Twilight Sparkle and TJ both walked along a bridge, one of many that stretched through the otherwise open air high above the ground. Both were looking around at what wonders Willowbrook had to offer. It was starting to get late, so the ponies that had been gathered around Godzilla and Anguirus decided it'd be best to head back into the village. They had mostly gone their separate ways for the time being, but Twilight Sparkle and TJ found they were enjoying each others company, so they stuck together. Both ponies were smiling and having a great time as they had been since the cleanup had finished.
There had even been laughs shared between the two with both enjoying how funny the other could be. Besides the jokes, there had been much conversation shared between TJ and Twilight as well. It wasn't anything very important, but more so mildly amusing small talk. It was basically trivial things one would discuss if they didn't really have anything to talk about, but wanted to anyways. Along the way both had suggested, at the same time no less, that TJ show Twilight Sparkle around Willowbrook, which had led them to that moment.
Seeing more of the village and from different angles as well was actually an enjoyable experience for the violet alicorn. She was getting to see things she wasn't able to when she first arrived. Twilight also saw how much better parts she'd already seen looked since they no longer bared the scars of the minotaur raid. What made Twilight so passionate to look around was not just the village itself, but also the community of ponies who inhabit it. Despite clearly showing the emotional wear and tear they had gone through, they all still tried to carry themselves like everyday ponies.
They walked around the bridges, high balconies, and the forest floor like it was their normal commute. They also greeted each other in a pleasant manner, smiling, tipping a hat, waving, saying "hi", and even striking up really quick, really small conversations before moving on. It was still plain to see their long standing struggle with the minotaurs had taken its toll on them all. Yet somehow they were still fighting passed it and were still trying to to be as civilized as possible. How was it then that despite all they had gone through they could still muster the effort to be civil?
Had they become numb to the emotional and psychological turmoil that came from fight with the minotaurs? Were they at a point were they could actually and legitimately move pass such emotions? Were they just living in denial? Or were their spirits really so strong that none of what the minotaurs threw at them was enough to break them? Or was it just months and months of therapy?
In Twilight's opinion, looking around the village at that moment, she believed the villagers of Willowbrook were strong willed. She believed that deep down, they were all genuinely good ponies and would do their best to stay good no matter what. That was the kind of vibe Twilight was getting looking at the crowds of ponies walking around and going about their lives in Willowbrook. Again, there was still a clear underlying fear and anxious anticipation for when the next minotaur strike would be. But Twilight Sparkle had a huge amount of respect for the villagers because they clearly refused to let that fear and anticipation get to them.
Twilight had stopped in the middle of the bridge and leaned up against the side to look out over everything. She had been in motion practically all day, so she had decided she just wanted to take a moment to relax. Plus, Twilight Sparkle also wanted to see what the village activity looked like when she wasn't trotting around all the time. TJ respected her unspoken request and stood by with her as she marveled at what the village had to offer. Plus, he was pretty tired himself, though he would never admit to it.
"Wow... it really is amazing," Twilight Sparkle said.
"It sure is," TJ agreed.
"Absolutely," Twilight Sparkle said. "As far as I'm concerned, this place is great. I mean, not everypony can say they live in a village built by an ancient civilization filled with so many wonderful ponies."
TJ smiled as he looked out across the way at his fellow villagers.
"They are pretty awesome aren't they?" TJ asked.
"Yeah," Twilight Sparkle said. She then raised an eyebrow. "Though... there is one pony here I'm not sure about."
"Hey!" TJ said with a surprised, open mouthed smile on his face.
Twilight Sparkle let out a little giggle before saying, "Seriously, though, I got to know some of the other villagers during the cleanup. They were all really helpful like you are."
"Thanks, Twilight, I try to be," TJ said.
"You are," Twilight reassured.
"I guess that's just the influence everyone here has on me," TJ said. "Though, I think mostly it comes from my dad. He used to always be trying to help somepony, everypony do something somewhere no matter what it was."
"Don't say used to, TJ," Twilight Sparkle said. "Your dad's alive. I know he is. Somehow... I can feel it."
"Oh, so do I," TJ said. "No, don't worry, Twilight. I totally agree with you that my dad's alive. I'm going to see him again no matter what. I'll fight Tartarus if I have to.
"But what I mean is he used to work harder than any other pony I ever met... until..."
"Until what, TJ?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Until he got old," TJ finished.
Twilight Sparkle had to fight with all her might not to laugh, though it slipped out a little. The smile was clear to see on her face despite trying to cover it with her front hooves. Twilight's reaction actually got TJ to start laughing, which made the princess release her laughter as well.
"I'm so sorry," Twilight said in between laughs. "It's just the way you put that, it..."
"No apology needed," TJ said with a chuckle. "If anything, I should be apologizing to you. I laugh at stupid stuff like that all the time. You've just been hanging around a bad influence too long, that being me."
"Oh, you're not so bad," Twilight Sparkle said.
"I go right up to my parents and tell them they're old to their faces before laughing at their anger," TJ said bluntly.
Both ponies laughed out again.
"Okay, I take it back," Twilight Sparkle said. "You're a pretty bad boy."
"Uh, not as much," TJ said. "They always know I'm joking and fake getting mad to make me laugh. Worse thing that happens is they come up with something better to say that makes me look like the goober."
"How often does that happen?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
TJ was silent and blank faced for a moment before saying, "Anyways-"
"You answered without answering," Twilight Sparkle said with a laugh.
TJ joined in for a moment before saying, "In all seriousness, that's what happened. My mom and dad both got old. Having to deal with all this minotaur garbage as you get older can take its toll on a pony's physical health."
"You mean-?"
"That's exactly what I mean, Twilight," TJ said. "My dad beat his body into pulp doing all he did well into her later years. Even worse was he didn't stop with the minotaurs. He still went around helping ponies with big chores around the village and still tried to run the place like he was twenty five. In truth, he's even older than my mom is."
"How old is your mom?" Twilight sparkle asked.
"Fifty four," TJ answered. "And my dad is sixty three."
"Whoa!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed. "And they haven't let up at all?"
"Not until their bodies forced them to," TJ answered. "They still try to push themselves, but eventually the side effects of old age forces them down... That's why I'm so worried about what happened to my dad... It's also why I'm so worried about my mom now."
