I do not feel sleepy yet," Babs Seed said, while trotting up the staircase.
"Yeah, can't we go outside?" Scootaloo pleaded.
"No girls," Applejack responded, firmly. "Your father said it is time for bed. Besides, Rainbow Dash will be outside, creating a rainstorm with other weather ponies."
When the girls reached the third floor, they entered into the nursery room. The nursery room had pink walls with lavender swirls, a teal green carpet, five pink beds, a huge walk-in closet, a bathroom, and two white windows. There was also a white table with five white chairs and some toys, which were lying around the floor. Fluttershy noticed how the room looked innocent and childlike compared to the previous chaotic but magnificent rooms. There were also a lot of toys lying around the floor. Fluttershy could see almost every toy such as some stuffed horses, a few teddy bears, a ball, an apple plush, and a baseball bat. She had to hover over them because there was no room to walk on. The fillies trotted over their toys toward their dresser, not bothering to pick them up.
"Sorry, the nursery is a mess," Applejack chuckled nervously to Fluttershy. The pegasus nodded sympathetically to the earth pony. She noticed Pinkie Pie, being distracted by a paddle ball. The pink pony was more focused on hitting the ball than helping the fillies to bed. Fluttershy wondered when was the last time the children cleaned up their toys.
"Um excuse me children but don't you think you should put your toys away?" The Pegasus suggested, meekly with a sheepish smile. "I know it is night, but-"
"Miss Fluttershy don't!" Applejack hissed in a panicked voice. But the fillies had already heard the shy nanny.
"We don't clean up!" Screwball barked, her eyes blazing with fire. "Daddy says we don't have to clean up because we're royalty!"
"Yeah!" Her sisters added, acting snobby. Applejack hoped the conversation would end right there but Fluttershy took another risk with another question.
"Well, if you do not clean up your toys, then who will?" She asked, calmly.
"The servants, silly head!" Screwball sassed. "Applejack can do it!" Fluttershy frowned at Screwball's rude attitude. Before she could say something, Applejack quickly intervened.
"All right, that's enough!" She scolded. "Get to bed now!"
"AJ, do we still have to go to bed?" Apple Bloom groused, putting her pajamas on. Applejack rolled her eyes.
"Yes, you heard what your father said," She sighed. "And what is this 'AJ'? Call me 'Applejack' or 'Miss Applejack!'" She turned to Pinkie, who still could not hit the ball with the paddle. "Pinkie, put that paddleball down!"
"Aw, do I have to?" Pinkie moaned. It was comical for Fluttershy to see a grown mare who acted just as fussy as the princesses.
"Yes, Pinkie!" AJ grumbled. "I need you to brush the fillies' teeth, pronto!"
"Um, Applejack? I can brush their teeth," Fluttershy volunteered, shyly. She felt bad that Appejack was doing most of the work and wanted to help her out. Applejack frowned and shook her head.
"Oh thanks Miss Fluttershy but I think it will be best if Pinkie does it since she is experienced," Applejack remarked, a little too quickly. "Besides, our job is to show you how to help the children to bed thus you will be able to do it on your own, in the future. Understand?"
Fluttershy still wanted to help Applejack out but realized that the head maid had a point. It is her first day here and if she is going to take care of the children, then she must observe Applejack and Pinkie Pie. One must learn how to do the way things are done with children or else there will be consequences.
"I understand," She nodded, obediently.
After the princesses put thier nightgowns on, they went into the bathroom along with Pinkie and Fluttershy. Pinkie showed Fluttershy how to brush each filly's teeth. The fillies were fussy and squeamish. They did not enjoy brushing their teeth. When Pinkie warned them that she's tell thier father on them, the children immediately brushed thier teeth clean. Next, Fluttershy studied Pinkie tucking thr children into bed.
