrow at this but he doesn't put energy into challenging it.

“Yeah,” Dev says with a sigh. “Take care of him.”

“You're not really pissed are you?” Jason asks, turning a little in his crouch, where he's been petting the rat through the cage grating with a finger.

“Nah, mate,” Dev says. “I’m not home enough anyway. He's better off with you.”

“Of course he fucking is,” Jason says. “He's mine.”

“How've you been?” Dev asks, turning to Bruce when Jason leans forward to talk to the rat.

“Good,” Bruce says. “I'm wondering how much of this attachment to rodents is my fault.”

“Probably all of it,” Dev says cheerfully. “How’ve your ribs been, then?”

“Better,” Bruce says.

“They've been better or they are better?” Dev asks, pointedly. Jason looks up from the rat to shoot an accusing look at Bruce, his white bang flopped in front of his eyes. He brushes it aside irritatedly.

“You told me you weren’t hurt,” he says.

“They are better,” Bruce clarifies. “It was just two cracked ribs, Jay.”

“‘It was just two cracked ribs, Jay,’” Jason tells the rat in a mocking tone. “My body’s just broken but I’m fine.”

Dev doesn’t even look slightly remorseful for bringing it up.

“I hate to rush you,” he says, “but I’ve a night shift at the hospital.”

“Weren’t you at the manor for tea this morning? When do you sleep?” Bruce asks.

“I can’t even take that seriously, coming from you,” Dev says, without answering. “Out. I need to mourn the loss of my rat before work.”

“You coming to the thing?” Jason asks vaguely, standing.

“As always,” Dev nods, and Jason picks up the rat cage. Bruce takes the bag next to it without being asked. “Don’t have any sodding emergencies while I’m working,” Dev warns when they leave. “I’ll leave you to bleed out, just out of spite.”

“Noted,” Bruce says wryly. “Have a good night.”

The door closes behind them and it is only then that it occurs, fully, to Bruce that this means transporting a rat in the back of his car. He sighs.

“What thing?” he asks, while they go down the stairs.

“Oh, hell if I know,” Jason says. “We always pretend to have plans. I don’t remember how it started. Sometimes, we talk about shit we never did, just to drive Tim crazy.”

“I don’t have an older brother,” Bruce says pointlessly, knowing this is stating the obvious, “but I don’t think I would have handled one well.”

“That is literally the fricking understatement of the century,” Jason acknowledges. “But Tim’s usually pretty chill about it. We should actually grab him for dinner or he’ll probably just eat crappy ramen. I’ll text him.”

Bruce waits in the gathering autumn dusk, the slight chill of the air blowing over him, while Jason finagles the rat’s cage into the backseat. And though he usually dislikes being left out of making plans, he honestly appreciates that Jason didn’t need to check with him or study his response before committing to the text he is already typing to Tim, while he half-kneels in the backseat.

When he stands, his eyes still on his phone, Bruce puts the bag in the backseat and closes the door.

“Hey,” Jason says, without looking up from typing. “It’s been like, two years.”

Bruce looks at the low moon, rising slow and waxing full on the east horizon, just barely visible in the narrow window that opens between the buildings and the bay beyond.

“Yeah. It has been.”

“Huh. Thanks for not dying,” Jason says, attention still seemingly on his phone. “And thanks for calling today.”

“You’re welcome,” Bruce says. “One of those things was more my doing than the other.”

“Alfred made you call?” Jason asks, finally looking up and quirking an eyebrow. He grins. “Figures.”

“Get in the car,” Bruce says gruffly, a smile tugging on his lips. “Let’s go get Tim.”

[authoralicesprings]

Twilight’s Love Volume Two: Rainbow’s Love

by Stormbringer

This story is a sequel to:

Twilight’s Love Volume One: It Begins

Six months into wedded bliss, Rainbow is having nightmares because of a hidden past.  Something she hadn't shared with anypony other than her school best friend Fluttershy.  Now just as Twilight helps get a handle on her wife's issue, tragedy strikes which threatens Rainbow's new happiness and Rainbow must confront her estranged sister.

Meanwhile, Scootaloo loses another foster family.  In the middle of her sorrows, an unlikely pony comes to comfort her.

Rainbow and Scootaloo learn about the strength of family and love.

PART ONE: Rainbow’s Dream

Rainbow was sitting in the park.  Her friends were there all happy and joyous.  They were eating picnic lunches, romping on the green or engaged in games.  They were also accompanied by foals and stallions or other mares.  The stallions Rainbow didn’t recognize but somehow she knew these were her friends’ husbands and partners.  The foals of varying ages, their children.  They were all different; Rarity and Applejack had a very beautiful filly with which Rarity was constantly fussing over.  Pinkie and her stallion were perpetually and happily chasing after no less than half a dozen fillies and colts.  It was the same with the rest of her friends to differing degrees.  

“I’ve begged you not to come here,” said a familiar voice.

Rainbow turned and there stood her beloved Twilight, tears in her beautiful purple eyes.  Rainbow was at a loss, why would Twilight ask her not to come to the park?

“Why Lover-Pony?”

“Because it always makes you sad,” said Twilight starting to cry, “you get so upset you married me, because you’ll never have children.  I’m afraid one day you’ll not come home from here because you went off to find somepony else so you can have a foal.”

“Upset I married you?” said Rainbow in unbelief; “I want nothing else in life.”

“Nothing?” asked Twilight.

Rainbow looked around; she felt the seeds of envy looking on her friends and their children.  

There was one little foal that was away from everypony else, a little Pegasus colt of brown with a red, yellow and blue mane and tail.  He was just sitting on a blanket by himself looking sadly at Rainbow.  The sight of him was tearing her heart out.

“I thought as much,” said Twilight sadly kissing Rainbow, “I’ll give you what you want.  Goodbye My Love, remember your wife always loved you.”

There was a flash of magic and then on the lawn was now a grave, the Headstone read:

                                         TWILIGHT DASH     SHE COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT RAINBOW’S LOVE                                  AMICITIA MAGIA EST

Rainbow fell to her knees, she could see the soul of Twilight ascending to Elysium.  Rainbow was wanting to die as well.

“OH FAUST, TWILIGHT! PLEASE TAKE ME WITH YOU!  DON’T LEAVE ME TOO!” screamed Rainbow sitting up in bed, a cold sweat drenched her.

“Honey! Honey!” said Twilight shaking Rainbow.  “It was a dream!  I’m right here, I’m not going anywhere.”

Rainbow wrapped her forelegs and wings around her purple wife and buried her face in Twilight’s chest.  Rainbow was weeping uncontrollably.

“That dream again?” asked Twilight.

Unfortunately, Rainbow had been having this dream every week or so for the last couple months, Twilight was starting to be concerned.

All Rainbow could do was nod her head; she wasn’t in any hurry to let go of Twilight, not even a little bit.

“Calm down my Love, there no such thing as suicide spells.  Despondent and depressed Unicorns have tried, but it doesn’t work, so don’t even think it.  

Besides, I love you and I’m not leaving the greatest thing to ever happen to me.” Said Twilight reassuringly stroking Rainbow’s mane, as she held her close.  

“Honey, Honey, I’m not going to go anywhere, not without you!”

Twilight held Rainbow and rocked her gently.  Soon the blue Pegasus had her fears under control.  The two lay back, Rainbow folded her wings but still holding each other.

“Honey, may I ask a question,” said Twilight timidly.

“You can always ask me anything Lover-Pony,” said Rainbow, looking in her wife’s eyes.

“Don’t be mad at me for asking, and I don’t mean anything by it,” said Twilight, “but because of the dreams, do you have any regrets marring me?  It was sprung on us.”

“Don’t even think thoughts like that,” said Rainbow.  “I truly wish I could’ve known how you felt all along, we could’ve been married sooner.”

“I know, my Darling,” said Twilight snuggling closer, “but I’m wondering why you’re having dreams about foals.  Did you think you’d want foals when you were growing up?”

There was one thing Rainbow hadn’t told Twilight, that one thing.  Fluttershy was the only other pony who knew.  But if Rainbow really loved Twilight, she needed to tell her, maybe she should’ve told her before now.  Perhaps it was time to bring it out to everypony.  

Maybe a part of her life can be made right if not whole.

“The only other pony who knows this is Fluttershy,” said Rainbow with a faraway look in her eyes, “but when I was in high school in Cloudsdale, a little older than Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo, I got pregnant.  I wasn’t even sure who the father was.”

‘That explains the ample breasts,’ thought Twilight.  

“I wasn’t going to go through with it,” said Rainbow, “but my sister talked me out of it.  She convinced me my stupidity wasn’t the baby’s fault.  She said I had to show responsibility.  If I was ‘adult’ enough to get pregnant, then I should be ‘adult’ enough to be there for the child.  

So I went through the eleven months and it put a kink in my high school life.  I didn’t get to play sports and it made me mad.  It made me think if I was single and kept the child, I could never be the athlete I wanted to be, I couldn’t be free to be the ‘wild’ Rainbow Dash I enjoyed being.  So I decided I’d give the baby up at birth, I didn’t tell my sister, I knew she’d stop me.”

Rainbow paused; her voice was getting shaky.  She swallowed hard and continued.

“When the time came, and the child was delivered, they took him almost immediately.  

         I did get to hold him...  

                   One time...

                             Only for a minute...

He was so beautiful, I almost couldn’t go through with it.  But the nurse carried him out of the room and as far as I know, I’ve never seen him again.”

Tears were pouring from Rainbow’s eyes.

“My sister was furious with me and threw me out.  She’s had nothing to do with me since.  

Fluttershy was my closest friend at the time and luckily her parents took pity on me and let me stay with them.”

Rainbow looked into Twilight’s eyes, it was the most pitiful and heart rending look Twilight had ever seen.

“Twilight,” said Rainbow, choking back the sobs, “I miss my baby!  I... I... I never even got to name him.”

Twilight held Rainbow close; it was hard to tell which pony was crying harder.

“Oh Rainbow, My Love, My Love!” said Twilight sobbing, stroking Rainbow’s mane, “I’m so, so sorry!”  

The two eventually got their crying under control.  Twilight held Rainbow and gently stroked her mane until she went back to sleep.  

Twilight’s mind was racing, trying to figure how to make this better.  She knew if the foal had been adopted, the adoption records were sealed and normally would be impossible to get information on where the foal would’ve went.  

She then thought perhaps with her connection with Princess Celestia she could use some leverage to find out about where the colt may’ve gone.

But this would be improper for her to ask her mentor to do, and even if the princess did, it’d be unfair for any adoptive parents to have the princess invade their privacy.  

‘I’m now a ‘Dash’,’ thought Twilight.  ‘I need to do something more aggressive than I would’ve normally done...

But what?’

That morning both ponies woke with difficulty due to interrupted sleep.  But the two and Spike ate breakfast, Rainbow kissed Twilight as she left for her daily weather duties and Twilight busied herself with the business of the library.

Later, almost like clockwork, about thirty minutes after school had let out (long enough to stop by Sugarcube Corner for a treat) the Cutie Mark Crusaders entered the library.  They’d come to work on their homework and get help understanding the harder concepts from Twilight.  

But today, they were one Crusader short.

“Hi girls,” said Twilight, then noticing there were only two, “didn’t Scootaloo go to school today.”

“She was there, Mrs. Dash,” said Apple Bloom, “but she had to go home to finish packin’.”

“Her foster family is moving to Baltamare and now Scoot has to move back into the Children’s Home,” finished Sweetie Belle.

“Oh dear!” said Twilight, “that’s like the third time this year.  

Oh and girls, I keep telling you that you can still call me Twilight.  I may be married to Rainbow, but I’m still the same pony who’s been a friend to your sisters and to you.”

Twilight helped the girls with their homework.  Then when they left, Twilight thought about the issue of Rainbow’s dreams.

‘I said I need to just do something aggressive and I think I know what I can try.’ Thought Twilight, ‘if it works it might solve two problems.’

“Spike!” shouted Twilight to her assistant, “watch the library and if Rainbow comes home early, tell her I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Sure thing Twi,” responded Spike from a different room.

Twilight vanished with a flash.

It was a hard day getting ready for the big storm due tomorrow.  Rainbow was so looking forward to a great meal and evening with her beloved Twilight.

Rainbow was met at the door by Twilight; she was excited to have Rainbow home, almost more than usual.  After a kiss she’d been waiting for all day, Rainbow went and washed up for dinner.

As Rainbow sat at the table she noticed there was an extra place set.  Twilight sat by Rainbow and gave Rainbow a kiss and then she called out.

“Time to eat, get down here while it’s still hot.”

PART TWO: Scootaloo’s Dream

Scootaloo was disappointed, once again.  She was just getting comfortable with a foster family, and this time she had her own room.   Now she’d be put back in a room with three or more other fillies.  

For the first time in a long time, Scootaloo was dreading school ending for the weekend.  She had to go get the rest of her stuff and carry it back to the Home and have to start the process of getting used to being back in the group setting.

Suddenly Miss Cheerilee interrupted her funk.

“Scootaloo,” said the teacher, “didn’t you hear the bell?  Time to go home.”

“Sorry Miss Cheerilee,” said Scoot, “I didn’t hear.”

“Aren’t you wanting to go home?  It’s the weekend.”  Said the Teacher, then she remembered, “oh yes, sorry Scootaloo, I’m sure it’ll work out.”

Scootaloo smiled but really she wasn’t so sure.  Gathering her things she left the school and walked to Sugarcube Corner.

“Hi ya Scoot!” said Apple Bloom, “I thought you weren’t comin’.  We would’ve waited on you.”

“I’m not staying,” said Scootaloo quite down. “I thought I’d see you girls before going to get the rest of my stuff and then take it to the Home.  I don’t know if I’ll get to see you this weekend, I have to settle back into being in a group.  They always have chores and other things to do.  So I’ll probably not see you until school on Monday.”

“It’ll all be okay,” said Sweetie Belle, “you’ll see.  It’ll all work out.”

Scootaloo tried to smile.

“Sure,” said the Pegasus filly, “maybe I’ll get my cutie mark for not having a home.”

Despite her act in trying to be cool and not mushy, Scootaloo accepted the group hug from her friends.  Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle each gave Scootaloo one of their cookies, which brought the first real smile to her face.

“Thanks girls,” said Scoot, “see you later.”

The saddlebags were heavy, but Scoot didn’t want to make two trips.  The Hayfields were waiting for Scootaloo to collect all her stuff so they could say their goodbye.  They really were a good family and they liked Scootaloo a lot.  But with their move to Baltamare, it was time to let Scootaloo go back to the Home, they hadn’t planned on any long term commitment.  They did have a quick snack prepared for her and helped get her saddle bags packed, it was an hour and a half which went by both too fast and too slow.

As Scootaloo trudged through Ponyville, she saw a shadow pass over; looking up she saw Rainbow Dash fly past.  Ever since the camping trip, Rainbow had tried to make as much time as she could to see and do something fun with Scootaloo.  Scootaloo was afraid at first with Rainbow being now married to Twilight, Rainbow wouldn’t have the time to spare for her.  

But it was a pleasant surprise that Twilight had made sure that Rainbow had kept up the get-togethers.  And in spite of wanting to spend time with Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo found it was just as enjoyable when Twilight came along also.  Scootaloo never realized Twilight could be so fun!  And in spite of being so reserved, Twilight could tell some spooky ghost stories.  But if Rainbow married her, then there must be something to the brainy mare.

As she turned the corner for the last half mile of her walk, she came to the part she dreaded worse.  She had to go past Rich’s Barnyard Bargains, and sure enough, there in front of the store were Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.  They just looked at Scoot.   Silver Spoon said something to Diamond Tiara, it appeared a conversation was taking place.  Diamond nodded her head and dashed into the store, she was soon back out.  Then she and Silver were walking her way.  Scootaloo was too weighed down by the bags to rush past and she had enough dignity to not run away, however, Scootaloo was surprised.

“Scootaloo, please wait,” said Diamond in a normal voice, not her snide condescending voice which she normally used when talking to Scoot and her friends.

“I have to get these to the Children’s Home,” said Scootaloo, confused what her frenemies were up to.

“Please wait Scootaloo,” said Silver in an equally civil tone.  “Just rest a bit, we brought you a cold drink.”

Diamond offered Scootaloo a cold bottle of soda pop, Scoot accepted with a ‘thank you’.  Scoot was also surprised it wasn’t tainted with pepper or vinegar.

“Here,” said Diamond, “we know you’ve carried those bags a ways, let us help you the rest of the way.”

“Why so nice?” said Scootaloo.

“We might kick you when you aren’t looking,” said Silver Spoon, taking one of the heavy bags from Scootaloo and putting it on her own back.

“But we won’t kick you when you’re down,” said Diamond Tiara, taking the other bag.

“Thank you girls,” said Scoot, “they were getting a bit much.”

“No problem,” said Diamond with a smile, “but if you tell anypony we were nice to you...”

“We’ll deny it!” finished Silver.

The two laughed to let Scootaloo know they were only half serious.

“I’d have it no other way,” said Scoot, joining the laughter.

As they walked along, they talked about school and the summer vacation was coming up soon.  There were no talks of cutie marks or ‘blank flanks’.  Scootaloo was starting to regret Diamond and Silver held animosity against the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she was finding the two fillies, down deep weren’t bad, but she’d always suspected it.

When they got to the Home, Scootaloo thanked the girls who actually gave her a quick hug.  

As they left they called out.

“See you at school, blank flank!”

But they all laughed.

Scootaloo dragged the saddle bags into the reception area.  To her surprise, all of her things which had been brought over already, were sitting out there on the floor and not in her new room.

“Oh Scootaloo,” said Candy Mane, the mare who ran the Home.  “I’m so sorry we didn’t catch you before having to bring that all here.”

“What do you mean?” asked the filly.

“There’s already a family who wants to take you in, they’re in the office filling out the paperwork to start the adoption process,” said Candy Mane with a smile.  “A wagon will be by soon to pick up your things.”

“Adoption? Who?” said Scootaloo, excited but cautious.

“That’d be me,” said the voice of a pony coming into the reception area.

Scootaloo turned and saw the very familiar mare and understood what living with her would mean.

“No way!” replied Scoot, her face about to split from the smile.

The mare’s face beamed as well.

It was a hard day getting ready for the big storm due tomorrow.  Rainbow was so looking forward to a great meal and evening with her beloved Twilight.

Rainbow was met at the door by Twilight; she was excited to have Rainbow home, almost more than usual.  After a kiss she’d been waiting for all day, Rainbow went and washed up for dinner.

As Rainbow sat at the table she noticed there was an extra place set.  Twilight sat by Rainbow and gave Rainbow a kiss and then she called out.

“Time to eat, get down here while it’s still hot.”

“Do we have a visitor, Lover-Pony?” asked Rainbow.

Twilight levitated the dishes of food to the table.  Rainbow levitated the glasses to the table; two wine, one water and one which looked like a hay smoothie.

“No visitor,” said Twilight, “more like a long term guest.  I hope you won’t mind, but now that I’m a ‘Dash’, I kind of wanted to be like you and be proactive.”

“About what?” asked Rainbow intrigued.

“There’s a pony who really needs our help,” Twilight said with a smile which lit up the room.

“What? Pinkie Pie didn’t get enough dinner at Sugarcube Corner again?” laughed Rainbow.

They both laughed.

“Probably not,” said Twilight, “but she’s isn’t the pony.”

Rainbow then heard claw and hoof steps on the stair.  First entered Spike then a well know filly.

“Hello Rainbow.”

“Squirt!” said Rainbow excitedly.  

“She had to go back to the Children’s Home,” said Twilight, “I think she needs to have ponies devoted to guide her with a long term commitment.  And I think you need to have some distraction Honey.  I think this could take care of two problems.  

If it’s okay with you, I told the Home that we wanted to start the adoption process.”

Rainbow looked at Twilight then Scootaloo and then at Spike.  They all were looking hopefully at Rainbow.

“Do you want to live here,” asked Rainbow almost as excited as Scoot, “with us?”

“Yes please,” said Scoot.

“Would you want us to adopt you?” asked Rainbow.

“More than anything!” said Scootaloo excitedly.

“Come over here,” said Rainbow holding out her forelegs.

Scootaloo rushed to the hug Rainbow was offering.  Twilight and Spike joined the hug.

“Welcome to the family, Squirt.”

Scootaloo was in Elysium, past foster families were friendly enough, and to a small degree, loving.  But to a pony, they were just helping to keep the Children’s Home from being overcrowded.  

But here she could feel love being offered to her as part of a family.  Not just a random filly to help out the Home.  

Scootaloo was chosen...

They wanted her!  She didn’t care about being uncool right now.  There were as many tears of joy in Twilight and Rainbow’s eyes as her own.

It was a happy evening, Rainbow and Twilight helped Scootaloo settle in.  Rainbow even went and retrieved a cloud bed from her cloud home.  Scootaloo was beside herself.  A real piece of Pegasus furniture!  Spike didn’t mind sharing his room with Scootaloo and the little filly had no problem with being in the room with Spike.

