A Changeling In The Beginning.

Chapters

   Chapter One: Cloud Hopping.
    Chapter Two: My New Home.
    Chapter Three: I Have A Sister.
    Chapter Four: Can I Tell?
    Chapter Five: Getting To Know You.
    Chapter Six: Life With Ponies.
    Chapter Seven: A Family Picnic.
    Chapter Eight: The Years After.

Chapter Five: Getting To Know You.

Patience got into line. Misty stood right next to her. This made Patience wonder what Misty wanted. She was sure it wasn't the ice cream. "OK' Misty. Go on. What is on your mind."

Misty tried to look sympathetic to Patience's loss. She knew it was her fault, and wished to at the very least make amends with her. "I just wanted to apologize for my outburst earlier. I see now that Chaser did indeed have some business to attend to with Kicker.

"Not that I am happy with the interruption to our date, but I am sorry for getting upset with you.

"I was suspicious that you might have had some other motives or intentions for taking him. And I am sorry for misjudging you.

"I am also sorry I took him from you, knowing that you are interested in him too. But I have no intentions on giving him up. I hope do you understand. Please don't be upset with me for that."

Patience felt the need to come clean with Misty of her earlier intentions. "To tell the truth, your assumptions of me was correct. I did wish to try and steal him away from you. I intended to try and talk him into seeing me instead of you, while I took him to see Chaser. And now I do feel bad about that.

"As I said to myself earlier, all's fare in love and war, and you won him fairly. I will not try and take him from you again."

Patience put a hoof out to Misty. "Truse?"

To much of Patience's hope and feeling that she would, Misty smiled and accepted this gesture. Misty shook Patience's hoof in return, hoping as well to put this rivalry behind them. "Truse. I don't want us to fight. I never did like fighting with others."

Patience smiled in return, while moving up in line. "Well, that is good to hear. I would also like for you to consider me as a friend. I still like Kicker and don't want to never see him again. The two of us do have a history after all."

Patience stopped as the line did, and she thought for a bit. "Something has gotten me curious though. Why did you chose Kicker in the first place. Not to be rude, but I did not think he was your type. You always seemed strait cut, proper, and very reserved. And Kicker, he is anything but that. I know this all too well."

Misty rolled her eye. She didn't like being thought of as being snobbish and such. Her intentions towards kicker she hoped might help change that image of her in the eyes of others, at least a little. "So, it has come to that. OK, Yes, I do like to keep a certain image of myself. I don't like causing waves. I don't like trouble. And your right, Kicker can be trouble at times. So why him?"

The line moved again. Patience waited patiently for an answer.

Misty sighed and felt the weight of her past as she talked. "I feel I have to be proper all the time. It is in part of what my mother has told me when I was young. If you do things that will make others unhappy with you, you will find life harder without others feeling they can trust you, or even so much as like you. And I did not want that."

The line stopped, and Misty continued. "So I always try to behave myself, and keep to myself, and not cause problems. I guess it only made me look stuffy about things to some ponies, rather than calm and reliable, as I would rather be seen as."

Patience felt this did explain a little about Misty, but not why she is interested in Kicker. Patience decided to say so. "OK, that much I understand, I just don't see where Kicker fits in with all of this."

Misty gave a comical, over the top, pouty face. It was her attempt at being silly, as she felt Kicker can be. "I don't like others to think I am stuffy and no fun. Because I can be."

At this Patience was surprised. This was not the Misty she knew at all. Though she had to remind herself that she really didn't know Misty at all. She thought to herself, perhaps there is something about her that she did not see, something Kicker did. And this was probably only some of it.

Misty relaxed a bit after her openness to try and be comical to make the situation less serious as she continued. "I feel Kicker is kind of my opposite. You know? And when I see him, I feel I don't have to be all proper around him. I guess I just wanted someone I could feel more free with. Someone I can feel more myself around. I guess you could say I have two sides to myself. One I show to others, and one I keep to myself."

The line moved again and Patience felt she could understand this much as well. But it seemed Misty was far from over. Patience was not expecting what Misty did, and said next.

Misty smiled broadly as she thought more about him. She also looked lost in thought to Patience as if Misty was thinking of someone Dreamy. Misty's voice flowed, almost to the point of song. "Oh' he sets me free when I am with him, and I feel so much more open around him in a way that I like. And in a way I like to be with him. Someone I can feel warm and passionate with."

Patience's mind focused on one thought, based on what Misty just said. Just look at her. She feels open around him all right, if he can make her act this way around him. I bet... I can well imagine what she passionately has freely open to him, and around him, when she is with him, alone...

Patience caught herself in mid thought as the line stopped. Steady girl. No need for such thoughts right now. Not here, and while she is just trying to talk to you. Don't turn this into what it's not.

She is just talking about having a romantic kiss and a warm embrace with a loved one. Try and focus on that.

Yes, a warm and sensitive embrace, to one of his most sensitive spots, with one of her own.

No, No, No! Patience you stop that!

Patience pulled herself out of such thoughts as she caught Misty staring at her.

Misty noticed Patience looking a little flushed, and beside herself for a moment. Misty felt it was just due to how she was talking about Kicker to her, and that Patience has known Kicker for a while. She figured that Patience never heard any other pony talk of Kicker in that way before.

Misty paid no mind to that, as she continued. Her own mind instead drifted back to thinking about Kicker as she was. "I also did spend some time getting to know him, before I ever asked him out. That is, I watched what he is really like to others. It was hard for me to believe at first, but he has a real kind heart. It was hard to notice with how much he jokes around, but I did see this. From what I saw, I trust him not to be a jerk and hurt me. Sure, he kids around a lot, but that is part of his charm too. I never saw him ever get mean, angry, or violent, with anyone. Not even a little bit angry when he was alone. And he is not like me, he doesn't try to hide who he is around others."

Patience felt she agreed. She never saw Kicker to be the violent type. To her, if anything he is, that much he is not. And he did make a point to always be himself, no matter how any others may think of him for it.

The line moved as Patience prodded Misty for more info. "Okay I get that much, but what else."

Misty could not stop herself. Patience did not need to push any to keep Misty going at this point. "He is so much more outgoing than I am, and willing to do crazy things, but he does care for others. And I think he will make a great father one day. He loves kids. He is passionate, kind, and funny.

“And I don't feel I have to worry about him getting angry at them, or even me. Ever. There is something that just feels comfortable, and safe about him. Like he is more of a big kid himself than an adult stallion who feels the need to be forceful, or to prove something to everyone. As I feel at times I have too."

At this, Patience felt she completely understood Misty's attraction to Kicker. She felt much the same herself about him. Not that she felt she tried to hide who she is to anyone like Misty apparently does. Or did till now.

The line has stopped at the main counter for ordering, but Misty was still not done yet.

Misty is now in a lovers dream like state, as she talked without concern for where she is. She practically gushed while talking. "For all of that, and more, I love him. I have for a while now. It didn't just happen. He may not be perfect, but out of all the others I have considered."

Her voice got softer with a swooning in her voice to her last few words. "He is perfect enough for me. And I wish him to be in my life for as long as it lasts!"

Patience just stared at her as she took all of that in. She could tell Misty was in love. Of that much she was sure. She wished to say something to Misty about it, but she was at the counter now, and had an eavesdropping Floater waiting on them.

Patience lifted a hoof to Misty's chest. "Hold that thought. I will get back to you."

Misty suddenly felt flustered as to how she was just talking about Kicker so openly in front of all the other ponies in the room. She knew this was not her at all, and some embarrassment kicked in. I can't believe I just said all that. And now of all times, and places.

Misty looked around as she saw many in the room had indeed been paying attention to her, as well as Patience was. She did her best to ignore that fact. So what if they know how much I love Kicker. Well, at least they now know. I am sure Kicker would just tell me it is all for the better that they do anyway. I know he would not mind everyone knowing how I feel about him. So I guess, there is no need to fret about this. 

Patience turned her attention to Floater. "Sorry for the wait."

Floater chuckled. "No problem. I like to hear a good love story."

At this Misty blushed a little, aside from her already flustered state. Patience's earlier interruption of her date, and knowing how Patience, made Misty wish to explain herself. She wanted Patience to fully understand just how she felt, in hopes Patience could truly be accepting of the situation.

She didn't intend to be so expressive in a small crowd of other ponies though.

Floater leaned over more. "So back for more so soon are you? Didn't know my Tutti Fruity was that good."

Patience sighed over not getting to have some at all today, due to why. "No. Well yes, it is that good, but I didn't get to have any today. I was out on a hunt, and mine melted before I got back to it. So I would like to order another one. I feel by now I could use it."

Floater smiled to her. "I think I can fix that." He moved aside and got out a big cup and put three big scoops into it. He brought it back to the desk and gave it to her. "Here you go, free of charge."

Patience looked surprised. "Thank you, but why?"

Floater continued to smile. He was in such a good mood this morning. Everything seems to be going well today for him, and some interesting info was keeping him entertained. He was being entertained now, more than most days. "Well, it was part of Chaser and Stella's order, and I gave them free ice cream for today. And I don't want you to miss out, seeing that you are with them today."

He quickly turned to Misty and asked, "Would you like some more? My treat." 

Misty just replied with a small shake of her head, no.

Patience chuckled, and said to Floater, "With such generosity Floater, I wonder how you stay in business? Must be hard making bits when you are giving this stuff away."

Floater chuckled in return. "Oh' I manage," He finished saying with a wink.

Patience smiled once more to him. He is certainly in a good mood today. "Well, Thank you again Floater."

The two walked outside. Patience paused shortly after, then turned to Misty. She wanted to address what Misty had said right then while it was fresh in her mind. "I do understand why you wish to be with Kicker. I wanted him for much the same reasons. And you know, some how, I thought that would be the case."

With that out of the way, Patience's mood changed to something more friendly. "I do hope the two of you will be happy with each other. And I hope you do consider me when you are with foal. I am sure you are looking forward to that in the future, as you sounded to be.

“It's not just business. I like to care for those I know. And I feel I know you a little better now. And I think you will make a fine mother as you wish to be, as well as a good wife for Kicker. Sorry to say, I didn't think so at first, but now I do."

Misty felt touched. She rarely made friends and kept to herself. She did like Patience's offer, for being both a caregiver to any future foal she might have, and as a friend. "Thank you Patience. I am still reminded of what my mother has told me. It's nice to have those around, you feel you can trust. And I feel I can trust you. I am sorry if me taking Kicker has upset you any."

Patience sighed. "It does, but not as much anymore. Besides, he is not the only young stallion around. I have my pick, when I am ready to go looking for one.

“And I am not so sure I would want Kicker if he was actually so willing to leave you for someone else, even if it was me he left you for. Now that I think about it, I wouldn't want a cheat if it came to that, at any time. So don't you worry about me none."

Misty smirked. She felt it funny that Patience with all she has going for her, that some simple work shop mare might be worried about Patience's future. "Me. Worry about you. I am just a worker at the weather factory, just like Kicker. But, you. You got a fine and well paying profession. You are still young like me. And I don't mind saying that you got the looks that could get yourself most anyone you want. Except for Kicker. He is mine."

At this Patience laughed. "Come on, let's get back to Stella as we wait for Kicker and Chaser to come back."

The two walked back to the table together. Each feeling a little better about the other.

Patience and Misty returned to the table. Stella had just finished feeding the two foals shortly before they arrived. She was already thinking about what to do next when they did show up. As her thoughts was interrupted she greeted them. "Welcome back you two. Is everything alright?"

Stella did not see a problem, but the fact that the two went in together, likely to talk, and that the two share an interest in the same stallion could mean trouble.

Patience sat facing her while Misty sat next to Patience. Patience smiled. "Nothing to worry about Stella. Misty and I just spent some time developing an understanding. We're good."

Misty folded her two front hooves on the table, then quickly put them back down remembering that doing such, mostly in front of others is impolite and improper. Her own mannerisms kicked back in as she was trying to settle herself.

In a way, she now felt like she was intruding while being there. She just wished Kicker would return soon so they both could take off. She felt like a fifth wheel among these other four.

She also felt on the spot feeling she should say something instead of just sitting there ignoring what was being talked about. "Yes, the two of us have come to an understanding, so too speak."

Misty wished to change the subject, she did not want her conversation with Patience to be the center of conversation here, despite that she had it inside surrounded by others. She felt it is now a closed subject between them.

Misty turned her attention to the two foals. "So Stella, how are your two little ones getting along?"

Stella felt eager to answer that. "Oh' they are doing great. I can hardly believe how much alike the two are." That is practically understatement. The thought of the two as true twins is getting easier all the time. "I am so glad to have them both. And they will be good company for each other as they are away from home at a sitters, and at school or just out playing."

Stella still had that thought in the back of her mind while speaking. Wondering if she could let Triumph off at a sitters, or even let her off at school. She was not like any other foal.

Triumph shuttered at the thought of being without Stella or Chaser around. Patience saw her look of concern and decided to try and pull her away from any bad thoughts Patience thinks she might be having, and try and cheer her up. She felt her concern might be about not being at home with her own kind, and did not want to bring up that subject with her, and mostly not while Misty and other ponies are around.

Patience already had a few spoonfuls of her ice cream and did not mind sharing some of it with the two foals. The thought of sharing it with the foals made her feel better than just eating it alone in front of them. She got Triumph's attention with a question. "Triumph, would you like to try some of this," she asked as she held out a small dab of it on the tip of her spoon.

Triumph could smell it, and despite feeling full from her own cup of ice cream, she did wish to try a taste of what Patience is offering. She gave a slight nod then opened her mouth wide. Patience brought the spoon to her as Triumph took a taste.

After having something creamy, this new flavor blast hit her. She has had fruits before, but not in this way. The combination was of something smooth, but also having a tangy fruitiness mix to it as well. A pleasant contrast to the vanilla and chocolate. Her eyes widened again to this new taste as her mouth formed a smile. She hummed her pleasure to this new experience. And wished to have another taste.

Stella glared at Patience. "You are going to spoil her."

At this statement. Triumph felt she did something wrong in taking that from Patience. Stella did not sound happy to her. She did not wish to misbehave and give Stella any reason to not like her anymore. She kept reminding herself, despite what she may look like, she is not a pony, and not really Stella's daughter, and Stella may still send her away, if she is not good.

Triumph did not fully understand just how much Stella loved her, and was imprinting on Triumph as her child, and would not ever be sending her away like Triumph thinks she might.

Stella's motherly instincts to love and protect Fluttershy was also being projected onto Triumph, in a way even Stella did not expect. Their short time spent together was creating an unbreakable bond, one that could not so easily be undone. This was do to Stella being in a motherly mode in her life from being a mother already. Her emotions towards Triumph was slowly taking control over her.

Patience replied, "Oh' pony-feathers! I was just trying to cheer her up. Now look at her."

Stella saw Triumphs state, and felt sorry for butting in. She just didn't want Triumph to over do it on her first time with the ice cream.

She leaned over past Fluttershy and said to Triumph, "You go ahead sweetie, I did not mean to make fuss and get you upset. You didn't do anything wrong. I was just concerned that you might have too much all at once. I didn't want you to get sick or something." Stella finished with a loving smile and a brush of a hoof, petting the side of Triumph's cheek.

Triumph's mood lighted up. She felt it is okay to try it again without worry, but she still did not wish to over do it as Stella suggested not to. It tasted good to her, but she was no longer hungry. She now felt she understood what Stella might have meant by spoiling her. It had nothing to do with Stella being upset with her, it was concern for her.

For Triumph releasing for herself that Stella was only worried for her, and not upset with her, made Triumph feel all that much better about being here. And better about Stella. Stella and Chaser care so much for me but I do not understand why. I am glad they do though.

And Patience too. She has been real nice to me as well.

As Stella stroked the side of her cheek before sitting back down next to Fluttershy, Triumph felt that same feeling she now associated with as love. She continued to question herself as to how she should think of Stella. Does she really care for me that much? Can I actually think of her a my mom? She told me to. These questions still swirled in her mind.

She looked over at Fluttershy. Maybe I can, think of them as family. They have been so nice to me so far. I just don't want to be bad to them and lose this. 

Further watching Fluttershy smiling at her got Triumph thinking again. I am here now, and I must try my best to be like her. She looks so happy, and that is how I want to be as well. She smiled back to her sister, imitating Fluttershy perfectly.

Misty saw this interaction Stella had with Triumph and has her own thoughts about it. Stella doesn't just talk to her like she is just a foal. And Triumph seems to understand her better than one would, as young as she looks. She is also supposed to be the one missing for well over two months. Peculiar. 

Misty looked over at Fluttershy then back to Triumph. There is no mistaking it. Those two are indeed twin sisters. But Triumph seems more easily worried, then Fluttershy, I can see that. She seems kind of like me, when I was little.

I hope not. Worrying about things as I have as a young filly, is not the sort of life for a little one.

I do hope my own foal does not grow up worrying as I did. That is when I do have one. He, or she, should be more like Kicker. He seems to enjoy life more than I. He does not seem to worry about a thing. I like that. I wish I had been more him myself when I was younger. 

Patience did not want to leave Fluttershy out of this, and presented her with a spooning of her ice cream as well. This was a first for her too, of trying Tutti Fruity. She received the same sensation as Triumph did.

Triumph enjoyed seeing her sister happy. There was just something good about it to her. It made her worry less. There was joy in the moment. A joy that melted away concern, and just let oneself be happy for a time.

Patience past around two more spoon-fulls, one more to each before they both refused another.

The two were starting to get tired. Stella and Patience could see this. Stella faced Patience. "I have one last place to go today, after some shopping. Looks like these two are nearing ready for a nice two hour nap though. I think I will just take them home for one, then go shopping and looking for a sitter after, before the day is over. Let Chaser know I am heading home with our two daughters. OK?"

Patience put down her cup and helped place Fluttershy first then Triumph on Stella's back. She sat back down to finish her ice cream. "OK. I will let him know. The two of them should be back soon. You take care now."

With a nod Stella opened her wings then carefully took off.

Patience looked over to Misty. "So, what now?," she finished asking before taking another big spoonful of her ice cream, while trying to use it to help her get over losing Kicker.

Misty raised an eye as if she was expected to come up with some revelation for this moment. She had none. "I guess we just wait. And I would like to get back to my date with Kicker. As Stella said, there is still much left to the day, and I would not want to waste it. Not that this has been a waste. I feel good about our talk. I am glad we could settle things between us. So, what are you going to do?"

Patience thought about it for a moment. I could just go back to the clinic, but I have no appointments. None that I know of. I already said I was going out for the day. Might as well enjoy my self-set time off. "First, I am going to finish my ice cream. But I have no big plans for the rest of the day. And no, I am not going to ask if I can just hang about with you and Kicker. Three's a crowd, and all that. No, I think I will just fly around a bit, and enjoy the day as best I can. Maybe I will find a future prospect, while I am out and about. Who knows?"

Misty, chuckled a bit. "Future Prospect? Well, I wish you luck in that. Not that you need it. I have said that I had been looking around myself, before settling on Kicker. I think I might have a few ideas."

Patience clopped her two front hooves together after putting her cup back down. "Ooo. Do tell."

Patience leaned in to listen more as they were interrupted.

Chaser and Kicker landed quickly from high above without warning, startling the two young mares.

Kicker and Chaser chuckled. Kicker leaned over as he saw what Patience was doing. "So, what have the two of you been talking about? Something good I hope," he finished with a sly grin.

Misty stood up and bumped him on the side. "I could ask the same of you two. But I guess we will both have to contend with not knowing what the other was talking about, now won't we?"

Kicker chuckled some more. "Yep, I guess so. And I guess that is fair enough. Come on, let's get back to where we were before."

Misty smiled. "I thought you would never ask."

Kicker snickered. "Well, I guess I am just full of surprises, now aren't I. Wonder what I will surprise you with next."

He leaned over to her to give her a quick kiss, full on the lips, really surprising Misty this time.

As they parted he stated, "Yes, I think that is about where we left off."

Patience interrupted. "Get a room, you two!"

Kicker replied, "Oh’ but the open air is so much more pleasant." He then leaned over to Misty again. "Don't you think so, hun?"

Misty gave him a quick peck on the cheek in return. "Yes, But she is right. We should find ourselves someplace a little more secluded, like before."

Kicker smiled. "Well, let's not waste anymore time." With that he quickly leaped into the air. And started off back in the direction of the falls. Misty without further adieu, chased after him.

After watching the two take off, Chaser turned to Patience. "So where is Stella? Did she go back home?"

Patience nodded. "Yes, after a good feeding on ice cream, the two foals were feeling tuckered out. So, Stella took them home for a quick nap. As young as they both are, they could use it. And often. But I think you know that about now."

Chaser nodded as well. "Yes, I do. So, what are you going to do now?"

Patience gave him a frown. She had the day open, and she did not want to spend it alone. "Well, after watching Kicker and Misty, I think I am just going to go for a nice little flight to cool off a bit."

Chaser snickered. "So, the ice cream is not helping at cooling you off enough?"

Patience put her cup down. "Well, no. I can't keep from thinking about them, or what Misty said to me earlier. Something about Kicker helping her to feel more open around him, I think it was. Something like that. Anyway, I think there will be a lot more of that going on soon enough."

Chaser lowered his head some. "Wow, you got it bad. No wonder you were so upset at finding out Kicker is now seeing Misty. You have been playfully flirtatious with him a little in the past, but you mean it this time, don’t you. You do have the hots for him. I am sorry it all didn't work out the way you thought it might, or hoped."

Patience plopped a hoof on the table, then laid down on it, and grumbled a bit. "Well, what do you expect? I am in the prime of my life, and the one I wanted to be with is with someone else, because I waited to get my life in order. I can't be upset about it, it's really no one's fault. But I am upset about it anyway."

Chaser sat next to her and put a hoof around her. "Sure you can. You have every right to be upset. You worked hard to get where you are in life. You should not be made to miss out on what you want because of that. But you do know it is not the end of your life, just because you can't be with him the way you want now."

Patience leaned into him some. "I know that. Oh' I wish I can find someone like you. My Lucky Star, Stella has found her love life with you, and so has Misty with Kicker now. And to think I have known the both of you for far more time than them."

Chaser leaned over to her more and gave a light kiss to her forehead, and a rub of her back. "I will always be your lucky star when you need me to be, just as you have been for me all these years. And look at what you are willing to do for Stella and I now. How can I not care when I see you upset over something. Even this.

"After All, you were the first to start calling me Lucky Star as we were growing up. My life with Stella will never change how I feel about you, as it never changed how you felt about me. You may not have me or Kicker as you may want us, but we will always be there for you just the same, and I will always love you like a sister to me. Few know that is how I felt about you then, and still do now."

Patience looked over at him. "Thanks a lot," She said sarcastically. "Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful that you do feel that way for me. Still it does not change my current situation. I lost the only two stallions I ever wanted to be with, to two other mares.

“And seeing you and Stella with two adorable foals, while watching Misty go off to have a good time with Kicker, and possibly soon to have a foal, or two of her own, kind of makes me feel left out. I am the only one out of the three of us, you, Kicker, and I who is without someone."

She took another bite of her ice cream. "And if I just wallow in self pity like this, and eat ice cream, I will just get old and fat!"

Chaser laughed. "Now you are being pitiful and ridiculous! I swear." He rubbed her back some more. "You will be fine. Just have patience!"

Patience started to laugh and shake in place from laughing so hard. "Oh' you always knew how to cheer me up. Just like Kicker. Your right though. And Misty said so herself. That I am a successful, young, and good looking mare that could get any stallion I wanted.

"Could you imagine that coming from her?"

Chaser gave her a light squeeze. "Misty said all that did she? She is right, you are an attractive mare. But there is more to you than that. You are loving, as well as fun loving, aside from just good looking. You have a wonderful and personable personality. You care for others, and it shows.

“You have nothing to worry about. You will find the right one for you. You are all that a stallion could want, and more."

Patience sighed. "Well, there is no time like the present. I could always start looking, even now. I told Misty I would, and not to fret over me.

"I will not bother her or Kicker again. The three of us will just be friends from now on.

"Look at me. I have taken too much of your time. You got to get back to Stella. She said she has to go shopping then to look for a sitter, after the foals have a short nap. And I got some looking to do of my own."

Chaser gave her one last kiss on her forehead. "You have not taken too much of my time. More like I am taking to much of yours. Now you get out there and start enjoying yourself. And if you do need Stella and I, you know where to find us."

Chaser put a hoof down quickly on the table. "And if you find one that does not treat you right, and hurts you in any way, you come and tell us. Kicker, and I will chase him down and kick him all over Equestria for it!"

Patience got up and gave him a big hug before she opened her wings, ready to take off. "Yes, I will be sure to tell you both. However my search turns out. Thanks again, my Lucky Star. I will be going. May your luck be with you."

Chaser stood up as well. "Thank you so much for your help with Triumph. I really appreciate it. And good luck to you as well."

Patience gave a nod then took off. Chaser saw she left some of her ice cream behind. He decided to toss it away for her. Neither her nor him released she was still carrying the few bits he gave to her for some more ice cream. Ice cream she didn't have to pay for.

~~~~~~

Stella made it back home without incident. Intent on putting her two bundles to rest, she opened the door.

She had worried some that one or both might fall asleep on her back, and perhaps fall off. After getting in she found part of her worry has happened. Both of them fell asleep while she was in flight. But both were safe. Fluttershy had a good hold onto her, and Triumph had a good hold onto Fluttershy. She almost felt bad about having to disturb them while putting them into a shared crib.

It was a good sized crib. Big enough for the both of them. She first reached back and took a hold of Triumph, and set her down. Then did the same with Fluttershy. Shortly after the two snuggled close to one another. Stella could not help but feel this sight as so precious.

She enjoyed all the more having both of them to look after. She felt Fluttershy was such a blessing, and Triumph was an unexpected but very welcome addition.

She spent some time just watching them sleep, not caring about the time. But time did pass, and she heard someone come into the house.

She felt it is likely Star Chaser. She finally took stock of the time and found he had been gone a little longer than she expected. She worried if everything had gone OK with his talk with Cloud Kicker.

She let her two little ones sleep as she went to go welcome Chaser home.

As she came into the living room she saw him slowly closing the door. She felt he got the word that the two foals would likely be sleeping. He turned around and smiled. He quietly closed the gap between them, and gave her a long kiss. After they parted he said in a whisper, "I have been waiting a while for that."

She smiled back too him. "Was it worth waiting for?"

He smirked. "Always."

Now she felt it is time for some serious questions. "How did it go with Kicker?"

Chaser shrugged. "About as expected. He is game, and he will keep what Triumph is, a secret. As I though, the goof likes the idea, and thinks it is funny.

“He also admires that we are both willing to help some strange foal we barely know, and one that might be dangerous for us to keep. I told you he is a good guy. He promised to not even tell Misty. So we can count on him. I know we can."

Stella stood beside him and gestured that they both go sit on the couch. "Well, I am glad you think so. I don't like the idea that we are putting our trust in him. How is Patience by the way?

After sitting he answered. "Good I think. I just had a long talk with her. She feels she is missing out in life. She has a great job. The very one she worked so hard to get. But in her time getting it, she lost something else she was after. Her head was quite literally in the Clouds. Namely Kicker, and I as well.

"You of course know the three of us grew up as friends together, as such she grew to liking Kicker and I in other ways, than just as friends. As I found out, Kicker and I were the only two she felt this way about. Now she lost us both. Not as friends but as a potential companion to start a family of her own with, as she now wants.

"I feel sorry for her. I have known her for so long. I admit, if I did not meet you I likely would have hooked up with her in time instead.

“Not that I would ever wish to change things. I love you, and Fluttershy. And now we have Triumph. But Patience is feeling like the one left out among her two best friends, even though she worked hard to get what she now has. It's just not enough for her. She wants a family now as well. And she does not want to wait.

"I can only imagine what she must feel like, tending to other ponies’s foals, while not having any of her own. Now that I know she wants some of her own, as well as a companion. I know she enjoys her work, but at the end of the day, she must be lonely. I never thought about that, till now.

"It would seem Misty and I have both convinced her to go out looking for someone. And that is what she is doing right now. She is on the search for a new potential special somepony for herself. And it is about time.

"No moping about for her. She was always the go getter. The only thing she has had patience for is what she intends to accomplish. She will have to be patience with this as well.

“I am sure she will make the right choice when she finds who she is looking for."

Stella brushed up against him lovingly, and relaxed. "You do care about her a lot, don't you?"

Chaser noded. "Well, yes, I do. She is like a sister to me. Always has. I guess I just never developed the very same feelings for her as she did for me. But all will turn out right in the end. Whoever she chooses will treat her right, or else Kicker and I will chase him down, and kick him all over Equestria, as I told her we would."

Stella rubbed his chest. "I am sure you both will. But let's not talk about something so violent. I was wondering what we could do for the rest of the day. I was thinking after shopping, that we look for a sitter. Then after we could make preparations for a nice picnic tomorrow.

"Speaking of which, we really need to get Fluttershy and Triumph something better to have today then ice cream, that is something more nutritious for them both.

I am about out of formula for Fluttershy, and..." Stella paused in mid thought. "You know, we never thought to ask Triumph what it is she does eat. Has she been on formula as well? Did she have anyone that nursed her. I am not too sure she has, but if she has...

"I wonder what her clan has been feeding her. Did she have a mother that fed Triumph her milk, as I do with Fluttershy?

“She took to ice cream, but I did not stop to think if she should have had it. We know so little about her. I think we need to spend a little more time getting to know her more. And her to know us better.

“Much of what we will need to ask her will have to be kept between us, and any possibly chosen sitter."

Chaser nodded again. "I agree, to all of it. We must know more about her. What she has to eat, how she has lived. But we can't expect her to tell us everything. Especially not all at once.

“But the food business, I think that will be the most important to know right now. I think we should have a short talk to her again, after they get up. Then we do some shopping. And a picnic for tomorrow sound real good. We have not had one of those in a while."

Stella rested her head against his chest. "Wow, I am actually feeling tired myself. I think I will just take a short nap right here just like this."

Chaser stroked her side as she rested herself against him. "You do that. Patience told me you might still have moments you might feel tired during the day. I think we both can spare a short nap."

With that Stella dozed off. Chaser shortly after.

Time has past as Star Chaser woke up. He found Stella still fast asleep. He hated to wake her up, but he heard some commotion from in Fluttershy's room. Both were calling out mom, and he had a good idea as to why. What comes in must come out, He thought.

He gave Stella a light shake as he tried to rouse her awake. "Honey we need to tend too the little ones. They are awake, and I think Fluttershy may need a change. Triumph as well, perhaps."

Stella got herself off of Chaser and stretched. "Okay, I'm up."