"If you are, then why don't you take over running the village?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"I've tried several times, Twilight," TJ said. "But I'm usually either told no or just flat out ignored... Honestly that hurts more than being told no... Oh, well. It doesn't matter because I think my mom is setting up or at least trying to set up Muse to become the new village head."
"What makes you think that?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Because she's Mom's biological child," TJ said. "But mostly I think it's because of her becoming an alicorn recently. I think Muse senses this, too... Unfortunately, I think she's also frightened to the bone about it."
"You do?" Twilight asked.
TJ nodded his head in reply.
"You heard her earlier," TJ said. "You think a pony who's afraid of their power would want to try and use it to run a whole village? Or do you think she'd want to run the village even without that power?"
"I guess not," Twilight Sparkle said.
"It's a shame, though," TJ said. "I honestly think she'd turn out to be very good at being a leader and using her new powers if she gave both a chance. She's a strong willed pony, Twilight... and also very special. She can do things and figure things out faster and better than I ever could. She's really smart; so smart she can actually figure out how to work an egg timer."
"And you can't?" Twilight Sparkle asked playfully.
TJ gave his friend a sideways smile both of amusement and fake annoyance.
"Shut up," TJ said in an exaggerated tone. Twilight Sparkle laughed in amusement before TJ went on. "Seriously, though, she's very talented at a lot of things. I know leadership and using her alicorn magic would be two of those things if she gave them a try. She'd probably end up being a better leader than I ever could... Although, at the same time, I could see why she wouldn't want to pursue either of those things."
"Me too," Twilight Sparkle said. "When I first moved to Ponyville, I wasn't interested in making friends. But somehow, they all just flocked to me even though I wasn't even trying to get them to. Applejack brought something up to me recently that I honestly never noticed. I guess I somehow became the unofficial leader of our little gang of friends.
"Friends who somehow ended up being really important ponies going on really important journeys and doing really important things."
"I can see why that ended up happening," TJ said.
"You do?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Absolutely," TJ said as sincerely as he could muster. "Twilight, you're a natural born leader. I saw it in you from the moment I met you. It's not just cause you're a princess either. If you take that away, there's still something... I can explain it. You just got something special about you that makes you a pony other ponies would want to follow.
"You're special in other ways, too, but that's one of them."
"Wow," a stunned Twilight Sparkle managed to say. "Thank you, TJ."
"You're welcome... Twilight," TJ responded.
"I can only guess what you're saying is true," Twilight Sparkle said. "That's only because even before I became an alicorn princess, my friends still followed me like I was a leader."
TJ gave Twilight a confused look.
"You haven't always been an alicorn?"
"Yeah, didn't I tell you that before?"
"Probably. Unfortunately I have a tendency to forget some things sometimes. I even forget things I've been told several times... Like my pet goldfish's birthday."
"You have a pet goldfish?"
TJ stared at Twilight Sparkle with a blank expression for several seconds before answering.
"Not anymore."
"Oh," Twilight Sparkle replied.
The two stood in awkward silence for a moment before moving on.
"So, you were transformed into an alicorn?" TJ asked. "I'm guessing it wasn't by a magic rock?"
"No," Twilight Sparkle said. "It was Princess Celestia who did it. Apparently it was a path I'd been put on since the first day Celestia made me her apprentice."
"Really?" TJ asked in amazement.
"Yep," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Far out," TJ said. "And... how did you take it?"
"Well, to be honest," Twilight Sparkle said, "I was kind of in the same boat that Muse is in. I felt the exact same way about becoming an alicorn and a possible leader as you think she does. I was afraid of using my magic and what heights it could possibly reach in the future. But even more than that I was afraid of taking the rank of princess and the authority that would come with it."
"How did you cope with your fears and eventually get pass them?" TJ asked. "How were you able to overcome it all and not only master your alicorn magic, but accept and fit into your new position of power?"
"Hmm," Twilight Sparkle mused. "You know, I think it was just something I eased into over time. It was practicing both of them a little bit here and there over an extended period of time. I was already working hard on mastering my magic when I was just a unicorn. So it was only natural I kept doing it even as an alicorn.
"Then there came a day where I got even more alicorn magic and was forced to master it in a situation that could've meant the end of Equestria. It got to the point where I needed to find an even greater magic that could only be wielded by not just me, but my friends as well. After that, my regular load of alicorn magic just seemed like a breeze."
"Wow," TJ said in awe.
"Now as for leadership," Twilight Sparkle went on. "According to what everypony says, including you, I was already a natural leader. I guess that kind of carried over with the authority that comes with my princess title. So as you can tell, apparently I had both my magic and leadership skills well in hoof. But I still do my best to hone both and practice hard at them, even to this day. So it's hard for me to say if it's all really natural or if it's the hard work I put into learning my skills."
"Maybe it's both," TJ said. "Wouldn't surprise me considering what a remarkable pony you turned out to be."
Twilight Sparkle looked at TJ with a bit of surprise before lowering her head to look to the ground.
"Thanks, TJ."
"You're very welcome, Twilight... I'm honestly surprised how well things have turned out with since I met you and your friends... I guess I was just lucky getting you all as my friends, too."
"Well, we're lucky to have you, too," Twilight Sparkle said. "So far the same seems to be true with the rest of Willowbrook's ponies. Your mom was very nice and very inviting and from what Fluttershy told me, she still was even during the battle. Muse seems like she's a very sweet pony, too."
"She is," TJ said. "I can't wait for you all to get to know each other better."
"Do you feel like we've gotten to know enough about each other?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"You mean you and I personally?" TJ asked. "Or do you mean you plus your friends getting to know me and vice versa?"
"Both," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Oh," TJ said. "Hmm... Well... Probably for now. I'm sure we'll get to know each other more overtime."
"Well, I've learned you're a sweet pony," Twilight Sparkle said. "You love your family and you and your dad can sing. I learned a few other things, too, like you're a really hard worker. What have you learned about me?"
"Well, I know you're crazy about books," TJ said.
"How did you know that?" Twilight Sparkle asked as she raised an eyebrow. "I don't remember if we ever got to that or not."
"We didn't have to," TJ said. "The big poster in your room back at the castle in Ponyville that read, 'I LOVE BOOKS' in big purple lettering was a dead give away."
"Oh," Twilight Sparkle said as an embarrassed smile crossed her face and her cheeks turned red.
