Scribes are Weird: Part 2

It was just a quick trip from the Carousel Boutique to Sugar Cube Corner. The time spent walking was spent in Ghost's thoughts while occasionally answering a question Twilight asked him. Truth be told, he was in a pretty good mood. The ponies he had met all seemed nice and weren't putting up a front, though he hadn't talked to them extensively. Applejack seemed pleased that Ghost could help her and Miss Rarity seemed to appreciate his manners.

But by far, Twilight Sparkle was a pony whose company he would enjoy most. Her interest in academia resonated closely with Ghost interest in history —one did not become a Scribe, whose job involves history, without an interest in the subject— and lore, though she did seem more of a realist.

But the thought of actually gaining a friend, was undermined by his own doubts. The fact that they had yet to actually get to know him and that back in Canterlot, his personality was a turn-off, was at the back of his mind, gnawing at his hope, like a lion biting a gazelle. Once they got to know him, he was sure they would scatter.

Ideally, he would find out what was socially acceptable and curb his tendencies to that, but Twilight had stated a true fact. Suppressing his own personality to please others was something Ghost never wanted to do. It was one of the reasons he hated Canterlot, a city based on fashion, prestige, and trends. It was a place where you didn't get to be yourself. You act as other ponies think you should act, you act the same as others, unless you were lucky and your style was considered popular. Then, other ponies would start to act like you. A city of fakers, Ghost had always thought.

Not that all ponies there were like that. Ghost had met some genuine hearted ponies in his years living there. The few times that Ghost had met Fancy Pants had proved that he was a good stallion that merely put up with his followers. Fancy Pants seemed to enjoy the stories of Ghost's travels. The two had even shared a laugh when a couple of the higher profile ponies had started trying to include themselves in the conversation, merely proving Ghost point.

But back on point, Ghost had an inner dilemma. Ghost had long ago decided that he shouldn't care what others think and be content to be himself. Not to say that negative opinions of him didn't sting, but Ghost had thicker skin. Still, Ghost was not meant to be a loner and he really did want somepony he could call friend. Ghost had tried to be himself in Canterlot and paid for it. What was to say it wouldn't happen here? So what should he do, sacrifice his true self to obtain some much needed companionship or risk alienating himself and lose this one shot? Ghost's mental assessment was brought to a close by Twilight's voice.

"This is it," she said, stopping.

Ghost looked at the building and smirked. "Well, it defiantly looks the part."

The building looked like a gingerbread house.

Ghost looked to Flare and rolled his eyes, as drool hung out of the twin-tail's mouth. "I can see your satisfied."

Twilight giggled. "Not surprised," she said, walking towards the door. "Another one of my friends works here."

Ghost was curious about the personality of this friend. Between Applejack, Rarity, and Twilight herself, the personalities of the girls seemed pretty varied and he wondered how all the different personalities even fit.

Ghost followed her into the bakery. His nose was instantly veiled in the scent of sugary treats and fresh baked goods. Ghost was no stranger to sugar. His own night owl tendencies were started because of sugar filled nights. The smell brought a smile to his face and he took a big whiff and sighed in satisfaction, the smell calming him.

However, this took on the opposite effect for Flare. As soon as the fox was in the door, he tried to make a dash for some cupcakes. Ghost had expected this and his powers kept a firm hold on the Flare's tails. Ghost could not use more traditional magic, but he had learned to use levitation and holding with just the littlest amounts of concentration. With Flare secured, Ghost proceeded to look at the wares of the bakery. Twilight went to the counter.

"Afternoon, Mrs. Cake," Twilight said cheerfully. "Is Pinkie Pie around?"

Ghost turned to the two conversing mares. Mrs. Cake, as she seemed to be called, was a plump mare with light blue fur. Her mane was a light pink with a stripe of even lighter pink down the middle. The style was what caught Ghost's eye. If he were to describe it, it seemed like somepony had put pink ice cream, no, frosting. It appeared as though somepony attempted to frost her head.

That's actually rather appropriate for one who works at a bakery, Ghost thought.

Her tail was styled in much the same way. She was wearing a yellow apron with pink frills near the shoulder, and round pink earrings. Her cutie mark appeared to be three cupcakes with vanilla icing and a cherry. Her pink eyes looked at the unicorn in front of her with a gentle, caring look.

"Sorry, dearie," Mrs. Cake said with a slight frown, the warmth never leaving her eyes. "She came in a little while ago saying something like 'Hold my appointments' and then ran and locked herself in her room."

Twilight put a hoof to her chin in thought. "Sounds like she's planning something."

"Yes," Mrs. Cake agreed with a nod. "And I think it would be smart to stay out of her way." It was then that her attention turned to Ghostwriter, as he walked up. "Oh my, who's this? I've never seen him in Ponyville before. Perhaps a date, Miss Sparkle?"