~~~~~~

Sometime before Stella and Chaser got up, Triumph woke up to an awful smell. She has a good idea where it is coming from, and what it is. She got Fluttershy up by giving her a shake on a shoulder. "Fluttershy, get up. You made a mess."

Triumph was feeling the need to go as well, but did not want to do what Fluttershy did. She was now wondering where she could go to relieve herself. This is not good. I don't know where to go. I never asked. I hope someone comes in here soon. Or I will end up doing what Fluttershy did. 

Triumph jumped up to the bars on the crib. She pulled herself up and over the bars. Fluttershy who was now awake said to her. "You not to do that."

Triumph grimaced, and felt surprised to hear Fluttershy say so much, not that Fluttershy had not said anything before. She can talk more than I thought. Must be important if she is. Perhaps I should not have gotten out, but I got to do something. I am already hanging here, and I don't think I can pull myself back in. Not while trying to keep from doing what she did. It is too late. I must get down now. 

She told Fluttershy so. "I am not to do what you did. I need to get out of here and find out where to go."

After dropping to the floor she turned her attention to the door. The door was closed, but not locked. She pulled it open.

Fluttershy shouted out to her. "You not to do that!," She said again.

Triumph felt like she was in a fix. If going out of this room is something I am not supposed to be doing, I don't want to be doing that either. But I need to. I don't want to get in trouble for doing what she did. But I will if I don't get out of here, and soon. I don't want to get in trouble for leaving, or doing anything else bad. What do I do? 

She felt like crying. She blurted out in a sad whine, "I don't know what to do!"

Fluttershy saw her sister getting upset. But had no answer for her. I do not like making a mess, but it happens. That is why we have a diaper, she thought. She just did not have the words on how to tell her sister this. She did her best to though. She pointed to her diaper.

Triumph was not getting the idea. "I know. I will try not to." This was the first thing Triumph did not feel like copping from Fluttershy.

Fluttershy felt she needed to do something to help Triumph, who was looking more upset by the second. Mom will fix everything. 

Fluttershy called out. "Mom!"

Triumph felt that should get someone's attention, and something she did feel like copying right now. So she called out with Fluttershy, "Mom!"

A moment after both Stella and Chaser stood at the open door. Fluttershy was still in her crib, while Triumph was on the floor in front of the open doorway, and Triumph did not look happy.

Stella got a load of the seen and said. "OK, what is going on?"

Triumph did not want to yell, but was feeling desperate and did so anyway. "I got to go, now!"

Stella quickly scooted Triumph over to Chaser. "Take care of her. Show her to the bathroom, and show her how to use it. By the smell of things, I got to tend to Fluttershy."

Chaser put his attention to Triumph. "Come with me, and quickly."

He lead her down the short hall, and to a small room. He opened the partly closed door all the way.

He did not wait to ask if she knew how to take off the diaper, he just did it for her. He then pointed to the large bowl on the floor with a small amount of water in it. "I don't know what you do when you need to go where you came from, but here you use this."

He pointed in the bowl. "You go in here. After, you push down on this," he said as he pointed to a silver looking peg on the side of the bowl. "Do you understand?"

Triumph felt she understood. She used such things before. But when far from home she would just go outside. She felt she should use this as instructed. She gave a nod and Chaser moved to exit the little room.

He turned right back around as he remembered that she is too small to use it well. They got a training seat for Fluttershy a few days back. He put it over the bowl, and seated her on it. "There, that should help. I will be just outside if you have any questions.

"Oh' one last thing. You stay sitting after you push that. It will clean you. Thought I should tell you that as well."

He finally left the room, and her to her business.

She relaxed enough to relieve herself. She was relieved in more ways than one. She felt she did not have to worry about getting into trouble for doing what Fluttershy had done anymore.

She set her attention to the silver peg on the side, and stayed sitting as she pushed down on it. To her surprise, even though she was told of this, her hind quarters was sprayed up and down with water. The felt thankful it was warm. This lasted about a half minute. Then warm air blew, drying her off. She had to admit this thing was neat, and felt good. She felt nice and clean after.

She got herself down and headed out the door where Chaser was waiting. He looked down to her. "Ready to head back to the room?"

She thought about this question, then had to ask. "Fluttershy in trouble?"

Chaser did not know what to make of this question. "Why do you ask that?"

She was now unsure if she should be asking at all of such questions, but she felt she will not learn if she did not ask. This was something her clan taught her. Ask if you don't know something.

The clan was intent in making sure everyone knew what was going on, and what one is supposed to be doing, for the purpose of keeping order. "Fluttershy made a mess. She in trouble for that?"

Now Chaser felt he was getting somewhere. He saw she did not put back on her diaper either, but felt she did not need it. He also felt he needed to explain the diaper to her, seeing that she seems to not understand it. "No she is not in trouble for that. The diaper you was wearing is for such an accident. See, our young at her age are not yet old enough to control themselves as you have, not all the time. So they wear a diaper just in case that happens. she has not yet learned to use the pot as you just have. Not that we like it to happen that way, but we do kind of expect it. She will grow out if it in time. We actually intent to be teaching her soon."

Triumph did understand, and felt sorry for Fluttershy. She was also wondering about the diaper she had to wear. "Do I have to wear one of those still? It felt odd." Though being something else for as long as I have feels odd too. Not that I do not like it. I feel so different all over. I am just not myself. And yet it has all been good. I think I will like being a pony like them.

Chaser felt it was OK, and also felt he would need to talk to Stella about it. After all, he remembered it was her idea to put Triumph into one in the first place. "I got to talk to Stella about that first, but I think that will be okay if you don't wish to wear one. Fluttershy still needs to though, at least for now."

Triumph thought some more on it. It is not bad. I like the color. And if it makes me look more like Fluttershy, even if I don't feel I need it, that should be OK. I don't hate it, it is just odd, is all.

It is nice to sit in. I think I will wear it as Fluttershy does. I like looking like her, as much as I can.

Triumph went back into the room she just came out of and came back out with the diaper she was just wearing. She held it out. "You put it on me? I do not know how."

Chaser did not understand why she still wished to wear it, but if she did, he was not going to question, besides at her age it did not look unusual or anything. "OK, But I will do it slowly and show you how it is done. I can tell that you like to learn what you can."

Chaser spent the next few minutes fixing the diaper to her. He started with showing her how the sticky tabs work "See those tabs, they stick to the side, like this." He pulled on the tab and stuck it to one side. Then he took it off. "Now to put it on you."

He slipped it between her legs then he took the other side and wrapped it over her backside. When he was done there was a hole for her tail. The way it was made, part of it wrapped up and around the back of her tail. Chaser pulled on the tabs again sticking them on the side to show her and finished the job. "OK, now you are done."

She looked it over and was satisfied. She also felt she could now take it off, and put it back on herself, if she wanted to.

She remembered how funny it felt wearing it for the first time. That feeling did not diminish.

Triumph and Chaser stepped into Fluttershy's room. Stella recently finished changing Fluttershy. She now had Fluttershy resting in her crib again while waiting for Triumph and Chaser.

She saw that Triumph is still wearing her diaper. "Triumph, you don't have to wear that sweetie."

Triumph sat after getting in. She repeated to Stella just what she had been thinking about it. "I do not mind. Is nice to sit in, and I like the color."

Stella felt this was fine. Stella still wanted her to wear one for appearances, at the very least while on any outing in public. But she was not going to force her to, if she did not need it, and did not want to have it on while at home.

Stella put Fluttershy down. Fluttershy joined her sister again. Stella stepped over to them. "Triumph, come with us out to the main room. We have a few more questions for you before we head out again." Stella walked past and out the door. Chaser was already heading there, and the two foals followed Stella out together.

They all sat in the main room facing each other. Stella started. "Triumph, Don't worry about these questions, they will not be like before. But they are still important. We just feel we need to get to know you better. See, we brought you out to have some ice cream, and, well, we are not to sure if we should have. We don't know the kinds of things you have eaten, or even what you need."

Chaser continued, "Remember what I told you about the diaper? Well, Fluttershy is still quite young. For her age, the ice cream was a rare treat. Most of the time she has a nutritious drink we call formula. It keeps her healthy. That and Stella feeds Fluttershy her own milk. She needs that at her age too."

Triumph did not understand about the milk he was talking about. But did understand the idea of a treat. Honey on apples was one she has been given, but not often. It would usually be apples without the honey. It was the honey that was the treat, more than just the apples alone.

Stella finished, "What we need to know is, what do you usually eat? We don't want to make you sick by giving you the wrong things."

Triumph was rolling around in her mind a list of things she has been given. "Apples, oranges, melons, lot's of things. I like honey. And I liked the ice cream. That was the best!" She stood there smiling.

At this Stella and Chaser breathed a sigh of relief. Stella turned to Chaser. "Well, it seems we don't have to worry too much on what we do give her. She eats everything we do. But we should not over do it with sweets, or anything like that. Seems most of what she has had is raw fruits and such. We should be good giving her vegetables as well, I think. And also some grains, like muffins and such even though they were not on her little list." She turned back to Triumph. "Is that okay with you?"

Triumph nodded while not really knowing some of what Stella was talking about.

Chaser asked her, "Out of what you did have most of the time, what did you like the most?

She simply stated, "Like apples."

Stella smiled. She felt happy they do get something she likes. "Apples we can get. And plenty. There is a farm bellow that grows lots of them. We get apples from them all the time. They make many of tasty things with them that you should try as well. Apple pie, Apple Fritters, Apple Crisp. You do need to try them."

Stella paused as she consider the outing she is planing with Chaser. "As a matter of fact, I was just telling Chaser about us going on a picnic. We will be looking for things to take on it. Any of those apple products would go great. I can send Chaser down to get something, possibly just a pie. You will get to try some tomorrow. How does that sound?"

At this Triumph was excited. She did not know what any of those things are, but if they are made of apples, she felt they must be good. By the way Stella talked about them, Triumph was under the impression that they are some kind of treat like the ice cream. She now can't wait till tomorrow. Triumph sat tall and smiled broadly.

Stella took this as a sign Triumph was happy with that. Stella wondered though about her having been fed on Milk. She thought to ask on that seeing Triumph did not bring it up. "Triumph dear, tell me, have you been fed by your mother or any other their milk?"

Triumph did not understand the question. "Their milk?"

Stella was not sure if Triumph even had a word for what she was trying to get out of her. She decided to try the more simple approach. She lay on her right side and moved aside her raised left leg, exposing her belly. She pointed to a teat, and asked, "Did your mother feed you her milk from here?"

At this Triumph was at a loss. She still did not understand the question. She gave the only answer she felt she could give. "No."

Stella is now about as confused as Triumph is. She struggled with this for a moment till a thought came to her. When I first saw her in her true form, I thought of her as a bug. Or even possibly part reptile, or something unusual like that. If any of this is so, she might just indeed be more like one of them, and not like a mammal like us at all. She might have hatched from an egg, and just eaten whatever was given to her, like bird chicks. Or even made to forage on her own, and just told from what, and where she can eat. I am sure any of this might be the case.

Stella asked her about that. "Do you know, if you came out of an egg Triumph?"

Triumph nodded. "We all do."

Stella also wondered if she is part of a collective hive as some insects are. Stella felt it would explain why they all look alike, as she was told. "Did you have a mother? Did all of you come from one mother?"

Triumph nodded again. "Queen Mother. We are from her. We live for her."

Both Stella and Chaser stifled a gasp, but they did look troubled to Triumph. Triumph got worried about their reaction and asked, "Is bad?"

Stella realized that they both overreacted, mostly after her feeling she was expecting this answer. But hearing it, was still a surprise just the same to her. "No hun, nothing is bad or wrong with that. It was just another surprise to us is all. I am glad you told us. I think we can much better understand you now."

Stella though it is a lost cause questioning her further about being feed milk, knowing she likely has not. To her knowledge, it was just not anything that any bugs or reptiles do, and Triumph did seem like one in her true form, even though not looking anything like one now.

Stella sat herself up as she addressed Chaser. "Did you have any other questions for her that you feel can't wait till later?"

Chaser rolled the question in his mind. What could I ask that would not upset her, and be something she could possibly tell us?

Seems odd to be asking so many questions from such a young foal. All in one day too. But Stella is right, we should get to know her some more. Seeing she is willing and able to talk to us like this. "Can you tell us a little more about yourself? What was some of the things you did in a day, and what did you like to do?"

Triumph still did not like talking about her life with her clan to them. His questions however was not so bad to her. "I learn a lot, for the clan. We lived as one. I forgot this. I wandered away. I was not to go so far. That thing near got me. I be eaten for it. If not, for you."

Chaser sat beside himself noting she still blames herself for all of this. "I am sorry you feel that way. Yes, wandering away was not good. But don't you like it here? Do you still wish you were back with them?"

Triumph looked down. "Yes... I was with so many. I did not hide. I am scared here. I do not like to show myself here. I do like you. I am glad to be with you."

Chaser was again beside himself to see such a young foal open up like this. He spent some time trying to evaluate all that he has learned about her so far. She must have spent so much of her time learning everything possible. No foal I have ever heard of talks like this. Some hardly says a word. From what I have seen, she is a fast learner as well, this is probably why.

I don’t think even Fluttershy fully understand the current situation we are dealing with, not as Triumph does. As for Fluttershy, Triumph is just a fun new friend to have around. I am not too sure she really knows why Triumph is here, or why we are keeping her, even though Fluttershy has been here to hear about all of it.

And Triumph feels so much, for one so young. I still wonder if this will continue to have a bad effect on her being around us. And will she always feel this strongly about everything? She just seems so sensitive.

Now she says she doesn't want anyone to see her true changeling form. That is sad she feels she has to hide around others now. And we did that to her. All of us. She does it for us on her own, but we can’t change that. There is too much at risk. For her, and us for her not to.

She likes us, and likes being with us, yet she is still afraid to be here with us. I just hope we can turn that around for her. No foal should feel so sad and concerned about so much in her life as she does, not on who or what she is, not while around others.

I  want to help change that, but how? With as smart as she is, and her being able to see things for the way they are, as she does, I am not sure I can make her happy. I will continue to try though. I am not going to lose hope on her. I do hope she can learn to adjust, and to be happy here in time.

I must admit to some selfishness. In a way, I am glad it is not a good option to try and return her. I do wish to keep her now, even if she would be better off back with her own.

But knowing a little of what her kind is like, I am none too sure she would be better off with them, rather than with us.

I would like to think I can give her a chance for a better life than what they may have had planned for her.

Chaser wished to change the subject to one of his earlier questions. "Can you tell us what you liked to do? Did you have fun, or was it all learning?"

Triumph felt a little better about this question. "Yes, did have fun. Exploring, hide and seek, and tag. I liked those. Was told to be active. To get strong. To explore. To learn everything. To prepare to help the clan when needed, is most important."

Chaser noted, Even her games was centered around training it seems. It is as if her life was like growing up to be a soldier or something like that. Is that what they are? All of them, worker-soldiers? I do think so, it fits with what she is saying. And It is a lot to go on I think.

I'm not liking this, but it is good to know. I am glad she told us about them, or was even able to tell us not to go looking for them, when she did.

If it was one of our pony foals at her age that I found insted of her, they likely would not have thought to warn us about such a thing, never mind being able to.

She is more kind and caring than I would think something of what she has described she is, would be. That much dose not seem to fit. But how could it? I still don't know them as she does, that much I do know.

Chaser felt he asked enough questions. This extra revelation into her lifestyle did help for him to understand her more. He felt if exploring was one of the games she played, wondering off as she did, was just another game to her at the time. One that had consequences. This time, she learned of that consequence. And to him, she did seem to be learning it well.

Chaser wished to say more to her about her past. "I understand why you would be home sick. You had a safe, and structured life. One where you were guided on what to do all the time, and did so with many others to play with. It seems you were never alone.

“Now is the first time you are not with them, and not sure what to do, and you don't have them to tell you. You also feel you may never see them again, and you are still not sure what to think about us, even though you do like us now. 

"None your age should have to go through this. But I think you are doing so well, just by talking to us as you are.

“I hope you do understand that you are not going to be alone here. We won’t let that happen. We will make sure you have a good life here, as best as we can help provide for you, while you are with us."

Triumph felt joy in believing he would. She knew he has been doing that this whole time, from the moment he found her. He saved her life, took her home, made her part of his family. It brought her some comfort to be remind of this by him.

She went over to him to hug him again. She rested her head against his left leg as she grabbed hold of it.

She smiled up to him as she did this. “I know you will,” she said before lowering her head and rested there, snuggled against his leg.

She felt shorty after getting to know him before he took her home with him, he would be there for her. And to her, he has so far.

As she has hold of his leg, he knelt over to rub her back again, as before. 

Fluttershy came over to join in once more, seeing the chance to get in on this.

Chaser saw Fluttershy come near and he pulled her in closer. "Come here you." He held them both together.

Stella sitting there watching felt she had for herself the best stallion she could hope for. A caring and loving husband and father. She moved to join in as well.  

After a short time had past Stella asked, "Still have any more question for her dear?"

Chaser sat in thought for a bit. "Nothing important for the moment. No. I would say, what she eats was my main concern for now. And I think I got everything else I feel I needed to know, for now as well. I think we can get going. We need to find a sitter and get food for the next few days.

“Come to think of it. I don't actually like the idea of a sitter watching over Triumph. Not just yet. She is till trying to adjust to living with us. Never mind, with any others."

Stella understood his concern. She had been thinking about it herself. "Well, what can we do? We both work, and our time off is near over."

Chaser shook his head. "Not for another month. We only used about most of our first month. We could take the next one off as well, until we can figure something else out. Just so she can at least get more use to us, and living here. This is only her first day as a pony. And not for that long either."

Stella felt stuck for an answer herself. "What do you suggest when that time is up as well?"

Chaser shrugged. "I'm not sure at the moment. You could probably quit your job and stay at home to take care of the two."

Stella shook her head. "I would love too. I really would, but we can't afford it. Well, we could afford it, but we are going to need the bits so much more now, with two foals to take care of.

“Would you really wish to be out there without me, and try to provide for all four of us on your own?

“Even if you are willing to try, I don’t want you to."

Triumph and Fluttershy did not like this little bit of lite bickering. Mostly Triumph. She did not wish them to be so concerned about her.

She felt she is already with others she does not know, and found them to be nice, more than she thought they would be to her. Would it be all that bad if I got to know a few more of the other ponies, and had to stay with them for a time too?

I only have known Stella, and Chaser for less than a day, and I am fine. They have treated me so nice. And I have my new sister. So long as I am with Fluttershy, I think I will be OK. 

Triumph wished to say something to them about what she was thinking. "I am with who I do not know now. Is bad to be with others?"

Both Stella, and Chaser turned their attention to her. Chaser addressed her question. "You are not like us. You know this better than any of us.

"I know you still feel out of place, even with us. You do make a good point though. No, it would not be bad for you to get to know any others. I just would depend on who.

"But not all ponies are like us either. Many are, but not all. I did not like the idea of sending you to any others before, and I still don't. Not that any other ponies can't be trusted with you. We might be able to fine someone. We just don't know who yet.

"Patience and Kicker proved that some can. Still I feel we must be careful with who takes care of you. We can't entrust you to just anyone. If the wrong ponies did ever find out who and what you really are, you might be taken from us, and we don't want that to happen. Understand?"

Triumph nodded. What he said did make sense to her, and did concern her. It is in part why she is hiding in this form already. If he thinks I might be taken from them. Perhaps I should just let them work this out on their own. I am sure they know best on what their own might do to me.

She felt a shiver at the thought of being taken away, like her own clan had taken away that odd thing they fought with. She did not know what happened to him, and she did not wish to find out what might happen to her if she was taken away while here. This bothered her. Perhaps some of the ponies here are not so nice. I must remember that, and to be careful. 

Stella felt they could not do without a sitter. Though she did share Chaser's concern. "I want us to do some shopping soon. We could think more on this later, but I'd rather get this over with. And I would like us to save some of our vacation time, rather than spend it worrying over what to do."

Chaser nodded. "You're right. We can't hold this off. And if you will not stay to watch them here yourself, we will have to trust another. At least one other. But perhaps we don't have to tell who we leave her with as to what she is."

Stella did not think this was right. "I wish we didn't. But if the other we left her with found out what she is on their own... I would much rather know what the sitter thinks of the full situation first, other then all of us getting surprised when who ever it is does find out what she is.

“I would worry far too much, all day long to do my job right, while thinking of it. I need that piece of mind, that the sitter will not freak if something was to go wrong, and the sitter found out on his or her own.

"We don't even know how well Triumph can hold this form. She can keep it while sleeping, that much we do know. But what if she got hurt? Would she change back if she did get hurt? What else might make her change back? We know none of this."

Chaser relented. "Okay, I see your point. I would be worried too about the same thing all day at work. Comfy Cloud daycare is not all too far from here. Should we try them?"

Stella shook her head. "Not a daycare center. Too exposed. No, we need to find a sitter that can watch our two foals right here at our home. Or at their home. One sitter we can trust."

Chaser thought for a moment. "What about Floater's wife? They are good ponies. And with what Floater makes, Summer Breeze is a stay at home mother watching over Sprinkle Medley. It would be a lot to ask of her to look after three foals, but she might do it."

Stella smiled. "Yes, Summer Breeze! She has a good home, and she is just as sweet as Floater. You know, we did deceive Floater earlier today. He might not be all to happy about that."

Chaser tilted his head in thought. "True. But you know, I think he would understand. And he would not have to know."

Stella felt this was not good. "I'm afraid we can't keep him out of the loop either if we was to tell Summer. Not like we are having Kicker keep Misty in the dark about this. Triumph will be living at his home after all. We will have to let him know too."

Chaser agreed. "So we wait till he closes shop and talk to them both when he gets home then?"

Stella nodded. "Yes, we can do some shopping first, then we go see Floater and Summer Breeze after when Floater get's home."

Chaser nodded as well. "I guess we have a plan then. I hope all of this does not blow up in our face some day."

Stella gave a slight chuckle. "No one does dear. Let's go. We have some shopping and a visit to attend to, before the day is over."

Both of them got up. Each placed a foal on their back. Triumph with Chaser, and Fluttershy with Stella. Then they both walked out the door.

Chapter Six: life With Ponies.

On the second outing for the day Triumph got another good look around as she sat on Star Chaser's back while he flew.

It was much as before. Lots of colorful winged ponies everywhere. Each of them seemed to be doing something, or flying to some destination unknown to her.

She felt safe on Chaser's back, and had a good view of the other ponies around her. They passed by what looked like two stallions yelling at each other. One of them green the other blue. The green one stood up on his back legs and knocked the other down with a buck from his front legs. The two after started brawling.

The blue one stumbled as he tried to gain a footing, then charged the green one. He hit the green one with a tackle, and they both went down this time.

The green one returned with a right hoof the the blue stallion's right side of his head, knocking him off from on top of the green one. This brawl continued for a bit, neither one letting up as Chaser and Stella got near.  

Triumph did not know for what this was about. This is her first glimpse of the ponies here in some form of physical conflict with each other.

What she did not know is that these two are just friends horsing around. But violently enough to scare Triumph into thinking they are going to hurt each other, or someone else.

She is so taken with the action as something rather scary to see. She did not wish to see this, but could not turn away either. In her dismay over what she is witnessing, she did not happen to notice that neither one is actually getting hurt. At least not badly, aside from a few scuffs and light bruises.

Chaser knew them and what they are up to, but decided to stay clear of them anyway. As he veered away, Stella did the same.

After he felt Triumph hold on tighter as they passed, he also felt the need to tell Triumph of what she saw. "Don't worry Honey. They aren't fighting. At least they are not going to hurt each other. This is what some would call rough housing with friends. It is a kind of playing. Though this is not always the case. And if you do see such a thing going on, just stay away from them. Let them settle it on their own."

Triumph had no problem with that request.

Triumph felt she understood what he must have meant by ruff housing. Must be like fight training back with the clan. We don't fight to hurt each other, but to get good at fighting when we have to. Though some do get hurt just the same. I guess that is what they are doing. I have not done anything like that yet, and I don't want to. 

She never did like seeing it. This was one thing she was glad of now at not being in the clan anymore. One day, she would have to take up such training. Now she felt she might have been given a chance to avoid it in her life, if she wished to. And she did wish to avoid it.

She felt the need to ask Chaser about this, just to be sure. And she asked with concern in her voice. "I have to fight train?"

Chaser was a bit taken off guard with her question. Fight train? Is she expecting to have to fight? This does seem all the more like her life was to prepare to be a soldier of some sort, after all. I am glad to be able to take her away from that. She sounds like she does not wish to do any fighting, but might have to if she was still with them.

He felt the need to ask her about it. "Did you have to do any fighting while with your clan?"

She shook her head. "No. Not yet."

Chaser didn’t think so. But with they way she moved during her game of Tag with Fluttershy,and knowing she was not being raised like pony foals are, he was not about to rule out anything by now.

He wished to reassure her that was not going to be her fate here with them. "What you saw those two doing was not any kind of fight training. They were just having some fun, and blowing off steam. We will never force you to do any fight training. So you can forget about ever having to do that. It is an option to do so, yes. But you don't have to. And not so long as you live with us."

She loosened her grip on Chaser, and snuggled to the back of his neck more. She felt relieved to hear this. I will never be forced to fight. I will not have to get hurt while having to prove myself to the my new clan. I mean family. He will not make me do that.

I am confused on what to think of my past clan. They are not bad. I know this. They took care of me. Gave me nice things to eat. Protected me. So why do I feel bad about them now? Do I want to be a changeling anymore? Not if living as a pony is so much better. Or is it?

I not been so happy, but I not been so sad. I was told what to think, and what to learn. Now, I feel I did not know what life could be like. I thought serving the clan and Queen was all there is. This is very hard to think about. Did I do a good thing when I wandered away? I wish I knew.

She rested her head on Chaser. She was getting mentally exhausted while still thinking of such thoughts. As the day passed, it was taking its tole on her. Even after her short nap.

