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div style="max-height: 999999px; padding-left: 10px; padding-top: 10px;"Chapter IX p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongHowdy there, everyone. GPB here with another chapter of /strongstrongemWhen My Heart Flutters./em/strongstrongI'm going to go ahead and say that this one may not be as long as the last one, seeing as it is part two of the task, but we'll see. Yes, WE SHALL SEE! THE FIC IS THE THING!/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongOC's, Owners, you get the picture./strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The nest morning brought a surprise to Paul. He found himself at Tristan's house. In one of the guest rooms. Lying on one of the beds. With a sleeping Fluttershy laying next to him. His cheeks went red as he remembered the night before./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong~Flashback, last night~/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul sat down on one of the beds. "So, tomorrow we have to dance."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Why do you sound so down about it?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""To...To be honest...I've...never danced before, let alone with anyone."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Never?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Never."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She walked to stand in front of him and held out her hand. "Then come on."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What are you going to do?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I'm going to help you dance."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You've never danced on two feet before."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then I guess we'll learn together."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul hesitated before taking her hand and standing. While he kept her one hand, he wrapped his other one around her waist. She put her other one on his arm. Slowly, they began to sway back and forth to their own imaginary music./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You've really never danced before?" Fluttershy asked him as he lifted her gently and twirled her around./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, not really. But I've seen people dance and am just trying to mimic them."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, I think you are doing fine."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I hope it's enough to please the new Mr. and Mrs. Misley. We have to get it right, or-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She placed a finger over his lips. "We can worry about that later. But for now, let dance."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He smiled at her as they continued their dance routine. At the end, Paul dipped Fluttershy back and looked into her beautiful blue eyes. A voice in the back of his head yelled, emKiss her! Kiss her now! Make her yours!/em/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"As much as he wanted to listen, there was a reason Fluttershy was his favorite pony. They both had little courage. Slowly, he brought her back up to a standing position. "I...I think that's enough for tonight."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She looked at him with a bit of disappointment, but then nodded. "Okay. I guess you're right. You are truly a good dancer, though, Paul."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He smiled when she said this. Somehow, even from the other side of the television, she knew what to say to make him smile./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong~Present~/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul looked back at the sleeping Fluttershy and finally learned something. For the longest time, he had never known what a "D'aw" moment was. But he knew now. He wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and kiss her tenderly. And, to his own amazement, he found himself leaning towards her body./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Suddenly, the door burst open. "GOOD MORNING, LOVE BIRDS!" Tristan called./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Both Paul and Fluttershy bounded into the air and landed on the ground with a emthump!/em "Tristan!" Paul scolded. "Never, under any circumstance, do that again!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Aw, did I wuin Pauwy's Fwuttershy time?" He clasped his hand together and brought them to his cheek. At the same time, he made the largest possible puppy dog eyes a human could manage. "This is too precious."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul jumped up and ran to Fluttershy. "Are you alright, Shy?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She had her hand over her heart, frantically trying to catch her breath. "Y-Y-Yes. I'm...fine."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul turned again to see Tristan still in his insulting pose. Then, an idea formed in his head. He quickly brought out his cellphone and snapped a picture of it. "Hey, Trist?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What would you do if I post this on Facebook and Twitter?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"His eyes suddenly went wide. "You wouldn't."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Oh, no. Not at all." He opened the phone back up and went into the digital editing software he made for it. It was a long summer last year, so give him a break. Anyway, he added eye shadow, earrings, lip gloss, and a nice, frilly, pink dress to the image and then sent it to his friend./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Again, his eyes went wide. "Oh, my bucking Celestia."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Yes, I will put that everywhere, my friend."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""NO! PLEASE! I'LL DO ANYTHING!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Anything?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Tristan got on his knees. "Yes, anything."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul's straight face began to waver, and then to crack. Finally, he broke out into laughter. Fluttershy soon joined him. Tristan, however, was still on the ground in tears. "I'm kidding, Trist."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You...You are?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Why would I post a picture like that on the interweb?" Paul took another look at it as another joke was launched at his head. "It makes you look too good."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Oh, that is it!" Tristan leap towards Paul with the speed of a cheetah and got him in a head-lock. He held him there saying, "Take it back!