I can't help but laugh as Aunty Celly trots happily down the sidewalks in the shopping district of Canterlot. She's so bubbly today, wonder what's making her so happy? I was a bit disappointed to have to wear a vest for this, but it's a small price to pay to get to explore Canterlot with Aunty Celly.

We've stopped at several food vendors for breakfast. Oat bars, prench toast sticks, breakfast sliders; the ponies here really like their food on the go! But it was all really good! Aunty almost got more, but I was too stuffed to eat any more. And she wasn't supposed to eat that large of a breakfast either. Something about two pounds. I have no idea what that meant.

We stopped at a small shop that looks like it specialized in writing tools. They have various notebooks and calendar journals. The quills and pens here are all super fancy and individually made in store. I don't think they make for good school supplies though. I tried to tell Tia that, but she said they would last a life time. But when the merchant sided with me she agreed to leave. Luckily the merchant also told us of a nearby store for grade school, so that was nice of him.

As we made our way to the next store I noticed that there were several ponies following us too. They all have buzz cuts and look out of place compared to the other ponies around town. Most ponies here have extravagant hair cuts or wear super fancy outfits. Like the ones Rarity makes! But Aunty Celly just said they're probably getting school supplies for their kids as well. I guess the school year is approaching. But why do they all have the same haircuts?

I start to focus on how well dressed everypony here is. Even with the vest I feel a little out of place. This town is nothing like Mooseden or Ponyville. The ponies here walk with their noses held high and seem to ignore everyone around themselves. There are a few ponies that look normal, but they aren't dressed up like the others. They also seem to be doing various jobs around town. Sweeping sidewalks. Snuffing out the streetlights. Following other ponies with bags of clothes or other stuff.

When we make it to the store my jaw nearly falls off. It definitely looks more the part with the bright colors and murals of kids having fun. Stepping inside we're blasted with the smell of crayons and construction paper. Dozens of other kids are here too. Most seem to be running up and down the aisles screaming in joy as they play with their friends. The front half of the store is made of aisles of schools supplies. But the back is a decent sized indoor playground.

Everything about this building is calling to me... begging me to climb it.

"Let's start with pencils!" Tia announces as she trots down an aisle, levitating a shopping basket along. I deflate a little as I look down at all of the writing utensils.

"But... there's an indoor park in the back." I mention as I stare at the pile of colorful climbing toys. "It has a slide and a rope ladder and all sorts of fun stuff."

"Oh yeah?" She asks, jostling me slightly. I look over to her and smile pleadingly. She smiles back and laughs a little. "Let's at least get a few supplies before I turn you loose, okay?"

"Okay." I can't help but feel a little disappointed. But I guess I'll live a few minutes without climbing into the massive maze of tunnels. "But you'll play too, right?"

"I don't think they were made for ponies my size dear." She tells me with a laugh as she starts to levitate various school supplies into the small basket.

I look back to all of the other kids playing and start to feel a little nervous. I've never met this many other kids before. Heck, I've never seen this many kids before! Usually when I meet other kids I have my parents nearby to help. But... now I don't know what to do. I have Tia with me... but it's not the same.

Tia looks back to me to asks something but stops before saying anything. I guess she can see the nervousness on my face. She thinks for a moment before she levitates me down and leans in to whisper to me privately.

"You know what I do when I'm nervous?" She asks quietly.

"You get nervous?" I ask in surprise. I've never seen her scared before. I didn't even know it was possible!

"Of course I do! Everypony does! It's a part of growing up. And you're never truly done growing up!" She says, nuzzling my side and making me giggle slightly. "But whenever I get nervous I just take a deep breath and take a step forward! The first step is always the hardest part. But once you can do that, you can do the next part."

"But what's the next part?" I ask, intrigued. She takes a look around to make sure the coast is cleared before leaning back in.

"Well, usually I want to do something or join a game. So I take a deep breath, step forward, and ask if ponies to join. Whether it's to play a game or join a group in something, asking nicely is a good way to get started."