As the evening progressed, Twilight suggested they should get some rest and despite the impending storm, they’d take a ‘family outing’ the next day.  Never before had any of her previous foster families did any outing for just her.  

Spike told Twilight he’d already volunteered to help Fluttershy with some correspondence and suggested they have the shy Pegasus stay at the library.  That way they could give Scootaloo more attention.

Twilight woke up later that night to find Rainbow wasn’t in bed.  She got up and went to look for her wife.  Twilight found Rainbow in Spike and Scootaloo’s room.  Rainbow was sitting at the foot of Scoot’s bed just looking at her.

“Honey, is there something wrong?” whispered Twilight.

Rainbow turned and looked at her purple wife, there were tears in her eyes.

“I’m just thinking of what might’ve been,” said Rainbow in a low voice, “and I’m so afraid of what might happen.”

“Like what,” said Twilight, still at a whisper.  She walked to Rainbow and put a foreleg around Rainbow’s neck.

Rainbow leaned her head against Twilight; she was still looking at Scootaloo.

The little filly appeared to be sleeping soundly.

“I’ve seen all the fun and joy other parents show and I think being a single parent might not have been so bad.  Just look at Muffins, Amethyst Star and Dinky.  They always look happy together.  And me, I just threw my child away as if he was empty drink cup from Mac Donkey’s.

Now I’m so afraid I’ll screw up Scootaloo’s life.  I don’t exactly have the greatest track record as a parent.”

“Oh Honey,” said Twilight, stroking Rainbow’s mane, “you’ll be a great parent.  You’ll be at least 20% cooler than any other parent.”

Rainbow and Twilight chuckled softly.

“Let’s go back to bed,” said Twilight, looking in Rainbow’s eyes, “I know a way guaranteed to wear you out and get you back to sleep.”

Rainbow smiled at Twilight and got up to go.

The two started to leave the room when they heard the little voice of Scootaloo.

“Please don’t go,” said the filly.

Rainbow and Twilight stopped and turned around.

“Is there something wrong Sweetie?” said Twilight.

Twilight and Rainbow went and sat on either edge of Scoot’s bed.  Scootaloo sat up and was surprised to see that Twilight could sit on a cloud bed, but this wasn’t the time for that.

“I had a dream,” said Scootaloo, trying not to sound too troubled.  “I dreamt I was asleep in this bed when I heard a pony come in the room.”

“It was us,” said Rainbow.

“No,” replied Scootaloo, “I looked and it was a Pegasus colt about my age.”

Rainbow and Twilight looked at each other.

“He walked up to me and said, ‘I’m so glad you’re here.  Please take care of my mommy for me, I’ll never get the chance now.  

Tell her it’s not her fault, I’m not mad at her and I’ll always love her.’

Then he smiled and just disappeared.  Next thing I knew I heard the two of you whispering.”

Rainbow looked troubled.

“What did he look like?” asked Rainbow.

Scootaloo thought for a moment, then she said.

“He was brown with a red, yellow and blue mane and tail.”

“It was him!” said Rainbow, tears starting to form.

“Who?” asked the filly.

“I think you should tell her,” said Twilight, “especially if she’s to be a part of this family.”

Rainbow looked at Twilight, her purple wife saw the sadness and guilt on Rainbow face, but Rainbow slowly nodded.

“Scootaloo,” said Rainbow, “you have the right to know this.  It may affect your decision to be with us.

When I was in high school, not much older than you, I was very stupid.”

“You’re not stupid!” said Scootaloo in defense of her hero.

“I think Twilight might argue that point sometimes,” said Rainbow, Twilight was nodding but a pony could tell she didn’t mean it, Scootaloo giggled, even Rainbow smiled.

“But I was stupid then.  I know at your age and what they teach in school you’re aware of what sex is and what it’s all about.”

Scootaloo nodded her head; both Rainbow and Twilight were glad they didn’t have to have that talk with their foster daughter.

“I never paid attention to the warnings, I only thought it was just for fun.  With as few colts as there were, it was a way I could get colts to like me,” said Rainbow, swallowing hard to fortify her nerves.  

“Well, it caught up with me and I found myself pregnant.  I was a freshman in high school, no parents of my own, and only an older sister.  I didn’t even have a good idea who the father of the child was.”

Scootaloo’s face was blank not knowing what to think so far.

“After the eleven months, I had a beautiful little colt,” continued Rainbow, tears streaming from her eyes, “a beautiful little colt I gave up for adoption right away.  I only saw and held him once.  He was brown with a red, yellow and blue mane and tail.”

“Why did you give him up for adoption?” asked Scootaloo, tears starting to form and feeling the pain again of being an abandoned child.

“I told you,” said Rainbow, “I was stupid.  I was only thinking of me and the ‘right now’.  I wasn’t mature enough to think of the pain to come.  

The pain I caused him when he was old enough to know his mother didn’t want him and just gave him up.  

The pain I’ve felt for the loss of my only family at the time, my sister threw me out because I was so stupid.  

The pain of guilt and loss I’ve felt inside every day since the time I only thought of myself.  

And the pain I can see in your eyes now you know now what a monster I am.  I only hope one day you can forgive me.”

Scootaloo always played the ‘act now and think later’ member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but she was no dummy.  Like Rainbow, there was more to her than the dumb filly act.  

She could see the pain she was feeling for herself and a fellow abandoned child was nowhere as great as the pain Rainbow was showing.  It actually gave her some comfort to think her birth mother may pine for her.

Rainbow was crying hard, Twilight was holding her trying to comfort her.  Scootaloo knew if she had a foal right now, or even a few years from now, she could in no way handle it.  With the pain of her abandonment put into perspective, seeing there really can be another side to it.  Scootaloo found it easy to forgive Rainbow, and somehow it made her hero a more real pony.  

The thought of her dream came back to her.

‘If he can forgive her and still love her, so can I,’ thought Scootaloo.  

She realized what all this could mean.  She could have something she’d never had before and never thought she would have.

“I’ll forgive you under one condition,” said Scootaloo with tears in her own eyes.

“What’s that Sweetheart?” asked Twilight, still comforting Rainbow.

“I’ll forgive you only if I can call you both...

Mom.  

I’ve never had a mom.” Said Scootaloo choking back a sob.

Rainbow spun around so fast neither Twilight nor Scootaloo saw her do it.  But she scooped up Scootaloo and was holding her close.

“I’d be honored to be your mom,” said Rainbow kissing the little filly on the top of her head over and over.

“As would I, “ said Twilight joining the hug, she was starting to cry as well.

“I’ve never had a mom before, and now I have two!” said Scootaloo, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.

PART THREE: And Scootaloo Makes Three

The sound of the rain against the window slowly roused Scootaloo from a very pleasant sleep.  She could feel a pony on each side of her; they were lightly holding her.  It felt so nice.  Scootaloo opened her eyes, she was in Rainbow and Twilight’s room.  Both Rainbow and Twilight were looking at her.

“It wasn’t a dream?” asked Scootaloo.

“No dream Squirt,” said Rainbow, “you’re stuck with us.”

Scootaloo reached out her forelegs and put them around Twilight and Rainbow’s neck and pulled them close in a hug.  Then she gave each one a quick kiss.

“I love my moms!” said the filly.

“We love you too, Sweetheart,” said Twilight.  “But we need to get up and get going, we’ve some place to go before we go for a ride.”

“A ride, where?” asked Scoot.

“Are all Pegasi this impatient?” Asked Twilight to Rainbow.

“Get used to it, Lover-Pony,” said Rainbow with that smirk of hers, “you’ve got two to deal with now.”

“You’ll see,” said Rainbow to Scootaloo, “so get up, take a shower.  And don’t leave a mess.”

“I won’t,” said Scootaloo scrambling over Twilight, who tickled the filly as she passed.  Apparently, Scootaloo was ticklish as Twilight.

“And don’t get used to this,” said Rainbow, “it was a special occasion.”

“I know mom,” said Scootaloo giggling all the way to the bathroom.

After, Twilight and Rainbow shared a shower; Twilight got Scootaloo to help make breakfast.  Twilight was pleased Scootaloo knew how to cook.  She explained at the Home, the kids shared all the chores.  This included assisting in cooking the meals when the filly or colt is old enough.  

Rainbow had Spike make a quick run to Fluttershy.

Twilight and Rainbow were dressed in nice dresses; Rainbow was even wearing makeup.  Scootaloo had to admit it wasn’t so sissy looking on Rainbow or Twilight for that matter.

Twilight had a couple of saddle bags packed and waiting by the door.

After they’d eaten, Spike returned with the yellow Pegasus.  Fluttershy had an entourage of woodland creatures with her.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” asked Twilight.

“I’ll be happy to watch the library,” said Fluttershy, “and I’m so happy for you, Scootaloo.”

“Thank you Fluttershy,” said the filly, “I still can’t believe it’s real.”

“Well, it’s real,” said Rainbow, “but we better get moving.  We’ve a pony waiting on us.

Spike, Fluttershy, there’s breakfast in the kitchen.  If you need us while we’re gone, have Spike send a message.”

Twilight cast a protection spell which put a shield of purple around the three ponies as they walked, Scootaloo was so excited.  She’d never been around a lot of Unicorn magic, and now she was living with the most powerful Unicorn in Equestria.  Plus, she was surprised Rainbow could us magic to levitate objects.  Rainbow reassured Scootaloo her moms would teach her this.  

‘Sweetie Belle is going to be so jealous,’ thought Scootaloo.

They walked the short distance to Carousel Boutique.  As they approached they saw Applejack leaving, Rarity gave her a kiss and then Applejack trotted off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.  As you would expect from a farm pony, she was oblivious to the rain.  

Applejack had moved in with Rarity soon after Twilight and Rainbow’s return as Mrs. and Mrs. Dash.  

Rarity saw the trio and waved them to hurry in out of the rain.

“I understand congratulations are in order Darling,” said Rarity to Scootaloo, “Twilight sent me a message last evening letting me know the good news and gave me an idea of what she was wanting.  I have to tell you, when Sweetie Belle heard, she squealed with joy for a half hour.

Now if you’ll step into the changing room, I’ve some dresses for you to try on.”

“Dresses?”

“Yes, dresses,” said Rainbow, “they’re cooler than you might think.  Give it a try.”

“But I’ll look like a sissy!”

“Do I look like a sissy? Does Twilight look like a sissy?” asked Rainbow.

“Well... No,” admitted Scootaloo.

“Don’t you want to make a good first impression when you meet your new grandmother and grandfather?” asked Twilight.

“Grandmother! Grandfather!” Said Scootaloo, almost in shock.  The little filly had never even considered such a thing, another answer to her dreams and prayers.

“Where’s those dresses?”

All the ponies laughed as Scootaloo went with Rarity into one of the dressing rooms.  The white Unicorn would come out of the room after some pins, needles or thread.  Then would return to the dressing room.

Soon Rarity and Scootaloo came out of the dressing room.  Scootaloo was wearing a lovely little dress with lace trim.  The filly was looking like she was feeling out of place but she had to admit it was comfortable and it didn’t look all that bad.

Although Scootaloo was uncomfortable with the thought of wearing dresses, she was actually thrilled to have brand new clothing which were for her only.  No hand-me-downs or charity.  These were made and fitted for her!

Rarity levitated a bag to Twilight.

“These all fit well,” said Rarity, “she looks like a little doll.”

Rainbow levitated a bag of bits to Rarity, who levitated them back to Rainbow.

“This is on me,” said Rarity, “call it a ‘Welcome To Your New Family’ gift for Scootaloo."

There were hugs all around, the bag with the dresses was added to Twilight’s saddle bag and the little family headed back out.

“Thank you Rarity,” called out Scoot as she and her moms walked away from the Boutique with Rarity standing in the doorway waving.

The three walked to the train station.  As they waited, Twilight went to the ticket window and was back to them in no time.  They boarded the train, and Scootaloo took a seat by the window.

“Hold on Squirt,” said Rainbow, “we aren’t sitting here.”

“Where’re we going to sit?”

“Up front,” said Twilight.

“The engine?” asked Scootaloo confused.

“No you silly filly,” said Twilight with a chuckle, “we have a First Class cabin.”

“First Class?’ said the filly, “That’s cool!”

“Yes it is, so come on,” said Rainbow, “the train will be leaving soon.”

They found their cabin and settled in, Scootaloo was in awe.  She’d only ridden in the coach section and usually with a lot of other ponies around.  Here she had one whole bench to herself.  Her bench faced the other bench where Rainbow and Twilight were setting.  The benches were soft and padded whereas the coach benches were always padded but hard.  

The two new moms were holding hooves and gave each other a small kiss after they sat.  There was a window Scootaloo didn’t have to share with anypony but her family; it had a small table mounted under it.  She’d never traveled in this much comfort before.  

Almost as soon as the train was going, a cart stopped by to ask if any refreshments were wanted.

“Want a treat Sweetie?” asked Twilight.

“Yes ma’am,” said Scootaloo.

“We’ll take six oatmeal cookies and three fruit juices.” Said Rainbow.

The three sat nibbling on the treats, Scootaloo watched out the window as the world went by.  

As they reached White Tail Woods, they left the zone of rain and the sun was shining.  They were soon done with the cookies, Twilight spoke up.

“I know this has been fast, and I hope you’ll continue to like us once you’ve lived with us for a while.”

All three ponies chuckled.

“We’ve a couple hours until we get there.  So do you have any questions, now the initial shock has worn off and you’ve had a night to sleep on it.”

“Uh... No...” said Scootaloo almost uncertain.

“Okay Squirt,” said Rainbow, “we can hear there’s something, we’re your moms, so spill it.”

“It’s kind of personal,” said Scootaloo.

“For you or us?’ asked Twilight.

“You.”

“You can ask anything within reason,” said Rainbow, “we’re family now.”

Scootaloo smiled at the statement then took a deep breath and then looked at her moms.

“Not that I really care, but if the two of you are married and sleep together, does that mean that you’re  filly-foolers?”

Rainbow looked at Twilight, she was unsure of the term.

“Sweetie,” said Twilight, “filly-fooler is and old term.  It was once used as a label by more narrow minded ponies for mares attracted to mares.  It was then and is still used as a more derogatory and insulting name.  It gives the impression that the mare in question molests young fillies.  

Putting a label on anypony could always be considered insulting.  

If you have to have a term to separate a group, then it becomes easy to think yourself better than the group.

But if you need to have a more accurate name for our lifestyle, we prefer mare-lover.  After all, it better describes what our tastes are.”

Rainbow and Twilight looked lovingly at each other, Twilight held Rainbow’s hoof and continued.

“I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed but mares outnumber stallions in Equestria ten to one.  

So what do the ninety percent who haven’t any chance at a mate do?  

Sit around and be sad and lonely because of something they haven’t any control over?  

Do stallions take more than one wife?  No matter how committed, there’d always be one pony that’d be loved more than the others would, so there’d be animosity and jealousy.  You can’t have a healthy family like that.

Wouldn’t it be more logical if the ninety percent be allowed to find friends, companions or even lovers among the rest of the ninety percent?

And to answer your question; yes, I’m a mare-lover, I’ve always been attracted to other girls.  And there’s nothing wrong with it.”

Twilight looked at Rainbow as if for her to put in her take on this.

“I consider myself a mare-lover, now,” said Rainbow, “because I love Twilight more than anypony ever.  

I’d dated stallions in the past and even had ‘relations’ with them.”

Scootaloo smiled and blushed remembering the talk last night.

“Before Twilight, I never ever thought about being with a mare.  Now, it’s the only thing I want, as long as the mare is Twilight.”

Twilight and Rainbow smiled and kissed.

“That’s the way of it,” said Twilight, “some ponies appear to be born that way like me.”

“And for some ponies, it’s a choice they make, like me,” said Rainbow.  “Do you ask because it bothers you?”

“No mom,” said Scootaloo, “but I do have a question.”

“No!  We’re not going to tell you how two mares have sex with each other,” said Rainbow with a wicked grin, Scoot could tell she was only kidding.

“Gross, no!” said Scootaloo laughing, “I want to know by my living with you...

Do I have to like girls too?”

“No you silly filly,” said Twilight with a chuckle, “you’re free to like anypony you want, boys or girls.”

“But only when you’re older,” said Rainbow.

They all laughed and had lighter talk the rest of the trip.

The mare was getting ready to go grocery shopping, she preferred to do this early on Saturday morning.  Being a manager at the Weather Factory, the mare was privileged to have the weekends off.

She was touching up her mane when she heard the doorbell.

“Now who in the hay could that be?” she asked herself out loud.

She was afraid there was an issue at the factory and her weekend was going to be blown.

When the mare opened the door, there were two stallions wearing black business suits, white shirts and black ties.  She’d never seen them before, they looked grim.

She’d heard rumors from paranoid ponies about the dreaded PIB’s, Ponies In Black.  But they were always connected with stories about UFO’s and little green ponies.

The mare never believed in such nonsense.  

“Rainbow Dash?” asked one stallion.

“No, I’m her sister, Sunshine Dash,” said Sunshine, “Rainbow hasn’t lived here in years.  And I haven’t heard from her for about the same time.”

Suddenly Sunshine was curious.  What could anypony looking like this want with her sister?

“Is she in trouble?  Is there something I can do for you?” asked Sunshine.

The two looked at each other, the silent stallion nodded.

The stallion handed a photo to Sunshine, the picture shocked Sunshine.

“Can we come inside and talk?” he asked.

PART FOUR: Unexpected News

The train stopped at the Canterlot station.  Scootaloo was excited; she’d only been to the Capitol City on field trips.  Now she was here with no rush, no herding along with other students, just her and her new moms.  

They walked the streets with no sense of hurry.  Scootaloo was in open-eyed awe of the magnificent city.  As they passed the castle, several of the guards saw them and greeted Twilight and Rainbow by name.  Scootaloo was impressed, she knew Twilight and Rainbow were well known for their adventures.  But this put into focus how much her moms were known.  

Twilight also let Scoot know they would visit the castle while they were in Canterlot.

They walked on past the business section until they reached the residential section.  The house they stopped at was at least as large as the Children’s Home.  It wasn’t the largest house in the neighborhood, but it was larger than most of the houses in Ponyville, as were most of the houses in the area.  Twilight and Rainbow walked to the door, Twilight opened it and Scootaloo followed her moms in.

“Mom! Dad!” called Twilight, “anypony home.”

A light purplish gray mare with purple and gray mane and tail (Twilight Velvet) and a blue stallion with darker blue mane and tail (Night Light) entered the room.

“Twilight! Rainbow!” said Twilight Velvet. “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?  We would’ve met you at the station.”

The two came over and gave Twilight and Rainbow hugs and kisses.

“We wanted it to be a surprise, ” said Twilight.

“Two surprises actually,” said Rainbow.

“And who’s the cute little filly?” asked Night Light.  

Scootaloo blushed at the recognition.  

“She’s the second surprise,” said Rainbow.

“Meet Scootaloo,” continued Twilight:

“Your new Grandfilly.”

Twilight Velvet and Night Light looked at each other, then at the little filly.  Scootaloo was becoming uncomfortable with the two ponies gazing at her so intently, but then smiles grew on the older ponies’ faces, tears of joy were streaming from Twilight Velvet’s eyes.  A violet aura formed around Scootaloo as she was lifted to Twilight Velvet who embraced the little filly and kissed her on the forehead several times.  Night Light had his forelegs around Twilight Velvet and Scootaloo.

Scootaloo had never been raised where she was cuddled.  There was some affection and Candy Mane tried to show as much attention as she could to all the children...

But now!  

Scootaloo had heard from Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom about being held and fussed over by older siblings, parents and grandparents.  Scoot had tried to act cool about it but she was so envious and regretted her place in life where she had to do without close affection from adults...

But now!  

As Twilight Velvet held her, it was the next to the greatest feeling in her life, next to the hug when Twilight and Rainbow welcomed her to the family.  If she was dreaming, she never wanted to wake up.

The older mare looked into Scootaloo’s eyes; Scootaloo couldn’t tell which of them was smiling more.

“You’re just the most darling little thing I’ve ever seen,” said Twilight Velvet.  “But you look familiar, where’ve we met before?”

It struck Scootaloo what the older pony was asking.

“I was a Flower Filly for Princess Cadence and Shining Armor’s wedding, Mrs. Sparkle.”

“Mrs. Sparkle!” said the mare, taken aback, “I’m Grandma and the handsome stallion right there is Grandpa.”

Scootaloo couldn’t hold it back any longer, she was glad she wasn’t in Ponyville where Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle might see her, she broke down in tears.

“Oh Sweetie,” said the grandmother pony, holding Scootaloo close and comforting her, “what’s wrong?’

“I... I’d never had a mom and now I have two,” said Scootaloo with the tears still coming down, then looking into Twilight Velvet’s eyes, “I never had grandparents and now I have the best grandparents ever.”