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""NEVER!" Paul struggled to get out of the older boy's grip, but to little avail./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I said take it back!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Okay! Geez! I take it back. Can I have my head back?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Victorious, Tristan let go of his head. "And that is why you don't mess with me."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The rest of the day was getting ready to go to the wedding. Tristan had a rather large family when compared to others, and, since he had a good sized house and only he lived there, he had clothes from every size and for both genders because he had the room to store it./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"That evening found Paul in a tuxedo that had belonged to Tristan's great uncle. A tad bit on the large size, it was composed of a white under shirt and black over coat and pants. Tristan offered him a cane of fool's gold ("Looks as good, but twice as cheep!" Tristan's great uncle told him once), but he turned it down since he needed to be there to dance, not just look nice. His shoes were a shining black with golden laces. The saddle bags had to be hidden under the coat as to not attract much attention. When he looked in the mirror, he barely recognized himself./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Turning around, he saw another person he almost didn't recognize. Fluttershy was given a deep yellow dress with large white flowers scattered around its design. The pendant was still hanging around her neck, but it seemed to add to her beauty even more./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"When they saw each other, they walked towards one another with looks of shock. Paul was the first one to break out of the trance. "Y-You look...beautiful, Fluttershy."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Really?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul nodded. "Absolutely stunning."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She smiled and began to turn away, making Paul's beauty alarm begin to ring at the back of his mind. "Thank you. You look handsome as well."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul was about to say something else when Tristan ran in wearing his cliché tux. He liked to keep things simple at formal gatherings, a trait he lacked everywhere else, which is why he hadn't been invited to that many formal gatherings. "So, are you two ready for tonight?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul cocked an eyebrow at him. "We only have to dance, it's not like everyone will be watching us. It's not our night."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Right. Oh, have you seen the guest list?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Have you?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Lance sent me a copy of those who had said they were coming. And I think we're safe for now, since technically, your family wasn't invited." He handed him the list./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Scanning it very carefully, he came across something that could become a danger to everyone who was in that room: emMacroy/em, emJoseph/em. Paul looked up in terror. "Oh, no."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy looked at the list as well. "What?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Right here." Paul pointed at the name./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What's wrong with it?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Tristan walked over. "Who's Joseph Macroy?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul dropped the list when he heard the name. "He's...He's...He's..."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy wrapped her arms around him. "Calm down, Paul."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He pushed her away. "Calm down? CALM DOWN! Do you know who that is?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy and Tristan looked at each other and then back to Paul before Tristan said, "Uh, no."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""He's...my father's best friend. They've been after the Moses Amulet for years. And if he and I are in the same place...I could easily get someone killed."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"That sparked some fear into them. "What does he look like?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Tall guy with red hair and a scar across his mouth. They don't know I have it yet, but they suspect that I do."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""How don't they know you have it?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Like I said, I'm stealthy."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Okay, we just need to keep an eye out for him and keep him away from you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong~Meanwhile, at Paul's house~/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul's father was pacing back and forth across the front lawn, thinking of every way to kill Paul for when he got the next chance. But, he couldn't risk losing the Amulet if Paul had it. There had to be some way./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Suddenly, his head began to hurt at the front of the right side. Pressing there, he watched as the whole front yard vanished. In it's place was darkness, only broken by a patch of light where he stood. While he was looking around, a voice came from behind. "Marshal, it's been a while."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul's father laughed before turning around to face the speaker. It was the silhouetted shape of of a large unicorn, though the voice was clearer than the body suggested. "I suppose it has, my friend."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""We have no need for idol chat, Marshal. Tell me, where is the Moses Amulet?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""We don't know. My men have been looking for seven years and haven't found anything."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""And the boy?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Marshal scoffed. "He was too young back then. If he had the Amulet, he probably traded it for some Pokemon cards."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You underestimate him. He's more important than you believe."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Really? He can't even tie his shoes by himself."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You are proud, Marshal. Too proud to admit he is-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I know who he is. I know everything."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then you know that you must keep an eye on him."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Trust me, I'm keeping twelve on him."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""On him, yes...but what about...emher?