"But... what if they say no?" I ask, glancing at all the other ponies running around the play area. She hums and smiles back to me as she nuzzles the top of my head and brings me back to look at her.

"Then I say 'okay, maybe next time.' Ponies are allowed to say no Tempestive. And sometimes it isn't a good time to join in. But asking is the first step in trying to make new friends. Because they might say no. But they also might say yes! But you'll never know if you don't put yourself out there. And it can be scary at first. But they might be just as scared as you are! But we'll never know until we take the first step. And isn't that exciting?"

I look back to the other kids and swallow the lump in my throat. I normally just hang out with Jet or Rampant. I don't really have any other friends. But... maybe they want to play too? I guess I can give it a try.

"Can I give it a try?" I ask, trying to sound brave. She looks around for a moment before nodding to me. I take off and head towards the playground but stop at the end of the aisle. I think about it for a moment before running back to Aunty Celly and hug her leg.

"Thanks Aunty." I say quickly before running off again. I hate being that affectionate! But... I guess this time was okay.

I stop on the padded flooring of the playground and take a look around. There are several groups of kids playing at various parts of the small tower. I could just go to one of them and ask to join... But maybe I should try a few things on my own first. Do what I want to do before trying to join a group. Yeah... that's a good plan!

I head to the rope ladder and start to climb it. The rope sways with every step and it's a little difficult to do, but that's the fun of it! When I make it half way up a group of kids take up the top and start talking there. I stare at them for a moment before climbing back down. They're mid-conversation, I don't want to be rude.

That's okay though. There's a jungle gym at the back that's just begging for me to climb! That could be fun! I run over and go to start climbing when I see a group of five girls sitting in the middle of the obstacle. They all stop talking and stare at me as I slowly back away from them. I don't know what's going on there, but I don't want to be a part of it.

Okay... so maybe I should check out the slide? There's a line of unicorns waiting their turn to climb up the spiral stairs to the top. So I take my place a the back of the line and wait my turn. The kids in front of me glance at me before whispering to each other and giggling. I feel a little embarrassed, so I try to keep to myself.

"What school do you go to?" The purple unicorn colt in front of me asks. I look around to make sure he's talking to me before realizing I'm the only one here.

"Uh... Ponyville?" I honestly don't know what the schools name is, so hopefully that makes sense to them.

"Ponyville?" One of the other kids asks, looking to the others. "You don't go to school here in Canterlot?"

"Um... no." I tell him. They all look to each other before giggling again. I feel my ears fall back before they start to surround me. I feel myself start to get scared but then I think back to what Celestia told me. So I take a deep breath, step forward, and ask a question. "What school do you guys go to?"

"We go to Canterlot's school of gifted unicorns!" One of them says, sounding superior.

"My family has been going to that school for four generations!" Another one says, ribbing one of the others.

"What are you even doing here?" Another one asks getting the others to laugh more loudly. Any confidence I had before disappeared when he asked that. Am I not supposed to be here?

"I'm here with my aunt to get school supplies." I tell them quietly.

"Your family does their own shopping? Don't you have any servants to do that for you?" They all laugh at me again and I feel myself start to shrink. I don't understand why they're laughing. Did I do something wrong?

"He doesn't even have his cutie mark yet!" Another one points out. I try to cover my flank with my tail, but the kids on the other side point at me and start to laugh.

I feel myself start to shrink as the laugh down at me. Normally stuff like this wouldn't bother me... but normally ponies wouldn't point and laugh at me for not having a cutie mark. I try to think of what to do or say, but I can't their laughing out of my head.

I feel the energy within me start to swell up as I try to make myself as small as possible. I don't want to be over here anymore. I just want to go back to Tia and leave! I want my mom and dad!

FLASH

I blink a few times as my vision slowly returns to me. I just casted a spell. I take a look around and find myself standing next to Celestia in the store. Did I teleport to her? She looks as if she's about to burst into tears with the biggest, albeit wobbly, smile. I look around the aisle and notice that I'm back by the pencils. I look down to the playground and...

