No one (3rd person)

20 years ago…

In Canterlot city park, common folk and nobility of the like walked along the smooth stone paths of the luscious public garden. It was a tranquil place, the very spitting image of peace, with birdsongs carried by the gentle breeze and the smell of roses lingering in the summer air. Well-trimmed bushes separated secluded areas of the park, and intricate marble sculptures of ponies sat along several paths, the statues standing tall and proud as they depicted Equestria's greatest heroes and legends. Breathtaking fields filled with flowers, little critters scurrying around, and the many ponies running a muck gave life to the park.

And atop a small hill overlooking the park, two ponies sat under a large oak tree that provided them refreshing shade from the warm climate. The youngest of the two ponies, a colt who had recently turned 16, was sitting next to a young mare. The mare's eyes were glazed over as she stared at the ground, not flinching when the occasional bug or incest would fly by.

In the colt's hooves, a large, pleather book was opened halfway, and the colt softly recited the words to the blind mare next to him. "-and as he held the dying mare in his forelegs, she placed a tender hoof on his cheek with clouded but caring eyes peering up at his sadden visage." He said in a monotone voice. But then a stifled giggle came from the older mare, making the young colt stop and look at her with a flat expression. "Is something funny?"

The mare, successfully stopping her giggles, turned her head to the colt with an innocent look. "Oh, nothing, Pucci, something just came to me." She said.

Pucci looked confused before speaking, "What is it?" He asked, slightly deadpanning when the young mare giggled more, not even trying to hide it this time.

"Man, if your this brash when talking to a mare, then you'll never get foals." She laughed. The mare could sense the blush on Pucci's face but decided to speak before Pucci could get the chance to scold her for the tease. "As for what I'm thinking. Well… it's gonna be pretty…crazy in the near future." She chuckled half-heartedly.

Pucci furrowed his brow in further confusion at the mare. "What do you mean by that?" He asked. An idea about what she might be thinking popped into his mind, but not a good one, making Pucci look at the mare with a miffed expression. "It better not be about-"

He was then suddenly cut off, making a noise of protest when the young mare's foreleg wrapped around him, pulling him into a tight hug. "I know, I know, but it ain't about that crap. I'm talking about you and our parents. Mom and Dad would probably be retired and living in the mountains in some log cabin. I…" The mare frowned and went silent for a moment before smiling again, "But you~," She used her other hoof to ruffle Pucci's mane, much to his annoyance, "would be a cool science stallion workin' with the big wigs! Think of what would happen after all that."

Pucci scoffed, "What makes you think I'll be that successful? All the colts and fillies at school make fun of me for it, and they're probably right." He grumbled.

"Nonsense!" The mare said, finally letting go of Pucci, "Just because some high-brow, snot-nosed kids at school tease you don't mean they decide how you live your life! Look at me: I can't see a damn thing, but I work as a floral designer with my friend. You? You just don't talk much, is all." She turned her head away from the colt, staring at the distance with a solemn look, "You're a good colt. What I find funny is that you let all this crap those bullies are saying keep you down. They're just jealous because you're awesome and because you have a full life of opportunities to live, things you probably won't SEE coming!" She said, side-glancing at Pucci with a wide grin.

Pucci rolled his eyes with a groan at the mare's terrible joke. Despite her lack of sight, she'd always find some way to cram in an awful joke pertaining to the subject, no matter the tone or topic of discussion. "You and your terrible one-liners." Pucci sighed as the mare giggled at him, her smile shrinking into a soft curve on her muzzle. "But I see what you mean…thanks." He mumbled, looking down to hide his own smile.

"No problem, bro." The mare said, patting the young colt on the back, "For real, though. just don't get hung up on things, alright? You're younger than me, so you have more time to do great shit, I know that." With a stretch and a loud yawn, the mare smacked her lips before talking again. "I think it's time to go home, don't you agree?" She said with a raised eyebrow.

Before Pucci could respond, she stood on her hooves, quickly followed by Pucci, who was the same height as the mare. "But it's only mid-day?" He said in a hesitant tone. The mare turned to Pucci with a face he knew all too well, "Don't you say anything!" He demanded with widened eyes.

But it was useless to deny the inevitable.

The mare chuckled, "Well, would you LOOK at that? Time just SEEm's too past by me." She laughed loudly, gaining the attention of a few nobles passing by.

"That last one doesn't even make sense!" Pucci shouted at the mare.

"Come on, Pucci; I could be a great comedian with these jokes!" The mare retorted.

Pucci grumbled, shaking his head, "Come on, let's get going. Make another joke, and I'll tell mom!" He said with a huff.

"Whatever you say." The mare said with a friendly eye-roll.

Not long after, the pair found themselves approaching the front entrance of the park: a large iron gate connected to a high fence made of the same material that stretched around the very park itself. Behind Pucci, the mare had bitten down on the young colt's medium-length tail, using it as a guide while Pucci moved closer to the gate. But as he walked through, a light soon filled his vision, essentially blinding the young colt.

Then darkness.

—-

Pucci (1st person)

'BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!'

With a gasp, I shot up in my bed with wide eyes. The loud and constant beeping of my alarm clock was lost to me as I stared solely at my bed sheets, a cold sweat rolling down my entire body.