Twilight and Rainbow were standing to one side, just observing.  The two had their heads resting against the other; their hearts were overflowing with joy.  

Twilight felt more complete at this moment than she’d ever felt before.

Rainbow felt her heart healing; so much pain was leaving her body.  She now had a full family with love and acceptance.  

There was one other thing which would make it complete, but this was as close to closure as she could come for now.

“Come with me Sweetie,” said Twilight Velvet to her new grandfilly, “I think I have some fresh cookies in the kitchen for you.”

“Mom,” interjected the younger Twilight, “she hasn’t had lunch yet!”

“Don’t be such a mother,” said Twilight Velvet with a chuckle.  “Don’t you two have business at the castle or something boring like that to do?”

“We promised Scootaloo we’d take her to the castle,” said Rainbow.

“I can bring her there in a bit,” said the elder Twilight.

“Okay mom,” said Rainbow with a chuckle, “we suspected something like this would happen.”

“Come with me Sweetie,” said Twilight Velvet.

“Okay, grandma,” said Scootaloo with a smile and taking her new grandma’s hoof.  Night Light followed the two.

Everypony laughed as Rainbow and Twilight Dash left Scootaloo to the mercy of over affectionate grandparents.

Rainbow and Twilight walked to the castle and entered without any challenge from the guard except a good morning or two.

They walked directly to the Throne Room where they found the doors open.  They were acknowledged by the princess and entered.

“Rainbow and Twilight Dash,” said the princess, “to what do I owe the honor?”

“It’s always our honor,” said Twilight, “Your Highness.”

“Enough of the formalities,’ said Celestia chuckling and shaking her head, “come here and tell me what you two have been up to.  I want to hear gossip.”

Rainbow and Twilight related the circumstances with Rainbow’s dreams, her history and Scootaloo’s need for a stable family.

“How marvelous!” Exclaimed the princess, “I must meet my new niece.”

“You aren’t going to test her are you?” asked Rainbow kidding and winking at the princess.

“Are you never going to forgive me for that?”  said the princess laughing at the question.

“My mother is bringing her here after she finishes spoiling the child,” said Twilight.

The three laughed, as a guard entered the room.

“A moment, Your Highness,” said the guard bowing.

“What is it?” asked the princess.

“A pony seeks an audience with Your Majesty,” said the guard, “she states it’s very important.”

“Do you mind?” asked the princess to the Dash’s.

“We’ll just go stand over there,” said Twilight as she and Rainbow walked to an alcove out of sight and looked out the grand window.

A lavender Pegasus mare with a pastel rainbow mane and tail was led into the room.  She had a cutie mark of a white cloud with a sun shining from behind it.

They stopped before the dais and bowed.

“Rise and tell me how I may help you.” asked the princess.

“Your Highness,” said the mare, “I’m looking for my sister, we’ve been estranged.  But now I must find her, I’ve heard she’s well known to you.”

Rainbow’s head jerked in the direction of the mare.

“Sunshine?”

“Rainbow?” said the mare in disbelief, only now seeing her sister off to the side.  She never thought it could be that easy.

“Leave us guard,” said the princess.

The doors closed and the princess used her magic to secure them.

Twilight and Rainbow walked to the new mare.  Rainbow gave her a very formal hug, not a lot of emotion but she was surprised Sunshine was actually hugging her with some warmth.  Rainbow also noticed there were tears in Sunshine’s eyes.

Sunshine was shocked, Rainbow was in a dress, wearing makeup and her mane styled.  It wasn’t the pony she’d expected to find.

“Can we talk in private,” asked Sunshine.

“We can talk in front of the princess and especially in front of my wife about anything.”

“Your... Wife?” asked Sunshine in total amazement.

“Yes, my wife,” said Rainbow in introduction, “this is Twilight Dash.  Twilight, this is my sister, Sunshine Dash.”

Sunshine nodded her head in acknowledgment.

“You’ve something important to say,” asked the princess.

Sunshine looked at Rainbow, there was a great deal of pain on her face.  She drew a deep breath.

“Rainbow, Storm Cloud is dead,” said the sister sadly.

“Storm Cloud?” asked Rainbow confused but fearful.

Sunshine gave Rainbow a photo of a brown Pegasus colt, about Scootaloo’s age.  He was laying on a bed, he had a lot of Rainbow’s features and had the most beautiful smile.  He appeared to be sleeping, but one could tell he wasn’t just sleeping.  The colt had a red, yellow and blue mane and tail.  His cutie mark was almost like Rainbow’s except the Cloud was black instead of white but the lightning bolt was the same.

“Storm Cloud,” said Sunshine sadly, “your son.”

Twilight had never heard Rainbow scream like that, nor had she ever seen Rainbow faint.

PART FIVE: A New Star

The world started to become real again.  There was, at first, only the color gray and a distinct buzzing/ringing in her ears as everything slowly came into focus.  The shock of what her sister had told her was nothing Rainbow Dash was ready for.  

On the deepest of levels, she was devastated.  She literally felt as if part of her had indeed died.  Before opening her eyes, she was already accusing herself if she’d been a proper mother and kept and loved her child, he might still be on Celestia’s good earth.  

These thoughts shot through her mind as she struggled to consciousness.

As she was able to open her eyes, she felt she was laying on something soft, both her fore hooves were being held.

The world came into focus and there on either side of her were her sister and Twilight.  Both had looks of concerns on their faces.

She recognized she was in the castle’s hospital ward.

“Are you okay Honey?” asked Twilight, stroking Rainbow’s forelock.

Rainbow looked at her purple wife then her sister, all the sorrow hit again.  Her eyes filled with tears.  She released the hooves holding hers as she turned on her side and buried he face into the pillow and wept hard.

Rainbow felt a small hoof on her shoulder.  Apparently Rainbow had been out long enough for Twilight Velvet to have brought Scootaloo to the castle.

Scootaloo realized what her new mother and hero was going through.  She felt Rainbow’s pain as soon as Twilight had told the filly the bad news while Rainbow was out.

“Mom?” said a little voice.

Rainbow turned over and saw Scootaloo looking at her, there were tears in her eyes as well.  Rainbow’s eyes glowed and the filly was levitated to her, Rainbow held her tight.

It was another shock for Sunshine, her sister, a Pegasus, doing magic.

“I’ll be okay Squirt,” said Rainbow.

“I love you mom,” said Scootaloo holding tightly to Rainbow.

“I know,” said Rainbow tightening her embrace, “I love you so much.”

Both were crying.

“Let’s give them some privacy,” said Princess Celestia.

In a nearby waiting area, Twilight and Sunshine had a seat to wait.  The princess excused herself with duties to take care of, but she had tea sent to the two mares.

“Did the filly call Rainbow... Mom?” asked Sunshine.

“Yes,” said Twilight, “Rainbow has been Scootaloo’s hero and mentor for some time now.  But when Scoot lost another foster family, and the third one this year, we decided we should take her in.  

Especially since Rainbow started to have nightmares about her foal.  She’s been suffering guilt and pain from her decision to some degree from when it first happened.  She’s been lamenting the loss of her foal from the time she gave him up, and to be honest, the loss of her only family, you, has been hard on her as well.”

Sunshine looked ashamed at this revelation, Twilight continued.

“She was just starting to feel good about her life, but I’m sure this’ll knock her back down.  

But Scootaloo and I love her and we’ll be there to support her.”

Sunshine was surprised, she had some preconceived notion Rainbow was still reckless, irresponsible, unreliable and most of all unfeeling.

“So how did this happen?” asked Twilight.

“I received a visit early this morning from the Medical Examiner’s Office.  Apparently the colt had been found dead in his bed at the Cloudsdale Children’s Home.  

It was determined he must’ve had a congenital heart defect.  They said there wouldn’t have been any pain, it would’ve been peaceful.  

It did bring something to mind when they told me this.  About four years after Rainbow graduated high school, there was a colt Rainbow had... Had...‘Been with’ many times.  He died of a mysterious heart attack at a young age...”

“Moon Chaser,” said Rainbow who had walked in while her wife and sister were talking.  Scootaloo was at her side. “I always suspected he might’ve been the father.”

“Rainbow!” said Twilight, rushing to Rainbow and giving her a hug and substantial kiss.

Sunshine was surprised but pleased to find Rainbow had a pony who obviously loved her so much and a foster daughter who adored her.  She was also happy to see Rainbow returned the emotions in kind.

“I’m okay Lover-Pony,” said Rainbow giving Twilight another quick kiss.

Twilight led Rainbow to a sofa, Scootaloo sat with her, holding her hoof.

“Sunshine,” said Rainbow, “I’m so, so, so sorry for my decisions in the past.  I realize I’ve made many ponies lives miserable.  I always thought I’d get away with everything, but they always came back to ‘bite me’.  

I thought the nightmares and the pain of missing you were punishment enough.  

But now...”

Rainbow’s eyes were starting to mist over again.

“Now I have the guilt knowing if I would’ve kept him, Storm Cloud might still be with us.”

“Oh Honey!” said Twilight putting a foreleg around her neck.

“Rainbow,” said Sunshine, “to tell the truth, I half expected to find you and tell you the news and you wouldn’t even react.

But to see you with a wife, although I never expected you’d be married, especially to a mare.  And I mean nothing by that, just with your past it’s a bit of a surprise.  But I’m so glad you have a wife like Twilight who obviously loves you so much.  Plus you having a daughter who loves you as well.  I see you’ve become a pony mom and dad would’ve been proud of.  

And after the way I’ve treated you, it probably doesn’t mean anything to you.  But I’m proud of you too.”

Sunshine started to cry, Rainbow looked at her sister got up and walked to her and hugged her tightly and kissed her.

“I’m so sorry sis,’ said Rainbow, “I’ve missed you so bad.”

“I’ve missed you too,’ said Sunshine, “I should’ve been there for you.”

“I love you sis,” said Rainbow.

“I love you too,” said Sunshine.

The two just held each other as if trying to make up for all the missed hugs of the past.

The photo of Storm Cloud, Sunshine had brought with her, was by her seat.  Scootaloo saw the photo.

“That’s him,” said Scootaloo, “The pony I saw in my dream!”

“What’s she talking about?” asked Sunshine.

“Last night,” said Scootaloo, “I had a dream.  In it, I was asleep in my new bed when I heard a pony come in the room.  I looked and it was a Pegasus colt about my age.  He was brown with a red, yellow and blue mane and tail.  

He walked up to me and said;

‘I’m so glad you’re here.  Please take care of my mommy for me, I’ll never get the chance now. Tell her it’s not her fault, I’m not mad at her and I’ll always love her.”

Sunshine was taken aback, the time and description was exact.  Could it have been the spirit of Storm Cloud giving his blessing to Scootaloo, and forgiveness to Rainbow?  She never really believed in such things, but this was hard to discount.

A guard came to the door and told everypony the princess requested, if they could, to see her in the Throne Room.  The guard did express the princess said it was a request and not to be taken as a command.

The group was led to the Throne Room and the guard left them alone at the door.  There on their thrones were Princesses Celestia and Luna.  This time Sunshine was in enough frame of mind to realize Twilight and her sister must have some close connection to the princesses.  Once again, Sunshine was impressed.

Celestia saw the group and beckoned them in.  They bowed before the dais, but before they could say anything, Princess Luna flew down to Scootaloo.

“There’s my little dreamer,” said the princess, giving Scoot a hug.

“Hello again, Princess Luna,” said Scootaloo returning the hug.

The rest of the ponies just looked.

Scootaloo had to explain the dreams she had had at the camping trip.  Rainbow knew about the bad dream part, but because of her being afraid of being thought a liar, she’d omitted the part about Princess Luna.  

Plus Luna had checked in on her dreams from time to time enough to make it feel she and the princess were really friends, this verified it wasn’t just dreams.

“There are special dreamers,” said Luna, “they have another kind of sight.  They’re able to see things and know things which aren’t normally perceived in the waking world.  Ponies like Scootaloo are rare and their dreams must always be taken seriously.  

It’s my duty to watch over these special ponies.  Especially now that she’s my niece.”

Scootaloo was surprised.  She suddenly realized that she had not only mothers and grandparents, but uncles and aunts including Princesses Celestia and Luna.

Luna then hugged Scootaloo again, kissed her on the forehead, then flew back to her throne.

“Rainbow Dash,” said Celestia, “are you doing any better?”

“Yes, Highness,” said Rainbow, then looking at her sister.  “With the help of all my family, I’ll be okay.”

“I’m glad to hear it” said Celestia, “I know such a thing can be devastating, but it’s good to have family to help.  I hope, despite the gravity of the event, you’ve patched up things between your sister and yourself.  

I know just how hard it is to be estranged from a sister.”

Luna and Celestia looked at each other and smiled.

“At least I didn’t have to wait a thousand years,” said Rainbow with a smile.

Sunshine looked lost.

“It’s a long story,” said Luna with a giggle.

“So,” said Celestia, “was it just a social visit when you came here this morning, or was there something else I could do for you?”

Twilight was about to say it was just a get acquainted visit for Scootaloo when Rainbow spoke first.

“It was just a visit to introduce Scootaloo to you.  But now, I’ve something I need to ask.”

“What’s that, Rainbow my Dear?”

“Twilight and I’ve done a lot in your service, Your Highness.  And often at great risk to ourselves,” said Rainbow, “I also know you, as princess, don’t owe us anything, and we owe you our respect, loyalty and obedience, which we’ve steadfastly given.”

“But?” said Celestia with an eyebrow raised.

“I know it probably isn’t right or proper.  And I know I’ll get a lecture from my wife later.  But with our helping to save Your Highness, your sister and Equestria on several occasions, I’d like to call in a solid; ‘You Owe Me’.”

Twilight, Sunshine and Luna gasped at the audacity, but Celestia only smiled.  She did appreciate boldness.

“We shall hear the petition,” said Celestia, reverting to formal and official speech to show she was taking Rainbow seriously.

“I know the adoption process is often long and drawn out,” said Rainbow, Scootaloo’s ears perked up.  “So I’m formally requesting, in light of our service to you, Twilight and myself be granted immediate adoption, and permanent guardianship of Scootaloo.  

I swear on my life and by my love of my family and of Your Highnesses, I’ll be the parent I should’ve been.”

Celestia smiled.

“I’ll make a pronouncement on this in just a moment,” said Celestia.  “Sister, will you have the guard summon my secretary please?”

“Right away, my sister,” said Luna leaving.

“There’s one pony I must talk to before I make a decision.” Said the princess, “Scootaloo, please come with me.”

Scootaloo looked at Twilight and Rainbow, they both nodded to say it was alright and there was nothing to fear.

Celestia led Scootaloo to a small anteroom and closed the door behind them.

“Please Scootaloo,” said the princess, “don’t be afraid and don’t worry about how to act around a princess, I’m sure Twilight will teach you proper ceremony and rituals later.  For now, just relax and be yourself.  After all, I’m soon to be your aunt.”

Both Celestia and Scootaloo smiled at that.

“Yes ma’am,” said Scootaloo, still trying to be on her best behavior.

“I want to ask the most important question first.  Do you want to be adopted by Rainbow and Twilight?”

“More than anything!” said Scootaloo almost shouting, then remembering herself, “I mean, yes ma’am.”

Celestia smiled;

“Don’t worry about it,” said the princess trying to get the filly to relax.  “I said to be yourself.

I do want to know if you have any conditions you wish to impose upon this compact?”

“I beg your pardon ma’am,” said Scootaloo not quite following the more formal speech patterns.

“Is there anything special you wish to add to this?” Said the princess with a smile, trying to make it easy on the filly.

Scootaloo thought for a moment then she smiled.

Celestia and Scootaloo came back into the Throne Room, the princess told the filly to go back with Rainbow and Twilight.

Raven was waiting on the dais between the two thrones.  Celestia took her seat.

“Rainbow,” said Celestia, “because of your service to the House of Celestia, I’ll forgo the executioner...

This time.”

Rainbow looked shocked, Luna snickered.

“There hasn’t been an executioner in Equestria for at least twenty centuries,” said Twilight leaning over and whispering to Rainbow.

“Shh!” said Celestia to Twilight with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.  She may be the absolute co-ruler, but she did like to mess with ponies’ heads sometime.

“I’ve considered your petition, and I’ve consulted the one pony this will affect the most.  She’s made a request.”  Celestia then turned her gaze to the little filly;

“Scootaloo?”

“Mama Rainbow, Mama Twilight, I’ve never had a family name, and I’m excited I’m goin’a have one.  But I’d also like to have a middle name.”

“A middle name?” asked Rainbow.

“Yes, a middle name, Rainbow Anne,” said Sunshine giggling.

“So funny, Sunshine Marie,” said Rainbow.

It was Twilight’s turn to snicker.

“What’s so funny about middle names, Twilight Louise?” asked Celestia.

Twilight lowered her head sheepishly.

It appeared Luna was about to add something to this but Celestia looked at her sister and said;

“Remember the moon, little sister.”

Luna got the message, but she smiled at the bogus threat.

“I do, I remember it very well, Celestia Mildred,” snickered Luna.

“That will do, Luna Hildegarde!” said Celestia, as always getting the last word in.

Luna blushed, she hadn’t thought this through.

“Mildred? Hildegarde?” said Rainbow and Twilight quietly to each other.

“Continue sweetheart,” said the princess.

“If it’d be okay,” said Scootaloo, “I’d like to be Scootaloo Storm-Cloud Dash. The Storm and Cloud would be hyphenated.”

Twilight and Rainbow looked at each other, then they looked at Scootaloo.  There were smiles on all three.

“It’d be our honor,” said Rainbow.

“I concur,” said Twilight.

“Raven, take this down:  

I, Celestia Rex, do hereby grant full adoption and custody of the Pegasus Pony Scootaloo Storm-Cloud Dash to Rainbow Anne and Twilight Louise Dash.  

(Celestia had to get that dig in and make it official!)

However, the Crown reserves the right to check in on the family to make sure of the propriety of her upbringing.

Given this day, under my hoof, etc...etc...”

There was a strange feeling which came over Scootaloo,  It was love, pride, joy and something else she’d never felt before.

The princesses came down and there were hugs all around.

“Raven will have a copy of this with my official seal before you leave.  She’ll forward a copy by courier to the Ponyville Children’s home as well.”

PART SIX: Dreams Come True

Rainbow and Twilight invited Sunshine to come with them to Twilight’s parents’ home.

They talked and ate and just enjoyed getting aquatinted and reacquainted.  The news of Scootaloo being officially adopted was a great thrill to the elder ponies and they lavished all the love and attention they could on their new (official) grandfilly.

Scootaloo was in Elysium, so many ponies wanting to hold her and fuss over her.  It appeared as if all the attention she’d grown up without was trying to be remedied in just one evening.  She never knew she could love and be loved by ponies like this.

As the evening wore on, Scootaloo couldn’t stop yawning.

“Okay Squirt,” said Rainbow, “you need to take a shower and go to bed.”

“No problem mom,” said Scootaloo who was still so stoked about really being adopted and having a real family she actually belonged to.

“You can sleep in my old room,” said Twilight.  “It’s nice and comfortable for a filly.”

“Just don’t drool on any of your mom’s dolls,” said Twilight Velvet.  “She gets upset if anything is out of order.”

“Mom,” exclaimed Twilight, “not in front of my daughter!”

Everypony smiled at the statement.  Twilight, Rainbow and Scootaloo not the least.

The Sparkles loved their daughter, but when she confided her sexual preference to them years ago, they took it with no more reaction than if Twilight (the younger) had just asked for cereal for breakfast.  

But because of this, it appeared that Twilight would not likely have any foals.

But now she’d given them a granddaughter!  It mattered not in the tiniest she was adopted, she was sassy yet sweet and loving and wanted grandparents as much as they wanted a grandchild.  

“Don’t listen to grandma,” said Twilight, “you’re welcome to play with or sleep with any doll or toy in there you choose.”

Scootaloo had never given much thought to kissing, it was either a romantic thing she had no interest in as of yet, although she secretly loved romance novels and romance movies.  Or it was something mushy she’d seen other colts and fillies do with parents or siblings.  It didn’t appear to her to be important.  But now she had a love in her heart she never thought she’d have.  She gladly gave every pony a hug and kiss, even her new Aunt Sunshine.  

Sunshine was beside herself, not only had the rift between she and her sister been repaired, the pain in her heart she’d denied for so long was gone.  And the reward was she now had a new extended family with a very charming niece.

The adults were sitting around and sipping some wine.  

Rainbow was interested in what Sunshine had been doing all these years, but not as much as much as Sunshine was hearing all of the exploits of Twilight, Rainbow and their four friends.  Sunshine had heard of Rainbow winning the Best Young Flyer Competition.

But she also had heard stories of a group of six ponies who were basically the heroes of Equestria.  She wasn’t sure, but now it was confirmed her sister was one of the six.  But as Twilight and Rainbow were talking about those adventures there was a shout of exclamation heard from down the hall.

