DERPY

Derpy Hooves loved the early morning hours in the Pony Express office. It was a quiet time to relax, enjoy breakfast and examine other ponies' mail.

Here was this one postcard, on one side a colorful landscape of the Badlands at sunset. On the other side, the message, Wish you were here. Derpy thought for a moment, then chuckled. Oh, I get it! she thought.

So many messages from Princess Luna! What’s up? she wondered, as she nibbled her morning muffin. She wrapped the IMPORTANT! EXPEDITE! ribbon about the Royal packets and set them into their own pouch.

Derpy was thinking deeply about the situation when Rainbow Dash came in, yawning. “S'up, Derpy?” asked Miss Dash.

“Good morning, Miss Dash!” exclaimed Derpy. “I am so happy that you volunteered to sub for me on Shadow Day!”

“Yeah, yeah. Ponies. Community. Y’gotta care, y’gotta whatever.” Miss Dash waved a hoof, yawning fiercely. “So, what do I need to do?”

“Well, I have this bag,” said Derpy, holding up the Royal Post. “They need to go out first. Is it okay if I ask you to deliver them?”

“Oh, sure. No prob’,” said Rainbow, hefting the bag. “Oh, hay! Since you’re leading the Weather Team today, you saw those anvilheads coming in, right? The sky’s likely to get noisy later. You’re on top of that?”

“Of course,” said Derpy. Cumulonimbus incus? Really?! Yay, thunderclouds are the best! “I will be completely on top of them,” Derpy announced, saluting.

“Right. Okay, then.” Rainbow Dash checked her delivery list, smirked (“Easy Peasy. 30 minutes flat!”), then ran out of the post office door and into the sky.

Finishing her muffin, Derpy stepped outside the post office and looked to the sky. Well, it’s pretty clear right now, except for those big, handsome cloud giants marching up from the south. A bit of rain will be good for the plants.

Oh, look! There’s Flitter! I like her so much! She’ll help me, if I get confused. Derpy Hooves shouldered her responsibility and leapt into the sky.

“Weather Team, follow me!” she called, as she turned her ponies into the midst of the cloud giants.

***

OPALESCENCE

How does it happen that all of my supposed friends are so edible? she mused.

Opalescence and the other pony pets were holding an impromptu meeting behind Sugar Cube Corner. She looked about the conference and salivated.

Angel Bunny now… doesn’t he look tasty? Smart-aleck little rat. And Owlowisicous: crunchy, delicious bird. She gazed towards Tank the tortoise and Gummy the alligator and her claws flexed instinctively.

But, of course, there was Winona. There was always Miss-Goody-Four-Paws Winona. Bossy, as always, barking orders. So Opalescence kept her claws to herself.

Everybunny, listen up! This is the line-up for Shadow Day! announced Angel Bunny, holding up a tiny clipboard. Opal calmly considered the base of her tail. The other pets stood up straight and attentive.

Tank and Gummy, you trade places, said Angel.

Tank launched a blink, but Gummy beat him to it.

Me and Owlowisicous, continued Angel.

“Who?” asked Owlowisious. Angel glared at the bird, but the tiny owl flapped. Just kidding. Sorry, everybirdy.

No! That cannot mean…! thought Opalescence.

Aaaand… Opal and Winona, concluded the little rat.

You put me on a farm! With cows! And sheep! And pigs! You monster! hissed Opalescence.

I’m sure it will be a valuable learning experience for us all, said Angel Bunny solemnly.

Then he winked at Opalescence.

I will eat you now! screeched Opalescence, springing at him.

Winona knocked her over and Tank sat on her chest. The rest of the pets ran, slithered, flew, whatever, away from her fury.

It’s just… one… you know, said Tank. He paused, contemplating.

C’mon, c’mon, complete the thought, you stupid walking rock, glared Opalescence, impotently scratching at him.

Day, finished Tank. Winona barked in agreement.

Fine, fine. All right then. Let’s get it over with, said Opalescence. She sheathed her claws.

Tank let her up and moseyed off. Winona looked at her sharply, then ran to Rarity’s side.

Opalescence licked herself and considered. Well, then. Let’s see what trouble a farm cat can get into.