Swallowing the lump in my throat and calming my rapid breathing, I turned to my nightstand and pushed the button on top of the alarm clock with a hoof, stopping the noise. I then threw the sheets off me and swung my hind legs over the edge, swiftly getting off the bed and onto my hooves.

My body felt achy, and my mind wasn't all there. To a pony on the outside, I most likely resembled a swaying blade of grass in a calm wind as I swayed in place and stared at the floor with a blank look.

Why was I dreaming about that?

Nevertheless, I couldn't stand around and do nothing. It felt like years had passed by before I shook my head and started to walk over to my bedroom door. Along the way, I spotted my mug from last night resting on the corner of my writing desk.

The drinkware had apparently broken since the last time I saw it. Shards of ceramic material littered its now-dry interior; the liquid it once held had spilled and stained the corner of my desk and the carpet below it. It was my favorite mug, too: a gift from Moondancer on my birthday last year. But instead of getting annoyed or angered by the inconvenience, mostly due to my drowsiness, I summoned Made in Heaven. If what happened last night with the toaster was real, then this should work.

With a deep breath, I mentally ordered Made in Heaven to move closer to the mug. When it did, Made in Heaven took all the shattered remains of my mug that could fit in a single hoof and presented it to me. I then closed my eyes and tried to channel that same feeling I had the other night, thinking of the mug's fixed form and willing it to be repaired with Made in Heaven's ability.

I opened my eyes when a shimmering sound caught my ears. And just like last night, the same multi-colored light surrounded the shattered mug.

Shards of ceramic flew up from the floor and Made in Heaven's hoof, finding their place along the drinkware's perimeter. In no time at all, my favorite mug, the phrase "#1 Boss" on the front, was now reformed in my stands hooves, which I happily take in my own. Too bad the coffee didn't reappear as well. But no matter, with a satisfied smile and my mug held between my teeth by the handle, I left the bedroom as Made in Heaven returned to my body.

I passed through the hall, down the stairs, and walked into the kitchen. Breakfast wasn't my strong suit; I usually visited a local cafe or food store in Canterlot for breakfast, but that didn't mean I couldn't cook.

I had to learn when she…

Shaking my head again, this time with an annoyed growl, I immediately got to work pulling skillets from the cabinets and ingredients from the fridge: some hay bacon and three eggs. The process wasn't as long as I'd expected, the smell of a country breakfast filling the kitchen air as I scrambled my eggs and flipped the hay bacon. And, somehow, I decided that using Made in Heaven as an assistant would be helpful, having it tend to my eggs. I can say without a doubt that I'm not at a level to do such an action; the burning pain of three eggs worth of wasted food landing on my head is a testament to that claim.

When all was said and done, after cleaning my mess, I filled my plate and my mug with the first thing I found in the fridge: Orange juice. Now with my full plate, orange juice, and silverware, I started to dig in.

It wasn't anything special, but it was filling.

And during my morning meal, I reluctantly allowed myself to think back on that dream about me and…my sister. It had been an off day from school, and as usual, my sister had an idea that involved us hanging out together.

Compared to me, she was always the most extroverted in the family. That party mare, Pinkie Pie, had somewhat reminded me of her, always trying to start a conversation and getting to know ponies, even if her company didn't enjoy her presence. Getting back to the point, she surprised me when she told me that we could sit at the park and read together.

My sister was also the thrill-seeking type- for whatever reason, and I'll never forget the bungee jumping incident.

Nonetheless, I was pleased with the offer and took it. The rest was just as the dream had played out: my sister teasing me, going on a mini-speech about our lives, and ending it with jokes and going home. When that dream took place- her speech made little sense at the time, largely attributed to being out of nowhere and unexplained. Now, with everything that happened afterward, I liked to think they were words of comfort and encouragement she wanted to give me but couldn't find the right time to say them.

It did little to quell the later pain that still plagues my soul.

'KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK'

The sound of the somepony banging on my front door thankfully snapped me out of my thoughts. I grumbled and stood up from the table, walking to the front door and grabbing the doorknob, twisting it, and swinging it open, only to be surprised at the pony on the other side.

"Heh, heh, been a while, huh?" My assistant, Moondancer, said with a nervous chuckle.

Although her smile did falter under my gaze, looking at her in mixed parts disbelief; and absolute dread. On one hoof: I would say that I'm relieved to see my trusted assistant before me, maybe even happy. Excluding the bandages, I could see peeking out from under her sweater's sleeves and her missing glasses- she seemed fine for the most part. On the other hoof, though. She wasn't supposed to be here!

With a shaking hoof, I grasp Moondancer's shoulder firmly. "W-What are you doing here?" I asked, using every ounce of my will not to show my fear. Moondancer looked uncertain of what to say, sweat rolling down her head.

I could've chalked it up to me being unusual, but that was not the case.

At that moment, my dread all but vanished when I noticed a crucial detail that I had nearly missed- one that could easily be overlooked. I had known my assistant long enough to weed out these details- and due to Moondancers coat, it would be reasonable that a total stranger would disregard how pale the flesh under her off-white fur was. In addition, I could spot faint bags under Moondancer's eyes and the subtle shivering sensation on my hoof, the same that held her shoulder.

