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Pound and Pumpkin Tales 2

by Never2muchpinkie

Chapter 74: 10-3: Hobbies

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When they were outside of Fluttershy’s house Mayhem said, “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” she replied. She waited, but he didn’t speak. He just had an awkward look on his face. “What’s up?”

“Well, um… well, this isn’t the question, but does it bother you that your mom teases you about not having a baby yet?”

“She’s not being serious, so no. It’s just a routine we go through when I come over. She doesn’t want to pressure me into a relationship, but she’ll mess with me about it out of good humor.”

Mayhem blushed. “Do, um… is the reason you don’t have a baby yet because… um… you know…” He squirmed. “Are you, uh, into… other…” He couldn’t seem to finish.

She wasn’t certain what he was asking, but going by his red cheeks and awkwardness she felt she had a good idea. It was a rather personal question, but she felt she should just be blunt and not make a fuss over it. “I have nothing against stallions. It’s just not a good time. Even if I was into other mares I could always adopt.”

“O-okay.” He let out a moan. “I don’t know. I guess… I guess I was just wondering if you were… you know… and didn’t want to tell your mom.”

“Well, no worries. When the time is right I’ll follow through.

“My mom does bring up Shiny having two kids, but him and Cadance largely stay within the Crystal Empire. Over here we have the Cutie Map, which sends us all over Equestria. It’s never certain when exactly we’re going to be called, or which ponies are going to be picked for the job, but I don’t like the idea of traveling all over the continent while pregnant. Being active while pregnant is good for you, but excessive travel is not.”

She sat down. “I don’t want to belittle anyone, but I don’t feel like Ponyville is ready for me to be out of commission for a while. I certainly trust others to handle friendship problems, but when it comes to battles and war I’m the strongest around.

“The thought of going to battle someone like Tirek with a baby in my belly is pretty terrifying, as is the thought of doing nothing and hiding while others fight. Stress can do great harm to a developing baby. Worst case scenario, it can lead to a miscarriage.

“And, finally, there’s still much I have to do. I’ve said before that I’m like a parent already to all the children of Ponyville. For example, if I was focusing on a baby that means I’d have much less time to devote to you, and right now you need all the help you can get.”

He nodded. “Yeah… I do. I was feeling scared earlier, and if you had been busy today I still would have been scared.

“I really want to think I’ll never be like that again, but until that day happened I never thought I would be like that the first time either.”

“Well, we’ll keep working on helping you improve.” She ruffled his hair. “I want to help you achieve your goals, because I know you’re capable of being a great asset to Equestria like the rest of your friends. Your magic is too valuable to be locked away.”

“Both kinds, right?”

“Both?”

He nodded. “This kind.” He snapped. “And this kind.” He put the claw to his heart.

Twilight gave him a warm smile. “That’s right. Both kinds.”

He threw himself at her, hugging her. “I love you, Twilight. You’re so awesome. That’s why you’re right below Mommy. When you become a mom for real I know they’re gonna turn out amazing too.”

A few tears came down her eyes. “Well, if it’s anything like caring for you I know it’s gonna be quite a fulfilling experience.”
***
She returned the next day, and found him hard at work making a popsicle stick house that was three dimensional rather than the flat houses he had made yesterday.

Fluttershy was content. "He's been practicing almost non-stop since yesterday. He's really gotten into it."

"I'm glad to hear that."

"I don't usually do arts and crafts, so I did have to go out and buy some materials for him. He said he could just create materials, but he's sticking to your suggestion about not just snapping to get what he wants."

Twilight looked over at Fluttershy. "Can I make a suggestion?"

"Sure," Fluttershy replied.

"Mayhem is growing up, and now he's getting into hobbies. If he really wants to own that feeling of accomplishment then I think it will mean even more to him if he funds his desires himself.

"In the past it wasn't necessary, as he had no need of it with his powers, but I think he should start getting an allowance. Make him do some chores manually so he can earn the bits to buy the things he wants for his hobbies."

"I agree with that."

She watched him for a little while, seeing the carefree expression on his face. He was so into it he hadn't seemed to hear their conversation. It was a very good sign. Now that he wasn't so nervous about being perfect he had fallen in nicely into practicing things without his powers. He was occasionally using levitation, but that didn't diminish his efforts.

***

She came over two days later around midday, and they went back to her mother's house. In the end they brought her to Ponyville so she could see all the things Mayhem had made. He looked eager for her approval.

Velvet was a bit surprised at the quantity of objects he had made. "My goodness," she said. "You've sure been a busy beaver, haven't you?"

He nodded. "This stuff is really, really fun."