Scootaloo came running into the living room.

“Look at what I found when I took my dress off,” said Scootaloo all excited, turning her flanks where they could be seen.

“Your cutie mark!” said Twilight and Rainbow together.

Then they all realized what it was at the same time.

“I don’t believe it,” said Rainbow.

The cutie mark was like Rainbow’s except it had a black cloud with a red/yellow/blue lightning bolt.  Just like the one on the picture of Storm Cloud.

“Well, if that doesn’t prove Scootaloo was supposed to be with you two,” said Night Light, “then I don’t think anything else could be better proof.”

Rainbow’s aura surrounded Scootaloo and lifted the filly to her where she hugged Scoot like there was no tomorrow.

“Honey,” said Twilight with a smile, “you need to share, she’s my daughter too.”

Scootaloo stuck out a foreleg in Twilight’s direction, the message was clear.  Twilight joined in the family hug.

Scootaloo went off to bed and the adults visited into the late evening.  Finally it was time to turn in, Twilight suggested Sunshine use Shining’s old room because she thought it’d be too weird to sleep in her brother’s bed.  As Twilight and Rainbow were heading to the guest room, they saw a light coming from under the door on Twilight’s old room.

Twilight let Rainbow know she wanted to say something.

“Okay, young filly,” said Twilight loud enough to be heard through the door.  She was having trouble not laughing, “get out from in front of that mirror, turn off the light and go to sleep.  You can look at your cutie mark in the morning.”

Rainbow was about to comment when a voice from the room cried out.

“How did you know, mom?” asked Scootaloo.

Twilight opened the door and looked in at her daughter.

“I’m a Unicorn,” said Twilight very cryptically.  “Now goodnight and we love you.”

“Love you too, moms,” said Scootaloo turning off the light and climbing in the bed.

As the two walked down the hall to the guest room, and she was sure Scootaloo couldn’t hear, Rainbow asked:

“How did you know?  And don’t give me the ‘I’m a Unicorn’ horse-apples.”

Twilight kissed Rainbow and replied:

“But it’s true, I’m a Unicorn.”

“Yes,” said Rainbow, “but how did you know?”

“I stood in front of the same mirror,” said Twilight snickering, “almost all night just looking at mine when I got my cutie mark.  

My parents always used that line to keep Shining and myself guessing if a Unicorn had powers of awareness that we hadn’t discovered yet.  Like they knew what we were doing, even out of sight, it kept us in line, ”

“Not only have I married the most beautiful pony in Equestria, I married the smartest,” said Rainbow.

“Was there ever any doubt?” Asked Twilight with ‘that look’ in her eyes.

Rainbow got the message loud and clear.

“Just keep the noise down,” said Twilight Velvet’s voice from the next room, “we’ll be trying to sleep.”

“How did you know?” called out Twilight the younger.

“I’m a Unicorn,” was the response.

Twilight and Rainbow got a good laugh out of the statement.

The rest of the weekend went great.  Rainbow and Sunshine reconnected and both promised to visit the other and write often.  Twilight told Sunshine she’d make sure Rainbow and Scootaloo would stay in touch.  

On the second visit to the castle, neither Celestia or Luna were surprised at the news of the cutie mark.  They told the Dash’s it wasn’t unheard of for a child to receive the cutie mark of a deceased sibling, it was considered a very special and mystical honor.  But it was the first they’d heard of it happening to an adopted sibling.  

But as Night Light had commented, it only gave credence to this was to be and the visit of Storm Cloud to Scootaloo’s dream should be taken seriously.

In the afternoon, Sunshine, Twilight Velvet and Night Light saw the little family off at the train station.

The trip was a happy one.  Scootaloo said she couldn’t wait to tell her friends about being adopted and show them her new cutie mark, such good news!

“May I wear a dress to school so I can surprise the class with my cutie mark?” Asked Scootaloo, who almost couldn’t believe she was asking to wear a dress.

“School,” said Twilight, “that’s right, we’re going to have to go with you in the morning to register you.”

“She’s already registered in school,” said Rainbow.

“Scootaloo, who resides at the Ponyville Children’s Home, ward of the Crown is.  But not Scootaloo Storm-Cloud Dash, daughter of Rainbow and Twilight Dash.  

This brought smiles to all ponies.

The next morning, Twilight, Rainbow and Scootaloo walked early to the schoolhouse.  As they got there, to their surprise, Candy Mane was arriving as well.

“Scootaloo! Rainbow! Twilight!” said Candy Mane, “I got the official paperwork from Canterlot yesterday.  Congratulations to all of you.”

“Thank you for everything, Ms. Candy Mane” said Scootaloo.

“You’re quite welcome,” said the official pony.  “By the way, you look quite lovely.  Your new family has already had a great influence on you.”

“It is amazing what love can do for a pony,” said Rainbow, “I know only too well.”

They all smiled.

“Well, I’m only too glad when we can place a special needs child,” said Candy Mane.  “They tend to be the hardest to place.”

“Special needs?” said Twilight and Rainbow together.

Scootaloo just looked confused.  She didn’t really understand what was being said.

“Perhaps we should go inside,” said Candy, “I have Scootaloo’s health record.  I need to give it to you anyway.  I knew you’d have to come here to register Scootaloo, we can go over it with Cheerilee.”

Cheerilee looked up from her desk, she was drinking some coffee and going over the day’s lesson plan.  She saw Candy Mane enter along with Scootaloo, Rainbow and Twilight Dash.

“Hello,” said the teacher, “what can I do for you?”

“We’re here to register our daughter for school,” said Twilight.

A smile raced across Cheerilee’s face when she realized what was being said.

“That’s wonderful,” said the teacher, “congratulations to all of you!”

“I just wanted to give the Rainbow and Twilight Dash, Scootaloo’s health record,” said Candy Mane, “and I wanted to make sure everypony was up on her condition.”

“Oh yes,” said Cheerilee, “I’d almost forgot.  Please have a seat everypony.”

Cheerilee took out a registration form and started to ask questions.

“Name... Scootaloo,” said the teacher.

“Scootaloo Storm-Cloud Dash,” said Scootaloo.

“The Storm-Cloud is hyphenated,” added Twilight.

“Thank you,” said Cheerilee, “It’s a very nice name Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo smiled.

“Home address?” asked Cheerilee.

“Golden Oak Library,” said Twilight.

“No excuse not to do your homework now,” said the teacher kidding.

They all chuckled.

“Name of Father and Mother,” said Cheerilee, then correcting herself and blushing slightly, “Sorry, Mother and Mother.”

“Rainbow and Twilight Dash,” said Rainbow.

“I assume the age is the same,” said the teacher with a chuckle.

“Cutie mark...,” said Cheerilee, “none.”

“Sorry Miss Cheerilee,” said Scootaloo getting up and raising the skirt to reveal her flank.

“Oh my,” said Cheerilee, “that’s a wonderful cutie mark.  Have your friends seen it yet?”

“No ma’am,” said Scootaloo, “I want to surprise them.”

“I’ll surely let you,” said the teacher, “and by the way, would you do me a great favor and stand on the porch and let me know when the students are coming?  If you do, I’ll let you ring the bell when it is time.”

“No problem,” said Scootaloo getting up, giving her new mothers a quick hug and left.

When Scootaloo was out the door, Cheerilee continued.

“I suppose her condition is unchanged?”

“What condition?” asked Rainbow.

“What condition?” asked Twilight.

“I assumed you two knew,” said Candy Mane.  “Scootaloo has diminished growth plates in her wing bones, her flight muscles are as strong as any Pegasi her age, it’s the reason she can get such great thrust on her scooter, but can’t get enough lift to fly.”

Rainbow took a moment to put together what was being said, but Twilight recognized the condition immediately.

“That means...” said Rainbow.

“Scootaloo’s wings will never grow right, she’ll never fly,” said Twilight, “does she know?”

“No,” said Candy Mane, “but she’ll need to know soon, she’s old enough.”

“Do you want me to talk to her about it?” asked Cheerilee. “that way she won’t lash out at you, if she doesn’t take it well.”

“No Cheerilee,” said Twilight, “it’s our responsibility as parents to work through this with her.”

“We want our relationship to be built on love, honesty and trust,” said Rainbow.

PART SEVEN: Revelations

All the students were surprised to see Scootaloo in a dress.  Sweetie Belle knew about the Dash’s taking Scoot in and she’d shared it with Apple Bloom, but the two hadn’t had any time to talk to their other friends about it.

“Good morning my little ponies,” said Cheerilee.

“Good morning Miss Cheerilee,” replied the students.

“I trust you all had a good weekend and are ready to get to work,” said the teacher.

Groans were the reply.  The teacher just smiled, it was as much part of the ritual.

“Before we get to today’s lesson, we need to welcome a new student.”

The kids looked around, not seeing any new faces.

“Come on in,” said Cheerilee.

Rainbow and Twilight Dash entered the class.

There were pleasant murmurs, both Twilight and Rainbow were very popular ponies, well known to even the children.

“We’d like to introduce our new daughter,” said Twilight.

“Come up here,” said Rainbow.

The kids looked around again. Scootaloo waited a moment then got up and walked to her moms with a big smile.

“We’d like you to meet, Scootaloo Storm-Cloud Dash,” said Rainbow proudly.  “She was officially adopted this weekend.”

There were some happy murmurs from the class but then Diamond Tiara spoke up.

“She’s not a new student, she’s the same old blank flank!”

Scootaloo turned sideways and Twilight levitated the hem of Scoot’s dress to expose her flank.

“No way!” said Apple Bloom excitedly.

The rest of the class cheered, all but Diamond Tiara.

“We’ll let you get back to your class,” said Rainbow.

“I’ll be right back,” said Scootaloo to the teacher.

Cheerilee nodded.

The three exited the class, Scoot gave her mothers a kiss and had them take the dress home so it wouldn’t get dirty at school.

Scootaloo walked back to her desk and the class started.

All the ponies would glance at the new cutie mark, such a thing was always the subject of excitement with the school kids.  Four ponies in particular kept looking at it.  Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Silver Spoon looked in admiration, Diamond Tiara looked in disbelief.  She was certain it was a fake just like when Apple Bloom tried to fake a cutie mark with the Heart’s Desire potion.  Diamond thought with Scootaloo living with that freaky Twilight, then there had to be some fake mumbo-jumbo going on.

At recess all the ponies circled Scootaloo congratulating her.  Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were beside themselves.

“You said you’d get your cutie mark by not having a home,” said Sweetie Belle.  “But it looks like having a home is what did it.”

“I’m so jealous!” said Apple Bloom, “I wanted to be the first.”

The way she was laughing a pony could tell she wasn’t upset.

“It almost looks like Rainbow Dash’s,” said Sweetie Belle.

“And it’s how you can tell it’s a fake,” said Diamond Tiara, pushing her way through the crowd.

There were some murmurs.

Scootaloo knew the nice Diamond Tiara who helped her just this last Friday wouldn’t last.  Scoot also couldn’t help but notice the look on Silver Spoon’s face showed she wasn’t in agreement with Diamond.

Scootaloo thought about what would be the best comeback, then she realized her new family would be of help.

“My new aunts are convinced it’s real,” said Scoot.

“You don’t have aunts,” said Diamond, “you’re an orphan.”

“I’m the adopted daughter of Rainbow and Twilight Dash,” said Scootaloo proudly, “their families are now my families, including my aunt Sunshine Dash, uncle Prince Shining Armor and his wife aunt Princess Cadence, but the aunts I said were convinced are my aunts; Princesses Celestia and Luna.”

All the kids looked at Diamond to see what her comeback would be.  She looked lost and started grasping at straws.

“I... I still don’t believe you,” said Diamond, “you’ve no proof of what you’re saying.  I bet it’d rub right off.”

“You’re welcome to try,” said Scoot with a smile Rainbow would be proud of, “if you think you’re filly enough.”

“Oooo...” said the ponies.

“Gross! I don’t want to touch your flanks,” said Diamond.

There was a moment of quiet as the ponies were waiting on the next move.

“I will,” said Silver Spoon.

Scoot was about to comeback with something, but something in the way Silver had said it and the look in her eyes showed she was wanting to prove it real, not fake.

“Go ahead,” said Scootaloo.

Silver walked up to Scootaloo and whispered:

“I believe you.”

Silver gingerly reached out and stroked the cutie mark, Scootaloo noticed how gentle Silver Spoon was touching her flank.  She wasn’t trying to rub paint off as much as caressing her flank.  It felt odd but not unpleasant.

Silver held out her hoof to Diamond, no trace of paint, ink or dye.

“It’s real,” said Silver Spoon, in the snooty voice she had used on the CMC in the past.

Diamond slunk off, she looked back at Silver Spoon, who just shook her head and stayed with the rest of the class mates.

After class, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walked to Sugarcube corner for their after school snack.  They had to hear every detail of Scootaloo’s weekend.  They were so envious Scoot got to be around and now be related to Princesses Celestia and Luna.  But they were beyond happy for their friend now she had a real family.

As they sat there, another pony entered.  Everypony looked at who had entered.   The pony walked to the CMC and greeted them.

“Hello everypony, would it be okay if I join you?”

The three friends looked at each other, not sure of this turn of events.

“No problem, Silver Spoon,” said Apple Bloom.

Silver Spoon went to the counter and ordered then sat down next to Scootaloo, it was hard to tell if she was sitting a little closer than just being friendly or not.  None of the three friends had been around Silver Spoon in a friendly way to know her habits.

Soon Pinkie Pie brought four milkshakes to the table and left.

“I hope you don’t mind, I bought these as an ‘I’m sorry’ gesture for today and for much of the past,” said Silver Spoon.

It was almost strange to hear Silver Spoon talking to them without the condescending inflection in her voice.  Everypony found her voice to actually be pleasant, especially Scootaloo.

“Why the change of heart?” said Sweetie Belle.

“Diamond Tiara has been my only friend for some time,” said Silver Spoon, “because of that, no other pony wanted to be around me.  Diamond always told me it was because I’m so homely.  And I was lucky she wanted to be around me.

Because I believed her, I always followed her lead.”

“You aren’t homely!” said Scootaloo, “that’s mean even for Diamond!”

Silver Spoon looked at Scootaloo and smiled a very warm smile as if appreciating the acknowledgment.

“So what changed?” asked Apple Bloom.

“For about a year now,” said Silver, “Diamond had been getting more and more pushy.  Especially now she has a coltfriend she’s seeing a lot of.  

We used to go to the movies on the weekend or out shopping.  But now she wants to spend all her time with him, a high school pony.  Plus she wanted me to go out with her coltfriend’s friends or relatives and do things they do.  But I have reasons why I won’t go with them, aside from the fact I don’t what they’re doing is proper at their age.”

Silver blushed knowing her new friends should know what she was saying, she hoped she didn’t have to explain.

“I started to feel left out of everything.  Our classmates wanted nothing to do with me, especially you girls, because of the way Diamond and I acted.  

I’m not perfect, I listened to Diamond and so I believed she and I were better than everypony else.  But then I started to see how much it was isolating me just because I wanted to fit in with my only friend.  

Plus there was one other thing she held over my head.  A secret she was sure if exposed I’d be disgraced, but I’m willing to face that possibility now.  

Especially if I have real friends that’d be there for me.

So lately Diamond has let me hang out with her once in a while as if doing me a favor.  Now I see she just wanted to make sure there was at least one pony to back her up.”

Silver then turned to look into Scootaloo’s eyes.  

“Then last Friday, when we gave you a hoof in getting your bags to the Children’s Home, the respect and warmth you showed in gratitude did something for me.  I could see ponies could respect me for me and not just because of Diamond.”

Silver Spoon put a hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder and smiled.

“It’s why when you showed your new cutie mark and it put Diamond in her place, I knew it was time for me to make the break and get out of her shadow and see if I couldn’t find friends who’d let me be in my own light.”

“Thank you for the treat,” said Sweetie Belle, “and we’re always open to making new friends.”

“And we’d want Diamond to be a friend if’n she ever wanted,” said Apple Bloom.

“I think what we’re saying is,” said Scootaloo, looking into Silver’s eyes. “Would you like to hang out with us?”

Silver Spoon started to cry.  Scootaloo put a foreleg around Silver’s shoulder.

“You’d really want to have me around after the way I’ve treated you?” asked Silver, “I’m so ashamed.”

“Don’t be,” said Apple Bloom, “forgivin’ is what friends do.”

The three fillies got up and hugged their new friend.  They’d never seen this kind of smile on their onetime adversary.

The rest of the snack time went well and they told Silver Spoon she was welcome to join their study group at the library.

About a half hour later, the little group entered the library for their study time.  Twilight heard the bell at the door and came into main room, there she found her daughter and friends plus one pony.  They were setting up their table for their study time.

“Hello mom,” said Scootaloo seeing her mom enter the room.  It still gave Scoot a thrill to have a ‘mom’, two in fact.

“Hi Sweetie,” said Twilight, “who’s your friend?”

“Mom,” said Scoot, “this is our new friend Silver Spoon.”

There was an odd look came over her face at the recognition of the name.

“I thought...” said Twilight, but she caught herself.  She didn’t want to hurt the filly’s feelings if she was wrong.

“Yes, Mrs. Dash,” said Silver, blushing at being remembered for what she’d done in the past.  It was nice Twilight was trying to spare her feelings.  “I’m afraid I’m the pony you’ve heard of.  And I’m sorry; but things have changed.  Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle have shown me what real friends are.”

“I’m glad to hear it, and it’s okay to call me Twilight.  All my friends do.”

Silver Spoon smiled at the acceptance.  

Twilight couldn’t help but notice Silver Spoon was sitting close to Scootaloo,  it appeared her daughter didn’t notice or at least, didn’t care.  But she made a mental note to talk to her daughter later.

“So who needs help with their homework?” asked Twilight.

The friends worked through the word problems Cheerilee had assigned.  Twilight was pleased her daughter’s new friend appeared to be quite intelligent and was able to help the others with some of the concepts.  

In about an hour, they were finished and packed up their school things and were heading out.

“Mom, we’re going to the clubhouse,” said Scootaloo.  

“Okay,” said Twilight.  “Don’t be too late, your mother and I need to talk to you about something.”

“Okay mom,” said Scootaloo, going out the door.  She was still amazed she had parents who cared for her.

At the clubhouse, the four just sat around and talked about the fate of the Cutie Mark Crusaders now they had one member with a cutie mark and another friend with their mark who wanted to be part of their group.

“So now what do we do?” asked Sweetie Belle, “our club was to help each other to find their cutie mark.  But now Scootaloo has hers, does she no longer belong?”

“And Silver Spoon already had hers,” said Apple Bloom, “We don’t wan’a be friends who exclude friends from hangin’ out.”

“We created our club to help each other find our cutie marks,” said Scootaloo, “just because some of us have our cutie mark, it shouldn’t stop us from trying to help the others find theirs.”

“It might even be an advantage,” said Silver Spoon, “don’t you go to somepony who knows music when you want to learn to make music?”

They all found logic in what Silver Spoon had said.  They were all glad to have a reason not to exclude their close friend and their new friend who they welcomed to the CMC.

“I never thought I’d be so happy to be considered a Cutie Mark Crusader!” Said Silver Spoon with a tear on her cheek.

They held their CMC induction (now abridged to be of a more reasonable length) and gave her a CMC cape.  Silver Spoon was beside herself with pride and joy.  She was being accepted as an equal and not just a toady.  

There was a group hug with a pony they never expected to belong to the CMC.  With so many forelegs around each other, it was hard to tell whose was whose.  Scootaloo was not sure if it were just somepony having to adjust the position of their foreleg or if one of her friends was actually feeling her flank.  However, it wasn’t enough to embarrass anypony, so she said nothing.

They sat around and gossiped for about an hour.  It was nice to have a new pony to tell old stories to as well as hearing ‘dirt’ on Diamond and even some confirmation from their new friend about the truth of some of the things she was involved with.

Soon it was time to head home for dinner and everypony went their own way. Silver Spoon’s house was on the way to the library so Scootaloo walked with her.  

Silver Spoon was walking very close to Scootaloo, she and Scoot were laughing at funny stories and Silver was enthralled by Scoot’s story about her trip to Canterlot, the relationship with Princess Luna.  And was even was mesmerized but slightly frightened by the visit of her late ‘brother’ telling her to take care of Rainbow.

Soon they arrived at Silver’s home.  It was impressive in size, a pool in the back and lots of yard.  It was missing the wall of hedges and gate Diamond Tiara had at her home.

“Well,” said Silver, “this is where I live.”

“Nice,” said Scootaloo.

“Maybe you can spend the night one night,” said Silver.

“I’d like that.”

“So would I,” said Silver with a smile.

Silver gave Scoot a warm hug, which she returned.  Silver loosened her grip, her foreleg still around Scoot’s neck.  Silver looked into Scootaloo’s eyes and did something completely unexpected.