/em"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong~Later, in Tristan's car~/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul, Fluttershy, and Tristan drove to the church the wedding was to be held at in total silence. If Joseph was there, they were going to have to be extremely careful in getting Paul and Fluttershy on the dance floor to perform the task./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul turned to Fluttershy and saw her look of fear. He placed his hand over hers and said, "Don't worry, Shy. I promise, you'll be fine."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You can't promise me that."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I can try."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She smiled weakly as he said this. "I don't want you to get hurt."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I don't want you to get hurt either."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"They continued on for a while in silence before the church came into view. Tristan parked and turned off the car before letting Paul and Fluttershy out. "Now, careful you two."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"They walked in and sat down, waiting for the actually wedding to take place. When the room was nearly full, a man caught Paul's attention. And who would it be other than Joseph Macroy. He looked at him sternly before waving him to the hallway. "Trist, take care of Shy."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Will do, buddy. Be careful."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Slowly, he worked his way back to the hallway that was indicated by Joseph. When he got there, he met the man face to face. The older man smiled at him before saying, "I know you have it, Paul."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul bowed his head. "Maybe I do."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Show me."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Looking up, he knew it was pointless to argue, so he tried to stall. Hearing the bridal march begin to play gave him a topic. "Joseph, just for one day, can you give it up? I mean, there is a wedding going on here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I realize that. My niece is the one getting married."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then wouldn't you rather go watch the ceremony? It'll only happen once. Hopefully, anyway. Assuming the fact that they are happy together and never get divorced. Though there is nothing wrong with getting divorce. Well, not much wrong with getting divorced. I mean, this is her first wedding and I hope she'll remember it. She'll always remember today as the day you weren't there. The day you didn't see her at her first wedding. The day-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Enough!" He slapped Paul across the face. "Show me, the Amulet."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul sighed. "Are you sure you wouldn't-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Just, show me."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul sighed again before reaching under his tux and bringing it out. "See? I have it."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""As I thought. Now, I want you to-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Alright. Here you go."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He began to take it off when Joseph put a hand over his. "No, I want you to keep it protected."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""...What?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""If your father gets his hands on it, he won't use it for himself."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then for who?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""There is an ancient entity that your father has been restoring for years. One bite from the fruit of the Tree of Eternal Life is all it would take to unleash unspeakable evil on both worlds."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul gave the Amulet one last look before stuffing back under his collar. "Why are you telling me this? And what do you mean 'both worlds'?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Joseph smiled. "Have you heard of the television show emMy Little Pony: Friendship is Magic/em?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul just about screamed a emyes/em before he controlled himself. "I may have heard the name."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, I happen to be part of an elite group of spies sent into this world be the princesses."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""No kidding?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Honest. Watch." He closed his eyes, focusing on the picture on the wall behind him. Slowly, it began to spin in circles, surrounded by a purple aura. It stopped suddenly and he tried to catch his breath. "I'm not as young as I once was."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul's eyes widened in amazement. "You're a unicorn!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Yes, and you better be careful. There's more than a few of us around here, but not all are trying to protect you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul nodded and began to walk away before turning suddenly. "Just...what is you real name?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Joseph bowed deeply before saying, "Sleight. Sleight O' Hoof. But you can call me Joseph while I'm here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The rest of the service and a good deal into the reception, Paul was mauling everything over in his mind. He only stopped when Fluttershy took his hand. "Come on." She pulled him up and onto the dance floor, which had a few other couples dancing to some slow music. Slowly, they began their dance routine back up./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Shy, I think we're going to be safe for the night," Paul whispered into her ear./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What makes you say that?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, Joseph is really a unicorn, and he's on our side."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Really?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Yeah. And you know what else?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He smiled as he dipped her back over. "I think our task is complete." They looked into each others eyes as they began to glow, to the amazement of the other dancers around them./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongChapter Complete. Okay, I lied. This chapter somehow managed to be longer than the last one. But hey, at least I finally got the task done! But don't worry. There's more to come soon. RR AND ADIOS!/strong/p