"Hey, don't sweat it," TJ said. "I dig that. Also, pretty much everything you said about me is stuff I learned about you and your friends. You all have your own little quirks and different ways you go about things. But at your cores, you all have those same awesome qualities, thus making you all super awesome ponies."
"Wow," Twilight Sparkle said. "Thanks again, TJ. " Twilight dug her hoof at the wooden planks of the bridge. "All the girls think you're a pretty awesome pony yourself."
"Well, I try to be," TJ said. "Again, you have all these ponies in this village to thank. Speaking of which, remind me to thank the girls later for their nice words. They did use the word awesome, right?"
Twilight Sparkle nodded her head as she said, "Yes, they did."
"Cool," TJ said as he looked out at the village.
Twilight Sparkle stared out for a moment as well. She then noticed the change in the rays of the sun shining through the gaps between the trees and their branches.
"You know," Twilight Sparkle said, "the sunset makes this place look even more beautiful than it already is."
"Eh, I guess," TJ said. Twilight gave the stallion a questioning look. "I mean, don't get me wrong, Willowbrook's great and the forest is amazing... But I honestly think I've started to grow numb to it all."
"Why?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Because," TJ said, "everything I see around me now has just become a reminder of what we ponies here have to endure from the minotaurs. There isn't a spot on this island where I've set hoof that I haven't had a confrontation with a minotaur. Whether it was a physical confrontation or not, I've still had bad run ins with the minotaurs everywhere I've been on this island. Even here on this bridge, I've had to deal with some horn heads.
"I've never been able to feel truly safe where I'm suppose to feel at home. The closest I've come was being surrounded by the ponies I love, whether they were family or just close friends here in the village... They are what makes this fight worth it the most for me. At this point, I honestly wouldn't care if Willowbrook was raised to the ground so long as it meant everypony came out of it alive, safe, and sound."
"But what about their homes?" Twilight asked.
"We'd all persevere and find new homes," TJ said. "I know everyone's strong enough to get through something like that! They've got tough hearts and determined spirits... and overall, they're just great ponies. So I fight on for them just like they fight on for me and each other."
"That was beautiful, TJ," Twilight Sparkle said. "Even more beautiful than the sunset."
"Well, neither one are as beautiful as..." TJ stopped himself and covered his mouth with his hoof."
"As beautiful as what?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Never you mind," TJ said, albeit in a muffled voice since he had not removed his hoof from his mouth.
Twilight Sparkle looked away nervously before looking back to TJ.
"Can I ask you something, TJ?" Twilight Sparkle asked, her voice sounding shaky with nervousness.
"Uh... sure," TJ said after removing his hoof from over his mouth.
"Now answer honestly," Twilight Sparkle said. "You've said it before, so I want you to clarify... Do... Do you really think I'm pretty?"
TJ gagged on a lump of air that got caught in his throat. He was dreading this moment, though he knew it was inevitable with his constant slip of words. After TJ coughed up the air stuck in his throat, he put a hoof to his chest and beat on it a few times. He turned to Twilight, but was unable to speak at first. He kept trying to form words, but he couldn't even let out a single syllable, instead making nonsense sounds.
"Yes, I do!" TJ finally let out.
Twilight Sparkle's eyes widened before catching herself and looking away. Both ponies were feeling incredibly awkward at that moment, but they wanted to try and press on.
"Whoa," was all Twilight Sparkle could say at first. "Okay... Wow... How pretty do you think I am?"
She won't let this get any less awkward, will she? TJ thought to himself.
"How do I put this?" TJ asked himself. "Well, I guess I should start by admitting there wasn't a mare in Ponyville I didn't think was cute in some way. Seriously, do you all put something in the water or something like that?" Twilight Sparkle just gave him a confused look. "Right... moving on then.
"Anyways, every mare in Ponyville was either a nine or a ten on cuteness factor... But you... you're a solid twenty, Twilight Sparkle... You are, what my mom likes to call, a real cutie patootie." Twilight Sparkle looked on with an embarrassed look, as did TJ, both ponies' faces turning red. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe I just said that!"
"That makes two of us," Twilight Sparkle said as she watched TJ put his hooves over his face.
He stayed that way for almost eight seconds before finally peeking an eye out. She saw Twilight was still there looking at him and waiting. TJ finally got the guts to face the alicorn princess as he removed his hooves from his face and looked to her.
"Sorry about that, Twi," TJ said as he rubbed a hoof across the back of his neck. "I didn't mean to creep you out."
"Oh, no, it's okay," Twilight Sparkle assured him. "I'm not creeped out. I asked you a question and you answered it... Thank you for that by the way. Actually... I think it's kind of... sweet."
TJ's eyes widened for a moment as he looked to Twilight Sparkle with renewed interest.
"Really?!" TJ asked in amazement.
Twilight Sparkle nodded her head as a cute little smile crossed her face.
"Absolutely," Twilight Sparkle said. "Sorry if I embarrassed you, TJ."
"Oh, that's alright!" TJ said with a chuckle. "I think we both got embarrassed there a little... good thing nopony was around to hear all that."
"Not all of it, no!" Twilight and TJ both let out small yelps as they looked to see Firefly landing next to them. "But I did come in at cutie patootie. You know, I still can't believe, TJ, out of all the things you got from your mom, that had to be one of them."
"Firefly," TJ said through a large, gritted, embarrassed smile. "How nice to see you."
"Can we help you?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"I hate to break up your moment," Firefly said. "But, TJ, your mom says she wants to see all of us back at your hut."
"We're on our way," TJ said with a determined tone that matched his expression. Both briefly turned to uncertainty. "Now, when you say all of us, do you mean...?"
"I mean, you, me, the princess, and all her friends you brought with you," Firefly said. "Some of them are probably already there."
"Okay , got it," TJ said as he nodded his head.
"We'll be right over," Twilight Sparkle said.
"See you there," Firefly said before she took off into the sky at a bullet's speed.
"Let's go," TJ said before he started trotting towards his house.
Twilight Sparkle trotted after him, but was stopped when Firefly landed next to her. It was so fast and sudden that it scared the daylights out of Twilight, who let out a small yelp of surprise.
"You know, I couldn't help noticing," Firefly said. "You never did tell him whether you thought he was cute or not."
Twilight Sparkle stared at Firefly with an alarmed, open mouthed expression.