Scootaloo had seen movies and tried not to appear too sappy about emotions, but secretly she enjoyed love story movies, along with romantic books she’d hidden from other fillies at the Home.  

So Scootaloo knew the mechanics and motivations when Silver Spoon kissed her; she wasn’t without guidance, although she was without experience.

It was a respectable kiss, held for at least a good minute.  No tongue, but it wasn’t just a peck on the lips.  Scoot didn’t fight it, she actually found herself liking it and tightening her embrace, to the thrill of Silver.

Silver broke the kiss and continued to look in Scoot’s eyes.  Her smile would’ve lit up a darkened room.  She was overjoyed that Scootaloo didn’t fight the kiss or become angry with her.

“See you at school,” said Silver Spoon who gave a slightly shorter kiss then turned and went into the house.

Scootaloo watched as the door closed.  Then she noticed a curtain in a ground floor window open and Silver Spoon looked out.  She blew a kiss and then waved; Scoot found herself returning the blown kiss.  She’d never, in her short life, ever blew a kiss to anypony!  Scoot waved back and the curtains closed.

Scoot stood there for another minute looking at the window, actually hoping Silver would look out it again.  Then she turned and to walk home.

Scootaloo was so lost in her thoughts; she was halfway to the Children’s Home before she remembered she didn’t live there anymore.

It started to form in her mind what Silver Spoon was talking about Diamond Tiara ‘holding something over her head’.  

Was it Diamond knew Silver liked girls?  Was Diamond so closed minded she had convinced Silver Spoon that her sexual choice was something shameful or unnatural?  With Diamond’s actions in the past, Scootaloo wouldn’t put it past her.

‘I think I might be able to help Silver out from under that assumption.  But does me liking her kiss make me a mare-lover too?  

My mothers are mare-lovers, my best friend’s sisters are mare-lovers, so what if I’m a mare-lover!’ thought Scootaloo.

It was starting to get dark outside.  At the library, Scootaloo saw the closed sign on the door and she went to knock.  But then she realized she didn’t have to knock on her own door.  The bell rang as the door opened and Twilight came into the room.

“Sweetie,” said Twilight, “I was afraid you were going to miss dinner.”  

“I was just about to go fly and look for you,” said Rainbow.

“I’m sorry Mama Twilight, Mama Rainbow,” said Scootaloo.  “We spent longer than normal just talking.  We were getting to know Silver Spoon better and making her a Cutie Mark Crusader.  

Then I walked Silver to her home.  

After we kissed, I got confused and almost walked to the Children’s Home before I remembered I lived here...”

Scootaloo froze, her face went blank, and her eyes went crossed.  She realized she was so distracted, she’d just confessed something she wasn’t sure of how to explain further.

“After you what?” said Rainbow and Twilight in unison.

“Oh, horse-apples!” said Scootaloo.

PART EIGHT: Truth

“First, young filly,” said Twilight in her best motherly voice, the one she could remember her own mother using.  “Respectable young ladies don’t use crude language like that.”

“Yes mom,” replied the filly sheepishly.

Rainbow was snickering, but stopped when Twilight shot an annoyed glance at her wife.

“Second,” continued Twilight, trying to tone down her reaction, she didn’t want to alienate her daughter after only four days of being her mother.  

“What do you mean ‘after we kissed’?”

“It was just that,” said Scootaloo.  “It wasn’t anything I was expecting.

From the movies I’ve seen and books I’ve read and watching you two, I don’t think it was a ‘romantic’ kiss.  She was probably happy to have friends who were real friends.”

“Did you or she use your tongue?” asked Rainbow.

“No,” said Scootaloo, “it was just a kiss.  I don’t think anything was really meant by it, and I’ve no plans to do it again.  As I said, I just think Silver Spoon was being grateful for real friends.”

Twilight and Rainbow accepted and knew they had to trust their daughter.  After all, she did tell them up front.  Even if it were a slip up, she didn’t try to cover it up.

Even if Scootaloo did kiss Silver Spoon voluntary, Twilight or Rainbow didn’t want to appear hypocritical.

Dinner was, as always at the Dash home, delicious.  Even though it was so much better than what they served at the Home, Scootaloo wasn’t hungry.  The thought of the kiss with Silver Spoon kept replaying in her mind.  

Twilight and Rainbow did notice that Scootaloo appeared to be distracted, but they knew that it was something their daughter needed to work through.  If she wanted them to help, they were sure she’d ask.

It was true what she had told her moms, she didn’t have any plans to do it again.  But she wasn’t at all averse to letting it happen on its own.

After dinner was done and all the family helped clear away and wash the dishes, pots and pans, they went into the front room, which after library hours doubled as the family’s living room.

Spike was reading the latest Power Ponies comic book, Twilight was making out a list of things to do tomorrow and Rainbow was getting the plans together for tomorrow’s weather.  After about an hour, Spike said he was going to bed, he was still a baby after all and needed more sleep than the other ponies there.  Scootaloo was reading one of the Daring Do books her mothers had recommended.  At first, she balked like Rainbow had.  But, like Rainbow, when she got to the part where Daring found the temple, she was hooked.  

But for now her mind wasn’t on Daring escaping from Ahuizotl.  In fact, she’d stared at the same paragraph for the last hour.  She was starting to realize that she was wanting to get another kiss from Silver Spoon and wondering what it would be like if tongue was involved the next time.

But as Spike was heard going into his and Scoot’s room, Twilight interrupted.

“Scootaloo,” said Twilight.

Scootaloo knew it must be important; her mom didn’t call her any endearment.

“We found out something today and we need to talk.”

“Okay,” said Scootaloo putting down the book.

“Has anypony ever talked to you about your wings?” asked Rainbow.

“No,” said the filly, becoming more curious than concerned.  “I know I’ve been taken to the public clinic a couple of times when I was at the Home.  They’d take x-rays of my wings and chest.  But they never said anything.  I just assumed it was a normal physical the Home was required to have the kids do.”

Twilight levitated a book to Scootaloo, it was an anatomy book and it was opened to a diagram about bones, the different parts were labeled.

“Do you see the section on the bone between the head and the shaft?” asked Twilight.

“Yes,” replied Scootaloo reading, “the growth plate.”

“Yes,” said Twilight, “it’s the part of the bone where the growth happens.  If damaged, abnormal or diseased, the bone will not grow properly or at all.”

“Okay,” replied Scootaloo, “why are you telling me this?”

“Scootaloo, Sweetheart,” said Twilight, “that’s what Candy Mane wanted to talk to us about.  Apparently the growth plates of your wing bones are diminished, or should I say, not what they should be.”

“I looked up the term ‘Special Needs’ Ms Candy Mane used,” said Scootaloo, “it said something about ponies who are disabled either mentally or physically.”

Tears were forming in Scootaloo’s eyes as she realized what they were telling her.

“So that’s what she meant.  I’m a cripple, a Pegasus pony that’ll never fly.”

Scootaloo was never one who dwelt on the negative in her life.  She always held out hope whatever came, it would work out eventually.  Having these new mothers was proof of this.  

But this hit her hard.  

“I’m so sorry I’m a disappointment, Mama Rainbow.  You’re the greatest flyer in Equestria if not the world and you’re now stuck with a Pegasus daughter who’ll never fly.”

Scootaloo started to cry uncontrollably.  Rainbow’s aura formed around the filly and lifted her to Rainbow.  She embraced the filly and cried with her.  Rainbow’s actions made Twilight think of something, she bolted upstairs.

“You aren’t a disappointment,” said Rainbow, “and we aren’t stuck with you.  We fell in love with you and chose you without you ever flying.  And you aren’t a cripple.  Your flight muscles are as strong as any other Pegasus your age, if not more.  How do you think you’re able to go so fast on your scooter and pull your friends along without much effort?  I’d bet none of your Pegasi friends who can fly could manage it.”

Twilight had returned and went to join the comforting hug.

“And who says you’ll never fly?” asked Twilight.

“My wings, you said they’d never grow right,” said Scootaloo.

“So?” asked Twilight.

Scootaloo’s crying was slowing as she became curious about what her mother was saying.

“What do you mean?” asked Scoot.

Twilight walked to the other end of the room.

“I can’t fly,” said Twilight, “right?”

“You’re a Unicorn,” said Scootaloo.

Rainbow was starting to understand where her wife was going with this.

“So?” asked Twilight.

“You have no wings,” said the filly.

Twilight just smiled, her horn glowed and the purple aura surrounded her.  Then she lifted off the floor almost to the ceiling.  Her legs outstretched just like Rainbow’s when she flies, Twilight zipped around the room, twisting and turning and even doing one loop.  Then she settled down by Rainbow and Scootaloo.

“That wasn’t flying,” said Scoot.

“What’s flying then,” asked Rainbow.

“Flying is being able to make yourself travel through the air,” replied the filly.

“So I went through the ground?  Or perhaps I walked over here?” asked Twilight.  There was a flash and Twilight disappeared but quickly reappeared on the other side of the room. “Or did I teleport?”

Twilight walked back to her wife and daughter.

Scootaloo thought about it, there wasn’t any reason to say her mother didn’t fly just because she used magic.

“Okay,” said Scoot, “you flew with magic, but you’re a Unicorn.”

“Am I a Unicorn?” asked Rainbow.

“Of course not,” said Scootaloo.

Rainbow held her wings folded close to her body.  Then Rainbow’s eyes glowed and her aura surrounded herself and she went through the air, just as Twilight had done.  But perhaps a bit flashier.  Then she landed beside her wife.

“Showoff!” said Twilight snickering.  But she gave Rainbow a little kiss.

Scootaloo was starting to understand where her mothers were going with this line of reasoning.

“Can I learn to do that?” asked Scootaloo, starting to become excited.

A book Twilight had brought from upstairs floated to Scootaloo.  It was the same book Cadence had given to Rainbow in Canterlot when she was learning to levitate.

“You’ll teach me levitation?” asked the filly.

“No,” said Twilight.

“But...” stammered Scootaloo.

“I could easily teach you, if you were a Unicorn,” said Twilight.  “But the only pony who can teach a Pegasus to do levitation is another Pegasus who can do levitation.”

It wasn’t quite the truth, but Rainbow and Twilight understood what this would mean to Scootaloo.

“We’ll start tomorrow,” said Rainbow with a smile.  

Rainbow had wanted to be the pony that’d teach Scootaloo to fly.  But those dreams were crushed when they found out about her ‘condition’.  But now she had a chance to teach her to fly and do so much more.

There were hugs all around.  Scootaloo was so stoked, she was now certain she would ‘fly’ soon!  

Plus she had her first real kiss today.  

She couldn’t wait to tell her friends...

About the levitation.

“So who’s the cripple?’ asked Twilight.

“Nopony I know,” said Scootaloo all smiles.

“That’s right,” said Rainbow, “the only thing special needs about you is your mother and I will have to start watching you closer.”

“Yes,” said Twilight, “kissing another filly, who ever heard of such a thing?”  

“What happened to: ‘Do I have to like girls too’?” asked Rainbow.

They all laughed.

Scootaloo had gone to bed about an hour ago.  Rainbow and Twilight were deep into their lovemaking.  They’d been married for over half a year now but it was still like new.  Their love continued to grow as did their desire to please the pony they loved so much.

“Oh Celestia! Right there Lover-Pony, right there, don’t stop!” said Rainbow, backing away from her wife’s marehood enough to speak.

“I won’t if you won’t,” said Twilight muffled with her tongue in Rainbow.

The orgasm was rapidly approaching, it was going to be a good one for both when there was a knock at the door.

Scootaloo heard her mothers panicking; she knew it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to chide her parents for the mild curses they were whispering.  Scoot snickered and blushed a bit, knowing what she’d just interrupted.  

“Yes?” called out Twilight.

“May I come in for a moment?”

“Sure Squirt,” replied Rainbow.

Scootaloo opened the door and entered.  Twilight and Rainbow were sitting up in the bed.  Both were trying to get their heavy breathing under control.

“What’s up Sweetie?” asked Twilight.

“I can’t sleep,” said Scoot.

“Come up here,” said Rainbow.

Twilight levitated the blanket so their daughter could get in with them.

Scootaloo climbed up on the bed between her mothers, she figured she wouldn’t ask why the blanket was so messed up, she already knew the answer but didn’t want to embarrass her mothers...

This time.

“Are you having bad dreams?” asked Twilight.

“Is Spike snoring too loud?” asked Rainbow.

“We weren’t keeping you awake,” asked Twilight, slightly afraid to hear the answer, “were we?”

“No moms,” said Scootaloo, “I just keep thinking about this evening.”

“You’re excited about learning to levitate so you can fly?” asked Rainbow excitedly.

“I’m excited about that,” said the filly, “but it isn’t what I’m thinking about.”

“It’s Silver Spoon,” asked Twilight, “isn’t it.”

“Mom...

I think I really like her,” said Scootaloo.

“Well she’s your friend,” said Rainbow, “why shouldn’t you like her?”

“I don’t think that’s what she’s saying,” said Twilight.

“Ohhhhhh!” said Rainbow.

Even in the low light, it was easy to tell their daughter blushed.

“I can’t stop thinking of Silver; I can’t stop thinking of her kissing me.  It confused me at first.  But now, I think I really liked it.  

Is it wrong of me?  I know we’re young.”

“I was younger than you when I kissed my first colt,” said Rainbow, “it started out as a way to mess with his head.  But I found I really liked it too.  

But you see where it led.”

“So you think me kissing Silver Spoon is going to get me pregnant?” asked Scootaloo kidding.

“Hardly,” said Rainbow rolling her eyes, “but we’d really like it if you put thought into with who you become involved with and how deep.  

It’s fun.  But it can carry some emotional baggage which will stick with you for the rest of your life.  

You’re young and have time to discover these things.

At least your other mother never had to be concerned with those things, I was her first.”

“Yes Honey,” Said Twilight, with a snicker, “you were the first pony I ever gave myself to...

Fully.

But you weren’t the first pony I ever kissed.”

There was a quiet moment as it sunk in.

“Oh yeah?” said Scootaloo with a smile.

“Oh yeah!” said Rainbow, taken aback.

“You know Minuette,” asked Twilight.

         “The blue Unicorn with the hourglass cutie mark?” asked Rainbow.  

                   “The one you call ‘Mini’…

                             The one you meet for tea sometimes?”

“Yes, we were at the School for Gifted Unicorns together,” said Twilight.

“I thought you didn’t have any friends there,” said Rainbow, not sure if she should become jealous.

“I didn’t have friends there the same way I do here.  However, there were ponies I’d go to movies or other activities with.  We weren’t as close knit as Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy but you could have considered Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, Lyra Heartstrings and Moon Dancer as friends.  They’d go for the entertainment; I convinced myself I was only going for social interaction research.” Said Twilight, looking down in Scootaloo’s eyes and stroking her mane.  

“However, I don’t remember ever telling anypony I never had a...

Marefriend.”

Rainbow’s jaw dropped, Twilight continued:  

“One evening Minuette talked me into going with her to a very adult move;

                                             50 Shades of Hay...

****************************************************************************************************

Several years earlier, before Twilight had graduated from school...

Two ponies are walking through the castle grounds, they’re on their way to the school dorm after watching a late feature at the movies.

“Oh Twilight!” said Minuette, “wasn’t that the most wonderful movie ever?”

“I guess,” said Twilight analyzing the plot devices in her head. “It was a complicated interaction between two ponies.  The level of emotional expression was puzzling however.  Especially the reaction starting with the physical contact with the lips.”

“Twilight, you make it sound like a science project or physical exam,” replied Minuette.

“Well I hope I never have a physical exam where the doctor tries to stick their tongue in my mouth.  The implications of the exchange of bodily fluids sound most unsanitary.  

Especially the exchange of bodily fluids which came after the kissing.  Kissing and orally stimulating another pony’s genitalia and anus.  (Twilight gave a full body shudder.)

I almost had to leave; the thought was making me sick.  And don’t get me started about using of the act of copulation for recreation.”

“You’re a mess, Twilight Sparkle,” said Minuette, shaking her head, “I truly hope one day you’ll loosen up and enjoy life.”

“I enjoy life,” exclaimed Twilight.  “When I discover a new fact, it can keep me up all night as I appreciate the deep logic the universe has to offer.  

It’s just emotional reactions get in the way and I find it has no real appeal to me.

Especially when you put the mixing of genders into the equation.  I’m afraid the thought of a colt doing anything physical to me at the level the movie was showing, well it disgusts...

No, it actually sickens me.”

Minuette thought for a moment, and then a small smile crossed her face.  She started to think how to put it into terms to catch Twilight’s attention.

“Let’s try an experiment,” said the blue Unicorn.

“What type of experiment?” asked Twilight, Minuette was speaking her language.

As the two had been walking, they were now by the formal statue garden.  In the garden were benches for ponies to sit and rest or just admire the art.  But this time of the late evening, when it was dark, they made nice private spots for rendezvous.

“Come with me,” said Minuette leading Twilight to a secluded bench at the very back of the garden.  “Have a seat and get comfortable, we could be her a while.”

Twilight sat, Minuette sat by her very, very close.  Twilight didn’t mind, it was starting to get cool and the warmth of Minuette was welcome.

“Let’s analyze the theorem, but let’s change some of the variables,” said Minuette, “how does that sound?”

The way Minuette phrased it intrigued Twilight.

“Okay,” said Twilight, “I’m listening.”

“Good,” said Minuette, scooting a little closer to Twilight.  The softness of Minuette’s flank felt nice against her own.  Then Minuette took Twilight’s hoof in hers.

“Now,” said Minuette, “close your eyes and think of the movie again, but in your mind replace the stallion...

With a mare.”

Twilight closed her eyes; she could see what Minuette was saying.  The thought of the two mares in most of the interactions, though awkward when trying to figure some of the later interactions, didn’t disgust her.  

In fact, she found it appealing.

She didn’t realize it but she was starting to smile.

“I thought as much,” said Minuette.

“What?” said Twilight, opening her eyes.  Not knowing to what Minuette might be referring.

Minuette’s face was close.

“You’re a mare-lover,” said Minuette.

Twilight was shocked, she never thought of herself as any kind of lover.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of.  I’m a mare-lover.”

As Twilight thought, it started to make sense.  She’d never been comfortable around colts; her brother was a different thing.  But mares she found to be visually pleasing.  She knew if a colt sat as close as Minuette was doing now, actually touching or holding her hoof, she would’ve moved away instantly.  Whereas the physical contact with Minuette was pleasant.

“Perhaps,” said Twilight, “but I still don’t get the reaction to the kissing.  It just doesn’t appear to be sanitary.”

Minuette laughed at the stubborn refusal of Twilight to think in emotional terms.

“You need advanced field research.”

“What?” asked Twilight not sure where Minuette was going with this.

“You need somepony to kiss you,” said Minuette, “and I mean a good kiss!  Not a motherly goodnight kiss, peck on the lips either.  

Then you’d understand.”

“Like that’ll ever happen,” said Twilight chuckled.

“I was hoping you’d say that,” said Minuette with a twinkle in her eyes.

Minuette just smiled and before Twilight knew it, Minuette had put her forelegs around Twilight.  She drew her close and proceeded to instruct Twilight in the fine art of kissing.

Twilight tried to resist but her forelegs had a mind to their own.  They pulled Minuette close as Twilight gave in to passion for the first time in her life.

The feel of Minuette’s tongue was doing something to her.  Her body was feeling hot, flush and parts were aching for more stimulation.  The world around was vanishing.  All Twilight could see in her mind’s eye was Minuette.  The thoughts of earlier where she had, in her mind, replaced the stallion in the movie with a mare, the mare was now Minuette and the first pony became Twilight.

The world of emotional release opened for the first time in Twilight’s mind.  Things that’d been thought unnecessary or useless were coming into focus in this new frame of reference.

When they broke the kiss, Twilight didn’t even consider the exchange of saliva, even with the string of it still connecting the two mare’s tongues.  The two were breathing heavily.

“Not bad for a beginner,” said Minuette.  “You’ve no idea how long I’ve been looking for an excuse to do that.”

“I never knew,” said Twilight quietly and smiling.  “And now, I wish you’d have done it sooner.”

Minuette smiled as Twilight gently pulled Minuette closer to resume the kiss.  She couldn’t believe the joy she was feeling.  Minuette was very pleased with Twilight’s actions.

This continued for about an hour.  

Finally, they realized it was getting late and they had to return to the dorm.

“Minuette,” said Twilight, “thank you for the instruction.  It truly opened my eyes to something I never considered.”

“My pleasure, really.  You appear to be a fast learner,” said Minuette.  “But with any new skill, you do need practice to perfect it.”

“Are you suggesting follow up sessions?” asked Twilight hopefully.  “I hope you’re saying you want to be my research partner.”

“I think that would be agreeable.  And the term, to be precise, is marefriend.  And call me Mini.

I even have some novels which might help you with some research,” said Minuette with a smile and giving Twilight a small kiss.