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div style="max-height: 999999px; padding-left: 10px; padding-top: 10px;"Chapter IX p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongHowdy there, everyone. GPB here with another chapter of /strongstrongemWhen My Heart Flutters./em/strongstrongI'm going to go ahead and say that this one may not be as long as the last one, seeing as it is part two of the task, but we'll see. Yes, WE SHALL SEE! THE FIC IS THE THING!/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongOC's, Owners, you get the picture./strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The nest morning brought a surprise to Paul. He found himself at Tristan's house. In one of the guest rooms. Lying on one of the beds. With a sleeping Fluttershy laying next to him. His cheeks went red as he remembered the night before./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong~Flashback, last night~/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul sat down on one of the beds. "So, tomorrow we have to dance."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Why do you sound so down about it?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""To...To be honest...I've...never danced before, let alone with anyone."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Never?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Never."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She walked to stand in front of him and held out her hand. "Then come on."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What are you going to do?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I'm going to help you dance."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You've never danced on two feet before."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then I guess we'll learn together."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul hesitated before taking her hand and standing. While he kept her one hand, he wrapped his other one around her waist. She put her other one on his arm. Slowly, they began to sway back and forth to their own imaginary music./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You've really never danced before?" Fluttershy asked him as he lifted her gently and twirled her around./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, not really. But I've seen people dance and am just trying to mimic them."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, I think you are doing fine."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I hope it's enough to please the new Mr. and Mrs. Misley. We have to get it right, or-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She placed a finger over his lips. "We can worry about that later. But for now, let dance."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He smiled at her as they continued their dance routine. At the end, Paul dipped Fluttershy back and looked into her beautiful blue eyes. A voice in the back of his head yelled, emKiss her! Kiss her now! Make her yours!/em/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"As much as he wanted to listen, there was a reason Fluttershy was his favorite pony. They both had little courage. Slowly, he brought her back up to a standing position. "I...I think that's enough for tonight."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She looked at him with a bit of disappointment, but then nodded. "Okay. I guess you're right. You are truly a good dancer, though, Paul."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He smiled when she said this. Somehow, even from the other side of the television, she knew what to say to make him smile./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong~Present~/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul looked back at the sleeping Fluttershy and finally learned something. For the longest time, he had never known what a "D'aw" moment was. But he knew now. He wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and kiss her tenderly. And, to his own amazement, he found himself leaning towards her body./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Suddenly, the door burst open. "GOOD MORNING, LOVE BIRDS!" Tristan called./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Both Paul and Fluttershy bounded into the air and landed on the ground with a emthump!/em "Tristan!" Paul scolded. "Never, under any circumstance, do that again!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Aw, did I wuin Pauwy's Fwuttershy time?" He clasped his hand together and brought them to his cheek. At the same time, he made the largest possible puppy dog eyes a human could manage. "This is too precious."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul jumped up and ran to Fluttershy. "Are you alright, Shy?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She had her hand over her heart, frantically trying to catch her breath. "Y-Y-Yes. I'm...fine."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul turned again to see Tristan still in his insulting pose. Then, an idea formed in his head. He quickly brought out his cellphone and snapped a picture of it. "Hey, Trist?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What would you do if I post this on Facebook and Twitter?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"His eyes suddenly went wide. "You wouldn't."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Oh, no. Not at all." He opened the phone back up and went into the digital editing software he made for it. It was a long summer last year, so give him a break. Anyway, he added eye shadow, earrings, lip gloss, and a nice, frilly, pink dress to the image and then sent it to his friend./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Again, his eyes went wide. "Oh, my bucking Celestia."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Yes, I will put that everywhere, my friend."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""NO! PLEASE! I'LL DO ANYTHING!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Anything?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Tristan got on his knees. "Yes, anything."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul's straight face began to waver, and then to crack. Finally, he broke out into laughter. Fluttershy soon joined him. Tristan, however, was still on the ground in tears. "I'm kidding, Trist."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You...You are?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Why would I post a picture like that on the interweb?" Paul took another look at it as another joke was launched at his head. "It makes you look too good."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Oh, that is it!" Tristan leap towards Paul with the speed of a cheetah and got him in a head-lock. He held him there saying, "Take it back!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""NEVER!" Paul struggled to get out of the older boy's grip, but to little avail./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I said take it back!