Ghost blushed. Why is that the first thing ponies assume? he thought. Still, I wouldn't complain, he admitted. Slightly surprised she doesn't have to beat off suitors with a stick.

An image of Twilight rapidly swinging a stick to keep blank eyed stallions away appeared in his head.

That seemed more suited for a zombie outbreak. Ooh, that would make a good story, Ghost eyes glazed over, his mind already making plans for settings and characters.

"Nothing of the sort, Mrs. Cake," Twilight said, smiling slightly while shaking her head. "Just doing my civic duty and showing Ghostwriter around town."

Twilight noticed Ghost's eyes were glassy and wide, his attention focused on something in his own mind. "Ghost?" She poked his shoulder.

"Hmm," Ghost snapped out of his trace and shook his head. He blushed and chuckled. "Uh, sorry. I zoned out for a second." Ghost held out his hoof. "My name is Ghostwriter. But, uh… just call me Ghost."

Mrs. Cake's eyes held the same warmth they had looking at Twilight.

There's no reason for her to judge me, yet,Ghost thought Key word being yet, said the small voice in the back of Ghost mind.

"Welcome to Ponyville, dearie," she said, shaking the hoof.

Ghost smiled lightly at the welcoming tone.

"So what brings you to our little town?" Mrs. Cake asked with a smile.

Ghost pushed up his glasses. "Well, uh… Princess Celestia sent me to interview Miss Twilight and her friends about the… various events they were involved in."

"Oh, that's a big deal to be sent by the princess."

"I've… heard something to that effect, yes," Ghost said, looking elsewhere with a small blush.

"Oh, what's that?" Mrs. Cake asked, pointing to the creature near Ghostwriter.

Ghost picked up Flare. "Oh, sorry, where are my manners? This is my companion, Flare. He, uh, talks, by the way."

"Cupcakes!" Flare said, as he drooled.

Mrs. Cake laughed. "Well, I think I know what he wants."

"Cupcakes, cupcakes, cupcakes!" Flare chanted.

"Flare!" Ghost said, with a frown. "Manners!"

"Cupcakes, cupcakes, cupcakes!" he chanted again. "Please."

Twilight and Mrs. Cake laughed, while Ghost rolled his eyes and smiled.

"Since Flare wants his cupcake," Twilight started. "I'll have a blueberry muffin, please." She looked at Ghost. "We'll relax here for a bit."

Ghost nodded and looked at Mrs. Cake. "Just some slices of bread for me, please"

"Cupcakes!" Flare whined.

"And one cupcake for my friend here. Sorry about his atrocious behavior," Ghost said disapprovingly, aiming it more at Flare than Mrs. Cake.

Mrs. Cake brought out their snacks and the trio sat at a table.

"So what happened to that civilization?" Twilight said, after tasting her muffin. Her eyes were already lit with curiosity.

Ghost took a bit of his bread. Swallowing, he started talking. "The civilization was called Gallopia."

Twilight put a hoof to her chin. "Galopia... I've heard of it. A small nation, north of Equestria. They tend to keep to themselves and little is known about their culture."

Ghost nodded. "They created Rune Magic long ago." Ghost took another bite before continuing. "It was said that Rune Magic got so useful and mainstream, that even earth ponies and pegasi where able to use it."

"Magic that even an earth pony can use?" Twilight asked, wide eyed. "How was that possible?"

"I said before, that Rune Magic only needs a tiny bit of power, well..." Ghost put a hoof to his chin. "Depends on the power of the rune, of course," Ghost said, pushing his glasses up. "If an earth pony can draw the rune, and with a bit of training in how to use a magic spark, then viola, earth pony magic. It wouldn't be anything too complicated, but it would be magic."

"That's amazing," Twilight said fascinated. "So what went wrong?"

Ghost smirked. "How astute," he said. "Once any pony could use magic, the unicorns of the kingdom felt they had lost what made them important. So, they gathered up all the runes they could find and locked them in Castle Gallop."

Ghost finished his bread. "I'm sure this comes as no surprise but, the pegasi and earth ponies didn't take it well and decided to storm the castle."

Ghost looked to Twilight, whose wide eyes were focused on him. Flare, meanwhile, had snapped up the cupcake, tearing through the wrapper.

"No pony can say what happened for sure that night. Personally, I have a theory that too many runes activated in the vicinity of each other," Ghost said, shrugging. "All we know, is that during that night, the entire population of the kingdom disappeared without a trace."

"How did you come across them?" Twilight asked, finishing her muffin.

"When I was younger, I traveled a lot," Ghost said, as he wiped Flare's face of the cupcake massacre. "I came across an expedition group that was entering the castle ruins. I offered to go along. See, even today, Gallopia doesn't teach magic. They feel that the Gallopian Calamity was an ancient god teaching them a lesson for using magic."