Like with the bathroom before, Pinkie Pie struggled a lot because some of the fillies were being restless. Even though, Applejack helped, it was still a huge job for Pinkie. Screwball and Babs Seed were difficult to work with because one preferred to tuck herself in and the second one did not want to go to sleep. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle were easy to handle. They hopped in thier beds, as they were told. Applejack read a short storybook to the fillies until they closed their eyes and slipped into slumberland. The two earth ponies and one pegasus quietly sneaked out of the nursery. Pinkie and Applejack looked very weary and exhausted from all the commotion the fillies caused. Pinkie decided to go downstairs to her room. Applejack was about to depart before Fluttershy spoke up.
"Miss Applejack, may I ask you a question?" She asked, shyly.
"Anything, Miss Fluttershy!" Applejack responded, cheerfully. "What is it? Is it about the children?" She had been so tired that she almost forgot to ask Fluttershy if she had any questions about caring for the children.
"Well, yes but...not just the children...," Fluttershy meekly muttered. She was also thinking about thier father. How he acted toward his children just surprised her. The King was anything but loving! Fluttershy becoming a bit more shy by a second.
"You can tell me," Applejack encouraged her.
Fluttershy took a deep breath, hoping her question will not offend her new friend.
"Why does the King-"
"Miss Fluttershy, I have something for you!" A voice called. Fluttershy gave a small sigh. Sure, she was nervous, but the innocent equine was dissapointed to not voice her question. Rarity just came upstairs unexpectedly, carrying a few outfits with her magic aura.
"Here are your new outfits!" The white unicorn beamed in a sing-song voice. "I designed them myself!" Intrigued by a pile of new clothes, Fluttershy thanked Rarity and accepted them. Each outfit was a dress with white outlines, short puffy sleeves, and ribbons tied in the back. They came in many colors such as turquoise, sky blue, light green, red, lavender, and honey.
"Wow, so beautiful!" The buttercream pony gasped, marveling at each dress.
"I could not agree more!" Rarity chirped, flipping her hair in a nearby mirror on the wall. Applejack frowned and rolled her eyes. Fluttershy opened her bedroom door walked into her room.
"Oh I almost forgot, tomorrow we will be replacing your curtains with brand new ones," Rarity added.
"Oh but why?" Fluttershy frowned. "I love the curtains!"
"Nonsense, Darling!" Rarity disagreed, flicking her hoof off. "If you are going to be living here for a long time, then we must make sure your room is in good condition!"
Fluttershy could not win the argument since Rarity seemed insistent on replacing the curtains.
"Will the curtains have the same pink color?" She asked, out of curiosity. Rarity looked pleasantly pleased that some pony took interest in her fashion talent! Unlike Applejack.
"Oh no, they will be sky blue with lavender flowers-which are designed by moi!" Rarity smiled and winked at the last part of the sentence. Applejack knew that Rarity was going to boast about her fashion to poor Fluttershy. She quickly shoved the pegasus into her bedroom and locked the door before Rarity could say anything more!
"Hey, I was about to ask her if she wants s ball gown!" Rarity pouted.
"You can ask her later!" Applejack grumbled. "Now let's get to bed before the Master throws a fit!"
Screwball was sleeping soundly, when all of the sudden, she heard a tapping sound. The princess turned over to one side of her bed. She covered her ears, thinking it was the raindrops, splashing on her window. The tapping sound was coming from her bedroom window, but it was not the raindrops. It was a small hoof, hidden in the shadows. A green aura appeared on the window locks and unlocked them. Next, the window flew open. The creature quietly snuck inside over it. It was hard to see the small creature in the dark room.
He sighed in relief. The creature felt safe from the rain. He also felt safe from-
The dark figure tripped over one of the toys and let out an "Ow!"
The eldest princess owned her eyes and sat up. Her eyes laid on the dark figure, who also noticed her. He tried to run but Screwball clapped her hoofs and made him freeze. Screwball flashed a flashlight and pointed it at the intruder, making him shut his eyes due to the light. It was male changeling who was the same age as Screwball. He had a black carpace-like coat, teal messy mane and tail, green big eyes, green insect-like wings, a small fang, jagged ears, and holes in his legs. The young changeling had fear in his eyes.
"Please,let go of me!" He whispered, hastily.
