The ship nuzzled up to the Manehattan docks as if felt particularly fond of them. A cheer went up from its decks, and the cheer was echoed on the shore.
Appearances could be deceiving. In its day, the ‘Jolly Galloper’ had been most unwelcome at the Manehattan seaport, for its habit of disgorging pirates to rob the place. But the ‘Galloper’ had belonged to Kabochaebi… and for years now, its visits to ports all over Equestria had been peaceful and benevolent. Continue reading
“Whoa!” squeaked Pinkie. “Hey, Fluttershy, form up! I think we can take her!” Continue reading
“Maybe if I can peek for just one moment?” said Hina fretfully. “Surely I can do these things! I must try again.” Continue reading
The ponies, both unicorn and alicorn, fretted before the last magic portal. They’d made it all the way to Camelu, where the last jump awaited. Unfortunately, so did Neighpon Customs.
“How long are they going to make us wait here?” demanded Twilight. She pouted. “It’s a diplomatic insult!” Continue reading
Twilight pouted, refusing to be soothed. Continue reading
Just across the hallway of the cozy little pony house, the atmosphere of chaotically strewn records, stained futon and pristinely polished turntables gave way to an empty room with splendidly polished floor and no clutter at all. Instead, the room held a single cello and its counterpart, the equally curvaceous Octavia. Her trim little collar lay on the floor beside the industriously coupling musical pair, for Octavia sought inspiration and she’d let her mane down and gotten naked, the better to grapple with her musical challenges. Continue reading
The shiny magic bit sat mockingly on the floor.
Fluttershy and Zecora sat on either side of it, each pouting more than the other. Continue reading
“Aren’t you listening?” accused Fluttershy. “She hurts bunnies!”
She trailed off, seeing the look in Princess Celestia’s eyes. Continue reading
Gilda peered fretfully at the ominous device. “So… what the heck is that?”
Twilight smiled brightly, perhaps too brightly for such an early morning hour. “Measurements. I’ve adapted it from an earlier experiment. Trixie says she got a feel for what was happening, last night.”
The griffin’s expression was nervous. “Oh, she got a feel all right,” she said, and then as Twilight approached her, she squawked “Not so fast!”
Twilight, rebuffed, blinked. “Why would it matter if I do this fast or slow?”
“Well,” said Gilda grudgingly, “okay. You can’t say I don’t cooperate. Just… can you at least tell me where you’re going to insert it?” Continue reading
Gilda’s birdlike talons wrapped a little closer, protectively. She peered to and fro, uncertain.
Cuddled in those bony, furless arms, Northern Spy nestled against Gilda’s feathery chest. Her wide, fillyish eyes explored everything she could see, and there was a lot to see.
Beakers bubbled. Retorts burbled. Vile foamy liquids went ‘blurp’ ominously.
Twilight Sparkle, clad in a long white lab coat and her mane madly disheveled, beamed toothily at her test subjects. “Welcome to my other secret basement! I promise you probably have nothing to worry about!” Continue reading
Twilight Sparkle stamped a forehoof. “You come out from under that bed, Fluttershy!”
“Won’t!” sobbed the distraught vampegasus. Continue reading
“Is this awesome or what?” said Northern Spy. “Now come over here and let me do you. We’re a team!”
Rock Candy’s eyes were very wide. He trembled, and he didn’t move the slightest bit toward eager Spy, the newly Fanged Streak. Continue reading
The drapes were luxurious in the Diplomacy Suite, sumptuous and brocaded. Trixie eyed them speculatively.
“Nice, huh?” said Twilight. “This is for visiting dignitaries. When I was growing up here, Princess Celestia wouldn’t let me play in this room, even when nopony was using it.” Continue reading
“Wait, Rainbow, start over,” said Twilight. “Slow down. Gilda’s back? Does anypony know that? The last time she was in town we nearly had a riot! Rarity got trampled trying to protect Derpy Hooves!”
“She’s not really in town!” said Rainbow Dash. “I told you! She was in the Everfree Forest, lurking around trying to get some hot pony action! And that’s not the craziest part, either!”
Twilight was blinking rapidly as thoughts raced through her head. “I suppose the Everfree Forest might be an appropriate place for Gilda…”
“She’s in love with Fluttershy!” Continue reading
“So,” said Spike. “How’s our good little not-doing-crazy-stuff unicorns today?”
Twilight cackled. Spike’s face fell. Continue reading
“Oh, no, I quite understand, Twilight,” said Princess Celestia, ruffling her wings nervously.
Twilight Sparkle lifted an eyebrow. “Do you?” Continue reading