#and pony flies him out of there to safety

[liviavanrouge]

Running Away pt 3

Malleus: :*Scowls, standing beside Leona*

Jaseem: What do you villains want?

Leona: One of your own snatched away one of ours! I think it's time you guys pay for his mistake!

Jaseem: There's already a team searching for Neige and your student, go back to your school!

Leona: That's not enough

Malleus: *Walks forward, Diasomnia following him*

Jaseem: Stay ready! They're tricky! *Walks forward, his eyes narrowed*

Leona: *Roars, scowling*

Savannaclaw Students: *Bursts from the ground, covered in dirt, attacking the RSA students as Diasomnia leaped into the fray*

Elliot: *Yells in alarm, Ziro snatching him down and pouncing on his chest knocking the wind out of him*

Vex and Henry: *Rolls across the ground, glaring at the other*

Silver: *Ducks underneath a tossed RSA student, looking around*

Felix: *Slams into Silvers chest, falling to the ground*

Sheryn: *Laughs, smiling at Rielle* Sad that you're paying for Neige's mistake?!

Rielle: LEAVE NEIGE ALONE!

Sheryn: *Tackles Rielle down, rolling across the ground till she was on top*

Malleus: *Swats RSA students away, a few dodging his lightning*

----

Livia and Neige: *Runs side by side, hurrying towards RSA*

Neige: *Freezes, staring at the fight alarmed*

Livia: MALLEUS! LEONA!!

Neige: *Rushes away, his eyes wide*

Livia: *Hurries after him, staring at the fight ahead*

----

Pony: *Yells in alarm, Nex and Vex tackling him down*

Jaseem: *Throws a student off him, shielding the dwarves behind him*

Sebek: *Whips around as Trevor and Lassie attacked him, the three fighting in a whirlwind of colors*

Kuro: SEBEK! *Leaps into the fray, kicking Trevor right in the jaw*

Bakunawa: *Watches the fight with Jack, the two staying neutral*

Genny: Hey, why don't you let this go?

Ziro: I'll never let it go!

Genny: I bet...

Ziro: This is for the one you stole! *Snarls and leaps at Genny, his claws out*

Parker: *Tackles Ziro, the two tumbling away*

Genny: Parker!

Tink: *Flies after the two, his eyes wide*

Ruggie: -LAUGH WITH ME-! *Laughs, making Tink stop in his tracks*

----

Livia: *Rushes across the bridge, her eyes wide*

Neige: *Runs after her, dodging a blast of lightning*

Livia: NEIGE!

Neige: Go! Save your family!

Livia: *Smiles and runs off*

----

Leona: *Dodges RSA students, Malleus using a shield to block magic attacks*

Jaseem: *Whips around and shoves Dominic to safety*

Leona: *Swats Jaseem down, causing the fighting to come to a halt*

Jaseem: *Stands up, a bruise on his neck* Lousy lion...

Malleus: *Flanks Leona scowling*

Leona: *Snarls and lunges at Jaseem*

???: STOP!!

Livia: *Lands between them, stopping Leona*

Leona: Livia!? Move!!

Livia: *Looks over as Neige ran over and stood beside her*

Malleus: You!

Livia: Malleus, I love this idiot hero!

Neige: And I love this kind villain...

Jaseem: *Stares in surprise*

Malleus and Leona: *Glances at each other*

Livia: What were you two thinking?!

Leona: These guys-!

Livia: "These guys"? No, it's us! Look at these heroes, they are us....what differences are there

Malleus: *Turns away, scanning the students*

Genny: *Glances around*

Leona: *Looks around, his ears flattened back*

Jaseem: *Scans the crowd silently* I see no differences

Malleus: Neither do I

Leona: .....I don't either...

Livia: *Laughs, smiling at them* See!

Malleus: *Smiles* Beastie.

Leona: *Grumbles* We approve of your silly relationship with that brat

Livia: *Steps forward, hugging Leona and Malleus*

Jaseem: What now?

Malleus: I guess, we all retreat....together

Jaseem: *Snorts* Fine by me.

[m0chisenpai]

Fairy!Reader Traveling with Company

black!fairy!reader x company (platonic)

alright so I have many headcanons for fairy and the company 

contrary to belief it was Bilbo who had to beg her not to go on this adventure but hearing the loss of a home and the chance to regain it hit a never in her

I can imagine like as the company are leaving and she hears Bilbo coming she flies like a bullet into him 

she has a pony but doesn’t ride it, she’s trying to strengthen her wings and chooses some moments to fly above

speaking of flying her dust has accidentally been sprinkled over one of the dwarves and they have floated once or twice which caused Thorin to command her to ride her pony or else he’d have her tied down to it 

speaking of Thorin it takes time for his hard shell to be softened by the small creature, and it’s not cause she bothers him he’s encountered fairies during his days before Smaug, she reminds him of the mountain and those good times and it hurts himself to look at her

he can remember the small creatures not making it out and hearing them small screams and cries 

however, there is a small moment where the two have a heart to heart and it’s when Azgog attacks I can just see her ignoring him and fighting the pale orc to try and help

and at first she nearly had the upper hand until her wings seized up and she could no longer fight

he refused to leave her side till she’d awakened and it was then that the two formed a bond

as for the rest of the company the elder dwarves teach her the history and friendship between the fairies and the dwarves speaking of the days the fairies would often take refuge or live in the mountain

the younger dwarves however beg to know if the stories and myths their family told them as children were true or not and she messes with them and tells them it’s tru that naughty dwarven children were indeed lured into the woods and stolen away by fairies 

fairies and dwarves have much more in common than one may think, dwarves are more of a singing/musical folk so these two go hand in hand

there are some nights of singing and dancing 

small angst moment: Bilbo sees how attached the company have gotten with fairy reader and he sees how much she adores the thrill of traveling and seeing the mountain and when they have a moment to themselves together he tells her if she wishes it she can stay in Erebor for however long she wishes to 

she however scolds him and tells reminds him they made a deal plus dwarves were not better cooks than hobbits, who would make her, her delicious pastries?

another angst moment: king thranduil after encountering the dwarves and locking them up demands to see fairy reader and tells her if she values her life she’d stay in Mirkwood for her own safety, I imagine he even extends the offer towards Bilbo as well and for a moment she wants to agree, but fairies do not go against their promise and she refuses

fairy reader is a stealthy little fighter when she has to, but emphasis on the stealth part cause when it comes for bilbo to go in and speak to smaug and there’s the light argument beforehand she sneaks in and the whole company nearly runs in after her but they have to stop because that’ll only result in unnecessary deaths

smaug has encountered fairies, he hasn’t eaten them on the account of them being too puny, and fast and he even reminisces on how they often mistakened fairies as treasure but I can imagine this tiny little thing carefully and quietly dancing about the dragon as quietly and carefully as she can and somehow gets the arkenstone 

when it comes for her and bilbo to get their shares of treasure her request is quite a silly but simple one in thorins eyes: she demands fabrics to take back to the shire as a way to remember them 

Ooooooo even bigger angst moment, when thorin dies he passes on his cloak to her and she still holds onto it tailoring it and taking care of it

the dwarves offer to allow her to stay and help build back the kingdom and politely declines and says she’s had her fair of adventures to last her

she keeps in contact with them over the years, sends countless of letters travels to meet with the company and here their stories and whatnot 

if you have any requests, imagines, etc you’d like to see for fairy reader feel free to leave some suggestions or messages <3

[ask-healthy-light]

News reporter on TV: breaking news notorious criminal boom Lord has once again for the 58th time this year broke out of prison

This notorious criminal was wanted for multiple accounts of assault destruction of property and vandalism!

While it is unknown how exactly he broke out he apparently left a note marking down multiple weaknesses of the prison the warden of the prison has left a quote for us

"At this point I don't even know why we're bucking trying!"

Back in the Medical Centre in Canterlot, shortly after Nox had left to head to the park after visiting Harvest, the news reporter spoke of Boom's escape, along with his sarcastic, yet insightful comments about the state of security in the city, adding to his growing list of infamous accomplishments, leaving every Guard in the area on high alert.

The only being in the room when the news report appeared was Harvest, for Nox had left earlier, and the Nurse had not yet returned, and the news worried him greatly, not only for the safety of Ponies and other beings in the city, but also, in particular, all of his friends who had gone to the park to help recover Light and their friends who had gotten trapped.

The note that Light had left for Harvest helped him remain calm when he first woke up, finding himself alone in a bed in the Centre, as tired as he was, after using such a strange and foreign power, of which he never knew, nor realised he had the ability to wield it to help others, even though it required great focus and the help of a great Sorcerer to help him unlock his strength.

Shortly after the news report finished, which had moved over to the weather, showing a warning for potentially dangerous storms in the following few days, the Nurse re-entered Harvest's room, who was told, in no uncertain terms by Harvest, that he was feeling much better, even after just a little bit of rest, and was asked if he could leave the Centre to rejoin his friends.

The Nurse, whom Nox implored to take very good care of the exhausted Kirin, subconsciously fearing the possible repercussions that the Dragon-Pony would unleash upon her, replied that she believed him when Harvest said he felt better, but she wasn't entirely sure, so she would ask the Doctor for certainty, as their second opinion would help, and left the room to search for them.

Though he knew that waiting for both the Nurse and Doctor to return would be wise, and despite personally having known him for a very long time, Harvest, still highly concerned over the great threat that the Lord of Destruction posed to everyone, stealthily snuck out of his bed, into the hall, and ran out the door, all while figuring out how to get to Ponyville as quickly as he could.

Remembering the note that Light had left for him, which explained that Luna and Starswirl had teleported them and the group, including Nox, to the town, but still drained of magical energy after reawakening Light, Harvest knew he had to figure out a way to get to the park quickly, for a myriad of reasons, but magic means would not be possible for the present.

He quickly ran through the alternative options in his mind, including travel by train, which he knew would take a long time between Canterlot and Ponyville, and, if at all possible for a wingless being like himself, flight, for the park was close to Canterlot, as the crow flies, as he knew that Nox arrived quickly after leaving, having been able to watch them from his room.

As he was running towards the Centre of town, from whence he knew he would have the greatest number of options when he decided what to do, when a familiar voice called out from above him, Harvest stopped running and looked up, finding it was Starshine, and flying next to her, Light Rain, both friends of his friends, and whom landed next to him to chat.

Though he tried to be as polite as possible, Harvest explained to both Pegasi that he had to get back to Ponyville as soon as he could, as he had very little time to spare, but before he could continue, they stopped him, and said that since they were on their way to Ponyville themselves, if he wished, he could join them to the town, after which, from there, he could make his way to the park.

Before Harvest could object, both Pegasi had lifted him up, noting he felt light as a feather, and raced off to Ponyville.

(Thanks for reading! And if you enjoyed, please reblog! Thanks in advance!)

Send an ask or request! | Start at the beginning! | Next part!

Featuring: Boomlord from @thedumbguywithaheart43 Harvest Duran from @duran301 Light Rain and Starshine Nova from @ask-light-rain-and-buds

[rosiegeee]

Best Equestria Girls/Unconfirmed Couples in MLP

This is once again going to be a heavily biased list. I literally like all these ships the same except #10 but it would be a weird list to have a nine way tie. these couples were either only hinted at in the final season of My little pony, were in the comics, or were from Equestria Girls. They will be ranked on how much of a romance they seem to have.

#10:  Applejack and Rainbow Dash

There is nothing wrong with these two being a couple, as they are implied to be in the final episode of MLP, I just never shipped them and never found there was any romantic tension between the two, just friendship. The only romantic thing I can think of is from the scene the picture shows where they are friendly bickering about how Rainbow should be allowed to help Applejack with her farm chores.

