Derpy's head bounced slightly as she laid it on the table. All the times she'd been doing the job, and she'd still not found a good way to recover from an overnight delivery. Pinkie's Coffee Bean muffins were a good start to most days, but after an overnight, they weren't quite enough. So today, she'd ordered the Pinkie Express. It required a signed consent form from most ponies. Derpy had one on file for mornings like this.

“You look like the underside of a bridge.” Robert said, walking up to the table.

“I feel like the underside of a boat.” Derpy replied. "You're not exactly looking fantastic yourself.”

“I spent yesterday running the sweet stand for Bon-Bon.” Robert replied. "I feel like a boiled sweet.”

“Sit down, and I'll order a muffin for you. It's just the thing.” Derpy said. Robert took a seat at the table. She could sympathize. Bon-Bon was good at getting ponies to work her stand, and Derpy had been roped in once. The muffins had not been worth it.

“Here you go DD.” Cup Cake said, setting the muffin down. "What can I get you dear?” She asked Robert.

“Give him a Coffee Bean on my tab.” Derpy answered for him. He nodded in confirmation.

“Okay, coming right up.” she trotted to the counter, as Derpy reached out and picked up the muffin.

“Lean back.” She said to Robert and attacked the muffin. It vanished beneath her onslaught, and for a moment, nothing unusual occurred. Then her eyes bugged out, and her previously drooping ears straightened. So did her wings, stiffening painfully straight for a moment, then relaxing. She shuddered in a mix of pain and pleasure then relaxed. "Wow, that was a strong one.”

“You alright?”

“Yeah. That's a Pinkie Express. Don't order it unless you need it. And be ready to sign a consent form. It's a pick-me-up like nothing else around. Pinkie eat's those for breakfast.” Derpy sighed at the plate.

“Sounds like it's a little dangerous.”

“Only if you eat more than one at a time.” she answered. "I've never seen any pony but Pinkie and Rainbow Dash eat more than one. Even Dash stops at two.”

“I think I'll stay away from it then. I'd rather not turn into either of those two.”

“Probably for the best.” Derpy grinned. "So, I heard you had a fun time with a delivery.”

“Ugh, don't remind me.” he paused. "Thank you.” he said to Cup Cake. "That was a miserable experience the likes of which I have not experienced since my trip to Ponyville.”

“Oh?” Derpy raised an eyebrow. Robert related the story as he ate. "That's.. hilarious.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Well, it is. I mean, who could have seen that coming? I don't think even Celestia would have caught that one ahead of time.” Derpy chuckled and glanced at the clock. "I'm headed in, if you're going.”

“I'm supposed to work with Zecora today, but I'll come along anyway.” he stood up and held the door for her.

---

“So student of mine, have you properly studied the potion we are about to refine?”

“I have indeed. Is it true that when we begin we must act with speed?”

“Yes it is true, that time is of the essence when distilling this brew.” Zecora answered.

“Then give the word to go, and this one I will try not to blow.” Zecora grinned, then nodded.

The ensuing explosion was more technicolor than actually dangerous, though frizzy hair ruled the day.

“I just don't get it. These are simple potions and they shouldn't be exploding like this.” Zecora grumbled, flipping through a book. "Oh. Oh no.”

“What's the matter?” Robert asked.

“I am an idiot.” the zebra said, thumping her head gently onto the book.

“How so?” Robert inquired, stepping up beside her.

“I forgot the most basic of tenets.”

“David?”

“No, strength. The power that gives potions strength comes some from the brewer, as from the ingredients. So what strength it needs in magic comes from the touch of the hoof or paw which creates it. she took a breath. And I have forgotten to change my recipes to account for the difference between tiger and pony magics.”

“Magic is magic, isn't it? At least, that's what Dawn-seer said.” Robert shook his head.

“When spells are cast, power is power, this is true. Power for spells can come from without, but power to brew potions must come from within you.” she paused, considering how to explain it. "I think perhaps it is your trick, with the wings that produces this powerful effect upon these potion and producing these effects theatrical.”

“Bit of a stretch there.” Robert noted the frailty of her rhyme. She ignored him.

“This potion we must brew once more, but much larger will be the next batch, for your encore.”

---

The bottles of potion were stacked neatly in crates. There had been no explosion, beyond the proscribed expansion of gasses as the ingredients reacted. It had even had the proper pleasant lemon smell. Zecora was surprisingly ecstatic. “Now my hut will no longer make that horrible noise of ker-splut.”

“That was awful.”

“I know, but at least we don't smell like skunks.” Zecora laughed.

“True, very true. So you think this is enough Poison Joke antidote?”