She lay like that for a bit, resting on Chaser, then she turned her head. She saw Fluttershy, her sister riding on Stella with a big smile on her face, near oblivious to any bad thoughts it seems to Triumph. Triumph could not help but smile too at this. At least if I did do a bad thing, I found something good. 

The four traveled for a short distance after. They found themselves in a spot where many gathered. Some were staying at a cart or some other stand of items. Many of the others were exchanging yellow coins for those items. She remembered that these are the same coins Chaser gave to Patience earlier.

She heard the exchanges going on as she saw the coins and items passing from one to the other. She also repeatedly heard the word Bits being used in conjunction with a number. So that is what they are for. You get other things with them. But how do you get Bits? 

She felt like asking Chaser. "How you get bits?"

Chaser reasoned that she might not have ever had to use currency before. He felt she might have been lucky in that. Her clan provided everything she needed. That I believe. She had no need to get a job, and pay for things. What she was told to do was her job, that is, when she got old enough to help provide, if she wasn't helping in some way already.

I guess that would all depend on what it is they may make her do at her age. The gathering of a few items I guess, might not be too big of a task for a foal like her.

That system of theirs might be better than ours. There would not be a rich or poor among them, and they all share in the responsibility of helping to provide for everyone. At least those not put in charge of protecting the group, I wonder how they work that part out.

All in her clan shared equally I guess, no matter what task they did. But they all also have to had provided something as well. If you did not gather, I assume, you would be put to be a guard. In the case for those that guard, you learn to fight, and do that when needed. Or do they all fight? And are the the ones on watch are they only a lookout? And tell everyone when to attack, if they need to?

She said she did not do any fight training yet. This I think means in time she would have. If all of them do. Perhaps they trade places on who works and who watches. And everyone fights. Actually that does seem more than reasonable, I think.

I wonder what they do with those that can't provide, or not able to provide as much, or are just simply unwilling? Are they left to fend for themselves? I wonder.

I also wonder how many, if any do not like their lifestyle while living like that. I wonder if they had any defectors. For all I know, some could be living among us now, unknown to most of us, just like Triumph is.

I could ask her on some of these questions later I think. Though it might be an unpleasant subject for her though. Maybe I just better let her forget, if she can, and not bother her to much about her past. I will just answer her question.

They are at their first shop, and Stella is already picking out some new side bags for both her and Chaser. He talked to Triumph as Stella picked them out, and paid for them. "We work for bits. Those that are selling things here, do so to get bits for what they have. But others like Stella and I have other jobs. We get paid by how long we work, while these ponies here get paid by how much they sell. If selling items is going good, they get paid a lot. If it is bad, they don't get much."

Triumph is unsure what he meant by selling things. Though as she watched what is going on. She reasoned it meant to give things way for the coins, as she saw this going on.

After Stella came over to Chaser with the new bags, the two foals had to get off for a moment as the two adults fitted the bags to themselves. Each foal is sit back in place after, and ready to go again.  

Chaser continued with his lesson for Triumph about the coins, as Stella did the shopping for them. "But Stella and I have what is called a steady job. We are paid by the hour, that is we get our bits from the capital of Equestria. We don't get them from other ponies, like those that sell things. At least not directly. It is done through what is called a tax. But that is another complex subject for some time later."

Triumph felt she might get confused again. She already has no idea what the capital of Equestria is, or a tax, as he called them. And Chaser already said he is not going to talk about tax yet. She did hear of Equestria before, and she knows that is where she is now.

She just let him continue while hoping she will understand more of it in time. "Stella and I mostly get paid the same no matter the job. Some days the work is easy, some days the work is hard. Like controlling or moving a storm as a hard one. We are what is called Storm Chasers. We typically break up storms that develop where they should not.

“Both Stella and I are very good at it. So we get paid well for it. We have to do that job regardless, or we don't get paid. But if the job is hard and we have to work longer to get it done, we do get paid more for it."

Triumph was already not liking the idea of working in a storm. She wished to know why they worked with something so big and scary. She was not sure how to ask, but she did try. "Why you break em up?"

He figured that she did not understand the main type of work that pegasi do. "Well, we change the weather to help out the conditions of the land we live in. Stella and I mostly work on breaking up storms in any areas that they can cause trouble. They can make a big mess of things if we don't."

Triumph was kept safe, and away from any storms back with her clan. After the storm was over, she got to see what it did to everything. She felt in awe that Stella and Chaser actually helped to stopped such a force for everyone here, before is did anything bad. Her eyes went wide while thinking about it.

By the look on Triumph, Chaser felt she may have the idea now, and continued his talk. "As you can imagine, it is very important work." Triumph just nodded. "That is why we have to find a sitter for you and Fluttershy. We can't take you with us on our jobs. We can if the work is light, but for us, most of the time it is not. We get a lot of vacation time for what we do though. So we get more free time with each other when we don't have to work."

Triumph wondered about that next word she did not know. "Va-k-shon?"

Chaser reminded himself that despite how smart she is and how well she can talk, she has a lot to learn about pony life in Equestria. He felt a vacation would be hard to explain to her. That is until she understands having a job better.

Seeing she asked, he told her what he could for now."Vacation time is time we get paid without having to work. It is time we get to relax without losing our pay for a day, week, or in our case, a month or two."

Triumph felt a little overwhelmed by all these explanations, but she took it all in as best she could. Time was not a thing she knew well, so weeks and months meant little to her. Also seeing she is only a few months old herself.

As Triumph watched Stella and others around her shopping, she is still more interested in these shiny bits being passed around. "I work for bits?"

Chaser nodded. "Yes, that is how it is done, but not till you are much older, not for many years yet."

Years, another word she has yet to learn well. Though she did hear of it. She did tell Stella that she was told she is less than a year old. She did not know what that meant herself, she only knew it had something to do with time, a long time to her.

Chaser finished his last piece as she rolled what he is saying in her mind. "Till then, Stella and I will take care of what you need. And what you may want." 

She wondered what she could want other than time to play with her sister, and the food she is already given.

Triumph felt uneasy about having to work for bits one day. She saw storms before, she did not like the idea of being in one. She felt she might have to do what Stella and Chaser does one day, seeing that is what they do. She asked with worry "Do I work in storms?"

Chaser chuckled. "No sweetie. Only some of us do that. And it is not for everyone. I don't recommend it either."

Triumph felt glad to not have to do that task. I don't have to fight. I don't have to go into storms like he does. "What do I do?"

Chaser sighed. "That is something you must discover on your own. We learn to find out what we are good at, and then that is what we do for bits. We each find our own way, but we are not alone in doing so."

He knows this is not altogether true, and told her. "Well, most of us. Not all of us are so lucky to live with others who help each other, or know what to do in life. That is one of the sad things about having the freedom we have. Not all know what to do with it, or know what they maybe good at."

This gave Triumph more confusion as to how she thought of her past while living with her clan. I have to choose what I do here? I just don't get told what to do, like I did with my clan? And some ponies live alone? Might I have to live alone some day too? 

This is so hard. I like these ponies. But living like this? Why? Why do any do it? Why are they all not told what to do? And why not live in one big group, and all help each other? Is that not better?

Her understanding of pony life grew. Just like living with her past clan, some of it was very good, some of it hard and bad.

Having to make such new choices for herself concerned her. Finding herself one day alone, concerned her even more. I get to live more fee with the ponies, but I have to make may way. The choice is not given to me. And I could fail. If I do, then what? 

She wished to stop talking about all of this, it was depressing her. She asked no more questions. She felt this was something she might not have to worry about for a long time anyway, not for a few years, just a Chaser told her.

She rested against him some more, and tried to relax. It did not take long before she did. She reminded herself that she does have all three of them to help her find her way, just as Chaser keeps telling her.

Time passed as she watched in silence as Stella and Chaser worked the shops together, now that Chaser was no longer taking to her. The two packed away the goods they felt they needed.

Formula for Fluttershy was top on the list. She saw them get so many things she never saw before. Much if it looked like food to her.

She did not bother to ask about each one. She was more interested in watching the exchanges going on around her.

She heard some complaining going on in some areas. An irate pony was yelling at a vender owner in one area. " This is outrageous! This is gouging of the price! Pure and simple. It was not this much yesterday! And you knew I wanted to wait and buy it today!"

She heard a lot of, "Thank you, come again!" in many other places. And some pleased faces after, as others were enjoying their shopping.

She caught a young colt yelling, "Mom I want that one, I don't heave her yet!" As he was pointing at a collection of small ponies fully covered in Blue and yellow, up on a stand.

Two Stallions gabbing to one side grabbed her attention, as one of them said, "I'll buy that for a bit." Then the two laughed after. She could not see why they laughed. Neither one was near a vender, nor buying anything.

With so much commotion going on, it was hard for her to focus on just one event, before something else happened that caught her attention next.

She felt glad to be sitting on Chaser. She got an eyeful of how some of these ponies are to one another. Some of it still confusing to her, and other events shown her not all of them are near as nice as the ones she is with now.

Though she also saw that Chaser was right. Most of them did look happy enough, and was nice to each other.

She did not know what to make of everything going on, right away. There was so much to her, and what she thought is missing is order, even though she did not have the word for it yet. It made her head spin to think on how different they all are here, and this abundant diversity is making her feel lost once more.

She had to ask herself again, How do they live like this? How do they know what to be doing? They are just, everywhere, and I can't follow what is going on, or what to be doing. 

If she knew the right words to describe how she felt on what she saw going on, she would say, this is all chaos. Can I live like this with them? I am not sure I want to be a part of this. Do I have a choice?

She marveled at the spectacle of so many ponies, all of different colors, shapes, sizes, and ages, each doing their own thing. It to her is both wondrous, and frightening at the same time.

The actions of some worried her, as well as pleased her, while she watched. She worried most on if she could make herself fit in with them.

After seeing what she did see, she was not sure if she wanted to try and fit in. This disorder made her very uneasy. It was not like her clan at all.

She felt more small now than ever. She is so glad to be with who found her, and not with some of the others she did not feel comfortable even looking at, due to their actions.

By the time they got to the end of the venders, Stella stated to Chaser, "Apple pies. Fresh Apple pies! I almost forgot. Chaser, You head down and ask the Apples if they have any." Chaser rolled his eyes to this statement. "I know, bad assumption. But they could be out just the same. It's near the end of the day. And we got only but a few hours till it gets to dusk."

She pointed in the direction of the ice cream shop. "I will go talk to Floater and tell him to expect us later today. We both head back home, drop off our goods, then head over to have a talk to Summer Breeze about the sitter job for the twins."

Chaser gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Got it. I will meet you at home, and find from you what Floater has to say."

He suddenly dropped through the cloud flooring. This made Triumph tense up, and hold on tighter.

Chaser felt this and opened his wings as he leaned forward. If she was not with him, he would have just let himself drop faster, before opening his wings. The air took hold, and he glided more slowly now.

He knew that he startled her by his sudden drop. "Sorry about that Sweetie. I should have told you first I was going to do that. But no worries. See, we are safe."

Triumph looked about. The land is still far below. They were still getting to it quickly though, but more steady. This made her feel fine now.

~~~~~~

Stella looked back to Fluttershy. "Looks like it's just the two of us for now hun. Let's go say hi to Floater, shell we?"

Fluttershy remembered Floater. She smiled and gave out a big "Yay!"

Stella felt all set to take off. She looked about to see if it was safe then leaped forward as the air caught her wings. She sailed for a bit before making a wide turn to head in the direction of the ice cream shop.

Stella loved to fly. No stuffy office job for her. A stay at home mom, maybe. So long as she could go flying with her young.

Stella found Fluttershy did not like to fly on her own yet. Foals of her age did fly, but not her. Stella noticed Triumph did not seem interested in flying either. How odd. She is smart, so it's not like she can't learn how. That is, I am sure she could. She seems to be timid about situations though.

What am I talking about? Of course she seems be timid. She has been through a lot, today alone. I would be panicked out of my bloody mind at her age. That is, if I knew what was going on at her age as she does.

Stella's thoughts came to a halt as she came near the ice cream shop entrance. She landed to enter. Not near as many ponies now as before. Only three waiting in line. Stella got in line quickly.

After a short wait she got to see Floater. None were in line after her, so he had the time to chat for a short bit. She would have to get home, feed Fluttershy again, wait for Chaser and Triumph and be ready to take off again. Though she did not want this to be a short hi and bye either.

Floater smiled to her. "Something tells me you are not here for the ice cream. Am I right?"

Stella knew Floater is rather perceptive and watchful. To be as business savvy as he is, meant knowing what is going on, and what others may want. He could have made a business on something else, but the cold treat called to him as more of a passion than mere business.

Ice cream put smiles on the faces of others. And Floater is as warm and thoughtful about the happiness of others, as his treats are cold.

Stella amused herself on the fact Floater is right on. "No, sorry, I am not. Actually I am here to ask if Chaser and I can come over to chat for a bit later today.

The smile never left his face. "That sounds like a grand idea. We haven't had company over in a while. I am sure both Summer Breeze and Sprinkle Medley would love to see the twins. How early should we expect you?"

Stella though for a moment. "I have to Feed Fluttershy after putting a few things away. Wait for Chaser and Triumph. Possibly two hours from now should be good. Will that be okay?

Floater waved a hoof in the air in a dispatching gesture, then put it back down on the counter. "Not a problem. I close up shop in half an hour. None are coming in, so I might close in fifteen minutes. I will make sure Summer Breeze knows you are coming."

Stella nodded her head to him. "Thank you. Just to let you know, this will not be a normal visit."

Floater felt extra curious about that. "Oh' how so?"

Stella felt bad about leaving him in the dark about this. "Sorry, can't say here. I will say, be prepared for some unusual news. Oh' And this visit is to be between us. I would appreciate it if no others were to be there tonight. Just you and Summer Breeze."

Floater felt this to be odd already. "Should we find a sitter for our little Sprinkles then?"

Stella leaned over to him. "Funny you should ask that very question. It has a bit to do with why we are coming over. To tell the truth, I am not to sure she should be there or not."

Stella paused for a moment to think. "No, don't bother with that. I think it will be okay if she is there. We will be bringing Fluttershy and Triumph along as is. And this will concern her as well."

Floater leaned back. "Well, you don't give me much to go on, but we will all be waiting for you just the same."

Stella nodded her head to him once more. "Thank you again. I got to go. Bee seeing you soon." She turned for the door. She waved to him before heading out.

Stella gathered herself then took off for home.

~~~~~~

Triumph observed the ground below. Such color. So much green. The land she came from was not this lush and green. Though it was not completely absent of some sparse vegetation. Partly why her clan gathered food elsewhere.

The two came to a farm. They were greeted by a green mare. One not exactly in her youth anymore. "Hello sunny. See you got yourself yer foal with ya today. Thought she was yeller though. Last I heard, her name is Fluttershy. Yes, a pretty yeller youngin with a pink main. This here is a pretty but red youngin with a pink main. Perhaps some were just messin with me. This one is yours, ain't she? Or you just a sittin for another?"

Chaser could not tell whether to laugh or feel sorry for her. "No, Granny smith. None has been messin with you. She is mine though, and her name is Triumph. She is my other foal."

Granny Smith looked him in the eye. "What's that ya say? Seems yer the one messing with me here. I was told ya only had one foal. And that's Fluttershy. I'm not so old to not remember a fillies name. Ya hear!"

Chaser felt on the spot. He stepped back a bit. "No! No, Granny Smith. You heard right.”

He straightened himself. “I'm not lying. See, we had two, but one we though did not make it. So we told everyone we had only one foal.

"See, Patience informed us today Triumph pulled though when we thought she was dead. Patience had been taking care of her this whole time for us, but we didn’t know this till now. We just got her back today.

“We are actually going to be celebrating with a little family picnic early tomorrow. That's what I came here for. To get a fresh Pie."

Granny Smith smiled after giving him some more space. "Well, why didn't ya say so. Sorry though, all out. Gonna make a fresh batch tomorrow. Why don't ya come on back down before ya take off for that picnic of yours? You get one fresher then, anyways."

Chaser nodded to her. "Thank you Granny Smith. Yes, I will be back tomorrow then."

Granny Smith taped him before he took off. "Be sure ya do. And bring both yer youngins with ya. The Apples have a new filly in the family. Told her about Fluttershy. Not that I think she understood quite yet.

"You come down here enough for our apples. Thought the two could see each other some day. Her name is Applejack. Some just call her AJ for short. And that Triumph of yours, looks just as red as AJ's older brother. Big Mack. Actually, she is the very same shade of read as you. Guess it runs in the family. See you tomorrow, and don't ya forget."

He replied with a smile. "I won't Granny Smith. Oh' I will take some apples before I go."

She pointed him to a small bag of them. He past her some bits. With that, Chaser took off with a bag of apples added to his cargo.

Triumph was so focused on the green mare Chaser was talking to, she didn't continue to get a good look at the land around her.

