Here's the latest one-shot, and we're giving some focus on a portion of Vincent's and Fictionary's past, and it gives some development to Watermelody as a character. Keep an eye our for Beatles references!

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Liverhoof Eight

Written by Zack Wanzer and James Riddle

Watermelody had settled nicely in Ponyville; for the past several weeks, she'd been taking care of Fluttershy's nephew Butterscotch because he'd been living with an abusive father, Scattered Marbles, Fluttershy's older brother.

One November morning, she and Vincent were walking on the streets catching up with what had happened since he and Fictionary had left Liverhoof.

"…I was quite saddened at having to lose my job," Watermelody was saying, "but I knew you just can't argue with the boss."

"It's terrible that you lost your job like that," said Vincent, "but still, at least you left your job on a fairly good note, right? I mean, if you hadn't lost your job, Butterscotch would probably have been sent to an orphanage."

Before she could reply, Watermelody bumped straight into a yellow unicorn stallion named Comet Tail, both falling to the ground.

"Oh! Careful, miss!" he cried.

"Sorry," apologized Watermelody as Vincent helped her back up, "I wasn't watching where I was going!"

"Nor was I," remarked Comet Tail, standing up and dusting himself off. "Oh, hey there, Vincent."

"Morning, Comet Tail," said Vincent, "Comet, meet Watermelody. She's an old friend of mine from Liverhoof."

"Well, in that case, pleased to make your acquaintance, Watermelody," said Comet Tail, shaking hooves with the pinkish gray Pegasus.

"Likewise," said Watermelody.

"Say, I haven't seen ya for a while, Vince," said Comet Tail, "what's been happening?"

"Long story," said Vincent, "let's say it involved an abusive father who was also brother to Fluttershy, he bullied his nephew, and he ended up in jail for it whilst his nephew was taken under the care of Watermelody."

"Oh, you're talking about Scattered Marbles, correct?"

Vincent and Watermelody nodded.

"Yeah, I read about it in the papers," said Comet Tail, "seriously, who would be that sick to bully his own son just for being the cause of his mother's death? Even my siblings wouldn't be that cruel to me..." He said that last part with a mutter. "Oh, and by the way," he continued, "if you're asking, I heard about you adopting Butterscotch from Thunderlane, who heard about it from Rumble."

"You must have quite the memory," commented Watermelody.

"Ah, it's just a knack of mine," said Comet Tail modestly, "say, Vince, why didn't ya mention her to me or the boys?"

"I guess none of you asked me if I had any friends in Liverhoof," replied the yellow Pegasus stallion.

"We didn't? I thought we had."

"Well, I suppose now would be a good time to tell you everything, isn't it?" remarked Vincent, "It was about two years before Fictionary and I came to Ponyville…"

---

We were aboard the morning train from Las Pegasus to Liverhoof, a city far north from Ponyville. By this stage, Fictionary had not yet obtained her cutie mark and I was still trying to hide from a dark, tragic past. We were leaving Las Pegasus because at the time, I was engaged to a mare, but the night before the wedding, she had been found dead in her room. I was so distraught at her death that I wanted to avoid bad memories, at least in my mind.

Presently, my thoughts were disrupted when there was the screeching of brakes as the engine came to a stop at Liverhoof railway station.

"Well, Fictionary," I said to my little sister, "it looks like we've made it."

Soon our luggage was unloaded and we set off to the Liverhoof City Center to find an apartment building.

"I hope we can find one that's not too expensive," said Fictionary.

"I'm hoping the same thing," I said, "I mean, the rent was really high in Las Pegasus!"

I was so busy speaking with Fictionary that I didn't watch where I was going and bumped into somepony.

"Oh!" I heard a female voice cry out, "Careful, please, sir!"

I looked and saw that I'd bumped straight into a female Pegasus. She picked up the dark red beret that was on the ground and put it back on her head.

"Er, my apologies, miss," I said sheepishly.

"Oh no, that's alright," she giggled, "I wasn't watching where I was going either! Haha, how silly of me. My name's Watermelody, by the way."

"Well, my name is Vincent van Colt," I said politely, "and this is my little sister Fictionary."

"Hiya!" she said in her usual, eager-to-meet-you manner.

"Aw, what an adorable filly!" Watermelody squealed. Fictionary beamed at this compliment.

"We were looking for an apartment to stay at," I said, "specifically, one that's cheap."

"Well, you can live in mine," offered Watermelody.

"Seriously?" I said in surprise, "I dunno about living with somepony I just met."

"She seems nice," said Fictionary.

"Well, if you're not that comfortable staying with me," said Watermelody, "there's another apartment next door to mine."

"It's available for rent, right?" I asked hopefully.

"Of course," said Watermelody, "would you like me to lead you to where I live?"

"Lead the way," I said, and with that, Fictionary and I followed Watermelody to where she was taking us.

---

"So what brings you to Liverhoof?" she asked us.

"It's a long story," I said, "and not a really happy one either. You see, we used to live in Fillydelphia when we were little. It was alright life, but then our parents died in a cart crash."

