Chapter 7

Ponyville, en route to Fluttershy’s cottage

Molestia hummed to herself, feeling good about making amends with Rarity. As promised, the alicorn composed a letter to Luna inquiring about her night guard captain. She was on her way to Fluttershy’s house for a visit and a bit of a request as well. Molly was well on her way towards the outskirts of town when something soft and squishy collided with her face. Momentarily stunned, the alicorn tried to get her bearings but only to find the same soft and squishy sensation on her face. She tried to speak but found that her speech was too muffled to make any sense; however it did serve to make the squishy sensation go away with a surprised squeak.

Molestia finally recovered her sight to find a very embarrassed looking grey pegasus mare staring back at her. The pegasus was positively adorable with her blonde mane and gold eyes, even though they were walled. A giant mailbag was wrapped around her shoulder.

“I’m sorry your highness I just don’t know what went wrong!”

“It’s fine dear, accidents happen. You probably overloaded your mailbag, thus throwing off your balance a bit…an honest mistake.”

“I feel really bad about it, I mean it’s a crime to injure the princess.”

The mailmare’s eyes started to water. “Oh no no no! Don’t cry, please. I forgive you…erm I’m sorry but I can’t seem to remember your name dear.”

“My name is…Derpy Hooves, your majesty.”

“Ah yes I remember now! You’re the local mailmare for Ponyville. Nice to meet you Derpy, I’m Molestia but you may call me Molly.”

Derpy scrunched her snout. “Umm don’t you mean Celestia?”

“No, I mean Molly. I’m not Celestia you see. I’m basically her sister. It’s why I have a purple mane.”

“Yeah I was wondering about that. Oh I see you have a letter. Do you want me to deliver it?”

“Why yes dear, that would be quite helpful. Thank you.”

Derpy saluted. “No problem Ma’am! Say I still feel bad about running into you, so I’d like to give you an apology gift.”

“Oh and what would that be?”

“How would you like to taste my muffin?”

Molly drooled a bit. “Well I bet you have a very tasty muffin Derpy.”

Derpy nodded. “You bet!”

Molly continued to leer but before she could move another step, Derpy shoved a cranberry muffin into her mouth. Her eyes flashed with surprise but she took a bite of the muffin and found that it was quite delicious.

“Hmm you weren’t kidding the muffin is delectable…although it was not quite the muffin I had in mind.”

Derpy smiled. “You mean you wanted another kind?”

“You…could say that.”

“Ok, I’ll make sure to bring some other flavors the next time. See ya Molly!”

Molly waved to Derpy as she bolted off to her next delivery site. “Such an innocent mare, but that’s what makes her soooo charming. Not to mention she had such a wonderfully soft plot.”

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Fluttershy’s Cottage, on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest

It was just about lunch time and Shy was busy making Angel Bunny’s meal. He was extremely picky eater most of the time and today was no exception. The buttery pegasus sighed, hoping that someday the little white rabbit would come to appreciate the food she provided for him. She was just about to put the carrots in when the little rascal appeared in front of her, thumping his foot.

“Now be patient Angel, it takes time to make your special salad.”

Angel crossed his arms and stuck his tongue out, then pointed to a wall clock.

“I know you’re hungry but the other animals had to eat as well. Since your lunch takes the longest to make, I had to make it last. If you don’t want to wait so long to eat, then you shouldn’t be so picky.”

Fluttershy finally finished up his salad and the rabbit happily started chowing down on it without a second thought. Once he was finished Angel hopped over to Shy and hugged her leg.

“You’re welcome Angel. If you don’t mind, I need to get some birdseed.”

Angel nodded and hopped away to do whatever it is that rabbits do.

Shy trotted into her store-room where she kept dry goods such as flour, spices, and birdseed. She knew her feathered friends were hungry but they didn’t eat as much as the mammals did, so it wasn’t as important to feed them on a strict schedule. She was hauling a big bag of sunflower seeds when she heard a knock on the door. Shy hobbled over to the door cautiously, since she wasn’t expecting any visitors today.

“Hello dear, it’s Molly. I’ve come for a visit. Are you in there?”