She did not notice just how full of life it is in this area. The abundant plants, birds, and small critters running around. And the animals that can be found on the farm. She would have enjoyed all of that, if she paid more attention to the rest of her surroundings.

~~~~~~

Stella made it home again. Stella set Fluttershy down in the mane room to play. She went about putting things away. She also mixed a batch of formula for Fluttershy to warm.

She got everything put away and was ready to sit down with Fluttershy when Chaser came in with Triumph on his back.

Stella greeted both of them. "How was your trip?"

Chaser chuckled. "Granny Smith was full of questions as usual. I didn't get a pie yet. They were all out like you said they might be. I did get a bag of apples though. Granny Smith suggested I head back down in the morning for a fresh pie.

“She also suggested I bring along both our foals, to meet their new foal, Applejack. I don't think it would hurt to do that.

“Apparently the Apples were on a outing and was not there. Just Granny Smith."

Stella gave him a kiss. "No, it would not hurt to see them tomorrow. But I was hoping for just a nice quiet outing of our own tomorrow. Just the four of us. We can visit with them another day. Besides we still have Floater and Summer Breeze to see in a little over an hour.

“I think I will be done with visiting for a while after that. This day has been a big stress for Triumph I am sure, and  I will be glad when the day is over as well. I think both her and I could do with some down time from others tomorrow. What do you think Triumph?"

Triumph nodded while not fully understanding down time. 

After all that she took in today, she did like the idea of spending some quiet time with just the three she is with now. That much she did understand.

Stella looked back to Chaser. "See. You will have to give our regards to Granny Smith when you get the pie."

Chaser walked into the kitchen. "OK. I will go there alone then. You're right. It is not good to push things too fast too soon. You do remember I got a good jolt from a storm cloud last week because I wasn't careful, and rushed in at a bad time. I was off duty, but I was there and wished to help just the same. My luck wasn't with me then though. I think I am still feeling the buzz from that."

Chaser set himself to putting the items away he was carrying after setting Triumph down. Triumph joined Fluttershy in the main room. Stella sat and called for Fluttershy to come to her. Both foals came. Stella gave this some thought. I wonder if Triumph would like the taste of this. Fluttershy Likes it enough. But I only made enough for her. I would not want to be feeding Fluttershy in front of Triumph if she is hungry as well. And I am sure she is. 

She called out to Chaser. "Honey! Can you bring an apple for Triumph. I am sure she is hungry by now."

Chaser answered, "Sure thing." He came out with an apple in hoof. He set it down for Triumph to take. "Here you go sweetie." He returned to the kitchen.

Triumph took the apple and took a bite. It was more sweet then she remembered any to be that she was given before. Wow! This apple is real good! No need for honey with this. I am going to like these apples even more. She finished it with gusto. She felt so happy and glad that the food is this good here.

Not long after, Stella was done feeding Fluttershy. Fluttershy was set down to play, while Stella and Chaser grabbed a bite to eat themselves.

Fluttershy has a toy box off to the side in the main room. She got into it and laid a few things out. There was a stuffed pony as well as a stuffed butterfly. And a few other assorted stuffed toys. A batch of wooden blocks. Some coloring books, blank paper, and some crayons. She favors the big bunny that was already out. But she thought her new sister would like to see what they both have.

Stella and Chaser would have gotten her more, but mostly all she wanted was stuffed toys to squeeze. She rarely lost interest in them. Stella would call her a cuddle monster at times, and get her to chase her toys around as Stella moved them about, as she was doing earlier today.  

Triumph though the stuffed toys were funny looking. She never played with such things before. She spent her time in the past playing with others, not toys. To sit and cuddle up to some soft thing for a time, seemed alien to her. Though she thought she would give it a try. Fluttershy seemed to enjoy it.

Seeing Fluttershy with the big stuffed bunny made Triumph wish to hold that one too. She sat down on the other side of it and put her hooves around it just as Fluttershy is doing. It is big enough for both of them to hold at the same time.

Triumph gave it a squeeze. To her surprise she though, this felt nice. A big billowy softness she could lose herself in. Her mind drifted and she held tight, as if holding it was the only thing holding her there in that space. No wonder Fluttershy likes these things. 

With closed eyes, she held the same smile Fluttershy did.

Stella gave Chaser a nudge, then pointed at the other two on the floor with the big bunny. "Look at that. Did you ever see anything so cute in your life? I could just die from how cute that is."

Chaser chucked. "Yes, it's simply adorable." He tried to stifle a laugh while saying that. He did not want to disturb the scene he saw, but the whole situation was a little too comical for him to just sit still and be quiet. Not with Stella pointing it out as she was. Stella's comments was not making it any easier for him to watch, without at least snickering a bit about it.

Stella leaned over to him more to talk to him quietly. "I have been watching them. Triumph seems to mimic Fluttershy. It's not just her copying what she sees Fluttershy doing. She mimics her even without looking at her. I think Triumph might have some sort of connection to Fluttershy. Or when she changed, she copied more than just her looks."

Chaser looked over at Stella. "I think you might be getting paranoid. You don't think she copied part of Fluttershy's mind do you?"

Stella hit him on the shoulder. "Don't give me that. I am not getting paranoid."

She quickly looked back at the other two and found them both looking right at her. Both with the same blank look, while still hugging the bunny.

Stella leans back over to Chaser. "That is enough to get one paranoid over. And maybe I am."

Chaser finally broke out laughing.

The two foals put down the bunny, and walked over in front of Chaser, in exactly the same way. Then they asked in unison, "What is funny daddy?"

Chasers jaw dropped. None had ever told Triumph to call him daddy before, not that he could remember. Only Fluttershy had ever done that, but not today. He leaned over to Stella and whispered, "OK, now that is creepy."

She shook his shoulder a little. "See. I told you. Make fun of me will you. I am not crazy. That is creepy. And I don't know why that is happening. I thought it was funny at first. And it is. But it is also down right weird too."

The two foals looked over to Stella now, with the same blank stare as before. They asked in unison, "Mom, what is weird?"

Stella shakes Chasers shoulder some more. "See, they don't even know they are doing it."

Chaser got up. "OK, I think it is time we head out. Before we loose our minds. Yes, I think we could use some fresh air, or at least I could. Let's go for that last visit for the day, shall we?"

Stella got a little upset with him. "You are not going to say anything about this? You are just going to walk out?"

Chaser looked back to her. "No, I am not just walking out. The three of you are coming with, yes?" He picked up Triumph and sat her on his back. "What would you have me say anyway? That the two are more alike than we thought?"

Stella picked up Fluttershy and put her on her back. "I swear, at times I feel you have spent too much time with Kicker as a colt."

Chaser turned back around to head out the door. "No, Kicker would have given a comment to this momnet, and you might not have liked it."

The two foals were still wondering what the two adults were talking about. They did not see anything strange, or upsetting going on, other than Stella hitting Chaser, and giving him a good shake on the shoulder.

The four of them headed out again. This time to see Floater, and Summer Breeze at their home. On their way, Triumph was still wondering what had gotten into Stella and Chaser. I am like Fluttershy now. Or I am trying to be. I thought they know this. Why are they acting strange about it now?

They approached a slightly larger home. Stella went to the the door first. She rang the bell. It was an old pull string bell. A light blue mare with a light brown main greeted them. "Oh' Welcome Stella and Star Chaser. Come on in. All of you.

Summer Breeze lead them to the mane room. Floater and Sprinkle Medley were already in there waiting.

Summer Breeze gestured to the other side of the room, where the two adults could sit. She assumed the two foals might just play on the floor with Medley.

Medley has out a ball she has been pushing and chasing around the room. She stopped as she saw the other two come in.

The two sat a short distance from her. Medley got excited as she said, “Play!” And she pushed the ball in their direction.

It rolled right up to Fluttershy. Triumph never played with a ball before, so she asked Fluttershy, “What is it we do?”

Fluttershy pulled the ball back with her as she moved away a bit. Then she pushed the ball to Triumph. Triumph stopped it after it got to her as Fluttershy did, but still did not know what to do next. So she just pushed it back to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy took the ball and shook her head. Triumph reasoned she did something wrong, but did not know what.

Fluttershy instead Pushed the ball to Medley and medley quickly pushed it to Triumph. Triumph watched this interaction and had an idea.

She pushed it back to Medley, who pushed it to Fluttershy. Fluttershy did not stop as she pushed it to her sister.

At this moment Triumph felt she is getting the idea. As the ball came to her she quickly returned it to Medley.

This started a game of pass between them as the adults talked.

Floater asked first, "So, to what do we owe this visit. Stella, you said something about a sitter, and something unusual you needed to tell us, but no other but us. Am I right?"

Stella nodded, "Yes, something like that. First I must ask before I say anything more, are you both willing to keep a secret?”

The two nodded, while both wishing to be trusted with some new news of some sort. They fully intended to keep what they may hear, on the low.

Stella felt they answered too quickly and wished to add more to this request, before they make up their minds about this. “Now this is not just a simple secret, like someone said something mean about another, or even something like a pony stole something from another. Nothing near that trivial. But a secret that might mean trouble for you if knowing. And a secret that could change the life of another for the better, if kept."

Floater thought about this as Summer felt she needed to know something right away. "How much trouble are you talking about? Would we be in danger or something?"

Chaser stepped in. "Possibly. I mean, are we not all in danger from one thing or another at times. This is about helping a life. Someone lost, and in need of help. And not just anyone, a foal. But not one like you ever saw before. One not of our lands, or skies. But still very much in need of help. Our help."

Stella gave him a nudge. “Chaser. Must you? We need to know what they think before we tell them all of that.”

Summer did not know what to say. Who ever this foal is he is talking about, he makes sound like he or she is in a desperate situation.

She felt she would like to help, if she could.

The wheels in Floaters head was turning. He looked at the new young foal introduced to him today as Stella's and Chaser's foal. A foal he was told survived a near death at birth.

Then he thought of the reaction Stella had to what Chaser just said. "Correct me if I am wrong, but something tells me Triumph is not yours."

He looks back and forth between Stella and Chaser with his eyes after stating that.

The two kept quiet as Floater continued. "She looks a lot like Fluttershy. A twin. Identical, and yet not identical. Something odd about that. What I see is not impossible. It is rare for identical twins to be of a such a different color to each other, or have a different voice. Very rare for such twins."

Summer asked him, "What are you saying, that you think that red foal is the foal they are talking about?"

He shook his head slightly. "I am not saying anything yet, I am asking them to say it. Is it true?"

Stella and Chaser just looked at each other for a moment. Chaser answered. "Yes, She is the foal we are talking about. No, she is not ours. I found her as she was taken by a wyvern. It was intending to eat her. I got her away from it before it could fly off with her. And I took her home after. And we decided to keep her as our own."

Floater said in an uproar, "Oh' boy I am good! I was just guessing. Really! I didn't know."

This grabbed the attention of the foals at play. The ball went past Triumph as they all stopped to look at Floater.

Stella and Chaser went back to just looking at each other. 

They soon brought their attention on Summer as she spoke to them. "If that is what all this is about, a missing foal. I don't understand all the secrecy. You also said something about a possible danger. What kind of danger could we be in for, from a foal? Who is she, if not yours?"

Stella decided to speak. "It is our understanding she comes from a far off land. Her kind is not like us. Not like us at all."

Chaser blurted out, "I'll say."

By now the foals felt the excitement around the adults was over. while medley has no idea what the conversation is about, Fluttershy had a little.

Fluttershy  knew it has to do with her new sister, but not much else. She heard it all before. She is more interested in playing than to hear the adults talk about her sister over again. She felt she did not understand it all anyway, and it was going to be long and boring to her to just sit and listen again.

Fluttershy pointed to the ball that rolled away. “Ball!”

Triumph was pulled out of trying to listen in on the adults. She too knew it is about her, they are talking about. Fluttershy however has other plans, than to sit and listen, and Triumph now knows it.

Triumph did not wish to disappoint her sister, and went for the ball.

Triumph decided to mix it up a bit, by passing it to Fluttershy. She did so by tossing it rather than rolling it.

Fluttershy didn’t care that her sister made a change, and bounce-reflected the ball over to medley, who returned it to Triumph in kind.

They continued their altered game, but in reverse order. And each of them liked this new change in pace.  

While this was going on between the foals Stella continued. "She also does not look like us. What you see is not an illusion, but a powerful spell she used to turn herself into what you see now. She was not a pony like us, but it seems she is now. The spell has turned her into a pony, it would seem. She does not just look like one, but seems to be one."

Summer commented. "I think I get the idea on why you say this could be dangerous. If she can do magic like that as a foal, the others... Oh' my... Do you think they may come looking for her here? Are they that dangerous?"

Chaser and Stella nodded. Chaser continued. "We do indeed think her kind would be very dangerous for us to to contact. So we are not bringing her to them in person. And we don't wish to leave her off where I found her in hopes one of her kind will find her. One thing almost killed her already. I don't wish to leave her to that fate again.

"We don't think any of her kind will come here looking for her here though. They may even stop looking all together if they are looking, by the end of today. But we can't say for sure, that is  part of the danger. We also will never know if we are near one. Anypony out there could be one for all we know.

“I am not sure myself if any of them could be a threat. If there is any among us. This is the first time I have know of one. And if things are this quiet about them. Perhaps those around us mean no harm. But we can’t be sure of that either. That is if there are any others of them here with us now.”

Floater got in on this. “So she can change form. But why did she? If you already saw her as she really is, and you found her that way, whay the change? That I don’t get. Did it just happen, or did she try to for some reason? Was she just showing off or something?

Chaser answered. “It just happened at first by accident, she did not mean to do it. It was her first time changing. She copied Fluttershy perfectly. After, she changed to what you see now. Just to seem a little different. She did it herself after to hide what she is from any others. Her kind, and ours. She is very smart for her age too.

“As for the others like her, she feels they will not find her if she stays looking like us. They just will not know by looking at her alone. 

"I also get the feeling she may not wish to go back to them anymore. Though she seems undecided about that. This is only her first day with us after all."

Floater had another question. "So why come to us?"

Stella answered that one. "You remembered me saying my visit had something to do with a sitter?"

Floater nodded.

Stella continued. "That is why we came to you. We need a sitter. We are working ponies. Both Chaser and I. We can't sit at home all day with our young. And we don't wish to have the risk of something happening to Triumph in a daycare.

“So what we are asking, is if you, Summer Breeze, would you look after Fluttershy and Triumph as our go to sitter? We need your help in this."

Summer Breeze though for a moment. "You said she does not look like us. Can we see? Can she change again? Or is she stuck this way?"

Chaser answered. "She controls the change herself. We saw her do it a few times, so I think she can do it again if we ask. Though you might not like what you see. I can tell you Patience the local pediatrician a real good friend to us has seen her, and liked her right away. But that is her. You might not feel the same. She is very different. Bit of a shock really. Still wish to see?"

Summer Breeze nodded.

Chaser called to Triumph to come over to them. Fluttershy came over as well. Sprinkle Medley went over to her father and mother to see what is going on.

Chaser sat Triumph in between him and Stella. Fluttershy stayed close to Triumph. Chaser spoke to Triumph softly. "Will you show these nice ponies what you really look like. Stella and I will be right here next to you."

Triumph nodded. She did not want to do this again. Not in front of more she did not know, but she did not wish to disappoint either.

Triumph looked over at Fluttershy sitting next to her as Fluttershy looked excited. Fluttershy knew what was going to happen, and she wanted to see this neat trick again. She also wanted to see Triumph's big blue eyes she liked to look at so much.

Triumph saw this and felt much better about what she is being asked to do. She thought of Fluttershy looking at her the way she is now, as Triumph worked her magic. Then a green glowing swirl of magic left her in her true form for all to see.

Summer Breeze just gasped, as Floater said, "Well, I'll be. Don't that just beat all."

Fluttershy got more excited as she yelled out, "Yay, Blue Eyes!" She forgot she was not supposed to use that name again.

The other three seeing this for the first time hardly noticed what Fluttershy had said as a name. Though it did bring their attention to Triumph's eye, as they looked over the rest of her.

Sprinkle Medley didn't say a thing. She had no idea what happened to the red pony. But she wished her to go back to normal. She didn't like this new look of hers.  

Chaser asked the other two adults, "Did you see enough?"

Floater turned to Summer as he tapped her on her back. "Honey, you good?" She nodded.

Chaser tuned back to Triumph. "You can go back to being a pony now. Thank you sweetie." He gave her a light kiss on her forehead before she changed again in another green swirl.

Chaser addressed the other two. "The more time she has spent with us as a pony, the less I feel she likes to show her true self to others. She is getting shy about that. She likely will not ever change again unless Stella or I ask her too."

Stella asked again to Summer, "Will you help us? We need a sitter we feel we can trust."

Summer had to ask. "She is more to you than just some lost foal, isn't she? You care for her don't you? Like she is one of your own?"

Stella picked Triumph up and held her to herself. She picked up Fluttershy next as well, and held them both to her. "Yes, all three of us care deeply for her.

“You must understand. I didn’t feel this way at first. But to know what she is like changed how I first felt. She even gave up on going back home when Chaser was willing to take her back home, because she did not want him to get hurt doing so. So she refused to let him do that.

“We have seen a kindness to her. One we wish to have with us. I think she will be of a good influence for Fluttershy as well.

“There is more to it than that. It is like she came to us at just the right time. I actually wanted another foal, and now here she is. I think of her as my own now, even though she is not."

Summer nodded. "I thought so. Not so much on what she did, or what she is like, but how you feel about her. I could see it. So in a way, you were not lying when you said she is yours. At least, you do feel that way about her, and made her yours. I think I understand. Yes, I will help. I will watch her, both of them for you while you are away at work."

Summer had another thought and felt the need to ask, "She will not do anything else strange will she?"

Stella smiled, "No, she is very well behaved. Both her, and Fluttershy are. In time you will see they can be a lot alike, these two."

Chaser wanted to comment but didn't, as he snickered some to himself. He felt he would let them figure that one out in time on there own.

After a moment as the rest looked at him, he remembered what Stella told him about leaving any surprises. So he decides to say something about it after all. "They, as Stella and I have observed, at times may act the same. I don't feel this is anything to worry about, but I thought you might wish to know. In case you did see anything like that going on. They are twins you know. Sort of. As you can see she did get her form by copying Fluttershy. With just a change in color now. Oh' and her voice." He smiled sheepishly.

Summer took note of this. "Any other surprises I should know about?"

Chaser rubbed the back of his head. "I am not sure of any other surprises you might see. She is like a unicorn, or alicorn as you saw. She has both wings and a horn, in her true form. And for that, she can do magic, like you just saw. We don't know what else she can do yet.

"But if you do know anything about a young unicorn, and maybe not so much on a young alicorn, expect anything odd can happen. And we are not sure what. We only had her for less than a day. As we told you both, we are not entirely sure what she is. We have a name. Changeling, but it is not much to go on. We just don't know much about them either."

Floater commented. "No can't say I have heard that name before myself. Have you hun?" Summer just shook her head.

Stella put the other two down so they can go back to playing. Much to Fluttershy’s relief. She was getting bored with all of this talking again. 

Stella addressed Summer and Floater after. "Well, please don't go asking around. We think it best if others don't go asking why you wish to know. We have reason to believe both the princess, Cadence, and Celestia knows of these changelings. But has not let the changelings be known to any of us.

"I don't know why not, other than that they might be dangerous as we think they could be. And for that, we don't want it to be known we are keeping one here with us. We don't want her taken from us if she is found out by anyone. Not by one of our own.

This is why we wish you both to keep this a secret. We have no idea what would happen if news of her got out. We just want to keep her safe, and happy. To have a chance at a good life, one we can give her. That is all."

Summer and Floater observed the three little ones playing together. Sprinkle Medley has the ball as the three of them spent time passing it between them as they did earlier.

This time Triumph got the ball moving faster, wile she passed it to Medley first. And the other two went along with that.

Medley was really getting into it as it is going around the third time, all while trying to keep up with the pace Triumph is moving it at.  

The home was already made fairly child proof, and the three would not brake anything with the ball in this room. Sprinkle Medley gave the ball a good hit as it bounced and hit Chaser on the head. He just missed reflecting it as it came at him.

As he tried blocking it, it bounced off a hoof as it sailed over to Floater. Floater saw this coming and managed to block it himself. Floater was ready for this sort of thing to happen. Both him and Summer.

Sprinkle Medley giggled as she sprung into the air after the errant bouncing ball. She managed to get on the other side of it quickly, and knock it back to Fluttershy and Triumph. She did so as she said, "Sorry daddy."

But she was a bit too enthusiastic and hit the ball a little too hard again.

The ball was moving wild now as Triumph went to block it from hitting Fluttershy at such a speed. She jumped in the way of the ball and knocked it aside just in time.

The four adults observed this action. Chaser felt glad it did not hurt either one, and though it was a good block. She is just as agile as ever.

Stella felt grateful that Triumph is willing to protect Fluttershy like this. Not that she felt this ball likely would have hurt Fluttershy, but it was the move Triumph made that let Stella know Triumph is looking out for her, and wished to protect her.

Stella thought more on this moment. This is wonderful that she feels the need to help and protect her sister out of harm's way. She did so without hesitation. I keep saying that I think this will work out. Perhaps far better than when I first thought. Yes, I truly think so.

Stella and the others observed Fluttershy giving Triumph a big hug. Fluttershy was actually scared for a moment that the ball might have hurt her and froze on the spot. Then Triumph moved in for her. Fluttershy was ever so happy to have her sister around.

Triumph was scared that the ball might hurt Fluttershy as well. As Stella thought, Triumph just reacted.

With Fluttershy's hooves around her and giving her a good squeeze, Triumph felt she finally did good for once this day.

The energetic ball lost its momentum as it settled in one corner of the room. Sprinkle Medley zoomed over to retrieve it. After she got to it, she looked back to Fluttershy and Triumph while feeling bad about what she did. "Sorry."

This got Triumph's attention. She did not even consider blaming Medley for what happened. This was just a game right? She looks sorry, and Fluttershy is okay. I guess everything is fine. I will let her know.

Triumph walked over to Medley after Fluttershy let go of her. All in the room is watching to see what she will do.

Medley felt unsure as to what Triumph might do. She did remember that odd change Triumph did before. She hoped Triumph was not going to change again. She did not like it when Triumph looked scary. The thought if it was now making her a little nervous as Triumph came nearer to her.

Triumph approached quietly. Fluttershy ran right up next to her sister's side. They both stopped in front of Medley. The two could see Medley did not look well. Triumph smiled at her.

Fluttershy blurted out, "Play!" She smiled after as well.

Medley felt like laughing. She felt so much better. Neither Fluttershy nor Triumph seemed upset with her. She just wished to go back to playing as well.

The three went back to passing the ball between them in a volley as before. Shortly after Medley was getting rough with the ball again as she bounced it off in another direction.

The three of them giggled together as they chased the ball around the room. They started a new game of chase the ball, all while trying to be the next to kick it off somewhere random. At this point it was just some fun of kicking the ball around to wherever it might go next. They played without care.

Stella reasoned this is how Medley plays while at home alone. She is energetic, I will give her that. Good. They will entertain one another as my two say here for the day with her. Chaser and I can do our jobs without worrying about them too much.

Stella's attention is averted back to the group of four adults, as Floater addressed Chaser. "So, Chaser, You owe me for that ice cream from this morning."

Both Stella and Chaser felt a little surprised that he suggested this, but also felt he was in his right. They did take his offer as they lied to him.

Those two were not the only ones surprised by Floater's words. Summer was more shocked than surprised though, as Summer got upset with him. "Floater! I can’t believe you. How can you say something like that? These two came here looking for help, and you are thinking of a little bit of lost ice cream! I am surprised at you. Apologize!"

Floater just chuckled at her. "Honey! You didn't let me finish. I was going to say, that I feel we are even though. And what they did say was not entirely a lie either.

“I see she is their foal in a way. And she did have a near death experience she did survive today, at least. So their story earlier this morning was a little off. But seeing I did get to hear the truth of it all, I feel better about it. And for that! Chaser, you are off the hook... This time." He smiled again at Stella and Chaser, with a wink. 

Stella, and Chaser just looked at each other while feeling foolish, and also feeling relieved that he is not upset about this morning. But they had a bemused look on their faces as if trying to reason the moment out, with each other.

Floater laughed out loud from watching the two. "Oh' come on! It was a joke, you two. But I did mean what I said. The two of you didn't entirely lie to me this morning. And I am still just as grateful to have helped put a smile on your two little one's faces. So tell me, this is what I really want to know, did Triumph like the ice cream?"

Stella and Chaser has them selfs a light chuckle for a moment.

Stella smiled back to him as Chaser did. Stella answered. "Yes she did. She liked it a lot. They both did. And Triumph could not help but mention it, even some time after on how much she liked it. Thank you for that. It made her day, for a while anyway. It's been quite the day for her. Not all of it good, but that much of it was."

Floater sat back some with his smile still plastered on his face. He enjoyed hearing this from Stella. "That is what I wanted to hear. I take pride in what I make, and can't help but wish to bring some joy to the little ones. At least I could give her that then."

Summer and Floater gave their full agreement, to help out. They both promised again not to breath a word of this to anyone.

Time past as the four adults talked some more about the day and other events.

Floater next talked about the discussion he saw Patience and Misty had in his shop. He said Misty looked so embarrassed after. But he thought it was rather romantic the way she talked about Kicker just the same.

He also said he could not wait to see their new foal. He was already expecting that they will have one, and hopefully soon.

Summer told him not to get too excited, that these things take time. The rest laughed about that too.

In time, the three foals slowed in their play to the point of resting on the floor together. Stella felt this was their cue to leave. "I am so glad the two of you are being so understanding, and willing to help us. It means a lot to me. To all of us. Thank you both."

She moved to retrieve her two foals. "It is getting late, and I think it is a good idea to get back home and settle these two back to bed. I will contact you later Summer, as to when Chaser and I will be getting back to work. And that will be soon I think. In about a weak."

Chaser followed her to assist. Stella placed Triumph on Chaser's back, and Chaser placed Fluttershy on Stella's back. The two felt sleepy again, but was awake enough to hold on without much effort.

Stella walked back over to Summer, and Floater. "I can't thank the two of you enough."

Summer shook her head some. "It's alright dear. We understand. We are just glad you came to us. I know I feel glad you felt you could come to me for something like this. I am here to help. Now don't worry none, and you get your two bundles to bed."

Stella nodded. "Thank you again Summer. I will be going now." Stella turned for the door.

The two with foals waked to the door. They waved bye and walked out.

Stella was feeling this day was draining her emotionally, but had a good time this evening. She felt quite happy that was over though, and she felt ready for bed herself.

The two headed home as it already started to get dark during the twilight hours. It is right at dusk, and the fading light marking the end of the day was making them all feel extra sleepy.

The flight home was uneventful as they made their way to the door. After getting in, a long rest was the next agenda for all four of them.

Stella and Chaser put their two foals back into the crib. After Chaser left the room, Stella went to a corner of the room to get a mat to lay on while nursing Fluttershy.

She unrolled it and set it down. Next she got her foals down and back onto the floor as well.

She laid down on the mat as she considered something. She was about to call for Chaser to bring something in for Triumph to eat, but had another thought. I don't think I need to nurse Triumph. Not like Fluttershy. But she is a developing pony foal like one now as well. One who seems to have Fluttershy's body.

Should I be giving her formula during the day as well? I just don't know.

Fluttershy was getting anxious as Stella is in thought. Knowing what to do and what she wanted, Fluttershy moved in to start feeding.

Stella had no intention to stop her, but was still considering what to do about Triumph, as Fluttershy did as she wished.

Triumph sat and observed Fluttershy feeding like this. She did not know what to think of this herself. She did remember being told about this. She was not too sure herself what she should be doing herself.

Stella did not want this to become another mental debate. For either of them. She is my foal now, and Fluttershy's sister. I will treat her as my own, and give her what she may need.

She may not have been a pony before, but now I can't tell. And if she is like Fluttershy now, then she may need this as well as Fluttershy. And I will let her.

She gestured with a wave of her hoof for Triumph to join in with her sister. "It's okay. Come here. Just do as your sister is."

With a bit of hesitation, she stood up and came over as Stella told her to. She moved herself beside Fluttershy and watched her more closely.

Triumph could feel that same feeling she liked coming form Fluttershy as Fluttershy suckled Happily. She wished now to do the same as her sister.

She pressed her lips to where she saw she should, and suckled below just as she saw Fluttershy doing. What greeted her is a taste of something warm and smooth. Smooth as the ice cream she had earlier, but not as sweet. But to her it was just as pleasant, but in a different way.

Stella took a long deep breath as she felt the sensation of to foals nursing from her now. She let herself relax more as she let them feed together. It was definitely different for her then having just the one feeding as before.

She felt satisfied at providing for the two in this way. She felt more of a mother to Triumph now. Her new little foal here to help make this family more complete in her eyes. She let herself enjoy the moment, just as her two little one are.

Shortly after, Chaser walked in. He gave Stella a warm loving smile as he moved over towards her head. "So you couldn't help but let Triumph join in? You look so beautiful my love. I love seeing you being motherly to our precious little ones."

Stella smiled warmly up to him in response. Chaser leaned his head down as the two shared a long, passionate, and undisturbed kiss.

Triumph could feel this too from them. She took a short stop to watch them. There was so much love in the room from all three of them. She hoped moments like this would never end. She went back to feeding as she relished the strong emotions she could feel around her, and taste of Stella's milk she gets to share with her sister for her first time.

After Chaser parted from Stella, he leaned over to her left ear. "I just came in to let you know I will be waiting for you in our room, when you are ready. He left the room to leave them be again.

When the two sisters had their fill, Stella stood back up and looked around at a small book shelf for a book to read to her foals, before bedtime.

She eyed a book she thought might do for tonight. The book cover read, The Dusty Road to Whinny Town. A short children's adventure story, of two friends that find their way a town of fun and laughter.

She brought it over to her resting foals on the floor. She held the book out for them to see. "So, how's about a short story you two?"

Fluttershy was liking that idea. It is not her most favorite, but she did like it a lot just the same.  

Triumph had something else on her mind though when asked. "I need to go."

Stella forgot that they had been out for a while. Both in shopping and their visit. And now had been feeding them. All of this took much time since they last left home to go shopping. I imagine they both must need to go.

Stella looked to Fluttershy who was visibly struggling, while waiting to have a story read to her. She wanted to hear the story, before any other interruptions. So she was doing her best to hold it.

Stella put the book aside. Fluttershy was a little disappointed at this, but Stella knew she needed to go as well. Stella also felt it is time Fluttershy learns to use the toilet.

Stella stood up again and addressed the two on the floor. "Okay you two. Time I think to use the potty first, before story time."

Chaser had already left the restroom as Stella was first going for the book. So it is free for Stella to let them use it.

She lead them in, then has a thought. If Triumph does not mind, I will ask her to help with some potty training for Fluttershy. Seems Triumph has it down on how to use it. Best if Fluttershy sees how one of her age uses it properly. 

Stella saw the training seat was no longer in place. She put it back on and addressed Triumph on the issue. "Triumph, Fluttershy is still learning and has yet to use the potty as you have. Do you mind if she sees how you use it so she can learn from you? Would you have a problem with this? Or will you teach her how to use it?"

Triumph felt strange about the question. Not so much on what it is she is being asked, just at being asked at all. She was told by her clan that any kind of learning is important.

Aslo do to living in a mass community that shared everything openly, Triumph had little idea on the concept of privacy to anything. To her, everyone learned best by example, and any example was best learned by observation. So Triumph was confused by Stella's need to ask.

Within her clan, if she knew how to do something, she would have been just told to show what she knew. It's just what you do. So, being asked if she would, was new and strange to her.

She did remember feeling she was being bad at not telling both Stella and Chaser what she is when first asked. It went against her teachings, but it was only because she was scared of them at first. And that is why she did not say right away what she is, to them when asked. Not until Patience had figured it out.

Fear of them was part of what she was taught by her clan as well. She does not feel scared of them now. So this much for her has changed as she got to know them throughout the day.

Triumph for the first time did start to feel odd about the idea of doing such as she is being asked in front of another. That feeling wormed its way into her mind. She never had a problem with it before. Not while with those in her clan. She did not understand why she would feel odd about it now.

She thought it out and decided that it was Stella's need to ask that confused her, and that made her feel as if there could be something wrong with it, and she may have her own personal reason not to.

She decided, that is what made her feel odd about this request. It was the question itself. It made her wonder why she had a choice about it at all, and wonder why she might not wish to do what was asked of her.

She thought about it more and did not know why she might not wish to. So she set aside this new and unusual foreign feeling she felt, and focused on the importance of the question, as important as she felt it is. The importance of helping to teach family as she felt she should. And that is what Stella was asking of her now, to help teach one in the family. Her own family.

After this short mental deliberation of hers, Triumph nodded her head in agreement. "I will."

Stella was pleased that Triumph is willing to be helpful. She got the diaper off Triumph then set her down on the seat. She then addressed her other daughter. "Fluttershy I want you to see how she uses this. After, I want you to use it the same way. Understand?"

Fluttershy just nodded.

Stella gave her a nod as well. "Good, when you get use to using this more, you will no longer need a diaper. You will use this instead."

Fluttershy nodded again, then focused on Triumph as told.

Stella moved aside so Fluttershy could observe better. Stella told Fluttershy about the washing after pushing the lever, as she pointed to it.

Once Triumph was finished with it Fluttershy was placed on it next. Stella told her, "Now you will sit until you are done."

This took Fluttershy a little longer than Triumph. Again, just like Triumph on her first time using it, Fluttershy was surprised by the spray of water and the drying, even though she was told about it too.

Fluttershy is just as pleased about it after. She felt it was much better then to be stuck to a messy diaper till her mother could fix the situation. She put this thought to memory. She felt she will want to use this more, when she thinks about needing it.

After all was done and both back into their diapers, Stella lead them into the hallway. "Now I want the two of you to head back into the bedroom and wait for me there."

The two did as asked. Stella felt the need to go after waiting on Fluttershy. She returned to the bedroom herself to read them that story before bed.

Chapter Seven: A Family Picnic.

The morning light shined through the windows waking the two foals, as well as the two parents in the other bedroom near by.

Triumph was the first to be up, and she had something important to take care of. A growing need that had to be attended to. She got Fluttershy up as well. "Fluttershy, it is morning."

Fluttershy woke up feeling the same need that Triumph did. She looked to Triumph. Fluttershy could see it on Triumph's face. It was time to go.

Triumph felt she should do what she can to help Fluttershy out in the mornings. Mostly with using the potty as the adults told her it is called. She wished to help Fluttershy in anyway she could, and as Stella, her new mom as she is getting use to thinking of her as, has asked her to. She now feels it is her place to help teach Fluttershy what to do when needed.

Triumph jumped up and crawled over the crib railings. Fluttershy in turn, said, "You are not to do that."

Triumph was surprised Fluttershy was still insistent about that. She needed to get Fluttershy to leave the crib and follow her out to the bathroom. She stood up and gave a big wave of a hoof to follow, while pointing to the door with the other. "Come on! Remember what Mom said?"

Fluttershy thought about this. Mom said do what sister does.

Fluttershy reasons this is likely one of those times. She did not wish to leave her crib, she was told not to, but her mom also told her to use the potty when she needed to as instructed. Both seemed to be conflicting orders to her. So, she got herself up and over the bars and joined Triumph on the floor, seeing her sister is insistent that they go now.

Triumph felt pleased Fluttershy is getting it. She lead Fluttershy out of the room and into the bathroom. For all Triumph knew the two adults are not up yet. They both needed to go now, but no help was here, and she did not wish to disturb them. She is not sure if she should. Triumph took it upon herself to help Fluttershy on her own.

The training seat was not in place. She found it near by but is too big for her to place it on her own. So she looked to Fluttershy while pointing at the training seat cover. "Fluttershy, help."

Fluttershy helped with putting the seat cover in place. After, Triumph took off her sister's diaper. Next, Triumph helped Fluttershy up onto the training seat. She got on all fours and let Fluttershy use her to climb up like a step later. 

As her sister is busy, Triumph took her own diaper off.

Fluttershy did what she needed to. She got herself back down then helped Triumph up onto the seat next as her sister helped her.

Once both finished and Triumph was back down, they both saw Stella at the open door looking in on them, and they both frozen in place.

Fluttershy was momentarily stunned at being caught out of her crib by her mother, more than Triumph. A short shock went through her. But her mother did not look upset as she smiled at them both, and that put Fluttershy at ease.

Stella looked in to see what was going on, and marveled on how they both worked together on their own to do what they needed too. She didn't need to do a thing for them. Seeing that they just finished, Stella did not feel the need to put them right back into their diapers just yet.

Stella gave praise to both of them. "This is wonderful. You both did this on your own? I am so proud of you both for helping each other."

Stella didn't see what they did as they did it, but she knew what happened without her there. She also reasoned that Triumph had taken charge. She knew Fluttershy would not have left the crib on her own. She decided to let Fluttershy know that leaving the crib to use the toilet was okay. "Fluttershy you did good leaving your crib to do this together with your sister. You are allowed to do so anytime you need to for this. Understand sweetie?"

Fluttershy smiled with a nod. She was happy that she was not in trouble for being out of her crib, and that she is now given permission to do so again.

Stella addressed Triumph now. "Triumph, this goes for you as well. You are allowed to leave the crib only to use the potty. OK?"

Triumph smiled with a nod as well. She also understood her sister's insistence on staying in the crib.  

Stella intends to feed them before setting up for the morning picnic. She did not want them to wait till after all was set up, before they got to eat again. "Come with me back into the bedroom."

Triumph and Fluttershy followed as instructed. As they passed by, Chaser headed into the room they just came out of. The three settled into the bedroom. Triumph felt at a loss as what to do next. This being her first start of a new day with them, she felt out of place.

Triumph got the idea after Stella lay down on the mat as she had last night.

After a full night's sleep Stella has enough milk to give them some for the morning. But with feeding two now, Stella did not have enough for a full feeding as she did last night, and as she usually does for just one.

She will have to supplement with some formula For Fluttershy this morning. Usually she would feed Fluttershy at night, then have enough in reserve and some after sleeping to give Fluttershy another full feeding in the morning. But not this time.

As the two fed again, Stella wondered if Triumph should get some formula too, or have something else after.

Stella knew she lacked the right info on just what Triumph's change has fully done to her body, and if she did need to change her eating habits to fit Fluttershy's nutritional needs, or if she could do with a regular morning breakfast instead. That is after nursing them both with what she can. Stella still felt unsure if Triumph even needed this as Fluttershy does.

She did reason it wouldn't hurt her. As for her concern, she felt it might be something Patience could figure out for her, if even she could.

Both fed in silence till Stella ran out.

Fluttershy felt disappointed she did not get her fill as she usually did in the morning. This was the first time Stella ran out like this. Try as she might, she just could not get any more. She gave up and looked over to her mother with confused disappointment planted on her face.. Triumph looked the same as she didn't get anymore either.

Stella knew she was out. "Sorry, that's it for this morning. I will get you both something more from the kitchen though."

Fluttershy move up to Stella's chin and nuzzled her mother in response. Triumph liked what she saw going on, and joined Fluttershy in snuggling up to Stella.

For Stella, this tickled, and Stella is starting a fit of laughing. The other two started to giggle at this, and continued in more of a tickle attack on Stella.

Stella blurted out as she tried to speak, while giggling herself. "Oh' no. I have two cuddle monsters on me now!"

Chaser walked in as he saw a sight of the two foals, not exactly having Stella pinned, but did have her down together. They tickled Stella as they rubbed against her, and kept her down and laughing.

Chaser felt undecided who to help. He just stood there, amused by this seen.

After a time he could see Stella getting out of breath, and decided to save her from this tickling assault.

He move in with a mock tackle, as he brushed the two foals off Stella, and rolled onto his back with the two in his grip. The two started their attack on him in return.

Stella got up as she watch Chaser get subdued by a flurry of rubbing by head and hoof by his two mini assailants.

Chaser was not as easy to overtake though. He turned the tide with his own tickling attempts on them, and it worked. He managed to sit up as he rolled them over.

He now has them on their backs while he kept them under hoof, and in a fit of giggling as he shook his hooves all over them. He stopped a moment after, when he felt they had enough.

He stood himself up and let them do the same. "OK, you two. Time we get ready to go out today."

The two foals felt quite awake now, and the extra activity has also made them both a little more hungry.

Stella has already reasoned that this would be the case and let Chaser know. "Chaser, I still need to feed them some more. I didn't have enough milk for them both this morning.

“Now that I have two to feed, I may need to adjust when I feed them. That is feed them more early at night. I will also have a little more to eat myself at night, just so I can make enough for them in the morning.

“For now, I will have to make do with giving Fluttershy some formula to fill her. As for Triumph, She might be able to make do with some cereal.

“I will have to check with Patience to see if Triumph will be OK without having what Fluttershy needs as a foal. For now, I am not sure."

Chaser walked over to Stella. "Cereal it is than. I think I will have some myself. And I know what you mean by not knowing what to give Triumph.

“We did talk about this before, and she does already eat what we do. Still you are right, we don't know just how much she has changed from what she was, or still is in a way.

"after all, her change does not keep her from changing back, even though she doesn't have a horn anymore. Not from what we can see anyway. So, she still must be part whatever she was, and possibly part pony now. Without any extensive checking into her change, we just will not know what her change has really done to her.

"I don't particularly like the idea of doing that to her though. Even if it would give us some more answers as to what she has become now. I trust Patience. If she does some workup on her, I might be OK with that, but only if necessary. For now, let's get this day started."

Stella felt they are both in agreement on not knowing how to handle Triumph's change, or what exactly she did to herself. "I think it should be safe to give her some normal food. But I will still continue to nurse both of them when I nurse Fluttershy. So she will have that, just in case.

“I can tell she likes it, and I like feeding her along with Fluttershy as well. If nothing else, it does help create a stronger bond between us, I think. And I like that even more."

Chaser moved closer to her and gave her a quick kiss. "Whatever you say hun, it's your call on that one. Let's go and have some breakfast."

The four of them left the room together. Stella instructed that the two find something to do, while she prepared something for them both. Fluttershy went over to her toy box and got out her paper and crayons. Stella had put everything away for them last night, before she went to bed herself.

Triumph decided to watch what her sister is doing.

Stella went into the kitchen to warm some formula for Fluttershy and to set up some cereal for the rest of them. Chase set himself to help her.

As Stella prepared the formula, Chaser got out three bowls. He next went to the fridge and got out some berries. A mix of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries they got from the market yesterday. He next got out a box of cereal called Tasty O's.

He poured some cereal into each of the three bowls. A little less in one of them. As he next started to mix some of the berries in, Stella started to cut up the strawberries into smaller pieces. She added them to the bowls after too.

Chaser got himself to mixing it all, then got the milk out to add last.

Stella checked on how warm the formula has gotten, and put it into a bottle when ready.

As all that was going on, the other two got into some drawing.

Triumph could not tell what it is Fluttershy is doing on the paper. As far as she could tell, her sister is just making some wavy and curly marks on the paper with the crayons. Triumph had not done anything like this herself yet. She felt like giving it a try.

She got her own paper off the pile, and grabbed a crayon that is not currently being used by Fluttershy. She chose green. Watching her sister a bit more, she felt she might have the hang of it herself.

Puting the crayon to the paper, she moved it to make a line. Next a wavy line. Then a few simple arcs. She went all the way around with one and made a circle. She got an idea after.

She grabbed the blue crayon next. She used it to fill in the circle. Feeling that she had accomplished something, she decided that she liked drawing. lifting the paper in the air she showed it to her sister. "See," she said while pointing at the filled in circle she made. "This is neat."

Fluttershy felt her sister is right. She wished to make a circle like that one. So she set herself to it. After finding a blank spot on her paper she made a circle of her own in yellow. She then filled it in with red.

It is hardly perfect but Fluttershy felt excited about it. Not so much for the filled in circle she made, she made those before, but for the colors she used this time. This gave her an idea of her own.

She put the red crayon back down to the paper and scribbled out the best pony she could draw in red. Next to it she scribbled another in yellow. After she grabbed the pink crayon and scribbled out a tale and main on both ponies.

She picked up the paper and held it up for her sister to see. She pointed at the ponies. "Is us!" Fluttershy has a grin as she is pointing them out.

Triumph took a look at them. Not great looking but she liked what her sister did, that is the idea of it. It has meaning to her. She felt good about it.

Stella came out to give Fluttershy her bottle. She got a look at what Fluttershy made. "Oh' that is so sweet. You are getting better honey. Now I want you to put that down and have this." Stella handed her the bottle after Fluttershy put the paper down as asked.

She addressed her other daughter. "Triumph, I have some milk and cereal out in the kitchen for you. It is all ready. I want you to come in with me to have some.

Triumph didn't wish to leave Fluttershy, but is feeling hungry, as she did before they all left the bedroom. She also didn't wish to disobey. She followed Stella in to have her first breakfast in this house.

Stella set Triumph up in a high chair. Stella thought for a moment, I should remember to get one more of these. I only have the one. This will have to do for now.

Stella placed the bowl of cereal on the little table attached to the chair. Chaser was already eating. Triumph watched how he ate. She picked up the spoon after and copied what she saw him doing. It is some kind of O' shaped things floating in the milk with a mix of berries. She took a spoon full of O's. Not the best tasting food she has tried, but it is not bad either. She found she liked them more, the more she had of them. And the berries she felt went good with them.

She took her time and finished it all. Stella took the empty bowl. She looked around, not a drop spilt. I told Summer that Triumph is well behaved. She is clean too. 

Stella set the bowl on the main table, then got Triumph out of the high chair and put her down. "OK, sweetie you can go play again.

Triumph went back into the parlor and found Fluttershy drawing again. Fluttershy is back to drawing yellow and red ponies all over her paper.

Chaser walked across the room as he called out to Stella. "I am off to the Apple's farm to get a pie. I think I will get an apple crisp while I am at it, if they have any. And some carets. I forgot to get them yesterday."

He looked down and saw the two sisters having fun drawing. He felt like taking one of them with him. Then he thought best not.

He could travel faster without one, and he did not wish to disturb them as they spent time together. He felt that is important that they did. He still wanted to take one or both just the same.

He reminded himself that they all had a big day yesterday, and Stella had insisted that Triumph gets a chance to relax, without more for her to deal with for one day. So he let them both be.

He saw what each of them are drawing something different. Fluttershy filling another paper with ponies of herself and her sister, after filling her first paper with scribbles and ponies.

He imagined the red ones being of him, but he did not have a pink mane and tail as the one on the paper did.

Triumph is making filled circles, trying to make each one better, that is more round. She is also experimented with different colors, and different circle sizes, and thicknesses.

Chaser thought, She might become an artist one day. Or it is the structured life she has had, that makes her try and work on those circles methodically. She keeps making them. She just tries and get better at whatever she doing. Much as Fluttershy keeps making ponies of themselves, in an attempt to make each one better herself.

He is pleased the two found something more they like doing together.

Chaser felt he watched enough and left the house.