"Well…um…I…" Moondancer stuttered out.

Without warning, I moved closer to Moondancer, a reddish hue adorning her face as I approached. Now inches away from the mare, I removed my hoof from her shoulder and rested it against her forehead. The second it made contact, I nearly drew back from the amount of heat coming from her face alone.

Now that I think of it, the doorway where we stood was warmer than it should have been. She really was burning up from a fever, huh?

Clicking my tongue, I backed away from Moondancer as she sputtered nonsense with a drunken smile. Dear Faust, her fever is making her borderline delirious! "I will not stand for such carelessness! Walking around in the cold while running a fever, how foolish are you? Silly mare." I sighed, shaking my head. She didn't seem to respond to my words like she usually would: the common overreaction and thinking I would fire her because of a minor incident.

But I did not wait for a reply as I grabbed one of her hooves and led her inside, using Made in Heaven to shut the door once Moondancer and I were faced away.

"P-P-Pucci…no coat." Moondancer slurred, a light, mareish giggle escaping her throat.

Yes…it looks like I do need to get dressed, my bad.

—-

No one (3rd person)

"Mister Pucci, I appreciate the concern, really. But I'm fine." Moondancer said. But her reassurance was no match for Pucci as he let the fluffy sheets of his bed engulf the sickly scholar, much to her annoyance.

Sitting upon her scorching forehead was a red canvas ice pack, dropping into a bean shape due to her horn being in the way. On the nightstand next to her was a bowl of warm soup Pucci had somehow whipped up in less than 30 minutes. And the last thing that added to Moondancer's embarrassment, not that she minded, was Pucci sitting in a chair next to the bed, checking a thermometer he used on her a couple of seconds ago.

Pucci scoffed and stashed the thermometer in the inner coat pocket of his coat, having put the article of clothing not long after dragging Moondancer inside. "Sorry, but I must disagree. While unicorns' white blood cells are more magically potent than any other pony race, you still need rest. Despite your fever going down in the past couple of minutes of being inside, you are still well above normal temperature." He said in a scolding manner.

"Yeah...fever." Moondancer blushed, "And you're right. I shouldn't have come all the way out here while sick. I'm sorry, boss." She said in a low voice, bowing her head as her ears splayed back.

The room was silent, but no tension or unsavory atmosphere lingered in the air. It was more accustomed to a parent scolding their reckless child after they've done wrong.

Pucci's face, however, betrayed that descriptor as his 'stern' expression twitched as he tried to keep back the feeling of pity and regret at the sight of the saddened Moondancer. To him, it was like watching an innocent puppy left abandoned in the rain. Eventually, Moondancer's unintentional emotional manipulation broke Puccis' false sternness, sighing and lowering his head in defeat.

"While it is foolish to do such a thing, I can overlook it," Pucci said, internally smiling at the sight of Moondancer brightening up with a look of surprise. "You are my trusted assistant and, dare I say, friend. It is only natural that I worry about your health and safety." and the lengths I'll go to protect that. "Now, mind telling me the reason for your visit?" Pucci asked.

Such a simple question, yet so hard to answer. Moondancer froze the second Pucci's words passed her ears. How was she going to say anything without making him freak out about what happened or think she was crazy? There was absolutely no way she could spew all the events that had transpired hours ago. Godfree, the figures- as she dubbed them - she and Godfree have, or how she healed Poppy Vine without the use or knowledge of medical magic? All of it was too insane to believe, she woke up this morning thinking it was all a bad dream, but the memories came flooding back, and a wave of sickness along with it.

Moondancer swallowed a lump in her throat before saying: "Mister Pucci, I need to…show you something before I can answer your question." She said, Pucci, in turn, raising his eyebrow. He was about to talk until Moondancer held up her hoof to silence him. "Please promise me you won't freak out?"

Not waiting for Pucci to ask why, she clutched her eyes shut and tensed all her muscles, groaning under the strain as her face puffed up in a cute manner.

Pucci immediately stood from his chair and was by her side, his words of protest lost to the mare as she looked deep into herself and channeled the magic she felt the night. Suddenly, a wave of relief washed over her as she mentally gripped a...tingly feeling. There was no good way to describe the sensation, but it had made Moondancer relax her muscles and open her eyes. Upon opening them, she was met with a scene of Pucci backing away in shock as the figure named Baby Hotline, whom she had apparently summoned last night, stood by her bedside.

"Wh-What?" was the only word Pucci could say.

Seeing what was about to happen, Moondancer waved her hooves dismissively with a forced smile on her muzzle. "Wait, Wait, Wait! I-It's not dangerous, I swear! It's a long story, but I can assure you I can explain-" Moondaners voice caught in her throat as a multi-colored hue of light surrounded Pucci, her eyes widening as much as Pucci's when Made in Heaven appeared next to him.

Moondancer tore her eyes from Made in heaven and over to Pucci, her wide eyes faintly narrowing in confusion. "Pucci…it looks like we BOTH have some explaining to do." she said.

Now there was an awkward tension filling the room.