I see myself. I've just made it to the padded flooring and I'm looking around the playground. I watch myself try to decide on where to go before running towards the rope ladder. But... how can this be? Did...

Did I just time travel!?

"Tempestive?" Aunty Celly asks. She quickly wipes her face in an attempt to hide her teary face. "Didn't you just run off?"

"Um..." I try to think of what to say, but I don't know what to tell her. I shouldn't tell her that I just time traveled. Who knows what would happen then!? But now that I'm here we can just leave! "Well... the thing is-"

"Celestia?" I jump a little from the new voice. From around the corner a purple unicorn... Alicorn, walks around and smiles up to Celestia.

"Twilight Sparkle!" Celestia exclaims before rushing over to her and embracing her quickly. "Imagine running into you here! And where is Speaks Softly? Off playing with the others?"

I perk up at that name. I remember her. She was the girl in the library when I blinked last time. The cute one. Not the loud one.

...

NOT CUTE! I DON'T THINK SHE'S CUTE! She's just... well read!

...

I shake my head and listen in on their conversation. But whatever they're talking about is boring work stuff. If I wanted to listen to that stuff I'd hang out with Mom.

But I think one of them said that Speaks Softly is here too. Maybe we can hang out. Plus I think it'd be nice to let her know I didn't die the last time I randomly disappeared in front of her. Yeah, I should do that. But where would she be right now.

I leave Celestia's side and start to look down the aisles. But she's not down any of them. When I make it to the aisle that looks down to the slide I see myself getting laughed at. I step back a little as I watch them make fun of me. There are a few adults in the aisle watching as well. But they don't seem to care. One of them even chuckled to themselves!

But they all go quiet when I disappear. The bullies blink a few times before fanning out to look for me. I don't know why they're so intent on finding me, but I need to make sure they don't find me. I take one last look around before I notice something.

Up in the tubes of the jungle gym there is a lone capsule with a few rounded out windows. I can see a purple head of hair with a single yellow streak and a light grey horn. That has to be her! But of course she's in the jungle gym. All of the previous bullies are scouting around try to find me. So there's no way in without one of them seeing me.

But... there is one option. Dad did say it was the most impressive spell ponies ever made. But... I'm not very food at it. I can try to sneak my way in. But I don't think I'd make it without getting caught. So... I guess I'll try teleporting in.

I square off my stance and roll my neck. I need to focus on this spell if it's going to work right. I don't need a lot of magic. I don't even need a lot of finesse. I just need to pay attention and-

"Tempestive?" Aunty Celly asks from my side. I yelp in surprise before flashing away.

I drop down a little and land on my butt. I groan in pain as I rub my backside. That could have gone better. I take a look around for a moment before smiling in success. I made it into the jungle gym! I look back and lose my smile when I see the empty capsule. She's not in here. But I could have sworn that she was!

I walk in and take a look around. I shake my head in disbelief when I watch me and Aunty Celly enter the store. I time traveled again! But that's not what I meant to do! I just wanted to make it up here! Why is my magic messing with me like this.

I groan as I slump against the wall and drop to the ground. Am I forever cursed to do this? If that's the case when will Tempus come and train me? Because I need it sooner rather than later. Maybe I should just avoid magic until I start my training. At least this time I'm only jumping a few minutes at a time. If anything happened like last time...

"Oh." I lose track of my thoughts when I hear a surprised voice next to me. I look over and sure enough there she is. Speaks Softly.

She looks exactly as I remember. A coat that reminds me of a rain cloud on a sunny day. Lavender hair with a single streak of sunlight yellow by her horn. Small wings tucked away neatly. And the brightest blue eyes I've ever seen. She has a book with her and her expression tells me that she wasn't expecting anyone to be here.

I immediately jump to my hooves and stand up straight in front of her. I don't know why, but my stomach feels as if it's about to do a back flip and my hooves are starting to sweat. I try to say something, but my attention is brought outside. I look down and see myself getting bullied again. I groan as I watch myself get belittled. I'm such a wimp.