“I think I’m going to like this marefriend stuff, Mini,” said Twilight.

“Me too, Twi,” said Minuette.

The two fillies smiled at each other, kissed a short kiss then hey continued back to the dorm, hoof in hoof.

****************************************************************************************************

Back in the present...

We continued the relationship for about a year.  Things were getting serious, we'd often explore each other but we never quite ‘went all the way’.  We came close oh so many times and at times, it was hard to stop.  

But after that we both made a vow to not give ourselves to anypony at the level we were interacting again unless they were a pony who truly and totally loved us.  We figured what we were doing was more lust than love.  Mini is still a dear friend, but she has her own relationships and I have you.  

But she was so happy when she first heard about us.”

Rainbow sat dumbfounded.

“So that’s why you’re such a good kisser,” Rainbow said.  

Scootaloo looked up at Twilight and smiled at something she had never ever considered about the reserved Unicorn, now her mother.

“Thank you,” said Twilight leaning over and giving Rainbow a little kiss.  “I’ll give Mini your complements.”

“And I guess I’ll need to go with you when you have tea with your research partner Mini,” chuckled Rainbow.

All three ponies laughed.

“Well, at least I was second,” said Rainbow.

“You were,” said Twilight with a gleam in her eye, “if you don’t count the technique comparing research session at the sleepover with Mini, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts.  Oh Luna, that was some party!  Pinkie Pie would’ve been impressed.”

“Lover-Pony!” exclaimed Rainbow.

Twilight just giggled.

Scootaloo thought it best to change the subject before she became a member of a broken home.

“So what do I do?” asked Scoot.

“Sweetheart,” said Twilight.  “You’re young, but you’re getting older and it’s normal for you to be curious about such things as relationships and intimacies.  But you need to be careful if you do any ‘exploring’ with somepony.  You may be driven by your feelings but you need to remember, their feelings have to be taken into consideration.  

And for Celestia’s sake, never force or allow somepony to force you to do anything you don’t want to.  If they try to bully you or threaten to hurt you or your family, remember all you need to do is come to me or your other mother.  Nopony, NOPONY, can do anything to us with impunity.  

Your mother Rainbow is a pony to be reckoned with.  She may be a mare, but with her speed and agility, I’d bet there isn’t a stallion who would come out the winner in a confrontation with her, not even Bulk Biceps.”

“And I’d not like to be the pony who thinks they could outdo your mother horn to horn.  She isn’t Celestia’s protégé for nothin’.” said Rainbow.  “Just ask Trixie Lulamoon.”

Rainbow and Twilight looked lovingly into each other’s eyes.

Scootaloo’s heart swelled with pride at the realization of just how awesome her mothers really are.

“Silver Spoon says Diamond Tiara calls her homely and she has a secret she’s held over her head to keep her as a friend.” said Scoot.  “I think it’s the fact that Silver likes girls, and Diamond thinks if she tells ponies then Silver would be hated and nopony would want to be around her.

I know it’s just to make Silver Spoon feel inferior because I don’t think Silver is homely.”   Then blushing, “I think she’s cute.”

Both Twilight and Rainbow smiled.

“You need to help your friend and let her know what a terrible thing it is for somepony to try making her be what she’s not.” Said Rainbow, then kidding; “personally, I think it’s disgusting having two girls liking each other and kissing.”

Then looking at Scootaloo with mischief in her eyes, Rainbow started in a Pinkie Pie sing-song voice:

“♪Scootaloo-has-a-marefriend!  Scootaloo-has-a-marefriend! ♪”

That was met with a love tap from Twilight and Scootaloo.  Then the three laughed and lay back on the bed.

There was a group hug; Scootaloo laid her head on Twilight’s shoulder with her forelegs reaching out to Rainbow.

“I’m so lucky, thanks for understanding, I love my moms so much,” said Scootaloo as she started to drift off to sleep.

“It’s what moms do,” said Twilight, as she and Rainbow kissed her on the cheek. “And we love you just as much, my lovely daughter.”

Scootaloo smiled as Rainbow and Twilight held the little filly as she went to sleep.

“I still can’t believe we have such a special daughter,” said Twilight.

“A special daughter and a special wife,” said Rainbow, “even if she’s kissed half the fillies in Canterlot.

So by the way, who’s the better kisser?”

Twilight chuckled softly, and kissed Rainbow lightly.  

“Who???”

“Goodnight Honey,” said Twilight.

They held each other and Scootaloo, and then drifted off to sleep.

PART NINE: Secrets That Shouldn’t Be

It was about two months later, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had continued to cherish Silver Spoon as part of their group.  Silver was so happy to have a group of friends who accepted her as herself.  

As a result, the rest of her classmates had opened up to Silver Spoon as well.  Where before she’d had only one friend (and for the last year, in name only), she now had dozens of friends who wanted to have her on their team at recess, they wanted her to help with group activities at school, she even received invitations to birthday parties, she’d never before received any but from Diamond.  And those weren’t the most fun of events, just Diamond, her mother and father their butler and herself.  

But most importantly, ponies liked being around her.  It was like she was at a new school or she was a new pony.  And to tell the truth, Scootaloo made her feel like a new pony.

Silver’s parents appeared to really like Scootaloo also.  They could tell here was a friend who treated their daughter as an equal.  Scootaloo was respectful to Silver and to them as well, no airs in trying to act superior.  Silver’s parents wished Silver had hooked up with Scootaloo and this new set of friends before she’d fallen in with Diamond Tiara.  

But because of past interactions with their daughter and Diamond Tiara, they were worried at first about how much of a friend this new filly really was.  Especially after they found out this was one of the fillies she and Diamond would rank down so badly.  They feared this might be some trick to build Silver up and then hurt her in an act of vindictiveness.  

But when Soup Spoon, Silver’s father, looked out back one day and saw Silver and Scootaloo on the garden swing kissing, he was about to rush out to break it up.  But Tea Spoon, Silver’s mother, stopped him saying she’d rather Silver have a friend with true affection for their daughter, than one who only used her as some toady.  And if her friend was being tender and affectionate, then it was a good sign her feelings toward Silver were genuine.

And if it was a problem with her kissing another filly, then she told Soup to have a talk with his older sister, she being a mare-lover herself.

Plus, the kissing didn’t appear to be too deep, they mostly appeared to sit, talk and just hold hooves.  

And they made a cute couple.

It was Friday morning; Silver had been getting ready for school.  She was looking forward to this weekend.  The CMC were going to go to the movies together and then have a picnic at Sweet Apple Acres at their clubhouse.  They were even talking about it being a sleep over.  That made Silver nervous, but Scootaloo and the rest informed her Big Mac and Applejack would make visits in the night to check up on them, so it was safe.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by Diamond Tiara.  She was so desperate to get Silver Spoon to come back to being her friend, only.

“Why won’t you hang out with me?” demanded Diamond Tiara.  “Why do you choose to hang out with those losers.  You’re better than they are.  You used to not be able to stand them.”

Diamond had just walked in without asking and stormed into Silver Spoon’s room.  Silver was just sitting by her bedroom window, which from this second floor vantage she could see Golden Oak Library.  Silver fantasized one of the second floor windows in the massive tree was Scootaloo’s.  She believed Scootaloo was looking out window at her (which at the moment, she was).

“I acted that way because of you,” said Silver, “but they’ve forgiven me without question and have accepted me as an equal and not some pony to push around.  I do something with them that I never did with you, I actually have fun around them.  We laugh and play and just have a good time.

And what happened to your coltfriend?  Did he get tired of an elementary school filly?  I doubt he’s found a high school filly that’ll do what you do for him.”

“He still loves me!” exclaimed Diamond.  “It’s why I’m here.  Spinner’s cousin is in town and he asked me to find a date for him.  So I figured I’d try to bury the hatchet between us and get you back in my good graces.”

Silver chuckled, she could see right through this.  Spinner wouldn’t go out with Diamond unless she could provide a date for his cousin.

“You know I won’t go out with some random colt.  And I won’t do what they’d expect me to do...

Unlike you,” said Silver.  Then continuing after she let what she had just said sink in:

“I now have friends who I don’t have to earn their friendship.”

Diamond almost panicked, she hoped Silver’s parents weren’t listening and would want to know what Silver was talking about.  

She then noticed the CMC cape hanging behind the door and decided to get off that topic.

“Oh don’t tell me you’re now a Cootie Mark Crybaby.  You have your cutie mark.”

“So does Scootaloo and she’s still a Cutie Mark Crusader.” defended Silver.  “They band together to help each other, and not just to find a cutie mark.  And their friends don’t have to earn their friendship, especially Scootaloo.

You think you’re a hotshot because your father is big in business, here in Ponyville.  Both of Scootaloo’s moms and Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom’s sisters are wielders of the Elements of Harmony.  Plus Twilight is Princess Celestia’s right hoof pony.”

“Oh,” said Diamond snidely, “and do they know just how sick of a pony Scootaloo’s homely little friend is?”

“I’m not a sick pony,” exclaimed Silver, “and I’m not homely!  Just because you say it, doesn’t make it so.”

“To prove I’m not a closed minded pony,” said Diamond, trying to sound magnanimous, “I’ll give you one more chance to change your mind.  Otherwise I guess I’m going to have to let your friends know what kind of pony their homely little friend is.”

“Please leave,” said Silver, “you aren’t welcome here anymore.”

Diamond walked to the room’s door, grabbed the CMC cape and tossed it into Silver’s trashcan.

“You’ll rue your choice,” said Diamond leaving.  “Enjoy your day with your friends.  Because it’s going to be the last day they’ll want to be around a sick and homely pony like you.”

Silver Spoon ran to the trashcan, pulled her cape out, and cuddled it.

Silver heard Diamond leave, slamming the door behind herself.

Silver held the cape close to her cheek.  She was crying but trying not to be too loud about it.  She didn’t want her parents to have to ask what was going on.  She was unsure how they’d react.  She didn’t want to be deceitful but she wasn’t ready to tell them everything, not without first talking to Scootaloo.

She was sure Scootaloo had figured out her secret...

Obviously.  

Scoot would walk her home from their study sessions at the library; they’d go behind Silver’s house to the little garden swing. Silver Spoon was thrilled at the new talent of Scootaloo, doing levitation.  Nothing the size of a pony yet but it was a constant source of laughter.  Before, Diamond and Silver only laughed at ponies and not with them, this was so much better.

They would sit and talk, hold hooves and occasionally kiss. Neither Silver nor Scootaloo had worked up the courage for a real passionate kiss, yet.  

Then Silver would rest her head on Scootaloo’s shoulder and Scootaloo would rest her head lightly on Silver Spoon’s and then gently swing.  It was a feeling neither filly had ever thought they’d feel, and for a pony not too long ago would’ve been unthinkable.  

But the little pet names they called each other in private somehow strengthened her knowledge that Scootaloo really did care for her as much as she cared for Scootaloo.

But would the rest of her friends react badly.  Would her parents, her friend’s parents or the world see it from Diamond’s point of view?

Silver knew Scootaloo would stand up for her, and be there for her.  But would their parents try to keep them apart?

Silver finished getting ready for school.  She couldn’t wait to see Scootaloo and all her friends, but mostly Scootaloo.

It was a normal school day; Scootaloo had her desk next to Silver Spoon’s.  They would glance at each other, smile and then quickly return to work, they didn’t want Miss Cheerilee to think they were cheating.  

It was funny, Scootaloo was using levitation to write like Unicorns do, it was an exercise given by her mom Twilight to hone control of her levitation.  But when Scootaloo would glance at Silver Spoon, her concentration would be broken and her pencil would clatter to the floor.  Scootaloo would blush and levitate it back to her desk, Silver Spoon would giggle.

In fact, Sweetie Belle was a little jealous Scoot’s levitation was much more advanced than her own.  But not too jealous.

At lunch and recess, she was glad the CMC always hung out together, by hanging out with their friends, it wasn’t so obvious she and Scootaloo were trying to stay close.  She was happy Scootaloo was paying as much attention to herself as well.

They were at the library for their final study session of the week.  The four friends were doing more talking about the coming weekend than studying.  It was getting warmer and Silver had suggested they plan a pool party soon.  Summer vacation was just a month off, and it looked as if it was going to be the best one anypony had had yet.  It was such a kick for all four ponies.  More friends meant more laughs, and having a friend with a pool was killer!

There was a knock at the door.  During regular hours all a pony had to do was enter, it was a public library.  Only after hours did it become a private dwelling.

Twilight went to the door and opened it.  There stood a very formal looking, older pony.

“Randolph?” said Silver in recognition.

“Good day Mrs. Dash.” Said Randolph in a very proper voice.

“Good day, won’t you come in?”

“Thank you, no,” said the formal pony.  “I am here to deliver an important request.  

My mistress requests your presence at the town square in thirty minutes.  You, your mate and your daughter.  I was also told to convey the same to Miss Spoon if I were to see her.  I was also to communicate it was of the utmost importance.

Thank you and good day.”

The pony turned and walked away.

“Who in the hoof was that?” asked Twilight.

“That was Randolph,” said Silver, “the Rich’s butler.”

“Do you know what it might be about?” asked Twilight.

Silver looked panicked, she looked at Scootaloo with fear on her face and tears forming in her eyes.

“My moms know and they’re fine with it.” Said Scootaloo with a chuckle, “why wouldn’t they be?”

“You mean that Silver Spoon likes girls,” said Sweetie Belle, “and Scootaloo and Silver really like each other?”

Twilight, Scootaloo and Silver looked surprised at the Unicorn filly.

“We know,” said Apple Bloom.

“I thought we were secret about it,” said Scootaloo.

“Pbbbt,” went Sweetie Belle, blowing a raspberry, “you’ve been quite careful but we’ve been friends long enough to know you Scootaloo.  It was obvious, at least to us.”

“We’re your friends,” said Apple Bloom, “it’s why we ain’t said nothin’.  We fig’erd you’d tell us when you wanted us to know.”

Again, Silver Spoon marveled at the respect between her friends.  Here was something they could have held over their friend, but instead they respected Scootaloo’s and her privacy.

“Sweetheart,” said Twilight to Scootaloo, “go upstairs, get your mother and tell Spike to watch the library while we’re away.”

Then turning to Silver Spoon:

“It’ll be okay Silver, you’ve nothing to worry about and we won’t let anything happen to you.  We all love Scootaloo and so we love you as well.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle nodded their heads in agreement.

Silver was still being amazed by the treatment she received from Scootaloo and her family and friends.  It wasn’t like there were any issues with Diamond’s parents.  But they were never around much to pay attention to their daughter and what she was up to.  

Perhaps the real root of Diamond’s behavior.

The Dash’s along with Silver Spoon, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walked to the town square.  There waiting were Silver’s parents along with Diamond’s parents.  Rarity and Applejack were there as well.  Most of the ponies were known to each other, although Silver’s parents weren’t as well known.  

Everypony knew Rarity as a designer and dressmaker and who didn’t know the Apples?

“Hello,” said Twilight to Silver’s father, “I’m one of Scootaloo’s moms, Twilight Dash, and this is my wife Rainbow Dash.  Scootaloo and Silver are friends.”

“Yes they are,” said Soup Spoon with a knowing smile.  “I’m Soup Spoon and this is my wife Tea Spoon.  It’s so good to meet you, I can’t tell you how much we appreciate the way Scootaloo and her friends have treated Silver.  It’s so refreshing she has friends and not just some pony who tries to dominate and control her.”

Filthy and Spoiled Rich looked surprised at this revelation.

“Soup Spoon?” said Rainbow.  “You run the restaurant, Chez Pony.”

“Owner, operator and Executive Chef,” said the pony proudly.

“Our compliments,” said Twilight, “my wife and I enjoy eating there when we can.”

“You’re too kind,” said Soup, beaming at the praise, “next time you’re there, let me know, I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”

“That won’t be necessary,” said Twilight politely, “but it’s great to meet the parents of our daughter’s friend.”

The small talk was cut short with the arrival of Randolph and Diamond Tiara.

Diamond climbed up on the older pony’s back, at some obvious discomfort to him.

“What’s this all about,” asked Filthy Rich, Diamond’s father.

“I’m glad you asked daddy,” said Diamond, glaring at Silver Spoon.  

Diamond could imagine the horror Silver was feeling, she was sure her ex-friend was going to be so crushed when she gave her announcement, it would silence and shame her forever.  All her new friends would avoid Silver Spoon like the Palomino Plague and have nothing to do with her ever.  

How apropos, even the detested Cutie Mark Crusaders will be against her.  Maybe Silver’s own parents will turn her out.

It was a delicious revenge, how dare anypony choose somepony else over her.

What she didn’t realize was this was making her careless.  All she could think of was her spiteful revenge.  She had in her mind exactly how it’d all turn out.

Unfortunately for Diamond, things don’t always turn out like you plan.

“For some time now,” continued Diamond, “there’s been a shameful secret going on.  I’ve tried to protect a pony I thought was a friend.

But it turns out things have gone so far out of control I can’t, with a clear conscience, continue to protect a pony who needs help and shouldn’t be around normal ponies.”

“Diamond has a conscience?” whispered Apple Bloom to Sweetie Belle.  The two fillies snickered, but anything else was cut off by the disapproving stares Rarity and Applejack was giving them.

“What are you saying,” asked Filthy Rich.

“Apparently, Silver Spoon has hidden it well,” said Diamond, her voice starting to drip with venom like a viper.  And like a viper, Diamond was coiled for the strike.

“But it’s time for everypony to know Silver Spoon...”

Diamond paused for dramatic effect.

“Likes girls!”

Looks of hate, repulsion and disgust...

Failed to cross the ponies’ faces.  They all just stood there looking at Diamond as if there were Breezies flying out of her ears.  Even through her pink coat, a pony could tell she was starting to become quite flush.

“Didn’t you hear me?” asked Diamond, stomping her hoof, causing Randolph more distress.  “Silver Spoon likes girls!  She’s a sick and homely pony and she needs to be locked away!”

“You like girls?” Scootaloo asked Silver, feigning shock.  Silver saw Scoot wink the eye on the side where Diamond couldn’t see.

“Yes,” replied Silver Spoon without any trace of guilt, “yes I do.”

“Well I know exactly what to do about that,” exclaimed Scootaloo.

Diamond smiled for a moment at Scootaloo’s reaction, but then...

Scootaloo put a foreleg around Silver Spoon’s neck, drew her close and kissed Silver their first passionate kiss.  It didn’t matter their parents were there watching.  The feeling of the other’s tongue was as much a thrill as they’d hoped.   They held the kiss as long as they dared; they were trying to make a point without getting too carried away.

“Go Scootaloo!” said Apple Bloom.

“Hush,” said Applejack, trying not to laugh.

The two broke the kiss and embraced for a moment.  Then Scootaloo turned and looked at a dumbfounded Diamond Tiara.

“And Silver Spoon isn’t homely,” defended Scootaloo, “she’s a beautiful pony with a heart to match.

Do you want to know what homely is?  Homely is a pony who thinks she’s better than everypony else.  A pony who thinks the only way to keep a friend is to threaten them with something to embarrass or humiliate them.”

Silver beamed from the praise.  Their parents also were proud of the stance Scootaloo was taking.

“I hope you don’t plan on being a musician or politician,” said Filthy to his daughter, “because you’ve no idea who your audience is.

Apparently, Scootaloo’s parents, Twilight and Rainbow are mare-lovers.  As are Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom’s sisters.  As is your mother’s sister, your auntie Ruby.”

“And my sister,” said Soup Spoon, “Silver’s aunt Golden.”

“You tried to hold something over me I was afraid of anypony knowing as a way to control me.” Said Silver, actually feeling for the first time in a very long time she was empowered and wasn’t obliged to Diamond Tiara, and it felt good.  

“Now I know a secret is only as powerful as you let it be.  I guess your secret is just as powerful.”

The last part came out without Silver meaning to.  She really didn’t want to start something, or be seen as trying to get Diamond back.  

But it was too late.

“No!” exclaimed Diamond wild eyed, “you wouldn’t!”

“What secret, young filly?” demanded Filthy Rich to his daughter.

Diamond looked terrified.  She didn’t think Silver would really take it this far.  She’d thought Silver would still be under her hoof and would be silent at her whim.

“What secret,” asked Tea Spoon to her daughter.

“I didn’t mean to say that, I don’t want to be like Diamond and tell something just to hurt somepony,” said Silver.

“Sil,” said Scootaloo, “some secrets are innocent, like Sweetie Belle drools when she sleeps.”

“Hey!” exclaimed Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom giggled.

“But some secrets don’t need to be secrets.” Continued Scootaloo, “if it’s what you’ve talked to me about, then you need to share.”

“Please don’t,” said Diamond, jumping off Randolph’s back and on her knees before Silver Spoon and Scootaloo.  “I promise I’ll stop!”

“Silver!” demanded Soup Spoon.