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Okay! Geez! I take it back. Can I have my head back?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Victorious, Tristan let go of his head. "And that is why you don't mess with me."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The rest of the day was getting ready to go to the wedding. Tristan had a rather large family when compared to others, and, since he had a good sized house and only he lived there, he had clothes from every size and for both genders because he had the room to store it./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"That evening found Paul in a tuxedo that had belonged to Tristan's great uncle. A tad bit on the large size, it was composed of a white under shirt and black over coat and pants. Tristan offered him a cane of fool's gold ("Looks as good, but twice as cheep!" Tristan's great uncle told him once), but he turned it down since he needed to be there to dance, not just look nice. His shoes were a shining black with golden laces. The saddle bags had to be hidden under the coat as to not attract much attention. When he looked in the mirror, he barely recognized himself./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Turning around, he saw another person he almost didn't recognize. Fluttershy was given a deep yellow dress with large white flowers scattered around its design. The pendant was still hanging around her neck, but it seemed to add to her beauty even more./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"When they saw each other, they walked towards one another with looks of shock. Paul was the first one to break out of the trance. "Y-You look...beautiful, Fluttershy."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Really?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul nodded. "Absolutely stunning."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She smiled and began to turn away, making Paul's beauty alarm begin to ring at the back of his mind. "Thank you. You look handsome as well."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul was about to say something else when Tristan ran in wearing his cliché tux. He liked to keep things simple at formal gatherings, a trait he lacked everywhere else, which is why he hadn't been invited to that many formal gatherings. "So, are you two ready for tonight?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul cocked an eyebrow at him. "We only have to dance, it's not like everyone will be watching us. It's not our night."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Right. Oh, have you seen the guest list?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Have you?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Lance sent me a copy of those who had said they were coming. And I think we're safe for now, since technically, your family wasn't invited." He handed him the list./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Scanning it very carefully, he came across something that could become a danger to everyone who was in that room: emMacroy/em, emJoseph/em. Paul looked up in terror. "Oh, no."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy looked at the list as well. "What?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Right here." Paul pointed at the name./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What's wrong with it?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Tristan walked over. "Who's Joseph Macroy?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul dropped the list when he heard the name. "He's...He's...He's..."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy wrapped her arms around him. "Calm down, Paul."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He pushed her away. "Calm down? CALM DOWN! Do you know who that is?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Fluttershy and Tristan looked at each other and then back to Paul before Tristan said, "Uh, no."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""He's...my father's best friend. They've been after the Moses Amulet for years. And if he and I are in the same place...I could easily get someone killed."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"That sparked some fear into them. "What does he look like?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Tall guy with red hair and a scar across his mouth. They don't know I have it yet, but they suspect that I do."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""How don't they know you have it?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Like I said, I'm stealthy."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Okay, we just need to keep an eye out for him and keep him away from you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong~Meanwhile, at Paul's house~/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul's father was pacing back and forth across the front lawn, thinking of every way to kill Paul for when he got the next chance. But, he couldn't risk losing the Amulet if Paul had it. There had to be some way./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Suddenly, his head began to hurt at the front of the right side. Pressing there, he watched as the whole front yard vanished. In it's place was darkness, only broken by a patch of light where he stood. While he was looking around, a voice came from behind. "Marshal, it's been a while."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul's father laughed before turning around to face the speaker. It was the silhouetted shape of of a large unicorn, though the voice was clearer than the body suggested. "I suppose it has, my friend."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""We have no need for idol chat, Marshal. Tell me, where is the Moses Amulet?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""We don't know. My men have been looking for seven years and haven't found anything."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""And the boy?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Marshal scoffed. "He was too young back then. If he had the Amulet, he probably traded it for some Pokemon cards."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You underestimate him. He's more important than you believe."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Really? He can't even tie his shoes by himself."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You are proud, Marshal. Too proud to admit he is-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I know who he is. I know everything."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then you know that you must keep an eye on him."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Trust me, I'm keeping twelve on him."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""On him, yes...but what about...emher?