#9:  King sombra and Radiant Hope

I love these two so much. Through flashbacks we see how these two met, were the best of friends growing up, and than Sombra falling in love with Hope. Even in his monsterous shadow pony form Sombra wants Hope to be his queen, and Hope still loves him, and when he is turned into a full pony they run off together side by side to explore Equestria finding Amore shards to restore her. Hope risked her safety and her freedom to save Sombra and there love oozes from the pages. However, the reason they are number 9 and not number 1 is because of Sombra’s treatment of her as a shadow pony. He emotionally manipulated her to stay by his side, screamed and yelled at her, threatened her, and kept her basically prisoner in the castle, he changes in the end but that doesn’t change what he did to her.

#8: Flash Sentry and Twilight Sparkle

They used to be my favourite ship when I was young, they were so cute and I found it funny seeing a blushing embarrassed Twilight, something the normal show didn’t have. However I was like 13 at the time when I watched this and Rainbow rocks for the first time, and have since seen some flaws here. There relationship is sweet in the first film and and you can tell how good of a guy Flash is, and Twilight returns these feeling, and the quick showing of them being at the dance together was adorable, but than Rainbow rocks happens. It is made clear to use that the entire time Twilight has been gone Flash has missed her(so cute) but from the show we know Twilight hasn’t thought or mentioned human Flash or pony Flash since, and continues not to think about him until she literally runs into him, and awkwardly the cuteness fades as Twilight no longer seems to know how to interact with him, which upsets Flash. Than as the sirens work there magic they become increasingly hostile towards each other and don’t really get a lot of screen time together for the rest of the movie, and than they literally never see each other again, but Flash still waits for her to return. In Everfree Forest he starts to move on.

#7: Curly Winds and Wiz Kid

I don’t know enough about these two to give them a true ranking so they get this neutral spot, but from the images above I’d say they are a pretty sweet couple. And Being LGBT, I always love representation in tv shows.

#6:  Timber Spruce and Sci-Twi

Sci-Twi was never meant for Flash Sentry, and I’m glad they did not get together, but Timber and Sci-Twi is a different story. He was so sweet to her, and there chemistry seemed natural, and he actually asked her out, something Flash never did, that and the almost kiss. This Twilights reaction to having a crush is different from Princess Twilights, and I love how well she gets along with him. The only reason they are not higher is because he was covering for his sister who planned on doing dangerous and illegal things. That and she’s in high school and he is an unmentioned amount years older who seems to have done this camp at least once before so it could be anywhere from a year difference to six.

#5: Yona and Sandbar

Oh my god, they are so cute. The episode that first shows hints of a romance between these two is also one of my favourites because Yona is worried that the Pony’s attending the dance (aka Sand Bar who is the one who invited her) will judge her because she does not look, act, or dance like a pony(because she’s a Yak) and she tries to make herself more pony only to make a fool of herself and mess up the dance. However when she runs off Sandbar finds her and comforts her and tells her that he liked her for being herself and that he doesn’t care that she is a yak. He than asks her back to the dance where they spend the rest of the night together. Also they are seen holding hoofs in the big fight at the end, and are seeming living together at  Carousel Boutique.

#4: Hoofbeard and Jewel 

If you didn’t read the IDW comics you would never know these two, but the mane six go on an adventure with Captain Hoofbeard and try and find his treasured Jewel, but the X on the map keeps moving, in the end its revealed that Jewel isn’t a gem, but a seapony and an old girlfriend of Hoofbeard. He confesses that he still loves her and wishes they could be together but knows that she breaths water and he breaths air, but Twilight uses a spell that gives him gills and some fins. He traveled the ocean, like how Cranky Donkey traveled the land, to find his love again, and faced many dangers to do so.

#3:  Fluttershy and Discord

I always thought these two should stay friends, especially considering he’s immortal ad she isn’t, but in the later seasons it was impossible to deny the romance forming between the two. Discord loves Fluttershy and gets giddy anytime he thinks about her and has pictures of her, and they have tea parties(dates) every week. For Fluttershy she knows Discord like the back of her hoof and is deeply hurt when he sort of betrays the group in the finally, but before that Angel(her bunny who knows everything about her) while in Fluttershy’s body stated how it was Fluttershy’s wish to MARRY DISCORD. In the finally Discord drops Fluttershy at Twilights and gives her a lunch, implying that they live together and during Fluttershy’s part of the song The Magic Of Friendship Grows, as she sings the line, “And because the love that I feel, For every single living creature is something that is real , Friendship happens so naturally ” Discord comes out of a portal and they stare at each other and se extends her wing out to him as he flies just off screen. The writers say there relationship is up to the viewers interpretation, but they are obviously in love and married by the end. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImsTS1Kb9ww

#2:  Flash sentry and Sunset Shimmer

Here’s where the bias comes in. In the first film its said how these two used to be a couple but that they broke up not long before the series because of how bad she used to be, and than its never mentioned again until Everfree where Flash and Sunset have a momment where they confide in each other because they still know each other in ways the other main characters don’t know her. Flash even asks her if she’d like to start over, than awkwardly adds the friends part but its obvious hw they look at each other that there is still a spark there and it will most likely be rekindled soon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI5lTaUahfU

#1:  King Sombra and Princess Celestia

This was the Romeo and Juliet is Romeo and Juliet where literally from other worlds and actually loved each other. This comic pulled at my heartstrings so much that I could never look at Sombra in the TV show the same way again. In this four part series its revealed that before Luna even became Nightmare moon Celestia had been visiting this other Equestria where its ruled by a kind Sombra and the two fell in love and have secretly been visiting each other on and off since. But there travels is ripping the barrier between the two world apart so they can’t see each other as often. In the end Sombra restores the barrier, saving both there worlds, by sacrificing himself by absorbing the evil of the alternate versions of Luna and Celestia, becoming just like Sombra in Celestia’s world. His final act is telling Celestia to leave him(So he won’t do anything he’d regret to her) than on the final page Celestia alone says how much she still loves him, and in his own dimension, despite being evil, admits how he still loves her as well. In the end they are never allowed to see each other again, but there love still transcends dimensional boarders. 

[i-dream-of-twilight-sparkle]

Chapter 10: Dragon Love

Spike’s first stop when he went out of the castle was to the post office, where he goes to meet up with a new friend, Gabby the griffon. Perhaps one of the few overexcitable griffons ever. Their friendship managed to make Rarity a bit jealous of Gabby, but in the end they learned to share their time with Spike.

Spike: Hi Gabby!

Gabby: Oh hi Spike! How’s my favorite little scarred, but still adorable dragon doing?

Spike: Pretty good! I actually came over if you were interested in going with me, my mother, and all our friends friends to Saddle Arabia to see a Royal Ball. There will be plenty of entertainment, food, and friends both new and old to mingle with.

Gabby: Sure thing, Spike! Sounds like a good time!

The steps of hooves are heard from behind the desk. It’s the town mailmare, Derpy Hooves.

Derpy: Both of you going to the ball, too? Awesome!

Spike: Oh hey Derpy! Did you want an invite too?

Derpy: Oh, I actually happened to come across Rainbow Dash before I went into work today! So I’ve already been invited. But I still appreciate it, Spike!

Spike: Very nice! It’ll be great seeing both of you there! I need to head off to find a few more friends I want to invite, but I’ll catch both of you later!

Gabby: Alright, Spike! Seeya!

Spike leaves the post office while waving back to Gabby and Derpy.

Spike: Alright next stop, Thorax’s changeling hive…

Spike gets out his own pack of portal gum to travel to see his friend Thorax. Once just a normal changeling that was discovered in the Crystal Empire by Spike who defected from Chrysalis’ rule and would later help Starlight, Trixie, and Discord defeat Chrysalis. And then showed many others in the Changeling army another way for them to live instead of dependent on invasions to feed on love. The Changelings quickly became a sovereign kingdom of their own.

Spike walks near the hive, Changeling guards recognize him and acknowledge him as a friend of Thorax’s and allow Spik to pass to see him. Eventually he reaches Thorax’s throne.

Spike: Hey there, Thorax!

Thorax: Hello Spike! It’s been a while since we talked just the two of us, what brings you to the hive?

Spike: I just came over to invite you and any of the other changelings here craving some real love, cause in Saddle Arabia there will be a Royal Ball that precedes a Wedding for two of me and Twilight’s friends who live there! Both events are sure to have plenty of love to go around whether it’s friends with friends, family with family, and relationships old and new coming together! And that’s before the actual wedding!

Thorax’s mouth just starts drooling

Thorax: Oh wow… two events full of scrumptious love we can get our fill just by sitting around all the love that will be in the air?! You bet that I’ll go! Is it ok if I bring along some of our hungrier citizens that could use a boost?

Spike: Of course! I definitely wouldn’t want to deprive any of your subjects, if they really want a piece of the love that is sure to be everywhere!

Spike and Thorax go around the hive inviting any changelings that want to come to, as obviously this event is going to have enough love to perhaps fill these changelings for maybe a week or even more. If they decline, they likely know they’ll have their fill for one reason or another anytime close to the time the ball might start, Thorax’s brother Pharyanx among them. Otherwise, they could usually tell who wants to go for if they drooled or flicked their tongues just imagining all the love they could get.

Ocellus: Oh my gosh, I absolutely must go! I have been quite starving as of late…

Spike: Don’t forget Ocellus, your friends from School should be there as well. In fact, I plan to get Smoulder too, when I head on over to the Dragonlands. I think my pony friends will get the rest.

Ocellus: Oh yes, absolutely will be nice to see my friends there too! So much love and friendship to go around! I can’t wait!

In a few short moments, they’ve gone though the whole hive and determined who wanted to go and who didn’t.

Thorax: Thank you for telling us about this, Spike! You will help a lot of our citizens, plus we should have a great time aside from our love feast we’re sure to get!

Spike: No problem, Thorax! It’ll be great to see you there. For now though, I’m heading off to the Dragonlands for my final stop, before settling down for whenever my mom says it’s time.

Thorax: Ok Spike, tell Ember and Smoulder I said hi!

Spike: I will! Bye!

((Story continues after the break))

Spike waves off to Thorax before creating another gum portal, this time to the Dragonlands. He’s still become too accustomed to Equestria, but the Dragonlands is still his species’ home. So Spike always gets to have a dose of his heritage every time he comes over. Spike doesn’t plan on leaving Equestria, even when he’s a super huge adult (And he and Twilight have already discussed how that will go, probably will take a little bit of Genie magic to make it work but that is a very, very, very long time from now, so it’s not exactly a subject that comes up often between the two). But as perhaps the first dragon to grow up in Equestria he’s very much an ambassador to Dragons who may themselves want to move into Equestria, though mainly the smaller ones since if too many big ones come in, there will be problems like when a red dragon sleeping made smoke that was polluting Ponyville, and it took him learning what Fluttershy’s stare could do in order to get him to leave. Not to mention the large size of the big dragons tend to cause a panic in fear-stricken populaces.

Spike flies around the skies of the Dragonlands until he finally catches a glimpse of Smoulder. Which then he swoops down to catch up to.

Spike: Hey Smoulder!

Smoulder: Heeeeeeyyyyyy! Sup’ Spike! Come here to toughen yourself a bit, in the Dragonlands?

Smoulder gives Spike an affectionate punch in the shoulder

Spike: Ouch!