"How are you there and here at the same time?" Speaks Softly asks as she walks up right beside me. I immediately feel my heart race as she brushes up against me to look down. "Ugh. Dockside."

"Dockside?" I ask, my voice cracking a little. She shakes her head and watches them torture me.

"Dockside Extortionist. Quite the name right? His dad works with the East Equestrian Trading Company. He's all over Canterlot's school for gifted unicorns. I guess he thinks it's his job to be the bully for everypony. But I don't get why. He's a talented caster, so I don't think he's compensating for anything. Well... He's good at one thing but everypony thinks he's the best mage since Starswirl! But he's a big bully! They should just ban him from the school altogether!"

Even though she's speaking angrily her voice is still smooth and quiet. I don't think she could get louder than a mouse even if she tried. And despite being so mad... she's... very well read.

...

Yeah... super well read.

I glance down and watch as I suddenly disappear and reappear beside Celestia. The flash seems to catch Twilight Sparkles attention and brings her over for their conversation. Speaks Softly looks over to me and tilts her head in confusion. I blush a little as I try to think of what to say without sounding like a total wimp.

"Yeah... he's a jerk." I couldn't think of anything else to say! She was staring right at me and I couldn't look back!

She tilts her head again but this time to look at my vest. I notice this and try to hide it from her. But she just levitates a pendant out and puts it on. A shimmer of magic later and her wings disappear.

...

WHY DON'T I JUST USE A PENDANT!?

"That looks far more comfortable." I tell her as I scratch my wings against the vest. She offers a small smile before sitting down in the corner of the capsule. I notice that the angle is perfect for the view I had earlier. But I wasn't in sight... so I quickly take the corner besides her and sit.

"I'm glad you got better... my mom told me that you were just having issues with your magic before. What happened?" She asks me as she hugs her book closely. That's right. The last time I saw her I attacked her while losing control of my magic!

"Aw man... I'm really sorry about that." I tell her as I rub my face in embarrassment. "I... well... there was this spell that I found. And... it was far too advanced for me. But... I guess it took control. I'm really sorry."

"I accept your apology." She tells me with a small smile as she hugs her book more tightly. I smile back to her as she fumbles with her book for a moment. "I've heard of books that can give you access to powerful spells. But I didn't know they could do that... it must have been scary."

"Well..." I think back to that whole situation and recall how scary it was. But then I remember something I was told before. "It was scary. But that's okay. Because without fear there is no courage."

She looks to me and smiles before hiding her smile behind her book. I immediately feel my confidence sky rocket from how... well read she is. We both go quiet for a moment as neither of us knows what to say next. I take a look back out and see myself disappear for the second time... or was it third? Time travel is weird.

"So... how were you here and there and the same time? Was it an illusion?" Speaks Softly asks. I shake my head to that.

"No. I'm no good at illusions. It was... well... a time travel spell." I tell her slowly. I don't think I'm supposed to tell anypony. But... she seems trustworthy! Her face lights up as she comes out from behind her book. She's clearly impressed by what I said.

"Wow... really!? But how can you do that? Temporal magic is some of the most difficult magic to perform!"

"Heh, yeah. But I didn't intend to do it. It sorta just... happened. I don't really have control of it yet." I tell her as I rub the back of my neck and avoid eye contact.

"Oh... but it's still impressive that you did it! I can barely manage a simple teleportation spell." I go to tell her that it's much easier than it looks. But then I realize that I can't even do that properly yet either. I look at her and we make eye contact for a moment before we both look away from each other.

"So... what book is that?" I ask as I try to hide the slight blush on my face.

"Oh, uh... 'Starswirl the bearded and the infinite cosmos'. It's a theological book about magic. Kind of a long read-"

"But a good one!" I tell her quickly. We look to one another in excitement. "I've read it twice now."