Twilight's eyes kept focus on Ghost, hanging on his every word

Ghost continued. "There aren't that many unicorns in Gallopia, either. Most leave when they can, due to their talent." Ghost looked out the window, recalling his journey. "The expedition team was glad to have me along, if I could sense magic traps."

"There couldn't have been a lot there," Twilight said, frowning slightly.

Ghost shook his head. "The ruins had been cleaned out ages ago, by bandits and the like, I assume. All except one room." He smirked, turning back to Twilight. "While we were searching, we found a large, ornately covered wall. I didn't know it at the time, but the wall had a rune on it. I used a sight spell to see through it and found a hallway on the other side."

"How did you figure out how to work the rune?" Twilight asked.

Ghost looked away with an embarrassed frown, while sheepishly rubbing his neck. "I, uh, I didn't." Ghost coughed. "When I used the sight spell, I saw that the wall was only three feet thick. I thought that there might be a way to open it on the other side, so I decided to 'ghost' through it."

Twilight was aware what he meant by 'ghosting'. It was a popular slang term for an intangibility spell. The spell itself, while easy to perform, was difficult to keep up. Twilight had heard many stories of young unicorn colts and fillies getting stuck in walls. It got so bad, that the spell was removed from the lower level curriculum before Twilight got accepted into school.

"I wasn't very good at it, so to avoid getting stuck, I took a running leap," Ghost said avoiding Twilight's gaze.

"Did you get through?" Twilight asked.

Ghost sighed. "That's the embarrassing part. I completely fudged up the spell and slammed into the wall." Ghost looked back to Twilight. "Still, it wasn't a complete waste," he said with a shrug. "My magic was still sparking when I collided with the wall, so I activated the rune, which in turn, opened the wall."

Twilight giggled.

"What we found on the other side, was a secret archive," Ghost said, his eyes lighting up with the memory. "A giant chamber, filled with books on every subject the Gallopians had." He waved his hooves trying to emphasize the large scale. "History, science, magic, art, it was all there, just waiting for somepony to find it. The expedition team said I could have one, a sort of spoil. There was this one book in the center, though. I felt drawn to it. The book, which they let me have, by the way, was a guide on all the runes the civilization ever made."

Ghost pulled out a book from his bag and set it on the table. "I gave the original to the Canterlot Museum, but not before I copied every rune down into this book." He patted the book. "As I traveled, I began practicing. I returned to Canterlot and showed the Princess what I learned."

Ghost looked at the book. Its cover was simple brown leather, but it's size made it more of a tome. To Ghostwriter, it was his most precious work, second only to the travel journal he kept all those years ago.

Ghost started to speak again. "The Princess said that rune magic, while useful, could be very dangerous, and as such, made it a rule that rune magic can only be taught to those she deemed worthy. She also gave me another title."

"I'm both the Royal Scribe and the Royal Rune Magician." Ghost frowned. "Personally, I think it's a mouthful and it makes me sound too…" He paused. "Important. I'm just a scribe. But that's how i found the runes. It was only four years ago, but it feels like longer."

Twilight looked at the scribe with a raised brow. "How old are you, Ghost?"

Ghost shrugged. "About a year older than you. Why?"

Twilight's eyes widened, her head calculating what Ghost's age at the time would have been.

"But that means you would have been—"

"Merely a colt when I set out," Ghost said, nodding. "All things considered, it was pretty stupid, but I'm not exactly full of bright ideas."

Ghost turned to the window. His eyes glazed over, as he recalled a time passed. "I got lucky, I suppose," he said. "Met the right ponies."

And zebras and buffalo, he added in his head.

"I could have died out there." He shook his head. "Hay, I almost did," Ghost said, laughing it off. "The world's not as forgiving as we make it out to be," he said with a sad smile. He perked up, soon after. "But I've seen and heard things that no pony in Equestria can claim." Ghost turned his attention to Flare, who was taking a nap on the table. His smile grew. "All in all, I'd say it was worth it."

Twilight recognized the look Ghost had turned on the sleeping fox. It was one she herself had given Spike. It was clear that in the time Ghost had known Flare, he had come to see the young fox as a brother.

I should get something for Spike, Twilight thought. He's been really helpful at the library lately.

Tuning back into the real world, Twilight noticed Ghost looking past her with a raised brow.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"There's this weird mare that's been watching us this whole time," Ghost said, frowning slightly. "She's been hiding behind a newspaper with eye holes." Ghost looked closer and chuckled. "And the newspaper is three years old."

"What does she look like?" Twilight asked, not turning around. She had a pretty good idea who it was.

"She's pink," Ghost said simply. "Very pink."

Twilight sighed. "Just what I thought."

"Come to think of it," Ghost said, as he put a hoof to his chin. "I think that's the mare that I met when I got into town."

"Did she scream and run away?"

"Uh, yeah," he said, raising an eye. "Do you know her?"