"That's horrible," remarked Watermelody.

"Yeah, and since then, it's been just me and little Fictionary," I replied, "our parents aren't the only ones I lost; I had three fillyfriends, all from different times, more or less. The first one broke up with me because the second one stole me from her and made me look dishonest. After that, I broke up with number two and never spoke to her again. After some traveling across Equestria, Fictionary and I eventually arrived in Las Pegasus, where I met number three. I got on well with her and even asked her to marry me, to which she said yes."

"What happened with her?" asked Watermelody.

"On the day of the wedding," I said, trying to maintain composure, "she was found dead in her room. Police even suspected she'd committed suicide… at least, that's what I heard."

"How awful!" gasped Watermelody, "Why would anypony take their own life?"

"Who knows? Last I saw her, she was happy. After that, with too many memories, Fictionary and I left Las Pegasus, and here we are."

Watermelody felt very sorry for both me and Fictionary. "I'm very sorry to hear all of that," she said, "it must have been terrible."

"Yes, it was," I sighed, "but enough about me; what about you? Have you been living here for a long time?"

"I came with my dad a few years ago," said Watermelody, "I was born in Swincolt, you see, and we didn't have a lot of money, so the cheapest we could find was an apartment. Dad got a job on the railway to bring in a little extra money. He works as a porter, ya know, handling the luggage for all passengers."

"Do you always talk this much?" I asked.

"Not particularly, no," she replied, "I wouldn't say that. I just enjoy a good chat sometimes with me friends."

"I can see that," I said with a chuckle.

---

Eventually, we arrived at the apartment building.

"The room for rent is the one after 909, my number," Watermelody explained.

"Thank you kindly," I said.

"If you need anything else, just knock on my door," said Watermelody.

Before I could reply, Watermelody wrapped her hooves around me in a hug. That caused me to blush a little bit. Fictionary giggled at the sight.

"Looks like somepony has a crush on you," she teased.

"I hardly even know her," I retorted, "how can she have a crush on me that soon?"

---

For the next few months while living in room 910, I settled in very nicely and there were few changes here and there. For instance, I was able to afford glasses as my eyes were bad. As my mane was quite shaggy, I went for a new look and came out with a Beatrot manecut, which I've had since. I even began picking up the Liverhoofian accent.

"Hey, lookin' good there, mate!" said a stallion as I trotted by the Cavern Colt.

"Diggin' the new look," said another. A couple of mares even winked at me and gave me their phone numbers. Watermelody and Fictionary were surprised when they saw me.

"Well? How do I look?" I said.

"You look great!" cried Fictionary.

"Like a brand new stallion," added Watermelody, "almost like John Gallop came back from the dead."

"Ah, thanks," I said modestly.

"How about we go out to lunch?" offered Watermelody, "It's on me."

"Sure, why not?" I said, "Where to?"

"I know a small diner down the street," said Watermelody.

"Would you like to come with, Fictionary?" I asked my little sister.

"Is the sky blue as my fur?" she asked, grinning.

"I'll take it as a yes," said Watermelody.

---

So, the three of us went down to the diner Watermelody was talking about. It was called the Hoofover Café.

"Looks rather nice," I said upon entering.

"Good afternoon," said the host, "how many and will it be a table or a bar?"

"Table for three, please," said Watermelody.

The host then took us to our seats and left us to decide what to order. After a few seconds, our waitress came up. She was a very pale cerulean unicorn mare with a moderate magenta mane and tail with moderate fuchsia streaks, moderate orchid eyes, and her cutie mark was three peppermints.

"Good afternoon," she said, "my name is Waitress and I'll be your Mystery Mint for the day."

"I think you got it mixed up again, Mystery," chuckled Watermelody.

"Sorry, habit of force to me," our waitress – Mystery Mint – giggled.

"Do you two know each other?" asked Fictionary.

"Sure do," said Watermelody, "Mystery Mint and I met when I first came here. Mystery," she went on, "I'd like you to meet my new friends Vincent van Colt and his sister Fictionary."

"Hello, Miss Mint," I said politely.

"Hiya!" said Fictionary cheerfully.

"It's nice to meet you," said Mystery Mint, "what'll ya have then?"

"I'll have a grilled cheese sandwich, please," I said.

"I'll have a small oat burger," said Watermelody.

"An order of fries for me, please," said Fictionary.

"Coming right up," said Mystery Mint, and with that, she trotted off to the kitchen.

"It's sure nice here," I commented, "ever consider working here, Watermelody?"

"Mystery tells me that a lot," she replied, "and to be honest, I never really gave it much thought until now."

Pretty soon, Mystery Mint came back out with our food.

"Here's your meals," she said, placing the orders on the table. Each of us said thank you as they were placed in front of us.

"So, Watermelody," said Mystery Mint, "interested in working here yet?"

"I think ya should," I told the pinkish gray Pegasus.

"It would be fun," added Fictionary.

"Well," said Watermelody, "oh, alright. I'll give it a go."