"I... Uh-"
"Now you don't even have to say," Firefly said with a sly smiled on her face. "I know the answer already. See you two love birds at Moon Bright's hut."
With that, Firefly took off again, causing a gust that nearly knocked Twilight Sparkle off her hooves. Even several seconds after Firefly was long gone, Twilight was looking in the direction she had flown.
"You coming, Twilight?" TJ called from the end of the bridge.
This snapped Twilight Sparkle out of her daze, after which she hurried over to TJ.
"Yeah, I'm coming," Twilight Sparkle said as she trotted. It wasn't long before she was at the Earth pony stallion's side yet again. "Sorry about that, TJ. I got... distracted."
"Don't worry, it happens to me all the time," TJ said. His smile turned to a small frown as he thought harder about it. "Actually, more times than I like to admit."
Twilight Sparkle smiled as she poked at TJ's side with one of her wings.
"I'll race ya," Twilight Sparkle said.
"You don't know the way," TJ said with an amused smile on his face.
"Then it's gonna be even sadder when I beat you!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed.
"It is so on!" TJ said as he and Twilight began to run. "You know, you sounded just like Firefly right then."
"Really?" Twilight Sparkle asked. "I was going for Rainbow Dash."
"Well, you know, when you're related," TJ said. "Too bad it seems like Rainbow Dash wants to forget that right now. But I don't know the full situation, so I'll stay out of it for the time being."
"I will say, they do at least fly a lot like each other," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Yeah, I know," TJ said. "Firefly's been trying to teach Muse to fly... but her flying scares the daylights out of my sister. It scares me, too, honestly, but I think that Muse is more so scared of using her wings in general."
"I can understand that," Twilight Sparkle said. "It was a total nightmare when I was learning how to fly. And it was Firefly's daughter that was teaching me!"
The two ponies shared a laugh with each other as they continued to run, albeit lightly.
"But you can fly now, right?" TJ asked.
"I sure can," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Then why don't you do it more often?" TJ asked. "I mean I think I might've only seen it happen once or twice."
"Oh," Twilight Sparkle said. "I guess I just like keeping my hooves on the ground. I'm used to it, being that I used to be a unicorn and all, you know?"
"Well, I think you should try flying a little more," TJ said.
"You think so?" Twilight Sparkle inquired.
"Sure," TJ said. "I know if I had wings, I'd be flying all the time. I'll bet it's a ton of fun."
"It can be," Twilight Sparkle admitted.
"Plus, it could probably be a very useful tool against the minotaurs," TJ said. "I don't think I saw you fly once during that raid today. I mean, think about it. A magic wielder as powerful as yourself, who can get airborne and attack from above. You'd probably be near unstoppable."
"Are you sure about that?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Absolutely," TJ said. "Plus, I think you'd look totally awesome flying. You'd probably look more majestic than an eagle."
Twilight Sparkle gave TJ a sly smile before she suddenly opened her wings and took to the sky. TJ watched her fly off in disbelief. On one hoof, he was right about her looking cool flying. On the other hoof, she was leaving him far behind.
"Hey, I didn't mean right now!" TJ yelled after the giggling alicorn. "Come on, Twilight! That's cheating! Wait up!... You still don't know the way to my house!"
Fluttershy sat quietly at the table in the living room, which also doubled as a kitchen and dinning area. The huts that were the Willowbrook ponies' homes weren't that big, so some rooms served multiple purposes. Despite the room being slightly cramped, Fluttershy sat calmly and patiently as she flashed a pleasant smile. She watched as Moon Bright showed Rarity around the room. They mostly stuck close to the multiple shelf units that held all sorts of trinkets, treasures, and knickknacks.
There were several smooth, polished, multicolored river rocks. The shelves also held many beaded and non-beaded bracelets and necklaces. There were also several delicate and decorative plates, bowls, and vases. The shelves also housed decorative and expensive looking drinking glasses and silverware. There were also statues, along with painted, drawn, and photographed pictures.
There were also crystals and other small gems of varying shapes and sizes. The shelves also had all kinds of boxes, both decorative and non-decorative that held other treasures inside. There were just too many items on the shelves to keep track of it all. It almost seemed impossible for somepony to be able to fit so much stuff into a hut so small and still be able to walk around in. But Moon Bright still managed to pull it off.
On top of all those treasures, there was many a tapestry and quilt hanging about. Some of the smaller ones hung off the shelves that housed the rest of Moon Bright's treasure trove. The bigger cloths hung from the walls fully displaying the unique designs, color patterns, different fabrics, and artistic influence of the nation or culture they came from. In that moment, Rarity couldn't help gushing over all of it.
"My, Moon Bright, I must commend you," Rarity said. "Never in my life have I seen such eclectic and unique tastes put on display so efficiently. It all proudly displays itself so you know the origins of where the items all came from. Yet, at the same time, it's done in a manner where it all blends perfectly well together. Look at those glitter covered hoof held fans of different colors hanging around what is clearly a portrait of an amazonian river!
"They're obviously from different backgrounds, but you make them look so well together! That's merely one simplistic, yet ingenious design choices of many more intricate ones that help make this all look simply divine."
"Well, thank you, Rarity, sweetie," Moon Bright said with an ecstatic smile on her face. "Most ponies don't bother to notice that and think it's all a mess. If my kids were here, they'd tell you that's what it all is. But what do they know? I mean, it's totally not like I was going for a theme than gave up because I was getting so much junk.
"Other ponies might think that, but you, on the other hoof, clearly got a special eye for detail."
"Oh, I have to for my line of work, darling," Rarity said.
"Ooh," Moon Bright said with interest. "What kind of work are you in, dear?"
"She's a dressmaker," Fluttershy said.
"A bit of an over simplification, don't you think?" Rarity asked. "No, while dress making is the bigger part of my work, I am a full on fashionista! I make shoes, hats, scarves, necklaces, shirts, and yes, dresses, too. But I make so many other things, too!"
"Well, I believe it," Moon Bright said. "A spunky thing as energetic as you. I'll bet you're very successful, too."
"Oh, well thank you, Moon Bright, darling" Rarity said in a flattered manner. "But, at the risk of sounding egotistical, I am way more than just successful. I've managed to run two of the biggest fashion shops in Equestria! What I've accomplished all came from the hard work and dedication I put into everything I do."