"She's a friend of mine," Twilight said, standing up." Come on, let's go see what she's up to."

Ghost stood and nudged Flare. "Come on, Flare. Time to play meet and greet."

"I don't wanna play games," the sleepy Flare mumbled. He rolled over before curling up

Ghost smiled and rolled his eyes before putting the young fox in his hood. Ghost walked up to where Twilight and her bubblegum colored friend were.

"Pinkie Pie, What are you doing?" Twilight asked, frowning.

"Shhh!" Pinkie responded, turning away from the paper and glaring at twilight. "You'll blow my cover, Twilight. I'm on an observation mission."

"And what would you be observing?" Ghost asked, his eyebrow raised.

"The new pony," Pinkie said, sticking her face back into the paper. "Oh, I lost him."

"I think your cover's blown, anyway," Ghost said smiling.

"Why?"

Ghost kept quiet.

Pinkie's eyes widened. The bubbly mare ripped the paper away and stared at Ghost.

"Hi," he said, expecting her to bolt.

The mare's reaction was the opposite of what Ghost had expected, based on his first impression. The phrase 'never judge a book by its cover' had never rang truer in Ghost mind than at that exact moment.

The pink mare jumped up and began talking in one hurried breath

"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie. Do you remember me? You asked me where the library was and I was like 'AHHH'. But that was because I was excited, because I had never seen you before and if I had never seen you before then you have to be new, because I know every pony in Ponyville and I didn't know you," The mare known as Pinkie Pie said while getting in Ghost face. "What's your name? Are you a friend of Twilight's?"

"Uh…"

"Twilight, is he a friend of yours?" Pinkie asked, turning the barrage of words to her magically inclined friend. "Is he a coltfriend? I didn't think you had time for coltfriends. I didn't even think you were interested. I know some stallions that are interested. I know some mares that are interested, too, if your into that."

"Pinkie Pie!" Twilight cried, with a fierce blush on her face. "How do you even know about those kinds of relations?"

Pinkie smiled. "I read naanga."

Ghost shook his head fiercely to clear out any unfriendly images.

"What's your favorite series?" he asked.

Pinkie turned back to him, a smile perpetually on her face. "Well I'm really into 'Oran Magic School Host Club' right now, but I also really like 'Fullmetal Alchemist'."

"Both good series," Ghost said with a nod. "I'm only on volume two of 'Host Club, though."

Pinkie paused, putting a hoof to her chin. "Never met a stallion that liked shojo before."

"I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic." Ghost chuckled, while scratching his neck with a slight blush.

Pinkie laughed. "I like you already."

Twilight seemed to have regained her composure and spoke up. "Pinkie."

The party pony turned to her.

"This is Ghostwriter. He is not a ghost," she said, holding up her hooves in case Pinkie bolted.

Pinkie just gave her a blank stare. "Pff, I know that, silly filly," she said, waving her hoof in a dismissive gesture. "That's his name. Duh. Oh, can I call you, Ghost?"

"It's what everyone else calls me," Ghostwriter said with a small smile.

Pinkie giggled. "You're gonna love your welcome party."

Ghost eyes widened. "Uh, party?"

"Of course," Pinkie said, not seeing Ghostwriter's apprehension. "I always throw a party for new ponies."

Twilight spoke first. "Pinkie, about that. Ghost is staying at the library and hasn't settled in yet. Mind postponing the party for now?"

Pinkie frowned. "But it's tradition. I did it for you and Cranky and the baby Cakes and,"

"Uh, Miss Pie," Ghost voiced, trying to get her attention.

Pinkie smiled at him. "Oh, just call me Pinkie Pie, or Pinkie, or Pink."

Ghost laughed. Her and I are going to get along just fine, he thought.

"Pinkie, then," Ghost said with a smile. "What Twilight is trying to say, is I'm not exactly good with parties," he said, shaking his head. "Why don't we wait until I'm a little more… adjusted?"

Pinkie frowned at him. "You Pinkie Promise?"

"What's a Pinkie Promise?" Ghost asked, skeptically.

"Repeat after me," she said, standing on her haunches. "Cross my heart, hope to fly." She used her hoof to draw an x over her chest.

"Cross my heart, hope to fly," Ghost said, mimicking the actions.

"Stick a cupcake in my eye," Pinkie finished, putting a hoof over her eye.

"Stick a cupcake in my eye," Ghost said, also putting a hoof over his eye.

"There. Now you can't back out of it," Pinkie said, happily. She quickly got in Ghost face. "Because you never break a Pinkie Promise," she said in a low and serious voice. In a split second, she was back to her peppy self. "Oooh, this gives me more time to plan. Bye, Twilight. Bye, Ghost."

With her goodbyes in order, the party pony skipped out of the bakery.

Twilight looked to Ghost, who was wide eyed at Pinkie's sudden mood swing.