"Boy, what are you doing here?" Screwball stipulated. "Are you trying to steal something?"
"Well I-" The young changeling began. Screwball narrowed her eyes, wondering if he was lying.
"If you are, I shall call for the guards!" She said in a not friendly tone.
"No, please!" Thr changeling begged. "I do not come here to steal! I mean no harm!"
Screwball approached closer to the changeling's face and looked deeply into his eyes. She stared at him for what felt like for an eternity. At least, to the young changeling. Then, Screwball pulled away, her face softening. It seemed that the strange colt really is not dangerous.
"Who are you and why did you come here?" She asked again, softly. Her tone seemed friendlier this time.
"My name is Mothball," the young changeling replied. "I was looking for someplace to hide for the night and I just happened to come upon this castle."
"Who were you running from?" Screwball questioned.
"Some ponies who think they are big and important!" Mothball spat. "They are out to get me!"
"But why?"
"Becaue I am...different!" Mothball sighed exasperated. Before Screwball could pry him, Mothball clung onto her as if she was his only safe base.
"Please do not say that I am here! I need a place to hide! Promise you won't tell anyone?" Mothball begged. He shivered at the thought of getting caught. He did not want to tell Screwball any more information because he did not want to put her in danger. "Promise?"
Screwball was still trying to process what Mothball had told her. She still felt scared but so did this young colt. Ponies were out to hurt him just because he is a changeling? Screwball sympathized with Mothball since she knew what it is like to be different. Ponies everywhere, even in Draconia, shunned her for chaotic powers and swirly eyes. Her father, late mother, and sisters were the only sources of comfort. Her father even protected her from ponies that tried to take advantage of her. This boy had nopony to go to for help! Or somepony to protect him!
"All right," Screwball whispered. "I will keep you hidden and not tell any pony." Mothball breathed out a sigh of relief and hugged a shocked princess.
"Bless you, princess!"
"You can sleep in my wardrobe," Screwball decided. "It is big enough for you to sleep in!" She led Mothball into her wardrobe. She closed the door but not before handing him an extra pillow and blanket. Screwball did not know why, but she felt really happy that she met a colt. She blushed as she glanced back at Mothball.
Mothball was ever so grateful Screwball. He laid his head on his pillow and sighed.
"What a nice filly! I wonder if she is single? No, snap out of it, Mothball! Why would a princess go for someone like you?" He thought to himself.
Flash Sentry was stationed in the hallway. As he walked past the nursery door, he stopped when he heard a small crash. Flash pressed his ear against the nursery door. The captain could not make it out but it seemed to him that Screwball was talking to Somepony. And that somepony had a male voice!? Or was it Babs Seed? He did not know but in a panic, Flash quickly left to find the King. He only hoped it was Babs Seed, not an intruder!
Fluttershy walked out of her personal bedroom, brushing her hair. Angel laid comfortably inside his basket, already dozing off. Dreaming about carrots. The buttercream pegasus smiled that her pet bunny had adapted well to the castle. She did not think Angel would because he was always an outside bunny or preferred to be in the countryside.
"I hope I can adapt well to the castle and its owners," Fluttershy sighed, sadly. She got off on the wrong foot with the Royal Family and the servants except Captain Flash, Miss Applejack, Miss Pinkie Pie, and Miss Rarity. Everything she said, seemed offensive to them. "What can I do to make it up to them?"
"Okay ponies, are you ready to make rain?" Rainbow Dash shouted. She and other three pegasi were standing on top of four big and dark gray clouds.
"Yes Ma'm, Rainbow Dash!" Derpy Hooves and Soarin' saluted.
"YEAH!" Bulk Biceps yelled, flexing his muscles. Rainbow Dash smirked, knowing that the others are just as prepared as she was.
"Then let's get started!" She commanded. The pegasi wasted no time, hopping on each gray cloud, letting raindrops fall down. Soarin was jumping on a cloud that created lightning. Bulk Biceps was using a cloud that made thunder. Rainbow Dash was certain thier storm would be a success.