"Awesome," Moon Bright said. "I'm happy it turned out that way because of your hard work. True work and dedication like that will always be rewarded. We need more ponies like that... Like you, now more than ever."
"Thank you again, Mrs. Moon Bright," Rarity said respectfully.
"Oh, just call me, Moon Bright, please, dear."
"Yes, ma- I mean, Moon Bright," Rarity said as she smiled. "All these tapestries are so fantastic. Tell me, did you purchase them from different places? Or did you buy them all at the same shop?"
"I actually made some of those myself," Moon Bright said proudly. She pointed to a tie dye colored tapestry. "Like that one. I made it."
"How lovely," Rarity said. "So colorful."
"Everything was at Pony Stock," Moon Bright said with a laugh.
"Huh?" Rarity and Fluttershy asked together.
"Never mind," Moon Bright said. "But yeah, most of these tapestries I did buy. But there's some of this stuff I actually wove and made with my own hooves... My horn, too, but that's besides the point. My daughter, Muse made some of those tapestries, too.
"Every time, I get so surprised even though I should know by now she has a talent for it like I do. I usually get so proud that I just can't help but put what she made out here on display for all to see. I do it so I can say, 'Yep, that's right! My baby girl made that!' "
"Oh, how wonderful," Rarity said. "I can't begin to fathom how truly proud you must be to have your daughter inherit such creativity from you."
"I'll bet you're very proud of her," Fluttershy said.
"I am," Moon Bright said. "I am very proud of Muse. But I think she would've turned out creative whether I was or not. I'll admit, though, a large majority of that stuff you see that my daughter and I didn't make wasn't even bought by me. A lot of it are presents given to me by my family and friends.
My husband, Strong Courage used to buy me a lot of stuff before he went missing... Lately, my son, TJ has been buying me a lot of stuff, too. I think he does it to make me feel better about our situation and about... Anyways, would you like to come with me so I can show you the crown jewel of my collection?"
"Absolutely!" Rarity said. "I would be most honored!"
"Then come on and follow me!" Moon Bright exclaimed.
Moon Bright and Rarity hurried over to a shelf like two giddy school ponies with Fluttershy even getting up and following them. Moon Bright looked to her right and left to see both mares on either side of her. She then used her magic to levitate a decorative box, slightly bigger than the others, up to her, Rarity, and Fluttershy's faces. Moon Bright slowly opened the box and revealed the object within, which made both of her house guests gasp in amazement.
"Ooh," Rarity marveled.
"Oh, my," Fluttershy let out. "Is that a genuine baby dragon scale?"
"Yes it is," Moon Bright said. "Well, based on all the studying I've done on it, in other words staring at the shiny object, I'd say the dragon it came off of was a little bit older than a baby. An infant for sure, but this dragon was probably spitting out its baby teeth by the time this scale dropped off of it."
"Oh, I hope the poor thing didn't feel any pain," Fluttershy said.
The scale practically glowed its magenta color it had been polished so well.
"Fascinating," Rarity said. "I see you go to great lengths to keep it in tip, top shape, Moon Bright."
"You should've seen it when I first got it," Moon Bright said. "It was in such bad condition, I thought I wasn't going to be able to save it. But ta-da."
"Marvelous," Rarity said. "But that leaves the question... how did you get it?"
"You didn't actually... go..." Fluttershy started, but wasn't able to finish.
"Go pull it off a dragon?" Moon Bright supplied. She followed up with a loud, roarous laugh, she felt so amused. "You're cute, the both of ya. But no, I didn't. It was actually a gift."
"Who gave it to you?" Fluttershy asked.
"I did," a voice said. Everypony looked to see that Firefly had just stepped into the hut. "I found it laying around one day and when I came to the island, I saw Moon Bright was into this kind of stuff. So I gave it to her."
"Firefly, sweetie!" Moon Bright said happily as she trotted up and hugged her friend. "I'm glad you were finally able to come."
"Glad I could make it," Firefly said before she and Moon Bright broke up their hug.
"Did you go talk to everypony like I asked?" Moon Bright inquired.
"Yeah, they're all on their way," Firefly said.
It was at that moment when Rainbow Dash flew in the open door of the hut and landed.
"Oh, so you were telling the truth," Rainbow Dash said with disdain. "This wasn't some cheap trick."
"Good band," Moon Bright said.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes at Firefly and then trotted over to the table and sat down.
"Thank you for inviting me into your home, Moon Bright, ma'am," Rainbow Dash said.
"Of course, sweetie, you're always welcome," Moon Bright replied. She then looked to her other two guests. "That goes for you girls, too."
"Thank you," Rarity and Fluttershy said together.
"So you say the dragon scale is the crown jewel of you collection, Moon Bright," Rarity said. "I honestly would've expected you to say that alpha stone object of yours was."
"The alpha stone isn't just mine alone," Moon Bright said. "It does a service to the whole village. It's way more valuable than any of my junk on the shelves... Though they are pretty shiny and... Anyways, the point is, the alpha stone isn't just mine, but all Willowbrook's crown jewel.
"Now what's taking Princess Twilight Sparkle and that son of mine?"
"Oh, I may or may not have interrupted a tender moment between them," Firefly said with a smirk on her face.
"You, what?!" Moon Bright asked.
"Not that tender," Firefly assured her unicorn friend. "You asked me to get them, so that's what I did. I'd look out if I were you, though, Moonie. Turns out that boy of yours is a real lady killer. Or at least, princesses have a thing for him."
"You mean, my son got game?" Moon Bright asked in disbelief.
"Looks like it," Firefly said. "It just took the right filly to come along so he could use it."
Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy were all listening intently with more than a passing interest. Even though Rainbow Dash may not have cared for her mother that much, she was still talking about one of Rainbow Dash's closest friends. More specifically, it seemed like Firefly was talking about her love life.
"You must tell us everything!" Rarity practically screeched out in excitement. Her anxious smile turned to a blank face when she noticed everypony looking at her strangely. Rarity then put on a more subdued and slightly embarrassed smile before she said, "If you would, please."
"There's not much to tell," Firefly said. "I just came in at the last moment. I thought about letting them go on, but Moon Bright wants us all for something very important. So I had to break it up... even though I really didn't want to."
"Well, did you at least here anything they said?!" Rainbow Dash asked excitedly.