“Yes, I think perhaps it is. A fine strength you have made. Perhaps this explains your latest stripe.” he glanced back at his tail and he had indeed gained another. "I must admit, your teacher was never much for the brewing of potions.”

“Tell me about it. He can't even brew tea, much less potions. I've seen him explode Earl Grey.”

“I have seen such a feat, and when he was finished the room was not fit to live in, much less as a place to eat.” Zecora shuddered at the memory. "Now perhaps that first potion we should attempt again, now that we know the problem in it's making.”

“Indeed, I think such would be an interesting undertaking.” Zecora chuckled and began pulling jars from the shelves.

---

“Well... at least it doesn't smell like skunk.” Robert noted.

“No, it does not. But that would be far better than this indescribable gunk.” Zecora was also brilliantly purple. Robert was all white. They were covered in something resembling changeling slime, but less thick and at the same time even more sticky. "I would ask you to burn off this powerful stuff, but I am too scared you will take with it all my fluff.”

“Okay, now you are reaching.”

“To the choir, you are preaching.” Robert groaned.

“Let me see if I can free myself, then I'll see if I can free you.” he gathered himself and expanded a shield. It hit the goo, and stretched. Nothing happened for a moment, then he pushed harder. For a moment it appeared as though it was working, then the shield snapped. Robert bounced into the air, still attached, then snapped to the ground, landing with a grunt. "Ow.”

The sound of approaching hooves interrupted Zecora's reply. “Applebloom. Our savior approaches.”

“Provided she does not get stuck.” Robert replied.

“Applebloom?”

“Zecora?” the sound of hooves slowed and stopped. "Is everything okay?”

“No, it is not. Come no closer, and touch no patch of goo, or else it will stick to you.”

“Alright, how can I help?”

“Head back to town and get some aid. Some with some understanding of adhesives, without excess delay.”

“Got it, I know just the pony.” the sound of her hooves rapidly retreating in the distance somehow did not fill them with comfort.

The earth pony in question had a mustache. This did even less to fill them with confidence. His cutie mark was a broken chemical bond however. He examined the goo, then dug into his saddlebag and produced a small squeeze bottle. A few drops dissolved the goo and in short order, he had them free. He spent a little while wandering around, removing patches of goo. When he was done he ambled over to the pair.

“That'll a-be thirty a-bits.” he explained.

“Worth every bit.” Robert said, passing him a bag. "Thanks for coming so quickly.”

“Its-a not the first time I've a-had to unstick one a Applebloom's friends.” he shrugged. "She's a-gotta discount card.”

---

The train station was only moderately crowded. Robert had noticed that there were always a few ponies coming or going from Ponyville, and this day was no exception. Surprisingly, he found himself waiting with the Mayor, one of the few ponies he'd not had much reason or opportunity to deal with.

“So, you're our newest resident.” she'd said. "I'm pleased to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine Mayor. Since we have not been formally introduced, I am Robert.” he offered his paw. She shook it.

“A pleasure. My name actually is Mayor. Technically it's my middle name.” she smiled.

“Is your first name Madame?” Robert asked with a smile. The Mayor looked around wild-eyed.

[How did you know that?] She whispered into Robert's ear.

“Wild guess.” he replied with a wink. "So, I take it you've been on the job for a while now?”

“Most of my adulthood.” the mayor answered, ears flicking for the sound of the train. "I was elected just out of school and I've been at it ever since. I'd just completed my civil engineering degree and saw the sign ups for the election. I got the foolish notion to give it a shot and then move on once I lost. I'm still waiting to lose.” she chuckled.

“Train's running a little behind. Another quarter of an hour.” Robert said, ears twitching. "Doesn't seem to be a terribly difficult job, at least on the surface. I presume there's a dark under belly, wallpapered with meaningless and petty requests, requisitions and pointless legislation?”

“Do you live inside my head?” the mayor asked with a sideways grin.

“No, but that's how my father always described his job. I left out some of the colorful descriptors he added.” Robert laughed. "My mother always chided him on his language.”

“Sounds like a powerful mare... tiger. Ette?”

“Tigress.” Robert supplied. "She is perhaps the most dangerous member of my tribe. Even ahead of my father.” he smiled. "I think she would like you.”

“Really?” the mayor asked. "Why?”

“You control this town, dictate it's laws and ordinances, and yet, no one has a bad word about you. Even my father is disliked or outright hated by some. The price of leadership. That's what he called it. It used to distress me greatly.” he paused, and looked sidelong at her. "Yet, even those who professed hatred of him followed him into battle without hesitation. Once I saw one throw himself beneath the blows of an enemy to save my father. A Tiger who twice had challenged and twice failed to take the throne. Who hated him with such venom, and yet he lay down his own life for my father. I wonder what inspires such love and faith in you.”