Smoulder: Oops, sorry

Spike: It’s alright, I know that’s your way of saying hi, sometimes. But anyway, I came to invite you somewhere. Your other friends in school will be there as well, I just got done with a visit to the Changeling hive and Ocellus will be going. My pony friends will probably be getting the rest.

Smoulder: Where are all of you going?

Spike: Saddle Arabia, a Royal Ball is being held as well a wedding between two friends of me and my Mom’s who live there.

Smoulder: Hahahaha, no wonder Ocellus is going. She’s going to get the biggest love feast she’s had in a little while!

Spike: Yeah, probably ha. But do you think YOU will go.

Smoulder: Eh, kinda sounds a little too lovey-dovey. But maybe I should go for a chance to hang out with my school friends at least.

Spike: There should be plenty of food as well as entertainment as well. So even if you’re not exactly into any of the love stuff happening, it’s still mainly just a party.

Smoulder: True, I could probably enjoy just going anticipating a big party... So sure, I’ll go!

Spike: Great! Now I only need one more invitee, and I think I’ll see if Ember’s able to go. You have any idea where she is?

Smoulder: I think Lord Ember is meeting with her father, former Lord Torch in their volcano home.

Spike: Huh, I don’t think I’ve ever seen their volcano home. Can you take me there?

Smoulder: Sure! Just follow me!

Smoulder jumps up in the air to start flying, Spike following as well through the air., until they finally get to a humongous volcano that definitely looks like Torch, and probably Ember too once she’s as big as her father many thousands of years from now could fit in. Spike and Smoulder approaching a cave near the bottom of the volcano.

Spike: Is this an active volcano?

Smoulder: You bet it is! But when it erupts, that only means it’s shower time for ol’ Torch

Spike: This place definitely isn’t a place anyone other then Dragons want to approach then, that’s for certain.

Smoulder: I guess if any ponies wanted to try visiting they’d probably need some sort of heat shield spell or wish from your genie mother. Otherwise yeah, this is a pretty dragons-only spot. But only for the safety of non-dragons, we swear.

Spike and Smoulder head into the cave, the cave is actually pretty hot. It’d probably be unbearable for any ponies without some sort of magic heat suppressor around them to just walk in this place, even besides the fact it’s a volcano that could spew out deadly lava and suffocating ash at any moment. But for dragons like Torch, it’s an atmosphere they revel in. Dragons after all treat lava simply like a hot sauna, and the smoke just brings the lovely smell (At least, in a typical dragon’s opinion) of ash and sulfur.

Eventually they get to the center of the volcano where they can see the towering Torch and his daughter Ember. The current and the former Dragon Lords.

Spike: Hey… er… Ember and Torch!

The two look over to see they have visitors in the small dragon that was born and still chooses to live in Equestria, and another who happens to be the representative in the Friendship school.

Ember: Ahhhh! Hello both of you! Spike, this is the first time I’ve seen you go as far to see us at our home! You’ve sure came a long way from Equestria. What’s the occasion?

Spike: I simply went on over to ask if you and Smoulder would like to attend a Royal Ball and wedding between two of my mom and me’s friends. Smoulder already agreed but thought while I’m here I thought I’d extend an invitation. Oh, and Thorax says hi to both you and Smoulder.

Ember: Haha, of course Thorax says hi. If you invited him he was probably drooling for all that love that will be at that event you’re going to. But perhaps for the sake of peaceful diplomacy, I should go. If a Princess like Twilight is going, along with Thorax, I have a feeling others like the Yaks aren’t too far behind.

Spike: I’d ask your father too but er… his size would probably be a problem unless he agrees to being magically shrunk.

Torch: BA HA HA HA HA, it’s ok little Spike. I don’t think I was going to go, anyway. After all, I’m retired now. But I hope you, Lord Ember, and Smoulder have a good time in Saddle Arabia. Show the ponies how dragons can really light up a party!

Spike: Uh, I hope you aren’t telling us to light the palace on fire.

Torch: Nah, I promise it was just the expression.

Spike: *phew* I guess while I’m here, anything going on lately here? Equestria will always be my home, but as a dragon I guess I should still keep up with anything going on here. You’re the current and former Dragon Lord’s. I imagine you two talk about this nation a lot.

Ember: Heh, maybe a little. But this is our home, usually we just jokingly rib at each other between just us as father and daughter. We sometimes talk about our politics, but things are usually stable when you have one leader promised in power for tens of thousands of years and a general populace that generally remains for themselves with their own stash of treasures.

Torch: Yeah, in fact after I’ve retired I’ve simply been just reflecting about my long reign and the many, many, many, many mates I’ve had over my era.

Spike: Wait… did you say many mates?

Ember: Oh shoot, that’s right. Spike grew up in Equestria, he doesn’t exactly know how… “relationships” for lack of a better word work in the Dragonlands

Spike: What are you talking about?

Torch: In the Dragonlands, there is no such thing as marriage. Only several mates over our long, long lives.

Spike goes wide-eyed

Spike: SAY WHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!

Ember: Yeaaaaaah… I imagine that must be surprising to anyone who’s mainly experienced life in Equestria. But if you just think about it, most Ponies’ average lifespan is just over 100 years and their regular definition of love is. once they find somepony they love they’ll spend time with them for the rest of their life, barring something happening resulting in divorce, or an unfortunate early death of half of the couple. However, dragons live so long that even if there was a mate a dragon really loved. It might of been perceivably boring at least in our views, to had been with only one. 

Thus, it’s actually pretty normal for both male and female dragons to just move on to a different mate at some point. Sometimes, more then one at one point of time! That’s not even seen as wrong here whether you kept it a secret from your mate(/s) or not. And if for any reason a dragon misses a past mate, absolutely nothing wrong with going to see them again to become mates again, if both consent of course.

Spike just stands there trying to process this information that dragons have a very vastly different outlook on love from the one he was raised to know by ponies.

Ember: We’re just starting to at least have some aspects of Friendship. Is it any surprise that love is a lot different too? We can still love and can get infatuated, such as your crush on that white unicorn. But we never settle down with just one mate throughout our lives. Though forgive me for being grim, but you might actually be kind of thankful that this is normal for dragons. Because even if you get into a relationship with the white unicorn at some point she… won’t exactly be around very long in relative to your long lifetime…

Spike breaking out a bit of his trance of being told how Dragon love works, to look to the side solemnly.

Spike: Yeah, I’m well aware of that… I don’t exactly like talking about it however…

Ember: Well uh… it’s still a little while until then. I don’t mean to get you down, but we’re just teaching you a few things about us that most ponies don’t put in any books about us, since until they actually bring brave enough researchers. Any information they have about us are pretty incomplete or even inaccurate information. It’s possible that pony researchers thought we had lifelong mates if they had noticed a couple once or twice but never actually asked if the couple had ever been married or anything. 

I think at the very least Celestia knew enough about us, but since she sort of kept her policy towards the Dragonlands as leaving us alone. Informing Equestria about how we live never came up as a priority.

But thanks to your pony mother who’ll soon be ruling solo in Canterlot, we’re entering a new era of prosperity between Dragons and Ponies and other species. I’m pretty sure soon we’ll have some updated books about us in the coming years that will make this common knowledge there. You were raised by ponies, but you’re still a dragon. So thought it’d be useful information for you to know

Spike: I gotcha, but still. Can’t help but feel wowed, and almost a little scary of how many I might end up meeting over my life when I’m old enough to start mating.

Ember: Hehehe, you’ll still have that scar of yours, eye scars happen to be a very attractive trait in older dragons cause it’s perceived strength. You’re sure to have a lot of female dragons after you in your older years. Maybe even me and Smoulder at some point

Ember jokingly winks, Smoulder being the rebelllious teenage dragon just gives a “blegh”.

Spike: …Aren’t you and Smoulder both a decent bit of years apart from me?

Ember: I’m mostly joking, but in actuality once both dragons in a couple are about hundreds of years old it’s not considered wrong to go with any dragons whether they’re 100 years older or younger. Again, just think of the difference between Pony and Dragon concepts of time passed. Yes, it’d be wrong right now, but that’s mainly because relative to dragon aging you’re still just about a hatchling. But say in about maybe a decade or two when you’ve grown to early teenage size you may just be young enough to still be ok for Smoulder to be with, if she so wished.

Smoulder: You better not be shipping me with him, or else I don’t care if you’re Dragon Lord. I’ll kick you in the shins!

Ember just laughs.

Spike: I guess I understand, but boy this feels like a lot of odd conversations will come across from all this…

Ember: From a pony perspective, yeah. Dragon’s approach to love is really weird, but some day it’ll be normal to you at some point, I assure you.

Torch suddenly looks a little away from the conversation and thinking a little solemnly. Ember noticing that’s kind of odd for him to do so.

Ember: Huh? Father? What’s up?

Torch: Nothing too big, Ember. Just reflecting on the conversation you just had with Spike and on my own history. Even though yes, I’ve had many, many, many, many mates over my long life. I… admit there may have been one dragon that I was with for only a few years, that if the pony concept of Marriage for a lifetime did exist in the dragonlands. I would of certainly tried to propose at the very least… though I doubt she would of ever accepted it…

Ember: Who was this, Father?

Torch: Her name was Jennesis, though I liked to affectionately call her Jenny. She was a beautiful pink dragon with green back spines. And she was absolutely the most beautiful and kind dragon I ever had the pleasure to live with.

Spike: Is she still around?

Torch: I don’t know, this was a few thousand years ago. And also unfortunately, she probably wouldn’t say the same about me. As I admit unfortunately, I wasn’t exactly as good a mate to her as she was to me. Which is why we were only together for a few years.

Ember: Which in relative lifeline comparison between dragon and ponies, is like a pony relationship ending in at most less then a week...

Spike: Oof

Torch: Yeah… I admit it’s one of the few regrets I otherwise have, of what I otherwise feel was a glorious reign as Dragon Lord. I had many mates before and after Jenny, but none have ever quite matched up to her.

Ember: Dang, not even my mother?

Torch: Your mother was a lovely mate as well Ember. But Jenny was just on a whole ‘nother level.

Spike: Well, this has certainly been an interesting conversation. But if it’s ok, I’m going to start heading back to Equestria. I have everyone I wanted to invite now. But I suppose thanks for teaching me a few more things about being a dragon. I’m sure it’ll be useful information to know in the far future.

Ember: You’re welcome Spike! I’ll see you in Saddle Arabia!

Spike: Bye Ember! Bye Smoulder! Bye Torch!

Spike waves off to all three before using another gum portal to get back to Equestria, where he walks back to Twilight’s castle. All that information Ember and Torch gave him still kind of bouncing in his head as some of it was still a lot to take in. But nonetheless he gets set to just relax until Twilight likely gets back from finishing her own list of invitees.

UP NEXT: Chapter 11 - Celestia’s Secrets, Part 1

[afterspark-podcast]

My Little Pony/Transformers: Friendship in Disguise, Part 2 Transcript

[This can also be found on AO3!]

[Stinger]

O: [laughing]

S: Like, I told you about this before.  You- you know my reasoning, you know where it comes from.

[Intro Music]

O: Welcome back to our April Fools’ Special!

S: For the My Little Pony/Transformers crossover.

O: Today we will go through issues 3 and 4, which will finish this little series and now on to part 1 of issue 3- Fluttershy makes friends, or [clears throat] um, ‘Pet Sounds’.

S: Fluttershy and Discord are in Fluttershy's house having a tea party, when they hear a very loud noise outside.