Fluttershy squeaked in surprise, nearly dropping the bag of seeds.

“Did I just hear a squeak? Oh good you must be home. Do you mind if I come in?”

“Umm no…Fluttershy isn’t here right now so go away…if you don’t mind.”

Molly laughed. “Nonsense dear, you just spoke to me. Now why must you be so difficult?”

“I…ok I am here right now but I don’t want to open the door.”

“Why not, do you…hate me?”

“No, I don’t hate you…it’s just well I’m embarrassed.”

“Whatever for dear?”

“Well umm after what happened earlier with my…flank *eep*.”

“Oh is that all? Ha ha ha! Don’t be embarrassed you just happened to enjoy my massage is all. I dare say that many ponies in your position would have had a similar reaction.”

“Oh…my.”

“Oh my indeed, little buttercup. I was over at your friend Rarity’s earlier making amends for a mistake I made, and I thought that I might offer you an apology as well.”

“You are?”

“Yes, as you said what I did to you might have been a bit embarrassing. So…I’m sorry I embarrassed you." I can’t very well tell her I enjoyed every second of it!

“O-ok you didn’t really have to apologize…it was my fault.”

“It doesn’t matter who’s fault it was dear, the past is the past. Now, might I come in to visit?”

Fluttershy creaked open the door. “Alright…I don’t see why not, but just so you know I have to feed the birds.”

Molestia noticed that Shy was trying to haul the bag of birdseed by herself. So rather than let the poor pegasus carry all that weight she levitated it with her magic.

“Please allow me to carry that for you.”

“If you insist. It’s really not a problem; I carry those bags all the time. I don’t want to be a bother…”

“I’m doing this because I want to Fluttershy and don’t think for a moment that you are a bother to anypony!”

Despite her earlier neurosis, Fluttershy smiled. True, she was still embarrassed but it seemed like Molly just wanted to be a friend and help her out. She took a deep breath and gathered her courage.

“Ok…I‘ll let you help me, o-only if you let me help you.”

Molly took the bag of birdseed and dumped it into four separate bird feeders, which she also decided to hang amongst the trees. Within minutes birds of all sizes began to flock to the smorgasbord of seed. Fluttershy smiled and waved to them, some of the birds happily chirping back their greetings.

“It’s so satisfying to make animals happy.”

Molly’s ears drooped. “If you say so.”

“Why do you look so sad?”

“I’m not sure…I guess it’s because Tia has her little pet phoenix, Philomena and I don’t. I guess what I’m saying is I want a pet.”

Fluttershy’s eyes lit up. “YOU DO!? This is so wonderful; I have so many you can choose from! *squee* We can get started right now…if that’s ok with you.”

Shy began to drag Molly by the hoof. “Eh…why not?”

Fluttershy took a deep breath. “♫Now, Molly my dear, I cannot express my delight! It's abundantly clear that somewhere out here, is a pet that will suit you just right!♫”

Molly face-hoofed. “Oh no don’t tell me this is going to turn into a musical number…”

“♫I have so many wonderful choices, just wait, you will…♫”

Molestia jammed her hoof in Shy’s mouth. “I appreciate that you want to find me a pet, but can we do it without singing?”

Fluttershy looked disappointed. “Oh…ok if that’s what you want.”

“I’m sorry dear but…I’m just not in the mood for singing right now.”

“No, really it’s ok. You see when Rainbow Dash came over to find a pet I was so happy that I umm broke out into song. She did too. So…what kind of pet are you looking for?”

“I suppose gender doesn’t matter, but a female would be nice. I honestly don’t have any preferences otherwise.”

Fluttershy immediately flew behind her cottage and produced a fluffy, white kitten. It had sapphire colored eyes and an equally blue bow. Needless to say it was completely adorable. It mewed at Molly, nuzzling her hoof.

Molestia’s heart melted. “It’s sooooo cute!”

“Mhmm and her name is Snowball. Aww she likes you. So what do you say?”

“Well she’s certainly cute, but I’m afraid she won’t get along with Owlicious. I’m going to have to pass.”

Fluttershy frowned. “I understand. Actually I think somepony else came by a few days ago and requested to adopt her anyway…so it’s not a big deal.”