"You okay?" she asked, frowning slightly.

Ghost shook his head and smirked. "I feel like I just made a deal with something that escaped Tartarus."

Twilight put a hoof to mouth and giggled.

"Well, then," Ghost said, turning to her. "Where to next, Miss Twilight?"

"Let's get you familiar with the rest of Ponyville," Twilight said, as she lead the Ghost out the door.

"Who."

Twilight looked to the sky to see a brown owl fly towards them.

"Owlowiscious," she called, as the owl stopped in front of her. He dropped a scroll and a letter, then took a seat on her back.

"You have a pet owl?" Ghost asked.

Twilight simply nodded before looking to the note Owlowiscious had brought.

Ghost couldn't help but find that a magically inclined librarian owning an owl, was somewhat fitting

"It's from Spike," she said, as she opened the letter. "It says that he received a note for you from the Princess, and that…" Twilight sighed. "He went to Rarity's. I swear, that dragon and his crush."

"A dragon with a crush on a pony?" Ghost questioned, with a hum. His face took on a grimace. "That sounds like something out of a bad romance novel."

Ghost shook his head to clear out the other thoughts, an action he tended to do a lot. Ghost levitated the scroll and opened it.

"Let's see," he hummed, looking it over. "Dear Ghostwriter, how are you adjusting, I have important news about the deadline for your assignment." Ghost frowned.

The Princess never gave Ghostwriter deadlines, due to Ghost usually making his own. This was a code. The Princess had long ago discovered that Ghost tended to talk letters out. As her scribe, Ghost was privy to certain information that others were not. 'Deadline' was code for 'this next part is secret, keep it like that'. Ghost read the next lines in silence, his frown deepening.

Twilight saw the change in Ghost emotions. "Everything okay, Ghost?" she asked.

"Yeah," Ghost answered, hastily putting the scroll into his bag.

I'll take care of it tonight, he thought.

"The Princess just pushed up my deadline is all," he said, trying to diffuse Twilight's suspicion.

While Twilight could tell that wasn't the whole truth, she didn't try and pry. Whatever it was, it was between Ghostwriter and the Princess. Still…

"Anyway," Ghost said, trying to change the subject. "How did you get an owl as a pet?"

"Oh, well, he just sort of helped me out one night and I decided to keep him." She smiled. "Had a little trouble when Spike thought he was being replaced, but it worked out."

"Huh, always wanted a pet," Ghost said, shrugging. "But Canterlot's selection was always lacking."

"If you want a pet, we should visit my friend Fluttershy," Twilight said, walking in the direction of said pony's cottage. "She has lots of animals to choose from."

"Couldn't hurt."

With a destination set, the trio walked along the dirt path towards their target.

"I don't think you should get a pet, Ghost," Flare said, perched atop Ghost head.

"Well, you won't be my pet," Ghost said, as the two ponies walked down the path.

Flare had woken up while they were walking. When he was told of their destination and intent, he started trying to convince Ghost not to go through with it.

"It's not like I can replace you, Flare," Ghost said, rolling his eyes. "Just don't eat it."

Flare grumbled and jumped down.

He was a bit cranky that Ghost wanted another animal. Wasn't he enough? Flare shook his head. No, Ghost didn't see Flare as a pet. He was a friend. Still, the thought of another animal annoyed him, especially if there was the possibility of Ghost getting a rabbit or something like that. Foxes had the capability to be pack animals, but not when a member of their pack was considered food by another member.

Flare heard rustling in the grass beside the path. It sounded like a rabbit. Flare looked over to Ghost, who was deep in conversation with Twilight.

"He won't mind if I get a snack," Flare reasoned, as he slunk into the cover of the grass.

Spotting his prey, he smirked. His muscles tensed as he prepared to pounce. Like a spring, he shot forward. But instead of behaving like other rabbits Flare had hunted, this one jumped in the air, dodging the lunge before landing on his head and stomping. The rabbit took off, stopping a few feet away. Flare jumped up, a slight growl in his throat. Flare located the rabbit a little bit ahead of him. The rabbit blew a raspberry at him and bolted.

"It's on now," Flare growled, springing after the disrespectful rabbit. As he and said rabbit shot out of the grass, he could hear Ghost calling out to him. The call was drowned out as Flare succumbed to his predatory instincts.

Flare raced after the rabbit. The greenery soon thinned to a back yard, where the rabbit ran towards one of the two ponies in the yard and hopped onto the pony's back. Flare jumped, intent on tackling the rabbit, but he rabbit jumped and kicked him in his face. Flare flew back. Jumping up, he growled.

"You gotta lot of nerve, Rabbit."

"Angel, say you're sorry."

The second voice was enough for Flare to notice where he was. He was in a fenced in enclosure with many different animals. The voice belonged to the pony the rabbit had jumped up on. She was a pegasus with a bright yellow body. Her mane and tail were bright pink with a smooth, light curl at the end. Her eyes were blue and her cutie mark was three butterflies. Her disposition seemed calm.