~~~~~~

The sun is bright as it came over the horizon when he stepped out. Chaser glided down to the farm. He knew he was going to get an earful for not bringing Fluttershy along, as Granny Smith requested.

As Chaser approached the farm he saw a real young red colt sitting outside, enjoying a few apples on his own. The colt looked up at him. Chaser knew who is his. Big Mack.

Chaser walked up to him. "So is the Apples in today."

Big Mack without much ado, he just simply stated, "E-yep." This was the most Chaser expected to get out of him. For a young colt, he is a pony of few words.

Big Mack got up and went into the house. A short while after, Granny Smith came out. "So, yea came for a fresh apple pie?"

Chaser felt like being humerus and stated, "E-yep."

Granny Smith looked about. "I think you are missin somethin. I thought you was going to bring your two foals with yea."

Chaser knew this was coming. "Stella and the other two had a long day yesterday. They are just not feeling up to visiting today, I'm afraid."

Granny Smith looked a little disappointed at first, but perked right up after. "Well, there is always another day. So yea come fer somethin else or just the pie?"

Chaser felt relieved that Granny Smith let him off the hook. "I would like some apple crisp, and a bag of carrots as well."

Granny Smith smiled. "Well now. The Apples have a cart set up that they are taking into town. It has all that yea need. She lead him to the cart.

Chaser looked over all that is on it. He found one thing he wanted that was not on his list. Caramel covered apple slices. Chaser eyed them. Oh' I bet our two foals would love these. 

He looked over the price. Nothing he couldn't afford. He turned to Granny Smith to pay her. "I'll take some of these Caramel apples slices as well."

Granny Smith gestured to the table. "Help yourself, everything on it is for sale."

Chaser pulled out the bits and payed her. She smiled and replied, "Nice doing business with yea Sunny."

Chaser then grabbed what he wanted and took off. Not before waving good bye to Granny Smith.

~~~~~~

Stella busied herself preparing for the outing. She wanted some fresh muffins made, a salad, some orange juice, and whatever Chaser brings back. She set herself to making the muffins and the salad. She felt she could shred a few carrots and add them in as well later.

The two sisters got bored with drawing the same things. They both sat together to think of what to do next.

They did not have long to wait as someone was knocking at the door. They watched as Stella moved to answer the door. It is Patience.

Stella moved aside to let her in. "Come on in."

Patience came in and started to look around the room. 

Stella felt curious as to what this was all about. "So what can we do for you." Just as soon as she said that it dawned on her just what Patience would be looking for. "Never mind, I got it in the kitchen."

The sisters watched the two adults leave the room. They both were quite pleased to see Patience come in, but seeing that patience didn’t stop to see them, they found something else to do together.

Watching Triumph color in circles gave Fluttershy another idea. She got out her coloring book and opened it up to the first page. The page has a group of different fish swimming around.

Fluttershy picked up a yellow crayon and started to color one in. Triumph watched and decided to do the same with another fish.

As she filled one in blue, she though this is more fun than filling in her own circles. She felt glad Fluttershy showed this to her.

They amused themselves filling in shapes and animals on other pages as the adults did their own thing in the other room.

As that was going on, Patience followed Stella into the kitchen as she caught a whiff of some fresh muffins still in the oven near done. "Oh' that smells good."

Stella stood to take in the smell as well. "Yes, they do. They are almost done. Wish to stick around to have one. I made plenty. More then enough for our outing."

Patience shook her head. "I would love to stay. But I got to get back to the clinic. I just came for my bag."

Stella felt a little disappointed. "Well, that's too bad. I didn't want to do a any visiting today myself, just have a nice peaceful day out with the family. But I wouldn't wish to rush you out the door or anything.

“I want to give Triumph a chance to relax as well, after everything that happened yesterday. It was an eventful day for a foal."

Stella stood in thought before continuing. “Mostly, I just wanted to know from you how your outing went yesterday. Find anyone you like?"

Patience stood looking disappointed herself. "No. I mean yes, but as interested as I was in looking, I guess I just wasn't feeling it. You know? I traveled for a bit, but none caught my eye I felt like stopping to chat with. Not that any were not worth talking to.

"It was more that I just didn't feel like flying up to some young stallion and introducing myself to one, and asking him to go out with me. I just didn't want to look desperate or too hopeful. And I think I might have, if I did talk to any yesterday.

“It just didn't seem like the best time. I wasn't in the right frame of mind, and I knew it. Losing Kicker to Misty was not something I took well. And I was being hasty in trying to fill that gap, much too soon. I will try another day when I am more calm, and thinking better."

Stella felt for her, but thought she did the right thing. "Well, I am glad you feel you should wait. Even though you didn't get what you wanted yesterday."

Patience got herself moving and went for her bag after seeing it on a counter. She put some bits on the counter as she picked up her bag. "Thank you for keeping this safe. I must be going."

Stella stopped her. "What are the bits for? You don't need to pay us for that keeping that bag for you."

Patience chuckled for a moment. "No, that's not for keeping the bag for me. That's Chasers bits he gave me for some ice cream yesterday."

Stella shook her head. "You didn't have to give that back. I know Chaser wouldn’t mind, not with you helping us and all. Besides I may have something else we may need to pay you for shortly anyway."

Patience felt that this is not going to be as quick of a stop as she was hoping for. She thought she should explain the bits. "First, Floater gave me some more for free. So I didn't need nor used the bits Chaser gave me. I tell you, Floater is a curious one, he is. And Misty gave him quite a show yesterday. So, what else you need me for?"

Stella remembered her night visit with Floater and Summer Breeze. "Yes, I know a little of what happened in Floater's ice cream shop, with you and Misty. Floater told us about Misty's confession of love for Kicker, while in his shop. Oh' I wish I could have been there.

"I have two things for you. One is to tell you that both Floater and Summer knows what Triumph is now. You wished to be informed of any changes with who may know of her true form, yes? Well they do now. And they are both willing to watch Fluttershy and Triumph for us while Chaser and I work."

Patience did not know whether to be disappointed or happy about this news. She felt it is done now, and perhaps it will work out with them knowing of Triumph's real self, after all.

She wished to move on from that subject and find out what else Stella has on her mind, so she can leave. "So, what else you got for me?"

Stella could see Patience is in a rush. "Well, it has to do with what Triumph needs. That is her nutritional requirements. She told us that she eats normal foods. Foods like Apples, melons, and such.

"She has not been Milk fed, nor bottle fed like a pony foal would have been. But she is a pony foal now, I think. That is while she is in that new form of hers. You said so yourself, she seems like one.

"So I was wondering, if her body has actually changed so much from what she was, does she need what a foal would need now, or will she be okay eating as she had been eating before her change?"

Patience sat down after that question. "Wow! That is a good question. I have no idea. I never dealt with anything like this before. I would have to run some tests or something? But I would not know what to check for. This is all so new. You got me stumped on that one. What have you been feeding her?"

Stella felt it best Patience knew everything. "Other than the ice cream, we gave her an apple. She ate that quickly. You should have saw the look on her face when she first had a bite of it. It must not have been like any she had before. She really liked it. Next, I nursed her with Fluttershy before they went to bed."

At this Patience eyes widened a little. "You did?”

Her features went back to normal after considering it. “Well, after what little we know of her change, that was not such a bad idea. So, how did it go?"

Stella, smiled some. "About as expected. It was all quite new for her. I imagine she felt more odd about it at first than I did. But in time, we both just went along with her feeding from me, as a pony of her age should be fed, or so I think she should. I fed her my milk again this morning as well. I didn't have enough though, but I will fix that for next time.

"After we just given her some cereal, and a mix of berries with it. That is all she has had so far."

Patience sat and took all of this in. "Well, all I can say, is to keep feeding her as you are, and keep a watch on her. If she seems to be getting sluggish, looking lost, feeling tired, sick to her stomach, or any other odd symptoms, you let me know right away. Don't wait on it.

"I will see what I can do about finding more about her new change form her, if need be. Her requirements might indeed be the same as Fluttershy's now, or there is also the chance she might have gotten ill on your milk. It would not be good to just guess on that.

"She might not be able to handle milk for long if she will get sick from it. Though seeing she did not get sick yet form the ice cream, nor your milk from last night, I don't think it will be a problem. She likely would have gotten sick from it by now, if she was going to.

“Till any symptoms show, it will have to be a wait and see, unless you do want me to try and do a full workup on her physiology now?

“I don't think she would like that though. Not that I would do anything to hurt her. I might have to draw blood at the most to check that out, and have her sit through a scan, and a few other unpleasant tests. But what foal actually likes going through all of that?"

Stella sighed. "No, I don't want her to go through that, and neither does Chaser. I will do as you say though, and keep feeding her as I have been, and I will let you know of any other changes with her.

“Sorry to keep you. I just wanted your opinion, and I know you need to be going."

Patience shook her head some. "No, it is all part of my job, and your family is of great importance to me. I do need to get going but I am not in such a rush that I can't listen to your family issues.

“It's what I am here for. If anything, I would just log my time here helping you, as just another day at work. And it would be. With what you are asking of me, it is what I do. Sorry I have no good answers for you. But if you don't need me further, I would like to get going."

Stella walked up to Patience, sat then put a hoof on her shoulder. "Thank you Patience. Thank you for your time. No, I will not keep you anylonger. You can go."

Patience pulled Stella in for a quick light hug. "You take care now. I will see you again when I can."

With a smile from both, they stood up. Patience grabbed her bag and went into the living room. She saw the two foals looking up at her as if waiting for something. Her resistance to their cuteness she saw them as having, made her put her bag down again, and she went over to them. "Oh' come here you two cuties!" she stated with her front legs open to them.

Triumph instantly got up. She could not resist this invite. She knew she would get a good feeling from being near her again. That feeling she liked the most.

Fluttershy moved as she saw her sister get up. They both moved together over to Patience. Patience pulled them both in a warm embrace.

Triumph got what she was expecting, but from her sister as well.

The moment didn't last as Patience knew she could not stay. She got back up as she let go of the two foals. She got her bag and went to the door. After she opened it she saw Chaser standing there.

Patience quickly put her bag down again to talk. "I can't stay, I must go now. Whatever you might wish to know, Stella will fill you in. Bye!" Patience just as quickly picked up her bag once more and moved past him to leave.

Chaser moved aside to let her pass. Patience took off without even a wave good bye. Wow. She is in a rush. Well she did take yesterday off, and she probably shouldn't have. At least she got her bag. I wonder how her day went. I guess I might find that out from Stella like she said. 

Chaser stepped inside. After closing the door he moved to the kitchen. He greeted Stella who was about to get the muffins out. She stopped herself as she saw him come in, and turned her attention to him instead after turning the stove off.

Stella gave him a kiss, then asked, "So, did you get a pie this time?"

Chaser went over to the counter to put what he got down on it. "Yes, and an extra nice treat. Some caramel covered apples slices. I remember Triumph said she liked honey and apples. I thought she might like this as well. Maybe even more."

Stella smiled at that thought. "Good call. I do believe she might. This is going to be such a nice outing. I think we all will need this."

Chaser thought about Patience and her outing. "So, Stella, I take it that you got a chance to talk to Patience, right?"

Stella nodded. "I did. Poor girl, she just didn't feel right yesterday. She looked around, but didn't talk to anyone. She felt she was a mess, and wished be feeling better before asking anyone out. I am sorry her day did not go well, but I am sure she will find someone soon enough. When she is truly ready."

Stella moved to take out the muffins before they got overdone while sitting in the stove.

Chaser responded as she was doing that. "Yes, in a way, yesterday was not all too good for her or us. But it was not all bad either. Even though Triumph got misplaced, and she is away from something familiar, despite that tragedy, I am quite glad I found her, and we have her here with us now."

Stella got the muffins taken out and placed to cool as she listened.

Chaser moved to her side as he talked. "I think I know why, I think I understand what you mean when you say you wished we had another foal. There is just something that feels more complete about having her with us.

“Fluttershy has a friend to play with and be at her side. And now, there is a foal for each of us as well. I feel I am personally quite taken with our new addition too. I think she will play a big part in our lives, for the better."

Stella leaned against him. "I do hope so. We still have no idea what her clan is truly like, or what it is they are doing about her missing.

“But you're right about Triumph. She will be good to have around if nothing else bad happens due to her being here. I don't see her being a problem to us, herself. She is such a good little foal.

“I also feel Fluttershy could learn a lot from her I think. Well, she already has. Potty training went well this morning. And they are already helping each other on their own now with that.

“Hmmm... If this keeps up they may not need me at all, soon. What's a mother to do?"

Chaser smiled. "You will always have me, and I will always need you."

He tilted his head to give Stella another quick kiss. After, he saw movement on his other side.

Both foals he found just standing there staring up at him. Both with the same inquisitive look on their faces. He still had no idea on what to make of them doing the same thing, in exactly the same way, at time. And just staring together, as if waiting for something.

Stella saw this as well. She nudged him a little. "See. They're doing it again."

The two sisters turned to each other and looked at the other, and has the same question in mind. What are we doing again?

Chaser tuned back to Stella. "What do you want me to do about it? They're twins, what do you expect?"

Stella nudged him again. She leaned in closer to whisper in his ear. "They are not really twins, you know that. And that is what makes this so odd."

Chaser whispered back to Stella. "I know, but we don't really know how much she copied from each of us. Or if she had done anything to Fluttershy, or us by doing so. I don't feel like I have been affected by anything unusual. Do you?"

Stella shook her head slightly. "No, not really. Other than love for her, that is it. But that is normal, right?"

Chaser nodded. "Yes, I would say so. And I do too, nothing wrong with that. However, we don't really know how her magic works, or everything she can do. She might not even know it herself. And from what I can tell, she doesn't fully know.

“Let's just accept that the two are twins now. We will figure out the rest as time goes on."

Stella nodded in agreement. She knew she was just over reacting again. She just felt this was just too strange. But she was willing to let it go and accept this behavior from them, as a possible harmless side effect of Triumphs change. It is still kind of adorable, and creepy at the same time. I suppose there is nothing really wrong with it though. It is just another thing to get use to I guess.

Stella addressed her two foals. "So are you both ready for a picnic. Fluttershy nodded, but Triumph did not fully understand the question.

Triumph did remember her mother did say she was going to get some apple pie during this picnic, she just didn't know what it was. As her past training took over she felt the need to ask on what she didn't know. "What is a picnic?"

Stella reasoned that she did not get to do many of the things ponies do for fun and relaxation. She decided to explain it. "It is just some free time outside. We get to enjoy the day together as a family, and have some of our favorite foods. It'll be fun."

Triumph liked this. It did sound like fun to her.

In time, preparations were finished, and they set out for the day's outing.

Stella still did not feel the need to put her two little ones in diapers. She told them both that if they be good and needed to go, just let her know and she would take them down below to take care of that.

The sisters liked the idea of spending the day free of their diapers. They didn't hate it, but they rather not have it on either. It felt nice to them not have it on as much as they did of late.

Both made note to do as their mother asked, for they knew if they didn't, their mother would likely bring them back home and have one put on them again. And they didn't want that. They didn't feel they would have a problem anyway.

Stella and Chaser found a nice spot among the clouds to set everything up. A cloth was placed and the basket was set on it. They did not feel the need to get everything out yet. They ate earlier after getting up, and did not need to eat again right away.

Stella and Chaser each took a foal and flew around with them on their backs. Each of them are real good flyers. They had to be, in order to handle storm clouds safely. Each did not over do the flying though. It was just to excite the little ones a bit.

Though the two sisters did not like flying on their own yet. They did not mind getting a ride with their parents. Both felt safe with them.

Stella and Chaser weaved in and out between clouds and even did a few big loops. The two sisters liked this a lot.

They flew through a few clouds, and made a few free fall drops while high up. All of this was basic simple tricks most any pegasi could do, but it made for a thrill ride for the foals just the same.

This went on for about an hour. Stella felt they had enough for the moment and let Chaser know. They both set back down on the cloud next to the picnic setup. The two sisters got off and wandered around a bit. The excitement of the flight was still in them both.

Stella and Chaser settled down together to watch their little ones run around. They saw both of them, actually trying to fly. Each foal ran and made a leap as they buzzed their wings. Each got a little higher and staid up a little longer every time.

Stella and Chaser were thrilled to see each of them actualy trying to fly. As a pegasus, the two adults knew flying is very important to them.

The two adults got more relaxed as they rested against each other. They both felt this is going to be a fine day indeed.

After some time Stella and Chaser put their attention on getting the food out, as the two sisters continued to practice on flying. Each of them fluttering about in different directions.

The activity got the attention of someone else near by. One who decided to have a look. She saw something very familiar from the day before. That red pegasus that took her chosen meal from her. Her eyes narrowed as she thought about him, his possible mate, and those other two little ones nearby, but not so near to him, or his possible mate.

The two sister got tired of trying to fly. Triumph did a little better then Fluttershy. She managed a quick burst forward. That got her tired quick. She moved to head back to their parents after a time. She spotted Fluttershy not following along.

In the distance those pair of eyes were still watching, and waiting for an opportune moment. That moment looked more open the longer she waited.

Both a feeling of hunger and a need for vengeance put her on edge to strike, but the other two older ponies were still too close by.

She looked back to that red pegasus, She intended to take something from him. The two little ones she figured is his, and she intended to take one of them as payback. She knew she would have to be quick. Timing is everything with such a theft.

Fluttershy caught a glimpse of some flittering movement of color moving about in the clouds off in the distance. She did not know they are just some light reflecting off some small clouds. She thought it looked pretty. She wished to get a better look at it. She giggled as she tried to get closer.

Triumph heard her sister giggling, and moved to follow her sister instead.

Stella noticed this as well, and with a word or two of concern she shouted out. "Fluttershy dear, don't go too far! We are near ready to eat hun!

Stella put her attention back on setting the food up with Chaser. She felt Fluttershy will come back on her own now, with a word from her to do so.

Fluttershy was not interested in food, not with chasing after something shiny and colorful on her mind. She move along more quickly, at a brisk trot, to get to those lights before her mom came to get her. She figured her mom would come get her, and she wanted to see these colors of glittery light before that happened.

As the two sisters got further out, Triumph suddenly got a bad feeling. She remembered all too well doing something like this before. It was what got her in trouble the other day. Worse than that, it was when she last got attacked.

She got worried. She moved more quickly herself, to catch up with Fluttershy. At that moment, Triumph was not the only one on her way to Fluttershy with speed.

Triumph called out to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy! Please, come back. It is not safe!"

As Triumph moved to get with her giggling sister that got separated from her as they both tried at flying, she saw what she feared.

A shadow moved past her and in the direction of Fluttershy. Triumph looked up and saw that same small red dragon thing that Chaser called a wyvern. And it is after her sister.

Her little heart sunk. In a panic she opened her wings as she used them to move even faster. She now screamed out to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy! Look out! Run!"

Both Chaser and Stella instantly was on the move after hearing Triumph scream. Panic filled them both as well now.

Fluttershy stopped. Hearing her sister scream made her freeze in place. This made it all that more easy for the wyvern to grab her unsuspecting target.

The wyvern swooped down quickly and nabbed Fluttershy right where she stood.

Triumph was beside herself. This living nightmare came back, and now has her sister. She felt there was nothing she could do about it. But for her sister, she would try anything.

The action was going so quickly none had much time to think. Chaser and Stella is well on there way, but still too far, as the wyvern carried Fluttershy further off with haste, intent on getting away.

Triumph more out of fear for her sister then for herself, picked up her pace to the point of an all out flying sprint. She darted so quickly and out of control she slammed right into the wyvern.

In surprise at being hit from behind, the wyvern turns on who bumped her, snapping at it.

Triumph did the best she could to stay out of reach as she rolled about. She finally got to her hoofs, and stood up. She looked right at the wyvern with a glare of anger in her eyes. "Let my sister go!"

This little pony startled The wyvern for a moment. She felt confused at this action taken by this little red pony before her. It reminded her of the red adult male, the one who hit her out of the sky and glared down at her from high above. She felt almost compelled to let go as requested by this little red one with the demanding eyes. For that moment, fear of this little red pegasus got to her.

Her grip relaxed a little, and she could feel her captive squirm. In a reflex she clamped down tight with her claws again, and held Fluttershy in place.

She got angry herself, and in defiance she turned her attention to the one in her claws, insted of the little red one infront of her.

She gave it a good squeeze as it gave a squeak in return.

She hissed at the little pony in front of her giving orders in more defiance, then brought her head back down to bite onto her chosen captive meal to be. She brought Fluttershy up in her mouth for the other to see what she intends to do with it.

Fluttershy looked at Triumph in fear, and with tears in her eyes. She did not fully understand what is going on, but she is in pain as the small teeth of the wyvern dug into her.

Fluttershy felt scared of this thing that now has her. She spoke softly to Triumph with a shaky voice. "Help." She was in high hopes that Triumph could help. She very much wished her sister could saved her, like she did from the ball the other night. Though this is nothing like the ball, and Fluttershy knew it.

Triumph could not stand to see this, and made a leap at the wyvern's head. The wyvern moved her head, as Triumph missed. Triumph got up and turned to try again.

Right after, the wyvern bit down hard, and Fluttershy went limp with a small whimper of a squeak. The wyvern quickly juggled Fluttershy in her mouth to point her prey's head down to her throat. Then she lifted her head high as she swallowed the tiny morsel like a snake swallowing a mouse. This was hard to do. The young pony was bigger than she could easily handle. But she got her down.

Triumph screamed again, as she saw her sister get swallowed whole. "No! Fluttershy!"

The wyvern turned around quickly to get away after what she just did, but it was too late for her as well. Her attention was so fixed on the two little ones, she near forgot about the big ponies coming after her. She realized too late that she delayed for much too long.

Chaser grabbed the wyvern by the tail with his mouth as it tried to make its escape. He yanked on it hard, then pulled it down with him as he made a plummet to the ground far below. He used his wings to pick up speed. He was beyond furious and intended to kill this thing, once and for all.

The wyvern tried to use its tail spike but it was of no use. So she made due with her claws and teeth. She bit at his ears and clawed at his face. She almost raked an eye, but only got his eye lid as he closed that eye.

This attack only spurred Chaser on to move faster. After he got within a few feet from the ground he wiped his head to the side to fling the wyvern off his face by the tail and onto the awaiting land below. The wyvern hit the ground with a crunch. Chaser swooped around in a loop in the air without losing speed and came down hard on the wyvern with all his weight on his hooves, crushing the wyvern under them.

He continued to stomp about on it as he made a bloody mess of it. For good measure he stomped on its head a few times till he felt it quite smashed in.

With anger still in him he knew the thing was dead, but wished there was more he could do. He let out a sigh as he calmed himself.

He felt nothing but cold hate for this thing he just stomped to death. He decided to just leave it there. His Little Fluttershy is gone, and he had no intentions on trying to retrieve her likely broken body from the belly of the beast. He just didn't want to see it.

In anguish he lifted himself to head back to Stella and Triumph up in the clouds.

Seeing that Stella was not there with him, he reasoned she stayed to protect Triumph as he took care of the wyvern himself, and he is fine with that.

He finally made his way to them, finding Stella doing just as he predicted. She had Triumph close to her in a protective embrace. Stella's eyes are red and full of tears. She opened her mouth slowly to speak. "What happened? Where is Fluttershy?"

Stella did not see everything that happened, she flew too close behind Chaser to see around him part of the time. All she saw was Triumph fight with the wyvern on her own at first. As they got closer she only saw Chaser grab the wyvern and go down with it. She did not see Fluttershy get eaten as Chaser and Triumph did. She hoped that Chaser could save Fluttershy from it just as he saved Triumph.

After Chaser went down Stella saw Triumph alone, and trying to follow Chaser and the wyvern down. Stella stopped her and held her tight to keep her safe. She did not want to lose another of her foals. She knew chaser could handle that thing on his own. And Triumph struggled too much for Stella to feel safe with letting her go, to leave herself and help Chaser, as part of her wished to.

Stella's question after Chaser came up surprised him for a moment, then he reasoned that she did not see the wyvern eat Fluttershy.

He spoke softly to her and with shock at his own words he found himself saying to her, as if the realization of what just happened was hitting him again for the first time. His voice shaking as he spoke. "She... She is gone."

His eyes went wide as he talked, just staring into the distance, looking lost to Stella and Triumph. "I didn't get to her in time. It it killed her and ate her.”

Chaser turned his head and looked deeply into Stella’s eye with a look of pain in his own. “I am so sorry Stella. I didn't save her. I... I have lost our precious little Fluttershy." Tears formed in his eyes after saying that. Not wishing to believe his own words as being the reality of the moment.

Stella put a hoof to her mouth at the horror of what she was told. "No! Not my sweet little baby." Tears flowed from her eyes too, as she could feel the hurt Chaser felt, along with her own.

Chaser moved in to embrace and comfort his wife. "I am so sorry. I just was not there in time. I just wasn't there!"

Stella shushed him. "It's not your fault. I saw them wander away as you did. I should not have let them get so far. Even Triumph was trying to tell Fluttershy to come back. And we did nothing then.

"It was not up to Triumph to retrieve her. It was up to us. I failed her too."

She pulled Triumph a little closer, knowing that Triumph did try to protect her sister from something that might have even killed her. Even if Fluttershy was not really her sister, she still tried. Oh' Triumph, all I have is you now. I will not let this happen again. I will do better to protect you, like I should have protected you both. You did what I should have done. And now you lost your sister too because of it. 

The three sat like that for a time. Their day out ruined. All they wished to do now is go home. They did not bother with picking up their basket of food. They left it there as they silently went back home.

As they got back in, each of them sat in their own place in the main room, each felt pain from what just happened. It was near unbelievable to them, but the situation was real, Fluttershy was now gone to them.

There is so much sadness in the room. The love and laughter was gone now too. Only the loss of a dearly loved one could be felt by those there.

Triumph craved that feeling of love again, so much more now. She never knew such sorrow could be felt, or that it would hurt so much. She wished the wyvern had taken her instead. She felt Fluttershy belonged here, not her.

Stella cried with her hooves to her face. She cried hard with mournful sobs. She breathed deep between them. In time she dropped her hooves back down. Her face a mess.

She spoke with a shaky voice filled with her sadness, "I wish I could see my little one again. To hold her, to feel her, and hear her sweet soft little voice."

She broke down with one more deep shaky sob before she spoke again. Tears flowed as she wept, matting more on her face. "Oh, my little Fluttershy!" She wished to say more but couldn't.

Triumph was beside herself as she watched both Chaser and Stella's grieving. She missed seeing Fluttershy as well. She closed her eyes and pictured Fluttershy in her mind. She remembered the very first time she had changed, she was so happy right after that.

She remembered how it felt during her first change. She tried to hold onto that feeling. It washed over her. The feeling grew stronger. It consumed her for a short moment.

Then she heard Stella speak. "Triumph! What are you doing!" Triumph quickly opened her eyes and looked up at Stella. She found Stella's eyes wide open, and on her. Triumph took a look at herself and found she had changed again. She once more looked exactly like Fluttershy.

Triumph did not suspect that she would actually change. She felt by the way Stella was looking at her that she did something wrong again. "I am sorry mom! It just happened. I did not mean to do it!" Her voice sounded exactly as Fluttershy's did.

This made Stella gasp. Her heart sank as she heard Fluttershy's voice again. She was hardly able to believe what she was seeing and hearing. It was as if Fluttershy has come back to her just as she asked, as though her wish was made real.

Triumph was sitting there looking so sad and sorry. But there was more to her than that. Stella for a moment truly did think she is seeing Fluttershy sitting right there in front of her, even though she knew it is Triumph.

Her heart gave a momentary leap as if wishing against all hope that it really is her little Fluttershy right there, and needing her. Stella mind snapped, as she gave in to this vision.

The more Stella looked at Triumph, the more convinced she is that Fluttershy is right there before her again. The thought griped her. She felt desperate enough to believe it. She knew it was not true, but deep down she wanted to believe it.

Stella wanted her little Fluttershy back so much, and there she is, looking as sad as can be, and asking for forgiveness.

The more Stella saw this, the more she just wished to reach right down and hold her. To feel her own little Fluttershy once again. To give her all the love and comfort she can give, and to let her know everything will be alright, and to forgive her for leaving.

Triumph was now feeling nervous by Stella's gasp, and Stella's silent stare after. Triumph was beginning to tear up more at having done something wrong again. She wished to fix this. She tried to speak "Don't cry mom. I can change."

Stella's heart tore at her more at hearing Fluttershy's voice again, and for what was going on, and fear of losing what she is now seeing. As if this moment might just disappear like a dream.

She could see Triumph is scared and sorry, but to Stella all she saw is Fluttershy there looking scared and sorry for having done something bad.

Stella's mind warped the truth, as if it is Fluttershy saying sorry for leaving her, and not to cry.

Stella could not take this anymore. Stella's bottom lip curled in as she gave a whimper, and more tears filled her eyes. Her own resolve over what is happening shattered. She could not bear to see her own little Fluttershy filled with tears and looking sad, scared, and sorry for being bad. Her mind lost reason, as she could not resist the urge to comfort her little one in need of her again. Her own motherly need to do so swelled beyond her control.

Stella reached right out and scooped up her precious bundle, and held her tight. With most of her mind lost to the moment, she could feel Fluttershy with her again. Just as she wished her to be.

Stella shook and cried all the more at this, in a momentary happiness. Who she held looked like Fluttershy, smelled like Fluttershy, and felt like Fluttershy. It was like having Fluttershy all over again, and Stella did not want to let her go.

A small part of her mind snapped back and focused on the one thing Triumph had said. It filled Stella with dread. I can change.

Stella's heart sunk again at that thought. She said as quickly as she could, "Don't ever change. I love you so much just the way you are. Please, please don't ever change."

As Stella said this, Triumph could feel that same feeling of love coming from Stella that she was craving, and more than ever before. It felt oh' so good to her, like a warm blanket, yet also filling her with strength and soothing comfort.

Triumph thought on what Stella said. Does she really want me to stay this way? Does she want me to be like Fluttershy? Or to be Fluttershy?

A part of Triumph liked that.

She remembered that she liked looking like Fluttershy for the very short time she did. A small part of her during that time made her wish to be her. It’s what made her change  that time and this time. Can I be Fluttershy? For them? Would they want that?

Stella showed no signs of letting her go or putting her down, so Triumph asked softly, as softly as she felt Fluttershy would, "You want me to be Fluttershy?" Hearing herself say this made herself feel as though she was Fluttershy for a moment.

It warmed her inside to think that she could be her for them. To fill the loss they all felt.

Triumph felt good about remembering Fluttershy by trying to pretend be her as best as she could. It helped her too, even though she still missed her sister so much.

It made her feel as if Fluttershy might never be gone, so long as she could be her for each of them. It was in her own way something to remember her lost sister by, and give back to them what she felt should never have been taken.

She felt she could give up who she is, to bring back her sister as best she could. To bring back the love for Fluttershy. Not only for Stella, and Chaser, but for herself as well. She felt it was not right Fluttershy was taken. 

That question Triumph gave drifted about in Stella's mind as she tried to reason it. This is not Fluttershy. But she looks and feels and sounds, and even smells like Fluttershy. I know I shouldn't ask her of this. But having her like this is so much more than having a simple photo, or memory of my little Fluttershy to only remember her by.

With her like this, I get to feel Fluttershy still with me, and not just in spirit, by only getting to remember her. I get to actually hold her, and have her with me as I have. She is not Fluttershy, but she has been so much like her in the short time they spent together. Much as they were the same. And now... 

She knew her answer, even though a part of her felt it is wrong. But her resistance to doing what she felt is right is too strong at the moment. She herself wanted this, and by the way Triumph asked, and brought up this question to her, a part of Triumph's voice made Stella believe that Triumph actually might want this as well. So she gave her answer. "Yes. Oh' yes, my sweet little angel, yes."

Stella's answer gave Triumph a small leap of joy inside. She had one more question for her, "Mom. Can you call me Fluttershy? I like hearing her name. I do not want to forget her."

Stella stopped for a moment, then held out the little one she is holding, so she could again have a good look at her. In her mind she still only saw Fluttershy. So she gave her answer. "Yes, you are my little beloved Fluttershy. Thank you for this gift of coming here when you did. Because of you, I can have what I lost."

Stella went back to holding her new Fluttershy close to her again. "Thank you," Stella last said to her.

Chaser saw what is going on, and had his own misgivings about it. But did not dare question his wife on this matter. He knew her motherly instincts is in control of her at the moment. There is a saying. Ignorance is bliss.

I know what it is you both are doing. Setting aside an unpleasant truth for a more comforting lie. 

He saw they both are trying to be happy, despite the self given deception he saw them give each other.

He would not say or do anything to take away their happiness. Not for all the world, no matter how wrong he might see this as.

He did not like the idea of trying to forget Fluttershy so easily in this way. Or that she was just taken from them, ever.

He was the one who killed the little beast that took her after all. And he has the scraps on his face he could still feel, as a reminder of it.

He gave a slight half-hearted chuckle to himself over a thought. Slight enough the other two did not notice. I was the one who brought Triumph here, and it was I who convinced Stella to go along with the idea of pretending Triumph is ours. I can go along with this as well for her. For them both. So Triumph is now to be Fluttershy I guess.

How ironic that this should happen. I bring home one lost foal only for her to replace the one we already had.

I can't say I can feel the same about it as Stella does, but...

Oh' what the hay. If I am going to do this, I might as well accept her as Fluttershy as well, and try to forget she was ever taken. I know it's a lie. I know this.

But they are both right. It's better to think this way then be sad all our lives over what is, and what happened.

It's not like we can actually change what happened.

I don't think we will ever forget her either. Triumph will not let us forget her, or be sad about not having her around anymore. I think I can do this. I will, for both of them. After all, I am the one who started this.

Chaser gave himself a sigh. I will not ever forget you my little Fluttershy, or that we have lost you. I just hope you would be happy with us in remembering the love we had for you in this way. By continuing to do so, each in our own way. And by this, is how we will continue to always love you, and remember you.

I just hope you can be happy with this, and not feel we are betraying our memories of you with this lie. Please forgive us, my precious little Fluttershy. 

More tears fell down his face as he closed his eyes in remembrance of Fluttershy. The thought of having to really let her go hurt to do so. This Pretending that Triumph is to be Fluttershy now, just did not sit right with him still.

Feeling full of grief, He move in a little closer to Stella and their new Fluttershy to be. He gave a light kiss on her little head. He spoke with words he felt is true, but he said them not so much to the one he kissed, but to the one he missed. "I will always love you my little Fluttershy."

He felt after that he would make himself let his lost Fluttershy go, and decided he will move on, and be supportive to the other two in his life, for their sake.

He would never let them know about any misgivings he has on this self deception he saw going on. And he would do his best to let this new situation heal each of them from the pain of loss they each now shared.

Chapter Eight: The Years After.

Stella became extra protective of Fluttershy. She quit her job, as Chaser had once suggested she do. She just did not show up for work, and Chaser had to give the news of her leaving, and why. Stella was too grief stricken to leave her little one for even a moment, so she was not coming back any time soon.

Chaser also gave the news to Floater and Summer. Both were quite shocked with the news. Summer felt disappointed for her own reasons. It meant her own foal would not have the other two around to play with near every day as planed.

Both Floater and Summer felt for Chaser and Stella's loss. Floater and Summer knew that Triumph was not really theirs, but they also could see how they thought of her. They treated Triumph with care, and did not seem demanding nor forceful With Triumph as some foster parents can be, with one not their own. This was far from the case with Chaser and Stella, as the two could see.

They also felt they too would miss seeing Triumph all together. Her true form was shocking to them, but they did like her personality.

Chaser also gave the news to two others. Patience, and Kicker. Being much alike, they too took the news hard. Patience knew Triumph better than Kicker, but neither one liked hearing such news. And Kicker felt it a loss in not getting a chance to know her better in person as Patience did.

News spread that Chaser and Stella's other foal that once was thought gone, now truly is. The news spread to even their own parents, who came to see them.

Little Stella's parents could say would console her, and get her to move on. They could see she was not herself. Her fun loving, perky self is missing to them, and only her caring and reserved side seem to remane.