O: Discord, for reference, is a reformed villain in the series.  He's basically just Q from Star Trek if Q were an amalgam of a bunch of different critters all smooshed together.  (Including being played by the same actor.)  Ah, but he's good friends with Fluttershy at tha- this point in the series, presumably.

S: Outside in a crater, Soundwave emerges concluding that this world is ‘illogical’.

O: Fluttershy asks Discord if he's trying to play a trick on her, but he says even he can't think of something this bizarre.

S: Soundwave scares several of Fluttershy's animal friends, who flee into her house for safety.

O: Fluttershy attempts to calm them by saying, “No one's all bad!”  Before she catches sight of Ravage, Ratbat, Rumble, and Laserbeak.

S: Her first instinct is, “I can bond with this person!  He has PETS!!!”

O: Pretty much.  Fluttershy gathers up a few of her animal friends and flies directly over to Soundwave to introduce herself.

S: Said animal friends do not appear to be happy about this turn of events.

O: I don’t blame them!

S: Soundwave does not detect a threat from Fluttershy, but correctly detects a threat from Discord.

O: Meaning Soundwave can scan for chaos magic.

S: Well, considering Starscream, I'm pretty sure he can just scan for chaos in general.

O: [laughs] That's not a bad way of looking at it!  Soundwave begins attacking Discord, while the cassettes make a beeline for Fluttershy

S: Rumble, being the only one who can presumably speak in this group, starts badgering Fluttershy for information about this world's defenses.

O: And also, “Why does everything smell like lavender!?”

S: The Decepticons… I guess, know what lavender smells like.

O: I think the question is, do the Decepticons like what lavender smells like?

S: Very good question.  Discord proceeds to make a nu- a nuisance of himself to Soundwave, transforming into a metallic version of himself.  With puns even!

O: [snorts] Fluttershy, being Fluttershy, spots a scratch on Ravage's nose.

S: Or a booboo, as she calls it.

O: And pulls out some ‘booboo cream’ to tend the wound.

S: Ravage looks rather disarmed by all of this attention.

O: The rest of the animal cassettes all gather around Fluttershy, while Rumble is in the background getting more annoyed as he protests that it's not a ‘booboo’ it's ‘battle damage’.

S: Rumble backhands the cream out of Fluttershy's... hand?  Hoof?

O: Hoof, probably. [laughs]

S: To the shock and chagrin of the rest of the cassettes, Discord, and all of the animals in the vicinity.

O: Fluttershy gets upset because she was, “Trying to be nice!”

S: The other three cassettes turn on Rumble, as Discord transforms Fluttershy's animal friends into little robot versions of themselves.  Surprisingly menacing ones!  And they all attack Soundwave.  Soundwave gets to learn what being attacked by a dozen rabid little bunnies feels like.

O: Rumble attempts to dissuade his fellow cassettes from murder, invoking the ‘f word’.  The ‘f word’ being ‘friendship’ here.

S: Fluttershy immediately changes her tune and asks if friendship is what they really care about.

O: Soundwave responds with, “Unquestionably: Friendship superior.”

S: While being covered in a bunch of tiny, rabid, metal animals.

O: Yes.  The fighting stops, as Fluttershy says they can start over and be friends.

S: Discord points out that he could just turn them all into little pretty ponies, but doesn't.

O: The animal friends are returned to normal, and Rumble apologizes to Fluttershy.

S: Megatron coms Soundwave at this point, and tells him to meet up with the rest of the Decepticons.

O: Soundwave responds in the affirmative, but with the caveat of, “Eventually.”

S: And the final panel has Soundwave sitting down and looking on at- as his cassettes and Fluttershy frolic.

O: It is a stupidly cute panel.

S: Mm-hmm, Rumble has a bunch of bunnies in his arms.

O: Ravage is playing with a birb.

S: Laserbeak and Ratbat are both giving tiny animals rides.

O: And Discord is giving Soundwave a thumbs up.

S: It's happy communication all around.

O: Right!? Like, this is what Soundwave deserves, okay!? This is my humble opinion- Soundwave should just stay here and be happy.  I actually would pay good money for a crossover- like, a crossover fic of them.  Just Soundwave helping with like, Fluttershy's animal hospital thing.  That sounds so cute! [laughs]

S: It would be a relaxing vacation for him.

O: He deserves a relaxing vacation.  My boy deserves a relaxing vacation!  Also, just going to pause- if you guys hear creaking, I am super sorry.  But we- my neighbor is moving around a lot for some reason, and there's a lot of cranking going on here.  So, sorry you can hear that.

S: Issue 3 part 2, “The Flying Fox Trot,” begins with Rainbow Dash reclining on a cloud and chomping on an apple, content with life.

O: At least until Windblade zooms by, dissipating Rainbow's perch.

S: The two introduce themselves to each other and rainbow proclaims herself as, “The fastest in Equestria!”

O: To which, Windblade, seasoned warrior, plane with literal jet engines, asks, “Until I showed up?”  Of course, the only way to settle this is with a race, apparently.

S: Considering Rainbow Dash's personality, yeah.

O: Yeah.

S: At the starting line we get cameos from some horse-based Transformers, Mach Kick and Battle Unicorn.

O: Which, honestly, since one’s a horse and one's a unicorn, I'm just amused that these exist at all- in a toy line for boys.  And also, I kind of want them on principle.

S: They're-

O: They look amazing. [laughs]

S: With very convoluted transformations.

O: Apparently.  Because apparently, you can't, you- you- you- can take the horse out of the organic but you cannot take the horse out of a horse.

S: [laughs]

O: I know that wasn’t right.

S: You can take the organic out of the horse, but not the horse out of the robot.

O: Yes.  So it's, uh, anatomy is just about as bad as a real horse is what I'm getting at here. [laughs]  Windblade and Rainbow Dash take off and are neck and neck, figuratively speaking, since Windblade doesn't have a neck right now, but whatever.  Until they run into a gaggle of Decepticons.

S: Misfire and the Rainmakers not- well, to be specific.  And honestly that just sounds like a band name?

O: Jem and the Holograms’ new rival! [laughs] I like- great- okay, okay, I know- I know- I know that we were talking about this in our warm-up, not in the actual episode but if you want to get into weird things you can that like, fit into the Transformers-verse, arguably Jem and the Holograms takes place in the fit into the same continuity.  And in fact, there was a G.I. Joe character whose entire backstory is that he was a roadie for Jem and the Holograms, and G.I. Joe definitely takes place in the same universe as Transformers.

[Okay, so like, I’m not wrong per say, but arguably Transformers, Inhumanoids, G.I. Joe, and Jem and the Holograms all take place in the same universe due to the presence of Hector Ramirez in all four series. ~O]

S: And considering the comics, which definitely have had multiple G.I. Joe crossovers.

O: Yeah, but not Jem and the Holograms.  Like, I think the last IDW Jem and the Holograms was kind of weird because it didn't- it didn't tie in with the rest of like, the Hasbroverse.

S: Mm.

O: Anyway, I'm sorry, tangent!  It just cracks me up that's all.

S: [laughs] The Rainmakers popped up in a season one episode, in G1, when the Autobots had to visit Cybertron.

O: Misfire doesn't show up in G1 till like, very late season four, and by late I mean, season four only has like, what?  Three episodes?

S: Mm.

O: But, you know what I mean!  And he's more widely known from his IDW appearance with the Scavengers, who are ‘sirs not appearing in this comic’.

S: And also for his incredibly bad name-

B: [laugh]

S: And also for his imp- incredibly bad aim, for which, poor Misfire gets his name.

O: Rainbow Dash suggests doing the ‘Flying Foxtrot.’

S: Which Windblade, understandably, is not familiar with.

O: And I'm half convinced that Rainbow Dash made it up, but whatever!  This entire thing seems to be baiting the Cons into shooting heat seeking missiles at the two of them, and then nyrooming behind them so that the missiles hit the Cons instead.

S: The comic ends with Rainbow Dash and Windblade agreeing to a tie and sitting atop a pile of Rainmakers and Misfire.  Who all look like they are regretting their life choices.

O: They were defeated by a pony, [speaks while laughing] I would hope they were regretting their life choices! [returns to speaking normally] Issue 4, part 1, is, “Strength in Numbers,” featuring Applejack and the Insecticons.

S: It opens with Applejack being very upset that there are some giant ass bugs in her orchard, eating everything.  And, I mean, she unfortunately has a super big pest problem here.

O: Which is a bad thing when her entire income is dependent upon farming.

S: Yep.  The Insecticon horde is very happy, and surprisingly cute as they munch on delicious apples and trees.

O: Applejack attempts to chase them off in multiple ways… none of which work.

S: Spraying them with the hose, hitting them with rakes, spraying them with the hose again, and then trying to push them off the apple trees.

O: Back inside her house, she brainstorms more things to try when Discord appears out of nowhere and she too is like, “Are you playin’ a prank, Discord!?”

S: Well, if i lived in ponyverse or-

O: Equestria.

S: Equestria, I think that might have been my first thought too.

O: I mean, fair.  Giant insects are eating her apples.  Like, who else could do that but Discord on a normal day? [laughs]

S: Mm-hmm.  However, Discord says that this stuff is too mundane to be one of his pranks.

O: Applejack asks for his help.  He declines, as he'd much prefer to watch this madness, but he does summon all of the Apple Family to aid Applejack.

S: The Apple Clan is here!

O: No, really, like, ALL of them are here.  And I am not listing them off, because it's pretty much every single Apple character that appeared in the show at some point.

S: So all of the Apple Clan charge in, and I'm kind of wondering now if he like, showed up and briefed them all- just-

O: [laughs] I think they all saw through the portal, and saw bugs eating apples and were like, “My people are calling me!” [laughs]

S: My- my home needs me!

O: My home needs me, exactly.

S: Babs Seed, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom take out an insecticon by themselves by kicking it,

O: Which are Applejack's cousin, older brother, and little sister, respectively.

S: Several other Apples take out other Insecticons with ropes.

O: And an elderly Apple accidentally kicks one of Bombshell's Cerebral Shells back onto him and then orders him to go away while she's sort of flailing.

S: Accidental mind control, here we are!

O: And the day is saved thanks to the Apples, and we move on to the final chapter of the crossover fittingly called, “Finale.”

S: We open in the Crystal Empire with one of the other princesses of Equestria, Princess Cadence, as several of Twilight’s students report back to her that the Decepticons are nowhere to be found, but are likely planning an attack according to the Autobots.

O: Speaking of attack!

S: [sighs] The wall is smashed in as Megatron, Queen Chrysalis, and their allies arrive and demand that they hand over all the magical artifacts.

O: Twilight Sparkle and Optimus arrive just in time.

S: Optimus attempts to get Megatron to leave with politeness.

O: Surprising no one who's dealt with Megatron for more than 10 seconds, he declines. [laughs]

S: And with a combined call of, “Transform and trot out!” and, “Till everypony are one!”  …Oh, so grammatically incorrect.

O: [laughs]

S: The Autobots and their allies go on the offensive.

O: And I get secondhand embarrassment from those lines existing in a printed form.

S: Pinkie Pie throws a pie in poor Soundwave's face.

O: And we get a pretty great two-page spread where a variety of things are happening...

S: Rarity is riding in Arcee's vehicle mode as they launch themselves at Shrapnel.

O: Optimus is punching the crap out of Starscream.

S: Megatron orders Shockwave to just get some magical shit already!

O: Bumblebee goes on a tangent about Equestria's tasteful decor.

S: More bickering back and forth, and went- then Twilight summons the orange cap of shame onto Megatron's Fusion Cannon.