Molestia sighed in relief. “Thank goodness, I was afraid I hurt the poor thing’s feelings.”

“I know the feeling Molly. Some animals are just so cute and defenseless, you don’t want to see them hurt.”

After about forty minutes Fluttershy had showcased most of the animals living around her cottage. Many did not seem to impress or interest Molestia enough to warrant taking home. Shy was about to give up when she noticed a three-toed sloth nibbling on a banana. The pegasus sighed, realizing that nopony in their right mind would want a pet that moved at the pace of glacier. She slowly trotted back to the cottage but stopped in her tracks when she heard a squee.

“BY THE STARS THIS CREATURE IS JUST THE MOST PRECIOUS THING!”

“Molly I don’t think you want…”

“Look at how slowly he eats, and those tired little eyes!”

“Umm I don’t mean to be rude but I’m sure there’s a better…”

“Aww he’s so fuzzy and soft. Fluttershy I demand to know what this creature is and its name!”

Fluttershy groaned. “Oh well…that’s Sullivan. He’s a sloth.”

“A sloth you say? What do they eat?”

“Mostly fruit and vegetables, although he doesn’t eat very much because it takes his tummy a long time to digest things.”

“Seems like a simple diet to me. What else must one do to take care of such a creature?”

“Sloths are very easy to take care of. They move very slow so it’s nearly impossible to lose track of them and they only need to go to the bathroom once a week…at least to poop anyway.”

“So you’re saying that they require very little maintenance?”

Shy nodded her head. “No, they don’t. Are you sure you want the sloth? I try not to be mean and judgmental of animals but they aren’t the most exciting pet to own. Maybe I could get you a parrot or how about a hamster? Hamsters are nice and cuddly and they…”

“I would very much like this sloth. I have one more test for him. Are you prepared Sullivan?”

The sloth looked up at Molestia, blinked, and then slowly nodded his head in affirmation.

Molly whispered into his ear and Fluttershy swore she saw the sloth’s mouth twist into frown. Sullivan looked over to the buttery pegasus with sad eyes, holding his arms out.

“What do you want? Did Molestia say something mean to you?”

The sloth answered with a soft groan and nodded his head.

“Oh you poor thing! I told her not to get too attached to you. She was just setting herself up for disappointment. Come here and I’ll give you a hug.”

While Shy was lecturing Molly, Sullivan took the opportunity to latch onto her belly. It was more or less a sloth version of a hug. Once Sully got a good grip he grinned, giving Fluttershy a huge wet raspberry on a few of her teats. The poor pegasus yipped it surprise, launching herself several feet into the air. Luckily, Sully was still holding on when she landed.

“W-why did you do that? Animals don’t do that t-to ponies!”

Molly levitated the furry little fiend in front of her and gave him appraising nod. She held out her hoof to the sloth and he slowly raised his own claw to bump it. Molly then levitated him onto her back, where he snuggled in comfortably.

“Congratulations Sullivan you have passed the test! Thanks to you as well Fluttershy for I wouldn’t have found him if it weren’t for you.”

Shy blushed. “You’re welcome I guess…you two certainly seem perfect for each other.”

With that Molly took off into to the air, headed towards Ponyville.

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Princess Luna’s Bedchamber, Canterlot Castle

Luna sat at her desk reviewing some of the petitions set forth by the night court. Most of it was boring or frivolous stuff such as: the increasing and decreasing of tides for sailors, longer nights for the party going crowd, and surprisingly a blessing for the Nightpony’s Union. The alicorn sighed knowing some of these requests were outright ridiculous. She was about to read the tide petition when a purple colored note caught her eye. She immediately levitated it over and began to read.

Dearest Sister,

I would like you to know that I am having a wonderful time in Ponyville so far. While it remains fun most of the time, it is not without its difficulties. During one occasion I was visiting one of Dusk Shine’s friends, Rarity, it was revealed to me that she had a rather serious infatuation with him. The poor mare made some rash decisions, but it got all sorted out in the end. She clearly needs a stallion in her life, to give her some stability. In both the physical and emotional sense. As you may well know our ragamuffin nephew, Prince Blueblood (more like Blueballs in my opinion), rejected her at the most recent gala. She took it very hard. I propose we get her a new prince of sorts. I think the captain of your night guard would be a perfect match for her, both in looks and demeanor. I ask this favor not for myself, but for her because she is now my friend. Would you mind setting up a meeting for the two?