~~~~~~

Two years past as each of the three tried to live with the past behind them.

But Stella mostly, could not. Stella coddled Fluttershy far too much as far as Chaser saw it. He felt concerned for both of them.

They also had less bits for a time, due to only one working now.

Stella did feel badly about this, but she only wanted her little Fluttershy with her always, and would not leave her. Chaser took it upon himself to support the family financially on his own. He did not mind it as much as Stella would think. He did suggest she should stay home at first.

Though in time he wished not so much that Stella worked again, so he would not be the only one working. He wanted her to get back to work to help her to have something else on her mind than moping at home so much.  

Stella did everything for Fluttershy that Fluttershy would let her do. There were many times when even Fluttershy wanted her own space, and do things on her own. But she loved her mom dearly. And she saw how sad Stella got when she didn't feel needed.

Part of this Fluttershy loved about her mom. She could feel her mom's own need to be of use to her. She knew her mom loved her, and wished to be able to care for her.

Fluttershy felt sorry for her mom at times. She did not like seeing her mom sad. So the two compromised on some things. One that was of no compromise was to let Stella hold her whenever Stella was feeling the need to. That was something Fluttershy could not bring herself to deny her mom. She knew Stella was still in pain over losing her real Fluttershy, and needed the occasional comfort.

Stella wished too much to feel her Fluttershy is still safe at home, to have, and hold her.

She got possessive and paranoid that something might happen to her little filly. Wither she got sick and died, or that something, or even some pony might come and take her away. Part of her mind did still register who Fluttershy really is, and her other past clan still may one day come for her. Stella cringed at that thought too.

Stella would wake up with this awful feeling at times, that Fluttershy was missing. She would go and check, just to find her still safe in her room, or living room, or just getting something to eat on her own.

This worry was wearing on Stella. She at times would have panic attacks if Fluttershy was out of sight for too long.

They each did what they could to comfort each other, without smothering each other too much. Chaser was mostly there to witness it all. He saw Stella cling to Fluttershy as a fleeting comfort that could not completely dull the pain inside for long.

He knew this was not doing any of them any good. And try as she might, Stella fell into a deeper depression each passing month.

This affected Fluttershy poorly as well. Stella projector her fears onto Fluttershy, that something bad might happen to her little filly, and wished to keep her close and safe always.

At times, even Fluttershy would develop the occasional panic attack, that something might get her. Be it some monster, or even one of her own past clan. She even started to develop a distrust of anyone who came in the home. Fearing they too might be one of her own from her past clan, coming to get her.

This fear of the unknown wormed its way into Fluttershy's mind, and created a paranoia in her of the outside.

~~~~~~

Kicker and Misty would show on occasion, but it was far too little to make a big impact. Fluttershy just didn't get enough contact with other different ponies to feel safe around all too many she did not know. But their visits did brighten her day when they did come over.

Kicker saw how sad Fluttershy looked some days, and told jokes and stories to try and cheer her up. Though Kicker was of no real relation to her, he did like to think of himself as her big, goofy, fun-loving uncle.

As he sat in the living room he came up with what he could. "How many unicorns does it take to run a farm?"

Fluttershy would just shake her head.

Kicker leaned over. "None. They always have the earth ponies do it for them."

Fluttershy was not all too amused with this one.

Chaser butted in. "Come on Kicker. You're not even trying."

Kicker waved him off with a hoof. "OK Fluttershy, try this one. What happened when the farmers left it up to the wind to make their wind mill work?"

Fluttershy shook her head again.

Kicker smiled. "The wind blew it!"

Chaser shook his own head in response. "That was as bad as the last one."

Fluttershy started giggling to herself, and repeated Kicker's last statement. "The wind blew it."

Kicker's smile broadened. "See she got it. So, how about this one. What happened when a bunch of weather ponies stopped some bad weather that wanted to stay in town?"

Fluttershy shook her head another time.

Kicker chuckled a bit before answering. "It stormed out!"

Fluttershy giggled again as her mood improved.

Kicker chuckled again himself. "Oh' I got a million of them!"

Chaser responded, "We know."

Talk continued for a time till Kicker waved Chaser to follow him out of the room. Chaser excused himself as he followed Kicker into the master bedroom.

Chaser closed the door and walked over to Kicker who waited for him. "OK Kicker, what is it?"

Kicker whispered, so as not to be heard by any other in the house. "I know what is going on. I had my suspicions, but I am sure now. I would be darn surprised if Patience doesn't know as well. But I will not tell her if she doesn't. Not even if she asks me."

Chaser has no idea what Kicker is speaking of. "So what do you think is going on?"

Kicker leaned in closer and whispered lower. "That is not Fluttershy."

Chaser took a step back quickly "What!"

Kicker took a step forward and continued to whisper. "Don't give me a what. The signs are all there. Sure I act like a goof for fun. Even Misty mostly only sees my comical side. And I don't wish to change that with her. But you know me best bro. Don't kid a kidder."

Chaser sighed in defeat, "OK. So, how did you find out? I mean, if you found out, I need to know how."

Kicker got serious, but did smile a little to reassure Chaser. "Don't worry of others finding out. It was hard for me to tell, but... Part of it has to do with Stella. She has been on the rag for much too long.

"Now, I know she loved that new found foal you found, and still does. However. The two of you only had her for, what? Less than two days before you both lost her the way you did.

"I am not saying that this would not have affected Stella badly. But grieving for two years for losing a foal that was not hers, and only knew for part of two days. It does not add up to me.

"Unless... It really was Fluttershy you both lost that day, and Triumph is playing stand in, for some reason. I am not going to ask why she is. I think I know."

Chaser felt Kicker is right about that most any they knew well, might figure that much out too. That is, if they knew what Triumph, now Fluttershy, really is. Chaser also felt Kicker is not done. "So, what else tipped you off? I know there is more."

Kicker look over at the door then back to Chaser. "Fluttershy... Now, again, don't worry. I would not have figured it out if it was not for what I do know, about both Fluttershy and Triumph.

Chaser relaxed a bit. "OK. Shoot. What is it that you knew about them?"

Kicker could see Chaser is talking of him knowing about this, a little better. He continued to whisper. "You told me what Triumph is like. Actually, so did Misty. You said she is real smart. You also told me of what Triumph told you about her clan, and she didn't wish you to find them. That is one foal who can think things through. There is that.

"Misty said she saw Triumph seemed smart for a foal as well, for the short time Misty did see her. Misty also said she seemed observant, listened well, and also got upset easy. So far, that has been Fluttershy now, not as Fluttershy was. That was the other tip off. Fluttershy seemd extra smart right after you lots your other foal. She did not hide that part of her. 

"It's not just because she is older now. I noticed it a while back. Fluttershy was not as engaged in what was going on with more complex issues, not like Triumph was. Not at first.

“Then for Fluttershy suddenly having Triumph's personality, right after losing her, as young of a foal as she was? That does not add up to me either.

“I don't think Fluttershy would have been around her long enough to be able to copy her so well. And wasn't it Triumph the one with the gift for copping at that age?

"So with Stella haven been one big tip off, as well Fluttershy, I would say, I know."

Chaser shook his head. "You are right. And with all of that, I too would be surprised if Patience didn't know as well. But I don't intend to ask her if she knows, just incase she indeed doesn't."

Kicker put a hoof on Chaser's shoulders. "I am so sorry about all of this. I can't even imagine what you are feeling about all of this. Losing your own foal, and having another taking her place. As I said, I don't need to know why. Just, I'm sorry.

"These past two years must have been real rough on you. Just know, I am still on your side. Nothing is going to change that."

Chaser put a hoof on Kicker's shoulder in turn. "Thanks. Actually, it is a part relief knowing that you know. This means that I don't have to try and hide it from you, each time you come over. I am glad to know you as a friend."

Kicker just smiled. "Say, you would do this for me. I know you would. And I am kind of back to square one with your foal again. I get to lie to everyone about what I do know, and it is to help a friend in need. What more could I ask for?" He finished with a sheepish grin, that betrayed his more serious side.

Chaser put his hoof down. "If I didn't know you better, I would ask if you could actually ever get serious about anything."

Kicker chuckled to that, as he put his own hoof down. "OK, let's get to the others, before they wonder all the more as to what we are up to, and talking about"

The two left the room to join the others again.

~~~~~~

After several months later Fluttershy felt confused as to what she wanted. She knew she wanted more in her life, but over time felt too afraid of having a change made to her comfort zone, of being safe at home with Stella and Chaser. It was filling her with a frustration, that she did not know what she wanted.

Freedom and the outside was calling to her all the more she stepped out for a time. But she could not step out on her own to explore, not that Stella let her, not without herself right around at Fluttershy's side.

Going out did not happen often. She also had that fear that something bad might happen, and it burdened her as well with the idea of going out on her own.

In time Fluttershy didn't know what else in life she felt she needed, or is missing, only that there is something missing.

Whenever she felt this way, she would seek out her mom. It help for a short time, but did not last, and she would be feeling like something is missing again.

~~~~~~ 

Patience came to make regular visits, at least once a month. Nither her, or anyone else was informed of the truth about Fluttershy. As far as anyone knew, other than Kicker, Triumph was the one killed on the day that Chaser and Stella lost a foal.

Patience, even with making check ups on Fluttershy did not know for sure if it was really the changeling in disguise. Patience truly felt Triumph the changeling was gone, and only Fluttershy the pony remained of the two unusual sisters. As for her own assumptions she might have had, she never brought it up with Chaser or Stella as Kicker did.

Patience talked to Chaser about what she saw going on with Fluttershy and Stella, just the same. "Both of them are healthy enough. But this staying home most of the time is not good for either one. I can't do much for them mentally. This is beyond my teachings. Both of them are broken, but mostly Stella.

"Fluttershy I can see wishing to do more with her life, but Stella refuses to let her go. They both need help, in ways I can't give. I think you need to have a serious talk with Stella about it. For both their sake. Maybe even to go seek help for them. I am very worried about them both, and you should be too."

Chaser continued to worry about them as Patience did. Finally one day he confronted Stella about it. "Stella, You can't keep living like this. It's not healthy, and it is not doing Fluttershy any favors either.

“You keep yourself and her in this house most all the time. She needs to learn to live outside these walls. And you need to do so again as well. This has been going on for far too long."

Stella knew he is right.

She wondered as to what she has been doing all this time. I have not done Fluttershy any favors he tells me. Have I hurt her in some way, by not letting her out enough?

Stella worried more herself about this thought. She wondered if what she has been doing has actually had a bad effect on Fluttershy.

She did not wish to think about such things before. After a while as she did think about it. She came to grips that she did do harm to Fluttershy. He is right, I have. She has not learned how to function out there on her own. It is not always easy. I have only made things harder for her. And all because I couldn't let go.

Chaser continued his argument. "You can't keep pretending she is a pony like us either, or continuing to use her to get over what has happened. It’s not right! And it has not worked anyway. I can see it hasn't. You must let go!

“If not for yourself, do it for her. I don't wish to see you both like this anymore. You need to get back on your hooves and live. And you need to let her do the same.

Stella thought more on his words. Yes, after all this time I still feel miserable about what has happened. I have not learned to let go and move on in my life. And I have been using Flut... Triumph to avoid facing what I actually lost. We both need to move on.

Over the past few weeks Stella learned to let go a little more each day. She got better after a month.

~~~~~~

Stella consider the situation she created with Fluttershy going out. It took time, but she was able to reason that Fluttershy has not known what it is like outside these walls for far too long, and Stella knew it was her own fault. Will she be able to handle it out there? She must be aloud to try. She kept telling herself this.

Stella braved the situation on letting Fluttershy outside the home, and alone.

She took it upon herself to go back to work as well. She found at work they held her position for her, and kept her privileges in tact. She did not lose her pay rate or her vacation time. They only had it written that she was on an extended leave without pay. She was able to return as if nothing has changed. Stella felt very grateful for that.