Diamond Tiara lay prostrate on the ground crying.  She knew she was done for.

“What Diamond doesn’t want anypony to know is she and her coltfriend Spinner have been having sex for some time now,” said Silver looking uncomfortable as Filthy glared down at his daughter.  “She’d even tell her parents she was spending the night with me but she and Spinner would be spending the night together.

Spinner would try to get Diamond to make me go out with them and some friend or relative of Spinner’s so I would too.  But I wanted nothing to do with it, even when I still thought Diamond was my friend.  It’s probably why she was so upset I only like girls.”

“Diamond didn’t think this ‘n’ through very well,” said Apple Bloom.

“Apple Bloom, Hush,” said Applejack.

Filthy looked at his daughter, trying not to lose his cool in front of these other ponies.

“Is this true,” asked Filthy, “and know your actions have already answered me.  But I want to give you the chance to confess.”

“Daddy!’ pleaded Diamond, “I’ll not do it anymore, I swear!”

“You’re right,” said Filthy, “you’ll not.  And I’ll be having a talk with my lawyer and Spinner’s parents as well.  He’s way too old to even be going out with a filly your age.”

Filthy looked around, feeling the shame his pampered daughter had brought on herself, and by extension, his family.

“I’m sorry for this everypony,” said Filthy, “know she’s never been taught by myself or my wife to think like this.  As I said, my wife’s sister Ruby is a mare-lover.  And Ruby has always been a kind and loving pony to Diamond.  

And Rich’s Barnyard Bargains has always catered to anypony, regardless.  

But as father, I take full responsibility; I guess her mother and I have spoiled Diamond too much.  But this is our fault and as such, we’ll make sure the mistakes will never be repeated.”

Then turning to his butler.

“Randolph, take Diamond home.”  

Then Filthy addressed his wife:

“Spoiled, I think it’s time we look into the boarding school in Manehatten we discussed.”

Spoiled Rich just nodded her head.

It was the last time they saw Diamond until Hearth Warming vacation.  

The Rich’s left but the rest stayed in place.

“Now, as for the two of you,” said Soup Spoon, “what’re we going to do with you?”

“Us?” said Silver Spoon and Scootaloo in unison, not sure why the attention was on them now.

“What’d we do?” asked Scootaloo.

“I don’t know,” said Rainbow, “boarding schools on opposite sides of Equestria sounds like a good idea.”

“Don’t do that,” squealed Sweetie Belle.

“Be quiet Darling,” said Rarity to her sister.

“Mom!” exclaimed Scootaloo.

“No! Please,” said Silver, “we’ll do anything!”

“There’s a we?” asked Twilight.

“Don’t separate us!” said Silver Spoon.

“Please don’t,” begged Scootaloo, “I love her!”

Silver and Scootaloo looked at each other.  There was a look of inconceivable joy on their faces.

“Beg pardon?” said Rainbow.

“We’ve never said this before, not even to each other,” said Silver Spoon, “but I do love Scootaloo.”

“Well, this is a time for revelations,” said Tea Spoon.  

There was a moment when everypony was quiet.  Silver and Scootaloo took the other’s hoof, bracing themselves for the worst.

“But I believe we already knew this.” Said Twilight with a smile.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve met with Scootaloo’s parents, we only acted like it was the first time meeting as not to get the two of you concerned,” said Tea Spoon.  “We’ve talked about your relationship and came to the conclusion we can trust you two.”

“But we do have to ask,” said Twilight, more serious than Scootaloo had ever seen her.  “And we know you’ll tell the truth...”

“No,” said Silver Spoon anticipating the question, “we haven’t had sex.”

“We haven’t wanted to,” said Scootaloo.  “Yes, we kiss, we hold hooves and we like to be together.  When I’m not with Silver Spoon, I’m thinking of her.”

“And I think of Scootaloo as well,” said Silver Spoon.

“Good enough for me,” said Twilight.

The other adults agreed.  Silver Spoon and Scootaloo looked confused.

“I guess we’ll have to keep an eye on you two,” said Soup Spoon.

“It’d be easier to trust them if they were together,” said Rainbow, “that way we can watch them both at the same time.”  

“Less chance of them feeling like they have to sneak around.” Said Tea Spoon.

“You can trust us,” said Scootaloo.

“You can trust us,” said Silver Spoon still holding Scootaloo’s hoof.

“We know we can trust you,” said Tea Spoon.  “We have so far.  But you understand there are limits on how far you can go at your age, even if it’s between two fillies.  If we find you’ve gone beyond those limits, even the slightest, then we’ll separate you two.  And boarding schools on the opposite sides of Equestria might not be too farfetched.”

“Let’s go to my restaurant and we can talk about the rules and how we can handle this.” Said Soup Spoon.  “Miss Applejack, Miss Rarity, you’re welcome to come too.  And I think we can use Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom to help keep an eye on these miscreants.”

Scootaloo and Silver suddenly realized they weren’t going to be kept apart.  In fact, their parents were going to be working out how they would be allowed to be together.  

They kissed again out of joy.

“Oooo, Gross! Fillies kissin’,” said Apple Bloom laughing.

This was met with Rarity levitating Applejack’s hat and swatting Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

“What did I do?” squealed Sweetie.

“I’m sure we’ve missed something,” said Rarity, replacing Applejack’s hat to its rightful place.

“Thanks Sugar Cube,” said Applejack to her partner, giving a kiss to Rarity’s cheek.

“Come along girls,” said Twilight chuckling, “there’ll be time for that later.”

FINAL PART: Unexplored Territory

It had been a month since the big revelations.  There were rules laid down on how Scootaloo and Silver Spoon were to act.  

Like now, it was late Friday night and Silver was spending the night with Scootaloo.  It still wasn’t a constant thing, but occasionally one filly would stay the night on a Friday/weekend with the other.  Their families were getting to know their daughter’s marefriend and their family well and all were becoming close friends.

Silver was thrilled when, with her parent’s permission, Twilight had put the Walk On Clouds spell on her so she could share Scootaloo’s cloud bed.

The main rule was the door to the room must stay all the way open and at all times.

Especially when they were in the bed.  

But this was no problem.  They were telling the truth when they told their parents they’d no desire to have sex, not yet at least.

Oh, there were certain deep kisses their hooves just happened to brush against the other’s nipples or marehood, but they didn’t linger...  Too long.  They didn’t want to give any reason for their parents to separate them.  And the joy of being together was enough for the moment.

They were looking toward the end of the school year in just days and how their relationship will evolve.  They knew they couldn’t spend the entire time together, there were plans with family, with their fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders and as with any relationship, there would be time apart to rest.

But to everypony, their love was certain, and they knew it would continue to grow.

By now, they’d worked out a bedroom for Spike so he didn’t get too weirded out.  Especially with Scootaloo getting much more in touch with her feminine side.  Just as Rainbow had decided to so she could please Twilight, Scootaloo was trying to be herself, yet trying to please Silver Spoon as well.  Silver Spoon noticed and really appreciated her marefriend’s efforts.

Spike especially liked the arrangement because now he could put as many pictures of Rarity on the walls as he liked.

Rainbow and Twilight were getting ready to turn in.  As always, they checked the ground level to make sure doors and windows were secure.  Crime wasn’t a big concern in Ponyville.  There were rumors in lands across the sea where wild ponies still lived, where things were lawless.  But here, it wasn’t as much of a concern.  But it was better safe than sorry.

The couple then went to the living level to check on Spike and then their daughter and her marefriend.  

Spike was never a problem getting to sleep, except when he got a new comic book and would try to read it late.  But usually he was asleep before his head was on the pillow.

Checking in on Scootaloo, Twilight just stood at the door peering in.  From the light of Luna’s moon pouring through the window on the couple, Twilight could see Silver Spoon lying on her side, her glasses off and on a side table, with Scootaloo embracing her from behind.  It was the classic ‘spooning’ position.  Both fillies had such a look of peace and contentment on their faces.

Rainbow came up to her wife and put a foreleg around her.

“What ‘cha thinkin’?” whispered Rainbow.

Twilight reached a foreleg across and put her hoof on the hoof around her.

“I was thinking I know exactly what they’re feeling,” said Twilight quietly, then turning her head and gave Rainbow a little kiss.  “How the right pony can completely change your life and bring joy which wasn’t even imagined before.”

“For a pony who, in the past, I never really considered to be an emotional pony,” said Rainbow, tightening slightly her embrace, “you’re truly a romantic.  I don’t even think Rarity could match you.”

“Honey,” said Twilight, “when it comes to you.  Nopony could match the way I feel.”

“I think Scootaloo might argue that point with you,” said Rainbow.

“Maybe,” said Twilight, “but we don’t have to keep our door open.”

Rainbow got the message and the two walked to their room and closed the door.

With the sound of the door closing, Silver Spoon turned over and looked into Scootaloo’s eyes.  They held each other close.

“I thought they’d never go to bed,” said Scootaloo with a giggle.

“Me too,” said Silver Spoon.  “I love you Scootie.”

“I love you so much Sil.”

Silver Spoon’s response was her tongue hungrily exploring Scootaloo’s.

“Don’t get too carried away,” said Twilight’s voice from down the hall.

“How’d she know?” asked Silver.

“I’m a Unicorn,” came Twilight’s voice.

[melodiouswhite]

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde rewritten - Ch. 59

59. Warnings and awkward emergencies

Lanyon was having tea and cakes with Lady Summers, when her butler announced a visitor.

“Who is it?”, she inquired.

“It's Dr. Faust. He says it's urgent.”

Lanyon blinked.

He hadn't heard anything from Dr. Faust since the day Lady Summers had introduced him as her childhood friend.

And honestly, he was fine with it. Childhood friend of his Lady or not, he didn't need to deal with the likes of the brisk German alchemist every day.

Lady Summers thought differently of course, and so she ordered her butler to bid him come to her.

“Shall I go?”, Lanyon asked, “In case-”

“Go, if he asks you to, but otherwise I wouldn't see why you couldn't stay”, she replied.

As soon as she had finished that sentence, the alchemist in question came in.

He stopped short, when he saw Lanyon.

“Have I interrupted something?”, he asked, but before either of them could answer, Lanyon saw the oh-so-familiar flash run through the other man's eyes.

“Ah, alright. Well, as much as I hate to ruin your tea party, I need to tell you something urgent – no, no, you can stay”, he added hurriedly, when Lanyon stood up. “It concerns you and your friends too.”

“Before you tell us, sit down, Johann”, Lady Summers requested. “You look awful.”

That was true: Dr. Faust was wan and had dark rims under his eyes. He looked, as if he had been plagued by nightmares for weeks.

“I have been”, the redhead confirmed Lanyon's suspicions, as he sat down. “It's been two weeks, since I got a good night's sleep.”

Lady Summers frowned. “They must have been really nasty. Did you relieve your traumata from the Thirty Years War?”

“Haha, I wish!”, the alchemist hissed. “In the last two hundred years, I have learned to deal with those! No, it was different this time. At first I thought they were normal nightmares, but they're not.”

“What was it?”

“Prophetic dreams.”

Lanyon's curiosity was awoken. He could recall the older man mentioning that, just like Alma Donovan, he had the gift of precognition (in addition to his telepathy, witchcraft and alchemy).

Dr. Faust continued: “I dreamed about the organisation that kidnapped you and Victor, Perenelle and Nicolas. They're still kidnapping people for their … scientific crimes against humanity.”

What a befitting description to what they did to my Lady, Lanyon thought grumpily.

“They did it to the others too”, the alchemist informed him. “Apart from the vasectomy, of course. But back to the matter at hand. Like I said, they're still looking for victims. And they have their eyes on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. And of course you, Luise. But they're far more careful, since you shot their spy in the arm. They're more interested in victims who can't defend themselves.”

“Figures”, Lady Summers snarled. “I knew it – verdammt¹, I knew it!”

“Compose yourself, Luise”, Dr. Faust told her. “Anyway, I just wanted to tell you, that going to Soho during the following two months won't be wise. Especially for Dr. Jekyll, considering that Mr. Hyde and you are professionals at combatting several opponents at once and Dr. Lanyon and Mr. Utterson always carry a revolver on them.”

Gabriel has taken to carrying a gun? Good! One thing less to worry about!

“And if he has to go there – be it to visit Mr. Hyde, for whatever reason – he shouldn't stray from the way under any circumstances. Abductions always happen in small alleys, where no one can witness it.”

Lady Summers nodded: “Right. I'll let them know.”

“And also tell them, that those bastards found out, that they're actually one and the same person – and that you gave Mr. Hyde your blood.”

The Countess paled. “Wie zum Donnerwetter² did they find that out?!”

“I don't know that either”, Dr. Faust admitted. “I have yet to find the answer. But I do know that they're interested in Dr. Jekyll's scientific work – and they want to test his blood and see, if he is now ageless, like you and me.”

“He is”, Lady Summers informed him. “He and I both made tests on both his blood and mine. But unlike them …”, she scowled, “… I had his consent and cooperation.”

“Of course, we all know that”, the alchemist tried to appease her, “It is a problem though. If you're both immortal and ageless. It gets harder and harder to hide these days.”

“Was it easy in your time?”, Lanyon asked curiously.

Dr. Faust chuckled: “Certainly, as long as you didn't stay in a place for too long. The only registries we had were the parish registers and they only recorded the baptisms, not the actual birth dates.”

“So you know, when you were baptised, but not when you were born?”

“That would be the case, but I got an emergency baptism. But we're digressing from the original topic. Just tell your friends to be careful.”

“You too”, Lady Summers replied.

“Oh trust me, we do”, Dr. Faust muttered, “Nicolas and Victor always take a loaded gun, when they leave the house and Perenelle and I never go out alone – and no, I didn't come here on my own either; Victor is waiting in the parlour. Accompanying me where I go is one of the few things he's useful for-”

“Don't be so hard on him”, Lady Summers scolded him. “He accompanies you everywhere, because he loves you and because he's just as paranoid as you are.”

The alchemist gawked at her. “Holy Mother Mary! Call me out, why don't you!”

Lady Summers rolled her eyes. “Good grief, Johann, just admit that all the traumata of your past have made you so paranoid that you're frightened of leaving the house alone! And that you're taking him alone, because he's equally paranoid!”

“He already knows that”, Dr. Faust growled. “I would rather burn on the stake than show the weakness to admit to that love-sick fool, that I'm afraid of something!”

Oh, I can sympathise with that.

“Johann, I know that you value your pride, but you should put it aside for a few-”

“I know Victor, Luise! That child will put it into his head that he needs to protect me – me! Like he doesn't know who he's dealing with and what I'm capable of!”

That sounds like Utterson.

Dr. Faust inhaled sharply. “Let us not talk about that! I refuse to turn this into a discussion about my paranoia or Victor's puppy love!”

Lanyon decided that this conversation was none of his business and let his focus wander. That way, something caught his attention; the alchemist's breathing was growing shallow and laboured, close to hyperventilation, like he was struggling to breathe – just like a woman whose corset was too tight.

Hardly noticeable, but Lanyon was a physician – he knew dyspnoea³, when he saw it.

Lady Summers however didn't seem to notice. “… Fine. Be that way. You're as stubborn as a mule – don't you dare flaunt your age! I don't give a damn about it, ich kenne dich doch!⁴”

“Nun hör mal zu, Frau Markgräfin …!⁵”

Whatever he had been about to say, he didn't get to finish it. Instead he supported himself on the table, coughed and gasped for breath.

Lanyon jumped up and ran over to support the other.

Lady Summers' smug demeanour crumbled immediately. “Johann?”

“Can't … breathe!”, he wheezed.

Her eyes widened and she quickly shooed them into the next best empty room.

On the way Lanyon caught her exchange a quick glance with the alchemist – telepathic communication.

Then he too heard her mental voice, speaking to him this time: “You need to help him take off his vest and shirt – but don't be shocked at, nor question what is beneath.”

Lanyon nodded and readied himself for something that would probably be as disturbing as Lady Summers' surgical scar.

Dr. Faust obviously wanted to protest against being stripped of his shirt, but was too busy trying not to suffocate.

When the other man saw what was beneath, he realised why.

But he ignored it, apologised for what he was about to do and took the binder off.

That solved the other doctor's breathing problem, but he promptly snatched a blanket to cover himself and glared over his shoulder at Lanyon.

“I can't believe you just did that!”

“Look, I'm sorry for invading your intimate space like that!”, Lanyon spat angrily, “But it was either that, or you would have suffocated! Don't you dare start raving! I'm a fucking doctor and chemist, I have been called a freak for almost my entire life, I have a best friend who is also my ex-lover and split his own fucking soul like the madman he is and has now an even madder alter ego, the woman I'm in love with is an aristocrat, who can read minds and handle a sword better than any man could and you think that I give a damn, that you're … whatever the word is?! Newsflash, I don't fucking care! My priority is the fact that your binder just nearly asphyxiated you–”

He stopped short.

The ginger-haired alchemist had turned his face away and his head was drooping. He was clutching the blanket tightly to his body and shaking, as if he was-

Guilt set in with a vengeance.

“I'm sorry”, Lanyon apologised regretfully. “I didn't mean to make you even more upset.”

“I'm not upset”, Dr. Faust said quietly and wiped his tears away forcefully. “Not really.”

Now Lady Summers, who had watched the argument with obvious discomfort, spoke up again: “How are you feeling now, Johann?”

“Better, thank you”, the alchemist replied. “Sorry for that. I didn't expect it to happen now of all times. It's been more than ten years since it happened last.”

“That was the stress”, Lanyon pointed out, “Stress always alters breathing patterns. And with the chest binder cutting off your air supply, the lack of oxygen made you panic.”

“You know this from Luise”, Dr. Faust noted. “Anyway, I should pick up Victor and go home.” He stretched a hand out from under the blanket. “My clothes, please.”

Lanyon saw himself out – he had ignored the rules of decency enough for one day.

“Thank you so much for helping”, Victor Frankenstein told Lady Summers, as he and Dr. Faust were saying goodbye. “I've been worried about him for weeks.”

Lanyon almost laughed, when the red-haired alchemist behind Frankenstein grimaced and threw his hands up in exasperation, as if to say: Just as I said earlier!

Suddenly the hoary doctor had an idea and addressed it mentally.

Both telepaths present blinked at him in surprise.

Then Lady Summers looked at her old friend, excited to see his reaction.

At first the immortal alchemist didn't react. But about thirty seconds later his face flushed lightly, his eyes shone and he smiled – that was answer enough.

Frankenstein looked between the three in confusion. “Am I missing out on something?”

“No”, the older immortal told him. “Nothing of your concern.”

The black-haired mad scientist looked a bit doubtful, but then he shrugged and dropped it.

Dr. Faust turned back to Lady Summers and Lanyon: “Thank you two. Much obliged. Also, as I said earlier, don't forget to tell your friends about my warning. And wish Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde a happy birthday from me.”

“Will do”, Lady Summers told him. “And you, Johann, make an appointment with my dear doctor still this week. I happen to know that he's-”

“Free next Friday afternoon”, Lanyon finished her sentence.

Dr. Faust chuckled: “Right, I'll come to make the appointment tomorrow.”

Lanyon smiled back: “See you then.”

“You know”, the ginger-haired alchemist said, “I'm beginning to actually believe that you're truly deserving of her.”

“Johann!”, Lady Summers chided.

“Doctor!”, Frankenstein exclaimed.

But Lanyon took it with good humour and laughed: “Well, who am I to contradict your verdict, Dr. Faust? Have a nice day, you two.”

“You took it really well”, Lady Summers remarked, once they had left.

Lanyon shrugged. “I wasn't that surprised, honestly. But I had never thought about it in his presence.”

She blinked. “You figured it out?”

“I had suspicions”, he told her, “But they were based on vague ideas and a bit of a long shot. A few physical traits I noticed, because I'm a doctor. But even though they're assigned to females, they aren't necessarily. So I didn't want to assume anything, before I knew the truth – and honestly I didn't think that I ever would.”

They went back to the greenhouse room.

“Speaking of the truth – it is like this, right? That he's a man despite his female biology?”

“Exactly”, Lady Summers confirmed.

Lanyon exhaled in relief. “Oh, good. I've seen someone like that before, but I wasn't sure.”

The Countess sighed: “They're called 'deviants', but I don't like that word.”

“Of course you don't!”, the doctor snarled, “Because it's bullshit and you have more than two braincells!”

Lady Summers laughed heartily. “And that, Hastie, is why I love you!”

---

1) Verdammt! - German: Damn! 2) Wie zum Donnerwetter - German: How the heck / literally: How to the thunderstorm 3) dyspnoea: breathlessness 4) "...ich kenne dich doch!" - German: "I know you!" 5) "Nun hör mal zu, Frau Markgräfin!" - "Now listen up, Madam Marchioness!"

[melodiouswhite]

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde rewritten - Ch. 49

49. Her Ladyship's strange and remarkable Friends (tw: bad French and mention of violence and gore)

Just a few days later, Lady Summers informed them, that her old friends would be happy to meet them on Sunday. But they would have to come to them, as they had no housekeeper and couldn't leave their house alone.