"Why can a fox talk?"

This came from the other pony. This one was also a Pegasus, with a blue coat and rainbow colored hair. Her mane and tail were styled in scruffy look. Her cutie mark was a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt. Her green eyes looked at the twin-tail with suspicion.

Flare sat down and frowned. "I'm not a fox. I'm a—"

"He's a Kitsune, Rainbow Dash," the yellow one said, her voice light and airy.

It was rather pleasant to Flare, but he was in slight shocked that some pony actually knew what he was.

"Their trickster demons. Though mostly a myth, they are believed to populate Neighpon. He's only has two tails so he can't be more than two hundred years old. That's pretty young for his kind. Kitsunes can live up to 1,000 years," she said, as she examined him.

"Fluttershy," the one named Rainbow Dash asked, with a raised eye. "How do you know that?"

Fluttershy blushed. "Oh, I read up on all animals, real or imaginary."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and frowned. "Well, I don't trust this thing," she said, glaring at the Flare. "You said their trickster demons, right? What if he has something bad planed for Ponyville?"

Flare shook his head. "I'm not allowed to pull any pranks until Ghost says so."

"Ghost, huh," Rainbow hummed. "So, is he your master?"

Flare nodded. "Though, he doesn't like it when I call him that."

"I see." Rainbow Dash got close to Flare's face. "What is your diabolical master planning? TALK, DEMON!"

Fluttershy grabbed Rainbow Dash and covered her mouth with a hoof.

"I'm sorry about that Mr. Kitsune," she said, softly.

"Flare, my name's Flare."

"My name is Fluttershy," the yellow mare said happily while letting go of Rainbow. "And this is Rainbow Dash."

"I'm not planning anything," Flare said. "Honest." He narrowed his eyes at the rabbit by Fluttershy's side. "I just wanna get that stupid rabbit for kicking me."

Fluttershy frowned. "Oh, I'm very sorry, Flare, but could you not eat Angel Bunny or any of the other animals around here. I take care of them all and wouldn't want them to be eaten."

Flare groaned. On one paw, he was hungry and that rabbit had it coming. On the other, something about the soft spoken pony made him want to listen.

"Oh, alright," he said, finally relenting.

Angel let out a squeak.

"What did you call me, cottontail?" Flare growled, jumping up.

Fluttershy frowned.

"Angel Bunny, what you said to Flare was very mean. You need to apologize," Fluttershy said, glaring at the rabbit.

Angel crossed his arms and turned up his head.

"Angel," Fluttershy warned. "Apologize!"

Angel grumbled and kicked the ground before letting out a small squeak.

Flare settled down some.

"Now," Fluttershy said, adopting a small smile. "If you're hungry, I have some food I can give you?"

Flare brightened up. "Do you have cupcakes?"

Fluttershy was caught slightly off guard. "Oh, uh, yes."

"No cupcakes," Ghost said, walking into the enclosure. "Flare, your grounded."

Ghost used his magic to pick up Flare and put him on his back.

"But why, Ghost?" Flare whined.

"You ran off," he said, glaring at Flare. "Do me a favor. The next time your stomach says 'he won't mind me getting a snack', tell it to shut up."

Flare slumped against Ghost's mane. "Sorry, Ghost."

"Apology accept— Gah!"

Rainbow Dash was in Ghost face, glaring full force at the unsuspecting stallion.

"So, you're Ghost," she said. "What's your evil scheme for Ponyville? Fess up!"

"Evil scheme?" Ghost asked, with a raised brow. He sighed. "What did you do, Flare?"

"Me?" the fox asked in shock. "I didn't do anything. She's the one making wild accu… accu… accu…"

"Accusations?"

"Right."

"Did you find him, Ghost?" Twilight called, as she entered the enclosure.

Twilight walked up to Rainbow Dash glaring a hole in Ghostwriter's head.

"What's going on?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Twilight, this guys gonna summon a demonic army to take over Ponyville," Rainbow said, not taking her eyes off of Ghost.

"Demonic army?" Ghost asked, trying not to chuckle.

"You can summon a demonic army?" Flare asked, excited.

"No, I can't. Flare, shut up," he said, annoyed.

"There's been a misunderstanding here," Twilight said calmly. "Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, this is Ghostwriter. He's a scribe for Princess Celestia. The princess sent him here for an important assignment."

"Oh, yeah," Rainbow challenged. "And what would that be?"

"My," Ghost said, slightly nervous. He shook his head and coughed. "My official assignment is to take personal accounts from the wielders of the Elements of Harmony about the situations they were involved in."

"Well, then." Rainbow Dash backed off and took flight. She smirked and crossed her arms. "I'll be sure to tell you all my most awesomest stories."