She then caught herself and tried to fight back against her excitement.
"Basically, TJ told that Twilight girl that he thought she was cute," Firefly said.
"Ooh!" Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy loudly let out together.
"Where were they standing when he said it?" Fluttershy asked.
"In the middle of a bridge that overlooked the village as the sun was setting," Firefly said.
"How romantic!" Rarity let out. "I so cannot wait to heckle and hound Twilight for more details!"
"Same with me and TJ," Moon Bright said. "But please try to wait after the meeting. I know it's hard to. Heck, I'm gonna have trouble, but still."
"Yes, of course, Mrs. Moon Bright," Rarity said. "I mean, just Moon Bright."
"When did I add 'just' to my name?" Moon Bright asked.
The group all shared a laugh, though Rainbow Dash cut hers off when she spotted Firefly laughing with the group as well. It was at that moment when Twilight Sparkle and TJ walked in to find everypony laughing.
"See, it's like I told ya, Twilight," TJ said. "I'm so hilarious, ponies start laughing before I even step in the room."
"Oh, yeah, TJ, you're funny," Moon Bright said.
The unicorn looked to Firefly with a smirk, who returned it in kind.
"LOOKING!" both mares said together.
The entire group of ponies began laughing, even Twilight, much to TJ's annoyance. He glared with a none-too-amused frown and waited for the laughter to die down.
"You're both old," TJ let out, sounding bitter.
"Hey!" Moon Bright let out half heartedly.
"Look here, young whipper snapper!" Firefly said in an elderly voice. "In my day!"
The three ponies shared a quick laugh before TJ and Twilight Sparkle walked up and joined the rest of the group.
"Are we all here?" TJ asked.
"Yep, yep, yep," Moon Bright said. "We are all here."
"But where's Applejack and Pinkie Pie?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"And where's Muse?" TJ added.
"TA-DA!" a very Pinkie Pie-like voice called out. It was revealed to be Pinkie Pie herself stepping out from behind a beaded curtain. "Here we are! I'll bet you missed us!"
The pink Earth pony stepped aside to let Applejack and Muse step out from behind the curtain. With them was a tray of brownies that, judging by the smell of them, were freshly baked and out of the oven. Muse held the try with her levitation magic. While she tried to put on a smile like her baking buddies, it was clear she was nervous about something, possibly using her magic.
"Brownies anypony?" Muse asked.
Everypony asked for at least one as they gathered around the table. There were only six seats, so some ponies had to stand, though Moon Bright did bring in an extra seat from the other side of the room. TJ actually pulled out a chair and offered it to Twilight Sparkle, who graciously accepted it.
"Smooth," Firefly whispered into TJ's ear.
TJ felt a chill run down his spine. He was preparing to tell Firefly off, but stopped when he realized everypony was smiling at him and Twilight Sparkle. He was beginning to feel very uncomfortable, so he tried to change the subject.
"So these brownies are just made, right?" TJ said. "But then why did you Pinkie, and AJ come out of your room, Muse?"
"Oh, no one told you?" Muse asked. "I got a new mini-oven in my room."
TJ's eyes widened.
"You what?!" the stallion exclaimed.
"Yeah," Muse said. "I figured since I get in the mood sometimes when Mom doesn't want me in the way, I'd just put one in my room. I had it put in there while you were gone."
"I wasn't gone that long!" TJ said.
"It was almost a week, TJ," Firefly said.
"Can we please get on with this meeting already?!" Rainbow Dash asked, making it obvious she was annoyed. "I'm sure Moon Bright didn't call us in here for chit chat while we play candy land."
"No, but the evening is young," Moon Bright said with a mischievous smile on her face. She then instantly went back to being serious. "First of all, thank you all for coming. I don't just mean coming to this meeting, but especially thank you, girls for agreeing to come and help us when we really need it the most."
The Mane Six all spoke at the same time. Though their actual words were different, they mostly said the same thing in that they were happy to assist Willowbrook.
"We really needed a leg up in this whole thing," Moon Bright said. "Now it looks like we have more than one. In addition to you girls and your monster friend, Godzilla, it seems we stumbled across something else very useful. I won't get into details about how this got started, since I'm sure TJ already told you all about it. But basically it's been a nightmare ever since then.
"It only seems like it's gotten worse since we left Seaside Hoof and struck out on our own. But we still did it all and still continue to fight the minotaurs despite everything. While we've been doing it, everyone of us has had the same idea in the back of our heads. The minotaurs must have some sort of gathering place where they coordinate all these evil things they do. From monster attacks to village raids and even their concentration camp-like tactics of running Seaside.
"They have to have some sort of base or something."
"It must be Seaside Hoof itself," Twilight Sparkle said. "It's the only place on the island I've seen that's fit for it."
"We thought so, too, Princess Twilight Sparkle," Moon Bright said. "We even sent spies into town to see if they could find the exact spot where the minotaurs congregate and make their evil plans. But most of what we got were empty leads that pointed us to thinking they weren't making their plans in town. Now we think the town is just a front while the real base is located somewhere else entirely."
"How can you be sure of that?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Well," Moon Bright said, "about a week ago, Firefly went out on one of her unauthorized and unwanted patrols." She looked deadpanned at the pegasus mare. "Those patrols usually lead to her sneaking into the forest at night and looking for the minotaurs. She's got it in her head that she's Superpony and needs to patrol the night and fight the minotaurs herself."
"Hey, if I don't, who will?" Firefly said. "Besides, it ended up paying off didn't it? You were all about safety, but my reckless behavior was what got us to this point."
"I'm never gonna hear the end of this," Moon Bright muttered.
"Anyways, like she said," Firefly continued, "I was flying through the forest at night... looking awesome while doing it." Rainbow Dash scoffed in contempt only to have Applejack dig her elbow into the pegasus' side. "I was looking for any sign of the minotaurs, because they had done night raids before. Also, I was just in the mood to whoop some bull butt. But I couldn't find any sort of minotaur activity near Willowbrook.
"So I went out deeper into the Willowing Forest. I was sure that something was up and that I chose that night to go out for reason. My being out there had some purpose. Or at least that's what I thought. It turned out to be so, because I found a whole group of minotaurs skulking around like the thick headed animals they are. But the thing was they were nowhere near the village and were actually heading in the opposite direction.