O: For reference, this is referring to the fact that Megatron with his original alt can't normally be sold without said orange cap identifying that he's not a real gun.  Which was a thing that was put into place after- or like you know, late 80’s, early 90’s.  Um, at least, you know, he can't be sold without this in the states and personally I think it's fucking hilarious.

S: And through the powers of friendship and Spike's awesome skills, the Space Bridge opens and Spike and Grimlock come through and assist.  And this is dragon Spike.

O: Yes.

S: Not human Spike.

O: Oh- to which, dragon Spike is wearing adult human Spike’s exo suit though.

S: Mm-hm.

O: To make this more confusing, how many Spikes would you like to go around?  That sounds really dirty within the fandom- and I'm gonna move right along!

B: [laugh]

S: Twilight and Optimus use alicorn magic and the Matrix in tandem to send the Decepticons home.

O: One delightful tea and Energon party later… the Autobots arrive back home themselves.

S: Optimus then explodes the space bridge behind them to protect Equestria from the Decepticons.

O: Much to the sadness of the Autobots, who enjoyed their time with their new friends.

S: Unfortunately for the ponies, Shockwave might have figured out a way to bring them to Cybertron instead.

O: And on that sequel bait, the crossover ends.  And yes, there is actually a sequel that's been announced.  In fact, I think the first issue or two might be out, and we're definitely looking forward to reading it at some point.

S: I feel like I've definitely seen a cover…

O: Other than that, what were your thoughts and feelings about this crossover?

S: The colors and such were really nice, but the cartoony style that the My Little Pony artist used for the robots didn't really work for us.

O: And we want to add, we're not saying they're a bad artist!  It was merely a stylistic option that didn't mesh well for us, specifically for the robot characters.

S: Mm-hm.

O: Um, this was further compounded by the fact that normal- like, Transformers artists that we are more used to doing comics, were also involved in other issues.  And so, they were drawing the robots better, and then the ponies also didn't look like terribly off model or something.  So it was just less distracting when they were doing it.

S: Mm.

O: Overall the special was good, and we recommend it to you if you like Transformers and My Little Pony.

S: Not that you should, you know, wait for our recommendation or anything.

O: [laughs] Uh, the Fluttershy/Soundwave chapter was a standout for both of us.

S: It was very cute, and I really enjoyed how emotive the non-speaking cassettes were.

O: I loved seeing the poor man have to deal with Discord's nonsense.

S: I feel like... we could have done with something longer having him deal with Discord’s nonsense.

O: I- yeah, it was constrained in the way that they did this, where each- there were only four issues, and each issue was- was split into two parts.

S: Yeah, and it's only 24 pages an issue or something.  So it's very- they're very minimal and very constrained.

O: Right.

S: It's just an issue with the medium.  I also really enjoyed the Spike/Grimlock chapter, because it was nice to see them both admiring each other's qualities, and supporting each other, and just being so uplifting.

O: And cute!

S: Mm-hm.

O: My second favorite was probably the Pinkie Pie chapter though, because it was just completely batshit insane.  Uh, just- again, Shockwave had a whisk and a spatula, because he was planning on eating the ponies.  I- where do I go with that?  How do I make that better!?  I can't, that's the answer! [laughs]

S: Shockwave just really wants to- to practice his, um…

O: Culinary arts? [laughs]

S: Yeah. I don't know, the implication that Cybertronians have culinary arts is- it just kind of weirds me out.

O: [continues laughing] Yeah, but- but Gauge was like, “I have a recipe!”

S: I know!  Well, that's the entire implication, it's just like, oh.  Mm.

O: I love that we probably got more actual like, culinary cannon from a fucking My Little Pony crossover than any of the other Transformers comics combined!

S: Yeah.

O: That's weird! [laughs]

S: I mean, the fact that it does come from effectively a pre-war era does mean that we'd potentially get more culture.

O: Eh, yeah.  I mean, but I don't think this was pre-war.  It seemed like it was mid-war?

S: I know, but just the fact that the uh, IDW2 is mostly pre-war.

O: Ah, that's true, that's true.

S: The characters all felt in character, the relationships were entertaining and sweet, and barring the one artist everyone was very expressive.

O: And with that, thanks for joining us for our April Fools’ special.  We hope ya’ll enjoyed, join us next time as we go back to business with episode 43, The Golden Lagoon.

S: Yay.  And that just about wraps it up for us today.  Remember to check us out on Tumblr or Pillowfort as Afterspark-Podcast, for any additional information, show notes, or links you may have mentioned.  You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter at AftersparkPod (all one word), and various other locations by searching for ‘Afterspark Podcast’ such as AO3, iTunes, Spotify and Youtube, just to name a few.  And feel free to send us questions on Tumblr, Youtube or AO3.  Till next time, I'm Specs!

O: And I’m Owls!

S: Toodles.

[Outro Music]

[el-gilliath]

Day 5: Freaky Friday

Prompt by @bialiencowboy: with the aftermath of all the shit that's rained down on michael and isobel, they shut themselves up in izzy's house. they don't know rath blew into town when he felt something shifting in their distant bonds. they don't know he's here. they don't know he walked into the wild pony, dressed as michael and kissed maria.

I’m just gonna warn for douchbagery here, because Rath is a douchebag. And he does kiss Maria with her thinking it’s Michael, so be warned for that as well.

It’s quiet, when he rolls into town. Quiet in a way he doesn’t think Roswell New Mexico should be quiet. It might just be because something is missing, that Zan, no not Zan, Max is dead. Maybe that’s why he’s able to enter without any prodding in his mind, why he was able to go to Michael’s trailer. Michael, what a stupid name, nothing like their true name. Rath is a good, strong name, worthy of a general. Michael just sounds like a sobbing child, and from the grief he feels in their distant bond, that is exactly what he is.

Now though, now he gets to have some fun. Some fun in Roswell, New Mexico, maybe make some waves. He wishes Villandra and Zan would come with him, but he also gets that they don’t want to go to Roswell. It’s nothing like New York, a hole in the fucking dessert. He doesn’t like it, but he does look forward to maybe fucking up his sibling clone’s life.

He stops at The Wild Pony, hoping he will find Maria there. She’s been a delight, the other times he’s been there, disguised as Michael. Like she actually tolerates the little child that his clone is. 

He’s not disappointed when he walks in, she’s at the bar, beautiful and wonderful as always. She looks up when she sees him, her eyes going huge in surprise. Like she’s… happy to see him. Interesting, so the child might’ve actually made a move.

“Hey DeLuca, you’re closed, I guess?” he asks, his gaze calculating as she turns around to look at him. Her eyes are hopeful, yet guarded, he can work with that. “I’m sorry if I interrupted you. I just- I just really need a drink.”

She looks at him, a small smile coming to her lips. “No. No, we’re open, actually.”

He grins, a grin he knows is more predatory than the child, but he doesn’t let her look too long before he stalks over to her. Her breath hitches as he gets closer, and part of him doesn’t want to play a game where he flirts, she flirts back and they drink. 

He kisses her instead, his hands hungry as they grip her face, fingers sprawling to drag her in and angle her just the way he wants. She lets out a small squeak of surprise, but kisses back after a moment of hesitation. It’s good, he knew she would be good at this. That he could just take for a bit, without her pulling back.

“Guerin,” she whispers as she pulls back a little, but Rath doesn’t want to hear his name. He shakes his head, minutely, and pulls her back in, kissing her deeply to distract her. It works, she doesn’t try to speak again.

They keep kissing, wrapped up in each other that they don’t hear the door open.

“Maria, are you he- Oh.”

Maria breaks away from him, pushing him away slightly as she turns towards the door, her eyes going wide. “Alex!”

“Sorry, I uh. The door was open.”

Rath turns around slowly, eyes narrowed at the sight of Alex Manes standing just inside the bar. He looks like a snack, like someone Rath would devour whole if he could, in black jeans and a leather jacket. No wonder the sob child wants him.

Alex is looking at Maria, betrayal and pain in his features for a second, before he’s able to hide it. Serves him right, for being who he is.

“I wanted to talk.”

“Alex-”

“Don’t worry about it, Maria. We-.” He stops himself mid sentence, as he looks over at Rath. Rath doesn’t know what he sees to make his eyes narrow, but he doesn’t like it. It irks him that Alex apparently sees something, it irks him even more when the son of a dogshit pulls a gun on him a second later.

“Alex! What the hell are you doing?” Maria all but yells, taking a step back as her eyes widen in surprise.

“Look at his aura.”

“What?”

“Look. At. His. Aura, Maria. I don’t know who that is, but it’s not Michael.”

He looks at Maria as she turns towards him, her eyes confused, disbelieving, but ready to do what Alex says. Rath schools his features, taking on a mask of neutrality he knows has worked well for him before, that has gotten him through some pretty interesting spots.

But from the way Maria gasps a minute later, it doesn’t work here. She backs away from him, coming to stand closer to Alex who still has his gun trained on him. Oh well, he was hoping he would get to have a bit more fun before he had to leave.

“Well, well, well. I never expected that someone could tell us apart with only a look,” Rath says, his face taking on a predatory grin, his eyes going dark in annoyance. “How well do you know my counterpart for you to be able to do that, huh Manes. You must be something special. Or you were, at least.”

Alex doesn’t rise to the bait, so he does a cursory look up and down, his eyes zeroing in on the gun. Loaded, and the safety is off. “Planning on shooting me, Manes?”

“Maybe I should try to figure out how many bullets you could stop before one gets through,” Alex replies. He’s cocky, this Manes. But Rath knows that he can pull it off, just like the rest of his family.

“The question you should ask is, can you get a shot in before I throw you to kingdom come?”

“Yes.” And Alex doesn’t sound the slightest bit unsure. “Michael’s powers work on a slight delay, and I’m a quick shot. I could shoot you in the head before you could come near me with your powers.”

Maria looks really confused behind him, making Rath laugh. “He didn’t tell you? We’re aliens, babe. Came down from the stars above in 1947. My siblings and I woke up in New York, 1995. Our… clones, woke up in 1997 in Roswell, New Mexico.”

She looks at Alex, unsure. Alex just nods, making her take a breath in shock. Alex lets one hand go on the gun, taking hers and squeezing it. She squeezes it back, seemingly finding strength in it. Humans, disgusting creatures. If only they weren’t so delicious to play with.

Alex takes his phone from his back pocket, and hands it to Maria before bringing his hand back up to the gun.

“My birthday. Call Michael, tell him we’re here.”

Maria wastes no time, unlocking the phone and finding Michael’s number. “You sure he will answer?”

“He always does.”

Maria gets a slight pained look in her eyes, but nods through it, hitting Michael’s number and putting it on loudspeaker as she does. It only rings a few times before it connects.

“Alex?”

The grief in the voice is exactly as Rath thought it would be, he really is like a sobbing child. But there is a slight hope that comes through as he says Alex’s name that intrigues Rath. Maybe going to Maria wasn’t what would’ve destroyed his clone the most.

“We’re at the Wild Pony, you need to bring Isobel and get here now.”

The phone stays silent for a few seconds, before Michael yells for Isobel on the other end of the phone. He hears Villandra, Isobel, grumble as Michael tells her they need to go.

“Give us fifteen minutes, we’ll be there.” The phone clicks off, and Maria puts it back in Alex’s pocket.

Rath scoffs. “He comes when you beckon, then. What a wimp.”

Alex doesn’t reply, Maria either, though she looks at Alex like she’s trying to figure him out. Like she has finally unlocked something she wasn’t aware of before. Rath doesn’t really give a shit, but it is more entertaining to watch than the floor.