Xoxoxox, Molly

Luna snickered once she read the letter. This was far more interesting than reading petitions. As princess of the night her realm included the affairs of lovers. More specifically sex. Thousands of years ago ponies would pray to her for fertility and for her to bless them with increased endurance. Nowadays, few ponies knew of her ancient duties so she was more than happy to set up one of her night guards with a lovely mare. Besides, she had noticed her rather somber night captain crawl deeper and deeper into his shell as of late.

It was upsetting because he had been such a pleasant and outgoing stallion before…his unfortunate set of romantic relationships. Luna was still very upset at Celestia for allowing such open prejudice towards bat-ponies. She feared it was because they were associated with the night, and thus Nightmare Moon. They also looked more fearsome like predators, due to their fangs. Although what few ponies knew was that the fangs were similar to those on fruit bats. They were not intended to be used to consume prey. Luna’s horn glowed a deep sapphire hue and within thirty seconds a pony appeared at the door.

The pony was a stallion, a bit larger than average. He had a dark blue coat and a shiny black mane. The stallion was in full lunar armor sans the helmet. He bowed to Luna, looking up at her with his gold, slitted eyes.

“You called for me your majesty?”

Luna nodded. “Please rise Captain Nightwing. No need to be so formal.”

“Yes your high-Luna. What do you require of me?”

“I have a mission for you, if you chose to accept it.”

Nightwing slammed a hoof into his breastplate. “Name it, and it shall be done!”

“I’m going to put you on paid leave starting tonight. You are to take a vacation in Ponyville.”

Nightwing looked shocked. “Princ-Luna have I displeased you in any way? If so please tell me!”

Luna caressed his face with her hoof. “Don’t be foolish Captain, you have not failed me in the slightest. I believe you need a bit of a vacation so you can decompress.”

“But the guards need me. How will they function if I’m not here to…”

“Shhh. The guards and I know how hard you work and we appreciate it. However, I also have noticed that you aren’t as happy and outgoing as you used to be. I’m worried about you Nightwing.”

“I’m fine Luna, I won’t let a few little personal problems get in the way of my duty.”

“No, you’re not fine. You clearly are very hurt because of your rocky relationships.”

Nightwing’s voice cracked. “Aww damn it! I didn’t think…oh who am I kidding I feel like shit right now. I tried not to let my personal life get mixed with work, I swear Luna!”

Luna wrapped her wing around the guard. “I know you tried and I appreciate your professionalism. I’m not doing this because I’m angry at you Nightwing. I’m doing it because I want you to be happy. It’s been a year since you broke up with Posey and I think it’s time you found another mare.”

“But…it’ll just end up like all the rest! All the mares love stallions in uniform, but as soon as they find out I look like this permanently rather than an enchantment…they leave. They’re afraid of me Luna, I see the fear in their eyes!”

Luna nodded grimly. “Yes, I fear what you say is true. It is because bat-ponies have long been associated with me and by extension, Nightmare Moon. I also believe it is because your kind is so rare and proper studies have yet to be published about your eating habits.”

“It’s just not fair! My fangs aren’t even used for blood sucking or ripping apart flesh. All they do is tear up fruit more efficiently.”

“I know, I know. I’m sending you to Ponyville because I believe there is a mare there that will appreciate you for who and what you are.”

“Really, are you sure? I’ll gladly go…but I don’t want to get hurt again. I’m tired Luna, so very tired.”

“Yes, she is a wonderful mare with an equally broken heart. I believe you two are…hmm what’s the saying nowadays? Ah yes! Two halves of the same bit. Now, I’ve already had your things packed and here is a letter with the mare’s address. You are to stay with her for no less than one month, do I make myself clear?”

Nightwing finally cracked a smile. “Clear as crystal. I…I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to do this.”

Luna smiled as well. “You’re very welcome. I wish you the best.”