"Only twice?" She asks jokingly. "I think I've read it five times now! Not to mention any and all books by Starswirl! He's my favorite writer when it comes to magical theory! Though I do have a pension Clover the Clever and Magna Anima. Anything pre-tribal unification really!"

She continues to go off on the various fields of magic she's interested in and I feel myself finally start to relax. It's nice to listen to her talk. Especially when it's about something that she's clearly fascinated by. All of my troubles from before seem to fade away as I lose track of time. Right now it's just the two of us...

And I haven't introduced myself yet.

Speaks Softly and I spent the entire time talking about magic! It was a lot of fun! I've never met another pony my age that was equally interested in magic as I am. And she's really good too! Her mom is apparently some kind of prodigy and has been teaching magic since she could walk! Maybe I should start pushing my parents to teach me more. I know that they're both really good. Dad more so at enchanting and mom at spellcasting. But it could be good to start leaning more.

I don't even know how long we've been talking at this point. She's brought a book about magical theory and we've been talking about where magic comes from. She seems to think that it's something tied to the land and is channeled through ponies. But that's not correct. I tell her about how magic comes from individuals and channeling is something you can do in specific areas, but she disagreed.

Though when I pointed out that other species have magic as well and they don't have the same systems for magic as we do, namely a horn, she had to reflect on it for a moment.

"I've never thought about that before." She tells me as she looks at the cover of her book. "But Starswirl was so convincing in his assertations. Where did he go wrong?"

"Well he was mostly listening to the tribes instead of post-Terradisian Roam." I tell her, reflecting on Mom's history lessons. Never thought those would come in handy. "If you look at the timeline of his writings most occurred while he was traveling the world. I think one or two were written while he stayed in Roam, and those are the most accurate."

She looks at the book before tilting her head in confusion. When she looks to me I feel a little nervous again. She looks a little curious, but also a little irked.

"Are you Terradisian?" Oh, phew! I thought she was going to be mad!

"Yeah! Well, I mean I am but I am also a part of Equestria. I never really put too much thought into it before."

"Okay, that explains it." She tells me as she sets a hoof on the book. Clearly there's some sort of bias going on. That's why we disagree."

"... um, no? I'm telling you the truth. He was-"

"It's okay, we don't have to agree." She tells me. "It's okay to disagree. But let's not fight over something that neither of us were there for."

"... okay." I don't want to move on, but I don't want to be rude. And this seems more personal than anything else.

I take a look around and notice a small crowd has formed by Celestia and Twilight Sparkle. Not a big one, maybe ten ponies. But it's enough for me to know better than to go down there. Speaks Softly looks down and gasps at the sight. She ducks down to hide and pulls me down when I don't move.

"Shoot! I hate it when crowds form!" She tells me in a hushed tone. I check around us to double check that we are in fact alone up here.

"Does that happen often?" I ask, matching her tone.

"Um... yeah? Doesn't it happen to you too?" She asks in a confused tone. I look back out there and shrug. I don't think anypony has ever cared where I was before. Aside from my parents that is. But I doubt that's what she's talking about.

"Nah. Never. Why? Are you important or something?" This really confuses her. She tries to answer but seems at a loss for words. "Was that rude?"

"I... no, but... I'm sorry. I just realized I don't know your name."

"Oh, I'm Tempestive Mortem." She stares at me for a moment before she slowly blinks.

"You're... you have a Terradisian name?" She asks slowly. I never really thought of that before, but I guess I do. I shrug and nod to her. "So... your name means... Timely Death?"

"Yeah... is that bad?" I ask, feeling a bit awkward. I watch as she slowly picks her book back up and slowly hugs it again. I can se her mind racing as she mutters to herself quietly. But I can't tell what she's saying. "Speaks Softly?"

"Huh?" She asks. "When did you learn my name?"

"Oh, sorry. Back in the castle they told me your name... sorry." I don't know why, but I feel bad for not letting her introduce herself. But she seems really uncomfortable all of the sudden.

"Oh... okay."