The next 15 minutes is spent in silence. Rath keeps expecting Alex’s laser focus with the gun to lessen, to relax for just a second so he can throw him into the wall but it doesn’t. Which is a shame, because Alex is right. He has a slight delay to his powers that would enable Alex to put a bullet through his brain, and he has no doubts that he would.

A car screeches to a halt outside soon enough, and the door flies open, Michael coming in first with Isobel right behind him. Both of them look wrecked, not that it surprises him, he probably would feel some kind of pain if Zan died.

Michael runs over to Alex, looking him up and down as if he’s searching for wounds, giving Maria the same treatment a second later. But Isobel, oh Isobel is looking straight at him. He tips his head at her, making her take a sharp intake that finally makes Michael look at him as well. He enjoys the look of shock on their faces, as he knows this is the first time they’ve seen him, even if he’s seen them several times before.

“What the actual hell?”

“What?” Rath asks. “Never seen a clone of yours?”

“The fuck do you mean, clone?”

“He means genetic identical,” Alex interrupts. “I found some files in it from Caulfield, but it was only speculation. Obviously there was something true to it.”

Rath watches with glee at the confused, maybe even panicked look the child sends him. He’s obviously not fine with it, and it makes Rath positively burst with joy, that he can do something so easily as exist to disrupt the day for his lesser counterpart.

“Don’t worry. We took care of the third set of clones. They liked to feed on their victims,” Rath says, the predatory grin coming back on his face. “There’s only us now. Well, us, and you two. Since you managed to kill Zan.”

“Wh-We didn’t kill Max! He sacrificed himself!”

“And you let him, knowing he was high on power and willing to do anything for that girlfriend of his.” Rath subtly starts gathering his power, slow enough to not set off Alex. “Have. You. No. Shame.”

Isobel is starting to become angry. She’s so much like Villandra, probably the most alike of all three of them. If Rath was an honest alien, he would know just how much he and Michael are alike too. But today, he chooses not to be honest. After all, why be honest when you can do the more fun thing and wreck some good, old-fashioned havoc on other people’s lives.

He turns to Isobel, his eyes softening as he looks at her. “I’m sorry about what Noah did to you, you didn’t deserve that.”

He turns to Maria and smiles. ”I’m not sorry I kissed you, you’re a great kisser. You ever want to come to New York, you’re more than welcome”

He ignores the angry yell from the child and turns to Alex. “If you’re anything like your father, I hope you die like the Manes Man you are.” He  gives Michael a quick once over. “But if you’re not, and you get tired of this sorry sack of bones, you’re also more than welcome to New York.”

He erects a forcefield around himself, just in time for the child to lose his temper. So predictable in his tantrums.

“Get the hell out of Roswell,” Vill- Isobel says, her voice low but with brimming with anger. He bows at her, a traditional bow before he turns around and starts walking towards the back door, happy with what he’s managed to accomplish in such a short visit.

“Oh, by the way, Michael? You only have one soulmate, and you already know who it is. Stop being an assbag,” he says, grinning as the child once again yells angrily towards him.

He can’t help but smile though, as he gets into his car and starts to drive. At least he managed to stir up enough shit to keep himself entertained for a while. And if maybe, just maybe, that helps the other clones to get their shit together and do something about their lives and Max being dead, well. Then that might be a good thing too.

[horsepriest]

I did this meme for Adelie on a whim and to link to her Refsheet page. There is hints towards spoilers for "The Moonlit Path" but none for "A Glimpse Beyond the Illusion."

There is some content warning of general malice and mentions of murder.

Elite Adelie

Basic stats:

Name: Elite Adelie

Gender/Pronouns: Agender she/her

Height: 8 ft with crown

Species: Other-Merged Hirudian Elite

Domain: The Firmament

Sexuality: Undefined

Romance: Undefined

Birthday: Dec. 12

Age: 260

Occupation: She is the Hirudian Elite that oversees all efforts outside of the sphere of Hirud and Light's Landing. Her wing of the military goes off-world to other planets to reap their resources. Her civilian forces mine the asteroid belts and guard them heavily. With her lab nestled in space rock, she is close enough to oversee the extraction processes. However, there is a large facility of hangars on Hirud that is incorporated into her domain. She occupies her time mostly with her experiments with the Other, sapient alien species, and her Liberated.

Weapons: Like all other Elites: innate control of the parasite in nearly every form. This includes her own, the metal plates that form the shell of her body can be molded into weapons she can control tele-empathically. She can, and does, use the Liberated parasite to force Liberated to fight for her- even if they don't want to.

Personality: Aloof, haughty, fickle. Adelie is the highest rank within the Great Hirudian Empire and she knows it. All other beings are below her, beasts or ooze. Adelie likes total control and will do whatever is needed to gain it (even ally with another Elite). Even her experiments are Liberated. She "loves" her experiments, like a person does with pets. This includes her Warlord Gresham. She has raised him from a kit. She indulged his worst impulses and encouraged him to follow through with them. She rewards him for his malice- in a way, she finds it cute.

OC Question Meme

1. How easy is it to make them angry? Do they show their anger or hide it? Extremely easy. Adelie likes everything to be exact to her mysterious specifications and she becomes irritated by anything that does not meet those specifications. Due to the immobility of her face and lack of vocal voice, it is difficult to see or hear her emotions, but it is easy to feel them due to her tele-empathy. She may kill you or take over your Liberation to do her bidding regardless. (In the case of Gresham, she loans him out to other Elites as she knows that is what hurts him most).

2. Do they believe in soulmates? Maybe she did, before becoming an Elite and essentially immortal. Her understanding of companionship has been twisted by her access to extreme power and merging with the Parasite. It has made her manipulative and view others as pawns, beasts, or ooze. Other influence has further twisted her view of the world causing her to lose touch with feelings. The closest thing she feels to “love” is akin to a human’s love for pets, including all the horrible aspects that crops up (breeding for specific traits for aesthetics/the hell of it to the detriment of the being’s health). Gresham is the perfect example of this.

3. Do they have any pet peeves? Disobedience. Disorderliness. Chaos. Anything that is outside of her expectations. While she is familiar with the drawbacks of many of her monsters (such as drool or blood in unsightly places), she prefers sterility. For Gresham, she just holds his jaw shut in her presence. Most others are stored in appropriately sized glass terrariums or aquariums for observation.

4. Do they have a happy place? Somewhere to go to in their heads when they need to relax? Adelie probably does not feel happiness in the same way a mortal could. Such a long life and access to such power and information leaves Elites numb to most emotions. She passively watches her newest experiments when she needs a distraction. She does this by passively accessing the Hirudian collective conscious to access the Parasite’s hivemind (not HiveMind) to watch through janitorial swarms.

5. At what stage of their life were they the happiest? Probably right before Ascension. The process requires being entirely in tune with one’s parasite and exerting one’s will beyond the parasite’s needs. It requires a lot of stubbornness and ambition—typically one ascends when they are at their most powerful, confident, and sure of themselves and thus, typically at their happiest.

6. At what stage of their life were they the least happy? Probably around when she realized that she required the starlight to live initially. Prior to infection, Hirudians are your typical organic-based organism, they don’t naturally require sunlight to function. It is a common frustration when becoming speakers to learn how to be purely diurnal and not require assistance with getting home before the star sets. It is a typical time of mourning of their lives that they have “lost” in the dawning of the new life they face (like many great shifts in life). Perhaps this is what spurred Adelie to become the Star Shunner? It is much easier to protect oneself from the light, than it is to require it.

7. At a bar/tavern/pub are they more likely to buy someone a drink, or have someone buy them a drink?

Adelie is more likely to buy someone else a drink. She cannot drink anymore and lacks a mouth. As for interplanetary negotiations, an expensive drink and hospitality goes a long way. Despite Adelie’s beliefs of her superiority, she knows you catch far, far, far more flies with honey. Or champagne.

8. Have they ever broken any bones? If yes, how?

Ascension is a bloody violent process where the mechanical form tears through the flesh then crushes the organic body under its metal weight. Deep in Adelie’s core, her organic body remains, crushed and unrecognizable by every means. Yet, it is still alive. It will still live long after her “ending” as well.

9. Do they have any memories/experiences they would rather forget? Not really. She does have the ability to remove harmful memories as needed. Also, her long life has numbed her to most of her memories and feelings.

10. What is their favourite memory from their childhood? Her long life has numbed her to most of her memories and feelings.

11. Do they have a “type” they are usually attracted to? Bestial, mutated, and as changed from their natural form as possible. She tends to pick larger specimens, breeding them into a much larger form if needed (usually artificially except for Vactyr).

12. Do they have any favourite possessions? Probably Gresham. He is her show pony, a prime example of her skill in bioengineering and in raising a horribly loyal war machine. He is a monstrous titan that is wrapped around the smallest finger of her smallest hand; he is utterly under her control under his own will—Liberation is just a cherry on top.

13. Do they have any tattoos? If no, would they ever consider getting one? At her present form, she is incapable of receiving tattoos. Not that she would want one anyways.

14. Do they have any piercings? If no, would they ever consider getting one? At her present form, she is incapable of having a piercing. Not that she would want one anyways.

15. What is their dream house like? They already live in it. An isolated asteroid containing all her active experiments and a handful of personal servants to assist her.

16. What is something about them that people would not expect just by looking at them? She is a lot more reactive emotionally than she looks, and her mind is a lot more active than she seems. Adelie is focused on her experiments far away while also handling matters requiring her attention.

17. How good are they at choosing gifts for others? In terms of impressing a potential business partner, she is exceptionally good at selecting things to do and give that feel extravagant and luxurious. However, for those she “cares” about, the gifts are not quite gifts. She will only give something that will benefit her. For instance, she rewards Gresham with the opportunity to torture others to his content for being a good Warlord.

18. Do they have a certain skill that they are particularly proud of? She can survive in the dark, unlike the rest of the infected Hirudians. She can somewhat controlthe Other, as much as one can at least. Her military wing is also running tightly and without direct need of her control; much unlike the crust, which is a mess and is out of control. (Adelie and Argiope have some tension between them)

19. How would a stranger they just met describe them? Intimidating, ethereal, alien. Interacting with an Elite is much like interacting with a biblical angel. Only, they are okay with you being afraid.

20. How would a close friend they have known for a long time describe them? Stuck up, aloof, perfectionist, a bitch, etc. The other Elites do not like her, but honestly, the Elites do not like each other overall.

21. Do they have any personal insecurities? Not really. She is comfortable in the fact that her minions will not revolt and issues in the home world do not bother her much at all.

22. What is their highest physical stat? (Strength, stamina, defense, speed, etc.) and their highest non-physical stat? (Intelligence, perception, charisma, luck, etc.)? Physical: Stamina. She is a machine infused with the mysteries of the universe- there is not anything that could stop her if she really wanted something. Non-physical: intelligence.

23. How would they react to finding out someone lied to them, even if it were for their own safety/well-being? She would get the truth out of you. Lying shows too much free will and that will not do.

24. Do they prefer cold weather or warm weather? Adelie does not really mind any temperature but keeps her lab cold.

25. How easy is it for them to say, “I love you”? Easy, too easy. It is as sincere as an abusive pet parent saying I love you to their pet though.

26. How easy is it for them to tell someone about their worries? Others would be able to feel her worries around her, there would not be really any question of what is bothering her. Adelie probably talks to herself in her lab.