Lanyon had major issues with permitting the Lady to travel across London in her state. It had been only three weeks since the incident and she was still very fragile.

But it was quite impossible to talk her out of this, so he gave up. He did however ask the coachman to drive as carefully as possible.

“Don' worry, Doc”, the Irishman replied gruffly, “My drivin' won't be the problem 'ere.”

This didn't make Lanyon feel better in the slightest, but he said nothing more.

And so it came that on Sunday, Lady Summers and the male quartet were on their merry way to Soho of all places and apparently not far away from where Hyde lived.

Of course Lanyon's greatest worry was that his Lady was fine. But deep down … he had to admit that he was curious.

He really wanted to meet those childhood friends she had been talking about so much lately.

After a while, the coach stopped and they got off.

Lanyon was surprised to see that they were standing in front of a corner bookshop, that seemed to share the building with a surgery. The house was in good shape and looked a bit out of place among all the other buildings that were anything but.

He read the sign above the door.

Flamel & Wife – Bookshop and Library, est. 1865

Antiquary books, textbooks and school utensils

And right next to it:

Dr. Faust, surgery

“Huh. I do know that house”, Hyde stated, “I bought a few books here. The bookseller was a Frenchman and he was really-”

“He's one of the friends I'm going to introduce you to”, Lady Summers told him.

Then she slowly stepped up to the door, but hesitated to ring.

“I seriously hope that they remembered”, she muttered, “Last time they thought I was someone else and the reception was … explosive.”

Lanyon swallowed and tried to ignore his sense of foreboding.

Now the Lady finally rang the bell.

Something moved inside and a chubby woman with auburn hair and brown eyes opened the door.

She recognised the Lady, gasped in delight and called something over her shoulder further into the house.

“Careful, careful”, Lady Summers told her, when she wanted to hug her, “I'm having a sick phase.”

The auburn-haired woman frowned. “Oh mon dieu! Je suis désolée¹!”

Lanyon's attention was up. That had to be the French proprietress.

Lady Summers stepped to the side, so the other woman could see her company.

“Perenelle, these gentlemen are-”

“Tell us all at once”, the other responded. “Entrez! Les autres vous attendent²!”

“Perenelle, speak English”, the Prussian reminded her. “Only two of my companions are fluent in French.”

Sheepishly, the Frenchwoman apologised and let them in.

About time, Lanyon thought. It's pretty rude to wait that long to invite people in.

“Cut them some slack”, Lady Summers responded telepathically, “They don't have guests that often and are quite apprehensive.”

The four men were lead into the parlour, which was a bit cluttered, but otherwise cosy enough.

A gaunt, platinum blond man with silvery eyes and a pince-nez fetched a few extra chairs. “Do sit down”, he invited them. That had to be the bookseller Hyde had mentioned.

And sure enough, they recognised each other.

“Monsieur Flamel”, Hyde spoke. “Quel plaisir de vous revoir³.”

“Mister 'yde”, the man returned. “Fancy seeing you again.”

Their tone was cool and they didn't look as pleased, as they claimed. Then again, no one was pleased to meet Hyde and the brunette naturally reflected the antipathy he was met with.

Then the man named Mr. Flamel turned to them. “Welcome, gentlemen. I'm Nicolas Flamel, the landlord and owner of the bookshop in the front and the small library upstairs. This-” He pointed at the auburn-haired woman, “-is ma merveilleuse épouse⁴, Perenelle.”

Lanyon tried to recall, where he had heard those names before, but then Jekyll solved the riddle for him.

“Nicolas Flamel?”, he cried, “The Nicolas Flamel? The man who is said to have found the philosophers' stone?!”

Oh. Now Lanyon remembered, but-

What the hell?! That man lived 500 years ago!

The Frenchman chuckled. “I'm surprised you know me. People aren't that interested in alchemy these days.”

Jekyll blushed a little. “I am”, he admitted quietly.

The other man, who was tending to the fire, paused. “Really? How nice! I'm an alchemist myself. Everyone in this house is, actually.”

The man was stocky and thin, had unkempt, ginger hair, a crooked nose and sharp blue-grey eyes with slight bags and frowning wrinkles. He gave Lady Summers a warm smile and said something in German to her.

She laughed: “Good to see you too, Johann. Gentlemen, this is Prof. Dr. Johann Georg Faust. Yes, that Dr. Faust”, she added, when she saw their incredulous faces.

They just had time to introduce themselves, before Hyde suddenly barked: “You! I remember you! You're the doctor I was forced to pay, when-”

“You trampled a little girl”, Dr. Faust finished icily. “Well, if it isn't Mr. Hyde! It's not a pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise!”, Hyde hissed, “You wanted to kill me!”

The ginger-haired doctor looked at him scornfully. “I didn't try to. Besides, what kind of reaction would you expect after walking over a little girl like she's a dirty rug!”

“Well, what was that brat doing out there in the middle of the night to begin with?!”

“Running from a creep her parents had sold her to! I know that, because-”

“I don't bloody care-”

“Don't lie to me! I have the same ability as Luise and some more. And if I didn't know what happened to you since then, I would-”

“What would you do?”, the brunette snarled. “Turn me into an animal?”

“Why not, I bet you'd make a beautiful cat-”

“Please!”, Jekyll cried, startling them, “This is not the moment to argue about this!”

“He's right. Pull yourselves together, girls! You're both pretty!”, Lady Summers agreed firmly.

The two squabblers stared at her. “GIRLS???”

“And please don't turn him into a cat, Johann. You know I'm allergic to them. Außerdem hat er viel gelernt in den letzten Monaten⁵.”

Lanyon stared at Dr. Faust in horror. “So what Marlowe and Goethe wrote about you is true?!”

Dr. Faust shook his head. “It's not. Don't wreck your brain, Dr. Lanyon.” A mischievous smirk. “I don't need a demon to do the fantastic! Do you want to see-”

“No, I do not want to see it! I've seen enough witchcraft in one year! This is too much!”, Lanyon spat angrily. Then awareness of his tone set in and he apologised: “I'm sorry. How rude of me.”

Dr. Faust shook his head. “It's fine. I'm accustomed to worse.”

Then he smiled lopsidedly. “I'm stoked to meet you. Not to sound offensive, but … you three went to school and finished it. So far I've been the only one!”

The Flamels coughed in the background.

“Oh shut up, you two have been home-schooled!”

Jekyll frowned. “Not to sound offended, but what is that supposed to mean?”

Two more men entered the room.

Dr. Faust sighed and pointed at one of them. “This is what.”

The one he pointed at was a peaked boy with long hair, glasses and amber eyes. He looked young, but his black hair was greying and tied up in a messy pony tail.

The other was huge (not smaller than 8ft), had yellowish, nigh transparent skin, creepy yellowish eyes, a black mane of hair and looked more like a huge rag doll than a living man.

“Oh, they're here! Hello, everyone”, the boy said, “It's a pleasure to meet you. Luise told us so much about you-”

“Did you clean up the mess?”, Dr. Faust asked.

“Yes, Doctor. I did.”

“Next time think twice, before you make a mess in my lab, do you understand me?”

“Yes, I do”, the boy said duly, but looked a bit agitated at being talked to like a child.

But Mr. Flamel jumped to his aid: “I don't see 'ow you're one to admonish 'im about making a mess, Jean. Do you remember that one time you almost blew up my bookshop in Paris?”

“That was 200 years ago and an accident! You can't still be angry about that!”

The Frenchman's silvery eyes narrowed.

“… I guess you can.”

Meanwhile the boy turned to Jekyll: “I'm Victor Frankenstein.”

Jekyll gasped: “What a surprise! I read the novel by Mary Shelley, but I didn't think that I would ever meet you! Charmed!”

Oh! The novel 'Frankenstein or the modern Prometheus' by Mrs. Shelley! Henry loves that one!

Victor blushed awkwardly. “Likewise. You must be Dr. Lanyon?”

“No, that's me”, Lanyon spoke up sourly.

Frankenstein blushed. “Oh! Oh Heavens, I'm so sorry! I didn't think-”

Dr. Faust facepalmed and groaned: “Of course you'd assume that Luise would love the man you would find most handsome in that group!” (Jekyll blushed) “Stop stuttering and introduce to them what you made!”

“Right, sure. This-” He pointed at the giant, “-is my creature.”

“His homunculus”, Dr. Faust corrected cuttingly, “And he has a name.”

Lady Summers stood up slowly and introduced the creature. “That's Adam. Johann named and adopted him – sort of – because Victor doesn't want to deal with him.”

It was Hyde, who first stepped forward, looking up at the giant in wonder. The creature named Adam stared back. Then he knelt down and Hyde placed one of his small, bony hands onto one huge knee. He looked even tinier and more fragile next to the black-haired giant.

Lanyon could tell in their eyes, that they were recognising each other, seeing the fellow artificial creation in each other, the suffering companion. There was something heart-rending and intimate about it and the bespectacled doctor had to hold back tears, when the two hugged each other (awkwardly, as Hyde wasn't used to giving affection, while the other seemed unused to getting it).

From the corner of his eye, he could see Mrs. Flamel wipe her eyes with a handkerchief.

Dr. Faust looked mollified at their interaction, seemed like he really cared about the giant.

After a while Jekyll joined his other half and held out his hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir”, the blond said kindly. “I'm Dr. Jekyll. I'm his creator.”

Jekyll placed the other hand on Hyde's shoulder and rubbed it gently.

The giant blinked. Then carefully took the offered hand and replied: “The pleasure is mine.”

Lanyon and Utterson exchanged a glance, before following suit and introducing themselves.

“So, we 'eard about what 'appened at the royal gala”, Mr. Flamel brought up later.

Hyde and Adam were sitting in the library, while the rest of the group was still in the parlour, having tea and cakes.

“Such a barbaric thing to do to a lady. Seeing you in such a state around this time of the year, when you're normally fine … 'ow bad was it three weeks ago, right after it 'appened?”

“It was awful”, Lanyon told him, before the Lady could answer. “We needed to give her two transfusions, because she was suffering from severe anaemia …” He felt a lump in his throat and had to turn away to regain his composure. “I'm sorry”, he apologised.

Lady Summers grabbed his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

But Mr. Flamel shook his head. “Why apologise for love and care? It's the most wonderful thing in the world. And we don't just feel this way because we're French.”

Mrs. Flamel took her husband's hand and gazed at him lovingly. “We've been married for 518 years”, she told them.

“That's wonderful”, Jekyll replied, “I wish I had such a wonderful relationship.”

“You will”, Dr. Faust suddenly spoke up, “But you need to learn an important lesson.”

The blond doctor frowned at him. “And that would be?”

“To be careful with how you speak to and about the ones you love and, most importantly, consider the feelings of others!”, the ginger told him bluntly.

Lanyon could tell that Jekyll was offended and about to make a snappy retort. But a gentle look from Utterson silenced and pacified the angry scientist.

They all knew that Dr. Faust was right, but it was wiser not to say that out loud.

Still though, how the hell does that man know?

The eerie alchemist answered aloud: “I already told you, I have the same ability as Luise and some more. I can also predict the future and perform necromancy, but I don't use that to earn my livelihood these days. I'm tired of people insulting or trying to kill me.”

“Necromancy?”, Lanyon repeated, “You raise the dead?!”

Dr. Faust frowned. “No. No spell in the world can really bring back the dead, even though Victor here would love to tell you otherwise. I can only conjure their spirits and question them. And that alone is something that shouldn't be done.”

“Have people ever asked you to do it?”, Utterson asked curiously.

“Of course!”, the alchemist groaned, “In fact, it happens quite a lot lately. It's always the same kind of people. They can't get closure over the death of a loved one and want to get them back. This is so boring and tiring, that I just send them away. If they have an actually good reason and can pay accordingly, only then I consider it, maybe!”

“Uhm …”

Everyone startled, when Victor Frankenstein spoke up.

Right. That lad was still there too. He was looking at Jekyll in fascination. “So … you're in love?”

The blond Doctor blinked. But then he nodded and smiled. “Yes. I certainly am.”

Frankenstein tilted his head. “But you're not married. I see no ring on your finger.”

Jekyll shrugged.

Of course he could have replied something the likes of: “I would, if I could.” or “It's illegal”. But then he would have given away that he was loving another man (or two, because Lanyon was quite sure, that Jekyll loved Hyde as well) and that was more than dangerous these days.

Both Lanyon and Utterson knew that and that's why they weren't offended by his apparent nonchalance.

The Flamels and Dr. Faust seemed to get the hint as well, because they made no remark either.

But Frankenstein began to pry: “Who is it? The black-haired lawyer sitting-?”

Dr. Faust promptly elbowed him. “Shut up, Victor. It's none of our business, who he loves and it doesn't matter anyway.”

“But I want to know how their-”

“It's none of our business!”, the alchemist growled, “And even if it was, you wouldn't understand the emotional depth of it.”

The black-haired boy glared back at him. “How are you one to talk? In the 400 years of your life, you've never once been in love!”

“Neither have you”, the ginger-haired man retorted. “You claim that you were in love with Elisabeth, but you never confided in her, never were there for her, when she would have needed it and on top of that, you left her alone on your wedding night. Everyone in this room can tell you, that this has nothing to do with love and it's not how you treat someone you care about.”

The others nodded affirmatively.

But Faust wasn't finished yet – in fact, he seemed to be just getting started.

“And don't even get me started on how you treated your creature. You animated him and ran away, because you didn't like his eyes. And you still insult him and call him a monster, ugly and other charming things like that. I would have preferred dying over treating my little Gretchen like that, when she was alive.”

That caught Lanyon's attention. “So your alleged mistress was actually your daughter?”

“Mhm. My little sunshine she was!”

“'E was a good father too”, Mr. Flamel spoke up, “'E took good care of 'er.”

Dr. Faust smiled warmly. “She really was the best person in the world. But then she fell in love, married and decided to grow old and live a normal life with her family. Of course it broke my heart, when she died and I still really miss her sometimes. But she was happy and that's all I could ask for as a father.”

He pointed at an oil painting at the wall. “That's her. Nicolas painted that.”

It was the full body portrait of a beautiful, blond woman with grey eyes and rosy cheeks.

“She doesn't look anything like you”, Utterson pointed out.

“Oh, that's because I only adopted her. I met her shortly, after I had faked my death in 1541, when I was moving around with the Flamels (we were already a group back then) and she was sitting at the side of a road, begging for alms. She just looked so pathetic, I had to do something. That's how I got myself a daughter.”

“When did you become immortal?”, Jekyll asked curiously.

The German alchemist shrugged. “When I was 38 years old. Then I met the Flamels on a trip to Heidelberg and after some persuasion, they agreed to teach me how to make a Philosophers' Stone. For a while I could conceal that I wasn't ageing. There was no registry back then and as a wandering Doctor, I was always on the move. However … I was very famous in a lot of territories of the Holy Roman Empire, so it was only a matter of time, before someone would question my age. So I created a puppet, that looked like me and caused an explosion. It worked perfectly, they thought the Devil had claimed me.” He shook his head. “Of course I had to go into hiding after that. But I still nearly got killed countless times. Got accused of some vile stuff I don't even want to take into my mouth.”

“To their defence, Johann”, Lady Summers remarked. “You're rather unheimlich⁶.”

She had a point there.

Dr. Faust was obviously brilliant and charming in a gruff way, but he also seemed paranoid, difficult and – to put it politely – borderline creepy. Something was just off about him. Not as extreme as with Hyde, but it was unsettling.

Like Jekyll's science.

Yes, that was it. The aura of alchemy and dark magic was just oozing off him.

Totally someone people would pin to have a deal with the devil.

Suddenly Lanyon remembered, how Lady Summers had said that the two would get along famously. And he realised that she might be right.

“I can't decide, if I should be flattered or offended”, Faust drily responded to his inner musings.

The hoary doctor blushed at being caught red-handed.

The ginger-haired man turned back to Jekyll. “Are you interested in becoming immortal?”

That caught the Flamels' and Frankenstein's attention and they looked at the blond expectantly.

Jekyll considered the question.

But then he exchanged a look with both Lanyon and Utterson.

He smiled and shook his head. “No. I don't think I could handle watching my loved ones die, while I live for centuries. I don't want that. I'm fine with living a normal life, as long as the people I care about are in it.”

Lanyon grinned; he wouldn't have expected any other answer from their mad scientist.

Utterson smiled fondly, a rare thing to see in public.

Lanyon didn't need his Lady's telepathic abilities to know that the two men's feet were touching under the table.

These two silly lovebirds.

“That's coming from you?”, Dr. Faust's voice suddenly sounded in his head, nearly making him jump, “You call Luise your 'radiant angel' and you're her 'dear doctor'! So shush!”

Said Lady glared at her old friend. “Johann, stop that! The only one who's allowed to invade his mind is me!”

He laughed and stood to make a bow. “Of course. Do forgive me, oh Marchioness of Brandenburg, Princess of Hanover and Countess of Calenberg and Cornwall. Will I be granted mercy?”

“One last time, you lowly commoner”, she responded playfully.

The Flamels and Frankenstein chuckled.

Now Utterson spoke up again: “If you don't mind, ladies and gentlemen: how did you meet?”

The alchemist group and the mad scientist frowned.

It was Frankenstein, who answered: “Well, somehow that evil organisation found out about us and kidnapped us; that is, me and the Flamels. We were experimented on for weeks, they took quite a lot of our blood – to experiment on the samples, probably. One day they carried a half-dead ten-year-old girl into our cell. And that was Luise. That's how we met her. Dr. Faust and the Wre-” (he corrected himself, when Dr. Faust glowered at him) “-Adam came to free us. The Doctor blew up whole parts of the building and was totally shocked, when he saw the ill little girl with us.”

The ginger-haired man nodded. “Yes. But she wasn't too ill to get enthusiastic, when she looked into my mind and knew who I was. Seriously, I've never seen a little girl so happy to meet me.”

Lady Summers blushed and laughed awkwardly. “I'd never heard about the Flamels until I met them, but I had already read Goethe's Faust and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, so I was ecstatic to meet the men themselves – that's just how children are.”

Lanyon almost laughed at the Flamels' wry smiles and Dr. Faust's cocky grin.

He hadn't expected their visit to Lady Summers' old friends to be so strange, long or entertaining.

All the time their hosts had been nothing but friendly and well-mannered and Dr. Faust had quickly warmed up, when he had concluded that none of them meant harm to their mind-reading friend.

He even became friendlier to Hyde, after seeing how harmoniously the brunette and Adam interacted.

In fact, when the group came to pick the gremlin up, they found him dozing in the giant's lap.

Adam put a hand to his mouth as a sign to be quiet.

Jekyll broke into a huge smile, crossed the room silently and brought a gentle hand to Hyde's pale cheek.

“Hyde?”, he spoke, just barely above a whisper, “Hyde. Wake up.”

Lanyon saw those bilious green eyes slowly open and blink.

“Huh? Already time to go?”, he mumbled sleepily.

“I'm afraid so”, Jekyll replied and turned to Adam: “Sir, give him back to me, please. We have to go home.”

The giant was obviously extremely unwilling to let go of his “brother”, but Jekyll looked so friendly, asked so nicely and seemed to be so fond of Hyde (and he was, Lanyon knew that), that he finally gave in.

With a chuckle, the blond helped his alter ego up and helped him put on his coat.

“Let's go home, my dear other half”, he said fondly.

Hyde appeared too drowsy to really register it and just leaned into him.

They all said their goodbyes and left.

Of course not before Dr. Faust had threatened to blow Lanyon to bits, should he ever break Lady Summers' heart.

“I have nothing to fear, then”, the hoary man had calmly retorted, before saying goodbye and seeing himself out.

Jekyll and Hyde had been the first to get off the coach, when Mr. O'Connor had dropped them off one by one.

Something had concerned Lanyon though.

“Have you noticed something about Hyde?”, he asked the other two.

Utterson nodded. “Yes. He was so quiet, ever since he first saw Mr. Adam. And just now he was so clingy towards Jekyll. That's so unlike him. Something is making him upset and I wish I could do something about it. You have seen it, right, Milady? You know the answer, you have seen it inside his head!”

“Of course I have. But I'm not going to tell.”

Both men were frustrated.

But they knew: her silence meant that this was a matter between Jekyll and Hyde.

---

1) French: Oh my god! I’m sorry!

2) French: Come in! The others are waiting for you!

3) French: What a pleasure to see you again.

4) French: my marvellous wife

5) German: Besides, he’s learned a lot in the last months.

6) German: the feeling that something is off, without being unable to pitpoint it; uncanny valley; strange at best, a subtle kind of creepy/eerie at worst (sorry, I couldn’t contain myself XD)

Edit: I corrected the French grammar mistakes, in case it wasn’t clear. One of my followers was so nice as to point them out to me.