Fluttershy's train of thought was interrupted when a flash of lightning broke out. She squeaked and hid underneath her covers. Fluttershy shivered and stayed underneath her covers. Why must thunderstorms be so loud?
Just then, Fluttershy heard rapid knocking on her door. She got out of her bed and flew over to unlock it.
"Princess Sweetie Belle!" Fluttershy said, surprised. "What's wrong?" There was another flash of lightning, that was so loud, it made Sweetie Belle squeak. The youngest princess ran into Fluttershy's front legs and whimpered. Fluttershy held Sweetie Belle, as she levitated and hovered over to her bed. It is clear to Fluttershy that the storms scared Sweetie Belle because she whimpered every time they heard lightning.
"I hate storms!" Sweetie Belle cried. "They're scary! I want blue skies back!"
"There, there, it's all right," Fluttershy soothed the youngest princess.
"Can I stay with you, Miss Fluttershy?" Sweetie whimpered.
"Of course, you may," Fluttershy said in a gentle voice.
"I wish I wasn't so scared!" Sweetie grumbled.
"It is okay to be afraid," Fluttershy soothed. "Everypony has something that makes them afraid."
"Even my sisters?" Sweetie Belle asked skeptically. Thunder boomed in the sky and three more fillies gallopped into Fluttershy's bedroom.
"Miss Fluttershy, can we stay in your room?" Apple abloom asked, meekly. "The other mares are asleep, Rainbow is out, Flash is gone, so we have to come to you-"
"Not that we're scared or anything!" Babs Seed, denied, interrupting Apple Bloom. She was about to talk again, when they heard another ear-splitting sound of thunder! Babs Seed, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom screamed and hastily jumped onto Fluttershy's bed. They scrambled underneath the blankets and shivered.
"Yes, you may," Fluttershy answered, sympathetically. She rubbed her hoof on Apple Bloom's head. "Will Screwball come here, too?"
"Nah, she never gets scared!" Scootaloo replied, her face scrunched in annoyance. "She's too brave!"
Screwball was somewhat a heavy sleeper. She did not notice that her sisters were gone until thunder woke her up. Sitting straight up, she scanned around the nursery.
"Where did they go?"
She started to panic because it wasn't like her sisters to disappear. Screwball jumped out the bed, trying to find them. Before she left, the princess turned to the wardrobe.
"Mothball, I'm going to be out of my room for a while so whatever you do, don't come out until I'm back, okay?"
Mothball pressed his nuzzle to Hhe door to hear.
"Okay, but how sill I know you're back?" Mothball asked, worriedly. "You won't tell any pony I'm here, right?"
"I'll ring my bell, as a signal," Screwball answered, summoning a bell from thin air. "Don't worry, I won't! But I want to know more why you came here tonight tomorrow, Pinkie Promise?"
Mothball blinked in confusion.
"Pinkie Promise?"
"It's something my servant always says whenever she asked us to promise something!" Screwball explained, embarrassed. She was glad Mothball did not see her blushing. "Now Pinkie Promise?"
"Pinkie Promise!" Mothball saluted, chuckling. He found this filly more interesting than ever!
Sweetie Belle looked up at the ceiling, hearing the pitter and patter of rain.
"What are the weather ponies doing up there?"
"Well, they're playing with thunder and lightning," Fluttershy kindly, answered. "One is jumping on a thunder cloud. The other one is playing with lightning!" Sweetie Belle felt tension leave her little body a bit. Hearing how weather works, does not make her feel so scared so much.
"I wish they did not have to be so loud!" Apple Bloom whimpered, shivering. Babs Seed patted her on the back for support.
"Of course they're loud, Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo back talked, ignoring Apple Bloom's glare. "What do you expect?"
"I just wish I wasn't so scared, okay!?" Apple Bloom ranted. Just then, there was a small bright flash. Fluttershy and the children tensed up, thinking it was the king. But it turned out to be Screwball.
"Ah, thank goodness I found you here! Thanks Fluttershy for keeping them safe. Scootaloo, stop picking on Apple Bloom!"