27. Have they ever witnessed someone die? She has killed people in unique and messed up ways. So yes.

28. Are they ticklish? No.

29. How high/low is their pain tolerance? Exceedingly high. She is a machine at this point.

30. Is there something they secretly wish they could do but are too afraid to? Probably take a vacation. Adelie is a bit of an introvert and the Hirudian collective consciousness is probably low-key torture.

31. Are they a messy eater or a neat eater? Adelie is currently incapable of eating like an organic being. Mysteries of how Elites consume resources has not been determined yet, but Adelie is probably neat with the process.

32. What moment of their life made them feel most unloved? As she is so detached from every other being, Adelie probably does not feel very loved as is. Everything around her is either working against her or is a servant of hers. Not that she cares.

33. What moment of their made them feel most loved? If she paid attention, it would be in how Gresham adores her and cares for her. But she does not care.

34. Which of the senses would they hate to lose the most: vision, hearing, smell, taste, or touch? I have good authority to say that she will probably hate it when she loses pretty much everything.

35. Are they good at small talk? Adelie does not engage in small talk; she will steer such conversations back to important matters.

36. If they could ask anyone one question and get the absolute truth, who and what would they ask? She would ask the “powers that be” if her trust in the Other will betray her someday.

37. If they had the chance, would they prefer to travel to the past or to the future? If she knew what is in her future, she would go into the past.

38. Who had the biggest impact in their life, both positive and negative?

A mix of the parasite and the Other. She became an Elite due to the parasite and became more powerful through merging with the Other.

39. Would they rather life a life always surrounded by people, or always alone? Always alone.

40. Is there anyone or anything that immediately instills fear in them? There is a moment in the story she feels terror for the first time since she became an Elite—It’s when Gresham chooses to stay with her.

[decadentenemyturtle]

The Great Unknown

Summary: As if it wasn’t bad enough to fall in a random hole in a road and find yourself in Middle Earth, travelling with Thorin Oakenshield and his company, but also get turned into a dog by Gandalf. And when the wizard doesn’t even know how it happened or how to turn you back, you could only hope that this was just a bad dream. But is it?

Pairing: Thorin’s company x Reader

Words: 1942

Author's note: I'll be gone a week and a half, so I'm not sure when I'll be posting next chapter.

Previous chpaters

You ran back to the trolls camp, cursing silently the dwarves. Of course you could forgive them the fact that they didn't understand you most of the times, but when they did and didn't care, even mocked at you... Well, that's something you couldn't forgive. They were so indifferent that it was actually a wonder none of them died until they reached Erebor. But because of stupidity of certain two and events that happened after that, they lost most of their supplies and the ponies. 

You sneak in the bushes and stop there, getting down. You watch as the three trolls talk about the food, but you do not spot the Hobbit.

"Where are you Bilbo?" you whisper, looking around the camp. You didn't see him. You sigh and are about to move, when one of the trolls sneezes to his handkerchief and few seconds later he lets out a scream. You lift your head, surprised. There he was, on top of the handkerchief, covered in trolls snot. You lift your upper lip and move your tongue out, as if you tried to get something out of your mouth. The sight of Bilbo covered in snot was disgusting and you felt bad for him.

Then the troll threw him on the ground, as if he was some sort of bug climbing on teenyboppers arm. You wanted to giggle to the thought, but you knew better not to. You didn't want to get caught.

You could hear the trolls questioning Bilbo whatever he was and Bilbo almost spilling out that he was burglar. And right after that they try to catch him to make some dinner of him. The poor Hobbit keeps dodging their arms for few seconds, until one of them catches him and starts to question, whatever Bilbo has friends with him or not.

"No friends in the woods, I'm alone" Bilbo tries to confide them, but none of the trolls believes him. You crawl a little closer to the trolls, causing the bush make a sound. The trolls shoot their gaze towards you, but the leaves cower you enough that they do not see you.

"Oh, so ye don' have any friend's with ye, ehh? Then whose in de bushes, hmm?!" one of trolls questions, seeming to be rather angry of Bilbo's lie. Bilbo still tries to say that he is alone, but the trolls don't buy it anymore. Your heart was beating like crazy and you were ready to leap from the bush, when you notice Kili running from the next bush and cutting one of the trolls leg. Troll lets out a whinging scream and starts to hop on his better leg.

"Drop him!" Kili commands, swimming the sword he has. The troll who is holding Bilbo from his leg turns to look at Kili, rather shocked.

"You wot?!" he asks, as if he was deaf. Kili grins and turns to point the sword towards the two trolls.

"I said, drop him!" he repeats and soon Bilbo flies over the air and lands right on top of the young prince. You let out a huffing sound and stand up, as the rest of the company runs from the bushes to attack the trolls. What a fucking timing. And hey, they actually came here! Thought not because you warned them, you knew it. Fili and Kili must have alarmed them. You sneak quietly to the ponies as the company keeps the trolls busy. You try everything you can think of to release the four pony, but you can't get the ropes loose.

"Were's the bloody dog?!" you hear Dwalin shout. For a second you turn to look at him. He actually cared? Then you shrug, dismissing the idea and try to continue to free the ponies.

"I'll help 'er!" you hear Balin shout and only few seconds later he and Bilbo appear next to you, knife's on their hands and already sawing the ropes of. You take a work to calm the ponies, telling them that they'd be free soon and you could take them away from these frightful creatures. While you three are at the job, the company keeps the trolls away from the three of you. And soon, about a minute later, you are leading the ponies to safety as one of the trolls tries to get close to you. You saw Dori and Dwalin attack him, before you disappear into the forest.

 You come to an stop when you reach to the other ponies. They are frightened, but relieved to see you and the four ponies following you. Even more, when Balin and Bilbo appear from behind them.

"The lass was right! There were trolls in the woods that tried to eat us!"

"She saved you! You are alright now!"

"But didn't the dwarves get caught by these trolls?"

"Now what do we do?"

"We have to save them!"

You listened the ponies frightened talk, before you step forwards and let out a bark to get their attention. They all stop and turn towards you. Now that you were sure that they believed in you, you could easily tell them anything and they'd believe you.

"It's alright, calm down! Yes, the dwarves do get caught by the trolls, but they start to fight to how to eat them -" you start, but the ponies start to get nervous again when they hear that their riders are about to get eaten. "SHUSH you lot! The morning's not far away, and Bilbo realizes it and tries to buy time. And then the wizard comes, breaking a boulder behind the dwarves and the sunlight will turn the trolls to stone" you get to finish. Some of the ponies nod along, remembering that you had actually once said the same thing.

"Only that there's one problem, lass. The Hobbits right behind ye" Angus, Dwalin's pony, points out and even nods behind you. You open your mouth to protest that he surely isn't here, but when you glance behind you, your mouth fells open. There he stood, right next to Balin, staring at you and the ponies in shock.

"She's... talking to the ponies" Bilbo states the obvious. Balin only nods. Did.... did they realize just now that you could talk to other animals. Oh, jeez. What are they, blind and deaf?!

"Well, blimey. Ah well, change of plans, then" you sigh and turn back to the ponies, ignoring the two behind you. The ponies got nearer to you, interested to see what you were going to do.But to be honest, you had no idea what to do. You had trusted that Bilbo would get caught and would do the job, with Gandalf finishing the trolls. Now that the hobbit was here, there was no one to buy time for the dwarves. And they surely weren't that clever to do the job themselves. Unless you'd quid the hobbit back there and he would do it. But... Would he listen? How long would it take to make him follow you? You glance at Bilbo and Balin who are whispering about something. Then your eyes drift to the empty camp behind them. Someone needed to put the stuff back to place and the ponies surely couldn't do it. You turn back to the ponies, who were still staring at you.

"I'll be heading back to the trolls camp, to buy some time. If I'm lucky, the wizard will come back. If not, then I'll come up with some plan" you say, then turning towards the dwarves empty camp. They needed the supplies and the food, the little money they weren't carrying with them 24/7 in their pockets and they needed the ponies.

"What do we do meantime?" Gungoll, Gloin's pony, asked. You turn to look at him, then to Balin and Bilbo and then the camp. Then you turn back to the ponies.

"The camp needs to be dissemble. If you start to do that, I'm sure Bilbo and Balin will help you" you say and turn to leave.

"Are you sure they won't follow you?" Merel, Thorin's pony, asks. You stop and turn to look at those two, alarmed by your sudden movement. Then you turn to look back Merel.

"The dwarves didn't follow me to the troll's camp. So why would those two follow me now?" you almost spat the words out, then you turn and ran away. Balin's eye shoot big and he took a step towards your direction. But he came to a stop when he noted how the ponies started to move towards the camp.

"Balin... What are they doing?" Bilbo asked, looking at the ponies, almost horrified. Balin shook his head and then turned to look after you.

"I do not know, lad. But I'm sure that lass told them something. Something we don't know" he says and then turns to give Bilbo a stern look.

You get near the big rock, not sure what to do. You knew you should get the trolls attention, but since you were a dog and couldn't speak for hours, you needed another way to approach this. But the problem was, your brains were empty from the ideas. And you were scared.

You stayed down behind the rock, listening to the yells of the dwarves. You heard Dwalin shouting and commanding the trolls to let him go. You guessed that he was worried about his brother, who had ran after you and the ponies to the camp. Not that the others weren't worried too.

You took a deep breath, finally deciding to take action. First, you needed to make sure what was the situation. You started to crawl closer to the camp. When you got close enough, you saw that half of the dwarves were bound to the stick and two of the trolls were reeling it over the fire, like they were trying to grill a kebab. You sneered to the idea of trolls opening the very first barbecue restaurant and selling kebab there. Though, hopefully not made of dwarves.

Then you focus on your task again. You couldn't see well the other half of the dwarves, who apparently were tied in the sacks. You lift your head to the rock and wondered, whatever you could climb on it. Since you weren't a human or a monkey, it would be a little difficult. You withdraw behind the rock and stood up. You took a step back and look at the rock. It's wall was too strict and high so that you could get atop of it. You sigh and sit down.

"Now what do I do?" you mumble and let your tail wiggle slowly from side to side.

"Are you in need of assistance, lass?" you hear Bilbo's quiet voice. A little bit shaken you turn to look at him. Why was he here? Shouldn't he be helping Balin with the camp? Whatever the dwarf was actually doing that, not trying to control over the ponies. Bilbo crouches down next to you and rubs you from behind your ear. You look at him and then turn back to the forest behind you.

"Balin is helping the ponies to... put things back and preparing the ponies for the trip. They were almost ready when I left" Bilbo explains to you. Hearing this makes you happy. You give Bilbo a lick on his cheek, causing him a let out a chuckle. He pats your neck and then turns serious.

"Well, I suppose we should help our company out of trouble, hmm?" he asks and you nod. A little smile grows on Bilbo's lips and he stands up.

"Let's go then"

Tag list:

@lidda​ @bee-wrecker​ @queendarkmuffin​ @silencegetawayfromme​@kettnerjanea​ @sdavid09​ @ealasaid​ @jumpingmanatee @fab-notfat​ @bae-kage @fricking-ghoul​

Those who I couldn’t, from some reason, tag in this, have been marked in bold.

[ask-de-writer]

Hope's Return ~ An RP with Hope Flower Hataki

Return to the Master Story Index Return to RPs

HOPE’S RETURN ~ An RP

by Hope Flower Hataki and Ask De Writer ©2017 by Hope Flower Hataki and Ask De Writer Writing begun 02/06/2017

///////////////////////////

Hope Flower Hataki

It was three years since Hope left to make her own way in life. On the three year anniversary of her leaving, a white anthropomorphic dragon appeared at the edge of a Rom camp.