He went to the table and grabbed a small chest, about three feet wide and long. He undid the latches and opened it, pulling out a sealed plastic bag that had her book in it. "I've been taking real good care of your book, just like I promised. When I'm using it I try to keep it away from the glue and the glitter and stuff so I don't ruin any of the pages. When I'm not using it I keep it in here and locked up."

Velvet felt oddly choked up to see how deeply he cared about protecting such an old book. "Thank you, Mayhem, but you don't have to go so far."

He shook his head, hugging the book to him. "Yes, I do! I know it wouldn't be difficult to get books about making arts and crafts out of popsicle sticks, but it's not about how rare or how common it is. You entrusted me with something special, and that means I have to take good care of it. I could just use my magic to fix anything that happens to it, but that's not an excuse to be careless with it. I'm also trying to avoid using my powers so it will really feel like I protected it.

"Besides, you said that this is one of the books you and Twilight used to work out of, so it probably has sentimental value since it created bonding experiences between both of you."

Twilight looked down at the book, starting to feel a little emotional herself. The whole reason she had chosen to start Mayhem's hobbies at her mother's house was to relive that bit of her past.

Almost at the same time she and her mother looked at one another, and she hugged her. "Those were some amazing times. Such simple things creating such happy memories."

"Yes," Velvet replied, hugging her back.

Twilight walked over to Mayhem and kissed his forehead. "Thank you, Mayhem. You've got a point, and I'm happy to see you putting in the effort not only to improve yourself, but to protect what we used to share with that book."

"Same here," said Velvet. "I really appreciate it."

Mayhem beamed. He set the book down and raised his arms expectantly, and she hugged him. "I know I said this a few days ago, but I think it bears repeating. You're such a little sweetheart." She nuzzled his cheek with her own. "Fluttershy is lucky to have you."

Across the room Fluttershy was grinning contentedly. Seeing Mayhem happy was one of the greatest joys, and from what she had heard from Mayhem the two of them were getting along well. Now she was hearing it for herself, the way Velvet treated him so lovingly.

"Well, I've been taking care of your creation too," said Velvet. "It's the least I can do.

"Since you've been working so hard why don't you take a break, and we'll all go out to lunch together?"

"That sounds great!" said Mayhem.

***

Mayhem came to visit a few days later, browsing the library. He knew exactly what he wanted, and he took out a wood carving book.

When she arrived the next day he seemed surprised that it was already wish granting day. The week had just seemed to fly by.

It felt weird using his magic after a whole week of not using his powers for anything greater than levitation.

Twilight thought he seemed a bit distracted, even if he did participate fully in things.

When she went to check up on him a few days later she found out why. He seemed eager to see her. "Twilight! Come here! Come here!"

She followed him outside to a tree and followed his claw when he pointed up.

"Look what I did," he said excitedly. "Look what I did, Twilight!"

She flapped her wings as she flew up, chuckling to herself. Just as she had suggested he had actually made a birdhouse for Fluttershy's animals. Some of the wood was off-center, and some of the paint was uneven, but it was clear he had put his heart in it and was proud of himself for it.

She landed, seeing him moving up and down with a big smile. "So is that what had your attention on wish day? I know you took out a book on working with wood the day before that."

He nodded. "It was a lot of work, but I had so much fun doing it. Mommy liked it too, and she even hung it up outside for the birds to use.

His eyes twinkled. "I know it's not perfect, but it's perfect to me because I did the best I could, and the next one I make might turn out even better."

She put a hoof around him. "I'm proud of you, Mayhem. You're a quick learner. Once you get past your initial fears you throw yourself right into things."

He took off into the air, screaming in delight and zooming around for a bit.

When he finally came down he still looked full of energy. "You were so right, Twilight. I never thought it would be so much fun learning how to do stuff by myself. I feel like I'm becoming more like a pony everyday.

"Oh, yeah! You know what? I'm getting an allowance now. Isn't that cool?"

"Really?" she said, feigning ignorance.

He nodded hard. "Mommy said since I'm growing up and doing things myself I should earn my supplies."

"And you're okay with that?"

He nodded a few more times. "You told me if I want to feel like I earned my accomplishments that I should not use my magic and do it myself when I can. I don't mind getting some help from Mommy, but she shouldn't have to pay for all my stuff if I can do the work myself. It's another thing that takes up time during the day so I'm not bored. Chores can be fun too."

Twilight snickered. "I can't say I know many creatures, pony or otherwise, that would agree with that, but I'm happy seeing that you're so happy." She got a thoughtful look on her face. "Well, I'm sure Pinkie could find a way to spice things up. And a long, long time ago when we were cleaning up Rarity's new store I made a little song about sweeping."

He giggled. "You're such a nerd."

He floated up and kissed her on the cheek before hugging her. "I love you, Twilight. You're always there when I need you the most, just like Mommy. That's why you're the best princess."