Her fellow workers welcomed her back, and thought best not to mention anything to her as to why she was gone. So Stella's work life slipped back to normal for her, in time.

~~~~~~

Fluttershy did leave to see the world again on her own, without Stella around.

As she did, she felt insecure about herself. She knew she was not like any of them out there. And part of her is afraid of them.

She was no longer a little foal anymore, but now a filly of near three years of age. She felt self conscious for not knowing if any would accept her, or if she could fool them into believing she is a pegasus like them.

She did not do so well in making any friends, though none could tell of her true identity.

In every attempt she tried to get to know them, she met with failure. She was given the chance to go out and try. But by all this time, she has grown apprehensive to mingle. Looking about at all the others, all she was is nervous.

On one of her first attempts, Fluttershy walked up to a group of three fillies talking together. As she got closer she could see them eyeing her as they talked, but for the most part ignored her. Fluttershy was fully aware they knew she is there so she decided she might as well introduce herself.

As she got closer she could hear some snickering after one looked to her again. This did not help Fluttershy's nerves any. She got to them slowly and took a deep breath. Come on Fluttershy, you can do this.

The other three knew of her, but didn't really know her, and thought she was silly in her rather clumsy approach.

Fluttershy got right up to them, then raised her head higher to greet them better. "Hello. My name is Fluttershy. Wo... Would any of you like to be my Friend," Fluttershy finished saying with a grin.

The other three laughed and took off into the air together. Fluttershy thought to herself, Well that could have gone better I think.

Fluttershy was not about to let this little disappointment end her day of trying, and she moved off to another pony she saw near by. This was a brown colt who looked like he is doing some stretching. Fluttershy took another deep breath. Come on Fluttershy, you can do it this time. This one is by himself. You might have a better chance with this one.

Fluttershy felt a little more determined and approached with more conviction. When she got to him she spoke right up. "Hello. My name if Fluttershy. Who are you?

This colt didn't like to be interrupted as he prepares himself for a hard flight, and not by some strange filly. He turned to her with visible annoyance. "Look, can't you see I am busy?"

He pointed off in any given direction, he didn't care where. "Beet it! Go, bug! someone else."

Fluttershy quickly trotted away. Well, that was rood. He didn't have to be so gruff. I won't bother him again. 

The last thing he said stuck in her mind, Go bug someone else? 

Fluttershy didn't care for the bug reference at all. It was what Stella first called her. I'm not a bug.

This went on as she tried with four others. She got discouraged and spent some time alone after, till it was time to go home. She went home feeling this day was a bust. She hoped the next day would be different.

Sprinkle Medley is there out with the others each day. She saw Fluttershy, but kept a distance. She remembered Fluttershy's sister Triumph. They never came back to visit since the first time they came over, and Sprinkle Medley has had a few nightmares of what she saw Triumph turn into for just that one short moment. It was not long, but long enough to make Sprinkle Medley nervous herself of even Fluttershy now, knowing that she once lived with such a thing.

Sprinkle Medley kept silent of what she saw that day. She didn't wish to sound crazy to the others by telling of what she did see. And now with Triumph gone, it would be hard to prove.

She did remember that the three of them did have fun together, when they were at her home that one time. But the nightmares haunted her, and she just didn't know what to think about Fluttershy anymore. Not even with Fluttershy's sister gone, the one she thought is gone, is no longer around anymore.

~~~~~~

Fluttershy kept having it hard to be out with others again. She headed out for another day and learned the cruelty of others her age. Some teased her for being a homebody and not knowing what being around others is like, or what to say to anyone. They took it upon themselves to show her that ignorance they saw in her.

She wished to fit in but just couldn't. She even tried to fly like she saw the others doing, just to try and fit in. Every time she tried though, she choked. Her fear of the past and present hit her every time, and she was unable to concentrate enough to fly. She was teased for this as well.

This went on for three more weeks. Each day her resolve dwindled a little more. She didn't understand what she was doing wrong in getting any to like her. Each attempt she made got worse.

Some days she would not even bother to try, and just walked around by herself for the day.

A few did feel sorry for her in time, even some that did tease her before. They felt so bad about what they did say to her before, so they just left her alone from then on. They didn't know what to say to her now, and did not wish to pick on her anymore either. She was just odd to them as a pegasus, and didn’t really care to know her. They just pitied her instead.

~~~~~~

Fluttershy would at times come home crying to her mother. Stella was all too eager to hold her and help make her feel better.

Fluttershy wished the the other ponies could be as kind as her mother and father is to her.

Stella however did not keep this up for long. She insisted that Fluttershy go out and try again. And so Fluttershy did, again, and again. Only due to the insistence of her mother.

Each time she went out though, she felt less like doing so, or talking to anyone when out.

One day Fluttershy got up enough nerve to try and talk to one she had not tried with before. A deep yellow filly with a short scruffy blond mane by the name of Amber. Amber was talking to the same brown colt Fluttershy tried to talk to her first day out. She never got his name, but she knew her name.

As with everyone shy tried to meet, she did not know much about them. She got a name or two, and she got an idea for who hung out with who. She even got to figure out a little of what each seemed to like doing. But none of that helped her in the past few weeks.

She knew Amber is a strong flyer, and is friends with the colt Fluttershy said to herself she would not bother again. She thought she could ignore the colt and try and talk to Amber anyways. As she got closer to them her nervousness was become noticeable to the two she approached.

Fluttershy got up to them and talked with a weak and hard to hear faint-stuttering voice, almost to the point they could barely tell Fluttershy was speaking at all.

Fluttershy hoped things might go differently this time, and it did.

Amber got more irate with Fluttershy than any other has before, even more than the colt Amber hung out with. And even after everything others had said to Fluttershy in the past, this response by both of them, this time, shocked Fluttershy the most.

Amber spoke first, and with a nasty, harsh, disapproval to her voice. "Listen you flightless, pathetic, stuttering, spazz, why don't you get a clue, that nopony here likes you. Do us all a favor and jump off a cloud or something. Go do that, so none of us has to so much as look at you anymore."

Fluttershy felt so hurt she just stood there stunned, and started to tear up right then and there.

Amber saw this and felt like pushing it a little more. She felt like having fun with this, now that she got Fluttershy worked up. She tilted her head some to mock her. She spoke with a snootie voice."Ah, did that upset you?"

She stood up taller while still taunting. "Oh' wittle baby gonna cry to her mommy again? You poor insignificant wisp. Go home and cry to mommy then, you lame excuse for a pegasus, it's all you seem to be good at!"

Fluttershy wished to turn and run, but felt unable to move at this moment. She just stood there as she got more upset. Fluttershy's face winced as she choked out a couple of more tears. She tried to hold them in, but was unable to.

The brown colt felt like getting in on this. Seeing that Fluttershy did not up and leave right away, he decided to up the ante. "Yea, why don't you get yourself eaten just like your sister did. Ha!"

At this Fluttershy felt beyond hurt, she was quite mortified. She tensed up as a wave of emotions hit her like a crashing tsunami, threatening to smash any sense of self worth she may have, and wash it away completely.

Fluttershy had not imagined she could feel worse then the time she lost her sister, or that others could be this cruel about it. To actually wish another to be eaten, mostly one as kind as her sister, was unthinkable to Fluttershy.

Amber added her last two bits that broke the dam holding Fluttershy back from breaking apart completely. "Yes, go get yourself eaten. As food for something, is all you would be good for.

“At least by that, you would make something happy for once, for even a moment while you lasted. That is, if it don't choke to death on your scrawny body. Heck, you probably couldn't even do that right, in being good to feed something, you good for nothing."

After, the two laughed while leaning on each other in a giggling fit with each other. Then they next took off still laughing.

Fluttershy continued to stand there as she felt her own emotions break her down. She turned to the one comfort she felt she has in this world. Home. And intended never to talk to or bother another again.

Fluttershy rushed into the house. Her mother was gone at this time as usual. She would have to wait till both her parents got back home. And depending on the job they were to be doing, they could be out for much longer than the usual time.

Fluttershy cried to herself as she had many times before. But this time she was broken, and defeated. Nothing Stella or Chaser could say would convince her to approach others again she thought. Or that going out was a good thing for her to do enymore.

Those last two, not only mocked her, but mocked her sister, the real Fluttershy. She wished so much that her sister was still here.

Fluttershy looked at herself. She has change some as she grew up. Her body is overall a little bigger. She lifted a wing to have a good look at it. I am a pegasus, and yet I am not. I don't know what I am. It doesn't matter, I just want my sister. If only she was here. I could be happy. Mom and Dad are great, I love them both, but I still miss having my sister around.That is what I must have felt I have been missing all this time, and why I keep going out to try and make a few frinds. Just as mom has and still does, all I want is her back.

Fluttershy tucked her head under her wing and cried more. How can I ever be like them out there. I can't, because I am not.

And only my sister was the only one my age that didn't care I was not like them.

I can tell even Medley won't have anything to do with me. And I thought she liked my sister and me. I guess not. Even while looking like my sister, she won't come near to see me. There is none out there for me now. I give up.

Fluttershy thought about the rest of her family. Home was her only comfort now, she felt. Mom come home soon. 

It was an early day for Stella and Chaser. They both felt happy at getting to go home early. This happiness is short lived as they walked through the front door, to find a sobbing Fluttershy lying down in the middle of the room again.

They grew tired of coming home to find Fluttershy feeling hurt. None of this was right to them, and they didn't blame Fluttershy for it. Stella blamed herself, and Chaser blamed the other youths outside.

This time Fluttershy was crying harder than ever before. She seem more than a little upset over a few unkind words, or facing rejection again. This was much worse, and it troubled both her parents.

Stella was the first who rushed to her side, as Chaser closed the door. Chaser questioned to himself, What in Equestria did they say to her this time? I had not seen her like this. Not since... Her sister was taken.

This thought gave Chaser the shivers. He slowly and silently joined Stella who is already holding Fluttershy to her.

Stella tried to console her. "Hush now, it'll be alright. I got you, my sweet little angel."

Fluttershy shook her head and sobbed some more into Stella's chest. "It'll never be alright, I can't ever face them again. Please don't make me do it. I can't take it. They are just so mean. I can't believe some of what the last two said to me, today. I can't do this anymore! I just can't!"

Stella teared up at seeing Fluttershy hurting so much. Chaser was getting angry, but talked to Fluttershy calmly. "What did they say to you sweetie."

Fluttershy wailed as she cried. "They told me no pony likes me, and I be better of dead!"

She choked and gagged as she tried to speak through some heavy breathing. Nearly choking to exhaustion, on the spot, barely able to speak with each hard breath she took. "They told me... I should go... get myself eaten... like my sister was... And then... they laughed... at me about it... It was horrible! They were horrible... And I never... want to see... them ever again... Never!"

Fluttershy looked to them both while pleading as if her very life depended on it. "Please. Please! Don't send me... out there again... I'm not like them... and I never will be."

Fluttershy grief stricken, and worried that they still might make her. "Mom, dad, I don't want to hurt like this anymore."  She felt so afraid of having to step out those doors again.

Both Stella and Chaser were beside themselves with disbelief.

Stella heald Fluttershy tighter and gave her a long squeeze as she said, "Oh' honey, I am so sorry you had to go through that. No, we won't make you try and talk to any of them again."

At this point Chaser was well beyond angry, he was seething mad. He was not this mad since the moment he killed the wyvern. He grit his teeth as he tried his best to hold back what he was feeling. "Fluttershy. Tell me. Who told you something like this!"

After a short moment, without thinking clearly, Fluttershy blurted out, "It was Amber, and her brown colt friend. Whoever he is." Fluttershy went back to crying into Stella's chest.

Chaser grit his teeth more, as a mean snear formed on his face. He raised a hoof chest high, and shook it with frustration. He next got up quickly. He made a sudden move for the door.

Stella got worried. She saw the look on his face as he got up. He looked like he was going out to kill some pony. "Star Chaser! What do you intend on doing!?"

Chaser made a quick glance over to Stella, with rage still planted on his face. This Fluttershy did not see, as her face was buried against Stella, but did hear him. "I am going to do something about this. No pony should talk to another like that ever. And no pony should have to be put through what she has been," He stated as he pointed to Fluttershy.

He finished before storming out. "I am going to have a few words, with some select parents about the conduct of their young. This was beyond being just insensitive, this was downright cruel!" He turned and was out the door in a hurry.

Stella knew there was no stopping him, and she didn't want too. She just held, and cradled her crying Fluttershy in silence, while feeling terrible herself.

Fluttershy had a moment of concern about her father, and what he might do. She could hear it in his voice just how angry he is. She let it go, and felt it best not to question his actions. Not now, of all times.

~~~~~~

Chaser stood outside his door, not sure which direction to go in first. He felt he should find the parents first, then their young.

The colt Hoops's parents live closer, so he headed for them first. With a push off he fought back the urge to become violent with the parents. That is with Rumble. He knew that would not solve the issue, and would only send the wrong message. Though he did feel like taking his anger out on someone, or something. Restraining his need to vent he felt is going to be as hard as watching his little Fluttershy cry.

He got to the home of Rumble and Clear Water. Chaser landed then walked to the door. Without so much as knocking he just shouted. "Rumble! Come out here! I need to have a word with you, now!"

Shortly after a gray stallion with a brown mane opened the door. "What's this about?" He was not happy with Chaser's tone of voice while calling him.

Clear Water a light blue mare with a light green mane came to Rumble's side, near the door. She did her best to see who is here. "Why Chaser, it's you. I'd not be expecting you. What has got you so worked up?"

Chaser wished not to dally, and is in no mood for idle pleasantries. "Come with me, and you both will find out. But first we must collect a few others that must know as well."

Chaser tuned to take off when Ruble spoke. "Now wait just a darn minute. Who are we getting, and why?"

Chaser stopped just to answer that first question. He did not bother to turn back around to face them. "We are going after Foghorn and Gusty Winds. And your respective young. Now let's get going!"

Chaser took off not even looking to see if he is being followed. He did hear movement of wings behind him that told him they are behind him. So, he picked up his pace to his next destination.

It did not take long at his pace to reach the next home. Work hours are not yet over on many jobs for those in the morning shift. He got lucky, that the first two on his list is home early, like he was. He knew this might not be the case, with the other two. He intended to find out soon.

As he got to the door he bellowed as before. "Foghorn! I need you to come out!"

Rumble landed and walked right up to Chaser, while wanting answers. "So who got your feathers ruffled?"

A moment before Chaser answered, Foghorn opened his door. "Now, what is with all this ruckus. It's so a fellow can't even think around here. I was expecting a pleasant day home, but you gone and done disturbed my peace. What's eaten ya?"

Chaser still in a bad mood, answered them both. He first turned to Rumble and pointed a hoof at him. "Your boy!" Then he swung his hoof around to point at Foghorn and faced him while doing so. "And your daughter! Now come with me. We have to find them."

Chaser still did not wait to see if any are following as he took off again.

Gusty Winds a white mare with a dark blue main came out after hearing the commotion, and saw Chaser taking off. She had the least idea as to what is going on. But as she saw the others take off after Chaser, she decided to just tag along.

Chaser knew the young ones well enough. He knew both as ambitious flyers. Competitive and willful. Not a bad combination for any pegasus, as far as Chaser is concerned.

But their actions is not the way for any in a community that depends on one another, in his opinion. He would see to it that their attitude in that respect, changed. He also had a good idea of where to find them. Flying the obstacle circuit.

He made his way to it. He took a moment to scout around. Several were buzzing about as they built up their flying skills. One light Blue filly with a prismatic main flew past in a flash. She almost ran right into Chaser.

In an attempt to avoid hitting this red stallion in her way, at her speed she lost control and ran right into a wall of clouds, and got stuck in it for a moment, before pulling herself out. 

A familiar voice of one known colt could be heard by Chaser. The one he is looking for. "Smooth landing Rainbow Crash! I see you haven't lost your touch. Still running into everything in sight. At least your not as pathetic as that hopeless Klutzershy. At least you can fly. Sort of. Ha! Ha."

Chaser went right back to fuming after hearing Hoops voice mocking others again. He flew right up to Hoops.

Amber landed right next to Hoops, but after she recognized Chaser she felt she made a mistake, and tuned to take off.

As Amber reopened her wings in an attempt to take off, she heard the voice of her mother calling her. "Not so fast young lady!"

The other adults landed as Chaser addressed them. "Bring your children. We will talk elsewhere." Chaser took off again.

Rumble is getting more annoyed with all this flying around with no answers. He looked down at Hoops with disappointment. He knew he was behind all of this. "You! Come with us. I intend to find out just what is going on. And I know you are at the heart of it."

Gusty Winds approached Amber. "You two. I know not what is going on, but if Hoops is involved, and by the way you were trying to get away from Chaser, I assume you have something to do with this as well."

The four adults, and two young took off after Chaser. Chaser landed a distance outside of Cloudsdale’s main perimeter. He felt this is far enough.

As the others landed Foghorn started up. "I say you got some explaining to do. Leaden us all the way out her like this. You would think we is staring some kind of secret meeting or something. What I would like-"

Gusty cut him off. "Will you stop yammering and let him talk!? I think we all would like to know what this is all about."

Foghorn started up again. "Well, land sakes! I was just-"

Gusty cut him off one more time "I said shut it!"

Rumble begun his questions. "I know my son is involved, as you said. So, what did he do to warrant all of this? And this better be worth bringing all of us out here."

Chaser looking not any more happy then when he first showed up at Rumble's home. He spoke sharply, "Your little ones have been picking on Fluttershy. More than before. And this time-"

Rumble cut him off. "Is that all! It is just kids being kids. So what's a little teasing. We all been through it. Never hurt me none. She just got to be a bit less sensitive is all. She has got to learn the world is not easy, or is going to bend for her."

Chaser got furious again. He lashed out with his words. "Don't give me that crap! I know just how hard life can be. I am a storm chaser after all. And I just lost a foal. You think losing a foal is easy to take!? You are not feeding me that line of life is hard, and do nothing about this, this time. You are not sweeping this aside like some small snow flurry you can forget ever happened."

Chaser took a step forward, as Rumble took a step back. "I had to kill the beast myself that took my precious foal from me. I don't intend to lose another one."

Rumble stopped, wishing not to be pushed around. But he could feel Chasers anger, and it was not something he wished to mess with at the moment.

He stood his ground just the same. "Calm down. Hoops couldn't have said anything all that bad."

Chaser sneered in his face. "Simple teasing is what you think this is about? If I have too, I will go to the Equestrian council about this.

“I may even get Princess Celestia involved. Do you think she will wish to know this sort of thing is going on unchecked in her kingdom? You very well know she of all ponies will not be happy about it. Not this level of teasing. Not one bit.

“She has much more important things to do, than deal with some domestic disputes. But I am quite sure she will do something with this! situation though, if I bring it to her attention personally."

Rumble is visibly looking nervous. "You wouldn't take this to the Princess? Would you? Madness! What could they possibly have said? Nothing could have been all that drastic. Not to get her involved."

Chaser grit his teeth. He pointed to the children. "Both of what they said is madness! I will tell you, as a valued Storm Chaser, who many depend on those like me, I can get in to see her.

“You, right now, am making me very tempted to go to her about this matter. Right now!" He finished saying in a rage, while stomping his hoof down.

Chaser backed off a bit. He took a few steps and tried to calm himself before he spoke again. "But I rather handle this discreetly if I can. I don't wish to upset Fluttershy or Stella even more by bringing this out in the open, and making a public spectacle, and trial out of it. But I will, if you don't take this seriously.

“I have a feeling Celestia might deal with this herself, without a full trial. Or she might bring it to one, just to make a point. I Don’t know. And that, I don't want to have happen. That is why I have come to you all about this now. Instead of going to her."

Chaser took a deep breath, to calm himself some more. "I know Celestia will listen to me if I do go to her. I am giving you a chance to hear me out first, before I go that far with this. It should not go that far. Not for something like this."

Rumble relented. "OK, OK, what did happen exactly? What did those two say to her that was so bad?"

Chaser feeling anger again over thinking of what was said, he lashed out with his words again, as he pointed at the children once more. "Your brats just told Fluttershy she should go kill herself! What is worse is they dragged her sister into it, by saying that she should get herself eaten like her sister did."

Three of the other adults gasped. Even Rumble felt surprised at this, but was not as moved as the other three.

Chaser could see their reactions as he continued. "I should not have to tell you just how disgustingly vile that is to say to another pony, especially to a little filly who is having a hard time trying to fit in.

“Not only that, but as sensitive as she is, as you pointed out Rumble, she is still dealing with the loss of her sister! Even now. Both Stella and Fluttershy is.

“This is the first time in two years both of them has has the nerve to face the world again. The words of those two brats is not helping."

Rumble looked down. "I see."

Chaser shook his head. "No! I don't think you do see yet! I would have both your families on charges for neglectful parenting, if Fluttershy had killed herself over this. I don't want to lose another in my family because your two brats don't know how to treat others right, and drive her or another to suicide one day. Over what you would say is just a little teasing."

Chaser took a step forward again. "Stella is not taking any of this all too well either. Learn to control your brats, or I will find a way to myself."  

Amber looked up to her Mother, and wished to talk in her own defense. "Mom I was just kidding. I did not mean what I said. That crybaby was being annoying and-"

Gusty now got angry with Amber. "Shut it! Star Chaser it right. What you said to Fluttershy is disgraceful. And you even disgrace your family with such talk."

Gusty took a deep breath and addressed Chaser. "Chaser I will make my daughter give an apology to Fluttershy right now. Your whole family has every right to be angry about what she said to Fluttershy."

Rumble agreed on this action, to at least get this matter over with. "I will have Hoops do the same."

Chaser was not impressed, mostly with Rumble. He held out a hoof. "Save it. Fluttershy doesn't wish to see anyone. Least of all these two again, any time soon. Besides as kind and caring as she is, she was hurt badly by them, I don't think she would wish to just up and forgive them on a simple apology. And I will not make her."

Chaser looked to the ground in thought. After, he addressed them again. "I don't want the four of you to punish them with a time out or something. This is much bigger than that. By the way they are now there would be no point to make them give out empty, insincere apologies they may not understand, or care as to why they are giving it.

"I do want you all to make them understand remorse, and to feel guilt over possibly driving another pony to die, with their cruel words. Get them to value the lives of others around them, not just brush others aside as so much garbage they don't need to have around.

"If you can manage that, I can forgive you for not raising them right the first time. And maybe I can even forgive them in time too."

Chaser gave an angry glare at each of them. "But mark my words. If you can't control them, and can't get them to understand what they did wrong, and why, I will take this matter to a higher authority. We will then see who I may contact makes of all this then."

The rest of them stood in thought.

Hoops and Amber both blame Fluttershy for opening her mouth. Though looking around at the adults, they know punishment of some sort is coming soon, they just don't know what kind as of yet.

Foghorn spoke up. "I tell you, I see your point. Not much use in just apologizing for something like this. Gusty and I will make sure Amber fully understands what she did wrong. You can mark my words on it. She will see the light, even if we have to tan her hide till it glows.

“She will also learn the meaning of teamwork, and that no pony is a nation all on to his or her self. Why I-

Gusty interrupted him. "That is enough. I am sure Chaser gets the idea, without you going on about it."

She then addressed Chaser. "We will make sure Amber knows the gravity of what she did."

Chaser nodded back.

Amber gave a shiver as she heard what at least a part of her punishment will likly be.

Hoops is still unsure what his parents might have in store for him. He did feel for Amber's situation though. He wonders if his fate would be the same.

His dad did not always go easy on him. Darn it. That good for nothing Fluttershy! She will never be one of us, if she is going to be this touchy. Now we have to pay because she can't handle being like us. Man this sucks. She will pay for this herself. I will see to it, no matter what my dad does. I will never let this down.

Each of the parents took their young home, to decide on what to do with them.

After they left, Chaser went back home as well.

~~~~~~

Gusty and Foghorn got Amber home, while talking over what to do about her on the way. First on the list was the physical punishment. Then they decided to ground her for a week. They almost consider it to be a month, but they didn't want to be too hard on her. Just enough punishment to let her know she did wrong.

As they got into the door they had a short sit down with Amber.

Gusty shook her head. "Well, you did it now young lady. I am almost tempted to not let you see Hoops anymore. I know the two of you get along well. But if this is how you are going to behave while with him, I will put a stop to it myself. Do you understand me?"

Amber noded.

Foghorn addressed her next. "I know you are a good flyer and all, but it does not give you the right to treat others that way, just because they can't fly, or choose not too.

"And I don't care that she is a pegasus like us. She is still a member of the community. She will find her place one day. Even if it is not up here with us flying around doing what we do. She may one day move down below. Many of us live with those that can't fly, and live well with them.

"It is not up to you to decide if she is worthless. Do you understand?"

Amber nodded again.

Foghorn got up. "Good. Now come with me to your room. When I am done, you are to stay there till we say you can come out."

Amber got up as told. Her body went flush as she anticipated what is to come next. She knew she was not going to like it.

Gusty stayed. She wanted no part in this. But she did feel it has to be done. So she let Foghorn take care of this matter with Amber alone.

Foghorn lead Amber into her room. Then he closed the door after going in himself. He didn't like what he is about to do, so he sat next to her bed with not so much of a word.

Amber looked pleading as to try and sway his decision. It did not work. He grabbed her and administer her punishment.

He continued to sit as Amber cried. He felt bad and held her. "I know it hurts. But you must know it is wrong to hurt others the way you did today.

“It is not right to put others in such pain, just because you don’t understand them. It don’t feel good to hurt now does it? Don’t do this again."

He got up and left her to herself to think on her own. He next joined Gusty in the living room.

Amber regret saying a word to Fluttershy. That little snitch. If I ever see her again, it will be too soon.

~~~~~~

Rumble and Clear Water got home with Hoops. Rumble was in a foul mood. After everyone got in, he let it out. "I can't believe Chaser!"

He turned to Clear Water. "Did you hear him!? He accused us of neglectful parenting! Him!

“My boy is a great flyer. As a coach of the junior speedsters, I'd never neglect my boy, or any other kid under my supervision."

He stomped a hoof down as he got more irate. "What about his parenting? What does he have? He let one get eaten, and let the other get so dysfunctional, she can't fly or interact with others correctly! She is a messed up foal! Messed up, just like them."

Clear Water butted in, "Oh' you know Chaser is just letting off some steam. It will pass. I am sure he will reconsider his words, after he has a chance to cool down a bit."

Hoops tried to speak. "Dad I-"

Rumble turned on him. "I don't want a word out of you till I say so. You didn't think, did you!? You went ahead and said something to that little misfit. Now look what happened. I don't want you ever talking to her again. Got it!"

Hoops noded.

Rumble stomped his hoof again. "Good! You are better than to associate with the likes of her. She is beneath you, and will amount to nothing but trouble for you, as it has this time."

Hoops felt unsure as to what his father has in mind for him still. He tried to speak to him again. "Dad-"

Rumble snapped at him. "What did I say to you!?"

Rumble glared at hoops, waiting for him to speak again. He didn't.

Clear Water came around beside Rumble. "Look at the bright side, dear. At least Fluttershy now knows her place. She knows not to try and talk with those that don't wish to be botherd by her. The situation is not all bad."

She rested a hoof along his back. "Just relax. Nothing will come of this. You will see. So Chaser got a little upset. No need for you to get your feathers ruffled about it, like he did."

Rumble faced her, and spoke more calmly "You did hear him correctly though. He said he will see the Princess about this. Well I say, let him. He has no case. I could tell. Did you hear how he averted the idea."

Rumble got dramatic with his words. "Oh' I am letting you all think about it before I do that."

He next got gruff. "Such rubbish. He is just embarrassed by his little failure of a flyer. That is why he doesn't want to make this public."

He picked up a hoof and shook it. "Threaten me, Will he!? Just let him see if he could do something. He thinks I don't know about community teamwork? I guide lot's of youngsters into excellent flyers for the community every year.

“He lost one, and the other can't function within the community well at all. Who is the failure of a parent? Not us!"

Clear Water smiled at Rumble, and said in a light, but mocking tone. "You know, Chaser said he would forgive us if we got Hoops to leave Fluttershy alone."

Rumble blurted out, "Ha! Him, forgive us! Like we need his forgiveness. He is crazy. All of them are."

Clear Water rubbed his back. "I heard Stella went mad after losing her other foal. She fell into a deep depression. For two years. She next to never left home after. Even Chaser confirmed it today with us.

"I do in my own way, as a mother myself, feel sorry for her. No mother should have to deal with losing one of their young. And I have had heard good things about Stella before that happened.

"But it's not anyone else's fault, she did what she did to her own last foal. And Chaser just let it happen instead of getting some counseling for them all. No other needs pay for that mistake of his, or hers."

Rumble blurted out again, "Ha! As I said, they are all crazy. And they still need professional help. All of them do. Even Chaser.

“His outburst over what was said to his Oh' so, precious little filly, proves it. Chaser is indeed just as bad as the other two are now. Look who he hangs out with. That foolish oaf, Cloud Kicker.

"Cloud Kicker get's himself into so much trouble himself. Just last month he tried to pull a fast one on Trail Blazer, sort of. She caught on to him though. He tried to pass off some rock candy as jems for bits.

"They looked OK enough as I was told, but Blazer could smell the sugar. After Kicker took off, Blazer had him arrested.

"The fool got off though, seeing that he didn't actually take any bits.

"When she was not looking, he swapped the bag of bits she gave him with an empty bag from her cart.

“Once he was brought in for questioning, he had her check her cart. She had no missing bits. Just one missing empty bag. And that bag was the same type of bag as the bag of rock candy, and bits.

“Seeing it was the same type of bag he took, he actually didn't take anything. Nothing of true value.

"He let himself get arrested just to pull a prank on all of them, not just Trail Blazer. He even admitted that he knew he was going to be arrested.