"Except that 'awesomest' is not a word," Ghost said, under his breath.

Twilight held in a giggle. "So why are you here, Rainbow?"

Rainbow pointed over to a large turtle with a copter pack. "It's my day off, so I'm taking Tank for his monthly check-up."

Said turtle was slowly opening his mouth.

"What exactly is he doing?" Ghost asked, with raised brow.

"He's in the middle of saying 'ahh'," Fluttershy said, putting her hooves together.

Rainbow Dash frowned. "This is why I do it on my off days. His check-ups take forever." She sighed. "I love the guy, but I can only stay in one place so long."

Twilight and Fluttershy giggled.

Ghost turned to Fluttershy.

"Miss Fluttershy, right?" he asked.

"Oh, uhm, y-yes," Fluttershy said, looking away.

"I must thank you for taking care of Flare."

"It was awesome, Ghost," Flare gushed. "She actually knew what I was."

Ghost was slightly surprised. "Really? I didn't think anyone in Equestria knew about kitsunes."

"I… read about animals a lot… whether they're real or not," Fluttershy said, shyly turning away. "Just getting to meet a kitsune is more than enough thanks."

Ghost smiled. "Well, Twilight tells me you're the authority to go to if I want a pet."

Fluttershy brightened up. "Oh, yes. I have many animals and all of them would make great pets. How about a bunny?"

"No rabbits!" Flare cried.

"Jeez, Flare," Ghost said, as he turned to him with frown. "Didn't know you had such a problem with rabbits."

"I didn't," he said. The twin-tail shook his head. "I mean, I don't!"

"I'm sorry," Fluttershy said, guiltily as she looked at the ground. "Angel Bunny sort of kicked him in the face."

Ghost snorted. He quickly put a hoof to his mouth, lest more laughter escape.

"It's not funny, Ghost!" Flare cried, putting his front paws on Ghost's neck.

"It kinnda is," Rainbow said, giggling.

Flare glared at her.

"No, you're right," Ghost said, through mirth. "There is nothing funny about a superior predator, *Snort* getting his tail kicked by a rabbit."

Ghost broke. Flare slumped on his back.

"Cheer up, buddy," Ghost said, wiping his eye as the laughter passed. "Tell you what, because of that, you're not grounded. That seems like punishment enough."

Flare cheered up a little and Ghost turned back to Fluttershy. "Still, probably should stay away from rabbits. Best go with something that Flare won't consider a potential meal."

Fluttershy nodded and lead Ghost through her pets. One in particular caught Ghost's attention .

"That's a big bat," Ghost said, looking at the hanging lump in a nearby tree.

The bat in question was indeed large. Ghostwriter hazarded a guess that the bat could lift Flare, no problem.

"Oh, she's not just a bat," Fluttershy said, shaking her head. "She's an Austailian little red flying fox."

"Austailian?" Ghost questioned, as he held out a hoof to the bat. "You're a long way from there, aren't you, girl?"

The bat yawned. Unfurling her wings, she crawled onto Ghost outstretched hoof. She was a bit heavy, but Ghost didn't think it was a problem. The large bat settled herself and looked at Ghost. She squeaked before cocking her head to the side.

Ghost couldn't help but smile. "Your cute for a bat." He turned to Fluttershy. "She seems used to ponies."

Fluttershy nodded. "I think she is from a zoo and escaped, or worse was abandoned," Fluttershy said, sadly.

"But who'd abandon this furry little piece of sunshine," Ghost cooed.

The bat seemed to like what Ghost said. With a pleased squeak, she climbed her way up to the back of Ghost neck, settling into his mane.

"She seems to like you," Fluttershy said, happy.

"Well, what do you think, Flare?" Ghost asked with a grin.

Flare grumbled and looked at the potential roommate. "She's a flying rat," he said with disdain.

The bat turned up her head and squeaked.

"I'm not a mutt," Flare cried annoyed, as he showed his teeth. "I'm a fox." He paused then shook his head. "I mean, I'm not a fox, I'm a Kitsune!" he yelled.

Ghost chuckled. "Well, that settles things," he said, with a smirk. "All she needs now, is a name."

Ghost put a hoof to his chin in thought.

"How about Rat," Flare said, with a growl.

"Beatrix," Ghost said, definitively. "It's perfect."

The newly dubbed Beatrix squeaked in agreement.

"Traveler, huh," Twilight said, remembering the name's meaning.

"Though, sorry to say, Beatrix, I'll have to get you tomorrow," Ghost said, with a sigh. "I need to make a few adjustments to my room for you to stay there."

Beatrix gave a sad squeak and flew off Ghost's head.

Ghost turned to Fluttershy. "What exactly does she eat?" he asked, his head turned to the side.

"She will eat fruit, but she really likes eucalyptus leaves," Fluttershy answered.

"Where am I going to get eucalyptus leaves?" Ghost questioned himself, with a hoof to his chin.