While initially startling the Rom she was actually quite friendly and seemed to know and happily participate in the traditions of the Rom. She told of knowing De Writer and wanting to find him again.

Ask De Writer

The band's Rom, a dapple gray unicorn horse with a long, somewhat curved horn, standing by the cooking fire, listened carefully to what the unusual stranger told him.  

He introduced himself, “I am Maro De Innis, Rom of the band of De Innis.  If I have heard you correctly, you are not simply seeking the Old Blue One, De Writer, whom you call grandfather.  If you can call the Old Blue One grandfather, there is only one band that you can be seeking.  The band of Marchhare, the Ghost Who Guides.  Not so?”

The white dragoness nodded.

Maro smiled.  “I hope that you can partake of our hospitality for a day or two.  We can make a note for the Old Blue One.  He will get it swiftly and relay it to Marchhare.  Marchhare can be here in only a day or so after he gets the note.  As fast as the Ghost Who Guides is, he has some obligations.

“The band of Marchhare is up in the Red Branch District.  They have Laid the Stones on Sando's Lake and are now climbing the pass road on their pilgrimage to the desert of Celestia's Anvil and Marchhare's Lake.  Marchhare will wait by the spring of Sha Ja Shehan.  The others will take turns going to Lay the Stones at Marchhare's Lake.”

The unusual dragoness shook her head in amazement at the news.

Maro grinned.  “We almost could not believe it ourselves!  After only 843 years, Marchhare has finally admitted that he died there on Celestia's Anvil, less than a day from safety!  The rest of us have not stopped laughing about how long it took for him to accept that he is a ghost!”

The white dragoness, with a happy smile, sat close to the cooking fire and began to expertly grind Ka'chek patties to the basic flour used to make so many forms of pastry.  Maro watched her and nodded to himself.  No pony or other being who was not Rom knew the secrets of Ka'chek.

With certainty, he said, “Now I know who you are.  Some time ago, Marchhare and his band were given a Changeling egg to care for.  They adopted the young Changeling who hatched from it and named her Hope.  She was also made a goddaughter to both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.

“After she was grown, she left Marchhare's band to go spend time with her egg mother.  Marchhare speaks of you often.

“However changed you may be, you are Hope.  I know that Marchhare and his band will want to see you.”

Hope Flower Hataki

“Quite correct my good sir! I’m Hope, though my egg mother did not have long left when I finally got to her. I was adopted by another of a far away land. She raised me further as her own, and is responsible for my changes. She is a kind woman. I love her very much.

“I felt it time to visit my first family again.”

She smiled, looking at Maro. “I realize I’m anthro and… well hardly clothed. Would you rather I shift to a more fitting form for this place?”

Ask De Writer

Maro nodded his agreement. “Indeed, if you can become more of a horse, we do have sashes and harness that we can loan you.”

He was about to turn away when struck by a thought. “Your Freedom, Hope. Where is it? Did you leave it with Marchhare, or did you take it with you?”

While waiting for an answer, he rapped on a caravan door.

It popped open, pushed from the inside! A half dozen foals bounced out, their sashes swirling about them, brilliant in the sunshine of the wayside. They cheerfully surrounded Hope, demanding, “You must tell us all of your travels and the places that you’ve been! We can take your stories and make them into new songs and dances!”

Hope’s eyes began to tear up as she realized that she understood the youngsters around her. Not a one was using any Equestrian word. They were all happily babbling in Gyptian, the language of the Rom. A language that Hope had not heard in years, except in her dreams. The language that she had been raised with. A melodious language that she had missed more than she knew.

She turned to Maro and answered his question in perfect Gyptian.

Hope Flower Hataki

Hope smiled, huddling the foals to her form. Hope’s body began to change. She tried for a horse but only managed a small dragon slightly larger than a horse. She curled her body around the foals and smiled.

“My Freedom… I left it with my family. I didn’t know where I would be going or if I would lose it. I wanted it to be safe,” she said before focusing on the colts and fillies.

”Alright dears. Let me tell you the tale of Cypersun…” She nuzzled one of the youngsters happily, “Cypersun is my new home. A great city that, during the warmer months, floats high above the ground on magical crystals. I am the princess of this wonderful city. My new mother is the queen. She is a very kind woman by the name of Nightmare Flower.

“She took me in when I had nothing and raised me into my adult years… Most of my time has been spent there working with the people and helping to keep it safe.

“I’m queen of a small changeling settlement underneath the city and I ensure peaceful coexistence,” she said with a little smile.

Ask De Writer

Eyes sparkling, the foals listened enrapt as Hope told them of her new home. Maro and the rest of the band had gathered quietly to listen as well.

When she was done, Maro handed her a note and a package. He smiled as he watched her read the note, written in old Marchhare's familiar hoof.

“My Dear Hope:

“I am so happy to hear that you have come back to see your old family. Dark was delighted to hear that the Changeling that she spent so much time raising has returned. She is most interested to see your new form. Draconic I understand?

“You have some others who want to greet you too. Black Lotus and Arlyal are eager to see how you have grown. The Princesses will be wanting to meet you, I am sure. Whether they can get free of Royal duties to do so, I do not know.

“I have taken the liberty of entrusting your old Freedom to De Writer for delivery to Maro. His band has several expert leather workers, if it needs to be adjusted.

“While you are here, wear it with pride.

“We are presently camped at the secret spring of Sha Ja Shehan, the spring that saved the original Rom, 843 years ago. The others are going out into the desert to Lay the Stones at my Lake. I have finally admitted that SOMETHING besides a nap happened back then. I have not gone to see my bones or Lay the Stones for myself, yet. It still seems just a bit creepy to do that.

“We will return to join Maro and his band as swiftly as we may. It will take about

five days of Pulling to get there.

“Your father by adoption, Marchhare”

Hope eagerly tore open the package and took out her old but carefully preserved Freedom. The gilt work and leather dyes were all just as bright as she remembered.

Hope Flower Hataki

Hope smiled, running her claw over her Freedom gently. Her eyes tearing up slightly but never fully shedding the salty liquid. She strapped it to her head, still fitting, even in her new form. She smiled at Maro.

“Thank you for this… I appreciate it greatly” she said eagerly, laying back with the youngsters, happily playing with the young fillies and foals.

Ask De Writer

It did not last. All too soon, the camp began to stir up the cooking fire, adding more wood to the coals. Youngsters scampered off to their chores, just as Hope had done when she was little.

She rolled up to her feet and went to gather more firewood. She was gathering up cut wood from the wayside's free wood rick when a colt trotted up.

He cheerfully pointed out, “I usually get the dinner wood. Thanks! Um, not to be snoopy, but by looking at your teeth, I would guess that you are going to want meat with your dinners?”

Hope looked down at him and nodded.

Seeming pleased with himself, he pointed to the woods behind the wayside. “Thought so! There is a warren of coneys back there. We are not like Marchhare's band. We are really not used to Rom that eat meat. If you could, would you make whatever fire you need to cook the bunnies downwind from our camp? We would appreciate it.

“I loved hearing your stories. I have started working on a song about Cypersun, the city that flies.”

Hope nodded silently, and gave the colt the wood that she had been gathering.

In spite of her size, Hope was utterly silent as she slid into the brush, following the scent of the rabbits toward their warren.

Hope Flower Hataki

Hope’s eyes locked onto the two rabbits she was hunting. With one lunge, one was in her teeth, the other skewered by her claws. A painless death. Hope didn’t need a fire. She preferred just eating the rabbits outright.

She cleaned the blood from her body in a small pond before returning to the encampment to spend more time with the Rom.

Ask De Writer

Hope emerged from the woods, well filled. She thought. Then she smelled the long absent but heavenly scent of baking Ka'cheks. Suddenly she felt far more at home.

The mares and stallions of the band made room for her at the fire without being asked. After watching how Hope pitched in, the mare on her right said cheerfully, “It is good to have another pair of hooves preparing the meal.

“I know, you have claws. So do the Gryphons, who are always welcome in our camps after the honorable way that they dealt with us at the Hockington Fair. Our band was one of the ones that your cleverness freed from being sold as slaves.”

Maro strolled over beside Hope to assist with the cooking.

He said conversationally, “We had a very good fair at Mareimount. We were planning to spend three days here to make more things to sell. The whole band has agreed to a new plan.

“We will break camp tomorrow morning and Pull north. In only two days we should be to the Haymarket District Wayside #2. That is the first one south of the Red Branch cutoff road. Marchhare will meet us there. Even with a road taking us as far as the spring of Sha Ja Shehan, we cannot cross the Sunset Range in only a day. We should meet in the evening of the day after tomorrow. It is the fastest that we can get the bands together.”

That evening, the dances were more fun than usual. Like all Rom, Hope was raised with dancing and music.

Milea Bel Sansin had modified a set of colorful sashes to fit Hope's draconic form. Hope used them to full advantage, flourishing them, while her amazingly flexible body moved to the music in ways that the other Rom of the band watched with care.

By the time that the band retired for the night, they had three new dances added to their repertoire.

For the Rom, breakfast was a hurried affair. With all stowed away, hitches were set up with the usual practiced ease. Hope was given a singletree leading Maro's caravan.

She called the starting cadence, “Pull! Pull right! Pull left! Pull! Pull! As soon as the heavy caravans of the band were underway, Hope began to sing her first road song in years. She led off with The Two Green Vines, one of the two oldest road songs of the Rom.

As she was leaning into the harness, Hope was feeling the tensions of the others who were pulling and adjusted her pace and strength of pull so that they all could pull in a balanced fashion. It almost startled her to realize that so complex a task as leading a Pull came to her so naturally.

Memories of her many happy Pulls with Marchhare's band flooded out of her past, nearly overwhelming her with the love that she had never really left behind.

The shade of trees overhanging the road came and went. Underfoot, the familiar crunch of the Road's finely compacted surface and the soft grumbly crush of the wheels made a different song as the Kilometers passed away behind them.

Hope Flower Hataki

Hope happily lead the band through all the pulling songs she knew.

Before long the caravan pulled into a wayside. Camp was set up once again for the evening.

They'd made good progress. They were right on the planned schedule.

Hope sat on top of one of the caravans, watching over the trees as the sun set in the mountains.

Ask De Writer

Hope watched the sun create dark shadows out of the hulking mountains before her. The ones further north or south, had gone to the purple of distance, with rims up to their peaks of red and gold, mimicking the clouds that also carried the colors.

She came close to shedding a tear as the sight, so familiar from her youth played out before her eyes.

Something else familiar was going on, too. The cooking fires were lit. Vegetables and pastries were cooking. It was time to help. She leaped lightly from the caravan roof to the ground.

She was cheerfully told, “We got the cooking going! You get to help with cleanup! For now, we know that there are more bunnies for you, just over there!” They pointed to the brush, back of the wayside.

With her usual silence when hunting, Hope slid into the brush under the big old trees of the Red Branch section. It was dark beneath them, but that was not a problem. The heat of the day made everything glow a sort of silvery color. Scent also led her unerringly to her prey.

Between her claws and her jaws, Hope soon had the bunnies that she needed for her dinner. She took a few minutes to appreciate her somewhat surreal surroundings before dining on the rabbits that she had caught.

Hunger sated, she made her way back to the camp. She was in time to help with the clean up.

As the last of the dishes, pots and pans were cleaned up and stowed away, music began.

From their opening poses, the dancers, both stallion and mare, began. They were working on new dances, trying to fit in the sinuous, sensuous moves that they had watched Hope perform, the night before.

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