"He not only wasted Trail Blazer’s time, he wasted the time of those in law enforcement. He has no respect for the working class, nor the law.

"And this is the guy Chaser grew up with."

Clear Water dropped her smile. "I also heard Misty is now seeing Kicker. She can do so much better than him. She is very nice. I have talked with her a few times. Not the sort I thought would have anything to do with such a clown. Mark my words, he will only mess up that poor girl's life, if she is not careful, and dumps him first."

She went back to smiling as she gave Rumble a quick kiss on the tip of his nose playfully. "He is nothing like the strong and dependable Stud you are, my darling. You at least have a good job, and do well in it. Kicker get's himself in trouble at work, far too often, as far as I am concerned.

"As for him, I don't know how he even has a job, with some of the mischief he causes at work. I don't see how Quick Silver tolerates him. And it would seem poor Misty is clueless about what he is like, and that he could lose his job one day."

Rumble gave a snort. "Oh' scuff them all. As for Chaser you are right, this will blow over in time. He may bark, but he has no teeth to bite with."

He brought his attention back on Hoops. "Son. I mean it. You don't go messing with that yellow filly no more. Or next time I will tan your hide good, as I am sure Amber is getting. Now, go to your room. You have practice in the morning."

Hoops started to head to his room. As he did, Rumble added a few more words. "I will call for you when it is time to eat. Then back to your room you go. I will decide what other punishment you should have later, but you are not to be missing out on flying practice. I will not have you miss out on that, as that yellow failure has. Not my boy."

~~~~~~

Stella and Chaser didn't make Fluttershy go out again for another week. In time they told her she should at least go out to have some fresh air, and not to bother with anyone for now. They wanted her to do more than lay around in the house all day, but they could fully understand her reasons not to talk to any other while out. They did not even suggest that she should. Only to go out and do something more than be at home all the time. And so she did.  

Fluttershy felt at a loss as to what to do with herself. None of the others seemed to like her, or wish to get to know her. And now she is at the point of giving up all together. Her nerves is shot, and she could no longer take the teasing any more. Most she did the past week out, is keep to herself, as she did before talking to Amber and Hoops.

Fluttershy caught the eyes of one light blue filly with a prismatic main. Rainbow Dash saw the teasing Fluttershy was forced to take by the others from the start, and saw Fluttershy still continued to try to make friends just the same.

Dash did not concern herself with Fluttershy at first, much like the others, only because Dash did a lot of flying, and did not wish a pony that didn't, to slow her down any. So she just kept flying by, feeling unconcerned about the shy yellow pegasus that didn't fly.

This changed. The words to her by Hoops about Fluttershy helped change that.

Dash admired this determination she saw in Fluttershy at first to try and make friends, but also felt sorry for this lone filly without a friend.

She knew of Fluttershy's distant past, and had lost a sister two years ago. She also heard of the most recent teasing she got for it by Hoops and Amber. This made Dash angry.

She also felt Fluttershy's parents were very cool. Storm Chasers, both of them. Dash felt like she would like to meet them, and making friend with Fluttershy would kill to birds with one stone, so to speak. She could help one pony who needed it to feel better about herself, and she would get to meet personally some cool flyers. Flyers that are about as cool to her, as getting to see the wonderbolts.

Dash wondered how two bold Storm Chasers would end up with such a shy and lonely filly. Dash knew, after she thought about it more. No wonder she is so shy all the time. She has never had the chance to make any friends till just these past few weeks. And that didn't work for her at all.

Dash felt the need to change this. Dash took it upon herself to make friends with Fluttershy, and soon.

Dash watched Fluttershy for a time. One day she saw Fluttershy way off on her own, just looking up at the sky. Dash though this would be the perfect Moment to make her move. She swooped in silently behind her and landed softly. Next she walked right next to Fluttershy and sat down.

Without looking over to Fluttershy she spoke. "Yea, the sky is great. Is why I spend as much time as I can up there. It's so open and free. It feels so great to just open your wings and be a part of it."

Dash saw Fluttershy had stood up and walked off while she was talking. "Hay!"

Dash saw Fluttershy cringe at her yelling. Dash though best not to get even that vocal with her. Not yet anyway.

She got herself up and walked over to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy didn't turn around or even so much as look at her. She just stood still looking down.

Dash sighed and slowly walked around her to in front of her. "I know you have had it ruff. And I saw you trying to make friends before.

“There is one thing none has done with you though. Try things your way. That is, ask you what you have been asking.

“I would like to change that. So I am asking it now. Would you like to be my friend?"

Fluttershy felt unsure about her. She didn't know anything about Rainbow Dash other than that she is a good flyer, like Amber and Hoops. This made Fluttershy hesitate.

She is wondering if this filly before her, trying to talk to her, is just teasing her too. She felt this is most likely the case. And turned around to walk away.

Dash called out, "Oh' don't be like that. Don't be like them. You are better than that.” 

Fluttershy continued to walk away slowly.

Dash got a little gruff with her words. “Go ahead then, and prove me wrong by walking away. Go ahead and prove to me that you too can be a jerk too, and walk away from someone who is just trying to be your friend. Just like the others have to you."

Fluttershy stopped. Dash's words hurt her. It stung, but in a way that made her think. Does she really want to be my friend? Have I become so self centered, like some of the others. Would I be so willing to treat her the same as I have been treated?

No, I will not do that to her. I know how that disappointment feels like. And if she is telling the truth, what would I really be doing? What would I be walking away from? And if I did walk away, I would never get to know?

Dash gave her time to think over her words, seeing she did stop to consider them.

Fluttershy turned back around and looked at her. Not exactly happy looking, just staring as if still unsure what to think.

Dash saw this as another chance. She smiled broadly at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy took notice. Her mood changed to one of hopefulness. She walked over to Dash. "You really want to be my friend?"

Dash still smiling. "You bet!"

Fluttershy finally smiled back. "OK' then."

Dash sat, and Fluttershy did the same. Dash asked first, "So what now?"

Fluttershy felt confused. "Well, I don't know. I have not had a friend since..." Fluttershy trailed off as she thought about her sister.

Dash saw this, and though she knew what Fluttershy is thinking. So, she tried to change the subject. "How about we take a walk together. I could meet your folks at home, and see how things go from there."

Fluttershy is surprised at this. "You want to meet my parents?"

Dash stood up. "Yea, sure, why not? They are storm chasers, right? That would be so cool to meet storm chasers. Not all weather ponies are storm chasers.

“Sure, most all can handle a few storm clouds. The small ones. But few will take on a tempest, or high wind hurricane, or a massive level 5 tornado, or even a high voltage mega thunderhead! Shooting lightning all over! Only properly trained whether ponies tackle those. But you know all that don't you?"

Fluttershy shook her head.

Dash's jaw dropped. "What do you mean, you don't know? You live with them don't you?"

Fluttershy thought for a moment. "Well, I do know a little about it, I just don't like talking about it with them. Storms scare me, so I don't ask them much about it. I only know that they do handle storms. I just don't know as much about it as you seem to."

Dash thought, Well that is kind of disappointing. Maybe she wouldn't like me talking about it with them. 

Fluttershy Surprised her again. "But seeing that you know so much about it, maybe they would like talking to you about it." She smiled after.

Dash shook her head. Then looked inquisitive. "Really! You wouldn't mind that?"

This time Fluttershy shook her, but slightly. "Well, no. Why would I mind?"

Dash felt confused, "But you just said you didn't like talking about storms."

Fluttershy tilted her head in realization of this. "I did say that, didn't I? Well, I don't mind if it is an interest to you. And maybe I get to learn something more about my own parents. Something I just haven't asked much on till now. So, it would be a good thing, yes?"

Dash thought, Boy she is confusing, but she is no stick in the mud either. Maybe this will work out, getting to know her, and getting to be her friend after all.

Dash took a chance and stepped beside Fluttershy and put a hoof on her shoulder. "You know Fluttershy, you're all right!"

Fluttershy giggled. "You think so? Well, so are you. Come on, let's go and have you meet my parents."

The two walked for a bit as they talked together. They walked slowly, partly to burn time. Stella and Chaser would not be home right away. So, the two has the time to spare, getting to know each other better.

Fluttershy enjoyed opening up to a new friend she felt she could talk to. And Dash seems more than willing to listen.

As the day rolled on the two headed into Fluttershy's home together. Fluttershy Opened the front door. She called, "Mom! Dad! Any of you home!?"

She got no answer. So, she lead Dash into the home to wait together. Dash saw the painting of Celestia in the mane room. "Wow! that is a nice painting."

Fluttershy is glad she is liking her stay, so far. "Oh' yes. I love seeing it myself. It would be so nice to get to see her in person one day. But only those of importance get to see the Princess."

Dash remarked, "Hey! Don't sell yourself so short. Maybe one day you will become someone as important as I intend to be."

Fluttershy had to ask, "What is it you intend to be?"

Dash sat and smiled with pride. "A wonderbolt! of course. Though being a master weather pony like your parents are would be cool as well. But as a wonderbolt I get to be that, and much more. And get to be admired by all for it. Sorry to say but being a storm chaser, though as important as all that is, it's not near as glamorous. And me, I like a crowd."

Fluttershy shivered at that last statement. "Sorry but I don't. You can keep the crowds, if you want them. Though I would not mind being one cheering you on one day either, as you get to be what you want to be."

Dash continued sitting as she thought. "Speaking of what one wants to be. What do you want?"

Fluttershy couldn't think of much. "Oh' I don't know. I like art, and I like fashion. But none seem to strike me as a life interest."

Dash got up, "So, what do you do around here?"

Fluttershy gestured for Dash to follow. "I will show you my room."

Dash is now very curious about this. So she followed her in. As they entered Dash got quite the sight. A room of stuffed animals and such of all sorts. Bunnies, frogs, ladybugs, butterflies, dragons, dogs, cats, bears, ponies, and much, much more.  

A small painting easel is off on one side of the room, with crayon colorings of animals already on it, and some on the walls. And other finished drawings of mare ponies wearing all manner of fine dresses, all on the walls too. None of the drawings is of high quality, but not bad to Dash either, for something made in crayon.

Dash just took in the sight. "You say fashion is not a life interest? So what is? Animals?"

Fluttershy shook her head. "I don't know. I have not been around animals much. Not for a long time, but these here. Even from those times I did see some in person, I hardly remember them.

“These, my sister got me into collecting. I just can't get enough of them. It's like, something about them I must have. Though, I think it is because it reminds me of my sister so much. But I am not sure about that either. She loved them, and well, so do I."

Dash felt this too be a little excessive of a collection, but she couldn't complain. It was just so much too look at. "So, you spend much of your time drawing?"

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes. The animals are not all I have collected though. I got my drawing inspirations from these."

Fluttershy went over to a small file cabinet and opened one door. She pulled out a magazine with ponies showing off dresses. She showed this one to Dash.

Dash looked it over. "Not bad, though I must admit, dresses are not my scene. So what else do you do?"

Fluttershy shook her head, then held it low. "Not much else I am afraid. I do spend time cooking with my mom, and I like to cuddle in my room with her while surrounded with my animals. I also get visits by some of my parent's friends and family. Cloud Kicker, Misty, and Patience visits the most.

“When I am outside, you saw one other thing I like to do. Sit in quiet, and look at the sky."

Dash was about to say something as some commotion came from the living room. Fluttershy exclaimed, "Oh' My parents are home!"

As Fluttershy lead Dash out of her room, back into the living room, they could hear Stella calling. "Fluttershy! are you home, sweetie?"

Fluttershy emerged from around the corner. "Yes, I am home, and I have a surprise."

Stella gasped as she saw Rainbow Dash move around the corner after Fluttershy did.

Chaser is pleasantly surprised as well. "Why, Rainbow Dash! I have not expected to see you."

He thought for a moment on the last time he saw her. "Oh' Sorry about getting in your way earlier. I should have been paying more attention."

Dash waved it off wit a hoof. "No prob. A flyers got to learn to deal with the unexpected right? I could have handled you as an obstacle better myself then. But no harm done. Guess we both could do with a bit more paying attention, Yes." Rainbow Dash finished with a cheeky grin.

Chaser liked her moxy. Friendly, but willing to give as good as she gets. How did Fluttershy manage to get her as a friend I wonder?

Stella wondered the same. "So, Rainbow Dash. How did you two meet?"

Dash held out a hoof. "Please, just call me Dash. And I have been watching Fluttershy for some time now. Only she didn't know it, till now. Seeing that she has not made any other friends, I thought I could fill that gap myself."

Dash was surprised by the name Fluttershy used. "Dashy surprised me at first. But I can see she truly wishes to be my friend now. We may not have much in common yet, but that is something I think we can build on in time."

Dash also felt surprise by the rest of what she had to say. Dash felt unsure if she liked being called Dashy, but liked Fluttershy's view of their future friendship. To Dash, it is something that can use some work, but she also felt, anything worthwhile took some care and time to work on it.

She admired Fluttershy,s conviction to not just recognize their obvious differences, but is willing to see beyond them to something better.

Dash though some more on this. Wow! And to think all the others have no idea just how bold she can be. I like it! Dash smiled to herself for having given Fluttershy a chance, unlike the others.

Fluttershy surprised Dash again as she put a hoof over Dash's back and pulled her closer to her own side. "Dashy here, also wanted very much to meet the both of you in person. She happens to like that you are both storm chasers."

Dash just grinned in response.

Chaser chuckled, and gave Stella a light nudge. "Hear that honey? We are celebrities!"

Stella nudged him back. "Oh' stop. We are not."

She walked over to Dash and Fluttershy, and Fluttershy let go of Dash. Stella looked down to Dash and smiled. "So, you wanted to see storm chasers, did you?"

Dash nodded.

Chaser walked over as well. "Good! You came to the right place then."

Stella had a thought on her hospitality. "Dash. would you like something to drink. We have plenty in the fridge. I also think we have some cookies that Fluttershy and I made as well. Would you like to try them?"

It didn't take Dash long to think on that one. "That would be great! I sure would. What you have to drink?"

Stella thought for a bit. "Well, we have some ice tea. Some Apple juice, orange juice. Some freshly made strawberry and banana smoothies. And-

Dash interrupted. "I will take a smoothy, please!"

Stella nodded. "That will be fine. The two of you go and sit with Chaser, and I will bring out some food."

Time passed as the four of them talked some more. Dash asked questions about their work, as Stella and Chaser was all too pleased to tell her all about it.

Dash got to brag about how good of a flyer she is getting to be, and wished to do great things when she grew up. Being a wonderbolt as top on her list.

Fluttershy talked more about her relationship with her parents. "My dad is just the greatest! He cares so much about me and mom. He does so much for us. He did so much when we..."

Fluttershy trailed off again. Dash wished to change the subject after seeing that. "Fluttershy, you don't need to-"

But Fluttershy cut her off. "No. I am okay. It's been a while since I talked about her, And I want to.

Dash felt the need to just sit and listen. "OK, go ahead."

Fluttershy nodded. "When we lost my sister, mom and I didn't take it all too well. Mom mostly. And Dad took care of us both. And I… I did what I could to comfort my mom as best I could.

“We all hurt over losing her though. Dad stayed strong for us through it all, even though I know he misses her just as much."

Fluttershy looked as if she was going to tear up but held herself back from doing do.

Though to Dash, she didn't know either one of the two sisters. And Fluttershy spoke of the one she has been trying to replace, for Stella mostly, instead of talking about the one everyone else thought was taken. "Oh' you should have seen her Dashy. She seemed to smile all the time. She loved to know me as how I really am."

Fluttershy paused, thinking she might have said too much on that subject. She did her best to avert what she might have almost revealed to Dash. "You, know, it is hard to truly be one's self around others. My sister loved me for who I am, not for what others may want me to be, or think I should be. She had so much life to her as well. We all loved her for it."

Fluttershy turned to look at Stella. "And when she was gone, we each did our best to help each other through the hurt."

She looked back to Dash. "Mom and I became so close after. There was times I did wish for time alone, but... I could not stand seeing my mom wanting me at her side, and I felt it was my place to be there for her, as dad has been for both of us.

“I can't tell you how much I appreciate both my parents for all they did for me in return. Both then, and now."

Fluttershy sighed. "I had only wished to be, what they had most need of me to be. My mom and I spent much time quiet with each other, just enjoying the feeling of the other there. We thought it might heal our pain of losing my sister. It was a comfort, yes. But it was not enough. I could not help her like I thought I could, and I so much wish I could."

Fluttershy next turned to her father. "My dad got us to see what we really needed. And that is to move on, and live. And I think My sister would want us to as well. I know she would."  

Fluttershy looked back to Dash. Dash felt in awe of her. Dash could see Fluttershy loves her own parents very much, but what Fluttershy described seemed like Stella and Fluttershy has such a strong bond with each other. Dash actually felt touched to know such a bond could be felt by the two.

Dash looked over at Fluttershy. Could one pony feel so strongly about another? This, here, is the kind of pony others have turned away for just looking awkward to them? How could anypony even so much as dislike someone like this?

She also has a strong connection with her father as well. Like a hero to her.

Dash for a moment felt shaky inside to be sitting next to one who could express such love for another as she did for her parents, and late sister. Dash was beside herself, not knowing how to respond.

Fluttershy could see Dash looking uneasy. "Dashy, it's okay. We have learned to move on. But we also have grown stronger as a family during that time as well.

“Please, don't feel sorry for us or anything. If anything, you have helped me a lot, just by coming here today. And I am glad to be able to share some of my past with you. I haven't been able to do that with anyone else. But somehow, by how you got to me earlier, I felt I can trust sharing what we have been through with you."

Fluttershy surprised Dash again as she moved and gave Dash a big hug. "Thank you for being my friend Dashy."

Dash again didn't know how to respond. What have I gotten myself into?

~~~~~~

As the days rolled on the two stayed friends after. Dash split her time between practice and time with Fluttershy. Though even during her practice, Fluttershy was there watching.

Even though Fluttershy did get to see most of what Dash has been improving on, Dash loved sitting at Fluttershy's side bragging about it. Fluttershy enjoyed Dash's enthusiasm. And Dash enjoyed having a fan who liked watching her show off. It also got Dash trying harder, with another around she could try and impress. And get better she did.

All this watching of Dash flying around got Fluttershy wanting to give it a go, again herself.

One fateful day, Dash saw Fluttershy being teased again for trying to fly, and failing once more. Dash was sick of this teasing. I am sure she can fly. No, I know she can fly. She won't fly because she doesn't have enough confidence in herself. I got to do something about this! 

Dash flew down to defend her friend. She set a challenge to the others who were teasing Fluttershy at that moment. It is Hoops and his colt buds. Dash wanted a chance to show them up, to show they are not so great either. And get Hoops back personally for teasing both of them for so long.

Dash didn’t care so much if Hoops teased her. It only made Dash wish to try harder. But to see him teas one of her friends, really vexed her.

~~~~~~

The challenge was made. This made news. A formal race is always a welcome site to be seen among the pegasi. Even if such a challenge was made by one of their young. Many gathered to watch the very next day.

The many parents came to watch as well. Stella and Chaser felt great that Rainbow Dash is willing to do this challenge for Fluttershy. They both gave Dash their best wishes for a good race. Chaser personally wished Dash to win.

Seeing Rumble had not done much to Discourage his son from continuing to tees Fluttershy. Chaser has been very close to doing something more himself about it. But he felt if Dash could win, it just might be just the humiliation Hoops deserved, and might put him in his place.

Chaser, as a few others, so much wanted to see Rainbow Dash win too.

Rumble on the other hoof, felt confident his son would win. He saw his son as a champ, and better than Rainbow Dash. He smiled to himself as he sat to watch his son show his stuff.

Dash psyched herself up as her friend stood at the ready with the starting flag. Fluttershy is feeling extra excited for once.

She loved the chance to see her new friend Rainbow Dash race like this. She felt her friend could win this.

Everyone is excited. The racers looked ready and Fluttershy waved the flag to send them off.

In the rush, something went wrong. As the racers passed, Fluttershy was caught in the tail wind. She was spun around quickly, and lost her balance. Every one else, even her parents that is watching, is all now too focused on the flyers, to see Fluttershy fall.

Fluttershy fell with none to help her. She fell for a while fearing the worst. She felt so scared, she did not even consider flying herself, she just fell.

Much to her surprise she is saved. Not just saved but found herself surrounded by such colorful flying little butterflies. Live butterflies. These bugs as she looked around more was not the only thing filled with such color. All around her she saw such wonderment she didn't know existed together like this.

She knew a little from books and stories, it is quite a different experience for her to see it like this in person.

This place was so fantastic to her, she could not help but sing.

As she did, she saw so much more of the place. Little critters of all sorts, as well as birds, and more colorful bugs. It was all enough that she completely forgot all her fears. She floated in the air like a true pegasus for the first time without even trying. She didn't even notice that she was flying. She just was.

As she rested herself in one spot she felt she found a home. She got so much attention by these things around her, she felt she would never leave.

In the distance she was startled by a big bang off in the distance. All the critters around her scattered. She looked up to see where the bang came from. It came from Cloudsdale. She saw a rainbow halo emit high above. She knew a rainbow itself was not dangerous.

She looked around the place to see the critters hiding in fear from the bang. She wished to help them to not be afraid. She moved along trying to encourage as many as she could out from hiding. As she settled down with them again, she saw a glow come from her flank. She looked as it formed three butterflies.

She did not know what this fully meant at the time, but she liked them. She knew she got her cutie mark. And it was all due to finding this place.

~~~~~~

Sometime after the race had finished, everyone moved on. Fluttershy's parents looked about but could not find Fluttershy. She was no longer standing on the cloud she was on. Both panicked. Stella was in a frenzy. She yelled, "No! Not again. I can't lose another one!"

Chaser suggested, "Perhaps she fell. She can't fly. If she did fall, she might be seriously hurt. She will need our help."

Stella without saying a word felt it best to look below first if she did fall, as Chaser suggested. She took off quickly, and Chaser followed right behind.

They both got to the ground. They saw Fluttershy sitting safely, and not alone.

Both of them approached her. The critters scattered again. Fluttershy leaped into the air looking about as she watched them leave her.

She floated right towards her parents after she noticed them.

Stella and Chaser was shocked. Fluttershy landed before them and smiled. Stella was the first to speak. "Fluttershy! What is going on?"

Fluttershy didn't know what to say at first.

Chaser saw Fluttershy's cutie mark. "Wow! Fluttershy, you got your cutie mark."

Fluttershy turned to look at it, then turned back to them again. "Why, yes I did."

Stella looked at her in disbelief. "But, Fluttershy, you're, you're... I guess this make you a pony like us after all. But what happened to you? You were flying just now."

Fluttershy stood in thought. I don't know. I fell, then I was saved by these colorful butterflies. The same things I got as a cutie mark. I don't know what it is about this place, but I feel free and happy here. I never want to leave.

Stella is happy to find Fluttershy is okay, and not hurt any, but she did not like this talk about not leaving. "You can't stay. You have to come back home with us."

Fluttershy was not happy herself at with that statement. "Why? They don't like me up there. After weeks of trying, I only made one friend. The rest are mean. I get teased a lot. You want me to go back to that? I like it here. Please don't make me leave."

Stella didn't know what to say. Fluttershy was pleading with her again. This was something Stella had a hard time saying no to.

Chaser put a hoof on Stella's back. "Stella, honey, she is not happy up there. She comes home crying on most days.

“She ends up here, and what do we find? We find her smiling and happy. She was surrounded by others that makes her happy. Even if they are not ponies.

“But if you stop to think about it, neither is she. We have been trying to make her fit in as if she is one of us, and she hasn't. And I am not all to sure she ever will."

Stella just stood and thought on this as he talked.

Chaser gestured to Fluttershy's flank. "Look what else we find. We find her with a cutie mark of her own. None of us thought she would ever get one. Last of all, we find her flying. Now think. When was the last time we ever saw her fly? Even a little?"

Stella still just stood there. "But, what about her and Dash? She just made friends with her?"

Chaser leaned in closer to Stella. "Stella, do you really wish to take her from all this, just to put her right back with that teasing again? Do you wish to see her happy, or crying again? Let it go. For her sake.

“Dash will be fine. It's not like they will never be able to see each other again."

Chaser saw Stella's resolve melting, so he pushed a little more. "You saw her surrounded by many, right? She fits in here. She might never fit in up there. And seeing that she has found herself happy here, it would be cruel to force her to stay up there any longer."

Stella finally nodded. "OK' You're right."

Stella sat down and opened her front hoofs to Fluttershy. "Come here sweetie."

Fluttershy smiled and went to her mother. The two hugged as Stella spoke. "You can stay. I won't make you leave. We can come down to visit any time, and we will.

“There is also a town near by. Ponyville. You can try and make friends with some of them who live there. They are nice there. You should see them some time. Maybe they can help you when you need it."

Fluttershy felt the love she always liked coming from Stella. It made her feel strong and better. "Thank you mom. When I feel up to it, maybe I will visit this Ponyville. But not right now. I am so glad you are letting me stay."

Stella stroked her back. "Sweetie, I am sorry life didn't work out for you up there with us. We tried to do our best for you.

“We are not just going to leave you though. We will head back and bring some help. We can set you up with a home of your own here. A quiet place you can call your own."

Fluttershy held her tighter. "I know you did mom. And I will always be grateful to you both for it. I love you both. And thank you for offering to help me make a home here. I can't wait to see you both come back, when you do."

Stella let go after a while. She stood up as Fluttershy did. "We will leave you here to get acquainted with you new friends again. We didn't mean to scare them off."

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh' that's okay. I am sure they will understand once I explain it to them."

At this both parents felt confused. Chaser asked, "What do you mean by, explain? You have talked to them?"

Fluttershy continued to smile. "Oh' yes. Well, sort of. They listen to me very well."

Stella asked, "And you understand them?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I think so. Yes, I do."

At this Stella and Chaser was at a loss for words. They assumed it possibly has something to do with her being a changeling, even though she has not taken that form in years. They both still know what she is.

They both moved in to give her one last hug before flying off. Chaser said, "Take care of yourself. We will miss you till we see you again. We will be back soon with some others. We will fix you up with some place nice, and near Ponyville."

They let go and gave Fluttershy one last wave good bye, then took off. Fluttershy watched them go, leaving her behind. 

Despite feeling sorry to see them go, she wanted this. She did not want to go back up there. She thought of the few she did know. Patience she got to know very well. She never forget Kicker and Misty. Then there is Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy thought, I wonder what she is doing right now. 

She floated back into the air as she looked about for her other new little friends. It did not take long before she has another gathering of them. With them sitting in silence with her, she felt happy.

~~~~~~

The next day Stella heard a knock at the door. The knock was not all too loud. It couldn't be Patience. She is not due for a few more days. And it couldn't be Kicker. He doesn't knock that lightly. She went to the door to find out who it could be.  

Stella opened the door to find a familiar light blue filly with a prismatic main and tail. "Why hello Rainbow Dash. It's nice to see you again. Come on in." Stella let Dash inside.

Dash looked around but didn't see Fluttershy. So she asked Stella about her. "Is Fluttershy home?"

Stella shook her head. "I’m sorry I didn't tell you yet, she doesn't live here anymore."

Dash is instantly confused. "What do you mean? Where is she? What happened to her? Did she run away? She was with us just the other day. But I had not seen her since."

Stella decided to explain. "She was not happy here Dash. I think you know that. She never felt like she fit in up here. You, so far has been her only friend of her age, in a couple of years.

“You did make her quite happy with doing that. But she found a place nearby she feels comfortable living. A spot near the town of Ponyville. She will not be completely alone, she has those in Ponyville she can go to if she needs to. Chaser and I will also try and visit her often, in her new home we helped make for her."

Dash did not look happy about this. "Well, you are going to have to show me where, because I intend to visit her often as well. I liked her, and she seems like she could use a friend. And I still intend to be that for her. So, you let me know when you both go down to see her. OK?"

Stella noded with a smile. "OK, Rainbow Dash. We will do that. And I like the idea of her having at least one pony friend she can count on to see her.

“I don't like the thought of her cutting herself off from having some pony friends. Mostly any her own age, do to a few bad experiences."

Stella sat as she continued to talk. "She has those in Ponyville, like I said, but she does not know any of them yet. I am not sure when she will.

“I am quite sure she would like to see you again though. And I think she would be pleased to know you won the race. But I will let you tell her all about that yourself, when you get to see her again."