"They weren't heading for Seaside Hoof either, so I followed them. To make a long story a little shorter, I think they may have led me to the entrance of their real base."
The group of ponies all gasped in amazement.
"Really?!" Rarity asked in amazement.
"You're absolutely sure?!" Applejack asked excitedly.
"I'd stake my reputation on it," Firefly said with a confident smile on her face. "I hid out of view and watched this huge opening in the side of a stone wall open up seemingly of its own will." The others awed in wonder at this development. "I saw all those minotaurs go in and then the opening closed up behind them."
"What did you do then?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well, what do you think I did?" Firefly asked. "I flew back here as fast as I could. Wasn't easy because along the way I encountered some minotaurs that weren't exactly happy to see me. They chased me all the way back to Willowbrook with their pet timberwolves."
"Timberwolves!" the Mane Six exclaimed together.
"You mean, the minotaurs also have trained timberwolves?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, they do," Moon Bright said.
"Didn't TJ tell you that?" Muse asked.
"If he did, I don't remember," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Well, yeah, they do," TJ said. "Some of them they ride and the others they let loose on us whenever they bring them on their raids."
"And they had them that night when they were hunting me down," Firefly said. "I could probably take some of those bulls on my own if it were just them... maybe. But there's no way I could take them on with those fang faces with them... What was worse was they were letting Solomon stomp around wildly. Or maybe he was a part of their hunting party, because even after I lost the minotaurs and wolves, I still ran into Solomon."
"How terrifying," Fluttershy said.
"It really was," Firefly said. "I don't like to admit when I'm scared or anything like that, but that night I was very, very scared. Luckily, I don't think Solomon actually saw me, which made it easier for me to escape and come back to Willowbrook."
"Firefly, this is very important," Twilight Sparkle said, her expression conveying the same idea. "Do you remember exactly where you think you found this entrance?"
"I'm extremely confident I could figure it out again," Firefly said. "I remember where I left the village from and where I found the minotaurs. I could probably make out certain things that stuck out on the way like trees and marks and stuff like that. The image of the entrance itself and where I was, what angle, and everything is still very fresh in my head, though. The moment I see it, I can point it out no problem."
"And you're absolutely sure?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Princess, this is Firefly you're talking to," the pink furred pegasus said confidently.
"What are you thinking, Princess Twilight?" Moon Bright asked.
"Just that we might want to send a small team to scout out the area," Twilight Sparkle. "A small, exploratory, and examination mission could aid in a bigger incursion later on."
"Exactly what I was thinking," Moon Bright said. "Did you have anypony in mind to go?"
"Well, obviously we'll need Firefly to lead the team there," Twilight Sparkle said. "But I also want to go myself if that's okay."
Everypony agreed that decision was probably a good one.
"Sure," TJ added on. "A small team like that needs heavy hitters on it. What's heavier a hitter than a fully functioning alicorn?... Besides the monsters that is. I'd like to go as well."
"I figures you'd say that, TJ," Moon Bright said with a smirk on her face. "I'm okay with that. Who else?"
"I think we should take Rain... Applejack," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Yee-Haw!" Applejack exclaimed. "I'm ready whenever!"
"So is that all the ponies for the team?" Moon Bright inquired.
"I do have a suggestion," TJ said. There was a pause as everypony quieted down to listen to what the stallion had to say, though he was clearly hesitant at first. "I think we should take Fluttershy with us, too."
"WHAT?!" nearly everypony let out at the same time in a loud yell.
"You can't do that!" Rarity said.
"Take me instead!" Rainbow Dash insisted.
"I'll just be in the way!" Fluttershy said.
"Are you crazy?!" Muse asked in disbelief.
"Please, please, everypony!" TJ shouted as he raised his front hooves defensively. "Get me a chance to explain before you sick the lynch around my neck! Now, we'll be going deep into enemy territory, right? Guess what else is likely to be in that territory. If we have Fluttershy along with us, she'll be able to call Godzilla if we really need his help!
"Plus, with how much they're bonding, I'll bet Anguirus will tag right along with the Big G."
Everypony's eyes widened as they realized what TJ was saying. They all looked around and talked amongst themselves. Mostly agreed that TJ made a fair point. They still didn't know, though, if they wanted to send a pony as delicate as Fluttershy into a mission so potentially dangerous. The only ones not talking were Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy herself.
It was clear, though, that both pegasi were deep in thought. Rainbow Dash seemed more infuriated while Fluttershy was calmly considering TJ's suggestion.
"I still say heck no!" Rainbow Dash let out as she slammed a hoof on the table. "Take me instead! I can handle any problems we run into!"
"You know that's not true, Rainbow Dash," TJ said. "As amazing a pony as you are, you're still no match for a kaiju."
"I don't care!" Rainbow Dash said. "I'm still not letting you take Fluttershy to-"
"I'll do it," Fluttershy said as she raised a hoof.
Everypony gasped as they looked to Fluttershy in shock, though none more so than Rainbow Dash, who sat right next to her.
"You will?" TJ asked.
"I will," Fluttershy said.
"You're game?" TJ inquired further.
"I'm game," Fluttershy reaffirmed. "TJ made a great point. Only I can call the monsters if the situation really called for it."
"Are you absolutely sure this is something you want to do, Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"No, I don't want to," Fluttershy said. "But I feel like it's something I have to do. That's what everypony's doing on this island right now. It's not stuff they want to do, but they know it's so important that they have no other choice. I shouldn't be willing to do any different."
Everypony sitting or standing around that table smiled in admiration for the yellow furred mare. While she may be afraid of a lot of things, Fluttershy was ready to face her fears head on, which was what made so many ponies respect her.
"Thanks, Fluttershy," Twilight Sparkle said. "That's very noble of you."
Fluttershy smiled as her eyes lightly shut.
"It's what I do," Fluttershy said, which garnered a small laugh from the group.
"If Flutters is going, then I want to go to," Rainbow Dash said.
"I'm afraid not, Rainbow Dash," Twilight Sparkle said. "Our group already has five and I think that's the number we need to cut off at."
"But it's not fair," Rainbow Dash said. "Who's gonna look after Fluttershy if I'm not there."
"I will," TJ said.
"So will I," Twilight Sparkle said.
"You know I'll be there, too, right, Rainbow?" Applejack inquired.