“I do not know.” the mayor looked away, tears in her eyes. "I really do not know.” Further conversation was halted by the train arriving in the station. Many ponies began to move towards the embarkation points, even as others disembarked from the opposite ends. Robert and the mayor moved through the throngs unimpeded, some bearing wide around the mayor, others bearing wide out of instinctive fear.

Twilight and her friends were surprised to be greeted at the station, though entirely. Twilight knew the mayor wanted to talk to her, thought not what about. Robert was a surprise. As far as she knew, he was supposed to be working with Zecora.

“Hello Mayor, Robert. Nice to see you. What can I do for you?”

“I came to see you all back, and ask you a few things. But I'll let you talk to the Mayor first.” Robert said, and wandered over to talk to Rarity.

“He's quite the interesting character.” the mayor said, watching him for a moment. "I was wondering about the Equestria Games. I noticed that the only team we don't have filled out is the Relay Race. I know Rainbow Dash has signed up, but she can't run the race all on her own.” the mayor looked at the Pegasus who was enthusiastically explaining how awesome Hinny of the Hills was. She succeeded in jamming one hoof into Applejack's ear and another into Robert's eye. Neither of these was much of a problem, until she stepped on Rarities tail. Rarity was attempting to walk forward, tripped and bounced her head on the platform. She turned around. Rainbow was still absorbed in her tale and didn't see Rarity turn around.

She did see her lunge with a noise like Opal, hooves stretched out. Rainbow simply moved back a half length of body, causing Rarity to shoot past and plow into AJ. The two went down in a tangle of hooves, horn and hat. Rarity came to her hooves, now wearing AJ's hat, and even angrier than before. She lunged forward. Rather, she tried. AJ grabbed her rear hooves, which brought her to the ground. Her momentum was not to be denied however, and she rolled forward, dragging AJ along with her. Rainbow's story reached a crescendo and she rose into the air for a moment as the two ponies rolled beneath her, crashing into the back of a bemused and perplexed Pinkie Pie. The group of them went down in a heap, with an offended squawking and startled honk of a horn. For one reason or another, a small wheel rolled out of the pile. There were now two ponies angry at Rainbow, and Pinkie had reached a state of confusion as to what was taking place.

“I don't know who else we can get. I mean, most of the Pegasi are busy with other events, so they're not allowed to compete. I know Fluttershy and Derpy aren't competing yet. Maybe they're interested.” Twilight said, oblivious to the scene behind her, and the destruction that was commencing.

“I have a list of the few of other pegasi who are participating, and those who do not yet have an event.” the mayor tugged it out of her bag. "This should help her make a decision.”

“Thank you, I'll...” Twilight disappeared into the ball of violence that had erupted behind her. Rarity and Applejack had both lunged for Rainbow. While Rarity was genuinely irritated, AJ simply wanted her hat back. And Pinkie... well, she was a joiner. Thus three ponies plowed into Rainbow Dash just as she landed at the climax of her tale. The ensuing Melee ended in a number of bruises, and after a few moments some laughter, and for some reason, Robert wearing the hat, even though he'd backed up several steps from the fighting. Applejack stood up and walked over. Robert reached up, tipped the hat, and flipped it into the air. Applejack jumped and caught it on her head, landing just before him. She bowed.

“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight's voice came from the bottom of the pile.

“Yeah Twilight?”

“Do you think you could disentangle your wing from mine?” Twilight asked, slightly pained.

“Is that yours?” Rainbow asked. She stood up, and then so did Twilight, finding their wings tangled not with one another, but with Fluttershy, who was both apologetic and confused as to how she'd ended up there. Pinkie was completely missing though a moment's inspection found her standing on the overhang of the train station, still wearing her commentators headset.

“And it's over.” Pinkie said, and tossed the set off. The three winged ponies separated themselves. Rainbow sighed.

“I just preened those.” she grumbled. “At least none of the primaries broke.” she moved off, wings up in the air to avoid breaking anything before she could disentangle them. Twilight had the same experience, though she didn't have to do it the hard way. Telekinesis spread down the length and breadth of her wings, arranging the feathers in precise order. Fluttershy just spread her footing and shook and somehow, everything fell back into place, or near enough that she only spent a moment fixing the ones that hadn't.

“See you later Twilight, I better go before Angel drives the pet sitter crazy.” Fluttershy said and started to walk off.

“Fluttershy, hang on a moment.” Twilight said, and looked at the mayor, who had watched events with a bemused look. "I'll talk to all the ponies on the list.” The mayor nodded, and Twilight turned back to Fluttershy. "So, about the Equestria games...”