Before the little flightless pegasi could think of another comeback, Babs Seed covered her mouth. Screwball landed on the bed, slowly, sitting between Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.
"Do you know what I do whenever I feel afraid?" She asked, softly. Apple Bloom was piqued with interest.
"No, what do you do?"
"When I get scared, I try to think of things that make me feel happy," Fluttershy answered.
"What kinds of things?" The children chorused.
"Well...," Fluttershy thought out loud. "Monarch Butterflies, bunnies, blue jays, oak trees...Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. Brown paper-packages tied up with strings! These are a few of my favorite things,"
Children gave small smiles before ducking down due to another sound of thunder. Fluttershy resumed singing.
"Cream-colored puppies and crisp-Apple strudels! Doorbells and sleigh bells and with barley noodles! Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings. These are a few of my favorite things!"
("Apple strudels ain't crisp!" Apple Bloom grumbled. "And you don't eat barley with noodles!" Babs Seed hit her upside the head. "Quiet, sis!" She hissed.)
"Mares in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Snowflakes that stayed on my nuzzle and eyelashes! Survival white winters that melt into spring! These are a few of my favorite things! When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad! I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad!"
The princesses thought Fluttershy had a lovely singing voice, and seemed to feel a bit better from her song.
"Does it really work?" Sweetie Belle asked, excitedly.
"Oh yes!" Fluttershy responded with the same excitement. "Now let's see if you can name your favorite things!"
Sweetie Belle thought for a moment.
"Pink dresses!"
"Apple Pies!" Apple Bloom chirped.
"Scooters!" Scootaloo cried, jumping.
"Hiking!" Babs Seed added.
"Colts!" Screwball cried, happily, remembering Mothball.
"Tulips!" Sweetie Belle shouted.
"Painting!" Apple Bloom yelled, happily.
"No school!" Screwball smirked, magically producing a math textbook and breaking it in half, with ease.
"Jumping on he bed!" Scootaloo cried, jumping higher. Her sisters followed suit. Fluttershy giggled that at the children's giddiness and enthusiasm.
"See, how many favorite things you have named!" She beamed once more and resumed to signing.
"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens! Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens! Brown paper packages tied up with strings! Hess are a few of my favorite things!"
As she sang, Fluttershy twirled with Screwball, Apple Bloom twirled with Babs Seed, and Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo continued bouncing.
"Cream colored puppies and crisp apple strudels! Doorbells and sleigh bells and barley with noodles! White geese that fly with the moon on their wings! These are a few of my favorite things!"
Scootaloo bounced forward and started falling off the bed! The girls gasped. Fluttershy's eyes widened and quickly caught Scootaloo before the child could reach the floor. The others sighed in relief. Scootaloo thanked Fluttershy as she was safely, put down on the floor.
"Continue singing!" Screwball insisted.
"Mares in white dresses with blue satin sashes! Snowflakes that stayed on my nuzzle and eyelashes! Silver white winters that melt into springs! Thses are a few of my favorite things!" Her eyes were half-closed as she spun around. "When he dog bites-OH!" Suddenly, Fluttershy found herself facing King Discord! Where did he come from? The excitement died down, as the children hastily formed a military line. Blushing at being so close to the King, Fluttershy took a few steps back from him. She hid half of her face behind her mane, not daring to look at the King's angry face.
"Miss Fluttershy, did I not tell you that bedtime is to be observed in this household?"
Discord's voice sent shivers in Fluttershy's spine.
"Y-yes, but the children were frightened of the thunderstorm so they-" Fluttershy realized that she was not making the situation better. Discord's eyes were still as hardened as they were when he entered the room. Fluttershy took a deep breath.
"You did, your highness," she sighed, casting her eyes downward. Discord felt bad for making her a bit sad but he had to show her who is in charge. He retained his stern before he could go soft.
"And do you or do you not have trouble following such simple instructions?" He barked. Fluttershy frowned. She narrowed her eyes and lifted her head a bit, trying to be brave.
"Only during the thunderstorms, your highness."