"I'll look out for her, too," Firefly said. "I promise as your mother, Rainbow Dash, that I'll take good care of Fluttershy."
"We all will," Twilight Sparkle said.
Rainbow Dash still looked uncertain until Fluttershy put a hoof on her shoulder.
"I'll be fine, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said. "I promise."
Clearly Rainbow Dash was still conflicted, for it told in her expression. However, she seemed to be relenting as she finally sighed.
"Okay, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash. "I trust you... All of you... Even you." Rainbow Dash's gaze was directly on Firefly. "So don't let me down."
"Right," Twilight, TJ, Fluttershy, and Applejack said together.
Firefly just nodded her head understandingly.
"So that takes care of who's going," Moon Bright said. "Now that leaves the question of when they're going."
"I say we take care of this as soon as possible," Firefly said. "The entrance is still fresh in my memory and I want it to stay that way for when we go."
"I agree," Applejack said. "I say we do this thing tomorrow at first light."
"I'm for that," TJ said.
"Well, it looks like our team has made the decision," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Then it's settled," Moon Bright said. "Tomorrow Firefly will lead Twilight Sparkle, TJ, Applejack, and Fluttershy to the entrance. Then they'll come back with whatever information they acquire so we can make a bigger plan later. For now, though, the sun's going down and I don't know about you all, but I could sure use some sleep... No, it's not for what you're thinking, TJ, so keep it zipped! "
"I wasn't going to say anything," TJ said defensively. Moon Bright gave her son a hard stare before he eventually cracked. "Okay, I was... But I actually agree with you. I'm really hoping I can get a good night's sleep."
"That makes two of us," Moon Bright said. "Hopefully this time I can actually sleep at all. And hopefully it's more than just an hour and a half."
"Oh, you poor thing," Fluttershy said.
"Eh, old age and anxiety does that to ya," Moon Bright said. "I'm used to it by now, so don't be worried, honey."
"I'll still be concerned," Fluttershy said.
"Aww," Moon Bright said as she smile gratefully across the table. "TJ, you picked some really sweet ponies to bring back with you."
"Not to mention adorable," Muse added.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Speaking of sleep, where will we be crashing?"
"We've arranged for you to stay at the hut across the bridge," Muse said.
"The pony who lives there spends most of his time on our village's boat," Moon Bright said. "He said you were more than welcome to stay at his hut while he's gone."
"When you leave, just keep walking forward across the bridge," TJ said. "You'll be there and sleeping soundly before you know it."
"Twilight should get the main bed," Applejack said, to which the other ponies agreed. "If there's another bed, I figured some of us can bunk together."
"I'll sleep on the floor if it comes to that," Rainbow Dash said.
"We'll work on sleeping arrangements later," Rarity said. "Right now let's just get to the hut. I desperately need my beauty sleep, oh so much."
"I think I'm gonna try and get to bed early, too," Firefly said.
"That's a first," Muse said.
"Quiet you," Firefly said sternly.
"I'm gonna turn in early, too," TJ said.
"Then I guess I'll just go to my room," Muse said. "If I happen to fall asleep while I'm in there, that's cool."
The Mane Six all got up from the table and made their way for the door.
"I still think I should be going on the mission tomorrow," Rainbow Dash said.
"But, Rainbow, you're needed here, too," Applejack said as she and Rainbow Dash stopped. "If we send all of our heavy hitters, Willowbrook might not be as secure. And, not to boost your ego any further, but you hit pretty heavy."
"I guess so," Rainbow Dash said.
"Like I said before, Rainbow Dash, I'll be there," Firefly said. "I won't let anything happen to Fluttershy."
Everypony else had stopped what they were doing and listened in on the entire exchange between mother and daughter. Rainbow Dash hesitated at first, but then stared hard and stern at her mother.
"You'd better not," Rainbow Dash warned. "You'd better not let anything happen to any of my friends. After that promise you made me before and because you have to lead them, I'm holding you personally responsible for their safety."
"I understand," Firefly said as she nodded her head. "I'll promise you again then, just to let you know how serious I am about making sure your friends are well taken care of."
"Goodnight, everypony," Twilight Sparkle said as she waved a hoof.
Everypony spoke at the same time, wishing everyone a goodnight. Just before she left the hut, Applejack stopped at the doorway. She looked to Firefly, who clearly wasn't so happy with how her exchanges with Rainbow Dash had been going.
"Don't worry, Firefly," Applejack said. "She'll come around... eventually... She always does."
Firefly looked to the orange furred Earth pony and gave her a small, grateful, and yet still sad smile.
"I hope so," Firefly said. "I truly do... Thank you, Applejack."
"Much obliged," Applejack said.
Then, with a tip of her hat, the last of the Mane Six left the hut. TJ went to one of the glassless windows and watched his friends go. Mostly, though, he was watching Twilight Sparkle. It almost seemed like she sensed him, because she turned and looked directly to the window he was looking out of. Seeing him plain as daylight, Twilight smiled and waved to TJ, who responded in kind.
Then Twilight Sparkle turned and started walking away once again, only to be met by her friends' snickering.
"Goodnight, princess," TJ whispered.
"Wishing we had asked them to stay the night here, TJ?" Muse asked teasingly.
"Grow up, Muse," TJ grumbled.
"Hey, Mom already told you she thought about it," Muse went on. "She said there wasn't enough room under this roof for us all. Sorry, but it was her decision to send your girlfriend away, not mine."
"She's not my girlfriend!" TJ exclaimed.
He was breathing heavily as his scowling face looked around at all the smiling faces staring back at him. These included Muse, Moon Bright, and Firefly.
"Well, goodnight, everypony," Muse said as she headed for her room.
"Goodnight," the others all said at the same time.
She's not my girlfriend, TJ thought to himself as he went to his room. Then a small smile crossed his face as he thought, Not yet anyways.
Dang, son. Looks like things are starting to heat up... in more ways than one. LOL Sorry about that. Anyways, now much I have to say about this chapter except that I actually had a good time writing it. Proofreading and editing was surprisingly fun, too. That's weird because editing is usually a pain in my backside. Oh, well.
I hope you all enjoyed reading it anyways. Regardless of how you feel, I hope you all will leave reviews after reading telling me what you think, so long as criticisms are constructive. I'm The Guy Who Likes To Write Stuff, signing off.