We both go quiet. I don't know what has her so concerned. But whenever I try to say something she tenses up a little and I lose my voice. Why is this so hard!? I can talk to Jet Spectrum and Rampant Growth without problems! Why is it so hard to talk with Speaks Softly!?

We both jump a little when we hear somepony climbing up the tunnel towards us. Listening in to the voices I realize that it's that bully from before. I should probably just make a run for it, but where would I even go? I don't want to join Aunty Celly and that random group. But if I stay here they'll find me!

Without asking Speaks Softly grabs my hoof and starts to run off with me in tow. I feel my face flush as I follow after her. With her leading I get my first look at her cutie mark. It's a golden quill crossed with a... well, it looks like a big stick. I don't remember her having it last time. Did she recently get it, or did I just not notice?

She takes me through the tunnels and stops me at a long straight section. She takes a look around before tapping a panel on the right. After a few more taps she finds a loose board and pushes it open. She grabs my hoof again and pulls me inside. We sit in the dark room as we wait quietly. I can hear them round the corner and race down the tunnel. They round really mad that they can't find me. One of them even cussed!

When I can't hear them anymore I sigh in relief. I've never had to deal with bullies before. I don't even know what I did to deserve it! I look around the dark room and squint to try and see anything. But it's too dark.

"So... before I turn the light on, promise me that you won't tell anypony about this room. Okay?" Speaks Softly asks from the other side of the small room.

"After saving me from those jerks, not a problem!" I tell her, trying to face her more directly. I hear her turn a rusty knob before a lantern begins to glow.

We're in a similar observation cube like before. But the windows in this room are painted to block out the light. A couple of cushions occupy the corners with a few stacks of books piled up beside them. Several hoof marks and names have been written onto the walls and top, along with random stickers and drawings. Storm Cloud, Twilight Sparkle, and Speaks Softly are the only names in here.

"So... because of what my mom and dad do for work I often have to come here for supervision. Sometimes I go with my grandma, or even my uncle. But... half of the time I have to be here. So my dad snuck in and made this room for me. So don't tell anypony, okay?"

I look around the room and smile. Her parents made a little hideaway all for her! That's pretty cool!

"I made a promise, and I don't break those." I tell her as I take a few steps inside. She tries to hide her face, so I bump her side before flopping onto one of the cushions. "It's something my dad taught me. 'You're only as good as your word. Promises in my family go really far. But why are you here so often? Wouldn't you rather be with family?"

"Well..." She starts as she takes the other cushion. "I would. But that's not always an option. So when I can't be with family I spend time here. It's not so bad though. I usually barely notice because I'll get too distracted with my books. But... I would rather be with my family though."

I grimace as I think about my own situation. My parents have to leave for work a lot too. Dad more so than Mom. But they've never left me in what I thought was just a school supply store. There are days where I run out of things to do and just lay about the house. Usually on those days I end up terrorizing Lupus and Hati. Not to be mean. I just have too much energy to be cooped up all day! I guess that's why I'm so excited to go to school now. It'll at least give me something to do.

"My Dad works for the military." I tell her. "So... I guess I get what's it's like to miss family because of work."

"What does your mom do?" I shrug at that. I really don't know exactly what she does.

"From what I've been told she's some kind of advisor to the castle here in Canterlot. But I've never really asked beyond that... What school do you go to?"

"Canterlot's school for gifted unicorns, you?" I chuckle a little at that. She did mention that earlier, I guess I'm just running out of things to talk about.

"I was homeschooled. But this year I'm going to Ponyville Elementary... or whatever they call it." She gives me another quizzical look and I just shrug back.

"Not that I'm saying you can't be here... but why are you here? Shouldn't you be in Ponyville then?"

"Well... I was here in the castle when my parents decided to enroll me. We were visiting my aunt Celestia when they told me I would be going to school this year. So she got all excited and took me out to get school supplies. So here we are."

Speaks Softly nods to me but stops and goes wide eyed again. I feel myself get uncomfortable when she slowly looks back to me and stares deeply at me. I look around and try to figure out what I said that would trigger her like this, but I have no clue what's going on.