/em"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strong~Later, in Tristan's car~/strong/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul, Fluttershy, and Tristan drove to the church the wedding was to be held at in total silence. If Joseph was there, they were going to have to be extremely careful in getting Paul and Fluttershy on the dance floor to perform the task./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul turned to Fluttershy and saw her look of fear. He placed his hand over hers and said, "Don't worry, Shy. I promise, you'll be fine."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""You can't promise me that."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I can try."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"She smiled weakly as he said this. "I don't want you to get hurt."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I don't want you to get hurt either."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"They continued on for a while in silence before the church came into view. Tristan parked and turned off the car before letting Paul and Fluttershy out. "Now, careful you two."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"They walked in and sat down, waiting for the actually wedding to take place. When the room was nearly full, a man caught Paul's attention. And who would it be other than Joseph Macroy. He looked at him sternly before waving him to the hallway. "Trist, take care of Shy."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Will do, buddy. Be careful."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Slowly, he worked his way back to the hallway that was indicated by Joseph. When he got there, he met the man face to face. The older man smiled at him before saying, "I know you have it, Paul."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul bowed his head. "Maybe I do."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Show me."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Looking up, he knew it was pointless to argue, so he tried to stall. Hearing the bridal march begin to play gave him a topic. "Joseph, just for one day, can you give it up? I mean, there is a wedding going on here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""I realize that. My niece is the one getting married."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then wouldn't you rather go watch the ceremony? It'll only happen once. Hopefully, anyway. Assuming the fact that they are happy together and never get divorced. Though there is nothing wrong with getting divorce. Well, not much wrong with getting divorced. I mean, this is her first wedding and I hope she'll remember it. She'll always remember today as the day you weren't there. The day you didn't see her at her first wedding. The day-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Enough!" He slapped Paul across the face. "Show me, the Amulet."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul sighed. "Are you sure you wouldn't-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Just, show me."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul sighed again before reaching under his tux and bringing it out. "See? I have it."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""As I thought. Now, I want you to-"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Alright. Here you go."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He began to take it off when Joseph put a hand over his. "No, I want you to keep it protected."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""...What?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""If your father gets his hands on it, he won't use it for himself."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Then for who?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""There is an ancient entity that your father has been restoring for years. One bite from the fruit of the Tree of Eternal Life is all it would take to unleash unspeakable evil on both worlds."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul gave the Amulet one last look before stuffing back under his collar. "Why are you telling me this? And what do you mean 'both worlds'?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Joseph smiled. "Have you heard of the television show emMy Little Pony: Friendship is Magic/em?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul just about screamed a emyes/em before he controlled himself. "I may have heard the name."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, I happen to be part of an elite group of spies sent into this world be the princesses."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""No kidding?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Honest. Watch." He closed his eyes, focusing on the picture on the wall behind him. Slowly, it began to spin in circles, surrounded by a purple aura. It stopped suddenly and he tried to catch his breath. "I'm not as young as I once was."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul's eyes widened in amazement. "You're a unicorn!"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Yes, and you better be careful. There's more than a few of us around here, but not all are trying to protect you."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Paul nodded and began to walk away before turning suddenly. "Just...what is you real name?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"Joseph bowed deeply before saying, "Sleight. Sleight O' Hoof. But you can call me Joseph while I'm here."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"The rest of the service and a good deal into the reception, Paul was mauling everything over in his mind. He only stopped when Fluttershy took his hand. "Come on." She pulled him up and onto the dance floor, which had a few other couples dancing to some slow music. Slowly, they began their dance routine back up./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Shy, I think we're going to be safe for the night," Paul whispered into her ear./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What makes you say that?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Well, Joseph is really a unicorn, and he's on our side."/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Really?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""Yeah. And you know what else?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;""What?"/p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"He smiled as he dipped her back over. "I think our task is complete." They looked into each others eyes as they began to glow, to the amazement of the other dancers around them./p
p style="max-height: 999999px;"strongChapter Complete. Okay, I lied. This chapter somehow managed to be longer than the last one. But hey, at least I finally got the task done! But don't worry. There's more to come soon. RR AND ADIOS!/strong/p
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