"Uhm… I usually order it for my Koalas. I can give you some, if you like."

Ghost smiled. "Thanks. I'll pay you back for it."

"Ohh, it's no trouble," Fluttershy said, shaking her head. "I'm just glad Beatrix has a good home now."

"Hey, Fluttershy," Rainbow said. "Tank's done saying 'Ahh'."

Fluttershy flew over to them. "Good. Now we have to check his reflexes."

Fluttershy produced a small rubber mallet, which she quickly used to tap Tank's knee. Slowly Tank's leg began to lift. Rainbow Dash slapped her forehead.

Everyone giggled.

Ghost walked up to Twilight. "Well, with that all squared away, is there anything else you'd like to show me?"

Twilight thought. "That's pretty much it,"

Ghost smiled. "Alright, then. I guess I should unpack."

Twilight nodded and turned to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. "We're taking our leave, girls. Bye Fluttershy. Bye, Rainbow Dash."

"Bye, Twilight. See you tomorrow, Ghost," Fluttershy responded, waving.

Ghost nodded.

"See yah, Twilight," Rainbow said, before getting in Ghost's face again. "You're not off the hook yet. I'll be watching you."

"I'm not very exciting," Ghost joked nervously.

With that, the trio departed back to the library.

The rest of the day proceeded without any incidents. After returning to the library, Ghost had unpacked and went back to Sweet Apple Acres. There, he planted a couple more life runes and met the rest of Applejack's family. All of them seemed nice. In fact, all the ponies he had met today seemed nice. Pinkie was odd, but Ghost enjoyed her company, Fluttershy, while being her name sake, was kind and willing to give him a pet, Rainbow Dash seemed a little full of herself, but on a lower scale than some ponies he knew in Canterlot. All in all, Ponyville was shaping up to be a pleasant place to live. But that was a topic for later. Right now, other things took precedence. Ghost was currently sitting with Flare on the library's balcony. The moonlight that illuminated it, doing nothing to calm Ghost thoughts. He thought back to Princess Celestia's letter.

"The Rune Guide has been stolen," Ghost repeated with a sigh.

Ghost had always been wary of giving the museum the Rune Guide to begin with. However, he knew that the museum could protect it better than he ever could. Ghost had thought ahead, though, and taken some security measures of his own. The only one who knew of these measures, was the Princess herself, hence why Ghost was notified of the books disappearance.

"So are we going after it?" Flare asked.

Ghost shook his head. "That's not our job, Flare." He smirked. "But I can help."

"How?" the young fox asked.

"With my specialty," Ghost said, looking to the various papers in front of him.

"But how is a caramel apple dipped in chocolate and marshmallow cream supposed to help?"

"Not that specialty, Flare," Ghost said, rolling his eyes. "Runes. I have a special rune on the book."

"I thought the paper in the book meant that the runes couldn't be activated?"

"True, but this rune is not on the paper, it's on the cover," Ghost said, laying out a map of Equestria. "The particular rune I used is a locator beacon. When it's used in conjunction with this rune," Ghost held up another piece of paper with an intricate symbol on it. "It will tell me exactly where the book is."

"How does it work?" Flare asked, looking at the map.

"Watch and learn, my dear friend." Ghost activated the rune. Setting the rune on the map of Equestria, The circle disappeared to show the map. Ghost swept the rune all over the map till a glowing dot appeared.

"Aha, I got it. The book is in…" Ghost raised an eyebrow.

Flare looked at the map. "But that's Ponyville."

Ghost took the rune off, while simultaneously looking through a stack of maps. Finding one of Ponyville, he laid it out and put the rune on it. The glowing dot showed the book was in a back alley near them.

"It's so close," Flare gasped.

Ghost was at an impasse. Originally, he had planned on locating it, then sending a message to the princess alerting her. He could still do that, but in the time it would take for the royal guard to get there, the thief could be gone. He could try and get the book back himself, but he was a scribe. What could he do? Ghost's face hardened. That wasn't the attitude to have. He was here to record a story about six mares that stopped a threat when most would say it was hopeless. Maybe, he could do something. He was responsible for the book, anyway. Ghost was the one that found the chamber and released the knowledge to the world. If that knowledge was in the wrong hooves, then it was his responsibility to get it back.

"Flare, the Princess taught you to send letters to her, right?" Ghost asked, with renewed vigor.

"Yeah," Flare said. "But I'm not very good at it."

"Confidence, Flare," Ghost said, with a smirk. He quickly made a note. "Send this, please."

Flare closed his eyes and inhaled. When he exhaled, a small blue ball of flame formed. Ghost threw his note into the flame where it consumed the note and then dissipated.

"Not done yet, Flare," Ghost said picking up the fox.

"What are we doing?"

Ghost glared out into the night. "We're getting the book back."

End part 2.