A few warm tears came down her eyes. "You're welcome, Mayhem. I love you too."

***

She continued checking up on him twice a week, and every time she came to visit she'd see him hard at work and lost in his new hobbies. He'd check out new books from time to time, but he would still be refining his older skills.

Fluttershy was happy, and told her that Mayhem hadn't said a word about feeling bored ever since he had started his new hobbies.

Time passed by quickly for the little draconequus, until one day Twilight came to visit.

“Hello,” Mayhem said politely. “It isn’t wish granting day, so I guess you’re here to see Mommy.”

Twilight shook her head. “Nope. I’m here for you.”

“Why?”

“Well… it’s good news and bad news.”

Fluttershy walked towards the door. “What kind of news?”

“I’ve been in frequent contact with the Cakes, keeping them up to date on your progress. I’m sure Pound and Pumpkin also share your journal entries with them, but naturally they’re going to be overly positive of you, so she takes my word a little more seriously than them.

“It’s probably been a long two months for you, but Cup told me she wants to speak with you.”

“Cup... wants to talk to me?” Mayhem asked uncertainly.

“She says that she’s ready to give you another chance.”

Mayhem gasped, his face lighting up. “Really?”

Fluttershy wanted to feel happy too, but there was just one thing…

“So… what’s the bad news?” she asked.

“Oh,” said Mayhem, frowning now. “Right.”

Twilight sat down. “She wants to talk to you while the twins are out, because she knows they’d want to speak up for you if they were there. You hurt her quite a bit, and she wants to speak her mind. Her warning is not to expect her to be polite about things or dance over the issues.

“In other words, she’s going to be blunt and not just talk in a way that spares your feelings from being hurt. She told me to make that clear before coming over. If you want to spend time with her children again she’s going to say things that are probably going to hurt. That’s her condition. In her own words, ‘if he can’t take being called to task for his behavior then tell him not to bother showing up.’ ”

Mayhem slowly exhaled, then just as slowly breathed in. “I did hurt her. I hurt all my friends and their parents. I mean, I saw with Spring Meadow how deep all those connections can go.

“I don’t want to be yelled at, but I owe her that much for what I did. If that’s the price I have to pay to have my friends back then I’ll pay it.”

Fluttershy bit her lip. “She’s… not going to be too harsh, is she?”

“I don’t know,” said Twilight. “I don’t know what she plans to say. I don’t know if she’s just going to scold him, or if she’s going to be yelling at the top of her lungs.

“A considerable amount of time has passed since the incident. The strongest emotions have long since gone away. However, I’m sure there’s lingering feelings that she hasn’t purged yet.

“I really hope she’s not going to go too far, but while she likely has the words she wants to say ready I doubt she knows how exactly she’s going to react when she sees him in person.”

“Well,” said Fluttershy, “even in the aftermath of the incident she still found it in herself to feel empathy for him, bringing up that others might only be in it to use him.”

“I don’t care,” said Mayhem. “If yelling at me is what she needs to forgive me then I’ll take it. Like I said to Spring I don’t care how much it hurts. I just want to be able to see my friends openly again.

“Besides, if things go well with Cup I might be able to use this to convince the other parents to give me a shot too.”

“Good point, but…” She sighed. “Even if you might deserve it, I still don’t like to see you getting hurt.”

“I have to take responsibility for this!” Mayhem said strongly. “It’s what I owe her.”

“I know that, but it doesn’t stop me from worrying.”

Mayhem smiled, floating up and rubbing her head. “Don’t worry. Be happy. If she’s ready to talk to me then it has to mean I’ve done good and she believes that I’ve changed. This is a good thing.”

She sighed again, hugging him. “I suppose it is. I know I can’t stop you or Cup, but when it’s over I’ll be here to provide comforting if you need it.”

He let her hold him for a while. It soon became obvious she had no intention of letting go.

“Mommy… please stop. You can’t protect me forever. If I’m really growing up then I need to face my bad behavior.”

A few seconds passed, and she released him. “Yes… you’re right. I shouldn’t delay things.”

She gave him an encouraging smile, though he could see the sadness in her eyes.

“I’ll be back soon,” said Mayhem. “There’s nothing to worry about. My heart has been growing stronger every week from my new friends. Whatever happens I can take it.”

He sat on Twilight’s back. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”

Fluttershy waved goodbye, and he returned it.

With a flash the pair disappeared, appearing outside Sugarcube Corner.

Author's Notes:

Almost there! The twins return is on the horizon.

How do you think Cup is going to act?

Next Chapter: 10-4: A chat with Cup Estimated time remaining: 7 Hours, 18 Minutes
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