"Good to hear," said Mystery Mint, "I'll get you an application when you ask for the bill."

As soon as our meals were done, Mystery Mint brought our bill along with an application for a job to Watermelody.

"Here ya go," she said, "just fill it out, turn it in, and we'll see if the boss will give you a chance."

"Thanks, Mystery," said Watermelody. After a few minutes, she had finished filling out the job application, and as we left, she gave it to Mystery Mint.

"I really hope they'll give me a chance," she said.

---

The following morning, as Fictionary and I were having breakfast, there was a knock on the door.

"You can come in," I called, "the door's unlocked."

The door opened and in came a rather excited Watermelody.

"I've got the job!" she said happily.

"Hooray for you!" said Fictionary.

"Congratulations," I said.

"Let's go out for ice cream to celebrate," said Watermelody.

---

We soon came to a small ice cream stand around the corner.

"What'll it be?" asked the ice cream vendor.

"I'd like a scoop of chocolate, please," said Watermelody.

"Strawberry for me," said Fictionary.

"And I'd like Neapolitan, please," I said.

"That'll be three bits," said the vendor. As Watermelody shoveled round in her purse for the money, it fell to the ground.

"Whoops," she said, reaching for the coins.

"I'll get them," I offered, reaching as well. Her hoof got to the coins, and my hoof to hers.

"Oops," I said hastily, pulling my hoof back, "sorry about that."

Watermelody then got the money up and paid the vendor, but she held the hoof I'd touched while blushing slightly. With that, we sat down at a bench and began enjoying our ice creams.

"You know," I said, "what's good about Neapolitan is that it's three of one's favorite flavors in one scoop. Rather fascinating."

"What do you think, Watermelody?" asked Fictionary.

The pinkish gray Pegasus didn't reply; in fact, she was lost in her thoughts!

"Er, Mel?" I asked, "You alright?" This caught her attention.

"Huh? What?" she asked, and then turned to face me, "Oh, sorry, Vince; just in thought is all."

"About what?"

"Er, nothing too important," she said quickly.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Perfectly," said Watermelody. I couldn't help but feel as though there was something with her that she wasn't telling us.

---

When we got home, Fictionary could see that something was on my mind as well.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Did you notice how Watermelody was acting?" I asked.

"Not exactly," Fictionary admitted, "I was admiring the scenery. Why?"

"Well," I said, "when she and I reached for the fallen bits earlier, I accidentally held he hoof, and I think she might have blushed."

"I think I know what it is," said Fictionary in a sing-song voice.

"What are you talking about?"

"I think Watermelody has a crush on you," Fictionary giggled.

That caused my wings to spring open, and my face went a red as an express locomotive.

"W-what?!" I asked in surprise.

"Didn't you notice the little hints?" Fictionary asked.

"What hints?"

"Well, when we first came here, she hugged you," Fictionary began, "then she took us out for lunch, and there was the incident with the hoof holding and her blush. Plus, there's her doing some thinking. I guess she's trying to think of how she can confess her feelings to you."

"That's… erm, thoughtful of her," I said, "but then, do bear in mind that the last two relationships I was in ended badly. If were in a relationship, I don't want Watermelody to get hurt or worse!"

"You don't want to hurt her feelings, do you?" asked Fictionary.

"Nothing of the sort!" I exclaimed in surprise, "I want to keep friendship with her, you understand, but if she and I were an item…" I said no more, and even Fictionary conceded she knew what I meant.

---

Vincent returned his attention to his surroundings.

"I remember that day as well," Watermelody told Vincent, "and I completely understood why you didn't want to engage in a relationship."

"I was much too afraid about something bad happening to you," said Vincent, "I felt like I was cursed or something."

"But you're far from it," said Watermelody.

"What do you mean?" asked Vincent.

"Would somepony cursed have been able to take care of his little sister for so long without his parents?" asked Watermelody.

"No, I suppose not," conceded Vincent.

"I was rather heartbroken when you and Fictionary left before I got home from work," said Watermelody.

"I'm sorry, Watermelody," said Vincent, "but we had to go. Liverhoof was a nice place, but even it just didn't feel like home to us."

"Did you at least leave her a goodbye letter explaining to her why you were leaving?" asked Comet Tail.

"Yes, I had," said Vincent, "noticing she wasn't home, I took the time to write out a letter and taped it to her door."

"When I got home," continued Watermelody, "I read the note and felt sad to lose my dearest friends. Not long after, my father died and I began struggling to make ends meet."

"And that's when you lost your job and I wrote to you convincing you to come to Ponyville and adopt Butterscotch," said Vincent.

"So I guess it was some sort of blessing in disguise," remarked Comet Tail, "perhaps Celestia has these things happening for the right reasons…"

"Perhaps she does," said Vincent. He then looked towards the sky. "If things happen for a reason," he said to himself, "then why do I feel like somepony is out there wanting to get me? Whoever it might be, I won't let them hurt my friends or my little sister…"

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And that one-shot concludes volume one to Royals, Friends and Lovers. But wait - there's more! An epilogue. Expect that very shortly.