"Did you say Celestia is... your aunt?" She asks quietly, slowly bringing her book up to hide behind.

"Yeah." I answer cautiously.

"So... that would make... your mother..."

"Luna, yeah." I answer, getting her to freeze up. I look around and try to figure out what's going on. I know they're alicorns and that makes them rare. But I didn't think they'd be that odd! Even to another alicorn! "Is there something wrong with that?"

"Um... no! I mean... no? It's just that... I... well, my mother told me about you, not by name at least! I wish she would have... BUT! Uhm... heh."

She's fumbling with her words. She seems like she's trying to be as careful as possible with what comes out. But to what end I have no idea. I guess Mom and Aunty Celly really do have some sway around here. Makes sense I guess. They are the royal advisors after all. I guess that makes them somewhat famous.

"It's okay Speaks Softly-"

"You can call me Softy... IF YOU WANT! I mean, my friends call me that... if I had friends that is... NOT THAT WE AREN'T FRIENDS! Heh... sorry." She's all flustered now. I guess her family must have some work with the royals or something? It's hard to tell, but clearly my family and hers have some form of connection. But seeing her all flustered is super...

...super well read.

"My friends just call me Timely, so call me that." I tell her. She calms down for a moment and smiles back to me. Seeing that was enough to make my stomach twist and my heart race. I feel as if I can soar into the sky and race all the way to the moon! Throwing up the entire way...

It's a very complicated feeling.

"So... maybe if you're ever in Ponyville... maybe we could... hang out?" I ask, fumbling with some stay fluffs on the cushion. I can't bear to look at her right now. But I know I want to see her again. And not just in this jungle gym. I try to look at her to see her reaction, but I can't bring myself to! If she were to look disgusted or off put in any way...

"You... want me to come over?" She asks cautiously. I finally glance back and see her peering out from behind her book.

"Of course I'd want you come over!" I answer quickly. "You're the only other pony I've ever met that's my age and has any understanding of magic! Do you have any idea how cool that is!? Nopony my age gets half the stuff I say!"

I can see the edge of her cheek turn a little red as she hides a bit more behind the tome. I feel myself get a little shy from being so excited as well. But I meant everything I said! I've finally met somepony who is my age and isn't a jerk! To be fair it's not a large list, but still! And she's so well read!

"I-I don't think I've ever had somepony call me cool before." She says meekly, lowering the book just enough to show me her face. "I-I think you're pretty cool too."

"Really?" I ask, confidence at an all time high. "Even though-"

FLASH

"Alright Timely!" Aunty Celly announces as I suddenly appear before her. "I've gotten most of your supplies together! We're about to head out now, can you check the basket and see if there was anything else you needed?"

"... yeah.l" I grumble as I take in my surroundings. The crowd that was around her is basically gone. I look back to the play area and sigh in defeat. Well... I'm sure if I can get through this I can race back over there and tell her where to find me.

"Looks great!" I tell her when I grab the basket and glance it over.

"You barely looked at-"

"I'll be right back!" I yell before running back towards the play area. But before I can make it to the end of the aisle I get levitated by her magic and brought back.

"Play time has ended Tempestive. Now we need to focus at the present task."

I try to argue with her, but she just gives me a knowing look. I really want to argue, but I know what that look actually means. There's no getting out of this now. I sigh in defeat and look over the supplies.

By the time we're done and moving to the check out we're the last ones here. I think that was by intention though. I don't think Aunt Celestia wanted a crowd around us when we tried to leave. I tried to catch Softy as she left, but I never saw her leave. Either I missed it or they teleported. I just hope we can run into each other someday.

I don't think I told her where in Ponyville to find me.

Linked below is a poll that I would appreciate everyone taking. It refers to some changes I'd like to make to Man of War. The first link will be a blog post that will explain my reasoning further. If you'd like to skip to the poll, then click the second link.

The Future of Man of War and Happy Birthday Miles!

Brony on!