Scootaloo and Apple Bloom snickered, amused by their nanny's comeback to their father. Discord glared daggers at them.
"Screwball, Flash Sentry told me that he heard you talking to somepony!" He accused. Fluttershy and the other fillies had no idea what Discord was talking about. Screwball grimaced. Oh no, he did not Mothball, did he? She desperately tried to think of a question.
"Um, what do you mean, father?" She asked, feigning innocence. "I was talking to my sisters! One of them!"
"Oh no," King Discord drawled. "According to Flash, he heard a male voice. So who is it?" He did not buy his daughter's lie. She could not fool him, he can tell when somepony was lying. Screwball quickly turned her head to one of her sisters.
"Babs Seed, father," she calmly fibbed. "I was talking to Babs Seed, her voice is just deep for a girl, you know!"
("Hey!" Babs Seed snapped.)
"And what were yo two talking about?" Discord grilled on, his arms crossed. Screwball started to sweat. Thankfully, Fluttershy changed the subject.
"Your highness, it is late!" She said. "The children need to be put into bed. You two can discuss this later!"
"Like he discusses anything with us!" Scootaloo angirily whispered to Apple Bloom. Discord heard that and hid the hurt feelings before he girls could see it. He was not getting anywhere despite, knowing that his firstborn was lying. Then again, his second child did have a deep voice.
"All right, Screwball," he sighed, calmly. "Perhaps Flash misheard the situation. Back to bed all of you!" He commanded the last part. The children bid good night to Fluttershy and King Discord, as they scampered back to the nursery. Before Discord could take his leave, he directed his eyes at Fluttershy. Her face was still partially hid behind her mane. Discord silently blamed himself for startling her again. He kept his face cool and stern.
"I want to remind you that I will be gone for a week so if you have any questions, Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry will aid you," he explained.
"Y-yes, King Discord," Fluttershy stammered, softly. Before Discord could leave, Fluttershy suddenly remembers something.
"Your highness, wait!" She yelped. Discord stopped in his tracks.
"What is it?" He asked.
Fluttershy took another deep breath. "Um, I hope you do not mind but can we order some fabric? I like to make play clothes for the children."
"What would they need the play clothes for?" Discord asked, again.
"For playing!" Fluttershy said, kindly.
"My children do not play, they march!" He said, rudely. Fluttershy's smile started to waver.
"Oh but surely the can take a break from marching and play!" She meekly suggested.
"My answer is clear: No!" Discord growled. He stepped outside, ready to close the door behind him.
"But your highness!" Fluttershy pleaded. "They're your children!"
"Yes...," Discord slowly, said, not understanding her. "And I am their father. Good night." He left and closed the door. Fluttershy made a very small angry sound. "Oh that stallion is impossible!" She cried to herself, kicking the floor. She sat down on her bed, feeling frustrated. Angel leapt from his basket and and landed on Fluttershy's head, patting it. Then he squeaked to Flutteshy, pointing at the curtains.
"What is it, Angel?"
Fluttershy followed Angel's paw to the curtains. She remembers that Applejack will replace them with brand new curtains. Then, an idea hit Fluttershy.
"Of course!" She whispered, as she stared hard at the curtains. Taking some of thr curtains down, Fluttershy felt happy again. Why did she not think of it before?
"When the dog bites, when the bee stings! When I'm feeling sad! I simply remember my favorite things and then I do not feel so bad!"
Now she has material to make play-clothes!
Twilight Sparkle yawned as well as Spike, Cadance, and Shining Armor.
"Well, I don't know about you but I'm feeling bushed!" Shining Armor said, tiredly. Cadance nodded, her eyes looking droopy.
"But what about the...story?" Twilight yawned, again.
"We're not...that sleepy!" Spike denied, failing to stifle his yawn.
"Come on, you two," Cadance giggled, using her magic to put her sister-in-law and dragon in their respective beds. "We'll read the next chapter tomorrow."
After Cadance and Shining admire also got into bed, they used thier Magic to turn the lights off. Twilight closed her eyes, slipping into dreamland.
